     August 20th 2056 â New York Cityâs barriers break
A zodiac cusp refers to the imaginary line that divides consecutive zodiac signs. When any planet is on the verge of entering the next astrological sign, it's said to be on one of astrology's 12 cusps.
a scream followed by a large body hitting the ground with full force, no blade or gun in sight... Thereâs a change among the Elite as more and more questions arise. The Beastâs death wasnât just a common occurrence, a murder in a metropolis, with too many people at one place at all times. He was rich, good looking and intimidating to say the least. Tall and frightening, the Beast knew his way around New York City, knew whose corners to avoid and how he made others fear him with a simple look. None of that mattered in the end and those who used to be untouchable are now reminded of their mortality.Â
Itâs a race to find answers, a reawakening of old habits, espionage and manipulation. With each Syndicate having their own conflicts within as no mob completely trust the other, they struggle to clearly communicate, leaving mobsters to fight for themselves at times. The cusp begins, an event not many had predicted would actually happen. The Elite rearranges itself and forms new alliances -- while Syndicates remain as they are now, they seek alliances rather than make an enemy out of everyone. To keep face, most Ascendants chose to come forth with their powers, to pretend theyâre just like everyone else: wolves in sheep clothing.Â
With the first alliances forming, enemies begin to emerge, as well. The more Ascendants expose themselves to the media, the more of what used to be sacred and a secret gets revealed. Names, powers, smiles hiding the ugly truth of where they belonged to, what Syndicate they truly belonged to. This is an era of questioning yourself, others and their ideals.Â
August 28th - the launch of Ophiuchus, the snake [-bearer], shocks the Elite and New York City as a whole. Unaffiliated and the alleged 13th Zodiac, its origin stems from speculation and from deep within the shadows, with no face nor name linked to its origin. The snake whispers ugly truths and deceives the world, changing the big apple as we know it. Ophiuchus is the reckoning, not a warning.
Cusp of New York marks the end of the art of ascending and begins a new chapter with smaller plots. After the death of the Beast, Syndicates have been reminded of their mortality, forcing them to consider new alliances and enemies. Characters are forced to make their own assumptions and who theyâll trust in the long run. Syndicates now have the chance to unite or align however they want, all while a mysterious figure, Ophiuchus, the 13th Zodiac, reveals the ugly truth of everyone and everything -- Ophiuchus will work as our gossip and news blog and will launch soon.
