*comment ñáéç…— *set year 1882 *hide_reuse *advertisement *temp interlocutor "Bailey" *temp ia false *if revolutionary_credentials < 50 *set interlocutor "Aichinger" *set ia true *if eliot_rapport > 60 *set interlocutor "Eliot" *set ia false *temp west_prob false *if m_sib and patricide *set west_prob true *temp odonnell_loyalist false *temp com_gudhrun ((speaks_english or speaks_french) or speaks_german) *if (religious_tradition = "catholic") or ((laborvscapital > 60) or (laborvscapital < 35)) A little over a decade ago, a secret society was formed by tailors in Philadelphia. The Knights of Labor were steeped in mysticism, but that ritual conflicted with their ability to attract members from urban Catholics. All the same, the Knights grew rapidly during the 1870s, until the Catholic Church began to cast aspersions on the organization. In a concession to the Catholic Church, the Knights of Labor recently announced the revision of their charter and purpose. Setting aside the mysticism and ritual of their founding members, the labor organization embraces solidarity with women and freedmen, and vows to dedicate itself to the liberation of the worker from the excesses of capital. The Knights have found great acceptance within the railroad workers of St. Louis, who have embraced the union and collective action as an alternative to the unannounced furloughs and wage-cuts of the railroad corporations. *choice #The Knights will have to be crushed. Business cannot be conducted as long as unions try to organize the workers. *set laborvscapital %-10 Advocating for an eight-hour workday and an end to child labor is clearly a capital crime. *if (religious_tradition = "catholic") #The secrecy inherent in their organization is an affront to the corrective supervision of the Church. No good Catholic should participate. *set rationalism %+10 *set laborvscapital %-5 Without the supervision of priests, members of the Knights might be exposed to Protestants, socialists, atheists, and redistributionists. Men—and especially women—cannot be trusted to guard themselves against such influences. You make sure to communicate your distrust and displeasure to those members of the Catholic hierarchy that you encounter. #The Knights of Labor are the best hope for ending wage-slavery in the United States. *set laborvscapital %+10 The Knights have begun tentatively organizing freedmen in the South, an audacious undertaking. To unite the white factory workers of the north, with the miners of the West and the farm workers of the south would be to bring the nation to its knees. There is no way that the forces of capital will allow this to stand. #It is a pity that they set aside their rituals; it is only through the unification of the soul that the truth will be revealed. *set rationalism %+10 The proliferation of ideas about life, the universe, and eternity has certainly resulted in a variety of novel organizations both in the United States and abroad. Once anyone with a quill can afford to reproduce and distribute their ideas, an audience for any idea—no matter how preposterous—can be found. *page_break One evening at Schnaider's—Memeskia is nowhere to be seen—you find yourself in conversation with ${interlocutor}, who is quite perturbed. "He has struck again." "West?" "@{ia [i]Ja,[/i]|Yes,}" he replies. "Who? Where?" "At a train station of all places, in Terre Haute, Indiana. It was a young vampire traveling west. He killed her right there, in front of dozens of witnesses!" "Why wasn't she in a traveling coffin?" "@{ia How should I know?" he exclaims, exasperated.|I don't know," he replies.} "That's horrible!" *if ia "She was either very young or gracious enough not to use her powers to fight back." "Gracious enough?" "Yes, to the rest of us. As it is, the mortals are claiming a werewolf attacked a woman. Not that one vampire murdered another vampire." "Yes, I suppose that was gracious of her," you snap. *else "Though I don't know why, it seems that she did not offer much in the way of resistance. She must have been young. The one blessing here is that the mortals are possessed by the idea that a werewolf is on the loose, not that one vampire murdered another." "That is a small blessing." "There will be more pressure on Memeskia to find and kill West now." *choice #"As there should be! As Quaestor, is it not his job to defend us?" *set independence %+5 "Defend us?" ${interlocutor} looks at you askance. "No, I don't think he's supposed to defend us. I'd think that's more a praetor's task." *if (sire_name = "Padre Carlos") *if sire_alive "Should I write to my dominus and request his presence?" "That is between you, your dominus, and Memeskia." *else *comment need to write in a new praetor? "Is there a praetor?" "No, not since the death of Miele." *else *if heard_of_carlos "Should someone write to Stone's new Praetor, Padre Carlos?" "That is between you and Memeskia, friend." *else *set heard_of_carlos true *if consul_praetor_explained "Has Stone appointed a new praetor?" "He has. A former priest by the name of Padre Carlos. I'm surprised you have not heard of him." *else *set consul_praetor_explained true "Praetor?" ${interlocutor} looks at you, astonished. "You have heard of Adonis and Stone, yes?" "Yes…" "As the Consul of the Society, they appoint their praetors to administer justice." "So, something like a Federal Marshal?" ${interlocutor} purses his lips. "Something like that, yes. But Stone's revolution was sparked when he murdered Praetor Miele in cold blood. He declared himself Consul of the Americas, and some time afterwards appointed a Spanish vampire by the moniker of Padre Carlos to the role of praetor." "Should someone write to him and request his intervention?" "That is between you and Memeskia, *if ia and (speaks_german = false) [i]@{male Freund|Freundin}[/i]." *else friend." #"He culls the weak." *set discretion %+5 *set compassion %+5 *set shepherd_credentials %-10 *temp stat interlocutor *set stat &"_rapport" *set {stat} %-10 ${interlocutor} looks at you, surprised. "That is…quite a statement." "It is the truth." "It is your take on the truth." @{(discretion > 60) "Is there a more important one?"|"But one which you cannot refute."} ${interlocutor} raises his hands in defeat and tries to change the subject. *if (west_prob) #"Are we sure that it's West doing these things?" *set discretion %+5 ${interlocutor} peers at you carefully. "He's your dominus. What makes you think it's not him?" "Well…no one who knows West has witnessed one of these attacks and lived to tell the tale, right?" "That is true. But why would someone be impersonating West? And if someone is impersonating West, where is he?" "You have a point." Which is to say, ${interlocutor} is right that you have no idea why someone would be impersonating West, but you can't divulge the nature of that particular problem. "Are there such things as werewolves?" you ask. ${interlocutor} smiles. "No, not that I'm aware of." "But…you've heard of a werewolf before, right?" "@{ia [i]Ja.[/i]|Yes.}" "If we've heard of them…perhaps they too exist?" ${interlocutor} shrugs. "Perhaps they do?" *page_break Over the next few nights, you contemplate what—if anything—is to be done about @{west_prob the imposter|West}. *label west_loop *choice #Though it will be time-consuming, I will visit the honky-tonks, jook-joints, saloons, and taverns of the city, spreading tall-tales of werewolves in Missouri. *set werewolf_hysteria +1 *set discretion %+3 When men and women are in their cups, they are given to flights of fancy. You take advantage of these moments of weakness, spinning stories as best you can in an effort to stoke the hysteria around @{west_prob the imposter|West}. *selectable_if (wealth > 200000) #@{west_prob The imposter|West} is of little interest to me. Though it will cost me, I wish to raise my profile in the city, to make my predations easier. *set wealth -100000 *set local_fame %+(charm * 3) *if temperance_movement or joined_stl_masonic_lodge *set local_fame %+3 *set exposure +1 *set bloodflow +1 Attending the right parties, wearing the right clothes, being seen with the right people…all these things are time-consuming and expensive. But if you want access to the halls of power, you must leverage what you have. *if (lockridge_contactable and (lockridge_treatise = 2)) #I write to Senator Lockridge and ask for him to send me a copy of his treatise on Shepherds and Wolves. *set independence %+5 *set revolutionary_credentials %-5 *set lockridge_rapport %+5 About a month later, a package arrives in the post containing the manuscript as well as a note from the Senator, expressing his delight at your interest in the matter. The text in your possession, you set yourself to reading it. *page_break *gosub_scene util read_lockridge_treatise *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) #I urge the newspapers to extensively cover these werewolf rumors, the better to distract from mine own activities. *set werewolf_hysteria +1 *set exposure -2 Stories of the Werewolf of St. Louis are relayed throughout the region. People are on guard against further attacks. Thankfully, @{west_prob the imposter|West} seems to go to ground soon thereafter, as there are no more sightings for the time being. #I urge the newspapers to calm the waters by only reporting hard facts, not rumors about supernatural beings. *set werewolf_hysteria -1 *set discretion %-5 *set rationalism %-5 There is a notable drop-off in the number of stories about the Werewolf of St. Louis. @{(werewolf_hysteria > 1) The matter is not forgotten, of course, but it certainly fades from everyday topics of conversation.|} It helps that there are no more sightings for the time being. *if ((stlouis_enterprise = 3) or (stlouis_enterprise = 7)) #I urge the men of science to step forward and refute the existence of werewolves. *set werewolf_hysteria -1 *set exposure -1 A trio of men of science organize a lecture at the Mercantile Library to demonstrate the impossibility of werewolves and other supernatural entities. Of course, their "demonstration" is nothing more than ill-constructed syllogisms, and the lecture is not terribly well-attended, but it does seem to calm the waters a bit. *if ((sire_name = "Padre Carlos") and sire_alive) #I write to my dominus—and Consul Stone's new praetor—about West. *comment TODO should you be able to do this without consulting Memeskia first? *set west_exposure +1 *set stl_praetor_carlos 2 Of course, delivering a letter to you dominus, when you have been out of contact for so long, is no simple feat. You will have to write to several other vampires and attempt to ascertain his location—or, at least, someone that has an idea about his location. Regardless, you begin the process. *if (literate or (stlouis_enterprise = 8)) #I wish to try and learn more about werewolves. *set beast_of_gevaudan true Stories of wolf-men can be found in a variety of histories and traditions. Even the old story of Little Red Riding Hood could be construed as an early story of a wolf-man. @{speaks_latin Petronius, a man of letters in the court of the Roman Emperor Nero, famously wrote about a werewolf in his [i]Satyricon[/i].