>>670405
The first thing that you notice when you materialize is that it's much better decor than your last job. This place seems to be some sort of grand ballroom, complete with fancy chandeliers, Greek pillars, and high art. To be quite honest, the presentation is already getting high marks from you. A promising start, you suppose.

The second thing that you noticed is that you are rather...ethereal is a good word. You seem to be having a very big space and star motif going on; your body seems to be made out of some sort of luminescent material that isn't staying one color, but seems to hover around your usual blues and greens. A quick glance downward shows that you seem to have a spare eye in the middle of your chest- the brooch working no doubt. A quick test shows that it's easy to close and open- you decide to leave it closed for now. You can also feel something on your back- likely the cape, which seems to have been attached to your neck, and you think you can control it at will. You can't see your face, but you're intensely curious as to what it looks like, considering you can feel two long antennae coming from you head.

This was certainly one of your more drastic changes. And considering the man and woman in front of you, you're not sure whether that's a good or a bad thing.
They both seem utterly shocked at your appearance, judging by their wide eyes and slightly open mouths, although they quickly shake it off when they notice you staring and do their best to affect a neutral disposition.

“...Well,” the woman starts, and you can already hear a faint waver in her whispering voice. “I must say, it seems you description didn't quite you justice.” She's dressed in a fancy long, white dress; no frills, but it widens out at the end. You can see long boots that matter color scheme, as well as a very nice pair of formal gloves and a pearl necklace. Overall she gives off the picturesque look of someone that's influential, with a lot of money.

“Indeed, madam. I would say that Mister Salvatore’s claims were a bit...understated.” The man seems like your typical butler really, gray haired, with a sharp, thin beard and a typical three-piece butler uniform. “She strikes quite the imposing figure.”

The lady then addresses you properly. “Forgive my impertinence, great Madam Vellusia, but I was informed that, for a price, you would be willing to help me with a...concern of mine, m’lady. If you would be so willing to indulge me, perhaps we can discuss the matter over tea?” She’s holding her face very well, but you still get the feeling that she's more nervous than she's letting on.

> Play it up. It's not very often you get an opportunity like this… “Very well. I will grant this base request.”
> Be neutral about it. “Alright. If you want to.”
> Eh, she doesn't need to stand on ceremony. “You're paying anyway. Hit me.”
> Get straight down to it. “There’s a group of young girls that I'm supposed to be teaching the hard way, correct?”
> Other

>>670420
> Get straight down to it. “There’s a group of young girls that I'm supposed to be teaching the hard way, correct?”
still eldritch abomination type thing

>>670449
er, didn't complete my comment,
- should be pretty cool, this is gonna be fun!

>>670420
>Other
Stay formal and play it up, but don't be insulting, as if we're an immortal granting a fleeting mortal's paltry request (even if it's somewhat true).
"Very well. Salvatore told me an outline of your request; a group of young girls to be given hard lessons to prepare them for greater harshness ahead."

>>670420
>> Eh, she doesn't need to stand on ceremony. “You're paying anyway. Hit me.”
I think we should try show her the more human face behind the mask just so she trusts that we are not actually an evil eldritch abomination.

Should probably ask about collateral damage and rules of engagement at some point. Can we wipe out a couple of districts to taunt them into a fight? Can we lead them into a building wired to blow?

>>670482
>we should try show her the more human face behind the mask
Handler has said that breaking the impression we give will have negative consequences, more often than not.

>ask about collateral damage and rules of engagement
We were already told she bought the Minimal Collateral Damage Rider.

>>670465
supporting

>>670465
>>670420
This seems more fun.

>>670465
Supporting, as well. D9nt break character though. Nothing good will come of it

>>670420
Please, let's evaluate Miranda's mana regen in this realm.

supporting >>670465

Exlpanations of the very specifics of the job (collateral, their relations with the MG team, etc.) are needed. Staying in character is required for the Binding Narrative, let's start on the right foot-tentacle.

What they were expecting and what they got were two very different things.

Writing.

>>670584
Oh, Handler, I think some of Miranda's techniques need tweaks on their mana consumption (unless these are affected by realms as well as mana regen). I understand the costs are to limit their spamming, and are quite possibly only guides for their default power (tuning it up or down is possible for most) but we've yet to encounter the kind players that'd abuse it.

- Sun's Flare: Come on, Krilin could do it more easily than his basic energy disc

- Light Barrier: a two-dimensional defense, even if it's one-way, should not cost two-thirds of an absolute protection.

- Orbital Ring is like a high-powered inversed light trap with added immobilization. It should cost as much as Nebula Blaster.

- I think Flux Wave, being experimental, is fine as it is atm. We'll have to give ourselves he occasion to "refine" / give it a variable setting (MUCH less range, more of a pulsing area that can be maintained, a "feels bad, man" aura, etc).

>>670652
Yeah, I was never 100% on those mana costs. I want to lock them in early though so I won't have people wanting to change the costs every mission. And yeah, it was mostly to prevent spamming.

-Probably will reduce SF, yeah.

-Light Barrier might be halved or so.

-You think? Hm. Iunno.

-Yeah, the point behind Flux Wave being experiment was to try my hand at giving players something to customize. You could do a lot with it if you wanted.

>>670688

Please let me correct:
>Orbital Ring: It should NOT cost as much as Nebula Blaster.
A vital part of my thought, I'd say.

>>670710
Ohhh. So more on the same page than not. Lemme finish this entry and we'll talk about it more.

>>670420
Heh. Well, if they’re going to be like that, then with you looking like this, no reason to not play it up a bit. You can still be polite about it, though. Sorta.

You don’t answer for a couple of seconds, waiting right for when she flinches- taking her eyes off you for a split second to look at her butler- before you respond. “Very well.” Wow, even your voice has a slight metallic twang to it...maybe an echo, but you’re not sure if that’s you or the room. The woman tries her very best to not visibly sag in relief- and largely manages it. The only thing that betrays her is a subtle shift in her expression.

Straightening up from the half-bow she was in (you’re not sure if even she noticed), she quickly nods to her butler. “Then, Jameson, could you make sure everything’s prepared?” He nods and walks away briskly down a side hallway as she turns back to you. “Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Lorraine Diamonde, and I suppose you could call me...well, I’ll explain in a bit. Could you follow me, then?” At your nod, she follows Jameson’s direction down the hall, and you make sure to stay close to her. You’re still mostly humanoid, at least. Just a very strange looking humanoid.

“Salvatore told me an outline of your request.” you state as you both walk. Yeah, no, the echo was the room, but the vague metallic sound is yours. “A group of young girls are to be given hard lessons, in order to prepare them for greater harshness ahead."

She nods. “That’s the general idea, yes. This city has had a certain team of defenders for years- and they’re just now retiring due to...unfortunate circumstances. These girls are their apprentices- well, most of them.” She shrugs as if it’s not a big deal. “They’ve been doing so for less time than I’d hoped, but the city needs protectors- so I decided that they needed to have a bit of an...incentive to learn quickly, as it were. I’m not so callous as to want to cause harm to our city simply for a learning experience, of course, so I decided to seek out professionals to the cause. Mr. Salvatore told me that he was in contact with A 'powerful figure', and that for the right price, they’d help.”

cont.

>>670784
Oh goody, we could portray ourselves as a magical girl shuma gorath!

>>670784
“And so I was summoned.” you surmise.

She smiles lightly. “Really, Mr. Salvatore did all the work. May I ask how you…”

“I’m afraid not.” you say. It wasn’t really that you couldn’t say...but, appearances. She doesn’t seem to take offense, either.

“Of course, of course. Ah, here.” The door’s already open, and it leads to a small room with pleasant carpeting, a window view, and a table with a tea set already on it, Jameson nearby. Suddenly she jumps as if she’s just remembering something. “Actually, forgive me- I’m terribly sorry if I’m being rude by presuming you even consume foods- I mean no disrespect, I assure you.”

“I do,” is all you respond, and you take your seat primly. She follows suit, and Jameson quickly pours you both a cup- hers with two cubes of sugar, yours simply with milk.

After a few sips, she speaks again. “So then, I’m presuming you’d at least like to know about the girls before you begin...working with them, correct?” You nod, and in response she snaps her fingers. Jameson wordlessly reveals a folder, which he hands to you. It’s a basic dossier on each of the girls in question. “If you have any questions about them, feel free to ask me.”

As you look over the pages, you find that there are five girls in total...

>>670956

>Jody “Ruby” Johnston:
>Team Leader
>High School (2nd Year)
>Drama Club Member
>Siblings: (2) (Johnny- Elder / Joshua- Younger)
>Powers/Abilities: Limited Energy Projection, Healing, Superhuman Durability, Superhuman Strength
>Weaknesses: Cannot swim- Aquaphobic. Clumsy.
>A very bullheaded girl who nonetheless is very charismatic. Is the leader of the new Shining Heart Squad. Known for taking insults to her hair too personally. Has shown flashes of being clever due to her apprenticeship to former hero Emerald Heart.

>Maxine “Ribbit” Banks
>Second Member
>High School (2nd Year)
>Nature Club Member
>Powers: Sonic Scream, Echolocation, Superhuman Leaping Ability, Superhuman Durability.
>Weaknesses: Noise deafening devices, can get embarrassed easily.
>Jody’s best friend. Can scream loud enough to shear away rock at point blank range. Often considers herself the brains to Jody’s brawn.

>Layla “Crystalline” Plath
>Third Member
>High School (2nd Year)
>Powers: Skin Crystallization- confers superhuman durability, Heavy density, capability to launch crystal projectiles.
>Weaknesses: Egocentric, No Hand to Hand combat skills.
>A former rival to Ruby who’s recently joined forces with her for the sake of protecting the city. Extremely stuck-up. Formerly apprenticed under Lady Shimmer.

>Ren “Aquatica” Faire
>Fourth Member
>High School (1st Year)
>A/V Club Member
>Powers: Limited Aquakinesis
>Weaknesses: Cannot Generate Water- needs a source. Limited hand to hand skills. Ruby seems to dislike her.
>Paparazzi in training. Very energetic, enjoys taking photographs.

>Lucy “Shygirl” Fullbright
>Fifth Member
>High School (1st Year)
>Powers: Invisibility, Force Field Generation, Duplication
>Weaknesses: Force Fields take physical toll, Invisibility dependant on psyche. Duplication exhausts her. Very influenceable.
>Friend of Ren who discovered her own powers recently. Introvert.

After you've finished looking at the basic information, you look back up at her.

"So, anything you want me to elaborate on?"

>"Yes." (Who do you want detail on?)

>"No. Your details are sufficient. I have other queries."

>>670967
>"No. Your details are sufficient. I have other queries."

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>>670967
>"Yes."
"Aquatica. Her weak link with Ruby is an unacceptable weakness within the team dynamic. How is she viewed by the others?
"Crystalline. How much was she taught by her mistress? What tactics and morals were imparted? What can break her?"

