As a girl just trying to explore the galaxy and help people, you never expected your life to be too important. But now you're one of the main players on the cosmic stage.
What path will you take? Will you save it all with the Astral Express and change the galaxy for the better? Or will you doom the galaxy to Destruction?
The choice is yours.
So when you make those choices, choose the one you won't regret.
The forces governing this galaxy are called the Aeons. Higher dimensional beings, each representing a different Path to living life. They shape planets and dynasties with the wave of their hands And you, with just a bit more wit, talent, or even dumb luck, are one of the strange people who are noticed by them.
The forces of this galaxy were, and are, in turmoil and the only person who could save them was the heroic Trailblazer and Astral Express. And now, you.
Against all odds, you, an original person who was never supposed to be in the story, are now right in the middle of the first act of the Script, the Herta Space Station.
What path will you take? Will you save it all with the Astral Express and change the galaxy for the better? Or will you doom the galaxy to Destruction?
One of the only people who can change the universe for the better is you.
So when you make those choices, choose the one you won't regret.
So, just who are you again?
(Choose your character for this Quest.)
[ ] A Hacker From Punklorde
The planet you come from isn't what most people call "traditional". Punklorde was your home, a virtual dystopia where everything, even life itself was seen as a game. You were one of the lucky ones, able to master Aether Hacking, the art of altering reality itself via the aforementioned Punklorde Mentality. [PERKS AND TRAITS]
[Hacking The Aether] Your main skill is to alter reality, up to a very limited extent. While the specifics will be decided when you choose your Path in the next update, being able to ignore physical barriers and skip challenges is an invaluable skill. [Punklorde Mentality]
Even though your life there had left more scars than you'd like to admit, it's hard to say it was all bad. The people and experiences you had there shaped your mind into a fine tuned machine. While it might alienate some people, the ability to see everything as a game allows you to keep your calm and think through situations other people can't. [Flaws]
[Antisocial]
Living in a society where success is prioritized over friendship and happiness is a recipe for sadness. You know this well, as a former Punklordian. Social actions with anyone will be SIGNIFICANTLY harder; unless they also have this trait or [Reserved]. Even then, you've got to work for it.
You're connected to:
Silver Wolf
In Punklorde, petty rivalries and foolish squabbles are common. Even then, as both a gamer and hacker, there's one person who was always ahead of the game, and ahead of you. Now she's somewhere of you, following a voice you know neither of you could ever resist, one that promises new adventures. Keep moving forward. You can't ever allow yourself to be outpaced by her. Your friendship and rivalry would never let that happen.
[ ] A Hunter From Pterugis-VI
The planet you come from isn't what most people would call "healthy". In Pterugis, people live aimlessly with a Pathstrider being more rare than a needle in a haystack. Those unlucky enough to find themselves acquainted with horrible "Devils" become entranced so deeply with one single emotion that they become "Devils" themselves. You are one of those people, but being Devil-Touched from birth, you chose to use your powers for good as a Hunter. [PERKS AND TRAITS] [Spirit Change]
The powers from your Trait, [Devilishly Born] have given you a way to affect the mentalities of anyone as easily as snapping your finger. The exact functionalities will be decided with a subvote, but this ability is extremely hard to resist. In the right hands, anyone can be tricked or persuaded with this ability. Use wisely. [Devilishly Born]
Some people are born naturally without a single emotion, having been affected by Pterugis' latent Stellaron. Of those, you are one. While the emotion you are missing might have people label you as crazy, the opposite emotion from that is what grounds you, and keeps you sane. If you're missing fear, you'll be confident, if you're missing excitement, you'll be mostly calm. This can be a boon or a serious detriment. [Flaws]
[Emptied Out]
It's a one in a hundred chance. A single curse and a single blessing were given to you at birth. Somehow, you being born was enough to sign a contract with a particularly weak Devil. While the benefits of this have been explained, the downsides of having a fundamental part of you be missing is impossible to deny. The exact emotion you're missing will be decided in a subvote. Until then, know that picking to be a Hunter will make you into someone that's inherently strange to everyone else.
You're connected to:
Kafka
As a Devil Hunter, you never liked Kafka. Her missing emotion of "Fear" lead to suicidal overconfidence in the workplace. Now that she's become a Stellaron Hunter instead, your dislike of her hasn't changed. But even if you want to deny it, she's just like you.
In your empty heart, you can't help but be fascinated by someone who could have very easily been you had you swapped places.
[ ] A Knight Of Glamoth
The planet that you're from…is gone. There is nothing left of the Empire called Glamoth. In some ways, that's the best thing that could have happened to you. In other ways, you're completely lost. You have no purpose in life, only the will to keep moving onwards Those years in cryo-sleep have clearly done a lot to the world, and to you. Perhaps however, you'll find a chance to reinvent yourself… [PERKS AND TRAITS] [Steel Knight, Ever Moving]
As one part of the [REDACTED] project of the Glamoth Empire, from birth you were destined to wield a Mecha made from the husks of the Swarm. While youŕ relationship with the Empire is…tumultuous at best, the benefits it's given you are undeniable. Your Mecha has gone from just a weapon to your other self, ready to do anything to protect you. It'll act as both a voice of reason and a calming anchor to go back to when it's going down. Whatever role you will choose to play in combat, healer, tank, or fighter, you will excel. [BrainFlux]
You were augmented from birth to pilot your Mecha. These are the benefits. To compensate for the complexity of mecha systems and the brutality of space combat, your reaction speed and brain power are higher than an average human's. However, you are still linked to the vestiges of an old hive mind. While this makes you better at finding other Knights and cooperating with others, it also makes you sensitive to the Swarm.
[Flaws]
[Numbered Days, Buzzing Nights]
In exchange for your incredible prowess and brain, your body is failing. The Path of Propagation, which your Mecha, and by extension you, take your powers from was meant to be dead.
But you are alive, borrowing power from something that according to the Aeons, shouldn't exist.
You are suffering from Entropy Loss Syndrome, and the lines between you existing and vanishing are getting blurrier by the day. The only way to fix it is to get rid of your Mecha or fix your genes. Otherwise, you will start rapidly aging some day in the future, your life expectancy cut short.
