Infernal Resurgence (Worm/Exalted)

[Yzarc]

13th January 2011

---

Danny and Taylor stood at the entrance of the Brockton Bay Marina, surveying the area. The marina had seen better days, with several of the docks in disrepair and the buildings showing signs of neglect. Seagulls circled overhead, adding to the desolate atmosphere. They walked towards a warehouse that was relatively out of place and not that eye-catching.

"We've got our work cut out for us," Danny remarked, eyeing the dilapidated building. "But with a bit of elbow grease, I think we can turn this place into a functional hideout."

Taylor nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities. "First things first, we'll need to repair the docks," she said, pointing to a section that looked particularly unstable. "Can't have them falling apart with us on it."

Danny agreed, and they set to work inspecting each dock, noting down what needed to be repaired or replaced. As he figured that out, Taylor's bugs scouted the area, checking for any hidden dangers or unwanted visitors.

After inspecting the docks, they moved on to the building. Most of it was in decent shape, but a few places needed some minor repairs and a thorough cleaning. They also discussed setting up surveillance cameras and security measures to keep their hideout hidden and secure.

Taking notes, they then set off to find other locations.

FOUND: Warehouse with Medium storage capacity and dock access. Needs to be repaired. Requires medium resources to fix.

Danny and Taylor explored the rest of the marina, searching for other suitable hideouts. After a while, they stumbled upon a half-flooded ship moored at one of the docks. The ship, an old cargo vessel, seemed to have been abandoned for years, with rust covering its hull and vines creeping up its sides.

Taylor's eyes lit up with excitement. "This could be perfect," she said, stepping closer to the ship. "It's away from view, and if we can pump out the water and make some repairs, it could be a great base of operations."

Danny nodded and together, they boarded the ship and began to explore its interior. The lower decks were submerged in water, but the upper decks were relatively dry, albeit dusty and in need of repair.

"We'll need to pump out the water and fix any leaks," Danny said, taking in the state of the ship. "But with some work, this could be a great hideout."

They spent the next few hours exploring the ship, taking note of what needed to be done to make it habitable. Taylor used her bugs to scout the area for supplies, while Danny made plans for repairs and security measures.

FOUND: Half sunken ship. LARGE storage capacity and mobile if you repair it. Requires a lot of resources, if you want to completely fix it.

Danny and Taylor continued their search for a suitable hideout, their excitement growing with each potential location they explored. They wandered through the Marina, their eyes scanning every abandoned building and forgotten corner for signs of promise.

As they turned a corner, they stumbled upon an old, dilapidated workshop tucked away between two larger buildings. The windows were boarded up, and the door hung off its hinges, but there was a sense of potential about the place.

Taylor's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at the workshop. "This could be it," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's secluded, and if we can fix it up, it could be the perfect hideout."

Danny nodded, his mind already racing with ideas for how they could transform the workshop into a functional base of operations. Together, they approached the building, pushing open the creaky door and stepping inside.

The workshop was musty and dark, with dust covering every surface and cobwebs hanging from the rafters. But beneath the neglect, Danny could see the bones of something great—a place where they could work, plan, and train without fear of discovery.

"We'll need to clean out all this junk," Danny said, gesturing to the cluttered shelves and workbenches. "But we can make this place shine."

Taylor nodded eagerly, already envisioning the possibilities. "We could set up a training area over there," she said, pointing to a corner of the workshop. "And maybe a surveillance center over here."

"We'll need to clean it up, repair the windows, and reinforce the doors," Danny said, mentally making a list of what needed to be done. "But with some effort, this could be a perfect base of operations. Now let's look at other places."

FOUND: Abandoned Workshop. Medium Storage capacity, little repair required. Little Resource required to get it functional. It is a hideout away from most infrastructure.

As they explored, they found that the marina was proving to be a treasure trove of potential hideouts for Danny and Taylor. As they wandered, they stumbled upon an old, abandoned food storage facility tucked away behind a row of warehouses. The building was large, with sturdy concrete walls and a heavy steel door that hinted at its previous use for storing perishables.

Taylor's eyes widened as she took in the sight. "Look Dad," she exclaimed. "It's secure, and the thick walls would be great for a hideout."

They approached the building and tried the door, finding it locked but surprisingly sturdy. Danny used his telekinetic powers to force the door open, revealing a large, empty interior with rows of shelves lining the walls.

"This place would need some work," Danny mused, looking around. "We'd have to clean it up, install some basic amenities, and fortify the entrances. But with a little effort, it could be a great base of operations."

Taylor nodded, her mind already racing with ideas on how to convert the space into a functional hideout. Together, they began to plan, excited by the possibilities that lay before them in their new-found discovery.

FOUND: Food Storage Facilities. Like Warehouse but has facilities for exotic items in exchange for Dock access.

As Danny and Taylor explored further along the marina, they stumbled upon an old, abandoned house tucked away at the edge of the property. The house was in a state of disrepair, with boarded-up windows and a sagging roof, but it still had a certain charm to it.

Taylor approached the house, her curiosity piqued. "I wonder if this place could be a potential hideout," she mused, running her hand along the weathered siding.

Danny joined her, surveying the house thoughtfully. "It would certainly need a lot of work," he admitted. "But it's secluded, and the layout could work in our favor. We could set up surveillance points and fortify the entrances to keep unwanted visitors out."

Taylor just nodded in agreement, her bugs scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger. "With some repairs and upgrades, this place could be a fortress," she said, his voice filled with excitement.

FOUND: Old House near the docks. Small Storage capacity, little repair required. Little Resource required to get it functional. Advantage is that it is very safe as compared to the other options, provided no one knows about it.

CHOOSE ONE:
[] Warehouse
[] Half-Sunken Ship
[] Food Storage Facility
[] Abandoned Workshop
[] Old House

AN: Work load has been high for the last couple of weeks, so updates may be delayed or shortened.

 

[Yzarc]

13th January 2011

---

Danny and Taylor stood at the edge of the water, looking out at the half-sunken ship that would become their base of operations. The ship was large, its hull partially submerged in the water, with the upper decks still intact. It was the perfect blend of concealment and accessibility, hidden from notice but easily reachable by boat.

As they waded through the shallow water towards the ship, Danny couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This would be their secret hideout.

Once they reached the container ship, they climbed aboard and began to explore. The wheelhouse was dark and musty, with water pooling in the inclined areas. The ship had clearly been abandoned for some time, but it was surprisingly intact. There were several rooms that could be repurposed for their needs, including a large cargo hold that could serve as a training area.

As they made their way through the ship, Taylor's bugs scouted ahead, ensuring that there were no unwanted guests. Danny was impressed by her control over the insects, marveling at how she could see through their eyes and command them with such precision.

As they explored, they found that the interior of the ship was in remarkably good shape, with many of the rooms still furnished and relatively dry. It was clear that the ship had been abandoned in a hurry, but it seemed like it had been well-maintained before that.

They explored the ship from top to bottom, finding several rooms that would be perfect for their needs. There was a large common area that could serve as a meeting room, as well as several smaller rooms that could be used for storage or sleeping quarters. They even found a kitchen that was still stocked with supplies like pots and pans, though most of the food had long since rotted.

As they continued to explore, they discovered that only around 25% of the hull was damaged. The rest of it was in surprisingly good condition, with the potential to be restored to its former glory.

FOUND: Ship Hull mostly Intact and very sturdy. You can patch the holes and pump the water out to fully float the ship.

When entering the ship's cargo hold, they were hit with a pervasive smell of decay. A single step and they found the source of the odor, the ship's cargo hold was filled with rotting crates and barrels. It seemed that whatever the ship had been carrying had been left to spoil long ago.

Danny and Taylor exchanged worried looks. Cleaning out the cargo hold would be a massive undertaking. They would need to remove all the rotten cargo, clean and disinfect the area, and then dispose of the waste. It was a daunting task, but one that was necessary if they wanted to use the ship as their base.

FOUND: Rotten Cargo. Cleaning is required if you do not want to get infected with something nasty. At least Taylor can get rid of the pests but the rotting cargo is up to you.

As Danny and Taylor ventured into the engine room, they were met with a disheartening sight. The room was in a state of severe disrepair, with rust covering most of the machinery and large sections of the floor and walls crumbling away.

Taylor frowned, examining the damage. "This is going to take a lot of work to fix," she said, her voice echoing in the empty room.

Danny nodded, his expression grave. "Yeah, it looks like most of the equipment is beyond salvage. We'll need to strip it all out and start from scratch."

FOUND: Engines are a total write off. But hey, you can rebuild it. Better...stronger...faster. You have the Charms, or you would if you trained it.

Continuing their explorations, Danny and Taylor were pleasantly surprised to find that the electrical systems were in much better condition than they had expected. The wiring was mostly intact, with only a few areas where repairs would be needed.

Taylor grinned as she inspected the wiring. "This is great!."

Danny nodded, his expression one of relief. "Yeah, it looks like most of the damage is superficial. We'll need to replace some of the corroded wiring and clean up the connections, but overall, it's in good shape."

They spent the next hour carefully repairing the damaged wiring with the supplies found in the ship's hold, taking care to ensure that everything was done safely and correctly.

By the time they were finished, the electrical systems were functioning perfectly. Plugging the local area into a power generator they found and filled with fuel, the lights flickered to life briefly before Danny pulled the switch.

Danny and Taylor stood back, admiring their handiwork. "It's amazing what a little elbow grease can do," Taylor said, a smile on her face.

Danny nodded, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. "Yeah, it is."

FOUND: Ships electrical systems repaired and now functional. You still need to pump out the lower decks before it would be completely safe.

As they continued to explore the partly sunken ship, Taylor noticed a group of crabs and other aquatic crustaceans scuttling along the seabed nearby. A thought occurred to her, and she focused her attention on the creatures, extending her control over them.

With a mental command, Taylor directed the crabs to investigate the sunken areas of the ship. The crustaceans moved with surprising agility, their sharp claws clicking against the metal hull as they explored the damaged sections.

