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)