>>670967
>>"Yes." (Who do you want detail on?)
I require information regarding their former teachers. I also would like to request of locations where collateral damage might be minimized, or at least would be considered acceptable. As I am dealing with untested heroes-to-be, it may be worth considering places where one can fight without worrying about the cost. Finally, I would like to discuss about your history with these former heroes, how it was set up, and whether or not you are still in touch.

>>670967
It's going to take a while to go through all that information...

I can't think of any more personal information that we need, unless someone else comes up with something. It's more important to get the general information.
It looks like the girls don't get along too well. Luckily, love can blossom on the battlefield!

If we are going to be an evil boss, we are going to need an evil plan.

>>671013
This. Exactly what caught my eye, as well

Also, were going to need minions if were playing the big bad. Handler, do we have any options for that?

>>670967
A drama fag and an amateur paparazzi, great.
So how are we going to kick this off? Hostage situation while making everyone nauseous? Raid every ice cream truck in the city? Challenge Ribbit to a jump off? Maybe since we have no sense of humor (D-) we should shut down all the fun things in the city. We can be the fun police!

Need to ask if their mentors are aware of this arrangements and if we should expect them to step in.

>>671013
We are supposed to make them better heroes, not break them. These kids are in their first and second years of high school and mostly with no experience. I doubt they will want to continue if their first baddie just up and mind fucks them.

>>671020
something that doesn't involve damage to the city... hellish tournament?
or... we could be seeking out the only piece of our persona's kryptonite equivalent as a first step to world domination, that way the party has something to aim for and it gives us a reason to lose despite kicking their asses at first.

>>670967
>"Yes." (Who do you want detail on?)
Former team of defenders and the girls' teachers. The actual reason for retiring.
How far can we go with taking hostages out of their close ones

The two's relation with the defernders (former or new).
Aquatica: can she extract water from plumbing, underground canalizations?
Outsiders

>>670967
>Yes. where is their headquarters or place of reunion apart from school?

>>671030
He meant durability, ie how hard can we hit her before she pops

>>670967
>>671035
>Aquatica: can she extract water from plumbing, underground canalizations?

elaborating from this. can she take the water away from living beings?

>>671030
Humour only affects appearance, Miranda is mentally the same.

Lot of stuff being asked. Fortunately, it can be handled relatively easily...knock on wood. Writing.

>>670967

After you've finished looking at the basic information, you look back up at her.

"So, anything you want me to elaborate on?"

“Several things,” you admit. A good number of questions are swirling around in your head already. “Primarily, concerning the one you call Aquatica.”

She nods. “Very well. As you like.”

You lock eyes with her- and you see her shiver. You still don’t know how your own eyes look- you should’ve checked. “First question- Her weak link with Ruby is an unacceptable weakness within the team dynamic. How is she viewed by the others?”

“Er, fairly well, actually,” Lorraine responds. “She seems to be appreciated well enough- even by Ms. Layla. I honestly believe it’s simply Jody’s aquaphobia acting up which causes her to dislike Ms. Ren- I’ve seen them interact civilly before- just so long as Ren doesn’t use her powers.”

Ah. Interesting. “Elaborate on those powers,” you tell of her. “Can she, for example, remove the liquid from your very body? Or perhaps from the pipes that run through this city?”

Lorraine jumps back a bit. “Oh, er...I don’t THINK she can do the first...or if she can, she’s certainly never thought about it. As for the second, I’m pretty certain she could, if she had a better control over it. I’ve personally seen her stop water from coming out of a sink before, so…”

“Understood. Next question concerns Crystalline. How much was she taught by her mistress? What tactics and morals were imparted?” You lean forward a bit- and Lorraine leans back. “What can break her?"

Lorraine doesn’t answer for a few seconds, her eyes shifting to either side of you. They lock with you again- and she finally answers. “Miss Shimmer was a very...particular teacher. She was part of the old squad- they were called the Lovely Hearts before- Jody changed the name. Miss Shimmer mostly operated as a defensive sort, as she was, and still is, rather, ah... vain. Her power was that of reflection- but she can’t call up her mirrors as well as she used to now. She taught Crystalline how to bounce and redirect certain energies using the reflective nature of her crystal body, as well as some general squad and planning tactics. If she taught her anything else, we’ve yet to see.” She looks away. “As for breaking her...I don’t know. I’ve seen her get chipped from a fall before off a building, but aside from that…”

cont.

>>671178
“That will suffice,” you decide. “Next clarification regards their teachers.”

“Ah, right.” she nods. “The Lovely Hearts were the five girls before. “Emerald Heart, the gemstone gunner. Lovelace, the unbreakable ribbon master. Miss Shimmer, the beautiful diva. Mason, the hard-working construction girl, and Heartsong, the girl right out of a fairytale movie. They were- are- great friends.” she sighs in rememberance. “But, age makes fools of us all.” Her eyes suddenly go wide as she realizes the possible insult. You simply fix her with an even stare. “No offense, I beg your pardon!” You nod and motion to her to continue, and she lets out a breath and agrees. “ Their powers are deteriorating- rapidly in their advanced years. And they can’t move as well as they used to. It’s getting much too dangerous for them.”

“Are they aware of this arrangement? Should we plan for them to interfere?” You ask.

She shakes her head. “No, they...I’ve informed them I have special training planned and they’re not to interfere for the next week or so. I suspect they might if they feel something’s going too far, but I hope it won’t come to that…”

“What of taking hostages?” You continue with the questioning.

She seems hesitant to answer. “I would...very much...prefer that to not happen. However, I understand that such actions, so long as no one is harmed, do not fall under the purview of the contract addition I requested,” she admits, “So there’s nothing I can really say to that effect…” she flits her eyes back and forth. “I...is that really your plan? I had hoped...” she shakes her head. “Nevermind. Even if I wanted to, I certain couldn't...please, I beg you, you can do as you like, but within reason, if you don't mind." She seems eager to shift the topic. "Is there anything else? I have set up a location for you to have as your ‘headquarters’, and I am a very powerful person in this city. I’ve arranged for several areas to be cleared of people and empty buildings to be scheduled for demolition during the week, should you need to demonstrate your abilities, without the risk of injury to innocents. I was hoping to have you start tomorrow- in order to allow you to, er...acclimate, I suppose”

>Anything else?
>What amenities do you have here?
>Other

No killing, preferably no hostages, and weak powers. Looks like we need to use the kid gloves.

Maybe our angle can be that we are looking for a city to conquer and force to take care of us. If there is too must resistance, we just leave the planet and look elsewhere.

>>671192
If hostages are out of the question, do you mind if I attempt to use something valuable that you are willing to sacrifice? Something like a gemstone, or perhaps a historical artifact of some sort. Perhaps an unusual meteorite, n keeping with my origin?

>>671192
>would you prefer a focus on improving them as a group or their individual fighting skills. I notice many are unskilled in hand to hand, something I specialize in.

>>671230
let's go full power rangers villain. we already have the outfit, we just now need to do the ridicolous stuff.

>>671192
A map of the city with the evacuated area, their school and home neighborhoods marked on it.

Ho are we supposed to call them out? A classified? Get on the soap box? I'm still a plan of stealing all of the ice cream in he city.

Remember guys: we are only here for a week. We need to ramp up quickly and likely won't have time to focus on individual skills.

>>671192
>Anything else?
What about the actual villains and threats to the city?
Will they potentially choose to strike at this time, when the defenders are weak?
Will we need to eliminate them, or will that be taken care of?
Because while we can eliminate other villains (perhaps as part of the lessons; an enemy of my enemy is my enemy's enemy, not my friend), it may cost extra.

>>671292
Oh yeah, make sure she is alright with them missing a lot of school this week.

>>671292
>I'm still a plan of stealing all of the ice cream in he city.
Look, we need to understand the tone of this world.
Doing goofy shit like that would be fine if this is just a plain Saturday Morning Sentai world, especially if it's an Americanized one, but that shit won't fly if this is some place on the scale of an Urobutchi world.

>>671192
>Other questions
"I need to know what threats your city faces, what monsters the predecessors of these girls have fought. I cannot create an appropriate curriculum for them if I do not know the dangers and horrors they will be made to face in the future."

>>671317
>some place on the scale of an Urobutchi world.
What did he mean by this?

>>671349
Put it this way; Gen Urobutchi is the guy who wrote Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

>>671349
The uro butcher is a famous writer known for making settings where there is a while lot of death, blood, and suffering when you didn't initially expect it.

>>671192
“I will require something of value if hostages are displeasing to you,” you state. “Any major valuable, such as a gemstone or unusual artifact, will suffice.”

“Of course,” she agrees. “I own the largest museum in the city, and it’s host to a variety of impressive objects. I would suggest the Dreamstone Meteorite- it’s a stone that’s said to be able to inflict a drowsy, dreaming state on anyone who inhales the dust from it. Old tales from tribal cultures, of course, but it may be suitable. There are also other gemstones and antiques you may ‘steal’ as well.”

“Good. Tell me, then, what kinds of opposition is normal for them to face? Should I be forced to deal with them, it may cost extra.” You really were hoping you wouldn’t have to...well, part of you.

“Of course, there are a few recurring...rogues, I suppose I’ll call them.” She starts listing them off on her fingers. “The most common one is a man called Crenshaw.” She shivers. “We don’t know much about him, but he’s some sort of madman that wants to take over the city. He has scores of henchmen under his command, and he’s always managed to escape capture. We don’t know how he gets his resources, but he’s dangerous. He often sends strange, chimeric creatures to threaten the city.” Hm. Simple enough. “The second is a man named Dr. Mandible. He commands oversized insects to do his bidding. Brilliant, but insane. A real madman.” Ew, but still not bad. “There are others, but they’re mostly smaller crooks or exceptionally rare occurrences.” She seems rather calm about this. “I can assure you, I’ve paid top dollar to make sure that nothing is poised as too easy a target. If any of them decide to make a move, then rest assured you will be paid appropriate to the threat level should you have to deviate from the plans to deal with them.”

cont.

>>671414
“Very well, then.” You’re fine with that. “Would you prefer a focus on improving them as a group, or their individual fighting skills?” you ask. “I notice many are unskilled in hand to hand, and this is something I specialize in.”

“I would love that, but that would require a longer-term investment, I’m afraid.” She sighs. “However, I believe that they can learn the basics of working as a team in a week or so, provided they have the right incentive. So I’ll ask that of you.”

“Very well then. I’ll also require a map of the city with the evacuated area, their school, and home neighborhoods marked.” It’s just to be safe.

“Done.” she nods. “And not to worry- when you’re ready, I’ll be sure they’ll be in a position for you to get their attention, no matter your plan.” She then stands up. Now, then, if you have any other questions, I’ll be available to answer them early tomorrow- but I’m afraid I do have other duties, m’lady. I’m terribly terribly sorry, but I must beg your excuse.” She’s already inching away, oddly. “Jameson will show you to your temporary quarters and provide you with your other information. Until later, and again, terribly sorry!”

And she walks briskly away. It’s just you and Jameson, who looks are you with a careful eye.

“If you...would?” He motions to the door.

>Very well.
>No. I wish to see more of this place.
>Other

Goin' to bed. Back tomorrow! Yeesh, you guys ask a lot of questions. Take ALL the surprise out of it, whydontcha.

I'm joking.

>>671421
>Very well.

>>671421
>Other
Ask if there is a fencing room or something similar for us to practice our rapier skills in.

>>671421
>Very well.
>Other: "Jameson, I shall require access to news sources, both current and past, to tailor my curriculum to this world's sensibilities."
Hmm...nothing specific on tone, but it seems geared more towards the Saturday Morning kid stuff than the violent and bloody teenage stuff.
But better to check what other villain groups have done in the past and not deviate too much.

>>671421
>>Other
"Is there a good way to hire me as a fencing or martial arts instructor for one of the team. Intrigue of that sort is popular in good plots, and may allow a doubling up of your investment with minimal additional cost."

>>671421
Mad scientists eh? Maybe we can ... somehow ... let slip our plan to make a dirty bomb out of that drug rock that we will explode in the city to subdue everyone and then ... take over the city I suppose? Basically they have to capture our flag, so to speak, before we can detonate it.

Maybe if when we "rob" the museum we leave clear signs of weird shit so that the heroes are called in. Then leave a trail back to our "base". I assume they have access to things like CCTV or whatever because of rich lady.

I think the invisible girl will be the most difficult to deal with, I knew we should have looked for some thermal goggles or life detect charms at the intersection. We do have the alarm ward though. I suppose we could rig them up all over the evacuated area.

Speaking of, off to watch the latest season of powerpuff girls now~.

>>671517
>you are rather...ethereal is a good word. You seem to be having a very big space and star motif going on; your body seems to be made out of some sort of luminescent material that isn't staying one color, but seems to hover around your usual blues and greens. A quick glance downward shows that you seem to have a spare eye in the middle of your chest
That wont be suspicious at all.
Oh there you are ___, this is your knew fencing instructor. It- she was an olympic class fencer before the, er, accident.

>>671530
Well, if there's one thing I have learned from magical girl animu, obvious villans somehow escape the notice of magical girls.

>>671517
i like that idea, but we look like a magical bug and we only have a week.

>>671520
maybe we can get the thermal goggles here? this world sounds modern-like, we should ask jameson if we can get some, or at least inquire more on shygirl's abilities.

>>671541
All we need to do is put up posters for a "Miss Shining Heart Squad" competition, and they'll fall right into our trap.

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>>671520
No, I think it's better if we make them piece together information to find a weakness of the nearly-unstoppable threat of the week.

We should also consider beating up one of the regular villains in order to show how powerful we are, when we introduce ourselves.

>Speaking of, off to watch the latest season of powerpuff girls now~.
We need a better understanding of whether this is supposed to be silly and goofy like the Powerpuff Girls, semi-serious like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, about Love and Friendship like Lyrical Nanoha and Prism Illya, or actually kind of dark and bleak like the early Kamen Rider stuff and Cyborg 009.
Also, we should consider if injecting Puella Magi aspects would help to harden them up for possible future threats, both from without and from within.

>>671608
>No, I think it's better if we make them piece together information to find a weakness of the nearly-unstoppable threat of the week.
Well I was thinking that would be our first encounter, like tomorrow. We need to have a difficulty curve. Once we are introduced as a villian (and get away) getting into encounters with them should be easy but we need a somewhat believable plan to draw them out the first time.

>>671626
>>671608

we should take at least a day to know more about the world and make a plan according to it. Specially because it seems we came to this world way more intimidating than expected and we won't get paid if the magical girl team becomes a screaming mess that needs medical attention 24/7 because we broke their minds/bodies

>>671626
If we could get, say, Crenshaw or Dr. Mandible to attack the Museum searching for some artifact, then it would work to our advantage.
The girls respond to the attack of one of their standby villains.
We show up, beat the shit out of the villain with contemptuous ease, and swipe the girls aside.

The artifact is part of some tool that can be used to pierce our 'invulnerability' and severely weaken us, and that is why we are searching for its parts.

Until then, while we can't be defeated, we can be driven off if the team works together.
And we attack their weak points, requiring that they cover for each others' weaknesses.

>>671639
If, during our briefing tomorrow with our client, she feels that our "current form worn for the benefit of...euclidean minds" is too unsettling for the beginners to handle early, then we can disguise ourselves with something, and then reveal our "true form" when they use the "Heron Spear"/"Tears of God" to pierce our defenses, in order to help inoculate them against future otherworldly threats.

>>671659
Yeah I like this, if we can manage it.

>>671421
>Ask for a mirror, we should really get an idea of what we look like sooner rather than later.

what new thread already good yes

>>671608
>We need a better understanding of whether this is supposed to be silly and goofy like the Powerpuff Girls, semi-serious like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, about Love and Friendship like Lyrical Nanoha and Prism Illya, or actually kind of dark and bleak like the early Kamen Rider stuff and Cyborg 009.
this. fucking this.
I know people mentioned this already but seriously, we NEED to do this. And yes, along with other intel gathering. Maybe watching some news archives to get the general feel of this world will give us an idea on how to proceed with this.

>>671659
If we can lure them in to the museum, I'd say this is a good plan. If we can crush those villains we get paid bonus anyway, so why not.
the problem is if they will take the bait. unless the news says something about said stuff being publicly displayed in some incredibly vulnerable position with paper thin security, we can't be sure if they will appear or not.

>>671520
although we have the alarm ward, it has the chance to hurt her if she tries to force herself out of it. I believe a passive detection, like the thermal vision goggles you mentioned, would be better for everyone involved.

>>671746
I'm interested as well.

>>671834
> if we can lure then
We can always approach them and pose as some villain who needs their help for a heist. For payment on delivery of course.

> alarm ward
It's called Zone Scanner in the techniques pastebin. It doesn't hurt a fly.

>>671669
good idea. honestly if we just get a cape and a mask I think we're okay though.

all it took last mission was just buying a cape and we were pretty set.

>>671852
>approach
yeah...no
it's just a hunch, but I feel that just crushing them outright in front of the girls would be better than 'cooperating' and betrayal. It would imply that we don't even need trickery and deceiving to crush them if we wanted to.

>zone scanner
oh, you meant zone scanner. I was thinking as if you were suggesting the light trap along with it. My b.

>>671421
Supporting>>671746


But make sure to open the third as she turns to leave. She is not uncomfortable enough yet.

But yeah, as everyone's said, first thing's first is intel. If we don't have any idea on how to act/temper our power, then things could go very, very wrong. Sure they'd go wrong in very amusing to ways, but it could hurt our bottom line.

I gotta say, having A+ intimidation and B- otherworldliness has been great so far. I don't regret it a bit.

>>671854
Hopefully we can go trenchcoat and wide brim hat route.

>>671922
Once we get enough items built up I really wanna see what a high otherworldly and high humour gets us.

>>671922
>I gotta say, having A+ intimidation and B- otherworldliness has been great so far. I don't regret it a bit.
Damn straight.

>>671931
eldritch comedian from the different plane?

>>671942
Or an extremely cute eldritch abomination.

>>671950
We would've been that animu lovecraft?

>>671958
cutethulu

>>671852
>>671834

>lure them in to the museum
maybe we can tell our contractor to force the school to arrange a surprise museum visit.

>>672198
>arrange a surprise museum visit.
Class Field Trip?
Sounds doable. But we should plan out this Chorae (artifact that will pierce Vellusia's defenses) more.
How many pieces? What pieces?
How do we tie the piece in the museum to the others?
We need a believable story for the kids to swallow.

Remember, we're the consultant here. It's our job to come up with this plan, and execute it.

Hi, everyone. Hope you're doing well. Will be writing in a few minutes.

>>671421
You stand and walk to the door before you respond. “Very well. I shall also require access to news sources, both current and past, to tailor my curriculum to this world's sensibilities. Procure these as soon as possible.”

“I-of course, miss.” He seems to stutter as you address him. “There is a television in your temporary lodgings, and we can acquire news reports in a variety of ways, depending on your, er...preferences of...perception…?” He doesn’t seem entirely certain of how to address you. “You’ll have to forgive me, I’m afraid.”

“However you choose to present it is acceptable,” you state impassively. This was a lot more fun than it had any right to be, really. Although now you remember. “I also require a mirror.” You don’t state what for- either it’s obvious or he might think it’s something completely strange. Either outcome is fine with you.

“There should be a full-length mirror in your quarters as well,” Jameson says. “However, if you desire one immediately, I can certainly-”

“Understood.” He shuts up, and you say no more.

“Do you have training facilities?” you ask.

He looks at you curiously. “I beg your pardon, miss?”

You look to your side, where you had placed the baron’s rapier- and that’s when you realize that it seems to be stuck to the side of you. You’re entirely undamaged, but the rapier itself is stuck to your body, as though it’s a part of you, or perhaps was velcroed on. You detach it will little fanfare, and display it to him. “For objects such as this.”

He looks at the weapon as though it’s about to come alive. “We...do have rooms for physical activity, yes, miss. Will you-”

“Later. The room?” It’s not much longer, a quick walk up a flight of stairs, and down a hallway, and he stops in front of a random door. “Here you are, miss. I’ll be certain to inform the Lady of your settling, and I’ll see to acquiring that information. If you would excuse me.” When you say nothing, he departs.

The room itself is very sizeable, with a canopy bed laden with silk sheets, a full length mirror as Jameson stated, a large dresser, a mounted, widescreen television, and what seems to be a walk-in closet. There’s also a window leading out to a balcony- you can see that it’s nighttime, actually. Late night, by your estimate. Actually, no, there’s a digital clock right there- it’s 10:30 PM.
Hm. Well, then.

cont.

>>672681
>widescreen TV
>digital clock
So, maybe late 20th/early 21st century tech?
We'll need to factor in cellphones and smartphones if they're available into our plans.

>>672681
The first thing you do is take a look at yourself in the mirror- and you’re vaguely surprised to find that your face is just as ethereal. It’s more ‘solid’ than the rest of your body, largely remaining a dark blue, with occasional specks of light. Your eyes are consistently glowing a soft light, and you don’t have- wait, no. You do have pupils, but they’re a very faint grey. You open your third eye- that one is clearer, and has a light blue iris with no pupils. You can’t notice a nose- although you can breath just fine- and your mouth is nonexistent. That HAD to be an illusion- you felt entirely normal speaking otherwise. You open it in experimentation- ah. It’s sort of like a mask. You can see *something* moving underneath your ‘skin’ where your mouth would be.

...How did you drink your tea the- nevermind. Probably absorbed it.

Checking the rest of the room, you see what appears to be an office desk. It has the television remote on it- might as well flip on the tv and see if anything jumps out at you.

There’s not much relevant at the moment, but seems like this world is mostly normal- save for whatever grants the girls their powers- and a couple others, by the looks of it, in other areas. It seems like this world is entirely aware of magical girls and strange powers, and from what you can tell, families with empowered members are treated well in society, in the hopes that they’ll use those powers to give back to the community. Some do, some don’t. The ones that actively cause danger and risk to the city for selfish ends are called villains, of course. Several more experienced MGs have sponsors, as well, apparently. It’s all very reminiscent of movie or maybe sports heroes in your head. That’s likely Lorraine’s stake in this.

Soon, a knock comes at your door. It’s Jameson, who presents you with a folder of old crimes and villainous plans foiled.

The threats seem mostly like...well, you’ve seen a lot worse. You get the feeling that most of these people want to take over the world (or possibly just the city) more than destroy it, and they want to do that simply because they have a point to prove. Most of it seems to be laughable, but possibly dangerous if it got out of control, judging by the various things like man-cats trying to conquer the city, or hypnotizing butterflies putting everyone under a trance. It seems like every so often someone steps up their game, however; trying to kidnap and clone important people, putting the city under endless snow, swarms of giant bees to terrorize the city, unleashing a giant sludge beast, and so forth.

Ah, there’s also that map you requested. Seems like you’re currently in the near-center of the city- Valour City. Apt name. Valour City High School is far to the north, and there’s several areas to your west, south, and east that are all marked for demolition. Your ‘headquarters’ seems to be an abandoned (secretly re-purposed) hospice to the southeast.

Alright, time to think…

cont. (again.

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>>672794
>...How did you drink your tea the- nevermind. Probably absorbed it.

>>672794
The rest of the night is relatively uneventful. You didn’t really need sleep, perse, at the moment, so you fell into a meditative trance. It was thematically appropriate anyway. There’s a gentle knock at the door come morning, and you again bid them enter.

It’s Jameson, as expected. “The Lady is available for a couple of hours, should you wish it. She has invited you to breakfast, as well.”

Soon, you’re in a large dining area, where Lorraine is sitting, but hasn’t touched her breakfast yet. “Thank you very much for accepting my invitation. I hope your night was restful.”

As you both sit down, she jumps right into business. “I...if you don’t mind my going out of turn, I had been thinking last night, and I believe it might be appropriate to make a small appearance today, if only to have them understand your presence. Maybe not anything TOO harsh to start off, but, well...I was figuring perhaps a simple callout. You cause a bit of destruction, I'll alert them, you get a basic understanding of their abilities before you run? Is...would that offend you?" She's a lot less sure-sounding of this than before.

>That sounds agreeable. When shall I begin?
>I believe something more imposing is in order...
>Other

>>672794
>man-cats trying to conquer the city, or hypnotizing butterflies putting everyone under a trance. It seems like every so often someone steps up their game, however; trying to kidnap and clone important people, putting the city under endless snow, swarms of giant bees to terrorize the city, unleashing a giant sludge beast, and so forth.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Batman Animated Series, and Teen Titans, then.

Though you'd think that the villains would realize that if they succeeded in taking over a city, the nation and its equivalent of CADMUS would come down on them with both feet.

>>672823
They never do.

>>672822
>That sounds agreeable. When shall I begin?
We should start out with something small, that nonetheless later turns out to have been part of a larger overarching plan.

It should be in the girls' vicinity, but not overtly directed at them, to prevent any later suspicions that we have ulterior motives concerning them (therefore allowing them to concentrate solely on improving their skills to combat us rather than waste time trying to discover our nonexistent origins).

Before we begin, though, we should do some minimal training to work out how our basic powers function here (so we don't accidentally kill anyone or anything like that), and get in some practice with the sword.

>>672822
>Other
"That is agreeable, and within the parameters of the curriculum. An attack at the museum, to acquire a piece of a device they will require to defeat me.
"Perhaps this form is still too imposing for such inexperienced...students, however. A mask, to hide this form's face until a later date."

>>672822
>That sounds agreeable. When shall I begin?

The villains in this world sound pretty harmless, with the occasional tilt towards serious. We will stick out simply by showing our /face/.
We can pretend we're here to test the water of the world or to steal something.

>>672822
>>That sounds agreeable. When shall I begin?

>>672822
I was actually thinking of an idea. If I am to have a convincing alibi of being an otherworldly threat, why not start with a break in at one of your museum? A prelude to a "ritual" of some sort involving this meteorite you've mentioned?

Also, have you made plans to explain yourself if the unexpected happens, and the girls find out of this arrangement? Admittedly, while I am good at what I do, your... species... are rather famous for doing things that are unexpected. For that matter, how are you insulating yourself from scrutiny from this?

>>672822
>That sounds agreeable. When shall I begin?

But we should start real gentle by the sounds of it.

Also how enhanced is enhanced durability?
It's their most commonly shared power, and we don't wanna hit them so lightly they don't feel it, but we don't wanna turn them into paste either.

>>672822
That sounds agreeable. When shall I begin?

>Other
As >>672198 said, luring them to the museum where we pull off a ridiculous heist full of flare á la pick-your-famous-thief with a calling card here.

>I've realised I may appear a bit too... intimidating, to your species. Would you procure a disguise for our first encounter? A mask and an appropriately villainous costume.

>>672902
I really like this.

>>672902
>pull off a ridiculous heist full of flare á la pick-your-famous-thief with a calling card here.
We're too Intimidating and Otherworldly for that.

It should be a smash and grab, either brute force straight for our target or a large spread of targets to hide our real objective and force their thinker to puzzle out what we were really after.

>>672939
That's why I want a disguise, man. Read the whole post and connect the dots. We go in disguised so as to not cause them SAN damage.

Museums and artifacts and masks and all that good stuff. Writing.

>>672952
I did read the post, and I'm saying your plan is a bad one.
Regardless of the disguise, I'm saying that the way you want to do the robbery doesn't fit with how to best force these girls to get better.
We have a week in which to get their teamwork to the level where they can take on the current roster of villains without trouble.
We need to show them that we're not some chump villain of the week, but a serious threat that they have to work together to defeat.
That requires that we go into this heist with intimidation and otherworldliness, even if it's only at a reduced level.

Going at this as if it's a goofy comedy sentai show or with cheesy overdramatic flair like we're some kind of phantom thief is counter to the goals of this contract.

You know, if we do end up getting a disguise that actually works, I will be extremely disappointed if we don't eventually get the chance to say "Behold, my true form, and despair!" or something similar.

>>672976
This, we're really not built for cheese. That'd be up Lorelei's alley.
We'll use the disguise to make sure the MG'S don't wet themselves on first contact.
Then ditch it when things get 'serious'

>>672976
You didn't say it was a bad plan, you made an argument that I had already invalidated by requesting a disguise, and then proposed something different.

The disguise gives us a great excuse to go THIS ISN'T EVEN MY FINAL FORM.

>>672979
Whatever mcguffin we choose, we can hint or say that it is the key to unlocking our true power. Then, when they stop us it was our plan all along, only those pure of heart could undo the seal. We can be the hammiest ultimate foe there is.

>>673017
Except that doesn't even work for what they want.
A hammy foe isn't ideal for making these kids learn how to work together, we need to be at least somewhat of a threat. People do not take the hammy ones seriously.
Combine that with this being on a week timetable being blunt will be a lot better for getting things done fast, which is needed here.
We need to go through all the stages of teambuilding: encounter, defeat, despair, feelings, montage, and victory in one week. There just isn't time to screw around with elaborate plans.

The disguise is so that the MG's don't NOPE out and call for help at first sight of us.

>>672976
>>673003
>>673017
>>673040
As far as I'm reading, the arguments on both sides boil down to:
>We need to push them as hard as we can given that we only have a week, and therefore need to face them with full force from the beginning.
and
>We might completely break them if we use all our power, which defeats the purpose of training them, and should ease them into things by wearing a disguise, etc.

Given that we don't know anything about how well they operate as a fighting force, I am of the opinion that we should err on the side of caution, at least for the first engagement. Present ourself as an enemy who, due to a set of temporary circumstances, is unable or unwilling to fight at full power. From how well they fare against us, we can subsequently reveal more of our hitherto concealed abilities and fight at the appropriate level, knowing that they can just about take what we throw at them.


I'll note that a significant aspect of this world is that the Shining Hearts aren't the only heroes around. If we present ourselves as too GREAT a threat, we might end up calling down others onto our head. Alternatively, the girls might seek out help against us if we prove too much for them.

Whether we want to take advantage of this fact to attempt to establish the girls as foremost leaders among them (if they're even capable of such a thing) is something which we might have to consider later on.

>>673054
Its not about the power, but the method. Basically go blunt smash and grab style villain or go flashy and hammy style villain. As this determines how they see and deal with us and vice versa.


But yeah going full power at the start isn't the best idea lest we accidentally break one of them.

>>673073
Indeed, hammy isn't particularly in line with our stats. Our persona so far as been one that's been quite serious and straight-laced.

But that doesn't mean we can't make cryptic comments, or come to acknowledge them as worthy enemies (or at least noteworthy stumbling blocks), or otherwise elect to not do every last thing with the intent of purest efficiency when we commit our crimes.

Indeed, perhaps getting noticed may be part of our master plan, whatever that may be.

We really ought to work out some kind of story, so we can hint at it when we eventually meet them.

>>673054
I am far from advocating that we go full force.
I am simply against presenting ourselves in a hammy or sparkly manner, or using some kind of over-the-top flashy phantom thief with calling card type of introduction.

We should present ourselves as not just a credible threat in terms of intellect and skill, but also of pure power that they need to use their combined powers and intellect to overcome.
We need to instill in them fear, not simple annoyance and aggravation that we slipped through their fingers.

So enough power to be a threat that they have to initially withdraw from, and when they come back at us and seem to be winning during the middle of the week, "release our limiters" and go at them harder until they piece together our weakness.
Not only does their teamwork need to improve, but they need to start fighting with their heads.

>>672822
"That is agreeable, and within the parameters of the curriculum,” you decide. “My intentions are to stage an attack at the museum, to acquire a piece of a device they will require to defeat me- that piece, for now, being the Dreamstone Meteorite.”

She nods in understanding. “Sounds ideal. There are a few objects that I think might be suitable to steal, aside from the Dreamstone. I’ll provide you with a brief list of them after breakfast.” She’s pointedly trying her best to ignore how the crepes are getting into your mouth, judging by how she’s flicking her eyes anywhere but your face. Eventually she just settles on looking at her own plate. Although if she’s having this much trouble with you...

