Raising a Monster

[LinkOnScepter]

Read Journal: 30 Fail

The rain is really coming down outside. And that thunder! You don't think you've heard it rumble so much before.

You try to read some more of the book, but every time you get started, lightning flashes through the windows, causing you to jump and lose your page.

Soon enough, you get fed up and resolve to try again later.

(No progress made)

---

Ask Anastasia about Magic:

"Sweety, can you tell me about Magic?"

It's a simple question really. One that can easily be answered with a simple one sentence answer.

All you asked for is a brief summary on how Magic works, what it is, maybe some instruction on it.

Trust: 9

Yet the simple question is enough to not only make your little Eldritch Horror completely freeze up, but you actually see her eyes widen in surprise.

A concerned look comes over your face, "What's wrong?" You originally wanted to ask her about this because...you figured you might need it. You're going up against beings that transcend comprehension, so you need powers that transcend comprehension. What better than the much coveted powers of the Arcane? And like the book said, it is one of the only chances you might have to live through this. Though, if it causes your daughter to be this uncomfortable, you might rethink it.

She closes the book in her hands and sighs. She looks up at you with eyes of….worry?

"I was hoping you wouldn't...ask about that," she replies hands folded in front of her.

"Why? Is it a sensitive topic?" the last thing you wanted would to do was make her talk about something she really doesn't want to.

"Something like that, yes," her body fidgets as you sit together on the couch. The rain beats down outside, as lightning flashes through the curtains of your home. Thunder follows soon after, cutting through the silence that falls between the both of you. Time passes, both of you waiting for the other to say something.

Finally, Ana continues, "Magic is….well….you know those books and TV shows? The ones where people with Magic sling fireballs and lightning around like its going out of style?"

You nod your head affirmatively.

"That's all lies," she says flatly.

Well that takes the wind out of your sails.

"First of all, only Mythics can use Magic naturally."

"Mythics?"

"Mythical creatures. I don't really like the term 'Monster', that much. Makes it seem like something's wrong with those like me."

Understandable. Also, shoot, "Alrighty then."

You prepare to sit back and watch some TV to get your spirits up, when Ana stops you, "Hold on. I said Mythics are the only ones who can use it naturally. Humans can use Magic, but….I'll get to it later."

You sit back up, waiting for your daughter to speak. It isn't everyday you get to learn something new. Let alone from an Eldritch Abomination posing as a five year old girl.

….That's sounds a lot more ridiculous when you think about it out loud.

"Second of all, while Magic is as powerful as other less enlightened people depict it," she continues, sounding a bit like you when you give a long lecture, "it is not something that is just used with reckless abandon. Think of Magic like a raging fire; In order to use it, you need to fuel it. What do you think Mythics use to fuel it?"

You decide to assume the worst, "Their lifeforce?"

Anastasia nods, "Correct."

You raise your eyebrow, "Wait...if Mon—Mythics are the only ones that can use magic, why haven't they taken over the world yet? Or at least taken it back from us?"

"Two reasons," she holds up two fingers to emphasize. One finger goes down, "They don't really need to use Magic. Would you if you were a giant fire-breathing lizard, a lizard woman who can turn others to stone with a gaze, a bipedal wolfman with super strength and speed, or a living parasite who can't be killed through conventional means?"

"...You have a point there."

She nods as her other finger goes down, "And two, humans have something more powerful than anything they could come up with or do."

You're a bit taken aback at that statement, but then you remember what the book said and voice it out loud.

Anastasia looks a bit surprised you know the term, but it is quickly gone from her face, "Yes, Belief. It is what's caused Mankind to become so numerous over these many, many years."

"What exactly is it?"

Your daughter smiles, and reaches up to pat your head, "I can't tell you everything now, can I? You should know that you get the most out of learning something when you go looking for it yourself." She sits back down finished with her lecture.

You remember something she mentioned earlier, "So how do I get Magic, since I can't obtain it naturally?"

Her nervousness returns in fullforce, her head dipping low to avoid your gaze. She takes in at least four deep breaths before speaking again, "You need to....make a Pact with a one of us." At your obvious suspicion, she puts up her hands defensively, "It's nothing too serious! You don't need to sign any official document in blood or something crazy like that. It's just a simple agreement between you and a mythical creature."

You nod in understanding. "What exactly does this 'Pact,'" you make quotation marks with your hands, "entail?"

Her nervousness dissipates somewhat as you speak, "Well, you would enter into a bond with the creature you have chosen. You would gain the ability to use the Arcane Arts which differ depending on who and what you create a Pact with. In return, the Mythic would get the power to access your powers of Belief, which in and of itself is an immense boon. "

"Ok. What's the catch?" there's no way a deal this sweet would come without a price.

Trust: 9

She bites her lip, rubbing her hands together while her eyes dart all over the room. You've never seen her this nervous while talking to you before. Is this really that hard for her?

She takes four deep breaths before finally stating, "It draws upon both the Human and the Mythic's lifeforce. If too much is used, it kills them both."

Lightning flashes as if to punctuate the weight of her words. You feel a chill down your spine, as the implications sink in.

Magic could kill you.

It could kill not just you, but whoever it is you made the Pact with.

That is...rather unsettling, to say the least.

After a good 5 minutes, your daughter holds out her right hand to you. When look at her questioningly, she nervously looks away, "If you would like, we could make a Pact right now. All you have to do is shake my hand. You wouldn't get all of my powers and it carries a very high amount of risk, but—you could use all the help you could get.

And. I would be dismayed if you died. Because of me."

That last sentence is said in a whisper, and you just manage to catch it. You look down at the small, white hand of your daughter. It seems so long ago that you found her in her basket on your doorstep. Frail, tiny, but with starry-eyes that spoke of something with more power and knowledge than you could realize. Now, she's asking you if you would like to make a contract that could very well kill the both of you if you aren't careful.

So, do you take it?

Do you accept the deal?

[] Yes
[] No

*Vote Closed*

 

[LinkOnScepter]

Needs more research first. Perhaps Belief counts as "Magic" for the purposes of the bonus. Either way, we should find out someone more replaceable than our daughter, like that family of werewolves.

Click to shrink...

To give a comparision:

Magic: "I can break reality by throwing fireballs around, and shaping the very floor under my feet into whatever I want! But I slowly take away my own life force whenever I do that."

Belief: "That's cool. I can break reality by punching it with my bare fucking hands while being able to just No Sell whatever you throw at me. Sure I'll have at least 50 broken bones by the time the fight is over, but I'll have won at least!"

 

[LinkOnScepter]

Oh, for those of you a bit confused on the whole thing; choosing to use Magic will not lock off the use of Belief and vice versa.

