Bound to Earth: A CK2 Earthbound Quest in an 8-bit Dystopia
- Thread starter Crosswire
- Start date
- Crossover Sci-Fi
Terrifying, thanks.
Oh god, are you trying to kill me? Laughing this much can't be healthy.
They what?
I find it strange that Criminal has inherently bad reputation like this, because at the base level that reputation would require people to know that you are a Criminal(tm) organization, rather than a group of people doing things. Being in defiance of law and order isn't exactly the thing you want to make a big stink about where everyone can hear you.
There's also the thing mentioned in the text, that a criminal org has plenty of reason to also have a company to do certain business, such as business, with.
Really the best idea would probably to combine the two, use a business for raising funds and much of the front facing stuff, and channel its profit into a NGO or law-agnostic org that does the rest.
Might run counter to the idea of having a single public reputation though.
We really need to get the little guy something to assure his survival. Maybe some of those rings Sonic keeps grabbing? Even just the ability to survive one or two hits would make all the difference.
either something or color ought to be changed.
Think the second mention of sensors may be superfluous.
First letter is missing color.
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Lifeandlice
Practitioning side-character
- Location
- Usa
Oh I had another idea as to the medical corp idea that was mentioned. PMC work. Baseball bat/blunt weapons and healing capable forces sold not to traditional clients but instead to a niche and wealthy clientele that could use that kinda addition, other mercenaries. Hire on our folks for a decent price to act as a bit of low intensity (barring further more special contracts) muscle and, more importantly, a capable field medic.
It's almost purely a beneficial action I think, as it helps us get combat capable forces, combat focused contacts, a steady income, information, some niche pr (though perhaps with other negative pr possible), and handy contacts.
It's almost purely a beneficial action I think, as it helps us get combat capable forces, combat focused contacts, a steady income, information, some niche pr (though perhaps with other negative pr possible), and handy contacts.
So, thoughts on our results this phase. Enjoy the info dump!
Visit the Hill
The Sound Stone is... evidently an Ocarina. Weird. Maybe it's a Zelda link? Buzz Buzz mentions PSI Stones, which in Earthbound Beginnings, are PP recovery items. We know that Giegue/Giygas lost to three adolescents, and one with weird hair. They very well may have found a Hylian artifact - and if so, their adventures would definitely have taken place on Princeps Dominare.
Yeah, unless we get a curveball - this meteorite piece most likely contains Zexonyte, as in canon. Good for building the Phase Distorter - and likely similar equipment.
Get Closer with the Treehouse Boys
Hey, we know the names of our guys. No Ness, so y'all were right. But there's a lot of interesting stuff they have to say...
This group of armed crazy people is Big Boss's Outer Heaven, from the NES and MSX Metal Gear games - I'm interested to see how this faction is potentially written.
There's a couple of factions this could be. The soldiers from Bionic Commando or Wolfenstein 3D seem most likely as possibilities - both games where Hitler's resurrection is paramount to the plot. Can't help but wonder who this cousin quintuple removed is. Maybe we'll find out eventually.
Check the Local Stores
This is the powered-up version of Earthbound's insecticide spray. It's also flammable, which people are missing - so it's definitely a wider boost than thought. Resin still better, though.
Investigate The Entertainer's Shack
Don't think I need to quote here - the bugs are Giygas invaders, as we know - bad idea to immediately face them. They're gaining power and hypnotizing the populace - we need to move, fast. Plus, the Entertainer's Shack is more impenetrable than in Earthbound itself - walls, steel door, and other accoutrements. The Giant's Step guardian is probably still Titanic Ant.
Research Organization Types
Similarly, there's not much to say here that hasn't already been said - I agree that Corporate isn't an option; and that we should look into either Criminal or Archaic. If Archaic, we're going to need to do some further research. We also know how to start up an organization, and surprise - a majority of it is stuff we were suspecting anyways. We're planning the first 3, we just need evidence... but where to get it?
Learn More About Human Technology
This is common 8BD lore - but these are based after the NES Zapper and the Super Scope, respectively.
The Corneria fleet is from Star Fox!
So, I think we've found the divergence point here. These three robots each dealt heavy blows to Ninten's team - the human-built robot is Eve, the robot built by George - who you may remember from an earlier omake. Eve was still destroyed by R7038XX as in Earthbound Beginnings - but somehow, Teddy made it through the R7038 fight without getting injured. Maybe they managed to preserve the tank from the R7037 fight? Or maybe Loid made it on time...
Haha, Buzz Buzz getting ready to pilot Saucers once more.
Visit the Hill
The Sound Stone is... evidently an Ocarina. Weird. Maybe it's a Zelda link? Buzz Buzz mentions PSI Stones, which in Earthbound Beginnings, are PP recovery items. We know that Giegue/Giygas lost to three adolescents, and one with weird hair. They very well may have found a Hylian artifact - and if so, their adventures would definitely have taken place on Princeps Dominare.
Yeah, unless we get a curveball - this meteorite piece most likely contains Zexonyte, as in canon. Good for building the Phase Distorter - and likely similar equipment.
Get Closer with the Treehouse Boys
Hey, we know the names of our guys. No Ness, so y'all were right. But there's a lot of interesting stuff they have to say...
This group of armed crazy people is Big Boss's Outer Heaven, from the NES and MSX Metal Gear games - I'm interested to see how this faction is potentially written.
There's a couple of factions this could be. The soldiers from Bionic Commando or Wolfenstein 3D seem most likely as possibilities - both games where Hitler's resurrection is paramount to the plot. Can't help but wonder who this cousin quintuple removed is. Maybe we'll find out eventually.
Check the Local Stores
This is the powered-up version of Earthbound's insecticide spray. It's also flammable, which people are missing - so it's definitely a wider boost than thought. Resin still better, though.
Investigate The Entertainer's Shack
Don't think I need to quote here - the bugs are Giygas invaders, as we know - bad idea to immediately face them. They're gaining power and hypnotizing the populace - we need to move, fast. Plus, the Entertainer's Shack is more impenetrable than in Earthbound itself - walls, steel door, and other accoutrements. The Giant's Step guardian is probably still Titanic Ant.
Research Organization Types
Similarly, there's not much to say here that hasn't already been said - I agree that Corporate isn't an option; and that we should look into either Criminal or Archaic. If Archaic, we're going to need to do some further research. We also know how to start up an organization, and surprise - a majority of it is stuff we were suspecting anyways. We're planning the first 3, we just need evidence... but where to get it?
Learn More About Human Technology
This is common 8BD lore - but these are based after the NES Zapper and the Super Scope, respectively.
The Corneria fleet is from Star Fox!
So, I think we've found the divergence point here. These three robots each dealt heavy blows to Ninten's team - the human-built robot is Eve, the robot built by George - who you may remember from an earlier omake. Eve was still destroyed by R7038XX as in Earthbound Beginnings - but somehow, Teddy made it through the R7038 fight without getting injured. Maybe they managed to preserve the tank from the R7037 fight? Or maybe Loid made it on time...
Haha, Buzz Buzz getting ready to pilot Saucers once more.
- Location
- SomeWhereElse
The Ocarina in the first Mother game (or Earthbound beginnings) had a very similar function to the soundstone in Earthbound proper - my guess is that the connection is one to Ninten as opposed to anything Hylian.
This doesn't necessarily mean that no Hylian influence exists in the world but I do think that the Ninten connection is stronger.
- Location
- England, unfortunately.
- Pronouns
- She/They
My immediate thought was SMT Persona 2, where a major plot of the game is Nyarlaathotep deliberately taking advantage of rumours becoming real, including one about Hitler coming back to life.
