Ecalsneerg

So, this month is National Novel Writing Month, where you must write 50,000 words in the month of November. Which is somewhat of a slog. So I have decided to prove to myself that, like the little engine, yes I can. My story is about a conman and thief in Victorian London called Christopher Kenzie. After a heist goes badly, he gets dragged into a thickening plot which eventually leads to him becoming one of the mystery men which are part of my alternate universe of steampunk and Badass Normals. While it does use aspects of Geckoman's history and so forth, and his fundamental character, it is a fairly different take on things, and is not canonically part of the Freedom City Multiverse. But since I'm not trying to publish, I thought I'd throw up some of my writings for people to enjoy.

Notice check using Magical Awareness (1d20+15=17)

"There's also Occam's Razor," offered Equinox, pointedly not looking at the blood. "Could just be a serial killer with a little bit of occult knowledge, maybe a couple of books on the Loa." She shrugged. "Could just be a regular crazy who's trying to obfuscate their real motives with a distraction, or hell, just using it as some gimmick without knowing the real significance behind it." She reached out with her left hand, trying to find any lingering metaphysical imprint of events in the room. "Of course, there's always the fact it could have been magic." Don't tell the nice officers you'd have been capable of machete-like wounds using magic, she thought as she tried to find some form of magical energy in the air, eyes squeezed shut in concentration.

:approved:

Yeah, I can access entire databases of scientific journals not by going into my library, not by going into my library's website, but just because I am one of the several hundred students in the school of medical sciences. They're paying for a lot of people to use that database. In the summer months when everyone is at home, that subscription can potentially cover people on the other side of the planet.

Siobhan dumped Hayley on the floor to nibble away at the snacks Nick had given her. "Dammit, Hayley, where does it all go," she muttered as she ducked under the tape to follow the necromancer in. <My tummy,< came the proud, but muffled reply. Siobhan sniffed the air gently as she walked across the room, grimacing at the stench of blood in the air. She turned and moved over to the sink when Nick called, squinting her eyes to examine the sigil. When realisation dawned what it was, she took a hurried step back and put her hand on Nick's shoulder. "Samedi," she said quietly. "That's... Baron Samedi's sign."

Equinox gets an auto-20, as unlike Nick, she has a degree :P

DC 25 Reflex save for Area, then DC 30[23] Toughness save. (1d20+6=22, 1d20+11=13) Eep. Use one of Noxy's 7 HP to re-roll the Toughness save: DC30 Toughness save re-roll (1d20+11=28) She takes a Bruise.

Siobhan tromped up to the crime scene, clad in thick hiking boots, a green turtleneck and a knee length brown leather coat. She had an orange and green bobble hat atop her head, with Hayley perched on one shoulder, inquisitive paws playing with the pom-pom. She also had a pair of thin reading glasses perched precariously on her nose, as one of the legs seemed very bent and wasn't even on her ear. She had her pentacle amulet tied around her left wrist, and she had an assortment of odd small bags and pouches tied to her belt with thin silver cords. The witch raised a hand in greeting to Nick and the officer. "Hi, I got a call about an incident? What seems to be the-" Her eyes fell to the stretcher. "Oooooh. This... doesn't look very good."

Equinox sighed as she gazed upon the giant... things... on the lawn. "Oh, come on," she commented wearily, tilting her head to the left until her neck clicked. "Why does my life always seem to involve things with tentacles?" "No offence, kid," she remarked to her Cthuloid companion as she burst forth out onto the lawn, coat billowing as a gust of air swept up from beneath her and lifted her 100' up off the ground. "Aberrations, I beseech thee," she yelled, pointing her wand at one of the beasts, then sliding it down to the earth just below it. "Descend into the cave of Trophonios, And you'll suffer a terrible fright, But spirits of earth can do the same, When you feel their crushing might!" With a tortured roar, two columns of earth tore forth from the soil, entwining and whirling around each other like two snakes writhing around in a knot. Then, with a single flick of Equinox's wand, a massive surge of arcane power, seeminged to fill the air between her and the towering pillar of rock and stone with a sense of solidity and heaviness. So much so, that when the pillar spiked down into one of the Grue monstrosities, it almost seemed like an anti climax despite the thunderous crash of splintering stone.