|} The Vikings's sagas relate tales of skin-shifters. The Swiss and the French have been burning [i]loup-garou[/i] at the stake since the 1400s. Most recently there is the story of the Beast of Gévaudan, a creature that bedeviled the French countryside for four years, starting in 1764. It was defeated in 1767, but its corpse was stolen away before it could be examined by the King's doctors. While these stories do not tell you how to defeat a werewolf, they largely agree that werewolves can be defeated. And that fills you with hope. *if (west_prob) #I want see if West had any intimates or other offspring that might care about his death. *set stl_heard_of_wotton true West created both you and Memeskia; surely he created more during the interim. And as for lovers…@{embrace_of_affection he was infatuated with you. Why not others?|you never saw him be affectionate with anyone.} *temp int_num 1 *if (ashmore_rapport > bowater_rapport) and ((ashmore_rapport > 55) and (ashmore_contactable)) *set ashmore_rapport %-15 You write to Rebecca Ashmore, the Senator of Philadelphia. *elseif (bowater_rapport > ashmore_rapport) and ((bowater_rapport > 55) and (bowater_contactable)) *set bowater_rapport %-15 *set int_num 2 You write to Abel Bowater, the Senator of Savannah. *elseif (overstreet_rapport > 50) and (overstreet_contactable) *set overstreet_rapport %-15 *set int_num 3 You write to Theresa Overstreet, Governor of Savannah. *elseif (revolutionary_credentials < 40) and (lockridge_contactable and (lockridge_rapport > 40)) *set int_num 4 You write to Arthur Lockridge, Senator of Charleston. *else *set int_num 5 You write to Samantha Withers, Quaestor of Vicksburg. You explain the situation in St. Louis and offer the idea that perhaps another one of West's offspring—or some other sort of intimate companion—may have more insight into his deeds. A response arrives some time later. In it, you learn that West is known to have created one other scion: a colonist from the "lost" Roanoke Colony, Virginia. His name was Lewis Wotton. As a vampire, Wotton resided in Richmond, Virginia through the 18th Century, but has not maintained a permanent residence since sometime during or immediately after @{int_num the War Between the States|the Civil War|the War of Northern Aggression|the War of Northern Aggression|the Secession War}. What goes unsaid in these letters is the suspicion your questions raise—why not ask Memeskia these questions? Why don't you know these answers yourself? Trying to explain that you didn't exactly have time to interrogate West about his other offspring before you burnt him to a cinder is not an option. Could this be the imposter? Lewis Wotton, another scion of West? *if (can_ask_bowater_for_saw_text) #Actually, I'm interested in a different type of wolf; I write to Senator Bowater regarding [i]Of Shepherds and Wolves.[/i] *temp debt_from_none false *gosub_scene prestation checkHasDebt You write to Senator Bowater to ask about borrowing his copy of Eusebius's writings. He replies that he is happy to loan it to you—for a debt. All the same, you are expected to return it in a timely manner. Though, what is a "timely manner" to a vampire? *label prestation_loop *choice #I acknowledge the debt. *set has_saw_manuscript 3 *set debt_to_bowater true A few weeks later, a parcel arrives for you in the mail. You open it @{(discretion < 50) reverently,|hastily,} anxious to see what's inside. It's a book. Old, certainly; but no choir of angels sing when you set your eyes upon it. @{(perception > 1) Though, to be honest, it smells divine.|} Opening it, you see that it is in Latin. *if speaks_latin And while you do recognize some of it, your paleography is underdeveloped. It will take you months if not years to decipher the text. You muse that it would be much better to have a modernized version of the text—at the very least with spaces between words. *else You will need to find someone to not only transcribe, but also translate the text if you wish to read it. You set it aside while you consider what to do. *if (hasAnyDebt) #I want to trade him a debt that I hold over another. Reviewing the debts that are owed to you, you decide to trade Bowater… *gosub_scene prestation findDebt *if getVar = "none" *goto prestation_loop *else *set debt_from[getVar] false *set has_saw_manuscript 3 Bowater happily accepts the debt from $!{getVar} in exchange. #No, it is not worth a debt. *set independence %-5 *set bowater_rapport %-5 You graciously withdraw your request, but Bowater is clearly annoyed that you have bothered him without being prepared to follow through. Is there something else you'd like to do instead? *goto west_loop *page_break *if helios_plot and (stlouis_cult and (exposure > 10)) *comment test for exposure levels to calibrate properly *set heard_about_helios_stlouis true It's strangely easy to forget that Memeskia is the Quaestor of St. Louis. After all, he so rarely attends the evenings that Aichinger hosts. It's even easy to forget that he exists somewhere in the city. Thus, when you take a seat on a bench on evening in Lafayette Park to enjoy the breeze and contemplate your next meal, you are startled to note that the other person on the bench is none other than your stray Quaestor. "Has anyone mentioned the problem we had in '68?" Typical Memeskia, straight to the point. "No, I don't believe so, Quaestor." "A vampire came through St. Louis. Stayed just long enough to convince some colonists with a few demonstrations of his power." "Convince them of what?" "His divinity. The power of ${helios}. @{(helios = "Hushtahli") And why he invoked the father of the Choctaw…" he trails off.|I'm not really sure if he was describing himself or a deity."} "How…peculiar. Why…why would a vampire do such a thing?" Memeskia turns to look at you. You suppress the urge to flinch. "I have no idea why one of our kind would do such a thing, either." "What happened…?" "By the time I realized what was happening, the culprit had already left St. Louis. I dismantled it." "And…" "I did not enjoy it." With that, Memeskia stands and leaves. You sit for a while and muse on his words, having suddenly lost your appetite. *page_break *if stlouis_cult "${stlouis_cult_address}," Amanda begins. The night is nearly concluded. Your faithful are @{stlouis_cult_celebration quietly conversing|conversing animatedly|putting their clothes back on|cleaning the blood and wax from their faces and limbs} in the next room. "Yes, Amanda?" She closes the door behind her. "I'm…having difficulties.…" "Speak up, child." She centers herself before speaking again. "My parents both died recently—the same illness took them. In their will, they left the family property to me as their only child." "What is the problem?" "My husband. We are estranged. I left his house not long after coming into your service, in fact." You try not to show your surprise at this. "He is a drunkard and a wastrel, but now that he knows that I have this property, he is demanding his share." @{(intelligence > 2) "But, after the Married Woman's Property Act, you are entitled to the administration of your own estate.|"He can't just demand half of your inheritance!}" "Yes, but those laws are only a few years old. And there are judges who are happy to find ways around them." "Why not divorce him?" "We are both guilty of crimes against our marriage. The courts will only grant divorce when one party is blameless." "Then what are you asking?" "I don't know, ${stlouis_cult_address}. But I thought, if anyone could help me…" *choice #I urge Amanda to convey the property to me. As a disciple, she has no need of her own property anyway. *set income +10 *set wealth +150000 *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %-5 *set independence %+5 *set exposure +1 A donation to a duly organized religious charity—even a substantial one—is difficult to undo. Amanada's husband rages, but with her family home gone, she is now living in a communal home for your disciples, and his access to her is severely curtailed. He returns to his brick-making and whiskey-chasing. *goto post_husband #I kill her husband; one solution for many problems. *if (stlouis_cult_celebration = 4) and (compassion > 50) *set exposure +1 On the next night of ceremonies, Amanada's husband is hung upside down from the rafters and cut in a number of delicate places. His blood serves as the source of the sacrament for the evening. When the time finally comes, he begs for his own death. *goto post_husband *else Amanda's husband is a brick-maker; cornering him at a saloon after a long day of work is trivial. @{(feeding_style = "laborer") You're almost surprised at how much you enjoy his [i]terroir[/i].