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Project Prometheus (Original Setting Superhero Quest)

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Kermie said:
Alternatively, "offensive telepathy" could be like Shin from Sakamoto Days; that character was able to read a person's motor-readiness potential, which is the spike in the brain areas that govern movement just before the actual movement takes place. That allowed him to read a person's movements before they made any moves or even consciously thought about moving.

Sort of the counterpart to Wolong's power: instead of a long-term [Analytical Postcognition], it'd be an instant [Motoric Precognition].

Of course, we'd need a lot more [Enhanced Senses] for something like that…
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We have been told that there are normal precognitives like Augur who are just not as strong as him who only see a few seconds into the future. I wouldn't be surprised if it was possible to get normal precognition through just a high-potency Clairvoyance set or a special combo.
 
ScorpioSting said:
Random thought:

Rhys's Autobiokinesis. What are the odds that just plain Biokinesis is a synergy, and not a weird high tolerance or multi-tag version of Elemental Manipulation?
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It's probably a synergy.

I think it would be great to have a healer on our team, actually. Mendicant's stuff is great, but expensive, and having a field medic would rock.
 
Genuine questions?

IS King's nuclear powers an element or a specific keyword?

With all the Metahumans in Horizon and the world why hasn't Dominion, Powers, and Crusade paid something like a 6 figure salary to a top class meta seer or psychic to join Crusade? Or a teleporter? Or a Black Swan Class Metahuman? are they that rare? Do other cuntries have ther own versioon of Novalight or King level metahumans?
 
ScorpioSting said:
Augur and King are hermits who only show themselves in times of great need, from what I recall. They don't want to be a part of the system.
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The last person who was hired to find Augur died the same night they took the job of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a manufacturing defect in their air conditioning unit that they had purchased six months earlier.

People stopped trying after that.
 
Actually.... if Goldnine is revealed for its uses...... what is going t be the respnse of welll the wld and then the coountries......Yeesh.
 
Very pumped for eTraction. When i got to the end of the first update reading I was disappointed Dr. Ibis was not the PC. LL won me over by the 2nd update, but i remain an Ibis fan
 
Well iy does make sense I suppose we got the Homers missin line from the crit with the spy network and looking into Monarch.

Plus homers recruit mission should be more dangerous as its directly tangling with Monarchs people and Lethal anodyne.

Edit: Yara atleast gives other rewards such as the sponsorship so fair for lower tolerance. While I dont remember any pther good rewards apart from Homer in his mission line.
 
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Issue #3.2 Perdition pt. 3 New
  • Threadmarks

    • [X] . . . press your luck.

    You narrow your eyes at the person in front of you. Yellow Qilin is holding the lives of innocent girls hostage—along with everyone else in Horizon for that matter—under threat from The Frozen Throne. It's a bold gambit to be sure—too bold. Actively suicidal would be a more accurate description.

    So why is she doing it?

    "She's insane" is the first answer that comes to mind, but that feels too simple. Even the most depraved of minds takes time to go from "revive criminal empire" to "empower eldritch genius loci".

    So how did she get to this point?

    DC 10.

    Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 6. Lady Leizi and allies have a collective ESPIONAGE 16.

    You rolled: 20.

    20 + 5 = 21. Critical Success! Natural Crit!

    There's something in her face. Something behind the lunacy in her eyes. A small knit in her brow, shadows under her eyes, lines in her face, the way she grabs at a spot on her chest.

    She's desperate.

    All at once, it all snaps into place. She said her previous purchasers were late on their payments. Her operation was confined to a small area, and had been in action for months. She must have extracted all of the wealth that she could from the area—even with corporate embezzling, the flow of money wouldn't last forever.

    And neither could she just expand the scope of her operation. She only managed to take control of this area in the chaos immediately after the Movement. Now that things were relatively more stable, any expansion of this madness would draw attention from every metahuman organization and corporation in Horizon.

    The more closely you watch her, the more confident you become in your deductions. Yes, you think as she places a hand on her chest again, she's desperate. Monarch might need her money, but she also leads an army of violent criminals. No doubt, she would be less than pleased if the Ghost Dragon Triad stopped paying. Perhaps angry enough to turn some of her minions loose.

    You imagine Stitches or Warpstar loose around the Elizabeths and repress a shiver.

    So she's afraid of retribution. But why not just go to ground then? Unless . . . she can't.

