alderwitch

"There's a lot you never tell me, Jack. That would be one of them. How did you fall off? Or was it an assisted fall, I assume." Taylor asked, letting them slip back into sync with Prime once they were clear of the window pane. She shook her head back to get her hair out of her face as the wind caught it. It was getting long, now and it was heavy enough to slip free from most up-dos even without the help of flying. "I can't really imagine you actually falling. You're as sure footed as a cat."

"We'll try. If you can't find anything, just ask one of the ghosts. They sure help when Jack or I manage to get turned around. They're a little shy around new people but you'll get to know them in no time." She said as if that was all entirely reasonable logic. Her dimples flashed at Derrick, "This is really their house. Jack's been tracking down their bodies and setting them up in the expanded graveyard out back. I'll fire the wards up when I leave so you shouldn't have any trouble at all." She pressed a quick kiss to the drowsing baby's forehead, the ghost who had been watching him vanishing quietly back into a clock at the entrance of the living. "Call if there's any problems!" Taylor hugged them both and beamed, "Thanks so much for watching the baby again." Then she was clicking off towards the front door for her evening out.

Same night as One Year Later. Early July

Apparently, when Taylor said 'we bought a house with a yard so the baby would have more place to play', she really meant 'Jack and I looked around and thought that the apartment just didn't have enough creep factor so we bought a creepy old mansion to restore. It has a graveyard.' The place had a long and winding drive up to a Victorian era sprawling mansion that was perched on top of the hill. It looked like some sort of amalgamation of every scary house that any one ever had a broken down car in front of in any horror movie pretty much ever. Taylor answered the door with a smile, already dressed up for an evening out. "Come on in. He's napping in front of the TV in the living room. One of the ghosts is keeping an eye on him at the moment." She let the couple in, pointing out which parts of the house had already been retrofitted and which parts where still covered with sheets and waiting to be either restored or refitted with new furniture. The living room was entirely done, as was the kitchen and master bed and bath along with the nursery. Everything else was in mixed states of completion. "My cell number and Jack's are both written down so that should be easy enough and the baby's got a few bottles in the fridge if he needs them. You sure you're going to be alright?"

"You and your secrets, Jack," Taylor said although she was smiling as she tightened her arms around his neck slightly. Her eyes twinkled and she focused for a moment. For once, when she went insubstantial, Jack's hands didn't slide right through her. Instead the ghostly appearance slid down the hands around his shoulders and covered him too. "Of course, you're not the only one who can learn a new trick or two. Now, you should be able to slip through the window just like I do. Just don't let go of me."

Taylor slipped her arms around his neck, tilting her chin up meet that kiss. She didn't actually need to breathe but a year later, Jack's kisses still left her feeling breathless. She slipped her fingertips up a little to stroke over the nape of his neck lightly, "So, we're unique in the entire Cosmic Coil. I rather prefer to think of us as just that special, a singularity." She was floating, still solid, but her toes were off the ground to make the height difference a little less severe. "So, we have the baby taken care of for the next handful of hours and no pressing business. What did you have in mind?"

I've updated my queue. If you should be on there and aren't, give me a holler here. For those that aren't familiar with the way that I do these, you'll see a sketch, an ink and then the color final. Ping me with questions!

Taylor blushed, the heart under his fingertips speeding up just a little. She traced her fingertips over the cool weight of his wedding band and commented softly, "Thanks, Jack. That means a lot. Still means a lot. The trust we've built was pretty hard won, I think. I know I don't say it enough, but I really am impressed with what you've been doing. I don't... like Rouge, but she's such a big step that proves you really are making a difference."

"The leather pants did help," Taylor grinned, both dimples flashing, and touched the pale fingertips splayed out over the steady pulse of her heart. Her expression softened, "You know full well what a shock it is when you pull the mask off and look like something off of the cover of some sort of torrid novel. That affected me much the same way it does everyone who happens to see it but it was the hand you gave me with my family and that terrible dinner where I started to fall for you, I think." Her smile flashed again, almost mischievous, "Allergic to garlic... Lord, if that ever had gotten out I would have been laughed out of the super secret mystics club..."

