Earth Bet: House of the Sun (Cultist Simulator/Worm)

Witherbrine26 · Nov 18, 2024

You stepped out of your car and instinctively adjusted your tie, the crisp air biting slightly as you straightened your jacket. A sudden meeting of the cult was rarely a good sign, especially with an Endbringer attack predicted to occur sometime this month. It wasn't a certainty, of course, but the three-month pattern had held steady for as long as anyone could remember. That looming possibility weighed heavily on your mind as you approached the bar.

The place was empty, a stark contrast to its usual low hum of background noise. Jane was behind the counter, her usual infectious grin in place as she teased Anatoly, whose stony face remained unreadable. She caught sight of you entering and waved you over a little too cheerfully for the circumstances.

"And the spooky man arrives!" Jane crowed, raising a glass of water like it was a celebratory shot. Predictably, the water sloshed over the rim and splashed onto the counter, earning a frown from Anatoly as he wiped it up with his ever-present small towel.

"Greetings. This is a sudden meeting," you noted, taking a seat at the counter, keeping your hands far from Jane's increasingly wet counter.

"It sure is, Captain Obvious," Jane snarked, hopping from her stool to the one next to you, her drink somehow managing to stay intact as she leaned on your shoulder. "So, what do you think's got the Master all yappin' today?" she asked, her voice flippant as usual, though you caught the faint tremor beneath her words. It was always there, hidden just under her irreverent tone.

"Most likely the upcoming attack," you replied dryly, causing a visible wince among your fellow cult members. Nobody liked talking about Endbringers. It was a morbid topic.

"That's a morbid topic to bring up," a soft voice cut in, making you flinch slightly. You turned your head slowly to see Ai seated beside you. She had appeared so silently, her presence nearly invisible until she spoke. Jane, on the other hand, fell off her stool with a dramatic thud, groaning exaggeratedly on the floor.

You glanced down at Jane, quickly assessing that she wasn't hurt, just playing it up. Shifting your focus back to Ai, you saw a very slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Perhaps," you conceded, "but it's a valid concern."

Ai shrugged, sipping from her glass, clearly unbothered by the conversation. You knew better than to press the issue, and instead, you settled into a patient silence, waiting for the others to arrive.

It wasn't long before Arch strolled in, waving as he made his way toward the bar. He gave you an almost hesitant pat on the shoulder, his touch lighter than usual. You nodded in greeting, grateful that your shoulder had healed enough for it not to matter.

"Afternoon. How's it going?" Arch asked, stepping over Jane's prone form as she sprang back to life, causing him to stumble and catch himself on the counter. He shot her an annoyed glare, but Jane just laughed, settling back into her seat with a smirk as she downed her drink.

"Acceptable," you replied evenly.

"Boring," Jane chimed in, rolling her eyes. "Just waiting for the pants-wetting terror from the little slip upstairs," she added with a grin, making the rest of the group exchange weary glances. Jane's quirks had long since become part of the group's dynamic, even if they sometimes frayed nerves.

Anatoly, who had been quietly wiping down the counter, suddenly stopped, his head tilting slightly. "Come. The meeting starts now," he announced, already heading toward the stairs that led to the upper room.

You all followed him, climbing the stairs into the meeting space where the Master waited. As you entered, you noticed her posture—more sedate than usual. That nagging sense you'd had the last time you saw her, the one where her presence didn't feel quite as overwhelming, returned. She wasn't as terrifying as she once was, but that didn't stop the faint tingle of fear from creeping along your spine. The power she wielded was still there, even if it had dimmed slightly.

The Master turned from the window, her gaze sweeping over the room as everyone took their seats in a loose circle. She began pacing, her steps slow and deliberate, and though she wasn't as overtly fearsome, the tension in the room thickened with each passing second.

"An Endbringer will attack soon," she said, her voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight. The words hung in the air, grim but expected. The possibility of an Endbringer attack was always there, looming like a dark cloud, but hearing it confirmed still sent a ripple of unease through the group.

"We are moving too slowly," she growled, her voice deepening in frustration. The warning bells in your mind rang louder as her pacing quickened. "Doors are closing, and we must act faster," she continued, her voice rising with urgency, though not quite reaching a shout. Still, the intensity in her tone was enough to make your skin prickle.

"Jane," she snapped, turning to the woman beside you, "I expect our members ready. Induct them in the basics of rituals."

Jane nodded, her usual bravado faltering for just a moment under the Master's gaze.

"Ai, the mayor must be under your thrall. No exceptions," she ordered, her tone brooking no disobedience. Ai blinked once, a slow, deliberate acknowledgment that seemed to satisfy the Master.

She prowled behind Arch next, her presence looming as she spoke. "You will understand a ritual. I will personally teach you," she said, her words laced with a strange intensity. Arch nodded, though you noticed the slight tremor in his hands as he gripped his knees.

"Anatoly," she said, turning to the stoic man, "find us a place. Make sure no one is watching."

Anatoly nodded, his face as impassive as ever, like it had been carved from stone.

Then the Master approached you, her steps silent but the air around her crackling with tension. You felt your muscles tighten involuntarily as she neared, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Michael," she growled into your ear, her voice low and predatory. "Look into how their durability works. Have men ready to fight."

You nodded stiffly, your throat dry, unwilling to trust your voice to respond. The Master lingered for a moment longer, her presence pressing down on you before she turned away, her gaze drifting back to the window and the midday sun outside.

"Dismissed," she said with a casual wave of her hand, and the group quickly filed out, moving with purpose but not quite fleeing from her presence.

"Well..." Jane began, trailing off as she struggled to find the right words for the tension hanging in the air.

"I... I'm heading home. Got some research to do," Arch stammered, clearly still shaken as he hurried down the stairs. You followed after him, keeping pace as he made his way to the parking lot.

"Get some rest," you advised, your tone steady but offering a quiet reassurance.

Arch gave you a weak smile. "Thanks. It's just... a lot, you know?"

"Yes, but you are talented," you replied, watching as some of the tension left his shoulders.

"I hope so," he muttered before shaking his head, offering a brief pat on your arm. "You get some rest, too, alright?"

"I will."

"Good," Arch said before climbing into his car. You watched him drive away, standing alone for a moment before turning back to your own vehicle.

It was going to be a busy month.

Please observe a one hour moratorium before voting

Vote by plan

You have 3 months until the cult reconvenes, it would be a very good idea for you to have gained at least some understanding of Endbringer durability and some form of combatants are ready.

Possible Actions: You have 4 Actions each month, more can be gained by spending less time at work.

Current Funds: 444
Income: 100 Funds/Month

[] On work and the challenges it entails.
-[] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[] You've got sick days, use them (Gain one extra action, will be noticed by your direct superior, and you will likely be called out on it.)
-[] Something has come up and you'll be out of the office for a week (Gain two extra actions, will be noticed by the Director although the response is not known)
-[] You can't even step foot in the office this month (Gain three extra actions, you will be demanded to explain yourself.)

[] 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
-[] 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 (No suspicion)
-[] Ask around, start seeing what folks know (No suspicion)
-[] Dig into the files, take a peek at confidential information (Major suspicion)
-[] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No 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)
--[] The manuscript on Forge (You will gain 1 scrap of Forge)
--[] The manuscript on Secret Histories (You will gain 1 scrap of Secret Histories)
-[] 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

[] 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)

Witherbrine26 · Nov 19, 2024

Winning Vote:
[X] Plan: Knowing is Half the Battle
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Keep an eye open and stay on guard (This will make it harder for Alicja to assault, spy on you, etc)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Build up the loyalty of the cult, ensure they'll listen to you if need be
-[X] On Rites, Rituals, and the Things between
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail)

Scheduled vote count started by Witherbrine26 on Nov 18, 2024 at 6:18 PM, finished with 34 posts and 18 votes.

8 people have voted
[X] Plan: Knowing is Half the Battle
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Keep an eye open and stay on guard (This will make it harder for Alicja to assault, spy on you, etc)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Build up the loyalty of the cult, ensure they'll listen to you if need be
-[X] On Rites, Rituals, and the Things between
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail)
- Some_guy_161
- thewhiteraven22
- Theia
- ScribeTransient
- POTDL
- HeWhoLurks
- LostOne
- IronBig21
6 people have voted
[X] Plan: Tasks And Loyalty
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Build up the loyalty of the cult, ensure they'll listen to you if need be
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task
---[X] Arch, the Loremaster
----[X] Arch could use some money for items he may find (200 funds, buy whatever artifact he finds useful, does not cost an Action)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
--[X] Ask around, start seeing what folks know (No suspicion)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail)
4 people have voted
[X] Plan: Knowing is Half the Battle - ARTIFACT
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Keep an eye open and stay on guard (This will make it harder for Alicja to assault, spy on you, etc)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Build up the loyalty of the cult, ensure they'll listen to you if need be
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task
---[X] Arch, the Loremaster
----[X] Arch could use some money for items he may find (200, something contradictory)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals, and the Things between
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail)
2 people have voted
[X] Plan Eyes on the Prize
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task
---[X] Arch, the Loremaster
----[X] Arch could use some money for items he may find (200 funds, ask for an artifact used to find others if possible)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)
- OatmealOatmeal
- blankmask
1 people have voted
[X] Plan: Alicja must die
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
---[X] Arch, the Loremaster
----[X] Arch could use some money for items he may find (200 Funds)
---[X] Who? (Camouflage clothing)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)
- H2F2

Witherbrine26 · Nov 19, 2024

[X] Plan: Knowing is Half the Battle
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Keep an eye open and stay on guard (This will make it harder for Alicja to assault, spy on you, etc)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Build up the loyalty of the cult, ensure they'll listen to you if need be
-[X] On Rites, Rituals, and the Things between
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail)

You were woken up in the dead of night by the wail of a siren, a piercing burst of sound that seemed to crawl into your bones and yank you from sleep. Heart pounding, you stumbled out of bed, reaching blindly for your phone on the nightstand. The screen glowed in the darkness, and as your eyes adjusted, a notification flashed—a stark, urgent message like an earthquake alarm, only far worse.