Taylor's control over the creatures was precise, and she guided them carefully through the tight spaces and debris-filled corridors of the sunken parts of the ship. The crabs' natural instincts helped them navigate the dark and murky waters, and they soon reached the damaged sections of the ship.

To Taylor's delight, the damage was less severe than they had initially thought. The hull was intact in many areas, with only minor breaches that could be easily repaired. The crabs reported back to Taylor, relaying images of the damage through her insect senses.

Excited by the discovery, Taylor called the crabs back to her side. As they scuttled towards her, she turned to Danny, a smile of satisfaction on her face. "The damage isn't as bad as we thought. With some repairs, we should be able to make this ship seaworthy again."

FOUND: The Underwater sections are not badly damaged but will take a lot of repair to fix.

As Danny stood on the deck of the half-sunken ship, the Voice spoke up suddenly.

"You must journey into your inner world, Daniel," the Voice intoned. "Within the Sanctum lies the reagents that will allow you to shape the physical world as you desire." The voice paused.

"The ship can be a valuable asset, however" the Voice continued. "With your power as a Chosen, you can instead use two magic reagents to claim it as part of your inner world. This will allow you to use your right as the Lord of the Land to control and repair it. If destroyed, you can summon it back, improvements and all, whenever you need it."

Claiming the ship instead of the land seemed like a more practical choice, especially considering their limited resources.

Danny considered the proposition. The ship could serve as a mobile base of operations, providing them with a secure and hidden location to plan their next moves. It would also give them access to the sea, opening up new possibilities for travel and exploration.

Danny hesitated, unsure of what he might find within his own mind. "Is traveling to the Sanctum safe?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty., deciding to defer the choice till later.

"Indeed Daniel. The Sanctum is a reflection of your true self. It is a place of power and safety," the Voice reassured him.

Danny considered the Voice's suggestion. "Is it safe to bring Taylor into my inner world? I can't leave her alone." he asked, voicing his concern.

The Voice responded with a reassuring tone, "As long as you are there to guide her, she will be safe."

Danny glanced at Taylor, who was watching him with a mixture of curiosity and trust. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of responsibility for her well-being. "Taylor, do you trust me?" he asked.

Taylor nodded, her expression unwavering. "I trust you, Dad. If it's important, then I'm ready," she replied, her voice filled with determination.

CHOICE: You gain Essence (2) Magic Universal Reagents per Month from your Sanctum.

[] You can use one of them to claim the land that the ship is on.
-[] Bring Taylor with you to claim the reagent. (This is a chance to explore the Worldsoul for a bit)
-[] Do not bring Taylor with you. (This is a time skip)

[] Claim the ship instead and the land later. Uses both Magic reagents for the month. Normally you need 3 Magic reagents but as a Defiler, you can use two.

(This means that the ship counts as part of your inner world and you can use Lord of the Land to control and repair it. If destroyed, it can be summoned back, improvements and all)
-[] Bring Taylor with you to claim the reagent. (This is a chance to explore the Worldsoul for a bit)
-[] Do not bring Taylor with you. (This is a time skip)

 

[Yzarc]

13th January 2011

---

They did not know what to expect, when traveling to Danny's Worldsoul, but a blinding light enveloping them was not it. When it faded, they found themselves standing in a vast, otherworldly landscape. The sky above them was a swirling mass of colored clouds, and the ground beneath their feet seemed to pulse with energy.

"What... where are we?" Taylor asked, her voice filled with fear and confusion.

"We're in my Worldsoul," Danny replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I've never been here before, not for long."

As they looked around, they saw that they were surrounded by towering structures that seemed to be made of brass and basalt. Strange creatures flitted about in the distance, and the air was filled with a faint, otherworldly music.

"I think we should try to find a way out of here," Taylor said, her voice echoing in the strange landscape. "I don't think we belong here."

Danny shook his head, his eyes scanning the horizon. "This is my World. As long as you are with me, nothing will harm you. Let's see if we can find someone or something that can help us."

As they began to explore, they encountered all manner of strange sights and sounds.They saw rivers of flowing light, forests of shimmering energy, and mountains that seemed to reach up to the very sky itself.

In the distance, covering the horizon, lay a vast and sprawling fortress, stretching out as far as the eye could see. The fortress was a marvel of architecture, with towering buildings made of shimmering crystal and gleaming brass. It was gigantic and its gates were made primarily of basalt.

Taylor could not help but exclaim excitedly how its walls stretched up into the sky and how it had towers that reached even higher. Danny instinctively knew that the fortress was the seat of his power, the place where he could command the forces of his Worldsoul.

Surrounding the fortress were various factories and workshops, where countless workers toiled day and night to produce the goods that Danny needed to sustain his Worldsoul. The factories were vast and sprawling, with smokestacks belching out clouds of steam and machinery clanking and whirring.The streets were lined with strange and exotic plants. The air was filled with the sound of machinery and the smell of industry, and everywhere they looked, there were demons going about their business.

As Danny took a single step, the ground beneath him quaked, sending ripples of power through the Worldsoul. The demons, who had been bustling about their tasks, immediately stopped and turned towards him, their eyes wide with awe and reverence.

The demons erupted into cheers, rushing towards Danny and Taylor with joyous abandon. They surrounded them, cheering and chanting his name, their loyalty unwavering.

Suddenly, a carriage appeared before them. It was a magnificent sight to behold, crafted from gleaming brass and adorned with intricate basalt carvings. It was a work of art, with every detail meticulously crafted to perfection. The wheels were massive and sturdy, made to withstand the rough combat. The sides of the chariot were decorated with intricate designs depicting scenes of battle and triumph, a testament to the power and glory of the Lord of the Land.

The demons pulling the carriage were just as impressive. They stood tall and proud, by the Chariot, a team of six majestic demons with fiery red eyes and obsidian-black scales. The demons moved with a grace that belied their size, their muscles rippling beneath their skin as they pulled the chariot effortlessly across the Worldsoul. They bowed before Danny and Taylor, indicating that they were to climb aboard.

Taylor hesitated but with a gentle nod from Danny, they walked towards it. As Danny and Taylor climbed into the chariot, they were greeted with cheers and applause from the surrounding demons. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation. With a flick of the reins, Danny signaled to the demons, and the chariot lurched forward, carrying them towards their destination with speed and purpose.

This close to the demons, Danny and Taylor found just how formidable they truly were. Their massive forms towering over the landscape even as they harnessed themselves to the chariot. Their eyes glowed with an otherworldly fire, and their sharp claws dug into the ground as they prepared to pull the chariot.

With a powerful heave, the demons began to move, their muscles straining against the weight of the chariot. Despite their size, they moved with the same surprising speed and agility as before, their movements synchronized as they pulled the chariot forward. The ground shook beneath their feet, and the air was filled with the sound of their heavy breathing and the creaking of the chariot's wheels.

As they pulled the chariot across the Worldsoul, the demons let out a series of deep, rumbling growls, a sound that seemed to echo across the landscape. It was a sound of power and determination, a testament to the demons' strength and loyalty to their master. And as they continued on their journey, their growls grew louder, filling the air with a sense of awe and reverence for these powerful creatures.

As they rode through the streets, the crowds of demons grew thicker and louder. They cheered and waved banners, their excitement palpable. Danny and Taylor were filled with a sense of awe and wonder at the spectacle unfolding around them.

Finally, the carriage arrived at its destination: the gates of the gigantic fortress. As they entered the fortress, they were greeted by a throng of demons, all of them cheering and applauding. At the center of the fortress, on a raised platform, stood the Demon King, a massive statue of Danny with horns and wings that blotted out the sky.

As the cheers of the demons filled the air, Danny felt a surge of power within him. With a deep breath, he embraced his demon form, his body transforming into a cloaked figure radiating a powerful aura.

Raising his arms, Danny focused his will on the sky above. With a gesture, he commanded the clouds to part, revealing the green sun that hung in the sky. The light of the sun bathed the fortress in an otherworldly glow, casting no shadows and illuminating every detail.

He then raised his hands, channeling his authority as the Lord of the Land and immediately, the ground beneath his feet trembled as the landscape began to shift and change.

Mountains rose and fell, rivers diverted their courses, and forests grew and receded at his command. Danny shaped the Worldsoul according to his will, creating new valleys, lakes, and plains. He even crafted a series of hidden tunnels and passages, ensuring that only those he trusted could navigate them.

When he was done, Danny surveyed his work with satisfaction. The Worldsoul had been reshaped.

The demons around him gasped in awe at the display of power. As the demons cheered, Danny turned to their leader, a towering figure with sharp horns and a regal demeanor.

Taylor gazed out at the transformed landscape, her eyes wide with wonder. "What did you just do, Dad?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.

Danny smiled. "I'm the 'Lord of the Land'," he explained. "In here? I am the king, and I can shape this place as I want to."

Taylor looked at him, her expression unreadable. "So, you're like a god here?" she asked, her voice tinged with emotion.

"In a way, yes," Danny replied, not noticing this. "But I'm still your dad, and you'll always be my little girl."

Taylor nodded, but said nothing else. Danny then turned to the assembled demons.

"Take us to my Sanctum," Danny commanded, his voice carrying authority and power.

The demon bowed deeply. "As you command."

With a wave of its hand, the carriage took off. He knew that in order to claim the magic reagent needed to fully claim the ship as their hideout, he would need to enter his Sanctum within the Worldsoul. However, the journey to the Sanctum was a long and arduous one, requiring them to travel through the vast expanse of the fortress, a journey measured in hours.

But then Danny remembered something the Voice had told him – as the Lord of the Land, he had the power to shape more than just the physical world as he desired. With a focused thought, Danny exerted his authority over the Worldsoul, commanding it to bend to his will. Instantly, the space between them and the Sanctum began to shrink, the vast distance collapsing in on itself until they were mere steps away from their destination.

Taylor looked around in complete disbelief as the landscape shifted and changed around them, the once distant Sanctum now looming large in front of them. Danny smiled, satisfied with his display of power. With a gesture, he commanded the demons to stop, and they came to a halt in front of the grand entrance to the Sanctum.

