Dr Archeville

The large monitor set in the wall flickered on, showing a very high tech lab in a very dire situation. Smoke covered the left half, alarms were sounding, and Germanic cursing and the sounds of a fire extinguisher could be heard from off-camera. "Interceptors!," Archeville shouted as he slowly backed into the camera's view. He discharged the last of the extinguisher to something near his feet before turning to the group. His face and hands were smudged with soot, as were the blue silk pajamas he was wearing. "Are you all okay?," he coughed out, "What is going on out there?"

DONE BY SHAENTHEBRAIN 5 putrid points for Dead Head. 1 to add +4r in Intimidate, bringing it to 16r total (+17 mod total). [b]Skills[/b]: [44 ranks = 11pp] Intimidate 16 (+17) Knowledge (arcane lore) 9 (+10) Knowledge (life sciences) 2 (+3) Knowledge (popular culture) 4 (+5) Knowledge (theology & philosophy) 9 (+10) Sense Motive 4 (+4) And 4 to increase his Necromancy/Stupid Zombie Tricks array: Necromantic Powers 4 (8pp; PFs: 3 Alternate Power) [11PP] BE: Enhanced Anatomic Separation 2 (Extra: Variable Split; brings total to Anatomic Separation 3 [Variable Split]) {6/8} AP: Enhanced Feats 8 (Fearsome Presence 8 [40 feet, DC 18]) {8/8} AP: Morph 6 (any humanoid, +30 Disguise; Flaw: Limited [only into people who have died, excluding himself]; PFs: Covers Scent, Precise) {8/8}[b]Necromantic Powers 4 ([/b]8pp; [i]PFs[/i]: 3 Alternate Power[b])[/b] [11PP] [list][u]BE[/u]: [b]Enhanced Anatomic Separation 2 ([/b][i]Extra[/i]: Variable Split; brings total to [b]Anatomic Separation 3[/b] [Variable Split][b])[/b] {6/8} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Enhanced Feats 8 ([/b]Fearsome Presence 8 [40 feet, DC 18][b])[/b] {8/8} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Morph 6 ([/b]any humanoid, +30 Disguise; [i]Flaw[/i]: Limited [only into people who have died, excluding himself]; [i]PFs[/i]: Covers Scent, Precise[b])[/b] {8/8}[/list] DONE BY SHAENTHEBRAIN

"It was quite difficult at first," he said, scratching his chin idly. "First time was... ah...." His voice trailed off. He cleared his throat before resuming, "When I was thirteen, in mathematics class, the teacher told me I had made a mistake in one of the problems the class was working on. I... I felt like a storm broke in my mind, and I jumped on the professor and attacked him, pounding at his pressure points with my fists, then hitting him with the teacher's edition of the class textbook, and his chair. Some of the other students tried to stop me, but I assaulted them, too. Two of the boys had to be taken to the school nurse, and the Professor had to be taken to the hospital. The investigation into the event revealed that the mistake was in fact the Professor's, not mine, which was what precipitated my assault. That night was the night my father tried to-" He paused again, cleared his throat, smoothed his shirt, "after that I researched techniques to control myself, to be more accepting of unpredicted challenges, to 'go with the flow.' Which lead to improved social interactions, as the studies I had made of my own psyche have allowed some insight into the psyches of others, and how best to act and react with a given subject in order to evoke or provoke certain reactions. Over the years, the mental 'gear-shifting' has become easier, but it does still take a few seconds to do so." "And, yes, real-time monitoring would be ideal. Oh, speaking of adaptations and changes," he tilted to the side slightly to get a better look at Dragonfly and her study of his brainscans, "it may be worth noting that my abilities are not metahuman in nature, or, rather, that all tests I have taken for the presence of active metahuman genetics have proved negative."

"Gut, nun da ich Ihre Aufmerksamkeit habe, lassen Sie mich sehen, wenn Sie irgendeine Art der Sprachbefehlsübersteuerung haben. Sicherheitsprotokoll… 10? 666? 21! 4… 5… 678… ach... oh, weissichnicht, 42? 1!" "Recht, kein Effekt. Und, als der ist der Fall…" Archeville flew straight up, about 50 feet. "Lassen Sie uns sehen, wie gut Sie mit einem Flieger tun!"

