Chapter 1: Turn 8 - DP
PurpleProse
Squishy Purple Unicorn
Sector I – Interact (Momoko), Recruit (Hansou)
Maya continues to prove her worth as your aide as you take a trip up to Nagano to speak with Hikaru's grandmother. On the train ride there, you consider how to handle recruiting Jin Hansou.
)( EXTRA EVENT – MOMOKO )(
)( EXTRA EVENT – RECRUITING JIN HANSOU )(
Sector II – Build (Magic Weapons I)
You give the authorization to put the enchanted weapons into production. If nothing else, it'll give your Strike Teams a few more options when it comes to equipment.
(-4 Resources)
(Magic Weapons I is in production.)
Sector III – Train (Touma) – 3, 3 = 6 (FAIL)
It seems Touma's mind is less on the practice he's doing with Geta's scientists and more on other things. Looks like he's not going to get much out of this practice session.
(No XP for you.)
Sector IV – Investigate (Older Magical Girls) – 3, 5 = 8 (FLAWED SUCCESS + ABILITY BONUS)
Michelle's report arrives promptly and is about as detailed as you've come to expect.
REPORT: Magical girls began to pop up in what the zeitgeist would consider their 'modern' form around the 1960's, though there are reports of costumed magical heroines that predate this. There was a surge in the Magical Girl population in and around the 1980's, followed by a huge curtailing starting near the turn of the millennium. Most Magical Girls retire in their twenties, often passing on their powers and tools to a successor or fading quietly into obscurity. It's rare for a Magical Girl to operate into adulthood; the number of active adult magical girls could probably counted on one hand. With effort, you could likely locate a grown-up magical girl to recruit.
BONUS: From what Michelle can gather, there are two types of Magical Girl; those that possess natural abilities ('Naturals' for lack of a better term) and those whose powers are granted to them ('Created,' in Michelle's clumsy turn of phrase). Almost all Created Magical Girls are accompanied by or mentored by a Mascot, and such Magical Girls make up the vast majority of the population. It seems the Mascots are the ones behind these Created Magical Girls, and they seem to be the ones leading the fight against the MAGIC-oriented Forces of Evil.
(INVESTIGATE topic Updated: Older Magical Girls II)
Sector V – Research (Shadow Crystals) – 5, 6 = 11 (PURE SUCCESS + ABILITY BONUS)
Falter Silk puts the work in, and his report, written long-hand and submitted personally, is rather detailed.
REPORT: The 'shadow crystals' are a form of mystical device. The shell contains a powerful enchantment that infiltrates the minds of unconscious humans and transforms positive emotions and memories into magical energy, which the crystal absorbs and stores for later use. Such a process is naturally harmful to the victim, as stripping them of all positive memories and emotions would leave them a shell of a person filled with nothing but despair. The enchantments used in the crystal's construction suggests highly advanced magecraft, though the magical 'coding' used doesn't match any of the systems Falter is familiar with.
BONUS: Falter suggests in his report that, given time and resources, it should be possible for him to rework the enchantment and repurpose the crystals for UNSEAT's use. He leaves that decision up to you, though the idea of modifying the magic seems to excite him greatly.
How do you respond?
[ ] DO IT – The idea of hitting the Nightmare Kingdom with their own magic does appeal to you, and your side needs all the help they can get. Let the wizard work.
[ ] TOO DANGEROUS – While the idea is tempting, you're concerned that this may come back to bite you and your Heroes in the future. Best to err on the side of caution with magic.
Sector VI – Heal (Sessyoin)
Seems like Sessyoin's finally gotten over her pneumonia and has come out of quarantine. Once she meets Naoko, she's decidedly excited. It seems that having more Psychics around is bringing out the good in the good doctor.
(Status upgraded to Active)
(ABILITY UNLOCK – Therapist's Insight – Gain Additional information when using the RESEARCH Action.)
Sector VII – Train (Hikaru) – 6, 5 = 11 (PURE SUCCESS)
Seems that having Odessa throw him around is actually working. Hikaru's starting to improve his hand-to-hand skills, enough that he's actually confident he can use them effectively in battle. His confidence is actually starting to grow now, enough that people seem to feel lighter-hearted around him.
(+1 EXP to Hikaru)
(* HIKARU LEVEL UP! Ability Unlocked: Armor of Optimism *)
(Hikaru gains the Trait: Fighter (Unarmed))
You take the train out to Nagano along with Hikaru. While having Hikaru accompany you seems a bit odd, you eventually decide that it would be a bit rude to deny him a chance to visit his grandmother. Besides, there's no harm in having some back up in case something happens.
Momoko Sano lives in a small house just on the outskirts of the city. You're not sure what to expect when you meet her, but she's all smiles when she opens the door. She's in her early seventies, with her pale gray hair pulled back in a bun behind her head. Her face is well-lined, with a surfeit of laugh-lines and crow's feet around her gray eyes. She's dressed in a pale green kimono and obi, and she walks and moves with care and precision. She greets Hikaru with affection and welcomes you both into her house.
