Once and Future (WormxFate)

[Buaidh]

[x] [Adventure] The Merchants of Death
[x] [Activity] Study Group
[x] [Social] Amy Dallon

 

[Aldsan]

Voting will close in 24 hours. Right now Wendigo Spirits has a modest lead on the Adventure vote and your Social vote is neck and neck between Amy and Theo.

 

[Aldsan]

Vote is now closed.

Scheduled vote count started by Aldsan on Aug 10, 2025 at 8:10 AM, finished with 5 posts and 3 votes.

• ---

  3 people have voted

  [X] [Adventure] The Merchants of Death

  • iamweirdo
  • Buaidh
  • Skitzyfrenic

  3 people have voted

  [X] [Activity] Study Group

  • iamweirdo
  • Buaidh
  • Skitzyfrenic

  2 people have voted

  [X] [Social] Amy Dallon

  • iamweirdo
  • Buaidh

 

[Aldsan]

Spoiler: Voting

[x] [Adventure] The Wendigo Spirits
[x] [Activity] Charity
[x] [Social] Theo Anders

Recover 5 hit points via Natural Healing. HP: 40/40

Click to shrink...

"...and back here is where we store all the canned goods. I'm thinking that we'll have you help with just collecting any used bowls and taking them to the sink to start. If you're still here two weeks from now, we can see about having you do something more difficult."

"Why two weeks?" I asked.

"It's when most people quit," Mr. Sykes said tiredly. The man was surprisingly short, standing a mere head taller than me. Age had stolen the color from his hair, but he still held a youthful vitality in his movements as he showed me around the homeless shelter. "When whatever moral impetus that drove them to help runs out and they realize that volunteering involves actual work."

I nodded in understanding. While I was not one to shy away from work, I understood that it was easy for a person to get wrapped up in life and responsibilities. My own schedule was already stretched thin between school, the Student Council, and patrolling as a hero. I could see all too easily how volunteering for something that I did not have to do could fall by the wayside when my other responsibilities called on me.

That was all the more reason I could not allow it to.

"Very well. Shall I get to it then?"

"Yeah, let me just get one of our other guys to go with you, since it's your first day." Mr. Sykes pulled a door open and stuck his head through before calling out, "Hey Theo! Could you come here a sec?"

Theo? I blinked in surprise as Theo Anders ducked into the room. It was some consolation to see that he was just as flabbergasted to see me, his eyes going wide.

"Theo, you mind showing this young lady around? She's going to be helping out with clean up today."

"Sure, Mr. Sykes," Theo said, shooting me another glance. "Anything I should watch out for?"

"Try introducing her to some of the regulars. Otherwise, just stay out of trouble. I'll be here in the kitchen if you need me for anything."

"Got it."

Theo opened the door and motioned for me to follow him. The homeless shelter we were in was not particularly large. Aside from the kitchen, there was a single large room where the residents could gather to eat and a significantly more cramped room that was lined with bunk beds for them to sleep. There was little in the way of privacy, apart from a few hallways leading to the bathrooms or the singular office space in the back.

So it was a surprise when Theo stopped in one of these hallways and turned to me.

"Did my Father ask you to come here and check up on me?"

"No," I said, and though I tried not to let it color my words overly much, I could not help the searching lilt to my voice. "I had no idea you were working here as well. Why would he?"

"I – Sorry, that was out of nowhere, I guess." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I just know he would disapprove if he found out I was working here. He would say it's beneath me."

I felt my opinion of Max Anders immediately ratchet down a few notches. "Helping those in need is beneath no one. Not even a king."

Theo gave me a faint smile. "Thanks. Just… Don't tell anyone that you met me here? Please?"

"If that is your wish. Have you been working here for a long time?"

"About a year now?" Theo shrugged. "I can't be here consistently, because I have to help babysit my sister these days, but it's something to do that I can actually be proud of. What about you? What made you sign up?"

"I suppose I too was looking for something meaningful."

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

After my prayer with Caren, she had left me with those words. It was guidance that I had needed. I had allowed myself to become too wrapped up in concerns over who I was. What did it matter if I was Elaine or Artoria or some mix of both? These people needed my help. Surely that was more important than my own concerns.

"I have had some difficulty with adjusting since I woke earlier this year. I wished to do something worthwhile."

Theo's gaze softened and he lifted a hand as if to pat my shoulder, before awkwardly letting it fall again without having touched me. "I get it, I think. Do you want to go ahead and meet some of the guys?"

I nodded. "I would like that."

Gain a check to Merciful.
Bond with Theo increased to 1.

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The dining area of the shelter was packed full, the shelter having long since exceeded the amount of homeless it could sustain. It was not unique in this respect. Most of the shelters in the city were in the same condition. Most of the homeless still wound up sleeping on the streets at night.

It was not so bad in the summer, but in the winter there were always reports of people who froze to death over night. With the temperatures beginning to drop, that pall hung over the crowd here, men and women left enjoying a hot meal and wondering how many more meals they had left.

Energetic: 13 | 14 = Success

Click to shrink...

I did what small part I could to help them. They would line up at the counter for bowls of soup and I would take their bowls back to the kitchen as they finished. A simple task that anyone could have performed. There was satisfaction in performing it well however. After an hour, things began to slow down and I found myself sitting at a table with several men.

Station: 12 | 12 = Critical!
Intrigue: 7 | 9 (+10) = Success

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"Used to be a piano player. Worked at that Jazz bar off of 41st street, you know the one." Joe tapped his fingers on the table, his fingerless gloves exposing chocolate skin as he made a facsimile of playing the piano.

"We've heard the story a hundred times, Joe," another man said. "We know you're lyin'. You got no rhythm."

"I ain't lying! I don't know what happened! One day I got up to perform and it was just gone. All of it was gone. I couldn't remember anything I'd learned anymore. Every note, every chord, all of it was just gone." Joe's voice broke at the end, a choked sob escaping him.

Theo drew in a sharp breath beside me.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Victor," Theo murmured. "He's a parahuman in the Empire. He's supposed to be able to steal skills from people."

My eyes flicked back to Joe, a man whose life had been ruined because the skill he had developed had suddenly been gone. Victor, a man whose power could only ever be turned to prey upon the innocent. This. This could not be allowed to stand.

It was not enough to be the sheath, providing comfort to these people. I would need to be the sword and bring justice as well, else there would only be more victims.

Adventure discovered: To the Victor, the Spoils.

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I took a deep breath and centered myself. My rage would wait for the man himself. For now, I set a hand on Joe's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him. Perhaps it calmed him somewhat, but there was little I could truly do in the face of such despair.

Intrigue: 19 | 9 (+10) = Critical!
>Gain a check to Intrigue.

Click to shrink...

The conversation eventually turned and Theo and I moved on, rotating between tables. It was a whispered conversation at one of the tables that caught my attention next.

"They say if you win, they'll give you two thousand bucks."

"Man, when was the last time you even drove? You think you're going to win a street race against a Tinker?"

"I got a shot at least, right? Two thousand bucks!"

"I am sorry," I said, interjecting. "What is this about a street race?"

The two men looked at each other before looking back at me. "It's just something some crazy Tinker set up near the trainyard, on the outskirts of the city. Supposed to be some sort of death race, weapons allowed and everything. Which is why I was telling Mikey here that it was a bad idea to participate!"

