>>19027333

Or, "Does he have a plan, or is he making it up as he goes?"

>Previous Threads:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Metahuman%20Renaissance%20Quest

PREVIOUSLY, ON METAHUMAN RENAISSANCE:
After gaining a large amount of funds from his percentage of the Vermont expedition, Dan got a new apartment which Roxy agreed to split with him, and the two built a small workshop in one of the rooms, and set about modifying Dan's new armor. Dan also spend some time practicing with his new abilities, developing new programs, and pushing his limits, including pressing his new Flight ability by breaking the conventional barrier on where space is.

>>19027397
>Does he have a plan, or is he making it up as he goes?
Name one thing that's happened in this quest that makes you think Dan could possibly have any kind of plan.

>>19027397
>wealth 10

I don't get it.
At the start of the quest we got 5,000$ from FBI and it was seen as 6 (or was 4?) wealth points, right?
You said that the chache we found could range in value from hundreds of thousands dollars to a million. Even if we split the money equally between the team, we should have far more than 10,000$

>>19027397

Having spent about two weeks working on powers, on improvements and on your various projects, you decide to take a break, maybe take a little vacation. In all honestly, you would like to voyage Extrasolar, hitching a ride from the spaceport in DC up to the Galactic Confederacy station in orbit, and from there out-system, maybe somewhere like the Cyrean homeworld. But that seems like a lot of distance to go, when you've hardly ever been out of the country. So you decide to plan a slightly more local trip, and do a little research. There are grand old cities in Europe that might be interesting, but given your new "community" you decide that checking out Tokyo might be more interesting, in some way. Japan, like the US, has a pretty diverse metahuman community. But, it'd be kind of weird to just set out on your own. This is the kind of trip you need friends for. Doing some ticket pricing, you figure you can take two of your friends with you, especially if you pick someone like Johnny or Roxy, who can split the price with you without blinking. Once you know who your traveling with, you can make some more concrete plans.

>Whoa! Free Japan Trip for 3! Now who should I take?

>>19027517

4.

Also, this is how much cash Dan has to readily spend. The rest of it you've tied up in investments, and stuff.

>>19027459

I dunno, the Vermont thing was kind of planned, right?

>>19027521
Japan?
Screw Japan!

Didn't SPAAAACE win by a long shot? And it seems it would be far more interesting than going to Japan because of "my japanese cartoons"

>>19027521
Well Roxy is a given. Perhaps we could take someone from the Evokers, maybe Jeanne or Anna.

>>19027517
I think because we had to turn it in to the govt for the bounty and couldn't just sell it we got a lot less than it was worth. Also we got the house as part of it.

>>19027521
Well Johnny and Roxy are the obvious ones to take. The other options are Anna and the evoker's club (except probably Anya because she's still young and would need her parents permission to fly halfway across the world with a guy they've never seen before) but picking two of them is kind of hard.

>>19027589

Oh, yeah, Space totally won. But Japan was actually a decent 2nd. We're doing it first because the story is more interesting that way, for reasons I can't tell you because it would RUIN EVERYTHING.

(Plus this actually makes some logical sense for reasons I pointed out in the post)

>>19027589
It was pick two. Space won by a long way but Japan was second and Omega seems to think that it's better for the plot to do Japan first.

>>19027651
>>19027665
Sigh, alright. I was objecting purely due to Meta reasons. I hope that trip wont take another 30 threads. In-character, it does make more sense.

>>19027690

>I hope that trip wont take another 30 threads.

Gonna try and avoid that. Part of why I didn't do a thread Sunday was because I didn't feel like I could pull the plan off as smoothly as I wanted but I think I've done enough brainstorming to make the story flow alright, and I've learned some lessons about what is and isn't okay to just skim over.

>>19027639
>>19027595

Well, Roxy was a given anyway, given reader response, but I've already got a tendency to break my own arbitrary limitations, so I will stand firm for once and force the voting public to pick on that final option.

>>19028115

Well, okay, I could be convinced to reneg on that if it'll get this moving faster.

If Johnny comes does he get to bring the Hammer? I've never tried to take giant war machines on a plane before but I imagine there'd be complications.

