Dr Archeville

Archeville nodded, "customization and personalization are certainly hallmarks of the industry, I had taken that into account. I have even looked into setting up some courses for sex educators and therapists for handling metahuman cases, so they can offer their counseling services to a wider clientele. Dr. Ruth has already signed on to help! I got her number when we marched as Grand Marshals in the German-American Steuben Parade in New York City last September. Now if only Sue Johanson would return my calls..." "A new subsidiary would probably be best," he said as he put the last of the baking sheet away. "I prefer not to buy out companies -- my critics are quick to make comparisons between me buying out other companies and the Nazis 'buying out' Poland and France. Besides, making a new subsidiary would create new jobs, which would certainly be welcome in this economy!" He looked about the room, "I believe utensils and cookbooks are all that remains? Food?"

Archeville chuckled and placed a hand over Mona's, "I suppose ArcheTech does block the view of it from the angle you usually fly in from. Carrie is referring to a new research facility, known simply as The Lab, which opened about four months ago." He turned slightly so as to face Carrie again, "and I actually have had very little to do with them. The idea for it did come about during one of the Brainiac Brunches I host, but the construction and organization of it was all done by others. Largely this was done so that they could truly do so on their own, stand on their own merits. I -- and ArcheTech -- would of course offer any aid if they requested, but thus far they have not done so, and with god reason: if we did, rumors would swiftly begin to circulate that The Lab was but another subsidiary, or that we were looking to turn them into one, which is the last thing they, or I, would want." "Enough about me, though," he said with a smile and dismissive wave. "You made that sari? That was excellent work! Have you considered expanding your operations? I know Mona is not the only one who faces difficulties with her outfits."

"I could," Archeville nodded at Grim's suggestion for the force field, "but I do not think I shall." "For two reasons," he quickly added. "One, I do share the opinion of Eli and Billy that there is little danger of the event being crashed. While you all have done an exquisite job protecting the city from threats both natural and manmade, none of you really have any archenemies, either individually or for the group as a whole. And, given who might be appearing on the guest list, the Interceptors would not be the only superheroes on site. Now," he held up his hands defensively, "I am not saying we should drop all our guard, but I do believe having us at key points -- say, Ellie here," he pointed to a seat near the front, "where she could quickly throw up a protective field around the couple and the attendants, and Erik here, where his senses would have the widest sweep," he indicated the center of the audience, "and Vince keeping tabs throughout, that should give us sufficient ability to sense any incoming threats, as well as putting them in key locations to move to defensive positions." "The other reason," he said, pausing to take a sip from his large glass of tea, "is that I am in no way officially part of this team, so my involvement should not appear to be any more or less than it would for any other superhero wedding. And, given what you have told me of your family, I am not sure all of them would be comfortable with me being there."

Archeville's smile broke into a full belly laugh, "oh, the looks on some of their faces when I tell them would alone be worth the considerable money I have put into this project!" "And," his laugh died down, "while the market would not be very large, the issues in it would potentially be more severe than typical. Though I am certain I can expand some of the technologies for use by non-metahuman couples, who wish for new experiences..." He bent down to retrieve the cooking pots and pans from the lower shelves, keeping up the light show so Archimedes did not get tempted to hop into a pot. "Discretion would be a vital component, yes, moreso than for the 'standard' goods. Which is one factor to consider when approaching potential distributors. Unless... I have ArcheTech itself handle the distribution, teleporting items to the branch nearest the client's given address, and have them come pick it up. As for the 'face' of the new line... well," he chuckled, "I could probably count on Ace Danger for help!" "A book? Hrrmmm..." He seemed lost in thought for a moment, "I had actually not considered that, but... well, flight certainly provides new angles... a metahuman companion for the Kama Sutra? There are definite ideas there..." he said, his grin returning.

Note: Protectron is now Fatigued (-2 Str and Dex, -1 attack & defense) due to use of Extra Effort (and lack of HP's to counter it) Standard Action: Grapple Melee attack vs. Siren; All-Out Attack (-2 Defense/+2 Attack), Power Attack (-2 Attack/-2 Defense) (1d20+8=22) petty sure that hits Grapple check (1d20+18=29) remember if Protectron's grapple check wins by 5+, Siren's bound & helpless. Free Action: Reply to Conquering Mind.

Protectron quickly flew up behind Siren and wrapped its might metal arms about her. "Apologies," it said flatly, "but my research into superpowered organics imply that such conflict with fellow superpowered organics classed 'superhero' is counter to your natural inclinations, and the physical and psychological damage resulting from such conflict is to be avoided." Protectron's head quickly turned 180 degrees to face Lonely Point and Star Island... And then just as quickly turned back to Star Knight. "Attention Conquering Mind: your logic is faulty. Freedom of choice is the right of all sapient beings."

"Viktor is fine," he replied as he sat, "this is, after all, an informal..." he glanced over at Mona's little black dress, "well, mostly informal dinner. I tend only to go by 'Doktor' when at work, or in the field, or when giving lectures; here, there is little need for such formalities!," he said with a smile. Archeville quickly recalled something Carrie had said, "so, you make clothes for day-to-day wear as well as costumes for theatrical shows? Which one did you start doing first?"

"Well, it is not be as big a market as the 'standard' multi-billion dollar adult entertainment industry, true," he said, distracting the cat with one hand while pulling out the flatware with the other, "simply due to the fact that the world metahuman population is a fraction of the sum total of Homo sapiens sapiens. But metahumans have the same desires and needs and urges as anyone else, but thus far there has been no market for them, to take the unique issues posed by their non-standard physiology." "There are still several issues to work out, though much has already been done. You were the inspiration, the conditions I was all to happy to counter and contend with," the grinning, slim 5'10" scientist said to the 8'2" paragon who was strong enough to, with minimal effort, lift luxury cars over hear head. "And while working on our interactions, I could not help but think -- given how many metahumans I work with everyday -- how others would have comparable issues. I have scores of devices ready for market, and a few distributors in mind, but the biggest issue I am hitting now is how to advertise them, both in terms of where and when, and who (if any) 'poster boys' to get. Unfortunately, it is too late to go to this year's AEE, which would have been the ideal place to gather such information..."

The large menu obscuring Mona's companion lowered, revealing a face known to many far and wide: the thin (imperial, some said) nose and lips, smiling to greet Carrie, eyes as blue as the Rhine that reflexively scrutinized every centimeter of her, all framed by hair like a cascading waterfall of gold. Carrie could see he wore a blue buttoned shirt (no tie), and guessed that the white bundle between him and Mona was his folded labcoat. The Doktor stood (revealing the black slacks he wore) and shook Carrie's hand, "good evening, Miss Wendle, it is a pleasure to meet you! Have you been here before? They have a marvelous selection of pastries here!"

"I believe Archimedes just gave me another idea..." he said between gritted teeth. He reached into his labcoat, pulled forth his wondrous techno wand, the Electromagnetic Screwdriver, and set it to act as a cat-distracting laser pointer (with multiple colors and strobe patterns). Would Archimedes follow the multicolored strobing dot that appeared on the floor and was moving towards and up a wall? Who could say?! "Alright, here is a big hint," he said, shifting back to the main topic. "It has to do with a series of inventions that we have tested -- primarily which I have tested on and with you -- focusing on the... challenges your metahuman physiology poses to certain... activities. Rather enjoyable activities...." He could see comprehension beginning to dawn on Mona's face. Viktor's grin grew wider.

"Weeellllll..." he teased, pausing in his wrapping of the coffee mugs to bend down and scratch Archimedes behind the ears, "you tell me, liebchen: what series of inventions have you most directly inspired me to create?" When he looked up from the cat to her, he had a very mischievous grin on his face. What could he be thinking? Power regulators? The ones Mona wore, disguised as fairly nice jewelry, had done a fine job keeping most of her energy discharges in check. There were likely several metahumans out there with similar problems, even those not touched by the Terminus, who needed help reigning in their powers. In fact, from what she'd heard, most metahumans experienced some problems with controlling their powers when they first manifested. Could this be it? A new line of wearable items that did not shut down one's abilities, but made them more controllable? That would certainly be useful, but the market for that would not be terribly large, especially since the Albright Institute and ASTRO Labs both has similar tech available for those who come in for help with their abilities. Viktor was giving the impression this was a wholly new market, one untapped by anyone.

Supercape, I hope your surgery goes well and you recover swiftly. Ecal, very sorry to hear this, I really hope things ease up for you soon.

As if on cue, the golden android appeared on the scene! "Apologies," it said flatly to the mind controlled heroine as it reached for her net, "but my analysis indicates this will lead to the least amount of damage to organics." Hands firmly on her net, the strange robot spun around in the air, tearing it free from her grasp, and tossed it onto Captain Thunder. Not only did it strike true, but the extra spin caused the net to wrap tight around the influenced electrokinetic, binding him fast!

Protectron has a plan! Disarm Siren of her net, toss it onto Captain Thunder, hoping the net has enough metal in it to short him out, or at the very least distract him enough to let Sharl vamoose! Move Action: Fly into melee range of Siren Standard Action: Attack to disarm Siren of her net; All-Out Attack (-2 Defense/+2 Attack), Power Attack (-2 Attack/-2 Defense) (1d20+11=31) crit! (which I'll use to add +5 to Protectron's "damage") Str/Damage check vs. Siren's Str check (1d20+16=22) good thing I got that +5! If that that does not nab the net, that's it for Protectron. If that does nab the net, then: Free Action: Extra Effort to SURGE and gain another standard action Standard Action: Toss Siren's net (a Snare 11 effect) onto Captain Thunder Attack w/ net vs. Captain Thunder (1d20+6=21) I think that hits?!

All chars except those in red have had their posts tallied and awards awarded. Four PL bumps and two Player Status bumps - not bad for such a slow month! Arranged by Player, it looks like this: Aoiroo Changeling: 2pp Silhouette: 3pp and is now PL 10 Arichamus King of Suits: 1pp AvengerAssembled Citizen: 3pp Edge: 4pp Fusion: 1pp Harrier: 2pp Azuth65 Wisp: 2pp Carces no posts all month; archiving Creature Feature: --- Cubist Jubatus: 1pp Dariusprime Fulcrum: 3pp and is now PL 14 Darksider42 Lady Winter: Rift: Dr Archeville Dead Head: 2pp Doktor Archeville [maxed]: 3pp Protectron: 4pp Doleth Scion: 2pp Dream no IC posts in 2 months; archiving Shadow Man: --- Ecalsneerg Equinox: Geckoman: Scholar: (+1 Ref point) Electra Fleur de Joie: 4pp Miss Americana: 4pp Wander [maxed]: 5pp and is now Platinum :clap: ex3lev3n no posts in 2 months; archiving Pax: --- Razoring: --- Fox Dragonfly: 4pp Gaian Knight: 2pp Geez3r Atlas: 2pp Dynamo: 1pp Gizmo Jack of all Blades: 4pp Midnight (II): 2pp Wail: 3pp GranspearZX Arcturus: 1pp Crusader: 1pp Griffalo Mercury: 2pp Thunderhead: 0pp Heritage Gossamer: 1pp Grimalkin: 3pp JackgarPrime Victory: 2pp Kavonde no posts in 2 month; archiving Gravestone: --- Volcano: --- KnightDisciple Cobalt Templar: 3pp Fenris: 3pp Gabriel: 4pp and is now PL 13 Limos no posts all month Jello-Man: 0pp El Sapo: 0pp Lone Star Mad Dog: 1pp Warlock: 3pp Northstar no posts all month Beacon: 0pp Doctor Titan: 0pp Nyrath Blue Angel: 1pp Quinn Crow: 2pp Push: 1pp quotemyname Blueshift: 2pp and is now PL 11 Breakdown: 1pp Colt: 1pp Raveled Glowstar: 2pp Ironclad: 2pp Sandman XI Muse: 1pp Wesley Knight: 1pp Semi-Autogyro Myrmidon: 5pp ShaenTheBrain Scarab: 1pp Sorus Sage: 3pp and is now Bronze :clap: Willow: 1pp Supercape Rene de Saens: 2pp Supercape: 5pp TheJoshie no posts all month Tarantula: 0pp trollthumper Cannonade: 2pp Nick Cimitiere: 3pp The 100+ Posts per Month Club No one! :o

Still need Darksider42 Ecalsneerg

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Maaaybe... EDIT: Well, if something else was being used at the same time, "piggybacking" on these warps.

Wherever! But keep it on Earth (the Moon at most). In fact, a few Time Warps are appearing throughout Europe, South America, and Japan, and in space...

FC:PbP is offering the community another "vignette" opportunity. If you'd like to read about our previous vignettes, check here. "The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once." -- Albert Einstein Tears in the very fabric of spacetime are appearing all over Freedom City! Some are spitting things out from different times, some are sucking in people and sending them to the past or future! What's causing them? Is this a prelude to some invasion? The result of an out-of-control experiment in some Hanover or ASTRO Labs workshop? (The largest concentration are showing up in Hanover, though there are quite a few in City Center, Riverside, Waterfront, and West Side, and a scattering in the other neighborhoods, as well as Europe, Japan, South America, and in space orbiting Earth!) There is one small consolation: all the portals do eventually close on their own, and as they do they pull/send back everything they took to their proper place. The effects of whatever happened to them remains, though, so a traffic cop trampled by mastodons in the Ice Age is going to come back to the present as a frozen & mashed corpse. Also, while the portals on this end all remain for but a day at most, the time spent on the other side is not always the same: someone could be pulled from their home during breakfast and sucked into the future, and spit back out into the present at suppertime, but have spent 20 years fighting bloodthirsty cyborg cannibals! Who: Any player who is interested, for one (or more) of their characters. What: Write a vignette featuring your character's encounter with one of these time portals. These can take two broad forms: 1) Facing something that pops out of a portal from another time. Will your character fight a megasquid from the year 200,002,003 AD? A stampeding herd of mastodons? A gang of splicers on flying motorcycles from 2041? A horde of viking berserkers, who are running headlong into a group of Tokugawan samurai? Feed scavengers from the Crash of 2112? Save the life of your own great-great-grandfather who stumbled into the path of an oncoming train? Or your own great-great-great-great-granddaughter? 2) Your char is sucked into another time, wherein hijinx ensue until the event's end snaps you back to the present. Any future (the MC2-esque FC2, the Batman Beyond expy Future Freedom of 2041, the Legion of Super-Heroes-inspired Galactic Freedom of 2525, or something ever farther and wilder) is game, as is any era of history. But there is a caveat: any trips via these portals is of the "predestination paradox" variety. I.e., if you go to the past, you're going to the true past of Freedom, whatever you do there will really happen in the timeline (rather than splitting off a separate timeline/universe like Doc Tomorrow did). Which is not to say you're totally restricted: if you're a legacy character, perhaps it turns out that you had a hand in inspiring the founder of your legacy! Or perhaps you are one of those "Unknown Soldiers" who mysteriously appeared during a crucial time, turned the tide of battle, then disappeared just as mysteriously. Length should be at least one (1) page per character involved. When: The deadline for submissions will be Saturday, April 30th, by 11:59 PM EST (GMT -5). The portals themselves will be appearing on April 15th (Tax Day!). Where: Anywhere. When you submit your vignette, please make a note clearly indicating in which forum it should be posted. Why: To enhance our community, to flex your writing muscles, to think more deeply about your characters, and to earn a bonus PP for your characters (the ones involved in this Vignette) for the month of April. How: Once your story is finished and proofed, PM it to one of the Refs (AvengerAssembled, Ecalsneerg, Geez3r, ShaenTheBrain, or myself). When all the stories are in, one of our staff members will post them to the appropriate forums (which is why we need you to be sure to tell us where it should go!), and provide links to them in this thread. DO NOT post them in a forum yourself, otherwise it will not be counted for this exercise. Cannonade Cobalt Templar Dead Head Doktor Archeville Dragonfly Dynamo Edge Fenris Fleur de Joie Fulcrum Gabriel Harrier Ironclad Jack of all Blades Lord Steam Miss Americana Myrmidon Nick Cimitiere Push Rene de Saens Supercape