We know for this vote in particular, it won't require dice - because we got promised an interrupt if something went wrong.
I guess what the question is, given all the hints we've got so far is...... what sort of trouble are we expecting to run into, that will trigger that interrupt?
At this point, everything points to something going wrong during this outing - especially if "extra events" got added somewhere along the line. Even if that house is empty, we are almost certainly not just going to be peacefully knocking on the door with Midori and taking a peek inside (which it's unlikely to be empty if there's an issue of time sensitivity).
The most benign circumstance I can see, is that we catch the Scavengers on the cusp of fleeing voluntarily. That they are literally driving down the street away from the house when we drive up and Amu realizes it's Kana they just drove past because of psionics.
From there, we descend to varying levels of Manticore involvement, or possibly other hostile organizations. At the worst-case, we might be looking at a hostile psychic hit-squad, or a mercenary team with high-level demons.
My voteplan was aimed at trying to prevent open warfare between Amu and any waiting enemies, but given the increasing likelihood of a time sensitivity issue, if there's another plan that sets up faster and also involves bringing a vehicle, I might be inclined to switch.
....We need that vehicle, because I really don't fancy our chances of trying to evacuate Midori or Tsumugu from a fight without one.
Really. Why can,'t we just pick one of the options and go with it.
But no, people had to turn every options into a fifteen lines long plan. And it all because of those stupid Stunts rules.
Now it's feel like even for a option to win, it's must be turn into a very long overly complicated plan, for people to pick it.
It's starting to feel really discouraged to vote because of that.
Because different people want different things out of quests? Some people want to pick a menu option. Some people want to explore possibilities, get creative, and optimize. Complexity isn't inherently bad.
That's your preference, though. It's not inherently superior to other people's preferences. You don't need to get condescending with lines like "Was it that hard to do."
(The label of "micromanagement" is also a matter of preferences and value judgments. Different people see different things as micromanagement.)
.....I seriously cannot believe everybody wants to try "A casual stroll past the Scavengers" as the approach, when we've been told outright it's most likely going to lead to "a quick update and interrupt", with people urged to consider follow-ups.
That's just about the most blatant way of indicating that said approach is going to go pear-shaped and need another plan, without actually saying it outright.
Yes, that includes everyone going for @Nero200's plan since it didn't include an Approach vote of its own. Which means the current winning Approach vote is, in fact, "casual stroll".
.....I seriously cannot believe everybody wants to try "A casual stroll past the Scavengers" as the approach, when we've been told outright it's most likely going to lead to "a quick update and interrupt" and people are urged to consider follow-ups.
Well, it just means that pleople think the plans are just too overcomplicated.
If you want people to vote for your plan, than make it simpler, thin it out, and make it short.
.....I seriously cannot believe everybody wants to try "A casual stroll past the Scavengers" as the approach, when we've been told outright it's most likely going to lead to "a quick update and interrupt", with people urged to consider follow-ups.
That's just about the most blatant way of indicating that said approach is going to go pear-shaped and need another plan, without actually saying it outright.
Yes, that includes everyone going for @Nero200's plan since it didn't include an Approach vote of its own. Which means the current winning Approach vote is, in fact, "casual stroll".
I'm actually fine with a quick update and an interrupt. I think most possible approaches will get an interrupt. I'm happy with thinking through possible responses to what could be going on, but I don't want to get into too many specifics with our current information.
That said, the lack of an approach vote in Nero's vote looks like an oversight. I dunno whether they want to go with the old plan (mental scan at max range), the default Approach option, or something else.
Here is a shorter, simpler version of the Wardriving plan:
[ ][Party] Amu, Midori, Utau
[ ][Approach] Psychic Wardriving: Pile into the family car. Use psionic abilities to check the house and surroundings while driving past. Tell Utau to try and put up Illusions to change the numberplate and color of the car.
[ ] Bring Hikaru's ward stone.
I suspect so too, but the approach will also decide the kind of position we'll be in and equipment we will have access to when it happens. Casual stroll gives us no vehicles, no weapon, nobody else in range to call if anything goes wrong. We'd be shielding Midori with our body while running if anything went wrong.
Meanwhile, just as an example, calling in pizza deliveries at half a dozen houses on the street while dressed as pizza delivery people gives us half a dozen meatshields and vehicles to steal if anything goes wrong. I would not suggest this, as it would put 6 pizza deliverymen at risk of being shot, but it's an example.
[X][Party] Amu, Midori, Utau
[X][Approach] Psychic Wardriving: Pile into the family car. Use psionic abilities to check the house and surroundings while driving past. Tell Utau to try and put up Illusions to change the numberplate and color of the car.
[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone.
[X][Party] Amu, Midori, Utau
[X][Approach] Psychic Wardriving: Pile into the family car. Use psionic abilities to check the house and surroundings while driving past. Tell Utau to try and put up Illusions to change the numberplate and color of the car.
[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone.
Mine needed the answer from Baughn to confirm the approach.
[X] Plan 'Chaperoned Date'
-[X][Party] Amu, Utau and Midori
--[X] Let's not take the entire family, since well. Amu has been being chased by the media. Her family is going to be recognisable.
--[X] Utau is a 'better' psionic to have as back up for an emergency.
---[X] Utau is going to be very annoyed if Amu dives into another situation without her, and there's no reason not to bring her. Disguised, of course.
--[X] Ask Midori for permission to read just her emotions while investigating / during conversation with the Scavengers.
---[X] We don't want Amu having to avoid a certain 'area' or blocking her ears.
-[X] Miki, Ami and Tsumugu stay at home.
--[X] Let's not bring another psionic kid in range of the group that kidnaps psionic children. Ami is very capable, but Kana hasn't solo'd Manticore yet, so they've clearly figured out mental defences to some extent since the Scavengers escaped.
--[X] Miki is already passing out, she is not going to be useful for this, especially since we don't know what her actual psionic abilities are like this, or if she can still Chara Change with Amu.
---[X] Ask about this, if Miki is up to answering.
--[X] Tsumugu knows JPs the best, and they are our emergency button. Him being outside of active event range seems useful.
---[X] Give him Lulu's number if there isn't a better JPs number available.
-[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone thingy - it might be useful.
-[X][Approach] Collaborate with Utau, using the Key for it's boost, to check at range. Hopefully higher range than the sidewalk.
--[X] Amu and Utau will know what their max range is, and if they can use their bond & the Key to take it further.
[X][Party] Amu, Midori, Utau
[X][Approach] Psychic Wardriving: Pile into the family car. Use psionic abilities to check the house and surroundings while driving past. Tell Utau to try and put up Illusions to change the numberplate and color of the car.
[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone.
-[X][Approach] Collaborate with Utau, using the Key for it's boost, to check at range. Hopefully higher range than the sidewalk.
--[X] Amu and Utau will know what their max range is, and if they can use their bond & the Key to take it further.
I'm not sure what you actually have in mind for them to do with their bond, or how much of a bond you're hoping they have. We didn't pick the bond boon.
[X] Plan 'Chaperoned Date' [X][Party] Amu, Miki, Midori, Tsumugu, Ami and Utau
[X][Approach] A casual stroll past the Scavengers. Just some random passersby.
-[X][Approach] Collaborate with Utau, using the Key for it's boost, to check at range. Hopefully higher range than the sidewalk.
--[X] Amu and Utau will know what their max range is, and if they can use their bond & the Key to take it further.
I'm not sure what you actually have in mind for them to do with their bond, or how much of a bond you're hoping they have. We didn't pick the bond boon.
This is correct. The bond would have provided, mechanically, a two-dot specialisation in mental range... in-story it'd be a bit more involved. Regardless, you don't have it.
I think Nero200 meant it less literally, however. Amu and Utau are a "bonded pair"... as in romantically involved. Which, aheh, they are not—at least, not at this time. Utau is quite aware of the age difference, and like Midori said, it's something best left for later. Whether or not Amu's crush will last that long is an entirely different question.
(I have no problem describing it as such, because canon Amu had crushes on virtually everyone she met. Sheesh, girl. As it stands she hasn't described it that way to herself, and the only related story element is Midori's teasing.)
=
Practically speaking? Amu and Utau are used to each other, which does let them push the telepathy a bit further than it would otherwise go. Expectations can stand in for channel capacity; effective bandwidth very much goes up if the signal is predictable. That applies to humans just as much as to computers.
It's not a bond, and it isn't something I'd put on your character sheet, but it's a real effect nonetheless. I'm still a bit unclear on what it's meant to do here, but... those two work well together, yeah. This wouldn't be the first time they go into combat side-by-side, even.
-this is normally where I post two follow-ups hastily trying to patch up an information leak. Instead, I'm just going to claim that you shouldn't make assumptions based on what I choose to explain. Up to you if you believe that; you'll find out soon enough.
Adhoc vote count started by Baughn on Jan 16, 2024 at 10:12 PM, finished with 62 posts and 12 votes.
[X] Plan 'Chaperoned Date'
-[X][Party] Amu, Utau and Midori
--[X] Let's not take the entire family, since well. Amu has been being chased by the media. Her family is going to be recognisable.
--[X] Utau is a 'better' psionic to have as back up for an emergency.
---[X] Utau is going to be very annoyed if Amu dives into another situation without her, and there's no reason not to bring her. Disguised, of course.
--[X] Ask Midori for permission to read just her emotions while investigating / during conversation with the Scavengers.
---[X] We don't want Amu having to avoid a certain 'area' or blocking her ears.
-[X] Miki, Ami and Tsumugu stay at home.
--[X] Let's not bring another psionic kid in range of the group that kidnaps psionic children. Ami is very capable, but Kana hasn't solo'd Manticore yet, so they've clearly figured out mental defences to some extent since the Scavengers escaped.
--[X] Miki is already passing out, she is not going to be useful for this, especially since we don't know what her actual psionic abilities are like this, or if she can still Chara Change with Amu.
---[X] Ask about this, if Miki is up to answering.
--[X] Tsumugu knows JPs the best, and they are our emergency button. Him being outside of active event range seems useful.
---[X] Give him Lulu's number if there isn't a better JPs number available.
-[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone thingy - it might be useful.
[X][Approach] Psychic Wardriving: Pile into the family car. Use psionic abilities to check the house and surroundings while driving past. Tell Utau to try and put up Illusions to change the numberplate and color of the car.
[X] Plan: Pop-Up Live Sing-Along Revue Duo Angel☆Prism -[X][Party] Amu, Utau, Miki, Midori --[X] You have a plan to minimize the risk, but it requires Utau's help. Fortunately, she already knows about Kana - at least the broad strokes, if not the current details. --[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone, it might be useful. -[X][Approach] Loud and Obnoxious --[X] Stage an unexpected flash pop-up live concert at the nearby playground. --[X] Rent a van, preferably one with speakers mounted. Bring the whole works - portable stage, spotlights, loudspeakers, boomboxes, glowsticks, etc. --[X] Utau sings. Miki plays. They'll make a multi-hour distraction partying hard, while a disguised Amu and Midori get the real legwork done. --[X] Door-knock for donations. Every single house along the street. Up to and including the Scavengers. With a donation box. Solicit funds for the prospective up-and-coming idol duo Angel☆Prism, a.k.a Utau and Miki. We can use the cash to fund Miki's new wardrobe and living arrangements. --[X] With luck, nobody will notice if the "donation collectors" just happen to spend slightly longer at one particular house than the others. --[X] Should any strangers verbally object to the jam, take note of them (they could be Manticore) and have Utau phone her manager/adoptive mother Sanjou and let them argue legalities, while they keep on jamming. --[X] Should any strangers physically object (i.e. with weapons) to the jam, definitely take note of them and have Utau and Miki do a special number: Angel's Cradle + Prism Music, blasted full volume out the loudspeakers to put everyone in the vicinity to sleep. --[X] If all else fails and we need to beat a hasty retreat - we have a van. And Midori, presumably, knows how to drive.