Edit: This is bad news for us by the way because uh...
Well you see..
Nyarlathotep technically won. He was interfereing hugely whilst Philemon didn't for presumably the Moral high ground, but he won. theres an entire second game dedicated to trying to undo this and find some form of hope out of it.
Side note - if Nyarly is here... well, it kinda fits with the existence of the Psi Point recovering Magic Butterflys, as his opposite and emobidment of makinds virtues, Philemon, is often associated with blue butterflies. Though that's only if the first 2 persona games are involved in any way, of course.
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Quite right - I'd forgotten about that! Strategy guide art of the Ocarina from Earthbound Beginnings shows it to be very similar to our Sound Stone in appearance - it's also similar in function.
I'm aware of the plot points - and if Nyarly does get involved, things are going to get interesting.
weredrago2
"Cowabunga, Shadow the Hedgehog..."
- Location
- Florida
I was working on a new omake to spice things up, but I got distracted and didn't get to start on it. So for now I'm gonna repost the short story I did at the opening of the 8BD DX document.
Is this all that relevant to the quest? Who knows? You might grab one of these guys as a hero unit!
- - - - -
"Frak, frak, frak!"
A staccato of light footsteps and swears filled the dilapidated streets of Aires. Two feet, then four, as the runner became increasingly desperate to escape pursuit. It's not like he could trust the cops to have his back; he was a talking bobcat. A bobcat that owed someone in Hill Top a lot of money. Money that he couldn't pay back because he bought a bad batch of ring off Bentley Bear and blew the rest on a Metpharm DIY stomach pump. All he had left was the shirt on his back.
So that's why Bubsy was running from the man in a red hood and shredded jacket slowly walking towards him. His instincts told him that meant danger. If you were smart, you'd be running too.
Bubsy wasn't a smart guy. That was obvious from how he got here. The one thing he was, though, was fast. Bubsy hopped over derelict trash cans, dodged the sparking remains of a neon sign, and rounded a corner when the City tricked him. At least, it sometimes felt like the City was designed to deliver cruel jokes. Rather than providing an exit, the streets ended in a canyon of an open sewer. The only thing left between him and freedom was a straight plunge into the Pipes.
"Ah, shazbot!"
A dead end. He couldn't exactly take his chances with the mutants, even if he did survive the fall. Bubsy started climbing a crumbling apartment block to make more distance between him and the hatchetman when a hand yanked him off the steel railing and began pulling him backwards.
"Hey, leggo!" he shouted.
The hand had a solid grip on him. He turned around to tear the arm off his shirt when he saw that it was just the arm. No body attached to it. The arm's stump ended in chrome and a hover drive. The disembodied limb kept dragging Bubsy against his will until he was hanging over the abyss.
It was times like this that Bubsy wished he didn't sell his gliding flaps for drugs.
"Yo, what the fuck?"
"Hey, Bubsy!"
The bobcat's blood turned to ice. He knew that voice all too well. A bit raspier from when he last heard it, but last he knew, the owner was shoved into Mute City traffic during rush hour. Looking down, he saw the red-hooded man who had been following him for the past mile step into the dim light. One arm in the sky with Bubsy, and the other rested on the zapper in his holster.
"Is that any way to talk to an old friend?"
Shit. The cyber docs managed to put Plok back together after all. Give or take.
"H-Hey, Plok! I didn't know you got out of the hospital! Did you get my card? You got my card, right?" Plok didn't respond. "I'm asking because I sent you a--"
The floating arm descended rapidly until Bubsy was level with Plok's head, and the arm that was still on his body could shove the zapper into Bubsy's face.
"Stop talking."
To his credit, Bubsy stopped talking. He held onto that floating arm for dear life.
"I'm gonna level with you, Bubs. You made some mistakes." Bubsy didn't respond. "You can talk now. Just pick your next words wisely. Use your brain. Think you can still do that?"
Bubsy slowly nodded. He used what was left of his brain to come up with something that would let him walk away from this situation alive. A state that Plok wasn't exactly known for leaving his victims in after one of his "freelance collections" jobs. As far as Bubsy knew, the guy only cared about three things. Money, women, and…
"I know who took your flag!"
Plok's eyes opened wide. His eyes were still real. The eggheads at WilyCorp haven't figured out how to make bioroids look that pissed yet. The man would raise hell on whoever he thought stole his most prized possession, even if he was dumb enough to leave it flapping above his house.
"My flag? Who's the flea-bitten son of a bitch that stole my flag?!"
Bubsy kept his face as straight as he could as he told Plok exactly what he wanted to hear. By the time Plok could check it out for himself, Bubsy would be long gone.
Thinking over his options again, the Pipes were looking pretty good this time of year. Or decade.
"Bentley. It was uh, Bentley Bear."
Is this all that relevant to the quest? Who knows? You might grab one of these guys as a hero unit!
- - - - -
"Frak, frak, frak!"
A staccato of light footsteps and swears filled the dilapidated streets of Aires. Two feet, then four, as the runner became increasingly desperate to escape pursuit. It's not like he could trust the cops to have his back; he was a talking bobcat. A bobcat that owed someone in Hill Top a lot of money. Money that he couldn't pay back because he bought a bad batch of ring off Bentley Bear and blew the rest on a Metpharm DIY stomach pump. All he had left was the shirt on his back.
So that's why Bubsy was running from the man in a red hood and shredded jacket slowly walking towards him. His instincts told him that meant danger. If you were smart, you'd be running too.
Bubsy wasn't a smart guy. That was obvious from how he got here. The one thing he was, though, was fast. Bubsy hopped over derelict trash cans, dodged the sparking remains of a neon sign, and rounded a corner when the City tricked him. At least, it sometimes felt like the City was designed to deliver cruel jokes. Rather than providing an exit, the streets ended in a canyon of an open sewer. The only thing left between him and freedom was a straight plunge into the Pipes.
"Ah, shazbot!"
A dead end. He couldn't exactly take his chances with the mutants, even if he did survive the fall. Bubsy started climbing a crumbling apartment block to make more distance between him and the hatchetman when a hand yanked him off the steel railing and began pulling him backwards.
"Hey, leggo!" he shouted.
The hand had a solid grip on him. He turned around to tear the arm off his shirt when he saw that it was just the arm. No body attached to it. The arm's stump ended in chrome and a hover drive. The disembodied limb kept dragging Bubsy against his will until he was hanging over the abyss.
It was times like this that Bubsy wished he didn't sell his gliding flaps for drugs.
"Yo, what the fuck?"
"Hey, Bubsy!"
The bobcat's blood turned to ice. He knew that voice all too well. A bit raspier from when he last heard it, but last he knew, the owner was shoved into Mute City traffic during rush hour. Looking down, he saw the red-hooded man who had been following him for the past mile step into the dim light. One arm in the sky with Bubsy, and the other rested on the zapper in his holster.
"Is that any way to talk to an old friend?"
Shit. The cyber docs managed to put Plok back together after all. Give or take.
"H-Hey, Plok! I didn't know you got out of the hospital! Did you get my card? You got my card, right?" Plok didn't respond. "I'm asking because I sent you a--"
The floating arm descended rapidly until Bubsy was level with Plok's head, and the arm that was still on his body could shove the zapper into Bubsy's face.
"Stop talking."
To his credit, Bubsy stopped talking. He held onto that floating arm for dear life.
"I'm gonna level with you, Bubs. You made some mistakes." Bubsy didn't respond. "You can talk now. Just pick your next words wisely. Use your brain. Think you can still do that?"