Let's rock and roll. Move Action: Use Flight 3 to fly 100' up and over, to gaze down upon the tentacled abominations which plague our lives! Free Action: Extraordinary Effort! I'm going to apply both of the effects to Equinox's Blast power, to bolster its rank from 11 to 15. Free Action: Allocate Variable Descriptor to Earth. Standard Action: Remodel your lawn? Power Attack for 2 with Earth Blast 15, for a DC 32 attack on giant octopus thing #2. (1d20+9=27) Equinox will be Exhausted at the start of her next action.

I like the idea of some form of rescue, actually. What did you have in mind for that? Hayley'd work, but it'd require the faeries to completely overlook her.

Right, basically my problem here is this. This is just a magic user only with a different descriptor. Other than calling it cosmic energy and not magic, you've not changed the aesthetics, stylings or anything else about the character in any way. So you've got two options, really. 1. Revert back to a magic user, and get rid of the mana core idea. It doesn't fit in with how we've portrayed magic users in the setting so far, whose powers aren't "natural" in the sense they've got biological organs to do it. 2. Actually make him a cosmic energy controller, not a mage with a different descriptor. I think using super-advanced mathematics to channel the cosmic power of the universe is a good concept, but what you've currently got is just a mage with his descriptor changed to get around the fact we keep saying you shouldn't have a tumor to explain your power use.

Right, here is our confession. Yes, the book says that Airon's way is correct. However, we're using Raveled's way as we had been using it for two years before anyone pointed it out and we realised we'd have to go edit 30 sheets to change away from a mechanic which wasn't hindering us Ergo, odd numbered Defences half and round down, so a Base Defence of +3 is +1 flat-footed. It isn't what the book says, but we've never found the difference to be especially unfair or prohibitive when compared to the alternative of changing god knows how many character sheets.

"You think power is about magic?" laughed Equinox as she was slapped in chains. "I'm afraid that's not the case. You couldn't hope to comprehend that, though. I'm offering to help you, and you won't acknowledge the offer, let alone take it." The witch spat on the ground. "Power is in thoughts and deeds. And your thoughts and deeds point to my power over you. You're afraid of me. I hurt you, didn't it? You're not used to that. And you're terrified that it might happen again. You just won't admit it to yourself, and, well." She sounded genuinely sad for the mad faerie. "Well, that's a scariest thing of all."

As I said in Chat, and you apparently missed, the mana core thing isn't going to work thematically. In this setting, science and technology (which includes biology) and magic are two separate and distinct forces. Ergo, there isn't an internal organ which gives mortals access to magic. I mean, we've deliberately resisted giving magic any form of hard and fast rules in-setting, but that's just a bit too out there.

Geckoman wiped a thin sheen of sweat off his brow with the back of his hand. "I could probably try, yeah." He looked around warily. "I might need a quieter, calmer place to do it, though. This isn't the most productive place for a delicate psychological situation." His voice had less of its usual manic cheeriness, and carried a more professional, experienced edge. "Leads are good. Huge fan of leads, they help solve crimes," said Chris absently, fingering a frayed bit of denim on his jeans. "But I thought you guys wanted me to help deal with someone with damaged memories? I can't really do both at once. What's the plan?"

The sheriff looked around, fear etched into her features. "Alright. If you think you can help, we... need all the help we can get. Come inside." The harried looking woman gestured at the three as she went to close the door behind her, one hand on the handle, the other on her gun. "But, first, what I need to know is... who are you?"

Arrowhawk growled, and slapped his forehead with his palm. "Scarab. Should have known." He stood up and paced across the room. "Valkyrie. I want to know how she died. I want to know why she died." He paced in silence for a couple of minutes. Then, abruptly, he pushed off the wall with his fist, leaving a small dent as he railed to face the Doktor again. "Dammit, Viktor, what the hell? We trusted you. We respected you. Why? I don't give respect lightly. You know that full well, and then you go and pull..." He gesticulated wildly, unable to form words. "GAH!" He settled for roaring.

