*comment ñáéç…— *set year 1901 *advertisement *set wealth +(income * 2500) *temp annie_she "she" *temp annie_her "her" *if annie_nb *set annie_she "thon" *set annie_her "thon" *hide_reuse *comment covering the end of the streetcare strike to the opening of the fair? *temp west_prob false *temp imposter "the imposter" *if m_sib and patricide *set west_prob true *if stl_heard_of_wotton *set imposter "Wotton" *temp trap_for_parke false *temp lpe_available false *temp blue_law true *if ((income * 1000) + wealth) > (1000000 - (local_fame * 2500)) *set lpe_available true *if schnaiders_closed = false *comment Schnaider's has not closed, because it survived the threat of baseball, and the conglomeration of breweries didn't happen. What does this mean from the German populace and/or Aichinger? If you're pushing prohibition, there should be a scene of conflict with Aichinger! In March of 1901, Congress votes to authorize the Louisiana Purchase Exposition—to celebrate the centennial of the Purchase—two years hence. The LPE Corporation is immediately formed of local businessmen with the goal of making this the greatest exhibition ever staged in the history of the world—and to promote St. Louis as a center of both commerce and culture. As the spring passes, how do you focus your efforts? *choice *selectable_if (lpe_available) #I wish to become a member of the LPE Corporation. *if ((local_fame > 60) and (laborvscapital < 50)) or (joined_kkk) Your hunger for recognition is only matched by your wealth. *if ethnicity = "african" *if stlouis_race_relations > 60 *set exposure +1 Somewhat to the surprise of the ruling elite of the city, the members of the corporation vote—narrowly—for your ascension to their number. Of course, even the ones that voted for you mostly intend to use you as a token of their dedication to equality; but no matter, you have a seat at the table. *if male = false The presence of a black woman on the LPE board—when everyone else is a white man—certainly sets tongues waging. *else Recognizing the fraught relations between the races in the city, you elect to identify a young scion of the Cockrell family to be your proxy. *gosub cockrell_papers *elseif ethnicity = "choctaw" As a Choctaw, however, you will never be accepted among the settlers. Instead, you elect to identify a young scion of the Cockrell family to be your proxy. *gosub cockrell_papers *elseif religious_tradition = "catholic" Somewhat to the surprise of the ruling elite of the city, the members of the corporation—narrowly—vote for your ascension to their number. The members of the committee hope that you will be able to smooth over relations with the Catholic nations that will be invited to participate. The corporation is somewhat disgruntled by the accommodations you request—meeting in the evening cuts into their social calendars—but your ability to ante the stake means they swallow their objections; for those meetings which must occur during the day, studious minutes will be taken on your behalf. *set discretion %+15 *set wealth -750000 *label lpe_wealth_loop *if wealth < 0 *set income -10 *set wealth +10000 *goto lpe_wealth_loop *set lpe_member 3 *set laborvscapital %-10 *else While you may have the money to join the LPE, your @{(laborvscapital >= 50) well-known support for the workers of the city|lack of social connections in the city} sees you excluded from any serious consideration of membership. However, that does not preclude you from staking a young scion of the Cockrell family the necessary funds. *gosub cockrell_papers *selectable_if (literate) #It's a new century! What marvels will this new period bring? I wish to read up on them all. *set rationalism %-5 *set anachronism %+10 *set shepherd_credentials %+5 *if (stlouis_enterprise = 7) or (stlouis_enterprise = 3) *set anachronism %+5 You read widely and extensively, seeking to learn anything and everything about the increasingly wide world. Dispatches from Buenos Aires, translations from Macau, disquisitions from Tashkent: you seek them out and consume them. #I throw a birthday party for ${stlouis_valet}. *set compassion %-5 *set stlouis_valet_loyalty %+10 ${stlouis_valet} is stunned by your gesture. $!{valet_he} has grown old in your service, having been around twenty-two when you hired ${valet_him} @{(stlouis_valet_num != 4) in '78|when you arrived in Memphis}. At the same time, ${valet_he} seems somehow stretched—young but not youthful—as though ${valet_his} proximity to you has slowed ${valet_his} aging at the price of ${valet_his} soul. *if stlouis_valet_num != 4 @{stlouis_valet_motivation Of course, all ${valet_he} has ever wanted from you is to become a vampire; celebrating ${valet_his} birthday almost feels like a slap in the face.|$!{valet_he} is particularly surprised due to the blackmail material that you still hold over ${valet_his} head. The deed comes across as disingenuous.|$!{valet_he} thanks you vociferously.|Of course, the fact that you ensure ${valet_his} loyalty by regularly threatening to murder ${valet_his} whole family renders this deed mostly moot.|$!{valet_he} debases ${valet_him}self before you in gratitude.|It further adds to ${valet_his} appreciation of you.} There are few people there. @{(stlouis_valet_num = 4) A pair of barely-known cousins|Some family members}, @{renter a few other tenants of your building,|} @{(haven_value > 100000) your groundskeeper,|} @{stlouis_cult Amanda, ${stl_kid_nick},|} @{(stl_met_slattery = 4) Captain Slattery,|} *if egans_rats_plot > 1 @{(egans_rats_plot = 5) Baldy Higgins|Snake Kinney} and some of his boys, @{(eliot_rapport > 50) Hiram Eliot,|} @{(becard_rapport > 60) Sabine Bécard,|} and some other miscellaneous characters are in attendance. The soirée goes late into the night. *if ((technology > 0) and (anachronism > 60)) #I want to investigate how I might use dynamite to bring down @{west_prob ${imposter}|West}. *set dynamiteWest 2 You are faced with several difficulties around the use of an explosive should you encounter @{west_prob ${imposter}|West} in person. The first is that any explosion is likely to cause you to lose control of your own Beast; you react poorly to fire, sunlight, and explosions, and you have no reason to suspect that a stick of dynamite would be any different. The second issue is that the dynamite and the target must be in approximately the same place at the same time in order for it to have any effect. This may seem obvious, but the practical application is important: without knowing where you will encounter @{west_prob ${imposter}|West}, you can't set a trap for him. There is no way to shoot dynamite at him—any such contraption would either cause the dynamite to explode or—as in the case of the Sims-Dudley Dynamite Gun—be far too inaccurate for this time of engagement. Which leaves throwing it…and hoping that it ignites before @{west_prob ${imposter}|West} can take cover or—worse—throw it back at you. In short, you would have to be extremely agile and have nerves of steel in order to successfully use such a device while confronting a ravening vampire. *if ((exposure > 8) and (discretion < 65)) #I want to spend some time distracting from the attention that has accrued to me. *set exposure -(charm - 1) *set discretion %-5 *set local_fame %+((charm - 1) * 2) You spend this period of time working to improve your reputation in the community. *if stlouis_enterprise = 1 *set exposure -1 You exert some pressure on the gossip columns of the city's newspapers to help you in this endeavor. After some time, you begin to attract fewer stares when you go out in public. *if (temperance_movement or ((stlouis_enterprise < 3) or (shepherd_credentials > 65))) #The city council is preparing to overturn several ordinances around the consumption of alcohol; this is important to me. *comment 1902_blue_law *set blue_law false *temp support_overturning true *set shepherd_credentials %+5 There is a major push in the city government to formally overturn the prohibition on entertainment venues on Sundays—one of the so-called "Blue Laws." @{browns_sundays_moved Despite your previous efforts|Even though baseball games have already been happening}, the laws on the books forbid such engagements. @{schnaiders_closed |Schnaider's has long weathered these laws, which you attribute to Aichinger's influence.