|} He will not disturb Amanda again. *goto post_husband #I am here to be served, not to serve. *set discretion %+15 "Yes, of course. Forgive me, ${stlouis_cult_address}." You gesture for privacy and she leaves you to your thoughts. *goto post_husband *selectable_if (wealth > 50000) #I hire a lawyer to obtain a divorce for Amanda from her husband. *set wealth -15000 *set discretion %-10 It is no small affair to sue for divorce in Missouri, but with enough money, the courts will eventually be moved. Amanda's husband is only a semi-employed brick-maker; with few resources of his own, he is poorly equipped to defend himself. Eventually, even the court's prejudices are overcome and the divorce is granted. *goto post_husband *selectable_if (charm > 3) #I simply tell him to leave her alone. *set discretion %-10 You can be extremely persuasive when you want to be. The conversation with her husband—a semi-employed brick-maker—is relatively short. When he begins to try and justify his actions, you interrupt him and make yourself and your purpose very clear. Under your spell, he nods his assent. *goto post_husband *label post_husband Amanda does not speak of her husband again. *page_break *comment year not certain, just before 1883? *temp interlocutor "Bailey" *temp ia false *if revolutionary_credentials < 50 *set interlocutor "Aichinger" *set ia true "We are to have a guest," ${interlocutor} whispers conspiratorially. The two of you are reclining in the wake of another @{(independence < 50) soul-deadening|} gathering of your kind at Schnaider's. "A guest?" you reply. "How often do our kind travel? Especially elders." "Aren't you an elder?" "Not as old as she." "Who is it?" "Gudhrun Björnsdotter is her name." "Is she a senator? Why is she coming here?" "She holds no title…yet. @{ia But soon, I expect|But I suspect that she is being groomed for one}. She currently @{ia inhabits|resides in} Baltimore, but she's only been there for a short time. Before that, @{ia she inhabited København since before I was made|she was in Copenhagen for several centuries}." "Why would Björnsdotter come to these shores? Is she @{(revolutionary_credentials > 50) an agent of Adonis|another traitor, come to join these criminals}?" "I can't say." *page_break A few weeks later, Björnsdotter arrives. The vampires of the city gather at Schnaider's; even Memeskia deigns to attend. In addition, there is a representative from Chicago present. *if (lore >= 3) or (revolutionary_credentials < 35) *set heard_of_odonnell true *set odonnell_loyalist true The Quaestor of Chicago, Seamus O'Donnell, is a well-known Loyalist. The fact that a vampire loyal to Adonis governs the second-largest city of the United States is something of a thorn in the side of Consul Stone. You ${bow} in greeting; she nods in your direction. She is a large, powerfully built woman, with a square jaw and piercing blue eyes. @{(sire_name = "West") Come to think of it, she bears a certain resemblance to West.|} *if com_gudhrun "I have heard that West has been active@{west_prob again|}." Perhaps that's why she's here? Memeskia nods. "What is being done about this beast?" she inquires. Or demands; her tone is difficult to parse. After a moment's pause, Bailey intervenes. "What can we do? Until he establishes a more sustained pattern…" "The absence of Praetor Miele is misfortunate. He had experience with these matters." "Are there no skilled beast-hunters in the Americas?" Aichinger asks. "West," Memeskia replies. "West was a beast-hunter?" Eliot exclaims. "That means…he knows…" Memeskia nods; Eliot leaves the rest of the sentence hanging. @{(perception > 2) You sense Björnsdotter silently judging Memeskia.|} *temp silent false *choice #"If he is a beast, let us use bait to draw him out." *set shepherd_credentials %+15 *set compassion %+15 *set discretion %+10 *set aichinger_rapport %+5 The room falls silent at the audacity of your statement. "If he only feeds on the blood of our kind, we should whet…" Memeskia raises a hand and you stop. "It is certainly unorthodox," Aichinger muses. "But the results would be so unpredictable. It would be dangerous to all our kind." "Yes. Too dangerous," Björnsdotter concurs. #"We could enlist the mortals—distribute posters and other notices to turn the public into eyes and ears." *set shepherd_credentials %-5 *set discretion %-5 *set anachronism %+5 *set eliot_rapport %+5 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %-5 Bailey purses his lips at this suggestion, while Eliot nods along. "It would be no great thing to have his likeness distributed…" "Complete with fangs and claws?" Aichinger interrupts. "I'm sorry?" "He is a beast. He does not walk among the humans. I imagine he does not even deign to wear clothing anymore. No, the only time a mortal will see West these days is when they stand between him and his prey." "He cannot be so completely divorced—" you begin. "Were this a simple criminal of our kind, I might agree, ${mr} ${surname}, but a beast will not be uncovered so easily," Aichinger cuts you off. "Not to mention the danger of drawing such widespread attention to one of our kind," Björnsdotter adds. #"I urge discretion. Let him continue until he is at our doorstep." *set discretion %-15 Björnsdotter scowls. "But more of our kind could meet an untimely end." After a few moments, Bailey extrapolates on your idea: "But he has only slain orphans and other beasts so far. We can cover up his crimes among the humans, while allowing him to address our communal errors." *if compassion < 50 "I don't know if that's exactly…" you try to interject. "It is slipshod to leave the duties of a Quaestor to an outlaw," Aichinger retorts. "Agreed," Memeskia replies. *if sire_name = "West" #"He is my responsibility. I will bring him to heel." *set independence %+5 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %+5 *set memeskia_rapport %+5 *set stl_west_volunteer true *if patricide *set discretion %-5 Of course, your maker is already dead; whoever impersonates him is taunting you with this charade. But it is a charade you must play along with for now. *else @{(discretion > 50) This is truly an opportunity to make your mark on the Society.|How you will bring down a creature such as your maker is a mystery to you.} Björnsdotter stares at you, inscrutable. #I want to observe the conversation; who is truly afraid of this beast? *set silent true *set discretion %-10 *if status < 2 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %+5 *if perception > 2 If anyone is truly afraid—besides Eliot, you suppose—it would be Bailey. Aichinger is concerned, but not afraid. Bécard is resigned. But Bailey seems distraught at the possibilities for disruption. *else Other than Eliot—who does seem genuinely afraid—you can't discern the motivation behind the emotions displayed. Bécard, however, seems simply resigned. Björnsdotter, finally, is inscrutable. "He is likely sleeping beneath the earth. It could be a decade or more before he wakes. We shall have to remain vigilant and await an appropriate opportunity," Bailey observes. @{silent The room nods in agreement.|You're not quite sure if that concurs or dissents from your suggestion, but the rest of the gathering seems to nod in agreement.} "I believe Mr. Yates had something he wished to say," Bailey says. "Thank you, Quaestor Memeskia, for welcoming me this evening. On behalf of my dominus, Quaestor O'Donnell, we welcome Gudhrun Björnsdotter to the Americas. May the skies be overcast and the blood flow freely during your stay." *set heard_of_odonnell true *if revolutionary_credentials < 35 *set robert_yates_rapport %+15 "It has been quite a journey. I look forward to joining in with you all to support and preserve Stone's revolution." Yates wrinkles his nose at Gudhrun's rejoinder. @{(perception > 1) Aichinger seems similarly disappointed.|} It seems that Gudhrun has cast her support behind Stone. *if (intelligence > 2) and (odonnell_loyalist = false) *set odonnell_loyalist true And, you infer, Quaestor O'Donnell must be a Loyalist. *choice *if (odonnell_loyalist) #I want to put the screws to Yates. "Do you know, Mme. Björnsdotter, has the Consul given any thought to replacing disloyal quaestors?" *set independence %+5 *set odonnell_rapport %-5 *set robert_yates_rapport %-5 *if revolutionary_credentials > 40 *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 Her eyes narrow at the honorific. "Gudhrun, please. My surname is an affectation…and one that does not suit me." "As you wish, Gudhrun," you reply. Gudhrun looks at Yates while she answers. "Why, yes. There are plans unfolding with the objective of bringing the disloyal to heel." Yates looks like he's going to be sick. *if (discretion > 35) #"Is that why you left Europe? To join the revolution?" Björnsdotter pauses, affixing you with her gaze. "Yes. The caprices of Adonis are too much to bear." *if heresy_of_abraham > 0 According to Estefania, the "caprices" of which vampires typically complain are those heretical beliefs that might undermine Adonis's claims to authority. Is Gudhrun saying that she is a heretic? You make the signs of the Children of Abraham, but receive no response. *if (heresy_of_abraham = 0) and (heresy_of_masons > 0) According to Jesse, the "caprices" of which vampires typically complain are those heretical beliefs that might undermine Adonis's claims to authority. Is Gudhrun saying that she is a heretic? You make the signs of the Freemasons, but receive no response. "Is there much support for Stone there? Might the revolution be expanded?" Björnsdotter shakes her head. "Not any time soon. Besides, we must secure these shores from the Loyalists first." *if (perception > 1) or odonnell_loyalist That was clearly directed at Yates. *if (odonnell_loyalist = false) and (intelligence > 2) *set odonnell_loyalist true If Yates is a Loyalist…then so too is Quaestor O'Donnell. Curious. #"Here's to Consul Stone!" I try to lead a cheer. *set revolutionary_credentials %+10 *set odonnell_rapport %-10 *set robert_yates_rapport %-5 *set aichinger_rapport %-10 *set independence %+5 *if status >= 2 *set bailey_rapport %+10 "To Consul Stone!" the room—mostly—responds. Of course, you have no @{speaks_german stein of beer|glass of wine} with which to toast. But the sentiment carries all the same. @{(perception > 2) Aichinger and Yates both are clearly faking their enthusiasm.|} *else *set memeskia_rapport %-5 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %-5 The room stares at you. Bailey inserts himself into the silence. "Dear ${given_name} is so very enthusiastic. I think that enthusiasm should be welcomed!" "[i]Ja,[/i] very enthusiastic," Aichinger grumbles. #"So, rather than stand and fight in…what was it, Copenhagen?…you turned tail and fled here?" *set revolutionary_credentials %-15 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %-30 *set memeskia_rapport %-20 *set bailey_rapport %-15 *set eliot_rapport %-15 *set becard_rapport %-15 *set odonnell_rapport %+20 *set aichinger_rapport %+20 *set discretion %+15 *if status >= 2 "You are not afraid to speak your mind, ${mr} ${surname}." "That is true, Mme. Björnsdotter." Her eyes narrow at the honorific. "Gudhrun, please. My surname is an affectation…and one that does not suit me." "As you wish, Gudhrun," you reply. She takes a moment to reorient. "Consul Stone does not punish us for our words. Civilized debate is the heart of a functioning community." You can almost hear the exhalations from the other vampires in the room. "I am not an advocate of suicide, ${mr} ${surname}. Here, I can contribute to the cause." A true believer? *else "Quaestor Memeskia, do you endorse your citizens speaking to guests in this way?" "No, Gudhrun." At that, @{(eliot_rapport >= bailey_rapport) Eliot|Bailey} escorts you from the room. Once you're in the [i]biergarten[/i] proper, he begins to @{(status = 0) |lightly} chastise you for your insolence. @{(discretion > 50) Unwilling to listen to another lecture, you wave away his words and depart.