Dr Archeville

<.< Centering oneself would be good training for someone with Horrorshow's abilities...

Archeville grinned. They'd had this conversation a few times before, always with a similar outcome. It had become something of an inside joke for them, and a way to gauge each other's moods. "No rush, no rush. We've got time." He nodded towards the gold and rush leaf-patterned cloth, his hands still working on Penny's core. "Would you mind reaching out to her? I no longer have her contact info. Oh, and that does raise a good point: do we postpone our departure until after Oktoberfest? I've had to miss the past several -- the last one I attended was the 200th, in 2010, but that was around when things started going very wrong for me." That was around the time his Other had gained more independence, and started physically manifesting, warping his body into a hideous fish-man when it took over. He turned his head slightly, looked Penny in the eyes, "I think I would like to go to one more before leaving. We'll be coming back, of course, it's not like that would be the last one I could ever go to." "You'd mentioned," he turned back to face Mona, "checking in on family and the Interceptors before we go, and some other minor things. Was the anything big you wanted to do before lift-off?"

Artificer -- Outside "Ah, yes, I see what you mean about the air." He cleared his throat, "is this better? So that- oh, yes, my dorm." He gave his assigned dorm & room number, "I saw many such conveyances during my walk over here. Do the elemental spirits within all of those act as guides, or is your Dio a more... advanced model?" He took a few steps towards it, "yes, must be, I can see much more magical energy here than I did with the others. I do like the form of this one. I saw some that were sleeker, more streamlined, and others that were much boxier, this seems a nice compromise. Color's good, too, very conductive to growth and nurturing." Something else Leroy had said finally broke through his focus on the not!car, and he turned sharply (stumbling a bit) to face the young prince, "wait, wait, did you say you're from another Earth? And that your Atlantis flies?!"

Horrorshow -- Interior Dorms Davyd caught Ben's gear, then watched as he parkour'd his way over and around to Ashley & Judy. "Woof, guy doesn't know what he's in for." He'd not interacted with either girl very much, and what he'd seen of Ashley's temper and personality had made him decide to keep a respectable distance from both of them. Given who Judy's been dating, though, I can certainly understand why Ashley is the way she is. Davyd's mother got her husband and brother-in-law back on task for moving her son's belongings in, leaving her son & mother in the hallway. Davyd was surprised to see the girls' reactions to Ben, and he started to move towards him, but he felt a hand on his arm hold him back. "<He seems like a nice boy,>" his grandmother began, in Ukrainian, "<wanting to help those girls. Something -- or someone -- is tearing at that one's heart>," he nodded towards Judy, "<and she'll need all the friends she can get. Maybe someone just to listen. You've always been a good listener.>" "Yes, babusya," he muttered. He knew she was right, that it was the right thing to do... but Ashley could be so intimidating! "<Come one, now, there's still lots to move.>" He set Ben's device down on his bed, then continued moving his belongings in.

Artificer is morbidly curious.

