Ha! The Grail Influence wasn't useful(in the getting to a breakpoint sense) in the highest roll we had this turn, funny. But, wow, Emir has a talent for Diplomacy when it comes to rolls(maybe that is his thing?).
The entirety of your congregation has been recruited. They are well suited for rites, rituals, and the summoning of creatures. +6 to all rituals performed using cult assets.
@Witherbrine26 Now that our entire flock has been converted to our faith, can we weave lore into our sermons to teach more powerful followers?
That is, something like what we did when training fighters.
No, mainly because you don't have the time and these are generic followers. The former you could rectify by spending actions going up to people and trying to teach them but the latter is that a good chunk of the flock don't have the knack to learn more.
Honestly, we didn't even roll particularly well, we just have a ridiculous level of boosts for our Diplomacy-related rolls. A 55 is really mid, but our bonuses pushed it all the way past 100.
Honestly, we didn't even roll particularly well, we just have a ridiculous level of boosts for our Diplomacy-related rolls. A 55 is really mid, but our bonuses pushed it all the way past 100.
Exactly! This shows the power of preparation and cooperation. To stack the battlefield in our favor and then strike all at once! Of course, we can still roll 1, but that is basically an "Act of Dice" and there is nothing we can do about it.
I would personally prefer if we searched for a ritual next turn, and only researched a Heart ritual at level 2.
Edit: What I meant to say, but didn't finish: At higher levels of Lore we research more powerful rituals, while searching for rituals is easier and they don't get more powerful with higher levels in Lore.
This way we still get a ritual, and later we get more powerful ritual with the same amount of actions.
[X] Plan Taking Advantage of the Grail Influence (Charlotte soothing)
-[X] You'll end a few minutes early, subtly of course (Gain an extra action, will not be noticed if not done often) -[X] On learning the Lores.
--[X] Lady Mylissa is willing to teach, request a lesson
---[X] Grail
-[X] On furthering the cause.
--[X] Recruit people from your congregation
-[X] On matters outside the cult.
--[X] Spend time with somebody ---[X] Ava
---[X] Charlotte
---[X] Damsel of Distress (Invite Charlotte) -[X] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions might never be available again)
--[X] [Summon] Lend your Dappled Wing to Christopher for his research
You were slouched in your chair, idly flipping through the news channels, letting the monotony of the day wash over you. It was a Tuesday, and unlike the weekends or the end of the month, when the real work started piling up, Tuesdays were quiet. You didn't have much on your plate—no sermons, no digital meetings, no urgent paperwork demanding your attention—so you had allowed yourself a rare indulgence, a day off. Today was meant for relaxing, unwinding, taking a breather from the responsibilities that usually clung to your schedule like a persistent shadow.
Your fingers drummed absentmindedly against the armrest as you cycled through the channels. Nothing really caught your interest, just the usual blend of news, talk shows, and reruns. That was, until a familiar name slipped through the white noise and grabbed your attention.
"—Damsel of Distress—" The words broke through the background static like a spark, and your hand reflexively reached for the remote, turning up the volume as you leaned forward, eyes narrowing at the screen.
The news anchor, smiling and poised, was reporting on a failed robbery attempt. "Damsel of Distress attempted to rob a store earlier today, but local heroes Edict and Licit managed to apprehend her before any serious damage was done." The image flashed to a grainy, blurred photo of Damsel, her arm outstretched, the area surrounding her a mess of distorted white noise, like a corrupted signal.
You frowned, drumming your fingers once again, this time with a hint of tension. Damsel's situation was complicated. More than once, you'd wondered if she was simply misunderstood, caught in a system that didn't care to look too deeply at her motivations. Regardless, she was someone you cared about, and the thought of her getting hurt gnawed at you.
You debated for a moment. Should you go check on her? She might not appreciate you showing up unannounced, might even rebuff your attempt to help. Damsel wasn't exactly known for being open to vulnerability, and you knew well enough how she could be when someone pried too much. Still, you couldn't sit here doing nothing.
Before you could second-guess yourself, you pulled out your phone and punched in Charlotte's number, cradling it between your shoulder and ear as it rang. To your surprise, she answered quickly, her voice bright despite it being the middle of the day.
"Hey, I saw that Damsel got hurt," you said, skipping the pleasantries. "I was thinking about going over, checking up on her."
There was a sudden burst of noise on the other end, a rustling followed by the clatter of something falling. You winced, pulling the phone slightly away from your ear.