You watch the two of them interact quietly, feeling like an intruder in this family dynamic. It's quite apparent that Hikaru adores his grandmother, and he quickly springs to help her even when she waves him off. Hikaru explains your presence here truthfully when Momoko asks, and you can't help but feel like you're being analyzed by Momoko's gaze when Hikaru isn't looking.
Eventually, Momoko asks Hikaru to go run some errands for her at the local store, leaving you and her alone.
"Have to admit," you say as you nibble on a rice cracker, "I'm a bit jealous of Hikaru's relationship with you."
"Oho, you don't have to be," Momoko replies with a wave of her hand. "I'm glad my grandchild's gotten a purpose in life now."
"Yeah, about that." You set the rice cracker aside and rest your hands on the table, fingers laced together. "I may have heard that you used to be a magical girl."
Momoko smiles faintly. "That was a long time ago, dear. As much as I'd like to, I'm not exactly in the shape to fight bad guys these days. I'm enjoying my retirement."
"Fair enough. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions, though?"
"Of course not." Momoko lifts her cup of green tea and blows on it gently. "What would you like to know?"
SELECT THREE OPTIONS
[ ] How did you gain your powers?
[ ] Why did you pick Hikaru as your successor?
[ ] What can you tell me about the Nightmare Kingdom?
[ ] Do you know any other magical girls?
[ ] Make A Suggestion
Finally, however, you spot your quarry and follow him into the Shrine proper.
Jin Hansou is in his early twenties. He's a severe-looking young man with narrow, dark eyes , a long chin and slicked-back black hair. He wears a pair of black-rimmed glasses and is dressed in a simple black suit and tie, just like every other salaryman that you've seen passing by. That much is probably intentional; if you hadn't known what to look for, he probably would have faded into the crowd. An unassuming black briefcase dangles from his left hand. (You can see tension in every inch of his frame like he's about to take off in a sprint.)
"Excuse me," you say as you catch up to him. "Hansou-san?"
"Sorry, ma'am," he replies formally, not turning to face you. "You must have me mistaken for someone else."
"I don't think I do, Hansou-san."
He continues walking briskly, forcing you to match his pace. "As I said, I think you have me mistaken for someone else. If you'll excuse-"
"I don't work for Fuyuhiko, if that's what you're worried about."
"Neither do I. My name is Takeru Yamada."
"I'm sure it is. I-"
He bolts, vanishing around the side of the shrine. You follow as quickly as you can, slowly coming to a halt as you round the edge of the shrine and find nobody there.
You look around… only for a pair of hands to yank you into the shadows and press you up against the wall. Jin is glaring at you, his eyes hard and his teeth clenched.
"What the hell do you want?" His whisper comes out in a hiss of breath.
"To recruit you," you whisper back. "I'd think that's pretty obvious."
"That's a terrible idea," he replies. "If my uncle finds out that I'm working with you, there'll be no end of trouble for you. I'm pretty sure I'm already under observation from his agents. Or at least, they're trying to observe me."
"Trying, eh?" You take a quick glance around. "
Despite his intensity, he smirks. "Look, I get that you're trying to do good. And I know you'd be happy for me to work with you. But I'm more trouble than I'm worth. Do you really want me on your side?"
How do you respond?
[ ] RECRUIT – If he's got information on the SAD, then it'd be worth it to have him on your side even if it puts you on their shit-list.
[ ] LEAVE – If what he says is true, then recruiting him might not be the wisest move. Best not to poke the tiger more than necessary.
As you're working in your office, Maya approaches your desk. "Um, Administrator?"
"Hmm?" You glance up at her. "Yes, Tanaka-san?"
"I just wanted to let you know that next week I'm going to have to report in at the UN about your progress. They want to speak with me personally."
"Oh…" Right. She wasn't just your aide; she was also here to observe you directly. You'd almost forgotten about that.
"I'm really sorry," she bows quickly. "I shouldn't be gone very long. Likely a week at the most."
"Well, I suppose it can't be helped." You sigh and lean back in your chair. "Just out of curiosity, what's your current opinion on my progress?"
Maya blushes. "I'm really not supposed to say, Hongo-san."
"Fair enough. I have to say, I'm going to miss having you around."
She giggles. "You make it sound like I'm going to disappear forever, Hongo-san."
"I'd certainly hope not." You turn back to your monitor. "Have a safe flight, Tanaka-san."
(Next Turn, you lose access to Maya's Ability)
Maya continues to prove her worth as your aide as you take a trip up to Nagano to speak with Hikaru's grandmother. On the train ride there, you consider how to handle recruiting Jin Hansou.