"Just the 'drawing board' stage," he reassured, though whether it was more to reassure Miss A and Dragonfly or himself was not entirely clear. "I do maintain sufficient meta-awareness of my own mental processes that I have managed to stop myself short of building any of these devices, or of actually doing anything harmful. Unfortunately, my meta-awareness, my ability to see and edit my own mental processes, was not refined enough to prevent me from having such thoughts in the first place." Some of the scans Dragonfly looked at did show some similarities to her own brain scans: extreme intellectual enhancement, particularly in technical areas, to extremes far higher than her own. But others showed a very different picture: areas corresponding to social interactions (like the scarred ones in her own brain) were massively stimulated, while the intellectual and technical comprehension areas were slightly diminished, to levels merely comparable to her own ability. And yet others showed massive stimulation in the sensory centers and areas concerning self-identity and strength of will. Most bizarrely, one showed massive activity in the areas pertaining to pattern recognition, coordination, and spatial orientation, with some lesser stimulation of the sensory areas.

"Whoa, hold up!" he called after her. Turning, she saw he was sitting atop Mutt, clinging on for dear life. Er, unlife. "Mutt's fast, but not that fast!" Soon enough they reached the fourth Jewish cemetery Grim thought the vandals would hit, and she was both satisfied and distraught to find people gathered there, people clearly up to no good. Three people in dark robes stood around a grave, chanting in a vaguely Middle Eastern language she did not recognize, while two in the hole were struggling to pull up the coffin within. Suddenly the coffin lifted up and was tossed out, crashing to the ground several feet away! The three above continued chanting, while the two in the grave had harsh words with the one who had been crouched to lift the coffin, and now stood to reveal his peaked white hood wreathed in an aura of white fire: the White Knight! He seemed quite unimpressed with the two who were in the grave with him, and simply boosted himself up and out on a jet of white flame.

"I am not certain 'Sir' is an appropriate form of address for me,"it said flatly, "as I am neither male, nor superior to you in rank or status, nor older than you, nor a customer of yours." "Competition would be good," it continued, in the same flat tone, presuming, of course, that we all do so not as antagonists, but as respected rivals. Aside from energy production, what other projects might your company and The Lab compete in?" The strange robot gave no radio replay to Supercape, nor any indication it had even received the communication. It merely continued to turn its head enough to keep both the scientists in its field of vision.

Archeville's face lit up at the prospect of getting to do some real study of Colt's guns. "That sounds wonderful! Perhaps later this week? I mean, assuming there are no alien invasions or dimensional tears, or a hidden cache of robots being unearthed by construction workers." The latter was exactly what happened after he and Jack of all Blade had chatted. "As for now, though," he glanced over at the clock, showing it was mid-afternoon, "how about we go make that pot of chili for the others like I suggested?"

So... as big as Fulcrum? No prob, he's gotten quite adept at wrestling with targets that big :parrot:

"Anatomical Knowledge" is probably not the best name for the AP. Basically, he's using his GIGANTIC BRAIN + years of experience (he's been active as a hero for over a decade) to figure out just where to strike. And he has fought robots, so there would be some applicable knowledge; whether powered by electronics or spirits, a humanoid metal shell is a humanoid metal shell, with certain structural strengths and weaknesses inherent in being a humanoid metal shell. One thing that may come into play, though: extra damage from Sneak Attack is not applied to targets with Immunity (critical hits). However, Immunity (Fort effects) != Immunity (crits). Notice checks For audible and visual (no concealment), it's a regular Notice check (-1 penalty per 10 feet, unless they have extended on their senses). Since Dok's 30 feet from them, they have a -3 check on their scent- or listen-based Notice checks to spot him. However, he was yelling at them to get their attention, so the DC's like -5 or -10 to begin with, so unless they have a -2 or worse on their Notice checks, they'll hear him. However, unless they have accurate on their olfactory or auditory senses, they can't target him. Visual is a different matter. He's still got total concealment there, and the Close Range power feat. So to spot him, they have to be within 5 feet, and make a DC 20 Notice check, but even then they'll just have a general sense something's there (i.e., not enough to accurately land a blow, so they'll have a 50% miss chance). If they can make a DC 40 Notice check, then they can spot him well enough to accurately land a blow (i.e., no miss chance, just regular attack vs. defense). (The Enhanced Stealth he has there is to go with the Hide in Plain Sight, so that people with Counters Concealment super-senses don't automatically see through his cloak.)

