Issue # 3.0: Aftershocks
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Horizon, City of Leviathan's Rest – The Apiary – January 2, 2067
". . . I love you, Zi. You smug, fucking bitch. Now, goodbye."
Silence fills the room at the conclusion of the video. Menagerie Witch, Handyman, and Chaucer all stare, wide-eyed. Black Swan looks grim, but determined—she was already aware of most of this. Even Dr. Ibis looks thoughtful instead of manic for once.
However, it is Opale who speaks first. Or, should you say, it is Châtelet who speaks first.
"Lady Leizi, how certain are you that what Valiant Silver has to say in this video is accurate? I know this is a deeply personal message to you, but . . . you could see the Rebound starting to hit. Is this talk about a 'Stage' . . . reliable?"
Life in the Apiary agreed with Châtelet. Already, the maximized hormone replacement therapy provided by Mendicant was clearly having a visible effect on her appearance. But, beyond that, Châtelet just seemed more comfortable. She had grown out her hair, and had it pulled into a loose ponytail. She wore a snug, silver bodysuit underneath plates of black armor—a tribute to The Giant Slayer that did not go unnoticed. She had told you she was going for a "space-knight" aesthetic, and she seems to have nailed it.
But her question remained.
"It's real," Black Swan says quietly, "I saw it. I saw her. Before she died, I mean."
This prompted another round of explanations as Black Swan filled in your team about her temporal journey to help Nora defeat Catch-22-13, as well as the revelation about the clairvoyant spy you believed was watching you all.
"Leviathan's Blood, Double L, is that it? Any other revelations? Did the Leviathan have a kid who's walking around? Maybe twins?" Handyman says.
"Don't joke about that, Rhys," Chaucer sighs, "That's the last thing we need."
"Mona, have you seen the crazy-eye thing lately?" Menagerie Witch asks, "Cuz, if so, I've got a jar of embalming fluid I've been needing to fill. . ."
"Madeline, no."
"Madeline, yes!"
"No," Black Swan says, remaining serious. You nod in approval; she's done quite a lot of growing up these last few weeks, "I think the Apiary is keeping her out?"
"Yes," you agree, "The Apiary has always provided latent psychic defenses for us. It's why Le Petit Prince's power didn't work in these walls."
"Noted," Châtelet says, writing in a notepad.
"Darling . . . are you taking minutes of our meeting?"
"Should I not? How do you keep track of things then?"
"We mostly don't?" Handyman offers.
"That's a terrible system," Châtelet says, "Uhhh, sorry. I just mean . . . that's a terrible system."
"Well, feel free to improve it," you say, "That is why I appointed you as my second."
"Well, okay!" she says going back to the notepad.
"So then," Chaucer says, futilely trying to rein in the chaos, "What's on our docket then?"
"Nothing pressing," you say, "But we can't leave the . . . insult from Crusade unanswered. If only because they've made it clear they won't stop."
"How do they know about Project Prometheus anyway?" Menagerie Witch askes, rubbing her chin, "We never talk about it in public, and there's no documentation . . . unless a certain future jar-filler has been tattling to them."
"I've considered that possibility," you say, "But I don't know what information was kept in the EXCEED armor. That boy might have found a reference to it in there."
"Speaking of Ọsanyìn, from what Wolong told us, Uiara's sister needs help," Handyman says, "Also, have I mentioned how happy I am to have someone on our side?"
"It is a boon," you agree, "But Yara has help. And we have other issues. Someone is going around calling themselves 'Justice Unlimited' and promising to grant metahuman powers to anyone who joins."
"That's . . ." Black Swan starts.
"Too close for comfort, I agree. And what's more . . . the Ghost Dragon Triad appears to be involved. My father's old Triad."
"Oh, poop," Black Swan nearly-swears, "That's bad."
"Indeed," you agree, "In perhaps more positive news, it seems someone else is moving against Monarch, but in a more measured way. Marvelous Shine has resurfaced."
"Marvelous Shine is back?!" Handyman shouts, "Yo, that guy rules!"
"Who's that, an old guy?" Menagerie Witch asks.
"Marvelous Shine was an active hero around the time of the original New Dawn," Chaucer explains, "He retired after the Susurration, but he was quite powerful. Said to be a peer to Novalight or King."
"Yep, an old guy."
"That may be," you say, "But he's asked for help striking a blow against Monarch. Apparently she's been buying serums from Lethal Anodyne, and he knows the date and location of the next purchase. He wants to cut off her supply."
"More heroes is a good thing, right?" Black Swan asks, "I mean, Maddie and I have been working on new stuff, but we can use all the help we can get."
"Yes," you agree. You truly want to move to crush Crusade underfoot, but that's inadvisable for many reasons. Chief among them, you're not actually certain who would win a fight. No, for now you must bide your time, build your strength, and prepare. As should Crusade, because you are coming for them.
______________________________________________________________________________
The calm before the storm.
Put your plans in the following format:
[ ] Get Gonathan Out of the Well!
MISSION 1
MISSION 2
TOTAL AP: X
TOTAL HERO: HIT X, ESPIONAGE X, REPUTATION X, OPERATIONS X.
Black Swan must be with New Dawn for one mission. Please labor the mission she will not be present on.
If you wish to include New Dawn heroes on a mission, please note that and which two heroes you wish to include.
The vote will remain open for 72 hours.
TWO HOUR MORATORIUM ON VOTING.
". . . I love you, Zi. You smug, fucking bitch. Now, goodbye."
Silence fills the room at the conclusion of the video. Menagerie Witch, Handyman, and Chaucer all stare, wide-eyed. Black Swan looks grim, but determined—she was already aware of most of this. Even Dr. Ibis looks thoughtful instead of manic for once.
However, it is Opale who speaks first. Or, should you say, it is Châtelet who speaks first.
Name: Châtelet, Opale Houdin-Reyes
Keywords: Fundamental Force Manipulation, Construct Creation
Faction: Justice Unlimited
Stats: HIT 7, ESPIONAGE 3, REPUTATION 7, OPERATIONS 6
Ibis' Notes: Châtelet can create tube-shaped barriers in any location she can see, including around objects. The outside of the barrier can withstand strong physical damage, while the area inside the barrier has a gravitational orientation chosen by Châtelet. The barriers are not permeable, but the top and bottoms are not enclosed, allowing Châtelet to fire them like a "beam" if she so chooses. The barriers can be any thickness she wishes, but the gravitational effect occurs in a strength proportional to the size of the barrier. The more barriers she creates at once, the weaker they all become collectively.
Keywords: Fundamental Force Manipulation, Construct Creation
Faction: Justice Unlimited
Stats: HIT 7, ESPIONAGE 3, REPUTATION 7, OPERATIONS 6
Ibis' Notes: Châtelet can create tube-shaped barriers in any location she can see, including around objects. The outside of the barrier can withstand strong physical damage, while the area inside the barrier has a gravitational orientation chosen by Châtelet. The barriers are not permeable, but the top and bottoms are not enclosed, allowing Châtelet to fire them like a "beam" if she so chooses. The barriers can be any thickness she wishes, but the gravitational effect occurs in a strength proportional to the size of the barrier. The more barriers she creates at once, the weaker they all become collectively.
"Lady Leizi, how certain are you that what Valiant Silver has to say in this video is accurate? I know this is a deeply personal message to you, but . . . you could see the Rebound starting to hit. Is this talk about a 'Stage' . . . reliable?"
Life in the Apiary agreed with Châtelet. Already, the maximized hormone replacement therapy provided by Mendicant was clearly having a visible effect on her appearance. But, beyond that, Châtelet just seemed more comfortable. She had grown out her hair, and had it pulled into a loose ponytail. She wore a snug, silver bodysuit underneath plates of black armor—a tribute to The Giant Slayer that did not go unnoticed. She had told you she was going for a "space-knight" aesthetic, and she seems to have nailed it.
But her question remained.
"It's real," Black Swan says quietly, "I saw it. I saw her. Before she died, I mean."