)( EXTRA EVENT – MOMOKO )(
)( EXTRA EVENT – RECRUITING JIN HANSOU )(
Sector II – Build (Magic Weapons I)
You give the authorization to put the enchanted weapons into production. If nothing else, it'll give your Strike Teams a few more options when it comes to equipment.
(-4 Resources)
(Magic Weapons I is in production.)
Sector III – Train (Touma) – 3, 3 = 6 (FAIL)
It seems Touma's mind is less on the practice he's doing with Geta's scientists and more on other things. Looks like he's not going to get much out of this practice session.
(No XP for you.)
Sector IV – Investigate (Older Magical Girls) – 3, 5 = 8 (FLAWED SUCCESS + ABILITY BONUS)
Michelle's report arrives promptly and is about as detailed as you've come to expect.
REPORT: Magical girls began to pop up in what the zeitgeist would consider their 'modern' form around the 1960's, though there are reports of costumed magical heroines that predate this. There was a surge in the Magical Girl population in and around the 1980's, followed by a huge curtailing starting near the turn of the millennium. Most Magical Girls retire in their twenties, often passing on their powers and tools to a successor or fading quietly into obscurity. It's rare for a Magical Girl to operate into adulthood; the number of active adult magical girls could probably counted on one hand. With effort, you could likely locate a grown-up magical girl to recruit.
BONUS: From what Michelle can gather, there are two types of Magical Girl; those that possess natural abilities ('Naturals' for lack of a better term) and those whose powers are granted to them ('Created,' in Michelle's clumsy turn of phrase). Almost all Created Magical Girls are accompanied by or mentored by a Mascot, and such Magical Girls make up the vast majority of the population. It seems the Mascots are the ones behind these Created Magical Girls, and they seem to be the ones leading the fight against the MAGIC-oriented Forces of Evil.
(INVESTIGATE topic Updated: Older Magical Girls II)
Sector V – Research (Shadow Crystals) – 5, 6 = 11 (PURE SUCCESS + ABILITY BONUS)
Falter Silk puts the work in, and his report, written long-hand and submitted personally, is rather detailed.
REPORT: The 'shadow crystals' are a form of mystical device. The shell contains a powerful enchantment that infiltrates the minds of unconscious humans and transforms positive emotions and memories into magical energy, which the crystal absorbs and stores for later use. Such a process is naturally harmful to the victim, as stripping them of all positive memories and emotions would leave them a shell of a person filled with nothing but despair. The enchantments used in the crystal's construction suggests highly advanced magecraft, though the magical 'coding' used doesn't match any of the systems Falter is familiar with.
BONUS: Falter suggests in his report that, given time and resources, it should be possible for him to rework the enchantment and repurpose the crystals for UNSEAT's use. He leaves that decision up to you, though the idea of modifying the magic seems to excite him greatly.
How do you respond?
[ ] DO IT – The idea of hitting the Nightmare Kingdom with their own magic does appeal to you, and your side needs all the help they can get. Let the wizard work.
[ ] TOO DANGEROUS – While the idea is tempting, you're concerned that this may come back to bite you and your Heroes in the future. Best to err on the side of caution with magic.
Sector VI – Heal (Sessyoin)
Seems like Sessyoin's finally gotten over her pneumonia and has come out of quarantine. Once she meets Naoko, she's decidedly excited. It seems that having more Psychics around is bringing out the good in the good doctor.
(Status upgraded to Active)
(ABILITY UNLOCK – Therapist's Insight – Gain Additional information when using the RESEARCH Action.)
Sector VII – Train (Hikaru) – 6, 5 = 11 (PURE SUCCESS)
Seems that having Odessa throw him around is actually working. Hikaru's starting to improve his hand-to-hand skills, enough that he's actually confident he can use them effectively in battle. His confidence is actually starting to grow now, enough that people seem to feel lighter-hearted around him.
(+1 EXP to Hikaru)
(* HIKARU LEVEL UP! Ability Unlocked: Armor of Optimism *)
(Hikaru gains the Trait: Fighter (Unarmed))
* * *
TURN 8 – DRAMA PHASE
EXTRA EVENT 1
TURN 8 – DRAMA PHASE
EXTRA EVENT 1
You take the train out to Nagano along with Hikaru. While having Hikaru accompany you seems a bit odd, you eventually decide that it would be a bit rude to deny him a chance to visit his grandmother. Besides, there's no harm in having some back up in case something happens.
Momoko Sano lives in a small house just on the outskirts of the city. You're not sure what to expect when you meet her, but she's all smiles when she opens the door. She's in her early seventies, with her pale gray hair pulled back in a bun behind her head. Her face is well-lined, with a surfeit of laugh-lines and crow's feet around her gray eyes. She's dressed in a pale green kimono and obi, and she walks and moves with care and precision. She greets Hikaru with affection and welcomes you both into her house.
You watch the two of them interact quietly, feeling like an intruder in this family dynamic. It's quite apparent that Hikaru adores his grandmother, and he quickly springs to help her even when she waves him off. Hikaru explains your presence here truthfully when Momoko asks, and you can't help but feel like you're being analyzed by Momoko's gaze when Hikaru isn't looking.
Eventually, Momoko asks Hikaru to go run some errands for her at the local store, leaving you and her alone.
"Have to admit," you say as you nibble on a rice cracker, "I'm a bit jealous of Hikaru's relationship with you."
"Oho, you don't have to be," Momoko replies with a wave of her hand. "I'm glad my grandchild's gotten a purpose in life now."
"Yeah, about that." You set the rice cracker aside and rest your hands on the table, fingers laced together. "I may have heard that you used to be a magical girl."
Momoko smiles faintly. "That was a long time ago, dear. As much as I'd like to, I'm not exactly in the shape to fight bad guys these days. I'm enjoying my retirement."
"Fair enough. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions, though?"
"Of course not." Momoko lifts her cup of green tea and blows on it gently. "What would you like to know?"
SELECT THREE OPTIONS
[ ] How did you gain your powers?
[ ] Why did you pick Hikaru as your successor?
[ ] What can you tell me about the Nightmare Kingdom?
[ ] Do you know any other magical girls?
[ ] Make A Suggestion
* * *
EXTRA EVENT 2
You lie in wait for your target on the steps of the Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku. Businessmen and tourists pass by, going up and down the temple steps to make offerings to Inari Okami. It's also, apparently, one of the places Jin shows up to regularly. At least, regularly enough that you can corner him here.EXTRA EVENT 2
Finally, however, you spot your quarry and follow him into the Shrine proper.
Jin Hansou is in his early twenties. He's a severe-looking young man with narrow, dark eyes , a long chin and slicked-back black hair. He wears a pair of black-rimmed glasses and is dressed in a simple black suit and tie, just like every other salaryman that you've seen passing by. That much is probably intentional; if you hadn't known what to look for, he probably would have faded into the crowd. An unassuming black briefcase dangles from his left hand. (You can see tension in every inch of his frame like he's about to take off in a sprint.)
"Excuse me," you say as you catch up to him. "Hansou-san?"
"Sorry, ma'am," he replies formally, not turning to face you. "You must have me mistaken for someone else."
"I don't think I do, Hansou-san."
He continues walking briskly, forcing you to match his pace. "As I said, I think you have me mistaken for someone else. If you'll excuse-"
"I don't work for Fuyuhiko, if that's what you're worried about."
"Neither do I. My name is Takeru Yamada."
"I'm sure it is. I-"
He bolts, vanishing around the side of the shrine. You follow as quickly as you can, slowly coming to a halt as you round the edge of the shrine and find nobody there.
You look around… only for a pair of hands to yank you into the shadows and press you up against the wall. Jin is glaring at you, his eyes hard and his teeth clenched.
"What the hell do you want?" His whisper comes out in a hiss of breath.
"To recruit you," you whisper back. "I'd think that's pretty obvious."
"That's a terrible idea," he replies. "If my uncle finds out that I'm working with you, there'll be no end of trouble for you. I'm pretty sure I'm already under observation from his agents. Or at least, they're trying to observe me."
"Trying, eh?" You take a quick glance around. "
Despite his intensity, he smirks. "Look, I get that you're trying to do good. And I know you'd be happy for me to work with you. But I'm more trouble than I'm worth. Do you really want me on your side?"
How do you respond?
[ ] RECRUIT – If he's got information on the SAD, then it'd be worth it to have him on your side even if it puts you on their shit-list.
[ ] LEAVE – If what he says is true, then recruiting him might not be the wisest move. Best not to poke the tiger more than necessary.
* * *
EVENT!
EVENT!
As you're working in your office, Maya approaches your desk. "Um, Administrator?"
"Hmm?" You glance up at her. "Yes, Tanaka-san?"
"I just wanted to let you know that next week I'm going to have to report in at the UN about your progress. They want to speak with me personally."
"Oh…" Right. She wasn't just your aide; she was also here to observe you directly. You'd almost forgotten about that.
"I'm really sorry," she bows quickly. "I shouldn't be gone very long. Likely a week at the most."
"Well, I suppose it can't be helped." You sigh and lean back in your chair. "Just out of curiosity, what's your current opinion on my progress?"
Maya blushes. "I'm really not supposed to say, Hongo-san."
"Fair enough. I have to say, I'm going to miss having you around."
She giggles. "You make it sound like I'm going to disappear forever, Hongo-san."
"I'd certainly hope not." You turn back to your monitor. "Have a safe flight, Tanaka-san."
(Next Turn, you lose access to Maya's Ability)