|You patiently endure the lecure. When he is finished, you excuse yourself and head home.} *goto dawn_approaches_1 #When an opportune moment shows itself, I offer my polite welcome to Gudhrun. *set met_bjornsdotter true *if (charm + status) >= 5 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %+10 Apparently, you chose the exact right moment: Björnsdotter accepts your pleasantries with graciousness. *else It must not have been the exact right moment, but at least you have not embarrassed yourself; Björnsdotter politely accepts your pleasantries. *else The proceedings are conducted in English, so you are forced to stand back and watch the goings-on without participating. You recognize the word "West," but clearly no solution is proposed to the problem he represents. A bit later, Gudhrun seems to focus her attention on Robert Yates, the scion of Seamus O'Donnell Quaestor of Chicago, but you cannot ascertain what passes there other than posturing. *set heard_of_odonnell true When the formal introductions are concluded, the room breaks into smaller groups. The rest of the evening passes without conflict. @{(independence < 35) This is despite your urge to run screaming from the gathering.|} Even Memeskia stays longer than you have ever known him to; he seems to acquiesce to the importance of his guest. *if odonnell_loyalist = false At one point, *if revolutionary_credentials < 40 Aichinger pulls you aside to ask you your opinion on Yates. It's clear he doesn't actually care about your opinion, so much as he wants you to know that Yates—and his dominus, Quaestor O'Donnell—are Loyalists, and that you should try to acquaint yourself with them. *elseif (revolutionary_credentials <= 60) Bécard remarks on Yates's loyalties. When you press her on the matter, she notes that Yates—and his dominus, Quaestor O'Donnell—are well-known Loyalists. *else Bailey pulls you aside to ask you your opinion on Yates. It's clear he doesn't actually care about your opinion, so much as he wants you to know that Yates—and his dominus, Quaestor O'Donnell—are Loyalists, and that you should steer clear of their ilk. When you ask why O'Donnell has not been replaced, the closest to an answer that you receive is that he is too entrenched in Chicago to be easily replaced—and that the last attempt @{(revolutionary_credentials < 40) was an utter failure|did not succeed}. *comment Helios low exposure *if helios_plot and (heard_about_helios_stlouis = false) *if aichinger_rapport > 55 As you're preparing to leave, Aichinger motions for you to join him. "You've heard of vampires using the simple faith of mortals to aggrandize themselves, yes?" *if (lore > 2) or idea_for_cult @{stlouis_cult Your body stills. Have you been found out? you wonder. "Y…yes,|"Yes,} yes I have." *set idea_for_cult true "You should know, then, that we've had problems of this sort here in St. Louis." "Oh?" @{stlouis_cult Your eyes scan the room, looking for exits other than the door you can in through.|} "Yes. *else *set idea_for_cult true "I'm sorry…I don't…" "[i]Ach,[/i] yes. Well, some of our kind try to set themselves up as gods. Rituals, blood-drinking, tribute…whatever their shriveled hearts desire. With our powers, it is not so difficult to convince mortals of these things." "I can imagine." "Clearly, this is against the Three Rules, and is part of the reason the Praetors exist: to seek out those who would dare violate this simple rule. It is for all our benefit." "And you're telling me this…" "Because we have had problems with this in the past here. *set heard_about_helios_stlouis true In '68, Memeskia discovered one. They claimed to worship ${helios}, if you can believe that." *if helios = "Hushtahli" "The god of my people?" "Is that who that is? I never knew the source of that name." @{stlouis_cult Your body relaxes somewhat.|} "What came of them?" "He dismantled it. Swiftly." "Who was responsible?" "Unfortunately, Memeskia was unable to determine who organized it. *if aichinger_rapport > 70 I have my own suspicions, if you must know—" he says, with a meaningful glance towards Bailey, "—but nothing that I can prove. But you should be on the lookout for any such recurrences." "I will, Herr Aichinger." *else "Dear ${given_name}," Bailey begins. You were about to leave, but it seems he has a few more words for you. "Yes, Senator?" "I have a bit of a delicate question for you." You nod for him to continue. "Sometimes, certain unsavory individuals of our kind take it upon themselves to…well, they lose track of the line between themselves and the divine." "I'm sorry, you're saying…" "You've heard of these individuals? And the followings they engender?" *if (lore > 2) or idea_for_cult *if stlouis_cult You suppress the urge to shift your weight. "Yes, I have." "Well, you should know, then that we've had problems with this in the past in St. Louis. Back in '68, Memeskia found one such cult. They claimed they worshipped ${helios}, if you can believe that." *set idea_for_cult true *if helios = "Hushtahli" "The god of my people?" "Is that who that is? I never knew the source of that name." "How strange. What came of them?" "Well, we never found out who started the cult, but Memeskia made sure to dismantle it. Swiftly." "And you inform me of this…" "Oh, it's simply that you should be on the lookout for any recurrance. These things have a way of resurfacing after a time." "I will keep you abreast of anything I discover, Senator." *else "Followings? I'm sorry, I don't…" "This is why Praetors exist, to root out these violations of the Three Rules. When one of our kind makes themselves out to be a god or spirit or some such thing, and ends up revealing themselves to the mortals. Such organizations rarely last for long, and yet our kind continues to periodically indulge in such crimes." "I can't imagine. And you inform me of this because…" "Yes, well, I see you're taking this in stride. That is good. Well, back in '68, it was discovered that one of the cults had sprouted up here in St. Louis, claiming to worship ${helios} of all things!" *if helios = "Hushtahli" "The god of my people?" "Yes, that is strange, isn't it?" "What happened?" "Memeskia dismantled it. Swiftly." "And who was responsible?" "To this day, we don't know. Which is not to say I don't have my suspicions, but nothing that can be proven." He pauses a moment, casting his eyes over the other vampires in the room. "Regardless, you should be alert to a recurrance." @{(independence > 40) "Yes, Senator. I shall be most vigilant." | You try not to roll your eyes. "Yes, Senator."} *elseif anachronism > 50 Gazing about Schnaider's, something strikes you for the first time: the natural illumination, specifically torches and lamps. Many other businesses in St. Louis are illuminated by gas; why not here? Of course, you already know the answer: Aichinger must distrust the technology. *choice #So much the better. Even if fire is dangerous to vampires, it is better than a gas explosion. *set anachronism %-5 *set discretion %-5 #It is a matter of weighing the risks. Fires from exposed flame are much more common, if potentially less sudden and catastrophic. *set rationalism %-5 #Gas is the way of the future; Aichinger shows weakness by refusing to embrace it. *set anachronism %+3 *set independence %+5 You muse on whether or not you should remark on this observation. @{(status + 1) Considering your status in the Society, however, you should probably not seek to undermine Aichinger.|Considering your status in the Society, however, you should be careful about trying to undermine Aichinger.|Given your status in the Society, you might be able to undermine Aichinger.|Given your status in the society, you could offer some ridicule of Aichinger.|If you wanted to ridicule Aichinger here and now, no one would think twice about it.} *temp hide false *label humiliate_aichinger_loop *choice #There is no need to humiliate Aichinger; it serves little purpose beyond petty cruelty. *set hide true *set compassion %-5 *if compassion > 60 Unfortunately, you are not that kind. Given the opportunity to inflict a petty cruelty, you find it impossible to resist. *goto humiliate_aichinger_loop *else If every vampire were as generous as you, perhaps the unending nights would not be so miserable. *if (hide = false) #I try to commiserate privately with Aichinger. *set anachronism %-3 *set compassion %-5 *set aichinger_rapport %+5 *set revolutionary_credentials %-5 Aichinger @{(revolutionary_credentials > 50) views your sympathy with suspicion at first, but soon warms to your words|welcomes your sympathetic words}. He recounts arguments @{(anachronism > 60) long since dismissed as hyperbolic|you've heard many times before} about the dangers of gasworks. #I make a general observation to the gathering about the situation. *set independence %+5 *set aichinger_rapport %-5 *set discretion %+5 *if status <= 1 Your words come across as crass and ungrateful. *if charm >= 3 Thankfully, you have the social savvy to recover and redirect with grace. Aichinger felt your barb, but it did not wound him; it only angered him. *else *set aichinger_rapport %-10 *set bailey_rapport %-10 *set eliot_rapport %-10 *set becard_rapport %-5 *set memeskia_rapport %-5 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %-5 Your clumsy attempt to mock Aichinger is viewed with scorn by the other vampires. *elseif status = 2 *set aichinger_rapport %-5 Your words sting. They are not, of course, a mortal blow, but Aichinger feels their weight. *if charm >= 2 *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 *set bailey_rapport %+5 Moreover, whether you intended it or not, you've indicated an embrace of Stone's revolution. *else *set eliot_rapport %-5 *set becard_rapport %-5 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %-5 Unfortunately, Aichinger is somehow perceived as too easy of a target on this account. You can see yourself declining in the esteem of Eliot in particular. *else *set aichinger_rapport %-10 *set revolutionary_credentials %+10 *set bailey_rapport %+10 *set bjornsdotter_rapport %+5 Your words are a slap in the face to Aichinger. You see his eyes flash red. For a moment, you wonder if he might attack you, but a glance