This prompted another round of explanations as Black Swan filled in your team about her temporal journey to help Nora defeat Catch-22-13, as well as the revelation about the clairvoyant spy you believed was watching you all.
"Leviathan's Blood, Double L, is that it? Any other revelations? Did the Leviathan have a kid who's walking around? Maybe twins?" Handyman says.
"Don't joke about that, Rhys," Chaucer sighs, "That's the last thing we need."
"Mona, have you seen the crazy-eye thing lately?" Menagerie Witch asks, "Cuz, if so, I've got a jar of embalming fluid I've been needing to fill. . ."
"Madeline, no."
"Madeline, yes!"
"No," Black Swan says, remaining serious. You nod in approval; she's done quite a lot of growing up these last few weeks, "I think the Apiary is keeping her out?"
"Yes," you agree, "The Apiary has always provided latent psychic defenses for us. It's why Le Petit Prince's power didn't work in these walls."
"Noted," Châtelet says, writing in a notepad.
"Darling . . . are you taking minutes of our meeting?"
"Should I not? How do you keep track of things then?"
"We mostly don't?" Handyman offers.
"That's a terrible system," Châtelet says, "Uhhh, sorry. I just mean . . . that's a terrible system."
"Well, feel free to improve it," you say, "That is why I appointed you as my second."
"Well, okay!" she says going back to the notepad.
"So then," Chaucer says, futilely trying to rein in the chaos, "What's on our docket then?"
"Nothing pressing," you say, "But we can't leave the . . . insult from Crusade unanswered. If only because they've made it clear they won't stop."
"How do they know about Project Prometheus anyway?" Menagerie Witch askes, rubbing her chin, "We never talk about it in public, and there's no documentation . . . unless a certain future jar-filler has been tattling to them."
"I've considered that possibility," you say, "But I don't know what information was kept in the EXCEED armor. That boy might have found a reference to it in there."
"Speaking of Ọsanyìn, from what Wolong told us, Uiara's sister needs help," Handyman says, "Also, have I mentioned how happy I am to have someone on our side?"
Name: Gentleman James, Andre Machado
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 4, REPUTATION 7, OPERATIONS 6
Ibis' Notes: Gentleman James can connect two points in space that he can see with unbreakable chains. He is able to shrink the chains at will bringing the points together, or extend the length of the chain as he so chooses. The weight of the objects does not affect the strength of the retraction, although it can be resisted by very heavy objects or objects fixed to the ground.
Name: Dreamcatcher, Juan Castellanos
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 3-9 (variable), ESPIONAGE 2, REPUTATION 4, OPERATIONS 4
Ibis' Notes: Dreamcatcher is able to manifest one object or creature from the dream he had last night into reality. The object maintains its characteristics from the dream, but the more Dreamcatcher himself begins to question the underlying logic of the item the less effective it becomes. Unfortunately, he has no ability to control what he dreams about and firmly believes that lucid dreaming is "total bullshit". (Mechanics: Roll a d20 on any mission with Dreamcatcher to determine the strength of his dream item)
Name: Palisade, Renee Mathews
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 7, ESPIONAGE 5, REPUTATION 5, OPERATIONS 5
Ibis' Notes: Palisade has an invisible forcefield around her body that she can freely reposition in any share or location within a thirty foot radius of herself. The barrier becomes visible when damaged, and is a dark, transparent shade of purple. If her barrier is broken, it takes approximately an hour to return to full strength, though she can use it in a diminished form before then.
Name: Miss Naught, Virginia Cunningham
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 6, REPUTATION 5, OPERATIONS 6
Ibis' Notes: Miss Naught can "mark" a target that she can see. The mark is physical and can be seen when placed. Any objects fired by her or her allies at the target will home in on the mark. To facilitate the most effective use of her powers, she carries a quiver of "trick" arrows with various effects.
Wolong's Insight—Once per mission where New Dawn is involved, Wolong can use his power to autocrit any OPERATIONS check.
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 4, REPUTATION 7, OPERATIONS 6
Ibis' Notes: Gentleman James can connect two points in space that he can see with unbreakable chains. He is able to shrink the chains at will bringing the points together, or extend the length of the chain as he so chooses. The weight of the objects does not affect the strength of the retraction, although it can be resisted by very heavy objects or objects fixed to the ground.
Name: Dreamcatcher, Juan Castellanos
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 3-9 (variable), ESPIONAGE 2, REPUTATION 4, OPERATIONS 4
Ibis' Notes: Dreamcatcher is able to manifest one object or creature from the dream he had last night into reality. The object maintains its characteristics from the dream, but the more Dreamcatcher himself begins to question the underlying logic of the item the less effective it becomes. Unfortunately, he has no ability to control what he dreams about and firmly believes that lucid dreaming is "total bullshit". (Mechanics: Roll a d20 on any mission with Dreamcatcher to determine the strength of his dream item)
Name: Palisade, Renee Mathews
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 7, ESPIONAGE 5, REPUTATION 5, OPERATIONS 5
Ibis' Notes: Palisade has an invisible forcefield around her body that she can freely reposition in any share or location within a thirty foot radius of herself. The barrier becomes visible when damaged, and is a dark, transparent shade of purple. If her barrier is broken, it takes approximately an hour to return to full strength, though she can use it in a diminished form before then.
Name: Miss Naught, Virginia Cunningham
Faction: New Dawn
Stats: HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 6, REPUTATION 5, OPERATIONS 6
Ibis' Notes: Miss Naught can "mark" a target that she can see. The mark is physical and can be seen when placed. Any objects fired by her or her allies at the target will home in on the mark. To facilitate the most effective use of her powers, she carries a quiver of "trick" arrows with various effects.
Wolong's Insight—Once per mission where New Dawn is involved, Wolong can use his power to autocrit any OPERATIONS check.
"It is a boon," you agree, "But Yara has help. And we have other issues. Someone is going around calling themselves 'Justice Unlimited' and promising to grant metahuman powers to anyone who joins."
"That's . . ." Black Swan starts.
"Too close for comfort, I agree. And what's more . . . the Ghost Dragon Triad appears to be involved. My father's old Triad."
"Oh, poop," Black Swan nearly-swears, "That's bad."
"Indeed," you agree, "In perhaps more positive news, it seems someone else is moving against Monarch, but in a more measured way. Marvelous Shine has resurfaced."
"Marvelous Shine is back?!" Handyman shouts, "Yo, that guy rules!"
"Who's that, an old guy?" Menagerie Witch asks.
"Marvelous Shine was an active hero around the time of the original New Dawn," Chaucer explains, "He retired after the Susurration, but he was quite powerful. Said to be a peer to Novalight or King."
"Yep, an old guy."
"That may be," you say, "But he's asked for help striking a blow against Monarch. Apparently she's been buying serums from Lethal Anodyne, and he knows the date and location of the next purchase. He wants to cut off her supply."
"More heroes is a good thing, right?" Black Swan asks, "I mean, Maddie and I have been working on new stuff, but we can use all the help we can get."
Chimera
In exchange for taking one injury level, Menagerie Witch may combine the clones of whatever members of her menagerie she has access to in order to create a beast with all of their traits. Said chimera will boost her HIT, ESPIONAGE, REPUTATION, or OPERATIONS stat by one for each member of her menagerie involved in the creation of the chimera. She may only maintain one chimera at a time.
Hypernovae Mode
If a sufficient source of radiation exists, Black Swan may spend the scene absorbing said source of radiation. Black Swan will recover injury levels depending on the sufficiency of the source, as well as potentially gaining "shielded" status. If Black Swan can absorb energy beyond that, she will enter Hypernovae Mode, adding +5 to her next HIT check.
Lightspeed Dash
Black Swan may fly at speeds approaching the speed of light. Doing so will trigger atomic fusion and explosions that will not harm Black Swan, but will cause damage to the areas through which she flies. If Black Swan is in Hypernovae Mode, she can absorb the energy of the explosions to continue Hypernovae Mode and prevent any damage, except for damage to what she flies through and where she stops.
In exchange for taking one injury level, Menagerie Witch may combine the clones of whatever members of her menagerie she has access to in order to create a beast with all of their traits. Said chimera will boost her HIT, ESPIONAGE, REPUTATION, or OPERATIONS stat by one for each member of her menagerie involved in the creation of the chimera. She may only maintain one chimera at a time.
Hypernovae Mode
If a sufficient source of radiation exists, Black Swan may spend the scene absorbing said source of radiation. Black Swan will recover injury levels depending on the sufficiency of the source, as well as potentially gaining "shielded" status. If Black Swan can absorb energy beyond that, she will enter Hypernovae Mode, adding +5 to her next HIT check.
Lightspeed Dash
Black Swan may fly at speeds approaching the speed of light. Doing so will trigger atomic fusion and explosions that will not harm Black Swan, but will cause damage to the areas through which she flies. If Black Swan is in Hypernovae Mode, she can absorb the energy of the explosions to continue Hypernovae Mode and prevent any damage, except for damage to what she flies through and where she stops.
"Yes," you agree. You truly want to move to crush Crusade underfoot, but that's inadvisable for many reasons. Chief among them, you're not actually certain who would win a fight. No, for now you must bide your time, build your strength, and prepare. As should Crusade, because you are coming for them.
MISSIONS
Making the Rounds (AP 1, HIT 2, REPUTATION 3): The Worker's Mitt is a series of "blue-collar" neighborhoods in Horizon, and the former territory of Justice Unlimited. The strife there is not as bad as in other parts of the city—perfect for a rookie hero on her first patrol. Go show the flag and remind everyone Justice Unlimited is still here.
Lady Leizi: Reports are limited, but there's been some rumors of two Silver Rank Behemoths being sighted in the area. It's nothing our current Justice Unlimited can't handle, and it isn't immediately pressing. However, the bounties would be nice for our coffers as well as being seen taking appropriately heroic actions. Rumors also abound of local vigilante metahumans protecting the area. It might be good to make contact with some.
(Chance of permanent global +1 to REPUTATION, Income +1500, Random event off the events table)
Pest Control (AP 1, HIT 3, REPUTATION 2): Odd monsters called Behemoths live in the QZ. It's a fact of life in Horizon, but, since the Leviathan stirred, they've been more active than normal. A few have even tried to get into the city proper, which would be very bad. A general call has gone out to anyone willing to help thin their numbers near the border. It might be good training for a newly-revived Justice Unlimited.
Lady Leizi: Again, routine work for us and we will never complain about filling our coffers. More interesting is the potential to scout the QZ for possible routes to retrieve goldnine, as well as the possibility of making contact with the vanguard of the R-Train. It may help us establish a foothold for further contact.
(Income +2000, Chance of +1 to HIT, Intel about current state of QZ, Encounter with Gold-Rank Behemoth, Chance of Encounter with R-Train)
Cenotaph (AP 1, REPUTATION 3, OPERATIONS 2): You've had your private ceremony, but your team was beloved by many in the city. You owe it to them to let them mourn too. You owe it to your team. You owe it to yourself. Have a public ceremony to honor the fallen members of Justice Unlimited.
Lady Leizi: No public ceremony has been held in honor of those who fell in the QZ . . . or for Justice Unlimited's former members. The closest was that debacle at Christmas, and that self-indulgent insult cannot stand as the only memorial to those who actually gave their lives to protect Horizon. It would draw a clear distinction between Crusade and ourselves—namely that we actually served in the QZ—and it would give us an excellent opportunity to scout for potential candidates for Project Prometheus without arousing suspicion.
(Chance of permanent global +1 to REPUTATION, Recruit 2 to 4 low and medium tolerance candidates, Encounter with Crusade)
Meet the Rookies (AP 1, REPTATION 4, ESPIONAGE 6. OPERATIONS 5): The public needs to meet the newest members of Justice Unlimited. Surely, a carefully vetted interview will be a harmless way to introduce Black Swan, Menagerie Witch, Handyman, and Châtelet, as well as yourself? What could possibly go wrong?
Lady Leizi: Takanashi Chihiro was Nora's old roommate in college and a current anchor on the Ọsanyìn Centralized News. She is also a fiend for hero culture. She has been salivating at the chance of an exclusive interview with the new interaction of Justice Unlimited. Doing her this favor would put her in our debt, and perhaps let us poach her from OCN.
Following the advent of Crusade, she has been messaging me nearly daily. She's been begging me to let her "strike back". It seems she too feels enraged at the attack on a dead woman's reputation.
(Chance of increase to REPUTATION for Black Swan, Menagerie Witch, Handyman, Châtelet, and Lady Leizi, Encounter with Crusade, Chance of recruiting Takanashi Chihiro as a Public Relations Manager—+1 Global Action and New Global Actions Unlocked)
Smoke on the Water (AP 1, ESPIONAGE 4, OPERATIONS 4): The Demon Flamez were a gang of metahumans notable for their lack of concern for collateral damage and their fire-based powers. They were inmates of Wonderland until recently, and word is they've made moves to secure their former territory in the Old Industrial District. Which makes it all the odder that you've received a private communication from one of their members asking for a clandestine meeting.
Lady Leizi: We can thank our renewed control of the Worker's Mitt for the tip I received on the Demon Flamez. Certain elements of the OID are desperate to renew their contract with Justice Unlimited. With Powers keeping a low profile, any chance the Demon Flamez had of being legitimized has gone up in smoke. This has driven their leader, Phlogiston, to abandon the pretense of civility and to rule the OID as his personal fiefdom. Unfortunately, this has attracted the attention of another would-be-monarch: Le Petit Prince.
In the middle of this is Sparksurfer telling every one of my informants that he wants to get himself and his sister, Jorōgumo, out and needs our help.
(Unlocks mission Fire in the Sky, Intel on Le Petit Prince, Chance of new metahuman DNA, +1 to control of OID, Chance of eventually recruiting Sparksurfer and Jorōgumo) [2 Turns Until Expiration]
Mahou Shoujo no Justice Unlimited (AP 1, HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 3, OPERATIONS 2): Good news! Justice Unlimited's new, affiliate hero-squad is a massive success. Bad news! Justice Unlimited doesn't have a new, affiliate hero-squad. What is happening?
Lady Leizi: . . . it appears a metahuman team themed like "magical girls" are going around and calling Justice Unlimited. Including taking contracts out in our name. To make things more unusual, my information network in their territory has been subverted. They haven't gone quiet—they're feeding me bad information. I would have no idea if one hadn't used his "duress" code phrase.
I have managed to get one piece of intel however: someone is going around and promising to give metahuman powers to any who joins "Justice Unlimited". At the same time, strange creatures made of ice have been staging increasingly coordinated attacks—creatures that look like pieces of The Frozen Throne. Something like this should rock Horizon to its core. So why is the Ghost Dragon Triad—the Triad my father used to lead—ensuring no information finds its way out?
(Unlocks mission Puella Magi Justice Unlimited Magica, Chance of new metahuman DNA, Chance of + 3000 Income, Chance of eventually finding supplier of goldnine, Chance of eventually recruiting high-tolerance candidate, Intel about the Frozen Throne, Possible Encounter with Crusade) [2 Turns Until Expiration]
Hero Worship (AP 2, HIT 10, ESPIONAGE 6, REPUTATION 10, OPERATIONS 4) Following her sister's death, Yara Oliviera finds herself the new minority owner of 11% of the sharers of the largest megacorporation in the world. The exact number of shares her father, Jair Oliviera, needs to take control of said global megacorp. Even if it wasn't Yazmin's final request, it would be prudent to keep those shares out of his hands.
Lady Leizi: There have been numerous attempts at abducting Yara, all conducted by strange, armed men. Per Belle Sabreuse—the mercenary Yazmin hired to protect Yara until Justice Unlimited could get to her—the abductors are simple, unemotive, and poor improvisers. However, they're getting smarter and more dangerous, and the last batch even had a low-level metahuman in the mix.