Geckoman was visibly leaning on the dashboard of the Pitchoo as he steered it over to the group, one walkway hanging open to allow easy entrance. "Depends on the basis of the metahuman powers," he said helpfully. "But this isn't the time." He busied himself pushing down one of the chairs until its cushion and backrest were both horizontal to the ground, forming a makeshift stretcher. "Load 'er up, bossman, and we can get the heck out of here. To wherever you think is best, really, at this point we've not got the most overabundance of options, but enough for a buffet. Sadly, a buffet isn't one of the options." He grinned and stood up sharply, grin fading as he heard something clicking near his stomach. "Anyway... flying now," he said in a pained voice.

DC33 Toughness save... OW, MY BEAUTIFUL FACE (1d20+11=18) Wait! 6 HP! Now... only 5 HP! Re-rolling, because Equinox has a head on her shoulders, and not punched off. (1d20+11=14) +10 for rolling a 3, so 24 = failing by 9... Bruised and Dazed. DC 21 Concentration to maintain Force Field, and for DC 13 to maintain Flight. (1d20+16=26, 1d20+16=29) Punch'd!

Free Action Dismiss Impervious. Free Action Switch array to Flight. Move Action Fly up about 10'. Standard Action Blast the Grue Arcane 2 with a water Blast, at rank 11, but Accurate Attacking for 2. DC24 Water Blast. (1d20+13=20) Well, that should be 21 (forgot Master Plan), which I think hits. If it doesn't hit, I'll spend a HP to re-roll with... Equinox, lowering the bar for aim and precision since... (1d20+11=17)... Well, this time I apparently forgot the +2 from Accurate Attack and the +1 from Master Plan. Durr. So, with the +10 for rolling below an 11, that comes to 30 to hit.

Equinox batted aside a Grue's attack with a quiet twist of the eldritch forces shielding her, and whirled back to face the Grue she'd barely scratched with her sword, the hilt and blade melting away in her hand to reveal her simple wooden wand, levelled at the alien mystic even as the witch rose gently up off the ground, a gentle current of air lifting her up and causing her long coat to billow like a cape. Reaching out with her left hand, she channeled the moisture left in the air around her, drawing it in and drying out the room around her, and let the water begin to trickle down through her arm faster and faster until it burst forth from her wand, a veritable riptide aimed at her adversary with bone-crushing pressure, knocking her adversary back a couple of feet, visibly pained from the attack. But the concentration needed to perform combat magic worked against her here, leaving her open to a powerful blow from one of the undead Grue, the beast's mighty fist crashing into her with such force that it was all she could do to stop her wards from failing, let alone prevent the blow from raising a huge red welt on her cheek and send her thoughts spinning.

"Eh," remarked Geckoman to Jill. "There are worse ways to save the day than ramming your tongue down a girl's throat." He looked up at the sky, frowning at the giant face. "Sorry about the punching, by the way." He rolled his shoulders and leaned his neck to one side with a nauseating click. "Ow." With that, he began limping his way towards the Pitchoo, pulling out the remote as he went to make it come forward and meet him. "We can load Willow in here, get to an evacuation point quicker. Or take her to my base, I should be able to rig up something to stop the Gorgon busting in unless she bodily comes to the planet."

