#penderghast

[gunitnekoh]

I’ll be real... I'm sad Pendergast is dead, I was hoping for more from his character.

[lobsterpoints]

brian murphy introducing the most terrifying villains of all time (i was gritting my teeth throughout the Man Who Threw The Knife) and then being forced by the PCs to flanderize them into complete buffoons

[abigailpoe]

Penderghast: School of the Delinquents Series

Summary: When a series of robberies, murders, and several other crimes strike the town of Pendergast, it’s up to a team of former delinquents turned Pendergast students to solve the crimes that the police can’t. However, by doing so against their wishes, it puts them in harm's way…

Notes: I don’t own any of these characters. Also, there will be themes of drugs, alcohol, and violence. Please read with caution.

Rating: PG-13 (?); Strong Language

Tags: @laceandlula @flyawayboo @plottymouth @keira1416 @justendlesssummerfeels @syltti78

A tiny college town, Penderghast. While most saw it as a peaceful, college town filled with a love of Theif, there was more than meets the eye. While bricks lined the buildings, potions and drugs lined the dark alleyways. Along with that, a murder on the loose, and the police have nothing to stop them. It’s been two days since the last murder, which made seven this month alone. The police decided to enlist the help of five Penderghast students, all former criminals, and none of them knew what the others had done.

Griffin Langly. They called him the muscle of the group he was last with. With speed and strength, the combo made for deadly force. Griffin was part of a gang in town a few years ago, meaning he had connections throughout the town. The reason he was charged with a crime was that he about beat a man to death.

Beckett Harrington, scammer. Beckett, as many in the college town knew, grew up with all the money he could ever ask for. He stole for a reason, scamming many people out of their money. His father was the mayor, and when he raised the taxes, people started to starve. Beckett took the money and gave it to those who needed it. To make matters worse, Beckett’s own father turned him into the corrupt police department.

Shreya Mistry, master of all thieves. Growing up with money was nice, but she loved to steal. At first, it started out as a game with her friends, but it quickly became more than that. Bigger and bigger scores with more risks. She lived for the thrill of the score, and that’s what got her caught.

Zephyr Hernandez, professional hacker. There’s no real rhyme or reason why he did what he did. He was caught into countless government agencies to erase people’s criminal records. Why did he do it? Just for the hell of it. Really, at first it was for game cheats and free money for apps, but then, it was just for fun.

Finally, Amanda Russell. She was trading illegal weapons under the table for years before she got caught. If there was any weapon someone wanted, she could get it. Amanda was smart and cunning, a deadly mix, especially after being held at gunpoint many times. She also dabbled in drug dealing for a bit, but she decided that potion dealing wasn’t for her.

The five sat in their seats as the officer began to explain to them what needed to be done. “We need your help. With seven murders this month alone, many illegal weapons being used for shootings, and the banks being hacked, we need your help.”

Shreya popped her gum. “I don’t know what y’all are thinking when asking us for help, but we’re criminals at heart.”

“Expect for Beckett over here.” Griffin joked.

Beckett snapped back quickly. “At least I didn't almost kill someone.”

“Like you’ve ever been in a situation where that might have been your only way out.” Amanda snaked at Beckett.

Zephyr rolled his eyes at the two bickering. “What’s in it for us?” He asked the cop.

“I can’t believe you’re actually considering working for the good guys! I mean, how many times did you hack their database?” Shreya asked, arms crossed.

“About twenty, but that’s not important right now,” Zephyr remarked.

Amanda sighed, leaning backward in her chair. “We have to think long term now people. We’re convinced criminals, and frankly, I want a better life than I had.”

“How sweet.” Shreya sarcastically spoke. “Little Amanda here thinks that she’ll make a better life by working for the good guys.”

“Well, I’m sorry we couldn’t all grow up rich like you and pretty boy,” Amanda remarked, gesturing at Beckett.

Beckett’s cheeks rose with color quickly. “What-“ He stuttered.

Amanda winked at him. “You know what I mean, Harrington.”

The police chief walked to the front to speak. “You will help us, or you’ll lose your place at Penderghast.” The group knew they didn’t have a choice but to assist in the investigation. “The five of you will be living in a house together outside of town. A few officers will be placed across the road for your saftey.”

Griffin raised an eyebrow. “You think we can’t handle ourselves?”

“More like they don’t want us to break another law,” Beckett responded. Griffin glanced over at him, clearly pissed.

Shreya sighed, turning to Amanda, whispering. “These boys are a mess. We might need to straighten them out. I take one, and you take the other?”

Amanda nodded. “I got the nerd.”

“Good, cause I wanted the jock.” Shreya smiled.

The group was debriefed and taken to a suburb of Penderghast. The house they were going to was large with eight bedrooms, a basement, and four bathrooms. However, like the rest of Penderghast, there were secrets in the walls, mainly hidden rooms behind bookcases and a safe room. Along with that, an inground pool in the backyard added to the appeal of the place.

“Swanky.” Zeph joked, elbowing Amanda.