As they disembarked from the chariot, Danny turned to Taylor. "Welcome to my Sanctum," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

They walked up to the gates, which opened before them. As Danny and Taylor stepped into the divine sanctum, they were greeted with the sight of a vast, sprawling space that seemed to stretch on infinitely, filled with all manner of wonders and mysteries.

They first found themselves in a grand hall, adorned with intricate carvings and ancient tapestries that depicted scenes of great battles and heroic deeds. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the soft glow of mystical runes illuminated the space, casting long shadows on the walls.

As they explored further, they came across chambers filled with pictures and drawings of strange artifacts and relics from worlds long forgotten. There were descriptions of weapons of unimaginable power, armor that gleamed with an otherworldly light, and books that seemed to whisper secrets of the universe.

But perhaps the most awe-inspiring sight was the central chamber of the sanctum. Here, at the heart of the divine realm, stood a massive, pulsating crystal that seemed to contain the very essence of the Worldsoul. Danny knew that this crystal was the source of what he was here for, the key to his ability to shape the physical world.

As they approached the crystal, Danny could feel its energy coursing through him, filling him with a sense of purpose and strength.

He turned to Taylor. "We have what we came for," he said. "Now, let's go claim our new hideout." And with that, they left the sanctum, ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey.

---

CHOICE: You are claiming the Ship as a part of the Worldsoul. You get one special ability listed below. So choose 1.

[] Restoration: The ability to completely regenerate mundane ship supplies and all ship damage at no cost. This would also restore the engine room and the fuel bunkers as well as apply to any tinker tech and artifact upgrades.

[] Dimensional Anchoring: This ability would allow the ship to anchor itself in a pocket dimension, making it undetectable and unreachable by conventional means.

[] Teleportation: The ship could have the ability to teleport to different locations, providing a quick escape or allowing it to move to a more advantageous position.

[] Shape-shifting: The ability to transform into different forms, such as a land vehicle or even a building, allowing it to blend into urban environments and avoid detection.

[] Levitation or Hovering: The ability to hover above the ground, allowing it to move over land without needing wheels or tracks. This could also provide the advantage of being able to bypass obstacles and rough terrain.

[] Weather Manipulation: The ability to control the weather to provide cover during escape or create advantageous conditions for the ship's activities.

[] Energy Absorption and Redirection: The ability to absorb energy attacks and use that energy to power its systems or as a weapon against enemies.

[] Memory Manipulation: The ability to alter the memories of those who come into contact with it, erasing any knowledge of its existence or activities.

[] Time Dilation: The ability to manipulate time within the ship, allowing for reduction of time for Workings and Craft actions in the ship by one Interval. (Decade to Year to Month to Week to Day to Hour to Minute to Second)

These choices are not mutually exclusive. You can choose the other options later, once you have relevant magic reagents. Or wait till the month end to get more Magic universal reagents.

 

[Yzarc]

WHAT DO BACKGROUND DOTS DO?
So what does Background Dots do?

Short answer, anything that is not specific to a splat. Long answer? Anything that is in WoD books can be converted into this system and costs 4xp per dot. Backgrounds, Merits and flaws. Take for example, this.

Ability Aptitude (1 point) [Mage: Revised - Mental Merit]

For every human ability, there are those who have a natural flair for it. Within your character's specific Aptitude, reduce all difficulties by two. A natural linguist picks up languages easily, speaking without any trace of accent, and a crack driver can perform phenomenal car tricks with ease. This Aptitude functions for one Ability, but it can be taken multiple times for a character who's a natural with, say, computers and technology.

Click to shrink...

This is a viable background dot but this is something that can only be acquired via Charms and Sorcery.

Now take the Resource Background. That is something that can only be acquired via Charms and gameplay choices.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES THAT CANNOT BE PORTED?

Anything that is very specific to a splat, has no mechanical equivalent in this system or otherwise would not make sense, is considered as disqualified.

Sphere Natural

(5 points) [Mage: Revised - Supernatural Merit]

Your character is able to use one of the Spheres of magic with a greater degree of ease than other mages. For whatever reason (inborn talent, powerful heritage, past life, supernatural bargain, etc.,) she's got an affinity for a certain kind of magic. She picked it up quickly, and she now progresses through it at an unusual rate.

During character creation, select one Sphere. From this point on, you only pay three-quarters of the normal cost (rounded down) when buying levels, rituals and similar improvements for magic of that Sphere alone. The favored Sphere must be declared at character creation, and it may be purchased only once.

Click to shrink...

So this Merit/Background is disqualified for obvious reasons.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITS?

Beyond what I stated above? Nothing. You can literally give people the background of Immortality or unageing if you so desire.

Unaging
(2 points) [Mage: Revised - Supernatural Merit]

Your mage does not age, ever. Perhaps she drank an elixir in the Mythic Ages, or she tasted the Peach of Immortality, or she ate the Apple of Hesperides, or she dined on the forbidden savor of mermaid's flesh. Perhaps she was injected with the perfect Iterator nanotech or Progenitor symbiote. Perhaps her body is composed of timeless stone or metal. Perhaps the cause is a complete mystery. Regardless, she remains unchanged as the years pass by, save for scars and accumulated knowledge.

Click to shrink...

Yes, this "only" costs 8xp with the right charm. Yes, people are going to pay a LOT of money for this.

GM APPROVAL REQUIRED?

In short, feel free to raid the World of Darkness books for good merits, though I will change or veto them if I feel they are too powerful, breaks the game or are otherwise do not fit the system.

 

[Yzarc]

14th January 2011

---

Spoiler: Sorcery Break up

Advantages
+3 rolls for a blessing from a Supremely powerful God or being. (Infernals gain this for free)
+1 rolls for a basic workshop, with all the standard tools.
+5 rolls for using purely resonant magical ingredients.
+1 roll for having a Charm, spell, anima power, or other magical ability that's related to the Working or Spell.
+2 rolls for having a resonant Essence. For Infernals, this is limited to their Favoured hells.
12 Rolls Total.
Effect: Alter major metaphysical properties of the ship, making it always count as part of your inner World. 40 Sux needed.
Base Difficulty: 9
Anima: -1 Difficulty.
Workshop: -2 Difficulty
Final Difficulty 6

In the dim light of the moon, Taylor stood at the edge of the wheelhouse, gazing up at the massive, looming deck of the ship. It was a relic from a bygone era, its once-grand hull now weathered and worn, covered in strange runes and symbols that seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly light.

With a deep breath, Taylor released her bugs, sending them skittering across the surface of the ship. As they crawled over the ancient wood, she felt a sense of unease creep over her. The bugs began to act strangely, moving in erratic patterns and emitting low, mournful hums that sent shivers down Taylor's spine.

Ignoring her growing unease, Taylor pressed on, sending her bugs deeper into the ship's interior. But as they ventured further, strange things began to happen. The walls seemed to shift and warp, the very fabric of reality bending and twisting around her.

Taylor tried to pullback, but the ship seemed to have other plans. Its corridors twisted and turned in on themselves, leading her bugs in circles and trapping them in an endless maze of darkness. Shadows danced at the edges of her bug's vision, and strange whispers filled the air, speaking words that sent chills down her spine.

Desperate to escape, Taylor called out for Danny, but her voice was swallowed by the darkness. She was alone, lost in a world of eldritch horror with no way out. Just when all hope seemed lost, a faint light appeared in the distance and she woke up in the wheelhouse, gasping for breath and covered in a cold sweat.

In the dimly lit interior of the abandoned ship, Taylor shuddered, her skin prickling with unease. "That was scary, Dad," she whined, turning to Danny, who was examining a rusted control panel nearby.

Danny looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "Scary? That was just the beginning, Taylor."

Taylor rolled her eyes, trying to shake off the lingering fear. "Great, just what I needed to hear," she muttered, casting a wary glance around the eerie surroundings.

Danny chuckled, walking over to Taylor and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Tay. I won't let anything happen to you. Now, let's keep experimenting. Who knows what else we might discover?"

As Danny and Taylor continued their exploration of the ship, Danny's mind buzzed with possibilities. With a confident smile, he decided to put this newfound claim to the test.

Standing in what was once the captain's quarters, Danny focused his thoughts on the sanctum within his Worldsoul. He concentrated on its luxurious furnishings, it's warm and inviting atmosphere. Slowly, he felt the familiar energy of his sanctum pulsating within him.

With a wave of his hand, Danny invoked his power, channeling the essence of his sanctum into the ship. In an instant, the cramped and dilapidated quarters transformed before their eyes. The walls shimmered with ethereal light, and the air filled with the scent of fresh flowers and incense.

Taylor gasped in amazement as the once dingy room was replaced by a lavish and opulent space. "Dad, how did you do that?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Danny grinned proudly, relishing in the success of his experiment. "It's just one of the perks of being me," he explained. "With a little bit of concentration and a whole lot of imagination, anything is possible."

Danny's thoughts then turned to the demons from his world soul. With a flicker of his will, he summoned forth a group of Demon Prison Guards. The air around them shimmered as the demons materialized, their towering forms clad in imposing armor.

Taylor gasped as the demons appeared, their presence filling the room with a palpable aura of power. "Dad, are these...?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Danny nodded, a sense of pride swelling within him. "Yes, these are the Demon Prison Guards from my Worldsoul," he explained. "They have pledged their loyalty to me, and now they serve as our protectors."

The demons bowed before Danny, their movements fluid and precise. "Lord," one of them spoke, their voice deep and resonant. "We stand ready to serve and protect you and your kin. Command us, and we shall obey."

As Danny and Taylor were still familiarizing themselves with the ship, Danny decided to test the limits of the demons' presence. "I want to see if you can leave the ship," Danny commanded the Demon Prison Guards.

The demons nodded, understanding their task. One by one, they attempted to step off the ship, but to their surprise, only a few could pass beyond its boundaries. Those that did were bound to specific tasks, such as patrolling the surrounding waters or scouting the nearby coastline.