Bubsy slowly nodded. He used what was left of his brain to come up with something that would let him walk away from this situation alive. A state that Plok wasn't exactly known for leaving his victims in after one of his "freelance collections" jobs. As far as Bubsy knew, the guy only cared about three things. Money, women, and…
"I know who took your flag!"
Plok's eyes opened wide. His eyes were still real. The eggheads at WilyCorp haven't figured out how to make bioroids look that pissed yet. The man would raise hell on whoever he thought stole his most prized possession, even if he was dumb enough to leave it flapping above his house.
"My flag? Who's the flea-bitten son of a bitch that stole my flag?!"
Bubsy kept his face as straight as he could as he told Plok exactly what he wanted to hear. By the time Plok could check it out for himself, Bubsy would be long gone.
Thinking over his options again, the Pipes were looking pretty good this time of year. Or decade.
"Bentley. It was uh, Bentley Bear."
Location, check. People, in progress. We still need money/recruitment incentives, and evidence. We could potentially get a two-for-one by Psi Healing publicly. Rough plan:
Martial: Commit Some Vandalism
This will muddy the waters and hopefully slow down the Cop/Shark brawl the X-rays are hoping for.
Diplomacy: Found an Organization
Get out of AP heck.
Stewardship: Try To Heal People For Money
Cash AND legitimacy? Sign me up
Intrigue: Plan to Raid the Shack
Learning: Go To School
This has a chance to bump our learning and get recruits.
Buzz Buzz: Fly On The Wall/Lay Low
Depending on whether we get alien activity or not.
Gonna just link this here
Mother got a Vocal Album and I love it. Its super sappy but thats what makes it great.
Mother got a Vocal Album and I love it. Its super sappy but thats what makes it great.
Presumably this will make the action to investigate wildlife easier/more effective.
The aggressive animals might actually be useful as a minor piece of evidence.
A more solid one would be taking some of the aliens from the Shack/Sanctuary prisoner.
Speaking off, it seems inevitable that we will be taking alien prisoners at some point, or at least attempt to do so. The only alternatives would be a completely merciless approach where even nonthreatening(or surrendering) enemies are killed, which doesn't seem to fit, or to just leave them, where they would remain a possible threat.
Taking prisoners also opens the opportunity of converting some of them, with Buzz Buzz showing it's theoretically possible. Another way to grow the organization and add to our knowledge of alien tech and number of psi users.
OMAKE AWARDS
PSI What-If Dabbles
[ @nice ping is awarded +50 EXP]
A nice little bundle of concepts in regards to potential what-if abilities. PSI Karma is an interesting concept. Thank you for sharing your ideas, it's always nice to see concepts felt out and explored in writing like this.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
[ @Brightflame is awarded +300 EXP!]
Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive. The fight scene especially was concise, but impactful (in the writing and beating sense~). You wrote C.D VERY in character here, rough around the edges and not entirely emotionally honest.. Kyoko is a TON of fun here and contrasts C.D in a very fun way. I was smiling the entire time I was reading your omake. Thank you for all your hard work and thank you for making me appreciate River City that much more~
Get N or Get Out
[ @Cathode is awarded +75 EXP!]
You're definitely getting into the mindset of 8-Bit Dystopia if you're making references to Howard & Nester, hot damn. This was an entertaining little story and I always appreciate nods to the games, like with the trash burger. In the future though, you might want to break up your writing a bit. Some of what you wrote felt a bit crunched together format wise.
Smiles Reflected by Tears
[ @griffinlw is awarded +150 EXP!]
Great name for the story, first off. Secondly this feels like it properly takes advantage of the concept of something that could show alternative realities. The list of possible alternatives was really intriguing, the Outer Heaven and Lightning ones especially stuck out to me. C.D seeing themselves happy without their siblings and being genuinely disturbed by their thoughts afterwards was SO much fun to read. I think you captured the haunting, selfish feelings seeing something like that would naturally stir in someone.
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Turn 3
RESIN PURCHASED!
Cracked Baseball Bat enhanced into Repaired Baseball Bat (Inventory Updated)
Current Funds: 0
"Crime and delinquency is slowly eroding the order and safety that so many in Onnet take for granted." Captain Strong said during the broadcast.
"Until now, many have assumed the actions of the criminal youth in town to be little more then harmless pranks and roughhousing. Juvenile signs of the youth slowly maturing into adults. Those people are wrong. And it's our job as upholders of the law to correct that grave misunderstanding."
Captain Strong made it clear that the Fresh Breeze Movement will be a multi-step program that will help 'restructure local values' and 'actively reform young latent criminals.'
So far all this has amounted to are signs being put up around town with the most inane slogan imaginable.
These alone normally wouldn't make a difference, but the fact a lot of the older residents actually seem to be buying into the messages of the moment is unnerving. People seem more willing to call the police when there's trouble and the cops themselves are becoming more aggressive…
There's been some odd ruckus from the vacant lot behind the arcade the Sharks have control of. Though the walls fencing in the area are too high to spy or climb over, the noise alone makes it clear they're working on something. And seriously at that, as they seem to have a lot of their members off the streets and working on this.
It reminds you of that weird radio signal from a while back actually...
(While factionless they will have five actions to take per turn and no personal actions, since they will start with effectively nothing and will be working from the bottom up)
(Once C.D has gained control of or founded their own organization, the setup will transfer to the standard 4 Personal Actions + 5 Faction Actions setup.)
DC: 25/50
[] Vandalize New Signs: The police seem awfully proud of the eyesores they've put up around town. And being a delinquent, you feel it might be time for some vandalism. You can break them, tear them down, and if you 'borrow' some spray-paint you think you have the perfect idea on how to make the cops regret putting them up. Depending on how much damage you can do, it could set back whatever the police have planned. Or at the very least show people around town that you don't intend to kiss the asses of the cops.
DC: 15/40/65
[] Confront the Sharks: Things are growing tense in town and the Sharks seem largely tied up with something at the moment. There aren't as many Sharks on the streets, so throwdowns with them will be easier. Though you get a feeling that won't last for long. The Sharks are dumbasses who will only really understand your intentions unless you spell it out for them or beat it into their faces. Thankfully, you're equipped to do at least one of those things. Beating their asses will either earn their respect or at least force them to treat you seriously going forward.
DC: 40/65
[] Squash Some Bugs: The "Antoids" and "Attack Slugs" as you've come to call them loiter around the Entertainer's Shack. They're idle now, just hidden out of sight and seemingly content warding anyone off from approaching the shack. But their numbers will only grow. While you can't get to the Giant's Foot, you can still get to some of the bugs. Thinning their numbers now will lessen the danger of them expanding, but by attacking now you reveal yourself as an enemy.
DC: 50/75
[] Oppose the Police: While the Sharks may be off the streets, the cops are the exact opposite. Patrolling the streets of Onnet on foot and in police cruisers, even to areas they normally neglect. The atmosphere in Onnet is starting to change because of them. A lot of kids and teens, gang members or not, are starting to be actively harassed by the cops. They aren't budging naturally, but the cops have never been this aggressive before.
Thrashing some cops on patrol with your identity obscured will send a message.
Both to the cops and the people in Onnet. Even if the cops don't know it was you, others will be inclined to believe you if you tell them and it's possible other kids will follow in your footsteps.
DC: 90
DC: ???
[] Speak with your Mother: Under normal circumstances you wouldn't want to willingly call your mother unless it was in the vain hope she might bail you out of jail. However she's missed her usual call where she discusses the bills and what's needed around the house.
The money she always sends is in the account though and you know for a fact whoever employs your mother wouldn't send a cent if she'd dropped dead, gotten kidnapped, or likely just missed work. So she's not dead and thus there's nothing you need to do...
