alderwitch

"Mmm... yes." Phantom replied from under hood, in more of a distracted parental sort of tone than one actually overly concerned about Fred's other half. Eldritch energy held Fred aloft, crackling faintly with power but feeling almost like firm 'hands' holding her up in place. The bulk of the woman's attention remained on the disturbance below but although it was a situation that she wanted to see resolved, the dimensional guardian took the time to pause and explain, "Humanity calls them 'Deep Ones', among other generally less pleasant appellations, they are devout followers of gods who hail from Primordial dimensions that are highly unpleasant and generally result in madness and worse when called upon in any significant fashion. World-devorerous, really, although Dagon is arguably not the worst of that particular lot. They seem to think he is coming which they are hopefully incorrect about. That would be a much more serious situation. They're native to this world themselves though." Apparently this had not yet reached the milestone of 'significant cataclysm' in Phantom's book yet. "Probably best to start by figuring out who they've decided is their 'Chosen One'." Her sigh was beleaguered as she added more to herself, "Why is it always Chosen Ones. SO much better when its a book or a statue."

Volcanic Power Level: 10/13 (194/197PP) Unspent Power Points: 3 Trade-Offs: -2 Attack / +2 Damage, - 5 Defense / +5 Toughness In Brief: Empowered fire-controller not fully in control of her abilities, and lost from her own time. Alternate Identity: Leilani Keli'i (Public) Birthplace: Hilo, Hawaii Residence: Freedom City, at the moment, as she gets used to her powers. Occupation: Unemployed Family: Leilani has a large family back in Hawaii but since she 'died' during the 1960s, she's struggling to reconnect with them. Description: Age: 80 (In stasis from 1962 - 2016) (DoB: 1936: August 11) Apparent Age: 26 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Native Hawaiian Height: 5'3" Weight: 140 lbs Eyes: Brown/Blue / Red, glowing Hair: Black / Red, on fire Leilani is a young Hawaiian woman with an athletic swimmer's build. Her most distinctive feature when not a creature of stone and lava is the fact she has heterochromia, resulting in two differently colored irises. Leilani's skin is tanned from time spent swimming and surfing and she keeps her dark hair cut to a manageable length; long enough to pull back in a pony tail or braid but not so long that it gets in her way. When she's not afraid of burning her clothes to ash, she favors lightweight breezy outfits that are easy to move in. A sundress over a swimsuit is her most common attire - or it was. These days, she generally spends her time in something made of morphic molecules or something equally unlikely to burst into flame. When she transforms, her body transforms into a living figure made of fire and obsidian, with her hair and eyes burning and her flesh turned to jet black stone. History: Leilani grew up on the big island during the war years and although life in Hawaii was marked by great change from her birth in the thirties, through the war, and then eventual statehood - Leilani's family buffered their children as much as they could. Her memories of martial law and the mandatory curfews are far dimmer than her experiences in her teen years, enjoying the boom of the tourism and plentiful access to sand and surfing. Middle born of a large family, Leilani was certainly the rebellious one in her family - determined to carve a life out among the surfers. Although she held the occasional odd job here and there, the bulk of her time was spent out at Honoli'i riding waves with other beachcombers, always looking for the next big wave. 1962 was a more active than usual year for storms but that didn't stop Leilani from hitting the waves. When she saw a truly large wave crest on the horizon, she should have started back to shore. Instead, she turned into the wave - a choice that changed her life forever. When she wiped out spectacularly, the fierce currents pulled her under quickly, yanking her into the depths of the ocean. Leilani thought she'd be cold but it was warm, so warm, and very peaceful. She has only the faintest memories of her long sleep under the waves, of a dark haired woman with eyes that burned like coals singing soft lullabies. What she knows as fact, though, is that she was found smoldering on a beach, over half a century after her presumed death by drowning - spat out of the ocean the same morning as a small seismic event. The fires of Kilauea now burn without respite in her breast and when she closes her eyes to sleep, Leilani hears that same soft lullaby. Thankfully, there's a place in this modern world where they can help people like her - or so she's been told; Freedom City. Personality & Motivation: Leilani has always had a temper, but now when her mood turns dark, she's likely to set the ground aflame with her rage. There's a part of her frightened by the strange transformation and another part that finds it almost seductive. At the moment, all she wants to do is develop some confidence that she's not going to burn everything around her. Beyond that, she wants to know exactly what her nascent connection to the fires of Hawaii wants from her. Beyond the crisis she finds herself in, Leilani is generally a passionate creature - prone to jumping into situations without forethought and