Leviathan attacks Saint Petersburg!

Your breath caught. The words were simple, but the weight of them hit like a freight train. Leviathan, the relentless, tidal force of destruction, was making landfall again.

Your phone buzzed in your hand, jolting you further awake. You didn't even look at the caller ID. You knew who it was. You answered, already moving, shoving yourself into the nearest clothes as you pressed the phone to your ear.

"I'm on my way; I'll be there in forty minutes," you said, not bothering with pleasantries. You didn't have to. Carol, as always, understood. She didn't respond, and you didn't wait for her to. You hung up, grabbed your jacket, and darted out the door.

There was no time for brushing your teeth or grabbing anything extra. Just the essentials. Every second mattered now. You were still shaking off sleep, your mind trying to catch up with the urgency of it all as you sped down the street, the city around you eerily quiet in contrast to the chaos happening elsewhere.

The drive was tense. There had only been the single siren earlier, which meant Leviathan wasn't attacking your city—but that didn't mean you could relax. The roads were empty, not clogged with panicked evacuees, but the silence was almost worse. It felt like the world was holding its breath. You kept your hands tight on the wheel, your eyes flicking between the road and the clock as the minutes dragged by, agonizingly slow.

After what felt like an eternity, you pulled into the headquarters, your tires screeching slightly as you parked. You could already feel the weight of the days to come pressing down on you as you strode through the entrance. The lights inside were dim, and the building was mostly quiet, save for a handful of agents milling around, talking in hushed tones. No capes in sight, but you knew they'd been here. You could feel the leftover tension in the air.

Carol was behind the front desk. She'd commandeered the spot, typing away at the computer with the same efficiency she handled everything else. As soon as she saw you, she looked up, acknowledging your arrival with a curt nod.

"Good to see you've arrived," she said, her voice calm but brisk. "You know the protocol. Make sure people's heads stay down, and make sure any criminal out there thinks twice before trying anything."

You nodded sharply, already knowing the drill. Every time an Endbringer struck, the cities not under direct assault went into lockdown mode. The chaos wasn't just in the destruction zone; it rippled out, shaking the foundation of society everywhere else. You headed toward the barracks and armory, mentally running through the list of tasks you needed to handle. Get your men, get the supplies, and put up a strong show of force.

There was always the risk that some villains would take advantage of the situation, thinking they could get away with more while the world's eyes were focused elsewhere. A lot of them kept their heads down during an Endbringer attack, but some—some liked to test their luck. You weren't going to let that happen here. Not on your watch.

It was going to be a long few days. No one ever slept much when the Endbringers were on the move. You were already steeling yourself for the exhaustion, the grind of keeping everything together while the world teetered on the edge of collapse. But this was your job.

As you suited up and prepared to face whatever the next hours would bring, you couldn't help but think of Saint Petersburg. Of the people there, huddling in shelters, hoping they'd make it through the night, of the capes fighting the impossible fight. You didn't know what it would look like when the dust settled, but you knew one thing for certain—it was going to be a nightmare.

And all you could do was make sure your own streets were safe.

The fight hadn't gone too bad—or at least, that was the word going around. Endbringer fights never went well, not really, but this one hadn't been the catastrophe it could've been. Less devastation and fewer casualties than the worst of them. But still, you could feel the heavy weight of exhaustion in the air.

You stayed behind after most of the chaos had settled, hanging around to ask some questions. Not the heavy, probing kind, but the type that might make people shift uncomfortably in their seats. The kind of questions that seemed harmless enough but felt wrong so soon after surviving the unspeakable. You needed to know, though, and so you asked.

[Asking the Heroes: DC 60/110]

[Roll: 38+9(Diplomacy)+10(GRAIL)+10(Attention of the Laws) = 67]

Your eyes drifted across the room, landing on Eidolon slumped in a chair, his costume shredded and his whole posture sagging with exhaustion. He wasn't moving, wasn't even making an effort to pretend to be fine. He just sat there, radiating a strange mix of fatigue and... something else. You couldn't quite place it, but being around him set your teeth on edge. It was a visceral feeling, like revulsion bubbling up from somewhere deep inside. Something about him pinged as wrong, and you weren't keen to test that hunch, so you moved on.

Dispatch was nearby, sitting against a wall with his tank set aside, sipping from a water bottle. He wasn't injured, not in the way you'd expect from an Endbringer fight, but nobody walked away from those battles unscathed, no matter how clean their armor looked. He gave you a half-smile when he noticed you approaching.

"Hey," he greeted you with a crooked smirk. "You wouldn't believe how nasty water can get."

You could tell it was mostly a front. Sure, he was probably fine physically, but the strain was there, hiding just under the surface. You didn't push it, though. You'd seen enough of these post-battle facades to know when someone wasn't in the mood for a deep dive.

"I can believe it," you replied, taking a seat next to him. You'd seen your fair share of nasty water in your time—water could carry life, but it could just as easily carry death. Most of the time, this was due to disease, not the way Levithan wielded it.

"How was the fight?" you asked, keeping your tone light and non-intrusive. You didn't want to seem too pushy, even though you were.

Dispatch exhaled, his smirk faltering. "Rough," he said after a moment. "Managed to clip the bastard, but he broke my back."

You glanced at his back, noticing now how he was sitting stiffly, gingerly. Probably a healer's work patching him up, but that kind of injury didn't just disappear because someone slapped some powers on it.

"You clipped him?" you echoed, raising an eyebrow. That was new.

He nodded, rolling his wrist as if trying to shake off the memory. "Yeah, set up my field near him—just trying to block him off, slow him down. It got his leg, tore a chunk out when I dropped it. The bastard bled everywhere." He chuckled, though it lacked any real humor. "That's when he broke my back. Hit me with his tail. Sent me flying."

You filed that piece of information away. Time distortion could wound an Endbringer. Noted.

You reached out, patting him on the shoulder. His smirk crumbled a little at the edges, betraying the weariness he'd been trying to cover up.

"Well, thanks for sharing," you said, rising to your feet. But as you turned to leave, Dispatch grabbed your wrist, pulling you back down onto the bench.

"Hold up. Why are you asking all these questions?"

There was a brief pause as you considered your answer. A lie wouldn't work here, but the full truth? Too much. So you settled on something in between.

"I'm trying to learn more," you admitted, keeping your voice steady. "Figure out how to kill them, if that's even possible."

For a second, Dispatch stared at you. Then he laughed—a sharp, almost bitter sound. He clapped you on the shoulder, shaking his head. "Don't take this the wrong way, but Thinkers much smarter than you or I have been trying to crack that puzzle for years," he said, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "Don't hold your breath."

His laughter grated at you and stoked a tiny ember of annoyance deep inside. Six months of research, digging into the minutiae of Endbringer fights, and he was laughing at your efforts? You held back the frustration, though. You were used to people like him.

Instead of arguing, you just gave him a curt nod, stone-faced, and stood up again. You had more heroes to talk to and more threads to tug at. There was still information to be found, and you'd be learning all that you could from them.

You've learned something about Endbringers, how time or spatial warping attacks are the only practical way to harm them, and how sometimes, for just a moment, they'll react much more harshly to those that have harmed them, a far cry from the mere beasts they pretend to be.

Witherbrine26 · Nov 21, 2024

[X] Plan: Knowing is Half the Battle
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] Leviathan has drowned Saint Petersburg, all hands on deck! (Lose one action this turn. +20 Funds this month. Default pick)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Keep an eye open and stay on guard (This will make it harder for Alicja to assault, spy on you, etc)
-[X] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
--[X] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Build up the loyalty of the cult, ensure they'll listen to you if need be
-[X] On Rites, Rituals, and the Things between
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail)

Your home wasn't what you'd call a fortress—far from it. It wasn't unsafe in the sense that anyone who walked through the door would be immediately in danger, but it wasn't well-defended either. You were used to better security, layers of protection that went beyond just locking the doors. Traps, alarms—things you couldn't exactly set up without drawing unwanted attention to your property. It left you feeling vulnerable, exposed in a way you hadn't felt in a long time now that Alicja was hunting you down.

