It's LIke XCOM, But With More Sparkles -- Henshin Heroes & Heroines HQ Quest!
- Thread starter PurpleProse
- Start date
- Original Superhero
goldenbat
RPG Lover
- Location
- Somewhere
Sector I – Administrator – Active
[X] RECRUIT
-[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
[X] PREP
[X] RECRUIT
-[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
[X] PREP
- Location
- iTALY
[X] Sector I – Administrator – Active
-[X] RECRUIT
--[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
[X] PREP
-[X] RECRUIT
--[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-(X) Random Topic
Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
[X] PREP
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
[X] Sector I – Administrator – Active
-[X] RECRUIT
--[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
[X] Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
-[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
[X] Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
-[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
[X] Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
-[X] PREP
-[X] RECRUIT
--[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
[X] Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
-[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
[X] Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
-[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
[X] Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
-[X] PREP
- Location
- Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines
Sector I – Administrator – Active
[X] RECRUIT
-[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
-[X] SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-[X] Random Topic
Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
[X] PREP
[X] RECRUIT
-[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
-[X] SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
-[X] Random Topic
Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
[X] PREP
KnightDisciple
Brotherhood. Unity. Peace.
- Location
- Midwest, USA
[X] Sector I – Administrator – Active
-[X] RECRUIT
--[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
[X] Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
-[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
[X] Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
-[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
[X] Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
-[X] PREP
-[X] RECRUIT
--[X] SUBARU SHIRAI
[X] Sector II – Manufacturing & Support – Active
-[X] PRODUCE (ROLL REQUIRED)
[X] Sector III – Technology Research and Analysis – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector IV – Data & Media Intercept & Analysis – Active
-[X] INVESTIGATE (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] SPECIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
[X] Sector V – Metaphysical Analysis & Research – Stressed (-1 to all rolls)
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VI – Medical & Biological Research – Active
-[X] RESEARCH (ROLL REQUIRED)
--[X] Random Topic
[X] Sector VII – Security & Deployment – Active
-[X] PREP
PurpleProse
Squishy Purple Unicorn
@Nevill U.N.S.E.A.T. is an official United Nations organization specifically tasked with monitoring, analyzing and responding to incidents of an extraordinary or unconventional nature. Think of them like UNIT from Doctor Who. The establishment of Hexagon Alpha is their first proactive action in this weird war, outside of the typical UN's standard peacekeeping practices.
PurpleProse
Squishy Purple Unicorn
Voting closes in approximately 6 hours. Please have your votes cast before then.
PurpleProse
Squishy Purple Unicorn
VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.
Final Tallies:
1
Recruit Hikaru 5
Recruit Subaru 8
2
Produce 13
3
Research (Random) 13
4
Investigate (SAD) 11
Scan 2
5
Research (Random) 13
6
Research (Random) 13
7
Prep 13
Final Result: We're recruiting Subaru first, and investigating the Special Affairs Division. All other Sectors will do the only actions they can perform at this moment. This is still the early game, so options haven't spread out much.
Part 2 and the Drama Phase will be posted later.
Final Tallies:
1
Recruit Hikaru 5
Recruit Subaru 8
2
Produce 13
3
Research (Random) 13
4
Investigate (SAD) 11
Scan 2
5
Research (Random) 13
6
Research (Random) 13
7
Prep 13
Final Result: We're recruiting Subaru first, and investigating the Special Affairs Division. All other Sectors will do the only actions they can perform at this moment. This is still the early game, so options haven't spread out much.
Part 2 and the Drama Phase will be posted later.
Chapter 1: Turn 2 - DP
PurpleProse
Squishy Purple Unicorn
Sector I – Recruit Subaru Shirai
Recruiting isn't as easy as simply visiting a recruit's home and politely asking them to join up with you, especially when the person in question seems to be a phantom thief. It takes a bit of time for you to nail down Subaru's movements and habits enough that you'll be able to get her into a position where you'll have the upper hand.
)( EXTRA EVENT! – RECRUITING SUBARU SHIRAI. )(
Sector II – Produce – 1, 2 = 3. (FAIL)
It happens the second you walk into Sector II to check on how things are progressing. There's a series of loud bangs and crashes, followed by swearing; partly in Japanese and partly in a tongue you've never heard before. You and several others run to see what happened and find Nailo slightly squished under some machinery. The workers quickly get him loose, and you berate the person who caused the accident while Nailo is whisked off to the infirmary.
