"Error. Gangmaker System Unlocked."
Jamie stared at the sudden message that flickered before his eyes, golden letters hovering in the air for only a moment before fading away. Though surprise coursed through him, he kept his expression neutral, not allowing even a flicker to betray his thoughts. Beside him, Jay floated inquisitively, the ethereal being's eyes widening as he tried to glimpse the mysterious notification.
"Thank you for your time, Captain. I'll be at the Broken Eagle Tavern—your men can find me there," Jamie said smoothly, offering a polite nod. He was eager to leave the stale, musty office, the air thick with the scent of damp wood and lingering smoke.
Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode out of the room, his boots tapping lightly against the worn stone floor. He navigated the maze of the fortress's corridors, passing guards and officials who paid him little heed. The torches flickered in their sconces, casting dancing shadows along the walls, until he finally emerged into the open courtyard.
Breathing in the fresh air, Jamie made his way toward the bustling streets of the commercial district. His cloak billowed gently behind him as he weaved through the crowds—merchants hawking their wares, shoppers haggling over prices, street performers entertaining anyone gathered.
'If I'd given an address in the Lower Quarter, the guards would scarcely bother to look for me there,' Jamie mused, a wry smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
The Broken Eagle Tavern stood proudly ahead, a stark contrast to the dilapidated Fat Pig. Its sturdy wooden walls were reinforced with exposed beams, giving it a rustic yet welcoming appearance. The blue-tinted glass windows shimmered under the sunlight, casting a cool glow on the cobblestone streets below. Terracotta tiles covered the sloped roof, where green vines and patches of moss clung to the edges, as if nature itself sought to embrace the building.
Just looking at the tavern evoked feelings of warmth and hospitality—it was a haven for the weary traveler. Unlike the Fat Pig, which practically advertised its sour odors and questionable clientele at best, the Broken Eagle promised comfort and respite.
Jamie was well acquainted with the establishment. During his first days in the city, he had spent time within its walls on more than one occasion. Yet, despite its charm and offerings, the tavern often remained curiously empty, overshadowed by the more competitive venues nearby.
Around the tavern, villagers moved about their day—engaging in animated conversations, bartering at market stalls, and sharing laughter that filled the air. Children darted between adults, playing games and chasing one another with carefree abandon. A banner bearing a blue eagle with golden accents fluttered gently in the breeze, signaling that this was more than just a place to drink—it was a gathering spot for travelers and adventurers seeking rest and stories. The enticing aromas of freshly baked bread and roasted meats wafted from the open doorway, promising warmth and satisfaction to all who entered.
Jamie didn't tarry among the inviting tables of the ground floor, nor did he indulge in the tempting fare that teased his senses. There were more pressing matters at hand. He ascended the wooden staircase to the second floor, the steps creaking softly underfoot, and went to his room.
As he entered, Jay flitted past him and leaped onto the bed, sprawling luxuriously across the crisp linens. The room was modest but clean—a marked improvement over the accommodations at the Fat Pig. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow over the simple furnishings.
"Well then, what exactly is this Gangmaker System?" Jamie wondered aloud, his mind returning to the cryptic message he'd received.
"Not a clue," Jay replied, his tail swishing lazily. "Even in my days among the nobility, I never encountered anything like that."
Jamie nodded thoughtfully.
Settling himself at the small writing desk by the window, Jamie closed his eyes and took a deep breath, centering himself. He reached inward, focusing his thoughts, and summoned his Status Page.
| James Frostwatch (Soul: James Murtagh)
| Experience: [220 / 2000]
| Attributes
| Strength - 11
| Dexterity - 15
| Constitution - 11
| Intelligence - 16
| Wisdom - 14
| Charisma - 18
| Magics
| Dancing Lights [1/1]
| Detect Magic [1/1]
| Ghost Sound [1/1]
| Alarm [1/1]
| Cause Fear [1/1]
| Blessings
| Memories of the Past
| Legends of the Future
| Gangmaker
"A third blessing?" Jamie whispered, eyebrows arching in surprise. "I only had two before. Where did this come from?"
Perched on the windowsill, Jay tilted his head, his luminous eyes reflecting the golden glow of the floating text. The spectral feline stretched languidly before responding. "Is it common to acquire a new blessing?" Jamie asked, turning to his companion.
Jay considered the question, scratching behind one ear with a translucent paw. "Common? Hmm, not exactly. But it's not unheard of," he replied. "Usually, it takes time—to draw the attention of the gods through heroic deeds. Slaying dragons, rescuing princesses, that sort of thing."
Jamie nodded thoughtfully. "So, this is... unusual."
"Quite," Jay agreed, leaping gracefully onto the desk to peer closer at the swirling letters. "But perhaps the gods have taken a particular interest in you."
Taking a deep breath, Jamie reached out and touched the word [Gangmaker]. The letters pulsed beneath his fingertip, and a new set of information unfolded like pages turning in an invisible book:
[Gangmaker]
| Headquarter: The Fat Pig
| Territory: Around the Fat Pig
| Reputation: 0
| Gold: 0
| Gang
| Boss: Jamie Frostwatch
| Lieutenant: Empty
| Members Slots: [0/5]
| [Lieutenant]
| Select someone to be your second hand in your gang
| Whenever the Boss receives experience, the Lieutenant will be awarded the same experience.
"Reputation, Gold... so many new things," Jamie murmured, scanning the contents with keen interest.
"Indeed," Jay said, his tail swishing thoughtfully. "But unlike your other abilities, these seem quite straightforward. It appears that one of the gods wishes to aid you on your journey."
As if in response, a shimmering message appeared.
[The God of Thieves is watching you.]
Jamie felt a chill run down his spine, followed by a surge of excitement. "I see," he whispered. "This aligns perfectly with my plans."
Jay's whiskers twitched. "You have a penchant for... unconventional paths."
| Reputation
| Represents how well-known your gang is in your city.
| This status can evolve—from local fame to national, even global recognition.
| Increase your reputation to receive new bonuses.
"Simple enough," Jamie said confidently.
| Gold
| The amount of money your gang possesses.
| Use it in the world or to purchase special bonuses.
| Members Slots
| Recruit individuals to join your gang.
| Whenever the Boss gains experience, members who are physically close to the Boss will receive the same experience.
| Territory
| The area influenced by your gang.
| Expand your territory by increasing your reputation and the number of members.
| Within your territory, your members receive buffs.
| Buffs:
| +3 Perception
Jamie leaned back in his chair, the worn wood creaking softly beneath him. He rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the complexity settling upon his shoulders.
"Impressive and complex," he mused aloud. "It will take some time to get used to all these options."
Perched on the windowsill, Jay watched him with luminous eyes that mirrored the candle's glow. The ethereal cat stretched lazily, his tail flicking with idle curiosity. "Yes," Jay agreed, "but at least now your next steps are clearer. Even to me."
Jamie arched an eyebrow, a hint of a challenge in his gaze. "Oh? And what might those be?"
Jay hopped down onto the table, carefully avoiding the scattered papers. "Well, you need to recruit some members, don't you? That way, you can expand your territory, increase your reputation, and of course, your wealth."
A wry smile tugged at the corner of Jamie's mouth. "In a manner of speaking, yes," he conceded. "However, while all of this operates much like the mechanics of a game, let's not forget that we're not playing one. Our successes won't go unnoticed, and others won't sit idly by as we rise."
Jay nodded, his ears twitching thoughtfully. "True. Every action has its consequences."
"Precisely," Jamie said. "Each step must be taken with careful consideration, always thinking of how to limit our opponents. Moreover, simply acquiring territory for the sake of it doesn't guarantee an increase in wealth. We need to be smart."
The feline cocked his head, his gaze steady.
Jamie reached out and absentmindedly scratched Jay behind the ears. "And remember," he continued, his tone growing more serious, "our mission isn't just about growing a gang. It's merely a means to an end—a way to gather more information about the whereabouts of Nytheris."
Jay replied, "Of course. Finding Nytheris is our true goal."