It had been a while since you'd last been shot, and you were quickly reminded of why you preferred it that way. Gritting your teeth, you carefully removed the shell fragment from your shoulder, the pain sharp but familiar. As you looked at the jagged bit of metal, you grimaced. This wasn't something that would go away with a few painkillers and a bit of antiseptic. It was going to take more than that.
You inspected the wound more thoroughly, trying to gauge the damage. Thankfully, it wasn't quite as bad as it had felt in the heat of the moment. A decent chunk of your shoulder was missing, yes, but it wasn't deep enough to reach the bone. The grinding sensation you'd felt earlier? That was more from the awkward way you'd hit the ground rather than a direct hit to the bone itself. A quick, painful jerk had popped everything back into place, but your arm still throbbed with a dull ache.
With a sigh, you tossed the blood-soaked paper towels aside, reaching for another handful to press against the wound. The sharp sting made you hiss through your teeth, but you held the pressure firm. There was no way you were going to a hospital with this kind of injury. Gunshot wounds had a way of drawing attention, and the last thing you needed was the PRT breathing down your neck with too many questions. No, you'd have to handle this yourself.
Fortunately, you'd been prepared for situations like this. You had the necessary supplies—needle, thread, antiseptic—all neatly tucked away for emergencies. Using your good arm, you pulled out the needle and thread, clamping the paper towels between your neck and shoulder to keep pressure on the wound. You could feel the warmth of blood still seeping out, dripping onto the floor, but you ignored it. There were more important things to worry about.
Carefully, you started stitching the wound closed. You'd done this before—plenty of times, in fact—but it never got easier. The pain was sharp, but your training and knowledge kicked in, guiding your hands. Thanks to the Lores you'd studied, you had an even better understanding of how the body worked, and that made the process go quicker than it might have otherwise. You kept your breathing steady, forcing yourself to remain calm, even as every pull of the thread sent a fresh wave of pain through your arm.
When you were done, you sat back momentarily, eyeing your work. It wasn't pretty, but it would hold. More importantly, it would keep you out of a hospital where too many questions would be asked. PRT consultants showing up with gunshot wounds had a way of attracting unwanted attention, and you didn't need that right now.
Rising slowly, you discarded the bloody paper towels and made your way to the bathroom. The next thing on the agenda, your ribs. The vest had taken most of the impact from the shotgun blast, but you'd felt something shift, and now it was time to figure out if you were dealing with more than just a few bruises.
You pulled up your shirt, wincing as you saw the mottled purple and yellow bruising already forming across your torso. Gently, you probed the area with your fingers, testing for any sharp pain or movement. Each touch sent a flare of discomfort, but nothing screamed broken. You pressed a bit harder, going through the tests you remembered from your training, checking for any signs of internal injury. Breathing in deeply, you waited for the telltale stab of pain that would indicate a cracked or broken rib, but nothing came.
It seemed like you'd gotten lucky—no broken bones, at least not this time. You sighed in relief, pulled your shirt back down, and made your way over to the couch. As you sat down, you couldn't help but lean back, closing your eyes for a moment to catch your breath. The pain still lingered, but it was manageable. For now, you just need to rest and let your body recover.
There were still a lot of things to figure out. Alicja had gotten away, which was not good. You needed to regroup, reassess your plan. And then there was the looming threat of an Endbringer attack, which always put you on edge. It was assumed they'd attack next month, which meant all hands on deck to keep the city stable during that turmoil.
This was a mess, no doubt about it. But you'd keep moving forward like you always did.
Ai has gained more friends among politicians. Actions involving them will receive +6 as they aid you.
Jane has recruited even more people. Some actions will receive +4 as they aid you.
An Awareness of Appetite has faded
I'll be trying something new, please observe a one hour moratorium before voting
Vote by plan
Possible Actions: You have 4 Actions each month, more can be gained by spending less time at work.
Current Funds: 544
Income: 100 Funds/Month
[] You are injured (You currently have two wounds. You'll make a roll at +5 against a DC of 70. You must select one of the below)
-[] Rest and recover (Cost zero actions, roll one recovery dice.)