(Nailo Alhambra gains the Injured Status: Cannot use Abilities until healed.)
Sector III – Research (Random) – 5, 1 = 6. (FAIL)
Bad luck strikes again when you check-in at Sector III. You catch Geta-Pi-Theta is arguing with one of his direct subordinates in his office, and the man promptly storms out. You soon discover the reason behind the fight after speaking to Geta-Pi-Theta; the man had been involved in an alien attack and had mistaken Geta-Pi-Theta as one of the race that had attacked. You convince the man that he's incorrect, but the rest of the staff are notably tense.
(Sector Status downgraded to Stressed: -1 penalty to all rolls.)
Sector IV – Investigate (Special Affairs Division) – 2, 4 = 6. (FAIL)
The week continues to disappoint as you get a report back from Michelle. If there's any information on the Special Affairs Division, it's either so thoroughly sequestered as to be impossible for Michelle to access, or the computers the base is equipped with are sorely under-spec for this sort of work. And since the prior scans had gone so well, she doubts it's the former. She's willing to try again once she's had time to analyze the algorithms they're using.
(Investigate Action cannot be used next turn.)
Sector V – Research (Random) – 1, 6, -1 = 6 (FAIL)
You expected the base to have teething troubles, but not to this degree. Especially not when a hovering fairy made out of swirling green water and bone appears in your office. Seems this is how the Hidden College sends its missives. Apparently, they're willing to release Falter's archives for a modest donation of materials. You don't want to pay their ransom, but you really need to get Sector V on track. Fucking wizards…
(-1 Resources.)
Sector VI – Research (Random) – 6, 1 = 7 (FLAWED SUCCESS)
If there's one bright spot, it's that Sector VI seems to be functioning well. After you sit down with Dr. Sessyoin, she lets you know that she's been hard at work updating the databases on psychic phenomena to better reflect her current research. That way, everyone will know what to expect from PSI Sourced individuals.
>MECHANICAL CODEX UPDATED – SOURCES (PSI)<
Sector VII – Prep
Odessa's finally got her new recruits whipped into shape. Thank god something's gone right this week. You tell her to get them on standby just in case a monster attack happens while you're busy recruiting Shirai. Given how this week has gone, you're not taking any chances.
(Strike teams are Prepped.)
(GM NOTE: It wouldn't be an XCOM-style game if the RNG didn't decide to just screw you over. Still, you'd think a 7+ on 2d6 wouldn't be THAT hard to roll.)
Subaru Shirai attends an exclusive private girls-only high school located in Shibuya. You're at least ninety percent certain that you would've been turned away at the front gate if it weren't for the fact that you'd called ahead. It hadn't been that difficult to feed the principal a line about an internship offer for Miss Shirai with the UN; partly because this was the sort of school that sent its kids off to do great things, and partly because the offer was technically true.
Still, you couldn't help but feel a little nervous as you listened to the principal introduce you to Subaru.
Subaru is a pretty young woman with black hair drawn back in a very simple ponytail. She has narrow and dark eyes, a fair complexion, and a build that suggests regular visits to the gym and a lot of work in a leotard. Ballet? Possibly. Gymnastics? Definitely. Either way, she moves like she owns the room. There are hints of practicality in her looks; nails trimmed short, no jewelry, hair worn in a simple style. She sits with excellent posture and smiles winningly as the principal blathers on. (The smile doesn't reach her eyes, and you catch her glance at you, the window and the doorway in that order.)
"Principle Kobayakawa," you interrupt gently, "do you mind if I speak with Miss Shirai in private? I don't want to distract you from your duties."
"Oh! Of course. Do pardon me, Hongo-san," he replies, bowing slightly and slipping out of the room.
Silence descends. You look at Subaru. Subaru stares back at you. You could cut the tension with a knife. (You feel like she's sizing you up as much as you're sizing her up.)
You decide to make the first move. "If you're thinking about it, the window wouldn't be the best option. Too obvious."
To her credit, her expression doesn't shift. "Pardon?"