"It seems that despite the ship's connection to my world soul, your ability to leave is limiting," Danny mused, observing the demons' efforts. "But as long as you are bound to tasks related to the ship or me, you should be able to move freely."

Danny then reached out and commanded the ship to function autonomously, without the need for a traditional crew. With a simple mental command, Danny activated the ship's systems, and they sprang to life.

Internal lights flickered on, and the hum of machinery filled the air as the ship's newly regenerated engines came online.

"It's... it's like the ship is alive," Taylor whispered, awestruck by the sight before her.

"In a way, it is," Danny replied, a hint of wonder in his voice. "It's a part of my Worldsoul now, an extension of my will."

As Danny and Taylor explored further into the depths of the ship, they stumbled upon a storeroom. To their amazement, they found that the contents of the storeroom seemed to renew themselves. The pantry was filled with fresh food, and the store room was fully stocked with supplies. Enough for around 30 people.

"This is incredible," Taylor exclaimed, inspecting the shelves filled with provisions. "It's like the ship is providing for us."

Danny nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. "It seems that way. This ship truly is a marvel."

They spent some time marveling at the replenishing supplies, grateful for the unexpected boon. With the ship's ability to provide for their needs, they knew that they could stay hidden and well-provisioned for as long as they needed.

As Danny and Taylor ventured deeper into the bowels of the ship, they stumbled upon a strange and unsettling sight—a large, pulsating brass and crystal cocoon, floating at the center of the room. Taylor recoiled in horror, while Danny approached it cautiously, his curiosity piqued.

"What is this?" Taylor asked, her voice filled with trepidation.

But before he could answer, the Voice spoke in Danny's mind, its tone grave. "That, Daniel, is a nascent soul, slumbering within the cocoon. Its narrative yet to be determined."

Danny's eyes widened in understanding. "You mean... it's waiting to be born? To become something?"

The Voice nodded. "Precisely. It is a rare occurrence, but sometimes, souls decent from the raw essence of the Primordials, each with their own story to tell. You too hold the power of creation, though you are...."merely" a chosen and thus, this is but an emulation of that. Not a Peer nor a Citizen, it has more in common to the rebellious gods that to the souls of the Creators, but bound to you nonetheless."

Taylor looked at the cocoon, a mix of fascination and unease crossing her features as Danny explained what it was. "What will happen to it?"

The Voice was silent for a moment before responding. "That is unknown. It depends on the choices made by those around it, and the path it chooses to take once it awakens."

As Danny and Taylor stood before the pulsating cocoon, the unborn being within the cocoon spoke, its ethereal tones echoing through Danny's mind. "Greetings Creator and Creator kin. I am but a fragment of a greater whole, a sliver of consciousness adrift in the vastness of existence. Who I am, what I am, and what I aspire to be have yet to be determined. As such, I shall slumber until you, father, give me a name or let me fade."

Danny furrowed his brow, pondering the Voice's words. "A name... but what should I call you?"

"Merely uttering words will not suffice," it said, its tone powerful yet painfully young. "To awaken me, you must shape my narrative, for I am a being of story and myth, born from the fabric of your Worldsoul."

The Voice chimed in, adding its wisdom to the cryptic message. "This being's narrative must be determined. You must give it form and purpose through Sorcerous naming. Only then will it awaken and fulfill its role as one of your divine ministers."

"Beware," the being in the cocoon whispered, "my awakening will mark the end of this vessel."

Danny's brow furrowed in concern. "Why is that?" he asked, puzzled by the revelation.

The being's voice grew stronger, resonating with power. "I am a creation of your claim," it explained. "As you have claimed this ship as part of your Worldsoul, my awakening will reshape it to accommodate my existence. The ship, as it is now, will cease to exist in its current form and become a part of mine."

Taylor looked at her father, worry etched on her face. Danny understood the gravity of the situation. His actions had consequences beyond what he had initially anticipated. He had to decide whether to awaken this being and accept the loss of the ship or to leave it dormant and preserve the vessel.

"While my current form is tied to this cargo ship, you have the power to shape what I become," it continued. "Your will can guide me to a new ship form, one that aligns with your vision."

Danny considered the implications of this revelation. The idea of shaping a new ship form for this being intrigued him. He could envision a powerful military vessel, something truly unique and powerful like a battleship. It was an opportunity to create a flagship for his divine realm, a symbol of his authority and ambition. The Admiral for his nascent navy who was also a ship.

Yet as Danny gazed at the the cocoon, a sense of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders. The being's words echoed in his mind. He knew that naming it would shape its identity, its purpose, its very essence. But did he want to? Did he dare to trust it?

"Fear not. I am but a possibility." The being said, noticing Danny's hesitation, "An accident and not a product of intent. Should you choose to not name me, I will hold no grudge against you and your kin. For you are my Creator and I love you all the same."

"I appreciate your understanding," Danny finally replied, his voice reflecting his gratitude. "This decision is not one I take lightly."

The being nodded, its form shimmering faintly within the cocoon. "I am bound to your will, whether named or not. My existence is your choice, and I will serve you faithfully, regardless of if I exist or not."

With those words, Danny felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that whatever choice he made, the being would support him.

GAINED:
A Ship that acts as a part of your inner world. It has the following features.

• The ship constantly regenerates all damage and replenishes all ship based supplies.
• The ship counts as a part of the Worldsoul and Danny has full control over it.
• Danny can directly control the ship without a crew needed.
• The internals of the ship can be changed as needed and gives the impression of being bigger on the inside.
• You can summon features, like demons within the ship. However, they cannot leave unless bound to fulfill a task. Mechanically: You can make use of Essence Size Demons.
• You can walk to your Worldsoul without spending 7 days and 7 nights traveling. You appear at the foot of the fortress.

ACHIEVEMENT:
Congratulations, you are a Father…..again. There is a nascent being gestating in the heart of the Worldsoul, that also appears in the heart of the ship. The Being is:

• Unborn and whose power is undetermined.
• Will need to gestate for a Year and a day.
• Will need to have its human aspects "Named"
• Will need to have its Ship aspect "Named"
• Will need to have its third and final aspect "Named"

So your Sorcerous Rolls? It went horribly right. You have inadvertently formed a Chrysalis Divine and have a potential character, though the same will only be available in a year and a day, should you choose to awaken it.

Now this is not technically a Third Circle Demon and is more akin to a powerful god or spirit. So you do not have to Worry about it dying and taking a chunk of Danny's mind as well. That said, without a Spirit killing charm, it will automatically reform in your World Soul and can be summoned with Sorcery. It will be POWERFUL, with a Capital P. How powerful? That has to be determined based on what you want from it. How powerful can it be? That depends on the below. Its Purpose however, as the first born, has been determined.

You need 3 mundane reagents for 3 Human Arch types, for Example, Scientist, Noble and Soldier, representing Mental, Social and Physical attributes.

Then you need 3 Ship Narratives. Take for Example, the Bismarck. It was said to be "The most powerful", "Capable of Duling multiple Peers" and "Was unsinkable" so something similar.

Finally, you need three aspects reflecting its Purpose in your Worldsoul. This is locked as Malfean due to your strong pull to it. So the Aspects will be "Power" "Destruction" and "Illumination" to go with the radioactive green sun theme.

As the being was partially brought into existence due to the act of claiming a ship, I am taking some inspiration from Kancolle and Azur Lane for the being, if you choose to awaken it.

Keep in mind that there is no consequences to not awakening it and even if you do, it will take a year and you have the ship for that time.

CHOICE:
[] See if you can loot the gangs for some cash. You definitely need it.
[] Forge Alliances with Local Heroes, New Wave
[] Community Engagement. Go out and talk to the people. The PRT is called the PR Team for a reason

SECOND CHOICE:
[] Choose to Awaken the being.
(This locks in an action, next week and all other weeks, to gather reagents to awaken the being. The lock lasts until you succeed in naming the being)

[] Do not Awaken the being.
(No actions are locked but you are letting the being fade.)

 

[Yzarc]

This is a general announcement. I am sorry but I think I will have to rework the quest a bit.

I have been going over my notes and have noted a number of problems that have cropped out that makes me feel that the quest has gone off the rails. This is my first quest ever that I have GMed and it frankly shows. I have noticed a number of issues, both Minor and Major that make me feel that I need to take a step back and look at the mechanics of the quest for reasons that I am listing below.

1. UPDATES
So as you may know, I have done my best to make an update every day. This was a kind of new year's resolution as I wanted to commit to a quest, rather than abandon it after a couple of updates like I did a few years back. But in all honestly? Due to my work timing, I often find myself rushing out updates to the detriment of the quality. Another thing is that I think the quest would be better off with a bigger update over a period of time than small updates every day as it would give me time to write a better update and have meaningful choices.

So Going forward, Updates will take longer. The Daily updates are too restrictive and I need more time to get better quality and more impactful choices and consequences.

2. STORY POV
The Format of the story needs to be fixed and it shows. I was trying what best fits, a third person perspective but that has led to confusion and mixed texts where it is not clear whose POV is being used. In short, I should have picked a First Person POV of Danny and stuck with it, except in Interludes where the POV would be one of the characters.

So going forward, the narrative will be from Danny's POV unless it is an interlude.

3. FORMAT
Due to trying to adhere to the daily updates, I found myself having huge problems trying to cut down posts that ought to have been longer. What I mean is that, each post ought to have been longer and take more days to write but due to the daily update format, I kept having to cut it down where it really should not have to. This has impacted quality and consistency. This also had the effect of things getting dragged on and on and some updates being nothing but filler or felt like it.

So going forward, the updates will be longer and more meaningful.

4. FILLER CHOICES
Due to No. 3, I often found myself struggling to make meaningful choice options for you the players. In a lot of places, it felt that there was only ever one option and the rest were just fillers. In others, it felt like it was all fillers due to having to cut the update short. So many of the choices did not seem impactful and important as you had to make a choice daily and it just gets lost as one among many. It also meant that there was no discussion as the choices were largely binary.

