Somewhere in the Outland. A brown furred uplift runs across the grass as fast as his legs will carry him, trying to avoid dropping the unusually large cabbage in his arms. Nervously, he glances behind him at his pursuers, two shriveled-up old women on broomsticks, jumping right in time to dodge a blue bolt of energy which freezes the ground at his feet.
"Get back here, you stupid bear!"
Had anyone ever actually listened to the request when shouted at them by a witch? He certainly didn't know. He was almost home free anyway, but he just had to keep these two from gaining on him...
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a vague orange glow...FIRE! He jumped to try and avoid the heat, but it was too late, there was no way he could clear it...
"Bree!"
Hah! Excellent! At the last minute, from his backpack emerged his best friend, a red-feathered bird uplift who helped him gain the height he needed to clear it.
"Thanks, Kazooie!"
"Don't mention it, fuzzball, you're the reason we're in this mess."
That wasn't how he remembered it. Banjo just sighed and glanced behind him, still running. The two witches were still gaining and were coming in close. Hm...One of them was ice, and one was fire...He had an idea.
"Kazooie, huff, I have an idea."
"First time for everything, I suppose."
"Just...Do the flappy thing at the height of my jump, alright? And make sure to lob some insults their way. I don't like it, but it may be needed."
"Thought you'd never ask!"
Banjo abruptly turned, towards the witches and began running at them.
"Hey, you old coots! My grandma has better aim! And probably looks better too, come to think of it."
"Why, you little..."
They both fired their blast at once, but, with a little assist from Kazooie, both attacks missed him entirely...And hit the other one.
"Argh! Koume, you old coot, watch where you're aiming!"
"I'm only 380! Watch where YOU shoot!"
"Ugh, no cabbage is worth this much trouble. Stupid bear!"
The witches flew off the distance, as Banjo paused to catch his breath and look at the hard-won prize.
"Not much of a haul. Remind me why we tried this, Banjo?"
"With the color the river's been turning recently, i'm not willing to rely on fish. And I swear one of them talked to me yesterday."
"...You sure one of those hits didn't jar your brain, big guy?"
"Believe what you want. I don't like the green stuff much myself, but it's our best option. Either way, i'm sure things will get better soon!"
"That makes one of us."
Banjo sighed before resuming his smile. Banjo was not someone inclined to worry. Some people thought of him as stupid for that, but, the way he saw it, worrying just added more problems to the world, and didn't help nobody or nothing. That said, even he had to admit things were weird lately. He wasn't sure what was going on, but recently, the grass and water, that had been providing him and Kazooie, and Tooty of course, with the fish and vegetables they lived on, had been...Looking different. And the products of them were even stranger. Fish were talking, and he could swear some of the onions were giving him weird looks.
So he'd had to resort to stealing from the witches who were the only people with reliable food in the area. He wasn't proud of it, it felt wrong, but it was the only option to keep fed. Hopefully, things would get better and this could stay a one-off. Because Banjo didn't want to deal with a witch ever again.
Eh, my first omake. Probably not much good, but I wanted to try this out. Anyway, yeah, it's based on Banjo Kazooie. Nailing the characterization, and adapting such a...Surreal setting took some work, but I hope I pulled it off. For reference, in terms of details I thought of, but couldn't make explicit, Banjo and Kazooie live in a rustic, uplift-heavy area of the Outlands, conquillary known as the Isle O' Hags, where a lot of witch type characters gravitate to lord over the populace, hording the food supply, or just conduct weird magical experiments. The implication of that bit at the end is meant to be that Grunty, showing her usual concern for the environment and other life, has been polluting the area, not with normal pollution, but magic, which will soon lead to the "seemingly everything has cartoony eyes and sapience" Spiral Mountain we know and love. Needless to say, Banjo's wish will not be granted.
The alien and the animated tower of steel approach you.
Running, swinging, beating into them with your fists, your instincts scream at you to act.
But it's the whisper you hear from within you, the most quiet part of your mind, that you end up listening to.
Inhaling deep you close your eyes.
And reach deep.
[Buzz Buzz] - 1 AP Action: Attack theStarman JägeR!
Roll Result: 1d100 = 15 + 35 = 50 vs
[Starman JR] - ENEMY REACTION: Defend
Enemy Opposition Result:Moderate Buzz Buzz didn't question what C.D was doing, he simply acted.
He simply had faith in his friend.
PSI power channeling through his fragile body, Buzz Buzz shot forward with all the speed he could muster. His wings beating at the sound with such speed the incessant drone they made became a high pitched whistle.