"Of an escape route," you clarify. "Too many questions would be asked. The easiest route would probably be just to leave out the doorway and explain to the principal that you had to turn down the internship offer. I'd imagine you could probably come up with a good enough excuse. Might not work with your parents, of course, once word gets back to them."
Subaru shifts her weight in her chair slightly, drumming her fingers on the table in a rapid staccato. You can almost see the wheels turning in her head. Suddenly, her fingers stop. "Okay, fine. So, what's the plan; throw me in jail if I don't cooperate?"
An eyebrow quirks. "Who said anything about jail?"
"Let's not play games, Hongo-san," she says, dropping the smile and putting on a very professional demeanor. "I've been expecting something like this would happen eventually. I didn't expect it would be someone like you, but the scenario is still the same. So, are you going to turn me over to the police?" (Despite her flippant attitude and clear stress, she seems like she's... enjoying herself?)
"Well, I'd be lying if I told you I hadn't considered it," you reply, slowly climbing to your feet. "In my previous line of work, I would've been chasing after folks just like you. However, times and priorities change." You reach down and pick up the briefcase you brought with you.
"And if you think I'm going to be-"
"I don't expect you to believe me, at least not without proof." You snap open the briefcase and pull out a folder and slide it over to her. She catches it with one finger and opens it slowly. Her eyes dart across the contents quickly before she looks up at you. (She looks genuinely surprised.) "These…"
"It's a list of potential targets," you reply. "You've got a very standard MO. Loan sharks, debt collectors, Yakuza… people that prey on the less fortunate. You've been destroying debt records and wiping people's slates clean. Or at least, trying to."
Subaru glances down at the papers, then back at you. "I don't believe you."
"Belief's got nothing to do with it. You're young, you've got passion, and you've clearly got talent. If you accept this 'internship' you can do a whole hell of a lot more good than just being on your own. Of course, we'd also be able to shield you from the legal consequences of such actions. And pay you, of course."
She bites her lip, her fingers drumming out a rat-tat-tat on the tabletop. "What's the catch?"
"Well, it's not exactly safe work. There's danger involved. There's a greater than zero chance that you might end up dead." You quirk a smile. "Then again, you probably understand risks of that nature, going after the Yakuza like you do."
She drums her fingers on the table. "Can I have a moment alone to think about it?"
"Sure." You stand up, close your briefcase and step outside. You catch her staring at the folder as you slide the door shut.
A few minutes pass by. Part of you starts to wonder if she jumped out the window just before the door slides open. She hands you the folder with a smile.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Miss Hongo," she gushes girlishly in front of the principal. "I'm so excited to work with you!"
* * *
The world shifts into a shadowy stage. Heeled shoes click in the shadows as a silhouetted figure emerges from the dark. Spotlights clack on from multiple directions as Subaru Shirai walks forwards, pulling her long ponytail into a tight bun atop her head with a dark purple scrunchie. She stares into the camera and the music kicks in.
The spotlight clicks off, then back on, revealing empty space with a trail of sparkling purple glitter drifting off to one side. The spotlight gives chase, only barely grazing parts of Subaru's body as she runs; a school shoe followed by a black boot, a bare hand replaced with a long black glove. More spotlights join the chase as the darkness gives way to a landscape of purple stardust and buildings silhouetted in violet.
Subaru leaps upwards, landing in silhouette as she grasps her school blazer, then rips it upward. The camera follows it with a sharp pan up, then snaps back down to reveal Subaru in costume as the spotlights land on her. Her body is clad in a black catsuit with dark purple diamond-like starbursts scattered across her abdomen. Over the catsuit is a tactical harness, a broad belt with various pouches, a pair of heavy black gloves, a pair of equally sturdy boots and a long-tailed and hooded jacket. Her face is obscured by a black visor with seven connected purple diamonds forming the viewport.
"Phantom Thief, Pleiades!" She pirouettes in place, posing for a brief moment as she points directly into the camera. "Beneath this starry sky, I'll be taking back the future you've stolen!"
There's an eruption of purple smoke and glitter, and in a flash she's gone.
\ HERO GET! SUBARU SHIRAI – THE PHANTOM THIEF PLEIADES! /
* * *
EVENT!