stubborn when she has a goal set for herself. Eventually, she'll be able to see the beauty in the flame but right now, all she can see is the danger to everyone around her. Powers & Tactics: At the moment, her tactics are rudimentary at best. Without any allies in the fight, turn into a rock-person and set everything on fire tends to work out pretty well for her. Leilani certainly has the potential for a lot more versatility and control once she masters some finesse but at the moment, she's really still getting a feel for the basics. Anger fuels her abilities, although not always in a controllable or even helpful fashion and fear tends to weaken her control. Her ability to surf the sky with her thermal control, however, is the one definite bonus that she's found to this new life. Eventually, no doubt, she'll find others. Power Descriptions: Leilani channels geothermic energy, resulting in both fiery and lava born powers as well as the ability to manipulate stone and soil itself. As Volcanic, Leilani is a creature of fire and obsidian, and drawing on the additional strength accepting that transformation gives her and able to meld with and through any natural rock or stone by becoming one with it. Even without shifting forms, though, Leilani is immune to any amount of fire or heat, and she generates enough warmth that she no longer feels any sort of chill on her skin. The blasts she fires are pure flame and when she manipulates the earth, it seems to melt and flow at her command. Her flight and burrowing are akin to riding a wave of flame, or earth respectively. It does look not unlike surfing and Leilani thinks that it might - just might - actually be more enjoyable. Complications: Fiery Temper: Leilani is quick to anger, which is doubly problematic when rage fuels the literal flame. Out of Time: A lot has changed since the 1960s and while she's doing her best to get a more solid footing, there are definitely gaps in her education and understanding. Benefactor: Leilani's transfiguration was guided by an extra dimensional power and they have their own motivations and goals for what their reluctant avatar is meant to accomplish. Partially Deaf: Congenital deafness runs in Leilani's family and her hearing is diminished but still functional. High and low ranges might be harder for her to perceive and crowded environments are more likely to be confusing for her. Responsibilities: Leilani has connections now. The Freedom League gave her a new start on her new life and she owes a debt that can never be repaid. She had friends, and relationships and family that she'll protect as well as duties to a team to uphold. Abilities: 0 + 6 + 10 + 4 + 6 + 6 = 32PP Strength: 10 (+0) Dexterity: 16 (+3) Constitution: 20 (+5) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 16 + 10 = 26 PP Initiative: +3 Attack: +8 Melee, +8 Ranged Defense: +5 (+5 Base, +0 Dodge Focus), +0 Flat-Footed Grapple: +8 Knockback: -0 Saving Throws: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15PP Toughness: +15 (+5 Con, +10 Protection) Fortitude: +10 (+5 Con, +5) Reflex: +8 (+3 Dex, +5) Will: +8 (+3 Wis, +5) Skills: 20R = 5PP Knowledge (History) 3 (+5) Notice 7 (+10) Language 3 (Pidgin (native), English, Hawaiian, Sign Language: ASL) Perform (Dance) 2 (+5) Swim 5 (+5) Feats: 0PP Powers: 7 + 10 + 11 + 14 + 29 + 45 = 116PP All of Leilani's powers are geothermic in nature and have the description energy and geothermic. Some have an additional fire descriptor as noted below. Immunity 7 (Volcanic Immunity; Cold, Heat, Fire Damage) [7PP] (fire) Protection 10 (Volcanic Endurance) [10PP] (fire) Movement Array 5 (Feats: Alternate Power) [11PP] Base Power: Burrowing 10 (1,000 MPH) {10PP} Alternate Power: Flight 5 (250 MPH) {10PP} (fire) Super Senses (Tremorsense (Tactile); Accurate [0], Acute [0], Analytical [2], Radius [0], Ranged [2], Counters Illusion, Concealment [4], Penetrates Concealment [4], Extended Range 2 [2] ) [14 PP] Volcanic Array 12 (Fire and Earth; Feats: Alternate Power 4) [29PP] Base Power: Damage 12 (Fire Blast; Extras: Range) {24PP} (fire) Alternate Power: Move Object 12 (Stone Waves; Extras: Damaging Flaws: Limited Material [Stone/Earth]) {24PP} Alternate Power: Create Object 5 (Raising the Mountain; Extras: Movable, Duration [Continuous]; Power Feats: Innate, Progression x 3 [50 cubic foot/rank]) {24PP} Alternate Power: Environmental Control 6 (Eruption; Mix and Match Environment; Distraction [shaking earth], Hamper Movement [shaking earth], Heat [molten fissures], Light [ambient flame]; Extra: Independent) {24PP} (fire) Alternate Power: Damage 12 (Earthquake; Extras: Area: Burst) {24PP} Alternate Form 9 (Pele's Avatar; Container) [45PP] Protection 0 (Obsidian Skin; Extras: Impervious 10, Drawback: Noticeable) [9PP] (fire) Damage 4 (Fire of Kilueaa; Extras: Aura, Duration: Sustained) [16PP] (fire) Environment Control 4 (Heart of Flame; Heat, Light) [8PP] (fire) Immunity 9 (Elemental Creature; Life Support) [9PP] Permeate 3 (One With the Earth; Flaw: Limited [Stone/Earth]) [3PP] Drawbacks: (-0) + (-0) = -0PP DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 15 Toughness Damage Fire Blast Range DC 27 Toughness Damage Earthquake Area DC 27 Toughness Damage Stone Waves Ranged DC 27 Toughness Damage Fire of Kilueaa Touch DC 19 Toughness Damage Totals: Abilities (32) + Combat (26) + Saving Throws (15) + Skills (5) + Feats (0) + Powers (116) - Drawbacks (0) = 194/197 Power Points

