Dani snorted, unimpressed that Eustacia had looked to Nikki when it came to talking potions rather than at least including her.  She got on with the American, the girl was a whizz in the lab, but Dani was...well...Not an exchange student.  And then little miss prefect.  Well at least the headmistress appreciated her skills.  "First, establish the desired outcome.  Second, establish available ingredients and equipment.  Third, eliminate any pre-known combinations that have already proven ineffective." Dani looked up from her scribbling and ticked off points on her fingers.  "We can boost either but beauty is easier to fake magically.  So long as they don't have an old girl on staff or something.  I know I would.  We COULD Weird Science it and get Angharad to make a brain but there's a hell of a lot can go wrong."  She screwed up her nose at Viridia's suggestion of getting at the markers.  "If something's multiple guess then it's probably computer marked, even if it isn't, they're likely to have more than one person handling it, a team that get moderated afterwards or something, like normal exams.  In terms of getting in, I'd bet there's an application process then an audition and then it goes on from there.  Like one of those dumb reality talent shows with the people who think they're good but have only been put through to the televised stuff for ratings."  She shifted her position, leaning forwards as she got into her stride.  "Em's right though, we need to find out numbers.  Every waiting room has copies of Vague in it but they don't get nicked so they can't be that interesting.  Or everyone already has a copy..."

Dani looked down at her arm, nodding as she checked off the points she had made.  "And when it comes to looking for a base to work on, you could do worse than DaVinci's ratios.  Get a proportional canvas and you can do a lot with not much.  Plus, the human brain is wired to find that sort of perfection attractive, even if the person themself isn't too bothered about brunettes or whatever.  Preferably no glasses or contacts unless you want to use them to fake some smarts in those rounds, one ear piercing tops, no visible tattoos at least.  Probably long hair, boobs about a D cup...Yeah, DaVinci."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Tue 08 Dec 2015.

As the other girls continued to discuss their options, Nikki perused the magazine Ms. F had handed her^*. "Yeah, there's a lot here." she responded, successfully masking her surprise that Emma hadn't come riding to her cousin's aid earlier and was managing to speak to Nikki, still.

She read over the relevant bits, before offering a website to the Computer Girl to explore.

---

^*I think my request was overlooked unintentionally (or I missed a line, somewhere). Additionally, I'm going to need some GM intervention as to what's covered in the article. :) -Ken

"Thank you, Nikki," said Angharad when given the web address. She opened a browser window and typed it in and soon was exploring the site... not so much the pretty bits you saw in a normal browser but the underlying code, sniffing around for ways to get further in...

Something else from the conversation flying around her percolated in.

"I don't make brains. Too messy. But some kind of direct link to... well, someone smart or straight online if our 'candidate' could manage web searching..."

She knew there were some people who found it hard, but that was an intellectual knowing. It wasn't something she could imagine.

Damn! Now I'm going to have to learn her name! Nikki swore internally. That was, she supposed, part of her job, though: know everyone, learn everything. Computer Girl's comments snapped her out of her thoughts, however, and she moved closer to her, peering over her shoulder at computer code that was only mostly alien to her.

"You're not talking about just sticking a tiny bluetooth in someone's ear, are you?" she asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:21, Mon 07 Dec 2015.

Viridia chuckles quietly and returns to her seat to watch the fireworks.  This is a fairly normal event in this kind of situation and she's fairly sure they'll work out the problems in their own assumptions sooner or later.

"Maybe I ought to give you a little clue - this is a show which among other things values beauty, what does that mean?"

"That it's highly unlikely that they'll have an all male judging panel or the immediate rumour will be that the winner slept her way there. The public are nasty, suspicious types like that." Dani objected to the condescending tone purely on principle, if the prefect thought she had all the answers, she could damn well come up with a plan of her own.

Viridia smiles.

"Fair point - but not what I was trying to point out.  Photos.  They'll want to take photos which means no more than about 20 contestants in the final stage maximum.  No they'll not want to burden themselves with administering a massive test to everyone so they'll use publicly available data as a starting point.  Probably exam results.  So whoever we choose needs to have passed their exams with flying colours, in electronic terms at least."

She flicks her hand indicating moving to a new topic.

"So assume a smallish group of girls, all with good grades how do you administer your test?  Think about it from the point of view of maximum value for money for the organisers."

A slight exasperated snort escaped Emma at Dani's comment. Her cheeks flushed an ingenue's rose. While she knew such things were probable, even likely, it was so difficult for Emma to manage in this blunt, vulgar atmosphere. She cleared her throat and focused on Viridia's question.

"Standardized testing, either electronic or filling in dots with a number 2 pencil would make the most sense. Essays allow for all sorts of fluffing and buzzwords and sob stories as to why someone is the best candidate because they love all things big and small and want to save the world from itself through peace, love and understanding. So, we're going to want someone that naturally does well on standardized testing. Yes, that would likely be the first step to cull the herd." She paused, her lips pulling to one side, "An analysis of what sort if IT girl Vague already trends toward would also be beneficial. I mean, they will either use the same Mad-Libs formula or want a 180 degree change. Reviewing and assessing what they favor will prove insightful. Rather, it would help narrow the scope. I seriously doubt they're looking for a truly 'new' look; rather, they're likely looking for someone that bridges the gap between edgy and exotic and their tried-and-true marketing success."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Tue 08 Dec 2015.

Viridia shrugs gently.

"Perhaps.  Perhaps not, the cost of administering a large scale exam is not insignificant you know."

She glances round the room.

"Right - there are several distinct tasks here and for now I think we need to split into teams to do each one."

"First there is getting the base information, judges names, designated alternates, anything on tests and test formats and any locations.  That's computer work for the most part.  Who wants that?"

"Second there is identifying a suitable candidate within the school, brains over beauty obviously but with a suitable base material element.  Whoever it is identifying needs to read Vague, at least the last dozen magazines looking for types and articles within it.  Then they need to find a candidate shortlist.  Who wants that?"

"Finally we need to put together a back-up team of some sort, clothing, make-up, poise and so on.  That's just one person assembling the best from the various cliques and should be the least work.  Any thoughts?"

Having handed the magazine to Nikki, Miss Fritton seems pleased with their brainstorming. "This all sounds very productive. As I understand it, there are several competitions being run in different countries. We have to deal only with the UK. But you know, a lot of schools will enter, and the first round will likely have hundreds of entries. We must get through to the next round! So winning in the brains section is essential, and your top priority! We can work oon beauty later. The actual contest is being held in Blackpool, I believe, which just proves that even Vague can have terrible taste at times. All the URLs and so forth are in the magazine, as well as a hotline number for the people running the show. I suggest we meet here again after lunch and you can tell me your plans."

She rose to depart and gave one final thought. "The school is depending on you. All our resources are available. The tuck shop, basement, and science labs are at your immediate disposal. Good luck, ladies!"

And thus, she departs.

OOC: Ok folks, here's the deal! When you have devised the first part of your plan, Viridia needs to state explicitly what everyone is doing. If she does so, those individuals get an extra +1d6 bonus when performing related tasks. If anyone deviates from the polan, you ALL lose your bonus.

Let me know what you are going to attempt, and I shall post the dice roll requirements here for you. Game on!

An audible pop accompanies the sound of the lollipop being taken out between Eustacia's thoughtfully pursed lips. While she is known for her selfish and manipulative manner, she is utterly devoted to the school, the second generation to attend, as her mother was a student here back in her time. St Trinians is their second home. They will fight to defend it!

When she speaks, it is with a thoughtful tone, and helpful - something that might surprise anyone who is used to her rather smug sounding cattiness. "As I see it, the candidate needs to have enough beauty to be a base to build upon. Looks are not too important, but decent skin, posture, managable hair are all vital. We need a good canvas for the masterwork to be painted upon. As for brains, it is a very fine line. We're going to cheat the exam anyway, so that element is irrelevant. What we really need is someone who can stand up on that stage and handle the interview portions of the contest. We're looking for someone who is more street and social savvy than a pure academic focus. I am sure we'll find someone suitable. If nobody minds, I think I should be the one to vet our candidates. No offence to anyone here, but I suspect I know more about the likely girls than anyone else. I've made it my business to snoop at everyone at one time or another, and it strikes me the sort of person we are after would likely be one of my girls." The gaggle of teenage harridans that form Eustacia's immediate circle might well spawn a candidate - or point at one elsewhere.

"As for the beauty section, I can help there, too, but from what I have seen in drama club, Miss Hayward is a bit of a whizz with the greasepaint. I know you'd not think so, given the train wreck she generally wears herself, but she is surprisingly adept. I'd certainly let her work on me for a performance, and I don't say that about just anybody."

Angharad, as was her custom, had been listening intently even as her fingers flew across the keyboard and her eyes gazed at her screen.

"Getting the base information, judges names, designated alternates, anything on tests and test formats and any locations indeed sounds like 'computer work' and right up my street," she said, trying to keep the edge out of her voice. Why did Viridia rub her up the wrong way so much?

"So naturally I shall attend to it."

This was one of the days when she was glad not to be pretty (not that it was something she thought much about as a general rule). Far too much attention for whichever luckless wight they picked on for their entrant. She was much happier in the background.

The Computer Girl had ignored or missed her question, but the conversation had moved on around them by that point, so Nikki let the matter drop. Something to explore at a later date, for sure, though.

She was surprised, then less so, as Eustacia recommended her for the makeup details with a backhanded compliment. Of course, looking the way she did was intentional, as it made looking vastly different much easier. Still, she nodded at the suggestion. "Viridia's right, if I've got a good, or even a neutral, canvas I think I can manage to improve on that fairly well. I'll start checking through the ranks of the academics, see who I think will work on that aspect. Between Eustacia and I, we should be able to present something contest winning, looks-wise."

She drew a breath before continuing. "Speaking of Eustacia - for the 'backup plan', I'd have to recommend her. She manages to do well for herself on her own, despite her natural shortcomings, in both the brains and the beauty department. With the resources of St. Trinian's behind her, she'd probably be able to manage to win something. Or at least place. How much is the second or third place prize?"

The magazine small print makes it clear that the lesser prizes are not so wonderful. Magazine subscriptions seem to be order of the day. This would appear to be an all or nothing competition. Which did focus the mind on winning!

Eustacia glared at Nikki for a long moment. Those comments were filed away for future reference. She would not forget them. But now was not the time for that sort of behaviour.

"I would prefer not to be in the limelight. Beauty contests and supermodels are all very well, but they are not the sort of behaviour that one expects from a future member of the royal family." She had not yet decided which of the various eleigible princes around the world she was going to marry. She would inform them as and when she had met them, and had their financial status properly vetted. "But if the school has no other option, I know where my duty lies. I shall wait until the other possibilities are rejected, however."

Again, Emma felt the flush of irritation at the American. First, she abuses the English language and then she continues to snipe at Minky. She couldn't believe the utter gall of the blond. What did Eustacia ever do to her anyway? As far as she was concerned, her cousin had been a perfect hostess, welcoming this stranger in a strange land. And what did she get in return? Nothing but impudence and childish, snarky comments only designed to obviously make the Yank feel better about herself.

"I could help with the candidate vetting process, or at the very least I could assist with ensuring that whomever is selected has the mental and emotional fortitude to withstand scrutiny at the microscopic level." She cast her around the room, her shoulders rounded with uncertainty. "We could also do some cold calling once we know what Vague's distribution list is to find out exactly where the likely competition is and then persuade them to realize that it is not in their best interest to pursuing the contest. I would be willing to help with this, too. Convincing people what isn't in their best interest is something I have a knack for." Her eyes flickered to Eustacia for support before resting on Viridia for approval or assignation elsewhere as she deemed necessary.

"Actually...If you want amazing makeup and actually gorgeous if you put them in mainstream gear, you could do worse than some of the goth crowd.  I mean, some of them are stunning anyway but you won't convince beauty pageant types of that if you present them in their usual get up.  Jemima...Oh hell, can't remember her last name, went by something Silver Raven-Wolfy last year.  They're more likely to be in possession of a brain than a lot of the typical pretty crowd as well.  Their own brain I mean, in their heads, the other kind you probably want to steer clear of.  Oooh, and what about pheromones? I could whip up a batch of pure attraction that would have everyone drawn to our girl.  Or something that we could dump in everyone else's hair spray to give the exact opposite."  It had been looking so promising as well, at least her leap this time had remained with the project in hand rather than jumping to something totally unrelated.

Emma nodded in agreement with Dani, "With the Goth crowd, you're also likely to get someone who will manage gracefully under scrutiny. After all, we're..." she stumbled on the admission, given she hardly fit the traditional profile of the Goths. Clearing her throat, she continued, a little color coming to her cheeks, "We're accustomed to be judged for any number of reasons. Someone who is all beauty may melt into an emotional puddle because they're too desperate to be liked by everyone, while someone all brains is likely to come off to aloof or cold or smart, something that will not translate into the next 'IT' girl. The ideal candidate has to have a little bit of both, but also needs to be savvy, er, possess common sense or street smarts and they ultimately need to not care one wit what people think about them. With the right mentoring, their standoffish nature will come off as shining self confidence."

She paused, glancing around the room for consensus. "If that is the demographic we agree should be farmed first, I'd be happy to assist. I may know a few girls that fit our profile, and more importantly, what motivates them. Time is of the essence, correct?" Her gaze turned to Viridia, seeking confirmation.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Mon 14 Dec 2015.

Viridia nods.

"Precisely.  We need to spend today assembling our information and then actually create a plane.  so to be clear."

"Eustacia, Emma and Nikki will handle candidate selection.  Concentrate on brains over beauty but with care taken to make sure the foundations are suitable.  Let me know when you're ready and I can use some first years to round up members of a particular clique and keep them there until you've dealt with them."

"Angarad will handle the computer searches.  We want any and all details but especially the judges, test information and locations."

"Danielle and I will explore less usual methods of influencing the judges, scientific and magical.  That's open ended but we're going to be looking a possibilities not mathods right now.  Any questions?"

OOC:

Time for a few rolls!

Angharad, as you might expect, you need to make a Computer roll. Thanks to Viridia's prefect-ness, your roll is Computer+2d6.

Eustacia, Nikki, and Emma: Social Studies rolls, please. Also, Drama and Observation, please! Again, remember it is skill level+2d6 thanks to the Prefect bonus.

Dani and Viridia: at the moment you are making plans, so no actual rolls on science and stuff are needed, yet. If you want to do something proactive, such as talking to NPCs, doing rituals and so on, let me know, and we'll do the relevant rolls.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:28, Mon 14 Dec 2015.

Dani leaned back, wobbling precariously before she recalled that she was perched on the arm of the sofa rather than somewhere a little more stable.  She gave up the idea and bounced to her feet, pacing a small circle as she spoke.  "I would suggest that we want to put any mojo on the candidate rather than try to directly affect the judges.  For one we don't know who they are yet so we can't tailor any plans even as far as gender.  For two, there'll be multiple targets and aiming at one is always easier.  And for three, they're subject to change if someone feels a bit queasy or something.  Although we can always get the lineup we want with a few rumours in the right ears if we don't like one in particular.  I'd suggest that we start with the scientific, I've got a luminosity thing that I've been working on, meant to be an anti-theft thing but it'll knock that light reflecting crap you get from the big brands into a cocked hat.  We can make her glow."  She paused briefly, physically and verbally, "In a pleasing cosmetic sense associated with health and stuff, not like she's been irradiated or anything.  That's a different project."

She was ticking off points on her fingers again, in between checking some of the notes she had scribbled earlier.  "Perfume or something, either pheromone based or just a scent that will get them all revved up.  That's a bit more subjective though and most men don't seem to have much of a sense of smell if the amount of cologne they splash about is any indication.  When it comes to questions, wonder if we could get the tech geeks to make something like google glasses, send the answers that way, less likely to get spotted than an earpiece."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:07, Tue 15 Dec 2015.

Eustacia sucked her sweet on a stick, pensively. "No, no questions. If there's nothing else, we can get right on it. I have a few ideas of who to choose, and I am sure that's true of everyone else, too. Shall we meet again after classes today? That gives us enough time to do some proper work."

Social Studies: 3 successes (assuming normal rolls at difficulty 5!)
Drama: 4 successes
Observation: 0 successes (boo!!!!!)

Nikki was not accustomed to noticing Emma on most days. It was a combination of her own brightness cancelled out by her proximity to Eustacia and her own naturally muted brightness. Today, though, she peaked Nikki's interest. Emma did possess most of the qualities they might be looking for. She was smart - probably smarter than Eustacia, even - she wasn't as pretty as Eustacia, but there was definitely a lot there to work with - if they could do something about those eyebrows. She'd been scrutinizing Emma for a while, now, during most of the latter part of the following speeches - she might've even gone a little doe-eyed as she considered all the possibilities of makeup, dress, hair, etc.

Snapping out of it as Eustacia spoke and effectively dismissed them all, she hoped no one had caught her fawning over Emma.

She nodded at Eustacia's comments. She wasn't thrilled about working with Emma and Eustacia - it was definitely going to be next to impossible to push her own suggestions at all. She took some mental notes as she stood, nodding. "Sounds like a plan. Do you three want to work together or separately for the canvasing?" she asked of Emma and Eustacia.

---

Social Studies: 2 successes
Drama: 2 successes
Observation: 1 success
<sigh> I hate dice rolling

"Okie dokie," said Angharad and turned to her computer once more. The rest of the room faded away as her concentration became absolute, fingers flying and eyes flicking from window to window on her screen. Now she was in her element!

---

OOC: 08:54, Today: Angharad Probert rolled 13 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,3.  Searching for info regarding competition.
10:51, Today: Angharad Probert rolled 19 using 7d6 with rolls of 2,3,1,1,6,2,4.  Re-roll with CORRECT dice!
This message was last edited by the player at 10:52, Tue 15 Dec 2015.

To Dani

Viridia nods.

"We need to be careful.  Being too obvious is as bad as being too unnoticable.  We also need to consider sabotage of others.  That light reflecting thing - could you get the radioactive version ready as well?  That could be useful.  A faint green glow isn't attractive and might not be noticed.  Think minor changes to make an overall impression."