Character Creation - Cassius Clay III

[sxeBUDDHA]

Archtype: Correctional Officer [Custom: Law Enforcer]   PC Anchor: Jaxson Josef Goss III Drive: "I do what is needed."   NPC Anchor: Any       Issues: Indifferent Strength Agility Wits Empathy 5 4 2 2 Close Combat 3 Mobility 2 Scout 2 Medicine 2 Endure 2 Ranged Combat 1 Survival 0 Manipulation 0 Force 0 Stealth 0 Tech 0 Leadership 0 TALENTS HEALTH Wallflower You do not have to choose a single NPC as your NPC Anchor. Instead, the whole group is your Anchor. You do not have to handle your fear if any of them die, so long as at least one of them is left standing. You were part of a group, without any of them really noticing you. 3. Unharmed   2. Bruised [ ]   1. Battered [ ]   0. Broken [ ]   Critical Injuries             Stress: Experience: Encumbrance Slots: 0 0 7 Weapons Bonus Damage Rounds Range Unarmed +0 1 - - (Big Axe) +2 2     Assault rifle +3 2   Long           Armour Protection Penalty Riot gear 6 -2 (Mobility)       Cassius Clay III Backstory: Cassius Clay III was born into the harsh reality of inner-city Chicago, a place where survival often outweighed dreams. His mother struggled with addiction, leaving Cassius to navigate the streets largely on his own. Growing up, he had little knowledge of his lineage beyond the fact that his father was Muhammad Ali, Jr., who had largely been absent from his life. Despite the challenges, Cassius showed remarkable resilience and strength from a young age. He was tall for his age and possessed an innate toughness that earned him respect on the streets. However, he also had a sense of justice instilled in him by his absent father's legacy, a legacy he knew little about at the time. As he entered his teenage years, Cassius found himself drawn to a different path than many of his peers. He avoided the temptations of gangs and crime, instead focusing on his education and his physical strength. He took up boxing, not knowing the significance of the sport in his family's history. By the time he reached adulthood, Cassius had grown into an imposing figure, standing at 6'7" and weighing 236 pounds of solid muscle. His dedication to his training paid off, and he quickly gained a reputation in the local boxing scene. However, his dreams of becoming a professional boxer were put on hold when he found himself in need of steady income to support himself and his mother. It was then that Cassius decided to follow in his father's footsteps in a different way. He joined the ranks of the correctional system, becoming a correctional officer in one of Chicago's toughest prisons. His imposing presence and no-nonsense attitude earned him the respect of both inmates and colleagues alike. He became known simply as "Champ" among the inmates, a nickname he earned not only for his physical prowess but also for his unwavering determination to uphold justice within the confines of the prison walls. Despite his tough exterior, Cassius still carried the weight of his past with him. He remained fiercely loyal to his mother, doing whatever he could to support her despite her ongoing struggles. And though he knew little about his famous father, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his story than he had been told. As Cassius Clay III patrols the halls of the prison, keeping order with a firm but fair hand, he carries with him the spirit of his legendary ancestor, Muhammad Ali, unknowingly continuing a legacy of strength, resilience, and justice for the next generation.   GEAR Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4 Bonus Assault rifle                   Slot 5 Slot 6 Slot 7 Slot 8                                                                                             Stored Items Location                     OTHER ITEMS Canned goods (4/4 rations; #522) Dog (+2 Close combat)         Vehicle Maneuverability Damage Hull Armour   n/a +0

 

 

1. Choose an archetype - Correctional Officer [Custom]
2. Choose a name - Cassius Clay III
3. Choose an Issue - Indifferent
4. Choose your Drive - I do what is needed.
5. Distribute 13 points amongst your attributes
   1. Strength: 5
   2. Agility: 4
   3. Wits: 2
   4. Empathy: 2
6. Distribute 12 points amongst your skills
   1. Close Combat: 3
   2. Endure: 2
   3. Force:
   4. Mobility: 2
   5. Ranged Combat: 1
   6. Stealth: 0
   7. Scout: 2
   8. Survival: 0
   9. Tech: 0
   10. Leadership: 0
   11. Manipulation: 0
   12. Medicine: 2
7. Choose a talent - Wallflower
8. Choose your gear
   1. Assault rifle
   2. Riot armor (Protection level 6)
   3. Dog
   4. [Scavenging] Canned foods (4 rations; #522)
       

Backstory:

 

Archetype

Correctional Officer

The world, it's a complicated place, full of darkness and light, chaos and order. People often ask me what I think about it all, where I fit into the grand scheme of things. Truth is, I don't spend much time pondering such questions. My role is clear: keep the peace, maintain order, and do what needs to be done.