"Not your fault," Robin repeated with more emphasis. She was recovering more than humanly fast but there was a reason that the oxygen mask was still on her face - irritating though its presence was to the Fens native. She flipped her hand up to squeeze his fingers firmly, her grey eyes fierce as she shook off more of the cocktail of painkillers she was regularly dosed with. "You've got an enemy. Need to find out what he wants. Why..." She made a gesture with her free hand, not going on to elaborate what all the man had done - and that he'd almost done. "We'll get him." Robin added, emphasizing that she was still in this fight and was not going tolerate Riley taking it on alone. As to the statement about her toughness, Robin's shoulders moved in a small shrug that still drew a slight wince as healing flesh pulled. Her smile was wry behind the plastic mask. "Don't FEEL tough right now. S'my job to get hit. Not a good job, maybe, but it's mine anyway."

"And so, you see, it's a matter of feeling for the ripples of a disturbance, and--" Huang's mom broke off from explaining how she kept an eye on Freedom City to frown in concentration. "Ah, we need to go. That's never a good sort of ripple." Without giving her erstwhile student a chance to catch her breath, Fred was pulled through the odd eldritch Void that Phantom used as her personal path through the realms and spat back out from the folds of Phantom's robe into the sky above the congregating Deep Ones in Rhode Island. From deep within her hood, rumbled a sound that was never very positive to hear, "Hrmm."

"Well, it was a rather long time ago and he fought mostly in the African arena. From what I only vaguely remember the deviation point is that the Arabic golden age never ended but developed into some sort of mystical steam tech that in the 1940's were something out of a fantastical pulp novel." Talya provided as her gaze scanned the horizon before she strayed towards one of the fallen hulks. "But something seems to have gone rather wrong and relatively recently." That was patently obvious and she gave Erik an apologetic shrug, "It isn't place I've been to before or anywhere that Ace has talked all that much about. Frost might be able to tell us something about the magic, maybe?"

"Oh, darling, we all sometimes need a break from our castles," Talya said with a mischievous grin that said she wasn't yet done giving Erik a hard time as she slanted her blue-eyed gaze his direction, "But think of the fun we could have with you having a public office to misuse," pointed out the ex-thief with clear laughter and a pat to his bicep as she explained to Eve, "Erik has come to the depressing realization that he's become the responsible one in the last few years. We are still adjusting. You'll have better luck talking him into it once he's spent a few nights thinking about the good he could do." Her smile gentled then, "Espadas, it turns out, are very bad at relegating themselves to manageable goals but I don't think you need an excuse to come by and visit. Time gets away from all of us, now and again." Talya finished coiling up the rope she had been putting away and with the social acumen she was known for, offered easily in case the woman needed a little privacy with Erik, "Could I get you something to drink?"

I will make a punch-y post then

Robin rasped a noise that was meant to be a laugh as she slitted open her eyes. "...Both of us tomorrow?" Robin asked as if she was expecting the answer to be 'yes' although even with her rapid recovery, she probably wasn't going to get dismissed tomorrow. Squinting at Riley over her oxygen mask she added with effort. "Not your fault." Robin told him as she shifted on the bed scooting up so that she could better make her point. Waving the hand that didn't have an IV attached as if to point out her injuries, "S'getting better."

Keeping Robin on enough pain medication to keep her sleeping took some doing with her enhanced physiology and even then, she slept fitfully. Robin stirred on her bed at the tension on the other end of the phone line, tensing on the bed. The monitors beeped accordingly as she fought her way to consciousness as her grey eyes slitted open enough to find Riley by the phone. Her brow furrowed and she reached up to the oxygen mask to pull on it. "S'okay?" She wanted to know and looked like she was very much considering trying to scoot up higher in her hospital bed to find out what was going on, painkillers and bandages be-damned. "S'time to go?"

