Kintsugi Plays Fallen Hero: Retribution (ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ …(^_^)…)

Discussion in 'It's Galley's Turn' started by keltena, Jun 28, 2023.

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  1. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    I think we're a little more results than reputation focused so far? Undecided which of these does which the most
     
  2. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    I think which would get better results is a matter of opinion, but as far as reputation goes, I'd say the first option suggests more focus on strengthening our reputation while the second suggests more focus on expanding our network of allies?
     
  3. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    Yeah, what Anathema thinks will net results
     
  4. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    If we're all undecided, is it coin flip time?
     
    • Agree x 1
  5. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    Right, yes, sorry for the delay! Coin flip says money isn't the issue here…

    > Influence is.

    You need influence so people will listen to you. Influence so you can be safe, cradled in a network of contacts that all have too much to lose by your downfall. That's the kind of power that Hollow Ground has, and you want it for your own.

    Of course, only an idiot would attack an auction filled with criminals, boosted or not—only an idiot.

    Or you.

    Anathema. Honey.

    If there is one thing you have learned in your career, it is that it only takes a single spark to cause an explosion. That room will be volatile, filled with rivals and villains, and you plan to make the most of it.

    But to do that, you need more.

    Strategically speaking, the only one who could hurt Hollow Ground's position in this city is someone from the outside. Many powerful villains make Los Diablos their home, but most of them are focused on their own careers, not control of the city.

    Psychopathor relied on hired crews and probably worked with Hollow Ground, if not actively, at least on a live-and-let-live basis. He hasn't been seen since you staged the Special Directive raid; if he escaped, he's lying low. You would have done the same.

    The Catastrofiend was more of a hired killer; pay up and watch your target disintegrate. But it hasn't been seen in years. Lord Ember left town for San Francisco to realize his ambition. The Void was a real threat, but you and the Rangers took care of that. Was that the last time someone actually made a move for Hollow Ground's turf?

    At least that you can remember.

    Who might be next? You're not sure, but you know where you will be able to find out. But first, you need to switch bodies.

     ‣ Good, I've missed being Barbara.
     ‣ Time to slip into Barbara.
     ‣ Even though I'd rather not.

    It has been a while since we've had some Barbie time, hasn't it? How do we feel about stepping back into her shoes?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary.
    Description: A tall mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short and styled curly dark brown hair.

    Their sense of style is androgynous, secondhand streetwear, with many piercings in their ears, nose, and tongue. They have a short, scruffy beard and mustache.

    Standard of Living: Josie is well-off.
    Josie is living in a comfortable apartment.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine.

    Telepathy
    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Anathema
    Anathema runs a criminal syndicate.
    Infamy: 51% / Obscurity: 49%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Armored Suit
    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing. The cape conceals and obfuscates what's underneath.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores, functionally similar to having disintegration touch. The suit is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status
    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Leadership: 55%
    ████████████████████

    Psychological Profile
    Arrogance: 18% / Anonymity: 82% (+1)
    ███▒████████████████
    Ruthlessness: 33% / Empathy: 67%
    ██████▒█████████████
    Daring: 46% / Caution: 54%
    █████████▒██████████

    Back in the day, Sidestep was known as a vigilante working with the Rangers.

    Main Puppet
    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: She is fine, and has no serious wounds.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Charge
    Josie's Relationship with Ortega: Friend and ally.
    Ortega's Connection with Josie: 80%
    ████████████████████

    Ortega thinks Anathema has made some good points.

    Barbara's Relationship with Ortega: Eternally flirting. Josie is using Barbara as a spy.
    Ortega's Connection with Barbara: 59%
    ███████████▒████████

    Dr. Mortum
    Barbara's Relationship with Dr. Mortum: friend.
    Mortum's Connection with Barbara: 63%
    ████████████▒███████

    Lady Argent
    Josie's Relationship with Lady Argent: Distant.
    Lady Argent's Impression of Josie: 1%
    ███████████████████

    Lady Argent respects Anathema's abilities.
    Lady Argent's Interest in Anathema: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel
    Josie's Relationship with Steel: Former ally.
    Steel's Connection with Josie: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel thinks Anathema needs to be brought in.

