Chapter 3D2 Power Struggle

Year 31

“When are they supposed to arrive again?” you ask.
“Um, lesee… the ECS rep is supposed to be here tomorrow by carriage.” Warts says.
“Okay. It’s been what, like a decade that they haven’t taken an interest in this place ever since they lost their chapter here, now all of a fucking sudden I’m receiving letters and having to meet with their reps.”
“Better dat den assassin blades.”
“I guess. Just wondering why now all of a sudden.”
“Maybe itz our expansion inta Jicol? We’s startin’ ta get bigger, dat shit kinda draws tenshun. Probably shoulda stayed small.”
“It was a risk, I suppose. Then again they might have fucked with us anyway. At least now we’re a little stronger. Speaking of which, maybe we should get some of Gloom’s people here tonight as extra security until this visit is over. Might as well put that alliance we have to good use.”
“Grh, I still don’t trust dem shadow guyz. Dey used ta be allied wit da Syndicate.”
“Yeah. I know their faith is for the most part still chummy with the Syndicate, but ever since Shade split from the main faith, this particular temple seems to be independent and follow its own agenda. I guess we can get a feel of where their alliances lie at least. Sort of wish Vera was still around sometimes as an extra pair of hands and eyes, but she’s more useful in Jicol. I think she needed the change of scenery anyway.”
“How iz things dere anyway?”
“Last message I got from her she said there weren’t any problems. Even starting to recruit a few of the locals there, which is good so we don’t have to send any more people from here. Not to mention the profit she sent last month was the biggest yet.”
“You ever think she’s skimmin’?”
“Vera? Nah, but I’m sure she’s probably running something on the side for herself. Which is fine by me if she is. I’d rather have her overlooking things there than anyone else.”

Later you go to the Temple of Fel to speak with Gloom about extra back up. Gloom as usual is always willing to assist you. You’ve always felt Gloom was way too friendly to be a Felian (Even his name is ironic) but better cordial than hostile you suppose.

One thing you have noticed is that over the years, the Felians aren’t quite the disciplined shadowy priests they once were. Not to say they wouldn’t be formidable in a fight, but they definitely aren’t like how they were under their previous leadership. Gloom wasn’t even aware that the Syndicate was visiting. For a group that’s generally known for being masters of secrets and such, they seem a bit out of the loop nowadays.

After coming to an agreement with Gloom, you leave the temple and make your way back to your headquarters.

The next day the ECS representative arrives. As mentioned in the correspondence to you, you meet in a “neutral” location at a tavern called the Bloody Bandit (Warts was right, why don’t more of these places have inviting names?)

You arrive with a few of the larger hobgoblins by your side. You weren’t sure at first, but letting some of Wart’s “buddies” from the Spiderfang tribe join was a good idea. They aren’t as big as an ogre or as muscular as an orc but they’re just as ugly and mean enough to intimidate most.

You look around and notice that at least one of Gloom’s people is here. There might be more, but if they are, they must be better at hiding themselves. In any case, you’re satisfied that you have an advantage if it comes to a fight.

Then you see who can only be who you’re supposed to meet. A well dressed man with a thin mustache sitting all by himself and not looking very concerned about his surroundings. The fact that he’s here by himself speaks of his confidence that he’s either powerful enough to survive whatever you might have in store, or the consequences of him will be so severe that you won’t even try. He’s not drinking anything, but when he sees you he nods and waves you over. You tell your hobgoblin retinue to wait nearby and mentally prepare yourself.

You sit down and the man briefly smiles.

“Well, right on time. Always a good sign when someone is punctual. When I noticed the shadow blades come in here, I thought for a moment you were using some sort of weak psychological intimidation tactic and try to make me sweat while you came in late. Though I suppose you’re just more concerned with security given your green buddies over there. Hobs are an unusual choice though. We usually use ogres or orcs, but then you use the savages you got access to right? I can appreciate a man who improvises. In any case, my name is Percy and I’m sure you want to get to it.”
“I do like to be direct.”
“So I’ve heard. Oh I’ve heard a lot about you actually. Don’t know everything about you of course, but that’s okay, a little mystery is always welcome. What do you say about mystery?”
“Not a fan of it. I sort of prefer to know everything I can, so I’m not caught off guard.”
“Heh, and I knew that about you too! Maybe you’re not so mysterious, but that’s okay too!”

Percy pats your hand from across the table in his enthusiasm. Honestly, you don’t know if the guy is flirting with you at this point. Maybe it’s a tactic to try to make you uncomfortable, whatever it is, you stay stoic.

“So what is it that the Syndicate wishes of the Nocturnal League?” you ask.
“Ah that is the question isn’t it? What DOES the Syndicate want? I bet ever since you heard from us, you’ve been wondering. Is this a threat? Is this a deal? Is this an alliance? Is it a prelude to an attack? What COULD it be? Why has the Syndicate suddenly taken an interest in Holgard again after it abandoned it a decade ago? Well? Do YOU have any ideas?” Percy asks.
“I’m a cynic so I’m guessing you’re here to say you’re taking over and this is my one warning to get out of the way. At best, you’ll want me to still stick around. At worst, you’ve probably already poisoned me when you touched my hand.”

Percy laughs out loud.

“You my friend have a very interesting imagination! I assure you, if we wanted you dead, we wouldn’t even be talking right now. You are partially correct though.” Percy says.
“You’re taking over.” You remark.
“No. Well not directly. We DO want you to stick around though. You see, we have done a little research on you. We know you came here years ago, we also know you were part of the Thieves’ Guild here before that and were instrumental in its destruction which THEN led to you being part of the Syndicate chapter here. Before Rook apparently blundered and cocked everything up. During all that time though, up until you created this Nocturnal League, you at your core were a thief. A good one though from what I’ve heard.”
“Don’t get to do it much anymore.”
“Mm, so to sum up, we have a simple thief who survived the destruction of not one, but two organizations that held the most sway in the underworld here. You then went on to create your own organization, which is now the only game in town. You also apparently managed to leverage an alliance with the Temple of Fel here. That is an interesting one considering the faithful of Fel and the Syndicate have been allies for many decades. Intertwined one might even say.”
“This group is a little different.”
“Indeed. I believe the High Shadow back in Delantium has had some issues with this particular branch in general, but that’s an internal matter on their end. In any case back to you, it’s all very impressive for someone of humble origins and very unusual how it all seemed to work out in your favor. One might even think you planned everything… well either that or you had the gods on your side.”
“Never really planned to be in the position I’m currently in and the only god I’ve ever gave a few words to is Yag and even then not much.”
“Well, then he must be rolling well for you every time. Perhaps it is luck that drives success in this city after all. Strategy, logic and even simple might seem to eventually fail in this city. This place is has always been problematic ever since the late Baron Vlad Varsakken declared his independence from Delantium. Even when we had a chapter here, it was always the least profitable of all of our holdings even with all the corruption going on, so when the leadership finally collapsed here and the rest of the lower ranks scattered to the winds. People higher than myself decided to wash their hands of the whole thing, not unlike the Delantium Kingdom did before I guess. However, things change and one of those changes is you sharing in your obvious success.”

And here it is, the shakedown.

“I can see by your face you aren’t pleased with that last statement, but I think you should look upon it as a compliment. Just think, YOU managed to do what the Syndicate could not. You made a success here with no competition and you built it all from the ground up. Granted you did use some of our people and even altered our product…Purple Wish? Come on, we all know that’s just an inferior version of Blue Dream, but it’s probably for the best that you didn’t try to rip us off directly. We might have very well sent assassins in that case.” Percy says.
“I had considered that, hence why I suggested changing the formula.” You say.
“See always thinking! Which is why a direct take over wouldn’t be as efficient. I mean why come in here and stomp about establishing our dominance and wasting manpower and resources when you’re here? A perfectly reasonable and intelligent man more than capable of running things and knowing to give us our due.”
“Also knowing I don’t have choice in the matter either.”
“But there is ALWAYS choice! I just know you’ll make the right one! I’m going to give you a sum and you can tell me if it’s fair or rip it up. What you can’t do is negotiate though. I’m afraid I’m not here to do that.”

With this statement, Percy suddenly takes a small piece of parchment out of his pocket and moves it across the table. You take it and look at it.

It’s not unreasonable, but it’s not exactly something you’d be looking forward to paying every month. Especially when you’re already kicking bribes to the Holgard government.

Still, you’re getting a lot of leeway all things considered. For now you’re going to accept. You can always figure something out later.

“Very well I accept.” You say.
“Good! I knew you would! You didn’t get where you are by being an idiot! Now that business is over, I’m going to be in the city a few more days before coming to see you again for the first payment. Now I know you’re a busy man with busy people, so I don’t expect you lot to see to me and I’m more than capable of protecting myself. However, I would like some suggestions on where all the good spots to have fun and unwind are here.”

After giving Percy some suggestions he shakes your hand and thanks you before leaving. As for you, you don’t feel like going back to work right away either. You dismiss your hob crew and tell the Felians to just go back to whatever it is they do since you just want a moment by yourself (Even if you are still in a tavern)

While you’re racking your brain on how to deal with this new situation, you get another visitor.

“Tough day in the underworld?”

You look and see a woman in Dorna robes. It’s been awhile, but you recognize her immediately. It’s Heather.

“Heather? This is unexpected. How did you know I was even here?” You say.
“Magic is a very handy thing to be skilled in when locating someone. I’ve been meaning to see you for a while now. In fact I was coming to see you today and I’m glad I caught you when I did since it seems like you’ve been meeting with others. Like that man from the Syndicate.” Heather remarks.
“You seem to have a lot of interest in me all of a sudden. Is this personal, or did Elder Flynn send you on behalf of your temple?”
“Oh this is temple business, but Elder Flynn didn’t send me. In fact he’s no longer in charge. I am.”
“I see. Did you…”
“Kill him? Oh no. There was a large magical disturbance last year at a known wizard’s home miles outside Holgard. An old acquaintance of the Elder actually. Flynn, myself and several other high ranking members went to investigate and let’s just say it didn’t go well and I was the only survivor. However it did mean there was now need of a new leader and since I still was the most experienced. I took charge. Well, took charge of the few that remained of our order at least.”
“Hm. Didn’t know that. Then again you lot are always insular so I just assumed you were being bookworms as usual and never leaving your temple. I’m surprised you told me that your temple isn’t as strong as it once was. Still, I would have thought the Felians would at least have knowledge of this and been all over it, but then they’re hardly the order they once were too.”
“You’re right about that one, in fact that’s why I’m proposing you need a new ally and abandon your old ones.”
“New ally…wait…what, your people?”
“Why not? We’ve worked together before and obviously I trust you enough to reveal my temple’s status to you.”
“Yes, which is why I’m less than enthused. I mean no offense, but if your order only mainly consists of you and a few acolytes now, why would I abandon the Felians for you lot? This seems like you’re just wanting to wipe out the Felians and you need my numbers to help you do it. And why now anyway? You two haven’t had any problems. Even during the faith war here, you two didn’t have any trouble.”
“Because the Felians DO know that we’re currently weak and they’ve already been conspiring to finish us off. Why they haven’t revealed such info to your organization I couldn’t say. Perhaps they felt that this didn’t concern you or you wouldn’t care. However, the shadow lurking fools are as you say, definitely not the order they once were. Even with our lesser strength we’ve already fought off several assassination attempts. Still, it’s only a matter of time before they DO ask for assistance and that’s most likely going to be you…or the Syndicate. They are back in this city are they not?”

Now this meeting just became a little more serious. Heather seems to know a lot about your situation, but then given that she’s got magic coming out her ass, you aren’t that surprised.

“Yes, they are. What are you exactly proposing Heather?” you ask.
“The Fel temple is rogue in many ways. I don’t propose to be an expert on their beliefs, but even I know that by breaking with its long time Syndicate alliance, it is only a matter of time before they are reabsorbed back into their faith’s proper doctrine. That’s either going to happen because we will eventually manage to do enough harm that they’ll beg for help from their father temple in Delantium or they’ll slowly be forced back into submission when the Syndicate eventually starts pushing their weight here. That is what they’re doing aren’t they?” Heather says.
“Somewhat…yes.”
“My proposal is this. WE ally against the Felians. They aren’t going to expect an attack from you and you probably know when and where best to strike. We will provide back up of course to minimize the losses. In return you get allies that are much more powerful in the ways of magic and aren’t likely to backstab you in the future. Our goal aren’t the same, but don’t conflict either, so I’d say that already makes us better than the Felians.”
“For the sake of argument, let’s say I agree to this. I still don’t see how this helps me all that much. I’m going to be taking most of the risk and damage and if anything the Syndicate might get a little suspicious if I start wiping out former allies.”
“I think you and I both know they’re going to be suspicious of you anyway, but if this helps, I will personally assist you in anyway I can in any matter. I mean maybe I never said this properly years ago, but I did appreciate that you turned down Elder Flynn’s ritual suggestion. Not something I ever forgot.”

Heather looks at you with a mixture of anticipation and hopefulness. Perhaps even a bit of desperation. The fact that she’s asking you at all says to you that she’s not exactly confident that she’ll win without your help.

Honestly, you aren’t sure about all this. While Heather has brought up some concerning points. The Felians ARE your allies and granted in this business such things can be fleeting, you start stabbing them in the back and where does it end? You also aren’t so sure about replacing a solid known ally with an uncertain one, especially if they aren’t exactly any better than the ones you have.

Gloom also hasn’t really ever given you any reason to suddenly turn on him. Unless you’re going to count the fact that his people never said they were waging a private war to finish off the Dornans. Then again, maybe Gloom considered it an internal matter and didn’t feel the need to bother you with it.

And the Syndicate just complicates matters. How are they going to react or will they even care at all? Percy did mention the temple here was frowned upon by the faithful in Delantium. Maybe it wouldn’t matter if you wiped them out.
> You stay with Gloom
It’s a tempting offer, but if you double cross everyone you’re going to soon find yourself with enemies on all sides.

“I appreciate you being up front with me with this offer and perhaps under better circumstances, I’d be more than happy to have you as allies, but think about it. If I backstab the Felians so easily after being allied with them, would you ever truly trust me?” you say.

Heather’s look of hopefulness drops.

“No. No I suppose I wouldn’t. But…I’m sure you wouldn’t really want us as enemies.” Heather says,
“Well that sounds like a threat.” You say.
“It wasn’t! That’s not how I meant it! I just mean, if you’re allied with the Felians, then we’re going to eventually butt heads and I’d rather not have to fight you for practical and personal reasons.”
“Well as you know the Felians haven’t come to us for help. The best I can do if they do ask for help is tell them that their little war with you is their own affair and not in the best business interest of the League. What happens after that…well I’ll still be here to assist the survivors should they need it.”
“That’s very…pragmatic of you. Though I suppose your word that you at least won’t help the Felians is the best I can hope for. Very well, I shall leave you to your business. Good day.”

Heather leaves and you’re finally left alone. It’s been a busy day.
A couple days pass and the time to meet up with Percy is at hand and you haven’t been looking forward to it.

You meet Percy at the same tavern with the payment. Once again he’s very friendly.

“On time as usual. Very glad that you value promptness as I am in a bit of a hurry. I believe I may have had too much fun here and I should be getting back. I thank you for your suggestions on where to go.” Percy says.
“No problem, so will you be back next month at this time?” you ask.
“Probably not me, but someone will. Probably of much lesser importance of course. I was just here this time to extend the hand and make the deal as it were. Still glad we came to one.”
“Yes, I agree. Better for business all around.”
“Yes! Yes exactly!”
“Anyway, I have your payment. It’s right outside loaded on that carriage you probably passed on your way in here.”
“Yes, I trust the correct amount is in those chests. I mean I’m sure it is, but I think you know the issues that would occur if that wasn’t the case.”
“Yes, I’m quite aware.
“Good, and with that, our business is concluded. I bid you good day and wish you well in your future endeavors, especially if it’s going to make the Syndicate money!”

Percy stands up, shakes your hand and leaves.

You’re really going to hate this new arrangement. You send a message off to Vera explaining the situation.

Over the next few months, you start to really hate it as you start to feel the crunch of not having that extra surplus anymore. It’s not really much of a problem for you personally per say, but the rest of the League members aren’t exactly happy paying more dues as it were.

In fact when the Felians actually come to you for assistance on wiping out the Dornans, you legitimately have an excuse that you can’t spare the people and it’s not cost effective to do so. As expected Gloom is not very happy with you not helping, though you point out that you’re not happy that he just suddenly sprung this on you and attempt to deflect the blame by claiming he was keeping secrets from you about his private war with the Dornans.

The ultimate results of that skirmish is eventual defeat of the Dornans, though with a very high cost to the Felians. The Felians wind up having less numbers than the Dornans had when the faction war was restarted. Little more than a handful and Gloom isn’t counted among them any longer.

The new leader Dusk doesn’t even renew contact with you and instead the temple returns to an isolationist mindset, keeping to themselves. You guess you’ve lost the Felians as an ally, but you’re not quite concerned about that given how low their numbers are.

Around this time you get a message back from Vera who expresses concern about the new developments with the Syndicate.

She goes on to say that she’ll be in Holgard in a few months with her usual cut. She says when she gets there you and her should speak more on this since it’s a conversation that should take place in person.

You’ll be looking forward to her thoughts on this matter since while things haven’t gone to complete shit yet, you get the impression it won’t be long.
> You time passes...
Year 32

It’s been awhile, but it’s good to see Vera again even if she’s just here for a visit. She’s got some strong opinions on some of the changes that have happened recently though.

“I’m not sure if staying neutral was the best decision. We probably should have directly helped the Felians. They were our allies after all and now we don’t have any.” Vera says.
“We still have an understanding with the Baroness. So, we’re not that bad off.” You say.
“I suppose, but…”
“But what?”
“Well that’s something I need to talk to you about because it could possibly affect the League.”
“Well guess I better hear it then.”

Vera takes a drink of the rum she’s brought with her from Jicol before continuing.

“Okay, I guess I’ll start at the beginning. Let’s see…what do you know of Peter Varsakken? Youngest son of Vlad.” Vera asks.
“Um, nothing actually. Didn’t know there was another one of Vlad’s spawn running around. Wait, is this another one of his bastards, like you?” you ask with a smirk.
“Oh no. He’s very much legitimate. It’s just that after he had a disagreement with his father and fled the city, all records were pretty much erased of him. He’s basically been living in exile in the Delantium Kingdom. Peter’s disagreement with his father involved the whole breaking away from the Delantium Kingdom in the first place. Peter was the only one who saw it as treason and remained loyal to Delantium. Over the years Peter has been trying to amass an army to take back the city.”
“It’s my understanding that the Delantium Kingdom hasn’t exactly been in a big hurry to retake this place. I mean it’s been decades hasn’t it?”
“Well they’ve been sort of busy with other things, like their recent war with Nichan for example. While the ruling class over there doesn’t want to spend their resources and treasury to take this place back, they certainly won’t turn down someone else willing to do the job, and that’s where Peter comes in. He’s of noble birth, loyal to the kingdom and would be an excellent governor for this city and absorb it back into Delantium’s fold.”
“I see, and how do you know all this?”
“The captain who brought me here, Zamed has been privateering for the Delantium Kingdom. He was contacted by Peter who is still trying to amass a conquering force of men and ships to take back his birthright. In fact Zamed is supposed to be organizing the majority of a flotilla of Hessla privateers”
“And you trust this pirate?”
“Of course not, but I trust the fact that I know how to lay it down good enough that he told me all this stuff in the bedroom without me even asking.”
“Okay, I don’t need details on that part.”
“Anyway, Peter’s been at this for years ever since he got exiled. He’s suffered many set backs in his quest to retake Holgard. Every time he’s been on the verge of being ready, something has happened. This was partially thanks to the Ebony Claw Syndicate sabotaging his efforts in Delantium, and sometimes even the Temple of Fel would hinder his efforts as well. However, since things have changed drastically over the years in this city, he’s in the best position he’s ever been in to retake this place.”
“What makes you think he won’t get sabotaged again by either group? I mean the Ebony Claw might not have a direct presence here, but they’re still making some coin from us. Same is somewhat true of the Felians, though different reasons. They’re allies with the ECS, so they tend to help them and it isn’t like the Felian Temple here is our enemy even if they aren’t aligned or in any position to do anything in the first place.”
“Perhaps, but I’m just not sure if the Baroness is a sure thing in the future. If Peter invades and assuming the League here survives the chaos of it, from what I’ve heard Peter is lot more of a law and order fanatic than his father and siblings. He’s going to re-establish Delantium law here and that means a whole lot less freedom.”
“So you think I should make a deal with this Peter Varsakken?”
“Heh, if I thought that might help, I might suggest it, but even if that was successful, you’re still kicking a hell of a lot of coin to not just the Holgard government in bribes, but to the ECS for their cut as well. And that will be true even if Peter doesn’t invade Holgard or fails.”
“So what are you suggesting?”

Vera touches you hand.

“Leave here and come to Jicol.” Vera says.
“What? I can’t do that, I got shit to run here. Who am I going to leave in charge? Warts?”
“Leave whoever you want in charge. I’m suggesting that you completely abandon Holgard. I dunno, maybe make a deal with the Syndicate. Hand Holgard over to them as a one time pay off to not be taxed anymore. Our territory can be Jicol and they can have the rest. Seems like they might go for that.”
“That would be severe pay cut and I’m not fond of the idea of running away.”
“Oh come on, that’s pride talking. Fuck pride. I mean this place is potentially standing in the way of a shitstorm and I’d rather pull you out of its direction. And while it might be a drop in coin, trust me we do just fine in Jicol. We’ll do even better if we aren’t paying off the Syndicate anymore too.”
“Hmm, I’m interested in just HOW well you’re doing in Jicol. I mean I figured you were always holding back a bit.”
“What?! I’ll have you know that I’ve NEVER skimmed off the top! While it is true much coin has been made under my management of the League, you’ve always gotten your cut! However…if you decide to come to Jicol, you may as well know, I do have a side business for my own independent of the League.”
“Of your own, what would…”

You suddenly know immediately what Vera is engaged in.

“…oh wait. Shit. You’re in the slave trade again aren’t you?”

Vera’s hand doesn’t move away from yours, instead she just squeezes yours a bit more.

“I know! I know! I should have told you sooner, but it seemed cowardly in a letter and I felt I should at least tell you in person! I know you’re not fond of slavery, but the location and demand was too good to pass up in Jicol. I’d be a fool if I didn’t excel in something I was skilled in.”
“Well I suppose I can’t fault you for that. (Sigh)”
“You aren’t yelling and screaming, I trust you’re not mad?”
“No. I mean I’m hardly in a position to judge on any moral grounds and I don’t even give a shit about the extra coin you’re making. It’s just…I dunno. Slavery is just one of those things I feel…icky about. Don’t ask me why.”
“How is it any different than making some dumb ass addicted to Purple Wish? They basically become a slave to the drug.”
“The dumb asses getting addicted to Purple Wish have a choice. Look, as I said, I’m not pissed or anything like that, but if I was to come to Jicol, I’d have some strong feeling about you continuing your slave trade business. In any case I’m still not convinced that I should just run away. Speaking with Peter Varsakken would at least be a better idea, though I’m not exactly sure how I’d go about setting up a meeting with him…wait a minute, that pirate of yours Zamed. He wouldn’t happen to be meeting him anytime soon would he?”
“I believe he’s going to meet him after he leaves. In fact he tried to convince me that I should go with him, but I didn’t see much point with the League attempting to ally with Peter for the same reasons I told you.”
“Hmm, maybe I should go with him and try to meet with Peter. Feel him out and see if there is any potential there.”
“I dunno. That really seems like a bad idea. I really wish you would just come to Jicol instead.”

It’s apparent that Vera’s desire for you to go to Jicol is more than just pragmatic reasons. The girl is obviously carrying feelings for you. Always has most likely. If things were different, you might be more inclined to jump at the chance, but this fucking curse is sort of preventing you from such a thing, but that’s not really your immediate concern right now.

Still, you aren’t totally dismissing that idea. Vera usually has good instincts about this sort of thing so it might very well be a good idea to get the hell out of Holgard.

Then again, there’s no certainty that Peter’s even going to win, assuming he even invades in the first place. It would be pretty wasteful to just abandon everything you built here.
> You leave Holgard
Making impulsive decisions based on other people’s suggestions isn’t something you normally do, but things here in Holgard have been one headache after another. Even if everything involving this potential invasion goes well, what’s going to be the next major incident? A freak tidal wave destroying the city?

Seems like there is always some major shit going on in Holgard that affects the whole damn place and you’re starting to wonder if it isn’t just you that’s cursed, but the whole fucking city.

Fuck it, why not? Maybe it’s time for a change.

“Vera, okay. I’ll come to Jicol.” You say.
“I didn’t think you’d actually listen to me about this.” Vera says with a smile.
“Yeah well, I’m starting to re-examine things going on in my life and cutting down on potential problems even at great cost is a lot more inviting everyday. However, I obviously still can’t just pick up a leave, I need to get shit together first. Might take a few weeks considering that I have to contact the Syndicate and who knows how long they’ll take to get back with me, though I’m hoping fairly quick if I’m telling them about handing over Holgard to them.”
“Oh of course. The rumors about Peter’s invasion are he won’t be ready for another year at least.”
“Hm, well in any case, I’m still going to try to speed this up with the Syndicate. After that, then I can get the hell out of this city.”

Vera at this point goes on about how she’s glad that you’re doing this. She also apologizes if she over stepped a boundary by touching your hand the way she did since she’s aware of your whole “not fucking co-workers” policy. She goes on to say that she just sometimes feels very close to you and probably due to not seeing you for awhile combined with all the mess that’s been going on caused her to briefly display greater affection. She says it won’t happen again.

You aren’t sure about Vera’s feelings towards you or her slave trading, but you can address those later when you get there. The first major step is negotiating with the Syndicate since you aren’t sure if they’re actually going to let you walk away or not. If they don’t, well that might put a crimp in your plans.

You soon say goodbye to Vera and start getting things in order. The Syndicate rep should be by in another week, you figure you can tell him directly that you wish to speak with someone higher up on the food chain about turning your holdings over.

When that day comes, the rep doesn’t give you much argument about it and states that he will report this to his superiors immediately since he’s sure that they will be very interested. He anticipates that you will probably get a message for a meeting time soon after he reports to them.

While you’re waiting for that meeting, you keep going back and forth on when you should tell your own people about this. You figure that you should probably at least wait until after the meeting since it doesn’t do any good getting them in a tizzy if things don’t work out. You anticipate that it’s going to be a mixed reaction at best.

Still, there is one person you tell since you figure they deserve to know.

“Geez, didn’t expect dat.” Wartz says.
“You pissed?” you ask.
“Pissed? Nah. I mean I sort of had a feelin’ sumthin’ like dis wuz comin. Shit in Holgard never stays stable fer long. Best ta get out now if dere’s gonna be an invasion.”
“You could come to Jicol, it isn’t like the League is disappearing. It’s just relocating.”
“Naw, too far an’ I don’t wanna be on sum ship. Just thinkin’ about bein surrounded by water makes me queasy. I guess I’m gonna just look inta opening up that trading post in Spiderfang territory like Snuffit suggested I do not too long ago. Probably should be closer ta family anywayz.”
“Well I certainly wish you luck if that’s what you’re going to do.”
“Luck? Got dat shit in abundance as long as I keep Yag’s faith. I suggest you do the same. An’ I’d also suggest dat youz just leave and not tell anyone else when da time comes.”
“What, seriously?”
“Yeah seriously. You’ll have a fuckin’ riot on yer hands as soon as you break da news. Sum are gonna feel betrayed. Sum don’t like the Syndicate. Others are gonna be tryin’ ta take power. An all doze hobs you recruited? Theys just gonna be confused. Let da Syndicate handle the mess. I mean I trust dat Vera’s already got people in Jicol right? Not like you need any of them from here anyway.”
“So take off like a thief in the night then, I suppose I can do that. This is actually starting to sound easier and easier now. I’m just hoping that my meeting with the Syndicate goes well.”

In a few days you get a message delivered to you from the ECS. It says that someone will meet you at the Blood Bandit in another week. You get the impression you know who that’s going to be.

A week passes and sure enough while you’re waiting at the Bloody Bandit, Percy comes walking in. He’s as upbeat as he was the last time you met with him. He sits down and immediately orders a drink.

“Ah here on time as always. Glad to see you continue with that habit. And I also see that you’ve brought no other protection with you either for this meeting. Very interesting that you should be so trusting, but then your relationship with the Syndicate has been a cordial one so why should there be animosity?” Percy says.
“I want out.” You reply.
“Excuse me?”
“I want out, and I’m willing to give up Holgard to the Syndicate completely in order to get out.”

Percy sits back with a intrigued look on his face.

“I see. Well this is slightly different bit of business than I thought you had in mind. I thought perhaps you wanted to try to renegotiate our payment terms or perhaps ask for assistance in expanding to Klyton. A complete surrender of one’s business to us without any force or influence at all is extremely rare. May I ask, why you’re doing it?”
“Does it matter?”
“It may, because for all we know you might have some hidden agenda.”
“There’s no agenda, I’m just getting sick of this fucking city. I’m also sick of paying off the Syndicate. Since you consider this your territory anyway, you might as well have the headache of running it, because I’m done.”
“Once you’re in this game, you don’t easily get out like you’re proposing, but I don’t think you’re leaving anyway. The Syndicate is well aware that you have part of your organization on Jicol. We thought about expanding there ourselves on occasion.”
“Okay, let’s talk plain then. I’m handing over Holgard and ALL its holdings to you directly. That means you can take all the profits from here, influence shit how you see fit and probably do a much better job than I ever could. In exchange, you leave Jicol to the Nocturnal League.”
“And why would we leave Jicol alone?”
“Because we’re not a damn threat? We’ve never been a threat.”
“Maybe the Nocturnal League by itself isn’t a threat, but YOU on the other hand…I dunno…you have a reputation. I mean while this all looks advantageous to us, something about letting you run off to an island while you plot and scheme away from our immediate attention, well that seems fairly dangerous. Maybe you can’t do anything to us now, but who can say in the years to come? It’s best to keep and eye on you.”
“You greatly overestimate my ambition and motivation to take on an organization such as the Syndicate.”
“And you greatly underestimate our generosity and intelligence if you believe we’d just let you walk away.”

While you’re realizing this isn’t going well. Percy happily takes his drink from the barmaid.

“I don’t understand why you’re fucking with me, don’t you have an usurper to sabotage?” you blurt out getting frustrated.
“Usurper…ohhh, you know about Peter Varsakken’s plans do you? Is that the real reason why you’re leaving? Well if you were concerned that he was coming here to wreck the place you need not have been. You have my assurance that Peter will fail in his invasion as usual. Business here will not be disrupted.” Percy remarks.
“Look, I don’t really give a shit. I’m just saying that I’m OUT of Holgard regardless of that happening or not.”
“Okay. Fine. Consider this a pardon from the Syndicate. You are free to leave, but what you won’t be doing is running the Nocturnal League from Jicol. As far as the Syndicate is concerned, the Nocturnal League is just a tool for us to use as we see fit. We’ll get someone else to run it. Maybe your second in command will be more receptive, we were thinking about contacting her anyway. She was an ex-Claw after all.”
“Fuck, alright! Alright! You win, I’ll stay here. If there isn’t going to be an invasion I guess it won’t be…”
“No.” Percy says finishing off his drink.

Percy’s remark catching you off guard.

“No? No what?” you reply.
“No. You won’t be staying here. Clearly you’re unhappy in Holgard and you’re really unhappy with our business arrangement. Not really a good idea to keep someone on that’s a ball of anger and frustration. So as I said, you are a free man and the world is your oyster. I’d advise you not entering the Delantium Kingdom, Holgard or Jicol though as you are no longer welcome in ECS territory.” Percy says.

This asshole’s not even negotiating anymore.

“Well I guess concludes our business and it looks like I’m going to be staying here a little longer to sort things out. I’ll give you the day to gather your belongings and leave the city. Hmmmm, maybe I should contact that rogue Temple to Fel while I’m here too. They probably should be brought back into the fold…”

At this point Percy leaves the table and doesn’t pay any more attention to you. You can’t believe what just happened. EVERYTHING has just been stripped away from you and worse. This isn’t what you wanted and you all you can feel is that frustration and anger Percy referenced earlier.

So much so that you waste no time in standing up and pulling out your pistol with every intention of shooting Percy in the back. You know you’re going to be hunted forever by the ECS after this, but you don’t even care. They were imposing so much on your life anyway, you feel you have nothing to lose.

You empty your pistol into Percy’s back as he’s walking towards the door. The few tavern patrons run for cover and every shot hits him.

Or at least they would have if it were actually him.

Whatever shadow magic tricks he was using have fooled you completely as the shots pass right through the false image and into the solid oak door. You then feel two sharp blades thrust hard into your back. You crumple to the floor instantly.

“Thank you for that. This was a much easier course of action rather than potentially having to deal with you later down the road.”

Percy crouches down next to you as you attempt to crawl away.

“Not the most noble of ends, but still better than most in our line of work. And if it’s any consolation, Sydicate leadership was thinking about having you done away with eventually anyway. Honestly, they should have done it a long time ago, but…well I’m but a servant to a greater purpose.”

With those last words, Percy grabs you by the hair to lift your head up and slits your throat.


Year 32

It’s been awhile, but it’s good to see Vera again even if she’s just here for a visit. She’s got some strong opinions on some of the changes that have happened recently though.

“I’m not sure if staying neutral was the best decision. We probably should have directly helped the Felians. They were our allies after all and now we don’t have any.” Vera says.
“We still have an understanding with the Baroness. So, we’re not that bad off.” You say.
“I suppose, but…”
“But what?”
“Well that’s something I need to talk to you about because it could possibly affect the League.”
“Well guess I better hear it then.”

Vera takes a drink of the rum she’s brought with her from Jicol before continuing.

“Okay, I guess I’ll start at the beginning. Let’s see…what do you know of Peter Varsakken? Youngest son of Vlad.” Vera asks.
“Um, nothing actually. Didn’t know there was another one of Vlad’s spawn running around. Wait, is this another one of his bastards, like you?” you ask with a smirk.
“Oh no. He’s very much legitimate. It’s just that after he had a disagreement with his father and fled the city, all records were pretty much erased of him. He’s basically been living in exile in the Delantium Kingdom. Peter’s disagreement with his father involved the whole breaking away from the Delantium Kingdom in the first place. Peter was the only one who saw it as treason and remained loyal to Delantium. Over the years Peter has been trying to amass an army to take back the city.”
“It’s my understanding that the Delantium Kingdom hasn’t exactly been in a big hurry to retake this place. I mean it’s been decades hasn’t it?”
“Well they’ve been sort of busy with other things, like their recent war with Nichan for example. While the ruling class over there doesn’t want to spend their resources and treasury to take this place back, they certainly won’t turn down someone else willing to do the job, and that’s where Peter comes in. He’s of noble birth, loyal to the kingdom and would be an excellent governor for this city and absorb it back into Delantium’s fold.”
“I see, and how do you know all this?”
“The captain who brought me here, Zamed has been privateering for the Delantium Kingdom. He was contacted by Peter who is still trying to amass a conquering force of men and ships to take back his birthright. In fact Zamed is supposed to be organizing the majority of a flotilla of Hessla privateers”
“And you trust this pirate?”
“Of course not, but I trust the fact that I know how to lay it down good enough that he told me all this stuff in the bedroom without me even asking.”
“Okay, I don’t need details on that part.”
“Anyway, Peter’s been at this for years ever since he got exiled. He’s suffered many set backs in his quest to retake Holgard. Every time he’s been on the verge of being ready, something has happened. This was partially thanks to the Ebony Claw Syndicate sabotaging his efforts in Delantium, and sometimes even the Temple of Fel would hinder his efforts as well. However, since things have changed drastically over the years in this city, he’s in the best position he’s ever been in to retake this place.”
“What makes you think he won’t get sabotaged again by either group? I mean the Ebony Claw might not have a direct presence here, but they’re still making some coin from us. Same is somewhat true of the Felians, though different reasons. They’re allies with the ECS, so they tend to help them and it isn’t like the Felian Temple here is our enemy even if they aren’t aligned or in any position to do anything in the first place.”
“Perhaps, but I’m just not sure if the Baroness is a sure thing in the future. If Peter invades and assuming the League here survives the chaos of it, from what I’ve heard Peter is lot more of a law and order fanatic than his father and siblings. He’s going to re-establish Delantium law here and that means a whole lot less freedom.”
“So you think I should make a deal with this Peter Varsakken?”
“Heh, if I thought that might help, I might suggest it, but even if that was successful, you’re still kicking a hell of a lot of coin to not just the Holgard government in bribes, but to the ECS for their cut as well. And that will be true even if Peter doesn’t invade Holgard or fails.”
“So what are you suggesting?”

Vera touches you hand.

“Leave here and come to Jicol.” Vera says.
“What? I can’t do that, I got shit to run here. Who am I going to leave in charge? Warts?”
“Leave whoever you want in charge. I’m suggesting that you completely abandon Holgard. I dunno, maybe make a deal with the Syndicate. Hand Holgard over to them as a one time pay off to not be taxed anymore. Our territory can be Jicol and they can have the rest. Seems like they might go for that.”
“That would be severe pay cut and I’m not fond of the idea of running away.”
“Oh come on, that’s pride talking. Fuck pride. I mean this place is potentially standing in the way of a shitstorm and I’d rather pull you out of its direction. And while it might be a drop in coin, trust me we do just fine in Jicol. We’ll do even better if we aren’t paying off the Syndicate anymore too.”
“Hmm, I’m interested in just HOW well you’re doing in Jicol. I mean I figured you were always holding back a bit.”
“What?! I’ll have you know that I’ve NEVER skimmed off the top! While it is true much coin has been made under my management of the League, you’ve always gotten your cut! However…if you decide to come to Jicol, you may as well know, I do have a side business for my own independent of the League.”
“Of your own, what would…”

You suddenly know immediately what Vera is engaged in.

“…oh wait. Shit. You’re in the slave trade again aren’t you?”

Vera’s hand doesn’t move away from yours, instead she just squeezes yours a bit more.

“I know! I know! I should have told you sooner, but it seemed cowardly in a letter and I felt I should at least tell you in person! I know you’re not fond of slavery, but the location and demand was too good to pass up in Jicol. I’d be a fool if I didn’t excel in something I was skilled in.”
“Well I suppose I can’t fault you for that. (Sigh)”
“You aren’t yelling and screaming, I trust you’re not mad?”
“No. I mean I’m hardly in a position to judge on any moral grounds and I don’t even give a shit about the extra coin you’re making. It’s just…I dunno. Slavery is just one of those things I feel…icky about. Don’t ask me why.”
“How is it any different than making some dumb ass addicted to Purple Wish? They basically become a slave to the drug.”
“The dumb asses getting addicted to Purple Wish have a choice. Look, as I said, I’m not pissed or anything like that, but if I was to come to Jicol, I’d have some strong feeling about you continuing your slave trade business. In any case I’m still not convinced that I should just run away. Speaking with Peter Varsakken would at least be a better idea, though I’m not exactly sure how I’d go about setting up a meeting with him…wait a minute, that pirate of yours Zamed. He wouldn’t happen to be meeting him anytime soon would he?”
“I believe he’s going to meet him after he leaves. In fact he tried to convince me that I should go with him, but I didn’t see much point with the League attempting to ally with Peter for the same reasons I told you.”
“Hmm, maybe I should go with him and try to meet with Peter. Feel him out and see if there is any potential there.”
“I dunno. That really seems like a bad idea. I really wish you would just come to Jicol instead.”

It’s apparent that Vera’s desire for you to go to Jicol is more than just pragmatic reasons. The girl is obviously carrying feelings for you. Always has most likely. If things were different, you might be more inclined to jump at the chance, but this fucking curse is sort of preventing you from such a thing, but that’s not really your immediate concern right now.

Still, you aren’t totally dismissing that idea. Vera usually has good instincts about this sort of thing so it might very well be a good idea to get the hell out of Holgard.

Then again, there’s no certainty that Peter’s even going to win, assuming he even invades in the first place. It would be pretty wasteful to just abandon everything you built here.
> You stay in Holgard
As much as your current situation isn’t exactly the most ideal, you’re not really ready to just cut and run just yet. Not to mention you doubt if the Syndicate is going to just let you walk away even if you offered them Holgard. It’s like they say, you can’t just walk away from this life unless you’re planning on going into hiding in a far away land.

In any case, Peter’s invasion is probably going to be sabotaged again by the Syndicate since they’re going to want to protect their business here.

“Vera, thanks for the information and I’ll take steps to prepare just in case, but I’m not just abandoning Holgard unless it’s really hopeless.” You say.
“(Sigh) I figured you’d say that. Well I don’t suppose there is much more I can convince you then since you seem to be immune to my other charms. Um… sorry about touching your hand like that, I sometimes forget our boundaries. I just…worry sometimes.” Vera remarks.
“It’s fine. Anyway, looks like I’ll need to get some more hobs on the payroll.”
“What? You can’t seriously be considering hiring more hobs.”
“Well if an invasion does occur then they’re going to be my best personal defense. You wouldn’t happen to know how long before Peter gets his shit together do you?”
“The rumor is at least by next year.”
“Okay should be plenty of time to prepare. Guess that’s it then.”
“Guess so.
“You going to leave with your pirate boyfriend?”
“Who Zamed? He’s not my boyfriend, he was just a convenient dick. He’s on his way to meet with Peter anyway so I’m leaving on another ship in a few days. Tried to convince me to do so as well, but I saw no reason for that and even if I did I’d at least bring it to your attention first. I suppose you might be right about all this possibly not even panning out anyway. I probably could even help on that front by convincing some of the pirates I do business with to not join Zamed’s flotilla.”
“Certainly couldn’t hurt.”

You and Vera talk a bit more about less important matters before you eventually part ways due to having business to take care of. You see Vera one more time before she leaves where upon she says that she tells you to be careful and hugs you goodbye.

A few months pass and besides hiring more hobs, it’s pretty much business as usual. About a week after the latest visit by the Syndicate rep to pick up their cut, you get a surprising request from the Temple of Fel to meet with you. Apparently Dusk wants to speak about re-establishing an alliance.

Since it seems like a good time to boost your ranks you agree to meet though you do it on your own territory since you’re not fool enough to meet with a shadow priest with no back up.

Honestly, you don’t know much about Dusk other than he’s significantly younger than both of his predecessors that took power. When he arrives you intend on expanding your knowledge on him and what his temple has been up to lately.

As it turns out, not much. He states that he thought inward reflection might help them find greater meaning of Fel’s plan, which in turn made him realize that without allies the Temple is doomed to die a slow lingering death.

“What makes you say that? It isn’t like there are anymore religious factions in this city anymore.” You ask.
“True, but it isn’t like there are flocks of people stepping up to join us either. Religion, perhaps even the gods themselves have seemingly abandoned this city. I suppose with all the strife I can’t really blame them either. I try to keep the faith, but it’s getting harder every day.”
“So what are you getting at?”
“What I’m getting at is that while what remains of our temple may still hold Fel’s dark wisdom, the truth is, we cannot possibly continue as a congregation here. Our temple has started to fall into decay. The baroness who once was a dabbler in our faith has even abandoned us. We got a message not too long ago about a new law taxing religious organizations, which we can’t pay of course. Of course if we don’t, the government is going to just demolish our temple to build a new inn there or something.”
“Wait, are you asking the Nocturnal League for a loan?”

Dusk’s face turns to one of embarrassment.

“Sad to say, but in a sense yes. Honestly, we’re asking for a little more than that. We want you to take over our temple’s taxes just so we still have a roof over our heads. The temple has been our home for quite awhile along with having special meaning spiritually for the remainder of us, so we are very reluctant to leave it. In exchange, we will act as soldiers for the Nocturnal League. Whatever you need done, we’ll do it. I’m sure you could use our talents in your line of work. If you wish, we will even teach shadow magic to those willing to learn and have the talent.

Well this is a little different than you were expecting. You thought this was going to be a negotiation, not begging for a hand out. The temple of Fel really has fallen on hard times if they’ve been reduced to this state.

While the whole point of being a criminal is to not pay taxes to begin with, you do see the potential here. It really couldn’t hurt to have some shadow priests indebted to you especially if Peter invades.

Plus that temple could very well be used for other things.

You ask how much the taxes are which Dusk tells you and you find a little on the high side, but you’re able to do it. You actually give them the stipulation that you’re turning the temple into a new brothel (though they will still have their own living quarters) and you don’t want them preaching about Fel to any League members. You still don’t want your organization being mixed too much with religious fanaticism.

Dusk doesn’t even blink at your request, he just agrees. Truly a beaten man from a beaten organization.

In any case at least this gives you a bit of magic leverage if trouble comes your way in whatever form.

Year 33

Peter Varsakken’s invasion has been going on for a few weeks now, and so far the he’s succeeded in is destroying Ludmilla’s fleet and Holgard’s docks.

The one time you want the Ebony Claw to be effective, they slack off. So much for protecting their own interests.

Still, on the plus side, Peter’s failed miserably on getting much further mainly because he doesn’t have enough men to hold this place. Most of his mercenaries have been killed and while he does have two wizards to help him, they are literally the only thing that’s keeping him in the fight.

Ludmilla’s palace might as well be impregnable. She’s using her own elite troops and magic to protect it, which is probably a mix of shadow and whatever she managed to learn from the Dornans before they got wiped out.

As for you, you’ve mostly managed to keep away from the majority of the fighting. You’ve only taken a bit of collateral damage from a couple of your businesses getting destroyed, but that was to be expected. All in all, you’ve been doing okay.

Since it’s in your interest to not have Peter win, you’ve ordered Dusk and his friends to take out Peter’s wizards. With them out of the way things can go back to normal or as normal as they get here.

In the meantime you mostly wait around in your headquarters getting reports from people while the chaos goes on above. Warts surprisingly has stuck by your side rather than running off though he says he was sorely tempted. Things just aren’t quite grim enough for him to do it yet though.

“Hey boss, dat Dusky shadow iz at the door sayin he’s got important news about the task you sent him on.” Warts says.
“Yeah, I sent him and his people to kill Peter’s wizards. Did he do it?” you ask.
“I dunno, but he’s the only one standing outside in da sewers and he looks half dead.”
“Shit, that doesn’t sound good. Well send him in here, maybe he killed at least one of them.”

Eventually Warts returns with Dusk who indeed looks very battle worn. The robe he wears is in tatters making him look more like a begger and his skin that’s exposed is obviously burned. His face even has several fresh wounds on it.

“Shit, Warts wasn’t lying, you do look half dead.” You say.
“Better half than all.” Dusk replies while wincing a bit from his pain.
“The other Felians?”
“Yes, dead. All of them. I’m the only one who survived. I can only hope my lost brothers and sisters are with Fel now.”
“Fuck, did you at least kill one of the bastards?”
“Killed both of them. They are no longer an issue. I anticipate that Peter will have no choice but to abandon his invasion now.”

A weight is lifted when you hear this news. You were expecting Dusk to tell you something bad, so you have to ask again.

“Wait, so you were successful? You killed them both?” you ask.
“Wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” Dusk says.
“Hell yeah! This is fucking great! Warts, take the rest of the hobs here go on a street cleaning mission. There probably shouldn’t be too many of Peter’s men at this point, but the quicker these shitheads are gone, the better. Also make the rounds at all of our businesses too.”
“You want me to take even them?” Warts asks pointing at your hob bodyguards.
“Yeah, I want to speak with Dusk privately anyway.”

Warts shrugs and waves the two hobs standing nearby to come with him leaving you and Dusk alone.

“You need medical attention or something? I thin we’ve got someone with some minor skills in that field around here.” You ask.
“No, I’m good really. Shit…I just need to rest for awhile. Gather my strength again.” Dusk replies.
“Sure. Sure. Take your time. You certainly earned it. Why don’t you tell me what happened, I’m sure it was a difficult battle.”

Dusk with some effort tells you about his conflict with both of the wizards. The way he tells it is actually pretty impressive. You doubt if you could have faced two wizards like that.

As he gets towards the end of his tale he starts to sound a little better.

“That’s one hell of a tale Dusk.” You say.
“And it’s not even over yet.” Dusk says.
“Yeah, but it soon will be. Like you said, Peter will probably realize he can’t hold this place.”
“That wasn’t what I was talking about.”
“What did you mean then?”

Dusk puts one finger to his lips and says “Shhhhh”

At this point the candle light in your office goes out, immediately causing you to yell out, but no sound is made and instead you feel a blade going into you several times before you can even draw your weapon.

As you collapse on the floor, wheezing and coughing up blood, Dusk’s whispering voice can be heard.

“Fel will now forgive the transgressions of my temple for breaking away from the true faith and embrace me as a proper member of the fold. Fel will become a power once again in this city.”

You feel one more sharp stab into your body before footsteps run off and out your office door. By the time any of your people realize something is amiss, you’re dead.


Year 21

It’s amazing what changes can happen in just a year and that’s not even counting the fact that Holgard is in complete anarchy right now, though it probably helps quite a bit.

With your ongoing information, Tanya has carried out one woman attacks on various ECS locations and been more or less successful in the endeavor. Though perhaps not entirely “one woman” she’s been using the chaos and the various factions of the city to her advantage, mostly the remaining disorganized followers of Neroth that have still been skulking around, though she’s been luring even the Holgard Watch to do her bidding sometimes.

While you haven’t brought it up to her, you think Tanya’s lost sight of her “original goal” of simply taking down the Ebony Claw Syndicate. She may have even believed that’s what she was doing at first, but now? She’s just been enjoying the chaos. She’s enjoying making people kill and fight. Granted they probably were going to do that anyway, but she’s not exactly curtailing what’s currently going on right now.

Still, she always returns to you excitedly going on about what she’s done and what she’s planning and everything else. When you meet in person, it’s always a special event (If literally draining).

You remember how hostile she was towards you for years, but now she only ever looks at you with affection. You must have told your mundane stories about your life in Teckleville more than a few times to her, but for whatever reason she seems to enjoy them. Maybe it’s due to her own childhood being less fun since despite everything you didn’t really have it all that bad. In fact if you’d just obeyed the rules, you would have had a pretty easy life. (You certainly wouldn’t be in this situation)

You aren’t sure how succubi are supposed to act and granted she’s not a full blood one, but it’s very strange that despite her obvious descent into morally questionable actions, she’s still very attached to you. (Or maybe you’re just not used to a very loving girlfriend, your only one before Tanya was Annah) She’s also starting to change physically. Her horns for one are a little bigger and her eyes now have a permanent other worldly look.

Most obvious though is her wings. They started off as two little lumps on her back that you noticed during one of your intimacy sessions. The next time you saw her, she had two small wings and are probably going to get even larger.

As for you, you’ve basically been just trying to keep a low profile as you go about your ECS duties, which are currently as an enforcer at a profitable Blue Dream house in the poor district. It’s a rather lowly position for someone of your talents, but on the plus side, it’s so unimportant that Rook doesn’t even suspect you of any wrong doing and it helps that at least a few of the top Blue Dream distributors at the place have diarrhea of the mouth due to ongoing sampling of some of the drug and never shut the fuck up about sensitive ECS information.

Rook has been trying to keep things together, but he’s been obviously losing control. The ECS leadership in the Delantium Kingdom has refused to help with reinforcements any more. They’ve told him that he needs to work with what he has and if he fails, it’s not going to be good for him.

You know he’s been trying to gain more help from the Temple of Fel, but that’s been having mixed results mainly due to the fact that while they may all worship the same God of Shadows, the pure dedicated followers don’t necessarily share the same goals as the Ebony Claw.

Still, they’ve been contributing enough help to “lend” Shadow Blades to act as extra protection. Them, along with Bolt and Rook’s own shadow magic abilities are going to make him quite formidable.

Which is sort of a problem now that Tanya has decided that it’s time to actually take out the Ebony Claw leadership for good. Arguably, she probably could have wiped out the Ebony Claw Syndicate with your help (Or at least this increasingly smaller chapter of it) months ago. But she got so distracted with enjoying the bedlam, that it allowed Rook to fortify like he has.

Of course Tanya’s not at all worried about any of this, but that’s easy for her to say when she’s got all her new infernal powers now. Even with her help, it isn’t like you’ve got much defense against a bunch of highly trained shadow magic using killers.

To her credit, she’s told you to stay behind on this one, claiming that she can take care of it herself. You have your doubts though. It would be a tough fight even for her. You’d hate to just stand by while she got herself killed, not to mention if she failed, it would be really obvious that you were involved considering you told Rook you killed her. So you’d have to help anyway, and you still don’t fancy your chances.

You do have one idea, but it’s a long shot and possibly one that could get you killed immediately. You could go try to talk to the head of the Temple of Fel. You don’t know exactly what you’d say, but your hope would be to try to convince him that supporting the Ebony Claw, isn’t in the best interest of the temple.

“What?! No! That’s a stupid idea! I told you, I’ll take care of it by myself, I don’t need your help, let alone the help of my enemies.” Tanya shouts.
“Tanya, I’m serious. This is a really BAD idea, assaulting Rook’s home by yourself. I mean don’t you even at least have those cultists you can send, or maybe someone else?”
“The last of the Neroth cultists died weeks ago and are probably enduring unimaginable torture right now as their reward and as for sending anyone else, I’m a little tired of acting from behind the scenes, I want to enjoy a bit of hands on mayhem for a change.”
“Tanya, are you listening to yourself? You’re starting to lose control and getting drunk on the chaos. Maybe I should have said something earlier, but you’ve been this way for quite sometime now. I love you and all, but you REALLY need to get a grip. You’re not even thinking strategically anymore.”

Your defiant words aren’t something she hears very often, at first she looks surprised, even slightly hurt, but then that turns to anger very quickly.

She grabs you and throws you against the wall very hard.

“…shit…” is all you can utter as you hit the stone and slump to the floor.
“HOW FUCKING DARE YOU QUESTION MY IDEAS! I’m the one in control here! YOU follow MY lead! YOU are only allowed the magnificence of my presence because I allow it and you should be grateful!” Tanya bellows and her voice seems to invade your very mind a bit.

You look up from your position and focus on Tanya. She’s changed physically again. Her wings are bigger for one thing (you called that one) and now her skin has a reddish hue. If you didn’t know better, you’d think her eyes were going to burn a hole in you with how she’s staring at you. Reminds of the old days when she used to get pissed at you, though she never slammed you this hard into a wall before.

The dominating voice you just heard is also a bit new. As a half succubus she always had a bit of a seductive tone, but this is different. Her voice just now sent a chill of fear within you. Maybe she’s not completely embracing her “succubus side” but she’s certainly embracing the demonic heritage.

Still, this is the girl you chose, so if this is how you’re going out then so be it.

You struggle to get back up and lean against the wall as you address her.

“Well, maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you can take them alone. You’re obviously in full control of yourself, what with putting a mere mortal like me in my place and all. No need for my help anymore. I see that now.”

Tanya’s stance towards you softens a bit, but not by much. She doesn’t even apologize; she just leaves the ruined house you were meeting her in and takes to the air. She apparently has decided to give absolutely zero fucks about being seen anymore.

You don’t know how much time you have or even if it’s going to matter, but you still feel compelled to help in some way. Maybe she isn’t the Tanya that you fell in love with anymore, but for better or worse, you’re going to help her whether that means directly or indirectly.
> You go directly to the Temple of Fel
This might even be more dangerous than trying to take out Rook directly, but you still think it’s your best shot. You probably still got time since for all her changes you know that Tanya’s probably still considering your last statement to her. Which means she probably isn’t going to attack Rook immediately giving you a bit of time to form a plan.

You head to the Temple of Fel which isn’t exactly easy considering there are several riots going on, but eventually you get there. The area of the temple is fairly quiet compared to other parts of the city. Perhaps even the average rebel knows better than to fuck around it. Which makes you question your own sanity of why you’ve insisted on coming here.

But you didn’t make this trip for nothing, so you take a deep breath and head up the steps to the door and then suddenly your arms are grabbed by two Felians who suddenly appear.

Your first instinct is to fight, but you resist the urge to struggle. Wouldn’t do you any good anyway.

“It’s okay, it’s okay, I’m with the Ebony Claw Syndicate!” You say.
“And? You think that makes it okay for you to just enter? If you haven’t noticed there’s a lot of strife currently going on in the city and we aren’t just letting anyone come inside.” One of the Felians says.
“I get it, but I really need to talk to your high priest or whoever is in charge.”
“You want to speak with the high priest? Why in Fel’s name would we let you do that? You might be ECS, but you aren’t even one of the faithful! I can tell! You better get out of here before you’re unable to do so!”
“But…I really need…”

Before you can say another word, the two Fel priests roughly toss you down the stairs. Normally such a spill wouldn’t be that bad. Maybe a few scrapes and bruises, but the luck of Yag isn’t with you at this moment.

You end up tumbling down the stone steps and twisting your neck in a manner that it’s not supposed to twist. Another bounce down the steps and you break it. By the time your reach the bottom, you’re already dead.

Even the two priests are a bit alarmed by their unintended actions, but they just dispose of your body away from the temple and in a nearby alleyway where it will most likely be assumed that you were killed by the various acts of violence currently going on in the city, assuming stray dogs or rats don’t eat it first.


Year 19

“That’s the third large group of cultists we’ve had to evade in our own fucking sewers. Something needs to be done about those shitheads because not even the EC is giving us this much trouble down here.” Sneaks says.
“Agreed. They’ve been spreading all over the damn place. Granted I’m not much for religion, but given what I know from what Yinen has said about Neroth AND seen what these fanatics do first hand, I’m not exactly keen on them spreading any further.” You add.
“I understand the concerns, but we’re already warring with the EC, the last thing we need is to open up a front against a bunch of Neroth worshipers.” Garrick says.
“We don’t need to open up a front, because they’ve already made it quite clear that they’ve already done so. I don’t know about anyone else, but every time I bump into those fanatics they attack on sight.” Sneaks says.
“If you’re just bumping into them accidentally, then you’re lucky because I know by their personalized threats they’re specifically targeting me.” You add.
“I told you that rescuing that whore would catch up to you.” Tanya says.
“That was years ago and they didn’t even see me do it!”
“Yeah, but that tart and her friends spread the word about your deeds a long time ago. I’m more surprised they you weren’t targeted sooner by them.”
“Well apparently they were too busy with other things than bothering with the likes of the kid here. In any case I’m just saying we need to thin out their ranks or something because while I know we aren’t officially territorial, we shouldn’t have to deal with daggers at our throats right outside our front door.” Sneaks says.
“Exactly. And if left unchecked who is to say they won’t find this place? Not to mention these assholes worship a dark god. The last thing we need is for them to do is gather enough power to start summoning shit. Last thing we need is demons running around down here.” You add.

As soon as you say that, everyone looks at you and then also looks at Tanya who is also looking in your direction with her head cocked to the side almost intrigued by what you’re going to say next.

“Shhhhit...” you quietly say which causes a snicker from Sneaks.

Tanya doesn’t even address what you said she instead turns her attention back to Garrick.

“Word fumbling aside, he has a point Garrick. They all do. We can’t ignore this potential threat any longer.” Tanya says.
“Maybe… (Sigh) I just don’t want to lose any more people especially when we may need them in the future.” Garrick says.

After a brief moment of silence, Garrick speaks again.

“Okay, fine. Maybe we need to do something. The question is what exactly? I’m still loathe to go all out gang war on a bunch of fanatics, because you know they’re only going to hit back with more fervor…maybe…wait a minute. We could set it up so it looks like the Ebony Claw is targeting them. That will hopefully draw some heat off of us on both sides.” Garrick says.

Garrick begins to go into a plan to start ambushing the cultists, but also to ambush a few Ebony Claws and plant their bodies among the dead cultists so the living ones can stumble upon them and vice versa. In the meantime he says he’s going to try to grease the right palms to gain some sort of meeting with Reginald and appear as an “ally” against the Ebony Claw so Reginald will tell his people to leave the Guild alone.

It’s not a bad plan, though you’re really not sure on the whole “allying” with Reginald bit.

“Um, I’m not sure if this Reginald is ally material.” You say.
“Well we need to try, because if you haven’t noticed, we are at a bit of a disadvantage. Reginald is Farrad’s boyfriend. You know, the baron’s son? The one who is probably going to attempt a coup on his father soon? If he’s actually successful it’s probably best that we’re not on his bad side at least.” Garrick retorts with annoyance.
“I can see that logic, but I still have concerns if allying with religious fanatics that participate in human sacrifice is a good idea. I mean hell, I’d rather temporarily ally with the Ebony Claw against the cultists at this point…”
“Well it’s a damn good thing that YOU don’t have to make the fucking decisions isn’t it then?!”

Garrick’s sudden snap causes you to shut up immediately and everyone else to stand in silence. You certainly weren’t expecting it, but then Garrick in general has been less than friendly with you, as your time in the Guild proper has come about. He’s certainly nowhere near like he was when he first offered his hand to you in joining.

You have some theories about why, but for now you just answer:

“Your call. Apologies.”

Garrick gives you a dirty look and starts assigning tasks to people. He doesn’t give one to you though.

As everyone starts to leave, you go up to Tanya and offer to help her on her assignment and that’s when you get a scolding voice again.

“Hey! Leave her be.” Garrick orders.
“But I was just…” you start to say before you’re interrupted again.
“Did I assign you and Tanya to work together? No I didn’t.”
“Garrick, it’s actually okay, I can…” Tanya says before Garrick interrupts her as well.
“Stay out of this Tanya! Everyone get to work! Except YOU.”

Tanya looks at you a little sympathetically as she leaves with the rest, which is definitely not the norm, and part of what you imagine is the problem Garrick is having with you.

Soon it’s just you and Garrick and he wastes no time in speaking.

“You know when I brought you in, I thought you’d be an asset to us. Sure you weren’t exactly what I normally look for, but your actions against the Ebony Claw couldn’t be ignored. Your ongoing work to prove yourself worthy of becoming one of the inner circle couldn’t be ignored. Granted, I was still a little hesitant at the time since I was starting to have some doubts since so many thought you should continue to prove yourself, but Tanya’s words in your favor…well those couldn’t be ignored either.”

You don’t say anything.

“I also can’t ignore how you look at her and more importantly how she looks at you.” Garrick says.
“I don’t think she looks at me with anything but scorn.” You say in an effort to deflect.
“Bullshit. Maybe at one time she did. Not anymore. You’re not so stupid to not realize that. Hell, she tried to speak up for you just now. I don’t know HOW you did it, but you’ve actually been getting through that normally solid brick wall she puts up to shield herself again all would be suitors. I have seen MANY try and while I imagine that she leaves a lasting impression due to her nature, I have seen NONE continue to pursue her, or those that have, have met with physical violence that either put a definite stop to it. Somehow you have miraculously avoided that. Somehow YOU have defied what shouldn’t be possible.”

You continue to stand there and say nothing, which only causes Garrick to throw something at you, which you narrowly dodge.

“WELL? Aren’t you going to say anything?!” Garrick shouts.
“I’m not sure what to say. Anything I say, you’re not going to like.” You answer.
“Well permission to speak fucking freely then.”
“Okay, well I don’t see how this is any of your concern. Tanya, from what I can tell is a full grown woman that’s MORE than capable of taking care of herself and dealing with the likes of me. And as far as I know, you’re not her father either even if you see her as some sort of surrogate daughter.”
“It…it doesn’t make sense! WHY YOU?! There have been FAR better suitors in the past!”
“You mean like you?”
“W…what?”
“Oh come on! I think given your increasing hostility towards me this is going beyond a father-daughter type of protectiveness. You’re acting like a jealous boyfriend or something. I’m succeeding where you and so many others obviously failed.”

Garrick just starts shaking his head.

“No, I…I never…I never…”
“Or maybe I’m succeeding in something you never had the guts to do at all? That’s it isn’t it? You’ve never made any sort of advance on her, and just admired her from afar since you were always secure in the fact that she always drove everyone away. I’m guessing perhaps you thought one day Tanya would come to you of her own accord and…”

Now Garrick lifts up the table and flips it at you. For an older guy, he’s certainly fit.

“You think you know everything don’t you? Well let me tell you something, you don’t know shit. YOU are still a BOY and YOU are not worthy of Tanya.” Garrick says getting in your face.

“Okay. Then what would make me worthy…in your eyes?” you ask.

Garrick starts laughing.

“Are…are you actually asking me? You seem to have all the answers, you figure it out. But while you’re trying to figure it out, go do what you’re actually good at and go kill our enemies. GO! Get the fuck outta my sight!”

You leave Garrick and exit the meeting room somewhat expecting there to be a few people hanging around outside listening to the conversation, but it would appear that nobody wanted to be around for Garrick’s anger to be directed towards them as well. Not even Sneaks lingered behind.

Since you didn’t even get paired up with a full fledged Guild member, you suppose you could just go gather a few associates to help you, though you believe you’re probably more than capable of performing the task yourself.

Honestly though, you’re ready to just dispense with the plan and do something else instead like try to kill Reginald. Those assholes have been targeting you anyway. Also seems like it would solve the problem a lot better than trying to be friends with him. Cutting off the head of a cult usually results in it falling apart. The problem of course is he isn’t as easy to get to anymore. The secret passage to his home no longer exists as one person in the Guild soon learned when he tried to break in that way thinking that it would be an easy job and nearly got himself killed in the process. If there’s another secret passage to the house, you have no idea where it is and it’s probably better protected now.

Which would mean a more traditional approach, but again, he’s got security up the ass and has his own personal retinue of guards around his home. Perks of fucking minor nobility you suppose.

In any case, you’d be doing this alone though because nobody would help you in this task. Say what you want about Garrick, but everyone listens to him and this would definitely be going against his plans.

Though you do have another option, and that’s going to the Ebony Claw Syndicate for help. Rook called off the hit and so far other than a few unavoidable skirmishes here and there, the EC has not been actively targeting you.

You never thought you’d feel this way, but you’ve actually considered joining them lately mainly because things have been just so miserable in the Guild. If it weren’t for Tanya, you probably would have done it already.

Rook has never followed up on your last meeting, you don’t know exactly what his game is, but you imagine if you come in for help, he’s going to want that inside information on the Guild.
> You get help from the Ebony Claw
If Rook is already extending his hand, you might as well take it at this point. You’re at least on better terms with him than you are with Garrick.

As for Tanya, well you’re going to have to just cut your losses you think on that one. It’s obvious that isn’t going to work out and you need to accept that despite how you might feel.

Since you aren’t exactly sure how to contact Rook, the only place you can think of to go is the Poison Blade Inn since that’s the best known Ebony Claw Syndicate hang out.

You don’t know what kind of greeting you’re going to get, but you’re going to have to be on your guard, but then you always are.

You make your way to the Poison Blade Inn and along the way, you soon start getting hostile stares at various people. You’re definitely not in a friendly neighborhood.

When you actually enter the Poison Blade, everyone immediately looks at you.

“What the fuck do you want?” one of them demands.
“I need to contact a man by the name of Rook, I have important business with him. Specifically information.” You reply.
“Is that so? Well how about you tell me and I’ll go relay it to him and he can decide. Rook is much too busy to be dealing with the likes of you.”
“Uh huh, look I dunno what your problem is with me exactly but I’m not your enemy, we’re on the same damn side so…”

At this point the one speaking to you spits on your boots and gets in your face. Several more members close in on you at this point. This could get really ugly.

“My problem…OUR problem with you is you fucking killed many of our friends and associates. Now you just walk in here like you think you own the place? You’re Guild scum, no you’re worse than Guild scum. You’re a fucking rat. You think if you sell out those assholes that’s going to make you good with us? Better think again. I don’t give a fuck what deal you made, you’re not coming in here demanding shit. If you got important information for Rook, he’ll contact you directly himself. YOU wait for him. Now I suggest you walk right back out that door and don’t come back unless you’re actually invited.”

Sensing that despite being taken off the hit list, your “immunity” only gets you so far. If you caused trouble here, you are not making it out alive. You just nod and back slowly out of the Poison Blade Inn and make your way out of the neighborhood as quick as possible.

After leaving immediate danger, you start to wonder if joining the EC is the way to go after all since it seems like everyone in it hates you. On one hand you can’t be too surprised, but on the other now it seems like a less favorable choice. Instead of having the boss angry at you, you’ll have the rest of the damn organization angry at you. You can’t fucking win, maybe you need to just get the hell out of the city altogether. That would certainly solve a lot of problems.

In the mean time, you might as well find a new place to stay while you figure things out. You head to Hell’s Own Inn since it’s at least some place that you know and can consider hospitable.

Before you can however, you are suddenly grabbed while passing an alley and slammed up against a wall. You’re then punched several times before you can even react and your pistol is taken away.

“Go for your sword and it gets shoved up your ass traitor!” Tanaya says.
“Tanya, wha…” you utter and then get another fist in the face causing you to crumple.

Tanya then begins kicking you and you curl up while shouting for mercy and asking what the hell is going on.

“STOP! STOP! What the hell did I do?!” you utter.
“You have the balls to ask that? You know what the fuck you did! You’ve been talking with the Syndicate!”
“Tanya…I…”
“Don’t insult me by fucking lying! I SAW you! I’ve been following what you were up to since I didn’t think you’d meekly accept Garrick’s orders. I didn’t however believe that you’d go full fucking traitor! How the hell was I so damn stupid to trust you?!”
“Tanya, it’s not what it seems! I’m…I’m…”

You can’t even come up with a good lie though it doesn’t matter since Tanya isn’t really in a mood to listen, let alone believe you. She grabs your neck with one hand is slowly crushing your windpipe as you dangle off the ground. Her eyes are even giving off a faint reddish glow, it’s like you’ve unleashed her demonic side.

You try to beg for her to listen one last time.

“Tan…(cough) (ack)”
“Shut up, just shut up! I should have known better! Should have known you weren’t different! Didn’t think you’d be worse though!”

If you weren’t on the verge of dying, you’d swear that Tanya’s words aren’t just about your betrayal of the Guild. She’s obviously taking this personally. Your suspicions are confirmed when you see Tanya’s eyes water a bit just before she breaks your neck.


It suddenly occurs to you that maybe there are traps about, but they’re magical in nature. You start cutting the glass and who knows what might happen. The daggers seem like there is possibly less danger involved seeing as they just fastened them to the wall.

Of course it isn’t just an easy matter of ripping the dagger from the wall, you grab a prybar from your pack and start to get to work, but given their height above you, it’s awkward.

You pry and pry, but don’t seem to be making any headway. You begin to think that the daggers are being held in place by magic and you might be right considering that you suddenly feel a force knock the prybar from your hand and as you try to grab it you stumble into one of the isolated stands with a glass case knocking it over and falling on the broken glass.

Fortunately you’re mostly protected by your clothing, though you’re still picking glass out of bits of your body. However, you don’t do that for long since you notice the diamond necklace that has now been released from its cage. You might as well grab that instead.

No sooner have you picked it up and that’s when you feel an unnatural chill in the air.

“That’s not good.” You say and get the hell out of the Galpatis exhibit room.

Doesn’t help though, you’re still feeling like the unnatural cold is following you. You get the very real feeling that SOMETHING is following you, but you don’t dare look behind you, all you want to do is get out of the museum and HOPE that whatever this is doesn’t follow you outside.

You see the exit in the distance and then you see a wispy green glow materialize in front of it. A malevolent face briefly appears and then one of the statues closest to you comes to life!

“Shit!” you exclaim and just barely manage to avoid getting your head smashed in.

You look around and see that now several of the statues are coming to life. The exit is blocked by that ghostly thing so even if you could maneuver past the statues, you aren’t getting out that way.

“HEY! Grab the damn rope!” a voice shouts from above.

You look up and see Tanya on the second floor throwing a rope to you over the railing. You waste no time in grabbing and climbing up it while she pulls you up.

The statues try to grab you at first, but then soon realize the best way to get you is going up the stairs.

As you grab the railing, Tanya grabs your arm and hoists you over it. You almost feel like she’s going to yank your arm off, but of course you see a glimpse of her face again as she’s pulling you up and you’re almost smitten enough to forget all about the extreme danger you’re currently in.

Hurry you fool before I regret saving you!” Tanya shouts and runs towards another rope that hangs from an opening she’s made in the glass dome on the roof

Following her lead you make your way to the rope and quickly climb up it where you’re staring directly at Tanya’s ass the entire time. Again, probably a good thing since your focus isn’t on the invisible horrors that are desperately trying to get your attention by whispering demoralizing things in your ears to cause you to give up hope and stop trying to escape.

Doesn’t work though, Tanya’s ass is literally saving your own. Eventually you manage to get to the roof where you and Tanya both start leaping across the tops of nearby buildings. When you get far enough away, Tanya at last stops to take a breather and then also punches you in the face.

“What was that for?” you ask.
“Do you even need to ask?! Your incompetent bumbling nearly got not just yourself killed, but ME as well! What the fuck were you even doing there? Did you KNOW I was going to be there?” Tanya asks.
“Well…”
“Let me guess, Sneaks told you…I’m going to kill him.”
“Where were you anyway? I looked for you for awhile.”
“I was in the basement stealing the Tivan Crystal.”
“Oh. I didn’t think to check the basement.”
“Given all the security you set off, it’s apparent you didn’t think at all! I was just on my way to leave when I heard glass breaking and the scampering of your feet. Did you really think you could just smash and grab shit in a place like that without consequence?”
“I didn’t mean to at first. It was an accident. I just wanted to get you something since I couldn’t find you. Here.” You say and pull the diamond necklace out of your bag.
“You’re joking right? I could steal, and have stolen items a lot more valuable than this!”
“Yes, I’m sure you have, but its value is not the point, this is my gift to you. The motivation behind it is important.”
“You expect me to believe you stole this for me?”
“Believe what you wish, the point is that it’s yours now my dear.” You say and put the necklace in her hand. Tanya looks at the necklace in disbelief, and addresses you again.

“So…wait…you REALLY think I’m going to wear this? Surely even someone of your intelligence can see that I’m not some dainty aristocrat who dresses in fancy gowns and adores myself with jewelry.”
“You may do whatever you wish with it. You may throw it away, keep it and wear it, keep it and then sell it or just keep it period. It doesn’t matter. It was just my way of thanking you for not just saving my life, but also the pleasure of being in the glow of your beauty.”

Tanya is now looking at you in disbelief.

“…you…you…I…” Tayna starts to say.
“Yes?” you ask.
“Look! I don’t know what the hell your game is, but I’m not playing, and I’m not fooled!”
“But I’m not trying to fool you, it’s merely a gift to…”
“Stop it! Stop it right now! And stop looking at me like that, if you want to keep your eyesight! I don’t want to hear anymore of your honeyed words! We part ways here and don’t you dare try to follow me!” Tanya yells and pulls her hood even more over her head, before leaping to the next building.

You naturally ignore her and start following her anyway. You must hop across three rooftops before Tanya stops again.

“LOOK, this is NOT going to…”

A bolt whizzing by suddenly interrupts Tanya’s words.

At first you think briefly that it’s the guardian museum and it’s followed you, but it turns out to be a more tangible enemy instead.

Several men with crossbows suddenly materialize on the roofs nearby and a few of them even on the roof you’re currently on. You both instantly duck down and try to find cover.

Several other bolts follow though fortunately the ECS has not employed skilled marksmen.

“Bah! All those bolts and you lot couldn’t hit a behemoth’s butt with a bass fiddle! I told you fuckers to practice! Just fucking close in for the kill!” you hear someone shout.

You and Tanya can’t go in any direction without facing ECS members, but given the state you’re in right now, you’re not exactly avoiding a fight and neither is Tanya.

“Looks like some of the EC are begging to be declawed. I’m always up for whittling down their ranks.” You say.
“First thing you’ve said, that I agree with.” Tanya remarks.

While the EC might be terrible shots, you certainly aren’t, you shoot three of them before they even manage to close in. Tanya on the other hand is perfectly content on taking on five of the assassins in close combat.

One of the members however is standing back and still blinking in and out of existence. He’s obviously using that blasted shadow magic. He’s mainly giving orders right now, but if he gets in the fight, you don’t anticipate things going well.

You try to take aim at him, but you’re stopped by two EC members who both nearly stab you. After dodging their blows, you shoot the pair of them.

Seeing as you’ve only got one shot left and no real time to reload, you turn your attention back to the EC leader, who is now gone. Tanya is still working on two other EC members and you’re about to go over to help her, when a magic missile of some sort hits you.

You drop your weapon and collapse. You almost feel like all the energy has been drained out of you. You’re so weak, you can hardly even push yourself back up, though a hefty kick soon stops that attempt.

“Finally got your ass! It’s like they always say, you want something done right, ya gotta do it yourself. So you think you can just get away with shooting our members like some cowardly sonofabitch?” the shadow magic wielder remarks.
“You…you just hit me with a fucking magic missile!” you wheeze, pointing out his hypocrisy.

This of course isn’t appreciated and you soon receive another kick.

“Silence! I’m gonna enjoy this.”

Fortunately, he doesn’t get the chance due to all his gloating which was enough time for Tanya to finish off her last opponent and run over to help you again.

However, he’s quick enough to avoid her attacks.

The pair of them duel while you lie there trying to gather your strength. You’re really woozy and weak.

You eventually manage to stand up, but you feel like you’re going to teeter over again. Tanya is still fighting the EC leader, but she’s not making much progress. In fact, he might even have a slight advantage since he hasn’t been exerting himself as much as she has tonight.

You look over to your right and see your pistol lying nearby. You’ve got one shot in it and you’re not exactly in the best condition as far as accurately aiming anything right now.

Of course you could just try to help Tanya in the more traditional way and try to backstab him. Still not ideal, but if you miss, you’re not likely to hit Tanya by accident.
> You backstab
You’d rather not risk hitting Tanya, you need to get in close.

As you attempt to move forward, you have a bit of trouble trying to keep your balance since you’re still very woozy. Tanya’s still holding her own, but the bastard’s shadow magic is giving him the edge. Fortunately his back is still towards you.

You try to get a little closer and every inch of you is struggling to not slip into unconsciousness. You see the EC member block several of Tanya’s attacks and then manages to knock her down with some sort of glowing magic from his hand.

You see him going in for the kill and that’s when you make your own lunging attack.

And promptly trip over yourself only to fall next to him.

The EC member is distracted enough that he doesn’t attack Tanaya in her prone position; he does however attack you instead.

This time the magic missile hits you directly in the side of the head on top of being at point blank range. The flesh is burned off followed by your skull cracking and brain partially melting.

This might have given Tanya enough time to recover and press her own advantage, but you’re out of fight and more importantly this existence.