Adventure discovered: Twisted Metal.

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"It does seem… ill advised."

"Yeah… Maybe. Just… I could really use that money, you know?"

I did know. I could certainly see how that money would be useful for myself. Were races illegal? Probably. Most things in this age were. Certainly, it would be with weapons involved. I mentally sighed and resigned myself to trying to shut the thing down instead of winning it.

It was a shame. It had been a great while since I last had the occasion to race. A certain memory niggled in the back of my mind, that of a red-haired conqueror. The memory of the time I had defeated a Rider on their own chosen field of battle. A smile crossed my lips, the joy of anticipation bubbling in my chest.

Maybe I could make an exception.

Wandering off, I continued my rounds until the time came to leave. Mr. Sykes called me back to his office and looked me over.

"You did better than I thought you would today."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Don't make this a one time thing. Come back again and I'll give you something more interesting to do next time."

"I plan to."

"Good," Mr. Sykes said before glancing out the window at the setting sun outside. "It's getting pretty late. Do you need a ride home?"

I shook my head. "I think I should be fine. My brother is supposed to pick me up."

Mr. Sykes nodded. "Good. Try not to be out on the streets too late. There've been a lot of people going missing lately."

"Missing?" I asked.

"A lot of our regulars have stopped coming around. Living on the streets is dangerous at the best of times, but… I don't know. I have a bad feeling about it."

I frowned, my thoughts drawn to Haze's recent death. Shadow Stalker, too, had mentioned some sort of serial killer a few months ago. Was that related?

"I'll be careful," I said, not truly meaning the words.

Adventure discovered: The Missing Homeless.

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•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•​

The buzz of flies was our first lead, soon followed by the smell. The desiccated corpse of a teenage boy laid on the path. The boy's limbs had been torn free, the meat chewed off violently enough to leave tooth marks in the bone. His back had been savaged as well, long claw marks shredding his clothes to pieces. He'd had the chance to run but not to escape.

Beside me, Erin looked faintly green.

"This is not the work of wolves."

"No. I think we found our wendigo," Erin replied.

Nodding, I stepped past the corpse, continuing up the hiking trail. The mountains around Brockton Bay were cold. Unseasonably so. A light flurry of snow blew in my face, but I could spy heavier drifts where the snow had built up over the course of weeks. Or perhaps even longer than that.

Brockton Bay usually had relatively warm winters. It was some quirk of the sea currents surrounding the city. Neither of us expected this cold and failed to dress for it. My jacket offers some protection, but Erin is shivering beside me as we climb higher.

Instinct told me this cold was not natural. There were no spells involved. The influence was more pervasive.

A mere spirit of hunger could not have done this.

"Something else has slipped out into these mountains."

Erin nodded. "You're right. One problem at a time though. We'll deal with the wendigo first."

I hummed an agreement and continued climbing. The sun has long since set by the time we arrive at a clearing, a small, sputtering fire at its center. Four teens huddled close around it, looking nervously out into the night.

Trusting: 9 | 10 || Suspicious: 18 | 10
>Trusting succeeds.

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"Hello."

They all jumped when I gave my greeting, stepping into the fire's light. "Who's there?!"

"Be at ease. My name is Pendragon. We are here to see you to safety."

"A hero?" One of the girls exclaimed. "Oh, thank God. We were up at my family's cabin when some sort of monster attacked. We've been trying to make our way home on foot ever since."

"This monster. Could you describe it to me?"

The girl nodded. "The thing was tall and dressed in a patchwork of skins. Its face was split in half with sharp teeth. Chris shot it with a gun and it didn't seem to even notice. I… I think the only reason we escaped is because it stopped to eat him."

Lore: 16 | 2 = Failure

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"Where did you see this monster?"

"My family has a cabin up the mountain, but we got pretty turned around when we were running away. I'm sorry, I don't know where exactly we're at."

I glanced back at Erin. "Can you set up wards here and ensure their safety while I hunt this creature?"

"Yeah, sounds like a plan. I wouldn't mind sitting by the fire for a bit anyway."

"Then I shall return soon."

Hunting: 3 | 2 = Failure

Click to shrink...

It is difficult to find any sort of trail under the cover of darkness, even with the full moon providing its light. I do not manage to find the cabin. I do find another teenage boy. As expected, he is covered in bites, the meat torn from his flesh. Gone is the muscle from his arms, his legs, the back, and most of his entrails. A hunting rifle lies nearby. However…

There are no signs of defensive wounds. I turn the body and see why. He was struck in the back of the head prior to being devoured.

Awareness: 19 | 2 = Failure

Click to shrink...

The night is silent. There are no signs of the monster that slew him.

I was missing something.

I would need to ask Erin for her advice. Turning, I trudged back down the mountain, the snow catching at my boots with each step. It was not until I was within sight of the camp fire that I realized something was wrong.

Erin stood in the center of a shimmering circle, a look of concentration on her face. Around her stalked four creatures, trying and failing to pierce her barrier. They no longer resembled the teenagers they had before. Their forms had become long and gaunt all white skin and bone. The little flesh they have is pulled taut, like the body of a starved man. Claws tip their fingers and their distended maws are filled with razor sharp fangs.

Spoiler: Combat

Elaine invokes passion: Loyalty (Friends): 10 | 11 = Success
Gain a check to Loyalty (Friends).

Modifiers:
Elaine: Inspired (+5 to Melee) (-10 Multiple Opponents)

Elaine Melee: 3 | 16 (-5) = Success || Wendigo1 Claw: 7 | 16 = Success
>Wendigo1 Damage (6d6) = 19 (13 AR) = 6 Damage (34/40 HP)
>>Elaine Knockdown: 6 | 14 = Success
Elaine Melee: 11 | 16 (-5) = Critical! || Wendigo2 Claw: 5 | 16 = Success
>Elaine Damage (12d6) = 46 (8 AR) = 38 Damage (-2/36 HP)
>>Wendigo2 is slain.
Elaine Melee: 4 | 16 (-5) = Success || Wendigo1 Claw: 19 | 16 = Failure
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 29 (8 AR) = 21 Damage (15/36 HP)
>>Wendigo3 takes a Major Wound.

Elaine Melee: 5 | 16 = Success || Wendigo1 Claw: 13 | 16 = Success
>Wendigo1 Damage (6d6) = 24 (13 AR) = 11 Damage (23/40 HP)
>>Elaine Knockdown: 12 | 14 = Success
Elaine Melee: 9 | 16 = Success || Wendigo4 Claw: 11 | 16 = Success
>Wendigo1 Damage (6d6) = 21 (13 AR) = 8 Damage (15/40 HP)
>>Elaine Knockdown: 13 | 14 = Success

Elaine Melee: 15 | 16 = Success || Wendigo1 Claw: 12 | 16 = Success
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 25 (8 AR) = 17 Damage (19/36 HP)
>>Wendigo Knockdown: 2 | 14 = Success
Elaine Melee: 8 | 16 = Success || Wendigo4 Claw: 7 | 16 = Success
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 29 (8 AR) = 21 Damage (15/36 HP)
>>Wendigo4 takes a Major Wound.

Elaine Melee: 12 (+1) | 16 (+5) = Success || Wendigo1 Claw: 17 | 16 = Failure
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 37 (8 AR) = 29 Damage (-10/36 HP)
>>Wendigo4 is slain.