So going forward, the choices will be more branching and have consequences. You will need to give up one thing for another and things like that. Better Pros and Cons for each choice.

5. STORY OPTIONS
When I first conceived the story, the general options were something vastly different from what finally came out. For Example, you have access to a well guarded and fully stocked base of operations in the Worldsoul. You really did not need a base as you already had it. Or you should have, had I not better communicated that. Simply put, you had better options and I failed to let you guys know that. In all honesty the Worldsoul is one of your biggest advantages but was not used at all, not even as a bag of holding.

So going forward, I will be offering the choices below. I am also retconning a few things. See the choices and reasons below.

6. STAGGERED PROGRESSION
In all honesty, I staggered progression to let you guys take your time with your powers and it negatively impacted the game. I also found a few flaws in the system and while I can tweak them, it still did not fix the fact that I should have prepared a charm package for you to pick upon Exaltation, to let you guys start on a run. As it is, the weekly system is simultaneously too slow and too fast.

So going forward, I will post a NOTE on how you can game the achievement system and your urge to earn more Training Dice and Discounts.

7. BACKGROUND ROLLS
This is another failure on my part. I hoped to introduce background rolls and get results based on those rolls and the intimacies of the people involved. This is why you had so big an effect when you guys took down the merchants and why the PRT shot themselves in the foot. It is also why you got that Chrysalis for free in the Sorcery Roll. This is not bad per say but it is obvious that I really need to go back and tweak the rolls a lot. TBH, what SHOULD have happened is that rolls, POSITIVE and NEGATIVE, should have been brought to the attention of you, the players, so that you would have been given a choice on how to act and if you wanted to act. This would have given you actual agency and added more to the game.

So going forward, you will not have repeats like what happened to the drug trade and the PRT but will instead be presented with a choice, for both positive and negative rolls, that you can either grasp or mitigate, depending on your actions and choices.

8. CHARACTERS
My greatest regret was the Demons and their urges. It was supposed to be a quirk that you stunt around by being clever, finding loopholes in a dark power, using it for good by being creative. This ended up not working as the demons remained unused for the most part. This is just the demons. I also introduced many characters who were not useful due to you guys lacking the charms to empower them. Once again, coming back to the choices I failed to properly convey.

So going forward, expect better and more recurring characters.

9. PROGRESSION
The Progression of the Story felt hindered. For example, I failed to properly set the Achievement system and what it takes to get it. The second thing is I failed to properly show what kind of actions get listed in the end of the week bonus.

RETCON
Demons: So the first retcon is their urge. They still have it but rather then keep gaining Limit till they snap, they only gain one limit per scene and has a torment that reduces limit. This way, you guys have more freedom to use them but as a trade off, the higher the limit, the lower the loyalty, so choose wisely.

The Limit also can be stunted around, if you are creative or cleaver. For example, the urge to "Do harm" can be stunted by inflicting mental harm and so on.

Base: You have a literal untraceable base of operations in your worldsoul that is well equipped and guarded. So rather than looking for bases, I am retconning it so you are instead claiming the lands to act as waypoints for your minions to go to and from your Worldsoul. This also gives you tactical flexibility where if your summons are decimated or you are running away, you have a place to vanish or call reinforcements.

The Ship is still there but you are essentially using it as the physical vessel until the awakening of the demon. Your actual base will be the Worldsoul and I will be better making ways to go to and from it.

Charms: As stated earlier, I should have offered charms based on what you would want to do. However, to not overwhelm you guys, I did not do that. So to make up for it, I am making a suit of charms that I am giving you for accidentally forging a powerful demon. For the reason of player agency, I am offering two "packages" and you can choose any one.

Ability: I am adding 1 more Dot in Melee, Occult, Presence and Bureaucracy.

Progression: I am reworking Progression and am still looking at it. So once I am done, I will post a note on it so that it will make things easier.

CHOOSE ONE:
[] Craft Package: You get the ability to make artifacts/beings and demon assistants in Craft and Sorcery actions.

The Spark of Genius
System: The Infernal can spend a TAP to make a Mental + Craft roll with a difficulty of Base to research a project and determine the Tasks needed for a Project to craft/repair an exotic artifact, scientific device, crafting/repair project or any other craft/construction/restoration of any scale.

After the first roll, the Infernal may freely, without spending anymore TAP, continue to make Mental + Craft rolls, at one roll per day until they reach the required successes. One success is enough to reveal the Tasks at the rate of one success per task needed but the Infernal needs to accumulate a total of the Artifact's rating x2 in successes to start building the Artifact.

Alternatively, they can roll Mental + Medicine at base difficulty during play to accurately assess the condition of a patient and determine what medical problems they are suffering from and what to do to treat it.

Invulnerable Wounding Futility
System: Reduce the difficulty of all Soak rolls by Essence.
Demon Aspect: Unlocks Demon Armor. +2 dice to soak rolls. This Armor can be reforged into an Artifact. It can be reforged many times, each time the Artifact is stored as a template, but only one template is used for that scene.
Feature: Countless Craftsmen: The Worldsoul contains a number of highly trained veteran Demonic craftsmen and Sorcerer artistants. They can assist with most crafting and Sorcerous Working. Summons Essence Sized Battlegroup of Craftsman and Sorcerers Artistants who have essence Demon Aspects.

Click to shrink...

[] Social Empowerment: The ability to empower minions.

Gifts of Greater Glory
System: The Infernal can grant a Yozi Gifts to a Person. The Yozi gift granted does not also grant them Demon Aspects as that is a separate deal. The Infernal can also grant immunity to Mind Control and immunity to possession except by the Infernal.

Counter-Conceptual Interposition
System: All direct actions taken by the Character to directly maintain and directly defend an organization they are loyal to or are a part of, from any attack, corruption or anything else that would affect it negatively have their difficulty reduced by -3.
Demon Aspect: Keen Sense. Lower all Alertness rolls by 2.
Feature: Surveillance: The Worldsoul contains an extensive series of surveillance networks and otherwise has daunting Hell-wide security. You autopass all Sense rolls made.

Click to shrink...

As for the previous vote, the same is locked.

Adhoc vote count started by Yzarc on Mar 3, 2024 at 10:31 AM, finished with 13 posts and 7 votes.

• ---

  7 people have voted

  [X] Choose to Awaken the being.

  • gale
  • epic
  • thewhiteraven22
  • veekie
  • Sunssarathi
  • DragonParadox
  • the DragonBard

  4 people have voted

  [X] Community Engagement. Go out and talk to the people. The PRT is called the PR Team for a reason

  • gale
  • epic
  • thewhiteraven22
  • veekie

 

[Yzarc]

Hi all. This is an update. So I have been looking over the system as I needed to go back and edit a lot of things, including achievements and progression but have hit a snag.

As you know, this is my first quest and I tried to use a homebrewed system to get the look and feel of an Exalted but having run the system, I have hit a number of roadblocks that have resulted in a lot of delays and it does not seem to be ending any time soon. Hence why I haven't even had the chance to start the update.

Honestly, I have talked with my Beta on this and at this point, it would be easier to just use a slightly homebrewed ExWoD system than try and fix the current system that I am using.

So, what I am doing is rebooting the Quest MECHANICALLY and Using Week 1 & 2 as a basis. Essentially, I will be reposting the Week 3 Options with additional options, once I finalize the Character sheet, giving you guys charms that come close to what Danny currently is able to do.

I will be altering a few charms, like Locus Mana Plague to be a working instead, and you will keep your Anima powers, but for the most part, it will be ExWod system.

I will post a link to the new thread once I finalize everything.

I am sorry about this but things were just not working out as I had hoped and I feel that this is the best step to move forward as I REALLY do not want to restart the entire quest. The part with the Merchants was very impressive as was accidentally the PRT. I honestly loved the sheer chaos you guys made, completely unintentionally and want to take it to its obvious conclusions.

So I am hoping to preserve those parts in the mechanical reboot. My previous observations on the quest still stand and I will be fixing them in the mechanical reboot as well.

However, if you guys want a complete reboot, I am willing to do that as well. Let me know if that is what you guys want.

To be clear, I am planning to Mechanically Reboot from Week 2 END with slightly homebrewed ExWoD mechanics and give you new options for the Weekly action and build your character sheet so that Danny can roughly work as he did. Some things may have to give way but he should be roughly as capable.

 

[Yzarc]

AN: I have Switched to a slightly House ruled ExWoD System as discussed. Please read the note at the bottom. I am continuing here and have updated the older system parts. In case I miss anything, please let me know.

---

16th January 2011

As the alarm clock rang, you groaned and sat up in bed, rubbing your eyes. Despite the infernal powers that now coursed through your veins, granting you abilities beyond mortal ken, you still missed the simple pleasure of sleep.

Your thoughts drifted to your life as Faust, the masked hero who had struck fear into the hearts of criminals in Brockton Bay. You remembered how you had inadvertently collapsed the Bay's drug trade singlehandedly, using your powers to dismantle the Merchant's operations and bring them to justice.

But more than anything, you thought of your daughter. She had been your driving force, your reason for taking the deal, for donning the mask, for taking up the name of Faust. You had saved her and had even brought the ones responsible to justice.

As you swung your legs out of bed and stood up, you knew that despite the toll it had taken on you, every sacrifice had been worth it. You are Faust, the boogeyman of Brockton Bay, and as long as there were those in need of saving, you would always be there to answer the call.

As Faust, you had faced many challenges, but none, you reflect, had been as daunting as taking on the Empire capes. The Empire 88 was a powerful and dangerous group, with parahumans who wielded formidable powers. But you did not back down, you showed them that their reign of terror would not go unchallenged. You fought five of their capes and defeated two, one with a clever use of your power and the second with luck.

With two of their members incapacitated and Armsmaster on the way, Krieg, Fenja, and Menja realized that they were outnumbered and outmatched and retreated.