"I have come to the conclusion that perhaps this form is still too imposing for such inexperienced...students.” She jumps slightly, as if she knows she was the cause of that thought, and tries to focus on your face again- with middling success. “A mask, to hide this form's face until a later date may be preferable. Perhaps something to hide my other features would also be optimal."

She nods a bit more rapidly than usual. “Oh, that can be arranged- I’ll have something for you before you begin. I was thinking, if you don’t mind, perhaps that could be around noonish?”

“Very well.” You get up without excusing yourself. It’s a bit rude, but you think it fits the character. “I understand you have training facilities. Your ‘Jameson’ will escort me, so that I can better adjust my abilities to this world’s scale. It would not do to destroy your charges in a training exercise.”

“Ah...yes...you...do that.” She seems unsure how to respond to that. “I’ll be about, then…”

“Although, should things go awry by no fault of my own…” you open your third eye, and near-instantly Lorraine’s gaze is drawn to it. “I trust that you will be understanding about matters of payment?” You don’t tone it as a threat, but she seems to take it as one anyway, simply nodding quickly. Satisfied, you turn to Jameson, who quickly begins to wordlessly lead you to the training area.

It’s simply a large room with training mats, several areas with punching bags, practice dummies, and other such features. You detach the Rapier again and give it a once-over.

“Should you, er...need anything, then I am bound to offer...my services…” Jameson doesn't seem particularly enthused to say that, judging by the way he trails off, but that doesn't mean you couldn't take him up on it…

"You are combat trained?" You ask.

He seems reluctant to answer, but after a long stare from you he does. "I...am, in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat. I should inform you though, I certainly don't have the strength or speed of the ones you will be training." He notes that rather quickly.

>It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for now.
>Then your services are not needed.
>Other

>>673149
>It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for now.
Have him attack us first, and take the blow, so that we know how durable we are here, and how much force we ought to be exerting.

>>673149
>It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for now.
>Other: "Have training dummies prepared. Fear not, I will not be testing my offensive capabilities against you."
Create Light Shields and see how much mana regen is in this world, as well as seeing how much damage a trained human of this world can do to our shields and to us.

Then see how much we have to tone ourselves down on the practice dummies.

>>673149
>It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for now.

Before we spar with him, make a few practice swings first and take note if anything feels odd. Punch a sand bag or something without putting too much force so we can gauge our strength.

>>673149
>It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for now.


Basically use him to test our durability and that of our magic. Have him hit our stuff and have him try to hit him.

No point in testing our attacks on a person when dummies and sandbags are available, we can use those to see how strong our attacks should be.

>>673149
>>It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for now.
That poor guy...

At work, will be back later. Love you guys.

>>673539
I love you more though

>>673149
>It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for now.


do these:
>>673250
>test our durability and that of our magic
>>673191
>gauge our strength
basically.

>>673901
It should also help us gauge our mana regen

I want to ask Jameson if he or Lorraine have any relationship with the new or the former protectors.
Things Lorraine didn't voice.

Ugh. Incredibly tired. I'll continue this tomorrow. Apologies.

Gnight

>>675185
night handler

>>675185
Goodnight Boss

Alright, about to start writing again. BEFORE I do, though, I'm going to give a final adjustment to mana costs. http://pastebin.com/eTu7U2PZ I think these are fair.

>>677365
Perhaps consider leaving a note that all values are only approximate, in the event that you ever need to exercise some flexibility as the author?

Is there any significance to Miranda having 9999 mana, while all casting costs are round numbers?

I see no problems personally. So at max charge we can nebula buster twice and erect a light barrier? Thats reasonable.

>>677408
-Good idea. Like was mentioned earlier, they can be amped or decreased, so...

-Not really.

>>677365
I still think some of Orbital Ring's cost should be shaved. I don't know why you increased Nebula Buster's cost by 500 either.

>>677408
>>677428
Yeah, most of her techniques having an integrated power dial make sense.

>>677408
>Is there any significance to Miranda having 9999 mana
Because her power is maximum. (Stupid stat caps.)

How quickly does she recover mana? Are we going to have to ration out bigger spells until we can get back home to recharge?

>>677442
It's always been 4000. I decreased a lot of other stuff. Orbital Ring, Light Barrier, both heals, Light Trap, and Sun's Flare.

>>677450
Mana recovery varies world to world

can we use the baron's rapier like the baton used it? If so, how much mana does it cost?

>>677505
>baton
*baron. Phone posting is irritating

Also, Orbital Ring I wanted to be expensive precisely because it's a very strong restraint with a very powerful detonation if it manages to be broken anyway.

>>677505
Yes. Spoilers (that was guessed), the sword is essentially a focus/amplifier.

>>677545
Are there risks of breaking those items even as they are integrated into Miranda?

I mixed the cost with Orbital Ring's, which was at 3500. Current cost is most agreeable.

How does the Defeat condition work? If Madam Vellusia 'dies', is she booted back to the Intersection or something?

>>677545
oh man sweet. Hopefully We'll have a chance to treat it when this job is over.

>>677545
Is Flamebringer similar, or is it only a specialized focus?

>>677588
The sword isn't integrated, so if it breaks, you just lose it. The clothes can be damaged, but so long as you return to the Intersection before they're "destroyed", you can generally repair them.

Willing Defeat is activated via simple playacting and a proper mindset. The magic inherent in the rider takes care of 'stage cleanup'.

Writing!

>>673149
You’re already walking to the sandbags as you address him. “It will suffice. Prepare yourself. You will be my opposition for the time being.”

As expected, his voice isn’t exactly eager. “Er...I-yes, miss. I would be so brazen to ask that you wouldn’t harm me too much?” Ha. Like you’d even risk that. You experimentally give the nearest heavy bag a jab- it buckles a bit, but doesn’t sway too much.

Interesting. “Fear not. I will not be testing my offensive capabilities against you,” you assure him. “These artificial constructs will serve well enough for those purposes.” You give it another punch- still light, you’d estimate around one-fourth, one-fifthish. The bag swings back, solid forty-five degree angle or so. Eh.

“You’re...quite kind, miss. Just a moment.” You casually tap on the bag as he’s changing in another room- never bad to work on your form.

Soon, you’re across a mat from him- Jameson has a rapier in his hands and in full armor. “Whenever you’re ready, miss.”

“Very well, then. Keep my prior words in mind. Proceed with full force,” you say. Jameson nods, and begins his approach. As soon as he gets within range, you toss up a light barrier. His attack tinks against it, the sword practically bouncing off. A few more repeated attacks do similar with no particular strain on your end. The exercise proceeds for some time like that, him trying to break your defenses, and you standing there, occasionally moving the barrier to prevent an attack from a different angle. After about a half-hour of this, you drop the barrier without warning, causing his next lunge to overextend as you side step it- the blade sails over your shoulder, and you step into his personal space in one movement, your shoulder now resting on his side.

cont.

>>677769
"I will now begin defending myself in an alternative fashion." And your rapier is brought to bear as you stand back.

The next half hour is much like the first, only that you're actually moving more- although you keep your face utterly impassive. It's clear that Jameson IS skilled, but he's clearly less than in prime health- you can spot hitches in movement, unwanted tensing of muscles, twitches of a body trying to do something it used to be able to, but just doesn't quite have the flexibility for anymore. Eventually, it ends when with a simple movement, you quickly disarm him and hold him at swordpoint, Jameson's face is red with exertion and sweating. You nod lightly. “That was sufficient. Your assistance was appreciated.”

Your mana is only slightly drained- and fortunately his attacks didn’t really affect you much. Already you can feel a slight trickle of mana returning to you. Off the top of your head, you’d say that this planet’s mana regeneration is high; as long as you don’t go overboard, you should be fine with a good night’s rest every night.

>Miranda will recover 7500 mana per a full night’s rest (8 hours).
>Current mana: 8999.

“Go. Rest.” With a nod and a bow, he makes his way out as quickly as possible to get changed.

>Continue training (with what?)
>Go talk to Lorraine.
>See about that disguise.
>Other

If we maxed out humor and intimidation, would we be a scary clown?

>>677771
You'd be Kefka.

>>677770
>>See about that disguise.

>>677770
>>See about that disguise.

Time to get (less) serious!

>>677770
>>see about that disguise
>>go see Lorraine

>>677770
>See about that disguise.

The advent of the mysterious masked museum menace.

Writing.

We should give Jameson some healing next time we see him. He's been a good sport so far and quite helpful. No reason not to give the help a tip.

>>677770
With that curiosity mostly settled, you decide on moving forward on that disguise front. It hasn’t been too long, but she did say she’d have something sooner than later.

On the way back to the dining area, you stop one of the maids; she quickly informs you of where Lorraine is in stuttering words and nervous pointing. Before you can ask her to lead you there however, she all but runs away. Much to your annoyance, you find yourself getting a bit lost. Her mansion is a big place, with very similar hallways, and the maid was a bit unclear with her directions, given how nervous she was.

Eventually however, you do stumble across an open door, with Lorraine’s voice drifting out of it. As soon as you stand in the entryway, at least three different heads turn to look at you. They all surround a table, with various clothing on it. “Oh! Madam Vellusia, my apologies. I wasn't expecting you so soon.” The other two people in the room- one young female, one young male- are staring, shocked. Lorraine quickly moves to introduce you. “These are employees of mine, and they've-”

“What the HELL?!” The girl yells, and immediately cowers behind the man, who's not looking too brave himself.

“Judy, SHUT UP.” Lorraine says loudly. Turning back to you, she quickly fixes a smile on her face. “Terribly terribly sorry, Judy wasn't expecting you. As I was saying, Judy and parents are employees of mine, and they've put together a number of costumes that we feel might go over well with you. We were in the middle of debating, but I suppose we can cut that short and just have you decide directly…”

Sure enough, you can see a number of different outfits on the table.

> a simple mask and cloak combination, with a black colored skinsuit to cover your very obvious body. The cloak is patterned after stars, and the mask is white and has black tinted glass eyeholes.

> a light blue suit with a star-visored helmet that kind of reminds you of a superhero. The suit has swirls and is nonsymmetrical, the swirls mostly going down the left leg, while the right is steadily light blue.

>A red and black suit that reminds you more of a succubus demon than anything else. It's mask has horns and tear shaped eyes, and a mouth shape (that doesn't seem like it'll move) and the suit is leather and form-fitting, with clawed fingertips. No heels, though.

> “These choices are inadequate. I will tell you what is sufficient.” (Other)

>>677778
That's, like, extra intimidation, and bordering sanity dam.
A great way to induce severe coulrophobia for all ages.

>>677937
Miranda didn't harm him, only exhaust him. Nothing to have cardiac arrest over.

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>>678130

> “These choices are inadequate. I will tell you what is sufficient.” (Other)
Stellar-themed Harlequin suit with a simple white mask.

