[X] Assault Crossroads: You've got all you needed. Now it's time to take the fight to them! (Will take up all Actions for Howard and Anastasia! Begin battle for Crossroads!)
"Father, are you sure about this?" your lovely daughter asks while you pace around the room with your phone in your hands.
To be honest? No, no you're not.
You're, basically, about to declare war on a Cult straight out of a Lovecraft book, that has been operating right beneath societies noses since before you were born, attack the school that you've been working at for you don't know how long, and, let's not forget, attack a fucking, literal, Eldritch Monster that has been living under your school.
You don't know how anyone could be even remotely positive about the decision you have made. Heck, you're pretty sure that, had things been different, you would've let all this disappear into the back of your mind like it was some kind of fever dream.
But….
You glance at your daughter as she sits on the couch, one of her massive books just about halfway finished sitting in her lap. Her face is still the picture of calm and elegance that she always tries to keep up regardless of the situation. Even the way she is sitting makes her look as if she has everything under control. Her back is straight, feet planted firmly on the floor, hands folded across her lap, white skin without a single crease or blemish, and blonde hair falling around her shoulders. To anyone else, she'd look as if this was an average Tuesday for her.
(Trust: 10)
But you are her father.
And you can see through that. You've looked into those star-filled eyes enough times to tell when she's worried. You've held her close long enough to see when she's holding back the urge to hug you. You can tell when she's just putting on airs for the sake of how she believes others like her should look.
You understand it.
You're worried too.
However, you can't just leave this alone.
People can call you foolish, they can call you dumb, a glory seeker, a man with delusions of grandeur.
You don't care.
The fact of the matter is this: these people have been abducting and killing kids for decades.
They've ruined you can't count how many families.
They're planning to release something into the world that could bring about the destruction of everything you know and love.
And, worst of all, they plan to kill your daughter to do it.
That. Will. Never. Happen.
You take a deep breathe and put on a smile as you turn towards your daughter, "I'm sure, sweety. Can't just leave this alone, can I? Especially after they tried to attack us."
"You know I am very much capable of defending us from any type of attack," she forms three balls of green energy in her hand to emphasize, "As long as I am here, there is nothing to worry about."
"Yes, there is," you stop pacing and sit down opposite Ana. You look her in the eyes and place an arm around her shoulders, "I want you to put yourself in that thing's shoes...well tendrils...whatever it has. If you found out that a younger one of your kind is nearby, that it is growing in power, and is aware of you and your Cult's actions, what would you do?"
Ana doesn't answer at first. She just stares at you for a good four minutes. You stare right back at her the whole time, not letting up. Finally, she sighs and looks down, "I suppose you do have a point. But do you really have to go? Why not leave this to the Harrowmonts? Or me for that matter?"
"Don't you remember what I said?" you tossle her hair while chuckling, "I'm your father. I'm supposed to protect you. That means not running away when something is trying to hurt you. Would I really be that, if I just sit here and do nothing while everyone else goes out to fight?"
She doesn't answer, hugging you while you both sit on the couch. You smile at the fact that you've won this battle.
As you hear a knock at the door though, you realize that it's time for the real one to begin. You pat Ana on the back to get her to let go and make your way to the door.
You open it up and see the four werewolves standing at your porch. Volkar is the first to speak up, "You sure about this Craft?"
"Yes," you stand out of the family's way as they make their way inside, "I'm sure."
All of you cluster around the living room floor. Volkar takes out all the evidence you two have gathered, as well as some he's apparently found on his own and places it all on the table. The wolves are all ready and tense. Volkar's breathing is heavy, his fangs showing underneath part of his upper lip. Maeve's at his side, eyes darting across all of the papers as if she's trying to memorize every detail. Barbara is holding Chester under her shoulder, giving him some last minute advice before you move out. Chester, to his credit, doesn't look that nervous. More focused and ready. But you've watched kids enough times to see his arms shaking at the prospect of what is to come.
You all sit there in silence for a bit before Volkar speaks up, "Before we get started—"
"Let me come with you," Ana interrupts matter of factly. All eyes in the room turn towards her.
The Harromonts' response is...quick you'll be honest:
"No."
"Nah."
"Absolutely not."
"You could get hurt!"
After a brief moment of them all realizing they spoke at the same time, Volkar elaborates, "What we mean is, that these guys are looking for you specifically. It would be a bunch of different kinds of stupid to bring you with us."
"Ya, that'd be like, bringing the codes to a bomb to a terrorist rally," Maeve makes a hand motion that looks like a bomb blowing up.
Ana, as expected, is not deterred, "I am aware of the risk, but let us not forget that I am also one of the Eldritch. Bringing me with you can only improve your chances of success. Fighting fire with fire as they say. I can also defend us in case our enemy attempts any type of mental attack, and if it has equipped its followers with any 'blessings' I am the best equipped to deal with them." Even when surrounded by werewolves adept at hunting Eldritch Cults, your daughter is as unflinching as ever.
You can't help but feel proud at that.
"We're not denying your power, Anastasia," Barbara places her hands on the table in a motherly way, "We're just worried that having you along might actually be more dangerous."
"Yeah!" Chester gets out from under his mother's arm and just about climbs up onto the table to speak. His tail is tucked between his legs, and his ears are showing, "What if you get caught? Or worse?" You see him start to use his puppy dog eyes in an attempt to placate her.
Anastasia remains unbowed, "As I said, I know the risk. As I'm sure all of you do. And, just like all of you, I'm willing to take those risk."
It looks like you've reached a bit of an impasse here, and you're the defining vote.
Once again.
...Why have things been coming down to you lately?
