AsBloodTurnsEverCold

The air was electrifying, and jovial. It was days like this would remind any performer be they vaudeville or melodrama, opera or realist that they were in it for a good reason. Back stage the hired hands were moving about nervous and prepared. The other musicians sat prepared with the instruments held closely to their form. These were men and women of undeniable skill, dedicated adherents of a craft that demanded untold hours of practice. Their manner of dress immaculate, clad in evening coats of darkest black and brilliant and dresses of brilliant white. All sorts, from all over getting the chance to shine on the stage for the people of this bustling town. What had brought all these souls to this place? This hall had never been so packed before. It saw no shortage of patrons but tonight? Tonight felt blessed and for whatever reason many people could guess. No doubt its proprietors were happy for after tonight their purses and vaults were going to be just a little more full. Excitement traveled through those who would be unseen as much as those whose names and faces might earn a spot in the memory of those sure to receive a grand show. Past the hustle and bustle of the preparers, in a little room was Kojo Amankona or as he was known to most...Carlo. That was the name that took precedent of course. Unnatural blue eyes moved over old sheets of music inked with incredible precision. A gentle hum filled the room in practiced flow. He had done this many times, but even he had to admit to be surprised at what he had seen when he had arrived. A packed hall like never before. He pondered, in brief moments, if this was Kirsa's doing or if he had forgotten some manner of celebration. It wasn't a doubt he'd ever voice aloud. It didn't matter. Kojo had done this before and even the doubts that constantly danced in the back of his head could never really drown out the pride and excitement he too felt. This was life. This was his life. He pulled those eyes upward to the mirror. Immaculate in its polish and lacking in the grim that often caked other mirrors to look himself over. Elegant. That was what this occasion demanded after all. He was the spitting image of a musician sporting a black 2 piece tailcoat or a Tuxedo as some had taken to calling it these days. Snow white Edwardian club collar shirt unmarred and without a single mark covered with a beautiful blue patterned kelton vest. Y back braces attached to his trousers and to top it all off a fine silk puff tie. It was all well fitted, well made, and by and large exactly what you'd expect a man of his potion to be wearing but...there were a few small additions. Kojo had forgone the collapsible tophats most others tended to sport and instead was sporting his stetson that clashed. Kojo was certainly missing his gun belt a little but well they weren't welcome in establishments like this. Not something needed for this classy little affair. Trouble would likely be dealt with by the bastards they called lawmen in this town. His white gloves did hand from his pocket for a moment as he thumbed the sheets. Confidence. He knew these like the back of his hand anyway. He had written them after all. It was time to put all that practice to the test or well...almost time. He gently shuffled them back into perfect order before heading out from the room and making his way past the oncoming stagehands. The click of his lace-up boots on the wooden floors sounding as he moved with purpose through the narrow passages careful himself. He smiled and exchanged brief words with the people however, not in falsehood but rather genuine. He regarded those he was working with respectfully even if some of them didn't quite return the favor. He was used to that. He topped over by the others the men and women who would help him bring this performance to life 12 in total though not all of them would be on stage at the same time. He smiled to them "Big show tonight." very deep tones, a rumbling voice but filled with a light hope. His accent a mix of his southern drawl and his German upbringing. He looked them over a mixture of bright-eyed excitement and nervousness. He knew the feeling well. "Are ya nervous Mr. Amankona?" one of the younger ladies spoke up, holding a violin upon her gentle cradled and even under the weight of that supremely gaudy white dress one could see the shake of her leg. Kojo chuckled gently and looked out past the curtain just steps away "Always." he confessed without hesitation. He wasn't new to this but he had the view that anyone not nervous on days like this lacked some fundamental innocence. He was far into this life, he felt, but he tried to hold onto such notions. He would smile at the young lady "Means you feel it. You've got a lot of people to impress a memory upon tonight. Big wigs and little sorts who have either been to many shows and been to none. I can't help but be a little nervous." "Well if our distinguished centerpiece is nervous