The Starman Jäger marched forward, all but sprinting towards C.D. It's visor burning brighter then the flames overhead as it's arms lashed at the air in front of it.
"Your fight is with me!"
Buzz Buzz flew straight into the Starman's extended, tendril-like arm. Hitting the silvery material with a deafening 'CLANG' that rang out through the cleared woods.
The Starman had managed to intentionally block Buzz Buzz's attack, but the force from the impact alone left a bullet-like indentation in the previously flawless material.
Without any pause or further talk Buzz Buzz bounce off the Starman's arm and flew into it again, and again, and again. Spinning, curving, and diving at the Starman from different directions like a remote controlled bullet.
Despite the speed and tenacity at which Buzz Buzz hurtled at the enemy, the Starman's experience showed. Wheeling his streamlined body around to follow him. Ensuring Buzz Buzz slammed into his legs or arms instead of anywhere particularly vital or compromising.
Tiny craters soon covered the Starman's limbs when the alien abruptly lashed out with it's arms.
"YOU WON'T GET IN MY WAY!"
Buzz Buzz flew outwards towards the flaming tree canopy, anticipating an attack.
But it was a feint.
The Starman bolted towards C.D, deliberately ignoring Buzz Buzz.
[Light damage dealt to Starman JR]
[Buzz Buzz] - 1 AP Action: Try to Knock Burning Debris Onto Enemies
Roll Result: 1d100 = 3 + 14 = 17
vs
[Starman JR] - ENEMY REACTION: See Through Trick
Enemy Opposition Result:Moderate &
[Animated Lamp Post] - ENEMY REACTION: See Through Trick
Enemy Opposition Result:VERY low The Starman and the Animated Lamp post were nearly to C.D.
There wasn't enough time or distance to try and protect her.
Thinking quickly Buzz Buzz gritted his pincers and flew upwards into the flaming canopy above.
Reinforcing his fragile body through concentration and focus of his own PSI power, he slammed through burning branches and boughs. Whipping, weaving, and barreling through them as hard as he could. Sending a wave of flaming debris plummeting downwards overtop the aliens.
The Starman JR leapt to the side, avoiding the debris.
The Animated Lamp however did not.
Just as it pulled back it's arm to do a racking strike across C.D, a burning bough almost as thick around as it's main body crashed down on top of it.
Glass exploded outwards as the head of the lamp was smashed, it's worn steel frame buckling and flattening underneath the weight and velocity of the burning wood.
Buzz Buzz came to a stop just in time to see his success.
And hear C.D's scream.
"AHHHHHH-!"
Several burning branches were dropped directly onto C.D. The flames searing the back of her neck and shoulders, snapping her out of her intense concentration.
Her eyes opening just in time to see the Starman hurtling towards her.
[Animated Lamp Post is defeated!] [CD's ACTION has been delayed!]
[Starman JR] - ENEMY ACTION: Attack
Enemy Roll: Very High vs
[C.D] - Reaction: Defense
C.D's Defensive Roll: 1d100 = 7 + 16 = 23 You feel the Starman slam into you with the force and weight of a car.
The impact of it's shoulder hitting you lifts you off your feet, knocking the air out of you as you're carried with it's charge and slam back first into a tree trunk.
"GURGH-"
Wood buckles beneath you as a sharp radiating pain through your spine, blood bursting from your wounds from the force of the impact.
You don't have so much as an instant to process the sensations before you're stuck again.
CRACK!
CRACK!
The Starman JR slams blow, after blow into your ribs.
Before your eyes the Starman's tendril like limbs shorten, ball up, and harden into sledgehammer like masses.
Punching into the long jagged gashes through your flesh, splattering your own blood across it's silvery exterior.
You're not even able to scream in pain as the air is repeatedly knock from your lungs. Any attempt to move or even slump forward results in the Starman smashing your head back against the tree trunk.
It all happens so fast.
There's no quips, or words from the alien. The machine hits you with all it's power, fueled by it's rage and it's mission.
The pain blends together. You don't know what's broken and what's not.
Off in the distance you swear you can hear Buzz Buzz shouting, but the sound is drowned out by hammering of your heart in your throat and the Starman's metallic fists against the sides of your head.
Part of you begins to feel fear.
Begins to wonder if this is where it will end.
You close your eyes. You're crying.
The world is so much bigger around you. Everything seems to tower above you.
Off in another room, a Man laughs and his laugher compels others to laugh. Eager to please him, or frightened to lose his favor.
