RocketLord

GM The raven laughed its cawing laughter from its perch, only stopping to look down at Luther. There was a sly tone to its voice, a surprisingly melodic tune to what one might have believed to be a harsh and hoarse voice, coming from a bird such as it. "Better, Master of Melancholy. Much better." With a flap of its wings, the raven flew, soaring on the air before landing heavily before Luther. With a wing, it gestured towards the ground between. "Well then, let me see them. Hurry up, I have not all night! Interesting as your tale might be, I have other errands to run before morning! And if you can, tell me how exactly these things look." It pointed to its eyes with a feather. "Different eyes, after all!"

GM "How interesting! I would love to meet her at one point!" Charlemagne exclaimed, quite happily too. "Yes, I know of many in this world that would love to get their hands on someone like her, so you will do well to keep her safe." For a brief moment, his friendly demeanor seemed to change. His eyes grew darker, a shadow seemed to fall over him for a moment. "Mythic poachers." He almost spat out the words. "Horrible things. With horrible ideas on how to treat these majestic creatures!" He almost shot up to a standing position, his cup of tea on the table wobbling, only barely managing to avoid spilling. "They hunt them, they hurt them, and for what? Magical ingredients? To sell? For sport!?" For a moment, it seemed like thunder was still brewing in Charlemagne's eyes, then he breathed out, heavily. "Sorry, sorry!" He was back to his friendly tone. "Nothing should be hunted, do you not agree?"

If you try out the tablet, can I then get a Computers check?

Forever Boy Pan immediately heard the worry and regret in Reina's voice, and frankly, he did not like it. She had no reason to be ashamed! After all, she had defeated a mighty foe. Why should she? "No reason for regret! Even if he had not been caught, he was the attacker, was he not? Even a hero cannot do everything on their own! That is what friends are for!" He winked at her through his domino mask, flashing one of his regular wide smiles. Much like Reina, he was hovering above the ground now, a somewhat quizzical look in his eyes as he scarf moved towards the tablet, and he found himself agreeing with her. "Perhaps! Give it a try, and let us see what happens!"

GM As the lights approached, it became easier to make out their number, and their origin. Six lights, moving on small robotic devices that seemed to be made out of the same mixture of corals and human technology. They were small and round, roughly the size of a soccer ball. They moved swiftly, leaving a stream of water behind, but they appeared to be alone. Their movement seemed far from random. They seemed to be actively exploring their surroundings, finally stopping when they cast their light on Asad and Sea Devil, all their attention drawn towards them, leaving Sgt. Shark free to act without being seen, for the moment at least.

It was hot. From his position at the rear, Pan kept a lookout, watching and listening intently. On guard for any sound that might catch his attention, be it a child crying or the flap of Dio's wings. Sound might be weird in this nightmare, but it was worth a try, at least. At Ashley's request, Pan tried helping with the doors, but they were indeed locked tight. He was not the physically strongest at Claremont, but even then, the door simply did not budge, even with their combined might. Something had to be done differently if they were to breach the door and reach the library. He smiled at Leroy's suggestion, bowing and gesturing towards the door. "By all means, my friend!" Leroy had the right idea, as far as Pan was concerned. This was a dream, not the real world, and they had to treat it as such. The rules were different in dreams, after all, and it seemed that Leroy was embracing that idea. Pan could only watch in awe as Leroy roared at the door, a golden dragon shining through his skin. Would it be enough? Would it meet the rules that Victoria had unknowingly set, or... would it simply terrify the poor girl to suddenly see a great dragon?

@Grumblefloof, @Avenger Assembled: It is not showing any ability to defy gravity. There's just a lot of it pouring down, and the level in the room is starting to rise. It is not moving along the ceiling so far.

Forever Boy "Brilliant!" Just like the thug, he had never before seen a man knocked out with a scarf. He wanted to clap and congratulate Reina, fly up and give her a hug, but, the thug was falling, and as much as he had tried to hurt them, that was not something Pan could just allow, was it now? At least he flew faster than the fall, catching the man and, with some difficulty, because he was heavy Pan was able to set him down on the ground, plopping him up next to his companion. He looked up at Reina with a wide grin. "That was absolutely magnificent! Well done! Now, any idea why these two were following us? I am afraid that they are not someone that I have fought before."

GM The thug looked up at Reina as she moved in, her scarf twisted into the shape of a fist. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but he just couldn't get the words out, his reactions still slow from the blow he had taken moments before. All he could do was watch as the fist of scarf came bearing down on him, hitting him square in the face. Despite it all, even as he started falling from the height he had flown to, the thug could not keep a smile from his face, as he muttered a single line. "First time... knock out... scarf."

Thug 2 Toughness Roll vs DC30: 1d20+11 = 23 And he is OUT!

GM Lady Horus and Mister Strix both moved swiftly, whether to the ceiling or to shut windows and doors. The black liquid seemed to continue seeping into the somewhat small room. The closed windows and doors did indeed seem to stop it, at least as far as they could see, but they were now faced with another problem: The ink kept pouring into the room, seemingly never ending. The hole that Lady Horus had punched through the floor were simply filled to overflowing. How would they escape? At least the flow of the ink seemed to slow somewhat, even if the level kept rising. Doctor Thorne, Wadjet and Ronin were met with their own problems on the floor above. The black liquid seemed to notice them, and even as it poured into the hole in the floor, it moved towards the trio. Not exactly as fast as it had moved before, but still fast, and it seemed that the fallen books was creating an unending supply.

"NOBODY dies! Not if I can help it!" It was not the same tone she had talked to the Wall or even Blowfish until now. This was not a request, not a questioning line that they might agree to or not. This was something much more forceful. This was a command. Robin had put on a brave front until now, she had tried to do this right, but this? Now the were pushing her too much. Robin might have changed a lot since she first put on this mask and suit. She had never imagined talking things out with someone like Finnigan, getting stabbed in the back like he had did, or going somewhere like this. Was this what it was like for real life super heroes? Constantly getting caught up in between shades of grey, no way out in either way? Damned if you do, shot if you don't? Quick math, Blowfish had a gun. A stray shot, and people in the crowd would be hit. Could Robin stop that? Was she good enough for that? She was still thinking of herself as Robin. Maybe it was time to do what she had been saying for a while. Take a decisive action. No more second guessing. Time to be Justice. Her gun shifted, pointing straight towards Blowfish. A slightly oversized weapon. Clearly not shooting bullets. And she took the shot, a burst of kinetic energy flying forward. Not aimed at Blowfish's body or face, but at his hands, and the weapon held it in.