And given that you had already tangled with Alicja once, you were especially on edge. After the exhausting post-Endbringer cleanup—though "cleanup" was a generous term given Houston hadn't been anywhere near the fight. You'd spent the last 24 hours straight on your feet. It was the kind of work that drained you physically and mentally, and though all you wanted was to crash and let your mind shut down, you couldn't afford to.

[Counter Espionage DC: 36/56]

[Roll: 43+8(Intrigue) = 51]

As you approached your front door, a prickle of awareness stopped you cold. Something wasn't right. It was subtle but enough to make you pause. There—on the stairs. A faint mark, barely noticeable unless you were specifically looking for it, but you knew for a fact no one else ever came by here. You made sure of that. You kept visitors to a minimum for your safety, and the thought that someone had been here while you were away set your pulse racing.

Your exhaustion vanished instantly as you stepped inside, sharp eyes scanning your surroundings. The house was eerily quiet, nothing obviously out of place, but that didn't calm your nerves. You moved quickly, hurrying from room to room, looking for any sign that something had been disturbed or that your space had been invaded. You hoped—foolishly—that it was just a simple burglary, some petty thief who'd picked the wrong house and would be swiftly dealt with by the police. But deep down, you knew better.

It wasn't until you returned to the porch, still on high alert, that you spotted it. A single, bright red hair caught in the cracks of the old wooden planks. The sight of it sent a chill through you. Alicja had been here.

You bent down, plucking the hair from between the boards and rolling it between your fingers, feeling the tension coil tighter in your chest. She was tracking you. The wound you'd inflicted on her before had clearly not slowed her down enough. If anything, it might have made her more determined.

You spent hours pacing around the perimeter of your house, searching for any sign of how she had gotten in or if she had left anything behind. She was skilled, and you were running on fumes, but you couldn't stop. Not until the sun began to set and darkness crept in, forcing you to call off the search for now. You'd found no clear answers, and that only made it worse.

Sitting at your kitchen table, you sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of your nose as a headache began to pulse behind your eyes. This was bad—very bad. If Alicja knew where you lived, you had no safe place to retreat to anymore. You had hoped the injury you'd dealt her would have bought you time and slowed her down long enough for you to come up with a plan, but clearly, that was wishful thinking.

You had to figure something out, and fast. An ambush at your home was the worst-case scenario for both you and her.

Alicja has been poking around and discovered your house, that much, you can tell. However, the finer details you didn't notice and any concrete evidence is beyond your sight.

Loyalty. It was such a funny word, wasn't it? A concept that, on the surface, seemed untouchable, unbreakable, like it was forged from iron. Something people clung to as if it were sacred, a truth that could never be questioned. But you, of all people, knew otherwise. You had seen it break before—no, you had broken it yourself. Back in Poland, many years ago, when you had turned against your leaders. That had been a different kind of betrayal, though. One born out of exhaustion, a deep weariness in your bones, and the simple desire to stop killing. It had been less about principle and more about wanting to atone—at least, that's how you had justified it to yourself.

But this? This was something else entirely. Now you were building something, and you needed people—people willing to fight, to stand by your side, not ones who followed the banner of the Cult alone. Convincing them, though, was an entirely different beast. Diplomacy had never been your strong suit; you weren't one for sweet words or charming persuasion. You knew that, and they did, too. You had already broken them of any illusions that you might be their friend or confidant. No, this was a different kind of diplomacy. You weren't here to woo them—you were here to bend them to your will.

[Building Loyalty: DC 20/60/80]

[Roll: 47+9(Diplomacy)+10(GRAIL) = 66]

"Hit me harder!" you barked at the man in front of you. His fist flew towards you faster than it had months ago, his movements more controlled, more precise. But still, not fast enough to truly harm you. With ease, you slapped his punch aside, though he didn't stop. He kept coming at you, punch after punch, driven by a fire you had lit in him. His skill was growing, you could see that, but you were still better, far better. And soon enough, his body gave out, collapsing to the ground in a heap of exhaustion. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, but there was a grin on his face—an undeniable sense of satisfaction.

"Good," you said, your voice softening slightly. It wasn't the kind of tone you'd use with a friend, but there was something more to it. An acknowledgment, perhaps, of his effort, of his growth. You weren't here to make friends, after all. However, a rapport could be built in other ways, such as through strength and mutual respect. In a way, you were breaking them, yes, but not completely—just enough to make them understand their place. You had to if you were going to make them loyal to you.

"Thank you," he gasped, dragging himself off towards the side to gulp down some water. You watched him, and for just a moment, you allowed a small smile to slip across your face. It was barely noticeable, just a twitch of the lips, but it was enough. Enough to show them that you recognized their progress, that they were growing stronger, growing closer to you. Not in friendship, no, but in something more valuable—loyalty.

It wasn't how you truly felt, of course. Even if you had the time or inclination to befriend them, you knew that wasn't the goal. Friendship was fleeting, but loyalty—true, unwavering loyalty—was priceless. A small, tightly knit group of people who would follow you anywhere and fight for you without question, that was what you needed. And so, as the smile faded from your face, your lips pressed into a thin line. You turned your attention to the next one, your eyes narrowing with focus.

"Come. Let's see how much you've learned," you said, your body shifting into a ready stance. The woman in front of you mirrored your movements, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. But it wasn't the kind of smile you expected—there was trust in her eyes, a glimmer of confidence. She believed in you, in what you were building, and in herself. She moved first, and you followed, your body a blur of motion.

The fight itself wasn't the point. The bonding was.

It's a small subversion but a subversion nonetheless. A handful of the martial adepts are willing to follow you. They still fear the Master, yet they are willing to slink under her gaze to follow your orders.

You can now bring Combatants on Short Expeditions.

Witherbrine26 · Nov 23, 2024

It was hard to rest, paranoia gnawing at the edges of your mind, rattling around like a restless ghost. You weren't the type to pace or let panic overtake you, but there was no denying the tight, coiling fear that had wrapped itself around your soul. Every sound, every creak in the house seemed amplified, a whisper of danger lurking just beyond the walls. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, forcing your thoughts to settle, to march forward with purpose. No sense in losing yourself to worry—there was work to be done.

Sitting at the table, you looked over the floor plans of your house, scanning for vulnerabilities, trying to think several steps ahead. Alicja wouldn't be sloppy, and you couldn't afford to be either. But as you were about to lose yourself in the blueprints, the doorbell rang. Your head snapped towards the stairs, a frown pulling at the corners of your lips. Rising from your chair, you moved towards the stairs, instincts kicking in as you grabbed your rifle and slipped out of the room, quietly closing the door behind you.

You crept toward the front door, muscles tense, ears straining for any sound that didn't belong. The rifle was held tight in your grip, ready. Carefully, you peered through the small sight in the door, allowing your eyes to ghost over the view. Seeing Arch standing there eased your tension—slightly. But you still glanced around through the peephole, double-checking that no one else was lurking out of sight.

Satisfied that he was alone, you slowly opened the door, lowering your rifle just out of his line of sight. You gave him a polite nod and stepped aside, letting him in before closing the door behind him.

"On edge?" Arch asked, a small smile tugging at his lips as the two of you made your way to the living room.

"A bit," you admitted, your tone casual though your mind was anything but. "You know how things have been this past month."

His smile faded at the mention, replaced with a solemn nod. The memory of the Endbringer attack weighed heavy on everyone, and you could see it in the way his shoulders stiffened.

"Indeed," he said with a sigh, pausing before he continued. "I'm going to be very busy this next month. I thought I'd stop by before that."

You raised an eyebrow, catching the hint of hesitation in his voice. "Why's that?"

"The Master is going to begin teaching me the ritual soon," he explained, his tone steady, but you could sense the nervous energy bubbling beneath the surface. "He's requested I take care of my affairs first."

Though Arch held himself straight, his eyes focused just past you, his usual calm exterior couldn't fully hide the anxiety. You'd known him long enough to recognize how his fingers twitched slightly in his lap.

"You'll do fine," you reassured him, offering a faint smile. "You're smart. You've prepared for this."

His lips twitched upward in a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," he said softly, leaning back just a little. "I just thought I'd let you know."

You couldn't help but notice the unspoken weight in his words. He could've just called or sent a message but came here in person. You gave his shoulder a light pat, sensing his need for reassurance.

"Can I get you something to drink?" you asked, easing the tension in the room. He smiled faintly.

"Tea would be nice."

You busied yourself in the kitchen for a few moments, letting the warmth of routine calm your own nerves as much as his. When you returned with the tea, the two of you settled into conversation, spending the next few hours talking about anything but the ritual. It seemed Arch just needed to be around someone who knew him, someone who could share the quiet burden of his anxiety without judgment.

You didn't mind. It was part of being friends, after all, and if anyone could understand the pressure of preparation, it was you.

Eventually, he had to leave, and you walked him to the door, offering him a reassuring smile and a wave as he stepped outside. Once the door was closed behind him, you leaned against it for a moment, collecting your thoughts. Arch had his own challenges ahead, but so did you. Alicja wasn't the type to sit idly by, and you couldn't afford to let your guard down.

With a sigh, you headed upstairs, rifle still in hand. There was more to plan, more work to be done. Neither you nor Alicja were going to rest anytime soon.

