Dr Archeville

Empowered - durf Horrorshow He can be PL 11 now! Let's see how I can do that with his 4 unspent points. Feats +2 ranks in Attack Focus (Melee) [2pp] +2 ranks in Dodge Focus [2pp] So his Combat block will change from this Attack: +5 Ranged, +10 Melee (+3/+5 Base, Attack Focus [Melee] +2/+5) Grapple: +18, +15 if Morphed Defense: +8 (+4 Base, +2/+4 Dodge Focus), +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -11, -6 if Morphed or in "Oozey" form * If all his powers are nullified, his Attack drops to +3 ranged & +5 melee (grapple +6), and Defense drops to +6 (+2 flat-footed). to this Attack: +12 Melee, +5 Ranged (+3/+5 Base, Attack Focus [Melee] +4/+7) Grapple: +20, +17 if Morphed Defense: +10 (+4 Base, +4/+6 Dodge Focus), +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -11, -6 if Morphed or in "Oozey" form * If all his powers are nullified, his Attack drops to +7 melee & +3 ranged (grapple +8), and Defense drops to +8 (+2 flat-footed). And these lines under Feats Attack Focus (Melee) 2 (5 total w/ fluid fighter) Dodge Focus 2 (4 total w/ fluid fighter) will change to this Attack Focus (Melee) 4 [total 7 w/ fluid fighter] Dodge Focus 4 [total 6 w/ fluid fighter] And under Enhanced Feats/Fluid Fighter, change this Attack Focus (Melee) 3 (To 5 total) Dodge Focus 2 (to 4 total) to this Attack Focus (Melee) 3 [to 7 total] Dodge Focus 2 [to 6 total] Thanks!

Sounds good!

Heroditus shot up again, "yes, I have a follow-up question to what my classmate just asked," he nodded to Leroy. "Atlanteans have been told -- and your story seems to agree -- that the Deep Ones were created, were people who were taken and transformed by your... gods." He'd put more emphasis on "taken" than he'd meant to, and sneered a bit more than he'd meant at the word "gods." "But that now, Deep Ones can... reproduce in the... traditional biological manner." Perhaps some students in the audience snickered at this. Perhaps some adults did, too. Others perhaps felt queasy at the thought. Created as biological weapons by the Serpent Folk, in their war against Atlantis. A war you inherited, possibly without knowing why. "So there are Deep Ones who were born Deep Ones, who never knew any other existence but as a Deep One. However," he took a quick sip from his waterskin, "we are told that... some tribes of Deep Ones retain certain artifacts, or spells, which can be used to... transform Atlanteans -- or even Surface Humans -- into Deep Ones, just as your gods did in the distant past. So my question to you is: If such processes do exist, would you condone their use today?" He did agree, as he sat down again, that dolphins were not at all like what the Surface stories presented them as.

Artificer -- Dorm Interior, 1st Floor (Outside Room 114) "Oh?!" He looked at Kameron with revamped interest, "you are a student of mechano-mysticism, too? I did not know the Surfacers had studied such arts! If so, this may make some of my studies much easier!" How fortuitous! He frowned at the lack of response from RA Thorn's door. "I have not met with him personally, no, but he has spoken with my parents." He looked back and forth between Leroy and Kam, "a request for a special sleeping chamber had been put in -- pressurized and water-filled, to match the environment of my home -- and we were told it would be ready by the time I arrived. I had wanted to verify if that was indeed the case. And now that I know who shall be in the room below me," he smiled and nodded at the two princes, "I want to be doubly sure that it was installed properly, with no leaks!" He glanced back at the stairs, "though I supposed I could just go up to my room and see for myself." He hesitated, listening to Leroy's relationship problems and Kameron's advice. Such matters were of little interest to him, but he knew enough of social graces to know that simply walking off would have been considered rude.