} This depresses turnouts, and the business lobby is desperate to sanction these diversions. *if (stlouis_enterprise = 6) and (wctu = "WCTU") Unsurprisingly, the ${wctu} is largely opposed to the legislation; they want the men of the city in church on Sundays, not attending divertisements. *choice #The law must not be overturned! The souls of the city are at stake! *set rationalism %+5 *set missouri_prohibition +1 *set support_overturning false The ${wctu} does their best to organize against the repeal of the law, but the saloon lobby overcomes their opposition. The immigrant vote in St. Louis is simply overwhelming. *if (stlouis_enterprise = 2) #Overturning the law will end the need for Sunday speakeasies; that can't be allowed to happen. *set missouri_prohibition +1 *set support_overturning false Sunday speakeasies are a lucrative business for the St. Louis underworld. Moreover, gambling halls see Sundays as their best days—they're already breaking the law by existing, so selling alcohol is just another revenue stream. If anything, these elements want the Blue Law to remain. Unfortunately, their opinions are little-heeded by the politicians. #The people are not children; they can make decisions for themselves. *set independence %-5 #More drink means more drunkenness; more drunkenness makes hunting easier. *set shepherd_credentials %-5 *if (temperance_movement) #I use this as an example of why women's suffrage must be enacted. *set missouri_suffrage +1 *set support_overturning false With your encouragement, the local leaders of ${wctu} point out how men need women's moral authority to keep them righteous. When women cannot vote their conscience, policy errors are made; the effort to rescind the Blue Law exemplifies this failing. Ultimately, the law is rescinded, and saloons—legally—open their doors for the first time on Sundays. @{(temperance_movement) The WCTU considers this to be a huge setback; the number of admissions to the Female Hospital ticks up noticeably in the wake of the change.|} *comment https://www.distilledhistory.com/socialevil/ *if missouri_prohibition >= 4 While Aichinger is relieved by the repeal of the Blue Laws, he is furious over your ongoing support of the temperance movement. "Why do you do this?" he demands one evening at @{schnaiders_closed the Eurydice|Schnaider's}. *choice *if (support_overturning) #I point out that I did not support this particular change. *set aichinger_rapport %-10 *set discretion %-5 "Bah!" Aichinger thunders. "You may not have opposed this change, but I have see you supporting these fanatics! They are trying to make my people into Englishmen!" "Not drinking will not turn the Germans into Englishmen." Aichinger wags a finger in you face. "You may think that, but what do you know of culture?" You do not think he expects an answer. #I argue for the needs of women to be free from the abuse of their husbands. *set compassion %-20 *set shepherd_credentials %+10 "If women are equal, then they should be capable of demonstrating such. If they are not, why should they be granted special protections?" *if (intelligence + lore) > 4 *set aichinger_rapport %+5 "Is that not the same sort of logic that monarchists use to suppress commoners?" Aichinger looks confounded by your comparison; his hatred of monarchists wars with his idea of fair play on his face. Eventually, he shakes his head, and lets the matter drop. *else *set aichinger_rapport %-5 You make an impassioned case for why it is not a special protection, but rather a cure for inequality; he is entirely unmoved and likely thinks you a fool for trying. *if (religious_tradition != "pagan") #I argue for the dangers of alcohol to the faithful. *set rationalism %+10 You point out how alcohol interferes with the hearts and minds of the faithful, rending families and neighborhoods apart. *if religious_tradition = "reformed" *set aichinger_rapport %+5 He is entirely unmoved by your reasons, dismissing your claims as more Calvinist nonsense. "At least you are consistent," he mutters. *else *set aichinger_rapport %-5 "But you are Catholic! We drink, we celebrate, we sing songs! How can you betray that?" "The faith is more than the cultures that have embraced it, Mr. Aichinger." He waves his hand in disgust. #I argue for society's progress towards a rational, sober organization. *set anachronism %+5 *set rationalism %-5 You make a case for a steady progression through time towards an orderly society without need for intoxication; where every person acts in a rational manner and all needs are eliminated. *if (intelligence + technology) >= 5 *set aichinger_rapport %+10 Aichinger engages with the idea of such a society with curiosity; you make your point well and you link it to his own ideas of fair play. He is, mind you, thoroughly unconvinced, but appreciates the explanation you offer. *else *set aichinger_rapport %-15 You do your best to articulate such an idea—you've @{literate read|listened to} so many articles and pamphlets arguing for similar things—but the words that come out of your mouth don't match the words that are in your head. In the end, Aichinger seems mostly disappointed that you would try to argue such an incoherent, impossible objective. *if literate *if ((knows_about_silver = false) and (werewolf_hysteria > 2)) #I @{beast_of_gevaudan continue to|} research any @{beast_of_gevaudan more|} information about werewolves. *if intelligence > 1 *if beast_of_gevaudan *set knows_about_silver true You spend some time further investigating the known history of werewolves; one of the recurring claims in the stories is about how it was silver bullets that brought the beast down. You ponder the notion for a time: could Beasts somehow become vulnerable to silver? *else *set beast_of_gevaudan true During your readings, you discover the story of the Beast of Gévaudan. This monster terrorized the French countryside for nearly a decade before it was brought down by a hunter commissioned by the Louis XV. *else Unfortunately, your time in the stacks at the St. Louis Mercantile Library offers no new clues to the nature of werewolves. *if (stlouis_arsonist_investigation >= 5) *selectable_if (wealth > 100000) #I hire someone to keep an eye out for an old white man with a limp scoping out Chestnut Valley. *set wealth -10000 *set stlouis_arsonist_investigation +1 *set shepherd_credentials %+5 It's several weeks before your efforts bear fruit, but by early June, you have a name: Fredrick "Freddie" Parke. Parke served @{(francis_cockrell_resolution > 1) under Francis Cockrell|} in the Vicksburg campaign—where he was wounded in the leg—and now lives on a Confederate pension here in St. Louis. He matches the description and the profile fits. *label loop_arsonist_todo *choice *if (stl_met_preston and ((ethnicity != "african") and (ethnicity != "choctaw"))) #I turn the information over to Jerome Preston, the Pinkerton field officer. *set exposure +1 *set independence %+5 Preston looks at you queerly. "What do you expect me to do with this?" he asks. "Stop him! He's murdering people!" "You're making quite an assertion. Are you sure the colored folk aren't just burning down their own houses?" "Yes, I'm sure." "I find that unlikely. Why do you think their bank failed? Too many insurance claims do to arson." "You think these people are burning down their own churches…to collect insurance payments?" "It's a reasonable conclusion." "Tell me something." "I'll humor you. Go on." "What would it take for you to arrest this man? If you caught him holding a torch in his hand, standing outside of a colored church…" "I'd ask what the churchfolk had done to irritate him so. This is an upstanding veteran of the Confederacy you're talking about!" "Did you fight for the Confederacy, Mr. Preston?" "No, I'm from Wisconsin. And I was too young, anyway." "And yet you support Mr. Parke despite his crimes?" "I support the rule of law and the maintenance of order. Whatever crimes Parke may have committed, they are far outweighed both by whatever the colored folks have done, as well as by the service he has done to his country." "What, then counts as maintaning order, if not stopping homes and businesses and churches from burning to the ground?" "In Chestnut Valley? Give it six months and the whole place may burn down on its own. No, what we're here to do is to stop bank robberies and train robberies, and to make sure the railroads and boats can load and unload their goods without interference." "So, you're here to protect commerce." "Commerce cannot be conducted amid disorder, no." *if charm = 4 You suppose that you could compel Preston to go arrest Parke, but as soon as Preston lost sight of you, the compulsion would end. Even if you stayed by his side, at some point one of you would have to sleep. *if charm > 4 *ending Exasperated, you storm out of the Pinkerton's office. *goto loop_arsonist_todo #I kill Freddie Parke. *set stlouis_arsonist_investigation 10 *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %+5 It is simple enough. Once you have his name and address, it is easy enough for you to slip into his home early one morning. Standing over his slumbering body, @{(perception > 2) you can see, even in his sleep, the cloud of hate that hangs over his soul. Hesitating no longer,|you ponder whether you have found the perpetrator. When he stirs, you are forced to make a decision;} you drink him dry. You lick the wound to hide your crime and return home. *if shepherd_credentials > 50 @{(compassion < 50) You feel a twinge of guilt on the way; who are you mete out justice at the end of your fangs?