Using a HP to get a Heroic Feat to get Improved Sunder for Justice, then aiming to shoot the Tommy Gun out of Blowfish's hands. Attack roll: 1d20+11 = 27 (and +4 for Improved Sunder)

GM The raven looked down upon Luther. Its eyes were dark and calculating. There were something deep, something ancient in them. Perhaps a greater tale, waiting to be told? Perhaps just a simple bird, who had happened to follow an interesting human? "Mind your tongue." Or perhaps it was a talking raven. The tone was harsh, and yet, the raven laughed. It was a cawing laughter, much like the sounds would usually make, but the intent was clear. "Address me properly, if you wish for my help. I am Hugin, messenger and spy of Odin himself!"

GM "Hmph." Barry's reply was short, curt, sounded very annoyed, and could probably not be considered a genuine word. He did obviously not approve of his master's guest quite yet. If he noticed, Charles Charlemagne did not comment on Barry's reply. Instead, he listened with interest to Oswald's story of his sheep. With great interest, it seemed. "I see, I see. Yes, keeping magical creatures in their pens can prove quite troublesome, can it not? I have had a great many problems trying to keep some of my critters in their homes. Really, it is for both their safety and that of the city, but some just want to run free." He paused, asked about his own story. For a moment, some emotion flashed over his eyes. Something that Oswald could not quite describe. Then the jovial expression returned. "Ah, there is not much to tell, I am afraid. My parents were always part of the magical community. Why, they helped the Master Mage out a few times, if you were to believe my mother! From a young age, I was interested in all kinds of magical beasties, and that interest grew. I started my little zoological garden here, both to keep them safe and to satisfy my own interest, I admit. It has grown quite a bit since those days, however."

"No, you are not a bad monster. Not at all. You have been very, very brave." Pan held the little boy close. He could feel the scaly structure on his skin, but he did not let go. The child needed him, what else could he do? And then, as Miss Lupine helped, Mardo faded away, leaving Pan with empty hands. He looked down at his hands. How curious. And then Ashley of all people complimented him. Now, this was surprising. Still, not an unwelcome feeling. "Thank you, Ashley." Standing up, he walked over to Judy and Leroy. "Ah, it was you, Leroy. I must admit it, I did not recognize you at first." He smiled, making a show out of looking Leroy over. "Did you do something new with your hair?" If the rules of this dream world made your worst nightmares true, then some levity might help, after all. "Well, if it is just your fear, then we should be fine! After all, I am the Forever Boy, and I have yet to meet something to fear!" He flashed his brilliant smile, putting up a brave front. He could only hope that his own fears would not come true in here.

Forever Boy Pan watched with a smile as Reina flew above. The light was brilliant, but the thug was faster. This was clearly not his first fight. Probably not his last, either. With his Pixie Blast coming back, Pan watched in anticipation, a wide grin on his lips. Oh, this would be good. It was almost there. And then, it flew right past. Pan watched, mouth slightly agape. Was this man just extremely lucky, or was he really that good? If he was that good, then someone, somewhere had to have heard of him, and yet... "You could not hit the side of a barn with shots like that!" Pan shouted. One of his weaker attempts, and the distraction didn't seem to work, and yet... his next Pixie Blast hit true, square in the thug's face as he looked up, with a satisfying *THUD* sound. He seemed stunned for a moment, and Pan looked expectantly at Aurora. As far as he was concerned, this was her time to shine now.

GM "Just leave me alone! You punks aren't worth this!" he shouted back at Pan, while the glowing winged ball of light flew around him. He did his best to swat it away, much like one would with a fly, but it just seemed to zip past him. And then Aurora was above him. He looked up at her, his eyes narrowing at the glowing energy bolt in her hands, then his eyes suddenly widened. "Oh no ya don't!" he shouted back, covering his eyes with one arm, protecting his eyes from the burst of violet-white light, then at the same time raised his other, shooting blindly at Aurora, his shots going wide and flying right past her.

Sorry, but Dazzle is Reflex to avoid, then Fortitude to recover. So... Reflex Save DC20 vs. area half effect: 1d20+13 = 15 FAILED! Reflex Save DC20 vs. Dazzle: 1d20+13 = 26 Sadly, he manages to look away just in time! Still, its a distraction! And he fires a blast at Aurora! Attack roll: 1d20+8 = 14 And that would be a miss. Now, Homing Pixie Blast from Pan: 1d20+11 = 14 Right then. Since none of us can seem to hit regularly: Feint and then another Pixie Blast! Feint as Move action: Bluff 1d20+16 = 19 Thug sense motive: 1d20+8 = 22 Seeing through that too! Pixie Blast: 1d20+11 = 23 FINALLY A HIT! Thug 2 Toughness Roll vs. DC26: 1d20+11 = 26 So, I'm gonna spend a HP on Pan's Luck Control to force a reroll on that: 1d20+11 = 12 Failed by 14, so Staggered and Dazed, and Aurora is up. 18 - Aurora - 0HP - Unharmed 17 - Thug 1 - Unconscious 15 - Thug 2 - Bruised, Staggered, Dazed  14 - Forever Boy - 0HP - Unharmed

Forever Boy Scarves and punches were flying all around, and Pan was just dancing around in the air, glowing glitter falling all around him. His lips had lit up into a great grin, his eyes beaming as Reina's scarf whipped at the thug once more, clearly aggravating him (that was his words, after all!) "Nice!" he shouted in encouragement to Reina, even as the thug flew away. Pan grinned at him, Pixie Dust gathering between his hands. "You do not get to start trouble and then just run, my friend!" A brilliant winged ball of light flew forward, missing the thug, and yet, it turned around, flying back for another go!

