You sneeze as the ice cold rain pelts your body. It doesn't help that the wind is kicking most of it into your face, causing you to have to squint to see straight. Your zipped up tight in a brownish jacket that extends down to your waist keeping your body protected against the harsh elements...for the most part. In your right hand you carry an umbrella, opened and held up to keep your head dry as well as it can. You went with the flower pattern one, because flowers are manly damnit and not because you were in such a hurry that you just grabbed a random one from the stand!
The archway above the Harrowmont's front door acts as your safe haven once you dash underneath it. You shiver, rain dripping off of your clothes onto the shaggy "Welcome" mat as you knock on the wooden door. The door seems to be a bit...weakened is a good word. The hinges have come undone and have been put back in a rushed way. Like someone only just managed to knock the door down from the inside, but then it was put back up in a hurry.
You don't really have much time to question that however, as the minute you fold up your umbrella the door opens up. In front of you stands a woman who you would normally expect to see in one of those tribes on TV shows. Her both her leather shirt and pants have been ripped so they bare her thighs and midriff. Her arms sit crossed in front of her chest, as she stares you down with feral eyes. You feel your cheeks heat up, trying your best not to stare at her.
She's the first to speak, "So, you're that Craft guy, right? The one Volkar gave the protection talisman to?" Her voice sounds as no-nonsense as Ana's, but rougher and without the educated tinge to it. You think you can here a bit of an irish accent in there as well.
You briefly questions how she knows that, then remember that she's probably a werewolf too. So, you hold out your right hand, "Yep, that's me. Howard Craft. Please to meet you Ms…."
She smiles and takes your hand in hers, nearly crushing you with the grip, "Just call me Maeve. It's what everyone else does."
You rub your hand once she lets it go, "A pleasure. Wait, Maeve? Oh, so you're a friend of the family then?"
"Nope." that smile of hers doesn't leave her face as she shakes her head.
"So, a relative then?"
She makes the sound of a buzzer in Jeopardy, "Try again, fella."
You rack your brain for an answer, but you can only come up with one. Before you're able to guess though, Chester's father (who you know now is named Volkar) comes into the door frame. When he sees you he smiles, "Craft. Didn't expect to see you here." His arm goes around Maeve's shoulder and she leans into his chest. He's traded the orange shirt for a striped one, but he still has on the jeans from last time.
You glance between the two of them, the gears in your mind finally clicking into place. Your face contorts into worry, "But, isn't your wife's name Barbara?"
"It is," Volkar answers without a hint of hesitation, "in fact she's right here." He reaches over with his other arm, and the woman Anastasia told you about comes from around the door. She waves to you once Volkar has brought her against his chest.
….Oh. Ooooh. OOOOOOOOOHHHH!
You feel a lightbulb go off in your head once you figure out what's going on. Now it all makes sense! "Ok! That's it!" You exclaim to heavens as if you figured out one of the world's biggest mysteries. Then you realize what you did, and calm down. "Mind if I come in?" The three lycanthropes nod and you step past the threshold of their house.
.
You will admit, the inside defies your expectations to an extent. While you didn't think you would've seen a house filled to the brim with rocks and wolf fur all over the place, you did expect something...more? Instead, as Volkar gives you the tour of the house, it all looks rather normal and peaceful. Their kitchen is similar to yours, except their table is round with four chairs around it's edges.
Outside of that, you notice a few paintings here and there. Most of them seem to be depicting a battleground of some kind. When you ask Volkar about them he stays quiet, and that alone makes you not ask anymore. But other than that, the house seems relatively normal.
Until you get to the training room.
The first thing you see is an arena that took up the center of the room. The next thing you see is Chester grabbing ahold of a straw dummies head and ripping it off. When he lands on the ground, Volkar coughs into his hand to get his attention. Chester looks your way and waves to you, before rushing off to attack the next straw dummy.
Volkar nods, "That's it son. Make sure to go for the eyes."
….Ok then.
(Knowledge Gained: Chester has 2 moms! His family is Polyamorous! Investigate Changed to Visit! SLs Increased! Chester is apparently being trained for something!)
Meeting Hannah: 20 + 10 (Orator) = 30 Fail
As a one of the staff at….actually, you don't even know your school's name.
You slap yourself in the head. How you could get a job at a place and not even know it's name!? You're lucky you didn't end up getting a job at a Front for a Chop Shop or something worse! Still, you guess that at the time you were just looking for something with steady income, not really looking for anything specific. You just happened to see that the school needed a teacher, and bam you applied.