>>678130
>a simple mask and cloak combination, with a black colored skinsuit to cover your very obvious body. The cloak is patterned after stars, and the mask is white and has black tinted glass eyeholes.
Something relatively plain which leaves no initial expectations beyond what we create through our own actions.

You know, if this is A+ rank Intimidation, I have to wonder what A+ Otherworldly will have us look like, given that we're still only at B-. Or A+ Humor.

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>>678130
>Other
I would like to request a long black cloak and a porcelain mask.

>>678130
> a light blue suit with a star-visored helmet that kind of reminds you of a superhero. The suit has swirls and is nonsymmetrical, the swirls mostly going down the left leg, while the right is steadily light blue.

it will be an awesome reveal when the nice-ish outfit hides a lovecraftian esque horror inside.

>>678130
>> a simple mask and cloak combination, with a black colored skinsuit to cover your very obvious body. The cloak is patterned after stars, and the mask is white and has black tinted glass eyeholes.
Lets go for something classical.

>>678160
A rank OW, you'd look a lot less humanoid.

>>678130
> a simple mask and cloak combination, with a black colored skinsuit to cover your very obvious body. The cloak is patterned after stars, and the mask is white and has black tinted glass eyeholes.
I would still rather go trench coat and bug hat to completely obscure our form but whatever.

>>678130
>A red and black suit that reminds you more of a succubus demon than anything else. It's mask has horns and tear shaped eyes, and a mouth shape (that doesn't seem like it'll move) and the suit is leather and form-fitting, with clawed fingertips. No heels, though.

demand heels to go with it though

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>>678165
Yeah, carnevale is a go

Simple. Sublime. Secretly scary.

Writing.

>>678130
After a few moments of consideration, you eventually point at the first one. It's simple, but that's pretty much exactly what you need right now. Best not to have them too many expectations prematurely.

Lorraine nods in agreement. “Alright, then. That'll be yours. Hopefully it fits, or you can make it fit. If not, we'll adjust it. Will you be-”

“A moment.” Without any fanfare, you step behind a nearby changing curtain. Chances are you really didn't need it- they'd likely just see glowing or something- but privacy is still privacy. At any rate, this costume fits, if a bit more snug than you generally care for your clothes. You suppose Lorraine has a good eye. Speaking of, the eye holes slightly darken your vision, but it's more like tinted sunglasses than anything else, which you were wondering about.

When you step back out, the girl and who you presume is her father both are clearly more comfortable with your appearance now. Judy is still hiding a bit behind the man, however. Lorraine clasps her hands together. “You look great. Appropriately mysterious. I'm thinking we're just about set. If you would leave us, Judy, Terrance?” They both nod quickly, gathering up their fabrics and clothes and leaving without another word.

Once you're alone, she continues. “Say the word, and I can have you driven in secret to your quote unquote ‘headquarters’. We've also prepared that list of objects available for you to steal. They are all from various stores that I own, or have a majority control in. What you actually take, of course, is at your discretion... although I would be most appreciative if you gave them back when you're done, provided they aren't destroyed of course. I will admit that is something of a concern of mine, but I am expecting a bit of damage…” She admits. “So! Any last minute questions or are you ready? Obviously I won't be readily available for the week once you're out there- I want to minimize the chances that we’re seen together.

> “We depart.”
> “Query.” (Other)

>"We depart"

>>678630
Can we not arrange for some means of (possibly indirect) contact? Like a phone number that we can ring up and speak a pass phrase to be redirected to her, or a dummy email address that we can leave coded messages to each other in?

>>678667
this. we need a way to contact our employer. last mission would have been much more convenient if we had a way to communicate remotely.

>>678630
This >>678667 plus ask after some thermal goggles to see invisible girl, if that would even work on her.

>>678630
>“We depart.”
I don't see any reason to delay seeing the base, and we can't decide more until we meet the girls.

>>678132
Nah, but he's got the olds, a bit of healing to see if we can't fix some of that would build some good will. And a little good will would make dealing with our employers easier, as they would be less obvious and cluttering with their fear of us.

>>678762
not necessity.
shy should we go out of our way to help them?

>>678777
Because our employer is too afraid of us. We are past the level of healthy fear so they don't fuck with us, and doing anything to please out of fear for their lives while most likely making precautions to try and get rid of us levels of fear.

I just think we need to lower their fear down to 'scary abomination that you should not fuck with'

from 'scary abomination that oh god why did we summon it, this is a huge mistake, should we call the retired heroes and spill the beans, why did we do this'

>>678830
Projecting.

It's better not flounting any more of our cards than necessary. There is a Binding Narrative here, and Vellusia is holding on to her persona. The outfit should be enough to reduce intimidation level.

Lorraine seems level-headed enough. While our appearance is eldritch, both her and Jameson would understand that we're were summoned as a professional. If we act contrary to the contract, they are more likely to keep their plan secret and inquire directly over the higher powers (Sal).

One last thing. Writing.

>>678630
“A method of private and non-interceptable communication would be optimal,” you state. “I insist.”

Oh! Well, yes, certainly if you insist! If you would excuse me for a moment?” At your nod, she leaves briskly, but comes back momentarily with her purse. She then pulls out three phones. “My work phone, my personal, and my decoy phone,” she says, pointing to each in turn. “Take the decoy- it works, but I'm the only one that knows the number it has.” she flicks her eyes between the phone and you before she reaches for a pen. “Er, right...Here's my phone number.” She quickly writes it down on a spare piece of paper. “I'll- that should be fine, yes.” She looks like she wants to say something else, but she doesn't. “Let's get you out there.”

She doesn't come with you, of course. It's Jameson who drives you out, under careful cover and in a plain car with tinted windows. “This might be less comfortable than you are used to, but I beg you to bear with it for a bit,” Jameson says.

“It is. And very well.” They could've at least sprung for decent seats in this thing.

Soon enough, fortunately, you've arrived. As far as you can tell, the outer area seems to be a large, abandoned hospice, as said earlier. As you step inside, it seems to fit the role quite nicely. Jameson then leads you down a flight of stairs, and the hallway that follows. “We had plans to renovate the building even before this course of action was decided,” he explains, “but current events have permitted us to use what we've done with it in a very abnormal fashion.” as he opens the door, you quickly understand what he means.

The entire room itself is much more pristine and modern looking. There are several computer workstations lined up against the wall, and a large flat screen display at one end. In the center is a big device that you're not quite sure what those, but it reminds you of an industrial water pump. “Our centerpiece there is a state-of-the-art… well, to be quite honest, I have no clue what it does. But I've been assured that it's harmless at the moment. Apparently it just makes a loud noise if it's turned on.” He motions to a door to your right between two workstations. “Through that door is a kitchen area- should you need it, it was stocked last night. More than enough food for a week, hopefully… no offense that is, I merely means such as in-”

“Irrelevant. Continue.”

cont.

>>679398
“-ALSO, there are sleeping quarters beyond the northern door in the kitchen area, as well. Not much else at the moment, but I was instructed to give you this-” he fishes out a folded piece of paper which he hands to you quickly, “and to wish you the best of luck, which I do so now. The Lady has also instructed me to inform you that while attacking her employees for the sake of realism is understandable, as is some structural damages, she has a strong desire for no permanent injuries, as mentioned in the contract. Now, terribly, terribly sorry, begging your excuse, but I must take my leave.”

With that, he turns and stiffly walks away. Interesting fellow.

You still have the map on you- you could easily find your way to the museum if you wanted to start now. From the looks of things, it’s in the southwest- closer to the school than your base. Either way, what you do now is entirely your call. Presumably, you should start before nighttime hits...

>Head to the museum now. Let's get this started.
>Wait until evening. It's more dramatic.
>Other

>>679410
>Wait until evening. It's more dramatic.
play with the tropes.

>>679410
>>Wait until evening. It's more dramatic.

>>679410
>Wait until evening. It's more dramatic.
The Narrative Fiddle.

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SON OF A- I FORGOT THE MAP.

Here.

>>679410
>Wait until evening. It's more dramatic.
MAXIMUM DRAMA

>>679496
I'm surprised somebody could work 900 hours on MSPaint and still obtain such a result.

Is the South Water treatment plant for wastewater?

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>>679602
That was like 3 minutes, duder. I know it's shit. Maybe this one is better?

One is, one is for drinking water.

Anywho, save the drama for your m-well. Save it for this evening.

Writing.

>>679661
Good thing you know that shit has to go out somewhere if you don't want to pollute even more one's environment.

Wastewater is nasty.

You have scrubbed that white rectangle by the north treatment plant. The background color makes black-colored words hard to see.

So no, this one is worse. The original will suffice. It's not like we'll do 13 threads on this plane.

>>679772
Yikes. Sorry. It looked readable to me, so I went with it. Apologies. Maybe I'll just leave it to your imaginations next time. Actually making 2d stuff clearly isn't my strong suit.

>>679772
>>679782
I'm on clover app on android and the first map renders with a transparent background and words so I can't make out shit, the second one is fine though. And by fine I mean readable...

>>679782
eh, it's fine, having a map always helps, even if it's not that great.

>>679782
It's still better to have visual helps, Handler-fampai.

>>679410
>Wait until evening. It's more dramatic.

>>679410
Well, if you’re going to do this under tradition, then the best time for you to make your big reveal would be in the evening, in the glare of the harsh, setting sun. It’s certainly a more dramatic decision than just doing it in broad daylight, at least.

There’s not a whole lot to do until then, so you check the kitchen area- there is a rather LARGE refrigerator area which is, indeed, fully stocked, as well as various dried and canned foods, so you fix yourself a snack of a simple sandwich, head to your room- the bed is, unfortunately, less comfortable, being a king size with no canopy- and once again drop into a trance. You’ve gone quite some time without sleeping in pursuit of either targets or just out of sheer caution- while it ended up exhausting, one of your prouder moments was going a week without so much as napping in pursuit of a very...VERY squirrely informant who had turned on his boss, who would NOT stay in one place. Eventually, you simply outlasted him. Admittedly, all that trouble was only because they wanted him alive…

At any rate, your trance is restful enough, if short.

>Miranda regained mana! Total 9500.

By the time you open your eyes again, you can feel it’s evening. A glance at the digital clock confirms it- it’s just before six. Long shadows, good for sneaking around.

It’s time. You exit the hospice as carefully as possible- no one’s even close around. Good.

You test yourself quickly with a long jump- intentionally keeping yourself low, but you can feel you could get around your usual height if need be. You need to keep out of sight as much as possible until you near the museum. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be too long. Most people are focused on getting off work, but that doesn’t mean they can’t keep an eye out for anything unusual…

You do wind up hitting the rooftops as you get into more densely populated areas. Fortunately, if anyone looks up and sees you, they don’t say anything- or at least don’t scream. Soon, you’re across the street from the museum, low on the rooftop of a buiness building across from it- it’s a large place, two stories high and covering a lot of real estate.You know what you want, and you’re pretty sure you can find it quickly...but you know you don’t want to find it TOO quickly.

