Spacefurry

Jennifer was uncomfortable behind the half bear mask covering her face from the nose up as she entered the Tyger's Den. It had taken awhile to get the symbiote to shape it properly enough, of course if one looked closely it still had the rough texture of the techno-organic nature. Her dress was a sleeveless, knee length number of dark maroon that Jamie had helped her pick out last year. Her best friend, and college roommate, Jamie had mentioned her latest boyfriend had been acting strange the last few weeks. It hadn't taken a lot of effort for the two to track his visit to the den and link them to his odd behavior. They agreed that they couldn't jump to conclusions, so Jennifer had agreed to enter the lion's den..., or rather, the Tyger's Den. Few spectators stood out as she tried to move casually through the room. A large man in camouflage pants looked to be built like one of the gorilla masked goons, but he wasn't exactly dressed like them. On one of the benches a girl in a white kimono sat with a large dog beside her. She must me someone rich or important Jennifer thought as she took a drink from a tray to hold as a prop in her deception when a woman's voice boomed through the building. Suddenly people moved like a tidal wave, clamoring for a view of the pit below the lasciviously dressed woman in the golden cat mask. She glanced around but couldn't spot Jamie's boyfriend. As started to move around the perimeter of the gathered patrons she just noticed an unusual number of cats wandering around. She chalked the sight up to strays searching for food and ignored them as she continued her search. Of course, knowing her luck, he chose not to even come this time.

Subject A: Subject A will attack Chimera: 20 That's a hit. Fort save for Chimera vs Con Drain: 8 Ouch, and Chimera just lost 8 Con. Knocking her down to 8. Subject B: Toughness save for the burning man: 12 And that's a bruise for him as he continues to burn. He also tries attack Outrider or Nightscale: 1 Outrider it is, ranged attack: 15 That's a miss. Subject C: Subject C stumbles towards one of the heroes: 1 Outrider again Melee attack to attempt grapple: 9 I'm rolling a lot of ones lately... Brute: Bute attempts to break free of Shooting Star's gravity hold. Grapple check: 35 @Kaede Kimura gonna need an opposed Grapple check Creepshow: Creepshow does something that does not require a roll or have a visual effect. Creepshow Bruised, Staggered Outrider Unhurt 2HP Shooting Star Unhurt 2HP Nightscale Unhurt 3HP Chimera Unhurt, Con drained Subject A Bruised Subject B Bruised x3 Subject C Bruised Brute Staggered

It was a crisp Fall afternoon as Leon sat with Luke, eating lunch. His grey hoodie was enough to stave off what little chill there was and let him enjoy the clear sky. He tilted his head in amusement while chewing as Luke mentioned meeting Muirne's guardians. The bit about going to London to meet them hadn't registered as Leon was already about to rib his roomie about 'meeting the parents'. Swallowing, he opened his mouth to do just that, when a raven landed between them. He was use to shapshifters at Claremont, so it wasn't surprised by Owain's voice coming out of the bird. He gave the avian a lopsided smirk. "Not yet today, I'd remember if I had." He took another bite as Luke spoke. "Ya, we're always up to help a friend. Especially if its to find a cute girl." Leon grinned jokingly.

Leon struggled with himself. He’d never felt like this before, so helpless. So powerless. The ruckus between Luke and the creature registered somewhere in the back of his mind, but he was too distracted to acknowledge it. His friend’s calm my have been force, but under his hand Luke could feel Leon relax just a little. With Luke’s encouragement Leon tried to force himself to slow his breath. It took several long moments and a tremendous effort on his part, but eventually he managed to steady himself again. The panic was still there, clawing at his mental walls, but he wasn’t going to hinder his friend. He wasn’t going to let himself be dead weight that dragged someone else down. Luke couldn’t see it, but he could feel Leon nodding. He pressed his forehead against the cold stone wall for a moment. “Yay.” He huffed and swallowed. Luke could almost hear his roommate’s familiar grin. “Damn right we’re badasses.” Taking a deep breath he gave the panic one last shove back. Carefully her reached down as far as he could and swatted at whatever was crawling up his leg in an effort to keep it away from important bits. Slowly he finally started to make his way further down the passage. The rocky surface dug into his hands and feet. He hadn’t worried about it before in all the rush, but he noticed the chill wasn’t there anymore. Like a switch though, as soon as he thought about it the cold seem to return with a vengeance sending chill through him. Now that he was thinking about it, all the rough stone edge should have been scratching them up too. As if on cue, a sharp stone bit into his palm. Leon could feel the pain but something was just weird about it. It gave him something to focus on other then the panic which he was thankful for. It could have been seconds, it could have been minutes, but for Leon it felt like an eternity. Suddenly his hand found open air and he pushed himself harder. Leon stumbled out of the passage, falling to his knees. His hands hit the hard rocky ground, one hand slipping on loose pebbles as his weight settled from the fall. His hand found open air again and Leon fell flat, one arm dangling into a black abyss he couldn’t see. “Shit!” Leon yelped and pulled his arm back and scrambled to his feet. He fought to control his breathing again as he flattened back against the wall beside the passage. As he heard Luke coming out he grabbed for his friend and gave a quieter warning. “Careful, there’s a ledge. Don’t know how deep.” Somewhere in the distance the clashing metal sounded continued to echo menacingly, like a dangerous, erratic metal heartbeat.

Paper grinned mischievously. “Fun way it is.” He shot Nightscale and Outrider a glance. ”Nightscale, you got the big guy. Outrider, help get the civilians outta harm’s way. I’ll take the card collector. Think you can bat clean-up, cape?” The last bit he said a little louder, glancing over at Shooting Star. As far as he knew the floating woman was the last villain on site. He didn’t know there’s was another one deeper inside. Nor did he know another hero was soon to join them. But he was confident the odds were in their favor already.

I had an idea for a kinda holiday themed adventure that’s totally not ripping off Die Hard… A early holiday party at an office tower gets interrupted by powered goons. With a few surprises to stir things up I hope. Paper/Leon will be involved. So Claremont students are welcome. I still have details to work out, and it wouldn’t start till closer to the holidays. But I wanted to get an idea if there was any interest.

I could bring in Chimera or Paper if you need a third body.

Maybe it was how obvious the woman’s emotions played across her features, or maybe it really was the cooking. Either way, Leon found himself chuckling lightly. ”Ya, they harp me about the whole secret identity thing, but I forget sometimes. And I can be flashy sometimes.” He admitted with a grin. ”But, I’m pretty good at being subtle when I need to be. Like you and your ‘magic’ fork there.” Leon said waving the paper at the fork Maybelle had produced. A with a grin he crumbled the paper into a small ball. He set it in the table between them and cupped his hands over it. He glanced around and a moment later he revealed it, the crumble ball now uncurling smoothly into a small, slender origami eastern dragon. It’s tail lashed as its head seemed to look up at Maybelle. As someone passed by the paper dragon stilled, and he gave another grin. She could tell he liked showing off. “What’s your favorite flower?”

Chimera Chimera didn’t even notice the the other subject as it lunges past her. Her attention was on the wild woman she was tangling with. She really needed to but an end to this fight. If she could just knock her out. She drew back her fist to deliver a stunning blow she’d used times before. But this time as she drew back she felt her strength leave her muscles. In its place she felt a surge of power in her fist as electricity crackled around it. She was sure what was happening, but she drove her fist at her opponent again. Her blow landed solid but the electricity that rippled over the woman didn’t seem to effect her.

Chimera is going to use a HP to stunt a power off her Enhanced Strength [14PP] Stun 7 [14PP] Attack: 15 HP to Reroll: 22 Subject A Fort save vs DC17: 17 She passed, because of course.

He didn’t need to be told twice, Leon hurried back the way the duo had come. The things in the darkness weren’t distracted for long, but it was long enough. The clacking sounds began to spread out, Leon was sure they were looking for them. The tuning fork’s tone was dying as the vibrations subsided. The paper was a little torn but he was able to call it back to him as if on a silent breeze. As soon as his hand found the edge of the side passage he slipped in. The passage was manageable, he had slipped through plenty of ducts and a few hollow walls in his past life. This wouldn’t be a problem. The passage was irregular and Leon had to be careful as he made slow progress. He breath came in cold, shallow gasps but he chalked it up to fear and adrenaline. The walls of the passage felt like they were pressing in on him as he slid along its narrow path. Something crawled over his foot and he tried to shake it off in vein. His breaths were coming faster and he could swear the walls were responding, closing in on him. The critter crawling began to move up his ankle and the legs on it felt like they were multiplying. Luke could hear Leon’s breath rising in speed and volume as panic began to grip his roommate. Leon mumble something incoherent about the walls moving. Distress obvious in his voice as he whispered between breaths. “I can’t… I can’t do it…” Luke could almost hear the panicked tears as Leon stop still, his hands pressing back against the walls as if trying to push it away. His pupils were wide with fear in the darkness. He could feel phantom pressure on his arm, a crushing weight pinning it in place. It was so much slower then last time he could swear he could feel it grinding down on his very bones. He body was shivering under the stress and his leg twitched as something began to crawl up his pants leg.

Paper - 23 Party Rocking - 2 Obsidian Prison: The Petty Tyrant - 0 Stinger's Tale - 1 Survival Class: Prussian Blue - 2 The Steel Strike - 1 Creating the Universe - 8 Hoard of the Beast - 7 The First Rule - 2 Blackstaff - 2 Gathering of Mages - 2 Chimera - 7 Breaking the Bastion - 4 Back Alley Brawl - 1 Tyger Tyger, Burning Bright - 2 GM - 1 (2 points to Paper to bring him up to 25) Back Alley Brawl - 1

Leon Leon hesitated at Hero’s insight. He hadn’t thought about that angle. He nodded to himself and looked over at Naomi as well. When Wilona went off in a huff Leon smirked. He knew the little firecracker could sit still for long, not with a obvious challenge staring them down. She was at least that predictable. With their chaperone’s approval he grinned and gave his flashlight a flip. ”We got this.” He said confidently. His own flashlight in hand he followed closely on the girls’ heels. He swept the floor of the cave occasionally both to know where to step and in search of the afore mentioned scorpions or other pests.

Leon made a quite noise of acknowledgment when Luke explained he couldn’t create a usable light. Not being able to see each other properly was a real disadvantage. The sudden sound of something akin to snapping bones echoed around them. Responded to in kind by other sources. It sent a shiver down Leon’s spine he sure Luke could feel it through the hand on his shoulder. Strangely, he also felt vibrations though his paper. He leaned closer and dropped his voice as low as he could and still be heard. ”I swear, if we find out who dropped us into a Pitch Black ripoff I will fight you for the first shot at them.” Leon paused as he listened. Locating the sources of the noises was impossible in the cavernous setting. They’d just have to slip past the things, hopefully un-accosted. There was a passage a little ways back but Leon wasn’t sure Luke would fit, but it might be worth the chance. ”Think you can suck that guy in long enough to try the passage we passed? I think I might be able to distract the things a little.” In his hand the paper twisted into a slender spike with two prongs on one end. If the creatures hunted by sound, maybe a decoy could help. ”Worked in Dune. Can’t hurt to try.” When Luke was ready to move again Leon flung the spiked tuning fork into the darkness. It struck the ground a few dozen yards away. The force of the impact causing a sudden chime. He felt powerless again without the paper, if it survived this he hoped he could call it back.

Alrighty, first I did goof on the toughness saves for that area attack. I keep doing 10+ for it when it should be 15+. So the save for success would have been 19 and the save for failing would have been 23. So Nightscale passed the Toughness save. Now for the villain’s save: 25 That’s another bruise for Creepshow. We’ll say you caught him as he was stumbling back over the edge of the platform from Outrider’s crit. Two criteria in a row against him, you guys trying to end this already. @Nerdzul IC whenever you get a chance.

Leon gave a sigh as she picked himself up and walked over. He looked down on Holly as she pleaded to him for mercy. He gave her a tired stare and looked up at Luke and Ghost. He closed his eyes and shook his head. ”Sorry, Hol.” He looked back down at her. ”We coulda had fun, but my sister gave me some good advice.” he gave her a half-hearted smile. ”Don’t date crazy.” Leon wouldn’t normal hit a helpless girl, but the old man in white was right. Paper formed a small baton in his hand and as he stepped past her he swung at the back of her head. He’d sapped more then a few people and had a good judge of where and how hard to hit someone to knock them out when they were helpless to avoid it. Still, he wasn’t smiling when he did it.

Leon took the offered paper and Luke could feel him relax a little as he did so. In the dark, the dragon boy couldn’t see Leon’s lips whisper silently to the tattered slip. The receipt quivered, then smoothed, stiffened tough as steel and razor sharp. It wasn’t much, more of a talisman than a weapon at this point but it let him center himself. “Thanks.” He said quietly and Luke could here some confidence return to his roommate’s voice even though he couldn’t see the nod that accompanied it. The duo continued their trek through the darkness. Slowly picking their way along the treacherous cavern, Leon’s nerves were on edge. He silently hoped for a little luck. He didn’t want to call his roomie out for walking into the wall earlier and let him continue leading the way. The hair on the back of his neck was standing on end as unseen things moved in the shadows. The crashing sounds were getting closer as they walked. Leon had wished he’d slept in socks but they’d probably be a hazard on this footing, so he just tried to ignore the cold seeping into his feet. Suddenly the wind died off and the two young men tensed. Leon felt Luke’s grip tighten on his shoulder. Their shadowy stalker wasn’t alone anymore. Leon hissed angrily and wished they weren’t alone themselves. That and he’d crack someone over the head for a flashlight right about now. It wasn’t his new teammates that came to mind, instinctively it was other faces that comforted him. For a brief moment Leon thought he felt another hand on his other shoulder. Something was familiar about it, but when he reached for it there’s was nothing there. Still something comforting lingered and invigorated him. Leon tried to think, whispering to Luke. ”Maybe we should try to light it up. Can you make light with your illusions?” He asked hopefully. He didn’t know the extent of Luke’s illusionary powers. ”If they can see in the dark. We’re at a disadvantage anyways. Maybe some light will keep them at bay.” He thought for a moment before playing devil’s advocate and added. ”Of course they could not see at all and it won’t bother them. But at least we’d be able to see.”

Chimera’s smile brightened a little at Ghost’s reassurance. Her gaze moving to his face as he pulled his googles down. A warmth flushed her cheeks as she saw the unnaturally blue eyes that were revealed. She looked away when replied, brushing stray hair behind her ear. “I know I don’t have to, but it just feels wrong to not try to help if I can.” Chimera shifted her position to crosslegged, resting her hand on her lap. ”If it wasn’t obvious, I haven’t been using these powers for very long. Honestly, this was the first ‘villain’ I’d gone after.” She actually made air quotes when she said villain. ”Sure, I stopped a mugging once and l stopped a couple jerks harassing a stray dog. But I never faced a real villain with powers.” Chimera paused then added thoughtfully. ”Though I guess she was more gimmicks, since she used gear.” She shook her head, as if it clear it of distraction. ”I was confident at first. But when she got away so easily I kinda got mad. Not just at her, but at myself. I suppose that got the better of me when I saw her again.” The young hero looked up at Ghost again, giving him a lopsided smile. ”You’ve been doing this for a while. Got any tips for a newbie?”

Both Stealth and Notice fall under his Skill Mastery, so I think I’ll just take the 20 for both. Hopefully that won’t com back to bite me in the ass. Anything that I should know before I post?

Leon laughed at Maybelle's exaggerated accent. He nodded thankfully at her forgiveness at his youthful transgressions, but still gave her a solemn smirk and shook his head. "I should do better. You're really pretty, but I should be better than that." He said with firm seriousness. After a moment he cracked a smile and added. "Besides, Elizabe-, my sister would have my head if she thought I was objectifying anyone. There's a reason she's in charge of our little family. She's smart, strong, and doesn't put up with bullies." Leon sounded almost wistful, but quickly covered it up by leaning back and giving Maybelle a silly grin. "You said they call you Queenie. Well, they call me The Paper... okay, well really they just call me Paper. Wanna see why?" His silly grin turn mischievous as he produced a few sheets of paper from behind his back.

Chimera Chimera did her best to present a confident face as the police arrived and questioned them. She recounted her encounter with Freestyle at the campus and told them that a ‘reliable’ source pointed her towards Bastion Tech. Statements taken, Chimera followed Ghost and retreated back to the rooftops. She looked out over the scene then turned away and sat down, leaning back against the ledge. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and exhaled it, allowing herself to relax some. Opening her eyes again she looked up at Ghost, her mask drawing back as she smiled thankfully up at him. “Thanks.” She said with obvious relief. “I’m sure I would have royal screwed that up without you.” She hugged her knees and rested her chin on them. “I’m still not sure what makes me think I’m cut out for this. I have this power, but half the time I’m not sure I know what I’m doing.”

Blackstaff poured everything he could into dispelling the Carrion Queen’s magic as she attempted to bring it to bare on his allies. He couldn’t stop everything she threw at them, he had his limits. But thankfully, so did she. Everything he did manage to stop was more energy she wasted. There were just to many opponents for her to handle and she stretched her powers to thin. Even the hotel continued to press down on the outsider. Suddenly, as if on cue, Ouroboros appeared before the Queen and struck out. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The Carrion Queen fell back under his power. The portal caught her. The cry of rage and hate echoed through the lobby of the old hotel. It sent a shiver down Blackstaff’s spine, but it wasn’t first time he’d heard it’s like. And even as the echoes faded and the portal closed he could still feel the presence of the tear. He couldn’t begin to guess how long it would take to fully heal, but perhaps he could look for a way to speed up the process. The silence that followed hung heavy over the gathered heroes. Ghostly staff began to appear and set the room straight. Blackstaff was sure in little time, all traces of their battle would be erased. Except, of course for the invisible wound in the fabric of reality itself. Walking over to Ouroboros had gave the Gatekeeper a friendly smile and offered him a handshake. “Thank you. It was an honor to work beside you. If I can ever be of help you can find my office either here in Freedom or in Emerald City.” Blackstaff moved to greet the Master Mage herself. He gave Phantom a courtesy nod, then a friendly smile. “Greetings Madam Phantom, my name is Christopher Daye. If I can ever be of service please don’t hesitate to call.” He produced another card and held it out to Phantom. He made his way around the gathered heroes, introducing himself and handing out cards. He eventually made his way to Oz to check on the older mage. He gave the man a broad grin and patted him on the shoulder. “We’ll have to get together again for a drink, hopefully without the reality threatening entity.” He chuckled.

With Luke’s hand on his shoulder Leon tried his best to navigate the treacherous ground. A couple of steps had him hopping back as he found a sharp edge or a dip that threatened to twist an ankle. The worst part of it all was the cold seeping up through his feet. The sound of the crashing metal was getting closer, but still sounded as if it was moving or shifting around. That could be concerning but he wasn’t about to turn back. Not that there was anything really to turn back to. They were still lost somewhere unknown. When Luke ‘found’ the wall Leon did his best not to laugh,managing a stifled chuckle. “You oka-“ Leon’s mouth snapped closed as his ears caught something. He froze and listened. “Ya.” He whispered back as he tensed. He wished he had some paper. He felt more naked without any than if he was standing there in the cave in his ‘birthday suit’. He lost track of it as it seemed to fade back into the deep shadows. “We should keep moving.” He suggested. “We’re on defense right now. I don’t have any paper, what about you?” He asked his friend, hoping Luke had his powers at least.

What the hay, let’s try. Notice: 17 Nope

Fort save: 24 Just made it.