You're connected to:
Sam/Firefly
Everything hurts. From the Entropy rotting your bones, to the headache you have. But vaguely in your head, you just know there has to be someone out there who shares your story. Just thinking about it makes the pain a bit more bearable.
You want to see someone like her and her partner just one more time. If she's alive, you have something to hold onto. That means everything.
Your Past (And It's Perks)
Your past is also more than just a simple backstory. It is a collection of trace memories, which have combined to give you a unique skill set.
You have two [2] Traces. You can spend these to pick your Perks, and Traits, which will allow you to become more powerful. You can gain more Traces by taking more Flaws. You can take up to 3 Perks and Flaws respectively but only 1 Trait.
Perks
These are straight bonuses that will allow you to thrive. They are your greatest strengths and powers, and require you to spend Traces to obtain.
Once character creation is done, obtaining new Perks will become harder, requiring certain achievements or secrets to be found, so choose wisely!
[ ] Emanator Of A Path (-2) "Are you an Aeon?"
"No. I'm just here in Their name."
Certain Pathstriders become promoted to not only a representative of a Path's ideals, but a representative of an Aeon, with power to match any other Pathstrider, and ideals to weather them through any storm.
[Become either a high ranking member of a faction matching your Path, or be generally respected by those you meet who can sense your power. Either way, gain combat ability on par with the top tiers of this universe, and two unique perks.]
(Will trigger a separate subvote on the origin of these powers much later down the line. It's that important.)
[ ] Mercurial Fate (-2) "I can see…everything. From the ways we can live to how it will end."
A half step. A little pebble going left instead of right. Your visions are the future, but they are only a future. Calculate your steps right, play the butterfly effect like a finely tuned instrument, and everybody in every timeline has the chance for a happy ending. [Gain the ability to see roughly ten days into the future if a passive check is successful. Each time this ability is used, it has a cooldown that will get shorter over time. Successful checks will allow for new actions able to be taken via in character knowledge.]
[ ] Specialist (-1) "So what if this is the only thing I'm an ace at? What's so fun about being a master of none?"
You're best at one thing, and you realized that from an early age. You've trained this skill, and the practice has paid off well. Take that power, and become the Express' specialist in that regard. [Your best stat, (Tech, Social, Combat) will be leveled up, offering a sizable modifier to any of those rolls. Has the potential to evolve into other, related perks.]
[ ] A Faction's Favor(-1)
"Me and them? Oh, they owe me a lot. Who knows, maybe they'll let me into their little group someday."
A long time ago, you did something good for the Faction following your Path, and as a Pathstrider on that Path, you were noticed, in a good way. They owe you a favor, and they know that very well. [One Faction of your Path starts with Reputation +2 towards you, giving you a decent spoke in that organization, a chance to get a good position there, and depending on what faction is picked, a chance for new exclusive perks. Doubled if you are an Emanator-you'll be one of the top leaders there.]
(Ask the author which path corresponds to which faction when making plans, please.)
[ ] Revelation From Above (-1) "I have seen past the border."
Once, a long time ago, you were able to see the Aeon matching your Path firsthand. THEIR (yes, it has to be capitalized) power was incredible, and it gave you a better understanding of how to use your powers for their intended purpose. [Using your Path's special traits will be easier to roll checks for and evolve.]
Traits
Each Trait is more of a neutral thing-an extra modifier that makes you better at some things, worse at others. If you won't take any Trait, that's a fair and valid option for your character build.
A Trait's biggest purpose is new narrative opportunities; usually these will lead to subplots.
[ ] Amnesiac (+/-???) "Strange, I've never been to this planet before…why does it feel so familiar?"
Your memories aren't coming back. You have a vague notion of who you are, some skills, but your experiences are just beyond the edge of what you can remember. Maybe that means you can reinvent yourself however you want… [Two random Perks and one random Flaw will be locked, unavailable until both the thread discovers them and you remember them. Doing actions similar to what you'd do if you had the Perks will slowly unlock them, new perks and opportunities for new story beats. Same goes for the Flaw.]
[ ] Overprepared(-1) "It's not paranoia if you know how many people are out to get you."
You just know that this always happens to you, and you alone. Someone's got to be the main character that always has to get in trouble. Luckily, you've got tricks up your sleeve to help. [Consumes one free action during free choice segments, which is always replaced by an automatic [Preparations] roll. However, during serious situations, if [Preparations] have been done enough, you'll know something to help you out of a bind.]
[ ] Known Reputation (0) "You fool! Now the whole galaxy knows you're here!"
You'd like to say you're a bit of a celebrity among the factions of the galaxy. Of course, that just means that a lot of attention is on you, including both the good and the bad. [Every friendly or neutral faction has +1 Reputation with you. Every evil or chaotic faction has -1 Rep with you.
Flaws
These are your weaknesses, and it will hurt when they make you fail a check, or lose out on a possible ally.
Taking more of them, however, will let you take more Perks- whatever doesn't kill you now made you stronger back then.
[ ] Ire of A Path (1) "Ah, those cultists… yeah, they might be a bit angry with me."
Somewhere in the past, you insulted one of the many, many factions dedicated to a certain Aeon. They are now, to put it lightly, a bit annoyed with you. [One faction, rolled randomly from a D20 table, now has you start with a Reputation level of -3 with them. For reference, Dan Heng currently has this Reputation level with the Xianzhou Luofu pre-canon. Pray to any Aeon that you don't roll a 1 and make the IPC or The Family hate you if you pick this.]
[ ] Curse Of Elation(1) "Sometimes, Aha gives his blessing to those who don't need it."
"Sometimes, sorrow and happiness are two sides of the same coin."
For some Aeons damned reason, Aha seems to have seen fit to give you a low level of Elation, which is more of a hindrance than a blessing. It just seems that outside of serious things, "clown shit" keeps on happening to you. [Aha itself has made it so that if certain passive checks aren't passed every once in a while, you will have comically bad luck and be the butt of every joke. This can apply in the middle of a conversation, during a fight, so on. Think Bennett from Genshin Impact, for reference.]
(Somewhat changed if your Path is Elation.)
[ ] Unending Grief(1) "The song ends, but the melody carries on."
Sometime in your past, you lost someone near and dear to your heart. That grief has never truly left your soul. It is etched into your mind, acceptance just a bit out of reach. [Minor debuff to Social. Becomes a major debuff when attempting actions that involve getting over grief or going against resulting unhealthy habits. Also may allow you to connect to other grieving people.]
