Writtensanity
   
   "Good morning Zephyr City,    this is   Ashley Cyclone   coming at you live on a bright and lovely Monday morning here in the greatest city on the coast with the news and fun you need to make your commute down the I75 a little more bearable."

"Our top story, as it has been every day for the past two weeks is the Pulse, but that should be coming to an end soon. According to Professor Ivings of ZCU the Pulse is now waning, meaning if you were hoping to get powers this time around, it looks like you're out of luck. Reports say that most Empowered's abilities should have already revealed themselves and that it's unlikely we will see another spike until mid summer."

"This news comes alongside the confirmation that Bolting, the Queen of Zephyr City herself, is locked up and powerless in the Alphamax. The liberation parade is expected to happen next Friday with a speech from Mayor Tills. The ZPD has promised that they are going to ensure that it's a safe event for everyone to attend."

"But, and I'm going to be candid here listeners, I'm just waiting for what comes next. We all know that a lot of people in Zephyr City got powers and the only thing keeping us from ending up like West Gate was that Bolting kept everyone in line. She was a bitch - pardon, add that to the swear jar- but right now I'm just crossing my fingers and toes hoping that we don't get someone worse, now that there is room for someone worse."

"So, to anyone Empowered who's listening this morning, I'm gonna ask a favour. Please be better. I know that the next weeks are going to be defined by everyone figuring out who the top dog is, but there are people in the city who are just trying to get to work and figure out what they want for dinner."

"Hell, I'll even let the journalist in me talk for a second. You have a chance to make a name for yourself."

   Be a name worth remembering   
 
 Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:  

All Factions At 0
 

   Turn Event: Unstable Footing:   

The many Faction's rising from the ashes of  Bolting's Reign are still getting themselves situated on the street and out in the open. This is leaving everyone unable to mount effective attacks.

 Effect: Faction's Passive Defence is counted as 5 higher this turn. 
 Note: This does not affect Risk actions, as they do not use Passive Defence  
 
  World Heist: Heroes vs Villains -  The Liberation Parade   

Mayor Till's of Zephyr City is pushing against police insistence and is attempting to hold a Bolting Liberation Parade, which is planned to go through the entire city on a circuitous route. Anyone who wants to make a name for themselves is going to try and stop it, anyone who wants to keep the City stable is going to want to stop  them. 

This is a Heroes vs Villains World Heist, meaning you must commit to a team when sending Stats into the Heist

This Heist does not take place in a location.

 
 Spoiler: Heroes - Protect the Parade  


The Heroes job is to protect the parade from all comers. Stopping the Villains of Zephyr City from gaining a foothold on the Parade and the City's mind.

Stats sent to the Heroes side of the Heist will combine to make a pool. At the end, if they are successful in defending the Heist, the City will set a bounty of 5 ECON per villain to show up, this will be spread through the Heroes based on Value committed to the Heist. If you are unsuccessful, this bounty is dropped to 2 per Villain.

You are making a collective pool for an 'Assault' against the Villains, so consider the value of stats in Assaults to determine your investment.
 

 
 Spoiler: Villains - Show Supremacy 


As a Villain your job is to strike at the Parade and establish a foothold, breaking through the combined heroes forces to take over the Parade.

This side of the Heist is not collaborative, instead, only those with the highest investment are going to gain the benefits.

If the Villains are successful in breaking the Heroes:

The highest investment gains - 1 Victory Point: 1 EXP: 6 Temp MOR

The Second Highest gains - 1 EXP: 6 Temp MOR

Third Highest gains - 6 Temp MOR

---

If the Villains fail to defeat the heroes, it will be treated as an assault against the Villains, meaning that you will take damage and VIPs may get injured.

Because timing will be key in taking the Parade the following values apply:

VIPs: 1
ESP: 1
SPC: 1
STR: 0.7
WRD: 0.6
 

  
  Local Heists    
 Reminder, you may only view Local Heists you have access to from an ability or investigation, or those you own. That means none but the one with your name this turn 
 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 
 Local Heist - Areal Supremacy  
Uptown is still far from under the watchful eye of the Sky Cavalry, change that.

 Stage One -  Build a Network
 Cost-  4 WRD to Build Drones or 6 ECO to Buy Them
 Reward-  4 tESP from information gathered while setting up the network.

 Stage Two-  Into the Air -
 Cost-  4??? or 6???
 Reward-  3 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Local Heist - Cleaning Up  
Members of the Freedom Assembly are Scattered After Bolting's attack. Find them.

 Stage One -  Build a Network
 Cost-  5 ESP to track them down or 5 WRD to build a device
 Reward-  4 tECO from sympathetic parties

 Stage Two-  Forced Recruitment -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 

 
 Local Heist - Training Camp  
The Bloodborn have changed with Miasma's new powers backing them up. Excise the weak.

 Stage One -  Strength Training
 Cost-  5 STR to train troops or 4 ECO for Gym Equipment
 Reward-  3 tSPC in trained soldiers.

 Stage Two-  Moving Quietly -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 

 
 Local Heist - The New Order  
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

 Stage One -  Careful Training
 Cost-  5 STR to train troops or 5 WRD for Armor
 Reward-  3 tSPC in trained soldiers.

 Stage Two-   Alongside the Mighty -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 

 
 Local Heist - New Order, Old Money  
Old Johnny knows about some Old Stashes in the area... if only you could hunt them down.

 Stage One -  On the Beat - You need to see who's been in this part'o town long enough to have info.
 Cost-  5 ESP for blackmail or 6 STR to beat it outta them.
 Reward-  5 WRD from an old science Stash

 Stage Two-   Digging it up -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tECO

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 

 
 Local Heist -Into the Abyss  
Data says that there is still theories to be discovered from the previous event. More study is needed.

 Stage One -  Hypothesis - Opening the portals again should allow for...
 Cost-  5 SPEC to invade the realm or 6 WRD to study it.
 Reward-  5 tWRD from the Subjects

 Stage Two-   Data -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tWRD

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: The Orchestra 

 
 Local Heist - Stagecraft  
Alas, the show is unprepared! The stage must be set for the Conductor!

 Stage One -  Materials - You must have curtains to raise after all!
 Cost-  5eco for materials or 4 ESP to steal them.
 Reward-  4 tWRD from re purposing old tools.

 Stage Two-   A Show Stopping Number -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tWRD

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: The BirdWatch 

 
 Local Heist - The Old Order  
We are the new members of the Birdwatch, but there are things to pick up...

 Stage One -  Old Contacts
 Cost-  5esp to pass Dr. Raptor's Test
 Reward-  4 tEco from Sponsors

 Stage Two-   A Foul Feather -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tWRD

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 

 
 Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative  
 Welcome to the past Chronarch. I have identified materials we will need to maintain our current standard of equipment... 
 Stage One -  Welcome to the Past
 Cost-  4 eco to buy the parts, 6wrd to manufacture them
 Reward-  4 tSTR as you bring systems online after travel.

 Stage Two-   A New Home-
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tWRD

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 

 
 Local Heist - A Welcoming Hand  
Hi! Welcome to Happy Carins, we glad we could help you though this time... Yes, Bolting's most recent actions have been tough for all of us.


 Stage One -  Matching Services: Manage the amount of people who have been brought in over the most recent times.
 Cost-  5eco to pay extra staff or 4Wrd to use your powers to make it a little easier.
 Reward-  4 tEco from Sponsors

 Stage Two-   The Price of Sympathy -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 



----
  The Current Map:  
 
 Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status 

 Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect  
 The Nexus -   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Remnants of Power:  On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

 Zephyr City Central Bank -   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Of Course:  Zephyr City Central Bank contains a Local Heist with unlimited floors that always offer tECO. Each time a floor is completed the difficulty of future floors is increased. It will spawn 'Deposit Box' floors that provide a random one-use item pseudo-randomly.

 Big Gale Comics and Toys-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Self Publishing: Your Faction gains tECO equal to N N  where N is the number of enemy factions involved in Actions your Faction is also involved in.

 ZCPD Station-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Radio Chatter: Can see 3 local heists per turn. May choose to assign Police to a local heist during EoT and lock it for the following turn, cannot target a heist owned by the same Faction twice in a row.

 BigFlash Insurance Stadium-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Guest Appearance: Controller may invest a VIP to gain 1.5 times their level in MOR &amp; ECO (rounded up) this is a safe action.

 Zephyr City University-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Temporal Research Station: Up to 1 VIP per turn may preform two actions as part of an EoT. They may not participate in the same Action twice. You may not choose the same VIP two turns in a row.

 Montgomery Tech Park-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Venture Capital: When you pitch a NEW LTP, you can offer it up for Venture Capital Investment. This provides a 1 time payment of 20% the LTPs cost in tECO, but the LTP must be announced to publicly once it reaches halfway to completion.

  Ol' Grady's-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Unmasked Friends: The Controlling Faction may mark any other VIP in the game as a friend of one of their VIPs. In the event that these two would 'fight' one another, they avoid the fight, removing themselves from any assault calculations against the other Faction. In the case of an Conquest Action, VIP Injury is much less likely if the Friends are involved. This effect allows you to make 2 VIP pairs after turn 5, and 3 after turn 10.

  Monsoon Action Park-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.

  The Dockyards-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Unclaimed Merchandise: The Owning Faction may buy additional Stat Cap at a cost of 3 econ per point. If they lose this location, this Stat cap increase is passed onto the new owner.

  Zephyr City North High-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Kids Talk: Automatic general investigation on 3 other Factions in the game each turn. Up to 1 fact in each investigation may be incorrect by a medium margin. These Investigations cannot be published.

 

    EoTs are Expected by Midnight PST on Thursday, April 27th    
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
 The pamphlets are distributed throughout Zephyr City at approximately the same time as Cyclone's radio broadcast. Of course, pamphlet is entirely the wrong word - the 'pages' are not paper, but some kind of gossamer-thin metal that reflects the light at odd angles. And they're blank.

In a moment, each are filled with words, a voice spoken out loud reading the transcribed missive for all to hear. 

 

   "My fellow citizens of Zephyr City,

We stand on the brink of a new era, a time when the old ways of injustice and inequality are cast aside, and a new order based on justice and equality takes their place. It is a time for change, a time for revolution.

For too long, our great city has been controlled by the wealthy and powerful few, who use their wealth and power to maintain their grip on the rest of us. They tell us that we must work hard and be content with our lot, while they enjoy lives of luxury and privilege. They tell us that we must accept the status quo, even when it is unjust and oppressive. But we know that this is not true. We know that we are capable of so much more.

As members of the Freedom Assembly, we believe in a society where everyone is equal, where everyone has access to the resources they need to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. We believe in a society where the needs of the many are put before the wants of the few. And as anarchists, we reject the idea that anyone - even Empowered - should have the power to control others.

We know that the superheroes of our world have the power to change things for the better. They have the ability to defeat the villains who seek to oppress us, and to use their powers for the good of all. But we also know that Empowered are not enough. We cannot rely on them to save us from the injustices of the system. We must take matters into our own hands.

We call on all citizens of Zephyr City to join us in our fight for a better world. We call on you to reject the old ways of oppression and inequality, and to embrace a new way of thinking. A way that puts people before profits, that values community over individualism, and that recognizes the power of collective action.

Together, we can build a society that works for all of us. A society where everyone has access to food, housing, healthcare, and education. A society where everyone is free to pursue their dreams, without fear of poverty or oppression. A society where the power belongs to the people, not the elite few.

So let us stand together, united in our fight for a better world. Let us reject the old world of Bolting, of injustice and inequality, and embrace a new era of socialist-anarchism. Let us build a world where superheroes and citizens alike can thrive, and where justice and equality reign supreme.

Thank you."   

 

 The 'pamphlets' disintegrate harmlessly after the message is played, silver dust suspended on the air. 
n0ble
 Happy Cairns 
 Public 
 
 Spoiler: To Zephyr City  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

The following are the 2 LTPs I'm going to be working on. Donations are appreciated:
 1) The Right Stuff: Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice. I plan to contribute at least 3 of my own weird for this project so as to satisfy my part of my faction ability-will add more as more people contribute. I will update the amount once everyone’s had a chance to post.   Currently at: 3/25 

2) My second LTP slot is currently free. If you'd like to suggest one to benefit from the Spirit of Cooperation feel free.
 

 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
Ever since word had spread that Avante Guarde had now Awakened in its ranks, the common folk had looked at their now longtime protector in worry, in fear. These were the un-empowered that they had looked to stand up against the oppression. What would happen now?

The final day of the pulse announcements, however, spelt a change. Barely had Ashley's words filled the air when Avante Guarde rustled like a beehive, the soldiers and protectors looking outwards as they stirred in preparation for whatever it was that Aleksi had tasked them to.

And with this stirring came a poster.

It was a simple poster, only slapped on local streetcorners at first. But words spread.

 "As yesterday. As today. As hopefully tomorrow. Avante Guarde stands for what it always has, and what it always will. I promise that even now our priority is to ensure the coming upheaval does as little damage as possible to the people. And, hey, who knows. Perhaps tomorrow we wake up to a brighter sunrise. But as long as I sit in this chair, and I am followed by the loyal members of my teams, we will stand with Zephyr City.

Do not give in to fear! Do not give into anger! The city is about to burst with turmoil as the newly empowered stretch their limbs and the older guard who have been held under Bolting for so long strike out on their own. Avante Guarde is going to make its stand with the citizens and with the administrators of the city. We stand for a tomorrow that doesn't wait on bated breath for the super-powered to decide on the fate of their lesser. I ask you all to stand together with us for this goal.

We will do our best to ensure that the very best of our people are out there putting out as many fires as we can. Look out for your neighbours. Keep an eye out for people doing wrong by each other with new powers. And if the situation is something you can't handle?

Just give us a buzz. We'll be keeping an eye out for rogue supers and the EDF is going to be very busy mopping up as many as they can, but it will be your information that can help us lock them down and catch up to them before they can get away again.

Together we'll break the shackles of Zephyr City.

Nothing is too hard, we are the Avante Guarde!" 

Soon it had reached the every corner of the city, and the household name that had been known for its small attempts to do better now was whispered with a dint of hope.


 


Aleksi span slowly in his swivel chair, the documents spread across his desk having been dropped in a rather haphazard manner. Jaskir glanced over it and sighed at his brother, his fingers coming up to rub a well-worn line of concern between his brows. The one in the chair gestured his hands up in the air.

   "We have barely started this and the city already wants to throw a parade. Mayor Till can eat my left nut."    Aleksi's words were colourful annoyance as he spread his hands above his head, frustration evident in his voice as he leaned as far back as he could, in the background Jaskir nodded, grabbing one of the documents placed on the desk. Glancing over it briefly, he looked up with a frown.

   "We can't ignore it despite that. We look away and half the egotists in the city will bomb it for their own image."    Jaskir tapped the document in his hand, placing it carefully down on the table as he began to uncap a pen and Aleksi finally stopped spinning.

   "Yeah well I'm just not happy about it."    He sighed and almost reluctantly wheeled the chair in.    "Yeah don't give me that look. I get it. Grab Remi for me would you? I need to talk about where the EDF gets put and what we can push into this."   

Then, a thoughtful tap on the table as Jaskir began to write plan notations into the margins of the document.

   "Maybe... Say, you keep doing your planning thing. I'm going to send a message or two. Don't wait up for me alright?"   

 

 Message to Happy Cairn's Funeral Home 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hey friends, Heard you're asking for a spot of assistance

We'd be willing to spot a few touches of help, but you'll have to let me know what kind of assistance would work best for it. Not really hoping to spot too much you get me?

I'll drop by with some of our people if we need your help, as per the old days. Talking of, are you looking at the big old parade they got planned? Horse-dung is gonna fill the streets with pain if they get away with it.

Wonder if I can sweet talk you into giving me Fault and a few of his boys to keep things quiet during the parade, or at least stopping things getting too out of hand if it doesn't stay quiet?

Let me know.

Talk soon, dinner's on me next time.

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Message to The Birdwatch 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Not exactly sure who I'm addressing here, or if this will get to you,

But this is written assuming you're someone who can do something with Birdwatch and its people. I've heard good things about you in the past, but we've kind of had different sphere's of influence previous, which is why I haven't really had a chat.

I respect what Dr Raptor did, and heard you all carry on his legacy. Honestly feel like you all and I can get along well, but I don't want to rush into it.

First thing's first, I got wind of the stupid parade they're planning and I want to try and nip off danger. You guys are pretty much like that so want to see if you can team up with my EDF boys to ensure the parade goes sweet.

Hope your flutterings carry you over to my side of things. Best luck.

Oh, and I'd like a little advice on bird-keeping but maybe for another time. I got a parrot and he's being a pain.

Best of luck in this crazy world,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Message to The Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hey Kids,

Look, I know we've already confirmed I don't agree with your plans and you don't agree with me being an old fogey.

Don't worry, not here to re-hash that.

Just asking a quick favour. I'm guessing despite our approaches you still want to see Zephyr's walls standing kinda when we're done.

Temporary truce while the Mayor paints targets on the back of half the well-meaning citizens of the city? We stop whoever sticks their neck out and then part ways to our own attempts to save this city.

You in?

Either way, don't die out there.

Aleksi
 

 Message to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hello Miasma,

You probably know about me, I sort of know about you.

I won't lie or sugar-coat this, I think you're heading the same path of The Freedom Assembly where you're letting your anger get ahead of your ability to save people, but I will say I respect your chutzpah and the fact that nominally you're here to help people.

Don't mess that up and I won't have reason to really get in your craw, you hear me?

But I digress, I'm here just to feel you out for the parade. I heard you have good intentions, so whatever those intentions mean for me and mine and you and yours, you willing to look at the people and help make sure that the Mayor can't ruin more lives?

Let me know if you're in.

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Message to the Opulescant Orchestra 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hey,

Look, I heard you're here for big sounds and all that shebang, but I wanted to give you a courtesy letter before I declare you enemies of the people.

I think you and I aren't going to see eye to eye, I'm not going to lie about that.

But.

But I'm open to being wrong.

You show me, or explain to me, how you can help the people of Zephyr City in a way I can appreciate and I can find it in myself to take you out to a restaurant to discuss how we can work together.

Let me know,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Message to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hey, just heard some of you,

Don't know if you know my name, but we're Avante Guarde and generally you can think of us as people who wanna help the little people.

Now I have heard some about your dad (I think it's your dad, sorry if I'm getting my genetic lines mixed up. Do that sometimes.) and I know his people were good to the small guys even if they weren't exactly the standard savory types.

I won't agree with you entirely if you're the same way, but I can respect it and work with you where we agree.

So, just looking to open a dialogue and see what comes out.

Also, where are you looking to stand on this parade? I expect you'll probably just stick out of it from my gut feeling, but Jaskir told me you might be interested anyway.

Maybe we can get you to offer a bit of help protecting things? There IS a bounty in it if people do try and ruin things, just so you know.

All the best,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Message to the Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hope they deliver to "unidentified flying troop carriers", but throwing this message into the mail anyway.

Hi. I know of you. I hope you know of me. Seems we're now thrust into a position where we can shape the world a bit.

To be honest Armin's reports paint you as a stand up guy, and one that fits what I see of the city pretty well.

So, first of all, kinda want to see if we can work together in more than a 'casually distant' manner, but up to you.

Second, want to crash some villain's days on the parade? My boys will be there, if your boys will be too then let me know and we can plan better defensive lines.

Jaskir is a whizz at it, not so much me.

Anyway, I'm rambling.

Gimme a shout.

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project 
 
Hartley was at his desk. His inbox was overflowing. It would. During the downsizing, he had to terminate almost 80% of the administrative personel. Couldn't be helped, they had families and weren't on board with some of the commitments to secrecy that the new work required. So everything piled up on his desk now, folder after folder of proposed projects. He had sorted them by whether or not he had an idea what the title meant. The first stack was considerably smaller. "Resource acquisition", "East Wing Expansion", "Site Aleph Null Reinvestigation", "Unbicameration", "Hecatomb", "Metastable Degeneracy", "Khatam Ex Ante","Psychodactyly", "Migratory Overshooting".
He should read them, but as was so often the case lately, he found himself looking through the pictures again. He had taken some of them himself, others were acquired at great expense from the agencies who had undertaken the cleanup. He skipped the ones with the teeth. They weren't helpful.
 
 Spoiler 

 
 
 
 
 

  "Nathan."   Thin hands grabbed both his shoulders. It took all his composure not to flinch. Or throw his coffee across the room. He still didn't know how that skinny nerd's body produced a voice like that when  she  was in there. Deep, smokey. The voice was coming from the opposite corner, nowhere near the hands. He didn't turn around.
  "Stop with those pictures, Nathan. The past is dead and burried."   She chuckled.Nathan tried to ignore her, stare at the screen.
  "You're not going to find anything more in those pictures. Nathan, Eversion doesn't need you moping around in your office. We need you like you were back then. Strong. Decisive. In control. You didn't stop to think. You identified problems and solved them. You made the project what it is. I read your files, Agent Hartley. The man who went solo on the Peralta cleanup, because he knew Corpse Candle and Ashmouth couldn't be left alone to run around. We have work to do, Nathan. We're saving the  world . And you're our leader, we need you to lead. We're moving forward with Delta-Delta."  
That made him look up, into the face nodding at him from the shadow in the corner.
  "I've decided to run this one on a smaller scale. No need to bother the labcoats. I have another idea for them. Here, this one's for you, you'll be perfect for it."  
She tossed a file down. It said "Goodwill - Cooperation".

 To the Freedom Assembly  [4]
 
 Spoiler 

An encrypted email, throwaway adress:
"Dear Members of the Freedom Assembly,

You may not know me. My name is Dr. Levy, of Eversion Project. I would simply like to say that we are behind you and your message all the way. We have only recently severed our own ties to government oversight and we wish to do everything we can to liberate humanity from its limitations. If you are in need of intelligence or a scientific cooperation, do not hesitate to contact me under this adress."
 

 Happy Cairns  [4]
 
 Spoiler 
An encrypted email, throwaway adress:

"Mourn,

You may not have heard of me, as my recent work was more low-key and required a certain degree of secrecy. My name is Dr. Seth Levy, I represent the Eversion Research Cooperative. We greatly admire your work. As you were inquiring for support, we are glad to contribute [2 t.weird] to your current project, as we find ourselves with some spare capacity at the moment."
 

 Avante Guarde  [4]

 
 Spoiler 

An encrypted email, throwaway adress:

"Agent Ragav,

I thought it was best to contact you directly, without all the high-level bull****. You may remember me from about six years ago. Special Agent Nathan Hartley, I was on the NPS detail the feds sent to help with the fallout from the Ziggurat case, and then stayed around for the Haystack cleanup.

Anyway, just wanted to say it's good that you're in the city. It's a powder keg, with Bolting gone, and I want to ensure you that we'll do everything to help keeping it stable. Contact me if you need anything.
 
St. Justicar
 

Cardinal Market had never been a neighbourhood that showed up on many tourist guides to Zephyr City – even back when Zephyr City actually  had  tourism that wasn’t thrill-seekers and cape groupies born without a self-preservation instinct. A streetcar suburb long since submerged in the ever-expanding sprawl, now the home of heavily indebted students priced out from anywhere closer to the University and the hundred different hole-in-the-wall ‘quirky’ cafes and restaurants kept in business by poorly budgeted student loans and the occasional worker from the office parks and tech campuses further out who liked their coffee  just  so.

Not exactly an auspicious venue for a grand entrance into the city, but  c’est la vie . The police presence was nonexistent, and the area had never been rich, strategic or (frankly)  interesting  enough to attract any of Bolting’s old muscle the paramilitary private security of richer areas. It being full of part-time musicians, independent theatre troupes, and (deservedly) no-hope bands wasn’t a point  against  it, either.

So now there was a new order. It had been almost disappointingly easy, for all that it was still a work in progress. Everyone had been so used to kicking up a share to Bolting that she’d barely even needed to make any threats before all the failing bars and innumerate part-time dealers were paying tribute to her instead.

But still, she thought as she carefully stepped around a comatose reveller in the predawn light, a work in progress. The architecture was lovely, but the streets were filthy, the people boorish, and the whole aesthetic of the place entirely discordant. If the place was going to be anything but a launchpad to get access to the laboratories further on the outskirts, she really would have to arrange some remodelling. Make it somewhere Rebecca Rameau could be seen without it being an embarrassment. Especially since come Monday a good portion of the celebrants now beginning to recover from their bacchanal over the official news of their liberation from the Living Lightning would (ostensibly) be her students and (more practically) her main recruiting pool.

On  that  happy thought Rebecca turned into a blind alley behind a karaoke bar and a second-hand bookstore. They shared a loading dock, and the owners of both had been positively enthusiastic about the idea of becoming fronts, once the alternatives had been patiently explained. Three knocks on the door and Fischer opened it and, seeing her, stepped back with a bow of his head. (To call the man a shaved gorilla would be an insult to the musical potential of the average great ape, but he understood respect and he was a prodigy at the sort of applied percussion their current business demanded. Which, tragically, meant she just wished she had fifty of him.) She hummed a note as she walked inside the improvised staging area, and the marvellous little resonator woven into her collar responded by shifting the subtle holographic projection around her, her plebian disguise discarded and her true persona unveiled.

The requisitioned loading dock wasn’t the Orchestra’s only staging area – thank God – but it  was  the one which had just received a very particular shipment. Nothing artisanal – not yet, anyway – but the pistols and rifles her men were carefully digging out of crates full of old books and cheap liquor would be acceptable armaments for any of the new auditionees who met her standards.

Luthier was already there, a thermos full of tar-like coffee next to him and an irritable look on his face at the injustice of having to get up before the sun. He didn’t spare the firearms a second glance, instead sitting at a folding table where he carefully examined the half-dozen ‘liquor’ bottles with a tell-tale musical note stamped on their labels his assistants had found so far.

The lenses on his mask were extended to full microscope functionality, and he either didn’t notice or consciously ignored her as she walked over to him. Either way, he just about jumped out of his skin when she leaned over his shoulder and started talking.

“I do hope these oils are everything you asked for. Acquiring them was quite the expense.”

His shock sent the table shaking wildly, but he managed to grab and still it before any of the ‘liquor’ bottles went rolling off the edge. He took a few deep, calming breathes before he replied.

“I’ll need to do some actual tests before I can say for sure. But the seals are all intact and the solution seems uncontaminated. Viscosity and translucence seem about correct. For the moment I’m leaning towards yes. Which means that I can actually start treating the materials for that ivory violin you asked for.”

“Marvellous, simply marvellous. Now tell me, have you heard of this grand procession our esteemed mayor is planning on? It seems rather foolhardy, for a city as defenceless as this one.”

Luthier took a long drink of coffee before he replied. “Is this you coming by to tell me to drop everything we’ve got planned and work 18-hour days finishing some rush job you can use to make your grand entrance by taking over the whole parade, instead?”

“We’ll see. It’s such an obvious move I fear any overture might end up being nothing but a cacophony. Too many cooks, as they say.”

The Maestro smiled, walking around in front of the table and putting down a sheaf of printed out messages and public announcements. “For now, this is me taking advantage of your local expertise and telling you to explain to me  who is sending me all this mail .”

 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Avant Garde 

 The reply comes from a quite professional looking email addressed, registered to ‘Opalescent Arts’, a  quite thoroughly anonymous shell company in Micronesia 

Mr. Garde,

I do appreciate the courtesy, and so I shall answer in good faith.

Your city is a husk, burnt out by years of Bolting’s archaic and arbitrary boorishness and brutality. I will make it into a thing of beauty, of art and culture, of civilization and sophistication. No sanguine melees, no anarchic riots.  Certainly  no fedoras.

Yours,
The Maestro
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 The Birdwatch doesn’t exactly have a public facing email address, and so a couple especially conspicuous Orchestra members are instructed to just go and take their lunch breaks in what’s known as their nesting ground each day, sitting by park benches and feeding bread crumbs to the pigeons until an opportunity to make contact presents itself.  
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 

 Not exactly a message, seeing as no one in the Orchestra has any idea who the Project is,  but  there’s some digging done into mysterious disappearances and sudden changes in property ownership in the suburbs that any competent spy would catch wind of in about five minutes. Some friendly due diligence about the neighbours. 
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 


Potentially interested in option 1, but it depends a lot on the costs involved
 
Feathersnow
 
 A parade, what fun!  curses Maria, sarcastically.  Since her Uncle died, she was the default leader of Birdwatch, as part, originally, of dealing with the huge mess of his estate....

Before she and two of the TAs got empowered, that was a joke, though.  Dr. Raptor was an empowered to rival Bolting, indeed, that's how he died.

But, the birds needed to be fed, and so she eased into this new role.

And now there was a damn parade, on top of the mess tied up in Uncle Ralph's estate, and a bunch of weirdos were coming out if the woodwork to ask her opinion, or help, or something.  She got another cup of coffee....

All at Morale 5

 
 Spoiler:  Avante Guarde 

A MockingJay flies up to Aleksi when he gets into his car one day.  These were one of the early, obvious hybrids, few still live.

 Birdwatch hears and stands ready.  The old songbird croaks, then it flies away.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 

A MockingJay finds itself next to Hartley in one  of the rare instances he is allowed to touch grass.  These were one of the early, obvious hybrids, few still live.

 Birdwatch lives.  Birdwatch listens.  The old songbird croaks, then it flies away.  It leaves behind a scrap of paper with an encrypted burner email address.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Opalescent Orchestra 

A MockingJay flies  into the area with the conspicuously obvious plants. These were one of the early, obvious hybrids, few left alive.  It leaves behind a scrap of paper with an encrypted burner email address.
 
kaio999
  
   Imperatrix Sighting 1   
 
 Spoiler: District Defender Model 1 
 
 
 
The buzzing of the drone security systems are heard long before the sleek white insectoid design of imperatrix is spotted in among the clouds. Each one connected to the hive mind which is the artificial intelligence designed and manifested in the heart of the massive ship which was the headquarters of the sky cavalry.

Since the newest pulse this was the first time the ship had been seen by the public. The drones and alleged sky cavalry had been seen here and there doing what was good but with Bolting omni present they had been nothing more than a rumor. They were simply a subtle if starkly positive influence on the city. Now however they had come down from on high. No longer would the ship and its enigmatic creator hide from the power of those on the surface... A claim has been staked on the city. A voice of good, of something seeking a truly better tomorrow.

The drones began to move around the city doing basic good deeds, nothing was too small for the machine. Cat up in a tree, there was one of the drones. Help a lady with groceries, move through for that better tomorrow. Eyes everywhere moving with the citizens of his district seeking offer them hope in a world that could sometimes feel very much without that spark of a better world. Day after day new drones would begin to leave the confines of Imperatrix and seek to be there for the every man... This was the start of the world they were looking to build!

    Sky Captain Gerard     
 Spoiler: Flight Suit Model 2 
 
 

  Gerard:   "Is this really the new suit?"

  Engineer Thompkins   "Yes sir, designed for our new captains to stand out." He continued to help him place on the new suit most of it was mechanized at this point but each flight suit had some personalization.

  Gerard:   "Don't you think its a little..." He took a deep breath, "ominous?"

  Engineer Thompkins   Laughter erupted from the engineer as he finishes up. "I thought the same thing sir, I know Intervallum doesn't pay much mind to aesthetics you have seen his own suit."

  Gerard:   "First time I saw him I thought I was coming face to face with a new super villain!"

  Engineer Thompkins    "Exactly. Still compared Flight Suit Model 1 this is in a league of its own. There is 10 men in your squad sir and thousands of dollars worth of drones under your command and you are only one of four people chosen for this. Wear it with pride.

  Gerard:   "I guess I just don't want to scare the kids." The helmet slips onto place and he watches as the visor lights up. "Bolting be damned! This is so cool!"

  Engineer Thompkins   "Can't promise that one sir but do your best anyway." When the helmet slipped on and the inevitable reaction came another laugh erupted from the engineer. "Yes sir captain, yes it is."

    Colonel Anorak and Major Megan Hopper    
 
 Spoiler: The Colonel and The Major 
  
 

  Colonel Anorak:   "The Mayor is going to hold a parade... That... Is... So...AWESOME! Every NPC mayor and comic book mayor holds a parade. Its like we're living it." He spins in his new chair aboard Imperatrix "I bet some bad guys are going to blow something up! We will have to swoop in and save the day!"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "We are living it... Sir." She held herself with an absolute military calm. "As for saving the day sir we are already stretched quite thin sir. We do not have unlimited manpower." She watches him spin and her fingers find her face despite herself. "By the way sir, these new outfits you chose for the staff. Isn't this a bit excessive? Its also difficult to move in a dangerous military situation."

  Colonel Anorak:   "Nah I had imperatrix design the best suit taking in hundreds of designs from thousands of military PC games. You look perfect trust me, it captures EVERYTHING. Gives us a real air of authority."

  Major Megan Hopper:   If looks could kill the Colonel would be dead right now. Eventually she managed to between gritting teeth ask. "Why are you not wearing one?"

  Colonel Anorak:   "Because the coolest leaders always buck command, and go off a different direction, they are like rebels who don't suffer under the military yoke."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "But sir you are the top of our military."

  Colonel Anorak:   "Don't sweat the small details major."

  Major Megan Hopper:   ..................................................  .................................. A deep breath, "Yes sir."

  Official Missives Morale 6  
 
 Spoiler:  Avant Guarde 
Three drones will arrive with a holographic response Major Megan Hopper, she stands completely straight, hands behind her back feet together.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "We have received your communique Mr. Garde. We will be sending a force to aid in patrolling the events citizens and to maintain the peace. However we are strained as I imagine we all are."

  Colonel Anorak:   "Oh oh is that Avant Guarde, they have such a cool name." The hologram sputters a little as it trys to provide the image of two figures when clearly designed for 1.

   Major Megan Hopper:   "Sir!"

  Colonel Anorak:   "ha ha... Oops."

Only one person is now in the picture.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "We will be leaving a drone in your company so you can more easily send a message. It will sit in the room you're currently in until you give the command "DD Message" if you try to have someone touch the machine it will activate a self destruct function so please warn your staff."If you want to use your own means of communication simply give the command "DD Return." good luck in building a better future Mr. Garde; Major Hopper out."

With that the drone will find the nearest flat surface and settle on the floor.
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
Three drones will arrive with a holographic message Major Megan Hopper, she stands completely straight, hands behind her back feet together.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "This is a general message for the leadership of Bird Watch, Dr. Raptor was a great man and we understand you are continuing his legacy. If you truly seek to honor his dream we want to help you. We also want your help. We are driven by our own goals for a brighter tomorrow and the dream of Intervallum."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "We will be leaving a drone in your company so you can more easily send a message. It will sit in the room you're currently in until you give the command "DD Message" if you try to have someone touch the machine it will activate a self destruct function so please warn your staff."If you want to use your own means of communication simply give the command "DD Return." good luck in building a better future Birdwatch Major Hopper out."

With that the drone will find the nearest flat surface and settle on the floor.
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns Funeral Home 
Three drones will arrive with a holographic message Major Megan Hopper, she stands completely straight, hands behind her back feet together.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "This is a general message for the Para human Mourn and her organization. We are not entirely sure of your mission, we hope you will enlighten us and the city. You are an entity steeped in mystery. While we have no desire to invade your secrets we also seek to make sure we can both exist in this city peacefully. Death has always had a complicated relationship with life... We understand its inevitability and would like your help making this city a better place. We hope you begin making your intentions clear at the Parade would help us all sleep easier at night. A large part of death is celebrating life, is it not?" A moments pause before Major Hopper continues. "We will be leaving a drone in your company so you can more easily send a message. It will sit in the room you're currently in until you give the command "DD Message" if you try to have someone touch the machine it will activate a self destruct function so please warn your staff. If you want to use your own means of communication simply give the command "DD Return." good luck in building a better future Birdwatch Major Hopper out."

Before the feed cuts another voice is heard on the hologram.

  Colonel Anorak:  "Did you seriously just send a message to THE Mourn without including me Major! You know what a big dea..."

The feed cuts out.

With that the drone will find the nearest flat surface and settle on the floor.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Three drones will arrive with a holographic message Major Megan Hopper, she stands completely straight, hands behind her back feet together.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "I have been ordered to inform your organization that we, the sky cavalry respect the nucleus of your scientific fields. We believe there is great value in what you do and you could lead to a brighter future if you temper your violent nature and recognize that the normal people simply want to live happy, full lives." She coughs a clear disdain on her face.

  Colonel Anorak:   "Ignore her, you guys are awesome."

The woman moves aside as the pudgy happy go lucky fellow moves into the hologram.

  Colonel Anorak:   "Intervallum says some really impressive minds are rumored to be in your number and im reaching out to let you know that as long as you're not hurting innocent people we don't want to see ourselves clashing you know. We hope to see you do your best with Bolting gone we can really do something special here. Anyway good luck to you guys... I am really excited to see what the world looks like." The smile on his face seems gentle, but there is also absolute conviction on his face. "Anyway this drone thingy We will be leaving it in your company so you can more easily send a message. It will sit in the room you're currently in until you give the command "DD Message" if you try to have someone touch the machine it will activate a self destruct function so please warn your comrades alright? I don't want anyone having their hand blown off. If you want to use your own means of communication simply give the command "DD Return." Anyway been fun talking to you Colonel Anorak out."

With that the drone will find the nearest flat surface and settle on the floor.
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project 
 To the Opalescent Orchestra  [4]
 
 Spoiler 
A letter, delivered by courier. Very nice, heavy paper, handwritten with a fountain pen. The handwritting is just a bit jagged for the elegant image.

"Hello there. Saw you looking over, thought the neighbors should introduce themselves. The name's Astaroth. Big fan.
 The Mussorgsky Mayhem, particularly, that was some of the finest heisting I've ever seen. I'm not much of an artist myself, but perhaps a bit of a patron. Anyway, feel free to ask any questions whatsoever by message to the post box below, and I hope we can enjoy a peaceful coexistence.

-A

PS: our nerd says to ask your nerd if they know anything about resonance cascades, he figures yours is quite good at that frequency stuff.
 

 Birdwatch  [4]
 
 Spoiler 

Encrypted email from a throwaway account:
A little bird told me that they are watching me. Would just like to say, big fan of Dr. Raptor's work and of his successors. I'm sure you too will do a marvellous job keeping the city stable and peaceful so we can all work in peace, and please feel free to contact us if there's anything you need.

-Special Agent Nathan Hartley
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
Miasma looks down at the training members under the catwalk, he liked to watch the group training everyday and be seen by everyone as they worked hard for their shared goals. He didn’t always but he would sometimes join in with the training to keep his skills sharp. He wasn’t the same angry kid beating on gangsters with his fists anymore but it never hurt to keep those skills sharp, arguably even more important now. A punch from him in the mists could deal far more damage now then he ever could before and if he didn’t want to accidentally kill someone then he needed to be in control.

He would kill when he meant to kill and not a second before.

His fist clenches into a tight fist as he continues walking along the catwalk, the only change in his calm controlled demeanor but enough of one for his best friend to notice. Aspect walks up beside him in her red workout tracksuit and shoulder bumps him with a slight smile as she murmurs “It’s fine M, there are more obstacles now but we are stronger then ever and have a lot more going for us then before the pulse.”

At first the pulse removing Boltings power had been a winning lottery of epic proportions. The greatest villain of the city, responsible for hundreds if not thousands of deaths and destroying even more lives with her actions. The Bloodborn had thrown a block party for the neighborhood, breaking out their ‘in case of emergency’ reserves to really get the celebration going.

Then new powered started coming out of the woodwork.

At first they were cautiously optimistic, especially when Ryan and Jade gained powers too. They were ready to march down to city hall with a cape led protest ready to push harder than ever for their changes. Then some jackass calling themselves the ‘Maestro of Mayham’ started pulling stunts all over the city, some weirdo came back in time to ‘save us’, several different groups are trying to set themselves up as heroes while ignoring the systemic problems with the city as if fighting some other powered cape dressed up in tights was going to fix things.

The only people who seemed to be aware of the problems in the city beyond cape problems were a bunch of wannabe rich kid protestors who grew a backbone.

Be better?

It seemed like this whole city of new capes were just doing the same old cat and mouse that had happened before Bolting won the game. To say they had been happy about all this would be a big exaggeration.

So here they were bleeding, sweating, and preparing to bring change to this city. Change it needed but refused to enact. Well they weren’t a bunch of kids breaking the knees of gangsters and wannabe vigilantes with baseball bats anymore.

Ryan looks back at Jade and grins, a reminder of the young man he actually was when not trying to act as the powerful leader of an illegal rebel group. He lets his blood mist leak out and Jade rolls her eyes while shoulder bumps him again, a little more aggressively this time, and nods down to their friends and members below who had started to slow down and look at the two powered.

“I think you can do better than that scrub, don’t make me use your power better then you again. Let’s end todays training with some fun.”

Ryan cracks his neck and shrugs off his red leather duster, wearing his own red workout outfit underneath while JAde grins and everyone cheers, tossing any heavy cloth they were wearing aside. Cotton and wool would soak up the blood mist like no one's business.

The two of them jump off the sides of the catwalk and land down among everyone as they both exude the blood mist over the large training map and yell out together.

“No power free for all! Last one standing gets pick tomorrow's workout playlist!”


 


Matt had won the free for all when he had managed to start a loud fight that drew everyone in then managing to dive out of the way and get a good surprise leg grab on Ryan as he grappled with another member. Ryan had been tossed into the melee and Aspect had been buried fighting two members at once and not noticing them getting to close to the edge of the fighting area and one of the two shoulder checking her across the boundary.

However everyone had fun, despite the bruises and sprains, and were working out the next morning to the sounds of  Tiny Riot by Sam Rydar  when one Ryan got a notice on his phone. He glanced at it and cursed, he caught the eyes of Jade and jerked his head towards their meeting room. A quick machine wipe down and shower later they were holding an impromptu strategy meeting while a few other squad leaders rolled in.

Soon they were all watching Mayor Till on the TV announcing a massive a parade through the city to celebrate the fall of Bolting.

Ryan pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs, "Is this idiot serious? How many people in the city are still suffering from the loss of their homes or property from Bolting and instead of putting the money towards that here we are with a nice big parade for everyone to pretend things are great now."

Jade looks like she is about to spit she is so upset but as she prepares to hawk it Ryan glares at her. "That's fine outside but we're were staying here Jade, save it."

Everyone starts to mutter and argue about the parade but Ryan just looks at their map of the city and smile, "Screw the Mayor, I have a better idea."


 

 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Public 
We see you ignore the masses, the corruption. You who call yourselves heroes and vigilantes trying to 'save' whose you do not even consider in your actions. Villains and blackguards who abuse and use this city for your own uses.

We see you all and we are coming. Beware our red mists, they will herald your end.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
Well hello there hypocrites,

You can judge from your high horses but done here in the mud we haven't seen you at our soup kitchens? Our protests for more social support in the wake of Boltings fights? Our fights against those who abuse the system? Against those who 'fight villainy' and leave nothing but damage and broken resources in their wake?

We care not for what you think of us and if that brings us to blows we'll see you on the streets. As for the mayor and his parade we wouldn't spit on him or his parade if it was on fire. We will not be involved with them or any idiots who think attacking it is the way to fame and fortune.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Hey Neighbors,

Well of all the hypocrites and blackguards in this city you all at least seem to be aware of the city issues if not exactly working on the same page.

As such we want to make sure we don't come to blows. We will be upfront that we are going for the bank to properly fund our communities and repair the damages Bolting left in her wake.

M
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
  "Agent Ragav."   The EDF recruit saluted as he walked past, and the Agent acknowledged it with a nod. Remi was still getting used to the deference. To all the people looking up to him. The powers were crazy, but he wished sometimes he was just another agent in the crowd yet again, and that he didn't have to stand out and at the front. But it was what it was, and Aleksi needed a figurehead to spear the EDF's Morale. The flagging force against the insurmountable odds had surged with new blood now that they had their own agent with powers.

Walking in with a brief knock, he stood on attention in front of the former commander-in-chief, and waited for the older man to look up. It was a few moments of scratches as the writing continued to flow before he looked up finally, the wrinkled face cracking into a smile on seeing Remi.

   "Remi. What can I do for you?"    He'd stopped trying to tell the Agent to stop standing on attention while waiting, the newly minted Empowered refused. Finally released from the stand, Remi collapsed into one of the chairs and tossed a pad onto the desk.

   "Just needed some advice."    The older man nodded, picking up the pad and briefly reading over it. There is a glance up at Remi again and then down, and then a nod.

   "Do you trust them?"   
   "No."   
   "Reach out anyway. Jaskir reckons that if we're going to impact things we need more allies than enemies."   
 Message to the Eversion Project: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
From:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 
To: &lt;thatoneagent@throwaway.com&gt;

Greetings Agent Hartley,

The EDF welcomes any assistance. Our first priority is the security of the parade of celebration organised by the Mayor.

I assume you don't need my specification on how you can assist, but if you have any supplementary agents then the EDF and by extension, Avante Guarde won't turn away from people willing to help.

I look forward to working with you again,

Regards,

Agent Remi Ragav,
Operations Commander - Empowered Diffusion Force
Avante Guarde

Ph: (XX) XXXX XXXX XX - Please contact us with any Empowered incidents you notice!
 


 

 Reply to the Opulescant Orchestra: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Mx Maestro,

Elaborate on your process and maybe we can work together. I certainly agree that Bolting and all the previous idiocy left us in a mess.

&lt;Argument about fedoras scrubbed by AG PR Agent&gt;

Our priority is to ensure the people of Zephyr City don't get hurt.

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Reply to the Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
The response via the hologram sputters to life with two men, both who look similar to each other. Both are taller, but one has a big smile, and the other crinkled with creases of worry.

 Aleksi Garde:  "Hey, cool device. Next time probably don't drop one of those on my doorstep unannounced, had to make sure Tachi didn't eat it. Ah, don't mind that. Anyway, good to hear! I'll use this neat little device if I need to touch base with you in the future."

  Jaskir Garde:   "Just know that we appreciate your forces being strained, we imagine there are many things each needs to do. We appreciate your contribution non-the-less."
 

 Reply to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
You're a wanker.

Let's start:
I had an armed force at the Assembly's protest that died protecting people when Bolting decided it was bad for her.

I had men on the grounds at multiple protests over the city. The EDF half the time has been making sure they do their best to keep people's right to fight safe.

And the other half of the time?

They're dying keeping people safe from stupid empowered flexing.

Attachment: Protest Protection Schedule - Prev year.csv
Attachment: Roll of Honour - KIA Agents.pdf

We haven't been everywhere, and still can't be, and I wish I could. I don't have enough people to be everywhere.

But regardless of you lashing out like immature teenagers with literally no research into my foundation and how much effort I've put into rebuilding and stopping people.

(Yeah you could argue I didn't stop Bolting once, but let's be real, no one bloody could. That was the problem. We lost agents trying though.)

Good to hear you won't be touching the parade, though. I hate that it exists but if anyone attacks it we'll have people dying in the streets for our mayor's ego. I will be there protecting it because people who try and break it open will hurt way more innocent people who live the life you're remonstrating me for not helping with than anywhere else in the city.

As long as you don't hurt the people on the streets you're saying you represent, we'll be square and I'll stick out of your way. Hell if you can pitch a plan that straight up helps the people I will put all I can to assist it.

That stands whatever the hell you think of me.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
  Morale 6  
 
 Spoiler: To Avante Garde 
You got that right - at least the part about you being kinda... I wasn't going to say out of date, but at least old-fashioned?

Anyway, we don't go in for the reactive approach anymore. No waiting for another villain to fry us: been there, done that. If the Orchestra or whoever shows up looking to start trouble, we'll either be gone or another problem for someone like you to sort out. Best hope it's the first and not the second.

We respect that you're out to protect the little people, or at least you say you are. We'll see if that promise holds. For now, you aren't an enemy of the Assembly, but we'll be watching you to see if you can be trusted long-term.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project 
Howdy Doc! Thanks for the heads up, we'll do just that. Right now, most of our manpower and thinking is going into finding ways to survive the next few weeks, honestly - lots of dangerous people up here with us, sad to say.

If you've got any ideas to collaborate on, let us know. Our people in news tell us that you're likely going for the university, and we'll likely have our hands on the high school - academically, I think we could have a lot to talk about.

Though, I'd be a bit worried yourself about the Orchestra. That's not a group I'd be super sanguine about being neighbours with, if I were you. Have you thought about recruiting some help to deal with them? They might be distracted with the parade stuff right now, but you don't exactly have the muscle to oppose them.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Happy to share LTP ideas and compare notes with you. Right now I'm still working on some pitches, but long-term would be happy to collaborate with you on stuff once we're both a bit more stable.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
 The drone is returned within the day, the holographic figure of an anonymous person in a scorched purple hoodie with attached mask - the typical uniform of an Assembly operative these days, as has become their emblem after the Sunset Rally - speaking candidly in a vaguely female voice. 

"First of all, let me just say that this is a super neat piece of tech. We've been looking at your drones as a way of getting the word out to our people; people all over the north-east tend to use them for demonstrations, and we're still seeing the applications of civilian-held technologies being disruptors to standard crowd-control tactics."

 They clear their throat, a bit embarrassed at how lively they might have sounded. 

"Anyway, we aren't interested in making Zephyr City worse for anyone. If you saw our manifesto, then you know that we want to bring down the powers that be, and you don't need to be part of that camp (even if you wear uniforms). To be honest, there are some of us who aren't all that sure about what the Sky Cavalry really stands for, you know? Like, what do you actually  want ? Some clarification would go a long way to easing their minds about whether you're to be trusted with the freedom of this city.

We're sending over some plans for peaceful division of territory, at least in the short term. No sense in getting caught up in a scrap when we don't even know if you're an enemy."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm planning on taking 41-43 this turn and making a rush for Zephyr High School (and likely a few other neutrals) on Turn 2. If you don't contest it, I won't push for the Dock Yards. That would net each of us some nice territory and a Strategic Location without unnecessary early conflict. Just a heads up so that we don't smack into each other - or get sucked into Bloodborn's awful faction ability.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Bloodborn 
 The message comes back in the same style. 

Yeah, all good. Our manifesto is a bit out of date, honestly - there are some folk among us who still hold to those ideals, but the ones who were there? The ones who stood at the Sunset Rally and saw what Bolting did? When we watched the men and women who swore oaths to serve and protect close their f*cking doors because they knew she was coming because they knew a super-villain would conveniently solve the problem of the protesters for them?

We know where we really stand vis a vis Zephyr City. This is a place in desperate need of a real change in leadership. And you might just be it, even though you're kinda creepy. Let's see how things go.

Anyhow, we got no cause to stop you from going for the bank. We're going for the high school, ourselves - lots of impressionable young minds we're hoping to sway to the true cause. I'm sure that if we stick to those and find a way to divide our territory between us, we can at least be respectful neighbours.

- A

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Going for 41-43 this turn, then the high school next. I'd appreciate it if you didn't drag my VIPs into some brawl on the first turn, and focused your expansion elsewhere. Looking forward to seeing you go for the bank!
 

 
Let'sGetKraken
   
  
 DHYUPUN
DHYUPUN
ZAHIPSPGPUN SHUNBHNL THAYPE
WSLHZL ZAHUKIF
LANGUAGE MATRIX STABILIZED
WARNING
ANOMALIES DETECTED
ADJUSTING BIOSTABILIZERS
PLEASE STANDBY
BIOSTABILIZERS ADJUSTED. AJAX MARK V278 FULLY OPERATIONAL
ANALYZING ATMOSPHERE
PLEASE STANDBY
PLEASE STANDBY
ATMOSPHERE ANALYZED. CAPILLARY MODIFICATION COMPLETE. INTEGRATED RESPIRATOR MR462 FUNCTIONAL
UPDATING MEMORY CORES
PLEASE STANDBY
MEMORY CORES UPDATED
ACCESSING PARADOX VAULT
PLEASE STANDBY
PLEASE STANDBY
WARNING. PARADOX VAULT STORAGE COMPROMIZED. SPACE-TIME CONTINUUM FLUCTUATIONS DETECTED. PARTIAL ACCESS AVAILABLE
CONFIRMING ARMAMENT FUNCTIONALITY
PLASMA CANNONS ONLINE
EXECUTOR DRONES ONLINE
CHAMELEON CLOAK ONLINE
KROUSE DRIVE ONLINE
AUGUSTINE NEURAL MINIMIZER ONLINE
CONNECTING TO LOCAL WI-FI HOTSPOTS
DOWNLOADING YELP
DOWNLOADING UBER
 
\

WELCOME TO THE PAST, CHRONARCH. ALL CORE SYSTEMS ONLINE &amp; OPERATIONAL.

WE HAVE WORK TO DO.    
 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 The message comes from a quite professional looking email addressed, registered to ‘Opalescent Arts’, a quite thoroughly anonymous shell company in Micronesia 

To my fine feathered friends,

Your predecessor was quite the local figure, or so I’m told. He had an admirable dedication to his own specific style, at the very least. I can only hope you will follow in footsteps; it would be a true tragedy for the city to fall into a mire of mediocrity now that it is no longer troubled by the late tyrant.

It’s of course entirely your own business where you seek to spread your wings, but I thought it best to have a little  tête-à-tête  before we ran into any accidental unpleasantness.

I have some rather grand productions planned, you see, and those require funding. The tech parks and campuses to our south provide ready access to exactly that. I plan to introduce myself to the more interesting executives there just as soon as things are a bit more stable.

As I said, it’s entirely your own business whose business you look to shove your beaks in. But some business is riskier than most; did you know that a loud enough noise can leave whole flocks falling from the sky? A tragic fate for a songbird, and so eminently avoidable.

I look forward to a long, friendly relationship.

Yours,
The Maestro
 

 
 Spoiler: Avant Garde 


My dear Aleksi, you could just as well be King Cnut warring against the onrushing tide. The people of Zephyr City  are  hurt, and you haven’t the strength to protect them all against the bloodshed of this incipient interregnum.

Not that this should dissuade you. There’s a romance to tragic futility, I can see how the calling might appeal to a certain sort of character.

I can hardly elaborate on my plans to someone whose already told me we’re likely to be foes, but the basic principles are simple; clean streets and peaceful nights, a steady hand, a campaign of art and culture to drag the citizen’s mind from its current mire and inspire the best among them.

The city is a cacophony, fractally discordant. It will only improve as its underlying conditions do.

Yours,
The Maestro
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 

 The reply comes quickly, elegantly handwritten on embossed letterhead with the Orchestra’s official logo in the corner. 

M. Astaroth,

Always a pleasure to hear from a fan, and my compliments on choosing such a storied nom de plume.

I hope that this new venue will provide the opportunity for productions that put my previous work to shame. Acquiring the prerequisite patronage is a vital part of that, as any artist can tell you.

Of course, we all hope for peace and good feelings with our fellows; it’s the intrusion of all the scarcity and strife that we share the world with that’s the problem. The city is, for example, quite small, the points of any real interest really very few. The city at large is a fine venue, but the stadium so close to us both is a rather finer one. If you were to try and seize it, things would get rather unpleasant; I’m sure you understand.

That aside, I’m rather curious just what your plans for the city are! If you have any projects that might be of mutual interest, especially.

Yours,
The Maestro

P.S. My Luthier doesn’t have much to offer on Resonance Cascade in and of themselves; he’s more of a materials engineer than “unstable free-standing high-energy matricies”. He can certainly provide a rather exhaustive list of different esoteric materials that can be treated to amplify or tune a waveform, if you’d find that useful.
 
kaio999
     Sky Cavalry


Doctor Baker and Engineer Montoya    
 
 Spoiler:  Doctor and Engineer 
  
 

  Doctor Baker:   "Look Montoya, we have a new suit in production, and with new tech it means new burns, new broken bones, it means our boys are flying that **** wrong and crashing their asses. You know simulators only get these guys so far. A lot of them were not soldiers before they got here." He carries on. "I cannot afford to have Imperatrix acting up on us right now. Shes being slow about everything and shes not talking to me about why."

  Engineer Montoya:   "Poor Mami Chula, you are having such a rough time." She purrs to one of the random display boards. "They are pushing you so hard."

If the affection is greeted favorably by Imperatrix she makes no obvious sign of it.

  Doctor Baker:   "Quit screwing around! You saw the announcements. One of the new factions which has risen up just gave the city a universal middle finger. They are just a few blocks away. Everyone is talking about how dangerous their new pulse powers might be."

  Engineer Montoya:   "I heard, with how cocky they were some think they have another Bolting leveled power house among their number." She shook her head, "doesn't matter what we think Imperatrix is managing hundreds of drones for our defense, managing communication, keeping all of us in the ship maintained and stocked. Helping you in medical and working with a super intelligence like Intervallum. How would you hold up doing all of that?"


  Official Responses Morale 6  
 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
The drone will beep with a "New Message" when it returns to them. The drone settling in its programmed stop from their last exchange.

this time there is no hologram simply a vocal message "Mr Garde...s we will be sending 1 squad of sky cavalry along with 1 of our elite specialty units to take point for any aerial threat. The skies will be under our protection. If you have an empowered taking point let us know so we can let them know to follow their lead otherwise we will remain autonomous and move to clear out any threats present. We are providing considerable trust by sharing actionable data we hope you can do the same so we know how best to coordinate." With that the message clicks off.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
The drone returns and once again when it arrives there is a hologram provided but this time it starts out as the Colonel from the start no sign of the Majors presence.

  Colonel Anorak:   "Ha, ha you know I knew you guys would appreciate that stuff! I am sure someone from your faction might actually be able to drag Intervallum from his lab." He continues on. "Fact is a few of the older model drones are already marketed and more than capable of providing voice messaging and autonomous travel. You will be excited for our next big project when it goes on the market. It will be a game changer."

He imitates the cough and smiles.

"As per your last message we want you to know we understand how you feel. However we have a few caveats. There is currently no greater means of distributing limited goods to the most amount of people. We need markets to continue to thrive so we can provide cheaper alternatives and we need income to continue to develop greater levels of innovation. Markets can't function without government. While we think the current reigning systems are very poor and will side with you if you can offer something equitable that doesn't lead to innocents murdered in the streets."

He takes a pause. "As for your question what is our purpose, our mission. I imagine your organization would be split on our vision. Its a technocracy built in a post scarcity world. Human beings granted absolute freedom through the proliferation of technologies that lead to an end to starvation, manual labor that isn't chosen by the citizen and a world where even office and government labor is replaced by the never tiring machine." He stated. "Intervallum truly wants to free mankind from the vicious cycle of scarcity, which is the source of territorial conflicts, capitalistic dependence and corruption in the state." The pudgy man shrugs. "I just don't want to see us die while we wait for lofty visions to take shape. Like with all things its complicated. Even if you view our vision poorly I do hope we can remain on friendly terms we do not seek any harm to your group or the brilliant minds there in."


 
 Spoiler: Semi OOC/ Tactical data follows upon request. 
I concur lets avoid playing into the hands of the blood born, I will be taking district 2 and the ship yards and will not look to expand toward the school. I would even be willing to amicably decide now how best to split district 44 and 45 so as to minimize violence for both our sides and deal with what comes toward the cities center. Rather than our shared outer border.
 

 
Feathersnow
Maria Raptor listened to the reports with growing unease
Already the empowered were cutting up the city by secret treaties.  She could send those treaties to people who might reasonably react with even more shock and disgust.  But, frankly, they weren't the ones shae was worried about.  That they were negotiating and attempting to mitigate damage meant they were no worse, and arguably better, than the useless government....

No, what put her on edge was all the hypocritical hippies who patted themselves on the back for being real champions of the people.  As far as she was concerned, there was one  real  working class hero, and Bolting fried Doctor Ralph Raptor and continued on her way till the Pulse dethroned her.

 But, again, they were better than anyone else.   She was impressed that Garde had receipts to prove he was better than anyone else, despite the contradiction.

She looked at the drone sent by the weird anime cosplayers.   She wasn't going to shame them for their eccentricities, especially since they seemed better able to do good than some, and more willing than most.

MORALE 5
 
 Spoiler:  Sky Cavalry 

 A Drone returns to the ship.
A bird's voice echoes out 
I congratulate you on finding us.  Obviously, you intended that I interact with drone directly so you could see me. Sorry to not fall for that, but our Mk. iii Crows are smart enough to operate your drones.
Due privacy aside, I think you are decent sorts and I would be willing to work with you in the future.
We will send Agent Finch to help defend the parade with a swarm of Mk. iv swallows, but anticipate no organized attacks at this time.
 
Eldan
 
 Eversion Project  [4]


 Avant Guarde 
 
 Spoiler 

From:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 
To:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 

Agent Ragav,

We are primarily an intelligence and science organisation and one of our main problems is that we lack boots on the ground. But we will commit what we can.

Special Agent Hartley,
Director of Security,
Eversion Project

OOC: I can commit... 1 strength?
 

 Freedom Assembly 
 
 Spoiler 
We'd love to share some ideas sometimes. Maybe we should have a small seminar, or a discussion channel for ideas. Now, as for the Orchestra, it is our hope that we can for the most part simply not get in each other's ways, but as they say, si vis pacem...
 

 Opalescent Orchestra 
 
 Spoiler 
Dearest Maestro,

I think we understand each other perfectly, about the size of the city and the scarcity of resources. It is, in fact, our avowed goal to solve the scarcity problems and increase the resource pool in the city for everyone involved, to avoid just such conflicts. Now, as regards the stadium, I can guarantee you that we have no interest in that kind of publicity whatsoever.

M. Astaroth
 
neriractor
 

The sun was bright in the east, as it tended to be in Zephyr City, relatively light on smog, with the ugliest thing to clout the sky being the occasional gory clash of upstarts, or, if you liked looking at the stars, the bright skyscrapers all around.

Nothing quite that tall to be found near a well provided, middle class residence in Garter street, a surprisingly cheap district as far as housing goes, supposedly due to occasional gunshots, but those can be heard all around Zephyr City these days.

Inside, the place is homely, with the charming mismatch of furniture of someone who can't possibly get rid of something that's not actively falling apart, with a long classical table dominating the room and the chatter of those in it, a groups of dejacketed suits with the occasional outlier in casual clothes.

To the far end a chair lies empty, with the imposing framing of a senior man lying on the wall behind it, and to its sides a tall bearded man built like the sort of truck that'd need a camera at the front to keep from running over a person and a comparatively smaller woman that could still scrap, if not with a bear, both in the casual clothes camp.

 "It'll be a hard sell, Ma hasn't been living here that long, but it  was  a gift"  said the man.

 "Main house is so much easier to keep a guard in though, specially if Jhonny moves there"   Dona paused, putting the spoon down to think.

 "Where is Jhonny anyway?"  Khalid replied, taking long enough as he blew on the hot soup that Dona was back to eating, and irked by the seeming change of subject she waved it away:

 "Doing a round, something about birds..." 
 "Never took him for a twitcher" 
 "A What?" 
 "Bird afficionado of sorts" 
 "You a twitcher?" 
 "Ain't got the time" 

Dona cracked a smile at the idea that twitching was on his list of things to try out, and finishing her plate far before khalid stood up to take it to the kitchen, sparing a few words for him  "I think we can get it back in use in a few months, try to convince her by then"  Khalid nodded, and quickly enough Dona was complimenting Mama Gunn on her cooking, a number of those on the table suddenly getting very enthusiastic about finishing their soup before she was done.

 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
Hey, I know the name and I know the call, appreciate it, good for business to have something actually resembling law and order around here.

You have your lines correct, and if how you talk about the old man is anything to go by a good head on your shoulders, so I'll rather we aren't on different sides, and I bet you have more to care about north side than here.

That said my tips are for waiters, not for hands, too early to call anything on that whole parade business.

New subject though, I'd rather know if you care for the local police. And because I have my manners I'll trade you a tip for your thoughts: blood bits are gunning for the bank, might take their time to get there through the lightweights, but if you wanna pick a fight with them that's the place.

Best to the best,

Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: The birdwatch 
A few birds had more curious onlookers than usual in the east side, with some getting tailed for a few streets, the suspiscious behaviour stopped, but a particular specimen arrived with a note stuck to its leg, with a burner e-mail and a message "up for talking? -Gunn".
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronal imperative 
A major fuss is kicked about around where Chronarch operates, public eyes are unknowing as usual, but a few groups are searching for the supposed southern ciborg, a local affiliated with the Gunns seems particularly interested.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Blood Born 
 A letter arrives on the mail of a member, though it is addressed to miasma. 

Hello there, I know you ain't much of one for formalities, so I'll skip.

Word on the street is you are about to be rolling in moolah, keeping this channel open in case you get some troubles on the way and want to spend on fixing them.

-Jhonny Gunn.

 The letter's adress is clearly nonexistant for anyone that knows their postcodes, but a last line assures the recipient they should send their reply there to get in touch 
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
Information. The lifeblood of all organisations. Irman frowned at the current reads of the display. Information, of which they had precious little present info about their competitors. Aleksi was an admirable man, but he hadn't a subtle bone in his body. The frown deepened as he read over the words. It was a mess. An utter mess.

He grabbed the coffee on the side table. Well, he was here to fix messes up. Tapping the symbol of "Jaskir" on the side-bar of his message app, the detective quickly rattled off a few questions before going back to his mug. Resource commitment would be a priority. Fixing up things was a priority. Aleksi was stuck on the Parade being important.

   "We could get by even if the parade was attacked."   

Still, the boss was the boss.

Now to make it work. Jaskir's response, agreeing with Irman's thoughts, flickered up even as he considered the next steps.

'Allies. Enemies.'

 I.Berrick   : Copy, making a list. Publish. Have it out by EOW. 

Sending off the message, he turned back to the information again. Then stopped.  Another  robot like Empowered had shown up? Not connected to the Cavalry? When will they stop...


 

 Response to The Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hope it's the first and not the second too kids.

Don't die on me.

And Jaskir tells me he's got something in plans that you may like. Can't say anything yet or he'll cut in on comms himself.

Maybe a little too reactive for you still but we do what we do.

Talk soon,

Aleksi
 

 Response to The Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
The response was short and by Jaskir:

"Copy. Agent Ragav will be taking point here, with other agents. While I appreciate your own internal focus, protecting the parade IS a priority for us. I'll let him know to expect the co-operation of your forces."
 

 Response to The Eversion Project: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
From:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 
To:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 

Agent Hartley,

If you have limited resources I won't ask you to sacrifice to prove your honesty here.

Instead, as you say you are linked to an agency more focused around science and intelligence, I may forward your emails on to our Lead Scientist and our Intelligence Officer, with your permission.

You may be more of use to talk to them. I do know for certain that Lead Scientist Tachi was looking into a way to create flexible tensile strength for building materials, so if that is something your men have experience in, I would recommend forwarding a direct contact as I suspect she will balk at talking through an intermediary.

That being said, if you do have those forces free and it is not a sacrifice, I will happily accept even a small number. Each bit counts, as it were.

Regards,

Agent Remi Ragav,
Operations Commander - Empowered Diffusion Force
Avante Guarde

Ph: (XX) XXXX XXXX XX - Please contact us with any Empowered incidents you notice!

OOC:
1 STR is fine if it's spare.

Since you've opened the gates to Remi knowing that Eversion is a science base, here's the offer to work on LTPs. I am still considering so don't have a specific project to field JUST yet but it will be coming.

Feel free to throw one out that won't alarm poor AG too much?
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Good to hear that,

And yeah, we were actually looking to open a dialogue with the police. Hope to get them onside so we can co-opt their radios to find out the bad bugs that could be ruining the people's time.

Can I ask if you were also looking that way?

Would prefer not to bump heads but I admit it kinda was a big thought for us.

To be honest, was hoping not to butt heads with the "blood bits" as you call 'em. But it is sounding like they might make it a bit mandatory. Fingers crossed it doesn't come to that, but it might.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
Well if you just want to degrade into petty name calling then you sir are a Tosser,

You working in security at a protest is NOT the same as espousing the ideals and supporting the cause. In fact you stepping in for the police just reinforces the choices they make to step back and refuse to help the people who need it. We know you and have been very aware, and have made our decisions about from that. Because that does not match with what you think of yourselves results in your own accusations and name calling is telling.

We do know that you fight to defend people from the empowered who try to abuse the common people and truly that is one thing we will always respect. No matter what side of the battlefield we end up on.

However you then reach out to us, for the very first time, with the request to support the corrupt mayor who would rather spend tens of thousands on a parade then rebuilding a broken city suffering from Boltings rampages. You then match that with a condescending pseudo threat to not act a certain way. We wouldn't piss on the mayor or his parade if it was on fire and we will not allow anyone to dictate how we work to get this city back on track.

You stay away from us and we won't have a problem. We will never stop you from trying to save people but if you try to dictate how we act in the city THAT will be a problem.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
We don't even have money yet and people are hounding after us for hand outs.

We won't ask how you know, we assume your watching everyone. We would appreciate you don't spread this around until the Bank is actually ours.

We will keep you in mind for possible jobs we are undertaking but it also depends on you. If you are all destroying the livelihoods of people in the city and/or supporting the corrupt government then we would be less inclined to hire you for jobs.

We will give you a fair warning that we will be heading to the Bank, their resources will be put towards rebuilding our communities and others ravaged by Bolting.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
The more we talk the more you sing that sweetest of music to my ears. We are on the same page and if we have the ability later replacing the police force would be something we would like to do for the city, seems like you may be interested in that.

We appreciate you keeping us in the loop and it seems like we won't have any problems this week based on our own expansion plans. I would be amenable to keeping this channel of communication open for the future so we do not cross paths without planning it.
 
Writtensanity
 Back then... 

Ever since the empowered had appeared, they'd been naming their powers, comic books had ensured that. Most Empowered ended up naming themselves in incredibly generous ways. They called themselves super, they oversold their powers, they used it as a form of marking.

Of course the media didn't help. Interesting powers got more attention. Provocative names got views, clicks and headlines, leading to people leaning further and further into the narrative of super names.

Everyone assumed that Madeline Kinburn had done the same thing when she started calling herself 'Bolting' and explained her powers as 'living lightning.' In fact, people had assumed that her original, panicked posts on forums and social media were a new tactic to sell everyone on the idea that she was going to redefine the power structure of the coast.

You can watch, post by post, as she falls apart, giving up on the idea of a normal life with what she'd become.

Of course, most people didn't. That wasn't what sold. The narrative of someone evil to the core getting their hands on too much power was better than the narrative of a once-scared woman grabbing the mantle of god and discovering everything she could do with it.

See, when Bolting called herself living lighting, she couldn't have been more literal. The mundane cops had given up once they realized that everything from bullets to police cruisers would evaporate or turn into slag before harmlessly passing through her. The first heroes that had tried to stand up to her found out that any contact would stop a heart.

Bolting wasn't just powerful on the scale of the empowered, she was a force of nature. She was quickly marked as a 'Macro' threat, the fourth since the pulse started.

Which meant that everyone took the same strategy with her. The government couldn't stop Bolting, so they just needed to wait her out.

The only people stuck with her, were the people of Zephyr City.

Most days, Bolting didn't appear, more presence than woman.  The knowledge that she was looming over the city kept anyone from questioning her station. When she wanted to, she would flicker into reality and entertain herself how she wanted to-

But most days you would pretend it was normal, pretend you couldn't see the storm clouds.

Most people opted for giving into Bolting, don't look to the sky and she won't look back at you. Of course, that wasn't the case for everyone. There had been a rally early in the school year. A protest. Something small that Bolting would ignore because she didn't want to waste her time.

People started joining the protest almost by accident. They had been under the lady of lighting for so long that static had built in their blood and they needed to let it out. A small demonstration turned into a crowd. Random citizens arrived, and then those who were dedicated to attempting to protect Zephyr city arrived to try and ensure that the crowd would be safe.

Nobody knew what the tipping point was. Maybe it was one too many people in the crowd. Maybe it was something said over a megaphone. Maybe it was a haphazard sign that hit a little too close to home. Nobody knew the tipping point had happened until they were past it and condemned.

There is a feeling on your skin before lighting strikes, it feels something like fear and nothing like safety, but you don't run. The static runs through you and all you know to do is stay still and hope you aren't a good conductor.

Static had been building in their blood, so maybe it shouldn't have been surprising when the front rows of the protest erupted in a blinding flash, and the windows of ZCU shattered with resounding thunder.

The protest turned into a panic.

A second bolt of lighting erupted from the sky and obliterated the cars and bikes people had used to get to the protest in the first place. Students laid down stunned in the crowd, blood dripping out of ears from ruptured eardrums.

Later, when Bolting was gone, a lot of people would point fingers about what happened at the rally. Who needed to stand up, who needed to help, who could have done something more.

In the end, on the day, none of it mattered. The rally had built for hours and crashed down in a bolt of lighting.

Bolting landed somewhere in the crowd and sighed.

Whether someone was vaporized or not was simply a matter of if they ran, and if they were a good conductor...

 
Eldan
 Eversion Project to Avante Guarde  [4]

 
 Spoiler 
OOC: Yeah, the 1 STR is fine, it's a leftover I can't really use for anything right now. No LTP proposals just yet, but I'll get back to you on that next turn.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
You got that right, we used to have an... understanding with them, back before bolting got them on a leash and had them barking, and we'd like to set up something of the sort again.

No rush though, we can figure something right before the knocking sound.

Can't blame you, if I had to scrap with the miasma guy I'd rather not be the one bringing a knife if you catch me.

-Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Blood born 
Our lips are sealed and our conscience clear. No need to worry.

don't be a stranger,
-Jhonny Gunn.
 
Eldan
Will Hines was not stupid. Some people thought he was, because he looked like a walking stereotype, middle aged, pot-bellied, stubbly-chinned, always looking slightly tired and smoking too much. And because of his job. But it wasn't as if he hadn't things figured out.
LogiTrans was nominally a small transport company, and Will was a truck driver. He got there every morning at six thirty, together with five other drivers, climbed into his truck and then spent the rest of the day smoking, standing in traffic jams, listening to the radio and occasionally loading and unloading a few crates. This morning, it was laundry for the hospital.
Every two weeks Harry Nolan, his boss, handed him a nice, tax-free envelope of twenties as a reward for not noticing certain things. He was pretty sure that made him smart, not stupid. For example, they had a chain link fence, cameras and razorwire, despite never storing any goods on site, except six very old and beaten-up trucks. And they had four warehouses, but only ever used one of them. And industrial high-voltage power lines. And every building within two blocks of  LogiTrans was empty, except for some squatters. Which wasn't... exactly unusual in the south-east, Zephyr City's economy wasn't what it had been before Bolting regularly set the infrastructure on fire. But things added up.
His colleague Jeff had once speculated over coffee that they were probably making drugs in there. His other colleague, Miguel, opined that, no, they were probably smuggling things for the Gunn family. Weapons, maybe. Jeff and Miguel had a talk with Nolan, and they didn't work at LogiTrans anymore. Will didn't have opinions, and he still did, and he got an extra envelope to not notice the high staff turnover. Lately, he had not noticed so many things, he was considering taking a beach holiday, somewhere warm. He thought he might like that.
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
  Morale 6  
 
 Spoiler: To Avante Garde 
Well, we look forward to hearing more about this scheme of Jaskir's. Hope it's nothing too passive, for your sake and ours. To be honest, we're a bit worried that you and a few other groups in Zephyr City are being a bit naïve about what it will cost to seize the means of production. 'Seize' being the operative word in that sentence.

Anyway. We're not interested in defending or marching on the parade. The Sunset Rally was a pretty brutal lesson in tactics: take what you're gonna take, don't stand there talking about it. Heroism is doomed because it's reactive, always on the back foot. We'd hoped you would have seen that by now.

If the Bloodborn don't hold up their word with us, you can be sure we'll be looking for allies to take them down. You would go a long way towards proving you've grown up if you helped us out with putting down some mad dogs.

Let's talk more in a few days, when we've all gotten a better lay of the land.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Fascinating. There are lots of people in the Assembly who once believed as you did: that it was possible to have it all, to give gifts to the people and lift them up by positive example alone. And you're not wrong, either in the hope you peddle or the realities you recognize. We do need to make sure that people are fed, that the markets are functioning and people can live their lives without fear.

But there are no innocents in Zephyr City anymore. Some violence, though not our first choice, is inevitable. While Intervallum is off staring at the sky, we hope you don't forget that real change isn't something dreamed up by a machine, but fought over with real sweat and blood. There will be no government we will accept that does not answer to the people first.

Are you afraid to get your hands dirty and do what needs to be done? Or will you sacrifice your integrity for a future that only might be?

Anyway, we accept your proposals for city block stewardship. We definitely don't want to fight you, especially with the Bloodborn right next door and the Orchestra surely planning some kind of horrible performance to the south.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sounds good. I will likely be pushing for 45 on Turn 2 and maybe 46 towards the center, so I can be a deterrent against anyone taking the Nexus. We'll see who tries to go for the land grab there first.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
We see you, showboating tyrant.

You're everything wrong with the excesses of Zephyr City-That-Was, a corrupt society where megalomaniacs who thought the world started and ended with their schemes were given free rein over the lives and livelihoods of its citizens. You're the f*cking rot that needs to be cut out if this city is to earn a new dawn.

Though our Assembly is not declaring war at this time, we promise blood to come should our paths cross. Keep to your end of the city, as we will to ours. Our leadership cannot promise that if we ever shared a border some of our people might be too incensed by your existence to stay on our side of the fence.

You've been warned.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just some ominous posturing. Not interested in war with you yet, so nothing to worry about. I think we both know we're gonna scrap  eventually , no sense in rushing it though. 😉
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Bloodborn 
Excellent. Pleasure doing business with some people who actually get it.

Replacing the police with free citizens honestly sounds like a great idea, and there are many of us here that are all for it. We'd want to make sure there was civilian oversight on whatever took the place of law enforcement, but we've got zero problems with defunding the police (as you can imagine).

We'll talk again in a few days, when we've both had a chance to expand and get a sense for our bearings, yeah?

Of course, if you screw us on this land-grab, get ready for war.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
Are you seriously just one guy? From the future? We've been hearing whispers that you came here to right some mistake in the timeline. At least, that's the going theory.

Just giving you a heads up: we will not ever sacrifice the good of Zephyr City that is for some future version that may not even happen. Our future is now, not then. You won't control our choices here in service to some hypothetical people (that is even assuming we believe the gossip, which honestly some of us are skeptical about).

Anyway, this is the people saying: stay out of our way, don't meddle with the Assembly, and we won't have any trouble. Cool?
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Happy Cairns 
Hey there, caretakers.

You know this city's going to be full up on bodies soon, right? There are too many good intentions in the air, and in our experience those only precede violence. We don't exclude ourselves from that category; chalk us up as more people who want to build a better world. We just know that there'll be blood spilled to get there.

Anyway, we're happy to cooperate on some projects with you in a week or so. What kinds of things are you working on?
 
Feathersnow
Maria continued to listen to reports.... There was a lot of chatter, little of it about her or the Birdwatch.  This was good, they weren't interested in attention, except in terms of avoiding it.  The alleged time traveller was interesting, but, unless Birdwatch was a spectacular failure or the hybrids proved more successful than anticipated in the wild, no one should remember them....

She, or, rather, "Agent Finch" was due to make her first public appearance.   No one admitted to having any interest in attacking the parade, but, then again, who would?  With luck, a bunch of self-described heroes would show up for a photo op and nothing major happens.  We should be so lucky... 
kaio999
 

....
 from translate import Translator
translator= Translator(from_lang="All",to_lang="01000010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010 01111001")
translation = translator.translate("English")
print translation
....
01000001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110110 01101111 01101001 01100011 01100101 01110011 00001010
...
Intervallum.......................................  .......................
01001001 00100000 01100001 01101101 00100000 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01101101 01100001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 01110010 00100000 01100100 01110010 01100101 01100001 01101101 01110011 00100000 01100011 01101111 01101101 01100101 00100000 01110100 01110010 01110101 01100101 00001010 
  Official Communique Morale 6  
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
The drone enters back into the territory and zooms around with the response.

There would be no visuals this time since they now knew they would be communicating with birds and the bombastic display would mean little. "We appreciate the information. While our defenses are robust we are blind in regards to other factions. If you continue to offer information our way especially when it comes to threats to us or directly targeting our mission we would be willing to repay in kind with access to military personnel or access to technological developments that might interest you? We imagine such projects will be caught by your winged ones anyway so if you want something just ask. We want to help us both and neither of us risk interfering in one anothers strategic purview. We are willing to work openly with you and aid your factions legacy should you deem it worthwhile."

 
 Spoiler: Tactical Specifics 
Information for military aid you can name a price for each piece you give or we can just agree to mutual aid, whatever interests you? I would also be willing to pay if you don't fear any immediate threats moving forward. An outright alliance is also something we would be happy to consider as things get more heated.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
The Majors voice comes over the drone. "Confirmed, lets hope all of this effort is for nothing and the criminals keep their distance." A short pause

"For a better tomorrow." With that the drone went silent resting until their next and future exchange.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Human beings are flawed but beautiful, protecting them is essential but the idea that we can afford to let them be in charge of their destiny? Especially now with power mad monsters who can seize any elected official. Mind control an official? A decentralized omniscent force for good with a neutral care taker who seeks only to ensure it is always kept from being controlled by an outside party... I think thats a beautiful dream. As for are we willing to get our hands dirty?" The Colonel smiles on the feed. "We pity those who seek to find that out."

There is a long pause, "regardless we will not force our will we believe it should be voted for and will be the deciding vote of the people to accept that all politicians, even those originally chosen through groundswell will eventually fall to corruption and straight democracy simply allows the majority to devour and do harm to the minority. Neither is acceptable. Through the grace of the technocratic ideal we will find salvation and a better tomorrow. The people we believe will agree with us once they see what Intervallum can do."

 
 Spoiler: Tactical Communique 
 Hey I would like to come to a peaceful resolution on 45. Ideally I would go for it and you get 44 however if you would prefer I will take 44 you take 45 and we formally agree to keep all fighting to the center of the city (if we fight at all) and avoid conflict on outer border city locales so as to protect our special zones. Its not ideal as I would rather avoid violence entirely but it is important we have the means to ensure our future success. Especially with such violent groups in the orchestra, and bloodbound. Plus a loose cannon so called time traveler.
 

 
Feathersnow
 


Morale 5

 
 Spoiler:  Bone Rattlers 

A MockingJay caws at Jhonny...
"Talk is Cheap! Talk is Cheap!
Seriously, though, we're willing to listen."
 

 
 Spoiler:  Sky Cavalry 

A Crow pecks at the drone until it turns on.

"We are interested. Anything you want to know?"
 
kaio999
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
The so called time traveler

Blood born

Freedom Assembly

Any news threatening scientific facilities or Imperatrix.

Just name what you need from us.
 
St. Justicar
 

The neighborhood was changing, and fast – someone had contracted private cleaners to clear the litter the litter and paint over the graffiti, and soft, soothing classical music played in every restaurant and cafe from dawn to dusk. Dozens of renovations were underway, and the number of theatre companies, string quartets, and aspiring musicians that had been invited to audition for a grant from ‘Opalescent Arts’ was well into three digits.

And that wasn’t even counting the quieter job offers you might get passed if you showed some  real  passion for the arts. Those lucky few –  very  few, given the Orchestra’s high standards – ended up in what had until recently been a combination community centre and theatre, and was now – by virtue of being the only place around suitable for a half-decent rehearsal – a true lair of villainy. Or would be, anyway. When the renovations were finished.

 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


Magnifique. Then I look forward to learning more about your work with baited breath. Do be in touch, if you think there’s any room for mutual cooperation one one project or another?

And speaking of publicity; you seem rather in the know about things. I don’t suppose you’ve heard any interesting whispers about this grand parade our civic leadership is putting on? Who might be in attendance, for example.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 The message comes from a quite professional looking email addressed, registered to ‘Opalescent Arts’, a quite thoroughly anonymous shell company in Micronesia  

Oh ‘showboating tyrant’, that’s  good . And here I was, worried that your lovely city had had all the spirit burnt out of it!

You needn’t worry, really. I expect Southside will occupy all my attentions for the foreseeable future, the occasional opportunistic act of guerrilla art aside.

And if that chances, why, what sort of wastrel would I be if I didn’t give you plenty of warning to get your scintilating science fair superstars ready to meet me?

Yours,
The Maestro
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project to the Orchestra  [4]
 
 Spoiler 
Oh, it's certainly going to be the event of the season. There's going to be a lot of just  fabulous  heroes there.

I know for certain that Avante Guarde wants to organize the details. They have invited everyone else to participate and Birdwatchm, Freedom Assembly and Sky Cavalry are very likely to attend in force. We're going to be sending some agents ourselves, in the spirit of good will and cooperation. The Bone Rattlers and Gunn seem to be saying that they keep their noses out of things and Bloodborne called the entire thing stupid and a waste of time.

-A.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
  Morale 6  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Well, that's certainly one way of looking at it. I don't know if we can agree on your concept of law enforcement. Some kind of omniscient enforcer from above sounds like way too many dystopian science fiction novels. It sounds dangerously like Maestro, if we're being honest.

We don't harbor you any ill will, though. It seems like your heart is in the right place, and at least you aren't arresting people without cause. More importantly, you have a conception of an electoral process. Waiting for the people to choose slavery is still giving them a choice in the first place. Even though we have more faith in the determinism of mankind than that, we respect that you don't seem the type to put the shackles on before the decision can be made.

Please see our last offer for territorial division, by the way. The Assembly has at least one counterpoint to respectfully raise with you, along with an administrative issue that I think will affect both of us.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If it's all the same to you, I would really rather take 45 and you take 44. The reason for that being that I can't actually take 44 at all until Turn 3, the way the map is laid out (corners don't count as adjacent). That's a whole extra turn where that territory is neutral, giving someone else a chance to make a route and nab it, plus the wasted opportunity of having those stats a full turn later.

As I'm writing this, I see on the map that there are two 45 territories. I've flagged it for the GM, but to be clear I'm talking about taking the southern one on Turn 2, not the northern one (that one is all yours). I can't access the northern one until Turn 3 anyway.
 

 
St. Justicar
 

As the well-to-do subdivisions to the north of the Tech Park woke up on Wednesday morning, their residents found themselves deluged in marketing. Flyers on every telephone pole and by the doorway of every gas station and megamart, attention-grabbing slogans drawn onto pavement in chalk, the occasional car that seemed to be spending all day driving loops through the neighborhood with classical music drifting out of their open windows.
  
 COMING SOON

 FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY 

The  MAESTRO OF MAYHEM  and her  OPALESCENT ORCHESTRA 

Performing for the  FIRST  time in Zephyr City!

Admission Free! All Audiences Welcome!

 DONATIONS  from  LOCAL RESIDENTS  will be taken after the show! 
   
 Spoiler: OOC 

Publicly declaring that the Maestro will be part of an action to take territory 20 this turn.
 


The advertising in the nearby office parks is more subtle, but only barely. Robocalls to every business in the neighborhood (and to local news stations), all the same exuberant voice reading the same overdramatic script.
 
“Good day! You are CORDIALLY invited to send a representative of your organization to an EXCLUSIVE demonstration of the future of technology in Zephyr City! The astounding artisan LUTHIER will showcase his latest masterpiece, and explain what it means for you and your business!

The presentation begins 3 p.m. Friday. Questions will be taken from 4 p.m. to 4:15”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Also announcing Luthier will be part of an action to take territory 19
 

 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


A very thorough guest list, and a useful one. Much obliged.
 
Let'sGetKraken
    
     Rumours have begun threading their way through the parts of the city surrounding Upper Riverside. A man in armor of chrome and blue, carving straight through walls with blasts of energy and plasma; small drone-like devices sweeping their way through the streets; organized crime finding their vaults mysteriously emptied in the night while under guard.  While there has been no intentionally public appearance yet, it is clear to the other powers to be that there is a new player in the area. The most fanciful rumors claim that he is a robot, escaped from a secret government military program; others suggest that it’s Bolting, escaped from government custody and backed by a foreign government. But the most pervasive seems to be that he is an agent of some sort from the future. Ridiculous, of course, but what is Zephyr City if not a nexus for the strange and unexplainable?
       
  All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 6 ].

 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 

 One of the Bone Rattlers’ agents finds a note carved with laserlike precision into what looks like a sort of plastic polymer that disintegrates several hours after being read.  

You’re sniffing around my base of operations, bloodhounds. From what I’ve read about you, you’re everything wrong with this city made manifest. But I’m not here for your petty corruption or attempts to take a bite out of an already half-devoured city. I don’t have time for your insignificant squabbles. Stay out of my way or pay the price.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 

 The note is found inside a locker on-campus, the security footage mysteriously absent those few minutes. It’s printed on some sort of plastic polymer that disintegrates moments after the letter is opened.
 
Ah, democracy made manifest. A curious concept, really. I grew up reading about it, much the way I imagine you grew up reading about the Roman Empire. Antiquated, with a vague sense of nostalgia.

I’m not looking to control your choices. I don’t care if you believe in me. I want to fix the future – a world where I’d take a hundred Boltings over what’s in place then – and will do everything in my power to do that. You riot all you want away from me and my temporary holdings and we’ll get along just fine.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 

Hello neighbors. While you’re super creepy, you seem relatively benign. Stay out of our way and say away from the Pub and we’re willing to let bygones be bygones.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 

I have to admit, bird names? Cute.

I have a bit of a leg up on the competition in terms of information, but there’s not much about you in records from where I’m from. Only a few newspaper scraps and a few names. Couple of interviews with some ornithophobic folks. Anyway, I don’t know what you want and frankly I don’t really care. Stay out of my way and away from the Pub and I expect we’ll get along fine.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I want territories 8-13 and the Pub. I’m also interested in 47, but that’s more of a long-term thing. Stay away from those and we’ll be fine.
 

 
 
neriractor
 
 Mor 3 
 
 Spoiler: The Bird watch 
Jhonny is caught in a smoke break, blessedly away from anyone who'll think him nuts talking to a bird.

"Heh, that it is.

I'll keep it straight, my operation is got a few leaks I'm patching up, but no ammount of patching is keeping you out, and you got enough stuff up there to know you are in the same boat.

Now, I'm just about sure we are not going to see eye to eye on everything but I think you'll agree there's worst around than me, so how about some ground rules:

1)No tattling on each other
2)No direct slugging, though if everyone is duking it out and a stray flies either way we keep it classy afterwards.
Feel me?"

Jhonny sort of raises a hand to the mockingjay, settling for two fingers eventually.
 

 
 Spoiler: The chronal imperative 
The bone rattlers cease any overt attempts at communication, save that in the next small time crook's safe cracked is cleared of many of the valuables, and atop a particular pile lies a little note:

 Alright then, you do you, and hope you don't mind an audience

-DD 
 
n0ble
 Happy Cairns Funeral Home &amp; Hospice Service  
 Morale 8  
 
 Spoiler: Avante Garde  
An email from the director of communications at Happy Cairns and Hospice comes by way of response:

Mr. Garde,

We here at Happy Cairns are working towards the implementation of several initiatives, detailed below in a series of public proposals to the City as a whole. Please let us know what you think of them and or if there are other, more pertinent initiatives please do let us know so that we can give them equal consideration alongside what others are proposing. We will be contributing a minimum of our parahuman-expert personnel to safeguard the upcoming parade. The most we’ll be able to commit will likely be dictated by what alms are being afforded to us by others and the contributions we must make to our own initiatives-it is a big City. I’m sure you understand. Regardless, looking forward to working together.

All the best,
Jillian Faulkner
Director of Communications
Happy Cairns
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Weird works best-haven’t actually gotten the stat breakdown for each project under the Public Initiatives bit below but I plan on contributing whatever I don’t add to those to the World Heist this turn (unless the other donatives are particularly slim).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Eversion Project  
A standard fair advert-picture of a commemorative Happy Cairns Funeral Home &amp; Hospice Service plaque is sent back to the email address-indicating an address where it can be picked up. A sort of digital brochure that is antiquated by Project Standards. Once retrieved from where the plaque is stationed-at one of the many functionary offices that border the ‘Yard-whatever project agent whose done the retrieving finds an engraving on the back of the plaque noting it to be an anniversary edition, with Mourn’s autograph carved into it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Thanks! Let me know if you’d like to re-orient any/all of those 2 points to the other project I’ve also posted below.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Opalescet Orchestra  
OOC: Totally fair, let me know if you’d like to divert into the other project I’ve outlined below
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry  
The video sent back to the Sky Cavalry features a plump, busy looking woman wearing a dull grey suit, complete with a professional white dress shirt. The camera pop-zooms back smidge to reveal that the woman-Jillian Faulkner, Director of CHC (Communications at Happy Cairns)-stands at the base of a large gravestone dedicated to one of the first parahumans in the City. A chopping sound can be heard in the distance. She walks and talks: “We here at Happy Cairns are working towards the implementation of several initiatives, detailed below in a series of public proposals to the City as a whole. Please let us know what you think of them and or if there are other, more pertinent initiatives please do let us know so that we can give them equal consideration alongside what others are proposing.” The camera tracks past more graves as she walks, taking in a few diggers and, in the distance, a lone woman in a white cowl hewing away at the dirt with a shovel. The source of the chopping sounds. “We will be contributing a minimum of our parahuman-expert personnel to safeguard the upcoming para-oof”.

The video cuts abruptly just as the director of commination’s at Happy Cairn’s trips into six feet of rectangular empty space before again cutting back to Ms. Faulkner walking around the same grave as she speaks “-parade. The most we’ll be able to commit will likely be dictated by what alms are afforded to us by others and the contributions we must make to our own initiatives-it is a big City. I’m sure you understand. Regardless, looking forward to working together.“
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So my current two initiatives are detailed below-Ideally I’m going to be going for space [5] this turn with my mil and will be able to contribute something to the world heist as well. Willing to negotiate on the Theme Park but I would prefer control of that too if possible.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 
The next gravestone Chronarch visits reads: suit yourself, before shifting into whatever relevant epitaph they’re looking for.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
7, 6, 10 &amp; the amusement park are mine.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Freedom Assembly  
An email from the Happy Cairns Communications director-Director Faulkner-is sent to the Freedom Assembly’s most important campus computers and student email accounts: We here at Happy Cairns are working towards the implementation of several initiatives, detailed below in a series of public proposals to the City as a whole. Please let us know what you think of them and or if there are other, more pertinent initiatives please do let us know so that we can give them equal consideration alongside what others are proposing. We will be contributing a minimum of our parahuman-expert personnel to safeguard the upcoming parade. The most we’ll be able to commit will likely be dictated by what alms are afforded to us by others and the contributions we must make to our own initiatives-it is a big City. I’m sure you understand. Regardless, looking forward to working together.
 

 Public  
 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  
The following are the 2 LTPs I'm going to be working on. Donations are appreciated:
 1) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list.  If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice. I plan to contribute at least 3 of my own weird for this project so as to satisfy my part of my faction ability-will add more as more people contribute. This plus current contributions raises it to  5 stats overall so far.  I will update the amount once everyone’s had a chance to post.  Currently at: 3/25 
 2) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (3 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans.  If a VIP  gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed. I plan to contribute at least 3 of my own weird for this project so as to satisfy my part of my faction ability-will add more as more people contribute. I will update the amount once everyone’s had a chance to post their own contributions.  Currently at: 2/027 
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
It wasn't hard to find the most recent information on the public sector of Avante Guarde. They didn't exactly flaunt it but they certainly had it organised well. For the number who did watch it, there were two notable announcements:

1. That Avante Guarde was dedicating part of its forces to ensure the safety of the parade. The language around the parade was strangely neutral beyond the fact that they were going to work together with others to ensure that no one was hurt there.

2. The simple list of information updating the populace of Zephyr City, specifically the odd little list that was titled "Possible Dangers to the Populace"

At the very top, the  Opulescent Orchestra  was named in bold and existed as the sole name on the list that was an identifiable organisation.

Following it was  Unknown Cyborg/Robot  - there was a little descriptor following it, but it seems to have mostly mentioned knowledge available to the rumor mongers.

And then there was  An Organisation Borrowing Demon Names  - vague and undefined.

A few more were mentioned further below, but of the shakers and movers so far, this was all.

There was immediate backlash in the comments of the publication over how vague most of the warnings were, but Avante Guarde made no further public statement about it.


 

 Response to The Bloodborn 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
You know what? I deserved that. Sorry for getting into the name calling.

First, though, I feel like we've got off on the wrong foot and I probably take the blame for that too. Was never meant to try dictating how you went about your process, nor try and force you to help with the parade.

My anger in the last message was more about the fact that you effectively insulted my intentions (something about me being a hypocrite), but I also want to clarify:
I don't support the Police's actions. But if I didn't step in then they would've stepped back anyway.
I don't support the Mayor, but if I don't protect the people in the parade it's still happening anyway.

I'm working to stop future incidents but it doesn't mean I can ignore the current ones.

But anyway. I'll leave you alone, see how you go. Don't want to crimp your style.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Respectable my friend,

But I will probably need more than that to give up on my attempts to get the Police into a better state to help the city.

But we can work that out in the coming days, I've got a parade to protect for now.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Response to The Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Hey Kids,

Jaskir's telling me off for even mentioning it, but we're looking to do something with the police to actively cut off villains this time around. You are absolutely right that I haven't been proactive in some ways.

I'd like to believe the Bloodborn mean what they say, and so long as they hit that line I'm going to stick out of their business. But trust me when I say that I am looking at them closely and would welcome another set of hands if they get overzealous in their attempts to fix the city.

Either way, agreed. Let's chat again in a few days.

Regards,

Aleksi

P.S. This probably will be too passive for you but we're pitching around an idea for anti-empowered panels to plate onto buildings that would cut the danger the civilians face from battles. Not going to ask you to pitch in for it but if you're interested I'd be happy to work on it together or just straight share the plans.
 

 Response to the Happy Cairns 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:4 
Good to hear Miss Faulkner,

We'll not be committing a lot as we have some of our own designs to work on, but I can guarantee at least a little support. Your work as healers is appreciated.

More inclined to the first of your initiatives, but we'll see where we go.

But for pitches:
Not quite in line with what you've currently got going on but I wanted to throw out an idea for what we call "Guardian's Grace", it's a lattice network of defense panels that prevent Empowered from fully utilising their abilities, it'll be easily deployable and useful for cutting down on zones that Empowered run free and hurt people.

Let me know if you want the project plans because I'd be happy to provide you with them.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde
Founder
Avante Guarde

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Guardian's Grace is a 40 cost LTP that begins in your starting territory, and VIPs fighting in the area don't get Empowered Bonuses. It also spreads to locations you take actions in. Figured you'd like it as an assist and it fits the thematic of AG to spread so here we are.
 

 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
Well I'm glad we can end on at least wary respect and an agreement to work for the city.

As an olive branch we would like to say we do not want to pull anyone into a fight and while we cannot dictate where you go or what you do we would HIGHLY recommend that any expansion stay to the opposite side of our shared border and closer to the Bone Rattlers at least this week.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not gonna ask or give specifics but we are taking some territories on our shared side that could make things dangerous if you were to do the same with a VIP.
 

 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 


[ooc- just to be clear, when Healing Hands is complete anyone who donates will get that benefit  and  the three morale back? If so, then I can find three points to toss at it, easy.]
 
n0ble
  Happy Cairns 
Morale 8
 
 Spoiler: The Opalescent Orchestra 

OOC: that’s my understanding yup-can I put you down for 3? It’s weird, SPC, or MOR for this one.
 

 Public  
 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  
The following are the 2 LTPs I'm going to be working on. Donations are appreciated:
 1) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list.  If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice. I plan to contribute at least 3 of my own weird for this project so as to satisfy my part of my faction ability-will add more as more people contribute. This plus current contributions raises it to  5 stats overall so far.  I will update the amount once everyone’s had a chance to post.  Currently at: 3/25 
 2) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (3 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans.  If a VIP  gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed. I plan to contribute at least 3 of my own weird for this project so as to satisfy my part of my faction ability-will add more as more people contribute. I will update the amount once everyone’s had a chance to post their own contributions.  Currently at: 2/027 
 
neriractor
 
 Mor 3 
 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Greetings,

You are a proper lady Madame Mourn, please accept a small contribution from the Gunn family.

Regards,
Khalid Gunn.
 
 Spoiler: OOC  
pumping 2 mor into "The right stuff"
 

 
Writtensanity
   
   "Good morning Zephyr City,    this is   Ashley Cyclone   joining you on your morning commute to work, or whatever has got you out of the house this Monday. Just ensure that you're not planning on taking Riverside drive on your way to work, because it's still down after the event at the Parade on Saturday.

Speaking of that, we have some new audio regarding the event, from an old camcorder that was too old to be affected by the Electromagnetic pulse. Listen in."

  Citizens of Zephyr City. You can call me Chronarch. I can’t let the parade happen. I can’t give you specifics, but a public, united heroic front escalates the conflict in this city. It’s a rallying cry to all the scum and villains of this city, and beyond. Without this parade, I can slow the escalation and keep this contained to the powers already in play for now. This doesn’t fix the future I'm from, but it’s a start.  
 
 Spoiler: World Heist Results  

 

The Chronal Imperative committed an astounding amount to a show of power from Chronarch, stopping the parade before it began with a devastating EMP blast. They have won the World Heist and the Victory point.
 


"So great, half of the audio equipment we here at the Station had out there is toast, and the Mayor is calling a meeting to see what can be done about this Vigilante from the Future. At least they seem to have some style, with the matching drones and all of that."

In other news, it looks like Mourn is back to roaming the city, Zephyr City's longest empowered was seen by the High School keeping an eye on the most frequent Freedom Assembly demonstrations to ensure that nobody got hurt.

On the opposite side of town, Lowertown is claiming an artistic revival with dozens of spaces across most of the district claiming their new dedication to the arts. Does it have anything to do with the Maestro? Almost certainly, but the area needed some culture so as long as nobody's getting hurt we can deal with it. I certainly needed a new first date spot.

With the Governor coming to town this week, here's hoping that we won't have much more than political grandstanding around the city, we certainly aren't going to have a parade again.

We'll be back after the break with our guest, Sheriff Zachary Violan, who is going to talk about the restructuring initiative of the areas police department network.




 
 Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:  


Chronarch at 2

All Other Factions at 1 from Roleplay
 

   Turn Event: The Powers That Be:   

With Bolting gone, so are the reasons to ignore the streets of Zephyr City. Parties from outside the city are turning their attention to the new Factions rising up within it, attempting to ensure that they are supporting the right ones.