But you could call her if you wanted.
Unless she's in peril however, you're in for a very uncomfortable phone call. Especially if your temper gets the better of you.
DC: ???
[] Speak to the Sharks: The Sharks are out for themselves, but they're not the cops, so they can still be reasoned with. Or, well, as much as a bunch of dumbass kids can be anyway.
They're so wrapped up in whatever they're doing that the entrance to the Arcade isn't as packed as usual.
You still haven't really given them a reason to let you into the arcade or deal with you on equal terms, but they seem more worried about the cops than you at the moment. So maybe now might be a good time to try and see Frankie? Even if he doesn't want to play ball right away, it could give you some options or at least inform you and what you'll have to do regarding the Sharks.
DC: 65
[] Rabble Rouse: You're no public speaker and people aren't exactly thrilled to see you, much less hear your voice. However maybe you can use that to your advantage? Getting loud and stirring up people's fears regarding what the police are doing might be what's needed to get people to start viewing things differently. It'll escalate things for sure, but it'll make the police's efforts a lot harder. Of course, there's always the risk people will be more scared of you then what you're talking about...
DC: 70
[] Found an Organization: You have a location, you have a group to speak to thanks to the Treehouse Boy's agreement to gather some people up when you request it, and you have some idea of what your options organization wise are.
Of course, you still don't have any evidence to back up your claims. Or even an incentive to join, beyond saving the world and all that.
If you could at least find something to give credence to your claims, then you'd have a good shot at starting a group.
Of course, you could try now. But if you fucked up then you doubt you'll be able to get the Treehouse Boys to gather people up again…
DC: 90
DC: 20/80
[] Ask Mother For Money: You're piss broke and unless there's a "PSI Money" power you can learn, that isn't likely going to change unless you bite the bullet and do something about it. Mother hasn't made her usual call, but the money is in the bank so they're likely just busy. Lying to them and saying you need a bit more to handle some unexpected 'expenses' might be a way to get some fast cash. And if they are busy, they'll have less time to really scrutinize your words.
DC: ???
[] Try to Heal People for Money: Healthcare in the Eagle Quarter is awful and Onnet is no different. The local hospital charges an arm and a leg for sub-par, largely outdated medical treatments. What used to be a concern now seems like an opportunity. With your new (albeit somewhat weak) healing PSI power, maybe you could make some cash? Of course, success hinges on if people are willing to come to you and if you can avoid fucking up with a power you only just got. Plus, even if you hide your face, the whole thing will likely get rumors circulating…
DC: 20/40/80
(Uses PSI stat)
[] Beak Point Grift Issues: Everyone in town knows that the house on Beak Point isn't worth anywhere CLOSE to its asking price. It's a scam, but it's apparently a scam that's run into some issues lately. Whatever jackass actually owns and hopes to sell the place apparently is having some financial difficulties and can't pay some money they borrowed. This, however, appears intentional. The lockdown means their debtors can't get to them directly and unless they pick up the phone they can't be contacted.
Normally you wouldn't care…but you imagine someone would. After all, you imagine someone with more money then you could potentially usurp ownership of the Beak Point property by buying the guy's debt.
You can't leave Onnet, but you can still make telephone calls. With a call or two you might be able to find someone to wire you a chunk of change in exchange for a 'hot real estate' tip.
DC: 30/45/100
[] Dumpster Dive: When you don't have money, you spend your hygiene instead of your cash. Rooting through the trash cans and dumpsters of the city could possibly let you find some interesting things. More likely then not however you're likely to find rotting food and rats the size of your head. One man's trash may be your treasure, but everyone shares the same diseases if you root around in their crap.
DC: 50/85
But the mayor's a gigantic fuckwit, so him crying over this is just a plus. Breaking onto one of his properties in town and seeing what you can nab could net you some cash, or some interesting stuff.
DC: 30/60/90
[] Try to Sneak into the Arcade: The Sharks seem pretty damn preoccupied right now. If you could fake a disguise (or nab one from a Sharks member with a bit of force), then you might be able to slip past them and see what they're up to. Maybe even talk with Frankie. You doubt they'll be thrilled to see you, but you'll never know if you don't try.
DC: 45/65
[] Spread Rumors: People are so starved for gossip that they're willing to actually listen to you for a change without looking like they're about to wet themselves. Stirring the pot and spreading some nasty rumors about the mayor, or the police, could help you out. Of course, just because people are willing to listen to you doesn't mean they're willing to believe you.
DC: 60
[] Try to Find Evidence of the Invasion: Buzz-Buzz's pod is just rusting metal and Buzz-Buzz themselves isn't really adequate proof. You need some thing to convince others that you're telling the truth about the threat encroaching on the Eagle Quarter. Problem is that Giygas and his forces are being deliberately covert and haven't exactly left anything of meaning behind. The only aliens you know of so far are the Antoids and Attack Slugs, and they can sadly pass for giant insects or mutant creatures. It's possible you could capture one, or a few, but given they have a psychic link to whatever made them that could be very dangerous. Your options in directly getting evidence suck right now, maybe there's something in town you haven't found yet? That's all you can hope for. Even if the options suck, you can still take a shot at it.
DC: 85
[] Steal the Strange Tablet from Lier: Lier X. Agerate found an unusual tablet beneath his house and hasn't been down from the hill since. He seemed pretty intent on making money off it, even with the lockdown, and you doubt he's been idle this whole time. The guy was certain you'd try something, and that's unlikely to have changed even with the time since your last meeting with him. Still, it's sort of tempting just to get back at him for being so rude. Stealing that large chunk of rock won't be easy since you can't exactly carry it off and Lier seems paranoid. But if you could get away with it, it could be a large boom.
DC: 100
DC: 15/20
[] Just Go to School: Rome (whatever that is) wasn't built in a day apparently. Pretending like nothing is wrong and actually going to school for a change may help. It'll give your brain an exercise and at least add some structure to your days. Plus it'll set a good example for your siblings. It could even give you a chance to speak to some kids you rarely get to see. Not that they likely want to talk to you...
DC: 30/60
[] Research at your Local Library: The Library is mostly a good source of maps then anything actually worth reading. However you know for a fact they have a lot of old, dusty garbage that not even the librarians have looked over. Poking around could lead you to finding some useful information, or maybe bumping into a bookish sort to speak with.
DC: 25/50/90
[] Observe the Aggressive Wildlife: From what you've heard from Buzz-Buzz it seems Giygas has the ability to influence the local wildlife. He's probably the reason far more aggressive then they usually are and nobody seems all that surprised by it. Save for you. You can't exactly 'study' them given you don't have the equipment or really the knowledge on how to do that, but there's nothing stopping you from giving the old college a try. It could shed some light on the specifics of their behavior.
DC: 30/60
[] Try to Identify the Meteorite Shard: All you know about the Shard is that it can be sold for a lot of money (presumably) by virtue of looking cool and being from space. However what the chunk of space rock is actually made of is a total mystery, more so then what your morning breakfast cereal is made out of. Since you don't exactly have a lab, or someone who knows 'science', all you have at your disposal are whatever books you can get around town and a few people whose arms you can twist to get their insight. It's not going to be easy and may not even be worth it if it turns out it's just a really fancy rock…
DC: 90
[] Fly on The Wall: You're not a fly. However it's a turn of phrase that could be appropriate. By using your own time to do some personal spying, you might be able to learn some things that C.D wouldn't be able to learn otherwise. Especially with how negatively people seem to react to them. The risk of discovery could lead to someone trying to swat you however.