[ ] Stellar Sensitivity(1) "Thestellaronpromiseditpromiseditpromise-"
You came into close contact with a Stellaron. Once. And from the pretty lies it fed you to the splitting headache it gave you, you know in your heart that spending too much time in the presence of the Cancers of Worlds will do irreparable damage to your soul. [The presence of Stellarons will have an effect on you depending on their level. Fully sealed ones will give you a tiny Mental debuff, while faraway ones might have the ability to communicate with you. Being close to fully unsealed ones will tank all stats to unusable levels. Weapons made from Stellaron material will be highly lethal.]
[ ] Shadow Of Nihility (1) "It doesn't matter. None of it does."
"We're just atoms of grains of sand on a big ol' cosmic beach."
A while ago, you somehow came into contact with the Aeon of Nihility, IX. You managed to escape THEIR shadow by the skin of your teeth, but just being in that shadow for too long has left some lasting scars. [Gain a debuff to Mental, and a slowly creeping amount of Nihility, which accumulates if you lose too many Social/Mental rolls. Hit 100, and you die. This can be fixed considering your level of exposure, but it will take a serious amount of investment and time.]
(Somewhat changed if your path is Nihility.)
Please put all votes into plan format.
Hey there! The name's Mr Kermie, and this is the start of my first quest in a while, and the first HSR quest ever. I hope that you guys, the voters, love this quest as much as I've wanted to.
Shelley, A Hunter From Pteruges-V
Gender: Female
Element: Fire
Weapon: Brass Instruments (Yes, Really)
Backstory: The planet you come from isn't what most people would call "healthy". In Pteruges, people live aimlessly with a Pathstrider being more rare than a needle in a haystack. Those unlucky enough to find themselves acquainted with horrible "Devils" become entranced so deeply with one single emotion that they become "Devils" themselves. You are one of those people, but being Devil-Touched from birth, you chose to use your powers for good as a Hunter.
Stats:
Social: Great (+5) (Buffed by Revelation From Above)
Physical: Good (+3)
Mental: Decent (+2)
Technical: Bad (-2)
Spiritual: Great (+4, Debuffed By Sangre Estrellare)
Current Objectives
-Take care of Stelle.
-Don't Die.
-Figure out what's going on with Cocolia.
Inner World: Globe At The Center Of The Heart
[Perks]
[Spirit Change] A Devil's Blessing, enhanced tenfold by your status as an Emanator of Harmony. Manifests as pink strings of Harmony, always wrapped around your pinkie. Allows you to connect with others on the deepest level possible. [If Social check is successful or the affected person asks for it, allows you to manifest one Spirit String. While someone else is affected by this, your emotions and maybe your memories are connected. You'll be able to change their emotions or share your own.] [Emanator Of A Path] A long time ago, when you left Pteruges' foul embrace, you pledged to help out others, at any cost. And you kept on doing it, and doing it, until the nearby galaxies knew you as a hero. Eventually, you met Xipe, and she gave you a piece of her cosmic song. As an Emanator, you will keep doing what you have always done; spread the Harmony of peace. [Good advantage on most rolls, and decently good Reputation should you choose to reveal this status. When you choose to Release your Emanator powers, the power alone may be enough to overturn even the strongest of enemies. Also, you are directly connected to Xipe. (More to be revealed later.) [Revelation From Above] When you left Pteruges, you started seeing things. At first, it was the little ways people acted nicely. Then, it was the songs woven in the patterns of the stars. Eventually, you saw Xipe in person, on a planet blessed by Harmony, a year before becoming an Emanator. When she gave you a blessing, you could have sworn she opened her eyes. [Your Harmony perk of being naturally likable has become even more powerful. Most people you are able to trust will just find you implicitly good and kind. +1 to Social.]
[Traits]
[Known Reputation] As an Emanator, you've been known to be helpful and nice, and just the act of being an Emanator has you at least on some people's minds. [Every friendly or neutral faction has +1 Reputation with you. Every evil or chaotic faction has -1 Rep with you.
[Devilishly Born: All Love, No Hate] You've never been able to truly loathe anyone. When you joined the Devil Hunters, it wasn't out of selfish reasons like money or fame. It was responsibility. [Your ability to hate has been removed. Your ability to love has gone sky high. In general, your emotions are all outta wack. Characters will notice and react accordingly.]
REMOVED thanks to [Sangre Estrellare]
[Flaws]
[Missing Hate] You'll be at ends with the rest of the galaxy sometimes, their selfishness alien to you, your kindness alien to them.
But you're too kind to tell them to shut up, aren't you? [It will be hard for you to muster up righteous anger, vengeance for the fallen, or anything in that ballpark. People will try and take advantage of you, and you might fall for it.]
REMOVED via [Sangre Estrellare] [Ire Of A Path] Sometime in the past, you insulted the galaxy They are now, to put it lightly, a bit annoyed with you. [The Galaxy Rangers have a current state of Reputation level -3 with them. For reference, Dan Heng currently has this Reputation level with the Xianzhou Luofu pre-canon.]
[Using Emanator Release or doing other things that the galaxy can see will increase Heat, and attract them to your location.]
[Sangre Estrellare] (Blood of Stars) In that moment, in order to save Stelle, you made a sacrifice. You've linked your mind and body with a Stellaron, and now you are no longer a Devil. You are something else. Your hate has manifested as a voice inside your head, and she calls herself Fran. She knows you as well as you know yourself, because in a sick way, she is you. [Fran will chime in to voice your intrusive thoughts. During votes, gain the opportunity to make Spiteful Actions: Special, always weighted votes which will allow you to get angry, and do and say things you otherwise wouldn't. While you will always weigh against it normally, certain events, like say, the death of an ally, can change this.]
Temporary Statuses:
[Frustration: -3 to Technical checks until 3 technical checks have been done. You really have bad luck with tech...]
[2 more debuffs from this left]
[Injury: -3 to next two Physical Checks.]
When Stelle was in danger, you didn't hesitate. You linked your spirits together, and you beheld the full heat of a Stellaron. When you came to, you had another voice talking in your head.