[] Bring Ana with you. (Pros: More firepower, Eldritch Power VS Eldritch Power; Cultist will focus their attention on her. Cons; Cultist will focus their attention on her; The Eldritch Monster might be a bit too powerful for her; If she gets captured….)
[] Leave Ana here. (Pros: She can still provide field support; No danger of her getting captured; No danger of her getting injured. Cons: Less firepower; No direct Eldritch Power support; Might come running if you're in danger….)
And for that matter, what about Olly? Should you leave her out of the loop for this? She could be a big help in the fight….if she agrees to help….and if the Harrowmonts don't mind…..and she might not appreciate being left out if you're in danger….
[] Call Rivauld to help. (Pros: More firepower; Lamia Seduction; Someone more familiar with the school. Cons: Harrowmonts might not approve; You don't know if Olly is much of a fighter; She might get injured or worse.)
[] Don't call Rivauld (Pros: No chance of her getting hurt; Harrowmonts won't find out about her yet. Cons: She might get mad if she finds out you did this without telling her; Less firepower; Unforeseeable consequences.)
There's also Ana's own cultist you could call up. They might be able to help….or maybe they'll be more trouble than they're worth.
[] Ask Ana to call her Cultist. (Pros: More hands to help out; Loyal Fanatics make great guards; They will boost Ana's power with their worship. Cons; The Harrowmonts will not be happy; They are still normal people; Possibility of them getting corrupted by the enemy.)
[] Don't ask Ana to call them. (Pros: No real changes; Harrowmonts still happy and ignorant of Ana's Cult business. Cons; Less firepower; no worship boost.)
Lastly, there's the actual attack part of the plan. You've gotten good information, thank god, and it'll definitely help you figure out what you're all going to do.
From what you've gathered, there are three main members that you have to worry about: Ervin, Wiley, and Donella. These three are apparently the "Council" that leads this group. Lots of the notes you've read mentions how the "God" has "Gifted" them with powers of some kind. Harrowmont says that if you run into them and they aren't around, run. Don't bother fighting, just run and try to find them.
The rest of them were pointed out as just being normal, low level cultist. You were slightly worried when you noticed a few of your fellow teachers were on that list but were also relieved when the Big Green's name didn't appear on there. You do feel kind of bad that you're going to probably mess up his school when all of this is said and done, but...what he doesn't know won't hurt him, right?
Anyway, so far you, yourself, have come up with three plans. Granted, they're pretty simple ones, but you still think they're good. Of course, you could always leave the planning up to Volkar, but you're not sure what kind of plan he'll make.
[] Plan Assault Team Delta: You go all in. When night falls, you run into Crossroads. You bust down the doors, fight your way into Barton's, and get to the Eldritch bastard before anyone even realizes what's going on. On the one hand, you can probably use the element of surprise to get to the fourth floor before they can form a proper defense. Problem is though, once that surprise has worn off, you'll have a real fight on your hands that could leave you cornered. That and things will most likely get….bloody. It's an all or nothing decision.
[] Plan Silent Rat: You go in stealthy. Under the cover of night, you sneak into the Academy and down layers of Barton's. You try to avoid combat when you can and only take out those that are directly in your path. You'll keep to the shadows and make it to the Eldritch Abomination before anyone even notices. This plan guarantees you'll have the element of surprise for much longer than the first one. You can probably even kill the Abomination and get out before anyone even knows you were there and it means you won't have to have as many….casualties. On the other hand, if you get caught it's straight to Plan Assault, and all your hard work will have been for nothing.
[] Plan Inside Job (Can only be chosen if you take Anastasia with you): This plan...you're not really fond of but….it has the highest possibility of working. You're already registered at Barton's as a parent. And the Cult doesn't know that you've taken out Kelly. They know she's gone, but not that she's out of commission. Even if they do, they can't really connect it back to you right now. So, you can take Ana and anyone else you bring with you, and make them think you've joined them. That you're bringing your daughter in as a sacrifice to the Cult and to prove you truly want to be a member. This is the riskiest plan, but also the most rewarding one. If the Cultist don't see through your ruse, you'll be in a prime position to take out the Eldritch before they even know what's happening. If it fails though….you don't want to think about it.
[] Let Volkar come up with a plan. He's been at this, way longer than you anyway.
[] Maybe you can think of a better plan…(Write in….)
And then there's…..the promise.
You were hoping this day wouldn't come, but you know it will once you step onto Crossroad's soil.
Volkar's words ring in your head from that fateful day when Ana got suspended.
"When, not if, when things get dicey, when its time to fight for our lives, you can't interfere with us. No matter what we do. Promise?"
And now that time has come.
This might be your only chance to try to convince them to be at least a bit merciful.
Do you take it?
[] No. As much as it might pain you….these people have made their choice. You'll let the Harrowmonts….do as they please.
[] Well, you're not going to tell them to just not fight back. But….maybe you can convince them to hold back? Just a little. (Roll + SL Check)
[] Yes. Even if these are the people who want to hurt your daughter, they are still people. Human beings with lives and families, and you can't let them just annihilate them like that. Even if you get in trouble with them, you won't stand for it. (Roll + SL Check - 35)
Alright, here we go.
Hope I haven't lost my touch at this.
Since I know there will be questions about the final vote, I will address these concerns.
Yes, the choices will effect Howard's personality, and how he reacts to certain situation. Does this mean he'll immediately become a certain way just from this one choice alone?
No.
Choosing the first option won't cause you to lose your empathy for others.
Choosing the last option won't turn you into a bleeding hearted, idiot who won't even hurt someone who clearly freaking deserves it.
The only things they will effect will be Howard's Personality/Reactions, your relationship with the Harrowmonts, and your relationship with Ana somewhat.
If there are anymore questions, feel free to ask.
And it's good to be back.
Edit: Fixed some things like grammar and otherwise.