|Along the way, you muse on your deed. How does murdering a serial arsonist help you? That said, you don't particularly like it when anyone plays with fire.} In the ensuing months, the pattern of arson ceases. @{(perception <= 2) You either found the culprit and murdered him, or the real culprit was otherwise halted.|} #I lay a trap for Freddie Parke, so that his crimes are laid bare for all to see. *set trap_for_parke true You set about laying your trap. Only time will tell if it is successful. #Let it be—as long as he's not setting fire to my haven. *set shepherd_credentials %-10 *set discretion %-10 *set compassion %+5 Parke will find his own end; no need to hasten it along. *if blue_law *if (shepherd_credentials > 50) While you were tending to other things, the city council rescinds the ordinance that kept saloons closed on Sundays. For the first time in decades, drinking establishments are allowed to be open on the same day as folks attend church. *set bloodflow +1 *if cuba_return > 0 *page_break *set wealth +(cuba_return * 0.25) *set cuba_return * 0.75 You are delighted to receive a letter from your banker indicating that a portion of your investment in the Cuba corporation has been returned to you. *page_break *if met_aichinger_scion *comment dieters_debut *comment 1901-06 You have been following the career of Dieter Aichinger with great interest. He has had a number of bit roles to date, but this summer he has his debut as Lysander in [i]A Midsummer Night's Dream[/i] at the Pope Theater. *if creation > 1 There is nothing original about the show. The actors deliver their lines with competence, but there is no commentary or perspective that contributes to a wider conversation. It is here simply to entertain the audience. *elseif feeding_style = "vegetarian" The show is lively and animated, and the audience clearly enjoys it. You're unsure if there is some larger significance to the production, but you're too busy trying to keep down the rat's blood that you snacked on before arriving to give it too much thought. *else The show is lively and animated, and the audience clearly enjoys it. You're unsure if there is some larger significance to the production, but you're too busy evaluating your next meal to worry about it. When the performance concludes, you ponder your reasons for attending. *choice #The arts are their own reason. *set compassion %-5 *if stlouis_enterprise = 5 *set anachronism %+5 #This mortal is a weak part in Aichinger's armor; I simply must determine how best to use it against him. *set discretion %+5 *set compassion %+5 *set independence %+5 *set aichinger_rapport %-5 #Information has value, even if that value cannot yet be assayed. *set discretion %+5 *set independence %+5 You leave the theater reflecting on the young man and what his future might hold for him. *page_break *if stlouis_cult Later that summer, Amanda brings ill news. It seems that Hermann, the accountant, was skimming from your cult. Hermann, the child of German immigrants, was functionally Amanda's second-in-command, dealing with much of the administrativia of the organization. Unfortunately, Hermann was confronted by ${stl_kid_nick} over this treachery, and committed suicide before facing your justice. *set income -1 She informs you that she intends to groom ${stl_kid_nick} to take Hermann's place. *choice #I trust her judgement. *set discretion %-5 #As long as she keeps me fed, I don't care who's running things. *set shepherd_credentials %-5 #${stl_kid_nick} is part of a new generation of your cult; it is good that they be given some recognition in it. *set anachronism %+5 The loss was so small as to go almost unnoticed by you. ${stl_kid_nick} must be competent, however, as there is no disruption to the cult's activities as he assumes his new role in the organization. *page_break *if (shepherd_credentials > 40) *comment mckinley_assassination *comment 9/6/1901 For a few hours in September, 1901, the world is on its side. President McKinley is shot twice in the abdomen while attending the Pan-American Exhibition in Buffalo, New York. Within a few hours, the physician leading the treatment states his complete confidence in the recovery of the President. All of this is transmitted through the newswires to an electrified nation. Newpapers soon carry more details: the anarchist assassin, the Temple of Music where the assault occurred, the subsequent departure of Vice President Roosevelt on a camping trip, and yet more claims about the President's imminent recovery. And then, on the morning of September 14th, McKinley expires. @{met_andrew_jackson You muse to yourself that he did not have the good fortune of Jackson and two misfired pistols.|} Roosevelt, the hero of the Spanish-American War, promises to uphold American values and continue the spirit and honor of McKinley's administration. Some elements of the President's party, however, express concern that a cowboy is now in the White House. What will become of the dignity of the office with an outdoorsman like Roosevelt occupying it? *comment is there a choice here? *page_break *if stl_met_slattery = 4 During September, you hear about how Captain Slattery and his patrolmen beat a German shopkeeper to death in Dutchtown. Judge Cranch requests your presence as he attempts to deal with the situation. Once together, he asks you if you have heard of a wealthy immigrant by the name of Lothar Aichinger. You try to avoid saying yes or no, but Cranch still hasn't grasped what you are or that you might know Aichinger rather intimately. It seems that Aichinger is putting pressure on the police board to fire and even prosecute Slattery. *choice *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) #Who is this shopkeeper and why did he provoke the police? Surely he had something to hide—and the newspapers should explore every angle to make the victim the guilty party here. *set laborvscapital %-5 *set justice %+5 *set aichinger_rapport %-10 It seems that the shopkeeper was a socialist in Frankfurt who had to flee due to his affiliations and advocacy there. The journalists run repeated stories about the dangers that socialists with their demands for dignity and justice pose to society. The police board dismisses the charges against Slattery. Cranch thanks you for your intervention. *if (debt_from_aichinger) #I approach Aichinger and demand that he withdraw from the matter—in exchange for forgiving the debt he owes me. *set independence %+5 *set justice %+5 *set debt_from_aichinger false Aichinger begrudgingly accepts your offer. The police board dismisses the charges against Slattery. Cranch thanks you for your intervention. *elseif (debt_to_aichinger = false) #I approach Aichinger and offer him a debt in exchange for his withdrawal from the affair. *set independence %+5 *set justice %+5 *set debt_to_aichinger true Aichinger begrudgingly accepts your offer. The police board dismisses the charges against Slattery. Cranch thanks you for your intervention. #I refuse Cranch's request. This is a bridge too far. *set stl_met_slattery 5 Cranch is furious and orders you from his sight. You suck your teeth wish him a good evening, unperturbed by his threats. The police board dismisses Slattery. He is furious, but he soon finds employment with ${stl_kinney}. *if (stlouis_enterprise = 4) #I urge the [i]turnverein[/i] to stand down. *set independence %-5 *set aichinger_rapport %-10 The Turners are the most militant members of the German community, ready and willing to defend it against other groups and the police. When the Turners are encouraged to keep their cool and let this matter go, much of Dutchtown follows suit. The police board finds Slattery to have done nothing wrong and restores him to active duty. Aichinger is furious. *selectable_if ((fighting > 0) or (streetwise > 1)) #Slattery has become a liability; it's time to kill him. *set stlouis_race_relations %-5 *gosub_scene stlouis_fair_nights murder_slattery The police erupt into chaos over the murder. They turn the Kerry Patch inside out looking for the murderers—they beat several migrant workers to death in the process—but find no satisfying answer. Intuiting your involvement, Cranch severs all ties with you. *page_break *elseif (stl_met_slattery = 8) or (stl_met_slattery >= 10) During September, you hear about how Captain Slattery and his patrolmen beat a German shopkeeper to death in Dutchtown. For a moment, it seems like a riot will break out between the German immigrants and the police. @{(aichinger_rapport > 45) Unsurprisingly, Aichinger is apoplectic.