[Game Thread] Session 4: The Underground

[Roekahs]

Victor Young Victor's index-finger knuckle is white, the pressure exerted between the gritted teeth and the cold steel more than the rapid thudding in his chest can overcome. The men readily follow Anne. A bit too readily if Victor is honest. This tunnel system is far from isolated, and based on the perception of the inhabitants so far there is no reason to believe that these Missionaries haven't dealt with a spectre or two in their time. But Anne is resourceful, Victor reminds himself. Everything will be fi- The shouting is distant but loud. Victor hesitates. Anne's job was to lure them away and she has accomplished that. Victor strains, but it doesn't sound like Anne's voice is in the mix. Better to just cont- Farhad's movement surprises Victor. The old man is spry for someone who prefers to use a cane to walk everywhere. Except he is heading in the wrong direction? "Wait! The - " It is too late, though. There is only one thing to do. If they are going to work together down here and find any answers, they have to support each other's plays. So Victor charges headlong after the old man, gun at the ready, knuckle white. The hovering gun pulls Victor's attention for a moment, but it remains non-threatening and his eyes quickly find the fleeing men. "That can't be good." The words are spoken to himself, but loud enough for anyone to hear. Victor assesses the rest of the immediate vicinity. Farhad is making friendly with the locals, which seems like a terrible, humanitarian effort that they don't have time for until Victor catches some of the discussion, drawn – primarily – by a golden note on the air. Navigators could be exceptionally valuable. Victor sidles over to Anne, keeping his eye on the tunnel mouth where the men had fled, "Farhad is making a play, let's give him some time. Watch the way we came, I'll watch for the runaways." OOC No new moves; just RP Old: Snoop roll: 8; holding 1   Victor Young, The Aware Hold 1 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit -1 1 2 0 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 1 1 1 -1 Corruption [ X ] [ X ] [ X ] [ X ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Harm Armor=0 Faint [ ] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you ignore your mortal responsibilities to deal with the supernatural, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy with someone who is not mortal, mark corruption. Archetype Moves Snoop: What's my best way in/out? Who are what here is not what they seem? What happened here recently? What here is the greatest danger to me? Whose turf is this? When you keep an eye out for trouble, roll with Mind. On a 10+, hold 3. On a 7-9, hold 1. While you're there, spend your hold to ask the MC questions 1 for 1. On a miss, you're in over your head. The MC will tell you why this is a bad spot. Expert Marksman: When you unleash with a firearm, roll with Mind instead of Blood. I Know A Guy: When you Hit the Streets or Put a Face to a Name with Mortality, roll with Mind instead of Faction. Advancements Mortality [X] Night [X] Power [ ] Wild [X] ... Gear Simple Apartment smart phone decent car {etc} 9mm Beretta (2-harm close loud) Debts: {Name} owes me {#} debt(s) for {what I did} Cole owes me 1 debt(s) for protecting him Brassa owes me 2 debt(s) for not telling secrets Victor owes Cole 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Andre 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Anne 1 debt(s) for helping him Victor owes Brassa 1 debt(s) for saving him a beating Other:

[hafrogman]

Cole Schneider, the Veteran Ducky Draws Art Cole waited while their spectral ally did her part, leading the patrol away. The sounds of voices and footsteps grew distant as the missionaries followed Annie down one path, they were now free to continue forward. But as the tailor made to push onward he discovered that his companions were not of so singular a purpose. Farhad, followed quickly by Victor, started down the side passage. Left behind, uncertain if he should remain or follow, Cole stood still in the junction for a moment. Looking to Andre and shrugging expressively, the tailor tried to make himself small against the tunnel walls and took up a position where he could try and watch for anyone coming from the other directions.

 

Moves and Rolls @Wynamoinen, I think this whole scenario has more potential for risk than Cole is strictly comfortable with. So yeah, I'll go ahead and mark corruption now.

 

