Hell Bound

<rgb: 255, 0, 47)><center>''HELL BOUND'' The service industry is Hell on Earth. </center> [[Let's get to work.->Hell Bound]]

//You enter the store and immediately see that it is an absolute mess. Clothes are strewn about, and you can hear two women screaming at each other from somewhere deep in the endless store. A child's screams echo in your ears. You see a man peeing on a fake tree. A teenage girl is looking around conspicuously as she stuffs jewelry into her pocket. What fresh hell is this?// "Good morning!" You hear a high, sweet voice call out to you. Turning, you see a pretty young woman with a high ponytail. She seems charming. "Welcome to your first day! My name is Kitty and I'll be your Trainer!" //How does she know, you wonder. Your face much reflect it because she smiles good naturedly at you.// "You look new," Kitty laughs. "It's alright. That's a good thing." //Kitty extends her hand and you shake it.// "It's so great to meet you! If you'll follow me, we will get you clocked in!" //Somewhat reluctantly you follow Kitty, noticing how unbothered she is at the chaos the is occurring inside the store.// [[MAKE THAT BREAD.->Getting Acquainted]]

//Kitty leads you into the break room and you're surprised at how cozy it is. The table has a pretty crystal gem tree on it and a little votive candle that smells like a warm evening. On a shelf you see a couple of pillows and some blankets stacked neatly, and a foldable cot tucked between the shelving and counter. The break room has all of the normal things you would expect to see. A coffee maker, sink, fridge, and plenty of cabinet space. On the far end of the counter sits a computer.// "So, this is where you will clock in," Kitty explains as she pulls you towards a computer. "And all you have to do is put your last name and birthday in." //Kitty steps aside allowing you to put in your login.// "Great! Now just click 'clock in'!" //You click the button on the screen.// ''CHA-CHING'' "And now you can make that money!" Kitty cheerfully pats you on the back. //You look around the room again curiosity motivating you. As you observe the space you notice little buckets that have names on them. You point to them and look inquiringly at Kitty.// Kitty laughs and nods. "Yeah, those are the buckets where we keep our tokens. But we will get to that in a sec, the rest of the crew is showing up!" //You turn and notice seven new people have arrived. They wave to you as they walk in and start putting away the items they have carried in with them.// "Come sit and let's get to know each other!" Kitty pats the seat next to her at the table as the rest fills up. //You sit next to Kitty and look around the table.// [["Okay, so this is..."]]

Kitty is a cute young woman with long dark hair that she keeps in a high ponytail. She is affable and likes to talk with her friends. She is passionate about video games, particularly JRPG's. Kitty is also extremely knowledgeable about the store which is why she is the trainer. Her ability to answer any question with no hesitation is considered god-like by her peers. Kitty's persistence, patience, and peppy mood make her an ideal trainer and an excellent mentor to new employees. Human Resources loves her more than anyone else in the company. Or the world. Even more than her mom loves her. Kitty's preferred weapon is the sky hook used to grab items up high. The woosh it makes as she swings it through the air gives her a thrill unlike anything else. [[How is she so perfect???->"Okay, so this is..."]]

Lottie is a bimbo with two toned hair and twice as many boyfriends, but luckily her girlfriend is super okay with that. Lottie can be a bit abrasive and doesn't hesitate to tell anyone what she thinks. She is quite young and makes dumb kid mistakes all of the time, but the staff still is quite protective of her, especially Irene. Lottie is a huge flirt and is always trying to find a date, whether it be with customers or staff. In truth, Lottie is quite pure in her heart and is just a kid trying to find her way in the world. She dreams of finding her true love and leaving retail forever. Everyone knows that Lottie is a youngster lost in life and trying figure it all out. The only way she knows to be is honest, and honestly, no one really thinks she is a bimbo. Lottie likes to fight with a switchblade. She can't really fight, but she does know some super sick tricks. [[Damn girl, okay. ->"Okay, so this is..."]]

