20 Moons- Hunt For The Stolen Child (4th Night)

  --- Jon ---

  The alarm on his phone woke him with a loud rumbling, and a part of him was tempted to just smash the thing and sleep in. At the same time however, he was also fully aware of the fact that if he skipped school they’d contact his ma, something he didn’t need if he was going to keep trying to investigate Kenneth’s kidnapping.

  (Right, time to get up…) He groaned, forcing himself to sit up despite his clinging exhaustion.

  From behind him he heard a faint trilling as he did so, and when he glanced over his shoulder he watched with some amusement as rather than getting up Pix merely rolled over and covered her head with the bit of blanket she’d stolen.

  “Yeah, you just go back to sleep.” He sighed as got to his feet. “I can handle today by myself.”

  ---

  “Hello. I’m sorry to bother you but I seem to be a little lost here. I’m looking for an Antonio Ramirez, do you happen to-”

  “Never heard of him.” The man growled before slamming their door in his face.

  “And that’s another no…” He sighed, before glancing once more at the list of names and addresses he’d copied to his phone the night before.

  As soon as he’d gotten out of school he’d begun tracking down each address and trying to find the occupants of said addresses, in the hopes that one of them would’ve known Ramirez or where he could be.

  He also wasn’t exactly thrilled about the possibility of stumbling across a Dealer crew who happened to take offense to him asking about one of their members, especially when the only thing he had on him was his knife.

  What’s more even if the people he asked did know Ramirez, it was fully possible they’d be lying to him about such. Which is why he was also taking the extra time to ask the building tenants of each address in the ledger he visited.

  (Though that’s not helping me as much as I wish it was…)

  Scene Consequences

  -Gained ((2D6 = 8) + (Crit D6 = 5) + (Named Target Bonus D6 = 2) = 15) Intel.

  -Gained (D6 = 4) Heat with the Dealers.

  ---

  About half way down his list, he eventually had an idea that he felt would’ve come significantly faster to anyone else of his generation.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  Rather than simply searching the names and addresses on the ledger by foot -a task that had a minor chance of drawing attention from the people he was investigating- he could instead try searching for them on the computer from the safety and comfort of his living room.

  Which is why he was currently shifting through a number of social media feeds connected to every name in the ledger, including the ones he’d already searched. (Just in case.)

  On it’s own he learned very little in the way of his investigation, that said he did learn that a few of the names on the ledger belonged to members of the various gangs. Something he found out due to the fact that the majority of those members felt like it was a smart idea to leave posts of them doing gang signs, hanging out in gang hideouts, and in some cases flat out doing illegal things.

  (I’m suddenly feeling really good about having no social media presence.) He’d always thought them a waste of time largely due to the fact that he could just call the few people he enjoyed keeping in contact with.

  (Well that and Ma was always worried about people tracking us through our social media pages.) Like he was doing right now… (Huh.)

  Scene Consequences

  -Skill Revealed: Computers at Lv. 1 (0/4).

  -Gained ((4D6 = 13) + (Crit D6 = 4) + (Named Target Bonus D6 = 3) = 20) Intel.

  ---

  Eventually after running through every name in the ledger -or rather half way through it- his eyes began to sting from focusing on his computer screen for far longer than he had at any other point in his life. And having finally checked every name in the ledger to a minimal amount of success, he let himself turn off the computer.

  Rubbing at his eyes, he made his way towards his room to check on Pix, who was once more working away at the garden in the hopes of getting it to finish early.

  (Actually, at the rate she’s going it probably won’t even take a whole week to finish growing.) Which was impressive when one took into account she’d been working at the garden for a little under three weeks, and those particular plants usually took about three months to grow.

  Sitting on his bed he watched the little fairy work her literal magic to aid the plants in growing, and as he did so he could feel his eyes growing heavy under the peaceful atmosphere, until finally-

  Scene Interrupt

  Guardian of Childhood Triggered: Jon refuses to rest until Kenneth is found.

  “What am I doing?!” He groused, catching himself before he could doze off. (Every second I waste is another that Kenneth is separated from his mom.)

  Ashamed of himself for even considering the possibility of wasting time, he looked around his room -idly noting Pix’s curious gaze- before spotting his spell supplies and remembering the fact that he hadn’t made any spell scripts for him to actually use.