But that was far from the end of it. As Faust, you have become a figure of both awe and concern among the heroes of Brockton Bay. Your powers, shrouded in mystery, were as formidable as they were enigmatic. So when the Protectorate requested that you undergo power testing at their headquarters, you knew it was an opportunity to allay their fears while keeping your full abilities hidden.

As you arrived at the Protectorate headquarters, you were greeted by a team of heroes, including Miss Militia, Velocity, and Assault. They eyed you warily, unsure of what to expect. But you greeted them with a warm smile, putting them at ease.

During the power testing, you cooperated fully, demonstrating your control over various aspects of your abilities. You showed them your strength, your speed, and your resilience, but you held back, careful not to reveal the full extent of your powers.

As the testing continued, you took the opportunity to explain your powers in more detail, emphasizing that while they were formidable, they were not without limits. You explained that you had trained extensively to control your abilities, ensuring that they were used responsibly and with restraint.

The heroes listened attentively, their initial concerns slowly fading away. By the end of the testing, they seemed more at ease, reassured by your willingness to cooperate and your commitment to using your powers for good.

As you left the Protectorate headquarters, you knew that you had succeeded in allaying their fears. You had shown them that while your powers were indeed formidable, you were also a responsible and conscientious hero, dedicated to protecting the city and its people. And as you disappeared into the night, you knew that you had earned their trust, at least for now.

Having met the heroes, you were at least convinced that though they were flawed people, they tried to live up to the lofty standards a hero should. For this reason, you could not help but almost regret what you did to the PRT. Almost. One thoughtless action had set off a chain of events that had put the PRT, the police, and New Wave against each other in what felt like a childish pissing match.

It had started innocently enough, a broad use of power during the take down of the Merchants. In your haste to capture them, you had inadvertently caused some collateral damage, which had drawn the attention of the police and the PRT, the latter of which had decided to vastly over extend their authority to try and "clean up" the Bay and its organizations.

The situation had escalated from there, with each side accusing the other of overstepping their bounds. New Wave had been caught in the middle after you, inadvertently, tipped them off, succeeding in exacerbating the tensions.

After finishing making breakfast, you opened the newspaper and saw the headlines. Looking at it, you couldn't help but wince as the news about the PRT had finally hit the news. The whole thing read like a farce, with each side trying to assert their authority without considering the consequences.

But it was when you remembered how this was a result of what Piggot's Ward did to Taylor that you truly felt indifferent at the PRT's plight.

As the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room, you sat at the kitchen table, engrossed in the morning newspaper. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of the newspaper's ink.

Lost in the headlines and articles, you were startled when you heard footsteps on the stairs. Looking up, you saw Taylor descending, still half asleep, her hair tousled and her eyes barely open.

"Morning," you greeted, setting the newspaper aside and pouring her a cup of coffee. "Sleep well?"

Taylor nodded, rubbing her eyes as she made her way to the table. She took the cup of coffee with a grateful smile, taking a sip and sighing contentedly.

"What's in the news today?" she asked, yawning.

You picked up the newspaper and began to summarize the headlines for her, recounting the latest events in Brockton Bay. As you spoke, Taylor's eyes began to focus, her sleepy demeanor slowly giving way to alertness.

As you reached the end of the news, Taylor set down her cup and looked at you with a small smile. "Thanks for the update," she said.

"Any plans for today?" you asked, setting the newspaper aside and turning your attention to your daughter.

Taylor looked up from her breakfast, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I was thinking of hanging out with Vicky and Amy for the day," she replied. "Maybe go to the mall or catch a movie."

"That sounds like fun," you said with a smile. "Do you need a ride or anything?"

Taylor shook her head. "No, Vicky said she'd swing by to pick me up. Thanks, though."

As Taylor finished her breakfast and gathered her things, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. It seemed like just yesterday that she was a little girl, relying on you for everything. Now, she was growing up, making her own plans and forging her own path.

"Have a great time," you said, giving her a hug as she started leaving the room. "And be safe."

"I will," Taylor replied, returning the hug before heading off to get ready to meet her friends.

As Taylor headed back upstairs, you couldn't help but smile. Despite the chaos and turmoil of the world outside, moments like these, simple and mundane, were a reminder of the moments of peace and normalcy that you fought so hard to protect.

---

ACTIONS: 10-1 = 9 AP (After removing Locked Actions)

General Actions (1 AP each)
[] (Locked) Talk to Taylor and spend time with her.
[] Look up the Pros and Cons of being a Protectorate Hero. Maybe they are not useless?
[] Forge Alliances with Local Heroes, New Wave
[] Community Engagement. Go out and talk to the people. The PRT is called the PR Team for a reason
[] Write in

Resource Action:
[] See if you can loot the gangs for some cash. You definitely need it. You have a list of supplies and other targets. The Protectorate has been too busy to act on this, so perhaps you should hit a few targets before the information becomes outdated? (3 AP - but costs only 2 AP if you claim a land and call demon backup)

[] Squealer's Workshop is up for grabs. It has been around one week since she was arrested. Now would be the time to go get it. You get a well equipped Workshop and Unknown Gains. (2 AP but only 1AP if you claim a land and get some demon helpers)

Sorcerous Actions
[] Try and find out what you need to make an Artifact. You do not have the charms to make really impressive artifacts but you can make lesser ones, you have the reagents for it. (1 AP)
-[] Specify what artifact, and what power (Up to one dot artifact only)

[] Start building a Lotus pond in your World Soul. This unlocks the QIAO. Due to the way you are unlocking it, you first unlock and need to master the Qiao of the Meng before you can move on to any other thing like Sorcery Paths, Demon arts, Demon Lore, etc. It will also allow you a source of renewable reagents. A lotus provides three concepts, Purity, enlightenment and rebirth.(3 AP)

[] Sorcerous Workings to claim land. You can claim land as your own. Once claimed, you can freely visit your Worldsoul, bring forth features and demons from your Worldsoul reflexively and permanently. You can also freely transform into your shintai without spending Willpower and Essence. This does require at least one Magic reagent though. (1 AP)
-[] Specify which land to claim.
LOCATION 1: Warehouse next to the Docks.
LOCATION 2: Abandoned subway station.
LOCATION 3: Empty Building at the center of Brockton Bay .

Corporate Super Hero Action
[] Empower Minions with "Oath of One Hundred Devil Disciples". (Limited to Kurt, Lacy, Taylor and Mrs. Higgs for now). (1 AP per person) - This turns them into a Fomarchs.
[] Start looking at the steps needed to starting up the Company (1 AP).
[] Start Training people that are going to form the core of your superhero team with the training charm - Oath of One Hundred Devil Disciples. (2 AP)

Soul Commerce Actions
[] There are a lot of desperate people in Brockton Bay who are more than willing to sell their soul for a better life. Perhaps you should approach these people? Each contract contributes to your cult rating and consequently, your Quintanses production (1 AP)

NOTE:

UPDATED THE CHAR SHEET: ​

I have edited the starting charms to give Danny the ability to roughly do what he was previously able to do. Some charms that change the land are now Workings. But the rest of the charms remain unchanged.

Infernal Resurgence (Worm/Exalted) Crossover

Character Sheet Name: Daniel "Danny" Hebert Age: 40s Gender: Male Essence: ●● Willpower: ●●●●●●●●●● Essence Pool: 12 Favored Yozi: Malfeas and SHLiHN Soak: 2 Caste Mark: Health Levels: []-1 []-2 []-2 []-2 []-2 []-2 []-5 []Inc Urge of the Destroyer - The Infernal may replenish her Essence...

forums.sufficientvelocity.com

HOUSE RULES​

So I am using some house rules and made changes to the Shintai and Worldsoul. The full list of changes can be found here.

Infernal Resurgence (Worm/Exalted) Crossover

Link to ExWod Book. Houserules I have edited the starting charms to give Danny the ability to roughly do what he was previously able to do. Some charms that change the land are now Workings. But the rest of the charms remain unchanged. Worldsoul grows in size per essence and you instead...

forums.sufficientvelocity.com

 

[Yzarc]

17th January 2011

---

"Taylor, I need to talk to you for a moment," you said, catching your daughter as she was about to leave the house.

"What's up, Dad?" Taylor asked, pausing in the doorway.

"I'm going out as Faust tonight, and I don't think it's a good idea for you to come along," you explained, trying to keep your tone gentle but firm. "It could be dangerous, and I don't want you to get hurt."

Taylor's face fell, disappointment evident in her eyes. "But I want to help," she protested. "I can handle myself, Dad. You've trained me well."

"I know you're eager to join me as Faust, but I think it's important for you to finish training first," you explained. "You promised me that you won't go out until you've completed at least three weeks of training with me."

Taylor's face fell, disappointment evident in her eyes. "I don't want to wait."

"I know, but this is for your own safety," you replied, placing a hand on her shoulder. "This is not a game and I want to make sure you're prepared for whatever you might face out there."

Taylor sighed, looking down at the table. After a moment, she looked back up at you, determination in her eyes. "Okay, Dad," she said finally. "I promise. I'll complete the training before I go out."

You smiled, proud of your daughter's maturity and understanding. "Thank you," you said, giving her a hug. "I know you'll do great."

---

Lost 1 Essence -> Now at 11/12. Presence Excellency.

As Faust, you had made a name for yourself in Brockton Bay, but there were still those who doubted your intentions. Among them were the adult members of New Wave, a group of capes who had been protecting the city long before you had arrived on the scene.

Determined to gain their trust, you arranged a meeting with them, hoping to show them that you were not a threat, but a potential ally.

As you arrived at the meeting spot, you were greeted by Manpower, Brandish, Flashbang, and Lady Photon, the adult members of New Wave. They eyed you warily, unsure of what to expect.

"Faust, what brings you here?" Lady Photon asked, her voice cool and composed.

"I wanted to talk to you about working together," you replied, trying to keep your tone respectful. "I know there's been some doubt about my intentions, but I promise that I only want to help."

The adult members of New Wave exchanged glances, considering your words. After a moment, Brandish spoke up.

