#bkplotdrop

♛ Surrender to the fume  ♛

(BELOW DECK, HALLWAY) Out of the frying pan, into the fire. Those freed from the galley are attempting to navigate the hallway by torchlight when they realise the true gravity of their scene. The Heir, bloodied, appears before them. The Icarus easily imagines his condition has something to do with the corpse visible through an open door, but there’s no time for interrogation. The Crooked heads toward the main deck for a confrontation with the officer who trapped them, the Hot Shot, for once technically on the right side of the law as they walk upstairs, instead of taking the left.  The Heir may be looking for the Phoenix, but it’s the Consigliere he finds from the Lover’s pounding; enlisting the Icarus to once again test their skills with a lock. The Consigliere’s broken hand leaves them headed to find the King, while the rest attempt to find tools in the galley to break the chains.  The three in the billiard room have made light work of the window. the Shadow halfway out of it and judging the drop, as the Gambler and the Contractor finally manage to wedge the door open, with assistance from the Lover on the other side.  When the door to the staff bathroom is opened, there appears to be no one inside. It’s only once the Gambler investigates that the Forgotten calls out for the others to leave their hiding spots. None of the Kovali-affiliated note the Contractor’s presence by the doorway, and the Prospect isn’t particularly happy at owing even more.

(ENGINE ROOM) With the damage blocked as well as they’re able, to both human and machine, the four remaining in the engine room are trying to limit their exertion, while waiting on the Faithful’s return.  As the unlucky begin to lose consciousness, it’s a struggle to make out the Sacrificed freeing them. Just like him, they’ve put their trust in the wrong person. 

♛ Silent compass, anger at dawn  ♛

The evening is in full swing, with no hint of disaster (bar the cheese puffs running out). Although the festivities are inevitably dampened to some, the usual tensions apparent, the atmosphere is light. Who wouldn’t take the chance to forget for just one night, when money is paid in exchange.  The Charon sails the lake, skirting past the lights of the city. A spectacular sight as the passengers head toward a rejuvenated Navy Pier. 

(MAIN DECK, INTERIOR) Guests are gathered to witness the messiah, DJ booth as their unorthodox stage, as they thank those in attendance. During the speech the crooked is subtly pulled away by one of their own to investigate a disturbance below deck. Shortly after, a murmur rises from those to the back of the crowd, nearest the deck. Dying to comfortable silence once the Messiah mentions preparations for a Hallowe’en display.

(BELOW DECK, HALLWAY) A series of masked patrons have traversed the hallways all evening, but none in such uniform procession as this, nor so heavily armed. One group of five to the left and the other to the right. In turn the ten bar nearly every door below deck. Beyond the thresholds of those left, they find;

the consigliere, and the lover, with the phoenix in the ballroom. the prospect, the forgotten, and the paradox, with the mad scientist in the crew bathrooms. the shadow, the contractor, and the gambler, with the faithful in the billiards room.

Without fail, the operation manages to extricate the phoenix, the mad scientist, and the faithful, from their respective rooms. Before those doors are then locked with the remaining still inside. 

Soon after, the crooked finds themselves thrown into a cage with wolves. As they gain their bearings, they discover they’re with the sacrificed and the hot-shot in the locked galley. Knives available for all the back-stabbings they desire. 

(MAIN DECK, EXTERIOR) Scheduled to match the messiah’s speech, the infiltrator is waiting on deck for the icarus. Concealed by a bulkhead themselves, they don’t see the hasty retreat caused by the approach of the cataclysmic, who also misses as the icarus heads into a stairwell.  The remaining pair are at a stalemate until they hear applause to mark the end of sycophantic lullaby. 

(MAIN DECK) the messiah invites the guests to the outside deck, so they might all witness a Hallowe’en treat.  the infiltrator, and the cataclysmic, head to join the coward at the front of the crowd. Expectantly viewing the body dangling from the gallows. It’s only when they are directed to look toward Navy Pier, that they realise. As the cataclysmic notes the costume, the mask, and the build of the asphyxiated corpse is that of the phoenix, a scream is heard from inside.  the performer heads toward the sound to find the black widow is there first, ushering away the scared bartender. In one of the stalls, awkwardly hunched, an overdosed corpse that could be identified as the mad scientist.

(BELOW DECK, HALLWAY) The group of ghouls have descended into the bowels of the ship or replaced masks to join with the crowd above, leaving the hallway clear for the assassin to note the suspicious chains on several doors. They can’t hear anything from the other side, but set about breaking into a bedroom. When the doctor finds them inside, they’re standing over a hacked corpse in a bed, easily believed to be the faithful. Estimating a time of death set days before, the doctor is leaving with the assassin when they’re set upon. Hoods over their heads before much damage can be done, they’re dragged down to the engine room. 

(ENGINE ROOM) As soon as the assassin is freed, unhindered by the hood, they attack one of the four ghouls in the room. Distraction enough for the phoenix to join. the doctor, the mad scientist, and the faithful (unencumbered by their earlier costumes) attempt to assist. They are stilled by a gunshot and a spray of blood. 

(MAIN DECK/BELOW DECK) Attempting to cut the body down from the gallows, the infiltrator slips as the yacht shudders to a halt. All on deck now aware this is not the light in the dark the messiah had planned. The fireworks display is lit on Navy Pier, igniting the sky as the Charon is plunged into darkness, chaos.  the heir, finally free of the king’s gaze, follows along with the weapon as the two navigate the main deck with only moonlight. They are followed downstairs by one of the ghouls.  Hearing their approach, the icarus works faster to pick the lock of the galley, slipping into the dark kitchen.

♛ Now I come before you   ♛

With the Visionary’s raids on both Kovali and Faction owned business, The Queen in custody, and the curfew finally ended- is there anything left to fear in Chicago?  It’s a perfect time to find out.

Money, it seems, can often dictate death; those guns for hire of the past, assassins no one can truly claim to have witnessed, even an exchange with the ferryman for your final journey.  In this case, the coins are for penance, redemption, or simply an easing of guilt. It’s not true of everyone on board.  The Messiah still tries to demand it; a response to the atrocities of late, all of the death and destruction. Paid tickets to a very special Hallowe’en masquerade, proceeds to the Taste of Chicago victims’ memorial.  A luxury yacht, the aptly named Charon, beckons in the harbour. Makeshift gallows creaking on deck. 

(BEYOND THE VEIL) It’s said the presence of spirits makes it easier to predict what’s coming. Advantage taken by those who wish to plan a path for the future of Chicago. All the death caused recently must be good for something. Never one to shy from philanthropy, the King cuts a cheque for all the Kovali in attendance. It’s a night of masks after all, concealed identity, an easy excuse for the Faction to follow suit. What better way to congratulate the Crooked on their new regime than in person. Best regards to the Messiah, of course. 

Topside there are stunning views of the Chicago River, dyed purple for Hallowe’en. A photographer is available for those who wish to test the gallows or simply record the evening. Inside, the bar is fully stocked, caterers providing an elegant but spooktacular buffet. In a change to the evening’s schedule, members of the Chicago Philharmonic will be providing music before the journey begins, to be replaced by a DJ set from the Prospect once under way.  The staircases and corridors of the yacht are decorated for the occasion, with care still to keep emergency exits clearly marked.  Below deck, there are various private rooms available for conversation or costume adjustment, including a more intimate dance hall with speakers relaying music from the upper deck. The only areas out of bounds are the engine room and the galley. 

♛somewhere a queen is weeping, somewhere a king has no wife♛

(P U R G A T O R Y) There’s no sound of music, silence disturbed only by boots and police shouting as the Kovali watch on. Clean. Innocent. Each room had been cleared time and time again to ensure legitimacy, whatever fingers that could be pointed seemed like an impossibility. It’s the watchful eye of the Cataclysmic and the Phoenix that kept the business afloat all these countless years... and while loyalty permeated the ranks of the Kovali, wildcards existed. The Infiltrator knows what they’re doing when they placed the papers on the desk, details regarding the bombing. The most recent shoot out. The death of the Carcones. It’s one name that burns into the eyes of the young police officer...

(N O R T H W E S T E R N) The doctors stare in shock at the squadron barrelling through the hallways, brandishing a single sheet- warrant for arrest. It doesn’t make any sense to the staff until they see the group stop at door 1402. Irena Kovali. The Queen sits tight-lipped in her bed, memory leaving a gape as handcuffs mark her wrists. Association with organized crime, terrorism, extortion, illegal firearms, first-degree murder..

(J A D E L O U N G E) Furniture is turned upsidedown, patrons forced against the walls as the Forgotten backs into one of the offices. Eyes scan the area when she remembers. It’s sitting in the file cabinet, evidence that could take down the Gambler, the Zhangs. The Faction. And while her intention of going to the group was to burn down the other, she knows losing her best chance at revenge could leave her where she started. It’s worth the risk... Through the window, she slips out, hurrying with paperwork regarding the shipments as the sky above threatens to rain down hell.

(B O A R D O F T R A D E) Rumbles of thunder mimic the feeling of the crowd, protestors beginning to crash with police before a microphone sparks. On the stage enters the Messiah, chest puffed out in bravado- they know they’ve played their cards, they know their announcement will cause waves. To their right is a new champion, brought on by the mayor. An unknown face. Quiet settles to the best of its ability, chants fading to whispers...

“Chicago, for too long have we lived under the hold of criminal organizations, our home becoming their playground as we suffer. I promised you when I took hold of this office, the violence would end with me. I am here to tell you that I am keeping my end of the bargain...” They clear their throat, lightning flashing. “Earlier today, we conducted a sting operation raid on known criminal business. It is during this raid that we have found suspects with ties to the bombing on Navy Pier, the attack on the Taste of Chicago and previous crimes that have yet to be brought to justice.”

The Visionary rises, planting themself at the side of the Messiah, cold eyes staring into the audience. “Today, we have appointed a new District Attorney... and upon finding probable cause, we’ve put out warrants for the arrest of-”

The screams start all at once, cries for blood and vengeance bringing forth pure chaos as bodies rush the area. Up above, a wicked storm tears at the sky, rain falling hard as if it can cleanse a city of her sins. The kingdom sits on the tip of a knife...

♛ Life is a waterfall, we turn around & put up our wall ♛

( THE FESTIVAL )

The gunfire continued to blaze through the festival grounds, mass hysteria and chaos taking ahold the crowd as they fled to safety. Was this vengeance, a fine display of the King’s well-deserved rage as it boiled in the Kovali’s veins? If only... the Prospect aims his gun, a faction lackey in his sight. Just as the bullet flies across the park, the target moves. He can see the face of a young boy in his crosshairs, and then blood. The Faithful, The Doctor and The Forgotten watch in horror at the crimson seeping into the concrete...

The police sirens cut through the nightmare, a squadron marching upon the gang violence, armed to kill. The Infiltrator falls in the line, eyes widening in horror as she sees the S.W.A.T symbol and gun pointed in the Heir’s direction. How far was she willing to go, to maintain her identity, an operation she’d worked so hard to destroy from the inside? The movement is brisk, grabbing the man to the ground, sharp pain in her side- the feeling of a gunshot wound. She hears the sound of her own scream, the Weapon and The Contractor at her side trying to load her into the vehicle. Tires squeal against the pavement, the second Kovali car lurches forward... The Icarus runs across the pavement, ducking down when he notices a phone lying on the crowd. In his haste he grabs it, sprinting off into safety. He rounds the corner into an alley when it begins to ring. The voice on the other side of the line stops him cold- “Motta, what the fuck is going on there, the news just stated there was an attack- I’m in half the mind of pulling you off this investigation...”

→This just in…

Good evening Chicago! According to some of our sources at Northwestern, Rafal Kovali has awoken from his unconscious state. The businessman had been induced in a coma following injuries sustained at the Navy Pier Blast. We’re being told that Irena Kovali remains under. 

The Mayor is set to make an announcement later this week regarding the attack, we’re being told that the police deparment and the city government are working closely to catch the perpetrators of this viscious crime. We’ll continue to update you as new’s reaches our desk. Stay vigilant.

The King is back in the game... and hell hath no fury like a Kovali scorned. Power shifts, movements are unclear although one thing is obvious: something big is coming. 

OOC Details &  General Information:

Rafal Kovali will be an admin playable character and strategically employed throughout the plot  Characters that wish to have threads are more than welcome to send the main a message with the goal they want that thread to accomplish!

With this addition, we’d like to remind our players of the power structure that is currently in place. While we as muns may know certain details regarding plot, that may not be the case with our muses! We always recommend creating a timeline or known details to keep track of logistics so that gameplay remains smooth.

♛chandeliers inside the pyramid tremble from the force♛

Storm clouds gathered overhead, the streets surrounding the Board of Trade were filled with citizens that waited for the mayor to speak. They killed him! Save our kids! Each protestor chanted in unison, a terrible blend of hatred and hurt coming together while they waited. On the few scattered signs was the face of the young boy- the most innocent of lives lost to Chicago’s gang violence. The harsh contrast of desperation mirros that of the police, all units converges on the streets.

(N E A R B Y) Its the echoes of a door busting open that shocked business owners alike... if only there was something to argue against. No, with civil law suspended due to the state of emergency, the patrons of the Jade Lounge and Purgatory watch in horror as members of the police force begin to rifle through offices. Through papers, as though damnation might be around any corner. 

The omnious sky seems to darken...

The tension is undeniable in a tumultuous crowd, five minutes to six. Five minutes until the Messiah took the stage...

♛ You have the power, you wear the crown ♛

The sun beat down on the Sigara ports as the faction’s shipment was slowly loaded into the truck. Half a million dollars, detailed in raw materials and stolen goods, in guns that sat disguised as car parts. It was a fortune contained in cardboard boxes.. however, with the fear of a King coming back to life, a sudden switch gave the opportunity for retribution. The Traitor stepped out of the shadows, armed with incendiary details that cursed the very promise of success... how quick news traveled until it reached the crown. You’ll know the signal, it’ll be a distraction.

(BEHIND THE SCENES) It was a hired driver that took the wheel, with the Black Widow and the Lover sitting side by side as they watched the man start the engine. Over the walkie they heard a voice, The Assassin confirming that the group guarding the goods on the inside was ready. Engines spun and the truck began leading the way, with two cars not far behind. It was the Spy and the Casanova at the wheel, Lake Shore Drive leading the stretch towards the festival...

The Kovali were called from the festival, Capos standing behind the King and the Cataclysmic as they looked out into gathered associates.

Today was a day of reckoning... In a few hours, we will receive signal that a vital shipment will be on the move. Each of you will play a part in making sure that doesn’t happen- Strike where it hurts, and strangle the enemy with their own rope.

The text is sent from the Traitor to the Paradox, the Spy’s watchful eyes seeing a spark of rebellion... was this the card that was going to flip? It was the Faction’s plan to distract the Kovali at their own business, little do they know it now means something very different. Drinks are thrown in the Cabaret’s booth- the diversion that signifies the truck is on the move and to get ready.

(BEHIND THE SCENES) Just as the truck entered the festival grounds, two unmarked cars cut it off. Almost immediately, bullets begin to rain down on the vehicles, with masked men making their way. Lead by the Heir and the Sacrificed under the King’s orders, a group of Kovali attack the truck, forcing the other Faction vehicles to get engaged. When an opening appears, the Black Widow urges the driver to take the chance and the truck crashes through booths and down into the streets... however, the Kovali are not far behind.