[X] Send an anonymous tip to the Inspectorate.
A Strangeness In Glamsbury (Steampunk Eldritch Cultist Quest)
- Thread starter chickenbouillon
- Start date
- Original
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] Investigate it directly.
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Voting closed!
Evangeline
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
So I commissioned art from @ono.kisho on Instagram of Evangeline and here she is!!! Is she beautiful?
That is a face of evil, I love her
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
update will be coming soon hopefully
The words are FIGHTING ME.
Anyway you wanted to throw hands… so you shall receive hands, at least Albert's there to save you though lol what a chad
The words are FIGHTING ME.
Anyway you wanted to throw hands… so you shall receive hands, at least Albert's there to save you though lol what a chad
The Artisan
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
You spend the next few days conversing with key witnesses, tracking down the artists who were infamous for frequenting the Opium Den. It wasn't easy, it took a lot of time and patience, not to mention money as well, but what's the point of being an Aristocrat if you can't spend Silversalts here and there?
That was when you encountered Mary Brown. A mousy girl who's general demeanour spoke of her timidity. She was one of the few artists that was known for frequenting the Angel's Kiss, and quite frankly.. you pitied the poor thing.
It took a considerable amount of time to coax her into a comfortable position so she'd be willing to open her mouth, and an even more considerable amount of time to make sure she spewed something useful instead of stuttering her way through the conversation, but you didn't have it in you to be angry at her. She's trying her best.
"So what happened, dear? Did you see anyone?" You say in the gentlest tone you could muster. "I-I can't tell.. I'm not sure if I should-" She says, absolutely terrified.
"I know.. it's scary. I know it's terrifying, but I promise you, nothing bad will come to you. I will make sure of that." You quietly assure her. Her frantic sobs soften to an acceptable degree, and you quietly file that away as a victory. "..I saw someone.. and I know who it was too.. Brother Hilgovir.. why did you do this?" She says, her tone shaking from the sheer amount of emotions she must be feeling right now. The poor girl was a wreck.
"Hilgovir? Who's that, dear?" You hone in the mention of the name immediately. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I've said too much!" She says, and before you can stop her, she's already making a bolt for the door and tossing her way out onto the streets. "My lady, shall I retrieve her?" Albert asks you with a bow. You know that if you gave him the order to, he'd probably chase her all the way to wherever she ran and drag her back in.
No. You found a name, that was enough. There is no reason to terrorize the poor girl even further. You shake your head. "No Albert, save your energy. We have the culprit's name, so I should be able to nail him pretty easily. I want you to be ready for what comes next." He doesn't respond, but his eyes seem as calm and tranquil as ever, and that unnerves you.
Nevertheless, you set out onto the streets once more, ready to continue the process of asking everyone nearby for any relevant bits of knowledge. This time, emboldened by a lead.
—
It took absolutely no time whatsoever to nail Hilgovir down, considering that the man was apparently a well known figure in the neighbourhood. You wouldn't know. You've lived quite a sheltered life, looking down at others from your ivory tower. The realisation fills you with a deep sense of shame.
For a while. You were the same type of person you hated, but not anymore.
You were going to get to the bottom of this, no matter what.
—
Brother Hilgovir was a tall, broad and muscular man who could give Albert a run for his money. His bright auburn hair and glittering black eyes make him seemingly unimpressive in appearance, but there was an aura to the man. A conviction that he knew what he was doing, and believed it sincerely.
You enter his forge with Albert in tow, and as soon as he lays his eyes on you, he falls silent and shushes his customers out. He locks the door as soon as they leave, and falls into a seat. And then he turns to you. "Why are you here?"
Your voice is soft and composed as you respond: "You already know why." He says. "I see. You reek of the one. The one we call the Emperor. The enemy who walks in dreams and cloaks itself in unexplainable colors." You simply shrug: "Sure I do, can't be worse than whatever you're serving. I'm not the one going around setting random buildings on fire." He snarls at you for that, his expression turning wrathful for a moment.
And then he stops.
"You seem.. different. Somehow. All the others of your kind I've met.. they seem indifferent, somehow." He says, and you don't answer. Instead, you simply meet his gaze resolutely. "You actually believe in what you're doing, aren't you?" He says softly, and then shakes his head. "You poor fool."
