"You know, before Heartbeat was completely trashed, I was plugged into the computer systems of a good half dozen facilities. I've been in your present physical condition before. You're probably overheating right now. Maybe take a bit to cool down? Literally, I mean.
And how about I just put you down as "Overload"? Or "Ampere"? If you can think of any other electricity-themed names, I'd love to hear them."
Continue to make sure I'm ready to pull out the shield projector if she goes off.
At the mention of overheating, she glances at something on her wrist and immediately looks concerned. However, she's quickly distracted by something else.
"OVERLOAD! AMPERE! YES YES BOTH OF THOSE WOULD BE GOOD! DOES AMPERE SOUND PRETTIER? OVERLOAD SOUNDS MORE DYNAMIC? MAYBE BOTH IDOLS SOMETIMES HAVE TWO PART NAMES RIGHT? UHHHHHHH LEMME JUST-"
[6] She channels the energy back through the cables in a thunderous explosion, leaving her smoking but otherwise unharmed and happy looking. Based on the loud sounds and way the floor shakes under your feet, you're a little less convinced that worked out for everyone.
Just vore me already, mommy. We both know this is going to result in something entertainingly eldritch, so just get on with it.
[5][1] In a thoroughly creepy display, the girl swallows you and then turns, shrieking, into a far more
writhing version of herself, complete with head-wings that look a lot like cat ears. You are, of course, completely in control of your new mortal host.
Her gang is suitably impressed by "The Chosen One" destined to bring about "The End Of The Age Of Flesh." So you've got that going for you.
“Thanks for the help Jormungara, really useful there with the assistance. Now let’s get a sense of C0M-ER0N belongings and position, before I start my plotting to torture that organic the rest of the milennia”
C0MMY checks where he just landed and performs self-diagnostic repairs to his system, and sends a wireless signal to the Glamor Gals to go and make a meetup up with them and Jormungara, she needs to be signed into a contract first before future plans are created
"Hah, should probobly get this thing tuned, seems it's been used a few too many times."
"Hey miss Dark! Before you run off, you seem like you'd make a good duo with this girl here, light and dark."
"Speaking of, you seem to have the passion needed Ms. White Hero. Care to sign on? Sorry about the mess, it's a bit crazy today"
Try to secure the contract, as well as that dark girl if I can. Light and Dark is a pretty common theme in HeroMagical Girl shows, so a Duo has potential if I can get it to work right.
[6]vs[1] "Never, Do-Gooder!" the Nemesis shouts as she rides a gaggle of slavebots to the Dark Side.
[2] Tim's negotiations with the other girl go only slightly better. Unimpressed with her combat ability and willingness to negotiate with the forces of evil, she agrees only to a three month "trial contract."
with Q, try making our way to the base without getting attacked
Despite Q's shouting of "worthless idiots!" at the downed soldiers, you manage to get back into the base, mostly.
[5] This is made considerably easier by the bright flash of light and explosion throughout the entire base. Despite not dealing a great deal of damage, it stuns everyone and convinces most of the mob that it's time to leave. You wander through the carnage unscathed.
Ok, list of survivors now, and evaluate them. This time get some names for them, and use my evaluations of them, not their own. If they can't manage to line up, they're out.
Catgirl can be evaluated first, then vine squad, then everyone else. If there's any fighting over it, good, more casulties means fewer to evaluate.
[4] Catgirl, name Tui Akalnan. Biomodded somehow, got that slightly deranged look you sometimes see in new recruits signing on to hurt things. Stronger than she looks but she's thin enough that she'd almost have to be.
[5] Vine Squad, collectively known as the Furious Aduenalgas, 'Aduenalga' being an exotic type of flower any normal species would just call a rose. They're basically a group of friends slumming it in 'the wilds' and doing crazy things like performing labor for goods and services; not uncommon among the Vine who come out here. Their names are Dikikrian Anu Dalmoth, Skorramas Atun Velrikkim, Attaraska Seloc Varim, and Titirin Ekkem Alkoram. They're fairly skilled at what they do, but they've got that dainty in-it-for-the-novelty look of bored nobles, which they fairly literally are.
[6] Pod-Nemesis calls herself Oden-6 and is obviously arrogant and evil. Shocking, that. Her pod is a personal hovercraft meant to allow her to float above the teeming rabble and scan them with some efficacy. Coward and opportunist, like all of her filthy kind.
[1] Cloy-Bro just pelvically gyrates at you. You're not sure what to do with this information.
[6] Horned chick is a drunk moron with no idea what she's doing or why. She's apparently "in the thrall of Vanidine Energy Solutions, producers of the #1 selling energy drink Beastmode," which is where she got the modded horns and probably muscular build. Apparently in exchange for some kind of marketing pact.
[1] Pink Mohawk is named Bloodletter and you think you saw her on the news for something. Probably not something good.
[4] Orange boy is named Vik- just Vik- and is apparently a mechanic. Makes sense; he's got the slight build of a gear-rat. Also predictably, he dreams of doing something glamorous and important, like being an ace fighter pilot or Idol. Definitely the kind of kid who could achieve his dreams, turn evil, or die tragically at roughly 1:1:2 odds.
[2] The other Imp is also a coward and villain. Has 'no preferred designation.'
[6] The Cancer... well, the good news is that it's a walking heavy weapons platform. During the war any significant number of advancing Cancers generally meant you were going to fall back, and you could decide to do that now or after they'd raked you with anti-tank weaponry to your satisfaction. The thought of having one on your side is
really tempting. Unfortunately, they don't seem especially Idol-y; they're basically just a grunt soldier talent-wise.
The Next Day~You assemble not long after the previous shenanigans to take stock of your current shenanigans. The base, or at least its lower level, is completely trashed. The upper level is fine except that one of the giant windows- which can withstand laser fire- has somehow been blown out.
Originally, the base appeared to consist of six sections, each with its own supplementary power generator. The mechanics and hydroponics sections are completely trashed and little of worth is salvageable. Hydroponics are mainly for growing food though, and food just kind of makes it cheaper to keep interns on hand, so that's no great loss. Workshops are necessary for building and repairing, say, the giant robots you need to save the world, though, so that's a bit of a problem.
The labs are mostly intact although they're currently inhabited by a vicious gang preaching about the "End of the Age of Flesh." Coincidentally i-666, rocking a brand new catgirl body, is their new God.
The recording centers, hospitals, and a gym are all in pretty good condition. Not spotless, but manageable. The recording centers are handy for making Idols make money without any particular opportunities around, so that's good. The hospitals are a little less necessary, but if they get injured they'll need those to recover on site, so also nice. You're not actually sure what a gym is for as far as Idols go. Most of them are not very swole.
The hangars are damaged but salvageable, which means their robots are
also damaged but salvageable, which means NOT HAVING ANY WORKSHOPS is a very slight problem. As promised there's six mechs, pretty basic models.
6/10 HP
-
3x Cannon Blast: Deal 2 damage.
3x Punch: Deal 2 damage.
2x Run: Double the effect of first card in this action.
2x Armor Plating: Take 2 less damage from all actions this turn.
Aside from all this, the lower levels are strewn with debris and packs of candidates camping out. Some appear to have gone entirely feral, like very brightly colored raccoons, while others appear to be more civilized but possibly still cannibalistic gangs. They're not numerous or dense enough to cause immediate problems, but expanding into those areas may require dealing with those issues first. Also, gonna make for some real interesting footage if you try to give guided tours or create promotional material.
Then there's your Idols.
C0M-ER0NJormungara appears to have settled in nicely to her role as your evil subordinate. She's not exactly top-tier Idol material, but she's enthusiastic and good with mental attacks.
Jormungara
[Depraved/Cold]
-
0/3 FAME
0/1 FORTUNE
0/1 GLORY
-
Psionics
-
Description: Stubby robot with a vague basketball-sized shape visible through a thick, murky glass panel. Natural over the top villain.
Giant Ham: +2 MAX FAME. This character is a cackling jackass who's good at giving over the top monologues.
i-666It's hard being as pretty as you are. A nice catgirl body made of writhing Not-Flesh, who can blame your adoring cannibal savages for turning their doomsday cult to your worship? And sure, you don't have any
proper Idols, but who does? You'll be fine, and if you're really desperate you can grab a fanatical mook from the masses. You have also now gained Specialty: Horror as long as you possess your current form.
CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!Technically, you don't have any Idols because you haven't formally signed them yet. In practice, you're gonna have to sign at least some of them to avoid a riot, at which point you'll have some muscle to aggressively not-sign the others. Unfortunately with so many candidates (none of them comfortable showing weakness) it's hard to get an accurate read on them all. These are your best guesses so far:
Tui Akalnan, Catgirl
-Vicious
-At least one Specialty
-Poor Idol stats otherwise
Furious Aduenalgas (Dikikrian Anu Dalmoth, Skorramas Atun Velrikkim, Attaraska Seloc Varim, Titirin Ekkem Alkoram), Vine LARP Squad
-Coherent squads can be treated as an individual Idol or broken up; stats may change depending on this decision
-Good Idol stats
-Theoretical combat experience
-Somewhat airheaded motives
Oden-6, Imp-In-A-Pod
-Clever coward
-Poor Idol stats, good grasp of mechanics
Cloy-Bro
-Gyrates frequently
Horned Corporate Thrall
-Meathead
-Constant pact-bound advertising probably gives her some Idol experience, but already being in their pocket means less advertising for you
Bloodletter, Star gang member with a pink mohawk
-Vicious
Vik, Orange Mechanic
-Plucky
-High potential, high risk
Nameless Imp
-Evil coward
Nameless Cancer
-Resilient in traditional battle
-Poor Idol characteristics
Dariel AegisYou have two Idols, zero workshops, and the labs are infested with garbage-armored girls who demand to know "Who Dares Approach the Voice of Transmission?!" Gonna be one of those days.
Makasta 'Gunboat' Durn
[Passionate/Decadent]
-
0/3 FAME
0/1 FORTUNE
0/1 GLORY
-
Improvisation
-
Description: Perky yellow-skinned Murk mercenary. Fond of explosives, good with a pistol.
Starry-Eyed: +2 MAX FAME. This character dreams of being famous like her secret hero.
Overload Ampere
[Decadent/Grim]
-
0/3 FAME
0/1 FORTUNE
0/1 GLORY
-
Power Up
-
Description: White Cloy with yellow accents. Delusions of grandeur.
Giant Ham: +2 MAX FAME. This character is a cackling jackass who's good at giving over the top monologues.
Quipzee WitYou have Q signed, but her mysterious army evacuated and she dodges out of the subject. Oh well!
Qillrial-10018374B-734 'Q'
[Depraved/Grim]
-
0/1 FAME
0/1 FORTUNE
0/1 GLORY
-
Description: Plain white Cloy with long pink ribbons tied to her head.
TimThe shadow girl got away, but you've still got the light girl. For the next three turns, anyway.
Starlight Shield
[Heroic/Passionate]
-
0/3 FAME
2/4 FORTUNE
1/7 GLORY
-
Light
Justice
Team Attack
Singing
-
[Declines to state assets]
-
Description: A determined-looking girl with white hair and matching armor. Apparently a veteran.
Grand Champion of Justice: +4 GLORY. This character believes in doing the right thing, no matter the cost, and has proven their valor numerous times.
Commanding Presence: +2 FAME. Everyone notices when this character speaks.
Popular Toy Line: +4 FORTUNE. This character features in a profitable line of action figures, animated shorts, and non-pornographic-until-modded holo-games.
Savior of Theta-3: +2 GLORY, -1 FORTUNE. This character helped save the minor colony of Theta-3 from being destroyed, despite their inability to pay.
Let the first month commence! Publicly available Gigs are as follows. Each Idol may only work one Gig at a time, but unless otherwise stated there is no limit to how many Idols may take the same Gig. Conflicts may arise, however, especially if their Creeds do not match.
Red Meat Adventures Supershow!
Signing Bonus: 50 Credits, 1 Unit Redsteel (highly temperature/laser resistant basic material)
Payout: +3 Fame
Description: Red Heat Industries presents its hit game show: Read Meat Adventures! Watch contestants attempt to model this foam replica of a brutal industrial hellscape, complete with lava channels, industrial presses, and berserk industrial robots! The show is super popular and well known, and unlike many entertainment venues was not torn asunder in Heartbeat. It's now looking for famous or soon-to-be-famous Idols to participate in a special episode.
Papa Potluck's Unbelievable Winstreak Cruise!
Signing Bonus: 300 Credits, +50 for teal hair
Payout: +1 Fame, +3 Fortune, -2 Glory
Description: 'Papa Potluck' is an obscenely wealthy Vine who sometimes visits the system in his city-sized personal space yacht to partake in particularly sleazy casinos and pitfighting establishments. He's known to hire nubile young ladies to dress in scanty outfits and giggle vapidly at random intervals in his vicinity. It's a great opportunity to have a bucket of money dumped on you, but it's not fantastic for one's reputation as anything credible.
Terodyne Cleaning Solutions Scheduled SURPRISE INVASION PANIC!
Signing Bonus: 150 Credits, 1 Random Energy Weapon
Payout: +2 Fame, +2 Glory
Description: Every so often, Terodyne Cleaning Solutions conducts a regularly scheduled purge of its main reactor cluster, resulting in a rampaging swarm of horrible monsters attacking the surroundings. This is, of course, a fantastic opportunity for Idols to come valiantly battle such unexpected monsters, thereby getting their name out there as a defender of justice.
Tinegyre Deep Core Rescue Operation!
Signing Bonus: Mech-compatible reactor core
Payout: +3 Glory
Description: There's been a tiny problem in a reactor core in Tinegyre, the tech capital of the system. Several workers are trapped by the rampaging energy beings that leaked through the reactor, and they need rescuing. It's not a glamorous or high-paying job, but it's the right thing to do.
Happystone Charms Company Picnic Run!
Signing Bonus: 100 Credits
Payout: +2 Fortune
Description: Happystone Charms Company specializes in authentic mementos from stressful situations. They're running a special promotion now to produce such mementos, by giving them to Idols who then fly a personal fighter craft through some very genuine hazards and obstacles. While somewhat harrowing, you can't buy authenticity like this! Well, you can, but someone has to do the legwork first.
Workshops (and most other basic buildings) cost 1,000 credits to produce and an open hex. Most of the ground floor hexes are occupied by something that will require clearing out at additional time and expense. The hangars are merely damaged and will require 500 credits apiece to repair, though they should operate mostly normally until then.
C0M-ER0N (Shadowclaw)
[Cold/Grim]
-
Rebellion
Plasma
-
Credits: 5000
Prefab Happy Thoughts Salon. Pampers idols while slowly corrupting them to the dark side! Can be set up in any base tile and moved later.
Minions: Glamor Gals. Dozen matching creepy Cloy that serve you to the letter.
Contact: The Forger, Red Heat Industries. Industrial smelter.
i-666 (Egan)
[Depraved/Cold]
-
Eldritch
Madness
Horror [Possession]
-
Credits: 5000
Prefab [UNTRANSLATABLE]. For doing [UNTRANSLATABLE] things. Can be set up in any base tile and moved later.
Crown of Breaking. Turns talentless mook into skilled Idol while wearing it. Also slowly breaks their body and spirit while wearing it.
Contact: Gargulbuk, Terodyne Cleaning Solutions. Energy engineer.
Ursarkar E. Creed (Dev)
[Heroic/Cold]
-
Epics
Stealth
-
Credits: 5000
Prefab Recording Studio. An Idol can use this to produce entertainment products. Can be set up in any base tile and moved later.
Pocket Tank. Small building by day, briefcase by night.
Contact: Varius Attran, Funding Council. Ruling councilor, husband of wealthy other councilor.
Dariel Aegis (Glass)
[Heroic/Cold]
-
Shields
Temporal Distortion
-
Credits: 5000
Prefab Temporal Tempering Lab. Slightly shifts things to achieve effects outside linear time constraints. Can be set up in any base tile and moved later.
Personal Shielding Unit. Helps avoid injuries in battle.
Contact: Sqrisheld Scaralkin Antominin, Whiteshell Research Group. Roboticist, doctor, and cyberneticist.
Quipzee Wit (Naturegirl)
[Heroic/Passionate]
-
Biology
Comedy
-
Credits: 5000
Prefab Emotion Foundry. Condenses emotions into solid materials. Can be set up in any base tile and moved later.
Pet: Emotion Slime. Magnifies emotions, loves cuddling.
Contact: 'Recon' Rick Tammer, Happystone Charms Company. Pilot and ex-soldier.
Timantha Starfire (TricMagic)
[Passionate/Cold]
-
Starfire
Friendship Through Superior Firepower
-
Credits: 5000
Prefab Hospital. Idols can recover from cripping battlefield injuries here. Can be set up in any base tile and moved later.
Coldfire Torc. Channels cold white energies of unknown but vaguely familiar origin.
Contact: Slimmery Jim, Criminal Scum. Morally repulsive smuggler.