Working as a correctional officer in the heart of Chicago's toughest prison has its challenges, no doubt. The inmates, they test you every day, pushing boundaries and probing for weaknesses. But I don't falter. I stand tall, unwavering, a symbol of strength and authority in a world that's gone awry.

Less than a year ago, the world changed in ways nobody could have predicted. The outbreak, they call it. A virus spreading like wildfire, turning ordinary people into mindless monsters. It was chaos, pure and simple. The streets ran red with blood, and society crumbled before our eyes.

I remember the first time I encountered one of them, those walkers they call them now. It was a routine day at the prison, or so I thought. But then the alarms sounded, and screams filled the air. I rushed to the scene, expecting the worst. And there it was, a creature straight out of nightmares, its eyes vacant, its movements jerky and unnatural. In that moment, I knew we were facing something beyond our reckoning.

But amidst the chaos and despair, I remained unchanged. I still had a job to do, a duty to fulfill. And so I carried on, patrolling the halls of the prison, protecting what little remained of civilization. The world may have fallen apart, but I remained steadfast, my resolve unbroken. Indifferent to the madness around me, my only drive is to do my part, to belong to something greater than myself.

As for the correctional facility where I work, it's a fortress amidst the chaos. Built to withstand the worst, it's now a haven in a world gone mad. And the guard dogs, they're my companions, loyal and fierce. Together, we stand as guardians of order in a world on the brink of oblivion.

KEY ATTRIBUTE: Strength
KEY SKILL: Close Combat
TALENTS: Martial Arts Expert, Specialist, Wallflower

Choose among the suggestions below or make one up yourself.
ISSUE

• Rage
• Indifferent
• Dogmatist

DRIVE

• I do what is needed
• Never give up
• Impossible is nothing

GEAR
Roll a D6 three times.

1. Shotgun
2. Assault rifle
3. Axe
4. Riot gear (Armor Level 6)
5. Basic medical gear
6. Dog

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CHARACTERS

• I will show you
• I do my job
• You are family

Edited April 4 by sxeBUDDHA (see edit history)

[Laird_Thorne]

I definitely will be interested to see the backstory. :)

[sxeBUDDHA]

PC Anchor idea proposals
 

Jackson and Cassius known one another from opposite sides of the Oakwood Penitentiary in Chicago, IL. They tolerated one another, and grew into a close mutual bond. Relation type: Bromance
Jackson Josef Goss II, CRIMINAL (Strength/Close Combat), Drive: "Do anything to come up on top." Issues: Resist Authority
Pros: Lots of moral story potential Cons: May lean away from humanity Weakness: Empathy

Cassius is a dog owner. His dog's name is Butch. Cadence has a dog. They bonded from mutual love of animals and balance as a team. Relation type: Platonic (Just friends)
Cadence Sawyer, KID (Agility/Mobility), Drive: "We are survivors." Issues: I will ruthlessly protect the group.
Pros: Balanced Cons: None Weakness: Strength

Cassius works well in groups. He lacks in other skills to survive alone.
Cassius Clay III, CORRECTIONAL OFFICER (Strength/Close Combat) Drive: "I do what is needed." Issues: Indifferent
Pros: Maintains order Cons: Depends on governing system, Specialized Weakness: Empathy other than Medicine, Wits other than Scout

Cassius performs as a medical assistant or nurse to Deano. Relation type: Professional
Deano Alexander, PARAMEDIC (Wits/Medicine) Drive: "There is always a solution." Issues: Hard to trust strangers
Pros: Medicine is useful. Cons: None Weakness: Empathy other than Medicine

Cassius initially attempted to be the Black Knight to protect Fleur's purity. Time spent together only solidified their bond. Relation type: Intimate
Fleur Blanc, SCIENTIST (Wits/Tech) Drive: "I will save us all." Issues: Morally flexible.
Pros: Tech savvy Cons: Specialized Weakness: Empathy and Strength

Cassius needed to fulfill a role and contribute to the group to prove his worth. Alex guaranteed Cassius a position in his new world. Relation type: Leader and Follower
Alexander Boon, POLITICIAN (Empathy/Manipulation) Drive: "This is a new beginning." Issues: I promise more than I can deliver.
Pros: Social skills are useful. Cons: Depends how much he lies Weakness: Strength

[Laird_Thorne]

Looks good. :) I like the adjustments for the Corrections Officer but I can't find Martial Arts Expert or Specialist talents. Are those custom ones?