[] Practice your own PSI: Outside of PSI Shield Σ, your capacity to use PSI abilities is limited. However you still harness your PSI energy in order to fight, so practicing your abilities never hurts.
[] Find Small Objects: Being able to get into tight places has benefits when it comes to scrounging around. While the idea of delving into storm drains and floor vents is far from appealing, ensuring C.D has some amount of the local currency would likely assist with their efforts. Plus, who knows, maybe you'll find something interesting. Beyond moth balls and trash that is.
Cracked Baseball Bat enhanced into Repaired Baseball Bat (Inventory Updated)
Current Funds: 0
Turn 3
Fresh Breeze Movement: Stage 1
Local television and radio stations blared today as the O.P.F boldly announced that their new public program has been set into motion. All following the processing of a petition put forth by a local(anonymous) resident of Onnet."Crime and delinquency is slowly eroding the order and safety that so many in Onnet take for granted." Captain Strong said during the broadcast.
"Until now, many have assumed the actions of the criminal youth in town to be little more then harmless pranks and roughhousing. Juvenile signs of the youth slowly maturing into adults. Those people are wrong. And it's our job as upholders of the law to correct that grave misunderstanding."
Captain Strong made it clear that the Fresh Breeze Movement will be a multi-step program that will help 'restructure local values' and 'actively reform young latent criminals.'
So far all this has amounted to are signs being put up around town with the most inane slogan imaginable.
"Break the course of violence. Don't break the wind of change"
These alone normally wouldn't make a difference, but the fact a lot of the older residents actually seem to be buying into the messages of the moment is unnerving. People seem more willing to call the police when there's trouble and the cops themselves are becoming more aggressive…
[OPF gains a small bonus to curbing 'dissident' activity in Onnet]
Strange Noises from the Sharks
And not in the usual "Watch me light this fart on fire!" and the ensuing screams/2nd degree burns that typically follow.There's been some odd ruckus from the vacant lot behind the arcade the Sharks have control of. Though the walls fencing in the area are too high to spy or climb over, the noise alone makes it clear they're working on something. And seriously at that, as they seem to have a lot of their members off the streets and working on this.
[Sharks presence in Onnet is weakened for this turn as they...???]
Bugs in the Forest
There seem to be a few more bugs then the last time you checked. The 'safe' distance from the Entertainer's Shack is growing farther and farther away. Its to the point where the bugs are starting to show up in the northern forests, but they haven't reached the edge of town or the Treehouse behind the library at least...[Alien presence in Onnet continues to grow…]
Blare of Static
While you were out in town all of the radios and televisions abruptly blared out an unbearably loud static today. They fell silent just as quickly, but it happened so intensely and suddenly that it left quite a few people in town unnerved. Current justification by folks is 'sunspots', 'interference', or even "old Earth broadcast", but it's clear they have no idea what caused it.It reminds you of that weird radio signal from a while back actually...
Gossip Starved
With the total halt of foot and car traffic to and from Onnet, people are quickly becoming quite starved for gossip and rumors. Its got to the point that many people are racking up significant phone bills trying to talk to distant relatives, friends, or sometimes total strangers in other towns. Nothing of note has cropped up, but people have been struggling to connect calls to Threed lately...Factionless
Note: (At the moment C.D is not in control of a faction. As such the 'faction actions' they take at the start will be recontextualized as personal actions.)(While factionless they will have five actions to take per turn and no personal actions, since they will start with effectively nothing and will be working from the bottom up)
(Once C.D has gained control of or founded their own organization, the setup will transfer to the standard 4 Personal Actions + 5 Faction Actions setup.)
Faction Actions
Martial
[] Beat up Some Local Wildlife: You have no idea how you can start training yourself to properly fight, but the animals around town are way more aggressive than usual. If they want to pick fights, then why not give them some? The practice could teach you a thing or two. And if you run into any more crows at least you won't have to feel bad about it…DC: 25/50
[] Vandalize New Signs: The police seem awfully proud of the eyesores they've put up around town. And being a delinquent, you feel it might be time for some vandalism. You can break them, tear them down, and if you 'borrow' some spray-paint you think you have the perfect idea on how to make the cops regret putting them up. Depending on how much damage you can do, it could set back whatever the police have planned. Or at the very least show people around town that you don't intend to kiss the asses of the cops.
DC: 15/40/65
[] Confront the Sharks: Things are growing tense in town and the Sharks seem largely tied up with something at the moment. There aren't as many Sharks on the streets, so throwdowns with them will be easier. Though you get a feeling that won't last for long. The Sharks are dumbasses who will only really understand your intentions unless you spell it out for them or beat it into their faces. Thankfully, you're equipped to do at least one of those things. Beating their asses will either earn their respect or at least force them to treat you seriously going forward.
DC: 40/65
[] Squash Some Bugs: The "Antoids" and "Attack Slugs" as you've come to call them loiter around the Entertainer's Shack. They're idle now, just hidden out of sight and seemingly content warding anyone off from approaching the shack. But their numbers will only grow. While you can't get to the Giant's Foot, you can still get to some of the bugs. Thinning their numbers now will lessen the danger of them expanding, but by attacking now you reveal yourself as an enemy.
DC: 50/75
[] Oppose the Police: While the Sharks may be off the streets, the cops are the exact opposite. Patrolling the streets of Onnet on foot and in police cruisers, even to areas they normally neglect. The atmosphere in Onnet is starting to change because of them. A lot of kids and teens, gang members or not, are starting to be actively harassed by the cops. They aren't budging naturally, but the cops have never been this aggressive before.
Thrashing some cops on patrol with your identity obscured will send a message.
Both to the cops and the people in Onnet. Even if the cops don't know it was you, others will be inclined to believe you if you tell them and it's possible other kids will follow in your footsteps.
DC: 90
Diplomacy
[] Speak to your Neighbor: Porky seems perfectly content with doing the bare minimum and sitting on hiss ass at home. Given everything going on you can't tell if this is a calculated decision or if this just him refusing to react to what's going on. You also haven't seen a trace of his little brother Picky, but Kart and Floppy say he's been getting into all sorts of nonsense. It's clear that trying to get him to help you in any meaningful capacity will be like squeezing blood from a rock. But you need all the support you can get. Maybe he'd be willing to get off his ass if there's something in it for him?DC: ???
[] Speak with your Mother: Under normal circumstances you wouldn't want to willingly call your mother unless it was in the vain hope she might bail you out of jail. However she's missed her usual call where she discusses the bills and what's needed around the house.
The money she always sends is in the account though and you know for a fact whoever employs your mother wouldn't send a cent if she'd dropped dead, gotten kidnapped, or likely just missed work. So she's not dead and thus there's nothing you need to do...
But you could call her if you wanted.
Unless she's in peril however, you're in for a very uncomfortable phone call. Especially if your temper gets the better of you.
DC: ???
[] Speak to the Sharks: The Sharks are out for themselves, but they're not the cops, so they can still be reasoned with. Or, well, as much as a bunch of dumbass kids can be anyway.
They're so wrapped up in whatever they're doing that the entrance to the Arcade isn't as packed as usual.
You still haven't really given them a reason to let you into the arcade or deal with you on equal terms, but they seem more worried about the cops than you at the moment. So maybe now might be a good time to try and see Frankie? Even if he doesn't want to play ball right away, it could give you some options or at least inform you and what you'll have to do regarding the Sharks.
DC: 65
[] Rabble Rouse: You're no public speaker and people aren't exactly thrilled to see you, much less hear your voice. However maybe you can use that to your advantage? Getting loud and stirring up people's fears regarding what the police are doing might be what's needed to get people to start viewing things differently. It'll escalate things for sure, but it'll make the police's efforts a lot harder. Of course, there's always the risk people will be more scared of you then what you're talking about...