It's just that it's really fucking hard to figure out a way to combine the use of both. Primarily, because the human and monster in the contract are drawing on the Lifeforce of each other in order to use Magic and Belief respectively. Having those same contractees draw upon their own Lifeforce in order to use Belief and Magic respectively, while having that exact same Lifeforce being siphoned off by the other.....you can see why not many have mastered it yet.

However, those who do master it....well.

You remember Moses? Guess how he split the Red Sea in this Universe?

 

[LinkOnScepter]

[X] No

It's not even a choice really.

Smiling warmly, you take her small outstretched hand in both of yours. Gently, you curl her fingers back into her palm and push it down into her lap, "That's okay, sweetie. I'm sure I'll be fine."

She looks at her hand, to you, her hand, then back to you. Her face is a mix of confusion and surprise, "But—but—why?! Powers over the Arcane are coveted by so many! Almost everyone you meet would call you a fool for refusing such an opportunity! Why would—"

"Because it puts your life in danger," you make absolutely sure that your voice is as flat and matter of fact as possible. There is no way you're going to take that big a risk.

Ana doesn't seem to get it though, as your explanation just causes her face to scrunch up in annoyance. She crosses her arms in front of her chest, "I'm sure you know that you don't need to baby me. I'm more than capable of taking care of mys—"

"Didn't you say that if the human or Mythic uses too much of the other's Lifeforce, both will die?"

That takes the winds out of her sails a bit, causing her next sentence to not sound so confident, "T-True. But you and I are both very intelligent creatures. I'm sure that if we're careful—"

"And what if we're not careful?" you don't like interrupting her, but you need her to understand why you're saying no. As she starts to fidget you press on, "You should know as well as I do, that no matter how careful you are, there is always that chance that you make a tiny slip up that leads into a rapid cascade down a very rocky hill. Murphy's Law and all that."

"Yes, however—"

"Not just that, but I would be a very horrible father if I accepted the deal."

Your daughter stops for a second, head slowly turning to look you dead in the eyes, "What did you say?"

Never losing your smile, you explain, "You're my daughter. It is my job—no, not even a job. I'm your father. I'm supposed to protect you. I'm supposed to raise you. I'm supposed to be a role model that you can look up to and rely on. How could I possibly do or be any of those things, if I put your life in such danger? If I'm going to protect you, I'm going to be the one in danger. Not you. I will not drag you into the grave with me."

At some point you put both of your hands onto her shoulders and gripped them tightly, "I promise you, you will come to no harm while I still draw breath."

Only a few seconds pass, but it feels like an age. Then you feel weight nuzzle into your chest. Anastasia's voice comes back, muffled but clear, "You are a fool! A foolish man with delusions of grandeur! But….but….thank you! Thank you!"

You pat her head as she hugs you long into the night. You think you got your message across rather handily.

(Trust Maxed Out! A Divide between Father and Daughter Replaced with A Bond between Father and Daughter: Everything is better now! (+15 to actions to increase Trust and 1 Reroll for failed actions to Increase Trust!))

---

Spending Time: 25 + 15 (A Bond) = 45 Success

After Ana had calmed down, you both sat down and decided to try watching TV again. Maybe something would come up this time. And, what do you know, it did.

You were able to find a showing of the LOTR Trilogy (the original, not the Hobbit Movies, thank God)! So, you both decided to watch it together and point out the sometimes senseless changes that were put into the movie.

All in all, it was a rousing good time.

(Ana trust you completely right now!)

---

Once again, sorry it's rather short. But I'm writing this about 15 minutes away from running an Exalted Campaign for my brothers. It's been going for a good year right now, and we're getting close to the climax.

As for the new perk and otherwise, that's because Howard basically just said, "Fuck power. My daughter is more important." Which is not something that many Eldritch Horrors have seen throughout their lives. As such, it really hit home when he chose Anastasia over the possibility of Magical power.

Not that choosing to have Magic instead would've gotten you a negative perk. Nothing would really change except Howard now has Magic and Ana has Belief which would've resulted in a different bunch of perks and powers.

 

[LinkOnScepter]

I thought only humans had access to Belief. How come Anna would get it instead if we had chosen Arcane Magic? Also, should we unlock Belief-based abilities, could we learn Magic-related ones later on as well? Even if it's with a penalty.

Click to shrink...

Humans are the only ones who can use Belief naturally. Just like how monsters are the only ones with access to Magic naturally. Making a Pact is the equivalent of making a Trade deal. Humans get access to Magic, while Monsters get access to Belief.

Unlocking Belief based abilities first would have no penalty on getting Magic related ones later. However, getting Belief first is the safer option since getting a Pact is liable to kill you, if neither you nor the one you made it with is frugal with your casting/using.

Edit: Belief is just as likely to kill you, but it is something you have complete control over using. Unlike a Pact where you are essentially constantly worrying about the person on the other end drawing a bit too much Life from you at the wrong time.

 

[LinkOnScepter]

How does belief work exactly? Is it belief from others?

Click to shrink...

It's a bit of both your own Belief as well as Belief from others.

You need Belief in yourself in order to be able to physically manifest it. You need to believe you can do something in order to...well do it. If you have no Belief in yourself, then it is pretty much like throwing water into sulfuric acid.

However, your own Belief can only get you so far. It's only a matter of time before you come across something you on your own can't handle. That's where Belief from others come in.

If others believe in you, they magnify what you can do with your Belief by a certain threshold.

In other words:

You with Belief vs a High Dragon = you can win but you will probably lose multiple appendages once it's all over, with possible death.

You with Belief with others who believe in you vs a High Dragon = you win with a broken arm at the most.

Imagine if you will, an army of hundreds humans. Each one believes that they can triumph over any enemy that steps into their path and come out alive. Now, imagine every other human in the army believes the exact same thing. Then add in the fact that everyone also believes that the person standing next to them will come out of this fight alive.

Now you start to see why the Monsters lost in the early stages of humanity.

 

[LinkOnScepter]

Practice Powers: 55 + 15 (Potential) + 20 (Magical Day) = 90 High Success

As the rain continues to pour down outside, you and Anastasia decide to spend some of this extra time on your hands to practice her powers more. After all, until you figure out how to weaponize this "Belief" or find a Mon—Mythic who will agree to a Pact with you, you're going to be relying on your daughter for a lot when it comes to combat.

Since the last time you did this ended with Ana getting the ability to create a serrated blade out of her arm, you figure it might be a good idea to work a bit more on that.

Your daughter agrees and ask you to stand back as with last time. You stand and watch with a bit of horror as she begins to focus on her right arm intently. The familiar smell of sulfur fills the air as she shifts her flesh into the same long blade from last time. However, once her arm is fully transformed, you see her close her eyes.

It takes a good five minutes, but soon her arm begins to pulsate and change. It beats like a heart, collapsing and folding in on itself as its fundamental shape and function are changed by the owner. When the transformation is finished, the serrated blade has been replaced with hard, black flesh. It's ridged in certain places giving it the look of a cinder block made of cancerous skin.

