Dr Archeville

A suggestion I made in chat last night: One way the Knights of Freedom could differentiate itself from Nightrival's Forceful Ops could be that, if Nightrival's team is like the New Warriors (focusing mostly on street-level crimes), the KoF could be like the Midnight Sons or the Shadowpact (focusing mostly on supernatural threats, like demons, evil sorcerers, vampires, and so on).

I know you've got a great deal going on in your personal life. No rush.

Some Complications -- things like Phobias or Temper -- could be changed, yes, though those would require a Mental Transform. Things like Secret Identity can't really be changed by powers. Well, they could, say, by using Communication/Telepathy to tell everyone your Secret ID, or using Mental Transform to erase a Costumed Adventurer's mind of all memory of his non-costumed life, effectively turning him into his Costumed ID 24/7.... Drawbacks cannot be Drained or Boosted (because Drawback is not a Trait), but you could use Transform to alter them. Keep in mind that the end result of Transform must leave the person with the same or fewer points, never more, so Transform could not be used to simply remove a Drawback and not change anything else. Though Transform can be used an an in-game reason for someone using earned pps to buy off a Drawback. Of course, all of the above are subject somewhat to a GM's "just because the rules say it can be done doesn't meant I'm going to allow it" Rule. Using Transform to remove Mr. Freeze's vulnerability to heat attacks & Weakness to temperatures above freezing (and his Immunities to aging and cold damage) probably isn't going to last for very long....

Quark + Doc's Pseudonaturally Enhanced Mind = Krazy Kwark!

Doc's Initiative = 10 I find it helps to keep a chart of the PCs and their health and HPs, and a second chart with initiative orders and where the chars are. Like what I did here.

It's not, unless Jim is like Red Mage and thinks of himself as a character in a Roleplaying Game whose abilities are listed on a stat sheet. Fearless means you're immune to Emotion Control/Fear (Kenson says it's effective against Despair as well), and Frightening Presence. That's about it. Fearless would not prevent a "scare you to death" effect (Mental Blast described as "mind-bleeding terror"). Yes, Mind-Blasting Horrors from Beyond can have "Drain Fearless Feat" or Transform (Person with Fearless into Person without Fearless) so that they can actually make you a-feared. Innate would prevent the first from working, but not the second... but feats aren't Innate, they can be drained or boosted as easily as, say, your Strength. Unless you pay for them to be Innate.

She's got Flight 4 (100 mph) and an effective Str of 26. Per ULTIMATE POWER: You can carry up to a light load -- 306 lbs. -- in flight with no reduction in speed. A medium or heavy load -- up to 920 lbs. -- reduces your speed to two-thirds A heavy load also reduces your all-out Flight speed to one-half normal. You cannot carry more than a heavy load (921+ lbs.) while in flight.

Sorry, still mulling over the Device thing. If it's something he never takes off, and would only be off if someone else removes it... well, how likely is that to happen? If it's "almost never," then you shouldn't be getting a full Device point break.

Still waitin' for the fluff that'll turn this from a collection of stats into an actual character.

Q1: Yes, that'd be a fine descriptor for Resurrection/Reincarnation. I wouldn't put on True, though, I'd just have "being killed in a Radio Obscured area" as the "semi-common mode of final death." The "needs someone else to help in certain cases" seems less like Regen on your part and more like Healing (Resurrect, Others Only, Robots only) on their part. Q2: .... I don't know. Check the ATT.

Yeah, if it's got the Impact Resistant extra, that will definitely count towards caps. And I do like Shaen's alternate version.

That's... kinda defeating the purpose of the tests. These are supposed to test what you are routinely capable of doing, not the full gamut of what you potentially can do. But, I'll allow it, since Test #5's gonna be a killer You mean, invent a 1pp "Power Feat", that Feat being an AP for the Weapons Array? That's explicitly forbidden. (I tried it in one of my first adventures here, and we had no real idea whether it was allowed, so we asked Kenson.) If you mean "using Extra Effort to stunt a new power of the Weapons Array"... how would that a test of your skills? ;)

About 2/3rds of the Elite became members of JL: Elite.

JL: E @ Wikipedia

Avenger's a vampire. Wesley's killed several times. (Yeah, they were giant mutated sewer bacteria... but they still had families!) Scarab throws SUVs at buildings. (Well, okay, she's only done it once....)