    She touches her chest again and—there's a gem in there, isn't there? Of course there is. Someone as young and reckless as her? No doubt the first person she tried to empower was herself. Only to learn of the terrible consequences after it was too late.

    Yes . . . yes, it made too much sense. She needed the goldnine as much as the girls did. It was why she could act in such a self-destructive manner—why not when your soul already belonged to The Frozen Throne? What were a few more sins when you were already in hell?

    No wonder she was willing to sell to you, someone she loathes with her whole being. She has no choice.

    And, thus, you have leverage.

    "I'm afraid, I'm not interested," you saw with a faux yawn, "You'll have to sweeten the pot if you want a deal."

    You could hear a pin drop as everyone in the room stares at you in silence. Ellie's face looks flush with betrayal, while Ronin's normally stoic mask cracks. The swordswoman looks shocked before realizing your play and giving a slight, involuntary smile. Thankfully, all behind Yellow Qilin's back.

    Said Mountain Master has unconsciously grabbed her chest again while you see her search for words. Before she can find them, you strike again.

    You stand up and say, "Now, if that's all, darling, I have places to be. Do try to diversify your wardrobe—that shade of gold makes your skin look washed out."

    Yellow Qilin's eyes flash with a familiar emotion—hatred—as she spits out, "They will die for your arrogance."

    DC 15.

    Stat Check: REPUTATION 5. Lady Leizi and allies have REPUTATION 9.

    You rolled: 11.

    11 + 2 + 3 (Bargaining with the Upper Hand) = 16. Success!

    You shrug, "I believe it will be because of your arrogance, darling. And what girls, or girl, will be the first to go, I wonder?"

    You tilt your head at her and put a finger on your jaw in thought. She grabs her chest again, and you smile. Your silent message is clear.

    Yes, darling, I know.

    "You are playing games with your betters," she hisses.

    "It's called 'haggling'. Now, are you going to make this worth my while, or am I and my pocketbook leaving?"

    Yellow Qilin hates you. She hates you like poison. If you had any doubt about that, the expression on her face makes you certain now. She's clutching her chest so tightly that you imagine you can see blood, and she's grinding her teeth into powder. For a second, you worry you pushed her too far and an attack was coming, but instead she speaks in a low, tight voice.

    "Triple the usual delivery."

    You smile. "Wonderful! The money will be in Yōulíngshé Industries' account by the close of business today."

    Her eyes widen fractionally. Yes, you knew about that too.

    -6000 income! + 3 Ambrosia doses worth of goldnine!

    "Oh, and Yellow Qilin?" you say airly, "There will be no more magical girls."

    She hisses again. "You dare—?!"

    Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.

    Stat Check: REPUTATION 5. Lady Leizi and allies have REPUTATION 9.

    You rolled: 18.

    18 + 2 = 20. Critical Success!

    A crack of lightning and the smell of ozone fill the air. Your fist sparks with power, but your posture and expression are unmoved.

    "There will be no more magical girls."

    "You'll pay," she whispers, "I'll make you suffer for ten thousand years. You'll pay, you'll pay, you'll pay—"

    "Do we understand each other?"

    She laughs. High and loud, in a shrill cackle that reminds you of someone who has gone too long without seeing the sun. Someone who lives in an underground prison of their own making. As suddenly as the laughter started, it stops.

    "Very well, have it your way," she says, "I will stop empowering any more of these simpering fools. It makes no difference to me. I will no longer need them."

    And isn't that just concerning? But you know when to stop pressing your luck. You signal to Ellie to follow and make toward the doorway. Ronin is behind you, albeit keeping her distance.

    As you leave, you stop. You don't know what makes you do it—maybe you want to make sure she won't attack you from behind, maybe it's to gauge her demeanor, or maybe it's because you feel like this will be the last time you ever see her—but you look back at Yellow Qilin.

    She looks so young. She's around the same age you were when you left your father. You were lucky—you had a handful of loyal subordinates and your shīfù to see you through the rocky times. Then, you met Nora and Yazmin and the rest of the people who made up your heart.

    You were given safety, time, and, yes, love to begin to mend what was broken inside of you. This girl . . . Ziying . . . was totally alone.

    Without Justice Unlimited, would you have ended up like her? No. . . you're reasonably certain you wouldn't have. But you also don't have nearly the power she does.

    If you were completely alone with power like hers? If anyone was?

    Unbidden, a thought comes to mind and escapes your lips in a thick voice.

    "I wish I had known about you before. Earlier. I wouldn't have let you end up like me. End up like this."

    You swallow the sudden lump in your throat.

    "I would have been there. We . . . we could have been family. A real family."

    Yellow Qilin's voice is very small. The voice of who she was. Who she could have been.

    "Then why didn't you come sooner?"

    "I'm sorry." You bow your head. "From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry."

    "Get out," she snaps. Her voice is loud and shrill, like a wounded animal. "Get out. Leave! Go! Get out! I'll kill you. I'll kill you! Get out! GET OUT!"

    You can hear her shrieks even as you exit the room. The tomb she built for herself.

    Family is a terrible thing.

    * * *​

    You and Ellie are alone as you walk down the hallway, illuminated by flickering light. Your team is waiting for you in the lobby, on the surface above. You're nearing the stairwell when Ellie stops to address you.

    "I have absolutely no idea how you pulled that off.."

    "I have my ways," you say with a smirk. "And, to think, you didn't even have to use that knife in your sleeve."

    "You noticed? Of course you did," she grumbles, "And this isn't over. Yellow Qilin has to die. They all have to be stopped."

    "Yes," you agree, "But attacking now was not the right move. We're in the seat of her power, with no information about her failsafes. For all we know, she could have a deadman's switch to destroy her hoard of goldnine should she fall."

    As you speak, you see a glint of firelight reflecting off a piece of metal. Ronin is approaching with her sword drawn.

    "I know," Ellie says, "But I guess I should say something else. Thank—"

    "Pardon me, darling," you interrupt as Ronin draws close, "I have to deal with this."

    Ellie tense as she sees Ronin's naked sword, but her apprehension gives way to confusion as Ronin kneels down before you and offers you her blade.

    You roll your eyes. "Honestly, Akane, it's been ten years. Are the theatrics truly necessary?"

    Ronin sheathes her sword and stands, a small smile on her face. "I wanted my continued loyalty to be unambiguous. I haven't checked in since you defeated Scarlet Maturity."

    Ellie's face is in her hands as she mutters to herself, "Of course she has a double agent in Crusade. Of course she does."

    You laugh quietly and turn back to Ronin.

    "I'm more pleased you are well. I expected that you would go dark, but I must confess I was worried about your cover."

    "Intact," she replies, "I was never offered one of Faust's contracts. Perhaps they correctly determined I would not be amenable to signing one."

    She bows her head. "I must apologize for never learning of the secret of Faust and Scarlet Maturity's powers. It is an inexcusable failure."

    "Hush, you're being perfectly ridiculous. No one knew, not even Justice Unlimited, and we were sworn to kill that red brute," you say waving your hand, "And if you truly feel the need to make it up to me, then rest assured your current placement in Crusade is more than enough. How in the world did you manage to join?"

    Ronin gives another one of her small smiles. "Serendipity. I was 'clean' in that I never had a contract with Faust. And, as someone with a well-known vendetta against organized crime, they assumed I would wish to add you to my Chorus."

    She taps her head. "I'll need you to injure me, incidentally. In order to maintain pretenses."

    "Of course. Floating rib?"

    "Preferably bruised, not broken, if you could."

    "Of course," you say, striking her in the lower ribcage. There's a flash of light as you add lightning to your strike. You catch Ellie nodding in approval out of the corner of your eye.

    Ronin hisses in pain and clutches her side. "Thank you. The electrical burn is an excellent addition. There will be no question that this injury came from you."

    "What are you going to tell them, darling?" you ask, tilting your head.

    "That I attempted to ambush you after the meeting. It will fit what they believe of me, without giving them the ability to further slander you for an 'unprovoked attack'," she says, "No doubt I'll officially be reprimanded while receiving unofficial encouragement to continue."

    "What is your position in Crusade?" you ask, "How much can you tell me of their plans?"

    "Precious little," she admits, "I'm not in their inner circle."

    She taps her temple.

    "They use Seraph—the telepath—to screen anyone who is read into their major projects. However, she is unable to read my mind."

    Ronin smiles.

    "The screams of the people I've killed are rather off putting to her, I'm told."

    You observe the spot on her neck where you know Nora implanted a psychic regulator under her skin. You have no idea how it works, but it apparently allowed Ronin to filter out the voices in her head that had been driving her mad.

    "How is your implant holding up? Nora . . . isn't here to maintain it any longer, but we have several of her research assistants still on staff. . ."

