Dr Archeville

Horrorshow (Cabin 1) As Micah looked over the menu, Davyd slid up to Judy and flashed his friendliest smiles. "So, I'm guessing you've never been outside of America much, not counting Claremont trips, yeah? Will this be your first time in Europe?" After placing his order, Davyd looked around the cabin, then to Adam, Judy, Lulu, and Micah. This is kinda nice, all of us in here together. Funny, I used to not like feeling crowded in on, but now I don't mind it so much. Wonder how much of that is the Grue in me? Eh, its probably fine. Oh, but... "Sooo," he said at last, "I just realized, this may be a standing-room only dining situation! Well, you all can stand, I can squeeze under Adam's bed, or stick to the ceiling," he added as two crimson tentacles shot up from his shoulders, stuck to the ceiling of the cabin, and reeled him up until he was halfway up the wall. "I mean, this cabin's big, sure, but not that big, yeah?"

Horrorshow "Ah, yeah, well," he replied sheepishly to Andromeda, "I'm... I'm still working on that part. I am better than I was," he quickly added, and this was true enough, "but I know I still need to work on that." He chuckled nervously at Ace's remarks, "yeah, I, uh, wasn't sure if she was sugarcoating things a bit or not." Veronica's question got the most response from him. "Well, like I said, I'm still interested in movies, maybe tv, too. Mostly behind-the-scenes work, makeup, or even some stunt work. Helping others who entertain, helping bring their stories to life, yeah? But, uh," he scratched the back of his head, and a charmingly goofy grin spread across his face, "I did have a blast on the adventures we'd had, and I had given some thought to doing stuff like that. Not so much the racing thing," he shook his head, "but the 'exploring ruins' thing. I mean, as adaptable as I am, I could get into places few others could go, scout ahead to find safe paths for others. Though I don't think my folks would be too keen on that..."

Horrorshow "Hey, you!," he greeted Veronica with a smile that was broader than a human should be able to make. "How's Paris?," he asked after their hug ended. "Ah, no, it's not my powers or their origin that has her concerned. At least," he tilted his head slightly, "she didn't make mention of any concerns. And I already have some mentors helping me with those, anyway," he added with hat he'd hoped was a reassuring smile. I really do need to get in touch with Daphne and Grim, see if they have any advice. "And my family is... well, I doubt my mother would accept any assistance." He quickly recapped the conversation he'd had with Talya. "So that's my problem: finding a way to let me do the things I want, to make positive contributions to society, while being... unpalatable to certain agencies." He looked back and forth between Ace and Veronica, and Star Child, both hopeful and nervous. "Sooo... ideas?"

Horrorshow Following his recent talk with Talya (and Neko), Davyd had been very excited to meet Ace Danger. Sure, he knew about Ace's public exploits, and he'd even been on a few unofficial adventures with Veronica Danger. But to actually meet THE Ace Danger?! That was something else entirely. He'd taken a cab up to Danger Manor, not wanting to make too flashy an entrance (the flashing can come later, he thought, then immediately realized his error), and definitely not wanting to be driven up here by his parents. The cabbie seemed unfazed at having to go through the ruins of Kingston to get to North Bay from his family's apartment in Riverside, but Freedom's public transportation operators tended not to be fazed by much. He was agog at the sight of the manor, and barely noticed the butler at first. Oh, right, they are supposed to kind of blend in to the house, yeah? And then he was standing before Ace, and then Andromeda appeared, and it took a moment for his brain to catch up. "Hello, yes, thank you!," the Ukrainian-American teen finally blurted out. He looked surprisingly plain, round face and long limbs, in drab brown pants and a gray long-sleeved tee. He smiled and nodded at Star Child, "I have had some of those, ah, 'nasty drinks', but only with family," he quickly added. "Lemonade would be very nice, thank you." He looked around again, taking in all the sights and smells of the room, before focusing back on Ace. "Uh, yeah, so, I'm sure you know that I've worked some with your... niece? Grand-niece? With Veronica. And Talya suggested that maybe I should hang out with more Dangers, so she, uh," he dug around in his pocket and pulled out the business card Talya had handed him, "she suggested I get in touch with you."

