angrydurf

As soon as the boy in raven form spoke the stag swung it's antlered head to stare eyes wide and ears twitching listening for sounds of danger. With a bound it sprung from it's copse and shot across the drifting isle to the nearest edge leaping with abandon into the grey to land on yet another perch nearly entirely shrouded in the thick clinging mist of this place. From nearby but also everywhere at once Ouroboros voice could be heard, "Cleverness will only get you so far, show me you have the will to be an enchanter knight, it is time to prove yourself." The fact the Ouroboros not knowing the speech of beasts may have driven the interaction more than the young magician realized, but the point remained. This wasn't to be a test of skill or intellect but one of will.

Phalanx stood shoulders back head slowly swiveling as he watched the students move about the campus lingering for a moment on the young man not so subtly watching him offering a friendly nod and welcoming smile. Blinking rapidly as Artificer approached and took a knee he was somewhat caught off-guard by the gesture and did not at first notice Geckomans approach as well. He looked just past the young Atlanteans shoulder for a just a moment and shook his head, "No, not that isn't necessary." he intoned carefully and took a knee to come down to the youths level, "Ah do you speak English?" He asked gently and paused with concentration before repeating the question in very broken Atlantean as if it was being relayed word for word from a voice no others could hear. He smiled wide at Geckomans antics and stood offering a hand to help Heroditus to his feet as he replied, "I think there may be a, ah, cultural disconnect." he explained carefully. "It's good to see you." he added genuinely to his old friend. "Welcome, welcome." he returned to his greeting of the youths. "I am known as Phalanx, and this is Geckoman." he offered as introduction and beckoned James in closer with one hand, "I'm afraid I didn't catch you name." he apologized to Heroditus warmly and nodded to the other youth who seemed a bit more shy, "Nor your companions."

Empyrean 1 post + 9 Rollover = 10 posts = 2PP Shark Week: Raiders of the Lost Shark: 1 Posts Kanunu 1 rollover = 1 PP Kensei 4 + 2 = 6 Posts + 4 rollover = 2PP + 1 Ref PP = 3PP National Anthem (IC): 4 Posts Swim Out Past The Breakers (IC): 2 Posts Red Lynx 1 rollover = 1PP Sandman 1 rollover = 1PP Sagrado Corazon 1 rollover = 1PP Savant 1 rollover = 1PP Titanium 5 + 12 + 1 = 18 rollover posts (9 to Empyrean, 4 to Kensei, 1 to Kanunu, 1 to Red Lynx, 1 to Sandman, 1 to Sagrado Corazon, and 1 to Savant) Ace Danger 5 posts Friend like me: 5 Posts Ouroboros 8 + 4 = 12 posts A Gathering of Mages: 8 Posts Draw The Circle: 4 Posts Phalanx 1 post The Kids are Alright: 1 Posts

"It is unfortunate when people judge on appearances alone." Utsawa admitted though he spared only a small glance at the kappa as she revealed herself. For all the obviously fantastical mystery in the armored frogs presence and origins something told Utsawa she was the less dangerous of the pair. Jessies belated explanation did nothing to put Utsawa at ease though he settled somewhat into sullen assumption that he was sent to learn from another clone by some petty bureaucrat who could not be bothered to read their dossiers. He slanted his roommate short glare, "Picked?" he sighed heavily having assumed this was mandated and not an exercise his vivacious roomie thought would be entertaining.

He performs admirably on the ritual but is rather drawn up in the intricacies of dimensional magic they are weaving. Sufficiently enthralled that he nearly misses that underlying the ritual is actually an illusion. Depending on how distracting the fair mien of his mentor may be to Owain he may miss it entirely.