Horrorshow -- Dorm Interior, 2nd Floor Davyd happily shook Micah's hand, "oh, I'm sure! But that is why we're here, right? To gain better control over our abilities? No matter what we ultimately end up using them for," he glanced back over his shoulder, saw his family exit his room to get the last of his stuff from the VW microbus his uncle had borrowed from some "associates." "Oh, yeah, I'd love to head up there! And to hear you play! Just have to finish getting my stuff moved in first. Shouldn't take much longer, though -- maybe 30 minutes?" He turned to head off, then saws Pan's phone, "ah, you finally got one of those! Have you been added to our group chat?" Adam, Lulu, Veronica, and he had started one after the Virgin Islands thing, to keep in touch. "I can help with that!," he said as he headed off.

Heroditus facepalm'd when OctoBen entered. He was still getting used to the flamboyant teen, and didn't think he'd ever really adjust to him. Though it did reassure him somewhat on seeing that their other teammates were just as exasperated by him at times, and that it wasn't just his conservative Atlantean upbringing. He waved at Adam and Lulu -- the few interactions he'd had with them had gone well, and he was fascinated by Lulu's psychic abilities. He also waved at Nick; he'd yet to interact much with him, but heard he had some manner of sonic abilities, reminiscent of what the Sirens had gifted the Royal Family, and made a note to have a chat with him soon. Soon Aquaria was on stage. She was quite different from what Heroditus had expected: more anuran than piscine, and wearing some sort of advanced suit of armor, not the robes of a cultist (or the nudity of most Deep Ones). Lulu and Ben had asked their questions, and she had answered them, with as much pro-Lemurian slants as he'd expected. This is a unique opportunity. I would be a fool not to take advantage of it. But I must do so carefully, as the eyes of both Headmistress Summers and General Dalekos are surely upon me. He took a drink from his waterskin, stood, and cleared his throat. "So you are saying," he began, his voice bright and even, "that the war between Lemuria and Atlantis started before the creation of the Deep Ones. That is is something your people were... were thrust into? So what started the conflict between Lemurians and Atlanteans in the first place? And why did your people side with the Lemurians?"

Herodotus rose at his prince's command, but then saw another prince! He gave Kam the salute for nobles of other lands -- raising a left fist, with the index and middle fingers jutting slightly out, to his temple -- then flashed his classmate a quick smile. "I'm happy to share what I know with my classmates, though it might be best to wait until more arrive," he glanced back at Dalekos, "so I don't have to repeat myself." He tried looking past the Dakanan's shoulder, "I'd heard Dio and Ben -- ah, OctoBen -- might be coming. Have you seen either of them?"

Heroditus' eyes widened, and he bowed again, slightly deeper this time. "You honor me, General, but I would not presume to take a place at your right hand. Some of my... classmates" (he was still unsure of which term to use for them, so went with as neutral a one as he could think of) "had expressed interest in attending, and I had planned to sit with them. So that I might answer any questions they have, and fill in any... gaps that our speaker may leave out. They should be arriv-" he turned to look behind him, seeking out Dio or Octoman, and instead laid eyes on Telemachus! "Oh! My prince!" Here he fell to one knee and bowed his head, "I did not... but of course you would be in attendance, as you are a student here." He lifted his head slightly, "perhaps here to debate the speaker?"

One potential end-game build for Artificer, though I've still a few pp unspent for wiggle room. His suit of Atlantean Armor looks something like Marvel's Stingray, but it can shift into a normal-looking set of clothes. He's also gotten some magic tattoos, that booth boost the power of his magic and help him better channel the bursts of energy he generates. The HQ was largely copy/pasted from one of Doktor Archeville's homes. There'll be changes there, though I've not settled yet on what. Power Level: 12 (250/250PP) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: -2 Attack/+2 Effect, -2 Defense/+2 Toughness ----- ABILITIES: [4 + 2 + 4 + 14 + 8 + 2 = 34PP] Strength: 14 (+2); effective Lifting STR 24 Dexterity: 12 (+1) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 24 (+7) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 12 (+1) COMBAT: [12 + 8 = 20PP] Initiative: +1 Attack: +6 melee, +10 ranged, +12 w/ “Mage’s Hands” Grapple: +10, +24 w/ “Mage’s Hands” Defense: +10 (+4 Base, +4 Dodge Focus, +2 Shield), +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -13, -7 w/ only Armor or Force Field, -1 without either DC Block: SAVING THROWS: [3 + 3 + 4 = 10PP] Toughness: +14 (+2 Con, +6 Force Field, +6 Protection; Imp 12), +8 (Imp 6) w/ only Armor or Force Field, +2 w/out either Fortitude: +10 (+2 Con, +3/+8), +5 w/out Warding Bracer Reflex: +9 (+1 Dex, +3+/8), +4 w/out Warding Bracer Will: +13 (+4 Wis, +4/+9), +8 w/out Warding Bracer SKILLS: [140R = 35PP] Concentration 11 (+15) Craft (Artistic) 13 (+20) Craft (Chemical) 13 (+20) Craft (Mechanical) 13 (+20) Craft (Structural) 13 (+20) Disable Device 8 (+15) SM Investigate 8 (+15) SM Knowledge (Arcane Lore) 13 (+20) Knowledge (Technology) 13 (+20) Language 3 (Atlantean [native], English, Greek, Latin) Medicine 6 (+10) Notice 6 (+10) SM Search 8 (+15) SM FEATS: [17PP] Artificer Attack Focus (Ranged) 4 Dodge Focus 4 Eidetic Memory Environmental Adaptation (Aquatic) Luck 4 Ritualist Skill Mastery (Disable Device, Investigate, Notice, Search) Veteran Reward: Equipment 9 (45 EPs) Size: Huge/Small (Castle/House-sized); Toughness: 20 (Imp 15); Features: Communications, Combat Simulator 2 (Attacks & Realistic Illusions), Computer, Concealed (appears to be a Small house), Defense System no.1 (Blast 13 [PFs: Affects Insubstantial 2, Variable Descriptor 2 {any technological}], +15 to hit), Defense System no.2 (Snare 14 [PFs: Affects Insubstantial 2], +15 to hit), Dual Size, Fire Prevention System, Gym, Infirmary 2 (MW), Isolated (underwater), Laboratory 2 (MW), Library 2 (MW), Living Space, Personnel, Pool, Power no.1 (Communication/Comprehend; as Power x3), Power no. 2 (ESP/Comprehend; as Power x2), Power no. 3 (Impervious Toughness), Power no. 4 (Regeneration), Power no. 5 (Super-Senses; as Power x2), Power no. 6 (Teleport), Power System, Security System (DC 20), Self-Repairing, Think-Tank, Workshop. Cost 3+3+35 = 42/45ep. Power no.1: Communication 10 (audio, mental, and visual; Extra: Area [entire globe and the Moon]; PF: Selective, Subtle) and Linked Comprehend 4 (languages 4 [can transmit & receive multiple languages simultaneously, voice and text]) ("Communications Override") [22*3 + 8 = 74/90p] Power no.2: ESP 10 (all senses, 200,000 mile range [entire planet, as well as satellites in orbit]; Extras: Duration [sustained], No Conduit; Flaw: Medium [cameras for visual, microphones/listening devices for auditory and radio, chemsniffers for olfactory, pressure sensors for tactile, etc.]; PFs: Rapid 5 [x100,000], Subtle) and Linked Comprehend 2 (languages; understand and read all) ("Sensor Tap, with Instant Translation") [56+4=60/60p] Power no.3: Impervious Toughness 15 (force screen; Sustained Active effect) [15/30p] Power no.4: Regeneration 12 (Recovery +9, Recovery Rate: Injured 1 [20 minutes], Staggered 1 [20 minutes], Disabled 1 [5 hours]; Extras: Affects Others, Area [General, Burst, 60ft radius]; Flaws: Limited [Others]; PFs: Regrowth, Selective) ("Arzthelferin") [26/30p] Power no.5: Super-Senses 45 (Accurate, Analytical, and Extended 2 [1,000 ft. increment] on all Radio senses [10]; Radius for all Visual senses [2]; communication link [with Artificer’s goggles/helmet] [mental] [1]; tracking extradimensional awareness [radio] [2]; tracking detect energy [radio] [2]; detect metahuman/mutant powers [radio] [1]; detect technology [radio] [1]; detect time [radio] [1]; infravision [1]; low-light vision [1]; microscopic vision 4 [4]; acute analytical precognition [Flaw: Only for predicting macro-scale trends and behaviors] [mental] [3]; radio (with accurate, this is also radar) [1]; analytical scent [analytical and acute for olfactory {i.e., gas chromatographs & chemsniffers}] [2]; trace teleport [radio] [1]; extended tremorsense [accurate extended {100 ft. increment} ranged touch {i.e., seismographs & motion