It looks like in the end, Yuuki's Way wins just by one vote. You're eager to already leave the umbrella of Lycoris and find your own path in life, be it through selling your skill or starting your own business. Hopefully you'll keep in contact with everybody else. Thank you for voting, and writing will begin soon.
Digital Higanbana (Lycoris Recoil x Cyberpunk Quest)
- Thread starter Celeshiro
- Start date
- Sci-Fi
Graduation, Part 6
[X] [Lifepath] Yuuki's Way
A part of you wanted to instinctively obey and report to the Commander's office for the mission, that it was your civic duty to your nation to answer the call and serve. Even if it meant throwing your life away, it would be for the good of so many more to prevent more orphans like you from being created.
It was the piece of you that was Juliet 702 and you exhaled, a hand reaching for the side of the Lycoris schoolbag where your service pistol was tucked within. A single flick, and you could draw it in service of your country.
Then you grabbed the handle and slung it over your back instead, letting it fall in a familiar position but not drawing the weapon at all. Instead, your hand grabbed your roller suitcase and firmly gripped it tightly, not letting go. It was your gateway to your new life now, because you weren't Juliet 702 anymore.
You were Anzai Yuuki, and you wanted to live. You exited your old dorm wordlessly and passed the Commander's office. The door was slightly ajar to allow a glimpse within, where the head of Lycoris was going over some files. She noticed your passage and simply inclined her head, respecting your decision. If there was a mission, she'd have to call another graduate or pass it to another division of the government to address. It wasn't your problem anymore.
That would be how you were going to make a living from now on. Your thoughts bounced around in your head while you exited the Lycoris facility and made your way to a black car just waiting outside. You loaded your suitcase in the back and slid into the backseat, making yourself comfortable as the self-driving AI activated to take you away from the private government base, the disguise of the Lycoris headquarters. Your former home now, you numbly reflected.
Ah, that was right. You had to consider where you were going to live from now on. You sank in your seat and blinked, finally accessing the digital bank account that had been set up in your name. It was curiously set to display your current funds in Eurodollars, but you supposed that was for ease of convenience given just widespread it was. Almost every single vendor in Japan would accept either that or New Yen.
You focused on the actual figure now, pressing your lips together. 30,000 eb, that was what you had to your name at the moment. It...wasn't a substantial figure, but one that could last for a bit while you got your life sorted out. Or perhaps provide for a significant purchase, like a cheap nomad truck to live out of. You might have to end up doing so if you didn't fancy living in some filthy cube in an Arasaka megafacility.
A sigh escaped your lips when the car arrived at its destination. You climbed out and grabbed your roller suitcase, idly watching it depart without any further hesitation. You turned now to the train station you found yourself in, a relatively quiet transit point in Kyoto. It wasn't a major one, but from here you could take a train to connect to...anywhere. An airport. A harbor. More train networks. It all depended on what you were feeling.
You blinked when you approached the turnstile and realized you already had an access ticket attached to your identification, one that granted you unlimited travel in one direction for a day. You supposed this had to be another farewell gift from Lycoris and passed through without comment from the ticket booth. You walked a little further into the station, blending seamlessly with the crowds of others going about their day to day business. Your eyes instinctively flicked and spotted the bored security guard on duty in the station, his eyes glowing to perhaps indicate he was in a casual call. Your eyes focused on him and indeed identified him as a disgraced police officer, having only resigned from the force only last month.
Which meant that he obliviously didn't notice the mugger approaching a man in a corporate suit in the station lockers. There was no weapon on display, but the arms gleamed an obvious silver chrome of cyberware, and that was a danger in itself. You hissed and your arm began to move back on instinct-
Then your wrist was caught in a tight grip that had you flinch. You turned about with an accusatory expression, only to falter at the sight of the individual you would have thought least likely to stop you. "Tis not our glory," Mitsu mumbled and nodded at the scene. "Tis her honor. Witness."
You blinked and saw it. The moment the mugger was about to cross the last stretch to approach the corporate suit, he was suddenly tackled into by a girl in a familiar school uniform, shoving the would-be criminal into an open locker. The suit was so engrossed in his call that he didn't hear the distinct clicks of a suppressed pistol firing, nor the clang of a locker door slamming shut.
The Lycoris bent over for a moment, catching their breath, then straightened up with a satisfied grin at a job well done. The corpo walked away none the wiser and she perhaps took pride in not having been spotted at all. That was, until she realized you were looking on and almost panicked. You chuckled and showed off your schoolbag and recognition dawned on the younger Lycoris, along with a hint of awe. She bowed once your way, then scurried off to perhaps her next assignment.
You hummed and resisted the urge to approach the locker to begin packaging up the body. That used to be your job, but not anymore. Instead, you looked at Mitsu with a raised eyebrow and question on your lips. "I'm surprised you haven't already left yet. Is something the matter?"
"Nay, we simply wished to gather one last time before parting ways!" She pointed and you followed, soon realizing that over in a small lounge area was a set of familiar faces. Both Arisu and Momiji waved you over and you obliged, taking a seat along with Mitsu to finalize the group of four graduates. "Now then, our final gathering!"
"For now," Arisu added and drummed her fingers on the table. "We'll definitely see one another again someday. There's no reason for us to drift out of contact either."
"And like, we have each other's deets," Momiji giggled and waggled her finger. "I'll like, ring you up all the time! When I'm not busy, I really wanna chat with my chooms!"
You raised an eyebrow at how apparently easily your former colleague had adapted to the slang of the streets. She certainly picked up quickly, a hint of her acting abilities perhaps. Meanwhile, Mitsu's speech patterns were more traditional in comparison. "Alas, you may not hear from me at times. I intend to drift here and there, mayhaps out of service in and out. But you may see me drop by should the occasion call!"
The three then turned to you and you coughed, realizing that it was your turn to speak up. "I'll try to keep in touch, but I might be busy for some time. I've got some plans in my head that I want to act on."
"I do have to study for the college exams as well," Arisu mused and shrugged. "So I'll probably set myself to focus on that for a bit. Afterwards, if you need a Netrunner for something, just hit me up. I'll welcome any form of payment if it can help with college tuition."
"Payment rendered for services, indeed!" Mitsu promised but frowned. "Though I admittedly may run short with what I have in mind. A good mount to take me far is...costly."
"Like, it's annoying, but it's life," Momiji drawled with a shake of the head. "Everything in Japan is crazy expensive, cuz like, it's all fresh. All preem. So much stuff, too little eddies!"
"We could always just blame Arasaka for all that," You dryly proposed and that garnered a laugh from your fellows. There was nobody here with a hidden love for the largest megacorporation in Japan, especially after the mysterious passing of Arasaka Saburo and the rise of his son, Yorinobu. "Have you heard anything lately on whatever happened in Arasaka Tower? All that chaos, but still no statement from them."
"Believe me, I've tried, but I think the general internal attitude is similar confusion," Arisu mentioned with a shrug. "It's weird. Some stories claim that an entire Nomad Clan broke in. Others say it was a group of experienced mercs via an AV. One really bizarre report claims that it was just one daring soul who strolled right through the entrance, and began to just wreck the place without pause."
"Night City's like, weird," Momiji mumbled while Mitsu beamed.