These powers . . . it sounds like Socialite Butterfly has in interested in Yazmin's sister.
(Unlocks mission Reality Check, Chance of eventual sponsorship with Ọsanyìn—sponsorships grant Income and resources per turn, Chance of eventually recruiting a high-tolerance candidate, Chance of eventually recruiting Belle Sabreuse, Intel about Socialite Butterfly, Chance of Encounter with Crusade) [2 Turns Until Expiration]
Break Glass in Case of Emergency (AP 2 , ESPIONAGE 8, OPERATIONS 10) Rakeem left you a cache of emergency supplies should the worst come to pass. He also left it hidden in a shipwreck at the bottom of the ocean floor. The ocean floor that has recently shifted due to the Leviathan's movement. This had better be worth it.
Lady Leizi: Rakeem took me fishing out here once. It was the first time we ever really connected. It might be nice to bring everyone else and see if the same magic still exists.
(+ 3000 Income, New Metahuman DNA, 1 of Mendicant's healing symbiotes, 3 of Valiant Silver's shield generators, 1 Ambrosia's worth of goldnine, a gift meant for Lady Leizi)
Train Kept a Rollin' (AP 2, HIT 6, REPUTATION 8, OPERATIONS 9) The R-Train is the main reason goldnine hasn't proliferated unchecked throughout the world. It is also the reason most Behemoths will never get anywhere near Horizon. It is automatic, unfeeling, and uncompromising. It has enough firepower to level nations and the ability to continue on indefinitely. And Nora believed you could talk to it. She better be right. Black Swan's extreme sensitivity to psychic fields should allow you to reason with it. Or, if you'd prefer to do it personally, Nora claimed there was equipment in her lab that could let you do so.
Lady Leizi: The R-Train is unrelenting, unfeeling, and provides a vital service to Horizon and the world writ-large. It's also the single-greatest metahuman-created construct ever created. Popular belief is that it was made by an Algernon-type who used their power unceasingly for a month straight until they hit the Rebound. That person was the "Trackmaster". Anyone experimenting with goldnine will inevitably come into conflict with the R-Train. Better, perhaps, if it is on our side.
(Unlocks Mission Tracking the Trackmaster, Eventual chance of establishing permanent supply of goldnine, eventual chance of alliance with R-Train, Chance of Encountering a Named-Rank Behemoth, Frigg of Drifting Mistletoe)
He's Got a Gun! (AP 2, HIT 7, OPERATIONS 10)
There is currently a high-speed chase ongoing as QUICK GORILLA has gone rogue. He's broken into the Dominion medical research facility where he was born and absconded with two "research subjects" who are also orangutans. Apparently they are quite valuable as Dominion has put out an "all-takers" assignment on Hero for Hire to capture QUICK GORILLA and return the subjects. And, yes, it appears QUICK GORILLA does indeed have a gun. One he knows how to use.
(Chance of alliance with QUICK GORILLA, Chance to expand Madeline's menagerie, Chance of +3000 income, Chance of +2 global REPUTATION) [Requirement: Menagerie Witch must be present on this mission].
Long Shadows of the Night (AP 2, HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 9, OPERATIONS 4)
Shroud is a serial killer with the ability to fuse with shadows and move along two-dimensional spaces. His preferred MO is to smother his victims and then arrange their bodies in "artful" poses, as if they were still alive. He's announced his next victim will be a member of the Kelso family, of Kelso-Allard Heavy Industries. The entire family has gone into hiding at their villa near the Marajó Várzea, and have hired a number of metahuman bodyguards. Including Crusade. Douglas Kelso, the second son of the family, attended college with Nora and married her other roommate, Sadie. Perhaps he can get you on scene to stop Shroud before he strikes again.
(Chance of metahuman DNA, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Chance of Income +1000, Chance of eventually sponsorship form Kelso-Allard Heavy Industries) [Must be taken within 3 turns]
Grand Theft Person (AP 2, HIT 9, OPERATIONS 7)
Third Person is a psychic parasite without his own body. He jumps from host to host every time his current body dies, and he's capable of inhabiting regular people as well as metahumans. His name comes from his strange ability to see from a "third-person" perspective around his host. His lack of a permanent identity or body has rendered him the ultimate solipsist—he does not believe the rest of the world is real aside from himself and appears to think this is all one giant game being run for his amusement and the amusement of people with "Sufficient Velocity". He has announced a grand tournament where he will surrender peacefully if someone can outdo him at a number of extremely dangerous tasks and demonstrate that they are a "real sigma".
(Chance of metahuman DNA, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Chance of Income +1000, +1 to control of the OID) [Must be taken within 3 turns]
The Air in the Valley (AP 2, REPUTATION 8, OPERATIONS 6)
Abarimon is a "reverse speedster". He moves at regular speeds, but his body automatically releases a gas that slows down the perceptions of everyone else. He has no control over this power and no way of reversing it once it takes effect. Eventually, his victims all mutate into a reverse-footed creature that is reduced to bestial intelligence. Abarimon is the only person to go into Wonderland willingly, and now that it no longer exists he is moving as little as possible. But he keeps running out of food and having to relocate. Wolong has so far managed to evacuate the populations around him, but the situation is untenable.
(Chance of metahuman DNA, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Chance of Income +1000, +1 to control of the OID, Encounter with Crusade)
The Fellowship (AP 2, HIT 11, ESPIONAGE 16, REPUTATION 9, OPERATIONS 9)
A new trio of heroes calling themselves "Trilogy" have begun to combat Monarch's forces wherever they can. Normally, this would end in disaster, but they're apparently led by Marvelous Shine himself. Marvelous Shine was a metahuman in the early days of Horizon, who was a peer of Novalight and King in his time. He retired and went into reclusion following the Susurration, but now apparently has felt compelled to return after the Movement. He's contacted you saying he has definitive proof that Lethal Anodyne is dealing to Monarch and has requested your help cutting off her supply of stimulants and enhancements. Who are you to say no to a living legend? (Unlocks mission The Towers Two, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Intel about Lethal Anodyne, Chance of alliance with Trilogy, Chance of eventually recruiting a high-tolerance candidate). [3 Turns Until Expiration].
Take the Stage (AP 0, ESPIONAGE 15, REPUTATION 5, OPERATIONS 5)
Crusade has called for an audit. Fine. You have nothing to hide, and, when they find nothing, they'll be on the back foot. You're not being naive, you're taking the least expected path. Unless someone tries to invent some evidence when they don't find any. If you can catch them red-handed in the act, then you can turn this all back on Crusade.
(EXCEED-BEYOND, True Nature of the Apiary, the Stage, and Project Prometheus become public, All intel gathered by Lady Leizi become known to Crusade, Removes all maluses on REPUTATION as a result of Crusade, Chance to damage Crusade's REPUTATION)
Revelations (???): Someone tried to wake up the Leviathan. How? And more importantly, why? [Story requirements not met]
Wider than a Mile (AP 4, HIT 45, ESPIONAGE 36, REPUTATION 39, OPERATIONS 38): Moon River was the seventh member of Justice Unlimited. To the world, she was a super-advanced AI created by Valiant Silver. In reality, she was the world's greatest technopath, able to control technology like it was her body. The only problem was, she had no ability to sense the world aside from technopathy. She didn't even know where in the physical world her actual body was. And now she's disappeared. Everyone else is gone; you won't lose her too. Find her.
Lady Leizi: I will find you, Eve. I swear it.
Anansi: I know where Eve is. I can't tell you now. I took something . . . blocked it from even my own memory. It's hidden somewhere, but once I tell you then they will know. Let me know when you're ready and then be prepared to act immediately. Don't trust anything I tell you after this. It might not be me anymore.
(Recruit Moon River, Intel about Interlocutor, Intel about Valkyrie, Intel about King, Intel about the true nature of Jacob's Ladder, Encounter with Crusade, Unlocks mission Repatriation) [8 Turns Until Expiration] [RECOMMENDED: EXCEED-BEYOND and >= 3 Max Potency Heroes]
PERSONAL ACTIONS (Chose 1 Per Hero)
Lady Leizi (Action Locked)
The Spider's Web (AP 0): There are threats in Horizon that you know will only fester if left alone. With your intelligence network, you are a surgeon. Start cutting out the rot.
[X] Monarch
Black Swan
Whispers Through the Web (AP 0): Intelligence work isn't all glamor. In fact, it's mostly boring. A lot of sitting around, watching, and occasionally talking to the right person at the right time. Have the rookie go do some of it. (+1 ESPIONAGE for Black Swan)
Read the Manual (AP 0): Adamant was obsessed with creating proper procedure and protocol for basically every situation you could imagine. And he documented all of it. In 47 thick, thick volumes. If you had to suffer through reading them, so does Black Swan. (+1 to OPERATIONS for Black Swan)
So . . . How 'bout Them Yankees? (AP 0) Black Swan has received a DM on Hero for Hire from Scarlet Maturity. He's invited her to a social outing. Wolong has given himself multiple debilitating headaches picking apart every possible outcome, but it truly appears that Scalet Maturity is just . . . kind of bored and wants to hang out. (Chance of random reward off rewards table)
Menagerie Witch
Who Doesn't Love a Power Testing Scene? (AP 0): Madeline is experienced with her power, but it is probably a good idea to test how she can use it without further damage to her body. Hopefully, somewhere deserted. (+1 HIT for Menagerie Witch)
Whispers Through the Web (AP 0): Intelligence work isn't all glamor. In fact, it's mostly boring. A lot of sitting around, watching, and occasionally talking to the right person at the right time. Have the rookie go do some of it. (+1 ESPIONAGE for Menagerie Witch)
The Fourth Estate (AP 0): Public relations? More like public rela. . . shames? Right? Right. Something like that. Point is, you don't want to do it. Thankfully, you have a rookie for that. (+1 to REPUTATION for Menagerie Witch)
Read the Manual (AP 0): Adamant was obsessed with creating proper procedure and protocol for basically every situation you could imagine. And he documented all of it. In 47 thick, thick volumes. If you had to suffer through reading them, so does the rookie. (+1 to OPERATIONS for Menagerie Witch)
Ain't No Rain on My Parade (AP 0): Madeline has enjoyed the good weather lately. The suspiciously good weather. The good weather that seems to only follow her around, even when it's raining elsewhere. She tried to pose for photographs during a thunderstorm "for the aesthetic", but the rain ceased as soon as she was outside. She wants her gloomy days back, and she will get to the bottom of all this . . . sunshine. (Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
Handyman
Whispers Through the Web (AP 0): Intelligence work isn't all glamor. In fact, it's mostly boring. A lot of sitting around, watching, and occasionally talking to the right person at the right time. Have the rookie go do some of it. (+1 ESPIONAGE for Handyman)
The Fourth Estate (AP 0): Public relations? More like public rela. . . shames? Right? Right. Something like that. Point is, you don't want to do it. Thankfully, you have a rookie for that. (+1 to REPUTATION for Handyman)
Read the Manual (AP 0): Adamant was obsessed with creating proper procedure and protocol for basically every situation you could imagine. And he documented all of it. In 47 thick, thick volumes. If you had to suffer through reading them, so does the rookie. (+1 to OPERATIONS for Handyman)
Lost Lenore (AP 0): Gus never told his parents that he was a metahuman, a member of SLAYERS, or that he had a boyfriend. He always wanted to come clean, but didn't know how. They don't even know how he died. Handyman feels like he owes it to them and Gus to let them know the truth.
(Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
Châtelet
A Face that Toils So Close to Stones is Already Stone Itself (AP 0): Châtelet could always use some practice. Now, more than ever. Have her take some time to train a skill, maybe see if she can improve yourself. [Must Choose to Train HIT, ESPIONAGE, REPUTATION, or OPERATIONS] (Chance of improvement contingent on how high a skill already is. Higher skills will have a higher DC to raise)
Bros Night Out! (AP 0): "Bro" is a gender neutral term, Mendicant insists. It can apply to a woman, a clay-man, or a non-binary icon. What it does mean is that Mendicant and Châtelet can finally make friends their age! And Rhys is there too! (Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
You Live Like This?! (AP 0): Justice Unlimited was never the most organized . . . organization in the world, even before the Movement. Adamant did what he could, but he was just one man. Châtelet is used to a clearer chain of command and things like a "duty roster" and "paystubs". Maybe she can be the ally Rakeem always needed and bring order to the chaos. (Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
Global Actions (Choose 3)
Justice Unlimited Wants You!: If you're going to make new heroes, you'll need candidates who are the best of the best. Your current crop is fine, but small. Get out there yourself and find new candidates for Ambrosia. (New low to medium tolerance candidates, number depends on DC, - 500 Income, DC 5 ESPIONAGE Check to avoid revealing Project Prometheus)
Project Prometheus: [No Ambrosia available, missing goldnine](Create new metahuman, -1000 Income)
A Spoonful of Sugar: Dr. Ibis believes he can use refined goldnine to artificially boost a candidate's tolerance. Now you just need a candidate who's willing to give it a try.
(-2000 Income, Increase on candidate's tolerance by 1)
eTraction!: Dr. Ibis has apparently been trying online dating to no success. However, he's recently been approved for a beta-test of a new matchmaking software called "eTracation". All he has to do is allow them to film his first date with his match for "data collection purposes". It's a reality show. Dr. Ibis has somehow accidentally signed up for a reality show. Also, he's supposed to be dead. (The Meanest Thing to Ever Happen to Dr. Ibis, The Best Thing to Ever Happen to Dr. Ibis, +1 Global Action and New Global Actions Unlocked)
Legally Distinct Shields: Nora's shield generators have proven to be worth their weight in gold time and time again. Unfortunately, they're not the most durable. Time to restock your supply. (OPERATIONS check, produce between 1 to 3 shield generators)
Undiagnosed ADHD: Nora was a brilliant mind. Said brilliant mind also frequently forgot to sleep and eat, let alone keep her lab tidy. Who knows what treasure lies beneath the piles of junk that litter her former space? Nora sure didn't. (OPERATIONS check, Random reward off Nora's Junk table)
Glass Menagerie: Madeline has quite the collection of animals. She could use more. (OPERATIONS check, Random animal off the Menagerie Table)
Move that Bus! (HIT) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money and see if you can improve the training room. (-1000 Income, HIT Check, Chance to raise global HIT)
Move that Bus! (ESPIONAGE) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money and see if you can build a listening post and find trustworthy employees to staff it.. (-1000 Income, ESPIONAGE Check, Chance to raise global ESPIONAGE)
Move that Bus! (REPUTATION) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money on a community recreation center and let the public put it to use. (-1000 Income, REPUTATION Check, Chance to raise global REPUTATION)
Move that Bus! (OPERATIONS) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money and see if you can build and staff an operations center. (-1000 Income, OPERATIONS Check, Chance to raise global OPERATIONS)
Why Didn't They Just Run Sideways?: Improve Prometheus. Project Prometheus, that is. Dr. Ibis has several promising avenues of research and can potentially improve your doses of Ambrosia. (Choose 1 research topic, -2000 income)
[ ] Gain the ability to guarantee the expression of a keyword in a sample (Unlocks global action Dr. Ibis Does Not Play Dice)
[ ] Gain the ability to give a large, one-time boost to tolerance (+2) at the cost of being unable to raise it again in the future. (Unlocks global action Fast Pass!)
[ ] Try to distill something useful from Apiary's DNA (Unlocks global action Rosemary's Baby).
