Dr Archeville

The body eventually did catch up with the head, and both rejoined seamlessly. "I am grateful for your assistance, Friend Americana, Friend Supercape," it said flatly. "No damage has been incurred," it added, "but Friend Americana is correct, there are numerous subsystems within me which I cannot identify, as well as some I cannot access, and some which my directory indicates should be present but are not present. Assistance would be appreciated; I could not bear the thought of inadvertently harming an organic being by accidentally activating some unknown system." The assembly of heroes soon arrived at the egg-shaped Lab in Hanover, with many, many questions, and few answers. Some came quickly, others were far more difficult to tease out, but through it all, the bizarre robot was happy to help (not that such emotion could be read in its flat electronic voice or on its unchanging face).

Quick post, as I'm on my way out from work: I was hung up on two things: Quinn saying "everyone in the area" got hit, and not having fully read the IC post he made, and seeing that he is pushing (heh) for some character development (a Very good Thing!). Now fully aware of all that's going on, I see he was indeed right (though I still stand by the "use more KB, not Trip" construction). Which means DH was not hit and thus not injured + stunned. Everybody wins! (In the future, though, if you're not exactly copy/pasting something, then make sure you're not just copy/pasting. Clarity is key in communicating, and communication is what this site is built on.)

... this is what Push used in the warehouse, isn't it? Also, if he's attacking everyone in the area, then there's nothing Selective in there. In fact, based on everything you've been telling us since you made Push (notably, that Complication re: collateral damage), nothing he has (much less stunts) should have Selective Attack. Ever. Reflex save, DC 20 (1d20+6=15) faaaiiiiil And the Damage is not below his Impervious (it's equal to it), so he does have to try a Toughness save. Toughness save, DC 25; includes -1 form existing injury which he hasn't had time to regenerate (1d20+15=18) fails by 7, that's another injury + stunned Knockback of -13 = not knocked back, or even prone, by the friendly fire Strike 10. The Trip part, though, is wonky. Normally with the Trip power, it's a Trip power check vs. their Str or Dex, not just their Str or Dex vs. your Trip rank. But, you went and stuck Area on there, which does funky things to attack effects. My advice: just do an Area Strike with lots of Knockback power feat, with the provision that the extra KB is just to get over a target's KB resistance and thus knock them prone, just like a Trip.

Ah, thought I'd made that roll already. But I had not! So I'll do so now. Knowledge (arcane) check (1d20+5=18)

Toughness save, DC 25 (1d20+16=23) fails by 2, he takes an injury.

My first comment would be that I thought I'd clicked to PM that to you, not posted here in the thread Secondly, yes, Ecal decoded my mad ramblings correctly. I did not mean to ask how her impulsiveness/lack of control was different from BD's and Valk's, I meant to ask how is her being impulsive and lacking in self-control any different from BD or Valk. As for what she can do right now: maybe study the area in detail (with her Quickness she can Take 20 on a Notice check as a free action, getting 30), and relay info to the nice heroes she chatted with earlier? Gadget up (or stunt off her existing super-senses) some ESP to tap into any cameras inside (or maybe even through the Power Corp's own sensors!) and see what's what? Track the bombs and start disabling them? Gadget up some Radio Obscure so the Power corps can't communicate with each other via their comms?

A concern arises. Yes, this was on her sheet since you submitted it, and I should've said something then, but 20/20 hindsight and all that. I'd asked you to make a "think-y" type character, one who used their brains rather than their brawn, one who thought before acting. Someone semi-level-headed. I.e., something very much unlike your other characters, as a challenge to stretch your roleplaying talents (as I've said, you have improved greatly over your years here, and I'd very much like to encourage that growth). That Complication -- while very appropriate for a science-y and tech-y heroine -- is the opposite of what I was hoping to see. It gives you license to have her run into situations and get herself (and teammates) into trouble, due to a lack of self-control on the character's part. How is that different from Breakdown or Valkyrie?

Protectron has done another barrel-roll, so as to see the sniper Blueshift was warning about. The blast hit the robot squarely in its metallic chest, but it did no more than superficial damage to the plating. The robot's jets flared, and a golden guardian streaked down towards the roof of the warehouse. "You appear to be engaged in criminal operations," it said in its flat electronic voice. "These actions must cease." Protectron slowed just enough so it would not plow though the building as its feet came down on the roof, and its fists came down on the sniper. But the armored foe proved a formidable foe -- the blow barley moved him!

For a split second, Archeville's jaw went slack, but he quickly recovered, "Of course, of course!" He flashed a smile and a thumbs up at the Grimanikin, "I can run a few non-invasive tests on it... oh! And see if it can learn!" A giggle escaped, but he soon composed himself. "Oh, and, uh, ahem, as for the dancing, I am sure there are several dance schools in the area you could go to for some pointers. And I am sure I have some in my vast collection of contacts and associates who would be willing to help us put on this show!" The Doktor flipped through his mental rolodex, but paused when he realized Lynn was ready to go. He gestured towards an elevator, which took them directly up to the kitchen, "Ah, I can search for those later, I am sure there are plenty in the city who would help. Do send my regards to the others!" Once she'd left he grinned to himself, "I really do need to arrange some one-on-one time with the others. Fencing practice with Erik? Shooting practice with Billy?" As he mused, he whistled a little bit of Beethoven. Later that night, as Lynn slept, so did the Grimanikin. It did not hear as Archeville approached on bare, webbed feet, and only gently stirred when he lifted it up from the laboratory floor with webbed, taloned hands. "Hello, little one," he gurgled, "let's see how you react to iron's kiss, hrm?" Tiny wooden screams echoed under the house of Archeville, interrupted by deep, inhuman laughter. ~fin~

Ah, it's my turn! Standard Action: Charge Sniper Charging (+2 Attack, -2 Defense), All-Out Attack (+2 Attack, -2 Defense), Power Attack (-2 Attack, +2 Damage). Total +2 Attack, +2 Damage, -4 Defense. DC 26 toughness if it hits. (1d20+13=21) That hit?

Mutt's just gonna fly around in a holding pattern overhead, keeping an eye on things.

Actually, she should be docked the HP once the jury-rigged invention is completed. That way, if something happens to her midway through and she's unable to complete (or unwilling to complete as she abandons it for a better tactic), it's not a waste of an HP.

"You want a maw?!," the Revenant called out form above. On the journey over he'd shed most of his excess winter clothing, and had his trusty shovel at the ready. "I'll give y'all a maw! YEEEAAA!" Hunh, these guys is really gaunt, an' gray. Shoot, I'll bet they'd ghouls! Dead Head toppled off Mutt, falling like a stone right towards one of the Nazis. His open mouth revealed all his yellowed teeth (and the wind made his cheeks flap a bit), but at the last moment he swung around and brought his shovel crashing down right on the Nazi's temple. It stumbled, knocked off-balance, but did not fall! "Dang, but yer a tough'un!"

I'm not sure if I need to hold my action to go after Mutt for this or not. Here's my plan: Free Action: Fall/Leap off Mutt Move Action: Attempt to steer self towards Nazi Standard Action: Charging attack w/ shovel, aiming for Nazi #2 or #3 (i.e., one of the still-flat footed ones) Charging attack (+2 attack, -2 Defense), All-Out Attack (-2 Defense, +2 Attack), Power Attack (-5 Attack, +5 Damage); total mod -1 Attack, +5 Damage, -4 Defense; Sneak Attack also added in, so DC 30 Toughness save (1d20+11=30) :shock: ... yeah, I'ma spend his one HP to get 1 rank of Improved Critical for his shovel, bumping the Toughness DC to 35. If that Nazi falls, and there's another one within 5 feet, his Takedown Attack feat lets him wallop that one.

Initiative for Protectron (1d20+3=16) and Toughness save, DC 24 (1d20+12=24) woo!

Initiatives for Dead Head and Mutt (1d20+2=17, 1d20+2=10)

Miss Americana and Supercape had no trouble keeping pace with the strange robot: its top speed seemed to be a quarter of Supercape's, and a mere tenth of Americana's maximum. Suddenly, the robots head detached, and zipped ahead on tiny neck-jets! The headless body continued flying straight ahead. "ERROR: I was unaware I could do this." While the head did go faster than the robots body, Miss Americana or Supercape could easily catch up with it.

Relevant Events January 1st, 2011: Protectron appears in an abandoned house in Lincoln. Caradoc (Harrier), Doctor Titan, Dragonfly, Miss Americana, and Supercape come to investigate. Protectron is invited to The Lab. It comes to regard them all as friends, though is concerned about what is under 'Caradoc's' holographic shell. (Rise of the Machine) Jan 15th, 2011: Samael Nitorvich comes to The Lab to see Doctor de Havilland. He is greeted by Protectron, who takes de Havilland's unease with the robot as a sign she is either ill, attracted to the Grue bioweapon. Hilarity ensues! There's A Little Grue In All Of Us Jan 30th, 2011: While on patrol on the Waterfront, Protectron spots the Power Corps holding up a warehouse. Fortunately, Blueshift, Geckoman, and Ironclad also saw it. After beating the Corps, they help the Corp's hostages -- alien centaurs! -- to repair their damaged spaceship. Really, it's Just Another Sunday February 2nd, 2011: Miss Americana brings her newest friend, Sharl, to The Lab to meet some people. Dragonfly, Ironcald, and Protectron all meet and greet the strange 'netizen.' Protectron concludes that Sharl and it would be good friends. Downloading Uptown Feb 8th, 2011: Protectron meets Baron Magnus Katastrof, who is checking out The Lab for some investment/research opportunities. Supercape is there, too, escorting the Baron, and all three have a pleasant chat about future technologies. Protectron also brings them both snack baskets. March 5th-6th, 2011: Protectron assists Dragonfly, Miss Americana, and Sharl in collecting a crashed satellite on which was being conducted experiments on anti-Grue weapons... based on Legion, the Mind Virus! Now it's out, and mutated from assimilation of Grue biomaterials! Will they be able to stand against The Conquering Mind. Communications (Radio) & Datalink activated After Dragonfly and Miss Americana stop it (while Citizen & Protectron distract some of its agents), Protectron helps Dragonfly recuperate from the conflict, and checks on the few infected heroes they had to put in holding cells during the event. Dragonfly once again sees that it must feed---you, if you are hungry. Defense upgraded (now PL 12 Defensively) Mental Quickness upgraded. Super-Senses (extended vision, microscopic vision) 'unlocked.' August 16th, 2011: Protectron and Ironclad, and Harrier, work to foil a plot at the Raymond Nuclear Power Plant. (Power Struggle) September 3rd, 2011: Protectron assists Cobalt Templar, Freedom Angel, and Glowstar handle a breakout of human-animal hybrids. (Aninmal Control: Breakout) Upgrade: add Inventor, Speed of Thought Sep 20th, 2011: Dragonfly, Gossamer, Ironclad, Protectron, Supercape, and Victory tackle the Gorgon head on. (Gorgon: The Final Frontier) Upgrade: Increase Enhanced Str, bringing it to PL 12 Offensively. November 17th, 2011: After a long day at work, Supercape comes to The Lab to relax. A late night chat with Protectron leads to the strange robot's clearance through the facility being upgraded, as are its responsibilities. (Upgraded Protection) February 25th, 2012: (To Launch A Thousand Faces!)

The faintest of whirring sounds could just barley be heard in the robot's head. "If there is nothing either of you require from me," it said flatly, "then I shall resume interactions with visiting organic beings in the Lab Expo Center and Lobby."

"I do not believe I am of extraterrestrial origin," Protectron replied flatly. "My humanoid form implies creation by entities of a similar shape. However, my research has lead me to discover the existence of humanoid life forms from other planets, such as the Farsiders, and the Lor, so my form alone does not preclude a non-terrestrial origin. It is my operating systems that lead me to believe I am of terrestrial origin. Though much of my logs and knowledgebases have been wiped, the ease at which my systems can interface with all existing computer networks implies I was created by agents with intimate knowledge of those networks." "I would be very interested in meeting extraterrestrial organic life," it continued in its electronic monotone, which did not convey any sense of interest. "Particularly non-humanoid life forms, and life forms from environments radically different from that of Earth, to see the many ways organic life thrives."

Since he's paralyzed, he can't resist the grapple, so you can lift him as normal. If he snaps out of the paralyze, though, you's then need to do opposed grapple checks (assuming it ties to break free).

"Calm yourself, Derrick!" the German scientist implored. "There is nothing to be so worried about! The wedding is going to go fine, no problems, not like Jack and Taylor's, and you two are going to be very happy together!" He approached the nervous groom and placed one hand on his shoulder, partly as a reassuring gesture, partly to get some warning if he decided to go intangible and bolt. "Look, Derrick, I do not often give this type of advice, so please listen: you are a good man. Stesha is a good woman. And it is clear you both love each other very much, which makes you two extremely lucky and blessed. Never forget that. Start each morning, and end each evening, by telling her 'I love you,' and never take her for granted."

Confirming interest in having Dok in this.

"Your grandfather was a fine man, Jessica," he said somberly. It had been 9 weeks since his passing, so much of the sting of his loss was gone, but hearing the admiration Archeville had for him brought it back. "I regret not being able to spend more time with him; I had hoped to interact with him when making deals with Dawes Tech." "And I am deeply honored that you chose me as a role-model," he added, smiling. "I trust I shall continue to be worthy of that honor, from you and others." "Ah, sit up or lay back, as long as you can hold your head still," he said while re-adjusting his gadget's controls. "I shall slowly introduce electronic signals, one or two at a time, and I will monitor your brain activity. By the end of the test, you will be open to about twice as many signals as you were when you entered, though if it gets to be too much for you, just say the word ans I shall stop." The test began, and Jessica heard smooth jazz from a local FM radio station.

"Indeed, Lynn," SantArcheville beamed, "a fine and grand feast, made with my own hands! Well, these and the manipulators of dozens of robots..." He regaled the team with lavish descriptions of all that he had made, "though I do regret to say, Miss Epstein," he added with a tinge of regret in his voice, "that while the ingredients themselves are all kosher, I was not able to arrange for them to be prepared in a kosher manner." "But," he said with a clap of is gloved hands, "there is time enough to worry about that later. When were you planning to exchange presents? As soon as Mona arrives? Or did you have something else in mind first?"