Silver Strip Syndicate
 Silver Strip Syndicate |
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Overview |
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Location: Cape Acadia, Northern Tides, Residence
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Demographics |
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Player Count: 2 / 10 Characters: 6 / 15 (3 NPCs) |
Introduction
The Syndicate came together in the aftermath of New Caledonia's destruction to provide safety, comradery and profit for remaining members who wished to stay. The band splits its time between raising livestock, trading with travelers, and planning heists. They are currently based out of the Winthraka home in what used to be New Caledonia's Silver Strip, which is their namesake.
They created a little farmstead called the SSS Ranch, said aloud as the Triple S Ranch. They do legitimate trade through goods created there, and it is a cover for their more nefarious activities.
Although the loner band is officially disbanded, the characters listed as active below still live at the ranch.
Membership
Hokori Tanaka — The Balrog
March 2023 - Present | Player: Smike | Hoofstock: 2/2
Hokori became the Balrog because of her terrible strength and her knack for violence, traits she’s retained since the fall of Caledonia. She’s in charge of the gang’s more overt heists, keeping an ear out for tempting targets and people looking for mercenaries.
Arran Fir-Chlis — The Shepherd
March 2023 - Present | Player: Myst | Hoofstock: 2/2
Arran gained his title when the band members were still part of New Caledonia after a series of goat escape and rescue events. Unlike the rest of the band members, Arran doesn’t knowingly participate in any... below board activities. He stays at the farmstead and cares for the livestock, unwittingly providing cover for his friends.
Siora Fir-Chlis — The Witch
March 2023 - Present | Player: Myst | Hoofstock: 2/2
Siora's title comes from her Wiccan-based beliefs, which are mixed with other cultures that she has come across. In the Syndicate, she helps earn income through legitimate tarot and rune readings, and sometimes a little bit of ridiculous 'fortune teller' trope shenanigans.
Benjamin Winthrop — The Mountebank
March 2023 - Present | cNPC of: Hokori Tanaka | Hoofstock: 2/2
Known for his 'charming' personality, silver laden tongue and sticky fingers, Benjamin gained his well-earned title amongst the finality of New Caledonia's last stand. A man devoted to wily profession, he seeks all things shiny, sparkly and, most importantly, valuable. Benji is the con-man of the group, slithering through the shadows and always coming out one jump ahead and a fistful richer.
Soron Fir-Chlis — The Abettor
March 2023 - Present | cNPC of: Arran Fir-Chlis | Hoofstock: 2/2
Soron enjoys building things, having learned some of the skill while living in Portland and has an active role in putting up the new structures. She helps out wherever she can, which involves a lot of watching over the livestock at the moment.
Tuilinn Fir-Chlis — The Abettor
March 2023 - Present | cNPC of: Siora Fir-Chlis | Hoofstock: 2/2
Tuilinn's skills lean towards healing. She's good at taking care of minor ailments, patching up wounds, and preventing infection where possible. She also pitches in where needed.
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Daniel is a former pack mate of the band members and will join at some point. |
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John Winthrop
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Who was this person? What did they do for the band? Are they expected to return or are they ne'er to be seen again? Give us the scoop! |
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Seaborne Wyatt
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Who was this person? What did they do for the band? Are they expected to return or are they ne'er to be seen again? Give us the scoop! |
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Tavor Fir-Chlis
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Who was this person? What did they do for the band? Are they expected to return or are they ne'er to be seen again? Give us the scoop! |
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Waynescott Wyatt
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Who was this person? What did they do for the band? Are they expected to return or are they ne'er to be seen again? Give us the scoop! |
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Zsorthia Mercedes
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Who was this person? What did they do for the band? Are they expected to return or are they ne'er to be seen again? Give us the scoop! |
Animal NPCs
Personal Hoofstock
Other Personal Animals
Species: Cat
Gender: Female
Born: 2020
Location: Fir-Chlis house or wandering
Communally Owned Animals
The Hens
Species: Chickens
Gender: Female
Born: 2022
Location: Chicken coop, the garden, or with their best friend, Benji
History: Henrietta and Henevieve, you know, then Hens. Acquired by Hokori on behalf of the band at auction from Del Cenere Gang during the 2023 Lancaster Stockshow.
Personality: Generally friendly enough to Luperci handling. They may try to take food directly instead of waiting patiently for it to be scattered. They are sometimes brought into the garden to help with pest control.
Sheep
Species: Sheep
Gender: 3x ewes, 1x ram
Ewes Born: 2019, 2020, 2021
Ram Born: 2021
Location: Sheep and goat pen
History: The 2019 ewe is called Q-tip; the rest are unnamed. The sheep were claimed when New Caledonia disbanded.
Personality: They are a little skittish and tend to stick together while grazing. They will accept treats and affection as long as quick movements are avoided.
NPC Rule Attachments: 2 ewes attached to Tuilinn, 1 ewe attached to Benji, 1 ram attached to Hokori
Wynona
Species: Horse
Gender: Mare
Born: 2011
Location: pasture
History: Originally owned by Solomon James and acquired by Del Cenere Gang. Acquired by Hokori Tanaka in the 2022 Lancaster Stockshow and donated to New Caledonia, then reclaimed by Hokori when New Caledonia disbanded.
Personality: Wynona can be a difficult horse, especially with inexperienced riders. She will throw her weight around to get her way and isn't above nipping, either. She is trained for riding, with high endurance and an ambling gait.
NPC Rule Attachments: attached to Hokori
Culture
The syndicate's culture is generally one of acceptance of a variety of influences, rather than one cohesive set of beliefs. Because their numbers are so low, everyone is expected to carry their own weight. At the same time, if someone is injured or ill, they are supported through it. On the surface, they seem like a wholesome farming family, which hides their penchant for sometimes unsavory actions.
Influences
The spiritual aspects of the Syndicate are somewhat diverse, and no one is required to follow any specific belief system.
Dúr Influence
Having been born in New Caledonia, Hokori grew to follow Dúr, the god associated with the Aegis clan.
Menel Influence
The Fir-Chlis family were from the Menel clan in Old Caledonia and New Caledonia, and Arran has carried on with his beliefs in the dual gods, Valleui and Valleuar. There is a small shrine to the dual gods outside the Winthraka house, out of reach of the goats.
Wiccan Influence
Although Siora is from the Fir-Chlis family, she never lived in Old Caledonia; her father was a refugee of the destruction. The Wiccan beliefs come from her mother's side of the family, although Siora has incorporated aspects of her extended family's beliefs as well, including hints of the River Goddess of her Morelli family and and the Cormiers.
Traditions
Here is a spot where you can talk about their main cultural things!
Hell Screaming Hour
This started as a goofy activity when Benji moved in next door to Arran, where ether Benji and an Fir-Chlis would howl, and everyone would join in. Why is it called the "Hell Screaming Hour"? Glad you asked. Thanks to his drop of Jackal heritage, Benji's howl is more like a screech, the pitch high enough to shatter glass if any had survived the Red Star. The tradition continued when Benji and Hoko moved out of City Square, and now it continues as part of the Syndicate.
Annual Celebrations
Some members celebrate holidays associated with their beliefs, such as Winsol for Siora. Everyone is welcome to participate in them if they'd like.
Title Conventions
Syndicate member titles are generally based on the role a character has or something that suits their personality. In the case of Hoko, Benji, and Arran, their Syndicate titles are the ones they received upon completing their Grand Quests in New Caledonia.
Location
The Silver Strip
The Silver Strip is made up of a swath of birch trees with thick ferns growing below them. During warmer months, it's lush and green, and the leaves turn a bright, cheerful yellow in the fall.
Links
Northern Tides SubForum | Northern Tides | Silver Strip
Pictures
Click to view larger
SSS Ranch
The Syndicate's home is set at the SSS Ranch, or Triple S Ranch, in what used to be New Caledonia's Silver Strip. The area started only with the Winthraka house, home to Hokori and Benji when it was still New Caledonia packlands. The band has since expanded using supplies scavenged from New Caledonia's former City Square, including taking all of the viable lumber from Arran's home and some of the other buildings and stretches of fencing.
Click to view larger
Winthraka House
The Winthraka (Benji Winthrop, Hokori Tanaka) house is a large structure, big enough to host much of the band, although it began getting a little cramped as more members joined.
The home has a main living space with a cast iron stove, a table, and shelving for storage. The floors are protected by furs that they move around as needed. A storage room has more shelving to hold the many items that Hoko and Benji have... accumulated. Their bedroom has a bed and another storage cabinet.
Click to view larger
Fir-Chlis Home & The Barn
Near the Winthraka house is a two-bedroom house built for the Fir-Chlis family, which is attached to the barn. It has a main room for the kitchen and living space with a table and some shelving. The back door opens into the sheep and goat pasture, giving quick access to the barn as well. The two bedrooms have piles of fur. Behind the house, up against the fence is an overhang to shelter Siora's wagon.
The barn is made of two rooms, one large one to provide shelter for the small hoofstock, and a smaller room for storage with a sturdy door that successfully locks the dang goats out. There is a water trough inside, along with a spot for feed.
Click to view larger
The Campsite
Originally established near the other buildings by the Waytts, the campsite consists of a cleared area where a large tent could go and a fire pit. There is also a hitching post and a water trough for when horses are kept at the campsite.
Click to view larger
The Pastures
The barn doors open into a pasture for the sheep and goats, and the barn is usually open for them to come and go as they please. A gate leads to another set of pastures. The mares and caribou are in one pasture that extends into the woods while the male equines are in another. They have lean-tos for shelter and a stable is in progress.
Inventory
Tradeable Goods
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Cannabis |
 Credit: Piyapong89 |
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Supply: 5 Packets | Trade: Yes |
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Chicken Eggs |
 Credit: Concept Arts |
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Supply: Varies | Trade: Yes |
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Fish Hooks |
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Supply: Varies | Trade: Yes |
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Non-Tradeable Goods
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Animal Feed |
 Credit: Concept Arts |
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Location: In the barn storage room, in the Fir-Chlis home |
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Building Supplies |
  Credit: Concept Arts, IronDevil |
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Location: varies |
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Tools |
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Location: in the barn storage room |
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History
After New Caledonia disbanded, groups split off. Some went to the Citadel, others moved on to areas outside the former pack lands, and a small group remained in place, some unsure of where they wanted to go. Benji Winthrop invited Arran Fir-Chlis to stay at the home he lived in with Hokori Tanaka and they began the process of putting up temporary animal shelters and fencing made of lumber from City Square with the intent of making permanent structures once winter was over.
They had some animal supplies thanks to Arran always keeping some in his home after the blizzard several winters ago, and they made some trades as well, but things were starting to run low. In March, Siora Fir-Chlis returned, bringing Arran's daughters, Soron Fir-Chlis and Tuilinn Fir-Chlis and some much-needed supplies. At this point, the group of six decided to stay officially, and named their group the Silver Strip Synidcate after the forest their new home was in.
When the weather warmed, the band started by making their fences permanent before building a barn for the sheep and goats. From there they added more buildings, eventually ending up with house attached to the barn for the Fir-Chlis family, and more structurally sound lean-tos in the fields. They also added on a chicken coop after acquiring chickens from the Lancaster Stockshow in August 2023.
During the year, they welcomed family and friends both as visitors and as new residents, starting with father and son duo Waynescott and Seaborne Wyatt in May. Much to the Fir-Chlis family's delight, Tavor Fir-Chlis arrived in June. Finally, Johnathan Winthrop and Zsorthia Mercedes joined the band in July. In September, Zsorthia gave birth to a litter of two, although sadly only one puppy, Isobel Winthrop survived.
During the spring of 2024, they began making plans for further construction, repairs, and expanding the garden. And some shenannigans.
Threads & Timeline
2023 ➤
March
Siora returned from Portland, having brought Rhavan Fir-Chlis there to safety. Soron Fir-Chlis and Tuilinn Fir-Chlis came with her and decided to stay. Along with Hokori Tanaka and Benjamin Michael Winthrop, the group decided to settle in as the Silver Strip Syndicate.
- Early Mar: Arran's family returns to their former pack lands. (with Arran Fir-Chlis, Siora Fir-Chlis, Soron Fir-Chlis, Tuilinn Fir-Chlis).
- [M]Mid Mar: Hoko is annoyed that she failed at hunting, and Arran offers her comfort. (with Hokori Tanaka, Arran Fir-Chlis).
April
The Band members were contracted by Camp Eclipse to provide security and help for the Festival of Life. Building permanent structures began as the ground thawed, and Arran started digging an area to turn into a garden.
- 01 Apr: Brief description of the thread (with Characters, Characters).
May
New members, Waynescott Wyatt and Seaborne Wyatt joined the band. Building continued and the garden area was finished.
- [M]07 May: Benji and Hoko have some "cuddle" time and Benji attempts to start Hell Screaming Hour to escape. (with Hokori Tanaka, Benji Winthrop).
- 20 May: Wayne and Seaorne Wyatt arrive looking for former members of New Caledonia. They're met by Hoko and invited to join the Syndicate. (with Waynescott Wyatt, Seaborne Wyatt, Hokori Tanaka).
June
Tavor Fir-Chlis joined the band. Building continued.
- [M]Late Jun: Tavor arrives at the ranch and is greeted by his family (with Tavor Fir-Chlis, Arran Fir-Chlis, Soron Fir-Chlis, and Tuilinn Fir-Chlis).
July
Johnathan Winthrop and Zsorthia Mercedes arrive and join the Syndicate.
- [M]01 Jul: A daily Tarot reading leads Siora to do a more detailed card spread for Benji, hinting at changes in the future (with Siora Fir-Chlis, Benjamin Michael Winthrop).
August
At the end of the month, Hoko, Arran, and Siora attended the 2023 Lancaster Stockshow in Del Cenere Gang. They acquired two chickens, Henrietta and Henevieve, and a goat, Billy the Kid, at auction, participated in several organized events, and ran a trade stall.
- 01 Aug: Brief description of the thread (with Characters, Characters).
September
Isobel Winthrop is born!