from Memeskia forces him to still; it wouldn't do to have blood spilled in front of Gudhrun. #I privately express my concern to Memeskia regarding Aichinger's fitness to host such a gathering. *set discretion %+5 *set independence %+5 *if (memeskia_rapport > 60) or ((status > 2) or (ethnicity = "choctaw")) *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 *set aichinger_rapport %-5 Memeskia listens to your words gravely, nodding once when you have finished. "I will consider this," he affirms. Aichinger clearly noted your whispered conversation; you can feel his eyes burning into your back every time you turn away from him for the rest of the evening. *else It seems that Memeskia has no time for you. When you approach, his gaze freezes you—makes you feel worthless and foolish for daring to approach him. You quaver under that gaze. When he turns his gaze away, you seize the opportunity to retreat. As dawn approaches, the gathered disperse to their havens. *label dawn_approaches_1 *if stl_west_volunteer and (west_prob = false) As you lay down for the daysleep, you reflect on your earlier bravado. You have volunteered to bring down West—surely a suicide mission. What would bring you to make such an offer? *choice *if (taste_for_vampire_blood) #I want to drink his heartsblood and take his power for mine. *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %+10 *set independence %-10 You salivate at the thought. #As his scion, it is my duty. *set independence %+20 Few in the Society would sacrifice themselves for duty as you have pledged to. #It is an opportunity to gain the respect and fear of the other vampires. *set independence %+10 *set discretion %+10 You think of the hush that would settle over a room when you enter and everyone knows that you took down the beast. The thought warms your dead heart. #His reign of terror must stop. Too many vampires have already died at the point of his fangs. *set compassion %-10 There is a certain logic to killing in order to prevent the deaths of others, but it is a dangerous one. You hope that your logic has not failed you. *page_break *temp knows_brothels false *temp knows_keno false *temp knows_about_revolver false In August, the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i] takes a stand against the leading candidate for the Ninth Congressional District of Missouri, James Overton Broadhead@{whiskey_ring_plot —the same Broadhead who prosecuted the Whiskey Rings both here and in Memphis|}. The newspaper, under the direction of John Cockerill, publishes accounts of Broadhead's hypocrisy and double-dealing in two cases where he contracted to represent the city, drew payment for services to be rendered, and then resigned the commission, only to join the other side of the legal suit. When Broadhead receives the Democratic nomination, the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i] publishes accounts of influence being exerted by Broadhead's client, the infamous robber-baron Jay Gould. The [i]Post-Dispatch,[/i] @{(stlouis_enterprise = 1) |nominally a Democratic-affiliated paper,} issues a call for a reasonable Republican challenger, but can find no one willing to step forward. The attacks on Broadhead continue until his law partner, Alonzo Slayback, accuses the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i] of blackmail. Continuing the tit-for-tat exchange, Cockerill prepares to print an editorial accusing Slayback of cowardice during the war. *comment from the prior year—that had been withheld at the time— While the presses are running, Slayback and another of his legal partners storm into the offices of the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]. Cockerill picks up a revolver and fires, killing Slayback. By nightfall, a crowd has gathered outside the [i]Post-Dispatch,[/i] calling for Cockerill's head. When you rise from your slumber, ${stlouis_valet} fills you in on the latest of these details. *temp with_aichinger false *label aichinger_loop *choice #I have no interest in getting anywhere near a lynch mob. *set discretion %-10 *set shepherd_credentials %-5 #I'm sure [i]Herr[/i] Aichinger will be seeking to involve himself; I should go and offer my assistance. *set independence %+10 *set aichinger_rapport %+5 You head to the beerhall, where Sigrid greets you coolly. When you explain the situation, she escorts you to Aichinger's office. "@{speaks_german Yes?|[i]Ja?[/i]}" he says upon seeing you. "A riot…at the [i]Post-Dispatch![/i] They're going to lynch the editor." *if (aichinger_rapport > 55) or (ethnicity = "german") *set with_aichinger true @{speaks_german "Sigrid, fetch my phaeton!" he thunders.|He thunders something at Sigrid in German.} Fetching his jacket, he turns to you. @{speaks_german "Come!"|"[i]Komm![/i]"} *page_break *goto at_post_dispatch *else @{speaks_german "Thank you for coming to me with this, but I don't know what you expected.|"[i]Danke[/i], but I do not know what it is that you are thinking.} Humans do foolish things all the time." Apparently, Aichinger has no interest in the matter. *goto aichinger_loop #I head to the offices of the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]. *set shepherd_credentials %-5 *label at_post_dispatch The mob is gathered around the main entrance of the newspaper. The scene is illuminated by the torches that many of the protestors hold aloft; a man has taken to the front steps of the building, and is delivering a fiery speech about the slander being printed by Cockerill. *if feeding_style = "gamblers" Curiously, you recognize a large number of the individuals in the crowd: they are poker-players and dice-throwers from the city's gambling dens. @{with_aichinger Aichinger's eyes go wide at the sight; not since the early days of the Civil War has St. Louis seen this type of civil disturbance.|} *choice #I take center-stage beside the orator, and urge the mob to bring Cockerill to justice—at the end of a noose. *set discretion %+5 *set compassion %+5 *set laborvscapital %-15 *if charm > 2 *set exposure -1 *set post_dispatch_result "sacked" *set cockerill_condition "lynched" *set aichinger_rapport %-20 *set local_fame %+10 *set pulitzer_prize "Cockerill Memorial Prize" *set stlouis_business_climate %-15 It does not take much to provoke the crowd to violence. Within a few minutes, the crowd storms the building and sets the stores of newsprint alight. *if with_aichinger *set aichinger_rapport %-30 You watch from the steps as Aichinger shakes his head and departs; he wants nothing to do with this carnage. *if (discretion > 50) and (strength > 3) You take particular pleasure in using your supernatural strength to tear apart one of the presses, a deed that pushes the crowd to an even greater delirium of violence. Before long, Cockerill is brought outside. A rope is found and he is strung up to the cheers of the crowd. *page_break The coroner's inquest a few days later absolves Cockerill of guilt in the death of Slayback. All the same, Pulitzer is devastated by the loss of his friend and managing editor. When the [i]New-York World[/i] comes up for sale in January of 1883, he purchases it, and soon relocates to that city to supervise the new enterprise. *goto post_cockrell *else *set post_dispatch_result "sacked" *set aichinger_rapport %-10 *set local_fame %-10 *if with_aichinger *set aichinger_rapport %-20 Aichinger shakes his head in disgust as you finish; he did not come here to help you bring down Cockerill. @{with_aichinger However,|It seems that,} though the gathered individuals are prepared to set fire to the newspaper and destroy the presses, they are unwilling to lynch Cockerill. Instead, you watch as Cockerill is arrested by the police while he watches his livelihood burn to the ground. *page_break *goto cockerill_arrested_2 #I take center-stage beside the orator, and urge the mob to sack the newspaper. *set discretion %+10 *set post_dispatch_result "sacked" *set exposure -1 *comment it gives +exposure to stand in the middle and urge this, but -exposure for destroying records. *set stlouis_business_climate %-10 *set laborvscapital %-10 It does not take much to provoke the crowd to violence. Within a few minutes, the crowd has stormed the building, setting the stores of newsprint alight. *if with_aichinger *set aichinger_rapport %-20 You watch from the steps as Aichinger shakes his head and departs; he wants nothing to do with this carnage. *if (discretion > 50) and (strength > 3) You take particular pleasure in using your supernatural strength to tear apart one of the presses, a deed that pushes the crowd to an even greater delirium of violence. Soon, the building is engulfed in flames. Outside, and well away from the flames, you watch as Cockerill is arrested by the police. He does not resist, too traumatized by the sight of his livelihood burning to the ground. *page_break *goto cockerill_arrested_2 *if (exposure > 3) #I urge a bystander to throw a torch into the building; the better to destroy any evidence against me and my kind. *set discretion %-10 *set independence %+20 *set shepherd_credentials %-20 *set post_dispatch_result "sacked" *set exposure -4 *set stlouis_business_climate %-10 *set laborvscapital %-5 You find an excitable-looking young man. A few words of invective and he's lighting a torch to throw it through the window of the newspaper. Once the fuse is lit, the rest of the crowd cheers and then joins in. Soon, the building is engulfed in flames. *if with_aichinger "Why did you do that?" Aichinger demands. *set aichinger_rapport %+5 "To destroy any trace of us," you reply. He blinks. You see that he is torn: he did not come here to destroy the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i], but he sees the utility in your actions. Outside, and well away from the flames, you watch as Cockerill is arrested by the police. He does not resist, too traumatized by the sight of his livelihood burning to the ground. *page_break *goto cockerill_arrested_2 #I take center-stage beside the orator and seek to calm the crowd. *set discretion %+5 *set shepherd_credentials %+10 *if (charm > 3) or ((local_fame > 65) or with_aichinger) *label crowd_dispersed *set exposure +1 *if local_fame <= 65 *set local_fame %+20 The crowd falls silent as you @{with_aichinger and Aichinger|} mount the steps before them. You compliment them on their sense of civic pride, while chastising them for their intemperance. Instead, you counsel them to trust in the judicial system@{with_aichinger while Aichinger emphasizes the two sides