Anna is a mean lesbian, but only to those who deserve it. Which is everyone, of course. She can always be found with a snack in hand and muttering curses about customers under her breath. She hates retail but hates not being to buy her favorite foods more than idiot customers. The only time Anna shows an ounce of restraint is when it comes to Kitty, whom she has a crush on. Anna is always nice to Kitty and will threaten those that are mean to the young woman with fatal violence. She is also mostly nice to her fellow teammates but has been known to steal their food if they irritate her too much. Anna's favorite way to handle unruly customers is to call security on them and watch them get arrested. [[She sounds nice.->"Okay, so this is..."]]

Ken handles the shipment, and that is all he likes to do. Being assigned to any other task makes him as formidable as the customers. He is rather envious of Mack and his ability to lay down some tunes, as Ken is not very musically inclined. Ken also envies the ignorant bliss of the customers, but also despises them deeply. It drives him absolutely nuts that they destroy the store every single day. Where Ken is envious, he is also kind. Like every employee, he is kind to the staff, but he does enjoy a little gossip here and there. His best friend is Mack, and he has given the crooner the nickname Velvet Teddy bear. Now everyone calls Mack by that nickname. Ken's favorite way to dispatch unruly guests is to call over Irene. He thinks her rage is absolutely hilarious. If Irene isn't available, he takes off his slides and beats the customers into submission. [[Wow, he sounds like my dad.->"Okay, so this is..."]]

Lamar is the store manager and is very stern with his team. He is no nonsense when it matters and always encourages everyone to do their best at work. He takes a lot of pride in a job well done, and in having a very well-rounded team. When it comes to the people, he hires he is very protective of them. The people who work for him are more than employees, they are family. He has power over the entire store but is remarkably humble about it. He considers it an honor to work at Hell Bound and treats the store in a manner that befits a high end retail store. Some have thought this to be a little much, but his staff has a great appreciation for his dedication. Lamar uses his deep authoritative voice to get customers to chill out but in the event they pop off his trusty halberd effectively takes care of any issues. [[Gotcha. Zaddy.->"Okay, so this is..."]]

Tannis is the sleepiest person anyone has ever met. They can always be found sneaking a nap somewhere. While some may think Tannis is lazy, the truth is they are just really //tired// of the customers and all of their nonsense. Tannis is decidedly very non-confrontational and will just shrug at rowdy guests and go on with their day. Their favorite place to nap is in a secret cubby they made between two displays. Tannis doesn’t know that everyone else knows about it. When it comes down to it though, Tannis is always on point. They always complete all of their work, and always lend a hand to others in getting their work done. Tannis is quite diligent and is not satisfied until the job is completed and well. Tannis really likes to work smart, not hard and is great at problem solving. To defeat the forces of evil, as Tannis likes to call customers, they really like to disassociate and stare blankly at complainers. If it comes to throwing hands, Tannis likes to swing nunchuks wildly until their opponent runs away screaming. [[Such a vibe. ->"Okay, so this is..."]]

Irene has serious anger issues and will fight customers on sight. This is problematic as she is the assistant manager. Her favorite way to torment her enemies is by giving the same attitude they give her. There is no hesitation in the clap back, and every guest who has ever threatened to call her boss has failed to follow through. When it comes to the staff, Irene is absolutely the opposite. She cares deeply for everyone who works for her and is always patient with them. She is particularly protective of Lottie who is a lot like Irene was at that age. Irene will fight anyone who is mean to her staff, no cap. Irene's favorite weapon is the medieval morning star. She thinks the crunch of bone under the spikes is very satisfying. [[Has she like, considered therapy? ->"Okay, so this is..."]]

Mack is our short king. He is extremely charismatic and loves making money almost as much as he loves making music. This brilliant rapper keeps putting out bangers, which the entire staff loves. Often, someone hijacks the PA system and blares Mack’s latest beat much to the chagrin of shoppers. Mack will refuse to stop playing the music until someone buys his latest album. The staff really enjoys his shenanigans and his music, so they let it slide. Mack secretly loves his nickname, Velvet Teddy Bear, given to him by Ken. Mack may be comfortable taking money through coercion from customers, he is always very generous with his coworkers. He will often cook whole meals and bring them to work so that everyone may enjoy his cooking. However, the only thing he knows how to make well are deviled eggs. They absolutely slap, and the staff considers them to be a whole meal. With zero patience for any nonsense, and little patience, Mack always has a glizzy on him and will not hesitate to use it on a guest that has gotten out of hand. [[Wait, what's a glizzy?->"Okay, so this is..."]]