Artificer Heroditus was murmuring something in Atlantean as he tried to keep up with Effigy, his words trailing off as he realized he was approaching the others. "<Oh, thank Poseidon, Helios, and Selene.>" He quickly caught up on what the others had been saying. "I have little experience with such dark powers," he admitted, "but I should be able to aid in restraining her. Her corporeal form, at least," he quickly added, already drawing out several mechano-mystical components from his bandolier, "using transmuted matter. Oh," he looked up and around nervously, "and I promise to restore anything I change back to its original form, O Gracious House!" He exhaled nervously, looked to the others, "oh, I could create some physical barriers, too, for protection from her direct assaults."

Horrorshow "On the Expressway, it's 65 mph," Davyid replied, "though I think I read that there's been some talk of raiding it to 70." Being better prepared for the ride ahead, Davyd didn't have quite as white-knuckle a grip on the GPS, or the safety handles. But he was still holding on. "In the city, though, I think it's 35. 25, in some places." A smile began spreading across his face, as he remembered something his Uncle Sasha had mentioned a few times. Wait - should I mention this? It's illegal, yeah, but not much more dangerous than, like, NASCAR racing, yeah? "Of course," he spoke a bit slower, enunciated a bit more clearly, "that's not taking into account the street races. They're mostly a west coast thing, yeah, but Miami and Philly have been getting in on it, and you could probably find one in Freedom. Not sure they'd let you drive a rig like this, but if going fast is what you're interested in..."

Mentors Dead Head would be delighted to work with some young'ns! Doktor Archeville is in spaaace, but would be happy to- no? Oh, yeah, alright. Horrorshow graduated last year, and could maybe be a mentor? Protectron is always up for helping the next generation of superheroes, though is unsure how to be a mentor. Students Artificer would be eager for any mentorship provided! Surfacer magic and Surfacer tech is what he'd be most interested in learning about, but he'd be honored to receive any kind of training.

Horrorshow Davyd leaned back away from Neko as she spoke, the intensity of her words having more impact than perhaps she had intended. He looked her over again, noting just how young she looked. "<You speak as if you have personal knowledge of such things, yes?"> They heard the archaic Japanese again, though Talya may have noticed that his lips were not matching what she heard, like a poorly-synced dub of a foreign film. "<Was someone in your family involved in espionage? An elder sibling?>" From practically no real information to an abundance of it. Lucky me. He nodded at Talya's words. He'd figured something like what she'd described would happen, though the bit about her "writing the handbook" did make him flinch a bit. He was quiet a moment, thinking over her words. "What you say makes a lot of sense," he replied, in English, "and brings to focus a concern. I... have trouble saying 'no' to people." He actually shrank a few inches, "I tend to go along with what others say, especially those close to me. Part of that may be my attempts to help others, part of it may be the Grue in me." His skin tone shifted more towards an alien crimson, and he chewed a bit on a thinning lower lip, "so, um, you got any advice on that?"

Just for funsies, let's see what Davyd might know Knowledge (Popular Culture) check 1d20+10: 20 [1d20=10] Not bad!

Horrorshow "Good work, good work!," Davyd cheered on his fellow heroes. So far, so good... Then he saw her, and reflexively shifted back to his 'civilian' form. The form he was in when he first saw her on a big screen. "I don't know much about magic," he replied to Ghost, a large grin spreading across his face, "but I know exactly who that is!" He turned to the others, practically vibrating with excitement, "that's Lauren Hammond! One of the earliest 'Scream Queens'! The first Non-Blonde American Scream Queen! Well, it's her ghost, probably -- Miss Hammond passed away about 70 years ago!" He turned and waved at the figure, and started to approach her. "Hello, Miss Hammond!," he called out, "it's an honor to meet you! And on Halloween, no less!"

Artificer "I would n-," Heroditus panted, "would not say... that." His breathing had eased a bit after they'd entered the cave, though he was still clearly struggling. At least I am out of that blistering sun. He took a long drink from his canteen, paused to catch his breath, then took another long drink. "I have noticed -- can see -- that the amount of ambient magical energy in this area is higher than normal. Certainly higher than most places in Freedom." Another swallow, "that sandstorm was sparking with it, and this cave holds even more." He pointed further into their shelter, "and it seems to grow stronger deeper in the cave." He took another drink, forcing himself to take a much smaller drink so as to conserve the previous liquid. "Doctor Macedon," he said, barely moving from his spot on the ground, "what can you tell us of the... the history of this place?"

