max

The following is an interview between myself and the Keeper. These and other interviews were conducted for our in-house fanzine/gamezine (Players: For the Progressive Gamer) to suppliment player understanding. Many times, these interviews contained clues for campaigns. Each interview was conducted as Loyal Sterling. (Loyal is a character from another horror game that has gained some fame as a B-movie producer.)

Players Interview: Max

A candid conversation(?) with an entity far beyond human comprehension.

    In the spirit of the season, we at Players sent our star reporter, Loyal Sterling, to locate our most unusual interview yet. For a new challenge, we left the subject choice to Loyal, and she didn't disappoint us. Here is her story.
    Given free rein on my interview, I sought out a few colleagues for ideas. In New York City, I ran across Scoop West. While we were catching up on old times, Scoop told me of his adventures with the great historian, Joe Baker. In particular, I took notice of a strange companion named Max. Scoop did not care for this person, saying only that he was too perfect; that he never missed a shot and always had answers. This sounded like just the person(?) for my interview. While most of the party was either crazy or dead, Scoop told me that a gentleman by the name of Buckaroo Banzai would be the person most likely to be able to find Max. The last place he had seen him was in London.
    Once in London, I began my search for Mr. Banzai. I should have known by his comment that I would find Mr. Banzai in the St. Mary of Bethlehem Institution for the Insane (more commonly known as Bedlam) suffering from extreme paranoia. In exchange for contacting Max, I acquired a day pass for Buckaroo Banzai's release and several bottles of Coca-Cola®.
    Once out of the institution, Banzai placed a strange headband on his head and began to chant. While I had my doubts about this process, I decided to humor him. He seemed to have finished the chant when he collapsed. I took the headband and placed it on my head. Suddenly I felt that I was floating in a gray area of space. There was no visible light source, but it was not completely dark. Then I felt a presence, and it felt as if I was inside it. It's a very horrific feeling. Then I heard a voice. The voice sounded human but I knew that it was not and every time it spoke it felt like it was going through my head and ripping out portions of my brain.
Max: Hello, who summons me?
Players: My name is Loyal Sterling and I am looking for Max.
Max: You are from Earth.
Players: Yes.
Max: I am the one you seek.
Players: What exactly are you?
Max: Why do you ask such a question of me?
Players: Because I would like to interview you.
Max: Interview me?
Players: Yes.
Max: For what purpose?
Players: To publish you.
Max: Your words have no meaning, but I am pledged to aid you.
Players: What are you? ( At this point he said something that is unpronounceable in human terms, and it put me in a great deal of agony when he did so.) In English, how would you describe yourself.
Max: That is difficult for me to answer, I do not think in human terms. I suppose you would think of me as a god.
Players: A supernatural being?
Max: As you wish...
Players: Some time ago, obviously not in your terms you aided a group of humans, Joe Baker, Scoop West... Why?
Max: It would be pointless to try to make you understand my motives in this. I occupied a human host that eventually proved too frail to contain me.
Players: That would be Max?
Max: Yes that is the being I speak of. I implanted my will upon that being, but his human capacity for reasoning was perverted with my presence.
Players: What was your purpose. Were you there to aid them or observe them?
Max: Neither was my purpose. My motives were my own and it would be impossible for you to fathom.
Players: Why were you perfect?
Max: The host had the enhanced abilities because of my will being implanted upon it.
Players: At one point some of the party saw you change into a creature they called a nightgaunt.
Max: Yes, I know of what you mean. Actually that is not the case. It was necessary to destroy the instrument I was using and replace it with another.
Players: And you chose the nightgaunt.
Max: Yes, (it was) much more easily controllable.
Players: Meaning less intelligent?
Max: Less intelligent? No, I think not. Just more adaptable to my purpose.
Players: It wasn't long after that that you left the group, is that correct?
Max: That is correct.
Players: How old are you?
Max: You speak in terms of time, and that cannot be applied to me. Time is just another extension of my being.
Players: You are ageless, or dimensionless?
Max: In your terms, yes, to both questions, although not in any way that you can understand.
Players: How were you created?
Max: When I came into existence... It would not be good to reveal the nature of my existence to you. It would surely drive you into oblivion. Your perceptions are too frail and it may destroy your sense of purpose and perception of yourself and your race.
Players: I understand that there is a great deal more involved with our universe than just what we as humans perceive. For example last year at about this time I dealt with vampires.