"Enough. You know why I am here, shall we waste time on these pleasantries, or are we going to get on with this?" You gesture with your head, and Albert steps in front of you.. at the same time.. there's this sensation, a feeling that hasn't gone away ever since you finished your offering for the Emperor. If it was an ambient buzz before, it was absolutely roaring now, like something in the background is screaming to draw blood.
So.. what do you do now?
You look around you. It's a forge, there's bound to be some improvised weapons you can use to lay into him while Albert keeps his attention.
———————————————————————
[X] Fight (write-in battle plan, the Lesser Horror is still here and will maul Hilgovir for you)
[X] Try talking.
[X] Write-in
That was when you encountered Mary Brown. A mousy girl who's general demeanour spoke of her timidity. She was one of the few artists that was known for frequenting the Angel's Kiss, and quite frankly.. you pitied the poor thing.
It took a considerable amount of time to coax her into a comfortable position so she'd be willing to open her mouth, and an even more considerable amount of time to make sure she spewed something useful instead of stuttering her way through the conversation, but you didn't have it in you to be angry at her. She's trying her best.
"So what happened, dear? Did you see anyone?" You say in the gentlest tone you could muster. "I-I can't tell.. I'm not sure if I should-" She says, absolutely terrified.
"I know.. it's scary. I know it's terrifying, but I promise you, nothing bad will come to you. I will make sure of that." You quietly assure her. Her frantic sobs soften to an acceptable degree, and you quietly file that away as a victory. "..I saw someone.. and I know who it was too.. Brother Hilgovir.. why did you do this?" She says, her tone shaking from the sheer amount of emotions she must be feeling right now. The poor girl was a wreck.
"Hilgovir? Who's that, dear?" You hone in the mention of the name immediately. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I've said too much!" She says, and before you can stop her, she's already making a bolt for the door and tossing her way out onto the streets. "My lady, shall I retrieve her?" Albert asks you with a bow. You know that if you gave him the order to, he'd probably chase her all the way to wherever she ran and drag her back in.
No. You found a name, that was enough. There is no reason to terrorize the poor girl even further. You shake your head. "No Albert, save your energy. We have the culprit's name, so I should be able to nail him pretty easily. I want you to be ready for what comes next." He doesn't respond, but his eyes seem as calm and tranquil as ever, and that unnerves you.
Nevertheless, you set out onto the streets once more, ready to continue the process of asking everyone nearby for any relevant bits of knowledge. This time, emboldened by a lead.
—
It took absolutely no time whatsoever to nail Hilgovir down, considering that the man was apparently a well known figure in the neighbourhood. You wouldn't know. You've lived quite a sheltered life, looking down at others from your ivory tower. The realisation fills you with a deep sense of shame.
For a while. You were the same type of person you hated, but not anymore.
You were going to get to the bottom of this, no matter what.
—
Brother Hilgovir was a tall, broad and muscular man who could give Albert a run for his money. His bright auburn hair and glittering black eyes make him seemingly unimpressive in appearance, but there was an aura to the man. A conviction that he knew what he was doing, and believed it sincerely.
You enter his forge with Albert in tow, and as soon as he lays his eyes on you, he falls silent and shushes his customers out. He locks the door as soon as they leave, and falls into a seat. And then he turns to you. "Why are you here?"
Your voice is soft and composed as you respond: "You already know why." He says. "I see. You reek of the one. The one we call the Emperor. The enemy who walks in dreams and cloaks itself in unexplainable colors." You simply shrug: "Sure I do, can't be worse than whatever you're serving. I'm not the one going around setting random buildings on fire." He snarls at you for that, his expression turning wrathful for a moment.
And then he stops.
"You seem.. different. Somehow. All the others of your kind I've met.. they seem indifferent, somehow." He says, and you don't answer. Instead, you simply meet his gaze resolutely. "You actually believe in what you're doing, aren't you?" He says softly, and then shakes his head. "You poor fool."
"Enough. You know why I am here, shall we waste time on these pleasantries, or are we going to get on with this?" You gesture with your head, and Albert steps in front of you.. at the same time.. there's this sensation, a feeling that hasn't gone away ever since you finished your offering for the Emperor. If it was an ambient buzz before, it was absolutely roaring now, like something in the background is screaming to draw blood.
So.. what do you do now?
You look around you. It's a forge, there's bound to be some improvised weapons you can use to lay into him while Albert keeps his attention.
———————————————————————
[X] Fight (write-in battle plan, the Lesser Horror is still here and will maul Hilgovir for you)
[X] Try talking.