    "It's unnecessary," Ronin says, "I've come to an accord with my Chorus. The implant is just added insurance that they will abide by their end of the agreement."

    You nod. It seems the rumors about changes to Ronin's disposition were just that: rumors. You wish you could continue to chat with your old colleague, but you both can feel time running out.

    "I can cover for you for now," Ronin says quickly, "But not forever."

    "Oh? What will you tell them?"

    "Mostly the truth," she answers, "But also that you officially asked for Crusade's aid in saving these 'magical girls'. My superiors will be torn. They cannot outright refuse you for fear of seeming opportunistic and callous, but neither can they lend you any legitimacy by allying with you. Their indecision will keep them from making this matter public and give you time to resolve it on your own."

    You laugh. "Brilliant as always, Akane. Do snap me a picture of their expressions if you can."

    Ronin gives a soft chuckle, but quickly turns serious. "Zixuan, whatever 'Project Prometheus' is, it has them running scared. If they can't get information on it soon, then it's possible they'll resort to force and justify it later. Justice Unlimited is the only organization standing in their way of domination Horizon."

    "Wonderful," you sigh. You suspected as much, but having it confirmed was another thing. "Anything else, I should know?"

    "They're planning to appear at the memorial you have planned for next month. They're not so foolish as to interrupt the ceremony, but they've arranged it so Valiant Justice, White Hawk, Sunlight Knight, and Joules will be invited to 'debate' Justice Unlimited during your interview afterward," she warns, "I'm told they tried replacing the hostess, but underestimated Ms. Takanashi's popularity. Instead, she'll be co-hosting along with Juan Bonfim."

    "Joules? They're bringing that coward?" you say incredulously.

    "He's their only member who was at the QZ during the Movement," Ronin explains, "And there's no hard evidence he fled. Without something concrete, your accusations will only appear to be self-serving."

    "Yes, well, I'll see if I can't find some," you growl. A prepared Lady Leizi is the most dangerous Lady Leizi. "Thank you again, Akane. And please, be safe."

    "As I can be," she agrees, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I need to discipline a junior member foolish enough to believe what a pretty face tells him."

    And with that, she's gone. You watch her limp towards the stairs and disappear upwards. You wait a spell so as to not make it obvious that you two stopped to chat before heading that direction yourself.

    Ellie looks at you thoughtfully, before opening her mouth to say something. But before she can, you hold up your hand and look around.

    DC 12.

    Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 5. Lady Leizi and allies have a collective ESPIONAGE 9.

    You rolled: 11.

    11 + 2 = 13. Success!

    It's so subtle you almost miss it, but you hear the faint sound of something flying through the air. There! You spot it land near Ellie's feet and skid to a halt: it's a playing card with an odd symbol on it.

    You snap your leg out on instinct, and, as you do, you make contact with White Tiger who appears from thin air with a gun pointed at Ellie's head. Your strike is true, and White Tiger is sent sprawling to the ground before disappearing and reappearing on the staircase.

    You immediately pull Ellie behind you and look for cover. You have a shield generator; you should be able to get close enough to take White Tiger out. But that would leave Ellie vulnerable, and there's no guarantee she won't just teleport again—

    Your train of thought is interrupted by the sound of a slow, dramatic clap. White Tiger has holstered her gun and is walking down the stairs while applauding you.

    "Wow-we-wow," White Tiger says, "You really are the bee's knees, ain't ya?"

    She reaches the bottom of the stairs and hooks her thumbs in her suspenders, pulling on them as she rocks on her heels.

    "You had us beat from the start! Ronin works for you? Hells bells, how do you compete with that?"

    You don't relax your stance. You see there was another playing card on the stairs—a limitation to her power?

    "Now, don't worry," she continues, "I promise not to go tattlin' if you don't! Goodness knows, the Big Puba won't be too thrilled if she learns I'm chewing the fat with you!"

    ". . . just tell us what you want already," Ellie sighs.

    "Straight to the point! Can't say I don't love a direct dame!" she says jovially while snapping her suspenders," Well, alright then! I'll cut to the chase: what's a gal gotta do to turn her coat?"

    "You want to work for me? Against your organization?" you say slowly, "Why?"

    "'Cuz this operation's gone nuttier than a fruitcake!" she exclaims, "Extortion? Blackmail? A protection racket? That's all well and good with me. But magical girls? The Frozen Throne? No, thank you ma'am. That is not what I signed up for. I don't like holding a bunch of kids hostage."

    "I can't help but notice your objection isn't strong enough to actually do anything about the situation," you say acidly."

    "Too true! But, listen, don't overthink it," she says, "I'm not like the other girls. Vermilion Bird only cares about her next fight, Azure Dragon doesn't breathe without Yellow Qilin's approval, and Black Tortoise has the spine of a particularly cowardly jellyfish. Me? I'm a rat scurrying off a sinking ship."

    She points to herself.

    "This only ends one way. Whether it's you, that samurai dame, or Miss Dark-and-Broody over there, the Ghost Dragon Traid's days are numbered. And I don't want to be left holding the bag when the butcher's bill comes due."

    She sticks out her hands. "So, whadda ya say? I'll be your inside woman. I'll feed you intelligence, sabotage ol' Gold-and-Crazy's plans, and I'll even help ya when it's time for a scrap. All I ask is that you—when this it's all said and done—just let me go on my merry way. Perfectly reasonable, I think."

    You raise an eyebrow. "All you want is to be let free?"

    "Exactamundo!" she says, "I'm a free spirit. I'll die in a cage! And I look terrible in orange—not my color. So, we got a deal?"

    Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.

    Stat Check: REPUTATION 5. Lady Leizi and allies have REPUTATION 5.

    The Audience has granted you +5 on this roll.

    You rolled: 5.

    5 + 0 + 5 = 10. Moderate Success!

    Keep pressing. They're all desperate.

    "I have to admit, I'm not impressed," you say, "I'm not certain I trust your sincerity, especially given your self-admitted criminal disposition."

    The smile flees from White Tiger's face as her easy-going posture evaporates. She takes off her hat and runs her hand through her hair.

    "Look," she says, "I get it. I'm no girl scout. And if things were the way they were at the start, we wouldn't be having this conversation. But they're not, so we are."

    "Explain," you command.

    She runs her hand through her hair again. "Okay. Okay. Things were fine at first. It was an amateur operation, but I'm an amateur gal, so it fit. Yellow Qilin was a good boss, if a little hung up on her dad and really hung up on you."

    You gesture for her to continue.

    "She was determined to rebuild the Ghost Dragon Triad, but your pops' old lieutenants weren't about to obey a little girl. Even with four other metahumans backing her," White Tiger says, "A few even tried to have her killed. Of course, she had four other metahumans backing her, so you can finish that story yourself."

    White Tiger takes her hat in her hands and then begins to run her hands along the brim.

    "Then . . . then that guy showed up."

    "Who?" you ask, "A triad member? A metahuman?"

    "I dunno if he was a metahuman, but he was no triad member I've ever seen. He was . . . he was downright peculiar. My brain told me he was just a normal guy—the kind who's a penny a pound on the streets. But, my instincts . . . my instincts told me to get as far away from him as I could and never stop running."

    White Tiger is wringing her hat in her hands, not looking at you. She continues.

    "He showed up, and somehow he knew about Yellow Qilin's power. He asked her to use it on something he had with him. I'll give you three guesses as to what it was."

    You close your eyes. "He had a piece of The Frozen Throne."

    "Bingo-bango," she says, "You got it in one. Yeah, he had a shard of the Throne. He wanted to see what would happen if Yellow Qilin used her power on it."

    "What exactly did he plan to do with it?" you ask.

    "That's the queerest part: nothing. He just said he was curious. It was like a little kid who just found a bottlecap on the street. He just wanted to show it off."

    "So Yellow Qilin did as he asked?"

    "She did at that. He was so pleased he gifted it to her with the only condition that she 'do as you will' with it," White Tiger says before shivering, "Jeepers creepers, he gave me the willies."

    "What was his name?" you say, your gaze intense, "Did he give a name?"

    "Yes and no. He said . . ."

    "A name? A name is usually given to one by their progenitor. Mine does not yet understand the concept. That is my duty. I do not yet have a name. However, if you must call me something, you may call me by my role. I am the Interlocutor."

    White Tiger continues wringing her hat, her disconcerted feelings plain on her face. You feel a headache coming on. "The Interlocutor". You've never heard that appellation before. Yet another thing to add to your never-ending list of what must be investigated.

    "Yellow Qilin stuck that piece of The Frozen Throne inside of herself, and the rest, as they say, is as the news reports. Things went wacky after that."