    Herald
    Josie's Relationship with Herald: Could be useful.
    Herald's Connection with Josie: 52%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Herald thinks Anathema is a villain.

    Other Characters
     
  6. Loq

    Loq rotating like a rotisserie chicknen

    >rather not. mask on/mask off is getting complicated enough these days with the rangers, let alone remembering how much the puppet is supposed to know.
     
    • Agree x 1
  7. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    Not to mention, villain and hench bar for networking is very different than attacking a villain auction - wanting powers here is just sensible.
     
  8. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    To be clear, we're not running off to attack a villain auction as Barbie right now, just seeking intel we hope will be useful against Hollow Ground. More daring than just getting drinks with Rosie, but not max risk levels.

    (possibly you already knew this, in which case I plead the "it's early and my reading comprehension is dubious")
     
    • Agree x 1
    • Informative x 1
  9. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    No need to plead, we've jumped direct into action before and I figured we were again
     
    • Like x 1
  10. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    /sighs, dusts off yet another of our too many character sheets

    > Even though I'd rather not.

    Since you made your debut as Anathema, you have cut down a lot on your use of the puppet. Sure, you still diligently do your grooming and exercise; you're not about to let her go to waste. You just don't have as much need for her.

    Maybe one day you can retire her altogether, returning her to a nice hospital, all expenses paid. There have been no signs of any brain activity, and maybe that is for the best.

    Shaking your head, you touch your new face, adjusting to the weirdness of the puppet's body. You need a shower to shake off the cobwebs that make your skin feel like parchment, and then some nice clothes.

    A club is a lot easier to navigate in her body.

    Pulling out your phone, you push in a familiar number.

    "Nehal, are you still around?"

    "Sure, you need a ride? Or is it the boss?"

    "Just me. The boss is busy. I need someone discreet to drop me off near Ventura."

    "The club? Are you going? Can I join? If the boss is busy, there's no reason they would need me, right?" You can hear the excitement through the phone; she's as easy to read as in person.

    "Sorry. It's business. Rosie is meeting me there."

    "Spoilsport," she sighs, "I'll pick you up in fifteen."

    "Fine." You hang up, not bothering to censor your predatory smile.

    > You're Going Hunting

    The music is loud, and you might be a little drunk. The Ventura has a well-stocked bar, and a little whiskey always made the world slow down.

    steady the nerves, open your eyes

    People seem different when it's just a mass of synchronized moving flesh, no thoughts, no powers, just the physical feel of the crowd. There. Around you. The music makes your body resonate with the rhythm, driving you forward in step with the others.

    Following the same beat.

    If you had been back in your own body, you would have gone mad. Ego subsumed—hundreds of minds in sync overriding your own.

    Here you can just let go.

    Be one of the seagulls.

    he'll be here tonight, for sure

    "There!" Rosie has to shout in your ear to make herself heard, and you follow her finger.

    There indeed. Dancing with a blond woman with her roots showing is Jake Manalo. The rumored right-hand man of Hollow Ground. Having a blast.

    It's been months since you saw him at Joes; you doubt that he'll remember you.

    It's also been months since we had any reason to remember that scene, so to recap: we went out for drinks with Mortum, saw someone picking a fight over Jake's roulette winnings, told them to take it outside, and won a very odd round of roulette.

    You clap Rosie on the shoulder, leaning in to shout back.

    "Thanks! Go have fun, I'll take it from here."

    "I will! Don't make me have to save you!" She gives you a cocky grin.

    "I'll be fine!" You see her eyes narrow, but your smile grows wider. Sure, you're a little drunk, but playing it up more than you need to. Alcohol is a useful tool; the trick is not to drink too much.

    Just enough to get the right relaxed sway in your step as you slowly migrate through the crowd. Moving with the music, evasive, circular, as if everything that will happen is an accident.

    no accidents for you

     ‣ Be patient; I can't risk making a mistake.
     ‣ This is risky, but the payoff is huge.
     ‣ I should drag Mortum clubbing….