I Fear Not The Man Who Has Practiced 10,000 Kicks: Lady Leizi has fallen behind in combat ability. Even to Menagerie Witch. This is unacceptable. One quick method would be to give her a weapon. She prefers fighting with her hands, but it might be better to not have to touch everything she wants to hurt. And she wants to hurt a LOT. (OPERATIONS check, Build a weapon for Lady Leizi, +1 to Lady Leizi's HIT, Unlocks Global Action I Fear the Man Who Has Practiced One Kick 10,000 Times)
Making the Rounds (AP 1, HIT 2, REPUTATION 3): The Worker's Mitt is a series of "blue-collar" neighborhoods in Horizon, and the former territory of Justice Unlimited. The strife there is not as bad as in other parts of the city—perfect for a rookie hero on her first patrol. Go show the flag and remind everyone Justice Unlimited is still here.
Lady Leizi: Reports are limited, but there's been some rumors of two Silver Rank Behemoths being sighted in the area. It's nothing our current Justice Unlimited can't handle, and it isn't immediately pressing. However, the bounties would be nice for our coffers as well as being seen taking appropriately heroic actions. Rumors also abound of local vigilante metahumans protecting the area. It might be good to make contact with some.
(Chance of permanent global +1 to REPUTATION, Income +1500, Random event off the events table)
Pest Control (AP 1, HIT 3, REPUTATION 2): Odd monsters called Behemoths live in the QZ. It's a fact of life in Horizon, but, since the Leviathan stirred, they've been more active than normal. A few have even tried to get into the city proper, which would be very bad. A general call has gone out to anyone willing to help thin their numbers near the border. It might be good training for a newly-revived Justice Unlimited.
Lady Leizi: Again, routine work for us and we will never complain about filling our coffers. More interesting is the potential to scout the QZ for possible routes to retrieve goldnine, as well as the possibility of making contact with the vanguard of the R-Train. It may help us establish a foothold for further contact.
(Income +2000, Chance of +1 to HIT, Intel about current state of QZ, Encounter with Gold-Rank Behemoth, Chance of Encounter with R-Train)
Cenotaph (AP 1, REPUTATION 3, OPERATIONS 2): You've had your private ceremony, but your team was beloved by many in the city. You owe it to them to let them mourn too. You owe it to your team. You owe it to yourself. Have a public ceremony to honor the fallen members of Justice Unlimited.
Lady Leizi: No public ceremony has been held in honor of those who fell in the QZ . . . or for Justice Unlimited's former members. The closest was that debacle at Christmas, and that self-indulgent insult cannot stand as the only memorial to those who actually gave their lives to protect Horizon. It would draw a clear distinction between Crusade and ourselves—namely that we actually served in the QZ—and it would give us an excellent opportunity to scout for potential candidates for Project Prometheus without arousing suspicion.
(Chance of permanent global +1 to REPUTATION, Recruit 2 to 4 low and medium tolerance candidates, Encounter with Crusade)
Meet the Rookies (AP 1, REPTATION 4, ESPIONAGE 6. OPERATIONS 5): The public needs to meet the newest members of Justice Unlimited. Surely, a carefully vetted interview will be a harmless way to introduce Black Swan, Menagerie Witch, Handyman, and Châtelet, as well as yourself? What could possibly go wrong?
Lady Leizi: Takanashi Chihiro was Nora's old roommate in college and a current anchor on the Ọsanyìn Centralized News. She is also a fiend for hero culture. She has been salivating at the chance of an exclusive interview with the new interaction of Justice Unlimited. Doing her this favor would put her in our debt, and perhaps let us poach her from OCN.
Following the advent of Crusade, she has been messaging me nearly daily. She's been begging me to let her "strike back". It seems she too feels enraged at the attack on a dead woman's reputation.
(Chance of increase to REPUTATION for Black Swan, Menagerie Witch, Handyman, Châtelet, and Lady Leizi, Encounter with Crusade, Chance of recruiting Takanashi Chihiro as a Public Relations Manager—+1 Global Action and New Global Actions Unlocked)
Smoke on the Water (AP 1, ESPIONAGE 4, OPERATIONS 4): The Demon Flamez were a gang of metahumans notable for their lack of concern for collateral damage and their fire-based powers. They were inmates of Wonderland until recently, and word is they've made moves to secure their former territory in the Old Industrial District. Which makes it all the odder that you've received a private communication from one of their members asking for a clandestine meeting.
Lady Leizi: We can thank our renewed control of the Worker's Mitt for the tip I received on the Demon Flamez. Certain elements of the OID are desperate to renew their contract with Justice Unlimited. With Powers keeping a low profile, any chance the Demon Flamez had of being legitimized has gone up in smoke. This has driven their leader, Phlogiston, to abandon the pretense of civility and to rule the OID as his personal fiefdom. Unfortunately, this has attracted the attention of another would-be-monarch: Le Petit Prince.
In the middle of this is Sparksurfer telling every one of my informants that he wants to get himself and his sister, Jorōgumo, out and needs our help.
(Unlocks mission Fire in the Sky, Intel on Le Petit Prince, Chance of new metahuman DNA, +1 to control of OID, Chance of eventually recruiting Sparksurfer and Jorōgumo) [2 Turns Until Expiration]
Mahou Shoujo no Justice Unlimited (AP 1, HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 3, OPERATIONS 2): Good news! Justice Unlimited's new, affiliate hero-squad is a massive success. Bad news! Justice Unlimited doesn't have a new, affiliate hero-squad. What is happening?
Lady Leizi: . . . it appears a metahuman team themed like "magical girls" are going around and calling Justice Unlimited. Including taking contracts out in our name. To make things more unusual, my information network in their territory has been subverted. They haven't gone quiet—they're feeding me bad information. I would have no idea if one hadn't used his "duress" code phrase.
I have managed to get one piece of intel however: someone is going around and promising to give metahuman powers to any who joins "Justice Unlimited". At the same time, strange creatures made of ice have been staging increasingly coordinated attacks—creatures that look like pieces of The Frozen Throne. Something like this should rock Horizon to its core. So why is the Ghost Dragon Triad—the Triad my father used to lead—ensuring no information finds its way out?
(Unlocks mission Puella Magi Justice Unlimited Magica, Chance of new metahuman DNA, Chance of + 3000 Income, Chance of eventually finding supplier of goldnine, Chance of eventually recruiting high-tolerance candidate, Intel about the Frozen Throne, Possible Encounter with Crusade) [2 Turns Until Expiration]
Hero Worship (AP 2, HIT 10, ESPIONAGE 6, REPUTATION 10, OPERATIONS 4) Following her sister's death, Yara Oliviera finds herself the new minority owner of 11% of the sharers of the largest megacorporation in the world. The exact number of shares her father, Jair Oliviera, needs to take control of said global megacorp. Even if it wasn't Yazmin's final request, it would be prudent to keep those shares out of his hands.
Lady Leizi: There have been numerous attempts at abducting Yara, all conducted by strange, armed men. Per Belle Sabreuse—the mercenary Yazmin hired to protect Yara until Justice Unlimited could get to her—the abductors are simple, unemotive, and poor improvisers. However, they're getting smarter and more dangerous, and the last batch even had a low-level metahuman in the mix.
These powers . . . it sounds like Socialite Butterfly has in interested in Yazmin's sister.
(Unlocks mission Reality Check, Chance of eventual sponsorship with Ọsanyìn—sponsorships grant Income and resources per turn, Chance of eventually recruiting a high-tolerance candidate, Chance of eventually recruiting Belle Sabreuse, Intel about Socialite Butterfly, Chance of Encounter with Crusade) [2 Turns Until Expiration]
Break Glass in Case of Emergency (AP 2 , ESPIONAGE 8, OPERATIONS 10) Rakeem left you a cache of emergency supplies should the worst come to pass. He also left it hidden in a shipwreck at the bottom of the ocean floor. The ocean floor that has recently shifted due to the Leviathan's movement. This had better be worth it.
Lady Leizi: Rakeem took me fishing out here once. It was the first time we ever really connected. It might be nice to bring everyone else and see if the same magic still exists.
