>"I don't even know why you go around spreading that nonsense about how the Ghostbusters are your 'Ur Exorcists' and your patrons. There never was any such thing, and they're still acting purely in the name of humans

.......wow, this makes me wonder what does cause the recurrence of Ghostbusters like organisations, so much so that that guy can pull this trick off and that we're recognized as 'inheritors'....

Human nature to want to make a profit out of anything?

>>35858211
ACT 1, SCENE 1

...OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT

(Sato POV)

Sato lets out a low whistle as he walks into the large courtyard. He tries not to feel too uncomfortable in his slightly well-fitting, mediocre quality, suit. Complete with Ghostbuster logo tie.

"Never been inside?" Rei asks, hanging onto Sato's arm, dressed in a yukata that has her trademarked PAGAN black and white checkerboard pattern. "Not even on a school trip?"

"I left Tokyo before I got to do that." Sato says. "Also, I'm guessing that this place isn't as nicely done up as it is now."

"True."

The courtyard of the palace has been decorated for the lunar viewing party. Colorful lanterns, decorative plants in large vases, a buffet to one side, and astronomers helping guests look through telescopes that probably cost more than all of the Ghostbuster equipment put together. (And look more technologically advanced as well.)

There's a host of people here, the Great and the Good, some leaders of Political Clubs, a few Movie stars, some Westerners, and holding court is the Emperor himself. He's calmly chatting with the Prime Minister.

Sato is SO over his head.

"I don't think we'll be able to get near to the Emperor without getting by the guards." Rei says. "But if you like, we could meet Haruki Murakami."

Sato's eyes bug. "He's here? Norwegian Wood? Dance, Dance, Dance? 19Q4?" He searches the crowds.

Rei grabs his chin and her mouth is smiling, but her eyes are serious. "Yes, and if you'd like him to NOT be consumed by flames, we need to get to work."

"Right, right." Sato nods.

"So what's our first move?" Rei asks.

Oh shit. Sato feels cold when he realizes that right now, HE'S in charge.

> Find the Kimono by splitting up.
> Find the Kimono by searching together.
> Find the Kimono by using some GB tech and hope that people don't ask questions about your 'weird phone.'
> See if the plan to sneak in some tech worked.
> Try to wreck the party and get everyone out of the danger zone
> Other

>>35858453
> Find the Kimono by splitting up.
But also take glances at the scanner, try to be unobtrusive, maximise time at party.

>>35858453
>> See if the plan to sneak in some tech worked.
Better check that this important part of the plan actually worked.

>>35858453
> See if the plan to sneak in some tech worked.
At least let's know it's there if we need it

>>35858453
> See if the plan to sneak in some tech worked.

>>35858453
> See if the plan to sneak in some tech worked.

>>35858211
DVD, where?
>>35858453
>See if the plan to sneak in some tech worked.

>>35859015
This was not easy to do.
First you had to find someone who was working tonight, that was connected to you or your friends, and then you had to convince them to be willing to smuggle something gun shaped into the Imperial Palace.

Even in the best of scenarios, not an easy sell.

The person you found wasn't even a friend. But rather a brother of a friend of one of Rini's warren.

And that brother is probably getting stoned in the back with the other valets.

Also, he's a valet. Not exactly the best access.

So, Sato checks under the buffet tablecloth with his foot, really hoping that he feels something there.

> Roll 1d20

>>35858453
>See if the plan to sneak in some tech worked
Let's see if we have a shortcut before we go rushing off

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>35859680

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>35859680

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>35859680
There's a bomb under the table.
>>35859717
>20
Oh. Baby.

>>35859717
Holy shit.

It's a proton pack.

It's Sato's proton pack, fully equipped, perfectly tuned, multi-use, slime/meson/stasis/proton, the whole nine yards.

How in the fuck did that flunk-out, drop-out, stoner GET this thing here?

Well...the good news is that Sato now has full access to your entire arsenal.

The bad news is that he can't just pull it out and wear it. Well, he could...but that might cause some problems.

Still, if and when the shit hits the fan, all he needs to do is grab it and he's good to go.

Now all that needs to happen is to locate who has the kimono.

Sato and the others weren't stupid. Lady Une has a name that's the same as the woman that Oiwa was jilted and murdered for. She was in regular contact with Mae. She's suspect number 1.

Hopefully they can find her.

Then again, the kimono is PKE hot, and it has that very distinct color. You never knew what could happen.

Two choices.
1.
>Stay together
> Split up. If you split up, Rei will be doing her own search, her own way.

2
> Search for Lady Une.
> Search for the kimono.
> Use the PKE meter.
> Other

>>35859987
>1: Stay together
I've seen enough Scooby Doo to know where this is going
>2: Use the PKE meter
Let go, trust your feelings!

>>35859987
>Stay together
As the ancients say "two eyes are better than one" (or something like that).

They'll be more likely to notice things the others might miss and be more thorough with their searches.

> Search for the kimono.

>>35859987
>Stay together
Possessions and shit can happen if we separate, and they'll pretend to be fine. Stay close.

>>35859987
>Search for the kimono.
>Use the PKE meter.
Pretty sure being decked out in GB logos has already caught attention. May as well.

>>35859987
>Stay together
> Use the PKE meter.