-[] Take a break here and there (Costs one action, roll two recovery dice. 0/-15)
-[] Sit down, take time to care for yourself (Costs two actions, roll three recovery dice 0/-15/-30)
-[] You're near death, you have to slow down (Costs three actions, roll four recovery dice 0/-15/-30/-45)
-[] Even breathing hurts, you'll just use your mind (Costs three actions, roll four recovery dice 0/-15/-30/-45/-60)
–-[] Your body will heal on its own terms (Costs nothing)
–-[] The medicine is dark black, it's easy to think you've been poisoned (Costs 30 Funds, one recovery dice will automatically succeed)
–-[] A touch here and there of something a bit stronger (Costs 60 Funds, two recovery dice will automatically succeed)
–-[] A stay at home nurse, to tend to your wounds and the more unpleasant tasks they require (Costs 90 Funds, three recovery dice will automatically succeed)
–-[] His services don't come cheap and his silence is even more expensive (Costs 120 Funds, four recovery dice will automatically succeed)
–-[] Potions may sound like fantasy, but this kind of healing comes with power (Costs 150 Funds, five recovery dice will automatically succeed)
[] On work and the challenges it entails. (There will likely be an Endbringer attack next month, so all hands will be on deck)
-[] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[] You'll cut a few corners here, leave a bit early (Gain an extra action, will not be noticed if not done often. Your work is slightly less likely to notice your wounds)
-[] You've got sick days, use them (Gain two extra actions, will be noticed by your direct superior, although the full extent is unknown. Your work is less likely to notice your wounds)
-[] Something has come up and you'll be out of the office for a week (Gain three extra actions, may be noticed by the Director although the response is not known. Your work is significantly less likely to notice your wounds)
-[] You can't even step foot in the office this month (Gain four extra actions, you will be called out on this. Your work will not to notice your wounds)
[] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
-[] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
-[] Tail her, keep an eye on what she does (Doing this yourself will be less effective then sending somebody else)
-[] Go see Gunsmith, try and pry out anything he knows about her
-[] Keep an eye open and stay on guard (This will make it harder for Alicja to assault, spy on you, etc)
-[] Do something about her, talk to her, trick her, hurt her (Write in your objective)
[] On promotion and improvement (The below actions improve your chance of being selected as Director should Carol be unable to perform her duties.)
-[] You'll stay and work longer hours
-[] You'll put the work in and bust a few gang operations
-[] There are capes out on the streets, you'll put them behind bars
-[] Keep guard on Wraith, ensure that nobody breaks him out of prison
-[] Request some help from Ai, she'll do her best to make sure Carol isn't fit to do her job
[] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
-[] Do some research, watch some tapes of the fighting (Minor suspicion)
-[] Ask around, start seeing what folks know (Minor suspicion)
-[] Dig into the files, take a peek at confidential information (Major suspicion)
-[] Ask a few capes if they'll be willing to answer some questions after the next Endbringer fight (Moderate suspicion)
[] On furthering the cause.
-[] Train the fodder, get them up to snuff
-[] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
-[] Build up the loyalty of the cult, ensure they'll listen to you if need be
-[] Assist somebody else in their task
--[] Arch, the Loremaster
---[] Arch is always in need of funds for his books (Write in the amount you'll give him, must be at least 50 Funds. Does not cost an Action)
---[] Arch could use some money for items he may find (Write in the amount you'll give him, must be at least 100 Funds. Does not cost an Action)
--[] Who? (Write in)
-[] Items and strange artifacts, go search for them. They could be useful
[] On learning the Lores.
-[] Search for books
--[] In the local libraries and bookstores
--[] Stranger and more hidden places
--[] Online, from places abroad (Will cost 10 Funds per book in shipping)
-[] You Master is willing to teach, request a lesson
--[] What lore? (Write in, she is willing to teach all Lores, except Heart, up to level 2. You will gain 1 scrap of that lore)
-[] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
--[] The manuscript on Heart (You will gain 1 scrap of Heart)
--[] The manuscript on Lantern (You will gain 1 scrap of Lantern)
-[] You've got your own books now, just read them
--[] Write in (Pick two books, can have been bought this turn)
[] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
-[] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Write in Lore, the first cast is a Free Action)
[] The Mansus, a place of contradictions. It calls to you, reach out.
-[] Explore the Woods and it's many secrets
--[] Explore the Luster-Drowned Well
-[] Climb higher, Glory awaits
[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions might never be available again)
-[] Take over the Alicja case (Cannot be taken with bury it)
-[] Bury the Alicja case (Cannot be taken with taking the case)
[] On matters outside the cult.
-[] Spend time with somebody
--[] Who? (Write in)
-[] Get to know somebody
--[] Who? (Write in, somebody from work, a low level person inside the cult, a random joe on the street etc)
[] Something else? (Write in, must be approved by QM)