Probably ;)

Here we go! IC thread OOC thread

The OOC thread. Looks like we'll have Arrowhawk Captain Knievel Dark Star (maybe) Quark Shinken

Introduction Give a two or three word description of yourself. (Describe your character's concept.) Semi-Mad Scientist/Gadgeteer. [Future ruler of Earth!] Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? Doc, Doc A, Doktor A, Archie (I hate that one), Henry (I don't hate that one as much), Vic. [Fiend. But soon all shall call me Master!] What is your full birth name? Viktor Heinrich Archeville. Where do you live? Currently, a modest-looking house in the Hanover district of Freedom City, in the USA. I grew up in Germany, in a small village called Schönwald im Schwarzwald. Why do you live there? Because it's where my stuff is! And to be at the cutting edge of technological development, and to meet and work with some of the world's greatest superheroes. [To be at the cutting edge of technological development, to meet and insinuate myself among the world's greatest superheroes while learning their secrets and weakness, and to secretly recruit an army of supervillains.] What do you perceive as your greatest strength? My mind. My vast intelligence and scientific & technical skills. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? My mind, which tends to get wrapped up in the technical aspects and doesn’t always take time to think through all the ethical, moral, and political/social ramifications of what it works on. [Those nagging bits of 'conscience' and 'ethics' and 'morals' that plague me.] Physical Traits How old are you? (Chronological age as well as age category.) I was born on June 2nd, 1977, putting me at 31 years of age. However, most folks assume I am far younger; by most accounts I appear to be in my very early 20s or even late teens. What is your sex? Male. What is your race? I am a Homo sapiens sapiens native to Germany. Though it is possible I am a Homo sapiens superior (or Homo sapiens psionicae; I’ve yet to pin down proper nomenclature). How tall are you? 178 centimeters (5 feet 10 inches). How much do you weigh? A modest 68.49 kilograms (151 pounds). What is your general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise? Ectomorphic (long and thin muscles/limbs, low fat storage) What is your skin colour? Alabaster. A few have unfavorably compared it to the color of a fish’s belly. Oddly, my skin color (or lack thereof) is not a form of albinism, or if so it is a unique case, for my eyes and hair are pigmented and I burn no more easily than someone with a more normal Caucasian skin tone. What is your hair colour? Golden blonde, silky. What is your hair style? Shoulder-length, neatly kept. Do you have any facial hair? No, I stay clean shaven. I've used computer models to 'try out' different facial hairstyles, but none seemed to really 'work' for me. [The goatee kinda worked.] What is your eye colour? Rhine-blue How attractive are you? Many ladies (and a few men) seem to find me quite attractive. Who am I to argue with them on this? [All the ladies wanna get with me! But they shall not have my essence!] What is your most distinguishing feature? Everything about me, from my face to my clothing, is fairly distinguishing. Do you have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks? None, thanks largely to certain healing salves I have invented which greatly reduce the formation of scar tissue. What is your handedness (left/right/ambidextrous)? Right-handed. [Left-handed] Do you resemble some currently known person? I was once compared to Gaspard Ulliel, a French film actor. I’m not sure how to take that. On the one hand, the person could mean I’m handsome enough to be in films. On the other hand, they may have meant I am an actor, a bluffer, a charlatan, that I am not who I claim to be. [On the other hand, they may have been comparing me to a cheese-eating surrender-monkey!] What kind of clothing do you wear? Simple, utilitarian clothing. Sturdy black rubber-soled boots, black or dark blue khaki pants, a short-sleeved t-shirt (usually solid red, blue, green, or purple), and my white armored lab coat. On more formal occasions I’ll wear a buttoned shirt and a tie, but that’s about the only change. Do you wear makeup? Only if the occasion calls for it. Fortunately, I have not had many such occasions. For a time I had considered masking my unnaturally pale skin, but ultimately decided against it; I am who I am. What sort of vocal tone do you have? A rich Tenor. Though I have a bit of a stammering habit. Part of that is intentional, a way to make me seem – to others and myself – less threatening. But I’ve done it for so long, part of it has become “ingrained.†[unless I smarten up and do what ought to be done, in which case my voice is clear as crystal. Razor-sharp crystal.] History Where is your homeland? Germany (formerly West Germany), Europe. Are you aware of its history? Very much so. Are you patriotic or a social outcast? A bit of both. I love my country, I am proud of the good that has come from it, but I also know there are those who cannot see beyond the evils that have come from its past. And there are those in the country who would see me permanently exiled, if not strung up. What are your opinions of home? My home country is a lovely place that has seen far too much horror and terror. And it has the best automobiles, beer and sausages in the world. (That last part is fact, not opinion.) Where is your home town? Schönwald im Schwarzwald is a small town which lies within the majestic Black Forest of (West) Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Are your real reasons for becoming an adventurer different from what you tell others? Not really. I honestly do enjoy improving humanity via advanced technology. [Oh, yes, quite different.] How far would you go to keep such secrets from being revealed? What would you do if the truth became known? I have some dark secrets in my family, I do not deny that, they’re just not something I bring up in everyday conversation. I simply live as honestly as I can, and let my actions speak for themselves. [i would do anything to maintain my secrets.] What do you fear would occur if the truth became known? No worse than has happened in some part of my home village. That’s where most of the ones who want to see me strung up were. But, again, I live such that my actions speak for themselves. [i fear nothing. Some fools may try to imprison me, either in a jail or an asylum, but I would quickly escape, if I even allowed myself to be brought in!] Do you have any particularly high or low ability scores? My body is fairly average, save for being a bit more agile than average. Mentally, though, I am something quite impressive. How have these scores affected your life so far? They have shaped everything in my life. What about your race, growing up were you in the majority or a minority? Racially speaking, I was in the majority; had I been born several decades earlier, I would probably have been given special considerations due to my appearance. Though this is not to say I did not experience my own brand of prejudice from others. Did this impact your outlook in any way? Be honest and forthright in all I do. It’s a good general rule to live by, and in case I do start behaving erratically, hopefully others would notice it before I got too bad. [Divulge nothing, play my cards close to my chest, and always have three backup plans!] How do you feel about other races? I do not judge based on appearance or race; I know full well how dangerous that can be. That said, I do find I share to a small degree the common German trait of viewing everyone as either a German or a foreigner, and giving oh-so-slight preferential treatment to the former. [All are equally inferior to me.] Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? My mother died in childbirth, leaving my father to raise me alone. He was committed to an asylum when I was 13 after he tried to kill me. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. When I was 13, 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 attack him, pounding his head with my fists, then hitting him with some books and a 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 the Professor’s, not mine. That night was the night my father tried to kill me, shrieking about the “family curse.†It was then I realized that I had a terrible anger within me. Not merely the unbalanced hormones of a typical adolescent, no, this was something entirely different. I strove to find ways to calm myself, or intentionally focus on positive, happy things. Some would see this as a boundless optimism. I see it as a shield. [The professor deserved worse, as does the headmaster who expelled me!] What stupid things did you do when you were younger? Aside from the above, nothing major. I once tried to wire our house to get free cable, but wound up pulling in signals from three different satellites. I once tried to make a new breed of yeast that could ferment grains faster, resulting in a more rapid production of beer, but the yeast got… out of hand. [such a question is an insult!] Which toys from your childhood have you kept? A set of Lego blocks, and some toy (i.e., non-functioning) robots that can transform into other items (cars, jets, and so on). Why? What do they mean to you? If you didn't keep any, why not? What did you do to them all? The Lego blocks, because of the near-endless possibilities possible with them. I can model nearly anything with them, and the bright colors appeal to certain parts of my visual cortex. The robots, because robots are nifty, and things that turn into other things are nifty, so robots that turn into other things are doubly nifty. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? Several… regrettable outbursts that some would (and, in fact, have) cite as proof that I am too dangerous to be allowed to move about at my leisure. [My dark works have not yet begun!] Are you who you claim to be? Yes, and no. I try to be who I claim to be. [No, but it is only a matter of time before I proclaim myself Master of All!] Do you have any sort of criminal record? No, though I am sure I am being monitored by both the German and American government. [Not yet.] How do you view the heroes/legends of your country? In a mixed light. Some of the men and women who were at one point praised as heroes in my country – and one in particular who has achieved near-mythic status – were Very Bad People. Most people rail against them for the monsters they were/are, but some misguided (at best) people still venerate them. On the other hand, some of the older legends – things like the Old German and Norse myths – fascinate me due both to the cultural impact they’ve had on my homeland (both before and after the Nazis) and to the human psychological archetypes and mores they embody. And, because such tales contain seeds of metahuman/mutant activity in our distant past – Donar/Thor may have been someone very similar to Captain Thunder and Centurion, Freyja/Freya or Sif “spiritual ancestors†to Lady Liberty, Ullr/Uller a proto-Bowman, Surtr as a model for the White Knight (ironic given that Sutr means “blackâ€Â), and Wotan/Odin may have been another “mage†like Adrian Eldrich. [The Nazi “heroes†were dedicated but misguided. As misguided as the fools who venerate ancient “godsâ€Â.] Family Who were your parents? Varick Heinrich Archeville and Cynthia Sindhi. Were you raised by them? If not, then why didn't they and who did raise you? My father raised me alone, until I was 13; mother died in childbirth. Not long after I turned 13, my father was committed to an asylum, and I was effectively a Ward of the State until I turned 18. What was their standing in the community? Pariahs, for the most part. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? My mother’s stayed in one place, but my father and I moved around quite a bit. Seemed like I was in a new school every year. How did you get along with their parents? That’s… tricky. It was obvious to me that he loved me and cared for me, yet there was always an undercurrent of mistrust and fear. And then he tried to kill me, so that damaged our relationship. I do still try and visit him from time to time in the asylum. How would your parents describe you? Answer this in the voice of your mother, then in your father's. Father, Pre-Snap: “He’s such a fine young man. Smart, too. So very smart. Too smart, perhaps. But he’s a good boy! Not like the others! We just need to protect….