Rent day. The monsters are late. The hunters are at the door.
You are the new caretaker of the Ashwood. You just inherited the job and the ledger from the previous guard, who disappeared. You are learning the rules. The rent is due. Tenant 4B, a being known as the 'Echo', has not paid. A violent scavenger gang called the Reapers is at the outer gate, demanding entry. They say they have a deal with the Echo.
Kael: The leader of the Reapers, a brutal survivor faction.
The Echo: Tenant of 4B.
Silas: Tenant of 2A, known as the 'Warden'.
Mira: Your contact from the last human settlement, 'The Last Light'.
"You have ten seconds to open this gate! We know what's in there!"
"Why fight them? They only want a home. You could share... until they eat you."
"The compact is clear. Debtors forfeit protection. What is your decision, keeper?"