  To this effort he made his way to his desk and began meticulously drawing out the spell circuit responsible for his Tracker’s Eye spell, figuring that that would be the most valuable script in the short term for helping him find Kenneth.

  And after finishing the first script, he continued to work away until it was almost midnight and Pix forced him to go to sleep, with two prodding zaps.

  Scene Consequences

  -Instead of resting Jon spent 5 MP to make Tracker’s Eye scripts.

  --3 Tracker’s Eye Scripts have been added to inventory.

  Jon Whitaker

  Physical Health: Good

  Mental Health: Fair

  Max Stamina: 3

  Max Focus: 5

  MP: 20/25 (+3/Turn)

  Quests

  Hunt

  Hunt For The Lost Child.

  -Someone has attacked Ms. Valentine and kidnapped Kenneth. Hunt. Them. Down.

  Regular

  Hunt. Them. Down.

  Companion

  Hunt. Them. Down!

  Epic

  Hunt! Them! Down!

  Completed

  Muffin Man- Jon has made and delivered muffins to his neighbors as well as the cops at his mom’s station, and may continue to do so as a cover for any oddly obtained money or to make something extra.

  Prove Your Magic: Jon has passed Samantha Delacroix’s test of his magic, getting her to agree to sell him her more mystical wares as well as giving him a discount on one of her more powerful products.

  Upcoming Events

  Pix takes her next potion in next turn. (6 Potions Left)

  Skills

  Spoiler: Skill Tutorial

  Skill Ranks and Levels:

  F(1-3)- Novice

  E(4-6)- Beginner

  D(7-9)- Intermediate

  C(10-12)- Professional

  B(13-15)- Expert

  A(16-18)- Master

  S(19-21)- Grand Master

  Note:

  -It takes the next level x2 to level up a skill.

  -At each rank past Novice you'll earn a perk or bonus related to this skill.

  -Skills are ranked by this worlds standards, not reality's.

  -While you'll earn XP from certain actions, you can also train skills for more. (Note: the XP gained is based on equipment and the Rank of a mentor if present.)

  Caretaker

  Childcare: Lv. 7 (5/16)

  Cooking: Lv. 9 (1/20)

  First Aid: Lv. 9 (10/20)

  Huntsman

  Archery: Lv. 7 (9/16)

  Awareness: Lv. 8 (6/18)

  Combat: Lv. 5 (8/12)

  Knives: Lv. 3 (2/8)

  Mobility: Lv. 5 (11/12)

  Psych Warfare: Lv. 3 (1/8)

  Stealth: Lv. 6 (7/14)

  Throwing: Lv. 3 (1/8)

  Trap Making: Lv. 8 (11/18)

  Firearms: Lv. 2 (0/6)

  Practitioner

  Contracting: Lv.3 (7/8)

  Enchanting: Lv. 4 (3/10)

  Occult: Lv. 5 (9/12)

  Potion Making: Lv. 6 (9/14)

  Script Craft: Lv. 3 (4/8)

  General

  Computers: Lv. 1 (0/4)

  Perks

  General

  Mental Conditioning (II):

  -Take a rank in Mental Conditioning increasing Focus and Mental abilities by a small amount each rank.

  Abilities

  Basic Self-Care:

  -Can heal self for a small amount outside of combat so long as health is it at a minimum threshold based on First Aid skill level. (Costs 1 Focus & 1 Stamina)

  Slight of Hand:

  -Can more easily pocket, palm, and place objects within arm’s reach without being caught. (Costs 1 Focus)

  Sprinter’s Run:

  -Can preform a mobility action as if Mobility was a full rank higher. (Costs 1 Stamina.)

  Melee

  (None)

  Ranged

  Spatial Awareness:

  -All ranged actions gain a small bonus. (Unlocked by having a Ranged Skill and a Perception Skill both over Lv. 5)

  Support

  Medicinal Knowledge:

  -Healing [Potions] are mildly more effective. (Unlocked by having a Medical Skill and a Chem Skill both over Lv. 5)

  Tactical

  Disable Traps:

  -If a trap is discovered, it can be disabled without triggering it so long as the prerequisite skill levels are met.