GM "GAH! Would you quit it with that damn scarf!" Even if Aurora's scarf missed, it was clearly bothering the thug to have it moving around his face at whip-like speeds. He threw a rather futile punch towards Forever Boy, who simply danced around it in the air, then activated his thrusters. "Leave me alone ya brats! This job ain't worth the aggravation!" He might be flying up higher, but it did not seem like he was about to leave, with his companion still leaving in the alley. Instead, he put some distance between himself and the heroes, so he could use his blasters again.

Still a bit too far away for a hit! The Thug goes for Pan with a punch: 1d20+10 = 23, and its a miss! He'll use his second action to try and get some distance, flying further up in the small alley. FB: Sends a Pixie Blast after the thug: 1d20+11 = 14 And that's a miss! But homing, so gonna try again next round! Aurora is up after my IC posts!

Uses the power of magic. Plays music to create various magical effects. Flying V guitar. Magic guitar that lets him use various magic effects. Danish teen finds magic guitar, he is now thrown into the world of magic and super heroics as the world's new Master Maestro. - The Master Maestro defends the Universal Song (or whatever I want to call it), making sure it retains its harmony/melody (in short: defeat baddies) - The Universal Song is somewhat sentient, to the degree that it will eventually try to change its tune based on events (bad things keep happening, things go worse, etc.), so the best option is to reharmonize the song (by fighting Discordants, see below) before things get out of hand. - Chosen by a host of musical gods, as represented by Bragi (others: Xango of the Orisha, Ame-no-Uzume of the Shinto Gods, Maîtresse Délai of the Loa, Kokopelli of various Native American faiths) - There's always 5 Master Maestros: One for each of the 5 Gods in the union, but potentially many other Master Maestros in training (Instruments: Lute -> Guitar, Drum, Violin, Flute, ?) - Each Master Maestro has a Second, an Assistant (CONDUCTOR!) that helps them. Usually a master-servant relationship - There is a unique mystical entity that listens to the Universal Song, which is disturbed by every bad note, and churns out baddies (Discordants), which keeps happening until the Universal Song is restored and reharmonized - Defeat the Discordants, reharmonize. Master Mage handles external threats, Master Maestro keeps reality humming as it should - Discordants can be created through particularly violent, cruel and senseless acts (or even just very unexpected). Basically easier than to summon demons, not that all demon summoners know that Conflict with wanting to be a big star, but now being divinely empowered. Is it still his own skills? Or something he's been granted? Secret ID? - Maybe there's a whole tradition of Master Maestros around the world, with each deciding in different ways how to pass their instrument on to the next generation. -- An original instrument being damaged (battle, age, something like that). Lute or mandolin? Now an electric guitar (that does not need power), causing ideological rumblings, some other Master Maestros potentially coming for Mikkel. -- How would you feel about the original instrument being damaged and you needing to transfer the working parts to a modern version. Like it was originally a lute or mandolin but it started to crumble from extreme age so you put the threat and strings onto an accoustic guitar. Causes quite a bit of ideological mumbling amongst the other maestros because its change in their thousands of years of tradition. Some liking the idea because change is good and music has changed, others disliking it because their job is specifically to stop this song from changing. And theyre worried introducing new elements might make that harder or current issues worse. Potential enemies - The Maestro from FC who hates all non-classical music, and someone calling himself the Master Maestro is just too much - Some kind of mystic nihilist cult that works for the Terminus, trying to drag things into the Terminus by creating total silence in the Universal Song via opposing notes - A rival that believes him/herself better suited to be Master Maestro (probably someone that's been studying for it for a long time?) - Enemies of the Gods that chose him - Discordants -- The weaker they are, the more chaotic and shifting. The truly strong ones look off, but their forms have stabilized, compared to weaker ones that constantly shift. Song names for Drain: Arthritic aria, bumbler 's ballad, contagion concerto, dithering ditty, weakening waltz Magic Music power stunts AP: Blast 12 ("Power Chord"; Extras: Area [General Burst], Linked to Nullify Sonic (+0); Flaws: Range [Touch]) [24PP] + Nullify Sonic 12 (Counter one Sonic effect per target; Extras: Area [General Burst], Effortless, Linked to Blast (+0); Flaws: Range [Touch]) [24PP] {48/48} (Impact Damage Type, Music, Sonic) AP: Create Object 13 ("You Can Make It If You Try"; Extras: Movable; Feats: Precise, Progression [Object Size] 4, Selective, Stationary, Subtle, Tether) {48/48} (Creation, Music, Sonic) (Size: Up to 13x100 foot cubes) AP: Damage 12 ("Smash the Set"; Extras: Autofire, Penetrating 6, Secondary Effect; Feats: Accurate 3, Extended Reach [5 ft.], Knockback 2) {48/48} (Bludgeoning Damage Type, Guitar, Reverb) AP: Illusion 12 ("The Greatest Show On Earth"; Auditory, Visual Illusions; Feats: Precise, Progression 7 [Area]) {44/48} (Images, Illusion, Music, Sonic) (Area: 1000 ft. radius) AP: Mind Control 12 ("Pied Piper Special"; Extras: Area [General Perception (Auditory)], Conscious, Effortless, Selective Attack; Flaws: Range [Touch] (-2)) {48/48} (Music, Psionic, Sonic) (Heavy load: 50k tons) AP: Nauseate 12 ("Brown Note"; Extras: Area [General Perception (Auditory)], Selective Attack) {48/48} (Music, Sonic) AP: Teleport 11 ("Free Bird"; Extras: Accurate, Area [General Burst], Affects Others; Flaws: Short-Range; Feats: Change Direction, Change Velocity, Selective, Turnabout) {48/48} (Music, Empowerment) (Area: 55 ft. radius, Range: 1100 ft.) Music Interstellar Strut - TWRP The Poet Power Level: 12 (180/180PP) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: -2ATK/+2DC (You Gotta Move - Thrown Objects), +4ATK/-4DC (Reharmonize) In Brief: Hero with a magic guitar, rocking out against Eldritch forces threatening reality. Catchphrase: "Let's rock!" Theme: Jukebox Hero - Foreigner Alternate Identity: Mikkel 'Mickey' Holm Larsen (Secret?) Birthplace: Copenhagen, Denmark Residence: Mobile Occupation: Master Mastro, Rock Star Affiliations: The Master Maestro Order Family: Thomas Larsen (Father, born 1962, Professor of Social Studies at Copenhagen University), Anne Holm Larsen (Mother, born 1964, Professor of Mathematics at Copenhagen University), Tove Holm Larsen (Sister, born 1990, Former student, deceased 2012, now Einherjar and Mikkel's Conductor) Description: Age: DoB: 1994 [August 1st] Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5'11'' Weight: 170 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Dark brown Mickey is a young man in relatively good shape, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He is usually seen wearing jeans and t-shirts, along with his beloved denim jacket, though its age is starting to show. He has no set heroic outfit and will usually wear whatever he is wearing at the time when performing heroics, often with a black brace worn on his right hand. When the Mantle of the Master Maestro manifests around Mickey to protect him, it does so as a black cape with white trim, and ever changing white and grey patterns, which seem to react to the music that Mickey plays. Mickey is almost always carrying his guitar, a Gibson 1968 Flying V Worn Cherry Guitar. History: When Mikkel 'Mickey' Holm Larsen was 4 years old, his father took him to a concert with Kim Larsen. It wasn't Thomas' favored choice of music, but even he enjoyed the music. Mickey heard that one guitar, and it just blew him away. He had stars in his eyes, and the very next day he begged his parents to buy him a guitar. Thomas and Anne never thought Mickey would amount to much. Both professors at the Copenhagen University, they had little patience for the fact that their son's lack of interest in academics, instead focusing on his 4 years older sister, Tove. While Tove excelled in academics, Mickey love for music grew, and he was rarely seen without an instrument of some kind. Mickey would claim that it really didn't matter that much. Sure, it would've been nice to get some encouragement for them, and to not always feeling like he was a distant second best to his sister, but contrary to his difficult relationship with his parents, Mickey didn't just get along well with his older sister, she positively doted on him and encouraged him to follow his own dreams of becoming a rock star. Mickey could sing, he had a voice like an angel, and he seemed like a natural with almost any instrument he picked up, even as he drifted towards stringed instruments, with a particular love for guitars. Still, no matter what guitar he picked up, no matter how well he played, it just felt off. He couldn't put it into words, he couldn't explain why or how, but no instrument felt right in his hands, and his music suffered for it. During his teenage years he would start a great number of bands, few lasting longer than a few months, as Mickey's frustration with not just his music, but his parents as well, grew. Still, his sister's encouragement kept him going. In 2012, tragedy struck. While studying abroad in Germany, Tove was killed, as she rushed to defend a man from a drunken beat down. One of the attackers wielded a piece of plywood, and he managed to hit Tove in just the wrong way, and she was killed on the spot, defending a man she had never met. The entire family was hit hard by the news. Mickey fell into a depression, lost all passion for life, all passion for music. Without his sister to see and listen, then what did it all matter? Years passed. Mickey's distance to his parents grew even greater. Before, he at least had his music. Now he was just drifting through life, working dead end jobs, never carrying about educating himself or doing something else. With the help of therapists, he was slowly getting better. It was a long hard road, but at least he was making progress, and on the outside, it seemed like everything was fine. He started going out with friends again, started partying, playing music, but his heart wasn't quite in it. One evening, as he was walking home through the streets of Copenhagen after another failed audition for his latest band, Mickey's life changed forever, as he saw a sight unlike anything he had ever seen before. The Little Mermaid, one of Denmark's few heroes, were fighting some kind of distorted monster in the streets of Copenhagen. It was difficult to explain what the creature looked like. It had elongated, irregular and distorted ever-shifting features. One arm longer than the other. Three legs. Hard, stone-like skin in some places, fur in others. A single metallic wing growing over its short arm. Irregular fangs. It towered high above Mickey, glaring with its unblinking yellow eye, the only constant in its form. The Little Mermaid pushed him out of the way from a blow and told him to run, even as it seemed clear she had little chance on her own. Mickey ran. What else could he do? As the distorted beast rampaged behind him, something caught his eye. A little shop on the street, one that he had never seen before, even as followed this street day after day. Records in racks outside, the sign plastered above the door in rune-like letters read "BRAGENDE GOD MUSIK". The door was open. He duck inside, quickly locking the door behind himself while offering an apology to whoever was inside. The small bell at the top of the door jingled as the door closed, and the noise from the outside fell silent. It seemed like a regular little music store. Loads of CDs, racks with LPs, some instruments on the wall. And Mickey was alone. Maybe the owner had already run. For reasons he couldn't understand, Mickey could scarcely remember why he had entered the shop. There was a feeling, a shiver running down his back. He had goosebumps. There was just something about this store. Slowly, he began moving around, looking through the music, continuing deeper and deeper into the store. He would reach out to instruments as he passed them, then pull his hand back. It still didn't feel right. It felt like he moved through the shop forever. It had been a small shop from the outside, he had no idea how it could fit so much inside. And then, he saw it. A Gibson 1968 Flying V Worn Cherry Guitar, with the handle and top of the guitar sticking out of a large stone. He felt it again. The same sensation when he was child at the concert. He had stars in his eyes. It was like a trip to the past as he stared at it. This was it. This was his guitar. The noise from the outside finally reached him once more, as the