"Thanks Faust, but you're new," she said, her tone wary. "We've worked hard to protect this city, and we can't afford to let our guard down."

"I know," you replied, nodding. "But we're outnumbered and need to work together if we want to protect Brockton Bay. I'm willing to prove myself to you, to show you that I can be trusted."

The members of New Wave looked at each other, silently communicating. Finally, Flashbang spoke up.

"We'll give you a chance, Faust," he said, his voice firm. "But know this, if you betray our trust, we will take you down."

"I won't let you down," you promised, grateful for the opportunity and proceeded to do just that. "I've gathered some information on the operations of the Empire Eighty-Eight and the Asian Bad Boys that I think you guys should know about."

You proceeded to lay out everything you had discovered, detailing the locations of their hideouts, their methods of operation, and the identities of their non cape leaders. You also shared information on their connections to other organizations in the city, painting a clear picture of the scope of their activities.

As you spoke, you could see the expressions on the faces of the New Wave members changing from skepticism to concern. It was clear that they were beginning to grasp the gravity of the situation and the importance of stopping these criminal groups.

"This is... a lot to take in," Lady Photon said, her voice grave. "But it's clear that we need to take action. Faust, thank you for bringing this information to our attention. We will discuss our next steps and get back to you."

"Might be too late by then." you say as you shake your head, "I've already passed this information to the Protectorate, but for some reason, they've been sleeping on it. If we're going to act on this, we need to do so now."

"Well……damn," Lady Photon said, completely floored.

"Yeah, the PRT might as well have posted it all on Parahumans Online." you say, watching their expressions closely, careful not to lie.

The members of New Wave had worried looks on their faces. If the gangs were aware of the leak, they would likely take steps to cover their tracks and evade capture.

"I think we should bring in the police," Brandish said. "They have the resources and authority to help us take down these criminal organizations quickly and efficiently."

Flashbang nodded in agreement, but you hesitated. "I understand the desire to involve the police," you said carefully. "But we have to consider the risks. If the gangs have moles in the PRT, they could also have them in the police force. We can't afford to tip them off even more."

"But the police are trained for this kind of thing," Brandish argued. "They can provide backup and support that we can't get on our own."

"I agree that the police could be useful," Flashbang added. "But we need to be careful. We can't just fly off without looking around first. The risks are too high."

"We need the police on our side if we're going to take down these gangs," Brandish countered. "First, they have the resources and manpower to help us take down these gangs. Second, their authority will lend legitimacy to our efforts and ensure that we can gather the evidence we need to bring these criminals to justice. And finally, by working with the police, we can show the people of Brockton Bay that we are serious about making our city a safer place."

Given how passionate Brandish was arguing this, you could not help but get suspicious.

"I can't help but feel that your eagerness to involve the police is more about making the PRT look bad than about our mission," you said, watching the reactions closely.

"I see what you mean," she said slowly. "But we can't let personal motivations cloud our judgment. We need to focus on what's best for our mission, regardless of Brandish's intentions." Lady Photon paused, considering your words and looked at Brandish.

"I understand the benefits of involving the police, but we need to consider the risks," Lady Photon began, her voice firm. "If the gangs have moles in the police force, involving them could tip off the gangs and put us all in danger. There is also the fact that the police may not fully know what they are getting into, and getting involved in a cape fight is a sure way to get them killed. I do not want to push the PRT, past the point of no return. You already went off on them, don't involve the rest of us in it."

Manpower nodded in agreement. "I think we should not involve the police for now," he said. "We can always call them in later."

Brandish gave Manpower a look of betrayal before continuing on. "I still think we should bring in the police," she insisted. "We need support that we can't get on our own."

You exchanged a glance with Lady Photon and Manpower, silently communicating your concerns. It was clear that Brandish's motivations were clouding her judgment, and you knew that you needed to tread carefully.

"I get it Brandish," you said carefully. "But I believe that we should trust that our powers will be enough for now."

The meeting turned more and more tense by the minute, the air thick with anticipation and apprehension.

"If we hit them one by one, they'll have time to regroup and retaliate," she argued. "We need to hit them all at once, with overwhelming force, to make sure they can't fight back."

You understood her reasoning, but you were concerned about the fact that she was pushing an agenda over the situation. "Hitting all the targets at once could be risky," you countered. "We could fail to do damage and it could also tip off the gangs and give them a chance to escape. We can't risk it."

Lady Photon spoke up, adding her opinion. "I think we should consider a compromise," she suggested. "We can hit the targets simultaneously, but in smaller groups. That way, we can maximize our impact while minimizing the risks."

"We need a lot of men and women if we're going to hit more than one place," Brandish pointed out. "The police can provide the numbers and the firepower we need to take down these gangs."

You hesitated, "And the moles? At that point, why not just call the PRT?"

Brandish frowned, and you couldn't help but shake your head at that.

"I think we should proceed without involving the police," you continued. "I have my 'projections,' and together, we can hit the targets swiftly and effectively. We won't he hurting for numbers, not with them."

"I don't trust these 'projections' of yours, Faust," Brandish immediately said, her voice cold and distrustful. "We need a plan we can rely on, not some untested power of yours."

You tried to explain that your "projections" had proven effective in the past, but Brandish remained unconvinced. She argued that they needed a more concrete plan, one that didn't rely on unknown variables.

"We need to be able to trust each other if we're going to pull this off," Brandish said, her tone firm. "And right now, I don't trust your 'projections' to get the job done."

You felt a pang of frustration at Brandish's words. You knew that your "projections'' were a powerful tool, one that could make a real difference in the fight against the gangs. But without Brandish's trust, you knew it would be difficult to convince the rest of New Wave to go along with your plan.

---

CHOICE
[] Hit all Targets of both the ABB and E88
Pro: High Reward.
Con: High Risk

-[] Get the Police involved.
Pro: Less backlash against you
Con: Higher risk

-[] Use your summons only.
Pro: Less Risk
Con: More reputation is risked.

-[] Get both the Police and your summons involved.
Pro: Minimized losses
Con: Lowered rewards as it will be shared

[] Hit either the ABB and E88
-[] Empire
-[] ABB
--[] Get the Police involved.
--[] Use your summons only.

NOTE: Finished Updating the Character sheet. Only altered King and Kingdom Charm, Oath of One Hundred Devil Disciples, VEE and Charred Ego-Infused Primacy Pattern. All others should work as per book. What did I change?

King and Kingdom - You get it now, but size increases as Essence does and you need to buy features with XP
Oath of One Hundred Devil Disciples - Can train all Attributes and Abilities as well as powers like Sorcerous paths, demon arts etc.
VEE - Allows you to indulge in Soul Commerce and bind oaths like Crown of Kings. Each Contract you make counts towards your Cult Rating. Higher the Cult rating, more free Magic Universal reagents you get.
Ego - Infused Primacy Pattern = Healing is automatic, no essence is required and you regenerate Essence like you are in a Dragon's nest.

 

[Yzarc]

17th January 2011

---

You stood firm, arms crossed, as Brandish paced back and forth, her frustration evident. "I just don't understand why we're focusing on the Empire when the ABB is just as big of a threat," she argued, her voice tinged with annoyance.

You sighed, trying to explain it in terms she'd understand, your accent bleeding into your voice. "Look, Brandish, the Empire's like a bunch of wounded bears. They're on their last legs, and if we hit 'em hard enough, they'll go down. But the ABB? They're more like a cockroach. You can never get 'em all, and if you try, you'll just end up regrettin' it."

"And Lung? Oni-Lee? They're dangerous, Faust. We can't just ignore them." She shook her head, clearly not convinced.

You raised an eyebrow unimpressed. "Lung and Oni-Lee ain't invincible, Brandish. They're dangerous, sure, but they ain't everywhere at once. If we focus on the Empire, we can take 'em down one step at a time."

Brandish Spends 1 Willpower to ignore Social Influence

This argument does nothing to convince Brandish and you understand that Brandish will not compromise on hitting both gangs at once.

"You know as well as I do that hitting them separately won't work," Brandish insists, her tone firm. "We need to hit them both at once to have any chance of success."

You know that something has to give, but the thought of involving the police in the operation against the ABB makes your skin crawl. Still, you speak up, your accent thickening with frustration.

"Look, I get it. We gotta do somethin' about the ABB, and the police can help. But we gotta be smart 'bout it. For now? Let the Cops take em on."

"Are you mad?" She asked, incredulously. "They'll be slaughtered."

"Look, I get it, Lung and Oni-Lee are tough customers," you began, "But they ain't Endbringers. They can't be everywhere at once. If the cops hit the ABB hard, it'll be a good boost for the cops. The people will see that they're serious about cleanin' up the streets."

Lady Photon nodded in agreement. "Faust has a point," she said. "If the police arrest the ABB Gang bangers, it'll be a huge morale boost for the police department. The People will see that we're making progress and the police will be more willing to work with us."

"So let me get this straight," Brandish said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "We're supposed to take on the Empire all by ourselves, while the police handle the ABB? Who's gonna help us in our raid against the Empire then?"

You sighed, trying to keep your cool. "Brandish, we have a plan," you replied. "My 'projections' can provide us with the support we need. With their help, we can gather intelligence, scout enemy positions, and even provide backup in combat."

Brandish raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Your 'projections', huh? And how exactly do we know they'll be enough to take down the Empire?"

You shrugged. "We don't, but we have to try. The Empire is a threat to the city, and if we don't act now, who knows what they'll do next?"

But as you say that Brandish's frustration only grew.

"I have to say, Faust, I'm not liking this one bit," she said. "Leavin' the ABB to the police while we go after the Empire? That's a surefire way to get a lot of good officers killed."

"I get where you're comin' from, Brandish, but we gotta be strategic about this. The Empire's on the ropes, and if we hit 'em hard, we can take 'em down without too much bloodshed. They have backing outside the states and unless we take them out real quick, they can just call in support. Something that the ABB can't do. The Empire have never been so vulnerable and will not stay that way. Hitting them hard and fast is a sure fire way to force a fight on our terms. If we bag enough of them? Their foreign backers may just call it quits."