I reckon we can't blame the young folk for it too!" an older gentleman spoke up with more excitement where an unlit pipe had been resting between his teeth mere moments before. His hand rested upon the large and imposing Violin De Gamba that would shake the hearts tonight with others. He had worked with Carlo before and truthfully he'd never seen such a crowd. He had seen many things...but never this amount. Who would have thought it for this growing town? How many of these people even really appreciated what went on in these walls? "Ha! Too true Mister Schift, but we've all got hearts. Surely all of you are more than ready to give these fine folks a time they'll remember many nights from now." he moved over to the racks that held his instruments nearly arranged from your standard violin to a guitar sporting those new steel strings. Rare instruments and common. Kojo was a very versatile sort of musician so he always had plenty of instruments to pick from when it came to these shows...if he ever used them. Humble and proud ones. Maintaining them all could be more trouble than it was worth. Gearhart repairs was contracted for the maintenance of their steam organ. Their beautiful Calliope which would add something real special for the night. Expensive but no doubt worth it. Damn if he didn't want to offer these people a show they'd never forget. Secure in their presence he sat by. He was sure it would be a good show. A grand show. "How many people have stepped in here tonight you reckon?" another gentleman, a horn player. "Shit...as many could afford the damn ticket and didn't blow it up at that casino!" "Now Mistah Tailor you know damn well you have every plan to do that after!" a good laugh shared between them. A subtle throbbing at the back of Kojo's head. A pleased reaction but not nearly enough. "Too true! You think if we do good that ol' Mister Edmund will spare us a few drinks?" Now that was a question. Surely the venerable Sir Blackwood was in the crowds too. "Tch. If he notices us." "Who else would he be here for?" Kojo's eyes snapped back to them, dragged from his other focus and to them. The younger ones looked a little surprised but the more experienced players had subtle smiles. One even rolled their eyes knowing was was approaching. "You're the main star of tonight ain't ya?" "Just a piece in things. Their eyes are gonna fall on you even more than they will me to see what bright young stars might rise." he moved closer to one "Every performance is a chance for something new. My name might be written on the programs but so are yours. You've all got a chance to shine, and a chance to fail. Those who know how these things work are attuned enough to listen for those flourishes, those strong blows, that spirit. Don't think just because you might not have a solo tonight that you aren't gonna impress." he said patting a young woman on the back gently before he moved away. "Sure you're right Mister Amankona. You better do good tonight too! I managed to tear my husband away from his gambling table tonight and he's holding a table. The old fool is expecting a real experience to beat that rare full hand." an older woman, another violinist. She hadn't played for this type of crowd either but she spoke with all the confidence of someone who had. Kirsa really did help with connections to talent. He had no doubt he was watching too. Would she get what she wanted tonight? Kojo couldn't help but laugh "I'll certainly do my best." and with that he began to hand out the sheets. They had their own but he had something to do "Write your names and circle your favorite parts of the piece. A little message of good luck for the next." "Ah there it is." and the pencils were produced and passed out. Kojo moved over to the curtains while he waited for the others to do what they needed. There was so much life he could heart. He would peek out now and then to admire things. It was going to be a good night. The hum in the back of his head told him it would a good night. It certainly needed it to be just as much as Kojo did. He would look back only when the papers made his way back to him...all marked up with the names of the people. He smiled at them "Good. I hope you're all feeling it. This sort of things is gonna be sought after by music lovers the world over one day and now your names and your hopes are on it. Remember that." we winked to them. He had done his good luck rituals and his heart was at peace. He looked out once again while they all went to talk again while he was left alone with his thoughts and that waiting hum. He remained hidden behind the curtain but just enough to see all those people. Waiting. All that life. His hopes were on those sheets too. He would stand, leaning upon the wall just out of sight of all but the most keen eyes. His arms crossed as those strange blue eyes stared at the sea of life behind him. He was ready to preform. That was what he was always waiting for. That was his life.

