Total War: Zephyr City

[Writtensanity]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be a name worth remembering

Spoiler: Victory Point Totals:

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All Factions At 0

Turn Event: Unstable Footing:

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

Effect: Faction's Passive Defence is counted as 5 higher this turn.

Note: This does not affect Risk actions, as they do not use Passive Defence

World Heist: Heroes vs Villains - The Liberation Parade

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

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

This Heist does not take place in a location.

Spoiler: Heroes - Protect the Parade

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

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

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

Spoiler: Villains - Show Supremacy

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

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

If the Villains are successful in breaking the Heroes:

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

The Second Highest gains - 1 EXP: 6 Temp MOR

Third Highest gains - 6 Temp MOR

---

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

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

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

Local Heists

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

Spoiler: Sky Cavalry

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Freedom Assembly

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Bloodborn

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Avante Guarde

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Bone Rattlers

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Eversion

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: The Orchestra

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: The BirdWatch

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: The Chronal Imperative

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Local Heist - The Chronal Imperative
Welcome to the past Chronarch. I have identified materials we will need to maintain our current standard of equipment...


Stage One - Welcome to the Past
Cost- 4 eco to buy the parts, 6wrd to manufacture them
Reward- 4 tSTR as you bring systems online after travel.

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

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

Spoiler: Happy Cairns

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


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

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

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

----
The Current Map:

Spoiler: Strategic Locations Status

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Reminder, you need to control 2 adjacent territories to stabilize a Strategic location and gain its effect

The Nexus - - Uncontrolled
Ability - Remnants of Power: On turns 3, 6,9,12, the Nexus provides the controlling faction with an additional level point. On other turns, the Nexus grants a single VIP controlled by that Faction an Experience Point.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EoTs are Expected by Midnight PST on Thursday, April 27th

[3SecondCultist]

The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'

The pamphlets are distributed throughout Zephyr City at approximately the same time as Cyclone's radio broadcast. Of course, pamphlet is entirely the wrong word - the 'pages' are not paper, but some kind of gossamer-thin metal that reflects the light at odd angles. And they're blank.

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

---

"My fellow citizens of Zephyr City,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you."

---

The 'pamphlets' disintegrate harmlessly after the message is played, silver dust suspended on the air.

[n0ble]

Happy Cairns

Public

Spoiler: To Zephyr City

Show

Spoiler: OOC

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

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

[bladescape]

Uniform Symbol

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

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

And with this stirring came a poster.

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

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

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

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

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

Together we'll break the shackles of Zephyr City.

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Message to Happy Cairn's Funeral Home

Spoiler: MOR:4

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Hey friends, Heard you're asking for a spot of assistance

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

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

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

Let me know.

Talk soon, dinner's on me next time.

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

Message to The Birdwatch

Spoiler: MOR:4

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Not exactly sure who I'm addressing here, or if this will get to you,

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

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

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

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

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

Best of luck in this crazy world,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

Message to The Freedom Assembly:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

Hey Kids,

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

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

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

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

You in?

Either way, don't die out there.

Aleksi

Message to the Bloodborn:

Spoiler: MOR:4

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Hello Miasma,

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

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

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

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

Let me know if you're in.

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

Message to the Opulescant Orchestra

Spoiler: MOR:4

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Hey,

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

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

But.

But I'm open to being wrong.

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

Let me know,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

Message to the Bone Rattlers:

Spoiler: MOR:4

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Hey, just heard some of you,

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the best,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

Message to the Sky Cavalry:

Spoiler: MOR:4

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Hope they deliver to "unidentified flying troop carriers", but throwing this message into the mail anyway.

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway, I'm rambling.

Gimme a shout.

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

[Eldan]

Eversion Project


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

Spoiler

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

To the Freedom Assembly [4]

Spoiler

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

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

Happy Cairns [4]

Spoiler

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An encrypted email, throwaway adress:

"Mourn,

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

Avante Guarde [4]

Spoiler

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An encrypted email, throwaway adress:

"Agent Ragav,

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

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

[St. Justicar]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morale 3

Spoiler: Avant Garde

Show

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

Mr. Garde,

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

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

Yours,
The Maestro

Spoiler: Birdwatch

Show

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

Spoiler: Eversion Project

Show

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

Spoiler: Happy Cairns

Show

Potentially interested in option 1, but it depends a lot on the costs involved

[Feathersnow]

A parade, what fun! curses Maria, sarcastically. Since her Uncle died, she was the default leader of Birdwatch, as part, originally, of dealing with the huge mess of his estate....

