Raising a Monster

Meeting the Cult, Read the Journal, Check on your Students, Read a Book, and Look for new Friends.
Adhoc vote count started by LinkOnScepter on Jun 20, 2019 at 6:13 PM, finished with 17 posts and 5 votes.

  • [X] Ask her to introduce you to Isha and Mathew: They're your daughter's Cultist. You should probably get to know them. (New SLs. Can start Ordering Isha and Mathew)
    [X] Go looking for friends: Everyone needs someone they can hang out with. (Try to find other kids to be friends with)
    [X] 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)
    [X] Check on some of your students: You should make sure they're Ok, and not traumatized by the news (???).
    [X] 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.)
    [X] Watch TV?: Who knows? She may actually learns something from it. (???)
    [X] The Association of Mages: They did contact you, and they are offering a pretty sweet deal for a job. ...You could at least hear them out (Contact the Mages, Learn about the Job, Decide if you want it).
    [X] Go looking for friends: This is probably a horrible idea. But....well the Harrowmonts turned out to be nice. (Try to find other Supernatural Creatures to befriend. Could lead to a battle.)
    [X] 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.)
 
Time for the Rolls. I'm not gonna Roll for the Cultist, cause that's a simple meet up.

Ana Looks for Friends:


Read the Journal:


Check on the Students:


Ana Read a Book:
 
Bad news guys. Internet got cut off.

Using phone and data to type.

Will inform you all when I get it back.
 
Day 30 Part 1
Introduction to the Cult

"Alright," you sigh while straightening your collar with one hand, "let's get this over with." The sunlight is streaming through the window giving the whole room an orange hue.

"Now father," Ana puts one of her books down to look at you, "you promised to be open-minded."

"I know," you pace in front of the door, mind racing at the thought of what's going to be waiting for you when you open it, "but, after Crossroads, I'm not sure if I want to see more cultist so soon. Even if they are yours."

Ana rolls her eyes, dropping from the couch onto her feet, "I am offended that you would believe I would allow my worshipers to behave in any way resembling what we saw in the Academy. Anyone who wishes to worship me must have the presence of mind to make their own decisions and wish to follow me for me and my ideals. Not for promising them the world, the stars, and everything in between."

"Well, they didn't exactly leave me a good first impression," you keep pacing, checking your phone every now and then to see the time. When Ana contacted her cultist (through telepathy, of course) she said they would be here "as soon as they could." When you asked for specifics, she started listing out the various things which could impede their trip.

So, you've been pacing in front of the door waiting for them to show up. A hand goes to the back of your neck, nervousness showing through your every action. You stop every now and then to stare at the door and wait for a knock. When none comes, you go back to pacing while trying to calm yourself down.

Ana sighs in frustration, "That was when they were being led by a False Prophet. I made sure to significantly decrease their numbers when I 'enlightened' them," she uses her hands to hide a smirk, "you will see no repeat of what occurred that night, I assure you."

Ana's words do calm you down, but not enough to stop your pacing. Maybe Crossroads affected you more than you thought, but you just have this feeling that-

-A knock from the door stops you in your tracks. You glance at your daughter, your eyes asking for confirmation. She nods before waving towards the door with one hand. You straighten your posture, step towards the door, place one hand on the knob, take in a deep breathe, and pull it open.

Standing on your porch...are two completely normal looking human beings.

Specifically, a very similar looking young man and woman. They're both wearing matching jeans with long, black shirts with hard white letters on them. The letters seem to be an acronym for something, but you're not sure what. They each have a full body tan, showing they've been out in the sun quite a bit. The girl is slim but not to the point of anorexia, with her auburn hair tied up in a ponytail. The guy is almost identical, only differences being the muscles that stand out on his arms and his cropped, short hair. As you're about to speak, Ana pushes her way into the doorway. She looks up at your guests with a smile, "Isha, Mathew, thank you for coming."

You watch the two's reactions closely, expecting the same behavior that you saw when they came to your home last time.

You are pleasantly surprised when they give Ana a light bow before turning to you. The woman, who you're guessing is Isha, claps her hands together with a smile, speaking in a light, soft tone, "A pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Craft."

The young man, Mathew you think, holds out his hand for a shake. You oblige, feeling the callouses on his hand as you shake. He lets go, placing both hands into his pockets before speaking in a tone almost identical to Isha, "Might we come in? We've been out in the sun for a while now and really need to cool off."

"S-sure," you stutter, completely thrown off by their casual demeanor. You step aside to welcome them into your house, closing the door before sitting down on the sofa. They grab some chairs from the kitchen while Ana sits next to you, her legs swaying playfully over the edge.

Once everyone is settled, you decide to start asking the obvious questions. You lean forward, placing your elbows on your knees, and one hand under your chin, "So, who are you two and why did you decide to join a cult that worships my daughter?"

...You really hate how casually you said that.

Isha and Mathew nod to each other before answering. Their answers surprise you in numerous ways.

