Let's Jump to It! [Jumpchain Quest]

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 6:

You swear inwardly as you make and discard plans while dodging enemy fire. The hive is the main problem; as long as it's around the enemies won't stop coming.

You sigh mentally. 'Well, I guess it can't be helped. Eliza; Cardridge Load.'

'Yes Mistress.' Almost on auto-pilot, you chamber a round in your rifle-device. The noise it makes somehow resonates through you. "Cartridge Load!"
[luck roll: 57]
[Combat: 63(roll) + 15(Wits/Dex) + 15 (Belkan magic) + 5 (Arcane) +30 (Eliza's assistance) +30 (cartridge use) + 5 (???) = 163; Req: 80/100/120/140/160; Lvl-5 Success.]

Time almost seems to slow as you feel the extra magic rush through you; a fresh load of adrenaline surges through your body.

Even as your mind quickly grinds through the calculations for your next attack, you can't help but not that you feel invincible; like you could fight off a whole army.

... Which is good considering what you're trying to do.

Dodging the next volly of attacks, you take aim once more. "Phantom Light."

The difference is like night and day. Whereas before, your attacks barely phased the tortilian monstrosities, Your latest spears through your target.

Thankfully, you don't stop to gloat; dodging out of the way of another volley of beams. "Phantom Light." Duck and weave. "Phantom Light." Drop, then boost. "Phantom. Light."

It was almost like a dance.

A more lethal one than you'd like, but there was a certain elegance to the rhythm of the combat.

Still, you make short work of your foes, and twenty seconds after starting the area around is cleared of enemies.

"Alright, I think you've overstayed your welcome." You can't help but taunt as you point your rifle at the hive. 'Eliza; let's get rid of this thing.'

'With pleasure, Master.' Is her reply, as she begins feeding a new equation to you.

As you begin the charging process, the energy chamber of the gun begins humming; starting off low, and building to a higher pitch as more mana is compressed into it..

Three Belkan triangles appear in front of the weapon's as the muzzle begins to glow.

It feels like the whole world is holding it's breath in anticipation.

'Awaiting your command.'

Call out your attack:
[] Write-In

---

GM's Note: Don't you just love cliffhangers?

Voting will close Oct 9, 2018 at 3:00 PM

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 7:

As you channel your magical energies into the massive breaker-class spell, and your device transforms from it's rifle form into something more akin to that weapon the hero used in that Gundam anime; you can't help but marvel at the size of the Belkan triangles that the two of you have created. You've never channeled this much raw energy before.

As the spell nears completion, you can't help a feeling of giddiness at the thought about what you're going to do. Hopefully you're not turning into an adrenaline junkie.

And finally it's ready. The calculations are made and the formula is complete.

You line your sight up with the weapon, put your finger on the trigger, and say two words.

"Apparition Break!"

The results are spectacular.

Granted, you can't see much at first due to the giant beam of purple energy dominating you vision; but you can feel the amount of energy that you're channeling. You're not sure you can do the feeling justice with mere words, but it's like you hold the power of a goddess.

Even before your attack fades, you notice the monsters in the streets below collapsing beneath their own weight. Some of them are even starting to disintegrate into motes of light.

Finally, after what seems like both an eternity and no time at all, your attack peters out. Having expended all your accumulated mana for the attack, you're left panting in exertion as you observe the results.

The hive is basically gone; only some bits along the edges remaining. The monstrosities it had spawned are fading away.

A glowing point of light appears to be sitting in the crater, and one of the TSAB squads appears to be heading towards whatever it is.

You'd say that it's a job well done.
fate: 36
'-peat, this is the TSAB Command to the unknown mage. Please Respond."
Wits/Composure check: 56 + 15 = 71]
You blink before realization hits you.

'I read you, TSAB Command.'

'Oh, thank the Kaiser. This is Captain Chris Alpine. Now that the jamming-field is down, we'd like to thank you for your assistance. Considering how undermanned we are right now, who knows what might have happened if you hadn't intervened.'