The question is, how to make your grand entrance…? You know from experience that how you behave generally determines how quickly the heroes react.

>The museum has a domed entrance- you can probably blow a hole in the roof and just drop in. That’ll get people yelling quick and fast, and the girls will likely be here lickety-split.
>Walk in casually and just yonk it from whatever protection it’s under/in. If you leave right after, you can probably pick where they finally see you.
>’Attempt’ to be sneaky, but then get caught intentionally. Touch and go- they may or may not respond at all, but when they realize what you stole, they'll likely be keeping strong ears out for the next theft...
>Other

>>680049
>The museum has a domed entrance- you can probably blow a hole in the roof and just drop in. That’ll get people yelling quick and fast, and the girls will likely be here lickety-split.
Subtlety is overrated, let's make it flashy!

>>680049
>>Walk in casually and just yonk it from whatever protection it’s under/in. If you leave right after, you can probably pick where they finally see you.

>>680049
>’Attempt’ to be sneaky, but then get caught intentionally. Touch and go- they may or may not respond at all, but when they realize what you stole, they'll likely be keeping strong ears out for the next theft...

we can save the fancy, "display of power" stuff for later.

>>680049
>The museum has a domed entrance- you can probably blow a hole in the roof and just drop in. That’ll get people yelling quick and fast, and the girls will likely be here lickety-split.
Come on, the domed roof of a museum is a respected entrance for flashy villains!

>>680049
>>Walk in casually and just yonk it from whatever protection it’s under/in. If you leave right after, you can probably pick where they finally see you.
We ain't a common thief, why do what a common thief does?

>>680049
>Walk in casually and just yonk it from whatever protection it’s under/in. If you leave right after, you can probably pick where they finally see you.
minimal property damage, and would likely harm less people.
if we want to draw them in, we can run away while maintaining high visibility to lead them to us. we might even be able to draw them to one of the buildings slated for destruction today.

Arrive.

Steal Artifacts.

Leave.

Writing. (Last for tonight!)

so... you guys got any ideas on music for the big reveal? probably some sort of final boss theme...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_lzKNnrSZU

>>680049
Hm. Well, the normal thing to do is to make a big to-do about the whole affair. People scream, police arrive and are useless, all that stuff. But, that’s generally for your dime-store typical baddie. What you need is something that sets you apart, attitude-wise and demeanor-wise, from the type of villainous activity they’re used to. Something that shows that you’re a bit of a higher class…

Ah. And then you come across it. Standing up, you make sure everything’s in place on your person- all seems good. Deep breath. No one at the foot of the building, good. Eyes forward. Ready.

With that, you step off the roof.

It’s a decent three or four second fall, and when you land you have to brace yourself heavily, going into a deep bend at the knees, and you hear the pavement crack a bit, but you stick the landing, at least- and you didn’t even have to do the three-point pose! Granted, you were going more for style points than anything else- if you were serious about it, that’d have been a different story- but it seemed to serve its intention as everyone nearby suddenly turns towards you as you straighten up.

You stand there for a few brief moments, as if double-checking you’re in the right place, before simply walking across the street once cars have stopped passing. While everyone’s still looking at you, and you can hear some murmurings, no one’s started shouting yet, at least. Up the steps and into the building you go. The receptionist, busy sucking on a lollypop, glances briefly at you, then turns back to whatever she was doing on her phone- before doing a double take; you can hear the crunching of her candy in surprise as you walk past. There’s a display directory there- ah. ‘Space Exhibits’, second floor.

A quick walk up the steps, then- gotta admit, this place is fancy. Gold trim, russet colored marble- very nice. But, another time. You can hear more murmurings and surprised gasps as you enter the area with various dusts, interactive exhibits, and most importantly... meteorite samples. They’re all under glass, of course. Most tiny, but the one you want- ah. It’s one of the ones with its own room. Surrounded by a rope barrier, plenty of spotlights. You can see there’s a young woman and their preteen child in there at the moment as well, oohing over it.

As you walk up to it, the stone really does seem quite pretty. It’s a grainy, soft pink, but you can also see that in the right light, it changes colors. Neat.

cont.

>>680333
The mother, a younger lady in designer clothes and those stupid oversized glasses, gives you a wary look before turning back to her son.

Well, that’s enough gawking. With no fanfare whatsoever, you step over the barrier, and bring a fist down on the glass.

Alarms blare incessantly as you casually pick the stone up and place it in a pocket- they were smart enough to have a bodysuit with pockets, at least- although then was it really a bodysuit? Eh, later.

The mother and boy, of course, immediately start wailing, the boy crying, the lady trying to protect her child. Meh, you’re not hurting them. As you walk out, you can quickly start to hear footsteps coming your way. Well. Probably your cue to get going, then. You start putting a bit of pep in your step, and by the time the cops round the corner, you dart past them in a blur, taking an easy leap off the second floor and landing in a run without breaking stride, quickly making your way outside past the incredulous populace. A leap to a smaller building, and then using that one to get to higher ground- alright, then! You’re not in the clear; you can easily still hear sirens, but that’s just the easy part done. You still have to get to a point where you can expect the Hearts to catch up to you without too much trouble.

Now where to go from here...? There's at least one 'permitted' building in all directions, IF you want to do that.

>North
>South
>East
>Other

>>680348
>>North
There's a cluster of four buildings we could use for fighting in.

>>680348
>east
closer to the school, while having a building checked ok for demolishing.
we'll use the bigger buildings later.

>>680348
>East

>>680348
>East

We should just hang out on the roof of a not too high destroy-able building (even if we don't plan on destroying it at this stage), admiring our score for a little, act distracted, so if the hearts catch up to us we can see if they're the "sneak attack the bad guy" type, or if we can hear them going over strategy before getting to us.

I'm out for the night. Back tomorrow!

>>680386
this.

>>680348
east works fine I guess

>>680348
>East
East makes sense

And what is the plan? just hang in the roof, like >>680386 said, or something else?

>>680979
we could also move a little slower

>>680979
Nice large building where we have good vision and ability to avoid large collateral, then go by that plan, yeah.

How do we want to act toward them?

I'm kind of feeling starting off purely silent since they're used to hammy/silly villains, a quiet one would definitely be something real different.

>>681017
Personally, I was hoping we would lean towards a cultured, but long winded and condescending style of villainy. Like this guy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi86yeXB9pI

>>681026
i don't think we fit the criteria for the eloquent boo type. i think it fits us better to be silent and just say simple phrases, but i don't know if that will help the MG team in getting better.

Towards the east, as the crow flies. Also including the general 'slow down and wait' plan.

Writing.

East seems like a fair choice. Closer to your base and the mansion, and in general there’s a better likelyhood of them intercepting you faster. There’s just the one permissible building in that direction, but that should be all you need for now. Best to get going before the cops try something stupid.

Getting there is relatively easy- you don’t think you’ve entirely lost the police, but you can’t even hear them anymore. In short order you can see what you’re pretty sure is the destructible building- seems to be some sort of old, short business building that’s long since been left to time, complete with an old billboard on top that’s been all but stripped away, leaving only the faintest idea of what it used to be for- some ad company, maybe. It’s easy to land on, fortunately- it’s in the city but not near the main streets, and doesn’t have too many larger buildings around it.

This should be a decent spot to hang around in and see how long it takes. Might as well make it look like you stopped for a reason, then.

The meteorite’s fine, fortunately- your jostling hasn’t done anything to it, and it still has its strange color-shifting properties depending on how you turn it. It’s about as big as a baseball, too, with few major pockmarks. Smooth stuff.

You get the feeling it might be a bit before they find you-

“Found you!” -oh. There they are. Surprisingly quick. Maybe they were nearby for whatever reason?

You can hear five impacts landing landing relatively smoothly, and you turn silently to face the heroines. The one at the lead, Ruby you presume, is a redhead (big surprise), with mid length hair, yellow shorts, and a red jacket over her white shirt, and she’s the one talking to you. “Now hand over that meteorite or pay the penalty!”

“You don’t look like anyone I’ve heard of…” the girl to her immediate left says quietly. She’s a short, scraggly black-haired girl with a freckled face freckled framed with glasses. She’s wearing a green jumper with a matching skirt, and she’s looking at you intensely.

The other three- a tall, leggy blonde in a blouse and jeans who looks annoyed with you, a brunette girl in overalls, a t-shirt, and a beret that seems ready to go, and a mousey black haired girl who’s constantly looking around as if something’s going to jump out at them.

> "The object is required for future purposes. It cannot be relinquished at the moment."
> "No."
> "Who are you that seeks to interfere with my chosen course of action? Identify yourself."
> Say nothing.
> Other

>>682382
> "No."

let's also throw our flashbang (maybe in a low setting) spell, just to show them this is serious and throw them off balance.

>>682382
>"The object is required for future purposes. It cannot be relinquished at the moment."

>>682382
>"Who are you that seeks to interfere with my chosen course of action? Identify yourself."
>Inquisitive head tilt

Let's see if we can get one of those "introductory speeches" heroes love so much going.

>>682382
> "Who are you that seeks to interfere with my chosen course of action? Identify yourself."

Intro go!

>>682382
> "No."
> "The object is required for future purposes. It cannot be relinquished at the moment."
Remember, mysterious visitor from another dimension.

>>682382
This >>682508
Make them seem unimportant and remind them that they forgot to do their dramatic entry.

Tempted to go with "I'm sorry I don't believe we have been introduced." But then we would have to think up a name which would take ages.

>>682382
>"No; I yet require this object."
>"Identify yourself."
The options seem a bit wordy for how we've been presenting ourself. Not that we can't choose to wear another mask when on the clock, but still.

>>682382
> "No."
I think we should be kinda silent and mysterious.

>>682382
> "The object is required for future purposes. It cannot be relinquished at the moment."

Let's relinquish as little of ourselves as possible before our first confrontation, we can tell them something cryptic about our identity after we WHOOP SOME MAGICAL-GIRL ASS.

Seems like >>682609
might be the best compromise in terms of majority choice and intent. I think I'll go with that on the whole.

Writing!

>>682655
Do you suppose we'll be provided with a convenient villainous identity and plan, or will we have to invent one of our own?

>>682725
I think coming up with something on our own would be more fun, though I'm not clear on how professional it would be. Since we as of yet haven't been provided an identity, I assume we'll have to make one up.

>>682725
>>682755
Stealing a plot point from that other magical girl dimension hopping quest, we could be planning to turn the souls of everyone on the planet into a giant battery.

>>682813
We should pick our identity and plan based on what we want to achieve with them. Teach them teamwork? then we need to do something to help that. Teach them how to fight? we might as well just play "inder-dimensional tourist" and say "I wanted to the meteorite, so I took it", and fight them because they'll get in the way of us enjoying the tourist trappings of this dimension.