Short Term Effects:
-Shelley might take longer to activate Emanator Release.
-Herta might see you as an object of scientific curiosity.
Long Term Effects:
-Fran will now stay with you for an indeterminate amount of time. (See Sangre Estrellare in Flaws for details.
Gepard didn't think you were a criminal- in fact, he even totally believed you guys' story after some prodding! Now, it doesn't seem like Belobog will try and reject your presence.
Short Term Effects:
Shelley and Stelle now have Relationship Level 1 with Gepard.
The Supreme Guardian Cocolia will not see you as immediate criminals or threats, but as honored guests.
Gepard has put in a good word for you: future explore actions in Belobog will not cause as much suspicion to build up.
Long Term Effects:
???
Stats: Social: +2 (Suprisingly Decent)
Physical: +4 (Great)
Mental: +3 (+4 when a Spiteful Action intended to deceive somebody was taken.)
Technical: 0
Spiritual: +2 (Decent)
Backstory: Your anger and hate personified. But to be honest, she isn't all that bad.
Inner World: Ozymandias' Barren Wastes
[Perk]
[Flagrant Disregard of Reality] Shelley might give up when she fails once. But you know that not all fights are decided in only one blow.
Besides, you've always been, and always will be, a stubborn bastard.
[When Fran is in control, in exchange for not having access to Shelley's Perks, two rolls per update will be rerolled on failure. Rerolls cannot be stacked.]
[Flaw] [Stellaron Mode Lock] For some reason, when you swapped out control of your shared body, Shelley seemed to fall unconscious and disappear. There's no telling where she is right now. You'll have to be on your own…
[For the update and the update after POV changes between Fran and Shelley, POV changing will be impossible. Additionally, for that first update, your alter will be unable to give you any advice or ideas.] [This Flaw also applies to Shelley.]
[Eliminated thanks to the Horn Of Doomsday.]
You may have jumped the gun a bit, and now the story's gone a bit awry. You've kidnapped Cocolia so she won't kill your friends, and now half of Belobog's probably trying to hunt you. Good luck.
Short Term Consequences:
Belobog will be without a leader for a bit.
???, ???, and half of Belobog will now be actively hunting you.
Now you see why I introduced the Heat mechanic.
Long Term Consequences:
???
???
Elio is actively tearing his hair apart right now. (Canon has been thrown into the dumpster and set on fire.)
Personae Dramatis
All the people you've met so far on this journey. And some you've met before.
Places Visited
Herta Space Station
A Space Station, founded by Herta, and funded by Asta.
You saved it from the Legion with some help.
Reputation Level: 4 (Our Hero)
Herta
An antisocial scientist, and member of the Genius Society. Recognized by Nous as THEIR Emanator, yet doesn't choose to fight often. She appears in one of many identical puppet bodies, with it having been ages since anyone saw her real face…
Relationship Level: 1 (Fellow (?) Emanators)
Traits: -Genius
Recognized by the Aeon of knowledge THEMselves: an impressive achievement. Benefiting the galaxy a hundred times over also helps.
-Emanator of Erudition
There are many ways to go up the Imaginary Tree. Being recognized by the Aeon of Erudition is an awfully impressive way to do so.
Grants power beyond the average human's limits.
-Antisocial
If you aren't giving her research data or helping her out with something, she really doesn't want to deal with you.
Asta
The real master of the Space Station; a girl born to a powerful IPC family, she was interested in astronomy from an early age. She supervises the scientists of the station, and every experiment that goes on in there.
Relationship Level: 2 (A Kindred Soul)
Traits: -A Woman Of No Ordinary Means
Thanks to being born to an IPC famed family, she's rich.
Stupid, stupid rich.
-Loyalty Of The Station
Every person on the Space Station owes something to Asta: whether that be a job, a roof over their heads, or their life.
Arlan
The leader of the Herta Space Station's Security Department. A helpful boy, who won't hesitate to put himself into danger.
Relationship Level: 0 (Fought Together)
Traits: -Leader
A natural at the arcane art of getting people to listen to you.
-Self Sacrifice
Willing to do anything to protect others-even if that means hurting himself.
Astral Express
A famous group of Nameless, intergalactic explorers, traveling the galaxy on the space train of the same name. They do not trailblaze for glory or fame, but for the simple joy of discovery. Reputation Level: 2 (New Trailblazer)
A girl traveling with the Astral Express. She's lost her memories, and is searching for her past. Also tried to give you CPR, so that's certainly a notable introduction.
Relationship Level: 1 (Thinks you're a Really Cool Adult)
Traits: -Amnesiac
No memories, no grievances, no past, only the present.
-Trailblazer
A blessing from the Path of Trailblaze. No heat, cold or exhaustion will stop the blessed trailblazer from doing their job.
A boy traveling with the Astral Express. He's running from his past, and is fairly calm and reclusive. Also the archivist of the Astral Express.
Relationship Level: 1 (Protected Us)
Traits: -Ire of…
He's running from someone. Who knows what part of his past he needs to get away from?
-??? You may find out more about this in the Xianzhou Luofu…
-Trailblazer
A blessing from the Path of Trailblaze. No heat, cold or exhaustion will stop the blessed trailblazer from doing their job.
The navigator of the Astral Express. The team mom of the group; and the one who fixed up the Express and sent her drone to protect you.
Relationship Level: 1 (A New Crewmate)
Traits: -Curious
A Nameless through and through; always exploring, and connecting with other worlds.
-Engineer
Enough technical skill to fix up the entire Astral Express somehow. She also has a drone, a saw, and an orbital laser remote all in that one suitcase of hers.
Extremely high technical skill.
-Trailblazer
A blessing from the Path of Trailblaze. No heat, cold or exhaustion will stop the blessed trailblazer from doing their job.
A girl who Kafka found somewhere in Pteruges (you think) who possesses a Stellaron. She is traveling with you on the Astral Express, and you've sworn to protect her until you can find Kafka.
She also possesses her own equivalent to Fran, known as Stella. She may or may not have been a former Stellaron Hunter.
Relationship Level: 3 (My Guardian)
Traits:
-Receptacle
Possesses the ability to contain large amounts of energy: from Stellarons to Paths. This gives her an unprecedented ability to grow beyond her limits.