>>35860109
"Okay," Sato says. "Cover me. I'm going to try and scan."

Rei nods. Then when Sato takes out his PKE meter, Rei instantly grabs him by the arm and drags him over to one of the large pillars. She's vocally muttering things about 'being on the phone' and 'texting that idiot.'

A few people glance at the pair, roll eyes or curl their lips at the arrogance of youth and the ubiquitousness of technology, and then go back to what they were doing.

"Is it not written that the best invisibility is one anyone can see?" Rei asks smugly as Sato starts the scan.

"Or something like that." Sato says. "It'd be better if I was in the middle of the room, but as the ancients say, an arrow flies from the bow that it came from not into the chest it dreams of."

"Or something like that." Rei says.

> Roll 1d20

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>35860287

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>35860287
Hope that nat 20 didn't use up all the good vibes.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>35860287

>>35860363
I have so many things I want to say but am worried about jynxing it

as the ancients say, those who live on top of mountains should not throw stones

or something like that

>>35860405
>I have so many things I want to say but am worried about jinxing it
And yet you went and jinxed it.
Smooth.

>>35860287
>>35860405
Somehow, EVERYONE is wearing the kimono. Have fun.

>>35860346
>>35860405

"Got it!" Sato says. "Lady Une is over there." Sato points, not looking up from the PKE meter.

"No. She isn't." Rei says.

"I've got the ping on the PKE, all five bars, pure red. It's the kimono. It's her!" Sato says.

"It's not." Rei says.

"Why?" Sato asks.

"Because I'm looking at her look through the telescope, and it's not where you're pointing." Rei says.

Sato looks up and looks at the crowd. "Then who IS wearing it?"

The pair look and see...after a bit Rei clears her throat. "THAT would be my Aunt. The one who got me the invites to the party."

"Is that...the same Aunt who is married to one of the Emperor's sons?" Sato asks, his voice slightly high and hysterical. "The one who is talking to the Empress, right now?"

Rei nods.

"Well...that's...pleasant." Sato says.

"I don't think I need to tell you that I'm not letting my aunt get set on fire. We need to DO something. NOW!" Rei says.

"Okay, okay. So we can't just put it out when it ignites...bad plan. ugh, we need a good plan...we need ANY kind of plan!" Sato says.

> Try to go up to talk to Auntie in person and wreck the kimono 'accidentally' so that she has to get changed. This is a stupid plan.
> Get the proton pack and just hose her down. If she's slimed, she'll be fine, or fine enough. This is also a horrible plan.
> Find a way to disrupt the entire party and get Auntie away from everyone so Sato can strip her. This is SUCH a bad plan.
> Some Other dumb idea.

I don't suppose telling the truth has any merits to it does it?

>>35860644
>44
>Some Other dumb idea.

Can't we just ask her nicely to change? Knock on the door and the inhabitant will sneak up to peer through the peep hole.

>>35860644
> Some Other dumb idea.
Is there any merit to calmly explaining the situation to her?

>>35860644
>> Try to go up to talk to Auntie in person and wreck the kimono 'accidentally' so that she has to get changed. This is a stupid plan.
We'll call this Plan B.

>> Some Other dumb idea.
Go up and attempt to start conversation with Auntie, compliment her Kimono, ask her where she got it, thank her for the invitations. Then tell her that the Kimono, as pretty as it is, reminds you of an old Fairy Tale and tell her about the Fusiode Kimono and hope that her wearing something so similar doesn't bring bad fortune into the Emperor's Home.
Because Japanese people are really superstitious.

If that doesn't work, then we Plan B.

>>35860644
Only idea I've got is ask that yokai valet to put on a show with us, and have him go full insolent humans and "reveal" the plan before disappearing with yokai magic, thereby giving us justification to ask.

But it wouldn't work and there's no time.

>>35860864
>>35860886
>>35860916
>>35860947
Let me bet what's gonna happen.

We're going to go up to her and ask her politely, maybe intersperse a bit of the truth or some lies.

She'll say something like "This kimono was a prized gift from a beloved/respected family member" or "how dare you ask a woman to take off her clothes/I shouldn't wear this kimono" and we'll be forced to do something nasty.

>>35860644
Splash about three or four ounces of Suntory on Sato's neck, then have him head over to auntie acting drunk and have him hit on her. When she likely slaps him, Sato will fall and grab her kimono to pull himself up, pulling the kimono off of her.

>>35860947
I don't really feel like something as magical as the furisode kimono can be damaged by mundane methods

>>35860947
>Then tell her that the Kimono, as pretty as it is, reminds you of an old Fairy Tale and tell her about the Fusiode Kimono and hope that her wearing something so similar doesn't bring bad fortune into the Emperor's Home.

>Sato
>properly relating ancient anecdotes

It's so in character it just might work.

>>35861009
It's not about damaging it, it's simply about making a mess to where she has to change out of it.

>>35860995
It's a viable plan, but I see d6s in your future if you want to go this way.

Also, don't expect to be able to come up and talk to Auntie more than once. She has other people to talk to and she's decidedly Important.

>>35860644
>Some other dumb idea
'Ma'am, we're from an up and coming fashion magazine and we just LOVE what you're wearing. May we have an interview?'

>>35861138
So, I'm seeing three plans.

