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Summoner Quest (Celestial Menagerie)

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Ace98 said:
*I've

And I disagree with the character on hard it would be to hide the extent of his power growth. But he can do what he wants, it's not like he needs to report every power gained.
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Corrected, thanks.

How would you have gone about it? Our hero gains new creatures and power very frequently so unless he doesn't use any new things it'll be obvious pretty fast.
 
For example, a lot of powers he acquires seem like natural extensions of being a beast-master, he could simply say that it was packaged in if the ability was discovered, and unless he showed a clear lack of ability to do the thing before hand and later showed clear mastery in doing the thing, he could say he was always able to. Such as in the case of riding.

In the case of "why didn't you do X when you had the capability to" he could respond that he did not know that he had such an ability and chose not to risk it.

In the case of projections, he could say he comes up with them in a Tinker-like fashion, like spurts of inspiration, this would be mostly true as far they are concerned as tinkers acquire power over time through working on gear.

The benefit of them thinking he is some sort of Tinker is that, they will think he follows those similar rules as Tinkers, such as a need to maintain the creatures, inventing time, that destroyed creatures will need to be rebuilt, and the general human limit of only having so much time in a day to devote to such prep-work. When in reality, the power essentially continues to grow regardless of what he does, so long as he does something.

And then there is simply the fact that he DOES gain new creatures and powers pretty fast, but there is nothing that forces him to use them, if it wasn't a quest format, he could not use new powers for a while and slow down the perceived rate of power gain, choosing what powers to reveal and when. He gains enough that, even when working with a less then full toolkit, he should be fine. He could even have waited a week, In story, as far as he knows, he gains 2-3 powers a day, if he waited 7 days, he would have 14-21 powers, enough for a more than decent toolkit and ability to fake a "lesser" power thematically.

This runs into some bumps in regards to thinker powers, but none-the-less, he has the option to hide the full extent of his capabilities, even now.
 
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Ace98 said:
For example, a lot of powers he acquires seem like natural extensions of being a beast-master, he could simply say that it was packaged in if the ability was discovered, and unless he showed a clear lack of ability to do the thing before hand and later showed clear mastery in doing the thing, he could say he was always able to. Such as in the case of riding.

In the case of "why didn't you do X when you had the capability to" he could respond that he did not know that he had such an ability and chose not to risk it.

In the case of projections, he could say he comes up with them in a Tinker-like fashion, like spurts of inspiration, this would be mostly true as far they are concerned as tinkers acquire power over time through working on gear.

The benefit of them thinking he is some sort of Tinker is that, they will think he follows those similar rules as Tinkers, such as a need to maintain the creatures, inventing time, that destroyed creatures will need to be rebuilt, and the general human limit of only having so much time in a day to devote to such prep-work. When in reality, the power essentially continues to grow regardless of what he does, so long as he does something.

And then there is simply the fact that he DOES gain new creatures and powers pretty fast, but there is nothing that forces him to use them, if it wasn't a quest format, he could not use new powers for a while and slow down the perceived rate of power gain, choosing what powers to reveal and when. He gains enough that, even when working with a less then full toolkit, he should be fine. He could even have waited a week, In story, as far as he knows, he gains 2-3 powers a day, if he waited 7 days, he would have 14-21 powers, enough for a more than decent toolkit and ability to fake a "lesser" power thematically.

This runs into some bumps in regards to thinker powers, but none-the-less, he has the option to hide the full extent of his capabilities, even now.
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I admit this could have been a very interesting way to present things, you're right. I didn't think about it at all.
Too late now, but I'm happy with the current result. Thanks.

The next chapter may come later today, I'm nearly finished with it.
 
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Chapter 10: Starro
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    • [x] Creature

    Creature roll: (250 points)
    Roll, D35=17 Marvel/DC, D31=30 Starro
    Starro Gained
    Banked 50 points.

    A very interesting creature, and not a robot, physically very weak but with a very strong master power. The most obvious use being summoning it just above the head of a villain to take control of him. I need to find a way for our hero to discover its power, but with the PRT's help, it shouldn't be too complicated, but not in this chapter.
    For info, it's the version from the 90' cartoon, not the planet size one from the comics. And also it's not the specific Starro from the cartoon just a generic member of its species.
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    I wait a little for Mr. Hepburn to calm down before asking. "So how do we start? Do you want to see my first projection?"

    Refocusing his attention on me, I could see him mentally putting my earlier revelation to the side. "No, not right away. First a little paperwork."