(+ 3000 Income, New Metahuman DNA, 1 of Mendicant's healing symbiotes, 3 of Valiant Silver's shield generators, 1 Ambrosia's worth of goldnine, a gift meant for Lady Leizi)
Train Kept a Rollin' (AP 2, HIT 6, REPUTATION 8, OPERATIONS 9) The R-Train is the main reason goldnine hasn't proliferated unchecked throughout the world. It is also the reason most Behemoths will never get anywhere near Horizon. It is automatic, unfeeling, and uncompromising. It has enough firepower to level nations and the ability to continue on indefinitely. And Nora believed you could talk to it. She better be right. Black Swan's extreme sensitivity to psychic fields should allow you to reason with it. Or, if you'd prefer to do it personally, Nora claimed there was equipment in her lab that could let you do so.
Lady Leizi: The R-Train is unrelenting, unfeeling, and provides a vital service to Horizon and the world writ-large. It's also the single-greatest metahuman-created construct ever created. Popular belief is that it was made by an Algernon-type who used their power unceasingly for a month straight until they hit the Rebound. That person was the "Trackmaster". Anyone experimenting with goldnine will inevitably come into conflict with the R-Train. Better, perhaps, if it is on our side.
(Unlocks Mission Tracking the Trackmaster, Eventual chance of establishing permanent supply of goldnine, eventual chance of alliance with R-Train, Chance of Encountering a Named-Rank Behemoth, Frigg of Drifting Mistletoe)
He's Got a Gun! (AP 2, HIT 7, OPERATIONS 10)
There is currently a high-speed chase ongoing as QUICK GORILLA has gone rogue. He's broken into the Dominion medical research facility where he was born and absconded with two "research subjects" who are also orangutans. Apparently they are quite valuable as Dominion has put out an "all-takers" assignment on Hero for Hire to capture QUICK GORILLA and return the subjects. And, yes, it appears QUICK GORILLA does indeed have a gun. One he knows how to use.
(Chance of alliance with QUICK GORILLA, Chance to expand Madeline's menagerie, Chance of +3000 income, Chance of +2 global REPUTATION) [Requirement: Menagerie Witch must be present on this mission].
Long Shadows of the Night (AP 2, HIT 5, ESPIONAGE 9, OPERATIONS 4)
Shroud is a serial killer with the ability to fuse with shadows and move along two-dimensional spaces. His preferred MO is to smother his victims and then arrange their bodies in "artful" poses, as if they were still alive. He's announced his next victim will be a member of the Kelso family, of Kelso-Allard Heavy Industries. The entire family has gone into hiding at their villa near the Marajó Várzea, and have hired a number of metahuman bodyguards. Including Crusade. Douglas Kelso, the second son of the family, attended college with Nora and married her other roommate, Sadie. Perhaps he can get you on scene to stop Shroud before he strikes again.
(Chance of metahuman DNA, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Chance of Income +1000, Chance of eventually sponsorship form Kelso-Allard Heavy Industries) [Must be taken within 3 turns]
Grand Theft Person (AP 2, HIT 9, OPERATIONS 7)
Third Person is a psychic parasite without his own body. He jumps from host to host every time his current body dies, and he's capable of inhabiting regular people as well as metahumans. His name comes from his strange ability to see from a "third-person" perspective around his host. His lack of a permanent identity or body has rendered him the ultimate solipsist—he does not believe the rest of the world is real aside from himself and appears to think this is all one giant game being run for his amusement and the amusement of people with "Sufficient Velocity". He has announced a grand tournament where he will surrender peacefully if someone can outdo him at a number of extremely dangerous tasks and demonstrate that they are a "real sigma".
(Chance of metahuman DNA, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Chance of Income +1000, +1 to control of the OID) [Must be taken within 3 turns]
The Air in the Valley (AP 2, REPUTATION 8, OPERATIONS 6)
Abarimon is a "reverse speedster". He moves at regular speeds, but his body automatically releases a gas that slows down the perceptions of everyone else. He has no control over this power and no way of reversing it once it takes effect. Eventually, his victims all mutate into a reverse-footed creature that is reduced to bestial intelligence. Abarimon is the only person to go into Wonderland willingly, and now that it no longer exists he is moving as little as possible. But he keeps running out of food and having to relocate. Wolong has so far managed to evacuate the populations around him, but the situation is untenable.
(Chance of metahuman DNA, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Chance of Income +1000, +1 to control of the OID, Encounter with Crusade)
The Fellowship (AP 2, HIT 11, ESPIONAGE 16, REPUTATION 9, OPERATIONS 9)
A new trio of heroes calling themselves "Trilogy" have begun to combat Monarch's forces wherever they can. Normally, this would end in disaster, but they're apparently led by Marvelous Shine himself. Marvelous Shine was a metahuman in the early days of Horizon, who was a peer of Novalight and King in his time. He retired and went into reclusion following the Susurration, but now apparently has felt compelled to return after the Movement. He's contacted you saying he has definitive proof that Lethal Anodyne is dealing to Monarch and has requested your help cutting off her supply of stimulants and enhancements. Who are you to say no to a living legend? (Unlocks mission The Towers Two, Chance of intel about Monarch, Chance of weakening Monarch's position, Intel about Lethal Anodyne, Chance of alliance with Trilogy, Chance of eventually recruiting a high-tolerance candidate). [3 Turns Until Expiration].
Take the Stage (AP 0, ESPIONAGE 15, REPUTATION 5, OPERATIONS 5)
Crusade has called for an audit. Fine. You have nothing to hide, and, when they find nothing, they'll be on the back foot. You're not being naive, you're taking the least expected path. Unless someone tries to invent some evidence when they don't find any. If you can catch them red-handed in the act, then you can turn this all back on Crusade.
(EXCEED-BEYOND, True Nature of the Apiary, the Stage, and Project Prometheus become public, All intel gathered by Lady Leizi become known to Crusade, Removes all maluses on REPUTATION as a result of Crusade, Chance to damage Crusade's REPUTATION)
Revelations (???): Someone tried to wake up the Leviathan. How? And more importantly, why? [Story requirements not met]
Wider than a Mile (AP 4, HIT 45, ESPIONAGE 36, REPUTATION 39, OPERATIONS 38): Moon River was the seventh member of Justice Unlimited. To the world, she was a super-advanced AI created by Valiant Silver. In reality, she was the world's greatest technopath, able to control technology like it was her body. The only problem was, she had no ability to sense the world aside from technopathy. She didn't even know where in the physical world her actual body was. And now she's disappeared. Everyone else is gone; you won't lose her too. Find her.
Lady Leizi: I will find you, Eve. I swear it.
Anansi: I know where Eve is. I can't tell you now. I took something . . . blocked it from even my own memory. It's hidden somewhere, but once I tell you then they will know. Let me know when you're ready and then be prepared to act immediately. Don't trust anything I tell you after this. It might not be me anymore.
(Recruit Moon River, Intel about Interlocutor, Intel about Valkyrie, Intel about King, Intel about the true nature of Jacob's Ladder, Encounter with Crusade, Unlocks mission Repatriation) [8 Turns Until Expiration] [RECOMMENDED: EXCEED-BEYOND and >= 3 Max Potency Heroes]
PERSONAL ACTIONS (Chose 1 Per Hero)
Lady Leizi (Action Locked)
The Spider's Web (AP 0): There are threats in Horizon that you know will only fester if left alone. With your intelligence network, you are a surgeon. Start cutting out the rot.
