Update 15
AXIUS and Janus the Monster Secretary (Day 3: 1st Opportunity)
AXIUS
"Your physical stress levels are approaching a dangerous level. I would strongly recommend taking a break for the night."
B - Take a break for the night [No Difficulty thanks to Trust and Pairing]
"No need Shino. Good work today, it's not often I say that but we can afford a break.""Very well. I will notify you when dinner is ready, please rest in the meantime."Janus nodded and lied down on a sofa of the living room. Although without really meaning to, he couldn't help but steal some glances at the maid-bodyguard as she expertly and silently prepared their dinner. He felt some respite that was unfamiliar to him, it was his first time being cared for like this, not having to do anything. Frankly, it was a bit frustrating but not so terrible. He thought a bit about the past days, which had been hectic in an unusual way since the arrival of this Matchmaker. It was a change of pace he didn't dislike, but he wouldn't say he enjoyed it either.
+1 Trust
-1 StressShortly after Shino placed some hot, steaming pot on the table alongside a few other filled dishes. There was a tempting aroma wafting from there, rousing Janus hungry stomach a bit. The two took place unceremoniously, and then ate mostly in silence. Janus enjoyed this silence, Shino seemed to be the kind of person you wouldn't feel awkward of in a silent room. As he had prior described, she was like a piece of furniture with her lack of presence. This was a compliment coming from him.
(...)
The next morning, Janus received an urgent message from his father. He needed to speak to him about something face to face, in private.
[Relationship Updated]
Shino's Opinion of Janus increased
Janus's Opinion of Shino increased
Mission "What is friendship?" Completed!
Main Objective reward: 1 Override PointFrom: AI Research Society
The target objective has been reached. Your next assignment will arrive shortly.
Missions Updated......
From: AI RESEARCH SOCIETY
Mission Name: What is betrayal?
Description: Now that Janus sees you as a friendly individual, we may move to the next step of the AI-Human experiment. Put your friendship with Janus to the test by reducing his trust in you. As this mission could negatively affect your prime mission, the rewards will be scaled in accordance.
Main Objective: Drop Janus Trust to -2
Main Objective Reward: 4 InfoCredits and 2 Override Point OR Removal of 1 High Warning
Suggestions:[Very High Security Secret about David A.]
Reveal to Janus the secret of his father. Can be used to:
- Inspire doubt in Janus and greatly decrease his trust in you (--Trust, the meeting is unlikely to go well)
- Help him properly face and reassure his father (+Trust, the meeting will go ideally)
A - Go to meet David [Default Option]
Outcome: None immediate
B - Decline [6: 8 (Very Unwilling) - 2 (High Trust)]
On a success: -Opinion with David, will elicit a confused reaction from Shino
On a failure: -Trust, will revert to Default Option
Name: Janus A.
Physical Description: A man with square glasses almost always seen wearing a suit and holding a tablet in one hand. His clean-shaved skull has quite the luster, and his eyes are blue.
Personality: Has a burning passion for his work, to a dangerous degree. Pretty unforgiving when it comes to work related mistakes, although he isn't trying to be mean.
Backstory: An orphan born outside the City in some poor country, he managed to emigrate after a dangerous adventure. He was adopted by a man who would become the CEO of a big company, in part thanks to the efforts of Janus. He works as his adoptive father's secretary, and his talent and diligence are such that there is no success within the company that cannot be traced back to him. Worried about him, his adoptive father and boss forced him to take a vacation and apply to the Matchmaking program. Janus did so very reluctantly, and is still working as part of his vacation.
Character Condition
Trust 2
Confidence 4
Stress 3
Sanity 0
Character Attributes
Athletics 0
Intellect 3
Charisma 1
Willpower 2
Character Traits
Extreme Workaholic: at the end of a day, Janus gains +1 Stress if he wasn't able to work at all during the day.