[X] Write-in
Last edited:
Oh shot fight probably
[X] Try talking.
Kermie
Roses Are Red, I'm Single And Blue
- Location
- Hell (An Unfinished Google Doc)
- Pronouns
- Any
[X] Try talking.
This… Hilgovir guy. He doesn't seem that bad, and Evangeline has a decent social stat. Maybe we can make a treaty of non-aggression with these guys? (On the condition that we don't turn anybody into paintings or something like that.)
This… Hilgovir guy. He doesn't seem that bad, and Evangeline has a decent social stat. Maybe we can make a treaty of non-aggression with these guys? (On the condition that we don't turn anybody into paintings or something like that.)
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Voting closed.
Shrieks of Anger
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
DC 15 Cunning Roll!
You rolled: (5, 1) + 4 = 10
Fail!
You take a deep breath.
What do you want to do? Hilgovir doesn't seem that bad, perhaps a simple chat is needed to smoothen the edges between you two? You're not very good at direct confrontations either.. and you're not sure if Albert can beat this man. He was pretty large and built himself, and he certainly has occult patrons backing him up.
So you need to talk. You need to get yourself out of this situation somehow.
"Listen to me. Why did you set that building on fire?" You ask. He simply turns his gaze to you, and you feel like you're being seared alive under the pressure of that gaze. So.. powerful. "I simply despised what they were doing, profiting off the pain of others like that." He says. "So when nobody was there.. I took a few drops of Toadfire and doused the entire place in flames. That's all."
"Well, you did a pretty sloppy job of hiding it. Mary saw everything." He shrugs. "Always knew that girl was gonna be the death of me. Sticks her nose where it doesn't belong.. always in the wrong place at the wrong time." His expression morphs into a fond smile.. before it turns to you and hardens. He stands up from his spot.. and walks around the table to a secluded corner of his workshop. When he comes back, he's dragging something.
A sledgehammer.
He advances towards you menacingly and slowly, his voice tranquil and calm: "I'm sloppy, that's true. But I plan on amending my mistakes." His eyes gleam with something.. something resembling sadness, perhaps? "It's nothing personal, but please don't tell me that you believed peace would be possible. You knew what you were doing when you came here."
Albert steps in front of you, withdrawing a set of brass knuckles from his pockets. His expression is blank, conveying absolutely nothing like usual.
That being said.. you're not sure what you can do right now. You feel like punching yourself for being so stupid. What did you expect to do in confronting him like this? Think, Evangeline, think! Can Albert beat him? You can't die here, you can't! Not before the Emperor reforges the world into something better..
Something gleams in the corner of your eye.
The world exploded into a whirlwind of violence, of steel and teeth. You're knocked onto your back, and it knocks the wind out of you. You wheeze in agony before looking up at..
It was something. You can't describe it. It was a chaotic mass of sharp limbs and colorful maws, a formless, amorphous shape of painted spider limbs and fanged mouths covering it's shapeless body. It was a being so beyond comprehension that describing it felt like an exercise in futility. It screeched angrily, latching onto Hilgovir's body and nipping it with fangs. Hilgovir grunts, drops his sledgehammer, and promptly wrangles it away from his body with his bare hands as it viciously attempts to rip his face off.
Combat!
Lesser Horror rolls.. 2 for initiative
Hilgovir rolls… 20 for initiative!
Evangeline and Albert have not joined combat yet!
You immediately crawl your way back to your feet, surveying the surroundings. Albert has his hand on your back, a comforting presence. What can you do? Where did that thing come from? Should you just leave while Hilgovir and that thing tear at each other like wild animals?
A memory runs through your mind…
—
"So what can painting do for us?" You had asked Alastair that day, curious as to the applications of the seemingly innocent act. "I'm glad you asked." He said. "Those touched by the blessings of our Patron have a habit of.. summoning some of his angels, if you will."
"An angel?" You've never been particularly religious towards Tesrevan and his angels, so you had no reason to believe in that now.. nevertheless. You've been through a lot lately, so there's no point in questioning it, perhaps?
"Yes. Keep in mind that after you finish painting.. you're not as alone as you think you are."
His smile looks very sharp.
——
Oh, so it was true! Is that thing.. one of the Emperor's angels then? Surveying you out of curiosity for your talent.. dispatching threats to you.. well, in that case.. you have time to contemplate your options.
[X] Have Albert break down the door and run away while the Horror and Hilgovir are busy fighting
[X] Have Albert join the fight while you find a way to escape
[X] Write-in
You rolled: (5, 1) + 4 = 10
Fail!