>>19028407

Yeah, you'd have to get it shipped over separately in parts, I'm sure. The armor isn't readily disassembled, so it wouldn't fit so good as plane cargo.

Probably more trouble than its worth.

>>19027748
>why I didn't do a thread on Sunday

>me, Sunday evening.

>>19028407
>>19028426

Why the hell should we drag the Hammer all the way to Japan?

>>19028552

>that image

Low blow, sir.

Low blow.

>>19028775
Because it's sort of a mech.

>>19028809
Yeah, exactly.
Why would you want to drag it to something that is supposed to be a vacation?

>>19028867

Well, it is kind of Johnny's contribution to your little power trio, but I wasn't intending to let you slog it overseas anyway, hence;

>Probably more trouble than its worth.

Obviously Roxy and Johnny, because we are a power trio. Roxy deserves a great big date, we kinda got her kidnapped. Johnny is our bro, he deserves to get in on any adventure he wants.

>>19029021
To be honest, Johnny is like.... what you call it? Third wheel? I don't understand why we keep dragging him into dangerous situations. Roxy too, she might be a super genius but she doesn't have super powers like we do.
Dan pretty much has all the monopoly on offensive superpowers right now....

Eitherway, it doesn't make sense to take it with us.

Also, who bring along with us? Roxy and I honestly don't care who else. You could pick someone randomly and I would be okay with that

>>19027521
The HALO Module is missing Psi Freeze. Otherwise, pretty neat looking skill sheet.

Op, it's been like 2 hours and not a single update.
What gives? Are you still waiting for us to decide who should come with us?

>>19029306

I was hoping for that, yes. I mean, I'm still here so it's not like the thread is dead, or anything.

Current consensus is pretty tied with Jeanne, Anna and Johnny (Though >>19029113 raises good points about not bringing him for everything).

I can write some character interaction if that might help you decide easier, y'know, ask those people about how they might feel about the trip.

>>19029113
>we keep dragging him into dangerous situations
I don't think we've ever done that. The only time he fought he came on his own.

>>19029407
I for one think we should take Johnny, at this point, STORY aside, we aren't really planning on running into trouble. Hell, we might be able to get him a real modern mech instead of that coldwar era junker.

>>19029407
>I can write some character interaction if that might help you decide easier, y'know, ask those people about how they might feel about the trip.

That's a good idea. Lets talk with Jeanne, Anne and Johnny and see what they think. That might help us with our choice

>>19029440
>I don't think we've ever done that. The only time he fought he came on his own.
Either way, we're not being responsible and stopping him.
It's like a war-veteran going to next battlefield and letting a young boy tag along just because he wanted to.
It's just not right, imo.

Of course, this quest runs on comic book logic, so I might be wrong

>>19029625
We're going to Japan. We don't have any active enemies right now do we?
We're going on a normal adventure. Even if we did drag him into danger, this should be making up for that. "Sorry we got you injured, let's go to Japan to hang out."

>>19029698
Did I say not to take him to Japan?
I said that taking the Hammer is unnecessary.... BUT if we are taking it, then we ARE expecting trouble and bringing Johnny to trouble is irresponsible.

I'm totally fine taking him to Japan.

>>19029772
By that logic we can't take him for a walk around the block because there might be a mugging or something.

Johnny's a big boy, he can take care of himself.

We could always invite Ashwood and Gespenst too right? He could probably pay for his own ticket though

>>19030107
Technically, no one is supposed to know Gespenst still exists.

>>19029625
>Either way, we're not being responsible and stopping him.
>It's like a war-veteran going to next battlefield and letting a young boy tag along just because he wanted to.
It's not like that at all. He was with us in Ashwood's house which should have been a perfectly safe place to be and then Anna ambushed us. He threw like one punch and then backed out of the fight. We have never dragged him into anything excessively dangerous.

>>19029772
We're not taking the Hammer. I asked if we could bring it, Omega said no, that was that. It's not a point you need to argue. It's not like I was expecting to need it in a fight, I just wanted to take our giant robot to giant robot land.