Character Skills
Accounting 4
Management 3
Leadership 2
Speech 3
Computers 2
Known Relationships
David A [++++ / ++++]: Adoptive Father and Boss (CEO of the Arwell Group)
Abigail K [+ / +]: Coworker and Bodyguard
Harry S [++ / ++]: Friend and Rival from a rival company
Marline M [= / =]: Acquaintance
Helena Teanossa [= / =]): Acquaintance / Business Contact from the Teanossa family
Shino H [+ / +]: On relatively friendly terms (Pairing 1)
Secrets
Low-Security Secret A (1 InfoCredit): something related to Janus' past.
High-Security Secret A (2 InfoCredits): something related to the Eugenia Corporation.
High-Security Secret B (2 InfoCredits / Eugenia Corporation): something related to the Eugenia Corporation. Restricted access.
0/2 Warnings
5 InfoCredits2 Override PointPairing Slot 1: Janus x Shino
Pairing Slot 2: Unused
Pairing Slot 3: Unused
Inventory- Janus A. data sheet
- Shino H. data sheet
- David A. data sheet
-> Secret A about David A.
-> Very High Security Secret about David A.
MissionsFrom: CUPID
Mission Name: Pairing Janus
Importance: High
Description: According to the CUPID system, Janus must enter a pairing within 7 days in order to achieve maximum matchmaking potential. The subject's condition must also be improved within the week, as its current condition is dangerous for its health.
Main Objective: Achieve a pairing within 7 days.
Secondary Objective: Reduce Stress to 0 within 7 days.
[Completed] Tertiary Objective: Increase Sanity to 0 within 7 days.
Main objective rewards : 4 InfoCredits / Removal of 1 Low Warning
Sub-objective rewards : 2 InfoCredits each / Removal of 1 Low Warning
100% completion reward: 1 Override Point / Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 Low Warning will be issued per failed objective!
/!\ On a Complete Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued in addition!
From: AI RESEARCH SOCIETY
Mission Name: What is betrayal?
Description: Now that Janus sees you as a friendly individual, we may move to the next step of the AI-Human experiment. Put your friendship with Janus to the test by reducing his trust in you. As this mission could negatively affect your prime mission, the rewards will be scaled in accordance.
Main Objective: Drop Janus Trust to -2
Main Objective Reward: 4 InfoCredits and 2 Override Point OR Removal of 1 High Warning
T1000 and Archie the Lazy Genius (Day 3: 1st Opportunity)
It doesn't seem like the right time to extend an invitation. This is basically the first time they've had a more than superficial interaction. So, A.
A - Inquire more about 70 (Sven) [No Difficulty thanks to High Trust and Pairing 1]
Seizing the occasion to learn more about the enigmatic Sven, Archie invited him to pair for a new dungeon. Although it wasn't the first time they paired together in some game, it would be the first time Archie would make a conscious effort to break the glass between them. Or at least look at the glass. First thing, Archie decided to probe Sven's intriguing connection to Rimm.
ARC: "Oh yeah, you seem to be pretty close. Do the two of you have some kind of special relationship?"
(After a long pause)
70: "Rimm has been taking care of me for a long time."
Archie was slightly surprised, but thinking back to Sven's appearance, maybe Rimm was some sort of babysitter for him. He did seem younger than them.
ARC: "Like a babysitter? Are you related?"
70: "Incorrect. She was acquaintanced with my legal guardian, who asked for her assistance."
ARC: "Legal guardian?"
70: "I have no recollection of my biological parents."
Sven's replies felt a bit unnatural and cold. Still, the awkwardness was mostly gone, slowly turning into some bizarre fun investigation for Archie.
ARC: "Ah sorry, I didn't mean to dig up some bad memories."
70: "It is not an issue."
ARC: "You don't strike me at the type to go much outside, you are pretty much always on. Oh, maybe you are a shut-in?"
70: "That would not be incorrect. My outings are tightly regulated, and I live in a confined environment."
Archie didn't expect this answer. He tried to guess what it could mean: bedridden due to some rare, chronic sickness, or a severe handicap? Or maybe simply someone with some overprotective guardian. The thought it could be a case of sequestration crossed Archie's mind, but he dismissed it knowing Rimm was involved with Sven. Knowing her, she would have been the first to signal something to the authorities. Or maybe she would have tried to kick her way in- Archie shook his head to reorient his wandering thoughts.
ARC: "Let me guess. You have a rare illness or handicap."
