"That's what I'm here for, Matulo," Hobland says. "To teach you what you need to know to survive."
He explains his security protocols, which are serious. You have to respect him, though, because he doesn't treat you as a dumb kid. He's not some kind of cultist who worships the Garou, but your status automatically earns you respect in his eyes, and you feel compelled to live up to it. But as you walk, it's obvious how much time Hobland devotes just to maintaining his bug-out trails, checking his cameras, watching for trouble. You're not even sure if he'll have time to teach you.
Your phone chimes, and you check it. Your boss wants you in early tomorrow. There's also an email from Elton waiting for you; he wants you to start patrolling Northampton in lupus form.
"We're all just treading water," Hobland says. "This world is built so no one can get ahead. You cut ties and tell yourself you're 'free,' but free to do what? To watch for threats. No time to grow, to learn. No slack in this world, only the grind. Even out here. You're going to have to push back and make room for your own time, Matulo. You can do that in a way I can't, of course: drive back the people killing this land, hunting us, ruining the spirits I can't see but you can, and you can spend time with me or Lucinda, learn and grow like G-d wants us to. And money helps. I do okay, but the others? Lucinda's art friends are always broke, and she spends all her time helping them. And Roscoe always needs bail money. Help them there, and they'll help you. I know this place looks like I'm cut off from the world, but no: we're all in this together."
(Time is money: the more you have, the more you can spend to support your human teachers, and the more you can learn from them.)
Free Days: 0
Strength: ●●●○○
Resolve: ●●●●○
Manipulation: ●●○○○
Aim: ○○○
Combat: ●○○
Survival: ○○○
Intimidation: ●●○
Subterfuge: ○○○
Strength: 8 days
Resolve: 10 days
Manipulation: 6 days
Aim: 1 day
Combat: 2 days
Survival: 1 day
Intimidation: 3 days
Subterfuge: 1 day
I leave Hobland's compound.
Next