Ana's eyes open to look upon her work. She smiles as she examines the newly made limb, her teeth canine and sharp again. She looks up at you and gives you a nod which you return.

She's getting better at this.

Good.

(Biological Augmentation Upgraded! +30 to Physical Combat)

---

Sense Eldritch: 87 +15 (Senses) = 102 Artificial Crit Success

"We're being watched."

You open your eyes at your daughter's voice. It's the same young and bubbly tone spliced with that wisdom that you would expect of someone much older than you. Though now, you notice that when she speaks to you, there's this little inflection that you're almost certain indicates joy. It makes your heart soar whenever you hear it.

You were both kneeling down on the carpet in the living room right now, you just meditating so as not to disturb your daughter while she searches the perimeter for anything else supernatural.

You'd think that with what happened last time, it would deter some of the other creatures out there from attack you. But if what the journal said is anything to go by, the exact opposite it true.

So, here you are attempting to see if there's anything else around that might wish you harm.

Better safe than sorry after all.

You look at Anastasia, her eyes still half closed as she focuses on her recon, "Aren't we always?"

She shakes her head, keeping her eyes shut, "No. Not by those lesser creatures. This is….something else."

"Something else?" you echo. A chill runs down your spine again, causing you to nervously glance around at your home. What could be worse than those fucking Shadow Creatures, and weird Eldritch...thing from that last time?

"The….creature itself is not active, no. It's still asleep. But….it's power is what's active. For lack of a better word, it's scanning for something. And it seems to have its sights settled on our little neighborhood here."

Oh, well that's just awesome.

"You said it was inactive. How long will that be true?" while it might not completely ease your conscious, it will give you some peace of mind to have some kind of time table to be able to look to for help.

Your daughter stays seated for a time, until she stands up with her eyes open. She looks down at you with her hands on her hips, "As long as some foolish cultist don't start up a ceremony to awaken it? For an indefinite amount of time."

You sigh with relief.

"If a group of cultist does come to awaken it? Two days, maybe less."

…..Well, shit.

"Where is it exactly?"

"Hmm," she starts to pace around the room, hand on her chin. You stand up and watch her, your knees popping from being inactive for a time. She's quiet for four long minutes, before finally turning back to you with a smile, "I knew there was something strange about that place."

"What place?"

"The school you teach at. That's where it is. Right underneath it."

To say you're shocked would be an understatement. There's an Eldritch Monster sleeping underneath your school. And it's almost awake.

….Well, fuck.

(Gained Knowledge of a powerful Eldritch Creature lying dormant right underneath your place of work! New Investigation Unlocked!)

---

Read a Book: 69 + 15 (Prodigy) = 84 High Success

With Starship Troopers finished, you move on to the Horus Heresy books. Thankfully, GW has a habit of printing 3 books into one, making it relatively easy to get the whole story in one purchase. With Ana already past the primer (that being the part about the world being grimdark as Hell), you both start the book right when the Emperor is getting ready to go look for his Primarchs.

As you read the description of one of the Emperor-class Battleships, Anastasia speaks up, "What is with the Emperor's obsession with gold?"

A bit confused, you ask her to elaborate, "It's just, what's the point in doing so? Wouldn't it be more cost efficient and pragmatic to line the interiors of ships with a more functional metal? And if the Emperor doesn't want to be seen as a God, wouldn't it do him well to not walk around in a giant suit made of gold? It just seems counter productive."

Ah yes. You've had this conversation multiple times with other fans of the 40k world, as few as they are. "Well," you begin, "there are many theories about that, but the major one I choose to believe in, is that it keeps the Chaos Gods at bay." When she looks at you questioningly, you press on, "Think about it. The Chaos Gods love….well Chaos. Gold is normally used to represent Order. As such, by lining most of their vehicles and buildings with gold…."

"It forms a better barrier against the forces of Chaos," Ana finishes for you. You nod along with her, and resume your reading.

After you're finished, you see Ana start to look around your room for whatever reason. When you ask why, she says that she's looking for something gold to put up around the house.

Looks like she took your lesson seriously. It's good to see that you're teaching skill aren't going to waste.

(New Perk: The Gold Standard: Gold. The determent to all Eldritch bullshit. (-10 to all enemy Supernatural Perception rolls)!)

---

The Severe Weather continues.

Days until Anastasia Matures again: ???

Your Actions: 3 (+1 Thunderstorm)

Spoiler: Training

[] Physical: You're gonna need to learn how to defend not just yourself, but your little girl now.

• [] Focus on Offense (Work towards Perk for Offensive Combat)

• [] Focus on Defense (Work towards Perk for Defensive Combat)

[] Mental: The Mind is a terrible thing to waste. And you are not gonna waste yours.

• [] Focus on Mental Power (Work towards Perk for Mental Offenses)

• [] Focus on Mental Fortitude (Work towards Perk for Mental Defenses)

[] Perception: You missed enough paper airplanes coming towards your head to know that you need to better your vision.

• [] Focus on perceiving Objects (Work towards Perk for seeing things before they hit you)

• [] Focus on perceiving People (Work towards Perk for spotting others before they see you)

Spoiler: Job

[] Work on lesson plan: Always helps to be prepared for anything (+10 bonus to next Job roll)

[] Ask for a day off: Hey, your only human. You can only go on for so many days at a time. (+1 to Action for one day, but may worsen rep with boss)

[] Look for a new job: Maybe you should try to find one that pays a bit more (Possible new job opportunities)

[] Do some side work: More cash is always a good thing. (Add +2 to Money immediately)

Spoiler: Investigation

[] Read the Journal: You really don't want to do this, but how else are you supposed to prepare? (Learn more about Anastasia and the Supernatural)

[] Find out more about Chester: Why did he break into your house that night? (Learn more about Chester and his home life)

[] Call Chester's Parents for a Meet Up: Time to teach wolves to not judge a book by it's cover. Umm...smell. (Unlock Chester Playdate and New SLs)

[] Have Hannah meet you after school: You've got a couple of questions for her. (???)

[] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)

[] Investigate your School: Seriously, the fuck! (Possibly learn why there is an Eldritch Monster underneath your school and how to stop it)

Spoiler: Social

[] Try to make some friends: Let's face it; you need friends. Let's see if you can makes some. (Possibly unlock friendships to be cultivated)

[] Call Rivauld: Ok..you can do this. (Improve Ms. R SL)

[] Go shopping: You've got some cash. Wouldn't hurt to spend a little bit of it. (Spend Money to purchase items or food)

Spoiler: Anastasia

[] Spend time with Anastasia: You are her father after all. (Raise Trust/Satiety with child)

[] Take Anastasia out somewhere: You can't keep her cooped up in the house forever. (Raise Trust/Satiety with Child even more. May cost Money depending on where you go)
-[] The Park (No Cost)
-[] The Mall (1-2 Money)
-[] A Gym (1 Money)
-[] Write in...(Be reasonable)

Spoiler: Supernatural

[] Go looking for trouble: This is probably a horrible idea. But...you just gotta know. (Try to find evidence of the Supernatural. Could lead to a battle.)