Glasses are clinked together, towering strangers walk over you, but you remain unseen.
The Man is unwilling, or unable, to see you.
You continue to cry.
The thread of your Plushie had unraveled.
White cotton spills from soft purple fabric, the thing that always kept you warm whenever you held it is falling apart in your hands.
Just the sight of the warped innocent face of the eggplant wizard brings you to tears. Even if it's not alive, even if it can't feel pain, merely thinking that it could causes you pain.
You don't know what you did wrong.
"These things happen." A voice says, and a women is in front of you.
Her features are lost in the grays and shadows that make up the world around you. All you can make out is her strangely large belly and the odd tone of her voice.
Gently she takes the Eggplant Plushie from your hand.
"Things are always more fragile then they seem." She says, a light shake to her voice. "Do you understand?"
You don't. At least not at first.
But then you notice how uncertain she sounds.
The women is afraid of you.
...No.
She's afraid of hurting you.
Afraid of doing something wrong.
The women doesn't know what to do. She looks lost.
She looks so very, very lost.
Yet she holds your Plushie so gently, like she's afraid of hurting it...
Like she doesn't want to hurt it. Which means, she doesn't want to hurt you?
With deft hands that shake ever so slightly, the women mends your Plushie. Though you can see the thread and needle now, in the moment it looks like magic.
"You have to be careful with the things you care about. Things can unravel and fall apart if you pull at the loose threads, even if you don't mean to. That's true for plushies and for people."
You don't understand the meaning of her words as she hands back your Plushie.
Hugging it to your chest you look up at the women as she stands up.
"I love you, Mommy."
Your mother looks afraid again.
She doesn't know what to do.
"I know you do." is all she says, forcing a smile.
Squeezing your Eggplant Plushie to your small chest, you look at your mother's round belly.
You're afraid of hurting the things you care about.
You have so few of them after all.
But if someone else wanted to hurt them...
Your tiny hands ball into fists, your crying face hardening in determination.
Then you wouldn't be afraid to unravel anyone who tried. ... ... ...
You open your eyes
[C.D] - 2 AP Action: Breathe Deep, Reach Deep…and Attack!
The Starman JR lift it's arm, ready to smash your head open.
All you do is look at it.
Because that's all you need to do.
"PSI-"
Your lungs lack the air to speak with, so you don't say the words with your mouth.
"PLUSHIE!"
An intense pulse of pink light denoted with the flashing of stars sweeps out from you.
Overtaking the Starman as it swings its arm down on you.
Nothing touches you.
Because the Starman's arm begins to unravel mid swing.
All around you the world shifts.
Trees, leaves, barks, rock, even the air itself begin to shake and distort.
Little by little thin lines of material begin to spool off stone and wood. Snaking outwards into the air, like thin lines of fabric caught by the wind.
Trees feet thick go threadbare.
Solid granite rocks are opened up like badly tended toys.
And the hardened exterior of the Starman floats off it's interior frame. Fluttering and shifting like a stretch of fabric attached by lines of steel and sinew reduced to threads.
Sensitive electronics and preserved, mutilated organics exposed to the open air.
Components strong enough to pulverize concrete fall from them like stuffing as the thread abruptly shifts with your 'pull'.
Lines are ripped from alloy, and flesh, and wire.
Material spools off, taken away by the breeze.
"AWARGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGHGHGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Sparks and fluids burst and explode from the exposed innards of the Starman's body as bits of it's reactor, and brain, and life support are ripped out.
Then the thread snaps.
In an instant, the world around you returns to normal.
Like a mother sewing back together a toy the area around you re-ravels itself. The threads of material reality pulled tightly back together as if they had never been apart to begin with.
...
Except the Starman.
It lays at your feet with no arms or legs.
Entire chunks of it's hardened shell are marred and deformed, metal left threadbare in a way that spits in the face of how the material should work.
Biological fluids and synthetic oils bleed out from lines and unraveled lengths of it's body. It's form slumped and sparking, the gurgling sounds of it's organic components suffocating and dying before you.
"W-what-"
A voice is barely audible from inside the Starman's shell.
Not synthesized More of a gutter croak or suffocated rasp then fully articulated words.
"What are you?"
You look down on the remains of the Starman and manage to inhale just enough air to speak.
"I'm a goddamn delinquent."
The visor of the Starman exploded outwards like a CRT dropped on the ground.
Smoke rolls from the openings in it's body, a stench of burned flesh and burned metal filling your nostrils.