"Of course, Dr. Rao," a suddenly contrite Archeville replied. "I do apologize, Mr. Xavier; my mouth sometimes gets ahead of my brain." Jubatus' fur omitted the use of the standard EEG electrodes, or even standard recording nets (not without shaving his entire head, a prospect neither doctor even considered proposing), but ArcheTech was no stranger to handling patients with atypical skin textures and compositions. While Rao explained the purpose and basic functioning of the tests, Archeville retrieved an EEG Helmet. This device was lined with a high density array of sensors that could detect the electrical activity of the brain, without requiring shaving of fur or abrading of dead skin cells, and able to work on a range of dermal types exhibiting higher- or lower-than-typical galvanic response. Of course, the helmet was designed for humanoid wearers, so Archeville had to tinker with it to make sure Jube's head would fit into it comfortably, albeit snugly. Archeville nodded as he looked over the results. "Well, what do you make of that, Dr. Rao?" "I think I'm a geneticist, not a... you," she replied curtly. "And a damn fine geneticist you are, doctor." Sensing her patient's growing irritation, she quickly added, "but what I can tell, everything looks okay. No unusual spikes or pits." "Mostly right," he nodded, "in that there are no indicators of unusually high or low activity, which could be indicative of certain atavistic conditions. However, see the 'bunching' there, and there, and there? I believe those are bursts of super-speed mental activity. If I adjust the scanners," he said as he began manipulating the controls, "we should be able to get a clearer image, and make sure there is nothing hiding in there."

"'I shall definitely have to ask Grim about her adventures there!," Archeville said, barely able to restrain his excitement at the prospect. "'The sociopolitical aspects of this world sound almost as intriguing as the changes to its physical laws. Would you have some way to contact Ms. Wells? If I could talk to her for a while, that would be ideal!" "Cannonade... he is the powerhouse with the Trojan helmet, yes?" He nodded to himself as he recalled the few news articles he'd read and seen of him. "Spends much of his time in Southside, I believe. I keep trying to meet up with him; from what I have heard, we face similar foes." He made his menu selection, a Thai dish he'd not yet tried, then looked around to see just how many fellow diners were peeking/listening in on their conversation.

Move Action: Move from 40 feet above the Hunters to 30 feet to their left Free Action: Drop most of cloak; only has Visual Concealment up Free Action: Raise force field (Toughness is +15 [imp 4] and Defense is +8 (+4 flat-footed)) Move Action: Switch brain to Alternate Power: Enhanced Feats 16 (Attack Focus [Melee] 2, Attack Specialization [unarmed] 5, Improved Critical 2 [unarmed], Improved Disarm, Power Attack, Sneak Attack 3, Takedown Attack 2) (Anatomisches Wissen/Anatomical Knowledge) [16/16PP] Melee Attack +10, Unarmed Attack +20, Unarmed Damage +0, +5 w/ Sneak Attack. The Unarmed Attack Specialization does not apply to any weapons he pulls from his Utility Coat, not even brass or power knuckles, though the Melee Attack Focus does.

Archeville flew down and to the left of the group, landing in the snow about 30 feet from them. He dropped most of his cloak, leaving himself invisible, but no longer inaudible, or un-smell-able. And he let out a sharp whistle. "Ich würde nicht so gehen, wenn ich Sie war!"

Archeville had been quietly observing the scene for a while, breaking his silence only to chuckle softly at Eli's discovery of Ellie's activities. "Well," he finally said, "even if the ceremony and reception are held here, you two can still have a very nice honeymoon in a fabulous European vacation spot."

Archeville nodded, "Mona and I have both been somewhat conflicted on her role here. In addition to the usual 'new person coming into an established group' thing, there is also the 'the secret backer/founder of the group is also the man I am dating,' professional vs. personal issues to consider." He flashed Eli a smile, "well, that is really all I wanted to talk with you about, a bit of 'getting to know you.' Any plans for the evening? Have you had supper yet? I know several fine restaurants you should try out... assuming you are willing to run over to my homeland to try," he said with a wink.

I had no problems with the 3D glasses over my own glasses.

"I do not believe this is the time or place to 'take me apart,'" the strange robot replied flatly. "However, once this current crisis is resolved, I would be happy to discuss my operational parameters and technical specifications with you." "What was the nature of the catastrophe?" Protectron asked, right before the holographic presentation flicked to the image of the crippled craft. A soft whir could be heard from the robot's head as its optics adjusted to take in the scene. "What happened? Collision? Attack?"

I do definitely wished there'd been a bit more with the Warriors Three, though since they are the B/C-List Asgardian team, I do see a concern about having too much of them overshadowing Thor. However, I was immensely pleased with how they did Fandral: he looked and acted the most like his Simonson-era comics counterpart. (Volstagg acted the part, but I don't think he quite pulled off the look ["Hollywood Pudgy" ]; I can't recall Hogun even having any lines, and his lack of his distinct hat [and Fu Manchu mustache] kept throwing me off.) More Sif would've been nice -- more refrigerator-less women in comics/comics-derived works is always a plus -- but I honestly don't know her comics incarnation well enough to make any comparisons to gauge if what little they had of her in the flick did her justice. I'd disagree on this point: I thought the 3D in it was far, far better than the 3D in Avatar (though that's the only other 3D movie I've seen, so my sample base for comparison isn't that large).