[] Ask Anastasia about Magic: Just because you can't use it, doesn't mean you can't learn about it. (Learn more about Magic. Possibly Unlock Magic Perks that will remain unusable until a Pact is made.)

[] As Anastasia about Belief: What could possibly go wrong? (???)

Anastasia's Actions: 2 (+1 Thunderstorm)

Spoiler: Anastasia's Actions

[] Practice her powers: Ya lose it if you don't use it. (Anastasia practices getting a better handle on her powers and learning to what extent she can use them.)

[] Read a book: The best way to gain knowledge on just about anything. (Anastasia will look through your collection of books and read one on her own. May result in new Perk.)

[] Sense Eldritch: They are not getting into our house again. (Anastasia will use her Eldritch Powers to try to sense who or what is currently watching you. May lead to discovery of other Supernatural beings.)

[] Watch TV?: Who knows? She may actually learns something from it. (???)

[] Call Chester over for a playdate: He's her first friend, it would be a shame to keep them apart. (???)

Spoiler: Anastasia Sheet

Anastasia
Level 2
Parent: Howard Craft
Monster Type: Eldritch Abomination

Stats: Alarm 4, Notoriety 5, Trust 10, Satiety 8

Items:
Basket Crib
Young Child's Plain Clothes

Days Until she Mature's Again: ???

Friends:
Chester Harrowmont: 4/10 SL

Spoiler: Perks

THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE: A baby eldritch horror that could grow up to be one of the deadliest things in all of existence isn't exactly something you can keep hidden from the supernatural crowd. As it grows into its powers, Child Notoriety will become easier to raise.

Human Form (Child): Need to look the part if you want to play the part. You have a humanoid form that allows you to blend in. No penalties to interactions with mortals, but a -15 to all rolls to use your powers. You now have a five year old form. +5 to interactions with other children.

Eldritch Form: Tentacles are optional. You have an eldritch form that lets you unleash your true power. +20 to rolls to use your powers, but any mortals you come in contact with immediately go insane unless they have sufficient willpower.

Aura of Horror: It's not my fault I literally smell like the end of the world! -15 to all rolls to remain hidden from supernatural entities.

Supernatural Senses: I see you! +15 to all rolls to sense supernatural entities.

Prodigy(Reading): Your eye's just fly across the page! Once you hit toddler age, +15 to all rolls to maintain information from reading.

Potential Unlocked: Now is the time to train! (As long as you are in Child state, gain a +15 to gaining a new Perk or Power)

Human's Will to Live(Beginner): A race so stubborn that they won't even die when killed! (+5 to Rolls when fighting a losing battle)

Put your trust in me: I have your back. (+5 to persuading others)

The News!: Fucking Vampires is what they are! (-10 to actions that could raise Alarm (going to the Park, a class roll, shopping, etc.) for Two Days!)

Spoiler: Powers

Physical Augmentation: Get Fit! (When activated, add +15 to Physical Combat)

Telekinesis/Telepathy: I can read your mind, and throw you around like a ragdoll! (When activated +15 to all Mental and Physical Combat)

Rituals: I hereby summon thee....whatever your name is. (Can perform rituals to someone Eldritch creatures)

Biological Augmentation: My body is a weapon! (When activated, +30 to Physical Combat)

Spoiler: Howard Sheet

Howard Craft
Level 1
Child: Anastasia the Eldritch Abomination
Job: Middle School Teacher

Stats: Money 2, Sanity 10, Notoriety 4, Actions 2

Weekly Income: +2 to Money

Current Food: 2/4

Items:
The Journal
Starship Troopers
Warhammer 40k
Star Wars
Horror Books
Red Cloth (From Shadow Creature)
Amulet

Known Adults/Supernaturals:
Ms. Harrowmont: 2/10

Mr. Harrowmont: 2/10

Acquaintances(That you can actually stand):

Olly Rivauld: 3/10

Spoiler: Perks

Those who can't, teach better: You're not the best, but you are still a teacher. And you'll be dammed if anyone questions it. +15 to rolls when teaching your child and classroom

Middle School Drama: You've been around enough 13-16 year olds to know what they worry about at that age. +15 bonus to rolls when child hits puberty
Authoritative: Sometimes, tough love is the best love. +10 to rolls when laying down the law

Those fucking brats!: Why do they keep putting a tack on my seat? -10 to rolls to keep Sanity when doing job.

Low Risk Job: If a roll would increase Notoriety with a fail, add +10 to roll

Strong Willed: Either your willpower is harder to break than titanium, or you were insane to begin with to even THINK about raising a THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE as your child. No longer lose Sanity from Supernatural sources.

Knowledge of the Supernatural (Beginner): Turns out, there's an entire world that you are completely unaware of right under your nose! Heh, heh….uuuggghhh. +5 to Supernatural Investigations.

A Bond between Father and Daughter: Everything is better now! (Trust is Maxed Out! +15 to actions to Increase Trust and 1 Reroll for failed actions to increase Trust!)

Orator (Novice): You've got that commanding voice! (+10 to rolls to Inspire or Persuade others)

DODGE!: Best way to not get hit? Not get hit! (+10 to Defensive Combat Rolls)

Spoiler: Supernatural Knowledge

Your enemies are some kind of strange Shadow Creatures. Apparently they live in..well shadows and are currently watching your every move. You've encountered one of them twice. Once when it appeared on the roof of your car. Then again when you accidentally left Anastasia at home alone.

You have discovered that whatever the Shadow Creatures are, they can bleed. They can be killed.

You have discovered that Magic exist.

You have discovered something called Belief.

There's an Eldritch Monster underneath your school. It is currently asleep Indefinitely, unless someone else tries to wake it up.

*Vote Closed*

 

[LinkOnScepter]

Investigating Chester: 73 + 5 (Supernatural Knowledge) = 78 High Success

Why did you decide to do this again?

You sneeze as the ice cold rain pelts your body. It doesn't help that the wind is kicking most of it into your face, causing you to have to squint to see straight. Your zipped up tight in a brownish jacket that extends down to your waist keeping your body protected against the harsh elements...for the most part. In your right hand you carry an umbrella, opened and held up to keep your head dry as well as it can. You went with the flower pattern one, because flowers are manly damnit and not because you were in such a hurry that you just grabbed a random one from the stand!