[X] Plan: Contactless Check-In
-[X][Party] Ami and Amu
--[X] Ami's the more experienced dreamwalker, and this shouldn't put either of you in direct physical danger
-[X][Approach] Use Dreamwalking in order to contact Kana to figure out why she stopped texting you, and whether she's in danger
[X] Plan 'Chaperoned Date'
-[X][Party] Amu, Utau and Midori
--[X] Let's not take the entire family, since well. Amu has been being chased by the media. Her family is going to be recognisable.
--[X] Utau is a 'better' psionic to have as back up for an emergency.
---[X] Utau is going to be very annoyed if Amu dives into another situation without her, and there's no reason not to bring her. Disguised, of course.
--[X] Ask Midori for permission to read just her emotions while investigating / during conversation with the Scavengers.
---[X] We don't want Amu having to avoid a certain 'area' or blocking her ears.
-[X] Miki, Ami and Tsumugu stay at home.
--[X] Let's not bring another psionic kid in range of the group that kidnaps psionic children. Ami is very capable, but Kana hasn't solo'd Manticore yet, so they've clearly figured out mental defences to some extent since the Scavengers escaped.
--[X] Miki is already passing out, she is not going to be useful for this, especially since we don't know what her actual psionic abilities are like this, or if she can still Chara Change with Amu.
---[X] Ask about this, if Miki is up to answering.
--[X] Tsumugu knows JPs the best, and they are our emergency button. Him being outside of active event range seems useful.
---[X] Give him Lulu's number if there isn't a better JPs number available.
-[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone thingy - it might be useful.
-[X][Approach] Collaborate with Utau, using the Key for it's boost, to check at range. Hopefully higher range than the sidewalk.
--[X] Amu and Utau will know what their max range is, and if they can use their bond & the Key to take it further.
The leading vote makes a lot of those, and I didn't tell Nero anything that should be relevant. 🥹
I think I'm just going to mention that Amu's disguised. With different hair color, clothing, freckles, hair style, eye color and quite possibly also an SEP field. Her mother isn't, but how many reporters do you think would be following them around? ... yeah, okay. It's a lot.
...she isn't this awake yet. Nor did they remove the locket. This is more of a status update on my quixotic quest for pictures of her, I think.
I should have known this would happen, when I kept editing more replies into the same post. 🤣
My statement that Utau and Amu have some experience fighting together should not be taken as indication that there will be one. Or that there won't. Which is all I'll say on the subject, Baughn out!
I think I'm just going to mention that Amu's disguised. With different hair color, clothing, freckles, hair style, eye color and quite possibly also an SEP field. Her mother isn't, but how many reporters do you think would be following them around? ... yeah, okay. It's a lot.
I don't see the tactical point of bringing Ami, Miki or Tsumugu when two out of three are going to be on the media watchlist due to Amu being chased. Utau can disguise herself, Amu is going Ran mode for this, Midori clearly knows some disguise.
so it sounds to me like the idea was to have everyone go in disguise.
This kind of thing is one of the reasons why we get "micromanagement" votes. When a plan doesn't go into explicit detail, different people mentally fill in the detail in very different ways. Each person might think they filled in the gaps in the obvious way, but the end result can end up crucially different from what planmakers or voters had in mind.
Giving more explicit detail is a way to try to mitigate this effect. It's an attempt to bridge the gap between perspectives, and make sure people are on the same page.
[X][Party] Amu, Midori, Utau
-[X] Suggest that Midori and Utau don disguises, or at least permit an Illusion to disguise their faces when going out.