detectors}] [3]; ultra-hearing [1]; ultravision [1]; x-ray vision [Drawback: not through lead] [3]) ("Oodles of Sensors and Analytical Equipment") [10+2+1+2+2+1+1+1+1+1+4+3+1+2+1+3+1+1+3 = 41/60] Power no.6: Teleport 9 (20,000 miles [anywhere on Earth]; Flaw: Medium [water]; PFs: Change Direction, Change Velocity, Easy) ("Aquagate") [12/30p] POWERS: [3 + 58 + 14 + 3 + 42 + 2 + 4 + 4 = 130PP] Atlantean Legs 1 (2 points; PF: Alternate Power) [3PP] BE: Swimming 2 (5 MPH) {2/2} AP: Leaping 1 (x2 [running long jump 24 ft., standing long jump 12 ft., high/vertical jump 6 ft.]) {1} and Speed 1 (10mph) {1} {1+1=2/2} Devices 14 (“Mechano-Mystical Power Armor”; 70 points; Flaw: Hard to Lose; PFs: Restricted [using anything aside from Defensive Systems requires user be able to read & understand Atlantean], Subtle [transforms into normal clothes & accessories as a Free action]) [58PP] Defensive Systems (chestplate): [35 points] (transforms into alchemically-treated clothing & warding bracers) Enhanced Fortitude Save 5 {5} Enhanced Reflex Save 5 {5} Enhanced Will Save 5 {5} Immunity 8 (disease, environmental heat, environmental radiation, own powers, poison, suffocation, starvation & thirst, vacuum) {8} Protection 6 (Extra: Impervious) {12} Movement Systems (boots and wings): [9 points] (transforms into boots & tunic) Movement Array 4 (8 points; PF: Alternate Power) {9} BE: Flight 4 (100 mph) {8/8} AP: Enhanced Swimming 8 (increases Heroditus’ speed to Swimming 10 [2,500 mph]) {8/8} Offensive Systems (chestplate & gauntlets): [9 points] (transforms into a bandolier & utility belt) Enhanced Feats 9 (Alternate Power x9 for Heroditus’ Magic [42 points]) AP: Blast 14 (“bolts of magical power”; PFs: Affects Insubstantial 2, Improved Critical 2, Indirect 3, Precise, Variable Descriptor 2 [any magical]; Drawback: Reduced Range [5 increments]) {37/42} AP: Blast 6 (“fireballs et al.”; Extra: Area [General, Burst, 30 ft. radius]; PFs: Variable Descriptor 2 [any magical]; Drawback: Reduced Range [5 increments]) {19} and Snare 6 (“snares”; Extra: Area [General, Burst, 30 ft. radius]; PFs: Variable Descriptor 2 [any magical]; Drawback: Reduced Range [5 increments]) {19} {19+19=38/42} AP: Create Object 12 (”Alchemy/Transmuted Objects”; up to 12 5-ft. Cubes, Lifting STR 60; Extra: Duration [Continuous]; PFs: Innate, Precise, Progression [10-ft. cubes], Subtle, Variable Descriptor [any material]) and Enhanced Feat 1 (Improvised Tools) {1} {41+1=42/42} AP: Environmental Control 4 (Light 2, 50-ft. radius; PF: Precise) {9} and Illusion 10 (“holograms;” visual; PFs: Progression 3 [50-ft. radius]) {23} and Obscure Visual 4 (darkness, 50-ft. radius) {8} {9+23+8=40/42} AP: Illusion 10 (“invoked imaginings”; all senses; Extra: Mental, Selective Attack; Flaw: Phantasms; PFs: Progression 2 [25 ft. radius]) {42/42} AP: Move Object 12 (“mage hands”; STR 60; Extra: Damaging; PFs: Accurate [+12 to hit], Affects Insubstantial 2, Precise, Subtle, Variable Descriptor [arcane force or shaped matter]) {42/42} AP: Paralyze 10 (“mental paralysis”; Extras: Mental, Range 2 [Perception]) {40/42} AP: Snare 14 (“bonds of magical power”; PFs: Chokehold, Indirect 3, Obscures Senses 5 [all], Reversible, Subtle, Tether, Variable Descriptor 2 [any magical]; Drawback: Reduced Range [5 increments]) {41/42} AP: Transform 6 (“Alchemical Transmutation,” Any Inanimate Object Into Any Other Inanimate Object; Extra: Duration [Continuous, Lasting]; PFs: Precise, Progression [Mass] 5 [2,500 lbs.]) {42/42} Sensory Systems (helmet): [13 points] (transforms into a pair of goggles & earbuds) Comprehend 4 (Electronics 2, Objects 2; Flaw: Duration [Sustained]) {4} Datalink 1 (10 feet, mental; PF: Cyberspace) {2} Super-Senses 7 (adds Analytical to all Visual senses, Communication Link [mental] with HQ, Radio, Sonar [Ultrasonic Hearing; Default: Acute, Radius, Ranged; Enhancement: Accurate]) {7} {39+9+9+13 = 70/70} Force Field 6 (“arcane shields”; Extras: Impervious, Linked [Shield]) plus Shield 2 (“arcane shields”; Extra: Linked [Force Field]) [12+2=14PP] Immunity 3 (cold, drowning, pressure) [3pp] Magic 21 (42 points) [42PP] BE: Damage 12 (“burst of magical power”; Extras: Area [General, Burst, 60-ft. Radius], Selective Attack; PFs: Affects Insubstantial 2, Variable Descriptor 2 [any magical]) {40/42} Quickness 4 (“multitasker,” x25; Flaw: Limited [Mental Tasks Only]) [2PP] Super Senses 4 (Low-Light Vision, Magic Awareness [Descriptor Frequency: Very Common, Sense Type: Visual {Default: Accurate, Acute, Ranged}]) [4PP] Super-Strength 2 (effective STR 24; lt. load 233 lbs., med. load 466 lbs., hvy. load 700 lbs.) [4PP] DRAWBACKS: None TOTALS: Abilities (34) + Combat (20) + Saving Throws (10) + Skills (35) + Feats (17) + Powers (130) - Drawbacks (0) = 246/250 Power Points (4 under) Sophomore 2019-20 Junior 2020-21 Senior 2021-22