The archway above the Harrowmont's front door acts as your safe haven once you dash underneath it. You shiver, rain dripping off of your clothes onto the shaggy "Welcome" mat as you knock on the wooden door. The door seems to be a bit...weakened is a good word. The hinges have come undone and have been put back in a rushed way. Like someone only just managed to knock the door down from the inside, but then it was put back up in a hurry.

You don't really have much time to question that however, as the minute you fold up your umbrella the door opens up. In front of you stands a woman who you would normally expect to see in one of those tribes on TV shows. Her both her leather shirt and pants have been ripped so they bare her thighs and midriff. Her arms sit crossed in front of her chest, as she stares you down with feral eyes. You feel your cheeks heat up, trying your best not to stare at her.

She's the first to speak, "So, you're that Craft guy, right? The one Volkar gave the protection talisman to?" Her voice sounds as no-nonsense as Ana's, but rougher and without the educated tinge to it. You think you can here a bit of an irish accent in there as well.

You briefly questions how she knows that, then remember that she's probably a werewolf too. So, you hold out your right hand, "Yep, that's me. Howard Craft. Please to meet you Ms…."

She smiles and takes your hand in hers, nearly crushing you with the grip, "Just call me Maeve. It's what everyone else does."

You rub your hand once she lets it go, "A pleasure. Wait, Maeve? Oh, so you're a friend of the family then?"

"Nope." that smile of hers doesn't leave her face as she shakes her head.

"So, a relative then?"

She makes the sound of a buzzer in Jeopardy, "Try again, fella."

You rack your brain for an answer, but you can only come up with one. Before you're able to guess though, Chester's father (who you know now is named Volkar) comes into the door frame. When he sees you he smiles, "Craft. Didn't expect to see you here." His arm goes around Maeve's shoulder and she leans into his chest. He's traded the orange shirt for a striped one, but he still has on the jeans from last time.

You glance between the two of them, the gears in your mind finally clicking into place. Your face contorts into worry, "But, isn't your wife's name Barbara?"

"It is," Volkar answers without a hint of hesitation, "in fact she's right here." He reaches over with his other arm, and the woman Anastasia told you about comes from around the door. She waves to you once Volkar has brought her against his chest.

….Oh. Ooooh. OOOOOOOOOHHHH!

You feel a lightbulb go off in your head once you figure out what's going on. Now it all makes sense! "Ok! That's it!" You exclaim to heavens as if you figured out one of the world's biggest mysteries. Then you realize what you did, and calm down. "Mind if I come in?" The three lycanthropes nod and you step past the threshold of their house.
.
You will admit, the inside defies your expectations to an extent. While you didn't think you would've seen a house filled to the brim with rocks and wolf fur all over the place, you did expect something...more? Instead, as Volkar gives you the tour of the house, it all looks rather normal and peaceful. Their kitchen is similar to yours, except their table is round with four chairs around it's edges.

Outside of that, you notice a few paintings here and there. Most of them seem to be depicting a battleground of some kind. When you ask Volkar about them he stays quiet, and that alone makes you not ask anymore. But other than that, the house seems relatively normal.

Until you get to the training room.

The first thing you see is an arena that took up the center of the room. The next thing you see is Chester grabbing ahold of a straw dummies head and ripping it off. When he lands on the ground, Volkar coughs into his hand to get his attention. Chester looks your way and waves to you, before rushing off to attack the next straw dummy.

Volkar nods, "That's it son. Make sure to go for the eyes."

….Ok then.

(Knowledge Gained: Chester has 2 moms! His family is Polyamorous! Investigate Changed to Visit! SLs Increased! Chester is apparently being trained for something!)

---

Meeting Hannah: 20 + 10 (Orator) = 30 Fail

As a one of the staff at….actually, you don't even know your school's name.

You slap yourself in the head. How you could get a job at a place and not even know it's name!? You're lucky you didn't end up getting a job at a Front for a Chop Shop or something worse! Still, you guess that at the time you were just looking for something with steady income, not really looking for anything specific. You just happened to see that the school needed a teacher, and bam you applied.

Anyway, as one of it's staff you are given a copy of every student's home phone number. You're to call it in case of emergencies, bad behavior, or alerting parents to an upcoming meeting. So, it is rather easy to grab your cell phone and pull up Hannah's number.

Unfortunately, whoever answers the phone immediately hangs up before you're even able to speak. Angered, you try four more times before finally giving up.

Either Hannah isn't home or whoever is is deliberately trying to piss you off.

In case of the latter, congratulations to them.

(No Progress Made)

---

Investigate the School: 52 + 5 (Supernatural Knowledge) = 57 Success

It is here where not knowing the name of your school comes to bite you in the ass.

You can't exactly just walk up to the school and expect to find a sign that says, "Eldritch Monster through this door!" For one thing, you're pretty sure that they wouldn't have something like that just out in the open, and the school is closed during bad weather days like this, so you wouldn't be able to get in anyway.

As such, you turn to the only place that is always readily available, free, and has a reservoir of (mostly) accurate information: the Internet!

Your connection has never been the "best", but it has served it's purpose when you've needed it. Unfortunately, you don't have a laptop or any type of OS to use. However, what you do have is your phone.

This is where not knowing your workplace's name becomes a problem, as you got no idea what to type into the google search bar. But you are no quitter! Instead, you use your zip code in google maps and try to locate your school on it. It works and you soon have a name to put to the place you've been going to all this time.

Crossroads Academy.

Interesting name.

Apparently, the school was founded back in 1980 as apart of some kind of initiative to increase education across the US. Thing is, you can't seem to find any information on what exactly that initiative was called. Any attempts to find any are met with a bunch of forums dedicated to conspiracy theories. Nothing concrete.

Oh, except for this one you find that talks about a little psychic girl is a government project created to mind control the populace.

Only slightly worrying.

(Investigation 10% done! Conspiracy Theorist are talking about Ana!)

---

Playdate: 25 + 20 (Amulet) + 5 (Trust in Me) + 5 (Information) = 55 Success

"So, what is you're showing me?" you ask as the "protagonist" cleaves the head of some large person in bulky armor in half.

"Anime," Chester says quickly, eyes firmly glued to the screen of his laptop while he smiles, "specifically Berserk 1997 version."

"Ok," you nod in acceptance. You aren't complaining, after all you were the one that said you could do something Chester wanted for a change. He had after all come all this way through the rain and thunder to hang out with you.

Besides, people have been known to listen to you more if you give them rewards for doing so, "So, what is going on right now.?"

Chester tears his eyes away to address you, "Well, right now the main character, Guts, that's him right there," he points to the boy who looks to be about 17 or maybe younger. His counting up his reward for killing that bigger man, Bazuso you think his name was, "is just a wandering mercenary going from battlefield to battlefield looking for a fight."

"I see. And is that all that happens?" you won't fault Chester for his taste in shows, however a story where it's nothing but the "hero" going from place to place fighting and killing for no reason doesn't seem like a very strong one.