You take a deep breath.
What do you want to do? Hilgovir doesn't seem that bad, perhaps a simple chat is needed to smoothen the edges between you two? You're not very good at direct confrontations either.. and you're not sure if Albert can beat this man. He was pretty large and built himself, and he certainly has occult patrons backing him up.
So you need to talk. You need to get yourself out of this situation somehow.
"Listen to me. Why did you set that building on fire?" You ask. He simply turns his gaze to you, and you feel like you're being seared alive under the pressure of that gaze. So.. powerful. "I simply despised what they were doing, profiting off the pain of others like that." He says. "So when nobody was there.. I took a few drops of Toadfire and doused the entire place in flames. That's all."
"Well, you did a pretty sloppy job of hiding it. Mary saw everything." He shrugs. "Always knew that girl was gonna be the death of me. Sticks her nose where it doesn't belong.. always in the wrong place at the wrong time." His expression morphs into a fond smile.. before it turns to you and hardens. He stands up from his spot.. and walks around the table to a secluded corner of his workshop. When he comes back, he's dragging something.
A sledgehammer.
He advances towards you menacingly and slowly, his voice tranquil and calm: "I'm sloppy, that's true. But I plan on amending my mistakes." His eyes gleam with something.. something resembling sadness, perhaps? "It's nothing personal, but please don't tell me that you believed peace would be possible. You knew what you were doing when you came here."
Albert steps in front of you, withdrawing a set of brass knuckles from his pockets. His expression is blank, conveying absolutely nothing like usual.
That being said.. you're not sure what you can do right now. You feel like punching yourself for being so stupid. What did you expect to do in confronting him like this? Think, Evangeline, think! Can Albert beat him? You can't die here, you can't! Not before the Emperor reforges the world into something better..
Something gleams in the corner of your eye.
The world exploded into a whirlwind of violence, of steel and teeth. You're knocked onto your back, and it knocks the wind out of you. You wheeze in agony before looking up at..
It was something. You can't describe it. It was a chaotic mass of sharp limbs and colorful maws, a formless, amorphous shape of painted spider limbs and fanged mouths covering it's shapeless body. It was a being so beyond comprehension that describing it felt like an exercise in futility. It screeched angrily, latching onto Hilgovir's body and nipping it with fangs. Hilgovir grunts, drops his sledgehammer, and promptly wrangles it away from his body with his bare hands as it viciously attempts to rip his face off.
Combat!
Lesser Horror rolls.. 2 for initiative
Hilgovir rolls… 20 for initiative!
Evangeline and Albert have not joined combat yet!
You immediately crawl your way back to your feet, surveying the surroundings. Albert has his hand on your back, a comforting presence. What can you do? Where did that thing come from? Should you just leave while Hilgovir and that thing tear at each other like wild animals?
A memory runs through your mind…
—
"So what can painting do for us?" You had asked Alastair that day, curious as to the applications of the seemingly innocent act. "I'm glad you asked." He said. "Those touched by the blessings of our Patron have a habit of.. summoning some of his angels, if you will."
"An angel?" You've never been particularly religious towards Tesrevan and his angels, so you had no reason to believe in that now.. nevertheless. You've been through a lot lately, so there's no point in questioning it, perhaps?
"Yes. Keep in mind that after you finish painting.. you're not as alone as you think you are."
His smile looks very sharp.
——
Oh, so it was true! Is that thing.. one of the Emperor's angels then? Surveying you out of curiosity for your talent.. dispatching threats to you.. well, in that case.. you have time to contemplate your options.
[X] Have Albert break down the door and run away while the Horror and Hilgovir are busy fighting
[X] Have Albert join the fight while you find a way to escape
[X] Write-in
- Location
- Bologna
Oho! We need to cultivate this angel of ours, an invisible and devoted protector would be an amazing asset!
I say we stay and conclude the fight, if possible, raiding a fellow occultists home should prove quite fruitful, even if they don't follow the same principles..
Also, if we stay we know the outcome and can hide traces of our presence afterwards.
[X] Have Albert join the fight while you find a way to assist them
I say we stay and conclude the fight, if possible, raiding a fellow occultists home should prove quite fruitful, even if they don't follow the same principles..
Also, if we stay we know the outcome and can hide traces of our presence afterwards.
[X] Have Albert join the fight while you find a way to assist them
Last edited:
[X] Have Albert break down the door and run away while the Horror and Hilgovir are busy fighting
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Voting closed.
Disappearance
chickenbouillon
Purveyor of the Eldritch
- Pronouns
- He/Him
As the sound of battle intensifies, you turn to the door. You scream at Albert: "Albert! The door!" He turns to you with a nod, and rushes at it. He kicks it as hard as possible, and it shudders but does not budge an inch. He grunts, perhaps one of the only times you have heard him express frustration.. and your eyes turn to the windows instead.
Hilgovir's screams and the Angel's violent thrashing are only getting louder, so as quickly as possible you take a nearby chair and hurl it at the window. Cracks form, but it doesn't shatter immediately. Undeterred, you smash it again and again until it gives way. Albert immediately helps you climb out of the window.
You climb out as quickly as possible and notice that people nearby are starting to wake up and check what all the commotion is about. That's not good. You help Albert climb out the window as quickly as possible, hoping the darkness will shield you from their prying gaze for a scant few seconds.
As soon as Albert's feet touch the ground, you grab him by the hand and rush away as quickly as possible. Leaving behind the sounds of the commotion and chatter behind you.
There is no doubt that they will be coming soon.
———————————————————————
Things.. went by quickly after that.
Hilgovir disappeared into the night, no doubt licking his wounds, and you have no doubt that the Inspectorate have slaughtered the angel already. That just leaves you.. feeling surprisingly unsafe actually, so you consult Alistair on if this will have lasting repercussions for you.
"Worry not, my dear." He says. "The worshippers of the Flame are particularly self righteous, but they eschew vengeance in favor of pure, focused calmness. You have blackened their eyes, and they shall be.. occupied on other things."
Well.. that made you feel.. not much better. But you do hope he's right. Before you can say anything, he speaks again. "You're proving to be rather competent so far, my dear." He says, smiling at you with a white toothed grin. "Competent enough that I think you will do well."
You know what he means: he's using you as a sort of wrecking ball to toss at the other.. groups. It frustrates you to be viewed as a tool, but you'll do anything to fulfill her vision of the world and bring the Emperor's glory to this festering world.
So.. what do you do now?
———————————————————————
Missions:
You may only select one:
-[] Sunset Serenity
The Sunset Serenity is an esteemed hotel located in District 44, it is famed for its pleasant staff, quality service, and lovely decor. After all you have been through, why not relax yourself for a bit? Oh, and do bring Albert along. The poor dear deserves it.
Alistair: Perhaps it'll do you some good to relax my dear. But do be careful, this hotel has teeth. If you do not pay attention, it shall swallow you whole and spit you out.
-A simple relaxing mission.. or is it?
-Encounter with ???? and ????
-Unlock actions to deal with ????
-[] A Party To Remember
Alistair has briefed you all about Zirfalides. An eldritch serpent with infinite heads who promises power to the hungry.. at the cost of them ending up as its meal. Worryingly enough however.. its worshippers seem to have reached an accord with it, and more worryingly, they're interested in you.
Alistair: Ah! That canny old serpent's followers are unpleasant indeed. I personally dislike being around them more than what is absolutely necessary, but perhaps this shall be an interesting proposition for you! Sneak deep within their rotten innards and try to find whatever information you can.
-Encounter with The Society of Serpents
-Gain access to funds. Lots and lots of them.
-[] Cat Got Your Tongue?
Cats. Enough said. Love them. Cherish them. And you might be blessed by their master. The Alleycats are quite needy after all.
Alistair: Ooh! Fluffy!
-Encounter with ?????
-Combat is unlikely unless you are very rude!
-Chance of alliance with ?????
-The Alleys will welcome you should you choose this mission.
-[] Chase Down Hilgovir
Hilgovir escaped into the night. You cannot leave this be, can you? You must verify for yourself about his whereabouts.. and if necessary.. silence him permanently.
Alistair: I personally do not see the merit of chasing after this man.. but I won't question you if this is what you decide to do.
-Encounter with Hilgovir.
-He won't be happy to see you.
-Chance of throwing the Inspectorate off your trail.
——————————————————————
AVAILABLE ACTIONS:
You have four action points this turn.
[X] Gossip with your Associates
It is within your interest to keep yourself informed of everything that goes on in this wretched hive of scum and villainy. And one must not underestimate how well informed a bunch of nosy high society ladies can be when they are bored. (Chance to unlock a plotline)
[X] Engage in self improvement.