    She's leaving something out. That much you are certain. You try to examine the girl in front of you. . .

    DC 12.

    Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 5. Lady Leizi and allies have a collective ESPIONAGE 9.

    You rolled: 1.

    1 + 2 = 3. Failure!

    . . . but you're unable to read her. You'll have to trust your instincts on whether to accept her offer. You . . .

    [ ] . . . accept.

    (White Tiger becomes an asset for Justice Unlimited. You commit to letting her go once the Ghost Dragon Triad is defeated.)

    [ ] . . . refuse.

    (You do not accept her offer. You are free to do as you please with White Tiger once the Ghost Dragon Triad is defeated.)

    * * *​

    As White Tiger leaves, Ellie approaches you for a third time. She looks around, expecting to be interrupted again, but, when nothing comes, speaks quickly.

    "Thank you," she says again, "You've saved a lot of girls' lives. Thank you."

    "Of course," you reply. Then, "How long can your girls last?"

    "With what you got us? A long time."

    "I'm glad," you say sincerely, "Truly. Will providing the additional amount I secured from Yellow Qilin help?"

    Ellie frowns. "What, you're keeping it? Why?"

    You grimace at your slip-up. Goodness, you are tired. "Classified, I'm afraid. But everything I have is yours if you just say the word."

    Ellie eyes you before shaking her head. "It's all just a bandage on an open wound. We need a permanent solution."

    You don't disagree, but what could that possibly be? Perhaps an exotic power interaction from Project Prothemeus? You remember the modules on the EXCEED-BEYOND; would a burst of power nullification help? Perhaps Dr. Ibis could research something? But the problem all comes down to the fact that the gems are made of an unknown substance from the—Ellie. No.

    "Ellie, do not venture into The Frozen Throne to try to find a cure!" your shout.

    She freezes like a teenager caught sneaking out the window.

    ". . . I wasn't going to?"

    "You are a terrible liar. What plan could you possibly have? Do you have any leads on The Frozen Throne?"

    ". . . I just want to talk to it."

    "You just—you can't stab the Frozen Throne to death!"

    She sets her jaw, mulishly. "Then I'll just find a different way to kill it."

    'Different way to kill it?' As if it were that simple. Leviathan's Blood, she had to be the most stubborn person you've ever met. That kind of reckless self-confidence mixed with an overwhelming sense of morality and stoic personality—it was as if Nora and Yazmin had a child with Rakeem's personality!

    "May I," you say, your head pounding, "Suggest something less suicidal?"

    "Okay, shoot."

    She pauses as waits for you to speak. For all the—!

    "There is a never-ending source of goldnine in one place. The QZ—"

    "R-Train won't let anyone get to it," Ellie interrupts.

    "The R-Train can be reasoned with—"

    "Impossible."

    "It is completely possible and, unlike you, I actually have a lead," you snap. Goodness, were you like this at her age? "And it involves a much less dangerous course of action than marching into The Frozen Throne, wouldn't you agree?"

    ". . . I mean . . . I guess."

    "Ellie," you say intently, "Promise me right now you won't go into The Frozen Throne. Promise me right now on your mother's grave."

    Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.

    Stat Check: REPUTATION 6. Lady Leizi has REPUTATION 4.

    The Audience has given you +1 on this roll.

    You rolled: 7.

    7 - 1 + 1 + 3 (You've Secured Goldnine for the Girls) = 10. Moderate Success!

    Seriously, don't get mad. You're too young to be an old person.

    ". . . I promise," Ellie mutters, "But . . . I can't just sit here and do nothing."

    You see the lost look in her eyes. No doubt, she's been consumed with her task since the Movement. She probably doesn't know what to do with herself now. Has she even allowed herself to mourn?

    You make your decision right then.

    "Then don't," you say, "Come with me and join Justice Unlimited."

    Ellie's head snaps up. "I'm not a metahuman."

    "No," you agree, "But if you could be one, would you? Would you want powers? Would you wish to be a hero?"

    "I don't need powers to be a hero," she shoots back immediately. Then, after thinking, she stares at her hands and says, "But . . . I need strength. I need to be strong enough to stop things like this from happening."

    She looks back up at you. "So, yeah. Give me powers or whatever. Give me a weapon. Let me fight. But there's one condition."

    Oh? Bold.

    "And what is that?"

    "We go after the R-Train immediately. We make sure my girls are taken care of. I can't do anything else until that's done. Okay?"