Their full names are Isha and Mathew Lordstrom. They're twins who grew up doing everything together. They were inseparable even going to the same college, though they eventually dropped out when they realized they weren't getting anything out of it. Their parents were supportive but did pressure them into moving out of the house. Now, they both live in the same apartment in the Downtown area. Mathew works as a cashier at a fast food restaurant and retail at a hardware store, while Isha works at a diner and gas station. Since then, nothing crazy has really happened to them. They've lived a pretty average existence. They've got friends, family, a place to live, and jobs. No tragic events, no sudden revelations, or anything. They're completely normal, well-adjusted twenty-year-olds.

Which begs the question, why join a cult?

"Because we were lost," Isha says while lacing her fingers together, "Neither of us has any real talent or passion for anything. We each have our hobbies, but it's nothing we want to make a career out of."

"We were coasting, really," Mathew drinks down some tap water, wincing at the taste, "No real ambition or plan, no want of fame, nothing. We were just letting life pass us by. And when we realized this, we didn't like it."

"We wanted something to inspire us. Light a fire in us and get us to start doing something with our lives," Isha continues, pushes a stray hair out of her face, "We started looking online and the Children were the first thing we saw."

"Will admit, they damn well had us," Mathew laughs, speaking in a mocking tone, " 'Change your life! Find your purpose with a modern Messiah!' and all that. I was skeptical, but Ish convinced me to try it. We were some of the first and most fervent members until Our Lady came and showed us the light."

Your eyebrow raises, as you turn to look at Ana, "Our Lady?"

She shrugs, "They may call me whatever they wish. As long as they are loyal, follow my instructions, and act in a way becoming of those who would worship me, they may call me any name they wish."

Isha bows towards your daughter, looking up at her with reverence, "You humble us, Our Lady. We thank you for allowing us this chance to speak with both you and your father."

Her brother follows her lead, speaking to you instead, "It is an honor to finally meet you, Our Father. I hope you see both of us as worthy servants to your daughter."

You do your best to keep your gaze on the ceiling, feeling Ana's eyes on you at the "Our Father" title. You quickly change the subject, moving on to simple topics and general small talk. Eventually, though, the time comes for the two of them to leave.

As you're getting ready to see them out, your daughter tugs on your leg. You look down to see her big, starry eyes staring at you. They're the set, serious eyes that force you to give her your full attention. When she has you enraptured, she mouths out a simple question, "Do you object to this, father?"

You understand what she means without her having to explain it. This question is what the whole introduction was leading up to. Ana has already made her stance on having a cult known. But what about you? Both Isha and Mathew have made it clear they're doing this of their own free will. There's no coercion or mind control of any kind, and Ana has repeatedly said she wants her worshipers to think for themselves. Based on everything you know, this whole situation seems ok.

On the other hand, a Cult is a Cult. Isha and Mathew might want this now, but they're still young. This could be little more than a want to experience something new, or simple curiosity. If things get serious, will they really stand with your daughter? Not to mention that, while you trust Ana to do everything in her power to prevent it, there is always a possibility her Cult will grow out of control.

So, really, it comes down to you.

What do you think?

[] Leave it alone. Ana trusts you, and you trust her. You'll let her run her Cult however she wants, and you won't get involved any further than surface level. (All Cult Actions Decided By Ana, Howard Can't take Cult Actions)

[] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)

[] Stop it here. This ends here. A Cult is a Cult, and after Crossroads you can't take any chances. Even if it is run by your daughter. (No Cult Actions)



Read the Journal: 76 – 25 (Golden) = 51 Success

During my time with the creature, acts that previously would sicken me to my core have become quite common and natural. Be it a lie to an unsuspecting mother that she may give us shelter from the elements, or the permanent removal of those who would try to discover more about our circumstances. When you find yourself alone in a fight to maintain your sanity and your life, trifling things such as morality falls apart quite easily. You would do well to reflect on your own actions before you begin to judge me.

Through these unsavory acts, I taught myself many...illegal skills that proved useful with the charge that latched itself to me. I had to procure sustenance for us both, lest I starve or it visit some form of torture upon me. You will find instructions on how to replicate my actions within these texts, though I am sure something has been done to this document to prevent easy browsing. I do not know your situation, but I assure you that knowing how to perform actions others might deem criminal. They may yet be the key to your survival.


Wait...is the author serious about this?

Does he actually, oh god the following paragraphs give detailed instructions on how to pick a lock.

...This can't get you thrown in jail or anything...right?

(Perk Gained: Lockpicking (Beginner): It's only illegal if you get caught. (+10 to any Stealth Roll and +10 to picking Mundane Locks))



Check on Students: 84 – 25 (Golden ) + 15 (Those Who Can't) = 74 High Success

Most of your students seem to be fine. You were able to get in contact with their parents and confirm that they're doing alright. Some are a bit shaken, but all in all, everyone is fine.

