ASTA Corporation Sponsorships\Affiliations

You received a letter in the mail; a large envelope addressed to you and you alone. Inside, what you first thought was a heavily printed vacation package folder is something much more. Emblazoned with the logo of ASTA Corporation and fronted with the image of a person wearing a suit shaking hands with a shilouetted hero in a cape; the folder contains numerous pamphlets, documents and even a small projector disk. When you set it on the table a distorted image leaps into the air; it settles for a moment and the logo of the company again lingers in your view. A moment later; a pleasant and feminine voice fills the air.

"Hello, and thank you for taking the time to review this ASTA Corporation sponsorship package. You have been selected among your peers as a candidate for the Professional Heroics Sponsorship package, an offering provided by ASTA Corporation.

As either a student in the Hero Program or a Professional Hero yourself, you might find that there is just never enough support. Financial difficulty can often interfere with your ability to acquire the right materials, hardware, and even personnel to support your efforts. Contacts are a challenge to acquire and finding just the right mentor or side-kick can be next to impossible in what is already becoming a very competitive field. In the past few years, it has become evident that resources and popularity can play a major role in success and can lead to future opportunities. Unfortunately, time spent solving these problems is time spent away from doing what you do best; saving lives and protecting our society. We at ASTA understand that, and are offering to mitigate these problems on your behalf as part of this Professional Heroics Sponsorship package.

Now for a word from our CEO, Sonya Chernova;" The voice fades and the logo vanishes, replaced with the pretty face of a woman in a suit sitting at her desk. The image is still not fully clear, like static, but the hologram holds in place as she regards the 'camera'. An early but effective demonstration of ASTA Corporations technological know-how.

"Very official sounding, mm?" The woman asks, chuckling, "But that's where we are. Times are changing as fast as they settle and society is beginning to coalesce around the idea of Heroes. What I want to offer you is more than just fancy toys and a hero-suit with an ASTA logo. This is an opportunity to get a little ahead of the game, to cement your popularity and your place as more and more accept Heroes for what they are, our future. Your work is too important to be bogged down with constantly having to concern yourself with upkeep. Appearances and Merchandising should be an important but small part of your job. Thats what I am offering you, peace of mind. Keep that in mind as you read through what we have here; good luck, heroes,"

The image flickers again; "ASTA Corporation thanks you for listening. ASTA Corporation... more than..."

The image fades, leaving you with your thoughts.

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Phew! Exciting right? ASTA Corporation is always hiring of course, but our focus is a major part of the services it provides. The company produces designer clothing, cosmetics, electronics, weapons, and support items. It exists to facilitate quirkers and more importantly Pro Heroes and Hero Students. So now its time to take advantage of that. This will be the first round of applications for players to apply for their character to get a Sponsorship with ASTA corporation. While this does not give any hard advantages (you dont' get a free wealth skill, sorry!) you now have IC explanations for any quirk upgrades, new equipment, and other perks that you might gain from the company. This is also a wider plot opportunity for anyone who wants to contribute to the commercialization of hero society leading into the kind of world the canon show has.

ASTA does expect services rendered in return, though.

PRO Heroes: Pro Heroes are expected to wear the ASTA logo on their uniform (somewhere) as well as participate in media advertising and merchandising. Pros are free to take advantage of the merchandising and advertising for themselves as well. Posters, Action Figures, Accessories, Clothing, etc. Modeling, Commercial Apperances, etc, are a huge part of the Sponsorship Package. ASTA will also provide an 'agent' to act as a liason for a Pro Hero, helping them get in contact with other groups, scout potential recruits as side-kicks, and otherwise make it easier for them to focus on their jobs.

Students: Students aren't expected to wear ASTA logos explicitly (unless they want) but are expected to keep a certain "grade average" and maintain positive relationships with their peers (stay out of trouble). In exchange they often will find themselves able to go to the ASTA corporate labs and get fitted for new gear designed by the engineers and support specialists that may one day be their peers from the support program.

I'll be reviewing the applications carefully before making decisions.

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[b]Character Name:[/b]
[b]Type:[/b] (Hero or Student)
[b]Link to Sheet:[/b]
[b]Type of Sponsorship:[/b] Advertising, Merchandising, Modeling, Media Appearances, etc.
[b]What kind of plot are you hoping for?:[/b] If you just want the sponsorship with no explicit side plot beyond activities, just put NA. If you want this to some how play a major role in your characters story, throw up some suggestions here.
[b]Anything else you want me to know?: [/b]