//You follow Kitty back onto the sales floor. She directs you towards the counter.// "Alright, so this our POS, or point of sale. Unfortunately, we never use it because none of the customers ever actually buy anything." Kitty laughs and shakes her head. //You look quizzically at Kitty, wondering how they were able to hire you if you never make any sales. Kitty seems to read your mind, and grins widely.// "I know, how can afford to stay open. All new people ask that, but no worries, you'll learn!" //You still look plenty confused, understandably, but you don't have time to ponder because Kitty pulls you from behind the register.// "No time to slack, we have customers to tend to! Ready to go?" //You nod at Kitty, but feel your hands claming up.// "It's gonna be great, don't be nervous!" //You marvel at how intuitive Kitty is, and you are extremely grateful to have her as your guide through this.// "Alright, so we are going to go department to department and I'll teach you everything I know! Sound good?" //Again, you nod. Kitty puts her hand on your back and guides you through the store.// [[Where to first?]]

//You chose to go to the Kid's department, and wow. What a mistake that was. When you and Kitty arrive it is an absolute nightmare. There are toys all over the floor, and a few aisles over you can hear a child wailing. At the end of the aisle you see a kid sticking a doll in it's mouth while it's mom shops oblivious to the disgusting child. You shiver.// "I know, right? Absolutely wretched." Kitty shakes her head and watches the kid with disdain. "Alright, time for some training. Get that kid to stop being so gross." //You look at Kitty absolutely aghast. She wants you to do what now?// "Go on, don't be shy! It'll be fine." Kitty smiles reassuringly. "I'll be right here to back you up." [[Excuse me, ma'am?"]]

A man is spraypainting the shelves with vulgarities [[Gues I gotta tell him to knock it off.]]

A couple covered in sores are trying to steal the display phones. Clearly on illegal substances. [[Greed Approach]]

Based on a true story, one time i saw a woman putting on deodorant and put in back on the shelf so now she's in hell in my game. [[This is so gross, dude. ]]

A woman is in the crafts aisle trying to get a buzz off of acrylic paints. Kitty laughs at her and urges the player to go help the woman pick the strongest color while guffawing. [[Anger Approach]]

//If you could have one wish in this life it would be that you had never walked into the Home department. Much to your horror there is a figure moving under the blankets on the display bed, well… Suggestively. You feel bile rising in your throat and you choke it back down. You look over at Kitty.// “Yeah, I know. It happens every day.” she says matter-of-factly, utterly unperturbed by the scene in front of y’all. [[I guess I’ll go… Resolve this.-> Lust Approach]]

//You are ignored as you approach the woman. You know she heard you because she gave you a mean side eye as you walked up. You clear your throat.// ''AHEM'' "Are you sick or something?" The woman looks you up and down, disgusted. //She scoffs at you and looks away, ignoring you again, not even giving you a chance to reply to her.// "What are you going to do now," Kitty calls to you questioningly. //You cock your head a little and furrow your brow at the woman, considering your options.// [[Memories of->Violence]] //You decide to say...// [["Ma'am, can you please have your child stop sticking dolls in their mouth?"]] [["Hey, ugly, get that doll outcha mouth."]]

The man insists he was just testing out the paint. Peaceful option -You agree and help him pick the best paint to vandalize someone elses walls with. (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoints +5) [[Why do they lie so much?->Level 6]]

The man is taken aback that you got an attitude with him and threatens to call corporate. Violent option -Character Summon -Summon attacks -Player attacks (set: $HellPoints to $HellPoints +5) [[I don't know who he thought he was talking to.->Level 6]]

The mom is absolutely furious that you would tell her how to parent. Peaceful Option -You simply explain that you don't want her child to get sick from any germs on the doll. (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoints +5) [[Lord give me patience.->Level 7]]