of St. Louis that have come together since the war. In conclusion, you point|, pointing} out that a coroner's inquest will be held in the near future. Pericles himself could not have better handled the situation. *elseif local_fame < 25 When you mount the steps beside the orator, you are greeted by a chorus of jeers. Who are you to address them? As you begin to speak, the jeers only grow louder. You do your best to speak over them, but find yourself face-to-face with a cabbage instead. You begin to worry that things are becoming too rowdy when a contingent of police rounds a nearby corner. The crowd settles down somewhat at the sight. Several of the officers enter the building, and emerge a few minutes later with Cockerill. The jeers recently directed at you find a new target, and you take the opportunity to flee. You are confident that the police have things under control at this point. *page_break *goto cockerill_arrested_2 *else The crowd pauses long enough to hear what you have to say, but are generally unimpressed. However, you have successfully distracted them long enough for the police to arrive. They enter the building without incident and arrest Cockerill. Once Cockerill has been taken away, the crowd begins to disperse. *set local_fame %-10 *goto cockerill_arrested_2 #I summon the police and urge them to break up the crowd. *set discretion %-5 *set shepherd_credentials %+5 *set local_fame %+5 *set laborvscapital %-5 You @{with_aichinger and Aichinger|} arrive at the local station to find the police already marshalling their forces. You implore them to send for more officers, which they do. Soon, the police contingent sets out for the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]. They arrive just as the crowd has begun throwing stones through the windows of the building. At the sight of the approaching officers, the crowd begins to disperse. *label cockerill_arrested *page_break The police arrest Cockerill later that night. *label cockerill_arrested_2 Joseph Pulitzer—the owner of the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]—posts bail for him as soon as the matter goes before a judge. The affair consumes the newspapers of the city for the next six weeks, all but obscuring the victory of Broadhead in the congressional election. Though most of the papers defend Cockerill, the [i]Missouri Republican[/i] takes aim at Cockerill, and does its best to destroy what remains of his good name. Finally, the case is set to go before a judge on December 6th. In the meantime, several facts of the case become clear to you; consequently, you debate your potential involvement. *if streetwise > 2 *set knows_brothels true *set knows_keno true It takes little effort, for example, to discover that the managing-editor of the [i]Republican[/i] has two well-known vices: he regularly frequents both the local brothels and the keno-houses. Both of these pleasures are illegal in St. Louis. *elseif feeding_style = "prostitutes" *set knows_brothels true It takes little effort to discover that the managing-editor of the [i]Republican[/i] regularly frequents the local brothels. *elseif feeding_style = "gamblers" *set knows_keno true It takes little effort to discover that the managing-editor of the [i]Republican[/i] regularly frequents the local keno-houses. *comment the article in the Post-Dispatch about the case and coroner's inquest: https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=6286266&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjEzNzgxNjcyMiwiaWF0IjoxNTcwMzkwMzE0LCJleHAiOjE1NzA0NzY3MTR9.er0RwxGP52HGatm93EZkNa77alJsMGmqv7_J5STbLB0 *temp broadhead_involved false *label cockerill_loop *choice #I want to better understand what transpired between Cockerill and Slayback, and why Cockerill would just shoot Slayback. *if (perception + charm) >= 5 *set knows_about_revolver true After conducting your own investigation, you learn that Cockerill's defense hinges on a slightly rusted .44 caliber revolver that Cockerill's employees assert was being brandished by Slayback when he entered the offices. Slayback's friends refute this evidence, noting that Slayback would never sport such an ill-maintained—and cheap—sidearm. *if post_dispatch_result = "sacked" Strangely, the revolver is being kept in a safe in the home of Mr. McGuffin, the business manager of the newspaper. It is strange that it is has not been turned over to the police, but considering the fact that the offices were burnt to the ground by the rioters, it's hard to be surprised at anything. *else Strangely, the revolver is being held in a safe in the offices of the Post-Dispatch, under the close watch of Mr. McGuffin. It is surprising to you that the revolver has not been turned over to the police. *else Unfortunately, you are unable to learn more about the facts of the case on your own. *goto cockerill_loop *if knows_about_revolver *if ((stlouis_enterprise = 3) or (stlouis_enterprise = 7)) #I persuade a man of science to refute the evidence surrounding the revolver. *set cockerill_condition "imprisoned" The scientist's testimony clouds the coroner's report. A trial is ordered, where Cockerill is convicted of manslaughter. He is sentenced to five years in the state penitentiary. *goto cockerill_imprisoned *if (charm > 3) #I concoct the rudiments of a conspiracy between Broadhead and Slayback to murder Cockerill. It will not stick, but the damage to Broadhead's reputation may hinder Aichinger's influence. *set broadhead_involved true *set aichinger_rapport %-5 *set bailey_rapport %+5 *set independence %+5 *set shepherd_credentials %-5 Part of the defenses's revolver story involves the pawn-broker who testifies that he sold the weapon to Slayback. When you convince the pawn-broker to expound upon Broadhead's presence at the purchase of the revolver, tongues start wagging about Broadhead's foreknowledge of the crime. The coroner closes the inquest and forwards the report to the courthouse. When Cockerill is brought before the judge, the judge accepts the coroner's report at face-value; the charges are promptly dismissed *goto charges_dismissed *if charm > 2 *selectable_if (stealth > 3) #@{(post_dispatch_result = "sacked") I knock on the front door of McGuffin's home|I slip into the offices of the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]}, and disguising myself as Pulitzer, order McGuffin to hand over Slayback's revolver. *label slaybacks_revolver_stolen *set discretion %-10 *set cockerill_condition "imprisoned" Without the revolver as evidence, Cockerill's defense is dramatically weakened. After a short trial, he is convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to five years in the state penitentiary. *label cockerill_imprisoned *set bailey_rapport %+5 *if post_dispatch_result = "sacked" *set post_dispatch "[i]Globe-Democrat[/i]" Moreover, with the destruction of the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]'s offices, Pulitzer is more than ready to move on. When the [i]New-York World[/i] comes up for sale in January, he leaps at the opportunity, relocating his family to the east coast. The [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]—or its name, anyway—is sold to the [i]Globe-Democrat[/i], and is soon merged into that interest. *else The whole affair has seriously undermined the credibility of the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i], and Pulitzer is more than ready to move on. When the [i]New-York World[/i] comes up for sale in January, he leaps at the opportunity, relocating his family to the east coast. *if strength > 3 *selectable_if (stealth > 2) #I slip into the @{(post_dispatch_result = "sacked") home of McGuffin|offices of the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i]}, break open the safe containing Slayback's revolver, and steal it. *goto slaybacks_revolver_stolen *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) #Considering my involvement with the journals of the city, I think the editor of the [i]Republican[/i] will listen to my request that he refrain from further inflammatory coverage of the affair. *goto republican_editor_stopped *if charm > 2 *selectable_if ((charm > 3) or (local_fame > 45)) #I arrange a meeting with the managing editor of the [i]Republican[/i] and forcefully suggest that he cease his inflammatory coverage of the affair. *label republican_editor_stopped *set local_fame %+5 *set exposure +1 Your words hit their mark, and the managing editor promises to ease his attacks on Cockerill. *if ((discretion > 40) and (((feeding_style = "socialites") or (feeding_style = "artists")) or (stlouis_enterprise = 1))) and (feeding_style != "vegetarian") Considering the service you have done his editor, you find your mind turning to thoughts of feeding on Pulitzer, an impulse you do little to stifle. *gosub feed_on_pulitzer The charges against Cockerill are dismissed before they even go to trial—@{knows_about_revolver the revolver cinches the case|a pawnbroker's testimony regarding a recently-purchased revolver by Slayback convinces the judge}—and though the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i] does suffer some repercussions from the scandal, it eventually recovers. All the same, Pulitzer and Cockerill are ready to leave town; when the [i]New-York World[/i] comes up for sale in January, Pulitzer leaps at the opportunity, and the two relocate with their families to the east coast. *if knows_brothels or knows_keno *selectable_if (charm > 2) #I blackmail the editor of the [i]Republican[/i] with evidence of his affection for @{knows_brothels prostitutes|keno}. *goto republican_editor_stopped *if ((streetwise > 2) or (stlouis_enterprise = 2)) *selectable_if (wealth > 100000) #I hire some thugs to break into the [i]Republican[/i] and break their presses; that should silence them long enough for the trial to begin without further undue influence. *set wealth -10000 *set local_fame %+5 *set exposure +1 It takes two weeks for the [i]Republican[/i] to fix their presses. By that time, it is too late. The judge is swayed by the coroner's report; the charges are dismissed *label charges_dismissed and Cockerill is pronounced free to go. The [i]Post-Dispatch[/i] trumpets its victory, @{broadhead_involved and it has even managed to wound the new Congressman in the process|but its reputation has been seriously damaged}. @{broadhead_involved Sensing an opportunity to extend his reach|Come January}, Pulitzer purchases the [i]New-York World[/i] and sends Cockerill to manage it. By the summer, he