"Well...it's very...I can't say anything without spoilering it. Just believe me when I say you won't regret watching this," at that he looks back at the screen on his laptop. You shrug and resume watching. Chester obviously enjoys this show, so you might as well give it a chance.

Still, you hope it picks up. Seems a bit boring right now.

(Chester SL increased!)

---

Reading: 40 + 15 (Prodigy) + 15 (Potential) = 70 High Success

Another day, another book reading with your daughter. Today, you start with the next part of the Horus Heresy, which talks about the events that led to the Horus Heresy.

Anastasia makes a few stops and talks about the personalities of the Primarchs. Particularly the fact that even though the Emperor made them to be perfect, they all seem very very flawed. You nod and explain that's kinda the point of the whole thing, but she doesn't let the subject go yet.

After the chapter's over, you see her deep in thought over the whole thing, probably trying to figure it out in her head. You feel like giving her the answer, but then she wouldn't really learn anything. So, you leave her to her own devices and decisions.

(Anastasia: 50% done on learning a new Power!)

---

Severe Thunderstorm continues….something is here.

Days until Anastasia Matures again: ???

Your Actions: 3 (+1 Thunderstorm)

Spoiler: Training

[] Physical: You're gonna need to learn how to defend not just yourself, but your little girl now.

• [] Focus on Offense (Work towards Perk for Offensive Combat)

• [] Focus on Defense (Work towards Perk for Defensive Combat)

[] Mental: The Mind is a terrible thing to waste. And you are not gonna waste yours.

• [] Focus on Mental Power (Work towards Perk for Mental Offenses)

• [] Focus on Mental Fortitude (Work towards Perk for Mental Defenses)

[] Perception: You missed enough paper airplanes coming towards your head to know that you need to better your vision.

• [] Focus on perceiving Objects (Work towards Perk for seeing things before they hit you)

• [] Focus on perceiving People (Work towards Perk for spotting others before they see you)

Spoiler: Job

[] Work on lesson plan: Always helps to be prepared for anything (+10 bonus to next Job roll)

[] Ask for a day off: Hey, your only human. You can only go on for so many days at a time. (+1 to Action for one day, but may worsen rep with boss)

[] Look for a new job: Maybe you should try to find one that pays a bit more (Possible new job opportunities)

[] Do some side work: More cash is always a good thing. (Add +2 to Money immediately)

Spoiler: Investigation

[] Read the Journal: You really don't want to do this, but how else are you supposed to prepare? (Learn more about Anastasia and the Supernatural)

[] Visit the Harrowmonts: Time to talk to some wolves. (Learn more about Chester and his home life)

[] Have Hannah meet you after school: You've got a couple of questions for her. (???)

[] Dispelling Serious Rumors!: It's all a misunderstanding, really! (Decrease Alarm; Remove The News! Perk)

[] Investigate your School: Seriously, the fuck! (Possibly learn why there is an Eldritch Monster underneath your school and how to stop it 10% Done)

Spoiler: Social

[] Try to make some friends: Let's face it; you need friends. Let's see if you can makes some. (Possibly unlock friendships to be cultivated)

[] Call Rivauld: Ok..you can do this. (Improve Ms. R SL)

[] Go shopping: You've got some cash. Wouldn't hurt to spend a little bit of it. (Spend Money to purchase items or food)

Spoiler: Anastasia

[] Spend time with Anastasia: You are her father after all. (Raise Trust/Satiety with child)

[] Take Anastasia out somewhere: You can't keep her cooped up in the house forever. (Raise Trust/Satiety with Child even more. May cost Money depending on where you go)
-[] The Park (No Cost)
-[] The Mall (1-2 Money)
-[] A Gym (1 Money)
-[] Write in...(Be reasonable)

Spoiler: Supernatural

[] Go looking for trouble: This is probably a horrible idea. But...you just gotta know. (Try to find evidence of the Supernatural. Could lead to a battle.)

[] Ask Anastasia about Magic: Just because you can't use it, doesn't mean you can't learn about it. (Learn more about Magic. Possibly Unlock Magic Perks that will remain unusable until a Pact is made.)

[] As Anastasia about Belief: What could possibly go wrong? (???)

Anastasia's Actions: 2 (+1 Thunderstorm)

Spoiler: Anastasia's Actions

[] Practice her powers: Ya lose it if you don't use it. (Anastasia practices getting a better handle on her powers and learning to what extent she can use them.)

[] Read a book: The best way to gain knowledge on just about anything. (Anastasia will look through your collection of books and read one on her own. May result in new Perk.)

[] Sense Eldritch: They are not getting into our house again. (Anastasia will use her Eldritch Powers to try to sense who or what is currently watching you. May lead to discovery of other Supernatural beings.)

[] Watch TV?: Who knows? She may actually learns something from it. (???)

[] Call Chester over for a playdate: He's her first friend, it would be a shame to keep them apart. (???)

Spoiler: Anastasia Sheet

Anastasia
Level 2
Parent: Howard Craft
Monster Type: Eldritch Abomination

Stats: Alarm 4, Notoriety 5, Trust 10, Satiety 8

Items:
Basket Crib
Young Child's Plain Clothes

Days Until she Mature's Again: ???

Friends:
Chester Harrowmont: 5/10 SL

Spoiler: Perks

THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE: A baby eldritch horror that could grow up to be one of the deadliest things in all of existence isn't exactly something you can keep hidden from the supernatural crowd. As it grows into its powers, Child Notoriety will become easier to raise.

Human Form (Child): Need to look the part if you want to play the part. You have a humanoid form that allows you to blend in. No penalties to interactions with mortals, but a -15 to all rolls to use your powers. You now have a five year old form. +5 to interactions with other children.

Eldritch Form: Tentacles are optional. You have an eldritch form that lets you unleash your true power. +20 to rolls to use your powers, but any mortals you come in contact with immediately go insane unless they have sufficient willpower.

Aura of Horror: It's not my fault I literally smell like the end of the world! -15 to all rolls to remain hidden from supernatural entities.

Supernatural Senses: I see you! +15 to all rolls to sense supernatural entities.

Prodigy(Reading): Your eye's just fly across the page! Once you hit toddler age, +15 to all rolls to maintain information from reading.

Potential Unlocked: Now is the time to train! (As long as you are in Child state, gain a +15 to gaining a new Perk or Power)

Human's Will to Live(Beginner): A race so stubborn that they won't even die when killed! (+5 to Rolls when fighting a losing battle)

Put your trust in me: I have your back. (+5 to persuading others)

The News!: Fucking Vampires is what they are! (-10 to actions that could raise Alarm (going to the Park, a class roll, shopping, etc.) for Two Days!)