> Go up and tell her the absolutely true facts
> Go up and tell her a tale about how she's wearing the Furisode Kimono and how it's unlucky
> Go up pretending to be drunk and spill/strip her.

These plans all have a chance to work, some will require more d6 rolls than others. Take your pick.

>>35861388
> Go up and tell her a tale about how she's wearing the Furisode Kimono and how it's unlucky
Muh vote

>>35861388
>>35861406
I vote to take advantage of Japanese superstition

>>35861388
>> Go up and tell her the absolutely true facts

>>35861388
> Go up and tell her the absolutely true facts
She presumably likes Rei. That might lend us some credence? At worst, Rei could pull a "Do it for me".

>>35861388
I kind of feel like we need to go full throttle with option three, partially due to maximum passion but also because it seems less risky than Sato saying things.

Though on the other hand, failure would mean getting thrown out of the party, instead of making a bad impression.

>>35861484
>>35861546
Didn't he just say it was a risky plan?

Though since it now seems as if there will be d6s regardless, and the only question is how many, it feels like we already fucked up regardless.

File: just the fact ma'am.jpg (146 KB, 937x527)

146 KB JPG

>>35861388
The chance at a Sato-ism making a difference, or one hell of a reach for a related reference.

Ehhhhhhhh…

>Go up and tell her the absolutely true facts

>>35861625
Riskier than any of the other also risky plans?

>>35861388
>> Go up and tell her a tale about how she's wearing the Furisode Kimono and how it's unlucky
Let's cater to Sato's skills

>>35861631
>>35861546
>>35861484

Sato takes a deep breath and puts his arm around Rei's arm.

"I think you should introduce me to your family." Sato says.

Rei nods, takes a deep breath, and walks up to the area of the party where the Royalty is holding sway.

There's a brief exchange of pleasantries with the bodyguard. He's polite, but quietly imposing.

Then Rei walks up to her aunt.

"Auntie. It is wonderful to be here, thank you very much for allowing me to come." Rei says as she bows.

"Rei, we're very glad you could come. I do hope you are enjoying yourself." Auntie says as she bows politely, in return.

"May I introduce my...my friend, Sato Fumihito. He's a Ghostbuster and helping me with the work regarding PAGAN." Rei says.

Sato and Auntie exchange bows.

"You have a...a very interesting career." Auntie says.

"Yes." Sato says. "And I'm sorry to say that it's what has brought me here tonight. I believe that the kimono that you are currently wearing is a cursed artifact. The Fusiode Kimono to be exact. It may explode into flames, harming you and the people around you. I need to request that you step out, remove the kimono, give it to me, so that I may dispose of it safely. I am not joking, and I wouldn't ask such an embarrassing thing if I wasn't concerned for your safety."

There's a long pause as everyone takes in what Sato just said.

> Roll 1d6, you need TWO failures for things to go horrifically wrong.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>35861907
What happens if we get 3?

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>35861907
DICE COME ON!

>>35861931
Wow, that's just, perfect

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>35861907
Time to commit the faux pas of the century.

>>35861931
>>35861950
>>35861994
And a 1 and a 2 and a 3?

>>35861931
"You say...very interesting things." Auntie says.

"Excuse me." A voice says, you turn and you see that two bodyguards are standing there. "You are saying that there's a threat in her Ladyship's kimono?"

"Yes, sir." Sato says.

"A ghost problem?" The second one says. He says it...rather energetically. You notice that he has a familiar looking pin on his jacket.

"Are you in our fan club?" Sato asks.

The second bodyguard clears his throat as he subtly nods.

"If you would please come with us." The bodyguard says to the three of you.

(cont)

I smell trap.

>>35862497
Nah, we rolled a 3 so there has to be something good coming of this.

>>35862171
They lead the three of them into the palace. Auntie is taken into another room. She makes a few protests, but security is security. They don't take threats lightly.

Sato and Rei wait in the hall. The other security guard is an honest fan. He asks Sato questions about the kind of ghosts he's busted and if Central really did do the things they said they did.

When Auntie returns in a new kimono, she gives Rei a death glare before she goes to return to the party.

"I think I won't be getting many more invitations for a while." Rei says with a sigh.

"Sir?" The first bodyguard says. "You said that you knew how to dispose of this?" Gesturing to the changing room that Auntie was just in.

The kimono is hung up and hanging from a screen.

> Slime it here and now.
> Tell the bodyguards to lock the thing in an airtight safe.
> Take the kimono with you, (boxed up securely in something nonflammable) and regroup with the others.
> Other

>>35862658
>Slime it here and now.
No reason to take any risks, let's get the kimono and get moving to the next job.

>>35861907
>Roll 1d6, you need TWO failures for things to go horrifically wrong.
>>35862606
Still more chances.

>>35862658
>> Other
Tell them to produce a flammable box, which we will then slime, and take with us to permanently dispose of.
If we leave it here someone else may attempt to ignite it.

>>35862699
>to produce a nonflammable box
Besides, if they see us box it and slime it, ruining a valuable Kimono, they'd be less likely to suspect it's a very creative theft later.

>>35862658
>Slime it here and now.
>Take the kimono with you, (boxed up securely in something nonflammable) and regroup with the others.

Tag and bag it.

