alderwitch

"He will..." Taylor said and sat back in her chair, steepling her fingers together in a classic sign that she'd spent far too much time of late being the inscrutable mystic. "You know what the problem might be with Dark Star, however, is his scale of time is... skewed, I think. Remember, he hied off to space for about twenty years and came back a bit startled at how much changed? You might try getting him a Dark Star friendly watch. When he's out in space, he doesn't really have anything to gauge off of to know how time is passing." Taylor smiled, feeling that she'd stated that possibilitiy as politically as possible. "As to JJ, he's been up to and into everything. We're having... some problems getting him to try solids. Well, a lot of problems, really. But other than that, he's ahead of the curve for just about everything else. He's a bright boy." She beamed like the proud mama that she was.

Heh, Interceptors thread!

Talya Browning, the sensational Bombshell, was really up to no good today. She was bored to start with, which as Elena would have been quick to avow, was never a good thing. So, when something happened across her path, it was with downright glee that she switched her way over to head to the Brownstone and the local of the Interceptors. Did she have other people she could have gone to for this information? Probably. Would it have been nearly so entertaining? Oh, definitely not. Rather than stopping by the front door, Talya landed into the back yard. She wasn't in costume and wasn't even - for once - in her 40's spy wear. No, she was wearing contemporary clothing, a short pleated skirt, and a ribbed turtleneck that was rather tight through front of the shirt and tasteful heeled mary janes. It was actually because of where she'd directly come from that she was dressed like some sort of college school girl from the sixties - but she had a moment's concern that they might just blast her on the spot and while she'd get better - eventually - unlike Ace, Bombshell did not enjoy demonstrating that little trick. It was painful, and best used only in emergencies. She pulled a white handkerchief from her sleeve and waved at the cameras. "I come in peace?" She provided to the security system before looking around for a place to sit while she waited. Bombshell wasn't in a big enough hurry to risk the AI's patience on jimmying the lock. Best to get on the security system's good side before pulling that little stunt.

"Mark is having bad thoughts," Alex shared, likely unnecessarily. She snuggled closer in Mike's lap and rested her cheek against his shoulder, her entire body relaxed against him, "Bad, bad thoughts. And not like the bad thoughts everyone else is having. I mean, like, probably should not use his powers drunk-en-ly." She over enunciated each syllable, blissfully unaware that her own drunken use of her powers was what was causing all of this in the first place. She tucked her nose against Mike and announced in the same 'sharing facts with the class' tone, "You smell good."

Taylor was back in short order before the baby's eyes could more than gleam a little with his wrath. "Jack," she said warningly as she popped the bottle into JJ's eagerly grasping hands. There was a loud popping noise as those fangs sank into yet another ruined nipple. Taylor smiled like the little wrathful dhampyr was the most adorable sight ever, reaching out without a trace of fear to ruffle his fuzzy head. "Don't try to scare Erin's boyfriend now." She looked up at Trevor, withdrawing her hand to adjust the amulet shining at the hollow of her throat in a nervous gesture, her stance turning slightly protective out of habit. "JJ isn't dangerous, he's just hungry. All babies are fussy when they're hungry."

Regarding This Picture Post. So, I suggested that if people make this canon, it should probably be done with different threads otherwise there are fourteen or so PCs alone just in the calendar and I know a lot of them have characters attached that want to heckle... I mean SUPPORT their friends through this. So that y'all are not waiting on me to get every shot done, here's a brief description of what the crazed photographer is going to be putting you in: January: Doctor Archeville - wearing: Slacks, his labcoat, no shirt, a 10-11 banner and a party hat, holding a beaker of martini mix in one hand the martini in the other. February: Young Freedom - No shirts for the boys of YF although they get to keep most of the rest of their costumes (no trench coat for Trev), each with a heart from their powers (Steel bars, whatever edge wants to make and midnight mist) March: Ace Danger - Pants, a leprichaun hat, a rainbow ribbon and a pot of gold. And a smile! April: Avenger - Leather pants, masks, gloves, an umbrella. No shirt with a April showers backdrop May: Dark Star - Not getting it at all. Floating, with flowers! June: Colt - Low slung gun belt, pants and pulling his hat off and wiping his brow July: Victory - As much of the armor pried off as I can manage to not draw. Keeping the V-boosters, mask and random pieces to keep Victory decent and from showing just how much is actual cybernetics. August: Atlas - Itty bitty speedo and beach ball! September: Kid Cthulhu - Bottoms of his costume, face mostly in shadows cuz... well. Its KC October: Nick Cemetire - leather jacket, pants, no shirt, skull face. Sitting on a tombstone November: Ouroborous - Leaning back against a desk in true romance novel hero stylings, the most dressed with his pants and poets shirt open tot he waist December: Jack of All Blades - Boots, red thong, black gloves, mask, santa hat, holding a candy cane and a stocking. And making that work for him!

Phantom made another thoughtful noise and flung her cape open, the shadows below shimmering into the portal to the library. "Yes, I think we can discuss this someplace safer. I know where Avenger went, but thank you for the assurances. Don't worry about dripping on the carpet. It's had worse." Her hollowly echoing voice gentled, "Viktor, don't be absurd. I should have been there. I keep dangerous things there for a reason but the book sought you out and controlled you. I don't blame you for being the vessel. Now, lets get these children someplace a little less damp."

Taylor smiled up at her husband, reaching out for their son although she was careful to keep the baby held slightly out as he had a tendency to bite when hungry. He did open his mouth in a wider grin when going to his mother but that was mostly in anticipation of getting a meal. JJ was getting his teeth young, with two bottom ones in and the top two breaking skin. He of course already had the fangs that he'd been born with, all of which showed in his drooly smile. "He's tired so he should go down easy. He hasn't eaten yet either as I was going to give him a bottle to help him settle while we leave." Taylor explained to Erin in an aside, "Can I get you two anything to drink while I grab that bottle?"

The door opened quickly by a rather short woman, made more so since she was barefoot. Out of costume, Phantom looked like she wasn't much older than the teenagers arriving to baby sit her son. She was obviously of Asian descent, her raven wing dark hair loose down her back. It had grown out quite a bit and fell well below her shoulder blades. Deep dimples flashed in her cheeks when she smiled a greeting. It was clear why she wore such a concealing mask. This woman would have had trouble intimidating the grocery bagger at the supermarket. "Hi, come on in. I'm Taylor. You must be Trevor." She said as she opened the door, her voice taking on an odd resonance, "Please, won't you come in and be welcome to our home." The wards rippled slightly before resettling and she nodded, "And if you would take off your shoes, I'd appreciate it."

For Trevor and Erin, Jack and Taylor Hopefully there will be no combat. Let's say Nov 13th!

Since early November, Erin had been called much less to watch little JJ and with a good deal more forewarning for normal things like 'date nights' or an afternoon of extra work, rather than several days a week. The Faretti's themselves had seemed happier and getting handed over JJ's care by Taylor had grown a lot more common. The house that Erin provided directions too led them first through the palatial estates of North Bay, each more grand than the last. It was one of the oldest and wealthiest parts of Freedom City and the drive took them down a street that began winding its way up the hill. The estate that they came too was... a little different from the rest of the environs. It was old, certainly, and expensive but the entire thing was surrounded by a large stone wall with a large wrought iron gate that opened without Erin having to buzz in. She'd called ahead, thankfully, so they were expected. Once the gate shut, the lawns looked a little overgrown and the manor itself was old and with gothic stylings. Behind the house there was even a graveyard to complete the spooky environment with cracked tombstones and even a mausoleum. The drive, however, was well kept gravel. The front door was thick and heavy, with an overly elaborate knocker attached to it.