"CD!"
Buzz Buzz is before you, though stops and looks on in a mix of horror and confusion at the sight before him.
"CD are you alright? What happened?"
Still staring down at the dead Starman you slowly look to Buzz Buzz and open your mouth-
And immediately vomit a torrent of bile and blood.
Doubling over you're hit with a wave of exhaustion that stretches back into the furthest reaches of your mind.
"No! CD! Please hold on!" Buzz Buzz flies down over you as you finish vomiting enough to breath.
"I f e e l s o fucking t i r ed."
You can barely get the words out. Every single movement or action feels like a herculean task. The only thing that keeps you going is the adrenaline going through you and the realization you're still bleeding out.
"Can you muster a Lifeup α?"
Just the thought of using PSI makes your head hurt. "No. I'm tapped out. Is there...anything to restore PSI power?"
Digging your fingers into the mangled tree trunk you pull yourself to your feet as Buzz Buzz's eyes dart around in intense thought.
"PSI stones or artifacts. Areas with strong latent PSi emanations. Special foods and drinks connected to the Dreamlands. And uh, sometimes I feel I have more PP after ingesting refined sugars and carbonated liquids here?"
Off in the distance you hear the wail of police sirens and fire engines. The smoke from the forest finally gets to you as you consider your options.
Either you can waddle your way to an ambulance and end up rushed to a hospital where you'll be charged more money then you've ever seen for entering the building...
Or you can hobble your way home and sit on the floor of your kitchen bleeding on the linoleum until you've shotgunned enough sodas to close your wounds and push your ribs back into place.
"Drag what's left of him, we can make it to my house before I black out from blood loss." Taking off your jacket, you tying it around your chest to stem as much bleeding as possible. Tightening the back holster strap for your baseball bat as tight as you feel safe making it.
Buzz Buzz moves to make an objection, looking down at himself and the large mangled mess left by the Starman, before looking back at you as you start your way out of the forest.
"...I'm glad you're alright CD."
"I don't consider throwing up parts of my own ribcage to be 'alright'. But...thanks for not abandoning me."
The kind words are the only ones you have the strength left for as the sirens grow louder and your hobbling grows faster.
You know what, we got our ass kicked, but we just turned reality off for a bit as an attack, so you know what, I think overall this went rather well! One or two dozen Lifeup's should do us good, better than the police/hospital and the inconvenient questions they'd ask (not to mention the prices), although I imagine we might get sick of our brand of soda at the pace we'll be drinking it.
Doing all that healing will also be great experience in the future, might make future healing action DC's lower, or upgrade our Lifeup α to something more effective.
Any chance we level up our PSI stat too?
Edit: Didn't even think about the fact that we have an alien corpse + armour beyond the fact it could help us tech up! For some reason the fact that it's absolute evidence of an alien invasion just slipped by me.
Honestly? I think this ended in the best way it could have. I mean, aside from getting torn up that was the coolest and most dramatic way for the fight to end. Peak fiction.
Aliens using magic to animate objects to use as troops is a bit of an outside context problem for most, and starting massive forest fires is a bit of an escalation from C.D's usual misdemeanours. I think we're free from suspicion at the moment. Personally I'm more worried about the attention Eagle County might draw due to the fact that a fucking energy beam hit a mountain in the distance hard enough for us to notice it.
Although spinning it as us having caused that fire and then reframing it as a strike against The Man somehow might improve our rep? Doesn't seem worth it though.
Considering that psi beam omega I think people might be a tad more concerned about the landscape looking slightly different than a couple of missing lamposts.
I don't think C.D will get into much trouble if for no other reason than because that amount of destruction coming from one delinquent is (currently) impossibly unlikely. Also if that starman junior was the tutorial boss the big man himself Mr. Baby's first (or second considering Kirby) eldritch horror Giygas is going to be terrifying. I mean he is a universal threat but yikes.
Anyways I suspect that C.D will spend at least part of the next turn recovering both physically and mentally - fortunately we have healing powers for that but that was still incredibly close.
The descriptions of attacks have been top tier. Hats off to you @Crosswire this quest continues to be excellent.
Considering that psi beam omega I think people might be a tad more concerned about the landscape looking slightly different than a couple of missing lamposts.
I don't think C.D will get into much trouble if for no other reason than because that amount of destruction coming from one delinquent is (currently) impossibly unlikely. Also if that starman junior was the tutorial boss the big man himself Mr. Baby's first (or second considering Kirby) eldritch horror Giygas is going to be terrifying. I mean he is a universal threat but yikes.