Horrorshow Davyd chuckled nervously, "oh, yeah, I know it's not like the movies." His form shifted smoothly, mimicking all the James Bonds. "I'm a film freak, yeah, but I know they're for entertainment. Though that does tie into... that is," he shifted back to himself, "it's why I had thought of... wait, no, that's not-" He stopped himself, closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, let it out slowly. When he opened his eyes again, he looked to Tayla, "becoming a spy is not-" He glanced at Neko, did a double-take at her new appearance, "<oh! So you're a... um... well, I don't want to presume, but I'm honored you feel you can reveal your true self to me!>" Tayla and Neko both heard him speak Japanese -- the archaic Japanese of Neko's home! He focused back on Taylo, switching back to English, "it's not so much something I'm interested in pursuing, and more something that I want to prepare for being pulled into. Does that make sense?" He wrapped his arms around himself, "so, I like movies, I like helping others... but I don't like being the center of attention. I was originally planning on becoming a makeup artist, before my," his arms shifted into tentacles that wrapped themselves around him several times, "accident. But since then," his arms shifted back to human, "I've thought of taking a more on-screen role, as a stunt person." He struck a cheesy heroic pose, "the ultimate stunt double! Able to look like anyone, and to bounce back from anything! But, uh," he deflated a bit, "the actor's unions are still undecided on letting in people with powers, so there might be some barriers there. Though some other Claremonters," he perked back up a bit, "liked the idea, and we'd talked a bit about starting our own production company-" He suddenly held up his hands defensively, "sorry, sorry, straying off-topic. So, spying. I've heard that several famous actors had done some work as spies," he nodded, "voluntarily, even. And I'm sure there are less well-known cases where espionage agencies sought out recruits in Hollywood or Broadway, or the Bolshoi, or wherever, and didn't take 'no' for an answer. Add in my abilities," he tilted his head a bit, "and I'm sure some spymasters would love to have me working for them. Sooo," he shrugged, "I figured I should be prepared for when they come calling."

Horroshow Davyd approached Adam and gave him a pat on the shoulder, stretching his torso and arms up to reach the much taller teen. "Hey, man, a lot of us here aren't exactly human, not completely. I've got Grue DNA in me, Eira doesn't have DNA anymore. And I don't think Judy does, either...." he trailed off, being not wholly familiar with the details of her changes. "And Pan's from some sort of storybook world, so who knows what he has down at the cellular level, yeah? And while Lulu," he nodded to her, "and Micah might be 100 per-cent Homo sapiens sapiens, they can control some of the most fundamental forces of nature!" "But with everything we've been through," he extended a hand to Adam, to Lulu, and to anyone else still in the cabin, "and all the challenges we've faced, I'd like to think that we've all proven that it's not what we are that matters. Or even what we can do. It's what we do with what we have that matters. And we all," he nodded, "have been doing good, and will continue to do good." "But, for right now," he withdrew his limbs and clapped sharply, "who's hungry?" He stretched an arm over to the window and picked up a menu, "oh, I definitely want to try the haggis!"

Horrorshow "Loch Ness?!" Davyd exclaimed, his whole face lighting up. "Oh, I've got to take a swim in that, yeah? Maybe see if I can find Nessie." His right arm and had smoothly shifted into a plesiosaur's neck and head, with grey-green scales and bright blue eyes, which looked around Adam's cabin as Davyd spoke. He turned his head and put on a look of exaggerated shock, "oh! There she is now!" He reached for the "neck" with his left hand, but the dino-limb ducked out of the way. He tried again, and a third time, but it kept dodging out of the way. After a few moments, though, he stopped the act and the dino-limb rested its "head" on his left shoulder. "Say, Lulu," and he used his left hand to give his dino-arm head-scritches until it shifted back to a normal arm, "you've got family ties to Scotland, so do you have a clan tartan? Or coat-of-arms?"

Survival check, eh? 1d20+7: 26 [1d20=19] woo-hoo!

