Week 1: Turn 1
_________________________
_________________________
In the modest break room of the dockworkers' facility, Danny Hebert sat down with two of his most trusted colleagues, Kurt and Lacy. The air was thick with the smell of coffee and the distant sounds of machinery working in the background.
"Look, I've been thinking," Danny began, taking a deep breath. "The docks have been struggling for years, and I've been approached with an idea that might change things for the better."
Kurt, a seasoned dockworker with a bandaged arm and a weathered face, raised an eyebrow. "What kind of idea are we talking about, Danny?"
Lacy, a determined and pragmatic woman, leaned forward. "Spill it, Danny. We can't afford any more surprises with the state of things around here."
Danny hesitated for a moment before explaining, "Someone suggested turning the Dock Workers into a hero team. It's not about just fighting crime but to make a positive impact on the community."
Kurt chuckled, "Heroes? You're talking about capes and masks? We're dockworkers, not superheroes."
Nancy, raised an eyebrow, "Who suggested this, Danny? And why should we even consider it?"
Danny, with a hint of uncertainty, replied, "A...uh, well, let's just say someone with unique insights. The idea is that, we can become a force for good. We'd still work the docks but with a heroic angle, offering assistance during crises and emergencies."
Kurt scratched his head, processing the unexpected proposition. "It's a bit out there, Danny, none of us are capes. We can't stand up to them."
"Not just that. We'd need training, coordination, and probably some legal agreements to avoid trouble." Nancy, nodded, looking at Danny with a knowing look that Kurt immediately picked up.
"Danny, what's this really about?" Kurt asked, a worried frown etched on his face.
Danny took a deep breath before revealing, "I am a cape, one that could change things for us. I can grant powers, abilities that could help us protect the docks and help with things getting better."
"Powers? Like Teacher?" Lacy asked with more than a little apprehension.
Danny shook his head as he started glowing green, a mark appearing on his forehead. "It can be, you can, well, sell your soul to me and it would give me power over you, but you can also do things for me and I can reward you for it."
Kurt crossed his arms, a mix of skepticism and intrigue on his face. "Powers sound nice and all, Danny, but what's the catch?"
Danny hesitated before answering, "I can offer healing, real continuous healing. Panacea healing. But people need to serve me for at least a year to walk away from it. Blasters, movers, strangers, power, wealth, fame, I can offer more later. But this is what I have at the moment."
Lacy's eyes widened with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "That's... dangerous, Danny…." she began but was interrupted by Kurt.
"Danny, you've been talking about other powers, but you've been kind of vague. What's the deal with those? What do they cost?" Kurt questioned firmly.
Danny took a deep breath, steeling himself for the weight of his revelation. "Alright, I'm going to be straight with you both. The opportunity for these powers comes at a cost, something beyond the ordinary."
Lacy and Kurt's expressions grew more serious. "What kind of cost are we talking about here, Danny?"
Danny hesitated before answering, "It involves making a deal, a pact if you will. It's... selling a piece of yourself, maybe even more, for the power you'd gain."
Kurt leaned back, crossing his arms. "Selling our….souls?" He murmured. "That's some heavy stuff, Danny. What are we getting into here?"
Danny sighed "It's literal, as in selling your soul, but it's also a binding agreement. I can give out powers, but I need something in return. It could be loyalty, service, or even bits of your soul."
Lacy's reluctance waned, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "So, we'd be beholden to you? What if we want out?"
Danny nodded solemnly. "That's the catch. Once you enter into this kind of agreement, there's usually no easy way out. It's a decision that comes with consequences, and you need to be fully aware of what you're getting into."
Kurt sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Powers to protect the docks sound tempting, but this is a lot, Danny. We need to weigh the risks carefully."
"That's why I am offering healing and health first. That only needs one year of service minimum." Danny added.
"Danny, what happens if we break this deal?" Lacy asked, her voice edged with caution.
Danny's gaze held a hint of solemnity as he responded, "Breaking a deal is not something to be taken lightly. The consequences can range from severe to downright catastrophic." He paused and then continued, "It's not like a regular contract, where you can just walk away from. It operates on a different plane and I pity those who do not keep their end of the agreement."
Kurt leaned forward. "So, what are we talking about here? Bad luck? A curse? Demons coming after us?"
Danny nodded. "It could be any or all of the above. The powers will be withdrawn, leaving you vulnerable. Worse, you will be hit by misfortune and chaos while being "marked" as an oath breaker. And let's not go into the fact that you may lose bits of your soul or the entire thing."
Lacy's eyes widened with a growing sense of apprehension. "Are we sure it's worth the risk?"
Danny took a moment before responding, "That's the question you need to answer for yourselves. Weighing the potential benefits against the risks and considering the responsibility that comes with these powers."
Lacy agreed, "It's not a decision to be rushed. We need to understand the terms of the deal thoroughly and be aware of the potential consequences before making any commitments."
But Kurt spoke up, disagreeing "I've been working these docks for years, seeing the struggles we face. If these powers can help us turn the tide, then I'm in."
"KURT" Lacy began but was interrupted.
"It's risky, but if we can make a real difference, protect our own, then I'm on board." Kuar said with resolve. "I was always going to be someone's minion and if I have to, it might as well be Danny's. Unlike the other wackjobs, he is one of us. I trust him"
Danny, grateful for his trust, acknowledged their decision with a nod. "Do you agree to serve me loyally for a Year and a Day"
Kurt hesitated only a second before saying, "Yes."
Spend 1 Willpower to invoke Crown of Want.
Lost 1 Willpower-> Now at 5 / 6.
Mercy in Solitude is invoked.
Gain Minion Kurt. Veteran Dock Worker
As Danny's newfound powers were invoked, a warmth enveloped Kurt's shoulder, and the pain began to ebb away. It was as if an invisible force was mending the old injuries, leaving Kurt in a state of astonishment.
"What... What did you do?" Kurt asked, his eyes widening with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
"Panacea healing, remember?Danny stated, unable to keep the sense of awe out of his own voice.
As Kurt tested his healed shoulder, a genuine smile spread across his face. "I don't know how you got this power, Danny, but I appreciate it. If this is what we can do now, maybe there's hope for all of us."
"....now what?" Lacy asked, unable to keep her eyes off Kurt. "How do we keep this in house?"
The two men paused at that.
"Danny, Lacy's right." Kurt agreed. "We need to ensure everyone's on the same page. If we're going to make this work, we need the Dock Workers to be united and committed,"
Lacy nodded in agreement. "We can't have this get out. We need loyalty, trust."
Danny considered their words, understanding the gravity of the situation. ".....what are our options?"
Lacy suggested, "How about a small gathering? Get a few of them in at once. We don't grow fast but you did say you need time to really grant more powers."
Kurt chimed in, disagreeing, "Maybe we could make it official, have everyone present and we all take the oath. That way, it's not just words; it's a shared moment of commitment."
CHOICE:
[] Meet the workers in Groups and convince them to join your "Hero team"
Pro: You get more minions faster. Gain 12 minions per week.
Con: This has a higher risk of someone breaking the oath and word of your healing ability getting out.
[] Meet the workers as individuals and convince them to join your "Hero team"
Pro: You are much safer and do not need to worry about your healing ability getting out.
Con: You get 3 minions per week.
[] Write in