-Unstable Stellaron
The Stellaron inside her now actively grants her power; however, if she goes too far from you, it will also release bursts of energy. As such, make sure to keep her around!
-Trailblazer
A blessing from the Path of Trailblaze. No heat, cold or exhaustion will stop the blessed trailblazer from doing their job.
-Amnesiac? How much did Kafka's whisper affect her, exactly?
The former Anti Entropy Sovereign, and now a senior member of the Express. Welt acts as a brave leader, teaching his lessons to the crew while searching for a way back home.
Relationship Level: 0 (Just Met)
Traits: -Star Of Eden
Much of his power is not fully unleashed, but this cane serves as a reminder that he still can fight.
-Natural Leader
A natural at the arcane art of getting people to listen to you. Bolstered by his experience as the leader of one of the strongest Anti-Honkai factions known to his home world.
-Mentor
Able to impart many lessons on those who are willing to learn. Such is Welt, the name of the world.
The adorable creature that is the Conductor of the Astral Express. Aren't they precious?
Relationship Level: 0 (New Trailblazer)
Traits:
-Adorable
In Shelley's eyes, Pom-Pom is incredible and can do no harm.
-Emanator of Trailblaze
Even if the Aeon has disappeared, Pom-Pom stays on the train out of loyalty to Akivili, guiding new trailblazers as they come and go.
-Conductor Of The Astral Express
A seasoned space traveler, and able to know the inner workings of the Express.
Belobog
A city located on Jarilo-VI. Or to be more exact, the only city. Reputation Level: 2 (Respected (?) Outsiders)
Heat: (0/100)
A city created a little over 700 years ago, by the local Architects, builders who worship Qilpoth, the Preservation.
It was created under threat of Fragmentum monsters, and has served as the one place where humanity can live safely for the entire duration of those years.
The population of the planet is able to live not thanks to a naturally occurring resource called Geomarrow, which can be burnt for a consistent and long lasting source of heat. Aside from that, people are at a strange level of technology. Some technologies were left behind by the IPC, so people still have phones and robots, but lots of technology is steam and gear based.
The leader of the entire city is called the Supreme Guardian. They guide the Architects, who work as government officials. Similar to a President and their Cabinet of officials that you've seen on other planets. The current Supreme Guardian is Cocolia, who was elected about 35 years ago. She is a gentle but stern woman, but considering that Gepard's been telling this story, he's more likely than not biased. Her successor Bronya has already started fighting on the front lines.
There is also a section of the world called The Underground. Apparently, "Overworlders" and "Underworlders" have been separated for years now thanks to an order from the Supreme Guardian, the only thing keeping them connected being a small connection to supply Geomarrow.
A man you met on the Snow Plains of Jarilo-VI. He ran away after an encounter with some guards, and you haven't seen him since.
Relationship Level: 0 (Just Ditched)
Traits:
-Thief A master of the illicit arts.
-??? You might find out more about this in Penacony…
The leader of the Silvermane Guards, and a trusted general leading in the Preservation of Belobog. A valiant protector and general to the end.
Relationship Level: 2 (A Fellow Protector)
Traits: -Scion of Landau
Noble born, but he chooses to protect the people. Has a deep understanding of social grace and tact, but also will always fight for the people.
-Preservation Pathstrider
He will not quit, nor falter or stop. Not as long as Belobog is on the line. For that is the will of Preservation.
The Supreme Guardian of Belobog. A stern figure who still makes sure to Preserve and protect the hopes and dreams of Belobog.
At least, that's what the people she rules over say.
Relationship Level: 1 (Thanks for saving me…)
Traits:
-Corroded By The Stellaron
It's clear that she's been affected by it, but you beating her up helped out a bit.
-Supreme Guardian
The de facto ruler of Belobog.
Gepard's much less (more?) famous sister. A tech whiz who is the owner of the Neverwinter Workshop. Also plays an ancient form of music, known before the days of the Eternal Freeze as "rock".
Relationship Level: 1 (Thank you for saving Cocolia.)
Traits: -Rockstar
A punk through and through; always pushing the limits and breaking through old tradition.
-Engineer
Enough technical skill to fix up old guitars that others take as junk.
High technical skill.
-Old Friend
Used to know Cocolia… but that's all you've been able to figure out so far.
The self-proclaimed boss of The Moles, an "adventure squad" and a certain miner's adopted daughter. She views life as an opportunity for freedom and countless adventures.
Relationship Level: 0 (A New Friend?)
Traits:
-Childish
For Aeons sakes, she's not even a teenager yet.
-Adventurer
Always looking out for the next adventure.
Natasha
A doctor from the Underworld and a caregiver of children. In the Underworld where medical resources are scarce, Natasha is one of the very few doctors whom the people can turn to.
Even the rambunctious Hook always politely greets her... "Hi, big sis Natasha."
Relationship Level: 1 (An Ally?)
-Doctor
In the Underworld, the medical arts are tiny miracles.
-Shadow Leader
The real leader of Wildfire, operating all that out of one tiny clinic.
Seele
A resident of the Underworld and the backbone of Wildfire. She goes by the alias "Babochka." She is a spirited and valiant member of Wildfire who grew up in the perilous Underworld of Belobog, and is accustomed to being on her own.
Relationship Level: 0 (Friend Of a Friend)
Traits:
-Fierce
If you asked someone to bring you a "Pathstrider with attitude", Seele would be their first pick.
-??? (A Crush)
"I know what you are." "She knows I'm an orphan!?"
"🏳️🌈."
Clara
Clara is a shy young girl orphaned at an early age, accompanied by an ancient mech named Svarog. She is introverted, gentle, and has a pure heart. She wishes for all Underworlders to become a family.
Traits:
-Engineer (Rookie)
Perhaps one day, she'll be seen as something more.
-Childish
Not to nearly the extent that Hook is, but she's still not fully grown yet.
Svarog
A robot designed by the Architects of times untold. He guards the Underworld in his own way, and regards every situation as a cost benefit analysis.
Traits: -Robotic
You won't be seeing a smile on his face, that's for sure.
-??? ???
Groups Of Interest
Stellaron Hunters
Reputation Level: 1 (Friend of Kafka)
Watch out. This group of intergalactic criminals is on the hunt for Stellarons, the Cancers of Worlds. Led by the enigmatic Elio, they follow a "script" leading to the future. With it, they seek to find the Stellarons and kill Nanook.