Please observe a one hour moratorium before voting

Vote by plan

You have 2 months until the cult reconvenes, it would be a very good idea for you to have gained at least some understanding of Endbringer durability and some form of combatants are ready.

Possible Actions: You have 4 Actions each month, more can be gained by spending less time at work.

Current Funds: 564
Income: 100 Funds/Month

[] On work and the challenges it entails.
-[] 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)
-[] You've got sick days, use them (Gain two extra actions, will be noticed by your direct superior, although the full extent is unknown.)
-[] 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)
-[] You can't even step foot in the office this month (Gain four extra actions, you will be called out on this)

[] 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)
-[] Set up defenses and traps around your house
-[] 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
-[] 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 (No suspicion)
-[] Ask around, start seeing what folks know (No suspicion)
-[] Dig into the files, take a peek at confidential information (Major suspicion)
-[] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No 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 busy this month
~~---[] 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 is busy this month
~~---[] 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)~~ Arch is busy this month
--[] 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)
--[] The manuscript on Forge (You will gain 1 scrap of Forge)
--[] The manuscript on Secret Histories (You will gain 1 scrap of Secret Histories)
-[] 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

[] 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)

Witherbrine26 · Nov 25, 2024

Winning Plan:
[X] Plan: Steady Development
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
---[X] Take the combatants trained in Edge with us.
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task (Ai Hayashi)
-[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
---[X] The manuscript on Lantern (You will gain 1 scrap of Lantern)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)

Scheduled vote count started by Witherbrine26 on Nov 23, 2024 at 7:07 PM, finished with 55 posts and 15 votes.

6 people have voted
[X] Plan: Steady Development
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
---[X] Take the combatants trained in Edge with us.
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task (Ai Hayashi)
-[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
---[X] The manuscript on Lantern (You will gain 1 scrap of Lantern)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)
5 people have voted
[X] Plan: Steady Development SH Edition
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
---[X] Take the combatants trained in Edge with us.
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task (Ai Hayashi)
-[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] You Master is willing to teach, request a lesson
---[X] The manuscript on Secret Histories (You will gain 1 scrap of Secret Histories)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)
4 people have voted
[X] Plan Friends and Obligations
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task
---[X] Ai
-[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
---[X] The manuscript on Secret Histories (You will gain 1 scrap of Secret Histories)
-[X] On matters outside the cult.
--[X] Spend time with somebody
---[X] Anatoly
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail)
1 people have voted
[X] Plan: Kill the enemy and make friends
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll cut a few corners here, leave a bit early (Gain an extra action, will not be noticed if not done often)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
---[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
-[X] On matters outside the cult.
--[X] Spend time with somebody
---[X] Invite William to help develop and rehearse new battle tactics that utilize his power.
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Tail her, keep an eye on what she does (Doing this yourself will be less effective then sending somebody else)
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
---[X] Take the Combatants with you
- H2F2
1 people have voted
[X] Plan: Goal and Setup
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll cut a few corners here, leave a bit early (Gain an extra action, will not be noticed if not done often)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Keep an eye open and stay on guard (This will make it harder for Alicja to assault, spy on you, etc)
--[X] Tail her, keep an eye on what she does (Doing this yourself will be less effective then sending somebody else) (Have Combatants tail her)
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Grail, give it to Ai)
-[X] The Mansus, a place of contradictions. It calls to you, reach out.
--[X] Explore the Woods and it's many secrets
-[X] Something else? (Search for a paralytic to coat your quills with)
- des-pair-2
1 people have voted
[x] [] On work and the challenges it entails. -[] You'll cut a few corners here, leave a bit early (Gain an extra action, will not be noticed if not done often) [] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween --[] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE) [] On furthering the cause. -[] Search out the talented, teach them Edge [] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught) -[] Ask the returning Heroes some questions, see what they learned (No suspicion) [] On matters outside the cult. -[] Spend time with somebody --[] Invite William to help develop and rehearse new battle tactics that utilize his power. [] On your Foe, and the danger she wields -[] Tail her, keep an eye on what she does (Doing this yourself will be less effective then sending somebody else [] On your Foe, and the danger she wields -[] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition) --[] Take the Combatants with you
- Darklord

Witherbrine26 · Nov 25, 2024

[X] Plan: Steady Development
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
---[X] Take the combatants trained in Edge with us.
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task (Ai Hayashi)
-[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
---[X] The manuscript on Lantern (You will gain 1 scrap of Lantern)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)

Knowledge was a term you were familiar with—intimately, yet not always comfortable. You weren't the smartest person by any academic measure, far from it. Your performance in most study metrics had always fallen below average, and that fact had never bothered you much. After all, your path had never demanded intellectual prowess in the traditional sense.

But you understood one thing clearly: learning was a virtue, and experience could often fill in the gaps left by textbooks and lectures. You had been a tactician in Poland, and practical knowledge had often been your saving grace. Now, as you sat with Arch's manuscript in front of you, that same understanding was being tested.

He had mentioned something about light—"Light always shines true."

You frowned as the phrase repeated in your mind. What exactly did he mean by that? It was vague, poetic perhaps, but frustratingly unclear. Maybe he was talking about knowledge as a metaphorical light, something that dispels ignorance like light dispels darkness. But that explanation seemed… too simple, too obvious. There had to be more to it. You weren't one for flowery language, and Arch's habit of phrasing things cryptically only heightened your irritation.

Your fingers drummed rhythmically on the table—an unconscious tic you hardly ever indulged, but this time, it slipped out, spurred by the growing frustration of deciphering his words. Would it have killed him to be clearer in his writing? For someone as educated as Arch, his tendency to write like a mad prophet was grating. The manuscript had devolved into rambles, making your task all the more difficult.

As you mulled over the incomprehensible passage, a shadow passed over the page, pulling your attention away. Glancing up, you noticed the sunlight had all but vanished, the room darkening as evening crept in. With a sigh, you pushed yourself up from the chair, flicking the light switch on as you returned to your seat. The artificial glow filled the room, but your focus was now elsewhere, a nagging sense pulling at the back of your mind.

"Wait," you murmured as a thought began to form, slowly clicking into place. You stood up, pacing for a moment before flipping the light switch back off, letting the room be swallowed in darkness once again. You grabbed the manuscript in your hands, trying to read it under the lack of light. Of course, it was impossible. You couldn't see a thing.

You flipped the switch back on, and the room was suddenly bathed in the light once more.

"So, if light allows you to see the words on paper," you mused aloud, "what else might it let you see?"

Your eyes drifted toward the bulb overhead and then to the paper in your hand. An idea, perhaps wild and half-formed, began to take shape. You folded one of the manuscript pages backward, holding it up against the light source. The brightness filtered through the paper, illuminating the text on the back side, though the letters were, predictably, reversed. Still, it sparked something.

Mundane light cuts through mundane shadows, you thought, but could metaphysical light cut through metaphysical shadows? Could Glory illuminate not just the physical world but the deeper, obscured truths of reality itself?

You sat down again, this time flipping rapidly through the pages, your eyes darting back and forth as if searching for that hidden key, that buried insight Arch had woven into his cryptic writing. Slowly, the pieces began to fall into place, like puzzle pieces aligning in your mind.

Light wasn't just photons and waves, you realized, your thoughts racing. Light was understanding. It was a facet of awareness itself, a force that, when wielded correctly, could cut through confusion, through the veils of ignorance that clouded reality. It was both literal and metaphorical, capable of showing the hidden truths beneath the surface of things.

You murmured softly, more to yourself than to anyone else in the room, "So that's what it means..."

The phrase took on a new depth as you stood up from your chair once again. "Light always shines true." It wasn't just a statement about illumination. It was a declaration of the power of knowledge, the force that drives away deception and misperception. And as that realization dawned, you felt something shift within you.

There was a spark, small but unmistakable, deep in your chest and your eyes… you felt a subtle warmth there too, as if they were lit from within. Curious, you glanced toward the nearby mirror, and for a fleeting moment, you thought you saw it—a faint glimmer in your irises, a reflection of that same light of Glory Arch had written about.

It was brief, but it was there, even if faded after you blinked.

Light always shines true. And now, you understood.

You've learned that the light reveals secrets, it doesn't just reveal the physical but what only exists only inside the mind. You've gained 1 scrap of Lantern.

Lantern lore is now level 1

Your arms were folded tightly behind your back as you paced before your men, casting a sharp gaze over the battalion you were attempting to forge. They were not soldiers in the traditional sense—at least, not yet. They were raw and unrefined, and most would likely dismiss your methods as reckless, maybe even cruel. But you didn't care. The situation called for shortcuts, and you knew this was the fastest way to harden them into something useful in the heat of war.

This wasn't a training regimen born from textbooks or manuals. It was primal, ruthless, the kind of technique that would make more polished officers back home sneer. Yet, in your eyes, it was effective. You couldn't afford the luxury of time. The battle ahead demanded hardened fighters, not green recruits who quivered at the sight of blood. You were molding them for your ongoing war and preparing them for any other conflicts your cult might face in the future.