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary.
    Description: A tall mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short and styled curly dark brown hair.

    Their sense of style is androgynous, secondhand streetwear, with many piercings in their ears, nose, and tongue. They have a short, scruffy beard and mustache.

    Standard of Living: Josie is well-off.
    Josie is living in a comfortable apartment.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine.

    Telepathy
    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Anathema
    Anathema runs a criminal syndicate.
    Infamy: 51% / Obscurity: 49%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Armored Suit
    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing. The cape conceals and obfuscates what's underneath.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores, functionally similar to having disintegration touch. The suit is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status
    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Leadership: 55%
    ████████████████████

    Psychological Profile
    Arrogance: 18% / Anonymity: 82%
    ███▒████████████████
    Ruthlessness: 33% / Empathy: 67%
    ██████▒█████████████
    Daring: 46% / Caution: 54%
    █████████▒██████████

    Back in the day, Sidestep was known as a vigilante working with the Rangers.

    Main Puppet
    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: She is fine, and has no serious wounds.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Charge
    Josie's Relationship with Ortega: Friend and ally.
    Ortega's Connection with Josie: 80%
    ████████████████████

    Ortega thinks Anathema has made some good points.

    Barbara's Relationship with Ortega: Eternally flirting. Josie is using Barbara as a spy.
    Ortega's Connection with Barbara: 59%
    ███████████▒████████

    Dr. Mortum
    Barbara's Relationship with Dr. Mortum: friend.
    Mortum's Connection with Barbara: 63%
    ████████████▒███████

    Lady Argent
    Josie's Relationship with Lady Argent: Distant.
    Lady Argent's Impression of Josie: 1%
    ███████████████████

    Lady Argent respects Anathema's abilities.
    Lady Argent's Interest in Anathema: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel
    Josie's Relationship with Steel: Former ally.
    Steel's Connection with Josie: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel thinks Anathema needs to be brought in.

    Herald
    Josie's Relationship with Herald: Could be useful.
    Herald's Connection with Josie: 52%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Herald thinks Anathema is a villain.

    Other Characters
     
  11. Loq

    Loq rotating like a rotisserie chicknen

    >Patience. Sure, we want to fight Hollow Ground eventually, but [pokemon voice] There's A Time And Place For Everything, But Not Now! Don't get caught, Anathema!
     
    • Agree x 2
  12. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    > Be patient; I can't risk making a mistake.

    You need to be patient; you can't risk rushing this. All you need to do is wait for the right moment to plant a bug. You have time.

    Plenty of time.

    You're here for information. Or rather, for Jake to give you information. Not that he'll know it.

    One annoying fact about preparing to go up against Hollow Ground is that there's just not much information about them. You can understand why Steel thinks they are a fake figurehead, but Ortega wouldn't get obsessed over nothing.

    You wish you could uncover more details, but the kingpin's reputation for elusiveness is not for show. You've spent months untangling relationships, and you have yet to find anybody who's seen Hollow Ground's face or met them in person. Too much obfuscation for your taste. What's truth, and what's fiction?

    Josie, there's a saying about glass houses…

    No matter what, you need more information. Hitting the Boulevard Casino will be a direct challenge, but you need to be prepared for the blowback. One thing your telepathic scouting has ascertained is that Jake is right smack in the center of that web. Enforcer. Right-hand man. Killer. All adding up to two things:

    He's important.

    And connected.

    You've lived too long to be a one-trick pony. So now that your psychic sleuthing has failed, you've decided to go back to the basics. Dr. Mortum didn't charge that much for the tracker, small, discreet, and according to the good doctor, broadcasting microbursts on a frequency most scanners won't pick up.

    Worth a shot for a chance to track Jake's movements.

    The music switches tracks, and you share a smile with a drunk man, using him to shift closer to your target.

    Now, what would be the best way to plant that bug?

     ‣ I pretend to be drunk and stumble into Jake.
     ‣ I can dance better than the girl, time to get close.
     ‣ I stay under the radar and wait for an unguarded moment.