Elio
The enigmatic leader of the Stellaron Hunters, known as "Destiny's Slave". He has almost never been seen in person, and possesses the blessing/curse of being able to see the future.
Relationship Level: -3 (He Took Away Your Sister…)
(Note: This is just what Fran thinks.)
Traits: -Far Sight
He can see the future, down to minute details. Enough said about how powerful this is.
Kafka
An old friend of yours, who you met as a Devil Hunter. You each swore that you would both leave Pteruges-V someday, and find a place to live peacefully. However, she broke that promise, and you haven't seen her for five years. Until now. Currently part of the Stellaron Hunters, working to find Stellarons, and commit a lot of crimes.
Relationship Level:
3.5 (Estranged, but still your Sister.)
Traits:
-Devil Touched
Many have seen the Devils of Pteruges, but not many have been born alongside one. Kafka is an exception.
-Spirit Whisper
A power bestowed upon her by the Devils. She can control someone's actions and mind simply by talking to them. While she may have had limits on this before, your recent experiences have shown that her powers have grown since then. At high levels of exposure, memories can be permanently altered.
Silver Wolf
A hacker from Punklorde, who seems to see the universe as one big game. Accompanies Kafka, and is helping break the security systems on the Space Station.
Traits: -Aether Hacking
A limited area of effect, but she seems to be able to change the properties of objects. No idea if it has limitations or restrictions.
-Punklorde Mentality
For her, the most important things are games, and life is just a game. Nothing else.
Reputation Level: 5 (Founding Member)
A group of qualified people who, together with you, will be venturing into The Underworld to seek refuge from the Stellaron, under the cover of being researchers studying The Fragmentum.
Gepard's much less (more?) famous sister. A tech whiz who is the owner of the Neverwinter Workshop. Also plays an ancient form of music, known before the days of the Eternal Freeze as "rock".
As one of the Reasearches, she's joining up to make sure Cocolia, one of her best friends (or maybe something more?) doesn't die.
The Supreme Guardian of Belobog. A stern figure who still makes sure to Preserve and protect the hopes and dreams of Belobog. At least, that's what people said she does.
She was attacked mentally by the Stellaron from a young age. She joins the Reasearches to make up for her sin of closing off the Underworld and to find refuge from that malicious star.
The helpful, intelligent, and qualified Intelligence Officer of Belobog. To help out with your mission, she and Serval will be keeping up the facade of being in The Underworld on "reasearch purposes."
She joined the Reasearches to help out Cocolia, as is her sworn duty.
Trait:
Mechanical Drones:
When rolling for a physical check during combat, add half of your technical to that check.
A girl who Kafka found somewhere in Pteruges (you think) who possesses a Stellaron. She is traveling with you on the Astral Express, and you've sworn to protect her until you can find Kafka.
Her split personality (?) has driven her to help out Belobog by Trailblazing a path between both worlds with the help of the Reasearches.
Cocolia's adopted daughter. While she's a bit shaken by the fact that The Stellaron has had such a long ranging influence over Belobog, she continues to work and fight with a unyielding determination.
She's joined The Reasearches since her mom was going.
Perk: [Hope Of Belobog]
Advantage (2 dice rolled) on all checks, Mental or Social, related to "leadership" or "acting in a leading role."
One last thing: I'd like to give thanks to the people who inspired me to make this quest. @Ghost in the sun, thanks for helping me out on the Quest Idea Thread. @Swordomatic, thanks for giving me some advice on how to make a quest! Go read his Honkai Impact 3rd quest, Kiana Raising Simulator.
[X] Plan The Knight who lost her Princess
-[x] A Knight Of Glamoth
-[X] Emanator Of A Path (-2)
-[X] Known Reputation (0)
-[X] Unending Grief(1)
-[X] Specialist (-1)
During the final days of the empire, before the defeat and scattering of the Iron calvary you met her; the kind hearted daughter of a noble. She became your reason to fight and a reason to live beyond the dream you shared with your bothers and sisters... but it did not last. During the Fall she was able to organize an adhoc evacuation fleet and you defended it with everything you had. The swarm came against the fleet by the thousands and you slew them all to allow the fleet to escape. You drew the eye of an Aeon that day and the people you saved spread your story far and wide...but all that glory is naught but ashes in your hands for the one shuttle you failed to save was hers...
Here's an archive of the mechanics of the Quest. Beware of spoilers.
Mechanics
You have 5 stats, each of which, if not Average (the default setting) applies a modifier to coin flips of that kind of challenge:
Mental: How good you are at logic and thinking. Also represents your mental stability and resistance to mental attacks.
Social: How good you are at navigating social situations and making friends. It also represents how kind and empathetic you can be during high stress situations.
Physical: How good you are at fighting and moving quickly. It also represents your endurance and total health.
Technical: How good you are at using advanced technology, and coordinating your body's fine movements. Also represents your Aether Hacking proficiency if you come from Punklorde.
Spiritual
This one represents how attuned you are to the movements and actions of an Aeon, and how much you are in tune with your Path. Unlike the other 4 stats, you are unable to actively train this one during Free Time, as it is heavily story focused. People with higher Spiritual stats are usually higher tier Pathstriders or Emanators.
When something comes up that Shelley or Fran won't be able to just breeze through, she'll have to roll a d20 against a certain number (DC) to see success. A natural 20 will always see some measure of success, a natural 1 is always a horrible failure, and hitting under the DC by 2 or less is a success with some complication.
Most rolls I'll tell you about will be either Average for most skills or Tough for Social, but passive checks will be mostly average or easy.
Difficulty (DC)
Very easy (0)
Easy (5)
Average (10)
Tough (15)
Challenging (20)
Formidable (25)
Heroic (30)
Impossible 40)
Modifiers haven't changed. They'll give you a buff or debuff depending on situation and preparation.
Aside from that, here are the levels for skills. You guys can level them up via doing the corresponding activities during free roam segments. Most of your stats are good or decent, but that might change.
Astounding (+6)
Impressive (+5)
You guys have +5 in Social thanks to a combination of Emanator of Harmony and Revelation from Above.