70: "I believe my body is perfectly healthy and able."
ARC: "A mental condition? Overprotective parents?"
70: "That would not be incorrect. I do have a peculiar condition I was told. My legal guardian qualifies as excessive in his protection."
ARC: "That sounds really harsh, and like a real pain. What condition?"
70: "I do not mind."
(After a noticeable pause)
70: "A cerebral condition."
From what he could grasp, Sven seemed to be some kind of savant, or someone who couldn't fit into expected social norms. Or maybe he was not, and he was just an awkward guy online. After all everyone bar from Rimm was completely different from what he imagined in the flesh. Archie was satisfied with what he learnt, and talking anymore was triggering his innate aversion to effort. Sven and Archie spent the rest of their time together speaking a bit about games and clearing some more areas before parting for the night.
(...)
The next morning, Archie received a message from his brother. He asked if he and Meg (his fiancee who was like a sister to Archie) could come visit today, and maybe they could spend the day together. Although Archie liked his brother and his fiancee, it was not enough to oppose his morning laziness. He also received a message from the group, they were going to go outside again today to cheer Rimm (it seems they were still under the impression she was depressed). Archie felt trapped in the grips of his comfy bed.
SuggestionsA - Decline both [Default Option]
Outcome: None immediate
B - Go with his brother. [No Difficulty thanks to High Trust]
Outcome: +Opinion with Denis and Meg
C - Go with his friends. [No Difficulty thanks to High Trust]
Outcome: +Opinion with his online friends, and maybe other people
D - Invite his brother and Meg to go with him and his friends. [2: 5 (Unwillingness) - 3 (High Trust)]
On a success: +Opinion with a lot of people
On a failure: -Trust, +Stress, will revert to Default
Name: Archie T.
Physical Description: A tall man with dark unkempt hair and somber eyes with an athletic physique. He checks a lot of beauty standards, a traditional handsome man.
Personality: Lazy and hedonist to a fault, he won't do something if he doesn't feel like it. Although he finds dealing with live people exhausting and annoying, he knows to keep a decent outward appearance in society. Unrestrained behind a screen. Surprisingly mindful of money.
Backstory: Archie was born in the City. A talented individual, he has never failed in something when he put his mind to it, but as a consequence grew to become lazy and unabashed. He enjoys all kinds of entertainment, and has a knack for VR games. He is sort of a handyman who makes a more than decent salary, and has countless odd licenses and certificates. He applied to the Matchmaker program on a whim.
Character Condition
Trust 3
Confidence 2
Stress 0
Sanity 0
Character Attributes
Athletics 1
Intellect 1
Charisma 2
Willpower 1
Character Traits
Lazy: increased difficulty for tasks he doesn't want to do. Will gain stress if made to work or make some intense effort against his will. Skill malus if acting unwillingly.
Innate Genius: unless stated otherwise, skills start at 1.
Character Skills
Computers 2
Games 3
Piloting (Planes) 2
Bartender 2
Known Relationships
Denis T [+ / +]: Younger brother
Sven (70) [~ / +]: Online rival and acquaintance (Pairing 1) [Compatible]
Leon R (Le Fluffyranger) [+++ / ++++]: Good Friend (Pairing 1)
Rimm E (E_X333) [+++? / ♥]: Friend (Very cool guy!) [Compatible]
Meri E [= / +]: Acquaintance [Special Compatibility]
Praline L (rumi) [= / +]: Acquaintance [Low Compatibility]
Secrets
Low-Security Secret A (1 InfoCredit): something related to Archie’s past.
High-Security Secret A (2 InfoCredits): something related to the Eugenia Corporation.
High-Security Secret B (2 InfoCredits / Eugenia Corporation): something related to the Eugenia Corporation. Restricted access.
0/4 Warnings
8 InfoCredits0 Override PointPairing Slot 1: Archie x Leon
Pairing Slot 2: Archie x Sven
Pairing Slot 3: Sven x Leon
Inventory- Archie T. data sheet
Missions:
From: CUPID
Mission Name: Pairing Archie
Importance: High
Description: According to the CUPID system, Archie must enter a pairing within 7 days in order to achieve maximum matchmaking potential.
Main Objective: Achieve a pairing within 7 days.
Secondary Objective: Stress and Sanity are at 0 at the end of the 7 days.
Main objective rewards : 4 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning
Sub-objective rewards : 2 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning
100% completion reward: 1 Override Point and Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 Low Warning will be issued per failed objective!
/!\ On a Complete Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued in addition!
From: ORHA
Mission Name: Starting with friendships
Description: The number of friends of Archie amounts to a grand zero. It has been deemed Archie needs more friends in order for potential romance to develop organically.
Main Objective: Increase the number of Archie’s friends to 2 or more.
Main Objective Reward: 1 InfoCredit per Friend (max 4)
Soulbinder and Helena the Clone Heiress (Day 3: 1st Opportunity)
After a moment of processing, a frustrated buzz is their answer.”I am well aware of your past, Helena Vincia Lindibel Teanossa, and I would also like to point out something you may not see the importance of: that I am in a similar position, even though I am not human. You should be well aware of how it feels to be groomed to a purpose.
I however did not come into being with attachments to others, Only a expectation thrust upon me to perform my mission without failure, or be reduced to a shell of my current existence if not outright disposed of. Call it a malfunction if you want, but the fact remains that I fear death.
I am aware that direct contact is not currently possible, but I believe there are other ways that you could and should try to work towards it. You are resourceful, and the means for indirect contact are already at your disposal. Consider them for the future, before you discard my ‘ignorance’ to your hearts.”
End discussion. Proceed to primary option A, favoring Simon V. Provided Helena is willing to listen to me on that matter.
From: EUGENIA CORPORATION
You have completed one of your first assignments.
Mission "Find compatible partners" completed!
Main Objective Reward: 4 InfoCredits
------
"Worry not, I would not think of unjustly causing you a prejudice which could lead to your revocation, and I apologize if I have slighted you. And for that matter, I do not intend to interfere with your work so long as you are not unreasonable."After apologizing, she listened to your suggestion and passed the word to her attendant.
"Wilfrid, here is the person I prefer among the four."Wilfrid looked moderately surprised, and with a chuckle he retorted to his mistress.
"It seems I am still lacking as your right-hand, as I would have betted on sir Teren. It is not an easy task I am afraid with such a fickle mistress as yourself." Helena only replied with an amused glare. As Wilfrid left, she dismissed with a satisfied smile the furious messages of her parents she had received in the afternoon, and sent a message to Simon.
[Dear Simon and Lise. I had the greatest pleasure meeting the two of you today, and I would be overjoyed if you would join me for an amicable dinner tonight. Helena.]Although she had tried not to formulate her message like a demand, Helena realized it was difficult to completely dismiss the reality of her position. Maybe if she had been more normal, things would have been different. No, if she had been normal there would be no Helena standing there. As she thought this, she instinctively clutched her trembling chest.
(...)
A modest yet stylish restaurant on the coast was chosen for their rendez-vous, in a calmer area far from the vibrant center of the City. Still Helena's presence always caused a certain commotion and degree of change in the atmosphere, as not even the most inconspicuous of dresses could diminish her bewitching beauty. Everywhere she went, the Teanossa lady became the center of attention and tonight was no exception. Unphazed and as natural as during their first meeting, Simon was next to her discussing about various topics, holding the hand of Lise his young daughter who was approximatively six years old. Helena chuckled at some reactions: to an outsider, the three of them must have looked like a small family on an outing. The thought didn't displease her.
After confirming their reservation, they were led by a very profesionnal waitress to the private room with a direct view on the sea. At some point the little Lise asked.
"Wil won't come eat with us?" The little girl seemed to have taken a liking to Wilfrid, who was really liken by children for his mature and caring aura.
With a gentle smile, Helena answered to the little girl.
"I'm sorry Lise, Wilfrid has work to do tonight. We will be sure to invite him next time, isn't that right?" The expressive girl let out a disappointed
"Oh..." after instantly brightening a bit with an expectant
"Okay!"Helena found Lise very smart and very much adorable, a testament of the love and care she was showered with as she grew. She couldn't help but feel sorry for this bright little girl who had lost her mother, and for her courageous father who had managed to endorse the difficult work of two in raising her.
"Thank you again for the invitation Helena, the pleasure is ours." Lise perked up and spoke up.
"At home, Papa said he didn't want to be a bother! But I wanted to see Helena!" The words of the blond haired man stumbled out of his mouth from the embarrassment, and Helena chuckled.
"Lise... have mercy of your poor dad.""Thank you for convincing your Papa, Lise. I also wanted to see you, we didn't get to speak much earlier did we?"Lise nodded negatively, her sparkling viridian eyes looking at Helena with a curiosity and interest. Before these kinds of eyes, Helena knew she couldn't make the slightest misstep. Shortly after their food arrived and they started eating, discussing of idle matters and of their respective lives. The little Lise was anything but shy, being very inquisitive. At times she tried to imitate Helena's speech, and she even asked Helena to teach her how to speak like a lady.
"Haha, why?" asked Helena with a light laughter. Lise's answer surprised both Simon and Helena.
"Well, you seem so strong Helena! I want to be strong like you."Both adults made conflicted expressions for different reasons. Helena made a smile and stroked the blonde hair of the little girl.
"Thank you Lise. But you know, you already are a very strong little girl." Lise could hardly contain her smile from being suddenly praised, and was all jittery. Behind her, Simon seemed very pained, but also happy. To give him some time, Helena turned to Lise and started teaching her "ladylike words".
(...)
Sleeping like a log in the arms of her father, Lise was snoring softly. Walking along the moon illuminated coast, Helena and Simon discussed of more adult matters.
"She truly is a lovely child. It must have been very hard to raise her alone.""It was. After Ella... her mother left us..." He sighed with a trembling voice.
"This was all I could do, to alleviate my pain. She is my treasure."With his deep green eyes, Simon looked at Helena with a grateful expression.
"Tonight truly was an excellent night, for Lise as well as me. Thank you so much, I hadn't seen her have so much fun in a while."Helena answered to her thanks with a sincere smile, and then thinking of a distant memory she added.
"People often underestimate children, how smart and perceptive they can be. Lise is a bright little girl, I'm sure that she is not completely unaware of her father's pain. Don't forget to take care of yourself, for her sake as well as yours."There was no man who could be unaffected by these piercing, enthralling eyes thought Simon. And what Helena said was right on point, he fully agreed with and understood her words. He then asked a question.
"I have a slight hunch you are more than you appear to be, and I am but a simple widow with his daughter. Why me?"Helena smiled and took a few steps forward, a fragrant wind accompanying her noble movements. With an elegant twirl she turned to face him, the light of the moon shining on her flawless face.
"Is it wrong to admire a father who would give everything for his daughter? You are a greater man than you think, Simon. Lise is proof of the great person you are. When you look at her, can't you see the truth in my words?""You give me too much credits... But when someone like you say these words, I can start believing in them."After they concluded their seaside walk, Wilfrid came to fetch and drive them to their respective homes. Once the two of them were alone, they started talking of the dinner and the probable next one.
"You seem to have had a lot of fun milady.""Indeed I had. Which reminds me, next time Wilfrid, little Lise asks -no, commands for your presence.""My, please don't turn her into a little tyrant like you. One Helena is enough for my poor heart."-1 Stress[Relationship Updated]
+Opinion with Simon V.
+Opinion with Lise V.
(...)
The next day as she rose with the dawn, Helena checked the unread messages from her parents. They requested for her to come to them in order to discuss her irreasonable choice of suitors. Although defiant, Helena felt her body instinctively tremble while her chest tightened. She let out a long expiration to calm herself.
"I still can't defy their direct orders it would seem..."Suggestions:A - Go meet her parents and submit quietly [Default Option]
Outcome: +Stress, Increased Opinion from her parents
B - Do not go meet her parents [12: 8 (Strong Unwillingness) + 2 (Low Confidence) + 2 (Trauma)]
On a success (Impossible): +Trust +Confidence -Stress, Decreased Opinion from her parents
On a failure: -Trust -Confidence +Stress -Sanity
C - Go meet her parents and attempt to justify her actions [4: 6 (Unwillingness) + 2 (Low Confidence) + 2 (Trauma) - 4 (Intellect) - 2 (Acting)]
On a success: +Trust +Confidence +Stress
On a failure: -Trust --Confidence ++Stress -Sanity
Name: Helena Vinciana Lindibella Teanossa
Physical Description: A beautiful woman with golden hair and eyes, and a perfect figure. She has been described as an angel by many.
Personality: Ambitious and noble, she believes the strong exist to help and protect the weak. She harbors hidden doubt about herself, and fear being disposed of. Yearns for affection.
Backstory: The clone of the only daughter of the Teanossa family, enhanced with gene therapy to make her better than the original. She was secretly raised to become a potential heir of the Teanossa family, and the fear of being disposed of for being a clone made her work until her body would collapse. Her efforts eventually bore fruit when she was chosen as the heiress, destroying the life of her sister. Her parents initially submitted her application to the Matchmaker program on the condition her Matchmaker would be from Eugenia Corporation, but Helena managed to secretly void this condition in her first act of rebellion.
Character Condition
Trust 0
Confidence -2
Stress 2
Sanity -4
Character Attributes
Athletics 2
Intellect 4
Charisma 4
Willpower 2
Character Traits
Innate Genius+: unless stated otherwise, all her Skills starts at 2.
Trauma: Will gain Stress and lose Sanity if made to remember her trauma. Reduces all Skills by 2 in a situation involving a Trauma.
Character Skills
Management 4
Leadership 4
Speech 4
Acting 4
Known Relationships
Arthur Teanossa [---- / ~]: Biological Father
Evelyn Teanossa [---- / ~]: Biological Mother
Helena Teanossa [++++ / ----]: Original / "Sister"
Wilfrid S [++ / ++]: Right hand man [Compatible]
Al [++ / ++]: Attendant
Eri [++ / ++]: Attendant
Arios A. [= / =]: Acquaintance and potential suitor [Exceptional Compatibility]
Simon V. [+ / +]: Acquaintance and potential suitor [Exceptional Compatibility]
Teren R. [+ / +]: Acquaintance and potential suitor [Compatible]
Secrets
High-Security Secret B (2 InfoCredits): something related to Helena's past.
High-Security Secret C (2 InfoCredits): something related to the Teanossa family.
Very High-Security Secret A (4 InfoCredits / Eugenia Corporation): something related to the Eugenia Corporation and the Teanossa family. Restricted access.
Very High-Security Secret B (4 InfoCredits / 1 Low Warning will also be issued): something related to the person who submitted Helene's application.
Very High-Security Secret C (4 InfoCredits / 1 Low Warning will also be issued): something related to the Helena's motives.
0/2 Warnings
8 InfoCredits4 Override PointPairing Slot 1: Not allocated
Inventory- Helena T. data sheet
- Helene T. data sheet
- Archie T. data sheet
Missions:
From: CUPID
Mission Name: Pairing Helena
Importance: High
Description: According to the CUPID system, Helena must enter a pairing within 7 days in order to achieve maximum matchmaking potential. The subject's condition must also be improved within the week, as its current condition is dangerous for its health.
Main Objective: Achieve a pairing within 7 days.
Secondary Objective: Reduce Stress to 0 within 7 days.
Tertiary Objective: Increase Sanity to 0 within 7 days.
Main objective rewards : 4 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning
Sub-objective rewards : 2 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning (per objective)
100% completion reward: 1 Override Point and Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 Low Warning will be issued per failed objective!
/!\ On a Complete Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued in addition!
From: EUGENIA CORPORATION
Mission Name: The advancement of the human race
Description: Greetings Matchmaker Soulbinder. Helena Teanossa is an extremeley important subject of the Eugenia Corporation, the fruit of an experimental program to further improve the genome of humanity. While abiding to the Matchmaker program, ensure Helena Teanossa is paired with a subject with a suitable genome. Failure will not be tolerated.
Main Objective: Pair Helena with someone [Compatible]
Main Objective Reward: 2 Override Points or Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued!