Part 174: 12/7: My Real Name Is Quisling
Part 164: 12/7: My Real Name Is QuislingAnon: What a sore loser
Anon: we do need new authority
Anon: The truths lost to the void
Anon: Akechi got the last laugh!
Music: Disquiet
Today, were gonna take care of a major errand we havent done yet, then head into the Palace now that were done maxing Confidants. Yes, this is a Palace update. I recall a while back saying that Okumuras was the worst Palace in the game, and I must apologize for that, because this one
This ones a trip. Thats without any deaths, by the way.
Here, we have Mr. Taro Namatame, who is an independent newcomer. Having started as a politicians secretary, he worked his way up from the bottom in Inaba, and
Isnt he a bit old for a newcomer? Huh. That kind of makes me want to root for him.
Good for Namatame, I guess, landing on his feet after that whole thing with kidnapping all those teenagers.
Music: Layer Cake
Static electricity is the enemy of detail work, so I gotta keep an eye out for it. So, you need somethin today?
That errand I mentioned was at Iwais. See, were finally gonna upgrade our teams gear, including the forbidden, secret art of gun customization. Weve gotten some decent upgrades just from Palaces and Mementos, but here were going to find stuff thats not only better, but will hopefully last us until the end of the game.
Most of what I buy is just the best item in each slot, but in case you care:
Melee Weapons
- Frenzy Dagger (232 Attack, high chance of Rage) for Maaku.
- Dragon God Pole (240 Attack) for Ryuji. Theres a slightly worse one that increases his crit chance a little, but I wasnt sure if that only applied to melee attacks so I didnt buy it.
- God Saber (242 Attack, Magic +3) for Morgana.
- Pain and Pain (232 Attack) for Ann.
- Masamune (244 Attack, low chance of Sleep) for Yusuke.
- Omega Knuckle (238 Attack) for Makoto.
- Gilgamesh Axe (250 Attack) for Haru.
I also buy some armor for every character, but this is a little more complicated because for some characters that choice has already been made obsolete from a piece of armor we got from the laundry. The best armor at this point is about 200 defense, (with laundry goods being a good 20-40 points above that) just to give you some idea.
I then realize Im probably going to go broke if I buy a gun for every character, so I decide to only get guns for characters Im using.
-
Guns
- Gravity Gun (272 Attack, medium chance of Despair) for Maaku. Theres a slightly more powerful gun available for him but this ability is incredible.
- Volley Cannon (284 Attack) for Ryuji.
- Orochi (280 Attack) for Makoto.
- Flame Ocean (242 Attack) for Haru.
Were finally going to customize these guns, too! (Also we spent literally 600k on this trip, yikes. Dont worry though, well make about 200k back when we sell pretty much everything in our equipment that goes for more than 4k yen, including Akechis equipment)
This is an example of how gun customization works. The Gravity Gun HP (presumably for High-Power) is a more powerful version of the Gravity Gun. Unfortunately, it suffers a slight accuracy reduction, and even more unfortunately it loses its crazy ability. I opt not to upgrade it for that reason, even if 368 Attack is nuts. We do end up customizing some of our allies guns, like turning Ryujis new Volley Cannon into Volley Cannon II (Attack increases to 302 and Rounds increase to 6), turning Makotos Orochi into Orochi SP (320 Attack, lowered Accuracy, and high chance of Shock), and making Harus Flame Ocean into Flame Ocean II (320 Attack and slightly increased Accuracy). And hey! There was a trophy for that!
Music: Disquiet
You have an interesting fate, indeed. Well then, shall I read your fortune in detail ?
Time for a Money Reading before the Palace.
Were almost ready for the Palace.
First, though, we should make sure we have a good number of Takemedic-All Zs. Due to the fact that we replaced Makotos Mediarama with Diarahan, we have no reliable multi-target healing outside of Maaku. This will serve as a decent replacement for now, though.
One last thing before we head inside: I realized I never showed off the DLC accessories that come with all the costume packs. A number of them are totally busted. In fact, Id say that all of them are quite good in one way or another, and if this game didnt outright require you to keep SP Adhesive 3s on at almost all times, the main reason not to equip most of them outside of not wanting to break the game would simply be that you can only equip one of them at a time. Also of note: theres nine of each of them, which means theres enough for everyone, including Akechiand Futaba. I dont know why.