"Sorry!" Charlotte's voice came back, a bit breathless. "I'm getting my shoes on. I'm coming with you."
You blinked, a little surprised at how quickly she was jumping on board. But then again, that was Charlotte—always ready to help. "Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes," you told her before hanging up.
You stood, stretching your arms overhead as you moved toward the door, grabbing your shoes and slipping them on with practiced ease. There was no time to waste, not with Damsel in the state she was in. Once your shoes were on, you stepped out into the crisp air, making your way to the car. The engine hummed to life as you turned the key, and soon you were driving through the familiar streets, heading downtown toward where you knew Damsel had been staying.
The drive wasn't long, just a few minutes at most, but it gave you enough time to mentally prepare. You'd have to approach this delicately. Damsel had never been one for heart-to-hearts, and if you pushed too hard, she might just shut you out completely. But you couldn't let her spiral—she had too much potential, too much good in her to let her self-destruct like this.
You parked a few blocks away from Damsel's hideout, grabbing the small medical kit from the glove compartment before stepping out of the car. The afternoon air felt heavy, almost charged with the weight of what you were about to do. You could see Charlotte waiting for you just ahead, standing outside the entrance to the building. She was bouncing on her heels, clearly anxious but holding back, waiting for you before making any moves.
As you approached, you gave her a nod, taking a deep breath. Charlotte mirrored your expression, though there was a hint of determination in her eyes. She wasn't going to let Damsel push her away, and neither were you.
You paused for a moment outside the door, mentally running through how you were going to handle this.
[Offering Help DC: 50/90]
[Roll: 15+13(Diplomacy)+5(Beautiful)+10(GRAIL)+10(An Awareness of Appetite) = 53]
You rapped lightly on the door, the sound barely a whisper of a knock, careful not to make it too forceful. The last thing you wanted was for her to feel threatened or jumpy—Damsel had enough of that on her own. After a few moments of silence, you knocked again, slightly firmer but still controlled. Just as your knuckles brushed the door, her voice rang out, harsh and laced with rage.
"Go away, I will kill you!" she shrieked. You winced as the sound of space being violently torn filled the air, followed by another furious scream. It was clear she was using her power, though thankfully not with lethal intent—yet.
You licked your lips, steadying yourself, before slowly pushing the door open and stepping inside. The room was a mess. Damsel of Distress crouched on the floor, half-naked, surrounded by the splintered remains of a broken chair. Her disheveled hair framed a face twisted in fury, her eyes blazing as she looked up at you. She snarled, the space around her hands crackling with the barely-contained energy of her power. The air itself seemed to shiver, trembling at the edges where her fingers twitched.
You held your hands up, palms forward, signaling that you came in peace. Charlotte mirrored your gesture, both of you stepping forward with slow, measured movements.
"We're just trying to help," you said in a calm, even voice, keeping your face neutral. Any hint of a smile might seem condescending, and you couldn't afford to misstep here. Damsel twitched, her body spasming with barely controlled tension, but she didn't attack. Her eyes, wild and mistrustful, flicked between you and Charlotte, but she allowed you to approach.
Cautiously, you knelt down beside her. She didn't move, her body stiff but silent as you assessed her injuries. Scrapes and bruises marred her skin, evidence of a physical struggle. The wounds were mundane—likely the result of being thrown to the ground rather than any direct power-based assault. You didn't know much about Edict or Licit's powers, but it was clear their methods hadn't been particularly violent, just... efficient, like they knew how this was going to go.
With a gentle touch, you began to clean and bandage her wounds. She remained still, her breathing uneven, but she didn't push you away. You could feel the tension in the air, her anger simmering just beneath the surface, but she allowed you to work in silence. The bandages wrapped around her forearms and sides, covering the worst of the injuries. Damsel's gaze was locked elsewhere, as though she was too proud to acknowledge the care you were offering but too weary to stop it.
When you finished, Damsel shifted uncomfortably, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment as she turned away to dress herself. Only then did you fully realize that she had been half-naked this entire time. You blinked, averting your eyes as Charlotte tugged you toward the entrance to give her some privacy. The quiet rustle of cloth signaled her hurried efforts to get dressed, and soon enough, her voice cut through the silence.
"You may return," Damsel called, her tone softer now, though still edged with pride. You and Charlotte turned back to face her, walking over as she paced the room, her expression stormy, lips moving in low, barely audible murmurs.