"I do so appreciate an ambusher who knocks. So considerate," Talya commented dryly from her position at the window. Folding her arms up over her breasts, she raised one imperious brow. "I am thus far unimpressed with their efforts of cloak and dagger. I am keeping a list of pointers to share when the night its through." Her quip was easy, dry but as she took a step around the chair, the ex-spy vanished into the shadows even as she reached under her jacket for a small black cylinder. On silent feet, Talya ghosted around the room's edge to position herself in a more advantageous position behind the door.

Nighthawk's 'costume' was little more than a t-shirt under her leather jacket and so it burned swiftly under Tesla's onslaught. Everyone always expects things to happen, like in the movies, with dramatic outcries and heroic injuries but Robin had learned long ago that pain - real pain - draws out not a scream but a short, strangled gasp. So when the console behind her exploded and drove shards of metal through her skin, the hiccup of noise that Robin made was almost lost under the cacophony of the battle and she dropped to her knee with only iron will and the knowledge that if she fell down under the tide of Ferals, she'd not be getting up. Not... how I pictured it. Just a little longer, Mom. Dad. Just a few more minutes. With a voice that was too wet (...hit a lung, I think... maybe...) and belabored, Robin managed, "...the... gate."

TOU Save vs DC20: 15 Oh, so that's how its gonna be, Orokos. So, last HP for the re-roll (I have used one up above and she has one rank of luck): 22 TOU Save vs DC20: 17 Nighthawk: Staggered, Disabled, Stunned

"That really depends on how fast he gets it replenished, dearest," Talya commented, giving the window one last wistful look. It might be the better plan but Talya was so rarely locked into a room these days. It wasn't that she missed it, per say, so much as it was always nice to use one's well honed skills. She came up on silent feet behind Erik to peer around him, one arm sliding around his waist absently from behind. "I'm not familiar with this particular dimension but this seems particularly ominous. Looks like a revolution gone bad. Unfortunately, Arabic is not one of my suite of languages. On the bright side, if those are the drums of some execution ceremony, we have plenty of time to get Ace. Everyone else, not so much." For all of Ace's flaws, Talya had no doubt that if the man had thrown in with a particular group, that it was probably the right side to do so. "Towards the drums then? Normally, I'd offer to scout ahead but perhaps staying together might be a better option this time."

Just the noise factor from what AD was saying! I assumed OOCly we'd go out through the door but Talya's still going to be geared for stealth as her MO

This time, at least, she had both an empty stomach and had braced for the nauseating vertigo of the ritual. Taking a few steadying breaths, she gave Erik's hand a gentle pat of reassurance as she stood up. "I'll manage," she promised him, and although pale she was steady on her booted feet as she stood up to take in their environments. Talya crossed to the door first and its lock with an experienced eye. A few rattles of the door and she announced, "Rusted in place. Damn." Casting her gaze around the room, she focused on the window and tipped her chin up to examine that as on option. She could probably squeeze through still. Probably. Without comment, Talya began stripping off the bulkier layers she was wearing for New Jersey winter weather to just the lowest layer of tunic, leggings and boots in clear preparation. "Jack, be a dear and give me a boost?" She asked as while she could climb the wall, no problem, having some additional leverage would make it easier certainly. Especially since the opening was small and she didn't compress in quite the same way right at this particular moment.

AD told me that it is rusted shut so not an option

What about picking the lock or is it not as accessible from this side?

Talya had kept a half an ear on the conversation even if the bulk of her attention was on Henry. She glanced up with some interest at the news, "Is it a trap?" Talya wanted to know with more enthusiasm than a pregnant lady probably ought to have about potential impending trouble. She never had dealt with boredom very well and there was only so much shopping even she could do to spend her time. She turned back to Henry to catch him up as the only one not in the loop of the Russian half of the conversation, "Klara was invited by Dimitri but he didn't actually invite her - Sorry, Klara," Talya added with a look of apology to the Amazon, "I really do owe you and you lovely wife a coffee date. Perhaps after our impending ambush." She frowned then, and although she didn't move and her lovely face remained relaxed there was a slight shift in her personality. "Mitya - Dimitri - did I happen to mention with the excitement and all," she made a vague gesture to her midsection, "About the clones of Kantor that I ended up tangling with, oh, I don't know - December I think?" Talya rose to her heels with elegant grace as she went to cross towards the window, "SHADOW has been busier than I've seen them for a good few years now. Do you think...?"