[Training the Talented: DC 70]

[Roll: 4+18(Martial) +10(EDGE) = 32]

Your fist crashed into the man's face with a dull thud, and he crumpled, gasping for air. The crack of knuckles against bone echoed through the room, but the sound of his struggle grated on you. He had fallen too easily.

"Come on, face me!" you roared, turning to the next in line. A woman stepped forward, clearly nervous but trying to mask it under a veneer of bravery. You engaged her, a calculated exchange of blows that you drew out longer than it needed to go. She couldn't beat you—none of them could. But the point wasn't winning. It was the endurance, the grit to keep going even when the fight seemed lost.

Yet, as your fist connected with her throat in a final strike, she dropped. And this time, she didn't rise.

You stood there, breathing heavily, your eyes scanning the fallen bodies around you. Not one of them was on their feet. You had pushed them hard, too hard perhaps, and yet none had managed to rise from the pain. A part of you had hoped they'd learn, that they'd absorb the lessons you were trying to impart, but today, it seemed that hope was misplaced.

"Clean up. You're dismissed," you snarled, barely masking the disappointment that coursed through you as you stormed out of the training ground. Your heart pounded against your chest, the familiar tightness of old scars stretching painfully. The frustration lingered, a gnawing sensation that you couldn't quite shake.

It wasn't nerves. That's what you told yourself as you climbed into your car and started the engine. You weren't nervous. No, it was something else, you reasoned as you pulled onto the road, your thoughts swirling like a storm.

You were trying to teach them something essential—how to stand even after being knocked down, how to become sharper, deadlier, more capable in the face of adversity. You weren't nervous, just readining them to face Alicja. Her face flashed in your mind for a split second, only a mere moment. That gnawed at the back of your mind, even though you pushed it aside. This was war. There was no room for sentimentality, no space for doubts.

But still... that feeling crept in, uninvited. A twinge of something you refused to acknowledge. Regret? No, it wasn't that. You shook your head as if the motion would rid you of the uneasy feeling altogether.

Flicking on the radio, you let the music wash over you, filling the silence as you exhaled slowly, trying to let go of the tension coiling inside your chest.

You weren't regretful, not about anything. Just a smidge... nervous, maybe. But nothing more. You told yourself that again and again as the road stretched out ahead of you, but the unease lingered, refusing to be silenced.

You attempted to induct some of the Cult further into the lore of conflict. They did not understand what you told them, a failure of yourself and them.

Witherbrine26 · Nov 26, 2024

[X] Plan: Steady Development
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
---[X] Take the combatants trained in Edge with us.
-[X] On furthering the cause.
~~--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge~~
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task (Ai Hayashi)
-[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
---[X] The manuscript on Lantern (You will gain 1 scrap of Lantern)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)

"Good evening," Ai had said as she stepped inside your home. You had invited her over, hoping to build a bridge where you'd once neglected to form proper connections with your allies. That had been your error in the past—focusing so much on the task at hand that you'd failed to know those around you. You were determined to not make the same mistake.

"Good evening," you responded, leading her into your home. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

She smiled that knowing smile of hers, settling into a chair with an elegance that made no sound other than the faint swish of her robes.

"Tea, please, and from a kettle if you have it," she replied, her voice smooth and deliberate.

You blinked, not entirely sure what difference the kettle made, but decided to accommodate. Heading into the kitchen, you rummaged around until you found an old, battered kettle at the back of a cabinet. You filled it with fresh water and set it on the stove, waiting for it to heat.

"Mint, that's a good choice," came a voice behind you, calm and close. Your heart leaped to your throat as you turned around slowly, only to see Ai standing there with a tea bag in her hand. You hadn't heard her move, hadn't even noticed her come into the kitchen.

"Right..." you replied, trailing off as you took the tea bag from her, unsettled by her quietness. She smiled at you, serene, as though she hadn't just snuck up behind you.

The kettle began to sing, and you poured the hot water into a cup, dropping the mint tea bag inside. Ai accepted the cup gracefully, taking a delicate sip, eyes closing as if savoring the moment.

The two of you moved back to the living room, sitting across from each other in silence as she seemed fully absorbed in her tea. The quiet stretched on, and you weren't sure how to break it. You opened your mouth to ask how you could help her, but just as the words formed—

"How-"

"How-"

Both of you spoke at the same time. You stopped, blinking in surprise, and gestured for her to continue.

"How is your shoulder?" Ai asked, her gaze calm but piercing. Your fingers twitched up to your shoulder instinctively. How did she know about that? You had taken every measure to keep the injury discreet—avoiding work, keeping the medicine you bought on the down low.

She tittered softly, covering her mouth with a sleeve before setting her tea back on the table. "You were injured a few months ago, and I keep track of our people. It's my job," she said simply.

Your fingers curled under the table, a flicker of anger rising at the thought of being watched. "So you've been spying on me?" you asked, your voice sharper than intended.

Her face remained calm. "No, I merely ask a few questions. I like to make sure everything is going smoothly, and when you beat our best combatants half to death, that requires some poking and prodding." Her words were delivered without judgment, but the truth behind them hit hard. You had been harsh in your training methods, and of course, that would warrant attention.

"Fine," you said, sighing as you tried to shift the conversation. "Back on topic, how can I help you?"

She took another sip of her tea, then set it down carefully. "There will be a call in about two minutes. If you could pick it up and confirm your identity, that would be helpful."

You frowned, not willing to just follow orders blindly. "I need to know why," you said, meeting her gaze.

Ai smiled faintly, eyes half-lidded in that calm, unreadable way of hers. "The mayor is cowardly. He wants real backing, not merely my words. Your assurance will give him the confidence to agree with me."

You narrowed your eyes. It was a simple explanation, and from what you knew of these operations, it seemed plausible enough. When your phone rang moments later, you picked it up.

[Convincing the Mayor: DC 40]

[Roll: 22+9(Diplomacy)+10(GRAIL) = 41]

"Hello?" you said, voice steady.

"Ah, it really is you!" came a nervous chuckle on the other end. "Well, I didn't expect this... Mister Donovan, all in bed with the foreigners..." The man's voice trailed off, his nerves apparent.

"We're working together, is that understood?" you replied, letting your tone slip into the professional cadence you used at work.

"Of course, and you'll help me?" he asked, his voice now echoing your own professional tone. You could hear the shift in him—less uncertain, more confident.

Ai gestured for you to hand her the phone, which you did. She cradled it beside her ear and responded with a thick, exaggerated Chinese accent. "Yes, Mr. Mayor, don't worry. We'll ensure your re-election. Just remember our deal." After a moment of conversation, she snapped the phone shut and handed it back to you.

"Thank you for your assistance," she said, her accent returning to its usual soft Japanese lilt. Draining the rest of her tea, she stood and bowed her head to you.

"Have a good day, Mr. Donovan," Ai said before heading to the exit. You followed her to the door, seeing her out of your home as hospitality demanded.

No more words were exchanged as she departed, and you couldn't help but feel you had grown closer. Somewhat at least.

You've spent time with Ai, helping her get the Mayor under her sway. According to her, he'll be willing to support the cult by the end of the month, discreetly, of course.

You are now Friends with Ai

You returned your thoughts to Alicja and your plan to fight her. You hadn't known what she had been up to since you had fought a few months ago, and while she didn't have the same resources as you, there was no doubt she was back on her feet.

That meant you needed to seize the initiative. You had to strike out and kill her before she did something that would kill you in turn. You had gathered resources and allies in preparing for this; now it was time to see what that would win you.

Planning was the first step, and you sat at your kitchen table, notebook in hand, as your mind moved and you thought.

Assaulting Alicja
Duration: Short (Costs a single Action; additional followers can join without spending an Action)
Base Cost: 5 Funds/day (You must have 25 Funds per follower sent)
[] Assault an opponent (Alicja)
-[] Who is going? (You can bring up to 2 Children of Silence Combatants)
-[] What do you bring? (Write in, they will be given to who best can use them)
-[] What is your objective? (Write in, in order of priority)
-[] Anything else? (Write in any other specifications or ideas you have)

Witherbrine26 · Nov 28, 2024

Winning Vote:
[X] Plan Leveraging Numbers
-[X] Assault an opponent (Alicja)
--[X] 2 Children of Silence Combatants
--[X] Take Combat Gear and Barbed Quills for yourself.
--[X] The primary goal is to defeat Alicja, the secondary goal is to destroy all the evidence that she could have left against us.
--[X] Warn Ai what you are going to do and ask her to divert the attention of the authorities to something else to reduce the likelihood that they will find your tracks.
--[X] Let everyone carry masks that will be used during the attack.
--[X] Let one Combatant cover the escape routes, preventing Alicja from escaping; the other will be aiding you directly.

Scheduled vote count started by Witherbrine26 on Nov 26, 2024 at 3:13 PM, finished with 33 posts and 11 votes.