entire building shook. Mickey closed his hand around the guitar, and with one swift move, he pulled it from the stone. He fished a guitar pick out of his pocket. Of course he was carrying one. He raised his hand and was about to play a tone when a hand closed around his shoulder. It was an older man with curly blonde hair and beard. While the battle raged outside, he explained to Mickey that the guitar was not just any instrument, but the tool of a Master Maestro known as the Axe of Bragi. By being able to pull the guitar from the stone, Mickey had been chosen as one of five Master Maestros that were to harmonize the Universal Song and protect the world from Discordants, like the beast that the Little Mermaid was fighting outside. There was much more to it, of course, but there was little time, if he wanted to save the hero. Of course, it was Mickey's choice. Use the guitar that was meant for him, help protect the world, or give it up, and hope that another would be chosen. The shopkeeper knew Mickey's choice, of course. Mickey stepped outside to see the Little Mermaid on the ground, the laughing beast towering over her. She was struggling to rise, as he stepped forward and gripped the guitar. And that one guitar, felt good in his hands. It didn't take long, to understand. The beast laughed, its unblinking eye watching. What difference could Mickey make? After all, it was just one guitar, slung way down low, but little did the beast know that it was a one way ticket, with only one way to go. So Mickey started rocking like he wasn't never gonna stop. Like he had to keep on rocking, if someday he' was gonna make it to the top. In an instant, the battle was over. As the Discordant beast realized its mistake, Mickey played and sang, putting his every soul into the song. Before the beast even reached him, it was gone, changed to a statue. When the Little Mermaid rose to her feet, Mickey was gone. The shopkeeper had taken him back into the little shop, which was no longer there. He got to work explaining the situation to Mickey in full, what he had agreed to do, what he would now be bound to do until his dying day. Mickey would be one of five Master Maestros to protect the world from the Discordants, to keep the world in harmony. The first to use a modern instrument, the first in untold ages to be chosen without having been trained by another Maestro. It was a break with traditions, one that the shopkeeper felt was necessary, but the other Master Maestros would most likely resist. It would be a long, hard road, but it would not be a lonely one: Each Master Maestro were bound to a Conductor: Their assistant, protector and friend. Mickey would have to choose the one person that he trusted the most for the role. Mickey choose Tove, his dead sister. The shopkeeper stared at him, then laughed at the young man's nerve. Never before had someone chosen a dead person to be their Conductor. Per tradition, the Conductor would be raised alongside the Master Maestro, until they were ready to accept the titles from the previous Master Maestro and Conductor, but despite the shopkeeper's laughter, he complied, and Tove appeared before Mickey on a rainbow bridge. Finally reunited, Mickey hugged his sister and in tears, he explained everything he could. Riding a beat up old van, Mickey and Tove set out into the world. No longer just drifting through life, Mickey had two goals ahead of him: To keep the harmony of the Universal Song, and to become the world's greatest rock star. So now he's gotta keep on rocking, and he just can't stop. Personality & Motivation: Mickey has aspirations of being a rock star and acts the part. He can be loud, brash, cocky and at times obnoxious, but he has a heart of gold, and is protective of friends, fans and those otherwise in his care. Mickey is almost never seen without his guitar, and will often play it during downtime, even if just simple notes and not actual songs. Mickey would honestly rather play his guitar than go out and fight bad guys, but he still tries to live up to his responsibilities. Even though Mickey takes pride in his abilities as a singer and guitarist, part of him wonders just how much of his rising fame and skills are his own, and how much is due to the Axe of Bragi. His encounters with other Master Maestros has caused him to feel at least some doubt about his role in keeping the Discordants in check: Where he the right one chosen to wield the guitar, or is he breaking centuries old traditions without need? Until recently, Mickey was suffering from depression caused directly by his sister's death. He struggled hard to work his way out of the depression, but while it seems to have fully lifted with his appointment as a Master Maestro and Tove's return as his Conductor, there is no telling if it might one day return. Powers & Tactics: Mickey is one of five Master Maestros, tasked with defending the Universal Song and keeping the universe in harmony, in part by hunting down abberant creatures known as Discordants. The Master Maestros are empowered by a collection of five musical gods, who have worked together to create magical instruments that give the Master Maestros their power. Mickey wields the Axe of Bragi, which has taken the form of a Gibson 1968 Flying V Worn Cherry Guitar. Simply wielding the Axe of Bragi gives Mickey the gift of flight, the ability to summon any music or song needed to back up anything he is playing, and the ability to inspire those around him. By playing music and singing, he is able to create a great number of effects, formed more by his intention than the actual song being played. He wears the Mantle of the Master Maestro, a dark cape that is by default invisible, but becomes visible at his command. The indestructible garment offers protection, moving to intercept attacks before they can reach Mickey. Finally, he has been gifted with incredibly accurate hearing and the ability to be understood by all as long as he sings. While the power offered by the Axe of Bragi and Mickey's music is spectacular, they all require that he actually play music, and as such, he usually tries to avoid close combat, preferably staying behind others to give him time to work his magic. Despite his protests to the contrary, his powers are at their best when he works in a team, rather than on his own. Owing to his somewhat cocky personality, Mickey will rarely use his magic music at its most effective, prefering to put on a show. He is opposed to using lethal force in any way, unless dealing with a