    He picks a few forms on the desk and hands them to me with a pen. Looking closer I could see that the first form was to give my consent to record the testing session, the second was to detail what I already knew about my power, and the third was an agreement that I wouldn't sue the PRT should I be harmed during testing.

    The third one was a little worrying but it includes a mention that they would pay for any medical care need in case I was harmed. Not having much choice I sign the first and third forms and I start to fill the one about my power.

    Once I was done I give them back to Mr. Hepburn. he spent a few minutes reading what I mark about my power before turning back to me. "I want to start testing your changer ability. Are you alright with that?" He didn't let me respond before giving me a blank white mask. "Take that, you can hide behind the curtain to change back and then put on the mask. We'll need a baseline for your normal body."

    A little confused by his sudden decisiveness I take the mask and move behind the curtain. Once I'm back to normal I put the mask on. After looking at the mirror I could see that it hide my trait well, lenses over the eyes changed my eye color, my nose was well hidden and the edge of the mask changes the shape of my cheek.

    As I was pushing the curtain aside, I suddenly felt a new creature appear inside me. It was very different from the previous one, it was not made of metal, clearly a more leathery feeling. This was reassuring I was beginning to have some doubt about that. The shape was very clear, a five-pointed star, some sort of starfish I guess but bigger than a normal one.

    Mr. Hepburn apparently noticed my distraction because he was sending me a questioning look. "Are you alright?"

    "Yes, nothing to worry about. I just gained a new projection, I was using my power to judge its appearance."

    He was visibly taken aback by my casual mention of just gaining more power, but choose to push on. "Very well. We'll be able to test it later. We can start the on measuring your baseline then."

    What followed was twenty minutes of physical exercise, my speed, and endurance on the treadmill, the same on the bike, lifting weight to test my strength, and finally, a weird machine design to test the resistance of my skin. In addition, we did a few tests for my visual and auditory perception.

    Once we were done with the baseline I had to redo all the tests while transformed. After all that Mr. Hepburn looked at the result and announced that they were nearly identical to the baseline and well within the margin of error. It appears that my Plantsman shape didn't give me any obvious physical power.

    The next thing I was asked to do was interacting with some plants, dirt, water, and a sunlight lamp. No result there either, I didn't have any particular feeling and couldn't order the plant to move or anything like that.

    We skipped testing my riding skills because we had no real way to test them and I was pretty confident with them anyway. Finally, we reached the most interesting part. I would finally be able to show of my creatures.

    "So my first creature is some sort of spider shaped spy drone." I was just about to summon it when the door opened. A man wearing a red costume entered, I immediately recognize Velocity.

    "Hello, I suppose you are the new parahuman. I was told that you are going with Plantsman for now?" He offered me his hand and I shake it with barely any hesitation, Velocity wasn't really among my favorite hero but it was still very nice to met him, and I was a little starstruck.

    "Yes, that's me. It's a pleasure to met you." I gesture at myself. "As you can see I'm not transformed right now, we were just about to test my projection."

    I end up explaining my power to him and he was very curious about my creatures too.
    Both Velocity and Mr. Hepburn were interested in my spider bot, I summoned it and show them the various function. The Protectorate hero said that it could be a great tool when patrolling. We discovered that it only obeyed my verbal order, but I could order it to obey someone else order. We also test that if someone is controlling it with the phone I could still give it an order and mine have priority.

    Then we switch to my Raptor. I discovered what it truly looks like for the first time and I must admit that it looks pretty impressive and a little intimidating with his single enormous eye.
    When it spots my companion it seems ready to attack them but I order it to ignore them and it calms down immediately.
    The treadmill was big enough so we were able to test its speed much better than I did, the verdict was 68km/h (42 m/h). It was faster than what I calculated.

    After explaining about the laser, we test it on a reinforced target at the other end of the room. The result was impressive and Velocity warned me very seriously about being careful with it. He also said that Armsmaster might be interested in studying my spider bot and Raptor.

    After that Mr. Hepburn addresses me. "I think we've seen enough of those two, Are you ready to show us the third one?"

    At this point, I hesitate. "Ah, this one is more complicated. As I said earlier I can feel the shape and size of my projection before summoning them. And this one is very big, at least the size of two cars in length and width. And I'm pretty sure that it can fly." I gesture to the room. "This room could probably accommodate it, barely. But I fear that any sudden move on its part would destroy something."

    "Could you describe this Projection? As best as you can?" Ask Mr. Hepburn.

    Haltingly I did so it was sometimes hard to transcribe my vague feeling into words. The man noted my word with stoicism even if he seems skeptical.