    What's our plan—play the touch off as normal drunken clumsiness? Wait for a natural opening to brush by him unnoticed? Roll to seduce?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary.
    Description: A tall mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short and styled curly dark brown hair.

    Their sense of style is androgynous, secondhand streetwear, with many piercings in their ears, nose, and tongue. They have a short, scruffy beard and mustache.

    Standard of Living: Josie is well-off.
    Josie is living in a comfortable apartment.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine.

    Telepathy
    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Anathema
    Anathema runs a criminal syndicate.
    Infamy: 51% / Obscurity: 49%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Armored Suit
    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing. The cape conceals and obfuscates what's underneath.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores, functionally similar to having disintegration touch. The suit is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status
    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Leadership: 55%
    ████████████████████

    Psychological Profile
    Arrogance: 15% / Anonymity: 85% (+3)
    ████████████████████
    Ruthlessness: 33% / Empathy: 67%
    ██████▒█████████████
    Daring: 46% / Caution: 54%
    █████████▒██████████

    Back in the day, Sidestep was known as a vigilante working with the Rangers.

    Main Puppet
    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: She is fine, and has no serious wounds.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Charge
    Josie's Relationship with Ortega: Friend and ally.
    Ortega's Connection with Josie: 80%
    ████████████████████

    Ortega thinks Anathema has made some good points.

    Barbara's Relationship with Ortega: Eternally flirting. Josie is using Barbara as a spy.
    Ortega's Connection with Barbara: 59%
    ███████████▒████████

    Dr. Mortum
    Barbara's Relationship with Dr. Mortum: friend.
    Mortum's Connection with Barbara: 63%
    ████████████▒███████

    Lady Argent
    Josie's Relationship with Lady Argent: Distant.
    Lady Argent's Impression of Josie: 1%
    ███████████████████

    Lady Argent respects Anathema's abilities.
    Lady Argent's Interest in Anathema: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel
    Josie's Relationship with Steel: Former ally.
    Steel's Connection with Josie: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel thinks Anathema needs to be brought in.

    Herald
    Josie's Relationship with Herald: Could be useful.
    Herald's Connection with Josie: 52%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Herald thinks Anathema is a villain.

    Other Characters
     
  13. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    I didn't vote this because I didn't think we'd get distracted that quickly, but I have to admit I qas curious how that would go


    Almost as if they're... underground

    We could flirt with our first man of the game! But I assume he'd expect an agenda, and there's no hint of what our cover agenda might be....
     
    • Like x 1
  14. Loq

    Loq rotating like a rotisserie chicknen

    >stay under the radar seems to play nicest with our previous Don't Be Suspicious choice, but I'm willing to see how the others play out if someone feels strongly about them.
     
    • Agree x 1
  15. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    No need to do anything unsubtle here…

    > I stay under the radar and wait for an unguarded moment.

    It's a crowded dance floor filled with people; there's no use complicating things. All you need to do is dance, have fun, smile at people. Other people.

    Barbara is attractive enough that you have no issues finding a partner, another useful distraction as you drift closer.

    It's all about patience and timing, riding the wave of the crowd, waiting until it bumps you into Jake naturally.

    You're just another face in the crowd, and the brush is hardly noticeable, a brush of your hand as you plant the bug and then pull apart once more.

    Nice. That went off without a hitch, now to head to the bar once you've danced a song or two more, to avoid raising suspicions. Might as well have a bit of fun before heading back home. Rosie is probably still around.

    > The Bar Is Crowded

    Maybe you shouldn't be this relaxed, but don't you deserve to have a bit of fun? You did your job. The bug is planted, and maybe you'll learn something, and maybe you won't. That's for your other body to deal with. Barbara deserves a break. And a drink.

    As you expected, Rosie has stayed for a drink and some fun, making you feel a lot more comfortable. This isn't an outright villain bar, but it doesn't frown on that kind of clientele, so Rosie is out to have fun. Especially since you are footing the bill.

    Maybe the taste of whiskey will chase away the feeling of disquiet that's been haunting you lately. You've got nothing to be depressed about. Things are going well.