'It was my pleasure, Captain.'

'Would you mind coming with us to the headquarters for debriefing? I think the Commander would like to meet you in person.'

Your response:
[] Agree to go with them.
[] Beg off.
[] Write-in.

---

GM's notes: Fast update this time, as I had the spare time today (and everything seemed to flow).

Anyway, voting will close at Oct 10, 2018 at 3:00 PM .

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 8:
???: 88
The Local TSAB commander turns out to be a middle-aged woman by the name of Salina Ranold. Despite her graying hair, lined face, tired expression, and well-used desk, you can't help but feel a commanding presence from her.

Or maybe it's because of these things? Social interaction was never really your forte.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Majere, Miss Eliza." She says, nodding to each of you. "I wanted to thank you for all your help, today."

[Social check: 41(roll) + 0(Charisma) + 20(socializing) = 61; Req: 40/60/80/100/120; Lvl-2 Success]

"You too, Commander." You reply with a nod in return. "We're just happy that we could help. That whole situation was a mess."

"With our communications cut-off by that lost logia, we're still trying to piece together exactly what happened. Would you be willing to give us a copy of your fight data for us to go over?"

[] "Certainly." (They'd be grateful; there's a chance they'll notice some 'anomalies' but they'd likely be brushed off as quirks of your Belkan unison device {Eliza})
[] "Sorry, but I'd rather not." (You'd lose out on some of the goodwill complying would get you; also a chance to make some suspicious)
[] "[Write-in]"

"Anyway, Your I.D. you're from Non-Administered World 97; Earth, I think you call it? The same world as Admiral Graham." Here she chuckles. "For a world with practically no magic on it, you people are surprisingly competent when you get your hands on it."
Composure: 86+15=101
With an effort of will, you do not smirk as two others come to mind. "I've never met the man, but apparently I have a high bar to beat." There's a bit of dryness in your tone.

"So, if you don't mind me asking; what brings you to Mid-childa?"

[] "I'm hoping to do some research at the Infinite Library."
[] "I'm looking to apprentice under a device-meister."
[] "I was actually looking into joining the TSAB."
[] "Just playing tourist, at the moment. I wanted to see what a world other than my own was like."
[] "[Write-in]"

She nods in understanding. "Well, I can certainly point you in the right direction. Oh; and before I forget." Opening one of her desk drawers, she pulls out a card of some sorts before handing it to you. Eliza helpfully informs you that it's a Mid-childan debit-card. "For your assistance earlier. It's not much, but it's all I'm cleared to give out to civilians."

[Gained 50,000 Mid-childan credits]

You idly thank her as you accept the money.

"One last thing before I have to get back to this paperwork." Here she seems to deflate slightly. "We're currently undermanned due to an incident in that newly administered territory. Can we call on you if there's another emergency like this?"

[] "Certainly."
[] "I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
[] "[Write-in]"

---

GM's Note: Sorry again about the delay, everyone.

Anyway, Voting will close at Oct 13, 2018 at 3:00 PM

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 9:

"In case of another emergency, you have my support." You nod back to her.

Considering the drawbacks you've taken, there's a good chance you'll need to get involved anyway; so this should help smooth out the process somewhat.

"Unless there's anything else you'd like to bring up?" At your negative response she continues. "Then I'll have a cab called for you to take you to the Library."

"Thank you Commander. Good luck with your endeavors."

"You too, Miss Majere."

A few minutes later found you standing on the sidewalk as a Midchildan taxi is pulling up alongside.

You can't help but take a moment to take in your situation.

At first glance, you'd think this was an ordinary (if large) Earth city.

Then you start noticing the little details: The cars that run much quieter than 'normal' ones, and don't put out any exhaust; the devices that people use in place of computers and cell-phones.

The multiple large moons that can be seen despite the sun still being in the sky.

Everything seems to be so similar to what you know that the little details seem that much more jarring.