DC: 70
[] Found an Organization: You have a location, you have a group to speak to thanks to the Treehouse Boy's agreement to gather some people up when you request it, and you have some idea of what your options organization wise are.
Of course, you still don't have any evidence to back up your claims. Or even an incentive to join, beyond saving the world and all that.
If you could at least find something to give credence to your claims, then you'd have a good shot at starting a group.
Of course, you could try now. But if you fucked up then you doubt you'll be able to get the Treehouse Boys to gather people up again…
DC: 90
Stewardship
[] Sell the 'Meteorite' Shard: You have no idea what the material is exactly, but it's from outer space and it looks pretty sick. Those two facts alone will make it easy to sell. With the town on lockdown you're pretty sure you can find someone with too much money to pawn this off on. And for a very high price at that. It'd certainly help fill your empty pockets, especially if you find someone very stupid and very rich…DC: 20/80
[] Ask Mother For Money: You're piss broke and unless there's a "PSI Money" power you can learn, that isn't likely going to change unless you bite the bullet and do something about it. Mother hasn't made her usual call, but the money is in the bank so they're likely just busy. Lying to them and saying you need a bit more to handle some unexpected 'expenses' might be a way to get some fast cash. And if they are busy, they'll have less time to really scrutinize your words.
DC: ???
[] Try to Heal People for Money: Healthcare in the Eagle Quarter is awful and Onnet is no different. The local hospital charges an arm and a leg for sub-par, largely outdated medical treatments. What used to be a concern now seems like an opportunity. With your new (albeit somewhat weak) healing PSI power, maybe you could make some cash? Of course, success hinges on if people are willing to come to you and if you can avoid fucking up with a power you only just got. Plus, even if you hide your face, the whole thing will likely get rumors circulating…
DC: 20/40/80
(Uses PSI stat)
[] Beak Point Grift Issues: Everyone in town knows that the house on Beak Point isn't worth anywhere CLOSE to its asking price. It's a scam, but it's apparently a scam that's run into some issues lately. Whatever jackass actually owns and hopes to sell the place apparently is having some financial difficulties and can't pay some money they borrowed. This, however, appears intentional. The lockdown means their debtors can't get to them directly and unless they pick up the phone they can't be contacted.
Normally you wouldn't care…but you imagine someone would. After all, you imagine someone with more money then you could potentially usurp ownership of the Beak Point property by buying the guy's debt.
You can't leave Onnet, but you can still make telephone calls. With a call or two you might be able to find someone to wire you a chunk of change in exchange for a 'hot real estate' tip.
DC: 30/45/100
[] Dumpster Dive: When you don't have money, you spend your hygiene instead of your cash. Rooting through the trash cans and dumpsters of the city could possibly let you find some interesting things. More likely then not however you're likely to find rotting food and rats the size of your head. One man's trash may be your treasure, but everyone shares the same diseases if you root around in their crap.
DC: 50/85
Intrigue
[] Break into the Mayor's House: Or one of his houses. As far as you're aware the 'Mayor' lives in City Hall and hasn't left its heavily fortified walls since all this started. However you've also been made aware he owns a few pieces of private property around town. Which are currently unlived in and totally unattended. In any other circumstance you'd hesitate robbing someone. After all The City is hard enough, people are just trying to live their lives.But the mayor's a gigantic fuckwit, so him crying over this is just a plus. Breaking onto one of his properties in town and seeing what you can nab could net you some cash, or some interesting stuff.
DC: 30/60/90
[] Try to Sneak into the Arcade: The Sharks seem pretty damn preoccupied right now. If you could fake a disguise (or nab one from a Sharks member with a bit of force), then you might be able to slip past them and see what they're up to. Maybe even talk with Frankie. You doubt they'll be thrilled to see you, but you'll never know if you don't try.
DC: 45/65
[] Spread Rumors: People are so starved for gossip that they're willing to actually listen to you for a change without looking like they're about to wet themselves. Stirring the pot and spreading some nasty rumors about the mayor, or the police, could help you out. Of course, just because people are willing to listen to you doesn't mean they're willing to believe you.
DC: 60
[] Try to Find Evidence of the Invasion: Buzz-Buzz's pod is just rusting metal and Buzz-Buzz themselves isn't really adequate proof. You need some thing to convince others that you're telling the truth about the threat encroaching on the Eagle Quarter. Problem is that Giygas and his forces are being deliberately covert and haven't exactly left anything of meaning behind. The only aliens you know of so far are the Antoids and Attack Slugs, and they can sadly pass for giant insects or mutant creatures. It's possible you could capture one, or a few, but given they have a psychic link to whatever made them that could be very dangerous. Your options in directly getting evidence suck right now, maybe there's something in town you haven't found yet? That's all you can hope for. Even if the options suck, you can still take a shot at it.
DC: 85
[] Steal the Strange Tablet from Lier: Lier X. Agerate found an unusual tablet beneath his house and hasn't been down from the hill since. He seemed pretty intent on making money off it, even with the lockdown, and you doubt he's been idle this whole time. The guy was certain you'd try something, and that's unlikely to have changed even with the time since your last meeting with him. Still, it's sort of tempting just to get back at him for being so rude. Stealing that large chunk of rock won't be easy since you can't exactly carry it off and Lier seems paranoid. But if you could get away with it, it could be a large boom.
DC: 100
Learning
[] Help Your Siblings Study: Kart and Floppy have some big exam coming up at school. You're probably not cut out for whatever the topic is, but being present alone should help. Just because you thing the entire education is a grift doesn't mean you want them thinking they can ditch school too. Who knows, you might be able to teach them something.DC: 15/20
[] Just Go to School: Rome (whatever that is) wasn't built in a day apparently. Pretending like nothing is wrong and actually going to school for a change may help. It'll give your brain an exercise and at least add some structure to your days. Plus it'll set a good example for your siblings. It could even give you a chance to speak to some kids you rarely get to see. Not that they likely want to talk to you...
DC: 30/60
[] Research at your Local Library: The Library is mostly a good source of maps then anything actually worth reading. However you know for a fact they have a lot of old, dusty garbage that not even the librarians have looked over. Poking around could lead you to finding some useful information, or maybe bumping into a bookish sort to speak with.
DC: 25/50/90
[] Observe the Aggressive Wildlife: From what you've heard from Buzz-Buzz it seems Giygas has the ability to influence the local wildlife. He's probably the reason far more aggressive then they usually are and nobody seems all that surprised by it. Save for you. You can't exactly 'study' them given you don't have the equipment or really the knowledge on how to do that, but there's nothing stopping you from giving the old college a try. It could shed some light on the specifics of their behavior.
DC: 30/60
[] Try to Identify the Meteorite Shard: All you know about the Shard is that it can be sold for a lot of money (presumably) by virtue of looking cool and being from space. However what the chunk of space rock is actually made of is a total mystery, more so then what your morning breakfast cereal is made out of. Since you don't exactly have a lab, or someone who knows 'science', all you have at your disposal are whatever books you can get around town and a few people whose arms you can twist to get their insight. It's not going to be easy and may not even be worth it if it turns out it's just a really fancy rock…
DC: 90
Personal Actions
Note: The Player Character will not have access to personal actions of their own until they establish a faction. As their personal actions are currently making up the 'faction actions' being taken.Buzz Buzz
[] Try to Lay Low: Humans aren't particularly fond of aliens, or 'insects' apparently. Thankfully you've been informed you'll come off as a bug first and an alien second as long as you don't talk. However, that doesn't mean there aren't perceptive people in this world, or that Giygas's lieutenants won't have followers looking for you eventually. By trying to stay out of sight while still helping, you can avoid or at least make it harder for anyone who comes after you to find you.[] Fly on The Wall: You're not a fly. However it's a turn of phrase that could be appropriate. By using your own time to do some personal spying, you might be able to learn some things that C.D wouldn't be able to learn otherwise. Especially with how negatively people seem to react to them. The risk of discovery could lead to someone trying to swat you however.