Discordant, another limit to his abilities, which other Master Maestros rarely show. Power Descriptions: Mickey's ability to be understood by anyone while singing is entirely magic in nature, with people usually not realizing that he is not singing in their language at first, while his greatly enhanced hearing allows him to recognize close to any sound. The Mantle of the Master Maestro is usually invisible, only becoming visible when Mickey wills it to. When visible, the cape appears black with white trim, secured at his chest with a black gem with white edges. The black parts of the cape seem to be filled with ever changing white and grey patterns that seem to react to music being played, shifting depending on the music. The magically empowered Mantle automatically moves to intercept attacks that reach Mickey, blocking them completely if possible, but otherwise trying to soften the blow as well as it can. When Mickey plays music on the Axe of Bragi, he is able to invoke great magic. The actual song he plays doesn't matter, only his intent with playing that song. While a great number of his magic abilities require that the target actually hears the music being played, this is not an universal rule, and for some of his tricks, the magic music instead changes the world around him. For some magic, he actually needs to aim blasts of differently coloured light or lightning shot from his guitar as he plays. He can play music to harm or to heal, to move himself and others great distances, or to grant those that listen the ability to teleport. He can weaken his enemies and control their emotions, play brown notes and cause paralysis, control minds much like the Pied Piper, create images or objects from nothing, or play music to move things around him, and much more. In a pinch, he can even use the Axe of Bragi as a weapon, moving it with unnatural speed and precision. Mickey's most important magic is the "Reharmonize" ability, which allows him to transform anything into anything else. As he plays music, a blast of white lightning leaps from his guitar to his target. It is his chief weapon against the Discordants, to force the chaotic beings into non-chaotic shapes that does not damage reality further. Complications: All Star: Mickey is a rock star on the rise, and he doesn't exactly keep a low profile. While he's hardly a household name yet, his name is spreading, and he has a harder time hiding his identity. If Poet's rising fame causes him trouble or complicates a situation, the GM can award him a Hero Point. Cocky: Even with his various doubts, Mickey is cocky and confident in himself and his powers, even to the point of going up against stronger foes. The GM can make Poet's overconfidence cause problems of many kinds, awarding him a Hero Point in the proces. Good Vibrations: All use of magic from Mickey's Magic Guitar requires that he plays it. A single note can be enough for smaller effects, while greater effects requires actual music. If Mickey is somehow unable to play the guitar, only the Smash The Set power can be used, and that requires actually moving to hit something with the guitar. If the GM deems that Mickey cannot play his instrument for whatever reason, he can award Poet a Hero Point. Hit Me With Your Best Shot: Mickey's primary enemies are the Discordants, which he, as all Master Maestros, have a responsibility to find and destroy. They come in a great variety and can appear in just about any situation, like to complicate another battle or scene that Mickey finds himself in. He has also earned the ire of the older villain known as the Maestro, simply for daring to use rock to fight crime. If a GM brings in the Discordants, the Maestro or other enemies, or otherwise have them complicate a situation for Mickey, they can award Poet a Hero Point. Hurt: While he seems alright now, Mickey dealt with several years of depression, and events can conspire to bring those feelings to the front again. If a situation or mental attack triggers Mickey's depression, he will grow quiet and despondent, losing the creative streak that lets him use a great deal of his powers to their full extent. If Poet fails to play the music necessary for one of his powers due to a situation related to his depression, the GM can award him a Hero Point. It's My Life: Mickey wants to play music, to be a star. But how much of his music is his own work, and how much is the power of the magic guitar? Unfortunately, Mickey's magic guitar needs confidence to work: If Mickey doubts himself, his magic can fail. If the GM uses an effect to temporarily make Mickey lose faith in himself and cause his powers to fail, he can award Poet a Hero Point. Living the Legacy: Mickey was a controversial choice as the newest Master Maestro, in part due to being chosen despite never having followed the usual Master-Student chain of Master Maestros, and in part due to his instrument and that he plays rock and metal music, compared to the more classical fare of most other Master Maestros. He will be at a social disadvantage when dealing with other Master Maestros, or those related to the order, and the GM can award Poet a Hero Point if this complicates the situation for him. Sister: Through fortune or fate, Mickey's sister Tove has been returned to him. Despite her being supposed to protect him, he is very protective of her and reacts strongly to anyone that might be out to harm her, or even manage to harm her. If Poet's reaction to his sister being hurt or threatened complicates a situation, the GM can award him a Hero Point. Abilities: 0 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 6 + 10 = 30PP Strength: 10 (+0) Dexterity: 18 (+4) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 12 (+1) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 20 (+5) Combat: 12 + 8 = 20PP Initiative: +4 (+4 Dex) Attack: +6 Base, +6 Melee, +6 Ranged, See individual Power Bonus in DC Block Defense: +12 (+4 Base, +8 Shield), +2 Flat-Footed Grapple: +6 (+6 Base Attack), +28 (+6 Base Attack, +22 Move Object) Knockback: -1 (Base TOU/2) / -6 (w. Protection [Mantle of the Master Maestro}) Saving Throws: 7 + 6 + 8 = 21PP Toughness: +12 (+2 Con, +10 Protection [Mantle of the Master Maestro]) Fortitude: +9 (+2 Con, +7) Reflex: +10 (+4 Dex, +6) Will: +11 (+3 Wis, +8) Skills: 60R = 15PP Knowledge [Arcane Lore] 4 (+5) Knowledge [Popular Culture] 4 (+5)Skill Mastery Knowledge [Streetwise] 4 (+5) Language 2 [Danish [Native], English, German] Perform [Singing] 15 (+20)Skill Mastery Perform [Stringed Instruments] 