Heritage

"I can stay," Grim volunteered, holding up her hand like she was still in school. "No one wants the old man to get a hernia halfway across the Atlantic." Then she turned to Paige, the 'senior' superhero staying on this side of the Pond. "So, you're the experinced telepath; how should we do this?" Was it vanity that kept the centenarian from revealing her true age in situations like this? Mayyyy-be! But she also never felt comfortable in a leadership role, and was happy to follow someone else's lead.

Okay, got her down to 150 (I don't think the usefulness of the headlights justified the expense of Environmental Control). I can start working on her fluff, then present her for full analysis and dissection.

Got her down to 160, but that's still 10PP over and she's way under caps in Toughness. Saviing for now.

Oh yeah, the math right now is utter nonsense! And yes, the Uncanny Dodge will be gone shortly Thanks for the advice, Grumble; I think I need to dust off my pdf of UP for a deep dive!

Right now, this is a very much a Frankenstein's monster creation, made from an incomplete build by Grumblefloof and one of AA's Oddballs. The math is all wonky, and lots of stuff needs fixing, but I really like the core concept and fun of the character.

Name: Torque Power Level: (PL10/12) Tradeoffs: -2 Attack / +2 Damage, -2 Defense / +2 Toughness Power Points: 188/188 In Brief: Former engineering student remade into a transforming robot Identity: Shantay Sullivan ('Taye)' Birthplace: Vibora Bay, FL Occupation: Municipal defender Affiliations: The Vibora Bay Defenders Family: Clayton Sullivan (father), Rose Sullivan (mother), Curtis Sullivan (older brother), Otis Sullivan (uncle) Description: DOB: April 11rd, 1994 Date of Rebirth: August 3rd, 2019 Apparent Age: Mid-twenties Gender: Female Ethnicity: African-American Height: 5' 9" Weight: 3700 lbs. (1.85 tons) from Density Eyes: Brown Hair: Black (in long braids) Taye appears to be an attractive young African-American woman in her mid-twenties. She's fairly tall with an athletic build, , and favors jeans, T-shirts and sneakers. She wears no makeup, some nice jewelry (she's especially fond of large hoop earrings) and usually keeps her long braids up and out of the way in a colorful scarf. In terms of a costume, Torque keeps it fairly simple, wearing unmarked coveralls, work boots and a pair of circular welder's goggles. As a vehicle, she can assume aquatic, aerial or land-based forms, physically matching any boat, helicopter or auto she can think of, provided it's within her 'weight class', though she tends to favor sleek, sporty models. History: Shantay 'Taye' Sullivan was a very outgoing graduate of the UFVB engineering program, who hoped to work in the automotive industry someday. Her father, Clayton Sullivan, is a well-connected businessman with several investments throughout Weston, and a four bedroom home in Hollings Hill; however, he is not so secretly a senior lieutenant within Clark Robinson's organization, and a man to be feared. However, Clayton has always done his best to protect his family from that side of his life, and he was determined that both his children would go to college, and have better lives than he or his wife Rose ever did. They firmly but lovingly pushed their children through high school, and both children were able to attend UFVB on full scholarships, Curtis for football and Taye for science. The future was looking bright. But then during her junior year, Taye began to complain that she was feeling tired all the time; naturally, she thought it was due to her heavy academic workload, and she vowed to get more rest. By her senior year, she was also experiencing fevers and night sweats, significan weight loss and a persistent cough. This led to batteries of tests and hospital visits as Taye's doctors struggled to discover what was making her sick. After several months, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and treatment began, involving both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Despite all this, she still managed to graduate with her degree only a year late, and the sight of the frail young woman in a wheelchair accepting her diploma onstage was extremely moving. Despite Taye's heroic courage and her father sparing no expense in her treatment, by the time she turned twenty five, it was clear she was losing the fight, and her family was at their wit's end. Friends and associates began to whisper in Clayton's ear; this was Vibora Bay, where there were...other options. But a lifetime of distrust towards magic meant that option was not a viable one. No, his little girl would be saved by science... ....... When Taye woke up in a bed set up in one of her father's warehouses, surrounded by strange equipment, she didn't feel sick, weak or tired; she felt strong and fully aware. Something was different, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Her family was there, and she greeted them in a pleasant manner, which seemed to make them uncomfortable for some reason. No matter, she'd been in bed long enough, and she had things to do! But her family asked her take it easy, and stay at home for a few days until she felt 'more like herself'. Over the next several days, Tate discovered what had happened: through various criminal channels, Clayton has received a canister filled with billions of experimental nanobots which the dealer claimed would save her life, which they did, in a fashion. They'd rebuilt her, on a microscopic level, creating a robotic body indistinguishable from her biological one, including all of her memories, now encoded into her robotic brain. Taye no longer needed to eat or sleep, which she found to be very convenient, but her family, especially her parents, were not comfortable with the change. Then she began to eat pieces of rusted metal, which somehow made her mother cry. And then came the day Taye offered to drive her father to work...by turning into a Mazzerati. This seemed to make him very upset, which was confusing; she'd always loved Italian sports cars, and now she could become one. This was a good thing, wasn't it? But apparently it wasn't. Clayton and Rose sat Taye down (Curtis wasn't there, for some reason) and said that while they still loved Taye, they didn't feel comfortable with her staying in the house. Her uncle Otis had volunteered to put her up for a while they 'figured things out, which seemed strange, but Taye certainly didn't want her parents to be uncomfortable. Then they cried a lot, which she knew was bad; she remembered that. Now living in a trailer at her uncle's auto wreck yard, surrounded by her old things, Taye struggled to figure out what went wrong. As far as she could figure out, she was dying, and her father made a deal with some criminals. The criminals lied, because they saved her life, but it made her parents unhappy. Ergo, if she fought crime, maybe she could find a way to make her parents happy again. Though she didn't understand the feelings behind it, she knew happy parents were better than unhappy parents, and then she could see her brother again. And she knew she wanted that very much. Personality & Motivation: 'Old' Taye was an outgoing, lively young woman; 'new' Taye appears to aloof and unfeeling, though the ghosts of old emotions still influence her behavior. She wants to help people as a way of finding new purpose in life, and hopes to reconnect with her 'fellow humans'. She prefers to be useful, and appreciates the chance help her uncle out. Crime ruins lives. True, it allowed Taye to 'survive' her illness, but it also tore her family apart with an unfair devil's bargain that only benefited the crooks involved. No one should be forced into such a situation, and Torque wants to do everything in her power to keep that from happening again. Powers & Tactics: Torque is still learning to use her powers. She has some skill in hand-to-hand combat, but is much more effective in vehicular form. She can also use her nannites to breakdown the structure of any inanimate object she touches, normally to make it easier to consume, but the process has many tactical applications as well. Her vehicular forms are also well suited for rapid response transport and rescue operations, and can be devastating in combat. Complications: Was That An Attempt At Humor?: One of the casualties of Taye's transformation was her sense of humor. It's not that she takes everything literally or doesn't understand sarcasm; it's more she doesn't see the point of such things. The Uncanny Valley: Taye's flat affect and general lack of empathy make her less than pleasant to be around, though some may assume she's on the autism spectrum. Family Ties, Or The Lack Thereof: Taye's horrified parents are extremely uncomfortable around her since her transformation, and politely asked he to leave. Her brother Curtis and Uncle Otis are a bit more sympathetic to her plight, and sometimes get in over their heads. This Isn't Coffee, It's Rust Tea: Taye's non-human body can no longer process food, which can lead to awkward social situations. She's a Brick...House: Though she appears much as she did in life, Taye is now much heavier and denser than she seems. This may be problematic in older, more rickety structures. It's A Family Affair: Torque is a crimefighter, but her father is a well-connected criminal. She's still trying to figure out this internal conflict. Sink Like A Stone: Due to her increased density, Torque can no longer swim in her humanoid form, instead plunging to the bottom of any body of water. - - - HUMAN FORM Abilities: 1 + 4 + (-10) + 10 + 4 + 0 = 9PP Strength: 35 (+12), 55 Lifting (Heavy Load: 24 tons) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: - Intelligence: 20 (+5) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 10 (+0) Combat: 8 + 16 = 24PP Initiative: +5 Attack: +8 Melee (+4 Base, +4 Attack Focus), +4 Ranged (+4 Base) Grapple: +24 (+8 Melee Attack, +12 Strength, +4 Super-Strength) Defense: +8, +4 Flat-Footed Knockback Resistance: 11, 15 at normal speed or slower (Immovable) Saving Throws: 0 + 6 + 6 = 12PP Toughness: +12 (Impervious [Reflective] 10) Fortitude: - Reflex: +8 (+2 Dex, +6PP) Will: +8 (+2 Wis, +6PP) Skills: 60R = 15PP Acrobatics 3 (+5) Climb 0 (+0) Computers 5 (+10) Concentration 3 (+5) Craft (Electronic) 5 (+10) Craft (Mechanical) 5 (+10) Disable Device 5 (+10) Disguise 0 (+0, +20 Morph) Drive 8 (+10) Knowledge (Technology) 5 (+10) Notice 4 (+6) Pilot 8 (+10) Search 1 (+6) Stealth 8 (+10) Swim - Feats: 13PP Attack Focus: Melee 4 Improvised Tools Interpose Jack of All Trades Luck 2 Move-By Action Speed of Thought Takedown Attack 2 Powers: 123PP Density 12 (Mass x25; Strength +24, Protection [Impervious] +6, Immovable +4, Super-Strength +4; Extras: Duration [Continuous]; Flaws: Permanent; Feats: Innate) [37PP] Drain Toughness 12 (Extras: Affects Objects; Flaws: Limited [Objects], Requires Grapple) [6PP] Immovable 4 [0PP] Immunity 40 (Fortitude effects; Mental effects) [40PP] Impervious Toughness 10 (Extras: Reflective [Melee]) [14PP] Leaping 1 (x2, Running Long Jump: 44ft) [1PP] Morph 4 (Machines; Disguise +20; Extras: Duration [Continuous]; Feats: Metamorph 2) [14PP] Protection 12 [6PP] Speed 1 (10MPH, 100ft per Move Action) [1PP] Super-Senses 4 (Darkvision, Infra-Vision, Radio) [4PP] Super-Strength 4 (Lifting Strength: 55, Heavy Load: 24 tons; Grapple +4) [0PP] Drawbacks: -8PP Disability (Anosmia; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Minor) [-1PP] Vulnerability (Electricity; Frequency: Common; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-4PP] Vulnerability (Magnetism; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-3PP] Abilities (9) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (15) + Feats (13) + Powers (123) - Drawbacks (8) = 188/188 Power Points - - - GIANT ROBOT FORM: Power Level: 12 (Built as PL10) Power Points: 188/188 Abilities: 9 + 4 + (-10) + 10 + 4 + 0 = 17PP Strength: 35 (+12), 55 Lifting (Heavy Load: 24 tons) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: - Intelligence: 20 (+5) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 10 (+0) Combat: 12 + 20 = 32PP Initiative: +5 Attack: +8 Melee (+6 Base, -2 Size, +4 Attack Focus), +4 Ranged (+6 Base, -2 Size) Grapple: +30 (+8 Melee Attack, +12 Strength, +8 Size, +2 Super-Strength) Defense: +8 (+10 Base, -2 Size), +4 Flat-Footed Knockback Resistance: 14 Saving Throws: 0 + 6 + 6 = 12PP Toughness: +12 Fortitude: - Reflex: +8 (+2 Dex, +6PP) Will: +8 (+2 Wis, +6PP) Skills: 60R = 15PP Acrobatics 3 (+5) Climb 0 (+4) Computers 5 (+10) Concentration 3 (+5) Craft (Electronic) 5 (+10) Craft (Mechanical) 5 (+10) Disable Device 5 (+10) Disguise 0 (+0, +20 Morph) Drive 8 (+10) Intimidation 0 (+0, +4 Size) Knowledge (Technology) 5 (+10) Notice 4 (+6) Pilot 8 (+10) Search 1 (+6) Stealth 8 (+10) Swim 0 (+4) Feats: 13PP Attack Focus: Melee 4 Improvised Tools Interpose Jack of All Trades Luck 2 Move-By Action Speed of Thought Takedown Attack 2 Powers: 107PP Drain Toughness 12 (Extras: Affects Objects; Flaws: Limited [Objects], Requires Grapple) [6PP] Enhanced Skills 8 (Stealth 8 ) [2PP] Features 2 (Headlights; Special Effect [Theme Music]) [2PP] Growth 8 (Size: Huge; Strength +16 [+26 Lifting], Protection +4, Grapple +8, Knockback Resistance +8, Intimidation +4, Reach 10ft, Attack -2, Defense -2, Stealth -8; Extras: Duration [Continuous]; Flaws: Permanent; Feats: Innate) [25PP] Immunity 40 (Fortitude effects; Mental effects) [40PP] Leaping 1 (x2, Running Long Jump: 44ft) [1PP] Morph 4 (Machines; Disguise +20; Extras: Duration [Continuous]; Feats: Metamorph 2) [14PP] Protection 12 [8PP] Speed 1 (10MPH, 100ft per Move Action) [1PP] Super-Senses 4 (Darkvision, Infra-Vision, Radio) [4PP] Super-Strength 2 (Lifting Strength: 55, Heavy Load: 24 tons; Grapple +4) [4PP] Drawbacks: -8PP Disability (Anosmia; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Minor) [-1PP] Vulnerability (Electricity; Frequency: Common; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-4PP] Vulnerability (Magnetism; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-3PP] Abilities (17) + Combat (32) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (15) + Feats (13) + Powers (107) - Drawbacks (8) = 188/188 Power Points - - - VEHICLE FORM: Power Level: 12 (Built as PL10) Power Points: 188/188 Abilities: 9 + 4 + (-10) + 10 + 4 + 0 = 17PP Strength: 35 (+12), 55 Lifting (Heavy Load: 24 tons) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: - Intelligence: 20 (+5) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 10 (+0) Combat: 12 + 20 = 32PP Initiative: +5 Attack: +8 Melee (+6 Base, -2 Size, +4 Attack Focus), +4 Ranged (+6 Base, -2 Size) Grapple: +30 (+8 Melee Attack, +12 Strength, +8 Size, +2 Super-Strength) Defense: +8 (+10 Base, -2 Size), +4 Flat-Footed Knockback Resistance: 14 Saving Throws: 0 + 6 + 6 = 12PP Toughness: +12 Fortitude: - Reflex: +8 (+2 Dex, +6PP) Will: +8 (+2 Wis, +6PP) Skills: 60R = 15PP Acrobatics 3 (+5) Climb 0 (+4) Computers 5 (+10) Concentration 3 (+5) Craft (Electronic) 5 (+10) Craft (Mechanical) 5 (+10) Disable Device 5 (+10) Disguise 0 (+0, +20 Morph) Drive 8 (+10) Intimidation 0 (+0, +4 Size) Knowledge (Technology) 5 (+10) Notice 4 (+6) Pilot 8 (+10) Search 1 (+6) Stealth 8 (+10) Swim 0 (+20/+4) Feats: 12PP Attack Focus: Melee 4 Interpose Jack of All Trades Luck 2 Move-By Action Speed of Thought Takedown Attack 2 Powers: 112PP Enhanced Skills 8 (Stealth 8 ) [2PP] Features 3 (Headlights; Internal Compartment; Special Effect [Theme Music]) [3PP] Growth 8 (Size: Huge; Strength +16 [+26 Lifting], Protection +4, Grapple +8, Knockback Resistance +8, Intimidation +4, Reach 10ft, Attack -2, Defense -2, Stealth -8; Extras: Duration [Continuous]; Flaws: Permanent; Feats: Innate) [25PP] Immunity 40 (Fortitude effects; Mental effects) [40PP] Morph 4 (Machines; Disguise +20; Extras: Duration [Continuous]; Feats: Metamorph 2) [14PP] Protection 12 [8PP] Super-Senses 4 (Darkvision, Infra-Vision, Radio) [4PP] Super-Strength 2 (Lifting Strength: 55, Heavy Load: 24 tons) [4PP] Vehicular Movement 5 (10PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 2) [12PP] Base Power [Air]: (250MPH[10PP] Flight 5 (250MPH, 2,500ft [1/2-mile] per Move Action) [10PP] AP [Land]: [6 + 4 = 10PP] Speed 6 (500MPH, 5,000ft [1 mile] per Move Action) [6PP] Super-Movement 2 (Sure-Footed 2) [4PP] AP [Sea]: [4 + 6 = 10PP] Enhanced Skills 16 (Swim 16) [4PP] Swimming 6 (100MPH, 1,000ft per Move Action) [6PP] Drawbacks: -12PP Disability (Anosmia; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Minor) [-1PP] Disability (No Hands; Frequency: Very Common; Intensity: Moderate) [-4PP] Vulnerability (Electricity; Frequency: Common; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-4PP] Vulnerability (Magnetism; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-3PP] Abilities (17) + Combat (32) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (15) + Feats (12) + Powers (112) - Drawbacks (12) = 188/188 Power Points