7 people have voted
[X] Plan Leveraging Numbers
-[X] Assault an opponent (Alicja)
--[X] 2 Children of Silence Combatants
--[X] Take Combat Gear and Barbed Quills for yourself.
--[X] The primary goal is to defeat Alicja, the secondary goal is to destroy all the evidence that she could have left against us.
--[X] Warn Ai what you are going to do and ask her to divert the attention of the authorities to something else to reduce the likelihood that they will find your tracks.
--[X] Let everyone carry masks that will be used during the attack.
--[X] Let one Combatant cover the escape routes, preventing Alicja from escaping; the other will be aiding you directly.
3 people have voted
[X] Assault an opponent (Alicja)
-[X] 2 Children of Silence Combatants
-[X] Take Combat Gear and Barbed Quills for yourself.
-[X] The primary goal is to kill Alicja, the secondary goal is to destroy all the evidence that she could have left against us.
-[X] Warn Ai what you are going to do and ask her to divert the attention of the authorities to something else to reduce the likelihood that they will find your tracks.
-[X] Let everyone carry masks that will be used during the attack.
-[X] Let the Combatants cover the escape routes, preventing Alicja from escaping.
2 people have voted
[X] Assault an opponent (Alicja)
- EigengrauFox
- Theia
1 people have voted
[X] Assault an opponent (Alicja): CAPTURE VARIANT
-[X] 2 Children of Silence Combatants
-[X] Take Combat Gear and Barbed Quills for yourself.
-[X] The primary goal is to subdue and capture Alicja. If that is not possible, it is preferable to kill her rather than letting her get away. The secondary goal is to destroy all the evidence at the crime scene, or anything else that she could have left against us.
-[X] Warn Ai what you are going to do and ask her to divert the attention of the authorities to something else to reduce the likelihood that they will find your tracks.
-[X] Let everyone carry masks that will be used during the attack.
-[X] Bring rope and a gag, as well as other materials if necessary to be prepared to capture Alicja.
-[X] Let the Combatants cover the escape routes, preventing Alicja from escaping. They can also help restrain Alicja one she has been subdued.
- OatmealOatmeal

Witherbrine26 · Nov 29, 2024

[X] Plan: Steady Development
-[X] On work and the challenges it entails.
--[X] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[X] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
--[X] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)
---[X] Take the combatants trained in Edge with us.
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Search out the talented, teach them Edge
--[X] Assist somebody else in their task (Ai Hayashi)
-[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
---[X] The manuscript on Lantern (You will gain 1 scrap of Lantern)
-[X] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
--[X] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (EDGE)

[X] Plan Leveraging Numbers
-[X] Assault an opponent (Alicja)
--[X] 2 Children of Silence Combatants
--[X] Take Combat Gear and Barbed Quills for yourself.
--[X] The primary goal is to defeat Alicja, the secondary goal is to destroy all the evidence that she could have left against us.
--[X] Warn Ai what you are going to do and ask her to divert the attention of the authorities to something else to reduce the likelihood that they will find your tracks.
--[X] Let everyone carry masks that will be used during the attack.
--[X] Let one Combatant cover the escape routes, preventing Alicja from escaping; the other will be aiding you directly.

You didn't want anybody interfering with your attack today. This was too important to let something like the police or curious bystanders throw a wrench in your plans. While you didn't think the cops had caught on to anything from your previous operations, it was still a risk, and you weren't about to push your luck. The stakes were too high. You needed a way to keep them distracted, which meant calling on someone reliable—someone you knew could handle this with discretion. Ai was the obvious choice.

You took out your phone and punched in her number, listening as the dial tone rang a few times. As you waited, you couldn't help but wonder how she would react to this particular favor. After all, you were asking her to clear the way for something outside the bounds of the cult.

"Good morning, Ai," you said when the call finally connected. There was a faint hum of conversation in the background, but it was quickly drowned out as her voice cut through, calm and composed.

"Good morning, Mr. Donovan. How can I assist you today?" she asked, and for a second, you hesitated. The words felt heavier than they should have. You were biting off a lot with this plan, and bringing her into it meant taking on another layer of obligation, another favor owed. But you couldn't do it alone. After a moment's pause, you decided to bite the bullet.

"I need some help," you said, keeping your voice steady. "I'm planning to do something... potentially illegal, and I'd like the cops to be occupied elsewhere."

There was a brief silence on the other end. You could hear a soft inhale, maybe a cigarette—was she smoking? The thought seemed so casual compared to the situation you were discussing. Then she spoke again, her tone just as measured as before.

"I see. What time do you plan for this to happen?" she asked, her voice betraying no emotion.

You frowned slightly, realizing you didn't have an exact time pinned down yet. Finding Alicja was going to be a task in itself, and the timing would depend on how quickly you could locate her. A city the size of Houston wouldn't give up its secrets easily.

"Within the next few days," you replied, trying to sound more confident than you felt. "I'll let you know when I'm ready to move."

There was a longer pause this time, the sound of silence stretching between you before she finally spoke again.

"Very well. And you will owe me, Mr. Donovan." Her words were cool, but you could tell she would want some repayment. You had already helped her before, and she wasn't likely to press too hard on this, though. It was more performance than anything else.

You nodded, even though she couldn't see it. "Understood," you replied, leaving a moment of silence to see if she had anything more to say. When she didn't, you hung up the phone and set it back down.

You stood up, tugging on your disguise—something plain, nothing too attention-grabbing—and grabbed a handful of the ski masks you had purchased earlier. Your next step was to meet up with your allies and get everyone ready. You had a plan, and it was time to set things in motion.

Heading outside, you climbed into the car you'd be using for this search and drove deeper into the city, navigating the familiar streets as you made your way to the rendezvous point. You were picking your men up near a bar, though not directly out front—that would've been far too obvious. Instead, you chose a parking lot a few blocks down, somewhere quiet enough to gather without drawing unnecessary attention.

As you pulled up, two of your men approached. They weren't the kind to waste time, and you appreciated that.
"Afternoon, boss," one of them said, pulling himself into the backseat.

"What's the plan?" the second man asked as he climbed in next to him. You tossed each of them a ski mask, which they fumbled with for a moment before grabbing hold.

"We're searching for someone first. The fighting comes after we find her," you explained. Both men nodded, no further questions asked. They understood the job and trusted you to lead them to the right place.

[Day 1]

[Searching for the base DC: 70]

[Roll: 26+8(Micheal, leader)+1(SECRET HISTORY) = 35]

The first day didn't go too well. Houston was a sprawling beast of a city, holding over two million souls within its concrete arteries and endless neighborhoods. Trying to find Alicja within that chaos was proving to be as difficult as you had feared. The city's sheer size, coupled with your limited understanding of the Lores that would help with this, left you grasping at straws. You were skilled, but not enough to make up for the fact that finding one person in a city this vast was like looking for a needle in a haystack—especially when that person didn't want to be found.

The sun had already started dipping toward the horizon by the time you and your men regrouped for the day. Weariness clung to your bones and the frustration of a wasted day gnawed at the edges of your patience.

"So, we've crossed out this half of the city," one of your soldiers said, glancing up from the large map of Houston spread across the hood of your car. His finger traced over a few key districts, marking the areas you had scouted today. He looked over to the other man, who nodded in silent agreement as he tapped at another spot on the map, his expression unreadable.

You glanced at him—your quieter soldier. He wasn't mute. You knew that much. But in the entire time he'd been with you, he'd only spoken a few words here and there, mostly during your first meeting when you picked him up. Since then, he kept his silence, only breaking it if something urgent demanded his voice. It didn't bother you much. He was reliable, and that was what mattered. He listened well, followed orders without question, and got the job done. Still, it was something you mentally filed away for future consideration. People who rarely spoke tended to have their own reasons for it.

"That means we need to narrow down our search," you said, shifting your gaze back to the map. You could see the paths you'd taken, the places you'd scouted, and all the dead ends you'd run into. It was frustrating, but at least now you knew where she wasn't, which was a small victory in itself. "Tomorrow, we'll cover more ground. We'll find her eventually."

Your quieter soldier had been meticulously taking notes as instructed, jotting down important details that would help you retrace your steps or look for patterns. From what he'd recorded, it was clear Alicja hadn't been on the move. If she was hiding out somewhere, she wasn't changing locations frequently, which gave you a slim advantage.

"Now, get some sleep," you ordered, folding up the map and stuffing it into the backseat of your car. "We'll be leaving bright and early tomorrow. No mistakes."

The men nodded in unison, and you could tell they were just as exhausted as you were. It had been a long, fruitless day, but that didn't mean tomorrow would be the same.

[Day 2]

[Searching for the base DC: 70]

[Roll: 67+8(Micheal, leader)+1(SECRET HISTORIES) = 76]

The second day went much better. You woke up feeling more refreshed, and breakfast at the hotel was surprisingly decent—a small but much-needed morale boost after the previous day's struggles. The sun was shining, not a single cloud hanging in the sky, and there was a sense of renewed purpose in the air as you gathered your men and hit the road again.

Today was about covering more ground and being smarter about your search. You had already crossed out significant portions of the city, which allowed you to focus on other areas that had seemed less likely but were still within reach. The key was patience, and while Houston's vastness was still an obstacle, you were narrowing the field bit by bit.

As you drove through the streets, winding your way through neighborhoods and industrial districts, you tried to keep your mind sharp. Alicja wasn't the type to be careless. Wherever she was holed up, it would be somewhere inconspicuous, somewhere that wouldn't draw unnecessary attention. She wasn't on the move, which gave you some hope. If she was stationary, it meant she was likely planning something or preparing for something big. That meant you had to find her fast before she struck first.

Hours passed with little to show for it, but as the afternoon began to wane, one of your soldiers—your quieter one—suddenly pointed to a spot on the map. You glanced over and saw that it was a rundown section of the city, close to the outskirts but still within range of major thoroughfares. It was the kind of place where someone could disappear, where no one would ask too many questions if a warehouse or two suddenly went off the grid.

You made your way there, following his lead. A flicker of recognition hit you as you approached—this place felt right. The warehouse he'd marked seemed like the kind of place Alicja would use as a base, something you'd caught her in before. It was dilapidated, grimy, and tucked away just enough that it could easily be overlooked by anyone not actively searching for it.

"Is this it?" the louder of your two soldiers asked from the backseat, leaning forward as he peered through the windshield at the looming structure ahead.

You hummed in response, your eyes narrowing as you scanned the building. It was hard to be sure, but something about this place felt off. You weren't sure how she would've gotten her hands on a warehouse, but given the location and the state of the building, it was likely cheap enough to go unnoticed. And then, as if confirming your suspicions, you spotted movement. A figure slipping inside—a figure that looked an awful lot like Alicja.

Your pulse quickened. This was it.

"Put these on," you said, tossing the ski masks toward the backseat. "And follow my lead."

The men quickly complied, slipping the masks over their heads as you did the same. Your heart pounded in your chest, but your mind remained sharp and focused. The time for searching was over. Now came the hard part—the confrontation.

You stepped out of the car, your soldiers following close behind as you made your way toward the warehouse, each step bringing you closer to the endgame. This was the moment you'd been preparing for—the chance to end Alicja once and for all. And if all went according to plan, today would be the last day you'd have to worry about her.

[Breaking and entering DC: 50/80]

[Roll: 58+8(Micheal, leader)+5(KNOCK) = 71]

The door provided no challenge at all; you managed to jimmy it open with ease. For a moment, it seemed like the infiltration would go off without a hitch, but as soon as you stepped inside, the shrill ring of a bell echoed through the space, making you swear under your breath. Your eyes darted around the warehouse, taking in the layout in an instant. It looked like some sort of abandoned packing plant, with conveyor belts, stacks of crates, and rows of machinery creating a labyrinth of potential hiding spots. There were plenty of places for Alicja to flee or set up an ambush.

"Cover the exits, make sure she can't leave!" you snapped at the louder soldier. His voice was what you needed if things went south, and if she tried to run, you'd want someone who could keep her in sight. With a sharp nod, he scurried to obey, leaving you to push deeper into the plant. Your grip tightened around the rifle in your hand, and the quills slung over your shoulder shifted slightly as you adjusted your stance.

You knew that Alicja would be expecting trouble, especially after that damn bell gave you away. But if anything, that just meant you needed to move faster, hit harder. You turned a corner, the dull echo of your footsteps swallowed by the vastness of the warehouse. Then you froze.

There she was—Alicja, standing at the far end of the room. Her eyes met yours, and for a split second, time seemed to stretch. She was flanked by three people, all of them looking rough around the edges. They were thugs, no doubt hired muscle, probably plucked right off the street. You had expected resistance, but this close-quarters fight was going to be messy.

The tension broke in an instant. You raised your rifle, finger twitching towards the trigger—

[Michael Donovan has invoked Attention of the Laws]

[Michael Donovan's current health: 4/4]

[Alicja's current health: 3/3]

[Guard 1's current health: 3/3]

[Guard 2's current health: 3/3]

[Multi-combatant fight. Michael will only "compete" to wound the nearest enemy, but may be wounded by all other combatants]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Michael – 0, Alicja – 0, Guards - 0, 0]

[Michael:15+48(Personal Combat)+10(Attention of the Laws)-10(Outnumbered) = 63]

[Alicja:74+25(Personal Combat) = 99]

Guard 1: 72+9(Personal Combat) = 81

Guard 2: 74+9(Personal Combat) = 83

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Michael – 0, Alicja – 36, Guards - 18, 20]

[Michael: 89+48(Personal Combat)+10(Attention of the Laws)-10(Outnumbered) = 137]

[Alicja: 52+25(Personal Combat) = 77]

[Guard 1: 35+9(Personal Combat) = 44]

[Guard 2: 81+9(Personal Combat) = 90]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Michael – 47, Alicja – 36, Guards - 18, 20]

[Nobody wishes to do anything]

[Combat continues as normal]

[Ally 1's current health: 3/3]

[Guard 3's current health: 3/3]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Ally 1 – 0, Guard 3 – 0]

[Ally 1: 2+14(Personal Combat) = 16]

[Guard 3: 52+9(Personal Combat) = 61]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Ally 1 – 0, Guard 3 – 45]

[Ally 1: 58+14(Personal Combat) = 72]

[Guard 3: 35+9(Personal Combat) = 44]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Ally 1 – 28, Guard 3 – 45]

[Nobody wishes to do anything]

[Combat continues as normal]

BANG!

The deafening roar of Alicja's shotgun cut through the air, forcing you to throw yourself behind the nearest cover. Pellets sprayed the area where you had been standing moments before, tearing through the metal of the packing machine you had ducked behind. You swore again, gritting your teeth as you crouched lower, your heart hammering in your chest.

Glancing to the side, you caught sight of your quieter soldier taking cover behind a stack of crates, his face pale but determined. You had to get a handle on the situation and fast. You knew that one of your men was nearby and the other should join you soon, that would still leave you at a numbers disadvantage albeit not a skill one.

"You take—" you started to say, but your words were cut off as a shadow passed overhead. Reflex kicked in, and you rolled to the side just as a bat came slamming down on the crate you had used as cover, splintering the wood. You spun around, coming face-to-face with two of the goons Alicja had hired, both wearing ugly sneers. They were big, rough men, the kind who probably enjoyed this kind of work a little too much. The third thug was already bearing down on your ally, meaning you were on your own for this two-on-one.

Another gunshot rang out. You didn't need to look to know that Alicja was still up there, perched on top of one of the higher crates, using the high ground to take potshots at you. She was crouched low, her shotgun at the ready, her eyes gleaming with pure hatred as she tracked your every move.

You snapped your gaze back to the two men coming at you. The first swung his bat in a wide arc, and you sidestepped it, grabbing his wrist as it passed. You sent him stumbling into his ally with a sharp twist, their bodies colliding awkwardly. It bought you a second of breathing room, but not much. Your left hand tightened around your gun as you took a quick step back, trying to put some distance between yourself and the advancing thugs.

You raised your rifle, firing off a shot at Alicja. She ducked behind the crate, returning fire hastily. You were forced to move again as the pellets whizzed past you, the impact of the blast causing you to pivot to the side just as the two men came at you once more.

You danced around their swings, narrowly avoiding a hit as they pressed you. These guys weren't trained fighters but had enough brute strength and numbers to be a problem. Worse, they were slowly but surely backing you into a corner, limiting your movement. You fired off another shot, but it was rushed and went wide, the sound of the bullet ricocheting off metal doing little to deter them. You were running out of room to maneuver, and you knew it.

These were the type of thugs who worked for whoever paid them. They weren't loyal to Alicja—just desperate enough to risk their necks for the right price. If you could show them that fighting you was more likely to get them killed, they'd probably turn tail and run. The problem was, with two of them coming at you and Alicja raining down fire from above, you didn't have the luxury of pulling off the kind of decisive move that would scare them off.

You had to get creative.

Your feet carried you in a wide arc around a packing machine, dodging another swing from one of the thugs. Sweat dripped down your face as you frantically scanned for an opening, a way to take one of them out without getting yourself cornered. Your gun wasn't as useful in close quarters, but you still had the quills—those might give you an edge if you could get some distance.

As you rounded the machine, your eyes darted toward Alicja. She had repositioned, standing on a stack of crates further back, her shotgun still trained on you. She was waiting for the perfect moment to take you out, and you knew that one wrong move could mean the end.

Another gunshot rang out from the far end of the warehouse. Your quieter soldier, it seemed, was holding his own against the third thug. That was something, at least. But you were still in the thick of it, and the two men closing in on you wouldn't give you any more time to think.

Your muscles burned as you sidestepped another attack, and you could feel the pressure building. You needed a way to turn this around, and fast.

[Michael Donovan has invoked Attention of the Laws]

[Michael Donovan's current health: 4/4]

[Alicja's current health: 3/3]

[Guard 1's current health: 3/3]

[Guard 2's current health: 3/3]

[Multi-combatant fight. Michael will only "compete" to wound the nearest enemy, but may be wounded by all other combatants]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Michael – 47, Alicja – 36, Guards - 18, 20]

[Michael:32+48(Personal Combat)+10(Attention of the Laws)-10(Outnumbered) = 80]

[Alicja:32+25(Personal Combat) = 57]

[Guard 1:41+9(Personal Combat) = 50]

[Guard 2:44+9(Personal Combat) = 53]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Michael – 74, Alicja – 36, Guards - 18, 20, 0]

[Guard 2 suffers one wound (-50 to Michael's overflow)]

[Michael: 7+48(Personal Combat)+10(Attention of the Laws)-10(Outnumbered) = 55]

[Alicja: 100+25(Personal Combat) = 125]

[Guard 1: 85+9(Personal Combat) = 90]

[Guard 2: 29+9(Personal Combat) = 38]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Michael – 41, Alicja – 106, Guards - 53, 20]

[Michael suffers three wounds (-100 to Alicja's overflow), (-50 to Guard 1's overflow)]

[Michael attempts to escape...]

[Michael escapes]

[Ally 1's current health: 3/3]

[Guard 3's current health: 3/3]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Ally 1 – 28, Guard 3 – 45]

[Ally 1: 10+14(Personal Combat) = 24]

[Guard 3: 51+9(Personal Combat) = 60]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Ally 1 – 28, Guard 3 – 81]

[Ally 1 suffers one wound (-50 to Guard 3's overflow)]

[Ally 1: 5+14(Personal Combat) = 19]

[Guard 3: 26+9(Personal Combat) = 35]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Ally 1 – 28, Guard 3 – 47]

[Ally 1 attempts to escape...]

[Guard 3 successfully intercepts]

You waited for the right moment, timing it as the first man rounded the corner and swung wildly at you. His aim was reckless, and that played to your advantage. You caught his arm in a tight lock, twisting it as you swept his legs out from under him in one smooth motion. He tumbled to the ground with a grunt, arms flailing as he tried to regain his balance. His friend, following close behind, was caught off guard, stumbling over the first man's body. In that split second of chaos, you lashed out with a fist aimed directly at the second man's throat. Your knuckles connected hard, and he staggered back, gasping as he tried to draw in breath through his now bruised windpipe.

You didn't stick around to see if he recovered. Without missing a beat, you bolted, your boots pounding against the concrete floor as you made a beeline for where you last saw Alicja. The thought of her still lurking somewhere, possibly lying in wait, gnawed at you. She hadn't fired her gun in some time, and the silence unnerved you. It was never a good sign when the enemy went quiet.

But it wasn't just Alicja that concerned you. Your soldiers were a major worry. You hadn't heard anything from the louder one—no gunshots, no shouting, nothing to indicate he was still alive. The quieter soldier was still scuffling with the third thug, but the sounds coming from their direction were a mess of grunts and crashes. It didn't give you much comfort. You had to assume they were on their own for now, unable to come to your aid.

As you rounded another corner, you skidded to a halt and ducked behind a stack of crates. Your chest heaved as you took a second to catch your breath. You needed a moment to think, to regroup. Your mind was racing, running through possible strategies. Where could Alicja be hiding? Would she have laid a trap? You couldn't afford to be reckless, but time wasn't on your side either. You needed to move quickly.

But then your moment of reprieve was cut short. Alicja appeared from around the bend, her figure materializing out of the shadows like a phantom. For a brief second, neither of you moved. You stared at each other, the tension crackling in the air. Your instincts kicked in, and you raised your rifle, but she was faster, her fingers simply pulling down on the trigger.

Two shots rang out, the impact of the slugs slamming into your chest like a freight train. The force sent you sprawling onto your back, your rifle slipping from your grasp as you hit the ground hard. The pain was immediate, like a sledgehammer to your ribs, and your breath hitched in your throat. Your ears were ringing from the blast, and your vision blurred as you struggled to regain focus. Even with body armor, the sheer power of the shotgun rounds at that range had knocked the wind out of you. It was a miracle you weren't bleeding out, but it still felt like your chest was on fire.

You tried to move, but before you could, rough hands grabbed your arms, hauling you to your feet with a brutal yank. You gasped in pain, a wet cough escaping your lips as you tasted the copper tang of blood. Through the haze clouding your vision, you caught sight of Alicja standing before you, that sadistic grin plastered across her face.

"It's been a while," she sneered, her smile showing too many teeth. Her voice was taunting, laced with a dangerous playfulness that you remembered from so many years ago. "Caught me just as I was about to kill ya." There was venom in her words, but beneath that, you could hear the excitement. She was enjoying this, relishing the moment of having you at her mercy.

She stepped closer, the butt of her shotgun resting casually in her hand. "Thought I'd show ya a few tricks you gave me," she added, her grin widening as she lifted the weapon. She aimed to slam it into your stomach, no doubt thinking you were too beaten down to resist. The smirk on her face said she thought she'd already won.

But she should have known better.

As she moved to strike, you mustered every ounce of strength you had left and wrenched your arm free from the thug's grip. Your muscles screamed in protest, but adrenaline was surging through your veins now, numbing the pain. In one fluid motion, you grabbed Alicja's shotgun by the barrel and twisted it around, driving it into her stomach with as much force as you could manage, pushing her back a single step and no more allowing you to wrench free and move.

[Fleeing]

[Michael's roll: 52+18(Martial)+5(Well Built) = 75]

[Alicja's roll: 44+15(Martial) = 59]

[Guard 1's roll: 5+8(Martial) = 13]

[Guard 2's roll: 52+8(Martial) = 62]

A wise tactician knew when to retreat, so you forced yourself to make that painful decision. Your chest screamed in agony with every breath, the deep bruising and internal damage making it feel like your lungs were being carved apart with knives. You had no time to weigh the cost of staying; instinct took over, pushing you to move. You summoned your voice, hoarse and broken but loud enough to be heard over the chaos.

"Retreat!" The command tore from your throat, each syllable a fresh stab of pain.

Without wasting a moment, you began your retreat, half-running, half-stumbling toward the exit. Every step sent a fresh wave of agony through your body, and it was becoming harder to keep moving. You were on your last legs, likely suffering from more than just superficial injuries. The two shotgun blasts had probably ruptured something inside, maybe your ribs, maybe worse. Internal bleeding was a real concern, but you didn't have the luxury to think too much about it. You had survived worse—hell, you'd walked away from a gunshot to the head once. There was no way this was going to be the wound that ended you.

Your vision was swimming as the world tilted and blurred, but then you heard a distant and strained voice cutting through the haze.

"Here."

You stumbled into the figure, your blurry eyes barely making out the outline of one of your soldiers—the quiet one. His face was streaked with blood, and his nose was visibly broken, but he was still on his feet, still moving with you. Without a word, he braced your body, supporting you as you both made your way toward the exit. There was no time to exchange pleasantries or even question whether the louder one was still alive. Alicja and her men were chasing you, and survival was the only priority.

The two of you burst out into the cold, open air, your heart pounding in your ears as the familiar sight of your car came into view. You half-collapsed into the passenger seat, your body heavy with exhaustion and pain. The quieter soldier slid into the driver's seat without hesitation, slamming his foot on the gas. He didn't even need to ask for directions; the keys were already in the ignition, ready for exactly this kind of situation. In case everything went sideways, which, of course, it had.

"The hospital," you managed to croak, barely able to force the words out through your clenched jaw. Your soldier nodded in silent understanding, his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel. The car sped through the city, weaving in and out of traffic as your vision faded in and out. You tried to keep your mind sharp, but it was a losing battle. Your thoughts drifted, spiraling into a foggy mess of pain and exhaustion.

You knew you needed to come up with a story—something to explain these wounds. It wasn't like you could walk into an ER and say you'd been shot during a clandestine hunt for a dangerous enemy. But your brain felt sluggish, incapable of piecing together the threads of a coherent plan. All you could do was focus on surviving until you reached the hospital.

By the time you arrived, you were barely conscious. Everything from the moment you stripped off your armor and weapons to the point of stumbling into the hospital's sterile, white lobby was a blur. You remembered your soldier helping you inside, his arm under your shoulder as you bled over the pristine floor, leaving a trail of red behind you.

[Explanation Breakpoints: 60/80/100/140]

[Roll: 93+9(Diplomacy)+10(GRAIL) = 112]

The nurses moved quickly, reacting to your injuries with practiced efficiency. Your half-slurred explanation spilled out in broken sentences, but it seemed to be enough to convince them of a plausible story. Something about a mugging gone wrong, an unfortunate accident. You weren't sure exactly what you said, but the haze in your mind kept you from caring too much about the details. What mattered was that they bought it.

As you were wheeled into surgery, the familiar weight of your past injuries seemed to press down on you. You had been through this before—countless times, in fact. Gunshot wounds, lacerations, broken bones… you had the scars to prove it. Your body had learned how to endure this kind of pain, and while the healing process was never easy, it was always inevitable. You knew what to expect as the fog of anesthesia began to creep in, your body already surrendering to the need for rest and recovery.

These new wounds would heal, just like the others, but they would leave more scars behind. That was certain.

You managed to explain your wounds away as gang violence, although they will still be logged in the hospital records.

Your expedition was a failure, you were repelled and dealt heavy wounds. However, you and one of your allies managed to escape. You were forced to leave the other one behind, his fate unknown.

In addition, you can tell that an engine has started, an arms race fueled by two people attempting to murder the other. Gain 1 Edge scrap

Something inside of you resonates...

Earth Bet: House of the Sun (Cultist Simulator/Worm)

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Witherbrine26

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks

Recent threadmarks