The chase itself will depend on Owains methods

"As is all power." Ouroboros intoned, "A means to an end." the silence after his words was deafening until he spoke again, "An unexpected answer is still an answer." Ouroboros replied to set the boy at ease finally. "You do not waste your own where another way may be found a hard learned lesson for most." Not least of all Ouroboros himself though he'd keep that tidbit to himself. "You have the the mind but have you the temperament." the Dhampir challenged next, "Follow along." the magus commanded as the circle flared to life and the bulb overhead switched off bathing them both in only the cool grey white light of the circle. The ritual was no simple thing, though Ouroboros could certainly have completed it himself the weaving of greater magics took time and exacting patience. This it would seem would be the next test. Calling on the powers betwixt the worlds and invoking ancient pacts this place would be tied to another not of this world, or this existence. As the ritual came to a close they stood on floating firmament somewhere else the circle intact on the ground. The distance was shrouded in deep fog and distant islands floated just out of sight while sounds without echo rang out in the eerie silence. "This is the Void between." Ouroboros explained with a gesture to the formless expanse. "Here your will will be tested and we shall have our answer." Looking out to the distance the fog cleared between theirs and the nearest island, this one spotted with low grass and a few hardy shrubs. Amidst them a white hart with a faint glow about it's form stuck it's head up and stared alert in their direction. "No harm will come to you here in my domain, but there lies your quarry have you the will to bring me it's pelt."

Knowledge arcane check for following along and a sense motive/bluff for another thing please.

The Dhampir stood suddenly at the question moving in the blink of an eye to stand before the table now. "I am neither your lord nor master, you must master yourself or the powers arcane will overwhelm you." he warned eyes flaring with inner power. When he was confident his warning had sunk in Ouroboros deigned to answer the boys question, "Your testing has begun, you are no fool to manage to find your way here." he explained plainly with a satisfied nod. "It will however take more than mere cleverness to bend the powers to your will." As his final words hung in the air without a movement the lanterns lighting the room winked out in tandem. "Light the room." The command echoed through the room in the darkness.

The flight from the dorms to the building holding the small, at least publicly facing, campus security office was brief. Alighting on the steps outside and regaining his human form Owain came upon a much more literal solution to the puzzle presented in the form of the large Security badge on the wall of hte hallway leading into the office itself. At a touch it sunk back and to the side revealing a twisting stone stair older than the building that housed it. Descending into the darkness it became difficult to see as the door closed behind him only faint light flickering from below before he rounded the final bend and found himself in some sort of study. The walls were lined with books and apocrypha from around the world, tables and chairs for a few people were clustered around one corner and the center of the room dominated by a ritual circle carved into the bedrock below the school. Sitting at the table opposite his entry was a pale young man not many years beyond Owains apparent age. A disordered shock of raven black hair topped his long and lean features and almond eyes. Dark clothes and a heavy black longcoat hid much of his build but he was tall that much was clear even seated. At his wrist hung a deep black gem with almost pinpoints of light in it's depths fastened to him by a looped golden chain. When a smile touched his lips at the students arrival his lips remained closed but as he spoke just a hint of pointed canine was exposed. "You must be Owain." He intoned ceremoniously, "I am Ouroboros, and if you are worthy I may be your teacher."

With a nod of agreement to Veronicas offer Ace let the two discuss Davyds options for a moment as he wrapped an arm easily around Andromeda's waist and lean in close to whisper, 'That, ah didn't have anything too personal still on the memory card? ' He had found it was best to check on these things. As bright as she was with near perfect recall it was easy to forget that she still had a certain naivete when it came to certain social norms. When addressed more directly he straightened replying, "You are correct we don't have much in the way of in house production at this time." he clarified adding with a wink, "Unless you have a pitch prepared." Ace let that sit for a moment before continuing, "We do have extensive licensing and branding deals not to mention the contacts in the industry both personal and corporate." Ace smiled wide, "I was kinda a big deal when most of the people making hiring decisions were starting out." he joked readily, "Or in some cases when their predecessors were starting out." the ageless celebrity acknowledged with a shrug. "Suffice to say we have at our disposal the means to get you a meeting at the very least." he assured Davyd and nodded to Veronica as the suggestion had been her own. "Both the Danger Foundation and Danger Institute also fund a variety of educational and Documentary projects in film, television, and streaming video as well." "Journalism is a noble pursuit when one seeks to speak truth to power rather than lies to the masses, or worse gossip as Andi has pointed out." Ace spoke casually and thoughtfully. "I have some contacts in the industry though much of it is going freelance at this point."

The Kids are Alright - Phalanx, Geckoman, Freedom Eagle, and Artificer

As both an alumi and fellow educator Mike found himself at the Claremont Academy not infrequently. He had at times advised students before. But this mentorship program was a rare visit not in his mild mannered grade school teacher persona but as Phalanx and while his secret identity was by most reckoning the worst kept secret among heroes he at least attempted to draw a firm line between the two. One he hoped his partner for hte mornings event would abide. Though Geckoman was nowhere to be seen yet, not that running late was entirely out of character, and if truth be told Phalanx had arrived slightly early in his efforts not to be late. He kept a wary ear for the sound of the Pitchoo just in case as he waited cape blowing faintly in the low breeze and head just shy of brushing the rafters of the small pavilion adjacent to the gardens where he was to meet his fellow alumni and any students he might offer some measure of comfort and he hoped wisdom.

Draw the Circle - Ouroboros and Kid Gawain

Ouroboros had been more than slightly surprised when the letter of interest from his alma mater arrived inviting, or rather requesting he attend the Mentorship program, a way to give back to the the school. Farcical on it's face he was hardly a year out of the school himself, on the other hand one did not in general choose to say no to the headmistress. The short dossier he received on his matched student was somewhat more intriguing and managed to capture some genuine interest from the jaded beyond his years dhampir. The morning of the appointed day Owain would wake to a raven perched upon his windowsill with a tiny scroll clasped in its beak. It tilted it's head as it watched him stir awake and dropped the scroll as it let out a caw that to the ears of the knight enchanter rang out, Beneath the most storied tower Destiny awaits! Upon the parchment was writ his next clue, A lonely wanderer, wounded with iron, I am smitten with war-blades, sated with strife, Worn with the sword-edge; I have seen many battles, Much hazardous fighting, oft without hope Of comforts or help in the carnage of war Ere I perish and fall in the fighting of men. The leavings of hammers, the handiwork of smiths, Batter and bite me, hard-eged and sharp; The brunt of the battle I am doomed to endure. In all the folk-stead no leech could I find With wort or simple to heal my wounds; But day and night with the deadly blows The marks of the war-blades double and deepen. Let it never be said a Chun-Faretti lacked a flair for the dramatic.

Utsawa was too busy trying to figure out what to do with is hands while Ryder had an arm slung over his shoulder to really offer much on the cross examination regardless. Black work boots and slightly faded army surplus BDU's of the same shade were topped by a tightly fitted black tee clinging to his chest and leaving the intricate Phoenix and Oni Tattoos on full display as they crossed the quad. Running a hand through his hair as he lengthened his stride to catch up to his roommate Utsawa offered each potential mentor a small bow at Ryders introduction. He shifted his gaze from aquaria to Jesse and back as he tried to puzzle out the relation. The one was clearly some kind of alien which made this hunter-white ringer a handler of some sort? He watched her carefully from a step back behind Ryder his body language tense as he tried to read her movements.

Power stunt the power I'm adding to his sheet in next update. Not activating it yet but when she's weak and distracted it'll be prepped. Super Movement 3 (Banish; Dimensional Movement 3; Extras: Attack +0, Attack 13 (to DC 16){26}, Continuous, Alt Save Will +0; Flaws: Limited(non-prime natives to home dimension only), Distracting; Feats: Affects Insubstantial 1 ) [30PP] (magic, dimensional)