I do not know how much longer Erin's ward can protect her. I cannot afford to hesitate. I summoned my sword to hand and charged into their midst. The surprise of my arrival allowed me to cut down one, my sword cleaving clean through the creature's head, but the others were quick to rally.

One of the creatures pounced on me from behind. I quickly turned, trying to deflect its charge, but its claws raked across my bicep. Crimson blood stained the snow and that seemed only to drive the others even further into their hunger-maddened frenzy.

Three were left. Another lunged and I stepped into its reach, my sword carving clean through the creature's arms. There was resistance there – for all that the thing was nothing but skin and bone, it was still something unnatural. My sword did not cut it as it would a normal animal. I let out a wordless shout and pushed my magic into my blows, forcing the mundane steel through to its chosen purpose.

The remaining two were smarter, or perhaps, simply less slave to their instincts. Rather than simply charging me with abandon, they coordinated, working together. One would swipe and when my attention was drawn, the other would leap in to bite. An unfortunately effective strategy.

I stumbled under one creature's weight as he leapt atop me, but managed to keep my footing. I could not stop the scream of pain however as it sunk its fangs into my shoulder, tearing a chunk of bloody meat free. The other took the opportunity of my distraction to attack – but I was not some callow girl to allow mere pain to stop me.

There was a flash of steel and the wendigo was left legless, leaving me to shake off the final one clinging onto me. I slammed my back into a tree, the wendigo squealing and letting go as I squashed it between my body and the wood. A quick turn and my sword separated its head from its body.

Gain 140 (35x4) Glory for killing Wendigos.
Gain 100 Glory for completing The Wendigo Spirits.

Click to shrink...

The clearing silent, with only my own labored breathing to be heard. Blood soaked through my clothes, freezing in the mountain air. After a long moment, I looked back at Erin. "I believe you said there would be a spirit of hunger? Not four?"

"Mistakes were made," Erin said, chagrined. "This whole ambush they set up caught me by surprise."

I grimaced and lowered myself down, next to the fire. "The teenager they mentioned was real. I suspect the spirits possessed these bodies and warped them."

Erin stepped out of her circle and sat next to me. "We'll need to return and investigate at some point. This is spiraling past just a few faeries."

"You should consider putting together a costume."

"What?" Erin asked. "That came out of nowhere. Why?"

"Not out of nowhere. If this had not been an ambush, if these teenagers had been who they said they were, you would have performed magic in front of them. If we continue investigating like this, there will inevitably be a time when someone will see you and ask questions. Having an established identity as a 'parahuman' will help with that."

Leadership: 6 | 5 (+4 Bond) = Success

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"Ugh. I hate how much sense that makes." Erin poked at the fire with a stick, shifting the kindling to allow the flame to grow higher. "That means I'll have to go catch the occasional criminal too just to establish myself on the scene."

"I am sure you can manage the indignity."

Erin rolled her eyes. "It's not an issue of dignity, it's an issue of priorities. I have better things to do with my time than chase after street crime."

"Oh? Such as?"

"Like hunting down monsters for you, you dolt."

"Well, I suppose if it is just that then you must have a great deal of free time."

Erin huffed and nudged me with her foot, but smiled all the same when I nudged her in return. Then I stretched a bit too far and winced as the pain ran through me.

"I do not suppose you know any first aid?" I asked.

"A bit, but I'm hardly an expert. I could probably get you bandaged up at least."

"Good… That is good. I think I shall require it." It was probably better if Amy did not see me looking like this. Especially since it was not the result of a patrol with Victoria. It would likely lead to some… false conclusions.

"Alright, go ahead and take your clothes off. I'll see what I can do."

Erin First Aid: 16 | 10 = Failure
Erin First Aid: 3 | 10 = Success
Erin First Aid: 1 | 10 = Success

Recover 10 hit points. HP: 25/40

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---

During this work's hiatus, the Core rulebook for Pendragon 6E came out. There's not much effect on this quest, but there is a rule change present in this chapter. Passions now are checked whenever you succeed, not just on Crit or Fumble. This means it's much easier to build your Passions. This does not apply to Traits or Skills.

Checks can also advance a skill past 20 now, but requires a nat 20 on the die to do so.


It is November of 2010.

Voters have written in a request to beg your parents for more allowance:
[Beg] Yes
[Beg] No


The Student Council is running a Bake Sale. How do you focus on helping out?
[ ] [Bake Sale] Advertising
>Help with handing out flyers and attracting interest.
[ ] [Bake Sale] Sales
>Run a stall.
[ ] [Bake Sale] Cooking
>Help with the baking.


What adventure do you pursue next?
[ ] [Adventure] The Damsel of Distress
>The villain known as the Damsel of Distress is causing trouble in a nearby town, Durham.
[ ] [Adventure] The Uncatchable Undersiders
>The Undersiders have proven to be masters of escape. Can you catch them?
[ ] [Adventure] Takedown the Clown
>Circus is out robbing various stores. A clown can't be too hard of an opponent, right?
[ ] [Adventure] The Dog Rings
>Hookwolf supposedly runs dog fighting pits. Close him down.
[ ] [Adventure] To the Victor, the Spoils
>Victor is known for stealing the skills of minorities. He must be stopped.
[ ] [Adventure] The Merchants of Death
>The Archer's Bridge Merchants are a relatively weak gang. If you were to take out their leadership, they may fall apart.
[ ] [Adventure] Twisted Metal
>A deadly street race is being run on the outskirts of town. You can go shut them down – or try to win for the prize money.
[ ] [Adventure] The Missing Homeless
>Homeless people have been going missing. Try to find out what's been happening to them.
[ ] [Adventure] Patrolling the City
-[ ] [Patrol] With Victoria
-[ ] [Patrol] With Erin
-[ ] [Patrol] With the Wards
-[ ] [Patrol] Alone
>Go on patrol to stop criminal activity.
[ ] [Adventure] Explore the Woods
-[ ] [Woods] With Erin
-[ ] [Woods] Alone
>Search the woods for supernatural activity.
[ ] [Adventure] None
>Hold off on adventures to rest up. Gain a second Activity vote.


Choose an activity to participate in:
[ ] [Activity] Focus on the Student Council
>You will be doing work for the Student Council regardless, this is to spend extra time devoted to the task.
[ ] [Activity] Study Group
>Spend some extra time studying for your classes.
[ ] [Activity] Party
>You've been invited to a house party by Chelsea and Morgan.
[ ] [Activity] Dating
>Go on a date with Amy. Victoria's been trying to get you on a double date for a while now.
[ ] [Activity] Gala
>Your parents want you to attend more high society events.
[ ] [Activity] Modeling
>You were offered to make regular appearances with the modeling agency. It would be good for PR, maybe, and they'd pay you.
[ ] [Activity] Charity
>You could do volunteer work at the local homeless shelter.
[ ] [Activity] Sparring
>You have people you can practice your fighting with now.
[ ] [Activity] Church
>Visit Caren at the church.
[ ] [Activity] Sports
>You could use the exercise and it'd help blow off steam.
[ ] [Activity] Browse the Internet
>Amy spends a lot of time on the Internet. Maybe it'd be worth browsing.
[ ] [Activity] Research Parahumans
>Do more research on Parahumans in the area.
[ ] [Activity] Study the Occult
>It might be good to brush up on your faerie lore.
[ ] [Activity] (Write-In)


Choose someone to spend time with.
[ ] [Social] Dean Stansfield
[ ] [Social] Victoria Dallon
[ ] [Social] Amy Dallon
[ ] [Social] Erin Archelot
[ ] [Social] Vedika Dhawan
[ ] [Social] Chelsea and Megan
[ ] [Social] Theo Anders
[ ] [Social] Tammi Herren
[ ] [Social] Madison Clements
[ ] [Social] (Write-In)


Remember, if at any time you wish to buy something from the shop, please do a write in as below, and I will add it to the next vote.
[ ] [Shop] (Write-In)

 

[Skitzyfrenic]

Yass, King, slay windigos.