[] Practice your own PSI: Outside of PSI Shield Σ, your capacity to use PSI abilities is limited. However you still harness your PSI energy in order to fight, so practicing your abilities never hurts.
[] Find Small Objects: Being able to get into tight places has benefits when it comes to scrounging around. While the idea of delving into storm drains and floor vents is far from appealing, ensuring C.D has some amount of the local currency would likely assist with their efforts. Plus, who knows, maybe you'll find something interesting. Beyond moth balls and trash that is.
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KnownParadox
Not a sphere
- Location
- Canada
Thinking about a plan, but right now I'm thinking we help our siblings with their test, we haven't interacted with them much and this would be a good opportunity.
- Location
- England, unfortunately.
- Pronouns
- She/They
I think we need to start taking action to oppose the police. They're building up steam, and if we let them get too far, it's going to be way harder to do what we need to.
Alright, I'll think of what plan to make (though someone might beat me to it), but for now, let's analyze news and available actions:
News:
- Police: I agree with Corinthian, in that we should probably do something about the OPF.
- Sharks: They're probably building their robot, for good or ill. Probably ill, but as long as they don't parade that thing around, I don't think we should be too concerned.
- Aliens: Once again, they're looking for Buzz-Buzz, so we might want to let him lay low? Hmm. I don't know if assigning him will reduce effectiveness of "Lay Low" action, or if Giygas and his forces already know of his presence and just waiting for the moment, but let's not tempt fate here.
- Rumor Starved: Not only there are problems with phone lines, this might also indicate the fact that people will pay closer attention to our actions, because there is just not much else to talk about.
Actions:
Martial: Vandalize signs? Hell yes, let's introduce Buzz-Buzz to the world of vandalism. Oppose the police? Hell no, with DC of 90, even Buzz-Buzz and EXP boosts will barely help. We need to set them back first, I think, in order to reduce the DC. Squash the aliens? Also hell no, we might want to halt the growth of their numbers and influence, but obscurity is our friend. Revealing ourselves as an enemy to beings capable of hypnosis? Yeah, thanks but no.
Diplomacy: A hard choice. Excluding founding the organization, latter two might help us oppose the OPF, while former two are complete wildcards. The missed call might be attributed to people having problems reaching anyone with phone, so let's not raise the alarm just yet.
Stewardship: Still not thinking healing people with PSI powers is worth it, but it might be? I don't know. Latter two seem more reasonable, but the outcome is unpredictable.
Intrigue: I don't like any action here in particular, but sneaking into Mayor's house is least risky, at least DC wise. If we get caught though... So we might want to try to sneak into the arcade or just spread rumors instead.
Learning: I am biased towards helping our siblings, even if this doesn't directly helps us. Alternatively, we could observe the wildlife, or just research stuff.
Personal: Already stated that Buzz-Buzz laying low might be ideal. Having Buzz-Buzz fly around looking for
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I mostly agree with Nice Ping. As far as the enemy factions go, the Police are trying to strangle delinquency, the aliens are probably looking for Buzz Buzz, and the Sharks are probably building Frankystein. All of these are kind of a problem but nothing we should immediately worry about. We should try to head them off.
Martial: I kind of want to take a swing at the Sharks while they're distracted, but I'm not quite sure what the end result of that will be. Vandalizing signs also seems like an excellent idea, just because it's fairly easy and it opposes the police. Fighting the aliens is a bad idea right now, we don't have enough power behind us yet. I actually think just fighting the aggressive wildlife might not be a bad idea actually. We get some practice in, and it might double up as a way to "study" the aggressive animals.
Diplomacy: This is a hard choice, but in my personal opinion we probably shouldn't leave Porky hanging too much longer. We still don't know if he'll be willing to help us but we might as well try. Speaking to the Sharks also might be a good idea, but as stated right on the tin we haven't given them any reason to help us yet
Stewardship: Revealing ourselves, or at least getting rumors started seems risky, but I'm honestly kind of on board with healing people for money. I know it would be super sketchy and get people wondering, but it's also a way to make money and flex our PSI stat. Also might give us some legitimacy when making a faction if we reveal that, oh yeah we've been going around healing people recently.
Alternatively, we can see about the Beak Point grifting. I honestly just want to pick that one because it seems easy enough for us to do
Intrigue: Breaking into the Mayor's house for some goodies would ease our money troubles greatly, but it is also a huge risk. I think my personal favorite pick in this lineup is to try and sneak into the arcade. Finding Frankystein or getting a way to meet Franky would be a huge boon.
Learning: Studying Wildlife is probably the most important one for us since it might give us some evidence to throw around when it comes to organization creation time. But I don't want to neglect our siblings, and maybe they've heard some things that we've missed out on.
Buzz Buzz Personal: For the love of god Lie Low Buzz Buzz. I want you to survive as long as you can. As a side note, we absolutely should not try and assign him to any martial actions involving The Enemy unless we're ready to take the fight to a sanctuary. Because once we do, the Starmen will close in.
Martial: I kind of want to take a swing at the Sharks while they're distracted, but I'm not quite sure what the end result of that will be. Vandalizing signs also seems like an excellent idea, just because it's fairly easy and it opposes the police. Fighting the aliens is a bad idea right now, we don't have enough power behind us yet. I actually think just fighting the aggressive wildlife might not be a bad idea actually. We get some practice in, and it might double up as a way to "study" the aggressive animals.
Diplomacy: This is a hard choice, but in my personal opinion we probably shouldn't leave Porky hanging too much longer. We still don't know if he'll be willing to help us but we might as well try. Speaking to the Sharks also might be a good idea, but as stated right on the tin we haven't given them any reason to help us yet
Stewardship: Revealing ourselves, or at least getting rumors started seems risky, but I'm honestly kind of on board with healing people for money. I know it would be super sketchy and get people wondering, but it's also a way to make money and flex our PSI stat. Also might give us some legitimacy when making a faction if we reveal that, oh yeah we've been going around healing people recently.
Alternatively, we can see about the Beak Point grifting. I honestly just want to pick that one because it seems easy enough for us to do
Intrigue: Breaking into the Mayor's house for some goodies would ease our money troubles greatly, but it is also a huge risk. I think my personal favorite pick in this lineup is to try and sneak into the arcade. Finding Frankystein or getting a way to meet Franky would be a huge boon.
Learning: Studying Wildlife is probably the most important one for us since it might give us some evidence to throw around when it comes to organization creation time. But I don't want to neglect our siblings, and maybe they've heard some things that we've missed out on.
Buzz Buzz Personal: For the love of god Lie Low Buzz Buzz. I want you to survive as long as you can. As a side note, we absolutely should not try and assign him to any martial actions involving The Enemy unless we're ready to take the fight to a sanctuary. Because once we do, the Starmen will close in.
Hmm. Well, Griffin raised some good points. Healing with PSI helps us practice, and while it makes people ask funny questions, it might be necessary? Yeah, this is definitely something we should consider carefully before committing to it. Once the jinn is out of the bottle, its not going back in.
