Imani Route

I**mani's** **Route** is one of 8 companion routes in Love Shore and one of Farah's 4 playable routes. It was written by Emmett Nahil. The following is a full synopsis and walkthrough of the route’s plot, including all available choices, stats and outcomes.

## Plot

The story take place across 5 days and nights. Each Chapter covers the events of a 24-hour day-night cycle in the game world. Farah starts with stat levels of **3 STR, 2 COU** and **1 INT****.**

* Imani starts with an approval rating of **4/10**. This stat is not shown in the Life S. app but will rise and fall depending on player choices (+REL / -REL)

## Chapter 1

The first day’s events are always the same, with four stat-affecting choices and four minor choices, until Farah returns to her apartment at night. See Farah Intro for a full guide.

When Farah returns home she finds a message from Imani on her voicecom begging her for help. Choosing to **call Imani** or **call Sam** will begin Imani’s route, the only difference being an extra bit of dialogue and a minor choice, as either way she’ll end up calling Sam.

If Farah **calls Imani** the phone will ring but no one picks up.

* LEAVE A VOICECOM
* HANG UP

* Farah leaves Imani a message, promising to find her and telling her to stay safe. **+ REL**

* Unsure if Imani can even access her phone and feeling desperation set in, Farah hangs up quickly.

*If Farah choses to call Sam, this voicecom/hang up choice is skipped. It’s always better to call Imani to start her route since calling Sam has an unavoidable **-1 REL**, and calling Imani offers a **+1 REL** opportunity to cancel it out.*

Farah calls her neighbour Sam **(-1 REL)** hoping his shady connections can help her find someone in trouble and on the run. Sam picks up but he sounds agitated. Farah asks for his expertise and he initially objects to helping because he’s trying to abide by the law, assuming her ask is something illegal and they just got out of jail. Farah’s desperation bleeds through when she tells him her friend is missing and in trouble, and he relents, agreeing to help her in exchange for an immediate favor. He tells her to come to Holo Pronz and Farah reluctantly does so, leaving her apartment.

At the porno shop Farah discovers Sam’s favor is to help him carry what appears to be the dead body of an unknown man (Alyosha). Sam insists he’s probably not dead, and he definitely didn’t shoot him - the man just stumbled into the store. Farah helps Sam carry the body back to his apartment. They get him onto the bed and Sam seems concerned and frightened. Sam asks Farah what she needs from him and she explains that Dr. Santero was doing a variety of experiments before going missing, and that she may be in trouble. Sam thinks of some potential leads and says he’ll ask around. He recommends looking into Ganesha Demolition, Eshu Information Hub, or Persephone’s.

* GANESHA
* ESHU
* PERSEPHONE

* (Farah will follow the Ganesha lead in Chapter 2)

* (Farah will follow the Eshu lead in Chapter 2)

* (Farah will follow the Persephone lead in Chapter 2)

🔎 Persephone will be visited in Chapter 3 regardless of the choice here, and selecting her will only add a scene where Farah tries and fails to reach her in Chapter 2. It is better to select Ganesha or Eshu to receive more intel and stat bonus opportunities in Chapter 2.

Sam confirms he’ll look into the lead and he’ll get back to her tomorrow when the not-dead man wakes up. Farah doubts he ever will wake up. Not knowing much about human medicine, Sam asks Farah if she can help the man at all.

* ALRIGHT
* I CAN’T HELP HIM
* ABSOLUTELY NOT

* Farah agrees to help because the man looks to be in bad shape. She recalls her basic military field medicine training and patches him up as best as she can with Sam’s supplies. **+ STR** | (**+1 REL**)

* Farah says all she can do is help Sam bring the man to the hospital, and promises she won’t report it to any authorities. Sam understands, and the two carry the man to the hospital.

* Farah angrily tells Sam she doesn’t want him roping her into dangerous stuff like this. Sam is hurt and angry, as he was just trying to do the right thing. He tells Farah to leave. **+ STR** | (**-1 REL**)

Regardless, Farah heads home exhausted, with a new number from Sam.

## Chapter 2

Farah wakes up the next morning, groggy and disoriented from the night before. As she brews a pot of coffee she looks up Dr. Imani Santero on her phone browser. She doesn’t find anything mysterious or new, but seeing some images of Imani leaves Farah fondly remembering her passion for her research.

While washing up, Sam messages her with an update that he’s spoken to some contacts, and recommends Farah checks the basement labs at the hospital ASAP while he waits for more information.

* THANK HIM
* ASK TO KEEP QUIET

* Farah thanks Sam for his help and tells him she hopes his friend (Alyosha) is okay.

* Farah asks Sam not to mention her search for Imani to anyone.

Farah notices an older message on her phone from Talia, reminding her about the work survey she’s running that Farah agreed to help with that day, hoping she can still make it.

* APOLOGIZE
* DON’T RESPOND
* DON’T APOLOGIZE

* Farah apologizes for missing the survey, messaging Talia that she got caught up in something last minute. She says to let her know when the next one is happening so she can help.

* Farah doesn’t responds to Talia, instead letting her believe she’s just crashing hard after getting out of jail.

* A little frustrated, Farah messages Talia that she can’t help this evening, reminding her that she said she couldn’t make it yesterday.

Farah gets dressed and makes her way through the city, avoiding attracting attention as she heads to the hospital. When she arrives she goes to the lowest floor, trying to look casual. She finds an unmarked metal door that’s locked, and tries knocking but no one answers.