    She fixes you with an intense stare. You think about her condition. Not unreasonable, all things told. Still, your time is limited. You'll. . .

    You currently have four Ambrosia doses worth of goldnine. Every doses' worth you give to the magical girls buys them an additional Issue before they run out. As of right now, they will run out of goldnine at the conclusion of Issue #5.

    [ ] . . . refuse Ellie's offer. You have too many plates to juggle to commit to anything as of now.

    (Ellie does not join Justice Unlimited at this time. You are not committed to the mission Train Kept a Rollin' next turn.)

    [ ] . . . refuse, but offer the magical girls additional goldnine.

    • [ ] How much?
    (Ellie does not join Justice Unlimited at this time. You are not committed to the mission Train Kept a Rollin' next turn. The magical girls gain an extra Issue of time for every dose of goldnine you give them.)

    [ ] . . . agree to Ellie's offer.

    (Ellie joins Justice Unlimited. You are committed to the mission Train Kept a Rollin' next turn.)

    Name: Noelle "Ellie" Han
    Age: 20
    Stats: HIT 2, ESPIONAGE 1, REPUTATION 1, OPERATIONS 3,
    Tolerance: 9
    Chaucer's Notes: I'll defer to you, Lady Leizi, seeing as Ms. Han has been screened on your recommendation.

    Lady Leizi's Notes: Ellie is the daughter of the late Heavenly Astrologian of New Dawn. When I encountered Ellie, she was leading an insurgent resistance against my father's former Triad which included five enemy metahumans and an army of . . . magical girls. Yes, that isn't a typo. Unfortunately.
    Ellie's tactical prowess and lateral thinking ability is self-evident. She's an exceptionally bright girl, if a tad humorless. She is a self-taught fighter, but is surprisingly effective for that. Finally, her leadership skills are exceptional, with her ability to often simply will others to success.
    She is, however, the absolute worst liar I have ever encountered. It's as if she finds the idea of subtly personally offensive. She is also exceptionally stubborn, for both good and ill. She is incorruptible, but does not grasp the idea of cutting one's losses. She at least demonstrates a willingness to listen to advice, but will single-mindedly pursue her chosen course of action once decided regardless of the cost to herself.

    * * *​
    Horizon, City of Leviathan's Rest– The Zenith – January 5, 2068

    All you'd like to do now is go home and take a bath with a bottle of wine, but Wolong contacts you and requests your presence at the Zenith.

    Luck Check

    You rolled: 18. Lucky!

    Thankfully, for once, it's nothing but positive news. Black Swan's patrol with New Dawn went better than you could have dared hoped. It just so happened that today was the day that Monarch attempted to probe New Dawn's defenses, and swiftly ran right into a relativistic stick being swung directly at her head.

    Monarch had dispatched two of her lieutenants, Marie Marionette and Dollman, into the Uni District. Marie Marionette is a hydrokinetic with a penchant for puppeting other's bodies by manipulating their blood and other internal fluids, while Dollman was an Algernon-type obsessed with childhood and toys. An army of life-sized toy soldiers with real guns had marched across the border with Marie Marionette lying in wait.

    Miss Naught and Palisade were first on the scene, and for a moment the situation seemed contained. However, when one of the soldiers began bleeding, they realized that some of the "toys" were in fact living people dressed in fatigues being puppeteered by Marie Marionette.

    That put them on the backfoot, as they couldn't risk killing innocent people. While they tried to figure out what to do, the human puppeteer struck. She had actually managed to take control of Miss Naught and Palisade's bodies and had begun walking them into Monarch's Territory when Black Swan arrived. Dollman's creations proved unable to harm her, and she was able to find Marie Marionette and blast her before she could harm any of the hostages. Marie Marionette had been forced to release her victims to escape, but not before receiving an arrow in the shoulder courtesy of Miss Naught.

    Monarch had tried to test New Dawn's resolve and received a black eye as a result. Not to mention, over a dozen people had been rescued from the New Industrial District. Black Swan was again a media darling, and the families of the victims had made substantial donations to Justice Unlimited.

    You gain +3 to your roll counteracting Crusade's attack on your REPUTATION next turn! +3000 Income!

    As you walk into the Zenith, you see Black Swan swan surrounded by the remainder of New Dawn. Gentleman James and Palisade are laughing with her as Miss Naught slaps her on the back. Dreamcatcher is trying to figure out how to dream about her tonight without it being "totally fucking creepy" so he can reproduce her power.