THOR See it. See it now. Your eyeballs will thank you. Also, I can easily see the FC-verse version of this movie, featuring Horus the Avenger. (Horus, son of Ra, cast out of Heliopolis for starting a war with the Serpent-Men of Duat, while Horus' brother Set -- really the son of Apep, King of the Serpent-Men, taken by Ra during the last war on Duat as a way to broker a lasting truce -- plots and schemes against, well, everyone. Horus must learn humility if he is ever to reclaim his Ankh and thus his awesome power.) /me now has an urge to play a Paragon... My biggest complaint: the lack of Marvel movie trailers. X-MEN: FIRST CLASS is due out in a month, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGERS a month after that, this would be the perfect time to show new trailers! Instead, I got trailers for CARS 2, REAL STEEL (i.e., Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots: The Movie), PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, and TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (the teaser one showing them on the moon, not the more recent one showing 'Bots and 'Cons tearing **** up).

I wasn't using Sense motive on them individually, I was using it on the scene. Basically trying to make sure that these truly are Bad Guys after Innocent Refugees (and not, say, the King's Hunters going after Greedy Poachers).

"Oh, I have definitely noticed the alterations to my brain!," he said with a laugh, "it is why I know I am -- hopefully, was -- quite mad! Thankfully my dissociations were never so bad, never so thorough, that I could not stop myself from doing anything seriously bad, that I ever fully lost control. No blackouts," he added, shifting slightly in the chair, though I have found, after waking from a short nap or a long night's rest, blueprints or schematics for things that... that I would never consciously, or in good conscience, create. For example, one day I was working on a new medical sensor, to detect cancers in the body. I dozed off in my chair, and when I woke I found a rough sketch for a cancer-causing raygun." This was true... to a point. Specifically, to the point when Archeville was exposed to pseudonatural magical energies at Avenger & Phantom's home. Before that, his 'Other' self was little more than an insistent, persistent voice. It could persuade and taunt and tease, but not take control, save for when he slept, and even then it was only to the point of scrawling notes or typing on any nearby keyboards. Since the exposure, though, the Other Self had been able to fully take over, with an accompanying physical change to the Doktor. Thus far it had only happened when Archeville slept (and it had proven very good at hiding any evidence of its manifestations), but the Other was growing stronger, and staying in control longer and longer. In time would be able to manifest whenever it wanted, and stay as long as it wanted. "Oh, and no new treatments since the exposure," he added, "though I am continuing to see Scarab for telepathic therapy. I have also worked up a schedule to slowly taper off on my self-prescribed regiment of anti-psychotics; of course care must be exercised due to their numerous side-effects."

"I think," the Doktor began, looking around the crew he'd assembled for this world-saving task, "that Push should have that honor. He is the least likely of us ever to be out this way again." He folded his arms over his chest, and looked to each person as he named them, "Supercape has been out here many times under his own power, and AEGIS may upgrade Victory to be able to do the same. I have used my tech to get out here on many occasions, and I foresee Blueshift doing the same in the near future." He looked back to Push, then jerked his head towards the airlock, "well, go on!"

Quote, have you recently made out with any strange women? If so, it may've been a lure to ram her ovipositor down your throat and lay a chestburster in your torso. Congratulations: you're gonna be a daddy! (Seriously, though, I hope this was just a fluke from what I only assume is your regular debauched lifestyle of partying w/ lots of alcohol & caffeine, and not a sign of something more serious.)

2pp for Protectron, all to his Communications Array. Also rejiggering the Datalink power, so Protectron can interface with any/every computer(ized item) within 100 feet. Communications Systems 3 (6pp; PF: Alternate Power) [7PP] BE: Communication 5 (radio, 5 miles; PF: Subtle) {6/6} AP: Datalink 2 (radio, 100 feet; Extra: Area; PFs: Machine Control, Selective) {6/6} [b]Communications Systems 3 ([/b]6pp; [i]PF[/i]: Alternate Power[i])[/i] [7PP] [list][u]BE[/u]: [b]Communication 5[/b] (radio, 5 miles; [i]PF[/i]: Subtle) {6/6} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Datalink 2[/b] (radio, 100 feet; [i]Extra[/i]: Area; [i]PFs[/i]: Machine Control, Selective) {6/6}[/list] Edits done by Geez3r