INTRODUCTION Who are you? Sum yourself up in one sentence. An Atlantean exchange student, a skilled apprentice in our art of mechano-mysticism. Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? It was suggested that I take on a grand, heroic-sounding name in anticipation of becoming a superhero, so I chose Artificer. (It’s a title, one I’m not technically qualified for yet, but I will be, and the surfacers don’t need to know that.) What is your full birth name? Heroditus Fabricus Stylianos Where do you live? I had lived in the city of Atlantis, but now I’m living in the “dormitories” at Claremont Academy, in Freedom City. How old are you? What year were you born (if applicable)? 16 (born 2003 September 1st, according to your surface world calendar) PHYSICAL TRAITS What is your gender? If not applicable, please explain. Cis Male How would you describe your heritage? Atlantean How tall are you? 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) What is your body type? Somewhere between mesomorphic and ectomorphic. Broad, wide shoulders, thick & toned arms, V-shaped torso, flat but toned stomach, thin waist, thin & toned upper legs & calves. Do you have any particular weaknesses, such as allergies or physical disabilities? As with most Atlanteans, I struggle in arid environments. Prolonged time spent out of water will weaken me. Also, like many Atlanteans -- though this is not widely known -- I am still adjusting to the surface world, specifically the “not constantly pressed in on all sides by water” aspect. It is a deeply unnerving feeling, making me feel very exposed and alone. How do you carry yourself? Are you graceful, or heavy on your feet? Can you be stealthy, do you walk with confidence? I walk with purpose, usually towards a workshop or library. I’m somewhat graceful underwater; still adjusting to walking on dry land. Describe your skin, eye, and hair color. Olive skin, sea green eyes, hair that is a shade of green so dark it appears black to most surfacers. How do you wear your hair, if applicable? Do you have facial hair? Long, about shoulder length. (I’m used to it floating about me, it feels weird to have it just... lay flat.) I’m working on growing a beard -- which I’m sure shall be magnificent -- but I’ve just got some weak stubble now. Do you consider yourself attractive? Do others? I believe I am fairly average looking, for an Atlantean. I have been told that my facial features -- a long “Roman” nose, sharp cheekbones, and strong jawline -- are considered very attractive in some Surfacer communities, but I haven’t really paid attention to that. Do you have any scars, tattoos, piercings, or birthmarks? No scars or piercings, thought I may get some of the latter eventually (and hope to avoid the former!). No birthmarks, either. I do not have any tattoos at the moment, but have been considering getting some, specifically ones which would help channel my magical energies and improve connections with any mechano-mystical devices I use. Do you resemble anyone famous? When I was younger, my mother would say I resembled Babis Lofos, a comedian who was very popular a few decades ago. I’ve seen a few recorded images of him, and do see the resemblance. Do you have a dominant hand? Right What kind of clothing do you wear? Since Atlanteans can withstand cold easily and experience little change in our daily undersea environment, we don’t have the same nudity taboo your Surfacers do, and thus frequently wear little to nothing at all. Of course, we do wear clothes for social encounters (out of respect for any nudity taboos that whomever it is we are meeting may have), during certain ceremonies, for protection if in an environment or situation demands it, or just personal preference. While on the surface, I will be observing local clothing customs, and have brought with me a variety of outfits -- mostly skintight tunics (short-sleeved, mid-thigh length) & pants -- woven from a variety of special kelp (blues, greens, some browns). I prefer tight clothing, no loose sleeves or flowy bits, they tend to get in the way of my work. Do you wear makeup? I do not. Cosmetics aren’t a widespread thing in Atlantis, though we do have them, mostly assorted metal oxide powders mixed into waxes or clays. What is your vocal range? Is your voice distinctive in some way? A bright tenor, fairly typical for a young Atlantean male. Do you have any distinctive habits, nervous tics, or mannerisms? Where did they come from, and what causes them? Do other people notice and remark on these habits? Do they annoy you or other people? I’ve been told I wave my hands a lot when speaking, which makes me appear agitated. Since Atlantean language incorporates both vocalizations and hand signals, this is something most Atlanteans do. HISTORY Where do you come from? Atlantis. Have you made any major moves, or do you live in your hometown? I lived in the city-state my whole life, until very recently. Do you feel loyal to your country of citizenship? Do you consider yourself patriotic? How do you feel about the government of your country? The Stylianos family has had a long tradition of maintaining and salvaging Atlantis’ mechano-mystical devices, and has been an important pillar in Atlantean life. We are proud servants of the city-state and its people, and I am proud to carry on that tradition. How do you feel about the place you come from? Atlantis is beautiful and wondrous. It’s seen better times, of course, and there is certainly room for improvement, but I truly do believe it is a great place. Where is your home town? What was/is it like? The city-state of Atlantis sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) west of the Cape Verde Plain, 530 kilometers (330 miles) east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of the equator. (About 800 miles southeast of Freedom City.) It’s approximately 250 meters (820 feet) beneath the surface -- what you call the Mesopelagic zone -- making it accessible by a wide variety of Surfacer submersible vehicles and robots. The average temperature isn’t that much lower than that of the surface waters (about 60 F/16 C), but the pressure is much greater, around 26 atmospheres, and sunlight is diluted by almost 99% -- our brightest days are comparable to Surface twilight. To the north of the city are mines, where we dig for copper, gold, nickel, and silver. To the west and south are a variety of fish farms, and also to the south, closer to the city, are kelp & plankton farms. (Sunlight does not reach this far down for photosynthesis, but we have growth lamps.) The city itself is a great circle (radius 3 miles), with a series of ten concentric walls, which get thicker and taller the further out one goes. The Royal Palace sits in the center, and around it are seven districts. West is the Temple District, with many shrines to Poseidon, Ata-Helios, and Selene. Northwest is the Theatre District, where dramas, concerts, symphonies, and pageants are held in domed auditoriums, some of which can be filled with air. North is Scholar’s Row, where the schools & colleges congregate, and where most scholars live and work. Northeast is The Gallery, mostly large outdoor sculpture-gardens, mosaics, and individual or small troupe performers. East and southeast is the Military district, with numerous blocky structures. South is the Commercial or Market district, lined with shops and stalls where an Atlantean can buy anything they could want. Southwest is Serpentine Alley, so named for the twisting, turning paths caused by damage during the Sinking which was never repaired. Growing up, were most of the people you knew similar to you, or were you somehow a minority? How did that affect you? For the most part, I am a “good” Atlantean. The Atlantean “national character” tends to be reserved, conservative (almost to the point of rigidity), and proud. We are a martial people, but not particularly violent -- though we believe in the precise application of force in appropriate situations, we also value peace and friendship, and prefer diplomacy to battle. We prefer order and predictability. We eat at the same times every day, and frequently the same foods. We dress alike, talk alike, and socialize within our own class (though we appreciate it when an upper-class citizen shows a friendly and open manner by fraternizing with the common folk). We consider loyalty and reliability the highest of virtues, while casting a distrustful eye on anyone or anything not like ourselves. The result is a society with fairly extensive social codes of conduct and unwritten rules for social interaction, extending even to our language and social strata. Given our rigid, reserved natures, it’s not surprising that many Atlanteans have an ingrained xenophobia, particularly towards Surfacers. We value stability; you are unpredictable, and therefore hazardous. As in most cultures, our adolescents often run counter to this. However, the typical rebellious Atlantean teen would still seem calm and cool-headed compared to the typical rebellious Surface Worlder teen. Most of this applies to me, though I like to think I am more open-minded and innovative (some would say iconoclastic) than most of my peers. I am the one who volunteered to go to the surface world and study at Claremont Academy, and look forward to seeing Surfacer magic and technology (which most of my peers dismiss), and how it might be integrated with Atlantean devices. Is there something you've always been really good at or really bad at? How has that affected your life? My talented with mechano-mysticism was evident at an early age -- I took apart and repaired a music box by age three -- and I began receiving both practical education and formal training in those areas when I turned eight. It has allowed me to see wonders most Atlanteans can only dream of, and opportunities to help my people. Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? No, I have had a blessedly peaceful life. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. Taking apart and reassembling my mother’s music box when I was three -- thus showing both my curiosity and knack for mechanical devices -- would probably qualify. What stupid things did you do when you were younger? I don’t do stupid things. Where did you go to school? How much school did you have, and did you enjoy it? A variety of schools in Scholar’s Row in Atlantis, as well as some lessons from private tutors. Do you have any mementos of your childhood? What are they, and why did you keep them? If you have none, why not? Yes, an orichalcum multitool. It’s shaped like a T made from hollow tubes, the three ends can be used as socket wrenches. Attached to the longer shaft, via tiny clips, are an assortment of chiels, drill bits, and screwdriver heads that can be swapped in. It was a gift from my father, given on my 6th birthday. It had belonged to his father, and his father before him, and so on; I do not know exactly how long it has been in the Sylianos family. When did you decide to become a hero? Why? Did anyone influence you one way or another in the decision? The Stylianos family has always been proud to serve Atlantis, and I am honored to continue the tradition. If my manner of serving -- going to the Surface World to learn what I can of their magic & technology, and how they can be incorporated into ours -- is somewhat unorthodox, then so be it. Is the reason you give people for becoming a hero different than your real reason? If so, why? No, I think I have been reasonably up front about that. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? Not in my personal past, no. I know Atlantis has some dark secrets in its past, so I may be targeted for those. Do you represent yourself as being different from who you really are? Why? No, I believe I’ve been quite forthright. I’ve little need for (nor skill in) deception. If you do have these secrets, what do you fear would happen if the truth became known? How far would you go to protect those secrets? Atlantis was a great country, the greatest this world had ever seen. But an uncomfortably large number of her people have committed horrific acts in service to her. When such deeds are uncovered, reparations and restitution should be made, as well as vows to never again commit such unethical or immoral acts. Do you have any sort of criminal record? If so, is it public knowledge? No. FAMILY What are your biological parents' names? Xyles Ambrosio Stylianos (father) and Yrdoste Alexaire Stylianos (mother). Were you raised by them? If not, please explain and describe who raised you. I was, yes. What was their standing in the community? What did/do they do for a living? Father is a civil engineer (though in Atlantis that also meant doing some military engineering), working mostly on the great walls. Mother is a biomedical engineer, working on recovered medical devices and prosthetics. Where are your parents now? They remain in Atltantis. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? They were born & lived in Atlantis. How did you get along with their parents? How do you get along with them now (if applicable). I got along with them quite well, for the most part. They both encouraged and nurtured my talents, and while I chafed a bit under mother’s wary eyes, I know she meant well. How do your parents view you now, or how would they? They are proud of me, the work I have done and will do, but also concerned for my safety up here. Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what are their names? Describe your relationship with them. Yes, a twin sister, Theodora Aurianna. She’s far more strong-willed, as befitting for one of her sorcerous talents, and even more rebellious than I. What was your birth order in the family? I was born 23 seconds after Theodora. (She frequently refers to me as her “baby brother,” even now.) Where are your siblings now (if applicable)? Do they have families of their own? What do they do? She also remains in Atlantis, though there was some talk of her visiting Atlit Yam to train with the sew-witches there. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? I would very much like to, but our distance and lack of communication equipment makes that difficult. I am working on some devices that would allow us to talk -- well, more akin to telepathic communication -- but I still have some ways to go on them. Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? I respect my parents greatly. I… admire my sister’s talents. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? I respect both my parents equally, and honor their respective skills. If I had to choose one, I suppose I would select my father, as my natural inclinations align more readily with his technical skills than with my mother’s medical ones. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? If so, please explain. Barbara Ruth, my father’s sister, was moderately skilled at repairing items, but her true talent was in finding them among the ruins, or tracking down Surface World scavengers who’s taken them. But rather than redistribute them to the people of Altantis, she hoarded them for herself. She wouldn’t even share them with her own family -- not even when her husband, a kelp farmer, lost his arm in a threshing accident! Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? If so, please explain, including how it has affected your life. Baelrath Keion Stylianos, a distant cousin, was tricked into aiding the coup that displaced the royal family in the early 20th century (the one that drove Prince Thallor away). The general who lead it deceived him, leading him to believe it would be a peaceful act, that he merely wanted to gain the king’s attention and convince him to hold off on diplomatic contact with the surface world until their intercontinental conflicts had ended. Baelrath disabled certain security measures, as well as the palace guard’s weaponry. He was shocked at the slaughter which followed. When Thallor and his allies returned in 1945 to reclaim the throne, he tried to help them, but was killed by the usurpers before he could enact his plan. On the other hand, there was also Antonios Stylianos, one of the palace armorer’s during that time, who’d helped Prince Thallor escape, and helped him reclaim the throne. Do you have a partner and children currently? If so, please describe them. No! I’m not even out of my teens, and I have a lot of work to do! If you do not have a partner or children, do you want them someday? How firm are you in your opinion on this, and what might change your mind? Ask me again in five years. What type of person would be your ideal mate? I don’t know… a good study partner? A skilled lab assistant? RELATIONSHIPS Do you have any close friends? If so, please describe them, and how you came to be close to them. It would be more accurate to say I have “associates” and “colleagues.” Do you have a best friend? If so, how did they become your best friend? How close are you to your best friend? See above. If you were to go missing, who would worry about you? My family -- in addition to my parents, I have a number of aunts and uncles and cousins I keep in contact with. The Stylianos family is great in both skill and number! Have you lost any loves? If so, how did it happen, and what did you do? No. Do you have any bitter enemies? If so, please describe them and their history with you. Dakaria, a girl from my military training cohort. Her grandparents were from a small barbarian tribe that assimilated into Atlantis, but she was enamored by their “old ways,” including a reliance on simple muscle-powered implements. She seemed to take special pleasure in beating me. Also some “friendly rivals” from school, but they were nothing dangerous. Well, Clydelkis’ dimensional experiments kept backfiring, so I suppose he could pose a threat, albeit unintentional. If you have enemies, how do you think they might attempt to work against you in the future? I wouldn’t call Dakaria my enemy, per se, and I don’t foresee her coming after me. But, if she did, it would likely be either a direct assault or a crude ambush. What is the worst thing someone has done to you? Aside from the repeated physical beatings from Dakaria, I’ve had a blessedly smooth life. Where do your loyalties lie? In what order? Atlantis, the Stylianos family, my parents. At least, that’s what I’ve been told they should be. Who or what do you trust the most? Why? My parents and teachers, for the most part. I respect their wisdom. And I do trust my sister, to a degree, in that she seems to have a good (albeit wild) heart. Who or what do you despise? Why? Wilful ignorance, combat drills, “roughing it,” frivolity. I have work to do! What qualities do you admire most in other people? Are these qualities you possess? A respect for the past (of Atlantis), especially its technomagical wonders, technical skills, and a desire to aid others. Yes, I believe I have these in abundance. What qualities do you hate most in other people? Do you have any of those qualities? Needless violence/cruelty, wilful ignorance, and unreliability. I try to avoid all of those. Do you have a secret identity? If so, who knows it? Do you hide it from people who are close to you? Why? Not as such, though since I’m largely unknown to the Surface World, and plan to be remaining at Claremont for the immediate future, I don’t believe this will be an issue. Do you work well on teams and in groups? Are you a leader or a follower? I’m adept at both team and solo work, and see pros and cons to each. I have worked as project lead and under others, and was comfortable with both. However, from what I’ve heard of the Surface World, I’ve a feeling I may find myself in a leadership position, to bring some order to the chaos. Are you on a super team? If so, how do you get along with your comrades? Do you trust them, or do you have secrets from them? Not yet, though all signs indicate that I will become part of one, as did King Thesseus, Princess Thetis, and Prince Telemachus when they came to the Surface. Are you a member of any church, fraternal organization, club, committee, political party, or other group? How much time do you spend on that? The Stylianos family has long had some connections with the nobility of Atlantis, as reward for having restored and maintained so much of its infrastructure and technowizardy. As for churches, while my family and I, like most Atlanteans, ostensibly still worship the ancient gods of our ancestors — particularly Poseidon, sea-god and patron of Atlantis, Ata-Helios the sun god, and Selene the moon goddess — we are not especially religious, attending only on high holy days, weddings, or funerals. (We will sometimes swear by the deities, but that’s largely a cultural thing.) PERSONALITY & BELIEFS Who are your heroes? The luminaries of House Stylianos. Epatoeuns, who developed ways to map the seafloor once Atlantis had sunk, and the ruins of our city. Aueivokans, who developed the threefold (air-fire-water) engine used in ancient warships. Kinoibios, who pioneered the use of hydrokinetic flow regulators for air-locks and emptying or filling water-tight chambers. Teptavopos, who developed revolutionary new ways to harness sound. Yttapchos, who helped refine our understanding of astrological resonances, and their influence on our mechano-mystical workings. And many more! Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? Those who used their skills for personal gain or destructive ends (as Teptavopos did, after exposure to certain sounds no Atlantean should hear). I try to learn from their mistakes, and use them as cautionary tales. Do you like being a hero? If so, what is the most rewarding part? If not, what makes you keep doing it? I love carrying on the Stylianos name, and working for the betterment of Altantis and her people. Knowing my work will help Atlantis to survive -- and, eventually, to thrive -- is very rewarding. Is there anything that would make you give up hero work, or even switch sides? I may eventually retire from active work, and settle down as an academic, mentoring the next generation of Styliani (and other techno-wizards). But that is not for many decades! As for switching sides: no. Never. Things may happen in Atlantis that I disagree with, but I’d never turn against it, I’d work to make it as great as it should be. What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? Learning more about Surface World technology and magic, and how to integrate them with Atlantean techno-magic. Exploring and developing some of my own theories and ideas. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? Using my new ideas and inventions to improve Atlantis and Atlantean life. What is your greatest fear? Why? What do you do when something triggers this fear? Attacks by Lemurians/Deep Ones, and by barbarian tribes. I think I fear the latter a bit more: they’ve been warped by their own violence and ignorance, not magic or malevolent deities, and so represent a savageness within all of us. Is there anything you would give you life for? Atlantis. But I hope it doesn’t come to that! How do you feel about money and material wealth? Do you desire it or disdain it? Are you miserly with what you have, or do you like to share? Is it a mark of success, or a means to an end? They are a means to an end. Comfort is desirable, but not excessive luxury. And comfort is best when shared with like-minded allies and associates. (The Styliani do know something of social graces, as we still must occasionally cajole the nobility into funding our works.) How do you generally treat others? Cooly, calmly, professionally, respectfully. Until they prove otherwise. Are you a trusting person? Has your trust ever been abused? I admit I am not the best with “personal relations” or “social interactions,” but I trust my senses. Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Do you have a lot of self-confidence? More introverted than extroverted -- I generally prefer the company of technology to people (though do love interacting with fellow technophiles) -- though I do possess an ample amount of self confidence. How do you act around attractive, available members of your preferred sex? The same way I do around unattractive, unavailable members of my non-preferred sex. What are your most annoying habits? I’m not aware of any. Do you feel contempt for any general category of people? Who are they, and why? Those who disrespect, or would abuse, Atlantean mechano-mysticism. And those who would act against Atlantis. What is your favorite food? Do you prefer any particular type of food? Do you take the time to enjoy your food, or do you eat as fast as you can? Tuna filet wrapped in kelp (a simple staple), and krill (a filling snack). I usually eat quickly so I can get back to work, but I do take the time to enjoy meals with family or colleagues. (Atlanteans rarely cook or season our food -- mostly kelp, plankton, fish, and crustaceans -- due to the difficulties our aquatic environment present; most of our dishes are served raw and simply. However, we do have a tradition of “dry eating” -- typically reserved for special occasions or the upper classes -- where foods are seasoned, cooked, and served in air-filled chambers.) What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or otherwise)? I’ve not had anything alcoholic (a rarity in Atlantis anyway due to the problems our environment poses to fermenting), and we don’t have many distinct beverages. I am curious about a variety of Surface World beverages, though, and look forward to sampling them. What is your favorite treat (dessert)? Salmon mousse, served on kelp chips. It can only be served in “dry eating” events, so I’ve not had it frequently, but it was amazing! Salmon is a rare delicacy here, and then to have it so airy and light, contrasting with the crispness of dried kelp -- astonishing! Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? Mollusks (octopuses, slugs, snails, squid, etc.). I can’t stand the texture. Though I hear this is common and is something most Atlanteans grow out of. What is your favorite color? Are there any colors you dislike? Octarine, a greenish-purple-yellow. It’s the color I see when I see magical auras. What sort of music do you like? Is there any that you hate? I know an assortment of paeans -- solemn tunes sung in honor or worship of a deity or (more commonly) an ancestor, expressing hope for deliverance from some peril -- that I hum while working, but other than that, I’ve not much ear for it. I have heard Prince Telemachus is fascinated by the human invention called karaoke, and I am mildly curious about that. Music was very prevalent on Atlantis, before the Sinking. Many musical instruments were destroyed during that cataclysm, and most that survived cannot function underwater. Singing is still popular -- and is now our primary form of musical expression -- though we do have some air-filled chambers where performers using percussion or stringed or woodwind instruments can practice their craft. If you have a favorite scent, what is it? The smells of our family workshops: copper and grease, salt and wax, and the sharp, pungent smell given off by our cold forges. Do you have a favorite animal? Yes, the marbled electric ray. I’ve had one as a pet since I was six; his name is Marmo. Mother says he probably only has a year or two of life left in him, which is another reason I’d like to make some regular return trips back home. What is your most treasured possession? Why? The orichalcum multitool I’d mentioned earlier. It’s very useful, and is a treasured family heirloom. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? I definitely do not enjoy “roughing it.” Give me civilization, and technology, and comfort! Is there a job or a task you would absolutely refuse to do? None that I would absolutely refuse to do come to mind, though there are several that I would prefer not to do. I know where my skills and talents lie, and prefer to be in situations where those can be applied. Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? If so, how do your beliefs affect your life? How important is it to you? No particularly. I know the gods are real and helped the founders of Atlantis, but they have stayed away from us for millennia due largely to The Pact, but also due to our desire for self-sufficiency. I honor Poseidon, Ata-Helios, and Selene on their high holy days, and may send a prayer to them if working on some mechano-mystical device that touches on their sphere of influence, but otherwise I pay them little heed. Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special? My parents, I suppose. Many (most?) Atlanteans act the same. Though of course there are more conservative priests and theologians who point to this decline in religiosity as a sign of the decadence of Atlantean culture, and proclaim that it will lead to punishment from the gods themselves. No one I know believes in or heeds such warnings. If you belong to a religious organization, how often do you attend? Do you have a specific place of worship, or friends within the organization? How much do you agree with the beliefs of your organization? I go to church with my family on high holy days or on special events (namings, weddings, funerals), but otherwise tend not to bother. Could you kill? Have you killed? Atlanteans are a martial people, but not particularly violent — though we believe in the precise application of force in appropriate situations, we also value peace and friendship, and prefer diplomacy to battle. All able-bodied citizens are expected to undergo essential military training for the defense of the realm; while Atlantis has a small standing army for defense against barbarian aggressors and sea-creatures, it can muster a much larger force in a very short amount of time. This officially starts at age 14, though many games Atlantean children play are streamlined versions of combat drills and other military exercises. I have participated in such training, and know that there are times when lethal force is necessary. I have never been in such a situation (and, hopefully, never shall), and so do not truly know if I have that “killer instinct.” What circumstances led to you forming that conviction, or taking that action? Atlantean cultural values. Are there circumstances under which you believe it is permissible to kill? What are they? To end a person’s suffering. To preserve your own life, or the lives of loved ones. To prevent a greater loss of life (assuming there is no other way). How would you react to watching someone kill another person? Would your reaction be different if the killer was a friend or an enemy of yours? If justified, I would note it as such and move on. If not, if it was an act of cruelty, or cowardice, I would speak out against it. (At least, I’d like to think I would.) Doesn’t matter whom. How would you react if something important was stolen from you? I would work to retrieve it! How would you react to public humiliation? With quiet dignity and grace. And then, work doubly hard to recover from it. How would you react if a good friend or relative were purposely or accidentally killed? Has it happened to you? If accidentally, I would work to find out how the accident happened, and ensure it does not repeat to threaten anyone else. If on purpose, I would seek to find out who and why, and possibly seek retribution. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? If your life were to end in 24 hours, what five things would you do in those remaining hours? Record my ideas for new inventions. That’s really all I can think of; I don’t often think of my own mortality! CAREER & TRAINING Do you have any special training in your hero skills? If so, where and how did you get it? I began receiving both practical education and formal training in mechano-mysticism when I was eight, from an assortment of scholars and technicians (many of whom are members of the Stylianos family). Who taught you the most about your heroing abilities? What was your relationship with that person? My father. I respect him for his skill and experience. He… wishes I did not look outward so much, and remained in Atlantis, focused on maintaining what we have. Do you have any particularly unusual skills? How did you acquire them? My skills in mechano-mysticism are rare among Atlanteans -- most can operate the salvaged tech, but not modify or repair it. I’ve heard Surface World engineers are similarly rare, and that our mix of science and sorcery is almost unheard of among the Surface! Do you do something besides hero work for a living? Have you ever done anything else, or do you plan to? I am still unsure about the “heroing” thing, but I have definite plans for the future. Which, in case it has not been made clear by now: returning to Atlantis with knowledge of Surface World technology and magic, and how to use them for the betterment of Atlantis. What is your preferred combat style? Controlling the battlefield (with holograms and altered terrain), restraining targets, and ranged assaults. I have no desire to engage in melee! Have you ever received any awards or honours? Some minor academic awards in school. I am certain I shall earn more, but accolades are not why I do what I do. (Well, recognition is nice, yes, but they’re not the main reason.) What skill areas would you like most to improve in? Is there anything you can't do that you wish desperately you could? I definitely need to improve on my arcane and technical skills, for crafting, repairing, and disassembling. It’s also come to my attention that I need to work on my investigational and observational skills (which I’d eventually work on anyway, as they are used in finding lost tech in sunken ruins). How do you act around people who are more skilled than you in areas you'd like to improve? Are you jealous, or do you try and learn? I am eager to learn and see how their knowledges and skills can be applied to my projects. And if my aptitudes can help them with their projects (and their project is worthy), then I am eager to share! LIFESTYLES & HOBBIES What is a normal day for you? How do you feel when something interrupts this routine? As I’ve stated before, Atlanteans tend to prefer order and predictability, and I share that. As such, I typically go by this schedule: 6:00-6:30am: awaken, wash up 6:30-7:00am: breakfast (often with family), catch up on news & events, last-minute planning for the day. 7:00am-Noon: classes/training (basics and theoretical aspects of mechano-mysticism) Noon-12:30pm: light lunch 12:30pm-5:30pm: classes/training (practical aspects of mechano-mysticism) 5:30-6:30pm: homework 6:30pm-7:30pm: evening meal (often with family) 7:00pm-Midnight: homework, leisure time (alone or with colleagues), or personal projects Midnight-6:00am: sleep I realize this may need to change based on my classes and activities at Claremont, but hopefully not by much. Do you have any hobbies, or interests outside hero work? What are they, and where did you pick them up? Aside from my continued education & training in mechano-mysticism and techno-magic? No, those keep me quite busy, and happily so! What do you do for fun? Tinker. Dream up new inventions. Do you have a costume? What does it look like? Not as yet, though I am somewhat interested in the concept of power armor, like those worn by Devil Ray and Daedalus. How do you normally dress when not in costume? Sandals, short breeches, and a short-sleeved tunic, with a belt and bandolier lined with pockets of various sizes. All are made of varieties of kelp, or, for fancier dress, the skin & scales of assorted fish. What do you wear to bed most nights? Nothing at all! Though that will likely change when I move into the Claremont dorms. Do you wear any special jewelry? What is it, and what does it look like? I do not -- don’t want anything impeding the movement of my hands or fingers while working, or dangling loose which might get caught in something. Do you have a special place where you keep your valuables? A small chest that I’d kept under my bed (in Atlantis). I did not bring it with me to Claremont, and won’t until (unless) I find a secure location for it. What's your preferred means of local travel? How about long distance? Swimming, or a variety of high-speed craft. (I have some ideas on teleporters, but they are far from even testing stages.) MISCELLANEOUS Have you ever made a will, or tried to make arrangements for your death? What provisions did you make? No -- such thoughts have not occurred to me! If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? I’m sure my mother or sister could work out some way. What would you like to be remembered for after your death? For having helped Atlantis not just to survive, but to thrive. For introducing new ideas, new magics, new technologies. Do you believe you pose a threat to the public? Why or why not? Only to the ultra-conservative who fear new ideas. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? My mind and skills. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? I am not a fighter. And my elders would say my questioning nature is a flaw, one they hope I will grow out of. 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... You’re on the right path: Atlantis and the Surface World should work together, and the “status quo” is not always the right way. But loosen up: you’re just a teen, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you.

Artificer Heroditus was taken aback by Leroy's... Leroy-ness, and stared wide-eyed for a moment. Is he some sort of greeter? Perhaps an upperclassman, seeking to ease the transition of new students? Hold: did he say he's from 'one of the other Atlantises'? Did one of the other colonies send him? He bowed slightly, "thank you, you're very kind, but I am no knight, I am an artificer. My name is Heroditus Fabricanos Stylianos," he bowed again, then nodded to Nick and Claude as they passed, "an I am honored to be here. I am relieved to hear that about the RA, I was concerned there might be some difficulty in managing my sleeping arrangements. Though I am sure you know all about that." He took another drink from his waterskin, "I did not know there was a third Atlantean here. Which one are you from? Crantorium? Also -- and please forgive my ignorance, as I am new to the Surface -- but what, pray tell, is that?" He pointed to the green VW bug; he had not seen Dio's eyes or claws.

Artificer Back outside A new student had just made his way past the Main Quad and was making his way slowly to the dormitories. He was clearly fit, with well-toned arms and legs, yet seemed to have some trouble walking. He wore brown gladiator sandals that laced up to his mid-calf, dark blue short breeches that ended just at the knee, a dark green short-sleeved tunic, cinched together by a brown belt and bandolier that were covered in pockets or various sizes; over his back was slung a brown backpack. He had an olive complexion, sharp cheekbones and a strong jaw, and dark hair that reached down to his shoulders. He stopped once he reached the gaggle of people assembled near the bench just outside the residence halls. He detached some sort of waterskin from his belt, took a long drink, then looked to the others. "Pardon me, fellow students, but could one of you direct me to the residence assistant?" His voice was barely a whisper.

Horroshow "Hrm? Oh. Oh!" Davyd was still getting used to Ben's mannerisms, but was picking up on them quickly. "Well, what do you have on there? Maybe something with some heavy bass. Ooh, something classical, to subvert the image of undisciplined youths?" Davyd's father had stepped forward, peering at Ben's selections. "Maybe... dad, what's that one with the-" He paused when he saw Ashley and Judy storm past, managing to give them a wave. "Yikes, looks like some drama's already started. Probably something Leroy did. Uh, that's Judy's boyfriend," he explained to his family & roommate, "and Ashley, her older sister, is very protective of her."

Horroshow Meanwhile, inside the Dorms... The five Palahniuks stared in shocked silence for a moment, not quite sure what to make of the tentacled motormouth that had appeared before them. The man in the brown and white track suit was the first to react, letting out a boisterous laugh and slapping the tie-dyed-wearing man in the chest. "He got her there, bro!" He then clasped the teenage Palahniuk's shoulder with one hand, "I think you'll be learning a lot from this one, yes?," and extended his other up to Ben. "You seem... comfortable with all this. You'll look after my nephew, yes?" The man smelled of cheap aftershave, cabbage, meat, onions, and beer. The short-haired woman, whose facial expressions ran from surprised to annoyed to irritated then down to mildly irked, was the second to speak. "Yes, well. That is important. Especially in this economy." Her tone was very 'I recognize the truth of what you say, but I don't want to admit it.' She smelled of motor oil and steel, gasoline and industrial soap. "Well, as long as he learns what makes him happy," said the man in the tie-dyed shirt, rubbing his chest where his brother had slapped him, "and how best to share his gifts with the world. Maybe even-" the woman shot him a look that made him pause. "Well... he's got time to decide." He smelled like an assortment of bars, mostly high-end ones. Davyd, thoroughly embarrassed, offered his hand up to Ben. It was difficult to describe his scent, because he smelled like lots of things, including several things Ben had never smelled before. "Ye-yes, I'm Dayv. These are my parents, and my uncle Sasha, and my babusya." He glanced back at the elderly woman. She had remained quiet, but her facial expressions had spoken volumes. She was initially as shocked as the others at Ben's appearance and diatribe, but quickly warmed to him, and had to stifle a laugh a few times. She liked this one, oh, yes. Ben could smell lingering traces of all manner of baked foods around her. "So, this is your first year here? It will be my first full year. I was here for about a month and a half last year, around April, and with everything that was going on then, I never really got a chance to really familiarize myself with the place. I do know a few of the students, though I haven't seen any of them yet. They may not have gotten here yet."

Edited - Durf Artificer Okay, need to make a few changes & upgrades to Heroditus, as I've been getting a better vision of how he & his gear will be progressing. +8 ranks in skills [+2pp] Disable Device 7 (+10) Language +1 (add Greek) +1 rank to his Magic power [+2pp] Change his "burst of magical power" effect from this BE: Damage 7 (“burst of magical power”; Extra: Area [General, Burst, 35-ft. radius]; PFs: Variable Descriptor 2 [any elemental/magical]) {16/16} to this BE: Damage 7 (“burst of magical power”; Extra: Area [General, Burst, 35-ft. radius]; PFs: Affects Insubstantial 2) {16/18} and replace his "Elemental Gauntlet" Device with this Device 1 (“Mechano-Mystical Components,” 5 points; Flaw: Hard to Lose) [4PP] Enhanced Feats 5 (Alternate Power x5 for Heroditus’ Magic [18 points]) {5} AP: Blast 5 (“bolt of arcane energy”; PFs: Accurate 3, Affects Insubstantial 2, Precise, Variable Descriptor 2 [any magical]) {18/18} AP: Create Object 7 (”Alchemy/Transmuted Objects”; up to 7 5-ft. Cubes, Lifting STR 35; Extra: Duration [Continuous]; Flaw: Range [Touch]; PFs: Innate, Subtle, Variable 2 [any matter]) {18/18} AP: Environmental Control 2 (Light 1, 10-ft. Radius) {2} and Illusion 7 (“holograms;” visual; PF: Progression [10-ft. radius]) {15} {2+15=17/18} AP: Move Object 5 (“mage hand”; Str 25; Extra: Damaging; PFs: Precise, Subtle, Variable Descriptor [arcane force or shaped matter]) {18/18} AP: Transform 3 (“alchemical transmutation,” Any Inanimate Object Into Any Other Inanimate Object; Extras: Duration [Continuous, Lasting]; Flaw: Range [Touch]; PFs: Progression [Mass] 3 [50 lbs.]) {18/18} Thanks!

Horrorshow vs. Octoman: Battle of the Tentacles!

Dok's trying a new tactic. Calling for a stunt off his Enhanced Mind 8 (16pp) array. Switching from Enhanced Charisma 16 ("enhanced presence/interpersonal intelligence"; to 24/+7) to Emotion Control 12 ("talking them into despair"; Extras: Area [General, Burst, 60-ft. radius], Selective Attack; Flaws: Limited [Despair only], Range 2 [Touch], Sense-Dependent [auditory]; PFs: Progression [120-ft. radius], Subtle) {8pp} & Enhanced Charisma 8 (to 16/+3) {8pp} {8+8=16/16pp} Targeting just the apes. They'll need to make a DC 22 Reflex save (for the Area part; representing if their ears happen to be turned away/blocked or not). Then either a DC 22 or 16 Will save (22 if they failed the Reflex save, 16 if they made it). Those who fail that Will save by 1-9 become shaken (-2 on attacks, defense, and checks). Those who fail by 10+ become overcome with hopelessness, and unable to take any actions.

"And do they know the full cost of such gifts, hrm?" Archeville looked to the apes around them, those serving them and those further back still carrying the blasters. "You have given them intelligence, yes, and awareness. Terrific awareness. Terrible awareness. They will know fears they had never even conceived of before. New mental and emotional and social stresses. They can think about the future, and so too can they imagine what challenges it will bring." He gestured to one ape, "how will you support your family? Lord Uplift would want you to be self-sufficient -- how will you do it?" Another, "will your children believe the same things you do? Will they be different? As different from you as you are from other apes?" Another, "what will happen when you get older, and your mind starts to fail? When you forget what your parents and your children look like?" Another, "what will happen to you when you die? Will some part of you live on, in an afterlife? Or will you be forgotten?" He went on and on, describing several human fears and societal challenges, altering his tone just so in places to emphasize certain points, all in an attempt to undermine the apes' faith in their new abilities and in Lord Uplift.

Horrorshow would definitely be interested in the first two. Artificer would be... curious about the third.

Archeville chuckled once, "sounds to me like you've got some very creative thinking there, young man. This will serve you well, both as a hero and a construction worker. You're more clever than you give yourself credit for." AND SO, time passed, and the two unlikely allies met up once again at Joe's Diner, just after the Sunday lunch crowd. Archeville walked in -- once more in his guise as humble fixit man Patch Menderson -- carrying a plain shoebox under one arm, and looked about for Facsimile. He found him, sitting at the same booth they'd sat in two nights prior. He approached with a warm smile and open hand. After some small talk and a meal, Archeville gave Facs the box. Inside was a length of chain, dull gray, about the length and width of a belt, with a yo-yo-like disc at the end. Archeville went over its operation with the young hero, and pointed out the pamphlet of instructions that was also in the box, which included a phone number that would connect Facs directly to him. ~Fin~

Horrorshow Coming down the same hall as Ben Wang, though from the opposite direction, was four adults and one teen. The teen -- in jeans & a Claremont shirt -- was Davyd “Dayv” Palahniuk (aka Horrorshow), technically a returning student, though he'd joined Claremont in late April and so was still new to much of it. Immediately behind him were a bearded man and woman with short hair (presumably his parents), the former in bell bottoms & a tie-dyed tee, the latter in simple jeans & white tee. Behind them were a man in a sunglasses and a tracksuit, brown with white stripes, and an elderly woman in a long green skirt, white shirt with red flowers embroidered on it, and a yellow kerchief on her head. "... so I think my room's down this hall, and-" "And just what kind of education are you going to be getting here, hrm?" "Kateryna, we went over this, he's learning how to use his abilities." "Yeah, yeah, but what about useful skills? Job skills? What kind of career can he train for here?" "Mooom!"