>>35862658
>Slime it here and now
>Other
"We are really really sorry about this, but if we don't do this, everything is going to catch fire.

> Take the kimono with you, (boxed up securely in something nonflammable) and regroup with the others.
I don't know about sliming it here and now. It might just light the fuse. Best we let those who know examine it further.

>>35862658
> Slime it here and now.
> Take the kimono with you, (boxed up securely in something airtight, nonflammable and full to the brim of the aforementioned slime) and regroup with the others.
Take no chances.

>>35862688
>>35862726
>>35862699
>>35862832
I'm having doubts over where slime is the right application here.

Slime is meant to react with PKE, yes it can act like a sponge or a dampener and it also can act to push PKE (like ghosts) out of physical objects, but by nature slime reacts.

I'm just weary of direct slime application. If anything Stasis Stream would be safer because it actually strips PKE energy away, and since this isn't a ghost (or hopefully not conscious) it won't actively attempt to resist the crystallization process.

>>35862853
Or in the least if we must slime it, put it in the inflammable box first and THEN but that box in an ectobag filled with slime.

There's just so much PKE infused into that kimono that direct slime application could trigger it.

>>35862658
> Slime it here and now.
Well, we have a Proton Pack at (insert table here). I need to have it brought over here, preferably without anyone getting too nervous.

>>35862832
"Can we get a metal box, or something to hold this thing?" Sato asks.

The fan nods and walks off.

"Oh, and umm...alright, there's an item under the buffet table. Don't ask how it got there. But I need it in order to neutralize this threat." Sato says.

The bodyguard gives Sato a look, goes off, and comes back with a darker look on his face as he's carrying the proton pack.

"Heh. Thanks. This was...emergency you see...as the ancients say...ummm..."

"Something like that." Rei says.

"Exactly." Sato says. "Now please, step back."

Sato charges up his proton back, switches to slime, and hoses the kimono.

> Roll 3d6

>>35862658
>Other
Ask the bodyguards to lock the kimono in an airtight safe. Then slime the safe. Then box it up. Then slime the box. Then tell the bodyguards that we found evidence that there are strike teams of youkai aiming for the Imperial Family, and to be on the lookout, and to give them our cell numbers in case the Palace gets hit. Then regroup with the others.

Rolled 1, 4, 1 = 6 (3d6)

>>35862922
I don't want to set the world on fire

Rolled 3, 6, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>35862922
Oh yeah, we're fucked. Hosing something down with a psycho-reactive substance was a really stupid idea.

Rolled 2, 5, 5 = 12 (3d6)

>>35862726
>>35862853
Okay, I'll ixnay my slime vote. But we gotta get it out of here.
>>35862922
Shiiiiiiiiiie---

High roll. No 4s.

>>35862942
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMMV_RoEMxE

Rolled 2, 2, 4 = 8 (3d6)

>>35862922
Oh dear, someone is very unhappy.

Please tell me it's highest plays!

>>35862964
The flash is as bright as a magnesium flare. Sato feels a blast of heat on his face and he turns away.

There's a smell of burning hair and he's not quite sure if he still has his eyebrows. (He doesn't) But no flesh burns or scars.

"Okay." Sato says, trying to blink back his vision. "Not the best idea."

"Really!" Rei says.

When the spots finally go away, the other bodyguard is back with a box, and Sato sees a completely slimed kimono...that is jet black with the faces of screaming souls and flames burned into the fabric, colored grey like ash.

He boxes it up, and adds a little more slime on the inside and the outside, just to make sure.

"Okay!" Sato says, getting up. "We'll take care of this. Thank you for your assistance gentlemen, and have a lovely party."

The bodyguards show the pair to a back exit, and the grin as Sato carried the slightly drippy garment box.

They high-five each other, and then Rei kisses Sato on the cheek.

"Was that for saving the life of your aunt?" Sato asks.

"Something like that." Rei says, blushing. "Come on we need to catch up with the others."

"Okay hold on..." Sato fumbles, trying to get his phone out with one hand.

That's when they hear an explosion, the sound of screeching tires, and a crunch of metal on metal.

"Never mind, I think we found them." Rei says.

The pair take off down the street running.

END ACT 1, SCENE 1

>>35863257
Phew, one down. Plenty more to go.

>>35863257
So far so good, let's see if we can keep it up! Personally, I kinda doubt it.

>>35863257
ACT 1, SCENE 2

PLUCKING P-COCS

(Kali POV)

/I am starting to think that it would have been a better idea to turn you into a self-destructing unstoppable monster./ Kali said in Chinese to Gramps.

/It is the will of the Heavens. You will see. All Paths are there, we need only take them. You should feel blessed that one, cursed such as yourself, finds others so insistent on you continuing your path. It is your Way, and your salvation./ Gramps says.

/I prefer it when you pretend you can't speak./ Kali mumbled. /When is that Rabbit going to show up? Ugh, this wasn't a good idea./

/It is what it is. We will see our Paths before us, and we will proceed. It is our tasks./ Gramps says.

"Finally!" Kali says in Japanese, as she sees Rini approach the cafe where the pair are sitting. "Tell me that you have the keycard."

"Well...." Rini starts.

> Roll 1d20

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35863368
rolling

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>35863368
Oh, this is not going to go as planned. I can already feel it.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>35863368

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>35863368
>>35863408
Sorry, wrong dice.

>>35863387
>>35863398
>>35863436
Fail, Fail, Success.

bump

>>35863436
Rini holds up a plastic card and she has a dark look on her face.

"I got it." She says, handing Kali the card.

"You don't look happy." Kali says.

"I had to break some personal rules to get this." She says. "So no. I'm not happy. I was not supposed to get involved in this. I was PAYING the Ghostbusters so I wouldn't get involved in this. This is just because they're bleeding fucking hearts that couldn't stand seeing a corpse stop jerking around."

"You done, or do you have some more?" Kali asked with a sigh.

"Oh, I've got PLENTY more, but I've got better people to yell at than YOUR dried up ass." The rabbit henge sighs. "Don't fuck up. Last thing I want is to be on the wrong end of a fox hunt."

"You're really afraid of Mae, aren't you?" Kali asked.

"She...has a reputation and a history. A lot of my family has died in her jaws. I know humans might see someone like that and might get angry...I'm a rabbit. I run." Rini says.

"And screw, and it looks like the latter will let you do the former." Kali says, patting the girl on the shoulder. "See you back at the Sanctuary. I hope."

"Yeah...so...you two are just going to waltz in the front door?" Rini asks.

"Gramps is going to be my back up. He has his own, slow, way of getting inside." Kali says. "As for me..."

> I'm just going to walk in and act like I'm supposed to be there, a little thrall might not hurt.
> I'm going to slip in the back and act like I've been there all the time. Hopefully it'll help dodge the yokai.
> I'm not going in through the front door. This card is just going to help me once I'm inside. I'm going in via the...3rd, maybe 5th, floor.
> Other

>>35865805
>I'm just going to walk in and act like I'm supposed to be there, a little thrall might not hurt.
Time for a Bavarian Fire Drill!

>>35865805
>I'm not going in through the front door. This card is just going to help me once I'm inside. I'm going in via the...3rd, maybe 5th, floor.
And make sure to dress like a typical Japanese office worker.

>>35865805
>I'm just going to walk in and act like I'm supposed to be there, a little thrall might not hurt.

Too bad we decided against the Mission Impossible shenanigans. Stick to the plan.

>>35865805
> I'm not going in through the front door. This card is just going to help me once I'm inside. I'm going in via the...3rd, maybe 5th, floor.
The other youkai know we are a jiangshi, let's avoid them for the time being

>>35865805
>> I'm going to slip in the back and act like I've been there all the time. Hopefully it'll help dodge the yokai.
If we just walk in the front, then we're definitely going to get challenged by youkai.

>>35863368
>/I am starting to think that it would have been a better idea to turn you into a self-destructing unstoppable monster./ Kali said in Chinese to Gramps.
Does this mean gramps rejected the power up?

Those two really are screwed if the youkai catch on to them now.

>>35865805
>I'm just going to walk in and act like I'm supposed to be there
Get a piece of paper and roll up our sleeves.

>>35865840
>>35866026
>>35866106

"Wish me luck." Kali says.

"Get dusted!" Rini says cheerfully as she takes off for the train station like a shot.

Kali looks at Gramps. He's already starting to dissolve. It's not an easy or quick process, despite what the movies say. Still, no one is as good at turning into mist than Gramps.

Then again, Kali's only had a measly 100 years. Fancy tricks like that were 4th, 5th century. She preferred the simple stuff. A tool well-known and mastered was blah blah blah.

She walked into the P-COC HQ with an easy smile, a moderately priced suit dress, and a face buried in her phone.

The secretary gave her a look as she swiped the card at the sensor pad. The light turned green. Kali kept her face on her phone. The secretary returned to work.

The secret was to be unobtrusive, but also slightly a bitch. That way people made an effort to ignore you.

Getting to the stairwell was a breeze, and from there it was a brisk walk across the call center floor to another stairwell and then straight...

Oh hell.

A crowd of tanuki were coming towards her. They'd twinge to the fact that she was a dead thing instantly.

> Turn on the thrall
> Duck into a cubicle and look like you're working.
> Use your speed to dash by them
> They're four tanuki, you've face worse...
> Other

>>35865805
>I'm going to slip in the back and act like I've been there all the time. Hopefully it'll help dodge the yokai.
Maybe? I can't really gauge which of these is a bad idea. In general, I think it's more likely they'll have alarms and wards set up on the upper floors.

>>35866259
>Duck into a cubicle and look like you're working.
We have every right to be here, dammit!

>>35866259
>Turn on the thrall
Could this be elaborated on a bit?

>>35866259
>> Turn on the thrall
It depends on whether the tanuki are actually heading towards her or just happen to be walking in her direction.

If they're heading towards her, then they'll follow her into a cubicle just to do whatever they have in mind.

>>35866259
>Duck into a cubicle and look like you're working.

>>35866297
>Could this be elaborated on a bit?
Light mind control. Usually used to render the person dazed, light memory loss, maybe a light suggestion. Good for making sure you lunch doesn't squirm. Alert and aware people can notice it. Strong willed individuals can shake it off.

>>35866259
>> Other
Is there a restroom nearby? Instead of ducking into a cubicle where someone is probably working or their neighbors will realize we're not supposed to be there, we could just take a trip to the bathroom.

>>35866259
>>35866459
I like this. There may be just four of them, but any one can sound an alarm.

>>35866443
And it works on youkai as well?

Stereotypically speaking, I wouldn't say they're strong-willed, both as tanuki and as members of a doomsday cult.

>>35866459
Bathroom break time

I mean, we don't really need it, but hey

>>35866259
>>35866459
>>35866487
>>35866507
Oh hey look; here comes my vote. If Kali thinks that us being noticed as undead is a problem, it's a problem.
The fire drill a la Bavaria can only get you so far.

>>35866459
The smell of bathroom will mask the smell of the undead!

Maybe, presuming tanuki's smell through their noise.

>>35866459
Kali spins on her heel and heads straight for the bathroom.

The tanuki pass by, unaware of Kali's presence.

Kali goes into the restroom.

> Roll 1d6

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>35866746
It's time for

RANDOM ENCOUNTER

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>35866746

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>35866746
>>35866753
>>35866760
Hat trick?

>>35866746
If we learned the mist thingy, we could've passed through the air ducts.

>>35866771
There's someone in a stall. And the toilet flushed. Okay, no worries...calmly get into a staff of your own, and voila.

The door opens, and whomever is in there comes out and goes to the sink.

Kali leans to look through the gaps in the stall walls.

A golden haired, one tail kitsune with a missing hand is washing and preening herself.

"Okay," She takes a deep breath. "You can do this Issa. You can...you can do this." She wipes at her face. Kali can see that someone has partially shaved her tail, roughly, so that it's full of nasty little nicks and cuts. That's a really REALLY harsh thing to do to a kitsune.

"You can DO this!" The kitsune says slapping her face. "You are not just another one of those golden haired ass-kissing bimbos. You are Issa-No-Rae. You don't take shit lying down. You wear your scars with pride. Every time you get knocked down, YOU get back up! You are going to WIN." She smiles. "And this is going to be fun! Ghostbusters go BOOM!" She laughs a bit. "THEN I'll run them over with the car, TWICE and then I'll behead them. Just to make sure."

> Jump the blond kitsune in the bathroom
> Let the little tramp have her moment and remain silent. You've got your own list of things to do.
> Other

>>35866921
>> Jump the blond kitsune in the bathroom
Let's beat up one arm while she's alone, unwary and hasn't exploded any ghostbuster's yet.

>>35866921
> Other
"So I'm not the only one who hates those pricks?"

>>35866921
She only had one tail? Figured she was up to three.

>>35866994
I don't think that's our Stumpy. I think her name was Koko.

>>35866986
Let's find out what she has planned, in case she happens to have placed a bomb somewhere.

>>35866921
Aw, she's so CUTE when she's incompetent!
I vote for 'Ooo, catfight'
>Jump the blond kitsune in the bathroom
>>35867017
How many one-handed kitsune are running around? And have a very specific grudge against us which results in punishments like having your tail shaved?

>>35866921
> Let the little tramp have her moment and remain silent. You've got your own list of things to do.
> Other

Be ready to fight, just in case.

>>35867021
why would she discuss the details of her plan while talking to herself?

she already gave her pep talk. The only way to get details from her is to ask, because she won't volunteer it to the bathroom mirror.

And asking would be a bad idea. it gives her time to work whatever kitsune magic she has.

>>35867017
It's her. That's her true name. Kitsune regularly give out fake names.

>>35867095
We have vampire magic too, and if we make it seem like we hate the ghostbusters she might be more willing to get into a conversation with us.

>>35867081
Mmn. Been calling her Stumpy too long.
>>35867098
Thanks for the clarity.
>>35867163
Worried that she might have intel on our allegiance, though.

>>35867163
She's kind of on a mission right now. I don't think she's going to stop to chat without mind control being involved and I don't trust 'thrall' to stop her.

Better to punch in the head when she's not looking. Kitsune aren't really that physically strong for monsters.

>>35867218
Though do we even need to stop her, seeing as she's kind of incompetent? Like send Daisuke or Star a text to see if one-hand is worth are time.

>>35867254
>Though do we even need to stop her, seeing as she's kind of incompetent?
Remember how good Sato did tonight?

Everyone get's lucky now and then, and the third time is often the charm. Let's not leave it up to chance.

>>35867254
She's actually not that incompetent. she just gets tripped up by stuff she no way of knowing.

Daisuke's gun misfiring, or the ghost having musical compulsion...

That wasn't something wrong with her plans, and any bombs she had someone plant wouldn't care if she were incompetent.

>>35867314
But if we take her out, while we still be able to accomplish our initial objective?

>>35867356
There's always a chance.

What's the saying? Go big or go home.

>>35867356
There is a chance but I think we should concentrate on our mission. Stumpy might cause a loss of cohesion with her orders conflicting with the others

>>35867429
Okay, so I'm gonna call a vote again since it looks a little jumbled.

> Confront Issa
> Stay Hidden
> Speak up from inside the stall
> Other

>>35867462
>> Confront Issa

>>35867462
>Stay Hidden

>>35867462
>Contront Issa, attack her weakpoint for massive damage
As much as staying put seems like a good idea, we can't let Confidence McGee get her successful pants on.

Will defeating her even convince her to reveal us what she had planned? Or will we be left with an unconscious kitsune body that we'll have a hard time hiding and will eventually be found out?

>>35867462
>Stay Hidden
This is a public bathroom, she'll regain consciousness before the end of the night if we knock her out, and killing her will cause too much of a mess. Though then again, since we rolled a six it might be that her being here is a sign of some sort?

>>35867541
The fact that we rolled a 6 meant that we would encounter her, and not the otherway around. This putting us in a position to act and find out more about a plan that will inevitably be a major inconvenience later one.

To simply leave and do nothing will be a waste of that opportunity.

>>35867462
> Speak up from inside the stall
Try to find out what she has planned by playing being on her side
When we have an idea, knock her out.

>>35867462
> Stay Hidden

>>35867558
Yeah I guess. Then let's try confronting her, even though it really doesn't seem like a good idea.

>>35867480
>>35867541
>>35867617

Kali says silent and waits. Eventually the kitsune leaves. Kali waits herself. She uses the time to send a text to Daisuke.

- STUMPY HEADING YOUR WAY. EXPLOSIVES AND A CAR. LOOK OUT. -

Then she gets out of the restroom and calmly makes her way to the stairs and walks up the flights to the top.

A quick swipe of the card and she's into the Forbidden Lounge.

It really should have been obvious that Mae would have put some people here.

> Roll 3d6

Rolled 1, 3, 2 = 6 (3d6)

>>35867708

Rolled 1, 1, 1 = 3 (3d6)

>>35867708

Whoops, forgot to make >>35867673 an actual vote. Ah well, still wasn't really set on that course of action.

>>35867673
Getting into a fistfight with her and knocking her out won't accomplish anything either. She's likely wake up later to warn about us and know that somone is onto her plans, and therefore change it up and carry it out anyway.

Rolled 6, 5, 4 = 15 (3d6)

>>35867708

Rolled 6, 5, 5 = 16 (3d6)

>>35867708
Oh shit

>>35867740
>>35867741
God fucking damnit.

>>35867722
What, how, why?

>>35867722
>>35867793
a 1 in 216 chance. Impressive.

>>35867740
Good news, it's just one person.

Bad news. It's a three-tailed kitsune. She has red hair that's been dyed white. Must be one of Mae's mindless groupies, or maybe even a daughter...not that Mae would ever acknowledge them.

Still, she has more than enough power to take on one vampire.

She's reading a manga and drinking a bubble tea, lounging in one of the overstuffed chairs. The black squat file cabinets that hold the Registry Contracts are lined up against the back wall. Thick chains and padlocks wrapped around them, and a hanafuda seal slapped on all of them.

The kitsune puts down her drink and looks at Kali.

"What's up?" She asks.

> Claim that you're here to do a shift change.
> Say that she's needed downstairs and you're here to cover
> Say that Mae needs the contract on a specific person
> Jump her quick, fangs bared.
> Other

>>35867836
>Claim that you're here to do a shift change.
As much as I want to go big or go home, "Still, she has more than enough power to take on one vampire" doesn't sound promising.

>>35867836
>Claim that you're here to do a shift change.

She seems like a slacker who'd jump at the chance of time off.

>>35867867
However, that option also has the chance of her bumping into someone who says "hey, no one was sent for a shift change" or us finding out they don't even do shift change.

Here's where I want to see if we can do the Bavarian fire drill where we're here to "do a double check on the seals" or "ready the documents for transfer" to another place.

>>35867836
> Say that Mae needs the contract on a specific person
I wonder, since Kuzu-no-Ha just left we'll ask that Mae needs the file for her, to see if we can hit any targets that she could have protected. A review if you will, on the plan in light of this new information.

>>35867923
Maybe? But it seems like Mae might have already gotten on top of that.

>>35867991
Maybe, maybe. But this way, if she doesn't have to put her heavy units, or herself for that matter against Kuzu, when she can use weaker units.

>>35867836
> Claim that you're here to do a shift change.

>>35867867
"I'm here to cover the next shift." Kali says.

"I thought that I was supposed to be here all night?" The kitsune asks.

"Mae wants some more heavy hitters out on the street." Kali says. "She's not happy with the coverage the police are getting...or aren't getting."

"Fucking tanukis...why did she even hire them?" The kitsune scoffs.

"They were cheap?" Kali says. "Anyway, they sent me to cover."

"Why you? Why not a one-tailed pup?" The kitsune asks.

"Well, Issa has her vendetta against those mercenaries. The rest have their assignments." Kali shrugs. "So she decided that the corpse could sit in an empty room all night."

The kitsune sniffs and then wrinkles her nose. "Oh. Huh..."

> Roll 1d6

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>35868151
Born to die, lady. Even gods die.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>35868151
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. Unless you're a vampire.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>35868151
roll

>>35868163
>>35868192
>>35868202
Funny that, another 1 in 216 chance.

>>35868202
The kitsune shrugs. "Okay. Whatever. Have fun, Elvira." She gets up and leaves.

Kali waits for a few moments. Then she relaxes when she sees a slightly green tinted plume of smoke start to leak into the room.

/Hurry it up, honored elder./ Kali says. /I don't know how long we have./

The mist speeds up, and as gramps is returning to solid form, Kali is taking care of the cabinets.

The locks and the chains are child's play to rip off. However, that blessing. Kali can feel the power emanating off of it. Mae must of gotten one of her Class S priestesses to make it. Those cabinets aren't going to open easily. Also, the blessing is on the full cabinet. So it isn't as if she can just rip through the metal on another side.

Time is NOT a luxury that you have.

> Take a very very hard hit for the team and rip them off with your hands. It'll hurt, but you probably won't be dusted.
> Make Gramps do the ripping.
> Try to use some magic on it. You know a little and Gramps knows more. Even though Japanese Magic and Chinese Magic don't mix well. It's worth the risk.
> Throw the entire cabinet out the window, and let gravity be your lock pick. A fun idea, but remember, all the contracts have to be burnt. A massive drop might cause problems.
> Other

>>35868313
>Even though Japanese Magic and Chinese Magic don't mix well
How bad are we talking? Like oil and water type don't-mix-well or nitroglycerine? Cause if mix = boom, then I say we have a plan.

>>35868313
Hm. Are the cabinets airtight? Like can we put say, a thread in the cracks between the drawers, then light the thread on fire, and effectively burn the documents without removing them?

>>35868365
>How bad are we talking? Like oil and water type don't-mix-well or nitroglycerine? Cause if mix = boom, then I say we have a plan.

Sometimes the former, sometimes the latter. It's magic, it can be...fussy.

>>35868313
> Other
Why not try some good old fashioned science to beat magic?

I doubt there's a crowbar nearby, but is there anything like a metal pipe on the ceiling or a metal chair leg?

We can try to pry it open using leverage.

>>35868313
>>35868382
Alright, well then my vote is on magical mayhem.
Bring on the 4s!

>>35868387
"Give me a long enough lever and a place to stand and i will move the earth"

>>35868313
>>35868387
I'm for trying.

>>35868387
>>35868406
Archemedes, you my nigga.
Yes, lets do this.

>>35868387
Is our VAMPIRE STRENGTH sufficient to warp any form of pipe into a crowbar?

Though is the seal really that easily bypassed? It seems like that would be too easy.

>>35868387
Kali doesn't want to try anything too complicated or fancy. Sir Issac Newton is the boogeyman of every evil magic user, everywhere.

A metal chair leg easily snapped off will do the trick.

Kali jams it in there as well as she can.

Now it's just a matter of apply enough force to snap open the files, provided that Mae bought cheap cabinets, the handle doesn't bend or warp, or that the tag doesn't interfere in any way.

> Roll 1d20

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>35868511
rolling

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>35868511

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>35868511
I'm a bit disappointed that there is no 'Jackieeeee, magic must fight magic!' moment here.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>35868511
The Boogeyman'll gitcha.

>>35868536
I never thought a 13 would be lucky, but looking at the other rolls, phew.

>>35868569
Good thing this isn't an american GB quest, otherwise we'd be going for lucky 7's and unlucky 13's.

>>35868536
Normally magic does need to fight magic.

However, magic doesn't hold a candle to universal forces.

BANG! The first cabinet's drawers bang open, showing all the lovely red leather folders.

Kali hands the lever to Gramps who starts to get to work on the other cabinets.

Then Kali takes the unused fridge and puts it in front of the door.

This next bit is going to take a little while, but she couldn't complain about the schedule as it was.

/Now all the Ghostbusters have to do is not die for the next twenty minutes./ Kali says.

There's a flare of light from outside, and a dull thud of an explosion.

/Maybe we should hurry and make it fifteen./ Kali says.

END ACT 1

>>35868599
>However, magic doesn't hold a candle to universal forces.
Truth be told, if everything the ghostbusters have learned, they're one and the same

Please tell me that I am not wrong and we have won 2 of 2 'battles'

>>35868599
NEXT EPISODE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH, 3-5PM PST

ACT 2
SCENE 1: ROAD RAGE.
SCENE 2: BEST. MUGEN. EVER.
SCENE 3: TELEPHONE SCRAMBLE.

>>35868637
As the ancients say "One man's magnetism is another man's magic", or something like that.

You might be wondering how the ancients knew about magnetism. The answer is yes.

>>35868644
>not ending on Halloween

WHY

>>35868644
Awesome.

Also Happy Halloween Ghostmaster! I mean, sure it's a day early but still this is the only chance I have to say this.

>>35868662
Hiatus can be a terrible thing.

>>35868644
>>35868662
>wanting it to end
;_;

>>35868644
Fuck yes. Happy Halloween and thanks for the thread.

Happy Halloween everyone!

>>35868684
GBJ quest will always have a place in my heart. It'll leave just as big a hole when it's gone

>>35868644
>SCENE 1: ROAD RAGE.
Not sure about this one, first thought it was related to the gundams with the van that our secretary will be in.
>SCENE 2: BEST. MUGEN. EVER.
Gundam vs Skeleton I think
>SCENE 3: TELEPHONE SCRAMBLE.
Sachiko vs whatsherface

>>35868707
>tfw still crossing fingers for that Peoplebusters cameo in the final battle to keep both our worlds from colliding

>>35868696
Happy Halloween Ghostmaster

stay spooky

>>35868711
Same