And with those words, a guest of some honor appeared: Heroditus Fabricus Stylianos, Claremont's other student from Atlantis! He scanned the room to see which adults would be present, looking especially for Dr. Marquez. He did not see him, nor did he catch sight of Prince Telemachus, but did see Headmistress Summers... and the man she was speaking with! "General Dalekos!" He bowed slightly and gave a salute appropriate for a high-ranking military agent, raising his clenched right fist to his temple, "I did not know you would be in attendance, sir!" He turned slightly, enough to bow slightly to Summers, "Headmistress," and gave her a similar salute, raising his clench left fist to his temple. He swiftly turned back to face Dalekos, placing his clasped hands before him. "General,I trust all is well back home? And with my family?"

He nodded curtly, "of course, Doctor. The addict does not want to be told they're an addict, they must realize that for themselves before any healing can truly begin. This was actually one of the reservations I had about our project: though the change into a Deep One may have been forced upon them, mentally, physically, spiritually, a change back would work best if they want to change, to accept that such change is both possible and desirable. And, as I lack the psychological and counseling skills necessary for such a feat" (was he hinting that Marquez should talk with Innsmouth about her "condition"?) "I shall refrain from engaging in such discussions, and focus my efforts on the mechanism of change for when and if a subject is ready. After my Claremont work is completed, of course."

A great debate raged within Heroditus, though externally this manifested as some more rocking and murmurings in Atlantean. After almost a full minute, he finally replied. "Doctor, I do not wish to act in a way that would bring shame to this school, or my instructors, or you. More importantly, Doctor, I do not wish to act in a way that would bring shame to Atlantis, or to my family." He paused to take another drink from his waterskin, "which is why I believe it would be beneficial to hear what Sea Devil has to say. So that we may learn about Deep One instincts, and drives, and how they can be weaned off their more... deleterious hungers. And, in time, get them to want to turn away from the malevolent entities they've worshiped, and return to Atlantis, not as assailants but as distant cousins who had been lead astray but have seen the errors of their ways, and broken free of their controllers. So, yes, Doctor," he nodded, "I shall comport myself in accordance with Claremont's code of conduct."

"That is... a classified military matter, Doctor" he eventually replied. "But when a local tribe of Deep Ones learned of this" -- the tribe Dalekos' men had captured members from for their experiments -- "their objections took the form of assault on our research station, murdering the scientists within, and kidnapping the researcher's children, leaving them at the edge of a trench to be eaten by some manner of kraken." He shut his eyes, remembering the sights, and the smells. "The children were saved, with some help from Princess Thaelia," he made a gesture of respect, "whom I believe the Surface knows as Glamazon." Another moment of silence, then he opened his eyes and regarded Marquez. "Despite what I have said, Doctor, I do not fully blame the Deep Ones for their actions. This may be my mother's influence, but I see them as victims, of that ancient race that warped them, of the malevolent entities they serve, of their unnatural instincts and hungers. While I have some... reservations concerning the experiments Dalekos' agents performed, I do agree with the end result: restoring them to their original Atlantean form, cleaning that corruption, is a good and noble goal, Doctor, much better than simply writing them off as monsters."

Artificer -- Dorm Interior, 1st Floor He clasped Kameron's hand, smiling back, "Heroditus Fabricus Stylianos, of Atlantis. I go by Heroditus among... colleagues." He suddenly felt a small pang of other-ness, realizing he didn't really have any friends back home. "Ah, so you are roommates! And were roommates last year?" He tried to make no reaction concerning the curfew violations, but did file away a mental note. "I have yet to meet mine. Do either of you know a Benjamin d'Amato? The note I received indicated he and I would be sharing a room," he glanced at the stairs, "up on the second floor. Oh!" he noticed Kam & Leroy's room number, "I believe I shall be in the room directly above you two! Speaking of my room, have either of you seen the RA? I need to confirm some things with him."

Heroditus suddenly felt quite parched, and took a long swig from his waterskin. "I appreciate the clarification, Doctor. There is... some truth to what Sea Devil says. We do see Lemuria as a hostile nation, and have for millennia. And I am not surprised they see us the same way. But what you must understand, Doctor, is that Deep Ones are... unnatural. They are the descendants of Atlanteans who were corrupted and twisted by," he paused again, unsure how much Marquez knew, "by ancient magics, from an ancient race that would conquer, enslave, and consume all life. Some Deep Ones are born as such, but they also have... techniques where they can change modern Atlanteans -- and humans -- into Deep Ones." He paused again, this time to allow what he'd said to sink in. "The project I was helping with, before coming here, was an attempt to reverse that, to change Deep Ones back into Atlanteans."

Heroditus' eyes widened again, "General Dalekos? Has been keeping a line on me?" More squeaks and pops, and while the exact translation was unclear, his concern and worry was. "So, Doctor, there are some aspects I cannot divulge, being military and state secrets, but there are some I can. That I must, Doctor, if you are to understand my concerns. The assignment, as you say, the project I was called to help with, concerned one of the oldest aspects of the conflict between Atlanteans and the Deep Ones. The originating aspect, one might say." He shifted uncomfortably in the couch, "please, Doctor, if you would, what do you know of the relationship between us? The conflicts between Atlanteans and Deep Ones? What has this... Sea Devil told you?"

