angrydurf

Xavier nodded, "I do not take you for a fool that would make the journey here without means to pay sir." he assured him as he glanced at the report and named a figure that was probably a near forty percent discount from the going rate. No use in finding the man's daughter only to have them get evicted over his fee. "I'll look into it, if they've closed the case already it will be accessible for a small fee through an FOIA request. Otherwise I may know someone who can help." he assured the man and handed him a small notebook from a drawer at his side, "Any contact information you had for Susan, friends, or her foster home will speed things along. No need for me to retread well covered ground on your dime sir." The information gathered and the client on his way Xavier sat and stared at the notebook for a long moment, the chances of this ending well in Bedlam were slim, but the man deserved to at least know what had happened to his daughter. It was time to get to work. A few calls to the precinct and a basic search for public records on the Haywood case and the death of the presiding detective was a start.

Standing as Carson approached the table to clasp hands Ellis returned to his seat as Carson sat. "Indeed it's a pleasure certainly." he agreed with a gentle smile, "Time is too often fleeting indeed." Sipping his drink the doctor shrugged with a relaxed air. "Work keeps me busy but it's a good kind of busy." he replied happily, "Benefits of doing something I love." Setting his drink down he sighed slightly, "Not that mroe free time wouldn't be nice mind you." he added with nod. "I imagine you understand." he paused as he said it and quirked a brow, "I actually don't think I overheard what you do for a living?" he inquired carefully, "Are you in botany as well?" which was probably a very very rough approximation of Steshas 'Day Job' he supposed. If the mystery around the man he was meeting bothered him much it didn't show beyond the vague discomfort of trying to figure out what sort of small talk to make.

Moments later the first of the mole machines broke the surface sending a plume of dust and shattered concrete into the air, within seconds the plaza was ringed with a half dozen or more of the burrowing transports as the boreheads stopped moving and heavy ramps slammed down spilling forth a small army of bronze statues moving under some unknown power to charge forth in a chaotic mass chasing fleeing citizens and smashing windows and brickwork with equal ease and zeal. Behind the mass of rampaging automatons a group of sub-terrans in oversized leathery long coats hustle back and forth between several of the mole machines assembling them into still larger structures for some likely nefarious purpose. Whatever their task they seem to be approaching completion with great speed and whatever device they are building the machines into will doubtless tip the scales in the favor of their hidden masters underhanded goals.

Alright due to a couple of you being able to pinpoint likely points of the drilling machines breaking the surface they do not get a surprise round and kimbers display wil send enough people scattering to mostly clear the plaza of civilians. You all will get HP for any threatened bystanders. So we're into initiative then. Sub-Terran Engineers go on 11 Rampaging automatons go on 18 Sub-Terran Infiltrators go on 17 Miss Grue and Volcanic can detect one tunnel continuing to dig toward a spot probably a few blocks south of the plaza. Pop Culture DC 20 to note that would be the vicinity of the Hero Museum.

Orokos I loathe you. Concentration 1d20+3=10 uhm. HP I guess? 1d20+3=8 With the bump for Hp that's an 18.

"So I have heard." Ace glibly replied to Talyas concerns and let out a sigh, "I am so very good at running you know." he smirked but the light wasn't there he was not able to stir his full devil may care persona, not for this. Smirking at Dimitris personable if intentionally awkward small talk the old adventurer shook his head, "Mingus and don't let these old timers tell you otherwise." he scoffed with a hint of a smile though it did not last and he settled in to finish the short journey to the Danger Estates in contemplative silence. As they pulled up to the large circular drive a somber crowd moved to meet them, an appreciative Rachel Danger at the lead, "Uncle Ace." she greeted warmly as she hustled him away from his cohorts, "Grandfathers upstairs waiting for you." turning back to the others she graciously welcomed them into the manor and saw too it they were offered refreshment. As Ace entered his father's sickroom she turned warmly to Talya, Eric and Dimitri, "I can't express our gratitude." she intoned softly, "Our family owes you all a debt for your service." she insisted and looked to each of them, "Do not hesitate to ask should any of you need call upon us, My uncle need not even know." she added with a hint of a knowing smile aimed at Talya and Eric in particular.

Ellis sat in a khaki shorts and a sage polo sipping his iced coffee on the warm summer afternoon. The call for this 'friendly coffee' hadn't been exactly a surprise but Ellis none the less was uncertain what exactly to expect of Carson. He supposed there was always the chance that it would be some sitcom overprotective male act but he somehow didn't see Stesha standing for that kind of posturing on her behalf as well intentioned as it might be. Most likely it was another in a long list of friends that had seen her hurt before and was worried their exceptionally nascent romance might do so again. He had resolved however to meet the man regardless of purpose it couldn't be worse than the dismissive sneers the dragon woman aimed his direction most times.

Xaiviers grip was firm as he shook the man's hand with confidence taking the moment of the meeting to examine the man before him with a clinical eye. slight yellowing of the sclera, tremors. Alcoholism, no smell, speech not slurred, sober, months at least. A finger laid across the man's wrist as they clasped hands measured his pulse while the detective silently counted breaths and seconds, breathing halting but not labored, pulse regular and elevated, darkening under the eyes suggest lack of sleep, stress. Motioning for the man to sit he poured a tall glass of water and offered it as Ross began to speak the investigators eyes darted around the man's face as he patiently listened to the man's story. Steepling his fingers Xavier nodded as the sparse details emerged his face impassive not betraying the obvious likelihoods of a case such as this. Looking down at the photo he committed the young womans features to memory and met her fathers eyes. "She's been in touch with you since she was remanded to state care?" he asked though seemed to know the answer already, "The photo is recent." he assumed as if it predated the man's sobriety she was an adult putting it out of the foster system regardless. "I'll need your name and contact information," the PI indicated with a small nod as he turned slightly to tap information into a laptop perched on his desk. Most PIs used the credit report databases to track down hidden assets or cheating spouses malfeasance, less scrupulous might run a check to ensure a client could pay, Xavier tended to use it as a guidepost for what to charge. Leaving the check to run as he continued to question the man after getting the requested information he paused delicately, "Sir, I am willing to take your case and will do all I can to reunite you with your daughter should that be her desire." he looked the man in the eye once more as he added, "You however must be prepared for her being unwilling to do so." left unsaid was the real possibility she would be unable to.

Alright So Skill mastery on Sense Motive nets me a 25, I assume he's not being shady beyond the false bravado?

Sorry for the delay I'll try and get on this one today. Somehow my follow on the main thread did not take.

Ouroboros is clocking in at PL12 these days so might be a bit high in the PL spread as it stands but if you're interested in setting up a rivalry a rival magician is easy as would be a 'Monster' hunter type since he's a Dhampir, or an evil vampire trying to capture him for some vampiric ritual or prophecy like his parents have always warned him about.

The plaque on the door declaring this to be Excelsior Investigations was much like hte building that housed it, decidedly underwhelming the self adhesive letters that made up the name had a generically formal appearance without seeming in any way classy. The building itself the kind of low rent office space that doubled often as not as residence. The city didn't ask many questions and the landlord just wanted rent on time. Almost before the knock sounded the replay rang out in a deep tone, "Come in." almost as if Ross had been expected. When the swung open at his touch Ross was greeted with the sight of a small and even crowded office space lined with bookshelves and filing cabinets. There was a small couch and coffee table with an assortment of long outdated magazines fanned out on the table in an exacting manner that suggested they had not been touched in a long long time. Dominating the back wall in front of a frosted window was a large and sturdy steel desk the chipped enamel carefully matched and painted over almost like new. The room was clean and ordered even the desks vague disarray seemed more a practiced facade to evoke the appearance of work being done than any work in actual process, almost more like a movie set of a PI's office. Behind the desk in a clean but rumpled tweed suit sat Steadman himself his posture was rigid but he rose with an easy smooth motion as Ross entered, "Good morning, I'm Xavier Steadman, How can I help?" he asked dark eyes bright with inquisitive fervor as he examined the potential client.

As the Danger family retinue was disgorged from their limousine one might have taken the matronly woman fussing with the tall young man's tie as a grandmother, of course this being the Danger family little was as it seemed, "Rachel, I'm not going to embarrass the family." Ace intoned with the patronizing air only those who had know a person since birth could muster. "You all mingle and I'll handle the reception line." he suggested and rolled his eyes as he made his way to the line admiring the blond in front of him with a mischievous grin. "Well long time no see Ms. Browning, you're looking," he paused with a wry smirk, "Fit." he alluded subtly to her recent condition. "You'll have to give me the name of your trainer." he suggested with a smile as he looked over the crowd, "It is good to see you out and about." Ace confided, "Rachel is dreadfully afraid I'm going to cause a scene like that time in Morocco." This being Aces first society outing as the de facto patriarch of the Dangers cast more import on the relatively minor function than it might otherwise.

Shapeshifting aliens, frog people, shadow witches, and ghosts aside this really wasn't any different than a normal cookout Kimo thought as he glanced at the soft center ingots and shrugged, mostly at least. "I'll be careful yea." he replied and seemed now casually curious about the attendees powers and natures as he observed the stretching and color shifting with a small smile, "Seems handy though." he agreed without acknowledging the probably unintentional pun. Smirking slightly at Kimbers excitement and wincing at both the frog girls forthright concerns and the not even inuendo any more Tarva returned with Kimo shook his head, "I pretty sure the lack of babies is a bonus dere." he suggested with a laugh and glanced at the almost couple with a wry smile, "I can't say I get it but Auntie seem happy." he shrugged, "An if she not he can probably handle her temper, mostly." As the conversation drifted back to the surf and he pulled the first set of grilled meats from the fire he called out, "Foods up if ya hungry." and set the plate to the side and smiled at Daphne, "Auntie say she give lessons an I spent a few summers teaching tourists if you wanna wait till these all done." he gestured at the grill with a shrug and picked up a burger in one hand as he continued to monitor the next batch of probably too much food given how few attendees ate.

"Uh." Kimo stared at the enthusiastic young hydrokinetic for a long moment dumbfounded before replying carefully. "Someone gotta get da boat off da beach den ya?" he pointed out with a faint smile at least she was interested in helping if perhaps not thinking it through thoroughly, "An even if we can split da watta da mud not gonna be easy walk." he pondered for a moment about the bridge which may well work if they could manages the range between the two of them and she didn't get over excited and drown someone trying to make it a moving causeway or something. All of that of course was washed from his mind by the chill waters of disgust as she suggest intimacy betwixt himself and Volcanic, "Whoa wit me Auntie?!" he exclaimed with the kind of disgust usually reserved for a suggestion bodily love with a grandparent, which wasn't far off really. "No nononono noooooo." he quickly refuted the idea.

Ace is famous and not in disguise so probably gonna be known of by everyone and he's good friends with Talya and friendly acquaintances/occasional companion for Lynne IIRC they had a team up or two in the long long ago and have a large pool of mutual friends. He hasn't met Dol-Druth but given his history has passing familiarity with the Lor Republic in general.

Ace gets a 30 on gather info with well informed and skill mastery. Knowledge business for card is a 23 And for funsies Knowledge: Behavioral Sciences for the secret stuff at DC 30 Gather info is a 10. Ace only skimmed that chapter I guess, he preferred the one on narcissism

If you're still looking for another this is certainly the kind of thing Ace could get caught up in.

Those look pretty cool. I like the vibe already and would love to do some gumshoe work there.