†Father, Post-Snap: “He’s a fiend! A villain! We must protect the world from him!†Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what were their names? How did you get along with each of your siblings? I have no siblings, at least none of whom I am aware. What was your birth position in the family? As far as I am aware, first and only son. List all current knowledge of family locations, spouses, children, birth dates, schooling, and any important incidents that only you and they might remember. As far as I know, my only living relative is in an asylum in Germany. If I have any other living relatives – cousins, half-siblings, aunts or uncles, et cetera – I have had no contact with them. This is not to say, however, that I have no knowledge of my direct ancestors. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? I have distanced myself from my father, though only somewhat intentionally. Sure, I can rationalize it from here 'till Armageddon, say it was because I've been so busy... but, the truth is, seeing him as he is now saddens and terrifies me. Is that my ultimate destiny? Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? I love my parents, though I never really knew my mother, knowing her only by what my father told me. I love and fear my father. I loathe my grandfather, though a part of me does admire the scientific and technical achievements he made. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? My father is a rival of sorts. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? Some in my homeland would say that all the Archeville’s are black sheep. A few say that I am the white sheep of the family. The most widely hated is my grandfather, due to his work with the Nazis. If so, who are they and how did they "gain" the position? Madness (and longevity) seems to run in the family. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? My paternal grandfather, Verrill Herman Archeville. If so, what did this person do to become famous or infamous? He was a soldier for the German Empire in World War I, and a scientist for the Nazis in World War II. He specialized in size-alteration, clockwork automata, and time manipulation. [The prestige he had, the clout, the resources! Of course, the people he worked for were mostly fools: while the strength of their dedication was admirable, their goals were woefully misguided.] Do you try to live up to the reputation of your ancestor, try to live it down, or ignore it? I try daily to live beyond the reputation of my ancestors, and to disprove any notions of an "Archeville Family Curse." [My ancestors were impressive, in their own way and for their time, but as nothing compared to me now.] Do you ever want to have a family of your own someday? I don’t see it happening. My work keeps me too busy to think about such matters. Plus, I doubt I would make a good father. [As if anyone could hold my interest long enough to consider “datingâ€Â! My only carnal interactions would be to sate any primitive reptile-brain urges, and I try to deny those for as long as I can as they are damnable interruptions to my work.] Would anything change your mind on this issue and if so, what? Meeting my ideal mate, though that is nigh-impossible. [Altering my brain structure so I was not prone to such primitive biological urgings.] What type of person would be your ideal mate? Someone smart – superhumanly smart, so they could keep up with me – and caring, kind, compassionate, witty, and able to put up with my eccentricities. And whose own eccentricities – for surely she would have some – were such that I would not be put off by them. [such does not and cannot exist, so this is a moot point.] Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, who and what are they like? While in Europe I worked mostly solo, but here in Freedom I have started to develop some friendships. Darian Cale and Eric Micheals both seem quite pleasant, though the former sometimes frustrates me with his talk of “magic.†[Pft. Friends are for lesser men.] What is the history of their relationship(s) with you? Still developing. Do you currently have a best friend whom you would protect with your reputation or your life? No. If so, who are they and what caused you to feel so close to them? What would have to happen for you to end this relationship? N/A Do you have any bitter enemies? Quite a few, though their bitterness varies. If so, who are they, what are they like, and what is the history of their feud with you? BlÃ…Âzan, a self-styled “terror spiritâ€Â; I stopped his rampage, with some minor assistance from Hexe, a self-styled witch. The Science Squad, a team of disgruntled scientists from across Europe, who vacillate between trying to recruit me and trying to kill me. And numerous other minor supervillains throughout Europe whom I’ve fought over the years, including Le Bouc (The Scapegoat, a French mentalist), Le Chemiste (a French chemical genius), Dinamo (an Italian electrokinetic mercenary), Panzer (a neo-Nazi in impressive power armor), Pilvi (a Finnish chemical engineer with powers similar to Mr. Mist), Der Schwarze Tod (a German medical doctor-turned-walking disease factory), Venin Vert (a French mercenary who can shoot poisons and toxins from her hands), and Zeitgeist (a German time manipulator). Here in the States, the only two I’ve faced are Dryad and the White Knight. Have you defeated them before? At one time or another, yes, though the Science Squad was by far the toughest, not only due to their numbers but also due to their scientific and technical aptitude and their ability to effectively work together. How might these enemies seek to discomfit you in the future? Come to Freedom and attack me, or threaten my father. Which person(s) or group(s) are you most loyal to? Science/Scientists and Technologists. And, to a lesser extent, all of