Anyway, as one of it's staff you are given a copy of every student's home phone number. You're to call it in case of emergencies, bad behavior, or alerting parents to an upcoming meeting. So, it is rather easy to grab your cell phone and pull up Hannah's number.
Unfortunately, whoever answers the phone immediately hangs up before you're even able to speak. Angered, you try four more times before finally giving up.
Either Hannah isn't home or whoever is is deliberately trying to piss you off.
It is here where not knowing the name of your school comes to bite you in the ass.
You can't exactly just walk up to the school and expect to find a sign that says, "Eldritch Monster through this door!" For one thing, you're pretty sure that they wouldn't have something like that just out in the open, and the school is closed during bad weather days like this, so you wouldn't be able to get in anyway.
As such, you turn to the only place that is always readily available, free, and has a reservoir of (mostly) accurate information: the Internet!
Your connection has never been the "best", but it has served it's purpose when you've needed it. Unfortunately, you don't have a laptop or any type of OS to use. However, what you do have is your phone.
This is where not knowing your workplace's name becomes a problem, as you got no idea what to type into the google search bar. But you are no quitter! Instead, you use your zip code in google maps and try to locate your school on it. It works and you soon have a name to put to the place you've been going to all this time.
Crossroads Academy.
Interesting name.
Apparently, the school was founded back in 1980 as apart of some kind of initiative to increase education across the US. Thing is, you can't seem to find any information on what exactly that initiative was called. Any attempts to find any are met with a bunch of forums dedicated to conspiracy theories. Nothing concrete.
Oh, except for this one you find that talks about a little psychic girl is a government project created to mind control the populace.
Only slightly worrying.
(Investigation 10% done! Conspiracy Theorist are talking about Ana!)
"So, what is you're showing me?" you ask as the "protagonist" cleaves the head of some large person in bulky armor in half.
"Anime," Chester says quickly, eyes firmly glued to the screen of his laptop while he smiles, "specifically Berserk 1997 version."
"Ok," you nod in acceptance. You aren't complaining, after all you were the one that said you could do something Chester wanted for a change. He had after all come all this way through the rain and thunder to hang out with you.
Besides, people have been known to listen to you more if you give them rewards for doing so, "So, what is going on right now.?"
Chester tears his eyes away to address you, "Well, right now the main character, Guts, that's him right there," he points to the boy who looks to be about 17 or maybe younger. His counting up his reward for killing that bigger man, Bazuso you think his name was, "is just a wandering mercenary going from battlefield to battlefield looking for a fight."
"I see. And is that all that happens?" you won't fault Chester for his taste in shows, however a story where it's nothing but the "hero" going from place to place fighting and killing for no reason doesn't seem like a very strong one.
"Well...it's very...I can't say anything without spoilering it. Just believe me when I say you won't regret watching this," at that he looks back at the screen on his laptop. You shrug and resume watching. Chester obviously enjoys this show, so you might as well give it a chance.
Still, you hope it picks up. Seems a bit boring right now.
Another day, another book reading with your daughter. Today, you start with the next part of the Horus Heresy, which talks about the events that led to the Horus Heresy.
Anastasia makes a few stops and talks about the personalities of the Primarchs. Particularly the fact that even though the Emperor made them to be perfect, they all seem very very flawed. You nod and explain that's kinda the point of the whole thing, but she doesn't let the subject go yet.
After the chapter's over, you see her deep in thought over the whole thing, probably trying to figure it out in her head. You feel like giving her the answer, but then she wouldn't really learn anything. So, you leave her to her own devices and decisions.
(Anastasia: 50% done on learning a new Power!)
Severe Thunderstorm continues….something is here.
Days until Anastasia Matures again: ???
Your Actions: 3 (+1 Thunderstorm)
[] Physical: You're gonna need to learn how to defend not just yourself, but your little girl now.
[] Focus on Offense (Work towards Perk for Offensive Combat)
[] Focus on Defense (Work towards Perk for Defensive Combat)
[] Mental: The Mind is a terrible thing to waste. And you are not gonna waste yours.
[] Focus on Mental Power (Work towards Perk for Mental Offenses)
[] Focus on Mental Fortitude (Work towards Perk for Mental Defenses)
[] Perception: You missed enough paper airplanes coming towards your head to know that you need to better your vision.