    Once I've finished he asked, "You said that you gained a fourth one earlier. Can you show us that one?"

    I was more than happy to do so, but first I ask if they had something like an aquarium or something similar because that one may be an aquatic creature.

    Mr.Hepburn managed to find a big aluminum tub, that he quickly filled with water. Just in case my new summon wasn't aquatic I summon it next to the tub. As expected it was indeed some sort of big purple and white Starfish. What I wasn't expecting was the big central eye that was looking at us curiously.

    Just in case I gave it an order. "You are not to attack anyone here." The starfish didn't seem to react but it seems able to perceive the water and quickly slipped inside the tub.

    I look toward Velocity and the PRT agent. "Any test you want to do on this one? It just seems to be a big starfish."

    They both hesitate before Velocity suggested at least seeing how it move on land. And test if like the Raptor it got any ranged abilities.

    It turns out that on the ground it just crawl, slowly. But it could make some impressive jumps for its size. When ordered to attack a target it didn't do anything.

    But it did allow me to test something else, I tried to dismiss it when we were finished and it worked perfectly. I could feel it returning inside myself and blocked for the day. After asking Mr. Hepburn I choose to left the Spider bot and Raptor here so the PRT could see that they'll disappear once I'm far enough away.

    "Well, Plantsman I think we test everything we could today. The only missing thing being your big Projection. Do you any other questions for me?"

    I did not and thank him for his help. It was at this point Velocity speak up. "Now that testing is done I was told that you wish to speak with a Protectorate member about joining our team. I can take you to a conference room and we can talk."

    It was exactly what I want, I had a few questions already planned but while Velocity was escorting me toward the conference room I tried to think about what else I could ask.

    [] Write-In

    Wordcount: 1517
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    What question do you have for Velocity? No winning or losing vote this time. I'll try to integrate all your question in the next chapter. (Unless they are inappropriate of course.)

    As a bonus for reaching chapter 10, I decided that we gain a random 0 points mundane animal.
    D87=40 Pantherinae Too expensive
    D87=11 Eulipotyphla

    Vote for any living animals in the Eulipotyphla category (Basically Solenodon, Hedgehog, Mole, or Shrew and all their subspecies.)

    [] 0 point Animal
    -[] Write-In

    For the roll, 150 points:

    [] Creature

    [] Power

    Voting will be closed Wednesday at 12 PM GMT.
     
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    • [X] Power
    [X] 0 point Animal
    -[X] Eastern Mole

    Not really impressed with 100 point creatures so rather get a power or bank the points. Eastern Mole is one of the larger ones and I guess we can use it for digging if need be.

    Edit- not sure on the write in currently
     
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    [X] Creature
    [X] 0 point Animal
    -[X] Nesophontidae

    Man, we just have all kinds of luck: 3/4 machines and Starro. Thank, goodness this is the mook version or we would be in trouble.
    zagan said:
    They both hesitate before Velocity suggested at least seeing how it move on land. And test if like the Raptor it got any ranged abilities.
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    You can tell Velocity thinks it's a little mediocre, but he's too nice to say so.

    edit: changed vote. The wiki says this is an extinct family, and it would really muddy the waters if we had it.
    Edit: back to the past!
     
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    RookDeSuit said:
    [X] Creature
    [X] 0 point Animal
    -[X] Nesophontidae

    Man, we just have all kinds of luck: 3/4 machines and Starro. Thank, goodness this is the mook version or we would be in trouble.

    You can tell Velocity thinks it's a little mediocre, but he's too nice to say so.

    edit: changed vote. The wiki says this is an extinct family, and it would really muddy the waters if we had it.
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    zagan said:
    Vote for any living animals
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    Sorry only living one. No extinct animal from the mundane animal category.
     
    zagan said:
    Sorry only living one. No extinct animal from the mundane animal category.
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    Alright, I'll change it for game balance, but doesn't that defeat the spirit of this?
    zagan said:
    Once we find someone like you, we engrave on their soul the pattern of a living creature so this pattern can be forever preserved, and should someone happen to this particular species we can use the pattern to recreate it elsewhere.
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    Not much for preservation if this version of mammalia is extinct everywhere.
     
    RookDeSuit said:
    Alright, I'll change it for game balance, but doesn't that defeat the spirit of this?

    Not much for preservation if this version of Mammalia is extinct everywhere.
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    There are two reasons for that. First, extinct creatures are found in the Ark category (not all of course but a fair bit).
    And second, it would be too easy to find really strong animals for a pretty cheap price. The first example that comes to mind is the megatherium, a giant sloth way stronger than other animals from the same category.