15 (+20)Skill Mastery Notice 8 (+11)Skill Mastery Sense Motive 8 (+11) Feats: 9PP Equipment 2 Inspire 1 Leadership Luck 2 Quick Draw Skill Mastery (Knowledge [Popular Culture], Notice, Perform [Singing], Perform [Stringed Instruments]) Uncanny Dodge [Audiotory] Enhanced Feats Inspire 1 -> Inspire 5 Ultimate Effort (Perform [Stringed Instruments]) Equipment: 2PP = 10EP The Van [10EP] Size: Huge [2EP] Strength: 35 [1EP] Defense: 8 [0EP] Toughness: 11 [2EP] Features: [0EP] Powers [5EP] Speed 5 (250 mph, 2200 ft/rnd) [5EP] Powers: 2 + 59 + 18 + 6 = 85PP Comprehend 2 ("Universal Language of Song"; Languages [Anyone able to hear can understand]; Flaws: Limited [Only when singing]) [2PP] (Magic, Sonic) Device 14 ("Axe of Bragi" 70PP Container; Flaws: Hard-To-Lose; Feats: Indestructible, Restricted 2 [Must have Perform [Stringed Instruments] 15+ to lift and use]) [59PP] (Divine, Magic, Guitar) Enhanced Traits 4 (Inspire 4) [4PP] (Magic, Prowess) Enhanced Traits 1 (Ultimate Effort (Perform [Stringed Instruments]) [1PP] (Magic, Prowess) Feature 1 ("Face of the Band"; Any kind of backup music and singing needed for a song will be heard) [1PP] (Magic, Sonic) Flight 1 ("I Believe I Can Fly") [2PP] (Magic) Magic Music Array 24 (48PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 14) [62PP] (Magic, additional descriptors on individual powers) BP: Emotion Control 12 ("The Power To Move You"; Extras: Area [General Perception (Auditory)], Linked to Drain Will (+0), Secondary Effect, Selective Attack; Flaws: Action [Full], Range [Touch] (-2)) [24PP] + Drain Will 12 (Extras: Alternate Save [Will] (+0), Area [General Perception (Auditory), Linked to Emotion Control (+0), Selective Attack; Flaws: Action [Full]) [24PP] {48/48} (Music, Psionic, Sonic) AP: Blast 12 ("Power Chord"; Extras: Area [General Burst], Linked to Nullify Sonic (+0); Flaws: Range [Touch]) [24PP] + Nullify Sonic 12 (Counter one Sonic effect per target; Extras: Area [General Burst], Effortless, Linked to Blast (+0); Flaws: Range [Touch]) [24PP] {48/48} (Impact Damage Type, Music, Sonic) AP: Blast 12 ("Blow Your Mind"; Extras: Alternate Save [Will], Penetrating 8; Feats: Accurate 3, Precise) {48/48} (Psionic, Music, Sonic) AP: Create Object 13 ("You Can Make It If You Try"; Extras: Movable; Feats: Precise, Progression [Object Size] 4, Selective, Stationary, Subtle, Tether) {48/48} (Creation, Music, Sonic) (Size: Up to 13x100 foot cubes) AP: Damage 12 ("Smash the Set"; Extras: Autofire, Penetrating 6, Secondary Effect; Feats: Accurate 3, Extended Reach [5 ft.], Knockback 2) {48/48} (Bludgeoning Damage Type, Guitar, Reverb) AP: Drain Saves 12 ("The Sapping Song"; Drains One Save; Extras: Alternate Save [Will] (+0), Area [General Perception [Auditory], Selective Attack, Total Fade; Flaws: Action [Full]) {48/48} (Music, Sonic) AP: Healing 9 ("Heal the World"; Extras: Area [General Burst], Selective Attack, Total; Feats: Persistent, Regrowth, Stabilize) {48/48} (Music, Sonic) (Area: 45 ft. radius) AP: Illusion 12 ("The Greatest Show On Earth"; Auditory, Visual Illusions; Feats: Precise, Progression 7 [Area]) {44/48} (Images, Illusion, Music, Sonic) (Area: 1000 ft. radius) AP: Mind Control 12 ("Pied Piper Special"; Extras: Area [General Perception (Auditory)], Conscious, Effortless, Selective Attack; Flaws: Range [Touch] (-2)) {48/48} (Music, Psionic, Sonic) (Heavy load: 50k tons) AP: Move Object 22 ("You Gotta Move"; Feats: Accurate 2, Precise, Subtle) {48/48} (Music, Telekinesis) AP: Nauseate 12 ("Brown Note"; Extras: Area [General Perception (Auditory)], Selective Attack) {48/48} (Music, Sonic) AP: Paralyze 12 ("Paralyzer"; Extras: Area [General Burst], Selective Attack) {48/48} (Music, Psionic, Sonic) AP: Teleport 10 ("Wherever I May Roam"; Extras: Accurate, Portal (+2); Flaws: Long-Range; Feats: Change Direction, Change Velocity, Easy, Progression [Portal Size] 5) {48/48} (Music, Portals) (Range: 200,000 miles. Portal size: Up to 250x250 ft.) AP: Teleport 11 ("Free Bird"; Extras: Accurate, Area [General Burst], Affects Others; Flaws: Short-Range; Feats: Change Direction, Change Velocity, Selective, Turnabout) {48/48} (Music, Empowerment) (Area: 55 ft. radius, Range: 1100 ft.) AP: Transform 8 ("Reharmonize"; Transform anything to anything; Flaws: Action [Full Round]; Feats: Accurate 5, Progression [Mass] 3) {48/48} (Music, Physical Change) (Transform mass: 2500 lbs.) Device 4 ("Mantle of the Master Maestro"; 20PP Container; Flaws: Hard-to-lose; Feats: Indestructible, Subtle 1) [18PP] (Divine, Magic, Cape) Immunity 2 (Critical Hits) [2PP] Protection 10 ("Protective Mantle") [10PP] Shield 8 ("Shielding Mantle") [8PP] Super-Senses 6 ("Musician's Ears"; Ultra-Hearing, Accurate, Analytical, Rapid 2 (x100) Hearing) [6PP] (Magic, Prowess) Drawbacks: (-0) + (-0) = -0PP DC Block Name Range Save Effect Attack bonus Unarmed Touch DC15 Tou (staged) Damage +6 The Power To Move You Area, Auditory Perception DC22 Ref No effect from Emotion Control and Drain Will effects Selective General Area DC22 Will (staged) Fail: Emotion Control <10: No hostile action Secondary Effect, linked to Will Save Drain Effect DC22 Will (staged) Will Save Drain Linked to Emotion Control effect Power Chord Area, 60 ft. radius DC22 Ref Halve Damage effect to DC21, halve Nullify effect General Area DC27 Tou (staged) Damage N/A Opposed by Will Nullify one Sonic Effect Effortless Blow Your Mind 120 ft. DC27 Will (staged) Damage +12 Smash the Set Touch DC27 Tou (staged) Damage +12, Autofire, Penetrating 6, Secondary Effect, Knockback +2 The Sapping Song Area, Auditory Perception DC22 Ref No effect from Drain Save effect Selective General Area DC22 Will (staged) Drain One Save Total Fade The Greatest Show on Earth 1000 ft. radius Illusion DC22 Will Tricked if disbelieving illusion N/A Pied Piper Special Area, Auditory Perception DC22 Ref No effect from Mind Control effect Selective General Area DC22 Will Mind controlled Conscious, Effortless You Gotta Move – Thrown Object 220 ft. DC29 Tou (Staged) Damage +10 Brown Note Area, Auditory Perception DC22 Ref No effect from Nauseate effect Selective General Area DC22 Fort (staged) Fail: Sickened >5: Nauseated >10: Helpless N/A Paralyzer Area, Auditory Perception DC22 Ref No effect from Paralyze effect Selective General Area DC22 Will (staged) Fail: Slowed >5: Paralyzed N/A Reharmonize 80 ft. DC18 Fort Transformed into anything else +16, Max mass: 2500 lbs. Totals: Abilities (30) + Combat (20) + Saving Throws (21) + Skills (15) + Feats (9) + Powers (85) - Drawbacks (0) = 180/180

