FY Q3 Report: Special Projects, Cooperative Universal Publishing (CUP)

  Prepared by: Rachel Emily Smith, Project Coordinator, Chosen One, Unwilling Protagonist, and Currently in a State of Shock

  Executive Summary:

  Let me get to the point: They took Nora.

  That’s right, my ‘ride-don’t-die’ favorite person of both worlds, the only one who calls me out with care when I’m being stupid—was kidnapped. And I want you to know that I am not taking this well. While I will try to maintain a minimal mandatory amount of professional tone in this report, I am sure you will excuse any spite encountered (even though I bme you, too).

  Other things happened before this of which you should be aware:

  Chaos in Chairo

  Animus Overexposure

  Confrontation with General Ragnerus

  Now, add my best friend’s abduction to this list, and you can see why I’m swiftly responding to a hostile work environment with my own hostility.

  I sincerely hope that you, as leaders, ultimately accept responsibility for what has occurred and will consider the information submitted to make actionable decisions that align with your purported cims stated mission to “make amends.” We can speak directly anytime if you need further information on these matters and are brave enough to step out of the C-suite to meet me face-to-face.

  Project Highlights

  1) Chaos in Chairo

  The Holy City of Chairo started off as anything but holy. It was an ugly disaster of selfish politics, tedious bureaucracy, systemic exclusion, deliberate suppression of marginalized voices, and, ultimately, terrible executive decisions. While it’s true that tiny demons (leeches, of all things) exacerbated the city’s corruption by enhancing and feeding off the General Assembly’s fear and pride, I refuse to believe that demonic influence was the sole reason behind its dysfunction. If anything, it only amplified the ill intent that was already there.

  Initially, I believed Chairo was in crisis due to Captain Raelynn Lightbringer’s (AKA my) disappearance, but our findings indicate that the city’s systemic failures predate my birth. Take, for instance, the long-held myth that hybrids generate more animus—a btant lie disproven long ago yet actively encouraged by those corrupt individuals in power.

  And this was not just about misinformation.

  Hybrids, dark mages, and anyone who operated outside the General Assembly’s narrow definition of "acceptable magic," which only includes skills rooted in amity, were systematically excluded from executive decision-making. They were denied opportunities and targeted by restrictive ws, going so far as to not allow hybrids within the city limits and limiting dark mages to only work as fettered servants of the clergy.

  As part of our efforts to stabilize Chairo, our party prioritized connecting with the most vulnerable. These individuals were not only experiencing the worst of Chairo’s failures, but they also held the knowledge, skills, and resilience necessary to rebuild it. While I admit that our efforts were not instantaneously rewarded, I remain hopeful that we've managed to engage key stakeholders in such a way that will lead to substantial change for everyone's benefit. For example, Master Landon (Chairo's pre-eminent dark mage and one of the inventors of the holy crystal barrier) now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Father Thomas as they lead restorative efforts in the city. Hybrids, too, have been allowed back into Chairo proper, even if not yet universally welcomed. Lieutenant Fianna, recently promoted, also works toward securing the safety of the hybrids now residing in the Periphery.

  With mixed emotions, I report that two key figures, Councilman Pravum and Councilman Procul, both seemingly responsible for many of these longstanding issues, were assassinated before we had the chance to seek the truth. Even worse, though the assassin was identified through the evidence she left behind, she escaped. In her unhinged attempt at retribution, she also killed several innocent guards—a loss that cannot be justified, regardless of the corruption she sought to punish. While I hold little hope that she will be found, the Order of Silver assures me they will not stop looking for her.

  Our nearly disastrous encounter with Morcelos (the demonic master of the leeches beneath the city) preempted General Ragnerus’s attempted takeover of Chairo. Instead, the General issued an ultimatum to me as Captain Raelynn Lightbringer, forcing us into a battlefield confrontation in the Wastends (see below).

  In response, the Order of Gold formally joined the Order of White under the banner of Captain Sonea (and her identical twin, Jessamy, who holds neither Rank nor stated Purpose). Together, we marched toward the front lines.

  Martial w remains in effect in Chairo without us. The Order of Silver, in coordination with Captain Corwin, Lieutenant Fianna, Master Landon, Father Thomas, Father Irijah, and Prince Mito, currently oversees the city, prioritizing citizen safety and defending against any threats.

  SWOT Analysis:

  Strengths:

  Exposed long-term corruption and misinformation that had been used to justify harmful policies.

  Established connections with marginalized groups (e.g., hybrids, dark mages) to ensure their voices are included in rebuilding efforts.