Taylor took the baby back while Jack payed and fished around for the bottle. At least she was starting to get used to the different noises. Not to mention the hyper narrow focus on the waitress when she passed by, his little blue eyes fixed on her like she was a bright and shiny object. Taylor rather thought it was best to get the bottle in his mouth before he started trying to bite fingers again. That was always hard to explain. "Thank you for your time today," Taylor said politely as the conversation drew to a close.

"Just one outfit, though. Or I'd have to gamble on whatever clothing I have floating around in the Void to change into which could be wildly inappropriate. It is better than naked lurking, I will agree." Taylor replied with a husky laugh as she let Jack trap her hands. She peeked around his side to look out the window, resting her cheek against his arm, laughter in her voice, "I thought it was perfect, although I'd have gone for something less business casual if you'd given me any forewarning that it was going to be a date. I had such a crush on you."

Bombshell dropped down next to her and turned to replace the air vent grate as well, "Love, I've been doing this a good deal longer than you've likely been alive. Of course I know how to make the best entrances and exits," she teased as she slipped the grate home and turned around to look over the room. Indeed, there were four empty pedestals, the locks on the glass cases cut. Bombshell gave aristocratic lift of her chin, her expression one of disdain as she tucked her hands behind her back, "Amateurs. They should have gone back to knocking over convenience stores."

"A rather dour lot, but very few lazy heroes or sissies that I've come across in my dealings. They certainly could use a bit more showmanship, I think," Bombshell mused aloud, setting her empty martini glass down and back on the napkin. "I still think you should go for your war-time exploits rather than the Jungle Patrol. I think it rather suits this Brave New World a bit more than the older stories. Easier to empathize with. Not to mention, economic situations being what they are, the lot of a rich family during the Depression is not likely to win any admirers to the cause." It was easy to forget that beneath the blonde beauty was a razor sharp mind that had played deep in the double agent game for almost a decade.

"Well, what kids do these days, really? There's a billion things making us grow up faster than they used to. I mean, how many sixteen year olds aren't having sex or going out partying on the weekends? Never realizing just how little they're prepared for the consequences they're constantly flirting with. A lot of them skate by without any consequences, but they never think for a moment that they'll be one of the ones who doesn't 'get away with it'." Alex said, her tone far more weary with this topic than she had been with her economic restoration. She rubbed her brow slightly, looking far more like a beleaguered parent than one of those kids. Which, in this case she was. She was thinking about Zoe and all the poor choices her time displaced daughter was making at the moment. "So you just chase after them with a safety net as best you can and hope that you can keep the bumps and knocks of growing up to a minimum. Its all anyone can do. Right?"

Fixed. I dropped the base attack down to get 2 PP back by rolling those into feats and dropped the feats Blindfight and Beginner's Luck They're from her golden age era super-spy training. She's done the zen meditation style mind of matter sort of thing. They're all from the same bailiwick. I'm thinking of sticking it all in a container to reflect that and keep it separate from what she got from glowing magical artifact.

Okay, I don't know anyone who hasn't found theme music for their character, but have you ever tried coming up with their score? Character Name Theme Song: Combat: Romance: Tragedy: Story Arc Specific: (include the story!) Got any suggestions for other people's characters? Try to include a link to the song if you can, if not the name and artist.