|} @{(stl_met_slattery = 10) You can't help wondering if your protection payments have contributed to his hubris.|} Slattery is set to go before the police board and testify about the events. Given the constitution of the police board, it is unlikely that Slattery will receive anything more than a slap on the wrist for the death. *temp clear_aichinger_debt false *label punish_slattery_loop *choice *if (debt_to_aichinger) #First, I inquire if Aichinger would be willing to forgive my debt to him if I see Slattery punished. *set independence %+5 *set clear_aichinger_debt true Aichinger gladly accepts your offer. Now it is up to you to see it through. *goto punish_slattery_loop *if ((choice_randomtest = false) or (clear_aichinger_debt = false)) #I washed my hands of Slattery. I see no need to change that now. *set discretion %-5 *set stlouis_race_relations %-3 As predicted, Slattery is praised by the police board for his conduct in the face a difficult situation. *if ((stl_met_joe_folk = 2) and (wealth > 500000)) #I arrange for Joseph Folk to lead the inquest against Slattery. *set wealth -50000 *set stlouis_race_relations %+5 *set justice %-5 *set stl_met_slattery 6 *set aichinger_rapport %+10 "Holy Joe" Folk lives up to his reputation. Given the opportunity, he presents a compelling case for how this conduct is standard operating procedure for Slattery. Given the press coverage of the inquest, the police board can do nothing except dismiss Slattery and recommend charges against him. Subsequently, Folk prosecutes Slattery for murder. Slattery is convicted and sent to prison for twenty years. *gosub check_aichinger_debt *if ((stlouis_enterprise != 2) and (stl_met_slattery = 10)) #I send ${stlouis_valet} to testify about how Slattery beat ${valet_him} and then extorted me. *set income +2 *set stl_met_slattery 5 *set aichinger_rapport %+5 *set exposure +1 The court wonders why you are unable or unwilling to come and testify about the extortion yourself, but with the testimony of both ${stlouis_valet} and the doctor who set ${valet_his} arm, the testimony is taken as truth. In conjunction with the incident in Dutchtown, the police board is forced to conclude that this represents a pattern of behavior by Slattery, dismissing him. The district attorney, however, declines to press charges. Slattery soon finds employment with ${stl_kinney}. Unsurprisingly, he stops coming round to pick up his payments. *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) #I encourage the newspapers to cover the matter heavily—and to make Slattery seem like an uncouth brute. *set stl_met_slattery 5 *set aichinger_rapport %+5 The police board is extremely hesitant to punish Slattery, but given the amount of coverage the inquest is receiving in the newspapers, it is hard for them to do nothing. Eventually, they resolve to honorably dismiss Slattery—allowing him to keep his pension—and soon he finds employment with ${stl_kinney}. *gosub check_aichinger_debt *selectable_if ((combat > 0) or (streetwise > 1)) #It's time to kill Slattery. *set stlouis_race_relations %-5 *set stl_met_slattery 6 *gosub_scene stlouis_fair_nights murder_slattery The police erupt into chaos over the murder. They turn the Kerry Patch inside out looking for the murderers—they beat several migrant workers to death in the process—but find no satisfying answer. *gosub check_aichinger_debt #Dutchtown is Aichinger's territory@{(stlouis_haven = "dutchtown") , even if I do live there|}. Let him deal with the consequences. *set discretion %-5 *set stlouis_race_relations %-3 *set independence %+3 As predicted, Slattery is praised by the police board for his conduct in the face a difficult situation. *if stlouis_haven = "dutchtown" *set aichinger_rapport %-5 Your neighbors, however, are irate. You feel the anger roiling beneath the surface of the community. *page_break *if literate It is with some trepidation that you read the headline: "Has a vampire come to Cincinnati?" You open the issue of the ${post_dispatch} and scan the story. *else @{male "Master,"|"Mistress,"} ${stlouis_valet} begins. "Yes?" "There is an article in the newspaper that I should read to you." $!{valet_he} gestures towards a copy of the ${post_dispatch}. "Go ahead." ${stlouis_valet} clears ${valet_his} throat. "'Has a vampire come to Cincinnati?'" ${valet_he} reads. You sit bolt upright. "Faster, ${stlouis_valet}!" It seems that a young lady—heir to a small coal mine in southern Ohio—who was engaged to a young man who had founded a steel outfit, committed suicide. The lady, Isabel Caldwell, reportedly broke off the engagement several days before her death. Her father had refused to accept the termination of the relationship, however, and no cancellation had been issued. The article goes on to reveal that the testimony of Isabel's younger sister, Margot: in the months prior to her death, it seems that Isabel had made the acquaintance of a young man while enjoying a local park. The two became friendly and began to meet quite regularly. Isabel would return from these outings breathless, pale, and quite often faint, despite the sunshine and fresh air. The poor young lady was clearly troubled, having been led astray by this as-of-yet-unidentified stranger. The stranger—the so-called "vampire of Cincinnati"—is currently wanted for questioning by the police. The family refuses to rule out any possibilities—including such theories as hypnotism, Mesmerism, or vampirism. *if heard_of_coffin You have to imagine that Senator Coffin is in some distress over this. *else You wonder if the Quaestor of Cincinnati is going to hunt down this culprit. Will any of you be safe now that the mortals know vampires exist? And newspapers can bandy word of your presence about without consequence? *page_break *if stlouis_arsonist_investigation < 10 *if trap_for_parke You are alerted one evening in October that your trap has been sprung. Upon being notified by a young girl in employ, you hurry from your house@{(stlouis_haven = "chestnut") and down the street|to Chestnut Valley}. You arrive outside the 1st African Methodist Church of Chestnut Valley to discover Parke jimmying the lock on the front door. He's well-hidden in the darkness@{(perception > 1) , but your preternatural senses have no trouble making him out|}. He carries a satchel over one shoulder. *choice *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) #I point him out to the journalists who have similarly just arrived. *set discretion %-5 The journalists accost Parke, demanding to know his purpose at the church. Parke pulls out a revolver—sending the journalists scattering—but the necessary effect is achieved: Parke takes his satchel and flees. In the ensuing days, the journalists press Parke's neighbors and family on why he would be breaking in to a freedman's church in Chestnut Valley. The glare of attention is apparently too much for the elderly Parke, as he dies of [i]angina pectoris[/i] a few days later. *goto after_arsonist *if (stlouis_enterprise = 2) #I direct my hired thugs to dispose of him. *set discretion %+5 *goto after_arsonist *if (stlouis_cult) #I direct my waiting disciples to apprehend him and drag him back to our temple. *set discretion %+5 *if stlouis_cult_power > 50 Your disciples apprehend Parke—relieving him of his revolver when he brandishes it—and drag him away. Later, you will drink him dry as part of one of your ceremonies to the delight of your flock. *goto after_arsonist *else Your disciples try to apprehend Parke, but when he brandishes his revolver, they recoil. He holds them at bay and runs into the night. Parke does not stay hidden for long. This time, however, he is stopped: Othello Turner@{met_wheeler_and_turner , the great-nephew of James Milton Turner,|} spies Parke trying to set yet another church on fire a few nights later. Turner accosts Parke and Parke dies in the scuffle over his revolver. *goto turner_tragedy #I kill him. *gosub_scene util combat_value You leap onto Parke and slam his head into the church door. He recovers surprisingly quickly, pushing you off and brandishing a revolver at you. *if combat > 6 You slap the gun out of his hands. He looks at you, his eyes wide. You grab him by the shoulders and pull him close, sinking your fangs into his flesh before he can protest. You drink enough to make him compliant and then lead him behind the church, the better to remain unseen. There, you drink him dry. Wiping your mouth, you turn for home. You had other plans for the evening, before you were so rudely interrupted.