Speaking of the moons, if their relative size is anything to go by, those things could be planets by themselves. You idly wonder if that's something left over from the Belkan/Al-hazardi eras, because you're reasonably certain that it's not natural.

As you step into the vehicle, you make a note to set some time aside to do some research about Midchilda in general.

---

The Infinity Library is, quite frankly, one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen.

Sure, the anime and mangas described it, but actually seeing the rows of bookshelves stretching as far as the eye can see makes you want to squeal like a schoolgirl.

You're so happy that your Perfect Memory and Total Efficiency boosts from the Basic Jumper Package still work.

What do you want to research?:
[] Write-in.
Note: you can create plans to research multiple things, but keep in mind that the more spread yourself out, the less gains you'll get in each.

---

GM's Notes: Kinda wanted to do more with this one, but I'm currently running a fever, and my concentration is impaired; so this will have to do for now.

Anyway: voting will close Oct 15, 2018 at 3:00 PM

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 10

[Study Check(Midchildan history & culture): 3(roll) +15(Wits) +50(Total Efficiency) +50(Perfect Memory) = 118; Req: 40/60/80/100/120; Lvl-4 Success. ???: 66]

You love the 'Basic Jumper Package' Perks.

A perfect memory and an enhanced-learning ability? The number of things you wouldn't have done for that were in the single-digits.

Add in the fact that you get to world-hop to new and exciting settings and learn their magics; and you're really not even missing the ability to gain other perks.

A part of you is actually glad that you can't just learn new magics by pushing a button, anymore; there's something... pure, wholesome even, to learning something from the bottom up. Coming at it with few preconceptions can lead to asking questions that people who already 'know' the subject would never think to.

It's the entire premise behind your Arcane Magic studies; casting aside preconceived notions to look for the common underlying themes behind the different schools of magic.

So, it's somewhat understandable if, after an hour of paging through some (admittedly interesting) tomes about how Midchilda rose from the wreckage of the Belkan wars, began hunting down Lost Logia, & helping other worlds, you could feel the books on the magic calling to you.

It's not that the information you're going over isn't useful, or even intellectually stimulating. The TSAB is probably the closest thing you've ever seen to Gene Roddenberry's vision of Star Trek's United Federation of Planets.

Quite frankly, the whole thing is a bit inspiring; A whole Federation (because that's what it is), of different worlds (with their own cultures and all), banding together in the name of cooperation.

They have their problems (they wouldn't be human if they didn't), but at the end of the day it's logic and reason that prevail (for the most part).

[Gained: Midchildan History D]
[Gained: Midchildan Culture D]

Still, as fascinating as that all is, you barely last more than a couple hours before you find yourself digging through tomes of magical theory in order to satisfy that itch.

Problem? You don't have a problem. Everyone has their priorities, and Magic happens to be yours.

[Study Check(fundamental & applied magical theory): 66(roll) +115(Wits & Perks) + 5(Arcane Magic) = 186 Req: 60/80/100/120/140; Lvl-5 Success.]

Much like in your own world (and the 'Potterverse', as far as you could tell), magic in this multiversal-cluster is an extra-dimensional force that humans and other beings access to alter their surroundings.

However, unlike the former examples, the laws of physics in this setting are... sturdier than in the previous ones. You're not sure if it's the the type of magic that this world draws upon (the magic is different than what you usually use, you can feel that much), or if it's due to a different cosmological structure (laws of physics, different distances between the planes, thank kind of thing).

Still, the end results are still the same, it takes a lot more knowledge and precise calculations.

For example:

In the 'Potterverse' transforming into an animal and keeping all of your mental faculties involves a long and trying process of finding your inner animal and connecting to them on a spiritual level.

In your home universe, the process would require crafting a 'focus' of some kind, which would provide a template for what you would transform into; basically providing a pattern for the magic to follow. Only after long use would you be able to transform without it, as your mind and magic would eventually 'remember' the process well enough to fill in the missing pieces.