Humanity. [Myself.] Who is your most trusted ally? I don’t really have one. Not yet, at least. [Myself.] Who do you trust, in general? Trust – truly trusting – is difficult for me. There aren’t many I trust. Actually, probably no one I truly trust. Including myself. [True to a degree. I don’t trust myself to do what ought to be done, what with all these nagging bits of “ethics†and “morals†and “conscienceâ€Â.] Who do you despise and why? The willfully ignorant, and people with little to no imagination. Though “despise†is perhaps too strong a word. [The foolish and weak.] Name seven things you hate in others. Apathy, Cowardice, Deceit/Treachery, Greed/Selfishness, Ignorance, Short-Sightedness, Unreliability. [ Altruism, Cowardice, the Geneva Conventions, Ignorance, Stupidity, OSHA Regulations & Compliance, Unreliability] Is your image consistent? More or less, yes. Do you deliberately present yourself differently in different situations, and how? Yes: I play the “Mad Scientist†bit up quite a bit, though I am perfectly capable of having a calm and quiet discussion on any number of fields. [Yes, I pretend to be a “Good Guyâ€Â.] What would you die for? Something big. Something… world-changing. Though, hopefully, I would not have to die to do something like that! [Nothing! I shall become eternal!] What is the worst thing someone has done to you? Betrayed and attempted to kill me. What is your general reaction to an attractive member of the opposite sex who lets you know they are available? That’s… something I’ve never been very good at. Though I have tried to improve on that of late; if nothing else, it’s a new challenge for me. [Pft, as if anyone who sent such signals would deserve my attentions. Unless, of course, they had something I wanted, such as an intriguing genetic code. Then I could be quite the charming devil, thanks in part to my studies of psychology and sociology, and my ability to “read†people.] How do you get along with others of the same adventuring class? I have a bit of a friendly rivalry with most other Gadgeteers (and to a lesser extent wearers of Battlesuits), at least among those who designed and constructed their devices. [Disdainful sneering, mostly. I’ve yet to meet anyone equal to my intellect, and at best have encountered those who are at best half as intelligent. I do occasionally find conversations with such people stimulating, albeit limiting and slow as I have to wait for them to catch up to my thought processes. I do also find it stimulating to discuss subjects on which my knowledge is less than complete with those who, temporarily, know more.] Have you lost any loves? My parents. I miss what was, and what might have been. How did you handle the situation (short & long term)? Tried to tell myself it wasn’t my fault, and buried myself in my work. (I still occasionally dig up notebooks on projects I did then that I do not now recall, and sometimes they’re frightening.) I tried to improve my father’s condition my having him moved from the government-run asylum and into a private high-security nursing home. [i should’ve killed him when I had the chance. Claim self-defense, no one would bat an eye. Now I’m stuck paying for the nice mental hospital he’s in, since the foolishly altruistic part of me couldn’t stand to watch him rot in the filthy government-run one.] Who would miss you should you go missing? I’d like to think the entire world would, because I like to think I have done quite a bit of good in the world. On a more personal level, though, I do not know. [if I am “missing,†it’s likely because I am hiding and plotting and waiting.] How close are you to your adventuring companions? I don’t really have any, I am for the most part a solo agent. I have worked with others on several occasions, but never been part of a real team. I was never close to any of them, though in hindsight that was perhaps a mistake. What do they not know about you? Most of my European comrades know of the “curse of madness†of my family line (some knew even before they met me), but most were willing to judge me not on that but on my own actions. Few seemed interested in knowing me beyond “what can you build for me?†level, which did irritate me a bit. [Which is but one reason why I don’t like dealing with others: all too often they’re mewling things who are only interested in how I can solve their problems, make their lives easier. Bah!] Are you a member of any house, guild, organization, or church? What is your level of involvement? I have consulted for Burlington Textiles, FuturWave, Hall-Markov Technologies, Hexxon Sciences, JyrexAlterSmythe, Kraftwerk Industries, McGuffin Medical, Metagenics, NovaCorp, Parahuman Biogenetics, PHS Pharmaceuticals, Xavier-Donovan Biotech, Xavier-Klein, and Zenople. I have lectured on behalf of FuturWave, Prixer, and Theron-Syles, and lectured at HIT and the Technical University of Munich on my own topics. I have been involved in clinical trials for FuturWave, McGuffin Medical, Metagenics, Parahuman Biogenetics, PHS Pharmaceuticals, Xavier-Donovan Biotech, and Xavier-Klein. Personality & Beliefs Do you, or did you, have any role models? Daedalus and Doctor Atom. [Overshadow, Professor Psion.] Do you have any heroes or idols, either contemporary or from legend? Daedalus and Doctor Atom. [Overshadow, Professor Psion.] Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? No. [They do not go far enough with their plans, and have lacked proper foresight.] When did you decide to become an adventurer? After I graduated from college. Why have you chosen to risk your life as a career? Because if I didn’t, I would become a danger to the world. [Without risk, there is no gain.] What do you expect to get out of being an adventurer? What, if anything, would make you stop adventuring? To improve humanity through applied use of (better) technology. Only death would make me stop (and, perhaps, not even that.) [Mastery over All!] Do you have any dreams or ambitions? If not, why? To leave the world a better place than when I came into it. [To conquer the world!] What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? Finish the upgrades to my Gravimetric Belt so I can fly to Mars and set up a research station. If I can set one up on Titan (one of Saturn’s moons), that would be a bonus. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? Establish an international chain of multidisciplinary research laboratories, unconnected to any one government or corporation. [And use them in my goals of conquering the world!] If these goals seem at odds with each other, or with your dreams, how do you reconcile the differences? They are not at odds; any discoveries I make on Mars or Titan could be of great use here on Earth. Do you have any great rational or irrational fears or phobias? If so, what are the origins of, or reasons behind them? The fear of what I might become, were I not consciously fighting to not become it. How do you react when this fear manifests itself? I try to fight it, tell myself that that way is not the right way (though it may be an easier way). What are your attitudes regarding material wealth? Necessary for most of my research. Are you miserly with your share of the wealth, or do you spend it freely? I share what I can. I do enjoy a good party with fine food, for example. Do you see wealth as a mark of success, or just as a means to an end? Means to an end, mostly. How do you generally treat others? Pleasantly, try to put them at ease… though I often fail at doing so. [As distantly as possible.] Do you trust easily (perhaps too easily) or not? I do not trust easily, and in fact have yet to find anyone I truly trust. [i don’t.] Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Mildly introverted, though capable of being quite the extrovert when the need arises. Such as public speaking engagements. [Whichever most suits my needs at the moment.] Are you a humble soul or blusteringly proud? I try to be humble, to let my works speak for themselves. [it is neither arrogance nor pride if it is the simple truth.] What habits do you find most annoying in friends? When all they want to know about me is what I can make or do for them. [Friends are for lesser men.] What are your most annoying habits? I get too caught up in what I do sometimes, and shut everyone and everything else out, sometimes for weeks on end. [These nagging bits of altruism and morality.] Is there any race, creed, alignment, religion, class, profession, political viewpoint, or the like against which you are strongly prejudiced, and why? As far as races go, they’re all generally equal; I know far too well what happens when one thinks it is better than another. Religions are fine in small doses; when they bring harm due to following dogma rather than embracing Science, they become problematic. Democracy is the worst of all existing political systems, except for all the others. [All are inferior to me.] What is your favourite food? Sausages (pork, beef or poultry), trout, vegetable stews, egg yolk-heavy noodles. What is your favourite drink? Beer. Of all types. What is your favourite treat (desert)? Black Forest Cake, of course. And assorted cakes and tarts. Do you favour a particular cuisine? German. Italian is a close second, and French cuisine does have some marvelous breakfast foods. Do you savor the tastes when eating or "wolf down" your food? I prefer to savor my food, especially at breakfast. Most days, though, I wolf it down as I am eager to return to whatever project I am working on. Do you like food mild or heavily spiced? For the most part I prefer mild foods, except when it comes to sausages. In those cases, the hotter and spicier, the better. Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? Durian. Smells like sweaty gym socks filled with rotting onions. What are your favourite colour(s)? Metallic colors, electric blue, and the rainbow of a flame spectrograph. Is there any colour that you dislike? Pastels. Do you have a favourite (or hated) song, type of music, or instrument? My tastes run mostly to classical music, particularly German and Austrian composers such as Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Wagner. I do also have some appreciation for jazz (both American and German) and some rock ‘n’ roll. If you have a favourite scent, what is it? Ozone’s a favorite; it means there’s electricity in the air. What is your favourite type of animal? Dogs. Not only are they a good companion to mankind, they show how radically a species can diverge through simple selective breeding. [Guinea pigs. Ad I don’t mean Cavia porcellus.] Are you allergic to any kinds of animals? Thankfully, no. [sweaty-Palmed Mouth-Breathing Lummoxes.] Is there anything that enrages you? Several things, though I try very hard not to let such rages become too bad. [The gross stupidity of humanity.] Is there anything which embarrasses you? Not really, no. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? Both. I enjoy pitting my mind against some hazards of the environment, but I also prefer the comforts of my home. Do you have a patron deity? Father Science. Which is to say, no. Are you devout or impious? I would suffer far worse than Galileo did. Do you actively worship and proselytize or do you simply pay lip service? I proselytize Science! What lengths would you go to defend your faith? The self-evident truths of Science are enough to defend it. Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special? I do not have faith. I trust that reality is relatable to evidence. Do you belong to a dominant church, or an independent church, cult, or sect (and is the group accepted, frowned upon, or considered heretics)? No. Will you kill? If there is no other way, yes. [Yes.] When did you decide (or learn) that you would? I cannot pinpoint exactly when, it’s something I’ve always known. When do you consider it okay to kill (under what circumstances)? If there is absolutely no other alternative. [Anytime I feel enraged, or when doing so makes things easier for me.] When do you consider it wrong to kill (under what circumstances)? If there is another way out of the situation. [before their usefulness to me comes to an end.] What would you do if someone else attempted to (or successfully did) kill under your "wrong" circumstances, what would be your reaction? I would try to stop them, and if they did succeed check to make sure the target was indeed dead. Chastisement would follow. [if it did not inconvenience me, I would allow them. If it was an impediment to my goals, I would stop them, by whatever means were most expedient.] What if it were your enemy? As above, though possibly complemented by some neural adjustment. What if it were your friend? As above. What if the opponent were not in control of their own actions (under duress, charmed, dominated, possessed)? If they were truly dominated or possessed, then it was not them who did it, it was the controlling force. If merely under duress, I would be less forgiving, for surely there would have been some way out. What would you do if something were stolen from you? I would try to track the item down and retrieve it myself. I would notify the local authorities, though might not ask for assistance, depending on the specifics of the situation. Assuming I retrieved my item and captured the thieves, I would turn them over to the constabulary. [Track them down and kill them.] What would you do if you were badly insulted publicly? Laugh it off. [Note who they were, track them down, strike when they were at their weakest.] What would you do if a good friend or relative were killed by means other than natural death? I would investigate and try to avenge it. [i have no good friends, and my only relative is barely worth keeping around.] What is the one task you would absolutely refuse to do? Teach, for prolonged periods. I lack the patience for it. [surrender. I may temporarily yield, but that is only to regroup and re-strategize.] What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? Indifference. [Getting in my way.] How do you feel about government (rulers) in general? Why do you feel that way? I find a parliamentary system with two main and several smaller parties to be a good (if at times inefficient and stupid) system. Socialism and Communism have both been passé since the mid-eighties (and the last time there was a strong socialist/communist segment was the first half of the last century). I don’t mind the UN, but I’m not sure the EU is such a good thing; most of what they do is argue about policy or standardize paper clips and toilets, and despite all their bureaucracy they didn’t manage to keep tainted beef that turned consumer’s brains into Swiss cheese out of the markets. Do you support the current government of your homeland? Yes. [i preferred some of the prior ones.] If so, how far are you willing to go to defend the government? If not, do you actively oppose it? As far as would be needed, barring requests to do anything unethical. [As far as is needed to maintain my image of a “Good Little Heroâ€Â] What form of government do you believe is the best (democracy, monarchy, anarchy, aristocratic rule, oligarchy, matriarchy) and why? See above. [Meritocracy, with myself, obviously, at the top.] Do you have any unusual habits or dominant personality traits that are evident to others? You could say that, yes. If so, describe them and how you acquired them, as well as when they might be more noticeable and what causes them. Laughing maniacally, gesturing wildly (and something without realizing it), operating without full safety measures, clicking or tapping writing implements, other “Mad Scientist†habits. Do you have any unusual or nervous mannerisms, such as when talking, thinking, afraid, under stress, or when embarrassed? A slight stammer when talking. I often fidget, and am rarely still. What is your most treasured possession? My brain. If your life were to end in 24 hours, what 5 things would you do in those remaining hours? Find three separate people with whom to entrust my plans for ArcheTech; Arrange to pass on gifts to those who have had an important impact in my life; Visit my father and mother one last time; Enjoy a nice meal with an intelligent and beautiful woman; Arrange for a farewell message from me to the world be played on all networks and stations. [Fight tooth and nail against my supposed doomed fate!] Career & Training Where and how were you educated? Two years at the Technical University of Munich, and four at the Hanover Institute of Technology. Who trained you in your adventuring class(es)? I went through almost the entire teaching faculty at both universities. What was your relationship with your teacher(s)/mentor(s)? I tried to be the “Eager to learn†student most dream of, but a few times I was the “thinks he knows everything already†sort. (Though, in those cases, I pretty much did.) Is this person or institution still in existence? Yes, and I expect both to remain open for a very long time. Were you a prize student or did you just barely pass? Top of the top of the class. Look at your skills. How did you acquire them (especially the unusual ones)? I am a polymath of almost unprecedented scope, extraordinarily learned in dozens of fields, particularly scientific and technological ones. (I prefer to rely on electronics, computers, and other “hard†sciences and systems; though I am extremely skilled in the biological sciences, I find them less “predictableâ€Â.) I fluently speak and write in several languages, and if I put my mind to it and clear my schedule of distraction, I can learn a new one to a conversational level in about five to seven days (depending on linguistic complexity). Thanks to my flawless photographic memory and instant recall, I possess a vast wealth of knowledge on an enormous variety of subjects. Have you ever done anything else for a living? I was a “wandering tinkerer†for a time, traveling from place to place, offering to repair any broken or worn-out items. Part of the reason I stopped was because some people were unhappy with the improvements I made. How do you function in combat (maneuvers, weaknesses)? Hang back, assess the situation, devise a plan that takes advantage of any weaknesses in a target. Use whatever equipment is around to kit-bash something that will save the day, or at least look