Max: Vampires, what do you mean by vampires? Do you mean parasites? Beings that feed on other beings?
Players: That was the type of creature I interviewed, yes.
Max: I can offer no insight into that, the universe is full of a myriad of life forms.
Players: Being ageless, you've seen many things. Are there any that you could relay?
Max: R'Lyeh, yes, I've been there(chuckle). In human terms I have seen various periods of your existence. I do not know what affect any of them would have upon you.
Players: How about some of the episodes with the Baker party?
Max: Do you speak of the entity titled Joe Baker?
Players: Yes.
Max: One of the things I remember shortly before I destroyed the host form was that its waning mental perceptions caused it to act erratically. I remember it having something called an underwear party.
Players: Can you be a little more specific?
Max: Well I recall that it fashioned many strange undergarments and invited everyone over and everyone wore one of the undergarments at this party.
Players: Very interesting.
Max: The humans with the host thought it was very interesting as well.
Players: What did they do?
Max: I believe they attempted to conspire to destroy the host. An admirable plan, as that is what I did shortly thereafter.
Players: What of their travels prior to this incident?
Max: In their travels they went around the area called New York City.
Players: And what was it that they were seeking?
Max: They sought small goals important to them.
Players: And what did you seek?
Max: Again I have to tell you it would be impossible for me to reveal that to you.
Players: Are you good or evil or neither?
Max: I merely am. Good and evil is judged in terms of other perceptions. Would you say you are good or evil? To someone whose perceptions oppose yours, you would be viewed as evil.
Players: Perhaps lawful or chaotic would be a better description.
Max: My laws are my own.
Players: Not the physical laws of Earth?
Max: No. Laws are the same everywhere. In saying the physical laws of Earth you speak in terms of human perception. Then again, for me to speak more on that would not be good for you.
Players: Would it be possible to ask you to describe yourself?
Max: Perhaps it would be better if you would describe me.
Players: Physically?
Max: Do you think the physical has any meaning? I leave it in your hands.
Players: What is it that you combat?
Max: I am presently (in human terms)... Let me restate that. There is one aspect of me that is in opposition with another universal force. A kind that is virtually indescribable to you in your terms.
Players: Do we have a name for this force?
Max: I think not...
Players: The headband, what purpose does it serve, both to the holder and to you?
Max: To the holder, well, it is intended for them to receive aid from me. For myself it serves as a...well perhaps I should tell you later.
Players: How much later?
Max: At the conclusion of our time together.
Players: Why does Mr. Banzai hold this for you?
Max: The host form gave it to Mr. Banzai. It did not matter to me who received it.
Players: If they (the Baker party) were to adventure again, questing for the same type of things that the original party sought, would you aid them?
Max: You speak of Banzai?
Players: Banzai and actually the whole group. Although I believe there are only two that remain from that group.
Max: Strange, I sense a time- displacement very unusual on this planet. A small matter, it will probably only mean the destruction of all. Excuse me, I get away from myself. What was the question?
Players: Let’s wait on that for a moment. What did you mean by time- displacement?
Max: Oh, the one called Baker. He has been displaced in the time stream.
Players: Alone?
Max: No there were other beings displaced with him.
Players: In the past or in the future?
Max: I believe, according to your perceptions, it would be in the past.
Players: Very interesting. We considered him to be dead.
Max: That would be a valid consideration.
Players: Are you saying he cannot return?
Max: There have not been many time displacements of this nature in human experience. It is doubtful he
will ever return to this present time. It will probably cause the destruction of your timeline.
Players: I really don't like that option. Is there a way to stop that?
Max: I could destroy you.
Players: I don't like that option, either. You seem to prefer that option, however.
Max: It is the easiest to accomplish.
Players: But not always the best.
Max: Again, that would have to be in your perception of things.
Players: If Mr. Banzai would take this headband and request your assistance in finding and returning Mr. Baker to the proper time, could you assist?
Max: Not in the manner that you speak of. I could assist. I would have to go back and find another host.
Players: Is there anything in particular you need for another host? Would you just pick someone off the street, or would you pick someone that has the capabilities that you need?
Max: No, a human is a human.
Players: Can you not just assume the form of a human rather than taking a host?
Max: That would not apply. Perhaps I could, but I don't think the attempt would be very good.
Players: Do you mean you would not look the part?
Max: I would not look or perceive things properly.
Players: Does the host have to be alive or could you just take a body?