[X] Monarch
Black Swan
Whispers Through the Web (AP 0): Intelligence work isn't all glamor. In fact, it's mostly boring. A lot of sitting around, watching, and occasionally talking to the right person at the right time. Have the rookie go do some of it. (+1 ESPIONAGE for Black Swan)
Read the Manual (AP 0): Adamant was obsessed with creating proper procedure and protocol for basically every situation you could imagine. And he documented all of it. In 47 thick, thick volumes. If you had to suffer through reading them, so does Black Swan. (+1 to OPERATIONS for Black Swan)
So . . . How 'bout Them Yankees? (AP 0) Black Swan has received a DM on Hero for Hire from Scarlet Maturity. He's invited her to a social outing. Wolong has given himself multiple debilitating headaches picking apart every possible outcome, but it truly appears that Scalet Maturity is just . . . kind of bored and wants to hang out. (Chance of random reward off rewards table)
Menagerie Witch
Who Doesn't Love a Power Testing Scene? (AP 0): Madeline is experienced with her power, but it is probably a good idea to test how she can use it without further damage to her body. Hopefully, somewhere deserted. (+1 HIT for Menagerie Witch)
Whispers Through the Web (AP 0): Intelligence work isn't all glamor. In fact, it's mostly boring. A lot of sitting around, watching, and occasionally talking to the right person at the right time. Have the rookie go do some of it. (+1 ESPIONAGE for Menagerie Witch)
The Fourth Estate (AP 0): Public relations? More like public rela. . . shames? Right? Right. Something like that. Point is, you don't want to do it. Thankfully, you have a rookie for that. (+1 to REPUTATION for Menagerie Witch)
Read the Manual (AP 0): Adamant was obsessed with creating proper procedure and protocol for basically every situation you could imagine. And he documented all of it. In 47 thick, thick volumes. If you had to suffer through reading them, so does the rookie. (+1 to OPERATIONS for Menagerie Witch)
Ain't No Rain on My Parade (AP 0): Madeline has enjoyed the good weather lately. The suspiciously good weather. The good weather that seems to only follow her around, even when it's raining elsewhere. She tried to pose for photographs during a thunderstorm "for the aesthetic", but the rain ceased as soon as she was outside. She wants her gloomy days back, and she will get to the bottom of all this . . . sunshine. (Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
Handyman
Whispers Through the Web (AP 0): Intelligence work isn't all glamor. In fact, it's mostly boring. A lot of sitting around, watching, and occasionally talking to the right person at the right time. Have the rookie go do some of it. (+1 ESPIONAGE for Handyman)
The Fourth Estate (AP 0): Public relations? More like public rela. . . shames? Right? Right. Something like that. Point is, you don't want to do it. Thankfully, you have a rookie for that. (+1 to REPUTATION for Handyman)
Read the Manual (AP 0): Adamant was obsessed with creating proper procedure and protocol for basically every situation you could imagine. And he documented all of it. In 47 thick, thick volumes. If you had to suffer through reading them, so does the rookie. (+1 to OPERATIONS for Handyman)
Lost Lenore (AP 0): Gus never told his parents that he was a metahuman, a member of SLAYERS, or that he had a boyfriend. He always wanted to come clean, but didn't know how. They don't even know how he died. Handyman feels like he owes it to them and Gus to let them know the truth.
(Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
Châtelet
A Face that Toils So Close to Stones is Already Stone Itself (AP 0): Châtelet could always use some practice. Now, more than ever. Have her take some time to train a skill, maybe see if she can improve yourself. [Must Choose to Train HIT, ESPIONAGE, REPUTATION, or OPERATIONS] (Chance of improvement contingent on how high a skill already is. Higher skills will have a higher DC to raise)
Bros Night Out! (AP 0): "Bro" is a gender neutral term, Mendicant insists. It can apply to a woman, a clay-man, or a non-binary icon. What it does mean is that Mendicant and Châtelet can finally make friends their age! And Rhys is there too! (Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
You Live Like This?! (AP 0): Justice Unlimited was never the most organized . . . organization in the world, even before the Movement. Adamant did what he could, but he was just one man. Châtelet is used to a clearer chain of command and things like a "duty roster" and "paystubs". Maybe she can be the ally Rakeem always needed and bring order to the chaos. (Chance of random reward off the rewards table)
Global Actions (Choose 3)
Justice Unlimited Wants You!: If you're going to make new heroes, you'll need candidates who are the best of the best. Your current crop is fine, but small. Get out there yourself and find new candidates for Ambrosia. (New low to medium tolerance candidates, number depends on DC, - 500 Income, DC 5 ESPIONAGE Check to avoid revealing Project Prometheus)
Project Prometheus: [No Ambrosia available, missing goldnine](Create new metahuman, -1000 Income)
A Spoonful of Sugar: Dr. Ibis believes he can use refined goldnine to artificially boost a candidate's tolerance. Now you just need a candidate who's willing to give it a try.
(-2000 Income, Increase on candidate's tolerance by 1)
eTraction!: Dr. Ibis has apparently been trying online dating to no success. However, he's recently been approved for a beta-test of a new matchmaking software called "eTracation". All he has to do is allow them to film his first date with his match for "data collection purposes". It's a reality show. Dr. Ibis has somehow accidentally signed up for a reality show. Also, he's supposed to be dead. (The Meanest Thing to Ever Happen to Dr. Ibis, The Best Thing to Ever Happen to Dr. Ibis, +1 Global Action and New Global Actions Unlocked)
Legally Distinct Shields: Nora's shield generators have proven to be worth their weight in gold time and time again. Unfortunately, they're not the most durable. Time to restock your supply. (OPERATIONS check, produce between 1 to 3 shield generators)
Undiagnosed ADHD: Nora was a brilliant mind. Said brilliant mind also frequently forgot to sleep and eat, let alone keep her lab tidy. Who knows what treasure lies beneath the piles of junk that litter her former space? Nora sure didn't. (OPERATIONS check, Random reward off Nora's Junk table)
Glass Menagerie: Madeline has quite the collection of animals. She could use more. (OPERATIONS check, Random animal off the Menagerie Table)
Move that Bus! (HIT) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money and see if you can improve the training room. (-1000 Income, HIT Check, Chance to raise global HIT)
Move that Bus! (ESPIONAGE) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money and see if you can build a listening post and find trustworthy employees to staff it.. (-1000 Income, ESPIONAGE Check, Chance to raise global ESPIONAGE)
Move that Bus! (REPUTATION) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money on a community recreation center and let the public put it to use. (-1000 Income, REPUTATION Check, Chance to raise global REPUTATION)
Move that Bus! (OPERATIONS) The Apiary is a massive building, who's space is mostly going to waste at this point. Spend some money and see if you can build and staff an operations center. (-1000 Income, OPERATIONS Check, Chance to raise global OPERATIONS)
Why Didn't They Just Run Sideways?: Improve Prometheus. Project Prometheus, that is. Dr. Ibis has several promising avenues of research and can potentially improve your doses of Ambrosia. (Choose 1 research topic, -2000 income)
[ ] Gain the ability to guarantee the expression of a keyword in a sample (Unlocks global action Dr. Ibis Does Not Play Dice)
[ ] Gain the ability to give a large, one-time boost to tolerance (+2) at the cost of being unable to raise it again in the future. (Unlocks global action Fast Pass!)
[ ] Try to distill something useful from Apiary's DNA (Unlocks global action Rosemary's Baby).
I Fear Not The Man Who Has Practiced 10,000 Kicks: Lady Leizi has fallen behind in combat ability. Even to Menagerie Witch. This is unacceptable. One quick method would be to give her a weapon. She prefers fighting with her hands, but it might be better to not have to touch everything she wants to hurt. And she wants to hurt a LOT. (OPERATIONS check, Build a weapon for Lady Leizi, +1 to Lady Leizi's HIT, Unlocks Global Action I Fear the Man Who Has Practiced One Kick 10,000 Times)
The calm before the storm.
Put your plans in the following format:
[ ] Get Gonathan Out of the Well!
MISSION 1
MISSION 2
TOTAL AP: X
TOTAL HERO: HIT X, ESPIONAGE X, REPUTATION X, OPERATIONS X.
Black Swan must be with New Dawn for one mission. Please labor the mission she will not be present on.
If you wish to include New Dawn heroes on a mission, please note that and which two heroes you wish to include.
The vote will remain open for 72 hours.
TWO HOUR MORATORIUM ON VOTING.
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