Anyways I suspect that C.D will spend at least part of the next turn recovering both physically and mentally - fortunately we have healing powers for that but that was still incredibly close.
Well, this was uh, very close, and we'll probably feel the aftermath of injuries we received for an entire next turn at the very least, but we won, so I guess that's what matters. We have evidence of invasion (remains of Starman) and we unlocked our ultimate PSI attack (I am looking forward to people seeing that scary delinquent's ultimate PSI is called "Plushie"). Here's hoping CD can wash off and/or hide all the aftermaths of the battle (blood spilled on carpets and floor, bloodied clothes, generally looking and feeling like shit) to not worry her siblings too much.
True. Though considering the Frankystein mark II this may be more due to lack of time and materials on Franky's part. Man built a steam powered mech in a backyard. With a box of scraps. Gotta respect the guys dream if nothing else.
Agreed, that Starman was definitely not a Jr given it had access to Omega PSI which is the highest tier of the standardized skills.
Jaeger also means 'hunter' so its likley that this model was stronger than average as opposed to weaker given that its the sort of title you'd give to someone... well specialized towards hunting someone down.
...but in other news if we do become the dominant Eagle Quarter faction somehow and if we make psi-healing a normal thing in our group we might end up mostly self sufficient on that front.
Time for some wildly speculative planning.
MARTIAL
[ ] Lick Wounds > Buzz-Buzz
Ow, getting hit by a combat cyborg hurts. This is almost certainly going to cost us an action, so let's make sure we plan for that.
DIPLOMACY [] Found an Organization:
DC: ?? > XP
This is definitely getting way lowered now that we have an actual alien to prove that we aren't just talking nonsense, so we can finally crawl out of the ninth circle of AP hell. Burn advantage here if needed
STEWARDSHIP
- [ ] Write-In: Hire Frankie Fly to examine the Starman's Corpse.
-- "I'm looking for Onnet's resident robotics expert. Someone tried to kill me with a combat cyborg last week. I'd like to know who."
Gets Frankie and the Sharks on-side in a non-violent way, and gets us actual proof that this thing isn't from the Big Three and is probably too spiffy for the minors.
INTRIGUE [] Try to Find Evidence of the Invasion:
DC: ?? > Porky
Still useful to have more evidence for the group, and later diplomacy. [] Research at your Local Library: DC: 25/50/90
That top result is us recruiting another hero character, I guarantee it. Using advantage takes it from an 18% chance to a 33% chance, before XP. If the recruitment DC is looking semi-reasonable, use it here.
View: https://youtu.be/g1OcGTQiCXQ?feature=shared For defeating a powerful foe that should have been beyond your abilities, your strength and the strength of your ally grows... [CD] Gains +2 to their PSI stat!
[CD] has learned PSI Plushie!
[Buzz Buzz] Gains +1 to their Intrigue stat.
You have gained the [Starman JR Corpse]: This corpse is undeniable proof of alien existence. Maybe it could be researched in the future.
Due to injuries sustained the overstrain from the use of a very powerful ability, CD has the current penalties:
[CD] is Psychically Strained: They suffer -20 to all PSI related checks for the next 2 turns. [CD] is Recovering: They suffer disadvantage on all Martial checks involving combat until their next turn.
Turn 4
Sign Cleanup
The O.P.F's efforts at the moment are dedicated solely to cleaning up the vandalized signs from their 'Fresh Breeze' Movement. It isn't a matter of if they'll succeed in the matter, it's simply a matter of time. Yet that simple matter will ensure they won't be doing anything of note for a little while. If they want their 'Fresh Breeze' Movement to progress, then they'll have to put in the time to reverse the damage done.
[The O.P.F wastes their turn tearing down vandalized signs!]
Sharks Bare Their Teeth
The Sharks are no longer focused on whatever they were doing before and are back out on the streets. They're squatting in their freshly claimed territories and once again expanding aggressively.
Though they seem to be slow going at it right now, they seem to be up to other things...
[The Sharks presence in Onnet returns to normal. Their efforts to expand and take more territory renew.]
Slug a Bug-Bug
There are yet MORE bugs in the forest since the last time you checked. It's much harder to approach the Entertainer's Shack then before. These 'Attack Slugs' as Buzz-Buzz refers to them are all over the place. Hidden from sight, but lurking under rocks and fallen bark. The other insects, the 'Antoids' are less numerous then before. You can only wonder in concern as to where they might have gone, or what they might be doing...