[X][Approach] Psychic Wardriving: Pile into the family car. Use psionic abilities to check the house and surroundings while driving past. Tell Utau to try and put up Illusions to change the numberplate and color of the car.
[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone.
Well, for a start, that Utau is a "better psychic" for the situation and that Miki would be useless for the trip. Or that Amu is actually going to "block her ears" or avoid certain areas psychically just because she didn't ask Midori for permission to mind read (and that this would set a good example for Ami). That Tsumugu knows JPs particularly well (has he even spoken to Hotsuin?).
And possibly anything regarding Manticore's activities.
I think I'm just going to mention that Amu's disguised. With different hair color, clothing, freckles, hair style, eye color and quite possibly also an SEP field. Her mother isn't, but how many reporters do you think would be following them around? ... yeah, okay. It's a lot.
So a possible interrupt is a reporter stopping Midori in particular to try and interview her and may ignore Amu, but will still hold up the woman herself, meaning it will hold up Amu in turn as she needs her mother there. Great. Hopefully going around in an unrecognizable vehicle will avoid that (or that one of the girls will think to hold an Illusion over her face).
[X][Party] Amu, Midori, Utau
[X][Approach] Psychic Wardriving: Pile into the family car. Use psionic abilities to check the house and surroundings while driving past. Tell Utau to try and put up Illusions to change the numberplate and color of the car.
[X] Bring Hikaru's ward stone.
Well, for a start, that Utau is a "better psychic" for the situation and that Miki would be useless for the trip. Or that Amu is actually going to "block her ears" or avoid certain areas psychically just because she didn't ask Midori for permission to mind read (and that this would set a good example for Ami). That Tsumugu knows JPs particularly well (has he even spoken to Hotsuin?).
And possibly anything regarding Manticore's activities.
So a possible interrupt is a reporter stopping Midori in particular to try and interview her and may ignore Amu, but will still hold up the woman herself, meaning it will hold up Amu in turn as she needs her mother there. Great. Hopefully going around in an unrecognizable vehicle will avoid that (or that one of the girls will think to hold an Illusion over her face).
I think Nero200 meant it less literally, however. Amu and Utau are a "bonded pair"... as in romantically involved. Which, aheh, they are not—at least, not at this time. Utau is quite aware of the age difference, and like Midori said, it's something best left for later. Whether or not Amu's crush will last that long is an entirely different question.
My assumption was more that Utau and Amu are psionically familiar with one another, having worked under stress conditions together before, and have the history of Dia between them. There pretty much isn't a better teammate for Amu than Utau at the moment, when it comes to psionics, unless we need a specific skill from one of the Guardians. (Tadases shield, for example)
Miki is was literally passing out about twenty minutes ago. I was assuming she wouldn't be useful before having a good nap and Amu doesn't seem to be in a waiting mood.
It's been noted that Amu has to actively try not to read people. I was trying to remove any chance that focusing on that messed with focus else where, since it provided a chance to characterise Amu as practicing psionic ethics.
Miki is was literally passing out about twenty minutes ago. I was assuming she wouldn't be useful before having a good nap.
It's been noted that Amu has to actively try not to read people. I was trying to remove any chance that focusing on that messed with the plan.
Personally, I figure Miki could at least sleep in the car and wake up if we need help - if not just go small and sleep in her Chara Egg in Amu's hip pouch like she used to (the cut-down Wardriving plan omits her, as I figured it might be better to keep some empty space in the car if we need to evacuate any Scavengers).
Meanwhile, isn't Amu restraining herself from reading people the exact opposite what we're trying to do with this ultra-wide-range scan?
We want to be picking up hostile thoughts from anybody nearby. Ideally everybody hostile, and not accidentally miss one and let them get the jump on us.
EDIT: The assumption that Amu would be deterred from carrying out the scan because of ethics seems unlikely (just like with Ami), I'd figure her biggest influences on psionic usage comes from her peer groups at school, friends like Utau and (unfortunately) the Scavengers.