  Basic Environ Reading:

  -Can passively detect, note, and possibly use all non-hidden environmental threats.

  Phenomenon Codex:

  -Can identify supernatural phenomenon, the amount of information known about said phenomenon (including how to use and break it) is based on current Occult level.

  Disenchantment:

  -Can now remove enchantments valued at a level less than or equal to current Enchanting level.

  Hidden Traps:

  -Having a better understanding of Traps and Stealth makes it easier to set them in a way that keeps people from noticing them. (Unlocked by having a Stealth Skill and a Trap Skill both over Lv. 5)

  Drugged Cooking:

  -Can slip a single potion into any dish without eaters realizing it. (Unlocked by having a Chem Skill and a Cooking Skill both over Lv. 5)

  Social

  Calming Presence:

  -Can more easily calm down children who are overly stressed.

  Empathy:

  -It's easier to determine the current emotions of whoever you're dealing with, and how to deal with them. (Unlocked by having a Caretaker Skill and a Perception Skill both over Lv. 5)

  Crafting

  Arrow Crafting:

  -Being used to working with their hands as well as arrows, this character can create and customize arrows with a few basic supplies. (Options Based on Various Crafting Skills.) (Unlocked by having Archery and a Crafting Skill (Trap) both over Lv. 5)

  Flavorful Cooking:

  -Slightly increases Reputation gains with people who eat this character’s cooking, while also increasing their likelihood of finishing a meal.

  Basic Packaging:

  -Increases the number of Potions produced at a time by x1.5.

  Magic

  Affinities and Concepts

  Primary

  -Hunter

  --Stalk, Track

  Secondary

  -Defender

  --Guard, Fortify

  -Moon

  --Moonlight

  Learned

  -Heat

  --Warm, Cool

  Enchanting

  Spoiler: Enchanting Tutorial

  -For enchanting every rank of said Enchantment (F=1 E= 2 D=3 etc.) takes up a slot of potential which is equal to ((Enchanting Level+ Occult Level) * (Object Size Modifier))

  Spoiler: Rough Size Modifier Breakdown

  -Tiny/Coin Size = .25

  -Small/Single Hand Object = .5

  -Average/Takes two hands to hold or maneuver = 1

  -Large/Size of a person = 1.5

  Note(s):

  -These are rough system estimates, actual values may vary a bit depending on the object in question and it's conceptual weight. Hence why some materials may have larger capacities than their size would say. (Jewels, Flesh, Bones, Etc.)

  -Each enchantment applies an ability relating the chosen concept to the chosen object. ([Hunter] has a different effect for weapon, armor, shoes and etc.)

  Now here's where it gets complicated. (Which is why -as long as it's viable- I'll munchkin all of this math stuff on my end.)

  -An enchantments rank is equal to our enchanting rank with a modifier based on our affinities.

  -If it is a part of our primary affinity we can push it 2 Ranks higher than our skill level, with -1 for each tier of distance until null. (Base (+2) -(+2) --(+1) ---(+0))

  --In Ex. Our Enchant Rank is E so if we use [Hunter] we can push it to Rank C for a cost of 2 more MP.

  -Secondary affinities can be pushed 1 Rank higher for 1 extra MP, with -1 for each tier of distance until null. (Base (+1) -(+1) --(+0))

  -General affinities receive no bonus, but if they are an antonym of our base affinities their max rank is reduced while their cost is increased. (Antonyms of Hunter gets -2 Ranks and the Antonyms of Defender and Moon gets -1 Rank, while retaining their base cost.)

  --In Ex. Our Enchant Rank is E so if we use [Offense] an antonym of Defend it's max Rank is F at a cost of 2. And we wouldn't even be able to use an Antonym of Hunter at this level.

  ---

  Note: Pix Assist allows us to make use of her affinities but we do not get bonuses or penalties when using them, unless she gains an ability saying otherwise.

  General Enchantments

  -Recall (2)

  -Self-Cleaning (2)

  Inventory

  Equipment

  Defense+2

  Targeted Stealth+3

  Arrow Accuracy+2

  ---

  Combat Knife

  -Enchantments: 2/4

  --Recall

  Quartermaster's Axe

  -Enchantments: 2/9

  --Recall

  Jill's Bow

  -Enchantments: 4/9

  --Recall

  --Tracking Shot (E-Rank): Arrows fired from this bow are less likely to miss.