    A new life. A new career.

    You'll drink to that.

    Don't you love it when things go according to plan for once?
     
  16. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    A few days later.

    While your bug is charting the movement of your target, it's back to your routine. And these days, that routine includes working out with Herald.

    What were you thinking? Wasn't it enough to stick close to the Rangers? You don't need to go out of your way to interact one-on-one, right?

    As if Ortega wasn't enough of a problem. Are you that determined to cause trouble for yourself?

    At least Herald is easier to deal with. You're gathering information that you can use later. Against the Rangers. Against him. That's all this is, right?

    Right. An opportunity. That's all he is. A way for you to get your way. Use him. You've already learned more about the inner workings of the team than you hoped for.

    "Hey!" Herald is waiting for you, discreetly dressed as always, looking equal parts eager and nervous. "Was traffic bad again? I mean, it always is, and I could pick you up where you want to, I know you're busy, and I…"

    "It's fine," you interrupt, not in the mood for his attempts to find out where you live. "It wasn't traffic. I was just working and lost track of time." Working. Planning.

    You cross your arms with a smile, all too aware of the lack of your usual layers. Sure, your skin is covered, but your tight long-sleeve microfiber shirt with a loose T-shirt on top doesn't give you the same sense of security that rougher, stiffer fabrics do. It makes you uncomfortable, but you can't use a proper skinsuit. Not when you're retired.

    "I was just offering." Herald's smile is a ray of sunshine, and unlike your own, it reaches his eyes. No guile. Easy to manipulate.

    You pick up on his mood without even trying; it's not that he lacks shields and more like he's actively projecting. He's happy that you're here; it's his favorite time of the week. Because of you.

    So open. Too open?

     ‣ I wish he could shield his thoughts; they're too much.
     ‣ It makes it easier to talk to him, easier to trust.
     ‣ It's a rush to be around him, to feel what he feels.

    Until recently, the effects of prolonged exposure to Heraldbrain remained unstudied. Our findings?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary.
    Description: A tall mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short and styled curly dark brown hair.

    Their sense of style is androgynous, secondhand streetwear, with many piercings in their ears, nose, and tongue. They have a short, scruffy beard and mustache.

    Standard of Living: Josie is well-off.
    Josie is living in a comfortable apartment.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine.

    Telepathy
    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Anathema
    Anathema runs a criminal syndicate.
    Infamy: 51% / Obscurity: 49%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Armored Suit
    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing. The cape conceals and obfuscates what's underneath.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores, functionally similar to having disintegration touch. The suit is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status
    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Leadership: 55%
    ████████████████████

    Psychological Profile
    Arrogance: 15% / Anonymity: 85%
    ████████████████████
    Ruthlessness: 33% / Empathy: 67%
    ██████▒█████████████
    Daring: 46% / Caution: 54%
    █████████▒██████████

    Back in the day, Sidestep was known as a vigilante working with the Rangers.

    Main Puppet
    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: She is fine, and has no serious wounds.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Charge
    Josie's Relationship with Ortega: Friend and ally.
    Ortega's Connection with Josie: 80%
    ████████████████████

    Ortega thinks Anathema has made some good points.

    Barbara's Relationship with Ortega: Eternally flirting. Josie is using Barbara as a spy.
    Ortega's Connection with Barbara: 59%
    ███████████▒████████

    Dr. Mortum
    Barbara's Relationship with Dr. Mortum: friend.
    Mortum's Connection with Barbara: 63%
    ████████████▒███████

    Lady Argent
    Josie's Relationship with Lady Argent: Distant.
    Lady Argent's Impression of Josie: 1%
    ███████████████████

    Lady Argent respects Anathema's abilities.
    Lady Argent's Interest in Anathema: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel
    Josie's Relationship with Steel: Former ally.
    Steel's Connection with Josie: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel thinks Anathema needs to be brought in.

    Herald
    Josie's Relationship with Herald: Could be useful.
    Herald's Connection with Josie: 52%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Herald thinks Anathema is a villain.