[Alien presence in Onnet continues to grow…]
Local News: Strange Incident at Night!
"Earlier last night, eye witnesses state hearing strange noises and brilliant flashes of colored light. Calls to the fire department were soon made when they noticed a small fire on a street corner and another larger fire on the edge of town. Authorities arrived and were able to put out the fires before they spread. However extensive damage to the forest, and a section of the city street was found.
Though an investigation is still being held and Captain Strong has assured everyone he's "Personally looking into the matter", details of the damage have slipped to the public.
A burned down tree on a street corner.
Severe damage to the asphalt of the main street leading out of town.
The outright theft of several street lamps
A section of forest believed to have been deliberately set ablaze
The believed vandalization of a small section of mountain overlooking the town (unconfirmed).
No official statement to the cause has been made, but residents fear a local resident has secretly gained access to an imported energy weapon of some kind, such a SuperScope, and went on a destructive bender.
Due to the proximity of the burned down section of forest to the library, it has been temporarily closed due to police investigation into the building.
Any further developments will be detailed as they come..."
A Strange Break
Rumor has it that a single truck slipped through the police barrier to the South of Onnet. Driving off into the woods in the dead of night.
People's assumptions that the police blockage had weakened was abruptly proved incorrect as the several people who tried to sneak through them were immediately caught and arrested.
This has left some in town wondering how the truck got through the barricade. Most assume that the driver had to have gotten express permission from the mayor. Others assume the driver used some strange influence to get the police to let them drive past without a fight.
The only thing that's known for suse is that the driver was carrying a large stone tablet in the flatbed of the truck...
Tokyo-to Broadcasts
Ever since the O.P.F locked down Onnet, the residents have been starved for rumors and meaningful information. Both on the wider goings-on of the rest of the Eagle Quarter, and the city at large.
While television, phone, and radio are readily available sources of information, interference and abrupt disconnects at random but inconvenient times seems to have greatly hindered the passing of certain information.
Whether this is the O.P.F utilizing a jammer of some kind, or simply bad infrastructure is unclear.
What is clear however is a pirate radio station broadcasting from Tokyo-To.
The otherwise distant broadcasts from a certain "DJ Professor K" are crystal clear for the residents of Onnet.
Due to the nature of the broadcasts (and accompanying funky beats) this has given an injection of rumors and information to the city.
No one is sure why this has happened, or how long it will last. Most assume an errant signal tower somewhat has accidentally boosted the signal. Most aren't particularly concerned and simply hope it lasts.
Missing Robot Master?
Earlier rumors regarding WilyCorp's 'civil engineering' efforts in the Outlands are now tinged with additional rumors that one of the two Robot Masters sent to work there have gone missing.
WilyCorp hasn't reacted at all to this and seems to be pretending nothing is wrong. Which seems like the best indication something is wrong. As a result, WilyCorp's efforts in the Outlands headed by the robots seem to have become greatly hindered.
RIVER CITY RIOTS
While gang fights and brawls are a daily occurrence in River City, the city has become increasingly more dangerous over the past month.
Local gangs are fighting far more frequently, and with much more intensity than ever before. The frightening escalation and erratic behavior of once clearly understood gangs has left even local residents confused.
Some blame possible X-Syndicate manipulation, or the gangs themselves being exposed unwillingly to some new mind altering drug. More superstitious individuals suspect the influence of an evil presence.
With no answers and no end in sight, many life-long residents are actually leaving River City.
All while WilyCorp, normally known for turning a blind eye to the area, is actually becoming concerned.
Many postulate that if things don't deescalate in the coming months, WilyCorp may send in SniperJoe peacekeepers to quell the situation…
Brutal Murders Continue to Shake Fighter Scene
A string of particularly violent murders has begun occuring in the world of fighters.
While violence is an inherent part of professional fighting and deaths due to bodily harm aren't out of the ordinary, efforts are usually at least attempted to keep things less than lethal.
For both ideological, pragmatic, and profit driven reasons.
A sense of sportsmanship and honor is held by some fighters that try to keep killing to a minimum or avoid it completely. Even fighters looking solely to further hone their abilities typically avoid intentionally killing challengers, as they could come back stronger and further that honing.
And those out for profits know that bloodsports has a sustainability problem if you try to involve highly skilled individuals. Tournaments, televised matches, and even private matches with paid seatings simply make more money when there's a cast of colorful characters rotating through it.