Self improvement is essential to reach higher places in life. If you are to advance anywhere, you must look inward first and foremost (Chance to train a random stat)
[X] Do research about your patron
The Emperor of a Thousand Colors, The Ruler of Canvases, The Thousand Stained Star. You know so little about it even after being introduced to The Society. This will not stand. (You know a bit more now, but it is not enough.)
[X] Take a stroll
You need a break. Forget all about your existential crises and all your doubts. Just take a walk. Smell the air around you. Go do it. Now. (???)
[X] Create a work of art for the Painted Monarch
It's not a hidden fact whatsoever that your antediluvian benefactor has a particular enjoyment for art. Perhaps if you do something to attract its attention.. it shall reward you handsomely. (Chance to gain a random boon)
[X] Study a spell with Alastair
What's the point in joining a cult if you're not gonna be able to gain illegal spells? Rectify this immediately. (Gain a minor or major spell depending on your degree of success.)
[X] Scout for new talent
You shall travel around the city to find an artist willing to die for the sake of their art. Literally. And then.. you shall judge if they are worthy or not. (Opportunity to gain a new recruit)
[X] Kidnap someone
You don't particularly like the idea of doing this.. but Alastair says it's necessary, and this might be an opportunity to get in his good graces. (Almost certain combat encounters.)
[X] Study rituals with Alastair
The curses of the Painted Emperor are potent and versatile. If you want to, you can truly master their craft. (Gain access to minor or major ritual depending on the degree of success)
[X] Improve your reputation
Attend parties. Perform charity for the poor. Ingratiate yourselves within the good grace of others. If you do so.. well, let's just say that the facade of a saint will do a lot to get you out of trouble. It's not like you don't enjoy the act itself anyway (Chance to gain a Scrap of Goodwill)
[X] Plan Name: Delightful Eggs Gent
[X] Mission
[X] Action 1
[X] Action 2
[X] Action 3
[X] Action 4
Hilgovir's screams and the Angel's violent thrashing are only getting louder, so as quickly as possible you take a nearby chair and hurl it at the window. Cracks form, but it doesn't shatter immediately. Undeterred, you smash it again and again until it gives way. Albert immediately helps you climb out of the window.
You climb out as quickly as possible and notice that people nearby are starting to wake up and check what all the commotion is about. That's not good. You help Albert climb out the window as quickly as possible, hoping the darkness will shield you from their prying gaze for a scant few seconds.
As soon as Albert's feet touch the ground, you grab him by the hand and rush away as quickly as possible. Leaving behind the sounds of the commotion and chatter behind you.
There is no doubt that they will be coming soon.
———————————————————————
Things.. went by quickly after that.
Hilgovir disappeared into the night, no doubt licking his wounds, and you have no doubt that the Inspectorate have slaughtered the angel already. That just leaves you.. feeling surprisingly unsafe actually, so you consult Alistair on if this will have lasting repercussions for you.
"Worry not, my dear." He says. "The worshippers of the Flame are particularly self righteous, but they eschew vengeance in favor of pure, focused calmness. You have blackened their eyes, and they shall be.. occupied on other things."
Well.. that made you feel.. not much better. But you do hope he's right. Before you can say anything, he speaks again. "You're proving to be rather competent so far, my dear." He says, smiling at you with a white toothed grin. "Competent enough that I think you will do well."
You know what he means: he's using you as a sort of wrecking ball to toss at the other.. groups. It frustrates you to be viewed as a tool, but you'll do anything to fulfill her vision of the world and bring the Emperor's glory to this festering world.
So.. what do you do now?
———————————————————————
Missions:
You may only select one:
-[] Sunset Serenity
The Sunset Serenity is an esteemed hotel located in District 44, it is famed for its pleasant staff, quality service, and lovely decor. After all you have been through, why not relax yourself for a bit? Oh, and do bring Albert along. The poor dear deserves it.
Alistair: Perhaps it'll do you some good to relax my dear. But do be careful, this hotel has teeth. If you do not pay attention, it shall swallow you whole and spit you out.
-A simple relaxing mission.. or is it?
-Encounter with ???? and ????
-Unlock actions to deal with ????
-[] A Party To Remember
Alistair has briefed you all about Zirfalides. An eldritch serpent with infinite heads who promises power to the hungry.. at the cost of them ending up as its meal. Worryingly enough however.. its worshippers seem to have reached an accord with it, and more worryingly, they're interested in you.
