New Styles - Negative Numbers

Those Who Are Not Human
This Section details the new Styles, the Negative Numbers, and their rules.

Negative Number Styles are rarely seen in N◎VA. Many are not even officially recognized by society or discriminated against.

Each Negative Number Style has its own unique rules. Because of this RLs and Players should be prepared for a little extra homework when introducing them into an Act. They should all read this section, discuss, and come to an agreement with each other about their inclusion during the Pre-Act.

Regardless, whether or not they are included ultimately comes down to the RL's discretion.

Negative Numbers
Negative Number Styles are rare existences in Tokyo N◎VA.

Whether they are legally considered non-human, very small in number, or simply unknown to the general public; for a variety of reasons these Syles live in the shadows. As a result, Negative Number Styles have a habit of easily getting into more trouble than an RL expects during an Act.

Due to this, an RL and a Player wishing to choose a Negative Number Style should discuss this during the Pre-Act. If the RL finds including the Style to be too difficult, they are allowed to ban the use of these Styles.

Below explains each Style's situation in the Neuro Age.

Hiruko
As a result of various incidents, the existence of Hiruko are well-known in the Neuro Age. However today many countries, starting with Japan, have refused to give Hiruko the civil rights other citizens enjoy.

As a result, a Hiruko entering higher security areas is asking for trouble. A Hiruko Cast Member may need to take certain precautions when participating in an Act not to cause an uproar.

On the other hand, Hiruko are becoming a rather common sight in the Red Areas of Tokyo N◎VA, so a Hiruko Cast member doesn't need to be cautious there.

Kurogane
Most Kurogane do not come in a Human-like shape. However, most people of the Neuro Age won't notice the difference between a true Kurogane and a really good normal AI. As a result they don't receive much discrimination.

However, due to their unique forms, some Kurogane can face difficulty entering certain buildings and high security areas. It can even be difficult to picture how they get around at all.

The simple solution to this problem is simply to form a pair with another Cast Member and accompany them everywhere. This takes care of most of the issues. Whether or not they do the same in combat is a different question.

Arashi
Arashi aren't discriminated against nor are they unknown to people. Arashi are in fact typically normal humans after all.

It's just that there isn't really a lot of situations that requires for a Walker to be deployed in the middle of a city, and you don't see them often in N◎VA as a result. In other words, the difficulty of playing Arashi doesn't come from the Style itself but rather the use of their Outfits. Walkers and Walker Options all have large penalties to Appearance Checks.

If an RL has planned a combat situation in a high security Area it might be best to discuss that with an Arashi Player during the Pre-Act.

In actuality, between Style Skills that make it easier to get Outfits into Areas, the ability to make Teams with other Players, and the fact that there are no Appearance Checks during the Climax Scene it isn't truly a huge difficulty for Arashis to get their Walkers into places. However, an RL might want to play around with something like a Guest Character using  to detect Outfits, which can lead to more enemy combatants or other difficulties if discovered.

Kagemusha
Kagemusha revolve around their ability to impersonate other people so the average person is never going to notice who they really are. There's no real societal issues to concern yourself with as a Kagemusha.

See [[Negative Numbers#Disguising Oneself|Disguising Oneself] for more details.

Ayakashi
In the Neuro Age, a world dominated by science and technology, the Astral realm is largely unknown to the average person. As a result, few believe creatures such as the Ayakashi can even exist. In fact, with technology the way it is seeing a person with fangs or claws or even wings won't even get much of a reaction beyond assuming the person has some weird body mods.

It's up to the Players of each Cast Member to decide if they believe in the existence of Ayakashi or not. A good indication of that could be if they possess the  Skill or not. Playing with different beliefs and assumption can lead to an interesting Act.

ID and Background
In N◎VA every Cast Member gets a Citizen ID upon Character Creation as per the rules. A Cast Member's Style does not affect this. Furthermore, being discovered as an undesirable existence won't result in immediate revocation of this ID.

A Hiruko does not need to be X Rank nor does a Kurogane need to take the Machinoid Background. Players are free to do this for RP reasons, however, and the real Hiruko experience is to take X Rank and get a false ID. But rules-wise unless they buy and preserve such Outfits with their XP these kind of Backgrounds don't take effect regardless of Style.

Of course, you're free to come up with reasons why you'd have an ID despite your Style, but unless the RL really wants a reason don't worry about it too much. They may also make it a requirement to take the False ID Outfit.

Disguising Oneself
A Character may wish to hide their true form or identity, particularly Hiruko and Ayakashi who almost need to to blend in with society and be treated as a normal citizen.

The easiest way to do this? Simply choose a non-problematic Style as your Persona. The means to investigate and discover non-Persona Styles are severely limited, so as long as you have a decent Style as a Persona you shouldn't have to worry about your more dangerous true form being exposed.

With technological development so high, and the diverse means of individual expression this has allowed in the Neuro Age, many unusual appearances won't cause much issue.

However, some appearances such as 50 meter tall giants, talking trains, ghostly figures appearing from televisions, other-wordly beautiful sirens, and other outrageous forms can stretch even a Neuro Kid's suspension of disbelief. These Cast Members will need to take extra precautions to disguise themselves with appropriate Style Skills and if they do not possess such Skills and the RL feels they'd impede the smooth progression of a Scene they are allowed to ban them from appearing in it.

Of course, what constitutes as a too outrageous appearance varies from person to person. Basically, if you don't think the average person would be able to explain the appearance away with the use of cyberware, bioware, droids, or AR holograms then it's too outrageous and you should be careful.

Disguising With Style Skills
Various Styles possess Style Skills that allow them to disguise their appearance such as , , , and .

Mechanically, acquiring this Skill allows you to disguise your Persona as any Style of your choice. Another Character can attempt to discern your true form with  vs. your [Control Rating + Your Disguise Skill Modifier] but only if they have reasonable cause to be suspicious of you. Only on a successful Check do they discern your true form. You can make Reaction to this Check with .

In the case of Guest Characters having these Skills, it's okay to forbid  Checks against them. The reason for this is twofold. First, it avoids cases where the Player, and not their Cast Member, suspects something and tries to force a Check. The other reason is to prevent some Players from wanting to do a  Check every time they meet a new Guest Character.

Another reason is simply to make for a more interesting Act. A Fate Cast Member could get a request from a Kagemusha at the beginning of an Act, for example. While they COULD simply use  right there to figure this out immediately, it might make the Act more interesting if this is figured out later. Alternatively, there are times where the truth coming to light would indeed make the Act more exciting so be sure to allow these Checks at such times.

Cast Members with these Skills need to be aware that their Character Sheet is not hidden from the RL or the other Players. You should talk with the group during the Pre-Act on how to handle the secret nature of your Character in the Act.

Kagemusha Persona
The entire theme of the Kagemusha Style is the impersonation of others. As such, choosing Kagemusha as a Persona has a special rule attached to it.

Characters with the Kagemusha Persona may disguise their Persona as any Style of their choice(preferably one that doesn't stand out) for free. They don't need a special Style Skill to do this.

As before, if a Character is suspicious they can do a  Check against your Control Rating, and you can make a Reaction with . RLs can ban the use of  Checks against Kagemusha Persona Guest Characters and Cast Member Kagemusha should discuss how to handle their Character with their group during the Pre-Act.

What is a Kurogane?
A Kurogane is a Style that represents tools that possess a will of their own. The term "Kurogane" was originally a slang term to refer to a beloved and important tool of the trade in Neuro Tongue. Even today many Neuro still refer to their personal Taps as 'my Kurogane'. Among Kurogane there are both those classified as Machinoids and those classified as a type of Ayakashi*.

Swords with intelligence, self-driving vehicles, and many such other Kurogane exists. Even humans who've transplanted their brains into a robot body count as one. As long as the general theme of being a tool or device with a will and mind of its own is kept Players are free to come up with whatever reason they want for why.


 * In previous editions of Tokyo N◎VA there used to be the Bloodline: Magic Tool Clan for Ayakashi. In [TNX] this is represented as a part of Kurogane. This of course doesn't mean that the Magic Tool Clan no longer exists in Ayakashi Society, however, so feel free to roleplay your Cast Member as being from it, either by taking the Ayakashi Style along with Kurogane or simply by saying that you are a Magic Tool Clan member.

Creating a Kurogane
Characters with the Kurogane Style typically lack a human-like form. As a result there are a few differences to how they operate compared to other Characters and this section details them. If something is not mentioned specifically here then that means they operate the same as any other Character(for example, talking, moving around, using common skills and so forth have no restrictions).

This section mainly focuses on how Kurogane's interact with the Outfit system.

Kurogane Outfit Slots
The big difference between Kurogane and other Characters is the restricted number of Outfit Slots available to them. Below is a list of Outfit Slots that Kurogane normally do not possess, making them unable to equip or ready Outfits corresponding to these Slots.

However, depending on the  Style Skill a Character acquires the Outfit Slots available or unavailable to Kurogane can change.

Outfit Slots Kurogane Do Not Possess
One Hand x2, One Arm x2, One Leg x2, Shoes, Fingers x2, Underwear, Suit, Coat, Armor, Helmet, Mask, Artificial Body, Operator


A <Form> Style Skill represents the specific shape and function of each individual Kurogane. Characters that possess the Kurogane Style automatically get 1 SL of a <Form> for free.