Great (+4)
Good (+3)
Decent (+2)
Average
Bad (-2)
Anything below Bad would be only obtainable via debuffs. For example, when Kafka hit you with Spirit Whisper, your Social stat went down to Terrible for a few seconds.
When this is activated, each one of your rolls will gain advantage (2 dice, bigger one taken) +6 to Physical, and +4 to everything else.
This can be taken up to three times per arc, with the second and third giving debuffs called Injuries, and can increase Heat.
Only Shelley can do this.
Spirit Sync has different levels as to how much it enhances you and your allies. It is determined by a combination of Relationship Level, the level of effort Shelley is using, and whether Emanator/Aeon powers are being used. It's then subtracted by one. Let's have a look!
Level 0: A mild enhancement, shared between both of you. Needs fairly close proximity (10 ft) to work, which is why Shelley didn't use this one Arlan. +3 to rolls concerning what is trying to be supported, so usually Physical.
Levels 1-2: A vaguely visible, red-orange fiery aura is visible between the user and receiver, and their attacks are coordinated. A Spirit String also connects their pinkies, though it becomes invisible and intangible after a few inches. Above buff becomes +4-5, and both partners get advantage (roll two dice, take higher amount) on their rolls. Also enhances Pathstrider abilities at 2.
Levels 3-4: At this level, Shelley could easily go into the receiver's Inner World, as well as vice versa. The aura effect is now visibly pronounced to anyone who can see. At Level 3, emotions start being shared, and at Level 4, the partners can read each other's thoughts. (Only on a level of absurdly good coordination, no direct mental messages.) Above dice buff is now +6-7, and one time during Spirit Sync, a roll buffed by dice effects to go above 20 becomes considered as a forced Nat 20. May have an effect on story and relationships.
Level 5: ???
This will be revealed later…
Sometimes, a choice will come up where for in-character reasons, Shelley's seriously opposed or disposed to doing it.
In these cases, the number of votes will be either multiplied or divided by a certain number. For example, since Shelley doesn't like lying to people she trusts, the number of votes for that (say, 4) would be multiplied by 0.75. (So it would go to 3.)
Just because a vote is weighted differently, does not mean that the QM is pushing you toward or away from those actions. It just means that doing so will change Shelley's character, as what she's doing is different from what she'd normally do.
Update: Spiteful Actions work as these as well. They represent Fran's ideas, which Shelley is usually opposed to.
Heat represents how many people notice your actions. And I mean notice in a bad way. For every 25 points, at a max of 100, some people might try and fight you even when you don't want it. Doing actions that seriously drive up a ruckus, such as using Emanator Release where the galaxy can see, will increase this.
Since most rolls are fairly simple, combat is based on planning and narrative. You'll have to choose the tactics that each combatant will carry out, and then all of them will fight as a team. Your Primary Strategy will decide the main strategy for everyone to fall back on if their rolls fail or the enemy unleashes something you didn't plan for.
Combatants are broken up into three categories: Offense, Defense, and Support. As for You/Shelley, you have both offense and support, choosing someone to support will allow you to give Spirit Sync to one person, buffing both you and them for the duration of the fight.Shelley can both fight and support, but results will be better if you choose one.
Sometimes there are segments of the actual game where you're just intended to grind and do side quests, while waiting for the next update. Free Roam segments are supposed to represent these segments, while also giving Shelley and Stelle a much needed breather. Here's how it works:
You have a set number of AP (Action Points), usually 4, but that can be affected by the situation. They can each be spent (in plan form) on as many choices from one of four Categories. These categories are:
Exploration: General opportunities, that can stay or go depending on the location or time. These can give various buffs or debuffs, and it's a fairly safe choice. Also, write-ins are permitted here.
Improvement: Gain experience towards improving one to two stats of your choice, and maybe a short term benefit.
Bonding: Gain Relationship Level or progress towards another Relationship Level with a character in the area. Special note: Since you took the Perk [Revelation from Above] your Harmony perk of being able to socialize with others has been enhanced! You get an extra free action for this category only, each Free Roam segment.
Continuances: Representative of the Trailblaze Continuances of the actual game, these adventures take place after the main story of each planet, and will likely have a mini-arc (2-4 updates) dedicated to them. Usually have pretty good benefits, but you guys can choose to put them off until later if you wish.
Turning points work as achievements; each time your actions lead to a considerable change in the script events of canon, you might get a small bonus to yourself. If you get a certain amount of these (such as in Penacony) you might get bonuses to stats and later important rolls.
Relationship and Reputation Levels are an attempt to quantify something that cannot be quantified, and so the mechanics behind them are difficult to specify and elaborate on. Thankfully, I don't have to elaborate much because I stole the defnitions from @Swordomatic (with his permission) There are several levels that indicate general closeness:
Level 0 is on the level of general politeness and acquaintance, with little emotional depth or interaction. Most neutral or distant relationships are here.
Most of the people Shelley helped in her past while traveling as an Emanator and Arlan (Fought Together) are here.
Level 1 is on the level of friendships or possibly newly budding relationships, generally the honeymoon period of a new relationship or a generally cordial but not especially intimate bond. Friendships usually stay here.
Shelley just got here with Asta,(Out Of The Fire) and has this bond level with Herta (Fellow (?) Emanators).
Level 2 indicates good friends or a deeper bond, where secrets start to be shared and walls start being torn down. Family tends to be here, or more established relationships.
Dan Heng and March 7th (when you meet them) have this level. (Crewmates)
Level 3 is where especially good friends reside, or more serious long-term romances. Secrets, hopes and dreams start being shared, as well as fears and concerns. Trust is an especially strong factor.
Sunday has this level of relationship with Robin. (My Family) Notice the capital F there.
Level 4 is on the level of best friends, close family on good terms, and committed relationships. With closeness comes trust and expectation, and secrets are divulged often, though not universally.
Shelley had this kind of relationship with Kafka (Confidant and Fellow Hunter). Had.
Level 5 relationships are life-defining and correspondingly rare. Such relationships are on the level of mythic romances or legendary friendships, the kinds that stories claim to transcend lifetimes. Most people never have a bond of this level, and that is more than fine. A loss of this level, after all, would be absolutely ruinous for both parties. Or the survivor.