How did he end up in the Ozarks area? Vacation? With everything going on, how does he feel about being so far away from all he knew?

 

[sxeBUDDHA]

19 minutes ago, Laird_Thorne said:

Looks good. :) I like the adjustments for the Corrections Officer but I can't find Martial Arts Expert or Specialist talents. Are those custom ones?

How did he end up in the Ozarks area? Vacation? With everything going on, how does he feel about being so far away from all he knew?

 

You missed the second part of General Talents on the next page in TWDU rpg rulebook p.59 The_Walking_Dead_RPG_Core_Rules p59.pdf

After the chaos erupted within Oakwood Penitentiary, Cassius Clay III knew he had to get out. The once orderly prison had descended into madness, with factions forming and violence breaking out at every turn. As the walkers overran the facility, Cassius fought his way through, relying on his strength and training to survive.

With the prison overrun and no safe haven left, Cassius knew he had to find a new path. He encountered other survivor groups as he made his way through the chaos, each one more desperate than the last. But Cassius remained resolute, refusing to succumb to the anarchy that had consumed the world.

As he traveled, Cassius heard rumors of a place far from the chaos, a place where survivors had banded together to create a semblance of order and safety. The Ozarks, they called it. It was a risky journey, fraught with danger at every turn, but Cassius knew it was his best chance at finding stability in this new world.

With a small group of fellow survivors by his side, Cassius embarked on the journey to the Ozarks. They faced countless challenges along the way, from hordes of walkers to hostile survivor groups vying for control of dwindling resources. But Cassius refused to give up, drawing on the strength and determination that had carried him through so many trials before.

Finally, after weeks of relentless travel, they arrived at the Ozarks. It was a sight to behold, a community built on cooperation and solidarity in the face of overwhelming adversity. For the first time since the outbreak began, Cassius felt a glimmer of hope. Here, among these resilient people, he knew he had found a chance to start anew, to build a future free from the horrors of the past. And as he stood among his newfound allies, Cassius vowed to do whatever it took to protect this newfound haven, to ensure that they could finally find peace in this chaotic world.

[Laird_Thorne]

4 minutes ago, sxeBUDDHA said:

You missed the second part of General Talents on the next page in TWDU rpg rulebook p.59

Yeah, I blame old age and bad eyesight... LOL Not to mention the full page artwork on pg. 58 throwing me off. :)

I can definitely picture that trip he took. How would you feel if say in the last week or so you and the other PCs had been forced from that first place to a new one due to a Swarm and or other issues and having to practically start completely over?

[sxeBUDDHA]

1 hour ago, Laird_Thorne said:

I can definitely picture that trip he took. How would you feel if say in the last week or so you and the other PCs had been forced from that first place to a new one due to a Swarm and or other issues and having to practically start completely over?

Cassius is always prepared and vigilant. He knew that the last haven was not secure due to its many access points. He had conveyed that to the others to always be ready to pack and leave at any moment due to the lack of security. Fortunately, their casualties were minimal and transition to a new place was expected. Cassius takes mental notes on how to survive in the wild and the aftermath. He stressed traveling smart and basically stole ideas from other survivors that he had met along his way here.

Some examples:
Walkers used as mules.
Always have potable water.
Repurpose everything even a large flat rock.
Create a journal then share its contents and contribute to others surviving from your effort.

[Neopopulas]

13 hours ago, Laird_Thorne said:

Yeah, I blame old age and bad eyesight... LOL Not to mention the full page artwork on pg. 58 throwing me off. :)

I can definitely picture that trip he took. How would you feel if say in the last week or so you and the other PCs had been forced from that first place to a new one due to a Swarm and or other issues and having to practically start completely over?

In my pdf, the full page art on page 58 doesn't load so its just a huge white page that threw me off.

So i was working up a slightly customised version of Criminal into Outlaw. Because while he's a criminal its less a profession and more a way of life that happens to involve crime - i'll be adding it in my thread in a minute - but i'm mostly posting here to talk about how that might work with Cassius here.

Jaxson is a criminal, but he's less of one of those kinds that spend all their time in and out of prison, he's known to police and all that but he's not breaking into houses or robbing banks. He's more of a enforcer and drug-adjacent criminal. He does 'extra-legal things' sure but its not the same thing. With that said, he's from southern kentucky but travels back and forth across middle america for 'work', its often west, but Chicago isn't immune to his influence

It makes a lot of sense that he would be known to local police in illinois, maybe not IN chicago, but he's probably on a list somewhere. So it would be interesting if they at least knew of each other or had encountered each other. It helps if Cassius is a little loose with his rule following sometimes.

[sxeBUDDHA]

16 hours ago, Neopopulas said:

In my pdf, the full page art on page 58 doesn't load so its just a huge white page that threw me off.

So i was working up a slightly customised version of Criminal into Outlaw. Because while he's a criminal its less a profession and more a way of life that happens to involve crime - i'll be adding it in my thread in a minute - but i'm mostly posting here to talk about how that might work with Cassius here.

Jaxson is a criminal, but he's less of one of those kinds that spend all their time in and out of prison, he's known to police and all that but he's not breaking into houses or robbing banks. He's more of a enforcer and drug-adjacent criminal. He does 'extra-legal things' sure but its not the same thing. With that said, he's from southern kentucky but travels back and forth across middle america for 'work', its often west, but Chicago isn't immune to his influence

It makes a lot of sense that he would be known to local police in illinois, maybe not IN chicago, but he's probably on a list somewhere. So it would be interesting if they at least knew of each other or had encountered each other. It helps if Cassius is a little loose with his rule following sometimes.

Cassius Clay III is a man who craves order and simplicity in a world that often feels chaotic and complex. Despite his straightforward nature, he possesses a sense of compassion that sets him apart from those who have succumbed to the harsh realities of their environment. Growing up in a neighborhood where good people were too often swallowed by criminal stereotypes, Cassius chose a different path, one that prioritized honesty and basic human decency.

He understood early on that "the system" was flawed, imperfect, but he refused to let that be an excuse to abandon his humanity. Instead, he saw it as a challenge to maintain his integrity in the face of adversity. This resolve led him to become a correctional officer rather than a police officer, believing in the power of rehabilitation over punishment. In his eyes, "the system" had already marginalized those like him, the powerless, and he sought to defy those expectations.

Cassius recognized his own limitations—he didn't possess the wit or empathy to single-handedly change the world. Instead, he hoped that every individual would find their own path to redemption, until someone else could pave the way. He endured the hardships of his profession, steadfast in his commitment to upholding honesty and humanity, setting an example through his actions rather than preaching.

When faced with the challenges of the new world overrun by walkers, Cassius found a strange sense of freedom in exercising his own power uninhibited. The threat of the undead was clear-cut, uncomplicated compared to the moral ambiguities of the past. Yet, he couldn't ignore the resilience of the human spirit, even amidst such dire circumstances. However, he also witnessed how that same resilience could turn ordinary individuals into monsters when pitted against each other—a phenomenon he had seen play out countless times in his own life.

In his interactions with others, like Jaxson, Cassius remained observant, preferring to study behavior rather than impose his beliefs. He understood that actions spoke louder than words, and he hoped that by staying true to his principles, he could inspire others to do the same. Despite the challenges and complexities of the world around him, Cassius remained unwavering in his commitment to keeping the flame of honesty and humanity alive, both within himself and in those around him.

[sxeBUDDHA]

Jaxson and Cassius perhaps known one another from their journey to the Ozarks with other straggling survivors. Maybe they traveled together for a difficult 3 months losing many of their numbers. They seem a reliable pair against the "walkers," surviving against overwhelming odds when others died, and grew into a close mutual bond. Relation type: Bromance
Jaxson Josef Goss II, OUTLAW (Strength/Close Combat), Drive: "Do anything to come up on top." Issues: Resist Authority
Pros: Lots of moral story potential Cons: May lean away from humanity; only time will tell Weakness: Empathy

@Neopopulas Cassius may choose Jaxson as his PC anchor finding their method of coping is relatable sharing the same Key Attribute and Key Skill. Cassius is aware that Jaxson may not view him as his PC anchor.

[Neopopulas]

8 hours ago, sxeBUDDHA said:

Cassius Clay III is a man who craves order and simplicity in a world that often feels chaotic and complex. Despite his straightforward nature, he possesses a sense of compassion that sets him apart from those who have succumbed to the harsh realities of their environment. Growing up in a neighborhood where good people were too often swallowed by criminal stereotypes, Cassius chose a different path, one that prioritized honesty and basic human decency.

