*Suddenly, Ciel gets up and begin running, you try to catch them, but they either got some incredible augments or something funky is going on, because instead of catching up to them, you see them disappear in the distance, leaving a trail of fire in their wake for some unknowable reason.*
One to run away, one to beg ask for help, one to run away, again, one to cry like a baby and have a tantrum, and one last one to run away before joining a cult.
Now, normally I would just pick which one I find more interesting or which one makes more sense, but the latter does not work here because there is no strong reason to go either way. Stepping back a bit, another problem with this one in particular lies in the outcomes. Everyone can assume that the tied options are not equal in terms of their results; if I decide to give you the worse one, that would be undue punishment rather than consequences. The same in reverse goes for giving you the better one.
The easiest solution would be to do a runoff, but that just creates a precedent I am not sure I want. Not to mention that anyone looking at this could have done a tiebreaker in the last days. I am also averse to doing the easy thing
The trolliest solution would be to take the third default option instead, but that would be dishonest toward the voters.
I think what I will go with is something none of you would ever vote for: locking in both votes and splitting the party. Although I am open to suggestions on how to handle this otherwise.
The only way to know there is a tie is to publicly count the votes, which has only been done in the last 20 minutes.
I don't usually vote here, but if there is a need to move forward, here:
[x] Follow your hunch to the old Thorns hideout
My opinion on doing middle-of-the-road choices for ties is split. I'd be against it in a life-or-death situation, but it could work for a purely investigative one. The setting has a low bar for what counts a life-or-death situation, though, and given that this is a personal test for Ciel, I am inclined to follow their personal hunch.
Actually not a bad idea. Though I would want for Giano to go with Shadow too, it's likely not possible since Giano would need to examine Ciel's performance.
I mean, splitting the party seems like a good idea to me. I'm cool with that. But how are you gonna decide where Ciel go to though, since that is where the narrative will follow?
I mean, splitting the party seems like a good idea to me. I'm cool with that. But how are you gonna decide where Ciel go to though, since that is where the narrative will follow?
As far as Tiebreakers go, the problem is that those that already voted aren't going to, since they care about what they had voted for already, and new people doing it needs new voters, where if they hadn't already voted, they aren't going to. That's how that kind of tie can stands for days easily even if pointed out.
I suppose this result is the proper answer to past votes being too unanimous
I thought of a similar idea before (though I realize now that I forgot to vote earlier). But apparently it's on the table without even having to lift a finger. Hehehe, all according to plan...
[] Follow your hunch to the old Thorns hideout
[] Go into the Nest to investigate
Tie!
You deliberate for a long minute while everyone orders something to drink, then turn to Rose with a question. "Is it true that there are no Sweepers in the Nest?"
She wrinkles her nose in distaste, you can not tell whether at being talked to or because of the Sweepers. But she does answer after a moment: "There aren't."
So it is like you recalled. Now you know you want to check the Nest first because any physical trace in the Backstreets will be gone; the people who may have seen something will probably keep another day. But at the same time you still have that feeling in your gut; it may be nothing, but a bunch of Feathers going into the Backstreets has to mean something. It may as well be related to the last thing you know Feathers sponsored, the Briars in particular.
Maria engaged Rose in conversation by the time you resurface without a clear decision, asking question after question about life in the Nest. The blonde is clearly alienated but no amount of subtly acting superior seems able to break Maria's cheer. She may not even notice she is being looked down on.
Seeing that she is distracted, you quickly lean toward Giano and whisper at her: "Do you remember the Thorns raid?"
She nods minutely, one brow raised. Hifumi probably listens in as well, but he does well pretending to just sip the sweet coffee. You make sure the other two are still talking, even if neither is likely to hear you at this low volume anyway. "I'm thinking this might be related in some way. Maybe something like them trying to revive the gang. I want to check on their old hideout, but I don't think we can afford to waste that much time."
She nods thoughtfully, one finger tapping a slow rhythm on the table. Her gaze slips to Maria and Rose, then to Hifumi.
"You can always delegate," she suggests. "It isn't advisable to split the group often, but sometimes needs must. We are short on time here. Just remember that I need to stay around you to examine what you do."
Giano leaves it at that, but you feel there is something unsaid. You mull it over for a bit before breaking the new plan to Maria and Rose; Hifumi is clearly unsurprised. Maria does not mind either, though Rose does.
"Absolutely not," she snaps. "If you are leading this investigation, then I will come with you. This is non-negotiable."
You have the strong urge to sigh; there goes the plan of sending her to the Nest with Maria while checking out the Thorns hideout with the other two. Not only would that keep Rose safe, it would also keep her from realising that you know her longer than just thirty minutes.
"Are you sure?" Giano joins in mischievously. "The Backstreets are this nasty and dangerous place, you know?"
The picture-perfect 'are you stupid' look that earns her could almost be patented by someone. Rose demonstrably crosses her arms and says nothing, lips pressed into a firm line. Giano in turn rolls her eyes, though you do not blame her. At least she tried.
"So are we still splitting up?" Maria queries. "I don't mind going alone, you know?"
The fact aside that this is dangerous even for a Grade 4, you need to reconsider the situation. Giano and Rose both stay with you, which leaves only Hifumi and Maria to assign elsewhere. You briefly consider calling Parvati to ask her about a quick scouting trip, then squash the idea as soon as it rears its head.
What do you do here? Hifumi is clearly waiting for input and everyone else made themselves clear. [] Character distribution
-[] (Write-in) to the Nest
-[] (Write-in) to the old Thorns hideout
Distribute Ciel, Giano, Hifumi, Maria, and Rose.
Giano and Rose must be in the same spot as Ciel.
At least one person must be at each location.
Plan votes only.
We also have a twelve-hour Moratorium. Do not vote for 12 hours! ???
-Current Classification: Urban Plague
-Number of Opponents: ???
-Goal: ???
-Displayed Strategy: ???
Ciel's Team
-Number of People: 5
-Current Grades: 6 (Ciel), 5 (Giano, Hifumi/Shadow), 4 (Maria), None (Rose Briar)
-Goal: Find Holly Briar and information on the missing Feathers before the new year, protect Rose
Information
-Holly Briar and some colleagues head into the Backstreets on occasion
[] Character distribution.
-[] Hifumi and Maria to the Nest.
-[] Ciel, Giano, and Rose to the old Thorns hideout.
Since Giano and Rose have to go with Ciel, it's not a bad idea to let Hifumi and Maria go to the Nest.
Honestly, the only position I'm debating on is where to put Hifumi. Since he is the only assassin specialist in our group.
If not for the fact that Giano has to be with Ciel, I'd have made a vote for Hifumi, Ciel, and Rose in the Thorns hideout group, while Maria and Giano go to the Nest.
Though I must ask for a refresher on this one just to make absolutely sure.
Personally I would send Ciel's gang to the nest, and Hifumi & Maria to the hideout.
Ciel's group is better at conversation and navigating the nest, while Hifumi and Maria's skillsets would suit the dangerous backstreets better. Also I don't really want Rose to know that we know about the hideout.