Scholar Rebuild "My name is Jeni Frey. And I want to go home." Power Level: 10 (152/152PP) Trade-Offs: +0 Attack / +0 Damage, +3 Defense / -3 Toughness (in normal form) Description: Scholar is the last surviving member of the Kaironian race, from a billion years in the future, a million worlds away and a thousand dimensions removed from our own. Stranded alone in the multiverse, she still regrets having to turn her home to glass to prevent Omega gaining a weapon which would allow him to take over every universe at the dawn of its creation. Able to shift into any species she has ever touched, she uses this gift to defend the residents of her new surrogate home, all the while secretly hoping to yet find a way to save her people. Complications: Bizarre Alien Biology: Jeni's biology when not shapeshifted is very different from the human norm despite her external appearance. Her three lungs and hailing from a high-oxygen atmosphere means she is vulnerable (x1.5 DC) to inhaled gas attacks, and the sheer level of iron in her blood makes her set off metal detectors. Funny Little Human Brains: While Jeni tends to like Earth, and its human population, in moments of stress, she is apt to insult the race and their shortcomings. This may undo any hard work she's done ingratiating herself prior to that point. Look At The Ears!: Jeni isn't 100% sure why she didn't die and instead came back in a different body. This is going to take some time to adjust to, exacerbated by her inability to shapeshift into her old body. Never Again: Jeni's hatred for the Terminus exceeds that of most superheroes. If she thinks Omega and his armies are behind an event, she will do anything to bring them down, unless someone succeeds in talking her down. Not Human: While Jeni looks human, can turn human, it's sometimes very apart in her eyes and body language how inhuman she can be, causing uneasiness or even fear. The Last Kaironian: Jeni has a huge case of survivor's guilt, having been partly responsible for making herself the last of her kind. Abilities: 4 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 8 + 4 = 44PP Strength 14 (+2) Dexterity 14 (+2) Constitution 18 (+4) Intelligence 30/26 (+10/+8) Wisdom 18 (+4) Charisma 14 (+2) Combat: 12 + 12 = 24PP Initiative: +8, +10 w/ Enhanced Intelligence Attack: +6, +10 melee Grapple: +12 Defense: +13 (+6 Base, +7 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -3 Saving Throws: 3 + 3 + 5 = 11PP Toughness: +7 (+4 Con, +3 Protection) Fortitude: +7 (+4 Con, +3) Reflex: +5 (+2 Dex, +3) Will: +9 (+4 Wis, +5) Skills: 40R = 10PP Intimidate 7 (+10) Knowledge (life sciences) 10 (+18, +20 with Enhanced Intelligence, Skill Mastery) Knowledge (physical sciences) 5 (+13, +15 with Enhanced Intelligence, Skill Mastery) Knowledge (technology) 5 (+13, +15 with Enhanced Intelligence, Skill Mastery) Language 1 (English, native: Kairon) Medicine 6 (+10) Sense Motive 6 (+10, Skill Mastery) Feats: 17PP Attack Focus (melee) 4 Dodge Focus 7 Inventor Jack of all Trades Luck Master Plan Skill Mastery (Knowledge [Life Sciences], Knowledge [Physical Sciences], Knowledge [Technology], Sense Motive) Speed of Thought Powers: 8 + 1 + 3 + 7 + 27 = 46PP Tri-Sected Brain Array 3 (6pp, Power Feats: 2 Alternate Power) [8PP] (brain power, intelligence) Base Power: Enhanced Intelligence 4 [4PP] and Quickness 4 (x25 speed, Flaws: Limited to mental actions [-1] [2PP] Alternate Power: Comprehend 3 (speak/understand/read all languages) [6PP] Alternate Power: Strike 2 (analytical strike, Power Feats: Improved Critical 1, Mighty) [4PP] and Super-Senses 2 (Detect Weakness [visual, Analytical]) [2PP] Immunity 2 (aging, need for sleep, Flaws: Limited to half effect [-1]) [1PP] (bizarre alien biology) Protection 3 (durable skeleton and muscle tissue) [3PP] (bizarre alien biology) Regeneration 6 (Resurrection/5 minutes, Power Feats: Reincarnation) [7PP] (bizarre alien biology) Shapeshift 3 (15pp of traits, Extras: Continuous [+1]) [27PP] (mutation) DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Normal unarmed Touch DC 17 Toughness (Staged) Damage Analytical Strike 2 Touch DC 19 Toughness (Staged) Damage, Improved Critical 1 Abilities (44) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (11) + Skills (10) + Feats (17) + Powers (46) - Drawbacks (0) = 152/152 Power Points