You didn't interrupt. Damsel was deep in thought, and you had learned from experience that it was best to let her process things in her own time. She was someone who needed to be in control, even if that control was an illusion.
"I need to strike back," she whispered suddenly, her voice cutting through the quiet like a blade. She stopped pacing, fixing you with an intense stare. "We'll strike at their headquarters, show them I can't be pushed around." Her back straightened, and her words took on a sharp, commanding tone. Confidence radiated from her, filling the room with an air of defiance.
You blinked, catching on the word "we." The pieces slowly fell into place. Damsel wasn't just planning a retaliation; she was including you and Charlotte in her scheme. She saw your support as a show of loyalty, a declaration that you were in this with her, whether you realized it or not.
She wanted to make a name for herself, and in her eyes, you were now part of that plan. Your willingness to stay by her side had been interpreted as a commitment, an unspoken agreement to follow her into the next stage of her self-declared rise. And now, after her bruising defeat, she wasn't asking for help—she was demanding it. She wanted to strike back at the PRT, to show the world that she was a force to be feared, and she fully intended to drag you and Charlotte into the thick of it.
You exchanged a brief glance with Charlotte, both of you realizing the gravity of what was happening. Damsel was determined to escalate, and she expected you to stand by her side.
This was going to be a problem.
You and Charlotte have tended to Damsel of Distresses wounds. She has let her guard down ever so slightly. She plans to make a name for herself, show that her being beaten back was merely a one time thing and has demanded your and Charlotte's help.
You and Charlotte have tended to Damsel of Distresses wounds. She has let her guard down ever so slightly. She plans to make a name for herself, show that her being beaten back was merely a one time thing and has demanded your and Charlotte's help.
Second, oh no, she is angry and she will ask for our help. But what she will even ask us to do? From her perspective, we are just two normal people, what could we even do that she wants?
We need to tell Mylissa about this, because this is the point of no return in regards to having PRT on our side.
Everything is going just fine.
Since Damsel is asking for our help, we will really help. We will initiate her into the occult and teach her the basic principle.
We should probably do it only with Master's permission. We still don't know her opinion on Shards and all that. Thankfully, the next meeting is soon so we can bring it up there.
Even if we could initiate her next turn, I doubt she would listen to us before we show ourselves useful. I think she would be too prideful to listen to some normal people that "don't know what they are doing."
We should probably do it only with Master's permission. We still don't know her opinion on Shards and all that. Thankfully, the next meeting is soon so we can bring it up there.
It's unlikely that the master is against it. We explicitly mentioned that we are recruiting Damsel, but the master did not react in any way. Given her personality, I doubt we wouldn't have gotten at least a hint of discontent if she really didn't want it.
Even if we could initiate her next turn, I doubt she would listen to us before we show ourselves useful. I think she would be too prideful to listen to some normal people that "don't know what they are doing."
You're probably right. But I really wonder what she expects from a priest and a social worker. If it wasn't Damsel, I would have thought that she was asking us to provoke discontent towards the PRT, but given her level of understanding of society, this would hardly occur to her.
Maybe she's asking us to be the mouthpiece of her victory.
Oh, by the way, I forgot. The Grail once again saves us, it seems to be the 4th or fifth case of all time.
You know, we are absolutely getting a visit from the friendly neighborhood Protectorate capes tomorrow over this, since there's no way in seven storms that Damsel's conveniently rent-free apartment isn't bugged to high heaven. Up until this point we have slotted neatly into conventional patterns, a priest and an idealistic social activist accosted by Damsel and proceeding to act according to their convictions. Understandable, admirable even!
But now matters have, escalated, and we may be in "danger" of acquiring an unwanted protective eye looking to keep we benevolent souls safe from the mercurial Damsel. So let's not do anything wildly exciting where it'll get noticed, especially since we already just did something that looks an awful lot like a classic Master power at work...
It's unlikely that the master is against it. We explicitly mentioned that we are recruiting Damsel, but the master did not react in any way. Given her personality, I doubt we wouldn't have gotten at least a hint of discontent if she really didn't want it
You are probably right. But still, it would be best not to assume. Also, being with Damsel and being aganist PRT are two very different things. It just seems like not our decision to make given its wide reaching consequences.
But now matters have, escalated, and we may be in "danger" of acquiring an unwanted protective eye looking to keep we benevolent souls safe from the mercurial Damsel.