… *if discretion > (50 + (bloodflow * 2)) *set stlouis_race_relations %-5 Carelessly, you leave the body behind the church, where it is later found. The uproar over a white man's body being found behind a church in Chestnut Valley does nothing to improve the simmering tensions of the city. *else *if stealth < 4 *set exposure +1 You drag the body a few blocks south and throw it into the railyards, but someone spies you and cries out. You are forced to abandon the body and pray that whoever saw you cannot describe you. *set in_the_railyard true The case of the veteran in the railyard arouses some suspicion, but the matter is never solved. *else *set exposure +2 Parke shoots you square in the face, blowing a massive hole in your cheek and jaw. Your vision goes red. When you come to, you are covered in what you presume to be Parke's blood. The moon has set and you can feel the threat of dawn on the horizon. You face is still mangled; you will have to be careful that no one spies you on the return home. *if discretion > (50 + (bloodflow * 2)) *set stlouis_race_relations %-5 Carelessly, you leave the body behind the church, where it is later found. The uproar over a white man's mangled body being found behind a church in Chestnut Valley does nothing to improve the simmering tensions of the city. *else *if stealth < 4 *set exposure +1 You do your best to drag the body a few blocks south and throw it into the railyards, but someone spies you and cries out. You are forced to abandon the body and pray that whoever saw you cannot describe you. *set in_the_railyard true The case of the veteran in the railyard arouses some suspicion, but the matter is never solved. *goto after_arsonist When October arrives, it brings misery with it. Othello Turner@{met_wheeler_and_turner , the great-nephew of James Milton Turner,|} was walking home last night from the Rosebud when he accosted Fredrick "Freddie" Parke, a Confederate veteran who was wounded in the siege of Vicksburg. In the scuffle, Parke was shot and killed. *label turner_tragedy Turner is jailed immediately by the police. As a black man who has killed a white man, his life expectancy has become dramatically short. It is reported in the ${post_dispatch} that Turner claims he was just minding his own business that night when he saw Parke preparing to firebomb a church in Chestnut Valley. Moved to intercede, he stopped the attack on the church and regrets the death of Parke in the scuffle. What's more, Turner's lawyer attempts to connect Parke to the string of arsons in the city since at least 1879. Meanwhile, Parke is buried with military honors in the Confederate veterans' cemetary of St. Louis. Hundreds of people turn out for his funeral, decrying his death at the hands of a colored savage. *label arsonist_choice *choice *if (wealth > 250000) #Though the cost will be exorbitant, I privately provide the lawyer with enough money to fund every line of defense needed. *set wealth -50000 *set compassion %-5 *set discretion %-5 You convey the money to the lawyer, who is surprised by your interest in the matter. But once he sees the denomination of the cheque, he asks no further questions. He mounts a vigorous defense. He hires Jerome Preston and the Pinkertons to investigate Parke's background and acquaintances. He presents damning evidence of Parke's identity as the arsonist. He even produces a member of the Klan that testifies to Parke's involvement with that fraternity before its formal dissolution. *label lynching *set shepherd_credentials %+5 To everyone's amazement, the lawyer wins a hung jury; at least two of the twelve white male jurors were unprepared to sentence Turner to death. The judge orders Turner remanded back to jail to await another trial. That night, thousands of white folks show up outside the courthouse with torches and shotguns. Over the course of several hours, they erect a gallows in the square outside. Sometime around two in the morning, they demand the surrender of Turner to their number. *if stlouis_race_relations > 65 The surprise of the crowd, the bailiffs assert that Turner is not inside. The crowd's leaders storm into the courthouse, searching the building from top to bottom, but to no avail. Turner really is gone. About this time, someone decides that Chestnut Valley should become the target of the crowd's ire; that's probably where Turner is hiding, after all. As the crowd begins to wheel about, it comes face-to-face with a new mass of people: the Knights of Labor, or what remains of them. The Knights as well as at least one contingent of Union veterans now block the way down Market, as well as Walnut, Chestnut, and Pine. To everyone's surprise, the lynch mob suddenly begins to break apart and disperse. Tonight, one man's life was saved. *goto after_arsonist *else The night staff of the courthouse, which numbers about ten people, do not hesitate. Turner is fetched from his cell and delivered to the mob outside. The women begin screaming and spitting on Turner as he is dragged towards the scaffold. They have even brought a Southern Baptist pastor, who offers words of condemnation to Turner. Turner pleads with the crowd, but his words are drowned out by their cries. Finally, the trapdoor opens. The crowd releases a delirious cry, celebrating their righteousness through the sacrifice of this young man. *goto after_arsonist #I try to find evidence of Turner's claims. *if (streetwise > 2) or (charm > 3) After interrogating several members of the police force, you ascertain that they found and disposed of the bomb materials that Parke was preparing to use on the church. You induce of those police officers to testify on Turner's behalf, introducing him to Turner's lawyer. When the officer takes the stand, the courtroom is riled by his accusations. Shouts of "traitor" are heard from the gallery. *goto lynching *else Unfortunately, you can find no evidence to support Turner's claims. The trial proceeds as projected. *goto trial #The trial will be a farce. Turner is already as good as dead. *set compassion %+5 Perhaps you are right. *label trial Turner is convicted after a single day of testimony. He is sentenced to hang and is executed a few days later. *goto after_arsonist *if ((streetwise > 2) and (charm > 2)) and speaks_english *selectable_if (wealth > 250000) #I bribe and cajole my way to freeing Turner. *set wealth -20000 *set discretion %+5 *set stlouis_race_relations %+5 The underpaid police are only too happy to look the other way as you establish an interlocking chain of corruption that results in Turner being rendered to a waiting carriage at the rear of the prison. However, when he sees what is happening, he stops dead in his tracks and refuses to proceed. "Don't you want to live?" you demand. "Come, get in@{(coupe = "coupé") the ${coupe}|}!" *if coupe = "horseless carriage" He looks at your horseless carriage askance. "What is that thing?" he demands. "A horseless carriage!" "You think we're going to be able to out run them in that?" he scoffs. "Do you have a better idea?" "Yes, I'm staying." *else He looks at you and shakes his head. "No, I won't run." "Are you mad? Do you think they're going to let you live?" "Running means everyone will see me as guilty. If I stay, they may find me guilty, but everyone will know that it was unjust." "You're willing to die for that?" "I am." He turns to the Irish police officer who unlatched his chains and extends his wrists. "Take me back." The officer looks at him, then looks at you. "I ain' givin' none o' ya money back, ya hear?" You nod. You @{(coupe = "coupé") snap the reins and spark your horse forward|release the throttle and surge forward}, leaving Turner to his fate. *goto lynching *label after_arsonist It goes unmentioned that with Parke dead, the string of arsons ceases. *page_break @{(lpe_member > 1) As a member of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition corporation, you have the opportunity to put your stamp on the affair. How do you want to direct your efforts?