However, in this universe, a mage would have to run a simulation to find the ideal form of a desired animal, then construct the form's body along with the appropriate spells used to link the bodies together; usually using a device. The alternate body itself is actually considered a 'device' itself, and is kept in a subspace pocket until needed; one doesn't 'transform' so much as switch which body is wholly in the dimension at any time.

This is a gross oversimplification, and isn't even going into the psychosomatic aspects, the carry-over between bodies, and the process needed to get used to the body. Like in the 'Potterverse' most mages consider it a interesting application of magic, but ultimately not worth the time and effort for comparatively little practical use.

This is much the same throughout each of the 'systems' of magic; using the power to add to and get around the existing laws of physics using extra-dimensional space, the abundant energy, and different laws of physics to alter the current dimension.

[Gained: Magical Theory (Nanoha-verse) C]
[Belkan Magic D+ > C-]
[Gained: Midchildan Magic D-] (note: this will increase as you practice with it)

Still, even as your eyes begin to droop, you're already thinking about what you'd like to study next:
[] Device Meistry (a complex field of study, but one you believe will be worth it.)
[] Lost Logia (relics from Al-hazard and Belka, most of them malfunctioning and causing chaos throughout the Dimensional Sea, but much of Midchilda's current tech was reverse-engineered from them)
[] Spells [you're repertoire is a bit thin, still; maybe you could design some that do more than shoot things]
[] Write-in.

"I think it's time to call it a day, Eliza." You comment to your companion as you close the book in front of you.

"Yes Master." Eliza calls, as she finishes looking through a book on Ancient Belka.

Hm... you never did have that talk with her about how you'd like her to address you.

What would you like her to call you, anyway?:
[] 'Master' is fine.
[] Write-in.

---

GM's Notes: A bit exposition heavy, but kinda important.

As usual, voting will close Oct 17, 2018 at 3:08 PM .

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 11

After returning the books to their shelves, the two of you make your way towards the Infinite Library's entrance (thankfully with moving platforms to help you get there; this place is huge).

You find yourself grateful both for your younger body, and that you still have your Basic Fitness perk. back home, a marathon study session like this would have required a healing spell due to stiffness.

As you idly stretch your back out, you you decide to broach a subject with your companion, that you've been forgetting.
Charisma=93+20=113!
"Before I forget, Eliza; you can just call me Vivian. I was never one for formalities."
???=96! *snicker*
"... Are you sure, Master? Wouldn't that be strange?"
Wits=1(botch!) *evil grin*
Turning to look, you see that she appears to be somewhat nervous (or is it embarrassed?). Not too surprising, as she probably only has her programming to go off of for social interaction. Still, you'd rather have a friend than a servant; especially considering how long you'd likely be together.

"Of course not!" You're quick to assure her with a smile. "We're partners, after all." This just seems to make her even more embarrassed.

Looks like she's a bit on the shy side. Still, if the tiny smile is anything to go by, you think you've said the right thing.
Achievement Progress: Clueless Protagonist 1/10
After leaving the Library, you move to hail a cab before a thought occurs to you; While you could certainly take a cab to a hotel and stay there, you also have a house in your Warehouse that you can stay in (including food). And as nice as those credits you got as a reward are, they won't last you forever, so staying in your warehouse would help you save money.

Hm...
[] Stay in a hotel.
-will cost you credits to both take a cab there (teleportation is restricted to designated areas) and for a room.
-you'll likely need to find a job before long if you keep doing this.
[] Find a place to open a portal to your Warehouse and stay there.
-free room and food.
-would be considered a bit odd if anyone finds out about it. (not too odd, though; Midchildan technology allows for similar feats)
-can still receive communications through the Wi-Fi feature.
[] Write-in.

---
???=52(nope)
The Next day, you're right back at the library.

Today's subject: Devices!

[Study Check(Device Meistry): 31(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 146 Req: 80/100/120/140/160; Lvl-4 Success.]