    But thinking about it more, no I'll allow you to select extinct animals if they cannot be found in the Ark categories and if they remain consistent with the cost in the CM.
    You can change your vote back if you want, a 15cm shrew is not quest-breaking even for 0 points.
     
    Hmm... I think I'll vote for a power this time. Not for any particular reason, but it feels like a good time for it.

    [X] Power
     
    No questions at all for Velocity? I'm surprised I thought a write-in would be more popular.
     
    I think it's because the character doesn't know much about velocity, and most questions that would be asked would be common questions that will be answered anyways such as "How to hero patrol" and derivatives of such, we don't have many interesting or unique things to ask him that can't be answered by someone else or the internet.

    I suppose we could ask if he has any hobbies or how much does marketing play into costume design, but honestly, I feel like "Plantsman" would be better off talking or asking about whatever comes to his mind, because I don't have any ideas.

    Question, IIRC, Plantsman's eyes are flowers, do they change at all with his expressions? or indicate where he is looking? Can the petals be touched? and if so, how do they feel? (to him and the toucher), if he removes/trims a bit of vegetation off him and changes back, what happens?
     
    Ace98 said:
    I think it's because the character doesn't know much about velocity, and most questions that would be asked would be common questions that will be answered anyways such as "How to hero patrol" and derivatives of such, we don't have many interesting or unique things to ask him that can't be answered by someone else or the internet.

    I suppose we could ask if he has any hobbies or how much does marketing play into costume design, but honestly, I feel like "Plantsman" would be better off talking or asking about whatever comes to his mind, because I don't have any ideas.

    Question, IIRC, Plantsman's eyes are flowers, do they change at all with his expressions? or indicate where he is looking? Can the petals be touched? and if so, how do they feel? (to him and the toucher), if he removes/trims a bit of vegetation off him and changes back, what happens?
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    An excellent remark, I see what you mean about obvious questions. I hope that I don't forget anything.
    As for Plantsman's eyes. Yes, they do change shape with his expressions and where is looking at. The petal can be touched but it's not a pleasing feeling. And they feel pretty smooth to the touch.
    If he trims something it depends on what, if he trims the moss that replaced his hair when he changed back some of his hair would be cut. Some for fingernails. But the cut bit won't revert back.
     
    Chapter 11: Mole
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Eastern Mole
    [x] Power

    Power roll: (150 points)
    Roll, D85=78 Pocket Biosphere, Too expensive
    Banked 150 points.

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    The conference room where we end up was as generic as it was possible, a big table, a dozen chairs, a whiteboard, and a coffee machine in a corner. The big window at the end of the room was showing a nice view of the bay, and the Protectorate HQ in the middle.

    "Here we are, sit wherever you want. Do you want a coffee?" Velocity was already near the coffee machine preparing one for himself.

    "Yes, thank you." I wasn't a fan of coffee but I could drink it and after that long power testing session, it would be welcome.

    He seems to hesitate a little before speaking. "If you are thinking of joining you probably have a lot of questions. But before we start I need to talk to you about one important point. Have you ever heard of the Unwritten rules?"

    The name sound vaguely familiar but I didn't know any details and said so.

    "It's not surprising, it mostly concerns capes. It's a set of rules that every capes, heroes and villain, are supposed to respect. Of course, the villains are less inclined to respect them but they generally abide by them, at least in public." He served me my coffee while picking his own before continuing.

    "The first and most important rule is respecting the secret identity of other parahumans. You do not try to find any secret identity and if you know any you do not spread it. If you broke that rule, everyone, hero or villain, will turn against you. A parahuman without a means to retreat will feel cornered and will lash out. This can turn nasty real fast."

    I listen attentively, this explains a number of things I wondered about before. Mostly why some villains that managed to escaped custody could remain at large so easily.

    "The second rule is important too but mostly for heroes, avoid lethal attack when it is possible.
    As a corollary avoid carrying a normal gun."

    He didn't explain that one but I supposed that it was to avoid ever escalating conflict.

    "The third rule is special, the Endbringer truce, during and immediately after a battle you must set aside all grudge and concentrate on the true threat. A villain right next to you killed your best friend last week? It does not matter, you can hunt him down later, during the battle you must be able to cooperate or at least ignore each other."

    His tone was somber when explaining that and I didn't comment either. For a moment he was lost in thought, looking into the dept of his coffee cup. After a moment he returns his attention to me.

    "Now that the heavy stuff has been dealt with I'm ready to answer your question." He took a sip from his coffee. He seems happy to change the topic.

