TNX:Faction - Chihaya Group

= Description =
* Name: The Chihaya Group
* Type: Corporation
* Subfactions: Chihaya Heavy Industries, Chihaya Medical, CME (Chihaya Music Entertainment), CNN (Chihaya News Network), CHIHAYA (fashion), Mikado Orbital Development, Mikado Security Preservation
* Headquarters: "Center Rapids" Orbital
The Chihaya Group has been the pre-eminent Japanese megacorp dating back to the Hazards. They are a diverse group of companies with a presence in every industry imaginable, from police and security services to fashion and entertainment, foodstuffs, and household goods. Whether they're a Wet living in luxury in a White Area, or a slum dweller surviving by the skin of their teeth in a Red Area, it's difficult to live a life without relying on Chihaya products.
Though the Chihaya Group's influence spreads far and wide throughout the world, their heart is the arcology in Tokyo NOVA that is the head office of Chihaya Heavy Industries. It isn't just business know-how and expansion strategies that have gotten them here. Just like every corporation, they engage in covert operations. These are the purview of the Chihaya Heavy Industries Logistics Management Department.
The Logistics Management Department handles an innumerable variety of illicit operations for all divisions of the megacorp; it could be said to be the keystone of the entire Chihaya Group. Its First Team is tasked with planning, security, and protection; its Second Team is in charge of information gathering and security; its Third Team executes illegal operations; its Seventh Team sees to medical duties; and its Thirteenth Team is tasked to resolve all astral incidents. These are, of course, only a few of its many specialized divisions.
Though these kugutsu are, naturally, provided with the full extent of Chihaya's unparalleled equipment and techniques, it is hard for any one organization to provide all the necessary support for a megacorp as large as Chihaya. As a result, the corporation relies on a large number of freelance contractors in addition to their employees.
The Chihaya Group also possesses "The 22 Fangs", a group of special operatives trained from childhood by the head of the megacorp, Chihaya Toshiyuki. And like all megacorps in the Neuro Age, they have a private army under the umbrella of Chihaya Heavy Industries. Their special forces platoon, the "Night Force", is capable enough to be sent into even large-scale conflicts.
Yet the Chihaya Group still has yet another military asset at its disposal; Mikado Security Preservation, which answers to the orbital faction of the megacorp. Within Mikado Security Preservation, Security Team Nine is well known for its expertise at assassinations and sabotage, and they have other teams specialized in illicit activities. Once a major player in the civil war that took place within the company, this department now uses the skills they honed during their internal conflict against to wage war against other corporations.
As Chihaya has financial interests in companies like Shinohara Judicial and SSS, they have a high degree of independence from the law.
= Faction Items =
(Chihaya Group: Melee Weapon) Chihaya Senko [Buy: -/5] [Hide: 5/-1] [Attack: S+8] [Parry: 3] [Range: Close] [Hack: -] [Slot: One Hand]
- A scalpel made for the use of the Logistics Management Department's Seventh Team. Though it also makes an excellent weapon, members of the Seventh Team who have the free time to practice with it are few. Katana Only.
(Chihaya Group: Ranged Weapon) Night Ruler [Buy: -/10] [Hide: 5/-2] [Attack: P+8] [Parry: -] [Range: Short~Medium] [Hack: 16] [Slot: Two Hands]
- A combat rifle used by Chihaya's corporate army. As a Minor Action, it gains either the effect [Full Auto Capable, FA1] or the effect [+1 Range Step] until the end of the Act. Another Minor Action can be used to swap the active effect.
(Chihaya Group: Ranged Weapon) Spike Lance [Buy: -/25] [Hide: 5/-2] [Attack: P+9 (14)] [Parry: -] [Range: Short] [Hack: 14] [Slot: One Hand]
- An anti-vehicular stake launcher, or in other words, a pile driver. If used with the <Gun Fu> skill, the Attack Mod becomes the number listed. This weapon cannot use Special Ammo. When attacked with, this weapon becomes [Out of Ammo].
(Chihaya Group: Weapon Option) Smart Mount❈ [Buy: -/5] [Hide: 15/0] [Attack: -] [Parry: -] [Range: -] [Hack: 15] [Slot: Weapon]
- A top-grade cybermod to embed a weapon in your body. An equipped weapon of your choice with [Hide: 5] or higher becomes [Hide: 15], and the Appearance Check Mod is boosted by +2 (to a maximum of 0). You can ready the weapon with an Auto Action.
(Chihaya Group: Body Armor) Knight Shroud [Buy: -/15] [Hide: -/-1] [Armor (S/P/I): 2/4/4] [Control: -1] [Hack: 15] [Slot: Coat]
- An armored coat made for those who expect to have to defend others in the vicinity. While wearing it, you gain +2 to the result of Style Skills that allow you to make Reactions for others in your Engagement, such as <Vigilant>.
(Chihaya Group: Neuroware) Type AXL [Buy: -/9] [Hide: 20/0] [Hack: 16] [Slot: Any (Nerves)]
- Prototype neuroware based on the Type X. It is currently being tested in the field by Chihaya's agents. Activate during the Setup Process. Until the end of the Scene, you gain a +7 bonus to CS.
(Chihaya Group: Neuroware) Chandela [Buy: -/12] [Hide: 10/0] [Hack: 14] [Slot: Any (Nerves)]
- Neurowear that controls and synchronizes your cosmetics. Activate with a Minor Action. If you have 3 or more Cosmetics equipped, you get +2 to the result of Negotiation checks.
(Chihaya Group: Neuroware) Expertise [Buy: -/50] [Hide: 12/0] [Hack: 16] [Slot: Brain]
- Neurowear that directly transmits the recorded skills of a master into your brain. Choose a Secret Skill from one of your Styles. You gain 1 SL in the chosen skill (it may not exceed the Max SL.) This Secret Skill does not count towards the limit of Secret Skills you can acquire from that Style; however, you may not increase its SL further.
(Chihaya Group: Artificial Body) Balor [Buy: -/35] [Hide: -/0] [Hack: 18] [Slot: Eyes]
- Milspec goggles with top-class target acquisition and tracking capabilities. Of course, they contain more basic features like night vision as well. Activate as a Minor Action. During this Main Process, your Physical Attacks become [Target: Area (P)] and get +2 to the Result. Limit 1/Scene.
(Chihaya Group: IANUS Option) Curious [Buy: -/7] [Hide: 12/0] [Hack: 15] [Slot: IANUS]
- An IANUS option that automatically calls up relevant info from the Web, with filtering to display only pertinent information. You get +2 to the Result of <Society> checks you make to gather information.
(Chihaya Group: IANUS Option) Open Up [Buy: -/15] [Hide: 13/0] [Hack: 13] [Slot: IANUS]
- An IANUS option that unlocks the unused potential of your brain. Choose one of your Attributes. You get +1 to the Control Rating of that Attribute. You may acquire and equip up to 3 copies of this Option, choosing the same or different Attributes.
(Chihaya Group: Artificial Mutation) Brood Brain [Buy: -/25] [Hide: 18/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: Any (Brain)]
- An artificial mutation that parasitizes your brain, adding additional implant capacity to it. Choose [Slot: Cerebrum] or [Slot: Cerebellum]. You can equip 1 additional Outfit in the chosen Slot.
(Chihaya Group: Tool) Meteor [Buy: -/20] [Hide: -/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: Both Hands]
- A replica of an uncyberized, pre-Hazard guitar produced by CME's Melody. You cannot equip this item unless you have <Art: Guitar Performance> at SL4 or higher. Activate before making the check of <On Stage>. You do not lose an AR as a result of using <On Stage>. Limit 1/Act.
(Chihaya Group: Psycho-App) Cold Fire [Buy: -/18] [Hide: 10/0] [Hack: 15] [Slot: Subconscious]
- A psycho-app that erases fear and other strong emotions when they arise. Activate when you take [BS: Fear]. You instantly recover from [BS: Fear]. Limit 1/Act.
(Chihaya Group: Psycho-App) Sprinjack [Buy: -/25] [Hide: 15/0] [Hack: 15] [Slot: Unconscious]
- A program that supercharges your reflexes to react to even the most sudden developments. Activate with a Minor Action. During this Cut, you can make Reactions to [Versus: Impossible] Combos using the appropriate Skill. Limit 1/Act.
(Chihaya Group: Food) C-Curry [Buy: 15/-] [Hide: -/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: -]
- Food that is served only in the Chihaya Arcology. It's curry whose recipe is subtly different each day of the week. Activate as a Major Action. One time this Act, as an Auto Action, you may discard one card from your hand and draw a new one.
(Chihaya Group: Food) C-Burger [Buy: 15/-] [Hide: -/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: -]
- Food that is served only in the Chihaya Arcology. It's a burger preferred by Kugutsu who are eating on the run. Activate as a Minor Action. During this Scene, you get +3 to the Wound Rating of Physical Wounds you inflict.
= Faction Skills =
CNN
Combo: Free
Max SL: 5
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that indicates you're an employee of Chihaya News Network or a Talkie on contract with them. You can call upon special channels of information available only to CNN.
You get +1 to the Result of all <Society> checks. In addition, you get a +[SL] bonus to the rating of Social Wounds you inflict.
Security Team Nine
Combo: Declare
Max SL: 3
Timing: Refer
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
You are a member of Mikado Security Preservation's Security Team Nine, experts at assassination and sabotage.
Use when you play a card with the Diamonds suit. The Card Value gets +[SL x 2].
Limit 1/Act.
LMD First Team
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that marks you as an member of the First Team of Chihaya's Logistics Management Department, specialized in providing physical security.
When you acquire this Skill, choose one Skill. You gain a +[SL] bonus to the Result of Reactions made with the chosen Skill.
LMD Second Team
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that marks you as an member of the Second Team of Chihaya's Logistics Management Department, specialized in providing digital security.
You gain a +[SL] bonus to the Result of all Checks made while you are Backstage.
LMD Third Team
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that marks you as an member of the Third Team of Chihaya's Logistics Management Department, which handles most of the LMD's wet work.
When you acquire this Skill, choose one Style Skill. You gain a +[SL] bonus to the Result of Checks made with the chosen Skill.
Special Talent Management Office
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that indicates you belong to Chihaya Music Entertainment's Special Talent Management Office. You are a producer unbound by the typical rules and redulations of the company.
When you acquire this Skill, choose one Skill from among <Negotiation>, <Society: Media> or any <Art> skill. You gain +[SL] to the Result of Major Action Checks made with the chosen Skill.
Night Force
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that is your badge as a member of the Night Force, Chihaya's special forces unit.
You gain a +[SL+2] to the Wound Rating of {Physical Attacks} made with [Subcategory: Ranged Weapon] or [Subcategory: Mounted Weapon] Outfits.
Insurance
Combo: Free
Max SL: 5
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
Due to your dangerous duties performed at their request, Chihaya's granted you a life insurance policy.
Use when you take a Wound that will result in you becoming {Dead}. You receive [SLx2] Credits. You can only use this Style Skill when {Incapacitated}. In addition, you may select a character other than yourself to receive the Credits.
Limit 1/Act.
Watch Drone
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Major
Target: Area (P)
Range: Close
Difficulty: 10
Versus: None
You have an area surveillance drone to support you in your operations. However, it has no utility in direct combat.
The targets gain a +[SL] bonus to the Result of <Perception> Checks, so long as they are not in combat. 
This effect lasts until the end of the Scene.
Support Team
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
You have a skilled operator assigned to you, and Chihaya's information gathering teams work around the clock to support your activities.
You gain a +[SL] bonus to the Result of all Professional <Society> Checks.
Request Support: Firewall
Combo: Free
Max SL: 4
Timing: Setup
Target: Area (P)
Range: Close
Difficulty: 10
Versus: None
You request cybersecurity support from the Third Team.
All Outfits possessed by the targets gain a bonus of +[SL] to their Hack Rating. This has no effect on [Hack: -] Outfits. In addition, if any are affected by {BS: Interference}, it is cleared.
Quality Provisions
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
You have access to the top-quality equipment used by the Logistics Management Department.
Choose one weapon you have equipped during the Pre-Act. You get +1 to the Result of Attacks made with the chosen weapon. In addition, you get a +[SL+1] bonus to the rating of Physical Wounds inflicted by the weapon.
You may not choose the same weapon as chosen by <High-Grade Weapon> (pretty sure I haven't translated this skill)
Specialty Products
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
Since you have access to Chihaya's most advanced battle techniques, naturally they have to supply you with gear that can keep up.
You can acquire up to [SL] Outfits exclusive to other Factions. However, when you do, you must pay their XP costs.
Solitary Meal
Combo: <Society: Business>
Max SL: 4
Timing: Major
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: 10
Versus: None
Your hours at Chihaya are long and tiring. Like every salaryman, you've gotten used to scarfing down a meal when you can.
You acquire one Food item of your choice aside from Sukiyaki. If you pay 1 Credit, you can additionally acquire <Large Portion> or <Extra Large Portion>.
(note: Food is a new item type on pg. 122 of BTD)
Producer
Combo: Alone
Max SL: 3
Timing: Refer
Target: Single
Range: Short
Difficulty: 10
Versus: None
You are experienced at directing other staff and setting up a stage. Chihaya has many types of producers under its umbrella.
Use when a character other than you makes a Check. They get a +2 bonus to the Result of that Check.
Limit 1/Cut, [SL]/Act.
Rough Stuff
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Refer
Target: Single
Range: Short
Difficulty: 10
Versus: None
You're an elite agent who knows how to hit your enemies where it hurts, whether it's with your words or your weapon.
You get a +[SL+2] bonus to the Rating of Physical and Mental Wounds you inflict.
World Order
Combo: Free
Max SL: 4
Timing: -
Target: -
Range: -
Difficulty: -
Versus: -
Your loyalty to Chihaya is absolute. You will endure any hardship to help them achieve the brighter tomorrow they envision.
When you use this skill in a Combo, you can ignore the effect of any Bad Statuses you are suffering from for that Check only.
Category: TOKYO N◎VA