Doktor'd! Ouroboros 18 PP available Feats 3PP spent 3 ranks of Luck to 4 ranks total Powers 15PP spent replace concealment/supersenses Alt power in magic array with: Super Movement 3 (Banish; Dimensional Movement 3; Extras: Attack +0, Attack 13 (to DC 16){26}, Continuous, Alt Save Will +0; Flaws: Limited(non-prime natives to home dimension only), Distracting; Feats: Affects Insubstantial 1 ) [30/30AP] (magic, dimensional) {0 net PP} Add two ranks of immunity to add immunity dimensional effects {2 PP} change: Super Senses 3 (Mage Sight; Dimensional Awareness [Visual] Magic Awareness [Visual] Feat: Dimensional) [5PP] To: Super Senses 3 (Mage Sight; Magic Awareness [Visual], Analytical 1, Tracking 1 [Half Speed] Feat: Dimensional) [4PP] and Super Senses 14 (Watcher at the Gates: Dimensional Awareness [Mental], Acute 1, Accurate 2, Analytical 1, Radius 1, Ranged 1, Tracking 3 [All Out Move], extended 4 (100,000'/19 mile Increments) [14PP] (dimensional) {13 net PP}

As plans went it wasn't bad even if Ouroboros was not particularly accustomed to working with others he wasn't blind to the benefits collaboration could offer. "I'll need to get close keep her spending her power and we'll be able to overwhelm her." his encouragement was perhaps a bit flat compared to some of the more boisterous members of their merry band of Magi. He hung back slightly as the front line surged forward to challenge the queen directly. He remained silent and focused as the carrion beetles swept forward the few to get past the fire and ice of his brethren crunching under his booted feet. To those with a sense for such things they could feel the gathering mystic and dimensional energies as his will bent the spell into shape without work or gesture. He looked little more threat than Cat-Sith as he examined the breach to identify exactly which underworld she had crawled up from. The only hint of the building energies was th deepening darknes sin the palm of his hand as the Eye of Heshem thrummed with power.

Ace nodded along with Veronica's line of thinking with a somewhat proud half smile quirking his lips. "I will give the the rare gift of the unvarnished truth Davyd." Ace finally intoned solemnly, "You lack the social aptitudes to make a good spy, getting a target to reveal information takes more than a familiar face." he sighed heavily and continued, "There is only one role the alphabet soup of national agencies or worse freelance 'security consultants' would be draw to your talents to fulfill. A Role where all you have to do is get access and not need to sneak a weapon in with you because you are the weapon." He let that hang in the air for a long moment, "I hope that steels your nerve to resist such pressures the cost as Talya likely intimated is much too high." That unwholesome option eliminated however Ace was quick to round on more copacetic uses of the young mans talents than assassination. Buoyed in spirit by Andromedas endearing lack of adherence to social norms he smiled wide, "She does have a point." he acknowledged happily drug from the melancholy he had almost sunk into. "Well I can say with confidence we could find a place for you in Danger industries it is by no means your only option." Ace suggested readily and drained the last of his own lemonade. "With your abilities you are going to make a mark on the world you have the opportunity to shape what that mark might be." he encouraged and stood to pace as he rapid fire suggested myriad options, "Film and Television certainly, both on location and studio work would be ample in pay and grant prestige and influence, Your adaptability would be a boon not only for exploration but search and rescue and disaster response, people often underestimate the use of powers outside of crime fighting." Finally turning to Davyd he smiled wide, "Not to put you on the spot but what do you want to be known for? There are any number of organizations that could both shield you from the unsavory work and provide you opportunity."

Ace waved greeting to his niece as she entered and offered explanation, "Davyd was just telling us about his quandry." he explained as the young man finished his explanation. He gave Andromeda's shoulder a small squeeze of support as she explained her own methodology and nodded agreement. "She has a point establishing firm boundaries is your first line of defense." The legendary adventurer posited thoughtfully, "Though some will not take no for an answer and the very worst of them are the least likely. They will use your mother, your uncle, your friends..." He trailed of as he looked the young man over, "And with your skillset they'd not just ask you to get information, Talya grows gentle in her domesticity and left that part out." He slowly sipped his own lemonade and nodded to Veronica, "There are many easier ways to earn trust or buy information than taking on another's form yes?" he suggested rhetorically. "Intelligence gathering like archeology is putting together the pieces you can find and acquire to tell the whole story." He smirked slightly, "Despite what the British museum may have you think sweeping in to take someone's grandmothers china is not the best way to uncover it's story." But as a student like veronica knew, before a more culturally aware times exactly such techniques would make discovery faster, flashier, and in no small part show the power of the Empire.

"Most would say the experience in full is the best of it Andi." Ace fondly pointed out, "Andromeda is a guest here from, far away." he explained succinctly. "Lemonade it is." Ace jovially replied and wandered down a row of greenery to pluck a pair of ripe lemons from one of the trees and make his way to a conveniently placed service with all else he'd need. Producing a knife seemingly from nowhere he set about cutting squeezing and mixing as he spoke assuming that Davyd had followed him on his wander. "Did she?" he inquired with an amused grin, "Not her usual advice." he laughed and shook his head slightly. "Well then she has better contacts if it's your power or it's origins that are of concern." he mused quietly and tasted a spoonful of hte lemonade with a slight frown before adding more sugar. "I doubt she thinks your family rises to to the level of needing my attention." he shook his head slightly as he pondered, "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage perhaps there is more to this tale then?" setting the glass down in front of Davyd he offered the other to Andromeda. "Veronica there is a classmate of yours come to call, Davyd, we're in the conservatory." He spoke quietly into his wrist mounted communicator to summon his niece. His attention landed back on Davyd, "Perhaps looking for work? Flexibility is in demand in our work." he mussed and shrugged flashing a smile to Andromeda and leaving Davyd to fill in what he felt relevant.

"A friend of the Espadas... Espadases, Espadaii? Talya?" Ace replied when Davyd called to arrange a meeting finally settling on his old friend sans surname "Think nothing of it, swing by the manor, next Tuesday afternoon?" The ageless man of mystery effortlessly encouraged not offput in the slightest by the out of hte blue call. When Davyd arrived at the imposing manor house of the Danger clan the gates swung wide and awaiting him at the end of the manicured drive was a positively ancient butler in full black and whites gloves and all, "Young master Ace is expecting you." he intoned breathily without a hint of irony in his voice, "He awaits in the conservatory." not waiting for a response he turned to lead the young man through the storied halls of the manor at a surprisingly quick pace for a man of his apparent age. Throwing open the glass paned doors the butler announced in his same reedy tone, "Master Palahniuk to call on master Ace." beyond the doors tables lined with lush exotic flora and the heady smells of earth and humidity nearly obscured the famed adventurer as he carefully pruned one of the plants with a delicate pair of shears. "Thank you Georg." Ace called out and waved for Davyd to come in. Georg closing the doors behind the young man and shuffling off to his other duties. "Welcome Davyd, can I offer you a drink?" Ace politely invited as he finished his final cut and set the shears down, "How can I help?" he inquired with a paternal smile. He seemed open and affable comforting even in his demeanor but there was something in the appraising way his eyes darted over his guests form that spoke to the age and experience behind the innocuous question.

"Nice Trick." Ouroboros intoned as the ritual completed, "I was just going to guess at the least likely door but this I think will be quicker." He explained with a shrug and followed from door to door as they navigated the warped and winding halls and stairs leading eventually to the others where they gathered in preparation for the final confrontation. He frowned slightly as Aquaria suggested a full press attack but was stopped from expressing his feelings on such endeavors by Phantoms much gentler prodding. "Riiight." he agreed slowly, "We need some way to protect those engaging directly." he repeated glancing around the assembled magi. "Once she's engaged occupied we can work on sending her back where she belongs." He slid the eye of heshem from where it dangled at his wrist to lock into place over his palm as he spoke, "I can banish her but not while defending myself from her assault." he added with perhaps misplaced confidence. Then again he was the newly minted guardian of the ways.

Mentors Phalanx - Like to Play, Claremont Alum, well suited to students intimidated by or lacking confidence in their new powers, All Around mighty paragon. Ace Danger - Available to play, International man of adventure. Sandman - Willing to play, Dream guardian, can bring him in by request if someone is looking for that kind of interaction. Ouroboros - Willing to play recent grad but skilled sorceror so I can bring him in for anyone looking for a magic mentor but intimidated by phantom. Students Kensei - I'd like to get him connected to Jack of All blades cus swords. But we did have a thread that fell apart at one point potentially starting that, so anyone to deal with captain angstburger ninja at large could work.