too will follow, along with both of their families. Once both men are gone, the new managing-editor @{broadhead_involved does his best to live up to their reputations as champions of the profession|is able to stabilize the paper's readership and begin to rebuild its reputation}. *if (temperance_movement) #I urge the ${wctu} to organize and demonstrate on behalf of Cockerill. *set exposure +1 *set local_fame %+20 The women of the ${wctu} are soon protesting the unfair coverage of Cockerill by the [i]Republican[/i]. They point to the numerous exposés of criminal negligence in the workplace by the [i]Post-Dispatch[/i] under Cockerill's direction. By the time that the Cockerill appears before a judge, the protests seem to have achieved their purpose: The charges are dismissed, *goto charges_dismissed *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) or ((feeding_style = "socialites") or (feeding_style = "artists")) #I would rather put my efforts towards tasting the blood of Mr. Pulitzer. *gosub feed_on_pulitzer Absent your interference, the case turns on the question @{knows_about_revolver of the revolver|of whether or not Slayback had a revolver when he approached Cockerill}. The judge is swayed by the coroner's report; the charges are dismissed *goto charges_dismissed *if charm > 2 *selectable_if (wealth > 250000) #I bribe Cockerill's lawyer to throw the case. *set wealth -50000 *set discretion %-5 *set local_fame %+5 *set exposure +1 *set cockerill_condition "executed" *set pulitzer_prize "Cockerill Memorial Prize" It's a delicate matter: arranging a clandestine meeting with a lawyer, making him trust you, and finally convincing him to trade his ethics—such as they are—for some amount of silver. But you are up to the task. The lawyer does such a terrible job that Cockerill is sentenced to death. Throughout the trial, the appeals, and in the liminal space before the execution, Joseph Pulitzer does everything that he can to save the life of his friend. When the [i]New-York World[/i] comes up for sale in January of 1883, he purchases it, and soon letters are being received from throughout the east coast from readers concerned about the miscarriage of justice. Despite the public protest, the execution goes forward. In the aftermath, Pulitzer swears to never set foot in Missouri again. #Now that the violence has been consigned to a courtroom, my interest in the matter subsides. *set shepherd_credentials %-5 You later observe that the ${post_dispatch} still exists and that Cockerill is no longer on the masthead. You are indifferent to any other details of the affair. *label post_cockrell *page_break *comment 83-06 In May of 1883, a massive snowmelt from the Rockies sends a torrent of runoff into the rivers of the Great Plains. Each of those rivers, in turn, feeds into the Missouri River, which meets the Mississippi just north of St. Louis. Cables from upriver try to communicate the extent of the danger, but both St. Louis and the communities on the eastern bank trust in their levees. *temp warned_by_fragala false *comment https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=9279772&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjEzOTI3NzI2MSwiaWF0IjoxNTg3ODM0NTgwLCJleHAiOjE1ODc5MjA5ODB9.YCRW9SbfL_kHDthXGZZZaASDM5iZ9JcZw3PDyGQulV4 *temp see_danger false *temp levee_breaks true *temp looting false *if (stlouis_enterprise = 7) or ((shepherd_credentials > 70) and ((fragala_rapport > 70) or (stlouis_enterprise = 8))) *if fragala_rapport > 70 *set warned_by_fragala true You receive a cable of your own from Calogero Fragalà, emphasizing the danger this flood poses. Of course, acting on this information would put you in his debt. *elseif stlouis_enterprise = 7 *set rationalism %+5 To your surprise, a local medium sits you down and describes a dream she had of the misery that will be inflicted on East St. Louis by these floods when the levees fail. *elseif stlouis_enterprise = 8 A man of science at Washingon University alerts you to the extreme danger that this flood poses. *else *bug *if ((technology > 0) and (perception > 0)) and (stlouis_haven = "east") *set see_danger true When you perform a quick survey of the levees on the eastern bank, you note that the embankments around Venice—the next town to the north of your haven—are in real danger of collapsing. *label levee_loop *choice *if (see_danger = false) #Though it will attract unnecessary attention, I survey the levees to see if the city is in danger. *set exposure +1 Several individuals on both sides of the river take note of you and ${stlouis_valet} as you inspect the levees. @{(discretion < 60) You clench your teeth at the thought that you are doing something for them, but it could very well mean your demise in the future.|} *if ((technology > 0) and (perception > 0)) *set see_danger true Just before dawn, on the east bank, you find the weakest point: the levees protecting town of Venice—just north of East St. Louis—will break under the pressure of the river's surge. *goto levee_loop *else Unfortunately, you are unable to detect any flaws in the engineering. Perhaps everything will turn out alright? *page_break *if (see_danger) *if (stlouis_haven = "east") #I direct ${stlouis_valet} to @{renter establish a cordon around the house.|prepare a sandbag defense for my haven.} *set debt_to_fragala true *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %+5 *set shepherd_credentials %-15 *set local_fame %+5 Your neighbors watch, stupefied, as ${stlouis_valet} directs the defense of your @{renter accommodations|haven}. #I do my best to organize a solution to the endangered levee. *set exposure +1 *set local_fame %+5 *set compassion %-5 *if warned_by_fragala *set debt_to_fragala true *if technology > 2 *set stlouis_valet_loyalty %+10 *set local_fame %+5 *set wealth -1000 *set levee_breaks false With the assistance of ${stlouis_valet} and some hired hands, you direct the emergency reinforcement of the levee. *elseif (technology > 1) and (((charm > 2) and (local_fame > 50)) or (local_fame > 65)) *set stlouis_valet_loyalty %+10 *set local_fame %+5 *set wealth -1000 While you are able to ascertain the direction and nature of the danger, your engineering skills are not sufficient to conjure a solution. However, you are more than capable of inspiring mortals with your words. You have to pay the first dozen laborers to bag sand otherwise begin the preparations, but as the hours pass, the mayors of Venice and East St. Louis begin to recognize the danger posed to their communities. When the river reaches its peak, the levee does break. But by that time, a channel has been created that diverts the water into a basin, and thence into another waterway. Thanks to your organizational abilities, disaster is averted. *goto post_flood *else *set stlouis_valet_loyalty %+5 You have some notion as to how what to do about the levee breaking, but the locals are too suspicious of you to listen to your directions. At a certain point, it becomes clear that you and ${stlouis_valet} will not be able to solve this problem yourselves. You are forced to admit defeat. *if (stlouis_enterprise = 2) #When it floods, there will be an opportunity for burglary. In exchange for a portion of the take, I make suggestions to various criminal outfits. *set looting true *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %+5 #The mortals must suffer the consequences of their decisions. *set shepherd_credentials %-20 *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %-10 If the mortal have chosen to trust in cheap workmanship or flawed predictions, it is their own fault. *if (warned_by_fragala) #I cannot allow myself to be indebted to Fragalà. *set independence %-5 *set compassion %+10 *set discretion %-5 And you too will have to live with the consequences. *if levee_breaks When the embankment in Venice, Illinois gives way, the village is flooded out and the waters rush south, threatening East St. Louis. All through the June days and nights, men and mules work to plug the holes in the levees and save what they can of buildings, factories, and farms. *if (stlouis_haven = "east") *if renter *set wealth -10000 *set exposure +1 The basement that you rent is flooded. Many of your valuables are damaged, and you are forced to find other quarters until your accommodations can be repaired. *if wealth < 0 *set wealth 0 The whole mess leaves you functionally destitute. *else *temp extensive false *set wealth -25000 *if haven_value > 200000 *set wealth -25000 *set extensive true Your haven sustains @{extensive extensive|some} damage, but ${stlouis_valet} oversees the defense and subsequent restoration of the property. *if wealth < 0 *page_break *gosub_scene util activate_thief Rendered functionally destitute by the flood, you are forced to begin stealing from your victims in order to sustain yourself. *if looting *set wealth +20000 *set stlouis_business_climate %-5 During this chaos, several groups of toughs use the opportunity to steal and subsequently fence all manner of goods from the villages on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. *if (finance > 0) and (charm > 1) *set wealth +10000 *set stlouis_business_climate %-2 You even manage to organize some insurance fraud by convincing a merchant to empty his warehouse before the flood, but then declaring the entire contents damanged. When the waters finally begin to recede, accusations take their place. The mayor of Venice accuses the railroad—and Jay Gould in particular—of sabotaging the levees. The mayor of East St. Louis accuses Venice of insufficient maintenance. Moreover, due to their affiliation with St. Louis and Missouri generally, the Illinois legislature is generally disinterested in providing any emergency support. Once again, the citizens of East St. Louis are left to fend for themselves. *else Miraculously, your efforts succeed. Your emergency repairs to the levee hold long enough for the mayors of Venice and East St. Louis to fully grasp the danger posed to their communities. You and ${stlouis_valet} hand the management of the matter over and return to your haven. @{(compassion < 55) One glance at ${stlouis_valet} tells you that ${valet_he} would happily sleep for a week.