    Black Swan says something and everyone laughs. It truly seems they've accepted her as one of their own. Excellent, a cold part of you thinks, that will make other news easier to digest in the future.

    But you're disrupted from your Machiavellian schemes by Wolong and the second piece of good news.

    Arc is awake.

    She is in the same medical unit she was before, and she still looks like she has one foot in her grave, but her bright blue eyes are open and aware. And an exhausted-looking Alice sits in the corner next to her stuffing themselves with pasta, potatoes, and fruit.

    "Gotta put weight back on," they explain through a mouthful of food. Indeed, they look even more waifish than usual. Still, Alice seems happier than you've seen them before. Content.

    "Lady Leizi," a voice croaks from the bed, "It seems I owe you a life debt."

    Arc appears to still be in a great deal of pain, but she finds the strength to grin at you all the same.

    "Nonsense, Arc," you say," And it is Mendicant here who has done the real work."

    "Yeah, thanks but no thanks," Alice says, waving their hand, "Don't involve me in your 'polite off'. You didn't have to take me in or connect me with New Dawn. Arc is awake because of your actions so shut up and enjoy being a good person you beautiful, beautiful dummy."

    That makes everyone laugh. Then, a silence descends into the room, somewhat awkward. None of you know how to say what next needs to be said.

    Finally, you try. "Arc . . ."

    "Please," she interrupts, "Call me Charlotte. Charlotte Allard."

    "Of course," you reply warmly, "Charlo—Allard?!"

    As in Kelso-Allard Heavy Industries? The company in charge of the ever-under-construction spaceport on the Elysium Station?!

    "I'm not really involved in family business," she explains, "I wanted to be a hero. My goodness, you're reacting the same way Ami did when—"

    Her expression turns bleak as the realization hits her. You politely turn your head away as her eyes water. Your heart goes out to her. It's been months for you since the Movement. You've had time to process and heal. For Charlotte, it's all fresh.

    It's a few minutes before her tears stop. "My apologies," she says, "It's been . . . difficult."

    "For us all," you agree sympathetically.

    "Yes. I never know what will hit me next," she gives a bittersweet smile, "Do you know what I learned today? There was a young heroine, Gallop. Themed like a knight. I fancied that she was inspired by me. I wanted her as a probationary member of New Dawn for the longest time, but Yelena was still feeling burnt by NuGen. I had just gotten her to come around when . . . it happened."

    Charlotte stares at the ceiling.

    "Gallop died recently. Not even in the QZ. Shot through the head with a simple handgun. Such a waste."

    Tears form again in her eyes. "Gabriel has told me there is hope. He said that he can't tell me what exactly—it's not his place—but that all is not lost. Tell me Lady Leizi, is it true? You do not have to tell me what, but is there something we can hold onto? Please?"

    You lean over and gently place a hand on her forehead. You think back to your team. Madeline, Rhys, Opale, Mona. You nod.

    "Yes."

    * * *​
    Horizon, City of Leviathan's Rest– The Apiary – January 5, 2068

    You're finally home, in your bath, the warm water soaking into your tired muscles. It was not a particularly physically taxing day, but you are emotionally spent. You sigh in contentment as you sip from your glass. If anything bothers you now, it had better be good.

    You get an emergency alert on your screen. It's from Black Swan.

    "This had better be good."

    She tells you. It's not.

    "Dr. Ibis has left to go appear on a what? A reality show?!"

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    TWO HOUR MORATORIUM ON VOTING
     
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    • The worst thing you can do to a monster is remind them of who they could have been.

    You've got some decisions to make! This update brought to you by the flu! I have it! It sucks!
     
    [ ] . . . agree to Ellie's offer.

    Go for it, she's EXCEED-BEYOND's partner. She Deserves it, and her mindset is perfect for it.

    Someone with that kind of power needs to be utterly incorruptible with it.
     
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    We're agreeing to the Noelle offer given it gets us EB next turn with her and we were doing the R-Train then anyway, its just a question of how we feel about White Tiger considering we're flying relatively blind there.
     
    Yeah, definitely agree to Ellie's offer and switch to having her get the Spoonful of Sugar and Prometheus this turn.

    As for White Tiger...ugh, that Nat 1 is screwing us over here. I'm gonna have to think about this.
     
    Love everything in this update. ALL OF IT! Coming from a long class to a new chapter is always good.
     
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