Spoiler: Powers

Physical Augmentation: Get Fit! (When activated, add +15 to Physical Combat)

Telekinesis/Telepathy: I can read your mind, and throw you around like a ragdoll! (When activated +15 to all Mental and Physical Combat)

Rituals: I hereby summon thee....whatever your name is. (Can perform rituals to someone Eldritch creatures)

Biological Augmentation: My body is a weapon! (When activated, +30 to Physical Combat)

Spoiler: Howard Sheet

Howard Craft
Level 1
Child: Anastasia the Eldritch Abomination
Job: Middle School Teacher

Stats: Money 2, Sanity 10, Notoriety 4, Actions 2

Weekly Income: +2 to Money

Current Food: 1/4

Items:
The Journal
Starship Troopers
Warhammer 40k
Star Wars
Horror Books
Red Cloth (From Shadow Creature)
Amulet

Known Adults/Supernaturals:
Ms. Harrowmont: 310

Mr. Harrowmont: 3/10

Acquaintances(That you can actually stand):

Olly Rivauld: 3/10

Spoiler: Perks

Those who can't, teach better: You're not the best, but you are still a teacher. And you'll be dammed if anyone questions it. +15 to rolls when teaching your child and classroom

Middle School Drama: You've been around enough 13-16 year olds to know what they worry about at that age. +15 bonus to rolls when child hits puberty
Authoritative: Sometimes, tough love is the best love. +10 to rolls when laying down the law

Those fucking brats!: Why do they keep putting a tack on my seat? -10 to rolls to keep Sanity when doing job.

Low Risk Job: If a roll would increase Notoriety with a fail, add +10 to roll

Strong Willed: Either your willpower is harder to break than titanium, or you were insane to begin with to even THINK about raising a THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE as your child. No longer lose Sanity from Supernatural sources.

Knowledge of the Supernatural (Beginner): Turns out, there's an entire world that you are completely unaware of right under your nose! Heh, heh….uuuggghhh. +5 to Supernatural Investigations.

A Bond between Father and Daughter: Everything is better now! (Trust is Maxed Out! +15 to actions to Increase Trust and 1 Reroll for failed actions to increase Trust!)

Orator (Novice): You've got that commanding voice! (+10 to rolls to Inspire or Persuade others)

DODGE!: Best way to not get hit? Not get hit! (+10 to Defensive Combat Rolls)

Spoiler: Supernatural Knowledge

Your enemies are some kind of strange Shadow Creatures. Apparently they live in..well shadows and are currently watching your every move. You've encountered one of them twice. Once when it appeared on the roof of your car. Then again when you accidentally left Anastasia at home alone.

You have discovered that whatever the Shadow Creatures are, they can bleed. They can be killed.

You have discovered that Magic exist.

You have discovered something called Belief.

There's an Eldritch Monster underneath your school. It is currently asleep Indefinitely, unless someone else tries to wake it up.

*Vote Closed*

 

[LinkOnScepter]

Read Journal: 83 High Success

I have no doubt that you have decided to continue this self-destructive endeavor of yours. Why else would you still be reading this cursed manuscript?! Still, I cannot stop you, for my time has come and gone. Now, I serve a new purpose. A darker one.

This tome is my last chance at redemption. I hope that these words will reach someone and stop them from making the same mistakes I have. If that is true for you, then my heart is at ease, even if all I have done is bring you misery.

But I digress. Know this, you could not back out now even if you wished to. For by now the creature that has attached itself to you has already reached its "childer" stage. If that is the case, then you are forever trapped now, your very life has been joined to that thing.

Some could consider it a blessing, for as long as this is the case certain….talents shall make themselves available to you. Should you choose to pursue them.

Remember, every blessing comes with a terrible curse.

Though I suppose that this has given you very little in the form of helpful information, you should know this at least;

You have at least 3 months before your charge matures to its next evolution. That might not seem like much now, but many things can happen in a short amount of time.

I wish you luck, as foolish as you are.

...You know, you really wish this book came with a Table of Contents. It would make finding this type of info so much easier.

(Anastasia will Mature within 3 months!)

---

Dispelling Rumors: 1 Crit Fail
Alarm Check: 46 Success

Ok. You can do this.

Those conspiracy theories you found on the internet spooked you a bit. Which in turn, galvanized you to finally get this whole mess with Ana sorted.

So, here you are, in your best suit, tie, and jacket, ready to go out and talk to the news crews about this. Maybe you can convince them to get the public to back off about this whole thing. Or at the very least cause some of this heat to die down.

You know that in this day and age, Traditional Media doesn't have as much sway over the heart of the people as it used to. Especially with the advent of technology and Social Media, hardly anyone trust the News anymore. However, Ana and you haven't really been making many waves, so even just a little bit of leeway will go a long way to getting you out of the public eye.

As you get closer to the front door, you start to hear something. It's loud, but it isn't the drumming of the rain on the rooftop nor the sound of thunder roaring across the sky.

No. It almost sounds like….cheering?

Confused, you open up your front door and—

Oh god no.

In front of you, covering everything from your yard to your front doorstep, are a bunch of people in rain coats bowing down in front of your house. You guess there are about 23 in total. One of them is standing in front of the congregation, gesticulating wildly about one thing or another. When you close the door behind you, the entire crowd turns to look at you.

The one you guess is the leader, judging by the fact that he's the only one still standing. As he gets closer, you get a good look at his face in the gloom. He's covered it in these strange lines, that seemed to be made of paint that he got from...somewhere. Other than that, he looks like a normal 17 year old kid. His head only comes up to your chest and his features look a bit pale. However, his eyes are shining with both excitement and wonder at you.

It's creepy to say the least. Especially when you notice that just about everyone who is out there is armed with a blunt instrument.

And lots of torches.

"Finally!" he shouts to the gathered people, "The messenger of our Chosen One has come!" The crowd erupts into applause, before the young man speaks again this time to you, "Please, my High Oracle! What does our Master wish of us!?" He grabs your arms as he says the last bit, allowing you to notice just how spindly he actually is. In fact, his whole body looks like he hasn't left his house in months. When was the last time this guy saw the sun?

You babble incoherently for a time, before the screeching of a vehicle is heard coming down the street. Soon enough, as white News van is peeling in front of your house. It comes to stop right on the sidewalk. The side doors open, and out steps numerous people. Some carrying cameras others microphones, all fighting through the tide of cloaked people to get to one thing; you.

That is what finally puts the nail in the coffin. You race back into your house.
Ana looks up from her milk bowl when you slam the door shut behind you, locking it as you do. She looks at you with worry, "Is something wrong, father?"

While breathing heavily, you point at one of the windows. Curious, Anastasia walks over to the glass. She pulls the curtains open...then closes them again when the cheering reaches rapturous states.

Her face contorts into a mix of anger and annoyance, "Imbeciles. Worshiping me is fine, but can't they at least be subtle about it!" With that she walks back over to the table and gets back to her milk.

You are just worried that they might bust down your door.

(Alarm Increased! New Child Perk Gained: An Active Cult: They can at least be subtle about it! (There is a Cult in your Neighborhood dedicated to your Daughter. And they are actively searching for new members.))

---

School Investigation: Negated by Crit Fail

No way you're going to let those psychos know where you work!

(No progress)

---

Powers Practice: 64 + 15 (Potential) = 79 High Success

Despite the crowd of crazy people outside, your daughter is still acting as if nothing is wrong. Then again, you suppose that having a bunch of cultist that want your blessings isn't that big of a deal considering what she is.

Still, it is a bit unsettling to watch her go about an experiment as she attempts to unlock some more of her powers. You sit on the couch watching her. You don't want to get in the way, but you want to make sure that she doesn't hurt herself in the attempt.

She stands stock still, small, pale hand held towards the sink. It's piled with dishes that you've been meaning to clean up for a few days now. She has her right palm up, eyes closed as if she's concentrating on something.

At first, nothing happens. Then you start to smell the familiar burning of sulfur. But this one is different. Normally the smell is acrid, and cloying to you, like a particularly thick cloud of cigarette smoke. But right now, it smells like literal burning fire.

You watch Anastasia, and your eyes widen as a collection of green symbols gathers into her outstretched hand. You watch sweat pour over her brow as she prepares a ball of bright emerald energy. Then there's a loud boom, and she comes flying backwards towards you. You grab her by the waist, moving back slightly at the impact of the child.

Once you both calm down, you look towards the pile of dishes.

Well, what used to be dishes.

Now instead, it's just a pile of burnt ash.

You look your daughter in her starry eyes, eyebrow raising up in judgement. She laughs, good heartedly, showing off her rows of white teeth. Soon enough, you're laughing along with her at the absurdity of what just happened.

"I've got my own little mage right here, don't I?" you query, which sets her to laughing all over again.

You know, it's times like these where you forget she's an Eldritch Horror.

(New Child Power: Energy Ball: Fire not included (+10 to all Combat Rolls))

---

Read a Bo—INTERRUPT!

Then for whatever reason, you feel your body lock up.

Something's wrong.

The air feels tense, oppressive.

You can hear your heart hammering in your chest.

Sweat begins to pour down your forehead. Your hand feel clammy.

You look to Anastasia, and she's frowning. She feels it too.

It is then that you realize what's wrong: you can't hear the cultist, newsreporters, or the rain outside..

A base instinct in your mind tells your body to move, so you do. Rolling off of the couch, you stand in the middle of the living room. Ana is at your right, holding your hand tightly.

At first, everything is silent and still.

Then you see it. A hand, ethereal and armored black seeps its way through your front door. Next comes a body completely covered from head to toe in black armor. It reminds you of those iron maiden things conceptualized by Matthew Peacock and Siebenkees, with the spikes protruding from its shoulders and body. It's body, obviously female based on the...protrusions on the chestplate steps through your door slowly. It's movements are not unlike a hungry cat looking for its next meal.

However that is not what's most disturbing to you.

No, it's what's under the creature's right arm.

What lies there, nestled in between its body and elbow, is a human head. At a glance it appears female, with long black hair almost hitting the floor of the hallway. The eyes were closed, yet you felt like they could perceive everything that was going on. Most disturbing, was the fact that it still had it's flesh. It wasn't decomposing or rotting, as if it were just as alive as the day it was born.

At first, it just stood there, unmoving. You held Ana's hands tight, letting her know that you were there, even though you yourself wished for some kind of comfort. You heard her whisper the word, "Dullahan." Suddenly, the creature (the Dullahan, you guess) stepped to the side. In its wake a new form came through the door.

This one was obviously human, however there seemed to be something strange about her. She walked with a purpose the likes of which those with a job in big corporations have. As if just being in this place was a bother to her. As if to accentuate this, she wore a purple, striped business suit with matching pants. Dimples pock marked her cheeks, and she flipped her red hair to the side of her face.

Howards Notoriety: 4

She pointed a manicured hand towards you, "You are Howard Craft, correct?" Caught unawares, you dumbly nod in affirment.

Anastasia Notoriety: 5

Her finger trails over to Anastasia, who you instinctively move to cover with your thigh, "That makes you Anastasia. The little Eldr—"

"Can we please dispense with the formalities?" despite the situation Ana's voice still sounds as calm as a coursing river, "Dullahan's and their pets never just come for a polite visit."

If the lady is offended, she makes no indication, "So impatient. I thought that one of your age would be more appreciative of the finer points of banter."

"Oh I am. It's just that I only banter with those who I know can keep up. If we did banter, I'd say thing that would make you wish you were able to make your ears melt off at will."

"Care to bet?"

"Some day, but not today. Particularly, when you work up the courage to face me without an Undertaker at your shoulder," Ana nodded towards the Dullahan standing to the side of the newcomer. It made no movements, and the eyes on its head remained closed.

"Look, what do you want?" you say outloud. It doesn't matter who this person is, she came into your house uninvited. And even though you can feel the bones in your spine clacking together from how much you're shaking, you are not about to let her intimidate you in your own house.

Her cold, violet eyes regard you with contempt as she speaks, "That is very simple. I want the girl, and I will not take no for an answer." At that the Dullahan shifts its stance. Its free hand goes to its sword, and it crouches low.

She might as well had asked you to freeze Hell for her.

You will not give up your daughter to some random ass stranger off the fucking streets!

You feel more than see Anastasia agree with you, as her free hand morphs into a blade.

How do you engage this?

[] Keep her talking. Maybe you can distract her long enough for Ana to get a bead on her or that Dullahan thing.
[] Charge right in. Clobber her down while Ana takes care for her pet.
[] Stay back and let Ana handle this. You're a bit too squishy to take these two on.
[] Write in…

---

Surprise!

Oh yeah, this was a combination of your Notoriety and Alarm. Did you think that no one would notice the rather large amount of people in Raincoats standing outside one house in the rain chanting something about a Messiah?

Plus the fact that the house is known to house an Eldritch Entity of some sort?

 

[LinkOnScepter]

We need Belief and then armwrestle these guys into the ground. Then buy as many research options as we can until our bonuses can negate bad rolls, as it happens with our boogieman game.

Click to shrink...

Something I didn't want to reveal yet, but feel like is necessary to know, I will say now;

You don't really need to research Belief Powers.

If you just take actions that would cause those powers to activate on their own, then they will. You'll probably put yourself at very high risk, but it will get you a boost in the long run.

Basically, be reckless, hot-blooded, and aggressive. It might put you in the hospital, but it will help you in the long run.

To give a Comparison:

Magic:


Belief: