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Your best friend is a heavily scottish accent man named James Gordon. He's about your age and pretty handsome lad too. You know the gist: Old story of what you nowadays call "bromance" and how you confide each other's heart in the darkest and happiest times (and his accent is a blessing to your ears. It's your favorite ASMR). He works for a "whatever is it again your work with?" company. Better salary than yours, better benefits... They even pay for him to travel worldwide! You were begging for him to find you a sweet spot, no matter how many cocks you would suck, but he always refused, saying on that mellow and sweet voice how difficult it is the job. And he is kinda right? James is an affectionate, clingy (and sometimes needy) friend when he's around you, but when he travels it feels an eternity without him. Sometimes he doesn't even reply your texts. But damn, when he comes back, he showers you with gifts he brings from his tralves and almost stays at your place for a whole week.

There are more actors in this play, but fuck it. I'm already ran my word counting.

Now, your Attributes! Your little tiny points! Remember: In World of Darkness, we combine two feats in d10 with a variety of Difficulties and a number of success you need to achieve. Now, these are your Attributes and Points. Only the filled circles are your points!

>physical: •
>social: •
>mental: •

>talents: •
>skills: •
>knowledges: ••

>conscience: ????
>self-control: ????
>courage: ????

You are an medicore human being, just like me. Well, at least you went to university and has this merit. But you are more than that, obviously! You have something in you. I'm going to run some questions, okay? This way, we can define better your Points and Virtues!

>1. When approaching someone at a bar, how do you behave?
>show them my muscles, duh!
>some sweet talk and might pay for a drink
>point out some characteristic I liked and go from there
>flirtation is best when you go for eye-contact to show the real deal

>2. When a dangerous situation arises, how do you behave?
>hide/run and call nearby authorities
>help to avert the situation with my fists
>i'm always surrounded by friends and we help each other
>it won't be dangerous if I show what danger is

>3. Do you believe there's something more out there?
>yes
>no
>it's like they say: show me and I'll knee
>i need to study and thinking more on the subject, sorry

>4. If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?
>control over others, even my loved ones, for bad or good
>wealth and status, share this with my loved ones
>knowledge to always outrun my problems, including my loved one's problems
>life nowadays is messy: Simplicity could be good

Answer those thoughtfuly, my dear friend. I'll be back with results as soon as you fill these gaps!

The only reason why I am participating is because I really do want a WoD quest even though MC already sounds like the worst.

>1. When approaching someone at a bar, how do you behave?
>flirtation is best when you go for eye-contact to show the real deal

>2. When a dangerous situation arises, how do you behave?
>it won't be dangerous if I show what danger is

>3. Do you believe there's something more out there?
>yes

>4. If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?
>wealth and status, share this with my loved ones

>>5792717
>1. When approaching someone at a bar, how do you behave?
>point out some characteristic I liked and go from there

>2. When a dangerous situation arises, how do you behave?
>hide/run and call nearby authorities

>3. Do you believe there's something more out there?
>yes

>4. If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?
>wealth and status, share this with my loved ones

I wish I knew about the dipoma bit before getting my own...

>1. When approaching someone at a bar, how do you behave?
>flirtation is best when you go for eye-contact to show the real deal

>2. When a dangerous situation arises, how do you behave?
>hide/run and call nearby authorities

>3. Do you believe there's something more out there?
>yes

>4. If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?
>wealth and status, share this with my loved ones

>>5792717
>point out some characteristic I liked and go from there
>hide/run and call nearby authorities
>yes
>knowledge to always outrun my problems, including my loved one's problems

>>5792717
>point out some characteristic I liked and go from there
>it won't be dangerous if I show what danger is
>yes
>knowledge to always outrun my problems, including my loved one's problems

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>>5792739
>>5792745
>>5792748
>>5792794
Thank you, my dear friend! Thank you for answering. Let me check here the results. Hm. Interesting. Before giving the results, one little note:

All your answers not only define you, but define our whole experience within the world you interact! Each answer has a Tag in it that will sometimes show exclusive options, or block other options as well. Futhermore, what would be World of Darkness withou Mertis and Flaws?! Some (not all) answers provided you Merits and some Flaws! How fun is this, my dear friend?! Here are the results:

>1. When approaching someone at a bar, how do you behave?
>point out some characteristic I liked and go from there
>acquired [TAG: Observant] [MERIT: Good Listener]

>2. When a dangerous situation arises, how do you behave?
>hide/run and call nearby authorities
>acquired [TAG: Trusting Authority] [MERIT: Natural Runner] [FLAW: Non-confrontational]

>3. Do you believe there's something more out there?
>yes
>acquired [TAG: Believer]

>4. If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?
>wealth and status, share this with my loved ones
>acquired [TAG: Wealth and Status] [FLAW: Greedy]

Now, let us apply these results to your character sheet!

>physical: •
>social: ••
>mental: •••

>talents: •••
>skills: ••
>knowledges: ••

>conscience: ••••
>self-control: •••
>courage: •••

>integrity: 7
>willpower: 3

Seems you got some brain, my dear friend. Someone must use it while living in this world. A valuable asset! I admire you, my dear friend. From the bottom of my heart!

"How do we spend Willpower here?"

Simple: When you choose an answer, declare you are spending Willpower to get one automatic success in your roll and if the majority of votes agree with you, the Willpower will be spent! Sometimes, some options are going to appear showing a forceful Willpower expenditure, but don't worry: There is going to be other options without these! You just need to choose another option!
But remember: Once without Willpower, not only you will faint, but there'll be no resistance against manipulations towards you, be mundane or supernatural. Think wisely.

"What about options towards become a supernatural?"

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Good you asked! As said previously, it's all in your capable, handsome and strong hands. You are the key and lock to open the door for the unknown. Let me show you your psyche:

>personality assesment
>brave
>inspiring
>analytical
>spiritual
>cunning
>purity

Some options will increase some of your "Personality Assesment", but you will only know after choosing an option. They go from 0 to 10 and currently you have none. Your personality will lead you to different paths and attract different beings who want you. And like Tags, those Assesment can show you different options. And no, my dear friend: One single Assesment doesn't equate to a supernatural type. A combination of them instead will result on a supernatural creature.

I am being sincere now: I like you a lot, my dear friend, and for that I'm going to tell you a secret. Purity is the rarest among the all. The biggest sapphire on the top of the emperor's scepter! Growing your Purity in such a ravenous world is difficult, but real valuable for yourself and those around you. If can achieve high Purity above all other Assesment, something beautiful will happen...

Unless you die. Then all these psychological explanation was worthless and a terrible fate will find you.

Now, shall we being weaving our dark and passionate tale, my dear, dear friend?

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The year is 2021. People are starting getting back at streets and enjoying themselves. You, different from many, already payed your taxes yesterday so you don't have the headache to wait on an endless line. Sent through the mail, got back home, took a long and hot shower, jerked off a bit post-bath and fell asleep on your own nakedess and human fragility. Now that business are opening again in Chicago, your boss fiercely demands writing many and many scandalous news about places not following health code norms. You and other remote people from your work do find some truth behind some investigations, but majority of time is just creative bullshit your hands type.

But when you find something, seat tight because that woman will force everyone to grab this as a last opportunity to breath freely.

You wake up with the sound of cars and rain outside. Nice, soothing rain almost making you go back to sleep. You get up anyway, ignoring you slept on your own mess. Who would come by this hour of the morning?

Your mobile pings. Sure. Always like that. You check and it's an audio from James.

"Hey, mate, it's me! Let me in!", you could hear his heavy accent almost disappearing on the sound of a thunder and cars behind him. "It's raining heavy and I brought breakfast! Come on, I've been pushing the intercom for five minutes!"

Oh, yeah. You forgot to mention the intercom is broken. Greedy landlord.

You go to the phone on the wall and push the button. You hear low "Thanks, bro!" on other side of the line and wish again your landlord wouldn't be so greedy.

You look around and place is quite messy. And you smell yourself and I don't need to describe the smell of shame impregnated in you.

>take a quick shower while James comes up. He sure won't mind
>get some stuff quick out of the way. Fuck the bath I got no time
>he knows the place and know my mess, fuck him

>>5792925
>>take a quick shower while James comes up. He sure won't mind

No grubbyness in a post-COVID world

>>5792925
>he knows the place and know my mess, fuck him

>>5792925
>get some stuff quick out of the way. Fuck the bath I got no time

>>5792925
>get some stuff quick out of the way. Fuck the bath I got no time

>>5792925
>>take a quick shower while James comes up. He sure won't mind
Thanks for the /qst/, man.

>>5793125
>>arrange breakfast table for you both and clean a bit the place

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>>5792929
>>5792939
>>5792954
>>5793002
>>5793087
First draw of our life! How blue, how beautiful! But it's like that saying: "Early bird catches the worm". Our winner is:
>take a quick shower while James comes up. He sure won't mind

You are long-time friends. This rented apartment is his as is yours. You even got him spare keys the day you moved in. You go to the bathroom and the hot water clashes against your body. A nice sensation, but you needed to make it quick.

"Hey, mate!", you hear his voice coming to the bathroom. This man is fast. Or you are too slow.

"Privacy, you know?", you jokingly say. James laughs back. You put your head out the curtainsto meet a soaked friend already taking off his clothes.

"Can I join in?", he arches on eyebrown and then winks. You can only laugh at his stupidity. He promptly hopes in. "Give some space, bro! It's cold outside!"

"I'm already finishing, no worries"

"If you say so", he smiles while you giving him space to wash his hair. "I bought nice stuff for us! That fancy bakery, you know?"

"What are we celebrating?"

"Has been six months since my boss passed away", without a stutter on his voice he says, getting a soap bar to wash his body. His voice, though, is still neutral to remind you this fact.

"Oh... Oh, oh yeah... I'm--"

"No need to apologize, bro", James keeps smiling and gives you soap and you start to clean yourself. "I'm gladder you actually opened door for me, you know?", he laughs again in an attempt to distract you from your own forgetness.

James' company is tough on their employees, but has all this "we are family" corporate bullshit in an attempt to control minds of their wage slaves. However... James always talked about his boss with admiration. You never knew the old man, but you could see a positive influence he put in your friend's mind. He went throughout a bad vibe during first month of his boss' death, but recovered in a flash. That's what he shows to others. You know the truth.

"Besides..." he exchanges places so you can wash soap out of your body, "You yourself had been pretty busy, right?", he punches you softly on your shoulder. "The bitch is causing you trouble, I know! You should ask her for a vacation week"

"Not how that works"

"Alright, alright! I tried", he suddenly sniffs the air around you. "No more stink, I can sense."

"Shut up", you leave the shower. "Now you can have all hot water for you"

James chuckles, but stop as if remembering something. "By the way, your phone pinged. Think it was important"

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Fuck. You thank him and go back to your room. You sigh in relief. No phone call from her. Morning meeting is in three hours, but your boss is a night owl and everything she needs from her employees is always at nighttime. Normaly these meetings are covered by her secretary, Shannon. And there you go! A voice message from your boss she sent you around... 2:30 am? This woman is nuts:

"Good evening, Ryan. I read your text on that shelter for women escaping from abusive homes. It's fantastic! After the owner skipped town with a rich lesbo party girl, I knew we had to bomb that place to the last piece! Now a new shelter is being planned here in Gary to accomodate those ladies. Good job and keep going. And, finally, I'm waiting Carie and Robert to give a detailed report on those two influential gentleman in Chicago's fine society. Help them with whatever they need."

Weird woman, but got a way with words.

You were still soaked in hot water. You have a little time to kill before James getting out his bath.

>go back to bath with James
>arrange breakfast table for you both and clean a bit the place
>search about Gary's new shelter for women
>[TAG: Wealth and Status] text Carie and Robert about their reports before morning meeting

>>5793130
Do not worry, my dear friend. I'm counting already your vote. Something weird happened and first message got lost in the abyss.

Now everything is back to normal! Or what we perceive as normal.

>>5793145
>QM is a perfectionist
Kek

>abyss
Oh, fuck

>>5793144
>>search about Gary's new shelter for women

>>5793144
>search about Gary's new shelter for women

>>5793144
>[TAG: Wealth and Status] text Carie and Robert about their reports before morning meeting

A night owl, ey? Really makes you think.

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>>5793130
>>5793215
>>5793251
>>5793678
>search about Gary's new shelter for women

You dry yourself and put some comfortable clothes. A hoodie and sweatpants is enough. You throw your towel to the side and lay down on your bed a bit, feeling the warmth from a well-deserved hot shower getting being preserved by your body and clothes. Tapping on the mobile, you revisit your article on that shelter in Chicago. Even being a good piece of work, does not mean you remember it well. Sometimes the pressure your boss can put clearly makes you forget some stuff.

This is a story as old as time:

An american-korean woman named "Sun Che" decided, after her travel to a resort/spa in Toronto, to open a shelter for women going through difficult issues. Miss Che came from a christian background (Jeovah? Mormon? Does it really matter?) and her whole community praised her for that. But after a while, she gave up on the body and blood of Christ and became one of those Wicca-polytheists witches who promote equal rights and the fall of patriarchy. Her faith, however, was never tainted: Believing now in different forces, Miss Che applied that in her shelter politics. Meditation, yoga, healthy diet classes, master classes on how to live without abusers and live on your own, group therapy sessions, etc. She protect them and she received love in return. Life was good for Miss Che and women whom were under her wing. Her whole community may not adore her paradigm shift, but they couldn't deny Sun Che was doing "Lord's work".

The old money, nepo baby and party girl known as "Thea Noel-MacCrain" is a soon-to-be disaster. Ambitious, but tainted by greedy and aloofness many over-the-top privileged people are. Partied all night, slept all day. A life filled with drugs, expensive cars (which she hits them all the time or run over homeless people) and constant going to hardcore BDSM elite-only nightclubs. A resourceful and young girl wasting away her younger years, but with a tight grasp and controlling demeanor around her contacts and network. She didn't mind stepping on anyone's head if she could get what she wanted. This is the result of what a crackwhore in control of her brain would be.

And yet, last year, suddenly both skip town. Without an explanation. Sun abandoned her dreams she put on women shelter and Thea said goodbye from her privileged life. Well, sure: The actually transferred all her assets to another mysterious place, but you got the gist. You and some remote employees in Chicago wanted to investigate further the unlikely connection between both, but your boss replied "this is enough material. No need to go deeper. We do magic here with our words, not justice".

Aside from this weird connection, one thought stuck in your mind...

>"even the most faithful can be twisted by the devil"
>"a sorrowful and bitter end for those who were left behind"
>"rich people always get what they want, no matter what"

>>5793934
>>"rich people always get what they want, no matter what"

>>5793934
>"a sorrowful and bitter end for those who were left behind"

>>5793934
>"a sorrowful and bitter end for those who were left behind"

>>5793934
>"rich people always get what they want, no matter what"

>>5793934
>"rich people always get what they want, no matter what"

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>>5793937
>>5793996
>>5794073
>>5794253
>>5794614
>"rich people always get what they want, no matter what"
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Brave •]

And you wrote about that. You pointed out fingers towards the privileged, those above us all. You wrote a ravaging piece about possible health violations in the shelter during lockdown, but blaming it on the Noel-MacCrain family and their connections. After all, without Miss Sun Che administrating personaly the shelter, who would take care? Kaitlyn Hammerstein, business in partner and ex-girlfriend? Ha! Never! That girl was too heartbroken and desperate to have Sun Che back. She was clueless without her! You spinned a tale about a complex web of rich people wanting to make the poor die: A true and sad reality on contemporary necropolitcs. Your spirit went ablaze while writing that, taking an almost radical angle on how Chicago's elite didn't care about shelters and general poverty. They were all to blame. Interviews, collected (fake or not) data, photos... Everything you could do, you did. A step towards a good direction to appeal to popular conscience.

But you know how things work at your field: The more scandalous, the better. In the deep, people don't care at all for changing and class conscience. They want juicy news to have something to gossip during breakfast or after a long day of hardworking. You tried, at least.

You close your docs, closing your eyes for a second. Those words were pearls throw before swine. You kept going, trying to refocus.

This new shelter for women in Gary, according to your brief research, was something already being planned? Looking up, there was a proposal around 2018 or 2019 about this, but it was rejected. Some names jump to your eyes, familiar names the Tabloid throws into the mud now and then. One of them even made a visit to your boss' office last month, probably delivering some anonymous info on a political rival. And now, the new shelter was approved? No, it's far more than that... Documents around this new shelter don't have same names as the first purposed a few years ago...

>"a change of heart is all you get as time goes by. People are pitiful"
>"in that pace, Gary is gonna get better than Chicago... At corruption"
>"at least the Tabloid cleaned some names. The shelter will be at good hands... Or less bad hands"

First of all, my dear friend, congratulations on your first acquired Assesment! You honor us all and I'm proud of you. I just need to note down one thing: You gain one point per Assesment in a choice. If I show you have, for instance, two points in a Assesment, it does not mean you got two points, it means you got a total of two points, understood?

Now, vote! Vote, my dear friend! Vote!

>>5794634
>>"in that pace, Gary is gonna get better than Chicago... At corruption"

>>5794634
>>"in that pace, Gary is gonna get better than Chicago... At corruption"

>>5794650
>"in that pace, Gary is gonna get better than Chicago... At corruption"

>>5794634
>"at least the Tabloid cleaned some names. The shelter will be at good hands... Or less bad hands"

Gotta balance things out, sling too much mud and you make everyone enemies rather than just most people.

>>5794634
>"at least the Tabloid cleaned some names. The shelter will be at good hands... Or less bad hands"
I'm willing to give some faith that this time some fucker isn't ruin the Shelter, and if it does then we're going to smash him

>44428
What are you trying to tell me, captcha?

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>>5794650
>>5794926
>>5794934
>>5795056
>>5795086
>"in that pace, Gary is gonna get better than Chicago... At corruption"

"Too early in the morning to think about political scandals?"

You look up, breaking away from your thoughts. James was drying his hair while looking inside the closet for one of many spare clothes he leaves in your apartment.

"What?"

"You heard me", he laughs, searching through the drawers. "You should relax, mate! What's the issue this time?"

"Reviewing an article I wrote these days..."

"The one about that gang of hookers?"

"No."

"The one about satanic sex party those politics did last week?"

"No. And what the hell? I didn't write this"

"But someone did!", James laughs again, already dressed with a shorts. "Come on, let's eat something"

"Ugh. Forgot to clean the place", you say while lazly getting up your bed.

"No worries, bro. I appreciate all your love, but I'm used to your dirty little...", he stops mid-sentence, waiting for your reaction.

"Apartment"

"You killjoy!", he gives you a big smile and you both try to at least clean kitchen's balcony and put some plates and mugs.

You make some coffee and hot chocolate for both. None of you dare to open the windows and soon glass becomes blurry.

"Why won't you put a shirt? You gonna get a cold"

"This hot body isn't hot just because I work out. I am real hot!", he drinks a bit of his hot cocoa and you laugh.

You take a bite from a pastry and damn... It's real good. It melts in your mouth and a smooth salty taste lingers on the back of your tounge. Closing your eyes for a second, you take a deep breath and drink coffee. That's the thing. If you had a blunt now, it would be over the top of perfection. Opening your eyes slowly, you see a funny and joyful expression James is throwing towards you.

"What this time?"

"Nothing. Glad you are enjoying. Seems like you received a goddamn hard suck on your dick"

"No need to be this horny that early in the morning"

"Alright, alright, mate!" he gets back to his croissant and the silence lingers for a bit, but a good one. "You know..." he breaks it. "I don't like your job, you know that. But I read some stuff you write and... It's good. I read the article on the shelter. I felt... Passion... And your desire to do something more than just fake news and helping that whore do whatever she does to control public opinion."

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You stay silent. His ice-blue eyes show a bit of a shine when talking this heart-to-heart, sincere conversation. Out of nowhere. Damn it, James! Always doing shit like that. He looks at you.

"You could actually change people's mind", he drops this like a heavy bomb. It feels it was hard for him to say this.

"You okay, man?", you approach him a bit.

"Yeah, you?"

"I'm fine"

"You sure?"

"Why this all of sudden?"

"Not all of sudden, bro. You got a nice writing. You complain once in a while about this job."

"Every job has its difficulties", you try to avoid going deeper into this, but you see him pushing harder.

"But there are other places who could benefit from your skills. People who need smart people like you."

"I tried and no one wanted to hire me. She, on the other side--"

"She is a leech, that woman! Sucking the life of good people, infesting the streets and minds of people with her toxic behavour and...", he starts to speak in scottish, completly forgetting you don't understand him.

"Hey, hey, hey, bro!", you touch his shoulder. "Snap out of this bullshit!"

Your touch seem to calm him down. You touch his strong arm, indeed feeling how hot and warm his skin is. You already slept in same bed many times, but you forgot how much of a human heater he is.

"Sorry...", he looks at himself, ashamed.

"No, man, I get. Today is a shitty day for you--"

"What I mean is", he interrupts you without a second thought. He looks again to you. You both were close and his eyes seem to go deep into yours. "You should keep using your words, but in another less immoral job. You can do better than that, bro. You really can..."

>"I could get a better job if you actually recommended me to yours, you know?" [FLAW: Non-confrontational] [ROLL: Willpower, Dificultty 8]
>"my writting tell stories to people reflect, but it's a slow process... " [ROLL: Mental + Knowledges + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]
>"my writing reaches those who already had opened eyes to begin with" [ROLL: Social +Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]
>[TAG: Observant] "with time, my words will reach everyone's hearts. Believe me... Or help me to make others believe, if you can..." [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]

In case you vote for first option, remember, my dear friend: We roll d10 in this game we call "your life" and how many of those is equal to the permanent value you have, plus any other bonus die I give to you.
Another important aspect of Willpower rolling: You cannot spend Willpower temporary points to get better success at Willpower rolls, understood?

>>5795134
>[TAG: Observant] "with time, my words will reach everyone's hearts. Believe me... Or help me to make others believe, if you can..." [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]
Presume that we don’t roll until a vote has won.

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>>5795155
Wrong, my dear friend.
You roll when you express your won vote. The best roll between the voters of the winning option will be the definitive roll!

Now, please, my dear friend, roll your d10 dices.

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>5795155
+1
Something I don't understand is that if we're rolling as usual with WoD, rolling the whole pool dice or just rolling a single d10 and adding a +1 for all attributes that are being used.

If it's the first option they maybe you should put how many dices are for the options, like "[ROLL: Strength + Melee (3d10) Dif. 6]"

That way it's somewhat comfortable so one doesn't need to search for the last time someone posted the character sheet or go for some pastebin only for a simple roll

Rolled 2, 9, 2, 1, 3, 3, 2, 9 = 31 (8d10)

>>5795175
An excellent idea, my friend! I shall do this next time we continue our dark tale! Thank you very much for your precious and valorous input.

Now, please, re-roll. You only rolled a sinle d10. You were supposed to roll 8d10. Just like I'm doing now!

Rolled 8, 4, 2, 3, 1, 4, 4, 3 = 29 (8d10)

>>5795133
"To do something more than just fake news"
lol, lmao even

>>5795134
>"my writing reaches those who already had opened eyes to begin with" [ROLL: Social +Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]

Do we even have a core readership? Maybe. No one's gonna reflect and change their minds from a tabloid. I hope.

>>5795163
I got distracted from when >>5795215 was written earlier and just hit post when I returned without remembering to add that I think taking best roll between multiple voters runs into the same problem (if you indeed consider it a problem, I know I do.) as something like bo3 systems, biasing us towards success and diminishing the stakes of each situation and the weight of the story as a whole because we'll always know we'll win barring QM fuckery.

We could each instead roll 1d10 each, with voters who have already rolled going again if we have more dice that need to be rolled than currently active rollers. There is of course the issue of voters choosing to change votes to a less difficult roll or a choice without a roll if they see the rolls aren't good, or the same of voters who hadn't voted yet, since the vote is not yet 'locked in'.

Rolled 5, 8, 6, 4, 7, 9, 4, 7 = 50 (8d10)

>>5795163
Here's (you)r dice, QM!

Rolled 8, 1, 4, 7, 3, 5, 2, 7 = 37 (8d10)

>>5795175
>>5795195
Rollin

>>5795242
5 successes, beautiful...

>>5795229
Thank you for reaching me out with your insecurities and suggestions, my dear friend. You opinion is really valuable to me.

I do understand what you are saying, and so I must remember about the botch rule. It was something I would prepare for this next post to explain for those who do not know WoD, but I shall write now! And, in my humble opinion, I doubt someone here doesn't know WoD.

Each "1" you roll discards one success. For example, your roll right there: Your single success (8) was countered but that 1 you took, leading to a failure.
A botched roll would be if you had no succeses and you rolled at least one 1.
A critical success would be rolling five successes in one roll.

Again, I do understand your reasoning, my dear friend. But I'm secure it is better each voter has one roll instead of rolling 1d10 each and re-rolling again once more if quota wasn't met. It would flood too much this beautiful tale we are weaing together and can meet the problem you issued on people changing votes in the middle of the process. This is more terrifying for me than everytime someone winning a roll.

Thank you very much for your input, my dear friend. I talks to my heart a lot on how you care for our story!

Rolled 7, 3, 1, 7, 7, 7, 9, 8 = 49 (8d10)

>>5795134
>>"my writing reaches those who already had opened eyes to begin with" [ROLL: Social +Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]

Rolled 4, 3, 7, 9, 9, 3, 1, 7 = 43 (8d10)

>>5795134
>>[TAG: Observant] "with time, my words will reach everyone's hearts. Believe me... Or help me to make others believe, if you can..." [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]

>>5795134
>[TAG: Observant] "with time, my words will reach everyone's hearts. Believe me... Or help me to make others believe, if you can..." [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]

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216 KB JPG

>>5795155
>>5795175
>>5795215
>>5795659
>>5795661
>>5796079
>[TAG: Observant] "with time, my words will reach everyone's hearts. Believe me... Or help me to make others believe, if you can..." [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die. Difficulty 6]
>best roll: 5, 8, 6, 4, 7, 9, 4, 7 (5 successes)
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Purity •]

"I believe you, Ryan...", you could see James caught by surprise for these words.

"Look... I would love work on a better job, but this is what I get now. I wanna say 'things are bad now, but it will get better'. But it's hard sometimes to believe...", you take a breath to keep going, "And then I see opportunies like that in my work. You're right when you say I have some passion. Am I putting this passion in a bad job? Sure. But I know this will turn out to be good... I don't know how much time I have to wait, but I..."

You give up on explaining. You take another breath.

"No, it's fine", he looks down on himself. "None of us are in a good position, right, mate?"

"Yeah and it sucks. A lot. Keep going foward is everything we have now. It's cliché as fuck, but true."

"Okay, okay!", he turn his head up again and tries to put a smile on his face. "Enough! This is getting to gloomy for me, mate"

"As you wish."

"But... I'm serious, Ryan: I believe in you. I can't give you a job at my work, but I can look around for something better than what you work. Even if just freelancing here and there. Maybe I can talk to some people?"

"Don't push yourself too hard."

"It's not hard if it's for you. Well... Maybe a bit hard", he winks, stealing another laugh from you.

You two continue eating breakfast, trying to dismiss this cloud above your heads. You couldn't end all rain and clouds in Chicago, but between you both it could be possible to ignore it, even if for a few hours together.

Sooner or later, however, James would have to go. A sad departure (more on his side because goddamn it what a clingy motherfucker), but necessary.

"By the way, me and some friends at work are going out, have some dinner and party in honor of our old boss. They said we can invite other people. Wanna go?"

"Absolutely fucking yes, please. I need a break after last article"

"Meet me at Wise Fools Pub, around 8?"

"Count me in, bro"

He smiles and gives you a big bear hug. There it goes your back, from old and rusty to new and flexible again. You even feel and hear some loud cracks.

You are alone. You look around. "Time to clean this nest...", and you put dirt where it should and this time you won't hide it under the carpet or sofa. I may be exagerating, but in your eyes you should at least try to make this place tight. You do it with enough care you spend few time you still have before your morning meeting in this cleaning routine.

One last question remain, though: How would you behave in today's meeting?

>urgency on Carie's and Robert's reports
>find new angles on exploiting COVID matters
>push more articles on common man's stories

>>5796127
>urgency on Carie's and Robert's reports

COVID's relevant, the common man's tales deserve illumination, but fulfilling this obligation is expected of us. It's not good to leave coworkers out to dry because of our personal feelings on what is more deserving of our attention. Plus, I like money.

>>5796127
>>urgency on Carie's and Robert's reports
I wonder... could awakening/the embrace make us straight?

>>5796247
Weirder things have happened where kindred and mages are concerned.

>>5796127
>>urgency on Carie's and Robert's reports

>>5796127
>urgency on Carie's and Robert's reports

>>5796247
>>5796465
The embrace always makes you at least 20% gayer.

>>5796653
>The embrace always makes you at least 20% gayer.
Then let's go all the way and hope to become a cute girl.

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>>5796144
>>5796247
>>5796478
>>5796653
>urgency on Carie's and Robert's reports

You take a deep breath before hop in the conversation. Still affected by what happend with James, you try to focus only on your boss' orders in helping with whatever other remote employee in Chicago needed. The faster it ends, the better. You're in.

You see the screen divided - counting with me - six people. You, Carie and Robert as the remotes; Shannon, Stephanie and Martin as workers as the locals in Gary.

"Good morning, Ryan!", Shannon is first to talk and seemed happy for your presence. "I heard someone here got a compliment from boss..."

"It's nothing, Shannon", you reply, pretending some humbleness "Another day of work, but thanks"

"Every day of work truly is dignifying!", she keeps talking and you can't understand why she talks so refined. "Each one of us help spread the good word and make a new morning shine better than the previous!", she laughs. Other people try to say hi to you, but she cuts everyone hastily, "Let's begin the meet, shall we?"

Everyone agree. She goes through her papers, finds some notes and touches them with the tip of her well-sharped pencil. "First order of the day: Progress on our articles! First, the remotes, then locals. Ryan delivered his article few days ago, now I want to know about you two", she tries to point out to Carie and Robert, but seems to fail in understanding not everyone see screens as computer shows her. Nobody ever pointed out this to Shannon.

"My investigation on that tenure from Chicago University is still a bit stuck", Robert starts, "I think interviewing him won't be any difficult"

"Why didn't you do it yet?", Shannon inquires and gives Robert a suspicous look.

"Lack of proofs"

"Did we ever need 'proof' to post anything?"

"Did you find anything basic on him?", Martin tries to defend him from Shannon, "Remember: Chicago University showed some financial issues, according to our sources, and some funds were diverted to a private company called 'OmniMed' and the signature of this professor was in some sketchy papers around this transaction. Only publishing these papers won't be enough. Even if he stays silent all time, we will extract everything we need to complete this article"

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"I tried to go for the angle on contacting OmniMed, and the CEO denied any involvement with these. She was... Scary."

"You men are getting weaker each generation"

"No, not scary as intimidating. Yes, this too. But something was wrong with her."

"Note this down. All your feelings toward the CEO. We can exploit that."

You previously saw OmniMed report: A health/pharmaceutical/whatever company from fucking North Africa. However, company seem legit and their work towards a better life for general population goes same path. Their international launch, however, only happened in early 2000s thanks to an imports company who attracts the eyes of diverse investors.This company also finances educatoinal institutions. Great for population, bad for Tabloid business. Still, with all this money backing up OmniMed, money from an University in USA was diverted to Africa.

>"we can exploit OmniMed goodness, expliciting Chicago University has hidden intentions with these 'donations'" [ROLL: Mental + Talents (6d10). Difficulty 7]
>"we can exploit conflicts in North Africa, making OmniMed in a good light by helping people in need, expliciting Chicago University has open intentions in financing these conflicts by pretending helping OmniMed" [ROLL: Mental + Talents (6d10). Difficulty 7]
>"OmniMed is a dead end and we need more on this tenure personal life" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7]
>[TAG: Wealth and Status] "OmniMed is just a façade for dubious medical experiments and Chicago University is financing it" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7. Minimum 3 successes]

Rolled 3, 10, 3, 1, 8 = 25 (5d10)

>>5797342
>>"OmniMed is a dead end and we need more on this tenure personal life" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7]

Rolled 8, 6, 8, 1, 3 = 26 (5d10)

>>5797342
>[TAG: Wealth and Status] "OmniMed is just a façade for dubious medical experiments and Chicago University is financing it" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7. Minimum 3 successes]
Don't trust Omnimed, the papertrail in Africa is too clean and their international division had a lot of investors for a saturated field. And something tells me that Chicago University's financing of it is due to coersive elements rather than entirely willing.
Dig a little deeper into the truth. This may be the hardest option, but...it's the one I feel is the most just.

Rolled 2, 5, 5, 8, 2 = 22 (5d10)

>>5797329
You wouldn't happen to have actually worked for a tabloid in real life, would you, Oracle?

>>5797342
>"OmniMed is a dead end and we need more on this tenure personal life" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7]

It's normal to have educational institutions and corporations collaborate on research. Probably even to have unis invest for financial reasons or for pension funds or something. Unless >>5797374 knows something I don't.

>>5797765
Don't read this if you don't want potential setting spoilers. I suspect OmniMed is yet another Pentex subsidary. Pentex subsidaries are best characterized by their outwardly hopeful goal statements, an emphasis on the future, and the idea that what they're doing is improving life for people. From the AquaClear Foundation that 'cleans up waterways' to an entire suite of medically based subsidaries that span the gamut of healthcare to research and development. The description of OmniMed's CEO gives a very...Pentex vibe.

>>5797789
I'm vaguely familiar with werewolf, so that isn't much of a spoiler. Thanks though, I see your reasoning now.

Rolled 3, 9, 1, 2, 1 = 16 (5d10)

>>5797342
>>"OmniMed is a dead end and we need more on this tenure personal life" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7]

>>5797342
>>[TAG: Wealth and Status] "OmniMed is just a façade for dubious medical experiments and Chicago University is financing it" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7. Minimum 3 successes]

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>>5797372
>>5797374
>>5797765
>>5797923
>>5798099
>"OmniMed is a dead end and we need more on this tenure personal life" [ROLL: Social + Talents (5d10). Difficulty 7]
>best roll: 3, 10, 3, 1, 8 (1 success)
>acquired [PERSONAL ASSESMENT: Analytical •]

You interrupt the conversation and silent falls for less than a second. "That is true...", Shannon ponders for a whole second. "Now, I believe this part wasn't difficult, right, Robert?"

"For an university professor, he sure has a busy schedule", Robert starts flipping through his notes.

"They all have"

"Did you ever saw a professor working hard after getting tenure? It's a like a retirement with bonuses", you reply to her. Well, going to university at least gave you knowledge on human shitty behavour.

"Aside from professors being slaves to their own jobs...", Robert assists you against Shannon's almost impatient demand, "This man got a pretty busy life within elite, just like our boss said. I can understand Carie's target having one. I can't understand a tenure from Chicago University having one. He goes to clubs, fine restaurants, meet important people. One of my sources sent me a picture of him meeting with Jacqueline Stanley, socialite and niece of John Greer, owner of former Chicago's newspaper empire 'Sentinel', who inherited her uncle's networking; the owner of a five-star hotel chain 'Yama Diamond"; an arab lady who's probably filthy rich, but couldn't find anything about her; and that black wealth philanthropist, Bishop Blake. The last photo was before his disappearence last year, though. I got some other examples, but these are the ones got my attention the most. He also apparently has some minor influence in pagan communities."

"What else?"

Robert thinks for a second and everyone sees a lightbulb pops above his head. Shannon sighs discreetely in relief and Robert finishes once more flipping through his notes. "The connection our boss got sourced on about him and Carie's target is real. He and that guy traded one art object. A real and valuable art object. One of those stuff UNESCO wants to protect and make it back to its country. But it doesn't matter since the guy works for a legit art museum. Carie can confirm on her side as well. We can write a section on my article on how the original is at the hands of the professor."

"Keep on track, Robert. Carie's next, but 'til there I want more info. What else?"

File: _272b489c-d475-42b7-8a37-(...).jpg (195 KB, 1024x1024)

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"Hm... About family, I don't have much. The guy has family in the city, but last year they moved away apparently? I don't know. Nor me nor my sources could find much. It smells he purprosedly erased track on where his family went. Maybe he was afraid someone discovering what we are finding out now about him and didn't want his family to suffer backlash. His family was well-connect and rich. They had a clear connection with a woman named 'Jennie Whittingstall', Humanities student at Chicago University and loaded with money. She possibly has connections with the Triad. My sources sent me photos of her meeting with some guys in Chinatown. I can't possibly pronounce their names."

"This is real, real interesting. What else?"

"What else?"

"Yes. What else? The professor and Carie's target have a clear connection. The professor's signature was in the documents that authorized money going out of the country, even though we know Chicago University is suffering from financial issues. What else do you got?"

"I think this is enough info, Shannon", Martin once again jumps to rescue Robert, "We do magic here with our words, not justice", he repeats what she said earlier, making her finally shutting the fuck up.

>"thank goodness she shut up"
>"Chicago's elite is trying to hide something with this money transaction"
>"guess it's Carie's turn now, right?"
>[TAG: Believer] "Maybe the art object and his influence in pagan communities has a connection" [ROLL: Mental + Knowledges (5d10). Difficulty 7]

Rolled 8, 8, 6, 6, 8 = 36 (5d10)

>>5798775
>[TAG: Believer] "Maybe the art object and his influence in pagan communities has a connection" [ROLL: Mental + Knowledges (5d10). Difficulty 7]

Rolled 7, 6, 10, 8, 5 = 36 (5d10)

>>5798775
>[TAG: Believer] "Maybe the art object and his influence in pagan communities has a connection" [ROLL: Mental + Knowledges (5d10). Difficulty 7]

'Pagan communities', huh? Yeah right, we all know what that means. This one doesn't have a 3 successes requirement like the previous one.

Rolled 10, 5, 8, 8, 9 = 40 (5d10)

>>5798775
>[TAG: Believer] "Maybe the art object and his influence in pagan communities has a connection" [ROLL: Mental + Knowledges (5d10). Difficulty 7]
This looks interesting...

>>5798775
>>"Chicago's elite is trying to hide something with this money transaction"

Rolled 3, 3, 7, 8, 9 = 30 (5d10)

>>5798775
>that picture

>[TAG: Believer] "Maybe the art object and his influence in pagan communities has a connection" [ROLL: Mental + Knowledges (5d10). Difficulty 7]

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>>5798779
>>5798783
>>5798797
>>5798843
>>5799336
>[TAG: Believer] "Maybe the art object and his influence in pagan communities has a connection" [ROLL: Mental + Knowledges (5d10). Difficulty 7]
>best roll: 10, 5, 8, 8, 9 (4 successes)
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Spiritual •]

You think this to yourself. You first would test the waters and see if it's feasible to say that. "What about pagan communities?"

More sounds of Robert going through his notes. "There are a couple of pagan communities in Chicago, including the one that Sun Che girl had a hand in. But what I see the most is... Let me see... Temple of... Ah-khé-nah-tón? Don't know how to pronounce this shit."

"Heard about this one!", Carie interrupts a little more enthusiastic than her normal nature. "Sorry."

"No, go on, Carie", Robert replies, "I'm checking some notes on this. Good time to correct me."

"Temple of Akhenaton. I went there many times when I was a kid! The vibe was pretty chill and everyone seemed happy and gentle. It always had this egyptian decorations going on. I loved to look at the statues, portraits, books! Near that there was another place... It had a smooth name... Fâ-núm? Fanum!"

"Yeah... 'Fanum' is mentioned here on my notes as well. I can't believe those places are open even after all these decades."

"Religion makes a good lot of money", Shannon starts to talk again. For fuck's sake. "Are they big or what? I know what you're thinking, Ryan."

"They attract a lot of pagan people, indeed...", Robert keeps going, "And the art piece it was traded is from... Sumer or something like that? You know, one of those ancient art who goes from a place to another during the lifetime of the owner or something like that... Carie can confirm for me"

"So it's a clue", you say after some time waiting for this chance, "North Africa received people from Sumerian region. Possibly this art piece is an object of interest for the pagan community. It's not unusual if they want to 'retrive the object to their country of origin' and illegaly sometimes is far easier than going through official channels"

"Not that easy", Martin replies.

"I said 'sometimes'. Even if this isn't the case: They are risking everything doing this. Maybe--"

"I see!", Shannon seems more enthusiastic right now. "I see what you are saying! The object went back to its country via Temple of Whatever-the-fuck-a-ton, using money from University of Chicago and OmniMed is using its good name to disguise this!"

"I...", everyone look at you. You start sound a bit nervous. "I wasn't going to say--"

"Couldn't care less! This will be a great article! Robert, go stalk the tenure and have a interview with him! You must get an interview, you understand?"

"Yes, Shannon", he discreetly sighs.

"Now, Carie. Your turn."

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Carie opens her notebook and flip through some pages. "So, this one was easier than Robert's, thank goodness! This man works at 'Terra Foundation For American Art', at Erie Street. He's Senior Curator and Curator of Permanent Collection at Chicago. Terra Foundation is isn't too old nor too new. In the middle. Helps on supporing art throughout all US. Good to know: Terra building here in Chicago is the center of operation of all Terra foundation in the whole US. This guy is pretty big and influential."

"Anything of note on his life?"

"Nothing much. Married a couple of times, all wives asked for a divorce, he gave in without a problem. Got kids with all wives, but it seems none talk to him. My sources say that 'bad blood runs in the family'..."

"Good, good"

"His social circle, apparently, is Chicago's elite and people from his work. He does, however, had some meetings with influential people from Chicago's alt scene. A woman with the nickname 'Bitch Queen' shows often in my notes and some pics my source gave me."

"What can you tell me about this... 'Bitch Queen'?", Shannon does some air quotes when talking about the woman.

"I hit on a wall trying to find about her. If Robert had problems following tracks on tenure's family, I didn't have this problem because I found a black hole instead of a wall. Nothing to see, nothing to search about. Kinda scary for someone who just likes goth music and BDSM, right?"

"For now, a dead end. Next"

"About the relic. They like to call those old art pieces as 'relic'. Anyway. The relic: It isn't sure if it's from Sumer, but it was found in North Africa. It has some egyptian motifs as well, but some writings/inscriptions on it suggest it was from...", Carie flips her notebook over and over. She sighs. "You got it. Mysterious ancient relic. What goofy mystery story!"

"Ok. Valuable and mysterious art. Anything more on your target and Robert's target connection?"

"Yes, I got! The art trade wasn't first time they met. They met not only in 2020, but in 2019 and 2018. My sources couldn't tell the whole details, but it was something regarding an 'urgent meeting towards financial health of both institutions' and 'personal matters regarding people of interest'. I tried to push for more, but my source refused."

"Why?"

"Afraid of losing the job. Too risky and etc"

>"your source is feeding you false information" [FLAW: Non-confrontational] [ROLL: Willpower (3d10), Dificultty 8]
>"can I say what I was going to say about the whole art&pagan thing?" [ROLL: Social + Skills (4d10). Difficulty 5]
>"What about Jennie Whittingstall?"

Rolled 9, 4, 4, 1 = 18 (4d10)

>>5799445
>"can I say what I was going to say about the whole art&pagan thing?" [ROLL: Social + Skills (4d10). Difficulty 5]

Eh makes sense, the source may not want to reveal something specific that if leaked to the press would confirm it was them to those with the requisite knowledge.

Rolled 9, 4, 6, 10 = 29 (4d10)

>>5799445
>>"can I say what I was going to say about the whole art&pagan thing?" [ROLL: Social + Skills (4d10). Difficulty 5]

Rolled 7, 8, 6, 10 = 31 (4d10)

>>5799445
>"can I say what I was going to say about the whole art&pagan thing?" [ROLL: Social + Skills (4d10). Difficulty

Rolled 5, 8, 4, 4 = 21 (4d10)

>>5799484
>>5799509
>>5799521
Support

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>>5799484
>>5799509
>>5799521
>>5799616
>"can I say what I was going to say about the whole art&pagan thing?" [ROLL: Social + Skills (4d10). Difficulty 5]
>best roll: 7, 8, 6, 10 (4 sucesses)

"Go ahead, Ryan", Shannon waits, but not before interupting her own silence, "And after that we go to locals' reports"

"Pagan communities were and always will be oppressed by major religions. Each symbol they recover back to their origin country is a victory against cultural appropriation. Look at British Museum, Louvre or even Vatican: They got stolen art, relics and knowledge. These organizations excuse themselves with 'our sole desire is to protect the art from their own corrupt and poor governments'. Except for Vatican which has no excuse and it's open on their intentions. The tenure maybe has influence on Chicago's pagan communities, and the Senior Curator maybe has sympathy for them. Terra Foundation indeed does job with many african-american communities of artists. However...", you click on your pen a few times, "Another person needs to be added in this equation: A priest, cleric, guru, whatever. A religious figure who wants it back to their origin country. Robert, who's currently administrating the Temple of Akhenaton?"

"Let me see... Hm... Here. 'Jonathan Peabody' was the first to idealize the Temple and build it with his renowed architecture knowledge. He died shortly after the completation of the Temple and for a while it was split between many people of his trust. This included people from the Fanum. Around the early 2000s, a new person called 'Nicholas Sforza' took the role as the main lead. And according to my sources, Nicholas had many gatherings with Fanum board. 2020, 2019 and 2018. Same years as our tenure and senior curator."

"Excellent observations, Ryan!", Shannon claps both hands once and looks at you (or at least try), "We got a new target in our hands! I'll call Philipp and send him to interview this so-called 'Nicholas'", again with the air quotes, "Now time for us, locals!", she laughs in a failed attempt to change the mood, "Stephanie, you first."

You don't pay much attention on Stephanie nor what others two are talking. Doesn't matter for you anyway. You know your next job: Helping Carie and Robert if they need. You three exchanged some texts while meeting was happening in a group only for Tabloid's remote employees. A fun and pretty helpful group. By the end's meeting, you were also in charge of reviewing Stephanie's article and give some "jazz", according to Shannon.

Meeting is over. You let deep sigh of relief, close your eyes and sunk into your sofa for five or ten minutes. Silence. Not one bit of disturbing sound. Movement outside is far from you and only darkness is your company. Your mind sails away in a sea of possibilities. You got a good amount of time before your meeting with James and his co-workers...

What to do?

>review Stephanie's article
>buy something special for James' celebration
>stroll for a bit

>>5800395
>buy something special for James' celebration

>>5800395
>buy something special for James' celebration

>>5800395
>>review Stephanie's article

>>5800395
>review Stephanie's article

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>>5800410
>>5800420
>>5800428
>>5800702
Another draw! How exciting, my dear friend! But again: "Early bird catches the worm". Our winner is:
>buy something special for James' celebration

You open your eyes again and in a (not so) swift jump, you are standing up and ready to search for your stuff. It won't be difficult satisfy your friend: Booze, weed, and pay for his part of the dinner. It has been ages since you went to Wise Fools Pub and you still hope the prices are good for your wallet. One of less expensive places in Near North Side and you are wishing with all your tiny willpower it didn't change their price table.

ID, keys, wallet, mobile. Everything's here. You get your umbrella and go into the city. First stop was easy: Booze. Jägermeister is cheap and hits like a truck. A german beverage, but James always says how he loves the deer drawing in the label. "It calls me back to Scotland", that's what he says. You never understood why he misses his country so much and never moved back there. You questioned him once or twice, but face with same answer. "Company needs me here. What can I say? Good thing is I travel there for work. Win/Win, bro!" and then conversation changes to whatever topic he brings up next. You gave up on understanding long time ago.

Next: Weed. No difficulty at all. Really. After working a good amount of time for that Tabloid, you knew how to get the good stuff. Before? Okay, below mid. Now?! Digging shit from other people takes you to places you would never imagine. Your dealer is a nice man, a bit younger than you and living in a comfortable apartment in West Side. You discovered him a year or two ago through one of your sources when dealing with another generic political scandal. He gives you a warm handshake and instantly makes you feel at home.

"What can I do for you today, my man?"

"Gonna go out with James tonight--"

"Finally dating the motherfucker? Hallelujah!", he throws his hand to the skies and laughs a big time.

"Fuck you", you try to hold your laugh, but fails.

"Alright, serious now. Need something special?"

"It's an important event. His co-workers gonna be there too"

"So you need something special.", he goes behind kitchen's balcony in search for some samples. "I got these for you to impress your friend's bosses"

"Wasn't thinking on that"

"You lying to me? At this stage of our relationship, you sucker?"

You laugh. You weren't thinking on impressing them. Giving it a try is never enough, but you don't want to bring your greedy behavour to the party. In front of you, these options of weed:

>a strong strain
>a smooth strain
>space brownies mixed with shrooms

>>5800787
>a smooth strain
Velvety and silky.

>>5800787
>a smooth strain

idk anything about weed despite living in the weed capital.

>>5800787
Don't know why, but I'm getting some fat larry vibes from our dealer.
>space brownies mixed with shrooms
Come on, let's expand our mind!

>>5800787
>>a smooth strain
No epiphanies tonight

>>5800915
+1
Let's gooooo!

>>5800787
i think we should go for
>space brownies mixed with shrooms

>>5800787
>>space brownies mixed with shrooms

>space brownies mixed with shrooms

>>5800787
>space brownies mixed with shrooms

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>>5800788
>>5800793
>>5800915
>>5801167
>>5801205
>>5801219
>>5801223
>>5801224
>>5801390
>space brownies mixed with shrooms

"Someone here is in for a trip!", he laughs, "If these babies don't heavy drop at least one of them for a whole day, tell me and I give you a discount on your next order."

"You said 'at least'?"

"Y'know... At least one day", he shakes his head one side to the other without moving his neck, smiling like a sassy dog, "Had one client once who got in astral plane for three whole days. My man, lemme tell ya: He had real enlightment. And I don't say this lightly. My nana would kill me for talking these things... How she says? Blasphemous. She would kill me for talking blasphemies!"

>"tell me more"
>"it's all chemical and relaxation. He felt his brain waves bigger. I bet 50 bucks"
>"glad he felt that way. Not everyone is capable."

>>5802311
>"tell me more"

E X P A N D Y O U R M I N D

>>5802311
>>"tell me more"
Fuck, yeah!

>>5802311
>"tell me more"

>>5802311
>"tell me more"

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>>5802314
>>5802413
>>5802451
>>5802557
>"tell me more"

"He's a regular", you dealer starts his history of incredible high space opera trip, excited as if it was first time telling this, "And with a real hot sister, I may add", he smirks and you know what's going on his mind when talking that way, "He came here couple of months ago wanting a different trip. He was loaded that time for a job he did. Something about delivering important package. You know how it works."

"Don't even tell me... I'm working with gossip around this same matter"

"Tell me that later!", he smiles, "Back on tracks: I was experimenting some new brews and recipes for edibles. This space brownie was my new hot baby and I was anxious to test it."

"You telling me you used the poor guy as a rat lab?"

"Never said that."

"Who bought those before, then?"

"Weird ass witch people"

"From where...?", this peaked your attention

"The forest and good vibes witches from that old building in North Loop"

"You mean the Fanum?"

"Yeah! Yeah, the Faun"

"Fanum"

"That's what I said: Faun"

"You said 'Faun'. It's 'Fanum'. Faun is the creature from Pan's Labyrinth"

"I thought it was from that David Bowie movie"

"That's another movie"

"We are losing track! Back to the story"

"Wait, before, tell me: Do they buy regularly from you? It's for work."

"See, Ryan, that's why I like you: You always spicing up my life with your old lady gossip job bullshit. And the best thing is my name never going as credit. I can safely spread shit around two big towns and nobody will ever know it was me!", he laughs and you laugh along, "Yes, they buy from me from time to time. They got their own weed and I heard theirs is powerful shit, but don't sell. I respect that. More power to them. What are they into?"

"Probably helping to smuggle ancient art back to Africa."

"Hope their next targe is British Musuem, then. Any more questions before we keep going?"

>"nah, go on"
>"which people from Fanum do you meet when selling weed?"
>"what about Temple of Akhenaton?"

>>5803165
>>"which people from Fanum do you meet when selling weed?"

>What can I do to enhance the effects of brownies?

There are legit mages who awaken through the use of drugs like this.

The Sahajiya a.k.a. the Cult of Ecstasy

>>5803165
>>"what about Temple of Akhenaton?"
LET'S GOOO MUMMY

>>5803165
>>"which people from Fanum do you meet when selling weed?"
Let's get the specifics here so we can follow this lead.

>>5803189
> the Cult of Ecstasy
I was thinking about that.
Not sure if want.
Anyway we may also just get some minor merit, mystical insights or at least a story to tell.

>>5803396
>"glad he felt that way. Not everyone is capable."

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>>5803189
>>5803206
>>5803356
>"which people from Fanum do you meet when selling weed?"

"Some teachers", he thinks for a couple of seconds, as if remembering their faces was a hard task, "Two women and a guy. Oh, yeah. That guy...", he sighs.

"Was he trouble?"

"Nah", he chuckles, "He tried to hit on me while we were talking about prices on the purple haze"

"Like... Trying to get a discount or...?"

"He said I had a 'nice smell of fresh leaves and water'. I never thought I'd hear such a weird and neat compliment like that, tell ya what!", he laughs and you can notice a founding smile on that memory.

"Okay. Focus, man. What can you tell more about these people?"

"Sure", he again tries to think, "They had weird pet names for each other, but, like, secret pet names"

"These are called 'wizard names', if you say they were 'weird ass witches'"

"No, not like Harry Potter shit. Like... The guy's called 'Ten-Hearts' and one girl 'Daytripper'. Don't sound like witchy name. The other girl didn't like a bit I heard those. But she, oh boy, she's another weirdo! She rushed to bathroom one day when they came to buy more space brownies, probably ate some bad pizza I don't know. The other dude and dudette were joking between themselves, saying things like 'messing with faeries'. I know my shit is good, but damn. I wish I could see what that people see!"

"And...", you are baffled to hear such thing in such a hour of the day. But info is info, you can't deny that. "Their names?"

You even think for a second to ask more about those brownies, but you knew it's crossing a line you didn't want with such precious source and buddy.

"The guy is 'Ethok', the girl is 'Kimberly' and the Miss No-Pet-Name is 'Gentle'. Doubt you'll miss them. Professors, you know? And they all got around your age. Now, can we back on fucking track?"

"As you please", you take mental notes on those names to search later on Fanum's socials.

"Where was I?", he snaps fingers, "He was loaded, ready to get high like a kite in space. I gave him what his heart desired so much...", your dealer gives a dramatic pause.

"And...?"

"And he got stoned for three whole days. And I don't say metaphoricaly. It was like his mind wasn't there. His body moved by himself. His sister wanted to kill me and even threaten to call police. But... She didn't?"

"Why?"

"She said 'I trust he gonna go back to me'... Something on those lines. And he did! Hallelujah, he did!", he throws hands at sky, preaching. "He saw everything! Everything! He saw the cosmos as it was, he saw that big galaxy nebula hand and talked to it. He said he met greek and roman philosophers and together they unveiled secrets beyond human comprehension thought math and other sciences. He noted everything down and stuck that notebook hidden up the deepness of his ass. The boy changed. The boy changed..."

>"it's all chemical and relaxation. He felt his brain waves bigger. I bet 50 bucks"
>"glad he felt that way. Not everyone is capable."

>>5803410
>"glad he felt that way. Not everyone is capable."

Huh.

>>5803410
>>"glad he felt that way. Not everyone is capable."

>>5803410
>"glad he felt that way. Not everyone is capable."

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>>5803406
>>5803421
>>5803472
>"glad he felt that way. Not everyone is capable."
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Spiritual ••]

"And people say drugs are bad", your dealer smiles.

"You know it is. It could've been bad for him", you interrupt your dealer when he's opening his mouth, "I know. Here I am buying top quality brownies. I'm a hypocrite. Judge me if you want"

"Not judging you. I'm pretty happy you recognize the quality of my shit"

"Nonetheless, finding your own path in life is difficult. Nowadays, with current politics and economy? Sober? It's a madman's journey. If he received a higher calling or accessed some hidden potential on his brain, good for him."

"More power for him"

"Can't disagree on that.", you think for an instant. "What about the sister?"

"Couldn't go to a date with her. She still mad"

"Dumbass", you laugh and he goes along. "By the way, man...", you look around as if something was missing, "That french girl from last year? You know, the french rapper girl who helped you with your business. I dig her tracks in Soundcloud and she brought good stuff for you..."

"I told you, man. She disappeared. I tried to contact her, but she doesn't answer. Not even her european number. Imma telling you: Immigration was at her foot and she went back to France or whatever"

"Shame"

"Yeah, she was nice. Anyhow. I guess you going to get..."

"All of these"

"Someone here got a bonus?", he teases you and shake his head again.

"I wish. I just got some spare money for fancy drugs every now and then", you handle him the money while you put your recently acquired brownies on your backpack.

"Call me when you get to 'then'. I'll be waiting. No rush", he winks.

A nice and enlighted conversation, but time urges and flies as high as these brownies. After some traffic and a crowded subway, you arrive at home and prepare yourself for dinner. Stephanie's article will have to wait until tomorrow. You check on Robert, Carie, Philipp and they seem fine for now. Philipp had some trouble on his side trying to find Nicholas, but you advised him on going slow or else it could warn the tenure and senior curator on what's waiting for them. Field research is better for now.

All dressed and swell. You look yourself one more time on the mirror. Something was missing. Some "jazz" on your look. You were minimaly appropriate for the punk rock bar called "Wise Fools Pub". Questioning your own reflection, what else you need for this ocasion?

>something old, a reminder of your past
>something new, a reminder of your future
>something borrowed, a reminder of someone dear to you

>>5803879
>something old, a reminder of your past

I mean...if it's a punk rock bar, we could just wear some pins to fit in.

>>5803879
>something borrowed, a reminder of someone dear to you

>>5803879
>something borrowed, a reminder of someone dear to you

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>>5803887
>>5803912
>>5803930
>something borrowed, a reminder of someone dear to you
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Purity ••]

You give another look at yourself. Tonight was all about someone cherished by others and honoring his memory. Nothing more punk than open up your feelings and your emotional vulnerabilities without fear of judgement. There's no much difference between rock punk talking about loved ones in their enraged voices and furious beats, and Chet Faker or Michael Bublé on their sweet voices and smooth rhythm.

Sure, punk rock was more than that, but you get the gist. It is too about not fearing chains and cages society tries to put our souls and hearts in. You are going to meet a bunch of suits with James, but not in an average scenario inside a big company meeting room with glass doors and great view of Millennium Park. You are meeting them inside a place of liberation from internal conflicts, a place they could relax and be themselves for a few hours. They are there to honor something they loved to their last breath. I know it's an exageration, but you saw how your friend got and you can sense those suits probably had same reaction.

And for that, you would honor someone as well. It matches with tonight's theme and place. You aren't good at confronting people and exposing yourself could be the end of you in your innermost fears, imaginative scenarios filled with pessimism. But you feel an urge, a conviction telling you to be the right path to follow. This is punk as hell, kid. Go for it. You accept what your heart is saying everytime it skips a beat when you think about honoring someone deared to you as well, even to the price of exposition.

You gather some trinkets and pieces of clothing. Pins, necklace, rings, shirts, headbands, bracelets, scarfs... All in front of you.

Who do you choose to warm you in this cold, cold night?

>randy, your father
>james, your best friend
>someone you don't see in ages
>[TAG: Believer] something higher than myself

>>5803968
>james, your best friend

>>5803968
>james, your best friend

>>5803968
>randy, your father

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>>5803985
>>5804002
>>5804051
>james, your best friend
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Inspiring •]

It was obvious to you. It shouldn't be even a dilemma. He was there for you when other people couldn't. He cheered you, and you cheered him back. It's an intimade bond not so easily broken and you two went through a lot in those years. Truth sometimes comes in corny and cheeky sayings, and you can apply "we don't choose family we were born into, but we can choose friends". When Randy Moore wasn't there, James Gordon was. Don't get me wrong: Randy is the best father he can be to you, but losing his wife and constat pressure of having to do this sometimes unrewarding and ungrateful job of raising a child wasn't easy. It can leave bad marks under the skin.

Not gonna defend James. He ain't saint. He's clingy, needy, annoying many times and sudden outbursts of general emotions can wear off any good relationship. You are tired of counting how many times you and James were chilling on your or his apartment and suddenly he opens up too hard or burst in anger. Glad he has a good job to pay all videogame controllers or any other stuff he damaged throughout years. There was this time you dated some juicy ass gymbro for a short time. "Short time" because James didn't trust him at all. "Something tell me he doesn't got good intentios with you, mate", he said many times. Until one day the man got at door begging for help, soaked in blood because James decided to beat the shit out of him for no good reason. The relationship went down the drain and you didn't speak to James for a whole year. You forgave him, but James never told why he did that. At the end of the day, his heart is in the right place.

It was the most problematic and most beautiful part of him. A (very, very) beautiful disaster, let's say. Under that clingy nature, someone who cares deeply for you and those around him. He said many times drunkly "I wanna be with you, bro. Watch all seasons' changing and these gay things. No gay in gay. Gay in happy, right? Gay in gay too, though! Life is too short to not show who you are, y'know? Birth, Growth, Decay. That's the good stuff right there these three beautiful and cruel misstress. And I wanna enjoy all stages with those I love and care, bro". Or that's what he was trying too say. You tried to make him go to AA meetings, but he refused with the old "I can stop whenever I want" discourse.

His flame inspired those around. Including you.

You choose your trinket: A red headband, and you tie tight on your left arm over your black jacket. Time to go.

Doesn't take long for you to arrive. Traffic wasn't surprisingly bad. A good sign for what's coming for tonight? Even the line wasn't that long! How lucky you are! The live show already started and the band was on fire tonight. You are welcomed with a hot air and powerful, fierce liberating energy coming from all over the place. Feels good to be back to one of few places it provided this feeling for you.

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You don't take long to find him and their supposed work friends. Even more luck for the night: They got the sofas! Old, but comfortable and classy. Fact it's filled with scars, telling each a story from times since pub's foundation give an extra detail of feeling at home.

James gives you a broad and excited smile. You can't tell if he's this excited to see you or holding his laugh when seeing what you did to his headband. He jumps out the sofa so quick you almost bump chests against each other. Who am I kidding? You completly bumped chests against each other. Damn be you, James.

"Hold on there, stallion!", you say jokingly "I'll be here all night!"

"I'll just believe if you promise me that, bro!", he hugs you tenderly, giving a small caress on your back. His above-the-normal hot skin and smell of cheap beer is a telling on how much time him and his friends are already there. "Hey, everyone! Ryan! Finally, live, in-person! I told y'all he existed!"

That was... A weird thing to say, but... You have to silently agree: This is your first meeting his work friends, no matter how much you heard of them.

>give them a humorous presentation [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]
>give them a formal presentation [ROLL: Social + Skills + 3 bonus die (7d10). Difficulty 7]
>give them a silent presentation [ROLL: Social + Skills + 3 bonus die (7d10). Difficulty 7]
>[TAG: Observant] give them a sincere presentation [ROLL:Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

Rolled 7, 2, 8, 7, 4, 5, 2, 10 = 45 (8d10)

>>5804197
>>give them a humorous presentation [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

Rolled 4, 5, 1, 5, 4, 3, 8, 4 = 34 (8d10)

>>5804197
>[TAG: Observant] give them a sincere presentation [ROLL:Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

Rolled 9, 1, 5, 2, 7, 3, 2, 2 = 31 (8d10)

>>5804197
>give them a humorous presentation [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

>>5804197
>[TAG: Observant] give them a sincere presentation [ROLL:Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

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>>5804226
>>5804270
>>5804419
>>5804498
"Early bird catches the worm", my dear friend! Our winner is:
>give them a humorous presentation [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]
>best roll: 7, 2, 8, 7, 4, 5, 2, 10 (4 successes)
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Inspiring ••]

"Hi, I fuck your friend", you don't know what got into your head, but if he James was doing a 'keep you in secret' like a high school closeted faggot to the point they didn't believe you were real, then let him have hell.

And this surprisingly went well. A second of hesition for general mood settling down, followed by laughs and more laughs from all his work friends. "I can see that", an older man around his 50s discreetly points out to the red headband tied on your left arm. Now, that got you by surprise and James finally gives in to the laughs shoved down his throat. You stutter, but a faint laugh from this same guy surrounds your expression and you relax. "Peter Lawrence, the boss of this bunch of shitheads. Nice to meet the legendary Ryan Moore!", he jumps from the sofa shake your hand and damn, he got the agility of someone half his age.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Lawrence", you shake his hand and it's same as your friend. Hot, but far stronger than his.

"By the end of this night, you'll call me 'Petey' and you'll like it!", a broad smile delineates on his face. Music may be loud, but you notice a soft irish accent on his tone.

"Don't give any bone to him, bro", James puts his arm around your neck. You don't even need to look at him to sense how abundantly joyful he is now. "This old mangy dog does this with everyone! Let me introduce everyone..."

There's a mixed bag of people there, ranging from yours to Peter's age. They all seem excited and happy to meet you and each one presents themselves in a laid-back manner. Counting with James, six people. Him, Peter, Lamar, Grace, Hekko and...

Kimberly.

Fucking jackpot! You can't believe on what you're seeing.

"Something wrong with me?", fuck, she got you.

"No... I..."

She laughs. "I'm kidding! I know what you gonna say: 'You don't look 30-something'. Say it, I'm used."

"You... Don't look... 30-something?", you're confused, but accepting the situation. She wasn't lying. Not in a chance she was that old. And a professor? Was she a genius or what?

"Don't stand up there, mate! Come on, have a seat", James gets back to his spot and opens a space for you to sit. "We only started drinking now!"

You look at table filled with cups and bottles. Dirty little liar.

>sit next to James
>sit next to Peter
>sit next to Kimberly

>>5804551
>>sit next to Kimberly
:^)

>>5804551
>>sit next to Kimberly

>>5804551
>sit next to Kimberly

Just because I'm curious, what with the tale we were just told.

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>>5804568
>>5804637
>>5804904
>sit next to Kimberly

You sit next to Kimberly and she gives you some space. You, her and Hekko one in one sofa, while James, Peter and Lamar were in another, in front of yours. Grace was sitting on the armchair.

"Real, bro?", he does a pout face, clearly joking with you, while taking back the space for him and others on their sofa.

"This way I can look at your eyes better, bro"

"Bro", you two laugh.

"You weren't lying when you said he was your BFF", Kimberly interjects between you two. "I can really feel good vibes coming out of your interactions"

"Cut the fanciness, Kimmy", Grace drinks a big sip from her beer bottle, ready to another. "You ain't in one of your classes"

"It's stronger than me sometimes! I swear!", she laughs, getting her hands on an old menu on the table, surrounded by wet cups and bottles. Poor things has seen better days. "Now we're all here, what should we eat? "

"We need to drink more", James says, trying to get attention of a barman close to the table and failing at every attempt. Lazy motherfucker.

"I agree with Kimberly", you get your backpackk and open it, showing the goods you brought. "You said it was a special day, so a special little thing I brought"

James almost jump from his spot. You don't know if he was about to jump on you or on your backpack. His friends looked as surprised as him, but none in same jolly intensity as him.

"Oh, come on, Ryan!", he finally gets his hands out a drink and reaches the inside of your backpack. He isn't going to take anything out of it, but at least wanting to feel the Jägermeister bottle with is own hands, "I love you, bro...", he blinks a few times before covering his mouth with a hand. He was speechless.

"Slow down, James", Hekko gets his hand and takes out of your backpack. "You wanna cry in front of everyone?"

"Could care less, fucker", but in the end, he just smiles and releases the package. You close it again and keeps right next to you. "Alright! Let's order some food then. This is for later, right?"

Everyone agree. There was only one menu for everyone, but it wouldn't take long to order some food everyone could share. You silently thank the heavens for prices being same last time you came here.

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"You said you teach, Kimberly", you start a conversation with her. They handed you an opportunity to get closer to her. Focus was needed. No opportunity should be waste.

"Grace said I teach", she corrects you. Her amber eyes focus on yours, giving you an intense look, waiting for you to reply back. No, intense? Was this right word to describe? You give a quick look at her. You couldn't differ nor separete all info her clothing and style are giving to you. Everyone was dressed a bit according to punk rock etiquette, but again: It's all about your self liberation. Colorful jacket with some pins (seems she got a old black jacket and customized many and many times), deadhead t-shirt (is this a band of what?) and lots of hippie accessories. Hippie punk? Is this a thing?

"Hm... Yes...", you lose yourself for a moment.

She smiles gently. "I'm kidding you, silly! Yeah, I teach. Astrology and Spiritualism"

She definetly is a weird ass witch. "With pagan movement growing up again, you must have lots of students"

"I do! This makes me so happy getting to see old faiths back. What's your sign? I can make some predictions or your astral map", she approaches you a bit more. You feel her skirt and leg touching yours without ceremonies. You could swear by all entities out there she was touching your tight, supporting part of her weight on you, but you wouldn't dare looking down. It's just this weird sensation on someone projecting their energy onto you.

"I..."

She laughs again, "You thought I was one of those girls, uhn?"

"Not at all"

"Really?", she teases you with her expressive amber-colored eyes. Ok. You were lying, but you wouldn't give it a chance of her seeing through you. "Okay, then..."

Damn, she is harder than you thought it would be. You could pay little attention on what others were talking about. She seems to dominate your attention almost completly. How the fuck are you going to get some better info?

>"do you believe something in particular or just general wiccan concepts?" [MERIT: Good Listener] [ROLL: Social + Knowledges + 3 die bonus (7d10). Difficulty 5]
>"didn't know the company promoted education" [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]
>"what's 'Deadhead' on your shirt?" [ROLL: Social + Skills + 3 die bonus (7d10). Difficulty 7]

Rolled 5, 2, 7, 5, 9, 3, 8, 9, 10 = 58 (9d10)

>>5805170
>>"didn't know the company promoted education" [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

>>5805170
>"didn't know the company promoted education" [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]
I wanna do the first option but I think this is better for breaking the ice and then ask the first question later in the conversation. If we just hit her with our knowledge we might scare her a little for her to now talk to us

Also, either James is werewolf Kinfolk and the group are a pack, or maybe they're Changelings

Rolled 6, 8, 4, 2, 6, 9, 8 = 43 (7d10)

>>5805170
>"what's 'Deadhead' on your shirt?" [ROLL: Social + Skills + 3 die bonus (7d10). Difficulty 7]

>>5805243
Don't you mean Ryan being a kinfolk? I think it's more than obvious James being a Woof (my bet is on Fianna).

>>5805269
I'm ESG so I only know the word for the people that have Werewolf blood but aren't full werewolfs in Spanish, so I'm a little confused

And no, QM already said Ryan is a normal regular human, but the reason why I think James is just Kinfolk and the rest are just a Pack that he works/cooperate with it's because his skin is less hot than Peter, which I just assume James had some supernatural shit going on, but not as strong as Peter. But that could only mean he's just more powerful so yeah, our boy James HAS to be either Kinfolk or a full Fianna

>>5805282
Kinfolks are regular humans. It's rare for a Kinfolk develop Gifts, meaning they were born into a Kinfolk Family who are tied to woofs.
The way Ryan's mom went away for "higher calling" reasons looks too much like many woof parents who go away to fight the Wyrm after their child is born.

>But that could only mean he's just more powerful
Agreed. Peter is probably the alpha and possibly high Rank.
But I don't discard Grace as alpha. Sitting on an armchair by herself gives a Godfather mood.

>>5805170
>"didn't know the company promoted education" [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

This is a difficult choice, but >>5805243 logic seems sound enough to me.

Rolled 2, 6, 5, 1, 7, 7, 2, 8, 8 = 46 (9d10)

>>5805170
Kim's cute.
>"didn't know the company promoted education" [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

>>5805286
>But I don't discard Grace as alpha. Sitting on an armchair by herself gives a Godfather mood.
Or maybe she's a cheeky Ragabash and knows what she's doing :^)

Rolled 10, 8, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10 = 49 (7d10)

>>5805170
There's no way you teach Astrology at a uni.

>"do you believe something in particular or just general wiccan concepts?" [MERIT: Good Listener] [ROLL: Social + Knowledges + 3 die bonus (7d10). Difficulty 5]

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>>5805202
>>5805243
>>5805269
>>5805411
>>5805425
>>5805488
>"didn't know the company promoted education" [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]
>best roll: 5, 2, 7, 5, 9, 3, 8, 9, 10 (5 successes)
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Cunning •]

"We do!", she's very enthusiastic on her tone. The energetic sensation you feel? Stronger now. You still focus on her eyes, hypnotizing you to focus more on her. Your thigh gets more pressure and oh boy that sure feels good, but you won't confirm if it's a true or not, "The company branches out to lots of sectors in society, getting what it can to promote a better life for everyone! We go from little things, but very specific, like consultation on sewage treatment, from far more complex such as medical helping in every way possible: Money, paperwork..."

"Even politics?", god she speaks so fast. Lucky you for focusing on her. You can't even pay attention anymore on conversation around you. Just Kimberly, fiery music and lights around you.

"Even politics!", you feel any moment she would sit on your lap. That girl is too expansive for her own good. Reminds you of a certain best friend you got. Are they all the same in this business workline? "I can give classes 'cause the company created an envoirnment for me to do it. I could do same I do from my house. I did this during pandemics, but before I had a whole support and during pandemics I still had."

"What other classes you guys do?"

"I'm the only one here who teach, but we teach from classes auguments your body, like self-defense and archery, to focus on mind and healthy life through old practices, like meditation and herbalism. I love herbalism classes! You don't only learn the basics, but is far more complex: Botany, medicine, sustainable agriculture, basic economics if you want live from that... Everything and more on 'herbalism' package!"

"Wow...", for a bunch of weird ass witches, she and other guys who teach at Fanum do know how to do it.

She laughs, "What? You thought we had healing crystals in our bags and talk to plants 'til they grow own their on?"

"I never--"

"I'm kidding again!", she gives you a soft punch on your shoulder. "I believe in power of stones, but I don't push to people who aren't ready to hear about it."

"I bet if people were ready, you'd travel abroad like James do", that's the opportunity you were waiting. Fucking finally you'll know what that bastar does around. Well, you do know, but you never remember and don't care too much. But the conversation was too good to dismiss this chance.

"I travelled a lot when I was a kid", she gets her phone and you clearly see to be a model from a couple of years with broken screen. Pretty bad damage and you ask yourself how does she manage to use. "Tiny little accident. But if I can see everything I use what I need, then it's good. Not going around spending my money on more eletronic junk"

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"How do you... It's..."

"Impossible? Nothing is impossible when patience. Good things awaits those who persevere", she tapson what it seems a gallery app. You swear to heavens you can't figure out how she does this. "Here!", judging by what you can (barely) see on the photos, these are some old photos of people on many roadtrips and outdoor live shows. Everything was colourful and everyone seemed happy and carefree. "That's me when a kid and these are my parents. Being a homeschooled hippie kid had your advantages, y'know?"

You feel that energy detaching from you and focusing on the phone for a few seconds. Her eyes filled with longing. Music stops. The band say some words and music restart.

"Sorry. What were we talking?"

"Travels and my friend"

"Yes!", her energy rebuilds little by little. Oh boy, here it comes... "Company pays for everyone's travel. Many times our work needs to be done abroad."

"Why?"

"Chicago isn't only place who needs our help."

"And what's happening in Scotland?"

"British Isles in general."

"Erm... What's happening in British Isles?"

"Last time, James travel to help on business of historical preservation and debts"

"James? Real? My homeboy James?", you are startled. Is he that smart?

"Your homeboyfriend James, indeed, sir!", she jokes and start to scroll again through her gallery. "He sent us some nice pictures"

"He never send me those"

"But I know he spends a lot on gifts for you"

"I didn't mean-- You're joking again?"

"You're getting smarter now.", she smiles. "His last travel to Brú na Bóinne was beautiful! That little fucker fuckery fuckdiy got this chance and travelled all over the place for almost two weeks after finishing the job!"

"So that's why one month away...", you look a few photos with Kimberly and those are breathtaking. Beautiful sights, some food pics... But what peeks your attention is what you judge to be his work: Detailed pics from ruins, old objects, meetings with people in nice clothes (Academics? Politicians?) and you can even see some documents. You can read 'cause of fucking broken screen. But you see a variety of new and old documents, some without notaries certificate marks, some probably historical documents and so on. Kimberly seems to not notice you were paying attention as she scrolls and talks more about travelling abroud.

But everything stops the moment Kimberly shows a photo you weren't expecting: James on a lake, all wet and smiley, and possibly taking a bath, in the middle of the day. Is that castle afar the Loch Ness castle? Was he in fucking Loch Ness lake? And thanks to screen cracks, you can't see if he was completly naked or not. But you swear to heavens it's more possible the first option.

"Oops!", her face blushes a bitand and a nervous laugh tries to stifle the situation. "That wasn't what I..."

"Nice joke, Kimberly", you try to go with her on that.

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"Not a joke this time"

"I know, I was trying to back you up", you try to look at her again, but you can't decide where your eyes should pay attention, her or james' pic.

"You want?", you hear her whispering softly on your ear. Her hot and a bit alchooholic breath teases your body.

"What?"

"Yeah...", she looks at you and looks back at the picture. The tip of her finger playing with the photo, caressing it all over. "I can send you the pic, if you want"

You hesitate for a second. You do hesitate. "Nah, thanks. Not cool with him. He can send me if he wants. There's nothing there I didn't see already."

"Sure", she puts her phone back. "But to be clear: He sent that to everyone at work. Not some sort of big secret, ok?"

"Why ain't I surprised?", you laugh and she does the same.

"You should come to one of our classes", she touchs your arm, feeling it. "You need some training"

"If I had time..."

"But you have! You're here now, aren't you?", her energy grows onto you, "And if you don't want anything physical, you can come to--"

"Cut the crap already, Kimmy!", a voice disrupts your conversation. "No working talk, goddman it, chica!"

Grace takes a big glup on her beer bottle and puts her foot on the table. "Is she bothering you, kiddo?"

You look better at Grace and oh my fucking God where do you look at her? Her eyes? Her boots? Her hot jacket? Her greek eye pendant? No, not the last option. She probably would think you're looking at her boobs.

"Sorry, Grace. Me and him--"

"Wasn't talking to you", she cuts her dry and keeps looking at you. Her hot blood and dry voice called others attention as well. "Is she bothering you with corpo talk?"

>"we were talking about roadtrips and music festivals" [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 7]
>"I don't mind. Half of my life is dealing with this" [ROLL: Mental + Skills + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 8]
>"we were talking about James not sending me his international nudes" [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

Rolled 10, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2, 5, 2 = 33 (8d10)

>>5805978
>>"I don't mind. Half of my life is dealing with this" [ROLL: Mental + Skills + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 8]

Rolled 3, 3, 9, 8, 9, 1, 7, 1 = 41 (8d10)

>>5805978
>"we were talking about James not sending me his international nudes" [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

>>5805978
>"we were talking about James not sending me his international nudes" [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

Rolled 7, 2, 2, 4, 10, 6, 3, 4 = 38 (8d10)

>>5806292
I guess I should probably roll since only two people did.

>>5805978
>"we were talking about James not sending me his international nudes" [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

It's the truth.

Rolled 3, 1, 7, 4, 2, 3, 6, 7 = 33 (8d10)

>>5805978
>>5806399
Missing roll.

Rolled 1, 7, 9, 1, 9, 5, 7, 9 = 48 (8d10)

>>5805978
Wait... are we cucks, bros? Seriously, in the real world we would be really re-thinking our relationship with James.
Unless it's just sex, then we should go for Kim.
Maybe she'll use supernatural powers to make us straight?

>"we were talking about James not sending me his international nudes" [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]

>>5806588
Why do you think we've been cucked?

>>5806599
Nude (or at last very suggestive) pics to Kim.
Sure, she said he sent it to the whole group, but we have no proof of that*.
Forget about WoD for a second: you see nude pictures from your girl in a guy's phone. What do you think is going on?

*Even if that's true, it's still weird.

>>5806605
We can ask the group, it'll be awkward, but if you care that much we can.

I was gonna include this in my previous post but backspaced on it, I'm honestly not sure James and us are a thing. James leaves his stuff with us, but it doesn't seem like he actually lives with us most of the time. Like, we've been outright flirty, touchy and feely and he says he wants us and is clingy enough to beat someone up over it, but are we officially together and not in some kind of open relationship or just genuine friends but with benefits? Or even just flirty friends?

Not to say we can't feel bad about it if you're onto something, I'm just not sure if Ryan would feel as concerned about this as you if James and him aren't 'locked in', so to speak.

>>5806620
>We can ask the group
We kinda are, by talking about his nudes to Grace. We just have to pay attention to how she reacts.
But yeah, I think we need to clarify our dynamics with James. If it's an open relationship, then it goes both ways.
That being said, Kim's "You want?" really makes her sound darker. I'm inclined to believe showing us the picture was intentional.

>>5806641
I can sorta see what you mean, but I'll ask anyways. Darker in what way? Being cruel, mocking us for having maybe-cucked us, or being closer to James than us? Or offering a nude pic without James explicit consent to us?

I'm not sure what to think of Grace. Well meaning and genuinely concerned for us? Trying to stop Kim from spilling stuff she shouldn't talk about with a sudden interjection? She sort of casts Kim in a certain light if this isn't the first time Kimberly has 'bothered' someone, whether about work or otherwise.

Personally I'm inclined to think we'd get more insight on her intentions with some internal dialogue or something if we thought poorly of her given 5 successes count as a crit in QMs version of the system.

>>5806676
>Being cruel, mocking us for having maybe-cucked us,
This. A guy who shows you a nude pic from your gf is likely fucking with you.
Albeit I can see the QuestMaster going for a "seductive woman deducing you and your bf, just have some fun enjoy the threesome".

>Grace
A bit early to tell, but I'm inclined to believe
Kim's a sexual predator and Grace doesn't want her fucking us. Easy to understand in the context of the Masquerade (or other splat's equivalent). Going from Ryan's pow I think one likely explanation is that she sees Kim destroying our relationship with James.

>>5806588
>>5806599
Anons, we've been actually told from the start that Ryan and James have some kind of Bromance. They actually showered together as if they were just two brothers on the first posts and we've been told he's clingy and stuff, but there's no romantic mention outside of that.

What I'm seeing is just Ryan being Bi and having some physical/sexual attraction to James, the same way you could have a female friend that you're cool with and sometime sneak a look at her ass/tits because she's hot. Just normal intrusive sexual thoughts to someone were really close.

And also there's the thing from >>5804194 saying "no gay in gay, gay in happy" which shows how much he appreciates and love us in a fraternal way. He wants that Ryan and him will grow really fucking old, telling jokes, laughing and drinking because of our friendship, and the reason why we joke as we do is because James is just a cool guy and we're close enough he doesn't care and also goes with the flow. I'm sure that after the party we tell him how beautiful Kimberly is, or tell something remarkable about any of his co-workers that shows were interested he would just fuck around a little and then really go maybe into helping us with that person.

I'm sure the option of fucking James or having a relationship with him it's guaranteed, and if he's a Fianna he could be down to try, but this discussion feels like when Twitter users see two male best friends on media and all the discussions are how gay and in love they are and that's it.

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>>5806015
>>5806031
>>5806292
>>5806399
>>5806588
>"we were talking about James not sending me his international nudes" [ROLL: Social + Talents + 3 bonus die (8d10). Difficulty 6]
>best roll: 7, 2, 2, 4, 10, 6, 3, 4 (3 successes)
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Cunning ••]

"...", Grace stays silent, in opposite to everyone that starts laughing. "Is that really it?"

"Is that really it, bro?", James gets his phone in one hand while drinking his beer, looking at you with a nasty smile all over his face. You know what he's going to do.

"No, bro, please", you look dead in his eyes, but deep in your soul you know it's too late to go back. He doesn't answer you, tapping fast as he can on his phone's screen. "Come on!"

"No, no, no!", and he finally taps one last time. "You want it, you gonna have it!"

"You gonna clog my phone with your--", and your phone starts pinging over and over and over again. James chuckles, savoring your despair. "Fuck you, man. Really. Fuck you."

You don't even feel looking at your phone now. No. You look to see how disastrous this was and you are baffled as you are not surprised he sent you exactly 69 pics.

"I'm not even gonna ask--"

"No! Not everything from the trip, mate! There's more from before and after the trip, just for you", he playfuly plays his finger on the bottle mouth. "You can give me a review later. Take your time, bro", he winks and gets back on drinking, with a smile overflowing with satisfaction.

Grace gives a soft chuckle on this whole situation and gets back on her own drinking. "You kids..."

"Kimberly just wanted to invite me to one of her classes in...", you try to defend her, but you can't lose an chance in dig even more. "Where do you teach again?"

"Kimmy can give you the address later", Grace cuts the conversation again. "Gotta deal with work all day and night, y'know? Little bit of peace would be nice"

"Can't blame his curiosity, Grace", Hekko replies in a calm tone. He grabs a cup only with melted ice and drinks from it, chewing the remaining little icy deformities.

"I can!", she looks at you. No seriousness on her, just... Tired eyes. You can feel she had a long day. "Nah, I can't", a faint and sincere smile appears on her, "Your curiosity gave you lots of cocks I can tell you that"

Is everyone going to tease you all night? Nonetheless, this was a good distraction and buying you more time on investigating. You hope to get everything you need tonight, or enough to help your co-workers. Should you help them? Your heart skips a beat, thinking how fucked up this is and James could lose his job. On the other side, it's just business and nobody could care for real for what a Tabloid is saying. Better living with this denial for now and enjoy this beautiful moment.

"Yes...", you look back to James, who's still savoring your suffering. "Lots and lots of those", no matter how much you look at him, he answers you back with a blink.

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Grace takes off a pack of cigarettes and a box of matches.

"If you want some cigs, I can share mine", Peter teases her with a malicious smile.

"I don't wanna your fancy handmade shit, Petey. This", she lights a match and takes a first puff while speaking, "This is the real deal! Cheap, rough, poisoning. Sweet, sweet embrace of death!"

"You know the rules, Grace...", a barman arrives with food and plate with shots. One for each. You look at the food plates and you're shocked on how much it was. Fries, chicken wings, onion rings, some burgers, dipping sauces... You know you all ordered for everyone to share, but you didn't know it would be this big. All these portions would serve double the people sitting here.

"Cállate, Gregory. Llevo décadas viniendo aquí y siempre me hablas así de mierda. Lo que más quiero es que te jodas con un cactus", you know spanish is a language people speak fast, but the way she speaks while smoking and blowing smoke almost on barman's face is unbelievable.

The barman, on the other side, doesn't care for her talk and gives follows his path. "Y una cosa más: intentad mejorar estas raciones porque antes no era así. ¿Solo porque eres famoso vas a regular la alimentación ahora?", she yells a bit, but is crystal clear he's ignoring her and doing his own stuff behind the bar. "Asshole..."

The moment she finishes, everyone looks at each other, waiting for something. You don't know what this "something" is, all of them get hands on the food. You have a 5 seconds delay to watch, not understanding what happened. Something like Discovery Channel vibes? Best way you could describe.

You don't know what Grace said to "Gregory", but food is amazing as ever. You know what? Fuck. You ask her. "Hey, hm..."

"Spit it out, kiddo", how she know you were going to ask something?

"What you said to that man..."

"Thought you were bilingual"

"No."

"Not even speak scottish?"

"Gaelic, Grace"

"Whatever, James"

"I don't go around speaking taco and burritos"

"And I don't go around speaking Margaret Tatcher."

"You can lick her asshole full of shit in hell if you want, chica"

"My pleasure", she gets a big, juicy and rare burger ferociously with one whole hands and bites while looking at James. You can't judge for yourself this being disgusting or sexy.

"Ignore them, Ryan", Hekko speaks to you, but without looking. He gets some onion rigns with friends and throws inside his mouth. How does he do that? "They do this all the time"

"He would punch anyone hard on the face for that"

"Not me! He knows what happens if you mess with me"

"Intimacy sucks, bro", he laughs, dismissing this whole topic.

That food would take long to eat. Or you think that. When you and James are high as shit, you tend to devour everything in seconds, but here? His only drug was beers shoved down through all his holes. With everyone distracted with food, you could continue your social tactics.

>talk to Grace
>talk to Peter
>go back and talk to Kimberly

>>5806736
Isn't bromance supposed to be non-sexual? Doesn't seem to be the case with us and James.

>>5806771
>>go back and talk to Kimberly
One word: "Daytripper". Or maybe "Ten-Hearts".
Let's see how she reacts.

>>5806771
>go back and talk to Kimberly

May as well, we had a rapport, I guess. Unless we wanted to talk to Peter or someone to ask about the old boss.

>>5806793
Like I mentioned, we could just be really flirty friends. It's a bit ambiguous to me too though.

>>5806771
>>go back and talk to Kimberly

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>>5806793
>>5806877
>>5806983
>go back and talk to Kimberly

No time shall be wasted. While dipping a chicken wing in a green spicy sauce, you whisper to Kimberly, attempting to escape Grace's sharp ears, "About the classes..."

"You don't give up at all, don't you, Ryan Moore?", she giggles and follows your lead on whispering, "I was going to say to come to my classes. Astrology is far more than what people think. Ancient astrology had lots of math and spiritualism is frequent met with debates on sociology, philosophy, history... We were reviewing these days some post-contemporary authors on how they treat matters of self and societal etiquette"

"That's..."

"Complex?", she bites some onion rings and doesn't care for talking with full mouth, "I know. I ain't those hippies who only wanna live in cult-likes alternative societies and post on tiktok about their amazing polyamorous bisexual lives. Many of those comunes are composed of white people and many farms were inherance from their great-great-great-great-greatgrandfather who took these lands from native americans or even used slave labor to build that place. Many of those people just wanna live an alternative lifestyle and running away from there responsabilities towards actually change something for the better of everyone else. These people are selfish and I condone them. They give a bad name for our movement."

"Intense."

"I am intense, Ryan", her smile is warming and inviting. "I don't teach in any Ivy League university, but we are good in social media. Being honest? I'd love to teach in community university. I did some a one weekend lecture on the topics of 'Contemporary Spiritualism and Reclamation of Old Ways in Late Capitalism Society' in Chicago University once, but it was a chore making them approve this", she sighs solely on remembering what she went though, "But it worthed a lot! We got new students when they noticed we weren't some uninteligent freaks"

"When was it? I was a student at CU"

"Last year", her amber eyes locks with yours, "But believe me: I would remember you if you were there. You are quite... Noticeable", you feel her energy going down on you again, softly, running close to your skin. A goosebump runs up to your spine and you try to control yourself, failing a bit. She doesn't seem to notice or is simply ignoring this.

You stay silent. She is open to you. You discreetly look around and nobody is noticing as far as you can tell.

"And I know a bit of herbalism myself", she fills the void.

"You mean you are expert in this. Don't humble yourself"

"If you think you're good, I need to introduce you on our herbalism teacher. Gentle is an amazing girl."

There you go. Miss No-Pet-Name!

"And we can talk to her about some weed growth techniques...", she keeps going, "I could smell from my seat those brownies. Where do you buy those?"

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"Sorry, but my dealer likes to be private", the most blatant lie you told today. If you could count your buddy being here in front of us. He would have a heart attack seeing you not spreading the word around about him.

"Fine by me. Keep your secrets to you, mysterious man", she giggles. "Since Grace isn't hearing us...", she gets her phone again and tap real fast something. You hear feel a ping on yours, "Here's the address on were I teach. It's an old building, but the owner likes that way. She says some traditional values must be maintained."

You know where she teaches, but how did she has your number? You look at James while he was too distracted devouring his second burger. You can see already some sauce stains on his shirt, pants and jacket. What a messy eater. Between all of them, only that Lamar dude - who I may say didn't say a word to you all night besides a laid-back "hi" - seems to eat slowly, enjoying his food bit by bit.

"Thanks"

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Just disassociate for a moment."

"Wanna take fresh air?"

"Nah. I'm fine", you lock eyes with her. Her worried amber eyes turns to a more relaxed, getting back to focus on you. "About the owner, you said it's a woman?"

"Native american woman, to be more precise. Anna has some interesting story: She worked as assistant district attorney and suddenly had some higher calling revelation. Since then, she delve into her own native heritage and culture. That place, the 'Fanum', is the work of her life. Well... Not 'hers'. The Fanum exists for a long, long time."

"You meant in a sense she dedicated her life to the Fanum?"

"Yes! Exactly that!", she says that a bit too loud. Another strike of good luck, none looked at you at all. She lowers her voice again. "Oops..."

And you laugh, "I bet as a former attorney, she got lots of contacts. You said the whole thing on CU. If she hadn't have those contacts, it would be impossible for you to do that lecture, right?"

Kimberly nods, "Her influence is big to the point she helped other communities like hers to stabilish here in Chicago. If you around the Fanum, you'll see another beautiful building with some religious motifs inside", she drinks more beer to help going down her burger, "Orthodox Temple of Akhenaton, the name. They do a whole egyptian religion culture inside. I'm so in love with their work! Ressurecting old faiths destroyed by the sands of time is one of most difficult works regarding identity restoration and application to nowaday's society", you feel a heartbeat skip inside her chest. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Kimberly was real happy.

And you are getting closer and closer...

>"beautiful building? Who's the architect?"
>"the fanum seems pretty heterogeneous for a native being in charge"
>"I bet both places got a good friendship going on"

>>5807202
>"beautiful building? Who's the architect?"
It's mummy time!

>>5806736
Consider the following:
>james saying "gay in gay too, though!" after the "gay in happy"
>all this dialogue being confusing ("or that's what he was trying to say") because he said that while drunk
>this drunk dialogue was repeated again and again
I don't discard your point, but James seem to be that type of person who doesn't hold himself when drunk (i.e. bisexual when drunk).

>>5807202
>"I bet both places got a good friendship going on"

>>5807202
>>"beautiful building? Who's the architect?"

>>5807202
>>"the fanum seems pretty heterogeneous for a native being in charge"
That's a weird mix. There's something bigger, I think, going on.

Also:
> but how did she has your number?
Any ideas on that, guys?

>>5807202
>"I bet both places got a good friendship going on"

>>5807241
Yeah, I was thinking of that too, thought about responding to the other anon about that, chose not to.

>>5807499
James maybe? Or speaking somewhat abstractly, maybe we're a person of interest for some reason. Or our tabloid is under the thumb of a certain party and thus other parties are keeping an eye on what we look into, again speaking somewhat abstractly here.

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>>5807241
>>5807342
>>5807381
>>5807499
>>5807796
"Early bird catches the worm", my dear friend! Our winner is:
>"beautiful building? Who's the architect?"

"A man of excelent knowledge regarding old religions, antrophology...", there she goes starting to talk too much.

"And architecture", you block her right away before she lost focus and carried you away with her to this sea of encyclopedic knowledge.

"Yes!", her smile doesn't come out her face in no moment, "Mr. John, as Anna said he liked to be called, built the Temple around late 1940s, early 1950s. He died after Temple was complete, though. I wish I could had met him... Anna talks highly about him. We can't say it was a group project between two places. Anna opened the doors and Mr. John entered with all his incredible capabilities... And money. Lots of money", she giggles, "Even the Temple being more focused on one religious study, it attracts different kinds of people and we sometimes have students in both places."

"The Temple teaches as well?", that got your attention. "Is it somewhat religious studies for future conversion? Like sunday school?"

"They do got those and classes for people curious in egyptian culture in general, but more as in independent study, you know? I never compared their library with Fanum's, but I saw pretty old things exposed there"

"With so many different people, they must have a tight security"

"Judging people by their cover, Ryan Moore?", she approaches you and plucks an onion ring from your fingers, eating without regrets. She smiles.

"Don't know if this was a teasing or not"

"You'll never now. And yes, security is fine. People who go there are no danger to society, believe me. Grace know some of those. They did lots of classes in Fanum decades ago", she turns to Grace, calling her.

"What this time, chica?"

"Ryan here wants to know more about the scene"

"Which one?"

"Which one?", she tries to mimic her friend's mannerisms, "The alt scene! I said to him you're big in it."

Lamar and Hekko chuckle at same time, followed by Peter. James is too busy chugging another beer bottle to go down a piece of burger he put fries and onions rings.

"Finally some interesting topic, hn?", Grace gives you a broad smile and you swear her eyes were devouring you from head to toe. You just hope it was in a good manner. "Watcha you wanna know, kiddo?"

"He wants to--"

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"Let the man speak, chica!", her eyes were burning in curiosity. You feel a wild fire surrounding you. Is it me or things got pretty heated? You pull a bit of your t-shirt's collar in a failed attempt to cool yourself down. "He got two balls and a dick. He can speak for himself"

Maybe it's her latino blood or her attitude she previously showed, but my God she was about to step on you and call you "my bitch" if you didn't speak now!

"It's just about who know who... You know..."

"No, I don't know", you could feel her whole body suddenly approaching you and smashing you with all its weight. She wasn't even moving from her armchair. That was a powerful presence you got there.

You try to face her back. You don't fail on that. She stares back. You continue to stare. She keeps staring. Is this now a staring contest? Are you winning? You don't know. Does she know she's winning? She doesn't. What the hell is happening? Everyone is silent and music was your sole company. You are sweating. Grace doesn't unlock eyes with you while getting another beer. You are thirsty. You are fucking thirsty and needed something right now. Right now. Right in this motherfucking instant. The music gets louder and louder. The singer seems to yell inside your brain. It doesn't hurt you, instead motivating you to keep staring at her. How much time has been passed? More than a minute, you think. She moves her body more comfortably on the armchair, exposing her body to you. When did she untie her hair? Damn, she's a hot and mature latina. You now notice that. All that make up can hide time's damage, but her ripe and juicy body told other story. She spreads her legs for a moment. Is she playing Basic Instinct with you? Too bad you can't do the same. But you do remember all times James was wearing a kilt (as a True Scottsman, following God's order) and did that to you in the most random times you could've imagine. The time didn't pass. What time is it? You can't look on your phone and your voice was stuck on the deep of your throat. You couldn't speak. What the fuck? Hello? Hello? Can anybody hear me? Hello? What the fuck? What kind of sadistic edging is this?

>"I need to distract her same way she's doing" [ROLL: Physical + Skills + 3 bonus die (6d10). Difficulty 7]
>back off and give up
>try to call for help without losing eye contact [ROLL: Physical + Talents (4d10). Difficulty 8]
>[TAG: Trusting Authority] "let's play dirty" [ROLL: Social + Skills (4d10). Difficulty 6]

Rolled 7, 3, 2, 8, 7, 5 = 32 (6d10)

>>5807890
>"I need to distract her same way she's doing" [ROLL: Physical + Skills + 3 bonus die (6d10). Difficulty 7]

lol

Rolled 5, 4, 7, 5, 9, 1 = 31 (6d10)

>>5807890
>>"I need to distract her same way she's doing" [ROLL: Physical + Skills + 3 bonus die (6d10). Difficulty 7]

Rolled 4, 1, 1, 3, 2, 1 = 12 (6d10)

>>5807890
>"I need to distract her same way she's doing" [ROLL: Physical + Skills + 3 bonus die (6d10). Difficulty 7]
If we can I wanna spend 1 will power, tho idk how many do we have, I just want my dominant woof mommy latina

I wanted to vote for the trusting authority one, but with how low our dicepool is and the normal dif I doubt we can make at least 1 pass

>>5808212
Jesus Christ...

>>5808214
You're cursed buddy.

>>5808212
I'd rather not.

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>>5808212
>>5808214
Your Willpower rate is registered right here, my dear friend! >>5792916 safely archived for your own convinience! Ruling on Willpower expenditure are also in same post.

And, hoho!, seeing by these results, I believe our other two dear friends will prefer the first result of beautiful three successes! Do not be sad, my dear friend. Things tend to break easily, but unity shall make it easier to recover.

One more thing: I imagine my dear friend is aski to himself "what about our Personality Assesments? How many points do we have already?"
I can imagine my dear friend not registering it or still confusing on what path to follow between your own ego, so here it is what you accomplished up to now! Let me say: I'm proud of you and I'm honored to follow this dark journey with you!

>CURRENT Personality Assesment
>brave •
>inspiring ••
>analytical •
>spiritual ••
>cunning ••
>purity ••

Any other doubts on Personality Assesment, please go to registered and archived post number >>5792917 to further explanations!

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>>5807934
>>5808093
>>5808212
>"I need to distract her same way she's doing" [ROLL: Physical + Skills + 3 bonus die (6d10). Difficulty 7]
>best roll: 7, 3, 2, 8, 7, 5 (3 sucesses)
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Brave ••]

You aren't the best in physical seduction and your whole body show this. Not so long passed since a girl almost send you to gym and she's right next to you in total silence seeing this situation evolve, like everyone else there.

You take a deep breath. You think you took. You certainly took. You don't care if you really took a deep breath. You are doing it. You are doing it. Any moment. You move your body close to her. Any moment now. Kimberly nd Hekko move out the way in a speed they almost teleport behind you. You weren't paying attention. Fuck them. This is more important. Any moment now. You take a deep breath. You think you took a deep breath. Any moment now you are going to do it. You are closer to Grace. She stays unmoveable. Music smashing against your brain. You feel pumped. Is this how it feels to strike gym regularyl? You really should do it. Maybe talk to James to where he goes and you two become gymbros. More bros than ever. Fuck James. Focus. Time to defeat this bitch. You take a deep breath. Music smashing harder, harder, harder, harder, harder. What the fuck? You feel your face hot. You are at the tip of the sofa. Everyone was paying attention. Grace smiles. She doesn't say a thing. You don't say as well. Fuck her. Fuck you. Fuck us.

"Fuck me, mama", you say without a single regret in your body. You voice is serious, mellow, smooth (at least in your head it sure is). She stays in silence. "Fuck me real hard"

You delong the "real" as much as you can, opening your legs and leaning on of them on the sofa's arm. Your snickers touch her arm's armchair and it touches her spike big bracelet. You're open to what she's gonna give to you. That position you are into was really revealing and vulnerable.

It feels fucking liberating. Music. Her. You. Those locked eyes. This staring contest and everyone was watching.

Her hand touches the tip of your snickers, her fingers going down to your leg, going down even further to your thigh and reaching your inner thigh. She presses your inner thigh and god-fucking-damnit she's strong! You hear a soft "uh!" from some of them around you, but you can't identify who. Against the odds, you resist. You don't blink, you don't back off. You hold your breath. Fuck, it hurts! It hurts and it feels good!

And then she blinks. And laughs. And releases you. "Good, kiddo", she gets one beer for you, places on your hand and toasts with you. She starts drinking while tying her hair back in one hand. When the sound of both bottles shocking comes to the deepths of your brain, you acknowledge the presence of the rest around you.

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"Well...", Peter seems to hold a laugh with his breath, "That was... Something. Ryan's always like that, James?"

"That's a secret, boss", he bites a third. A third? Wasn't suppose to be two for each? Did they order more burgers? When? James looks at you and blink. You don't know how to react now that self-consciouness is clawing its way back to your spirit. It takes a while for you to notice the position you're into and change back almost instantly.

"Ask and I may answer, kiddo", Grace gets your attention back to her. "But if you say anything wrong, I devour you"

"That's a weird way to quote a sphinx"

"Sphinxes are far more brutal than one imagine, kiddo. Believe me", she relaxes back to her precious armchair. "Whatcha wanna know?"

"You know: Nice places to go, safe spaces, nice people..."

"Short question: You wanna connections and names, uhn?"

That was... Ah, fuck it. You nod in agreement.
"I know many people. Alt scene is big, so keep your eyes open to where you go. You think James is all sparkly and happy when drunk? I didn't saw me partying! I partied hard when I was young, and still do!"

"You're unforgeteable, then?"

"You getting it", she munches savagely a piece of her burger and cleans her hand on some wet napkins you were using under the cups and bottles. "I can present you some people, or you can go by yourself. But don't go around telling my name or else you can attract wrong people. I made friends and enemies, kiddo. But one person I absolutely adore and adore me back: Bitch Queen"

You were not expecting that name coming up here. That's another level you unveil on this whole web of strangeness.

"She isn't the first girl to call herself 'Bitch Queen'. Basic and lame. I tell her to change, but she says 'it's part of who I'm and I can't deny myself'. Whatever. But I understand her side."

>"it's important to keep a sense of self"
>"if she can't change and adapt her own self, then she must pass the crown"
>"that's why she adores you: Only you know her fully"

>>5808287
>"it's important to keep a sense of self"

>>5808286
>She presses your inner thigh and god-fucking-damnit she's strong!
What the actual fuck.

>>5808287
>"it's important to keep a sense of self"

>>5808394
>wtf

At least FDGanon will be happy.

>>5808287
>>"if she can't change and adapt her own self, then she must pass the crown"

>>5808287
>"it's important to keep a sense of self"

>>5808286
>She presses your inner thigh and god-fucking-damnit she's strong!
My honest reaction: https://youtu.be/0CqEKoy-fIQ?si=zwaAAC3R26s1mZYA

>>5808287
>"it's important to keep a sense of self"

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>>5808329
>>5808394
>>5808619
>>5808715
>>5808864
>"it's important to keep a sense of self"
>acquired [PERSONALITY ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••]

"She keeps her sense of self a lot too much for my taste", Grace seems to literal wash her mouth with beer after saying such thing.

"Why is she called 'Bitch Queen'? Is this some BDSM name?"

Grace giggles, chuckles and completes with a laugh. "No, kiddo. I wish it was because of that! The root of all evil is being a control freak. And it seems time didn't change her. Even when younger than you, she had this mom personality."

"If she's a big name in alt scene, it must work for her this personality"

"It does! And I don't need to tell you how many boys and girls come to her searching for a mom...", she sighs with a malicious smile on her face, "But do you see how basic and lame this name is? People think it's about kink, but it's about paperwork!"

"Looks like she's subversive."

"She is!"

"Subversion can be a way to change yourself and keep what makes you still inside. She may alternate between these two selfs, but it's all way to reassure herself. Throughout her constant change in demeanour, she can express her nature without hurting herself and keep tabs on her own community. It has been working, based on what you're saying..."

"But deep down? Full of shit. She's a nosy rat who wanna know everything about everyone. One does not reign over someone without dirty on them. Imagine doing this with a whole Scene!"

Bitch Queen is resourceful, then? It would explain her connection with senior curator from Terra Foundation. Nonetheless, how to connect better these threads?

"Gotta anything against rats, Grace?", Lamar speaks in a sweet and calm voice, but you could tell he's carrying a knife on his smile.

"You get what I said"

"No, I didn't"

"Don't you start"

"I didn't start anything", he keeps his smile.

"Alright, you two!", Peter ends the conversation. "Everyone's good on food?", all including you agree, "Good! You know what this means, guy and gals..."

Peter puts the plate with six shots on the middle of the table. Each one gets one and raise it in silence. For a moment, everyone waits for who's going to speak. You are waiting. It's clear they know who's doing it.

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"We are today to celebrate our old boss", Peter breaks the silence. The mood and energy suddenly feels different. This sort of instant connection is weird, but justifiable in your eyes. Solemnity is the best word you could describe. Music feels lower and your vision focus on him, on everyone there. The background feels blurry and weird, disconnected from the current reality you are inserted. Nothing mattered, only Peter's speech. "He was a handsome bastard when younger and even though, he retained his youth within his soul. Wasn't perfect and everyone here knows this. We couldn't walk off the line by an insignificant measure and you punished us!", he laughs at this thought, "Gosh, what a fearful bastard you were, 'One-Eye'! You loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. You cried, fucked, laughed, pissed on the heads of our enemies. And we got lots of those and we still have! I won't be the best boss, but you taught a thing or two when trying your harsh methods of discipline. I wish you could live enough for your 100th anniversary, but God had different plans. She took you away from us and now you're on your own personal paradise, running, hunting, fucking like a crazy old dog a resting under bountiful trees together with your family. Oh boy, they were waiting for you to come back to them! Now, my friend, my boss... Your afterlife will be filled with bliss and shall we meet again in another life! Like my people say: 'Those we love don’t go away; They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near; Still loved, still missed, and very dear'. Wait for us, and until there, let's live our best life in his honor! A toast for 'One-Eye'! To his life! To his death! To his rebirth! And to the paths we walk without him, no matter how good or how bad! We live tonight, tomorrow and forever!"

He yells and other follow him. You don't yell, knowing it would be too forceful, but you absorb part of this energy within you. Your body feels hotter and when you drink that shot, fuck!, what was in this? It's cold, even though it was sit there for a good amount of time. Your stomach burns and your through felt open by sharp and big knife. You put your hand on your throat. It hurts. But nobody seem to notice that.

"And now, let's do what he most loved to do here, your shitheads!", Peter puts his cup back on the table and you swear to heavens you could see the cup snap a bit when he does that. He gets up, puts his closed hands in a fist against each other, forming a circle with his arms in front of him and... He starts spinning around and dancing with his foot, moving around and going to the people dancing in front of the band.

One by one gets up and follows him.

"Come on, Ryan!", Kimberly calls you with her hand, ignoring completly your suffering. "This is gonna be fun!", and there she goes.

"You okay, bro?", James looks at you and doesn't take long to smile, noticing what happened. "Too strong for you?", he helps you get up.

"What was that?"

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"A special drink. You don't need to know. Now come on!", he laughs and follow others.

It doesn't take long to reach them and when you arrive, it is difficult to move. People are banding, opening space for something. No, it is not possible they are going to... Yes. They are doing it.

A fucking mosh pit! You see Peter stumbling hard on people, forcing them to open space he so desires. Doesn't take long. His presence is wild and strong. He can get anything he wants. But he isn't first to start. No. Kimberly and Grace are the first. People were yelling, cheering. The music is stronger, faster. The lights brighter, redder, put with a pinch of darkness in it. Both girls walk slowly inside the circle. Someone's gotta to call her knife first.
And both do it. They run on each other bump over, and over, and over again. Kimberly had a broad and violent smile on her face; Grace had a killer-instinct look on her eye and a face she would kill someone any given moment without warning. Suddenly, Grace's forearm is thrown at Kimberly's face. Is that blood running abundantly out her nose?

"No work talking during off time, chica!", she yells from the deepths of her lung, "I fucking told you, chica!"

Kimberly laughs and licks the blood out her lips. "Oh, this feels good!", her eyes wide open and crooked smile focus on Grace.

But Grace walks off, not giving back to Kimberly. She melts with the crowd and James is next. He has a nasty and a bit drunk smile on his face. He's waiting for Kimberly to come at him. Doesn't take long, though. She yells like a savage amazon and jumps at him, reaching his back and punching him on the head with both hands. James spins around, laughing like a fool while Kimberly pour down all her rage. When he seems to get out the pit, people push both back until... Until how long? You are startled, not believing what yours eyes are seeing. You and James joined many mosh pits in Wise Fools Pub, but nothing with this level of violence before. One bump or another, sometimes accidentaly one of you got a black eye.

You don't notice, but at one moment both part ways. Kimberly is at the edge of the pit, but James is nowhere to be seen. And out of nowhere, two hands push you into the pit. Fuck. You look back and a smilling Peter was waving his hand, while James next to him was wishing you "good luck" only with his lips and soflty blowing you a kiss.

You look in front of you. Hekko was there, looking at you as well. Everyone yelling, demanding one of you to start. He is serious, but his golden-honey eyes are calm and shoulders relaxed.

>go first and rough [MERIT: Natural Runner] [Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 7]
>go second and swifty [MERIT: Natural Runner] [Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 6]
>follow Hekko's lead [Physical + Talents + 3 bonus die (7d10). Difficulty 5]
>[ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••+] "wait... Something's wrong with him..." [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

>>5809160
God, really smearing it on thick, huh? Gotta hope this joint only caters to doggos or else some unwanted sets of ears will pick up quite a lot. Though with WoD demographics the chances of running into anything unusual are blessedly thin.

>>5809163
>[ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••+] "wait... Something's wrong with him..." [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

>>5809163
>[ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••+] "wait... Something's wrong with him..." [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]
Never have I been so sure of a vote.

>>5809179
>>5809227
It's good to see my dear friend having a strong position on voting time, but don't forget to roll! It would be a shame if a dear friend voted on same choice and rolled poorly.

Or not. Sometimes, bad results can open pathways with never thought it would be so sweet and delicious.

Rolled 5, 6, 9, 8, 10, 10, 7, 1, 4 = 60 (9d10)

>>5809163
>[ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••+] "wait... Something's wrong with him..." [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

Rolled 2, 6, 9, 8, 6, 6, 6, 2, 4 = 49 (9d10)

>>5809238
>>5809163
Forgotten rolls.

Rolled 9, 10, 2, 7, 10, 1, 10, 9, 3 = 61 (9d10)

>>5809163
>mosh pit!
We Brujah now.
Or dog, I don't know much about werewolf. I just hope we get the chance to interact with a more cerebral group.

>[ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••+] "wait... Something's wrong with him..." [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

>>5809349
That's a lot of successes.

Rolled 3, 7, 9, 1, 10, 3, 8, 1, 4 = 46 (9d10)

>>5809163
>>[ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••+] "wait... Something's wrong with him..." [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]

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>>5809179
>>5809227
>>5809251
>>5809349
>>5809915
>[ASSESMENT: Spiritual •••+] "wait... Something's wrong with him..." [ROLL: Mental + Talents + 3 bonus die (9d10). Difficulty 7]
>best roll: 9, 10, 2, 7, 10, 1, 10, 9, 3 (5 successes)

You stop for a moment to worry about who's gonna go first and look at him deeply. It's funny how that Avatar crap "I see you" sometimes can be right. His eyes, his posture and even how he approaches you on this mosh pit (which he isn't approaching. You both are two players going in circles waiting for the best time to do it already). You see no sadness, but instead longing, acceptance and depression. For a second, a gloomy black cloud surrounds him. You see this just for a second. You see no relaxed shoulders, but instead down shoulders who carried an astonishing and crushing weight. For a second, a gloomy black cloud applies heavy pressure on his shoulders. Yet, he can disguise this pretty well. What an excellent liar! But he's still there, joining you in this savagery. He wants that, right? No, he doesn't. He's pretending he wants this. Obligation, duty, respect for his old boss memory. You imagine he would prefer stay at home, drinking all by himself and eating cheetos while binge something on Netflix.

You hear something. Someone yelling to "start beating each other to hell already!". Music and people were too loud to recognize who said that, but you don't waste a minute. Your perception was sharp for some reason. Maybe that strong shot? Whatever. Hekko was approaching you quickly, and as the dumbass coward you are, you first dodge in an attempt to take your balance and time. You take half of a breath before Hekko going to you again. You dodge for a second time and you know he won't let you do this for a third.

You confronting him and both bump hard against each other. Fuck! He's strong! He smiles. His honey-golden eyes shine between the red and dark lights. Is he having fun? No. You saw throught him. He's pretending. Pretending? No. Yes and no. There's something more. Another bump. Real, hard and excited bump. Excited? You see as crystal clear: He notices you are looking too much at him. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Another bump. And another. And another. People yells and enjoy this brutality.

But it doesn't hurt. Is he mocking you? Is he playing soft with you? Doesn't matter. Good for you. His eyes shine and you are his prey. But you got a strategy. Dirty playing, but hey, Grace made Kimberly's nose bleed. Who cares?

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You both bump and you get him buy his waist. "Playing hard now?", Hekko says. He's far stronger and takes this as an opportunity. Like James, he spins around and fores you to go along. He locks eyes with you and won't unlock until one of you give in.

It doesn't take long, though. On this dance, only you two know what's going on. His gloomy energy is in conflict with his own new energy. Is he having fun? Probably so. You still think he's prentending for everyone's sake. His smiles almost becomes a laugh and out of nowhere he does something. You don't know what it is. A trick? Dirty little bastard! You feel a strong pressure against your ass and, boy, you weren't expecting for that! Your hips locks with his and you don't even wanna know if he's real happy with this or he got a cellphone on his pocket. You aren't staying much long to discover and you get off his waist. You both part ways, spinning around like two beyblades losing balance.

You keep enough balance to not fall and when you look around, Hekko goes back to the crowd, discreetly trying to blend in to go out (only you seem to notice that), and you are there alone. Everyone cheering you. You fucking won. Congratulations!

Which means a new challenger will show up! And you cannot choose!

>wait for next pit fighter
>follow Hekko
>give up and watch next match

>>5809967
>wait for next pit fighter
Some really weird vibes for us going after him. And we practically went unharmed and we've been having these brave and cunning persona all night, let's keep it up

>>5809967
>follow Hekko

>>5809570
I'm making up for my real world failures.

>>5809967
>You feel a strong pressure against your ass and, boy,
:/
I vote for less gay stuff.

Also:
>follow Hekko

>>5809967
>wait for next pit fighter

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>>5810093
>>5810278
>>5810305
>>5810719
"Early bird catches the worm", my dear friend! Our winner is:
>wait for next pit fighter

What a big, brave boy you are! You give a big stretch and even not hearing all cracks your body is giving you, you can absolutely feel eat crack releasing energy, running through all of you. Your body is relaxed and loose. Mainting a focused and serious look, you wait for the next gladiator.

An excited smile run through Peter's face and you instantly regret on being so confident. The flashback of Peter probably snapping that shot cup inflicts you mental pain. A shock runs through you. Is this fear? Yes, absolutely, yes! And he didn't even start to step outside the crowd! You start to think fast on how to go smooth, how to prevent some colateral damage. You don't believe for a second you'll get out of this only with a black eye...

And then, a hand leans on Peter's shoulder. Lamar approaches him without a word and boy exchange a quick glance. Peter just shrugs and gives space to Lamar go inside the pit.

"Hey...", you move your lips in hope you could exchange some pleasantlies before one of you annihilate each other.

"Hey!", he says. You can hear his voice no mattered loud music around you. He smiles. How did he do that? He removes his green&violet plaid blouse and ties it around his waist. His top tank accentuates his muscles and you swear you can notice his tank top was actually a t-shirt at first until being ripped apart. And you desire not to know how this happened.

You try to keep going the conversation, in an attempt to buy some time. This guy didn't say a word to you besides that laid-back "hi". Your attempt is proven futile as Lamar runs to you. You dodge, but Lamar simply throws himself at the crowd who immediatly throws him back. You don't have enough time to look behind you and you feel a strong and powerful bump on your back. Doesn't hurt, but your balance went off to the point of falling on the ground. That was fast.

Not enough for Lamar, apparently. He squats next to you. "Wanna help?", he smiles and his voice is calm. You accept without a problem and you both each go an opposite side of the pit. You start again. He tries same strategy and this time you look behind and dodge.

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He stops in mid-running and fucking does a backflip. A fucking backflip?! This is enough to startle you and gie him advantage to bump on you. You bump back, trying to stay at your feet. He doesn't stop smilling. The crowd is on fire. Everytime you dodge, he does a trick. Backflip, sommersault, spinning in mid-air. You need to check on Kimberly which classes he goes because for heaven's sake, you do hope Fanum is teaching some gymnastics.

Lamar screams in joy, puts his tongue out and bangs his head furiously. You look at his shirt and you almost see the wolf in it howling together with him. Maybe the effects of that drink were starting to kick in. Damn it. And this man seems to have infinite energy. How the fuck are you gonna win this round?

>dodge everytime and tire him [MERIT: Natural Runner] [ROLL: Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 8]
>stand at your feet with soft bumps, boring him to death [ROLL: ROLL: Physical + Talents (4d10). Difficulty 8]
>give up and watch next match

Rolled 2, 5, 5, 8, 2 = 22 (5d10)

>>5811632
>>dodge everytime and tire him [MERIT: Natural Runner] [ROLL: Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 8]
Fine, let's do our best, but I suggest we avoid further pit action after that.

Rolled 8, 10, 1, 3, 7 = 29 (5d10)

>>5811632
>dodge everytime and tire him [MERIT: Natural Runner] [ROLL: Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 8]

Rolled 1, 1, 4, 7, 8 = 21 (5d10)

>>5811632
>dodge everytime and tire him [MERIT: Natural Runner] [ROLL: Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 8]

Rolled 7, 2, 9, 6, 9 = 33 (5d10)

For those who like James (i.e. almost all 5 regular players here): I asked some days ago in /soc/ male audio thread for anyone to reproduce what James said drunk in >>5804194 QM post.

Here you go: https://voca.ro/1j6z3gnlCgqn
I must say: The man did a nice job.

>>5811632
>dodge everytime and tire him [MERIT: Natural Runner] [ROLL: Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 8]

Rolled 3, 9, 10, 5, 5 = 32 (5d10)

>>5811632
>>dodge everytime and tire him [MERIT: Natural Runner] [ROLL: Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 8]

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>>5811655
>>5811680
>>5811728
>>5811807
>>5812282
>dodge everytime and tire him [MERIT: Natural Runner] [ROLL: Physical + Talents + 1 die bonus (5d10). Difficulty 8]
>best roll: 3, 9, 10, 5, 5 (2 successes)

Here it goes nothing. Best thing you can do now! You move careful at first. He comes to you again and you dodge, almost bumping into the crowd. That sea of angry faces, hands and red bodies is a gate to hell, demons waiting for your blood and sweat. Their grip could be lethal and you wanna avoid this. Or maybe not. They can serve for your plans. You test this sudden theory blossoming through your own despair. Lamar's coming again as fast as he can, you dodge and let him go for the crowd. The crowd pulls him towards you again as strong as it can and this time you are ready to do get a shockwave from Lamar's bump, dodging in perfect time and synchrony! Yes! It works!

Let's play pinball, motherfucker! Lamar ain't stupid, however, noticing a few times later your strategy. He's laughing at that. You can't contain yourself and smile as well. That is fun! Again and again, you dodge. You are a master of the pit! A surge of adrenaline run through your veins and your brain blinds your sight with excitement. You lose yourself for a second there, Ryan! You take a few strong bumps now and then, but Lamar takes your hand every time to restart the game. You see sweat break from his body as well as yours. The end is near. Too bad, but everything sweet (and sweaty) ends. Good though for so you are alive!

Your strategy works. Lamar is getting tired. You were not imune to your own reigns over the pit. You feel your legs and arms wanting to give in. You need to take just one more jolt of strenght. You do it. You do it again. Another dodge. Another bump. Fuck, your legs want to give in. Don't give in. You notice Lamar is moving slower. One must give in to end this dance. Give up, Lamar. Give up already! He does. He does? Last bump wasn't strong enough and you feel his knee bumping into you thigh. He's falling. You get him on your arms. Good save, Ryan!

He laughs, "You got me this time, man".

"You got me before, I gotcha now!", you follow his laugh. You help him to stand at his feet. He bows to you.

"Enough for me!", you throws his arms on the air and you swear to heavens his satisfaction yell was too much similar to a howl. And there he goes, throwing himself at the crowd, disappearing within it. Enough for you too. You need a well deserved break. Your legs are begging, your arms screaming and your bladder too full for your own good. The adrenaline is running away through your fingers and all these lights, music and people were infecting your brain. You feel overwhelmed. You move away from the pit and you already notice two, three, four, five people going into it and bumping violently against each other. Good and sweet violence!

You take this opportunity to take a piss.

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The blue lights on the bathroom soothe your eyes and the soundproof ambient gave your ears a rest. You go to the closest urinal and let the hot piss coming out. Blue is a healing color, helps relax and stimulates your brainwaves to produce all sorts of hormones to better your sleep and thought process. The wonders of radiation frequency towards light emissions! But all of this is crap: This whole "blue light in bathroom" discourse is a way to stop heroin addicts to shot themselves in public bathrooms because blue light makes it difficult to see their own veins. It is no beauty, just aggressive architectural design. Instead of an actual measure against this sort of problem, they prefer use methods to exclude them from social areas. Same goes for many park benchs, stone spikes, lack of benchs in bus stops and so on against the poor and homeless. When you saw blue light inside Wise Fools Pub's bathrooms, you thought the owner became a biggot, but someone explained he believed in chromotherapy. You let this slide. It's not your problem and doing an article against one of your favorite places is shooting your own foot.

You close your eyes for a second, sailing away in this blue sea. You take a deep breath and try to ignore the smell, a difficult task may I tell you.

"Having fun, bro?", you hear James mellow and slightly melted voice on the urinal by your side. You open your eyes and not for your surprise, he's drunk. He opens his pants and let it slide all the way down together with hus underwear, getting buttnaked in public. He gives you a nasty smile without looking at you properly, only focusing on the wall in front of you two. "Also the fuck? Y'know our rule! Y'know when you or me goes to bathroom... Me or you goes too! We're like fine ladies, mate!"

"Bro, cut it off!", you talk fast and low. You know deep in your heart your pleasant night would become a caretaking night. Again.

"What's wrong, mate? If someone wants this ass...", he jokingly shakes his bare naked hips and you hope he doesn't lose control of his pissing dick. Luckly, he does not. "... I just say you're my Dom and you say 'no'! I'm a genius, am I not, mate?", he gives you a stupid face and still looking at the wall.

You know this face: He drank from that goddamn flask. He must had get the flask out his jacket when you were busy fighting against Hekko and Lamar. You don't know what drink that is, but the effect is almost immediate and when drinks everything, which is every fucking time. You tried to give it a taste, but James always took it from your hands saying "Only those who hate Margaret Tatcher with deep burning fire on their hearts can drink from it!".