- [M]29 Sep: Zsorthia gives birth to two puppies, with only one surviving (with Johnathan Winthrop, Zsorthia Mercedes, Isobel Winthrop).
October
Give us a recap of all the things that went on in the band this month!
- 01 Oct: Brief description of the thread (with Characters, Characters.)
November
Give us a recap of all the things that went on in the band this month!
- 01 Nov: Brief description of the thread (with Characters, Characters.)
December
Give us a recap of all the things that went on in the band this month!
- 01 Dec: Brief description of the thread (with Characters, Characters.)
2024 ➤
January
The band gained some supplies through a successful heist.
- [M]Mid Jan: Hokori organizes a heist, and several band members go along to participate (with Hokori Tanaka, Siora Fir-Chlis, Siora Fir-Chlis, Tuilinn Fir-Chlis, Waynescott Wyatt, and Seaborne Wyatt.)
February
The Band members were contracted by Camp Eclipse to provide security and help for the Festival of Life. Building permanent structures began as the ground thawed, and Arran started digging an area to turn into a garden.
- 01 Apr: Brief description of the thread (with Characters, Characters).
May
New members, Waynescott Wyatt and Seaborne Wyatt joined the band. Building continued and the garden area was finished.
- [M]07 May: Benji and Hoko have some "cuddle" time and Benji attempts to start Hell Screaming Hour to escape. (with Hokori Tanaka, Benji Winthrop).
- 20 May: Wayne and Seaorne Wyatt arrive looking for former members of New Caledonia. They're met by Hoko and invited to join the Syndicate. (with Waynescott Wyatt, Seaborne Wyatt, Hokori Tanaka).
Fun & Games
Band Game
Overview
- Title and Icon prizes will be paid for by Myst
- You can only claim 1 monthly tier. If you make 10 posts in a month, you can only claim the 10 post tier, not the 10 and 5 post tiers.
- Posts must meet the suggested board-minimum 200 words
Earn Points
Pts
Requirement
1
1 post
5
Monthly 5 post tier
10
Monthly 10 post tier
Complete a quest
Thread with a member of a former NC loner band *
15
Monthly 15 post tier
20
Monthly 20 post tier
Complete a quest chain
25
Every 50 posts made after SSS formation
* Completion required: you character has 900 words or 3 posts, whichever comes first
OOC Prizes
Pts
Prize
100
Simple Text Table coded by Jace
150
Custom Title, paid for by Myst
200
Custom Icon, paid for by Myst
300
Avatar commission up to $25, paid for by Myst. The artist will depend on availability at the time. You can suggest/approve the artist (who does not have to be on Souls) and approve any sketches
IC Prizes
Pts
Prize
1
A fish. Yay.
50
Something shiny/pretty provided by Benji
Quests
Overview
Ready to demonstrate and level up your skills? Complete some quests to show the other Syndicate members that you know what you're doing! Or, complete quests while helping someone else out!
Quest Chains
Baa Ram You | Five Finger Discount | Grow! Grow! Grow! | Professional Babysitting
Quest Completion
A quest is completed when your character has 900 words or 3 posts, whichever comes first. Each prompt can be a single thread. There's no timeline you have to stick to, and you can do the quests within each skill tier out of order. This is an open-world RPG! These aren't co-ranks, so your character is not limited to their own skills. When a character helps someone else complete a quest, that character completes it as well!
Once you've completed a quest chain, you can claim the icon that goes with it. Feel free to add this to your profile or wiki, and it can be added to your character's info snippet on this page. (Icons coming soon).
Side Quests
These quests can be done by anyone at anytime and are not part of a particular quest chain.
- Something has been prowling around the buildings at night. Find out what it is and make it stop.
- Someone has shown up unhappy about an interaction with one of the LB members. They should probably be escorted away...
- Not everything has to be thievery and questionable! Complete a legitimate trade.
- That lean-to in the horse pasture is looking a little... crooked...
Part 1
- The goats escape a lot easier if the fences are in disrepair, so check them over and fix anything that needs fixing.
- The horses seem kind of nervous about something at the far end of their pasture. Go see what has them on edge.
- Taking care of animals isn't all that glamorous; there's a lot of maintenance to do. All that poop has to go somewhere after all.
Part 1
- Swindle someone out of a valuable item.
- Steal an item from an unsuspecting luperci.
- Okay maybe you shouldn’t have stolen that. There are probably going to be consequences. Put it back without being noticed.
Part 1
- Acquire three types of seeds or plants to grow in the garden.
- Plant something new or tend to the existing plants.
- Something has been digging holes in the garden and it’s not Arran. Find out what it is.
Part 1
- It would be fantastic if your client(s) would just sit still, but of course that's not gonna happen. Keep them safe while they wander around scavenging for goods.
- Everyone has to eat. Provide food for yourself and your client(s).
- Your camp comes under attack! Keep everyone alive!