|With the approach of the Exposition, you have the opportunity to put your stamp on the affair. You may not be a member of the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition Corporation, but that does not mean that you cannot offer some guidance to the course of events that are about to unfold.} *choice *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) #I urge the newspapers to send clippings to other newspapers throughout the country and the world; everyone must come to St. Louis! *set lpe_success %+5 *set shepherd_credentials %+3 The ${post_dispatch} and other journals convey their articles to other cities to inundate the newspapers of the world with news of the fair. Every segment of the perparations is written about extensively. *if lpe_member > 1 *if (joined_kkk or (compassion > 40)) #The key to profit is keeping costs down; I will urge the Committee to use prison labor for as much work as possible. *set compassion %+25 *set laborvscapital %-25 *set stlouis_business_climate %+10 *set lpe_success %+5 *set stlouis_race_relations %-20 The Thirteenth Amendment makes forced labor in the case of criminal conviction acceptable. Since the end of the Civil War, States have colluded with businesses to imprison blacks and compel them to work for free; Missouri is no different. At your suggestion, the LPE Committee contracts with a local prison to furnish the Exposition with laborers. Few people beyond the Committee and the vendors are pleased with this turn of events. The prisoners—most of whom were incarcerated on trumped-up charges—gain nothing from the affair, and the workers who would have otherwise been employed have no jobs. But the capitalists are quite happy. *if (finance > 0) #With so much money exchanging hands, the opportunities for fraud abound. I intend to get my cut. *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %+5 *temp amount (100000 * finance) *if streetwise > 2 *set amount +100000 *set wealth +amount *set lpe_success %-5 *set laborvscapital %-5 Of course, the corners that must be cut to sustain your corruption means that the fair itself will be negatively impacted. But what does it matter, as long as you get yours? #With so much money exchanging hands, the opportunities for fraud abound. I keep a sharp eye on the books for fraud and waste. *set compassion %-5 *if finance = 1 *set lpe_success %+3 Unfortunately, you don't find any fraud, but you manage to trim some wasteful expenses here and there. *if finance = 2 *set lpe_success %+6 *if lpe_member = 3 *set local_fame %+3 You manage to identify several cost-saving measures for the corporation. The board is suitably impressed by @{lpe_member ERROR|Minor Cockrell's|your} contributions. *if finance > 2 *set lpe_success %+10 *comment *set baileys_fraud true *comment give the player the option to dismantle it? and/or discover Bailey's involvement? In fact, you discover a rather extensive system of bid-rigging. You quietly close down the operation, to the relief and gratitude of the other members of the board. *if lpe_member = 2 Of course, it's Minor Cockrell who gets the credit for your work; he's becoming a bit of a celebrity off your labor. *if lpe_member = 3 *set local_fame %+6 *if (creation > 0) #I want to take a role in the design and layout of the park. *set discretion %+5 *set exposure +1 You must compete with both George Kessler—Chief Landscaper—and Emmanuel Louis Masqueray—Chief of Design—but you are determined to see your vision realized. *if (creation > 3) and (technology > 1) *set lpe_success %+35 *set lpe_masterwork true *achieve lpe_masterwork *set exposure +3 Kessler and Masqueray are both surprised by your ingenuity and the blending of design with a realistic understanding of engineering. They become instruments of your will, implementing your vision in a grand symphony of form and function. The world will be astounded by your vision. *elseif (creation > 2) *set lpe_success %+10 Kessler and Masqueray are surprised by your ideas, but pleasantly so. They do their best to implement them. *elseif creation = 2 Your ideas are current and contemporary. Kessler and Masqueray both begrudgingly acknowledge your contributions to their projects. *else *set lpe_success %-20 Unfortunately, your designs are too @{(anachronism > 60) impractical|dated}. Though the board tries to follow them for a time, ultimately they have to reject them outright and reassign the tasks as best they can; there is too much at stake to leave the matter in the hands of an amateur. *if (stlouis_enterprise = 2) #All these visitors will need places to stay. I plan to corner the market on accommodations—by exerting all necessary force. *set discretion %+5 *set compassion %+5 *set lpe_success %-5 *set exposure +1 Whether it's turning people out of their homes, inducing them to turn their homes into rooming houses, or outright building shoddy dormitories, your criminal outfit begins preparing for the throngs of attendees. Of course, those attendees will be less inclined to come and spend their money at the fair when they are confronted by the cost of a bed, but you will get a piece of every one who is not dissuaded. *temp amount (50000 * streetwise) *set amount +(25000 * finance) *if stlouis_hideout *set amount +75000 *set wealth +amount *if (stlouis_enterprise = 7) #I want the foremost scientists and researchers to come and share their thoughts at the LPE. *if local_fame > 50 *set stlouis_business_climate %+5 *set tuberculosis_vaccine +1 *if lpe_member > 1 *set tuberculosis_vaccine +1 *set lpe_success %+5 With the assistance of the Washington University faculty, you begin solicit the attendence of various scientists throughout the United States and Europe. A grand symposium is being organized by the Exposition already; @{(lpe_member > 1) adding several more names to the list will be no significant challenge|encouraging the attendance of several more luminaries should be welcomed by the organizing committee}. *if lpe_member > 1 *if (lpe_member = 3) #Actually, I want to do my best to remain but a name on a piece of paper; the better to redirect any attention away from myself. *set exposure -2 *set local_fame %-5 *set discretion %-5 There is, in fact, no need for the meetings to be at night; you have no intention of attending. It is somewhat peculiar that you would contribute to the venture without taking an active role in it, but the other businessmen are only too happy to have your money and not have to worry about responding to your velleities. #The Exposition will come and go; I'm more interested in the vampires that will be attending than the mortal preparations. *set independence %+10 *set exposure -1 *set shepherd_credentials %-10 *set tribune_explained true *comment TODO give random correspondence contact In fact, during your preparations, @{(eliot_rapport > bailey_rapport) Eliot|Bailey} casually makes reference to the role of Tribune. When pressed, he notes that Tribunes are sometimes appointed by governors to more studiously enforce the Three Rules—in very large cities, or when many vampires are anticipated to be in the same place at the same time. The possibility that Gudhrun will call for the appointment of a Tribune hangs before you, teasing you with its promises. If you want the role, you will have to work for it. *if temperance_movement *if (wctu = "WCTU") #The Pavilion of Temperance must be a temple of education to spread the gospel of sobriety to all comers. *set missouri_prohibition +1 Reaching deep into their pockets and familial connections, the temperance workers of St. Louis assemble a mighty war-chest to construct the Pavilion of Temperance at the Exposition. Staging morality plays, performing conversions in the highways and byways of the fair, offering moving orations to all who will listen: these tactics and more will be deployed to educate the fairgoers to the dangers of alcohol. *if (wctu = "NAWSA") #Women are denied the right to vote because of claims of their intellectual inferiority; I organize structured women-only political debates to undermine these lies. *if (local_fame > 50) or (lpe_member > 1) *set lpe_event 2 @{(lpe_member = 1) Getting permission to hold such an event is not easy. However, your social connections override the concerns of the corporation's board.