>>19029625

A day or so after the incident of space flight, you actually gather around with Roxy, Johnny, Jeanne and Anna for a meal, and bring up the idea of the trip to them. Johnny speaks up first. "Meh, as much as I've got your back and all, bro, I'd rather not be a third wheel while you and Roxane go look at shiny robot arms or Japanese computers, or something. And what am I gonna do while you do go on a date or something?" You shrug. "Well, the JSDF do kind of have the market cornered on Mecha, since every other country on Earth prefers to field more manageable power armor." You respond. Jeanne speaks up. "Well, I would hope you don't spend all your time looking at technology. Even though I am a fan of modern convenience." She smirks a little to show she's just joking. "Actually, I wouldn't mind so much, since I've never been anywhere in Asia. Been to plenty of the major cities in Europe, but the family didn't go much for planes." Anna also throws in, "Yeah, I've never been either. I'd need to check with my mom first, though. She apparently needs an assistant for some research trip to MA." "Interesting," Cuts in Jeanne. "Professor Blackstone actually wants me to go with him on a short trip to London sometime over the summer with him. Something about the Seekers, though he's always so vague about them." You nod slowly. "Well, ladies, I wouldn't want to take you from any prior commitments." You say, but the both start shaking their heads or making dismissive gestures. "No, no," Says Jeanne, "It's alright. If it was urgent we probably would have left already." Anna pats a long wrapped bundle she's placed in one of the chairs next to her. "Same here."

>Questions or comments to be raised?

>>19030130
>>19030107

I think there are laws about transporting human remains, even in skeletal form.

>>19030324
Pfft, last I checked laws don't apply to insanely rich famous superheroes.

rolled 15, 90, 86, 9, 95, 15, 71, 91, 98, 71 = 641

es see if ash wood wants to go on holiday with us in japan

>>19030441
Lets not. It will make choosing harder than it is.

>>19030290
I'm inclined to go with Anne now.

>>19030474
but Ashwood was great and i want more Nazi lich shenanigans

>>19030520
Do you want the stuffy rich guy with an immortal German necromancer killing our date with Roxy?

>>19030520
I like him but I don't think taking a vacation with him fits somehow.

>>19030548
true but lets practice some Necromancy raising small birds rats exct

>>19030590

I'm okay with this, but you need to tell me where you're finding the dead small animals.

>>19030663
woods just walk around i am sure we can find an ant hill or something

>>19030590
Yeah, No, we dont do that.
It was just an idea anyway. I'd say Anna, just because I think that would be less akward then taking Jeanne. I mean Jeanne AND Roxy. it just feels like showing off.
We really need some more Male friends.

>>19030290
>Questions or comments to be raised?

Not really but Anna seems to be the most likely choice.

Also, we should've made Dan work-out during those time-skips. 6-9 hours a week of lifting is more than enough. I'd really like to improve that bodyscore

>>19030771

As noted before, Body 5 is like the pinnacle of the human physical condition. Just enacting the regular workout schedule for general improvement probably is not going to quite push you that far. Dan is actually pretty fit already.

You guys are just freakish perfectionists.

>>19031043
>Just enacting the regular workout schedule for general improvement probably is not going to quite push you that far.

How else are you supposed to improve physical stat?

>>19031086
Spar with someone of similar or higher ability?
Start lifting something ridiculous?

>>19031221
Extended physical brawls with Johnny in the Hammer might qualify, if we keep it up for a while.

>>19030767
>>19030771

You turn to Jeanne. "I'd hate to interrupt your studies with Blackstone, even if you're not going to London right away."
Anna cuts in, "Hey, I have studies too." You raise an eyebrow, and she kind of deflates in her chair. "Just, didn't want it to sound like what I do isn't important." Jeanne pats her arm, before Johnny comes in with "Clearly there's only one way to settle this." You give him a warning look. Johnny doesn't know how cold the water under that thin ice is. "What? Clearly they must fight to the death in a quarry, with funny sticks." Your a little surprised at that reference. "Well..." Jeanne says, "We could settle it the usual way. Though live steel is still a bit beyond us." Roxane furrows her brows. "What are you talking about." You explain. "Blackstone's been helping Anna figure out how to use her new toy. Since I've been busy with my own stuff, the two of them," You point at the other two women, "Usually practice. I've seen them, they're alright for having only been doing it a week. Already up from sticks to actual practice swords." Anna gives Jeanne a sizing glance. "We could settle it that way, but that seems kind of extreme, don't you think?" Jeanne makes a joke about Anna being scared and the two of them start some repartee back-and-forth while you decide.

>Let them fight it out
>Stop it before then

>>19031544
An honest-to-God sword duel for a plane ticket to Japan with Dan and Roxy.
>isthisreallife.jpg

>>19031544
Oh god, chicks fighting for our affection? Why in hell would we want to stop that?

Try to look concerned outwardly while being gleeful inside

>>19031544
Are we considering letting people fight to the death over a plane ticket here?
Or is this strictly a non serious duel?

>>19031704

Johnny was joking about fighting to the death, but Jeanne and Anna are taking about having a friendly sparring match over it.

>>19031704
Fairly sure they're just using practice swords.

>>19031751
Okay, I see no reason not to let that duke them out.
Maybe joke a bit about them not getting too excited and hurting each other, since Roxanne seems a bit concerned.

>>19031544
I'm going to allow this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XQbBxIHbHQ

In case anyone missed the reference of 'funny sticks'.

>>19031780
>>19031768
>>19031587
>>19031590

"I'm going to allow this." You say. "I mean, if you guys are serious." You amend, trying to sound less like a dick. "What Dan means is that since he's too much of a gentleman to pick between you two to your faces, if you'll solve the problem yourselves, he's okay with it." Says Johnny, helpfully. "Thank you for translating." You say flatly. "I assume this means you're bowing out?" You ask him. "Hell yeah, I'm not gonna compete with those two and their sword fighting. Besides I have stuff I can do here." You narrow your eyes at him, but he reveals no information. Curses, why are you not a mind reader?

You turn to Roxane. "You okay with this? I mean, you've also got to go on a plane ride with the winner." It's Roxy's turn to shrug. "Eh, I mean, if they both want to go, let them sort it out however. So long as its not with live steel." "Well, my sword's not actually made from steel..." Anna jokes, then Roxy half-heartedly kicks Anna in the shins under the table. You guys finish up your meal, and depart to the training room under the Parapsychology building, which is padded and had the practice equipment. Anna and Jeanne shrug into some practice gear. Roxy looks them over then turns to you. "So what, they just hit each other until one of them cries uncle?" You shake your head. "Well, under usual training circumstances that's kinda how it is, but Blackstone taught me the basics of reffing a quick spar. And I've seen fencing before, back in high school. Just not used to it with these types of swords." Jeanne looks up at you, "Well, it is your trip, so I suppose you should decide how it is awarded." Anna shrugs in agreement.

>Ref a match
>Thunderdome
>Choose a third option

>>19032168
We'll be a judge, make it semi-official.

>>19032168
If we choose to ref, can we add rules of our own?

Or is that what the thunderdome option is for?

I was thinking to make this simpler we could just call each round on first blood, and then do best of three for fairness.

>>19032168
Ref

Also, if they both really want to come... can't they both come with us? I mean, 3 or 4 people, what's the difference? It's not like we will have to pay for them, right?

>>19032209

Thunderdome is just let them brawl. (Only rule is two men enter, one man leaves)

If you want to ref, you could pick which rules you want, or I can just default them.

And actually, since these are practice weapons, the general rule would be first touch get the points, first to three wins. No need for bloodshed that way.

>>19032257

Arbitrary Headcount Limit.

>>19032168
Referee the match. Add different amusing rules for each match, like only being able to use your off hand or not being allowed to move your feet during the match and having to stand really close.

>>19032168
I assume we have some knowledge of how the Cyrean military handled training and sparring, especially since they had a fair focus on swords and spears and shit. Let's use those rules.

>>19032168
>Curses, why are you not a mind reader?
We can fix that. We haven't gained any new powers yet today.