Zeph and Amanda went back many years. They helped each other on many jobs. The major time Zeph assisted Amanda in an escape from the police. She was trading weapons with a new client when the police stormed the place. Zeph hacked into the building to change the cameras, lighting,

“I know a few dealers still. I can contact them about some weapons.” Amanda spoke up, “No way in heaven or hell am I giving their names up though.”

The five all flopped into their own seats in the living room to create a plan. “I know a few dealers still. I can contact them about some weapons.” Amanda spoke up, “No way in heaven or hell am I giving their names up though.”

“Where would that lead get us?” Zeph asked, jotting down something in his notebook.

“There’s this thing called The Underground,” Amanda spoke up. “It’s all of the best criminals in one place. I met a lot of people there when I used to go. I could get myself and one other in.”

“What good would that do us?” Griffin asked.

Beckett raised his hand a little. “It would give us a chance to talk to some of Amanda’s former contacts and see what they know. On top of that, drinks tend to get people talking.”

Shreya nodded. “So if Amanda goes, who’s going in with her? Everyone there would know her, especially after the most wanted list things, but no one there would know any of us.”

“They might know me,” stated Zeph. “However, I have some bad history with leaders of one of the gangs that are going to be there. I hacked into their building, and Amanda and I stole their weapons. They caught onto me but not Amanda.”

“I think that Beckett should go,” Amanda suggested, causing the whole group to stare at her. “He was the top scammer. Beckett knows how to get what he wants out of people, and he’s smart. I think he would be the best choice.”

“Plus, the two of you would look like a nice couple.” Shreya joked, elbowing Amanda in the side.

Amanda rolled her eyes, catching Beckett’s rosy cheeks from across the seating area. “I know the whole layout, but the dress code is intense. Sneaking my weapons in is going to be difficult.” Amanda explained. “It’s black tie, meaning that Beckett and I have to look our absolute best. I remember my first year, this man wasn’t up to par, and needless to say, he got shot. He really pissed off the Fire Cartel.”

“Fire Cartel?” Becket asked.

Amanda nodded. “Some of the best magic users that I’ve ever met in my whole life. They offered me a job a while back, but then I got arrested. I’m close to the head. He and I used to... date.”

“Is there anything we need to know about them besides your relationship history?” Griffin asked.

Amanda shook her head yes. “Being fire-att, they’re hot-headed. They shoot first and ask questions later. They’re all highly trained in a facility for about two years before being put into the normal ranks. Wearing red is a sign of respect for them,” She explained. “I think Beckett and I should wear red. There are going to be other groups there who won’t appreciate the color choice, but the Fires owe me a few favors, so they’ll keep us safe if anything goes awry.”

Beckett nodded. “Let’s go get ready.”

Beckett and Amanda headed into a hidden wardrobe room. All forms of costumes were hidden here. Amanda and Beckett both went behind separate changing walls and began getting dressed. When they emerged, Amanda was wearing a deep red floor length dress with a halter top. The fabric crossed in the front across her chest, leaving a peek-a-boo hole between her breasts. Beckett was wearing a crimson tux with a black bow tie.  He was also wearing a gold watch with a hidden lock picking set inside.

Amanda crossed the room and held up two bracelets. “Which one of these do you think I should wear? Both have GPS trackers I can pull out and stick on someone.” Beckett pointed to the one on the left, and Amanda put it on. She also put on a ring which had poison in it. “Thank you.”

“I called the police chief earlier and asked for a car. It should be here at any minute.” Beckett explained. A car honked outside. “Speak of the devil.”

The two headed outside and to the party. There were no cars in sight when the two arrived at the warehouse. The warehouse was in a remote, run-down area of town where few ever went.

“Just as shitty as I remember it being in the first place.” scowled Amanda.

Beckett raised an eyebrow. “Why here?”

“It’s mutual ground. None of the attendees have an advantage over the other.” Beckett opened the door to the car and helped Amanda out. Amanda whipered to Beckett. “Let me do the talking.”

Amanda knocked three times on a door. A man came over the intercom. “Please state your name.”

“You already know who I am, Ricky.” Amanda joked.

The intercom came back on, still fuzzy. “I can’t believe you’re back here, Amanda. I thought your days were long over.”

“Hey! I’m only nineteen! I’m not old enough to be out of the game yet.” She remarked.

Ricky sighed. “I’d love to let you in, but I don’t know who that is that you’re with. For all we both know, he’s a cop.”

Amanda rolled her eyes. “If I was coming back, why would I bring a cop here of all places? Besides, you remember that scammer who we called Robin Hood? This is him.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll buzz you two in. I know the boss has been missing you, Amanda.” Amanda shifted awkwardly as the door clicked open.

When they opened the door, they found a lavish party. Hardwood tables filled the edges of the room. Each table has nice glassware with  In the middle of the room was a dance floor filled with people. On the opposite side of the door stood the DJ booth. Overlooking the whole party was a balcony were the highest leaders in each gang were sitting.

Beckett leaned over and whispered. “That man in the red isn’t taking his eyes off of you. Is he your ex?”

Amanda nodded. “He is. His name is Christan Potter” She tilted her head as the man in red gave her a hand signal. “ He wants to talk to me.”