Sheet Cole Schneider, the Veteran Caucasian male, tailored clothing. Professional. STATS Blood -1 Heart 1 Mind 1 Spirit 1 FACTIONS Mortality 1 [ ] Night 0 [X] Power 0 [X] Wild 1 [ ] HARM [ ] Faint [ ] [ ] Grievous [ ] [ ] Critical ARMOR 0 ... ... ... SCARS [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken GEAR Apartment Car (Nice) Smartphone 2-harm close loud9mm Beretta ... ... ... ... MOVES When you first encounter an NPC, you may declare them an old friend instead of Putting a Face to a Name and roll with Mind. On a hit, they offer you comfort and aid, even if it exposes them to danger or retribution. On a 7-9, tell the MC why you owe them a Debt. On a miss, tell the MC why they want you dead.Old Friends, Old Favors When you create something for someone using your Workspace, mark their Faction.True Artist When you get caught up in a fight you tried to prevent, you get armor+1 and take +1 ongoing to seeing yourself and others to safety.Too Old for This S--t! ... ... ... CORRUPTION MOVES Corruption [X][X][ ][ ][ ] ... ... DRAMA MOVES When you knowingly head straight into danger, mark corruption.Veteran Corruption Move When you share a moment of intimacy—physical or emotional—with another person, tell them a story about the past and the lessons you learned. Choose 1: You both take +1 forward You take +1 forward and they take -1 forward Hold 1. Spend the hold to Lend a Hand to that character from any distance Intimacy Move When you die or retire your character, choose a character to inherit your Workspace and True Artist.End Move WORKSPACE A Library of Old Books A Mystical Focus Magical Wards   DEBTS ... owes me 2 debts for relying on my training or knowledge Andre owes me 1 debt for One custom-built werewolf wrestling costume that can survive his transformation.a big project that's nearly ready Victor owes me 1 debt for Cole thinks he's teaching Victor how to survive the shadows, but his training is less than effective.protection? I owe Cassandra 1 debt for emergency tailoring supplies

[Wynamoinen]

The Underground The squatters cringe and glower at their harassers. But there are a number of power dynamics in play, and none work in their favor. The most prominent factor being the large rifle hovering in the background. Then, as they do, dynamics shift. A pervasive feeling of resistance evelops the scene. The guard with the slung rifle feels a tug at the gun. They fight back, and cry out that something is happening. They try to resist, but it's hard to fight against a force when you can't tell how the force is being exerted. The rifle is wrenched away, and skitters a dozen feet down the hallway. The surge of emotion, and the shift in the balance of power, causes the squatters to scramble to their feet with a desperate determination. The patrol no longer is in control of the situation, and they are in much more danger than expected. The 'plainclothes' guards seem conflicted but the Missionaries are not. The well-dressed Missionaries lead the flight away. The odds have now shifted too far for the guards' taste, and they more reluctantly follow in the escape. They flee back the way they came, seemingly not noticting the main body of Andre's pack. Once it's clear that the guards are gone, the squatters check on each other. Anne keeps her invisible grip on the gun, and the rest of our protagonists move in, with Farhad taking the lead and Victor coordinating watchout. Farhad turns on all his charm. A pair of the squatters leans against a wall, one checking on the other, who was the target of the guards' abuse. A third, a short sturdy dreadlocked woman, steps forward. She looks with wary amusement at Farhad's appeals. "You want OUR help? Boy, did you just see how they treated us?" She shakes her head. "They invite you down here. They say they got all these expansion plans. Then you come and they say they don't even have enough room for you." She shakes her head again, then sizes up Farhad and the others. "You looking to check in to this hotel? Good luck, maybe you can make a big enough contribution to the campaign fund. Maybe you can chip in enough to help us get a good night's sleep for once." She looks over to the rifle on the ground, which twitches every once in a while, in Anne's spectral grasp. She looks back to Farhad and nods her head in the gun's direction "Maybe you can help us make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again." The lookouts see the patrol exit into the distance, but no immediate threats appear on the horizon.

OODM @wodine: The deals on the table are: 1) help them find a place to take a comfortable day's rest. Then they'll guide you to where you want to go. I'm leaving this one vague, in the sense that they're giving an impression that there are living quarters in the Underground that they're having a hard time accessing. So that's what they really want. But creative temporary solutions can also be available. 2) if you give them the assault rifle, they'll be in your debt.

[Elanir]

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall, the Spectre Even those who claimed to be a part of the Night fled before the supernatural fury of the angry Spectre. What else was there to do when the world itself turned against oneself, peltering them with stones, empty bottles, cans and the assorted garbage the beggars had brought along into the bowels of the City? Their will broken, the Missionaries and the guards ran as quickly as they could, leaving behind the thing that granted them power over the destitute - their assault rifle. Anne looked at her prize. It was an ugly thing of metal and gunpowder, heavy to hold and hideous to look at. Her first reaction was to throw it away and let it be forgotten in the darkness and the filth, but she realized that for some this metal tube was precious. She watched the vagrants gather around it and watch it with awe and greed, as if it were the holy grail itself, descended from heaven to grant them all their wishes. She watched Farhad’s eyes turn to slits. He wants it, she surmised, though she could never be sure about what the dragon was actually thinking about this or any other matter. She knew him as a collector of knickknacks, however, Anne is clearly prejudiced in this, as she is in many thingsthings that rightly belonged to others, and she assumed that the Dragon would love to add her newest trophy to his hoard or use it to bind others to his service. The Spectre scoffed. She didn’t forget how Farhad had taken possession of her wedding ring, claiming that it belonged to his “kind”. She had been forced to reclaim it and now it was lost, both to herself and the Dragon. Not forever perhaps, no, not forever, but it was nonetheless an imposition, an affront. And there was nothing Anne was better at than bearing a grudge against someone. Ignoring Farhad’s presumed wishes, ignoring common sense, she presented the firearm to Victor, the man who had cared for her, the man who had been willing to defend her. Not exactly a gentleman like her Thomas had been, but close, the closest she would find in these underground passages. "Take it", she urged him, offering no further explanation. Perhaps he could trade it for a few silver dollars. It was what he did, wasn’t it? "Now, let us proceed. It is not far to the Missionaries’ hideout." At least not far for a Spectre that passed through walls and didn’t have to walk.