Alistair: Ah! That canny old serpent's followers are unpleasant indeed. I personally dislike being around them more than what is absolutely necessary, but perhaps this shall be an interesting proposition for you! Sneak deep within their rotten innards and try to find whatever information you can.
-Encounter with The Society of Serpents
-Gain access to funds. Lots and lots of them.
-[] Cat Got Your Tongue?
Cats. Enough said. Love them. Cherish them. And you might be blessed by their master. The Alleycats are quite needy after all.
Alistair: Ooh! Fluffy!
-Encounter with ?????
-Combat is unlikely unless you are very rude!
-Chance of alliance with ?????
-The Alleys will welcome you should you choose this mission.
-[] Chase Down Hilgovir
Hilgovir escaped into the night. You cannot leave this be, can you? You must verify for yourself about his whereabouts.. and if necessary.. silence him permanently.
Alistair: I personally do not see the merit of chasing after this man.. but I won't question you if this is what you decide to do.
-Encounter with Hilgovir.
-He won't be happy to see you.
-Chance of throwing the Inspectorate off your trail.
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AVAILABLE ACTIONS:
You have four action points this turn.
[X] Gossip with your Associates
It is within your interest to keep yourself informed of everything that goes on in this wretched hive of scum and villainy. And one must not underestimate how well informed a bunch of nosy high society ladies can be when they are bored. (Chance to unlock a plotline)
[X] Engage in self improvement.
Self improvement is essential to reach higher places in life. If you are to advance anywhere, you must look inward first and foremost (Chance to train a random stat)
[X] Do research about your patron
The Emperor of a Thousand Colors, The Ruler of Canvases, The Thousand Stained Star. You know so little about it even after being introduced to The Society. This will not stand. (You know a bit more now, but it is not enough.)
[X] Take a stroll
You need a break. Forget all about your existential crises and all your doubts. Just take a walk. Smell the air around you. Go do it. Now. (???)
[X] Create a work of art for the Painted Monarch
It's not a hidden fact whatsoever that your antediluvian benefactor has a particular enjoyment for art. Perhaps if you do something to attract its attention.. it shall reward you handsomely. (Chance to gain a random boon)
[X] Study a spell with Alastair
What's the point in joining a cult if you're not gonna be able to gain illegal spells? Rectify this immediately. (Gain a minor or major spell depending on your degree of success.)
[X] Scout for new talent
You shall travel around the city to find an artist willing to die for the sake of their art. Literally. And then.. you shall judge if they are worthy or not. (Opportunity to gain a new recruit)
[X] Kidnap someone
You don't particularly like the idea of doing this.. but Alastair says it's necessary, and this might be an opportunity to get in his good graces. (Almost certain combat encounters.)
[X] Study rituals with Alastair
The curses of the Painted Emperor are potent and versatile. If you want to, you can truly master their craft. (Gain access to minor or major ritual depending on the degree of success)
[X] Improve your reputation
Attend parties. Perform charity for the poor. Ingratiate yourselves within the good grace of others. If you do so.. well, let's just say that the facade of a saint will do a lot to get you out of trouble. It's not like you don't enjoy the act itself anyway (Chance to gain a Scrap of Goodwill)
[X] Plan Name: Delightful Eggs Gent
[X] Mission
[X] Action 1
[X] Action 2
[X] Action 3
[X] Action 4
[X] Plan: (Evil) ladies need kittens
-[X] Cat Got Your Tongue?
-[X] Improve your reputation
-[X] Create a work of art for the Painted Monarch
-[X] Engage in self improvement.
-[X] Study a spell with Alastair
-[X] Cat Got Your Tongue?
-[X] Improve your reputation
-[X] Create a work of art for the Painted Monarch
-[X] Engage in self improvement.
-[X] Study a spell with Alastair
- Location
- Bologna
Ah, I agree with the rest of the plan, going deeper into the mysteries of our patron seems to be the best way to gain power and improve our chances, but why the alleycats, if I may ask? I would have rather said that the Serpent God party should play to our strengths (social stuff), and given us more resources than whatever alleycats upside is.
Fluffy!
Also we are already rich, not so much as to not care about money at all but rich enough.
Alletcats can be a source of information we wouldn't have a possible access to like for example a talented murale artists and street art in general.
Painted monarch seems like a type to like art of tortured starving artists.
Also I do not trust serpents, he sticks of tzeentch-like behavior