The Coalition of the Dead City

This flow traces how William Oh turns rival looters into a temporary coalition capable of confronting the Tangled inhabiting Oilton.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Rival Looters

Rival Looters Competing Claims Kobolds and Jibleya surround William Oh, Brianna, and Travis Oilton in the throne hall. Both groups claim ownership under Finders Keepers. Neutral Ground Will avoids claiming responsibility for the city’s destruction and instead identifies all parties as looters. The admission prevents an immediate battle. A Larger Threat The existence of the Tangled forces rivals to consider cooperation. Their private contest for loot becomes secondary to survival.

Loth’s Authority

Loth’s Authority Recognition by Species The Kobolds instantly treat Loth as a Great One because of his intelligence, color, and unusual competence. His authority is cultural rather than imposed by Will. Jibleya Respect Fond recognizes Loth’s scholarship and sees the possibility of cooperation between species. The coalition gains an intellectual center. A New Command Structure Loth becomes responsible for organizing the defense while Will remains the public Party leader. The arrangement combines symbolic and practical authority.

The First Tangled Kill

The First Tangled Kill A Baited Street The coalition watches a naked young man wander through Oilton. Kobolds lure him into a prepared street trap. The Transformation The man erupts into a mass of limbs, confirming the Tangled’s ability to imitate human forms. The creature’s body is both disguise and weapon. Coordinated Execution Wires, spears, acid, and timing bring the monster down. The victory shows that the coalition’s different technologies can complement one another.

The Daylight Threat

The Daylight Threat A Different Enemy Cycle The Tangled sleep at night and spread through the city by day. The coalition’s defensive timetable must therefore reverse ordinary siege expectations. Growing Numbers Their population increases rapidly despite daily killings. Every delay strengthens the enemy. A Strategic Deadline Loth calculates that thousands must die each day merely to prevent growth. The coalition must find a decisive solution rather than continue attrition.

The Coalition’s Future

The Coalition’s Future Shared Expertise Kobold traps, Jibleya alchemy, human mobility, and Loth’s command create a force larger than any individual Party. Fragile Unity The alliance is built around survival and loot, not shared ideals. It may dissolve once the Tangled threat disappears. A Political Experiment For William Oh, the coalition demonstrates that species boundaries are negotiable when interests align. Its success hints at the broader alliances required to conquer The Tower.

during the first confrontation in Oilton castle

during Loth’s introduction to the Oilton looters

during the first daytime Tangled encounter

at dawn after the first Tangled kill

at the end of the Oilton coalition’s first operation