Horrorshow -- Dorm Interior, 2nd Floor Davyd stood frozen in place, not so much from the cold as from the shock of the sudden attack. He couched up a chunk of hail as Pan brushed his shoulder. He then realized how it must all look, and started to laugh. "I got what I deserved, I suppose. Good reflexes there! Micah, was it?" He extended a hand to the weather controlled, realized it was still tentacle-y, and set it back to normal with a shake. His mouth remained shark-y. "A pleasure to meet you. And you're this one's roommate? What an adventure that must be!" He turned his head to face the Forever Boy and extended his other hand to him, "and how have you been? I've not seen you since the Virgin Islands -- get up to anything else over the summer?"

Heroditus bowed his head and permitted a self-satisfied smile. I have pleased the Counselor. And he shall pass this along to the other Instructors. This is good. I- At that last word, his head shot up and he stared past Marquez. His brows furrowed, and a few syllables of Atlantean escaped his lips, bright and sharps, with some dolphin-esque clicks and pops. He clasped his hands together, squeezing them tightly, and rocked back and forth slightly on the couch. This went on for half a minute or so, then he suddenly stopped, blinked a few times. "Doctor, I... appreciate your effort to learn my language. Though I must, respectfully, correct you, Doctor, on one error: the term you used refers to the... individuals known as Deep Ones. Their nation, Doctor, is Lemuria. I also appreciate you letting me know in advance, so I might prepare myself, and decide if I shall attend or not." He hesitated a moment, "do... do you know what I was involved in, shortly before coming to the Surface?"

Heroditus nodded. He is good at this. "I appreciate your words, Doctor, and will strive to keep them in mind. I am... learning how to... appreciate the differences here." He offered a smile, though even he was not sure how sincere it was. "That is correct, Doctor, Ethics 201, yes. I felt it would be a useful way to learn about Surfacer ethics, how they compare and contrast to Atlantean mores." He flashed another smile, this one much brighter, "they seem very compatible, I am happy to say. My family is known for their work with technology, but we must always bear in mind why we do what we do, lest our work become corrupt. I have heard of the Ambassador Lectures, yes, Doctor" he nodded, then his eyes went wide, "oh! Did you want me to speak, about Atlantis? I am not a diplomat, by any means, but I would certainly be willing to share information about Atlantean culture!"

Heroditus nodded, and sat on the plush couch that had comforted many a student, once Marquez had indicated it was permitted. "Ah, that is good to know, Doctor. I can scarcely imagine how busy you must be, with all these students, so many new ones, Doctor, all of them so very different..." He was quiet a moment, looking down at his hands. "It has been a challenge, Doctor, though largely within what I expected." He looked up to him, "Atlanteans tend to be reserved and conservative. Disciplined. We prefer order and predictability, Doctor -- we eat at the same times, usually the same foods, we dress alike, talk alike, keep to our own social classes. We have... extensive social codes of conduct and unwritten rules for social interaction. Even our language is part of this; I sense you are not used to my repeated use of your title, Doctor." "I tell you this, Doctor, to explain my background. While it is true that, as with most cultures, Atlantean adolescents often chafe against these traditions, and seek to make their own way, my understanding is that the most unruly Atlantean teenager is still much calmer, soft-spoken, and level-headed than the typical Surface Worlder teen." He looked towards the window, "I do see the efforts you and the other faculty here make to mentor the students here, Doctor, and respect your efforts, but the students here all seem so... unpredictable. It has been difficult for me to get my bearings, Doctor, to know where I stand with some people."

Heroditus had just taken another sip from his waterskin when he saw the counselor roll in. He stood and greeted him as one would any learned non-military elder, bowing and then standing ramrod straight, raising his clenched left fist to his temple in salute. "Thank you, Doctor Marquez." He lowered his hand, and clasped both in front of him. "Doctor, I must confess that I am unsure why I was called here. Do you meet with all the new students, Doctor? That would seem prudent." He glanced at the office door, and proceeded to walk in. "Or is this, Doctor, because I am Atlantean, and so are concerned that I am unfamiliar with your ways? I have made some studies of Surfacer culture, to try to prepare myself, but I will admit there is much I yet have to learn, Doctor."

Meanwhile... Viktor Archeville was in his hangar at the Jameson Airport, rearranging a section of the cargo hold of the Synthia Bower once again. "I still can't decide if I want these sorted alphabetically, or by frequency of use. What do you think?" He'd asked a chihuahua-sized green robotic beetle, which looked up at him, with no change to its expressionless face. "Yes, I know, frequency would be more useful, but-" Just then, a message popped up in his field of vision, the text from Mona. <Hello liebchen. That's an INTERESTING list. Gromril? Unknown! Lots of things come to mind -- mostly pertaining to manipulation of energies, including psionic energies -- though I would need to see the amounts and purity, how they're configured, to narrow it down. What's up? Want me to come over?>

Artificer -- Interior, 1st Floor Heroditus did a double-take, "wait, Dio, the spirit in your Vee-Double-You Bug, is a dragon?! And is an acolyte of Ghorhummaz?!" The Dragon Within The Earth was known to Heroditus, from legends alternately casting him as an ally to or rival against Poseidon. "Do you also revere the Lord of Storms? Does your mother? Is that how she accomplished her Atlantis-levitating feats?" It seemed perfectly logical, if unusual: if the Atlanteans of Leroy's world had a closer relationship with various mystic entities that the ones of his Atlantis, such feats could be done, but at what cost? "Ah, so your mother was from this world, and found a way there by accident. That fits with my understanding of dimensional breaches," he nodded, "very difficult to create intentionally, but also naturally occurring in the most unexpected places. I should like very much to hear about these, and about your Atlantis, and the worlds those others students you've mentioned come from. Truly, I had expected great variety here, but not such a... a wide variety!" "As for my family," now it was time for Heroditus to puff up a bit, and became more animated as he spoke, "the Stylianos clan has long served a vital role in Atlantis, recovering and maintaining the technomagical devices lost or damaged during the Sinking. From mighty noble to humblest farmer, we help all, seeking to regain the glory Atlantis once held. But I," he glanced aside conspiratorially, "I desire something more! Not just to maintain, but to create, and innovate -- to see how Surface World technology and magic can be incorporated into Atlantis, to make it better than it once was!"

Horrorshow -- Interior, 2nd Floor Davyd saw Forever Boy fly in and approach another student. He didn't know the other student -- he'd seen Micah on campus a few times, but was never introduced -- but he definitely knew Pan. He called out to his folks to let them know he was going to say take a short break to say 'hi' to someone. He crept over, trying to stay out of their sight. (He wasn't sure how well he was doing, as he knew Pan had very good senses, but the attempt was important.) As he crept forward, his fingers lengthened and became rubbery, and his mouth widened and rows of triangular teeth popped in. His eyes went completely black, his skin turned slate gray, and fins popped up along his forearms, back, and calves. Once he was close enough, he hopped a short distance to land directly behind Pan and his associate, and let out a moderate roar. "What Leroy do? Sharktopus shall feed upon him!!!"

Artificer -- Entering Dorms "You... but... what.... how?" Heroditus had barely been on the Surface for a few hours, and his mind was already reeling with questions. He followed Leroy, "how did you get here? Are there others from your world here? People from other realms here? The survivors of your Atlantis' Sinking were the only survivors on your world? We'd thought that was the case, but eventually realized differently, but that's how it truly was on your world? And your mother arrived from... where? From yet another realm? How did she raise your Atlantis? Wait, dragons? Dragons?! Wha... bu.... how?!" He stopped in the stairwell, staring off into the distance, trying to wrap his mind around it all. Leroy's next question barely registered, but register it did. "Uh, yes, a marbled electric ray. Marmo. He's back home. So," he turned to face Leroy, "dragons. Your mother, your Atlantis, has dragons. Hrm. Do you have a dragon?"