Near the end of the week, you're contacted by Nelson in your private office. The stress of the week shows for a brief moment before you swallow it back and put on a pleasant smile. "What can I do for you, sir?"
"I've been in contact with my superiors here at the UN," he replies. He looks about as worn out as you do. "While I've assured them that you're the best choice for the job they want to make sure."
"Sounds like they're not exactly impressed by my resume," you say lightly. You hope it didn't come out too sarcastic.
"No, but they're not usually impressed by anything. Damn bureaucrats." He sighs. "They want to send you an assistant. Someone to help smooth things along. Their words, not mine. I think they just want someone keeping an eye on you so you don't burn the base down around you while they're not looking."
"Gee, such confidence." Okay, yeah, that was sarcasm.
"I don't like it any more than you do." He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I can probably beg it off if I call in a few favors, but that would raise… concerns. But it's your call."
You consider your options.
[ ] TAKE THE HELP. There's no shame in asking for aid, even if it comes with strings attached. Of course, this also means that you've got someone else watching your every move. (Gain Ally, with possible complications and oversight.)
[ ] TELL THEM NO. Despite evidence to the contrary, you can handle this. The last thing you need is a watchdog breathing down your neck. Of course, this means you'll owe Nelson big time, and the UN won't be happy. (Lose Favor, but keep independence)
Voting ends in 24 hours, though I won't be able to post the official shut-down until later on tomorrow night. I'll post the tutorial on Heroes later tomorrow.
Recruiting isn't as easy as simply visiting a recruit's home and politely asking them to join up with you, especially when the person in question seems to be a phantom thief. It takes a bit of time for you to nail down Subaru's movements and habits enough that you'll be able to get her into a position where you'll have the upper hand.
)( EXTRA EVENT! – RECRUITING SUBARU SHIRAI. )(
Sector II – Produce – 1, 2 = 3. (FAIL)
It happens the second you walk into Sector II to check on how things are progressing. There's a series of loud bangs and crashes, followed by swearing; partly in Japanese and partly in a tongue you've never heard before. You and several others run to see what happened and find Nailo slightly squished under some machinery. The workers quickly get him loose, and you berate the person who caused the accident while Nailo is whisked off to the infirmary.
(Nailo Alhambra gains the Injured Status: Cannot use Abilities until healed.)
Sector III – Research (Random) – 5, 1 = 6. (FAIL)
Bad luck strikes again when you check-in at Sector III. You catch Geta-Pi-Theta is arguing with one of his direct subordinates in his office, and the man promptly storms out. You soon discover the reason behind the fight after speaking to Geta-Pi-Theta; the man had been involved in an alien attack and had mistaken Geta-Pi-Theta as one of the race that had attacked. You convince the man that he's incorrect, but the rest of the staff are notably tense.
(Sector Status downgraded to Stressed: -1 penalty to all rolls.)
Sector IV – Investigate (Special Affairs Division) – 2, 4 = 6. (FAIL)
The week continues to disappoint as you get a report back from Michelle. If there's any information on the Special Affairs Division, it's either so thoroughly sequestered as to be impossible for Michelle to access, or the computers the base is equipped with are sorely under-spec for this sort of work. And since the prior scans had gone so well, she doubts it's the former. She's willing to try again once she's had time to analyze the algorithms they're using.
(Investigate Action cannot be used next turn.)
Sector V – Research (Random) – 1, 6, -1 = 6 (FAIL)
You expected the base to have teething troubles, but not to this degree. Especially not when a hovering fairy made out of swirling green water and bone appears in your office. Seems this is how the Hidden College sends its missives. Apparently, they're willing to release Falter's archives for a modest donation of materials. You don't want to pay their ransom, but you really need to get Sector V on track. Fucking wizards…
(-1 Resources.)
Sector VI – Research (Random) – 6, 1 = 7 (FLAWED SUCCESS)
If there's one bright spot, it's that Sector VI seems to be functioning well. After you sit down with Dr. Sessyoin, she lets you know that she's been hard at work updating the databases on psychic phenomena to better reflect her current research. That way, everyone will know what to expect from PSI Sourced individuals.