The subject is fascinating! There are similar principles to what the mages of your world are beginning to uncover, but this is so much more!

It would be like comparing a wooden fishing boat to a space shuttle.

You love it!

[Gained: Magitech (Nanoha-verse) C-]
[Gained: Magitech (Device Meistry) C-]

By the end of the day, you believe you've learned enough about magitech devices to be able to design your own.

Mind you, they'd be crude and inefficient compared to what most Meisters would be able to make, but you're confident it would work!

You love your learning-enhancement Perks so much.

Hm... you've only been on this world for two days, and you've spend most of them inside the library,

Should you take a break?
[] You're living the dream, why would you need a break? (spend most of your time researching; timeskips and skill gains)
[] There is something to be said for first-hand experience.
-[] Doing what? (Write-in)

---

GM's Notes: Alive, but still a bit under the weather (I'm living proof why you should never make CON your dump-stat).

Anyway: Voting will close Oct 24, 2018 at 3:00 PM

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 12
???=27(no) ,41(no) ,30(no) , 2(oh, yes)
[Wits check: 87(roll) +15(Wits) =102; pass!]

Just to be on the safe side, you do a quick check on the Midchildan Extranet to double-check the rules on extra-dimensional living spaces (you'd seen them referenced before in some of the books you've read, but getting details rarely hurts). Thankfully, they turn out to be fairly simple; can't interfere with other people's spaces, can't disrupt the public, etc. The relevant part for you, however is that extra-dimensional living-space devices (which are basically the local-equivalent to a high-end RV) can only be accessed at designated 'camping spots' outside of emergency situations.

Basically, they want to both keep track of dimensional incursions, and keep people's dimensional shifting from interfering with daily life (imagine coming out of a dimensional transfer into a busy street).

Still, you're able to find one with little difficulty using the extranet (a lovely little park-area with both walls and flat stone areas for shifting), and soon find yourself once again staring at the plain walls of your Warehouse.

Hm... you make a mental note to find a jump with cosmetic upgrades for this place.

Still, at least the living areas are nice, if a bit spartan.

[Wits check: 43(roll) +15(Wits) = 58 ; pass]

As you pass by your workshop, you end up pausing to examine the changes that have occurred with the new jump.

Before, the place had consisted of a comprehensive early 21st-century tools and stations, combined with some stranger wizarding-equipment that you never got around to learning about.

The potterverse-gear had all disappeared, however; and in their place was enough Mid-childan power-tools to make a sci-fi author squeal.

[willpower roll: 34(roll) +30(tired & hungry) =54; req: 40/80]

"Eliza, would you mind fixing us something for dinner? I'd like to take a quick look through the workshop." While you're too tired to actually do much (and you're currently lacking in parts, anyway), you're curiosity about these tools that you've read about. What? Even if you consider yourself a researcher first and foremost, first hand experience still has it's place. It's not like you're eager to play with new toys or anything. >.>

"Right away, M-Vivian." Although her expression doesn't change, she blushes slightly at her verbal mixup. "Anything in particular?"

"Just nothing too heavy." You say as you examine an arcane auto-chisel. "It's fairly late, after all."

---

Dinner turned out to be a simple fish filet, with vegetables and (amusingly enough) a glass of wine for each of you.

At your raised eyebrow, Eliza blushes slightly. "The recipe said that it would go well with the fish, and the facilities here include a small wine and liquor cellar."
[wits:92+15=107]
"I'm not complaining, just curious." You reply. You get the feeling that Eliza is trying to impress you.

It's kinda cute.

---

The next few weeks goes by in much the same way.

Studying during the day.