"I still think we should be focusing on both gangs at once," she insisted as she crossed her arms, clearly unconvinced. "We can't just ignore the ABB and hope the cops can handle 'em. We gotta take 'em down together, or not at all."

You sighed, knowing that convincing Brandish would be an uphill battle. "I hear what you're sayin', Brandish, but we gotta trust the cops to do their job. They're trained for this kinda thing, and if we give 'em the info they need, they can handle the ABB while we take down the Empire."

Brandish still looked like she wanted to argue the point so you quickly changed tactics.

"Alright, Brandish, here's the deal," you began, "There just ain't enough of us to take on both the Empire and the ABB at the same time. We gotta pick our battles here."

Flashbang looked thoughtful. "We could reach out to the PRT. Can't they help us out? This is a big thing. We need all the help we can get."

"Oh yeah, the PRT. Because they've been so effective in the past." You chuckled, a hint of sarcasm in your voice and then looked at Brandish. "Do you have a plan that could actually work, Brandish?"

Brandish bristled at your tone but remained composed.

"I think we should focus on gathering more information before we make any decisions," she said, her voice firm.

"Brandish, I gotta say, we can't just sit on our hands waitin' for info. But how bout this? While we're gatherin' what we can, we should also be makin' moves to sabotage both gangs. We can't let 'em get comfortable. Would that help ease your mind? It will help the cops too. Save lives and all."

Brandish raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Sabotage, huh? Like what you did with the Merchants?"

You're sure that Brandish can feel the smug grin spreading across your face.

"Something like that. If we can sow enough chaos, it'll make all of our jobs a whole lot easier when we do decide to make our move."

Flashbang looked thoughtful. "It's risky, but it could work. If we can weaken both gangs from the inside, it'll give us a huge advantage when we do decide to take them down."

Manpower nodded in agreement. "I like it. It's proactive, and it keeps us on the offensive. We can't let them dictate the terms of this fight."

---

After the meeting with New Wave, you bid them goodbye, taking their contact information before heading off on your own. You had a plan in mind and needed to act quickly.

As you made your way through the streets of Brockton Bay, you kept your eyes open for any signs of the ABB. It didn't take long before you spotted a group of gang members gathered in a dark alleyway, their tattoos and colors marking them as members of the Asian Bad Boys.

You approached cautiously, trying to blend in with the shadows. As you got closer, you overheard them discussing their latest drug shipment. This was your chance.

"Who the hell are you?" one of them shouted, reaching for a weapon as soon as they saw you.

"I'm Faust," you replied calmly. "And I'm here to make you an offer you can't refuse."

Lost 1 Essence -> Now at 10/12. MHM.

---

The alley was dark and damp, the stench of garbage and shit hanging heavy in the air. We were gathered there, a group of ABB gang members, going about our business, when he appeared.

Faust.

He stepped out of the shadows, his presence commanding and intimidating. We should have run, but we were too slow, too stunned by his sudden appearance.

He didn't speak, didn't give us a chance to explain or negotiate. I heard the sickening crack and looked down only to find our guns and knives breaking. With a wave of his hand, one of my buddies was lifted off the ground and slammed into the wall and a cry of pain escaped his lips.

Fear gripped me as Faust turned his attention to the rest of us. He didn't need to touch us to take us down. His powers were enough to make us feel helpless and small.

One by one, he lifted my friends into the air, tossing them around like rag dolls. I could see the fear in their eyes, the desperation as they begged for mercy.

But Faust showed no mercy.

I tried to fight back, to defend myself, but it was no use. Faust was too powerful, his abilities too overwhelming. I felt myself lifted off the ground, the air squeezed out of my lungs as I was slammed back against the wall.

Pain shot through my body, but it was nothing compared to the terror I felt. Faust was toying with us, showing us just how helpless we were against him.

As I lay there, bruised and beaten, I knew that there was no escape. Faust had us at his mercy, and there was nothing we could do but endure his wrath.

In that moment, all hope was lost. We were at the mercy of a man who seemed more like a devil than a human and there was no way out.

---

Lost 3 Essence -> Now at 08/12. Endless Torment Emanation. ABB now at +2 Difficulty
Lost 1 Essence -> Now at 07/12. Crown Question.

You stand over the defeated ABB gang members, their bodies sprawled out on the ground before you. You know that time is of the essence, and you need to find out what they know about the ABB's operations before they come to.

Closing your eyes, you focus on your inner reserves of Essence, the mystical energy that flows within you. Drawing upon its power, you reach out with your mind, probing the gang members' thoughts for information.

Visions flood your mind, showing you scenes of drug deals, weapons smuggling, and the ABB's plans for expansion. You see the locations of their hideouts, the identities of their leaders, and the extent of their criminal activities.

You then realize that the ABB was aware of the PRT's knowledge of their operations, but they were not afraid. They knew that the PRT had yet to act, and they were prepared for a confrontation. Only their most important locations were guarded by Lung and Oni-Lee, the rest were just regular members.

The ABB was expecting the PRT, but they were not expecting the police. They were unsure of how compromised they were and to what extent their operations had been revealed.

As the visions fade, you open your eyes, feeling drained but determined. You now have the information you need to take down the ABB and protect the city from their criminal activities. It's time to act, and with the power of Essence at your disposal, you're ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Gain 1 Essence -> Now at 08/12.

Now, for the Empire.

---

I sat at the bar with my brothers in arms, a cold beer in hand and a smile on my face. It had been a good day, our latest drug shipment had gone smoothly, and we were celebrating our success. The atmosphere in the bar was lively, with the sound of laughter and music filling the air.

As we chatted and joked, a man walked in and made his way over to us. He was tall and confident, with a friendly smile that immediately put us at ease. He introduced himself as Jack and asked if he could join us. We welcomed him without hesitation, happy to have another person to share our celebration with.

Jack was charismatic and charming, and it wasn't long before he had us all laughing and joking along with him. He bought us drinks and shared stories of his own, quickly becoming one of the group. We talked about our day, our work, and our lives, and Jack listened attentively, nodding and smiling as he sipped his drink.

As the night went on, Jack steered the conversation towards the Empire. He asked us about why we fought and we were happy to share. We didn't suspect for a moment that Jack had ulterior motives, he seemed like just another guy enjoying a night out, another guy to join the cause. Another guy who would help the Empire finally fix the city.

Eventually, the night came to an end, and we all said our goodbyes. As I walked home, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I knew that Jack was not who he seemed to be. Little did I know, the information I had unwittingly shared would come back to haunt me in ways I never could have imagined.

---

Lost 1 Essence -> Now at 05/12. Endless Torment Emanation. E88 now at +2 Difficulty
Lost 1 Essence -> Now at 04/12. Crown Question.

Visions flood your mind, showing you the inner workings of the Empire. You see drug deals, extortion schemes, and the leaders of the gang making plans. But there's something else, a sense of complacency and ignorance. The Empire is unaware of the extent of the information gathered by the PRT, and they are completely unprepared for any potential confrontation.

You sit back, stunned by what you have seen. The Empire is a dangerous enemy, but they are vulnerable. They believe themselves to be safe, unaware of the storm that is brewing.

---

Lost 2 Essence -> Now at 02/12. Summon a Battlegroup of Size 2 Blood Apes.

You stand on the edge of the city, the partially claimed land before you shimmering with latent power. The time has come to take a stand against the Empire, to show them that you will not be pushed around any longer. With a deep breath, you focus your mind and draw upon your Essence, the mystical energy that flows within you.

As you channel your power, a portal to your Worldsoul opens before you, and through it, dozens of Blood Apes emerge. These creatures, born from your essence and bound to your will, are fearsome warriors, their red eyes glinting with determination.

You stand before the assembled Blood Apes and command them, your voice booming with authority.

"Alright, listen up," you command. "I need you all to go intangible. Phase through anything and everything in your path."

The Blood Apes nod, their glowing red eyes showing their understanding. With a collective growl, they begin to phase out of existence, their forms becoming translucent and ghost-like before vanishing completely.

You then pick up a phone and dial the number for New Wave's headquarters. After a few rings, Lady Photon answers. "Hello?"

"Lady Photon, it's me," you say, your voice tense with urgency. "I have crucial information about the Empire and the ABB."

"What have you found out?" she asks, her tone serious.

You quickly relay everything you've learned about the Empire's lack of preparedness and the ABB's vulnerability. "I've already taken steps to sabotage both gangs," you add, "and my 'Projections' are ready to assist."

There's a brief silence on the other end of the line as Lady Photon processes your words. "Thank you." she finally says.

"That's not all." You say as you quickly outline the locations where you know that the Empire capes gathering or operating. Lady Photon listens attentively, asking clarifying questions and taking notes.

"We know the locations of the Empire capes," you explain. "Now we need to decide who takes on each target."

"Kaiser is alone with the Twins. Can you take on him, Fenja and Menja?" Lady Photon asks. "Your projections should be able to match their strength and keep them occupied while the rest of us deal with the other capes."

"I think the Projections are better off hitting all the Empire shops and depos," you say. "The Empire is run on money, and removing that, along with taking out key members, will cripple their operations. Even if the capes run free, without resources, they'll be significantly weakened."

"It's a risky move, but it could work. We'll need to coordinate carefully to ensure we hit them where it hurts the most." She paused. "Are you sure about this? Can you take on Kaiser and the Twins without support?."

---

CHOICE:
The Attack will happen once you recover full Essence.

[] Take on Kaiser and the twins without the Demon Army.

Pro: This ends the Empire as an organization and cripples them even if you do not capture their capes. They lose a LOT of money that your Projections will then loot.
Con: More Dangerous. You are taking on Kaiser and the Twins by yourself.

[] Take on Kaiser and the twins with the Demon Army.

Pro: Safer and more chance to Capture Kaiser and the twins
Con: The Empire's organization is still around and fully functional. Even if you bring in Kaiser, the Empire will still endure.