Well damn lol here I was on the drive home getting ready to be patient and BOOM

Yep he sounds like a downright bastard. Perfect!

Woohoo! My excitement is riding high right now.

I'd say the updates are nice. Builds anticipation.

Oooh I like that especially the value statement. Very accurate to the voice I had in my head while putting her down. Can't wait to see the rest of it and what the other Features will be like.

Perfect! Excited to see what all you do with her and the others.

Alright fixed on my end as well she's back down to resources.

Got it I did kinda realized that a bit ago so edited but good to know for clarification. I've bumped The Blue Hour Lady up for now while we wait for clarification.

Went ahead and edited it just in case though.

@IsabellaRose I think Kojo is the only person connected to "The Blue Hour Lady" right now actually because Magnificent shifted his relationship from her to to Judge Holland Buck. Otherwise everything else looks perfect.

I agree, I've been loving set-up greatly but I'm sure what comes next will be just as wonderful. Kojo's Identity will be...The Champion more in line with his chosen motivation and story. He might be a font for an ancient deity but he's thinking of the people while trying to find a way to deal with his particular situation. His past gives him a tacit understanding of how easy it is for easy people to fall into what they don't understand, forced to play into the hands of things they cannot fight. His affliction has to stop with him and with any luck won't fall into the hands of those who would use it for evil...he just has to recognize who it is first. As such I stepped up The Other Theory to D12 and unlocked Lingering Echo as the third chosen sfx. @IsabellaRose It did ask for another [new] ability or to up one but since The Other Theory was already at d12 I didn't know if I could take it further or if D12 is the max we're meant to stick with. I put up The Other Body, and short of took shapeshifting to base it off of. I figured we could maybe use a little more body horror. I stepped up the relationship with Joshua Thane since the description feels like it demands more than a D4. I then connected Kirsa to Adelaide as "Her Delusions may be a useful tool" as she sees the woman as ripe for manipulation through whatever form that takes that might work. That schemers hands extend far and wide. Already labeled arrows. Not shifting anything. Kojo would possibly be practicing on a Tuesday, either at the hall or somewhere else. He might also be in a meeting with Kirsa at the time, discussing their next show or other business affairs maybe even walking around speaking with the people. He'd be happily talking to just about anyone though in that event be it another Lead or anyone else maybe playing on a small corner even if thats "beneath" him to do. I'm pretty excited for see what drama kicks off with the more trouble prone members of this troupe especially given some of these features look ripe to cause it. I'm definitely down to explore the weird and mystical...probably why I built it up a bit much but I do imagine that'd be pretty fun.

Fairly simple step this time. I've gone with motivation The Innocent for Kojo; given his past Kojo knows how cruel the world can be and given his present he's aware how easy it is to fall into clutches of things you don't understand. He is, ultimately, a man of the people despite his situation much of the time when has to strike a man down its not for his own benefit. Perhaps he's a bit naive and its distracting but he can't possibly ignore people in need. Stepped up Justice to D8 Stepped up relationship with Edmund to D6 no change in statement. Connected Willis Sloan to Alicia as "Wants her gone." because he believes in the rumors about her being a vampire and frankly? That's not good for business.

Alright lets see if I did this right: for Kojo's Modus Operandi; Given the nature of The Other Theory and its importance in Kojo's life I've gone with The Arcane Hand. Passion has been stepped up to D6 The Other Theory is also now D10. Kirsa has been stepped up to D12 and the relationship has been changed to "She refuses to let me go." because a loyal cultist would hold onto an asset with an iron grip. If I read the instructions right we were supposed to do two things so firstly; I've introduced 2d4 The Golden Seven Church (Religion, Influence) - Unassuming. Small. It is simple wood and lacking in flair. It is a collection of polished pews, and small artifacts that tell of a proud legacy of faith. Its old, cracked bell rings twice to beckon believers and its doors remain open for those in need. The only notable thing is the cross on the wall...made of the same material that has caused a town to boom. The Seven Names Church is so often found where it is needed. It welcomes in the needy of all sorts. It greets with open arms the weary gunfighter, and the bandit. It does not turn away the whore, the hunter, or the thief. It welcomes in all...so long as they are willing to listen and accept grace. They will even advocate for those in need. They only ask that you listen and the doors to the sanctuary and kept wide open. Of course there are those outside of the church who will tell you...its a ploy. Kindness is weaponized in those walls and wielded to get whatever they need. The Seven Names Church only opens its doors to assets, and people its priests and sisters believe they can tame. The simple box that is the church is a place where people are broken...sometimes you can hear the screams. The substances they proclaim as part of their faith is used to break down the strongest of people and turn them into obedient sorts. They're not so humble, their riches are just hidden....only for the deserving. You can see the glint sometimes. This church popping up means that they've laid eyes on profit And anyone who would stand in their way will be tamed, or dealt with. A bit of a threat to Kojo (or anyone else) I've also connected Joshua Thane to Jane Montgomery as "Arranged to Marry" though I'm more than willing to change that if its too much. Two members of a wealthy family. It wasn't uncommon for marriage to be arranged for financial and strategic reasons. Seems like it'd be interesting to deal within.

https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVJJ3q-kY=/

Shame you can't be with us Dreams, Ramona seemed like she'd be a very fun character. I hope everything you have going on gets sorted out fine and we end up in another game or something together one day once you can and hope you do enjoy following this game at least.

Stepped up Millicent Gearhart to D6 instead then

Fixed, and I've touched up The Blue Hour Lady's description as well as given Kojo an actual connection. I forgot to include that.

Oh right! Stepped up Clayton Cash to 2d8 Thanks Isabella

Alright!: I chose the Performance priority because well...obviously lol. I stepped up Honor to D8 because I was already maxed on Glory. I upped Virtuoso to D10 because music is this man's life after all. I connected Kirsa to @StarlitSiren's Otis Tully as "Whispers to" because attempting to control the flow of information in and out of town for her own ends is exactly something Kirsa would do. Ingratiating herself with an old man would be a good tactic. I've introduced a new Extra: 2d4 "The Blue Hour Lady" (Lore, Witchcraft) - She's no spirit, but seeing her in person is a rare enough event that people often think she's a ghost. She only really appears when the sun dips beneath the horizon, for the short time the sky takes on its blue hue and by the time the sun fully sets she's back into the strange house where she resides answering no summons, and making not a peep. It is as though she was never there. Her real name is unknown. Her history is a twisted series of whispers and assumptions. Her beauty may catch the eye but she only seems to be noticed when she desires it. She's a definite mystery, but on the occasions when people speak to the lady she's an elegant and welcoming conversationalist although...something about her in unnerving at the same time. Her knowledge is great especially in matters of myth and story, and beyond those...she knows a great deal about The Beyond. A good payment and she'll even put that knowledge to work for someone else but the payments aren't your simple affair. Money means nothing to her. Gold is worthless metal. Your assets will one day but nothing but dust. The favors she calls for are heavy, dark, and uncomfortable and it is said those who use her services are changed, and god shuts his eyes to them. Calling for the aid of the beyond must always come with a heavy price. Its only fair. Kojo has sought her aid several times, but she only had him play for her although...he can never remember what happened after.

Honestly I already had pictures picked out for them....maybe too many cause making up my mind took me hours. Kirsa Autenrieth Joshua Thane Clayton Cash

The only real difference between Duty Bound and Honor Bound is motivation Duty is external Honor is Internal I quite like Honor better since its the 1880s and worker protection laws were more or less just ramping up, laws were there but kind of a suggestion rather than having the ability to be enforced as easily as it is now, and the only reason you didn't shoot anyone is because you didn't want to deal with the headache of also potentially having to shoot the sheriff. Maybe not the deputy though.

Honor is what Duty was. I had that increase too.

Still hyped. Admittedly the pause is a little frustrating due to excitement but I'm personally fine waiting just a little bit longer to keep things easier if everyone else is too. Hopefully her situation gets settled fine. I'm chilling.

Well just as an idea perhaps her situation has led to greater bodily changes that results in her being unable to produce certain antibodies that others can leaving her unable to combat certain bacteria in the same way normal people might. Her inability to stop the bacteria on her own causes a need for her to drink blood (or specifically human blood as human T-cells would pass directly into the bloodstream more easily) where as if she goes without it she basically becomes ill. She could basically sense this bacteria growing or for whatever reason it propagates faster leading to more obvious effects when she hasn't ingested enough blood leading to a more intense psychological need. It could also be to stabilize her mutated genome since hers might be unstable so absorbing the white blood cells found in human blood helps stabilize hers otherwise she breaks down and starts to lose her strength. Other weaknesses could be more psychological like developing an aversion to holy symbols due to psychosis brought on by her changes mixed with the intense religious fervor of the time. A strong belief is as good as a real effect at times.