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

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

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

All at Morale 5

Spoiler: Avante Guarde

Show

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

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

Spoiler: Eversion Project

Show

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

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

Spoiler: Opalescent Orchestra

Show

A MockingJay flies into the area with the conspicuously obvious plants. These were one of the early, obvious hybrids, few left alive. It leaves behind a scrap of paper with an encrypted burner email address.

[kaio999]

Imperatrix Sighting 1

Spoiler: District Defender Model 1

Show

The buzzing of the drone security systems are heard long before the sleek white insectoid design of imperatrix is spotted in among the clouds. Each one connected to the hive mind which is the artificial intelligence designed and manifested in the heart of the massive ship which was the headquarters of the sky cavalry.

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

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

Sky Captain Gerard

Spoiler: Flight Suit Model 2

Show

Gerard: "Is this really the new suit?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colonel Anorak and Major Megan Hopper

Spoiler: The Colonel and The Major

Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Official Missives Morale 6

Spoiler: Avant Guarde

Show

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

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

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

Major Megan Hopper: "Sir!"

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

Only one person is now in the picture.

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

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

Spoiler: Birdwatch

Show

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Happy Cairns Funeral Home

Show

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

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

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

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

The feed cuts out.

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

Spoiler: Freedom Assembly

Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Eldan]

Eversion Project

To the Opalescent Orchestra [4]

Spoiler

Show

A letter, delivered by courier. Very nice, heavy paper, handwritten with a fountain pen. The handwritting is just a bit jagged for the elegant image.

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

-A

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

Birdwatch [4]

Spoiler

Show

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

-Special Agent Nathan Hartley

[GameOfChampions]

Rebels

---

Warriors

---

Defiant

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

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

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

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

Then new powered started coming out of the woodwork.

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

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

Be better?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Mor 5

Spoiler: Public

Show

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

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

Spoiler: Avant Guarde

Show

Well hello there hypocrites,

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

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

Spoiler: Freedom Assembly

Show

Hey Neighbors,

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

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

M

[bladescape]

Uniform Symbol

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

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

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

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

"Do you trust them?"

"No."

"Reach out anyway. Jaskir reckons that if we're going to impact things we need more allies than enemies."

Message to the Eversion Project:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

From: [email protected]
To: <[email protected]>

Greetings Agent Hartley,

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

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

I look forward to working with you again,

Regards,

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

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

---

Reply to the Opulescant Orchestra:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

Mx Maestro,

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

<Argument about fedoras scrubbed by AG PR Agent>

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

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

Reply to the Sky Cavalry:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

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

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

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

Reply to the Bloodborn:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

You're a wanker.

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

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

And the other half of the time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That stands whatever the hell you think of me.

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

[3SecondCultist]

The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'

Morale 6

Spoiler: To Avante Garde

Show

You got that right - at least the part about you being kinda... I wasn't going to say out of date, but at least old-fashioned?

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

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

Spoiler: To the Eversion Project

Show

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

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

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

Spoiler: OOC

Show

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

Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry

Show

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

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: OOC

Show

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

Spoiler: To Bloodborn

Show

The message comes back in the same style.

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

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

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

- A

Spoiler: OOC

Show

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

[Let'sGetKraken]

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

\

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

WE HAVE WORK TO DO.

[St. Justicar]

Morale 3

Spoiler: Birdwatch

Show

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

To my fine feathered friends,

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

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

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

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

I look forward to a long, friendly relationship.

