Hey, listen. Listen, listen, listen, listen, listen. Y-you seem like a good kid, I'd h-hate for anything to happen to you. That's why I'm going to fill you in. Y'see the U.S government has been deliberately poisoning the public f-for decades. Don't look at me like that! D-do you know how much high-fructose corn syrup is in b-basically everything you eat?! There was a study conducted at a German university where they discovered…
That's how Tony ropes people in. He gets to know someone, figures out whether they'd be receptive, drops a "truth bomb" on them and then employs this rhetorical technique where he pushes the boundaries of what you'll agree to at least humour, before retreating into milder proofs of his point when challenged then doing it again. He'll happily address any criticism provided you'll give him the same courtesy. That's only fair, right? It doesn't work on everyone, but more people than you'd think end up seeing the world his way. He genuinely believes every word he's telling you, even as it changes flavour from week to week.
Every theory and shadow is a threat that Tony believes he is the one of the few to understand. The kernel of an obsession that began as a desire to take control of his life by having enough information has grown into an insidious magickal power he doesn't even realise he has: Tony can make the things he is terrified of real, for you. Anyone who fails the stress check caused by his power is captivated by delusions and hallucinations they are being or have been harmed by whatever evil he warned them about. Cellular tech making them sick or evil postal workers spying on them in the shower because they know about the Flat Earth, the evidence is suddenly everywhere no matter how absurd. The effect stops eventually but enough people prolong it by going right back to Tony for more answers.
To his credit, Tony is extremely interested in hearing about these cases. They confirm his worst fears and deepest desires, a seductive mix he shares with the growing list of confidants he plays guru to. He's one bad day away from running a cult.
STATS
Personality: Animated and highly-focused, Tony gives whoever he is speaking to his full attention. He's genuinely interested in the welfare of the people he explains his theories to.
Rage: People who naysay for the sake of it. Disagree if you want but don't stonewall for no reason.
Noble: Be informed, take an interest in the world around you.
Fear: Being undone by missing some vital detail. (Helplessness)
Obsession: Keeping himself and others safe from the powers that be.
Wound Threshold: 50.
Conspiracy Theorist 55%* (Substitutes for Notice, Protects Helplessness, Coerces Helplessness)
Persuasive Headgames 65% (Terrorise: Helplessness, Casts Rituals, Use Gutter Magick)
Shock Gauges
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