If all is fair in love and war, I can’t do this anymore.

Months of peace bled into years, but what did this do for the General? His mind has knotted from the sourceless rage, the guilt of injuring the only person who ever meant anything to him, and the stress of trying to find himself in the tangle while running a faction. Is he the man he was before? The man so emotionless he was nicknamed the wall? Or is he the drill sergeant who threw his subordinate into a building for using their personal relationship to lecture him in front of others? Is he neither?

He didn’t find out before seven of his men were killed mere feet from his territory.

The General, the man numb aside from the inferno of rage in his chest, sought violence. He craved it, without reason, without the promise of a return. He sought violence for violence’s sake and the thirst caused cracks his logical mind had to smooth in his carefully crafted façade; imaged after the man he used to be. The Kings who met with him regularly had noticed the subtle changes, and none could say for certain how he would react to the news.

It had been eerie.

Jihoon’s expression hadn’t moved as they read him the report. Seven dead Spades, the highest ranked a Ten. Three missing Spades, the highest ranked a Six. None had been above the Public clearance level. Injuries on the deceased consistent with an ambush, two of the dead had been simultaneously taken down with arrows through the throat and the rest had a mix of defensive wounds mixed in. Timed perfectly to miss the regular patrols the faction sent through the roads that led to the Joker, the ambush was a result of a too-regimented schedule.

Dead silence aside from a single fingertip, thudding rhythmically into the solid wooden desk of the Ace.

Minutes later, a profound quiet. 

Deafening in the absence of his tapping. 

He dismisses them, a curt wave of the hand towards the door all the allowance the soldiers need to bolt from the room. None were spellswords, so none could tell the pressure of his aura stemmed not only from his presence and his power over them, but the gradual depletion of ambient mana from the room as the General drew it all unto himself.

Limbo.

The day the Deck comes out, he watches. His eyes and ears all over the city watch messengers scurry, the new Club Council meets, a copy of the letter meant for all Clubs shows up on his desk before the councilors get them on the doors of half their people.

However wouldn’t you say it would be preferable for one of ours to receive any kind of punishment from us and not from any outsiders? Don’t you think we at least deserve to handle our own matters?

A fucking clown who was never meant to rule. “You lost the right to discipline your own when they murdered mine.” The letter shakes in The General’s hands, all signs of Jihoon gone as the vitriol and rage battle for dominance within his throat. “You can have them back when I’ve skinned them alive.”

ACTIONS TAKEN;

During the Civil War Clubs who were family members of Spades were allowed to stay within Spade territory. The number of Clubs who ended up requesting refuge was high, so the Arena was emptied out and turned into a camp. While the camp has since emptied, there were a few stragglers, primarily those who are living with their Spade family members in the faction’s housing. All Clubs have 48 hours to return to their territory or defect to the Spades. All Clubs found within Spade territory after September 9th will be killed on sight.

All Clubs are now Banned from utilizing the Joker. Club merchants who attempt to move product through the Joker will have their product seized and be thrown back into their own territory if they do not retaliate. Clubs who retaliate will be killed.

All Merchants making deliveries to Club Territory will be subject to a 100% tax rate, as opposed to the 10% tax rate enjoyed by the rest of the factions.

It is highly suggested but not required, that all Spades avoid Club territory.

A specialized team of Black Spades have been tasked with the duty of discovering who was behind the attack on September 6th. They have been given a large sum of money and free reign on all tactics to get the job done, but nothing is known of the team members.

Patrol schedules have been randomized and have also increased.

Family members of the Spades killed in the ambush have been given compensation equivalent to the payouts seen in wartime. It is unlikely your muse would know this unless they are or were a Spade, and close enough to one of the families that they would be informed of the compensation price. If you think your muse would know this, open a ticket.

OOC INFORMATION;

The General has taken severe actions against the Clubs because of the letter sent out to Club Households. It is likely his actions would have been less severe had he not seen this letter. It is unlikely your muse would know this, or guess this. That being said, if you have a convincing reason you think your muse would know or guess this, open a ticket with the Admins to receive permission before posting anything.

Threads with Spade muses in Club territory need to be dated before September 8th. Any threads that take place after the 8th in-play must @ kadeunpc in the starter or be sent in a ticket on Discord.

Threads with Club muses in Spade territory need to be dated before September 8th. Any threads that take place after the 8th in-play must @ kadeunpc in the starter or be sent in a ticket on Discord.

A LEAP THROUGH TIME ~ When do we begin to hope?

5 October 2021

Idris,

I’ve arrived back in Kadeu safely. I have firmly planted the Vega Gem’s doors shut for the last six months and it is taking everything in me not to swing them wide open this very instant. I’m sure you’re chuckling now, insisting it would have been like this anyway given that that ridiculous winged oaf threatened me into keeping it closed for at least four of those months. Nonetheless, you silly creature…it’s good to be home.

Home. I’d never thought I’d say that about Kadeu without all the vitriol I’ve always—and still do—feel for this gods forsaken continent. Especially after the tensions of that civil war that was brewing in Club earlier this past summer and the other factions’ subsequent reactions to such chaos. But it is. Home. I’ve come to terms with this truth. In part thanks to you. I still laugh thinking of your shocked expression when we met face-to-face after decades apart. It seems that all it took to surprise my favorite, silly Fae was to sail across the sea in search of your whimsical heart. And look at all the trouble it’s caused me. I have dreams now, Idris, you bastard. I have hope.

How close was I to staying by your side, across the sea so far from these lands? Remembering the ever-so-slightly faded tattoos marring my skin—far closer than anyone can imagine. So much hope born in me partly in thanks to you and the realization that even these marks were not permanent.

Perhaps, it is also partly due to my mother no longer having a hold of me. After all, how can the dead grip us with rotted fingers? No longer, Idris. No longer. I want to forget that part of my life, and with her gone I hope that I can. But this ache…what is this ache? I have discovered so much in that time I was by your side, but it seems I have still more to learn.

’Til next time Old Friend,

Hyeonju

25 September 2022

Idris,

I can’t help but think of our time together during those six months. Those apprenticeships I took on simply because I could. Not for survival. Not in your name or honor, nor anyone else’s. Doing what I wanted for the first time in my 153 years simply because I could. It was…freeing. I’ve never used that word for myself. Gods, I sound so whimsical. I sound like you. 

That time has changed me. It makes me want to open another shop, maybe two. For clothing. Creating fashion suited for any rank. Clothes that compliment the jewelry I craft with such care and adoration they might as well be my blood-born children.

Idris, what have you done to me? I tell you this in every exchange and in every exchange you mock me in that knowing way of yours, but I’ll say it again. You have ruined me to the life I had grown accustomed to in Kadeu. I thought this feeling would die naturally on its own after a few weeks. But here I am still dreaming hopeless dreams.

Hopeless because that bastard of gold has set his sights on me. Or rather, he refuses look my way. He hasn’t said in so many words, nor does he need to. He no longer uses my shop. He walks around in gaudy jewels fashioned from jewelers of far lower caliber than you or myself—all for his pride. All because he knows I despise him. So be it. I rose to this rank without him. And while he may set the precedent for much of Heart, I take pride in knowing I set the precedent for its continued refined appearance.

Ah. I’ll end the letter here. Another letter from Luke has reached my doorstep. I should answer before he thinks I’ve all but cast him away again. And before you put quill to paper, Idris, no I have yet to forgive him for Lita.

…but I’m not adverse to having him in my life again.

’Til next time Old Friend,

Hyeonju

7 July 2023

Idris,

It is so quiet and calm this year. Boring, even. Yes, I dare say that despite only being halfway through. The Resistance is silent. Clubs are far more reasonable and less prone to violent tantrums in the street. Spade is as dull as it’s always been, stiff and musty like waterlogged wooden planks. I daresay the Diamonds have become almost bearable in attitude (the low and midrankers, at least) thanks to Ms. Moon’s much needed hand to guide their wayward, gaudy souls.

They still dress like they fashioned clothes from their grandmother’s lint balls and bags of misshapen enchanted confetti, though. In other words—there’s room for significant improvement. But it’s better than it was just a few years prior.

I wish I could say the same of Heart. Idris, my friend, that beast in gold has been starting up Fae-run businesses and education. That in itself is not a bad thing. In fact., I’d welcome it from any other person if it didn’t originate from the mind of someone as calculating and cruel as the one I shall not name. But because these wonderful ideas were founded by him I do not trust them. I do not trust his motives, nor do I trust the gradual influx of Fae migrating under his rule.

From what you’ve told me of Fae and their realm, I’m suspicious of why they’d come here despite preferring their own realm. I doubt they’re all like you--actually enjoying and preferring the company of this world. What his he up to? I don’t like these murmurs of his guards growing in size and strength. I worry for Heart—and the rest of Kadeu with it.

I’ll spare you more morbid talk. I know how much you dislike it. Let me tell you instead of the of all the plans I’ve made for those shops I’ve spoken of so many times. Wonder at the names I’ve created for each…!

**The rest of the letter’s writing is faded with time and illegible.**

9 August 2024

Idris,

This heat is no good for my fur. Even my ears are frizzing in this humidity. The customers and Alexei have told me I look “cuddly”. Disgusting. A child with her mother waltzed right up to me and began to give my tails too-hard thumps with her little Strongarm fists. You will be proud to know I did not growl at the sudden and violent touch. I am better at reminding myself not every hand coming at me will bring me harm. Still hurt like hell, though.

I am finishing up a commission today. It’s beautiful and will fetch a high price. The money is being set aside, as always, for my new shops. I hope to open the first one by the end of this year if all goes well. I’d ask for you to wish me luck, but we both know it’s my blood, sweat, and tears that have gotten me this far and will continue to do so.

Idris, you silly creature. My old and dearest friend. I hope this letter finds you well. That you are taking in the world. That you find what you have been looking for all these years. Just as I know you wish the same for me. And as always I hope even if we should meet again many, many, many centuries from now we are still comfortable companions in whatever way it takes shape.

Now excuse me while I go and chastise this overly energetic Shapeshifter trying to tell tall tales about ghosts haunting my jewelry. For a Spade, I’m amazed I see her wandering this faction so often. Shamelessly even. I like her. As much as I can like any Spade, I suppose. But she needs to stop alarming my customers.

’Til next time Old Friend,

Mad Man Gowyu, WHO? Make way for BEST MAN Gowyu.

Assisting in the mating of a sister he loathed, next to a mother he adored, and a father he felt apathy for while gaining an in-law in a man he respected and admired would change anyone. Did it change Gowyu? Well he cleaned up his appearance, his earrings are not leaving, but he looks more sleek than he did before. More poised. Calmer. Quieter. More calculating. There’s more to the things he does now than his name and his clan’s reputation in the bowl.

Losing to Sayge should have thrown him in a fit of rage, somewhere deep down, Gowyu was flabbergasted that it did not drive him down a straight path of self destruction. But he had Kadeu to go back to and many things he wanted to shift over now that he was no longer able to plan his way through the way he initially thought it would go. It seems like the sister he knew decided to change her own tune, stubborn as she was, and useless as she had been for so many years, she finally settled for what mattered most to others.

A compromise of sorts. Did he respect it? Not because it came from her. He respected that she finally realized she was good for nothing else than what she was supposed to be. Perhaps looking at it that way did help him with not feeling himself burn with the bitterness of the loss. Because to him, this loss was not one-sided. One might deem him delusional for thinking like that, because obviously, on the outside Sayge got everything she was destined for. Gowyu wasn’t sure getting herself swallowed by her mate was something that he would consider a win for her though.

Guess the dog on a leash was simply a witty and cunning wolf.

Anyways, back to Kadeu after the ceremony and getting the permission from his parents to do so.

Being linked to the Zuihuo’s clan, royals and golden, extended beyond the realm of the faes. Gowyu was not stupid enough to think himself above any laws made by his kin, but any loophole he would find, he would take. First, the change had to be obvious, clean, clear, to the point that it could not be questioned or doubted. The number one thing he focused on was removing his name and his stamp on everything that he’d handled so far in Kadeu. All the way down to the establishments he’d invested in personally.

See, Gowyu now could not simply not get his hands dirty, he also had to get his name even less in the mud.

Zuihuo beat him to the good samaritan act, of course. Or is it simply that Gowyu let him beat him to the act? After all, what he does is mainly laid under the grounds of Kadeu, in the depest slums of all slums. His ways of making contracts have shifted, he’s burned all the old ones he had and set free everyone that owed him a single thing. All but the man who kept him alive of course, theirs were simply modified.

Gowyu hired an accountant by the name of Leonidas, a half-fae, the apparent cousin of a man who lost his life to a foolish act to climb up a social ladder. This alliance came about when Gowyu came into the possession of Giolas’, the deceased cousin, property. The palace hadn’t left him with a bad taste, plus he needed something that was more palatable than the house he kind of tarnished with the image he once had.

This is a clean state.

What does that entail?

A shelter for the poor without his stamp, but the one of a certain Leonidas. 2022

Underneath this good act, what lies there? Something no one in Kadeu should be privy to, but what’s inside of the wretched poors of Kadeu does not go putrid if it is saved just in time to be harvested for the good of another community.

An alliance to a once favored courtesan so that she can help those of her kind without his name on any of the deal, but the benefits falling right in his lap. 2021-2022

Underneath this good act, is there yet again, an ulterior motive? Something again that will need to awaken no whispers. The poors that are being fed to the fox community in this restaurant couldn’t have had a better purpose in life. As well as the bodies he has to dispose of, both from the past and those to come.

Freeing the poor unfortunate souls he once wished to torture until their final breath and having the good news delivered to them with a basket of fresh fruits. 2022

Underneath this, where would the motives lie? Nowhere else but the image he’s now pushing forward. Gowyu wants it clear that he’s no longer the man they once thought he was. Whatever bitter feelings they now have towards him, he wishes that they let it out in private quarters with the man in charge of handling that side of his business. Whatever occurs during these meetings, he cannot be held responsible as he’s given complete free will for his men to do as they wish. If there are bodies, they will be taken care of. If no blood is shed, then no blood is shed.

Gambling still for the simple joy of it and giving people more luck without awaiting anything in return. 2022-2024

Underneath this, what are the hidden benefits? Well, Gowyu has been learning that doing good without expecting anything back in return, or acting like nothing was expected in return made people more eager to please in order to receive even more of that good. Apparently, the clean state on this part has been more beneficial than the blatant hidden animosity he had for these people for the longest. He still loathes them all. But the better hidden his motives and stance towards them, the better they were all but pouty in the palm of his hands. This is a foreign and newfound power he’s very keen on exploring more.

New addition--a rather constant correspondence with his mother, who has been having talks of finally being able to start focusing on her other children and finding their mates. 2023-2024

There are no hidden motives with this new development. Gowyu simply thinks it is now, more than ever before, important for him to have his mother continue to see him as the son she always did see him as.

The demon in his life has played a big part in helping him rebuild this image. 2022 - PRESENT

BUTCH; THE FACTOIDS

Favorite Food is Noodles. Any kind of noodles, really.

Beverages of choice are plain water or whiskey. He will not drink leaf juice.

Butch’s Hogwarts House is Gryffindor.

His D&D character alignment is Chaotic Evil.

The top three characters from popular culture he most closely resembles are Bart Simpson from the Simpsons, John Bender from the Breakfast Club, and Bender Rodriguez from Futurama.

His Enneagram test reveled he leans heavily toward types five, seven, and eight.

Enneagram Fives are defined by their desire to conserve their energy and to avoid being drained by engagement with the outside world. They focus on being knowledgeable and competent so that they can be as self-sufficient as possible. Sevens are defined by their desire to experience everything life has to offer while avoiding pain and boredom. They appear to others to be lively, fun-loving and hedonistic. Sevens are often very busy people who bounce from one activity to another in their quest to squeeze every possible bit of enjoyment out of life.  Eights are defined by their desire to be powerful and to avoid any vulnerability. They present a confident, assertive, and decisive image to others.

Deepest Fears: Fives fear being overwhelmed by their own needs and the needs of others. Sevens fear getting stuck in a rut and missing out on the good life. Eights fear being vulnerable and powerless more than anything, and cope with this fear by always being strong and in control.

Core Motivations: Fives are motivated by a desire to be competent and possess a strong understanding of their environment. More than anything, Sevens want to avoid feeling bored, sad or uninspired. Eights are motivated by their desire to be independent and in control. They resist appearing or feeling weak and reject any authority that restricts them

Kadeu: Indvidual Task

; ON FAMILY & SELF-DISCOVERY an interview with Four of Spade, Evangeline Santiago

Tell us about how Eva feels about the resistance!

Eva is sprawled out on the floor, arms reaching out for the armadillo wandering around the barracks. Chupa makes a beeline for the Shifter’s welcoming arms and proceeds to make itself at home on Eva’s stomach. A furrow is forming between her brows, but she answers easily.

“I’m not against them, but I’m not for them either. I’m…curious about them. I’ve heard about them from all sorts of people and I get why the resistance is so appealing. Honestly, I almost considered joining them back when I was still a Club. Mostly ‘cause I heard they helped any lowranker who had nowhere to go. It was right after that gang I was part of left me for dead.” She rubs at the scar that peeks out from under the collar of her Spade uniform. “I figured I’d fight for any cause if it meant I didn’t have to live like that anymore, but that was then. Now, I have goals and dreams that don’t line up with the resistance. At least, not the way they go about it. I like the way I’m doing things…and between you and me, I worry ‘bout the idea of the resistance becoming something to me like that gang was. I can’t go through that again. I just can’t…Anyway! Next question! Lay it on me!”

Did finding out her parents were involved with that group change her opinion of them?

Eva startles at the question. Her eyebrows raise in surprise, a flash of hurt showing before disappearing behind a small smile.

“Wow, asking the hard questions, huh? Umm, I’m not sure. I think it’s made me want to know more about the resistance. Not join them, but figure out what exactly they’re fighting for. If I learn more about them will I learn more about my parents? Will I get to know what they were like, what they believed in if I know more about the resistance? I don’t know if I can say my opinions changed because I still don’t know enough…but mom and dad must have believed in them for a reason, right?”

What about Anton and Mallick’s involvement?

Eva sits up slowly with Chupa cradled in her arms as she moves to the bed. Her long hair masks her face. Armor that resembles the armadillo’s own starts to form on the Shifter’s skin, but she doesn’t seem to notice. It’s quiet for a moment. Eva speaks quietly, so unlike her usual, vibrant self.

“TonTon…TonTon had his reasons. I’m sure of it. He was a good person; he always looked out for me, and we always got up to trouble that we could laugh about later. I trusted him and if he—if he were still alive that wouldn’t change. No matter what the resistance stands for, TonTon deserved better than what happened to him. Instead, everyone trash talked him. And I had to listen to all of that. And not once…not ONCE did I hear the resistance speak up for him.

…

“Maybe I do have an opinion about the resistance.

“And Mallick? What is there to say?” A angry glint crosses Eva’s expression when she finally lifts her head, eyes unseeing but still managing to appear as if she’s seeing something far off.

“How can I have an opinion on someone who abandoned me? Mom and Dad trusted him and he left me with someone who he may have trusted, but turned out to be a jerk. If Mallick was a leader for the resistance…if he was part of the group that claims to help lowrankers down on their luck, why…why didn’t he help ME? But…I’ve heard all the good he’s done. He’s helped others so he isn’t a total jerk, right? I just…haven’t figured out how I feel about Mallick yet.

“…It doesn’t matter now. I have family and friends now who I know will always have my back. I love them and they love me and I’m never going to be alone again.”

Does she blame the resistance for taking her parents away from her, or will she seek them out for answers?

“Yes,” Eva answers without hesitation. Her hands are curled in her lap. Chupa cuddles closer to her in an attempt to pacify the agitated Shifter. “I blame them. I blame the resistance, but I’m not a kid anymore. I know better now. I know my parents made their decisions, that they chose to join them, to leave me. I blame the resistance, but more than anything I blame my parents. And between you and me…I’m still angry at them. I act like I’m over it because I don’t want anyone worry over me, but I’m so angry at them.

“But just because I think the resistance has some fault for my parents leaving me doesn’t mean I won’t go looking for answers from them. They owe me that much, I think. I deserve to know what caused mom and dad to walk away from the life we had together. I deserve to know what part the resistance played in making the hole I feel when I think about my parents. Don’t I?”

How has this changed her perception of her parents?

The anger is still visible, but there’s an unmistakable air of sorrow and fondness mixed into her voice.

“I love them. I always will. But now some of those very few memories I have of them are tainted. Certain things I heard around them, from them—they make more sense. It makes me wonder what exactly Mom and Dad were doing that they were able to keep their very hungry Shifter child alive for five years, if just barely. That blood I always associated with my dad’s scent…it’s hard to wrap my head around what that scent actually was when that scent is mixed with the memories of his soft singing and deep laughter.

“And Mom? I’m pretty sure she worked at the Forge…at least I think she did. She always smelled of fire and metal. Her armor was rusted…a metallic stench would sometimes cling to her. She didn’t like me hugging her when she smelled like that. She’d get so upset and even if I cried she wouldn’t come near me until she cleaned herself off and the smell wasn’t so strong.

“…I’m afraid that the memories I have of them, that all of them are being ruined by what I’ve learned so far. And I’m so scared that the more I find out, the more likely I’ll end up hating my parents.”

Of herself and her place in Kadeu?

This question seems a bit easier for Eva to answer. She smiles and it’s warmer than it’s been for most of this interview.

“I don’t think my parents’ life has to define me. I do think, though, that learning what I have about them haas changed how proactive I am in my own life. All my life, I’ve depended on others to help me, even if I wasn’t consciously doing it. Sparrow, Rook, Hilo, Anton, Shu-Ling, Ara, Prospero—they’ve all helped me to be who I am today. But after seeing what happened in Clubs three years ago and discovering my parents involvement in the resistance, I realized how helpless I was. I wanted to be able to stand on my own two feet like Mom and Dad and all those Clubs. To make decisions for myself even if they weren’t the right ones.

“I have to thank them for that. If I hadn’t gotten that push I never would have trained as hard as I did. The Spade highrankers would have never noticed. They’d never have offered me a position at the Triage as a non-magical healer. I love that job even more than I did the administrative work because I can see—well, not see, but you know what I mean—all my hard work, my parents’ influence paying off. I’m doing more and I’ve never felt prouder of myself.”

How have these revelations affected her relationship with Prospero?

The smile that had bloomed on the Shifter’s face dimmed at the question. She ducked her head to press it against Chupa’s armored body. The armor of Eva’s skin which had nearly disappeared during the previous question returned once more. She whispers:

“Prospero…hasn’t been very happy with me. We got into a fight when I first started looking into my parents and the resistance. He called me, and I quote, ‘a foolish brat who finds trouble in the sewers if she can’t find it in the sky’. Lilith got upset with him, but I couldn’t say anything. He wasn’t wrong. I always cause problems for him, but…but I couldn’t just give up on the only lead I had about my parents. All my life I’ve had questions I thought I’d never get answered, and now they’re right there in front of me, so close I can almost grasp it.

“…But I think I’m making Prospero feel like he isn’t good enough as a father. He is, I swear! I love him just like I love my dad. Well, not in the same way. Dad is dad and Prospero is Prospero so I love them both in the way they’re them if that makes sense. But I know I’m not being a good daughter. I keep hurting him. He doesn’t talk much these days. Spends most of his time in front of the fire with his drink in hand. When I try to talk to him, there isn’t any banter anymore, just grunts and grumbles. Sometimes he talks to me first and that’s when I know he still cares because he’ll tell me not to forget my coat or to have Lilith pack me a meal. Lilith says Prospero always asks after me to see how I’m doing, but that grumpy old Strongarm is too stubborn to ask me himself.

“I just want Prospero to stop being angry at me. He has to be angry. I want my grumpy, but sassy dad back…”

CONGRATS, YOU LIVED! ; Brave New World

Welcome to 2024! 

Give us an update on your muse. How has the 3 years affected their lives? Are they in the same faction? What’s their rank? Are they pleased or unhappy about those changes or lack thereof? Have they experienced any significant life changes? What’s happened to their relationships? Are those who used to be important distant memories? How do they feel about the new Adventurer’s Guild? Did they join up? 

Think about their daily lives as well as any major changes that have happened over the past three years and elaborate to paint a full picture of this new world. Reach out to your fellow writers and craft updated connections that we know will have great influence.

Feel free to format this task however you’d like; one post or several, a timeline, summary, a before and after, whatever you’d like! Just let us know how your character is doing.

Please open a ticket on Discord to discuss all faction, rank, or other major changes to your character with the admins.

MALLICK SAI SHAH; ACE OF CLUBS; 2021-2024 A Leap Through Time.

It has taken more than one speech, more than one gathering, more than reaching out once for Mallick to establish the innovative notions he wanted implemented in the faction. The council of Barbarians has brought in a following that is surprisingly peaceful, as long as they get their fair share of power. It is not without much reticence that Mallick agrees to let them have the monopoly over certain things, but he’s not all powerful, and to be such has never proven to work in the past.

Friends have supported him, his family has shown support, not only by keeping him alive but also by making sure to show a unified front to whoever dared to try to speak ill of his intentions. The Resistance and the members who were not informed of Mallick’s departure, and how he would speak of them during his first speech, have become rather vengeful. Attacks have been attempted, but foiled each time by the ones who were sworn secrecy over his true intentions behind the lies he told about the rebellious group.

Mallick has been kept busy, so busy in fact that his whole life seems to have passed him by without any realization. The first one involved a lot of pushback, from all corners of the city, but as long as he kept the ones he gathered the first time, progress seemed to go accordingly. Slowly, clubs began to accept their new fate by the end of the first year. Mallick has been working to leave people less hungry, less angry and more outraged at the right people, the outsiders. It did the trick to make clubs fight for one another, to a certain degree of course, but it did create something else he didn’t think he would need to address.

Open animosity for other factions and even less cooperation when it came to dealing with members of other factions. The second year was about mending broken bridges, but Mallick didn’t focus on this for the entirety of the year, it might have been selfish on his part, but he grew to not quite ‘dislike’ this new found patriotic way clubs started to do things. The Council came to light as a solidified established part of his politic mid 2023; the reception wasn’t too wild, moderately argumentative, but by then, people might have already heard the rumors of the Ace working alongside the Barbarians’ leftovers.

The end of 2023 brought about new changes, even busier times came by the end of the year. Mallick and The Council worked to bring forth ways to make those who hunt, fight and can protect the faction work for the weakest while making them think they were doing it for themselves. No clubs would agree to simply work for those they thought were not deserving, so it had to take a bit of reverse psychology to make this work.

clubs now have a group of hunters to keep up with the demand for food. This group is handled by Devjay, Mallick’s brother, and some of the best hunters and shifters with predators for animals that he managed to get on his side during the first gathering. The hunters work on rotation, they also accept volunteers who simply want to join in on the adventures. Outings’ dates are posted on the board of Yureif’s tavern the second Monday of each month.

Mallick’s relationships have not taken a big hit, aside from the one he had with certain Resistance’s members who were not made aware of his plans falling out, the ones he has with his family grew stronger. So did the ones he established with his allies.

Mallick has been keeping every promise he’s ever made, on a poster, or in a meeting.

The club's citizens now have a meeting with The Ace and The Council where they may share their worries and suggestions on how to make things better for the faction. The paperwork is handled by one of Mallick’s sisters-in-law.

The meetings are held once a month, to gather information on how well the new ruling is doing, but to also assess what is needed to make it better, or to totally abolish and be reestablished. Trials and errors have been keeping him more and more indoors, going through ideas and suggestions, then releasing tension with light sparring. Mallick has so far joined three hunting journeys, the first three ones, to ensure that they are safe and only there for the good of everyone.

The Adventurer’s Guild is something that came as a surprise to him, but not something he disliked in the way things were going. They at least made things a lot better, so who is Mallick to judge them at all? Besides, he has better things to do than to worry about whatever it is they did to get rid of the supposed River Witch. Mallick has been playing his own shady moves on his own chess to get where he wants to get, so he’s not exactly in any position to judge anyone.

Among friends who have supported his ways of doing things are: Fallon and Hilo.

Fallon is no surprise as she advised him plenty of times during the decisions he took, she has been playing the unwanted role, perhaps, of advisor since he became Ace. Hilo did come as a surprise for Mallick, a discussion has been had about not revealing anything Mallick has told him about his time in The Resistance, Mallick returns the favor by never mentioning the interview that took place of course. As an ally, Hilo has been the liaison for lowranked individuals during the meetings with The Council and The Ace.

Clubs now have a patrolling team, established by The Council and whose members have all been picked by The Council’s members. This is a recent addition, established at the beginning of 2024. It has come with its complaints and opposition however, as some members feel they are being watched and supervised like children. However, those who benefit from the protection it offers have been grateful for the team.

The team, by Mallick’s standards, is made of a lot of hard headed wannabe heroes who think they are handling the only job that matters in the faction. He likes to let them think that because it helps them to not feel like they’re being used to protect the weak. Discrimination still runs rampant, but it is not something that brings forth actions like murdering people and not getting away with it. Trials are not held at clubs, but the patrolling team reserves the right to take justice in their hands the way they see fit if they wish to. They are reminded to not shake the current peaceful state of affairs, however, or they might lose certain privileges; eg. getting dibs on certain food ratios first before the rest of the population.

The divide of food ratios that comes in from the Hunters is shared with everyone. Those who hold any sort of complaints can request a meeting with The Ace to understand why things are divided the way they are. Mallick will gladly meet with anyone who wishes to see him, whatever they come uninvited or invited. He’s also settled himself back in the house he shared with Saiyah, her belongings have finally been packed and sealed somewhere safe in the house.

His house is now known as his headquarters.

The backyard where the tree full of wishes on the branches is a favorite of many clubs’s members, they’ve added their own wishes to the tree as well. The kids especially love the idea of putting their wishes there.

It is becoming a tradition to think that Mallick’s tree really does grant wishes; Mallick cannot be more delighted because it keeps Saiyah alive through their hopes and wishes. The elders who know of the story of how he lost his wife have named the tree after her, whether that sticks or not, only relies on the children they tell the stories to.

So far, hearing his late wife’s name more times than he ever thought he would be able to withstand has not been so unpleasant. Especially not when it is filled with the wonder of innocence, pondering just how real the magic in her name is.

Mallick has not had time for himself, but he’s more than happy with his current position.