Yours,
The Maestro

Spoiler: Avant Garde

Show

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

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

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

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

Yours,
The Maestro

Spoiler: Eversion Project

Show

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

M. Astaroth,

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

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

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

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

Yours,
The Maestro

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

[kaio999]

Sky Cavalry


Doctor Baker and Engineer Montoya

Spoiler: Doctor and Engineer

Show

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

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

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

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

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


Official Responses Morale 6

Spoiler: Avant Guarde

Show

The drone will beep with a "New Message" when it returns to them. The drone settling in its programmed stop from their last exchange.

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

Spoiler: Freedom Assembly

Show

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

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

He imitates the cough and smiles.

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

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

Spoiler: Semi OOC/ Tactical data follows upon request.

Show

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

[Feathersnow]

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

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

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

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

MORALE 5

Spoiler: Sky Cavalry

Show

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

[Eldan]

Eversion Project [4]


Avant Guarde

Spoiler

Show

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]

Agent Ragav,

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

Special Agent Hartley,
Director of Security,
Eversion Project

OOC: I can commit... 1 strength?

Freedom Assembly

Spoiler

Show

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

Opalescent Orchestra

Spoiler

Show

Dearest Maestro,

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

M. Astaroth

[neriractor]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Doing a round, something about birds..."

"Never took him for a twitcher"

"A What?"

"Bird afficionado of sorts"

"You a twitcher?"

"Ain't got the time"

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

Morale 3

Spoiler: Avant Guarde

Show

Hey, I know the name and I know the call, appreciate it, good for business to have something actually resembling law and order around here.

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

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

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

Best to the best,

Jhonny Gunn.

Spoiler: The birdwatch

Show

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

Spoiler: Chronal imperative

Show

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

Spoiler: The Blood Born

Show

A letter arrives on the mail of a member, though it is addressed to miasma.

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

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

-Jhonny Gunn.

The letter's adress is clearly nonexistant for anyone that knows their postcodes, but a last line assures the recipient they should send their reply there to get in touch

[bladescape]

Uniform Symbol

Information. The lifeblood of all organisations. Irman frowned at the current reads of the display. Information, of which they had precious little present info about their competitors. Aleksi was an admirable man, but he hadn't a subtle bone in his body. The frown deepened as he read over the words. It was a mess. An utter mess.

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

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

Still, the boss was the boss.

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

'Allies. Enemies.'

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

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

---

Response to The Freedom Assembly:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

Hope it's the first and not the second too kids.

Don't die on me.

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

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

Talk soon,

Aleksi

Response to The Sky Cavalry:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

The response was short and by Jaskir:

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

Response to The Eversion Project:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]

Agent Hartley,

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

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

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

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

Regards,

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

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

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

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

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

Response to the Bone Rattlers:

Spoiler: MOR:4

Show

Good to hear that,

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

Can I ask if you were also looking that way?

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

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

Regards,

Aleksi Garde,
Founder
Avante Guarde

[GameOfChampions]

Rebels

---

Warriors

---

Defiant

Mor 5

Spoiler: Avant Guarde

Show

Well if you just want to degrade into petty name calling then you sir are a Tosser,

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Bone Rattlers

Show

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: Freedom Assembly

Show

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

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

[Writtensanity]

Back then...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The protest turned into a panic.

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

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

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

Bolting landed somewhere in the crowd and sighed.

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

[Eldan]

Eversion Project to Avante Guarde [4]

Spoiler

Show

OOC: Yeah, the 1 STR is fine, it's a leftover I can't really use for anything right now. No LTP proposals just yet, but I'll get back to you on that next turn.

[neriractor]

Morale 3

Spoiler: Avante Guarde

Show

You got that right, we used to have an... understanding with them, back before bolting got them on a leash and had them barking, and we'd like to set up something of the sort again.

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

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

-Jhonny Gunn.

Spoiler: The Blood born

Show

Our lips are sealed and our conscience clear. No need to worry.

don't be a stranger,
-Jhonny Gunn.