 

[The Revanchist]

Im not sure i like amy in this anymore

 

[Aldsan]

Im not sure i like amy in this anymore

Click to shrink...

Amy wasn't even in this chapter? Or the last one for that matter?

 

[EVA-Saiyajin]

Im not sure i like amy in this anymore

Click to shrink...

Yeah, what's up with that?

 

[JadeSpear]

[Beg] No
[X] [Bake Sale] Advertising
[X] [Adventure] The Dog Rings
[X] [Activity] Study the Occult
[X] [Social] Amy Dallon

 

[Buaidh]

[Beg] No
[X] [Bake Sale] Advertising
[X] [Adventure] The Dog Rings
[X] [Activity] Study the Occult
[X] [Social] Amy Dallon

 

[EVA-Saiyajin]

[X] [Beg] No
[X] [Bake Sale] Advertising
[X] [Adventure] The Dog Rings
[X] [Activity] Study the Occult
[X] [Social] Amy Dallon

 

[Martenzo]

[X] [Beg] No
[X] [Bake Sale] Advertising
[X] [Adventure] The Missing Homeless
[X] [Activity] Study the Occult
[X] [Social] Amy Dallon

@JadeSpear @Buaidh @EVA-Saiyajin Your [Beg] votes are missing the vote [ ] checkbox.

 

[iamweirdo]

[Beg] No
[X] [Bake Sale] Advertising
[X] [Adventure] The Dog Rings
[X] [Activity] Study the Occult
[X] [Social] Amy Dallon

 

[The Revanchist]

Amy wasn't even in this chapter? Or the last one for that matter?

Click to shrink...

Rereading for the update

 

[Aldsan]

Voting will close in 24 hours. If you have not yet voted, do so now.

 

[Aldsan]

Some Knights do not settle for the usual norm but continually strive for perfection to fulfill an Ideal. Ideals grant bonuses. Each Ideal has different combinations of Passions and Traits that require certain minimal values to achieve.

It is difficult to hold multiple ideals at once, as they will often contradict in what they hold to be of highest value.


The Heroic Knight

People recognize Heroic knights by their behavior and reputation. It is possible to lose this Ideal even with the requisite traits met if you deliberately engage in acts of Villainy.

The Knight must have a total of 96 points between the following traits and passions:

Energetic
Just
Merciful
Proud
Suspicious
Valorous
Heroism

Benefit: Gain 75 passive Glory.

The Religious Knight

These are knights who follow a religious way of life. Such knights work hard to promote their religions through exemplary lifestyles and are usually treated as embodiments of the virtues of their faiths.

The Knight must have a total of 90 points between the following traits and passions:

Chaste
Forgiving
Merciful
Modest
Spiritual
Temperate
Devotion (Deity)

Benefit: Gain 25 passive Glory and may invoke their Devotion (Deity) Passion in any circumstance, becoming Impassioned on success.

The Romantic Knight
A Romantic knight is the ideal champion of love. A romantic knight must be engaged in a romance to qualify for this ideal, even if the requisite traits are met.

The Knight must have a total of 90 points between the following traits and passions:

Lustful
Forgiving
Generous
Honest
Worldly
Trusting
Amor (Beloved)

Benefit: Gain 4 Appeal and double Glory rewards when your Beloved is present to see your feats.

 

[Kurohime]

Poor Jun, Motoko would be sad.

Click to shrink...

Peak Reference

 

[Aldsan]

Spoiler: Voting

[X] [Beg] Yes
[X] [Bake Sale] Advertising
[X] [Adventure] The Missing Homeless
[X] [Activity] Church
[X] [Social] Erin Archelot

Recover 5 hit points via Natural Healing. HP: 30/40

Click to shrink...

"Shut up."

"I did not say a word."

"You were thinking it."

"You pull off the look quite well. If I may just ask–"

"You may not."

"If I may just ask, the entire point was to make it seem like you were not a magus, yes? What made you decide on this costume?"

Erin visibly blushed, her face turning red behind the domino mask that hid the upper part of her face. That part was normal enough for cape culture. The white robes, staff, and pointed witch's hat on the other hand was not a common aesthetic among capes. It evoked a very particular image.

"It's called a refuge in audacity. No one will think I'm actually a mage. Just like no one believes Myrddin when he goes around claiming to be a wizard. I did think this through."

"I did not claim otherwise," I said, though I suspect I failed to keep the mirth from my voice if the sour look that Erin shot me was any indication. "I do hope you thought of a name as well however?"

Erin straightened. "Of course. If you are Pendragon, then I shall be your Lady of the Lake. The ever beautiful, ever enchanting Nimue."

She lifted two fingers up in a peace sign and gave a brilliant smile. I stared at her in return, thankful that my helmet was disguising my own conflicted expression. Intellectually, I knew there was nothing wrong with the decision. History had recorded Nimue as a separate person. It was only I who remembered that she was but one of many masks worn by my – by Artoria's sister.

Erin was not her. I was not Artoria. I knew this. I still could not help the twisted feeling in my chest.

Sometimes it was hard to remember I was not Artoria. The memories felt just as real, just as much a part of me as my own.

"Well, if that is decided, then I suppose we can move on."

Bond with Erin increased to 5.

Click to shrink...

Erin pouted as I sandbagged her introduction. "Well, I wasn't sure where to start with our local homeless population going missing. It could be something supernatural, but that isn't necessarily the case. It could be a lot of things, really. However, if you recall, my specialty is in the creation and binding of familiars – and so, I've done just that." She held out an arm and a hawk swooped down to land upon it, its claws digging into her sleeves but failing to pierce. Had she enchanted her costume as well? "This is Merlin, the merlin. Go ahead and introduce yourself, Merlin."

The falcon gave Erin a long suffering look before turning and speaking to me with the voice of a surprisingly dignified old man. It did not match the Merlin of my memories at all. "My Lady, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

"A pleasure to meet you as well… Merlin," I replied, faintly bemused. "I take it that Nimue tasked you with scouting the surrounding area?"

"Indeed. I believe I may have found something of note as well. There is a trail of blood leading from a side lane three streets north of here, but no sign of a body within."

There was no evidence that it was connected to what we were investigating. Even if it was not though, it was a clear indication that something was wrong. "Lead on then. We shall follow from below."

Awareness: 3 | 3 = Critical!
>Gain a check to Awareness.

Click to shrink...

Merlin launched skywards with a flurry of wings. I followed his trail skywards before stopping, my eyes settling on a lone raven sitting on the edge of a nearby building. I may not have spied it at all were it not for the exact angle of Merlin's ascent. There was nothing unusual about it. It was just a bird. However, the raven seemed as though it was watching me.

I met the raven's gaze and it simply cocked its head, unbothered by my having noticed it.

Erin had already begun jogging northward. Slowly, I turned away from the raven and followed in her wake.

Hunting: 1 | 2 (+10 Merlin) = Success

Click to shrink...

It was easy enough to follow Merlin through the evening light. The sun had not yet fallen and warm rays of gold yet cast themselves upon the city. Any time it seemed as though the falcon would outpace us, he would circle, waiting for us to catch up, before finally swooping down towards the location he had told us of.

The narrow alley ran between a pair of apartment buildings, the lane cast into shadow by the tall buildings. The walls stank of blood. The stench was nauseating, overwhelming in its sheer pervasiveness. Death had lingered here. A trail of blood trailed through a side door into one of the buildings.

I allowed my sword to form in my hands. This would not be a fight for the baton.

Erin and I shared a look and slowly, carefully, I pushed the door open. The hallway inside sat dark, only the light from the door illuminating it, and faintly at that. Even then, I could tell. The hallway was covered in blood. On the floor. On the walls. On the ceiling. Viscera was smeared unevenly upon every surface.

[Glow color="Pink"]"Licht." [/Glow]

At Erin's command, small wisp of light floated out in front of us, casting the grisly scene into stark relief. Body parts littered the hall. Arms, legs, entrails. A few corpses sat mostly intact, only the blood leaking from their torn out throats speaking to their demise. Doors in the hall hung off their hinges, broken and battered down.

I suspect a similar scene would greet us within each of those rooms.

Was the entire apartment like this? There was no possibility the residents hadn't noticed a scene like this. Had no one noticed an entire apartment building murdered down to its last resident?

Then one of the corpses stirred.

Merciful: 9 | 12 || Suspicious: 5 | 10
>Merciful succeeds.

Click to shrink...

I knew it was almost certainly a trap. I knew a single man could not have survived his wounds while others were torn apart. No person was so fortunate as that. Yet, even still, I stepped forward to check his wounds. Even if the slightest possibility existed where this man had survived, then he needed our help.

"Elaine, wait!"

Spoiler: Combat

Elaine invokes passion: Heroism: 1 | 16 = Success

Modifiers:
Elaine: Inspired (+5 to Melee)

Elaine Melee: 15 (+1) | 16 (+5) = Success || Dead Claw: 17 | 12 = Failure
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 25 Damage (33/58 HP)
>>Dead Knockdown: 15 | 16 = Success
Erin Magic: 6 | 18 = Success
>Erin Damage (5d6) = 10 Damage (23/58 HP)

Elaine Melee: 13 (+1) | 16 (+5) = Success || Dead Claw: 8 | 12 = Success
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 30 Damage (3/58 HP)
>>Dead Knockdown: 1 | 16 = Success
Erin Magic: 3 | 18 = Success
>Erin Damage (5d6) = 22 Damage (-19/58 HP)
>>Dead is slain.

The corpse lunged at me. Moving now, I could see the madness in its eyes. The teeth had been replaced with fangs, its fingers with claws. For a moment, I was reminded of the wendigos I had so recently fought.

There were differences. The wendigos had displayed some level of cunning, an ability to set traps and work together. This creature was nothing but crazed bloodlust. There was no technique to its swipes. For all of that, it was faster than the wendigos had been. Stronger too, I noted as I parried its strikes with my blade.

In a group, a creature like this would certainly be dangerous. On its own however, for all of its strength and speed, it would not pose a threat to anyone with a modicum of skill.

My sword carved through the creature's stomach and it did not even stumble. An injury that would have been debilitating on any normal person was ignored entirely. Beheading may be necessary. Then, a bolt of fire flew over my shoulder. It merely grazed the thing, and yet it drew back, shrieking in alarm.

Very well then. I stepped to the side before striking again, driving my sword through the creature's shoulder and pinning it to the wall. Erin did not fail to follow up and her fire caught the creature full on this time, lighting its skin as though it were made of dried paper.

Spoiler: Combat

Modifiers:
Elaine: Inspired (+5 to Melee) (-5 Multiple Opponents)
Fire Intensity: 1

Elaine Melee: 14 | 16 = Success || Dead1 Claw: 11 | 12 = Success
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 23 Damage (35/58 HP)
>>Dead1 Knockdown: 8 | 16 = Success
Erin Magic: 1 | 18 = Success
>Erin Damage (5d6) = 20 Damage (15/58 HP)
Elaine Melee: 8 | 16 = Success || Dead2 Claw: 13 | 12 = Failure
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 22 Damage (36/58 HP)
>>Dead2 Knockdown: 19 | 16 = Failure = Dead2 Knocked Down

Fire Intensity: 4

Elaine Melee: 18 | 16 = Failure|| Dead1 Claw: 14 | 12 = Failure
Erin Magic: 19 | 18 = Failure
Elaine Melee: 12 (+1) | 16 (+5) = Success || Dead2 Claw: 10 | 12 (-5) = Failure
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 30 Damage (28/58 HP)
>>Dead2 Knockdown: 20 | 16 = Fumble = Dead2 Knocked Down.

Fire Intensity: 7
Elaine takes 1 Fire Damage (29/40 HP)

Elaine Melee: 7 | 16 = Success || Dead1 Claw: 19 | 12 = Failure
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 27 Damage (-12/58 HP)
>>Dead1 is slain.
Elaine Melee: 11 (+1) | 16 (+5) = Success || Dead2 Claw: 18 | 12 (-5) = Failure
>Elaine Damage (8d6) = 26 Damage (2/58 HP)
>>Dead2 Knockdown: 18 | 16 = Failure = Dead2 Knocked Down
Erin Magic: 4 | 18 = Success
>Erin Damage (5d6) = 21 Damage (-19/58 HP)

Fire Intensity: 10
Elaine takes 4 Fire Damage (25/40 HP)

Erin Magic: 2 | 18 = Success | Fire: 1 | 10 = Success
>Fire is suppressed.

I slid my sword free, only to bring it up in a desperate parry as another two corpses surged to life. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the still flaming corpse fall to the ground, fire licking from it and catching on the carpet, but there is no time to deal with the issue.

I strike one creature, my sword carving deep into its shoulder. Again, it ignores the wound. The other is not so fortunate. I draw my sword down through its leg and it falls to the ground. Erin must have noticed the fire as well, because this time she does not rely on it. Instead, a bolt of ice pierces through the still upright creature, forcing it to stumble, but failing to finish it off.

The creature grabs for me and Erin's next shard of ice goes wide. I dodge backwards, instead taking a moment to bring my sword down on the fallen undead, making sure it did not have the chance to get to its feet. It still clawed for me of course, mindless as it was, but from its position it did not have the leverage to reach me.

The fire is spreading quickly. Too quickly. If this fight goes much longer we will undoubtedly need to flee simply to escape the flames. A cold, clinical part of me says the building should be burned down regardless, to consume whatever creatures like this remain. However… that carried risks. Risks of the flames spreading to nearby buildings. Risks that the first responders who arrived would be slain by these things. Risks that any survivor that may be trapped, hiding within the building would surely die.

Another step back, letting the still standing undead lunge for me once more – and I twist, my sword separating the creature's head from its shoulders. It falls to the ground, lifeless. Erin finishes off the other, her ice finding a home within its skull.

"Nimue! Suppress the flames!"

"I know! I–!" Erin bit down on her lip. A surge of magic filled the air, her power thrumming audibly. A wave of mana flooded the room, forgoing technique and arias for pure speed. The flames began to recede and then fade to nothing, leaving only the scorched hallway.

Gain 60 (40/2 Fighters) Glory for killing the Dead.
Gain 100 Glory for completing The Missing Homeless.

Click to shrink...

I staggered outside and slumped against a wall, sheer relief stealing the tension from my body. Erin followed me out a moment later.

"What do we do now?" she asked.

We do not know how many of those things are left inside. We do not have the resources to combat them. By the same token, they cannot be allowed to remain.

"We call the Protectorate."

"Elaine. These corpses were the Dead. That means there's a vampire in the city. We can't spread that to mortal authorities. I can ask the Mage's Association to send Enforcers, but–"

"We cannot wait that long. This entire building must be purged. Spin it if you must. Call them the creations of a rogue parahuman. We need to call in the Protectorate."

Leadership: 15 | 5 (+5 Bond) = Failure

Click to shrink...

Erin shook her head. "I'm sorry, Elaine. I can't budge on this. I'd get the Enforcers sent after me if I leaked the supernatural to normal people like that. Look. I can set up a barrier, keep them confined here. It won't work on the actual Dead Apostle, but I doubt they're inside to begin with."

Loyalty (Friends): 2 | 11 = Success
>Gain a check to Arbitrary.

Click to shrink...

I closed my eyes and let out a slow breath. "Fine. We shall do it your way."

"Thank you." Erin gave me a bright smile and reached out to hug me, giving me a gentle squeeze. "I'll get the bounded field set up. I promise anything in this building won't escape until we're ready to deal with them."

"I hope you are correct, Erin. I truly do."

Adventure discovered: The Sealed Apartment.

Erin First Aid: 14 | 10 = Failure
Erin First Aid: 5 | 10 = Success

Recover 4 hit points. HP: 29/40

Click to shrink...

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•​

I opened the door to the chapel.

There, I saw a nun, affectionately playing a melody on the organ. The music of the organ reverberates throughout the chapel, filling the space with sound. I do not know if she notices my arrival. She does not pause in her performance nor even play a wrong note. Without rising to greet her visitor, the woman remained dutifully at her task.

I quietly closed the door and sat down in the back row of pews. To do otherwise, to interrupt this performance felt as though it would be intruding upon something holy.

It is strange though. I do not recall a pipe organ having been installed in this small chapel when I was here previously.

The performance came to an end. Not surprised at all by my presence, Caren turned and walked briskly to the pew where I sat.

"Welcome again, my lost lamb. What brings you here today?"

The smell of antiseptic reached me as she approached. Fresh bandages were wrapped around her hands and another was peeking just above the collar of her habit.

"Did something happen to injure you?"

The nun shook her head. "Nothing you need concern yourself with. I simply have a peculiar constitution."

"Hm." If she did not wish to speak of it, there was little I could do to make her. Still, it was something to keep an eye on in any future visits I might have. The silence stretched between us, but she seemed to feel no need to fill it. She simply stared and waited for me to say what it was that I came here for.

"...Have you ever felt like you do not know who you really are?"

"You also have an impatient streak, don't you? Just like a certain someone." Caren tilted her head and said, "Aren't you asking the wrong question?"

"What do you mean the wrong question?" I frowned.

A smirk tugged at the nun's lips, sadistic glee dancing in her eyes. "Since when have you ever been defined by who you were?"

I stilled. That was true. I had never been defined by who I was as a person, but by the role I played. The Girl. The Knight. The King. The Servant. Even Elaine had been expected to play a role as the daughter of wealthy socialites.

"Isn't this enough? You've done your best. You fought, even by yourself. So – You have to find your own happiness."

"Ah–"

Elaine or Artoria or some fusion of both. What did that matter? Memories were just that. Memories. Whatever their source, they were now mine. I did not need to torment myself over such trivialities. There was no need to hold the distinction between who I was, who I am, and who I may have been.

"That is twice now that you have leant my troubles an ear, Caren. Thank you."

"It is no trouble. That is my purpose here, after all."

"Even still," I said, the beginnings of a smile forming, "Perhaps next time I could listen to your troubles instead."

"If you have that much free time," Caren said dryly, "Then you are certainly welcome to visit whenever you wish."

Bond with Caren increased to 1.

Click to shrink...

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•​

My stomach rumbled. I glanced back at where the tantalizing smells of cookies, cakes, and pies wafted from the classroom we had borrowed.

Temperate: 4 | 11 || Indulgent: 7 | 9
>Indulgent succeeds.

Click to shrink...

Perhaps it would not be so bad to abandon my post for just a bit, just to grab a few treats for myself. Not treats – rations! Yes, rations to keep my strength up in order to continue my task with renewed vigor. Hunger was the enemy, after all. I took a step towards the door.

"Hey! Is this where the bake sale is?"

My smile froze and I turned to face the voice, cursing their timing within the depths of my mind. Standing there were a tall redheaded boy and… Ah, this was awkward. "Hello Dennis. Hello Chris."

The redheaded boy blinked. "You know who I am?"

"I am aware you spend time with my brother on occasion. Besides that, I try to remember the names of as many students as I am able." I gave both of them a warm smile. "This is indeed where the bake sale is. I have a flyer here, if you would like to look over the prices. All proceeds go towards funding various school clubs and activities."

Appeal: 3 | 14 = Success

Click to shrink...

"I'll definitely buy something!" Chris said, practically snatching the flyer from my hand.

I gave the boy a bemused look. "I did not realize you liked sweets so much, Chris."

"Uh, yeah," Chris stammered, his face turning red. "Total sweet tooth. That's me.

Dennis laughed and slapped the younger boy's back. "We'll have to grab something quickly then, before Chris starts getting the shakes."

"Just kill me now."

"Then I shall not keep you any longer," I said. "Please enjoy your purchase."

"Ciao." Dennis waved and guided Chris to the door behind me, only to stop before entering. He glanced back at me and casually said, "By the way, we were going to hang out with your brother later, all go down to the mall together. Did you want to come with us after you're finished here?"

"Perhaps next time. I will likely be here quite late, assisting with the clean up."

"Next time then!"

Dennis grinned and leaned over to whisper something in Chris's ear, only to suffer an elbow to the ribs in response. He laughed good naturedly and the pair disappeared from view.

Temperate: 15 | 11 || Indulgent: 19 | 9
>No change.

Click to shrink...

With them taken care of, perhaps now was my chance to secure some sweets for myself as well. I would just need to leave my post for a few minutes…

"Hey Ellie!"

Damnation. I turned to smile at Chelsea and Megan as they approached. "Hello to you both."

Megan smiled and pulled me into a hug. "How's our favorite President doing?"

"Busy, unfortunately. Between this, the Music clubs preparing for their December performances, and the Winter Formal, I have been somewhat swamped recently."

That, of course, was not even mentioning my other extracurriculars as a hero. Truly, there was no rest for the righteous.

"Oh yeah, Stacey was totally bragging about how Brett – You know Brett Rose, on the football team?" I did not, but motioned for her to go on regardless. "How Brett had asked her out for Winter Formal. Can you believe it? That girl's been through, like, three boyfriends just this semester."