[] Focus on perceiving Objects (Work towards Perk for seeing things before they hit you)
[] Focus on perceiving People (Work towards Perk for spotting others before they see you)
[] Work on lesson plan: Always helps to be prepared for anything (+10 bonus to next Job roll)
[] Ask for a day off: Hey, your only human. You can only go on for so many days at a time. (+1 to Action for one day, but may worsen rep with boss)
[] Look for a new job: Maybe you should try to find one that pays a bit more (Possible new job opportunities)
[] Do some side work: More cash is always a good thing. (Add +2 to Money immediately)
[] Read the Journal: You really don't want to do this, but how else are you supposed to prepare? (Learn more about Anastasia and the Supernatural)
[] Visit the Harrowmonts: Time to talk to some wolves. (Learn more about Chester and his home life)
[] Have Hannah meet you after school: You've got a couple of questions for her. (???)
[] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)
[] Investigate your School: Seriously, the fuck! (Possibly learn why there is an Eldritch Monster underneath your school and how to stop it 10% Done)
[] Try to make some friends: Let's face it; you need friends. Let's see if you can makes some. (Possibly unlock friendships to be cultivated)
[] Call Rivauld: Ok..you can do this. (Improve Ms. R SL)
[] Go shopping: You've got some cash. Wouldn't hurt to spend a little bit of it. (Spend Money to purchase items or food)
[] Spend time with Anastasia: You are her father after all. (Raise Trust/Satiety with child)
[] Take Anastasia out somewhere: You can't keep her cooped up in the house forever. (Raise Trust/Satiety with Child even more. May cost Money depending on where you go)
-[] The Park (No Cost)
-[] The Mall (1-2 Money)
-[] A Gym (1 Money)
-[] Write in...(Be reasonable)
[] Go looking for trouble: This is probably a horrible idea. But...you just gotta know. (Try to find evidence of the Supernatural. Could lead to a battle.)
[] Ask Anastasia about Magic: Just because you can't use it, doesn't mean you can't learn about it. (Learn more about Magic. Possibly Unlock Magic Perks that will remain unusable until a Pact is made.)
[] As Anastasia about Belief: What could possibly go wrong? (???)
Anastasia's Actions: 2 (+1 Thunderstorm)
[] Practice her powers: Ya lose it if you don't use it. (Anastasia practices getting a better handle on her powers and learning to what extent she can use them.)
[] Read a book: The best way to gain knowledge on just about anything. (Anastasia will look through your collection of books and read one on her own. May result in new Perk.)
[] Sense Eldritch: They are not getting into our house again. (Anastasia will use her Eldritch Powers to try to sense who or what is currently watching you. May lead to discovery of other Supernatural beings.)
[] Watch TV?: Who knows? She may actually learns something from it. (???)
[] Call Chester over for a playdate: He's her first friend, it would be a shame to keep them apart. (???)
Anastasia
Level 2
Parent: Howard Craft
Monster Type: Eldritch Abomination
Stats: Alarm 4, Notoriety 5, Trust 10, Satiety 8
Items:
Basket Crib
Young Child's Plain Clothes
Days Until she Mature's Again: ???
Friends:
Chester Harrowmont: 5/10 SL
THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE: A baby eldritch horror that could grow up to be one of the deadliest things in all of existence isn't exactly something you can keep hidden from the supernatural crowd. As it grows into its powers, Child Notoriety will become easier to raise.
Human Form (Child): Need to look the part if you want to play the part. You have a humanoid form that allows you to blend in. No penalties to interactions with mortals, but a -15 to all rolls to use your powers. You now have a five year old form. +5 to interactions with other children.
Eldritch Form: Tentacles are optional. You have an eldritch form that lets you unleash your true power. +20 to rolls to use your powers, but any mortals you come in contact with immediately go insane unless they have sufficient willpower.
Aura of Horror: It's not my fault I literally smell like the end of the world! -15 to all rolls to remain hidden from supernatural entities.
Supernatural Senses: I see you! +15 to all rolls to sense supernatural entities.
Prodigy(Reading): Your eye's just fly across the page! Once you hit toddler age, +15 to all rolls to maintain information from reading.