The Team Glasses from Persona 4 increase your EXP from battles. This apparently only applies once, so no stacking it by equipping multiple characters with it. You may wonder why I bothered to specify that, to which Id say: just wait.
The SEES Armband from Persona 3 increases your money from battles. This one actually does stack depending on how many people equip it.
The Sevens Emblem from Persona 2 reduces your chance of being targeted. This, I can imagine, would be incredibly useful on the protagonist if there werent several better ones we havent even seen yet.
The Hermelin Badge from Persona 1 nulls Bless and Curse. Honestly, probably the worst one. Only nullifying two elements (and the two elements that most of the games instant death attacks use, natch) isnt much compared to some of these.
The Arm PC from Shin Megami Tensei if... seems kinda bad, but in the earlygame, Kamoshidas Palace specifically, I think this would be incredible.
The Midnight Bandana from Persona 4: Dancing All Night raises your All-out Attack power. It also stacks, just like Rises AoA buff would get better the more bike dates you went on with her in Persona 4 Golden.
The Evoker from Persona 4 Arena Ultimax gives you a bullet upon victory. If you havent played this game, its kind of hard to convey how huge this is. This is the only way outside of Reserve Ammo to restore a bullet. This one outright breaks a game system, which is why its my pick for the only truly fucked accessory in this lineup.
The Lambs Pillow from Catherine reduces your chance of suffering a status ailment by 50%. I can see this being very useful in some gimmick fights.
The Gauntlet from SMTIV increases your critical hit rate, as well as your magic evasion rate. Kinda rote, but still useful.
And this one is probably the best of the whole bunch. The Kuzunoha Tubes from the Raidou Kuzunoha games reduce your skill cost by 25%. Not as good as an SP Adhesive 3 for preserving your SP but this includes physical attacks, which are cast from HP. So not only do you use less SP, you need to heal less because youre wasting less HP casting physical skills.
Anyway, thats all of the accessories, so lets continue on to the Palace!
...But first, I gotta go to the bathroom. Hold on one moment.
You need to poop.
>Go to bathroom
You are sitting down.
>Stand up
You are standing up.
>Go to bathroom
The door is closed.
>Open door
The door is open.
>Enter bathroom
You are now in the bathroom.
>Poop
Poop is not an accepted action.
>Use toilet
You should probably close the door first.
>Close door
The door is closed.
>Use toilet
The lid is closed, buddy! Youll make a mess!
>Fuck you
Fuck is not an accepted action.
>Open lid
The lid is open.
>Use toilet
You take a refreshing dump and contemplate washing that towel.
>Enter bedroom
The door is closed.
>Open fukcing door
I dont know what a fukcing is.
>Open door
The door is open.
>Enter bedroom
You find a note attached to your bedroom door.
>Read note
It reads: Dear (Arist)-- We are watching you. Stop working with the Phantom Thieves immediately. Also, be nice to Ari and do his chores. If you do not comply, we will be forced to give you a mental shutdown. From, Shido, future Prime Minister
>Contemplate note
It seems wholly unlikely that this note is serious. The terrible penmanship, implausible methods, and ridiculous demands all point to an odd prank. However, you are a shameless coward, so you probably wont take any chances.
So, uh, funny thing happened in the bathroom and I now hate the Phantom Thieves forever. Go Shido!
Music: Ark
Got it. Lets get going!
Okay, lets head inside. I mean, oh no, dont do that, you bastards.
On virtually the first fight the Phantom Thieves run into, Treasure Skimmer activates.
This is what it looks like when an enemy has been skimmed. Guess those rotten Phantom Thieves are living up to their name.
We know the identities of the five VIPs.
A politician, a former noble, a TV station president, an IT company president, and that cleaner guy!
Hm, according to the map, there should be a restaurant up ahead.
Thats where the politician should be, yes? Let us go check it out.
We might be able to gain intel from talking to them. Just dont ask any suspicious questions, OK?
Its no wonder the stability is superb! This is Congressman Shidos vessel, after all! Hmhm!
Quite true I may have undergone hardships in my youth, but now a life of leisure is finally mine!
These sitar ladies flanking the Cerberus are Sarasvati(s). Theyre weak to Nuke, block Ice, can cast party healing and buffs and will attempt to Confuse the party.
Oh, not quite yet. I hear it has received high praise from a famous congressman.
Hahaha, correct you are. The good sir visits is almost every day.
Near the back of this hall, the Phantom Thieves find a strange door.
It will not open, and they cast it out of their minds like the simpletons they are.
I havent the foggiest idea My connections only barely secured me a place on this ship, after all
I suppose were just ordinary citizens in comparison to some of the other patrons here We should probably be thankful were even allowed to dine in this lounge to begin with,
After some light fucking around, the Phantom Thieves decide to head over to the restaurant.
A members-only restaurant Ristorante Elite?
Even you cant read it? Arent you supposed to be English girl?
Uh, that names not English Anyway, moving on. This restaurant is exclusive to members. Those without a membership card will be rejected.
What? You gotta be a member just to eat dinner? Thats such bull.
Those rule-breakers decide to head in anyway.
Music: Impromptu for the Next Prime Minister
Oh yeah, we heard about that thing earlier What a pain.
I believe our staff should have explained it when you boarded this ship Apologies for the inconvenience, but may I please check your boarding pass, sir?
This is bad We should retreat.
Music: Ark
Im not sure, but either way, it seems asking around is our only option.
Dont bug the other passengers, you hooligans!
Oh, it seems Ive dropped my card for the restaurant somewhere around here
My, my. You wont be able to dine there without it. Have you tried consulting the staff?
Haha, not yet. I doubt theres any need to worry though. Ill try asking around the bars later. I know Mr. Shido personally, so Im sure hell issue me another if I cant find mine.
Oh, how wonderful! I didnt know you had such lofty connections! No wonder you exude such dignity!
Hey, isnt this a good chance for us? He said he dropped his membership card.
I am not keen on this, but we may be able to take it from him if we can find it first.
Hell yeah! He dropped it, so we gotta swoop in n take it!
The classic track the footprints tactic.
Look at them scurry around like mice, pathetic.
The footprints pass by a bar.
Welcome, sir. How may I help you?
Hm? What article are you looking for in particular?
Unfortunately, nothing of that sort has been dropped off here.
Looks like this isnt the right place, Joker.
And now theyre trying to sneak a drink while underage! Shame on them!
Very well. Ah, but Ill need to see your boarding pass first.
Shoot, this isnt good! Lets get out of here, Joker!
Back to following the footprints.
The Phantom Thieves question this bar as well, but it does not have the membership card.
Down the stairs
To the final bar.
Ah, so it was yours. Please do not worry; we have been holding on to it for you this whole time. ...Here you are. Please go enjoy your meal, sir.
Who cares? Its all thanks to that dick Shido thinkin everyone around him is incompetent.
He didnt mean that, Mr. Shido! Youre not a dick! ...Unless youre into that, I dont know!
So he doesnt believe in anyone That must be why there are so many membership cards around.
Well, its not bad that it went by quick. Lets head to the restaurant and grab a letter of introduction.
Music: Impromptu for the Next Prime Minister
One of our targets, the powerful politician, should be at the restaurant. Whats your call, Joker?
Thank you for displaying your proof of membership, sir. Please head on inside. Seats marked with a blue flower are reserved for special guests. Please refrain from sitting there.
Special guests ? Eh, who cares.
A reserved seat is special information. That may lead us to the politician were looking for.
For real!?
That possibility didnt even cross your mind!? Ugh. Anyway, lets head in and find a seat.
Try not to get too excited, OK? Youre embarrassing us
Music: Suspicion
Right. That influential politician comes here.
Why dont we have a seat at the table next to it and wait for him? Ill go. He may become guarded if we go in a big group.
Wouldnt it be odd with just one girl sitting there though?
Does someone want to come with me?
That was my intention from the start! I mean, dude! Its a restaurant!
What are you, a preschooler!?
That sounds about right for Skull.
I was wondering why you were so excited about this *sigh*
Why isnt anyone asking me to do this ?
No cats at the dinner table.
All right, were going in. Everyone else stay nearby. Ill give the signal when the time is right.
Man, what should I eat?
You cant get full off of food in a Palace.
Hes as dumb as ever
Uhh I cant read this
Truly, a scholar for the ages, this one.
Queen would order the foie gras. Shes a cop, she loves animal abuse.
A salad garnished with truffles and roasted lamb, please.
Say, aint we kinda young compared to the others here? Theyre all involved with Shido, yeah?
Music: Desire
Whose? Uhh I dont see any reserved signs or nothing here.
Itd be a nuisance if youd make a racket next to my table. I wish to dine leisurely. Children like you whore merely hungry should leave.
S-Sorry
If you understand, then go home.
Excuse me, but might you be Mr. Ooe?
Indeed I am.
This will be an impudent request, but would you provide us a letter of introduction to Mr. Shido?
From the looks of it, you appear to be minors. Why do you need an introduction?
We wish to be granted an audience with him His political ideology resonates so much with us
Understandable.
Of course, the same can be said about you, Mr. Ooe.
You have quite the silver tongue for one so young not that I mind it. Are you a high school student?
Yes, sir.
Speaking of high schools Ive heard that some principal somewhere kicked the bucket.
Amazing segue, sir.
He supposedly tried to leak Mr. Shidos name
Had he simply obeyed, he couldve remained in the upper echelons. To think he would cast all that away. An elite such as myself cant even fathom why someone would do such a thing. If you pledge your loyalty, youre given the honor of selecting those who would have mental shutdowns.
Hm? Ah, more or less.
Considering your caliber, I would assume that the target must have been someone quite important.
Important? No, the target himself was nothing that impressive.
Oh, you must be being modest
Skull stood up so quickly the !? over his head couldnt keep up!
It was to take out the president of some company and a diplomat who sided with current government.
I see That was very useful, Mr. Ooe.
Actually, my sister is a prosecutor at the Public Prosecutors Office. I could pass on what you just said to her How about it? Wont you give us a letter of introduction?
Is that a threat? Who are you two?
The letter of introduction, please.
Dont get cocky, brats! Ill never give you one!
Looks like you have one though! ...Welp, guess its time to use brute force!
Politician Ooe
Music: Keeper of Lust
All right, Ooe! Nows your chance! Youve turned into one of those weird-ass snake balls from Bloodborne, so take out the Phantom Thieves!
Ooe is a cycle boss, which means he will do the exact same pattern, every time, in the same order, until he dies. Its not a bad cycle, though.
Concentrate + Tarukaja + Rakunda + Bufudyne is enough to decimate anyone it hits.
Unfortunately for Ooe, those rotten thieves have a secret weapon: Noir.
Ooes Psy weakness is enough to cripple it, and the fight ends rather quickly. Also, sorry, Psiodyne looks dope as fuck. Had to say it.
At the end of the fight, Skull learns Ziodyne to replace Zionga.
Mona also learns Masukunda to replace Me Patra.
And thats one down for the Phantom Thieves. Hopefully one of the four adversaries remaining in their path can stop them.
Music: Suspicion
Please keep the truth of that subway accident a secret
Fine
What!? I mean, er Good job, citizen.
In any case it turns out Principal Kobayakawa was connected to Shido after all No wonder he was so adamant about me digging up information on the Phantom Thieves.
Still, I cant believe Shido just killed him so nonchalantly
Im sure he had his reasons.
The entire nation is underwater in his Palace. He must feel nothing toward one measly educator.
In any case, even though that politician was cognitive, he turned into a monster. Up until Kaneshiros Palace, cognitive beings were nothing more than weak presences
Hm? But he had the memories and appearance of an actual person.
He was probably a Shadow fused with a cognition Its like making the Shadow wear human skin.
How would you know about that?
Ive never seen anything like that before Such power is normally impossible. Hold on Wasnt Shido the one who destroyed the research done by Oracles mother on cognition?
Oh! Do you think that when he did, he took the results for his own purposes ?
Shido !
For all we know, Shido could have some hidden trick that allows him to tamper with his own Palace. We need to be especially careful from here on out !
So youre saying he did have a secret move? Thats rich.
Music: Desire
And in return, I only ask for your continued support Standing up to the world does require money.
Of course. Ill make sure to prepare compensation as thanks for your help in cleaning up.
Im reusing the Palace portrait for Ooe here because theres no good shot of him from outside the Palace. Hes not literally calling Shido from the Palace, just FYI.
The incident with that accident in spring was very beneficial. This is all thanks to you, sir.
If the study of cognitive psience progresses, I believe its possible to increase the target range.
*chuckle* I bid you good luck with that endeavor. I hope you will continue to assist us.
Great job, Shido sir! Please dont kill me.