//The woman whirls around and screeches like a bird. You turn and look her dead in the eye, a challenge to come at you sideways. A burning urge for her to test you. She considers it for a moment. She chooses incorrectly.// "How ''DARE'' you yell at ''MY'' child?!" She demands an answer, redfaced. //You can see her skin turning colors and now you must really decide. Do you really want to fight her?// Violent Option: Perhaps if you hadn't ignored me and been rude we could have resolved this, but if you wanna act up you can get smashed up. //The woman screams and her skin begins to melt and reform itsself. Suddenly, she is transformed into screeching harpy with taloned hands and feet. She has ugly, deformed wings and skin that looks like an oil slick. It looks oddly beautiful as it shimmers with rainbows in the fluorescent lights.// //Distracted by the mesmerizing shine of the harpy's flesh, you don't realize that the child has also morphed into a harpy. It is truly an enchantingly grotesque creature with the same flesh as it's mother, but it was shaped like a defeathered bird and made your blood chill.// -Character Summon -Summon attack -Player attack (set: $HellPoints to $HellPoints +5) [[Get sick and die then, I don't care.->Level 7]]

The couple tries to yank the phones out violently and are breathing heavily with effort. Still trying to figure out how to peacefully subdue these two. Usually it's redirection to something similar, but I can't think of a healthy and reasonable solution presently. (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoints +5) [[Well that went unexpectedly well.->Level 4 ]]

You point out that phones are worthless and its pointless to try to steal them because they don't work. The couple bursts into a pair of flaming demons. Ken is the NPC. I think it would be hilarious if Ken just beat them up with his slides. Nothing gory or violent. They just cry and ask for forgiveness or something. (set: $HellPoints to $HellPoints +5) [[I'm so sick of people.->Level 4 ]]

The lady actually accepts your help and you find out she wants to paint a portrait of satan leaving you utterly speechless. Peacful option -You help her select several paints that you hope will help her out, you guess. (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoints +5) [[These people wild.->Level 5]]

Lady vehemently denies trying to get a buzz off of paints, accuses player of some nonsense. Need something more for this. The monster in this level should be something like a Hydra. Damage done seems to make her stronger and maybe can be defeated by a "aint even gonna pay you no mind" battle. Mack shoots the Hydra thing with no impact and then decides to simply ignore her. The player and Mack just walk away and she implodes with anger. (set: $HellPoints to $HellPoints +5) [[Good Lord ->Level 5]]

The lady ignores the player and pretends as if she has done nothing wrong. Peaceful option -Lady stomps off and the player retrieves the used item to be thrown away after it is deducted from the inventory. (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoints +5) [[Just, why?->Endgame]]

The lady immediately tranforms into a monster and dares the player to try to kick her out. Violent Option -Character Summon -Summon attack -Player attack (set: $HellPoints to $HellPoints +5) [[Defeated sigh->Endgame]]

The man huffs at you and wraps himself in the blanket and mutters "Why is everyone trying to ruin my fun?!" "Sir, you just can't do //that// in the store." Kitty reminds him. "Well why not?" He stares you both down. Kitty gestures to the store vaguely. "And?" He huffs again. //You walk up to him and place a hand on his back. He wiggles his eyebrows at you, and you roll your eyes. You guide him to a wide aisle a few feet away and steer him to the right. Pointing down the massive aisle you show him a massive sign that hangs from the ceiling.// "Oooh, thank you! I didn't know that there was an adult section here!" His bare feet slap happily on the floor as he skitters off to get into new trouble. "He says that every time." //You jump, not realizing Kitty has walked up beside you. She has a playful smile on her face when you look over and scowl at her.// "Pretty wild out here, huh?" Kitty laughs and slaps you on the back. (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoints +5) [[It's certainly something.->Level 2]]