But now matters have, escalated, and we may be in "danger" of acquiring an unwanted protective eye looking to keep we benevolent souls safe from the mercurial Damsel. So let's not do anything wildly exciting where it'll get noticed, especially since we already just did something that looks an awful lot like a classic Master power at work...
Honestly I half expect to get someone knocking on our door who outlines a plan to let Damsel calm herself down without anyone actually getting hurt. That's been how the PRT have been handling her for awhile.
Now might be the time to ask someone for help. Perhaps our master?
Edit:
We have offered plenty of help.
It's not selfish to ask for it. We don't have to be pushy. Or make it a favor to be repayed. But presenting it to the group and perhaps even our master as something we would like help with...?
This... actually might work. But it would put us in sights of PRT, not just as some sympathizers but as a genuine parahuman-related(as far as they know it) threat so I don't think it's worth the risk.
I actually really like that as a way to dip DoD's toes into the occult. And demonstrate we aren't just friendly, we're useful, and a channel to something more.
Dappled Wing would be better at quiet sabotage imho. Sneak into PRT armory and disable their weapons beforehand, steal some docs that we can use later, steal PRT file on Damsel so we are aware of methods they use to keep Damsel in check and other such objectives. Looks like interesting expedition, and there is probably ways for Charlotte and Emir to contribute without revealing their allegiance.
The past week had been fraught with tension. Damsel of Distress had roped you into one of her schemes, and though you weren't sure what exactly it was, you had a sinking feeling that it was something significant. Her energy had shifted from mere defiance to a determined, focused zeal, and you had no choice but to be swept along. Worry gnawed at you, but at least it didn't seem like she was going off half-cocked, throwing herself headlong into chaos. You could take solace in that small mercy.
The gentle warmth of your teacup spread through your hands, grounding you in the moment. You were about to take another sip when a knock echoed through the house. It was unusual—most people, especially those who knew you well, came to the side door. Only during services or special events did anyone use the front double doors of the church, so for someone to knock on them at this hour was an oddity in itself.
You set the cup down and made your way to the door, your brow furrowed in mild confusion. When you opened it, you found a young woman standing there. She was clearly a hero, her posture sharp, almost military, with her blond hair tucked beneath a helmet that obscured much of her face but allowed her hair to flow freely down her neck. Her costume was practical, not flashy—long pants and a thick jacket, emphasizing function over form. She seemed out of place on your doorstep, but the moment you saw her, recognition clicked. It was Edict, one of the heroes tasked with keeping the peace in this town.
"Mr. Lawrence, may I come in?" she asked, her voice firm but polite. There was no aggression in her tone, yet something about her presence sent your heart into a slight race. A hero visiting you could only mean trouble, and your mind immediately jumped to Damsel of Distress. Was she here to arrest you? To interrogate you?
"Of course," you replied smoothly, stepping back to let her in. Despite the tension bubbling beneath your skin, you kept your expression calm, masking any hint of unease. Whatever this was about, panicking wouldn't help matters. "Would you like something to drink? Tea, perhaps?"
Edict shook her head, and though she tried to maintain an air of professionalism, you caught a flicker of impatience. "No, thank you, this should be quick," she said, hesitating for a moment as if unsure of how to begin. Whatever she was about to say, it was clearly something she didn't relish bringing up.
"We know you and your friend Charlotte have been… providing for Damsel of Distress," she said at last, her eyes fixed on yours. The accusation wasn't harsh, more a statement of fact, and you blinked, keeping your face carefully neutral. Any pretense of ignorance would be pointless. It was clear they already knew.
"Now, that isn't illegal," she continued, sensing the tension in the room. "In fact, you've been preventing her from committing any serious crimes, which is appreciated."
You raised an eyebrow at that, genuinely surprised. "That isn't illegal?" you asked, tilting your head slightly. The way she phrased it made it seem as though you were walking a fine line.
"Technically, it could be construed as aiding and abetting, but we're not pursuing that angle," Edict explained, her tone softening just a fraction. "You haven't encouraged her to commit any crimes, and your influence has been, well, positive. So there's no reason to charge you—yet."
You allowed yourself a brief moment of relief. The last thing you needed was to get tangled in a legal web that the cult would likely try to pull you from, drawing far more attention than necessary. However, that relief was short-lived as Edict shifted her weight slightly, signaling that there was more.
"However," she said, her gaze steady, "we know she's planning something. Something big. And if you have any information about what she's intending, we would greatly appreciate your cooperation."