On top of this, Mr. Weston was on the News talking about the incident. He made sure to emphasize that the existence of the Cult would never have come to light if it weren't for the dedication of the teachers. He did name drop you but did everything in his power to attribute it to every teacher in the school. While not exactly true, it does stop parents from contacting the staff to yell their ears off. And it stops people from digging too deep into who brought this to light.

Everything is almost fine. Except for one thing: You can't get in touch with two of your students. You've tried calling Hannah and one other student three times so far. Each time, you get the voicemails. You're worried and it looks like you might have to make a few house calls....teacher still do that, right?

(Alarm Decreased by 3, New Options Unlocked: Track Down Students)



Ana Reads: 66 + 15 (Prodigy) + 15 (Potential) = 96 High Success

You watch Ana as she reads through her Human Psychology book. Despite the fact that the book is as big as her, she flies through the pages. Her eyes never stop moving even when she hits the end of a page. It's kind of mesmerizing really. Just watching as she gets through about half of the book before closing it shut.

When you ask her what she learned, she shrugs, "Nothing much. I'm still in the beginning chapters, and they primarily talk about the basics. How humans think, why they think that way, what parts of the brain cause certain emotions, and what sections you need to hit to incapacitate someone."

"Oh, that's....what?" you don't think that's something that should be in a book anyone can grab and read.

"That wasn't in the book father," Ana waves her had dismissively, "you can easily deduce it from publicly available knowledge about the human brain. It's not that surprising."

"Well, it's just," you move your hands up and down, searching for an answer, "Normally people don't come to that sort of conclusion from a psychology book."

She smiles while tilting her head, "And I am not normal, am I father?"

…..

She's got you there.

(Human Psychology (Beginner): Based on my Deductions, you're going to do this next (+10 to Persuasion against Humans, +10 to Combat Rolls against Humans)).



Ana Looks for Friends: 67 + 15 (Notoriety 3) + 5 (Human Form) + 15 (Aura of Horror) + 15 (Supernatural Senses) = 117 Artificial Crit

Who does Ana befriend? (Choose 1):
[] The Broken Lord: A Fractured Star, Betrayed by Friends disguised
[] The Unending Horizon: Her flame will burn forevermore, and she with it.
[] For Whom the Bell Tolls: He will come for all, and nothing will stop him.
[] The Universalist: The Legend Among Legend, every Story comes from him.





And I'm back! Have this new Update to celebrate both the new site look, and my returning internet!

I figured since Ana got a Crit on the Looking for Friends roll she should meet something powerful and old, and that I'd let you guys decide who it is.

I hope you all enjoy, criticism is welcome, and I hope you're having a wonderful Summer!
 
[X] The Unending Horizon: Her flame will burn forevermore, and she with it.
[X] Leave it alone. Ana trusts you, and you trust her. You'll let her run her Cult however she wants, and you won't get involved any further than surface level. (All Cult Actions Decided By Ana, Howard Can't take Cult Actions)
 
Last edited:
[X] Leave it alone. Ana trusts you, and you trust her. You'll let her run her Cult however she wants, and you won't get involved any further than surface level. (All Cult Actions Decided By Ana, Howard Can't take Cult Actions)

[x] The Universalist: The Legend Among Legend, every Story comes from him.
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[x] The Broken Lord: A Fractured Star, Betrayed by Friends disguised
 
[X] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[X] For Whom the Bell Tolls: He will come for all, and nothing will stop him.
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[X] The Unending Horizon: Her flame will burn forevermore, and she with it.

I trust her, but she's still a child, if a powerful one. Help would be desired even if not needed
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[x] The Broken Lord: A Fractured Star, Betrayed by Friends disguised
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[x] The Broken Lord: A Fractured Star, Betrayed by Friends disguised
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[x] The Broken Lord: A Fractured Star, Betrayed by Friends disguised
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[x] The Broken Lord: A Fractured Star, Betrayed by Friends disguised
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[x] The Broken Lord: A Fractured Star, Betrayed by Friends disguised
 
[X] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[X] The Unending Horizon: Her flame will burn forevermore, and she with it.
 
[x] Go hands on. You're not gonna let her do this alone. You'll help her out as best you can, whenever you can...deferring to her when you have to, of course. (Howard and Ana can take Cult Actions)
[X] Whichever wins.
 
I think it's time for Ana to have some responsibility
[X] Leave it alone. Ana trusts you, and you trust her. You'll let her run her Cult however she wants, and you won't get involved any further than surface level. (All Cult Actions Decided By Ana, Howard Can't take Cult Actions)

I'm less sure about which friend.
[X] The Universalist: The Legend Among Legend, every Story comes from him.
 
[X] Leave it alone. Ana trusts you, and you trust her. You'll let her run her Cult however she wants, and you won't get involved any further than surface level. (All Cult Actions Decided By Ana, Howard Can't take Cult Actions)

[X] For Whom the Bell Tolls: He will come for all, and nothing will stop him.
 
Back
Top