Players Name: Dr Archeville Characters Name: Protectron Power Level: 15 (built as PL 10) Power Points: 250/250 Trade-Offs: -2 Attack/+2 Effect, -2 Defense/+2 Toughness vs. all others Unspent PP: 0 COMPLICATIONS Disability: Protectron's mind is susceptible to effects that target the minds of organic sapient beings as well as those that target the 'minds' of non-sentient machines Prejudice: Protectron is a robot, and one that simply appeared from out of nowhere. It is bound to face difficulties from others. Responsibility: Protectron must preserve all organic life! ABILITIES: 0 + 6 - 10 + 16 + 6 + 0 = 18pp STR 35/22 (+12/+6); effective Str 70/32 DEX 16 (+3) CON --- INT 26 (+8) WIS 16 (+3) CHA 10 (+0) COMBAT: 8 + 10 = 18pp Initiative: +8 (Speed of Thought) Attack: +4, +8 melee; +8 w/ Blasts and Snare Grapple: +27; +16 without Enhanced STR Defense: +8/+6 (+5 Base, +3/+1 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -11 in Super-STR mode; -11 vs. Energy, -6 vs. Physical otherwise SAVING THROWS: 5 + 7 = 12pp Toughness: +12 [Imp 10/2] (+2 Density, +10 Protection; Impervious 10 in Super-STR mode, Imp 10 vs. Energy, 2 vs. Physical otherwise) Fortitude: --- Reflex: +8 (+3 Dex, +5) Will: +10 (+3 Wis, +7) SKILLS: 60r = 15pp Computers 12 (+20)Online Research, Well-Informed Craft (Electronic) 12 (+20) Craft (Mechanical) 12 (+20) Craft (all others) 0 (+8) Disable Device 1 (+9) Knowledge (Technology) 12 (+20) Knowledge (all others) 0 (+8) Medicine 2 (+5) Notice 7 (+10) Sense Motive 2 (+5) FEATS: 17PP Accurate Attack [-Effect, +Attack roll] All-Out Attack [-Defense, +Attack] Attack Focus (melee) 4 Dodge Focus Eidetic Memory Favored Enemy (Robots) [+2 circumstance bonus on Bluff, Intimidate, Gather Information, Investigate, Knowledge, Notice, Search, and Sense Motive rolls] Fearless Improvised Tools Inventor Jack of all Trades Online Research Power Attack [-Attack, +Effect] Speed of Thought Well-Informed Enhanced Feats Dodge Focus 2 (to Dodge Focus 3 total) Improved Grab [can initiate a Grapple check as a Reaction following a successful unarmed attack] Improved Grapple [can maintain grapple w/ one limb] Luck 3 Veteran Rewards Equipment 5 (25 EP) Size: Diminutive (apartment-sized); Toughness: +15; Features: Communications, Computer 2 (MW), Defense System no.1 (Blast 9 [PFs: Variable Descriptor 2/any], +10 to hit), Defense System no.2 (Snare 9 [PFs: Variable Descriptor 2/any], +10 to hit), Fire Prevention System, Laboratory 2 (MW), Library 2 (MW), Personnel, Power 2 #1 (Environmental Control), Power 2 #2 (Regeneration), Power #3 (Super-Senses), Power System, Security System 3 (DC 30), Self-Repairing, Think-Tank 2 (MW), Workshop 2 (MW). Cost: -2 + 2 + 25 = 25 EP (Equipment 5) Power no.1: Environmental Control 5 (4pp/rank, 100-ft. radius; Extras: Duration [Continuous], Selective Attack; PFs: Precise, Selective) ("Customizable Environments") [32/40p] Power no.2: Regeneration 11 (Recovery +9, Recovery Rate: Injured 1 [20 minutes], Disabled 1 [5 hours]; Extras: Affects Objects, Affects Others; Flaws: Limited [Others Only]; PFs: Regrowth) ("Maintenance & Repair Pod") [23/40p] Power no.3: Super Senses 19 (acute analytical extended 2 [1,000 ft. increment] radius ranged tracking detect energy 3 [radio sense] {10}, acute analytical detect physical objects 3 [tactile] {5}, microscopic vision 4) {19/20} Masterwork Computer grants a +2 circumstance bonus to Computer skill checks. MW Laboratory grants a +2 circumstance bonus to Knowledge skills when performing scientific tests and experiments. MW Library grants a +2 circumstance bonus to Knowledge skills when doing research. MW Think-Thank grants a +2 circumstance bonus to Gather Information, Investigation, and Knowledge checks to answer questions. MW Workshop grants a +2 circumstance bonus to Craft skill checks. POWERS: 1 + 2 + 10 + 19 + 5 + 38 + 1 + 12 + 2 + 30 + 4 + 10 + 5 + 2 + 5 + 18 + 12 = 176PP Additional Limbs 2 (2 tiny robotic arms in the neck; Note: Sustained Duration; Flaw: Limited [only when Anatomical Separation is active]) [1PP] Anatomic Separation 1 (head) [2PP] Comprehend 5 (electronics 2 [speak & understand], languages 3 [read, speak any, understand]) [10PP] Density 6 (+12 Str, +2 Impervious Toughness, Immovable 2, Super-Strength 2 [effective Str 32, hvy load 460 lbs.], x5 mass; Extra: Duration [Continuous]; Flaw: Permanent; PF: Innate) [19PP] Device 1 (Cape, 5 points; Flaw: Easy to Lose 2; PFs: Restricted 2 [Only Protectron Can Use]) [5PP] Enhanced Feats 5 (Dodge Focus 2, Luck 3) [5DP] Primary Energy Systems 16.5 (33 points; PFs: Alternate Power x5) [38PP] BE: Enhanced Feats 3 (adds Improved Critical 2 [18-20] and Incurable to unarmed strikes; Flaw: Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots]) {2} + Enhanced Feats 2 (Improved Grab, Improved Grapple) {2} + Enhanced Strength 13 (to 35/+12) {13} + Impervious Toughness 8 (structural support field; note: Sustained Active effect; Flaw: Limited [Only vs. Physical]) {4PP} + Super-Strength 5 (total Super-Str 7; total effective Str 70; Lt Load 16 tons, Med Load 32 tons, Hvy Load 50 tons, Max Load 100 tons) {10} {2+2+13+4+10 = 31/33} AP: Blast 10 (”assorted blasters”; PFs: Accurate 3 [+10 to hit], Improved Ranged Disarm, Indirect 2 [can fire beams from its hands, eyes, mouth, and the daka crystals in the center of its chest, on its shoulderpieces, and on its forehead], Precise, Split Attack, Variable Descriptor 2 [any energy]) {30} plus Enhanced Feats 3 (adds Improved Critical 2 [18-20] and Incurable to Blast; Flaw: Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots]) {2} {30+3=33/33} AP: Create Object 20 (”replicators”, 20 5-ft. Cubes, Toughness 20, STR 100 [hvy load 12,500 tons]; Extra: Duration [Continuous]; Flaw: Action [Full], Range [Touch]; PFs: Innate, Precise, Subtle, Variable Descriptor 2 [any matter]) {25} and Immunity 3 (starvation/thirst, suffocation; Extras: Affects Others, Area [General, Burst, 15 ft.]) {6} {25+6=31/33} AP: Dazzle Radio & Visual 10 (“EM Flare”; Extra: Area [General, Cone, 100-ft.]; Flaw: Range [Touch]) {30/33} AP: Environmental Control 4 (2 points/rank of cold, heat, light, and/or radiation; Extra: Selective Attack; Flaw: Range [Touch]) {8} plus Feature 1 (Mimicry) {1} plus Illusion 5 (“holographic playback system,” visual and audio; Extra: Duration [Sustained]; PFs: Precise, Progression 3 [50 ft radius]) {24} {8+1+24=33/33} AP: Snare 10 (”tangle cables”; PFs: Accurate 3 [+10 to hit], Improved Critical 2 [18-20], Reversible, Split Attack, Tether) {28} plus Enhanced Feats 8 (adds Homing, Improved Critical 2 [18-20], and Obscures Senses 5 [all] to Snare; Flaw: Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots]) {4} {28+4=32/33} Feature 1 (Temporal Inertia) [1PP] Flight 6 (500 mph / 5,000 feet Move action) [12PP] + Enhanced Flight 2 (to Flight 8 [2,500 mph / 25,000 feet per Move action]; Flaw: Limited [Detached Head only]) [2PP] Immunity 30 (Fortitude effects) [30PP] Impervious Toughness 8 (energy absorption; Flaw: Limited [Only vs. Energy, not Physical]) [4PP] Protection 10 [10PP] Quickness 5 (x50) [5PP] + Enhanced Quickness 4 (to Quickness 9 [x1,000]; Flaw: Limited [Mental Only]) [2PP] Regeneration 5 (+0 Recovery Bonus) [5PP] Secondary Energy Systems 6 (12pp; PF: Alternate Power 6) [18PP] BE: Communication 9 (radio, Anywhere on Earth; PF: Subtle) {10/12} AP: Datalink 3 (radio, 1,000 feet; Extra: Area; PFs: Machine Control, Selective, Subtle) {9/12} AP: Dazzle Radio Strike 12 (“radio-blocking strike”; adds Extra: Linked Dazzle Radio 12 to Unarmed Strike; Extra: Affects Objects; Flaw: Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots]) {12/12} AP: Fatiguing Strike 12 (“power-disrupting strike”; adds Extra: Linked Fatigue 12 to Unarmed Strikes; Extra: Affects Objects; Flaws: Fatigue, Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots]) {12/12} AP: Nauseating Strike 12 (“viral strike”; adds Extra: Linked Nauseate 12 [Alt Save: Will] to Unarmed Strikes; Extra: Affects Objects; Flaws: Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots], Sicken) {12/12} AP: Paralyzing Strike 12 (“lagging strike”; adds Extra: Linked Paralyze 12 to Unarmed Strikes; Extra: Affects Objects; Flaws: Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots], Slow) {12/12} BE: Stunning Strike 12 (“dazing strike”; adds Extra: Linked Stun 12 to Unarmed Strikes; Extra: Affects Objects; Flaws: Daze, Limited [Only vs. Technological Cyborgs & Robots]) {12/12} Super-Senses 12 (accurate 2 radio [radar], accurate 2 for ultra-hearing [sonar], extended for all vision [2]; infravision, microscopic vision 2, radio, ultra-hearing, ultravision) [12PP] DRAWBACKS: 3 + 3 = 6pp Vulnerability (Gravitics, Frequency: Uncommon, Intensity: Major [x2]) [-3PP] Vulnerability (Magnetism, Frequency: Uncommon, Intensity: Major [x2]) [-3PP] TOTALS Abilities (18) + Combat (18) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (15) + Feats (17) + Powers (176) - Drawbacks (6) = 250/250 Power Points [0 under]