  Hunter's Jacket

  -Enchantments: 7/9

  --Self-Cleaning

  --Stalker (D-Rank): When following a specific target, that unit is less likely to notice this one.

  --Defend (E-Rank): Reduces damage to wearer by a small amount.

  Helmet

  -Passives

  --Defense +2

  --Full Mask: Greatly increase anonymity but decreases Social.

  -Enchantments: 0/9

  Miss Edna's Scarf

  -Enchantments ??/??

  --Temperature Regulation

  --??? Enchantment(s)

  LED Clip-On

  -Enchantments (4/4)

  --Tracker's Light (C-Rank): With a target’s image in mind, light from this object will passively draw attention to anything related to that target. (+4 to finding a target's tracks within light. (Scales with light visibility))

  Throwing Knives (x3)

  -Passive: +2 when used for Throwing, but -2 when used as Combat Knives.

  -Enchantment (0/4)

  Books

  Miss Edna's Books

  -Grants a small bonus to the training of (non-dangerous) magic skills up to Lv. 5

  De Sade's Dark Knowledge

  -Allows the learning of any 'Offensive' concept of magic related to [Hunter] [Defender] and [Moon].

  -Grants a bonus to training Occult, Demonology, Necromancy, and Contracting until Lv. 10.

  -These books are probably illegal to own.

  Arcane Affinities for an Arcane Apprentice

  -Can be used to learn the General Concepts: Magic, Fire, Ice, Wind, Stone, Electricity, Light, and Shadows. (Note: These may take longer to learn than Concepts Jon has a true affinity for.)

  -At Occult Lv. 10 can be used to learn ??? Perk if not already known.

  Supplies

  Consumables

  -Healing Salve (x5) Reduces scarring, removes skin deep poisons and burns, and heals for a small amount.

  -Tranquilized Serum (x5) Knocks target out shortly after ingestion, or exposure to bloodstream.

  -(E-Rank) Basic MP Regen Potion (x8) Increases Natural MP Regen by 2 for 3 Days.

  Potion Ingredients

  -Anima-Enhanced Plants (x8)

  -Mystical Medicinal Herbs of Blackwell (x4)

  -Poisonous Plants of Blackwell (x3)

  Scripts

  Tracker's Eye Script x3

  -(3 Minute Dur, +3 Search Perception)

  Crafting Recipes

  Spell Scripts

  -Shield Script (5 Magic): When script is used for the next (Script Rank + Occult Rank) minutes, the next hit taken by the target is nullified. (Note: This spell can be overwhelmed if damage is greater than (Script Rank * 3 + Occult Level) or if multiple hits are taken at once.)

  -Tracker's Eye (5 Magic): When script is used for the next (Script Rank + Occult Rank) minutes, the user's perception is increased by a small amount for all search and tracking actions. (Bonus is based on (Script Rank + Occult Rank))

  Potions

  -Healing Salve (1 Medicinal Herb, Access to Water): Reduces scarring, removes skin deep poisons and burns, and heals for a small amount.

  -Poison Coating (1 Poisonous Plant): Creates a poison that can be added to any weapon, increasing it's lethality for several hours.

  -Tranquilizer Serum (1 Anima-Enhanced Plant, and 1 Poisonous Plant): Knocks target out shortly after ingestion, or exposure to bloodstream.

  -Basic MP Regen Potion (2 Anima-Enhanced Plants, 1 Mystical Medicinal Herb, (5-Skill Rank), and 1 Magic Assist): Increase MP Regen by (1*Potion Rank) for 3 Days.

  Key

  Basic Arcane Ring

  -Can measure a touchable target's magic capacity and affinities.

  -Can record and verify own development in magical skills.

  Traits

  (Heavy) Psionic Scarring

  -This character is highly resistant to any telepathic or precognitive abilities.

  Guardian of Childhood

  -This character will do whatever it takes to protect a child. Even defy god and the devil both if that's what it takes.

  Wild Child:

  -This person has developed such a connection with nature that other animals have begun to recognize him as a Beast of the wild.

