Cryzoloth

Game Master Tyrn Jade

A massive meteor strikes Earth, unleashing nuclear destruction upon the planet's denizens. The meteor, known as Cryzoloth, brought with it a strange foreign energy; an energy so powerful that it transforms life itself. This energy has caused the dead to rise as a blood thirsty horde, and the living to transform into horrific monsters - all want nothing more than to devour life. But a true transformation fell upon humanity that remained.


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He stares at you with his deep, beady green eyes. His deep-thinking is portrayed in his stone like posture as the rain poured down his face, like a small stone waterfall in a garden pond.

"Hah! You know what, Jack? You've peaked me interest."

Milo was already at the intersection where you turned from the street with the diner, so he is still in ear's reach.

With an echoing yell, "Milo! Come on back 'ere, lad!"

Milo: Milo yelled back, "What the f&~@?! Why?! The rain will wash away her trail soon!"

Rotten Ed: "Forget the las! Jack's pretty adamant 'bout 'er safety! And, as ye ken tell, if you continue further he'll have us all lookin' like Mick 'ere! So strap yer pecker back into place and come on back! Er I'll report ye for insubordination!"

Milo mutters incomprehensibly to himself; the rain poured heavier and drowned out some noise.

Rotten Ed: "How 'bout we rewind? Level the playing field. The men at the Heartwood wouldn't take kindly to you bringin' us back at gunpoint. You'll have yer guns, en we'll have ours. I'll vouch fer ye. My word is my bond. What say you, Jack?"

Your choice. You clearly have the upper-hand on them.

He makes Milo aid Mick as a crutch. They walked maybe 30ft behind, out of ear-shot.

"Neow, tell me what this bit o' business is of yours en why would we, the Cassidy-Monroes, give a s&!$e."


Dutch 3
Rotten Ed wrote:
"How 'bout we rewind? Level the playing field. The men at the Heartwood wouldn't take kindly to you bringin' us back at gunpoint. You'll have yer guns, en we'll have ours. I'll vouch fer ye. My word is my bond. What say you, Jack?"

Jack lowers the SMG, "Yeah, fine. Know that if you try to f!~# me again, I'll kill you. This second chance b$+~$*~$ is only happening because I want the Cassidy-Monroe's on my side. If you or your brothers show me you can't act like professionals, I'll find muscle elsewhere."

Rotten Ed wrote:
"Neow, tell me what this bit o' business is of yours en why would we, the Cassidy-Monroes, give a s!%#e."

”I’m gonna shatter Othello’s Reign, Jack's tone was cold and confident. Marble-sized beads of rain exploded all over his face as he presses an unblinking stare on Rotten Ed. "Already got a plan; I can do it with or without you, but tell me: how would you like to be a founder of a new colony?


Rotten Ed looks shocked. He wasn't expecting such a bold proposal. His facial expressions shifted from disgruntled, to solemn, and disgruntled again. Clearly he is uneasy about what he just heard.

"Seems evry'one is out fer his head. The draft is only the straw that broke the camel's back. Come. You'll want to talk to Adrian. If only for him to smack some sense into ye."

You three continued walking. Rotten Ed handed Mick the black-bag to cover his nose from bleeding out. Milo eventually caught up, still twitching as he tirelessly swatted at the rain that probably felt like hail under withdrawal conditions. After about 30 feet of walking, Mick asks you to give him his gun back. You made him give you yours first and Milo gave you back your Python, but before handing back the SMG, you discharged the mag and lobbed it down a nameless alley way full of rubble, making it virtually impossible to find. "Consider it a mercy," you said as you handed the gun back to him.

"Ah. Now ye truly have the upper hand don't ye, Jack? Very well. We'll do this yer way. Onward then."

As you got closer to the Heartwood, more and more Monroes were seen patrolling the streets, though the rain kept most inside. They sheltered themselves under fortified lean-to's, and some of them had rain catchers with them. Many people took the opportunity to capture water from the sky. Since Cryzoloth's collision with the Earth, rain seemed to be more frequent.

K-Natural Science DC 20:
Rain forms for a number of reasons, but one of which is the amount of particulates in the air. Water does not congeal readily in the atmosphere and needs some sort of solid to cling to and then snowballs into rain and or snow depending on a number of factors. Due to collisions from the meteorites, an abundance of debris was launched into the atmosphere, thus increasing the average cloud cover of Earth.

You received many stares from the Monroes. They didn't seem to approach you however, probably due to their trust in Rotten Ed. After a few minutes, you finally approached the Heartwood. The street that it is located on looks more like a battlefield compared to the other streets, most likely due to the Street Wars. The logo was etched in a large slab of wood with big letters and riddled with bullet holes. Two guards stand at the entrance. They step aside and let you and your company through without hassle, though not without some questioning glares.

"Cheers, mates. Has Adrian returned from his trip to the castle?" The bartender, a rough looking female steps forward leaning on the bar.

Woman: "Good day to ye, Edward. He did in fact, and is neow visiting wit Ira up in the suite. Shall I grab em fer ye?"
Ed's response was quick.
Rotten Ed: "That won't be necessry, Honora. I'll see te him. Treat this gentleman, would ye? Best bring out the 'Negotiator'."

You wonder what exactly the 'Negotiator' is, but then Honora unquestioningly grabs a bottle from a liquor cabinet behind the bar. It was fancy enough. Many gangs tend to negotiate business deals over booze.

Rotten Ed left to go up the stairs and get Adrian. Honora places two shot glasses on the bar but didn't pour the bottle yet. She also pours you a beer as well. It is dark and looks refreshing. It's been awhile since you've had such a luxury.

Honora: "Don't tink I've seen ye here before, mate." Her voice is raspy and full of gumption. "Name's Honora. Welcome te The Heartwood." Honora pulls out a pack of cigarettes and slips one in her mouth and throws another in front of you. She seems friendly enough. "I see ye don't wear a color. Must be an Independent?"

There is one other girl in the Heartwood sitting at a booth at the other end of the room chatting with another guy. Everyone is armed inside. A plethora of SMG's and pistols and a shotgun or two. Everyone looked surprisingly clean considering living in a decaying city. The Heartwood is lit up with electricity and most of its pre-Cryzoloth functions still work. Many of the people inside gave you weird looks, trying to piece together the story of how Mick's face ended up so f###ed up. As for Milo, some of the Monroes made snide comments at him, mainly about his twitching.

"Hah! Lit'le pecker ken barely walk!"
"Miss yer 'eroin do ya, Milo?"
"Best get used to the cold-chills, ya tweak!"

The girl at the end of the room catches your eye and excuses herself from the booth and sits at the bar with you one stool away. Honora also pours her and herself a beer but is still engaged in conversation with you.


Dutch 3

Not trained in k-natural sciences so I can’t make the check :-(

”Yeah, Independent. Name’s Jack. Thanks for the beer,” he responds dryly, too caught up in scouring the room for details, patterns and information to be socially cordial. After absorbing the sights and sounds, he makes a reluctant attempt to resurrect Honora’s conversation (if only due to the out-of-place woman floating between patrons).

”Is it that much of a shock to see Independents in your bar?” he asks as he lights the offered cigarette. ”Can't believe we had to wait till the apocalypse to get to smoke in bars again.” he comments, a sliver of a smile playing at his lips.

Persuasion (influence attitude): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20


Dutch 3

Rarwl Ernterl Churk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15


Nice role on the Persuasion check. Her disposition toward you improves. For the sake of immersion, I will not reveal exactly where the dispositions lie. You can roll a "sense motive" check DC 20 to know their exact disposition toward you, which would give you insight as to the best way to deal with a particular person.

Honora says, "Hah! It's a luxury we've kept the whole time! You haven't frequented the Heartwood enough apparently. But no, not many Independents patron this place. Our doors aren't closed to them. But our reputation repels some folk. A few open-minded and brave ones come here. Some make the mistake of being disrespectful and never return here. Hah! But you seem composed enough. Though I have to ask... what in the f#!& happened to Mick?"


Dutch 3

Word. I'm gonna role that sense motive before replying. Play up the "string pulling" mentality a bit.

Perception (sense motive) vs DC 20: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Pass


Dutch 3

Cosic chews the question carefully, then, with two trails of smoke emitting from his nostrils, smiles coyly, ”Mick made the mistake of being disrespectful. Me - I’m the forgiving type. Just let him off with a warning.” He exhales the remainder of cigarette smoke and quickly follows up with his beer; The Negotiator, he felt, would be best reserved for his counterparts in the upcoming negotiation.

The draft was smooth as silk. Jack had to restrain himself from downing the entire pint in his first swig. He mechanically takes another drag from his cigarette as soon as the base of his glass touches the bar. Some Eastwood on the TV and it’d be just like old times, he reflected as he gave the room other scan.

If I can't take 20 on Perception (32):
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 (looking for people who might be eavesdropping)

”Reputation is all we really have left, right? Can't imagine the confusion folks get coming in here and weighing the reputation of the Monroes against the Cassidys. That sort of uncertainty scares a man, these days more than ever.” He leans over the bar, stretches his cigarette to the ashtray and whispers the following, "What do you think they're more scared of: the reputation of the Monroes, the reputation of the Cassidy's, or the fact they don't know which one is calling shots?"


Your perceptive mind tells you that Honora might be helpful. So far you've earned some respect from both her and Rotten Ed. Perhaps due to your dealings with gang members and the like, you've developed a sense of their psyche and are better able to influence them.

"Hah! Mick's a bastard alright! Even under that jacket o' yours I can tell yer packin' more meat than a German deli! 'Ere, lemme top you off." Just as she grabs your glass to refill it, you see Rotten Ed step out of a door from the second floor, which is located on a balcony with stairs leading to the room where you are currently sitting in.

You see a young man follow behind him. It's hard to tell by the way he carries himself all bold and confident, but you can't imagine he's older than his late twenties. Another man follows behind him who is much older. Perhaps closer to your age, if not older. The younger one is wearing a nice black suit with no tie and a white button-down dress shirt, while the older man is wearing a tight black t-shirt and some grey slacks. The older one is covered in tattoos and sinister jewelry and grows a nicely trimmed mustache that extends down to his neck. The younger one is clean shaven and baby-faced with brown hair. You assume him to be Adrian, the heir to the Monroe family dynasty, and the older is assumed to be Ira, the ring-leader of the sadistic Cassidys.

"This the man?" said Adrian; no accent present. He spoke American English.

"Aye. Shall we meet in the back room?"

"It's not necessary."

"What if he tries something funny? Best to keep him in closed quarters," added Ira.

"With all do respect, boss. It's safest to keep this one at a distance." Rotten Ed throws you a grin and a wink and then directs Ira's attention to Mick.

"F**!. Well Ed. Mind telling me why in the f!%+ you didn't bash his head in with that blood-stained bat of yours?"

"Again, with respect, we are business men. And Jack here would like to talk business."

"I want to hear what he has to say. Must be important to go through all the trouble. Besides, you said they helped you with the plug?"

"Aye. Him and his fireball of a girlfriend. The things that crept out could have overwhelmed us. They helped when they didn't need to."

Adrian looked at Ira without saying a word, then all three began to make their way down the stairs. Honora grabbed a third shot glass and placed it on the bar in front of you. Ira walked up to the girl who was scoping you out and grabbed her by the arm. He yanked her out of the stool without saying a word. As if she were only an obstacle, a fly in his soup, and not a human being. He sat down where she was. Honora was clearly put off by Ira. Adrian sat on the stool to the right. Honora left from behind the bar and Rotten Ed took her place. The surrounding gang members just went about their business, not knowing the situation at hand.

Ira got in close. He is a big man. His gut began to stick out but you could tell he took care of himself for the most part. He has arms the size of your leg, and a face that looked like it could take a brick to it without flinching.

"Why didn't your friend come?"


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Dutch 3

Jack studies each move his prospective "associates" makes with the focus of a master chess player. The treatment shown to the interested girl only served to increase her value to Jack, though what it meant in placement was still to be discovered.

Ira wrote:
"Why didn't your friend come?"

The former detective takes his time with his reply, sloshing the beer around his teeth all the while eyeing Ira with a confident aura of indifference.

"A strong organization has one voice. If I had her tag along, might be the wrong proposals be made or the wrong terms agreed on. I'm sure you understand." Jack, again, takes a snail's pace with his toxic intake - first beer then cigarette - allowing his listeners to digest the mixed message his answer suggested.

"I need men; not boys, not a bunch a f*$~in' idiots lookin' to cause mayhem for a laugh. Soldiers. Take orders; that means they don't do anything they aren't ordered to do. Word is: the Cassidy-Monroes are a mixed bag. Your reputation... inconsistent. My plan is simple and all I need are numbers. I guarantee whoever makes up those numbers will find themselves cozy n' powerful. Why should I give this gift to the Cassidy-Monroes?" he asks Ira with unflinching decisiveness.

Turning to Adrian with the same intensity, "What reason do I have to trust you'll carry it through?"

Persuasion (influence 'tude): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Perception (cop a crowd feel): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Just a note: his being so blunt is to show authority and leadership. This may not seem like the right sort of statement for a diplomacy check but gangs are a bit like dogs - they follow the Alpha.


Boy, you lucky you rolled a nert twern. Still... doesn't mean your ass is in the clear! >:-D

Judging from their body language, Ed has a look of oh my god did he just say that?, Adrian seems pensive, and Ira looks somewhat irritated. Your sense motive reveals Ed(helpful), Adrian (indifferent), and Ira (indifferent... but irritated).

"Soldiers is it? You want soldiers?" says Adrian. He gives a quick glance around the room. He's clearly thinking about something.

"Lets move this to the back."

Ed grabs The Negotiator and the three shot glasses and takes your beer away before you can finish it. He leads with Adrian behind him and you following Adrian. Ira picked up the back, walking uncomfortably close to you. The people in the bar said nothing but gave curious stares as you walked by. You hear two fingers snap from Ira, and two of his Cassidy goons follow you all.

A single door is located underneath the stairs. On the other side is an unaesthetic room with a hanging ceiling light and a long table with six chairs. Ira pulls a chair out and rushes you into it with a strong pinch on your deltoids (sp - I forgot what that muscle is between the shoulder and the neck).

Adrian looks to the goons and sternly commands "Everything discussed in this room never happened. If I catch you two saying anything, I'll take away your 'allowance'. I'm sure that would be a fate worse than death for you."

"Let me command my men, Adrian," said Ira. His voice calm but stern.

"Clearly your men can't be commanded. Apparently our reputation is faltering once again. We aligned to save our communities from dissipating. Let's face it, Ira. There needs to be more changes around here."

"Oh yeah? And what makes you think this tough-talkin' c++& can change anything? The Independents have no say in the C.U. There's nothing they can bring to the table."

Ed chimes in, "That's true, boss. But it's only true given the current state affairs. It could be different."

"Did I ask you, old man? I'm talking to Adrian." Ira responded with much venom.

"Lets settle. We're not helping our reputation this way are we? We don't even know what Jack has to say but I have a feeling I know what it's going to be...."

"I really don't know why we're wasting our time. If it were just me in control, I'd have caved your face in with my boot for even thinking about laying a finger on my men."

Adrian ignores Ira's last comment and turns his attention to you. "Alright Jack..." says Adrian as he pops the cork from The Negotiator. The bottle's label is fashioned from masking tape and a sharpie-marker. "...let's hear your proposal."

GM only:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"Stop! Not yet!" roared Ira, "Why the f!#$ is he armed?!"

"Because everyone is these days! F#!+ing christ! Jack, do us a favor. Hand your guns over to the gentlemen behind you."

Heal DC 10:
The two goons looked to be in bad shape. They have needle tracks on their arms and their skin is all discolored. You couldn't help but notice how jittery they seemed.


Dutch 3

Jack complies to the actions of his colleagues with lackadaisical acceptance; his comfort suggesting he expected the move to happen, the present only being a measure to move from Point A to Point B.

Adrian wrote:
"Because everyone is these days! F#!&ing christ! Jack, do us a favor. Hand your guns over to the gentlemen behind you."

Heal (take 10/textual message): 10 + 4 = 14

"I don't trust junkies with firearms - not especially my firearms," Jack states matter-of-factually. Nevertheless, he begins the process of unbuckling his holsters - not once breaking eye contact with Adrian. He slams his weapons on the table willingly and slides them well out of his reach.

With nearly absolute apathy for the position of power Ira sat, Jack explains the concept of his plan to Ira and Rotten Ed, leaving the details lacking for reasons of self-preservation. Feeling confident that he stood on an unbiased ground from both heads of the Cassidy-Monroes, he folds his fingers and awaited their input.

"Guessing that bottle ain't just for show," he says, nodding to The Negotiator after soaking in the shocked faces of his prospective business partners.


Dutch 3

edit - should have been: "... Jack explains the concept of his plan to *Adrian* and Rotten Ed..." (Gin + lemonade = a silly Johnny)


Gin and lemonade? Is that a good combo?

Ira leans back in his chair for a moment with pensive, aimless stares.

"You're a bold one, Jacky," said Rotten Ed with a grin.

Adrian leaned forward onto the table. His delay in response seemed to irritate Ira, who quickly stood up and through his chair against the wall like a madman. "You're not even considering this dead man's offer! He can't provide what Othello can!"

"You mean your drugs, Ira?"

"No, Adrian! My men's drugs."

"I think you need to calm down." Adrian gives Ira a brave order. Though they are equals in rank, there seems to be something more here that keeps them working together and keeps Ira in check. "There hasn't been many coming in lately."

Ira interjects, "Othello needs to move into Manhattan!".

"If I may say somethin' sirs," says Rotten Ed, "Othello is the... practical type, wouldn't you say? With all do respect, your men would burden him."

"The f*$~ are you tryin' to say?"

"We must be diplomatic," says Adrian in an attempt to calm Ira's nerves. "What Ed is saying is that your men are more than likely going to be the first to cross the bridge. Not the Independents."

"And why the f$*! is that!?" Ira raised his voice. Clearly you were stirring the pot...

Adrian hesitated before answering. "You're a leader, Ira. You must consider these things, even if it hurts you personally. Who would you rather have in your ranks? Clearheaded, obedient soldiers? Or reckless brawlers suffering from withdrawals?"

"My men are brave! The the word 'fear' does not exist in their vocabulary."

"That is true, no doubt. But what do you think Othello prefers? That's the issue, Ira. It's not a personal attack from me. If anything, I'm looking out for you."

Ira stood there with angry eyes, his chest puffed and fist clenched. He is a primal man. The epitome of testosterone. You compared his culture to that of ancient Spartans. Judging from their discussion, it was clear Ira's men lost their way from this culture, and at some point gave in to heavy drugs.

The hulk's chest deflated and his fist opened up. Adrian's words had succeeded in taming the beast. "I knew it from the beginning. The Union wouldn't last. Not in this world. There's too much competition." Ira grabs the bottle off the table and pops the cork. "Listen here, Jacky. If we go with your plan, there's a chance people will die. I want to make sure the right ones do. But there's still the issue with my men. They are loyal to me; they would die for me. You can't control them without me. The only way I will be involved in this 'coup' is if you can guarantee supplies."

"And how do you expect him to do that, sir?" said Rotten Ed.

"He'll lead a scouting party into Manhattan. If he can't find anything, then this coup isn't worth the risk. I'd lose everything if I lose my men. They need to ween off, or we'll all be paying for it."

Ira has an uncharacteristic compassion for his men.

"That's fair," says Adrian, "We certainly don't have the numbers to see this through without your support."

Sense Motive DC 25:
Subtle hints were made apparent from Ed's reactions, but now you're convinced that Ira and Adrian have an odd intimacy between them. A Greek one, to put it plainly.

"So Jack, there you go. Not sure what contingencies you have in place should your plan cave. But without the Cassidys, you don't have the Monroes. We know you're taking a risk, so we'll provide what we can for you in terms are firepower. Do you have a group in mind?"

"Him and his lady-friend cleared a large group of Them with energy to spare. I attest to their capability," chimed in Ed.

"What do you say Ira? We'll send two of each of our men. A joint effort to change the face of Barrier City."

Without hesitation, Ira agreed and poured three shots of The Negotiator. "Are these terms agreeable to you, Jacky" said Ira in a more respectful tone.

In summation, the only way the Cassidy-Monroes will help you is if you go into Manhattan and find a substantial stash of drugs. Opiates are preferred. If you agree, take your shot. Just remember, you're dealing with a dangerous gang. Sure, they're civil with you, but don't forget the Cassidys are mosagonist ruffians and the Monroes are ruthless anarchists. Both comfortable with committing murder. Your choices will change the face of Barrier City and the fate of your group. Going into Manhattan means I will throw enemies at you that will have relatively high CR's. I won't make it impossible, but you will be taking a decent sized risk to your lives. As you probably know, there is no Golden Trail in my games, so other options are available to you, even ones I haven't mentioned that you can think of.


Jack

You pondered the deal a little bit. Knowing that unknown consequences could occur should you decide not to enlist their help, seeing as they have your entire plan, you decide it is best to follow through with it. Perhaps with a smaller group, you could move throughout Manhattan unnoticed.

You all gulp down your shots. A deal had been made and to break it could mean your life.

Adrian: "It's settled. Lets set out tomorrow morning. You'd think the cover of night would be better but those things seem to be more energetic at night. I'll assign Bridie and Conall to you from my end. They're some of my best soldiers. Hopefully that's enough indication that I want your plan to succeed. Who will you provide, Ira?"

Ira contemplates for a few moments as he pets his big mustache: "I'll give him Don and Jake. They're the most sober of the bunch. Meet the group by the bridge tomorrow at 7:00am. If you succeed with this, we'll help you change the face of Barrier City."

Your time with the Cassidy-Monroes was interesting. In no other point in your life would you have thought you would run to gangs for help, save for a select few informants. But the deal was done, and you still had a couple of hours before Kalyna is supposed to be back at the apartment.

I definitely want to do this game more sandbox style, so you have some time to do whatever. Or, you can just head back to the apartment. Kalyna is still meeting with the Coven. Let me know where you want to go and how you will spend the time and I will create the environment for that to happen in. Also, just wanted to check if you still plan on GMing for Kalyna. If not, no big deal.


While playing this game, try to imagine you're playing Fallout. You can fast-forward time while in a safe zone, and you can also fast-travel with chances of a random encounter. So you could "fast-travel to the Coven HQ and we can save on the repetitive details.


"Ima eat cho' deeeyick!!!"


"Ima eat sum aaaaaayassssss!!!"

This is the npc's new profile. Kalyna Shadrova has been replaced by Karina Lavigne. There are some subtle changes, but nothing major.


Dutch 3

"Come at me, bruh"


Your departure from the bar was uneventful and somewhat awkward. It was clear the leaders of the Cassidy-Monroes respected you, but whether or not they like is up for debate. Men like them don't get a long with others of their kind; their kind being those ahead of the herd. Naturally, you are a threat because you are ambitious, and ambitious men don't usually ally themselves. Though your intentions are genuine, your alliance with the Cassidy-Monroes is more akin to employment. Passive WIS(insight) success. It may be wise to have a contingency plan.

It was nearing time to be back at the apartment. Your trek is uneventful. As you walk by the shop near the breached subway entrance, you notice there are some Cassidy-Monroes trying to plug the hole back up. They are utilizing a Bobcat (small landscaping machine with a large bucket for scooping).

Your timing was perfect as Kalyna meets you at the apartment door. She has with her a small puppy, only about a month old. It is clear she is in a good mood, which means her meeting went in your favor, and it has nothing to do with getting a puppy out of it. She says the Coven has agreed to participate in the coup, but they demand leadership. Now that both the Coven and the Cassidy-Monroes vie for the Chromatic Throne, war will be eminent unless something is done. She reassures you that the circumstances are still in our favor because the Coven outnumber the Cassidy-Monroes, and they have promised us entry into their ranks as officers in addition to other gifts. She puffs on her cigarette and takes a moment to scope out the scenery on the streets.

The streets are moderately filled with people preparing to emigrate. People are forming groups and preparing caravans for the short trip to Outer City; their fate entirely at the hands of the wasteland beyond the wall. Some groups seem to cooperate better than others, as was evident when two grown men got into a gruesome fist-fight over a water bottle filled with petroleum. This is one of multiple examples that you witnessed throughout the night. You toss and turn on the couch as the sounds of shouting, and even gunshots, rattle your ears. It took you back to the Gulf War; the intensity, the passion, the rage. You have to survive now, just as you did then. The unforgivable things you had to do back then somehow made sense now. It was your life, or theirs. You know there would be more nights like this, and you know the only way to survive is to survive. Just then, your eyes shut, and you fell asleep. A resolution is always comforting...

You are to meet the assigned men from Ira and Adrian at the North Gate at 7:30am.

You wake up around 6:00am to find a substantial breakfast made for you, Kalyna, and Gwen. The people of your complex have unexpectedly decided to show the three of you their gratitude by offering some of their precious resources. In addition to food, the portion that are emigrating made you all gifts. Some are very simple, such as paper cut-outs or drawings, but others are quite nice. As is true to nature, these gifts do not benefit just you, as getting rid of this stuff will help lighten the load of the emigrants. No one is completely altruistic these days, it would seem.

As far as you know, the people are unaware of what you three have planned. Unless some loud mouth b%&@@ told everyone...

Regardless, it is clear your people appreciate the three of you, especially you, Jack. Whether you consciously chose the position or not, you are a leader. Since the fall of the American government as it is known, many people rose up out of the flock to govern the rest. It's a strange nature of a social organism, but it's clear and near biological that there are those whom are inherently submissive to ambitious individuals. Your situation was not exempt from nature. Since you are a powerful man, both physically strong and wise, your rise to leadership was virtually organic. The pillars have collapsed, and new governments were forming, both big and small. Your apartment complex, once a mere affordable form of shelter, has now become your small kingdom of sorts. Because of your resourcefulness and wisdom, it was only natural that your pillar would rise (heheh) as the older ones crumbled.

You have 1.5 hours before you meet with the Cassidy-Monroes at the North Gate. Take this time to free roam, dowhatchuwant. As part of the deal Kalyna made, the Coven are willing to barter a few of their weapons and ammunition, and even some other supplies one going over the wall might find useful. Even still, you are a resourceful bunch, and these supplies may be able to be created in the field.

Kalyna: "Since I couldn't sleep last night, I figured I'd finish up the radios. Here." She grabs two crude looking devices out of her cardboard box full of scrap she keeps next to the breakfast table. She shows you how to clip the radio to your undershirt, and points out a q-tip shaped appendage she claims to be the microphone. The other piece looks like a typical 21st century earpiece that fits snug in the ear. "Too activate it, you just squeeze this thing..." she says as she presses a small white disc between her thumb and index finger, like the plastic button found inside dancing stuff animals that come alive with a press on their heart. "Test... test... Jack's a f!%... test, test. Is it working, queer?"

:-D

You hear her exact words come through on the other earpiece.


Dutch 3

The f$@% are you doing, old man?

Cosic watches his fork drag up some beans from the ichorous black sauce they were canned in. He watches but he doesn't feel his body acting.

These people are helpless. Sheep in the old world now fodder for the new. This city keeps getting deeper in s~+%. S$!% to begin with. S@@$ before. S!~$ now. Safe bet would be to call it getting even s$$*tier after this... Othello. Assume you boot him; what then? Population density. Prime target for the next wave. I know I haven't seen the worst of it. F*~# if I know exactly how it'll get worst, but it'll happen. It'll find a way. Think this city's safe?

Kalyna wrote:
"Test... test... Jack's a f$@... test, test. Is it working, queer?"

”Yeah,” he replies in an unimpressed dad-tone. ”How do they work?”

Jack quickly zones out Kalyna's explanation. B$&!$ disturbed his thought process.

”So,” Jack interrupts Kalyna's spirited lecture with surgical dickishness, ”Manhattan is a g$+ d~%n war zone. It's high risk but, due to this, it's a wealth of resources. Cassidy-Monroes expect we're going in there solely to their benefit. That's only true if the only thing we manage to bring back is their... their f#++ing drugs.

The f#+% are you doing, old man?

”I say we treat this as a hunt. We come back with whatever's most valuable. Whether it's dope or something that could even out Othello's advantage.”

... or something that can get us out of the city. You're gonna have to tell them. Can't say it in the complex. Too many ears.

”I'm going to the Coven for supplies. Meet me back here in an hour. Do a group inventory before meeting at the North Gate.”


Kalyna: "It seems your meeting with the Cass-Mons went well, but not well enough. You think they may be up to something?"

Kalyna: "I'll get things squared away here. The people will want to know where we were all day, so I'll tell Gwen what to tell them. She's still out cold, believe it or not. She's usually up by now. But anyways, when you get to Coven territory, make sure to ask for Kojo. I don't mean to sound like a pretentious whore, but drop my name and you're sure to get a relatively warm welcoming. Oh, and here. Use these to trade with. The Coven have guns, but they're running out of some basic chemicals, which we still have plenty of. Told ya it was a good thing to loot the school, save for losing those three perverts from Charlie's group down the street."

Charlie's just an arbitrary neighbor down the street. No one important.

This stockpile of chemicals was retrieved when you and Kalyna were sent on a supply run two months ago when you couldn't pay the supplies tax. Though you thought her weird at first, Kalyna immediately recommended looting a high school. Unfortunately it was not unoccupied. It is safe to say the most terrifying thing you have seen since Daystar (the day the meteor pummeled the Earth) is the clawing and biting children found in the school. Unlike the slow-moving sloths, the children moved with incredible speed and agility. Luckily you two had a team of three other guys with you, and before you ask, no they didn't make it. It's probably why you both survived that day. The sacrifice was worth it, though. In the chemistry lab were a wide variety of chemicals, seeming virtually useless to anyone who had been in the school before. But to a biochemist and a detective, basic chemicals have more value, as well as more meaning. You have used these chemicals to make basic medicines among other things, but today they are going to be used to trade with the Coven.

She hands you tupper-ware containers filled with an assortment of contents. The containers are nearly identical to each other, probably because the chemicals can only be stored in certain materials.

"If there has been no inflation and deflation since yesterday, which you know is possible, then this should give you the equivalent of like... $400 maybe? In the context of the old economy, of course." She pulls out her pack of cigarettes and shakes it around to get a quick count of what she has left. "Aaaand, I know it isn't priority, but it kind of is.... maybe get a pack or two from them? Should be relatively cheap now because Gwen reluctantly told me Joe's supply run came back with a s!*~-ton of cartons."

You two agree to meet at the North Gate. Coven territory is further away than the Heartwood where you met with Ira and Adrian, but the road is better protected. However, your trek is not uneventful. A small group of GFK's took out a group of 10, maybe 12 sloths near another subway entrance. The plug, made up of cars and other heavy debris, has been removed. Immediately after they soldiers subdue the threat, a Humvee drives into a car in order to push it back into the hole. The soldiers let you pass by without harassment.

You are welcome to stop and inquire about the situation if you'd like, but I'm going to continue further with the post.

It didn't take long to see Kojo. He welcomed you respectfully, knowing of your close relationship with Kalyna. He respects you because you are someone that is looking out for her. It has never been confirmed, but you're confident the Kojo and Kalyna are intimate with each other.

He shows you his wares. The Coven has a relatively decent set up for a shop with a wider variety of supplies compared to other vendors, though they lack the abundance.

You are able to buy up to $350 dollars (gold) worth of supplies. Feel free to also trade in items you have on your person for their full value.

In addition to what you purchase, Kojo reveals a sheathed blade he pulled out from on top of a display case. It is a machete with a wooden handle, wrapped in cloth tape. Though it looks as if it's had some use, you feel this tool is tempered rather than exhausted. It certainly is of higher quality than a machete one can find at Wal-Mart.

"I want you to give this to Kalyna for me. She told me what you're planning and I'm sure you know we're all about it. I just want to make sure she survives, ya know? She'll need more than that f!*~in' toothpick in case she runs into trouble with the GFK. If your plan goes right, it shouldn't come to that."

"Before you take off, my man... how's the dog doin'? That's another little something I gave to Lady Lavigne yesterday, but I told her it's for everyone, not just her. You'd be surprised what a pet can do for people's morale during these times. I never gave him a name, though. We've been breeding them so you kind of don't want to get attached by givin' them names. Just always know... treat a dog well and they will treat you well. As our breeder here always says, 'Canines are mirrors'. Anyways, I'm keeping you. I hope this plan works out, for the sake of the city. Let me know if I can help in anyway other than just supporting the cause."

Feel free to interact. Moving forward. Just so you know, because it has been a while, Kalyna never told him about going over to Manhattan because she didn't find out until both of you returned to the apartment complex. He just knows you both are staging a coup.

Your deal went very well. Kojo asked one of the men to escort you out of their territory. You are slightly late in arriving at the North Gate, but not by much. Kalyna is playing hacky sack with some kids nearby and the four men you are to meet are smoking cigarettes by the gate.

"What's in the purse Jacky-boy?" says one of the men.

Kalyna notices you have arrived and catches the her hacky sack as it is in the air. "Sorry my little cherubs, but this gal has to go find some drugs. It was lovely playing with you all." She starts to walk toward the gate as the kids wave bye solemnly. With a sudden pause, she pivots on her heels and heads back toward the kids, throwing the sack in the air and catching it. "Okay. I'm going to give this to you all. This does not belong to either one of you, rather I am leaving it here, in this spot, available to who ever enters this spot and decides they want to sack a hack. This sack is on loan. I'm going to go over that f$%*ing bridge and get drugs. If I am not back by tomorrow at dusk, then the sack is yours communally. Until then, you're just babysitters. Comprendre?"