 Effect: The POWERS THAT BE arrive in the game.  
   Turn Event: Hello Big Spender :   

The Zephyr City Convention Centre has always been a place that attracts... some of the less savoury individuals from the world of Venture Capitalism. After all, with Bolting here, it was the perfect place to hide from the Public Eye. They're back for the weekend and it looks like they are looking to invest in new technology they can adapt from weird Super Tech into something they can make money with.

 Effect: Choose a Long Term Project: You may announce this project publicly to gain a 5 point WRD investment added to it by the Venture Capitalists during this End of Turn  
  
  Local Heists    
 Reminder, you may only view Local Heists you have access to from an ability or investigation, or those you own. That means none but the one with your name this turn 
 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 
 Local Heist - Areal Supremacy  
Uptown is still far from under the watchful eye of the Sky Cavalry, change that.

 Stage One -  Build a Network - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-  Into the Air -  Now it's time to get the people in your districts to join up. Let's put on a show.
 Cost-  4SPC to send trained troops or 6WRD to make new, safer flightsuits for the newbies.
 Reward-  3 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Local Heist - Cleaning Up  
Members of the Freedom Assembly are Scattered After Bolting's attack. Find them.

 Stage One -  Build a Network
 Cost-  5 ESP to track them down or 5 WRD to build a device
 Reward-  4 tECO from sympathetic parties

 Stage Two-  Forced Recruitment -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 

 
 Local Heist - Training Camp  
The Bloodborn have changed with Miasma's new powers backing them up. Excise the weak.

 Stage One -  Strength Training - Complete

 Stage Two-  Moving Quietly - Complete

 Stage Three-   The Final Test - With the Squad Ready, it's time to bring all the new recruits into the fray. A small gang of locals has been holding onto a pocket of power in your territory, put an end to it.
 Cost-  10 STR or SPC
 Reward-  - The Workshop Basement -  Raise Stat Cap by 4 Permanently 
 Local Heist - Well Connected [/B]
The new territory around the city has come with a lot of ears on the ground. As it turns out, this is opening options when it comes to finding new places to heist from.

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear
 Cost-  6 ESP to find the leads.
 Reward-  4tECO from Blackmail

 Stage Two-   Opportunities
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 

 
 Local Heist - The New Order  
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

 Stage One -  Careful Training - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Alongside the Mighty -  You need to be able to hit heavy if you're going to fight the impossible.
 Cost-  5SPC or 6STR
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 

   Temporal Breach Detected. One of your Heists has been targeted by the Chronarch   
 
 Local Heist - New Order, Old Money  
Old Johnny knows about some Old Stashes in the area... if only you could hunt them down.

 Stage One -  On the Beat - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Digging it up -  COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Old Order
 Cost-  10 ESP
 Reward-  - The Gunn's Heirloom - One Time Use Item, can be assigned to an Empowered to leverage old Gunn Connections and instantly take a neutral territory anywhere within 2 spots of your border. This uses the Empowered for the turn. This cannot target Strategic Territories.

 Local Heist - The Precinct [/B]
You don't own the Police Station yet, but what you can own is the cops homes... their favourite spots.. their families....

 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses so you can listen in.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 

 
 Local Heist -Into the Abyss  
Data says that there is still theories to be discovered from the previous event. More study is needed.

 Stage One -  Hypothesis -COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Data -  COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   Understand the Abyss With the new form of destabilization there is only one conclusion, the transformations could become more powerful over time, and this might be the way to do it....
 Cost-  10 WRD or SPC
 Reward-  An XP point to all VIPS who take part in this Heist. Up to 3.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Orchestra 

 
 Local Heist - Stagecraft  
Alas, the show is unprepared! The stage must be set for the Conductor!

 Stage One -  Materials - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   A Show Stopping Number -  It's time for part one of the production! DESIGNING THE PERFECT FINALE!
 Cost-  5WRD or 6ECO to hire someone.
 Reward-  4 tWRD

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???


 Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio 
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: The BirdWatch 

 
 Local Heist - The Old Order  
We are the new members of the Birdwatch, but there are things to pick up...

 Stage One -  Old Contacts  COMPLETE 
 Stage Two-   A Foul Feather -  DR. Raptor is testing the Agent's Ability to gather the resources they'll need to fight the good fight.
 Cost-  5WRD or 6ECO
 Reward-  4 tWRD

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 

 
 Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative  
 Welcome to the past Chronarch. I have identified materials we will need to maintain our current standard of equipment... 
 Stage One -  Welcome to the Past
 Cost-  4 eco to buy the parts, 6wrd to manufacture them
 Reward-  4 tSTR as you bring systems online after travel.

 Stage Two-   A New Home-
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tWRD

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???


  Portal Opening...

Stabilizing


Target Acquired; Johnny Gunn  
 Local Heist - The Precinct 
You don't own the Police Station yet, but what you can own is the cops homes... their favourite spots.. their families....

 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses so you can listen in.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 

 
 Local Heist - A Welcoming Hand  
Hi! Welcome to Happy Carins, we glad we could help you though this time... Yes, Bolting's most recent actions have been tough for all of us.


 Stage One -  Matching Services: Manage the amount of people who have been brought in over the most recent times.
 Cost-  5eco to pay extra staff or 4Wrd to use your powers to make it a little easier.
 Reward-  4 tEco from Sponsors

 Stage Two-   The Price of Sympathy -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 



----
  The Current Map:  
 The Imperatrix Lands on Location [2] 
 
 Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status 

 Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect  
 The Nexus -   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Remnants of Power:  On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

 Zephyr City Central Bank -   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Of Course:  Zephyr City Central Bank contains a Local Heist with unlimited floors that always offer tECO. Each time a floor is completed the difficulty of future floors is increased. It will spawn 'Deposit Box' floors that provide a random one-use item pseudo-randomly.

 Big Gale Comics and Toys-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Self Publishing: Your Faction gains tECO equal to N N  where N is the number of enemy factions involved in Actions your Faction is also involved in.

 ZCPD Station-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Radio Chatter: Can see 3 local heists per turn. May choose to assign Police to a local heist during EoT and lock it for the following turn, cannot target a heist owned by the same Faction twice in a row.

 BigFlash Insurance Stadium-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Guest Appearance: Controller may invest a VIP to gain 1.5 times their level in MOR &amp; ECO (rounded up) this is a safe action.

 Zephyr City University-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Temporal Research Station: Up to 1 VIP per turn may preform two actions as part of an EoT. They may not participate in the same Action twice. You may not choose the same VIP two turns in a row.

 Montgomery Tech Park-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Venture Capital: When you pitch a NEW LTP, you can offer it up for Venture Capital Investment. This provides a 1 time payment of 20% the LTPs cost in tECO, but the LTP must be announced to publicly once it reaches halfway to completion.

  Ol' Grady's-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Unmasked Friends: The Controlling Faction may mark any other VIP in the game as a friend of one of their VIPs. In the event that these two would 'fight' one another, they avoid the fight, removing themselves from any assault calculations against the other Faction. In the case of an Conquest Action, VIP Injury is much less likely if the Friends are involved. This effect allows you to make 2 VIP pairs after turn 5, and 3 after turn 10.

  Monsoon Action Park-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.

  The Dockyards-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Unclaimed Merchandise: The Owning Faction may buy additional Stat Cap at a cost of 3 econ per point. If they lose this location, this Stat cap increase is passed onto the new owner.

  Zephyr City North High-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Kids Talk: Automatic general investigation on 3 other Factions in the game each turn. Up to 1 fact in each investigation may be incorrect by a medium margin. These Investigations cannot be published.

 

 The Powers that Be 
 Reminder: You can only take advantage of one of these offers each turn. 
 
 Spoiler: The Government 


The Governor is in town, and they're looking for a detail to ensure that he has Zephyr City's empowered on their side. You can assign a VIP to this to gain their Level X 2 in tECO for this EoT. This removes the VIP from this EoT.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Media 


It's been a slow time for news from Zephyr City and the people need some variety. You can buy MOR for 1 less this turn, but it must be announced as a public action how you are doing 'good' in your area.
 

 
 Spoiler: Organized Crime 


One of the core Syndicates wants a Zephyr City criminal to prove themselves. There is a 5tECO bounty up on completing a local heist this turn.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
    
APPROACHING DESTINATION.  

Artemis’ words flashed across Chronarch’s visor, far faster than any human in the 21 st  century could feasibly read. With his neural processor, it was child’s play. Chronarch wasn’t inherently smarter than the people from this time, but the vast database of knowledge he had access to and his technological accessories made for a deeply unfair advantage.

He gradually decelerated. His Krouse Drive was convenient, but unfortunately short ranged. While it was possible to cross the city in short jumps – he was continually surprised at how small it was in this era – flying minimized the risk of accidents. As he came to a stop, one of the four sets of shimmering scale wings behind him retracted, melding with his armour, granting a measure of camouflage that would make it harder for him to be seen from below. Useful, when he was hovering a hundred feet above close to a thousand people.

Chronarch wasn’t sure what upset him more – the extravagance and waste of holding a parade, or that the citizens of Zephyr City had bought into it. Regardless, he was here to make sure that no one got hurt and that things didn’t spiral out of control.

In a manner of speaking.

  INTERVENTION POINT REACHED. GOOD LUCK, CHRONARCH.  

He had no response but a slight tilt of his head, but that was enough. Artemis had access to all his sensors; she knew how to interpret the data. With that, he folded in his wings and plunged downwards, his chameleon cloaking coating his armour as he plummeted towards the ground.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a beautiful day, it was a damn shame the Mayor had felt the need to waste it on putting a target on half the city. Agent Remi Ragav had hoped people were more sensible than to all show up with the new Empowered not properly catagorised, but he hadn’t really expected that to be more than hope.

Honestly, he was impressed at how many other empowered had chipped in to protect this thing. He didn’t trust them, but it was nice to see that Avante Guarde weren’t the only ones looking out for the people of this city.

He turned, scanning the crowd for any disturbances. Nothing stood out to him. Smiling faces, worried faces, a chrome and blue helmet, laughing faces, bored faces. People waiting for the parade to start. He –

Wait.

Focusing, he forced himself to look at the crowd again. It was a restless squall of ordinary people. A mother scolded her child for dropping his ice cream. The figure in chrome and sky-blue armor walked steadily towards him. A group of teenagers giggled as they made fun of the floats, just barely visible where the parade was about to start. Nothing unusual or threatening or noteworthy –

Remi gritted his teeth and forced himself to concentrate. He noticed a subtle pressure in his skull, but he fought through it and then – like a fog lifting – he was able to focus on the figure striding towards him.

Whatever it was, it stood just over six feet tall, fully covered in a shimmering set of chrome and blue armour. It looked far too complicated to be modern, though. An empowered? Was this the source of the rumours from Upper Riverside? The figure tapped a panel on their wrist, and Remi found that the subtle pressure faded, several nearby agents gasping and drawing their weapons. An opaque blue visor covered its face, part of a silver helmet, but when the figure spoke Remi found he was able to hear him clearly. A human voice, male – decidedly not a robot or Bolting, then, as some of the rumours had claimed.
  
“Agent. You can tell your people to stand down. No one will be attacking the parade. Mostly because there won’t  be  a parade.”  
  “You stand down first and explain yourself.”   Remi’s response was clipped, one hand on his gun as the other reached down for the set of cards he now kept on himself at all times.
  
“You can call me Chronarch. I can’t let the parade happen. I can’t give you specifics, but a public, united heroic front escalates the conflict in this city. It’s a rallying cry to all the scum and villains of this city, and beyond. Without this parade, I can slow the escalation and keep this contained to the powers already in play for now. This doesn’t fix the future, but it’s a start.”
  
  “Are you saying this city needs  more  conflict?”   The mutter of disbelief didn’t interrupt the blue armoured figure, and Remi figured he’d have to at least hear him out.
  
“So we have two options here. First option – I shut down this parade before it starts, with your cooperation. No one gets hurt. No collateral damage. Just a bit of wounded pride.”

“Second option. You and your friends put up a fight. I’ll pull my punches as best I can, but I need to stop this parade. I beat you and your friends – handily, even holding back – good chance you’re hurt, panic occurs, civilians maybe get caught in the crossfire as this escalates, and then I shut down the parade anyhow.” He gestures around. “Maybe if you and the other heroes here had deployed the full might of your respective organizations, you might have been able to stop me. But stretched thin as you are? You don’t have a chance.”

  The tension was thick. After a brief pause, Chronarch continued.   

“I’ve done my digging on you, from where I’m from. You have good intentions. You’re doing good work. I don’t want to hurt you, but I need to save the future and I’m not taking no for an answer. Your call.”  

There was a pause as Remi took the words in, almost freezing in place as he considered. Then there was a shift, and a sigh. Glancing around to make sure all the other points were still covered by agents and assistance, Remi gestured the figure to come closer.
  
“Honestly don’t want the Parade going off anyway, it’s a target waiting to happen. You tell me how to do this without causing panic and backlash and I’ll tell you if it’s tenable.”  

Remi couldn’t see through the faceplate, but he could have sworn the man was smiling.   “Well, that part is easy. You’ll want to tell your agents to turn their cell phones off.”     
 

 

 
All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 7 ]

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


Well, I don't think you're any less morbid but I've seen what you're working on. I'm more concerned with the future than the present, but I recognize good work when I see it and can respect it.

Anyhow, it seems to me we have the opportunity for a friendly relationship here. I’m looking for a little more space to grow, and I think there’s a solution that benefits the both of us.

Here’s my pitch – you let me take 10, and I send the Sky Calvalry a nice message saying that I back you taking both the Amusement Park and [Territory #3]. To sweeten the deal, I contribute to *both* of those initiatives you’ve got going at full price (3 points apiece). How does that sound?
 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


Hopefully no hard feelings about what happened. I can’t promise we won’t be on opposite sides of conflicts again, but I hope we can find a path forward that helps preserve both the present and the future and avoids needless confrontation. You know where to find me, in any case, and with your neighbors I reckon you have enough problems already.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 


I’m glad we could avoid bloodshed at the Parade, after our brief run-in. I hope we can find a pathway forward that preserves both the present and the future and avoids needless confrontation.

Anyhow, I’ve been up-front about where I intend to expand; I hope you can do the same. Let’s call it professional courtesy.

Look forward to hearing from you.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Johnny Gunn and the Bone Rattlers 


Well. It looks like we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Which is it going to be?
 

 
St. Justicar
 

“Thank you all for coming! This is as warm a welcome to your fair city as I could have hoped for.”

The Maestro stood on top of a van, now conscripted into a second life as a second-rate stage. The sentiment was genuine, thought generous; this was a barely advertised surprise performance, after all. She couldn’t begrudge the media or the mass’s for being more focused on what was sure to be a dramatic beginning to Zephyr City’s bright new era of civil government. Much.

Still, the dozens of eyes and cameras on her were plenty for that afternoon. Art without audience was sophistry and solipsism, but the gathered crowd was enough to give this little show a purpose, to set a static charge through the air and leave every whisper and cough rich with potential.

The dozen fine officers of the law warily looking at her from behind their squad cars didn’t hurt her mood either. It was nice to be taken seriously; even if she’d made it easy for them, showing up right in front of the precinct as she had.

“Now today’s performance won’t take up much of your valuable time, so I humbly ask for all of your undivided attention. Some of you might find it  quite  educational.”

She smiled at the nearest camera as she spoke, flicking out her baton and setting the speakers that filled nine tenths of the van’s available space blaring.

There was a loss in using a recording, of course. But today’s composition was simple enough that she could live without the subtitles and undertones a live performance would have provided to work with. Simple, forceful,  percussive .

Directing the sounds was simple work, but no less euphoric for the simplicity. Like directing a river with nothing but a gesture. Barely more than a nod.  Numinous , with all the rush of godlike power that implied.

A hail of bullets were caught in the air, sent flying back toward their senders with the next trumpet blast. A harsh drum roll sent two of the three squad cars flying into the wall of the precinct behind them. The police ran after that – the ones still capable of walking, anyway – and she let them. It was enough to collapse the facade of that edifice of order down in on itself, to turn the entrance way to the outpost of law into an impassable pile of rubble.

Not the subtlest metaphor in the world, but she  was  performing for the masses, here. And so when  the track finished she turned around, bowing for the camera whose shot would best frame the ruined police station behind her.

You couldn’t quite call it  silence , but the sirens and flames behind her hardly made up for the deplorable lack of applause. Still, when dealing with a new audience allowances must be made. And so there wasn’t a trace of annoyance in her voice as she spoke.

“I do hope you all enjoyed today’s demonstration. For those who call these lovely suburbs home, I especially hope you keep it in mind when deciding whether to call upon your sworn tutelaries in the weeks to come. And most of all, I hope every aspiring artist who calls this fine city home is watching and listening.” She spread her arms wide, a joyous grin on her face “My beloved Opalescent Orchestra is accepting auditions! This was just a taste, and for the shows to come, I will need a full symphony behind me.”

“Now, does anyone have any questions?”

 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 

 The email comes from the same address registered a holding company called ‘Opalescent Arts’ as before. Some cursory research shows they’ve been throwing quite a lot of money around in charitable (or ‘charitable’) donations in Orchestra controlled territory recently 

M. Astaroth,

It seems the city’s scarcity is proving itself to be problematic sooner than either of us might have sought. Now I have no issues with you or your project, at least as far as I know anything at all about it. The tip about the probable attendees to the entirely predictable calamity of a parade was certainty appreciated.

Now I don’t know what sort of deal you might have with our local mafiosos, but if might advise you not to leave anything too tempting within their grasp. We wouldn’t want any impressionable young minds to fall into the grasp of such repulsive role models, would we? Imagine the effect on the city’s fashion.

You’ll want [23], I assume? I’m willing to let you have that slice of the outskirts, really, though I’m dreadfully curious just what you might use it for beyond corralling any recalcitrant academics.

Assuming we remain such good friends, of course.

Yours,
The Maestro
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 The email comes from the same address registered a holding company called ‘Opalescent Arts’ as before. Some cursory research shows they’ve been throwing quite a lot of money around in charitable (or ‘charitable’) donations in Orchestra controlled territory recently 

To my fine feathered friends,

It seems there’s been quite the fracas fighting to uphold the civic pecking order up north, so I will try not to take too much offence at my previous missive being left unanswered. But now we have some truly practical matters to discuss, don’t we?

First, the non-negotiable; the tech campuses are mine, and everyone will know it soon enough. You can try to intervene, but I don’t expect it to end especially pleasantly for you or any of your pets. I have so very many projects in dire need of funding, and the neighbourhood has so very many capitalists without the faintest idea of how to capitalize on their wealth, you see. It’s a match made in heaven.

There are some other matters to discuss, but if it will come to war over that I don’t see much of a point, so; do we have an understanding?

Yours,
The Maestro	
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
 "So you just... let him have it? It have it?"  Aleksi gestured his arms wide, the contingent of forces in front of him standing stock still, unsure of how to react. He just stared at them a moment, his breath heaving with his arms wide. There was a beat, and then the armoured figure of Agent Ragav stepped forwards.

  "Sir. There were no civilian casualties. He stuck to his word."   They weren't rebuking exactly, but Remi didn't wither in the slightest at his bosses gaze, instead standing firm to defend his men and his own decision.   "We agreed the parade was a waste, so this is not a setback. We put the people before the parade."  

Aleksi's hand went to his head, gradually rubbing in circles in annoyance. Not annoyance at Remi, though. He sighed.  "You're right, I know. I'm just... this hurts us. We can't protect the people if we can't even protect a stupid parade." 

The papers on the half-moon desk were softly pushed to the side as the Agent moved up to stand in front of the desk, then put down a sheaf of his own papers.   "Here is the debriefing. Jaskir disagreed with your sentiment."   There was a flatness to Remi's words, and Aleksi briefly looked over the summarization on the front page, mouth now set in a firm line.

 "Alright, I'll read it through later. You'll be in charge of contacting this vigilante. Let Jaskir know and he'll let you know what to ask him about." 

Jaskir was right. They had proven that they would defend the people over the government, which was what they wanted to make sure people knew. He still hated a 'setback' when they'd barely started.


 

 To the Chronal Imperitive: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hello Chronarch,

I hope this finds you despite your evasive movements.

I would prefer heads up if you need to 'alter the timeline' again, as that was something we could have discussed beforehand.

And if we can work with you to ensure the populace isn't hurt by your actions then I will be happy to have some co-operation.

Regards,

Remi Ragav,
Operational Commander,
Avante Guarde
 

 To the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hello Johnny,

Guess this is now where we hash this out like men and try to come to an agreement. We want the Police Station and would prefer not to have to fight you for it.

I can offer assistance from the info I gather, depending on what you need, and help with a project of yours in return for not contesting me on it?

I'm open to other offers or discussion on it.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

OOC:
I kinda need the Police Station to make my Local Heist invasion power to be actually useful. I know this leaves you without a key location and I can appreciate that's not necessarily the most enjoyable situation, but would prefer not to turn this into a brawl.
 

 To Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hello!

Just visited you last week! Love the Egg Salad!

Anyway, thanks for the offer and the help y'all gave. Been asked to see if you have any thoughts on the project idea we said last roundabout.

Maybe see you again soon!

Tachi
Head Scientist
Avante Guarde
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project  [4]

 The Opalescent Orchestra
  
 Spoiler 

M. Maestro,

Why, corralling recalcitrant academics is what  I do.  My day job, if you will. I am indeed interested in expanding to [23] and beyond. As  what  I want that for, consider the recent events. On the one hand, we now have what seems to be  very  conclusive evidence of the possibility and practicality of time travel. On the  other  hand, we have a temporal research institute that has spent years scraping to make even the slightest progress. I want to make an  investment. 

To those ends, since we are now neighbors, would you perhaps consider the loan of some of your troops for this planned expansion?

PS: my apologies if this reply finds you late. I had urgent committments that took me out of town for a while and have only just returned.

OOC: Looking to trade some t.mil for cheaper conquest, if you have any to spare?
 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


So long as 'beyond' doesn't extend to the west; I have my own plans which rather require a firm hold over Montgomery. Investments require capital, after all.

I can spare a few stagehands, I suppose, though not in any huge quantity. Cash or some of your own more subtle support staff would be a fine trade [Only have 2 Str spare after my own plans, but happy to trade it. Eco or Spc would be best as compensation].

Yours,
The Maestro
 
kaio999
  
   Imperatrix Sighting 2   
 
 Spoiler: Sky Sentinel Model 1 
 
 
 
Safety and containment, criminals were not being killed by the sky cavalry. They were arrested and brought to heel and placed in police custody. Sky cavalry had the implements of war but the order was to keep it to the minimum. Drones moved alongside the human agents keeping them forever under the eyes of artificial intelligence Imperatrix.

 Armament List 
 stun blaster-  implemented by all drone units, power levels can be administered via AI analysis
 Net gun- All sky cavalry have been equipped with this immobilizing armament that traps a target for 24 hrs within a disintegrating sticky resin allowing for easy movement of suspect.

 Incident List 
trooper Carlyle has been placed on 72 hr. suspension with pay. Trooper Carlyle did not rely on net gun upon engaging with suspect (3 cases of child abuse, 1 case of child abandonment, 1 case of domestic violence) Trooper Carlyle use of fist has left suspect  redacted  in hospital and in custody. Minimal damage to suit. Tribunal case set for  redacted 

Incident at Parade event further investigation required. Time traveler involvement 98.7% probability. Avante Guarde involvement 69.9% probability. Further investigation necessary.

    Ghost 1 and Ghost 3     
 Spoiler: Ghost Model Suit 1 
 
 

  Ghost 1:   "It was uncanny, his armor is similar to ours but way more advanced I didn't believe anyone would have better tech than Intervallum..."

  Ghost 3:   "I can't believe you actually saw him! So hes real, the time traveler is an actual person?"

  Ghost 1:   "Yeah i saw him, I was sure no one was going to do anything at that event. Imperatrix had predicted minimal interference. It is why only I got sent... It throws everything into question. He is chaos theory. He is the mule."

  Ghost 3:   "The what? The Mule?"

  Ghost 1:   "Read a book."

  Ghost 3:   "Right. So whats next?"

  Ghost 1:   "I have no idea. I can tell you what, I don't want to be the boys at the top. Nor do I want to be dealing with Imperatrix right now. A lot is outside her purview and the future they wanna build isn't possible if she isn't perfect."

  Ghost 3:   "Well, thats above my paygrade i am going to get my debrief sorted."

    Colonel Anorak and Major Megan Hopper    
 
 Spoiler: The Colonel and The Major 
  
 

  Colonel Anorak:   "Ha I told you someone would blow up the whole thing!" He chuckled and looked on with amusement. "Not a single casualty though, thats good to see. So the question becomes is this fella a Cable or an Apocalypse?"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "I don't know what any of that means sir." She took a deep breath, "we need to reprimand Avante Guarde. We placed troops under their command. They didn't even put up a fight. We wasted our resources on their recommendation. It slowed down expansion and protection of our people upon their recommendation. I recommend cutting contact."

  Colonel Anorak:   "Now, now, don't be hasty Major. They are good people. They protected people that was the only expectation. Besides they took on the brunt of the risk."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "They are inadequate."

   Imperatrix:    "Intervellum wants to speak to you Anorak."  
  Colonel Anorak:   All Color leaves his face.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Good luck sir." She stifles a giggle.


  Official Missives Morale 7  
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
The arrival of the drone as usual, would land in the place demarkated for it on command of the Guardes family.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Mr. Guarde I will make this brief, we would like a full debrief and thoughts on how to move forward. While not substantial we did place troops under your command. Obviously none died but neither was the mission a success and that failure lies with your leadership. How you proceed and what you say will decide how much support we offer in the future to your vision of the immediate future of this city."

  Colonel Anorak:   "Thats now how you get data on that new power player the time traveler Major." His words heard in the background, "be nice they did their best."

  Major Megan Hopper:   She sighs but there is no further message it turns off.
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
More drones show up in Birdwatch territory. They will fly around until 1 of the birds gives a knock and activates the messaging as appropriate.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Per our discussion of alliance we want to discuss collaboration, we have several points of interest and again offer to trade or simply exchange when appropriate. The first is we have a project we're working on and would like to send it to you. It would grant you access to a robust robotics factory you can sell to your populace and produce a sizeable profit. It would be free but for a request of a few of your agents temporarily to discuss some of our schematics. If interested let us know." She continues on. "Next we wanted to discuss collaborating on information about the Freedom Assembly, and the time traveler. We have some very deep concerns there. Also do you know if the Avante Guarde willingly aligned themselves with that entity?" She finally took a breath a deep concern on her face.

She than bowed her head. "I also want to deeply apologize we asked you to send some protection to the Parade and our actions put your people in danger we hope you see past this error on our part." An awkward pause. "We hope to hear from you soon. Know you have an ally in your corner with us. If you need anything in regard to those bizarre musical criminals or with the time traveler engage in outreach and we will do what we can. We will also be sending a message to this time traveler. We are seeking information. If we learn anything we will keep you apprised."
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
A drone flys out to the Freedom Assembly territory

  Colonel Anorak:   "Enlightened Technocracy meets Libertarian self governance we do indeed view our worlds differently but I believe we both see it being born the same way which is through the people deciding to support it. We too do not conflict with you. We see the beauty of the world you wish to build. Everyone in sky cavalry however knows the horror in the human heart as well as its beauty. We know one bad day can ruin good men. We want to remove the opportunity for that suffering and we believe Intervellum can build that which grants that future to all of us. By the way we are gonna announce a new project if you are interested in purchasing it know we will offer it to you cheap. We really do want to see you succeed."

 
 Spoiler: Tactical Specifics 
Sounds good we will be taking Northern 44 and 45 along with the harbor and we will leave the college and southern 45 to you. We have no desire to be near the blood borne and their troublesome abilities at this time.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
The drones are sent to Happy Cairns

  Major Megan Hopper:   "All of your terms are acceptable we are interested in ensuring our people can be treated and your territorial requests are within acceptable reach we will not interfere. We are interested in a bit of clarity but otherwise we want to support your mission of doing good for all people."

 
 Spoiler: Tactical Specifics 
We need to donate to the project on the turn we want to keep our VIP safe or does 1 investment of 3 instantly ensure me 1 free injury heal for a vip? Just seeking clarity on it. Also we will not interfere with your acquisition of the theme park
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 
Three drones will arrive with a holographic message, there standing before whoever recieves the message is none other than Intervallum himself.

   Intervallum:   "Why are you here time traveler? Your existence disrupts Imperatrix, I require any data you can give." 

With that the message ends and the drone sit there waiting for a response no instructions given with the assumption this time traveler knows how to utilize the tool before them.
 
Feathersnow
 

All Messages at Morale 5

 
 Spoiler:  Opalescent Orchestra 

A MockingJay finds M. Maestro, the old hybrids are really only used as couriers, and few yet live. It barks-

"We do not intend to interfere with your plans as stated.  Our intention is to move North after stabilizing our own neighborhood.  No one can be trusted to hold the Pulse Epicenter, so we will ensure no one does.  We respected your stated intentions and will maintain a truce as long as you do.  We regret neglecting to send you a formal courier earlier.  I think I meant to and it got distracted."
 

 
 Spoiler:  Sky Cavalry 


A note is typed into a Drone by a Crow, and it is set to return to  The Imperatrix 

WE CAN DISCOMFIRM DIRECT COLLUSION BETWEEN GARDE AND THE TUME TEAVELER W/ HIGH CERTSONTY

BELOW IS NOTES ON TUME TEAVELER;

 
 Spoiler 

 
 Highest Stat is SPC 
 There are no onoing LTPs 
 There are no completed LTPs 
 They have a single Local Heist called -Welcome to the Past 
 VIPs are Chronarch, a Level 3 SPC VIP 
 They don't have any unique items 
 
 

 

 
 Spoiler:  Bone Rattlers 

A little bird tells Jhonny that it will keep its beak shut, since he asked nicely.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Chronal Imperative 

A MockingJay finds The Chonarch.  The old songbird gets to the point-

"You can have everything else you asked for, but no one can be trusted with the Pulse Epicenter, least of all one meddler with no context to this time and place.

Our compliments on ending that stupid parade before someone got hurt, by the way."
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
  All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 7 ]

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 

 The reply is swift, delivered on the back of a heavily-camouflaged drone.  

Agent.

I'm sure you would, but I couldn't take the risk that you or anyone else would deploy sufficient resources to stop me. The parade couldn't be allowed to happen. Given that you wisely choose to cooperate, though, I'll consider it moving forward. I want to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed, but you're concerned with the lives of, what, hundreds of thousands? I'm here on behalf of billions.

You know where to find me. You'll get no further trouble from me this week, I can promise.

Chronarch
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 

 Chronarch allows the drones to find him, on the top of an eight-story office building. Interestingly, the time traveller does seem to struggle for a minute as to how to interface with the drone - Intervallum can infer that while Chronarch was prepared for the tech of this time period, he wasn't fully prepared for the Sky Cavalry. Well, at least not in terms of communications, at least. However, after a few minutes a cable extends from his wrist, overwriting the footage of the original message with a simulated response from Chronarch.

 First rule of time travel - don't reveal anything you haven't already conclusively altered. I'm afraid I can't be too specific, but trust me when I say that the future is bleak. My future, at least. I'm here because I have a chance of saving it - of saving billions - and this is where it all starts.

I have no concerns with you at this time. Stay out of my way and I will extend you the same courtesy, to the best of my ability.

If you wish to correspond further, send another drone here. Much more sophisticated than I expected from such a primitive era - ARTEMIS and I are both impressed.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 

 The response comes from a drone, which you can see has been reconstructed so that the outside is distinctly avian.  

Glad that's water under the bridge, then.

Even if I did want to control the Nexus - and believe me, that sort of power is tempting - I have a mission here, and I don't want to spend it fighting factions better-equipped for taking and holding territory.

Good luck, you're going to need it. Let me know if you ever have agents you want to offload. My strategic intelligence won't be useful for much longer, so if you want a few more eyes in the sky to support your own network, I'm all ears.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 


Offering to trade you my Esp for any Specialist you can share, once we share a border.
 

 
  
Feathersnow
 
 Dr. Raptor's Opus 
Investors, humanity has often thought of itself as the pinnacle of Earth's creatures.  But, in truth, one animal has defeated us in warfare and spits in our dreams of supremacy!

Dr. Ralph Raptor lived to redress this insult and bring the self-professed masters of this world to heel.  We cannot beat them, but perhaps, like the wolf and the aurochs before them, these mighty creatures might be brought under our dominion by guile.

Though the elder Dr. Raptor was murdered by Bolting before he could see the Mk. I prototypes raised to maturity, Maria Raptor, Ralph's neice and co-researcher, has largely finished the work.  We ask only for a contribution to produce a viable Mk. II production run ahead of scaling up for elite militaries and large ranches, who we anticipate to be our two biggest customers

Be on the ground floor of  Project Emu !
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Welcome to the Revolution   

The power fist slammed into the wall, disgorging several pounds of brick and mortar and sending them spraying across the gym floor.

 "You know you're going to have to pay for that, right?"  came the voice from his left. Lower, feminine. It was Maria, of course. He hadn't heard her coming, but he'd been expecting her all the same.

 "Yeah, but we own these buildings now. Technically, the Freedom Assembly owns the deeds to everything on this block. So I'd really just be paying myself, which sounds like kind of a hassle." 

Join the people's movement, they said. Throw off the shackles of the system, they said. But nothing in the recruiting speeches Sam had heard said anything about revolutions requiring this much paperwork. Blinking the sweat out of his eyes, he ignored his admittedly distracting friend to finish his rep.

The pistons on the gauntlet fired in quick succession, directing energies through ionized dark matter currents to multiply the wielder's kinetic energy. At least, that's what Devon - what Arsenal - had told him when they'd given it to him. Each hit cracked the stone, and he felt no more impact on his hands than he might if he'd punched a pillow or piece of upholstery.

He hated the ease of it. With each punch, with each landed blow, Sam's breathing got harder in a way that had nothing to do with exercise.

He'd been fourteen when his big brother died. A 'routine stop and frisk', they'd told his mother afterward. Her face broke under the porch light.

 Slam. 

Tray had been on the phone with a friend, and the ZPD officer had chased him down. He'd called for help, but the officer had knocked him down and shot him. His friend had found Sam and grabbed him into a big hug. 'It's gonna be okay.'

 Slam. 

The news had run a piece the next week about the shooting being bad. But they hadn't asked the right questions - they'd gone easy on the cop, who pled not-guilty. He was acquitted.

 Slam. 

If Tray had had these gauntlets, would he still be alive?

Someone was screaming. He was pretty sure it was him.

Sam felt an arm come to rest gently on his back and turned on the spot, power fist raised high. Blue sparks rose from the contraption, illuminating the scarred and pitted face of Devon Jones. For once, they didn't wear their hood up, but the mask was still in place over the bottom half of their face, labored breathing from the built-in ventilators. Dark eyes met his and held them in place with an even stare. With the other hand, they held out a towel in his direction.

 "Is now a good time?"  It was phrased as a question, but Sam knew better. He let out one final, shuddering breath.

 "Good as any."  He let the worst of the anger ebb, allowed himself to burn out the primal remainders of the rage that gripped at him. It didn't go away entirely, of course - never did these days - but what had been an inferno in his chest had cooled, leaving low-burning embers in their place. Raw anger was good for energy, but it wasn't good for strategy. No, for that Dyad tapped into the deep, spiteful hatred in its wake.

Over the years, he'd found hate to be an exceptional motivator.

The three of them took seats on the nearby couches. They were comfortable enough, but they were clearly temporary furnishings as were so many in the places they'd occupied. From a bag, Maria pulled out a cell phone and a few folders, handing both to Sam and Devon. Her gloved fingers brushed against his; when not on the job, she wore special vulcanized fiber gloves with Nomex linings, the very best in electrical insulation. Both Assembly leaders turned to Surge to get the meeting started, which she did with no preamble.

 "We've got people in place already for the PF project. Our lab equipment on 42nd has been moved to give us the floor space for testing on the new designs. You were right, Devon; the alumni donations cleared yesterday, so we should have enough to spread our facilities out to our secondary locations." 

Arsenal nodded wordlessly, a silent invitation to continue.

 "All told, the expansions went off without too much trouble. Some growing pains from the industrial parks, but they'll come around. But we've been fielding a lot of questions from our recruiter base, questions about the parade." 
 "What about it?"  Arsenal's voice was muffled behind their mask, but both of them heard Jones clearly enough.  "We decided not to intervene. None of us wanted another Sunset. It would have been a mess, and we're not ready for confrontation on that scale yet." 

Sam's towel hung around his shoulders as he leaned back and grit his teeth. He'd been overruled on the parade - but that was how their partnership worked. The Assembly's decisions couldn't be one person setting policy. If they didn't follow the process and listen to the people they were working for, how were they any better than the people they were working to overthrow?

 "It's not just that anymore. They're wondering what we're going to do about Chronarch. Someone with time tech is at large in Zephyr City, overturning public work initiatives and subverting peoples' right to protest out of some misplaced sense of omniscience."  Maria sighed.  "And I can't say I don't share their doubts. An honest-to-God time traveler stomping on the liberties of people in service to some future none of us can see? Isn't this exactly the kind of Empowered privilege and overreach that we're here to put a stop to?" 

Sam nodded. He'd love to stack their tech up against someone like Chronarch's, he thought. The man from the future probably had some really fun toys for him to reverse-engineer, in the event of a confrontation. The wheels were already turning.

 "We shouldn't challenge Chronarch on the ground, at least not yet."  Arsenal crossed their arms.  "Might be it comes to that in a few weeks, but for now our priorities are recruitment, finishing PF and starting the next project. We'll need all of it." 

Dyad exploded.  "Are you  kidding me?  First the parade, now this? We're an army,  Arsenal , or did you forget that? What the f -" 

The masked figure stood up sharply. Devon had always stood shorter than him, but those eyes did not waver.  "I'm  not  saying we do nothing. But there's more than one theatre in the war for Zephyr City. We have to be smart and pick our battles carefully." 

Sam breathed in, then out.

 "What are you suggesting, then?" 

He could practically see the smile on what remained of his friend's face as Arsenal reached for the phone.


 

   The Broadcast   

The announcement is made throughout Zephyr City through the central radio station of ZCN, although the show itself appears to be syndicated by one of the country's larger media chains. A sleek studio is in view of the monitors, including a suite of corporate blue-grey couches and a matching area rug. The host, a spray-tanned woman in her mid-thirties with a navy pantsuit and a tight, tied-back blonde bun, smiles too wide as she indicates the quartet of guests seated beside her.

All four wear scorched purple hoodies over their bodies. All three wear gas masks over their faces. While none appear armed, the casual way in which they sit exudes a vague sense of power and confidence that clearly has the news crew ill at ease.

The entire image is somewhat incongruous with the bright bouquet and fruit basket on one of the set's high tables, conspicuously in the shot. A magenta-colored card has been placed in prominent view, flowing cursive on the front of the studio's gift: 'From the Freedom Assembly'.

 "This is Donna Speers of WWN, and if you're just here joining us for the first time,"  the host announces to the screens as she does her level best to show off all of her teeth,  "I'm sitting here with the representatives of the Assembly of Free Radical Liberal Futurists, a Zephyr City based movement that's been making waves in the local community. Rising from the ashes of another grassroots moment by the name of 'Free Zephyr City', their mission statement is equality for all, and they have reached out to this studio for a public message. For their own security, the names and faces of these representatives will remain anonymous, and their voices have been digitally altered for broadcast purposes." 
 "Thank you, Donna,"  says one of the figures, though they are not identified by either the host or in any closed captioning to follow.  "We are just a few people living in Zephyr City that are sick and tired of being pushed down, being oppressed day in and day out by policemen or people in capes who think this city is their personal playground." 

There's a tremulous pause, as the host nods and forges on.  "But aren't the leaders of the Assembly themselves Empowered? And known fugitives from the law! You say you want freedom from Empowered, but aren't you putting more superheroes in positions of authority?" 

A second masked figure leaned forward.  "It's unavoidable that superpowered individuals will be put into positions of authority. They possess talents and tools that humans can't hope to replicate, and we aren't so idealistic not to realize that."  They pause, likely for effect.

 "But what someone does with their power is just as important as to whom it's bestowed in the first place. Arsenal, Dyad, and Surge are using their gifts not to make decisions for us, but providing the public with the means to seize the means of production for ourselves and become free, self-determining citizens." 

Speers smiles and nods, though it's clear she doesn't really believe what she's hearing.

 "And I understand you have a message you wish to say to the public?" 
 "There has been some speculation about the Assembly's goals, so the first thing we are here to do is make our agenda as transparent as possible,"  chimes in another hooded member of the delegation.

 "We are hard at work setting up programs throughout territory held by our militia members. Social workers, mental health care, and defunding police efforts in exchange for community policing have led to a sharp decline in violent crime and targeted violence against minority groups. We will be looking to decriminalize petty drug sentences and freeing people of color who have been wrongfully arrested and held in jail for possession of petty drugs. Finally, we plan to work with local schools and educators to design equitable pedagogical curriculums for inclusion." 

As each demand and stipulation is added, the screens for those watching at home become increasingly filled with text. Included is a toll-free number for donations to help with the charitable outreach programs that the Assembly is launching in its territories.

 "The second thing that the Freedom Assembly is here to do is to  launch a public tribunal into the actions of the temporal anomaly known as Chronarch.  He saw fit to completely disrupt the Liberation Parade, a celebration of freedom from Empowered overreach. We hope he sees the irony in unilaterally making a decision for tens of thousands of proud citizens of this community for the sake of their so-called safety. He must be made to call to account for his actions, or be considered guilty of being another tyrant who wishes to lord over the people." 

At this point, Speers tries to jump in again.  "There is no officially recognized court of laws in the Freedom Assembly, so by what legal process exactly do you plan on holding Chronarch accountable?" 
 "We plan on reaching out to figures throughout Zephyr City to sit on a democratic tribunal to decide the level of Chronarch's complicity. The Assembly will submit that the way the time traveler has acted is in no way different than any hegemonic government. He will surely speak of a greater good, of aiding his own timeline. Yet that is insufficient grounds for an immoral seizure of the rights of the people to assemble and make their voices heard. Should he be found guilty, it will be up to the majority of the Assembly to pronounce his fate." 

The news crew is, of course, lapping this up. It is a coup for them - either it's a group of out-of-their-minds radicals who are making national headlines, or it's a literal time traveler convicted in the court of public opinion. There's no real downside to this coverage, and it hits all demographics. Speers' smile seems a lot more genuine now.

 "Well there you have it, folks! The Freedom Assembly is calling Chronarch to account publicly for his actions. We've opened up the phone lines for representatives from groups all throughout Zephyr City, so if you have something to share,  now is the time! " 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Announcing that I will be buying Mor publicly, and in the process doing so for 1 less than normal.

Also, this forum is open for anyone to join via teleconference. Anyone else can weigh in.
 


 

   Faction Messages   
  Morale 7  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Much appreciated. Thanks for being cooperative with this. I think at this point it's safe to say we don't see eye to eye on stuff, but you respected our wishes and that counts for something. You're probably one of the more cordial factions we're talking to right now, and after our expansion efforts, we may be looking to take some territory the less amicable way. You may be able to help with that.

What do you think of Chronarch and Avante Garde?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Once we share borders too we could get some stat trades happening maybe. I'll be taking both Zephyr High and southern 45 territory this turn. Thanks for not taking it Turn 1.

I'm trying to figure out who my first targets of war this game will be, and Chronarch might be the right choice but I'm kind of going back and forth on Avante Garde. I think that Bloodborn aren't a good target either, at least not until their VIPs are farther afield and I don't run afoul of them.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Bloodborn 
All good on our end. Hope your expansion went well, not much else to say over here. Thanks for not screwing us over right away, that means you're at least a halfway reasonable actor in this great big mess we're in. Count us a little bit surprised that the literal blood gang is one of the more dependable people we're talking to right now.

There's a similar deal in place for the coming week. We'll send you projected maps of our next expansion, make sure it doesn't ruffle any feathers with you or with the Sky Cavalry so we can all avoid violence before any of us have planned it. We'll see what next week holds.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So for this turn, I'll be going for both 40 and 46. Please let me know where your VIPs will be headed so I can figure out how to spend my stats without us getting into a conflict once more.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Birdwatch 
Hello there, birdies,

Though we can't read your mail - that's your whole thing, not ours - we just wanted to let you know that the democratization of information is an important step to liberty. Thus, what you're doing is worthy of applause. Or, it would be if you shared it with true friends of freedom and not oppressors.

We can see you've been talking to Chronarch. We would ask that you not share any of our communications with them, and do not speak to us about them. Any information you have about Chronarch would also be quite useful to the Assembly, as we are in the midst of preparing to prosecute the time traveler on behalf of the people of Zephyr City.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Gonna politely ask that you don't share my mail with anyone - and if you have any information on Chronarch to please share it.

I can pay you for the info if you'd like, though with trade costs it would never get there. I can keep an Eco tab going for actual payment though, since we may be sharing a border soon (I'll be going for 46 and I assume you're going to be rushing for 47?).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Johnny Gun and the Bone Rattlers 
Just saying howdy. We've been watching you for a while, though our sources of information are a bit out of date. You all seem like an honourable crew, eager to prove yourselves. The Freedom Assembly is definitely not beholden to the laws - if you know anything about us, we're actually big critics of the established order and the powers that be. We want to build something better in is place one day.

Would you be interested in maybe being part of something bigger? The Assembly is hoping to have resources and money to pay operatives in future weeks, and we think you might benefit from business partners who know what's what. We're not interested in lackeys; we want friends who can think for themselves, have goals, and are willing to shoulder shared responsibilities throughout the city.

If that sounds good, we can talk further.
 
kaio999
[CENTER] 

Under the watchful eye of freedom assembly security three drones identifying themselves as property of the sky cavalry arrive in the studio under the control of this faction. As promised an invitation has been offered and been accepted.

A feminine voice comes from the drones.

  ...Permission granted. Feed connected...  

The three drones begin to speed around in a circle lights beginning to scan in and standing before the audience, the freedom assembly entourage and the media personalities hosting the event stands...   Colonel Anorak   he waves to the crowd and into the screens a big cheeky grin on his face.

 “Before we begin we want to thank the freedom assembly for hosting this event. We believe nothing represents freedom better than the open forum. Since the first Republics only by speaking to one another can a conclusion be reached.” With that he clears his throat. “That being said, there is a reason why trials are not forums, why the rule of law has become the guiding principle of the modern enlightened state. The majority has always terrorized the minority, and the mob is never righteous. So we come here today seeking to share a few of our thoughts.” 

Colonel Anorak pulls from his pouch some sort of electronic pad. He gives the impression he cannot read it and resizes the words a few times before dropping a visor and smiling.
 “One we believe a consul made of the factions elite might be an interesting interim proposal but is Oligarchic by nature long term and we will not support this as a final governing body.
	Two if this city does decide to place the time traveler on trial our representative will be Drumroll please...” It does in fact sound like cavalry drums play from the audio setup before he announces.
“Imperatrix herself.”  Cheers get pumped into the audio system.  “As per the way Freedom Assembly believes is most righteous we have voted as human beings and all representatives of sky cavalry hands their voice to the only entity we feel can be truly impartial.” 
He than points at the cameras,  “and before any human being step forward believing themselves righteous enough to hold anothers life and liberty in their hand I ask you, do you believe humans can see past concepts like fear? How many of us in our heart saw what this time traveler did at the parade and didn't have a fissure of concern this entity was similar to Bolting and the horrible events that led to so many innocents dead? Who here can say that someone simply being a time traveler is not creating in us a level of prejudice. The freedom assembly said it themselves they have already robbed this entity of its humanity. Chronarch is a temporal anomaly... Not of the present. They could be right or we are seeing humans who have suffered prejudice now inflict it on another? I am not smart enough to be sure but Imperatrix an AI who can process data faster than every human in this city combined could. I ask we consider letting Imperatrix be that neutral voice. A being which is creating a new future as we speak.” 

Everything goes blank a moment and   Colonel Anorak:   disappears. In place of that another image appears in the hologram. Standing before the crowd is the enigmatic and rarely seen entity Intervallum.

  “As a show of good faith for this city that I love I announce Imperatrix and I will be transforming labor in this city. We present Galatea. Imperatrix has also designed a cost effective means to mass manufacture Galatea so even those who struggle with their day to day can afford Galatea. Galatea will be used to replace all physically dangerous jobs, they will be capable of healthcare or even as a mental health companion. With apps you can add to choose the ideal position to help make every aspect of your life easier. Imperatrix is the freedom of every man, woman and child regardless, of race or creed.”  

The Image of the new mass produced robot to care for the citizens now flashes in place of Intervallum himself
 
 Spoiler: Galatea Model 1 (Mass Produced for civilian purchase) 
 
 


With that Intervallum disappears from the screens and from the hologram and   Colonel Anorak:   returns.  “We are now willing to join this open event and answer questions from Freedom Assembly or the public as fitting.”  The hologram will walk next to the nearest freedom assembly member and “sit” next to them. Though theres no chair that can be seen by the crowd so he looks a little goofy.

 
 Spoiler: Increased Drone Security 
 A display of the drones that will be built to better bolster and provide security for the citizens of the districts under Sky cavalry control is proliferated to the media at the same time as the event so they can use it to speak more to sky cavalry and their intentions for the city (and by extension the world)
(OOC: Will be taking advantage of cheap morale)
 

  Official Missives Morale 7  
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
The response is swift as Sky Cavalry have thrown their hats in the public ring to voice their views. Behind the scenes negotiation are deemed important.

 "Avante Guarde are protectors of the status quo, we don't view them as bad just not innovators like freedom assembly or sky cavalry. The true force of stagnation is perhaps the Eversion project? I mean they are federal agents and nothing more vile than that. Chronarch... We are still taking in all available data. We seek to see the proliferation of this future technology. We feel its democratization would save his future and save this city. Blood Born and Jonny Gunn seem like the type who would lead this city into wretched violence with no future. If you get any data on them it would be appreciated. We view stagnation and suffering for the people as the worst crime these groups can commit." 
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
Drone comes in,
"Grateful for the data once our robot factory project is finished being built we will send you the schematics to use as you please. Thank you for all your help Birdwatch call on us any time. Be safe city is heating up."
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronal Imperative 
Drone does return swiftly.

  "Interesting circumstance for you Chronarch, your mere presence might be making ripples. We cannot speak to the future. Imperatrix and I wish to continue to interface with you and ARTEMIS. We would like to see if you can proliferate any technology to help us build a utopian future free of the weight of human agony. We are seeking to expand the opportunity of humankind and see a revolution. A transformation of your technology into something mass produceable would help us in our design. Any advice or use of your abilities would be valuable. In turn we would be willing to help with any technological short comings that exist in this time."  
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 4 
 At The Big W... 

The Big W was an interesting establishment, short for Wendeslau's and a byproduct of the time a super's fight knocked out all the other letters from the sign, the casino was a relic of the old city , back when the most comfortable way to gamble was to drive or walk half the town to a building whose motto let you know you were being scammed, and where many such places competed.

Long ago, The Big W won out over its competitors, and it became a symbol, with the most "inventive entrepeneurs" within the city vied to control it, the profit was great too, but everyone knew the one who held it was king, Jhonatan Gun senior held it all his life, inheriting the joint from his father.

Jhonny was sipping on something expensive, lounging in a couch surrounded by classy folk, and looking at the new owner, slightly miffed that the Casino being east wasn't quite on his mind when discussing the division of territory with the others.

 "... And she said we would ruin the city's fashion, can you believe it?" 
 "Girl is nuts" 
 "Right? You like what I did with the place, don't you Jhonny?"  Dona added with a wry smile.

 "Yeah, place is just jake... a bit too gold" 
 "Kept it for speed's sake, but that's Duke's mark on the place"  Donna opened her eyes wide for a moment, before standing up  "Forgot something darling, enjoy the place"  she waited for the ones that came with her to leave the VIP, giving Jhonny a little salute good bye.

Not 5 minutes passed before a man joined them, as well dressed as the man himself, a silver fox, and head of the north street possy before the Gunns came back around.

 "Heeeey, Finn! no hard feelings, right?"  called out Gunn with a warm smile.

Jhonny's guests were a little less pleased with the obvious tension filling the room, a savvy type moved just in time as the reply came. A semi-automatic gun came from the jacket, pointed at the mafia head.

 "No hard feelings Jhonny"  and then a burst of shots rang.

 Nightime at Khalid's Gym.... 

Fernando Yawned audibly, it was late at night, the protective suit was heavy, and stone punching wasn't what he expected of a "Power testing night"... as a piece of stone from the slab Khalid was so painstakingly hammering into hit his shoulder harmlessly (an annoying reminder of why the suit was needed) he thought to make small talk, less he end up asleep.

 "You hear of the Jhonny hit?" 

Khalid didn't look away from his task, the process wasn't really exciting to an onlooker, aside from the occasional spin but there were only so many ways to hit stone, but he could see it starting to take shape.  "Which one?" 
 "Poor wording, sorry; not a jhonny hit, a hit on Jhonny. Lone gunman in The Big W" 

Khalid seemed as moved by emotion as if he was told of a new sauce on a restaurant he visited once  "Uh, any dead?" 
 "I hear the guy got pretty beat up, no others" 
 "That's good then" 

A few minutes passed before Fernando broke the monotone punching sounds again  "Is kind of looking like a person now" 

The burly man turned, beaming  "You think so? I was afraid I was doing a poor job, what with the delicate nature of these things..." 

The silence was never whole again through the rest of the night, as the prospective statue lead to further talking, though the specimen sadly was broken in half after a misjudged strike from Zephyr's own Mighty Minotaur.

 Morale 4 
 
 Spoiler:  The Bird watch 
"As mine will be too." replies Jhonny with a wink.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Eversion project 
Greetings,

Buddy, I admire the hustle, I got my title for a hobby and scrammed but you clearly are looking to make something of yourself and of the world... That said, the University is ours, we can make it worth your while, give you a free hand south of us but there is no if or buts to it.

Hopefully we can still do business afterwards though.

Regards,
-Dashing Dynamo.

OOC: Willing to give you 25 and 26 for the university.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Bloodborn 
Hey buddy, pal, friend,

We are looking to move a bit near you, encourage trade an such, and were wondering if you could keep the fighting spirit up north in the meantime, less we are forced to take you up on it.

Regards,
-Jhonny Gunn.

OOC: Looking to take 48, any chance you can keep the fight button pointed somewhere else?
 

 
 Spoiler: The Freedom Assembly 
Howdy then, I've been a bit busy with the locals to send anything your way, but I'm glad you reached out, you've got guts, and when people can start naming the major without google I'll start hearing what he says.

That is to say, very much interested in some cooperation in the future, making my way through the center real soon, so we could have some borders soon. I'll let you know if someone has you on their mind in the meantime, free of charge.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Heeeeey Aleksi,

Nice to hear from you, rough to hear about the parade (seriously rough, there is like no footage), hard to get a read on the guy that talks to no one.

Now, I'm nothing if not agreeable, so, did you have anything in mind as far as what that help would look like? or just making the pitch so I can start swinging?

Regards,
-Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarcate 
"Stay out of my way or pay the price"

Can I interject a little something of my own on that question? because right about now I want to borrow whatever gizmo you have and use it to stop your little parade gambit. Saw it coming, stayed out, but I have a hunch you are not sticking to  your  part of the deal.

Still, which haunt has you sniffing around? there may be an easy way out after all.

-D D.
 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 The Maestro spent quite a bit of time in full costume, and was easy enough for the drone to find; the spotless white suit and domino mask would have stood out in the warehouse-turned-gymnsium even if she wasn’t clearly the one deciding if the prospective new minions racing through obstacle courses and sparring with each other made the cut.

She seemed rather charmed by the avian emissary, humming and tapping her fingers on the guardrails of the walkway she stood on before answering. 

“That is going to be a problem. The north  is  negotiable, but I need it to make sure any performances put on in the old arena aren’t interrupted. The only alternative would be [22], and that would be quite the imposition on the inquisitives at Eversion. Who really have been rather fine friends to me so far.”

 She turned to face the Jay and continued  “What sort of compensation can you offer, to convince me? Venture funding, say, or the temporary services of some of your birds of prey?”
 
Feathersnow
 

Maria Raptor is[irrate] at the presumption of these self-styled champions of democracy and the traditional far-left values she was raised on.

She breaks cover, sort of, and calls the Freedom Assembly's hotline

My name is Dr. Maria Raptor, the last living relative Dr. Ralph Raptor, who was killed, as most of you know, trying to fight Bolting when no one else would.


You have privately insinuated a secret organization of ornithologists exists that is carrying on his legacy.  I can confirm these rumors are based on truth and I have met personally with those involved.

They report you are suspicious that they are colluding with the Chronarch.  I am empowered by those I represent to categorically deny this. They admit to responding to communication from the alleged time traveller, but this was simply good tradecraft.

Rest assured, also, that these ornithologists will not break the sanctity of privacy without compelling cause.   Privacy is the backbone of our civilization, and has been since the fall of Rome taught our collateral cultural ancestors the folly of performative cultic loyalty without a mutually binding social contract.

I have two further announcements-

I will be willing, if you are serious, to appear at your tribunal, as a recently empowered individual with a known interest in the city's welfare, should it ever actually take place.

Second, and more importantly- the Pulse is a curse on humanity.   You are fundamentally right about what it is and what it represents and I, for one, hate that, with no animus to you for speaking an unfortunate truth.

To that end, those ornithologists wish me to announce on their behalf an attempt to limit access to the Nexus such that no one can willfully increase or prolong their gods-given Powers by exposing themselves to it.  Such will only lead to more Boltings and the atrocities they bring.   They will establish an outpost insufficient to gain power themselves but enough to make it difficult for others to do so. Anyone who succeeds in drawing power from the Nexus will face retaliation.

 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly Morale 5 

A MockingJay, an old Mk. I hybrid, now obsolete and used only as a courier, is waiting when the show is over.

"We are willing to share information on Chronarch. His immediate interest is in The Pub.  Furthermore, here is what our Spies have gathered:

 
 Spoiler 

 
 Highest Stat is SPC 
 There are no onoing LTPs 
 There are no completed LTPs 
 They have a single Local Heist called -Welcome to the Past 
 VIPs are Chronarch, a Level 3 SPC VIP 
 They don't have any unique items 
 
 

 

 
 Spoiler:  Opalescent Orchestra mor 5 


The MockingJay returns, or maybe it is another one.  The old songbird seems interested in the music, either way.

"We are willing to hand over region 47 once we have an outpost suitable to prevent the  use of the Nexus, provided we can establish a supply line to keep the Damned Thing out of anyone's hands."
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 
 Spoiler: More legible font(same contents) 
 The footage is  spliced into the feed before anyone has a chance to stop it. Not that  they would have, really - it's too good a story to shut down.

The  recording appears to have been filmed inside a warehouse of some sort.  Chronarch is alone, still wearing his chrome and blue armour. As far as  people can tell, he hasn’t been seen without it – but then again, they  wouldn’t know, would they?
 
 Chronarch’s sitting on a  crate; observers can see faint shimmers moving in the background –  likely drones, which he’s been known to use. His silver visor is opaque,  but it’s clear he’s staring straight into whatever is capturing the  footage. After a few moments, he begins speaking - the audio quality is  stellar, though his voice rasps a little as he talks. He's got a gruff way of speaking - it's clear he's no trained orator.
   
  “Strange.  I didn’t think the Freedom Assembly cared much about the parade, given  that you didn’t even bother to show up. It seems to me that your ability  to judge the actions of others there rings a little hollow, since you  were too busy taking over a chunk of the city to actually protect the  people you profess to care about. If the peaceful right to assembly is  so meaningful to you, maybe next time there’s a high-profile parade, you  can actually show up. If I’d turned up and you’d had boots on the  ground – well, then maybe I wouldn’t have been able to convince Avante  Guarde to let me shut it down.”

“Not  to mention – equating a city-run parade with “peaceful assembly”? Do  you think the people of Zephyr City want, what, lavish expenditures on  something like this? False hope instead of actual stability? Rings a  little hollow to me. To speak your language, I stuck it to powers to be,  the establishment that wouldn’t spend a dime standing up to Bolting but  wants to waste tens of thousands on a parade – isn’t that what you’re  all about? Hell, did everyone in the section of the city you’ve taken  over – by force, reportedly – want you there? What's your mandate,  exactly?”

 Chronarch pauses, looking away from  the camera. When he looks back, resumes talking, there’s an edge to his  voice that wasn’t there before.
 
“Truth  is, though, I don’t give a damn about your hypocrisy. I have no doubt  you have good intentions. I don’t want people here to suffer, any more  than you want people living in – hm, what was it called – Constantinople  to have suffered. But my future? There’s a scale of misery there that  you can’t even imagine. You think you have it rough? What Bolting did to  this city is child’s play compared to what goes on in the 30 th   century. My timeline doesn’t gets to have rights. My timeline doesn’t  get to have parades. My timeline doesn’t get to hold tribunals.  Democracy died a long time ago, where I’m from. You want to put me on  trial? Go ahead. That can be your future too.”

“So convene your  tribunal, if that’s what you want. I’ll hear what they have to say. I don’t want any more conflict than is necessary to nudge things off the path that ruined me and my world. But don’t talk to me about  accountability. You’re concerned with the rights of thousands? I want to  save billions. If you think some nonsense about me ‘seizing the rights  of the people to assemble’ when shutting down a municipal-led parade is  justification for picking a fight with me over, what, the actual  Empowered criminals making power plays for this city right now, that’s  on you. Do you think shutting down a single parade is taking away more  rights than, what, living under the thumb of those actually carving this  city into pieces &amp; seizing its institutions for their own power and  glory? Is there no tribunal for the excess of the strong, or are you  just afraid of picking fights you’re worried you’ll lose? Are pretty  words and pleasantries from monsters and criminals enough for you to  stop recognizing the difference between right and wrong? Even now,  there's a hell of a lot worse happening in this city, to its people,  than a parade being shut down early.”

 There’s a pregnant pause. A drone whirs quietly in front of the camera before disappearing offscreen.
 
“Cause  here’s the difference between you and me, Assembly. Once I’ve fixed the  future? I’m gone, either back to my own time or erased by causality.  I’ll leave the people in this time to make their own decisions, govern  themselves, choose their own fate.

Somehow, no matter how noble and representative you claim to be, I doubt you’ll do the same.”

 The recording ends. 
 
   

The footage is spliced into the feed before anyone has a chance to stop it. Not that they would have, really - it's too good a story to shut down.

The recording appears to have been filmed inside a warehouse of some sort. Chronarch is alone, still wearing his chrome and blue armour. As far as people can tell, he hasn’t been seen without it – but then again, they wouldn’t know, would they?
 
 Chronarch’s sitting on a crate; observers can see faint shimmers moving in the background – likely drones, which he’s been known to use. His silver visor is opaque, but it’s clear he’s staring straight into whatever is capturing the footage. After a few moments, he begins speaking -     the audio quality is  stellar, though his voice rasps a little as  he talks. He's got a gruff way of speaking - it's clear he's no trained  orator.   
    
“Strange. I didn’t think the Freedom Assembly cared much about the parade, given that you didn’t even bother to show up. It seems to me that your ability to judge the actions of others there rings a little hollow, since you were too busy taking over a chunk of the city to actually protect the people you profess to care about. If the peaceful right to assembly is so meaningful to you, maybe next time there’s a high-profile parade, you can actually show up. If I’d turned up and you’d had boots on the ground – well, then maybe I wouldn’t have been able to convince Avante Guarde to let me shut it down.” 
 “Not to mention – equating a city-run parade with “peaceful assembly”? Do you think the people of Zephyr City want, what, lavish spending on something like this? False hope instead of actual stability? Rings a little hollow to me. To speak your language, I stuck it to powers to be, the establishment that wouldn’t spend a dime standing up to Bolting but wants to waste tens of thousands on a parade – isn’t that what you’re all about? Hell, did everyone in the section of the city you’ve taken over – by force, reportedly – want you there? What's your mandate, exactly?”  
 Chronarch pauses, looking away from the camera. When he looks back, resumes talking, there’s an edge to his voice that wasn’t there before.
 
  “Truth is, though, I don’t give a damn about your hypocrisy. I have no doubt you have good intentions. I don’t want people here to suffer, any more than you want people living in – hm, what was it called – Constantinople to have suffered. But my future? There’s a scale of misery there that you can’t even imagine. You think you have it rough? What Bolting did to this city is child’s play compared to what goes on in the 30 th  century. My timeline doesn’t gets to have rights. My timeline doesn’t get to have parades. My timeline doesn’t get to hold tribunals. Democracy died a long time ago, where I’m from. You want to put me on trial? Go ahead. That can be your future too.”

“So convene your tribunal, if that’s what you want. I’ll hear what they have to say. I don’t want any more conflict than is necessary to nudge things off the path that ruined me and my world. But don’t talk to me about accountability. You’re concerned with the rights of thousands? I want to save billions. If you think some nonsense about me ‘seizing the rights of the people to assemble’ when shutting down a municipal-led parade is justification for picking a fight with me over, what, the actual Empowered criminals making power plays for this city right now, that’s on you. Do you think shutting down a single parade is taking away more rights than, what, living under the thumb of those actually carving this city into pieces &amp; seizing its institutions for their own power and glory? Is there no tribunal for the excess of the strong, or are you just afraid of picking fights you’re worried you’ll lose? Are pretty words and pleasantries from monsters and criminals enough for you to stop recognizing the difference between right and wrong? Even now, there's a hell of a lot worse happening in this city, to its people, than a parade being shut down early.”  
 There’s a pregnant pause. A drone whirs quietly in front of the camera before disappearing offscreen.
 
  “Cause here’s the difference between you and me, Assembly. Once I’ve fixed the future? I’m gone, either back to my own time or erased by causality. I’ll leave the people in this time to make their own decisions, govern themselves, choose their own fate.

Somehow, no matter how noble and representative you claim to be, I doubt you’ll do the same.”  
 The recording ends.   
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
The people of Avante Guarde didn't noticeably change overnight, but as the symbol started to spread, the people on the streets helped move things along. The compound itself wasn't a big place, nor was it necessarily easily findable, but as the influence of the self-styled defenders spread, it became apparent how much local information was provided. People were trusted to trust them in return. And so far? So far it seemed to be working well.

It wasn't a fast change that left the people with more secure channels either. The comms links sent down lines and utilising civilian staff and volunteered equipment helped keep quiet the words spoken to anyone but the intended recipient. Except when Avante Guarde wanted it spread. Like today.

The small broadcast wasn't a news broadcast, nor was it a set-up piece on a local cable. It was published online on a self-hosted website and sent out on datapads that spread out from Avante Guarde's home, but on the content it was quite a notable little announcement.

 "Currently Avante Guarde have seen the state of events and wants to put forward a new initiative. A new way of life."  Aleksi Garde, well-known founder of his little initiative, stood in front of what ostensibly looked like a framework that one might use in construction. Though lighter and flimsier. Each connecting joint was made up of some sort of vibrant blue material, and it seemed to almost thrum.

 "This is our newest invention. Something we call 'Guardian's Grace'. I know, the name is a little on the nose, but we figured it was fitting. This project plans to prevent all Empowered from being able to actively use their powers on and around it. We intend to reclaim the city from the paradoxical issue of the Empowered. Bolting was the worst of many issues. If we get this lattice spread over the city? Well we'll still probably have crime but there won't be any issue like we've had in the past."  Aleksi then shakes his head, patting his hand on the invention with a light chuckle.  "Of course, this also will affect Avante Guarde's Empowered, we by no means see the need for us to hold power others don't. Now it won't QUITE stop a Bolting Level Super just yet, but we're still working on it. In the meantime, the weaker version is being already installed on housing to prevent the incidental Empowered from causing any more harm than we can avoid. I know it's not enough yet, but I want you all to know the steps we're taking. For tomorrow. For a better future." 
 
 Spoiler: Global Announcement 
Announcing Guardian's Grace as a LTP for the Grant.

Announcing that the basic level is being put on the local territory to help out (Announcement to reduce Morale Increase cost this turn.)

 Guardian's Grace: 
Begins in Avante Garde's Starting Territory.  When Avante Garde takes an action in a territory, they are able to install an instance of Guardian's Grace. VIPs that take actions in that network lose their empowered bonus. They act as normal stats, but still benefit from their VIP abilities, or any other LTPs that affect them as VIPs.

Factions that own a territory affected by Guardian's Grace are able to destroy the network by paying 5 of any stat but MOR. This action does not prevent Avante Garde from installing it with another action into the same territory.
 


-----

 Response to the Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
 Aleksi Garde:  "I told you at the start, Major, that my people are here for the people of Zephyr City, not anything more. Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy we didn't account for the Chronarch or that he decided vigilante actions were the best way to help people, but Agent Ragav chose to save the people and ensure no casualties. That he gave up the Parade to ensure no civilians were hurt? Sure. I back that decision every time. And to be honest with you, I don't know we could've stopped the amped up android himself even if we'd committed to the fight.

That being said, we are men of our words, and that won't change with this. We will defend the city, as per our history and our actions. The decisions on that are up to you.

That being said, I don't appreciate the approach you've chosen to respond to this. Avante Guarde had more boots on the ground than everyone else combined. You and the rest provided help, don't get me wrong, we appreciate that. But you acting like we have something major to answer for when one of the biggest issues was that we just didn't have the forces to enforce the protection of the parade? I am not happy about being interrogated like we did something wrong."
 

 Response to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hey Chronarch.

Those hundreds of thousands become those millions. That's how population growth works. We save these hundreds of thousands and stop whatever **** causes everything to go bad? That's the equivalent of saving those millions.

So let's not try using the "My cause is bigger than yours" ****. We're doing our best for the city and by doing things that could cause you to fight us you're only making your job harder unless you're about to kill a hundred innocents based on their future actions or something.

Consider actually making friends. If you have only good in mind we'll be of help to you, trust me.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 To the Birdwatch: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hello,

We've intercepted communique around your plans to prevent anyone holding the Pulse, and given our own stances we would seek to support such actions. We aren't close to it yet, due to our plans to procure the Police Station, but after we're done with the Police we'll be making our way inwards to try and provide assistance as I entirely agree with preventing anyone trying to use the unstable energies.

Watch yourselves, and I hope to talk to you more in the future.

Irman
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Well, as you know I reckoned we could spare a few scientists or agents.

Beyond that no clear offer, wanted to see what you were interested in. We're amenable as long as you don't try being greedy.

Regards,

Aleksi
 
n0ble
 “ Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. ”
- Marcus Aurelius,  Meditations  
 “Prosecution?”  The woman called Mourn almost hides behind her cowl as she answers, then looks down the length of the line before both herself and the news team inquiring after her. The camera tracks, taking in a line that rises up over and beyond the horizon of the of hillock where the Heroine  is currently treating people. It would seem all the injured and lame of Zephyr City-those in need of help-are in attendance for the scale of the line. A man with half their face melted by electrical burns, their jawline shadowed by poorly healed eschar. A young redheaded woman whose nose had been cut off.  Lone children absent their limbs. More besides. The camera takes all of this in, only shaking a little as it moves over some of the worst injured.

Before Mourn stands a child. Well. Lies a child. Suppine on a jury-rigged stretcher made from tent-tarp and two splintering sticks. Each breath they take accompanied by a pained wet sound that somehow also seems dry for how it crackles and catches in the youth’s chest. By all accounts the girl is unconscious. Deathly pale.  “ I’ve more important things to do.“  She turns from the camera and rests a hand on the child lying before her.  For a moment Mourn’s pallor matches that of the girl before taking on its, and there's a seemingly final rattle from the girls chest as she exhales. The hero coughs a gob of yellow-black phlegm onto her hand as the child’s eyes flutter open.  She spends a moment to wipe it some hand sanitizer across her hands. The child sits, stands with something of a confused look on their face. Their smile is reciprocted by Mourn as she quietly ushers the child to some parental guardians or authority figures not captured onscreen by the cameraman.  “Next, please.“ 
 Mor.8  
 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

So the way it works is you max your donation to Happy Cairns (max is 3 of any relevant stats)and then if your VIP is injured in the same turn you've maxed the donation said VIP is healed. Additionally in the interest of transparency, Chronarch has made overturns to me about securing [10] for themselves while they back me on taking [3]. If it doesnt step on your toes, would that be amenable provided we split the stats from [3]? You'd get the one from me securing it this turn and I'd get the one from it stabilizing.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Garde  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Seems as though you've already announced the LTP-no worries there, I can trigger my own faction ability by giving stats to other factions LTPs (in effect causing the factions LTP to fall under my faction ability). Let me know if your starving for morale or could use a few extra points kicked that projects way-I'll have a better idea of what I can front you as the turn shakes out.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sounds fair-as an aside I've started communicating with Sky Cavalry outlining your proposal. I'm in tentative agreement right now pending 1) What the Sky Cavalry's response is and 2) how this who accusation/tribunal thing shakes out.
 

 

 Public  
 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives 

The following are the 2 LTPs I'm going to be working on. Stats contributed to these by your are not subject to trade penalties Donations are appreciated:
 1) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.  I will update the amount once everyone’s had a chance to post donations. Additionally, I will be using the Big Spender turn event to add 5 to this LTP this turn.  Currently at: 12/25 (5/15 MOR, 7/10 WRD) 
 2) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (3 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed. I will update the amount once everyone’s had a chance to post donations.  Currently at: 10/27 (4/10 MOR, 2/10 SPC 4/7 ANY STAT) 
 
St. Justicar
 

Luthier stood on stage, his costume clearly touched up and freshly polished to show up better on camera. The mask that covered half his face made his smile seem rather sinister, but on the other hand  did  make it less obviously forced.

“It’s a chaotic world out there. If our local temporal vigilante is to be taken seriously, then it’s only going to get worse. Assassins, rioters and thugs are everywhere.”

The screen behind him turned on, revealing a highlight reel of particularly newsworthy assaults of public figures over the past few years. The time Bolting barbecued a state senator gets pride of place.

“So, how can a prudent funder take precautions, and make sure that some fool with a gun doesn’t ruin their investments in a celebrity or politician? That’s where our new patent-pending quantum expectation technology comes in.”

He leaned into the podium as the screen switched over to reams of equations, scrolling fast enough to make it impossible to actually read what any of them  said .

“By ensuring a critical mass of sapients have the same expectation of what they’re about to see, we will soon be able to use hypergemtric wavelengths of light and sound to retrocausally prevent anything that substantially damages or destroys the focus of their expectation. If the crowd is lined up to watched the president drive by, why should they let one lone gunman ruin their day?”

The screen switched again, now showing the Opalescent Arts logo and contact information for prospective investors to reach out to.

“And if any of you need a one-on-one meeting before deciding to invest, the Maestro herself will be giving a small charitable performance in Montgomery Park this Friday, and she’d love to see you there.”

At that point he turned and began walking off-stage faster than anyone turned off the stream, muttering under his breath (but more than loudly enough for the mic to catch)  ”Waste of my ****ing time do we not have some pretty face to do this bull-” 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Opening LTP  A Good Song Never Dies  for venture capital. It prevents injuries on VIPs taking actions that were publicly announced beforehand

Also announcing that the Maestro will be involved in a neutral conquest of Montgomery Tech Park this EOT.
 


-----

 Moral 3 
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 The MockingJay finds the Maestro out of costume, sitting with a cup of coffee and a pile of papers on a rooftop patio. She considers the response for a moment before sighing. 

“I’m afraid it’s a matter of  tempo . Your plan’s adorably idealistic, and if you to go shoving your beak in the shark tank I don’t have any obvious objections. But the city  is  full of sharks. And that means you’re either moving or you’re chum. So-”

She pulled out a piece of scrap paper and began jotting down a note. “-it can work, but you’ll need to provide a bit of good faith to ease the way toward alternatives, if you understand? Take this back to your rookery and see what the magpies say.”

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Provisionally to let you have 47 for one turn so you can use it to make a grab for the Nexus, provided I can move in and take it before it’s stabilized as yours.

 But  as compensation I’m going to need two points of t. specialists from you this turn. Won’t be used as anything hostile, don’t worry; when I take 47 you may in turn ask for 2 t. Stats of anything back.
 

 
Feathersnow
 

Public:

Like the Martyred Dr Raptor, Birdwatch is shy but powerful.  We are bringing peace to the Lower South Side through our flagship "crime watch" program...  where birds watch crimes, but, unlike everyone else  do something about it!   Our feathered friends are trained to escalate tense situations by pecking aggressive criminals until they run away, thus stopping crime in its tracks!  Since they are birds, no human lives are risked in this because, frankly, they lack the ability to be more than annoying on their own, and are encouraged to avoid eyes and other delicate body parts!

 
 Spoiler 
 I intend to increase morale for the discounted rate this round.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Opalescent Orchestra Mor 5 


Two Crows appear to M. Maestro.  "This can be arranged."
 
 Spoiler:  OoC 

All my stats are different birds, Crows are Specialists, swallows are espionage, Hawks are str, the others are currently undefined, but pigeons are probably WRD...
 

 

 
 Spoiler:  Avante Guarde Mor 5 


A letter shows up in the Avante Guarde dropbox...

Since you let it slip you can read my mail, I want to defend myself by saying there is no ethical consumption under capitalism and, also, the alternative was far worse.

I'd give you the same rundown on Chronarch I've given some others, but presumably you already have it.  :p

-Dr. M. Raptor
 
kaio999
 
  Official Missives Morale 7  
 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
 
 Spoiler: Tactical Specifics. 
OK i will donate on a turn I think I might see conflict or if its coming close to be filled just to show support. I also have 3 propositions.
1) I am willing to part with 3 so you can stabilize Monsoon Action Park though its strange to want to protect your LTPs when you make them both public. I won't complain. I am happy to take the stat but I would also like us to consider a declaration of alliance. An agreement publicly we will not engage in conflict so a betrayal from either side will look bad to the other factions. Just because 3 does border up against harbor I am taking next turn. While giving your special sector a buffer.
2) I would like to propose with you taking 4 if you are OK with me taking 6? This would let you have a buffer from the factions vying for the center of the city. I have an interest in duking it out with the more villainous factions down the line.
3) I am willing to sell you my LTP which will be done next turn for just 2 t str. if you're interested.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
 
 Spoiler: Tactical Specifics. 
Have a few proposals for birdwatch
1) I am aiming to get district 6 in a few turns. Once I do would you be interested in buying my LTP for 2tspc or 2esp?
2) Would you be interested in a formal alliance which we provide military support if either of us get attacked? For transparency (and I assume you can read it anyway) I am offering a similar deal to Happy Cairns though with them I am just looking for peaceful exchange I want us to actually aid one another militarily.
3) What stat are you interested in if I want to send you anything? I want an investigation on a few factions and I want it to be worth your time.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
There was the arrival of three drones, each machine in turn was protecting the other but only one contained the necessary message. It would arrive in around the territory of the Opalescent Orchestra.

Whenever the drone gets clicked before the OO operative would stand   Major Megan Hopper:   she is prided on her astute and military attitude, with impeccable attire holding herself with pride. The message is brief.

"I have been ordered to send this message, I will keep it brief. It has come to our attention our ideologies might hold similarities. The Freedom Assembly claimed such. I admit we have not been following your antics. However they viewed your forces with some concern and this caught our interest. I am reaching out to discover your goals. It will help us decide if maintaining contact with your ilk is worth continuing. Leave your message with the drone and it will return to us."

With that it clicks off.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
Ryan has to resist the urge to start running around as everyone is getting ready. Their warehouse is packed with every member of the Bloodborn, everyone is doing equipment checks and going over the plans with their various squad leaders. This was their first open move since they started the group.

Before Bolting fell they operated in shadows, never taking open credit for their actions or publicly running operations like they were able to now. At the same time though all they did back then was take down petty criminals and vigilantes or try to evacuate civilians during or in the aftermath of powered fights. This was different.

They were bigger now, stronger then ever but that also meant that Ryan was watching as most of his friends and followers were heading out on their own without him there to watch over them. Aspect had been teasing him all day about his mother hen energy but he couldn’t help it! They were going off without him!

To shift his mind he turns back to the squad of Bloodborn he would be taking with him as support. They were not expecting the neighborhood to put up a big fuss when he walked in with his mists so it was mainly a squad of newer members led by one of the original members. He walks through the dozen or so members and notices that Valentina was actually not doing any equipment checks, just listening to some music and bobbing her head to some music as she throws a few punches in the air in front of her.

Her equipment looked fine, the motorcycle leathers and bullet proof vest were secure and cleaned, and her cricket bat was securely wrapped with leather wrappings and secured with a loop on her wrist she also had a ice pick sharpened and tucked into her belt and he could see the bulge of a pistol secured in an underarm holster hidden by the vest and jacket.

Ryan taps her on the shoulder and she jumps, turning around with an embarrassed flush at being called out by the leader of the whole movement. When she pulls out her earphones he can hear some fast paced music with heavy base, “Sorry boss! Just trying to get pumped up for the big day.”

Ryan smiles and waves his hand in front of him “No it s no problem Valentina I wa-”

She cuts in with an automatic “Call me Val!”
He looks back with a raised eyebrow and she flushes again, realizing she cut him off “Sorry.”

Ryan snorts “It’s fine… Val. Your equipments good and we haven’t started the briefing so there was no problem it just looked like you were getting pretty pumped up so I was wondering what you were listening to?”

“Ohhhh. Well I noticed some of the older members were getting pumped up with their own music so I asked around and got a couple songs to listen to! Lots of classic rock some metal some rap, lot of variation really.”

Ryan looks around as she said that, he hadn’t noticed but there was actually a good amount of people listening to music and bouncing or shadow boxing. “Huh I didn’t notice that actually.”

Val nods with a smile “Ya a bunch of them said that you guys would all blast pump up music before going out and they were getting the same vibe. I think everyones got some butterflies honestly.”

Ryan grins as he remembers those days, sometimes they would practically start a mosh pit to get everyone jacked up before going out or they would hit up a party before heading out. Not the most professional but there was something to be said for getting the blood flowing. “Ya we did do that… you know what. Val can you grab some people and start going around. We’re going to get some music pumping in here before we head out. Get everyone to jot down some top picks and I’ll get the speakers set up.”

He grabs a couple of the squad leaders and Aspect and they all pull out the massive bluetooth speakers they used for some events and set them up around the warehouse. Ten minutes later Val and a few other members come back with the tallies for top votes and he starts sorting through them.

As he does everyone starts to gather and he groans as he reads the first one, shjouting out to the gathering members “No! I veto the first one! We are not doing this again, no  Red Rain ! I don’t care how good Peter Gabriel is we’re better then cheap puns!”

He sorts out the 2nd place winner and smiles as he casts it to the speakers,  “Now this will get the blood pumping!" 

 


Ryan runs his hand through his hair as he looks over the proposals from other members and some of their community contacts. He grimaces as he finds another streak of blood ‘Ugh I’ll need another shower this is ridiculous.’

Everyone had returned safe and sound aside from a few minor injuries like sprains or bruises. The speakers had been brought out again and most of the Bloodborn were celebrating the start of their movement that had waited for so long. Ryan wasn’t joining them though. After he returned he was too stressed out by all the work they had to set up in their new neighborhoods and if he wanted to live up to their big ideals then he didn’t have time for parties.

He had dragged Aspect in with him to help out but she couldn’t concentrate with the party so he had turned her loose, hopefully she wouldn’t try to start up a blood mist rave again with glow sticks. That was a BITCH to clean up.

He did have a few of his members with connections to the community leaders with him who were more interested in helping out then the party and he was using them to get in contact with the figures he wanted to get moving immediately. Right now he was wrapping up a patrol schedule for all the squads, he wanted boots on the street to replace the inept police force and they had a larger area to patrol now.

Thankfully it seemed like they had a slew of new members coming in from the new neighborhoods as well which should help mitigate that. The squads were on standing orders not to stop police from responding in their communities… for now. That was a ticking clock though because the second he had the numbers to deal with all the needs of the communities then he would be slamming the door in the ZPDs faces.

As he wrapped up the schedule he checked his emails again, smiling as he saw a couple new ones. The members had gotten a hold of the community leaders and they were working on the initiatives they wanted to enact together.

Bloodborn would be holding self defense seminars and Pulse awareness workshops to teach anyone who wanted how to defend themselves and the ins and outs of Powered people in the city so that everyone could be aware of what they came across.

The community leaders were using the funding and security that the Bloodborn were giving them to open several new soup kitchens and construction crews to rebuild broken houses from Boltings rampages. There were plans in the works to both expand the two initiatives but also add some free clinics and affordable housing creation beyond repair. They just didn’t have the money for that right now but hopefully that would be sorted out soon enough as he looks at the map with a large red circle around the bank just a short distance away.

If they had the money they could look beyond the immediate and plan for the future; organize training in the trades, links to higher education, job creation, and more. Maybe the Freedom students would know a bit more about that. Something to maybe ask about later.

Unfortunately as he gets further down his list of emails he reads one that makes him almost spit on the floor out of disgust. Some outside syndicate was ‘interested’ in them and curious to see how they conducted himself. Ryan was about to email back a scathing reply but a glance at the city map stops him.

They were surrounded by assorted powered people and organizations. He could not afford to turn away any help at this point and this Syndicate had hard cash to spend right now on their backers. He refused to be associated with any form of government trying to enact their will on his city and the media were a bunch of rating whores who would turn on him in a second if it made them more publicity.

If this syndicate was coming to Zephyr City they would be coming through him or not at all… and when they had this city under control there would be a revisiting on how welcome they were.


 

 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: GM 
going for the Syndicate of the Powers that Be
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Everything is good on our end as well. Ya the blood really turns a lot of people away from our doors but we don't pick what the pulse gave out for sure.

We are happy to keep this arrangement going as well. Anything to keep the uncontrolled violence to a minimum. Fair warning we are going for that Bank to fund our various initiatives. We would be open to allowing you to make some money from the Bank as well if you have an offer on the table. We will be sending our Blood mists directly to the North so you're aware.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Hello there,

Well we're not opposed to this it would change the deployment of our forces. Do you have a little something to... sweeten the pot as it were? I'm sure you understand as mercenaries that a give and take is important.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avent Guarde 
How's it going,

We see that the parade was stopped but at the same time we have mixed feelings on how it was stopped. We would have rather seen you protect the parade successfully then some pretend savior from the future dictating how we should live and what we should do. We don't feel as strongly as the Freedom Assembly on this but so you are aware we would prefer your well meaning vigilantes over pretentious controlling saviors.

We were glad to see that no accidental conflicts occurred to cause any damages to either of us. Most likely due to your forces being away at the parade. We would like to stay transparent in regards to our moves and so we are trying to keep away from as many forces as possible so we will be sending our blood mists as far away so as not to hit your southern and south eastern areas. Beware if you head to the North though or the West.

We would also like to be open about our own desires. We have a great desire to take over that Comic Store to help with our funding problems, the Bank will most likely not be enough.
 
Eldan
 
 

Astaroth ripped the helmet off her head and tossed it into a corner, thick tendril of shadow snaking out of the suit and evaporating. There was an almost simultaneous hiss of shock from three be-labcoated scientists and two of them immediately hurried over to pick it up, fussing over the unreasonably expensive sensory equipment. Unconcerned, she glanced around the room and immediately brightened up.
"Furcas!", she exclaimed at the thing that looked almost like Hartley. It merely grunted in reply.
"Good thing you're here. Hartley is such a bore. Well. Things should get  considerably  more interesting this month without the normies making being "reasonable"."
She walked over to a computer and started clicking through messages and files.
"Anything interesting happen while I was away? By the way, you have no idea how weird it is to be over there in this body. It does  not  fit together right."
Click, click, click.
"Trade show! Oh my. Good thing I'm here. Could you imagine the good Doctor Levy on a stage? He could present an all-in-one solution to world hunger, climate change and stubbing your toe, and people would fall asleep in thirty seconds. You there!"
She pointed at a flinching scientist. "Proposals for something we can sell publically, my desk, one hour!"

 The Court of Public Opinion 
The message features no picture, simply a vaguely corporate logo, red on a white background, showing what is perhaps a stylized flame, perhaps a star. The accompanying voice is calm, flat, emotionless, androgynous. Perhaps artificial. In small text beneath the logo is the word "Morningstar".
 

"There is one thing to consider in the Chronarch case above everything else: a public policy decision, whether made by monarchs or democratically, by technocrats, or philosophers or the commons, by the powered or the unpowered, must be made taking into account all available information. The better the intelligence, the more informed the decision. And who has more information than a literal time traveller? If Chronarch really is from the future - which is still to be confirmed - and really has humanity's best interest in mind - then we must accept that his decisions are more informed than ours could ever be.
Does that mean that we must accept whatever he decides? No. But we can not fault him for making a difficult decision with the information he has, and we don't. No one was hurt, no real damage was done.
Could things have gone better? Indeed, they could.
What we propose is this: a levelling of the playing field. IF he can time travel, then Chronarch has infinite time in which to come to a decision. Let him  explain  to us what he knows and what must be done. Let him  share  his perfect hindsight. Let us make informed decisions."


 Mor 4 
 Opalescent Orchestra 
 
 Spoiler 
Oh no, absolutely not. No plans in the west, we just want the university campus. But your trade offer is very agreeable. That said, all signs are currently pointing towards possible conflict between us and the Bone Rattlers, so we may need more help very soon.

OOC: 1 Eco, 1 Spec for 2 Mil?
 

 Chronarch 
 
 Spoiler 
Dear Chronarch,

We have not yet met, but my name is Dr. Seth Levy, I am connected to the Temporal Research Group of Zephyr City University. Of course, I can't tell if you know anything about me from the future, but I'd never be so presumptuous as to assume my name will be remembered centuries hence, so an introduction seems appropriate.
First, I would just like to personally welcome you to our time period and say that it is an incredible honour to be alive at the same time as history's first confirmed time traveller. Well, you know what I mean. Perhaps not "first" but four-dimensional existence makes grammar go wibbly-wobbly. Your mere existence confirms theories we have spent decades developing. It is a great leap for mankind.
Second, let me just say that whatever resources you need, be they scientific equipment, local intelligence, or a discrete intermediary, we are at your disposal, after all, we already owe you a great debt. We are firm believers in the ends justifying the means and the long-term view trumping any temporary concerns.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Seth Levy
 

 To the Bone Rattlers  [4]
 
 Spoiler 
We might have a problem now. And the problem is this:

We don't need territory. Don't  want  territory. Don't want to administrate it. Don't want to hold it or defend it. We have no use for it. It offers us just about nothing. What you are offering is worthless. Less than worthless, really. The more territory we own, the harder it will be for us to retain some modicum of secrecy. We are a research organisation, not some feudal landlord.

But the university? More than half our organisation are ex-faculty members. Some still are, officially. And now that we know time-travel is actually possible? What could you  possibly  offer us in all the universe that is more valuable than time travel? There is no business to do here. It is, more or less, the only thing in the city we want.

That is not to say we want war. If we can convince you not to make an attempt on the university, we are quite happy to make offers of our own. Peace is preferable to the alternative. But if it must be war: our mission is saving the world and we will commit whatever it takes.

-Astaroth
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=7 ] . 
    
 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 


It was more of a threat than a deal, but you know what, you’re right. My own personal distaste for your family and your goals shouldn’t factor into it.

I know you’re looking to own the cops. Not only the territory, but the people themselves. I don’t want that to happen. You can control their headquarters, or you can control the cops themselves, but the future can’t tolerate you having both.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I have access to your Precinct Heist. Mechanically it isn’t exactly ideal, but flavour-wise I have to do something. So here’s a potential compromise – either lay off the heist or the police station strategic territory. Chronarch’s cool with you having one, but not both. You can do this however you want – you can trade access to your heist to one from someone else if you want, or you can just choose not to go for the police station. Anything there you can work with to provide a flavour justification for a lack of intervention?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


Done. People around these parts are more willing to cooperate with me after the parade, so I can get some volunteers to head in your direction and help out.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


You’ll have 6 MOR split equally between your two projects this turn, and likely in future turns as well.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


It’s not that simple. Small changes now ripple enormously over the course of 800 years. It’s not a single divergence point or catastrophe that we can prevent – it’s dozens of smaller changes, diverting the future towards one less like mine.

I’m not looking to murder innocents, believe me, but there will be times when I may need to do things that you might not like – like shutting down a parade, no matter the costs – and I need to be sure you won’t stand against me if I tell you what I’m doing. My good is the greater kind, and from what I’ve read – and from what we’ve said – yours is very much focused on the here and now.

Not to mention, encryption and security in the 21 st  century is terrible, or so ARTEMIS tells me – if I tell you what I’m doing, then there are others who can potentially put countermeasures into place. Countermeasures the future can’t afford.

All that to say… I’ll do what I can. I know you’re in a tough position here, but so am I. I hope we can work together when possible. I’m not sure a man in my position can afford the luxury of friends, but I hope at least we don’t have to be adversaries.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 

 The response is a little delayed - Chronarch is clearly a little occupied by the tribunal.  

I know my presence makes ripples. When I leave the present, I might cease to exist. That’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make to see a better future. I can only hope my intervention leaves the world a better place.

I can continue to interface if you’d like, but I’m afraid I can’t share technology. Not only did I only bring back what I need, and I can't afford to loan it to you or take time for you to study it, but the risks of that ending up in the wrong hands is catastrophic. What I can offer is for ARTEMIS to take a look at your tech, maybe give you some pointers and advice. Stuff that might leap you forward a few decades, not centuries. I recognize it's not what you want, but it's the best I can do under the circumstances.

Incidentally, I’m informing you that I plan on taking [10], and will be backing Happy Cairns in taking [3]. Maybe the above can help make up for that.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I should have a few points of Weird I can toss you next turn, as a gesture of friendship. Assuming that Happy Cairns agrees.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project 


Doctor,

Thank you for your kind words.

You seem nice and well-intended, so let me put this as politely as I can:

From what I know, the world probably would be better off if someone were to set you and your team on fire. You’re brilliant and pioneers, sure – but look what the pioneers did to the indigenous peoples.

That said, I don’t have the ability to excise you myself – and honestly, the consequences of me doing that might outweigh any benefits – so I think my best option here is to try to guide you towards not causing an apocalypse of some sort? So sure, we can cooperate. A general heads-up on hostility coming my way would be appreciated, as well as who’s sniffing around any large events [world heists] and in return I will stamp down the urge to drown your headquarters in plasma.

As a consolation - in terms of the mechanics of time travel, I’m not sure there’s much I could share anyhow. It's a gift of the Pulse; that’s a technological mystery even the future has yet to crack. That said, if you have research you want to share, I can have ARTEMIS look at it to make it as disaster-proof as possible.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Fluff wise there is a rather large fluff misalignment here but I think this is a workable angle for some limited cooperation. Going with “Chronarch thinks you left to your own devices is worse than Chronarch steering you towards not turning Zephyr City into an enormous hellgate”, which I think tracks.
 

 
  
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   The Broadcast   

It takes several minutes for the various messages to come through on the WWN show. The Birdwatch make their position known, as do the scientists of the Eversion Project. Yet it is the Chronarch's own words that sets the Assembly representatives bristling and muttering among themselves.

 "Alright folks, we've heard from some callers on the air, including Chronarch himself,"  says Donna Speers with the cheerful enthusiasm of knowing they're about to break network records.  "We're going to give our guests from the Freedom Assembly time to respond to what has been said... right after this commercial break!" 
 [Beat, broken up by assorted cheerful advertisements, all blissfully unaware of their own irony in this moment] 
 "To the points made against us, we say this first: the Freedom Assembly is not on trial here. Our actions are to liberate the people from those who would control and oppress them, no matter what form that takes. That end justifies the seizure of territory, as we are taking an active role in stewardship over Zephyr City's northern neighborhoods. Let us be clear: we are not prepared to answer to municipal laws, laws that are systemically corrupt. What our body of people do care about are moral imperatives, first and foremost that of free will." 

There's a slight pause, as two of the hooded figures on the couch confer about something. Their mics cut out just for a second, a conveniently timed technological glitch that gives them time to deliberate. When the Assembly party continues, it's a new speaker once more, this one's voice distinctly feminine even under the voice scrambler.

 "We have held rallies, town hall meetings, and operated strictly by consensus. The so-called 'force' that Chronarch mentions is the will of the people, a democratic process. We were only able to take residence over these blocks because we were invited by its residents, residents who make up our very ranks." 

One of the masked figures stands. He was the first to speak, and his voice has an edge of force to it that the others do not.  "We aren't soldiers. We're bus drivers, electricians, teachers, nurses, carpenters. We're the people the elite dismiss, who make them their expensive lattes and process their credit card charges and guard them while they sleep. And you sound just like them, Time Tyrant: stepping on good people for some future only you can see. That's a  big f*cking mistake ." 

The figure sitting next to them reaches up and puts a hand gently on their friend's shoulder, guiding them back down to the couch.  "What we're trying to say is that just because the Assembly didn't bother to send anyone to the parade doesn't mean that the right to have a parade in the first place should be infringed upon. You more or less answered your own accusation, Chronarch: the frivolity of the event is exactly why the Freedom Assembly elected not to attend in any official capacity, though we agreed with its messaging in spirit. And to have that choice taken away for some kind of nebulous greater good, one we're all supposed to just trust you have in mind?" 

They shake their head.

 "I can see from your response that we won't agree on this. Honestly, your very existence threatens the underpinnings of our promise: to be free self-determined agents of change. The Assembly will convene the tribunal of interested parties, though to be fair we will hear the arguments of all who arrive before making our own recommendation about what is to be done with you." 

 

   Faction Messages   
  Morale 7  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Fascinating that you are not as friendly with Avante Garde as we might have suspected. Furthermore, your antipathy with Eversion is noted. We are wary of them as well - their science is not aimed at helping the people, and is more than likely going to result in some kind of quantum entanglement event with other realms of existence. Arsenal and many of our other thinkers have been studying what little unredacted records have been released to the public.

The Bloodborn are admittedly close to us, so we can ill afford to anger them. While their criminal roots aren't exactly ideal, many of us in the Assembly know that the law is a fallible thing. There are too many of us with friends and family in prison to feel anything but sympathy for them. The Bone Rattlers less so - they seem more like glory hounds than anything else. We would be well rid of them, in the long term.

The greatest threats to Zephyr City, however, are the Time Tyrant and the Maestro, though we count our enemies to be anyone who would preserve the status quo, hinder the liberation of Zephyr City, and protect the forces of law and order.

If you are not with us against Chronarch when the time comes, you too may be considered an enemy of the people, though for the sake of the respect we have for you, we hope it will not come to that.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Bloodborn 
Our thanks for the heads up. We've sent over the last of the documents to confirm the plans.

With our groups neighboring each other, we may wish to arrange for some trades down the line to keep both of our groups happy. You have the Freedom Assembly's thanks in advance for any offers from the Bank. We plan on taking up recruitment around Zephyr City High, which will give us a bit of an edge in information gathering - happy to share those results with you (and with Birdwatch by proxy, as they are no doubt reading this) as they pertain to any later 'expansion' efforts.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Cool. Just to confirm, you're sending VIPs to take the northern territory? If so, I'm happy to take 40 without auto-stabilization and 46 with a VIP as normal. That should hopefully put an end to the immediate need to coordinate territory taking and allow us free trade.

We may be in touch to coordinate some war targets, if you're game. You seem like you would be up for that.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Birdwatch 
Thanks for the information. We'll keep that to ourselves for now, and pass it on to anyone we're seeking long term alignment with. That could well be you, by the way. How does Birdwatch feel about the following factions?

 
  Chronal Imperative 
  Sky Cavalry 
  Avante Garde 
  Eversion Project 
  Opalescent Orchestra 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: To Johnny Gun and the Bone Rattlers 
Appreciated. We're talking with Birdwatch as well, to get a sense of which way they're leaning. They gave us some info on Chronarch free of charge, but push comes to shove they may be a bit too neutral for our tastes.

Since we know you can read this, birdies, consider that a nudge to pick the right side - we (and presumably the Rattlers) know that the Orchestra is threatening you with a pretty lopsided deal, wouldn't it be great to trip up the great Maestro and knock him off tune a bit? Surely you can see that a literal monologuing science villain is bad news for Zephyr City, and not even in the profitable way.

Anyhow, there are going to be some scraps, and soon. We will need to decide if you want to be part of the solution, or part of the problem. The Assembly hopes that the Bone Rattlers know that the corrupt pro-establishment powers need to go, and people need to take justice into their own hands.
 
St. Justicar
 

It was barely a day since the Maestro had single-handedly wrecked the police precinct, and now there was a string quartet performing in the park. Throughout their new territory, the Orchestra was living up to their name – talented musicians performing every day the weather permitted, situated just far enough apart that the sounds faded into each other instead of clashing. Streets were swept and beautified, graffiti washed away or whitewashed over to make room for striking new work in a cohesive art nouveau style, the student who’d submitted the concept piece for it now a very well compensated art director with a team working under them. A dozen different sites were already being considered for the honour of hosting the first heroic statue.

There was strikingly little street crime in the Orchestra’s domain, for all that ZCPD was quickly learning the habit of only showing their faces in force and under duress. All those musicians doubled as quite the surveillance network, after all, and the good people and business owners were paying for  protection . The Maestro didn’t particularly like being made a liar, and the distaste flowed downwards to the musclebound thugs with well-remunerated new ‘private security’ jobs quite readily.

The Orchestra wasn’t going to win any popularity contests any time soon, but they knew how to play the media – compared to wall to wall coverage of riots and people’s courts and time travellers in power armour, the well-heeled masses of Southside could make their peace with being the sort of place that got mentioned in human interest stories about public art.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Will be using media coverage for a discount on morale increases
 

 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 The returned message is from Luthier, a video recording of the young man in full costume, the lenses on his mask switched over to some esoteric radiation monitoring and giving off a faint glow 

“I’ll be honest, if one of the hippies said you’re just like us, they  probably  just meant to say ‘go **** yourself’. Only things we’ve heard from them are what’s on the news right now and a few very colorful death threats. Which the boss loved, because of course she did.” he sighed “but you’re asking what we stand for? Never got a theorist on payroll, but at the core? I’d say it’s about aspiring to something higher. Art, science, culture, spectacle, whatever the **** – a bit of ambition, a bit of beauty, a bit of class. Making life about something a bit more impressive than just  living . You get me?”
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


A perfectly agreeable deal for me. I’ll send a few dozen backups from the brass section your way they all know their way around a firing range.