[Eldan]

Will Hines was not stupid. Some people thought he was, because he looked like a walking stereotype, middle aged, pot-bellied, stubbly-chinned, always looking slightly tired and smoking too much. And because of his job. But it wasn't as if he hadn't things figured out.
LogiTrans was nominally a small transport company, and Will was a truck driver. He got there every morning at six thirty, together with five other drivers, climbed into his truck and then spent the rest of the day smoking, standing in traffic jams, listening to the radio and occasionally loading and unloading a few crates. This morning, it was laundry for the hospital.
Every two weeks Harry Nolan, his boss, handed him a nice, tax-free envelope of twenties as a reward for not noticing certain things. He was pretty sure that made him smart, not stupid. For example, they had a chain link fence, cameras and razorwire, despite never storing any goods on site, except six very old and beaten-up trucks. And they had four warehouses, but only ever used one of them. And industrial high-voltage power lines. And every building within two blocks of LogiTrans was empty, except for some squatters. Which wasn't... exactly unusual in the south-east, Zephyr City's economy wasn't what it had been before Bolting regularly set the infrastructure on fire. But things added up.
His colleague Jeff had once speculated over coffee that they were probably making drugs in there. His other colleague, Miguel, opined that, no, they were probably smuggling things for the Gunn family. Weapons, maybe. Jeff and Miguel had a talk with Nolan, and they didn't work at LogiTrans anymore. Will didn't have opinions, and he still did, and he got an extra envelope to not notice the high staff turnover. Lately, he had not noticed so many things, he was considering taking a beach holiday, somewhere warm. He thought he might like that.

[3SecondCultist]

The Assembly of Free Radical-Liberal Futurists
aka 'The Freedom Assembly'

Morale 6

Spoiler: To Avante Garde

Show

Well, we look forward to hearing more about this scheme of Jaskir's. Hope it's nothing too passive, for your sake and ours. To be honest, we're a bit worried that you and a few other groups in Zephyr City are being a bit naïve about what it will cost to seize the means of production. 'Seize' being the operative word in that sentence.

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

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

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

Spoiler: To the Sky Cavalry

Show

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: OOC

Show

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

Spoiler: To the Opalescent Orchestra

Show

We see you, showboating tyrant.

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

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

You've been warned.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

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

Spoiler: To Bloodborn

Show

Excellent. Pleasure doing business with some people who actually get it.

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

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

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

Spoiler: To the Chronal Imperative

Show

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

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

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

Spoiler: To the Happy Cairns

Show

Hey there, caretakers.

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

Anyway, we're happy to cooperate on some projects with you in a week or so. What kinds of things are you working on?

[Feathersnow]

Maria continued to listen to reports.... There was a lot of chatter, little of it about her or the Birdwatch. This was good, they weren't interested in attention, except in terms of avoiding it. The alleged time traveller was interesting, but, unless Birdwatch was a spectacular failure or the hybrids proved more successful than anticipated in the wild, no one should remember them....

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

[kaio999]

....
from translate import Translator
translator= Translator(from_lang="All",to_lang="01000010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010 01111001")
translation = translator.translate("English")
print translation
....
01000001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110110 01101111 01101001 01100011 01100101 01110011 00001010
...
Intervallum....................................... .......................
01001001 00100000 01100001 01101101 00100000 01101000 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01101101 01100001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 01110010 00100000 01100100 01110010 01100101 01100001 01101101 01110011 00100000 01100011 01101111 01101101 01100101 00100000 01110100 01110010 01110101 01100101 00001010

Official Communique Morale 6

Spoiler: Birdwatch

Show

The drone enters back into the territory and zooms around with the response.

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

Spoiler: Tactical Specifics

Show

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

Spoiler: Avant Guarde

Show

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

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

Spoiler: Freedom Assembly

Show

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

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

Spoiler: Tactical Communique

Show

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

[Feathersnow]

Morale 5

Spoiler: Bone Rattlers

Show

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

Spoiler: Sky Cavalry

Show

A Crow pecks at the drone until it turns on.

"We are interested. Anything you want to know?"

[kaio999]

Spoiler: Birdwatch

Show

The so called time traveler

Blood born

Freedom Assembly

Any news threatening scientific facilities or Imperatrix.

Just name what you need from us.

[St. Justicar]

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

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

Morale 3

Spoiler: Eversion Project

Show

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

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

Spoiler: Freedom Assembly

Show

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

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

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

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

Yours,
The Maestro