Deaths due to grudges, accidents, or people simply crossing the wrong organization inevitably happen.
But the string of particularly brutal murders that has begun occuring lately is out of the ordinary.
Assassinations or simple criminal violence have been ruled out. As none of the victims were taken by surprise. They fought their attackers and lost, dying a horrific death as a result.
While some suspect this might be the machinations of a larger organization, there's no evidence to suggest this.
The killer's identity is unknown. All that is known about them is that they are highly skilled and highly dangerous.
And that they're still out there…
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 re-contextualized 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
Current Funds:☆8☆ Effects of Note:
[You've temporarily contracted the enthusiasm of your siblings. On Turn 4 you will be able to roll one Faction Action of your choice with advantage!]
Items of Note:
Prefilled Mayoral Paperwork: A paperwork form for a 'mayoral decree' with blank spots that can be filled out to be just about anything. It was pre-signed and pre-stamped for the mayor's convenience. It can only be used once, but this could potentially be used to give out a fake order to those working for the mayor...
Starman JR Corpse: The semi-intact corpse of an alien invader. Physical proof of extraterrestrial presence.
Martial
[] Just...Play Some Baseball: You are beat to shit, but staying physically inactive for a whole month probably might do more harm then good. It's been a long time, but you could try gathering some kids for a game of baseball? Chances are it'll just be your siblings, and maybe not even that. But something low stakes would be nice after what happened in the forest. DC: ???
[] Check Lier X. Agerate's Shack: You'll have to go up that godforsaken hill again, but you've noticed Lier's shack hasn't been lit for a while. Normally the lights in the window are visible at night. If he somehow managed to skip town, that would mean his house is empty. And with the Lockdown he won't be back that easily to check on it. Maybe a little casual snooping or breaking and entering are in order? DC: 20/???
[] Beat up Some Local Wildlife: You currently feel like death decided to rent a room inside your body and has already lost their security deposit. However if there's anything your last fight showed you, it's that you need more fighting experiences. The animals around town seem a lot more manageable compared to a psychically fueled murder cyborg. 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
[] Confront the Sharks: The Sharks are back on the streets again and they act like they've smelled blood. Which, given your current state, might have been the case if they could actually smell blood. Throwdowns with them won't be easy now, but it might be necessary to get your intentions across. They only respect the obvious, so beating their asses will either earn their respect or at least force them to treat you seriously going forward. DC: 45/70
[] Squash Some Bugs: The "Antoids" normally found around the Entertainer's Shack aren't there anymore. In their place there's a fuckton of "Attack Slugs" hidden out of sight, idly guarding the place and warning off anyone who tries to approach. 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, and if the Starman JR found you then maybe whatever is in the cave already knows about you... DC: 55/80
[] Oppose the Police: The Sharks are back in force and the Police are stuck cleaning up the mess you made for them. People might have laughed at the mockery you made of the signs, but that won't last forever. Giving the cops any breathing room will only let them get their grips on the city that much easier. 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
[] Found an Organization: You have a location. You have a group to speak to thanks tot he Treehouse boy's agreement to gather some people at your request. You have some idea of what your options are organization wise. And you have hard evidence to back up your claims of what Giygas is doing, unless someone wants to argue against the literal alien cadaver.
You don't have any passive incomes or incentives to join, but stopping a genocide should be incentive enough. Right?
This is a big moment. If you pull this off, it'll no longer be just you fighting Giygas. [Taking this action will lead to a faction creation segment with additional voting] DC: [AUTOPASS]
[] Speak with your Mother: Your mother was supposed to have a few days off work to come home this month.
They're nowhere to be seen.
...Whatever.
The money to pay the bills and buy groceries is in the bank, but once again they've missed their usual call to discuss things. Never mind a call on why they aren't here.
When Kart and Floppy asked where Mother was, all you could think to do was lie.
...You could call your mother to find out what's going on. But just thinking about it fills you with dread.
You have other, far more important things to do right now. And if there's nothing wrong? Then you can only imagine how uncomfortable the phone call is going to get. DC: ???
[] Speak to the Sharks: The Sharks are out for themselves. They're not the cops, so they can be reasoned with. Well, as much as a bunch of dumbass kids can be anyway.
The Arcade is as packed as ever since they finished whatever they were doing and they strut around with a lot more confidence then previously.
However, your efforts fucking up the signs of the Fresh Breeze Movement were noticed by them. Even if they try not to act impressed, they still crack a smile when they see the few signs that the cops haven't gotten around to tearing down.