* FORCE THE LOCK
* PICK THE LOCK (locked if low INT)
* ASK FOR HELP

* Farah’s never met a door she can’t kick down, and this one’s no different. The lock busts open and the door falls off its rusty hinges. **+ STR** | **+ REL**

* Farah fishes around in her pockets and finds some bent paperclips. After trying for a few minutes, she manages to pick the lock open. **+ INT**

* Farah yells into the crack in the door that she lost her key and needs help. Eventually she hears footsteps and someone answers her pleas by opening the door. **+ COU** | **- REL**

The pitch black entryway is slowly lit, revealing Dr. Imani Santero. She’s overjoyed that Farah found her, and Farah’s overwhelmed to see her again. Imani says she had forgotten how hard it is to find loyal friends in Love Shore. Farah asks what’s been going on and Imani flirts with her a little before explaining: confused about the reality of Love Shore, she’s been trying to figure out how the S.Humans and the Gods can exist in direct defiance of each other. Farah mentions that she’s been in contact with some gods lately.

* SUGGEST ONE OF SAM’S CONTACTS
* EXPRESS DOUBTS (locked if COU below 4)

* Farah offers to call on Ganesha, Eshu or Persephone, depending on which lead she asked Sam to look into in Chapter 1. Imani is surprised that she must have friends in high places to be in contact with a god.

* Farah asks if Imani’s investigations will be dangerous, but Imani only laughs.

Imani shows Farah a board full of charts and papers, focusing on a map of Love Shore with areas marked in different colors and paths criss-crossing the city. Imani explains that the “map is not the territory”; the gods use their human forms and the city itself to influence humanity, but S.Humans can see them as they truly are. The regions she’s charted mark the current territory of the gods in Love Shore, their businesses, headquarters and troop movements. Farah asks how she got this intel since even S.Humans don’t know exactly who moves where in the criminal underworld. Imani proudly tells her that knowledge is power, and there’s a lot of power in motion in the city right now. Farah says it sounds like a fight is coming, and Imani agrees that the gods have retained their strongholds in the city through obscurity and false fronts but it may be changing soon.

* TO KEEP HUMANS DOWN
* TO KEEP SAFE
* SO WHAT?

* Farah suggests the gods use these false fronts to keep humans in the dark. Imani agrees that their use of gangs and businesses are ways to keep humans from realizing how easily they’re falling into line. **+ REL**

* Farah asks if the gods use these false fronts to to keep people safe. Imani is irritated by the question, asking what they need safety from - they all have the means to defend themselves, the gods included.

* Farah is apathetic, asking why this war matters. Imani whirls on her and stresses that this is the very architecture of Love Shore. While it may not affect S.Humans as much as humans, it still matters. **- REL**

Imani explains that her research is dangerous and difficult because she’s trying to uncover the origins of the Gods’ power before the oncoming war begins, which may end up affecting all of Love Shore.

* ASK IF IT WILL WORK
* ASK IF IMANI IS CRAZY
* ASK HOW TO HELP

* Farah asks if she’s the right person to help Imani, and she replies with absolute certainty. Moved by how much Imani trusts her, she agrees to help.

* Farah says this is nuts. Imani, voice full of venom, says that she’s aware it sounds crazy and Farah can leave if she wants, but she’d better not get in her way. **+ STR** | **+ REL**

**CAVE**

* Farah hesitates, but figures Imani must have a good reason for challenging the gods. She apologizes and agrees to help.

**LEAVE**

* Disturbed by Imani’s abrupt change of demeanor, Farah decides to leave. She barely gets out the door before Imani injects her with something. Darkness takes Farah and she fades away. **YOU DIED!**

* Farah sees this is too much for Imani to handle alone and asks how she can help. Imani needs boots on the ground outside of the confines of her lab. Believing this presents a danger to all of Love Shore, and that Imani needs her, Farah agrees to help. **+ STR** | **+ REL**

Imani explains some specifics of her intel so far - she believes Coatlique, the elusive head of Coatlique Pharmaceuticals, and Inanna, the blood-soaked goddess of the drug trade are about to enter a conflict over their competing businesses, likely resulting in a disastrous war that would tear the city apart. Farah realizes the violent reality she’s describing, the lives at stake, and the immensity of the task at hand. She worries for Imani and is touched that she trusts her to help. Farah pulls up a stool and sits close to Imani.

* TELL HER YOU MISSED HER
* TELL HER YOU WERE WORRIED FOR HER

* Farah tells Imani that she missed her, despite not knowing much about her. Imani looks surprised and vulnerable, and when Farah admits to wanting to get to know her better, she smiles. **+ REL**

* Farah tells Imani she was worried about her. Imani appreciates the thought but says she can take care of herself. Farah agrees but admits she doesn’t actually know that much about her. Imani smiles, and Farah asks what she’s been up to.

Imani tells Farah how she came to this kind of research a long time ago. In school she was interested in treating human patients, but S.Humans were also coming in frequently for maintenance as Life S. collapsed and left them with nowhere to go. Her mentor was concerned for them, and taught Imani what he knew about S.Human science and physiology. But he kept secrets, and wouldn’t say if or how the gods were connected to S.Human life. Farah takes this as Imani’s motivation for solving the mystery - for S.Humans. Imani agrees it’s for them, but hesitates and admits is also for “everyone”, not just S.Humans in Love Shore.

Farah says it’s her lucky day, as there may be someone who can help - **Eshu, Ganesha** or **Persephone**, depending on who the player selected when **speaking to Sam** in **Chapter 1**. Imani is surprised Farah actually does have connections to a god, but warns that it’ll be dangerous.

* PLAY IT COOL
* MAKE A STATEMENT
* SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS

* Farah reminds Imani that she’s been able to handle things fine so far. Imani makes a face, and tells her to be careful.

* Farah promises that if it’ll help Imani, it’s a risk she’s willing to take. Imani appears surprised but concedes, and tells her to be careful.

* Farah stands tall and says it’s a good thing she knows how to fight. When Imani tries to remind her these are gods they’re dealing with, Farah reassures her she knows what she’s doing. Imani seems annoyed and fearful.

Imani says she’ll be at the lab waiting either way, once Farah has investigated. She implores her to be safe and find something they can use. Imani escorts Farah out - by now, night has fallen, and Farah goes in search of a god.