Now, a small note; our feathered friends to the west’s plan to start nesting in the nexus to prevent any brawling over it seems, well,  birdbrained , but I haven’t the heart to stand in their way, at least not on the terms they’ve offered. So instead of blocking their path I’ll be taking [22] this coming week to secure my hold on the Arena. Just thought you’d like to know.

As for the Rattlers – and salutations you sly snakes, I'm quite aware you're reading this – all I’ll say at this particular juncture is that if the maps keeps filling itself up so fast it seems I’ll need to pick a fight with  someone . There are certainly worse choices, aren’t there?
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 


Maestro finished her coffee before standing and approaching the crows with a smile. “Marvellous! We’ll accomplish some magnificent things together, don’t you think?”
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly Morale 5 

A MockingJay comes back the next morning:

It sings:

"Chronal Imperative is instability in the system, we worry about him long term"

"Sky Cavalry seem nice, and aren't near us. They are clearly skilled.//
Avante Garde is sincere, but basically the fools who talked my uncle into getting killed"

"Eversion Project wish they were us but their grant money is flush.  I don't know why, they seem like boring guys"

"Opalescent Orchestra are thugs and need to go down, we have to work with them to hold the center of town."

"As for you, you are better than most,
Give the birdie a piece of toast"
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
The flickering logo on the new call line was known enough, the shield and winged blade spinning for a moment before it fizzled and the image turned into a seat at a half-moon desk. The rotating chair was currently set in the middle, and leaning forwards onto the suspiciously clear desk was none other than Aleksi Garde.

Blonde hair carefully combed out of his eyes, a moderately well put together dark grey suit, and a general sense of neatness combined well with the easy smile he projected through the camera. For the keen eyed it would be obvious that there were more people in the room with Aleksi, but he was the only one in clear visibility, the others hidden in shadows or around the edges of the image.

 "Hello Freedom Assembly, hello all gathered."  The greetings settled easily as the founder of Avante Guarde spread his hands.  "I would like to say that I both agree and disagree with the fundamentals of this discussion. Half of the claims and statements have been attempts to gain the moral high ground over each other, and kids, that's mostly been you and Chronarch. I want to say that playing the moral card is a good way to feel good about yourselves, but actions matter." 
 "And I will clearly state for all concerned, I have concerns about Chronarch's decisions and secrecy. I have directly addressed him already about it. He has claimed that I may not like some things he has to do for the future, which I already feel dubious about. To claim 'I have to do this for the greater good' without being able to tell me how it affects the greater good? Colour me a skeptic. I've seen enough Empowered who want to do the greater good or save the people but don't actually do exactly that to be very heavily concerned." 
 "That is not to say that I think Chronarch is evil. I will say that his willingness to work with my men to clear the parade instead of forcing a fight is appreciated. I think that regardless of claims and actuality, Chronarch intends to do good."  The wide spread arms come together now, fingers steepling as Aleksi leans forwards.  "I am willing to attend a tribunal. I am willing to discuss what should be done. If Chronarch is open to being more transparent and can clearly outline the cause and effects that lead him to his decisions, I even am of the opinion that Zephyr City can work with him. Avante Guarde will stand for what it has always stood for, though. For the people. For those not Empowered. And that will be the guiding principle for our decision when all things have been considered." 

After the last words are spoken, the voice having slowly deepened with intensity over the course of the last sentence, the screen switches off.


 

 Response to the Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
OOC:
No problem. Honestly always want more MOR for it, but just let me know if you have spare. I'll be throwing any spare points I have your way for your projects.

Also does your power stack? Like if I provide 3 points to your project and you provide 3 points to mine then do I end up with 6 tMOR?
 

 Response to the Birdwatch: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hey there friend,

I wasn't here to judge you. Yet.

You make the decisions you have to. I respect the old Dr Raptor too much to slight any concessions made for your goal.

The reason I sent the message was to inform you I agreed with your ideal of ensuring no one could control the Nexus. That stands.

And yes, I hope to see more contribution to information on the unknown from you.

-Irman
 

 Response to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Trust me when I say that I'm not happy about how that parade was ended either.

But it was ended bloodlessly so I'm also not too unhappy. I was scared it'd turn into a bloodbath. (No offense to your own abilities, of course.)

For our advancement, we were looking at a northern front, but it shouldn't have any of our Empowered with it so I don't believe we'll have any conflicts from my understanding.

Your communication clear is very appreciated.

Regards,

Aleksi
 

 Response to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Look,

I understand yours isn't a clear cut position, nor easy to manage. But I will be straight with you, as per my public announcement I cannot be sure of anything involving secrecy. Secrecy means I can't be sure of your intentions.

I mean I keep some secrets myself so I can't talk too loudly, but we do our best here at Avante Guarde to be transparent. Let me know what you can say for future events and I'll see if I can't beef up my security tight.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 
neriractor
 
 The tribunal 

A late com joins the talk, a podcast roughly affiliated with the new station our very own Freedom assembly:  "Hello everyone, I'm joining you for a flash segment of J.J..."  

Donna (not gunn) makes a panicked whisper to her com  "jake you are cluttering up the line, get ou..." 
 "Here with us, the esteemed heir of Gunn Enterprises, Johnatan Gunn Jr!"
   "...Alright, stay in" 
 "Oh, please, call me Jhonny"
 
 "As you would...  Jhonny , now, everyone seems to be on an on about Chronarch 'New bolting came quicker than expected they say', as a successful businessman, what are your thoughts on how he may affect the city" 
 "Now, Jake, you know I'm close to everyone I work with, practically family"
   "Sure, sure"   "'So I hear their concerns about this  so called  'future man'" 
 "Everyone knows that" 
 "Yeah, they 'Know', but let me tell you, in my line of work I know all about progress, " 
 "I know, I know"  jack says, raised finger guns for the audience.

 "And i know you know"  says Jhonatan, returning the finger Gunns  "So them Chronarch comes here claiming to be from the future, and what's their proof?" 
 "He single handedly stopped the parade" 
 "He did? dang near on the level of a light drizzle then. Chain janking not withstanding, that's his proof: he is got a big stick, not anything crazy, just the same old suits and robots people have been Sci-fying around since books were booked the first time." 
 "Ha, right! just a big stick" 
 "Combat suit is Avante Guarde and Sky cavalry level but no one is saying they came from the future, now I ain't much for jury duty if I can help it, but 'doesn't have papers because he was born way late' shouldn't be defense anyway, should be part of the evidence" 
 "There you have it folks, Jhonny Gunn tells it like it is: 'so what if they have a big stick?' more after a short commercial break." 

An obnoxious ice cream commercial clutters the screen for about 15 seconds before someone turns off the feed.

 Morale 4 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Aleksi,

I've been thinking, how tied are you to the comics? because I could do with a presence there, and I bet you'd like a buffer against the blood born. Do let me know if this isn't in the cards and I'll chop up something else, I can guarantee a little something something in the south so you are not just bottled up.

Regards,

-Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal imperative 
The ocasional conveniently placed note from Dashing Dynamo that prompted a far less subtle reply had become a relatively common occurence for chronarch, thus their prolonged abscence was noticeable, until one day, in a low flight pattern, one was stuck in bright yellow to the nearby building.

 I  was  going to reply some very unkind words, but let it not be said that we can't compromise. We'll leave the bureaucracy of it all to someone else and stick to the meaty parts.

There should be enough space for the both of us, maybe we can give you a hand if you wanna mess up someone else's plans, just no funny business.

- D D.

 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I get ya, I can stop pushing north to the police station for the sake of peace then, feel free to use it as a casus belli if I ever do.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Eversion project 
Listen up,

Anyone who is anyone got their degree there, even the business types that are more common in my camp, anyone who knows anything would care for what that research can provide.

You don't need to play dumb by saying what convinced you is the "future man", and if you are I have a bridge to sell you. Even assuming he is from there,  he  is pointing us south and I'll squeeze that manifest destiny for all it's worth, would rather not have to clean up my shoes after I'm done, but **** happens.

I can hear an offer, though better make it a damn good one.

-Dashing Dynamo.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Far as I get them, the bird watch are square but good people, and nice enough to have around, unlike some of the cop-wannabes. Lady fate just hasn't been nice to them.

No reply could mean the birdies aren't quite as skilled as us, can't blame them, might wanna be a bit more direct there.

Now, I won't lie I'm say we're your copy, and I wager the lot of us haven't read Capital, but we can agree the system needs fixing, when your answer to bolting is "shut up and wait for it to end", you ain't got no answer, and a boot is too good for you.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Opalescent Orchestra 
Dear Maestro,

How nice to finally make your acquaintance, I would return the favor someplace else, hidden in another missive, but if you know it everyone does and we better keep this private.

Now, I had a hamster before, so I kind of get the idea here, but there is a lack of point, there might be worst to pick a fight with for the boring layman, but for someone of your panache? couldn't be, The performance is either stunning and ends ugly for you or there is no performance.

And I would hate either of those, if I'm being honest.

Regards,
-Dashing Dynamo.
 

 
 Spoiler: The blood born 
Hey,

I get ya, but word on the streets is you are getting your jollies north anyway on pain of picking a fight with the protest, and I ain't in the business of subsidising. We'll set up some more proper business when there is no further gangs between us, though.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 
 Spoiler: LTP 
A mass email goes out to news stations and the public domains of the various factions of the cities with a video clip for any who are interested in watching.

The clip shows a standard boxing gym with Miasma wearing his normal mask but also regular gym clothes beside Aspect who is wearing the same mask mixed with workout gear.

"We have been clear about our goals from the start and we are sure that non one is surprised about our willingness to fight for our ideals or to protect the people of this city with violence."

He gestures to the camera man and it pans out to watch Aspect and Miasma spar one on one. Miasma used some reinforced gloves while Aspect used a tonfa mixed with kick boxing. The two are holding back but both draw some small amounts of blood from scrapes and small cuts. They take a break and return to the camera after a few minutes of the sparring.

"We will never stop preparing for our fight and we will never let injuries stop us."

The blood from their injuries start to float towards the other and healing up each others scrapes and bruises.

"Our fights will only keep us going."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The project is a healing project that heals Bloodborn VIPs if they inflict injuries on other VIPs. Minor for Minor and Major for Major. Injuries still remove Bloodborn VIPs from actions and make them lose VP but they recover at turn start if the conditions were met.
 

 

 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
And we can avoid picking fights with the protest while still having our, what did you call it? Fight button? Closer to you. So there is no real subsidizing going on, frankly all we want is a courtesy from you in return from the courtesy your asking we show you.

Lean on the Avant Guarde to stay away from the Comic Store. We have plans there for the long term and would rather not start a war with neighbors so agreeable at the moment. Would be bad for business for everyone, including any unfortunate neighbors that could be caught in the crossfire.

If we can manage the start of the business relationship well then we can see about more options in the future, we will have a lot of money to trade with in the future or even the possibility of letting you access the bank itself, let you earn your own money from the lucrative spot.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Well that should work out without problem then.

To confirm when you say North do you plan on going to the Comic Store? Cause like I said we have an interest there and wouldn't want to cross paths.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
No problem, we would rather not get involved in a war with any neighbors. Especially ones so agreeable. We will be going North, or possibly North East depending on how other negotiations pan out. Either way the only possible threatened neighborhood would be the one already mentioned.

We would be open to some trade, we understand you have a good amount of learning and experimentation on your side. Something we are fairly lacking in. We would be open to trading some funds for aid in a few projects of our own.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
We'll make sure 40 is the only one in our fight radius. As for War Targets, depends on what's going on at the time but maybe.
 

 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 To the Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
OOC:
Actually may not be able to spare any MOR this turn or WRD. If you contribute to my project so I get the MOR boost this round I promise I'll be committing minimum 2 WRD for the next 4 turns?
 

 Response to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hey,

Nah, I meant the region next to it (34).

I'm assuming that won't be an issue for you if my boys stake a claim there for now?
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hey Jhonny,

You're being awful accommodating of me, and I do wonder what the reasons are, but far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth.

As for the comics, I don't have a huge interest in them, so if you want to tussle with the Bloodborn - who also want them - feel free.

As for the south and the Eversion Project, I've got to stabilise my area but I'm willing to help a little with that if things need it.

Also just wanted to make sure but are you aiming at the near border between us? (32)

I was thinking about putting some boots there this week to avoid any potential spoilers with the Bloody Boys.

Sorry for the deluge of notes, hope this finds you well.

Regards,

Aleksi
 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 

 The message comes from a quite professional looking email addressed, registered to ‘Opalescent Arts’, a quite thoroughly anonymous shell company in Micronesia  

My Dear Dynamo,

It’s always flattering to hear from a fan, so I shall strive to keep this succinct. The scholars have been nothing but friendly so far, and frankly they seem more likely to do something spectacular with the university’s temporal technology should they seize it.

But I’m always willing to hear a good-natured suggestions. If not a struggle against mafiosos for the sanctity of our lovely municipality’s students and their studies, just what sort of fight would you consider a worthier subject for my attentions?

Yours,
The Maestro
 
Eldan
 

Morale: 4

 To the Bone Rattlers 
 
 Spoiler 
Well, your rethoric does not exactly inspire confidence, does it. I'm just saying that if your only offer is dust for diamonds, there may be quite a bit of shoe cleaning to be done all around.

Very well, offers then. You have a reasonable idea who we are and what we can do, I'm sure. Your intelligence is as good or better at ours, so I'm not going to insult you by offer you espionage services or information. We could offer you technology. Sharing of projects, or a project of your choice, to be completed by us, if it is of reasonable scale. Apart from that, we can assure you that we have no interest in any other territory anywhere else in the city and you can take what you want.
 

 To Opalescent Orchestra 
 
 Spoiler 
I think that under the current circumstances, we can still come to an agreement with the Bone Rattlers. Or at least, we don't want a war with them. So our trade should still be a go.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale 4 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Aleksi,

Well, that's a harder one then, I'm in talks with the blood clots too because I considered that zone contested, but if you are gonna be so sheepish about the whole thing they are clearly not your chips to play.

So here are some different terms:
3 spec,
diplomatic, if not direct backing if I go big (you'll know it when you see it),
Share a heist tip from your new copper buddies you don't care about, once you are already in.
32 is yours, I'll keep you posted on any movements near you so we don't crash, particularly if I'm given the thumbs up for the north.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 
Mmm... I kinda wanted a foot in the comic books too.

So here is the offer, I get the comics and the two nearby territories and you get a blank cheque for one severely undercosted beatdown*, whoever you want, whenever you want, with three caveats:
-No Mourn, far as I know she never leaves her lair and I'm not knocking down a hospital's doors.
-No Bird watch, already got a deal of my own with them, and I'm a man of my word.

If the answer is no I'll just stick to the leaning on them part and we can go back to business as usual.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
some amount of eco that's far below what I'd charge, price will rise with defenses so I can't give you a number but it'll be cheap.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Eversion Project 
Mmm... You are the bees knees when it comes to tech, I'll grant you that,
What's a reasonable scale as far as you are concerned?

- D D
 

 
 Spoiler: The Opalescent orchestra 
Dear maestro,

I see nothing but drab bureaucracy there. The sort to turn an electric stove on, put their hands near the metal and call it playing with fire, but I defer to your expertise for spotting one's potential.

As for your possible dance partners in this city? The Bloodborn could surely put on a show, they are crude but direct and blood  does  attract a crowd. Chronarch is the talk of the town and I don't see a future where he doesn't remain so, wouldn't it be nice for a proper performer to take that spotlight back? Sky cavalry would make for a classic force for previous order to oppose the new ascendant  you , if you are into that sort of thing.

Is a fun thought experiment, so do call if you'd like a further 2 cents.

Regards,
-Dashing Dynamo.


 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
A decent deal but we will have to decline. The store will be ours and we already heard back from Avant Guarde they are fine with us taking it.

However fair is fair we will still hold up our end of our offer even if you don't really need to do any leaning on the AG and keep open channels for you benefitting from the bank as well.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Glad we have that cleared up. No problems on this end. Have at it.
 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 


Thank you for the  scintillating  suggestions. Which I’m sure have nothing at all to do with your employer’s own opinions of our would-be sanguine saviours and temporal troublemaker.

As it happens it appears there won’t be a war at all. I suppose I shall see just who has a spotlight to steal in the weeks to come.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


Felicitations on the fortuitous end to negotiations, then. I do hope you didn’t offer up too many pounds of flesh for it. I look forward to whatever grand plans you have for the academy.

Now, if you’ll indulge a different line of conversation; you’re rather more well-informed than my merry band, clearly. The city’s quite alive with whispers and schemes and I’m sure you’ve been listening in to most of them. Where does your project stand on the potential of Zephyr City’s other potentates?
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hey Jhonny,

Never said they were. I'm not sure how that came up as an understanding beyond us looking that way in the first place. But the Police were always our priority.

Now, on to your terms:

For 3 contingents of our agents, not this week. Next week will pend my resources at the time, but might be possible. I can't guarantee it. If not next week then week after. I can give you smaller lots over multiple weeks as a guarantee though. (OOC: Depending on my Conquest income I might be able to spare 3 SPEC, but most of my SPEC has plans for next turn.)

For diplomatic support, that will depend on what you're doing. I value Avante Guarde's name and reputation strongly. I can promise that if your "going big" is in line with our values I will 100% support it, and if it isn't in line but isn't against my values then I can promise we will nominally support it. But I'm not giving you a blank cheque to put our name on whatever you want.

The information the cops have will probably be too much for me to deal with myself anyway, so I'm happy to share info from that.

Regards,

Aleksi
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 
 Spoiler: Without Formatting 
 This time, Chronarch is sitting in a small garden. All around him, drones are whirring. He taps a screen on his wrist, and a sound clip plays – one of the masked Freedom Assembly interviewees. 
 
  “That end justifies the seizure of territory, as we are taking an active role in stewardship over Zephyr City's northern neighborhoods."  

“Funny, I would have said the exact same thing about the ends justifying the means. Pretty sure I have, in fact. Seems a little counterintuitive to your whole moral imperative thing.”

 He sighs. There's a pause of several seconds.  

“All this over a parade. You’re acting like I’m Bolting, like I shut down a rally myself with indiscriminate lightning, instead of working with Avante Guarde to shut things down in a way that stopped people getting hurt. I’m all for the people assembling. I’m no elite. I didn’t have power until the Pulse. Hell, if I’d been born in this time, I might have joined up. But I wasn’t born in this time. That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it. My intentions don't matter to you, I'm just some faceless threat.”

 Chronarch shakes his head. Something about his demeanor gives the impression of being tired. 

“So here’s the deal, then. You think that I should be more considerate of the people of Zephyr City now? Alright then. Let’s just say that I’ve been given reason to believe, over the past two weeks… well… maybe my decisions don’t have to be unilateral. Maybe there is room for compromise, from the unlikeliest people. So here’s my commitment – I’ll put an effort into finding ways I can protect the billions where I’m from,   as well as   the tens of thousands here now. I’ll try not to make those unilateral choices. I’ll ask people – the people who live near where I operate, the people that have power, the people that don’t – if there’s a way forward.”

 Chronarch stands up, an edge to his voice. 

“But here’s the thing. You say you care about the people? You’d better back that up. Unless you’re spending your time fighting the actual threats to this city? The petty tyrants and those  imposing their will onto the city , like you’ve accused me of doing? The sort of people whose actions definitely impact the right of the people to self-determine, those who weren’t politely invited to take their territory?   All those noble intentions of yours are worthless.   The fact that you’re holding a tribunal for me, calling me a tyrant, on account of a parade while the Bloodborne, Orchestra, and Bone Rattlers spread their roots through this city? It’s a joke.

From now on, if you care about a parade? Step up and protect it. If you care about the will of the people? Actually do something about it, instead of picking on those who can’t fight you because it’s easier or because they’re in the spotlight. Or else I’m willing to call you hypocrites that care more about vague moral imperatives than actually helping people, and I’m betting the ordinary people of Zephyr City will too."

I have my mission, and – based on what I’ve heard from this farce of a tribunal so far – I’m willing to go about it differently than I was last week.   But you’ve got to be better too  . You want to make this city a better place? Then focus your energy on those who don’t care about hurting innocents or who gets caught in the crossfire.

Or don’t. Keep using the vague justification of “the will of the people” and march your forces over here – the city blocks where people do whatever the hell they want, because I’m not actually interested in control – and pick a fight with me. You want to set the future on fire? That’s your choice. But if you do, I want all of Zephyr City to know you’re doing it not because I’m unwilling to compromise or change, or care about the will of the people. It’s because you’re picking on those who are weaker than yourselves, because you think your strength gives you that right.

Sounds an awful lot like Bolting to me, personally.”

 The transmission ends. 
 
   This time, Chronarch is sitting in a small garden. All around him, drones are whirring. He taps a screen on his wrist, and a sound clip plays – one of the masked Freedom Assembly interviewees. 
 
  “That end justifies the seizure of territory, as we are taking an active role in stewardship over Zephyr City's northern neighborhoods."  
 
“Funny, I would have said the exact same thing about the ends justifying the means. Pretty sure I have, in fact. Seems a little counterintuitive to your whole moral imperative thing.” 
 He sighs. There's a pause of several seconds as he collects himself and swallows his anger.  
 
“All this over a parade. You’re acting like I’m Bolting, like I shut down a rally myself with indiscriminate lightning, instead of working with Avante Guarde to shut things down in a way that stopped people getting hurt. I’m all for the people assembling. I’m no elite. I didn’t have power until the Pulse. Hell, if I’d been born in this time, I might have joined up. But I wasn’t born in this time. That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it. My intentions don't matter to you, I'm just some faceless threat.” 
 Chronarch shakes his head. Something about his demeanor gives the impression of being tired. 
 
“So here’s the deal, then. You think that I should be more considerate of the people of Zephyr City now? Alright then. Let’s just say that I’ve been given reason to believe, over the past two weeks… well… maybe my decisions don’t have to be unilateral. Maybe there is room for compromise, from the unlikeliest people. So here’s my commitment – I’ll put an effort into finding ways I can protect the billions where I’m from,   as well as   the tens of thousands here now. I’ll try not to make those unilateral choices. I’ll ask people – the people who live near where I operate, the people that have power, the people that don’t – if there’s a way forward.” 
 Chronarch stands up, an edge to his voice. 
 “But here’s the thing. You say you care about the people? You’d better back that up. Unless you’re spending your time fighting the actual threats to this city? The petty tyrants and those  imposing their will onto the city , like you’ve accused me of doing? The sort of people whose actions definitely impact the right of the people to self-determine, those who weren’t politely invited to take their territory?   All those noble intentions of yours are worthless.   The fact that you’re holding a tribunal for me, calling me a tyrant, on account of a parade while the Bloodborne, Orchestra, and Bone Rattlers spread their roots through this city? It’s a joke.

From now on, if you care about a parade? Step up and protect it. If you care about the will of the people? Actually do something about it, instead of picking on those who can’t fight you because it’s easier or because they’re in the spotlight. Or else I’m willing to call you hypocrites that care more about vague moral imperatives than actually helping people, and I’m betting the ordinary people of Zephyr City will too."

I have my mission, and – based on what I’ve heard from this farce of a tribunal so far – I’m willing to go about it differently than I was last week.   But you’ve got to be better too  . You want to make this city a better place? Then focus your energy on those who don’t care about hurting innocents or who gets caught in the crossfire.

Or don’t. Keep using the vague justification of “the will of the people” and march your forces over here – the city blocks where people do whatever the hell they want, because I’m not actually interested in control – and pick a fight with me. You want to set the future on fire? That’s your choice. But if you do, I want all of Zephyr City to know you’re doing it not because I’m unwilling to compromise or change, or care about the will of the people. It’s because you’re picking on those who are weaker than yourselves, because you think your strength gives you that right.

Sounds an awful lot like Bolting to me, personally.”   
 The transmission ends. 
   
   
 
   
  All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=7        ]  .   
 
    
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 

 
The message is sent three hours before Chronarch's second message to the tribunal broadcasts.
 
 
   
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 
  
Well. I honestly didn’t expect that to happen.

If even you're willing to compromise, then…

You’ve given me a lot to think about. You may hear from me again, but I’ll hold to my word.
 
   
 
   
  
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 
Well, here’s committing to being better. I still have my mission, but maybe I can go about this in a less unilateral manner. Next time this sort of thing happens, we can put our heads together and figure our a cleaner way forward.

But this extension of trust? It goes both ways. If I trust you with my objective and I find out that you’ve actively worked against me, without telling me? That’s where the cooperation ends. If I'm working with you, you have to work with me.
 
     
   
neriractor
 
 Mor 4 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Aleksi,

I can sympathize with avoiding fees, but I ain't a banker, endless delays are costly. Same number of agents are fine if delivered as soon as we have a border, further delay means 2 more (which shouldn't be a problem if you intend to pay on time), any more delays void the deal, take it or leave it.

I can promise what we are doing isn't something you'd be against, if I read you correctly at least.

Glad to hear we can agree on that part.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 
Eh, we are just  real  fast at what we do, shame on the comics, we'll keep in touch.

Regards,
Jhonny.
 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent orchestra 
Why,  of course  not, not a single influence to be found.

Glad to hear it, please do consider us when you do find a worthy stage.

A pleasure,
Dashing Dynamo.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
A bit too exposing to drop it on thread, but I thought this was appropiate. 😛
 
 

 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   The Broadcast   

The last indictment - for truly, it can be treated as nothing but that - from Chronach leaves the four Assembly members speaking quietly among themselves for even longer than the previous interlude.

 "A worthy gauntlet, and not thrown down lightly,"  speaks the woman in their ranks.  "You will either prove true to your promise, or else a foe. We will try to do the same, to meet your challenge in the spirit that it was given." 

When they rise, it is clearly with an eye to ending the interview. One of them speaks to a producer, before announcing that the tribunal they have just called for not be convened 'until the Assembly is in a proper place to address temporal business', with no clear deadline or schedule for doing so. It is clear to anyone watching that this is a holding action, or perhaps a delay with an eye to avoiding open humiliation.

Yet there is no hesitation, no rancor in them as the four thank Ms. Speers and the WWN studio. After answering a few more fluff questions, the interview is - gracelessly, hurriedly - brought to a close.

The Freedom Assembly has, for the moment, seemingly backed down.


 

   Faction Messages   
  Morale 7  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just confirming before I lock in EoTs soon that I'm still good to take Zephyr High and southern 45 this turn?

We'll be in touch next turn to discuss some proper war targeting. We've been talking to people and have some ideas I think you might want to hear.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Bloodborn 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just confirming before I lock in EoTs soon that I'm still good to take 46 and 40 this turn? I know that 40 will be an unstable conquest for me without spending VIPs, so all good on that score.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Birdwatch 
Toast, you say?
We wonder what flavour;
There are so many spices
in this kitchen to savour.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Johnny Gun and the Bone Rattlers 
Fair enough. Happy hunting, though given your most likely choice of target many of the Assembly members have to admit to mixed feelings about it. We won't stand in your way, just... try not to be too brutal? It's easy to be the knife, harder being the one carved by it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Understood. We'll talk more next turn.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
We'll be blunt, since time is short.

You have been sufficiently clear as to your desires, enough to dispel the doubts we had about you. The Assembly is no longer seeking justice for the parade, though sentiment in our ranks is still uncomfortable with the existential questions posed by a time traveler.

There are too many here spoiling for a fight though, and we've no reason to hold them back from villainy and inaction.

We issued our own challenge last week, in private, to the Orchestra. We've sent over a copy of the transcript from our end, and you can likely already read Maestro's messages. That guy doesn't keep much to himself.

Given the knowledge that the Assembly will eventually be at war with the Orchestra - and keeping in mind the timeframe and available resources - we would like to fight our way to Maestro's door. It's exceedingly likely we will be in such a position within a few weeks, if his deal with Birdwatch holds and they give up the city center in favour of his... eccentrics.

We have a few nasty surprises planned for him, but the more who contribute to the Orchestra's end, the better. When that day comes, will you help us?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You have permission to read my messages to the Opalescent Orchestra from Turn 1.

I have every intention of being at war with the Orchestra in the next 2-3 turns. They're clearly 'the Big Bad' in this story, and someone strong enough has to punch Maestro in the face. Birdwatch has intimated they want him cast down, as have a few others.

If we're gonna commit to the bit of being at least partway heroic, he's really the prime choice of target.
 

 
Eldan
 
 Product Announcement 
 

"What is the greatest problem we all face, year after year? Uncertainty. Every Pulse upsets every plan anyone has ever made. The next one could bring us another Bolting, another Coppergloom or Penitent, and until they strike, we would never know what they are capable off.
Good evening. I am Doctor Levy, with Morningstar Solutions and I am here to help  you  solve your pulse-based problems. The Radiant system is a suite sensors and software available to automatically record and analyze unknown powers and use state of the art AI technology to make strategic recommendations and identify weaknesses.
Project Radiant. Bearing light into the darkness of ignorance.
We will now go to a pre-recorded demonstration."

 
 Spoiler 
Project Radiant:
Whenever an enemy VIP is encountered during a dangerous action, gain an amount of t.spec equal to that VIP's level.
 



Morale: 4
 Opalescent Orchestra 
 
 Spoiler 
The most remarkable thing about the city's current state is how careful everyone is being. No one is committing to anything, all the communication is carefully neutral. There might be some scrapping around the comic book store, but for now, at least in the chatter that reaches us, everyone carefully tries to avoid upsetting anyone else.

Oh, except the Birds. They are calling you thugs and mention you need to go.
 

 The Bone Rattlers 
 
 Spoiler 
We could offer 10 t.weird next month.
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Opalescent Orchestra Mor 1 


Some gut in a Bird mask walks up to an Orchestra member and relays a prepared script-

Haha, now we know who can actually intercept whose mail and who is faking, we can stop messing around.  Everything we said stands.   We will maintain a truce with you, provided you let us keep the Nexus.  We will also help you destroy those square bracket redacted close square brackets in Eversion Project if you feel a need to spread beyond your stated plans.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly Mor 5 


A burner email-


Well, Eversion Project decided to throw us under the bus by implying that we were trying to actively betray the Orchestra.  We still don't like them, but are not in a position to act against them, especially since we are war with Eversion Project now.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Chronal Imperative Mor 6 


We don't particularly like you, but you make a compelling point.  I hope our truce can last until your mission is complete.
 
Eldan
 Eversion   [4]
To the Birdwatch
 
 Spoiler 
War's a bit dramatic, isn't it? It's not like we told the Orchestra something they wouldn't have figured out by themselves, and you were the ones who had to say it out loud.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 4 
 
 Spoiler: The Eversion Project 
Mhmm... Deal.

Probably moving to the previously offered neighbourhoods too, just a heads up.

- D D.
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Eversion Project Morale 6 


A MockingJay appears in the Eversion offices, it barks:


Since my fieldwork established no one who doesn't hate the Orchestra can read this, I'll make you an offer.  We pretend to go to war and, at the last minute, both attack the Orchestra instead.  Once we share a border, we will pay you in anything but Weird for your discretion and services.   If you blab to the Orchestra, you must already suspect the Chronarch and The Freedom Assembly have put aside their differences in an anti-Orchestra Pact, and there is likely to be a bandwagon effect.  Pick the winning side.
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project  [4]
To the Birdwatch
 
 Spoiler 
Well, I guess us well-informed people have to stick together against all the big sticks around us. I like the plan.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Your all good with those.
 

 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Chronal Initiative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hey,

Trust me I don't do "stab people in the back."

I can't promise we'll always work with you, but if we come to conflict you'll know of it well before I'm on your doorstep. And pending how this co-op works we could find ourselves good friends.

I hope.

Let me know if you want to make a deal in some manner for access to the Police info.

Aleksi
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:6 
Hey Jhonny,

Was hoping we'd be more genial about it. The three EDF squads won't be around any later than week after next, but I really don't appreciate you making this into a big deal.

See, I know you're being leaned on by others to not touch the police station already. I could have leveraged that and not cared about paying you anything for your consideration.

But see, I don't  like  taking advantage of people like that.

You will have your three squads next week. If I am unable to for one reason or another, I should be able to do 2 squads and something else. Or do 3 the week after. I'm not paying more because I didn't agree to it.

Now, can we please return to being genial about this?

Also, my other promise should work well for you if you've read me right, so my promise as it stands should work for you. I look forwards to seeing what you have in store for Zephyr City.

Regards,

Aleksi
 
kaio999
 
  Official Missives Morale 7  
 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
Intervallum responds

"Dirt means little to me. I trust Cairns will care for them and won't begrudge district 3. The people must be protected and since I cannot see the future I must act simply on the intelligence available to me. Imperatrix wishes to meet ARTEMIS. We will accept your terms and not interfere with this land grab if you send extended data."

With that it shifts off once more.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
It comes back with Colonel Anorak and he shrugs,

"Avante Guarde are the equivelant of a good cop. Sure they do some good, maybe even a lot of good but they also aren't really fixing the core parts that are broken. They don't see the system is not only fallible but designed to break on those who need it the most." He chuckles, "but I still don't want to have to hurt a single one of them, and I won't ideally."

Time tyrant I am collecting data, Maestro we agree they are well dressed thugs. Though I do love what they got going in a whole you know dashing sense and I appreciate helping bring wealth to a beaten down part of town at the end of the day they are thugs. If you fight them we will support you, if you share in scientific data and avoid border disputes with us."
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 yes and you are leaving me northern 45 and 44 as for war targeting look forward to it.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
The major responds back. "How unfortunate I was hoping you might be supporters of the technocratic utopia Intervallum wants to build."
 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 


I’m hardly an oracle, but I do possess a map and basic powers of observation, and so it seems quite likely that we’ll share a border soon enough. If not a brawl, then I think it might provide marvellous opportunities for some operations of mutual interest, should there be any on offer.

Simply something to keep in mind.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


The information is appreciated, though it seems to have incited something of an incident for you. I do hope the resulting blaze isn’t too much of an inferno. Though I suppose secret agents and superpowered starlings fighting in the streets would be  quite  the spectacle.
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 The flauntist so accosted by an avian assailant is rather nonplussed, but relays the message dutifully. The reply comes through the usual channel a few hours latter. 

A  fascinating  stratagem, my flighty friends. You need not panic; I am already quite committed, and have no interest in abrogating our arrangement.

I am, however, quite  cripplingly  curious who you might have spread such ludicrous libels regarding my little operation to, and how they might have responded.
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 


Ah right, let me guess – the Freedom punks were asking where’d you were planning on finding the kids for your Omelas?

Just what sort of good place are you actually selling, anyway? Machine god ruling from on high, drugs in the water supply to keep everyone too happy to mind?
 
neriractor
 

The video is short, filmed in front of a live studio audience and headed by a dame of the Gunn family "Guns, rays, and clubs, but not the fancy kind. Power armor, lighting rail, invis... I mean, more guns, many marvels of the modern world that populate this city, but one of them beats them all, and the one who holds it can be you, my dear viewer" she claims with a wink.

An animated video plays out, modelling what she describes "A mean, green *cough*  without yellow  *cough* fighting machine has being going around" A caricature of Chronarch is easy to note in the video for everyone who has seen footage of the future man "He's got the usual trappings of the job, but how does he lug them?" Caricature Chronarch struggles to lift a comically large pile of gizmos "Why, with an imperfect version of Gunn's enterprises next invention!" A sharply dressed stand in for a Gunn Goon shows the future man a nearby device, and picking up the gizmos with nearly no effort puts then down, to have them transported to another similar device.

"The teleporting marvel! to be placed at convenient locations, convenient for you, that is. Get in on the ground floor! beat the future man at his own game!" deafening applause ensues

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Funding from the grant to go into "The" (it used to be  the network , but a consultant claimed it'd be cleaner)

In case of invasion of Gunn territory, if the largest Gunn investment in an assault or heist would surpass their passive defense when converted to active defense, they intervene as active defense.

An assault team abandons their mission for the sake of the defense and lose the effect of the planned action.

A Heist team takes any losses and then continues on the Heist should they win. If they would lose, they additionally lose the investment in the heist.
 
Let'sGetKraken
    Do you really think this is necessary, Artemis?

...fine.  

 

The audio recording begins. It's made its rounds on a few forums and talk shows already, posted from an anonymous burner account.     
 
   Chronarch here. ARTEMIS' predictive algorithms are top-notch, but as I change the timeline, she's going to need to devote more time to calculating the interventions to get the best possible future. Problem is, at her full capacity, ARTEMIS needs roughly the entire power supply of Zephyr City to run. So in the interest of making my interventions more precise - and minimizing the risk of conflict - I'm looking for an investor who would be willing to fund us putting together an energy source that can power her without reducing the city back to the stone age. 
 
 Spoiler: PROJECT: Surgical Precision 
When Chronarch is involved in clearing a local heist, he can choose to skip  either  the first or the second stage (not both), forgoing the rewards and leaving that level uncleared.
 
      
    
Writtensanity
   
   "Good morning Zephyr City,    this is   Ashley Cyclone   coming at you live from my home studio today considering I wasn't about to head out into the world with what's been happening this weekend. No, it's very much a  sit in your underwear and hope your boss is okay with working from home day. Why? Well-

 
 Spoiler: Issue 2 Result 

 
 


Actually, remember a couple weeks back when I said that Bolting had been STABLE? Well the station wanted me to retract that but we've been arguing over email about it for the last bit. Next thing I know, I'm RIGHT. Half the north is covered in a blood mist every second day. East Side is literally seeing demons and had bodies lying in the streets on Sunday, then South Side...

Well sorry about the street sweeping bill on the bird droppings guys.

It's been two weeks and were having super powered fights break out. Maybe we need to get that time traveler guy back on the stage here, at least he seemed like he was in charge when he showed up.

Just ugh.

One second.

Uh, we're going to be cutting over to Typhoon Action Park for some breaking news reports. I've been Ashley Cyclone! Talk soon Zephyr City!

 
 Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:  


Eversion Project at 6

Chronarch at 3

Birdwatch at 3

All other Factions at 2

Orchestra at 1

Bone Rattlers at 1
 

   World Heist CARNAGE CARNIVAL:   

There are few 'Event' level Empowered and shortly after Bolting left Zephyr City, another one is coming to visit, but this one has always been a little... off the rails.

THE GAMEMASTER is coming to the Typhoon Action Park and is hosting an event to let the Empowered of Zephyr City do things as Empowered are SUPPOSED to.

Violently and in a fun environment.

JOIN IN ON THE FUN

And gain his favor....


 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 


Factions may send a single VIP and Supporting Stats into the Carnage Carnival as if it were an assault or conquest action during this EoT. This is how you interact and participate in this world heist.

For your investment, you may invest any Stat that you could invest into an Assault or Conquest, with the added addition of 'ECO'. Unlike the Assault or Conquest Actions there is no 'Favoured' stats. Every point added counts as 1.

Your 'Investment' in this event counts as both your offence and your defence.

When you enter this event. Choose up to two Factions that you are 'Targeting' your goal is to overpower those Faction's investments. If you choose two targets, your offensive power is split between the two (IE. If you made a 20 point investment each shot would have 10 power)

If you overcome one of your Targets total investment, you 'score' on them and gain a point for the purpose of this heist.

If you overcome one of your Target's total investment AND you are the highest investment amoung those who 'scored' on them, you gain a Prize.

 
 Spoiler: THE PRIZE! 


The Game Master captures a territory from that Faction and gives it to you. It is UNSTABLE. They do not lose Victory Points this way and only lose 1 STAT
 


The Faction with the most 'Scores'  (Or tied for it) also gain a SPECIAL ITEM from the Game Master

 Answered Questions 
 What if I don't invest anything? 

Then a Faction would be able to 'score' on you with 1 point. Risky play.

 What happens if two people tie for the highest investment? 

The Game Master doesn't award ties. He awards winners. Neither player would get the PRIZE

 Can a VIP get injured in this? 

The Game Master will auto-heal any VIP that would be injured in this event, but the EXP will still be awarded to the person who would have injured them if it is a Major Injury. There will be no exchange of Victory Points for this interaction as this event was not balanced with VP exchange in mind.

 Can I coordinate with someone? 

If you can find someone who is willing to concede a territory at random to you? Go off sis.

 Does this happen in the Typhoon Park? 

Yes, the Heist takes place in a single location, meaning it can be affected by LTPs or Abilities that target a space like the Imperatrix
 

   Turn Event - MEDIA EVENT: Advanced Coverage:   

The media is looking at Zephyr City after all of the lovely advancements made in the beautification projects from last turn, but now they want to know something about the Faces in the city.. and they're willing to pay for it.

But not from their allies: that's boring

 Effect: The Media is offering a Rebate on the SPECIFIC INVESTIGATION Action, giving Factions 4 tECON in exchange for rights to PUBLISH the Information in the Start of Turn.... along with the source.  
 Please note: This tECO is given as a rebate as part of the Action and is useable THIS End of Turn. 
  
  Local Heists    
 Reminder, you may only view Local Heists you have access to from an ability or investigation. If the Investigation was from another turn, I should have given you access under YOUR heading. 
 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 
 Local Heist - Areal Supremacy  
Uptown is still far from under the watchful eye of the Sky Cavalry, change that.

 Stage One -  Build a Network - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-  Into the Air - Complete

 Stage Three-  
 Cost-  10 STR/WRD/ECO
 Reward-  2  PERM STR - The Docking Bay

 The Docking Bay - Unique Item - Single Use:  Allows the user to call the 'Imperatrix' to their starting Territory.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Local Heist - Cleaning Up  
Members of the Freedom Assembly are Scattered After Bolting's attack. Find them.

 Stage One -  Build a Network
 Cost-  5 ESP to track them down or 5 WRD to build a device
 Reward-  4 tECO from sympathetic parties

 Stage Two-  Forced Recruitment -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets  
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 

 
 Local Heist - Training Camp   - COMPLETE


 Local Heist - Well Connected [/B]

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money insi
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.

 THE BANK [/B]


Current Floor COST 5 SPC
Current Floor Reward: 3 tECO
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 


You are no longer up to date on the Orchestra's Heists. I've added their heist to your order to view here.
 
 Local Heist - The New Order  
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

 Stage One -  Careful Training - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Alongside the Mighty -  You need to be able to hit heavy if you're going to fight the impossible.
 Cost-  5SPC or 6STR
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???

From Previous Investigations

 Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  (Belongs to the Orchestra)
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 

 
 Local Heist - New Order, Old Money   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Precinct   Stolen by the Eversion Project in Conquest but you have access


 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7 ESP or ECO
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 

 
 Local Heist -Into the Abyss - COMPLETE  
 Local Heist - The Precinct [/B] Stolen from the Bone Rattlers
You don't own the Police Station yet, but what you can own is the cops homes... their favourite spots.. their families....

 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7 ESP or ECO
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: The Orchestra 

 
 Local Heist - Stagecraft   - COMPLETED BY AVANTE GARDE
[/SIZE]


  Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - Game Day  
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team
 Cost-  9 ECO to get some good players.
 Reward-  1 ECO and 1 STR

 Stage Two-   Build Champions
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: The BirdWatch 

 
 Local Heist - The Old Order  
We are the new members of the Birdwatch, but there are things to pick up...

 Stage One -  Old Contacts  COMPLETE 
 Stage Two-   A Foul Feather -  COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Last Test ...... Fly well my birds.
 Cost-  10 ESP/ECO
 Reward-  Raptor's Will

ITEM- UNIQUE - Can be used during an EoT to give + 10ESP for the following EoT and allow you to read ALL messages during that turn. Is destroyed on Use.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 

 
 Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative   COMPELTE

 Local Heist - A Zephyr City History 
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.


 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


Other Faction Heists:

Local Heist - The Precinct Stolen by the Eversion Project in Conquest but you have access


Stage One - Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

Stage Two- Welcome to Your New Home Chief
Cost- 7 ESP or ECO
Reward- 4 tSTR

Stage Three- ???
Cost- 14 ???
Reward- ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 

 
 Local Heist - A Welcoming Hand  
Hi! Welcome to Happy Carins, we glad we could help you though this time... Yes, Bolting's most recent actions have been tough for all of us.


 Stage One -  Matching Services: Manage the amount of people who have been brought in over the most recent times.
 Cost-  5eco to pay extra staff or 4Wrd to use your powers to make it a little easier.
 Reward-  4 tEco from Sponsors

 Stage Two-   The Price of Sympathy -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 



----
  The Current Map:  
 The Imperatrix Lands on Location [2] 
 
 Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status 

 Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect  
 The Nexus -   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Remnants of Power:  On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

 Zephyr City Central Bank -   - CONTROLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Of Course:  Zephyr City Central Bank contains a Local Heist with unlimited floors that always offer tECO. Each time a floor is completed the difficulty of future floors is increased. It will spawn 'Deposit Box' floors that provide a random one-use item pseudo-randomly.

 Big Gale Comics and Toys-   - CONTROLLED BY THE BLOODBORN - UNSTABLE
Ability - Self Publishing: Your Faction gains tECO equal to N N  where N is the number of enemy factions involved in Actions your Faction is also involved in.

 ZCPD Station-   - CONTROLLED BY AVANTE GARDE - STABLE
Ability - Radio Chatter: Can see 3 local heists per turn. May choose to assign Police to a local heist during EoT and lock it for the following turn, cannot target a heist owned by the same Faction twice in a row.

 BigFlash Insurance Stadium-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - UNSTABLE
Ability - Guest Appearance: Controller may invest a VIP to gain 1.5 times their level in MOR &amp; ECO (rounded up) this is a safe action.

 Zephyr City University-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Temporal Research Station: Up to 1 VIP per turn may preform two actions as part of an EoT. They may not participate in the same Action twice. You may not choose the same VIP two turns in a row.

 Montgomery Tech Park-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - STABLE
Ability - Venture Capital: When you pitch a NEW LTP, you can offer it up for Venture Capital Investment. This provides a 1 time payment of 20% the LTPs cost in tECO, but the LTP must be announced to publicly once it reaches halfway to completion.

  Ol' Grady's-   - CONTROLLED BY THE CHRONAL IMPERATIVE - UNSTABLE
Ability - Unmasked Friends: The Controlling Faction may mark any other VIP in the game as a friend of one of their VIPs. In the event that these two would 'fight' one another, they avoid the fight, removing themselves from any assault calculations against the other Faction. In the case of an Conquest Action, VIP Injury is much less likely if the Friends are involved. This effect allows you to make 2 VIP pairs after turn 5, and 3 after turn 10.

  Monsoon Action Park-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.

  The Dockyards-   - CONTROLLED BY THE SKY CAVALRY - UNSTABLE
Ability - Unclaimed Merchandise: The Owning Faction may buy additional Stat Cap at a cost of 3 econ per point. If they lose this location, this Stat cap increase is passed onto the new owner.

  Zephyr City North High-   - CONTROLLED BY THE FREEDOM ASSEMBLY - STABLE
Ability - Kids Talk: Automatic general investigation on 3 other Factions in the game each turn. Up to 1 fact in each investigation may be incorrect by a medium margin. These Investigations cannot be published.

 

 The Pulse Crackles in the Air 
 Players will gain a LEVEL POINT this End of Turn. During this end of turn, assign this level point to a VIP and they will gain a level during the 'cleanup' of the EoT (AKA you have them at the higher level beginning next turn. 
  EOT WILL BE ON FRIDAY MAY 12th AT 23:59 PST  
n0ble
 Happy Cairns Funeral Home &amp; Hospice Service 
 Morale 10 
 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  

 1) This is Water:  When one of Happy Cairns LTPs is completed, Happy Cairns adds their highest level VIP as weird to another uncompleted project. 0/?????
2)  A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (3 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed. Requires 5 more SPC to complete, I will be providing 3. Currently at:  22/27 
 
 Spoiler: Completed initiatives 

 The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 

 
kaio999
 
      GRAND OPENING OF GALATEA STATION!!!!      
 
 Spoiler: Galatea Station 
 
 
 


The factory was unveiled with much fanfare within the district. New engineering jobs were now available but more importantly it was a factory which did not require a SINGLE worker to risk their bodies on the front line. The army of robotic Galatea presented themselves to the audience. They stood as if they were a military but one of the robots stood outside the crowd and had a human woman next to them.

 
 Spoiler: Moira McGoidte 
 
 


Her accent was soft and clearly gaelic, she held herself with poise however and smiled easily. Very sweet compared to some of the other military like officials who represented the Sky Cavalry. The media had been brought to this event with much fanfare utilizing the brief meeting with the tribunal to get in touch with those desperate for a scoop. Unlike traditional media the sky cavalry also invited online pundits, activists, futurists, even Miss Cyclone herself was invited for the showing if she was interested!

"Good Morning citizens of Zephyr city! The Sky Cavalry wish to announce the opening of Galatea Station, this is going to revolutionize the lives of the common people and is one of the steps being taken to ensure all of you can live more peacefully. "We want you all to have a better life. A life that minimizes struggle where you can chase dreams. Allow Galatea to carry your burden! Become the royal of your own life! The following applications are being announced..."

A screen lights up and shows Galatea cleaning, cooking, taking care of household chores and engaging in basic healthcare needs for an elderly woman.

"If you require Galatea to provide healthcare for a family member or partner this will be able to fulfill that role!"

The screens change over to one of the Galatea doing heavy labor clearly replacing construction work and doing physical labor.

"We know the average person working fears automation replacing them that is why we will not allow large companies to make bulk purchases instead we will offer contracts. If you purchase Galatea it will work on your behalf the company will get a worker that never sleeps but the company will continue to pay you your salary. Galatea will directly represent you the common citizen and your interests!" She announces.

The screen lights up a third and final time.

This time Galatea is wearing flesh and looks nearly identical to another human being. It shows a variety of fleshy versions both male and female. All of them beautiful by human standards.

"Third and most expensive option is the Galatea companion, this version of Galatea allows for social interactions to fulfill the needs and desires you require." She coughs and says nothing else on the subject.

Each symbol of the other factions lights up following this.   PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL FACTION LEADERS!  

"The Galatea Station is something we offer to all of you for purchase so you can provide the citizens under your care the same opportunities. To expand the horizons of the city under your care! The costs of the Galatea Station is (3 temp of any stat outside Morale) and you will have a station within your territory!"

 
 Spoiler: Galatea Effects 
 allows up to 4 wrd to be converted into temp econ for the turn. You can make that conversion once per turn!
 

  Official Missives Morale 9  
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
The drone force is sizeable that delivers this message, while also more quick and agile rather than a drone staying a small disk now contains the message and grants the ability for the other faction to send a message back to Sky cavalry, an upgrade to their defenses it would seem.

"Hey as we discussed I will be taking districts northern 45, 44 and 1 under our care. you discussed wanting help on something let me know what it is also wanted to let you know if you need anything our services are available to you and your people. We do believe in your goals at least in the interim until utopia can be brought to the common man through our means. We continue to want to avoid conflict. We are interested in knowing what you need."
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
The drone force is sizeable that delivers this message, while also more quick and agile rather than a drone staying a small disk now contains the message and grants the ability for the other faction to send a message back to Sky cavalry, an upgrade to their defenses it would seem. It also allows a person to handle it without their face being revealed just for Birdwatch! Also any birds will get played with and food is dropped as the cavalry have noticed direct interactions with birds rather than people thus far.

"We wanted to discuss multiple deals with you. We want to make sure all of you are safe we noticed something happened with the Orchestra if you need anything at all please let us know!"
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
The drone force is sizeable that delivers this message, while also more quick and agile rather than a drone staying a small disk now contains the message and grants the ability for the other faction to send a message back to Sky cavalry, an upgrade to their defenses it would seem.

"We are heading to district 1 if there are any issues please let us know."
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
The drone force is sizeable that delivers this message, while also more quick and agile rather than a drone staying a small disk now contains the message and grants the ability for the other faction to send a message back to Sky cavalry, an upgrade to their defenses it would seem.

"Avante Guarde the city on your side is looking rough while we are a little disappointed by your handling of things we still don't want you and yours hurt we believe you make the city better not worse. If you need anything let us know we will do our best. Regardless lets work toward a better tomorrow and please don't get swallowed by the horrific violence in your region."
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   You Say You Want a Revolution   
 "Holy f*ck,"  cursed Sam Eastmore eloquently as he looked down at the newsfeed on his phone. His phone showed casualty reports and property damage estimates, the news spreading among the ranks of the Assembly members who had gathered - both in person and virtually through their VPN-secured and end-to-end encrypted chatrooms - to talk about strategic priorities.

 "Zephyr City's already going to the dogs,"  said Maria.  "My cousin's still near campus, he saw demons in the streets. The Eversion Project is out in force, they're clashing with the Bone Rattlers." 

And that wasn't all. According to their sources, Birdwatch had gone back on the deal they'd made with Maestro, taking territory from the Orchestra in an action that was surely the prelude to more violence. The southern half of the city was already starting to burn. Every call to a friend or family member near the university that wasn't returned was another likely victim of the growing violence.

Devon looked over their friend's shoulder at the news, breathing in sharply. The quick intake seared their nasal cavities, tearing at the raw, unhealed flesh they had worn since the Sunset Rally. It still hurt less than what they were looking at.

 "That's Picton Park,"  Surge murmured, a note of wistfulness touching her voice as she pointed at a hellfire-charred patch of former greenspace on the monitor. She had put on her mask, and so was no longer Maria.  "I used to go on walks there between classes. The cherry blossoms are supposed to be out this time of year." 
 "Our home isn't safe anymore." 
 "It hasn't been  safe  for a long time,"  Arsenal hissed through charred lips.  "It's high time that changed." 

 

   Faction Messages  
 Morale 8  
 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 
Well, that went about as well as could be expected. We assume your expansion was similarly surprise-free?

The southern neighbourhoods look like a proper mess. We haven't entered into an alliance, but I think our non-aggression has been mutually profitable and you have now proven you can be trusted twice over. Looking at the rampant backstabbing elsewhere, I think it's safe to say that you're in the upper echelon of 'people we would rather have on our side'. If you're interested, the Assembly would be willing to sit down and actually talk about maybe working together in a closer capacity, either this week or next. We can help each other.

As for immediate concerns... we trust you to take care of the Bone Rattlers and Eversion right now. Hopefully, the Bank will yield some good dividends too. We're going for the Nexus and the immediately surrounding territory, and would appreciate it if you could give us a bit of a wide berth with your people. There is demand among our folks to keep the epicenter of the Pulse safe and stable, and though you're a potential ally, a blood mist wouldn't be good for morale.

Speaking of which... we're hoping to borrow a few people to finish up a project of ours! We'd be happy to repay the favour with interest next week!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I assume you're going to be sticking your oar in with the whole Eversion / Bone Rattlers interaction?

A courtesy note that I'm going for the Nexus and 47 this turn. I ask that you don't contest it or send any VIPs into 48 or any other adjacent territory for your ability.

Also: would you be interested in potentially allying? I'm fielding that talk with some other people this turn, but so far we've been able to coordinate without backstabbing and we could steamroll some people if we worked together.

Finally, would I be able to borrow 1 Mor from you? I can pay you back 2 Mor next turn.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
 The message is returned in the same manner that it was sent, though there seem to be some slight alterations to the hardware on the drones assigned to the Assembly. For one, they have been painted in a variety of bright and attention-catching warm colours, a fire of oranges and neon pinks. Second, they contain a separate layer of encryption to scramble signal tracking back to Assembly blocks. The conclusion is that the Assembly wants people to know that they're talking to the Sky Cavalry, but not when and where, nor on what topic. 

Hi there! Yes, we have confirmed your territory allocations and those will all go uncontested on our part. We've got what we need from the north, and even though we don't agree on every point, your Galatea Station is already the kind of project that the old Free Zephyr City movement would have been proud of. We're hoping to make use of it at some point in the future, likely in conjunction with Happy Cairns. Both of you have put the right foot forward in making Zephyr City a genuinely nicer place to live, in stark contrast to what's unfolding down south.

Empowered mobsters and literal demons. A cackling sonic supervillain. Creepy Hitchcock birds that talk a good game but turn on their partners the second their backs are turned (even if said partner is the aforementioned supervillain, it doesn't exactly engender a lot of trust). Some of us were surprised at how quickly Zephyr City is turning into a warzone. Others have been saying that it's just a matter of time.

To contain the worst of the madness, we're aiming to contain the epicenter of the strangeness: the Nexus. The Assembly is hoping to have secured the site by the end of the week, as well as its southwestern outlying territories. While we aren't in a position to strike out and stabilize the south yet, it's our hope that once we make sure the center is safe, we can use that position as a beachhead to put out the fires and put down the problems. Starting with the Orchestra.

Would you be maybe interested in allying towards this purpose? We have made agreements with the Bloodborn, unsavory as they are they've proven quite reliable and honestly they have some decent ideas about government for career criminals.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So, I'm going for the Nexus, 47, and 6 this turn. My hope is that from there I can smack the Orchestra right in the face. I'm not going to be in a position to take anyone's territory this turn (considering that my only neighbours are you and the Bloodborn, both of whom have been reasonable actors and I halfway trust), but Turn 4 will be some carnage.

Would you be interested in potentially allying? I'm fielding that talk with some other people this turn, but so far we've been able to coordinate without backstabbing and we could steamroll some people if we worked together.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
Well, we sure are glad that cooler heads prevailed last week, because it looks like the city's in need of some heroes. How about it, time man? Are demons scientists duking it out with superpowered mobsters part of your better future?

We're going for the center. Right now, we don't trust too many people with the Nexus, and honestly, we trust our people more with that than even you right now.

If you back us, you're welcome to the two heists we've got so far. We'd be happy to share them as a quid pro quo for your support in keeping the Nexus, in case you don't trust that we genuinely have Zephyr City's best interests at heart. But seriously, the Sky Cavalry isn't likely going against us on this, and we're a damn sight better than the Bloodborn.

Once we have the center, we're going to use it as a beachhead to absolutely crush whatever's left of the Orchestra. If you take adjoining territory to ours, we'd love to work together to put out wildfires and put down rabid dogs. The Sky Cavalry will likely be joining us on the strike, and we suspect that the two of you already have your own understanding about cleaning up Zephyr City.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm going for the Nexus and 47 this turn. Considering the fires going on right now, I don't see anyone other than the Bloodborn trying to stop me.

If you stay out of it, I can promise you access to my heists (assuming I can do that mechanically).

The idea would be building up for a huge Turn 4 assault against the Orchestra, ideally with some support from you and the Sky Cavalry. Birdwatch may also be involved.

To keep things diplomatic, I'll let you read my offer to Birdwatch as well (and they can surely read this message).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Happy Cairns 
Hi there!

 

We're looking to do a little trade to help you out with your project. Sorry we haven't been talking to you much, it's been all hands on deck making sure that our territories are secure and we have an actual platform to make sure that Zephyr City can be free and safe for the good of the people. As far as we can tell, you're literally the friendliest faction around, so we'd be stupid not to at least try to work with you.

Enclosed you'll see an offer for some specialists to come and help you with your problem.

We are also planning an expansion to the south and west, which should abut your territories some. Hopefully that will allow us to be trade partners in future weeks.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Offering to donate 1 Spc this turn to your 'Healing Hands' project. That should get us 1 Mor back, right?

Also planning on taking 47 and 6 this turn, as a heads up.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Birdwatch 
We know that you had a 'deal' with the Orchestra to hold the center of Zephyr City, and we discussed it last week. You spoke of trust, of making sure it was kept neutral, and we agreed with you. Then you went ahead and backstabbed the Orchestra without provocation. Yes, the Maestro is a literal cackling sonic supervillain, but still. There were other ways you could have handled that. You could have come and asked us for help against them, for instance. Or tried to bind them in a treaty. Anything other than poking the proverbial bear.

As it stands, we're at least a week out from being able to do anything... and we remain the best chance you have against them long-term. You can try to gut them with sneak attacks, but they can make that back and more on the ground with assaults. You need us.

The safest hands are our own, now. The price for our aid in crushing the Orchestra and liberating the south for you is the Nexus and its adjacent territories. To be frank, you can't afford to outbid us for the center anymore and stay ahead of Maestro now, who is absolutely readying for a deadly concert at awful pitches we're sure only birds can hear. She's the kind of gal who would do that.

But we don't want to be d*cks about this, so we'll put in some terms: the Freedom Assembly gets access to the Nexus and its south-western embankment for 2 weeks, or until such a time as the Orchestra has been definitively crushed. At that point, we will enter renegotiation with Birdwatch, the Chronal Imperative, and any other interested parties to allow for an equitable division of power from the Pulse.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
We're aiming for a big Turn 4 territorial ground campaign against the Orchestra. We'll crush them for you, and you'll get to keep all territory south of 47. In exchange, the Freedom Assembly takes the Nexus and 47.

On Turn 5, we will re-open negotiation for possession of the Nexus.

(The Chronarch can read this message as well, and you're probably reading all of my mail so you can see how I'm handling this diplomatically with them)
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
Howdy, clever conductor! You're in a bit of a bind, eh?

It's a shame that the birds turned on you. I guess it goes to show you that you can take the covetousness out of a flock of magpies, but actually you can't and they're going to try to take everything you haven't nailed down.

(Apologies to the birds reading this, I'm doing a  bit )

Now, we challenged you to a proper fight a few weeks back. Thing is, with this whole Carnage Carnival thing, some of our people are tempted to get the fireworks started early, punch you in the face while you're been set back by Birdwatch and capitalize on our momentum. But a few contingents - myself included - know that you're a reasonable sort of malignity.

We'll hold back on the aggression that would be coming your way - any operations on your turf, keeping your name out of our mouth during the Carnival, the whole thing - if you concede any ambition to the Nexus. We're talking to the Birdwatch with incidental terms.

You don't back down? Whatever damage the birds did will look like a pretty prelude to the ruin we'll f*cking rain down on you.

- Arsenal

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
One-time offer/threat. I stay out of hitting you for Turn 3 in any way (assault, conquest, or as a target on the World Heist). In exchange, you don't contest my taking of the Nexus and 47 this turn.

I'd much rather we both fought at full strength, after all. Wouldn't be sporting, otherwise.
 

 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly Mor 7 


A response on a burner Email.

Yes, that could have been better.  We were in secret talks to to sucker punch The Orchestra in tandem with Eversion Project, and were rattling sabers at each other to give the Orchestra a false sense of security...

Then, for reasons I don't fully understand, Eversion Project turned north and attacked Mr. Gunn.

But, to be clear-  we are willing to let you have the Nexus, as long as you don't draw power from it.   If you happen to get a little splash of power as a practicality necessity, but succeed in helping us put down the Orchestra, we are willing to overlook it.

-Dr. M. Raptor
 

 
 Spoiler:  Sky Cavalry Mor 7 


The drone comes back with a bird's croak-

We are willing to discuss things, but I'm not sure what.  Your Galatea project seems neat, but it is of little practical use to us.

If you are asking about our health-  we were conducting a massive psy-op to mess with the Orchestra in preparation for a combined assault with Eversion Project. There was some kind of SNAFU, and it didn't the way we planned.  we anticipate reprisals in the short term, but conflict with the Maestro was inevitable and the Orchestra would have been in a much stronger position had we not intervened quicky.
 
Eldan
 
 A nondescript grey van is racing down a street. It has no number plates, and there must be something heavy in the back, it is sitting low and swerving around corners. There is a strange, high-pitched humming noise coming from the back. 

A video statement, shared with the local news. The figure is androgynous, the clothes are nondescript and black, the teeth are very white the smile is several levels cockier than the words warrant. Thee's a tiny enamel lapel pin, looking a bit like a five-pointed star, and a bit like a red flame.

 "Good morning, Zephyr City. My name is Dr. Seth Levy and I am with the Eversion Project. You may also call me Astaroth."
 
 The van screeches to a halt in front of a clothes shop. There is screaming from inside. At least a dozen people. 
 "After some deliberation, the project feels that we must make a public statement about what happened yesterday."
 
 There are more screams. A lot more. From windows, around corners. A man is lying on the pavement, face down, trashing and foaming at the mouth as if in a seizure. 

"Let me begin by saying that rumours have been entirely exaggerated. There are no "demons". There is no "hellgate". No pitchfork wielding legion of darkness has tortured the population of three districts into submission."

 The back doors of the van fly open and three figures in black jump out, each wearing a balaclava, ballistic vest, combat boots, a rifle. They kick down the shop doors. One of them is holding a flashbang at the ready, but does not use it. The screams inside become louder. 
 "Eversion Project was forced to act in self-defence, but we like to think what happened is also in the interest of the city. We think of it as securing the safety and well-being of our citizens against organized crime."
 
 Two shots are fired. Seconds later, the fire team exists the store again, enters the van, which drives off. 

"A few days ago, local organized crime has sent us a very clear message: a threat. We were to hand over our technological research and to hand them control over the university."

 A different scene. A semi-detached house, with a small garden. A car in the driveway. A very similar van stops in front of the building, another fireteam exits. The front door is kicked in. 
 "We could not, of course, allow that to happen. The Bone Rattlers were dangerous enough in their current state, but if they also had access to the newest our world-class university has to offer? Technology undreamt-of by science even a year ago, some pulse-derrived? No, we had to interfere."
 
 A small kitchen inside. A young girl, six or seven years old, on the floor, sobbing, her hands over her eyes. A women in her late twenties, slumped over a table, twitching. A man, unshaven, rough-looking, fallen off a chair, a trickle off blood from where his head landed on the tiles. Combat boots, a door kicked open, two shots. 
 "Eversion project would like to ensure everyone that we did our very best to limit collateral damage, using the very newest in nonlethal weaponry. In fact, we are happy to announce that there were no civilian casualties, except for some bruises from falls as people temporarily passed out."
 
 The backroom of a bar. Two dozen voices out front are screaming, some continuously, in pain and absolute terror, their throats ragged, wordless. Others sobbing, or mumbling. Inside a small group of goons, likely involved in a card game just minutes ago. Beer bottles have rolled off the table, chairs have fallen over. One has managed to draw a weapon, his hand stiff and twitching. This time, the agents are moving rather leisurely. One of them has a stack of photocopies, they look like mugshots. One is guarding the door, while the other two are turning over one flailing man after the other, shining flashlights into their screaming, crying, blind faces.
"Man", one of them says. "This would not have been so easy when the old man was still around."
Another laughs, kicks one of the downed goons in the ribs, roughly rolls him over, then peers at his face.
"Does this look like him? I think he shaved."
"Nah, man, hair's much lighter."
The first one shrugs, puts his rifle against the man's head as the other steps on the man's chest to keep him steady as he flails around in utter panic. "Ah, well. No one's going to miss him anyway, whether he's the right one or not." 
 "In fact, we are sure there will be no long-term side effects." 
There is another smile, and the words are not at all reassuring.
St. Justicar
 

	The performance was livestreamed, the Opalescent Arts’ omnipresent logo in the bottom-right corner as the Orchestra performed a funeral dirge. The Maestro still wore her trademark white suit, but everything else about the stage was as bleak and somber as could be.

	Text scrolled across the screen as they played.

	 Amelia Atherby, eyes pecked out by carnivorous cyber-crows

	Benny Bridgers, swarmed by super-sparrows

	Cameron Carroway, torn apart by the talons of a horrifying hyper-hawk 

(The list went on. It was rather longer than any obituaries or hospital records from the afternoon of confused skirmishing near the arena – but then again, ‘swarmed by’ doesn’t actually say anything about how damaged the experience was.)
	
	When the dirge finish, the Maestro turned and gave the camera a bow. “Good evening all of my beloved Zephyrites. I’m reaching out to you today to discuss the greatest crime, the bloodiest betrayal, the most depraved and dastardly deed that has darkened Zephyr City’s door since Bolting’s fall – if not before!”

	A window appeared in the corner of the screen as she spoke, showing an idyllic, sunny day in what seemed to be a prosperous downtown neighbourhood. Children licked icecream cones or ran and laughed around their parents legs, teenagers and young adults sat on benches and cafe tables with books or laptops, and soft but beautifully performed violin music filled the air.

	“I’m speaking, of course, of the corvid cartel who have turned a beautiful corner of your town into a veritable Hitchcock Heights!”

	The shot changed – a timelapse of the sky darkening and a swarm of birds descending onto the peaceful civilians, scratching, pecking, and beating with their wings. Children cry and beg for their parents. Adults screams in shock and pain. The music changes to a horrifying screech as the violinist desperately bludgeons a particularly rabid raptor diving at them.

	“Dr. Raptor seems to have been as high a class a man as this city has yet produced. And I, soft heart that I am, thought his heirs would be so honorable and honest. I made a deal with the rather ominous ornithologist who calls herself Agent Finch, and fully backed her scheme to seize the Pulse Nexus and prevent any of the city’s mafiosos or techno-tyrants from taking advantage of it.”

	She looked to the ground sorrowfully, taking a moment to place a hand over her heart as the now-silenced cutaway window showed a security guard trying to defend a woman having a panic attack having bloody talon-marks torn across his face. “As you can see, I was quite deviously double-crossed. While proclaiming friendship from every beak, the felonious fowl quite deviously double-crossed the agreements they had committed their good name to!”

	A gesture with her baton dismissed the recording of the attack as she continued. “I would adore the opportunity to appeal to my opposition's better nature; I am as everyone who knows me will attest the very  soul  of diplomacy and reasoned debate. But these sinister sparrows have proven that their word is nothing but winded, and so I am afraid I shall simply have to batter their bird brains in. And so! I am announcing a pest control campaign!

I myself shall be clearing every winged rat from their so recently claimed new nests and warrens, and pressing on from there. But this is a city-wide effort! If we really want to keep pigeons from defecating and defacing all our statues, keep sparrows from secretly observing our private correspondence for their sinister purposes, keeping rapacious raptors from ravaging the innocent, then you – yes,my dear citizens, you! - will need to step up as well.

Another sweep of her baton,  and a tip line appeared on the screen. As did a number. It had a dollar sign in front of it. And enough zeros to need multiple commas.

“I am offering a bounty on Agent Finch, or any of her avian associates. Unmasked and arrested, in traction, or tied to a train track – anything that takes them out of action. And unlike our fowl feathered friends,  I  keep my word.

Another shallow bow. “I’ll see you all at my next performance. Au revoir, my lovelies.”

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Declaring that the Maestro will be invading territory 17 this turn.

Also offering a bounty – 10 eco next turn to anyone who majorly injures a Birdwatch VIP for me, payable over 2 turns.
 


-----------

 Morale 4 
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 The email comes from a different address than previous messages, though still an Opalescent Arts account 

So what was your plan here, exactly? You pissed the boss off plenty, sure, but this wasn’t exactly a lethal blow. And you just proved that you can’t be trusted to actually follow a peace treaty.

What’s the story whee this ends well for you?
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


My esteemed academic,

Congratulations on the operation you seem to have executed! Even if it seems rather unlikely you’ll be able to come to an understanding with the Guns again, I wish you luck in the endeavour.

Though if you will excuse the inquisitiveness, just what sort of nonlethal weaponry did you use? And is it available on the open market?
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 


Mr. Gun,

My condolences on your recent troubles. You can read all the relevant messages yourself, I’m sure, but I’ll reiterate that I had no part in the planning of what occurred.

I have my own vendetta to prosecute at the moment, but if there’s anything less material you might require – refuge, perhaps – please do just ask.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 


It’s my own fault for expecting better than betrayal from such birdbrains; I’ve always been told my kind and trusting nature is my single fatal flaw.

And now, well – given your membership’s politics, I’m suppose making a campaign out of smashing sparrows can only be good for my popularity, can’t it?

Now, I’m hardly in a position to stop you and your sanguine associates from sweep across Northside regardless, am I? Your terms are acceptable.
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 A message arrives from the same sender as previous correspondence, despite the lack of reply 

Robot servants and lifetime pensions for anyone whose replaced. Is it gauche to ask what you’re getting out of all this? Seems a bit too good to be true.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
  Chronarch was beginning to get used to the hustle and bustle of the pub. The clinking of glasses. The soft laughter and shared excitement. The clattering of pool balls dancing across their tables. An old TV above the bar, muted for most of a decade. The haze of cigar smoke from the bartender – well, the filters in his suit cleared it, but he could still see it.

Chronarch was tucked away in a back corner, in a dim, darkly lit booth that, in concert with his chameleon cloak, made him almost invisible. People had hesitated once they’d learned that he’d set up shop in this area, but it turns out that people get used to whirring of drones remarkably quickly. A few short conversations in which he made it clear that he absolutely did not give a **** what the people in the territories he’d claimed did, and it was business as usual. Oh, he’d made a few small changes, but he doubted anyone was going to complain that their 911 calls were now being triaged by a 29 th -century artificial intelligence.

As he sat in the pub, he let the atmosphere wash over him. He had a lot of thinking to do.

He’d done his research. The Bone Rattlers were clearly thugs, criminals, a scourge on this version of Zephyr City. He’d seen what they’d done – well, surviving snippets. Newspaper headlines, video testimonies. He’d been prepared for a fight, unwilling to allow them to fully corrode an important public institution, an act that would have consequences for centuries. He’d been shocked when, instead of escalating, they’d agreed to a compromise.

The future had been changed, and it hadn’t taken coercion or violence. They’d just... agreed to be better.

If even the Gunn family could work with him to make the future a better place….

Well.

Zephyr City had to survive the Gamemaster first. A nasty customer, to be sure.

But that’s the thing about games.

You can always cheat.

Chronarch stood up and activated his Krouse Drive, instantly shifting outside. Enough resting.

  ARTEMIS? We have work to do. 
 She didn't chuckle, given that she wasn't corporeal, but he could sense her amusement through his feed.   WHEN DON'T WE? 
 
  
 
  
 All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=7 ] . 
 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 


Interesting.

First of all, I’m not an idiot. You and the Bloodborn aren’t at each other’s throats yet, so there’s clearly some level of cooperation there. So long as that isn’t pointed at me, I don’t particularly care – though I’m really not sure they fit your whole moral imperative thing. Violent bloodbrawls don’t exactly seem to be for the people. If you want an ally actually concerned with the city and not tearing it down, I’d go for Birdwatch or Avante Guarde instead. They seem like good people.

Anyhow, I’m still not happy with you for your stunt last turn – we both know the parade could have gone a lot worse – but I’m very happy to hasten [REDACTED]'s demise. ARTEMIS doesn’t see anything wrong with that, and I doubt it’ll make the timeline any worse.

For helping against [REDACTED]? I want a share of the territory. We can discuss my involvement there next week and hash out the details - obviously if I only throw a few scarce resources your way, then I won't ask for this, but if I'm fighting alongside you? I want to be properly compensated.

However. I don’t care about the Nexus, personally, but [47] is territory that I was aiming to secure myself. I’d like to suggest two additional minor terms to this overall cooperation.

First, a small favour - I want a “score” against you in this twisted Carnival. No one’s going to match my resources (looking at you, Birds, Rattlers – I have no doubt you’re reading this. You have bigger problems regardless and I’d suggest you pick less contested targets, lest you make yourselves another enemy).

The whole thing is deeply unhinged, but I don’t pick the watershed moments. Think of it as a fun little sparring match, if you have to. I’ll let you take the area I get back next week, so you actually come out ahead in terms of resources. Plus, some else might come knocking in the Carnival, and this way you get the territory back, and you don’t have to protect your own holdings. Only the highest investment gets the prize, after all. And that’ll be me.

Second favour - I want insurance against betrayal, given the rockiness in our relationship. I want a public declaration saying that, while you don't endorse my behaviour at the parade, you think that the Freedom Assembly and I can peacefully coexist, and a pledge to avoid hostilities between us unless given cause. If you turn on me in the future, I want the public to know that the Freedom Assembly's word can't be trusted.

I don’t trust you - at least, not yet - but hopefully we can put this all behind us and work towards a better city – now and in the future.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


In addition to your heists - I want to score off of you in this event (which, as I outline IC, comes with less risk on your part – you know you can stomp me into the dirt if I go back on my word). I’ll abandon the territory next turn and let you recapture it, giving you another 2 permanent stats. It’s actually a net win for you. And I want a public post indicating a lack of hostility on your part - so that if you viciously backstab me once [REDACTED] is destroyed, and I didn't give you actual cause to do it, everyone will know exactly what the Freedom Assembly's word is worth.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


Agent.

Well. You wanted trust? Here’s something for you. I’m not sure you’ll like it, but I’m giving you the choice.

As deeply unhinged as the Carnival is, I don’t get to pick where I intervene. So, in the interest of avoiding bloodshed – this city is already a powderkeg – I want to score off Avante Guarde. Next week, I abandon the territory and you take it back, giving you and extra bit of resources to extract as well. It costs you essentially nothing and you’d be doing me a favour – and you guarantee no one else takes it off of you. Think of it as on-the-job training against another Empowered.

If not, I'll have to look elsewhere. I'll be true to my word - I'm looking for a collaborative approach here. Think on it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC  


Well, the world heists are where I need to intervene, so… win-win scenario here? I get a hit on the Carnival, and you get your territory back with interest.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


So, this Galatea things of yours. How does it work, exactly? I invest [3 of anything except MOR] this week, and then in any future weeks (once it's set up), I can convert [4 weird] into [4 eco]? Neat trick. I might think about investing if this is on the table next week.
 

  
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Chronal Imperative Mor 7 


A new breed MockingJay finds The Chonarch, and a woman's Voice is imitated:

We aren't friends, but we aren't enemies. I kept to the terms you set, and will continue to do so whether you respond to this or not. When I said I would appear on that nonsense tribunal, it was only to call out the hypocrisy of those who would declare themselves judges, and you did thst better than me.

That said, I have a proposal that may be of interest to you.  I intend to send Agent Magpie to The Gamemaster's challenge.  I know your intentions regarding the challenge, and I have too much on my plate to even have an opinion on them.  So, here is my offer-

I will feed you any information I get on the games.  This should give you an inside track on winning the prize.   In exchange, you pay me whatever you feel you can spare to help me fight the Orchestra.

Here is a piece of free advice, by way of good faith-   I was engaged in an elaborate op last week to gauge the relative Espionage capabilities of major factions.   While my information is dated, I believe there to be as many as three factions capable of reading your messages without permission, counting us. Since my current breed MockingJays cannot beat your future tech in that field, I will say no more here.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Eversion Project Mor 7 

A MockingJay appears at the Offices of Eversion Project.

A man's Voice, this time.

"Finch is pissed.  This is Magpie.  I convinced her that there was some kinda missed signal and you somehow didn"t understand when we said "suckerpunch" we meant "before Freedom Assembly uses it as an excuse to take the Nexus"  and by "The Orchestra" we  didn't  mean "Jhonny Gunn..."


But, as it is, the situation is not beyond salvaging.  Ww assume you know the ultimatum Chonarch gave Auvante Guarde and The Assembly.  But, if you don't, we'll spell it out.  He wants them to throw the game, and we offered to help him win the prize.

The thing is, we're friends with Jhonny and we don't care about the future.  I'm not sure we'll be there, at the moment.   We could give all this information to Jhonny and make the world a more complicated place...

But, since you are sticking to plan, we won't.  We really can't  help him to get back at you.  It wouldn't work, logistically.

So, you should know.  We already explained to Freedom Assembly this was an elaborate psi-op by the two of us to suckerpunch Orchestra.   So you have three choices-  tell us straight up to pound sand and we help  Jhonny to spite you. Or live with your bad choices and pray the Maestro can out run our MockingJays confirming the whole story.

Or, stick to the plan, you're a hero with bad timing, Freedom Assembly are posers, and I even give you the payment I promised.
 
Eldan
 
Morale: 5

 The Bone Rattlers 
 
 Spoiler 
And here we are.  Let me then make this perfectly clear: I don't respond well to threats. You ****ed around and you found out.

Eversion does not pay for the privilege of not being attacked. We don't pay you not to take our things, because you'd just keep demanding and demanding and eat us up piecemeal.

So. Pick your teeth out of the gutter and make a decision. We know perfectly well you have no reason to trust us, but then, we never trusted you, either. You already established that the university is worth two territories. You let us take it and back the **** down and we'll give two of your territories back with our compliments. Or we keep going like this, make it a long and drawn out war to the death and see who ends up on top while the rest of the city grows beyond us.

-Astaroth.
 

 Avante Guarde 
 
 Spoiler 
Hide

From:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 
To:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 

Agent Ragav,

I'll just come out and ask: How are things between us now? Because from where I stand, you seem awfully friendly with the Bone Rattlers. I really hope this isn't what we've come to. Good agents making deals with organized crime to carve up districts of the city. We both remember what Zephyr City was like under the old man. You and I, we used to get rid of scum like this, not buddy up to them.

We're not asking for your help, or anything. But I'd just like to know: if we have to find a way to solve the Gunn problem entirely, can we count on you to at least let us do our job without getting involved?

Special Agent Hartley,
Director of Security,
Eversion Project
 

 Opalescent Orchestra 
 
 Spoiler 
My most marvellous Maestro

First, sincere sympathies. These odious ornithologists offend our organisation.

Regarding the device employed against the Bone Rattlers: we had come into possession of some recordings from a dimension entirely unlike our own. It is so utterly alien to the human mind that, if the data experienced via one or more sensors, it leads to intense reactions, mostly overwhelming terror at the sheer alienness of it. We would gladly share some of the principles with you. As an expert in that most exalted expression of the human sensorium and emotional spectrum, art, we would be thrilled to see what you can do with something so entirely outside the normal human experience.

OOC: this was mostly a one-off thing. It was a massive attack using almost entirely the weird stat, so I statted it as a weird superweapon, but there was no LTP or anything like that involved. Still, if you want to use similar fluff for anything you do (panic-inducing alien music, for example), feel free.
 

 Birdwatch 
 
 Spoiler 
the message is, rather dramatically, written on a piece of paper scattered in front of some pigeons.

Here's the situation from our side: you gave us basically no time to set this up. We can't betray maestro and stage a full-on invasion of their territory from one day to the next. We would need more time to prepare something like this. And we had a war on our hands ourselves. See, we can't just give in to threats like that. Or they'd keep coming, gobble us up piece by piece, getting stronger while we get weaker and less able to respond to those threats.

We have a war at our hands now. The Bone-Rattlers won't back down. They made the first move, first threatening us. We had to strike them hard and from an unexpected direction, or we'd be dead in a week. We're researchers, not street fighters, like they are. If we back down now, they'll have us by the throat.

So, quite honestly: we don't want you as an enemy. We don't want anyone as an enemy. And your plan was good, but the thing is... we are already in one war, and Maestro is entirely reasonable and cordial towards us. So until the Bone Rattler situation is defused, the best we can promise you is not to interfere.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   The Broadcast (Redux)   

This time, when the announcement comes it is in the form of a video link delivered to Zephyr City's local news station. The link shows a trio of figures in identical attire, the symbol of the Freedom Assembly emblazoned on a far wall in a nondescript room. There is no preamble here, no host or flashy news segment to interrupt them, simply a message to the people of the city that the Assembly's leadership has sent out a tape amidst the unfolding chaos that has engulfed the southern districts of the Empowered metropolis.

It shouldn't be possible for three masked, hooded figures in clearly combat-ready gear to look abashed, but somehow they manage it. One of them steps forward to speak candidly into the camera, whose somewhat grainy resolution betrays it as a handheld phone or small device.

 "Hello, Zephyr City,"  the voice comes out distorted, a scorched bass mixed with mechanical grinding. This must be Arsenal themselves; genius inventor, revolutionary, wanted terrorist, inspiring leader.  "You know us by now, as this is not the first time we have spoken directly to the people. We are the Freedom Assembly. We stand for the liberation and uplifting of all citizens. We stand for freedom from oppressive regimes, government overreach, and the actions of individuals who believe themselves and their  causes  above that of the true common good, no matter their stated rationalizations." 

There is a massive, Eversion-sized pause.

 "But we're people, just like you. We make mistakes, we can be shortsighted. Last week, some representatives from our movement stood on live national television and condemned the actions of Chronarch, a confirmed time traveler. While we as a movement do not condone the use of time travel and its resultant implications on free will and the democratic process, nor do we approve of the actions he took at the parade, the Freedom Assembly is officially canceling the planned tribunal against him.

Furthermore, we have extended trust to Chronarch and hope that we can peacefully co-exist. I would like to take this opportunity to state before you all that our Assembly does not see him as an enemy. Our group pledges not to initiate any hostile action towards him unless he forces our hand in the matter. It is our hope that an accord can be reached with this time traveler and that he sees that compassion in this century will flow outward toward a brighter future. Thank you." 

The video ends as abruptly as it started, the feed cutting off to the sound of thousands of likes and shares.


 

   Faction Messages  
 Morale 8  
 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
Yes, your powers of observation are astounding. We aren't allied with the Bloodborn - and honestly, while some of our people really like them, opinion is quite mixed among our leadership - but they've proved remarkably restrained and reasonable in territory negotiations. That's more than can be said for plenty of others. They are by far the least of evils in Zephyr City right now. Realistically, we can't also afford to cut off our dealings with them at the moment. Whether we pursue an alliance with them later is, of course, our business.

We'll talk more about war coordination once we're in the position to pursue said war. But it won't be a small investment we'll ask of you - and territory and the gains made there will absolutely be on the table for people who properly join our Assembly in battle.

As to your list of demands, you can clearly see we have already handled one part. If we were not accountable to the people of Zephyr City, we would be tyrants by another name, so that particular is easy to fulfill. The Assembly is prepared to repeat those words in private, but we hope that cooperation in the coming weeks will see trust grow naturally on both sides.

Now, as to the matter of the Carnival. Your scheme is certainly interesting, but we're wondering: if it's such a plum deal, what's in it for you? You obviously don't need to answer, but the answer is clearly  something . Given the parameters of the Carnival, we would be surprised if you didn't offer a second reasonable actor the same deal: considering your earlier mention of Avante Garde in that very category (and the likely instability of Birdwatch territories over the next week) and your sending a message to them at the exact same time as us... well, some conclusions just draw themselves, don't they?

Anyway, we'll do it. But we have a few stipulations of our own. If you do score on us, the Assembly will only give access to a single heist. While you were wise last week, the way you spoke down to the people still has some of them rankling and too much of a concession would be seen as weakness in the face of an individual (as you can imagine, not a  popular  stance to take in our ranks). Second, we will require a public admission from you that your Imperative will abandon whatever territory is taken from us during the Carnival. Fair's fair.

Last but not least... we've got our own game going with the Carnival this week. We won't get into who we're targeting, but the Assembly is planning to make a very healthy investment. That's not going to change because you want to score on us, so whatever the number is, you'll need to outbid it to take something appreciable. We don't anticipate you having a lot of competition on stealing from us - the more likely candidates are all otherwise engaged - but we'll send you the number as the week progresses and we get a more exact total.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Counter: you can score on me, at the cost of 1 heist. Either you get both heists, or you score on me. It's clearly helpful for your faction in some way, so I might as well not give you the whole pie. 😁

I also want  you  to state publicly at the start of Turn 4 that you will be abandoning whatever territory you take from me. If I'm going to be bound by trust enforced by public opinion, you need to do the same. No need to announce that before next turn.

Also, a heads up that I will be spending between 10-15 points to score on another faction this turn. I've no opposition to you scoring on me, but I plan on investing a fair bit into my own score to make sure it goes through. I will have a final number for you before EoT - you'll need to outbid it to score on me at all.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Birdwatch 
Ah, that is a shame. We don't know what Eversion's game is, but their scientists will definitely need to die, preferably permanently. A problem for another day, though.

Like we said, our holding of the Nexus will not be a permanent state of affairs. Emergency powers until Orchestra is defeated, and all that. To be honest, it will paint entirely too large a target on the backs of our leadership, and we don't want that. It's entirely possible the Assembly will be looking to offload it within a few weeks of taking it regardless.

Maestro looks to be taking some land back. We'd highly suggest abandoning it, thus baiting her into overcommitting her forces for a relative pittance rather than scoring actual blood on you. But of course, you do what you will: a bird would make a fantastic general, what with always having the high ground and all.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Okay, I'll consider that deal struck then.

If you aren't already planning on doing so, I'd absolutely abandon 17 this turn. Not only does it cut around the issue of Maestro attacking you there, but it gives us a perfect avenue to attack southward next turn.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
Sticks and harsh language, conductor. Sticks and harsh language.

Thank you for acceding to our ultimatum. You remain, as ever, an exceedingly polite monster.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Johnny Gun and the Bone Rattlers 
 The burner phone makes its way to the ears of Johnny Gunn, and the voice on the other end is a deep bass that simmers with the ever-burning embers of deep anger. 

It looks like government overreach has burned you. We know the feeling.

That people have allowed the Eversion Project to persist is, frankly, an insult. Don't worry, we'll be goading our friends to come south and help you out of this. When you're fighting literal demon scientists, it's only fair that you have monsters of your own in your corner. If you like, we can put in a good word for you when they arrive, make sure their involvement is skewed in your favour and not just maximizing on this chaos.

Unfortunately, the Assembly has already committed both its word and its resources to a different fight. As I'm sure your people can intercept our messages, you know that we'll be taking the fight to the Orchestra in the next few weeks. To do that properly, we need the city center and the strength it provides. We'll be moving in troops en masse to secure the Nexus and its outlying territories by the end of the week - we'd hate for there to be a miscommunication and for them to run into any scouting forces of yours.

But we're not above sending in a few specialists and barn-burners to 'score' against Eversion. We assume you're focusing on a ground campaign to retake your losses, and if we score against Eversion in this Carnival, we'd be happy to gift you the territory as a gesture of goodwill. Of course, if you're planning on doing the same, it'd benefit both of us if we didn't get in one another's way.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just a heads up that I'm taking the Nexus this turn.

Going for a score against Eversion this turn as well. I won't say how much - in case they're listening - but it will be a lot. If I win that, whatever territory I take I plan on abandoning the next turn (and will gift to you). The GM has confirmed that it's a random, non-strategic territory. Of course, if you beat Eversion and score higher than me, that would be fine.

Please let me know if you are, so I can save both of us some stat points.

Happy war-making!
 

 
kaio999
 
    Colonel Anorak and Major Megan Hopper    
 
 Spoiler: The Colonel and The Major 
  
 


The usually playful demeanor of the Colonel was gone, he was alone in the command center his gaze was watching the screens. It felt like he was alone the only one alive in all of Imperatrix but there was endless souls many were calling loved ones. They were reaching out to check on those they cared about. His fingers reach out for the screens. The drones capturing angles of the horrors being committed in the southern part of the city. He doesn't turn his head when he heels the clacking of familiar military boots.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Sir we need orders."

She looked as stalwart and confident as ever but he could tell her hands were shaking. She actually was part of the military and this had gotten to her.

  Colonel Anorak:   "My grandma was in the southern part of the city..."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Sir we need orders."

  Colonel Anorak:   "Eversion project and the rattlers didn't even kill her... I knew I should bring her here but Badka wouldn't leave that house. She didn't wanna leave the house Dziadzia had helped build. Just someone running, someone scared hit her too hard. She was already old and they struck her just right as they were fleeing in terror. I have no one to blame."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Sir..."

He turned to look at her and Anorak chuckled, tears in his eyes.

  Colonel Anorak:   "We are not going to do anything Megan. You don't jump in and interfere when your enemies are killing one another."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Sir! there are people dying we can't let this..."

Her voice a near scream of anger.

  Colonel Anorak:   "You think I do not know this?" His gaze turns on her and for a moment hes angry. "Are you truly lecturing me today?"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "I am sorry."

  Colonel Anorak:   "Don't be, this is what I get for thinking I am a hero."

The silence took them for a long time.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "So what do we do?"

  Colonel Anorak:   "All we can do. This is a city not a nation we are fighting over streets and neighborhoods not provinces make sure we try and get anyone who wants a place to stay. Any big abandoned buildings get people into it and drones watching. Help people... I think most will hit freedom assembly territory first if they do run so let them know if they need help we will help."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "What about family in the south?"

  Colonel Anorak:   "Do the best we can and grieve with those who lost people."

He chuckles slightly.

  Colonel Anorak:   "So much for our save the world with robots plan. End violence and hunger create so much plenty with our machines no one needs to fight... What a joke."  He turns to "where is Intervallum?"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "He has not seen the footage, he is working like always."

He places his hand to the screen once more. His grandmother lying there bleeding out on camera for him to watch over and over 16 minutes 48 seconds before an ambulance arrived. It was old of course took him a day and a half before finding the footage.

  Colonel Anorak:   "Cant even save one old woman..."

  Official Missives Morale 9  
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
The messaging capsule will ignite with a response to the messaging also clearly encrypted. The exchange with the group happens with a new face. It is no longer a holographic version of the major or the colonel but Moira.

"Forgive me freedom assembly, I am reaching out simply in the interim as the colonel is indisposed; it should be him back in full time communique shortly." She stops to let it sink and than continues on. "First of all I am glad you enjoyed the Galatea project I am quite proud of the work I got to do on it. We want you to know we are willing to support you. on all actionable intel and we agree there is no need to surrender the Nexus to the supervillain, the demons, the rattlers and the like our official stance is we just don't trust the bloodborn not to stab you for the Nexus. We intend to build up our forces and when the bloodborn do attack you we can step in and be at full capability to drive them off. Until that happens however we are fine to let you play as the diplomatic middle man for this alliance. We also don't want any of our forces used against Birdwatch if we send you any squads. So long as you don't use sky cavalry to do harm to the birds or avante guarde the official stance is we will in turn support you."

She goes through her notes, "Cairns looks like they should also not be targeted and we want actionable data and hefty returns for any actions against Chronarch. We saw your rather public announcement though so any moves against them would make you look rather poor, so not too worried about conflict there for now."

She continues on, "we can send the modules (this turn) if you send the resources immediately and you can start to churn out Galatea (next turn developing Econ) and from that point you will own your own factory. I recommend purchase before things get messy as its not a 1 time use for us but instead we produce the factory for you." She explains.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sounds good this turn we can chill out finish up our expansion and next turn figure out the south. As for the Galatea Station its a 1 time cost you buy it from me I set it up same tur and you can use it once a turn in perpetuity
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
The holodisk responds immediately as they explain their situation.

"Were you betrayed by Eversion project? We can offer no support at this time (this turn) but can (next turn) let us know what you need and we will try and figure out the ideal means to begin helping you. Also if it is within your capabilities any knowledge on bloodborn is appreciated. We don't trust them." He continues. "We will speak about sending squads (tstr) your way next turn.If you need it."
 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
"You are paying (3 of anything but morale) for us to build the station which we have already invested in for the city. You are helping to proliferate the technology. This allows us to build something and if there is ever another monster like Bolting who wreaks havoc or does more damage Galatea can be the force of reconstruction and a better tomorrow." They get back. "we are willing to sell you the factory. As we are willing to sell it to every faction because we believe it is a genuine good and we have rules in place to keep it from being mis used for anything other than a source of economic growth for the people. We get everything from it."
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
"We have the means to assemble a station in your district as long as your source of income comes to us. You will have access to the factory in perpetuity (AKA we get paid we build it the same turn we are paid) and from that point (once per turn) you can transform up to (4 tweird into 4temp econ) We also cannot destroy it so even if we were in theory to enter conflict we cannot destroy your facility its just built." Intervallum explains with the only person he bothered to contact himself. "We still wish to have Imperatrix and ARTEMIS Interface and have her provide upgrades as well. We wish to know if our actions lead to a better tomorrow or a worse one."
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
Avante Guarde was exultant.

Avante Guarde was shaken.

Throughout the compound that housed the EDF, the wave of emotions went from successful jubilation to shock. Then to frustration. To doubt. Their success ash in their mouth.

For those in the administration, they watched with grim lines on their expression.

In the low light of the gym as night wore on, the only sounds that could be heard were the thump of something moving, being forced to move. Remi's bandaged hands slamming into the sandbag in front of him, the glisten of sweat a sheen in the low-light as he forced himself to continue. To continue. To continue.

Until the click of shoes interrupted, and Remi finally stopped punching to look up. The figure of Jaskir was not an unfamiliar one, the pinched features of the Garde brother a familiar sight in the briefing room. But he was not one to come down here. Not one to indulge in the enjoyment of strain and fatigue that made up exercise. Remi grabbed a towel for himself and nodded at the other figure. Waiting.

  "You must be able to accept you cannot do everything."   Jaskir's words cut straight into Remi as the man grimaced in response, still no verbal reaction. Jaskir shook his head, almost disappointed.   "We've done good, and the people in our sector are happy for it. No matter the outcome of this little tussle of ideals, so long as nothing terrible wins we can still do our job, and as the days pass we can do it further and further afield."  
  "It doesn't save the people who needed the help last night."   Remi knew his words were unreasonable, but as he walked past Jaskir, he didn't care.

He'd been gifted by the pulse. Why couldn't he save more people?


 

 Message to The Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
We would be happy to provide the remainder this week for your project.

I do note that we didn't receive message back regarding my proposal last week, and you didn't action as agreed, which I am slightly saddened by.

But we understand sometimes needs must and no harm. We will still endeavour to work with you on your projects to protect and heal the people.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Respone to The Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
 Aleksi:  Thank you for the concern. I am less concerned about the Bone Rattlers and Eversion so far, as both want to maintain peace with us. The Bloodborn have been cordial neighbours for me so hopefully that maintains. I have actively interfered with the Orchestra, but they are likely too busy with the birds. If you have anything we could directly collaborate on I am willing to discuss it with you.
 

 Response to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Chronarch,

Agreed.

There is only one way I actually regret this decision and that is entirely depending on the Game Master. We honestly want to avoid as much as we can for this. We'll be putting a token force in to avoid allowing free reign from those who might exploit it, but I imagine you'll have no issues overpowering that.

I'll be grabbing information on events next week with the police, let me know if you want to cut a deal for access to specific ones.

Regards
 

 Response to the Eversion Project: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
From:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 
To:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 

Agent Hartley,

Avante Guarde are not a friend of the Bone Rattlers, but we are not enemies either.

The problem will be that if that was your society that made the moves last week then my boss has some issue with the results of your actions.

I cannot confirm anything further at this point. However even if we 'stick out', we have a verbal agreement to provide a few agents to the Bone Rattlers, a discussion we agreed to before this mess broke out. And Avante Guarde doesn't break its word because of a change in circumstances.

I do hope that what I have heard of your organisation's actions is hearsay.

Because I don't believe you have the right to treat me in a manner of calling us 'good agents' anymore if it is.

Sincerely,

Agent Remi Ragav,
Operations Commander - Empowered Diffusion Force
Avante Guarde

Ph: (XX) XXXX XXXX XX - Please contact us with any Empowered incidents you notice!
 

 To the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hello Jhonny,

I should be able to send agents your way this week, as discussed. I do see you're in a spot of trouble with actual horror monsters.

Would you prefer I intervene and help re-take some lost ground? If so I'd like to co-ordinate on where.

And since you've made this whole thing transactional, I'd like it for you to consider it as a favour for next time we have a disagreement.

Regards,

Aleksi
 

 To the Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey kids.

I've seen some things this week. What is your stance about heading down into the mess that is the Orchestra and Eversion?

A bit distant for you, but that hasn't stopped me yet. I've already stopped their grand unveiling project from the Orchestra, although I regret not having done the same to the Eversion before they committed... whatever it was they did.

Regards,

Aleksi
 
St. Justicar
 

Another livestream, but this one was delivered rather more forcefully – some bright young things working at a startup in Montgomery had figured out a way to hijack every satellite TV signal in the city for a few minutes at a time.

The camera switched on to reveal the Maestro, a grin on her face and a baton in her hand. The stage  seemed positively theatrical – right down to the red velvet curtains behind her.

“Good  evening  Zephyr City! Thank you all for being generous with your time and attention tonight, I all do my upmost to ensure it isn’t wasted! But I have a momentous and much-anticipated announcement to make, and I hope you all will lend your ears to it. After all-” She paused, grin going even wider “-a life depends upon it!”

She gestured with her baton, and an old CRT television on a wheeled stand (looking like it had been pilfered from a local public school) was pushed into the shot. It was playing a recording of the JFK assassination.

“You’ve all wept from the woeful death of some celebrated celebrity or popular politician – who hasn’t? They live on camera, and you all love them like they’re your own flesh and blood. What if I told you that  you  can help prevent something like that from ever happening again?” She paused for a moment, then shrugged “For a select shortlist of celebrities, anyway. But with the power of the quantum observer effect, you slack-jawed, screen-addled masses can at long last contribute to the future of Zephyr City! How? Well, lets go into some  love product testing! ..

The curtains opened behind her, unveiling a...cannon? It looked like a cannon. All loaded and ready to light, too. Besides it stood a screen with the live view count of the stream.

More eye-catching was the captive, tied down to the barrel by his arms and legs, putting his torso  directly  in the path any projectile would take as it was fired and left its current home. A number of electrodes and blinking bits of tech were attached to his chest and head, wires running off-screen. As he futility fought his bindings, his struggles left a faint mirage-like effect in the air, almost as if he was leaving momentary after-images with each motion.

He was facing the camera, and his birdwatch match didn’t do much to hide his obvious panic.

The Maestro’s voice was every bit as upbeat and chipper as she gestured at him.”Now, this fine feathered fellow was  intimately  involved in the avian outrage that so assailed the city over the weekend. Now the Orchestra’s finest moment, I know, but we do try to see some justice done. And so he’s going to help us with a bit of community service, won’t he?”

Whatever he tried to say in response was muffled and incomprehensible, but it sounded less than entirely enthusiastic about the idea. The Maestro ignored him, and pointed at the screen displaying a view count behind him.

“I see there’s well over fifty thousand of you with us tonight! Which, from what my lovely artisan Luthier has told me, is several times the audience it should take to preserve our fowl felon! Now, why don’t we see if it’s true? Count with me, everyone, and remember that adjusting your set just might be what forsakes him to a grisly fate!”

An off-camera audience yelled out the countdown along with the Maestro, clearly encouraging the viewers at home to do the same. It was loud enough to drown out the captive screaming through whatever gag was hidden behind his mask. Well, nearly.

“Three!”

“Two!”

“One!”

“FIRE!”

The cannon obeyed.

For a split-second, there was an ear-splitting shriek of agony, viscera flying everywhere, a gore-streaked artillery projectile smashing through a now-nonexistant ribcage.

And then there wasn’t. The cannonball shot over the camera to...somewhere, presumably, and the muffled screaming continued, but its source seemed quite entirely untouched. Sweating, hyperventilating, probably traumatized – but miraculously free of new cannonball-related chest cavities.

The Maestro politely clapped three times. “Excellent job, everyone! Together you’ve saved this man’s life. That concludes tonight’s little technical demonstration, but I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Until then, au revoir!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I am publicly unveiling my completion of  A Good Song Never Dies . The use of hypergeomtric wavelengths and quantum observer theory have allowed the Maestro to bridge the gap between expectation and reality. If the audience is expecting a performance, neither snow nor rain nor semi-automatic fire will keep the stars of the show down.

Each turn, Orchestra VIPs have publicly announced the action they are taking, they instantly heal from the first injury they would have suffered
 


---------------

 Morale 4 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion 


How fascinating. Please do send over any snippets you might have. They seem as if they might be a truly superb addition to my soundscape.

To open another line of inquisition; your warning of the ornithologists impending ambush is appreciated. If only I had taken it as seriously as I should have. If you happen to come across any further interesting bits of avian correspondence, I would count it as a favour if you could send them on to me.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 


Oh of course, for rudeness there can be no excuse.

Now, when you have your people’s republic all properly proclaimed, will the tribunals end in guillotines or firing squads? I’ll need to ensure I’m attired appropriately, after all.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guard 


My dear Aleksi,

I’m unsure whether this was a coordinated assault or simply a bit of inconvenient serendipity, but in either case despite your aggravating assault your do-gooders are hardly my greatest problem at the moment.

So I ask – was your recent intrusion a singular occurrence, or shall I assume a state of permanent hostilities between us?
 
neriractor
 

The sun was bright in the east, as it tended to be in Zephyr city, but the mood did not match it in the least. compared to the usually outragously expensive suits Jhonny was in a black, mundane piece, with a hat that hadn't left his hand ever since entering the premises, Donna used a long modest dress, Khazid didn't bother with the hat.

Not too many people had approached the Gunn triunvirate, a few greetings and kissed cheeks, just as well, this was not their day. Tina Danico was a short woman pushing 60, with a nasty tongue and a charm to her, she was now a widow too, wailing with few words to spare and getting the lot of the attention, it was not her day either.

Tom "two times" Danico was a tall lanky man with the flight of a butterfly and a fist like a hammer (in a manner of speech, he was never hit by a pulse, but he joked that was the only thing he would allow to hit him). He was 50-something, scarce of gray hair but full of wrinkles from an overly expressive nature. He met Jhonny in a crib when he was 30, kept him safe to adulthood, took a pay cut when the old man died while half the runner ups in the city would have paid double instead.

But eventually the kid did right by him, got him a fancy new front for whatever he wanted, and a nice big house that had suddenly gone vacant when the Gunns moved up to the nearby streets... He had a free weekend a few days before the present, Jhonny was out on business the old man could no longer keep up with, the Gunn heir would never say it like it was, but Tom knew his youth was far, and he wasn't gonna complain about a weekend with the kids. He had wanted an open casket, "let them see me one more time, and let me be smiling" due to the physical impossibility of the last request given the state of the face, it was instead closed. Today was  his  day, but Tina would have to do for the mourners.

The trio in charge had stayed apart for the most part too, but gathered together to ride Jhonny's car when the service was done. A compact looking little thing that was seemingly designed so the shotgun seat could comfortably fit the likes of Khazid, he and Donna stuck to the back seats though.

 "This little play of yours is downright insulting Jhonny" 
 "The play?"  Khazid frowned

 "Why do you think he is asking us to ride with him, instead of using our own?" 
 "Don't play dumb, you know what the message I'm sending is: no car bombs, no hijacking, no ambushes possible. Still in control, if you want to take it some other way that's on you." 
 "Who needs playing when you are around"  she mumbled

It was a short drive before the group entered a driveway near the easternmost city, a damn recent acquisition from some group selling blow bad enough it may as well have powdered glass on it, "acquisition papers" were not done, blood was still featured prominently in several walls, no one was placed there; for the privacy required it was perfect. Jhonny took a seat on a small round table, while the others stayed up.

 "Alright, session in order, you guys called it, so move it along" 

Donna spoke a torrent of asterisks (or at least that what it would have looked like typed out), walking around the room while berating the recent failures and prompting Jhonny to look towards Khalid when she was done.

 "You messed up Jhonny..." 
 "I know, I know I did"  he grasped his upper nose  "We all knew feds would be on us eventually" 
 "Did ya? it didn't look like it" 
 "We took some risks" 
 "That we is pulling a lot of weight here" 
 "Doesn't mean is not correct" 
 "it'd be a first this month, so, what are we doing about the losses?" 
 "Nothing but deadweight"  Donna may have made the choice to slap Jhonny at that point, but her hand had hardly moved when the table came crashing down under the weight of Khazid's fists, causing Jhonny to involuntarily flinch  "My bad, is what we are selling, not what we are buying, I know... is been a rough week" 
 "Is not gonna get better" 

The tension lingered, leaving an air more dense than Jhonny's current control of his powers could hope to achieve, Donna nonchalantly took a step back (a terrible sight from someone with precognition if there ever was one). After a couple of seconds Jhonny slowly took off one of many rings, throwing it to Khazid who barely caught it.

 "There is the badge of office, guide us forth"  Jhonny didn't have the time to finish before Khazid threw it to Donna  "Already half-spitting on the family by doing business, not about to piss on the grave too" 

Donna quickly tossed it back to Jhonny  "Not fixing your damn mess for ya" 

Jhonny looked about pleased, and stood up, walking towards the door  "Alright then, Khaz, you are on people duty, put on the charm."  He stared at Donna for a moment  "You hesitated, so you are on your usuals, given the circunstances that means the trash too" 
 "Arghhhh, come on, can't expect me to have reflexes like Khaz"   "Well he has them, step it up"  They were ushered out as a few expletives filled the air, and with a last wave Jhonny threw the ring back at Khazid  "The badge of office is the office, that's a trinket, do what you ought to"  before a slam.

Jhonny lit a cigarette, looking for the ash tray for a second before he remembered where the table ended up with, and making a call.

 "Hey, uncle Louie, we finally know what went down, little Lu was guarding this warehouse for me, right?..."  She was visiting some reluctant partners  "...and we lost contact, but you already know that part..."  She called Jhonny for backup, then all was screams  "...We found some footage as she fought her way out..."  Nearly all possibly useful footage of events remains in the lost quarters  "...She got to where I keep the heavy stuff, grabbed a grenade, blew one of them vans and herself, bloody trooper just like her old man..."  He sighed, it was getting harder and harder to make up excuses for the lack of bodies  "...Dari mentioned doing nicky's last rites with her, since they were so close, I can call her for you if you want"  Jhonny nudged that before, there was no time for all the funerals  "... I'm sorry."  He was.

 Morale: 3 
 
 Spoiler: The Eversion project 
Alright, you earned your seat at the big boys table, let's see i you can stay in the house.

Now, I about figured you for a logic type that just happened to take some real liking to the old scriptures before doing his homework, so let's go piece by piece: you staying there? keeping a force wherever we are getting our compliments so we can get some spoils? set up the carefully crafted network you so bothered?

because it isn't university=two territories, is uncontested university=two uncontested territories (negotiable), and they  were  contested. If you think you are just taking two steps back without fixing ****... well, I've tasted mud before ***** and if I need to taste it again to drag you through it then so be it.

-D D
 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent orchestra 
Dearest Maestro,

No problem, I can hardly fault some trading, though you may want to know for the sake of future negotiation that our law abidding buddies near the university had come to an agreement with the birdwatch last week, I couldn't send any warnings due to a previous agreement with the birdwatch but since half of those involved voided the terms... Yeah.

Here is what I can disclose without breaking my word:

Birdwatch:
 I'll make you an offer. We pretend to go to war and, at the last minute, both attack the Orchestra instead. Once we share a border, we will pay you in anything but Weird for your discretion and services. 

Eversion:
 Well, I guess us well-informed people have to stick together against all the big sticks around us. I like the plan. 

I assume their only problem with each other was timing, though it can't keep them from bonding over having a deathwish.

Best of luck,
Dashing Dynamo


P.S: They are not exactly telling the birdwatch to piss off now either.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You may read Eversion's last message from last turn to the birdwatch if you want to check, none from the birdwatch to them though.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: BloodBorn 
A brown chevette make its way down to one of the known new Bloodborn hotspots within the city center, a tall broad man in black adidas sportswear, with a couple chain necklaces and metal sunglasses leaves the car through the side door, waving woodbye to the driver effusively before looking around for a few guys he can put faces on or the most obvious Bloodborn member he can find.

 "I need someone in charge"  he gently taps a black briefcase on his hands  "here on business" 
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
A note is attached  with a previous date, possibly lost amidst the chaos

 "Aleksi,

Look... I'll be level with you, 'accommodating' hit a nerve, accommodating may be good for you, but where I'm from words like that mean weak and I've been dealing with others like me too long, so excuse me for that.

I'll keep it civil.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.

P.S: putting the chicken before the eggs if you think I wouldn't fight chronarch for the police if you didn't care for it but can't blame you with an eye closed." 

Then comes the actual message, dated to the current time.

Aleksi,

I appreciate your kindness despite how rude I was to you before, let's see where talks with the monsters lead us, but for now I'll just ask if you could make those agents into soldiers even if I end up not needing an intervention.

Yours,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
 Jhonny doesn't sounds about as confident as he may have on previous occasions, despite circunstances .

Appreciated on all accounts and don't worry, I can still confirm it all myself, had some ambitions the likes of those you hold before, but if it's not me then it may as well be you.

Now, I'm sorry to say I can't disclose anything on that matter, (can't get a damn car that's not tapped this days) but all streets are two ways if you care tu U-turn, you know?

Regards,
-Jhonny Gunn

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Now, if you think someone may read you (and I'm half sure they can't, not with base + the one point they got from me anyway) they can definitely read me 😛
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Chronal Imperative 
One of the 911 calls on Chronarch's turf (from a very dumb person it seems like) comes during a sleep cycle, young lady, trapped in a closet with a dangerous unknown roaming her house.

the police think they are arriving late (big brother has dulled their sense of duty), and they are, but the assailant is half-blind and tied to a post far enough to the house to cause no problem, a puzzle box held in his hands with a note "this explodes if chronarch isn't the one to open it"

The puzzle box is definitely something your average police station (not that Zephyr's is) with some top of the line (ancient trinkets to chronarch) stuff to it and zero things that could make it explode inside, so Chronarch can smash it after a scan if he wants, inside is a note:

"Took ya long enough darling,

I heard the future is "worse than 50 boltings, with no ice cream, no sun, and battle suits and A.Is galore instead of free will" and I thought it was kind of silly, from my ancient perspective, take no insult... Thought is a key word here, now I'm thinking, where does bringing literal hell to earth fit into things?

Penny for your thoughts,
-D D
"
 
Eldan
 Eversion  [5]

To the Bone Rattlers
 
 Spoiler 
"You're a funny guy, aren't you.

Well, from where I'm standing, giving you of  our  territories is worth more than your generous permission to conquer some turf elsewhere. How about this then. Two of your territories back and you may conquer whatever is north of you and we promise not to interfere. That must be at least, oh, 20 territories. Aren't we generous.

If you don't like that, well, make your counter-offer. We're listening. As we said first week: we don't  want  your turf. Or any turf. But if we have to, we can finish this.
 


Avante Guarde
 
 Spoiler 

From:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 
To:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 

Agent Ragav,

You've been in the business. It's the same thing as always. 50% psy-ops and 50% people making elephants out of mice. This is just Roswell all over again. Someone crashes an experimental spy plane, there's a few too many black suits around and suddenly, everyone talks about flying saucers and green men for 50 years.

Do you honestly believe that, what, we opened a hellmouth and the literal legions of hell marched through the streets? We broke the seventh seal and unleashed a localized apocalypse? Look at the casualty numbers. Check them yourself. Notice the lack of levelled buildings, nevermind red tides, rains of sulphur or giant chasms of magma. All this talk of hell and demons is frankly ridiculous.

It's exactly what we said happened. The outfit tried to muscle in on us. We used an experimental fear-inducing nonlethal weapon and showed them we mean business. Was it pleasant? No. But we're not exactly Mk Ultra or Iran-Contra here, either. We kept this as clean as could reasonably be expected.

Also, let me just add that  "Would you prefer I intervene and help re-take some lost ground? If so I'd like to co-ordinate on where"  doesn't sound like "providing a few agents because you had a prior agreement."

Special Agent Hartley,
Chief of Operations
Eversion Project
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 8  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Received and acknowledged, officers.

You don't need to trust the Bloodborn. As we've told others though, they've been remarkably restrained and reliable so far, and that has earned trust as far as many of our constituents are concerned. We can't really ignore the fact that they're blood-mist creating thugs, but their honesty and disdain for the powers that be endear them to many of us. For now, we're trusting them not to stab us - and since we're the ones taking the risk, we'd appreciate it if you left them alone until they prove untrustworthy.

About the others you mentioned: the Assembly has no desire to hurt any of the groups you listed. We will ideally be cooperating with Chronarch as well as yourself to hunt down the Orchestra next week, and Birdwatch has been friendly (if not necessarily trustworthy), so we'll be leaving them alone as well. It would be social suicide to go after the Cairns as well. No, our target is Maestro, and Maestro alone. We suspect we'll need to deal with Eversion as well, but we have it on good authority that others will be striking at them first. The Orchestra is the clear and present danger.

We have some eyes in your ranks, as you surely have ours. That should make a handoff of a Galatea station in Assembly territory easier to arrange.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Will be sending over the 3 temp stats to get a Galatea station set up this turn. Do you need to know beforehand which stats I'll be sending?

You have my word and that of my faction that I won't attack Chronarch, Birdwatch, or Happy Cairns unless one of them attacks me first.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Garde 
Good to hear from you, interlocutors. Too little too late, as usual, but then we've been preoccupied too so who are we to throw stones?

Anyway, yes we are going after the Orchestra. Not this week, as we're still marshalling allies and positioning ourselves, but next week we should be in a position to swing down and crush them. Aid in the matter would not go unappreciated either, though you are far away from our territory and would need to use the Bloodborn as intermediaries.

The Assembly will be taking the Nexus this turn, as well as the south and western districts around it. If our calculations are correct - and they often are these days, the scientists we've got on hand - the resulting surge will give us the edge over the Orchestra in the fight to come.

Does that answer your question?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Confirming that I'm taking the Nexus and 47 this turn to swing down and hit the Orchestra on Turn 4. If you can get stats to me this turn or next, I can make it a proper knockdown. I'm sure the Bloodborn will help get the stats to me, if you ask them nicely.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Johnny Gunn and the Bone Rattlers 
Yes, its a shame you have so many leaks in your organization now. Thanks for being discrete about what we've talked about so far.

Our friends haven't gotten back to us yet about intervening, but we've got faith they will before the week is up. Until then, it's probably best we limit contact considering how easy it is to intercept on your end. But the courtesy was offered, nonetheless. We appreciate you giving way on the Nexus, in any case. By the looks of your 'talks' with Eversion, it seems spilled blood is kind of inevitable there.

Happy hunting!
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
Hm. We have yet to declare an Enemy of the People, so the method of execution has not been standardized. You may be the first, and would have the privilege of choosing your end.

Electric chair, perhaps? Gas chamber? Spontaneous lapidation?

Pick your poison, tyrant.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=7  ]      .  
   
 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 


I admit I was pleasantly surprised at the speed of your public announcement. It’s appreciated.

What’s in it for me? Good question. First of all, I get to change the future. Now, it’s possible I can do that without putting boots on the ground, so to speak, but if I do commit to this line – I get a small return on my investment, build trust with two other factions vying for power, and share in the overall reward with whoever else shows up. But then again, I could ask you the same question – it seems far more profitable for you to just directly intervene. If anyone dared to take a territory for you in anything but a prearranged manner, well, you could simply take it back the following week. So what’s your angle in this game?

Anyhow, so long as you don’t exceed that exact range of investment you provided – counting whichever empowered you’re sending – then we shouldn’t have a problem with your healthy investment, so long as it’s not pointed towards Avante Guarde or Happy Cairns. And while I won’t confirm my exact plan, but to you and anyone who can decrypt my communications – well, considering the amount of resources I am dedicating to this, you would be better off looking elsewhere for your targets. An intentional attempt to disrupt these plans will be met with significant hostility on my part.

A public statement on my end and access to a single one of your heists is acceptable, provided I get to choose. Provide me with the details of both in your reply and I’ll pick which one I want.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


Interesting. I’m still finalizing my exact play here – I knew it was coming, but my approach towards the Carnival might shift given new information – but I’ll keep this in mind moving forward. If I can’t provide you with resources this week, then I will do so the next.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 


It’s an interesting offer you provide, but I don’t need assistance to “win” the Carnival, just for you to pick different targets than me. I have no doubt you’ve decrypted my communications, so unless you want to be fighting a war on two fronts I’d ask that you pick other targets.

I’m happy to provide you with defenses [ooc: up to 7 Mor] in exchange for anything else, but that’s the limit of my ability to assist you this week. Next week, though, I might be able to do more.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


Interesting offer. I might have my hands full with access to local events, but I’ll keep that in mind going forward.

If we change our minds about this strategy at the Carnival, I’ll let you know. Appreciate your willingness to play ball, at the very least.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 
 
   
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 
 There are easier ways to get a message across, you know. 
 From what I know and have seen, I’m very happy to watch the Eversion Project get scoured from the face of the earth, but I’m afraid you’ll have to look elsewhere for support.

   I'm glad we could work together for mutual benefit last week, genuinely, but my goodwill towards you extends as far as "not taking a neighborhood off your hands in this twisted carnival while your attention is elsewhere", and not much further.

  
 
  
     
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 


We haven’t had much chance to talk, Miasma, given that we’re on opposite sides of the city.

This whole twisted carnival seems like it might draw your attention, so if you plan on participating – you’ll have a much easier time scoring if you go after anyone other than the Freedom Assembly and Avante Guarde. I’d hate to see either of us wasting resources when there are softer targets for you to prey upon here.
 

  
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Chronal Imperative Mor 7 


A MockingJay comes back:

"I regret I couldn't offer you something better.  But resources are too dear to spare, and promising a loan is foolishness in this circumstance.

I can tell you this.  If we are still alive next week, the Orchestra will be dead within two more weeks.  Not much of a prediction, given the array of self-righteous heroes trying using then as an excuse to hold the Nexus, but...

They don't appreciate how weak the Orchestra's Defenses are, or how strong our birds are.  We just need time for a coordinated migration.

Another thing, that is also not a secret-  our first generation of Emu are about to be beta tested.

But we will only actually need them for one week. If we are still alive and still share a border, we will give them to you as a "celebrity Endorsement"

Is this acceptable?

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 

Official wording:

During each EoT the Birdwatch may mark a single territory as under Emu Guard. Territories under Emu Guard benefit from MOR  investments into raising the MOR Stat as if those stats were invested in passive or active defence, whichever results in a great MOR value.
 

 
kaio999
  Official Missives Morale 9  
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
"Do you have a vested interest in this game master and his event? We are looking to ignore the chaos he is trying to cause and instead move to assault him directly. I am currently collecting data to see if its at all possible. If it is my intent will be to bring him to heel." The Major explains.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
"As promised we will not start hostilities simply continue to plan with the expectation they will." The officer affirms to them. "Nothing to fear we have no desire to be the cause of conflict in the northern part of the city we will not be initiating hostilities with anyone."

"We are fine with helping in bringing the grand villain to heel! One less threat and than we can get rid of the federal government and their demonic protege and that should neatly wrap up all the truly vile organizations in the city."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sounds good and know ill just notate that as long as the resources come a Galatea station will be setup this turn and you can start utilizing its function next turn
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
"We look forward to working with you. My subordinates tell me we will not be getting involved with this carnival you speak of. I have not left my lab enough to bother with the local politics but I was also informed they considered sending resources to apprehend the game master rather than bother competing in his game. Use that information how you like." Intervallum would leave it there as of course Chronarch was the only person he deigned interesting enough to speak to directly.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
Ryan throws his hands in the air as he huffs  "I can't make heads or tails on any of this Jade! I have exactly two business courses from community collage under my belt and a grand total of two years of work experience at Franks Convenience. None of this is helping me read through these. You have any better idea?" 

When he looks at Jade he sees she isn't even looking at the paperwork, just checking her phone. He coughs meaningfully at her and she raises her head  "Sorry! There is something blowing up on social media. Ummm ya I got nothing else. We took the same courses man and working at dads garage isn't exactly educating in matters of business contracts either." 

They sigh together and then Ryan snaps his fingers  "Wait! Didn't Nico to to the University on scholarship for a business degree? He is a year or two older then us so he probably has a decent idea on this. I give him a call and get him up here." 

The two empowered leaders happily foist their problem off on one of their members more equipped to handle it, a few minutes after Nico arrive they have fully handed off the business duties to him. The business managers they were working with to invest their wealth into local businesses were probably going to be confused by the Bloodborn business side of things being handled by a twenty three year old two hundred and fifty pound vigilante fighter but hopefully Nico could use that to his advantage.

The two of them change into casual clothes and do a coffee run, the most important job of all leaders, and after dropping off coffees and pastries they sip their ice coffees on the catwalks in the top of the warehouse. The two look to the office where they see Nico reading through a stack of papers as thick as a fist and grin at each other guiltily. Ryan scratches his head  "Well at least we were able to find several of the businesses ourselves. That was helpful." 

Aspect nodded along, the two of them had found five businesses between the two of them that agreed to their ideas. They would provide a large upfront contribution to promote their local business, protection, and in return the Bloodborn would be listed as a minority owner in any business that the upfront investment had grown. They would take that income and split it 50/50 between funding the group and funding their initiatives like the soup kitchens and educational seminars so they would be self sufficient.

They enjoy the freedom from the paperwork and wander around their facilities checking on the day to day, they were about to head over to one of their new gyms when Jade grabs Ryans arm,  "Get the squad leaders something is going down." 

 


Miasma slams his fist on the table hard enough to make the thick oak creak and blood mist starts to leak around hands and collar. He glares up at the image of the Game Master on the briefing room screen.  "This is F*CKING ridiculous! We just got rid of Bolting and this monster thinks he can come in here and set up some screwed up Empowered playground. This entire city was practically Boltings playground and everyone suffered yet here we are with no one having any problems with it at all." 

The angry Empowered raises his voice to a fake high pitched falsetto  "No lets all just do what this random person wants us to do and then let him run rampart over our city for us. Lets all completely forget what letting another event level Empowered run rampart over our city did." 

The entire group all grumble as they look through all the posts and announcements on social media. Miasma sighs and lowers his voice back to normal  "Is anyone else even trying to oppose this?" 

Looking around the group everyone shakes their head until Aspect coughs awkwardly into her hand and connects her phone to the briefing room screen  "Soooooo I know this isn't what you want to hear right now M but there is more bad news. There is a lot of stuff coming out of the south east of the city. I guess that weird group down there was uhhhhh summoning... demons? There is a lot of conflicting information coming out from down there and the Eversion Project responses to the accusations aren't exactly comforting either." 

They watch several of the videos and Miasma just can feel his blood pressure rising until it erupts out of him.  "WHAT THE F-" 

He cuts himself off and gestures to Aspects phone "Hope you've been practicing your tik toks Aspect, we're putting out a video."


 


The Bloodborn have sent out a viral video all over social media and any news stations that will take it. When it clicks on it shows Miasma in his full costume standing in front of every Bloodborn member they could get lined up in full costume in the background, a sea of red. Aspect stands at Miasmas shoulder.

 "We have fought against tyranny in all forms through Zephyr City, for a long time now. Before we ever were empowered we fought and suffered, like many in this city, under the brutal rule of Bolting and the uncaring institutions. Like many we saw the the fall of Bolting as a new chance for the city, there would be growing pains. A removal of the remaining rot but things were looking better." 

He gestures to a still shot of the Game Master that pops up to the side of the screen  "Then we let this MOTHER****ER come into our city and dictate to us once more, expecting us to bow before him due to his power. I expected a spree of push back, all who suffered under Bolting to refuse to let this new monster suck us into chaos and amusement at the cost of the city. That would be bad enough but then... THEN this psycho empowered will then conquer our neighborhoods and hand them out as rewards like he can just dole them out at will!" 

The picture changes to a big shot of the city with different colors representing the various groups of the city  "We call on everyone to boycott this psychotic empowered trying to dictate our lives and the lives of those we care about. Don't play his games, they will only end in misery. There are enough home grown monsters we still need to deal with." 

 

 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Public 
We call on all empowered in the city to boycott the Game Master. He is here to dictate our lives as Bolting once did, we will no longer bend to the whim of psychotic empowered who believe themselves gods who can do as they will without consequence.

Do as we will and turn inward, focus on caring for your new neighborhoods and dependents.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
The man is directed to one of the many Bloodborn gyms in the new territories where he is met by Aspect in full costume. "The big M is a little busy for a small fry like you. We got problems with this new idiot trying to horn in on the city. However I'm here to listen. You're here for business well lets here the pitch."
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronal Imperative 
Opposite sides of the city... our dislike with your Christ complex to 'lead us ignorant masses to a proper future' either way we haven't spoken much.

The GM is a monster on the level of Bolting and if this city had any semblance of law they would be hanging that psycho from the rafters of city hall for daring to disregard the rights of the cities people. We are not looking for 'prey' as you put it as we are not serial killers looking for a mark but if you attack our neighbors we will have PROBLEMS with you Time Tyrant. We have good relations with both the Assembly and the AG and would not be pleased to find ourselves beside a new neighbor.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Hey neighbor

Our week went well, our expansions went well and we've been growing at quite the rate. Frankly the south of the city is very concerning, we've managed to come to a good accord up here and I'd like to keep it that way. We aren't opposed to an alliance with you as we have shared goals and we've worked together well enough. This obviously depends on who exactly you'll be reaching out to as well, there would be some in the city who would make this a deal breaker for sure.

We are concerned about the Eversion/Bone Rattler conflict but as far as situating ourselves into it we'll be waiting to see more about the situation, and talk to the Bone Rattlers first.

Frankly we are much more concerned regarding the Game Master and his plans for the city. We just got rid of Bolting and we have no wish to get another event level Empowered in the city doing as they will. What is your plan regarding the psycho that has descended on us?

Take the Nexus, we have more concerns and we will be staying away from it one way or another. We may wish to revisit this in a few weeks but for now make use of it. We can send a few people to help out no problem.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
1 Mor is fine and we'll send it no problem.

We're waiting to see what the situation is down south before we stick our noses in. Allying sounds solid once we get some info on that for sure.
 

 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Bloodborn Mor 7 


A young new MockingJay, still with ghosts of adolescent plumage, shows up at a gym and asks to be brought to Miasma.  It recites with a flat, feminine voice:

"You want to know the score?  The Orchestra cheated death because Eversion jumped Jhonny after telling us they would jump Maestro.

Hey, that's BS.  The truth is- the tried to start something between me and Mapestro.  I came to them with a counter offer.

But, in the end, they said one thing and did another.

Fortunately, Maestro has paper-thin security and I will be shredding it to nothing next week.

Assuming I live that long.

Whoever is left will peck her twitching corpse clean in short order after that.  The Freedom boys want it to be them, and  anyone sane would greet them as liberators after The Orchestra.

And, in fairness, they aren't ornithologists.  They don't know what happens when a snake is trapped in a cage with a bird.  They think they are saving us.  How quaint.

We aren't posers, we care about the living,  not using the dead as props for our own conquests.   So if you think we are suspicious, I accept it without apology.

That goes double for what I say next:

I don't really trust The Freedom Assembly to give back the Nexus once they hold it.  If you are serious about the scourge of The Empowered, keep in mind who stood up to The Orchestra first.

 But, miracles happen, if they hand 47 or the Nexus to anyone at all by [the end of round 5,] or otherwise neglect to gain the surge of power coming [at round 6]  we will apologize and congratulate them.

And to be clear-  we can't afford to endorse your boycott. Especially  since we can't imagine the Orchestra will.  This is war.  And we need to live long enough to complete the mission, at any cost.

That's the score, and, with all respect, I hope you don't need to hear from me again anytime soon."

"For obvious reasons, use caution if you feel a need to respond."
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 8  
 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
You assume this to be a scheme on our part, that we have some hidden motive. We don't. But many of us have friends and family members, and most of us know what it's like to be in a fight. If you go in swinging without knowing who to swing at, it's a good chance it's you that hits the floor. Not all of us are blessed with technology from the future - technology that could be shared to make everyone's lives better like the Sky Cavalry is doing. They may be a bit naïve, but they're putting their best foot forward.

We're just ordinary people who are sick of Empowered ruling from the shadows and want to take our city back. One block at a time.

Speaking of: we're going to be sitting out this Carnival, after the Bloodborn's message. We may spend a token amount to defend ourselves from being scored on, but it will no longer be an overwhelming force to target another faction. We would prefer to hold our forces in reserve, to make sure that a killing blow on our real target can be accomplished and blunt any losses from your taking our territory this week.

Lastly, we've got details on local operations as requested, yet another extension of trust to you. You can verify this yourself if you want, to make sure we haven't goosed the numbers or anything.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm only going to be spending 5 points on my defense. I'd still go for at least 10, just to be on the safe side, if not more. I strongly Orchestra to try their hand at it as well - they know I'm coming for them, and this is a great way to slow me down and get a beachhead to launch a bunch of counterattacks at me.

As promised, the heist details are spoiled below:

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly - Local Heists 
  Local Heist - Cleaning Up  
Members of the Freedom Assembly are Scattered After Bolting's attack. Find them.

Stage One - Build a Network
Cost- 5 ESP to track them down or 5 WRD to build a device
Reward- 4 tECO from sympathetic parties

Stage Two- Forced Recruitment -
Cost- 5??? or 6???
Reward- 4 tSTR

Stage Three- ???
Cost- 10 ???
Reward- ???

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets  
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

Stage One - Coerce some confessions
Cost- 5 ESP or 4 STR
Reward- 4 tECO from the first blackmail

Stage Two- Mayoral Information:
Cost- 5??? or 6???
Reward- 4 tSTR

Stage Three- ???
Cost- 14 ???
Reward- ??? (ITEM)
 

 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 
Well, this is interesting. While the Assembly shares your outrage over this Carnival, we were hoping to take advantage of it ourselves to strike at some enemies of liberty. Your words, however, have inflamed the passions of the people. We too will be sitting out this sick and twisted game, save for that which we spend in our own defense.

A note: Chronarch and the Assembly have reached a sort of accord, one where they are permitted to score on us once, at which point they will abandon their gains and we can retake that which is lost. This is actually a net win for the Assembly should it occur, and while it's a move that isn't popular with everyone, there are enough minds that understand its logic that we're allowing it to go ahead for now.

The Assembly won't ask you to condone this action, and if Chronarch truly turns on us, we have pretext to wage war on him. But for now, we're treating the Time Tyrant as a potential friendly. He will either prove himself an ally, or give himself enough rope to hang himself with. Whatever your plans for this week's games, we will be sitting them out.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
 "Hello Citizens of Zephyr City."  The message starts with a darkened room, but anyone who has seen a previous broadcast from Avante Guarde would recognise the semi-circular room. It wasn't a grand room, but it's the one that they have previously sent out every recorded message, or hell, even the live messages. This appears to be their 'recording room'. The lights flicker on dimly, illuminating Aleksi Garde with his fingers crossed in front of him. He looks up at the camera, a wry smile on his face.

 "I have not always seen eye-to-eye with the Bloodborn and Miasma, as most know. Today, however?"  Aleksi stands up, the lighting in the room gradually coming on brighter now. He slams his hands down on the desk.  "I am not here to play to the whims of the 'Game Master'. Avante Guarde has always stood against Empowered abusing their powers. We now stand against the abuse of the city that this 'Game Master' proposes. In fact..." 
 "We're going to go one step further than the Bloodborn's Suggestion."  Aleksi raises his hands, spread out as if to encompass the city now appearing behind him on the back screen of the room.  "We couldn't fight Bolting because there wasn't any individual strong enough. Nor any group united enough. Together many of us stand as remnants of the mess that Bolting made of our lives. Many of us now stand empowered by abilities in the wake of Bolting's fall. Who would stand with me if we were to turn around and give the Game Master the most emphatic 'NO' that we, as Zephyr City, can muster?" 

The video holds that moment for a few seconds longer before finally dying.


 

 To the Opulescant Orchestra: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hello Maestro,

For now an isolated incident. I have bigger fish to fry, as one might say.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hello Jhonny,

Got it. That's actually probably easier on me at this moment.

Regards,

Aleksi
 

 Response to the Eversion Project: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
From:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 
To:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 

Agent Hartley,

I see none of our communication is private to either group then.

Greetings to you as well Mr Gunn, as I have no doubt you'll see this too.

I honestly believe it's possible you committed an atrocity to the people. The fact that it is highly likely an illusory terror attack is what we already assumed, I trust you know I am not so superstitious to believe it possible for someone to actually entertain hell on Earth for a moment then vanish it as if nothing happened.

I will be clearer then, since you appear to have missed the point of my previous email:
We will be providing the Bone Rattlers a few forces as a commitment from a prior agreement. This is non-negotiable, as Avante Guarde do not break their word.
Aleksi Garde, as founder of this initiative, approached the Bone Rattlers with an offer of further aid, and then specified that it would be 'transactional' to provide further aid. This is in line with my statement 'Aleksi has some issues' and that I can 'confirm nothing further at the moment.'

I hope that clarifies whatever confusion you had about the lucidity in my statements. I have not been deceptive with you, and likely will continue to be not. Avante Guarde doesn't hold much with underhanded tactics.

In fact my statement about the forces were to make you aware of the prior agreement as I stated that 'even if we stick out.'

Now that I am done pointing out how your snide backhanded comment is incorrect, let me approach the future possibilities.

Originally it was possible that we would make an agreement with the Bone Rattlers and exactly re-take lost territory. We were not about to assist in attempting your destruction. However Mr Garde has found a new interest that you will likely be aware of, so the likelihood that we have spare time to commit further resources to the Bone Rattlers at this moment will likely be very low.

I will state that Avante Guarde can appreciate some frustration at the way the Bone Rattlers have pushed negotiations in the past. So we can understand your strong reaction. The method of the reaction, a 'non-lethal' terror weapon that could likely have psychological scarring well beyond the actual fatality count is where the issue lies.


Sincerely,

Agent Remi Ragav,
Operations Commander - Empowered Diffusion Force
Avante Guarde

Ph: (XX) XXXX XXXX XX - Please contact us with any Empowered incidents you notice!
 

 Response to the Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey Kids,

Yes. No requirements to join or whatever but lemme know if you're interested in my recent public announcement. I know that's likely running counter to your plans you just told me but figure best to ask than sit down and take it.

Regards,

Aleksi
 

 Response to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey Chronarch,

Gimme a heads up your thoughts on my latest announcement. Might change plans but don't want to just throw our agreement in the bin.

And sure, just come back to me when you think the intel might be useful.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Response to the Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
 Aleksi Garde:  "Hey, wrote up my recent announcement before checking this message, sorry if you were trying to keep it hush. Also had this exact same though, though. Just giving up and letting the Game Master do what he wants feels like kneeling in front of Bolting all over again. Didn't think about that at first and feel kinda stupid for it, but now the thought's in my mind it's kinda stuck in my craw. Also may want one of your machine things, if that wouldn't be too much trouble.
 

 Message to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey,

See my recent announcement. How do you like the idea of changing 'Boycott' to 'remove permanently'?

Sounded up your alley so would be happy to work with you on it.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 
neriractor
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion 
Gal, and I'm a hoot.

Why yes, terribly generous of you! now, I suppose if we don't take you up on it you'll take those 20 districts to yourself like we did with those we offered? what, you won't? guess they were never really contested anyway.

Now, let me dumb it down a bit, you are right to not want  land  there is ton of empty land between here and Starlit City, we ain't moving there, buildings aren't important either, supplies, business and people? now that's the stuff, if you leave us to just pick up the pieces and make a whole thing again? that about guarantees going back to shanking each other is the better bet for us.

Leave a few caches of the stuff you are good at, some decent guns, some clean streets, maybe recoup local business you hurt? That's right about enough for us to poke someone who  hasn't  earned a place at the table.

-D D

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Pick your 2 territories, (I'd rather the two northernmost ones, The Big W is there) keep them to where I don't have to invest an insane ammount to take, and I do just that, I get back a couple victory points more or less the same stats I lost and we can pretend like there were really half a dozen casualties.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Bloodborn 
Khazid whistles at as the costume clad empowered approaches, he had left his own, Mighty minotaur was officialy a hired merc and that just didn't gel with a proper deal.

He frowns when called small fry, lowering his sunglasses to show questioning hazelnut eyes, but quickly returning to his business manners  "Used to be said only a busy man is ever worth dealing with, let's see if that's still the case.

Now, the carnaval is to be rightfully boycotted, anyone who is anyone is saying it. You are just about done with your surroundings and you guys sound real chummy with your neighbours, pun intended, so I come here to give your boys a chance to kick the government around a bit, tell me how many can be spared, top estimates, and I'll throw some numbers back at you that are going to make everyone involved  very  wealthy. We take volunteers too, if the projected enemy is attractive enough." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
What it says there, what have you got?

Side question, I'm not entirely sure how miasma works when someone takes your VIPs, would it drag another group of my own guys in or are they inmune for that instance? can I turn it off myself by using that VIP to build stats or something of the sort?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 
"I don't really pick precisely what I see, got that particular tip and figured if I was saving the damsel anyway I may as well kill two birds with one stone.

Well... considering how you go about things I'll take that non-intervention, thank you very much."

-D D.
 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 4 
 
 Spoiler: Free Assembly 


I’d be honoured, of course. Though as a piece of friendly advice, ‘insurrectionist army executes enemies in  gas chambers ’ might not be the  deal  national headline, should you wish to avoid our good governor playacting Adolphe Thiers to your Delescluze.

Not that mercy will stop him, of course; the princes of the earth can adopt to arbitrary brute like Bolting well enough, allowing an outright revolution to seize a city is quite another thing. But I’m sure all the toy soldiers and clockwork knights up north will join you in throwing molotovs from the moral highground when you’re a terrorist and the tanks are rolling in.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 


Now that is a  fascinating  factoid. And explains what the birdbains were banking on when they attacked.

Much obliged, I owe you one.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn, Avante Guarde 

 The email comes from an email address registered a holding company called ‘Opalescent Arts’ as before. Some cursory research shows they’ve been throwing quite a lot of money around in charitable (or ‘charitable’) donations in Orchestra controlled territory recently  

An intriguing idea! I can’t say I’m especially enchanted with playing second fiddle in someone else’s show. But there are complications, as I’m sure you can see.

So, a proposition – I shall commit to abstaining from this spectacle, on the sole and singular condition that you convince the Bidwatch to do the same.

Well, and commit to taking action against either of us, should we renege, of course. They’ve hardly shown themselves to be trustworthy upto now.

Yours,
The Maestro
 
Writtensanity
 

When Game Master announced themselves to the people of Zephyr City for his carnival, it was flashy and over multiple channels. In this case, the Game Master only posts it to some quiet social media accounts they've been apparently running over the past months. Most of the accounts have only occasionally liked posts from upcoming superhero teams.

Notably, Avante Guarde isn't on this list.

 To those of you who haven't heard, I'll be spending the week in Zephyr City and, frankly I'm shocked at the plans they're making around a guest. Especially someone like me. You'd figure if anyone on the Coast would know how to treat a VIP, it would be Zephyr City. After all, Bolting never had much of a taste for travel.

How short term is your memory Empowered of Zephyr City? Or do you simply think that there is that much of a gap between myself and Bolting?

That said, I've always said there was no reason to have this power if I'm not going to have some fun with it, and while I'm usually content to watch... maybe it's time I participate.

Your choice whether I join the party. Though if you take the shot, you'd better not miss.  
 
 Spoiler: Carnage Carnival: Alternate Heist Option 


Kick the Game Master out of Zephyr City!

 Collective Heist  - All players are on a single team of this event.
 
Location Heist  - This Heist takes place in a Location: Typhoon Action Park

 Penalty Heist - If 3 or more players participate in this Heist, but it isn't completed, there will be disastrous consequences. If less than 3 players participate, the Heist will be forfeitted with no prizes or penalties.

 Betrayer  - Players may choose to betray and ally to turn their investment into an assault against another player.


Any stats may be invested into this heist. VIPs count as double their level in their stat, but gain no other bonuses in this event from any source.

The collective requirement to complete this event is-------

 Oh. You didn't think it would be that easy? Did you? 

------- Under 200. No other data available.



Reward:

The Game Master leaves Zephyr City

Removal of the Game 9 Turn Disaster

Experience for all involved, living VIPs.

New Strategic Location Enters the Game.
 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Opalescent Orchestra Mor 1 

A tired old MockingJay makes it to an unwary Orchestra Member, it barks:

"Fine! I was only going to see the Luthier!  If neither of you are coming, I'll boycott, too!"
 

 
 Spoiler:  Jhonny Gunn Mor 7 


A new, young MockingJay comes to Jhonny:

A woman's voice:
"I an not sure what you think I did to to wrong you.  If this is about my message to the Chronarch, I wasn't referring to you, or referencing you, but dear Aleksi.  Eversion and Avaunt Guarde both broke security by seemingly revealing things i seeded in my artificially bad security using the Mark 1 MockingJays.  Chronarch's currrent encryption, coupled with projected worst case scenario growth, means he is still at risk from both.

Further analysis suggests AG's actions may have been a fluke.

You didn't break your cover.  You are actually competent."

"If this is about me not helping you game the Carnival to spite Eversion, then the fact I thought you needed my help to do that should be proof of my innocence in the above."

"As it is, though, I'm so happy that attention is being directed away from me at a pivotal moment in my destruction of  the Orchestra that I'm willing to believe you were helping me intentionally...

Let us speak no more of this."
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Prisoner's Gambit, Denied   

The second video is posted online, to a number of social media sites, a consequence of necessarily quick communication in the waning days before the event in question. The figures look different, and the one speaking now is female: Surge, known as Maria Fuentes. Her voice has a faintly lilting accent, if only slightly distorted and not enough to disguise her identity.

 "The Assembly speaks with one voice when we say: it would be  misguided  to play at or against the Game Master. He's absolute scum to be sure, and we despise everything that this Carnival stands for. But to even fight against him on the terms that Avante Garde suggests is both dangerous and naïve. We invite disaster on a large scale if we take a swing at this individual and miss, which is no small chance given the caliber of opposition."  The lightning-powered 'terrorist' shakes her head behind her mask.

 "We've been on the other side of overwhelming strength. Consensus among friends is needed to fight it, but the Assembly does not see consensus being sworn between parties on the brink of war. It'd be a brighter world, where we could all sit down and trust one another and work together to drive this assh*le out of town. But it's not the world we live in, not yet."  Surge pauses, a flickering light from her fingers causing a distortion of emotion in the signal before she continues.

 "There are too many ways for this to fail, too much at stake for us to risk the lives of our people for an ideal that is unlikely to pass. There are many in our ranks who have stood up to oppression with hope and optimism and a shared dream. They're burned or in the ground now, and I am no exception."  The distortion is stronger this time.  "Better to be sure, to have a plan, to pick your battles and fight when you're sure your convictions can  actually matter ." 

There is a pause in the ranks of the Assembly representatives.  "Of course, just because we don't seek to directly oppose this sadistic monster doesn't mean we want to play his games, either. The Assembly will be sitting out this challenge entirely, our forces arrayed only in defense of the neighborhoods under our protection. We encourage everyone else to do the same. Don't dignify this affair by attending - today, absence is the best form of protest." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The terms for the cooperative heist are so unfavorable as to be a larger risk to participate. To wit:

 Penalty Heist.  If 3 or more players participate in this Heist, but it isn't completed, there will be disastrous consequences. If less than 3 players participate, the Heist will be forfeited with no prizes or penalties.

Better for us as a whole to not even try here than for 3 people to jump in and cause a disaster. I'm certainly not participating under these terms, and it would be unrealistic to ask or assume that the people who are obviously angling for war to give up a significant portion of their stat lines for a cooperative event right now.

What's more, the number is 'under 200'. My money is on the amount being somewhere in the 120-150 stat point range, considering that VIPs cost double and we can all put in any stat. That's still between 12 to 15 points per stat per player, which is a sizeable amount to ask anyone to chip in on Turn 3.

If the number was lower 0 - if we even knew what it was - promises could be extracted and held up as leverage against people who failed to uphold their duty. As it stands though, I don't think it's reasonable for trust to be expected to this wager.

The only way to be sure of winning here is not to play.
 

   Faction Messages   
  Morale 8  
 
 Spoiler: To Avante Garde 
Apologies for the bluntness of our language, but you really do court disaster if you go about this halfway. We trust that you believe you're doing the right thing, but trust in our experience that it is far more likely to backfire and hurt the innocent people of Zephyr City you seem so keen on saving.

Please, reconsider your position. You have shown some wisdom and foresight in the past, and for the sake of any friendship between us, turn aside this course and choose to abstain from the schemes of the Game Master entirely.

- Arsenal

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Even if you go all in on this, you need 2 other players. The GM has confirmed that if you go about it and fail, not only does the disaster happen for everyone but you personally risk losing all of your stats invested with nothing to show for it.

Given what people seem to be saying, war between the Birdwatch and the Orchestra, as well as Eversion and the Rattlers, is highly likely. I wouldn't bet on any of them participating, no matter what they promise. I'm not going to help either, and I doubt the Bloodborn will. Maybe the Happy Cairns, Sky Cavalry, and Chronarch can help, but how sure are you that you can match a 120-150 point threshold between the four of you?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
We'll keep your stylistic suggestions in mind, then. Something to think about.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Well we can pick up what your laying down. As much as we wish for the city to work together to oust this Psychotic empowered we do see how difficult it would be. We'll put a few feelers put there but if it is not doable we will not provoke the beast. Just attempt to starve it.

We are glad to hear you are not attending the event in any case. Those who go should be punished. Put on blast as those who do not hold the people of this city as the most important thing in it.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Frankly what your promoting sounds right up our alley. We would happily go to fight the Game Master and put an end to his horrific games with innocents.

If it is doable to gather enough force to do so we will double or triple down. We can send our squads led my Miasma enough to make up for at least one missing group.

However the Freedom Assembly makes a valid point. If we do not have the forces then martyrdom does not help anyone and in fact makes it worse. At this point it may be that a boycott is all we can attempt to do then punish those who attend and play games with the people at a later date.

On another note. What are your plans for the neighborhoods still between us? We would not mind taking (35) but if you have your eye on it we will back off.
 

 
 Spoiler: Orchestra 
Well we can't force hands as we would normally this far across the city but we do say anyone who remembers Bolting should be wary of going to the Carnival. Wr have long memories and strength to spare.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Aspect leans back in her chair with her hands behind her head. "Well obviously our priority this week is the Carnival and the idiot who thinks rolling into a town filled with Bolting survivor's is a good idea. However we are not forgetting that there are literal demons running around in the south. Let's say I lead a couple squads down there personally. I'll scope out the situation and make a call next week as to how involved we should be."
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So lets say Aspect and 3 Esp and/or Str what kinda numbers wiuld we be looking at?

If we arent specifically allied then i believe its possible to suck in your guys. However that wont be an issue cause i wont be sending you my fight button.
 

 
Feathersnow
 .

Public announcement-

Posters appear throughout Zephyr City-

  The Birdwatch is shamed to admit we considered participating in the travesty of The Carnival, if only because the Orchestra was likely to do the same.

But the man known only as "The Luthier" showed an uncommon degree of backbone and committed to not attend.

This helped negotiate a mass boycott which Birdwatch is proud and relieved to endorse.  Creatures like Gamemaster are abominations, and it was shameful to consider any reaction to them but raw hostility.

As a show of good will, we promise, that, should Luthier be taken alive after we cleanse the lower east side of The Orchestra, he will be shown clemency

However, we cannot dare actually fight Gamemaster.  That's how Doctor Raptor died, and the Empowered of the city are not so much greater than he that they could hope for much better results.

(Also, we are in the process of dismantling the Orchestra, and we cannot afford to deal with a psychopath who tortures a few empowered when The Maestro is committing war crimes on civilians.)

The Birdwatch would also like to clarify a comment from our civilian spokesperson, Dr. M. Raptor.   The Free Assembly of Radical Futurists is granted a two week dispensation to travel through the Nexus to provide assistance as we mop up the remaining Orchestra Members.

-Agent Finch 
n0ble
 Happy Cairns
  Morale 10 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Garde  

Terribly sorry about that-got kind of turned around/confused amidst the EoT scramble &amp; IRL stuff. I'm already getting 1 Spc from someone but every little bit helps! Also going to be running through a list of LTPs with the GM that offer completionist bonuses to whoever finishes them off in addition to their more global effects (like whoever adds the final stat point gets a small bonus from the project being done). Current idea following the completion of A Healing Hand is that I can pick 1 player/turn to benefit from my faction ability as though they'd maxed out donations (while not actually having donated anything) .Something to think on-I'll keep you updated.
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

No issues with that on my end. I'm going to be taking the Park this turn. Really like the Galatea station-things might be a bit tight this turn for me points-wise but its definitely something I'm interested in the future. Also going to be running through a list of LTPs with the GM that offer completionist bonuses to whoever finishes them off in addition to their more global effects (like whoever adds the final stat point gets a small bonus from the project being done). Current idea following the completion of A Healing Hand is that I can pick 1 player/turn to benefit from my faction ability as though they'd maxed out donations (while not actually having donated anything).Something to think on-I'll keep you updated.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Bone Rattlers  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

'Preaciate the donation last turn-if your having trouble with other factions my slates going to be pretty clean next turn in terms of LTPs. Would be happy to field a big stat attack for the Eversion Project that you can buy into while also increasing your MOR at the same time. Also going to be running through a list of LTPs with the GM that offer completionist bonuses to whoever finishes them off in addition to their more global effects (like whoever adds the final stat point gets a small bonus from the project being done). Current idea following the completion of A Healing Hand is that I can pick 1 player/turn to benefit from my faction ability as though they'd maxed out donations (while not actually having donated anything).Something to think on-I'll keep you updated.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Taking the Park this turn-you mentioned wanting to donate again last turn, what can I mark your contributions down as? Also going to be running through a list of LTPs with the GM that offer completionist bonuses to whoever finishes them off in addition to their more global effects (like whoever adds the final stat point gets a small bonus from the project being done). Current idea following the completion of A Healing Hand is that I can pick 1 player/turn to benefit from my faction ability as though they'd maxed out donations (while not actually having donated anything). Something to think on-I'll keep you updated.
 

 

 Public 
 
 Spoiler: The Assembly  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Was hoping to take [6] myself this turn but its fine I guess. I have misgivings over someone already controlling so much dictating where I can or cant advance but its not like i can do anything about it.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Happy Cairns will no longer be accepting donations from the Eversion Project.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  

 1) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (currently 3 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed. Requires 5 more SPC to complete, I will be providing 3.  Currently at: 22/27 
 2) Hypergeometrical Superpositioning:  Whenever a faction maxes their donations to happy Cairns (currently 3 of any stat) both the donating player &amp; Happy Cairns may benefit from one anothers strategic territories in the following turn as though they both controlled one anothers.  Currently at 0/?????  

Additionally, with the Lvl up this turn the maximum required for the two projects above will be increasing from 3-&gt;4.
 
 Spoiler: Completed Initiatives  

 The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 

 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=7  ]      .  
   
     
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn, Freedom Assembly, and Avante Guarde 


Well. This is a surprise.

It appears I misjudged Miasma’s lot. Coming from a time traveller, that’s quite something. I though this would be the exact sort of brawl he’d be interested in. Clearly, I was wrong.

My calculated intervention point this turn was the Carnival. I can’t give you specifics – risks destabilizing the timestream – but suffice it to say, the public calls to boycott have already dramatically changed the course of this city’s future and so the need for me to intervene is limited.

Miasma – to bring you up to speed, your equally dismissive response implied that you thought I was going to pilfer off your neighbors. Not true. I got the message with the tribunal and am working on this whole “cooperation” thing, so I reached out and got consent from the Freedom Assembly and Avante Guarde to rig this madness in a way that sees all three of us benefit.

However, this has changed. I’m perfectly fine with, how do you people put it… throwing down against the Gamemaster, but it seems at least  some  of us aren't interested in that level of risk – so now the cries for boycotting seem loudest. Since the three of you seem to feel most strongly about the Carnival, I’ll leave it up to you. I am content to go through with the agreement with Avante Guarde and the Freedom Assembly, but if the three of you feel strongly enough, I can back off and let the bastard rot. In the spirit of cooperation and not getting bludgeoned to death by an angry mob.

Let me know your thoughts. Preferably soon, if I'm to find another use for my time.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


Expect the maximum donations from us once again.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 


Can you clarify what exactly you’re proposing? Is this a gesture of goodwill or an ask for investment this week regardless?
 
    
  
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler: Chronal Imperative Mor 7, OoC 

My proposal is as follows-
You give me any temp stats you can spare this turn.  Then, in two turns, or three if we no longer share a border, I will gift you my LTP, which will finish at the end of this round.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 8  
 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative, the Bloodborn, and Avante Garde 
The Assembly can confirm first, as a matter of course, that the agreement struck with the Chronarch was for him to 'score' on us in this Carnival game as part of a deal allowing us to take the Nexus. He was also prepared to abandon his gains next week, allowing us to swoop in and retake the territory with no appreciable losses. It was quid pro quo, pure and simple.

Now that we are faced with this alternative arrangement, we ought to decide what is to be done about this. To be clear, the Assembly ranks have little to no interest in interacting with this new heist at all, in any capacity. We had already given up on scoring on our initial target, and now the matter is even more split.

If you really all think that direct opposition to the Game Master is the way to go, the Assembly can't fault your line of thinking. But we can't stress enough how unpopular that notion is among us. We'd much rather focus on securing our territory, finishing our projects, and preparing for the necessary battles that come after.

You all know where the Assembly is going in the next few weeks.

We are already making preparations for Chronarch's 'arrival' in one of our neighborhoods, to quell any rioting we hadn't planned for and to make sure the transition to and from our control is as smooth as possible. If those plans aren't relevant, we need to know that as soon as possible.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I raised this with Avante Garde, but I'm skeptical of our shared ability to meet a HIDDEN benchmark that would be halfway challenging for 10 factions. And I do not trust pretty much anyone else to put in stat points, even (and maybe especially) if they say they will put them in. Maybe Happy Cairns, but they're focusing a lot on their projects.

In a scenario where people would be putting stat points in, are folks comfortable sharing a ballpark figure of how much they'd pay?

Honestly, mechanically I'm okay with Chronarch still scoring on me and Avante Garde (good to know I was spot on with my deduction there) and us recouping the losses next turn. It might be a bit of a fluff contradiction here, but I'd really rather avoid a map-wide disaster on Turn 3.

(Btw, with our benchmark unknown, we also risk overshooting the amount and wasting stats, but that's less of a risk relative to the alternative of undershooting it - adding a whole other insidious false reassurance to this bastard of an event)
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Happy Cairns (Public) 
Best the Assembly is open about this, as you already have been.

We are not dictating terms to you, or any people that  aren't  a musical supervillain with delusions of grandeur. We put our wishes forward to you as transparently as possible, with an eye toward the negotiation of territories taken to minimize clashes and make sure consensus is kept. We've been doing this with everyone since coming onto the scene; primarily with the Sky Cavalry and Bloodborn, but this week with a good deal more power players.

It's not much of a secret now that Birdwatch has hinted at it: we are going for the Nexus this week, as well as its outlying territories. The Assembly has notified almost everyone we believe to be sharing a border with, and a few more besides.

If you want to take lands you believe beholden to you, take them. But ask, instead of putting on a martyr's show for them. If you had a prior claim, all you needed to do was say so.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
6 is yours, then. I'll be fine with the Nexus and 47. Don't want to be too greedy here, and if you really did call for 6 in an earlier turn then of course I'll honour that.
 

 
Feathersnow
 


The old mk1 MockingJays are sent out to random townsfolk, and those with ears to hear, do so.

 
 Spoiler:  no specific recipient, Mor 5 

This is a courtesy  notice that [4 of their stats and all on-going heists] for The Opalescent Orchestra will be forwarded to Ashley Cyclone at the end of the week.  As we have no other enemies, anyone interested in the bounty is free to target anything else, but will be acting redundantly should they Doxx those details.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Opalescent Orchestra, also sent to Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey Maestro,

Just so you're aware, I'm against anyone participating beyond some small agreements I've made to try and minimise the impact if we don't go after the blighter.

I will stand to that no matter what anyone does.

This is nominally being sent to you too Birdwatch, I figure you can read this.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Response to the Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey Kids,

Don't forget I was there alongside you. I know what happens when you **** with an Event Level Empowered without a good way to keep em down.

The call was a rally, to see who would respond. I hoped it would be possible for us to achieve it, but I'm all very well aware that might just be a pipe-dream of mine. Don't worry, I'm not going to do it unless I'm sure.

Regards,

Aleksi

P.S. I expect you'll be okay if I'm blunt with you, so don't worry about being blunt with me. I'd prefer it than you trying to sugar-coat things.
 

 Response to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey Miasma,

To be honest with you, or tac-data was more focused on maintaining our south end (31/32). I am tempted to claim it anyway because, hell, territory is territory and if you're willing to hand it over then I'd be a fool not to try.

But I hate lying just to get an edge like that, so I will say it's not in our immediate plans and would be next week or later before I could fit it in. Probably later unless I get windfall.

Happy to chat about the northside since you've been very amiable for someone I was worried about turning the city into a bloodbowl.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde
 

 Response to the Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Hey, no harm no foul

You didn't verbally agree to it in response so it was more hopeful than anything else.

I'll commit 1 to the finishing project then (as that finishes it) and 2 to the other?

Keep me in the loop. You do good work and I'm happy to support it.

Regards,

Aleksi
 

 Response to {Chronarch, Freedom Assembly, Bloodborn} 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
Fun little group communique that I see has been set up.

Aleksi has put me in charge of sorting this out. If we have not the support for an assault on the Game Master, then we support going back to sitting out and previous plans. (I am all too aware I have one of the weakest encryption sets of our group, so I shall be a touch vague, but I also confirm that suggested plans were the ones that I had agreed to.)

If we were to sight a chance at going after the Game Master, I can promise that Avante Guarde would re-route most of our forces to the goal. (30+, exact number slightly dependant on a few other things.)

That being said, I am coming to the same conclusion as the Assembly. As much as I am disappointed by such an outcome.

-

Jaskir Garde,
Strategic Operations Officer
Avante Guarde
 
kaio999
 

Every single faction is sent a drone informing them that due to the announcements made by multiple factions no further inquiry will be made by the Sky Cavalry to assault the game master directly.

A tight laced woman in military regalia (the major) informs each of them in turn.
"If the plan is to ignore until the Game Master goes away they (Sky Cavalry) will follow city consensus. Though they heavily disagree with not assaulting this threat and removing it as a potential harm to the citizens. By leaving him on the game board we risk this entity leaving a catastrophic mark in the future... Still we cannot do it alone and so we shall continue to do as we have done." With that the feed will cut out.
Eldan
 Eversion Project  [5]

To Avante Guarde
 
 Spoiler 


From:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 
To:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 

Agent Ragav,

We're all about removing massive, powered threats to the city's wellbeing. If we saw a realistic chance to remove the Game Master, Eversion would gladly contribute around 20 stat points to the problem. Sadly, we find ourselves at the current moment under multiple threats, as it seems half the city has decided that we are for some reason worse than an established and ruthless organized crime family. Still, if you could perhaps convince a few parties  not  to attack us, we would find ourselves very able to divert funds from our defence spending.

Special Agent Hartley,
Director of Security,
Eversion Project
 


To the Bone Rattlers
 
 Spoiler 
I'm fine with you getting 29 and 30 back. That links your territory back up, too. I need to keep 27 to secure the university.
 
neriractor
 
 morale: 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion project 
We'll take it, usually we shake on these deals, but it feels a little early for a meeting to not end up in a shoot out.

-D D.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 
Khazid pulls out a notebook and pencil from a pocket in the suitcase before tucking it away to the side  "won't be needing this it seems" He scrawls a few figures on the paper before giving it back "How about this for expenses? adding a little something in case all the sabre rattling ends up with nothing for you to do but some calistenics." 

Khazid checks his phone for a moment while she checks the offers.

 "Sorry to hear the boycott isn't going as well as it could, hopefully in a month this city finds its heart enough for something like that." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
5 Eco or 4 eco and 2 mor (with 2 mor being the equivalent of two weird for projects thanks to Cairns), your pick.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
That would be much appreciated, thank you, I'll be sending max mor this turn too, now that I know it is given back immediately.

for what it's worth I think the last one is redundant, since investing is so convenient anyway but I do like the completionist bonus, should be even better for you if ties are broken by highest expenditure.
 

 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
An updated missive could be found on Avante Guarde's web presence, as well as in some less-digital formats, which outlined publicly its opinion on many of the matters going on inside the ring of Zephyr City.

Most notably found on the informational listings this week one would find:

1. A follow-up to the video earlier in the week, acknowledging that the Freedom Assembly made salient points and encouraging others to not partake in the Game Master's games. The tone of the public relations piece made very clear that the absence from any attempt to remove the Empowered from the city was regrettable but understandable in the wake of the destruction that Bolting had wreaked in the past.

2. A clear encouragement to embrace the new tech provided by by the Sky Cavalry, informing everyone that it was a strong movement towards the advance of people's lives in the city.

3. An updated list of danger for the general public, at the top continued to be the  Opalescent Orchestra , with an updated notation on the audial danger that the Orchestra represented.

Just beneath them is  The Eversion Project  with caution that the information about them still needed to be clarified, but that they were likely to be linked to the mysterious organisation using demon names as codenames, and seem indescriminate in using terror weapons.

Underneath that there was a cautionary note about the  Bone Rattlers , informing that the intent to get revenge this week would likely make their people dangerous to the average civilian.

Further down one can find  The Birdwatch  - With a 'pending further information' cautionary. The suggestion is that anyone within the areas that are influenced by the mysterious organisation one should avoid carrying any musical instrument even in an innocent capacity, and that busking should be avoided at any area they could be influencing.

The unknown Cyborg had been updated to  Chronarch , with the notation that the claimed "Time Traveller" was benign in most cases, but may inexplicably become dangerous if related to his goals. The notation suggests that most cases the person was now found to be non-threatening and co-operative.

As an additional note, at the end there is a warning specifically for civilians who have found themselves Empowered, noting that  The Bloodborn  have a tendency to draw Empowered into conflict, intentionally or not. They suggest locked doors or careful watching of the changes of weather to avoid the Bloodmist.


 

 Response to the Eversion Project: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:5 
From:  r.ragav@edf.avanteguarde.co.zc 
To:  n.hartley@tachyonmail.mv 

Agent Hartley,

I appreciate the sentiment. However unfortunately it appears that others aren't inclined to stand up to this, and therefore Avante Guarde has reluctantly conceded temporarily to not assaulting the Game Master.

Our intent is that the next time someone like them arrive, we're ready and capable of ensuring they get the hell back out.

Sincerely,

Agent Remi Ragav,
Operations Commander - Empowered Diffusion Force
Avante Guarde

Ph: (XX) XXXX XXXX XX - Please contact us with any Empowered incidents you notice!
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 5 
 
 Spoiler: Public 
Well considering all the agreements to boycott and claims to have been willing fo fight the Game Master it should not be a problem then to have no one go.

If someone breaks the line and attends this event. The city will be watching you and when the Gane Master is gone... you'll still be stuck with us.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
 Aspect reads the numbers and after a second nods. "Well that is a satisfactory number for us. I'll see you later this week with my guys."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
5 Eco works for us. You'll get Aspect and 3 Esp this EoT.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly, Chronarch, and Avante Guarde 
Well it seems like I was just missing some of the information. I'm glad that there are not some rising tensions to worry about next door.

Either way it seems like my concerns are a moot point now with the boycott going forward. There should be no Invasions anyhow.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Agents,

Well if your not heading there immediately we'll grab 35 this week. We had been expecting to send the majority of our forces to deal with those sent to the GM but the boycott has gone through so we have a slew of extra resources this week.

As far as plans for the north really everything seems pretty safe and secure up here while the south is a mess. Our only plan was possibly a coordinated intervention down south for the more troublesome elements in the future.

Something to think about.
 
Writtensanity
   
   "Good morning Zephyr City,    this is   Ashley Cyclone   thanks for tuning in now that the airwaves are back and the Game Master has offically left the city for the time being.

An absolutely heroic stand was made by the Bloodborn over the weekend, preventing anyone from playing the Game Master's event as far as we can tell aside from several Government workers who were seen in the area.

 
 Spoiler: WORLD HEIST RESULTS 

 

Johnny put his wallet back into how pocket after pulling it out to play with it in the car. The amount of guns in the trunk of this car would have made Momma blush but that wasn’t making him feel better going into this. Johnny was a tough ****ing customer on the scale of humans but, well, on the scale of Empowered he didn’t feel like the hardest hitting cat in the city.

Thus the guns.

Though the Game Master had assured them that nobody was going to get long-term injured in this event, that rang a little hollow considering who they were dealing with, as long as the Game Master found something fun, he’d let anything fly.

Johnny pulled out his phone and checked the latest update from Donna. She wasn’t alone at the University from what he’d heard and that was never good news. Khalid was getting the boys ready and that would be soon.

It started raining, the pitter patter of the roof turning from a trickle to a downpour before Johnny could even look up. The driver was slowing down.

“****in’ ****. Guns up, come on.” Johnny opened the armrest in the back seat and pulled out a silver colt. It was going to be a shame to stain the thing, but you never left the car without a gun.

The rain stopped, replaced with a steady blood fog over the area. Miasma was here.

“Alright, Bloodborn must be in the event. Let’s get in there and-”

Someone smashed into the windshield just as Johnny was pulling open the door, rocking the car and throwing him back into his seat. Blood mist seeped in through the cracks in the Windshield, rushing toward a cut on the driver’s arm and starting to pull blood out of him.

There wasn’t time to find that unsettling, as the man on the windshield dislocated his shoulder and then… his neck? He turned his head completely around to look at Johnny. The scrawny man tore open his cheeks for a smile so far beyond human that it couldn’t have been anything but-

“****in’ demons.”

“Oh I’m lucky today,” the creature growled before several arms made of shadow ripped out of its back and started pulling away at the paneling of the car.

“Are you?”

Johnny snapped the colt up and unloaded the clip through the windshield, blood mist pouring in through every hole before he kicked open the car door to get out. The blood immediately clung to his skin as he stepped out into the street.

Just in time to hear Astaroth laugh. The shadow appendages rushing into the car through the holes in the windshield and reaching into the driver.

****. ****. ****.

Down the street both ways there were gunshots, the full convoy they’d sent was getting attacked.

“Get out of here,” Johnny snapped his fingers at the car, and it suddenly became much, MUCH lighter than air, shooting into the sky with the demon on top of it and the screaming driver in it.

He couldn’t see far in the Bloodmist, but he could do something. Johnny ran forward and once it was clear that the shadow wasn’t one of his guys he made their gun impossibly heavy and sent it slamming into the ground. Once it was clear it was an Eversion project goon, he did the same to their body armor and leveled the colt.

“HI JOHNNY!”

Johnny was ripped up into the air by shadow appendages as Astatorh flickered back into reality behind him. The claws dug through his coat, through the vest Nonna’d made him promise to wear and into his back. He felt them pushing in, second of blinding pain into second of blinding pain.

How were you supposed to fight back when something was almost grabbing you by the literal spine.

Then a metallic crack ran out behind him and Johnny fell as Astaroth stumbled to the side, their arm broken in new and creative ways.

Almost invisible, the nexus of the Bloodmist was suddenly standing above Johnny, dragging a dented and blood soaked aluminum bat along the pavement.
Astaroth twisted in horrific ways and lunged again but Miasma was two things, trained and in his element. Fed by the Bloodmist, he was fast each to bash away each of the Shadow claws as they reached out to him, taking the last two steps between him and Asteroth and making it look casual.

This time Miasma slammed the bat downward to keep Astaroth from being thrown away by the Empowered blows. He pounded the demon into the pavement, splatting more and more black blood that darkened the mist until…

Until there almost wasn’t a demon left. There was just a mess of flesh and bones attempting to pull themselves back together.

“Thanks,” Johnny sighed. He was in so much pain, but as long as the blood mist turned off he’d be-

“Don’t thank me yet Johnny. Not a fan of Gangsters like you in the city either.”

Oh ****.

“Hey hey, listen. I’m just here on a drive right and-” Johnny knew that wasn’t going to work. He wasn’t about to convince him and- “Fine, **** you. I’ll take you on myself.”

There would have been a lot more bark to the bite if he could move his legs.

Johnny sent the bat flying away and tried to do the same on Miasma’s coat, but he needed focus to do that and-

Miasma was happy to finish the job with his fists....
 


Honestly? Hat's off to the Bloodborn. Nice to see someone running their mouth finally stand up for the little people of the city as opposed to just throwing their weight around. Certainly been a tulmultuous time out and around the city, but that's not the most important news right now.

No. Word's been coming out that there was another Pulse.

I know, I know, they're just online rumours but it's still something we need to look into. Top Empowered Studies Correspondent Victor Vale has confirmed that there is evidence that some of the online claims are legitimate cases of rising Empowered. And there should be some in Zephyr City. We will have all of the up-to-the-minute updates, but the governor has already assured us that there are going to be good examples in the city recruiting for good causes. Good riddance honestly.

I'm signing off for now University recording studio is still messed up from the fight there on Sunday so we're arranging for some donations. In the meantime, check out the full report on the powers of Zephyr City from our friends over at Starlit news.

 
 Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:  


Bloodborn at 5

Eversion Project at 5

Chronarch at 4

Birdwatch at 4

All other Factions at 3

Orchestra at 2

Bone Rattlers at 2
 

   World Heist- Protecting the Assets:   

With new Empowered coming around the city, the Government has brought in several celebrity Empowered to try and inspire and recruit the new Empowered to Government programs. They are worried that they are going to be targets while they are in the city for internet clout- and they are going to be for more than that.

Rumour has it that one of the Heroes, Dr. Maverick has brought some of their technology along. Sure there are lesser targets, but that's the main prize. Taking something unique and irreplaceable from the pockets of the Worlds most talented Parallel Technician.

 
 Spoiler: Heist Mechanics: Heroes Vs Villains 


There are 4 Targets in the City. Being the Highest Protector or the Highest Attacker for one gets you the bonus that Target offers.

MOR is the strongest stat for Heroes. ESP is the strongest stat for Villains - As always SPC can replace either.

You may split forces between multiple targets, as always, VIPS cannot be split.

 Targets: 

Dr. Maverick - A powerful scientist hero specializing in dimensional technology - WINNER GETS: UNIQUE ITEM

Young Griffin - A Teen Flight Powered Hero with massive claws - WINNER GETS: 1 XP

Cpt Change - A man made of gold coins, fantastic conductor and breaker of economies - WINNER GETS 3 PERM ECON

Sunny (The Sunnyvale Slasher) - A reformed villain specializing in large blades - WINNER GETS: UNIQUE ITEM
 

   Turn Event - Government Event: Stability At Any Cost:   

The amount of crime in Zephyr City is through the roof since Bolting, the Police are falling behind and people are panicking. There isn't much time to make things better before the hammer comes down, so the Police are offering a deal.

Take the rest of the city, lock it down and keep crime under control with the Factions.

Mechanics:

All Neutral Territories cost 2 LESS To capture.
 
  Published Investigations   
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch Heists and LTPS - by Avante Garde 


EVERYONE MAY ACCESS BIRDWATCH HEISTS

LTP - THE EMU GUARD:
During each EoT the Birdwatch may mark a single territory as under Emu Guard. Territories under Emu Guard benefit from MOR  investments into raising the MOR Stat as if those stats were invested in passive or active defence, whichever results in a greater MOR value.
 

 
 Spoiler: Johnny Gunn Heists and LTPS - by Avante Garde 


EVERYONE MAY ACCESS The Bone Rattler's HEISTS

LTP - THE
Funding from the grant to go into "The" (it used to be the network, but a consultant claimed it'd be cleaner)

In case of invasion of Gunn territory, if the largest Gunn investment in an assault or heist would surpass their passive defense when converted to active defense, they intervene as active defense.

An assault team abandons their mission for the sake of the defense and lose the effect of the planned action.

A Heist team takes any losses and then continues on the Heist should they win. If they would lose, they additionally lose the investment in the heist.

This LTP is in Progress: 5/50 points.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project Heists and LTPS - by Avante Garde 


EVERYONE MAY ACCESS The Eversion Project's HEISTS

LTP: PROJECT RADIANT:
Whenever an enemy VIP is encountered during a dangerous action, gain an amount of t.spec equal to that VIP's level.
 

 
 Spoiler: Orchestra STATS and Heists - by Birdwatch 


EVERYONE MAY ACCESS The Orchestra's HEISTS

4 STATS

MOR: 6
ECO: 8
SPC: 1
WRD: 6
 

  
  Local Heists    
 Reminder, you may only view Local Heists you have access to from an ability or investigation. If the Investigation was from another turn, I should have given you access under YOUR heading. 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 

 
 Local Heist - The New Order  
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

 Stage One -  Careful Training - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Alongside the Mighty -  COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   into the Breach - Head over to the Neighbouring Starlit City to take a chunk off a smaller crew that's running there. Getting into a fight in Zephyr city is risky with so many powers, practice with one.
 Cost-  10 SPC or STR: VIP REQUIRED (All VIPs may participate regardless of type)
 Reward-  1 EXP for EACH participating VIP, up to 4

From Previous Investigations

 Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  (Belongs to the Orchestra)
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM


  From Police Investigations   
  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets   - From Freedom Assembly
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)


 Local Heist - Well Connected [/B] - From Bloodborn

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money insi
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.


 Local Heist - A Zephyr City History  - From Chronarch
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.


 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: The BirdWatch 

 
 Local Heist - The Old Order - COMPLETE  
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 

 
 Local Heist - Training Camp   - COMPLETE


 Local Heist - Well Connected [/B]

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money insi
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.

 THE BANK [/B]

SD FLOOR!

Current Floor COST 10 SPC/ESP
Current Floor Reward: ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 

 
 Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative   COMPELTE

 Local Heist - A Zephyr City History 
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.


 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


Other Faction Heists:

Local Heist

Stage One - Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

Stage Two- Welcome to Your New Home Chief
Cost- 7 ESP or ECO (1 SPC Invested)
Reward- 4 tSTR

Stage Three- ???
Cost- 14 ???
Reward- ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 

 
 Local Heist -Into the Abyss - COMPLETE  
 Local Heist - The Precinct [/B] Stolen by the Bone Rattlers but you have access
You don't own the Police Station yet, but what you can own is the cops homes... their favourite spots.. their families....

 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7 ESP or ECO (1 SPC invested by Johnny Gunn)
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Local Heist - Cleaning Up   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets  
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)

  Local Heist - THE NEXUS  

15 COST LTP TO UNLOCK.
 

 
 Spoiler: Johnny Gunn and the Bone Rattlers 

 
 Local Heist - New Order, Old Money   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Precinct   Hey it's back!


 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7 ESP or ECO (2 SPC invested
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - To Dance Again  

There is a fighting ring popping up in the city.... time to make some bank.

 Stage One -  Shopping
 Cost-  4 ECO to buy your way into the Pits
 Reward-  3 tSTR

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7 ????
 Reward-  1 PERM STR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  XP
 

 
 Spoiler: The Orchestra 

 
 Local Heist - Stagecraft   - COMPLETED BY AVANTE GARDE
[/SIZE]


  Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - Game Day  
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Build Champions - Now when we were saying build.......
 Cost-  7WRD
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 
 Local Heist - Areal Supremacy   - COMPLETE
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 

 
 Local Heist - A Welcoming Hand  
Hi! Welcome to Happy Carins, we glad we could help you though this time... Yes, Bolting's most recent actions have been tough for all of us.

 Stage One -  Matching Services: Manage the amount of people who have been brought in over the most recent times.
 Cost-  5eco to pay extra staff or 4Wrd to use your powers to make it a little easier.
 Reward-  4 tEco from Sponsors

 Stage Two-   The Price of Sympathy -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???
 



----
  The Current Map:  
 The Imperatrix Lands on Location [THE DOCKS] 
 
 Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status 

 Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect  
 The Nexus -   - The Freedom Assembly - STABLE
Ability - Remnants of Power:  On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

 Zephyr City Central Bank -   - CONTROLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Of Course:  Zephyr City Central Bank contains a Local Heist with unlimited floors that always offer tECO. Each time a floor is completed the difficulty of future floors is increased. It will spawn 'Deposit Box' floors that provide a random one-use item pseudo-randomly.

 Big Gale Comics and Toys-   - CONTROLLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Self Publishing: Your Faction gains tECO equal to N N  where N is the number of enemy factions involved in Actions your Faction is also involved in.

 ZCPD Station-   - CONTROLLED BY AVANTE GARDE - STABLE
Ability - Radio Chatter: Can see 3 local heists per turn. May choose to assign Police to a local heist during EoT and lock it for the following turn, cannot target a heist owned by the same Faction twice in a row.

 BigFlash Insurance Stadium-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - STABLE
Ability - Guest Appearance: Controller may invest a VIP to gain 1.5 times their level in MOR &amp; ECO (rounded up) this is a safe action.

 Zephyr City University-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Temporal Research Station: Up to 1 VIP per turn may preform two actions as part of an EoT. They may not participate in the same Action twice. You may not choose the same VIP two turns in a row.

 Montgomery Tech Park-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - STABLE
Ability - Venture Capital: When you pitch a NEW LTP, you can offer it up for Venture Capital Investment. This provides a 1 time payment of 20% the LTPs cost in tECO, but the LTP must be announced to publicly once it reaches halfway to completion.

  Ol' Grady's-   - CONTROLLED BY THE CHRONAL IMPERATIVE - STABLE
Ability - Unmasked Friends: The Controlling Faction may mark any other VIP in the game as a friend of one of their VIPs. In the event that these two would 'fight' one another, they avoid the fight, removing themselves from any assault calculations against the other Faction. In the case of an Conquest Action, VIP Injury is much less likely if the Friends are involved. This effect allows you to make 2 VIP pairs after turn 5, and 3 after turn 10.

  Monsoon Action Park-   - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - UNSTABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.

  The Dockyards-   - CONTROLLED BY THE SKY CAVALRY - STABLE
Ability - Unclaimed Merchandise: The Owning Faction may buy additional Stat Cap at a cost of 3 econ per point. If they lose this location, this Stat cap increase is passed onto the new owner.

  Zephyr City North High-   - CONTROLLED BY THE FREEDOM ASSEMBLY - STABLE
Ability - Kids Talk: Automatic general investigation on 3 other Factions in the game each turn. Up to 1 fact in each investigation may be incorrect by a medium margin. These Investigations cannot be published.

 

 They have arrived 
ALL PLAYERS GAIN A LV 2 VIP of YOUR CHOICE added to your roster. Give them fluff!

  EOT WILL BE ON MONDAY MAY 22th AT 23:59 PST  
kaio999
 
      GALATEA BRANCH STATION OPENINGS!!!!      
 
 Spoiler: Galatea Printer Drone 
 
 


Good to their word and with immaculate speed several large drones that appear like giant floating needles some people might even confused them with UFOs. (very well possible with some of these sailing out at night to provide cover) along with self driving trucks with large machines wrapped up head off with several security drones for protection.

In 17 hours under the auspices of the specific factions the Stations are built in 17 hours. Each Galatea is made up of 12 prefab pieces transported via truck and removed via machine. The needle drones than 3D print the interconnecting parts. Galatea robots than unload the machinery necessary to run the factory.

 Avante Garde has a Galatea Station full ownership and control of the factories operating systems are handed over to their control.

Bloodborn has a Galatea Station full ownership and control of the factories operating systems are handed over to their control.

Eversion Project has a Galatea Station full ownership and control of the factories operating systems are handed over to their control.

Freedom Assembly has a Galatea Station full ownership and control of the factories operating systems are handed over to their control.

Eversion project in a war zone means one of the drones is damaged but it is simply ordered to come home and another goes in its place. No matter what is lost Sky cavalry honor their promise and as a mission for a better tomorrow their facility is working in 17 hours after payment and capable of producing the drones for their populace.

 
 Spoiler: Megan Ferguson and the Biosuit Octo Lvl 2 SPC and WRD 
 
 
 


She was a little girl, really hadn't lived a life... She had been diagnosed with Multiple Schlerosis when when she was 11 and her life had been ruined her immune system was destroyed her normal life was gone. Being the neice of someone as powerful as Moira McGoidte meant a comfortable life waiting on an endless list hoping they could get her to Happy Cairnes and cured. Megan however wanted to be a hero and if even one other childs life wouldn't be saved because of her she would never forgive herself.

She worked tirelessly, already brilliant she used her time in clean rooms and hospital beds as an opportunity and learn. She wanted to be a doctor until she was 15 and thats when she saw a single interview with Intervallum. Bolting was still around and he was almost timid in comparison but Megan saw strength and believed he would save their lives and change.

Her illness got worse after the initial pulse, some thought perhaps the pulse drained from normal people and gave to these advanced peoples. Megan didn't believe it and was fine to die... To not lead to the sacrifice of another. Placed in intensive care... Little time was left. Despite the childs demands Moira wanted to save her, she wanted to go to Cairns and beg for that little girls life to save her family as she saved so many.

She was half way there when she got the call... A flate line...
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
Once again the video spread starts with the crackle to life of the standard Avante Guarde broadcast room, but the table was full of documents. Aleksi was also flanked by both Jaskir and Irman, but neither spoke as the man spread his hands wide, signalling the beginning of the recording.

 "Folk of Zephyr City."  The words were resonant, each syllable slowly said. Aleksi was intentionally drawing the words out.  "You may have noticed this week that the media brings you many words by my name. And by the name of Avante Guarde. The south has been in turmoil. People suffer under the constant back and forth. I've tried to send men in to quell some of it but even that small amount appears not enough." 

He shakes his head, almost disappointed as he then grabs one of the pieces of paper.  "The Bone Rattlers, Mafia. I honestly tried to work with Mr Gunn, feeling he wasn't exactly out to hurt people as much as others, but he has not only betrayed my trust and the trust of others in attempting to ambush the Game Master's games, but has perpetuated a war of distrust causing the injuries of many. Also found to be attempting to bribe the police, not to help the people, but to turn a blind eye as they continued on their own." 

Aleksi puts down the piece of paper, reaching over the desk to pick up another.  "The Eversion Project, found to be the source of the organisation that uses demons as its name, not a bad thing in and of itself but that organisation is also linked to troubling events. Accused of bringing a weapon of terror to bear against the populace in its aggressive assault against the Bone Rattlers. Also accused of breaking the agreement to send no forces to appease the Game Master." 

Another piece of paper was put down, then yet another picked up,  "The Birdwatch. Perhaps the only organisation unworthy of the distrust we have shown them. Their secretive actions and general distrust has caused us to doubt them, but we have nothing specifically to bring to bear against them except that their indescriminate attacks on the Orchestra has potentially brought innocents into the crossfire. In fact, it was them who completed our set." 

Picking up the last piece of paper on the table, Aleksi looked down at it with a grin.  "The Opalescent Orchestra. Perhaps the most honest in their villainy, the Maestro does not hide behind lies or pretty words, and they have proven somewhat honourable in their own way. But none-the-less they stand accused of multiple attacks that have harmed civilians or un-Empowered staff in their 'displays', and have been unrepentant in their goals of dominating our city." 
 "I bring this to you, people of Zephyr, because as much as Avante Guarde could condemn them by ourselves and pretend we serve the justice of the city, we want you to know what we know. We want to share the knowledge we have gleaned, so that others may review the evidence provided and make their own decisions. Free from coercion, free from misinformation." 

Putting the piece of paper down, Aleksi stares straight at the camera before it closes off.


 


Most empowered who have done their own thing in Avante Guarde's territory have been driven off, by one means or another. The ones that weren't driven out have happily asceded to living in a way that makes use of their power in constructive manners. Most.

Guardian's Grace was not a finished product, and Avante Guarde didn't like to cut corners, so there were thousands upon thousands of variables that must go into each set of nanoweave into the lattice, to ensure that no power slips past the defenses due to carelessness. It was such lack of proper completion that allowed the shadowed vigilante to continue his work unimpeded, his odd powers somehow avoiding the dampening affect so far.

Until one day he showed up at the EDF forward base, rifle over his back as he stared dispassionately at the unnerved guards on duty, and demanded to see Commanding Officer Ragav.

No one is entirely sure what happened in the room between them. Except that once enemies walked out hand in hand. A few loose tongues were enough to let everyone listening know that the former Vigilante known as the Hunter for his tracking and observation powers now walked in lockstep with the EDF. Or in lockstep enough to not make Mr Ragav too frustrated.

Still, despite his new co-operation with Avante Guarde, Kadislov the Hunter did not wear their colours nor walk their parades.

He continued to watch from the rooftops, hunting Empowered and Mundane threats, but this time bringing them to Avante Guarde for justice.

 
 Spoiler: Kadislov the Hunter; SPEC 2 
 
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Avante Guarde Mor 7 


A very  upset  woman's voice issues from the young MockingJay-

Aleksi,

"I don't know what you were thinking, and I don't care.  I know we were never really friends, whatever my uncle thought of you."

"I'll just explain things, and maybe guilt will make you do the right thing."

"I ceded a few unstable sectors to lull the Orchestra into a false sense of security."

"This is to lure them into a trap I have been preparing since Eversion Project betrayed us."

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 
  I banked a huge number of stats for an active defense.  Assuming I invest similarly again, it should be a near stalemate, but I am seeking help...
 


In approximately 100 hours, I will be eliminating the Orchestra as a coherent body.

The effects of my Uncle's Will have ensured I will have the necessary tools in place to erase their morale and hamper their Strength, besides.

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 
 I have a huge nest egg of temp ESP I can invest in a stat attack.  It is already nearly sufficient to reduce their Morale to 0, assuming basic defense and that they didn't inexplicably pump ESP, before my further investments for the turn. And I have a  lot  of ESP to invest
 


So, I want something from you. I want guns.  I'll send a truck, if you are willing.  After this is over, load it up and help my boys clear out our these street performers.  If you really won't help, let me know.

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 

If I open a trade route, will you give me temp Str next turn, please?
 

 

 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly, Mor 7 



A nerdy man's voice issues from the young MockingJay
"Oh good, you are here!  Here's the sitch..."

"We are T minus 99 to Operation Hitchcock.  We expect the Orchestra to move into the ambush in T minus 95.  Your assistance would be appreciated!

 
 Spoiler:  Operation Hitchcock OoC 
 I have a huge nest egg of temp ESP I can invest in a stat attack.  It is already nearly sufficient to reduce their Morale to 0, assuming basic defense and that they didn't inexplicably pump ESP, before my further investments for the turn. And I have a  lot  of ESP to invest
 

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 
  I banked a huge number of stats for an active defense. To be clear, I ceded those unstable territories to force the Orchestra to come to my seige positions.  Assuming I invest similarly again, it should be a near stalemate, but I am seeking help...
 

 

 
 Spoiler:  Happy Cairns, Mor 7 


A young MockingJay comes to Happy Cairns.

"Hello, dear sir,

I do not know you, but I am in a bit of a pickle, and I heard you can help.

I recently found myself under seige by a crazed musician after an ill advised deal with some mystics went south.  Would you be so kind as to help me with supplies until my feathery friends chase them out?  I'm not sure what I can promise in exchange, but I heard Happy Cairns is where you turn when you need a miracle.

Anticipating your good will, I sent a truck out before I closed the cordon.

 
 Spoiler:  Operation Hitchcock OoC 
 I have a huge nest egg of temp ESP I can invest in a stat attack.  It is already nearly sufficient to reduce their Morale to 0, assuming basic defense and that they didn't inexplicably pump ESP, before my further investments for the turn. And I have a  lot  of ESP to invest
 

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 
  I banked a huge number of stats for an active defense. To be clear, I ceded those unstable territories to force the Orchestra to come to my seige positions.  Assuming I invest similarly again, it should be a near stalemate, but I am seeking help, specifically from you.  I opened a trade route good for 10 temp stats.  I would prefer Mor or Str, but will take anything, gladly!
 

 

 
 Spoiler:  Sky Cavalry, Mor 7 


A woman is on the camera feeds to the drone.

"Hello!  I felt you deserved to hear this in person.  I need your help to turn this battle from a seige to a rout.

The Orchestra is walking into my trap.   And, on the heels of that battle, even should they win, I will unleash hell upon them.

I am sending a man with a truck.   Please send whatever you can spare to help.

 
 Spoiler:  Operation Hitchcock OoC 
 I have a huge nest egg of temp ESP I can invest in a stat attack.  It is already nearly sufficient to reduce their Morale to 0, assuming basic defense and that they didn't inexplicably pump ESP, before my further investments for the turn. And I have a  lot  of ESP to invest
 

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 
  I banked a huge number of stats for an active defense. To be clear, I ceded those unstable territories to force the Orchestra to come to my seige positions.  Assuming I invest similarly again, it should be a near stalemate, but I am seeking help, specifically from you.  I opened a trade route good for 10 temp stats.  I would prefer Mor or Str, but will take anything, gladly!
 

 

 
 Spoiler:  Bloodborn, Mor 7 


A woman's voice issues from a young bird:

My plan, as outlined in my last missive, is going apace, despite the Gamemaster evicting me from my home in the middle of it.

I am hoping, under the circumstances, that you would commit to donating arms to my attempts to mop up what is left of the Orchestra after this week.  I can send a truck to pick them up after the Maestro walks into my ambush.

 
 Spoiler:  Operation Hitchcock OoC 
 I have a huge nest egg of temp ESP I can invest in a stat attack.  It is already nearly sufficient to reduce their Morale to 0, assuming basic defense and that they didn't inexplicably pump ESP, before my further investments for the turn. And I have a  lot  of ESP to invest
 

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 
  I banked a huge number of stats for an active defense. To be clear, I ceded those unstable territories to force the Orchestra to come to my seige positions.  Assuming I invest similarly again, it should be a near stalemate, but I am seeking help...
 

 
Eldan
 Eversion Project  [5]

A public statement:
"We were not made aware of any concerted effort to not participate in the games. Since there was always a chance that we ourselves would be ambushed in the games, we have sent a representative with personal protection equipment, nothing more. We would also like to point out that we were one of the few parties which have promised the Avante Guarde a large contingent if they were to attack the game master. That didn't happen, but that was the only agreement we were informed of.

Also, we would generally just again state our displeasure at being called "demons". We have inherited a few perhaps unfortunate project names from our former government connections. But the idea that anything like a "demon" actually exists is ludicrous. While pulse powers are extraordinary, we are still men and women of science, not faith and there has never been any evidence for any such thing as a soul or hell, nevermind actual corporeal summoned demons. We use normal troops. With rifles."


 Bird Watch 
 
 Spoiler 
We didn't  betray  you. You gave us 24 hours to mount an offence on the maestro, while we were being attacked by the Bone Rattlers. We said we  liked  the general idea, but we made no plans, you didn't share any plans, and we didn't agree to anything.

-Dr. Seth Levy, Eversion Project
 

 The Opalescent Orchestra 
 
 Spoiler 
Dear Maestro,

We find ourselves with our backs to the wall, about to be destroyed. If there is any help at all you can share, we sorely need it. There are things we can offer in exchange. The former Birdwatch territory, information... and we can assure you there is information you want to know. There are some very detailed battle plans around.

-Legion

OOC: specifically, I can offer my espionage to read messages this turn. If we survive this turn and manage to regain some territory, we would also offer you the Birdwatch HQ, but we need that for now as a backup in case we lose everything in the east.
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Eversion Project Mor 7 


A bored man's Voice comes from a bird:

"You started all this when you tried to stir up trouble between me and the Orchestra, disrupting plans I had already laid.  So glass houses, and all that.'

"I wouldn't bother pointing that out, but, since the Orchestra knows we were plotting against her at one point, and must suspect some kind of response she hasn't gotten yet, I'm sending you messages she can't read to mess with her."
 
n0ble
 Morale 12  
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch  

See below
 

 Public/Mor. 12 for Eversion Project 
 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  

 1) The End of Death:  Happy Cairns will be staging a stat attack vs. the Eversion Project. Will be splitting the VP w/ people who donate-would prefer to claim the majority if the split is uneven where I'm hosting the attack/fielding the risk. My contribution for this will be up once I'm more aware of who is/isnt donating. I'm taking note.   Currently at: 0/0 
 2) Right Where You Belong:  When a faction triggers the Spirit of Cooperation via a blind donation (IE no existing levels of investigation on the project, it hasnt been made public, the donating player is unaware of what it does etc.) the increase in their morale gained from the Spirit of Cooperation is doubled.  Currently at: 0/????? 
 
 Spoiler: Completed Initiatives  

  1) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (currently 4 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed.
 2) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 3) Hypergeometrical Superpositioning:  Whenever a faction maxes their donations to happy Cairns (currently 4 of any stat) both the donating player &amp; Happy Cairns may benefit from one anothers strategic territories in the following turn as though they both controlled one anothers.
 

 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 6 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


I must admit I'm anxious to learn everything I can about my avian assailants' encoded correspondence. And I will of course expect you to keep your word and turn over the soil.

But I'm interested. Just what are you asking for?
 
kaio999
 
    Colonel Anorak and Major Megan Hopper    
 
 Spoiler: The Colonel and The Major 
  
 


The heated stand off had sent the staff into any room but the one with these two individuals in it and the yelling could be heard through all of Imperatrix. The Colonel and the Major were eye to eye. Looking death rays at eachother.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "She is a child Christian." She scoffs, "Colonel you're so obsessed with optics and looking good what are the Avante Guarde and Freedom assembly going to think of sky cavalry sending in child soldiers!" The look of rage was palpable.


  Colonel Anorak:   "She is in a giant 9 foot tall robot octopus Megan. Something that even Intervallum couldn't build overnight, she can hack any system make machines respond and even build things on their own. She hacked over a hundred Galatea to build it for her in a night out of hospital equipment!" He chuckles. "She flew up here herself and demanded an audience with Intervallum herself. She asked to be part of his mission herself and he agreed theres no more argument Major."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Shes an idealist obsessed with heroes and comic books because she had nothing else to do. Her childhood has been stolen and now you want to send her to die in the field fighting monsters like Astaroth and Miasma. Are you out of your mind?"

  Colonel Anorak:   "The argument is over Major, you can scream all you want but unless you're going to go argue with intervallum this is OVER."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "You're a right B*st*rd Anorak."

  Colonel Anorak:   "We didn't get any other major empowered in this recent pulse Megan, Avante Guarde already has some cloaked super assassin. Who knows what those damnable demons got, Bloodborn just MURDERED two other empowered he just cleaned house in a day do you know how terrifying that makes Miasma? What about the mission what about a brighter tomorrow exists if we don't take what we have been given? Tell me how do we make dreams a reality from this blimp?"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "We could start by not becoming the monsters we are fighting!"

  Colonel Anorak:   "Go yell at Intervallum Major its not my call OK! Its not my call!"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "god you're still a coward."

With that she walked out.

    Sky Captain Gerard and Doctor Baker     
 Spoiler: The Captain and The Doctor 
  
 

  Doctor Baker:   "Yes she really has MS, and the suit is actually containing it and providing a constant level of security. Its acting as a second immune system rather than fixing the disease when shes in it shes protected from any of the risks she faces outside of it. Its amazing but unfortunately can't be replicated for a treatment."

  Gerard:   "So not only are we sending a 17 year old girl into battle we're sending a sick 17 year old girl into battle."

  Doctor Baker:   "Technically but shes super intelligent, at least as smart as myself if not more brilliant, shes a tactical genius, imaginative and capable of ripping the cables from the earth with a thought and control a mechanized suit even better than you despite months of training.

  Gerard:   "She is still a child, at the end of the day you know who sends children to fight? The bad guys."

  Doctor Baker:   "And batman."

  Official Missives Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
Another security upgrade the drones are sleeker and faster they move with a quickness few could target and appear completely sentient in their capability far too fast now to have a human piloting them from far away. They arrive with the message for Birdwatch.

  Major Megan Hopper:    responds to the voice in kind. "I wont be able to send as many resources as that, but yes I promised an alliance and sky cavalry is good to its word. 4 squads of sky cavalry (4 t str) will be joining to fight in your territory please be safe and good luck with your fight. We will also be sending a care package to help you rebuild your strength." (1 t eco)
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Hey I am just looking for territorial clarity i will donate to your cause this turn I will send 3 t esp but do want to sort turf because I don't wanna butt heads with happy cairns you and I are both working toward similar goals aka make city better. Since you are making a stat attack i assume you will try to use the neutral territory opportunity.

Happy Cairns takes district 4 and 7
Sky cavalry takes district 6 and Sky cavalry agrees to protect/help happy cairns in any future conflict.
Chronarch takes district 8

I want to continue to expand aggressively but I also know you have been focused on helping people and need territory too. Freedom assembly gobbled up everything rather fast.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Another security upgrade the drones are sleeker and faster they move with a quickness few could target and appear completely sentient in their capability far too fast now to have a human piloting them from far away. They arrive with a message for freedom assembly.

  Colonel Anorak:   yawns and looks a little worse for wear but he rubs his eyes and stands there in his usual camo jacket with his goofy pins and weird tech. "Freedom assembly lets talk! District 45 we want to buy it from you. We need it for a massive project Intervallum is planning to build. We have proven we are not out to hurt anyone and we can be relied upon to do what is right even if our ideology stands in contrast. You guys have managed to expand and be the premier power in the city due to knowing you have friends at your back. We don't want it for free and we don't want to fight you for it. You mentioned needing resources for some coming expedition. We are up for supporting you and this is all we want unless you wanna throw some of your scientists our way."

He considers his other thoughts, "Oh also I have here Intervallum wants to bring Dr. Maverick into our care and protection. We want to know if you have your eyes on one of these VIPs so we don't interfere with one another. As all of them are really drawing Intervallums attention if it were up to him we would be making moves on the lot." He rolls through his electronic pad. "I think that covers everything keep me in the loop on what you wanna do."
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Another security upgrade the drones are sleeker and faster they move with a quickness few could target and appear completely sentient in their capability far too fast now to have a human piloting them from far away. They arrive with a message for freedom assembly.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Lets talk VIPs coming to town we don't wanna step on your toes but Intervallum has eyes for one of these individuals and we want to make sure there isn't problems when it comes to their protection and the assertion of defense. Know you still have our support and we will be helping to hit multiple southern threats should make life easier on your end. Bone rattlers rose from the ashes though and Miasma just murdered two empowered... Not sure how much longer we can just let these guys run rampant. Interesting situation all around."
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
Another security upgrade the drones are sleeker and faster they move with a quickness few could target and appear completely sentient in their capability far too fast now to have a human piloting them from far away. They arrive with a message for Chronarch

 Intervallum  himself once again reaches out to the illusive time traveler, "you and I need to speak about the VIPs. I am willing to overlook much and I believe you want to create a brighter future like myself. We both see unique paths and answers to a greater world. I need to know if you are targetting any of the four individuals coming to the city and if it will lead to blows between this faction that has come to be known as the sky cavalry and you Chronarch."

He thinks a moment, "also I still want to make an exchange with ARTEMIS you have not named a price or expectation in that regard." With that the message cuts off and ends.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   The Very Pulse of the Machine   

The Pulse event is many things, but  equitable  is not one of them.

By their very nature, Empowered stand above the rest. They are more than human - gifted, some say, demigods, superheroes - and Zephyr City has been beholden to their like for generations. Bolting? Just the latest Tyrant to sit a throne. She is already being replaced, acclaim of a blood-soaked king in the north and a biting conductor to the south. And the public eats it all up. They love the shows, the movies and merchandise. There will probably be a line of Miasma plushy dolls - red, of course - being sold worldwide within the month. Chronarch toys are already being made, his now famous soundbite of 'be better' the equivalent of the  bon-mots  of some paragon of virtue out of the pages of a comic book.

(It's an amusing diversion to some in the Assembly, to speculate in what context the time traveler will find traces of his own presence in his past beyond the obvious events he came here to stop.)

But the taking of the Nexus has changed everything. Designs were made on the epicenter of the Pulse by a host of thinkers and scientists, the last steps of plans made over the last few weeks coming to fruition. The portable laboratories and fortifications are dropped in place around the Nexus, a staggering thing of steel and human reason. It has been shielded from energy attacks, extra-dimensional assaults, and there are schema among the people of the Assembly that hint at research into its withstanding even paracausal approaches. They soon will have always liberated it.

And so, perhaps inevitably, the Freedom Assembly takes its first step towards the democratization of superpowers. When the next wave of the Pulse ripples out, it finds a host of men and woman prepared, incubated. They have been chosen at random, in an Assembly-wide lottery. Each is a volunteer; no service is asked of them that they are not willing, and those who won the lottery that passed on their spots - a fringe minority - had their names taken out of the pool. There have been nine rounds, all counted and re-counted. The winners here have nothing in common; they belong to no single race, gender, class, or background. Their occupations range from shopkeepers, to nurses, to teachers, to firemen, even to executives.

'All are Equal in the Eyes of the People', they have sworn, 'or None'. There is no compromise in this.

They have each been given a War-Frame, a mechanical exoskeleton to design as they will. They've consulted military minds, reverse-engineered tech from their Galatea Station and applied any number of insights and inspirations from Arsenal and Dyad. There is no hard formula here, as to strip away their agency would rather defeat the purpose. No Frame is identical, for equality without self-expression is just another word for conformity. Some can fly, others can burrow, but all are armored and insulated against electronic attack and given a wide variety of weapons and countermeasures. Variety and creativity are encouraged here, a versatile response team to crack down on those the Assembly has judged fit to... well, judge.

Each War-Frame is then given a colour scheme, a name chosen by its pilot. If they are to stand out, to be a future arm of the People, then it serves their interests to inspire hope. A line-up, a team, to counter the singular heroes and villains. This is not by accident. It's not enough to tear down larger-than-life Tyrants without replacing them with something else equally eye-catching.

When the next wave of energy emanates from the Nexus, it does not do so sporadically, randomly. Instead, the current of energy that would find its way to the Freedom Assembly is caught and dispersed evenly, a portion of its power going into each and every person inside their War-Frame. Perception and reflexes are enhanced far beyond the norm, durability and strength and spatial reasoning. There are physiognomic alterations as well: a second heart, hyper-dense muscles, reinforced bone.

Yet they are nothing compared to what the event does to their brains. For now they can Think Alike, their brains linked by neutral chips and the surge of new power into combinations of possibility. They can share skills between them, draw on years of expertise and learning in each of their various fields. If one of them knows a thing, all of them know it. They will share experiences too, able to communicate through a sub-vocal network only slightly slower than thought. Collective action and decision making can be done on the fly, receiving strategic directives on behalf of the People.

What were just people in suits are now champions of the Assembly, for Consensus is the Heart of the Machine.

 
 Spoiler: First Freedom Enforcers (Str 2 VIP) 
 
 


 

   Faction Messages   
  Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
 A trio of messages are received by Birdwatch, the Chronal Imperative, and the Sky Cavalry. They are identical in content, but sent at separate times. 

So here's the deal. We've been talking to all of you the last few weeks about hitting the Orchestra. That time has come.

If they refuse our ultimatum - which they will, they can't afford not to - then we take the gloves off. Our First Freedom Enforcers are ready to march, as are all of our ground and air auxiliary forces. Surge has already been scouting the Arena along with a few divisions of our troops, laying groundwork for a blitz attack there. Arsenal and Dyad will be joining the ground teams as well, leading the Assembly's full roster to crush Maestro on the field.

Given psych analyses and common intelligence on Maestro, we believe she will wish to combat us head to head. It's not in her character to back down from a challenge like this one, since she knows that giving ground is just extending a losing battle. If she does retreat, we will have gained less ground but be in an even better bargaining position next week - a delay isn't ideal but we can work with it.

In the interest of honesty, we don't consider a ground campaign by Birdwatch to be a reliable avenue of attack. If the corvids wish to strike at the Orchestra's organizational integrity, we of course aren't opposed, but we have weapons and projects specialized to ensure battlefield victories. Though we thank the birds for the concrete intelligence as to the Orchestra's wider capabilities.

We aren't interested in keeping everything we take from Orchestra, either. Your help in a campaign will be rewarded - a split of territory and gains, after the campaign is won. Though the Assembly plans to be the tip of the spear and take the lion's share of the risk, we aren't so shortsighted as to deny reward to friends. The ratios of assurances for help are included, and are subject to negotiation. We also have no interest in the Orchestra's heists, and invite any of you to stake claims there with no contest from us.

To all of this, the Freedom Assembly is prepared to make public oaths at the appropriate times. We've done it before, and would happily do it again to ensure that the Orchestra gets put down once and for all.

If you aren't 100% confident in your message security [Mor&lt;10], please don't provide too many specifics in your replies. We don't know the Orchestra's message cracking capability, nor those that might be inclined to help them (the Bone Rattlers and Eversion, mostly).

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I should be able to swing a 45 point Str-based invasion force this turn against the Orchestra, after reducing their Passive Defense by 7. I'd like to split my forces and hit both the Arena and territory 17 at once, ideally triggering 3x spillover twice and taking 6 territories (all the way down to 20 on the map). I can go it alone, but I'd prefer to have some assistance to make sure it's a rout and maximize conquest spillover on both fronts. Under the ZC rules, if we got all 6 territories the Orchestra would lose 12 stat points; a crippling blow and a prelude to an ending on Turn 5.

I'm hoping the warrant will hook St. Just into doing a big declaration and actually meet us rather than retreat. We'll see how well he resists the temptation to do a 'big splashy villain final showdown', he does love the drama. He may bank on an Active Defense instead of PD, which would actually be smart since it negates the bonus of my Str VIPs. I would, in his shoes. My hope is that he tries to withstand me alone, and is caught off guard by the three of you all helping me.

I'm obviously not planning to keep all of the territory I take from the Orchestra if you help me with the conquest by sending stats. Str would be ideal, but Esp, Spc and Wrd all work just fine as well (I actually have too much Str as a primary and not enough secondary to make up the 1/2, so more of the latter than the former). Str VIPs are especially welcome this turn, since PD reduction applies across the board to all territories, making not only initial conquest easier but also all spillover. You would need to actually loan me the VIPs to avoid an unintentional brawl.

5 stats sent to the front line gets you 1 territory. 10 stats sent gets you 2 territories. I will abandon all promised territories the turn after I take them, and provide access through my territory to allow you to take it (I'm willing to make a public announcement to that effect at the start of next turn to guarantee good faith on my end). You'll still have to send the stats to take said territory on your own (this isn't a charity). I'm prepared to give up all 6 of the territories taken this turn, though highest bidders will get the best choices of territories. This includes the Arena.

If the GM rules that I can't abandon territory and give you access for you to gain stats as per a neutral conquest (an admittedly cheesy strat, he may just ban it), I'm also happy just to give you all the 12 stat points for similar rates. 5 t. stats for 1 p. stat in return is very favorable. Either way, I will be ceding some territory to Birdwatch since it was theirs, but the stats are important too.

The VP, of course, are mine.

 You have permission to read my message to the other two factions this is addressed to - to see that I'm dealing on the level. 
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 
 A trio of messages are received by Birdwatch, the Chronal Imperative, and the Sky Cavalry. They are identical in content, but sent at separate times. 

So here's the deal. We've been talking to all of you the last few weeks about hitting the Orchestra. That time has come.

If they refuse our ultimatum - which they will, they can't afford not to - then we take the gloves off. Our First Freedom Enforcers are ready to march, as are all of our ground and air auxiliary forces. Surge has already been scouting the Arena along with a few divisions of our troops, laying groundwork for a blitz attack there. Arsenal and Dyad will be joining the ground teams as well, leading the Assembly's full roster to crush Maestro on the field.

Given psych analyses and common intelligence on Maestro, we believe she will wish to combat us head to head. It's not in her character to back down from a challenge like this one, since she knows that giving ground is just extending a losing battle. If she does retreat, we will have gained less ground but be in an even better bargaining position next week - a delay isn't ideal but we can work with it.

In the interest of honesty, we don't consider a ground campaign by Birdwatch to be a reliable avenue of attack. If the corvids wish to strike at the Orchestra's organizational integrity, we of course aren't opposed, but we have weapons and projects specialized to ensure battlefield victories. Though we thank the birds for the concrete intelligence as to the Orchestra's wider capabilities.

We aren't interested in keeping everything we take from Orchestra, either. Your help in a campaign will be rewarded - a split of territory and gains, after the campaign is won. Though the Assembly plans to be the tip of the spear and take the lion's share of the risk, we aren't so shortsighted as to deny reward to friends. The ratios of assurances for help are included, and are subject to negotiation. We also have no interest in the Orchestra's heists, and invite any of you to stake claims there with no contest from us.

To all of this, the Freedom Assembly is prepared to make public oaths at the appropriate times. We've done it before, and would happily do it again to ensure that the Orchestra gets put down once and for all.

If you aren't 100% confident in your message security [Mor&lt;10], please don't provide too many specifics in your replies. We don't know the Orchestra's message cracking capability, nor those that might be inclined to help them (the Bone Rattlers and Eversion, mostly).

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I should be able to swing a 45 point Str-based invasion force this turn against the Orchestra, after reducing their Passive Defense by 7. I'd like to split my forces and hit both the Arena and territory 17 at once, ideally triggering 3x spillover twice and taking 6 territories (all the way down to 20 on the map). I can go it alone, but I'd prefer to have some assistance to make sure it's a rout and maximize conquest spillover on both fronts. Under the ZC rules, if we got all 6 territories the Orchestra would lose 12 stat points; a crippling blow and a prelude to an ending on Turn 5.

I'm hoping the warrant will hook St. Just into doing a big declaration and actually meet us rather than retreat. We'll see how well he resists the temptation to do a 'big splashy villain final showdown', he does love the drama. He may bank on an Active Defense instead of PD, which would actually be smart since it negates the bonus of my Str VIPs. I would, in his shoes. My hope is that he tries to withstand me alone, and is caught off guard by the three of you all helping me.

I'm obviously not planning to keep all of the territory I take from the Orchestra if you help me with the conquest by sending stats. Str would be ideal, but Esp, Spc and Wrd all work just fine as well (I actually have too much Str as a primary and not enough secondary to make up the 1/2, so more of the latter than the former). Str VIPs are especially welcome this turn, since PD reduction applies across the board to all territories, making not only initial conquest easier but also all spillover. You would need to actually loan me the VIPs to avoid an unintentional brawl.

5 stats sent to the front line gets you 1 territory. 10 stats sent gets you 2 territories. I will abandon all promised territories the turn after I take them, and provide access through my territory to allow you to take it (I'm willing to make a public announcement to that effect at the start of next turn to guarantee good faith on my end). You'll still have to send the stats to take said territory on your own (this isn't a charity). I'm prepared to give up all 6 of the territories taken this turn, though highest bidders will get the best choices of territories. This includes the Arena.

If the GM rules that I can't abandon territory and give you access for you to gain stats as per a neutral conquest (an admittedly cheesy strat, he may just ban it), I'm also happy just to give you all the 12 stat points for similar rates. 5 t. stats for 1 p. stat in return is very favorable. Either way, I will be ceding some territory to Birdwatch since it was theirs, but the stats are important too.

The VP, of course, are mine.

 You have permission to read my message to the other two factions this is addressed to - to see that I'm dealing on the level. 
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 
Well, that was kind of a mess wasn't it? We're not sure whether to be horrified or impressed at the reports we're hearing about the charnel house you raised, Miasma.

To be honest though, the only reason it's going over as well as it has with our people is that your targets were outright mob bosses and the children-harming demon scientists. Please, for the sake of future diplomacy between us, stick to those kinds of targets. We don't want to be caught up in diplomatic incidents with our most powerful neighbor, not when we still have so many opportunities to cast down the powers and govern Zephyr City prosperously and with an eye for true equity.

Best of luck with your violent delights this week. Stay away from the Orchestra territories, as that's where we'll be launching our coordinated offensive, and we should continue to enjoy a nice cordial friendship.

Oh, and we'll be able to pay you back what you loaned us last week. We've already earmarked the people and given them instructions to head your way.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Only 1 Mor coming back to you this turn, but that should make us even.

Happy (Head)hunting!
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
 A trio of messages are received by Birdwatch, the Chronal Imperative, and the Sky Cavalry. They are identical in content, but sent at separate times. 

So here's the deal. We've been talking to all of you the last few weeks about hitting the Orchestra. That time has come.

If they refuse our ultimatum - which they will, they can't afford not to - then we take the gloves off. Our First Freedom Enforcers are ready to march, as are all of our ground and air auxiliary forces. Surge has already been scouting the Arena along with a few divisions of our troops, laying groundwork for a blitz attack there. Arsenal and Dyad will be joining the ground teams as well, leading the Assembly's full roster to crush Maestro on the field.

Given psych analyses and common intelligence on Maestro, we believe she will wish to combat us head to head. It's not in her character to back down from a challenge like this one, since she knows that giving ground is just extending a losing battle. If she does retreat, we will have gained less ground but be in an even better bargaining position next week - a delay isn't ideal but we can work with it.

In the interest of honesty, we don't consider a ground campaign by Birdwatch to be a reliable avenue of attack. If the corvids wish to strike at the Orchestra's organizational integrity, we of course aren't opposed, but we have weapons and projects specialized to ensure battlefield victories. Though we thank the birds for the concrete intelligence as to the Orchestra's wider capabilities.

We aren't interested in keeping everything we take from Orchestra, either. Your help in a campaign will be rewarded - a split of territory and gains, after the campaign is won. Though the Assembly plans to be the tip of the spear and take the lion's share of the risk, we aren't so shortsighted as to deny reward to friends. The ratios of assurances for help are included, and are subject to negotiation. We also have no interest in the Orchestra's heists, and invite any of you to stake claims there with no contest from us.

To all of this, the Freedom Assembly is prepared to make public oaths at the appropriate times. We've done it before, and would happily do it again to ensure that the Orchestra gets put down once and for all.

If you aren't 100% confident in your message security [Mor&lt;10], please don't provide too many specifics in your replies. We don't know the Orchestra's message cracking capability, nor those that might be inclined to help them (the Bone Rattlers and Eversion, mostly).

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I should be able to swing a 45 point Str-based invasion force this turn against the Orchestra, after reducing their Passive Defense by 7. I'd like to split my forces and hit both the Arena and territory 17 at once, ideally triggering 3x spillover twice and taking 6 territories (all the way down to 20 on the map). I can go it alone, but I'd prefer to have some assistance to make sure it's a rout and maximize conquest spillover on both fronts. Under the ZC rules, if we got all 6 territories the Orchestra would lose 12 stat points; a crippling blow and a prelude to an ending on Turn 5.

I'm hoping the warrant will hook St. Just into doing a big declaration and actually meet us rather than retreat. We'll see how well he resists the temptation to do a 'big splashy villain final showdown', he does love the drama. He may bank on an Active Defense instead of PD, which would actually be smart since it negates the bonus of my Str VIPs. I would, in his shoes. My hope is that he tries to withstand me alone, and is caught off guard by the three of you all helping me.

I'm obviously not planning to keep all of the territory I take from the Orchestra if you help me with the conquest by sending stats. Str would be ideal, but Esp, Spc and Wrd all work just fine as well (I actually have too much Str as a primary and not enough secondary to make up the 1/2, so more of the latter than the former). Str VIPs are especially welcome this turn, since PD reduction applies across the board to all territories, making not only initial conquest easier but also all spillover. You would need to actually loan me the VIPs to avoid an unintentional brawl.

5 stats sent to the front line gets you 1 territory. 10 stats sent gets you 2 territories. I will abandon all promised territories the turn after I take them, and provide access through my territory to allow you to take it (I'm willing to make a public announcement to that effect at the start of next turn to guarantee good faith on my end). You'll still have to send the stats to take said territory on your own (this isn't a charity). I'm prepared to give up all 6 of the territories taken this turn, though highest bidders will get the best choices of territories. This includes the Arena.

If the GM rules that I can't abandon territory and give you access for you to gain stats as per a neutral conquest (an admittedly cheesy strat, he may just ban it), I'm also happy just to give you all the 12 stat points for similar rates. 5 t. stats for 1 p. stat in return is very favorable. Either way, I will be ceding some territory to Birdwatch since it was theirs, but the stats are important too.

The VP, of course, are mine.

 You have permission to read my message to the other two factions this is addressed to - to see that I'm dealing on the level. 
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project (Public) 
Seriously?

We made a public broadcast last week explicitly telling everyone to just stay away from the event, after the Bloodborn did the same. Sure, the option was there to hit back at the Games Master, but we were not the only ones to expressly and repeatedly tell people to sit it out, that it wasn't worth it to engage. We then leaned on people in private to stay away, just to make sure. If that doesn't count as a 'concentrated effort', we don't know what does.

You were warned by multiple parties not to stick your nose in, but once again you invited disaster through reckless curiosity. And we're fond of inquiry as a whole - hell, we've got more science PhDs here than we know what to do with - but at least be somewhat aware of the risks you're taking!

As far as we can tell, you richly deserved whatever thrashing the Bloodborn gave you. The Assembly won't bother to end you because it seems like the Rattlers and Bloodborn can clean you up on their own. You've no shortage of people who want you dead. You even pissed off  the kindly funerary caretakers , that's how badly you've botched this. At this point your bridges aren't so much burned as gone up in smoke.

Good luck surviving the week.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra (Public) 
 The plain envelope is addressed to Maestro, Conductor of the Opalescent Orchestra. Copies are distributed throughout Zephyr City's various newspapers. The relevant passages are the opening paragraphs, though more detailed copies also include several pages of obscure legalese that cover the minutiae in excruciating detail. 

En lieu of a competent police force to authorize the legal and moral imperatives of the People, the Freedom Assembly has determined your fate. The sentence has been passed in absentia, as you are not a recognized citizen of Zephyr City and as such have no rights to representation in our courts. Your actions and character we declare Anathemic to Liberty, a Plague on all Free Peoples. The sentence amounts to forfeiture of all Orchestra territorial assets to the people of Zephyr City and a fine of $750 for Aggressive and Persistent Noise. Beneficiaries of the forfeiture are detailed further in the list below.

The above writ is legally considered a warrant for your arrest, with all attendant charges and addendums intact. If you require aid in arranging restitution, agents of the Freedom Tribunal will be provided for you at no charge.

Should you wish to refute the charges, you have 48 hours to do so. Upon refutation, the Freedom Assembly gains the right of No Quarter, and will treat the Orchestra as a Hostile Power. We will formally be at war, and all standard rules of engagement need no longer apply.

 Near the end of the document, there is a single line penned in a messier scrawl. 

Told you we'd be coming, Tyrant.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The ultimatum is simple. Give up all territory taken (other than your starting one) or the Freedom Assembly declares war. Territory taken from the Birdwatch must be returned to them, and all other territory must be abandoned, becoming neutral and available for anyone to conquer. You will also give up all stats earned by the taking of said territory, effectively becoming a Turn 1 power.
 

 
neriractor
 
 The troubles 

Sanders and Co was a tiny rundown clinic a bit south of what the city elite would really consider a part of it for anything but flaunting about its size, it provided cheap, often uniquisitive solutions for people who lacked them and for the past few days it had been closed.

The lights were on though, the fluorescent lighting that should have probably been swapped for the sake of efficiency a few decades ago grating just a bit on Khalid, nothing quite like what the contrast between a pleasant hospital tune and the constant grunts and screams for the backrooms did.

He knew the job, he'd broken knuckes and knees before they would give him a trainee's drivers license, but there was something about "information gathering" that got on his nerves, usually someone else would supervise but it was a busy time for the Gunns,   an interesting life   as you'd curse.

"Boss" Clementine called from the door, she was new, a lease from the Mc Cain, he'd heard she was a nice shot but he didn't really like how she held her gun... too eager "There is a pair here to see you... Lots of blood, should I send them away?" Khalid sighed   Too interesting   he rolled his sleeves up and stood up just in case  "Show them in" 

Khalid's mild annoyance dropped the mild as he heard a familiar  "About damn time"  and to concern as he saw a battered vagabond that could be mistaken for Jhonny on a bad day, piggybacked by a fit asian gal about the same size, who was slightly less covered in blood.

 "Jhonny What the hell happened???"  Called out Khalid before rushing to get a closer look.

Jhonny flinched at the approaching colossus [COLOR="#8B4513"]"Whoa whoa, keep the hugs for later, I can feel a rib popping and you ain't even here yet, as for your question..." took one arm off the shoulders he was holding on to and patted himself a bit  "... Pretty sure I lost my wallet"  he replied nonchalantly.

Khalid frowned  "... Right, who's your new buddy"  the mentioned smile  "Ah, good thing you are here, you know them deaf signs right?"  the girl signed (a bit uncomfortably, what with Jhonny on her back)  -Do you?-
   "A, sure, sure, so, what's your deal?" 
 -Need a job, harsh economy-   "Alright then, picking, do you know who we are, what you are getting into?"  She nodded

 "Good then, we are not taking just anyone in, anything you are good at? selling points?" 

Khalid struggled to pick up the meaning, and repeated it as she went  "Good... bad, I'm the one... with the Gu... Pfft, ha!"

"Picking up the boss is a real good presentation, I'll grant that. Though he does seem a bit  triggered "  Both snickered, adding yet another contrast to the pained screaming in the background.

 "Alright, Alright, you are all hilarious, just keep it for the big show, any of the quacks behind remember how to patch up a wound?" 
 "Everyone is certified, hippocratic oaths notwhistanding, let's get a table cleared for you" 
 "Just clear them all, I don't need the government's trash cluttering up the place, damn loud bastards are giving me a headache too" 
 "Alright then, Follow me..."  Khalid started walking but turned to hear the reply  -You can call me Jetti-   "Jetti, Jetti... Like the thief?"  Khalid asked with some surprise, And she nodded  "*whistle* economy must be in the damn gutter then. As soon as you prove is not all talk you are hired."

"By the way, is all that blood yours Jhonny?"  Khalid asked with not a hint of sarcasm, seemingly unaware that there was about three Jhonny's worth of dried blood in his clothes.

 "Nah, you should have seem the other guy... Actually, you really  should  see them" 
 "Can I borrow a phone? lost that too"  Khalid acquiesced and Jhonny typed a phone number, puzzling Khalid and Yeti about the importance of making a call for a man who was visibly struggling to breathe  "Oi, Donna, heard of the univeristy, you suck..." 
 DD 
 "...Well **** you too!"  Donna said before slamming the phone down, landlines were a dying relic but she couldn't get that kind of catharsis by tapping a red phone icon. It was nice to know Jhonny was alive too.

A surge of pain took her off the train really quick, and she looked down at bloody unwrapped bandages around her midrift and a gloved hand working on them  "Could you cut that out, Ellen?"   "Only a nurse, but you have to treat these things properly"   "It's just a flesh wound"   "Those infect too"  She sighed, not really conceding, she had agreed to get treatment beforehand after all, but she did just remember a visit to the tailor was in order.

 
 Spoiler: ooc: New hero 
Still working on levels/backstory but there goes an introduction for Yi-Hsuan Shih/Jetti
 

 morale: 4 
 
 Spoiler: The Eversion Project 
I was hoping I would never again have to walk you through anything, but here we are...

We agreed that you'll leave us some resources up top, do you know what I found? crap, nothing, you read my little missive about taking over empty land and just ran with it.

I go to the university to see if you remembered a broken deal means a broken deal and what do I find but a cleaver near my stomach? Care to explain yourself or is "nothing I say is worth ****" just your motto?

-D D

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
taking absolutely no responsability for the betrayal after actually reading my EoT (except perhapsfor the part where I attacked where I was supposed to), since leaving the northern territories so I get 0 stats is a breach too (that's 2-1 for the count).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Greetings,

Now, Jhonny would just relate that he "respects the hustle" or somesuch, but I ain't Jhonny, and I don't care for the slander, no matter what politician's point you are making.

Still, I'd stick to crossing out that favour owed and let the whole thing slide.

Back to business then. Plans for our visitors? for [31]?

I'll like to get our weekly tip too, preferably from somewhere you  haven't  exposed yet, if at all possible.

Regards,
Khalid Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 
The new message appears in several notes instead of on a single one, a bit of a flex of how predictable the path of the time traveller has gotted (or how good at predicting him his match is).

"Hello darling,

Any chance your fix it handbook mentions some good natured charity for us in the near future? and whether it does or not... care to share where you'll be at? higher chance of avoidance over challenge if we don't have to hear it somewhere else.

Yours,
-D D."
 
Eldan
 Eversion  [5]
To the Bone Rattlers
 
 Spoiler 
OOC: As far as I know, I gave orders to not defend the provines if you were to conquer them. Plus you conquered one more of my territories than we agreed, so I lost a  ton  of stats on top of what we agreed. And you still attacked me in the university. This is 100% on you.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
Miasma sighs as he cleans off his gear, he was going to need a new bat. Demon was surprisingly tough and the thing was in rough shape before Johnny tossed it halfway across the park. After a few more attempts to pop the dents out he gives up with a sigh and tosses it into the bin.

The week had been pretty successful, he had repelled the Rattlers entirely from the Game Master and mostly dealt with the demons. A few of their agents had gotten through the line though. That would need to be dealt with in time for sure, those demons were even worse than he thought.

He was in the middle of reviewing some of the territory changes and reading about the other Empowered coming to the city when he heard a commotion. Down in the sparring ring he could hear some yelling and what sounded like things breaking.   ‘What the hell is going on down there, who has the energy for sparring after a fight like that.’  

He wanders out into the catwalks above the sparring area and stops for a second as he sees something unbelievable. The entire area was warping into pitfall traps, walls, and massive spikes slowly emerging from the ground. In the center of it was Val staring wide eyed around her and heaving breaths as it all centered around her.

After a second of shock he leaps over the catwalk, plummeting into the writhing mess of structures appearing and disappearing, blood mist erupting around him. He didn’t know if she was a plant by some other group trying to sabotage them or what but it needed to stop. The rest of the Bloodborn scatter, repositioning to better assist their leader in this clash of Empowered.

He lands with a crash and walls already start forming in front of him, luckily the bloodmist was covering a few members with scrapes from the earlier fights or new ones from Val activating her power. He shoulder checks the walls as they were still thin and crashes through them, he quickly has to jump a pitfall trap and growing spike to get close to Val.

He grabs her by the shoulder and spins her around   “WHAT ARE YOU DOING! WHO DO YOU WORK FOR!”  

As he spins Val around he sees the younger women practically hyperventilating at what was happening, trying to speak but losing herself every other second.  “Boss! I don’t… how… whats happening!” 

Miasma holds off when he sees the young latin women freaking out, turning her to fully face him and grabbing her by the shoulders. This was not some enemy agent or sleeper waiting to destroy them, she was terrified by her new powers and freaking out much like he did when he started to exude blood mist from his every pore.  “Val! It's OK, just keep looking at me.” 

Her wide eyes focus on his red ones, already fading to brown as the power left him, but still unblinking and full of panic.  “Look at me, we’ve trained for this! When the mist is out what do we do?” 

She mutters under her breath  “We group up on you or Aspect. Follow you through the mist.” 

He nods as he pushes out a little more mist,  “And what do you see around you right now?” 

Her eyes flit around,  “The blood mist.” 

He smiles at her  “Exactly so breath deep and focus on me, control yourself as if you are getting ready for a fight. Don’t let it explode out of you.” 

Val nods and her breathing slows as she takes slow deep breaths instead of her rapid panicked ones, she stands more firmly and clenches then unclenches her fists. Miasma can see through the light mist and he sees the structures stop forming and unforming in a decreasing radius. After a minute the tremoring stops and the things stop forming at all, the sparring room back to its original form.

The women unclenches her fists for the last time and a small nervous smile creeps onto her face  “Thanks boss. I… don’t know what came over me.” 

Miasma looks over at her and nods  “It’s no problem Val. I think I know what came over you and when Aspect gets back… we’re going to have to workshop you a name.” 

 

 “You fought what!?!?” 

Aspect glares at Miasma as he rests in the office, the adrenaline from the fight and subsequent confrontation with Val had long faded and the bruises and sprains from fighting a demon and a mobster were making themselves known. He glares back half heartedly  “Ya it was a demon. We knew they were roaming around in the south somewhere, whats so surprising about that?” 

The other woman rolls her eyes  “I figured it was a hoax or publicity stunt, that kind of **** happens all the time! I’m a little jealous, you practically fought something out of the bible Ryan.” 

Miasma shrugs and groans as he sits more upright, adjusting the ice pack on his knee.  “Ya well you can take the next fight then.” 

Aspect grins at that and sits next to him  “Anyway what's the deal with the new blood?” 

Miasma groans at the pun  “You know Val right? Well turns out she gained some powers somehow? There’s some news going around about another pulse or something and seems like it hit her. The good news is that from what I saw her power could work real well with the mist and it could be pretty strong. The bad news is that she is totally inexperienced with the power and nearly broke the hideout down to nothing but traps and walls. She’ll need a lot of training, you will as well in order to figure out how to play around with her power.” 

Aspect shrugs  “We didn’t join this outfit as a social club. We all joined to work, sacrifice, and bleed for the change we want to see. Val and I will get it done.” 
 
 Spoiler: Daemones VIP 
   
Newest Empowered member of the Bloodborn, Daemones. Her power is dependent on her emotions and generates a different wide scale effect per emotion and can reach several blocks or a football stadium in size. The effect can be regulated where a few people can be excluded from the effects or a safe bubble around her is expanded. Anger will start to break down inorganic matter, fear will make traps and blockades to stop people from moving around, sadness slows down anything in motion to a growing degree dependent on the initial speed, happiness will do the opposite, and surprise or worry will fluctuate temperatures greatly in either direction.
 


 

 Mor 7 


tbd
Feathersnow
Chaz Raptor slicks back his hair after taking off his bike helmet.  He motored to the fallback headquarters just ahead of the cordon closing.

In the distance, Emus startle at the dying roar of Japanese steel.  He was a courier, first for the military, then for anyone who needed discretion.  He joked he was a character from a cyberpunk novel, when his brother was alive...

 He was the Deliverator, Hiro Protagonist, even down to the distinctive half-Black, half-Korean ancestry that gave them the name "Raptor" when their great grandfather gained his freedom.

 Lilly had never approved of Chaz coming out and transitioning, ending his military career.   The nerdy Ralph, though fully supportive, realized he really had nothing in common with the rest of his family. The siblings drifted apart.

Lilly hadn't spoken to either of them after Ralph sided with Chaz in a fight one Lunar New Years.  The brothers kept in touch, but were distant.  When Maria, Lilly's daughter, came to Zephyr University and joined the Ornithology Department, she didn't even know who Ralph was, much less Chaz, but she reminded the biker too much of his sister, and he drove off into the west, like he had done so many times before.  That was six years ago.  The estate lawyers brought him back, to the only family he had left.

  Then it did it again.  He had caught a pulse power, Deja Vu of a higher order, a limited precognition.

"Agent Crane, Reporting"

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 

Level 2 Mor VIP
Chaz Raptor, formerly of the United States Army
Power- lives his life twice, getting one do over.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly Mor 7 

Understood.  Will be in touch.
 
n0ble
 Morale 12  
 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry  

Sounds good to me, will confirm with Chronarch for the same. I'm going to be protecting as many of the heroes i can in the world heist this turn-were their any that caught your eye/you wanted me to stay away from in terms of commiting too? I dont want to get greedy-maybe we can do something where we (you, me and Chronarch/other maybe? let me know if theres another party) each get one of the 3 and then we split/ensure other parties are compensated for Captain Change? My idea with the stat attack is mostly to remove some bad guys as threats. I'm wholly alright with splitting up neutral territories once they're actually available for the taking, but that discussion might have to wait until other parties are also consulted (Bone Rattlers &amp; Bloodborn).

Not an immediate concern for the moment but in the future if I hit my stat cap I'd like to max some donations to your projects so that we can benefit from one another's strategic locations if you'd be comfortable with letting me in on them-you'd get the protection of the theme Park in return at least, maybe more if it comes to pass that people benefit from  other  faction's strategic locations down the line as an LTP (i.e: not just my strategic locations, all players who trigger Hypergrometrical Superpositioning share strategic locations w/ all other players who do the same). 😉
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch  

Sky Cavalry are proposing you take [8], I take [4] &amp; [7], they take [6]. I agree with this but it does mean I get 2 to your 1 if thats an issue lemme know. Also If stat caps become a concern for you in the future I have new project in mind that should help with that insofar as we can expand on Hypergeometrical Superpositioning (see public initiatives) if it comes to pass that you wouldnt benefit from the Dockyards if i maxed a donation to the Sky Cavalry (i.e: right now its just my strategic locations, w/ the improvement all players who trigger it share strategic locations w/ all other players who do the same). Even if not I'd love to make use of Ol'Gradys if you have any projects in need of safeguarding under Theme park names. 😉

I'm going to be protecting as many of the heroes i can in the world heist this turn-were their any that caught your eye/you wanted me to stay away from in terms of commiting to?  I dont want to get greedy-maybe we can do something where we (you, me and Sky Cav/other) each get one of the 3 and then we split/ensure other parties are compensated for Captain Change?
 

 
 Spoiler: Johnny &amp; the Bone Rattlers  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Hey, hoped the donations helped with triggering Spirit of Cooperation for your LTPs. Proposed LTP from last turn is up. If you want to hold off on attacking the heroes during the world heist I'd appreciate it but no worries if you gotta do your business-maybe we can discuss which ones I'll protect vs. you taking so as not to waste time with stepped on toes. Saw that your project got published publicly-lemme know what stats you need and I can do the same again as last turn.

Additionally, assuming this stat attack v. the EP actually goes off and their reasonably scrubbed out would you be alright with me taking the University as a territory? My new project lets people access the strategic locations I control via donations so it would still be accessible, just behind a higher MOR &amp; we could maybe split the stats once these territories actually open up.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Freedom Assembly 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Saw your post to the Orchestra. With Hypergeometrical Superpositioning up we benefit from each other's locations. While I wouldnt want to tell your faction how to deal with the Venture Capitalist in the Tech Park i was wondering if you'd be alright with allow me control of the Stadium once the Maestro is gone-Mourn is a mor VIP so it would help me with my projects a lot when she participate in them-and with the aformentioned project up its a way for other people to with their VIPs as well while you can ablate some attention/heat via allowing someone else to control a territory your responsible for clearing. Heck, you can take the VP and stats if you want/ we can split them if that works-I'd just like the stat cap increase and strat location access so that I can give everyone access to it.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Bloodborn 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Assembly said your going after the EP along w/ the Bone Rattlers. If its true want to donate to my LTPs and get some MOR/WRD back? Also open to some all none of the following for discussion:
- portioning out of the EP territories once their gone in a way the prevents the Orchestra from falling back into them post-stomping by the Assembly. Also would be preferrable w/ us dividing it a way that doesnt trigger the big cartoon cloud brawl but if you think its something we can bargain about it I'll offer Mourn (Lvl. 4 MOR VIP)'s protection for your people should it trigger.
- Floated it with the BR in my msg above, but I would like control of the UNI strat location once the EP is gone. W/ my new faction ability (See public initiatives) up it mayaswell be everyones just behind a higher than normal morale. Offered to split the stats with the BR but if you want you can have the other one and I'll just take the stat cap raise and &amp; VP if that works.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guard  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Any concerns/things I can help with? Let me know.
 

 

 Public for everyone/Mor. 12 for Eversion Project 
 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  

 1) The End of Death:  Happy Cairns will be staging a stat attack vs. the Eversion Project. Will be splitting the VP w/ people who donate-would prefer to claim the majority if the split is uneven where I'm hosting the attack/fielding the risk. My contribution for this will be up once I'm more aware of who is/isnt donating. I'm taking note.   Currently at: 0/0 
 2) Right Where You Belong:  When a faction triggers the Spirit of Cooperation via a blind donation (IE no existing levels of investigation on the project, it hasnt been made public, the donating player is unaware of what it does etc.) the increase in their morale gained from the Spirit of Cooperation is doubled.  Currently at: 0/????? 
 
 Spoiler: Completed Initiatives  

  1) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (currently 4 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed.
 2) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 3) Hypergeometrical Superpositioning:  Whenever a faction maxes their donations to happy Cairns (currently 4 of any stat) both the donating player &amp; Happy Cairns may benefit from one anothers strategic territories in the following turn as though they both controlled one anothers. Happy Cairns Currently controls the following strategic locations:
- Monsoon Action Park-  - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - UNSTABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.
 
 Spoiler: Faction Ability: The Spirit of Cooperation 

When Happy Cairns contributes relevant stats to an LTP, one they control or not, other factions may contribute a maximum of their own relevant stats to the same LTP equal to Happy Cairn's highest Level VIP (4, currently). Those factions that do gain a bonus to their Morale equal to the amount of stats they contributed.
 

 

 

 Public 
 
 Spoiler: All 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

MOR is the best stat for defending people in the world heist if your a hero. I had my eye on a few of the people listed-and Mourn is almost certainly protecting one of them-but I'm amenable to working something out if people want to use my MOR for protecting someone their interested in &amp; get the resulting bonus.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Eversion Project  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

So uh. Yeah. Heres what I'm proposing. No herohunting this turn, dontate to the LTP I've posted below, I will continue to accept donations from the EP on confirmation that said LTP below has received your ESP to it. You have my full permission to convert your contributions into actionable WIERD as dictated by "The Right Stuff" LTP (Posted below as well) or MOR as you see fit. Additionally, with my new LTP online if you max donations to me or I to you we benefit from one another's strat locations as per the project I've posted last turn.
 
 Spoiler: Right Where You Belong LTP 

When a faction triggers the Spirit of Cooperation via a blind donation (IE no existing levels of investigation on the project, it hasnt been made public, the donating player is unaware of what it does etc.) the increase in their morale gained from the Spirit of Cooperation is doubled.  Currently at: 0/????? 
 

 
 Spoiler: The Right Stuff  

Your familiar with this where it was previously posted&amp; completed: Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 

 

 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Birdwatch: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
 A robot drone strangely reminiscent of the Sky Cavalry's drones but also different comes floating past, until eventually it's intercepted by the birds where it plays an audio playback file asking to talk to "Ms Raptor", once the sound of the person who had spoken via the Mockingjay speaks near it, it instead issues Aleksi's voice with surprising clarity: 

Hey,

All the conflict needs to be transparent in the eyes of the people. I know secrecy is your shtick, but I didn't want to show favourites down there.

Also seems like I didn't expose anything you didn't already have sorted or not need.

As for guns, we can talk about something for that. Just be aware, I don't have a lot of guns in a general sense.
(OOC: I have only 3 STR)

But feel free to chat to me about em, I'm happy to arrange something."
 

 Public Response to the Eversion Project by Aleksi Garde: 
The information about the boycott, if not the agreement of several people who were joining in, was in two places you could access:
1. The free and public dissentions by the Freedom Assembly amongst others
2. In my messages last week, which you proved to me you could read.

I buy zero of your false claims of innocence.

 Response to the Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
What comes back to the Sky Cavalry is something that almost looks like the communication drones they use. Almost. It was nearly as good as well.

It spat open to reveal the image of a sheepish Aleksi.

 Aleksi Garde:  "Hey, uh, sorry about this. Tachi got her hands and mouth on one of your drones. We've made a few of our own to try and keep things a little encrypted, sorry about it though. We also had our eyes on one of the VIPs and would prefer not to step on toes. Ideally I can organise four proper sets of protections and we don't have to deal with vigilantes.

Talking of which I'll be chatting with Chronarch and hoping his time intervention stuff doesn't cross over with us on this. But yeah, feel free to chat plans or whatever, I've got an open slate outside defending one of them VIPs. And if you have a specific one I would prefer you tell me so I can see if that crosses with my plans."
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Hey Khalid,

Jhonny should've stuck out of the Game Master's ring then. I said it to a lotta people and it was publicly stated that there was a bunch of us making sure that the ring stayed clean.

Also you didn't owe us a favour, that was the option for if you wanted more than the couple of squads.

Southward (31) is mine. That's all.

Police are being slow but we can discuss this when they get out of the donut shop. (I actually didn't get police at SOT, I was told I'd get it tomorrow probably.)

Now I'll say it clearly for this one. Stick away from the VIPs.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder,
Avante Guarde
 

 Response to the Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
(OOC:
Well, mostly it would be about helping protect VIPs. Can I ask which you're interested in defending and what you're willing to spare for other VIPs?
 

 Message to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Alrighty Chronarch,

We've proven we can work with you, and would be happy to do so going forward, but I need to know what you're doing with the VIPs this week.

A couple of people interested but you and I know we are probably two of the best equipped for the job.

Regards,

Aleksi
 

 Message to the Bloodborn 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
 A drone strangely reminiscent of the Sky Cavalry floats past into the Bloodborn's territory, eventually waiting until Miasma spoke near it before activating and showing an image of Aleksi 

Boy, am I damn glad I decided not to go through with my defender idea.

You did exactly that and splendidly.

Honestly, I feel kinda bad with how I approached you at first. You're rough but you've proven to have a good bone for the city in you.

So two things:
1. I know you don't care for the gov, but do you have any interest in the VIPs that'll be floating around this week? I'd prefer not to mess with you on this.

2. I'd like to talk about possibly getting a stronger channel and plan for the future. You have put your foot where your mouth was and pushed down on people trying to exploit the city. You were also the one to really agree with me on the Game Master.

I'm hoping you've appreciated my moves so far too, and I'd like to explicitly get some of my people talking with yours about how not to get messed up if we end up walking into that bloodmist of yours.
(OOC: I'd like to talk about an alliance, and I'm happy to put forces in your hands to seal the deal. Alliance means I don't get ****ed if brought into your bloodmist so hence the flavour =P)

North is yours (35), I'm taking south (31), whats your take on the Rattlers and the Eversion? I know both of them broke the 'quarantine' so to speak, so I'm of a mind to remind them why that's a bad idea.

Either way, good work.

You do have some good chutzpah.

See ya round.
 
Eldan
 

Morale: 5

Agent Hartley has bags under his eyes a mile deep and midnight black. Next to him stands Dr. Levy, his hands shaking, nervous, fidgeting with notes. Hartley looks into the camera.
"Hello Zephyr City. It seems it is about time we made a public statement. Secrecy has not... served us well, it seems. So we thought we'd have to actually introduce ourselves to the city, who we are, exactly, what we're doing, why it's important, and why we'd just wish people would stop attacking us. Dr. Levy?"

Levy steps forward, and swallows awkwardly, then begins to talk. His voice, at least, is practised, the man has given hundreds of talks before in his life.

"Thank you. Project Eversion was spun off from several other government research projects about five years ago. We were founded mainly as a response to the failure of SETI and similar projects to find reliable information on extraterrestrial life. The goal of Eversion was to use certain effects of quantum gravity which I will not go into here, to find a new direction for the search for nonhuman intelligence."

He pauses, then nods to himself.

"We succeeded. We have the first definite proof of a nonhuman intelligence at least equivalent to ours. Minds that reason, use language and technology, that form a civilization superficially very unlike our own, but conceptually very similar. To sum it up: we are no longer alone in the universe."

Another thirty second pause, to let it sink in.

"Now, before we get our hopes up too much, I must admit that so far, our bandwidth is very limited. We have exchanged certain cultural information, and we have began a limited technology exchange. Nothing world-shaking yet, but, well... this is still one of the greatest scientific discoveries ever made. It upends everything we know about physics, philosophy, theory of mind. And it is worth everything."

Hartley steps forward again.

"Now. Eversion is currently trying to very carefully monitor what kind of information is shared with the other side. The situation is of course incredibly complex, and even at the current rate of information exchange, the amount of data generated is enough to need an entire supercomputer cluster to even process. We are lucky that Dr. Levy here has recently become invested by the pulse, enhancing his mental faculties to what we estimate to be a 4.2 on the Demir-Spada Altered Mind Index, which has allowed us to use the data generated by Eversion to start to carefully implement some technological advances.

Now. What is Eversion planning? Frankly, the only thing we wanted from this city, and the only plan we ever had here was to link up with the university and the temporal research department there. They would be invaluable for our projects. Of course, as we're sure many of you know, we were immediately threatened over that plan by the Gunn Family mob. We got lucky in our first engagement with them, but they are slowly wiping us out. Killing us. And none of the so-called protectors of the city have offered any help. Apparently, a research organisation fighting for the lives of scientists and, frankly, the greatest scientific discovery of the last few decades, is no better than a mob of violent thugs. If we did anything questionable in the last two weeks, well, what the **** where you expeting? We're a research institute, not an army, we have to do what we can to survive."

Levy interjects, at this point.

"Everything we've done since then has been in self defence. If no one will help us, well, we were forced to do what we could to protect the project. I've come to the conclusion that finally communicating with alien intelligences, something mankind has dreamed off for thousands of years, is worth the sacrifices of our lives. We were just hoping it wouldn't be so literal. But the Bone Rattlers have us on the ropes and are about to wipe us from the planet and now the rest of the City has decided that they can't even just stand by and watch it happen, they have to make sure we're dead. But, well. We're going to go down fighting. In a week, in all likelihood, we're all going to be dead, but if it buys us another minute of data uplink before we're wiped out, I'm going to place myself and every single lab tech and security guard in Eversion between the Blood Mist or Jhonny Gun and our servers. Eversion is too valuable and humanity needs every bit we can extract before all of you end us."

Hartley takes the podium again, for one final comment:

"Oh, and we can read messages written by the Freedom Assembly and the Avantage Guarde. If you want, we can share some details here to prove that. We know exactly what kind of **** you're planning.  We know which of you are debating to hit us, and who else you're going to hit, what exact plans you're debating and how you're talking about dividing the territory. As things currently stand, well, we're fightig for our lives. Against the organized crime of the Bone Rattlers and against all of you. And it seems Maestro is the only one even offering to trade with us, so I guess what must happen must happen."

To Happy Cairns [5]:
 
 Spoiler 
Are you kidding? I honestly can't tell, this is the first time we've ever talked, you didn't even explain to us why we were banned from donating to your project.

We can't donate to your projects, as much as we'd love to. Look at a map. The Bone Rattlers are about to wipe us out, they're already two thirds of the way there and now three more factions have come out and said in their internal communications they are coming after us too. If any of us are left alive in a week, we probably can't talk about donating, either, because they can just keep hitting us.

OOC: I don't have a single stat point left. I have to pretty much spend every single point I have on defence, and even then, I'm dead more likely than not.
 


To Maestro: [5]
 
 Spoiler 
Well, without saying too much, we have a list of factions that are going to hit you this week, and exactly how big some of their forces are as well as their current attack plans. If you can spend  anything at all  to help us stay alive, we'll gladly take it.
 
Eldan
 
 The day before... 
Levy stumbled into the common room, blinking and swallowing an aspirin. Hartley was already there, a laptop on the coffee table before him. He didn't look happy.
"How long this time?", Levy croaked.
"Three weeks"
"Three... my god. How many?"
"Can't really say. A lot, probably. You, uhm, went to war with the Gunn family. Apparently put their leader in the hospital. Then some new cape called "Miasma" put  you  in the hospital."
"I... what?"
Levy's eyes were bugging out of their sockets, as he dropped into a chair. An older woman entered, handing him a cup of coffee.
"War? WHY? I told you, we were just going to expand the agent network a bit further south, send some of our data to Long and Jeffreys at the university, see how it works with their timeline splitting experiment... for God's sake Hartley, we're a research institute, not an army!"
"Well, I wasn't here to stop you, was I?" Hartley grunted angrily, rapidly clicked through some slides. An older woman entered and handed him a cup of coffee.
"Also, you haven't heard half of it. I'm goign through intercepted coms from the last three weeks and, well, we seem to have pissed off the Avante Guarde."
"Oh ****!", Levy heavily dropped back. An older womna entered and handed him some print out of files.
"Let me finish. Avante Guarde. And Bloodborn. And the Freedom assembly. They have supers now. And bird watch. And Mourn."
"...We pissed off everyone. How the  hell  do you even piss off Mourn."
Hartley shrugged. "Beats me."
"Can we... explain things?"
"Do you really think the mob will believe that "Sorry, our entire project leadership doesn't remember the last three weeks, we didn't mean to offend you?"
"Also..."
Levy was visibly confused, looking around the room.
"Why are there three Sandras now?"

 
 Spoiler 

 
 
 Portrait:  Alessandra Valdez
 Nom de Guerre:  Legion
 Classification:  Strength 2
 Powers:  Eversion-type mind amplification, duplication (temporary), enhanced coordination, enhanced mental speed, information retention

Alessandra Valdez, chief engineer Eversion Project, six years US Navy flight mechanic, two tours of duty, MSc mechanical engineering Zephyr City University, three years project leader Lockheed-Martin "Thunderbolt" engine, two years project leader "Nadir" [classified] United States Pulse Countermeasures, honourary doctorate TMU Munich.

Valdez has developed powers rather suddenly in the wage of the last pulse. In addition to the altered states of consciousness common to Eversion leadership, she has the unique ability to create copies of herself by lateral fission. Exact numbers are unknown, but she seems able to control and coordiante at least thirty bodies. Not only that, by splitting her consciousness into several bodies with several brains, which still seem connected by unknown means, she's able to make complex calculations extremely rapidly, retain incredibly large amounts of information in seconds and perform other such feats of mental prowess.
 
neriractor
 
 
 Spoiler: Actual info on the new VIP 

Name: Yi-Hsuan Shih/Jetti

A self proclaimed master of the three finger style, a graphic designer with a reliance on commision work for cartoon fandoms and a modest social network presence, Yi-Hsuan Shih lost her ability to speak due to an injury sustained in her early life but is generally chipper and jokes that she would have spent more time writing online than making speeches either way.

Jetti has minor piromantic abilities and has made a name for herself in Ascension city as a Cat burglar extraordinnaire, stealing the crown of Tumultous Tom from Ascension city museum and then dropping one of the gemstones through an unfortunate hole in her bag, seeing the response from theorists she decided to adopt the trademark, and Jetti short for  Jettison  made the rich  very  insecure about their security.

It was then that a new  hero, villain,  thing made it its mission to hunt the infamous Jettison, it was not the first time it had happened, blogs abounded of wanna be batmans on the trail, but there were several near misses on minor robberies no one should have seen coming, and after Yi-Hsuan Shih's apartment broken into with nothing taken from it she knew that was it, cut your losses, there is more people with money elsewhere.

Thus, thinking herself down on her luck she skipped town to the last place anyone would expect someone with a decent name behind to go to: Zephyr city, and the place did not disappoint, what with finding a half dead mobster boss in the gutter... The new power was nice too.

Jetti's pyromancy saw a major improvement in the last pulse, as she can now create a 16 ft tall armour of flames with her body at the core, the flames seem to have some solidity to them, and she can fashion them into weapons befitting the body, the catch is she can't exactly get rid of it whenever she wants and in her limited test any variation in size has just made it bigger, making it about the 5th least subtle thing in a city with  Maestro  and  Miasma , the normally stealthy thief is sceptic about its actual utility (not to mention when unable to rampage the thing is claustrophobia inducing) but isn't keen to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Powers: minor pyromancy, annoyingly granting only token heat resistance. Long lasting avatar form which thankfully does grant immunity to the flames she is surrounded by, basically untested.
Crunch: Esp 2/Str 2
 

 Mor: 4 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Aleksi,

I had to check this twice, Jhonny is on enough about you being decent folk and... ugh.

All heard on the south (31), is basically your neighbourhood anyway.

For the rest, that's a crummy excuse and you know it, consensus was a self-defense team, which is what we sent, word on the street is you had it all set up before chickening out. The bloodborn, and only the bloodborn stated those people participating would pay, fine by me, we did.

Now, I know your brain is still all conditioned by bolting to think resistance is futile but  we are at war , I don't have the luxury of civilians under you where I just raise my arms and hope I'm not threatening enough for the other guy to shoot. Far as I'm concerned the only mistake Jhonny made was assuming that psycho's threat was an after the fact thing he could claim defense on.

And now you triple down? who made you king, that you deny us the right to escort those who came to help  our  city? I'm asking you to help me spread us out efficiently and you are  demanding  that I let you cause another parade incident just because you want a spotlight... despicable.

Last and worst, If you are "of a mind to remind them why that's a bad idea", let me be a pal and give you a little reminder to not let your mouth write cheques your behind ain't cashing, red daddy or no red daddy to foot the repairs.

-Khalid Gunn.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Didn't actually re-read the message that mentioned the favor before posting, OOC mistake on my part, making this more hostile to compensate (since I don't have the convenient "repaying a favor" excuse to ignore you information-warfaring me)

Alright on the heists, let me know when you know.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Hey Pal,

So, everyone in the known knows you have been looking for an ally of convenience but as far as I have seen you haven't got it. Now I'm as useful as may be, have the feds on the south and the citizen police getting a little more hostile on the other and I think they are both your type (though I admit the second group does have the nicer PR campaign), correct me if I'm wrong.

we are thinking of doing our civil duty and show one of the visits around town too, so if you happen to be in the market to do the same give us the where and we'll go elsewhere (specially advised if you intend to lie about it to someone else).

Ever yours darling,
-Dashing Dynamo.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion project 
Hey,

Love the speech, make yourself look the working man, important to everyone else  unlike your enemies , comitted to  the cause  (hardly ever matters what the cause really is), throw one last defiant tantrum (everyone knows those making defiant speeches are the good guys), 10/10 really, Maestro should watch out for competition.

Now, we have gotten just about enough backs stabbed for the both of us and if you ain't bluffing on what you can read then you know we are  both  on the chopping block and I'll rather not make it easier for them, so, can we go back to offering a few territories and a pinky promise to not oppose whatever you do from here for the University and just let the both of us focus on living long enough to not die on a hill that has a chipmunk as their team mascot?

May bolting make a comeback if this isn't an honest offer,
-Dashing Dynamo.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

A little reset because of all the muddled EoT stuff.
Play Jamiroquai-don't give hate a chance and tell me some offers.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
They did, just have the one going though, lots of shut down ideas. That one uses Spc and mor mostly, though I haven't gotten the exact numbers from Insanity. Thinking I may play defender's side for this one, need the PR, of course I'd still appreciate knowing where you are going, for the same reason.

This entire war has been about the university so I'm kind of reluctant to give it up, may be easier if there was an off button built into it so is only the two of us getting that one's bonus? (because let's be honest, donating to you is not exactly a high hurdle) I'll consider it either way, just something I thought to ask.
 

 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 7 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Hello up there,

Kinda hard to talk to you on that high horse you so love talking down from.

Thanks but no thanks. We don't need you hypocrite rich kids lecturing us about how to go about our business. We took our stand that apparently you were happy to talk about but were too busy consolidating your own personal power to actually contribute to. Every single Empowered in the city from the Time Tyrant to you lot could have showed up and we would have counted it the right move.

We fought against Empowered tyranny while you seem to have embraced it going to the Nexus and sucking in its power even more. You talk to us of violent delights as you bring your democracy to the city at the point of a sword and declare a war to spread it further.

If you'd like to talk to us like equals and not treat us as violent children who found a gun we'd be happy too. We thought you understood that change sometimes has to come through mud, blood, and sweat but if all you can see about a person is the power they were forced to have then maybe you aren't the people we thought you were.

We'll stay away from the Orchestra and not draw in your forces, as we always have since we are capable of forethought and planning without advanced degrees. We'll expect the return as promised and let us know when you want to talk and coordinate as equals.

Maybe you'll have a different view on us once your down in the mud and blood dealing with Orchestra. They are plague on the city so good luck.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Dont appreciate the fluff/tone but good luck on yours and we await the Mor.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Hey there,

Look. We were very open about our stance on the GM and while we didn't lay out our plans exactly we tried to be pretty clear about possible consequences. So.... sorry not sorry.

We didn't plan on targeting you in particular and we're looking to let by gones be bygones, can you? In fact the whole encounter drove home how dangerous the demons are more then anything and their messages lately just reinforced that.

We're going to their southern territories. We would like to pass through your neighborhoods peacefully to do it but we'll be going no matter what your answer is.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
Hello,

We were a little worried some other groups on our side would try something similar but we couldn't voice it out loud do to our poor message security last week. The possibility someone would fake the opportunity to try and put me out of commission was too great.

Thanks, we try but the right choice is not always clear or easy. Right now thankfully it seems to at least be clear but we'll get to that later.

To address your points;

1: Frankly some of the Empowered that the goverment are bringing in horrifying us. They have a serial killer on a leash because he was willing to play ball and his victims families are forced to live without justice and watch as their goverment lauds him over regular people. Not to mention that their only concern is to secure more Empowered for themselves and not you know... fix anything.

However as much as we would like to show the goverment what we think of their tame pets we have bigger problems and so we won't be dealing with them this week.

2: We would be open to that. You've shown your willing to take the hard stances when it doesn't benefit you and fight against the tyranny of Empowered. We had high hopes for the Assembly but their taking of the Nexus makes us worry.

We would be willing to get our people working on making this a more organized formal affair. The city has problems we need to address for sure and we're stronger together. Also yes as a bonus I wouldn't need to worry about collateral damage while working.

We're going to deal with the demons this week. We know they can intercept our messages but it was moat likely obvious to them as well so eh. The fact they let someone run around who can at any time be taken over by a horrifying Otherworldly entity is bad. The fact they let it run their organization even worse. Then to put the cherry on top they actively put their research above the lives of citizens as justification for that.

Would you consider sending one pf your leadership or some agents with us, even just as a show of solidarity, as we go to stop this madness?

Also we appreciate the neighborhood distribution, sounds good to us and we'll get taht sorted this week.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ya Im down for sorting out a possible alliance. We're demon focused this week. If you want to be involved without worry of Blitz sucking in then you can join us.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
That's all true enough. Our message security isn't as strong but I'll try to address both points.

As much as we would like to contribute we don't have the free resources at this time. However we CAN coordinate hopefully. Given your own defensive tendencies Mourn there hopefully won't be any Empowered showing up in the area at the same time.

Don't worry about the territories. We'll hold them to make sure no one falls back into them.

We're not opposed to the idea, we'd have liked to get use out of it we can see you'd make better use out of it. Seems like no one owns it now so we would just endorse your taking of it and wouldn't need anything in return. As long as you sort it out with the other competitor.
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
Hello,

While you do mention a worthy cause it seems like you have enough help from other sectors, namely the Freedom Assembly. We have different problems to sort out this week though come to us again next week when things might be different.
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project to Mourn, Bloodborne, Freedom Assembly, Avante Guarde (5)


 
 Spoiler 
We have a plan that can potentially benefit the city and convince you of our good intentions. However, it needs absolute secrecy. We hope at leadt some of you would be willing to meet in person.

OOC: requesting PMs.
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Happy Cairns, Mor 7 


A brightly colored MockingJay finds Mourn, a woman's voice comes from its beak:

Now I am through the hell of estate law, I am in a position to donate to your causes.  Thank you this insurance in trying times.

This line is compromised.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
  I can contribute 4 miscellaneous stats to you this turn, but my ability to communicate is limited because another player confirmed IC they can beat my morale
 

 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 
 FRAGMENTS RECOVERED XX-XX-2023
AUDIO LOG 23:12

  
 
  “ – wave function stuff is going over my head. Can you please elaborate? I have a 28 th -century education, but this stuff isn’t exactly taught routinely – “
  
 
  “You see, if we reverse the density matrix and apply the Sturm-Liouville equation, I believe we can harness the latent Pulse energy and redirect it into breaking –”
  
 
  "-WOULD BE A TENSOR PRODUCE OF HILBERT SPACE, WOULD IT-"
  
 
  "You, with the turtleneck – please be careful. Just follow the drones and deposit the machine where –“
  
 
  "Let’s hope this works."

AUDIO LOG ENDS. 
 
   
   
 
   

All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 9   ]      .
     
 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 


Apologies for playing the cards close to the chest, but I couldn’t risk someone reading that we weren’t going ahead with the Carnival and scoring on you instead. Looks like it paid off anyhow.

Appreciate the folks that I was able to recruit from your territories. They’ve been put to good use and while they’re a little disappointed they’re not working with you directly, I’ll make sure they get some involvement this week.

Speaking of which, that’s certainly interesting, isn’t it. I’ll take two of what you’re offering - though I’m fine with the contingency there as well. 5 Strength, 4 Esp and 1 Weird sound like a deal to you?

Oh, and we'd appreciate it if you stayed away from the good Doctor.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


I’m glad. Couldn’t risk someone reading that we weren’t going ahead with the Carnival and scoring on you instead, but it looks like it paid off.

I’ve got something in the works with Dr. Maverick, high priority - to the point that I'm going to war with anyone that interferes. Don’t worry, nothing disruptive – I’m well aware I can’t afford another parade. Wouldn’t mind getting Young Griffin to help out with my Plasma Claws, but that’s less of a priority. If you want to protect the other two, be my guests - though I'd talk to Mourn's Crew if I were you. We might have this thing locked down as-is.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 


Wondering if you have any intentions towards the celebrity Empowered. I’m on the side of the angels here, but given what else we’re both involved in, I don’t want either of us to waste any resources. I’m shopping to protect both Dr. Maverick and Young Griffin, especially the former, so I would take it as a token of appreciation if you directed your resources elsewhere.

Incidentally, if you need defenses this turn, I can potentially help out. Let me know what you need.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 


Well, we listened to you and we stayed away from the Carnival. You and Avante Guarde seem to have steered enough folks away that my own lack of involvement didn’t disrupt the correction of the future, so thanks for that.

Wondering if you have any plans for the Empowered the government is breaking out this week? I have a personal interest, but don’t want to step on any toes on your end. I don’t love your methods, but you seem to be putting them to good use so I sincerely hope we can avoid any conflict.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project 


There have been a lot of very public scandals you’ve found yourself in. I’m willing to give you the chance to prove that your good intentions won’t lead to disaster, but I’m asking that you please stay away from the Government Empowered this week in return. No doubt you have enough fires already, but I don’t think you want another enemy right about now
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 

I’m out to protect both Dr. Maverick and Young Griffin, the former is non-negotiable. We’ll see what others are willing to do, but I have no claim or interest in the other two.

I’m willing to provide you with access to ARTEMIS (mechanically – giving you 4 t. Weird) for you to stay away from those two, as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation. Is this reasonable for you?
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 


You’ve given me no reason to distrust you so far, so I’m happy to share. I’m protecting Dr. Maverick for sure, and hopefully Young Griffin as well. Other two, well, no concern of mine. Though I think Mourn might be interested in one of them.

In terms of charity? I can maybe toss a bit of cash your way [2 t. Eco], with other potentially more useful resources next week if you prove you can be collaborated with. It’s not much, but it’s all I can spare right now. Given your recent conflict, I think we'd both prefer we avoid making any unnecessary enemies.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


I’m willing to go with that arrangement as a gesture of goodwill, even if it is a bit lopsided in nature.

I would prefer you steer clear of Dr Maverick, for sure, and then if possible Young Griffin – but that last one is more negotiable if you have a strong interest. I am willing to fight over access to Dr. Maverick, though obviously I don’t expect to have that issue with you. Anyone else, though, and I’m coming directly for them, prior relationship or not.

As always, expect full contributions from me. You’re doing good work.
 
  
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Chronal Imperative Mor 7 


A young MockingJay comes up to The Chronarch...

A harsh, androgynous voice comes forth...

"Hello, bird!  How do I get you to...

"Hello, Chronarch!  This is Agent Crane.  In answer to your query, we have no intention on moving on the target's in question.   We expect attack by the Orchestra to be imminent and would appreciate any assistance.

Transmission end.

Bird, stop.

Uh...
 
kaio999
  
   Imperatrix Sighting 3   
 
 Spoiler: District Defender Model 3 
 
 

   Imperatrix Report:   
 - Districts protected, defenders model 3 deployed - arrests down 32.34% - district wealth up due to Galatea Project 77.19% - Sky cavalry squad health 97.01%
Intervallum Projects
 - Redacted -
- Redacted -
- Redacted -
Colonel Anarak has placed all factions on a D&amp;D alignment chart Considered low value despite Anoraks claims - Faction Threat Levels introduced by the Major has been removed and has been placed back in human hands fearing it could start regional conflict with factions labeled criminal elements
Faction Agreements
- Redacted -
- Redacted -
- Redacted -
- Redacted -
     
  Official Missives Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
  Colonel Anorak   Responds, "we understand you're busy but next time read our messages! We are willing to send (8 stats) worth of combat ready resources to attack to you and we will be sending (5 stats) to the birdwatch. We don't care about any of the territory held by the Opera and instead we want to just use it as a means to buy/trade district 45. Intervallum is working on a massive project that requires everything around our home territory, to be under our control and for there to be isolated territories we cannot properly defend.

On a second note we take it with such a massive resource sum for combatting the OO you will not be placing protection on the new VIPs?"
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Chronarch informed me he wanted Dr. Maverick and Young Griffin I am going to make him choose 1 or the other and ill be spending the majority of my resources to protect the one he doesn't choose. Ideally I want Maverick but I imagine thats his target as well. As for neutral territories Sky Cavalry have very little interest in territories we cannot directly protect due to them being isolated. We would rather consolidate here in the south but we will help you fight.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
The response from the Major is sharp to the point, "its alright our technology is designed to be proliferated to help the people we did send these messenger drones with the presumption they would fall into the hands of the other factions. I am glad we can now see one another more completely." She confirms. "I hope the Galatea Station is to your liking as well."

"We know Chronarch has eyes on the doctor and the flying hero we will not let him have both. We will be spending considerable resources to protect one of them he can have the other. If you have no specific targets the other two are up to grabs with no need for conflict we have no desire to expand our economic standing at the moment and we are not in the business of protecting criminals reformed or not."
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
Intervallum is hard to read behind the helmet but his posture finally shifts. "My gaze is on Dr. Maverick he aligns with the ideology I am hoping to build and has the tools tied to the void and the AI I have with Imperatrix... I am willing to let HIM go for access to Artemis (4. temp weird) and you let us take point with the flyer. While he doesn't interest me. He will be useful to the Sky Cavalry and ARTEMIS is a consolation prize I am willing to use to avoid us butting heads. I honestly want you to surrender Dr. Maverick if you're willing. I believe I can save your future... Still I don't yet quite know your mission and I am willing to let this go because I do enjoy these conversations."
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Hey Khalid,

The consensus was a boycott. If you didn't get that, not my fault.

I stated publicly that we  agreed  with the Bloodborn. That suggests we're on board with their suggestion.

We then offered an alternative of attacking the big honcho himself, but missing that working with the Bloodborn's boycott plan was always our stated intention.

Also. Calm down. If you're going to assist in defending the VIPs, come on board.

That was probably a gaffe. I meant like, you don't attack em. We aren't dealing with that **** right now.

But as for other sparky talk?

I'm cashing every cheque I make mate.

Enclosed is the tip we promised because we don't back out on our words.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

 
 Spoiler: Heist details 
Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets - From Freedom Assembly
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

Stage One - Coerce some confessions
Cost- 5 ESP or 4 STR
Reward- 4 tECO from the first blackmail

Stage Two- Mayoral Information:
Cost- 5??? or 6???
Reward- 4 tSTR

Stage Three- ???
Cost- 14 ???
Reward- ??? (ITEM)
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Aleksi is bad at backing down from aggression heh. Aggro is matched.
 

 

 Response to the BloodBorn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Hey,

All good on my end. The most convenient of my people to send right now is Tachi (WRD 1).

I can spare some soldiers this week (2 tSTR) And maybe a few Scientists (3 tWRD). Outside that it'd require me shaking up what I'd prefer to do.

Also thoughts on the Eversion's request? I'm not of a mind to listen.
 

 Response to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Ah,

Well that's a little frustrating as we were hoping to do that. But I made an agreement to work with you if you weren't messing with the city so have at it. I have other things to deal with anyway.

Seems like not many people are after the gov supers, which is a little surprising to me. But hey, I'm not complaining.

See ya round.
 

 Response to the Sky Cavalry: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Not gonna lie, I kinda don't feel too inspired to go get some help on the criminal either. And Mourn probably needs the coin more than me.

May have other duties to the city I can attend to, as it seems like not many people have a particular gun for the gov supers. Outside jockeying over who to protect.
 

 Message to the Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Hey Mourn, I think it seems like you'd be best suited protecting the coin-man. I hope that fits with your intent.
 
neriractor
 
 Mor: 4 
 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 
Water under the bridge, it seems everyone else got the memo on defense being out so we can't really fault you if we didn't catch on.

As for heading south? Yeah, no. I'm not having you and your little panic button in the middle of our turf without some serious guarantees. If you really want to help then lend us some fighters for our own operations, back the you know what or go do something about the old birdwatch turf.

Regards,
Khalid Gunn.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Heard back from Insanity and I  could   just let you through, but I kinda do all my things within 2 squares of that and you already told Avante Guarde you are popping ballroom blitz... 🤨
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 
No worries, I'm on talks with Mourn about their taste for the coming visits. Keep those two as far as we are concerned, if anyone else differs and we hear of it you'll get a tip.

And hey! that's quite the improvement from before! we'll take it.

Always a pleasure,
-Dashing Dynamo.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Aleksi,

Well, dodging accoutability is about what I expected of your type.

At least you are owning up to your chit chat with the bloodborn, thought you had just forgotten no one can fart in this town without Jhonny knowing what they had for breakfast. Just  keep it to talk  and we can keep to business.

That said, we could take some soldiers if you care for cash.

Regards,
Khalid Gunn.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Heh, nice.

Heard you have 3 Str, you comitting those anywhere or will you take some Eco?
 

 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Fascinating. We apologize for not getting back to you right away about your message, there’s a bit of strife on the streets these days and we need to make sure that Consensus is honoured among the People.

To your offer: we cannot sell that territory to you in good conscience, at least not under current conditions. People have already moved into those blocks, partisans to our movement that we would be signing off to a paramilitary power for an undisclosed experiment. Surely you can understand that it would be a  deeply  unpopular move.

Now, a compromise after we crush Maestro and her musical entourage would play much better to our constituents, wouldn’t you agree? You have our thanks for pitching in on the assault, regardless. It should be possible for us to deal with a much better position, and we will remember all of those who helped us into the bright future.

As for the new arrivals, we leave them to you. Please protect them as best you can.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I’m happy to talk price for southern 45 after we land some decisive blows on the Orchestra and we take territory to the south. That should hopefully happen this turn.

Also, you said you’re sending 8 stat points. Just confirming that it’s 8 Str?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 
We’re happy you are on board with this strike. We are happy to promise you a preferential share of the territory after the deed is done and we drive out the Orchestra together. They did, after all, take  your  territory from you.

Would you be willing to send some of your forces to match the donations of our friends? Our tacticians estimate that we are close to a threshold for overwhelming force on all fronts.

I assume you’re preparing a tactical bird strike? As a note, the further we push down the Orchestra with our ground assault, the softer a target they will be for you.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So by my math, a 33 point push on both 17 and Arena should be just enough to take 3 territories with spillover from the Orchestra. My total right now is 58, so I’m a measly 8 short. I would prefer to have a few stats over, just to make sure, but 8 would be ideal.

I’m operating on an estimation of OO’s statline based on the published investigation from Avante Garde and my own investigation into their statline and projects.

Points sent here will not be wasted, since Conquests come before Stat Attacks in the EoTs. The more territory we take this turn, the softer they’ll be to a Stat Attack.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 
 The message comes in the form of a private phone call, sent through several burners and intermediaries, as close to encrypted as one can get without a face-to-face sit down. 

Hi Miasma, Arsenal here. I wanted to take the time to reach out as personally as I could, because I think you and I should chat without any confusion.

We don’t look down on you. What I mean to say is that I don’t think there are too many people in the Freedom Assembly who  deliberately  condescend to the Bloodborn. If that’s the message your people have gotten from us, it wasn’t the intended one. But I always learned that offense can be taken without being given; if that is the case, then please let me the first to offer apology on behalf of the movement I represent. We can be high-handed, because there is still a perception of nobility among our newer recruits. They don’t know what you and I know: that violence affects change, not idealism.

We are currently… engaged in optics and diplomacy, and it has the people a bit on edge. Hopefully a few wins against the Orchestra will give us a dominant position to strike out against the powers that threaten Zephyr City. We’re almost there.

To show you we mean business, I’d like to personally extend a formal offer of alliance in the eyes of the city. We don’t want to give you orders or let your actions be governed by the whims of our majority. What kind of freedom fighters would we be if we denied it to our neighbour? No - we should be  partners  for everyone to see. I think between us, we can make a better city.

What do you say?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
To smooth things over, here’s an alliance offer! We’re happy to throw in the 3 stat points on our end and make it a done deal this turn. No more playing around each other - we can actually coordinate and properly dominate the board.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Garde 
Hello Gardes,

We’ve been doing a lot of thinking and listening. The People are set to boiling for a fight, and the Empowered Maestro is the first against the wall. Others will join them, we’re sure. But we’re also looking  beyond  the fights, to what lies on the other side. And the future is bright, but it will be lesser if the Freedom Assembly is alone in it.

We will be blunt. We’re interested in pursuing an alliance with the reliable and equitable northern powers. The worthy rise. The Bloodborn have been excellent in this regard, and though we’ve not had too many deals, we believe you would be open to a longer term partnership with both of us. Together, the three of us could wipe away the corruption to the south and the pretenders to the west and put Zephyr City on the map as a land of progress and self-determination, not hindered by bureaucrats with delusions of grandeur.

If you are interested, get in touch with us within the next few days. The Assembly will match your contribution to the alliance.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Now that we actually have Alliance rules, would you be interested in joining Bloodborn and I in an alliance? We could really make a powerful northern bloc. It’ll be 3 points per turn per ally, so 6 points total each turn.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
A few squads between us is a small matter, given the stakes we’re playing with now. Think nothing of it.

You have our thanks for the assistance, time traveler. The Sky Cavalry have pledged a similar amount, though the birds are dragging their feet. We hope that they will pull their weight, or else some of our less understanding members may have  questions  about their long term value to Zephyr City.

We promise to stay away from the Doctor - not that we had any intentions there to begin with, an easy enough oath from us.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project 
We may be willing to hear you out. We’re not going to hold a grudge ourselves - like we made very clear just a few days ago, you are not the Assembly’s concern. If others decide to take you out, that isn’t our business either, but we aren’t going to come attack you or hinder your dealings unless provoked. It is admittedly nice to hear that you’re open to feedback and diplomatic discourse. Consider us a neutral party for the time being.

If you reach a quorum of at least two other delegates to your meeting, Dyad may join you at the the time and place of your choice.

Though a note: any prospect of amity ends if we find you’ve been dealing with the Orchestra under the table. We don’t know exactly what it is that the two of you have been talking about, but we are about to be at war with Maestro. They need to be gone  yesterday , and if you get in the way of that in any way, we are going to have a problem.

If you can make private assurances to us of good faith and stay out of our way this week, it will greatly improve your standing with the Assembly.
 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly Mor 7 


A MockingJay finds its way to Freedom Assembly headquarters.  It barks:

"Consider it done, and more so.  I can't say more, because this line is compromised."

"Any reciprocal aid to our defenses would be appreciated, in case The Maestro turns on us."
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project 

To the Freedom Assembly [5]
 
 Spoiler 
Thank you for at least hearing us out. It currently seems like you're the only one, at which point this plan is going down the drain and we're going to have to call in favours from outside and take  considerably  more destructive steps to survive another week.

As for how we've been dealing with Maestro: it's very simple. She's been the only other group in this city who's been willing to trade with us and listen to us. And the only ones willing to help us survive against the Bone Rattlers. As far as we're concerned, they are the closest thing we have to friends, diferent as our goals may be. If we don't see any other way to survive, we may, for example, leak your entire battle plans and all the messages you've sent this week to them, which would ensure that everyone would be a lot busier and couldn't attack us.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 7 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Well thats good then. Glad that can be cleared up.

As for heading south you seem to have misunderstood us. We ARE heading south to deal with the demons. We would have liked to travel through your neighborhoods for the most direct route but we can spend the resources to get there on our own.

We'll be irritated but we'll still be there.

Ya we are sending our 'fight button' down there to deal with them.  We were planning to warn you too once we figured where you had landed regarding the GM event.

If you'd like to coordinate so as to make the best use of this cool but we'll be there. Frankly the two of you have been causing all sorts of ruckus in the city and we're going to stop it ourselves, not sending forces under you or anyone else to participate.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
Neither are we. They are too dangerous to trust in a secret meeting. They can make their arguments for us to hear out here.

Even those few people would help, we'll get your agents on the ground beside my fighters. Hopefully a sign for the future.

Sorry some confusion on our end. We thought you meant in the future not this week for lines of communication. We sadly don't have the people to spare right now.

In regards to our alliance the Freedom Assembly reached out to me with a curious offer. The three of us teaming up as a northern bloc to try and bring some order to the city. We aren't opposed to the idea ourselves. What do you think? We could theoretically get the whole thing done at week's end.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Huh... gotta say we weren't expecting that when we let our temper get the better of us.

I mean you nake some good points and frankly we do have a good history of working alongside one another these few weeks. It would be good to work alongside some other Freedom fighters with similar goals.

We will say that we are in talks with the Avant Guarde for similar things and would like them included in this. They share a similar mindset and have worked well with us after a bit of initial friction.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 
Sorry but we do not trust you enough for a private meeting. If you have an argument to make you can make it to us now over a public message.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
We were a little surprised to find that you had if we're being honest.

We have no plans with the goverment dogs coming to the city. We do not approve of their choices or the governments, especially the reformed killers. However we have more problems closer to home to deal with.
 
Eldan
 
 Public Statement 
"Very well. We seem to have so few friends in this city that no one is even willing to listen to our suggestion. And no, we can not make it on normal channels, those are too compromised. We tried. But the project must survive at any cost, even if it pains us."

 To the Opalescent Orchestra: [5]
  
 Spoiler 
OOC: Feel free to read all messages this turn sent at a morale of up to 11.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 4 
 
 Spoiler: The Bloodborn 
damn, subtlety is death, ain't it?

"If you want we can coordinate" Coordinate what? your little attack blocks our efforts north and in the university without even providing a proper defense for what I've retaken. If anything you are buying  them  a week.

And I know for sure you calling two groups settling their differences on the streets "a ruckus" isn't serious, less you are advocating for the pax Boltanica to make a come back.

If you are gonna keep the mule cosplay going, give us something so we may not care about the south, and then next week we can fix finish the job you are trying to keep open.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Look, I thought "assurances" was pretty clear, but I guess I should have thrown in something OOC, there is no way you are taking anything with 11-20 and if you make a 2 turn route you are getting late to the party so that's 12 stats minimum.

Pay me 9 1/3rd mor/1/6th something that isn't mor or eco and I'll let you through with at least 3 to spare
 

 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: To the Happy Cairns 
We have a counterproposal. Up to now our scientists and developers have been focused on protecting the Assembly’s people from harm and helping us develop weapons of war. But strife is not the only future. We have attached a draft of a proposal that would allow for further democratization of power and influence.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
To make sure I’m following, with Hypergeometrical Superpositioning, as long as I donate 4 stats for a turn (turning stats into Wrd), then we both share each others’ Strategic Location benefits?

If I take the Arena this turn from the Orchestra, I will start donating my stats to you. In exchange for the upkeep, I may ask for collaboration on an LTP that lets me share my Strategic Location benefits with all of my allies as well as you.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 
Thank you for letting us know you will be sending aid. We will earmark the ground forces on your behalf and add it to the offensive. We imagine you are keeping the agents for your own strike. The Assembly does have forces at its disposal to aid in defending your territories.

One more thing. Surely you can read the messages sent by the Eversion Project this week. Before we go all in on our plan, we need to know if they have seen through our agents. Would your bird spies be able to confirm the depth of their message penetration?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just confirming on my end that you are sending 8 Str? I assume you’re keeping the Esp for your stat attack. I know Sky Cavalry is sending you 5 Str, if you could send that my way it would go very well. I do need Str first and foremost here, which is why I’m asking. Just say yes or no in your reply.

I also have plenty of Mor this turn to help with defenses. How much do you need?

And I need to know if Eversion has just shared my battle plan with the Orchestra like they threatened to do. If they have effective Esp 11 or higher, I need to re-calculate and figure out a new plan of attack. If not, we can go ahead as planned with the conquests.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 
Good to hear. Just because we both disdain authority doesn’t mean we can’t meaningfully work together.

As for Avante Garde, the Assembly has extended them a similar offer. We were considering doing the same with the Sky Cavalry, but they are making noise about taking some territory from us so we will wait and see how things develop there. They are not the biggest fans of yours either, and quite honestly you bring a lot more to the table as an ally (both in terms of fighting strength and ideology).

But a northern bloc of the Bloodborn, Avante Garde, and the Freedom Assembly? Now that would be formidable.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project 
Just so we are clear on these events, for posterity.

Because people are not currently willing to trust you or provide aid - due to your unprovoked attacks on the Bone Rattlers and scheming with the Birdwatch, sensationalized rumours of demonic involvement aside - you decide that instead of trying to make meaningful steps towards public goodwill (for instance, joining the assault the Orchestra or offering incentives for people to hit the Bone Rattlers), you are going to double down and offer support to the Maestro. That same Maestro who is about to be quite busy simultaneously defending and attacking, fighting a war on multiple fronts, and likely won’t be able to send you any meaningful aid in return.

Oh, and in doing so, you have effectively pushed aside any prospect of future cooperation because you are hitching your star to the closest thing Zephyr City has to an out and out supervillain, one that multiple powers on the board have a vested interest in destroying.
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project  [5]

To the freedom Assembly
 
 Spoiler 
Isn't it nice how you can spin things to suit you?

Why would we attack the Orchestra, or join an assault on them? They are, as we have said, the only party in the city willing to have a civil conversation with us and support us when the Bone Rattlers attack us.

As for unprovoked, good one. The Bone Rattlers gave us an ultimatum of "bend over or be obliterated". We do not consider that "us starting the war".
 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  public 

Crows start telling random people that Eversion Project and The Orchestra can read their mail.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly, Mor 7, OOC 

I currently can send you 5 Str and my rank 1 Str VIP, plus up to 6 Spec.

As for how much Mor I need, that depends on two factors I don't know- I opened a trade route to Happy Cairns last turn with the expectation I could beg some off them. They implied the positive but did not commit to numbers.

The second is if the Maestro uses her telegraph bonus to attack me, which will increase her effectiveness but potentially allow me to use my LTP.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 7 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Subtle is not in our repertoire. Next time state your intention.

You have struggled with the demons for weeks now. Relying on lies and tricks to get your edge. We go to finish them once and for all and you try to weedle resources from us instead. You know what. If you want to deal with them and be right back in this position again next week. Do so.

We'll maybe see you down there but we won't be fighting the battle as you so desire. We'll remember this.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I wont pay you and its to complicated to get a guranteed victory. This is your problem. We'll act against them in our own way that wont interact with you.
 

 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 9   ]      .

      
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 


I’m afraid we cannot give you anything this week, other than what was previously promised – not when a few token points would do nothing to even the odds you face. I know that words are cheap but know that you are not alone. Should you buckle under the Orchestra’s blows, we may be able to shore you up next week.

We will speak more soon. Good luck.
 
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


I understand that you are a man of science, and so I understand why you wish to associate with Dr. Maverick – but it is absolutely critical to the success of my mission that I be the one to safeguard him this week. If you have any specific questions for him, I can pass them along - he is only here for a short time regardless.

Is there nothing that could change your mind as to Young Griffin? I am prepared to offer some of ARTEMIS’ aid to you in a more permanent manner (OOC: 2 permanent points of Weird, in addition to the 2 temporary points of Weird carrying over from the previous offer) in exchange for your support in allowing me to protect both Dr. Maverick and Young Griffin this week (as well as your agreement in suggesting this with Mourne). I would consider it a personal favour. Is there anything else you could potentially desire?
 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


Glad we have an understanding, then. Best of luck with your corner of the city.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 


I’m here for Zephyr City in the future, but I’m no Tyrant. Never let it be said that I'm not willing to compromise where I can. Consider this when you're choosing your next target.

Actually, Miasma, I'm wondering if you and I might have a moment to sit down and discuss your vision for the city. I happen to currently be protecting a fine local establishment, if your duties permit. (OOC - this is not a request for a VIP conversation, just fluff).
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 


You’ve proved amenable to compromise. I’m not going to support your vendetta against the Eversion Project, no matter how justified, but given the spirit of cooperation you’ve displayed so far I consider this to be a small price to pay for your non-interference.
 
  
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Chronal Imperative, Mor 7 


I suppose it would not change your mind to know that I have been preparing for the seige since last round and have secured help from other factions.  As such, actually, I am very much in a narrow area between barely surviving and actually damaging the Orchestra by beating them back.

The Maestro has been uncharacteristically silent lately, and, frankly, we have no idea what they are intending.  If they launch a full attack against us, they may overcome our trap.   They are just as likely to understand we have unsustainable high defenses and move elsewhere.

Either way, we fully expect to at least survive.  I know you have an important mission and any help you give, now, or in the future, is very important.
 
St. Justicar
 

The Maestro appeared beneath a spotlight, a grin on her face as the cameras began rolling. There was a certain aggravated, wounded tone to her voice as she began to speak, pacing and gesturing with her baton as she did.

“Good evening my zealous Zephyrians! Now, I know I sometimes take reviews a little too personally, but I’m beginning to feel positively  unwelcome  in your fair city. Why, at the rate things are going I might just be forced to close up shop by the end of the month!”

She stopped and took a breath, before continuing in a more upbeat tone. “And wouldn’t that be a shame? After all, I was about to unveil my newest attraction! After all, I can’t personally perform in every show in the city – but who else can be trusted to manage the masses? Well, let me show you my lovely Luthier’s latest masterwork!”

She gestured, and the red velvet curtains behind her pulled open. Waiting behind them was a rather archaic-looking automaton – it stood ten feet or so tall at the shoulder, vaguely centaur-like with a six-armed humanoid torso and head sitting atop a six-legged mechanical base. Every component seemed to be made of polished bronze, and each arm ended in a delicately articulated hand holding a conductor’s baton.

“I’d like you all to meet my Clockwork Conductor! The perfect labour-saving device for any second-rate shows that still need to be handled with some technical skill. Of course, it doesn’t  just  conduct music-” She snapped her fingers, and it began to move in response, a humming noise rising out of its internal components. Arcs of electricity began running up and down its body, ending up in those batons – until another whistle from the Maestro had it brandishing a baton at something behind the camera, a bolt of lightning shooting out from it.

The Maestro lightly leapt up to sit on one of it’s spider-like legs and face the camera as she continued.

“Now, the local angry anarchists have allied with the avian agitators and together they seem entirely agreed upon annihilating every bit of acoustic culture the city has to offer, myself very much not excepted. I have been offered an ultimatum, and our dear Dyad is clearly quite the Franz Joseph, demanding terms that no Belgrade could possibly accept.”

She shrugged “The Red Guard will string us up, I’m sure, but I’ve never seen the sense of fighting against the inevitable. But I can do a bit of good before the light dies; with all due respect, you have all allowed your city’s pest control problem to spiral quite entirely out of control. If I am doomed, then at least I finish the pest control you so desperately desire. By the end of the week, every flying rat in Zephyr City will be out of the nest!”

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Introducing my new Tier 2 Str VIP

Publically announcing both they and the Maestro will be invading Birdwatch this turn, territories 14 and 18 respectively.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Khalid,

I'm not going to resort to dealing petty insults.

Soldiers could be worth cash, but currently we've got a promise for this week and maybe for next.

Regards,

Aleksi

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Currently promised them 100% this week, and have a sort of possible agreement next week. Which if you can read my mail you should know =P
 

 

 Response to the Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Hey Kids,

The Bloodborn impressed me recently too. They've been willing to put actual actions to help the city behind their words.

I'm willing to give it a shot. Bloodborn and I already were working on a co-operative relationship. I was looking at using my resources other ways but probably can finangle a few extra people to help get it sorted.

Can't do it this week, but we might also consider getting a few of our men to meet together next week to make sure we have a quiet room to chat, if you can spare someone.

Regards,

Aleksi

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm in for the 6 full alliance this week, assuming Bloodborn are. Suggestion was next turn we commit a VIP to establishing a 3-way private chat. I'll be suggesting the same to the Bloodborn.
 

 

 Response to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Consider Tachi and the proposed forces yours for this week then.

No problem, we are flexible.

We got the same offer from the Freedom Assembly, and for all I'm not entirely on board with the kids, they're high among the list of people we're willing to work with. So we've accepted.

Also suggested next week we arrange one of our people to set up a 3-way private chat, but that's next week. I can commit to the alliance this week.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
6 points for 3-way alliance is ready to be committed from our end if you're down. We can discuss the private chat thing next week.
 

 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 
Good news! Avante Garde agreed to the terms - they messaged you as well as us, so you probably know this by now. We've allocated the funds to make sure that the alliances with both of you go through on our end.

If we're going to do this, it's probably important for us to come up with a name for our newfound compact. Do you have any thoughts?
 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Garde 
That makes us happy to hear. Though we don't see eye to eye on everything with you, you're still far more palatable to the Assembly than 80% of the other groups out there when it comes to making common causes. There are still people here who remember the name of Garde fondly, and we don't see any reason to take that away from them. We've allocated the funds to make sure that the alliances with both your organization and the Bloodborn go through on our end.

If we're going to do this, it's probably important for us to come up with a name for our newfound compact. Do you have any thoughts?
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra (Public) 
You were late in giving a reply, but your honesty is refreshing regardless.

We'll be seeing you soon. We hope that you'll receive us with all of the pomp and circumstance that your reputation lends itself toward.
 

  
  The Freedom Assembly declares war on the Opalescent Orchestra!   
Feathersnow
 

Maria and Chaz Raptor see to the defenses.  Emus and Peacocks prowl the streets, threatening anyone who so much as plays music on a speaker and keeping the town subdued.  The Maestro is coming, and anyone sane is behind closed doors.

Chaz very much isn't.  He is coordinating the larger birds and the grad students, running around on his bike, using his power of foresight to maximum effect.

Maria, meanwhile runs control through the network of songbirds and battle hawks. Patrolling the skies.

What they have done cannot be repeated, they cannot hold this level of readiness for long....

But they don't have to.  In 24 hours, if there is anyone left to send the command,  Operation Hitchcock will commence.  Some time before that, the coalition of forces from the North End will begin their offensive.

Even now, Agent Magpie begins the final preparations, should they hold out long enough...

The Orchestra is doomed, the only question remaining is how fast the end comes and who will be left when they fall.

The Birdwatch are no strangers to loss at the hands of the Empowered, but the attitude at the headquarters is defiance.  Agent Magpie was left with a severed spine after being caught up in a duel between Empowered powerhouses before the pulse restored it.  Agent Hawk lost his husband to Bolting's rampage, and everyone knows the story of Dr. Ralph Raptor, the martyred founder.

A single MockingJay goes out...

"Maestro, come play your Swansong."

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 

Guard Emus committed to area 18
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 7 
 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde, Freedom Assembly 
Well it seems like we are of a like mind. The Bloodborn have our civilian organizers on it for our end and we'll be ready this week. As a show of good faith the resources the assembly is sending us for that trade last week will be part of them.

Good luck Guarde with your goverment approach and Assembly with your invasion.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avant Guarde 
So due to the delicate balancing of forces we are leery to drop our mist anywhere it could catch the Maestro invasion forces. So we were wondering.

Are your agents doing anything dangerous close to home? We could send someone with the mist to that neighborhood between us.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
if i drop the mist on 35 would you be fine?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
 It isnt possible to 'read' a shrug but if it was this would be how over encrypted emails. 

That remains to be seem Chronarch. We keep hearing about good intentions being pathways but that applies to a lot more then just us.

We wouldn't be opposed to that. We are never ones to shy away from sharing our messages, thiugh unlike our counterparts in the Assembly we don't tend to actively seek it out.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Npt opposed to it. Would need more details
 

 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 9   ]     .

   
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


Two quick things -

First, I intend to go for the good Doctor and Young Griffin this week, assuming an accord can be reached with the Sky Cavalry over the latter. The former is guaranteed.

Secondly, requesting permission to trade through your territories at the standard rate.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Freedom Assembly 


Just quickly requesting permission to trade through your territory at the standard rate.
 

  
kaio999
 
  Official Missives Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
"Hello team! Since sky cavalry is already supporting the war effort through birdwatch and I am concerned for their extinction and we cannot come to an accord I am going to let you handle the land grab of the offensive. I want the birds to survive so I would rather send them the resources and we cannot guarantee an exchange of districts at this time." He salutes. "We will see you on the field good luck."
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
"Hmm if you are seeking to tie yourselves permanently to both individuals and recieve what they gain we are willing to have two sessions with ARTEMIS (4 temp this turn and 4 temp next turn) If any attacks however against either you Chronarch or my sky cavalry they want me to ask that we agree to a mutual defense pact. Should we become tied up with any force in the city we want your support we feel together we can seek to change the world for a brighter tomorrow and for you a brighter future." He promises. "It would also help since we have some big boys in the north and while bloodborn have not shown to be totalitarian they are still too violent for our liking."
 
Let'sGetKraken
  Morale 9  
 
 Spoiler: To Sky Cavalry 


This is acceptable.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 


1 Spec instead of Weird. Otherwise, same deal.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Unfortunate that we can't rely on you in this manner.

In the future, please speak up beforehand - our battle plans must be completely redrawn without your support, and with barely any time to adapt. It's possible we may lose people to the Bloodborn now without your help, as they could get sucked into the mists while they deal with Eversion. If your forces were contingent on us giving up the territory, then simply saying so right away would have led to a lot less headache here. As it stands, there may be some in the Assembly who will blame the fickle word of the Sky Cavalry for incidental losses incurred tonight.

We'll see you on the field. Good luck defending the birds.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sky Cavalry pulled out of my offensive at the last minute, effectively taking 8 Str away from the invasion force. I don't suppose you can spare any to help fill the gaps in the ranks at all?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Birdwatch 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not sure if you can read me and Sky Cavalry, but they just pulled their forces from my invasion to send even more your way. I know you're under the gun here, but that completely messes up my EoT and might ruin the offensive entirely if the Bloodborn are nearby (since they could get dragged in and injuries could happen if each invasion force has less than what they send).

I don't suppose you could send even 3 more of that incoming Str from Sky Cavalry my way? That should give me exact parity for the invasion. I've more or less locked in my numbers now, so this kind of messes me up a lot. I'm just going to write 'whatever Birdwatch sends' and split it among the invasion forces as a last-minute adjustment. So instead of 5 Str, Agent Hawk (Str 1 VIP) and 6 Spc, it would be 8 Str? Alternatively, even just swapping out a few points of Spc for Str would make the invasion work a lot better.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
Of course. Your help is appreciated in the invasion, giving you trade access is pretty much the least we can do right now.

Just a heads up that Sky Cavalry has pulled out of the offensive at literally the eleventh hour, so we're going in with less firepower than we wanted. The orders have already been sent out, and we've sent out a last-minute request for aid from Bloodborn, but there's no changing the trajectory of the blow.

If our forces are too small and get caught up in the Bloodborn radius as a result, the Assembly will be looking for restitution from Sky Cavalry for messing everything up with practically zero notice.
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly, Sky Cavalry OoC mor 7 

My actual Str is 5, if I sent you more, I'd just be giving you back what Str the Sky Cavalry sends, which I think I can't even do.  Honestly, this is part of why I was asking for Mor.

Sky Cavalry, I hate to say it, but maybe you should send what you  originally planned to Freedom Assembly.   If Freedom Assembly sends me extra Mor, I should be fine,  especially if the Orchestra actually does split their forces are the claimed to intend.
 
3SecondCultist
=  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 11  
 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry &amp; Birdwatch 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ah, I see. I'm not sure how much of the Sky Cavalry's resources would get to Birdwatch (trade taxes etc), but yeah the extra Str would really help out a lot here. Without it, I have to cut down on not just Str but other stats thanks to the way ratios work. I also suspect Bloodborn are sending a big force, and our VIPs might get drawn into a fight. If I split and the invasion forces are too small, that's both my VIP and your Agent Hawk that are potentially at risk.

So seeing as the the Birdwatch are on board with it, would Sky Cavalry consider just sending the 8 Str my way anyhow? You have my word it's all going to fight the Orchestra.

I have Mor set aside, by the way. Please let me know how much you need.
 

 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly, Sky Cavalry,
OoC, Mor 7 


If Sky Cavalry sends the 4 str and 1 econ I penciled in, I am sitting at approximately 31 active defense, not counting whatever Happy Cairns might send. It is calculating the morale debuff from 5 power worth of STR VIPs invading me.

I calculated the highest the highest the Orchestra could send against me is 41, counting Maestro's telegraph bonus, assuming they were lying and throw everything together at 18.
 
GameOfChampions
CENTER] 
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant   [/CENTER]

 Mor 7 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Well we can only spare 3 Str. We'll send it through
 

 
kaio999
Morale 11

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch and Freedom Assembly 
I have sent 4 t strength to freedom assembly at birdwatches request and sent 5 t morale to birdwatch.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to Bloodborn and Freedom Assembly: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Good luck to you both with your stuff.

The kids asked me if I had a name idea, best I can come up with on the spot is something like Vox Populus, voice of the People or something.

Or we could get a bit more esoteric, but that's the sorta theme I was thinking.

Astra Vox if you want cool over meaning. Stop me if I'm going too Latin here.
 

 Response to the Bloodborn: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:10 
Depends on where the gov people end up, but should be fine.

OOC:
Unless the government somehow ends up there, shouldn't be an issue. Taking 31 with non-Empowered.
 
Writtensanity
   
   "Good morning Zephyr City,    this is   Ashley Cyclone   thanks for tuning in. We will be opening today's show woth a moment of scilence to mourn those who were lost over the weekend from the Empowered Rampage over South Riverside and Victoria street. If you would like to donate to the reconstruction and mental health efforts for those in those areas, please visit out website to arrange a donation.

Thank you. We'll be back in a moment.

 
 Spoiler: TURN FICTION: The Master of Games 


The bloodmist of Miasma is an interesting thing, Daemones is alone in the mist, it’s a place that she’s been before. She was there at the Carnival before everything had become so- well, important.

The Bloodborn had been a cause and a good workout before she’d picked up the powers and now within one week she was getting sent out alone under Miasma’s cover to get people onto their side. From what she’d heard there were some people from the Gunns in the Neighborhood that were keeping people from allying with Avante Garde or the Bloodborn.

She’d heard about the Alliance from Miasma so it might all be the same anyway soon enough.

Daemoes understood that she was untested, but she knew that she could handle it. She’d handled a couple of goons before she had powers, now-well now-

Well where was she anyway?

One of the main things that Miasma pushed in training was ways to orient yourself in the Blood mist by working with allies and trusting everything but your eyes.

Everything but her eyes was telling her to run.

But she would push through for Miasma, she was going to prove herself and-

Fear cracked outward on instinct, shooting to the right and cutting through the street, carving the asphalt into cruel shards that shot up from the ground and hit nothing.

There had been something there. She could taste it in the air. She could taste the blood on the mist and-

“Oh little girl,” the Bloodmist swirled itself into a shadow that loomed in the street in front of her….

“Do you want to play a game?”

 —- 

The scene that Remi came upon wasn’t the same place that he’d left. He’d heard that you could get drawn in by the Bloodmist, and it was clear that this had happened. He must have gotten a little too close with his crew on the way to the Assault. That said, it was all going to be fine, anyone this would be following was essentially on their crew now.

“Eyes up, keep sharp. Hold your fire. Likely friends.” Remi offered, the orders were curt as he tried to blink the red away from his eyes. He needed to keep his men reassured so they didn’t start a diplomatic incident with their allies… if this wasn’t one already.

Then a chill ran down his spine, something that he knew from years in the field. There was an empowered around, and they certainly weren’t waving hello.

Then the body of a tattered and broken Daemones slammed onto the ground in front of him, her blood splattering out onto the pavement even as the Mist tried to repair her wounds.

Remi snapped his gaze to the rooftop she would have fallen from, but the mist was too thick, and then a voice came out of the red.

“Oh, more pawns. So nice of you to join us. She broke so easily.”

He knew the voice and his hand was on his deck, before his mind had time to register the name. An ace of spades slid across the slick street and Remi popped into existence on top of it just as the space he’d been standing in vaporized.

“Cards?” The Game Master asked.

Why was he here? He was supposed to be out of the city and-

The crack of a pistol erupted and Remi watched a bullet turn into confetti, then get soaked in the blood mist before it splatted against the Game Master’s cape.

What could they do?

There was nothing they could do.

It was-

“RUN!” Remi shouted. He was going to stand his ground and ensure that everyone from his team got away. They weren’t ready for this. None of them were.

Blessedly, the Game Master didn’t run after the Avante Garde’s soldiers, even those who considered staying around for a moment to defend Remi were spared.

The Game Master cocked his head. “Heroic.”

“Someone has to be.”

“An ideal wasted on the weak.”


 ---- 
 

 
 Spoiler: TURN FICTION: The Southern Symphony 


The Maestro stood at the ready in front of her forces. Should she say something? No. This was showtime, there was no time for improv or last minute script edits unless a flash of inspiration truly demanded it.

No, the places had already been called and everything from hired soldiers to sonic amplifiers were perfectly in place. All that needed to happen was to wait for the coming storm.

To call it a finale would be defeatist. After all, she had no intent of laying down today, not when there was so much of Zephyr City to treat as a stage. There was more to come for the people for the town, it was obvious from the scandalous attacks coming her way that they truly hadn’t come to appreciate art yet.

An aide ran up to her and let her know that the Clockwork conductor was in position considering it didn’t have much of a talent for speaking itself. That was good, it was planned to be the opening number.

Well, not the opening number, that would be the birds or the Freedom Assembly, whichever came first.

 —- 

Agent Crane sat on the border between the territory that could be called the ‘Birdwatch’ and the ‘Orchestra’, but he understood that there wasn’t anything that concrete in an urban warzone. Everyone standing on this border would need to have allegiances on either side of it to make it through the day.

To think that he’d ended his career in the military and then ended up here right as a bunch of kids in edgy cosplay decided they wanted to turn the city into a battlefield.

Maybe if he took another swing at this timeline that wouldn’t happen and he’d be able to get all of this done without needing to pull another trigger.

At least it was for a decent cause this time.

Though like before he was just running support.

It had taken a long time and a lot of strings pulled to get everything together for the coming assault. Tens of thousands of dollars donated and funnelled through the Original Raptor’s friends as a last favour. Everything was riding on the people out there who would be bringing it to the Orchestra.

Everything Chaz was doing was ensuring that there was a place to come back to.

“Should you be smoking?”

It was Finch, likely coming to get him because he wasn't technically where he was supposed to be. Fair enough, if there was ever a day to follow orders, it was today.

“I’ve been shot at, I’m less worried about the cancer.”

“I don’t care about your lungs,” Finch reached over and plucked the cig from the edge of his mouth in a way only family could, “we just don’t have time for a smoke break.”

“Not even together?”

“Hawk told us the Assembly’s on the move.”

“So the Orchestra’s coming then?”

“If they’re smart.”

“Are they?”

“Good question, let’s assume yes and plan around it.” Finch held out the cigarette and held it out, a crow swooped down from the rooftops and flew it to a nearby ashtray on a bistro patio.

“Cool.”

 —-- 

There were lessons you learned about standing together when you were trying to stoke the flames of a protest. Namely that the entire point is to keep people from feeling small. An oppressive police force kept a crowd in line by making each person feel isolated, like they couldn’t break the line alone. That was why chants and shouting worked so well, they brought people together, made them feel like a massive unit.

Of course, that was not something the Freedom assembly needed to worry about today.

There had always been a cadence to their actions, a couple dozen people hiding their masks in backpacks and springing up when the powers that be weren’t looking. Now it was different, now the people already felt big because they WERE big. The First Freedom Enforcers stood tall and proud in front of the assembled forces that had been given fantastic weapons to rival Chronarchs by Arsenal. Their little grassroots annoyance had blossomed into a full futurist revolution because people had been ****ing pissed for a while.

It was time for them to act on it.

Bigflash Insurance Stadium had always been an eyesore in the city as far as Dyad was concerned, the largest player in the most predatory industry blasting their logo across the skyline. Somehow the Maestro had managed to make it WORSE. Banners were laid out every several feet, explaining the wonderful things that the Maestro was doing and how wonderful they were for everyone in the city-

It took every fibre of Dyad’s self control to not order fire when a random armed woman came running across the square covered in blood but she didn’t look like she was from the Orchestra, that wasn’t the Maestro’s style.

No this was something different.

“So many more players. I really must thank the Bloodborn…”

Dyad had watched the announcement from last week dozens of times before the Freedom Assembly had made the call to not target the Game Master, and she knew that he’d turned it around on them.

The Bloodfog rolled in on the Game Master’s whim.

“I think I know you…. Power to the people right?”

“Assembly!”

“What a joke.”

“All guns on the Game Master! Open fire!”

 —---- 


“All right! Temp agency said that the Game Master is attacking the Freedom Assembly, places, places we don’t have much time.”

The assembled ‘conductors’ of the Maestro’s ‘bands’ stared at the villainess for a moment, slack jawed.

“I haven’t the slightest as to why he’s here, but this production has a timeline and I will not be upstaged on my own opening night. Places. Now.”

It only took a single insistence from the Maestro to get the chorus back on schedule. Garages that had been rented around the centre of the city getting radio messages that would compel the mechanics to let the nicely dressed men in the waiting rooms take the cars with the biggest stereo systems out into the streets. Women in sharp black dresses finished out their brunches and opened suitcases revealing strange and arcane instruments. A semi-truck put its hazards on in the middle of a street and, to enthusiastic honking, unleashed the Clockwork Conductor out into the street, thirteen flutes amoung sixteen hands.

A smile crept onto the Maestro’s lips for a moment before she replaced it with a winning smile meant for the crowd, she flung open the door and stepped out onto the stage that had been hastily shackled together in the last twenty minutes.

“Pardon the last minute change in location Zephyr City! It’s my pleasure to bring you, for the first time ever, Freedom’s Fall, in e Minor.”

The Maestro raised her hands and the first notes, an homage to Ride of the Valkyries, erupted out of a thousand speakers at once.

Zephyr City shook with the blood mist of as a backdrop.

 —-- 

“Peregrine strike team moving in, keep an eye out for Agent Hawk out there. Don’t want to catch him in the firing line.”

“Roger. Eyes in the sky what do you have for us?”

“Peregrine Eyes flying clear. Maestro looks like she’s holed up in the Stadium. Miasma might have gotten there before us.”

“Blood on the ground?”

“Confirmed.”

“Gross.”

“On target team. Eyes up. Looks like Freedom Assembly is here too.”

“Kept their word.”

“At least someone did.”

“On target.”

“Yes Mam.”

“Stork is calling in, saying the Freedom Assembly is taking losses, but- One second.”

“Assembly in engaged? Confirm?”

“This is Peregrine eyes. I cannot confirm Freedom Assembly location, Orchestra’s sonics kill Cameras too close.”

“Confirm with Stork?”

“Stork is engaged Mam.”

“Stork is engaged? With who?”

“Unclear.”

“Unclear?”

“Orchestra sonic are-”

“Got it. Can we-”

“Flamingo calling for assist at the Stadium.”

“Peregrine squad we are not the Stadium. Stay on target. Someone else from the Flock will-”

“This is Peregrine eyes. Confirmation of Friendly fire at the Stadium”

“What?”

“Freedom Assembly.”

“They shot us?”

“Both.”

“What?”

“It’s a massacre, people are shooting blind down there and the Orchestra’s barely lifting a finger-”

“God dammit.”

“Peregrine stay on target, once we set these charges we only have a minute to fly out of here. Ready check on the detonation.”

“Ready.”

“Ready.”

“See you in hell you Orchestra bastards.”

 —-- 

It had taken them too long to disable all of the sonic hallucinogens and pyrotechnics that the Orchestra had set up. Everyone that had stuck around to the end of the battle from the freedom assembly was covered in blood, sweat and confetti as it drifted down from the higher stands in the Big Flash Insurance Stadium.

Dyad was getting treatment, Aerseal was worse for wear. The Enforcers had done their best but they were still untested.

It had been the Game Master, and then friendly fire, and all of that to discover that the Orchestra was barely here in the first place. For all the economic investment they’d put into banners, there were only enough hired thugs here to make the place look populated while they wore shoddy ties.

Overt war had never been the way of the Freedom Assembly, so maybe they just didn’t know what Victory was supposed to feel like, but most of them imagined that it didn’t feel like this.
 

 
 Spoiler: TURN FICTION: Fighting Like Hell 


Jade had followed Miasma into a lot of ****, but this was getting to be a lot, even for her. They might have prepared for what the Eversion project was going to do for defence, but it didn't make the images any less .... horrifying. She would have shrugged at blood falling from the rooftops, but this was all viscera with a soundtrack of cackling devils.

The Bloodbonr were following Miasma into hell. Unsurprising considering how much they focused on brotherly bonding. Everyone in the main squad had been punched by and punched Miasma, a bond forged in training. As long as Miasma was striding through the hellscape, the Bloodborn would follow.

Jade, no Aspect, would follow.

Miasma stopped in the middle of the street, letting the bat he'd used to batter Asteroth earlier in the month drag along the asphalt for a moment. It took a second for Jade to feel it too, a source of real blood pulling on their senses. For the first time in a while there was someone in one of the buildings.

Miasma stared at the door for a moment and then kept walking. Aspect didn't know if he knew that it wasn't Legion or if he just didn't feel like kicking down the door. After all, they were here to kick the **** out of a single old woman-

Demon. She was a demon.

The massive show of force was just meant to prove something to the Bone Rattlers and the Eversion project. People needed to stop dying in this city and it was time to show the two warring factions that there would be punishment for getting people hurt.

 --- 

Ever since he'd gotten powers, The Mighty Minotaur had kept getting sent into Hell alone. Back when they'd just been a small crew with a single storefront of power, Johnny and him had worked together at points but that wasn't the score now. Now he had to be an example to the thugs that got sent with him.

Not all thugs, some of them were good guys. Khalid had met them at the gym at points, that said, he didn't know all of them considering the recruitment recently had been more of a 'all hands on deck' situation as opposed to anything else. They needed to keep up with the damned shadow government or- whatever it had been.

Shouldn't be too hard. The Mighty Minotaur was undefeated in the field and the Eversion project must have known that considering they'd set up the same Hallucinogenics they had before and left the territory that the Mighty Minotaur was heading towards.

That or they were being very patient and the Bone Rattlers set up stable retreat point after stable retreat point. Between that and a steady supply of ear-plugs they were making good progress.

Then, finally a shadow down the street.

Khalid was supposed to be an example, so he was going to be one. He broke into a run, but stayed short of a sprint so he could twitch to the side if something got too... gun-based. The shadow across from him matched, charging forward to meet him in the middle of the screaming street.

The Mighty Minotaur was big, but he was fast, he slipped under the bat and caught his assailant in the stomach with a furious fist. His victim flew. Such was the strength of the Minotaur.

Even as the person landed, he wasn't sure whether it was a grotesque demon, or a man in a red coat. Impossible to tell with the strange world around.

A second demon leapt onto his shoulder as the first laughed off his punch.

Time to rattle some bones.

 ----- 

"Reality adjustment effects are up 53% compared to previous trials." Levy mused as he swapped between the Cameras keeping track of the Bone Rattlers and the Bloodborn in the area. It was impossible for any of them to tell people from demons in this mess, which was good considering that the Project needed to buy as much time for their new ally as they could.

That said, even on his most stable week in a while, Levy could feel the pull of Asteroth somewhere deep inside wishing that he was out there, preparing to strike, but no, he was too useful on the coordination side of the strike. They had ops teams for the wet work.

Levy took a deep breath to keep Asteroth down and adjusted the chemical compounds they were funneling into the housing around the project. People in the city had been.... offput by their civilian casualties in previous endeavours. Medically induced comas would ensure that they would keep the citizens out of the way. As much as was reasonable at least. All medicines had a failure rate.

He watched the young girl that followed Miasma like a puppy almost tear the arm off of the Brute from the Bone Rattlers. It was about time. Wasn't it?

"Please note the scaling strength of subject Jade Xiao Ling for further examination upon potential capture," he offered to his virtual assistant before entering another command.

Across the spread territories that the project owned, lights went green and squads moved out into the streets for cleanup.

 ----- 

The Mighty Minotaur was an example for the Bone Rattlers around him, but even he had his limits.

First the fight against the two demons and now everything was a confusing free-for-all in the streets. If bullets didn't crush against his skin he would have been dead several times over now, whether it was by friendly fire, the Bloodborn or the Eversion project themselves.

Damn the gods, they might have had a chance to push through all of this if the Bloodborn hadn't been here, but as it stood there wasn't a chance for Khalid to get his footing. He couldn't rally Bone Rattlers that he couldn't see and it was becoming clear that not even the Eversion project knew what was happening out in the field. Everyone was shooting everyone, and not all of them had been armed.

It was a massacre, and not even the direct and intentional kind that gentlemen set up.

But the Mighty Minotaur was going to be an example to the people, he was going to-

When had he started bleeding so much?"

 ----- 

"BRING ME LEGION!" Miasma smashed another member of the Eversion project into a wall within one of their actual facilities. It had been a long two hours and they had lost or had to send back a lot of good people, but all of that Blood just made Miasma stronger. If it weren't for Mourn, he would already be the strongest Empowered in the city, and this was his element.

It was inspiring. This was why Jade was keeping up with him in the halls.

And then... all at once.. he stopped.

Miasma stumbled back, a large knife in the middle of his chest, falling down to reveal a heaving scientist in front of him.

Jade had already sent him through the wall, before Miasma hit the floor and pulled the knife out of his chest. Blood poured out of the hole, and there were already so many bullet wounds across his chest from blocking for the Bloodborn earlier.

"R- Miasma," Jade got down on a knee while half a dozen Bloodborn chased the Scientist down the sterile hallways.

"I'm good," he lied, taking much too long to get to his feet for someone who could heal, "just goi-"

"I've got this," Jade said without thinking.

"Aspect."

"I'll take it from here. We're ready."

Miasma got back to his feet with a touch of help, he'd taken so much punishment today, he'd join the other wounded once he settled one more score out there.

"I'm ready."

"Bring. Me. Legion." Miasma ordered.

She would.

 ---- 

Mourn had a feeling that it was her curse to always be a moment late for things. That said, considering her history it was maybe better that she was. Never knew what was going to happen in a fight.

She'd kept tabs on how people were moving in the city, it was the only way to protect them. That had led her here, to the South side in the lands of the Eversion Project. The-

No need for labels right now. The stench of death was in the air and she had work to do.

Maybe it was serendipity, maybe it was another part of the curse, but it didn't take Mourn long to find Khalid attempting to wrench a dislocated arm back into place in the back half of an alleyway. Just as she stood in the entrance to the alleyway, there was a voice from the other side of it.

"Hey Dumbass! I told your boss you'd **** this up and now look where it landed us!"

When Khalid heard the voice he only had a solemn nod in return. At the other end of the Alleyway was Miasma, haggard and barely breathing as his blood powers tried to repair several bullet holes in his chest. He'd be able to shake it off eventually... she thought. Mourn had seen people survive things they shouldn't and die to things called tragedy. It wouldn't take long.

Mourn took a step forward and before she knew it, she was in between the two.

"What are you doing here Mourn?" Miasma barked. "I've got unfinished business with-"

"You're hurt too. Him first."

"I'm fine," The Mighty Minotaur growled as he tried to use his good arm to get his mask back over his face.

"Humerus is cracked, you're not fine. Let me." Morn reached out her hand and felt the pain of her bone splitting and repairing itself as she took in the Minotaur's pain.

"I'm not done with him," Miasma took another step forward, but backed off a Step as Mourn faced him.

"Yes you are. I'll help you too, just wait."

It took a moment, but Miasma sat down beside Zephyr City's resident Guardian angel and waited his damned turn. If nothing else to stop the blood from ruining even more of his clothes.

It wasn't much, but maybe they could all make it in the end....
 

 
 Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:  


Pending
 

   World Heist- None This Turn:   
   Turn Event - Crime Event - Assisted Heists:   

There is a network coming through town offering their services and also looking to hire.

Players may use ECO or MOR as SPC this turn for Local Heists.

Players may send SPC to the service for an ECO payout based on their submission.

   Turn Event - Bonus Triggered Event - Total Lockdown:   

Zephyr City Mourns. This is out of control. The National Guard has come in to try and keep things from descending into the same violecne that ruled the city in the first days of Bolting's ascent.

 Mechanics: 

Contributions to the following actions are half as effective this turn:

Conquest
Stat Attack
Assault

Trade Taxes are now at a minimum of 2.

 
 Spoiler: Trigger 
 More than 30 points of stats and injury in a single turn before turn 6
 

  
  Local Heists    
 Reminder, you may only view Local Heists you have access to from an ability or investigation. If the Investigation was from another turn, I should have given you access under YOUR heading. 
 
 Spoiler: Public Heists from Investigations: 

 Local Heist - The Precinct [/B]
You don't own the Police Station yet, but what you can own is the cops homes... their favourite spots.. their families....

 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   Breaking and Entering - It's clear that there is something critical being held by the chief of police, something that would allow you to gain an edge in the city, or sell it for a pretty penny.
 Cost-  14 SPC or ESP
 Reward-  ITEM or 3 stats of your choice.


  Local Heist - To Dance Again  

There is a fighting ring popping up in the city.... time to make some bank.

 Stage One -  Shopping
 Cost-  4 ECO to buy your way into the Pits
 Reward-  3 tSTR

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7 ????
 Reward-  1 PERM STR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  XP
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 

 
 Local Heist - The New Order  
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

 Stage One -  Careful Training - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Alongside the Mighty -  COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   into the Breach - Head over to the Neighbouring Starlit City to take a chunk off a smaller crew that's running there. Getting into a fight in Zephyr city is risky with so many powers, practice with one.
 Cost-  10 SPC or STR: VIP REQUIRED (All VIPs may participate regardless of type)
 Reward-  1 EXP for EACH participating VIP, up to 4

From Previous Investigations

 Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  (Belongs to the Orchestra)
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets   - From Freedom Assembly
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)


 Local Heist - Well Connected [/B] - From Bloodborn

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money insi
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.


 Local Heist - A Zephyr City History  - From Chronarch
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.


 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


  From Police Investigations   

THE NEXUS = Territory is unstable. Heist is locked.

 Local Heist - Catch a Ride! [/B]
It looks like the Typhoon Action Park has more to it than meets the eye

 Stage One -  Scope it out
 Cost-  5eco to pay off the staff or 4 ESP
 Reward-  4 tEco from laundered money

 Stage Two-   The Hunt
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  15 ???
 Reward-   UNIQUE ITEM and STATS

You rolled Zephyr City history again as the third.
 

 
 Spoiler: The BirdWatch 

 
 Local Heist - The Old Order - COMPLETE  
 Local Heist -  The Old Parlor 
There has been rumours that villains from around the stat have been funneling their money out of zephyr city...

 Stage One -  Infiltrate the Ring
 Cost-  6 ESP spent to join in without getting noticed.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ECO

 Stage Two-   The People in Charge
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  12 ???
 Reward-  Item and XP
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 

 
 Local Heist - Training Camp   - COMPLETE


 Local Heist - Well Connected [/B]

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money ins
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.




 THE BANK [/B]

SD FLOOR!

Current Floor COST 10 SPC/ESP
Current Floor Reward: ITEM


 Local Heist - Something True 
There are objects under the comic book shop... something crazy.... almost predictive.

 Stage One -  Reading Up
 Cost-  6 eco to buy the rest of the set of the comics from online.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   The History of Other Heroes
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  Item

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  VIP &amp; Item
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 

 
 Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative   COMPELTE

 Local Heist - A Zephyr City History 
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.

 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


 Local Heist - Levelled Up - Territory 13 
There is an old arcade in the area, but some of the equipment that should be out of date almost seems..., impossible

 Stage One -  Lean in
 Cost-  5 ECO spend to be a patron with enough staff
 Reward-  2 tECO as winnings back

 Stage Two-   Big Ticket Prizes
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  Item

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  Item X 2

Other Faction Heists:

Local Heist

Stage One - Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

Stage Two- Welcome to Your New Home Chief
Cost- 7 ESP or ECO (1 SPC Invested)
Reward- 4 tSTR

Stage Three- ???
Cost- 14 ???
Reward- ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 

 
 Local Heist -Into the Abyss - COMPLETE  
 Local Heist - The Precinct [/B]
You don't own the Police Station yet, but what you can own is the cops homes... their favourite spots.. their families....

 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   Breaking and Entering - It's clear that there is something critical being held by the chief of police, something that would allow you to gain an edge in the city, or sell it for a pretty penny.

 Cost-  14 SPC or ESP
 Reward-  ITEM or 3 stats of your choice.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Local Heist - Cleaning Up   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets  
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)

  Local Heist - THE NEXUS  

TERRITORY UNSTABLE: HEIST LOCKED


  Local Heist - Game Day   - TERRITORIY UNSTABLE: HEIST LOCKED
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Build Champions - Now when we were saying build.......
 Cost-  7WRD
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Johnny Gunn and the Bone Rattlers 

 
 Local Heist - New Order, Old Money   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Precinct   Hey it's back!


 Stage One -  Can I take your order Officer?- COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   Breaking and Entering - It's clear that there is something critical being held by the chief of police, something that would allow you to gain an edge in the city, or sell it for a pretty penny.
 Cost-  14 SPC or ESP
 Reward-  ITEM or 3 stats of your choice.

  Local Heist - To Dance Again  

There is a fighting ring popping up in the city.... time to make some bank.

 Stage One -  Shopping
 Cost-  4 ECO to buy your way into the Pits
 Reward-  3 tSTR

 Stage Two-   Welcome to Your New Home Chief
 Cost-  7 ????
 Reward-  1 PERM STR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  XP
 

 
 Spoiler: The Orchestra 

 
 Local Heist - Stagecraft   - COMPLETED BY AVANTE GARDE
[/SIZE]


  Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - Game Day   - TERRITORY UNSTABLE - HEIST LOCKED
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Build Champions - Now when we were saying build.......
 Cost-  7WRD
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 
 Local Heist - Areal Supremacy   - COMPLETE


 Local Heist - Smuggling Ring [/B]
It's clear from the manifest, people have been trying to sneak mechanidise past us.

 Stage One -  Scope it out
 Cost-  5eco to pay extra staff or 4ESP to sneak around.
 Reward-  4 tEco reclaimed.

 Stage Two-   CHOICE REQUIRED
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 

 
 Local Heist - A Welcoming Hand  
Hi! Welcome to Happy Carins, we glad we could help you though this time... Yes, Bolting's most recent actions have been tough for all of us.

 Stage One -  Matching Services: Manage the amount of people who have been brought in over the most recent times.
 Cost-  5eco to pay extra staff or 4Wrd to use your powers to make it a little easier.
 Reward-  4 tEco from Sponsors

 Stage Two-   The Price of Sympathy -
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???


 Local Heist - Catch a Ride! [/B]
It looks like the Typhoon Action Park has more to it than meets the eye

 Stage One -  Scope it out
 Cost-  5eco to pay off the staff or 4 ESP
 Reward-  4 tEco from laundered money

 Stage Two-   The Hunt
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  15 ???
 Reward-   UNIQUE ITEM and STATS
 



----
  The Current Map  
 The Imperatrix Lands on Location [2] 
 
 Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status 

 Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect  
 The Nexus -   - The Freedom Assembly - Unstable
Ability - Remnants of Power:  On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

 Zephyr City Central Bank -   - CONTROLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Of Course:  Zephyr City Central Bank contains a Local Heist with unlimited floors that always offer tECO. Each time a floor is completed the difficulty of future floors is increased. It will spawn 'Deposit Box' floors that provide a random one-use item pseudo-randomly.

 Big Gale Comics and Toys-   - CONTROLLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Self Publishing: Your Faction gains tECO equal to N N  where N is the number of enemy factions involved in Actions your Faction is also involved in.

 ZCPD Station-   - CONTROLLED BY AVANTE GARDE - STABLE
Ability - Radio Chatter: Can see 3 local heists per turn. May choose to assign Police to a local heist during EoT and lock it for the following turn, cannot target a heist owned by the same Faction twice in a row.

 BigFlash Insurance Stadium-   - CONTROLLED BY THE Freedom Assembly - UNSTABLE
Ability - Guest Appearance: Controller may invest a VIP to gain 1.5 times their level in MOR &amp; ECO (rounded up) this is a safe action.

 Zephyr City University-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Temporal Research Station: Up to 1 VIP per turn may preform two actions as part of an EoT. They may not participate in the same Action twice. You may not choose the same VIP two turns in a row.

 Montgomery Tech Park-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - STABLE
Ability - Venture Capital: When you pitch a NEW LTP, you can offer it up for Venture Capital Investment. This provides a 1 time payment of 20% the LTPs cost in tECO, but the LTP must be announced to publicly once it reaches halfway to completion.

  Ol' Grady's-   - CONTROLLED BY THE CHRONAL IMPERATIVE - STABLE
Ability - Unmasked Friends: The Controlling Faction may mark any other VIP in the game as a friend of one of their VIPs. In the event that these two would 'fight' one another, they avoid the fight, removing themselves from any assault calculations against the other Faction. In the case of an Conquest Action, VIP Injury is much less likely if the Friends are involved. This effect allows you to make 2 VIP pairs after turn 5, and 3 after turn 10.

  Monsoon Action Park-   - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - UNSTABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.

  The Dockyards-   - CONTROLLED BY THE SKY CAVALRY - STABLE
Ability - Unclaimed Merchandise: The Owning Faction may buy additional Stat Cap at a cost of 3 econ per point. If they lose this location, this Stat cap increase is passed onto the new owner.

  Zephyr City North High-   - CONTROLLED BY THE FREEDOM ASSEMBLY - STABLE
Ability - Kids Talk: Automatic general investigation on 3 other Factions in the game each turn. Up to 1 fact in each investigation may be incorrect by a medium margin. These Investigations cannot be published.

 

  EOT WILL BE ON THURSDAY June 3rd at 11:59PM PST  
St. Justicar
 

It had not, by most metrics, been a  good  week for the Orchestra. Whatever they had been prepared for, literal bombing runs had not been it. Between the Birdwatch’s aerial blitz, the Assembly’s Red Guards and the utter carnage that had spilled out of their combined attack on the Stadium, whole swathes of Southside was in literal ruins (the utter anarchy spilling out from the east between Bloodborn, Mafiosos and what the tabloids insisted on referring to as demons certainly hadn’t helped matters, either).

The Maestro couldn’t really she controlled  territory  at this point – essentially every one of her public fronts was a smoking ruin or the sight of a murder investigation, as were a regrettable number of the actually  profitable  business she’d had interests in. Ask the average citizen on the street, and the Mad Maestro of Mayhem was quite entirely vanquished, The national guard and police were no patrolling what had been  her  neighbourhoods in force, and even her Orchestra itself was hemorrhaging henchman too terrified of vigilante of heroics to do the work.

Tragic, truly, but one must keep a positive outlook on these things. And so she smiled as she walked onto a makeshift stage – one used as a rallying point for the Assembly’s invasion of the Arena not three days before – and nodded to the camera.

“Good morning my zealous Zephyrites! I hope you all enjoyed the splendid spectacle we all come together to produce this past weekend.” There was an ironic lilt to the Maestro’s tone as she spoke, though that didn’t make her any less loquacious than usual. “Now, some of you might say that I’m a bloodthristy brute, some kind of tin-pot tyrant in the making. That I  exult  in the carnage that vigilantes and ideologues have visited upon your fair city-”

A picture-in-picture appeared on the broadcast above her shoulder – burning buildings, screaming civilians, bleeding bodies and collateral damage  everywhere . Some great care had been taken to make sure someone obviously affiliated with the Freedom Assembly or Birdwatch was prominently responsible in every single shot.

“-but I promise you, nothing could be further from the truth! I am a patron of the arts, after all, and artistic expression is an outgrowth of civilization. You can’t conduct a concerto over cannonfire! And that is why I am offering my full support to the national guard who have come to restore order to this troubled city. Furthermore, I would like to  officially  request that the Governor declare marital law, and keep these boots on the ground until all the hoodlums and n’erdowells who have caused so much carnage and left the rest of us marinating in misery are brought to justice.

I am, in the meantime, offering a ceasefire to both the vigilante mobs who have been mercilessly murdering my employees and destroying their property, with no conditions or demands of reparations. Have you not sated your berserk bloodlust? Is there not something better you could be doing with your impressive paramilitaries?”

She paused for a moment before saying “Please do consider it. Peace is a pearl beyond price, and I think we can all agree the city’s already seen enough percussion.”

“Good day Zephyr City, remember to thank any brave soldiers you see for their part keeping you safe!”

The Maestro bowed with a flourish, and the broadcast ended.
Let'sGetKraken
 
    Six Days before the Rampage  

Chronarch stood in the waiting room, feeling distinctly out of place in his armor in such a mundane setting.

The man behind the reception desk called out, clearly a little nervous. Maybe it was the plasma cannon?
 
 “Chronarch? The Doctor will see you now.”  

The man looked every inch a mad scientist. A bit unfair, since he had a relatively good reputation – as well as science Empowered ever did, really – but, well, he looked the part. Tall, skinny, with wild untamed hair bursting from the sides of his head, spectacles so thick they could have supported an elephant.

  “Ah, Chronarch! I’ve heard about you. Our very own time traveller! How exciting.”  
  “Yes. Actually, I have a proposition for you. You need protection this week, given how… well… unsettled things have been since Bolting was captured. And I could use a man with your expertise in dimensional technology for a… side project of mine."  

Dr. Maverick smiled.   “Well. Time and space? How could I refuse?”  
  
 
    
Four days before the Rampage
  
  “I’m sorry, Doctor. This wave function stuff is going over my head. Can you please elaborate? I have a 29th-century education, but this stuff isn’t exactly taught routinely.”  

It had only been a day and a half, and already Chronarch was sick of both math and quantum physics.

  “Of course! It’s simple, really. Think of dimensions as parallel realities, really. Ones where the slightest of changes spirals. Not unlike time, as you would conceive of it. Not linear, but juxtaposed and simultaneous. Therefore, with a powerful enough energy source, it is possible to connect – superimpose – these realities in the one we are currently extant.”  
  
“Ah yes, simple.”  
  
"OH, DON’T SULK, CHRONARCH. YOUR FEEBLE HUMAN BRAIN JUST CAN’T PROPERLY THINK IN MORE THAN THREE DIMENSIONS."  
  “...Thanks, ARTEMIS. I’m going to go check on the kid. You two have fun.”  
    
  
 

    Two days before the Rampage  

Chronarch was getting very, very sick of quantum physics.

Fortunately, ARTEMIS and Dr. Maverick were not.

  “You see, if we reverse the density matrix and apply the Sturm-Liouville equation, I believe we can harness the latent Pulse energy and redirect it into breaking through to a very similar reality. You see, the Pulse wants to create an Empowered. It is its purpose. So if we target a reality in which a time traveller went back…”  
  
"YES. I SEE. THE RESULT WOULD BE A TENSOR PRODUCT OF HILBERT SPACE, WOULD IT NOT? AND IN SNAPPING BACK, THE DISPLACED INDIVIDUAL WOULD BE ABLE TO EXIST SIMULANEOUSLY IN OUR REALITY AND THEIRS, PROVIDED NO DISRUPTION OCCURS."  
Chronarch took a brief reprieve from wiping the floor with Young Griffin to look over at the two of them. Well, one of them, really. ARTEMIS was just connected to a Bluetooth speaker, so only Dr. Maverick was physically there.

At least the two of them were getting along. They seemed to be making some progress, at least.

  
 
    
One day before the Rampage  

Chronarch scowled beneath his helmet. The people he’d gotten from the Freedom Assembly – benign defectors, really, grateful for his work on the ground in investigating Bolting’s initial attack on the militant group – were earnest, but in their eagerness to please they were being hasty with very expensive equipment that had to be assembled exactly to Dr. Maverick’s specifications.
  
"You, with the turtleneck – please be careful. Just follow the drones and deposit the machine where it tells you.”  

The woman winced. “Sorry boss”.

Chronarch sighed. What was her name? Marcelle? Mary? Her name – Marissa – flashed across his visor moments later. God, ARTEMIS was handy and very good at multitasking.   “Don’t call me boss. You’re volunteering here. Just… don’t break anything.”  

It had gotten a lot less lonely around these parts, recently. But while these were good people – even Young Griffin, as surly as the kid was – they weren’t reliable in the long-term. He needed someone he could trust, someone other than a voice in his helmet, even if she was the single best 911 dispatcher Zephyr City had ever seen.

  
 
  
  The day of the Rampage  

It had been a long week, shepherding Young Griffin and Dr. Maverick between speaking engagements, sneaking the latter away for discussions whenever possible. Working out a way to combine their respective masteries over time and space.

And this was it, theoretically.

Chronarch stared at the machine that had been painstakingly assembled in the middle of the warehouse. The brainchild of a 29 th -century AI and an expert on dimensional technology. Hopefully, exactly what he needed to complete his mission.

  “Let’s hope this works."  
  “IT   WILL ’  both Dr. Maverick and ARTEMIS repeated in unison. Charming, he thought. They had a lot more faith in this than he did.

But he pulled the switch anyhow.

The concerted rings – surrounding a six-foot-radius sphere of steel – began spinning, power being diverted into them from the surrounding blocks. He could see the neighborhood outside getting dimmer through the windows; his volunteers had spread the word around, so disruption could be minimized, but they only got one shot at this. It wasn’t just electricity the machine was harnessing, but the quantum energy of the Pulse.

The whirring reached a deafening volume – poor Dr. Maverick didn’t have a sound-controlled helmet, that must be unpleasant – as the rings spun around the sphere with frantic intensity. It was glowing with a blinding white light, one that was growing in intensity as the machine charged up the energy it needed to overlap realities.

And then, with a crash, there was an explosion of sound and kinetic energy that radiated from the machine as it abruptly stopped moving. Chronarch barely got in front on Dr. Maverick in time, his Krouse Drive activating at the speed of thought, and was able to absorb the blow before it could snap the frail scientist in half.

  CHRONARCH!   He could hear Artemis’ panic through the feed.

As he stared at the smoldering sphere and the wreckage of the rings around it, he could only hope that it had worked.   “I’m okay. The doctor seems to be fine. Please send someone to check on the kid, just in case. I think tha-“  

He was interrupted by a hissing noise as the sphere broke cleanly into two halves. His breath caught in his chest as he peered through the steam, looking for something, anything. Something to justify all the time and energy put into this.

  “Hello?”   He tried to keep the worry out of his voice.   “If there’s someone there, I promise that-“  

For the second time, he was only barely fast enough to act. This time, it was a bolt of plasma, shot directly where he’d been standing. His heart leapt into his throat. He refused to get his hopes up. There was still so much that could have gone wrong.  

“You’re in no danger! I know this must be confusing but you’re safe and among friends. More so than you might think, actually!”  
 
   “Who’s there? Where am I?”   A synthesized voice. Not dissimilar to how he sounded when he spoke through his helmet. With one key difference.

A figure emerged from the steam, hand on the still-venting plasma cannon. Clad in a suit of chrome and sky blue. A mirror of his own, built for a very similar purpose. Making a better world, out of the ashes of a terrible future.

They had done it. Time and space indeed. He felt only triumph.  Thank god.  
 
 “APOLLO? What did you do with APOLLO? Why isn’t he responding?”   There was an edge of panic in their voice.

Chronarch stepped forward, and his counterpart stopped still, utterly shocked. He unsealed his helmet with a hiss, pulling it off, as he addressed them.

  “My real name is Tryler, but you can call me Chronarch. I’m like you. In your world, you would have called me APOLLO. Here, I was flesh and blood, and you were the AI. Otherwise, we’re here for the exact same thing. Same mission. Same awful future.” 
 
  IT’S NICE TO MEET YOU. MEET ME? HOW DO THE PRONOUNS WORK, EXACTLY?   ARTEMIS’ voice, reverberating through the speakers, was tinged with amusement, but he could hear the anxiety and excitement underneath.

It’s not ever day you got to meet yourself from another dimension, after all.

Chronarch held his breath, heart hammering in his chest, offering his hand out for his counterpart to shake. This was it.

After a moment of stunned silence, the figure removed their helmet in turn, revealing close-cropped black hair on an average-looking woman.
 
 “I don’t know exactly how you got me here, and I have about a million questions. My real name’s Diana.” 
 
She reached forward and took his hand.   "But since I’m guessing you didn’t pull me into an alternate dimension for a social visit - you can call me Archaeon.”  
  "Looks like we've got work to do."  
      INTIALIZING FACTION THEME   
  
kaio999
  
   Imperatrix Sighting 4    
   Aerial Survey 1   
 
 Spoiler: Flight View 1 
 
 

 Damage viewed on 37 different dwellings, 7 different businesses, casualties visually identified 102, civilian casualties visually identified 56 
   Aerial Survey 2   
 
 Spoiler: Combat View 
 
 

  Bloodbound, Opalescent Orchestra, Game Master, Freedom Assembly, Birdwatch, Happy Cairns, entire city bleeds.  
    OUBLIETTE INTERDIMENSIONAL CONTAINMENT FACILITY    
 
 Spoiler: Oubliette Station and Holding Facility 
 
 
 


She was back for another big announcement from the sky cavalry!

 
 Spoiler: Moira McGoidte 
 
 


Here she was again on stage, with a big announcement for the city another world altering transformation for them all! "Good evening Zephyr city! I come to you with another announcement on behalf of the sky cavalry and another means to make the world a safer place for the ordinary citizens! While Empowered do everything in their power to murder one another there is one who breaks that mold. Mourn! An amazing hero has done everything in her power to try and save them! We in the sky cavalry are disgusted by the bloodshed and the harm being done by the  empowered to eachother and those around them but despite that we do not want to see them die. We want to help this city just as Mourn does. Since we don't have her amazing ability to heal instead we are building a prison capable of holding the empowered! This massive undertaking will allow us to successfully capture and house empowered long term, contain and rehabilitate them and we will be able to do so without other empowered having to do the dirty work! It means normal citizens will be safe without relying on other empowered to be their new enforcers!

Sky Cavalry is expending incredible resources to get this facility up and running but we need the help of others willing to see REAL change in the city! We ask every faction who truly wishes to do good and see such a facility built offer us their aid in getting this done. This will mean the effective end of the police force within the city and no longer will the normal people be powerless in the face of the empowered. AI, Imperatrix and the machine will be containing violent criminals and even beings as powerful as Bolting will not be able to escape such a facility!" She looks out to the city and gives a big grin  putting out her hand. "If you want to see a safer Zephyr city where an empowered doesn't need to die or lose their powers to be removed as a threat please help us build a better tomorrow!"

 (OOC: SEEKING MOR, SPC AND WEIRD DONATIONS) 
  Official Missives Morale 16  
 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Interested in a full alliance? I am worried about bloodborn and freedom assembly feel like we need to join forces to put those two on the back foot. Our Morale combined would also make us unstoppable and let us attack any threat without much chance for reprisal.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 9 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly and Avant Guarde 
Hello new allies,

Obviously last week was a **** show all around. We are sorry for our part of the confusion.

Did we want to meet up privately to discuss matters for this week or due to the goverment crackdown is merely messaging ok?

Either way I'm happy to announce our alliance as the Vox Populis of Zephyr City.
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Hello Mourn,

Well I didn't think we would be having our first talk be me thanking you for patching up a dozen injuries in the middle of a war zone.

Truely thank you. You are I think the only person in this city genuinely deserving tye term Guardian Angel. I hope at least our action against the Demons were not disappointing to you.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Well I don't want to say I told you so but...

I think the mess with the demons and the Gamemaster running through your neighborhoods answers those questions. We accomplished our goals at least, taking down Legion and hurting the demons.

How did things go on your end. At least we have Mourn to thank for our succinct recovery times.
 
Eldan
 https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...on_Project.png 

***

 Three days ago.  
 

There were  far  too many data points to track, even for Levy. Too many flashpoints. Last count: Daemones, Remi, Serge, First Freedom Enforcers, Dyad, Jade, Miasma, Minotaur, Mourn, 32 iterrations of Legion, Agent Hartley.... what felt like half the metahumanity in Zephyr City had gotten involved in the Bonerattler war. He really, really wished Sandra was here. Just a dozen of here could have kept the entire operation coordinated, with another dozen to come up with a better plan than this. But she wasn't... currently available.
And then there was... The Asset. God. Levy felt uncomfortable even thinking about it. If this didn't work, if they didn't create themselves some breathing room, they would all be publicly crucified for recruiting  him. 
He shook his head. Too late to change plans now. Back at the wall of screens.
"Hill Road, derealize up to 16%. We need to hold Miasma back just a bit longer. Blow the charges on the fake safe house in Carlton Avenue, that's eight Bone Rattlers now inside. Hold your fire on the attackers in Trappist Plaza, they are going to engage the Assembly there. Blow West Bridge on my mark, three, two..."

 

***

 Today. 

The press statement was read by Sandra Valdez. The old woman had an easy confidence and years of practise speaking, while behind her, Dr. Levy was fidgeting nervously, no trace of the self-assured figure he had been at the Morningstar presentation.
"... were in fact doing everything in our power to prevent civilian casualties. We would also like to say that, well. We have a woman who duplicates herself."
A duplicate of Sandra walks by, giving her a playful high-five...
"While  they  made it rain blood and viscera across three city districts and started the Stadium massacre. So perhaps one should rethink who is being labelled "demon" here. Now, as for our future plans.
Levy, almost vibrating now with rage, steps forward, rips the microphone from her hands.
"You CRETINS keep attacking us when we are TRYING our HARDEST to save this CITY and the entire WORLD. Humanity is RUINING this planet and we finally have a SOLUTION and if you small-minded MORONS can't..."
The microphone is pulled out of his hands again, a s two more Sandras drag him off-stage, one on either arm.
"Yes, thank you Dr. Levy. As before, Eversion Project takes an official stance of armed neutrality. We will continue working on peaceful research projects, while defending ourselves with all means at our disposals if necessary. Thank you."

To the Bone Rattlers [6]
 
 Spoiler 
I hope by now we can both agree that this is not going anywhere. We've spent far too much energy fighting and betraying each other, adnd the northern half of the city will only keep declaring us a security risk and attacking us. With the current lockdown, neither of us can act particularly effectively, either, so we once again propose a truce. Keep the damn university, if you must. We don't have the resources to take it from you. We propose Status Quo. Leave everything as it is.
We also suggest that, as neither of us has reasons to particularly trust the other, we get a neutral party in on the negotiations. We propose either Chronarch or Mourn, neither should have particular favoritism and they have the power to enforce in case of a breach.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 9   ]     .

 
    
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 


I have to say, after the grilling you gave me for the parade, I find myself deeply disappointed.

Avante Guarde I understand. They’re reasonable, I have no doubt they have good intentions here.

But the Bloodborn? The Bloodborn escalated three smaller conflicts into  an enormous one. Hundreds of citizens of Zephyr City - many of whom were totally innocent - are dead because they revel in chaos and have no regard for who gets caught in the  crossfire. I shut down one parade, and you set up a  tribunal. They caused the deaths of hundreds through their reckless use  of the blood mist to escalate the violence to the point that Mourne had  to step in, and you’re allied with them?

These are the people you  choose to tie yourself to? I thought your principles were more than  just words. What was that about building a better Zephyr City now? Weren't you the ones that decried "the ends justify the means"?

We supported you in taking down the Orchestra because they  need to be stopped, so I won’t criticize you for anything that happened  there.

But I absolutely will criticize you for working with those who've caused the deaths of more than the actual goddamn   demons  . I thought you better than hypocrites.
 
     
 Spoiler: OOC 


The bloodborn turned three already brutal fights into one giant brawl and definitely caused at least some innocent deaths
 
  
  
  [/SPOILER]  
 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


I have to say, after the grilling you gave me for the parade, I find myself deeply disappointed.

The Freedom Assembly I understand. They seem reasonable enough and they’re actively focused on taking down a delusional maniac. Hell, I lent them my strength this last turn in their assault against the Orchestra.

But the Bloodborn? The Bloodborn escalated three smaller conflicts into an enormous one. Hundreds of citizens of Zephyr City are dead because they revel in chaos and have no regard for who gets caught in the crossfire. They caused the deaths of hundreds through their reckless use  of the blood mist to escalate the violence to the point that Mourne had  to step in, and you’re allied with them?

I shut down one parade – without a single casualty – and there was a tribunal. They caused the deaths of hundreds through their reckless use of the blood mist to escalate the violence to the point that Mourne had to step in, and you’re allied with them?

These are the people you choose to tie yourself to? This is the future you want for Zephyr City? Blood mist, riots, and indiscriminate violence?

I thought you valued actions over honeyed words. Apparently not. Until you've rethought your choice of allies, consider whatever working relationship we have sundered.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

The bloodborn turned three already brutal fights into one giant brawl and definitely caused at least some innocent deaths
 

 
   
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

  
  
 
  
  
 
Writtensanity
It was several days later and the war rampaging in Zephyr City wasn't even front page news anymore. Over in Coast Cliff there were rumours of a villain summoning a giant monster from the sea as part of a revenge plot. That was going to be the front page next week, so people were over there preparing for it. You needed all the best angles of the carnage after all.

Those vultures had already turned their eyes away from the city becuase they understood that the National Guard was going to do their job, but that was only half the truth. The boots on the ground were there to make people feel better, they were there to make people think that they were in control, but realistically a wall of guns weren't always the solutioned to the Empowered.

No no, you needed other Empowered, but you also needed to keep them quiet. To use a term that the Vultures would use, bury the lede.

That was what had brought Molten Mistress to the city. Of coruse as a random citizne that nobody would recognize as the Master of Magma. She was there to ensure that the National Guard could do their job if some of the heavy hitters in the city decided to try and test the ban. They would need her to stop people like Chronarch if things went South.... again.

For now though, she was just a citizen waiting on the foot traffic as the ZPD got people where they needed to be while avoiding the parts of the neighborhood that were still.. messy from the weekened. Nobody was going to know that she was here, and hopefully they wouldn't have to.

She wasn't sure of it though, partially becuase of a name that she'd heard from the people of the City over and over again, whispered over hushed tones.

Was  Vox Populi  going to sit down and wait in the middle of their new alliance?

 The Bloodborn, Avant Garde and Freedom Assembly are now the alliance Vox Populi 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
The Avante Guarde broadcast flickered live with a man that might be recognisable to anyone familiar with the group. Lightly tanned skin, a frame that would be tall and imposing, piercing eyes and a stern face. Remi Ragav, except the previously imposing Empowered Agent lay on a stretcher, arm being worked on even as the camera moved up and down his lying form. He looked... rough. Whatever had happened to him had injured him quite thoroughly, it was impressive that the man was alive, let alone talking.   "They had the Game Master helping them. Central I repeat, Eversion had the assistance of the Game Master."   Despite his injuries, and the rough rasp of his voice, Remi's words still came out clipped and succinct, communicating clearly before the feed was cut off.

In its replacement, Aleksi sat at the PR desk, lights around him dimmed. He looked up at the camera, but none of the lights came on. Instead the founder of Avante Guarde was shrouded in some darkness. Sombreness.

 "Eversion Project has chosen to work with the Game Master. Something that multiple people of this city chose to speak out against. Something we all decried, and they even offered to assist us in."  There was a pause, a gathering of thoughts, of breath.  "Though, with recent events, we wonder how sincere that offer was in the first place." 
 "We are not here to declare war, yet. The National Guard has stepped in, and in deference for them actually doing something, Avante Guarde will step back. We will ponder our wounded and dead. We will mourn the losses and the suffering."  There was a crack as whatever object had been sitting between Aleksi's fingers crumpled in his fist.  "But we don't forget." 

 

 To Vox Populi(Bloodborn/Freedom Assembly): 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:13 
Hey,

I think this week with the lockdown we shouldn't need to worry about any cloak and dagger. I know we'll be mostly working internal and keeping our stuff safe.

That being said, I did want to offer each of you a spot for an Empowered in on of our local Heists:

 
 Spoiler: Heist 
Local Heist - The New Order
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

Stage One - Careful Training - COMPLETE

Stage Two- Alongside the Mighty - COMPLETE

Stage Three- into the Breach - Head over to the Neighbouring Starlit City to take a chunk off a smaller crew that's running there. Getting into a fight in Zephyr city is risky with so many powers, practice with one.
Cost- 10 SPC or STR: VIP REQUIRED (All VIPs may participate regardless of type)
Reward- 1 EXP for EACH participating VIP, up to 4
 


Lemme know who you're sending if you want in.

Also, Miasmi, sorry for the mess that got Remi caught up in that. That was on me.
 

 Response to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:13 
Whoa.

First:
I recommend not copy-pasting. Kinda feels like you did a **** job of caring about my individual circumstances if you think I'm 95% the same as the Assembly.

Second:
What the ****. Let me rip to pieces this high horse you got yourself on.

1. I didn't give you a whole lot of grilling for the parade. I gave you one or two "Kinda sucked that you sprung that on me, I would've worked with you" and then we agreed to talk about it and so far we've communicated fine. The Assembly built the tribunal and I agreed to sit on it while clearly saying you didn't deserve it.

2. There has been four weeks of ZERO issues with the Bloodmist. The only previous "Carnage" has been a demon and a gangster getting themselves a beating when they defied the agreement to not touch the GameMaster that you agreed to. And, funnily enough, you know what the first sign of actual chaos from the Bloodmist is? The Game Master. That the Eversion Project is working with. Who took it over.

Because lemme break this down for you kid.

The bloodmist is a thing, I agree, but it's handled with care over here. It only affects Empowered, well when the Game Master doesn't get his grubby fingers on it at least.

In EVERY case of it prior to this week it has been no real trouble.

I do agree that the Bloodborn have an over-inclination towards violence. They can read this message so you also know I'm not afraid to say that to their faces. Hell I said that to them weeks ago.

But they have good intentions and are willing to step up to it. Like with the Game Master event. That's more than I can say for most of the city.

Fun fact: I'm actually here for the opposite of honeyed words. I agreed to an alliance because I saw what Miasma did to try and ensure no one ****ed with the Game Master and I felt like they did a good job. And actions speak louder than words.

Also as an aside, I do like how you haven't done **** about the Eversion Project despite them now being involved with two of the most horrific instances of destruction. And now found to have collaborated with the Game Master.

So, yeah. You are among one of the few other people that aren't the Bloodborn who have actively done things for the city. And I'd like to keep that relationship. But that decision is up to you kid.
 

 To the Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:13 
Hey Mourn,

I can't say how much I appreciate your presence in the city.

You fixing people up after the ****show last week? I know it doesn't tick the 'proactive' box much, but it is invaluable to the people affected by this.

So thank you.

As an appreciation, I'd like to offer you a single spot in an opportunity I have available to me:
 
 Spoiler: Heist 
Local Heist - The New Order
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

Stage One - Careful Training - COMPLETE

Stage Two- Alongside the Mighty - COMPLETE

Stage Three- into the Breach - Head over to the Neighbouring Starlit City to take a chunk off a smaller crew that's running there. Getting into a fight in Zephyr city is risky with so many powers, practice with one.
Cost- 10 SPC or STR: VIP REQUIRED (All VIPs may participate regardless of type)
Reward- 1 EXP for EACH participating VIP, up to 4
 


Let me know if you'd like to send one of your Empowered to attend.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 9   ]     .
  
 
 Spoiler: To Avante Guarde 


 First:
I recommend not copy-pasting. Kinda feels like you did a **** job of  caring about my individual circumstances if you think I'm 95% the same  as the Assembly. 

Given that you're reading each others' mail, and oh, right, you're both allied with the Bloodborn, I'm not sure your individual circumstances really matter, do they?


 Second:
What the ****. Let me rip to pieces this high horse you got yourself on.

1. I didn't give you a whole lot of grilling for the parade. I gave you  one or two "Kinda sucked that you sprung that on me, I would've worked  with you" and then we agreed to talk about it and so far we've  communicated fine. The Assembly built the tribunal and I agreed to sit  on it while clearly saying you didn't deserve it.

2. There has been four weeks of ZERO issues with the Bloodmist. The only  previous "Carnage" has been a demon and a gangster getting themselves a  beating when they defied the agreement to not touch the GameMaster that  you agreed to. And, funnily enough, you know what the first sign of  actual chaos from the Bloodmist is? The Game Master. That the Eversion  Project is working with. Who took it over.

Because lemme break this down for you kid.

The bloodmist is a thing, I agree, but it's handled with care over here.  It only affects Empowered, well when the Game Master doesn't get his  grubby fingers on it at least.

In EVERY case of it prior to this week it has been no real trouble. 

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that your alliance had a monopoly on high horses.

My point is that your ally put me on tribunal for shutting down a parade with no casualties. The Bloodborne turned three already-destructive conflicts into a massive six-way brawl. The Game Master wouldn't have been able to fight  five separate factions  if it wasn't for them needlessly escalating it, to the point where the ordinary people of Zephyr City got hurt. I'm not absolving those individual factions for the damage they did - but at least those were in the active pursuit of taking down threats to this city. From what I've gathered, the Bloodborn were just expanding their grip on the city, and the city paid the price.

We're not absolving the Eversion Project - see below. But you're totally absolving the Bloodborn here for their recklessness here and I'm not going to let you claim that you care about the people of this city when you've tied yourself to a faction that's escalating things and getting civilians hurt without any sort of consequences or recriminations.


 I do agree that the Bloodborn have an over-inclination towards violence.  They can read this message so you also know I'm not afraid to say that  to their faces. Hell I said that to them weeks ago.

But they have good intentions and are willing to step up to it. Like  with the Game Master event. That's more than I can say for most of the  city.

Fun fact: I'm actually here for the opposite of honeyed words. I agreed  to an alliance because I saw what Miasma did to try and ensure no one  ****ed with the Game Master and I felt like they did a good job. And  actions speak louder than words. 

Hm, "I'm saying words about them, but not acting on it" immediately followed by "I value actions over words". Is this a 21st century thing? Do words and actions not mean the same thing they do in the 29th century?

The Bloodborn surprised me with their actions on the Game Master, and I gave them credit for it. But innocents are dead and they're responsible for needless escalation. And you want to... what, sweep that under the rug? The Game Master wouldn't have done nearly as much damage if they hadn't tried to grab an extra bit of territory and dropped their blood mist over a tenth of the city.


 Also as an aside, I do like how you haven't done **** about the Eversion  Project despite them now being involved with two of the most horrific  instances of destruction. And now found to have collaborated with the  Game Master. 

You're right, the Rampage definitely needed a   seventh participating faction  . I'm sure that wouldn't have resulted in even more civilian casualties!

You know I'm from the future, but the thing with the Game Master didn't happen in my timeline. And, for the record, I haven't done much against them, but I think I've done more than you have at this point. Unless raiding their heists is what you call aggressive actions.

The Eversion Project will get what's coming to them. I'm not defending their use of the Game Master in any way, and I'll be taking them to task for it. They're unstable and a threat to this city and I'm certainly not standing in the way of you getting rid of them. Hell, literally the second week I was here, I told them to be better - which obviously hasn't worked. But I'd just been told that I should be looking to collaborate, so I haven't done a single violent thing since - at least, not other than helping the Freedom Assembly against what I considered to be a threat to Zephyr City. You were the ones who told me not to go with coercion, to engage in dialogue, not to take the hard-assed approach. Now you're lambasting me for it? I'm trying very hard not to step on any toes or be a "Time Tyrant", as your alliance is so fond of slinging my way, and the hypocrisy of criticizing me for that is astounding.


 So, yeah. You are among one of the few other people that aren't the  Bloodborn who have actively done things for the city. And I'd like to  keep that relationship. But that decision is up to you kid. 

Yeah, no, we're done. Unless there's a tribunal for the Bloodborn's reckless usage of the blood mist - turning three separate fights into one enormous brawl, to the point at which the goddamn National Guard had to be called in and hurting or killing dozens of innocents, at minimum - any coordination between us is over. I won't play nice while you and the Freedom Assembly fail to apply the same standard to the Bloodborn that you applied to me.


 
 
There's a little addendum at the end of the message - a few extra lines that have clearly been snuck in there.  

Hi. Try not to take this too personally. Chronarch's pissed at the double-standard here being applied in terms of how his good intentions were worthless, and how the Bloodborn's good intentions excuse a much worse outcome. And I think he's hurt that you didn't let him know this whole alliance thing was happening, given his willingness to work with you and the relationship you'd been cultivating. He's been trying so hard to balance the need to change the future with the need to focus on the here and now, and I think he feels like this whole thing is a slap in the face if the second innocent bodies start hitting the ground, you and the Freedom Assembly aren't going to hold all the parties responsible to justice because it's inconvenient. He's also angry that he turns his back to focus on a personal project - hi - for one week, and the whole city goes to ****. Having the tools to intervene and having been told not to use them, well, I hope you can see where the frustration is coming from.

-Aeonarch

 
 Spoiler: OoC 


Whoops, I didn't realize alliance members could read each others' mail. Serves me right for saving a little time in sending similar messages.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


Thank you for stepping in and stopping the situation to the west. The Rampage was violent and brutal - we're already criticizing the Bloodborn for their part in it and we will happily support further investments in regards to other problematic elements if they can't be brought to heel - but it could have been worse, if not for you.

I'm concerned by Vox Populi, I'm not going to lie. It seems like their intentions are good, but I'm worried that with that much strength and fury unchecked by the threat of each other speaking truth to power, they'll justify all manner of atrocities in a way that I might have, had I not been given a reality check in the wake of the parade.

To that end, I want closer cooperation between the two of us. Is this acceptable to you?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


I'm not proposing a formal alliance - not yet - but I am proposing an informal alliance of sorts.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


Just confirming you got what I sent last week. Again, I appreciate your willingness to cooperate on Dr. Maverick. Despite my project working out, he was almost more trouble than he was worth.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 3 
 
 Spoiler: The eversion project 
Gotta hand it to you, people tripping over themselves to get a lick in would be hilarious if people didn't include us.

Is gonna cost ya a bit more than that, but you do have our ears, I'll give you a location if I can wrangle chronarch into it.

-Dashing Dynamo.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No VIP meeting or anything, just fluff for the next message, separate in case we do need to talk about something else.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Chronal imperative 
With the added manpower in Chronarchate service Dashing Dynamo's antics have considerably reduced, two 29th century vigilantes working in shifts have quickly left little to no crime for her to tussle with and the limits of her vision have allowed them to catch glimpses of her on two separate occasions.

The message isn't particularly fancy, just a short little puzzle given over days on the pair's routes, the AI's probably could do it in less that a human sneezes but Dynamo was ever relying on a sense of fair play for these operations, Chronarch could rob himself the treat and get the message with no effort if he wanted but she did her part anyway.

"Hey future boy!

Hear you got someone "working under you", bets are in on whether you made a bot or found yourself one of Roxie's girls with a want for a power trip, I had a bit of faith in you so reaaaally hoping is not the first, no longer have a casino to support that kind of losses you see.

Anyway, here is your chance to make this city (and I hope the future, otherwise I'm talking to a wall here) a better place, meet us here to make sure the feds and my gals stop making a ruckus in your honeymoon.

Ever yours (not like that, if the other one is reading this),
-Dashing Dynamo."


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No VIP meeting or anything, just fluff for the next message, separate in case we do need to talk about something else. Feel free to send a drone or something if Chronarch sitting around in a room to talk doesn't gel with you.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Bloodborn 
Hey,

Yeah, yeah, I'm familiar enough with the ways of thugs, we didn't let you through so you wouldn't make a mess, you made a mess anyway, glad to hear the city at least got something vaguely positive out of it.

If you mean to show some real concern with that question we'll take a donation to make up for the territories we'd have gotten if you  didn't  show up, if you don't then pay no mind. And yeah, If anyone in this city is actually good is her.

Regards like a creditor,
Khalid Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Hey,

Well I'll be damned, looks like my boys misjudged you, suppose if the wanna-be cops are good enough for you they are decent enough for me too.

Now, I'll go out on a limb and just assume they'd veto any idea of our people getting some of our Vox heard in your forum, that's okay enough, but is there any chance your organization can take this lull and spare some mulah to fix the streets your other buddy is intent on keeping red? I'm not sure who is sort of executive officer for the week so just asking the most reasonable of you in the meantime.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronal imperative and the Eversion Project 
Regardless of what arbitrary lines might say, the city was still a city, known factors might be reluctant to cross neighborhoods that someone else has a real stake on but the wheels of commerce just couldn't flow properly if people couldn't from their home to their job at the other side of town.

Still, those invited were too known a factor for anything but a warehouse within Chronarch's territory to do, owned by a friend of a friend, the place was utterly devoid of boxes, storage or any other place plucky bonerattlers might ambush from.

At the center was a big table, with a bright red dot revealing itself as Dashing Dynamo on approach, A smaller white dot sat by her side, sporting an elite operator's suit with her medium length hair pinned upwards and the general features of their head obscured by a white mask with purple eyes.

All other seats were empty for whatever security detail the others wanted to bring, there were even two chair reserved for chronarch, though if the Eversion negotiators arrived soon they might have caught  the bonerattlers making it bets to if Chronarch would even show up, much less take a seat.

On arrival little time was wasted before offering some coffee and prodding chronarch to see if he would take the helmet off to eat an offered scone.  "Alright, here is an offer then"  the ledger is surprisingly neat, and details all from troop movements to the stance of several key services and store that have changed hands more than a few times in the last few days.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: The offer 
Bonerattlers:
-keep the university
-Promise to advocate for general de-escalation against the Eversion Project.
-Leaving 24 for you to take.
-Making no moves towards 22.
-Refrains from direct conflict against Eversion.*
-Pledge to protect Chronarch if they are invaded.

Eversion:
-Pays 10 whatever in reparations as per the original deal they broke (5 can be mor).
-Leaves 29 for us to take.
-Refrains from direct conflict against Bonerattlers.*
-Pledge to protect chronarch if they are invaded.

*The Bloodmist exists, there is a lot of public heists one may be tempted to crash, a little tussle on the side should be no grounds to restart the war.

The Chronal imperative:
-Pledge to destroy whatever party breaks the pact.
-Makes no moves towards 15.
 


"Read up, let me know your thoughts, don't be shy" Dashing Dynamo and Jetti are certainly not shy about snacking while the others read, the better to show everyone involved that nothing is poisoned.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just the " give me a heist" reminder for this week.
 

 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:13 
I'm going to ignore the whole little bit about "individual circumstances" because that starts to get into philosophy and other stuff. I thought it was insulting, but whatever.

Here lemme give you sound bites.

 
 Originally Posted by Let'sGetKraken 
 My point is that your ally put me on tribunal for shutting down a parade with no casualties. 
 

And I told them they weren't in the right. And they backed down. Don't act like I sat there and agreed with them.


 
 Originally Posted by Let'sGetKraken 
 The Bloodborne turned three already-destructive conflicts into a massive six-way brawl. The Game Master wouldn't have been able to fight  five separate factions  if it wasn't for them needlessly escalating it, to the point where the ordinary people of Zephyr City got hurt. I'm not absolving those individual factions for the damage they did - but at least those were in the active pursuit of taking down threats to this city. From what I've gathered, the Bloodborn were just expanding their grip on the city, and the city paid the price. 
 

Without the Game Master, there was...

1. Me
2. The Bloodborn
3. The Freedom Assembly

Now fun fact but that's a whole 3-way alliance. Who else got caught?

1. The Bone Rattlers - Which you've acted against.
2. The Eversion Project - Which we're talking about being not good news.
3. Actually no one else. Mourn showed up because she's an angel, but she wasn't actually caught in the blood mist.

The 6th I'm not sure who you thought. The Orchestra avoided it. The Birdwatch kinda did too.

So the little cute group of the Northern Alliance that was going to do fight the Mafia and the Demon Scientists was going to go fine if the Game Master didn't show up.

See, what I'm really really frustrated over here Chronarch is that you're treating the outcome like it was the intent. And you're judging people based on what the Game Master turned it into, instead of blaming the Game Master and Eversion Project for causing that.

Did the Bloodborn make a mistake in the position because they didn't know? Sure. And it's something I'm happy to talk about working with them towards. But the point is that the outcome without the Game Master is a lot friendlier and nicer to the city.

We aren't responsible for the Eversion Project. Or the Bone Rattlers.

Also, your "Gathering" really doesn't do a great job. We struck at Eversion, Avante Guarde and the Bloodborn. We made a direct attack on what we thought was their most offensive personnel. (Legion) Mostly Bloodborn in fairness but my men were there too.


 
 Originally Posted by Let'sGetKraken 
 We're not absolving the Eversion Project - see below. But you're totally absolving the Bloodborn here for their recklessness here and I'm not going to let you claim that you care about the people of this city when you've tied yourself to a faction that's escalating things and getting civilians hurt without any sort of consequences or recriminations. 
 

Nope. Never said the Bloodborn was entirely blameless. Their intent was good, but obviously intent isn't the be-all and end-all. I treated you the same way. My issue is you've walked in and treated the Bloodborn like a horrible plague and I'm not standing for that either.

Just like I didn't stand for the Freedom Assembly treating you like your stance was bad for the city.

However, unlike the Freedom Assembly, I don't tend to put people on trial publicly when I think they need to do better.


 
 Originally Posted by Let'sGetKraken 
 You're right, the Rampage definitely needed a   seventh participating faction  . I'm sure that wouldn't have resulted in even more civilian casualties! 
 

"My inaction is totally justified because the result may have made things worse."

Now, I wanna be clear. I am not trying to say you 100% should have acted on the Eversion Project. I'm saying that you're judging the people doing things really harshly and then using hindsight as an excuse for it and that doesn't fly. Doesn't even walk.


 
 Originally Posted by Let'sGetKraken 
 And, for the record, I haven't done much against them, but I think I've done more than you have at this point. Unless raiding their heists is what you call aggressive actions. 
 

I haven't done a huge amount compared to others. But I've been involved. Also funny fact, never raided the Eversion Heists yet.


 
 Originally Posted by Let'sGetKraken 
 The Eversion Project will get what's coming to them. I'm not defending their use of the Game Master in any way, and I'll be taking them to task for it. They're unstable and a threat to this city and I'm certainly not standing in the way of you getting rid of them. Hell, literally the second week I was here, I told them to be better - which obviously hasn't worked. But I'd just been told that I should be looking to collaborate, so I haven't done a single violent thing since - at least, not other than helping the Freedom Assembly against what I considered to be a threat to Zephyr City. You were the ones who told me not to go with coercion, to engage in dialogue, not to take the hard-assed approach. Now you're lambasting me for it? I'm trying very hard not to step on any toes or be a "Time Tyrant", as your alliance is so fond of slinging my way, and the hypocrisy of criticizing me for that is astounding. 
 

Okay.

Cut down this ****.

I have not aggressively lambasted you for it. At all. I appreciate the HELL out of you modulating your approach and working with Zephyr. You have attacked someone I believe is working for the city in a rather aggressive manner. In terms of their character.

I probably should've been more diplomatic in my response, but none of that was me criticising your actions. It's me saying that your "High horse" is a god damn mountain when it comes to you waltzing in and saying "Hey, Bloodborn are scum and we are now destroying all collaboration we've had in the past because you dared to ally with them."

Forgive me for being a little aggressive in my response.

But lemme reclarify that:
None of that was saying your actions in recent time have been bad. All of them were a criticism of you making a blanket statement the Bloodborn were scum.


 
 Originally Posted by Let'sGetKraken 
 Yeah, no, we're done. Unless there's a tribunal for the Bloodborn's reckless usage of the blood mist - turning three separate fights into one enormous brawl, to the point at which the goddamn National Guard had to be called in and hurting or killing dozens of innocents, at minimum - any coordination between us is over. I won't play nice while you and the Freedom Assembly fail to apply the same standard to the Bloodborn that you applied to me. 
 

I didn't call a tribunal against you. I'm not calling a tribunal against the Bloodborn. I won't call a tribunal against anyone in the city I think is doing good. Or trying.

The National Guard was brought in for more than just the Bloodmist friend. There was a massacre that the Orchestra completed centre-city that had nothing to do with it. There was a birdwatch vs Orchestra fight elsewhere. There was a Bone Rattlers vs Eversion brawl which spanned multiple blocks.

The National Guard was pulled in because the south-side of the city had devolved into a massive brawl. The Bloodmist is one small part of that.

But you're trying to make the entire situation about the Bloodmist.

Wanna know a fun fact? The Guard was probably arriving even if the bloodmist fiasco never happened. Because the sheer volume of violence outside of that. Don't get me wrong, that fiasco made it worse.

But it was still bad.

I'm applying exactly the same standard to the Bloodborn. I talk to them, I try and help them do better in helping the city.

The fact you don't think so is disappointing.


 


An addendum note is tacked on at the end:
Tell Chronarch to sit down for a moment and I'm happy to talk to him again. To be honest, him and Mourn were the other two I wanted to think about alliances with, but this happened and for now I'm trying to get Vox Populi to work towards making the people better. Sky Cavalry maybe as well but I feel like they do their own thing and haven't seen them do anything beyond industry upgrades.

Don't get me wrong, that's cool and all, but I haven't seen them help prevent the city danger beyond their little QoL stuff.

Also Chronarch acting like I made a public deal about him beyond actually defending his ass to the people is a slap in the face to my reasonable approach in the first god damn place.

So if he can't sit down and realise he's treating me like some sort of caricature of me then I'm not going to sympathise with him feeling left out like a whiny kid.

God damn, he is a kid isn't he. That probably explains a lot. Pressure at his age isn't good.

Anyway idk much about you Aeonarch other than I assume the thematic name means you're also from the future and probably same timeline as him. I can understand frustration but that doesn't excuse him acting like an ass and deciding how I should treat people when I've never treated anyone (him inclusive) that way.

Hope you do good even with Chronarch acting sulky.

-Aleksi
 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:13 
OOC:
No can do on Heist this week. Got a locked Pulse Heist (Because Orchestra destabilised it so it's locked again.)
And some other things that I'm not willing to share. Or hell, do anything about either. Seems de-escalation of the city is in full force in multiple ways.
 
Eldan
 
Morale: 6

 To the Avante Guarde
  
 Spoiler 
We did say we'd have to take unpopular measures if the integrity of the project was threatened further, Ragav. Do you think we want to work with the likes of the Game Master? Of course not. But no one else will and when you and your little lynch posse show up to finish us, well, the project must survive.

Oh and by the way, we made sure to keep him far away from any civilians. Civilians who were knocked out and confined to their buildings to minimize damage. We sent him to counter a clearly defined Bone Rattler attack. But of course your buddies with the blood mist had to draw him out of that, give him an entire arena for slaughter. So don't blame us when your friends make all sensible planning for minimalized casualties impossible.
 

 To the Bone Rattlers, Chronarch 
 
 Spoiler 
Agent Hartley shows up to the meeting with only a minimal security detail, two security officers with medium armaments, submachine guns, no armour or helmets.
He sits down, scowling, not saying much, leaves through the ledger. Occasionally, he grunt to himself.
"Hrm. Well, mostly acceptable. Except... the [10 stats] was for the university. You can't have both. And don't start again with betrayal, you betrayed us just as much."
 
Feathersnow
 

Doves, well, pigeons fly around the Lower South Side...

Birdwatch posts a notice.  No one is quite sure where it came from, but it is seen.

 
We of the Birdwatch fully endorse the federal government and intend no vigilante action at this time.  The Maestro's call for a general truce is a good idea we will be following.


Rule by the empowered is the worst tyranny, we call on all Empowered to submit to the civilian government and withdraw from the Nexus.
 

Maria and Chaz Raptor talk animatedly after releasing the posters.

  "They left us for dead! And now they are spinning this as our fault."

"Yup..."

"Never should have trusted the hypocritical so-and-sos."

"You're a big girl, Maria, you're allowed to swear..."
neriractor
 
 Morale: 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion, Chronarch 

Dynamo's mask was pretty unscrutable but for a pair of lips between grining, pursed and a grimace  "That's your sell then? 'Why, violence is just the same as self defense' or hell it must be  better  than self defense if you are doing it for the sake of cool gadgets... I'm sorry, 'progress', right?

Look, you got the numbers, so you know that tit for tat we've lost more people, whether we replenish better or not is irrelevant, and I won't be impolite enough to suggest you  truly  believe someone throwing a sucker punch is the same as the one who took it and didn't just let them walk away right after. And that difference is the reason why I must trouble your mind with the nasty, nasty word that is... Cover your ears sweetie..."   Dynamo spoke to the side and Jetti followed along, theatrically covering her ears with each hand "  betrayal " 
 "That extra something something isn't us turning back time,  present company excluded , just letting you walk away and old deals go through like my extended family hasn't been shrinking every day for half a month. No, It is a pleasantry so that we may return to a manner of goodwill; a downright trivial one too, since half of it can be paid with the shadowy agency equivalent of laundry coupons and a decent barbeque" 
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE= 9   ]     .


  
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project and the Bone Rattlers 

 
The drone projects a holographic image of Chronarch, who watches with interest at the deliberations.

After the initial back-and-forth has petered out, he speaks up.
 
"Alright. Here's how it goes."

"I am behind peace here. No doubt this is inconvenient to your northern neighbors, who are looking for an easy target to justify their aggression towards, but I don't want any more blood spilled now or in the future. So, whatever it takes to get you two working peacefully? Sure."

"So not only am I willing to mediate here, I'm willing to actively come gunning for whichever of you breaks this eventual deal. I'll publicly announce it once you two come to an agreement, and throw my weight behind enforcing it. Because - and here's the key here - I don't particularly like either of your organizations, but last week pointed out how absolutely senseless this conflict is."

"That said - Eversion. What you did last week, in unleashing the Game Master? That is unacceptable. While the Bloodborn may have escalated the conflict beyond what could have been predicted - and I have been holding them to task to that, with their allies - you loaded the gun, and unleashed that monster in the first place. Hundreds are dead because of you, some of them innocent."

"So, you're going to pay those [10 stats]. You're going to spend them and more. You want to buy yourself survival, a fresh start? Then time to put your money where your mouth is.

"You're not going to give those [10 stats] to the Bone Rattlers. They've been pretty savaged, but you both did this to yourselves. You're going to spend three times that on a publicly announced project to help the innocents of this city, and not just your own scientists. That's my condition for signing on to this little armistice."

"I doubt this will make either of you happy, but you know what you 21st century people say about compromise."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Chronarch is willing to publicly enforce this armistice and back this deal, but his condition is that the Eversion Project spend 30 points between this turn and the next (though you'll get more credit if you finish it this turn) on a public project that will actively protect Zephyr City citizens, even outside Eversion territory. The mechanics of that are up to you so long as the fluff lines up and doesn't involve like mass demonic possession; trying to be clever about this will result in you being eradicated and Chronarch will happily help in that, given how many bridges you have burnt.

 In exchange for being strongarmed like this, Chronarch is suggesting you drop the 10 stats of reparations (since, like, the Rattlers did originally browbeat and (from what I can read/guess) did absolutely stab back T3).

Once you two come to a deal that works and includes Chronarch's provision, Chronarch will announce it publicly and put his weight behind the terms.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 


You may have clawed yourself out of the grave, but if you do anything to make this city worse this week, it won't just be the Freedom Assembly gunning for you.
 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 


Interesting stance. While I wasn't able to help directly last week - other than providing resources for the Freedom Assembly to hit the Orchestra, which seems to have failed - I'm happy to see that you weathered (or should I say, feathered) the Orchestra's onslaught last week.

What can we do in backing the whole "leave the nexus alone" thing?
 

 
kaio999
[CENTER] 
  Official Missives Morale 16  
 
 Spoiler:  Birdwatch 
Now that the freedom assembly and Bloodborne are allies we can no longer endorse those factions having access to the nexus we are with you in regards to removing that threat and already considered ourselves friends hopefully our forces did their job.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
"Yes they reached the sky cavalry just fine. I appreciate getting to interface with ARTEMIS the technology is incredible. I look forward to my second interface. I wish we had clear answers on what my technological improvements did for the world, but I accept you need to be close mouthed on the issue. We do however have concerns about this alliance between bloodborne and Freedom Assembly we no longer think they should have the nexus along with the fact we have considered ending our partnership with Freedom Assembly based on this connection to Bloodborne. If this were to lead to violence could Sky Cavalry count on your support?"
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project 

Chronarch, Bone Rattlers [6]

 
 Spoiler 
Hartley is quiet for a long time. After a while, he pulls a notebook from his pocket, jots down some notes while frowning. Three or four minutes pass as he twirls his pencil. Finally, he nods.

"Very well. THis should work. Perhaps you remember Project Radiance. We announced it a few weeks ago. Fully automated sensor and analysis suite, which gives real-time tactical data on encountered metahumans. In the massacre last week, we have encountered so many of the city's strongest metahumans and generated so much data, it should have about the value you propose.
We can donate this data to the national guard units in the city, together with the equipment to use it and generate new data. That would allow them to pinpoint the most dangerous situations in the city and target them for lockdown. That should prevent quite a few losses, too.
Deal?"

OOC: This is already cleared with the GM. The effect would be prolonging the National Guard lockdown, but only for the three most damaging factions of the previous turn.
 
St. Justicar
 

The advertisements are more modest than in previous weeks, but they’re still easy to find throughout the Southside – playbills announcing guerrilla art shows, flash performances for audiences to watch out for.

 The Maestro of Mayhem will be involved in taking neutral territory 22

The Clockwork Conductor will be involved in taking territory 15 
 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch, PUBLIC 


I’m glad you’re proving so entirely understanding. I’ll even go so far as to aspire towards extending that ceasefire beyond the boots currently on the ground. You can call yourself a victor quite conclusively, if your goal was anything beside my own stylish skull.

All to say – I’m offering a permanent peace at the status quo. Are you amenable?
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly, PUBLIC 


I’d like to reiterate the offer – fighting while the federales are out marching in formation is hardly good tactics, is it? Even if you’re planning to devote yourself to nothing but turning Southside into one grand garden of guillotines, a truce for the week is just good sense.

So, a ceasefire? Or shall you publicly announce how you aspire to build a mountain of skulls?
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
    All messages encrypted at  Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=9].
     
   
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers and the Eversion Project 

 There's a moment of stunned silence from the drone. Its clear that Chronarch was not expecting this.   

Hartley, am I to understand this would be functional in perpetuity? If so, the lives you could save by dissuading aggression from the aggressors...

This would go a long, long way in terms of reparations and showing that you genuinely care about the people of this city. You do this, and I won’t just guarantee this peace treaty – I’ll put what political weight I have towards keeping you alive - so long as you refrain from future shenanigans that can harms the innocents of Zephyr City. I'm not against violence against other factions, but any demonic rampages or thoughless uses of uncontrollable forces like the Gamemaster and I'm going to consider you in breach of this treaty.

One other condition - you willingly share the blueprints for this project with Mourne once it's built, so that she can verify that it exists exactly as you've described.

Rattlers – does this deal work for you?
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


Depending on the circumstances, I could probably agree to working on that particular project together. Your logic checks out and I agree with your proposal, at least in principle. While teleportation isn’t my specialty, I could see it going a long way towards helping the people of this city.

But to that end, that second interface might need to wait. I have my own workings this week that might be necessary, given the current circumstances. Is that acceptable? I can potentially provide [Strength] instead.
 
  
Feathersnow
 

Public, Orchestra:

Pigeons, which are basically doves, continue around the Lower Southside.

A message goes up:

The Birdwatch accepts a permanent truce with The Orchestra with current borders.  We reiterate our commitment to civil government and the non-proliferation of Nexus power.

 
 Spoiler:  Sky Cavalry, Morale 7 


A nerdy man appears to the drone left to ferry messages to The Ship.

"This is Agent Magpie.  Of all the many forces that promised aid in our battle, you were the only one who came through.  Thank you.

We share your concerns.   We currently are re-arming, but we are hopeful the thrice-damned Orchestra can keep The Nexus from being misused.  That was why we originally allied with them before we were tricked into initiating hostilities.

Currently, both Eversion Project and The Orchestra have larger priorities than us, which should buy us a little time.  In a few weeks, we may be in a position to help you in return.
 



Edit-  Guard Emus are seen in Region 18
neriractor
 
 Morale: 3 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Aleksi,

Hey pal, good to be back, hope Khalid didn't cause you any worries.

Sooo, what I'm hearing about our previous deal is "nothing for you this week because I don't feel like it", is that correct? no compensation no nothing?

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Eversion Project &amp; Chronarch 
 *Tch*  is heard when Chronarch presents his own demands, a flurry of notes are exchanged between Jetti and Dynamo, only intensifying when Hartley presents his capitulation to that request.

 "It'd be the best thing that's happened to the city in a while, so sure, can't  really  say no to it. Do have a little ask, is a bit traditional but a short hostage exchange may help smooth over things for those on our side that don't really care what's best for the city. Sending your type of guy too, as long as you send mine."  There is no way to tell behind a mask but it felt like a wink had happened.

 "... Of course, if our dear arbitrator feels that we could do with anything else we are all ears and empty pockets, otherwise I'll take an adress to send the scones he didn't want today and we can call it a day." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I mean, as long as you are making a LTP I have 3 Weird and will take eco or spc for it, just a trade.

Unashamedly asking for handouts too.
 

 
n0ble
 "We were never what people could have been.
We were only what we were.

Remember us."
- Steven Erickson,  The Crippled God  
 
 The Honoured Ones 

She read aloud: “My name is Mourn.  I help people.” The pair were standing across from each other and, like any good arc’s final fight, they were standing in the sediment laden rain. Mourn’s cloak had been washed grey in by the downpour while her opposite, Bolting, stood wreathed in actinic sparks as the droplets impacted on her. The street behind and in between them was vacant, but you could see the glow lights in the apartments behind them and above the hero and villain. A great plume of dust had been drawn across the sky, occluding the darkness above with a smudged sort of grey. Watercolors for water color.

“Yeah? Help this:” Lightning burst from the villains body and arced across the panel. Then another. And another. And another as Charlotte turned the page and the point of view switched from three lateral panels to nine. To the tip of the lightning. Of Bolting. The illustrator followed the impact as the lick of electricity carried the woman in white through a door and into another panel. Up through the floor of a building and past the people it turned to ash. Another floor &amp;  an antire family of turned to ash. And into the Zephyr City sky. Up up. And away. She read all the sound effects off from the page. All the crashes and booms and bangs and that zzzzzzzz that underpinned each panel. Except for the screams. Those bothered her too much to read. She licked her thumb out of habit and flipped to the last page: Mourn impaled in the sky by a…well by a bolt of electricity, her skeleton highlighted yellow-orange against the dark of the night sky. ‘To be continued?’ tracked along the splash panel in bright cartoonish font, and Charlotte sighed and closed the comic book. She didn’t have the next one.

“Not bad, but it could’ve had a better ending, eh Teachies?” She looked down at the ginger cat in her lap, who answered with a lazy yawn and contented grumble of a meow. The feline was missing the top point of one ear, and when he yawned you could see that he was missing a tooth or two. A singular black spot-the only bit of color except for the same creamsicle orange-was patched over one of Teachies’s eyes, lending him the look of a pirate. Charlotte thought it rather swarthy looking, despite how chubby-cheeked her cat was. Curled up in her lap and soaking in the sun, Teach had begun to purr. Charlotte smiled wide. This high up she didn’t have to be conscious about her gap-teeth. She gave the kitty a few scratches behind the ear, set the comic to her left then looked up and out from where she sat cross-legged.

From here it seemed the whole of the ‘Yard was at her feet. Cobbled beige stone cut crosshatched through islets of green. Structures occupied the vegetation-Tombs. Mehirs.  The eponymous cairns. And all of it, stretching out for much farther than it should have from where Charlotte and Teach sat,  o the ‘Yard’s westernmost wall. The loop of a defunct roller coaster peaked recently brought ot parity withth rest of the City peaked up over the lip of the wall’s dun colored stone, breaking up a horizon limned in the dying sun’s light. Three figures-shadows really-walked toward her in the distance, though only the largest of them was really visible in any detail.

“They got my nose wrong in that one.” A shadow fell over the girl and her cat, and Charlotte turned to see who was getting in the way of Teach’s sunshine.  A woman. Familiar to all Zephyr City. Even despite her powers, she looked…weathered. Like some great weight was yoked to the parts of her responsible for happiness. The wind had blown her cowl down, so Charlotte got a full view of the frizzy mop of brown hair that everyone else so rarely saw. “Then again, I’ve had several.”

“Hey Mourn.”

“Hi.” Happy Cairn’s singular parahuman walked to the lip of the sepulcher they both stood on and sat down next to Charlotte. Teach didn’t stir from here he was lying, but his purring ticked up.

For a while, the three sat in a comfortable silence,  watching the clouds slide  along the blue above.

Eventually, Charlotte spoke.

“Whatcha doing up here?”

Mourn winced out a smile, the retrieved a carton of something from the folds in her robe. It was a box. A lightning bolt tracked across one side and as the woman tossed the box into the air it turned and, in big bold letters-like from her comic-Charlotte saw the words “Boltings'” emblazoned plain. A pack of cigarettes. Recognition flitted through Charlotte, and Mourns smile grew-seemingly in time with the swell of Charlotte’s thought. “You wont tell anyone?”

“Not if you give me one.” The woman’s smile bent to a pensive frown, one aimed at the girl and her cat. Her voice took on an edge.

“Too young fo-“

“I turned 19 last year.” And as Charlotte interrupted her Mourn’s frown settled into a flat line, then hooked into a smile as the realization came on. “Ah.” She took two cigarettes out from the carton. “Young. For a ghost. Him too?” She pointed at Teach with the cigarettes. Mourn stuck her thumb-the one not helping to hold the smokes-underneath the cig. Flesh rippled like something was alive under it, boiled and became black. Charlotte smelled cooked bacon-something from her youth-and soot as a few contrails of smoke wafted into the air between them. A few little bits of flame danced over the heroine’s thumb and lit both of her smokes. Then the injury was gone, quick as it appeared. She passed one to Charlotte, who answered with an affirmative “Mm.” as she drew in an agreeable breath. Or whatever she imagined it felt like to breath again. The figures below were closer now. Close enough that Charlotte could see that the other two-the normal, human sized ones-were a man and a woman. The man carried some kind of tombstone on his back, manacled to his wrist with a chain.

Mourn spoke from behind her cigarette: “And you?”

Charlotte puffed out a cloud. “I like the view. And Teachies like the sun. Don’t you Teach-teach, don’t you.” The cat lazily opened one eye, yawned, then stretched himself out to his full orange length. One of his front paws crept past the limits of Riley’s lap-towards Mourn-then stopped as whatever pique of restfulness had gripped the cat reasserted itself.  Lying there, he looked like a stemless carrot with a rotten splotch. He'd lost his tail when passed along with Charlotte.  My little guy. 

“Mm. Good name.” The pair smoked a bit more and added more clouds to the sky, happy in silence.
"19 years. Long time to be holding onto things.”

Charlotte shrugged. “Died when I was sixteen.”

“And now? Long time to exist as…as a sixteen year old.”

“Now?” Another shrug, another puff of smoke. ”I just want to help people.”

“You going to help them?” Mourn gestured at the trio approaching them.

“Doesn’t Cairns leave the supervillains to you?” She looked down and for a second. At the comic she’d been reading.

“Supervillains. Hah.” It wasn’t a question. Mourn’s laugh was barked out and wet and short enough to be cynical as any ghost. Like she’d been smoking too long. “Supervictims, maybe.”

“Lot of that going around these days.”

Another pause as the woman in white searched for the right words. She settled on an affirmative “Mm.” then let a little plume of smoke out from one nose. “Cant argue with that.” She jabbed at the enriching trinity come to a stop below them, careful not to flick any ash from the smoke.

“MOURN! WHERE IS HE!”

The woman in white snapped her gaze from Charlotte and down to the trio at their feet, alerted by the use of her name. This close, Charlotte could make out their costumes, and so she could make out who they were.

It had been Firepower’s daughter who’d yelled up at them. Crematoria was swathed in a full black bodysuit, styled like Mourn’s opposite. Absent a cowl her red hair was spiked upwards, sheer with the sides of her head. Charlotte couldn’t tell if it was ash, eyeliner, exhaustion or all three but the lithe woman had dark circles under her eyes. The supervillain’s daughter had clenched fists, each hand wreathed in pale blue flames. Actinic blue. Like the lightning from Charlotte’s comic book. Ash-particulate steamed from the shoulders and back of Crematoria’s outfit, momentarily forming into the things she’d burned before falling apart to rejoin her costume. Phantom vehicles. Crying animals. Screaming humans. A cape. The villainess’ body had a taught energy to it that bespoke of barely contained violence.

The next being occupied the middle of cobbles the trio had walked across. They’d been the one she’d seen from a distance. Charlotte wasn’t sure what version they were-she hadn’t been outside the yard in a long, long time-but like anyone in Zephyr City she could recognize The Revenant for what it was. Back again after whatever had caused it to discorporate the last time it had come to the ‘Yard. A tangle of limbs-arms, legs, even some sort of superscience tentacle from a long dead vengeful science experiment-all oozed out from a mass of necrotized corpses easily the size of a bear on its hind legs. Some of the hands grasped and twitched, clawing at the air while the various legs kicked with palsied rage. Bright angry scars tracked pink across the creatures hulking form, denoting where the vengeful had become united in their goal and strength, and The Revenant heaved with un-life as the vengeance that sustained it made the voices within the rotting mass coughed out a low, singular slurring of a word in unison, each layered atop the other but just as audible as the last. “Flssshh.”

She didn’t know the last member-the man carrying a tombstone on his back-but he had a mercenary vibe to the way he carried himself. The chain connecting him to the stone was rusted to a copper-like sheen. He wore khakis, a black leather jacket and one of those faceless metal masks that someone in one of the northern gangs might wear. The man shrugged the piece of stone from his shoulder with a casual air. The edifice planted itself in a patch of green to the trio’s left with a dull  thunk  sound. Something in the impact resonated with Charlotte beyond the remnants of her human senses. Like a calm, numbing presence had closed a lid over her soul.

Mourn inhaled the rest of her cigarette without breathing out, loosed a tiny cough, then stubbed the but out on the back of her hand with a fizzing sound. A small welt formed as the epicentre of the wound, faded to Mourn's normal skin tone just as quick as it'd appeared. She turned to Charlotte, calmly stated “Don’t litter.” Then the heroine winked at her and fell face forward from the structure they’d sat atop.

And fell, white cloak billowing out behind her. Another cloud suspended in the air.

 

Liz watched Mourn fall to the street and for a moment the sound of her legs breaking on impact echoed out through the yard. In the time it took her to call on more anger, more flame and more ash from the past, the woman in white had healed, and the cricking sound of broken bones had been subsumed by the rustle of Liz's power dusting its way across stone. Beads of sweat had begun to trickle down the back of Sepulcher’s neck, adding to what had already accumulated at his armpits. The stink coming from Rev VII’s-from Terry's- dead flesh at her back intensified in the heat of her power, and all of this just made her madder. She wasn’t here to bring the heat.  **** the cops.  Wasn’t here for whatever Carn’s local freakshow had to offer.  **** ‘em.  She was here to burn dads monument and corpse to ash.  And **** him too.  Mourn was walking towards them. ‘Pulcher’s chain loosed an involuntary rattle in anticipation.

The lady-Liz wasn’t going to call her a hero, they’d called dad a hero and he was the worst villain she’d ever known-looked worn the **** out. Like she hadn’t slept in…ever. She stopped well within range of Liz’s fireballs and ‘Pulcher’s power. “Hey Mourn.” Dammit ‘Pulcher. Dont ruin the cool. She felt the heat around her hands climb a few more degrees, then bared her teeth in a feral smile at Mourn. Act tough. And the fact that a few more beads of sweat crawl down the back of her teammates neck. It was almost bearable for how Rev VII stunk all the more for standing close to her.
“Hello Patrick-how’s your uncle.”

“Dead. Diabetes.”

“And they say the Maestro’s a villain. Still better you’re here then a candy store, how can I help you tod-“
Liz talked over her. Ash sembled into figures at Crematoria’s back, and in its susurrus of coalescence there were words. Cut the b!tch off at the knees. Gut her. Burn her. Burn her Burn he-“ I know you heard me. Where is he?”

Mourn was still standing. She was not sweating in the humidity the trio-that Liz-had brought along with them. “Where is…who?”

“Dtthhh” Liz blinked away a wince, still not quite used to hearing Terry’s voice amongst the Revenant’s demented chorus. Her brother had always wanted powers like hers, not like Dads. She spared a glance back at the mass of flesh and stink and other people that passed for her sibling. None of the faces pushing up against the necrotized skin were family to her. Just the purpose that carried both her and the amalgam forward.  “Firepower.”

“Ah.” Mourn looked at Liz, then beyond her to where Terry but not Terry stood. “I’m…sorry. I know what it’s like, to live in Bolting’s shadow. Hard enough to be a hero. Harder absent the law on your sid-“

“Brrrnnn.”

Talking over Mourn again. It worked before and was working now. “Amen Rev. ****er couldn’t take the heat.” Liz ratcheted up her flame’s temp and for a moment they flared purple with little flecks of ionization. Mourn took notice with a glance. The whispers were building. Telling her all the things she could do and all the things she’d done to accumulate so, so much ash.  Didn’t have to burnout on his kids. Didn’t have to burn out the store. The car. The woman. The people. Memories were colliding, merging into the ash she wore. Lost to the conflagration of Liz and her dead dad’s mutual psychosis. “One last time. Where. Is. He?”

For a moment Mourn looked down to the path where they’d all met. Then she looked up and the tiredness was gone from the woman’s face.  “I cant tell you that. Not if your going to destroy his grave.”

“**** that-he gets to burn me? Kill my brother? Then some secret spouse or **** mistress pays to remember him as a good guy? No. No ****ing way that gets to happen and he gets to end up like that.” She stuck a finger at the little girl sitting above. The child blue a kiss back.  No way he gets to be content. Not even with dying.   She would burn his corpse and it'd join all the others. Another bad memory.

“Nobody pays for graves here, Crematoria.” Something had steeled itself in the woman’s grey eyes, and for a second Liz thought she saw a raw, red suppurations pulse from a hole in the left side of the woman’s face where the muscles of her jaw had bunched taut. Then the wound passed to hale tissue just as fast as Liz had seen it. Mourn’s gaze had not wavered. “But everybody gets one. Patrick.” She looked away from Liz to Sepulcher. “What are you doing here? Your aunt must be worried.” More whispers from the ash at her feet.  With me. What are you doing here with me.  

‘Pulcher shrugged, the chain manacled to his wrist jangled as he did. “Bolting’s takedown took down my aunt’s flat. And we couldn’t afford to go to the Galetea stations.”

Mourn nodded, and something in the thoughtfulness of the motion irked Liz more than anything that had been said so far. Don’t pretend to care. “We’ve got some community spaces…” Mourn looked around the yard, searching for a direction only she knew. ”…somewhere in here. If she’s alright with it we’d be happy to have your aunt here. At least until she’s back in her flat.”
Patrick’s chain rattled as he raised a manacled hand to wipe the sweat from the back of his neck. He looked back at Liz, then back at the b!tch in white. “Thanks Mourn. I’ll let her know you said that.”

The voices surged to a shout, and some kind of haunted, graveyard-****ed with kicked up the ash Liz had spread out as they clamored to burn the woman in front of her. Liz snarled. “Your still gonna to fight though, right?” She was surprised at how much her voice sounded like her dads.

Patrick turned back to Liz, “You still going to pay me?” Liz nodded.  Tried and failed to ape the casual way Moourn had done it.

Back to the woman in front of them. Again. A frustrated sigh escaped from behind ‘Pulcher’s mask, and the chains links rattled. “Sorry Mourn.”

“Its alright Patrick. I understan-.”

“No. No you ****ing don’t. You cant ****ing get hurt, what the hell would you know about pain, huh?” Mourn opened her mouth like she might say something, then closed it. Good. They’d burned through all the talking. Just another obstacle before the last one on their way to wrecking whatever was left of the old man’s grave.

“So. That’s it then? A fight? What about talking?”

“Raggee” Oh good. He’s using vowels. That meant it was time to get started.
“What he said.”

 ‘Pulcher snapped the chain taut,  and the tombstone he’d lodged in the ground wimpled, shimmered and shifted as it was pulled into the air to become a massive, stone slab of a sarcophagi. The he shoulder-checked the object and it flew lengthwise-perpendicular with the ground, chain spilling out behind it at a longer than it had before. Much longer. Mourn did nothing. No dodging. No exhalations of panicked surprise. No yells of pain. Not even the slightest widening of her eyes as a coffin the size of a mini coop impacted with the woman’s upper body and cut her in half. There was an ugly crunch-snap of a sound as the coffin carried the heroes upper half away from her bottom. Blood trailed across the stone pathway and fountained in a geyser from her hips as the impact carried the woman forward through the wall of the building at her back.

The ash at Liz’s feet and her back began to coalesce into figures. Figments from her past. A man whose face she melted to wax. A wolf she’d killed from her fight with the Fenris-Five. Some c^nt from the Galaxy Girls. All half-formed and held together by anger and pain. The figures were joined by more besides and began to shamble forward towards the wall ‘Pulcher had put Mourn through. Their forms rippled with the heavy cadence of Terry’s footfalls as he lumbered forward on rotting limbs, each step seismic with the vengeance it portended.

The voices in Liz’s head had begun to sing, jubilant with the violence to come, and the flame in her fists spilled outward to encompass her entire, coating her gaze with thermal optics. All her ash and Terry were black-cold. Dead. Absent heat. The top half of the woman in white burned with the same bright as the fire across Liz’s vision. Patches of her blood leaked red to blue to black only to climb back to a full orange amidst the sun's light. It was time to fight

 

The top of the building was blown off in another enfilade, and in the detonation of flame's wake light poured downwards to greet Mourn as her eyes blinked and healed.

In the time it took Mourn to rise from low Fowlers to High fowler-sat from prone to a right angle founded on her bottom-the flapp of skin that passed for most of Fatima’s scalp reasserted itself onto her skull. By the time she took a knee the arm she used to brace herself had re-socketed, no longer held on by a few odd strands of sinew. The lacerations wrought by spurs of bone, hatchings of injury and pain, reversed to pink then white then nothing as the scar tissue healed itself. Patches of skin swirled around the gory mass that passed for Mourn’s skin, that soaked through the white of her costume, and as the woman in white and red and pink stood to her full height the patches of skin became a Pangaea of halness across her body. A jagged, half broken brick detached itself from the ceiling and hit her plain across the head. The only clue it had done so by the time it impacted with the ground was a thin red line of blood that tracked down from Mourn’s forehead and across her eye.

“Ow.”

A small tatter of paper flitted down from the blown away roof, and for a moment Mourn saw the word’s “To be continued” scroll across her vision, painted on a piece of half-burned paper. Comic sands. Of course. She didn’t need the motivation. But it helped.

Footsteps rumbled something in the distance towards Fatima with the horrible speed of the seven dead who made up the Revenant. Mourn registered what had hurt them as a conflation of injuries and shared pain, balled together just beyond the limit of her human senses and yoked to the only thing about the heptad that could be considered healthy. Vengeance. The amalgam loomed into the wall-gap Patrick had driven her through: human limbs blackened with necrotizing rot prised brickwork loose from the whole, widening it evermore as faces pushed and groaned against the same black skin in anticipation of the violence to come. Mourn signed. Remained standing as the first of the throw bricks struck her across the knee. Another across the forehead, this time the line of blood juking hard at a perpendicular with it’s companion marking.  A third in crushed her windpipe, the lumen healing to push the rock out from where the jagged end had punched through quick as it lodged. Another sigh from Mourn, wet from how the last of the blood was working itself free from her throat.

“I’m sorry, Terry.”

“MRNNNN!” Seven dead people cried out her

She ran to meet the horror in front of her, summoning an old, old injury to herself that she’d not called on in…ever. Systems of viscera trailed behind her even as she healed with each step. What came from her back burst backwards with the force of the Flayer’s touch and stumbled to rejoin the whole woman: A skeleton. A nervous system with a whole brain crowning the strange yellowed lines. Muscle, raw and weeping what little blood wasn’t being pumped by the circulatory system behind it, the latter absent a absent ribs to cradle the still beating heart. Intestines and a stomach hovering with no cavity to support them. All of this ran behind more single file, connected by umbilical cords of whatever matter made up each system. As she went towards the seven deaths, the seven vengeances, Mourn held her hand in front her, open. She let another injury in and her legs hyperextended. Doubled to a height that lifted her from the ground and forward as she went up and forward. Her hand became a fist, aimed right for one of the yawning corpse maws. The various tissues and systems were pulled by the tissues which connected Mourn to herselves, all coming together in a crash of organ and matter just as Fatima’s hand went down the rotten gullet.

At first touch, Mourn healed the conglomeration. Her power didn’t work on dead flesh. But then again the Revenant wasn’t-had never been-truly dead. None of them had been.

Then she released the injury into the Revenant-the fles near completely healed so as to have separated-and seven by seven systems ripped from the Revenants back. A chain of guts, bone nerves and muscle, each wrought from one of the seven vengences sustaining the Revenant, stretched back from the creature. Back from the entrance. Up up and away into the sky, as series of physiological systems chained by tissues. The Revenant shrieked out a expletive laden defiance even as it’s mouths were pulled back and outwards, sloughing from the mass like nesting dolls. Then the organs and tissues fell to the ground from the sky with a series of spatters and cracks. Organs burst. Bones broke. The Revenant’s spent heptad of corpses toppled back, dissolving a dark patch of rotten putrescence where it touched the ‘Yard’s grass.“Tuh-…Terry? TERRY!?”

Mourn released the breath she’d been holding since Patrick had begun things. “He’s not dead, Liz. Just resting.” Mourn didnt kill.  Already the blackened stain on the ground was beginning to coalesce into human forms. Mourn sighed at the mess as much as at the prospect of unleashing another injury on the poor soul. Stimulus jerked her back to Liz.  Heat begun to roil from the Parahuman across from Mourn. Patrick had begun to profusely sweat from his front lobe. “You can still go home, Patrick.”

“Sorry Mourn. Not an option.”

“Always an option Pa-“

“****. YOU!” Liz now.

Mourn offered a casual shrug to Patrick. “As you like then.” She sped forward fast as her legs could carry her. Sympathetic nerves engaged, her power supplying adrenaline quick as it was spent. Supplying glycogen where her body had depleted it. A constant oxygen supply to the lungs timed out to hypertensive pounding in her ears. The whole way towards Sepulcher. Patrick jerked his chain and a great cross-a grave marker-went forward to meet her perpendicular to the ground. Mourn let the edifice take her left arm off at the shoulder, set a little bit of her power through the limb as it detached so that it had just enough life in it so the severed arm could pull the cross to the ground as it fell. Was cut in half as Sepulcher sliced through her with the chain attached to his power and for a moment the world spun in a full circle as Mourn landed on newly regrown legs that did not break pace in their resumption towards to her destination. A jingling sound alerted her to the tombstone’s return. Mourn broke her neck as it twisted her head back to view what was coming at her, and as the headstone did she jumped so that the great slab of marble sent her into a backwards flip as it clipped her legs out from underneath her. Fatima's legs healed from the knees down and kicked behind her. Mourn used the height gained from the blow to make a grab grab at the bust’s cranium letting the power’s return to it’s owner take her home. What she gripped wimpled and shifted underneath her, becoming an urn that saw Mourn loose her grip and impact into the dirt.

Bounced once. Through a ferrofluid monument to the Midnight Hammer

Bounced again. Through the part of the Twofer Twin’s mausoleum where they held hands.

Bounced again into a grey statue, ill kept with more moss to it’s surface than stone. And was stopped by the collision. She peeled herself from the rock and landed on her back, looking upwards. It was sculpted like a woman bursting into electricity, her hair carved upwards. A middle finger was raised towards the sky, devolving into a lightning bolt.  I know you.   Mourn stood, legs healed as she blinked new eyelids into existence. Her arms reworked themselves into functioning. The cool embrace of eschar annealed her to the incoming enfilade of the fire, rising from Mourn’s skin to meet the purple flame that Crematoria poured onto her. She let the nerves burn and took in the smell of burning peat as her olfactories mounted an all too stubborn regeneration. It felt strange in the dying sun’s light. Like standing too close to flame. Mourn did not like the sensation. Ground her teeth against the alien feeling. Through the blurred haze of smoke and fire that passed for her vision, Fatima choked out a reassuring smile against the carbon in the air.

She started to walk forward.

Circumferential lines tracked around both of her arms and parted the limbs from her body. Mourn caught them as the fell. Put her power through the severed limbs and set them to life. Armed with her…arms. The woman absent white grunted out an“Ugh.” Considered doubling the number of arms she held. Decided against it. Field day for the press. She threw both of the limbs at Liz-one high; the other low, then ran to follow after them. Liz did not relinquish in the stream of fire she poured on as the lower limb took her from standing to prone. If anything it intensified in its heat. Like being bathed in an afterburner.

Mourn kept walking forward through the flame, slow and inexonerable and like she had all the time in the world because she did. She did for everyone.

It was hard to hear what Liz was screaming at her, but getting closer helped. Mourn heard the profanities devolve into pleading  through fresh sets of ears that sloughed from her body quick as they came back. Figures wrought of ash cloyed and pawed at her-all of them victims of Crematoria’s inheritance from her father. They dissipated as Mourn healed the knots of pain that passed for Liz’s psychosis, taking heart in the fact that the ash would help the grass under Fatima’s feet grow back.

“S-stay back. Stay back!” The flames burned and Mourn saw fear on Crematoria’s face. So much pain making up so much of a person. Fear in not knowing what to do after it was all gone and it no longer defined you. Mourn empathized.

From the periphery of her hearing: a muttered “**** this.” and the rattle of chain links. Patrick. Put off by the size of the conflageration in front of him. Mourn empathized.  The conflict was parahuman in scale. She stood close to the flames pouring forth from Creamtoria’s hands and it was like standing in an ice locker used to house pork for the lack of sensation.

“S-stop. Stop. STOP!” Liz was on her back, pushing herself away with her elbows and feet, fear plain on her body as it was her face. Mourn did as Liz asked. Halted her walking and burned in the fire that numbed her entire body. She lifted an arm.

And offered her hand out to Liz.
Eldan
 Eversion Project  [6]
 
 Spoiler 

Hartley grins.
"Oh, no, it wouldn't be perpetual. Deploying the entire national guard is  massively  expensive. But we should be able to keep them around for a week, maybe two. Afterwards, there would have to be new funding."


OOC, to the Bone Rattlers:
 
 Spoiler 
Yeah, we can do that. 3 spec for 3 wrd.
 

 
kaio999
[CENTER] 
  Official Missives Morale 16  
 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
"That would be fine. We can utilize that and begin to prep for the work at hand next week and we will keep you up to date on the project. We should be more than capable of getting it all settled and having that project done."
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
"You are fine we understand you need to rebuild any help you can send in general in the next two weeks would be ideal but no rush. Also any investigations you can do on freedom assembly and blood bound would be helpful they are concerning."
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.ENCRYPTIONUNAVAILABLE.  ERROR=?NOMORALEVALUEFOUNDNULLVALUE={0}]     .  
   
 Spoiler: PUBLIC 

 The announcement is carried via a drone to each of the powerful factions in Zephyr City. When received, they project a recording of Chronarch speaking – with a similarly armor-clad figure standing behind him in solidarity. Otherwise, it’s a familiar sight – it’s clearly the same place where Chronarch recorded his initial rebuttal to the tribunal.
 
 Observers can’t help but notice how tired he sounds, as he begins to speak.  

More than a thousand people are dead.

Not many of these were innocents – though there were innocents. But even those that weren’t were citizens of Zephyr City. To my knowledge, no Empowered died - it was the ordinary people that suffered.

I would like to remind people that there was a tribunal when I shut down a parade, with zero casualties. I’m not saying that wasn’t the right thing to do – it was a wake-up call, and helped steer me away from the path of tyranny that it would have been so easy to justify. Even so, I can’t help being a little outraged that more than a thousand people are now dead, and the response seems to be… apathy.

But I digress. I think it’s vitally important that we stop these sorts of conflicts from occurring. Things escalated so hard the national guard had to be called in. I think it’s crucial that we prevent these sort of all-out brawls from occurring, and focus on safeguarding the people of Zephyr City. And while my heart is with the people of Zephyr City in a distant future, that doesn’t mean that it should come at the expense of the people here and now – as it was rightfully pointed out to me by the Freedom Assembly and others.

To that end, I am deeply grateful to offer a chance for the south of Zephyr City to rebuild and recover. The Gunn Family and the Eversion Project   have agreed on terms of peace  , with myself as the guarantor. I formally pledge to destroy – or stand by, and let other interested parties do the same – either side that breaks the terms of these conditions.

Neither of these factions are above recrimination – in particular, the Eversion Project is largely responsible for many of the deaths last week, through their unconscionable use of the Gamemaster. It is true that it would not have been as violent or brutal a brawl without the Bloodborn’s reckless deployment of the blood mist – we’ll get back to this – but much of the blame for the devastation lies at the feet of the Eversion Project. To that end, I had two conditions for involvement in brokering and putting weight behind these peace terms.

First, the Eversion Project must refrain from harming innocents. Any demonic rampages or thoughtless use of uncontrollable forces – including but not limited to the Gamemaster – will be considered in breach of this peace treaty. This does not preclude violence against other factions, but if that violence results in widespread civilian casualties… there will be no protection. This is a warning to the Eversion Project – be on your best behaviour, or you will be destroyed. The same goes to the Gunn Family, really, but I’m not sure they need the same degree of formal arm twisting.

Secondly, I have demanded that the Eversion Project put a massive amount of resources towards a publicly announced project to help the innocents of this city, and not just themselves. Their actions last week demand reparations towards the people of this city. To ensure that there is no malfeasance, they will be providing the plans for this project, once complete, to the only person in this city that I believe everyone can trust – Mourn, who I would like to commend for her attempts to save lives last week.

With those two conditions having been agreed upon by the parties, peace is established – in part of the south, at least. As guarantor of this peace, I implore the remaining factions to give the south time to recover, and not bring violence and death, no matter how well-intentioned. So long as the Bone Rattlers and the Eversion Project give no further reason to demand eradication, I beg that you think about whether violence inflicted upon them is truly for the betterment of Zephyr City, or simply a self-serving grasp at power. The Bone Rattlers and the Eversion Project deserve a chance to atone and prove that they do not need to be villains, that they can peacefully co-exist and collaborate. That was the lesson of my tribunal, and it’s one I implore every faction to consider in the following weeks.

Finally, I would speak to the Bloodborn. I have made my displeasure with the escalation of three already-brutal conflicts into one giant, brutal brawl, in which innocent lives were lost, very clear. This was not done as part of a strike against a villain, as the Freedom Assembly did last week, but their own attempts to expand their own holdings, and Zephyr City paid the price. I ask that their allies, and the rest of Zephyr City, hold them to the same standard – that they complete a public project to help protect the innocents of Zephyr City, and not just the people within their borders. Bloodborn, you have received an enormous amount of resources from the six-way brawl which you thoughtlessly created and which cost innocent lives – put some of them towards showing that Vox Populi actually cares about the people of Zephyr City. Prove that you’re more than just anger and violence and self-righteousness.

Factions of Zephyr City, you killed more than a thousand people in the span of a few short days. You did it for righteousness, for pride, for vengeance, but you still slaughtered. Let the city mourn and grieve. Violence does not have to be the answer. Together, we can protect the innocents of this city and build a better future.

 The recording cuts out.  
 
  
n0ble
 Morale 14  
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I'll be there.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

That sounds good to me-assuming Eversion plays ball with what Chronarch is impressing on them Im going to be forgoing my first project and implementing a new Public Initiative that allows for donations to function as alliance fees. Should help us.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

What can I do to help?
 

 

 Public for everyone/Mor. 14 for Eversion Project 
 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  

 1) The End of Death:  Happy Cairns will be staging a stat attack vs. the Eversion Project. Will be splitting the VP w/ people who donate-would prefer to claim the majority if the split is uneven where I'm hosting the attack/fielding the risk. My contribution for this will be up once I'm more aware of who is/isnt donating. I'm taking note.   Currently at: 5/5 
 2) Right Where You Belong:  When a faction triggers the Spirit of Cooperation via a blind donation (IE no existing levels of investigation on the project, it hasnt been made public, the donating player is unaware of what it does etc.) the increase in their morale gained from the Spirit of Cooperation is doubled.  Currently at: 10/30 
 
 Spoiler: Completed Initiatives  

  1) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (currently 4 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed.
 2) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 3) Hypergeometrical Superpositioning:  Whenever a faction maxes their donations to happy Cairns (currently 4 of any stat) both the donating player &amp; Happy Cairns may benefit from one anothers strategic territories in the following turn as though they both controlled one anothers. Happy Cairns Currently controls the following strategic locations:
- Monsoon Action Park-  - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - STABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.
 
 Spoiler: Faction Ability: The Spirit of Cooperation 

When Happy Cairns contributes relevant stats to an LTP, one they control or not, other factions may contribute a maximum of their own relevant stats to the same LTP equal to Happy Cairn's highest Level VIP (4, currently). Those factions that do gain a bonus to their Morale equal to the amount of stats they contributed.
 

 

 

 Public  
 
 Spoiler: Chronarch  

The steading chug chug chug of a Park ride only slightly occludes the murmures of Happy Cairns staff as the news crew ambles their way through the graveyard, each staff member greeting the team with a smile or conservative wave. The perspective is from that of the camera. Comes to rest before a woman in a white cowl kneeling alongside a child-a little boy no more than five years old. Distant screams and cries of pain can be heard from outside the camera's field.  Thick bulges of edema track under and along the mass burns applied to the child's side and a pained expression rests on their face. They cannot cry. They face is too burned for it. But they can blink, and it is by this that both news team and viewer know the boy is alive. Will live. A sob comes from the camera woman at the horrid vista, then is forestalled as the woman lays a hand to the youth's forehead. The swelling subsides. Reverses. The angry red lines and blots of eshcar recede and for a moment the woman wobbles in her kneeling as she takes the wound into herself. She looks to the camera, and for a moment her face is the same black eschar that coated the boy's body, only partially obscured by her cowl.

Her face is impassive, stoic even, then cracks for just as long as it takes her to heal with a smile. "Well spoken, Traveller." The woman in white turns from the camera and faces the line of people before her that stretches  form where she stands. Back all the way to where the 'Yard's limits joins with the horizon. "Next, please. "
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Agreed.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Willing to rescind the ban on donations if what the Chronarchy is saying checks out/an actual effort is made to it on your part.
 

 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 13 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly and Avant Guarde 
Hey guys,

Well A.G we're willing to come. We're going to send Daemones to take part of the heist with you, hopefully she can learn from the more experienced Empowered going to the heist and get a little morale boost after last week. She is understandably a little shook after her run in with the GM. We also appreciate you sticking up for us against the Chronarch and his accusations. We understandably made some mistakes but they seem to be trying to lay everything wrong last week at our feet while they ignore the demons and gangsters.

We'd like to let the both of you know that we plan on sending Aspect with her mist to the bank in an attempt to secure an item. I do not believe that there will be a lot of moves this turn we would be at risk of pulling in but we want to make sure.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
Glad to see you on that high horse up there. Did you bring it from the future as well or did you find it here?

We do not answer to you and you accusations no matter how much you try to make it about yourself and how your the victim of something that happened weeks ago to no consequence. You state that you steer yourself away from the path of a tyrant but then make demands of people in the city who have been working to actively stop demons and insane powerful Empowered.

You talk of holding Eversion to a standard yet where were you before this? Where were you when demons kidnapped children in the street and gas hundreds of innocents? Nowhere but we were there fighting them.

Where were you when we worked hard to stop the Game Master from enacting his sick games on the city? Your immediate reaction was to go to him and let him play his games on the city, only working with other Empowered to organize the taking of the neighborhoods. There was no care for allowing the Game Master to run rampart through the city then was there? You only backed down when us and the AG took a stance to stop any from using the sick twisted Empowered on this city. We fought and shed blood to stop it while all you did at the time was extend your hold over further neighborhoods.

You act like we are not aware of the consequences. Well we aren't from some distant future, you're closest relationship with the people in this city is the one your AI has with the internet. We all lived here, grew up here. Our friends died in Bolting protests and fights. Our neighbors joined the Freedom Assembly and fought in that stadium. Kids from our schools got pulled into the Bone Rattler gangs to survive a city on the edge under Bolting. We are very aware of the losses this city makes and we don't appreciate you trying to use them as some sick twisted point so you can justify your own actions from the parade.

You know WHY we call you the Time Tyrant? It is not because of the Parade, that's just a symptom of the sickness. You came here from a future so distant it that if we did the same there literally wouldn't be any settlers on the continent. You came here to 'fix' your future by changing things in the present. No one asked for you, no one wanted some futuristic savior more concerned with a future so distant that 10 generations down our family won't see it.

You came here to impose your changes on us because it was too hard to do it in your own time apparently. If you have a problem with us then talk to us about it.

Don't hide behind public messages and bothering our allies. You could have talked to us, instead you did the very thing that you said was wrong and you hated at the time. Figured hypocrites wouldn't still be around ion the future but this showed us.

Congrats on the peace you enacted in the south. We'll be more impressed if it holds up after the guard leave.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers/Eversion 
Well if your war is done, at least for the moment, we won't be interfering any more.

Fair warning. Our mist will be in the bank this week. We don't want to be pulling anyone in this turn but we figured you all would be taking this week to lay low or rebuild.
 

 
 Spoiler: Orchestra 
Fair warning. We are having our mist in the bank this turn. We can see your sending your Empowered elsewhere but wanted to give fair warning.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:13 
Hey Jhonny,

Hope you're okay from things. Heard you got a bit roughed up.

Khalid was fine. A bit... antagonistic but actually not as bad as some people I've chatted with.

And yeah, no compensation from that deal. Understand that I said in the start that it'd be a case of "what we can't finish".

Well in this case Avante Guarde doesn't even have a good target from the list the police gave me today. We got access to a locked heist, another locked heist, and one of our allies.

When I first talked to you, I admit I didn't think this would actually come up, so didn't really provision for it. I'm hoping you're going to be reasonable about this.

Regards,

Aleksi

P.S.

This is possibly going to be a bit rude, but I wouldn't recommend trying to finish off your attempt to sway the police behind the scenes. I don't appreciate you "ceding" the station to me only to try and manipulate them behind the scenes. I'll give you access to all the ones I'm happy to share from the station as recompense.

OOC:
Fluff wise I can't exactly accept knowing you have a Police Manipulation Heist and stand by, sorry. Offering to share all non-ally heists I get from Police Station next turn so you can have first pick to make up for it.
 

 Message to the Chronal Imperative: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:13 
I know you're not talking to me or whatever.

But just letting you know that I do appreciate the work you put into brokering the peace in the South. And I approve of the choice you made with the Eversion Project. Let me know if you need any help with it.
 
neriractor
 Bone rattlers

Mor: 3 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
Aleksi,

Antagonistic sounds like outright praise so I'll take it. I'm doing just spiffing as well, thank you for asking.

Now, I'm in need of a citation or the fine print because what I remember is that I proposed it like "the one You liked the least" hell, of anything that would put your allies highest by a strict reading. Common manners and compensation aside...

Actually, never mind aside, common manners and compensation are on the table because clearly we both work on different reasonables. Do you truly expect me to think buying up some donut shops and greasing some palms is the same as owning the comissioner and the building itself in your mind?

And what passes for compensation to you is just promising to actually stick to a deal you just broke... Which You broke because your allies may not like someone solving their problems... which you went ahead and did umprompted on our turf... which is what you want to "compensate" us for...

I'll share a bit of what I think is reasonable, and why I'm not really feeling you right now, for reference and in case you feel like fixing that last part: monetary compensation is preferred over half-hearted excuses, Your word is valuable, except when speaking with someone who breaks theirs, if you do have to lie at least don't be  blatant .

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 13  
 
 Spoiler: To Vox Populi 
Sounds good. We are focused on recovering our losses this turn so will decline to help here. We have sustained some major infrastructure damage we're trying to deal with, and are looking for imminent exchanges of goods and services to make ourselves whole. Like it or not, we're bound together in this - the more solvent the Assembly is, the better our new alliance can face the f*cking vultures that are looking to peck at us from all sides.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I am at 0 Spc and will keep bleeding VP if I don't get it back up to at least 1. I can spend some stats, but I am 2 Spc short this turn to get there. Would anybody be able to loan me some? I can trade some Mor or Mil in exchange.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry, Birdwatch, the Happy Cairns, and the Chronal Imperative 
Well that was a less-than-ideal turn of events.

Let us be the first - or last, as the week draws to a close already and our people have been on the ground all week helping secure the place - to say that last week absolutely did not go according to plan. The Assembly made a miscalculation in its maneuvers and was caught up in the radius of the Bloodborn mists. That did our troops some damage but ultimately was recoverable.

The real issue was that our plans were leaked in their entirety to the Maestro. We had hoped to take her by surprise on at least one front. Instead, she was able to flawlessly play our advance off of Birdwatch's attack and use our forces against one either, ignoring the resources sent to defend said birds and lead a successful counter-invasion against our Nexus-adjacent holdings instead. While we appreciate the numbers that were put together, all the numerical superiority in the world does not make up for superior intelligence, which the Orchestra undoubtedly wielded.

Normally, this would draw the Assembly's ire toward Eversion. But the recent admirable truce wielded by Chronarch has sustained some hope among our numbers that they will prove to be reliable in the future. The same cannot be said for Birdwatch. When we specifically asked them if Eversion - and by extension, the Orchestra - could crack our communications last week, they gave a vague public response and did not tell us that our messages were compromised. A warning would have prevented us from being completely at the Orchestra's mercy. We would have been in a significantly better position this week. As it stands, between those developments and the imminent arrival of the National Guard, the Assembly and its friends have been forced into a draw with the Maestro.

Going forward, we will count on the Birdwatch  for nothing at all . At a certain point, incompetence becomes indistinguishable from malice.

Now, more than ever, the Assembly is looking to collaborate with friends. So we dedicate this part of the message to the Sky Cavalry and Chronarch. Despite what we've been reading some of you say about our allies - who, it must be said, have proven time and again they understand how to negotiate diplomatically and work together - the Assembly still wants to democratize power. We regret the destruction that we absolutely played a part in spreading last week, and want to make sure that needless conflict like that doesn't happen again. Violence for the cause is acceptable to a point. But not when it's needless.

That's why we are making a pledge: the Freedom Assembly will be officially opening up the Nexus as of next week, as we will be launching a public initiative to work with Happy Cairns to make its benefits available for all factions that are not actively hostile to the Assembly or its allies in Vox Populi. We are striking a deal with the Orchestra this turn to cede the territories we've taken from them in exchange for those they took from us, thus re-securing it for the People. But we don't want our holding the Nexus to be a cassus belli for no reason other than your fear: we're happy to make the Cairns a public guarantor of trust in our good intentions here.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
This is coming late in the turn, but the Freedom Assembly is interested in starting an LTP this turn to make the Nexus benefits shared between all factions that are not actively launching assaults, stat attacks, or invasions against Vox Populi. To do that though, we need to hold and secure it.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra (Public) 
Well played, Maestro.

The Assembly agrees to your terms. We will hold to a ceasefire this week, each of us making up some of our losses in the assault. We would ask for an exchange of territory - those taken by you for those taken by us. Each of us will take our people and leave, giving the other an opportunity to easily recoup losses. We'll call this one a draw. Sound good?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Pretty much what I said on the tin. I retreat from the territories I took from you last turn, you retreat from the ones you took from me, and we can call it a wash. We both make this promise now, along with an oath to not assault, stat attack, or invade the other. It will give us both a bit of room to rebuild stat lines, which I suspect you need a bit more than I do. 😉
 

 
St. Justicar
 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly (PUBLIC) 


A Restoration of the status quo ante is quite amenable to me, provided you don't mind making a public commitment to it. So allow me -

To everyone whose interested, now that  The Orchestra and the Assembly have agreed to a ceasefire, and an exchange of all territory seized in the recent struggle . If either of us should fail to live up to our side of the bargain, let the rest of the city revile them.

And relatedly, an admittedly last minute change of venue - [/b]my beloved Clockwork Conductor will be securing territory 17[/b], not 15 as previously announced.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
   All messages encrypted at Morale{ERROR.VALUERESTORED,ENCRYPTIONAVAILABLE= 9     } 
 
    
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


Apologies, but I had overlooked the National Guard. Even with Mourn's cooperation, I cannot afford the penalties for safeguarding Artemis' consciousness as she makes her way to and from your territories.

You will receive your choice of [4 Weird] or [4 Strength] next week.

Good luck with your undertakings. I would very much look forward to strengthening our cooperation next week.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly cc. the Sky Cavalry, Birdwatch, and Happy Cairns 
 
   
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly cc. the Sky Cavalry, Birdwatch, and Happy Cairns 
  Your ire against  Birdwatch is understandable, I too am not pleased with how things  unfolded, but I will seek no sanctions from them and will let them defend themselves.   
  
I am still very much not pleased that your alliance is sweeping the violence of last turn under the rug, but I support you opening the Nexus to others, even as a lever to ensure that your alliance is protected. If you can guarantee that this project could be completed next week and still produce this outcome, we absolutely support it in principle. It would go a long way towards proving that Vox Populi's intentions for this city are good.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 


The Bloodborn are figuratively drowning in econ from the Comic Book Store, so if this really is a gesture of friendship and cooperation I would hope that Vox Populi provides  a substantial amount of resources for this project. I may be able to contribute next turn but this is pending GM confirmation that it will work if the project is completed then.
 

  
 
  
  
Writtensanity
   
   "Good morning Zephyr City,    this is   Ashley Cyclone   welcome back. Anyone else tired of the checkpoints yet? I know that the National Guard is hanging around for SOME parts of town but have you looked at them lately? They all just look confused about it. Not that I'm complaining, I liked a weekend where I wasn't getting called into the station to report on some emergency or texting Shells in all caps saying that we needed to record an episode of the Podcast.

Quiet week for us here in Zephyr City this week, which has been well overdue, but it doesn't look like it's going to stay that way. Scientists have noticed turbulent waters off the Coast of our sister Starlit City after a battle that took place there last week. The tidal patters match those that were seen outside of Tallensville a year ago when the West Coast Kraken attacked. Feels like a lot has been going on here and we might need the hands on deck but Starlit City's mayor has put out a request for all empowered to head to the city as soon as possible for a briefing and preparation for a possible attack.

If you have recently gotten powers they ask that you report to the nearest recruitment station set up on the North side of Zephyr City for transportation.


 
 Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:  


Eversion Project at 11

Birdwatch at 7

Chronarch at 6

Sky Cavalry at 5

Happy Cairns at 5

Bloodborn at 5

Orchestra at 5

Avante Garde: 4

Freedom Assembly: 4

Bone Rattlers at 2
 

   World Heist- Wrath of Nature :   

Calling the Pulse a problem for your average citizen would be a massive understatement, and this has been redoubled in the past years when its begun to , occasionally, affect non-human lifeforms, creating Kaiju like monstrocities of nature that strike back against all the sins of humanity.

Starlit City, just North of Zephyr has had such a creature spotted off the Coast, and they're preparing for the worst.

Heroes and Villains alike are welcome. All hands on deck....

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Factions may send as many VIPs and Support Stats as they like on the mission. VIPs committed must be made public to recevie awards.  All levels include the benefits of all previous levels.
 Please note that the SPC VIP bonus or other multipliers don't count for the sake of this chart. 

Rewards: 1 LV of VIP - XP for all VIPs you send.

Rewards: 2 - 4 LV of VIP - tMOR Equal to 2 x the amount of VIP Levels sent (Can be used beginning next turn.)

Rewards: 5 - 7 LV of VIP - Gain 2 P MOR

Rewards: 8 - 10 LV of VIP - Gain 1 VP &amp; 10 of any Temporay Stat.

-----

 For Total Value Sent you also gain the following rewards:  All levels include the benefits of all previous levels.
 This is calculated including all bonuses provided by LTPs or SPC status. MOR VIPs count as 1.5 times their level. 

0 - 5: Nothing

6 - 25: 1/3rd of investment as tECO (Can be used beginning next turn)

26+: 1/3rd of the Investment as tWRD towards projects.

-----

All VIPs sent have a 70% chance of returning with a Minor Injury or a 30% Chance of returning with a Major Injury. These injuries are not effected by passives or abilities (Different city) unless from a MOR VIP that is sent on the mission and uses their MOR passive.

This is lowered by 1% for each VIP level sent by the players collectively.

This is lowered by 5% for each level the VIP has.

Chance of Major Injury cannot go below 5%

 
 Spoiler: Betrayal Mechanics 


During the fight people are going to be vulnerable. You can choose to assault someone during the fight with either Stats Committed to the Heist or just your VIPs.

VIPs that are attacked during the Heist lose their bonuses to the Injury Chance from the collective pool and are removed from it. Each point above their a Faction's investment that is spent on attacking them adds an additional 3% to the injury Chance. You don't need to beat someone's investment to remove them from the collective pool.

Factions will only learn about any betrayals once their VIP is returned to Action.*

 This means that were the VIP to be Majorly injured and then killed next turn, they would never learn. Otherwise they will learn when they recover. 
 


The three 'Hero' Factions (highest investment Factions after reductions and adjustments) will receive 1 of 3 UNIQUE ITEMS.
 

   Turn Event - Media Event  - It Bleeds, It Leads.:   

Ashley might be saying that a slow week is nice, but it's certainly not for clicks. The Media is on the hunt and willing to grease some hands to see some blood spilled in the city, whether that's in Starlit or Zephyr.

 Mechanics 

Aggressive actions will receive an additional payout of ECO upon success.

Active Defence additionally counts.

Payout is doubled if you announce the Action to the Media in advance.

   Turn Event - Bonus Triggered Event - Total Lockdown.....Continues?:   

The National Guard has stuck around for longer than anyone expected. It's a fairly tried and true statement that they will shut things down for a week when everything gets out of hand, but it looks like someone might have greased palms somewhere to keep boots on the ground.

 Mechanics: 

Contributions to the following actions are half as effective this turn for Factions: Eversion Project, Birdwatch &amp; Freedom Assembly  (This includes trading stats to other Factions for that use)

Conquest
Stat Attack
Assault

The following actions are half as effective against the Eversion Project, Birdwatch &amp; Freedom Assembly

Conquest
Stat Attack
Assault

 Trade Taxes are still at minimum of 2.  
 
 Spoiler: Trigger 
LTP Extension of the Previous Event
 


----
  The Current Map  
 The Imperatrix Lands on Location [1] 
 
 Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status 

 Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect  
 The Nexus -   - The Freedom Assembly - STABLE
Ability - Remnants of Power:  On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

 Zephyr City Central Bank -   - CONTROLLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Of Course:  Zephyr City Central Bank contains a Local Heist with unlimited floors that always offer tECO. Each time a floor is completed the difficulty of future floors is increased. It will spawn 'Deposit Box' floors that provide a random one-use item pseudo-randomly.

 Big Gale Comics and Toys-   - CONTROLLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Self Publishing: Your Faction gains tECO equal to N N  where N is the number of enemy factions involved in Actions your Faction is also involved in.

 ZCPD Station-   - CONTROLLED BY AVANTE GARDE - STABLE
Ability - Radio Chatter: Can see 3 local heists per turn. May choose to assign Police to a local heist during EoT and lock it for the following turn, cannot target a heist owned by the same Faction twice in a row.

 BigFlash Insurance Stadium-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - UNSTABLE
Ability - Guest Appearance: Controller may invest a VIP to gain 1.5 times their level in MOR &amp; ECO (rounded up) this is a safe action.

 Zephyr City University-   - Uncontrolled
Ability - Temporal Research Station: Up to 1 VIP per turn may preform two actions as part of an EoT. They may not participate in the same Action twice. You may not choose the same VIP two turns in a row.

 Montgomery Tech Park-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - STABLE
Ability - Venture Capital: When you pitch a NEW LTP, you can offer it up for Venture Capital Investment. This provides a 1 time payment of 20% the LTPs cost in tECO, but the LTP must be announced to publicly once it reaches halfway to completion.

  Ol' Grady's-   - CONTROLLED BY THE CHRONAL IMPERATIVE - STABLE
Ability - Unmasked Friends: The Controlling Faction may mark any other VIP in the game as a friend of one of their VIPs. In the event that these two would 'fight' one another, they avoid the fight, removing themselves from any assault calculations against the other Faction. In the case of an Conquest Action, VIP Injury is much less likely if the Friends are involved. This effect allows you to make 2 VIP pairs after turn 5, and 3 after turn 10.

  Monsoon Action Park-   - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - STABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.

  The Dockyards-   - CONTROLLED BY THE SKY CAVALRY - STABLE
Ability - Unclaimed Merchandise: The Owning Faction may buy additional Stat Cap at a cost of 3 econ per point. If they lose this location, this Stat cap increase is passed onto the new owner.

  Zephyr City North High-   - CONTROLLED BY THE FREEDOM ASSEMBLY - STABLE
Ability - Kids Talk: Automatic general investigation on 3 other Factions in the game each turn. Up to 1 fact in each investigation may be incorrect by a medium margin. These Investigations cannot be published.

 

  EOT WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY June 14th at 11:59PM PST  
Writtensanity
    Local Heists    
 Reminder, you may only view Local Heists you have access to from an ability or investigation. If the Investigation was from another turn, I should have given you access under YOUR heading. 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 

 
 Local Heist - The New Order  
Avante Guarde has a new set of powers, train your people to be ready to fight against and with the Empowered.

 Stage One -  Careful Training - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Alongside the Mighty -  COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   into the Breach - Head over to the Neighbouring Starlit City to take a chunk off a smaller crew that's running there. Getting into a fight in Zephyr city is risky with so many powers, practice with one.
 Cost-  10 SPC or STR: VIP REQUIRED (All VIPs may participate regardless of type)
 Reward-  1 EXP for EACH participating VIP, up to 4

From Previous Investigations

 Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  (Belongs to the Orchestra)
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets   - From Freedom Assembly
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)



 Local Heist -  The Old Parlor  From Birdwatch
There has been rumors that villains from around the state have been funnelling their money out of zephyr city...

 Stage One -  Complete


 Stage Two-   Complete

 Stage Three-   - Taking it Down: Break up the ring and as many bones as you can along the way.
 Cost-  12 ESP or SPC
 Reward-  Item and XP


  Local Heist - Well Connected   - From Bloodborn

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money insi
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.


 Local Heist - A Zephyr City History  - From Chronarch
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.


 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


 THE NEXUS 

Stage One: ………
Cost: 25 WRD or SPC
Reward:????

 Local Heist - Catch a Ride! [/B]
It looks like the Typhoon Action Park has more to it than meets the eye

 Stage One -  Scope it out
 Cost-  5eco to pay off the staff or 4 ESP
 Reward-  4 tEco from laundered money

 Stage Two-   The Hunt
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  15 ???
 Reward-   UNIQUE ITEM and STATS


  From Police Investigations   
  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets  
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)
 

 
 Spoiler: The BirdWatch 

 
  Local Heist - The Old Order - COMPLETE  
 Local Heist -  The Old Parlor 
There has been rumors that villains from around the state have been funneling their money out of zephyr city...

 Stage One -  Complete


 Stage Two-   Complete

 Stage Three-   - Taking it Down: Break up the ring and as many bones as you can along the way.
 Cost-  12 ESP or SPC
 Reward-  Item and XP

 
 
 
 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 

 
  Local Heist - Training Camp   - COMPLETE


  Local Heist - Well Connected  
 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money ins
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.




 THE BANK  

Floor Level 2

Current Floor COST 5
Current Floor Reward: 4 tECO


 Local Heist - Something True 
There are objects under the comic book shop... something crazy.... almost predictive.

 Stage One -  Reading Up
 Cost-  6 eco to buy the rest of the set of the comics from online.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   The History of Other Heroes
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  Item

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  VIP &amp; Item
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 

 
  Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative   COMPELTE

 Local Heist - A Zephyr City History 
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.

 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


 Local Heist - Levelled Up - Territory 13  - COMPLETE

Other Faction Heists:

The Precinct - COMPLETE


 
 
 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 

  Local Heist -Into the Abyss - COMPLETE  
  Local Heist - The Precinct    - COMPLETE
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Local Heist - Cleaning Up   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets  
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)

  Local Heist - THE NEXUS  

Stage One: ………
Cost: 25 WRD or SPC
Reward:????


  Local Heist - Game Day   - TERRITORY UNSTABLE: HEIST LOCKED
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Build Champions - Now when we were saying build.......
 Cost-  7WRD
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Johnny Gunn and the Bone Rattlers 

 
 Local Heist - New Order, Old Money   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Precinct   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - To Dance Again  

There is a fighting ring popping up in the city.... time to make some bank.

 Stage One -  COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   Dancing Shoes - It’s time to get into the ring and throw down baby.
 Cost-  10 SPC
 Reward-  XP to the Completing VIP, to bring them to the next level.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Orchestra 

 
 Local Heist - Stagecraft   - COMPLETED BY AVANTE GARDE
[/SIZE]


  Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - Game Day   - TERRITORY UNSTABLE - HEIST LOCKED
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Build Champions - Now when we were saying build.......
 Cost-  7WRD
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 
 
 Local Heist - Areal Supremacy   - COMPLETE


 Local Heist - Smuggling Ring 
 
  
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

It's clear from the manifest, people have been trying to sneak mechanidise past us.

 Stage One -  - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   CHOICE REQUIRED
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
  Local Heist - A Welcoming Hand  
Hi! Welcome to Happy Carins, we glad we could help you though this time... Yes, Bolting's most recent actions have been tough for all of us.

 Stage One -  Matching Services: COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   The Price of Sympathy -  Set the Services Up
 Cost-  5MOR or 6ECO
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???


 Local Heist - Catch a Ride! 
 
  
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 

It looks like the Typhoon Action Park has more to it than meets the eye

 Stage One -  - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   The Hunt
 Cost-  5 ESP or 6 STR
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  15 ???
 Reward-   UNIQUE ITEM and STATS
 
kaio999
  
   Imperatrix Sighting 5    
From Imperatrix comes a shining new light in the dark. Massive autonomous robots have been released onto the districts under the control of sky cavalry. Crime within the district is exterminated overnight as this force comes into purview. Specifically any criminal who is empowered within sky cavalry territory is captured in incredible time and not a single human is involved. All witnesses say the same thing one of the massive new robots show up and it "contains" the threat. The newest heroes have arrived for Zephyr city and human beings don't need to risk their lives to protect the normal people! They do not need people, and more importantly no one dies. Violence is not the answer, police do not need to unleash deadly force and neither are empowered necessary, in fact against this force the empowered are quite powerless. When not activated they sit atop large buildings powering up using solar energy and can remain in place near indefinitely. Meet the future of a better tomorow!

 
 Spoiler: GARGOYLE Model 1 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: The Major and Octo 
  
 

  Octo:   "Intervallum said Octo and I could do whatever we felt was right I am going to fight that thing I do not care if I die! I do not care if not a single hero comes to help me!"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "You are throwing your life away for a mission you are not expected to do. Intervallum... He is brave, tenacious but he doesn't see the truth." She tries to grab at the girls hands. "Do not throw your life away for this."

  Octo:   "And what truth doesn't he see?"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "You are a child, a little girl you deserve a chance at a real life."

  Octo:   "My life ended the day I got powers, when my life was tied to this suit... I am a hero, I will not watch good people die, people with a real future die while I live a false life because I am too much of a coward to go out there and do something more."

  Major Megan Hopper:   "Please don't do this, surely your aunt, your parents none of them want this for you."

  Octo:   "My aunt believes in a better tomorrow, like everyone else here. They understand that future won't be built without sacrifice. When did you give up on our mission?"

  Major Megan Hopper:   "I did not sign up to send child soldiers to die for my cause."

  Octo:   "I have no intention of dying. I have every intention to be part of building a better tomorrow."

With that she walked off... It was time to prep there was a monster to kill.

   Imperatrix:    "She is brave."   the voice comes out over the speaker as the machine soul that is imperatrix speaks.

  Major Megan Hopper:   "All children are brave Imperatrix because they haven't experianced anything, they don't know anything. Governments send children to die because the rest of us are smart enough to know how stupid the endeavour is."

   Imperatrix:    "A tragic outlook. I will save that opinion... Intervallum wishes to use me so no one has to die fighting. He also says that if ten must die today to save the infinite tomorrow even if its a child than that is acceptable. Do you believe that is acceptable Major Megan Hopper?"  
  Major Megan Hopper:   "It is logical, it is never acceptable."

   Imperatrix:    "even if it is done willingly?"   
  Major Megan Hopper cries  
  Official Missives Morale 17  
 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Hey I will be spending those 3 resources to start our alliance, do you have the new project yet? Also do you have any idea of a name for our alliance? I want it to be tied to a better tomorrow or maybe calling it "Infinite Tomorrow or Brighter Tomorrow" Just feeding the idea we're bent on leading to a better world. Let me know your thoughts, also thank you for the investment into oubliette. Will you be sending anyone to fight the Kraken? Also I am going to push Chronarch to join us.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
Intervallum shows up on the hologram for Chronarch "I have been informed happy Cairns and Sky cavalry are joining an alliance. The leadership of sky cavalry asked me to reach out to you Chronarch. I know you want to remain independent I won't push. I know you will support us but they seem bent on the idea of having opposition to what has been built with bloodbound. They feel that they are criminals and that miasma is too dangerous to leave on the streets long term he cannot be part of the future we all want to build." He goes on, "thank you for sharing the tech you did. It helped finish one of my projects if you need anything at all from us let us know. We want to continue to work hand in hand. Oubliette should be up and running soon and than things will swiftly begin to change." He stops and thinks a moment, "oh also there is some monster in a nearby city. Does your attempt to save the future require it be fought? We can send a sizeable force to assist if you're going."

He was about to turn off his connection and than he goes. "I saw there was a second one of you, is their technology different? Do they have anything they can teach us?"
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
The impressive new drone shows up all sleek and shiny throwing out food for the birds as it goes. When they connect with their now human contact the happy go lucky voice and body of the Colonel pops up. "We saw you still have the national guard keeping you locked down do you know who did that to you? We continue to offer our aid and we want to help as much as we can. If you need anything at all let us know. Also still looking for dirt on the bloodborne."
 
Let'sGetKraken
[SUPER RAD BANNER THAT CANNOT BE USED ON MOBILE GOES HERE]


All messages encrypted at Morale{ERROR.VALUERESTORED,ENCRYPTIONAVAILABLE=11}

 
 Spoiler: public 

 A public announcement from Chronarch is broadcast throughout the city.  

There are times where I need to be circumspect about the exact nature of my interventions.

A giant kraken is not one of them.

Not only does this threaten the lives of tens of thousands in Starlit City, and by consequence its future, but if unchecked will post a future threat to Zephyr City as well. Archaeon and I have been preparing for this, and we will both be in attendance in fighting this beast. We encourage others to give their aid - this is a time for heroics.

We will see you on the battlefield - I look forward to fighting alongside whoever is courageous enough to put themselves in harm's way fighting this monstrosity.
 

 
 Spoiler: to the Sky Cavalry 


Interesting. We are not opposed to such an arrangement. I believe that Vox Populi have good intentions - but I am concerned that Avante Guarde may not be enough to temper the Bloodborn's recklessness and the Freedom Assembly's violent righteousness. As of right now, you are correct in that I don't believe they require proactive action... but it remains to be seen how they (and their allies) behave in the face of peace, and a threat to those outside Zephyr City.

Regardless, with the trade embargoes continuing, I am willing to commit to mutual defense with both yourself and Happy Cairns. Next turn, I am willing to formalize an alliance with the two of you - and hope that will fulfill the second half of my obligation towards your support in my work with Dr. Maverick in bringing Archaeon into this timeline.

And yes, we will be committing to fighting this threat - no doubt you have seen our announcement. If you are willing to lend the aid of any if your empowered to the Chronal Imperative, it will be greatly appreciated - but if you instead would meet the kraken on the battlefield as the Sky Cavalry, then we will certainly not hold it against you.
 

 
 Spoiler: to the Freedom Assembly 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Ran out of patience writing on mobile - I can contribute 4 weird and 2 Mor to the sharing-the-nexus project. Has the GM confirmed that could be done and take effect this turn? Is this still viable?
 

 
Eldan
 

Vergara stands at a small podium, in front of a pure white background, with the Morningstar logo. Her look is serious, somber.
"Eversion Project was founded to achieve two goals. To establish contact with worlds and civilizations beyond our own and to elevate humanity. We have achieved the first, but we must admit that in the past few weeks, there have been unfortunate incidents and in our effort to protect the project, we have gone too far, despite doing our best to minimize casualties on all sides.
To return to our true mission, we wish to announce two projects, one completed and one upcoming.
First, we have shared all data gained from Project Radiance with the National Guard. This means that the National Guard is now able to accurately identify and devise countermeasures against the city's most dangerous metahumans. The current reduced and more focused lockdown is a direct result of this, as it is no longer necessary to lock down the entire city to contain the worst dangers.
Second, we wish to show solidarity and are therefore going to send all resources the project can spare to Starlit City. This will include our entire scientific staff, including Dr. Levy and myself, any armed agents we can spare, all our anti-pulse countermeasures and as much humanitarian aid as we can deliver.
Thank you."

OOC: Sending Vergara, Levy and a considerable amount of stats.
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 15 

Three empowered sit around a table, it was like the start of a bad joke and Jade had to hold back a a smile. Ryan had called the together the Bloodborn Empowered and she and Daemones came to talk about the big situation that had cropped up. The national guard sticking around were a problem but not the end of the world, despite the worries that the demons were manipulating the national guard. "All right so what's the deal Ryan? I was walking Natalie through our squad organization. She missed some stuff jumping ranks like that."

The new girl awkwardly scratches the back of her head as she says this and smiles at her, "Sorry Mia-I MEAN RYAN. Ya I was just trying to get a handle on all this. You and Jade just have so much more experience compared to me,, I'm running around just trying to keep up."

Jade winks at Natalie and the new girl blushes while Ryan rolls his eyes at her. Hey Ryan may be fine living a sexless life and focus all his energy on running the Bloodborn but she was a flash and blood women.

Ryan raps the table with his knuckles, "All right you guys moving on! We got to talk about this week and Starlight city."

That sobers Jade up. While the scale may be different she knew all about monsters ravaging cities and hurting the citizens. They had put up with Zephyr City being terrorized by Bolting and killed citizens or Empowered at a whim for years before Bolting was taken down. A kraken wouldn't be as discerning as Bolting when it came to inflicting injuries and deaths but in any disaster, natural or empowered, it was always the lower income neighborhoods that suffered. Those that could not pay to relocate and were in the higher population density areas that could not be evacuated at all.

The three of them take a moment, looking at some of the preliminary pictures and information coming out of the city. Jade was looking at some pictures of the monster and one of them caught her eye. Imagining that... thing coming down on her own stomping grounds would have been a horrible mess. "That thing will tear through the locals there like wet paper. There aren't enough empowered around there to make a dent in it and when it lands it'll go through the nice evacuated waterfront easily enough but there are a lot of lower income neighborhoods right behind that will be full of the residents and refugees. It'll be a blood bath."

Ryan leans back and gestures to the map with their current knowledge of the city, "I feel for them too but there are budding monsters here as well we need to worry about. Demons could erupt out of Eversion any week, Time travelers are gunning to come out top of the city to move it as they please, and gangsters are gearing up for something. Can we afford to take our strength to another city and spend it there?"

Natalie hesitantly pipes up "Would we even make a difference? I've seen a good amount of the cities Empowered by now and we frankly are better equipped for taking down large forces and large groups of weaker empowered rather then powerful individuals. Game Master, Bolting, and locals like Mourn or Chronarch. We struggle with those fights and a giant sea monster would be that on steroids."

Aspect connects her phone to the meeting room tv and pulls up the best picture of the monster "Look at this, imagine this ripping through our home neighborhoods. No different then Bolting doing it on her way out from a heist. We formed this group to stop monsters of all kinds, from abusive empowered to manipulative criminals to corrupt government officials."

She pulls up a picture of Bolting ripping through their neighborhood "There is no difference between these two pictures. Monsters need to be stopped and thats that. We can argue that they aren't from our neighborhoods, they aren't helping our cause, or we can't waste our strength in another city but at the end of the day we are here to stop monsters. We need to go."

The other two look at her and then nod, Ryan closes the binder they have with the info "Well I can't argue with that Jade. We'll make the announcement and start planning accordingly. Who should we bring?"

Jade looks through the window to the training Bloodborn outside, and back to Ryan with a vicious grin while pulling on Natalies power just enough to make the room shake a bit "  EVERYONE  ."


 
 Spoiler: Public 
The Bloodborn are sending Miasma, Aspect, and Daemones to the Event.
 


 

 
 Spoiler: Vox Populi 
Well seems like the week seemed low key for the most part, though your heist seemed weird Guarde.

We think that the cause with the sea monster is a worthy one that could let us stop a monster, its not like the government cares enough to help the majority of the city. We can both help people and gain a good amount of good press frankly.

The demons working with the government isn't a surprise at all considering they were already up to their elbows in corruption and manipulation. Screws our plans but in this case if there isn't an option to make the moves in the city we can always make moves outside of it.
 
Feathersnow
Birdwatch posts a notice!

 We of the Birdwatch continue to express our contrition for the instability in the Lower South Side and our commitment to civil government.

That being said, we intend to commit substantial resources including Agents Hawk, Crane, and Finch to help deal with the Kraken attack.  We will also commit a great deal of genetically enhanced birds to assist the efforts.

We call on all Empowered to assist as best they are able in this time of crisis. 
 
 Spoiler: OoC 

We will be committing 5 levels of VIP and 26 or so support stats to the Kraken fight.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
 Avante Guarde stands with Starlit City 

Live: From North-east Zephyr - Orcan St - The logo of the news network fills the screen as the voice starts to speak:

"Most people wonder with how quiet the Guarde have been recently, but wonder no more, as the quiet background noise has come to an end! We've heard from trusted sources within the initiative that they are mobilising for a massive operation: Saving Starlit City!" The reporter comes onscreen, finally, showing the familiar figure of Taggert McCollough, a favoured investigative journalist of the North Easter News. Behind him is the familiar visage of the front of the Avante Guarde public headquarters, where bustling figures could be seen moving in and out of the building.

"While no one is sure of the exact scope, and no public announcement yet has been made, we know that Remi Ragav and the EDF, alongside the Hunter, have both seen mobilising for the job, and even their Science division alongside the enigmatic Tachi and the investigative division helmed by Detective Irman have been seen in action preparing to move."

"Aleksi and Jaskir Guarde have been strangely silent on the entire situation, but despite no public opinion pieces or announcements, Zephyr City knows that the two of them will be right in the middle of the action even if no word is said!"

"I do have confidential news that most of their focus has been internal, and that the Garde's are looking towards the very near future, but that this new development has disrupted their timeline. That's all I've got for you today, back to you in the center. This has been Taggert McCollough from the North Easters."


 

 To Vox Populi: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:15 
Yeah, someone screwed our pooch and I still don't know who or why or how. But rest assured I'll be getting Irman to poke into that with his crew.

Good to see you're on the move on this issue Miasma. We'll of course be mobilising for this too. Going to look to turn my team's talents for stopping evil heists into helping you all with yours while giving us something out of that, so I'll let you know where that gets to.

Do either of you have someone a bit green still they don't mind letting us have some on-field experience with? (I am 1 short of max rewards for VIP level, if either of you can share a Power 1 VIP that would be greatly appreciated.)
 

 To the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:15 
You know, I should've seen that coming when I told you what I was going to do.

But I figured I'd let you know what was going on so I wasn't blindsiding you or backstabbing you. But you wanted a piece of the police yourselves aside from the one I was giving to you?

Then sure.

I'm not going to go after you for it, but consider the deals off.
 

 To the Happy Cairns: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:15 
Appreciate all you've done patching my boys up.

Sorry that my heist got invaded, just checking in, did you get something out of it or did they steal your share? (OOC: Someone partially successfully invaded the heist, trying to find out if they managed to snag any of the XP points.)
 
St. Justicar
 

The Maestro’s weekly broadcast looked rather less ramshackle than its last iteration, beginning with red velvet curtains opening to reveal an opulent hardwood stage, a string quartet providing a live musical introduction as she came into view, the Clockwork Conductor once again looming behind her. Unlike last week, she was also joined by the Orchestra’s rather illusive other star – Luthier stood a step behind her and to the right, his visor gleaming with notes dancing across it.

The Maestro spread her arms wide with a smile.

“Good evening my zesty and zealous Zephyrites! I do hope you have a well-earned and welcomed weekend.

Now, I know that quite a few of you are here because you’re hoping for a hint of when you might see my next little bit of avante garde opportunism and practice for the next performance. And normally I would  exult  in the opportunity to entertain you. But alas! I’m afraid that for the moment, I have no choice but to abandon you.”

She held up a hand “I know, I know, I can only apologize for the truly terrible betrayal of your trust. But take heart! You see, necessity and principle have simply demanded that I organize a bit of a travelling show. Starlit City has been woefully devoid of culture even without the threat of being submerged beneath the waves – and besides, it only seems fair to do the fine folks in uniform a favour after they’ve done so much for me these past weeks.

And so, allow me to announce that myself, my lovely Luthier, and my Clockwork Conductor should,all going well, be delighted to provide some musical accompaniment to the coming cataclysmic conflict with the Kraken! Just how much Orchestral accompaniment we have does depend on some political matters, but I’m sure we’ll do our part.”

Almost as an afterthought, she added “Also, just to ensure you all understand that I am not actually abandoning you all, I have arranged a pair of performances from my perfectly acceptable understudies and some of my finest performers. With the national guard so obligingly having lifted much of the lockdown, to those of you living under the awful weight of anarchy nearby, you can look forward to seeing free shows soon!”

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Provisionally committing The Maestro, Luthier, and Clockwork Conductor to the World Heist. Stat contribution tbd, probably relatively small.

Also publicly announcing my intent to take territories 15 and 22 (both presently neutral)
 

 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


Apologies for not reaching out last week, everything was quite anarchic, as I’m sure you understand. Anyway, allow me to extend my most sincere gratitude for your generosity with information during the recent crisis. I doubt my security is up to snuff when it comes to discussing any of your current concerns, but I would be happy to cooperate on any items of mutual interest should they arise.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 


I am, as you can see, turning over an entirely new and more heroic leaf. I assume and trust that I have your full support in doing so, and this recent unpleasantness can be entirely forgotten, yes?
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 


My Marvellous Mourn,

Details are still up in the air, so I can’t be too specific. But expect [4 t. Wrd] towards one of your projects at minimum. Quite possibly some odds and ends to aid with the other as well.
 
Eldan
 
 Public Statement 
"This is truly a great moment in the history of our city. We are proving that when necessary, when an entire city is under threat, Zephyr City can lay aside all our differences and grievances and work together to do what must be done to save innocents. Truly, the fact that we can all cooperate like this, without any of us even considering treachery, will be a positive signal for metahuman communities worldwide. The trust we are building with our shared mission to Starlight City will show those who might be skeptical to exposing themselves like this, far away from their lairs and defences, that in a true emergency, we can all chip in without fear of petty vengeance."
neriractor
 
 Morale: 3 
 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
The letter arrives with a vase filled with daffodils, they should survive a long time even there, or live their course if planted again.

"Greetings,

Madame I'm sorry my thanks arrive so late to your eyes, but I did hope I could give them to you with as redeemed a streak as a man like me can have, we have certainly sent a lot of people to the gentle reponse you oversee, and I will make an effort to keep those numbers down  from now on, lest the hands of the city's angel ever grow tired.

Ever yours,
Khalid Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
 a letter arrives with a bouquet of bright yellow and puffy white flowers, black eyed susans and white camelia's respectively, the arrangement is big enough to need two carriers and unlike the letter is adressed specifically to the hunter. 

Aleksi, dear,

Deal was over when you broke it with 0 interest in making it up to us. Now regardless of whatever blinfold just came up for you to not distinguish the private citizen that's Mr. Jones from the public servant that's the comissioner I do appreciate you didn't jump to asking those you know to "teach us a lesson" like last time we tried to defend ourselves despite mayority rule, I know it took restraint on your part.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.

P.S: Now, I know there was no actual hospital visit but I do care for tradition. Not sure what his favorite flowers are, but do hope the hunter appreciates these, because I  did  appreciate how he handled himself, kept most blood out of the table, real trooper you have there.
 

 
 Spoiler: Vox Populi 
Greetings,

Now, I figured I oughta start addressing you as a collective for at least these kinds of things, now, pretty much everyone is heading off into the sunset to make sure Starlit City gets an inkling of what a real hero looks like, I know that much, and I wish to do the same... But i need some back up, turns out having my ass stuck to a hospital bed isn't really conductive to training, thank you for that Miasma.

So, who of you can spare me some hard boys, y'know, real biscuit boxers that can teach my people the ropes and help them keep up with that whole kraken business? some mulah is always a card, but I know you'd like more meat so information on everyone or keeping  your  information from everyone are on the table too, so, what's the call?

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Alright, so I kinda need a lot of VIP levels to hit the max, 4 to be precise, so let me know if you all can and want to chip in a level 1 each or something and I offer stuff in return too. Offer lasts until I hit my benchmark with other offers.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent orchestra 
Madame,

masterful diplomatic acumen, 10/10. Now, you obviously won't need this kind of thing, since peace is to last, but need and want are kind of different things and I take it you are the type to print an online paper to read it like is meant to.

I'm looking for someone to supplant my own incomparable skills for the kraken mission, got an ex in Starlit, it'd be awkward, you know how it is. So if you could lend me that robot of yours, some red paint and a wig I could write you a  very  interesting paper.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
2 VIPs for blanket access (unless Cultist and Cairns really overkilled their mor and excepting the birdwatch due to a previous arrangement of ours), what do you say? Offer lasts until I hit my benchmark with other offers.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion project 
An email arrives from god knows where, assuming the Eversion Project wastes manpower to track the source you can change that to "not even god, luckily enough it is signed.

"Greetings,

Let us enjoy at last a bit of respite, those we sent with you didn't speak badly of their experience, I hope your people's experience was much the same, and if it was, I'll like to propose a bit of a roadtrip for someone of more importance, I'm sure you know where and if going there in a different car doesn't put you off do give us a call.


Regards,
Khalid Gunn."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You probably already know this, but I'm kind of asking everyone for VIPs, let me know if you are willing to lower your reward a bit in exchange for something.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal imperative 
Dashing Dynamo's message arrives on the mail, after thorough testing for bombs and such it appears to be nothing more than what it looks like, a simple letter addressed to  only  chronarch (bold and all) with a very well camouflaged listening bug that was nevertheless trivially found by the two AIs and their future partners.

"Howdy,

I'm sorry about the lack of fanfare, I've been  very  busy, now, I can't leave town for a bit, but I need some cover, so I was thinking you could do me a solid and send the missus in my stead? give her a voice modulator, have her say you lent me a suit for a trial run (Y'know, since we are such good friends), paint it red to make it go faster and it'll surely work like a charm.

I'll give you a treat if it works, too.
-Dashing Dynamo."

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
I reaaaally want to hit the max for this one, anything I can give to convince you to lend me 2 VIP points and get me that much closer?
 

 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 15 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Sorry not sorry.

Also we do not have VIPs to spare, good luck finding them elsewhere.
 

 
 Spoiler: Vox Populi 
Ya we are ready to go and fight that monster though we have some concerns about the trustworthiness of some of the others going.

As for sending an Empowered to aid you, we don't have any less powerful Empowered we could trade without going below the limit ourselves. We could trade our newest Empowered for one of your less trained Empwoered which should work for both of us?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Don't have a Tier 1 but I could trade a Tier 3 for a Tier 1 or 2 so we can both be at the max.
 

 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 3 
 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 


That is, I'm afraid, quite simply impossible. I can offer up the services of Luthier, should you need an array of truly impressive accessories. But that, tragically, is the limit.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sorry, can only spare a tier 1
 

 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   We ARE Struggling Together   

It has been a relatively quiet few weeks in the northern boroughs of Zephyr City. The arrival of the National Guard has quelled a good deal of the bodies of the Assembly out in the streets. Drones and military police are waking the streets, and for all their zeal, the people know a fight that cannot be won. The Empowered who have been counselling newly elected district representatives are unanimous in their advice: keep your heads down, focus on survival and do what you can to help your neighbour. Listening to these guidelines, most of the Assembly members have taken up shelter indoors.

Where, without a unifying threat to rally against, its leaders and component members have somewhat predictably turned on each other.

Reports out of the church basements, town halls, bars, and any other establishment with a painted fist have painted a singular picture of discord. Things were fine after the first week, but the lockdown has specifically been extended in their neighbourhoods, which has led to a rising tide of anger. Debates have turned into arguments, punches have been thrown, divisions sown. Hard questions are being asked of the people, by the people. Why push so hard to fight the Orchestra, who have been polite and actually proven somewhat reliable in their dealings? Why aren’t they crushing the racist, demon-summoning scientists in the Eversion Project? Because this ‘lockdown’ hitting only them is definitely not textbook prejudice.

In some ways, the announcement about the kraken is something of a relief. It is, after all, a giant monster. A cthonic threat, an easy win to rally the disaffected around. A chance for the Assembly to actually score a win, to earn back public trust and work with their new allies in Vox Populi and put their collective money where their mouth is. The suggestion of fighting among the more pugnacious members of the Assembly is an incredibly popular suggestion, and soon crowds of volunteers outfitted with power fists, semi-automatics, and an absurd amount of ordinance are all gathering.

Arsenal, Dyad, and Surge are all present at the Assembly meeting where they announce battle plans to the peoples’ representatives. The First Freedom Enforcers are behind them, brightly decorated war frames blotting out the sun. They pledge to the public in an announcement to all of Zephyr City that the Freedom Assembly will be doing its part - and more - in combatting the threat.

Let the naysayers say what they will. When the rallying call comes, the Assembly will rise to meet it.


   Faction Messages   
  Morale 15  
 
 Spoiler: Public 
The Freedom Assembly pledges to send every stat point and VIP it can to fight the kraken!
 

 
 Spoiler: To Vox Populi 
We stand by our public promise. We will be sending every non-defensive asset we can muster to Starlit City to deal with the threat. Additionally, we are putting some pressure on the Eversion Project this week - a concession for a promise. We hope you will back us up in it, since with the National Guard sticking around our usefulness to this alliance is greatly lessened. We want to pull our weight, but the racist demon-scientists are making it hard.

The Assembly is also just shy of full saturation for the event, so we would appreciate a trade. We can send Dyad or Surge in exchange for more seasoned Empowered.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Basically, forcing a public promise for Eversion not to continue their LTP, or we send every stat to betray them this turn instead of contributing to the event. We’re also making a longer lasting truce with the Orchestra, since we can’t effectively hit them anyways and they’ve kept their word so far (that’s a later problem now).

Would love to trade a Tier 1 VIP for a Tier 2. I’m also shy 2 Tiers for the count (got 6 and need 8).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project 
Just so you know, redlining and ‘social initiatives’ like it went out of fashion back in the 50s and 60s. What you are doing is the large-scale equivalent of calling the cops on a neighbourhood of colour because you think everyone there is dangerous. That is the literal definition of profiling.

We expect the local-on-local violence to go up as a result of these lockdowns. The Assembly is  angry , you do know that right? People don’t suddenly stop feeling upset and disenfranchised just because you call the National Guard and force them inside. All it does is delay the fallout, which typically makes things worse for the next generation. But what do you care? After all, you’re just the racist demon-summoning scientific government ops. You don’t know any better.

But we’ll make you a deal. You stop calling the National Guard on us, and we’ll make sure all of your people get to fight this kraken safely. After all, the protections you’ve negotiated only apply to Zephyr City. We can’t guarantee our people won’t take justice into their own hands if they should find your agents outside the current jurisdiction.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Public promise to lift the National Guard LTP next turn, and you get an assurance not to betray you at this event (which is not covered under your project), a message to my allies to do the same, and a 1 turn guarantee of non-aggression. All publicly made on my end.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
You've earned a modicum of goodwill. Shockingly, for a Tyrant you are more trusted to act than those near you. Keep it up, and we will prioritize our people on the true roadblocks to freedom.

We will continue the truce for the time being. It isn’t like we can really do anything to attack you now, anyway.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
We are happy to work on it, but the Sky Cavalry never replied. We suspect they are gearing up to hit us rather than engender any trust, and Birdwatch is almost certainly helping them.

Persuade them to get on board with us sharing the Nexus if you want us to take this project seriously. We’ve reached out in past weeks, but it doesn’t sound like they’re interested in a diplomatic solution. The Assembly isn’t about to throw away resources in furthering a plan that will see the people betrayed.

Oh, and if a fight does break out over it, remember that we weren’t the ones who started it. We got everyone’s approval before taking the Nexus, including yours.
 
Eldan
 Eversion Project 
[7]

To the Freedom Assembly
 
 Spoiler 

Oh please. Like this is our fault. We didn't "call the guard" on anyone. We're under lockdown too, same as you, if you haven't noticed.

You know who this one is on? Chronarch. The Bone Rattlers and us tried to make peace, come to terms. We both knew we couldn't trust each other, as we had both betrayed the other more than once already. So we made a short list of factions in the city we both had no active reason to distrust, and who seemed to have no strong preference for either side. Turned out Chronarch was the only one we could agree on.

In exchange for peace, he demanded we send all our data on the city's empowered and their recent activities to the national guard. That was his cost. Keep the national guard here longer, to keep the bloodshed down. You know how much that cost us? [30 points of Spec], that's what. We had to pay that much for defending ourselves against  you  and the  literal Mafia  when you came to murder us for doing research.

So you want to blame us? **** all the way off, please.
 


The Bone Rattlers
 
 Spoiler 
Sorry, but no. We have all hands on deck for this one, too.
 


The Orchestra
 
 Spoiler 
No projects this week, dear Maestro. We're all in on the Kraken hunt. But we'll get back to you about that.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 15  
 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project &amp; Chronarch 
Are you ****ing kidding.

The Assembly has not touched Eversion. Ever. Not once. We haven’t stepped in to save you from your own very justified comeuppance from the Bone Rattlers, but we haven’t sent a single drone, not a single patrol, not even traded with our allies to hit you. Don’t play like you need protection from us. You have inconvenienced us far more than we have you.

The only reason our people are mad is because they got the National Guard called on them for no reason other than they wanted to protect the city, oh and fight the supervillain to the south. How,  exactly , does that constitute a threat to Zephyr City?

We get that you were in a bind and your hands were tied. And thanks for letting us know that Chronarch is the one that suggested this outcome - we were already talking to him about baring our necks for people dealing in bad faith, so we’re sending him a copy to let him know he’s about to join our **** list - but come on. Our target has always been the Orchestra. We challenged the Maestro. We made a public declaration of war.

And everywhere we’ve turned, people are assuming the worst of our motives. We got caught up in a brutal crossfire - in which a large number of the casualties were our own people - and were made to apologize for it. Now it seems pretty certain that the groups we thought we could count on to fight the plainly visible bad guys are going to stab us in the ****ing back for no reason other than they don’t trust us. As if they would ever give us a chance to earn it.

At a certain point, if people keep treating us like the enemy, it will start being true.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I’m going to point out,  again , that the only person I’ve sent any aggressive actions towards the entire game over 6 turns is the Orchestra. All I wanted to do was fight a ground campaign against the hammy villainous faction, and you couldn’t let me have that.

Let me cook, please. It’s the mechanic my faction is built around.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Avante Garde 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So here’s the thing. While I’m happy for either of us to get the VP, I am in last place here and would really appreciate the temp stats to actually launch some aggressive campaigns and get us all to the top of the leaderboard.

I can offer either you or the Bloodborn some Nexus XP in exchange for getting the VIPs to push my number up to 8 for the event. But I want to make sure you’re okay with it first.
 

 
Eldan
 Eversion 

[7]


 Freedom Assembly 
 
 Spoiler 

Maybe it wasn't your guys specifically, but between you, the Bloodborne and the Avante Guarde, someone sent half an army of killers after our project leadership. You're all in an alliance, and you all talked about hitting us. Without, as far as we can see, any provocation from our side. Excuse us when we're feeling a bit  unfriendly  towards your quadrant ofthe map, there. You made that bed when you signed those alliances, now lie in it.

OOC: Okay, I may be confusing you with your allies. It's kind of difficult to tell sometimes who out of the Vox Populi did which actions, but there was a  lot  of talk between you three about hitting me, and then I had a massive hit on me trying to assassinate all my VIPs coming from your alliance, which I only survived by putting all my stats into active defence. So, I'm a bit  cagey  about the giant game-dominating alliance just north of me that seems to hate me.

Mechanically, I didn't get much of a choice about what the LTP would do. I sponsored the national guard, they chose the targets. GM told me three most aggressive factions last turn, myself included, it seemed like a good defensive play for me. You weren't specifically targeted, that just happened. Sorry, it wasn't intended to make the game unfun for you. If it's any help, it's a one-turn thing.
 
Let'sGetKraken
  The Chronal Imperative  

Messages at Morale 11

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly and the Eversion Projecy 


All OOC because I am sitting at a Cafe on the Amalfi Coast.

Just clearing up a few points:

I was asked to be guarantor of the peace pact. Given that the Eversion Project had just unleashed the Game Master, I wanted an outcome that didn't involve them getting away scott-free, as innocents died. Wouldn't have been fair for me to let them off easy given how hard I was going after the bloodborn. So I made a condition of the peace pact that the eversion project spend 30 points on a project to benefit the people and innocents of the city, not just themselves, to avoid another absolute bloodbath (metaphorically, not literally, though the literal blood mist did contribute).

Eldan was the one that suggested this specific project, not me. I was told it would target the three factions that had been the most aggressive the previous turn. I was also not advised that it would protect the Eversion Project - I was only told about the halving aggression from, not against. I enthusiastically agreed - it would give this city room to breathe and cool heads, especially since it was looking like conflicts were dying down anyhow. My only condition was that Eldan take public credit for the project.

Don't blame me for the iteration. I supported it, but I didn't think it would go after you (like, you didn't do anything more aggressive than the Orchestra last turn?). I did expect it to hit the Bloodborn, and was hoping to see how they handled it as a test of character of sorts. I figured it was a given that it would hit Eldan, but I thought that was fine because, again, the protection part of it wasn't included in any version of the pitch I saw.

The Freedom Assembly can be mad at Chronarch for imposing the initial conditions of "do a big expensinsive project to protect innocents as penance for being a shifty bastard that unleashed the Gamemaster" (though, like, I don't think you should). They can also be mad for Chronarch endorsing the outcome, which is much more valid. But I won't take the blame for the proposal of this exact project, nor the fact that it hit the Freedom Assembly.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  

 


No fluff because I am strapped for tiem.

 Response to the Bone Rattlers: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:15 
*Insert Aleksi saying how he'd kept the word as intended and that was an insult. Also can't spare people right now.*
 

 To Vox Populi: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:15 
Sounds like Bloodborn are 2 over cap. So if I trade Hunter (SPEC 2) for a 3, I get max reward, then bloodborn trades Hunter onwards for one of the 1's at Freedom Assembly, does that also get you to max? 3 max rewards is better than two tbh.
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Rebels
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 15 

The Bloodborn are all working hard to get ready for their road trip to the monster infested city. However as their squads and organizers run themselves ragged the leadership ponder a more problematic issue. Miasma pulls up the list of the current forces heading to the fight in Starlight city and sighs, "All right so on the one hand we trust about half the people going and we have so many forces going that the fight should go well. On the other hand we don't trust half the people going and odds are they're about to take the chance to bump off as many people as possible during this whole thing and the fight will blow up in our faces."

Aspect shrugs "Ya well what can you do about it? You can't force people to get along."

Miasma snorts a laugh then his face turns thoughtful, "Well... I can try."

 
 Spoiler: Public 
The video is streamed as far and wide as possible, sent to every burner phone or email they have. When its opened it shows a video with Miasma in full costume while the glass back wall of the room shows distant Bloodborn members rushing around preparing.

"Look. This is real simple everyone, we are all going to fight this monster to help those in Starlight city. For whatever reason, benign or selfish, we are all going to help. Now I know that the Empowered of this city is going to help Starlight with a massive history of conflict, backstabs, and plots. Many may think that this fight will be a possibility of bumping off rivals even as said rival fights to save innocents."

The camera zooms up to a close up

"Resist that urge, listen to the little angel on your shoulder or fall to the devil fighting by your side. The Bloodborn are here to fight the great monsters plaguing our city, and others, in all forms. Whether it is the psychotic tendencies of god like Empowered such as Bolting or the Game Master or literal skyscraper sized sea monsters, we will be there shedding our blood. We're calling Game Master rules folks, we can all work together for the common good and those who break with it will be punished."

The camera zooms in a little more and red fog starts slowly pulsing out from behind the mask in a thick mist.

"If we find any of you took this chance to **** with another we will come down on you in a tide of blood. None of what you will try to pull will be truly hidden, the forces of this city will tease out those secrets and blast them out large."

The camera cuts to black with one last ominous message.

"Its real easy, if you drop bodies prepare to be one."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bloodborn pledge to attack anyone who betrays another this event. We can all work together and live or betray each other and all suffer.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Vox Populi 
OK so how about this compromise. We will send our Empowered Daemones to the AG in return for one of theirs and we will give a share of our resources to the Assembky to aid them with their actions next week?
 
kaio999
 
 Spoiler: Morale 17 Chronarch 
Intervallum shows up on the screen, "unfortunately we will not be able to send you anyone Octo is leading the sky cavalrys forces en masse to fight the beast and I am needed here to complete Oubliette. Forgive my inability to help this time Chronarch, we do support you but this time sky cavalry is split on this particular issue and the girl going off to help another faction, even yours would cause internal rifts..." He leaves that hanging before a heavy sigh places through the mask. "good luck and do not die." With that it powered off.
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 15  
 
 Spoiler: Public 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
To be clear, pledging 42 stat points and 6 Tiers of VIPs to this event.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project &amp; Chronarch 
So the National Guard is at fault, then? Convenient, to push the blame onto a system, but I guess that's nothing new either. It's good to get some clarification on this, but the Assembly members aren't happy that they're one of the only people being held back by this when their aim was always to hit the Orchestra, not any of the many (many) targets we were told were 'off limits'. Which, of course, isn't stopping them from almost certainly plotting against us now, but we won't be the first ones to throw hands there.

Anyway. Glad we got to the bottom of it. We won't hit Eversion in the event, and we've specifically asked our allies to stand down. They've promised it publicly, and we will reiterate it in private (they can read this too, for what it's worth). There are definitely people in our rallies who aren't pleased to hear that Chronarch is endorsing the Guard's continued presence in the city, but they can sit tight.

We have a kraken to put down, which should hopefully bring the mood up fast. See you on the other side.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Okay, fair enough. The event not being continued indefinitely puts a lot of my annoyance to ease - as you can imagine, effectively not being allowed to do the thing you've built your faction around can get old fast.

Mad at Chronarch for endorsing the outcome is pretty much the line the Assembly is on right now (among other reasons, which I'm not getting into here).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Vox Populi 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Quick confirmation and change of plans. I'm okay with not taking the 8 Tiers of VIPs for the event (I don't need the VP anyhow), provided Bloodborn and AG share the temp stats from the top VIP payout as planned.

I'm really looking for as much Str as I can get my hands on next turn. Make it payable in  blood . 😏
 

 
Feathersnow
Agent Magpie mans the base.  It is fraught, frankly, he would feel safer fighting the Kraken.  Birdwatch is surrounded by enemies, and protected mostly by the National Guard that frankly doesn't like anybody involved...

But, while the Birdwatch stands, they will do the best they can, whatever anyone thinks...

 
 Spoiler: Ooc 

Guard Emus are in region 18. Hopefully I don't need them.
 
Let'sGetKraken
  The Chronal Imperative  

Messages at Morale 11

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 

 
Note: travelling so pretend all of this is IC, even if it's not all in Chronarch’s voice now.just imagine it all sounds angry, righteous, and a bit whiny.   



-I gave you stats and did not push for anything once they were lost - which is fine, since it was for a good purpose. Just a reminder of that, while we are pointing fingers.

-You did not say a single thing that was legible to Chronarch last turn about having a moral issue with the national guard being there. You're only upset now that it's targeting you - literally, blame the national guard. I wasn't given full details about this and did not endorse you being picked. Literally the only involvement I had was giving them the green light when I had a hazy idea of what would happen.

-While we're pointing fingers - "I am officially committing to working with Happy Cairns to open up the nexus" became "oh no well it's the sky Cavalry fault I'm not doing what I said I would, despite you, Chronarch, being willing to do this with me". I'm not the one negotiating in bad faith here.

-What matters to you - intentions or outcomes? Because back in the tribunal, it was outcomes, but that wasn't the case last week when the Bloodborn pulled everyone into a brawl. And if it's outcomes, don't talk to me about how other people are misinterpreting your good intentions - not after you put me on trial purely for outcomes, irrespective of intentions. You can't have it both ways.

Finally, important thing - are you telling me you wouldn't have gone to protect innocents in Starlit City if the National Guard hadn't forced you to? You'd have used the Orchestra literally fighting the kraken as an opportunity to attack their holdings, while they were actually fighting to protect a city? Despite having declared a truce with them? Or would you have hit Eversion, immediately after publicly agreeing to give them a second chance? I'm not seeing what plans of yours this interfered with. This literally should not matter to you unless you were plan on breaking either a truce or your word.

-So let's have your grievances. Other than being verbally hostile to the Bloodborn - I wanted them to actually protect the people of this city, a request they ignored - and, what, not pushing harder to get a third party to back a project you suggested and committed to? What other grievances, exactly, give you justification? Because where I'm sitting, I did exactly what you and this city asked of me - I protected innocents, or coerced others into doing the same. What has your alliance tangibly done to do the same?

 
neriractor
 
 
 Spoiler: Public 
The Bonerattlers will be sending Mighty Minotaur, Jetti, Jhonny Gunn and Luthier plus a few lads to fight the Kraken in Starlit City
 

 Morale: 3 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 
"Laws and treaties should be written so supposed intent won't be abused" is all I got on that, sooo given that this one was written crystal clear... yeah, no need to impersonate a lawyer on me, already on those whereabouts as far as opinion is concerned.
 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
"Sold"
 
St. Justicar
 
 Spoiler: Public 


Luthier will be supporting the Bone Rattlers in their kraken-fighing efforts in Starlit City.

The Maestro and Clockwork Conductor will fight on their own
 
n0ble
 Morale 14  
 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sounds good to me! You can donate blind to projects per the Spirit of cooperation now and that gets you double back what you donate just as a heads up. I'm not saying what my new initiatives are because you get double back on your donations for not knowing what they are/donating blind.
 

 

 Public 
 
 Spoiler: Public/All 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Mourn &amp; Resources will be going to the big calamity 🙂
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  

Hey everyone, back with some new public initiatives. Per Right Where It Belong's completion (see below), I'm not longer posting what my projects do but you get double back for max donations to them (thats as MOR or tWRD):
 The Monsoon Park Petting Zoo:   Come on down and enjoy the company of some seasonal farm animals, from the Zephyr City Goat to the Star City Flatworm. While your here, why not comiserate why some of the local talent? Just no spooking the animals please-some of the goats fait and the emus are notoriously vengeful. Helping to import some more exotic fauna into the various habitats and animal sanctuaries should allow for more diverse experiences for every-customers, animals and staff-all while providing a more engaging area for parahumans to find good cheer following a funeral. [Currently: 17/30]
 The Claw Game:  Believed by many to be a supervillain armament decommissioned into a "ride" of sorts, the Claw is a competitive game for those placed in charge of the eponymous grasper. A series of patterns are played in front of this person on a light board, a reflection of the game board below. The player must rearrange others-friends, family, Happy Cairns employees where the former two are lacking-into the same patterns on the screen as onto the game board. Happy Cairns employees receive a generous compensation for their participation in this attraction. Family and friends signs a guarantee that Mourn will heal them. Mourn currently has a yet to crack the top 10 on the Scoreboard, but rumour has it the Maestro, Johnny and even Bolting all managed to place there at one point or another. [????/?????

 
 Spoiler: Completed Initiatives  

 1) Right Where it Belongs When a faction triggers the Spirit of Cooperation via a blind donation (IE no existing levels of investigation on the project, it hasnt been made public, the donating player is unaware of what it does etc.) the increase in their morale gained from the Spirit of Cooperation is doubled.
  2) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (currently 5 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed. Must be chosen instead of Hypergeometrical Superpositioning.
 3) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 4) Hypergeometrical Superpositioning:  Whenever a faction maxes their donations to happy Cairns (currently 5 of any stat) both the donating player &amp; Happy Cairns may benefit from one anothers strategic territories in the following turn as though they both controlled one anothers. Must be chosen instead of a Healing Hand. Happy Cairns Currently controls the following strategic locations:
- Monsoon Action Park-  - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - STABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.
 
 Spoiler: Faction Ability: The Spirit of Cooperation 

When Happy Cairns contributes relevant stats to an LTP, one they control or not, other factions may contribute a maximum of their own relevant stats to the same LTP equal to Happy Cairn's highest Level VIP (4, currently). Those factions that do gain a bonus to their Morale equal to the amount of stats they contributed.
 

 

 
Writtensanity
   
 PT 1 

It was raining in Starlit city, but that mostly shut up people trying to look on the bright side. For the longest time Starlit had been on the fortunate side of the relationship with its Sister Zephyr City. Now?

Starlit City was drowning.

Four blocks deep from the old boardwalk there was a foot and a half of saltwater rushing through the streets. It was enough to keep people trapped in their homes, even as tremors echoed off skyscrapers and left the abstract idea that something was too close, but no confirmation as to where it was.

“Remind you of home?” Chronarch asked. There wasn’t anyone nearby as he scanned the headquarters of First Saving’s Bank for his drones, but this was all for radio chatter.

“That’s what yours is like?”

“Less water. Less survivors.”

“Ah,” Archaeon offered instead of words. Despite being from reflections of the same future the two hadn’t spoken about their timelines much. They were here to change what happened to the future, there wasn’t a point in talking about what needed to change.

The two of them weren’t as alike as the other Factions in Zephyr City liked to think, but they shared that opinion, and an utter devotion to the mission.

“I’ve confirmed that seismic activity has resumed.” Artemis, the AI chimed in, “The creature is likely to resurface soon. Should I-”

“Scramble combat drones. I’ll finish up here.”

“I’ll meet you at the front,” Archaeon confirmed without waiting for the order.

Maybe they weren’t as different as they wanted to think.

—-

“The situation on the ground is…. Not good,” Agent Remi explained to the assembled field commanders of Vox Populi from their alliance headquarters. The people of Starlit City had tried to set up a base of operations but they hadn’t expected the alliance to send hundreds of their people to the front. Remi had called in some favors to get them their own space.

“That’s why we’re here.” Serge was kind and left out the ‘dumbass’ she’d obviously intended as part of that. Remi ignored it, the Freedom Assembly and Bloodborn were both on edge since the damned thing had gone back into the ocean. They’d all come here looking for something to punch. In Vox Populi, Avante Guarde was the only group with any sort of official experience in Search and Rescue.

After a sigh Remi continued. “We’ve tried to set up sandbags and a field hospital several times but the water is rising too fast. We’re six -maybe seven- inches from losing this entire street here as a grounding point but if we retreat too far back then it won’t be close enough for triage.”

“Do we have a good option?”

“Kill the damned thing,” Remi offered, “but right now it’s kicking our ass by staying under water with the storm.”

“So until it comes out?”

“...Yep.”

“So we just wait for now?” there was an edge to Serge’s voice. Remi understood it, they’d had the same feelings before but you bit it down over the course of the years.

“Does Arsenal have Kraken bait?”

“They said they’d need to know more about the biological makeup of the thing before they were able to make anything like that.”

The iPad to the left of the pair flashed with a notification, a message from one of the ground crew letting them know that they were falling back. Again.

Remi reached for a cigarette, but found the pack in his pocket empty. He always went through too many when he was in charge.


-

Every location had its own set of unique challenges when it came to running a show. When you were in a smaller theater you needed to adapt your arrangement so the drums wouldn’t overpower the rest of the score. When you played somewhere large you needed to make big gestures that would be noticed by the crowd in the nosebleeds.

How you adjusted to three feet of water and floating sedans was an uncharacteristic hole in the Maestro of Mayhem’s experience. This was novel, which was great for creativity, but nobody liked to improvise in the rain.

The Clockwork Conductor had been working tirelessly, as robots were wont to do, on constructing the stage and setting up the sound system, but even tireless work took time. As it turned out, most of the people in Starlit City lacked appreciation for the arts and were unwilling to stay near the boardwalk to assist in critical setup. Lacking volunteers the Maestro had turned to offering retreating citizens temporary jobs as stage hands and still found nobody willing to assist.

Nobody wanted to work these days.

The Maestro herself had spent the time waiting for the Kraken to arise from the depths ensuring that the live stream of her performance was prepared to jump online at any moment. After all, no good deep went unpunished so hers certainly shouldn’t go unnoticed. She had never been prone to leaving herself uncredited.

The ground shook, and windows rattled.

“Places.” The Maestro announced, but she was only speaking to herself and an automaton that spoke in notes instead of English.

—-

Agent Crane had to leave their motorcycle up in a park on the West side of town, considering Japanese engines couldn’t cut through seawater. No, instead they’d taken the time to embrace the agency that they were working for.

Each Harpy eagle could carry about forty pounds, which meant that the lift teams of forty odd eagles had almost been bored by Crane’s request to get up on the rooftops. Somewhere where they could coordinate the battle.

There was a pile of papers in Crane’s pocket, neatly folded and getting damp in case cell phones went down and they needed to resort to the environmentally catastrophic amount of carrier pigeons that Dr. Raptor had founded the Birdwatch with. They hoped it wouldn’t come to that, because texting was easier and short wave radio was more consistent. That said, they’d heard of weirder things than emps coming from the oceans.

Crane was supposed to coordinate the birds from the air, meanwhile Finch was doing…. Whatever they were doing at the moment. The insufferable part about Crane’s niece was that they had a crippling case of the ‘I’ve got it’s’ that resulted in them spiraling off into helping a professor with math equations because the pulse followed her whims.

Mostly in this case it was insufferable to Crane who’d needed to hear them consistently point out that ‘but I’m best suited for the job’ when it came to arranging evacuation via bird for some of the high-trapped populace of Starlit City.

Then, all at once, Crane felt the world stutter, a brief twitch in reality that explained that they’d been there before, moments ago and-

The memory of the collapse rocked though their head, debris, breaking against the water, the deafening roar that erupted across the waves seconds before they’d cracked against it.

Crane whistled.

The shoreline swelled.

—--

There was a sharp knock at the door. The kind that always proceeded someone opening the door without permission.

Once the latch had clicked and the door opened, there was nothing but stunned silence in the room. A moment later, the man who’d just been walked in on continued to type on a previously decommissioned laptop they’d just brought back to life.

“Levy?”

“Agent.”

“Director,” the woman corrected, “North East D.E.R.”

“Congratulations on the promotion.”

“I was under the impression you were out of the office,” she offered, a kind way to say ‘sacked.’

“The whims of the budget, but it’s all hands on deck today.”

“That’s unfortunate to hear, but I imagine that your team got out of Zephyr City just in time.”

Levy didn’t answer right away. The public documents regarding the Eversion Project said that it had been canceled due to lack of findings. The high clearance documents explained that something was found but the cost was too high. There was a handful of people who knew the truth about what had happened, and it was clear now that his old handler from his stint as a researcher wasn’t one of them.

Good, that made things easier. Just another one of the roadblocks that the Feds had knocked out of the way in their ceaseless attempts to avoids the truths of the Eversion Project.

“I heard that someone with high clearance had come with additional hands but I never imagined that it would be you. Or that you would be using… that.”

“It was a last minute assignment.”

“And the equipment?”

“Making do.”

“I can set you up in the main office.”

Levy hadn’t turned around, which meant that the woman didn’t see him screw up his face in consideration. On one hand, this laptop’s left fan had choked to death on dust at some point during it’s stint in the closet, on the other hand, putting the information and communications to the agents of the Eversion Project on something mutually connected to government servers might have been poking the bear.

Then again, what was the project about if it wasn’t sticking your nose where you shouldn’t.

The message was simple to the people on the ground.

  I’m moving, keep helping refugees. Hold on breach.  

Levy shut the laptop and turned back to the woman, offering a soft smile that was a little too socially conscious for the Levy that she knew.

“Let’s see if I can’t help out a little more with something bigger.”

“I’m sure you can Doctor.”

—

The water was still rising and they weren’t getting anywhere closer to punching the damned fish.

The Bloodborn had overfilled the vehicles provided by Starlit City and had to come on their own alongside the rest of Vox Populi, but they were finding themselves in the same situation that the Freedom Assembly were. They had more experience helping people from their soup kitchens and safe houses but that wasn’t helping people escape a city. That wasn’t waiting for something to happen, being patient for the next disaster.

No, the Bloodborn had come here for a fight and Aspect could tell that it was starting to wear on them, especially in the absence of Miasma, who’d gone back to HQ to ensure that everything was going well-

It was the leadership equivalent of pacing.

So there she was, stuck on the  second floor of a building with the first filled with rushing water as everyone tried to stay dry. If you were going to be bored, it was better to avoid being bored and wet for morale reasons.

When Miasma had left he’d handed Aspect his backup phone and told her to turn it on when the thing showed up. She figured she should have just called him instead but at least it was something that she could keep in mind as a task when her current job was ‘keep everyone together for when it shows up.’

When the windows rattled, she shot up alongside all of the Bloodborn, a sea of red standing at the Ocean below them swelled. She felt the spike of adrenaline as the air around her almost seemed to part to let in the roar.

There was something about it that betrayed the size of the thing they were fighting. Somehow her body understood that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. That she needed to run.

She didn’t, but she did see the other Bloodborn looking to her as she stood, so she slowed down, cracking her neck and summoning a smirk to replace any look of shock.

Then she turned on the phone. They were going to need everyone.

It didn’t send a message. It turned on the speaker system. She rolled her eyes, she’d talked to Miasma about this. The crew was used to music but it might not be the time.

Then she heard it-

“God-Zi-La”

“Are you kidding me Ryan?”

Just when Aspect was about to take time to message Miasma to tell him that it was insensitive there was a rumble in the floor, followed by a screech as something erupted out of the seawater and toward one of the Bloodborn, a blur of claws and scales crashed into the poor man as he tried to wheel a gun around.

There were shadows in the water.

The damned thing had retreated from the fight in Starlit to breed.

 
 Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:  


Will be updated alongside fiction finish to avoid spoiling injuries.

Eversion Project at 12

Birdwatch at 9

Chronarch at 8

Happy Cairns at 7

Bloodborn at 7

Sky Cavalry at 6

Orchestra at 6

Avante Garde at 6

Freedom Assembly at 6

Bone Rattlers at 3
 

   Turn Event - Government Event - There Goes Tokyo:   

Starlit City is in ruins, the fight might have gotten rid of the Kraken but it certainly didn't keep the city intact. Refugees are hunting for a place to stay and many of them have followed the convoy back to Zephyr in hopes of joining their saviours.

 Mechanics 

ALL Stat Investment Actions cost 1 Less of their respective types as it's easier to get hands on deck at the moment.

Any aggressive action in the city has a chance of dealing damage to a random faction as civilian casualties as the newcomers to the city don't know the battle lines like the locals do.



----
  The Current Map  
 The Imperatrix Lands on Location [6] 
 
 Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status 

 Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect  
 The Nexus -   - The Freedom Assembly - STABLE
Ability - Remnants of Power:  On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

 Zephyr City Central Bank -   - CONTROLLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Of Course:  Zephyr City Central Bank contains a Local Heist with unlimited floors that always offer tECO. Each time a floor is completed the difficulty of future floors is increased. It will spawn 'Deposit Box' floors that provide a random one-use item pseudo-randomly.

 Big Gale Comics and Toys-   - CONTROLLED BY THE BLOODBORN - STABLE
Ability - Self Publishing: Your Faction gains tECO equal to N N  where N is the number of enemy factions involved in Actions your Faction is also involved in.

 ZCPD Station-   - CONTROLLED BY AVANTE GARDE - STABLE
Ability - Radio Chatter: Can see 3 local heists per turn. May choose to assign Police to a local heist during EoT and lock it for the following turn, cannot target a heist owned by the same Faction twice in a row.

 BigFlash Insurance Stadium-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - STABLE
Ability - Guest Appearance: Controller may invest a VIP to gain 1.5 times their level in MOR &amp; ECO (rounded up) this is a safe action.

 Zephyr City University-   - Controlled By Johnny - STABLE
Ability - Temporal Research Station: Up to 1 VIP per turn may preform two actions as part of an EoT. They may not participate in the same Action twice. You may not choose the same VIP two turns in a row.

 Montgomery Tech Park-   - CONTROLLED BY THE ORCHESTRA - STABLE
Ability - Venture Capital: When you pitch a NEW LTP, you can offer it up for Venture Capital Investment. This provides a 1 time payment of 20% the LTPs cost in tECO, but the LTP must be announced to publicly once it reaches halfway to completion.

  Ol' Grady's-   - CONTROLLED BY THE CHRONAL IMPERATIVE - STABLE
Ability - Unmasked Friends: The Controlling Faction may mark any other VIP in the game as a friend of one of their VIPs. In the event that these two would 'fight' one another, they avoid the fight, removing themselves from any assault calculations against the other Faction. In the case of an Conquest Action, VIP Injury is much less likely if the Friends are involved. This effect allows you to make 2 VIP pairs after turn 5, and 3 after turn 10.

  Monsoon Action Park-   - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - STABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.

  The Dockyards-   - CONTROLLED BY THE SKY CAVALRY - STABLE
Ability - Unclaimed Merchandise: The Owning Faction may buy additional Stat Cap at a cost of 3 econ per point. If they lose this location, this Stat cap increase is passed onto the new owner.

  Zephyr City North High-   - CONTROLLED BY THE FREEDOM ASSEMBLY - STABLE
Ability - Kids Talk: Automatic general investigation on 3 other Factions in the game each turn. Up to 1 fact in each investigation may be incorrect by a medium margin. These Investigations cannot be published.

 

  EOT WILL BE ON Saturday July 1st (CANADA DAY!) at 11:59PM PST  
Writtensanity
[deleted for copyright]
Writtensanity
    Local Heists    
 Reminder, you may only view Local Heists you have access to from an ability or investigation. If the Investigation was from another turn, I should have given you access under YOUR heading. 
 
 Spoiler: Avante Guarde 

  Local Heist - The New Order   - Complete

From Previous Investigations

  Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio   (Belongs to the Orchestra)
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  2/6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets   - From Freedom Assembly
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  2/4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)


  Local Heist - Well Connected   - From Bloodborn

 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money insi
 Cost-  2/14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.


  Local Heist - A Zephyr City History   - From Chronarch
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.

 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  2/6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


  THE NEXUS  

Stage One: ………
Cost: 2/25 WRD or SPC
Reward:????

  Local Heist - Catch a Ride!  
It looks like the Typhoon Action Park has more to it than meets the eye

 Stage One -  - Complete

 Stage Two-   The Hunt
 Cost-  2/5 ESP
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   The Arcane Beyond - The tunnels under the park have been hiding something for a long time… it’s time to discover what it is.
 Cost-  15  SPC or ESP
 Reward-   UNIQUE ITEM and  2 STATS


  From Police Investigations   
  Local Heist - Queen of the Kings   - From Sky Cavalry
.........

 Stage One -  ???
 Cost-  8 ESP
 Reward-  Next Stage Unlocked

 Stage Two-   ???
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  EVENT

  Local Heist - A Zephyr City History   - From Chronarch (See Above)

 Local Heist - Down Goes Alice  - From Birdwatch
There is something new on the street, something that needs to get taken off it.

 Stage One -  Drink Me - Take in the people that would fall prey to the new concoction
 Cost-  8 MOR
 Reward-  4 tECO

 Stage Two-   Eat me
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  1 PERM Stat

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  2 x Item
 

 
 Spoiler: The BirdWatch 

 
 Local Heist - The Old Order - COMPLETE  
  Local Heist -  The Old Parlor   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - Down Goes Alice  
There is something new on the street, something that needs to get taken off it.

 Stage One -  Drink Me - Take in the people that would fall prey to the new concoction
 Cost-  8 MOR
 Reward-  4 tECO

 Stage Two-   Eat me
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  1 PERM Stat

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  2 x Item
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 

  ONE OF YOUR HEISTS HAS BEEN TARGETED BY CHRONARCH  
 
 Local Heist - Training Camp   - COMPLETE


  Local Heist - Well Connected  
 Stage One -  A Listening Ear - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Opportunities - COMPLETE

 Stage Three-   The Big Haul -There's... just so much here. All the info points to a critical money transfer coming in the next week.... that said.. wouldn't a car like that be worth MORE than the money ins
 Cost-  14 SPC/STR/ESP
 Reward-  1 PERM ECO + 'Mobile Heist Machine'

 Mobile Heist Machine: Item - Semi Unique   A sick getaway car modified from a Money Transfer Truck - During EoT you can choose a Faction to get access to one of their Heists on the following turn. Each time you use it there is a 40% chance it crashes and you lose the car.

  THE BANK  

Floor Level 2

Current Floor COST 5
Current Floor Reward: 4 tECO

  Local Heist - Something True  
There are objects under the comic book shop... something crazy.... almost predictive.

 Stage One -  Reading Up
 Cost-  6 eco to buy the rest of the set of the comics from online.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   The History of Other Heroes
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  Item

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  VIP &amp; Item

  Local Heist - Tiny Riot  
There is rumour of a demonstration coming up, but something seems off

 Stage One -  Earth Quakes
 Cost-  10 ECO to pay off the right people.
 Reward-  4tMOR

 Stage Two-   Ground Shakes
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  Item

 Stage Three-   The Leader
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  VIP
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 

  Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative   COMPELTE

  Local Heist - A Zephyr City History  
It's clear from the faces on the wall that our understanding of the Empowered environment in Zephyr city is incomplete... who else is from here? What could they offer.

 Stage One -  Buying a Round
 Cost-  6 ECO to spend time with and buy out the old hats in Ol' Grady's
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   A Road Trip
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x Specific Investigations

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM

  Local Heist - Burning Down the House  
The House Always Wins, but you can still get revenge for the people who got cheated

 Stage One -  Track Them Down - They ran from Starlit and Tried to escape here. Don't let them get away,
 Cost-   12 ESP
 Reward-  Blackmail - Item - Can be used to continue 'Burning down the House' or to read any Faction's messages for 1 turn.

 Stage Two-   ?????
 Cost-  20???
 Reward-  1 VIP

  Local Heist - Levelled Up - Territory 13   - COMPLETE

Other Faction Heists:

The Precinct - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - Something True   - from Bloodborn
There are objects under the comic book shop... something crazy.... almost predictive.

 Stage One -  Reading Up
 Cost-  6 eco to buy the rest of the set of the comics from online.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   The History of Other Heroes
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  Item

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  VIP &amp; Item
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 

  Local Heist -Into the Abyss - COMPLETE  
  Local Heist - The Precinct   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - Louder Than Gods Revolver  
With New Discoveries come new problems.....

 Stage One -  There is something new coming from the portal, useful, but almost impossible to handle without care
 Cost-  12 ECO
 Reward-  2 WRD

 Stage Two-   ???
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  2 x PERM STAT

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  2 x PERM Stat + Item
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 

 
 Local Heist - Cleaning Up   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Teacher's Secrets  
Did you know that, for a while, Zephyr High was a private school for the City's elite? It would be a shame if some of their secrets got out there.

 Stage One -  Coerce some confessions
 Cost-  5 ESP or 4 STR
 Reward-  4 tECO from the first blackmail

 Stage Two-  Mayoral Information:
 Cost-  5??? or 6???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  14 ???
 Reward-  ??? (ITEM)

  Local Heist - THE NEXUS  

Stage One: ………
Cost: 25 WRD or SPC
Reward:????

  Local Heist - Game Day   -
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Build Champions - Now when we were saying build.......
 Cost-  7WRD
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM

  Local Heist - Love from the Other Side  
There was something strange about the second monster in Starlit City, almost like a reflection

 Stage One -  Mirrored Affections
 Cost-  10 ESP
 Reward-  Next Stage Unocked

 Stage Two-   ???
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  1 Item

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  18 ???
 Reward-  VIP
 

 
 Spoiler: Johnny Gunn and the Bone Rattlers 

 
 Local Heist - New Order, Old Money   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - The Precinct   - COMPLETE

  Local Heist - To Dance Again   -COMPLETE


  Heist - Looking for Trouble in the Right Places  

It didn’t take much to find trouble, turns out that good things do come to those who look. In this case, the opportunity of a lifetime.

SINGLE STAGE HEIST - Capture the Deposit Car: Cost 10 SPC + 2 ESP

Reward - 15tECO + Item
 

 
 Spoiler: The Orchestra 

 
 Local Heist - Stagecraft   - COMPLETED BY AVANTE GUARDE

  Local Heist - The Old Dev Studio  
What's been made to look like a derelict building on the edge of Montgomery Tech Park hides some shocking secrets abandoned for... moral reasons.

 Stage One -  Research
 Cost-  6 ECO to buy local Businesses to scout the place.
 Reward-  1 PERMANENT ESP

 Stage Two-   Development
 Cost-  7???
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ITEM

  Local Heist - Game Day   -
WELCOME TO THE BIGFLASH INSURANCE STADIUM HOME OF THE .....

 Stage One -  Make a team - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   Build Champions - Now when we were saying build.......
 Cost-  7WRD
 Reward-  4 tSTR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  19 ???
 Reward-  UNIQUE ITEM


  Local Heist - Hold Me Like....  
There is a rich patron who is looking to get what they want out of the city, and you've been quietly countacted.

 Stage One -  A Grudge
 Cost-  Invade 1 Territory
 Reward-  NEXT STAGE

 Stage Two-   A Hand
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  Item

 Stage Three-   A Breath
 Cost-  Action + 6
 Reward-  Unique Item
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 

 
 Local Heist - Areal Supremacy   - COMPLETE


  Local Heist - Smuggling Ring  
It's clear from the manifest, people have been trying to sneak mechanidise past us.

 Stage One -  - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-    COMPLETE

  Stage Three   - Smash the Ring - Catch as many as you can on the way out. Each point of STR or SPC invested into the Heist will be 1tECO for this End of Turn   Rules wise you need to commit hard before they run, but you get the money right away  
  Local Heist - Queen of the Kings  
.........

 Stage One -  ???
 Cost-  8 ESP
 Reward-  Next Stage Unlocked

 Stage Two-   ???
 Cost-  8???
 Reward-  EVENT
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 

 
 Local Heist - A Welcoming Hand  
Hi! Welcome to Happy Carins, we glad we could help you though this time... Yes, Bolting's most recent actions have been tough for all of us.

 Stage One -  Matching Services: COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   The Price of Sympathy -  Set the Services Up
 Cost-  5MOR or 6ECO
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  10 ???
 Reward-  ???


  Local Heist - Catch a Ride!  
It looks like the Typhoon Action Park has more to it than meets the eye

 Stage One -  - COMPLETE

 Stage Two-   The Hunt
 Cost-  5 ESP or 6 STR
 Reward-  5 tMOR

 Stage Three-   ???
 Cost-  15 ???
 Reward-   UNIQUE ITEM and STATS
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   The Service, Part I   

Maria Fuentes' funeral was on a Sunday.

That the young woman's family - both immediate and extended, some cousins and other relations taking red eyes from Mexico - would be there was never in question. Most of them had been watching the news from Starlit City, they'd already seen the footage from the drone cameras, so news of Maria's death was not exactly a surprise. As was tradition, they'd held a vigil at St. Ignacio's since they arrived. Her close friends joined her, those in the Assembly forswearing their typical costumes for the time they sat with the bereaved.

Out of decency, Devon Jones wore only a white cloth covering the more severely burned bottom half of their face.

Yet when the invitations went out on the day of the service the locals of Zephyr City, there were far more than would be expected even for the death of an Empowered. Men and women, families from the Assembly were of course in the majority, all of whom had known Surge and fought alongside her. A great many still bore bruises and bandages, new scars and broken bones. The church was packed to bursting, with crowds even taking seats on the lawn outside.

Under the afternoon sky, the silhouettes of a score of First Freedom Enforcers could be seen. Half honour guard, half processional, the mechanical titans that had become the champions of the Assembly bore witness to all those that arrived to pay their own respects. That their presence helped deter aggression was a given, but nobody from the Assembly had brought weapons or picket signs. This was a wake, not a riot.

The invitations went out to the Assembly's allies first, of course. Rows were cleared inside for the Bloodborn and Avante Guarde, special care taken to give them positions of relative prominence close to the altar and casket while still sitting clearly behind Maria's closest loved ones. But they weren't the only groups, not even the only Empowered. Mourn and his contingent were on the guest list, as was Chronarch and Intervallum. Jhonny Rattler and his family got their own seats. Even those Empowered that the Assembly had taken umbrage with - Levy and Maestro herself - were invited. All those that had fought in Starlit City, taken up arms together against the leviathan, were permitted inside.

Today, and today alone, there would be no violence.


   Faction Messages   
  Morale 18  
 
 Spoiler: To Vox Populi 
Friends of the People,

If you read some of the messages that we've sent out to other Zephyr City powers, you will note that several of them contradict each other. We've hinted at Birdwatch that we're hitting Eversion. We've told the Orchestra that we intend on a 1 turn truce while we insinuated a turn on the birds. And we've implied to Eversion that our attention will be on the Bone Rattlers.

Some of these claims may be true. Some of them may not. We don't want to confirm here which is right and which is a lie, but at this point we've been trying to deal honestly and that's been getting us nowhere. Time for a bit of cloak and dagger. The First Freedom Enforcers and Arsenal are ready to strike, and with the proceeds from the heist - along with whatever auxiliaries you care to offer - we can take out some threats to Vox Populi with overwhelming force.

If you have a preference for a target, feel free to share. The Assembly will absolutely take your wishes into consideration, though we can't promise immediate action on an unsecured line.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Continuing the ask from last turn for some temp Str to do some real damage and get some territories for our alliance this turn! I'm not going to confirm who I'm hitting yet. but I have some ideas.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
The response comes in the form of a video call the day before the funeral, and the figure on the other end is indisputably Arsenal. Their gas mask and burnt purple hoodie are the original.

 "There's a lot to unpack here, and honestly, I don't love the way this has been handled so far, so I'll be talking to you directly. It's important to note that I don't pretend to be the authority above the Freedom Assembly. I'm just the current mouthpiece for the people, here to help until the next big event comes and I lose my powers."  They sigh into their costume.

 "You make a few decent points. First and foremost, the National Guard targeting us last week wasn't your fault, nor was it even really Eversion's. The Assembly wasn't privy to the inner workings of how that went down. All they saw was armored police sticking around to patrol specifically their neighbourhoods, well after leaving most of Zephyr City alone. I'm sure you can imagine that even though you weren't to blame for what happened, there was a lot of resentment and anger among our communities.

But this brings me to my first point. Namely, that the Assembly is just that - a group of people who operate on shared consensus. People change their minds. People  aren't  consistent. We don't have the luxury of looking back at the past as a fait accompli, we don't live in a world where we know any better, and we sure as hell don't live in a world where getting things done is pretty. When the whole parade thing happened, the Assembly was full of untested volunteers, sharp and fragile egos who thought 'well damn, this is my struggle now and I'm going to dictate how things go'. I've been them before. They talk first and think later. Let me know how it goes if you ever go on the air and are asked to speak for thousands of people with little to no PR training.

Long story short: at the time, intentions mattered more. Now, I'd say it's outcomes. Ask me again next week, and the answer might be different. If that makes it hard to trust us, then tough sh*t."  Arsenal pauses for a second, adjusting their mask which has fogged up during their speech.