Potential Unlocked: Now is the time to train! (As long as you are in Child state, gain a +15 to gaining a new Perk or Power)
Human's Will to Live(Beginner): A race so stubborn that they won't even die when killed! (+5 to Rolls when fighting a losing battle)
Put your trust in me: I have your back. (+5 to persuading others)
The News!: Fucking Vampires is what they are! (-10 to actions that could raise Alarm (going to the Park, a class roll, shopping, etc.) for Two Days!)
Physical Augmentation: Get Fit! (When activated, add +15 to Physical Combat)
Telekinesis/Telepathy: I can read your mind, and throw you around like a ragdoll! (When activated +15 to all Mental and Physical Combat)
Rituals: I hereby summon thee....whatever your name is. (Can perform rituals to someone Eldritch creatures)
Biological Augmentation: My body is a weapon! (When activated, +30 to Physical Combat)
Howard Craft
Level 1
Child: Anastasia the Eldritch Abomination
Job: Middle School Teacher
Stats: Money 2, Sanity 10, Notoriety 4, Actions 2
Weekly Income: +2 to Money
Current Food: 1/4
Items:
The Journal
Starship Troopers
Warhammer 40k
Star Wars
Horror Books
Red Cloth (From Shadow Creature)
Amulet
Known Adults/Supernaturals:
Ms. Harrowmont: 310
Mr. Harrowmont: 3/10
Acquaintances(That you can actually stand):
Olly Rivauld: 3/10
Those who can't, teach better: You're not the best, but you are still a teacher. And you'll be dammed if anyone questions it. +15 to rolls when teaching your child and classroom
Middle School Drama: You've been around enough 13-16 year olds to know what they worry about at that age. +15 bonus to rolls when child hits puberty
Authoritative: Sometimes, tough love is the best love. +10 to rolls when laying down the law
Those fucking brats!: Why do they keep putting a tack on my seat? -10 to rolls to keep Sanity when doing job.
Low Risk Job: If a roll would increase Notoriety with a fail, add +10 to roll
Strong Willed: Either your willpower is harder to break than titanium, or you were insane to begin with to even THINK about raising a THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE as your child. No longer lose Sanity from Supernatural sources.
Knowledge of the Supernatural (Beginner): Turns out, there's an entire world that you are completely unaware of right under your nose! Heh, heh….uuuggghhh. +5 to Supernatural Investigations.
A Bond between Father and Daughter: Everything is better now! (Trust is Maxed Out! +15 to actions to Increase Trust and 1 Reroll for failed actions to increase Trust!)
Orator (Novice): You've got that commanding voice! (+10 to rolls to Inspire or Persuade others)
DODGE!: Best way to not get hit? Not get hit! (+10 to Defensive Combat Rolls)
Your enemies are some kind of strange Shadow Creatures. Apparently they live in..well shadows and are currently watching your every move. You've encountered one of them twice. Once when it appeared on the roof of your car. Then again when you accidentally left Anastasia at home alone.
You have discovered that whatever the Shadow Creatures are, they can bleed. They can be killed.
You have discovered that Magic exist.
You have discovered something called Belief.
There's an Eldritch Monster underneath your school. It is currently asleep Indefinitely, unless someone else tries to wake it up.
[] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)
it's getting worse! We need to get rid of The News! Perk ASAP!
[] Focus on Mental Fortitude (Work towards Perk for Mental Defenses)
We Need More Power!
[] Work on lesson plan: Always helps to be prepared for anything (+10 bonus to next Job roll)
We need to do A Good Job
[] Sense Eldritch: They are not getting into our house again. (Anastasia will use her Eldritch Powers to try to sense who or what is currently watching you. May lead to discovery of other Supernatural beings.)
something is here (The Drowned Terror perhaps?)
[] Practice her powers: Ya lose it if you don't use it. (Anastasia practices getting a better handle on her powers and learning to what extent she can use them.)
she's 50% towards unlocking a new one! Enough said
[] Read a book: The best way to gain knowledge on just about anything. (Anastasia will look through your collection of books and read one on her own. May result in new Perk.)
[X] Read the Journal: You really don't want to do this, but how else are you supposed to prepare? (Learn more about Anastasia and the Supernatural)
[X] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)
[X] Investigate your School: Seriously, the fuck! (Possibly learn why there is an Eldritch Monster underneath your school and how to stop it 10% Done)
[X] Practice her powers: Ya lose it if you don't use it. (Anastasia practices getting a better handle on her powers and learning to what extent she can use them.)