  Secured temporary leadership under the Order of Silver (including Captain Corwin and Lieutenant Fianna), Prince Mito, Master Landon, and key clergy members, preventing a total colpse of governance.

  Secured the Faith of Euphridia (a sentient holy shield that communicates through music).

  Prevented General Ragnerus from taking the city (for now).

  Weaknesses:

  The assassinations eliminated two key figures before they could be held accountable in a way that might have revealed deeper systemic issues contributing to Chairo’s long-standing corruption.

  The assassin responsible escaped, leaving the crime unresolved.

  Chairo’s infrastructure remains unstable, and martial w is not a long-term solution.

  Resistance to change from those benefitting from the old system may slow or block governance restructuring.

  Opportunities:

  With the exposure of suppressed information, policies can be rebuilt based on truth rather than fear.

  The shift in power allows new leadership to emerge. If properly guided, this could be a turning point for Chairo.

  Colboration between different sectors (holy knights, civil servants, royal leadership, and marginalized groups) could lead to a more structured, inclusive governing system with actual checks and bances.

  Recognition of hybrid and dark mage contributions could expand rights, protections, and social integration.

  Threats:

  The Order of Silver may not be able to hold the city indefinitely, leaving a power vacuum that opportunists will exploit.

  The assassin remains at rge, and her next move is unpredictable. Her obsession with Relias hints that she may attack our party directly.

  Resistance from those who benefitted from Chairo’s old systems could manifest as political sabotage, unrest, or even violence.

  General Ragnerus is still an imminent threat, and we may have only deyed his pns rather than stopped them.

  Proposed Future Activities:

  Ensure marginalized groups have a seat at the table. If stability is to be achieved, the past exclusion of hybrids, dark mages, and other "undesirables" cannot continue.

  Monitor Chairo’s leadership transition closely to ensure the new governing forces don’t fall into the same corrupt patterns.

  Push for policy reforms that undo previous discriminatory ws and misinformation campaigns.

  Investigate the assassin’s whereabouts (or, at the very least, prevent future retaliatory attacks that could be used as an excuse for another crackdown).

  Prepare for a confrontation with General Ragnerus (see below).

  Support infrastructure repairs where possible (e.g., ensure people don’t starve while politicians argue, prioritize repcing the holy crystal barrier).

  Leverage Chairo’s recent instability to gain political advantages (as per Nora), ensuring that the subsequent ruling authorities prioritize long-term equity over short-term control.

  2) Animus Overexposure

  Significant concentrations of ambient animus were detected near the frontlines, affecting both the Order of White and the demonic forces. While it’s well known that demons utilize animus to strengthen themselves and cast spells, we witnessed firsthand that even they are not immune to its dangers. Much like humans, demons exposed to excessive animus suffer from overexposure—with violent consequences. Within the densest clouds of animus, demons turned on each other, fighting and even absorbing their kind in frenzied outbursts. This suggests that while animus is a source of power, it is also an unstable and corrupting force when overabundant, even for those who expertly wield it.

  In stark contrast, hybrids dispy a higher resilience to animus exposure. Once again, we found that those in power had actively suppressed crucial information. Captain Sonea confirmed that she had previously witnessed simir anomalies but had been forbidden to discuss the issue. This finding was further validated when I observed a group of renegade hybrid tigers marching through the clouds of animus generated by General Ragnerus’s demonic army completely unharmed.

  SWOT Analysis:

  Strengths:

  Confirmed that demons are vulnerable to animus overexposure, meaning it could potentially be a point of negotiation or, as per Nora, again… weaponized against them.

  Discovered hybrids are more resilient to animus exposure, which could redefine their role in combat and society.

  Captain Sonea’s testimony provides additional credibility to these findings, making it harder for leadership to ignore.

  Weaknesses:

  High animus concentrations remain unpredictable and dangerous, affecting both allies and enemies.

  Opportunities:

  Understanding demons’ vulnerability to animus overexposure could lead to new strategies in battle.

  Further research into animus-resistant individuals could help develop better protection and treatment protocols.

  Threats:

  The misinformation spread by Chairo’s previous leadership could continue, deying critical policy and combat tactics advancements.

  If our enemies realize that we understand demons’ weaknesses, they may change their battle tactics before we can exploit this knowledge.

  Proposed Future Activities:

  Investigate potential uses of animus overexposure against demonic forces.

  Develop safer protocols for human forces operating in high-animus environments.

  Further research on hybrid resilience to animus exposure.

  Pressure leadership to acknowledge and act on these findings.

  3) Confrontation with General Ragnerus

  Despite my pathetic attempts to be clever, I could not figure out how to avoid the General’s ultimatum. With the holy crystal barriers destroyed and his rebellious subordinates opening portals on almost a whim, there was no way I could ignore his very real threat to level the Holy City.