***The next scene depends on which god was selected during the conversation with Sam in Chapter 1.***

Afterwards, back at her apartment, Farah washes up and goes to bed. Her last thoughts before sleep takes her are of Imani in her lab.

## Chapter 3

Farah wakes up in the late morning and gets dressed before heading out to Persephone’s Gym. She texts Maya to confirm she’ll be there, and Maya tells her to come by this morning as she’ll be working.

At Persephone’s Gym, Farah meets up with Maya at the juice counter and asks if she could talk to Persephone. Maya sends a text and receives a quick reply from the goddess asking if Farah knows a Dr. Santero. Concerned but determined to investigate, Farah tells her to reply to Persephone with whatever she wants to hear in order to get her an audience. Maya does so, getting another text saying Farah can head over to Persephone’s table in a few minutes. Grateful but suspicious at how simple that was, Farah waits by the bar until Persephone’s bodyguard signals her over.

Farah meets the goddess at her table and spies her skeletal true form which leaves her feeling uneasy and intimidated. Persephone invites her to sit down and chat, and Farah remains carefully respectful while talking with her. Persephone notes that she must be ex-military, and that she’s caught her interest as someone Maya thinks highly of. She also reveals that she knows about Farah’s arrest at the bar a few years ago. The goddess asks what she wants, and Farah says she’s making inquiries for a friend about the origins of Life S. Persephone calls it the “origins of life itself.” She asks if Farah knows her mythology and remembers what happened to Prometheus.

* TELL HER TO BE SAFE
* TELL HER YOU DON’T REMEMBER
* LIE

* Recalling her lessons from middle school, Farah says Prometheus was caught by the titans for trying to bring fire to humans, and punished by having his guts pecked out by eagles daily. Persephone is pleasantly surprised by her knowledge and flatters her for having brains and brawn. She makes a small correction: that Prometheus’ mistake wasn’t just stealing fire but stealing knowledge to give to humankind. She asks if that makes S.Humans the sacred fire in this case, and makes a veiled threat saying she hopes the good doctor Imani doesn’t wind up chained to a rock like Prometheus.
* Persephone goes on to explain that it’s not so much a question of who started Life S. as how it worked at all - all the technological advancement in the world and somehow the only solution to the Fertility Crisis was creating S.Humans, which doesn’t seem like the most convenient solution to a biological problem. She asks Farah how she thinks the S.Humans were animated and given life once they were created. Farah hadn’t thought of this part and assumes the engineers just found a way to attach a brain to an artificial skeleton. Persephone admits it’s a good guess but asks how all the organs and systems are kept together and in sync with an organic brain. When Farah can’t come up with anything, the goddess says it’s like asking what animated humans in the first place: if ancient wisdom says it was the touch of a god then perhaps S.Humans have the same source. Left with much to think about, Farah thanks her for her wisdom. Persephone smirks and reminds her to tell Imani that she should look into who gave Life S. the idea for S.Humans in the first place

* Having no time for half-truths, Farah admits she doesn’t recall Prometheus’ story. Persephone quirks a brow but appreciates her honesty. She explains that Prometheus was a Titan who, unlike his kin, cared for and trusted humankind - an error in judgement, in her opinion. He made the mistake of stealing fire, but more importantly stealing knowledge and trying to give it to the humans. Persephone then says she’s heard something about Farah’s friend Imani, and makes a veiled threat that she hopes the good doctor doesn’t wind up chained to a rock like Prometheus. **+ COU**
* Persephone goes on to explain that it’s not so much a question of who started Life S. as how it worked at all - all the technological advancement in the world and somehow the only solution to the Fertility Crisis was creating S.Humans, which doesn’t seem like the most convenient solution to a biological problem. She asks Farah how she thinks the S.Humans were animated and given life once they were created. Farah hadn’t thought of this part and assumes the engineers just found a way to attach a brain to an artificial skeleton. Persephone admits it’s a good guess but asks how all the organs and systems are kept together and in sync with an organic brain. When Farah can’t come up with anything, the goddess says it’s like asking what animated humans in the first place: if ancient wisdom says it was the touch of a god then perhaps S.Humans have the same source. Left with much to think about, Farah thanks her for her wisdom. Persephone smirks and reminds her to tell Imani that she should look into who gave Life S. the idea for S.Humans in the first place

* Farah makes a snap decision to try to pass Persephone’s test. She lies and says that of course she recalls Prometheus’ story as the “one with the guy in the maze”, mistaking Prometheus for Theseus. Knowing this is incorrect, Persephone is immediately disappointed and snaps her fingers, instructing her bodyguard to get rid of Farah. She says she doesn’t have time to play with idiots or fools trying to trick her. The bodyguard grabs Farah and drags her from the table. Farah breaks free and tries to apologize to Persephone, but she’s heard enough. Persephone’s true form emerges before Farah, and she kills her. YOU DIED! (GAME OVER)

Farah thanks Persephone for her time and heads out, but Maya waves her over before she can leave. Maya pulls her aside and mentions something she heard that might help her investigation: many gods have been coming and going, meeting with Persephone, and while Coatlique has had people coming into the club she hasn’t shown up herself. She says the club is preparing for an event tonight and she thinks Coatlique is actually coming to meet with Persephone to talk business. Knowing Coatlique doesn’t show her face around the city, Farah tries to press Maya for more info. Maya seems fearful of Persephone and says everyone’s been on edge including the goddess. There have been issues with a minor trickster god interfering with business and Persephone suspects Inanna has something to do with it, so she wants to break the news to Coatlique gently to ease tensions. Having said all she can, Maya says she needs to get back to work.

* THANK HER
* LEAVE

* Seeing how worried Maya is, Farah thanks her for confiding this intel to her. Maya asks for some information in return: who is Doctor Imani?

**CLUE HER IN**

* Trusting Maya as a confidant who just did her a big favor, Farah tells her Imani is a friend, and is special. Maya pushes for more details and Farah gushes that Imani is smart, beautiful and interesting. Maya clearly has more questions but Farah says she needs to get back to her investigation and that they’ll catch up later. Maya teases her a bit for her obvious crush before letting her leave.

**EVADE THE QUESTION**

* Knowing that Maya is effectively a spy for Persephone, Farah opts not to endager Imani any further. She tells Maya that Imani is no one she needs to worry about. Maya is taken aback and irritated at being brushed off, and suggests jail changed Farah more than she thought, before getting back to work. Not knowing what else to say, Farah quickly leaves. **+ REL**

* Not wanting to stick around any longer and get caught snooping, Farah quickly leaves Persephone’s.

As she steps outside, Persephone’s has made its nightly switch back to a club. People are already crowded around the entrance waiting to go in. Farah scans the crowd looking for anyone important, any of the potential heavy hitters Maya mentioned. A stranger approaches her and asks if she’s looking for someone and Farah tries to brush him off. He continues to bother her with questions and introduces himself as Aziz. Farah is immediately irritated in his presence but doesn’t want to start another fight, so she asks if he’s seen Persephone’s bodyguard escort anyone in or out. Aziz is evasive, saying everyone seems to be looking for important gods these days. Farah presses him again, resisting the urge to hit him, and he reveals Persephone already came and went out the side door with Coatlique, but that Farah might be able to catch them at the opening of Sakhr’s new casino tomorrow night. He gives her a small and expensive looking business card and tells her to wear something nice to the black tie event. Farah reluctantly thanks him and he reminds her not to mention him if anyone asks where she heard about it. As he leaves he tells her ‘Sammy’ says hello, and Farah realizes Sam must have sent this annoying stranger to give her the info.

Leaves the busy club area and heading down a narrow alley, Farah spots a woman loitering up ahead who looks pissed, and she’s blocking her exit. Farah cautiously greets her, and the woman seems to know her by name. Farah thinks she looks familiar and the woman introduces herself as Viv, a friend of Sam’s. Viv says she’s heard Farah knows Dr. Imani Santero and asks if it’s true.

* TELL HER YES
* TELL HER NO

* Farah confirms she knows Imani, and Viv asks how. Farah explains she’s a patient of hers, and has been doing some work to help her research. Viv says Imani has been up to some dangerously shady stuff that’s affecting folks on the ground, and that if Farah cares about her fellow S.Humans she should stop helping the doctor before she decides to dig around in her brain next. Before Farah can ask for more details, Viv disappears down the alley. Farah chases after her but loses her around the corner. **- REL**

* Farah treads carefully and says she’s not familiar with Imani. Viv looks skeptical but Farah continues to play dumb, asking why she’s looking for the doctor. Viv warns her to be careful because S.Humans have been going missing, disappearing off the streets usually late at night. Farah says this is the first she’s hearing about it, and Viv tells her to watch her back out there, since no one seems to know where the doctor is or how she’s taking S.Humans on her own. Farah thanks her for the warning, and before she can ask for more details Viv disappears down the alley. **+ REL**

Viv is gone and Farah is left filled with dread. She checks the time and realizes how late it’s gotten. She heads back to Imani’s lab to update her.

At the hospital, she finds the lab door unlocked and Imani examining something on a tray, which makes her think of Viv’s morbid warning. Farah makes her presence known, startling Imani, and the doctor asks how the day went. Before she goes into detail, Farah asks a question.

* ASK ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON
* DEMAND TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON (locked if COU below 8)

* Although she’s happy to help Imani, she says she’ll need some context on what the doctor has been up to that has so many people pissed off. Imani admits she’s sort of been keeping Farah in the dark for her own safety.

If approval is 6/10 or more, she seems earnestly apologetic and asks if Farah trusts her.

If approval is 5/10 or less, Farah implies “in the dark” is an understatement and Imani says she needs to know if she can trust her.

**YES OF COURSE**

* Farah feels that Imani is being sincere.

* If approval is 6/10 or more, Farah says she trusts her and Imani pulls her over to an opaque glass holding tank. She types into a command panel and the glass turns clear.

* If approval is 5/10 or less, Farah says Imani can trust her. Imani appreciates her saying so and pulls up a chair for her, offering to explain further.

**IT’S HARD TO TRUST YOU**

* Remembering that the gods and everyone else she’s spoken to so far have warned her about Imani’s experiments, Farah admits that the last few days have been strange and it’s hard to trust her.

* If approval is 6/10 or more, Imani understands that trusting anyone in Love Shore doesn’t come easily. She says she wants to show her something and pulls Farah over to an opaque glass holding tank. She types into a command panel and the glass turns clear.

* If approval is 5/10 or less, Imani gives a humorless laugh and concedes that at least Farah is honest, and that trusting anyone in Love Shore doesn’t come easily. She pulls up a chair for her and begins to explain.

* Farah demands answers, reminding Imani she’s been working hard investigating for two days, talking to gods and strangers to get her all kinds of intel.

If approval is 6/10 or more, Imani says she’ll explain more but first begs her to calm down and trust her.
If approval is 5/10 or less, Imani is irritated and wants Farah to be reasonable, she’s not being held at gunpoint to do any of this - there are things happening in Love Shore that started well before she decided to drop in.

*Either way, she asks Farah if she still wants to help shape the future of Love Shore.*

**OF COURSE**

* If approval is 6/10 or more, Farah says of course she wants to help, and before she can say more Imani brings her over to an opaque glass holding tank. She types into a command panel and the glass turns clear.

* If approval is 5/10 or less, Farah says of course she wants to help, anyone would, and Imani says that’s good to know.

**DEPENDS ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES**

* If approval is 6/10 or more, Farah says it depends, and Imani replies that they have a very specific opportunity here. She brings her over to an opaque glass holding tank where she types into a command panel and the glass turns clear.

* If approval is 5/10 or less, Farah says it depends on what she’d have to do to shape it. Imani only hums in reply.