"Mayhaps my wanderings will take me there one day!" She turned to you and tilted a head curiously. "Speaking of which, I do have some curiosity where you will go next. You've learned of our plans, now we shall learn of yours!"
You frowned and looked away, thinking on it for a moment. Then you decided that it was only right to be honest with them as they had with you. "I'm...thinking of selling my talent. Maybe even going and making a business myself," You admitted to an interested group. "Not sure what it'll be yet, but I'm thinking of being someplace different. Maybe a place for other Lycoris."
"A noble ambition!" Mitsu crowed.
"That's like, so preem," Momiji praised.
"Where?" Arisu pressed.
You tapped your fingers on your suitcase before answering.
[ ] [City] Kyoto: You're actually staying in the city of flowers! Kyoto is a remarkably traditional city that has purposefully limited and capped corporate growth in favor of preserving its ancient sights. There is a distinct lack of megabuildings amid preserved historic sights, such as Kyoto Tower. It is also one of the safest cities in Japan, thanks to the efforts of Lycoris. However, this comes at the price of forever being somewhat stuck in the past, with its limited growth also hindering economic development.
[ ] [City] Tokyo: The shining gem and capital of Japan, Tokyo is the total apex of corporate domination in the nation. The streets below may still radiate neon with petty crime and gangs, but they pale in comparison to the giants that make this city their playground, least of all Arasaka themselves. But if one can stomach the hyper corporate atmosphere, there are riches to be made around each and every corner for the opportunistic and daring.
[ ] [City] Sapporo: Far up north in the snowy island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city of industry that never rests even when winter sets in. Urban industrialization is spread out across the vast tracts of rugged wilderness, leading into the odd creation of district communities that often compete fiercely with one another. One could disappear for weeks on end in the forests, then emerge to participate in fierce gang wars that last only so long as until nearby JDF bases take action and mobilize their iron fist.
[ ] [City] Kagoshima: In the warm southern island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a cosmopolitan hub of so many different cultures mashed together over the long years. It has led to a varied and colorful scene on the streets with a fierce international competition up top. The city's growth has even expanded to the teeming waters as well, leading to a dizzying agricultural scene amid the urban landscape. Not all grown here are legal though.
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- Should be the last bit of getting started, then you'll be dumped into the world to live your life. You'll be contacting a rental agency on the ride over to the city to help figure out what your living options will be. Unless you believe Yuuki is willing to put her life in an Arasaka cube with minimal security and near daily muggings.Four hour moratorium to take a look at city maps
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- Location
- Singapore
I want to say no to Kyoto. If we're leaving the shadow of Direct Action, we're leaving it proper.
...I'm unsure about the other three though. I could be convinced about any of them. Tokyo would be funny, because we'd effectively be a fish out of water and playing into the whole 'new girl in the capital' vibe. Sapporo is literally skiing central, and snow is always great. Kagoshima also has a very cool botanical scene that's perfect for Yukka.
...yea, I haven't actually narrowed my options down
. The options are all very cool.
...I'm unsure about the other three though. I could be convinced about any of them. Tokyo would be funny, because we'd effectively be a fish out of water and playing into the whole 'new girl in the capital' vibe. Sapporo is literally skiing central, and snow is always great. Kagoshima also has a very cool botanical scene that's perfect for Yukka.
...yea, I haven't actually narrowed my options down
. The options are all very cool.
Iris_Aeternus
Above the Sequence - Eternal Darkness
[X] [City] Tokyo: The shining gem and capital of Japan, Tokyo is the total apex of corporate domination in the nation. The streets below may still radiate neon with petty crime and gangs, but they pale in comparison to the giants that make this city their playground, least of all Arasaka themselves. But if one can stomach the hyper corporate atmosphere, there are riches to be made around each and every corner for the opportunistic and daring.
Sinsystems
Patron Librarian
[X] [City] Kagoshima: In the warm southern island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a cosmopolitan hub of so many different cultures mashed together over the long years. It has led to a varied and colorful scene on the streets with a fierce international competition up top. The city's growth has even expanded to the teeming waters as well, leading to a dizzying agricultural scene amid the urban landscape. Not all grown here are legal though.
Both because it works with the Florist idea and because it is perfect for the inevitable beach episode.
Both because it works with the Florist idea and because it is perfect for the inevitable beach episode.
Birthday
Have a Happy One!
- Location
- Somewhere
[X] [City] Kagoshima: In the warm southern island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a cosmopolitan hub of so many different cultures mashed together over the long years. It has led to a varied and colorful scene on the streets with a fierce international competition up top. The city's growth has even expanded to the teeming waters as well, leading to a dizzying agricultural scene amid the urban landscape. Not all grown here are legal though.
This or Sapporo seem fun.
This or Sapporo seem fun.
[X] [City] Sapporo: Far up north in the snowy island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city of industry that never rests even when winter sets in. Urban industrialization is spread out across the vast tracts of rugged wilderness, leading into the odd creation of district communities that often compete fiercely with one another. One could disappear for weeks on end in the forests, then emerge to participate in fierce gang wars that last only so long as until nearby JDF bases take action and mobilize their iron fist.
Nature? Nature and Cold?! Say no more
Nature? Nature and Cold?! Say no more
- Location
- Bretonnia
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] [City] Kagoshima: In the warm southern island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a cosmopolitan hub of so many different cultures mashed together over the long years. It has led to a varied and colorful scene on the streets with a fierce international competition up top. The city's growth has even expanded to the teeming waters as well, leading to a dizzying agricultural scene amid the urban landscape. Not all grown here are legal though.
Something I should mention is that in the official setting material, Kyoto and Tokyo are the only options with general details and even then, it's pretty slim. So I leaned into some imaginative takes for Sapporo and Kagoshima, namely based on geography/climate.
And of course, I'll have to come up with what nomands, gangs, and corps populate whatever city you choose. I wasn't kidding when I said details are scarce, but the few examples given are wild. Fancy fighting poser gangs of Trekkies?
And of course, I'll have to come up with what nomands, gangs, and corps populate whatever city you choose. I wasn't kidding when I said details are scarce, but the few examples given are wild. Fancy fighting poser gangs of Trekkies?
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Sinsystems
Patron Librarian
Does it come with Sea Nomads who live on boats and live like they are in water world?
Unironically yes. It's been mentioned that Japan being so small means there usually isn't much room for the wide open roads that Nomads thrive in. Instead, there are usually recommendations that nomads are actually pirates given the massive oceans around.
I'll say in Sapporo, there is more open space for 'traditional' nomads that roam the snowy wastes while in Kagoshima, it's definitely pirate nomads.
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Spector29
It Only Gets Worse From Here
[X] [City] Kagoshima: In the warm southern island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a cosmopolitan hub of so many different cultures mashed together over the long years. It has led to a varied and colorful scene on the streets with a fierce international competition up top. The city's growth has even expanded to the teeming waters as well, leading to a dizzying agricultural scene amid the urban landscape. Not all grown here are legal though.
[X] [City] Kagoshima: In the warm southern island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a cosmopolitan hub of so many different cultures mashed together over the long years. It has led to a varied and colorful scene on the streets with a fierce international competition up top. The city's growth has even expanded to the teeming waters as well, leading to a dizzying agricultural scene amid the urban landscape. Not all grown here are legal though.
Vote closed
Map of Kagoshima and its districts
Corporate Zone
The very core of Kagoshima itself, where all the suits from both corporations and government gather to work in gleaming skyscrapers. It is an opulent district that is also rated to be the safest neighborhood in all of Kagoshima, undoubtedly due to the concentrated police presence along with private security teams.
-Security Provider: Shinohara Securities
-Zone Rating: Corporate
-Gangs: None
Kiire District
A district that once hosted a JMSDF base, acting as a safe harbor for repairs and refueling. The base is now defunct, the ships scattered to the winds, but the harbor still remains active for plenty others.
-Security Provider: Kiire 'Xu' Defense Agency
Taniyamako Ports: The old port facilities that once serviced the mighty combat navy ships of the JMSDF, now seized and auctioned off to a variety of different owners. It's more than likely that a large portion of both incoming and outgoing shipments have faked some part of their docket.
-Zone Rating: Corporate
-Gangs: 442nd Holdouts, Wako Smugglers
New Taiwan: Former oil refineries and storage facilities have been given a new lease of life through the efforts of Chinese immigrants from the nearby countries. There are strong rumors that the money to make this all happen come from the pockets of Kang Tao executives.
-Zone Rating: Corporate
-Gangs: Devil Blues, Dragon Warriors
Matsumoto District
The source of both heavy and light industry in Kagoshima, with a history stretching far back to early Meiji and it shows. Specialists from the West once had to be lured to reside in the city to provide their expertise, and now their descendants consider themselves a part of the city like any other.
-Security Provider: Kiire 'Xu' Defense Agency
Nagayoshi Expanse: A large stretch of factories and warehouses, conveniently placed next to the ports of Kagoshima. Many of these warehouses have been updated over the years to feature internal shielding to prevent nosy snoopers from discovering what really is within them, and perhaps a few aren't even filled at all.
-Zone Rating: Moderate
-Gangs: The Commandos, Dragon Warriors
Kose Valley: The location of many corporate factories that are constantly under threat from not only one another but from greedy gangs wanting a slice of their products. Every single shipment that leaves the factories must be given an armed escort on the way out.
-Zone Rating: Combat
-Gangs: 442nd Holdouts, The Commandos
Old Europa: When Japan opened its borders to welcome the Industrial Revolution, specialists from Europe were invited and lured over to provide their expertise for local startups. Today, the descendants of these Western specialists live in a neighborhood that echoes the streets of Europe but with a distinct oriental tint to it all.
-Zone Rating: Moderate
-Gangs: The Commandos, Wako Smugglers
Yoshida District
Once the home of wealthy samurai landowners and their families, the rich lacquered armor have been replaced with sharply tailored suits in the modern day. The cutthroat and backstabbing attitude remains the same however.
-Security Provider: Shinohara Securities
Kamoh Gardens: Considered to be the lower end of the middle class neighborhood, those living here often have to 'opt' into corporate security packages to protect their families from circling vultures. That perhaps keeps them in place from ever advancing higher on the ladder.
-Zone Rating: Moderate
-Gangs: The Vendetta, Secondborn Ronin
Aira: The majority of property in Aira is owned by corporate subsidiaries, ensuring affordable housing for their employees along with guaranteed protection. However, this comes at the cost of their every waking moment likely being monitored by hidden surveillance equipment.
-Zone Rating: Corporate
-Gangs: Secondborn Ronin, 442nd Holdouts
Kirishima District
When one thinks of culture in Kagoshima, they think of this district in particular. It is the commercial district of the city, featuring everything from neon electronics to discrete cybernetics.
-Security Provider: Kagoshima Deputized Militia
Hayato Strip: When one needs services and don't mind a little bit of grime, these streets can provide. From common electronics to dive bars, from black market guns to rippers, it's all here on the ground or on the water.
-Zone Rating: Moderate
-Gangs: Secondborn Ronin, Jetstream Clan
La Panama: When refugees from the Second Central American War came over, they first found themselves cruelly packed in too little bit of space along the coastline. Over time, they scraped and saved, building water stilts and connections piece by piece until the result today, where there is now more than enough space either on the coastline on land, or in the spaces beneath the waves.
-Zone Rating: Moderate
-Gangs: Jestream Clan, Devil Blues
Kokubu: For those who arrive in Kagoshima from the rest of Japan, they usually first step foot in Kokubu, where all the transit hubs are. It's the more grounded and common gathering ground for any event in the city, easily accessible for all.
-Zone Rating: Corporate
-Gangs: Jetstream Clan, Secondborn Ronin
Kanoya District
This district serves to provide glimpses of fresh food for Kagoshima, but there is seemingly never enough to fully feed everybody. Some wonder if what is really being grown here goes to feed hungry mouths, or if there's something below the initial face.
-Security Provider: Kagoshima Deputized Militia
Tarumizu: In the past, Tarumizu used to be filled with bustling fish markets, vendors hawking freshly caught wares. But with the rise of piracy on the high waves, most of these fish markets have been replaced with fish farms instead to try and keep up with the constant demand for seafood in national diets.
-Zone Rating: Corporate
-Gangs: Dragon Warriors, Wako Smugglers
Il Syracuse: This area of Kagoshima had once been totally ravaged by the Fourth Corporate War, filled with the remains of both Arasaka and Militech gear. It was then purchased by wealthy landowners from Europe, specifically Italy, who sent the equipment back home while deciding to retire here to build luxurious vineyards.
-Zone Rating: Executive
-Gangs: The Vendetta, Jestream Clan
Shibushi Homsteads: Following the success of Il Syracuse, the city of Kagoshima attempted to repeat the endeavor and attract more rich sponsors. They blindly took the first offer, only to realize their mistake when the area became laden with drug gangs and cartels, earning the ire of those who lived nearby.
-Zone Rating: Combat
-Gangs: The Vendetta, Devil Blues
Osaki District
For those who want to get away from the stress and chaos of work in Kagoshima, this district dedicated to tourism endeavors works quite well in relieving all ills and woes. Beware the high prices of the area however.
-Security Provider: Kagoshima Deputized Militia
Hamada Estates: For those wealthy enough, they could own a house in the safest neighborhood in the city. There is a distinct lack of common commercial shops in the area, everything being so specifically tailored to provide the highest form of luxury possible.
-Zone Rating: Corporate
-Gangs: Secondborn Ronin, Wako Smugglers
Eaglesworth: One could be mistaken for thinking this picturesque area was actually that of somewhere across the ocean in America instead of Japan. It is an area with heavy influences from the former United States, the proximity to the American base on Okinawa paving the way for a unique area identity.
-Zone Rating: Executive
-Gangs: Devil Blues, 442nd Holdouts
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List of Kagoshima Factions
Scavs
There is not a single city in the world that has not suffered the eternal plague of lowlife criminals that stoop low enough to kidnapping and murdering others to harvest their cyberware. They are ubiquitous and remorseless, not caring about who their victims are. Only just how much they can rip from you and sell to continue this uncaring lifestyle
Equipment: Whatever they can get their hands on.
Leadership: None, each group considers themselves 'the king' and are unwilling to compromise.
Headquarters: They are found everywhere.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "Fancy cut of meat that's a walking payday!" (Enemy)
Dragon Warriors
Even megacorporations like Arasaka and Kang Tao can have disgraces in their securities division that they are unwilling to put up with. These disgraces have had their fancy corporate optics and combat enhancements ripped out before being dumped unceremoniously with nary a compensation package in sight. But there is a path now open to them, namely that of joining the Dragon Warriors gang.
They are given new life in operating protection rackets throughout Kagoshima, only using iron pipes or wooden bats to 'compile' with Japanese gun control laws. Many of them also like to mug the rich on the streets, with a particularly violent streak against corporate suits. Intense codes of loyalty to each other ensure that even if they are arrested, none would speak ill of their brother or sister even when the book is tossed at them.
Equipment: Melee outfit, no guns. No vehicles.
Leadership: The Dragon Emperor, said to be a cyborg dismissed from Arasaka and hellbent on taking revenge against them.
Headquarters: An abandoned oil refinery in New Taiwan.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "Pay up, and we go our separate ways." (Neutral)
Secondborn Ronin
Japan's education system is incredibly competitive, and sometimes even one's best effort will land them on an unfortunate waitlist that will never move forwards. They don't even have the option of just retaking it another year, their position is 'guaranteed' and their parents can't scrounge up a large enough bribe to get the school administrators to move forwards. There's two choices now, to either roll the dice with an application to another school, or to join the Secondborn Ronin to use their corporate backgrounds for petty crimes.
What originally started as a help group between struggling students has turned into a lifestyle for some, using their groomed and immaculate looks to pass or con corporate security to commit petty crime. But when pushed into action, their bookish nature betrays them with wild chaos meant to just cover their escape than deal any real damage. They like to justify their crimes as necessary to collect tuition funds, though one has to wonder where all the money is going in the end.
Equipment: Few guns, mostly stolen from previous ventures.
Leadership: The Student Council, a faux elected group that debate on what are acceptable targets for their operations.
Headquarters: A public transit station in Kamoh Gardens.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "You...never mind. Have a good day." (Neutral)
The Commandos
For all the generations that have passed since their ancestors left their homeland, many of European descent still consider themselves from the assorted countries and proudly boast about it. They insist on putting on and watching foreign movies and television, with an odd sort of fascination about how the Second World War unfolded in their ancestor's country. From there, a group inspired by the daring actions of their distant cousins was born, calling themselves after a famous British unit of the same name.
But unlike back then, this is a multicultural group whose only membership requirement was needing to be of European descent, and a willingness to emulate the bravery of those past. To that end, they will freely accept gigs and jobs from anybody willing to provide a target for them to hit and live out their military fantasies. Their antiquated weapons are often underestimated, especially when they show a willingness to 'upgrade' them to punch through modern armor.
Equipment: Ancient weapons that barely count for gun control laws. All members have cyberoptics wired to unfold into combat visors as a mark of their membership.
Leadership: The Generals, the top members who declare themselves the brass of the operations and deal with the offers for their service.
Headquarters: An abandoned military base in Kose Valley that has been restored to the aesthetic of a WW2 base.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "Get out of the way civilian, heroes coming through!" (Neutral)
Devil Blues
Every now and then, the streets begin to shake and the citizens of Kagoshima immediately rush indoors. None of them wanted to be out on the streets as the distinct rumbling of motorcycles grows louder, along with blaring tunes of ancient American tunes. All the songs happened to be sung by one man in particular, but one could be mistaken if it really was one man with how many of his clones suddenly roared on by with rambunctious laughter and violent cries.
The Devil Blues are a roaming motorcycle poser gang found throughout Kyushu and have long since claimed parts of Kagoshima as part of their turf. Whenever they blast through the streets, they give into violent urges to create chaos and disrupt public peace in the name of rock and roll. They are a violent lot that aren't afraid to use weapons to get their way along with an assortment of combat dragus, hence why the police struggle against them. It's been long suspected that corporations like to use them as deniable assets.
Equipment: Semi-modern weapons along with customized bikes and combat drugs that make it difficult for regular police to fight against.
Leadership: 'The King of Rock and Roll' is the only one they'll listen to, and they insist he's still alive somewhere.
Headquarters: No central headquarters.
Danger: High
Reputation: "Sugar, I'm the devil, and you best know it." (Neutral)
Jetstream Clan
In the throes of the Second Central American War, refugees moving to La Panama found themselves bereft of hope for their future. So they turned to the history of their new homeland's past, seeking for times of intense chaos where peace eventually came through. In particular, they focused on the ideal of samurai that protected the innocent and many became obsessed with it, calling for the creation of a new samurai clan to help bring about order once more. Even as the conflict in their old homes died out, there still were so many conflicts that saw the willing don stylized ancient armor and gather weapons to defend their new home as the created Jetstream Clan.
They are seen by many on the streets as vigilantes that fight for justice against other gangs in their territories, and this popularity helps the members fade into the populace before the police could try to arrest them. It should be noted that they collect a 'tithe' from allied businesses in the name of protection, and that they have an obsession with ancient execution techniques meant to intimidate enemies. Perhaps it is in hope of discouraging future attacks against them, but there seems to be a lack of evidence in its effectiveness.
Equipment: A few pistols and submachine guns, all members carry illegally made blades to fight with up close.
Leadership: The Daimyo, a figure said to be their greatest swordsman.
Headquarters: A floating sea block in La Panama that has been claimed and fashioned into a 'castle' for their operations.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "If you are truly innocent, our blades shall never harm you!" (Neutral)
Wako Smugglers
The seas around Kagoshima are a busy trade zone, as expected of an international port in southern Japan. Ships are so closely tightly packed with one another that sometimes it'll take days for large cargo ships to finally gain harbor access to unload their cargo. However, for smaller ships, this is more a suggestion than a rule. They slip through and between these large ships, ignoring protocol and harbor authority to unload their cargo quick as possible, and make a profit from it. Then they leave before anybody could stop them.
The most proficient of these are the Wako Smugglers. They gain their wares through questionable means, then sneak into Kagoshima to quickly turn them over to whoever has the money for it. They are hardly fighters and will immediately flee the moment guns are pulled, but they have long memories and will refuse to do business with those who burn them. Given the extreme difficulty of obtaining black market firearms, few are foolish enough to do so.
Equipment: A fleet of ramshackle boats. Pistols and knives for self defense only.
Leadership: Each captain is their own boss in the gang.
Headquarters: A small set of ramshackle hovels in Tarumizu where custom orders can be requested.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "Interested in my goods? I promise, you won't find them anywhere else here." (Neutral)
The Vendetta
When Shibushi Homesteads was sold out and brought in drug cartels, the first to suffer were landowners of Il Syracuse. They were wealthy retired families, and so many were killed in the ensuing chaos. From the survivors of killed families arose a cold sort of hatred, one that could only stew in silence for so long, waiting for police intervention. When it finally became clear that none would be forthcoming, action was taken. These sons and daughters dug up stockpiles of secret weapons and donned heavy but tailored clothes styled in a manner not unlike that of the criminals of their ancestral land. That night, they gathered to make an oath in blood, that all will one day see and fear the retribution of the Vendetta.
They lived up to their names almost immediately, brutally engaging in merciless gang warfare that drove the old cartels out. But once their revenge was taken, victory was too sweet to not indulge in again, and again. They have since become a professional gang for hire, coldly taking payment for hits on whoever would pay though they have a special preference for revenge stories. Some wonder why the police haven't tried to suppress them yet, but it's perhaps because the police have begrudging respect for what the gang did that they could never do without damning evidence.
Equipment: Pistols, submachine guns, and rifles. Their coats are custom made to be bullet resistant.
Leadership: The Judge, the highest seat within their organization whose orders can never be questioned.
Headquarters: A set of reclaimed houses in Shibushi Homesteads.
Danger: High
Reputation: "Pray for silence in your life. Do not expect it to come." (Neutral)
442nd Holdouts
When the invasion of Kyushu began to falter and fade, Militech through the NUSA ordered all units to go to ground, for they couldn't rescue them. Most failed and were brutally crushed by Arasaka kill-teams that were sent in. But one unit managed to survive and evade, quickly discarding all their markings and gear to blend in with the local American populace. They successfully managed to keep their heads down until the end of the Fourth Corporate War, and so they were technically stood down in name. In reality, its members felt betrayed by Militech leadership and felt they had no home to return to, not after the mutual truce both sides settled upon. They felt like they still had a duty to see Arasaka's hold on Japan shatter, and so began an underground resistance movement, inspired by their old unit.
However, they themselves would admit to being on hard times. All their gear and equipment was gone, so all that was left was their experience and skill, along with the ability to blend in with the local populace. They are a grassroots movement with a burning grudge against Arasaka, and don't intend on giving up, even if that means perhaps dabbling in some unethical businesses like mixing and selling combat drugs.
Equipment: Pistols and light body armor.
Leadership: Officers from the original unit coordinate and plan out new operations aimed at crippling Arasaka in Kagoshima.
Headquarters: Neighborhoods in Eaglesworth call them family and would eagerly house them if need be.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "Arasaka nearly brought the world to an end once, and we'll be damned if we let them do it again." (Neutral)
There is not a single city in the world that has not suffered the eternal plague of lowlife criminals that stoop low enough to kidnapping and murdering others to harvest their cyberware. They are ubiquitous and remorseless, not caring about who their victims are. Only just how much they can rip from you and sell to continue this uncaring lifestyle
Equipment: Whatever they can get their hands on.
Leadership: None, each group considers themselves 'the king' and are unwilling to compromise.
Headquarters: They are found everywhere.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "Fancy cut of meat that's a walking payday!" (Enemy)
Dragon Warriors
Even megacorporations like Arasaka and Kang Tao can have disgraces in their securities division that they are unwilling to put up with. These disgraces have had their fancy corporate optics and combat enhancements ripped out before being dumped unceremoniously with nary a compensation package in sight. But there is a path now open to them, namely that of joining the Dragon Warriors gang.
They are given new life in operating protection rackets throughout Kagoshima, only using iron pipes or wooden bats to 'compile' with Japanese gun control laws. Many of them also like to mug the rich on the streets, with a particularly violent streak against corporate suits. Intense codes of loyalty to each other ensure that even if they are arrested, none would speak ill of their brother or sister even when the book is tossed at them.
Equipment: Melee outfit, no guns. No vehicles.
Leadership: The Dragon Emperor, said to be a cyborg dismissed from Arasaka and hellbent on taking revenge against them.
Headquarters: An abandoned oil refinery in New Taiwan.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "Pay up, and we go our separate ways." (Neutral)
Secondborn Ronin
Japan's education system is incredibly competitive, and sometimes even one's best effort will land them on an unfortunate waitlist that will never move forwards. They don't even have the option of just retaking it another year, their position is 'guaranteed' and their parents can't scrounge up a large enough bribe to get the school administrators to move forwards. There's two choices now, to either roll the dice with an application to another school, or to join the Secondborn Ronin to use their corporate backgrounds for petty crimes.
What originally started as a help group between struggling students has turned into a lifestyle for some, using their groomed and immaculate looks to pass or con corporate security to commit petty crime. But when pushed into action, their bookish nature betrays them with wild chaos meant to just cover their escape than deal any real damage. They like to justify their crimes as necessary to collect tuition funds, though one has to wonder where all the money is going in the end.
Equipment: Few guns, mostly stolen from previous ventures.
Leadership: The Student Council, a faux elected group that debate on what are acceptable targets for their operations.
Headquarters: A public transit station in Kamoh Gardens.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "You...never mind. Have a good day." (Neutral)
The Commandos
For all the generations that have passed since their ancestors left their homeland, many of European descent still consider themselves from the assorted countries and proudly boast about it. They insist on putting on and watching foreign movies and television, with an odd sort of fascination about how the Second World War unfolded in their ancestor's country. From there, a group inspired by the daring actions of their distant cousins was born, calling themselves after a famous British unit of the same name.
But unlike back then, this is a multicultural group whose only membership requirement was needing to be of European descent, and a willingness to emulate the bravery of those past. To that end, they will freely accept gigs and jobs from anybody willing to provide a target for them to hit and live out their military fantasies. Their antiquated weapons are often underestimated, especially when they show a willingness to 'upgrade' them to punch through modern armor.
Equipment: Ancient weapons that barely count for gun control laws. All members have cyberoptics wired to unfold into combat visors as a mark of their membership.
Leadership: The Generals, the top members who declare themselves the brass of the operations and deal with the offers for their service.
Headquarters: An abandoned military base in Kose Valley that has been restored to the aesthetic of a WW2 base.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "Get out of the way civilian, heroes coming through!" (Neutral)
Devil Blues
Every now and then, the streets begin to shake and the citizens of Kagoshima immediately rush indoors. None of them wanted to be out on the streets as the distinct rumbling of motorcycles grows louder, along with blaring tunes of ancient American tunes. All the songs happened to be sung by one man in particular, but one could be mistaken if it really was one man with how many of his clones suddenly roared on by with rambunctious laughter and violent cries.
The Devil Blues are a roaming motorcycle poser gang found throughout Kyushu and have long since claimed parts of Kagoshima as part of their turf. Whenever they blast through the streets, they give into violent urges to create chaos and disrupt public peace in the name of rock and roll. They are a violent lot that aren't afraid to use weapons to get their way along with an assortment of combat dragus, hence why the police struggle against them. It's been long suspected that corporations like to use them as deniable assets.
Equipment: Semi-modern weapons along with customized bikes and combat drugs that make it difficult for regular police to fight against.
Leadership: 'The King of Rock and Roll' is the only one they'll listen to, and they insist he's still alive somewhere.
Headquarters: No central headquarters.
Danger: High
Reputation: "Sugar, I'm the devil, and you best know it." (Neutral)
Jetstream Clan
In the throes of the Second Central American War, refugees moving to La Panama found themselves bereft of hope for their future. So they turned to the history of their new homeland's past, seeking for times of intense chaos where peace eventually came through. In particular, they focused on the ideal of samurai that protected the innocent and many became obsessed with it, calling for the creation of a new samurai clan to help bring about order once more. Even as the conflict in their old homes died out, there still were so many conflicts that saw the willing don stylized ancient armor and gather weapons to defend their new home as the created Jetstream Clan.
They are seen by many on the streets as vigilantes that fight for justice against other gangs in their territories, and this popularity helps the members fade into the populace before the police could try to arrest them. It should be noted that they collect a 'tithe' from allied businesses in the name of protection, and that they have an obsession with ancient execution techniques meant to intimidate enemies. Perhaps it is in hope of discouraging future attacks against them, but there seems to be a lack of evidence in its effectiveness.
Equipment: A few pistols and submachine guns, all members carry illegally made blades to fight with up close.
Leadership: The Daimyo, a figure said to be their greatest swordsman.
Headquarters: A floating sea block in La Panama that has been claimed and fashioned into a 'castle' for their operations.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "If you are truly innocent, our blades shall never harm you!" (Neutral)
Wako Smugglers
The seas around Kagoshima are a busy trade zone, as expected of an international port in southern Japan. Ships are so closely tightly packed with one another that sometimes it'll take days for large cargo ships to finally gain harbor access to unload their cargo. However, for smaller ships, this is more a suggestion than a rule. They slip through and between these large ships, ignoring protocol and harbor authority to unload their cargo quick as possible, and make a profit from it. Then they leave before anybody could stop them.
The most proficient of these are the Wako Smugglers. They gain their wares through questionable means, then sneak into Kagoshima to quickly turn them over to whoever has the money for it. They are hardly fighters and will immediately flee the moment guns are pulled, but they have long memories and will refuse to do business with those who burn them. Given the extreme difficulty of obtaining black market firearms, few are foolish enough to do so.
Equipment: A fleet of ramshackle boats. Pistols and knives for self defense only.
Leadership: Each captain is their own boss in the gang.
Headquarters: A small set of ramshackle hovels in Tarumizu where custom orders can be requested.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "Interested in my goods? I promise, you won't find them anywhere else here." (Neutral)
The Vendetta
When Shibushi Homesteads was sold out and brought in drug cartels, the first to suffer were landowners of Il Syracuse. They were wealthy retired families, and so many were killed in the ensuing chaos. From the survivors of killed families arose a cold sort of hatred, one that could only stew in silence for so long, waiting for police intervention. When it finally became clear that none would be forthcoming, action was taken. These sons and daughters dug up stockpiles of secret weapons and donned heavy but tailored clothes styled in a manner not unlike that of the criminals of their ancestral land. That night, they gathered to make an oath in blood, that all will one day see and fear the retribution of the Vendetta.
They lived up to their names almost immediately, brutally engaging in merciless gang warfare that drove the old cartels out. But once their revenge was taken, victory was too sweet to not indulge in again, and again. They have since become a professional gang for hire, coldly taking payment for hits on whoever would pay though they have a special preference for revenge stories. Some wonder why the police haven't tried to suppress them yet, but it's perhaps because the police have begrudging respect for what the gang did that they could never do without damning evidence.
Equipment: Pistols, submachine guns, and rifles. Their coats are custom made to be bullet resistant.
Leadership: The Judge, the highest seat within their organization whose orders can never be questioned.
Headquarters: A set of reclaimed houses in Shibushi Homesteads.
Danger: High
Reputation: "Pray for silence in your life. Do not expect it to come." (Neutral)
442nd Holdouts
When the invasion of Kyushu began to falter and fade, Militech through the NUSA ordered all units to go to ground, for they couldn't rescue them. Most failed and were brutally crushed by Arasaka kill-teams that were sent in. But one unit managed to survive and evade, quickly discarding all their markings and gear to blend in with the local American populace. They successfully managed to keep their heads down until the end of the Fourth Corporate War, and so they were technically stood down in name. In reality, its members felt betrayed by Militech leadership and felt they had no home to return to, not after the mutual truce both sides settled upon. They felt like they still had a duty to see Arasaka's hold on Japan shatter, and so began an underground resistance movement, inspired by their old unit.
However, they themselves would admit to being on hard times. All their gear and equipment was gone, so all that was left was their experience and skill, along with the ability to blend in with the local populace. They are a grassroots movement with a burning grudge against Arasaka, and don't intend on giving up, even if that means perhaps dabbling in some unethical businesses like mixing and selling combat drugs.
Equipment: Pistols and light body armor.
Leadership: Officers from the original unit coordinate and plan out new operations aimed at crippling Arasaka in Kagoshima.
Headquarters: Neighborhoods in Eaglesworth call them family and would eagerly house them if need be.
Danger: Low
Reputation: "Arasaka nearly brought the world to an end once, and we'll be damned if we let them do it again." (Neutral)
Shinohara Securities
A surprisingly small subsidiary of Arasaka that is entirely centered around professional and personalized protection. They have surprising independence for their division with complete personal discretion on recruitment, training, and armament. This has resulted in the creation of a Corporate Polite unit more akin to C-SWAT than regular enforcement.
Yet this intense focus comes at the cost of coverage, especially for non-corporate issues. They have also not been granted additional funding for expanding their roster, meaning that they are frustratingly and chronically understaffed despite having the backing of Japan's premier MegaCorp. A rather paradoxical situation where those they save will claim it works, while those who die cannot say otherwise.
Equipment: Arms and armor provided by Arasaka, meaning heavy gear and heavier ballistics can be easily brought to bear with ease...if it can fit in their one AV response vehicle.
Leadership: Security Chief Azumi, a frustrated manager but a capable leader on the field.
Headquarters: The top section of an Arasaka-owned skyscraper in the Corporate Zone.
Danger: High
Reputation: "Move along. You've no business with us." (Neutral)
Kiire 'Xu' Defense Agency
An independent security corporation in name only, as their budget is actually entirely funded by money channeled from generation 'donations' from Chinese sources such as Kang Tao. This becomes very apparent when their primary purpose is to guarantee corporate convoy security over proper law enforcement. It isn't unusual to see them drive past muggings on the street if on the job for protecting corporate interests.
Said policy has sometimes come back to bit them back, when the victims of said muggings happen to be corporate suits themselves. As such, they are surprisingly overstretched, especially given the nature of the gangs arrayed against them. They often end up just withdrawing from fights they clearly cannot win and call in reinforcements from elsewhere in the city.
Equipment: Their gear is usually a generation out of date, which is still effective and rather reliable. They have the ability to quickly respond to any situation within Kiire District, but are usually only found on convoy duties in Matsumoto District.
Leadership: Security Chief Jun, a hot-blooded veteran who draws quickly and shoots even quicker.
Headquarters: A converted office warehouse near the Taniyamako Ports.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "What are you looking at? Scram." (Neutral)
Kagoshima Deputized Militia
During the chaos of the Fourth Corporate War, when the city's regular police force was conscripted for the front, a volunteer militia was born to try and maintain order in their absence. It was supposed to only be a temporary measure, but it soon turned into a permanent fixture when the conscripted police force was destroyed in the war. It still took years afterwards to be officially recognized and christened by city officials as the new de facto law enforcement for the outskirts of Kagoshima.
Official badges ultimately mattered little to those who volunteer to join this law enforcement company. It does grant them access to legal purchases of standardized law enforcement gear, though members often just end up bringing in their own customized equipment. The voluntary nature of the job means that there tends to be a lot of turnover, meaning a relatively green force with very few hardened veterans. Unfortunately, this has only contributed to a growing casualty count over time.
Equipment: They have been given access to police equipment, and members can bring their own purchases to work.
Leadership: Security Chief Haruka, an exhausted officer trying their very best with a struggling organization.
Headquarters: A police station in Tarumizu.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "Are you interested in protecting the peace? Join us today!" (Neutral)
A surprisingly small subsidiary of Arasaka that is entirely centered around professional and personalized protection. They have surprising independence for their division with complete personal discretion on recruitment, training, and armament. This has resulted in the creation of a Corporate Polite unit more akin to C-SWAT than regular enforcement.
Yet this intense focus comes at the cost of coverage, especially for non-corporate issues. They have also not been granted additional funding for expanding their roster, meaning that they are frustratingly and chronically understaffed despite having the backing of Japan's premier MegaCorp. A rather paradoxical situation where those they save will claim it works, while those who die cannot say otherwise.
Equipment: Arms and armor provided by Arasaka, meaning heavy gear and heavier ballistics can be easily brought to bear with ease...if it can fit in their one AV response vehicle.
Leadership: Security Chief Azumi, a frustrated manager but a capable leader on the field.
Headquarters: The top section of an Arasaka-owned skyscraper in the Corporate Zone.
Danger: High
Reputation: "Move along. You've no business with us." (Neutral)
Kiire 'Xu' Defense Agency
An independent security corporation in name only, as their budget is actually entirely funded by money channeled from generation 'donations' from Chinese sources such as Kang Tao. This becomes very apparent when their primary purpose is to guarantee corporate convoy security over proper law enforcement. It isn't unusual to see them drive past muggings on the street if on the job for protecting corporate interests.
Said policy has sometimes come back to bit them back, when the victims of said muggings happen to be corporate suits themselves. As such, they are surprisingly overstretched, especially given the nature of the gangs arrayed against them. They often end up just withdrawing from fights they clearly cannot win and call in reinforcements from elsewhere in the city.
Equipment: Their gear is usually a generation out of date, which is still effective and rather reliable. They have the ability to quickly respond to any situation within Kiire District, but are usually only found on convoy duties in Matsumoto District.
Leadership: Security Chief Jun, a hot-blooded veteran who draws quickly and shoots even quicker.
Headquarters: A converted office warehouse near the Taniyamako Ports.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "What are you looking at? Scram." (Neutral)
Kagoshima Deputized Militia
During the chaos of the Fourth Corporate War, when the city's regular police force was conscripted for the front, a volunteer militia was born to try and maintain order in their absence. It was supposed to only be a temporary measure, but it soon turned into a permanent fixture when the conscripted police force was destroyed in the war. It still took years afterwards to be officially recognized and christened by city officials as the new de facto law enforcement for the outskirts of Kagoshima.
Official badges ultimately mattered little to those who volunteer to join this law enforcement company. It does grant them access to legal purchases of standardized law enforcement gear, though members often just end up bringing in their own customized equipment. The voluntary nature of the job means that there tends to be a lot of turnover, meaning a relatively green force with very few hardened veterans. Unfortunately, this has only contributed to a growing casualty count over time.
Equipment: They have been given access to police equipment, and members can bring their own purchases to work.
Leadership: Security Chief Haruka, an exhausted officer trying their very best with a struggling organization.
Headquarters: A police station in Tarumizu.
Danger: Medium
Reputation: "Are you interested in protecting the peace? Join us today!" (Neutral)
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Right, street gangs have been added and updated to the factions list, along with their rough territory claims. I'm open to making more, and they will evolve through events or actions you can decide to get involve with. I'll probably also do one for custom corporations, I hope you're looking forward to those when they finally appear!
Writing up the next chapter, and I'm thinking that as everybody seemingly loves the idea of Mitsu as a companion, let's decide it through your first dice roll of the game. This is an Empathy based roll to try and convince her to stay, maybe even living with you for a bit. Or longer, depending how things go, assuming that the die like you.
Kagoshima Move, Part 1
[X] [City] Kagoshima: In the warm southern island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is a cosmopolitan hub of so many different cultures mashed together over the long years. It has led to a varied and colorful scene on the streets with a fierce international competition up top. The city's growth has even expanded to the teeming waters as well, leading to a dizzying agricultural scene amid the urban landscape. Not all grown here are legal though.
"I'll be going to Kagoshima," You decided firmly. That incited a series of impressed whistles from the others, and Arisu spoke up first.
"A subtropical environment would be perfect for your dream, I think," She warmly commented with a smile. "With the right setup, you could maybe even grow flowers all year-round. That's pretty smart."
"But it's like, so hot!" Momiji exclaimed with a shake of the head. "I would totally melt. Yeah, it's isn't my scene."
"Word has it that the gangs of Kagoshima are rather unique!" Mitsu mentioned with shining eyes. "I wish to cross blades with them one day!"
"I'll save you a spot in the guest room for that," You joked and all the gathered Lycoris chuckled at the thought. "I'll be traveling on a dirigible over."
"Oh, that's pretty preem!" Momiji blinked, then frowned. "Um, like, which one?"
"Which one?" You repeated with a tilt of the head, then scrolled through the departures list through your optics. "Let's see, should be the...Southern Express."
Your former colleague's eyes widened. "Choom, that's like, leaving in an hour. Train ride to the airport's like, forty minutes. You better delta!"
You stared, then blanched. You had been so caught-up in conversing with everybody that you lost track of time. The chair clattered backwards while you scrambled to your feet and grabbed your luggage. "If I miss out on the next train, I might miss the flight-!"
"Never fear!" Suddenly Mitsu was there and she suddenly swept you off your feet, her hand shooting out to also grab your luggage. You squeaked and stared at her intense gaze, one of pure focus as her cyberware activated. "Brace thyself!"
One moment, you were there at the table with the others.
The next, you were suddenly on the top platform.
The next, you found yourself soaring through the air, Mitsu carrying you through a powerful leap across a set of moving trains.
Then you nearly fell out of her arms when she landed right next to a moving train, gasping for breath. "Curses!" She swore and you noticed it was your train already departing the station. The doors were already closed shut, meaning you couldn't board now. You grimaced, if you'd only noticed a moment later-!
Then suddenly the train halted and the door slid open, invoking confusion from the passengers within. You blinked, then noticed one of the digital monitors inside the passenger car suddenly flashing black before a pixelated white rabbit waved at you before disappearing. Immediately, you knew it was your colleague Netrunner who had stopped the automated train from leaving, enabling you to get onboard.
You did so immediately, with Mitsu hurrying with your luggage. It was not a moment too soon and the doors closed right behind her. The train then began to move again and you let out a sigh of relief, now able to catch your flight on time. "That was close."
"Indeed, twas a close cut!" Mitsu told and you shared a small smile, wanting to thank her for getting you here-
Then you realized something and blinked. "Mitsu, you're here."
The street ronin raised an eyebrow. "So I am."
"Are you going to Kagoshima with me?"
She opened her mouth, then her eyes grew wide when she too connected the dots. She blinked and looked around, perhaps realizing now that she was committed to a train ride to the airport like you. "...I hadn't intended on it, but maybe fate decreed it so!" Mitsu finally suggested and placed her hands on her hips proudly. "A little longer journey together then! I don't mind so long as it is fruitful."
Then an idea struck you and the words tumbled from your lips without thinking about it. "How about you live with me? At least for a little while."
(Convincing Mitsu: 80 +15 (Empathy) -20 (Wanderlust) = 75)
She stared at you, a myriad of emotions flickering through her face that registered in your optical system. Embarrassment. Shock. Surprise. Confusion.
You bit your lip and looked away for a moment, glancing back when you noticed movement out of the corner of your eye. Mitsu was tapping her foot incessantly, seemingly using it as a way to help get her thoughts organized. There was an expression of deep conflict written all over her expression, one that seemingly warred between wandering the world, or sticking around a bit longer with you. Now that you thought about it, there was no way she would accept, not when it was clearly her dream to wander the world. You exhaled through your teeth and figured it was only polite to respect her decision-
"Very well!" Mitsu decided and grinned when you looked back at her. "If only for a little while for now. I concede to your offer...partner!"
You blinked in shock yourself, then looked down at her extended hand. Slowly, you reached up and grasped her wrist, returning her grin with one yours. "Right then...partner. Let's head for Kagoshima together."
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Traveling by dirigible was certainly an experience, you reflected. You looked sideways to see the vast blue sky beyond you, your seat not giving a good enough angle to see the ground below. That had gone to Mitsu, who were ogling and pressing her face against the glass to watch the landscape go on by. "The fields roll before us, rustling in our wake," She muttered with clear fascination. "A scene from the heavens, one that cannot be seen from those below. How breathtaking."There was a complicated note to her voice, perhaps thinking herself as normally being one of those down below. You had to admit, Mitsu did give off nomad vibes, the type to just drift from place to place without care, taking in the sights as they went. And now, I'm maybe holding her back, A small guilty part of you whispered and you looked away, not ready to confront it just yet.
Maybe you were just being selfishly lonely.
A welcomed distraction came in the form of a small pamphlet in your seat compartment. It was an advertisement rental corporate company in Kagoshima, targeting specifically at people moving to the city. You supposed that included you and dialed the number on the paper, using the dirigible's built-in service tower to connect.
A few dial tones later, your call was picked up and you almost wanted to roll your eyes at the automated response. "Thank you for calling Satsuma Properties...you are now caller number 30 in line…"
"Oh?" There was a nudge at your side and you turned to see Mitsu looking curiously on. You tilted her head and wordlessly sent a connection request, one that she accepted. She was less restrained about her reaction and rolled her eyes dramatically at the droning automated tone. "So too are we plagued with the burden of housing, like so many others."
"I'm guessing that they likely are going over options in details in the other calls, taking payment plans and the like." You studied the pamphlet and made a face. "Oh, but most generously, we can skip ahead in line for the low price of 500 eddies...per position."
"That's a total of 1500 down the drain if we do so…"
"You are now caller number 50 in line…"
"Hah? We went back?!" Mitsu growled, her glowing eyes none too pleased. "Fools paying for the line skip pushed us back!"
You groaned, then blinked at a small fine print text. "'Personalized service guaranteed for those flying executive class.' That's us, isn't it?" You carefully dialed a series of numbers through the call that verified your seat position and waited. It wasn't even a minute later before the awful hold was replaced with the voice of a real human.
"Thank you honored customer for reaching out to us! How can Satsuma Properties service you today?!" They spoke, slightly out of breath, and you realized that perhaps they immediately rushed over to your call the moment it was verified through. Before you could speak up, Mitsu did so in your place with clear eagerness.
"We seek lodgings of a permanent arrangement, one fitting of proven heroes!" You shot her a warning look but let her go on, the truth and lies closely woven together. "From Kyoto to Kagoshima, present us your best!"
"Well, er, I'll do my best. Let's see, let's see…!" There was some clicking in the background, then your vision lit up with various property listings complete with detailing and pictures. "Based on what you've said, here's what we've got available right now- oh, oh no!"
You blinked when the last entry, one that seemed to feature a very nice looking shophouse suddenly disappeared from the listings. Mitsu was first to speak up about it. "What plagued you so?"
"My deepest apologies, but that last listing is actually not available. Scavs took it over last week, and we haven't had the opportunity to contact security to clear them out. Please, look at your other options instead."
The other options did look enticing in themselves, featuring a variety of living quarters in different parts of Kagoshima. Where you chose to live would definitely affect your budget, along with who you could meet nearby. If you decided to open up a business, it also likely influenced what sort of customers you could expect to stroll in.
Yet despite it all, you still had a faint curiosity about the shophouse. Mitsu apparently shared the same sentiment and spoke out first about it, always taking the initiative. "Might we trouble you so to see that lost option?" She asked, giving you a knowing smile. "And should we happen to reclaim it ourselves, would you be open to a discount?"
(Discount Bargain: 30 +15 (Empathy) +10 (Desperate Agent) = 55)
"A discount? Are you yanking on my- hang on. If I frame it as saving our security budget…" There were some mutterings, then the agent on the line finally sighed and re-added the shophouse to your options. "If you fail, I'm not calling Trauma Team for you."
"So noted," You dryly remarked and studied the options to make a final decision.
[ ] [Home] Converted Warehouse: Located in the Kiire District, specifically near Taniymako Ports, a retired warehouse has since been converted into a surprisingly open living space not unlike the old Silverhand Studios. You and Mitsu could probably share a two-room living space with a rather romantic view of the harbor. Corporate Zone. Rent:
[ ] [Home] Tatami Room: There's an opening for a simple room in a small property, one with plenty of nearby shops through Hayato Strip in Kirishima District. It might be a little cramped with Mitsu and you in a single room, but it could be worth the slight discomfort and awkwardness of such close living space. Moderate Zone. Rent:
[ ] [Home] Former Vinyard: A large stretch of arable land along with a rather sizable villa, what a find! Yet the price definitely had both you and Mitsu wincing, for luxury certainly cost in Il Syracuse of Kanoya District. Executive Zone:
[ ] [Home] Scav Shophouse: This one is something that would normally never be considered an option, a former corporate shophouse in Kamoh Gardens of Yoshida District. It could have been a pleasant home once, before scavs took over and made it difficult for anybody to live in. Difficult for anybody...if they weren't a Lycoris. Moderate Zone. Rent:
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- When the first die of a quest is a happy one, that makes me happy as well. Yay.- The strikeouts represent either the discount, or splitting the rent with Mitsu. She's only your roommate at the moment, though she might be amicable to being employed by your shop if you have a good enough offer. Otherwise though. she'll figure out a way to pay her own share of the rent through her own means.
Four hour moratorium to figure out where to rent.
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- Location
- Singapore
This sequence was nice. It both portrays the quick camaraderie between former Lycoris agents who barely even know each other, as well as the willingness to at the very least bend the law that is definitely expected from young adults who spent their lives working as black operation agents.
...also it's just very over the top anime in general, which is fun!
Moving on, my vote is quite clear. One particular option has been very clearly highlighted in the update, although I wonder which one that is...
[ ] [Home] Scav Shophouse
Sinsystems
Patron Librarian
I think the Scav shophouse is the best option, it is in the lower middle class neighborhood which will likely work as our customers (for both Florist and cleaner) while being the best deal after we clear it out.
Spector29
It Only Gets Worse From Here
I'm interested in the romantic view over the harbor, as it's my goal in life to inject romance subplots into every piece of interactive fiction I encounter. That being said, there's nothing like breaking in a new place by breaking some skulls. As a Cleaner, we'll even be able to pretty the place up afterwards.