Okay, Phantom. First, changing her Combat block: (Taking her from 30pp, to 22 spent in it) [b][u]Combat[/u][/b]: (12+10=22 pp) [b]Attack[/b]: +6, +12 Blast/Stun, +12 Telekinesis [b]Grapple[/b]: +6, +34 Telekinesis [b]Defense[/b]: +5/+9, +2 Flat-Footed [b]Knockback[/b]: -0, -16 Force Field [b]Initiative[/b]: +0 Saves need to go up as well to the following: (from 7pp spent in it to 11PP) [b][u]Saves[/u][/b]: (5+0+6=11pp) [b]Toughness[/b]: +19 (Impervious 12), +5 w/o Force Field [b]Fort[/b]: +10 (+5 Con, +5) [b]Reflex[/b]: +0 (+0 Dex, +0) [b]Will[/b]: +11 (+5 Wis, +6) Then, I'm going to change her feats. From 9PP spent to 12PP [b][u]Feats[/u][/b]: (12pp) Benefit (Wealth) Dodge Focus x4 Equipment 4 (Points in joint HQ w/ [url=http://www.freedomplaybypost.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=1469]Avenger[/url]) Fearless Quick Change 2 And then the big one, her array: [b]Magic Array 21[/b] (Magic; 56 pp; [i]PF[/i]: Alternate Power x 12) [68 pp] [b][u]BE[/u][/b]: [b]Blast 16[/b] (Eldritch Blast; [i]Extra[/i]: Affects Corporeal; [i]PFs[/i]: Accurate 6, Affect Insubstantial x 2) {56} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Comprehend 8[/b] (Animals 2, Codes 1, Electronics 2, Languages 4, Spirits 1; [i]Extra[/i]: Affects Others, Area, Selective [40-ft. Burst]) {48} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Concealment 10[/b] ([i]Extra[/i]: Affects Others, Area, Duration: Concentration [50-ft. Burst]; [i]PFs[/i]: Selective, Close Range) {52} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Damage 14[/b] (Cataclysm; [i]Extra[/i]: Affects Corporeal, Area [80-miles. Burst, General], Selective Attack; [i]Flaw[/i]: Action [Full]; [i]PFs[/i]: Affect Insubstantial 2, Progression x12) {56} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Dimensional Pocket 7[/b] (50 billion lbs; [i]Extra[/i]: Duration [Continuous]; [i]PFs[/i]: Progression x 20) {56} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]ESP 11[/b] (2,000,000 miles, All Senses; [i]Extra[/i]: Duration [Sustained]; [i]Flaw[/i]: Action [Standard]; [i]PFs[/i]: Dimensional, Rapid x10, Subtle) {56} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Heal 13[/b] ([i]Extras[/i]: Total, Affects Objects; [i]PFs[/i]: Regrowth, Persistent) {54} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Nullify Field 14[/b] (40 Feet) (All Powers; [i]Extras[/i]: Area [50-ft. Burst, General], Duration [Concentration]; [i]Flaw[/i]: Range [Touch]; [i]Drawbacks[/i]: Only Magical and Dimensional Descriptors -1) {55} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Stun 16[/b] ([i]Extras[/i]: Affects Corporeal, Range [Ranged]; [i]Flaw[/i]: Action [Full]; [i]PFs[/i]: Accurate x 6, Affect Insubstantial x 2) {56} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Super Movement 3[/b] (Dimensional 3 [any]; [i]Extras[/i]: Portal (+2); [i]PF[/i]: Progression x 5 [250-ft. Portal]) {18} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Super Senses[/b] (Detect Magic: Ranged, [Acute, Analytical, Accurate, Radius, Tracking x3, Extended x5, [i]Link[/i]: Penetrates Concealment, Counters Concealment, Counters Illusion, Counters Obscure], Detect Dimensional: Ranged, [Acute, Analytical, Accurate, Radius, Tracking x3, Extended x5, [i]Link[/i]: Penetrates Concealment, Counters Concealment, Counters Illusion, Counters Obscure]) {50} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Telekinesis 22[/b] (Str 110; [i]PFs[/i]: Accurate x6, Precise, Indirect, Subtle, Affects Insubstantial x2) {55} [b][u]AP[/u][/b]: [b]Teleport 16[/b] (nearby star systems; [i]Extra[/i]: Accurate; [i]PFs[/i]: Change Velocity, Easy, Progression x 4 [2,500 lbs] {54} [u][b]AP[/b][/u]: [b]Teleport 13[/b] ([i]Extra[/i]: Portal (+2); [i]PF[/i]: Progression x2 [25-ft. Portal]) {54} And the new cost breakdown is: Costs: Abilities (32) + Combat (22) + Saves (11) + Skills (15) + Feats (12) + Powers (131) - Drawbacks (+3) = 219/219 PP Done by Angrydurf

Phantom gestured and the bat flew back to Erin's hand. "Yes, the forces that were summoned have been driven back to where they belong, outside this world. The clean up, I will take care of myself." Once she was certain that there was no imminent drowning, the body of the unconscious mass would be sucked into the void in Phantom's cloak, vanishing along with probably some of the water that it was floating in. "Such as returning this to where it belongs. With these sorts of things, death is never as finite as we might prefer."

Alex scooted into Mike's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck as she though about a good dare. "Okay... I dare you to..." She glanced around for a few moments and then beamed, "Smoke animals. Let's see that mist misused. I betcha can't do a giraffe."

"Oops... Uhm, Trevor! Since he says I'm mean." Alex stuck her tongue out and went to go find her submerged boyfriend. "Honey... come back up. Everyone else here does that too, honest. Oh, stop hiding under water, I can't breathe down there." She patted at his head and then wiggled around so that she was smushed against him. If he wouldn't come up, she could at least be distracting. "Pleeeaaase? I'll make it up to you later. I'll do that thing you like!"