>MECHANICAL CODEX UPDATED – SOURCES (PSI)<
Sector VII – Prep
Odessa's finally got her new recruits whipped into shape. Thank god something's gone right this week. You tell her to get them on standby just in case a monster attack happens while you're busy recruiting Shirai. Given how this week has gone, you're not taking any chances.
(Strike teams are Prepped.)
(GM NOTE: It wouldn't be an XCOM-style game if the RNG didn't decide to just screw you over. Still, you'd think a 7+ on 2d6 wouldn't be THAT hard to roll.)
* * *
TURN 2 – DRAMA PHASE
EXTRA EVENT!
TURN 2 – DRAMA PHASE
EXTRA EVENT!
Subaru Shirai attends an exclusive private girls-only high school located in Shibuya. You're at least ninety percent certain that you would've been turned away at the front gate if it weren't for the fact that you'd called ahead. It hadn't been that difficult to feed the principal a line about an internship offer for Miss Shirai with the UN; partly because this was the sort of school that sent its kids off to do great things, and partly because the offer was technically true.
Still, you couldn't help but feel a little nervous as you listened to the principal introduce you to Subaru.
Subaru is a pretty young woman with black hair drawn back in a very simple ponytail. She has narrow and dark eyes, a fair complexion, and a build that suggests regular visits to the gym and a lot of work in a leotard. Ballet? Possibly. Gymnastics? Definitely. Either way, she moves like she owns the room. There are hints of practicality in her looks; nails trimmed short, no jewelry, hair worn in a simple style. She sits with excellent posture and smiles winningly as the principal blathers on. (The smile doesn't reach her eyes, and you catch her glance at you, the window and the doorway in that order.)
"Principle Kobayakawa," you interrupt gently, "do you mind if I speak with Miss Shirai in private? I don't want to distract you from your duties."
"Oh! Of course. Do pardon me, Hongo-san," he replies, bowing slightly and slipping out of the room.
Silence descends. You look at Subaru. Subaru stares back at you. You could cut the tension with a knife. (You feel like she's sizing you up as much as you're sizing her up.)
You decide to make the first move. "If you're thinking about it, the window wouldn't be the best option. Too obvious."
To her credit, her expression doesn't shift. "Pardon?"
"Of an escape route," you clarify. "Too many questions would be asked. The easiest route would probably be just to leave out the doorway and explain to the principal that you had to turn down the internship offer. I'd imagine you could probably come up with a good enough excuse. Might not work with your parents, of course, once word gets back to them."
Subaru shifts her weight in her chair slightly, drumming her fingers on the table in a rapid staccato. You can almost see the wheels turning in her head. Suddenly, her fingers stop. "Okay, fine. So, what's the plan; throw me in jail if I don't cooperate?"
An eyebrow quirks. "Who said anything about jail?"
"Let's not play games, Hongo-san," she says, dropping the smile and putting on a very professional demeanor. "I've been expecting something like this would happen eventually. I didn't expect it would be someone like you, but the scenario is still the same. So, are you going to turn me over to the police?" (Despite her flippant attitude and clear stress, she seems like she's... enjoying herself?)
"Well, I'd be lying if I told you I hadn't considered it," you reply, slowly climbing to your feet. "In my previous line of work, I would've been chasing after folks just like you. However, times and priorities change." You reach down and pick up the briefcase you brought with you.
"And if you think I'm going to be-"
"I don't expect you to believe me, at least not without proof." You snap open the briefcase and pull out a folder and slide it over to her. She catches it with one finger and opens it slowly. Her eyes dart across the contents quickly before she looks up at you. (She looks genuinely surprised.) "These…"
"It's a list of potential targets," you reply. "You've got a very standard MO. Loan sharks, debt collectors, Yakuza… people that prey on the less fortunate. You've been destroying debt records and wiping people's slates clean. Or at least, trying to."
Subaru glances down at the papers, then back at you. "I don't believe you."
"Belief's got nothing to do with it. You're young, you've got passion, and you've clearly got talent. If you accept this 'internship' you can do a whole hell of a lot more good than just being on your own. Of course, we'd also be able to shield you from the legal consequences of such actions. And pay you, of course."
She bites her lip, her fingers drumming out a rat-tat-tat on the tabletop. "What's the catch?"