Somehow, Casey was able to eat her wings and not get her face or fingers dirty, but closer examination revealed super-short bursts of speed and a wad of red-stained paper towels that suddenly appeared in her lap. Once she realized she'd been 'caught,' she shrugged and cringed. "So I maybe use my superpowers frivolously from time to time? I don't know anyone who doesn't." Grabbing some more wings (wow, this girl had an appetite), and now allowing the occasional smudge of sauce to remain, she continued. "Mm, working from home makes a lot of sense when you put it that way! We're so lucky we live in a world with so many options! Just ten or twenty years ago, you would've been screwed!" Yes, Casey was cursing a bit more these days; blame her sorority sisters for that.

Lynn snorted and shook her head. "Hey, I'd love to humiliate your mother in front of you, but right now, I think we'd better head to the beach." She indicated the portal back to the parking lot in Riverside with a nod of her head "Pretty soon, that hole in the universe is going to start drawing some unwanted attention." She went back out first, then helped the others climb out with a firm but gentle hand. Once everyone was back on Prime, she closed the portal with a snap of her fingers. "Alright, let's go! Mia rides shotgun, on account of her freakishly long legs." From someone else, the words might have hurt, but Lynn somehow managed to fill them with great affection.

Woo-hoo! Lulu loves Cinderella!

Crystal-Gazer (8) Dead Men Tell No Tales (2) Shell Game (1) Stellar School (3) Strengthen Me (2)  Grimalkin () [Maxed] Body Doubles () Codus Immortus: Grimalkin () Green Thumb () Kingmaker: Opening Move () Kingmaker: Queen's Defence () Let's Do It Again () Siren Song of The Void ()  Miracle Girl () Brain Drain! () Dance Macabre () Midair Conversations () Must Be An (Fallen) Angel () Scene: Fulcrum and Miracle Girl () Wakey Wakey, Eggs and Bakey ()  Shrike () Choose Your Own Adventure () Emerald City Showdown ()  The Eel () Adrift () Torque Storm Of The Century () All Grimalkin's points go to Torque

Grim had said nothing for some time, instead content to watch the interplay between the various heroes, trying to get chemistry readings on who might work best with who. However at the mention of Belgium, her ears perked up, as memories of her old nemesis 'the Duke' rose unpleasantly to the surface. Still... "I'm up for Belgium," she chimed in. "I'm good at hand-to-hand, an excellent tracker, and can speak any language." And then she suddenly shifted into Corona's form. "Plus shapeshifting has a thousand and one uses; very useful in throwing people off their game." Then she resumed her costumed form and waited to see what others had to say.

Lulu loved the water; she'd spent many a summer visiting the 'Redneck Rivera' on the Florida Panhandle, as well as water parks of all kinds. You don't grow up in the South and not know how to cool off! True, there were always concerns about sunburn, which she most certainly didn't like, but she felt decently protected today. So she'd eagerly taken a place as far forward as she could get, excited at the thought of getting a good wet on, not even bothering to take a seat as she clung firmly to the rail. And sure enough, she was thoroughly drenched in no time, her sunhat cast aside as her hair became slick with seawater, and her clothes dripping wet. Nevertheless, she whooped with excitement the whole time. "Punch it, Veronica, punch it! Wooooooo-hoo!"

Casey frowned and shook her head as flipped open two beers with her nails, a trick that dropped jaws back at her sorority. "Mmm, nah," she answered as she handed Morgan a beer. "I mean, if I'm perfectly honest, the romantic thought of writing for a major metropolitan newspaper is still there, but traditional newspapers are dying." She raised her beer in salute. "To the coffee-stained hacks of old; may their typewriter ribbons never run dry!" She took a swig with a minimal grimace before continuing. "No, no on-camera stuff for me; I hate to say it, but I'm too pretty to be taken seriously. I'm thinking me and my Tascam will probably go to AP or Pacifica, and see the the world." The athletic blonde set aside her beer and began to pile hot wings on her plate. "So how about you; are you going to stay in tech support, or do you have other plans?"

Shrike is very free!

Lulu chuckled as she settled in for a nice texting session. -Im kind of the opposite. Travelled a LOT this summer- -Scuba diving in th Caribbean! ?- -went to #$&% SPACE! ???- -Wished you were there ???- She pulled open her bedside table drawer and pulled out half a Luna bar to snack on.

The Home of Lord and Lady Harrow, North Bay Lying in bed in a room nearly double the size if the one she grew up in with her brother Bobby, Lulu was indeed awake, but not fully; she was indulging in a favorite pastime, studying her new home by extending her senses. She tended to do this as a way to relax, sending her eyes and ears into odd corners of the huge house, following the pets on their rounds, or scanning the titles of books in the library. She was always careful not to spy on any of the human residents, no matter how tempting. But the buzzing of her phone on her chest roused her from her reverie; her senses snapped back into her head, and Lulu yawned, stretched and sat up a little before responding. -Yeah, m here. Whats up?-

Lynn now had both hands on Davyd's shoulders, and was offering an encouraging smile. "Shapeshifting can be a very scary power when you're just starting out; one time I actually melted into a pool of goo, and couldn't figure out how to put myself back together. I was scared s###less! But then I calmed down and collected myself, and then I, well, collected myself, and I was okay! You'll discover all kinds of stuff you didn't know you could do, and at first you'll freak out, but then you'll be like, 'cool, new power!' She put one hand affectionately on the side of his face. "The other thing you have to remember is you're a teenaged boy going through puberty, which is kind of like being a shapeshifter already! Your brain is still developing, and you're figuring out, for the first time really, who you really are. And being an actual shapeshifter can complicate that, but maybe it can also set you free, y'know? Every other kid in school is locked in the body God and biology gave them. Except you. Remember that. You can actually walk in someone's shoes. Most guys will never know what it's like to be a girl, but you can. Most white people will never know what it means to be a person of color, but you can." She spread her hands wide. "Now I'm not saying it's the same as a lifetime of experience; that's impossible. But I will say don't be afraid to explore the world through your powers. And if you ever start to freak out again-" She put an arm around Daphne's shoulders and beamed at Davyd. "Know that you have two crazy aunts you can call to help you through it. Okay?"

As I understand it, Vibora Bay is a lower power setting, which could offer a less gritty alternative to Bedlam.

That's fair. I think my issue with Bedlam is that it's so Iron Age; there are no good neighborhoods or places you'd want to live.

Yes! Very yes! In some ways, I feel Eel would be a better fit there. Also not sure if I care for Bedlam's unrelenting grimness.

Grim eagerly accepted the pint, which looked huge in her hands, gave Les a cheerful wink, and then hopped up onto a stool, leaving her feet dangling. But her impish mood began to darken as Corona described her past and what they'd be up against. She was also very attentive when Facsimile described Wu and his new team's tactics; this s### sounded serious. Hopping down off the stool, she stepped to the ex-villain's side and placed a comforting hand on her arm. "You're not alone in this; you've got more friends than you realize, and we've all got your back." Her voice had dropped an octave, and for a second she saw the glint of Lynn's wisdom in her eyes.

Suddenly one of the battered chairs began to twitch of its own accord, and then it abruptly morphed into the shape of a pretty young woman in a black and midnight blue leather costume! She was short and lithe, with spikey auburn hair and pointed ears, and a domino mask that matched her costume hid part of her features. She stretched and yawned dramatically, then idly scratched her side. "Sorry, must have dozed off! Hi everyone! Grimalkin, Mistress of Mystery, at your service!" She turned to Lester and grinned. 'You, sir, have a very comfy bar! Can I have a Sam Adams? I swear I'm old enough. Look, Corona can vouch for me!" The changeling, who looked all of eighteen, eagerly waved at the woman who'd called them all together, which made her look even younger "Hi Corona, my adult friend!"

A visably relieved Casey opened up the picnic basket. "Oh, I am so glad to hear that!" Then she paused and covered her mouth, looking slightly embarrassed. "Okay, so, funny story. I'm not really much of a cook, so I decided to go and pick up the wings." She reached into the basket, and pulled out a large paper bag with the 'Hooters' logo on the side. "Now, I've never been to Hooters, but my dad always swore by them; 'best wings in town', he'd say. And my mom always gave him crap for going there, and he was like, 'no, no, it's fine, it's not as sexy as they say it is, blah blah blah'." As she said this, Casey continued to set out the various food containers, Chinet plates, plastic cups and a roll of paper towels, then she stopped and held up five fingers. "Five people asked me to come and join the 'Hooters family'; three servers, an assistant manager and the store manager." She sighed and shook her head. "So if journalism doesn't work out, I've got that to fall back on." Casey shuddered dramatically. "So creepy! Okay, so we've got thirty hot wings: ten Hot, ten 9-1-1's and ten 3 Mile Islands. Plus we've got Bleu cheese dipping sauce and a six pack of Sam Adams." She shrugged. "Nothing but class! I hope that's okay."

Casey was so distracted by nerves that she didn't even sense Morgan's approach, no mean feat given her acute hearing and vision. Pleasantly caught off guard, the lovely young woman smiled and rose to her feet, nearly six feet tall in her two inch heels. "Yeah, hi! You must be Morgan." She strode over to the winged man, much more handsome in person, and gave him a firm handshake. "Very nice to meet you! Uh, come on over and have a seat!" Excited and filled with nervous energy, she actually began to glow softly, a faint golden light she wasn't even aware of in her state. "I, uh, I wasn't sure what to bring," she said uncertainly looking over her shoulder. "Do you like hot wings?"