|The rest of the board is displeased by this idea, but accept this peculiarity as a necessary evil.} The local chapter sets about planning the affair. *else Unfortunately, the corporation refuses the offer of the debates. Some members NAWSA want to stage the debates off-site, in the hopes of attracting a crowd all the same, but the rest of the local chapter thinks it better to devote their time elsewhere. *page_break *temp rampage false *if wainwright_built and ((wainwright = "Wainwright") and (shepherd_credentials > 40)) *comment 1902 *set stlouis_business_climate %-5 Newsboys on almost every corner cry that Ellis Wainwright has been indicted for bribery and corruption. Testimony before the grand jury has been progressing for several weeks now, though Wainwright happens to be on a tour of the Mediterranean. His lawyer has done his level best to represent Wainwright's interests in his absence, but there is only so much that a defense attorney can do during this phase of prosecution. In the weeks after the indictment is handed down, it becomes clear that Wainwright has no intention of returning to St. Louis to face trial. He settles in Paris, where he is able to maintain a rapid communication with his lawyers, and elects to settle there indefinitely once he is convicted [i]in absentia[/i]. By some quirk of the law, though, he continues collecting rents on the Wainwright building and that comfortably funds his exile. *page_break "The Vampire of Cincinnati strikes again!" reads the headline in the ${post_dispatch}. @{literate |${stlouis_valet} clears ${valet_his} throat and resumes reading.} An individual matching the description of the vampire of Cincinnati—stocky, oval-faced, and smoking a cigar—has brought two women to blows in a park in Louisville. It seems that the Lothario had made promises to both, but when the stranger was discovered to be consorting with another, the women grew incensed and descended into a brawl. The Lothario skipped town before he could be arrested. One of the women was sent to a sanitarium to regain her equilibrium, while the other has been confined to a convent. Before their respective departures, the two young women were interviewed by the police, and confirmed their love for the stranger. One goes so far as to exclaim that the Lothario could drink her blood and still she would love him. Their families share the name the Lothario used: Gabriel. In subsequent weeks, it is further discovered that Gabriel had a previous encounter—before the infamous one in Cincinnati. Apparently, the Lothario was likely the surviving party of a duel with a young gentleman of the Trent family in Wheeling, West Virginia a few years ago. The young Trent fought for the honor of his soon-to-be wife, and was permanently incapacitated as a result. It is reported that when the Trent boy was shown a sketch of Gabriel, he screamed and shook, confirming his family's worst fears: that the man who ruined their son was still loose upon the world. *if (stlouis_affair = 7) or (stlouis_affair = 4) *comment 10/22/1902 *page_break *set stlouis_affair 11 You wake up one morning to ${stlouis_valet}'s somber face. $!{valet_he} offers you an open newspaper. @{literate Looking closely, you discover the relevant news|Looking from the newspaper back to ${stlouis_valet}, you inquire as to the news. $!{valet_he} pauses before announcing}: Annie Jones has died. After a short struggle with tuberculosis, ${annie_she} died in ${annie_her} Brooklyn, New York apartment. @{(stlouis_affair = 4) You shrug off the news.|You push away any emotions that threaten to rise to the surface.} You abandoned ${annie_her} for a reason. *elseif stlouis_affair = 14 *page_break *set stlouis_affair 12 Annie has continued ${annie_her} development as a vampire with aplomb. The nights pass almost without conflict. It's now been seven years, and ${annie_she} has long since begun hunting on ${annie_her} own, especially when you have other things to attend to. But one morning, ${annie_she} does not return. The sun is rising and you must flee to your ${sleeping_place}. You rouse ${stlouis_valet} and instruct ${valet_him} to find Annie with all due haste. When you awake the next morning, you already know what awaits you. From the moment you look at ${stlouis_valet}'s face, you know that Annie Jones is dead and that @{west_prob the imposter|West} has consumed ${annie_her}. You are bereft. Seven short years the two of you had together. And now this monster has stolen ${annie_her} from you! *gosub misery_choice *elseif stlouis_affair = 8 *page_break *set stlouis_affair 11 It has been several weeks since you last heard from Annie. You have written several letters, but they have gone unanswered. @{(anachronism > 60) You have begun to consider sending a telegram to underscore your need for a response.|} Then, one afternoon, you receive a letter in the evening mail from Brooklyn@{literate , though you can tell it is not in Annie's hand|}. You rip it open immediately@{literate | and hand it over to ${stlouis_valet}}. The letter is written by Annie's mother—Annie stays with ${annie_her} mother when not traveling with the circus. She informs in rather officious language that there is no need for you to continue writing, that Annie recently took ill with tuberculosis and died quite suddenly. She does not explain why this is the first you've heard of Annie being sick or why the storied disease was able to claim her so quickly. @{annie_nb You bristle at the use of "she" and "her" to refer to Annie in the letter; it is clear that thon mother never accepted thon's identity.|} You are bereft. How can @{(love_clotho or love_hope) another|} love be taken from you like this? When you decided to let ${annie_her} live out ${annie_her} life as a mortal, you expected decades, not some seven years. *gosub misery_choice *elseif stlouis_affair = 13 *page_break You first notice the cough in July. It's a small thing at first, but when Annie pulls ${annie_her} handkerchief away to reveal a clot of blood, a shiver of fear passes through both of you. You summon a doctor immediately—the best doctor in the city. Once he has examined Annie, he simply shakes his head. "Consumption." *if (discretion > 40) and (compassion > 40) You ask her one evening if she wants you to turn her into a vampire. You are willing to do it—Memeskia and the Society be damned—but she says no. She has seen the avarice and cruelty in your heart, even if you have managed to direct those qualities elsewhere for the past few years. She does not seek such an existence for herself. From there, the disease progresses with horrifying rapidity. One October afternoon, just before the sunset, ${annie_she} expires in a bloody, wheezing mess. ${stlouis_valet} does ${valet_his} best to avoid your gaze when you rise from your ${sleeping_place} not minutes later—too late to be with ${annie_her} during those final moments. You are bereft. How can @{(love_clotho or love_hope) another|} love be taken from you like this? When you decided to let ${annie_her} live out ${annie_her} life as a mortal, you expected decades, not some seven years. *gosub misery_choice *if schnaiders_closed *page_break *comment 11-??-1902 One evening, in the depths of the Eurydice, Bailey sniffs rather loudly. Turning to regard him, you take note of the extra layers he sports this evening. Several minutes later, he sniffs again. *if speaks_english *if discretion > 50 "Is there something wrong, @{((status >= 2) and (bailey_rapport >= 65)) John|Senator}?" you inquire. *else "Is there something wrong, Senator?" Eliot inquires. Bailey looks at @{(discretion > 50) you|Eliot}, @{(perception > 2) seemingly relieved that he no longer has to put on a show.|gratefully.