Psyche: 2PP in Feats: Skill Mastery (Computers, Notice, Search, Sense Motive), and Jack of All Trades 9 PP in skills as below 1 PP to remove the flaw from Protection. [b][u]Skills[/b][/u]: (84r = 21pp) Concentration 8 (+19) Gather Information 7 (+11) Knowledge (Behavioral Sciences) 4 (+15) Knowledge (Civics) 4 (+15) Knowledge (Physical Sciences) 4 (+15) Knowledge (Technology) 4 (+15) Language 2 (Spanish, French, native: English) Notice 17 (+28) Search 17 (+28) Sense Motive 17 (+28) [b][u]Feats[/b][/u]: (18pp) Benefit 5 (CEO of AEON, Fame, Wealth 3) Dodge Focus x 2 Equipment 6 (30EP) Eidetic Memory Jack of All Trades Master Plan Skill Mastery (Computers, Notice, Search, Sense Motive) Well Informed DONE BY SHAENTHEBRAIN

I have 22 points (yeesh) on Phantom. I have updates to use 21 of those. Code below. 1 more rank of equipment for the HQ (1pp) +2 ranks of attack (4pp) +1 rank of defense (2pp) +6 PP into the array (6pp) +4 PP to add affect others on intangible and additional ranks of force field on the AP (4PP) +3 more APs on the magic array (3pp) +1 for immunity sleep on the immunities powerset (1pp) Total: 21 Powers as below and code in the quote box: Stats: (0+0+10+8+10+4=32pp) Str: 10 (+0) Dex: 10 (+0) Con: 20 (+5) Int: 18 (+4) Wis: 20 (+5) Cha: 14 (+2) Combat: (20+10=30pp) Attack: +10, +12 Blast/Stun, +12 Telekinesis Grapple: +10, +24 Telekinesis Defense: +5/+8, +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -0, -16 Force Field Initiative: +0 Saves: (2+0+4=6pp) Toughness: +19 (Impervious 12), +5 w/o Force Field Fort: +7 (+5 Con, +2) Reflex: +0 (+0 Dex, +0) Will: +10 (+5 Wis, +4) Skills: (60r = 15pp) Concentration 10 (+15) Intimidate 2 (+4) Knowledge (Arcane Lore) 16 (+20) Knowledge (History) 6 (+10) Notice 10 (+15) Search 11 (+15) Sense Motive 5 (+10) Feats: (12pp) Benefit (Wealth) Defensive Roll x 3 Equipment 4 (Points in joint HQ w/ Avenger) Fearless Quick Change 2 Ritualist Powers: (3+29+12+54+7+3+9=117pp) Comprehend 3 (Training, Languages (Speak One/Understand All/Read & Write), Drawback: Only Earth Languages, Power Feat: Innate) [3] Insubstantial 4 (Affected by Fire; Extra: Action: Reactive, Affect Others) (PF: Alternate Power) [29pp] AP: Force Field 14 (Extra: Impervious 12, PF: Selective, Subtle) {28} Immunity 12 (Aging, Life Support, Starvation/Thirst, Sleep) [12 pp] Array 18 (Magic; 42 pp; PF: Alternate Power x 12) [54 pp] BE: Blast 13 (Eldritch Blast; Extra: Affects Corporeal, PF: Accurate 1, Affect Insubstantial x 2) {42} AP: Comprehend 8 (Animals 2, Codes 1, Electronics 2, Languages 4, Spirits 1; Extra: Affects Others, Area/Burst) {40} AP: Concealment 10 (Extra: Affects Others, Area; Power Feat: Selective, Close Range) {42} AP: Damage 13 (Eldritch Burst; Extra: Affects Corporeal, Area/Burst [General], Selective; Flaw:Action/Full; Power Feat: Affect Insubstantial 2) {41} AP: Super Senses (Detect Magic: Ranged, (Acute, Analytical, Accurate, Radius, Tracking (3), Extended (5), Link: Penetrates Concealment, Counters Concealment), Detect Dimensional: Ranged, (Acute, Analytical, Accurate, Radius, Tracking (3), Extended (5) link: Penetrates Concealment, Counters Concealment )) {42} AP: Dimensional Pocket 6 (250 million lbs; Extra: Continuous, PF: Progression x 14) {42} AP: ESP 11 (2,000,000 miles, Sight/Hearing; Extra: Duration/Sustained, Flaw: Standard Action; PF: Dimensional, Rapid x7, Subtle) {42} AP: Heal 10 (Extra: Total, Affects Objects; Power Feat: Regrowth, Persistent) AP: Nullify Field 10 (40 Feet) (All Powers; Extra: Area: General: Burst, Duration/Concentration; Flaws:Range: Touch; Drawbacks: Only Magical and Dimensional Descriptors -1) {39} AP: Stun 13 (Extras: Affects Corporeal, Ranged; Flaws: Action/Full; PF: Accurate x 1, Affect Insubstantial x 2) {42} AP: Super Movement 3 (Dimensional; Any plane, Extra: Portal (+2); Power Feat: Progression) Teleport 7 (Extra: Portal (+2), Power Feat: Progression) {42} AP: Telekinesis 18 (Str 80; PF: Accurate, Precise, Indirect, Subtle, Affects Insubstantial x 2) {42} AP: Teleport 12 (20,000,000 miles; Extra: Accurate PF: Change Velocity, Easy, Progression x 4 [x20 mass] {42} Super Movement 3 (Dimensional 3) (PF: Alternate Power) [7 pp] AP: Flight 3 (50 MPH) [6pp] Super Senses 3 (Dimensional Awareness, Magical Awareness) [3 pp] Regeneration 12 (Bruised 1/round, Injured 1/round, Staggered 1/20 Minutes, Disabled 1/5 Hours, Resurrection 1/week (unless burned)) (PFs: Regrowth) [9 pp] Drawbacks: (+3pp) Vulnerable (moderate/uncommon: fire) (+3pp) DC Block: ATTACK --- RANGE --- SAVE --- TYPE Unarmed --- Melee --- DC15/Toughness (Staged) --- Bruise/Injury (Magic) Blast 13 --- 28/Toughness (Staged) --- Bruise/Injury Dimensional Pocket 6 --- Melee --- 16/Reflex --- Special Nullify (Dimensional) 10 --- Melee/Area Burst --- 20/Will --- Special Stun 13 --- Ranged --- 23/Will (Staged) --- Daze/Stun/Unconscious Telekinesis (Thrown Object) 18 --- 33/Toughness (Staged) --- Bruise/Injury Costs: Abilities (32) + Combat (30) + Saves (6) + Skills (15) + Feats (12) + Powers (117) - Drawbacks (+3) = 209/210 PP [b][u]Stats[/b][/u]: (0+0+10+8+10+4=32pp) [b]Str[/b]: 10 (+0) [b]Dex[/b]: 10 (+0) [b]Con[/b]: 20 (+5) [b]Int[/b]: 18 (+4) [b]Wis[/b]: 20 (+5) [b]Cha[/b]: 14 (+2) [b][u]Combat[/b][/u]: (20+10=30pp) [b]Attack[/b]: +10, +12 Blast/Stun, +12 Telekinesis [b]Grapple[/b]: +10, +24 Telekinesis [b]Defense[/b]: +5/+8, +2 Flat-Footed [b]Knockback[/b]: -0, -16 Force Field [b]Initiative[/b]: +0 [b][u]Saves[/b][/u]: (2+0+4=6pp) [b]Toughness[/b]: +19 (Impervious 12), +5 w/o Force Field [b]Fort[/b]: +7 (+5 Con, +2) [b]Reflex[/b]: +0 (+0 Dex, +0) [b]Will[/b]: +10 (+5 Wis, +4) [b][u]Skills[/b][/u]: (60r = 15pp) Concentration 10 (+15) Intimidate 2 (+4) Knowledge (Arcane Lore) 16 (+20) Knowledge (History) 6 (+10) Notice 10 (+15) Search 11 (+15) Sense Motive 5 (+10) [b][u]Feats[/b][/u]: (12pp) Benefit (Wealth) Defensive Roll x 3 Equipment 4 (Points in joint HQ w/ Avenger) Fearless Quick Change 2 Ritualist [b][u]Powers[/b][/u]: (3+29+12+54+7+3+9=117pp) [b]Comprehend 3[/b] (Training, Languages (Speak One/Understand All/Read & Write), Drawback: Only Earth Languages, Power Feat: Innate) [3] [b]Insubstantial 4[/b] (Affected by Fire; Extra: Action: Reactive, Affect Others) (PF: Alternate Power) [29pp] [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Force Field 14[/b] (Extra: Impervious 12, PF: Selective, Subtle) {28} [b]Immunity 12[/b] (Aging, Life Support, Starvation/Thirst, Sleep) [12 pp] [b]Array 18[/b] (Magic; 42 pp; PF: Alternate Power x 12) [54 pp] [b][u]BE[/b][/u]: [b]Blast 13[/b] (Eldritch Blast; Extra: Affects Corporeal, PF: Accurate 1, Affect Insubstantial x 2) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Comprehend 8[/b] (Animals 2, Codes 1, Electronics 2, Languages 4, Spirits 1; Extra: Affects Others, Area/Burst) {40} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Concealment 10[/b] (Extra: Affects Others, Area; Power Feat: Selective, Close Range) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Damage 13[/b] (Eldritch Burst; Extra: Affects Corporeal, Area/Burst [General], Selective; Flaw:Action/Full; Power Feat: Affect Insubstantial 2) {41} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Super Senses[/b] (Detect Magic: Ranged, (Acute, Analytical, Accurate, Radius, Tracking (3), Extended (5), Link: Penetrates Concealment, Counters Concealment), Detect Dimensional: Ranged, (Acute, Analytical, Accurate, Radius, Tracking (3), Extended (5) link: Penetrates Concealment, Counters Concealment )) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Dimensional Pocket 6[/b] (250 million lbs; Extra: Continuous, PF: Progression x 14) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]ESP 11[/b] (2,000,000 miles, Sight/Hearing; Extra: Duration/Sustained, Flaw: Standard Action; PF: Dimensional, Rapid x7, Subtle) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Heal 10[/b] (Extra: Total, Affects Objects; Power Feat: Regrowth, Persistent) [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Nullify Field 10[/b] (40 Feet) (All Powers; Extra: Area: General: Burst, Duration/Concentration; Flaws:Range: Touch; Drawbacks: Only Magical and Dimensional Descriptors -1) {39} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Stun 13[/b] (Extras: Affects Corporeal, Ranged; Flaws: Action/Full; PF: Accurate x 1, Affect Insubstantial x 2) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Super Movement 3[/b] (Dimensional; Any plane, Extra: Portal (+2); Power Feat: Progression) [b]Teleport 7[/b] (Extra: Portal (+2), Power Feat: Progression) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Telekinesis 18[/b] (Str 80; PF: Accurate, Precise, Indirect, Subtle, Affects Insubstantial x 2) {42} [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Teleport 12[/b] (20,000,000 miles; Extra: Accurate PF: Change Velocity, Easy, Progression x 4 [x20 mass] {42} [b]Super Movement 3[/b] (Dimensional 3) (PF: Alternate Power) [7 pp] [b][u]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Flight 3[/b] (50 MPH) [6pp] [b]Super Senses 3[/b] (Dimensional Awareness, Magical Awareness) [3 pp] [b]Regeneration 12[/b] (Bruised 1/round, Injured 1/round, Staggered 1/20 Minutes, Disabled 1/5 Hours, Resurrection 1/week (unless burned)) (PFs: Regrowth) [9 pp] [b][u]Drawbacks[/b][/u]: (+3pp) Vulnerable (moderate/uncommon: fire) (+3pp) [b][u]DC Block[/b][/u]: ATTACK --- RANGE --- SAVE --- TYPE Unarmed --- Melee --- DC15/Toughness (Staged) --- Bruise/Injury (Magic) Blast 13 --- 28/Toughness (Staged) --- Bruise/Injury Dimensional Pocket 6 --- Melee --- 16/Reflex --- Special Nullify (Dimensional) 10 --- Melee/Area Burst --- 20/Will --- Special Stun 13 --- Ranged --- 23/Will (Staged) --- Daze/Stun/Unconscious Telekinesis (Thrown Object) 18 --- 33/Toughness (Staged) --- Bruise/Injury [b][u]Costs:[/b][/u] Abilities (32) + Combat (30) + Saves (6) + Skills (15) + Feats (12) + Powers (117) - Drawbacks (+3) = 209/210 PP DONE BY SHAENTHEBRAIN