"Depends on your scale, I suppose. My first assignment was to document the creation of the Cave of Machpelah - the Ibrahimi Mosque, if you prefer." He offered and then added after a moment as if only then realizing that those words might mean nothing. "Bronze Age." He added, hoping that might be more helpful. Some how Ray managed to shrug one shoulder without jostling his working hand. He tried to focus on Jessie's question and not the chanting that his remaining celestial ability helpfully translated. It wasn't that Ray was squeamish about blood sacrifice - he remembered when that had been en vogue after all - but not so much blood sacrifices to the primordial things from beyond. "I'll tell you a secret, Jessie, they still sometimes don't look the way that I'd want them to in my head. Every artist that I've ever spoken to - and I've spoken to a great many over my years - they all feel that way. You'll do a handful that are aggravating and then every now and again one will turn out in a way that makes you remember why you picked up a paintbrush, or marker, or tattoo gun." Ray said as he swiped the cloth over Aquaria's green skin with a small nod as he scooted back. "You sit better than a lot of my clients, Sea Devil. You know, we could do a trident on your leg, maybe some scroll work." He suggested as he gestured for the Deep One to check out the results in the mirror. "Sometimes people call me Renegade. I'm no big name though - not in any of the circles I move in. Just old and cranky."

"It's a gris-gris and I got it from Ace, actually. Although his has never malfunctioned to my knowledge. Especially as spectacularly as this one did. Are you sure there's not some sort of fertility blessing folded into the rest of your lineage?" Talya replied dryly, dropping the damsel act like the mask it was as she rested her hands on her hips, one heeled foot tapping with ill concealed impatience. The idea of more travel through the multiverse did not appeal after their jaunt here. She reached out to take the letter when it was offered, scanning it quickly before she handed it off to one of the men absently. "Oh, I know this one. That fellow, the one that looked like a swarthy Errol Flynn. Kept offering to show me his airship at that victory party in Paris." Talya frowned down at the ground, her lips pursed as she clearly tried to remember more than a smile and a pick up line. "Ib'n al... something-or-other. The Steam Sheik? Terrible name. Nice smile though. Haven't a clue where he came from. I didn't run into those fighting in the African front terribly often."

http://orokos.com/roll/381914 = 14 Seriously Orokos? I'm spending an HP! http://orokos.com/roll/381915 = 19

I would love to have characters in wherever they would be thematically appropriate! Put my characters wherever they would make sense. I'd especially like to get Ray involved into this as it seems right up his alley. I trust your judgement on where they'd best fit though.

"There are many heavens and not everyone is content in their embrace but fortunately, there are other options," Ray offered with a small smile for Jessie. Normally he eschewed things like religious debate or conversation when he could but it was at least more comfortable that paying attention to the praises of Dagon and Hydra being sung while he worked. Despite his ability to hold a conversation, it was clear that the majority of his focus was on his work as he didn't glance up save when it came time to blot away the drops of blood. "But it sounds as if your parents are at peace where they are. I am sorry that their mortal existence was harrowing... Your sister sounds like her life is unduly exciting." Ray said as he went to adjust the mixture in his needle and bend back to his work. "But if you've been to space, your life can't be all that dull.... Perhaps comparatively to a horsemen and such but not to, say, your average tattoo artist."

Talya took a moment to frown at their surroundings. "Good god, it's like we've gone back to the seventies. I don't think I can go another round with Ace in full blown bender," Talya murmured, almost more to herself than the men as they fell into their roles. As Erik's arm slipped around her shoulders, Talya schooled her features into an appropriately chastened expression, her gaze downcast. "Next time one of you can be the damsel," she said, very, very softly under her breath. Despite her complaint, Talya played her part well as she exuded just the right amount of well mannered reluctance, "Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea," she said, half turning away from the gatekeeper and conveniently as well throwing her silhouette into profile. "They may not even know where he is."

It took a lot to rattle Ray but one of the Deep Ones praying to Dagon as he inscribed fell sigils on their back was certainly up there. He had to pause, lifting the needle up to stare at Aquaria for a long moment - the first rise they'd really gotten out of the snarky angel since their arrival. His gaze flicked to Jessie, "She's going to sing the whole time." It was not a question and Ray took a steadying breath before he bent his head back down to his work with some muttering in his own language of choice under his breath. It was less cursing and more one-sided conversation. Once Ray was sure he could work through the distraction, he picked up the conversational thread again, "I didn't say you were all that different from humans though I wouldn't know from personal experience. My records were almost entirely of mortal humans that I was charged with keeping. As to choices being clear... I wasn't really meaning in so much as the events that influence your mortal life but more the ephemera of souls and that sort of thing. Unfortunately, you really can do everything right and still suffer through no fault of your own. It's neither fair, nor kind."