14. World Congress: Reunion

Inside Haven’s shielded platform, Jake reunites with Augur Jacob, Risen Casper, and Bertram. Their lighthearted banter covers system Credits, the inevitability of banks, and organizational funding. Casper confirms no undead planetwide ritual plans and that voluntary Risen conversions are growing. Jacob reports no verified atrocities from William, noting he seems subdued.

The group jokes about ominous-sounding rituals, tacitly acknowledging future factional friction while maintaining present goodwill. Casper studies dungeon creation; Jacob laments city management politics; Jake shares field hazards. As the World Leader vote nears, Jacob, Casper, and Jake each intend to abstain, expecting minimal consensus this early.

Exiting, Jacob publicly greets Miranda, deliberately broadcasting friendly ties with Jake to shape perceptions of Sanctdomo’s relationship with Haven. He privately asks her to take care of Jake, subtly displaying his formidable power through a speech-obscuring skill, reinforcing that his influence lies beyond combat.

Miranda enters fuming over pervasive insinuations that she leads Haven only as Jake’s mistress. She reflects on repeatedly having to assert her decision-making authority in negotiations. Seeing Jake unmasked and casual, she refocuses on the vote; both agree abstention fits given limited information.

When Jake offhandedly references Jacob, Bertram, and Casper, Miranda demands a concise accounting of his personal links to major factions—his brother’s Court role, his undead colleague, and his former boss the Augur—so Haven can navigate alliances without further surprises as the system’s voting interface appears.