"Who'd even want to date her?" Chelsea wrinkled her nose. "Total skank."

"I know, right!" Megan laughed. "Anyways, the bake sale! It smells totes delicious, Ellie! Any chance we could get a friend discount?"

Just: 11 | 16 || Arbitrary: 14 | 4
>Just succeeds.

Click to shrink...

"I am sorry. It is the same price for everyone."

"Aw, well fine then. Still, you gotta come party with us when you get some free time. Stop being such a stick in the mud all the time!"

"If I have the time for it, Megan, I promise I will."

"I'll hold you to it!" Megan grinned. "You can bring that mystery guy of yours that you keep getting all those hickies from!"

Heat flooded my face and I swatted at Megan. "Off with you. I do not need this sort of impertinence."

Megan just laughed and stuck her tongue out at me before the pair walked off together. "Later Ellie!"

"Honestly…"

I reached a hand up to rub gently at my neck. Even with my accelerated healing, I always seemed to carry at least one bruise there these days, if not multiple. Amy seemed quite insistent on making sure I was marked as hers.

I was not sure how Chelsea and Megan (or the wider school population for that matter) had not realized that Amy and I were dating. It was not as though we were hiding our relationship. Amy and I stole whatever moments together that we were able. For whatever reason though, most people did not seem to connect that she and I were together and not simply friends. Perhaps it was simply because we were both girls.

God forbid we ever became roommates.

"Hey."

A gentle tug on my sleeve turned me to face the very woman who had been occupying my thoughts. She had apparently managed to sneak up from behind me while I had been distracted. For a moment, I lose myself in her eyes.

I finally find my words. "Hello yourself."

Amy snorts an aborted laugh, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "So, a mystery guy, huh? Should I be jealous?"

"Chelsea and Megan are just incorrigible gossips," I scowled. "However… Perhaps it would not be bad to attend something together. Make our relationship clear."

"I'll think about it. I'm not really a fan of parties," Amy grumbled. "But I might make an exception. I got you some cookies from inside, by the way."

I let my eyes fall to the proffered bag of sweets and cannot help the sudden surge of affection I have for this girl. Pushing myself up onto my toes, I press a quick kiss to Amy's lips.

"What was that for?" Amy asks.

"I simply felt like it."

She blinks, bemused, before allowing her smile to turn sultry. The effect was only somewhat ruined by the blush staining her cheeks. "I think the sale is getting close to over. Do you want to sneak off and eat these together? Or… maybe do some other things?"

Chaste: 1 | 10 || Lustful: 7 | 10
>Lustful succeeds.

Click to shrink...

I find myself studying each of the many freckles dotting Amy's face. "I think… I would like that."

Radiating contentment, Amy took my hand and led me away, my stack of flyers forgotten.

Gain 70 (5xAppeal) Glory for the Bake Sale.

Click to shrink...

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•​

Thanksgiving had traditionally never been celebrated in the Stansfield household. No one had cared enough about eating together as a family to particularly celebrate the holiday. Most of the time, our father went out hunting with his buddies. Our mother might have the cook make some sort of turkey meal for dinner, but that was the barest nod the holiday would receive.

This year was different. Football was playing on the television. My father, brother, and I were all seated on the couch. My mother was cooking in the kitchen. For all my life, I could not remember a time my mother had ever cooked. I did not even know my father liked football.

It was strange. That was the only word I could think of.

"So Elaine. How's school been going?" my father asked.

"Fine," I would answer.

"Anything interesting?"

"Just student council work. December is a busy time for school events."

"Already taking on leadership roles just like your old man, huh?"

"Hm."

"Any new friends?"

"A few."

My brother kept shooting glances at me and trying to include me into the conversation with my father, but… what was I supposed to say? Despite having grown up with this man, he was still practically a stranger to me. Before my coma, he had not even made this token effort to connect with me.

…I needed resources, however. My lack of proper armor was becoming an increasingly troublesome issue. I needed money. I just was not willing to tell my parents about my activities. I was not willing to give them that insight.

That meant I would need to lie.

Deceitful: 17 | 10 = Failure

Click to shrink...

Guilt squirmed in my gut. I opened my mouth to speak, only to find the words stuck in my throat. Out of the corner of my eye, I could feel Dean's concerned gaze resting on me.

No. I could do this. Casually, as casually as I could, I forced the words I needed to say out.

"By the way, I was wondering if I could get some money. I was thinking of going shopping with my friends. A lot of my old clothes don't fit anymore."

My father lit up, latching onto the lifeline I had extended to him. As though he could simply buy my love. "Sure, Honey. I was thinking it was probably time to increase your allowance anyways, what with you being in high school now. Let's call it an early birthday present," he winked.

Fishing out his wallet, he pulled a few hundreds from it and passed them over to me. I took them, feeling vaguely dirty as I did.

Gain $300.
Allowance increased to $200 per month.
Lose 1 Honor.

Click to shrink...

"By the way, Christmas is coming up soon. Have you thought at all about what you want?"

By then I should have my license, assuming I didn't flunk the driving test. Well, as long as I was asking for things… "A motorcycle, perhaps?"

"A motorcycle? Not a car? Isn't that… a bit dangerous?" My father asked.

My lips twisted. I could play up the persona of Ellie, the spoiled girl I once was, outraged that she was not getting what she wanted. I was certain my father would cave and give me what I wanted if I did. I would not however. I had done enough to put a sour taste in my mouth. There was no need to add to it.

Instead, I would give him a truth, if a somewhat misleading one.

"Arguably less. It would be easier for me to weave out of traffic if there was ever an emergency. Such as a cape fight."

"I… suppose. I just don't like you being so exposed."

I shot a look at my brother, silently asking for his support. Sighing, Dean spoke up, "She'll be fine, Dad. Ellie isn't a reckless driver."

"I'll think about it. Are you sure you wouldn't prefer a car? I could get you a nice BMW like the one Dean has."

"I am certain. I–"

A siren cut through my sentence. Its wail rose over the city in a single long note before falling silent again. We waited, but there was no follow up. A moment later, the channel on the television cut out, replaced by a sharp signal tone blaring for our attention.

"We interrupt our programming at the request of the White House. This is the Emergency Alert System. All normal programming has been discontinued during this emergency. The S-Class designation Behemoth has emerged near Tonopah, Arizona. All parahumans willing to stand against this threat are to report to the nearest Protectorate Headquarters for transport.

"I repeat. The S-Class designation Behemoth has emerged near Tonopah, Arizona. All parahumans willing to stand against this threat are to report to the nearest Protectorate Headquarters for transport. This concludes operations under the Emergency Alert System. All normal programming operations may now resume. "

The room went silent. My father looked ashen. Dean… Dean looked determined. He grabbed his keys and stood up, heading for the door.

---

It is December of 2010.

We have arrived at a rest period.

Checkmarks

Arbitrary: 1 | 4 = No Increase
Just: 14 | 16 = No Increase
Merciful: 15 | 12 = Increased by 1
Spiritual: 11 | 11 = No Increase
Honor: 8 | 15 = No Increase
Loyalty (Friends): 7 | 11 = No Increase
Amor (Amy): 6 | 14 = No Increase
Heroism: 19 | 16 = Increased by 1
Station: 10 | 12 = No Increase
Intrigue: 11 | 9 = Increased by 1
Awareness: 20 | 3 = Increased by 1
Religion: 4 | 4 = No Increase
Brawling: 10 | 15 = No Increase
Melee: 6 | 16 = No Increase

Personality Traits

You will now be allowed to direct your personality traits a bit more actively. Choose two personality traits. Each trait will go up by one.