I'm almost at 250 pp for Protectron (244 now!), and I've got 25 points unspent as-is. Time to think about some upgrades and what I might want his Final Build to look like. I think I'll keep him at PL 10 --that way he can still move between Freedom and Emerald City easily -- but add some tricks that would make him especially effective against Malevolent Robots and Deranged Cyborgs.

Artificer (with Effigy & Oz), Corridor Heroditus was rater perturbed by Wilona's brazenness -- and by her fiery display -- and stammered a bit in Atlantean. Which sounded to the others not unlike a series of dolphin noises, though his gestures made his discomfort clear. Of course I get stuck with her! Yes, let us anger the genius loci that's so effortlessly moved us about, that is a sound idea! Out of everyone in this place, it's the fiery hothead I get stuck with, while Hades knows what is trying to break in to this reality... Oz's voice helped him re-center himself, and he turned his attention to the wizard. "I appreciate your confidence in us, <learned elder>, but I am certain your knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our efforts in reuniting with our comrades, and in fighting off the intruder." He bowed and then extended a hand, "I am Heroditus, of Atlantis, though some call me Artificer."

Horrorshow He smiled at the two, waved to Owain and nodded to Neko, "pleased to meet you. So you're both at Claremont? Good, good," he nodded, "that's a great place. They helped me out a lot with my, ah," he glanced around, looking out for any lingering students but finding none, "with my abilities. And with, y'know, regular school stuff." He turned back to Talya, eyes widening a bit as he took in all the tiny changes she'd made in so short a time. "Wow, and I thought I was," he whispered to himself, then shook his head to re-focus. "Ah, right, well, you're right, Summers has nothing to do with this, it's all my doing" A small part of him wondered if that was completely true, what with the rumors of her having so many plans and schemes and subtle ways to influence students. "And I'm no thief, not by training, though I could probably be a pretty good one, yeah?" He held up one hand and made his fingers elongate to about three times their normal length, then pulled them back to normal. "I'd rather not be a soldier, but I have had thoughts about being a spy. Slipping into places, getting others to give up information," his body shifted again, this time completely changing into a copy of Talya herself. He held it for a few seconds, then shifted back to his original form. "So, yeah," he nodded, "I was hoping to talk with you some about that. If, ah, if now's a good time."