On the ride back to their home, Xyles was mostly quiet, though Dalekos and him did exchange a few words regarding some routine maintenance of city defenses. Heroditus was almost completely quiet, lost in his own thoughts. Why would they have taken our children, just to feed them to a great sea beast, in retaliation for us taking their children and working to change them into Atlanteans? Wouldn't they have tried to change them into Deep Ones? Unless they viewed being turned into an Atlantean as a fate comparable to death, and sought similar for them. Or... if they were unable to change the Atlantean children. Some of what we saw was of Lemurian origin -- if Dalekos' scientists had been using a captured Lemurian relic, could it have been one taken from that tribe of Deep Ones? Did they attack not just to retrieve their kin, but the instrument of their foul reproduction? Soon they were back in their home courtyard, being greeted by his mother and twin sister. The former gushed with relief and practically smothered both husband and son, while the latter teased Heroditus about going after Deep Ones without her, and boasting how she would have been able to beat twice as many as he. Dalekos smirked, noting her growing confidence, and recalling the reports he'd heard of her sorcerous prowess. Later that night, he considered telling his mirror sibling about what he'd seen, his concerns and fears. But he knew she was hot-headed and prone to rash action, and might lash out... assuming she didn't go the other extreme, thinking he was being paranoid and seeing problems to solve where there weren't any. So he kept it to himself, for now. Perhaps he could find allies on the surface -- at the very least, he should be able to talk things over with Princess Thaelia and Prince Telemachus.

Once again, Heroditus silently chided himself for not having a better grasp of Lemurian. He had made some studies of their language and culture -- incidental to studying Atlantean devices they had stolen and twisted, and working out how to un-twist them -- but he had little mind for such "soft sciences." Could this be based on the very Lemurian sorcery that is used to twist Atlanteans into Deep Ones? He slipped the components into his pockets. Studying the original method of transformation would be the way to design the most effective way to reverse the transformation, though doing so would carry risks. But I'd always heard it was a potent artifact, the Serpent Scepter, that worked that foul change. Did they study that? Or some similar, lesser artifact? And if so, is it here, or back at one of the other stations? He swam to his father's side, giving the strange substance a wide berth, and addressed Helena. "My father's concern is prudent, ma'am, I'm sure you would not want any of us to be affected by these substances. Though I'm sure he's overly concerned for my safety, ma'am, since my adolescent form is still undergoing changes of its own. But we are Stlyiani, ma'am, so working with such substances is a hazard we are accustomed to. And now that we are better aware of the dangers present, we can take the proper precautions. But, ma'am, I must ask, before we proceed: are there any other hazardous substances we should look out for?"

Sheesh, I don't know which one a' them's more stubborn... Dead Head nodded, "kid said something about his pa comin' back from Saint Sebastian's with a bandage on his neck, claimin' to've cut hisself in th' kitchen. After that 'e started callin' in sick, sleepin' all day. Then one night he's drivin' th' family 'round, slams into a lamp post while chowin' down on 'is wife. I'm guessin' that's when 'e fully turned. But why'd 'e say 'e cut hisself? I don't think these Red Death vamps got the same mental mojo you do, do they? Maybe it was yer- uh, was Johann what bit 'im, an' wiped his mind after?" He cocked his head in thought, trying to recall if he'd heard of vampires who could create more than one type of vampire, a type other than what they themselves were. "As fer the fella I found in th' morgue, Roberto Hernandez, chart said he was admitted after havin' been mauled by a large critter a' some sort, an' died from trauma an' blood loss three days ago. Didn't see anything else on the record indicating where the attack was, but whoever was workin' that night might remember somethin'."

Pan's flight and excitement (temporarily) drew Davyd's attention, and he laughed at his classmate's antics. "Heh, look at him go. I bet he'd love to take this out and hunt down some pi-" Davyd's eyes went a bit wide, and a lopsided grin spread across his face. "Ooh, this would be the perfect... she told me shrinking is easier than growing, though she couldn't tell me why... okay, okay, I can do this." He bobbed up and down a bit, flexing his knees, swinging his arms back and forth, "I can do this I can do this I can do this." He leaped into the air, "I can do this!" And quickly shrank down and morphed into a colorful red and green hook-billed bird, and flew up to Pan! Any ornithologist would tell right away something was off about the bird, as his form had a strange conglomeration of macaw and parrot traits. But to a layperson, it was exactly the kind of bird one would expect to see perched on a pirate's shoulder. "WRAWK! Blow me down and shiver me timbers! WRAWK!" He did not notice that his sandals, navy blue shorts, and a rainbow tie-dyed tee shirt were still on the boat...

Dead Head stared at Strix, mouth slightly agape. "Dang, man. I've heard a' some vamps tormentin' their spawn before, but that takes the cake." No wonder he's so dour. He turned back to Wadjet, "whoa, she can do that? Hrn, well, if she is Horus' champion, I guess she could. But, how far down can she reach? If they's hidin' out in the sewers, or under 'em, would her light reach 'em? Or are we gonna have ta go in after 'em, root out their nests? Is there any way we can lure 'em out ta one place, like a," he scratched his chin, "like a stadium or construction site or somethin'?" Mutt padded over to Wadjet, and flumped down at her feet.

"Mrmph?" Between the voice in his head and Strix's cry, Dead Head was convinced to let go. His head fell to the pavement, bounced once, and landed on its side, facing the blue figure. "Uh... sorry 'bout that. No hard feelin's?" Meanwhile, Dead Head's body slowly rose to its feet, and shambled, arms outstretched, towards its head. "Strix! Strix, what the heck's goin' on here? An' did you hear someone else in yer head? I know there's someone else here, but I cain't pinpoint-" His head wobbled a bit, "hey, where's Murray?" He looked Strix up and down, noting the gore on his face and chest, "you didn't, uhhh... ?"

Free Action: Release Grim Diddle from grapple. Move Action: Body gets up from prone. Move Action: Body moves towards Grim Diddle. Uninjured, Exhausted, 0 HP

"I assume she does," he shrugged, "I honestly have not had any contact with her since a few months after... well, you know. Though, for all I know, she was keeping tabs on me in some manner that I could not detect." He wondered, not for the first time, if his resurrection/reformatting was wholly the result of his nanites, or if they had a nudge from some outside agent. "And, yes, inviting her and Avenger over for dinner would be a grand idea! I can whip up some of the blood substitute I'd devised for him -- he said it worked for him, though I couldn't tell if he was being honest or just humoring me. Hrm, perhaps I should pick up some pig's blood from the butcher, just in case." He moved both hands to Penny's sides and worked on her core. "Hey, so, since we're talking about couples, and us having a baby... you think we should get married?"