The two made their way across the party and to the stairs where they were met by security. “Sorry, sir, but the boss just wants to talk to Amanda.”

She turned to whisper to Beckett. “Don’t worry, I can handle them. You forget that I have some... things built into my dress. You know how to get information out of people. Go mingle.”

He knew what Amanda meant and gave her a small nod. “I have some tricks up my sleeve too. Let me know if you need help.” Beckett nodded to the guards. “I understand. I’ll be on my way.”

Amanda picked up her dress enough to walk up the stairs. She made sure not to reveal the weapons that were strapped around her legs. She also didn't want to accidentally set off the knives hidden in her heels.

When arriving upstairs, she found the leaders of the four major gangs all staring at her. "Nice to see you all again," Amanda remarked. The men, with one woman, all stared at her, mouths slack from disbelief. "What? You all act like you haven't met me before."

The Metal-Att leader, Robert Steel, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was as smart as cunning, joining the ranks when he was in high school, quickly moving to the top. Trained in business, he had way with wording things to get what he wanted. Being a metal-att, he was also skilled in many forms of weapons. Steel had even learned how to use his attunement to create weapons out of thin air, a deadly thing when he would torture people. Anyone who wanted a weapon in the city would come to this group.

Next to him sat Axis Rose. She was also a force to be reckoned with. Her troops consisted of women of all different backgrounds. Never needing the help of a man, Axis rapidly became a powerhouse in the Penderghast criminal society. Killing over a dozen men with her bare hands, no one in any room would dare to mess with her. This group deals mainly with assignations and hackings. On top of that, these women invented special tools to disable other people's abilities temporally.

Pouring another whiskey was the weakest player of them all when it came to harming another, Holland Song, leader of the earth and wood users. New to the game, he was weaker than the others. Holland had only been in the game a few years now, but being an expert in all nature related things, most of his money came from dealing substances. While the others dealt with other matters, money was a draw for the members in his group.

Finally, the man in the red who stood behind the couch, Alex Redfield. Taking over the oldest gang in Penderghast was an accomplishment in itself. This group was founded around the same time that the school of Penderghast was founded. Rumors had it that many of the high-ranking teachers at the time were involved in the group. Being one of the oldest and respected groups, they had connections across the world in various areas.

"Well, it has been a while since we've seen you." Alex smiled, gesturing to a nearby chair. "Sit. We all need to talk."

Meanwhile, downstairs, Beckett was using his skills as a scammer to talk to a member of Axis's troops. "What can I do for you?" She asked, clearly trying to be flirty.

Beckett smiled. "I hear your one of the top people in Axis's group. That's high praise coming from her, in my opinion."The woman nodded. "It is, but you didn't answer my question."

"A friend of mine, who I'm sure you've heard of, Amanda, is looking for a new weapon. Rumor on the streets is that you invented it. It's called the PX-84." He charmed.

She nodded. "I've heard of it, but I'm sorry to say that we weren't the people who invented it." The woman raised an eyebrow. "And why do you and Amanda want this?"

Beckett took a breath to prepare himself for his next lie. "She, as you know, is the best weapon's expert in Penderghast and possibly the world. Amanda wants to hire a thief to steal some things she lost while she was in jail back."

"And how do you play into all of this?" She asked, taking a slow sip of her drink.

"I owe her a few favors. She pulled some strings and got me out of the big house," spoke Beckett. Out of the corner of his eye, behind the woman, he saw someone he knew. Amanda came running up behind Beckett, turning him around. "We've got to go, now!"

"What happened?" Beckett asked. As soon as the words left his mouth, gunshots rang out.

Amanda pulled her skirt up and pulled out a handgun. "We have to get out of here right now. Get behind the bar." The duo dove behind the bar as glass on the counter began to shatter. Amanda stood up, hitting a man shooting at her in the chest. She put her hands up to form a shield. "Solis!"

Beckett stood up and used the round-up spell to pull the guns away from other people. He turned to see a girl aiming a gun at him. With the flick of his wrist, he sent her flying into the wall. "There's a back exit through the kitchen!" He yelled at Amanda. Amanda took a bottle of whiskey, setting it on fire and throwing it. "Wow, okay."

"Move!" Amanda yelled. The two make a break for the door in the back of the warehouse. A man yelled from behind them.

"Freeze!" The two glanced back to find a man holding a weapon to them. They turned slowly, hands in the air.

A woman in black dived at the man, taking the gun and shooting him in the leg. She turned to face them, pulling off her hood. “This way!” She spoke.

“Katrina?” Beckett asked.

To be continued...

[cordonianredruby]

The reason unicycles are banned at Penderghast 😅

[delightfullypinkglitter]

These are the set of questions I got ...

So Sun-Attuned & Air-Attuned ... interesting

Shout out to PB for giving us this option of having different magical abilities 😍

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME ❤

[delightfullypinkglitter]

Was so indulged in The Elementalists that it took a moment for me to realise The Crown & The Flame backgrounds on the wall 😍

[delightfullypinkglitter]

Penderghast Foods 🍱

[delightfullypinkglitter]

The series of opening doors was so cool 🤩