*Regardless of whether Farah asked or demanded to know what’s going on, the following will take place depending on if approval is 6/10 or more or if approval is 5/10 or less.*

* IF APPROVAL 6/10 OR MORE
* IF APPROVAL 5/10 OR LESS

* A body is fully visible in the glass tank. Imani explains that liquid cryogenics, a preservative that works on humans for a short time, can hold a S.Human body intact indefinitely. Farah is shocked to recognize the body as the unconscious man she helped Sam move from Holo Pronz, but this version of him looks to be in his mid-80s.
* She asks Imani incredulously who this man is and why she has his body, and the doctor reveals that this is Alyosha, her mentor she had mentioned earlier. She tells Farah that he was concerned for the fate of S.Humans because he invented them, and became the first one himself. Farah can’t believe this is the man she saw, who looked no older than 30 a couple days ago, but she doesn’t tell Imani about it.

* Imani reminds Farah of the mentor she mentioned, Dr. Alyosha. She says he was a brilliant doctor but a scientist and inventor first. He was concerned for the fate of S.Humans because he invented them, and became the first one himself.
* Farah is shocked, but even more so when Imani pulls up a picture of him on her phone and it’s the unconscious man she helped Sam move from Holo Pronz, or someone who looks just like him. The man in the photo looks several decades older than the 30-something man Farah had met, but she doesn’t reveal any of this to Imani.

Imani explains that Dr. Alyosha was a genius and great mentor, but he also saw limitations to his creations. As a younger man he had been sick with an aggressive disease that he rarely talked about. Making the technology that became S.Human physiology saved him and, hopefully, a whole generation. She admits though that he didn’t teach her **everything** he knew. Imani suggests they get some fresh air and take the conversation to the roof.

They take a deserted freight elevator up to the roof. Farah is somewhat distracted by Imani’s beauty, having never seen her outside the hospital. Imani tells her she’s been working to recreate Alyosha’s research, which has Farah surprised that she’s trying to recreate S.Humans. Imani corrects her that it’s not quite like that, explaining she’s studied S.Humans most of her life and knows them better than they know themselves. She knows S.Humans weren’t just created through mechanical means, there was something else, some kind of key Alyosha was working to create. She thinks the creation of that key involved the assistance of a god, and though she doesn’t know which one she has her suspicions. Farah asks how she knows, and Imani admits there’s no reason, physiological or psychological, that S.Humans should be able to see the gods in their true forms if Alyosha was just creating a cyborg - cyborgs are easy, “you’re something entirely different”.

* BE DARING (available if COU +6)
* BE STRONG (available if STR +4)
* BE WITTY (available if INT +4)

* Farah asks if Imani means different in a good way.

* Farah says that cyborgs aren’t “easy”, they’re pretty durable.

* Farah asks if Imani means she’s different than the other people she’s fallen for.

If **approval is 6/10 or more**, Imani looks Farah over while blushing heavily.

If **approval is 5/10 or less**, Imani looks Farah over and laughs but it rings a little hollow.

Imani returns to a serious note, saying S.Humans have a spark of ***something***, and investigating and studying that something is what she’s been doing, hoping to maybe even recreate it. She asks Farah if she believes Love Shore can change, that a better world is possible.

* YES, OF COURSE
* YES, BUT IT’LL BE DIFFICULT
* NO, NOT ANYTIME SOON

* Farah tells her everything relevant and Imani listens intently. The doctor is disappointed she couldn’t catch Coatlique at the club but unsurprised, and agrees the casino opening could be a good opportunity to confirm her suspicions. Farah says she’ll go tomorrow and see what she finds, and Imani is hopeful that they’re on the right path together. **+ COU** | **+ REL**

* Farah says that change is always possible, if you want it. Imani’s expression softens and she agrees change is possible, especially if you do it with those you care for. **+ INT**

* Farah admits that she doesn’t think it can change, that Love Shore makes things difficult for anyone, let alone people trying to enact change. Imani’s face sours and she agrees that’s right… for some people at least. **- REL**

The two discuss how nighttime is so strange in Love Shore, always something between light and dark. Imani notes that the 24-hour cycle makes it seem like it’ll never stop, and remembers her parents telling her about a time before, when you could actually see stars at night. Farah suggests those weren’t better times, and Imani agrees they were just different. She comes out of her reverie to ask Farah what she learned out in the city.

* TELL HER EVERYTHING YOU LEARNED
* TELL HER MOST OF WHAT YOU LEARNED

* Farah tells her everything relevant and Imani listens intently. The doctor is disappointed she couldn’t catch Coatlique at the club but unsurprised, and agrees the casino opening could be a good opportunity to confirm her suspicions. Farah says she’ll go tomorrow and see what she finds, and Imani is hopeful that they’re on the right path together. **+ INT**

* Farah gives Imani a shortened version of the intel, leaving out the part where she ran into Viv. Imani admits there’s nothing too immediately useful, but the casino opening could be a good opportunity to confirm her suspicions. Farah says she’ll go tomorrow and see what she finds. **+ INT**

Imani appreciates Farah putting herself at risk and Farah says it’s nothing. Imani asks what they should do now.

* HANG OUT (APPROVAL 7/10 OR MORE) 🫂
* KISS HER (APPROVAL 7/10 OR MORE) 💕
* ANSWER HER
* IGNORE IT

* Farah tells Imani she likes spending time with her. Imani playfully bumps her shoulder and says that’s good enough for her. They look out over the city together before she eventually bids Farah goodnight and heads back into the hospital. Farah heads home.

* Farah tells Imani she like being close to her, that it feels right. Imani is leaning close and Farah leans in. She hesitates and apologizes, but Imani says not to, brushing a piece of hair back from her face gently. She bids Farah goodnight and heads back into the hospital. Farah heads home.

Arriving home, Farah realizes she forgot to text Talia about her work thing the other day. She pulls out her phone and opens the messaging app.

<tabber>

* Farah closes the app, guessing if her work with Imani continues, she’ll be too busy to hang out with Talia anyway.

* Farah closes the app, guessing if her work with Imani continues, she’ll be too busy to hang out with Talia anyway.

Farah settles into bed but can’t quiet her mind to sleep. She tosses and turns for what feels like hours but eventually drifts off.

## Chapter 4

Farah wakes up late and gets out of bed. She tries to remember what Aziz said about the casino opening dress code. If she kissed Imani the night before, she blames that as the reason for her forgetfulness. She opts to text Maya for help on her outfit. Maya playfully teases her and reminds her the event is black tie so she should wear something nice, but she needs to run errands so Farah will have to figure it out herself. She says Farah should be more concerned about her safety than her outfit.

* BRUSH HER OFF
* THANK HER FOR THE WARNING

* Farah only replies “whatever.”

* Farah thanks Maya and tells her she appreciates the help.

Farah texts Imani good morning and they chat over text. She admits she’s antsy about the casino opening and isn’t sure what to wear, but Imani assures her she’ll look amazing no matter what. Imani warns that the event will be very secure so she’ll need a valid invite, and once she’s inside she should try to talk to any gods to find out who Alyosha worked with at the beginning of Life S. Farah promises she’ll do her best.

Needing a way into the casino, Farah texts her one shady contact: Sam. After taking some offense to her (admittedly correct) assumptions of him, he sends her the contact info for Jo Pangan. He tells her Jo works at the bike shop and may be able to help, and she can say he sent her. Farah thanks him and asks if the injured man from Holo Pronz ever woke up, but Sam doesn’t reply.

Farah realizes the contact Sam sent is the freelance investigator who accosted her outside the hospital in **Chapter 1**. Nevertheless, she heads out to the bike shop.

The bike shop is empty save for Jo, who appears behind the counter. Jo assumes Farah’s not there to answer their questions like they’d hoped, and Farah confirms that Sam sent her their way for help getting into the casino opening. Jo warns it’ll be dangerous and Farah protests, but they remind her that even a strong S.Human can still get hurt or worse.

* CONVINCE THEM NICELY
* INTIMIDATE THEM

* Farah tells them they’re not wrong. Jo says both gods and ambitious humans don’t care for normal folks like them, and asks that Farah promise to be careful. Farah agrees and Jo smiles. They print her an embossed ticket from below the counter.

* Feeling impatient, Farah leans over the counter and stares them down, saying that S.Humans can get hurt but not by someone like them. Jo steps back with a look of distaste and tells her to learn to take a joke, but they do print her an embossed ticket for the event.

Back at her apartment with the forged pass, Farah picks out an old suit from the depths of her closet and gets dressed. She texts Imani.

* SEND HER A SELFIE (locked if approval below 7/10)
* TELL HER YOU’RE HEADING OUT

* Farah tells them they’re not wrong. Jo says both gods and ambitious humans don’t care for normal folks like them, and asks that Farah promise to be careful. Farah agrees and Jo smiles. They print her an embossed ticket from below the counter.

**TELL HER YOU’RE DOING THIS FOR HER**

* Farah says she’s doing this for her and Imani is taken aback, saying that means more to her than she knows. Farah asks her to come by her place after the party and Imani enthusiastically agrees.

**TELL HER YOU’RE DOING THIS FOR THE CITY**

* Farah says she’s doing this for Love Shore, and Imani says that’s admirable. Farah asks her to come by her place after the party and Imani agrees.

* Feeling impatient, Farah leans over the counter and stares them down, saying that S.Humans can get hurt but not by someone like them. Jo steps back with a look of distaste and tells her to learn to take a joke, but they do print her an embossed ticket for the event.

**TELL HER YOU’RE DOING THIS FOR HER**

* Farah says she’s doing this for her and Imani is taken aback, saying that’s very kind of her. Farah asks her to come by her place after the party and Imani agrees.

**TELL HER YOU’RE DOING THIS FOR THE CITY**

* Farah says she’s doing this for Love Shore. She asks Imani to come by her place after the party and Imani agrees.

At the casino, Farah’s forged pass is accepted and she’s let in. She eventually finds Sakhr standing alone and approaches him, spotting his powerful true form and remembering Jo’s warning. Sakhr greets her and asks which god she’s accompanying. Farah corrects him that she’s here on behalf of someone and he asks who.

* LIE
* TELL A HALF-TRUTH
* TELL THE TRUTH

* Farah tells Sakhr she is there on behalf of Persephone. Sakhr sighs in disappointment at the lie and says she doesn’t belong there. With a blast of burning energy, he kills her. **YOU DIED!**

* Farah says she came alone seeking answers. Sakhr wonders aloud what answers she’s seeking, and reveals he just had an interesting conversation with a young man also seeking answers. He says the man just left and she could try and catch him.

* Farah says she came on behalf of Dr. Imani Santero, and is seeking answers. Sakhr looks intrigued and bursts into laughter, revealing he just had an interesting conversation with a young man also seeking answers. He says the man just left and she could try and catch him.

Farah thanks Sakhr for his help and wonders who the ‘young man’ could be when she spots Alyosha across the room, with Sam on his arm.

* CONFRONT ALYOSHA
* LET THEM GO

* Farah strides across the casino and intercepts the two. Sam tells her this isn’t the time but Farah shuts him up. She asks his companion if he is Dr. Alyosha, and Alyosha looks dazed. He confirms his name but says he isn’t a doctor. Farah turns on her eyescan to find Alyosha has no information at all. She exclaims that the last time she saw him he was dead, and Alyosha tries to tell her it’s not what she thinks. Sam realizes she must have found Imani, and Farah tells him something’s going on that Imani is trying to stop. Alyosha asks if the doctor is instead going to make things worse. Before she can answer, the crowd parts and Farah spots an older woman. She excuses herself, and Sam and Alyosha wander out. **YOU DIED!**

* Farah considers confronting the two and demanding answers, but she feels like Sakhr’s suggestion to do so is actually bait. She lets them go instead, and they wander out of the building, Alyosha looking dazed and Sam looking grim. Before she can regroup, the crowd parts and Farah spots an older woman.

Farah recognizes the older woman as Coatlique, seeing her chilling serpentine true form behind her. She approaches the goddess and gets her attention.

* THREATEN HER
* SCHMOOZE
* HINT AT IMANI’S INVOLVEMENT

* Seeing her chance to ask Coatlique about Life S., Farah questions her directly. She tells Coatlique that she - and the doctor she’s working with - know what she is. The goddess calls her daring, and asks who the doctor is. Farah tries to respond but can’t. Coatlique dares her to say Imani’s name as she transforms into her godly form. She reaches out a clawed hand and tears Farah’s tongue from her mouth as she screams, killing her. **YOU DIED!**

* Seeing her chance to ask Coatlique about Life S., Farah tries to be smooth. She flatters the goddess, saying she’s heard a lot about her. Coatlique prefers not to be spoken of, and Farah says she appreciates the desire to keep away from the spotlight. It seems to appease Coatlique and she asks who she is.

A FRIEND

* Farah says she’s a friend… hopefully. Coatlique is intrigued by such “hope”.

JUST A S.HUMAN

* Farah says she’s just a S.Human. Coatlique considers her response self-effacing.

Farah gives the goddess her name, and Coatlique is amused that S.Human parents gave them human names, since they’re not like humans. Angry but keeping her cool, Farah agrees and continues to flatter her, which seems to work in her favor. Coatlique asks what she wants, and Farah says she’s there on behalf of a friend who couldn’t attend. Coatlique deduces she’s gathering intel, and suggests that she should instead be looking within herself for answers rather than eavesdropping on the powerful.

She taps Farah’s head which makes something inside her shudder and flicker. Farah begins to voice her confusion while Coatlique warns she may not like what she finds.

* Seeing her chance to ask Coatlique about Life S., Farah tries to be smooth. She says she’s heard a lot about her, and the goddess asks what she’s heard.

THAT YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS IN EVERYTHING

* Farah says she’s heard Coatlique is quite busy around Love Shore. Coatlique confirms it, asking why one would only take life when they could help create it. She asks who Farah is, to be inquiring about such things.

THAT YOU KNOW A DOCTOR IMANI SANTERO

* Farah says she’s heard that Coatlique knows a Dr. Imani Santero, and the goddess’ true form flickers for a moment before composing herself. She asks who Farah is, to be mentioning someone like Imani.

Farah gives the goddess her name, and Coatlique is amused that S.Human parents gave them human names, since they’re not like humans. Angry but keeping her cool, Farah tells her that just because gods can’t love what they made doesn’t mean humans can’t. Coatlique calls her assumption that humans made S.Humans a bold one. Farah is confused, and Coatlique says the S.Human urge to seek out their origins is the most they have in common with their human parents. Otherwise, she says they’ve never been like humans, and she and Dr. Imani should accept that.

Farah is careful not to say anything more. She thanks Coatlique for her time and the goddess says it’s been interesting meeting her before heading back into the crowd. Exhausted, Farah leaves the casino wondering what to do about Alyosha, knowing Imani is obsessed with finding him.

* IF APPROVAL 6/10 OR MORE
* IF APPROVAL 5/10 OR LESS

* Farah recalls how troubled Alyosha looked, and feels sorry for him if he is somehow in his own future where he clearly shouldn’t be. Telling Imani might set her off and the doctor’s already pushed herself a lot over this conflict and mystery, so she decides not to. Farah reasons to herself that sometimes loving someone means keeping steady when they can’t.

* Farah reasons that Sam is keeping too close a watch on Alyosha for her to intervene much anyway, as she’s not sure what he’d do if Imani revealed herself in the process of going after Alyosha. She also feels Imani is keeping something from her, so she decides to say nothing for now.

Arriving home, Farah texts Imani that she’s back and the doctor arrives before she’s even changed out of her fancy suit.

* KISS HER (locked if approval 5/10 or lower)
* LET HER IN

* Imani kisses Farah as soon as they’re inside, and tells her she missed her.

* Farah lets Imani in, and Imani tells her she’s glad she’s safe.

Imani asks what happened at the casino, and Farah says she had some strange conversations that raised more questions. Though Imani tries to avoid the conversation, Farah presses on.

* DID ALYOSHA CREATE S.HUMANS
* DID COATLIQUE CREATE S.HUMANS
* If approval is 6/10 or lower

* Farah asks if Alyosha really did create S.Humans, and Imani confirms it as she’s seen his research firsthand.

* **If approval is 7/10 or higher**, Imani admits she’s still trying to figure out who helped him. Farah thinks it’s Coatlique, and tells her the goddess said human scientists didn’t create S.Humans, but Imani insists she lied. Farah asks why Coatlique would lie and Imani suggests it was only to shake Farah’s confidence in her. Imani reminds Farah that the gods collect S.Humans like dolls, and that a goddess with a reputation for being mysterious and all-powerful might try to cover up the fact that she needed a human’s help to create life.

* Farah asks if Coatlique was the god who created S.Humans, and Imani assumes so. Farah then asks about Alyosha’s involvement.

If approval is 7/10 or higher, Imani claims Coatlique was lying about humans having nothing to do with S.Human creation. She knows Alyosha worked with someone, and Coatlique would have the access and ability to create life with someone of a medical or scientific background. Farah asks why Coatlique would lie and Imani suggests it was only to shake Farah’s confidence in her. Imani reminds Farah that the gods collect S.Humans like dolls, and that a goddess who thinks herself so all-powerful might get cocky enough to tell a lowly S.Human about her hand in their creation.
Imani only says she wishes she could tell Farah more. Farah is irritated by the continued secrecy given that she just risked her life in the casino, but Imani reminds her she agreed to help and they’re all taking risks.

Farah struggles to take everything in, but Imani reassures her that with the intel she’s gathered, they’re close. Farah is a little frightened by her determination, worrying that perhaps they’re playing right into Coatlique’s hand. Imani can’t believe she’s serious, and Farah wants to trust she knows how far is too far. Imani asks what else she wants.

* IF APPROVAL 7/10 OR MORE (KISS HER) ❤️‍🔥
* IF APPROVAL 7/10 OR MORE (DON'T KISS HER)
* If approval is 6/10 or lower

Farah tells Imani she wants to kiss her. Imani looks touched yet confused, but pulls Farah close and kisses her.

Farah tells Imani she wants to know she’ll be safe, that she won’t do anything that’ll get her hurt or killed. Imani looks touched yet confused. She voices her surprise at Farah’s worry.

**TELL HER YOU LOVE HER**

* Farah pulls back from the kiss and tells Imani she loves her, and that she worries about her all the time.

**TELL HER THAT YOU NEED HER**

* Farah pulls back from the kiss and tells Imani she needs her.

Imani cuts her off with another kiss and says she knows. She takes off Farah’s clothes and they have sex.

Farah tells Imani she wants to know she’ll be safe, that she won’t do anything that’ll get her hurt or killed. Imani looks touched yet confused. She voices her surprise at Farah’s worry.

**TELL HER YOU LOVE HER 💕**

* Farah tells Imani she loves her, and that she worries about her all the time.

**TELL HER THAT YOU CARE FOR HER 🫂**

* Farah tells Imani she cares about her, and that she worries about her all the time.

Imani tells her she feels the same, and asks Farah to trust her a little longer so they can make things right together. Farah hugs her and agrees. Imani suggests they get some rest and they fall asleep together in Farah’s bed.
Farah asks for more clarity and Imani is irritated. She insists she’s made things clear - either Farah understands and she’s in, or not. Farah fearfully stands down and says she understands. Imani apologizes for yelling and uses the strain they’re under as an excuse. Defeated, Farah agrees to get some rest and the two settle into bed together uncomfortably.

## Chapter 5

In the morning, Farah wakes before Imani and gets out of bed. If she replied to Talia’s texts at the end of Chapter 3, she receives a text from Talia thanking her for the apology and asking if there’s anything she can help with, as she’s worried about Farah.

* TELL HER TO BE SAFE
* TELL HER YOU’RE IN TROUBLE AND NEED HELP (locked if COU below 6)

* Farah says there’s not really anything Talia can help with, but she appreciates her asking. She tells Talia to be safe and they both recognize something is brewing in the city. Talia tells her to be safe too.

* Farah tells Talia she’s scared and needs to talk to her in person. Talia offers to come pick her up ASAP and says she has somewhere they can hide out. Farah thanks her and agrees to meet at the curb in 10 minutes. In the following days, Farah hides out with a motley crew of humans and S.Humans. Talia and some others bring her food when they can. The war comes and goes without her. She never finds out what happened to Imani after - it’s as if she’d been wiped out of existence.YOU DIED. (GAME OVER)

After texting Talia (or if Talia doesn’t reach out), Farah receives a text from Jo asking if she’s still alive. Glad to hear she’s okay, Jo mentions they just saw Sam heading towards an old church on the edge of the neighborhood. Farah asks if there was another man with him and Jo confirms it. They say that Sam looked messed up and scared, and they’re worried about him. Farah asks for the address and says she’ll go find him.

Farah arrives at the old church and it seems empty. She calls out for Sam or Alyosha but only an unfamiliar voice replies from behind her, and she turns to see a man who introduces himself as Anansi. Farah asks what he’s done with Alyosha and he says he’s done nothing…yet. He was expecting Alyosha and Sam, not her, but says this should be fun to watch anyways. Anansi kicks over a small metal lunchbox towards Farah and tells her to take a look inside. Farah warns him not to try anything but Anansi is unaffected, asking if she thinks she’ll kill a god.

Farah opens the box and finds a pair of brown cybernetic eyes inside, alongside a note and a carefully sealed syringe with glowing fluid inside and the word KEY scrawled on its side. When she looks up Anansi is gone, but Sam and Alyosha have arrived, looking pissed off and worried. Alyosha demands she step away from his lunch box but Farah insists she needs it more than him right now. She tells him that she and Imani have a chance to make things right but he warns that Imani won’t know what to do with the key, although Farah assures him they’ll figure it out. Sam steps forward and gets ready for a fight. Farah stows the syringe away in her pocket and the two start trading blows.

* IF INT IS 5 OR LOWER
* IF INT IS 6 OR HIGHER

* Farah and Sam fight but she’s losing ground. Sam is inexperienced but quick and he lands several blows while Alyosha tries to grab the syringe from her pocket. Already getting winded, she makes a run for it out of the church and escapes down an alley.

* Farah and Sam fight and she has the upper hand, landing several blows that leave him gasping for breath. Alyosha surrenders, not even putting up a fight, and Sam follows suit. Farah tells Sam to let it go and Alyosha to go home because his time is running out. The two men grab the rest of the lunch box and its contents and leave the church. Farah leaves to find Imani.

## Endings

Farah arrives back at the lab where Imani is anxiously waiting, and the doctor’s relieved to see her. One of three endings will then begin depending on certain stat and approval conditions being met.

## Outcomes

 Blood Pact
 Break Up Breakdown
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## Trivia

* Imani’s route is Farah’s “true route” while Alyosha’s route is Sam’s, and it’s assumed they run parallel to each other
* In all routes other than Imani and Alyosha’s, the two of them find each other and are working together to discover the Key to Godhood

### Notes

* All three of Imani’s route endings are linked to achievements
* Imani’s route must be completed to earn the FARAH FOREVER achievement
* Completing Imani’s route in any way can earn the SUPERSTITIOUS achievement, as Farah doesn’t kill any gods. This also means the MERCILESS achievement can’t be earned during Imani’s route