Character Name Power Level: 8/12 (180PP) Unspent Power Points: 0 All PP must be spent at character creation but unspent points may accrue during play. Trade-Offs: +5 Attack / -5 Damage, +4 Defense / -4 Toughness In Brief: 1-2 sentences which sum up the whole character. Catchphrase: (Optional) Example: "Its Clobberin' Time!", "By the Power Cosmic!", "Hulk Smash!" etc. Theme: (Optional) A theme song for the character. Alternate Identity: ??? (Public) or (Secret) Birthplace: Residence: (Optional) Where the character normally resides / lives. Base of Operations: (Optional) Where in the city the character primarily operates or their headquarters' location, if anywhere. Occupation: Affiliations: People and/or groups you work with. Family: Close or otherwise significant relatives. Description: Age: ??? (DoB: Year [Optionally, Day & Month]) Apparent Age: If applicable. Gender: Ethnicity: Caucasian, Asian, Atlantean, Etc. Height: Weight: Eyes: Hair: (Describe what they look like! Cover their physical appearance, typical clothing and of course their costume if they have one.) History: (Remember we are a relatively family friendly site. Your story should be PG-13 at most. If your character wouldn't fit in an episode of Justice League Unlimited, The Dresden Files, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you'll need to rethink it. When in doubt, ask a Staff Member.) Personality & Motivation: (Describe why they do what they do here.) Powers & Tactics: (In-character descriptions of how they do what they do.) Power Descriptions: (Describe the appearance of their powers as applicable: the colour of energy blasts, the shape of portals, the design of a battlesuit. Also give an idea of the Descriptors those powers use: fire, technological, cosmic energy, etc.) Complications: Name: Description Example: Everyone Deserves A Second Chance: The character believes in everyone's better nature, even if it would be more prudent to be wary. Abilities: 2 + 8 + 4 + 4 + 8 + 10 = 36PP Strength: 12 (+1) Dexterity: 18 (+4) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 20/30 (+5/+10) Combat: 8 + 12 = 20PP Initiative: +4 Attack: +13 Unarmed, +7 Melee, +4 Ranged, +4 Base Defense: +12 (+6 Base, +6 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Grapple: +8, +15 Escape Artist Knockback: -2 Saving Throws: 4 + 4 + 6 = 14PP Toughness: +4 (+2 Con, +2 Defensive Roll) Fortitude: +6 (+2 Con, +4) Reflex: +8 (+4 Dex, +4) Will: +10 (+4 Wis, +6) Skills: 128R = 32PP Bluff 10 (+20)* Diplomacy 10 (+20)* Disable Device 8 (+10) Disguise 10 (+20) Drive 6 (+10) Escape Artist 11 (+15) Gather Information 10 (+20)* Intimidate 5 (+15) Knowledge: Art 3 (+5) Knowledge: Business 3 (+5) Knowledge: Current Events 3 (+5) Knowledge: Pop Culture 3 (+5) Knowledge: Streetwise 8 (+10)* Language 2 (English native, +2 more) Notice 6 (+10) Profession: Gambler 12 (+16) Sense Motive 6 (+10) Sleight of Hand 6 (+10) Stealth 6 (+10) Feats: 42PP Attack Focus: Melee 3 Attack Specialization: Unarmed 3 Connected Contacts Defensive Roll 1 Distract: Bluff Dodge Focus 6 Equipment 7 Fascinate 2 (Bluff, Diplomacy) Luck 2 Quick Change 2 Redirect Second Chance 2 (Bluff, Diplomacy) Set Up Skill Mastery (Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information, Knowledge: Streetwise) Sneak Attack 1 Taunt Teamwork 3 Ultimate Skill 2 (Bluff, Diplomacy) Well Informed Equipment: 7PP = 35EP HQ: The Mill (Size: Large [2], Toughness 10 [1], Communications, Computer, Concealed(Abandoned Steel Mill, DC +20) [3], Fire Prevention System, Garage, Gym, Laboratory, Library, Living Space, Security System DC30 [3], Workshop) [18EP] 17 EP available for vehicles, or other gear. Powers: 10 + 10 + 6 + 10 = 36PP Drain: Wisdom 8 (Razzle; Extras: Range(Perception) 2, Alt Save(Will) +0, Flaws: Action(Full), Sense Dependant(Auditory), Feats: Subtle, Insidious) [10PP] (Infernal) Enhanced Charisma 10 (Dazzle; ) [10PP] (Infernal) Mind Reading 8 (Cold Read; Extras: Action(free) +2, Flaws: Distracting, Limited: Surface Thoughts, Limited: Requires Interaction, Feats: Subtle 2) [6PP] (Training) Variable Power 1 (Cantrips; 5PP Variable Pool; Any combination of traits; Extras: Action(Free) 2,) [10PP] (Magic) Drawbacks: (-0) + (-0) = -0PP DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 16 Toughness Damage Sucker Punch Touch DC 18 Toughness Damage (Sneak Attack) Totals: Abilities (36) + Combat (20) + Saving Throws (14) + Skills (32) + Feats (42) + Powers (36) - Drawbacks (0) = 180/180 Power Points

Phalanx 3 = 1PP (Maxed but I'd like to bank earned PP for buying off his Reward PL bump eventually) We Take Care Of Our Own (2) ToV: Angel of Death (1) Ouroboros 4 = 1PP Kick Off!: Dark Horse (4) Ace Danger 3 = 1PP High Steaks (1) Exes and Ohs (1) [ToV] The Ice Storm (1) Kanunu 3 = 1 PP Lateral Ascension (2) Down the Unfamiliar Road (1) Sandman 6 = 1PP Behind the Wall of Sleep (6) Savant 8 = 1PP + 1(ref) = 2PP Through the Cracks (8) GM Posts 1 * 2 = 2 Not enough to bump anyone up a tier. Lost in the Supermarket (1) Ref PP to Savant

So Custom: Psychological manipulation seems a bit off to me. Online Research is a single feat that lets you use Computers for Gather information, this is similar but allows for 3 skills to be replaced by one (possibly four as sense motive is technically an interaction skill as well) Might be better to buy enhanced versions of those skills with profiling as a descriptor or as a limited (Maybe limited 2 given how in depth it looks like you're wanting the info) flaw on the skills. Synthetic Cell array. Fades is not really a valid flaw on any of those powers? Fades causes the effect of the power to lessen over time after the initial use on a target. I think you're going for a limited use power that needs recharge which would be the unreliable flaw (limited uses) with the cell point recovery being how you "reload". Or perhaps some kind of Boost(Synthetic Cellular Array) though a boost would start to fade right after reload not on use so the Unreliable probably does what you want more. Unreliable however limits it to 5 uses before recharge. Alternately you could just go with a complication related to needing to recharge and take the HP when the GM declares you out of Synth cells Extended x10 on super senses is 100,000,000,000 Foot range increments on your senses, that's ~19 Million Miles (~30 million Km) in which you can detect things with the same acuity as a normal human can within 10 feet (~3m). Edit: Did some checking cus I am a nerd. That's basically the distance from the sun to the kuiper belt the drawback seems overly specific for even uncommon. Maybe weakness to memory manipulation not just addition? That seems more in keeping with uncommon level effects.