really cool. Have you ever received any awards or honours? None aside from what the universities have bestowed on me. Is there anything that you don't currently know how to do that you wish you could? I am interested in learning more about business and civics. Are you envious of others who can do such things in a good-natured way or are you sullen and morose about it? Neither, I simply ask questions and do research myself, knowing that I can soon master any field of study I undertake. Lifestyle & Hobbies When not adventuring, what is your normal daily routine? I am a unique man, with drives and desires that are in sum unique as well. As such, I cannot be a slave to habit. My work (and, frankly, obsessions) often dictates my schedule: some weeks I spend much of my time idly experimenting with whatever catches my fancy, while others I work feverishly around the clock to develop a single idea. But, to the extent that I have a “daily routine,†it usually follows this pattern: up by 5:00am, wash up from 5:00-5:30am, leisurely breakfast & catch up on global news from 5:30-7:00am, research & theoretical experimentation from 7:00am to noon, light lunch from noon to 1:00pm, practical research and meetings from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, evening meal from 6:00-7:00pm, leisure time (music, reading, games) or more laboratory work from 7:00pm to midnight, sleep midnight to 5:00am. How do you feel and react when this routine is interrupted for some reason? I get mildly irked, but little more than that. I have come to expect interruptions. What are your hobbies when you are not adventuring or training? Would it surprise you to learn that I do have hobbies? I do: I am not so obsessive that I spend all my time researching scientific breakthroughs or creating new super-devices, I have a finely honed appreciation of things that are restful and pleasurable to me, for such things broaden the mind and allow me to use the full scope of my intelligence. Fine dining is one; I consider myself a gourmet. History is a fascinating subject, particularly Classical and European; myth and legend also fascinate me, particularly the Sigurd/Sigfried legend and Norse mythology. I have a deep love of and appreciation for music and cinema; I have tried my hand at music composition, but remain dissatisfied with the results so far. Sports also draw me, particularly bobsleigh/luge/skeleton, cycling, fencing, football/soccer, horse racing, and motorsports. Chess and philosophy both interest me, but I’ve yet to pursue either very much. What do you do for relaxation? What things do you do for enjoyment? What interests do you have? See above. How do you normally dress when not in your adventuring gear? I’m rarely out of it, since I don’t really have an “adventuring outfit.†What do you normally wear in bed at home? Underwear, perhaps some pyjama pants. I prefer to be kept warm by lots of blankets rather than lots of clothing. What do you normally wear in bed while adventuring? If away from home, and the need for sleep arises, I usually just sleep in whatever I’m wearing. Do you wear any identifiable jewelry? A pocket watch (a normal one, not an ultra-tech gadget). I prefer pocket watches to wrist watches, and have a collection of several at home. Where do you normally put your weapons, magic items, or other valuables when you are sleeping? My labcoat is either hung on a coat hook or draped over a chair. My Gravimetric Belt and Electromagnetic Screwdriver both have recharging stations they stay in while I sleep. What morning or evening routines do you normally have? See above. Do these change when you are adventuring? When I’m out on some mission, yes. Travel: how do you get around locally? My Gravimetric Belt, whenever possible. Do you have a Last Will and Testament? No, but I should perhaps write one someday. What does it say? N/A Miscellaneous What would you like to be remembered for after your death? For improving the human condition. [For conquering the world!] What kind of threat do you present to the public? An incredibly large one. [A monstrously large one.] If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? Well, even if my head and hands were disintegrated (thus negating the possibility of facial recognition, dental identification, or fingerprinting), there's still DNA testing. As a player, if you could, what advice would you give your character? Speak as if he/she were sitting right here in front of you. Use proper tone so they might heed your advice... Dok, I know it’s hard, but you can do this: you can fight the madness, you can keep it in check. You can. You have to. Otherwise everything you’ve done will be for nothing. Yes, what your father did was bad, but it’s not your fault, so don’t beat yourself up over it. Try to get out and make more friends, not just contacts but real friends, it’s healthy and they’ll be able to help you when things get bad.

Press release from HIT, released March 11th:

If y'all are ready to wrap this up, I can do an end-of-adventure post (STAR Squad carries Smash and Grab off... or do they?) before closing it.

The one problem I see in the above situation is that it doesn't easily feature any of Belphegor's drawbacks (which we are trying to make sure get enforced), specifically his vulnerability to holy attacks. Depending on how narrow any corridors or catacombs are, he may not be able to use his wings to fly, so that one is easy to feature. Maybe one of the places we are lead to believe is holding the coin has some sort of holy booby-trap?

Waking up this morning, I realized a change that needs to be done to the precog vision Scarab had. Old Vision: wolf-headed spider with yellowed fangs Retconned Vision: fox-headed spider with rows of yellowed shark-like teeth There are two reasons for this change, one that should be obvious (to the PCs and players), and the other not at all obvious (to the PCs, and only possibly obvious to the players if they've been following certain other threads).

You are correct, Ray.

I wouldn't link them, since doing so means he should only get the Protection when actively Leaping.