 

No move.

 

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall (born Varney), The Spectre Advancement Advancements Mortality [X] Night [ ] Power [X] Wild [X] Vintage, confused, changing (elegant or neglected), nostalgic, tortured, mercurial Basics Hold 1 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit 2 0 -1 2 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 0 1 0 1 Harm Armor=0 Faint [X] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Moves Corruption [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you witness a scene of victimization and do nothing, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy -physical or emotional- with another person, you hold 1. Whenever they get into trouble, you can spend your hold to be there. Archetype Moves Manifest: Regular people can’t sense or interact with you unless you manifest. You manifest by spending a few quiet moments concentrating and choosing 2: • You can be heard • You can be seen • You can touch and be touched by the physical world You may mark corruption to instead choose 1 or all 3. Won’t Be Ignored: When you get in the way of someone, treat your roll as a 10+ without rolling. If you distract an NPC, roll with Spirit instead of Mind. ”Wall? What Wall?”: You always have an opening to escape a situation. You can choose an additional option off the list to bring someone with you. On a miss, you attract the attention of dangerous spirits and ghosts in the area. Gear Gear Handkerchief Locket with portraits of her children Bottle of laudanum Wedding ring Diary   Weapon (specs): Letter opener (pocket knife) Debts Debts: Anne owes Farhad 2 debt(s) for reclaiming (= stealing) from him her “serpent’s eye” wedding ring Cole owes Anne 1 debt(s) for being the (distant) descendant of her killer, Thomas Beall Anne owes Brassavola 2 debt(s) for protecting Annie Hayes Anne owes Celia Hershfeld-Reyes 1 debt(s) for the newspaper journalist investigating what happened to Thomas Beall after leaving George Town Celia Hershfeld-Reyes owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping her with investigating the supernatural origin of some of the City’s corruption Andre owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping him locate Vasili and the Missionaries

[jbear]

Andre the Wolf Andre grits his teeth as the group splinters towards the commotion. He opens his toothy mouth to protest. "This is our chan..." Too late. The Wolf wants to bolt forward, toward the throat, toward Vasili. Waiting, patience, a foul leash he detests. Cole sinks into the shadow beside him with a sigh, a reminder to Andre that he is at the reigns, not the hungry Wolf. He asked those who came here because they would see ways forward that were invisible to him. He had trusted the Spectre and she had made a distraction.It never even crossed his mind that a spirit could be in danger. His confidence in her ability, in the fact the noise was no doubt just some part of her devised distraction is unshakeable. Now he needs to trust the others who moved towards her commotion. But, it seems foolish to squander Anne's efforts. "We should cross now while it's clear, get eyes and ears on what's next." Andre gives Cole a chance to shut down his reasoning. Splitting the group further would be foolish, but if Cole is on board, Andre would pad forward with him to the other side where the guard patrol had emerged from to locate the next cubby where they could duck into for cover. There Andre would sift through the odours and read the invisible stories impressed upon the olfactory dimension of the tunnel. He wants to make sure they were heading in the right direction to find Vasili. Besides, no doubt there are other interesting things to learn from the kaleidoscope of smells found there.   Move forward past the bottle-neck to a new hiding spot to scout what lies ahead. (making the most of Anne's distraction ) But only if Cole is coming, otherwise he will just sit tight. Using supernatural sense of smell to read the area to a) confirm this is Vasili's trail and b) maybe learn if there are any other curious scents here that stand out which might have a story to tell about what lies ahead. Does my first 'Let it Out' roll cover this still? Or do I need to roll again and mark corruption again? I don't have the sense that I've actually used it yet and it's more like maintaining it but happy to roll again and use it again if needed.

[hafrogman]

Cole Schneider, the Veteran Ducky Draws Art The tailor looked at the wolf, blinking slightly at the idea of splitting their group. Then he glanced back down the tunnel towards the others, still dealing with the squatters. But their spectral ally had sent the guards running... it wouldn't be long before they stopped running and started looking for help. Time to strike while the iron was hot. "In for a penny, in for a pound." Cole pushed himself back away from the wall and gestures forward. "Lead on." As Andre pads forward, sniffing at the air, Cole walked forward more purposefully. He was used to walking into strange locations acting like he owned the place. Now he tried to recall and channel a little of that energy. He was too old to skulk. As he walked, he found himself trying to think about these tunnels. The Missionary and his... flock? They seemed to have been established here for a while. What exactly was this place for? There were nicer places to stay if you were just crashing, even for creatures of the Night. Why here?

 

Moves and Rolls I'm guessing this counts as somewhere I could Investigate a Place of Power? If not, then I suppose this roll is moot either way. Dice Night: 2d6 2, 1 Total = 3 Or I could flub it entirely.

 

Sheet Cole Schneider, the Veteran Caucasian male, tailored clothing. Professional. STATS Blood -1 Heart 1 Mind 1 Spirit 1 FACTIONS Mortality 1 [ ] Night 0 [X] Power 0 [X] Wild 1 [ ] HARM [ ] Faint [ ] [ ] Grievous [ ] [ ] Critical ARMOR 0 ... ... ... SCARS [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken GEAR Apartment Car (Nice) Smartphone 2-harm close loud9mm Beretta ... ... ... ... MOVES When you first encounter an NPC, you may declare them an old friend instead of Putting a Face to a Name and roll with Mind. On a hit, they offer you comfort and aid, even if it exposes them to danger or retribution. On a 7-9, tell the MC why you owe them a Debt. On a miss, tell the MC why they want you dead.Old Friends, Old Favors When you create something for someone using your Workspace, mark their Faction.True Artist When you get caught up in a fight you tried to prevent, you get armor+1 and take +1 ongoing to seeing yourself and others to safety.Too Old for This S--t! ... ... ... CORRUPTION MOVES Corruption [X][X][ ][ ][ ] ... ... DRAMA MOVES When you knowingly head straight into danger, mark corruption.Veteran Corruption Move When you share a moment of intimacy—physical or emotional—with another person, tell them a story about the past and the lessons you learned. Choose 1: You both take +1 forward You take +1 forward and they take -1 forward Hold 1. Spend the hold to Lend a Hand to that character from any distance Intimacy Move When you die or retire your character, choose a character to inherit your Workspace and True Artist.End Move WORKSPACE A Library of Old Books A Mystical Focus Magical Wards   DEBTS ... owes me 2 debts for relying on my training or knowledge Andre owes me 1 debt for One custom-built werewolf wrestling costume that can survive his transformation.a big project that's nearly ready Victor owes me 1 debt for Cole thinks he's teaching Victor how to survive the shadows, but his training is less than effective.protection? I owe Cassandra 1 debt for emergency tailoring supplies

[Roekahs]

Victor Young Despite a grim determination to do whatever needs to be done, Victor's overwatch position is completely uneventful. After several long minutes of watching nothing happen, he slowly turns his attention back to the gathering. One wary eye still trained on the potential danger of an unguarded access point, Victor finds his way back to the others. There appears to be some form of negotiation going on, but Farhad is clearly handling things so Victor remains simply present. Until a voice comes from beside him. Despite more recent events, the voice still sets Victor's teeth on edge and his defensiveness on high alert. Take it Victor turns to find the assault rifle hovering inches from his chest, but stock first. Taken aback at first, Victor hesitates. Naturally his gaze shifts to where the spectre's eyes should have been. There is no confirmation; there is simply nothing. The gesture, however, remains unwavering. Slowly, Victor safeties his pistol, at last feeling some relief in his finger, and tucks it back into his waistband. Then he reaches for the weapon, taking the cold steel in his grip and accepting the weight. Just establishing a bit about the militaristic arm of the Missionaries; I think this fits with what we know and builds a bit on their organization and discipline (?)The rifle is fairly well maintained, though a few things could be improved in the cleaning and maintenance. Overall, it is a very nice weapon and certainly an upgrade over the pistol tucked away, though ammunition will be limited and harder to come by. Victor is turning the weapon over, making the last few visual inspections when he senses another pair of eyes following along. Victor glances up to see Farhad standing close, watching patiently. The background conversation rushes back through Victor's conscious. He hadn't been paying particularly close attention, but now the words replay and paint the scene. Victor hesitates, the rifle held somewhat awkwardly in preparation for a final turn in the inspection. "We might need it, though. I get tryin' to help them, but won't do us no good if we don't make it out ourselves." The old man hadn't said anything, but Victor tries his hand at the counter-argument first. More to himself than anything, Victor mutters, "Darn nice weapon. Don't much want to part with a gift, neither." OOC Victor will part with the weapon on Farhad's request, just pre-empting with some RP Old: Snoop roll: 8; holding 1   Victor Young, The Aware Hold 1 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit -1 1 2 0 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 1 1 1 -1 Corruption [ X ] [ X ] [ X ] [ X ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Harm Armor=0 Faint [ ] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you ignore your mortal responsibilities to deal with the supernatural, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy with someone who is not mortal, mark corruption. Archetype Moves Snoop: What's my best way in/out? Who are what here is not what they seem? What happened here recently? What here is the greatest danger to me? Whose turf is this? When you keep an eye out for trouble, roll with Mind. On a 10+, hold 3. On a 7-9, hold 1. While you're there, spend your hold to ask the MC questions 1 for 1. On a miss, you're in over your head. The MC will tell you why this is a bad spot. Expert Marksman: When you unleash with a firearm, roll with Mind instead of Blood. I Know A Guy: When you Hit the Streets or Put a Face to a Name with Mortality, roll with Mind instead of Faction. Advancements Mortality [X] Night [X] Power [ ] Wild [X] ... Gear Simple Apartment smart phone decent car {etc} 9mm Beretta (2-harm close loud) Debts: {Name} owes me {#} debt(s) for {what I did} Cole owes me 1 debt(s) for protecting him Brassa owes me 2 debt(s) for not telling secrets Victor owes Cole 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Andre 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Anne 1 debt(s) for helping him Victor owes Brassa 1 debt(s) for saving him a beating Other:

[wodine]

Do Dragons Burrow Farhad was beset on all sides. He could feel the rage building under the surface, the attacks to his pride may have been imperceptible to the others, but they stung like a dragon-lance to the side in the proud and majestic beast caged in this Persian flesh. Us, stay here? Join them? Why would an eagle join a swarm of insignificant gnats? The assumption of this pauper was incredulous to say the least. The specter, ever the stubborn thief snubbed Farhad’s efforts to ease their passing through this labyrinth of tunnels, which is undoubtedly full of secrets and hideaways which would be invaluable for entrance and extraction. And the injurious insults continue. Do not mistake my practicality for altruism. Farhad’s voice rumbled like distant thunder, resonating with a primal power that sent vibrations through the air, deep and rich, carrying the weight of centuries in its every utterance. Each word rolled off his tongue with a commanding presence, echoing with the wisdom of ages and the fiery intensity of its nature. Keep the rifle then, perhaps the smaller weapon would still be valuable? It may not scare away everyone but it would be enough to raise yourself among the others with which you must surely vie for dominance? Farhad looked for the rest of this ‘pack’ with which he found himself and was left wanting yet again. The tailor and the wolf had absconded, no doubt unable or unwilling to see the opportunity presented by the vagabonds. A place to sleep, a slag of steel, it was a cheap price for knowledge of the tunnels, of Mission, and even possibly of Vasili himself. It was going to be a long night – and deep in Farhad’s core he wondered how many of them would be joining Anne before it was through.

OoC

[Wynamoinen]

The Underground With some reluctance, Victor hands over his gun to the squatters, keeping the new and much bulkier rifle. One of the men snatches it out of this hands. Very quickly, they inspect the main mechanisms and chambers a round with a menacing ch-chck. He pauses a moment, grinning with the implied power that he now held. But with a chuckle, he quickly flicks on the safety anf tucks the pistol into his waistbant, covering it up with his shirt. He man quickly walks out of easy reach from the upperworlders, but his attitude is not overly threatening. The woman who was negotiating with Farhad extends a hand to shake. "Red," she says, apparently an introduction. Farhad notices that her dark skin and hair are offset by a few of her locks being dyed a bright red. There is some movement at the intersection behind the pack. Andre and Cole move past. This of course does not set off alarms for our protagonists, but Red's eyes narrow. you might think that it's the huge muscular wolf-man that would draw concern, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Red looks over to Victor, now rifleless. "You give charge of the gun to this guy. You're smuggling some ed: your kindly MC does NOT consider Cole a slob, but the NPCs are free to have differing opinions old slob in," she nods to the main tunnel where Cole had just briefly appeared. "Sure you wanting to be running with these Nooners down here, much less letting them take charge of things?" She Poor guy, taking the flak for Cole's failed roll :'(sneers at Victor. "Maybe you gotta keep up appearences up there," she points a thumb straight up, "but that ain't going to fly down here. But if you don't need our help..." she shrugs, turning away. Farhad recognizes the negotiating tactic, but as with all good negotiating tactics, it has some compelling features... As that negotiation continues, Andre and Cole advance. They keep a slower pace than the patrol, so as not to catch up and make their presence known. They follow for a few hundred feet. At that point, about 300 feet further ahead, the leading member of the fleeing patrol opens a door (a heavy metal one; it looks like an original service passage of some sort) and then slams it closed behind them when the last member of their group has made it through. The tunnel that Anne was leading them down is again empty. Vasili's scent remains old and vague, but it still remains. This path is the right way.

OODM wodine - Red (and/or any other member of the group, though she seems to be the informal leader) owes you a debt. I've added it to the NPC thread, but you'll probably want to mark it on your sheet as well. I don't see you taking them up on their other offer (guidance in exchange for housing) but the offer stands at least until you decide to walk away. jbear - yes, you're still in effect running off the consequences of your first Let it Out roll. So far the situation hasn't changed. You can still detect Vasili's presence, but it's a scent that's hours old, same as at the outset. At the least, you can confirm that Anne is not leading you astray - the scent is not getting weaker in the direction you're going. A more directed or specific search could require a re-roll, but at this point you're on the same trail as before. A "deeper" search here would not be helpful. @all: If you'd like to continue your convo with the squatters, you are still able to do so. But if you'd rather just move on, that's fine too. As Anne was nudging, she knows the way, and Andre is confident that her guidance is true. So you don't need a pathfinder, in that sense. But Red seems to be suggesting that OTHER types of giudance that you guys might be lacking...

[Elanir]

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall, the Spectre Anne turns her back to the people she aided minutes ago - though truth be told, it was pride, not mercy, that urged her to act. The people’s fear, fear of the Missionaries and Vox’s armed men, fear of the invisible force that attacked the ones harassing them, has turned to greed. The Spectre sees it in the way the dwellers in the dark look at the firearm she gifted to Victor, in the way they clench and unclench their fists, whispering among themselves. Anne doesn’t care about the needs and desires of the lowest of the low. She doesn’t consider them important or useful enough to even consider negotiating with them. Her mind is not made to remember them or even to acknowledge their existence. Had she passed them by on the street and given them a penny, she would have completely forgotten about the encounter moments later. Anne’s eyes seek the ruffians she has chased away. If Vox populi’s underground empire is built by and for men like them, it is bound to collapse soon, very soon. He will prove to be just another tyrant burning the old to build the new, another savior unable to save himself. Leaving the rest behind, the Spectre wanders ahead. Vasili must be nearby. She, who has borrowed his body, can sense him, somewhere in this labyrinth of lost souls. The Wolf can no doubt smell him, the gift he refused. A problem of his own making, a problem Anne will help him solve.

 

No moves. Anne will keep on scouting ahead.

 

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall (born Varney), The Spectre Advancement Advancements Mortality [X] Night [ ] Power [X] Wild [X] Vintage, confused, changing (elegant or neglected), nostalgic, tortured, mercurial Basics Hold 1 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit 2 0 -1 2 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 0 1 0 1 Harm Armor=0 Faint [X] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Moves Corruption [X] [X] [X] [ ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you witness a scene of victimization and do nothing, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy -physical or emotional- with another person, you hold 1. Whenever they get into trouble, you can spend your hold to be there. Archetype Moves Manifest: Regular people can’t sense or interact with you unless you manifest. You manifest by spending a few quiet moments concentrating and choosing 2: • You can be heard • You can be seen • You can touch and be touched by the physical world You may mark corruption to instead choose 1 or all 3. Won’t Be Ignored: When you get in the way of someone, treat your roll as a 10+ without rolling. If you distract an NPC, roll with Spirit instead of Mind. ”Wall? What Wall?”: You always have an opening to escape a situation. You can choose an additional option off the list to bring someone with you. On a miss, you attract the attention of dangerous spirits and ghosts in the area. Gear Gear Handkerchief Locket with portraits of her children Bottle of laudanum Wedding ring Diary   Weapon (specs): Letter opener (pocket knife) Debts Debts: Anne owes Farhad 2 debt(s) for reclaiming (= stealing) from him her “serpent’s eye” wedding ring Cole owes Anne 1 debt(s) for being the (distant) descendant of her killer, Thomas Beall Anne owes Brassavola 2 debt(s) for protecting Annie Hayes Anne owes Celia Hershfeld-Reyes 1 debt(s) for the newspaper journalist investigating what happened to Thomas Beall after leaving George Town Celia Hershfeld-Reyes owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping her with investigating the supernatural origin of some of the City’s corruption Andre owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping him locate Vasili and the Missionaries