“B-beat my ass?” He quivers fearfully. //You smile smugly and fold your arms, nodding, pleased at his terror.// Unexpectedly, he whirls around on his hands and knees and looks back at you with a blush coloring his cheeks. “Please?” //You hear Kitty cackling behind you and you stand, frozen in shock. What? Why? Who is this man? What are you going to do?// //Memories from Lottie come to you and you feel the rage bubble up from the depths of your soul.// Lottie strolls up and stands next to you, examining the pervert with cold eyes. "Back at it again, is he?" //With clenched fists you nod at Lottie, and she nods back. You understand one another.// "So, no spankings?" The naked man looks disappointed. "Hard pass." Lottie answers for you both. The disgusting man hisses at you both as his flesh erupts and a terrible monster emerges covered in blood and bits of flesh. A long, pointed tongue unfurls from its mouth and lashes out at you and Lottie. Deftly, you both avoid it, and the demon unleashes an ear-splitting screech as it leaps down from the bloodied bed. It stands at full height, at least 8 feet tall. Its flesh is an unsightly shade of purple striped with brown. The smell is utterly disgusting. Lottie attacks him first with a swift kick to his abdomen before she slips behind him and kicks the creature behind his knees. With an unearthly screech he falls to the ground and Lottie is on top of him. With speed that could only come from practice, she loops her arm around his neck and pulls his head back and his body upwards. A few flicks of her blade and Lottie has artfully plunged it into the demon monsters chest. It shrieks and thrashes about, managing to fling Lottie into a nearby display. The monster stands once again and pulls the knife from it's body. He spots you and comes at you, hideous claws outstretched and ready to kill. //Viciously, you lunge at the creature and punch into its chest where the knife was. Your hand sinks through the putrid flesh and you push into your elbow. Wailing, the demon tries to flee, but you push your other hand in and grab it’s ribcage. Using all of the strength in your body, you rip the ribcage open and pull out the demon's heart. It collapses, dead, at your feet. Lottie is limping towards you with a cruel smile and a thumbs up. Kitty is beaming with pride.// (set: $HellPoints to $HellPoints +5) [[I hate this job. ->Level 2]]

There is a points system that I have to figure out how to do still and this is where it is revealed that the player is in Hell, but they only work there. They are actually in heaven and tormenting damned souls that were cruel to people who worked in the service industry while they lived. Heaven will appear and they get to retire from work because they have no more anger to work out as is evident due to them chosing primarily peaceful paths. (set: _Heaven to [[Heaven]]) (if: $HeavenPoints > $HellPoints)[_Heaven] Hell will appear after the player has chosen a life of violence and torment against the damned souls. (set: _Hell to [[Hell]]) (if: $HellPoints > $HeavenPoints)[_Hell]

In this ending the player gathers up blue tokens and has enough to "retire" from their job in heaven, which is to torment those that were cruel to service workers from all walks of life. Yay! [[Lemme try again!->Welcome to Retail Hell]]

You're still in heaven, you just get to work in these people's hell and torment them for as long as you like. I don't want the player to be punished in this game. The point is release some of the tension and anger that comes from working in the service industry. Ungrateful job. [[Lemme try again!->Welcome to Retail Hell]]

DING //The elevator doors woosh open. A blast of cold air hits your face. You breathe deeply and put on the biggest smile, and yet it still doesn't reach your eyes.// A disembodied robotic voice fills the hallway, but you cannot tell where it comes from. There are not any visible speakers. "Please proceed." The mechanical voice echoes out. //You step into the cool hallway and hear faint music playing in the background. You walk down a no descript white hall. The echo of your footsteps reverberates off the walls, but you can't hear it over the intense pounding in your heart that fills your ears.// //Reaching the end of the hall and you can only go right. You look down the passage and you see it.// Your new job. [[Hell Bound->Enter the store]]

//You slowly walk up to the bed, swallowing hard. This is possibly the grossest thing you’ve ever had to do. You question all of your life choices up till this point. Why didn’t you find a better job? Why are they doing this? Maybe you could just quit now?// //No. // //You steel yourself and yank down the blanket.// “HEY!” A fully naked man yells indignantly at you. //Thankfully, he is alone under the blanket, but now you’re perplexed by the noises you heard. You could have sworn there were two people here...// The man eyes you lasciviously and you immediately feel uncomfortable is it brings back [[memories->Lust (Memory)]].

Choose between peace and violence. [[Memory->Fraud]] [[Sorry ma'am, but you can't test it before you buy it.]] [[You nasty ass, take yaself out this store.]]

The woman gets defensive simply by the player walking up. Kitty is still snickering in the background. [[Memories->Anger (Memory)]]

You walk up to the couple and they ask if you need a plug and wink. Or twitch, truly you are unsure. Possibly make this one a little hard to decide on as well. Addiction is a disease and we don't want mentally ill people in hell for no reason. Make them insufferable but also pitiful. [[Memories->Greed (Memory)]]

You gently get the mans attention and ask what he is doing. He wonders what you think he is doing, and calls you dumb. Choose between peace and violence. [[Memories->Hearsay]] [[Hey, sir? I'm sorry, but you can't spray the shelves with paint.]] [[Bruh, have you lost your mind?]]

Kitty points to each person around the table, each one looking at you with varying levels of interest, but not unkindly. You are eager to get to know them. [[Lottie (Lust)]] [[Kitty (Hearsay)]] [[Anna (Gluttony)]] [[Ken (Greed)]] [[Lamar (Fraud)]] [[Tannis (Sloth)]] [[Irene (Violence)]] [[Mack (Anger)]] "Great, now that you know everyone, let's go over the basics!" [[Okay, great. ]]

"So, our first stop is the home department, but first there are some things you should know." //Curious, you tilt you head bidding Kitty to tell you more.// "First, these customers are not like anyone else you have every dealt with before. Kitty pauses dramatically for a moment before continuing. "Well, they will try to fight you." //Shrugging, you are unbothered by the idea. It's not like a customer hasn't tried to fight you before.// "Well fine, don't take me seriously." Kitty huffs a little, but she softens immediately. "Just know that how you treat these customers will impact your employment here at the end of the day." //Your eyes dart to Kitty, shocked and slightly worried. You certainly don't want to make a bad impression.// Kitty laughs at you and shakes her head. "Not in a bad way! We just need to see if you're a good fit here! If not, we have another place for you." //Your shoulders slump in relief and you gesture for Kitty to lead the way.// "So, our first stop is..." [[Home]] (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoint +0)(set: $HellPoints to $HellPoint +0)

//It was a simmering summer afternoon and you opted for a simple tank top and shorts paired with an airy duster. You felt clean and comfortable until he walked in. His eyes were dark and beady, filling you with immediate discomfort as they followed you around your store. You made it behind the register and stayed there, not wanting to be trapped somewhere on the sales floor with his groping stare. You watched him mill about out of the corner of your eyes until he decided on what to buy. When he finally made it to the register, he smiled in a way that could only be described as sinister. Looking down your shirt, he gave a satisfied nod before looking into your eyes. "Nice." was all he said. "That will be $16.51." Lottie's voice came from your mouth, but it was strangled in tension. You felt Lottie's horror and embarrassment. You saw her go home after work and throw the shirt away. You felt the rawness of her flesh as she tried to scrub his gaze off of her skin. You felt the shame, the discomfort, the powerlessness.// [[Make a decision->Lust Choice]]

"Well done!" Kitty praises you with a smile. "There are no wrong answers here, and I know it must have been a hard choice to make." //You nod pensively, heartened that you made the best choice in your opinion. This certainly isn't going to be an easy first day.// "You ready to move on to the next department?" [[Sure thing.->Grocery]]

"So, Grocery isn't too far off. It's just around this aisle." Kitty leads you down from the bedding and right into the frozen foods. "See?" //You nod, they layout of the store is simple enough. It is also quite helpful that there are signs everywhere.// Premise for Glutton: A man is like straight up eating out of the boxes and drinking out of jugs of juice. [[Glutton Approach]]

As the player approaches the man tries to pretend he wasn't doing what we saw him do. Player should be able to spot half eaten items in the cart. Maybe the man tries to offer some of the food in a YOLO type way. Probably a stoner. [[Memories->Glutton (Memory)]]

Memory of a time someone was a glutton. Possibly in a resturaunt setting where someone orders food off of the little computers some big chains have these days. Denies they did it when it comes time to pay the bill. This has actually happened to me smh. Anna's POV. [[Path Choice->Glutton Choice]]

Monster in this passage is inspired by Muk from Pokemon. Will consume everything in sight and is just a blob. NPC is Anna. (set: $HellPoints to $HellPoints +5) [[Level 3]]