They're endeared enough towards you that they might let you into the arcade to speak with them on equal terms, maybe even see Frankie. If you can speak with them properly, you might be able to join up or get them to help you. You have evidence of the crazy shit happening in town, but whether or not they're willing to listen, or even care, is another matter entirely. DC: 40 (additional rolls and choices may follow)
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. You're loaded at the moment, but more money never hurt anyone. DC: 20/80
[] Continue Healing People for Money: Healthcare in the Eagle Quarter sucks, and your efforts to make money off your PSI healing abilities turned some minor profits. Rumors have started circulating a little bit about a 'mystic healer', so chances are people will be more willing and likely to find you. Of course, keeping this up will only inflate those rumors even more. Better make sure to hide your face like last time.... DC: 15/35/75 (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. Issues that, since the last time you've checked, have only gotten worse. Whatever jackass actually owns and hopes to sell the place apparently is STILL having some financial difficulties and can't pay any of the 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: 25/40/75
[] Shopping Time!: You have more money in your pockets then you've ever had. Onnet's shopping options haven't exactly expanded, but who knows what will catch your eye now that you have the actual scratch to afford things? DC: 30/60/80
Intrigue
[] Spread a Rumor (Write in): People are bored and starved for news. The recent influx of news hasn't fixed that, it's arguably made it even worse. This would be a good time to stir and pot and spread some rumors. The right people hearing the wrong things could easily spread across the town. It all depends on what you want people to think... DC: 10/25/65
[] Investigate Local Assets in Town: You've never really thought about it, but there are local businesses and factories. Your town might be stuffed in the corner of the Eagle Quarter, but it's got it's resources. Poking your nose into what's available might give you some ideas on how to get some 'passive income' going, or at least make you more aware of your home turk. DC: 20/60/90
[] Try to Sneak into the Arcade: The Sharks are back in the swing of things and the Arcade is packed as ever. Of course, you have some sneaky help 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
[] Investigate the Police's Plans: Just what the hell is the 'Fresh Breeze' Movement? They have to have more going on behind the scenes then throwing up some signs. Shit stinks, and if you follow the smell then you might very well find the golden turd they're polishing. Of course, that information isn't exactly laying around. If you want answers, you'll need to stick out your neck to get them. And the police won't hesitate to cut it off. DC: 75/90
Learning
[] Poke Around Town:It's hard to think straight after what happened. Maybe just wandering around town a bit to clear your head and arrange your thoughts will make things easier going forward. Who knows? Maybe something good will happen or you'll meet someone who doesn't suck in this town. DC: [AUTOPASS]
[] Just Go to School: Sitting in a chair all day pretending to listen to people and getting a free lunch out of it sounds pretty good after nearly getting your spinal cord ripped out. 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
[] 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
[] Explore the Town: With your pursuer dead, you have less reason to hide. While Giygas might send someone after you in the future, it won't be anytime soon. You're still small potatoes in the grand scheme of things. Using your size, you might be able to get a better grip of the town. Flying past the police lockdown to explore the outskirts of Onnet might even be possible given how small you are.
[] 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.
Porky
[] Loaf Around: Outside of doing what C.D expressly tells you to do, maybe you don't feel particularly compelled to do much else at the moment. Stuffing your face and lounging around might not be 'productive', but it'll ensure you'll do better at whatever you attempt to later.
[] Check on Picky: Your parents might get annoyed if your little brother ends up bit to death by snakes, or brained in an alleyway by the Sharks. It has been a while since you've really seen what he's been up to. With your pink haired, baseball bat wielding neighbor bossing you around the last thing you need to worry about is your little brother.
[] Try to get a...mole?: That's how it works in shows and movies. People have informants and spies and stuff? You have no idea what you're doing, but you're pretty sure you know some ways to get people to tell you what you want regularly. That or you'll end up spending the month in and out of trashcans people will likely cram you into. On second thought, just trying to get one person who tells you important things sounds better. Also, less effort! It all works out.
[] Just a LITTLE Scheming...: There's a lot to be done here. But C.D doesn't exactly have the right mindset for this sort of thing. You don't need to go to them about every little thing, right? Taking some action on your own to help them out can't be considered a bad thing. Right? (This Personal Action will allow a second Intrigue Action to be taken with all the usual bonuses. However it will be chosen at random from the Intrigue Actions available this turn that weren't chosen prior and it's exact outcome will not be made apparent to the players until later. C.D and the others will not be aware of this action being taken under normal circumstances)
