The One That Didn't Work Out

In the fallout of the crew's score at the Second Step, the Lampblacks push their attack on the Red Sashes. A group of young students from the sword temple are ambushed and immolated by Lampblacks throwing molotov cocktails from the rooftops following an attempt by the Sashes to intimidate local Crow's Foot residents.

In response to all this, the Bluecoats arrive in force. Provisionally here to represent Doskvol as a city, it's an open secret that the Crows have welcomed the support. The Bluecoats search for the culprits behind the Second Stair score. That event hurt a lot of big players in town, and someone needs to hang for it. The Bluecoats don't care who as long as someone fits the noose.

While all of this rages on, Nor and Aitrus decide to look for a way to expand their territory. After consulting with their demon acquaintance, Setarra, they find the right target. Setarra points them towards some turf held by the Red Sashes. A speakeasy at night, a numbers shop by day, this basement under a Skovlan cornerstore is what comes up. Nor and Aitrus survey the area along with the help of their nameless ghost friend who reveals that she doesn't remember her name.

A number of street kids act as runners for the Sashes. They hang around outside the shop. When the nameless ghost scouts the inside of the store, Aitrus and Nor notice the familiar look of shock as one of the children perceives the ghost. A potential future Whisper, if they live that long. When the ghost returns they discover another way in through the sewers. The pair go to investigate.

Unfortunately, their investigation runs afoul of some loading and unloading going on at the back of the operation and both Aitris and Nor are discovered and badly injured. Nor is stabbed in the gut and Aitrus is shot in the chest. Aitrus manages to find a ghost door and escape with Nor. After limping back to their lair, they spend the next few days healing under the eyes of a paid physicker.

The Bluecoats, catching wind of this, investigate and question Setarra. She doesn't give up the crew, but between this and the survivors of the attack at the speakeasy, the Red Sashes are on alert and the heat is rising for the crew.