Non-violent deterrant is simply to direct the Sinner to the free samples, which are endless. Dude is mad grateful and gives the player a thumbs up. Pretty wholesome. (set: $HeavenPoints to $HeavenPoints +5) [[Level 3]]

Kitty praises the player for how they handled the glutton. Backstory on the player. Possible things to bring up: -How they died -What they did before Keep as vauge as possible to include a wide varity of service workers. [[Electronics]]

Greed memory premise: someone trying to use a coupon that is very clearly expired. Memory from Ken's POV. [[Greed Choice]]

Need to include further character backstory, but I am truly stumped on what it should be. Maybe highlight each sin/virtue in the player as the levels progress? [[Crafts]]

This memory will be of anger, but two types. An angry racist and the justified anger of a black man. Will need to speak to a black man who deals with this and make sure I get all of the feelings right. Will not be consulting with racists. Mack is the NPC for this. [[Anger Choice]]

[[Automotive]]

[[Gues I gotta tell him to knock it off.]]

[[Kids]]

The sun shines brightly through the windows of the small shop. Shoppers bustle around the semi crowded store and touch everything despite the signs urging them not to. The southern heat is oppressive and loud, leaving no one unscathed. Sweat drips down all faces as the air conditioner struggles to keep up. Even you feel warm though you know this is nothing but a memory. You look around trying to figure out which of the crew this is. Looking over you see Lamar. So it's Irene. Lamar looks over and makes eye contact so Irene shoots him some finger guns. He shoots them back and you feel Irene dramatically clutch her chest. Gagging on imagined blood she pretends to fall to the floor in the throes of death. Lamar laughs and then so does Irene. "You clown." Lamar grins as he walks over. "No, I don't like clowns." Irene quips. "Then why do you date so many?" "Why you let me do that," Irene asks with a side eye glance at Lamar. "Aht, aht, I'm simply the store manager. Once you clock out you're not my business anymore." "Boo, I need a life manager though." "No cap." Lamar has a shit-eating grin on his face. "Don't you get tired of roasting me all of the time?" Irene huffs and crosses her arms. "No," Lamar replies simply. Irene laughs and playfully shoves Lamar. He pretends to fall into a fixture and takes some of the product with him. They both share a laugh and then a comfortable silence. Watching the store together they feel empowered by the other. "Imma go to the back for a minute." Lamar pats Irene on the shoulder and walks away. Irene gives him a nod and begins to walk the store again. Then she spots him. A man in his late fifties not wearing his mask properly. She feels her chest tighten in anticipation of an argument. That's how it goes these days. A fight over a simple request to keep everyone safe. Tensely, she approches. "Sir, could you please keep your mask above your nose?" Irene is as cheerful as she can be. "I really don't want to." The strange man looks down at her, spite in his eyes. "I understand sir, it's just our company policy and a state mandate." "It's stupid is what it is." "Ha, yeah, but I still need you do it." Irene is smiling the best she can, but the anxiety is like a vice on her chest and you can feel the breaths struggling to come. The man snaps the mask over his nose, his eyes flinching, and he turns his back and walks away. Irene releases a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. [[Excuse me, ma'am?"]]

[[Health & Beauty]]

[[This is so gross, dude. ]]

working our way to endgame [[Ending]]

"Don't forget, your decisions matter! Go get 'em, kid!" Kitty calls cheerfully to you. //You ponder for a moment. It wasn't// this //man, but it wasn't much different. This man is being lewd and the man in memory was lewd. You could still taste Lottie's discomfort, mostly because you could taste your own discomfort from this man.// "What will you do?" Kitty wonders to no one inp articular. [[Sir, please don't.]] [[I'm finna beat yo ass.]]

Making a choice. Should be pretty hard. The man isn't really rude, but you still have a job to do. [[Violent]] [[Non violent]]

Decide on whether or not the rude tweakers need to be punished or not. [[Y'all, those don't even work...]] [[Hi, can I help you with those?]]

Decide between how to handle the situation. I think I want to encourage the player to choose violence this time. Maybe the woman should be extremely rude and just get super angry at the player for just doing their job. [[Oh hey there, did you need help picking a color?]] [[Can you even get high off of that?]]