He understood early on that "the system" was flawed, imperfect, but he refused to let that be an excuse to abandon his humanity. Instead, he saw it as a challenge to maintain his integrity in the face of adversity. This resolve led him to become a correctional officer rather than a police officer, believing in the power of rehabilitation over punishment. In his eyes, "the system" had already marginalized those like him, the powerless, and he sought to defy those expectations.

Cassius recognized his own limitations—he didn't possess the wit or empathy to single-handedly change the world. Instead, he hoped that every individual would find their own path to redemption, until someone else could pave the way. He endured the hardships of his profession, steadfast in his commitment to upholding honesty and humanity, setting an example through his actions rather than preaching.

When faced with the challenges of the new world overrun by walkers, Cassius found a strange sense of freedom in exercising his own power uninhibited. The threat of the undead was clear-cut, uncomplicated compared to the moral ambiguities of the past. Yet, he couldn't ignore the resilience of the human spirit, even amidst such dire circumstances. However, he also witnessed how that same resilience could turn ordinary individuals into monsters when pitted against each other—a phenomenon he had seen play out countless times in his own life.

In his interactions with others, like Jaxson, Cassius remained observant, preferring to study behavior rather than impose his beliefs. He understood that actions spoke louder than words, and he hoped that by staying true to his principles, he could inspire others to do the same. Despite the challenges and complexities of the world around him, Cassius remained unwavering in his commitment to keeping the flame of honesty and humanity alive, both within himself and in those around him.

Jaxson and Cassius seem kinda like different sides of the same coin. The way Jaxson grew up there was basically no other outcome than what happened. His family have been criminals of some kind or another for generations, growing up everyone in his family was associated, the only way to get ahead in his shitty little town was to leave - if you can - or to do something extra-legal. I can see that the two of them would understand one another probably better than they might others

[Laird_Thorne]

I definitely like the way the interaction is building between Cassius and Jaxson. :)

[sxeBUDDHA]

Cassius Clay III

Health: 3/3 | Stress: 0/5 | Encumbrance: 1/7

---

Location: Outside Eagle's Roost Cabin | Conditions/Effects: -2 Mobility

As the first light of dawn creeps through the windows of Eagle's Roost Cabin, Cassius Clay III stirs from his makeshift bed, Butch, his loyal companion, rising beside him. With a purposeful stride, Cassius moves to the designated area outside, where a fire pit awaits. He sets to work, gathering kindling and stoking the flames until they dance with life, the crackling sound of burning wood filling the crisp morning air.

Meanwhile, Butch, a formidable Presa Canario, takes his place nearby, his watchful eyes scanning the surroundings as he awaits his morning meal.

With the fire roaring, Cassius turns his attention to the collection barrels, filled overnight with rainwater. He carefully ladles the water into a large pot, setting it over the flames to boil, ensuring that it will be safe for consumption by the other survivors of Eagle's Roost Cabin.

As the water begins to heat, Cassius begins his daily regimen of physical labor. With the efficiency born of years of training, he sets to work digging a trench around the perimeter of their safe haven, his muscles flexing with each shovel of dirt. He works tirelessly, the rhythm of his movements a testament to his strength and determination.

As he digs, Cassius also takes care to separate limestone and rocks from the soil, knowing that they will be valuable resources for fortifying their defenses or constructing other necessary structures.

Around him, the other survivors begin to emerge from their slumber, their faces drawn and weary from another restless night. But Cassius pays them little mind, focused instead on the task at hand, his actions speaking louder than any words could.

In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of their new world, Cassius finds solace in the simplicity of his routine, in the tangible progress he makes with each passing day.

[sxeBUDDHA]

Cassius Clay III

Health: 3/3 | Stress: 0/5 | Encumbrance: 1/7

---

Location: Outside Eagle's Roost Cabin | Conditions/Effects: -2 Mobility

As the morning sun climbs higher in the sky, Cassius Clay III gathers the survivors of Eagle's Roost Cabin for their daily training session. Standing tall and commanding respect, he addresses the group with a firm but encouraging tone.

"Alright, folks, let's get to it. Today, we're focusing on close-quarters combat. Remember, our main objective is to defend ourselves against the walkers, so pay close attention."

Denise Carter and her father, Sam, exchange hesitant glances as they listen to Cassius's instructions. They've been slow to open up to him, but their dedication to learning is evident as they follow his lead, their movements precise and deliberate.