[ ] [Trait] (Trait1)
[ ] [Trait] (Trait2)

Training and Practice

Next is training and practice. You may select any one of the following improvements:

Change a Passion
You can add or subtract one point from any Passion.
-OR-
Change a Characteristic
Players may add one point to any one of STR, DEX, CON, or APP.
-OR-
Train Skills Up to 15
Add 6 points to any number of Skills under 15 in any combination—all points may be added to one Skill, divided between two Skills, or more—as long as the values are not raised over 15.
-OR-
Train a Skill Up to 20
Increase one Skill over 15 by one point, up to a maximum value of 20.

Please structure this vote as:
[ ] [Training] Skills 1, Skills 2, Skills 3, etc.

Glory

We have hit a new Glory milestone.

First, you may increase any Trait, Passion, Characteristic, or Skill by one, ignoring any usual restrictions.
[ ] [Glory] (Write-In Increase)

Second, you get another Parahuman Power upgrade:
[ ] [Power] Chivalry (C)
>Gain an additional 3 armor and increase Major Wound threshold by 3.
[ ] [Power] Mana Burst (D)
>Gain an additional +1d6 Weapon and Charge damage and +3 to Movement checks.
[ ] [Power] Instinct (E)
>Enemy attacks suffer a -3 threshold penalty.
[ ] [Power] Riding (E)
>Knockdown Threshold increased by 3.
[ ] [Power] Charisma (E)
>Roll Parahuman Power at -10. On a success, gain a +5 threshold bonus to any Social roll.
[ ] [Power] Magic Resistance (D)
>Roll Parahuman Power at -5 opposed to parahuman powers that target you. On success, the effect is negated.

Allowance

Next, you receive your monthly allowance. Given your status as a Wealthy Heiress, you earn $200.

Shop

Remember, if at any time you wish to buy something from the shop, please do a write in as below, and I will add it to the next vote. Please note that due to Black Friday, all items in the shop are half off for this vote.

[ ] [Shop] (Write-In)

Behemoth

Behemoth has attacked. Do you participate in the battle?
[ ] [Behemoth] Yes
[ ] [Behemoth] No

Adventure

What adventure do you pursue next?
[ ] [Adventure] The Damsel of Distress
>The villain known as the Damsel of Distress is causing trouble in a nearby town, Durham.
[ ] [Adventure] The Uncatchable Undersiders
>The Undersiders have proven to be masters of escape. Can you catch them?
[ ] [Adventure] Takedown the Clown
>Circus is out robbing various stores. A clown can't be too hard of an opponent, right?
[ ] [Adventure] The Dog Rings
>Hookwolf supposedly runs dog fighting pits. Close him down.
[ ] [Adventure] To the Victor, the Spoils
>Victor is known for stealing the skills of minorities. He must be stopped.
[ ] [Adventure] The Merchants of Death
>The Archer's Bridge Merchants are a relatively weak gang. If you were to take out their leadership, they may fall apart.
[ ] [Adventure] Twisted Metal
>A deadly street race is being run on the outskirts of town. You can go shut them down – or try to win for the prize money.
[ ] [Adventure] The Sealed Apartment
>Elaine has sealed the Dead into the apartment you found. Who knows how long it will last however.
[ ] [Adventure] Patrolling the City
-[ ] [Patrol] With Victoria
-[ ] [Patrol] With Erin
-[ ] [Patrol] With the Wards
-[ ] [Patrol] Alone
>Go on patrol to stop criminal activity. Roll the random encounter table.
[ ] [Adventure] Explore the Woods
-[ ] [Woods] With Erin
-[ ] [Woods] Alone
>Search the woods for supernatural activity. Roll the random encounter table.
[ ] [Adventure] None
>Hold off on adventures to rest up. Gain a second Activity vote.

Activity

Choose an activity to participate in:
[ ] [Activity] Focus on the Student Council
>You will be doing work for the Student Council regardless, this is to spend extra time devoted to the task.
[ ] [Activity] Study Group
>Spend some extra time studying for your classes.
[ ] [Activity] Party
>You've been invited to a house party by Chelsea and Megan.
[ ] [Activity] Dating
>Go on a date with Amy. Victoria's been trying to get you on a double date for a while now.
[ ] [Activity] Gala
>Your parents want you to attend more high society events.
[ ] [Activity] Modeling
>You were offered to make regular appearances with the modeling agency. It would be good for PR, maybe, and they'd pay you.
[ ] [Activity] Charity
>You could do volunteer work at the local homeless shelter.
[ ] [Activity] Sparring
>You have people you can practice your fighting with now.
[ ] [Activity] Church
>Visit Caren at the church.
[ ] [Activity] Sports
>You could use the exercise and it'd help blow off steam.
[ ] [Activity] Browse the Internet
>Amy spends a lot of time on the Internet. Maybe it'd be worth browsing.
[ ] [Activity] Research Parahumans
>Do more research on Parahumans in the area.
[ ] [Activity] Study the Occult
>It might be good to brush up on your faerie lore.
[ ] [Activity] (Write-In)

Social

Choose someone to spend time with.
[ ] [Social] Dean Stansfield
[ ] [Social] Victoria Dallon
[ ] [Social] Amy Dallon
[ ] [Social] Erin Archelot
[ ] [Social] Vedika Dhawan
[ ] [Social] Chelsea and Megan
[ ] [Social] Theo Anders
[ ] [Social] Tammi Herren
[ ] [Social] Madison Clements
[ ] [Social] (Write-In)

 

[Herofox]

Ruh roh.

I want to say not to go since we have a lot to still do in the city, but that could also kill Dean.

 

[WeissSaber]

The room went silent. My father looked ashen. Dean… Dean looked determined. He grabbed his keys and stood up, heading for the door.

Click to shrink...

Oh wow, this will be interesting, also glad to see this back

I feel like we go for Dean

 

[Buaidh]

[ ] [Behemoth] Yes
I feel like this is the right choice.

 

[shobi]

Ruh roh.

I want to say not to go since we have a lot to still do in the city, but that could also kill Dean.

Click to shrink...

Dunno, being a helicopter pendragon for a cape sounds exhausting.

 

[Herofox]

Dunno, being a helicopter pendragon for a cape sounds exhausting.

Click to shrink...

Entirely fair. However, I imagine we get some pretty good rewards for facing off an Endbringer if nothing else.

Surviving an Endbringer would be a pretty decent feat.

[X] [Behemoth] Yes

 

[Dabronyakumadznts]

First off
I can confirm that Any is Yandere for Artolaine

I support this ship

 

[Buaidh]

[x] [Trait] Spiritual
[x] [Trait] Forgiving
[x] [Training] Combat Skill Power 2, Combat Skill Drive 4
[x] [Glory] Passion Heroism
[x] [Power] Riding (E)
[x] [Behemoth] Yes
[x] [Adventure] None
[x] [Activity] Charity
[x] [Activity] Study the Occult
[x] [Social] Dean Stansfield