The best example of a Level 5 relationship in HSR would have been the legendary High Cloud Quintet, warriors who were friends for almost as long as a short life species's lifespan. When their pilot Baiheng died, it had IRREPARABLE consequences.
Reputation levels also exist, but they are essentially the same thing, but for large organizations and factions. 1 is someone on their radar, 5 is a founding member.
Negative relationship ratings do exist, ranging from animosity to undying hatred. Try not to cultivate too many of these. Anger is poison to the soul; just ask Blade, who has negative levels with so many people it almost isn't funny.
Naturally, the [REDACTED] have a pretty bad opinion of Shelley, thanks to the Ire Of A Path that you guys took.
It's currently -3 (Please Go Die In A Fire)
When NPCs are in your team, they will have a stat that adds to their rolls (which are always d100s.)
So the format goes:
d100+Stat Bonus=Result.
The stats for NPCs:
0: physically paralyzed
1-5: a weakling, sickly, infirm or particularly incompetent
6-9: an average human being
10-14: Some combat training, karate classes, has been in a few scraps
15-19: Trained soldier
20-25: Expert veteran of combat
25-35: respected military leader
36-40: Competent superhuman
41-50: World class fighter, capable of throwing down with most supers and mutants
51-60: Incomparable fighter, legendary, once in an era general
61-70: High-level superhuman powers paired with natural skill and years of experience
70+: Unstoppable juggernaut of destruction
0: deeply, personally repulsive
1-5: Annoying, obnoxious, grating
6-9: An average human being
10-15: Moderate charisma and basic social skills
16-20: trained negotiator or corporate dealmaker
21-25: Highly skilled professional diplomat
26-35: Magnetic personality, liked by all they meet
36-45: Cream of the crop, natural born politician, brilliant dealmaker
46-55: Literally superhuman persuasive power, preternatural understanding of human psychology
55-70: Could trade a castle for a piece of string
70+: Social Deity
0: non-sapient
1-6: simpleminded, dim, uneducated
7-10: High School Diploma, average intelligence
11-13: Slightly smarter than average; some college
14-20: college graduate in sciences, trivia champion
21-30: Doctorate in technical field, Cash Wheel National Champion
30-35: Factotum
36-40: Leading expert in their field, photographic memory
41-50: World's greatest expert on their subject
51-60: Smartest human alive, perfect recall of every fact they have ever learned
61-70: Inhuman intellect
71+: Appears omniscient
Note: this refers to either dexterity or tech skills depending on the character
0: Just born
1-6: Inflexible, Unable to process basic tech
7-10: decently mobile, average phone user
11-13: able to fix the WiFi, yoga practitioner
14-20: Able to help out with the average car part, quick runner
21-30: decently good engineer, gymnast
30-35: all around mechanic, pro athlete
36-40: Leading expert in tech, phantom thief level acrobatics
41-50: Able to be hired at a high level by IPC, Olympic gymnast
51-60: Worlds's best gymnast, one of the worlds best hackers
61-70: Punklorde Professional Hacker
71+: Tech God
0: REJECTED BY THE AEONS
1-6: Average person
7-10: Literally just became a Pathstrider
11-13: slightly newer Pathstrider
14-20: Decently well fought Pathstrider
21-30: Pathstrider with some fighting and soul searching
30-35: experienced Pathstrider with multiple years under their belt
36-40: new Emanator
41-50: Average (for lack of a better word) Emanator.
51-60: Extremely experienced Emanator
61-70: Inhuman Emanator, more of a force of nature
71+: Aeon
For Path I'm planning to vote for preservation as you can guess from the whole defending a fleet of refugees thing. Also I combed Reputation with the Grief flaw because it sounded interesting to have it be part of our reputation. Imagine the medea frenzy that woidl be generated by a newly minted Emanator, fresh from saving a rat tag fleet of evacuation ships clutching some token of their lost love as the greive.
The damn vultures wouldn't be able to resist signal boosting the entire story.
It was partially inspired by Kafka explicitly missing her emotion of "fear" in canon…
…and Chainsaw Man.
Edit: Make sure to vote for it, as well, every vote counts.
Don't count out the ___Gamer just yet! The other 5 members viewing this thread currently haven't yet voted or put in their own plans.
The more plans the better! Vote as soon as possible, please!
Edit: The Doomed Gamer? The Terminal Gamer? Either one works.
Don't count out the ___Gamer just yet! The other 5 members viewing this thread haven't yet voted or put in their own plans.
The more plans the better! Vote as soon as possible, please!
[X] Plan I've Read Ahead
-[X] A Hacker From Punklorde
-[X] Mercurial Fate (-2)
-[X] Overprepared(-1)
-[X] Shadow Of Nihility (1)
Never played the game (or any other Hoyoverse games for that matter), so idk if this is any good, but futuresight is kinda cool and the rest went from there.
Punklorde, Mercurial Fate, and Shadow of Nihility seem like they'd feed into each other in an interesting way. Neither Punklorde Mentality nor the future sight help with not seeing reality as a game, but the looming threat of Nihility on the horizon means they have no choice but to go out of their way to try, or else. No matter how much it pushes them out of their comfort zone.
Punklorde, Mercurial Fate, and Shadow of Nihility seem like they'd feed into each other in an interesting way. Neither Punklorde Mentality nor the future sight help with not seeing reality as a game, but the looming threat of Nihility on the horizon means they have no choice but to go out of their way to try, or else. No matter how much it pushes them out of their comfort zone.
Punklorde, Mercurial Fate, and Shadow of Nihility seem like they'd feed into each other in an interesting way. Neither Punklorde Mentality nor the future sight help with not seeing reality as a game, but the looming threat of Nihility on the horizon means they have no choice but to go out of their way to try, or else. No matter how much it pushes them out of their comfort zone.
Giving me a likeable character, a good start for character development, and a timer…
Yeah, I'm gonna like the voters for this quest a lot.
And as always keep voting, everybody! We'll be calling it at 20 or 40 votes or when Monday comes.
I get the idea and the look, but I'm more of a they were all just genetically enhanced sorta guy.
I do see why, but we can talk more about appearances if your plan wins and in the next update, when we'll talk about theming and looks.
The former Anti Entropy Sovereign, and now a senior member of the Express. Welt acts as a brave leader, teaching his lessons to the crew while searching for a way back home.