"Well, it's not exactly safe work. There's danger involved. There's a greater than zero chance that you might end up dead." You quirk a smile. "Then again, you probably understand risks of that nature, going after the Yakuza like you do."
She drums her fingers on the table. "Can I have a moment alone to think about it?"
"Sure." You stand up, close your briefcase and step outside. You catch her staring at the folder as you slide the door shut.
A few minutes pass by. Part of you starts to wonder if she jumped out the window just before the door slides open. She hands you the folder with a smile.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Miss Hongo," she gushes girlishly in front of the principal. "I'm so excited to work with you!"
* * *
The world shifts into a shadowy stage. Heeled shoes click in the shadows as a silhouetted figure emerges from the dark. Spotlights clack on from multiple directions as Subaru Shirai walks forwards, pulling her long ponytail into a tight bun atop her head with a dark purple scrunchie. She stares into the camera and the music kicks in.
The spotlight clicks off, then back on, revealing empty space with a trail of sparkling purple glitter drifting off to one side. The spotlight gives chase, only barely grazing parts of Subaru's body as she runs; a school shoe followed by a black boot, a bare hand replaced with a long black glove. More spotlights join the chase as the darkness gives way to a landscape of purple stardust and buildings silhouetted in violet.
Subaru leaps upwards, landing in silhouette as she grasps her school blazer, then rips it upward. The camera follows it with a sharp pan up, then snaps back down to reveal Subaru in costume as the spotlights land on her. Her body is clad in a black catsuit with dark purple diamond-like starbursts scattered across her abdomen. Over the catsuit is a tactical harness, a broad belt with various pouches, a pair of heavy black gloves, a pair of equally sturdy boots and a long-tailed and hooded jacket. Her face is obscured by a black visor with seven connected purple diamonds forming the viewport.
"Phantom Thief, Pleiades!" She pirouettes in place, posing for a brief moment as she points directly into the camera. "Beneath this starry sky, I'll be taking back the future you've stolen!"
There's an eruption of purple smoke and glitter, and in a flash she's gone.
\ HERO GET! SUBARU SHIRAI – THE PHANTOM THIEF PLEIADES! /
* * *
EVENT!
Near the end of the week, you're contacted by Nelson in your private office. The stress of the week shows for a brief moment before you swallow it back and put on a pleasant smile. "What can I do for you, sir?"
"I've been in contact with my superiors here at the UN," he replies. He looks about as worn out as you do. "While I've assured them that you're the best choice for the job they want to make sure."
"Sounds like they're not exactly impressed by my resume," you say lightly. You hope it didn't come out too sarcastic.
"No, but they're not usually impressed by anything. Damn bureaucrats." He sighs. "They want to send you an assistant. Someone to help smooth things along. Their words, not mine. I think they just want someone keeping an eye on you so you don't burn the base down around you while they're not looking."
"Gee, such confidence." Okay, yeah, that was sarcasm.
"I don't like it any more than you do." He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I can probably beg it off if I call in a few favors, but that would raise… concerns. But it's your call."
You consider your options.
[ ] TAKE THE HELP. There's no shame in asking for aid, even if it comes with strings attached. Of course, this also means that you've got someone else watching your every move. (Gain Ally, with possible complications and oversight.)
[ ] TELL THEM NO. Despite evidence to the contrary, you can handle this. The last thing you need is a watchdog breathing down your neck. Of course, this means you'll owe Nelson big time, and the UN won't be happy. (Lose Favor, but keep independence)
Voting ends in 24 hours, though I won't be able to post the official shut-down until later on tomorrow night. I'll post the tutorial on Heroes later tomorrow.
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- Location
- St. Petersburg
A 7 is an average for 2d6. So it's reasonable that since we succeded all the rolls but one last turn, now the situation is reversed.
Still stings, though.
I think you meant the exact opposite. She had considered it, therefore she'd be lying if she told she didn't.
[x] TAKE THE HELP. There's no shame in asking for aid, even if it comes with strings attached. Of course, this also means that you've got someone else watching your every move. (Gain Ally, with possible complications and oversight.)
~Celeste~
Vampire Catgirl Extraordinaire
- Pronouns
- She/They
Sheesh. RNG wasn't kind this round.