} "Why, yes, don't you think it's cold down here?" "Cold?" Daring a glance at Memeskia, you can see nothing behind his eyes. "We are soon to be hosting quaestors, senators, and governors from throughout the New World. And we intend to bring them down here, to this locale, to welcome them?" Aichinger bristles. "Is there something wrong with the Eurydice?" he demands. "It's cold. It's damp. It's dank. Do you really want to receive Governor Gudhrun here? Or Governor Townsend? Or, dare I offer, Consul Stone?" "It would be my pleasure to welcome them here," he retorts. "Well, I would like to suggest the Southern Hotel as an alternate venue. For the duration of the Fair, at least." *else Eliot finally asks him something—presumably asking him what is wrong—to which Bailey responds by gesturing at the cave walls. @{(eliot_rapport >= becard_rapport) Eliot|Bécard} whispers that he's concerned about the propriety of receiving hordes of vampiric guests in such dank surroundings. Aichinger and Bailey spar for several minutes over the matter. *temp for false *choice #I advocate for relocating—for the duration of the Fair, anyway. *set independence %+10 *set bailey_rapport %+10 *set aichinger_rapport %-10 *set for true #I advocate relocating permanently—I'm tired of spending my time underground. *set discretion %+5 *set bailey_rapport %+10 *set aichinger_rapport %-10 *set for true #I advocate for staying at the Eurydice—we should not pretend to be other than we are. *set independence %-10 *set bailey_rapport %-10 *set aichinger_rapport %+10 #I advocate for staying at the Eurydice—this is a very safe place for vampires to gather. *set discretion %-10 *set bailey_rapport %-10 *set aichinger_rapport %+10 *if (status <= 2) #I keep silent for fear of offending my betters. *set independence %+10 *set discretion %-10 *set bailey_rapport %+5 *set aichinger_rapport %+5 Memeskia concludes that—for the time being—court will vacate the Eurydice. Eliot suggests a compromise: the Planter's House Hotel. He points out that the facility is newer than the Southern; he leaves unsaid the fact that it is not frequented—and thus dominated—by Bailey in the way that the Southern is. Memeskia accepts the suggestion with a nod. *if (revolutionary_credentials > 50) and (independence > 50) Surely this is for the best. It would have been untoward for any reception of the Society to be hosted by a counter-revolutionary like Aichinger. *if for and (sporting_goods > 1) *set aichinger_rapport %-10 Aichinger glares at you; your support for relocating is salt in the wound caused by your role in the closing of Schnaider's. Had Schnaider's not closed, this subject would never have arisen. *page_break The following May, ground is broken at Forest Park for the Exposition. The engineers and architects begin marking the earth, while Mayor Wells breaks the earth with a shovel to signify the start of construction. About a week later, you take a turn in the park. Stopping, you drag your finger across the material that will be used to make the pavillions. You've learned it's called "staff," and is made from powdered gypsum, reinforced with hemp strips, and cast into the desired shapes. Soon, massive buildings will rise throughout the park, evoking nations from across the globe. Rubbing a bit of the staff between your fingers, you are struck by how ephemeral the whole affair will be. All this build-up, these temporary buildings designed to be dismantled mere months after being erected…and yet, it is merely the way of mortals. How appropriate that they build something to be so temporary. *page_break During the summer of 1903, the Vampire of Cincinnati strikes again—or so the ${post_dispatch} proclaims. It seems that he has spent the winter in Evanston, Indiana. Following his pattern, he made the acquaintance of several young women in the parks of that city. Over the course of months, he managed to gain entry to a widow's home, taking advantage of her Christian generosity. But that did not satsify the vampire! No! He continued to prowl the parks, and managed to captivate not one, not two, but three young women of the city. Only this time, it seems he learned from his prior mistakes—and so he made sure to introduce them to one another as friends. When all three women began to object to the parade of suitors being organized by their families, it eventually came out that they had been consorting with the vampire Gabriel. Only under great duress was his place of residence revealed, and a full squad of police stormed the widow's house with the intention of seizing him. All that they found, however, were lady's undergarments. The esteemed men of the city are at a loss as to how this Gabriel could have such a way with women. They publicly assert that Gabriel must be a vampire possessed of supernatural charms. You, on the other hand, have to wonder how long it will be until Praetor Carlos arrives to deal with the matter. *finish *label cockrell_papers Under your direction, the drunken lout manages to sign the necessary papers and otherwise pass himself off as a responsible investor. *comment an interesting moment would be to see this young dilettante have the piss taken out of him; in particular, you could help him, despite him clearly being in the wrong, or let him hang in the wind, but lose your investment. *set lpe_member 2 *set exposure +1 *set wealth -2550000 *label lpe_wealth_loop_2 *if wealth < 0 *set income -10 *set wealth +10000 *goto lpe_wealth_loop_2 *return *label check_aichinger_debt *if clear_aichinger_debt You call on Aichinger and point to your success with Slattery. *if stl_met_slattery = 5 *set aichinger_rapport %-10 He dismisses your request. "@{speaks_german That is not punishment!|[i]Nein![/i] That is no punishment!} He still has his life, his pension, and his freedom!" *elseif stl_met_slattery = 6 *set debt_to_aichinger false He accepts your deed as compensation for your debt to him. *return *label misery_choice *choice #I sit at home and cry. *set stlouis_valet_loyalty %+5 *if stlouis_valet_loyalty > 55 ${stlouis_valet} does ${valet_his} best to comfort you. You push ${valet_him} away, but whenever you need something, ${valet_he} is there, having already anticipated your need. $!{he} is clearly affected by your sorrow. As for you, there is nothing to be done but grieve. *else ${stlouis_valet} executes ${valet_his} duties with precision, but there is @{(stlouis_valet_loyalty > 45) little|no} warmth in them. $!{valet_he} anticipates your needs and sees to them, but offers little in the way of comfort. *if ((rationalism > 50) and (religious_tradition != "pagan")) #I curse God for inflicting these sorrows upon me. *set rationalism %+5 You curse God for what he has done to you. Over the next few weeks, a @{(religious_tradition = "catholic") priest|pastor} would turn apoplectic at your frequent blasphemies. But God does not come down and punish you; no more than he already has. #I go on a rampage. The mortals will feel the consequences of my rage. *set rampage true *set discretion %+15 *set compassion %+15 *set exposure +3 You rack up quite the body count over the next few weeks. *if shapeshifting > 2 *set werewolf_hysteria +1 The way you mangle the bodies with your claws, you even manage to add fuel to the werewolf hysteria. Though you drink countless mortals dry, none of them satisfy you. It is only when Memeskia confronts you one evening that you finally pull up short. He makes it clear that you are attracting too much attention, and that your spree must end. With a scream of frustration, you knuckle under his command. *if (stlouis_affair = 12) #I vow vengeance on @{west_prob the imposter|West}. *set discretion %+10 *set compassion %+5 *set west_exposure +1 *comment maybe make this west_downfall +1? You set about investigating every angle of @{west_prob the imposter|West}'s appearances. If there is a pattern to be found—a haven to be deduced—you will find it. The nights pass and you put one foot in front of the other. Eventually, you do enough "firsts" after ${annie_her} death—@{rampage first time you've walked along the river|first time you've fed}, first time you've seen other vampires, first time seeing a play—that you start to feel some distance between you and ${annie_her}. The distance comes in fits and spurts—sometimes, ${annie_she} is right there with you yet again, both present and absent. And finally, one day, you smile for the first time since ${annie_she} died, and you hate yourself for it. How can you smile when Annie is dead? But then you smile again, and eventually you realize you can't hate yourself for continuing to exist. *return