  So, I complied. And in an utterly bizarre turn of events, he returned my sword, the Will of Euphridia, to me. His reasoning? He didn’t want anyone to think he was a cheater. (Apparently, that’s a title he has earned before.)

  Of course, he didn’t meet me on the battlefield alone.

  Instead, he shaped the terrain, using his army to create a dark, animus-infused coliseum where demons and holy knights could watch as we engaged in single combat. The environment was stacked in his favor, but his actions before our fight hinted at something unusual:

  He cares about his subordinates. Even those who defied him.

  He ensured that no one engaged in bloodsport before he had a chance to battle.

  He immediately separated demons showing signs of animus overload, preventing further incidents.

  During our initial rounds of combat, I admit to allowing Captain Raeanne Ironwrath, the Second Hero of Legend, to take the lead. Unfortunately, her millennia-old skills had not adapted, and while brutishly impressive, they failed to do any significant damage. I took back control and did the opposite of what she did: I fought dirty. This included, but was not limited to:

  Provocation through spiteful words.

  Interrupting his responses.

  Kicking dirt into his single remaining eye.

  Sneaky hit-and-run tactics with my sword.

  By the time I was done, I had inflicted significant damage—both physically and emotionally. And when I called him out on his hypocrisy, caring for his children while sacrificing them to uphold a corrupt system, he hesitated.

  That’s when I gave him a chance to surrender, which may not have been the right choice.

  In my defense, had I killed him outright, the barriers separating his army from my companions and the Order of White would have dissolved, triggering an immediate bloodbath. So, I gave him the option to stand down. And for a moment, I think he considered it. But before he could answer, Mistress Aziza’s agents intervened.

  They stole his army using her portals.

  They took the injured General against his will.

  And then, to top it all off, they kidnapped Nora.

  That was the absolute final blow. And with it, they secured my never-ending sorrow, ire, and wrath.

  SWOT Analysis

  Strengths:

  Fought Ragnerus in single combat, which prevented a rger-scale battle.

  Exposed his physical and psychological weaknesses by breaking his composure.

  Confirmed key insights about his character, particurly his sense of honor and loyalty to his subordinates—potential leverage for the future.

  Weaknesses:

  Failed to eliminate Ragnerus as a threat. His survival means he will return stronger and more prepared.

  Mistress Aziza’s intervention completely changed the battlefield. Instead of controlling the situation, I was outmaneuvered—again.

  Nora was kidnapped. Nothing else needs to be said.

  Opportunities:

  Ragnerus was taken against his will, meaning he may now have a personal vendetta against Aziza.

  His army was stolen rather than destroyed, meaning its loyalty is uncertain.

  We now have proof that Ragnerus has motivations that could be further leveraged.

  Threats:

  Aziza now controls Ragnerus’s forces.

  Ragnerus could adapt to our tactics.

  Nora, again, was kidnapped.

  Proposed Future Activities

  Find Nora.

  Gather intelligence on Mistress Aziza’s pns.

  Determine Ragnerus’s current status—is he still a direct enemy, or has Aziza’s interference turned him into something worse?

  Identify weaknesses in Aziza’s portal magic, if any.

  Destabilize Ragnerus’s stolen army.

  Project Metrics and KPIs:

  Prevented Chairo’s immediate destruction (Success Rate: 1 of 1 Invasion Avoided).

  Established connections with marginalized poputions (e.g., hybrids, dark mages), securing some of their trust and involvement in rebuilding efforts (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Progress: Meaningful but Precarious).

  Verified that demons suffer from animus overexposure and that hybrids have higher resistance, a crucial tactical discovery (Combat Intel Gained: High).

  Deyed General Ragnerus’s invasion but did not neutralize him (Threat Reduction: Partial).

  Engaged in single combat with a warlord, inflicted significant damage but failed to secure a decisive victory (Battle Outcome: Unresolved).

  Mistress Aziza now controls Ragnerus’s army, escating the situation significantly (Threat Level: Maximum).

  Nora was kidnapped (Team Cohesion: Critical Failure).

  Closing Remarks

  I have spent this entire quarter trying to be strategic. Careful. Reasonable. Empathetic.

  None of it stopped this.

  If the gods, the stars, or whatever forces still watch over us are listening, please hear me.

  Let Nora be safe. Let us find her before it’s too te.

  Because if we don’t… then mercy and reason will no longer be words I understand.

  Rachel Emily SmithChosen One, Wielder of Righteous Fury, and Worried about My BFF

  Euphridia