Then, the draft of a plan is something along those lines:
[] Not-A-Plan-Yet: Draft Edition
-[] Martial: Vandalize New Signs (Buzz-Buzz) OR Beat up Some Local Wildlife
-[] Diplomacy: Speak to your Neighbor
-[] Stewardship: Try to Heal People for Money OR Beak Point Grift Issue
-[] Intrigue: Try to Sneak into the Arcade
-[] Learning: Help Your Siblings Study
-[] Buzz-Buzz: Try to Lay Low
Then, the draft of a plan is something along those lines:
[] Not-A-Plan-Yet: Draft Edition
-[] Martial: Vandalize New Signs (Buzz-Buzz) OR Beat up Some Local Wildlife
-[] Diplomacy: Speak to your Neighbor
-[] Stewardship: Try to Heal People for Money OR Beak Point Grift Issue
-[] Intrigue: Try to Sneak into the Arcade
-[] Learning: Help Your Siblings Study
-[] Buzz-Buzz: Try to Lay Low
In unrelated news, I had some omake ideas, in particular, I had an intrusive thought to write an omake involving Disco Elysium. The basic idea is that either C.D. (or her mother, which would conveniently explain her not calling this month in a mirror world) suffer an amnesia, and have to collect the pieces, but I'd rather let any and all omake ideas to stew for a bit than run in, write three drabbles regarding potential PSI paths like I did earlier, and then run out of steam. Plus, C.D./C.D. mother are not Detective, so I would need to come up with new skills for either of them.
- Location
- England, unfortunately.
- Pronouns
- She/They
Given it's implied that the mayor is actively aiding Giygas instead of passively (mysterious discussion, he's the one who ordered the shack shut) I'm inclined to raid his place for possible evidence. Wondering what we might need to think of for better odds of finding something.
Edit:
I think we might need to do something in town, or at least explore. Given the description of the evidence vote, I think our problem is that we don't know where to look. Another option might be the library, which could point us in the direction of something helpful.
Another option? Actively try to get buzz buzz found. A Starman jr corpse or anything from its remains might serve the purpose.
Edit:
I think we might need to do something in town, or at least explore. Given the description of the evidence vote, I think our problem is that we don't know where to look. Another option might be the library, which could point us in the direction of something helpful.
Another option? Actively try to get buzz buzz found. A Starman jr corpse or anything from its remains might serve the purpose.
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Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
OMAKE AWARDS
PSI What-If Dabbles
[ @nice ping is awarded +50 EXP]
A nice little bundle of concepts in regards to potential what-if abilities. PSI Karma is an interesting concept. Thank you for sharing your ideas, it's always nice to see concepts felt out and explored in writing like this.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
[ @Brightflame is awarded +300 EXP!]
Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive. The fight scene especially was concise, but impactful (in the writing and beating sense~). You wrote C.D VERY in character here, rough around the edges and not entirely emotionally honest.. Kyoko is a TON of fun here and contrasts C.D in a very fun way. I was smiling the entire time I was reading your omake. Thank you for all your hard work and thank you for making me appreciate River City that much more~Get N or Get Out
[ @Cathode is awarded +75 EXP!]
You're definitely getting into the mindset of 8-Bit Dystopia if you're making references to Howard & Nester, hot damn. This was an entertaining little story and I always appreciate nods to the games, like with the trash burger. In the future though, you might want to break up your writing a bit. Some of what you wrote felt a bit crunched together format wise.
Smiles Reflected by Tears
[ @griffinlw is awarded +150 EXP!]
Great name for the story, first off. Secondly this feels like it properly takes advantage of the concept of something that could show alternative realities. The list of possible alternatives was really intriguing, the Outer Heaven and Lightning ones especially stuck out to me. C.D seeing themselves happy without their siblings and being genuinely disturbed by their thoughts afterwards was SO much fun to read. I think you captured the haunting, selfish feelings seeing something like that would naturally stir in someone.
Now that I have finished doing the vocal equivalent of keyboard smashing, thank you for your kind words. It was really fun to write!
On the low low chance that we do interact with River City, I genuinely do think Kyoko would be a good hero unit to recruit. As a beat em up character, she's probably a good offensive unit that would mesh well with CD's support PSI, and since this is River City Ransom-era, Riki should still be dating his old girlfriend, meaning Kyoko would most likely be unaffiliated with any of the gangs in the City itself at this current point.
But that probably ain't happening, nor was River City selected as one of the Outside Infleunces during Important Connections, so this image will likely only exist in the field of fantasy
Now onto actions.
Martial: Yeah, I agree that we should probs take action against the police this turn, but we can't do much right now without help. Vandalizing Signs would be a good start to this little struggle and show people we don't intend to take shit from the coppers!
Diplomacy: I think we should really talk to our neighbor this time, he was a part of CD's dream at the beginning, so no matter what he's probably going to be important down the line.
Stewardship: No strong opinions here, but putting the jackass trying to sell Beak Point sounds fun, and the potental money makes it all the more enticing.
Intrigue: I'm thinking breaking into the Mayor's house would be best. Perhaps we'll find some more info on this stranger he's been talking to, or atleast some shiny things to pawn off for cash to fill our now-empty pockets.
Learning: Help our siblings study, hands down. We already voted that they and the people we care for are the main reason we'll fight an alien God, so let's spend some time with these squirts!
Buzz-Buzz: With the bugs getting closer and that radio signal, think it's best that he lays low for this turn.
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We've been told that getting better at PSI requires practice, and healing people for money does that.
Anything that brings us closer to being able to use that big special attack we don't quite have yet will be a boon for when we go for the sanctuary.
As for buzz buzz, I think in the game he had a powerful offensive technique to use against the Starman Jr, so practicing PSI might not be a waste. Alternatively, he might be able to develop a version of PSI shield that is focused on his body, so he isn't so damn fragile anymore. Well, actually his trait already implies he has a way of strengthening his body to incredible levels, in which case his fragility might be more a matter of not being able to keep the resilience up all the time.
Anything that brings us closer to being able to use that big special attack we don't quite have yet will be a boon for when we go for the sanctuary.
As for buzz buzz, I think in the game he had a powerful offensive technique to use against the Starman Jr, so practicing PSI might not be a waste. Alternatively, he might be able to develop a version of PSI shield that is focused on his body, so he isn't so damn fragile anymore. Well, actually his trait already implies he has a way of strengthening his body to incredible levels, in which case his fragility might be more a matter of not being able to keep the resilience up all the time.
KnownParadox
Not a sphere
- Location
- Canada
Let's Lifeup some people. Go all in for the tier 3 success.
PSI is the one thing we have that marks as unique, even our martial skill can be found elsewhere. A lot less people have psychic powers or the ability to heal, so let's train it.
[X] Plan: Youthful Subversion
-[X] Martial: Vandalize New Signs
-[X] Diplomacy: Speak to your Neighbor
-[X] Stewardship: Try to Heal People for Money (Buzz-Buzz)
-[X] Intrigue: Break into the Mayor's House
-[X] Learning: Help Your Siblings Study
-[X] Buzz-Buzz: Try to Lay Low
PSI is the one thing we have that marks as unique, even our martial skill can be found elsewhere. A lot less people have psychic powers or the ability to heal, so let's train it.
[X] Plan: Youthful Subversion
-[X] Martial: Vandalize New Signs
-[X] Diplomacy: Speak to your Neighbor
-[X] Stewardship: Try to Heal People for Money (Buzz-Buzz)
-[X] Intrigue: Break into the Mayor's House
-[X] Learning: Help Your Siblings Study
-[X] Buzz-Buzz: Try to Lay Low
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