Nicole and Daniel Perez, the amicable couple with weathered faces and tired eyes, nod eagerly as Cassius demonstrates the proper technique for wielding a spear. Despite the toll of surviving in the harsh wilderness of the Ozarks, they maintain a cheerful demeanor, eager to learn whatever skills Cassius has to offer.

Betty Hall, the Cherokee native teen, stands off to the side, her eyes focused and determined as she watches the others train. Cassius approaches her with a reassuring smile, offering to spar with her one-on-one. As they exchange blows, Cassius can't help but admire Betty's resilience and natural talent for combat.

Throughout the training session, Cassius emphasizes the importance of unity and teamwork, likening their fighting style to that of modern-day Spartans. He encourages them to work together, to anticipate each other's movements and support one another in battle.

As the day progresses, Cassius takes the opportunity to learn from each of the survivors in return for the fighting lessons he provides. From Denise and Sam, he learns valuable survival skills honed through years of living off the land. Nicole and Daniel teach him about foraging for food and identifying edible plants in the wilderness. And from Betty, he gains insight into the rich traditions and culture of the Cherokee people.

Despite their differences and the challenges they face, Cassius considers the survivors of Eagle's Roost Cabin to be his family, bound together by a shared struggle for survival and a fierce determination to persevere against all odds. And as they continue to train and learn from each other, their bond grows stronger, forging a new kind of family in the midst of the apocalypse.

[sxeBUDDHA]

As Cassius Clay III and the survivors of Eagle's Roost Cabin gather to discuss developing a covert means of communication, they understand the importance of staying vigilant and alert in dangerous situations. Together, they brainstorm and agree upon the top 10 messages they would use, along with their corresponding methods of communication:

1. **Danger Ahead**: To alert each other of potential threats nearby, they agree on a subtle hand gesture—a quick tap of the index finger to the side of the nose, indicating the need for caution without drawing undue attention.

2. **Safe Passage**: When it's safe to proceed, Cassius suggests a simple head nod, accompanied by a brief, whispered phrase like "all clear." This nonverbal cue signifies that the path ahead is clear of danger.

3. **Walker Alert**: To warn of approaching walkers, they decide on a series of soft clicks or whistles, reminiscent of bird calls. This sound blends in with the natural environment, alerting the group to the presence of undead without attracting unwanted attention.

4. **Emergency Retreat**: In the event of a sudden threat requiring immediate retreat, they settle on a distinctive hand gesture—a sweeping motion across the throat, signaling the need to withdraw quickly and quietly.

5. **Hidden Supplies**: When one of the survivors discovers a cache of supplies or resources, they agree to communicate this discreetly through a coded series of coughs or sneezes, indicating the location without revealing it to potential eavesdroppers.

6. **Stay Low**: To advise the group to keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention, they devise a subtle signal—a slight tilt of the head accompanied by a brief, whispered command to "stay down."

7. **Safe Haven**: When they come across a secure location for shelter or rest, they decide on a soft whistle tune, played in a specific sequence, to convey the message of a safe haven.

8. **Need Assistance**: In situations where help is required, they agree upon a subtle hand gesture—a quick tug on the earlobe, indicating the need for aid without alerting potential threats.

9. **Meet Up Point**: To coordinate rendezvous points or regrouping locations, they select a distinctive birdcall or animal sound, signaling the designated meeting spot without revealing it to outsiders.

10. **Immediate Danger**: Finally, in cases of imminent danger requiring urgent action, they opt for a sharp, single whistle blast, followed by a silent hand signal—a clenched fist raised above the head—to convey the urgent need to act quickly and decisively.

11. **Attack Signal**: In the event that the group needs to initiate an attack or ambush, they agree upon a subtle gesture—a slight tap of the foot against the ground, concealed by the movement of shifting weight. This signal indicates to the others to prepare for action without alerting potential targets.

12. **Run Command**: When the situation calls for a hasty retreat or escape, Cassius and the survivors settle on a coded phrase spoken in a low voice, such as "time to leave" or "feet on fire." This verbal cue communicates the need to run without attracting undue attention from nearby threats.

13. **Wait Directive**: In instances where patience is required and the group needs to remain still and silent, they devise a simple hand gesture—a closed fist held up at shoulder level, fingers tightly clenched. This signal indicates to the others to pause and wait for further instructions, without the need for spoken words.

With their communication plan in place, Cassius and the survivors of Eagle's Roost Cabin feel more prepared to navigate the dangers of their uncertain world, relying on their covert signals to stay one step ahead of potential threats while maintaining the element of surprise.