Bombshell chuckled, folding up her arms over her breasts, "Well, occasionally, I have a good idea or two. To be entirely fair, I really did need to talk to you tonight and while I could have loafed about your apartment until you arrived sometimes we both vanish for days on end. I don't mind but it does get inconvenient when there's a bit of a rush. Besides, I never get an opportunity to indulge in theatrics lately. It's as if the world conspires against me, I swear." She shifted again, bringing one leg slightly up so she struck a rather iconic pose of her own, long blonde hair blowing out over one shoulder, "I don't know who's in charge, I haven't managed to get deep enough in yet to figure that out. I do know the where. I'm afraid bio-chemicals have outstripped my knowledge in thirty years but from what I've seen of their plans, I rather think dumping a big mess of some sort of cocktail in Freedom's water supply is bound to be bad. I thought you'd have a better line on just how bad than I would be able to stir up. You know, my contacts just aren't what they used to be."

"Well, actually, as much fun as I did have. There is a method to my madness. For example, now you can say I traded you the information for my freedom rather than having to ask all those oh-so-difficult questions of just where you ran into me. And you say I never get you anything." Bombshell teased for a moment before her expression grew sober, "As to the why you haven't heard of it, it's rather because they're recruiting individuals like myself with a certain set of... shall we say skills. Not even you see everything, my love."

Bombshell shifted so she was no longer 'seated' like she was awaiting a lecture from a stern teacher. Standing up, she stretched slightly and responded aloud to the mental tone rumbling in the back of her skull, "Not a game, darling, nor quite so much a call for aid. I have information that I rather thought should reach your ears. I'm not under water and needing a rescue. Yet." She laced her fingertips behind her back, remarkably unconcerned about the drop awaiting her should the Scarab let go. One did not start on a career of leaping off buildings with a fear of heights, and she was confident that she was not about to be dropped. Bombshell flashed her most charming smile at the Scarab, "You have to admit, even if you're cross, that it had a style sadly lacking in criminal affairs these days."

"Oh, yes. I had heard mention of that little rivalry starting back up. Of course, both of them playing on the legacy of their predecessors," her voice was honey sweet but fire flashed for a moment in those bright blue eyes. She took another sip of her martini before her next question slipped out, "Speaking of, how is your dear, dear father these days?" Parry. Reposte.

"Oh, Mike," the petite redhead rounded on her boyfriend to poke his rock hard stomach with one slender finger pointedly, "I'm not some prize to be taken away. That is such a neanderthal statement to make. Free will, free choice and all that ring a bell?" She smiled up at him and patted the place she'd just poked, "Please tell me that some of that has stuck for you..."

"You say po-ta-to, I say pa-tah-to..." Bombshell murmured, humming the next few beats of the song. She reached out to walk her fingertips down the lapels of that jacket. "It does look very snazy on you still, however, my point remains. Of course, you don't like bridge. What about bingo? I hear that's all the rage over here in our set. Lots of big markers and dots." She blinked slowly at him and purred, "Of course, there's always shuffleboard..."

"So is it going to be a timed thing or is there going to be another 'trophy' that they can get from you and get someplace to get the win?" Taylor pointed out pragmatically as she sliced her meal into small squares. "There really should be, otherwise there's not going to be any clear end to it. If they don't have anything trophy wise, I'm sure I can dig something out of the closet for it."