Max: Oh, I see what you mean. The sentience of it. Yes, that would aid. I could inhabit a non-sentient being, but I would not have mobility or human perception.
Players: How would you go about retrieving someone from the past?
Max: I'm afraid I cannot assist you there. As I said before, time is just another aspect of my bein g. I wouldn't even know how you perceive the problem. You are a different being than those I've encountered. You seem to exist outside the normal realm that humans live in. You would make a good host.
Players: Perhaps Mr. Banzai would be best since his perceptions are already distorted?
Max: Well, if that is the case I would probably have to destroy him after occupying him for a very short time.
Players: So you need someone with undistorted perceptions but with a higher understanding.
Max: No, that is not necessary. When I occupy a host it is for the purpose of gaining the human perception. If their perceptions are beginning to distort, that does not serve the purpose. The longer I occupy the host obviously, the more their perception is distorted. Actually, their perception is opened, but perhaps I shouldn't discuss that further.
Players: In other words they perceive more as you do rather than as normal humans would.
Max: Yes.
Players: What are your perceptions of the humans you have dealt with.
Max: I don't think that can be applied. Let me see if I can come up with something to help you understand. What are your opinions of the ants that you have dealt with.?
Players: That is how you perceive the human race?
Max: In a sense, yes. If you can...perhaps I am incorrect here, but recalling when I was with the host... If you compare your understanding of things to an ant's, it would be an apt comparison, although to a greater degree.
Players: So we are merely children in terms of greater knowledge.
Max: Yes, Less than children.
Players: You do wonderful things for a human's ego.
Max: I warned you not to delve too deeply into such things...
Players: Other than Earth, are there other races you deal with?
Max: Other than Humans, why, yes (the voice sounded amused, and much more painful) There are an incalculable number of life forms on all levels.
Players: Can you give me some examples?
Max: Yes. What scale do you wish to speak on.
Players: Starfaring races, possibly.
Max: Races that humans can perceive? There are many: the Mi-go, the Xyclotans,...(the list went on and on)
Players: I have heard some of those names before. Humans have encountered them?
Max: I would assume so, yes.
Players: As friends or enemies? Did they fight them and try to exterminate them?
Max: Yes. Other times running away or trying to understand them in vain. As you know alien psychology is an oxymoron.
Players: Is there anything that you would like to pass along to the human race in dosing?
Max: That would not suit my purpose. If this is the ending, I will tell you the purpose that the headband serves for me. It is a very satisfying form of nourishment.
At that point, our conversation is terminated with great pain, and I woke up in London hospital.

Players Interview: Max A candid conversation(?) with an entity far beyond human comprehension.
In the spirit of the season, we at Players sent our star reporter, Loyal Sterling, to locate our most unusual interview yet. For a new challenge, we left the subject choice to Loyal, and she didn't disappoint us. Here is her story. Given free rein on my interview, I sought out a few colleagues for ideas. In New York City, I ran across Scoop West. While we were catching up on old times, Scoop told me of his adventures with the great historian, Joe Baker. In particular, I took notice of a strange companion named Max. Scoop did not care for this person, saying only that he was too perfect; that he never missed a shot and always had answers. This sounded like just the person(?) for my interview. While most of the party was either crazy or dead, Scoop told me that a gentleman by the name of Buckaroo Banzai would be the person most likely to be able to find Max. The last place he had seen him was in London. Once in London, I began my search for Mr. Banzai. I should have known by his comment that I would find Mr. Banzai in the St. Mary of Bethlehem Institution for the Insane (more commonly known as Bedlam) suffering from extreme paranoia. In exchange for contacting Max, I acquired a day pass for Buckaroo Banzai's release and several bottles of Coca-Cola®. Once out of the institution, Banzai placed a strange headband on his head and began to chant. While I had my doubts about this process, I decided to humor him. He seemed to have finished the chant when he collapsed. I took the headband and placed it on my head. Suddenly I felt that I was floating in a gray area of space. There was no visible light source, but it was not completely dark. Then I felt a presence, and it felt as if I was inside it. It's a very horrific feeling. Then I heard a voice. The voice sounded human but I knew that it was not and every time it spoke it felt like it was going through my head and ripping out portions of my brain. Max: Hello, who summons me? Players: My name is Loyal Sterling and I am looking for Max. Max: You are from Earth. Players: Yes. Max: I am the one you seek. Players: What exactly are you? Max: Why do you ask such a question of me? Players: Because I would like to interview you. Max: Interview me? Players: Yes. Max: For what purpose? Players: To publish you. Max: Your words have no meaning, but I am pledged to aid you. Players: What are you? ( At this point he said something that is unpronounceable in human terms, and it put me in a great deal of agony when he did so.) In English, how would you describe yourself. Max: That is difficult for me to answer, I do not think in human terms. I suppose you would think of me as a god. Players: A supernatural being? Max: As you wish... Players: Some time ago, obviously not in your terms you aided a group of humans, Joe Baker, Scoop West... Why? Max: It would be pointless to try to make you understand my motives in this. I occupied a human host that eventually proved too frail to contain me. Players: That would be Max? Max: Yes that is the being I speak of. I implanted my will upon that being, but his human capacity for reasoning was perverted with my presence. Players: What was your purpose. Were you there to aid them or observe them? Max: Neither was my purpose. My motives were my own and it would be impossible for you to fathom. Players: Why were you perfect? Max: The host had the enhanced abilities because of my will being implanted upon it. Players: At one point some of the party saw you change into a creature they called a nightgaunt. Max: Yes, I know of what you mean. Actually that is not the case. It was necessary to destroy the instrument I was using and replace it with another. Players: And you chose the nightgaunt. Max: Yes, (it was) much more easily controllable. Players: Meaning less intelligent? Max: Less intelligent? No, I think not. Just more adaptable to my purpose. Players: It wasn't long after that that you left the group, is that correct? Max: That is correct. Players: How old are you? Max: You speak in terms of time, and that cannot be applied to me. Time is just another extension of my being. Players: You are ageless, or dimensionless? Max: In your terms, yes, to both questions, although not in any way that you can understand. Players: How were you created? Max: When I came into existence... It would not be good to reveal the nature of my existence to you. It would surely drive you into oblivion. Your perceptions are too frail and it may destroy your sense of purpose and perception of yourself and your race.	Players: I understand that there is a great deal more involved with our universe than just what we as humans perceive. For example last year at about this time I dealt with vampires. Max: Vampires, what do you mean by vampires? Do you mean parasites? Beings that feed on other beings? Players: That was the type of creature I interviewed, yes. Max: I can offer no insight into that, the universe is full of a myriad of life forms. Players: Being ageless, you've seen many things. Are there any that you could relay? Max: R'Lyeh, yes, I've been there(chuckle). In human terms I have seen various periods of your existence. I do not know what affect any of them would have upon you. Players: How about some of the episodes with the Baker party? Max: Do you speak of the entity titled Joe Baker? Players: Yes. Max: One of the things I remember shortly before I destroyed the host form was that its waning mental perceptions caused it to act erratically. I remember it having something called an underwear party. Players: Can you be a little more specific? Max: Well I recall that it fashioned many strange undergarments and invited everyone over and everyone wore one of the undergarments at this party. Players: Very interesting. Max: The humans with the host thought it was very interesting as well. Players: What did they do? Max: I believe they attempted to conspire to destroy the host. An admirable plan, as that is what I did shortly thereafter. Players: What of their travels prior to this incident? Max: In their travels they went around the area called New York City. Players: And what was it that they were seeking? Max: They sought small goals important to them. Players: And what did you seek? Max: Again I have to tell you it would be impossible for me to reveal that to you. Players: Are you good or evil or neither? Max: I merely am. Good and evil is judged in terms of other perceptions. Would you say you are good or evil? To someone whose perceptions oppose yours, you would be viewed as evil. Players: Perhaps lawful or chaotic would be a better description. Max: My laws are my own. Players: Not the physical laws of Earth? Max: No. Laws are the same everywhere. In saying the physical laws of Earth you speak in terms of human perception. Then again, for me to speak more on that would not be good for you. Players: Would it be possible to ask you to describe yourself? Max: Perhaps it would be better if you would describe me. Players: Physically? Max: Do you think the physical has any meaning? I leave it in your hands. Players: What is it that you combat? Max: I am presently (in human terms)... Let me restate that. There is one aspect of me that is in opposition with another universal force. A kind that is virtually indescribable to you in your terms. Players: Do we have a name for this force? Max: I think not... Players: The headband, what purpose does it serve, both to the holder and to you? Max: To the holder, well, it is intended for them to receive aid from me. For myself it serves as a...well perhaps I should tell you later. Players: How much later? Max: At the conclusion of our time together. Players: Why does Mr. Banzai hold this for you? Max: The host form gave it to Mr. Banzai. It did not matter to me who received it. Players: If they (the Baker party) were to adventure again, questing for the same type of things that the original party sought, would you aid them? Max: You speak of Banzai? Players: Banzai and actually the whole group. Although I believe there are only two that remain from that group. Max: Strange, I sense a time- displacement very unusual on this planet. A small matter, it will probably only mean the destruction of all. Excuse me, I get away from myself. What was the question? Players: Let’s wait on that for a moment. What did you mean by time- displacement? Max: Oh, the one called Baker. He has been displaced in the time stream. Players: Alone? Max: No there were other beings displaced with him. Players: In the past or in the future? Max: I believe, according to your perceptions, it would be in the past. Players: Very interesting. We considered him to be dead. Max: That would be a valid consideration. Players: Are you saying he cannot return? Max: There have not been many time displacements of this nature in human experience. It is doubtful he	will ever return to this present time. It will probably cause the destruction of your timeline. Players: I really don't like that option. Is there a way to stop that? Max: I could destroy you. Players: I don't like that option, either. You seem to prefer that option, however. Max: It is the easiest to accomplish. Players: But not always the best. Max: Again, that would have to be in your perception of things. Players: If Mr. Banzai would take this headband and request your assistance in finding and returning Mr. Baker to the proper time, could you assist? Max: Not in the manner that you speak of. I could assist. I would have to go back and find another host. Players: Is there anything in particular you need for another host? Would you just pick someone off the street, or would you pick someone that has the capabilities that you need? Max: No, a human is a human. Players: Can you not just assume the form of a human rather than taking a host? Max: That would not apply. Perhaps I could, but I don't think the attempt would be very good. Players: Do you mean you would not look the part? Max: I would not look or perceive things properly. Players: Does the host have to be alive or could you just take a body? Max: Oh, I see what you mean. The sentience of it. Yes, that would aid. I could inhabit a non-sentient being, but I would not have mobility or human perception. Players: How would you go about retrieving someone from the past? Max: I'm afraid I cannot assist you there. As I said before, time is just another aspect of my bein g. I wouldn't even know how you perceive the problem. You are a different being than those I've encountered. You seem to exist outside the normal realm that humans live in. You would make a good host. Players: Perhaps Mr. Banzai would be best since his perceptions are already distorted? Max: Well, if that is the case I would probably have to destroy him after occupying him for a very short time. Players: So you need someone with undistorted perceptions but with a higher understanding. Max: No, that is not necessary. When I occupy a host it is for the purpose of gaining the human perception. If their perceptions are beginning to distort, that does not serve the purpose. The longer I occupy the host obviously, the more their perception is distorted. Actually, their perception is opened, but perhaps I shouldn't discuss that further. Players: In other words they perceive more as you do rather than as normal humans would. Max: Yes. Players: What are your perceptions of the humans you have dealt with. Max: I don't think that can be applied. Let me see if I can come up with something to help you understand. What are your opinions of the ants that you have dealt with.? Players: That is how you perceive the human race? Max: In a sense, yes. If you can...perhaps I am incorrect here, but recalling when I was with the host... If you compare your understanding of things to an ant's, it would be an apt comparison, although to a greater degree. Players: So we are merely children in terms of greater knowledge. Max: Yes, Less than children. Players: You do wonderful things for a human's ego. Max: I warned you not to delve too deeply into such things... Players: Other than Earth, are there other races you deal with? Max: Other than Humans, why, yes (the voice sounded amused, and much more painful) There are an incalculable number of life forms on all levels. Players: Can you give me some examples? Max: Yes. What scale do you wish to speak on. Players: Starfaring races, possibly. Max: Races that humans can perceive? There are many: the Mi-go, the Xyclotans,...(the list went on and on) Players: I have heard some of those names before. Humans have encountered them? Max: I would assume so, yes. Players: As friends or enemies? Did they fight them and try to exterminate them? Max: Yes. Other times running away or trying to understand them in vain. As you know alien psychology is an oxymoron. Players: Is there anything that you would like to pass along to the human race in dosing? Max: That would not suit my purpose. If this is the ending, I will tell you the purpose that the headband serves for me. It is a very satisfying form of nourishment. At that point, our conversation is terminated with great pain, and I woke up in London hospital.