There was a ripple of sadness through the euphoria leaching off of Alex before she rallied. The expression on her face didn't even have time to fall but she was outputting all of her reactions so strongly that it would be a noticeable blip in the shared buzz of one drunken telepathic teen. Alex had many memories of overhearing things that were unintended to be shared, but many of them weren't funny stories. Still, she wasn't a maudlin drunk and after a moment of thought, amused embarrassment colored her emotions and a little bit of titillation. "Hee hee hee." Alex turned bright pink and covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes crinkling up. Mike would know exactly what thought flickered through her mind and not just from their mental link. She continued to giggle and snort through her hands as she pointed at Mike and then made the unmistakable one hand jerking up and down motion before she dissolved into a fit of hysterical laughter that had likely haunted Mike since the first time he'd discovered that particular activity.

"Hrmm..." Phantom murmured, which was contemplative mystic for 'oops' as the children dropped out of the sky like rocks, "Miscalculation." She glanced over at Archeville and once she was sure he was ridding himself of the last of the substance, she floated down to the water's surface. Her cloak billowed out from her, writhing along the surface of the water like living tendrils. "My apologies." Phantom gestured, intending to lift them from the water with eldritch tendrils of power, "That spell is effective but not exactly focused."

Erin's up!

You can thank my boring conference for this post: January: Doctor Archeville February: Young Freedom March: Ace Danger April: Avenger May: Dark Star June: Colt July: Victory August: Atlas September: Ouroborous October: Nick Cemetire November: Kid Cthulhu December: Jack of All Blades

"I've never had a heart of gold, actually. I once had a star made out of diamonds but I had to put it back. It's alright, those thing are the absolute devil to display properly. Need all sorts of light to really show off the facets." Talya said, looking amused at the exchange between the two women. She hadn't expected Miss Americana for an ally. It was an interesting take on the whole thing. She smiled and shrugged slightly, "Put on the costume, you really do invite the press into your lives. That, I do have to concede." She straightened slightly, putting one heeled foot on the ground, her expression sobering, "This one, however, I will give you for free. No matter how shiny clean a hero is or how much a rogue they play themselves out to be, you only get to see that mask. You only ever see one fragment of the people we are and we wear masks not just to protect our identity - but to remind you of that fact. Don't trust me. Don't ever trust me entirely. It's the smartest thing you can do." Talya glanced over and smiled, "I think we were just finishing up in here. You know. Girl talk."

Hey, guys, if you want a third, I can bring Taylor lugging her complication - I mean son :)

"Your guess is as good as mine. Last time we handed them over to the scientists and they whisked them off. I'm more of a point and click girl myself." Unfortunately, Bombshell's back was to the door and her attention diverted as she was carefully replacing the gun back in it's case and shutting the lid. She did not notice or hear the door to their supply room open and shut again or the shuffle of booted feet attempting to be quiet in amongst the boxes. Jack, however, was not as oblivious.

Roll init if you're going to attack. Shadowy-things will go last. For this scene, you all have the advantages of intangibility and flight.

"I... remain uncertain. Many reasons. The amulet laid waiting for centuries on centuries but that's a symptom of patience, rather than timing," Phantom's cloak rippled as the figure below shrugged. She moved forward, the cloak parting to reveal shadows and a human enough looking body under it before it closed again once she stopped floating forward. "Right person. Right time. Right place. The need became too great to wait much longer. I am Her Chosen, but her motives are often cloaked in darkness, even to me."

For those who could perceive the magic of it, the moment that Jack's hand closed on the knob, the time-magic surrounding the door sank into place. The portal in the door frame opened onto the late night skyscape of Freedom City in a balmy June. Beyond the door stop, there was a sharp drop as the door opened in mid air, hanging even but outside the panoramic windows of pyramid plaza. Inside the dark building, they could see the dark figure of a man talking on his phone alone in the empty room. It was very much like looking right into Jack's memory, except, of course, they were outside Jack's head. This vantage point did allow them to see shadows that twisted along the windows of the Plaza, dark figures comprised of shadows and shot through with flashes of light. Everyone here, save Erin, would be familiar with the Void-scape inside Phantom's cloak to recognize the ghosts as being formed from such. JJ would experience another of that twisting sensation, as if his essence was being pulled from him. His left hand vanishing like his pinky had earlier. When the heroes crossed into that world, they too would find themselves ghostly, like the figures. Jack - the Jack of this moment in time - appeared oblivious as he talked on his cell phone.