Infinite Forevers This was crazy, even for Pan. He was currently flying around Freedom City as fast as he could, just trying to catch up to his target. At least the glittering trail of light was, if possible, even brighter than his own. The target looked just like him, only he was dressed in silver and green (and Pan actually really liked that combination), and he was going kind of wild. "Would you please just stop and wait?" It seemed like Pan got his way, and thank the Wishing Star for that. The other stopped, hovering high above Freedom City, shimmering glitter still flying from him. "By the Pixie Dust, what is this place!?" It was almost, but not quite, like he was yelling. Every word was grand, every pronounciation made fully "And who are you, doppelganger? Is this your idea of a jest? Taking me from Forever World just as I would strike the final blow against King Hook?" Pan just stared. Forever World. King Hook. Really? He scratched the back of his head. Was this really a version of him? "I suppose I am you. Well, one just a hint less bombastic, at least." The silver-clad Pan stared at him with a hint of disbelief in his voice. Pan breathed in heavily. Fine, here goes. "So! I suppose you come from another world, and honestly, you are not the first! It seems that there have been quite a few of us appearing today, and I have been doing my best to round us all up. So, please tell me that you are one of the easy ones that come along without too much trouble." The silver Forever Boy looked on his counterpart for a moment, then smiled. "By Hook's hook! Lead the way!" Pan was thankful. One counterpart was not enough, no. It was happening all over Freedom City, with all different kinds of heroes, but of course, Pan could not get just one counterpart. No, there had to be Forever Boys and Girls of all kinds flying around Freedom City, and Mrs. Summers had given Pan the job of rounding them all up. Now, seeing them all and their variations were interesting. The changes, the minor differences. It seemed that there were multiple Neverworlds, just as there were multiple Earths in the multiverse. Or perhaps his interaction with this world had caused an effect that caused these alternates to spawn? In truth, Pan did not know, but he had little time to wonder. The first alternate had called herself Forever Girl. She was zipping around as quick as Pan, even made a game out of having to be caught first, before he would follow. Still, she had been agreeable enough, and had come along for the next part of the quest. The Forever Pup, a golden retriever with a somewhat dark red fur, was a different matter altogether. He was busy chasing the Forever Kitten, a kitten with fur in a similar color, through the parks, both flying around with big dog and cat smiles on their faces. Both wore green domino masks much like Pan, and small green and red costumes too. It had taken a while, as the two were fast, but Pan had caught them. After a short while of petting, both agreed to come along, and Forever Girl brought them to Claremont. The Forever Boy clad in green and gold kept shouting about Kapitan Hook, and how he would defeat him to aid the allies, but once Pan explained things, he came along without too much trouble. Then had come the first real challenge. He had called himself the No Forever Boy. He had shouted about how this entire, peaceful time was but a sham. It was only a matter of time before the bombs would fall, and everything would be over. He was dressed in ragged and dirty clothes, the remnants of a red and green uniform similar to Pan's. His was missing his right arm, and was wearing a pair of cracked sunglasses in place of a mask. Now, No Forever Boy had not come along quietly. Pan had done his best to stop his rants, no reason to get associated with something like that. It had not been easy, but in the end he had managed to drag him back to Claremont with the others, in the room that had been set aside for containing them. With everyone else agreeing, he was bound by multiple uses of Pixie Dust, and kept under watch while Pan continued his quest. Next was what appeared to be a man in his late thirties, at least. His costume was similar to Pan's, like the rest, but his arms and legs were bare. He wore small pixie boots, and small green gloves. Despite his apparent age, he kept calling himself Forever Boy! He was peaceful enough, but the way that he kept talking about different kinds of Pixie Dust, like Crocodile repelling Pixie Dust or Bullet Stopping Pixie Dust, was just a tad too weird. Pan had found him in the middle of a fight with a group of three thugs. He never found out what they did, but the Forever not-quite-boy made quick work of them, shouting things like POW! and WHAM! with every hit he made. At least he came along. To be honest, Pan found him even disturbing that the one that had shouted about bombs. He found another alternate brooding in an alley. His costume was red (the alternate claimed that it was BLOOD red) and black. He was covered in bandoliers and pouches, he had a gun in each hand (and several all over his body), big shoulder pads and a strange visor instead of a domino mask. It was (BLOOD) red like his costume, and this 4ever, as he called himself, insisted that he was the world's only chance against the dreaded Director Hook, who was currently building a cyberspace empire through which he would rule the world. Right. At least he seemed to quickly believe the alternate universe explanation and came along. It sounded like that was just an everyday thing to him, which was weird, but fine! Now, the last one before the silver Forever Boy was different. He called himself Never Boy. His costume was yellow and purple, a rather stark contrast to Pan. He had only one hand, the other replaced by a hook. He loudly proclaimed himself the heir of The Hook, and that he would come to rule this world. His Pixie Dust was black, rather than golden, and honestly, it was quite disturbing. He was using his Dark Pixie Dust, as he loudly proclaimed it, in disturbing ways that all seemed to mirror Pan's own abilities. A bladed hook, disturbing images that were anything but beautiful. Demonic balls of Pixie Dust that cut through trees or the like. He was smiling perpetually, much like Pan, but unlike Pan's, Never Boy's smile lacked any warmth, any hope. Pan saw nothing but pure malice in his eyes. They matched blow for blow. If it had gone on, either could have won. Fortunately for Pan, a loud bark heralded the return of Forever Pup and Forever Kitten, with Forever Girl and the golden Forever Boy close behind. Together they had overwhelmed Never Boy, who had been brought back with the rest. The room that the headmaster had sat out for them rang with sounds of laughter and stories, even as the Never Boy and No Forever Boy was continuously held captive, much to their chargrin. Stories were shared, origins explored. They were so different, and yet in some way, they were all the same (even Forever Pup and Forever Kitten). The noise kept up, long into the night, until, finally, the crisis was over. Pan was left alone, once more the sole Forever Boy in this world. And yet, the Never Boy and No Forever Boy kept returning to his thoughts. Was that what he had the possibility of becoming one day? Or if he had taken a simple path? At any rate, they were him, in their own way. And perhaps there was something within him that he had never considered until now.

GM "BEWARE! Grendel's Mother shouted as Lament left, cackling madly. "Only one holds the tears of the Elf King! Imagine his displeasure, were it not his tears!" A final parting shot. She might have tried to strangle him, or indeed stab him in the back, but not now. She would not win such a conflict, exhausted as she were. He was not followed from the cave. Or at least, he did not think so. Still, as he looked around, he found the raven now perched on a branch of a nearby tree, looking down at him.