Based on their <Form>, Kurogane 'equip' a specific Outfit to themselves regardless of the usual Outfit Slot rules. For example, a <Form: Weapon> Kurogane always counts as having the Weapon they take the form of equipped regardless of their available Slots.

Furthermore, each different <Form> also comes with a different available Miracle for the Kurogane to use.

Below are the 8 <Forms>.

<Form: Weapon>
The Kurogane takes the form of a Weapon. The Kurogane can equip the Weapon they designate as their form regardless of available Outfit Slots.

<Form: Armor>
The Kurogane takes the form of Armor. The Kurogane can equip the Armor they designate as their form regardless of available Outfit Slots.

<Form: Vehicle>
The Kurogane takes the form of a Vehicle. The Kurogane can equip the Vehicle they designate as their form regardless of available Outfit Slots.

However, under no circumstances can they equip more than one Vehicle at a time regardless of what they try.

<Form: Gadget>
The Kurogane takes the form of a Drone, Tool, Magic Item, or some such item. The Kurogane can equip the Outfit they designate as their form regardless of available Outfit Slots.

However, if an Outfit that you can only have one equipped at a time is chosen, such as a Tap, then under no circumstances can they equip more than one of them at a time regardless of what they try.

<Form: Structure>
The Kurogane takes the form of a Residence. The Effect of the designated Outfit and the <Form: Structure> Skill are only active during Scenes that take place within the Residence designated as the Kurogane's body.

Discuss with the RL how to handle your Character Appearing in other Scenes.

<Form: Human>
The Kurogane takes the form of a humanoid robot, doll, or some such object. There is no Outfit to designate as a Body and this essentially makes the Kurogane function the same as another ordinary Cast Member in regards to Outfit Slots.

<Form: Animal>
The Kurogane takes the form of an animal robot, doll, or some such object. There is no Outfit to designate as a body.

The Kurogane gains 4 slots of either [Slot: One Arm] or [Slot: One Leg]. In other words, they could equip two [Slot: Two Arms] Outfits if they chose.

<Form: Icon>
The Kurogane does not possess a physical body and exists as an AR construct. There is no Outfit to designate as a body.

<Form Switch>
Kurogane can typically only obtain one form but the Ultimate Style Skill <Form Switch> allows them to acquire multiple forms.

Changing <Forms>
Kurogane cannot receive the effect of multiple <Form> Skills at once. They can only have one <Form> active at a time and must Declare the use of the appropriate <Form> Skill during the Setup Process to change their <Form>. This cannot be Comboed with [Coordination], so be careful.

Form Outfits
When you designate an Outfit as your Body you can only equip that Outfit while you have that specific <Form> active.

Choosing A Miracle
Kurogane's Miracle <Multi-Tool> has a different Effect based on the <Form> a Kurogane possesses. If a Kurogane possesses multiple <Form> Skills then decide during the Pre-Act which of the available Miracle Effects they will use. This Effect will not change during the Act if they change their <Form>.

If a Kurogane is Style Level 2 or above they can choose a different effect for each use of <Multi-Tool> if they like. A Style Level 2 Kurogane with <Form: Gadget> and <Form: Armor>, for example, can have 2 uses of <Invulnerable>, 2 uses of <Fight!>, or one use of each if they choose.

Human Sheath
When a Kurogane acquires the <Human Sheath> Skill they gain an Extra that can equip and use the Outfit they designated as their Body.

This Extra does not possess any data, cannot make checks, and cannot receive damage. They are simply an existence meant to wield the Kurogane.

This Skill allows a Kurogane Character to use all the Outfit Slots that are available to other Cast Members. While technically it is the Human Sheath that has these Outfits equipped, mechanically their effects apply to the Kurogane Character themselves.

Kurogane's Body
Typically, a Kurogane's Body is designated as an Outfit corresponding to the <Form> they possess. This section details how this works.

Now, for <Form> Skills that do not designate a specific Outfit for a Body the Kurogane's Body is treated as an Outfit that has [Hide: -/0], [Hack: Control], [Slot: -], and belongs to the Extra Subcategory. This doesn't affect much mechanically but it's there for reference.

Designating a Body
Based on the <Form> Skills they have, a Kurogane chooses an Outfit they have Preserved to act as their Body in that <Form> during the Pre-Act. Unless they possess a specific Style Skill that allows for it, they cannot change this Outfit during the Act.

Body Damage
A Kurogane is an Outfit, so this means their Body can also be [Damaged] or [Destroyed]. When their Body is [Damaged] or [Destroyed] then like normal they can no longer use the Outfit that acts as their Body. However, this does not affect their ability to utilize the rest of the functions of their Character. Character Damage and [Damaged]/[Destroyed] effects are also treated separately and Skills or Outfits that cure Wounds or repair Outfits work the same as usual.

However, if a Miracle such as <Phoenix> or <Right Hand> is used it will also restore a [Damaged] or [Destroyed] Body as well as heal the Wound.

Unequipping Body Outfit
In certain situations Kurogane have the choice to unequip their Body Outfit if they want. Normally you'll always have the Body Outfit equipped but there are such situations as below.


 * Appearing as a Ghost

When you Appear in a Scene only through remote means such as a phone call.


 * Acquiring <Human Sheath>

When you use <Human Sheath> and only the Extra appears in the Scene.


 * Coordination

Explained further below.

There might be other scenarios where it might make sense to unequip your Body Outfit, but make sure the RL agrees with you and allows you to do so.

Coordination
A Kurogane can allow another person to equip and use them, supporting them in battle. This is called [Coordination]. During [Coordination], a Kurogane is still under the effects of its unique rules listed earlier so keep this in mind.

Coordination Terminology
For the below section the term [Kurogane] refers to the Kurogane Character doing [Coordination]. [Body] refers to the Outfit designated by their <Form> and [Buddy] refers to the Character the [Kurogane] is Coordinating with.

Declaring Coordination
In order to perform [Coordination] you must use the Style Skill <Commence Coordination> during the Setup Process. Commencing Coordination requires the following Conditions to be met:


 * The Kurogane must be in an Engagement with their Buddy


 * Both the Kurogane and their Buddy must agree to commencing [Coordination]


 * The Kurogane's Buddy must be able to Equip the Kurogane's Body.

If the Kurogane's Body is an Outfit in a Slot the Buddy already has an Outfit equipped in for example they obviously cannot equip the Body as well. If the Kurogane is in a <Form> that allows them to equip an Outfit they otherwise couldn't their Buddy does not receive this <Form> effect so it's possible the Buddy may not be able to equip the Outfit.

The Kurogane During Coordination
During [Coordination] the Kurogane is restricted in a few ways until [Coordination] ends.

Actions Using Their Body
A Kurogane leaves their Body entirely in the hands of their Buddy and thus cannot use their Body as an Outfit themselves in any actions. Rules-wise, it's best to think of them not having their Body equipped during [Coordination].

For example, if their Body is a Weapon Outfit, they cannot make Attack or Parry Checks with it. If it's an Armor Outfit they do not gain its Defense Properties when calculating Damage. If they are <Form: Vehicle> then treat the Buddy as the Operator and the Kurogane as a Passenger.

<Form: Human> and such don't technically have a 'real' Outfit associated with their <Form> so there's no real penalty to a Kurogane in that situation.

Movement
Kurogane are incapable of moving during [Coordination], not even through the use of Outfits or Style Skills.

However, if their Buddy moves the Kurogane always moves with them, even when their Buddy is forced into movement through the use of a Style Skill or Outfit.

As long as movement does not occur, a Kurogane can still use their Move Action to use Outfits and Style Skills.

The only exception to this is the use of <Exodus> by the Kurogane while in <Form: Vehicle>. It can either be used to evacuate both the Kurogane and their Buddy or the Kurogane only(cancelling Coordination).

Buddy Benefits
[Coordination] bestows the following benefits to a Kurogane's Buddy.


 * Using the Kurogane's Body

The Buddy can equip and use the Kurogane's Body. They become capable of equipping it at the same time as <Commence Coordination> is used.


 * Receiving the Effect of Coordination Skills

The Buddy can receive the effects of any Style Skills that targets the Buddy during Coordination that the Kurogane possesses.


 * Reaction Checks Targeting the Kurogane

The Buddy can make Reaction Checks on behalf of the Kurogane whenever they are targeted by an Action. In other words they can Dodge Physical Attacks for them, resist Mental Attacks with <Will> and so on. If this Reaction is a Parry or some other Reaction that would normally reduce your [AR], it does not reduce [AR].

If the Kurogane and Buddy are both targeted in the same [Target: Area] Attack or the like the Buddy need only to make one Check for both of them. So if they were to Parry here they would both receive the reduction in Damage from the Reaction.

Of course, the Kurogane is free to make their own Reactions, and it may be best for them to do so depending on the situation.

Cancelling Coordination
If any of the following conditions are met then [Coordination] is cancelled.


 * The Kurogane And Their Buddy Are No Longer In The Same Engagement

If, through the effects of a Miracle or a special Act Rule, the Kurogane and Buddy are separated from each other and no longer in the same Engagement [Coordination] is cancelled.


 * Either Character Becomes Incapacitated

If the Kurogane or their Buddy receives a Wound that makes them unable to continue battling, the effect of [Coordination] ends. However, if they immediately recover from this through the use of a Miracle [Coordination] will remain.


 * Cancellation is Declared

Cancellation of [Coordination] can be declared during the Setup Process by either the Kurogane or Buddy. The Character that declares this cancellation can still perform a normal Setup Process Action.