Horrorshow Davyd & Micah were in the corridor, headed towards the lounge car, when they saw Lulu scampering back to Adam's room with a blanket. Davyd patted Micah on the shoulder, "hey, I'm going to ask if those two want anything to eat, yeah?," then slipped past his roommate. His round face soon appeared in the doorway to Adam's room, "hey you two, you want any-- whoah!" He walked around the 'sofa,' looking at it from several angles. "That looks great, Lulu, you're really getting good at these!" He reached out with one hand to touch one of the back cushions and gave it a gentle squeeze, then snapped his head around to face the two, "oh, sorry, uh, Micah and I were headed uptrain to see about getting a bite to eat. Do you two want anything?"

Dead Head No one seemed to have noticed Burt's swan dive off the opposite building, or his slow rise up from the ground. "Even if there weren't a robbery goin' on," he muttered to himself, "I doubt anyone woulda paid attention to one more body falin' off a buildin'. This city, I swear..." He shambled up behind Luke and Liam, looked between the two, then at the robbers. "Hooo," he held his right hand up to his temple and massaged it a bit, "y'all got some serious mojo in those sticks. Ya nab 'em from a sports museum? Some private collector?" He took a step forward, past the two heroes, "look, why don't ya just set 'em down and tell us where ya got 'em, hrm?"

Horroshow Davyd did not recognize Talya at first, and assumed she was one of the students, before she gave herself away. "Wow, that is... uh, I mean," he stammered, "I'm not here to see Erik, no. Well, uh," he tilted his head slightly as more questions bubbled up in his mind, "maybe later, but not now. I was hoping to speak with you. And about, ah," he scratched the back of his head, "about the stuff you did... I mean, the rumors are that you..." He laughed nervously to himself, "<wow, this is a lot hard than I'd expected>," he muttered in Ukrainian. He cleared his throat, stood up straighter, and slowly exhaled. "Let me start over, yeah? I graduated from Claremont a few months ago, and I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life. And I thought I could maybe ask you for some... career advice."

Not sure if you'd meant for us PCs to also shift to black-and-white, but if not, I think it makes sense for Davyd to do so!

(Universal) Horrorshow "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," he responded to Grimalkin's news of family health issues, offering a sympathetic look, "but good to hear you're getting back to... well, I don't know if 'normal' is the right word," he chuckled, "but, back to more a familiar place. No, no college plans yet. I'd thought about going to FSU, but mom talked me into going back to work... at... the..." He trailed off as he noticed the shift to their surroundings, and to himself, which was also shifting to a black-and-white mode. He tried to stop his transformation, to will the color back into his limbs, but to no avail. "Okay, so," he quickly addressed Grim, Ghost, and Lucy, "best case scenario, this is probably just some hologram. Worst case, we're actually in some sort of mindscape, if not another dimension. Question is, do we get out by playing along, or by going off-script? Either way," he looked around, trying to see if any of the other attendees had changed as he had, "I'm pretty sure I saw some kids and teens here that will need our help."

Artificer (with Effigy & Oz), Corridor Heroditus was about to ask Phantom if she might be holding classes at Claremont again anytime soon, and ask Blackstaff for permission to examine his pendant, when all hell -- or something like it -- broke loose. He remembered seeing something break through into this reality, something that looked revolting to his mystical vision, and then... he was in a corridor, with the fiery Claremonter and the story-man. "I am unharmed," he replied to Oz, after he'd picked himself up. He was not used to teleportation, especially unexpected teleportation, but he managed to conceal his discomfort. "Do you know what that..." he trailed off as he saw Effigy fly out of sight and then back into view. "Hrm. That's... hrm." He looked around, seeing the traces of mystical energies flowing along and through the walls, floor and ceiling, then pulled on his goggles to get a clearer look. "At first I thought that.. thing which was coming through had done this, but I do not think it would have had the strength to do so. Before coming here I read up about this place, the stories of its many ghosts and haunts. How the hotel itself may have developed some sort of genius loci. I believe," he went on as he traced one line leading to a whorl of mystic energy in the wall, "that our dispersal was caused by the spirit of Parkhurst. Though I am not sure," he started drawing components from his bandolier, attaching some to a spot on the wall and assembling others into a handheld device, "if it did so on purpose, to protect us, or accidentally, as a byproduct of trying to contain that thing. In either case, if we can find some way to communicate with the spirit of Parkhurst, and get it to help us find our comrades, we can all work together on expelling this invader."