[Study Check(Magical Theory): 35(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 150 Req: 80/100/120/140/160; Lvl-4 Success.]
[Study Check(Magical Theory): 83(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 198 Req: 100/120/140/160/180; Lvl-5 Success.]
[Study Check(Magical Theory): 23(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 138 Req: 120/140/160/180/200; Lvl-1 Success.]
[Study Check(Device Meistry): 44(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 159 Req: 80/100/120/140/160; Lvl-4 Success.]
[Study Check(Device Meistry): 43(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 158 Req: 100/120/140/160/180; Lvl-3 Success.]
[Study Check(Device Meistry): 79(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 194 Req:120/140/160/180/200; Lvl-4 Success.]
[Study Check(Midchildan history & culture): 12(roll) +115(Intelligence & Perks) = 127; Req: 60/80/100/120/140; Lvl-4 Success.]

[Gained: Magical Theory (Nanoha-verse) A+]
[Gained: Magitech (Device Meistry) S-*]
*You will take a small penalty to actual crafting rolls when making more advanced Devices until you have gotten some practice in making them.
[Gained: Magitech (Nanoha-verse) B+]
[Gained: Midchildan History B-]
[Gained: Midchildan Culture B-]

Returning to your Warehouse during the evening to eat and sleep (with the odd bit of tinkering with what few resources you have)

---

It's a little after the fourth week had started, you're tired, but happy from a long day of studying, and are currently making your way back to your warehouse.

Suddenly, feel the world around you shift, as the color of everything around you washes out into near gray-scale.

'Vivian!' Eliza warns your as she looks up into the sky.

Following her gaze, you see what appears to be a squad of TSAB aerial mages battling a single figure.

*Explosion*

... One with a lot of power, if that spell was anything to go by.

What will you do?
[] Try to find a way out of the barrier (might let the enemy mage escape)
[] Join the battle (the Bureau mages look like they could use some help)
[] Something Else (Write-in)
Note: you can add stunts to the votes. I'll give you a bonus to your actions depending on creativity and feasibility.

---

GM's Notes: Sorry for the delay, it's been a busy week.

Anyway, voting will close Oct 26, 2018 at 3:00 PM

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 13a

You don't hesitate. "Eliza; Unison."

"Yes Master. Unison-In!"

A quick transformation later, and you're flying up to join the battle.

[Situational analysis: 86(roll) + 15(Wits) + 10(tactics) + 15(Eliza) = 126; Req: 40/60/80/100/120; Lvl-5 Success!]

As you move closer, to the battle, your keen observation combined with Eliza's passive scans identify several facts quickly.

[Bonus roll: 81(roll) + 15(Intelligence) + 20 (Magic {Midchildan}) + 30(Eliza) = 146; Req: 60/80/100/120/140; Lvl-5 Success!]

The first is why you didn't receive any warning about the conflict; there's some kind of localized jamming-field up that's interfering with communications and scans. From what you've gathered from your scans, it's being maintained by the enemy mage that the Bureau mages are fighting. Also, it shows eerily similar patterns to the field that the Lost Logia you defeated in design; meaning that the mage was somehow able to reverse-engineer the spell-effect.

Second, you recognize two of the mages fighting.

'-̡҉ṕ͠͠͞ę̵͟ą̨͏̢t͜͜!́͝͠ ͏͡T̵͝h́͟i̴̢s͜ ̡͜͝i̶͜҉s̡̛͜ ̡͡C̡̀a̧͘͟p͞t̸̡͏a͝͞ín̷ ͘C̀͠h҉̵r̀i̢͟s ̴A̢͢l̀p̢i̵͟ne̴.͜҉ Id͜ènti̧f͞y ҉Y͏o̴u͠rse̸lf.'

[Countermeasure roll: 78(roll) + 15(Intelligence) + 20 (Magic {Midchildan}) + 30(Eliza) = 143; Req: 40/60/80/100/120; Lvl-5 Success!]

You manage to mentally cobble-together a quick program to deal with the worst of the interference.

'C̨ap̡t͡a͢i̵ń Alpin̴e̴, t̕h͞is ̵i͞s V͠ivįa̸n ͠Majere.̕ I'm̕ ͢h͞e̶re ̢t͝o of͡fe͘r͟ asśis͟t̡an̶ce͏.'