  Relationships

  (Note: This is what Jon knows/thinks other people think about him.)

  ---

  Minerva Whitaker: Military woman turned police woman, and most importantly Jon's ma.

  -Thinks he's a little weird at times, but means well all in all.

  -Loves him even if she doesn't understand him.

  Pix: A young fairy that Jon nursed back to health, and has since become Jon's partner and best friend.

  -Knows Jon will protect her.

  -Is worried about him after everything they've been through.

  Ying: A fellow Camper at Camp Bet, as well as Jon's co-CIT, and the only one of the campers to discover Jon's more supernatural activities.

  -Thinks he's a good person.

  -Has forgiven him for failing her. (Not that she should...)

  -Is worried about his nightmares.

  Blackwell

  Camp Bet

  Miss Edna: The head counselor of Camp Bet, practicing witch, and the one who introduced Jon to the brighter side of magic.

  -Thinks he's a good kid.

  -Thinks he has more potential than he knows.

  -Knows what he did to save Camp Bet.

  Jill: Jon's old Counselor and the Camp Bet nurse, has since retired from camp to become an actual nurse.

  -Appreciates him helping her with everything.

  -Trusts him to take care of Camp Bet now that she's gone.

  Quartermaster Rogers: The quartermaster of Camp Bet, a possible Slasher, and the one who dragged Jon into a fight with the Corrupted of Blackwell.

  -Actually knows what he did to save Camp Bet.

  -Thinks he's a monster in the making.

  -Says he's proud of him.

  Camp Bet Kids

  -Believe he is the best counselor ever. (I have pictures and letters proving it!)

  De Sade Family

  Alexander De Sade: The most powerful man in Blackwell, as well as the one who taught Jon about the darker side of magic.

  -Thinks he has potential, if he doesn't squander it.

  -Says he's (supposedly) tainted by Miss Edna's naivety, but that he's not beyond saving.

  -Is impressed by what he did to the Beast of Blackwell.

  Rosalind De Sade: Alexander De Sade's daughter. (Who is too kind for that monster.)

  -Thinks he's a hero.

  Companions

  Pix

  Physical Health: Very Good

  Mental Health: Good

  MP: 12/20 (+2 (+2)/Turn)

  Skills

  Mending: Lv. 6

  Deception: Lv. 4

  Nature Manipulation: Lv. 2

  Zapping: Lv. 3

  Magical Assistant: Lv. 4

  Magic

  Affinities:

  -Nature (Primary)

  --Mending

  -Light

  -Mischief

  Equipment

  Doll Clothes

  -Special: Slightly increases wearer's charm to anyone who realizes what these are.

  -Enchantments: 4/4

  --Self-Cleaning

  --Defend (E-Rank): Reduces damage to wearer by a small amount.[/SLIDE]

  Traits

  Mischievous

  -This character enjoys causing trouble for others, outsmarting their enemies, and embarrassing their allies.

  Gluttonous

  -This character builds reputation faster when presented with food, and has trouble making choices against food.

  Wolf

  Physical Health: Very Good

  Mental Health: Good

  MP: ??/?? (+?/Turn)

  Summon Cost: 2 MP

  Maintenance Cost: 1MP/Scene

  Skills

  Acceleration: Lv. 10

  Survival: Lv. 7

  Tracking: Lv. 6

  Wolf Combat: Lv. 5

  Abilities

  Wolf Pack

  -Wolf can create duplicates of herself at a cost of 1 MP per scene to create and maintain them. These wolves share her stats and skills, but have reduced health, Mental, and Social stats.

  -Current Limit: 2

  Magic

  (Jon's Occult is not high enough to accurately determine Wolf's Affinities, only ballpark them.)

  -Beast (?)

  -Moon (?)

  -Nature (?)

  Equipment

  Survivor's Knife: An odd knife Wolf carries around.

  -Special: Knife cannot be damaged by mundane or mystical means.

  -Enchantments: 0/4

  Traits

  Pack Mentality

  -This person sees people in their life as their pack and will do whatever it takes to protect or aid them.

  Wolf Physiology

  -Being a Mystical Wolf this unit has enhanced Speed and Agility, as well as a heightened sensory system.