[jbear]

Andre the Wolf Blissfully unaware of the conversation unfolding with Red and the vagrant group, Andre advances behind the retreating patrol with Cole. The tail ends with the echo of a heavy door closing in front of them. Vasili's scent, though old, permeates the tunnel. The Missionary has been this way many times. They are on the right track. Yet, advancing further towards his goal is stumped by this simple door. This heavy door. This loud door. Instinctively, the Wolf moves Andre to the back hinge of the damned door, so that if it were to open the door itself would mask his immediate presence, providing an opportunity to catch whoever walked out from it by surprise. There Andre asks Cole how to proceed, his voice a quiet growl. "Do we wait? Do we trick whoever is on the other side to open it for us?" The Wolf wants to strangle Andre. 'Kick it down! Burst in and tear out the jugular of the closest. Spit its blood on the rest of the cattle while you pounce. Fear. Speed. Terrifying violence. These are your tools. Do not form decisions on the advice of old goats!' Andre licks his lips and eyes the door handle for a moment. His palms itch. His clawed paw reaches towards the handle slightly, wavers and is dragged back into the front pocket of his shredded hoodie. The delay provides ample time for the rest of the group to catch up if their conversation ends swiftly. At the very least, Anne has enough time to arrive given her disinterest in the unfolding negotiation. With her reemergence the question of what to do with the door becomes moot. Andre growls at the Spectre, not because he is angry, but because in this form it is the only tone his voice seems capable of making whilst the Wolf thrashes within struggling to regain control. "What's on the other side of that door? Can you get it open or get someone to open it?" he asks.

OOC No moves. Just providing an opportunity for the group to rejoin.

[wodine]

Do Dragons Burrow We’ve no time to see to your other needs, but when we are done here, it is likely that your fortune may change. Farhad didn’t have the patience to continue this charade, treating them as equals or as a concern. They met yet prove useful upon the group’s escape however, so it is best to simply leave things as they are and utilize them should they be necessary. Farhad adjusted his suit tie and parted ways with the vagrants. We have dallied long enough let us rejoin the others. I do not wish to remain here longer than we must. Farhad rejoined the others at the doorway. I am impressed, I thought for sure you wouldn’t wait for anyone. Farhad said as he came up behind Cole and Andre. Though I think it best to simply proceed, unlike our Ms. Beall, we can make no progress without opening the door.

OoC Farhad will open the door if no one else wants to and if met with resistance attempt a “Don’t you know mr” Roll.

[Roekahs]

Victor Young Victor accepts the rebuke stoically, though his eyes narrow. It is a subtle change, possibly presented as a moment of decision, a precursor to battle over a challenge. However, it is a much more practical gesture. On the streets they call it 'danger sense'. There, in that world, Victor has warnings about escalation. Here? With these creatures, danger appears in the blink of an eye – and already fully escalated. The danger passes – or so it seems. Victor pulls the pistol from his waistband, keeping Farhad in view. No good can come from turning his back on that one. It isn't until after the gun is snatched by one of the men that Victor feels the pang of regret. Sure there is power in the assault rifle – and he hasn't ever owned one – but the practicality is lacking. He won't be tucking that in to his waistband. He will have to find a new one as soon as this is over. Farhad then quickly dismisses the vagrants and moves on. Although abrupt, Victor follow quickly. The old man is certainly correct that dallying any longer is silly. They find Cole and Andre milling around a door presumably leading to a side passage. The relevant information is quickly relayed, though there still seems to be some interest in pursuing the fleeing guards. Victor scratches his chin while swinging his gaze between the open tunnel and the closed door. "It ain't smart to leave them guards to cut off our way out, but pursuing every distraction gonna make us miss dinner. I got me a steak marinading and don't much want to miss it. I say we get haulin' down the main tunnel and try to get a more recent scent on this guy." Victor pauses, "Though … could just open the door quick and see if there is a stronger scent that way. Would be riskier though, as we know them guards is behind there somewhere." OOC Old: Snoop roll: 8; holding 1   Victor Young, The Aware Hold 1 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit -1 1 2 0 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 1 1 1 -1 Corruption [ X ] [ X ] [ X ] [ X ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Harm Armor=0 Faint [ ] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you ignore your mortal responsibilities to deal with the supernatural, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy with someone who is not mortal, mark corruption. Archetype Moves Snoop: What's my best way in/out? Who are what here is not what they seem? What happened here recently? What here is the greatest danger to me? Whose turf is this? When you keep an eye out for trouble, roll with Mind. On a 10+, hold 3. On a 7-9, hold 1. While you're there, spend your hold to ask the MC questions 1 for 1. On a miss, you're in over your head. The MC will tell you why this is a bad spot. Expert Marksman: When you unleash with a firearm, roll with Mind instead of Blood. I Know A Guy: When you Hit the Streets or Put a Face to a Name with Mortality, roll with Mind instead of Faction. Advancements Mortality [X] Night [X] Power [ ] Wild [X] ... Gear Simple Apartment smart phone decent car {etc} 9mm Beretta (2-harm close loud) Debts: {Name} owes me {#} debt(s) for {what I did} Cole owes me 1 debt(s) for protecting him Brassa owes me 2 debt(s) for not telling secrets Victor owes Cole 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Andre 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Anne 1 debt(s) for helping him Victor owes Brassa 1 debt(s) for saving him a beating Other:

[Wynamoinen]

The Underground The squatters don't look much impressed with Farhad's promise of changing fortunes, given that he has refused to offer them the help they most immediately need. But, the pack has helped them, and given them a tool for their defense, and that will not be forgotten. Red nods and turns away as the upperworlders depart. Anne slips away, with only a mind for Vasili. Andre can sense her passing somewhere nearby and asks what is behind the door. He gets no response. She is not interested in that direction. Indeed, Andre can sense why. His canine senses do not pick up any activity behind the door. Either the entire patrol is supernaturally stealthy, or else they are gone, down another path. When Farhad returns, he is interested in pursuit in that direction. Victor not so much. It's too much to bear, not knowing what awaits behind the door. Andre can no longer restrain himself, and with a few brutal kicks and claws and tugs, he breaks the door off its hinges and open. It reveals a long dark passage. Empty. The slammed door was just a barrier to assist their flight. A succesful one - they could be tracked, but they have a long lead. Anne has gone ahead, and Victor has no interest in wild goose chases for secondary prey. Andre's nose tells him that his dark passage is not the path that his quarry would have taken. All together, the group leaves the frightened patrol to their flight. Following the main tunnel, the group walks a long way. It feels like they've traveled the better part of the distance back to Capitol Hill. Slowly, there are more and more residents of the tunnels all about them. Anne does not have anything unusual to report. Their way is clear. Then, they arrive. The tunnel leads the group into a full-on Metro station. It is long and lofted high, with the traditional rectangular honeycombed concrete arching overhead. It was fully built up, but apparently afterwards fully abandoned. Where the tracks would be, people mill about - makeshift food stalls and tables and elevated platforms fill the path of the tracks. There are people EVERYWHERE. It is a full-on society down here. Jury-rigged doors have been bored into the walls up and down the station. Some are unmarked, some advertise completely mundane services; others arcane; others illicit. One might wonder how these shops acquire their goods, but based on their variety, it would be possible to find all the basic supplies of life without leaving the area. As the pack enters, no alarms are raised. Some passers-by don't give the group (even Victor's very prominent weapon) a second glance. Some look at the newcomers with suspicion. A vendor for something called "rodent dogs" shouts at the group, advertising his low prices and succulent foodstuffs. Which is all to say: it seems like your standard busy streetscape. Underground. On abandoned train tracks. At about 4am in the morning.

OODM My last post is edited to reflect Victor's swap of pistol for assault rifle. I'm shuttling you all on a bit to advance the plot - there was some tension in what you wanted to do, with Farhad in particular expressing a desire to move down the side tunnel. I'm taking executve action to assert that given the info in this post, he would not be interested in a prolonged pursuit along those lines. But, if he is, I can start a side thread with him going that direction. This is the point where if you want to make a bee line for Vasili, I'll need another search roll (presumably from Anne and/or Andre). But there are all sorts of interactions you could have - aspects of the scene you might want to explore - so we'll pause here at the doorstep of the "station" to let you guys talk amongst yourself and set yourself some goals.

[wodine]

Do Dragons Burrow I… oh. Farhad stumbled a bit over his words, he had not been expecting this. Something this large, something this complex, something this populated. This was… unexpected. As his keen eyes scanned the various shops and stalls that littered this place, he was drawn to the magical sort of stores that were in no way attempting to hide their presence. It was unlikely that they would have anything of value that Farhad couldn’t procure on the surface… but the call was strong, he was inclined to linger though he also did not want to lose track of his team and new that some of them were of a singular mind – possibly with but a singular brain cell working overtime. What say you all, do we look for information here, or are we continuing our single minded quest? Farhad looked to the others, as his eyes scanned the nearby shops for what information he could gain from this distance.

OoC Farhad would love to go shopping, but also knows that not everyone is likely to want to stay here, and is willing to go with the group.