[X] TAKE THE HELP. There's no shame in asking for aid, even if it comes with strings attached. Of course, this also means that you've got someone else watching your every move. (Gain Ally, with possible complications and oversight.)
[X] TAKE THE HELP. There's no shame in asking for aid, even if it comes with strings attached. Of course, this also means that you've got someone else watching your every move. (Gain Ally, with possible complications and oversight.)
Dark Lord Potato
Aspiring OverLord from Canada
- Location
- Ottawa, Ontario
[X] TAKE THE HELP. There's no shame in asking for aid, even if it comes with strings attached. Of course, this also means that you've got someone else watching your every move. (Gain Ally, with possible complications and oversight.)
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
[X] TAKE THE HELP. There's no shame in asking for aid, even if it comes with strings attached. Of course, this also means that you've got someone else watching your every move. (Gain Ally, with possible complications and oversight.)
I hope the actions next turn won't be so painful, would get ridiculous if we just Fail most of the time.
I hope the actions next turn won't be so painful, would get ridiculous if we just Fail most of the time.
- Location
- Outside the Box
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Bravo! An excellent intro sequence!
[X] TELL THEM NO.
Sounds like way more trouble than it's worth. Besides, if favor is a currency then removing a problem before it even has the chance to effect us has got to be a good use of it.
Tutorial - Heroes Pt. 1
PurpleProse
Squishy Purple Unicorn
+ TUTORIAL – HEROES PT. 1 +
Congratulations! You've just recruited your first HERO!
Heroes are assets you can deploy into the field to do many amazing things, including fighting back against the Forces of Evil. Now that you've acquired a Hero, let's take a look at her Sheet.
-
Name: Subaru Shirai
Level: 1 EXP: 0/5
Source: TRAINING
Status: Normal
Health: [ ][ ][ ]|[ ][ ][ ]
Stress: [ ][ ][ ]|[ ][ ][ ]
Positive Traits: Infiltrator, Thief, Agile, Knows (Security), Sneaky
Negative Traits: Criminal, Diva, Suspicious
Abilities:
Phantom Thief: Subaru gains +1 on infiltration and stealth-related rolls.
-
All Heroes you recruit will start out at Level 1 with 0 EXP. Heroes gain EXP by fighting bad guys, failing rolls, getting Training at your base, and via certain Events. When a Hero gains 5 EXP, their level increases by one. As Heroes gain levels, they unlock new abilities and alter their Traits in a positive manner. Their maximum Level is Level 9.
What are Traits? Traits are descriptors that represent the Hero's general areas of competence. Think of them as skills or flaws. Whenever a Hero does an action that requires a Roll, any relevant Traits will be automatically applied. POSITIVE TRAITS add a cumulative +1 to the roll for each one that applies, while NEGATIVE TRAITS cause penalties of various kinds. The maximum bonus or penalty a Hero's roll can have is +3/-3. Certain Heroes will have Traits that are IN ALL CAPS. Such Traits are only available when the hero has Transformed, and are typically much stronger than standard Traits.
Much like Allies, Heroes also have Abilities that are influenced by their Source. Heroes will gain 4 total Abilities as they level up.
Please note: all Heroes are capable of fighting, so don't feel bad about deploying them into combat if they're not a 'fighter' type of hero. Of course, we'll cover that in more depth once we get an actual Incident.
+ END TUTORIAL +
>MECHANICAL CODEX ENTRY ADDED - HERO SHEETS<
\DATASHEET ADDED - SUBARU SHIRAI/
>MECHANICAL CODEX ENTRY ADDED - HERO SHEETS<
\DATASHEET ADDED - SUBARU SHIRAI/
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Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
@PurpleProse: Wait, what would the help actually do? Any actual mechanical benefit, or are we just getting a useless overseer who'll rat us out? That, and are they already defined, or would they be developed only if voted for?
PurpleProse
Squishy Purple Unicorn
@Kkutlord There is an actual mechanical benefit to taking the help: you'll gain an additional Ally. I already have a personality in mind as well. Of course, her loyalty is primarily to the UN and not to you, which may cause trouble later on depending on the actions you take.
(I'm being intentionally vague because I don't want to sway the vote.)
(I'm being intentionally vague because I don't want to sway the vote.)