[X] Read a book: The best way to gain knowledge on just about anything. (Anastasia will look through your collection of books and read one on her own. May result in new Perk.)
[X] Read the Journal: You really don't want to do this, but how else are you supposed to prepare? (Learn more about Anastasia and the Supernatural)
[X] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)
[X] Investigate your School: Seriously, the fuck! (Possibly learn why there is an Eldritch Monster underneath your school and how to stop it 10% Done)
[X] Practice her powers: Ya lose it if you don't use it. (Anastasia practices getting a better handle on her powers and learning to what extent she can use them.)
[X] Read a book: The best way to gain knowledge on just about anything. (Anastasia will look through your collection of books and read one on her own. May result in new Perk.)
[X] Read the Journal: You really don't want to do this, but how else are you supposed to prepare? (Learn more about Anastasia and the Supernatural)
[X] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)
[X] Investigate your School: Seriously, the fuck! (Possibly learn why there is an Eldritch Monster underneath your school and how to stop it 10% Done)
[X] Practice her powers: Ya lose it if you don't use it. (Anastasia practices getting a better handle on her powers and learning to what extent she can use them.)
[X] Read a book: The best way to gain knowledge on just about anything. (Anastasia will look through your collection of books and read one on her own. May result in new Perk.)
Oh boy, this is gonna be kinda... Interesting to say the least.
What kind of loser doesn't even know the name of the place he works? Someone that doesn't know that the workers here are "sex-friendly"? Oh wait...
Also, of course the werewolf is manly enough to have two women for himself. Although I'm surprised they "just" have one kid. Or at least, that we know about. Still, the interaciton scene was cut somewhat awkwardly. Howard enters and... That's it. We don't get anything else about them.
Did Anna like the anime at the end then? Chester is quite nerdy too if he prefers the "old-school" version compared with the remake.
[x] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)
+There is nothing to see here. Move along, citizen.
[x] Call Rivauld: Ok..you can do this. (Improve Ms. R SL)
+Come on, you know you want to! It will be a date to die for!
[x] As Anastasia about Belief: What could possibly go wrong? (???)
+We should start training to armwrestle our foes. Also, typo.
[x] Sense Eldritch: They are not getting into our house again. (Anastasia will use her Eldritch Powers to try to sense who or what is currently watching you. May lead to discovery of other Supernatural beings.)
+Safeguard equivalent.
[x] Practice her powers
+More power!
What kind of loser doesn't even know the name of the place he works? Someone that doesn't know that the workers here are "sex-friendly"? Oh wait...
Also, of course the werewolf is manly enough to have two women for himself. Although I'm surprised they "just" have one kid. Or at least, that we know about. Still, the interaciton scene was cut somewhat awkwardly. Howard enters and... That's it. We don't get anything else about them.
Did Anna like the anime at the end then? Chester is quite nerdy too if he prefers the "old-school" version compared with the remake.
[x] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)
+There is nothing to see here. Move along, citizen.
[x] Call Rivauld: Ok..you can do this. (Improve Ms. R SL)
+Come on, you know you want to! It will be a date to die for!
[x] As Anastasia about Belief: What could possibly go wrong? (???)
+We should start training to armwrestle our foes. Also, typo.
[x] Sense Eldritch: They are not getting into our house again. (Anastasia will use her Eldritch Powers to try to sense who or what is currently watching you. May lead to discovery of other Supernatural beings.)
+Safeguard equivalent.
[x] Practice her powers
+More power!
Yeah, I kind of ran out of steam on that visitation scene. More info for a later time.
As for if she liked the Anime, she's only seen up to the Episode where Guts gets knocked out by Griffith. So she's still on the fence for now.
Edit: Oh yeah, and yes Chester is an only child. I actually did some research on this, apparently in Wolf Packs only one female and male are aloud to breed at a time. All the others just help hunt and otherwise.
[X] Read the Journal: 3 Votes
[X] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: 4 Votes
[X] Investigate your School: 3 Votes
[X] Practice her powers: 4 Votes
[X] Read a book: 3 Votes
I'll start writing soon.
Also, I was thinking of rewriting the part with Chester's House. So that may come before the next update.
Edit: ....You guys were planning to start up a Cult at some point, right?
[X] Read the Journal: 3 Votes
[X] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: 4 Votes
[X] Investigate your School: 3 Votes
[X] Practice her powers: 4 Votes
[X] Read a book: 3 Votes
I'll start writing soon.
Also, I was thinking of rewriting the part with Chester's House. So that may come before the next update.
Edit: ....You guys were planning to start up a Cult at some point, right?
Well it was nice having friends and acquaintances, pity we'll likely have to flee. Hope the Harrowmounts and miss Rivauld won't be too pissed when we skip town.............Alaska's probably nice this time of year..
I have no doubt that you have decided to continue this self-destructive endeavor of yours. Why else would you still be reading this cursed manuscript?! Still, I cannot stop you, for my time has come and gone. Now, I serve a new purpose. A darker one.
This tome is my last chance at redemption. I hope that these words will reach someone and stop them from making the same mistakes I have. If that is true for you, then my heart is at ease, even if all I have done is bring you misery.
But I digress. Know this, you could not back out now even if you wished to. For by now the creature that has attached itself to you has already reached its "childer" stage. If that is the case, then you are forever trapped now, your very life has been joined to that thing.
Some could consider it a blessing, for as long as this is the case certain….talents shall make themselves available to you. Should you choose to pursue them.
Remember, every blessing comes with a terrible curse.
Though I suppose that this has given you very little in the form of helpful information, you should know this at least;
You have at least 3 months before your charge matures to its next evolution. That might not seem like much now, but many things can happen in a short amount of time.
I wish you luck, as foolish as you are.
...You know, you really wish this book came with a Table of Contents. It would make finding this type of info so much easier.
Those conspiracy theories you found on the internet spooked you a bit. Which in turn, galvanized you to finally get this whole mess with Ana sorted.
So, here you are, in your best suit, tie, and jacket, ready to go out and talk to the news crews about this. Maybe you can convince them to get the public to back off about this whole thing. Or at the very least cause some of this heat to die down.
You know that in this day and age, Traditional Media doesn't have as much sway over the heart of the people as it used to. Especially with the advent of technology and Social Media, hardly anyone trust the News anymore. However, Ana and you haven't really been making many waves, so even just a little bit of leeway will go a long way to getting you out of the public eye.
As you get closer to the front door, you start to hear something. It's loud, but it isn't the drumming of the rain on the rooftop nor the sound of thunder roaring across the sky.
No. It almost sounds like….cheering?
Confused, you open up your front door and—
Oh god no.
In front of you, covering everything from your yard to your front doorstep, are a bunch of people in rain coats bowing down in front of your house. You guess there are about 23 in total. One of them is standing in front of the congregation, gesticulating wildly about one thing or another. When you close the door behind you, the entire crowd turns to look at you.
The one you guess is the leader, judging by the fact that he's the only one still standing. As he gets closer, you get a good look at his face in the gloom. He's covered it in these strange lines, that seemed to be made of paint that he got from...somewhere. Other than that, he looks like a normal 17 year old kid. His head only comes up to your chest and his features look a bit pale. However, his eyes are shining with both excitement and wonder at you.
It's creepy to say the least. Especially when you notice that just about everyone who is out there is armed with a blunt instrument.
And lots of torches.
"Finally!" he shouts to the gathered people, "The messenger of our Chosen One has come!" The crowd erupts into applause, before the young man speaks again this time to you, "Please, my High Oracle! What does our Master wish of us!?" He grabs your arms as he says the last bit, allowing you to notice just how spindly he actually is. In fact, his whole body looks like he hasn't left his house in months. When was the last time this guy saw the sun?
You babble incoherently for a time, before the screeching of a vehicle is heard coming down the street. Soon enough, as white News van is peeling in front of your house. It comes to stop right on the sidewalk. The side doors open, and out steps numerous people. Some carrying cameras others microphones, all fighting through the tide of cloaked people to get to one thing; you.
That is what finally puts the nail in the coffin. You race back into your house.
Ana looks up from her milk bowl when you slam the door shut behind you, locking it as you do. She looks at you with worry, "Is something wrong, father?"
While breathing heavily, you point at one of the windows. Curious, Anastasia walks over to the glass. She pulls the curtains open...then closes them again when the cheering reaches rapturous states.
Her face contorts into a mix of anger and annoyance, "Imbeciles. Worshiping me is fine, but can't they at least be subtle about it!" With that she walks back over to the table and gets back to her milk.
You are just worried that they might bust down your door.
(Alarm Increased! New Child Perk Gained: An Active Cult: They can at least be subtle about it! (There is a Cult in your Neighborhood dedicated to your Daughter. And they are actively searching for new members.))
School Investigation: Negated by Crit Fail
No way you're going to let those psychos know where you work!
(No progress)
Powers Practice: 64 + 15 (Potential) = 79 High Success
Despite the crowd of crazy people outside, your daughter is still acting as if nothing is wrong. Then again, you suppose that having a bunch of cultist that want your blessings isn't that big of a deal considering what she is.
Still, it is a bit unsettling to watch her go about an experiment as she attempts to unlock some more of her powers. You sit on the couch watching her. You don't want to get in the way, but you want to make sure that she doesn't hurt herself in the attempt.
She stands stock still, small, pale hand held towards the sink. It's piled with dishes that you've been meaning to clean up for a few days now. She has her right palm up, eyes closed as if she's concentrating on something.
At first, nothing happens. Then you start to smell the familiar burning of sulfur. But this one is different. Normally the smell is acrid, and cloying to you, like a particularly thick cloud of cigarette smoke. But right now, it smells like literal burning fire.
You watch Anastasia, and your eyes widen as a collection of green symbols gathers into her outstretched hand. You watch sweat pour over her brow as she prepares a ball of bright emerald energy. Then there's a loud boom, and she comes flying backwards towards you. You grab her by the waist, moving back slightly at the impact of the child.
Once you both calm down, you look towards the pile of dishes.
Well, what used to be dishes.
Now instead, it's just a pile of burnt ash.
You look your daughter in her starry eyes, eyebrow raising up in judgement. She laughs, good heartedly, showing off her rows of white teeth. Soon enough, you're laughing along with her at the absurdity of what just happened.
"I've got my own little mage right here, don't I?" you query, which sets her to laughing all over again.
You know, it's times like these where you forget she's an Eldritch Horror.
(New Child Power: Energy Ball: Fire not included (+10 to all Combat Rolls))
Read a Bo—INTERRUPT!
Then for whatever reason, you feel your body lock up.
Something's wrong.
The air feels tense, oppressive.
You can hear your heart hammering in your chest.
Sweat begins to pour down your forehead. Your hand feel clammy.
You look to Anastasia, and she's frowning. She feels it too.
It is then that you realize what's wrong: you can't hear the cultist, newsreporters, or the rain outside..
A base instinct in your mind tells your body to move, so you do. Rolling off of the couch, you stand in the middle of the living room. Ana is at your right, holding your hand tightly.
At first, everything is silent and still.
Then you see it. A hand, ethereal and armored black seeps its way through your front door. Next comes a body completely covered from head to toe in black armor. It reminds you of those iron maiden things conceptualized by Matthew Peacock and Siebenkees, with the spikes protruding from its shoulders and body. It's body, obviously female based on the...protrusions on the chestplate steps through your door slowly. It's movements are not unlike a hungry cat looking for its next meal.
However that is not what's most disturbing to you.
No, it's what's under the creature's right arm.
What lies there, nestled in between its body and elbow, is a human head. At a glance it appears female, with long black hair almost hitting the floor of the hallway. The eyes were closed, yet you felt like they could perceive everything that was going on. Most disturbing, was the fact that it still had it's flesh. It wasn't decomposing or rotting, as if it were just as alive as the day it was born.
At first, it just stood there, unmoving. You held Ana's hands tight, letting her know that you were there, even though you yourself wished for some kind of comfort. You heard her whisper the word, "Dullahan." Suddenly, the creature (the Dullahan, you guess) stepped to the side. In its wake a new form came through the door.
This one was obviously human, however there seemed to be something strange about her. She walked with a purpose the likes of which those with a job in big corporations have. As if just being in this place was a bother to her. As if to accentuate this, she wore a purple, striped business suit with matching pants. Dimples pock marked her cheeks, and she flipped her red hair to the side of her face.
Howards Notoriety: 4
She pointed a manicured hand towards you, "You are Howard Craft, correct?" Caught unawares, you dumbly nod in affirment.
Anastasia Notoriety: 5
Her finger trails over to Anastasia, who you instinctively move to cover with your thigh, "That makes you Anastasia. The little Eldr—"
"Can we please dispense with the formalities?" despite the situation Ana's voice still sounds as calm as a coursing river, "Dullahan's and their pets never just come for a polite visit."
If the lady is offended, she makes no indication, "So impatient. I thought that one of your age would be more appreciative of the finer points of banter."
"Oh I am. It's just that I only banter with those who I know can keep up. If we did banter, I'd say thing that would make you wish you were able to make your ears melt off at will."
"Care to bet?"
"Some day, but not today. Particularly, when you work up the courage to face me without an Undertaker at your shoulder," Ana nodded towards the Dullahan standing to the side of the newcomer. It made no movements, and the eyes on its head remained closed.
"Look, what do you want?" you say outloud. It doesn't matter who this person is, she came into your house uninvited. And even though you can feel the bones in your spine clacking together from how much you're shaking, you are not about to let her intimidate you in your own house.
Her cold, violet eyes regard you with contempt as she speaks, "That is very simple. I want the girl, and I will not take no for an answer." At that the Dullahan shifts its stance. Its free hand goes to its sword, and it crouches low.
She might as well had asked you to freeze Hell for her.
You will not give up your daughter to some random ass stranger off the fucking streets!
You feel more than see Anastasia agree with you, as her free hand morphs into a blade.
How do you engage this?
[] Keep her talking. Maybe you can distract her long enough for Ana to get a bead on her or that Dullahan thing.
[] Charge right in. Clobber her down while Ana takes care for her pet.
[] Stay back and let Ana handle this. You're a bit too squishy to take these two on.
[] Write in…
Surprise!
Oh yeah, this was a combination of your Notoriety and Alarm. Did you think that no one would notice the rather large amount of people in Raincoats standing outside one house in the rain chanting something about a Messiah?
Plus the fact that the house is known to house an Eldritch Entity of some sort?
Will a gun even work on these things? I was thinking maybe we can actually use that cult to help us generate faith power. Make them useful for a change.
Will a gun even work on these things? I was thinking maybe we can actually use that cult to help us generate faith power. Make them useful for a change.
You have at least 3 months before your charge matures to its next evolution. That might not seem like much now, but many things can happen in a short amount of time.
I wish you luck, as foolish as you are.
...You know, you really wish this book came with a Table of Contents. It would make finding this type of info so much easier.
In front of you, covering everything from your yard to your front doorstep, are a bunch of people in rain coats bowing down in front of your house. You guess there are about 23 in total. One of them is standing in front of the congregation, gesticulating wildly about one thing or another. When you close the door behind you, the entire crowd turns to look at you.
The one you guess is the leader, judging by the fact that he's the only one still standing. As he gets closer, you get a good look at his face in the gloom. He's covered it in these strange lines, that seemed to be made of paint that he got from...somewhere. Other than that, he looks like a normal 17 year old kid. His head only comes up to your chest and his features look a bit pale. However, his eyes are shining with both excitement and wonder at you.
It's creepy to say the least. Especially when you notice that just about everyone who is out there is armed with a blunt instrument.
Her face contorts into a mix of anger and annoyance, "Imbeciles. Worshiping me is fine, but can't they at least be subtle about it!" With that she walks back over to the table and gets back to her milk.
You are just worried that they might bust down your door.
Will a gun even work on these things? I was thinking maybe we can actually use that cult to help us generate faith power. Make them useful for a change.
We need Belief and then armwrestle these guys into the ground. Then buy as many research options as we can until our bonuses can negate bad rolls, as it happens with our boogieman game.
Will a gun even work on these things? I was thinking maybe we can actually use that cult to help us generate faith power. Make them useful for a change.
We need Belief and then armwrestle these guys into the ground. Then buy as many research options as we can until our bonuses can negate bad rolls, as it happens with our boogieman game.
Something I didn't want to reveal yet, but feel like is necessary to know, I will say now;
You don't really need to research Belief Powers.
If you just take actions that would cause those powers to activate on their own, then they will. You'll probably put yourself at very high risk, but it will get you a boost in the long run.
Basically, be reckless, hot-blooded, and aggressive. It might put you in the hospital, but it will help you in the long run.
[X] Keep her talking. Maybe you can distract her long enough for Ana to get a bead on her or that Dullahan thing
also, if we were to learn belief based magic, use their belief to power up, use said power to practice, and repeat steps 2 and 3 would we rapidly grow stronger?
Will a gun even work on these things? I was thinking maybe we can actually use that cult to help us generate faith power. Make them useful for a change.
if a sword arm is supposed to work then a gun will work better, unless its undead in which case we want guns that shoot blessed bullets or something and more importantly we need a shotgun to improve our grumpy dad look.