>>682885
>>682813
If we want then to work better as a team, something more dire would force them to do so much more easily than a casual tourist type gimmick.

Maybe we shouldn't amp it up to a "battle for everyone's souls" level of threat, but they should feel threatened into working together/bonding.

>>682382
“No.” you state simply. “This object is required.” The girls are visibly surprised, and a bit confused by this simple, curt answer.

“Required?” says the bespectacled girl. “Required for wha-”

“Identify yourself.” you interrupt. She seems taken aback at your rudeness, and she scowls as the blond tries to hide a smirk.

It’s the leader who answers, though, striking a pose with her finger pointed at you. “We’re the best new hero team to ever hit Valour City- the defenders of justice, righters of wrongs, defeaters of foul villainy, students of the legendary Lovely Hearts, and overall way-too-awesome Shining Hearts Squad!” All of the other members visibly puff up a bit at her exclamation. “It’s our duty to put the hurt on bad guys like you- so if you’re not gonna give back that rock peacefully…” and here she enters a boxer’s stance as her fists burn bright with magical force, and the others assume combat positions as well. “...then we’re just gonna have to take it by force!”

With that, she charges you with a mighty yell and charges forward as her friend suddenly tenses her legs and ROCKETS into the air. The blonde takes a deep breath, and suddenly her body coats over with various crystals, and the beret girl simply opens a canteen on her side. The timid girl does nothing, but moves closer.

>Tank whatever it is they’re about to do. It should be of no consequence...
>If Ruby wants to play bullfighter, then ole!
>Face palm.
>Ignore them, test out Crystalline and the backline.
>Nah, you’re outta here for now. Flash.
>Other (enter battle tactics here!)

>>682813
A brief brainstorm turns up this:
We were once a queen, until we were retroactively written from existence by a covetous member of our court who then stole our throne. In the void between universes, we bartered our name and face for passage back into reality.

We now seek to use the phase-shifting properties of the meteorite to bridge the gap between what was and what was not to be, and reclaim our self and former life.

Or, somewhat more in character:
>"'Who am I'? Alas, I was, am not, and sold my name to yet be again."
>"You may address me as the Never-born Queen, ere these lights reclaim me my face and throne. Now, I so command: Step Aside."

>>682885
Our identity itself won't teach them anything specific, only the challenges we pose to them. Again, unless we want to test their investigative abilities, it's best to come up with something coherent and which ties in with what little has been decided of our plan.

>>682959
>Tank whatever it is they’re about to do. It should be of no consequence...
We have to show that we're a level far above the scrubs they've been dealing with up until now.

It would have been much easier if one of their regular Rogue's Gallery members came first so that we could ruthlessly kill someone in front of them.

>>682959
>other
We have to clown the shit out of them, redirect Ruby's shit into the backline, maybe throw her into water grill. gotta flare up those tempers to make them realize they can't currently work together for peanuts.

>>682885
i like the idea of the interdimentional tourist. it's a threat big enough for them, but not as big as to call for help.

>>682959
Since ruby is coming at us, lets meet her fist to fist. Mostly dodging her attacks, maybe make her hit the billboard to see how far it dents? it'd be in our best interest to see how durable these girls are. How far we can hurt them before any very serious injuries happen

>>682959
>If Ruby wants to play bullfighter, then ole!
>"Desist, or I shall defend myself."
>"The stone will be returned peacefully when I no longer require it."
What's that? Villains that don't just blast people for no reason?

>>682990
if we kill someone in front of them they will call for help ASAP. specially if its one of their common villains.

>>682959
>If Ruby wants to play bullfighter, then ole!
>Don't stay in one place, keep moving, see if Ruby tries to herd us in a specific direction.

5 impacts, we've only seen four. One has invisibility already turned on, or hid really quickly. Actually pretty smart, they might not be hopeless.

>>683026
The other benefit is that they don't necessarily have to "finish us" they just have to hold us off until our vacation is over/capture us.

>>683051
Nevermind, misread the start of the fight description, but the idea still stands.

>>682959
>If Ruby wants to play bullfighter, then ole!

Just give her a little help falling off the building.

>>682959
Supporting
>>683020

>>682959
>If Ruby wants to play bullfighter, then ole!
AND
> test out Crystalline and the backline.

>>682959
I can't decide if it's more intimidating to let them hit us and shrug it off or cleanly dismantle their strategy using their known weakpoints like >>683020 suggested. Maybe one then the other? Either way we want to make it obvious how out of their league we are.

>>682959
I also like >>683020 to hide our power level and site that they need to fight smart.

Also when we leave our next see our customer we should tell her to remind the kids that diplomacy is an option. Rushing in and trying to solve every problem with your fists is just stupid.

Let the show begin.

Writing!

>>683100
we need to hurt them in such a way that their egos are deeply hurt and becomes personal, otherwise they may not learn at all or call for help.

>>683100
IF they're even using strategy. If they can put together a decent strategy, maybe let them have a "win" (we run, but keep the loot), if they aren't using strategy, then just shrugging off everything is pretty good.

So far it doesn't seem like much though, One girl just jumped, Ruby is getting in too close for scream-girl to be able to hit us safely, Crystal is sitting in the back protecting beret girl (good teamwork, hopefully), and the timid girl is trying to get close slowly and isn't getting any support (depending on how much attention Ruby can demand in a fight). If they're good, then timid girl is actually invisible, and the slow one is just a duplicate (but it'd be a lot of effort given her weaknesses).

>>683100
I feel like dismantling them would be for the best.
It'd show them how ineffective they are at working together, which is more important than just knowing there are bigger fish.

>>683140
>>683124
Maybe we should snatch up Ruby and use her like a club against the others.

>>683233
OH YES.

beat them with their own kind!

>>683233
If we just sidestep her attack, then grab her by the legs, say something like "This weapon is acceptable" and start swinging her at the rest of her team while she starts shouting at us angrily.

That is the most perfect opener.

Actually, wouldn't just exploiting their weaknesses work better than just beating the lights out of them? that way we make it personal.
like what >>683020 said.

>>683233
I do kinda just want to dodge her and have her fly into the billboard though.

>>682959
As soon as Ruby closes in and swings (it’s a horribly telegraphed swing, seriously), you dodge the first, second punches, and you hop away a bit as she does the sam-

“aaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH-” a wave of sound impacts you, and you buckle slightly in surprise as the sonic force hits you, the ground beneath you cracking heavily. Wonder how thick this roof is. Ruby had jumped back as well- and by the look on her face she clearly expected the scream to do more as Ribbit lands next to her while you’re straightening up.. Ruby’s about to charge again, but before she can move, you dart forward, grabbing them BOTH by the arms as you race in between them, giving a single spin and launching them both into their comrades- Ribbit lands on Crystalline, and grunts in effort. Ruby lands in a water pocket Aquaria managed to throw up, but she goes through it and the two impact each other, tumbling over to near the edge of the building. Shygirl shrieks, looks at you, and then vanishes entirely, fading out like a television wipe.

You can see Ruby and Aquaria scramble to get up. “Hey, get offa me!” Ruby shrieks. Aquaria just blushes as they untangle. “Sorry, trying!”

Crystalline just groans in annoyance as she drops Ribbit unceremoniously. “Ugh, so stupid!” she says in irritation as she sticks a crystallized hand out and begins firing off a stream of sharp crystal bits in your direction.

>Dodge, put a stop to the crystal bits.
>Barrier up!
>Other

>>683265
>Dodge, put a stop to the crystal bits.
god what a mess

>>683265
>grab crystalline and use her as a weapon. make this a humbling experience.

>>683265
>Dodge, put a stop to the crystal bits.
Try to have Shygirl get hit in the crossfire. Use Zone Scanner if necessary

>>683265
Tank the shards like a badass, walk up to Crystalline and chuck her off the building. then flux wave, hopefully it'll force invisible girl out of hiding while putting the rest out of commission so you can find her.

>>683283
That was actually a pretty good combo. Too bad they thought it'd be a one hit kill, and/or didn't think about Shygirl after they backed away.

>>683265
>Dodge, put a stop to the crystal bits
They won't touch us unless they use teamwork.

>>683302
yeah, we need to make them shred themselves just to prove how bad they are at this.

>>683265
>>Dodge, put a stop to the crystal bits.

>>683324
Especially Cristalline

>>683265
>>683302
This seems good.

>>683265
>Dodge, put a stop to the crystal bits.

>>683302
Sounds good

Battlefield awareness. Let's see if Crystalline has it.

>>683378
>Battlefield awareness vs Invisible ally

Really, she can't be blamed for this one.

>>683391
In this case, both would be lacking it.

>>683378
Handler, two questions:

-At the Intersection, the Girls' Night misadventures. Was it caused by being drugged, or was it there a time-skip between the first drink and waking up on top of the truck which included a lot of alcohol consumptiuon?

-The Baron's Rapier (and Flamebringer to an extent), how would they compare as focus/amplifiers (for Miranda) against others available at the Intersection? That'd help the decisison of wether tempering them or not.

>>683265

You quickly dart out of the way as the first of the volley impacts the roof.

“Hey! Stay still!” Crystalline yells as she tries to keep up with your sudden movements. She’s making an effort to lead you, at least, but your short hops, and sheer velocity don’t allow her to aim as well as she’d like.

“Holy crap, can you stop being so- gah!” She’s frustrated now. Good. You quickly shift to the right, intending to circle around her entirely. She bites the bait, and continues her assault- right up to the point where you hear a pair of shouts as Ruby and Ribbit are both forced to get out of the way- another squeal seeming to come out of nowhere and a sudden *thump* of dust indicates that they weren’t the only ones in the crossfire.

Time to take advantage. You shift your momentum, leaping over her stream of shots and within seconds, you’re at point blank range. She immediately jumps back in order to create space-

And you grab a trailing foot as she does so, causing her to fall flat on your back. As she looks up, for a brief moment you lock eyes, and she scowls deeply at you. “Let me-”

And then you have an idea. “This is acceptable.”

“What’s accept-WHAAAA!!” Lifting her by the leg, You give her an experimental swing, sending Ribbit scrambling to dodge, and then you whip her out in a high arc, dissipating the water whip that Aquaria had slipped out at you. Another swing causes Ruby to jump back yet again- she’d tried to charge in a third time. “Ohmygodohmygodohmygod, stop her stop her stop her!!!” Crystalline yells as you use her as an impromptu flail. You still are unsure where Shygirl is, but from the sound of it she’d either gotten hit or is being very cautious at the moment- her invisibility didn’t let up.

>Action? I'm just gonna let you guys have at it for this one.

>>683512
They was just drunk as shit. It was a time-skip.

You'll have to see and find out. You can try before you buy. They ain't the worst in the world, if that's what you're worried about.