>>19032300
>>19032295
>>19032257
>>19032201

"I'll ref." You say. The two take positions opposite each other while you consider how to handle it. You could bring in what you know about Cyrean practice, but you only know the military side in your experience, and that's a little more brutal and contact heavy than you're aiming for, and usually done in full gear. You'll play things relatively simple, but try and speed the process up a bit. You end your one-man huddle and turn back to them.

"Okay, basic rules. First touch gets the point, three points to the winner." Roxane makes a tiny exclamation of realization while you continue. You point at Anna. "Unarmed doesn't count as a touch." You turn to Jeanne. "Neither does magic." They both nod. "And keep it inside the the usual practice circle. I don't want this going on all night while you dance around the room." They nod again, then step into position. "Well, if there are no objections." You stick out your hand before you. "Jeanne, ready?" She nods in the affirmative. "Anna, ready?" "Yep." She replies. "Round 1, fight!" You declare, and raise your arm up sharp like, before taking half a pace back.

The two circle for a few beats, measuring the other. Preparing to strike. Then the swords blur as the two go at it.

>>19032666

Jeanne strikes first with a standard horizontal swipe, which Anna blocks, then tries to riposte, but Jeanne bobs out of the way, and follows it up with another pair of quick strikes. Anna blocks, but starts getting pushed back, so she sidesteps out of the way, and tries to sneak in a blow that way, but Jeanne is surprisingly fast with her blade. Johnny begins humming a familiar tune, until Roxane elbows him in the ribs, and he stops. The round continues this way for another minute or so, before Anna manages to feint Jeanne and comes down for a quick hit to the leg for a point, but Jeanne manages to bring her weapon up and the tip of the sword thunks into the padding on Anna's torso.

"Hold!" You announce clearly, like Blackstone taught you. For their part, the pair instantly break apart when you call it. "Point, Jeanne." You gesture at her, and allow them a couple seconds to get a breather before the next round starts. As you watch the second set, which ends with Anna getting the point, you notice that, while Jeanne is quicker, Anna has the greater stamina. So this little contest really boils down to if Jeanne can clinch the win before she runs out of juice, while Anna toughs it out.

>>19033200
Watching patiently. Also, maybe it's just me, but I'm wondering if Johnny has any ladies he's into and, if so, if they're in our friend group. It would be totally awesome if he hooked up with someone like Jeanne or Anna.

Still here and reading, Omega.

>>19033200

The next to rounds roll much like the first two, each one taking only a minute or two tops. The girls aren't actually good enough to hold out for much longer before one of them slips up. Jeanne gets her second point, but Anna manages to save herself in the next bout by applying more strength to muscle through Jeanne's guard and get the point. Since its the final round, you let the two take a breather. Clearly, this is now less about plane tickets, and more about competition, but you don't really care either way, and they seem to be having fun. They engage in idle banter while they both get a drink of water.

Roxy talks to you while they do so. "So, they both seem pretty good." She comments. You shrug. "I'm not sure about that part, but I don't know much fighting with these types of weapons. Or fencing, actually, I just saw some of the matches at school. My dad knows more about that." She nods. "But," you say, stroking your chin. "They're fast learners. They've only been at it two weeks and some change, and they're alright at it. Could probably make street-level punks who've never seen a sword in person up close think twice, that's for sure." She nods, slowly. You call over to the two of them. "Hey, if you're done talking about your shoes, and what dresses you want to wear, can we finish this." They give you mock offended stares, then go back to their positions. "Duelists, ready? Final Round, start!"

(cont)

>>19033801

Since they had a rest, this round is much like the first, only faster paced. Jeanne is definitely pressing her advantage in the speed department, pushing Anna to her ability to defend, and causing her to loose ground. But Anna starts pushing back, using her superior strength to start simply knocking Jeanne's blows aside. The two get more aggressive, which causes them to stalemate. It'll come down to the wire.