"I'm afraid I don't know anything," you said honestly. While you had been pulled into Damsel's orbit, she hadn't revealed her full plans to you yet, and Edict seemed to take your words at face value, nodding slightly.
"Fair enough," she said, though her tone carried the weight of a warning. "But if you do find out anything, we expect you to inform us. If you assist her in committing a crime, it will be aiding and abetting, and I won't be able to look the other way."
Her thin smile didn't reach her eyes. It was clear she didn't relish the thought of arresting you or even Damsel, but she had her duty. Whatever soft spot she might have for Damsel, her role as a hero came first. If push came to shove, she wouldn't hesitate to bring both of you in.
"Understood," you replied, keeping your tone even. There was no need to antagonize her further. Edict gave you a small, formal nod and stood up. Without another word, she made her way to the door, the sound of her boots against the wooden floor loud in the otherwise quiet space.
Once the door clicked shut behind her, the weight of the situation settled over you like a shroud. You sank back into your chair, letting out a long, weary sigh. You were well and truly caught in the middle now, stuck between two forces pulling you in opposite directions.
If you helped Damsel, you risked being charged with a crime—perhaps worse, dragged down with her in whatever grand scheme she had planned. But if you didn't help her, she might spiral, slipping back into the darker parts of her nature and undoing whatever progress you had made.
The worst part was you could already tell this wasn't going to end well, no matter what you chose.
The Cold Room, a place to hold prisoners, has been constructed. It can hold up to three people, although they can attempt to escape each month.
The Chief of Police has been recruited, local, non parahuman illegal activities will be ignored, buried or otherwise not investigated.
The Cold Room holds two people, courtesy of Dismas and the Dappled Wing.
Lady Mylissa's Library has gained 2 Moth manuscripts, improving the Moth level to 1
Licit has been recruited; so long as his vices are supplied, he will be loyal.
Vote by plan
Possible Actions: You have 4 Actions each month; more can be gained by spending less time at work. You have 1 Follower Action, represented by your Dappled Wing. The Dappled Wing will be desummoned by the end of this month.
Followers can take any of the below actions, except for ones that would obviously need your presence. To mark which Action they are taking add a [Follower] tally before it.
You have 1 month until the cult reconvenes, it is expected you have accomplished at least one thing of note by then. You have already discovered a ritual that affects not just the body but other parts as well.
Current Funds: 275
Income: 45 Funds/Month
[] On work and the people you preach to.
-[] You'll pray and preach as you have been told to (Gain no extra actions, reduce any worry raised by taking time off, default)
-[] You'll end a few minutes early, subtly of course (Gain an extra action)
-[] You fell ill, a rarity but one that strikes even you (Gain two extra actions, will not be noticed if not done often.)
-[] There's been a crisis, one that you must handle yourself (Gain three extra actions; a few people may notice.)
-[] The doors shall be closed, the church will be empty (Gain four extra actions, people will check up on you.)
[] On the goal, of rites, rituals, and summoned creatures
-[] Search out a Ritual
-[] Research a Ritual
--[] What Lore? (Write in)
-[] Create a Ritual
-[] Search the Woods for summonable creatures
-[] Gather supplies
--[] For which ritual? (Write in)
[] On furthering the cause.
-[] Assist somebody else in their task
--[] Who? (Write in)
-[] Items and strange artifacts, go search for them. They could be useful
-[] Request Funds (This does not cost an Action)
--[] How much? (Write in, up to 30)
[] 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)
-[] From the Cult's very own library (Gain 1 scrap of the chosen Lore)
--[] Edge
--[] Winter
--[] Forge
-[] Lady Mylissa is willing to teach, request a lesson
--[] What lore? (Write in, she is willing to teach all Lores, up to level two)
[] The Mansus, a place of contradictions. It calls to you, reach out.
-[] Explore the Woods and it's many secrets
-[] Climb higher, Glory awaits
[] On matters outside the cult.
-[] Spend time with somebody
--[] Who? (Write in)
-[] Get to know somebody
--[] Who? (Write in, one of your parishioners, a low level person inside the cult, a random joe on the street etc)
[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions might never be available again)
-[] Get involved Damsel of Distresses planning (There will be a vote on how to approach this later.)
[] Something else? (Write in, must be approved by QM)
So, does anyone else think we should try to get Damsel to meet Lady Mylissa? Getting her too wrapped up in dealing with the Occult to focus on her criminal career could be a way to keep her from going off the reservation, and it might even help her get a handle on her Power by interacting with it in the Mansus.