    Other Characters
     
  17. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    This combo almost sounds like "he's projecting emotions so loudly that it feels like he's shouting his emotions in the hopes my powers will 'wake up' again and hear him."
    ...Option 1? I like option 1 or 3 best here
     
  18. chaoticArbiter

    chaoticArbiter literally Eevee

    I will put in my vote for option 1
     
    • Agree x 1
  19. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    > I wish he could shield his thoughts; they're too much.

    One day, you will teach Herald how to shield his thoughts. It's not bad in small doses. He's certainly easy enough to read, but the longer you spend around him, the more effort it becomes. Too much sensation. Too bright. Too intense.

    You usually end up having to tighten your shields as if you were under attack, just to stay focused. Overstimulation is always a danger to a telepath, and he's worse than a crowd when it comes to that.

    Even positive emotions take their toll on you.

    "So, where are we going?" you ask, adjusting your shields. "The usual place?"

    "Sure." He nods upward. "It's cloudy, so you should be alright."

    "You really like rooftops, huh?" You groan inwardly, but you suppose it makes sense. That's the best way to get the privacy you requested.

    "Unless you have a better suggestion?"

    "You know I don't. The roof is fine; you're the one that's getting bruises from the concrete." Not true. You need to keep your real talents hidden. You're just a simple retiree.

    "Shall we then?" Herald reaches out for you, but not fast enough that you can't make a decision on what to do.

     ‣ "I'm taking the stairs," I say before he can grab me.
     ‣ I hold out my arms, so he can grab me and take off.
     ‣ I feel uncomfortable, but I let him pull me in tight.
     ‣ I take a step forward, wrapping my arms tightly around him.

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary.
    Description: A tall mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short and styled curly dark brown hair.

    Their sense of style is androgynous, secondhand streetwear, with many piercings in their ears, nose, and tongue. They have a short, scruffy beard and mustache.

    Standard of Living: Josie is well-off.
    Josie is living in a comfortable apartment.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine.

    Telepathy
    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Anathema
    Anathema runs a criminal syndicate.
    Infamy: 51% / Obscurity: 49%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Armored Suit
    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing. The cape conceals and obfuscates what's underneath.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores, functionally similar to having disintegration touch. The suit is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status
    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Leadership: 55%
    ████████████████████

    Psychological Profile
    Arrogance: 15% / Anonymity: 85%
    ████████████████████
    Ruthlessness: 33% / Empathy: 67%
    ██████▒█████████████
    Daring: 46% / Caution: 54%
    █████████▒██████████

    Back in the day, Sidestep was known as a vigilante working with the Rangers.

    Main Puppet
    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: She is fine, and has no serious wounds.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Charge
    Josie's Relationship with Ortega: Friend and ally.
    Ortega's Connection with Josie: 80%
    ████████████████████

    Ortega thinks Anathema has made some good points.

    Barbara's Relationship with Ortega: Eternally flirting. Josie is using Barbara as a spy.
    Ortega's Connection with Barbara: 59%
    ███████████▒████████

    Dr. Mortum
    Barbara's Relationship with Dr. Mortum: friend.
    Mortum's Connection with Barbara: 63%
    ████████████▒███████

    Lady Argent
    Josie's Relationship with Lady Argent: Distant.
    Lady Argent's Impression of Josie: 1%
    ███████████████████

    Lady Argent respects Anathema's abilities.
    Lady Argent's Interest in Anathema: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel
    Josie's Relationship with Steel: Former ally.
    Steel's Connection with Josie: 43%
    ████████▒███████████

    Marshal Steel thinks Anathema needs to be brought in.

    Herald
    Josie's Relationship with Herald: Could be useful.
    Herald's Connection with Josie: 52%
    ██████████▒█████████

    Herald thinks Anathema is a villain.

    Other Characters
     
  20. Loq

    Loq rotating like a rotisserie chicknen

    >STAIRS. Boy has learned a thing about consent but being on a rooftop is bad enough, let's not add flying to the stress of today.
     
    • Agree x 2
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