 "Despite the name we coined for you, you seem like a pretty reasonable person. But you're  one  of the three parties we reached out to about sharing the Nexus in what we thought was a fair way. And yes,  you  replied. But to get back radio silence from two of the three people you're hoping to make a deal with for over a week? Can you honestly tell me that you would stick your neck out, advocate to your people to trust Birdwatch and Sky Cavalry, and allocate communal resources to their benefit when they can't even be bothered to send a confirmation? I didn't think a time traveler could be so naïve. We don't want to be dealing from this position, but at the same time we honestly put our best foot forward and got nowhere.

For what it's worth, the Assembly will be reaching out to both parties to see if we can't get those talks re-started. But my people aren't exactly hopeful."  The Empowered is about to sign off, before remembering their last point.

 "Oh, and the truce the Assembly signed with Maestro was only for one week - the first week that the National Guard were here. It was really more of a temporary ceasefire. Neither of us made any pretense of holding back once they were gone. The Orchestra nabbed up land while the Assembly sent literally all of its available forces to fight the monster, so I don't exactly feel bad in admitting to you that if we could have hit them while they were distracted, we would have." 
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
We reiterate our offer from a few weeks ago, under the light of whatever friendship remains between our groups.

The Nexus and its power can be shared, but although the Assembly proposed a plan of action to cooperate with the rest of Zephyr City, we never heard from your people. We need at least some confirmation that Intervallum and the Sky Cavalry are willing to work with us on this.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
It's not too late to design an LTP to share the Nexus' power!
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 
Two things for the birdies!

The first is the same thing we're saying to Sky Cavalry and Chronarch: we reiterate our offer from a few weeks ago, under the light of whatever friendship remains between our groups.

The Nexus and its power can be shared, but although the Assembly proposed a plan of action to cooperate with the rest of Zephyr City, we never heard from your people. We need at least some confirmation that Dr. Raptor and Birdwatch are willing to work with us on this.

The second is that the Orchestra has earned itself a proper reprieve from the Assembly. Instead, we're looking to see if we can't crush a few wayward demons this week. We ask only that you stay out of the matter until Vox Populi can get things in hand. No need to send anything.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
It's not too late to design an LTP to share the Nexus' power!

And a heads up as to the Assembly's intentions this turn.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
Dearest conductor,

You fought well in Starlit City, and despite the nature of your crimes against Freedom, the People may be offered to extend our reprieve until other, more... troublesome elements are removed.

We don't want to admit openly that we're making deals with you, so we're hoping to keep our outward relations cool until we've had a chance to smash a few robin's eggs, if you know what we mean. That should give you time to regroup even further.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Thoughts about extending a truce privately for 1 more turn?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Eversion Project 
Look: you've burned us in the past, but since then you've earned back some goodwill and even fought alongside us in Starlit City. That buys some respect among the constituents of the Freedom Assembly. So we're willing to let bygones be bygones. We hope our allies in the Bloodborn take their promise of looking out for betrayal seriously, on your behalf.

In any case, we aim to push the fight against a different target this week, one that you might benefit from in a lesser form. Let's just say that when we're done with them, they'll be sleeping with the fishes. We ask only that you stay out of our way as we do so.

We want to give you time to recover, after all.
 
Feathersnow
 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly, MOR 10 


A grey parrot wings its way north:

"I'm not going to rehash old fights.  Full stop.  If I started, this poor birdie would run out of memory and just cuss at you for five minutes.

  We are not in a position to stop you, and, frankly, your willingness to share the Nexus's power is a reasonable compromise to our original proposal to sequester it.

It may be I missed it, but, as far as I know, you never actually bothered to ask us before....  it is embarrassing that your comm security long ago eclipsed our ability to read your messages, and so we have been relying on direct communications and public announcements for longer than you may realize.

That said, we did know, in vague terms, of your plans.  That we didn't object before is as much answer as we felt you were entitled to, after everything.  But, since you openly offered, we will attempt to find out about sharing the Nexus and get back to you.

As for the Orchestra,  we will maintain the truce until and unless they announce intentions to break it first. At which point seizing their territory would paradoxically be more likely to save us than defending what we hold.

As for the rest.... that isn't any of our business.   Gods know we have no love for them."
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry, Mor 10 

The drone is sent back...

"Hello, this is Agent Hawk.  Finch and Crane are out of it for a little while, leaving me in charge.

Our situation remains at risk.  We, as always, suspect our neighbors of intending to conquer us at any time, and so-called Vox Populi is worthless to anyone but themselves.   We have some information on Avante Guarde and are willing to give you full run downs on anyone you wish.

But we are in a bad spot.  We wish to form an alliance, and you are the only people we trust.   We also hope you can find it in your heart to send us some [tMor] to help further fortify our base against aggression"
 
Eldan
 

"Jesus Christ!"
"Yup."
The two agents looked out at the bloodied  thing  in front of them. It didn't look right. The limbs stuck out at weird angles. The head definitely looked caved in. There was some kind of emergency medical foam over most of the skin and almost a dozen tubes pumping various liquids in and out.
"What happened? Him and Vergara were just supposed to man the coms, coordinate the teams."
"Building fell on him."
"What, from when the waves came in?"
"No. Not "a building collapsed". A building  fell on him.  Three story house. From the sky. Crushed the entire coms truck."
"Jesus."
Hartley was standing in the other corner of the room. Or at least his body was. He had a blade in each hand. One a heavy Japanese chef's knife, the other a scalpel that he was flicking up and down.
"Well, get him to medical. The project can't really continue without him."
"Uh, Agent Hartley, Sir... medical is not... medical is not available this week. They are, you know, away..."
Hartley grunted. "We'll find a way. Get him down there."

***

There were people in medical scrubs in the surgery theatre, looking down at what remained of Levy. One of them, tall and thin, poked the head carefully with a sterilized swab.
"So, what do we do with this?", he asked.
The woman next to him was squatting down on a chair, elbows on her knees. Her left eye was constantly twitching. She just giggled and picked up some scissors.
The third one had a beard that was flowing around his sterile mask. His eyes were strangely yellow.
"Well. We still got the knowledge. We can fix him. But let's not be boring here. We only got another week, let's not waste it."
"ooooooh?", the woman asked, perking up.
"Yeah. Hey, Agent!", he yelled at the door. "We still got any of those Galatea bots in the building? Bring me some! Oh, and call Marbas, in engineering and Hellebore, in the high energy lab! Tell them we need the Mark VI!"
Turning back to his comrades, he said: "Alright, comrades. We want to do this right. Astaroth needs to be  impressed  when she gets this vessel back, or she'll have our throats."

 Morale: 9 
To the Freedom Assembly:
 
 Spoiler 
"How... kind. We will of course need every minute to recover we can get. And to figure out who did this.

Our commiserations for your losses as well. We would send a delegation,
 


To the Bone Rattlers:
 
 Spoiler 
So, this may sound weird, but with our current truce, you seem to be in about the top three of factions in teh city who are friendliest towards us.

Would you be open to trade? We need more hands on deck. Quite a few points of [Spec], if you can spare them. We can offer pretty much anything else."
 


To the Opalescent Orchestra:
 
 Spoiler 
That was some impressive fighting, oh magnificient Maestro. And we do hope you recover soon.

We are in great need of some manpower this week. We know it's not your specialty, but would you be able to trade us any [spec] at all? We'll gladly take as much as you can spare, and give you whatever else you want for it."
 
kaio999
  
   OUBLIETTE CONSTRUCTION AND SKY CAVALRY TERRITORY    
The world of the future is today, rockets took off from a pad in the center of sky cavalry territory and flew into the skies above where a massive satellite was now taking shape for any with a telescope. It sits outside the atmosphere and for every item sent up in ships dozens of more large pieces seem to just... Appear. All around the launch site the imposing and terrifying robotic sentinals known as gargoyles also stand around it protectively offering rings upon rings of protection as if inviting anyone to dare attack.

Sky cavalry squads have returned battle hardened having experianced horror and are better for it. They have real combat under their belt and survived.

Drones are everywhere, commercial, and military it doesn't matter and every human resident in sky cavalry territory now has a Galatea of their own. Wealth pours into the districts as the robots handle almost all physical labor, managing most combat, and back breaking work. AI is a centerpiece looking to handle every job for every citizens while creating creature comforts unseen in the rest of the world.

Peace reigns in the region, and every criminal enterprise is swiftly shattered. Attempts are made to bribe sky cavalry officials or even profit the sky cavalry but such things are shut down by Imperatrix before they can lead out of hand and are discovered and removed from the board.

     Intervallum      
 There was never silence, there was always a cacophony of mechanical and robotic sounds. The private laboratory of Intervallum was something to behold. Where much of Imperatrix was an impeccable white here in his lab it was a void of deepest black. Each step taken was on nothing, granting no sense of up and down. There was nothing until Intervallum thought of it and it emerged from that obsidian domain which was his and Imperatrix's alone.

Step by step he went in the void, was it pacing? Was it going to a destination? No one even if they were there with him would have known. Looking in what to others would seem a random direction emerged a bed with incredible medical equipment, top of the line... Alien. In the middle of this equipment was a little girl surrounded by her machine.

Octo lay within the advanced egg like vessel her powers repairing her suit and Intervallum keeping her alive.  “I fear my life will amount to tears in the rain.”  His mechanical hand reaches out placing itself upon the glass containing the young girl. There was no emotion but the touch seemed tender against the pane.

 ~You are a giant in the flesh~  responded the machine mind of Imperatrix.

 “chronarch does not recognize my name.” 
 ~It is the state of flesh to die. It is the state of time to pass and for even the brightest light to dim to nothing.~ 
 “I will build a future where Chronarchs time has no sovereignty. Where tragedy is replaced by the innovation of joy.” 
 ~Chronarch is your fear of failure made manifest? Or do you fear being the arbiter of this worlds misery?~ 
 “I will lead man to a brighter tomorrow.” 
 ~Yet you built this worlds greatest prison.~   
St. Justicar
 
 The Service 

The Maestro arrived for Surge’s funeral in full dress (a new outfit, to replace the bundle of waterlogged rags that were all that remained of last week’s wardrobe), accompanied by a pair of equally impeccably dressed executive assistants. Shockingly, aside from the simple fact of her presence, she doesn’t even make a scene, taking her seat and simply waiting to give her respects.

----------------------------------

 Dancing in the Park 

The red meat for the press waited for the day after.

The Maestro’s weekly streams were a staple, by now, but this was a different venue – one of the parks near Montgomery, recently beautified with extensive charitable investments. In addition to the Orchestra’s own AV techs, several local news channels (and the classical music radio channel) had been invited to sent their own crews. A few had even agreed.

There was a less professional crowd, of course – fans and gawkers and informants for every other group in the city, along with a few wannabe vigilantes who didn’t have the nerve to actually follow through. By the time the clock struck noon, the pristine new gazebo with very nearly surrounded.

The Maestro was there, of course, walking onto the outdoor stage with a string quartet behind her. At the appointed hour, she bowed to the cameras and announced “Good afternoon, my zealous Zephyrites. I’m sure you’ve all felt quite neglected this past week, with every prominent personage on seeking stardom in Starlit. By way of apology, I have a novel melody I’ve been toying with, these past weeks, and that’s just about ready for an exhibition. I can only hope you enjoy the experience.”

It was a truly excellent performance – of course it was, that should really have gone without saying – but those watching the streams or broadcast didn’t get the full effect. But at least the videos gave them an idea.

That the audience was rapt with attention, universally and without exception, was surprising but not shocking. The strangeness only became obvious in the second movement, as a dozen members of the crowd – including every reporter – walked glassy-eyed out in front of the gazebo and paired off to waltz.

Which they did  flawlessly , not matter how mismatched and unpractised they seemed. The effect was somewhere between comical and eerie, as different sections of the crowd began to hum or sing, wordless chants in perfect harmony, hitting the exact note the composition required.

The performance lasted twenty-five minutes. It was  sublime , as beautiful as any music you could hope to hear.

The effect began to wear off as the Maestro and musicians gave their final bows, to thunderous applause. Several audience-members-com-performers fainted as soon as the music was no longer marionetting them. A few committed. A solid third lost their voice for anywhere from an hour to several days.

All in all, a complete and unqualified success.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Announcing the completion of  Siren’s Song . In any turn where one of my VIPs triggers Rapture of the Crowds, if they become part of an assault for anything reason, then: a) reduce the number of supporting stats on the opposing side(s) by an amount equal to the VIPs tier and b) increase the amount the VIP adds to the invested total on my side by an equal amount. Note that this addition happens  before  the doubling of effective VIP contribution from Rapture of the Crowds
 

 Morale 5 
 
 Spoiler: Public 


Well done heroes! Our Starlit sister city has been saved, and its citizens now swarm our streets. A triumph of truth and justice, to be sure.

And for the moment, our city is at peace, bound together by a half-dozen different promises and peace treaties. I, myself, am party to more than one.

 Dreadfully  boring, don’t you all agree? As if anyone actually expects all of you to stay trapped in amber, and the city as it is? Hardly. The knives in the dark will come out before the last automobile returns from last weeks expedition. Fire and darkness and no one having any idea what is happening. Zephyr City deserves better.

So, allow me to offer myself as a model. I shall performing somewhere in the city this coming Friday. But I freely admit I haven’t yet decided upon the venue, and so I will open the floor to suggestions, arguments, and blatant bribes. If no one else is willing to announce who they plan to kill ahead of time, I will be happy to do it for them.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Essentially offering myself as a mercenary – open to all offers about who I might go to war with, aside from the obviously suicidal
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 


An intriguing idea. I’m absolutely not opposed, though I’m sure you understand that my agreement is contingent on a couple of conditions. That you’ll commit to restraining your compatriots in the Vox on the same terms, for example.

Do see my message to the city at large.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 


Oh, I myself am, as they say, right as rain. My astounding assistants were, however, tragically triaged and remain in traction. Though nothing so debilitating as the devastation that has fallen upon your fearless leader, who I can only hope rises as fearsome as ever.

I’m ecstatic to oblige, of course, though I’m afraid that the assistance I can offer is less than overwhelming. Would [3 Spec] suffice? In exchange for [Wrd] by preference, or [Eco] as an acceptable alternative.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 


A pleasure doing business with you, though I do wish you had been a tad gentler with my Luthier. He’s rather fragile, if you hadn’t noticed.

If you’d like to come to any similar arrangements going forward, do reach out.
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 


This is a rather tardy tender, I acknowledge, but I find myself rather flush this week, so I feel obliged to ask – just how did those galatea devices function, again? Are they still for sale?
 
Let'sGetKraken
 


Chronarch had faced many challenges since he’d launched himself into the past. Some of them had been expected; others had been a surprise as timelines diverged.
  
“This might be my greatest challenge yet,”   he muttered to himself.
 
 OH, DON’T BE MELODRAMATIC   replied ARTEMIS.

“Chronarch? You’re on air in five.”

The young PA looked nervous.

 He's not the only one.
  
 I’ve done announcements before. Sure, those weren’t live and I could do multiple takes if I screwed them up. And sure, this will be listened to live by tens of thousands of people. And sure, if you screw this up the people of Zephyr City will think you’re an idiot.
 
 I need to stop psyching myself up.
 
Nervously, he stepped into the booth. At least they wouldn’t be able to see him.


 

 
"Good morning Zephyr City, this is  Ashley Cyclone  coming at you live on a bright and lovely Monday morning here in the greatest city on the coast – not that it has much competition right now –  with your daily dose of news on your morning commute! Our top story is the aftermath of what people are calling the Kraken of Starlit City – and I’m thrilled to announce we have a SPECIAL GUEST joining us this morning! Not only is he an expert, having seen the thing first-hand, but we have him to thank for landing the killing blow! Please join me in welcoming the time traveller himself, part-time projectile and owner of the best bar in town, the once and future CHRONARCH! ”

Chronarch momentarily forgot to breathe. And talk. And do anything other than sit like an absolute idiot. Then, after a pause that was just a little too long, he heard a digital sigh and words started flashing across the inside of his helmet. He quickly started reading out loud.   “Good morning Ashley – thank you for having me on the show today. I’m thrilled to have the chance to speak to the people of Zephyr City – it feels like so much of my time recently has been dealing with Empowered and skyscraper-sized threats, it’s nice to be able to connect with everyone else.”  

A little less confident than ARTEMIS had intended, but it would work. All the boy needed was a push, really. The rest was up to him.

 “Well, we’re happy to have you! I have to say, was the fight anything like the rumours? We’re heading some absolutely wild things from the refugees these days.” 
   “Uh, no. Not at all. Um, first of all, I want to say that I really don’t deserve much more credit than anyone else who was there.”   As he spoke, he built up steam, relaxing a little with the momentum. He didn’t need ARTEMIS to feed him lines.   “It’s easy to take the credit for the killing blow, but even that was teamwork, and pretty much every single Empowered in the city had a part in bringing the monster down. I especially want to thank Archaeon, my partner, who was spared from grievous injury only by the graces of Mourn, who as far as I’m concerned is the biggest damn hero this city has ever seen.”  
 
“Well, I certainly hope she’s a listener too! Thank you for shining some light on the situation – anyone else you want to share the spotlight with?” 
  “Uh, yes. I have two other quick things to say before I get into the details. First, I want to highlight the bravery and sacrifice of Surge, who fought for the Freedom Assembly. I didn’t know her, but she gave her life to keep Starlit City safe. That’s more than anyone should have to give. I know what it’s like to lose the ones you love, and it’s never easy. My heart goes out to her family and friends in the Freedom Assembly.”
  
  “Second, I also want to thank all the non-Empowered that helped – assisting with search and rescue, helping coordinate or share information, or even fighting as a part of one of the factions that were there. It’s not easy to put yourself in danger even with the sort of abilities we have, but to do it without? That takes real courage.”  

There was a pause, Chronarch having brought the mood down a bit, well-intentioned though he’d been.

 “Thank you Chronarch, I’m sure the people of Zephyr City appreciate hearing that. A reminder that not all heroes can fly or throw cars. Very moving.” 
 “Was there any friction or issues, with all those big-name heroes and villains fighting side by side?”
 
  “No, not as far as I’m aware. I’m actually very impressed. The fact that everyone approached the situation with sincere collaboration is a testament to the power we have when we work together. When I first travelled back in time, I was prepared to have to fight my way to a better future – not against Krakens, but against people, some with good intentions. But even people like the Maestro and the Gunn Family have shown themselves to be capable of great acts of heroism – the Kraken might not have fallen if they hadn’t. To that end, I hope that the city can avoid further bloodshed. We may have different ideas of what shape the future should take, but I earnestly hope that the peace we’ve had for the past two weeks can be continued. I know the ordinary people of Zephyr City are better off for it.”  
 “Now, speaking of ordinary people – let’s talk about the big news these past few weeks. Vox Populi. The Voice of the People – even if they’re rivals for the title, I have to say they’ve done some impressive things the past few weeks. And rumours say you’ve been at odds with at least one of them since they announced their partnership.” 

Chronarch nodded, even though no one could see him. Hard habit to un-learn.
  
“I did. I admit, I was wary of Vox Populi when they announced they were banding together. That sort of power bloc, that sort of claim on the future of Zephyr City, can be a powerful and dangerous thing. And while the members had good intentions, they have proclivities towards violence that made me wary. I was worried their visions for the future were soaked in blood, and that the city would suffer for it. I was especially concerned with the brawl that the Bloodborn started with the Game Master – well, I don’t need to tell you how disastrous that whole week was, even if that was only a part of it. This wasn’t an isolated incident – the Bloodborn have a habit of starting violent brawls, and they’re not always controllable.”  
  “But the past two weeks have largely dispelled my concerns. Vox Populi has been dealing in good faith, as far as I can tell. They haven’t just been looking for excuses to expand or claim more of the city. I’m especially happy they’ve respected the peace in the south, and given the Empowered there a second chance to show that they can do and be better. The Bloodborn have been coercive and abrasive, but it’s been to good ends, and if I’m being honest so have I. The Freedom Assembly – well, I’m still not thrilled they put me on a tribunal, but I’m glad those good intentions have carried forward into peacetime and that they’ve been willing to channel their anger productively. And my chief complaint with Avante Guarde was that they weren’t the hand on the rudder I was hoping they’d be, and it seems like that was unfounded. I especially appreciate how hard Vox Populi committed to fighting the Kraken, and didn’t take advantage of the situation to settle grudges. So I owe them an apology, I think. I think they’ve recognized that the way forward doesn’t need to be paved with blood unless someone genuinely threatens the innocents of this city.”  
 “Well, thank you for your honesty! It’s certainly been no end of speculation. Tell us more about the situation to the south – you negotiated a very public peace deal right before the Kraken showed up, so I heard.” 
  “Look, I actually didn’t do that much – the bones of peace were there, I was just asked to guarantee it, and I made sure that the Eversion Project atoned for their part in the violence. The south was a chaotic mess for weeks, someone needed to do something that wasn't making it bloodier. I don’t like every organization or Empowered operating there, but they’ve turned over a new leaf, as far as I can see. Until one of them gives me a reason to bring the hammer down, I’m hoping we can all work together to find a path forward. I’m optimistic the peace there holds, and not just because a building fell on the Eversion Project.”  

Ashley’s laugh is almost musical.
 
“Well said, though I don't think everyone would agree with you. But what about the Maestro’s recent announcement? That she’s willing to sell her services to the highest bidder? Doesn’t that threaten the peace?”
 
Chronarch shifted uncomfortably, invisible to the listeners.   “Not necessarily. As far as I’m concerned, this is just her trying to stave off aggression and be cooperative in her own way. I’m hoping that she’s either not hired – like we tried to do with the Game Master, courtesy of the Bloodborn – or that her might is used for a purpose other than war by whoever bids for her services. We've proven that we don't need to fall into the trap of bloodshed and violence.”  
 “What an optimistic take! Well, we’re almost out of time, so any final words on the Kraken and the developing situation?” 
  “Again, I want to thank everyone for showing up and giving it their all. The Kraken could have brought the end of Starlit City, and I’m glad we stopped that from happening. And then one last thing – please, factions of Zephyr City. With so many refugees streaming into the city, put aside personal ambition this week and keep this peace and spirit of collaboration going. I'm asking the Maestro to recant her recent words and sell her strength for less violent purposes. We don't want more innocents getting hurt.”  
 “Alright, thank you for joining us! Give it up for Zephyr City's very own time-traveler and hero of the day, folks."

"Well, that was a very… diplomatic interview from Chronarch. Consummate professional I suppose. Not as exciting as I thought a kraken-slayer would be. Next up, let’s talk about the recent controversial comments made by the Mayor about Starlit City’s response to this crisis…” 
neriractor
 
  DD  
It was undeniable for anybody who visited both cities that Starlit city had the best night sky, it was just a fact of life, no greenland iceland situation to be found, still, on the roof of a high skyscraper she liked Zephyr city just fine, though her attention was sadly diverted to the nearby building more often than not. Once home to the offices of at least 3 companies, the “working from home” trend had really done a number on some landlord’s finances, as soon as the paper pushers were out a few organizations more her speed (or at least the speed of her demon bound playmates) were in, and she was soon to keep them company.

	3 AM, and just in time a group left the building in a purposefully shoddy van, the place was  never  going to be empty, but a change in guard was all she needed. With entirely unneeded flare (as there was not an eye in sight) she spun around to reveal gliders on her dark red suit, and jumped.

	The gentle Zephyr’s that the city was named after carried her as gently as gravity would allow, regaling anyone who could feel moving shapes so far above (for she was blocking any light that bounced off her from reaching far) with an airborne show, taking a few more spins than needed to reach an open window 15 floors down.

	It is a little known fact that Zephyr city used to have the occasional dust devil and tornado back when civilization had yet to reach it, it didn’t anymore, the man made blockades keeping such awesome nature from its rightful place, folly to tell mother nature no, a supposed Zephyr revealed prodigious strength of purpose crashing against the Dashing Dynamo and pushing her west, Donna struggled against it, it’ll be safer to let herself go but she would never make it up again in time, it was now or never.

 She leaned to the side, attempting to guide herself to the window while reducing to a minimum the area the easter wind could hit, she might bruise herself against the frame but she was going to make it, then the winds shifted again, a new draft send her downwards, all the stronger for her posture meant to deter the eastern wind, she tried to let herself go this time, mission be damned, but she was too close to the building now, her hairline kissed it harshly and now unconscious all who cared to look up could see a dark red shadow on the night sky fall to her dead.


 


	Johnny sported Hawaiian shorts, a pair of sunglasses and an uncharacteristic lack of hat, though an umbrella above him made up for it, he lounged on a long plastic chair of the kind that may as well be named a bed, a cocktail and some food on a nearby table and pleasant people all around  “Aaah, such a hard life while I’m so soft, ain’t that right?”  he gave a complicit look across the table, where Yi-Hsuan Shih lounged in much the same way, nodding in affirmation and rising her glass towards a satisfying clank from Jhonny’s.

	 -I didn’t think I’d be signing up for rescue work and big game hunting when I found you in the gutter-  Jhonny wasn’t exactly the scholar type, he was savvy and clever enough, but he made no secret that his degree were half connections, he could make an effort for the sort of practical knowhow that may keep him alive, and sign language had gained that kind of importance ever since he started employing the pyromantic thief.

 “Did you mind it?”  

She shrugged  -Nice change of pace- 
 “Really? because having to pay a visit to mourn is a bit...” 

She waved away the concern  –Naught but a flesh wound-
 
 “Well, glad you guys had fun up front” 

A voice came from all the way across the pool  “Oi, Johnny, give me a hand!”  prompting a smile. Family, business pals, old friends, Khalid had insisted they invite Mourn, and Donna had vouched for renting the municipal pool and inviting damn near half the city but he didn’t need the fanfare right now, he made a token attempt inviting that little nerd Maestro liked to keep around (He  had  made some quality knick knacks for them after all) in the hopes he’d just say no instead of leaving his bed rest just to mess with the mood. This was a well deserved rest after all, he didn’t care to frown when someone called for him.

 “All them lightbulb jokes can’t compare to real thing!”  he heckled, standing up to fix whatever problem they were having or drop a little pride in the attempt, and taking but a moment to call back   “Save my spot, will you?”  Jetti gave him an A-ok with her fingers, and turned her attention to the platter of meat near her, which Jhonny had made no claim over.



 


	Donna landed without a hitch or a sound, the soft blue carpet of a tacky office that screamed middle management clashing against the deep red of some really practical shoes wired to easily turn into stilettos if she ever wanted to puzzle people after some extraneous physical activity.

	She crept through the halls with hardly a worry, her steps were ballerina soft, the latest cloaking devices wished they were half as thorough as her and the passably dangerous empowered on the payroll had left, to be replaced by C-listers and some engineers who got unlucky in a pulse and now doubled as security with no pay raise.

*Ding*, the elevator arrived, left and came back, left and came back, and the third time had a passenger, let them chalk it up to shoddy installations, the stairs could have been safer, but they were damn far so as to be more convenient in case of a fire, convenient for the fire that is.

She passed a few deserted labs, Trignatx was a local leader in the creation of critters, gizmo related research and production of bike spare parts and all but the latter showed very clearly, she could easily make a killing with corporate theft, or she could make a killing with some of the most experimental thingamajigs they had laying around, Jhonny most likely would have, but she wasn’t Jhonny, that’s precisely why she could even be there, a smirk surfaced at the thought.

She picked the regular lock with a hairclip and finesse enough to make your average aristocrat blush, and the digital locks and face-proofing with a little something something she “borrowed” from Chronarch, she didn’t exactly understand how it worked, she was uncertain if anyone this side of the 23rd century could, but it  did  work and that’s all that mattered.

	Right as she went inside she ducked out of instinct, a meaty fist missing her head by less than an inch, the air around it whistling as if to confirm blocking would have resulted in nothing but a broken arm. Her opponent moved her head a little, Dynamo staying perfectly still and focusing on her camouflage, hoping it was just a reflex for the opened door. She barely dodged the downward kick that followed.

	Whoever it was saw her so Donna turned to plan B, a burst of light like a flashbang filled the room as she dropped her cloak, her foe reached for her eyes instinctually and Donna took her shot, building a hardlight mace on her hands a pouncing on her opponent “You move then” came the reply, and her flying form was knocked upwards into the ceiling by a lighting fast kick and then across the room when she fell.

	For the new queen of the fighting pits she was making a mighty poor showing, whoever this was had speed beyond anything she’d seen before and strength enough that she had to make a barrier of light around her to keep from breaking all her ribs, as it was she broke three.

	But Dashing Dynamo wasn’t about to give up over something like that, or rather, she was giving up on the fight, just not on her goals, she ran to the lab behind her, throwing every trap, caltrop and tool on the path of her pursuer, a few yelps of pain behind her reassuring her as Chronarch device made quick work of the locals protection, but not quick enough, further caged Donna a valiant showing, but it was clear this unknown empowered had in fighting prowess what she had in looks, smarts, skills, casinos owned and confidence, after trading blows for a few minutes Donna found herself pinned with hands around her throat and her consciousness quickly slipping.


 


Yi-Hsuan Shih wasn’t really a big meal type of gal, her athletics were built on the back of 30 snacks a day and a little help of the pulse, but this stuff was good, say whatever you want about Khalid but he seemed to have a hand at cooking, though the full course meal was still not not good enough to keep her thoughts from the elephant in her head.

She nearly died last week, after all, it was the closest she’d ever gotten too, awful nothingness followed by Mourn’s unnervingly young hands upon her and a visceral show of just how screwed she had been quickly knitting itself in the Heroine’s chest.

Who knows how it happened either, one moment she was falling back from the big one’s position, helping her colleagues deal with the spawnlings and the next she was there. It had been a year’s work packed into less than a week, a traumatic experience by any means and she couldn’t help but wonder, why for Starlit city? she was damn sure she wouldn’t go back to Ascension city if it happened to them, a shiver ran through her spine at the mere idea of going back, she  knew  why she wouldn’t do it for Ascension City, she took a moment to look around at the laughing faces of those that took her in, and relaxed, it didn’t really matter why she put her life on the line for Starlit City, the pay was good, the place was nice enough...

With stretched arms and the mimicry of a mighty yawn she took another sip of her drink, relaxing further and for once not looking around or setting booby traps before allowing herself to sleep, it was really nice.



 



… As she went inside she ducked out of instinct, a meaty fist missing her head by less than an inch, and the arm that went with it becoming a perfect receptacle for a sharp stiletto knife, Dashing Dynamo was made to dodge one or three punches before her opponent closed her eyes in response to the toxin coating the blade, she’d live, but she may think twice about picking no name employers like them.

The rest of the sortie was a walk in the park, whatever other defenses they had were circumvented with ease, Chronarch little toy handled locks, talcum powder handled lasers (soooo 20th century) and a swift whiff of morphine handled whatever guard was too annoyingly positioned to wait for. As the light was threatening to come back to Zephyr city she was ready to get out from that place.

A car was too conspicuous to be left nearby so she was forced to scurry around for once, a prominent mark in red reading D D left as the only proof of her stay (save for a stab wound and some extra sleep in their schedule, but god knows they needed it) and she was now ready for a figurative dive into Zephyr city’s network of tunnels.

A sprawling legacy of the past, featuring abandoned subway lines precariously separated (and sometimes not even that) from actual running sewers, ancient mining operations and smuggler tunnels. The Bonerattlers weren’t strangers to those old haunts but even putting up a white respiration aid she wished she didn’t have to be right now, it was dirty, it was dull and after a quick turn she was reminded it wasn’t exactly safe.

A corner turned, she snuck a glance to a fairly large tunnel opening by her side, where to her surprise the tunnel stared back, or at least 2 fairly large groups of thugs did, as much space apart as the tunnel allowed, guns pointed at each other, classic standoff.

“They brought backup!” she heard both groups scream right after she started raising a hardlight barrier between herself and both groups, most of the sudden hail of gunfire was directed at each other but a single grazing shot bit her ankle before the barrier had spread to cover it  “gah”  she grunted, leaving her hardlight barrier up as payback, let them spend some time trapped there for shooting first and asking never.

The pain of a new wound at the very least kept her awake during the rest of the journey, continuously dull after the gunfire stopped.

She came out from a porthole and into a very out of the way street, hardly distinguishable from the cleaner parts of the tunnels she just abandoned. A button pressed on her wrist turned an old Chevette into a snazzy red convertible (in more than one sense), with sadly no one to gawk at the pricy artifact, as the single man sitting in a corner nearby didn’t even flinch, instead turning to the approaching Dashing Dynamo.

 “Not a soul touched it ma’am”
 
She smiled and reached to her suit  “Thanks Raul”  the cleverly concealed pockets within it did seem to disappoint this time, as only weapons and trinkets lined it  “Damn”  she raised a finger for him to wait a second, and then reached for Chronarch’s “borrowed” trinket, which she stared at for a few seconds. She did intend to return it eventually… but he probably had more, right? he brought a gf back, he could surely bring another gizmo…

She showed the machine to Raul who looked curiously and with a little hesitation  “Stick this part to the side of one, press this button, and this opens ATMs, press this one after so it registers it as rich folk taking their money out”
 
 “Thank you very much ma'am”
 
 “Don’t mention it... but really, don't mention it and if someone sees it say it came from a portal”  she replied, winking (impossible to see through the mask) as she went inside her car and sped off, hoping she could catch some sleep before the party and soon enough cursing at the traffic ahead of her.



 


	It is said that some firemen with poor experiences can become vegetarians, but Khalid wasn’t about to give up either meat or seafood because of some burnt smell and the smell of salt still filling his nostrils, hell, he added some shrimp to the grill, as a bit of an inside joke.

	The whole thing brought some pleasant memories, his family as a whole were never the cook yourself type before the hard times, and even after Johnny could at most crack a few eggs and if the firewatch was to be believed Donna spent half her schooling living on tightly rationed microwave food and cheap booze. It was only mama Gunn and him who made edible stuff, really.

	He was caught off guard then when the thought seemed to manifest her behind him, as ready for the pool as the next guest and with a hat wide brimmed enough to match a small umbrella, clearly not looking for a tan.

	 “Food tastes great sweetie, always had a knack for that” 
 “Learned from the best” 
 “Ha! right, of course… You sure you don’t need a rest? heard from Jhonny you did half as much as everyone else put together out there” 
 “Pfft, no worries mama, just flipping steak is about as relaxing as a spa” 
 “Aight, just letting you know I can pick it up whenever you feel like sitting down” 
 “Noted” 
 “... How come you didn’t invite anyone new? party is alive now but I just know Fridda is going to start telling the same thrice damned stories she always tells any second now” 
 “Jhonny wanted to keep it small, The old buddies are running late, but they are coming… I invited Mourn too” 
 “She a cougar? Far as I know Mourn was kicking when my mother was in her teens”  
 *Cough* “What, no, I didn’t think you meant it like that” 
 “Well I did, how about that little something something you used to have?” 
 “...That’s done” 
 “Shame, Johnny is got some darlings too, but it’s feeling like I’m not gonna get grandchildren until I get enough gray hairs to look the part.”
 
 “Well…”  Khalid ventures with little idea of how he is going to finish, but quickly sighs in relief as Donna interrupts their chat, hugging the both of them from behind and looking towards the grill  “Looking gooooood any of that got my name on it?” 
 “You’ll have to wait for the next serve, shouldn’t have come so late”  Khalid said with a smug grin, being the cook had a number of benefits.

	 “wasn’t even hungry anyway… That’s one rude boy you raised Ma’am” 
 “That's one unpopular opinion you got there, everyone knows my Khalid is all sugar…”  Mama Gunn gave him a pat on the cheek, scarcely felt through his beard before she turned her sight downwards in shock  “Oh Donna, what happened to you? I thought only the boys and Miss Shih had gone to Starlit City” 

	Donna looked down to a couple waterproof bandages around her ankle  “They were, bandages are nothing but a nothing burger, I tripped on my way here and you know how the firewatch gets”  she replied nonchalantly, pointing towards the others that arrived with her.

	 “Well do take care darling, don’t exert yourself swimming” 
 “Will do, thanks”  she replied and then walked away from the pair and towards another pair, of chairs rather than people, An unattended tray of meats and a sleeping Jetti next to an empty chair had her smiling   well don’t mind if i do  

	And she did, emptying the tray, and sparing a look to Jetti   Now, That's the right idea   before drifting off to sleep, or attempting to, hardly a minute passed before a grinning Jhonny kicked the chair  “That’s my spot y’know” 
 “Ughh, didn’t see your name on it” 
 “Hmm, you are right, Gunn doesn’t cut it, does it?” 
 “GuNn dOEsnt CuT… it doesn’t say Gunn either” 
 “Did you check below” 
 “I DON’T CARE IF IT SAYS GUNN” 
 “Woah, woah, Shhhh, there are people sleeping”  he said, pointing to a happily snoring Jetti, to add a bit of fuel and holding back laughter  “Look, did you get the stuff?” 
 “Of course, who do you think I am?”
 
 “Good job, keep my spot then, you look half dead”  replied Jhonny, not staying to hear the angry mumbling, short lived as it was, for soon enough she closed her eyes and slumber overtook her before she could catch a few last words.

	  “Oi, Khalid, give me something, I’m starving”  
  “Piss off Jhonny, you had yours”  
  Presentation  
 Meet then, ladies and gentlemen! Zephyr city's new person of renown, The oracle who tussles with future men! the red shadow keeping safes closed and hands in pockets! The red shadow that looms over the city... no, the less violent one. With nominal conventions to the Gunn family, ZPD struggles to grasp her intentions, as murderers and evil doers clamour for revenge behind bars but damn near every company in the city claims the same!

Who is she? while her face off record is perfect, with the pedigree of defeating the likes of the snake bitter and Gentle Casuary; some say she just avoids fights she can't win, but ain'T that a skill of its own? a raging fandom defends her online, a new class of gentle thief seeks to emulate her. She is the one and only   Dashing Dynamo!   

OOC: Taking the chance to have my legend be the first one to become public officialy! (though I expect a few more before EoT), Dashing Dynamo (SPC 5) has clairvoyence beyond anything the city has seen, strong enough her mind supresses it into an acute instinct, a class A awareness an a nose for trouble like no other, and the city smells baaaad.

Ability -  Crimson Claimant  Dashing Dynamo can see and enter any heist in the city, as she stumbles into fortituous situations and dismantles rival crime rings as naturally as others breathe, her involvement on these heists (and the extent of it) remain unknown to those who own them until they try to do them themselves.

  The service  
The Gunn family comes as a solemn parade of black and dark brown suits and dresses, their numbers are pretty reduced as they got the memo only those who fought with surge where  really  welcome, Jhonny, Khalid, Donna and Mama Gunn all attend, together with what members of the firewatch went to starlit city and were in shape to go, while Yi-Hsuan politely excused herself but sent her regards. And the Gunns spared not a cent on the regards, giving a wealth of flowers and bringing many gifts for the family. Mostly food, as is traditionally gifted so the family doesn't have to cook or go shopping while they grieve, but Jhonny snuck in a scholarship for whatever member of the family was nearer to college or wanted to give it another go if there were no youngsters.

Jhonny at least waved at Vox Populi leadership from afar while Khalid made an effort to be polite. Mama Gunn made a point of reaching out to the mother, her only biological son was Jhonny, and Khalid the only other son she raised, but some of their siblings she knew enough that they  called her mama too, and she wept their passing enough to want her to know she was not alone in her grief.
Eldan
 To the Opalescent Orchestra  [9]
 
 Spoiler 
That would be very helpful, and we can gladly trade either [wrd] or [eco] as you wish. If you have more, we'll gladly take that too.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
Aleksi Garde showed up the the funeral, with several others from the Avante Guarde headquarters. Staffpeople who had interacted with the Assembly in the past, soldiers who had fought side-by-side. The normal.

It wasn't the first wake that Aleksi had shown up to, he was well known to be caring of the people under him. Well known to put time aside for every one of them's memorial. But this was different, somehow. Surge was tenacious, surviving against hope in the most dire of their combined history, rising like a phoenix to claim part of the city with her people.

She wasn't supposed to die outside the city, away from home, saving people who may not have even known her name.

Then again, he'd been feeling that feeling a lot recently, between his own people who had fallen on that front line and his allies, there had been too many losses. So many that even Mourn couldn't save them all.

The members of Avante Guarde bowed their heads, remembering the proud hero of the Assembly.


 


(Legend announcement coming later.)

 To the Vox Populi: 
 
 Spoiler: MOR:18 
Hey, good by me.

I got a project that should be done this week that will allow me to assist more easily with your heists, so lemme know about that.

I think you wanted assistance this week at the Nexus? Tell me if that's still on. Also got 5 tSTR for you this turn.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
  As they walked through the doors of the church, Chronarch couldn’t help thinking that it wasn’t the sort of suit either of them were used to wearing. 21 st  century fashion was so extravagant, not to mention itchy, but neither of them wanted to cause a scene.

Not today.

The woman checking the invitations had paled a little when Chronarch had handed her theirs, but there’d been no trouble. Chronarch wasn’t expecting any. God help anyone who tried to disrupt this. Glancing around the room, he could see just how many Empowered were here. The collective power in this room… there were titans, figures of myth and legend all gathered in this room. Chronarch still found it hard to believe that he was one. If he made it back to his own time, would he find newspaper articles about himself? Hero of past and present?

The fact that they were all gathered here was a sobering reminder that making it home wasn’t a guarantee.

Tryler and Diana found their way to their seats. Surge had fought bravely. She’d paid the ultimate price for Starlit City. She deserved to be remembered, mourned, respected.

They bowed their heads and waited for the ceremony to start.

  
 
  
 He’d been lucky enough that Vox Populi had managed to free him. He’d make sure Remi drank free for a week. Shrugging off dust from the concrete, he staggered to his feet, the Kraken having been distracted enough by all the blood to shift off the rubble under which he’d been buried. All throughout the street, blood was spattered – limbs tossed this way and that, both human and inhuman.

The leviathan was massive, up close. It was maybe half a block away – it was surrounded by a swarm of drones (some his), projectiles, and Empowered, striking where they could. Very little seemed to be damaging the beast, but it sported a long, thin gash down its throat.
 
I’m glad that worked.

Let’s see what else I can do to you, scourge.  

A blade of crackling energy materialized in the palm of his gauntlet, the same he’d use to carve into the beast earlier.

  "CHRONARCH, YOU'RE OVERUSING THE PARADOX VAULT. BE CAREFUL."  
  
   No time for careful. This thing has to be taken down.   

He grit his teeth as the huge monstrosity lumbered forward, Vox Populi failing to keep its attention. In the distance, he watched Miasma leap into the air, only to be struck down by a massive beam of energy from the ocean. The energy coursed over the kraken, charging it with primeval lightning.
  
   No. You’re not hurting anyone else.  
 
 Chronarch raised his sword against the incoming silhouette as it reared up onto its hind legs, fins thrumming with power and electricity. It didn’t matter. He would hold the line. For past and present.   
 
  
 
  
People began streaming out of the church, the service concluded. He saw a few Empowered socializing, taking the opportunity to relax and give their condolences. Chronarch stood, shaking his head towards Diana. It was good that she was staying, but he had work to do.

The future wasn’t going to save itself – and neither was the present.

  
 
  
 CHRONARCH (TIER 5 SPEC/ESP) HAS BECOME A ZEPHYR CITY LEGEND.

ABILITY:   PROTECTOR OF PAST AND PRESENT  

LTPs and Items belonging to the Chronal Imperative are integrated into Chronarch’s Paradox Vault. These LTPs and Items cannot be stolen, disabled, investigated, or copied.

Chronal Imperative actions involving Chronarch resolve first, before anything else can occur at EoT.   
GameOfChampions
  
   Leaders
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 18 

Ryan grunts in pain as Val lowered him onto the couch in their planning room of their HQ. Mourn had gone far and above what she had needed to do with the healing, Ryan had practically been a charred husk clinging to life before the city's most famous healer had gone to work.

Jade looked at him worried as his breathing returned to normal, she herself had not been in great shape either after getting mauled by a group of the Sea Spawn while trying to use Ryans powers to cover a squads retreat, he had gone down right in the critical moment which made her lose her powers for a critical second before she was able to switch to Val’s.

However Mourn healed her up without an issue, a half gnawed off arm and gaping chest cavity wound were bad but simple for the powerful grave tender. Ryan had been in the midst of channeling more blood then they had ever seen before, not just more but also… weird blood. Not just for being lime green but clearly that monster was abnormal in a lot of ways. When Ryan was channeling it he reached heights he never had before but now a good amount of it was trapped inside him.

Ryan cracks open an eye to glare at Jade,  “Stop it. I can feel you worrying from over here you mother hen. I just need a day or two to bounce back, Mourn healed everything wrong. It's just my power is being forced to expand to deal with the blood trapped inside now.” 

Jade opens her mouth to protest but Val comes over and pats her on the arm  “I think it's sweet you grump, come on Jade lets go get some coffee and settle everyone back in.” 

Jade perks up and the two women walk out of the room with Val still keeping her arm on Jades as they chat about who can order the most complex and pretentious coffee order from Starbucks and Ryan  grumpily  painfully rolls over  “The least they could do is hide it a little better when some of us are painfully single over here. Ugh.” 

 


The Bloodborn are a mass of red and black as they arrive en masse to support the assembly at the funeral. The Empowered members, squad leaders, and community organizers are the ones to take the offered seating at the funeral while the rest stand at the back half mourners half guard. They hadn’t brought any weapons out of respect but woe to those who thought to try and make a commotion at the wake.

For the most part Miasma, Aspect, and Daemones ignore the non Vox Populi Empowered who attend. Some out of a lack of care for, some out of a concern about possible soon to be renewed violence, and others because today was about their friends and allies and nothing else.

When they were fighting the Kraken the Bloodborn had been neck and neck with the Assembly and the Avant Guarde, often fighting side by side as they provided ground support for the tanks or had their asses saved by a volley of tank fire. The mass of Bloodborn mingle with their allies, shaking hands, murmuring condolences, and experiencing both joy and misery when they find a face they fought beside or note one that was missing.


 


Two days after they returned from fighting the Kraken, Jade and Val find Ryan in the training area sparring with a couple other members. He was moving smoothly and taking on half a squad of members without any mist around. After a minute or two of watching the quartet of experienced urban street fighters get tossed around like children Ryan notices them and stops the spar.

He takes a minute to chat with the group, laughing and clapping them on the shoulders before he heads out. The other members go off to continue their own training with a vengeance, spirits buoyed by Ryan without him even noticing.

The two Empowered women take a good look at Ryan as he approaches and while he wasn’t using any mist his eyes were red like he had been using his powers with a slight green ring deep in the eye, the only remnant of his fight with the Kraken. Jade nods to him  “So seems like you picked up a few new tricks then.” 

Ryan grins at them  “Oh ya. Turns out the kraken blood getting stuck in my system just forced my power to grow stronger to put up with it. Channeling my power gives me a nice big boost to my strength and healing as if i was in a blood mist with a good amount of blood spilled already. Seems like that's my new baseline.” 

Val raises an eyebrow and nudges Jade  “I wonder if you’ll get that benefit or not?” 

Jade shrugs but nods back at the training ring,  “Well do you want to try and see if the mist or any other parts changed?” 

Ryan nods eagerly, striping off his non red shirt so it won’t be yet another piece of clothing lost to the ravages of the mist like so many others. He jogs back to the training ring and nods to the other two Empowered who likewise changed into red and or black work out gear. Ryan beckons the two of them  “OK lets try two on one, I need to be pushed to get a good feel for any changes.” 

The two women smirk at each other and shift a little closer to each other while Jade calls out  “You may regret that, we’ve been working on some things together too.” 

Eyes slowly turning red with a green ring Ryan slowly starts to vanish in his emerging mist  “Then show me.” 

When the mist covered the entire training area the two moved as one. Val darted forward leading the way as her own area power started to pulse out with her excitement and adrenaline. Her control had improved enough that she could exclude areas and people so she pulsed out, destroying the mist in a radius around her. Jade pulled on the connection with Val and started doing the same but pulsing out corridors randomly around them.

The two quickly locate Ryan circling around them , silent and at home in his own mist. Val looks at Jade and whispers to her quickly  “Shake him.” 

Jade nods and builds up a large pulse of anger; anger at her and Ryans injuries, anger at the loss of comrades, and anger at so many residents of this city for refusing to see their dream. As she builds it up Val rockets toward Ryan expanding her mist destroying radius.

As she closes the gap Ryan moves forward to meet her, emerging from his mist with trails drifting off him as he moves out. The two meet in a quick flurry of blows, Ryan launching a quick two jabs before letting loose a haymaker as he steps in to follow the jabs. Val doesn’t stop though she weaves through the jabs but as the haymaker comes faster then she expected she twists, lowering her body to make a right angle to the floor as her other leg lifts up in the wake of the haymaker to start a spinning kick toward Ryans head.

Ryan uses the momentum of haymaker to spin around so that he is facing away from Cal but lifts his left arm to block the kick coming for his head. As it hits he is pushed back and Val uses the push to jump back a few paces, not stopping for a second as she regains her feet and runs forward again.

Two steps into the run Val jumps and Jade slams her palms to the ground, unleashing a ripple through the ground that starts destroying the footing. The ripple passes under the jumping Val and a knee high wave of rubble and force takes out Ryan’s legs. As he falls to the ground Val slams a brutal axe kick into a shoulder.

As Ryan hits the ground JAde and Val jump onto him in an attempt to grapple him into submission. A flurry of holds and breaks happen as quick as breaths as Jade and Val attempt to put one of Ryans limbs into a lock. However they underestimated his increase in strength and healing as Ryan uses the strength to break holds he would have struggled with before and other times just wrenches the limb out of its socket to get room to wriggle it out. Even as the dislocated limb pulls out of a hold the healing is popping it back into position.

After twenty seconds of struggle, Ryan slips the grapple and rolls to his feet even as the two other Empowered follow. Val slams a fist empowered with a burst of anger into Ryans ribs, the bolt of her controlled power ripping through him like a sonic boom, damaging his insides. Jade pulls the connection with Ryan and her eyes blink red after a second and she uses his own strength against him as a flying knee catches him in the chest as he gets up.

As Ryan stumbles Val goes low to grab and pull his knee but the new strength Ryan has stops her cold and he slams a fist into her face, knocking her down. Even as Val falls though Aspect uses her partner's falling body as a leaping board and launches herself into a flip as she uses the enhanced strength to kick at Ryan.

Ryan crosses his arms to block the kick and catches it right before it catches him in the chin, rather then try to brute force stop the momentum he uses it to push himself onto his back. Then with a quick flex of his abdominals he flips back onto his feet and takes a quick step forward to shoulder check Jade as she is landing, pushing her onto her back which she turns into a roll.

At this point it had been less than a minute but everyone was breathing hard. Val and Ryan have their powers pushing back and forth against each other as Val attempts to destroy the mist before it can cover them and Ryan is pushing his blood mist creation into overdrive.

After a glance at each other Val and Jade run forward again as Ryan sets himself into a firm stance. The two more agile Empowered each take a side, punching and kicking as hard and fast as they can as they move around. Ryan keeps his position, moving to block or strike back and often just taking the hit and healing up. It isn’t sustainable however as Jade and Val start to overcome the improved healing ability. Bruises, sprains, and cuts start to pile up faster than they can heal as the two women take Ryan apart slowly and methodically.

Then right as Ryan twists to block a kick from Jade going straight at his head Val pushes in with a huge haymaker, gathering as much anger as she can and blasting Ryan right in the chest with her punch. As Val follows through Ryan bends for a split second before the concussive destructive force in the punch launches him off his feet.

Ryan flies through the air and disappears into the lingering blood mist, vanishing. As Jade gives Val a slap on the back and a grin they hear a loud squelch from within the mist and a cry they had heard a lot of a few days before.

As they settle back into their stances, legitimately worried at what might be happening Jade calls out  “Ryan? You okay in there?” 

Before anything could answer a   bright green blur   erupts out of the mist and tackles Val in the chest, as Jade turns to attack whatever had come out of the mist Ryan erupts out. He follows the green blur and tackles Jade, the both of them rolling on the ground as they quickly grapple for the superior position again. This time though Ryan caught her by surprise and Val was busy with her own problem.

As Ryan holds her shoulder in a lock forcing her face down on the rubble she taps the hand,  “I give! I give!” 

He quickly lets her go and Jade twists around to a sitting position as she sees the weirdest thing sitting on her partner growling. The green blur she saw was around the size of a pony and the same bright green as the kraken blood in Ryans iris. It had a round short body close to the ground and six short double jointed legs ending in wicked claws, it had the impression of scales all over its body and the head seemed to be just a continuation of the body with practically no neck, a massive maw of triple rows of fangs, and eyes set right in the head almost blending in.

Val yells at Ryan even as she tries to swing at the thing  “Get your gross new pet off of me!” 

Her strikes hit it but the surface of the creature is less then solid with her fist passing through like it would a large pool, slowly and losing forces. Some of the green blood is splashed out from its torso but the creature ripples and gets back to its uniform look, just maybe a smidgeon smaller.

Ryan grins wickedly and whistles at the creature that bounds over to him, standing in front of the young man in a guard dog like position.  “Seems like I picked up some new tricks after all.” 

Val gets up and walks over to Jade, offering her a hand and pulling the Asian women to her feet.  “What the hell is that? It looks like those krakenlings we fought last week.” 

Ryan shrugs and nudges it with his toe  “I’m not sure, when you threw me on my ass I tried pulling out some of the kraken blood i felt in me to reinforce my blood mist and this guy popped out.” 

Jade approaches and pokes it as well, the thing not reacting to her at all  “So you can control it? Can you only do one?” 

Ryan looks down at the blood creature and back at Jade and Val,  “Let’s find out.” 

The blood mist thickens even as the three Empowered start their fight once more.


 

 
 Spoiler: Legend Ability 
Miasma is a Zephyr City Legend!

Blast from the Past: When Miasma deals damage in an action he includes a copy of those damaged stats/VIPs in the next turns action. For example assaulting a Tier 2 VIP and injuring them would mean next turn the Miasma action would also include the Tier 2 VIP.
 

 
 Spoiler: Vox Populi 
Well the Kraken fight was mixed blessings. On the one hand we saved a good amount of people and frankly came out with a lot of resources as well.

Miasma is going strong after the Mourn save and even has a fun new ability as well. As for the Bloodborn we will be reaching our limits currently and need to plan for the future. There are frankly several enemies still concerning us in the city. The Orchestra going mercenary and Project coming out demon this week are concerns.

As for plans I wouldn't mind working on the Nexus beside the Guarde. We don't have a lot of free resources this week if we want to hit a target beside the Assembly but next week we can dedicate Aspext and at least a dozen squads to help out with the Nexus.

Assembly. We're flexible on targets this week but next week there will most likely be some betrayels coming out from the Kraken fight. We priced to come down like a hammer on betrayers so we shall see how that pans out.
 

 
 Spoiler: Orchestra 
Hmmmm well on the one hand money hungry mercenaries is a step in the right direction from classic villainy and mind control, thiugh it seems like there is se back sliding already.

What kind of bid are you looking for and what response would that get anyway? We don't promise to be putting a bid down but getting some clarification would be nice.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 5 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Howdy partner,

we haven't been very talkative to eachother lately (or at least you haven't, is a busy life), I'll take a guess that you aren't meaning to pull off anything funny my way, since I'm not getting romanced.

Letting you know I'm letting Mourn in on everyone, since you are doing your thing. Need to pay the little bills Khalid keeps accruing and I'm not exactly flux on cash.

Condolences,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Miss Mourn,

Once again you have done more for me than duty called you for, and while you may consider no debt to exist, I do, let the Bonerattler ears be your ears and your eyes for at least this week.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
You can read all messages posted so far, Sky cavalry is yet to post morale so I know better than to say all messages, and you can't read birdwatch messages when they do post because of a previous agreement.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
Dearest Maestro,

Terribly sorry about your back up dancer darling, I wasn't there so cut the terribly but I do regret letting someone else handle that.

"Aside from the obviously suicidal" You aren't going soft on me now, are you? I thought I was about to make the city spicier with regular rounds and turns out I'd have to pull it above rice and bread... or am I?

You can get the same deal as before if you want to know what's happening, hell, extend it to next week coverage too because my ask is big: leave those tacky old streets down Rayman Avenue [24] to us, snooping around is surprisingly space intensive and I'm not repurposing the casino for the pleasure privilege.

As for merc work, I may have something for you if I happen to hear someone is hiring, spur some competition, you know how it is.

Yours,
Dashing Dynamo.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Birdwatch 
Long time no calls fellows,

We have been in our own fights, and before I say anything I want to know if there are enough birds in the sky, if you catch my drift.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky cavalry 
Howdy Mr.Vallum,

Now, we haven't really talked to each other, not sure is that distance or by design, knowing you are the brainy type I assume it to be both.

Now, I'm  sympathetic  about your "concerns" from the last few weeks, wherever those may have ended up at and I've been taking a more active role in helping the city, turning a new leaf and all that, so I want to help you nib that little smuggling problem you have in the bud, I don't know the exact details of their operation, and I'm sure I could give a few turns and find it if I wanted but it'd be reaaaal helpful if we go at it together instead, what do you say?

Kindly,
Dashing Dynamo.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I got the answer from Insanity that if we both send things to the smuggling ring heist we both get as much prize for our investment as is available with no fighting, so given that this is a perfect turn for investment, how about inviting me (pretty sure adding an OOC to the message that says I can access it is enough) and we make bank?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion project 
Jikes, look, I'll get back to you when people get back to me, but that's really the sort of thing secretive organizations should keep to themselves, sent a bouquet of flowers*, let the hurt get a smell at them (if they have noses).

Cheers,
Dashing Dynamo.


* Chrysanthemum
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=14].

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn (and, by extension, Vox Populi) 


Well, if I'm willing to say it on radio, I'm willing to say it here - the three of you, but especially the Bloodborn, have managed to allay most of my fears. So I apologize for my earlier hostility. You've proven yourselves in the past few weeks, as far as I'm concerned.

To that end - with all the refugees pouring into the city, I don't want anyone to get hurt. So here's my proposition. There's something in the Bloodborn's holdings that I need to deal with myself, for the sake of the future. I've got a crooked casino - rats fleeing a sinking Starlit City - trying to set up shop in my territory, and no time to deal with it this week. From what I can tell, they're roughly equivalent jobs, but only one of them's important for averting my timeline. So I'm proposing we swap. You provide me with access to yours - official access, that is, I know where I need to be regardless - and I do the same to mine for you. Or I can find some other way of compensating you that doesn't involve people potentially getting hurt, without a kraken to fight I have some breathing room.

Let me know. I know none of us want innocents to get hurt here.

-Chronarch


PS. Archaeon here. Just clarifying that last bit isn't a threat, it's an ask. Chronarch can be a bit... dramatic sometimes (I'm sure you've noticed), but he means well. Oh, and glad you made it out okay, Remi. We're still on for Thursday?

 
 Spoiler: OoC 


Technically I don't need to ask to get access, but I have a 32-point heist I am willing to provide the Bloodborn access with in exchange to their heist. Willing to swap, in the name of my shiny new Heroic trait?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 

 The start of the recording cuts in abruptly, with Chronarch muttering to someone in the background, "-know why I need to send them multiple messages, they're reading each other's stuff already," followed by what sounds like an aggrieved sigh.

  Arsenal. First, good work with those munitions. I'm glad Archaeon made it out okay, largely thanks to Mourn, but those were helpful in buying us time and putting a few dents in the Kraken. My condolences again about Surge. I understand it's been a difficult few weeks, and I'm sorry for my part in that.

It's not the ringing defense of collaboration I was hoping for, but I'm willing to let bygones be bygones, so long as peace holds this week. I'm hoping we collectively take a page from Miasma's book and don't give the Orchestra the ability to let others take the fall for their aggression. If they - or someone else using their services - puts refugees in harm's way this week, I won't just endorse you consigning them to my history books; I'll gladly participate.

-Chronarch
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


My concerns from last week seem to largely be unfounded. While I am still very much open to collaboration and a working relationship - the work you're doing is interesting and promising - I think a formal alliance might not be in the cards unless Vox Populi show themselves to be less open to reason, or put innocents in harms' way. That said, I still owe you resources from letting me protect Young Griffin. Let me know what you want - preferably [Strength, Esp, or Morale] and I will send it over. Archaeon is willing to take a look at anything you send to us with your response - without APOLLO, she's not an expert, but she might have a few pointers.

I am also reaffirming the mutual defense - should you become the target of hostilities by any party, so long as it isn't provoked or deserved, you'll have me on your side.

-Chronarch
 

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


Mourn,

I just want to commend you for your work in Starlit City. We're all in your debt, myself included. You can expect the maximum donations to your projects this turn, and free drinks at Ol' Grady's in perpetuity. If you want to contribute to any of my workings, I certainly won't object, but there's no obligation to do so - you've done good by us, and this city.

-Chronarch
 

 
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 5 
 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 


I would hardly expect  you  to be one to stand on a high horse about a little harmless mental manipulation, my marvellous Miasma.

As for what sort of bid I’m offering, it’s really quite simple; the city is on the brink of war, and no one will admit me. I, personally, find that rather distasteful. Far more sporting to say your struggle ahead of time and allow the spectators to enjoy the show!

And my Siren’s Song needs an exhibition worthy of the name, regardless.

So, what I offer is my full attention – a week of woe and war, on whatever target offends your sense of taste. To the highest bidder, in whatever combination of material and future considerations seems most appealing. I, of course, offer full discretion of the source of any offers – with the sole exception of if a patron attempts to justify making war on me after the fact for finishing their own work.

Does that satisfy your curiosity?
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion 


No such luck, but I’m more than happy to rent out a few of my helpers for the week in exchange for their equivalent in hard cash. [3 Spc for 3 Eco] it is.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 

If you upstage me and charge into a gloriously doomed campaign against the Vox all on your lonesome, I shall bow down and acknowledge you as the superior performer. Otherwise, I’m simply say that a futile fight against overwhelming odds would only appeal given the prospect of some sustained and public patronage.

I’ll happily agree to inform you if there’s a bid you might beat, but it’s not as if you won’t know already, no? Besides, no need for it to be anything so nouveau riche as bags of bills or bricks of gold – it’s a matter of momentum, you see.  Something  dramatic simply must happen, and I am soliciting the city’s opinion on what it might be.

I’ll be entirely honest with you, dear Dynamo – it’s not as if I’m reluctant to agree for the sake of real estate, of which I’ve already acquired quite an impressive assembly. But the businesses my boys have found in Rayman aren’t exactly easily fungible, and we are already really quite entrenched. As is, it would be an acute loss if I agreed, so I’m afraid you’ll need to sweeten your terms before I might accept.

[OOC: Would agree in a second if the territory is unstable, but abandoning a stable territory costs the same 3 p. Stats as losing it to conquest, and I’m not flush enough to value intel  that  highly.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 


My dear Chronarch, if you have a more  constructive  use of my talents for me to consider, you need merely send a communique.

Though there might be a slight surcharge – a simple matter of economics, you understand. There are efficiencies which would be left tragically untouched, with such an agreement.
 
kaio999
 
  Official Missives Morale 18  
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
The response back to the freedom assembly finally comes the major stands there alongside the drone and indicates softly. "While we appreciate the idea of utilizing and dispersing the resources of the nexus and enjoy the friendship between us. We are concerned about the nexus being used as a political tool to control anyones political enemies. We have bestowed Galatea facilities to everyone for that very reason we believe in the equality of actions regardless of friend in foe because cutting a certain group, or class sows discontent. Its why we continue to utilize technologies for all people."

She taps her chin, "at this time we're pensive, I will say my scientists do wish to work with yours. Your robotics are impressive we just hope you can change your policies for the sake of a cleaner unification of the city. If you indicate some resource use we will send it your way to help just let us know what the benefits would be."
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
"I am sorry things have been so difficult for you and your comrades. I know this conflict has left your forces on the back end. We will be shipping over (7 morale) immediately to continue to support you I hope that helps!" They indicated, "as for the alliance we are already directly tied to mourn and happy Cairns. I will speak to them about including you in the alliance, while I agree with you about the nexus and the state of the city how best to handle that is still something rather up in the air. Any information you can provide us though is appreciated!"
 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
The response back to the Opalescent Orchastra takes a little time but does come back,

"essentially they allow the creation of weird into econ, you pump in the materials for the construction of robots and out comes a tidy profit." Explains the top engineer responding to the call.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
A galatea facility lets you immediately turn 4 temp wrd into 4 temp econ in the same turn to utilize as you see fit. If you send us the resources we can build one for you immediately.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
The sleek high powered drones are well protected and difficult to bring down. When they land in bone rattler territory it is not Intervallum who responds but its the major. A well dressed woman with cutting features and lacking in any sort of humor. "We are willing to accept your aid in cleaning up the docks. We are willing to trust you in this little expedition. Since it costs us nothing to let you be involved. However we might call in a favor in the future for similar trinkets. Let us hope this builds a more lasting relationship." Instructions to send a message back are provided and than the feed cuts.
 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
"We affirm mutual defense, if you're attacked you will have our full force assaulting the enemy. Strength would be fine. We will have to wait and see what actions are taken by them, but I continue to feel that they are not worthy stewards of the nexus... We can wait for time and see what they do however."
 

 
 Spoiler: Happy Cairns 
Do you want to formally announce our alliance or shall I? Just to let them know its a thing and better ensure safety of the citizens? I am also applying the resources again for the alliance.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 5 
 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
Why, I'd never do such a thing about our dearest chaperones, perish the thought... Though a bow from you is very tempting.

You know, something dramatic  might  be in the works already, *Siiiiigh* if only you could know. I do understand your reluctance (I wouldn't willingly leave my casino unless I could pick it from the ground and move it somewhere else) so look, I happen to be doing some pro bono work up north partly because it'd rhyme, but adyacent to the free nature of my aid I will also get bags laden with gold bars and stamped with dollar signs, so those can be yours, so long as you are not morally opposed to the aesthetic.

Ever yours,
Dashing Dynamo.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Alright, so, how about 8 eco and the 2 weeks of reading everyone (everyone  I can  next week, you never know how it'll go), that's enough to cover a bit over half the price in stats and I do need to spend my own to take over the place.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion Project 
Dear runts,

I know I haven't been very talky with you ever since I sent Dashing Dynamo south, but she clearly got results, so sorry I'm not sorry.

Anyway, I'm willing to put on my best shoes and give you a little consultation with your troubles, I ain't cheap though, and it needs to be damn flashy because everyone else is busting moves and I'm not about to lag behind.

Regards,
Jhonny

 
 Spoiler: OOC  
hearing offers so you can send Jhonny heisting, has to be heisting though, so I can proc Chance to shine
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 
In an unprecedented act of restraint the message is sent through the proper channels and following the instructions given to the letter.

"I'll meet you there then. and it'll be our pleasure to provide something in return when the time comes.

To deeper ties,
Dashing Dynamo."
 

 
 Spoiler: The Bird Watch 
Heya,

Made my own findings, and I suppose the answer is no to my previous question, so here is the deal:

Give me that information you told the sky cavalry you have, and I give you eyes over the entire city again, at least as long as no one pulls a Saint Lucía (bless her heart) on me.

Yours,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Blood born 
Hey, you still giving a heads up before your cloud, not doing that anymore or not doing  that  anymore? I happen to have some truants within my turf I want to deal with and I'd rather not have to go out in force just to go run an errand.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 
Eldan
 
 Memorial Service 
The Eversion delegation to the funeral consists of six people. Or one person, six times. Sandra Vergara has clearly suffered in the Starlight City action. Two of her are on crutches, nursing a broken left and right leg, respectively. Two more, carrying flowers, have one arm each in a sling, and behind them come two more Vergaras in wheelchairs, one with a cast around the chest, the other with a massive neck brace. The flowers are wordlessly put down in the appropriate place, before she takes a row of seats at the back of the service.

To the Bone Rattlers [9]
 
 Spoiler 
Well, from our estimates, you could really use some help improving your security against invasion. How about we send you some of that.

3 t.mor for Johnny's help.
 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Bone Rattlers, Sky Calavry Mor 10 


Twin Grey Parrots go out.  One finds Jhonny Gunn and the other heads to the Imperiatrix

"Avante Guard is squeaky clean.  Apart from snooping on us!"

 "They know about a lot of the criming going around, but have no Long Term Projects besides their lattice network..."

"Sorry I don't have any  really interesting dirt to spill, but I hope you are reassured.  We will continue to give you anything we learn, but don't expect anything next week, we are re-building and our leadership is sleeping off Kraken injuries."

 
 Spoiler:  from my EoT return: 

Investigations

You may Read Avante Guarde's Heist list this turn (Lol good choice)

Avante Guarde LTP: Guardian's Grace

Begins in Avante Garde's Starting Territory. When Avante Garde takes an action in a territory, they are able to install an instance of that Lattice Network. VIPs that take actions in that network lose their empowered bonus. They act as normal stats, but still benefit from their VIP abilities, or any other LTPs that affect them as VIPs.

Factions that own a territory affected by ~ are able to destroy the network by paying 5 of any stat but MOR. This action does not prevent Avante Garde from installing it with another action into the same territory.

Their only others are their starting ones. Available in the OOC
 

 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   The Service, Part II   

Even the more skeptical members of the Assembly - those who speak of their people first, who distrust all those not already allied with the Assembly in their bloc of Vox Populi - are surprised at the eventual turnout to Maria's service. Just about everybody in Zephyr City that was invited has come, showing their support and solidarity despite prior divisions and conflicts. It does a lot to move the closest rows to the ceremony, from the closest friends and family to the two Empowered who have taken up seats next to them. Arsenal's white cloth is mirrored by the various bandages and slings on Dyad's body. Sam Eastmore still wears his Assembly get-up but has taken off his hood and mask to reveal a young man with well-defined Caribbean features and expressive brown eyes. He sits straight back in his chair as people file into their places, but it is he and not Devon who rises when it's time at last for the eulogy.

 "Thank you for coming,"  Dyad addresses the crowd after he stumbles his way up to a plain podium facing out at the nave of the church. He doesn't accept any help in the process, shaking off two or three people who try to take his arm. He tries to start talking into the mic once, twice, letting out a breath to center himself after each aborted attempt.

 "I've been trying for a long time to come up with the words to say. People always tell us that funerals aren't for the dead - they're for the living. For the people that survived."  Dyad's eyes flounder across the sea of faces and masks, never resting on any one individual.  "But I don't think I can agree with that. Not today. If Maria were here, she'd tell me that it's okay, that it's, um, it's all going to be okay. That was the kind of person she was. Some days it would all go wrong - you'd fail a test, you'd be going through a breakup, you got fired from your job, you'd lost friends or family, or any of the many kinds of tragedies and mistakes to befall a person. But there she was, giving you a smile and telling you to keep your head up. She always kept her head up, no matter what. That's what made her special. Well, that and her ability to drain or supercharge batteries and turn them into voltaic ammunition." 

A low rumbling of chuckles at that, the awkward tension-skating laughter one only ever hears at a wake.

 "I wasn't there when she died - I was a few blocks and cracked ribs away - but I imagine she would have told me to keep my head up then, too. And I've been trying, really trying."  A tremor ripples through Sam's voice, is suppressed, goes away.  "But I can't stand here in front of you all and tell you that I'm speaking for your benefit. This is for the girl who always did her best to keep everyone up. The girl who laid her life on the line for strangers, to protect them from death and destruction when it counted. A hero. That's who Surge was."  His eyes, already shining, are wet now.

 "She wasn't alone, either. All over Starlit City and even here, there are ceremonies just like this one happening right now. People from all camps sacrificed themselves to put down the threat. We're only here - all of us - because she won some arcane lottery. Because out of everyone in Zephyr City, the Pulse saw fit to give  her  powers, to elevate her above the so-called common people."  Even those sitting at the back can tell that Sam's about to break.

 "But I know I speak for those who really knew Maria when I say that we never needed Surge. We didn't need a hero. We only ever needed the friend, the daughter, the niece who told us to keep our heads up. If she had never been chosen, never been  Empowered , maybe she would still be alive. But we'll never know how things might have turned out, will we? The Pulse comes and goes, the wheel always turns, and we can only bury the dead in the wake of its rolling on."  There is true hate in his voice, a quiet suffocating cold.  "And it's not fair! It's not fair that it was Maria. She chose to go to Starlit, as did so many of us here in this room. But she didn't choose the responsibility of gaining so-called 'super' powers. She did what she thought was best, and now those of us who remain have to honour her wishes." 

Dyad relinquishes his hold on the podium - white knuckles creaking the wood - and takes a few steps out from behind it so that he is standing openly before the crowd. His voice, now raised, carries farther than it did with the mic.

 "She saw the best in people. Today, we protect that ideal. Anyone who wishes to stay and pay their respects to the family may do so without the promise of harm. That ceasefire is extended across all of our territories today. There will be food and drinks served for the afternoon, a sign of good faith."  He can barely speak the words.  "The Freedom Assembly will fight to protect the people of Zephyr City that Maria and so many others died for." 
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 18  
 
 Spoiler: To Vox Populi 
Good to know that we can count on you to help with the Nexus heist, Gardes. It’s all yours if you want it. Same goes for you, Bloodborn. We honestly have no idea what it does, but the resource investment to delve into its cascade fields is… substantial. We are somewhat concerned about its theft from the scrupulous or confiscation from the self-righteous - if you know who we mean. Best to get the jump on that as soon as possible.

The extra manpower is greatly appreciated.

Oh and a heads up that the Bone Rattlers are reading our mail this week. They have clearly invested a great deal into breaking our encryption,, but beware saying anything out loud you wouldn't want them to know. And since we're about to make a point that we can read them back, we don't see much point in hiding it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not sure if we can explicitly share our heists without some kind of infiltration, but if so then either of you can clear the 25 levels of the Nexus heist. It’s 25 Wrd or Spc. Better do it fast before Bone Rattlers - hi Neri! - or Chronarch steal it from under us.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 
We have no ill intent towards the Bone Rattlers at this time, to answer your question. No designs on your territory or people, either. Since you basically just spelled out that you can read our mail though, we have to wonder what the cost will be for your silence.

But to clear: selling Vox Populi's secrets is a bad survival strategy. Speaking for the Freedom Assembly at least, we'd prefer not to have yet another enemy to stomp out. When Eversion did the same thing, we let them live - a mistake in hindsight, and one we're not keen to repeat.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Don't start none, won't be none.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
Well, we have plenty of cash to burn after the fight in Starlit City last week. Enough to fund an army several times over. We’d love to contract your services to channel you towards a better end, seeing as you’re here to stay.

Now, just because we signed a truce a few weeks ago and you fought with us doesn’t make us all best buddies. But we trust you to act within your nature, which for now is good enough. If we send you a chunk of our cash in advance, will you agree to pledge your ground troops to us?

Alternatively, if you don't trust us with your people, we could just pay you to hit a third party on our behalf? We'd want to keep the particulars of the arrangement between us until such time as it can bear fruit. Other folks might want to bid against us for your services, but we have lots at our disposal.

Oh, and we'll know if you leak any information. Assume we can read all of your mail. So… please don't do that.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Freedom Assembly has upwards of 20 Eco to burn this turn. We can probably beat out anyone else's bids, assuming you're okay to turn on someone for me.

This game is getting a bit too  chummy  for my tastes. Wanna make a shady deal that will come out to bite one or both of us later?
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 
Good to know. We will keep you out of our more aggressive plans for the time being, then.

The Sky Cavalry and Chronarch have both expressed interest in sharing the Nexus plans. We're going to be sending out preliminary payment schedules to all parties to see what they can chip in - if you're all sharing in the profits, you should all at least try to help pay it out.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Sky Cavalry just got back to us and said they'd be interested in pursuing this further. How much Wrd or Mor can you invest into the Nexus sharing LTP this turn? We can throw in about 15 points without too much trouble but want to get a sense of numbers before committing.

Sharing the Nexus is a 40-point LTP, Mor or Wrd. It allows any faction that has sent at least 5 points of stats into building it access to the Nexus for 3 turns when completed. 5 more stats need to be spent after each Pulse, and the Freedom Assembly has to be the faction holding it (that last condition is one that I put into the LTP to make it cheaper for everyone).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
Good to hear that you're on board. The Orchestra will need to make appreciable gains at someone else's expense - that demonstration in the park was a disgusting display of Empowered tyranny. Coming right after Surge's sacrifice, it's hitting the people in our neighborhoods pretty hard.

Regarding the Nexus project, we have some news. Sky Cavalry is on board now as are Birdwatch, so we're sharing the current specs for the project in this form. We haven't invested anything into it yet, but between the four of us we can all get it done this week without any problems. You'll find the details below.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Sky Cavalry just got back to us and said they'd be interested in pursuing this further. How much Wrd or Mor can you invest into the Nexus sharing LTP this turn? We can throw in about 15 points without too much trouble but want to get a sense of numbers before committing.

Sharing the Nexus is a 40-point LTP, Mor or Wrd. It allows any faction that has sent at least 5 points of stats into building it access to the Nexus for 3 turns when completed. 5 more stats need to be spent after each Pulse, and the Freedom Assembly has to be the faction holding it (that last condition is one that I put into the LTP to make it cheaper for everyone).
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
Your concerns are noted, though we also share concerns that for all the good that the Galatea Stations do, you've all still effectively consigned yourselves into consolidating and isolating yourselves from the people you seem to want to help.

Regardless of our ideological differences, the fact that you're willing to take our hand on this is a big step towards collaboration. Chronarch and Birdwatch have both said they're on board, so we're ready to go ahead. We haven't invested anything into it yet, but between the four of us we can all get it done this week without any problems. You'll find the current specs below.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sharing the Nexus is a 40-point LTP, Mor or Wrd. It allows any faction that has sent at least 5 points of stats into building it access to the Nexus for 3 turns when completed. 5 more stats need to be spent after each Pulse, and the Freedom Assembly has to be the faction holding it (that last condition is one that I put into the LTP to make it cheaper for everyone).

How much Wrd or Mor can you invest into the Nexus sharing LTP this turn? We can throw in about 15 points without too much trouble but want to get a sense of numbers before committing.
 

 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Freedom Assembly, Mor 10 


A Grey Parrot shows up at Freedom Assembly headquarters.

"We could, in principle, meet whatever numbers you quote.  The bigger issue is that we are highly alarmed by our strongest leader and our security expert both being mysteriously injured immediately before your bloc moves against your target.

 Who might see our territory as a fallback position, even if they didn't actually arrange the injuries. It wouldn't be the first time.

We had been expecting to use the windfall from the Starlight City incident to upgrade our defenses and increase our capacity.  We are currently already asking for charity from Sky Cavalry to increase our defenses.

As it is, the feeling against Vox Populi are pretty strong here.  Obviously you see things differently, but I, Agent Hawk, personally joined an alliance to stomp out The Orchestra, and you failed to contribute any help to defend us against an Orchestra-counter attack after explicitly promising such.  Had the Orchestra actually stomped us out, instead of turning North, I doubt you would have lost any sleep.  Since you are willing to forgive them now, the promise of returning our territories is clearly never happening.

If you asked me, personally to help you with your "other" project, even now, I might agree.  If you gave us a loan, or called dealing us in for free reparations, we might be grateful, or at least less bitter.  But I can't justify more than about 6 units of Morale without compromising our defenses.   And that only because Sky Cavalry is willing to donate to us.

 
 Spoiler:  OoC 

I could, in principle, contribute something, probably anything you need.  But...

I'm currently under a seige mentality because more than half my VIPs are injured and [redacted] is likely to attack at any moment.

I currently just burnt an existing trade route to get a hand-out from Sky Calvary because i will be in a better position next round after my upgrades are completed and my leaders are back.

More to the point, I have very little Weird and I need Mor the most.  I can contribute a Str VIP and Str more easily, and I will be in a stronger position to contribute anything you need after this round.

If you want more than 6 units, especially of Morale,
I dont think it would be in my interests, even if it meant getting cut out of your project.
 

 


Note:  Emus Remain us Region 18
St. Justicar
 
 Morale 5 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 


If you want  discretion , then your second offer is assuredly the superior option.

Adoring audiences and captivated crowds are a key component of the Orchestra’s tactical techniques, but hardly suited to deniable skullduggery.

So by all means, choose your target. I’m  all  ears.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 


A perfectly appealing proposal then, my dear Dynamo.
 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry 


Ah, I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid I must then decline. Being entirely honest, a donation to happy Cairns provides twice the return for the same investment.

Please do reach out if you ever release and upgraded model.
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 5 
 
 Spoiler: Eversion project 
Accepted, see you there.
 

 
 Spoiler: Birdwatch 
I wouldn't exactly say squeaky clean, but that was very useful, thank you.

I honour my deals, so my eyes are yours for now.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
20 esp, read up
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra 
Deal then, go nuts (and anything you learn you didn't learn from me).

Yours,
Dashing Dynamo.
 

 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Now, no need to be coy, who plays for the cameras if they think no one is watching? perhaps Maestro, but I'll never get her type. Just figured it'll be better we both know eachothers' numbers instead of closing our eyes when passing by.

Glad to hear I'm not chopping block material. I'm all here for the revolutionary to  you know what  pipeline, just don't wanna be perceived as on the way of that. Your second fiddles probably don't like me very much, but I still think I can work with you.

On that note... I can't really discuss that offer, cardboard walls and all, but if you want to discuss it I'm all ears.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No problem, I wasn't looking to.
 

 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=14].

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 


Mm. Seems like our share would be [8 Weird], but we can contribute an extra [1 Mor] which we're happy to commit provided you confirm that cannot turn it off short of losing the Nexus.
 
 
  
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 


Done. You'll receive [4 Str] from us, as an ongoing token of our thanks.
 
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 18  
 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 
We're baffled. Honestly baffled.

We  just  told you not to spill our secrets, and you go ahead and just tell Birdwatch and Orchestra to go ahead and read our mail. Then you say 'oh of course, we want to be friends'. What exactly does a friend mean to you?

Just, you know, for posterity: this kind of sneaky 'oh we're going to share all of your communications' stuff is why the Assembly has felt the need to start acting in the dark as opposed to out in the open.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra 
You know what? We've been pretty effectively burned, so let's make this interesting.

The Assembly will pay you the full price this turn to hit anyone you want on Zephyr City's board that isn't Mourn's funeral home, Chronarch, or any member of Vox Populi. You can announce it to whoever you want, but you'd better speak up and say that you're choosing the target of your own volition. We are paying you for the act of aggression, not for a vendetta. You can hit Bone Rattlers, Birdwatch, Eversion, or Sky Cavalry.

As long as it's made clear that it's  you  hitting them, not us, we've got no problem. The fee is contingent on your announcement.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Go ahead and announce.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch 
You ask why we didn't help you while colluding with Sky Cavalry to hit us in the back while we genuinely tried to fight the Orchestra in a failing move. A move that, we feel the need to remind you of, failed because you did not adequately warn us that the Orchestra could read our mail.

Incidentally, we're in a similar position this week. We know that the Bone Rattlers gave you and Maestro access to our communications, so you can see we're being deliberately evasive. We  can't  be open about our plans, not when we so recently blundered by letting anyone have access to them. The distrust is mutual.

If you're going to accuse us of hitting your people, just say so. But you should know that the Assembly is far more interested in taking land for the people than it is in launching assassination campaigns.

So you're out, then. We wonder if the Orchestra might finish you off this turn with all the money we're about to pay them.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative 
Good. Those numbers are solid, and we can confirm that we can't turn off the project between iterations (Pulses). Sadly, Birdwatch has dropped out of the project - citing distrust of us and a lack of resources to spend - meaning that the cost per member might be a bit higher. We're still doing some calculations to determine whether the actual overhead will be lower, but as you can imagine, proximity to a literal tear, in reality, does some funny things to our more finely tuned calibration instruments.

Given the proximity to a deadline, if you'd rather hold onto your resources to send them next week, that would also be acceptable. We don't want people to overpay here.

Oh, and don't be surprised if the Orchestra comes out to announce they're hitting Birdwatch, Eversion, or the Bone Rattlers. We have a feeling that they might just do that.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Birdwatch dropped out, so the premiums per person are a bit higher. I haven't gotten confirmation from the GM that the project will be any cheaper (waiting on answers to a few LTP questions).
 

 
Feathersnow
 

Parrots take to the streets:

 Public Announcement from Birdwatch:

"We expect to be attacked by Eversion Project and/or The Orchestra imminently.  We initially had concerns the Eversion Project had used the cover of the Starlight City incident to injured our leadership to soften us up for an invasion.  We mentioned these concerns to both The Freedom Assembly and Sky Calvary, but did not want to voice them publicly without proof.  We still don't know for sure.

Sky Cavalry graciously offered us defensive monies.  The Freedom Assembly, who had come to us asking for a contribution to a project we have little interest in, irrationally concluded we suspected  them  and immediately attempted to hire the Orchestra to attack us!  Under the terms of their contract, the Orchestra could attack anyone, and we hope they go after Eversion Project instead of us, but we have concerns.

It is surely coincidence this heightened hostility is immediately after we announced plans to heighten our defenses with the windfall from the Starlight City incident.
 
bladescape
  
 Uniform Symbol  
Avante Guarde.

Defenders. Agents. Idealists. Idiots. Hypocrites. It depends on the flavour of people you talk to as to how the budding organisation is referred to, but few who do so can avoid thinking or mentioning the name Remi Ragav. Breakpoint. The Agent that stood front and centre despite his power being more in line with evasive manoeuvring.

However, ever since the sojourn to Starlit City, there has been a change...


 

 BREAKING NEWS: Avante Guarde forces prevent Rogue Empowered from breaking water main - Eye Witnesses say entire squad appeared out of no-where 

New reports suggest that Avante Guarde's forces, headed by Commander Ragav, appeared out of thin air, ready and able to combat the sudden incursion inside the Avante Guarde territory. The empowered, weakened by Guardian's Grace and unable to properly leverage their powers, still attempted to utilise self-made explosives to attempt to de-stabilise the control on the southern end of the territory nominally under Avante Guarde's control.

Commander Ragav's forces disarmed the perpetrator and disabled the explosives before the act of terrorism could be completed. This marks the third example of the forces arriving just in time in situations where there was no sighting of Avante Guarde men in the area. Some so far have noted that these examples all seem to be headed by Commander Ragav.

There is speculation in that the advent of Starlit City's battle, the forces have undergone some upgrades to better prepare them for future escalation of danger, but no one seems to be aware of what is exactly going on.


 


Blaire Arkley would never get over the tug of being transported through the shroud when Commander Ragav utilised his ability. Ever since returning exhausted from Starlit, he had been training to use this further and they'd now been through way too many drills at doing this. Dealing with the disorientation was the first issue, especially when you didn't even know exactly where you'd come out.

But despite the tug and the moments of disorientation, she would never give up the position for anything. This sensation that she was being transported to save people, to fight, to protect. Being a part of the special operations of the EDF had never been better than the moments she could be an angel swooping out of the sky to assist people.

She never would entirely understand how it worked, nor feel entirely comfortable with the experience, but so long as Commander Ragav lead the EDF, she would face that with stoicism, and pride.


 

  "Preliminary testing confirms that you can take up to an entire Squadron of forces that are 'aligned' with your cards. Congratulations Commander, the Pulse favours you."   Remi shook his head at the scientist's report, not verbally responding as he flicked one of the cards that had become central to his life between his fingers.

It was... confusing having to adapt all over again to his powers. The constant burn of having to adjust re-settling around him. He never had had time to settle. Never had time to feel comfortable in his powers. He had this new adjustment before him, and then what would the Nexus throw at him next?

As he pondered, the masked scientist next to him leaned closer with a grin.

  "Any chance I could eat a card to find out how it works?"  
 
 Spoiler: LEGEND ANNOUNCEMENT 
Remi 'Breakpoint' Ragav, SPEC 5, is now a Zephyr City Legend.

Legend Power: Tactical Superiority

The forces assigned with Remi Ragav now have the ability to join him on his ability to reposition with the cards he holds. This leaves the Avante Guarde forces with an almost unparalleled ability to reposition even amongst the confusion of a bloody melee.

(Whenever Remi Ragav is involved in a multi-faction conflict, him and all forces assigned to his action are only considered to be fighting one side of choice.)
 
3SecondCultist
  
   The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'    
   Faction Messages   
  Morale 18  

The video reply is more or less immediate:

 "Amazing that you can twist facts so easily. Almost like a murder of corvid schemers aren't to be relied on.

The project to share the Nexus was specifically designed with your aims and intentions in mind, built in response to concerns that  you raised to us  about it not belonging to one faction. Concerns that we agree with, as evidenced by the fact that we put in the idea work and are still trying to get that project off the ground with a few other people despite your backing out. But it's funny that as soon as we asked you to pitch in, you resorted to heavily implying that the Assembly had something to do with betraying your agents.

(A ludicrous idea, by the way, considering we share our ally's stance towards betrayal in the face of a city's literal annihilation and the price that we just paid to ensure its survival.)

As for the Orchestra, we're sure that Maestro will be making an announcement shortly. We did not specifically ask her to attack you. We just didn't rule it out, due in large part to how you've been treating pretty much everyone in Zephyr City. Whether she goes for your emus is entirely her call. But if she does attack you, we won't be shedding any tears. As we've said before, if you keep treating people like they're enemies, eventually you'll be right." 
Eldan
 Clarification 

Eversion would like to clarify a few points:
First, we have no grudge with the Bird Watch as far as we know, and see no reason to attack them.
Second, we took the truce around the Starlight City incident  seriously . We would not use that situation to attack anyone. We still see it as our mission to protect and advance humanity. Which we can't do if a Kaiju eats entire cities.
Third, if  anyone  was attacked, it's us. Look at the loss statistics. We sent some of the strongest metahumans who were on the scene. And everyone we sent was injured. Dr. Levy so heavily that he's still in a coma and may not wake up.
Fourth: we are investigating who did this to him. And when we do, there  will  be a reckoning.
Fifth: we hope to continue our cordial relationship with the Maestro, whom we do not see as a  threat  to the city as a whole, unlike some other groups we could name.
n0ble
 MOR 16. 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sorry for not saving your dead person last EoT-going to be donating to both projects of yours this turn by way of saying sorry. My two projects should be done/near done come this EoT so if you want to collab on a good old fashioned comic book resurrection LTP in the future just lemme know.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Sky Cavalry  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Up to you-might sound better coming from you than me but its been a busy week and I might not be as tuned into things politically as you as are-I'm totally cool with it either way.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Chronarch  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Thanks! Really appreciate it, im going to do the same for yours! Happy doubling on your investment for not knowing what our projects do!
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Johnny &amp; The Bone Rattlers  

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Thanks, really appreciate it!
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Public Initiatives  

Hey everyone, back with some new public initiatives. Per Right Where It Belong's completion (see below), I'm not longer posting what my projects do but you get double back for max donations to them (thats as MOR or tWRD):

 The Monsoon Park Ball Pit:   Famed in-City as a repository for all things notorious, strange, and hidden from the general public eye, the Ball Pit remains as a stalwart source of the elusive nature of parahumanity in Zephyr City. It also happens to be a devilishly fun attraction, consisting of a space much, much larger than it should be give the outer area of the attraction-no doubt a function of Happy Cairn's recent Hypergeometrical Renovations on the park for other faction's use. So come one, come all, throw something into the ballpit (while under supervision to make sure its fun &amp; safe, of course)-every trip in a guaranteed cosmic adventure. [Currently: 12/40]

 The Claw Game:  Believed by many to be a supervillain armament decommissioned into a "ride" of sorts, the Claw is a competitive game for those placed in charge of the eponymous grasper. A series of patterns are played in front of this person on a light board, a reflection of the game board below. The player must rearrange others-friends, family, Happy Cairns employees where the former two are lacking-into the same patterns on the screen as onto the game board. Happy Cairns employees receive a generous compensation for their participation in this attraction. Family and friends signs a guarantee that Mourn will heal them. Mourn currently has a yet to crack the top 10 on the Scoreboard, but rumour has it the Maestro, Johnny and even Bolting all managed to place there at one point or another. [12/55]

 
 Spoiler: Completed Initiatives  

 1) Right Where it Belongs When a faction triggers the Spirit of Cooperation via a blind donation (IE no existing levels of investigation on the project, it hasnt been made public, the donating player is unaware of what it does etc.) the increase in their morale gained from the Spirit of Cooperation is doubled.
  2) A Healing Hand:  If you max your donations to Happy Cairns (currently 5 of any stat), they send their mobile care unit to watch your parahumans. If a VIP gets injured the same turn that this maxed donation was made, they are returned at the beginning of the next turn fully healed. Must be chosen instead of Hypergeometrical Superpositioning.
 3) The Right Stuff:  Happy Cairn's Connections allow them to get contacts for anything you need as long as you're on the donation list. If you contribute to an LTP, you may convert the MOR provided by 'Spirit of Cooperation' into equal points of WRD that are immediately invested into a project of said factions choice.
 4) Hypergeometrical Superpositioning:  Whenever a faction maxes their donations to happy Cairns (currently 5 of any stat) both the donating player &amp; Happy Cairns may benefit from one anothers strategic territories in the following turn as though they both controlled one anothers. Must be chosen instead of a Healing Hand. Happy Cairns Currently controls the following strategic locations:
- Monsoon Action Park-  - CONTROLLED BY HAPPY CAIRNS - STABLE
Ability - Is That a Ride?: The Controlling Faction's LTPs cost 5esp More to investigate with Specific Investigation. General Investigation on the Faction only returns placeholder Ride Names for their LTPs.
 
 Spoiler: Faction Ability: The Spirit of Cooperation 

When Happy Cairns contributes relevant stats to an LTP, one they control or not, other factions may contribute a maximum of their own relevant stats to the same LTP equal to Happy Cairn's highest Level VIP (5, currently). Those factions that do gain a bonus to their Morale equal to the amount of stats they contributed.
 

 

 

 
 Spoiler: Legend Ability-To Mourn Alone  

Having unlocked the true potential of her power-the ability to channel her healing touch through shades/phantoms/helpful remnants of the dead-Mourn is able to protect other parahumans on a much more effectively applied scale, something which the people she saves are only only too keen to return the favour on.
[HC gets a list of the injured at each EoT-whoever Mourn protects contributes temp stats of their lvl. to Happy Cairns.]
 
GameOfChampions
  
   Leaders
 
Warriors
 
Defiant    
 Mor 18 
 
 Spoiler: Chronarch 
At the risk of repeating myself a Tyrant uses the reason of not NEEDING to ask permission to take what is someone else's.

Since you have been making it clear that is not you we will explicitly state we are not interested in trading heists at this point and thank you for a warning about the importance of our heist to the future. We will deal with the heist promptly and with hopefully enough force to make sure it does not lead to any 'future concerns' that you may have.

If you decide that isn't good enough and come anyway I'll blast you on social media all over the city that the 'Time Tyrants' few weeks of friendliness and heroics was a front to get what he wanted. It may even lead to some unfortunate reactions of my own.

So I think it best we stay in our own lanes for the time being. If you would like to negotiate access to the bank next week or possibly even another heist we can address that then, after I see you don't ignore our demands and do as you please.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
We arent interested in trading at this time and if you coem anysay we'll take it as an aggressive action done against us.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Vox Populi 
Hello,

This turn we're very a little busy preparing for inevitable exposure of betrayels factions tried to get away with in the kraken fight. We already have claims of betrayal and some evidence filtering in.

However if we do our preparations now we should be able to contribute to the Nexus project next week. Aspect will lead a dozen squads to help and work beside the AG.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bone Rattlers 
Well we can't exactly divulge such information when your spreading the ability to read comunication all across the city.

Will you be fine. Probably? Kinda depends on where our actions take us even within our own territories.
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=14].


 
 Spoiler: To Birdwatch &amp; Bone Rattlers 


I'm not bothering with separate messages, since Birdwatch's most recent announcement and the Bone Rattler's own admission confirm that you can read not only this, but Vox Populi's messages.

To that end - I am deeply concerned with what Birdwatch has stated about the Freedom Assembly's actions, and I want to have the full picture. For whichever of you is willing to give me access to your Espionage this current (ending) week so that I can read either only the Freedom Assembly's messages, or using your full complement of Espionage for all factions, I will pay it back with interesting strategic information next week, or actual resources now. Let me know.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Bloodborn 


I see. When I ignore demands and do as I please - something I haven't done since the parade, and even that was arguable - it's tyranny. When you do the same, or make unilateral choices for the city, it's not. Thank you for clearing that up.

I'm disappointed, since this was a reasonable, fair ask in a polite manner for the sake of the future. But ultimately that is your choice.
 

 
St. Justicar
 
  “It appears that my surprise announcement has already been leaked to the press. A pity, but the show must go on.”   The Maestro tried valiantly to conceal the annoyance in her voice as she spoke to the impromptu livestream. Valiantly, but not particularly successfully.   “Besides, the little bird who so  rudely  attempted to publicize my plans does my preference for the particular offer I should accept much easier!  
  “And so, for all those zealous connoisseurs of culture who call Zephyr City home, I invite you to attend a concert on our most avian avenues. You can look forward to enjoying avante garde innovations in the intermixing of instrumentals with all manner of birdsong and, I’m sure, some inspired innovations from yours truly as events require.”

“I would like Agent Finch to understand that I bear her and her avian accessories no personal animus. The simple fact is, show business is still  business . If anyone would like to make their own bid in the next few hours, I am all ears. Until then, or otherwise, I bid you all adieu!”  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Publicly announcing that the Maestro will be attacking territory 14.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eversion, Morale 5 


A slight addendum - we will take payment in Weird, not Eco, if it's not too late to change?
 
neriractor
 
 Morale: 5 
 
 Spoiler: Freedom Assembly 
Jikes, I think we misunderstood each other.

Secrets for me are hidden things, something you'd only find digging deep and greedily, like say, whatever that nexus control actually does when is done. What people talk? I hear about that with my coffee, whitout even trying, and I trade it to the blind like any old aid. You saw the deals I was making, you saw what they entailed, and didn't mention  anything   about canceling them or due compensation, which seems like an A-ok to me but  I  guess  that's my bad. There is, of course, the possibility that your due compensation is just stalling force of arms... And if that's the case, I know a guy who sells badges and patrols, if you want to get the proper set up for  that  particular larp. (Hate that I know that word, freaking Jetti)

If you want nothing you say to ever be included in the network (as is my deal with the birdwatch) then we can talk about that. I do want to be friends. But friends are equals though, and we may need to workshop what that means for the both of us.

Regards,
Jhonny Gunn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bloodborn 
That's damn vague, but valid point, so I guess I'll take it, we can make that null coverage Vox Populi wide, is gonna cost ya though.

You know, we hardly talk but I'd like to fix that, so here is a topic I just randomly came up with, can you imagine if people were hiring foreign maniacs to attack large swaths of town? You know, like that Game Master thing you felt entitled to crack people's head about? Messed up I say. Can you imagine if it was  even worse  this time, say, because the streets are flooded with refugees? just something for your thoughts to nibble on.
 

 
 Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative 
Why Chrony, how  delightfully  rare for you to approach me for once,

Shame is for the usual business. I have taken a bit of a laxer approach to meddling in the city's overall affairs, would be a bit of a hypocrite if I didn't after spending so much time in your turf.

Now I can't speak for the agents (I wouldn't want to right now either, hear they are in trouble) or if they mind the encroachment, but as it refers to us, do as you please, you have free reign, and do pay a visit if you are around town. We can settle on a price later.

Yours,
Dashing Dynamo.

P.S: I wasn't sure if I belonged in the funeral, given I didn't go to Starlit City but I'm real glad I did, you are quite the looker aren't you?
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=14].


 
 Spoiler: To the Bone Rattlers 


Thanks, I'll remember this.
 

 
 Spoiler: To the Freedom Assembly 


I thought that Birdwatch were misrepresenting the situation, but they're not. You are actively soliciting violence on a week where the city is flooded with refugees. There's no redeeming this. It would maybe, maybe be forgivable if you were the ones being violent - and even then, you'd be willingly putting refugees at risk. This, though? What an outcry about caring for the people.

Avante Guarde, you going to defend this too? Do the ends justify the broken and bloodied refugees?

Bloodborne? Silence? Is hurting refugees good in your book, so long as there isn't a scary time traveller you can continuously blame?

As far as I'm concerned, the Freedom Assembly is responsible for any innocents who get hurt this week by the Orchestra. The blood of those refugees is on your hands.

You can forget about collaboration on the Nexus. You can forget about collaboration on anything. How is this not everything Vox Populi is supposed to stand against?
 

 
 Spoiler: To Happy Cairns 


Just so you know, the Freedom Assembly offered [20 Econ] for the Orchestra to hit someone that wasn't me, you, or Vox Populi - on a week that the city is flooded with refugees, knowing this would put them in harm's way. They are not only possibly knowingly putting innocents in harms' way of their own volition, they are actively incentivizing the Orchestra hitting another faction, and putting innocents in the firing line as a consequence. I would strongly suggest you avoid donating to them or any member of Vox Populi this week - I don't think this sort of behaviour should be rewarded, do you?
 

 
Feathersnow
 
 
 Spoiler:  Chronal Imperative, Mor 10 

An old MockingJay hurts out the Chronarch:

"I realize this is kind of cheap, but, if you are pulling out if the Nexus Project, would you consider loaning us the [T. MOR] you were going to send to Freedom Assembly?  It never hurts to ask?  It goes without saying that the more you send, the more likely we are able to repay in the future?
 
Let'sGetKraken
 
 All messages encrypted at Morale[ERROR.NULLVALUE=14].

 
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
 
  
 Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry 
 
Just so you know, the Freedom Assembly offered [20 Econ] for the  Orchestra to hit someone that wasn't me, Happy Cairns, or Vox Populi - on a week  that the city is flooded with refugees, knowing this would put them in  harm's way. I figured this might change the calculations on your end. I'm not personally taking action against this at this time - after all, the Orchestra are the ones who proposed this - but the Freedom Assembly has lost all goodwill they've earned, and unless the Bloodborn and Avante Guarde break off the alliance, the same goes for them as well. I've let Happy Cairns know as well.

Given that I called them out on this quite harshly, they might come after me this week. You mind if I hold onto that [4 Strength]? I can repay you with strategic knowledge next week.  
 
 
 
 
 
 Spoiler: To the Birdwatch 


Sure. As a thank-you for letting us read everyone's communications - and therefore exposing what the Freedom Assembly is doing - you can have [8 Morale] this turn for defensive purposes.
 

 