You stop as you finally get a good look at the enemy.

[Composure check: 45(roll) + 15(composure) = 60: 40/60/80/100/120; Lvl-2 Success]

'I͏s͜ ţhat-̵?'

'P̶r͝es͏e̷a͜ ̡T̛esta̡r͠ossa.͏ F̕órm͏er̸ ͢magi͏c͏al r͡e͏sęar̡çher, now S͘-cļas̸s w̕a͏ņted ̀c͝rimi͜n͝a͜l̨. S͡p̡e̷c̛ia̵ļi̕zi̴ng͟ i̶n l̵a̶r̶g͘e̡-scale, ̴e̴x͞ter̢n̵al̶-m͜an̕a ́máni̸pu͞l͝àti̛on.'

And she looks annoyed.

"Another Insect? I don't have time for this little diversion." She complained as she fires a volley of magical bullets at everyone. "Photon Burst!"

[Joining Combat: 53(roll) + 15(Wits) + 10(combat) = 78; Vs: 87]
[combat round 1 (Defense): 24(roll) + 15(Wits/Dex) + 25 (Belkan magic) + 30 (Eliza) = 94; Req: 100/120/140/160/180; Failure]

You barely manage to get a shield up as more than one orb slams into it.

{What is she even doing here?} Eliza sends to you as the two of you try to fire off some Phantom Sparks in direction. {Didn't you say that she was hiding out and letting Fate do her dirty work?}

{That's not supposed to be for another month or two. We don't know what will happen before then.} You send back as you attempt to dodge her return-fire. {Not to mention any butterflies our presence and the Drawbacks may have caused.}

{Well-Shit!} Eliza cuts herself off, as the two of you had missed one of Presea's bullets.

[Damage roll: 23(roll) + 45(A-rank attack) - 55(Barrier Jacket)= 13 damage]
[Vivian's Health: 112/125]

You feel a pain spread through your left arm as the attack slams into it. Thankfully, your barrier jacket took the brunt of the attack, although you can feel it fray in that area.

[combat round 1 (Offense): 94(roll) + 15(Wits/Dex) + 25 (Belkan magic) + 30 (Eliza) = 164; Req: 80/100/120/140/160; Lvl-5 Success]

Thankfully, while Presea has a lot of power, you noticed that she doesn't seem to have much in the way of actual combat experience (you're guessing she just relies on raw-power and control); as, after seeing you get hit, she quickly turns her attention away from to your allies.

Something you're more than willing to capitalize on. "Phantom Light!"

[Damage roll: 77(roll) + 30(B-rank attack) +40 (Lvl-5 bonus) - 65(Barrier Jacket)= 82 damage]
[Presea's Health: 0/75]

Presea whirls around at your cry, only to take your bombardment-class attack straight to the chest.

The shocked look on her face before she's knocked out is oddly satisfying.

Thankfully, one of the Bureau mages manages to catch her before she hits the floor.

{... I think we just killed the canon series of events.} Eliza comments, as the two of you try to take in the enormity of what you just did.

{Shot through the head} You can't help but agree.

---

GM's notes: No voting today. I'll have the next part out tomorrow.

Not gonna lie, I didn't expect this fight to be that quick. But unfortunately for Presea, she's kinda squishy.

Fun Fact: Presea specializes in using external sources of mana. The longer the fight would have gone, the more powerful her attacks would become, as she basically would have been using the energy of your own expeneded attacks against you (basically variant Starlight Breakers).

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 13b

"Thanks again for your help, Miss Majere." Captain Alpine says as the secured (and unconscious) elder Testarossa is loaded into a TSAB transport. "That could have gone badly."

This is big. If Presea is locked up, then that means that she won't attack that transport and scatter the Jewel Seeds.

Heck, you don't even know what Fate's status is, or if Linith is still alive.

Your mouth works on autopilot as you think. "Happy to help, Captain. Although I think your boys would have beaten her in the end."

At this, he just nods. "She has a lot of power and control, but her combat experience is practically non-existent. Speaking of which;" He says as he turns to face you fully. "I can't help but notice that you could use some practice yourself."

[Composure Check: 75(roll) + 15(Composure) = 90; Req: 40/80/120; Lvl-2 Success.]

You squash the indignant impulse his words create, and let it out as a sigh. "You're not wrong. I suppose I should start getting some training in if I'm going to keep helping with these situations." You admit with a grimace.

It's not that you're against training, but it tends to be somewhat time-consuming.

Besides, mages where you were from fought mostly as support, or with meatshields guardians to get up close. And you didn't stay long enough in the Potter-verse to learn their old-west style spell-slinging.

"The Higher ups want you to know that you're welcome to use our training facilities at any time." He looks around before continuing in a quieter tone. "Personally, I think they're just trying to get you to join; mages of your power-level are few and far-between."

There are definite advantages (money, resources, and the like), but it would also seriously cut into your study time.

Your Response:
[] 'I'll admit, I'm Interested. What would I have to do to find out more?'
[] 'I'll have to think about it. My priorities really aren't being a combat-mage.'
[] 'Thanks, but I'm happy being a free agent, although I'd be more than happy to take you up on the training facility offer.'
[] '(Write-in)'

---

GM's Notes: The big question. The answer is '42'.

On an unrelated note: I'd like to remind everyone that Jumpchan has granted you free Companion recruitment (providing that you explain the rules of the Jumpchain to them, and they agree to follow you). Details in the OP.

Anyway: voting will close at Oct 29, 2018 at 3:00 PM

 

[Jack of Olives]

Lyrical Nanoha 14

"While the offer is appreciated, I'll likely refuse. I'm happy being a free agent; and while I don't mind helping, being a combat-mage isn't really one of my priorities." You pause, before adding. "I'll be happy to take you guys up on the offer of a training facility, though.'
???=5
He nods at your response. "That's fair; this kind of life isn't for everyone."

---
???=2
In the end, you were awarded the bounty for Presea.

[Gained 1,000 Mid-childan credits]

Which you and Captain Alpine were pretty sure was a misprint, because that's the local equivalent of $10. He said he'd let the ones in charge know; but with how hectic things have been, it may take a while for them to fix that.

With that taken care of, things once more return to as semblance of normalcy.

Still, in light of recent events, perhaps a change to your daily routine is in order.

[Scheduling Unlocked]

Choose how you'll be spending your time for the next month:
Slots: 5 Major & 5 Minor

Major Activities:
[] Study at the Infinity Library
-can be taken more than once
-[] Device Meistry
-[] Magical Theory
-[] Ancient Belka
-[] Midchilda
-[] Belkan Magic
-[] Midchildan Magic
--(Warning: Eliza is not optimized for this style magic)
-[] Write-in
[] Train your combat skills at the TSAB facility every day
[] Practice creating devices
-[] Materials budget: [write-in]
[] Earn some money (takes 2 slots)
-[] Part-Time Job
-[] Jobs for the TSAB
--potential events
-[] Write-in
[] Visit another world
-[] Earth
-[] Write-in
[] Other [write-in]

Minor Activities:
[] Train your combat skills at the TSAB facility once a week
-incompatible with the major activity
[] Spend time with someone.
-[] Eliza
-[] Captain Alpine
-[] Other [write-in]
[] Go shopping for something.
-Current Budget: 51,000 Credits
-[] What for [write-in]
[] Explore Midchilda
[] Other [write-in]

---

GM's Notes: Not much content in this one. I started writing it out normally, then realized that I was making decisions for you guys.

If it turns out you guys don't like this format, I can always change things later.

Also I'll be rolling for events, since you guys still have those drawback to deal with.

Anyway: voting will be open until Oct 31, 2018 at 3:00 PM