Fresh out of law school, Christine Porter steps into the high-stakes world of a prestigious city law firm, internship in hand. Her dream? Secure a permanent associate role. But in a cutthroat environment of long hours, ruthless rivals, and morally gray clients, Christine must outwork, outthink, and outcompete—all while grappling with how much of her integrity she’s willing to sacrifice. DESCENT is a tense, character-driven career sim that asks: How far would you go to climb the ladder?
The Grind: Navigating the Firm’s Pressure Cooker
Big-city law isn’t for the faint of heart. Christine’s internship is a crash course in billable hours, client demands, and office politics. Every task—from drafting contracts to prepping for trials—tests her skills, but it’s the unspoken rules that truly define success.
1. Mentorship Under Fire: Her supervisor, senior partner Martha Voss, is a legend—but also a tyrant. Martha demands perfection, publicly critiques mistakes, and plays favorites. Win her approval, and doors open; disappoint her, and your future hangs by a thread.
2. Rivalry & Alliances: Fellow interns, like the sharp-tongued Raj Patel and the politically connected Chloe Dubois, aren’t just colleagues—they’re competitors. Form alliances, share shortcuts, or sabotage rivals? Your network could make or break your chances.
3. Client Chaos: From tech startups to wealthy socialites, clients bring messy problems. A tech CEO wants to bury evidence of patent infringement; a socialite insists her ex’s prenup is “unfair.” Balancing their demands with legal ethics? That’s where the real work begins.
Moral Crossroads: When Ideals Collide with Ambition
Christine didn’t go to law school to play dirty… but the firm’s “win at all costs” culture doesn’t leave much room for idealism. Players face gut-wrenching choices that redefine what “success” means.
1. The Evidence Dilemma: A key witness recants, but Christine uncovers proof they were coerced. Do she present the coerced testimony (securing the win) or blow the whistle (risking the case—and her job)?
2. Client Over Principles: A powerful real estate mogul offers a lucrative long-term contract—if Christine buries a minor zoning violation. It’s a small lie, but it sets a precedent. Compromise now, or walk away?
3. Personal vs. Professional: Christine’s sister lands in legal trouble. The firm’s top litigator could fix it… but only if Christine diverts resources from a critical case. Loyalty to family or career?
Growth & Consequences: The Person Behind the Lawyer
This isn’t just about “beating” the system—it’s about who Christine becomes along the way. Her choices shape her confidence, relationships, and even her mental health.
1. From Naive to Cunning: Early on, Christine hesitates to bend rules. By mid-game, she’s negotiating with clients, outmaneuvering opponents, and justifying her choices. But at what cost? Her journal entries reveal a growing tension between “the old Christine” and the “new her.”
2. Relationships Under Strain: Long hours strain friendships. Her college roommate, a teacher, questions her “obsession” with law. Her boyfriend breaks up with her, citing “no time for a life.” These moments humanize the grind, making success feel hollow without connection.
3. The Firm’s Dark Secrets: Rumors swirl about Martha’s past—whispers of bribes, cover-ups, and a “golden boy” intern who vanished years ago. Digging too deep could get Christine fired… or worse. But staying silent means complicity.