|} *label post_flood *if debt_to_fragala The next day, you @{literate write|dictate} a letter to Fragalà, acknowledging the favor he extended to you. He responds, saying that you should think nothing of it. By which he means: he is happy to have you in his debt. *page_break *comment summer/fall 1883 Having now been in St. Louis for some four years, you feel a certain amount of security in your circumstances. *if stl_chinese_soul_food You have watched with some delight as an older Chinese woman has seized upon the new culinary tradition of St. Louis and opened her own restaurant, Ma Wang's. It rests on the border of Hop Alley and Chestnut Valley, and draws customers from both communities. *if stl_pig_farm *set income +5 *set local_fame %+2 Moreover, you have negotiated a supply agreement with Ma Wang, selling her the pork from your farm. Given now a period of relative leisure, how would you like to spend your time? *temp sociable false *if (feeding_style = "artists") or (feeding_style = "socialites") *set sociable true *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) or (stlouis_enterprise = 5) *set sociable true *if (stlouis_haven = "lafayette") *set sociable true *choice *if stlouis_cult *if (heard_about_helios_stlouis) #If there are the remnants of a cult of ${helios}, they should be welcomed by your disciples! *set stlouis_cult_power %+5 *if (streetwise > 0) or (perception > 1) *set stlouis_cult_power %+5 *set exposure +1 Finding the remnants of the cult is challenging, but not impossible. You spend several months asking the right questions, until you begin to uncover the networks of families and friends that are the remnants of the cult. When you proffer a new route to salvation, they are only too happy to accept. @{stlouis_cult_celebration They are a bit confused by your disciples' dedication to aesceticism, but are hungry enough for its principles that they are willing to adapt.|They are unused to the idea of salvation, but they fall into your ranks without much disruption.|They fall into the ranks of your cult without a ripple.|They fall into the ranks of your cult without a ripple.} #I want my disciples to help rebuild East St. Louis. *if stlouis_cult_celebration = 1 *set local_fame %+5 *set justice %-5 *set compassion %-5 *if (stlouis_cult_celebration <= 2) or (stlouis_cult_purpose = 1) *set stlouis_cult_power %+5 *elseif stlouis_cult_celebration = 3 *set stlouis_cult_power %-5 *set exposure +1 *set memeskia_rapport %-10 At Amanda's direction, your disciples turn out in force to help rebuild the levees, clear the streets of debris, and rebuild those homes lost to the flood. @{stlouis_cult_celebration They are more accustomed to quiet prayer than physical toil, but soon enough they apply themselves to the task at hand.|They are more accustomed to listening to you or Amanda spread the word of salvation, but they are eventually encouraged to put aside their objections and contribute to the well-being of the city.|Back-breaking labor is not the sensual experience that these hedonists signed up for, and several abandon you over it.|Your disciples are surprised at the command, but trust in your leadership and the longer-term vision you have for them and the world.} *if (temperance_movement) #I want to help organize the WCTU and their push for prohibition in Missouri. *set missouri_prohibition +1 *set local_fame %+5 It is a punishing, thankless affair trying to convince a whole state to forgo alcohol. Like Sisyphus pushing his boulder, however, you and the other advocates for temperance continue marching forward. *if (ethnicity = "german") and (local_fame > 60) *set anti_german_sentiment %+5 *set exposure +1 *set missouri_prohibition +1 Your local celebrity combined with your Germanic heritage has certainly raised some eyebrows. There are rumors that the WCTU must have some nefarious scheme—more nefarious than prohibition, anyway—and the residents of Dutchtown find their lives to be a little more difficult as a consequence. *if (temperance_movement) #I want to help organize the NWSA and their push for suffrage in Missouri. *set missouri_suffrage +1 *set local_fame %+5 It is a punishing, thankless affair trying to convince a whole state to accept the equality of the sexes. Like Sisyphus pushing his boulder, however, you and the other advocates for suffrage continue marching forward. *if ((wealth > 500000) and (finance > 0)) #I want to spend some time converting my wealth into investments. How much would you like to invest? *choice #$5000. *set wealth -100000 *set income +10 #$10,000. *set wealth -200000 *set income +20 *selectable_if (wealth > 600000) #$12,500. *set wealth -250000 *set income +25 *selectable_if (wealth > 1000000) #$25,000. *set wealth -500000 *set income +50 *selectable_if (wealth > 1800000) #$37,500 *set wealth -750000 *set income +75 *selectable_if (wealth > 2600000) #$50,000. *set wealth -1000000 *set income +100 Casting your fortune into the world is a dangerous matter. Thankfully, you have eternity to reap the whirlwind. *if (see_danger) #I want to investigate the @{levee_breaks |near-}failure of the Venice levee. *set shepherd_credentials %+10 *if stlouis_enterprise = 2 *set investigate_memeskia +2 Greasing the palms of criminal gangs on both sides of the river, you eventually find three toughs who acknowledge that they were hired to undermine the levee. They can offer no details about the identity of their employer. Who would want the levees to fail? *elseif technology >= 2 *set investigate_memeskia +1.5 While examining the repaired levee can do little to answer your questions, looking at the cleared materials with your studied eye provides some clue: the levee was definitely weakened in the days before the flood struck. But who would want the levees to fail? *else *set investigate_memeskia +1 There is not much that you can determine from looking at the repaired levee. Once you locate a foremen of one of the emergency crews, however, he swears up and down that the levee was undermined and set to fail. But who would want the levees to fail? *if (sociable) #I want to see that I get favorable coverage in the social columns of the local newspapers. *set discretion %+5 You are relatively new to St. Louis; the people here should know your name. @{(stlouis_haven = "lafayette") You have made sure to buy a house in the most esteemed portion of the city, which was already a start.|} *if (stlouis_enterprise = 1) *set local_fame %+15 You see to the placement of the stories in the society columns yourself. Soon, the stories take a life of their own, and begin being run without your intervention. *if charm < 3 *set exposure +1 It's possible that you're not quite the social butterfly that warrants this sort of attention, but no matter. @{(discretion < 50) You hope that you will not have cause to regret this.|} *elseif (charm >= 3) or ((stlouis_enterprise = 5) and (charm >= 2)) *set local_fame %+10 Drawing on your social connections about town, you see to it that you are at the right salons and invited to the right soirées. Before long the notices write themselves. @{(discretion < 50) You hope that you will not have cause to regret this.|} *else *set local_fame %-5 Your efforts to make yourself seem important and influential are plagued by [i]faux pas[/i] and oversights on your part. The people of St. Louis may know you, but it is not due to any sense of awe or envy, but rather pity—or even disdain. *if discretion > 60 *selectable_if (willpower > 1) #I feel as though my temper has grown more than is manageable. I seek to spend some time in the Botanical Gardens, calming myself. *set discretion %-35 The gardens are beautiful. Certainly unlike anything you have seen in New Orleans, @{pitchforks_in_saintcharles St. Charles parish,|} Vicksburg, or Memphis. You feel the time apart from humans and vampires helps you hate them all a little less. *if ((bloodflow < 5) and (feeding_style != "vegetarian")) #I am concerned about how difficult it is to keep myself fed. I want to establish relationships and routines that will keep the blood flowing. *set bloodflow +2 *set shepherd_credentials %-5 *set discretion %-5 It is always wise to keep yourself fed and thus your beast at bay. *if ((technology > 0) and (stl_electricity > 5)) #I want to see if there are any efficiencies to be gained in the distribution of electricity through the city. *set laborvscapital %-10 *set stlouis_business_climate %+(technology * 3) *set local_fame %+(technology * 2) You do detect some @{(technology+1) |slight|small|moderate} improvements that could be made, and suggest them—through an intermediary—to Brush Electric Company. The changes are eventually implemented, to the delight of the capitalists of the city. *if (laborvscapital > 55) #I want to spend some time helping the workers and their leaders organize. *set stlouis_business_climate %-(charm * 2) *set local_fame %+(charm+intelligence) One of the key issues is that each of the union bosses and individual organizations are power structures unto themselves, and are generally loathe to surrender their authority to others. Yet, with careful words, alliances can be made across organizations. #I want to spend time covering my pattern of crimes. Our kind must remain hidden, after all! *set exposure -2 *set discretion %-5 *set compassion %+5 By changing your feeding patterns, bribing certain witnesses, and even murdering a teenager that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, you manage to suppress some of the wilder rumors about you. *if stl_met_slattery = 2 While engaged in these activities, you end up making use of Sergeant Slattery to do some legwork for you. It turns out to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. *elseif stl_met_slattery = 1 *set stl_met_slattery +1 In the process of muddying the waters, you make the acquaintance of Sergeant Slattery, a young member of the St. Louis Police Department. For the right price, he is more than happy to enable your schemes. *if stlouis_cult *page_break About this time, you perceive that Amanda has had some sort of conflict around a rooming house where several of your disciples live. Thankfully, she handles it without seeking intervention from you. *if stl_kid_origin = 1 *set stl_kid_origin 6 *set stl_kid_name "Amos" *set stl_kid_nick "Amos" *set stl_kid_ethnicity "white" *finish Next *label feed_on_pulitzer *achieve fedonpulitzer *set fed_from_pulitzer true Amid the chaos of organizing Cockerill's legal defense and suddenly being saddled with the day-to-day operations of the [i]Post-Dispatch,[/i] Pulitzer is surprisingly accessible. It only takes a few sweet words and the intimation of aid for you to find a little time alone with him to taste his blood. *if perception > 1 You find it surprisingly plain, as though even his blood has no room for misrepresentations. *return