Mike nodded answer to her question with a small smile, "Yea, that long ago." he joked lightly at his own not so advanced age. He paused to think about how best to present the story then let out a small exhalation as he began. "So we had a pretty tight group of friends, a few crazy adventures under our belt." he offered with a fond smile. "The usual high school drama too I guess." he added with a wry shrug. "But James always seemed above it all." He glanced to Robin then away, "He was always calm and cool and seemed to have things together in ways the rest of us didn't you know?" he offered questioningly, "I mean he had family money, a car, all that." he shrugged, "But I guess that high life doesn't leave a lot of family time an he grew up kinda fast, ahead of the curve on dealing with things on his own." Mike explained with a small smile, "Not that he held it over anyone that was the thing about him he was generous and helpful with everything, the kinda guy that was always there for you no matter what." he looked to her and acknowledged, "Now I think you know as well as anyone having a lot or not doesn't have much to do with giving a lot and he gave a lot." Mike stopped for a moment as he looked at Robin to make sure it was sinking in despite the disparity of resources. "Anyway as giving as he was he wasn't really willing to take." Mike offered with a shrug, "And not just like the stuff his money and family could cover he didn't want any of us to stick our necks out for him no matter how rough things got." The big mans eyes swept out to the bay as he thought back, "So he had some trouble, big trouble really," Mike let out a sigh as he remembered James vanishing and the invasion that followed. "Thing was it was dangerous, and he wanted to keep us safe, and he thought he could handle it on his own, make the play and take care of it all by himself." Mike shook his head, "He couldn't though." Mike turned back to Robin then though with a smile, "But we came anyway, despite the danger and the lies and all the things he did to try and make sure we didn't put ourselves at risk we came because he was our friend and we knew he needed our help." He looked questioning to Robin and carefully considered, "So sometimes you need to be willing to reach out and take the help that's offered even if you think you have it by yourself. You never know when you'll need it."

Pretty much only the Freedom League (or for PCs the Auxiliary) and AEGIS are like a public known entities with like an address. AEGIS as governmental agency is not exactly hard to join but comes with the baggage of being more of a shield agent than like Avenger. I guess technically Unison the UN super group is open to new members but tends not to really do team adventures as much and is once again more like a government branch than a "traditional" super team. Claremont academy for teen heroes is kinda like a worst kept secret sort of arrangement, If you're a teen with powers its hand waved that you can discover/be discovered there. But mostly the claremont teams/team ups still grow more naturally from friends having zainy adventures together. As for public heroes there are a fair number that have little to no secret ID though fewer with the kind of fame that would make them easy to track down without concerted effort. Ace Danger is Famous (Like johnny quest grew up to be james bond and is real famous) and is connected to Danger Industries so not hard to find. Likewise Alex Albright (Psyche) is (in)famous as a public Terminus Baby and CEO of the AEON foundation, Ms. Americana I think is publicly linked to Archetech. Queenie is a superhero/celebrity chef so maybe through the restaurant you could get in touch? All that said if you're interested in a team and think you'd be a good fit best thing to do is get in touch with some of the players of current members and discuss OOC how to make a team up work if they have space and what not. Teams tend to get new members and form through team ups and group adventures mostly rather than just calling each other up or holding tryouts

Mike smiled slightly at the small opening of her demeanor. "That's a good start." he acknowledged earnestly after a moment to let her compose herself if needed. His gaze fell to the ground as well as he let the quiet sounds of the park fill the silence. "Well it sounds like there are people who care now then." he pointed out softly, "Being self sufficient doesn't mean not letting anyone help." he glanced to her as he considered his words carefully. He didn't know her life outside the pages of an admittedly spares file from the school. He could make guesses and suppositions certainly but probably could never really know. "I'm not going to say I know what you've been through, I don't think lies however polite are going to help anything here." he explained baldly without pretense. "You're strong, not just in body but in spirit." Mike relayed with honest praise. "Sometimes that isn't enough though." he said carefully looking out over the bay with a sigh. "I had a friend when I was in school." Mike began to explain, "And I'd like to tell you a little about him if you're interested, you remind me of him in some ways." he offered carefully.