    I take a moment to put my thought in order. "I've read on the Protectorate website that you protect the family of your member. Could you elaborate?"

    He nods toward me, pleased with my priority "Yes, that an important point. We have a small division of PRT agents dedicated to the security of families. We installed our own security system, created by Dragon, in your home. It is monitored here round the clock, it also includes reinforced doors and windows, and if we can a safe room is also put in place. My own home is protected like that and it's very reassuring to know that it is there."

    Hearing Velocity talking like a door-to-door salesman was a little weird. It was visibly a rehearsed argument but he seems sincere. And he was right it was reassuring, Mom would be safe. "Thank you that's good to hear. The next thing was about my secret identity, if I join I'll need to reveal it of course. But how many people will know it in the end."

    He winced a little. "That's a difficult question. At a minimum, your identity is known by the PRT director, the deputy director, the Protectorate leader, here it's Armsmaster of course, and a few other people for legal reasons, no more than a five or six. But in practice, it's common to reveal your identity to the other member of your team too. It is also recorded on our secure computer system and anyone with a high enough security clearance can learn it. But they must be able to justify why they need to know it."

    That was a lot of people, inavoidable in a government organization I guess. "It's understandable I suppose and what measures are taken to protect it?"

    He seems happier with this follow up question. "Your secret identity is hired by the PRT in a false job, either directly or by a subcontractor. In addition, to hide your coming and going we have multiple discreet entrances. In practice, you come here in the morning, change into your costume, and only then you go to the Protectorate HQ in the bay."

    It was simple enough, no need to overcomplicate things after all. At this instant, I could feel a new creature appearing in my chest. A small one, some sort of rat? I'll deal with it later.

    "Thanks that's nice to know. Can you tell me a little about the schedule?"

    "Of course". He took out his phone and navigate a little before showing me a calendar app. "Here's an example, my schedule from last week. As you can see, at least one patrol per day lasting three or four hours, console duty three times per week, and twice per week a training session with your teammates. In addition, we have regular reunions to discuss the various threat we handle. And of course, you also have time to write your report when something noteworthy happens on patrol." He let me look a little longer at the screen before pocketing his phone again.

    This looks like a busy schedule but more varied than I expected. The training part wasn't much to my liking but was probably necessary. "Okay thank you. Another thing then, Plantsman is only a temporary name and I don't have any real costume. How does the Protectorate handle that?"

    Velocity seems to freeze in place at that question. Looking closer I had the impression that his body was sort of vibrating in place. Was he using his power? Before I could do anything he smiled woodenly and speak up. "Yes, absolutely we have a very effective mark…, hum, PR department. They'll be happy to help you with your name and costume. But of course, if you have suggestions or ideas before that it'll make their work much easier."

    He paused for an instant, his eyes darting everywhere and he adds in a much lower tone. "When negotiating your contract, you can determine how much control you'll have on your own image too. Remember it."

    Before I could respond he switched to another subject. "Do you have any other questions?"

    The way he said all that was a little worrying and I'll be keeping it in mind but I was willing to play along and change the subject. "Yes, one last thing. A more unpleasant subject, what about the salary and the medical care?"

    Apparently happy that I followed him on his subject change Velocity smiled. "For medical care, you'll be glad to know that we take care of everything. We want our hero to be in the best shape possible. We have access to several healers at the national level that we can call on and of course, Panacea is here in the Bay. We have an accord with New wave that allows us to call for her help."

    He paused for an instant to finish his coffee. "As for salary, you'll need to negotiate it with your contract. But the Protectorate is relatively generous with us."

    That last answer was a little vague but I suppose that I would learn more during contract negotiation.

    "Well thank you for taking the time to talk with me and respond to my question. I will think about it. How can I contact the Protectorate if I decide to sign up?"

    "It was my pleasure. Take this card, it is the number to join the office of the deputy director. You can take an appointment with him when you'll reach a decision."

    I take the card and put it in my pocket. He escorts me toward a rear door leading to an alley behind the building allowing me to leave discreetly, still wearing a mask that I removed before stepping in the street.


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    No story vote this time.

    Another complex vote because we gained enough excess word.

    [] One Creature roll with 350 points

    [] One Power roll with 350 points

    [] One Creature roll with 250 points and a second Creature roll with any leftover plus 100 point

    [] One Creature roll with 250 points and a Power roll with any leftover plus 100 point

    [] One Power roll with 250 points and a second Power roll with any leftover plus 100 point

    [] One Power roll with 250 points and a Creature roll with any leftover plus 100 point

    Voting will be closed Friday at 12 PM GMT.
     
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