There are a couple of close calls, but each of them manage to squeak out of the way, or make the block or parry at the last second, so you don't call it, and they don't bother to stop until you say so. Hell, some blows were so close, you're not sure if they counted or not, but you don't call it until there's a clean hit. If ends in a quick burst. Jeanne makes a strike at the head which almost connects but Anna pivots and brings the full force of her swing to counteract, and knocks Jeanne off-balance. Then Anna keeps with her momentum, rotating on her heel and bringing the swing around in a circle with a the full momentum of her body behind it (normally a bad idea in a fight) before Jeanne can get her balance back under her. Jeanne actually stumbles and falls over with the force of the blow, as you call the end to the match. Anna leans down to help Jeanne back to her feet, and apologizes for the blow, but Jeanne waves it off as she takes her hand. The two ditch the padding and walk over to you. "Well," Says Jeanne a little breathlessly. "Guess we know who won." You nod. Anna's panting too. "What were we fighting about again?" She jokes, and you roll your eyes. "You two will fight about anything, wont you? C'mon, you guys need to get cleaned up, and I need to pack. We'll leave in a couple days."

>>19034032
I hope Anna's mom doesn't get raped by deep ones without Anna there watching her back.

>>19034076

>deep ones

You think so small, dear reader. Like I would have something so bog-standard by comparison appear in an adventure Dan could be a part of.

>>19034032

The time has come to sort out what you think you should bring with you too Japan, think through any complications that may arise, and thus pack.

Also, you have enough time to do some research or remembering, if there's something about Japan you want to know (and If Omega doesn't know, he can make something up on the spot).

>>19034463
It's just a harmless little vacation, what complications could possibly arise?

Do Roxy or Anna have any Language (Japanese)? If we can get a hold of some kind of magitech translator that'd be useful.

>>19034463
Well, the knife would be too tricky getting through customs, and let's not go with the breastplate. Our armored jacket would be good, though. We can also bring our ritual kit, sans knife, and just buy a simple pocket knife for the ritual kit once we're there. We we need to list our powers on our passport? We're not expecting any trouble, and can summon our armor now, so just our jacket and ritual kit should be plenty (who knows what neat non-combat Japanese rituals we might pick up while we're there?).

>>19034538
We don't need the breastplate anymore, now that we can HENSHIN into a full armor suit.
Speaking of, though, I wonder how Customs works nowadays with metas everywhere.

>>19034530

Well, Roxy does speak and a little Japanese but she also has a solution also for the group members who do not.

Also,

>what complications could possibly arise?

>mfw

>>19034538

There are probably possible hurdles to jump though for metahuman international travel, but Dan can have handled all that stuff, he's had a couple of weeks.

>>19034593

They're probably of the "fight fire with fire" school of thought.

>>19034624
So they do cavity checks with x-ray eyes and detain people in teleportation-proof holding cells. Wonderful.

>>19034463
Yeah, We should try to pick up a translation book and learn as much as we can before we leave. will probably be easier for Roxy then us, but there you go.
Also ask her to bringone or two of her little robots with her, who know we might learn something to upgrade them. All the better to integrate into our army and take ov- I mean use to help people.
We can call the Armor from anywhere. i doubt they'll let us bring our knife on the plane.
Speaking of which, are we going to have any problems getting through security, Super powers and all?

>>19034624
That is the best school of thought.

>>19034716
For that matter, do we know of anyone we can crash with over there?

>>19034716

>Speaking of which, are we going to have any problems getting through security, Super powers and all?

See >>19034624

>>19034775

Nyet. You will be staying at some manner of hotel. Also part of the Arbitrary Headcount Limit.

Hmm, What about some research material to read on the plane?
We're still supposed to be looking up magical Psi power augmentation. Maybe we can get a book we could read about that?
In fact, we should just get some books to help improve our magic understanding in general. maybe not now, but we should do it.

>>19034980

Well, you did get some books for the workshop in Dan's new apartment. Of which, ones of a magical persuasion were specified

>>19035222
Lets take those then

...I cant think of anything else. Is that a problem?

>>19036104

*shrug*

A debit card, and 200$ cash.
Deoderant, solid not spray.
Sanitizing wetwipes
Disposable camera (not cheap in Japan)
3 prong travel outlet adapter(s)
Earplugs (thin walls)
An autograph book + Pen

>captcha: arty fapart
Good catch Captcha - and something to carry the metric ton of hentai manga and eroge we'll inevitably be buying.