She flashes a peace-sign and makes her way to the gate.

Meow.

As you may have noticed in the discussion section, I gave you Rotten Ed's Bloodied Bat. I am retcon-ing a scene where he hands you his bat, explaining that it has always given him luck. It is clear he believes in your plan more than Adrian or Ira do, and he wants to see you live. His gesture is definitely one of trust... or perhaps it's only an investment?


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Dutch 3
Kalyna wrote:
"It seems your meeting with the Cass-Mons went well, but not well enough. You think they may be up to something?"

”Probably,” Jack admits without hesitation. ”Ira is a power thirsty f~!@. His men use brutality to compensate for their subjugation to drugs and authority. A tired, tried and true example of man's most base instincts. Adrian seems to get whats going on. Smart kid. Dangerous due to business savvy. What buys us time is the separation of head and hands. The hotshots they're sending with us are likely their higher ranking people; an example of them at their best but not what they're actually packing. Lucky for us they're disorganized... for now. If they're planning something, it'll be some sort of power play. Wouldn't put it past them to take the lead on our plan so we have to keep the important details hidden.” He pauses and gives Kalyna a severe gaze. ”These aren't people to be trusted. They're fodder. Expendable. If they're sharp or sober they'll recognize it. Do... Not... Trust... Them... Understood?”

Fast forward >>

Kojo wrote:
”...Let me know if I can help in anyway other than just supporting the cause."

Jack didn't like the idea of Kalyna spilling the beans to some random hooligan she'd been using to smack her lady-parts into for an easy distraction.

Insight (gauge if Kojo is trustworthy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

”You can keep your f&%~ing mouth shut. You don't know a g#&!@!n thing. Understand? Not a g*&!~&n thing.

I'd like to use that cash to buy 6 packs of cigs, some rope, and as much 9mm ammo as possible.

Some Dude wrote:
"What's in the purse Jacky-boy?"

”Your balls. Follow orders and maybe I'll give em back when we're done.”

Jack examines the four soldiers before him. Two Cassidy's, two Monroes, two of us... Not much of a wholesome group, here, is it? What are you doing, old man? Gonna get yourself killed by these a#$**~#s or the freaks out there roaming the streets.

”This is a simple job. Don't start a f@+#ing thing unless I give the word. Guns are last resort. Silence is the difference between life and death, got that. Silence is everything. Avoid conflict at all f@&%ing cost. Know your place. Follow me and live to see another f&+&ing needle in your arm. Do that or die. Your call. Any questions, now's the time; otherwise we get rolling.”

Insight (feel these b*@!!es out): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25


Jack wrote:
”You can keep your f#$$ing mouth shut. You don't know a g#&~+#n thing. Understand? Not a g@%#+&n thing."

Kojo: "Okay man. Chill! We here to help, not ruin your plan. If helping means keeping silent, then that's how it is."

Fast Forward >>>

Jack wrote:

”Your balls. Follow orders and maybe I'll give em back when we're done.”

Jack examines the four soldiers before him. Two Cassidy's, two Monroes, two of us... Not much of a wholesome group, here, is it? What are you doing, old man? Gonna get yourself killed by these a#+%!@*s or the freaks out there roaming the streets.

”This is a simple job. Don't start a f~**ing thing unless I give the word. Guns are last resort. Silence is the difference between life and death, got that. Silence is everything. Avoid conflict at all f&$~ing cost. Know your place. Follow me and live to see another f+~@ing needle in your arm. Do that or die. Your call. Any questions, now's the time; otherwise we get rolling.”

Adrian assigned Bridie(F) and Conall(M). Ira assigned Don(M) and Jake(M). This is here just for quick reference.

The four soldiers look unimpressed. Your commanding words bounced off of them like rubber. They looked to each other and snickered a bit before turning toward the direction of the gate.

Kalyna: "I think they're going to be hard to get a long with. Between you and me, Jack, I bet they will save each other before they even consider saving us. I'm just saying, we need to stick closer than ever, like we did at the hospital."

The GFK that were guarding the gate had a quick chat with Bridie. She appeared to hand them something wrapped in cloth. The soldier opens it a little and gives his comrade an agreeable nod. They open the gate for your party. One of the soldiers grabs you by the arm and says, "Don't bring anyone back with you. I don't care how healthy they look. You are not to bring back any survivors out there.... got that?"

The gate opened up to a bridge filled with abandoned vehicles. Many of the cars have makeshift signs attached to them with confessions and famous last words, as well as pleas for mercy to people's gods. There is a wall of stacked cars further ahead about 30ft. The only way to get through is the climb through the cars themselves.

How do you proceed?

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