Gizmo

Trevor gave Tricia a muted shrug. Both versions of the dark haired youth would probably end up taking physics anyway this year; they liked learning about the way things worked. At least they might be able to use this excursion as a prerequisite for a more advanced class. "If we're sparing, I'm going to need a coffee first," he mentioned. His Earth-XX counterpart murmured in agreement. "Set my dorm room up like a Stardoes," she assured him, looping her thumbs in the beltloops of her pants, her utility belt rest asymmetrically off of one hip. That had taken the willowy girl a little ingenuity to pull off; the original Midnight had been notably curvier during her heyday.

Jack of all Blades I will be putting those 2 contribution PP toward Jack, putting him at Platinum and PL14 with 19PP to saved up. I'll be combining 15 of those with the Veteran Reward for 30 total ranks of Sidekick: Jill O'Cure The remaining four will go to: +2 Strength +1 Attack Focus (melee) +1 Dodge Focus I've also made some adjustments to his description, complications and formatting. The entire thing, including Jill's sheet, is here: [b]Players Name[/b]: Gizmo [b]Power Level[/b]: 14 (210/210 PP) [b]Trade-Offs[/b]: +5 Attack, -5 Damage, +5 Defense, -5 Toughness [b]Unspent PP[/b]: 0 [b]Diamond Status:[/b] 60/90 [floatr][img=http://www.freedomplaybypost.com/wiki/images/e/ed/Erik.png[/img][img]http://www.freedomplaybypost.com/wiki/images/7/7c/JackofallBladesHF.png][/floatr][b]Characters Name[/b]: Jack of all Blades [b]Alternate Identity[/b]: Erik Espadas [b]Age[/b]: 22 [b]Gender[/b]: Male [b]Height[/b]: 5'11'' [b]Weight[/b]: 145 lb [b]Hair[/b]: Dusty Brown/Black as Jack of all Blades [b]Eyes[/b]: Dark Blue [b]Sidekick[/b]: [goto=Jill]Jill O’Cure[/goto] [b]Description[/b]: Erik Espadas is a lithe, athletic young man with attractively angular features and a boyish grin. He keeps his dusty brown hair shorn short, but regularly sports a day or two of stubble. Preferring to dress is a mixture of blues and blacks, Erik is typically seen in a fitted t-shirt and well-worn jeans topped with an undone button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. As Jack of all Blades, his current costume consists of a knee-length, royal blue greatcoat cut in a jaunty, high-collared style and worn open over a black body suit. A matching blue bandana serves as a mask, attached to a black wig of wavy hair which helps to conceal Erik's true identity. Dark grey boots with a slightly metallic sheen and broad, buckled belts help to break up the outfit’s dark colour scheme. [b]History[/b]: Erik was born in 1988 to Gina Espadas, a Freedom City beat cop. His father left months before Erik's sister, Ellie, was born in 1992. Erik never considered this any great loss: growing up in the West End, his mother was all the parent he ever needed, always making time for her children despite her demanding career. She returned to the force from maternity leave just in time for the Terminus Invasion. Her stories of working alongside heroes during both the Invasion and its aftermath instilled in Erik a fascination with superheroes. While this interest persisted as he grew, it was never the modern powerhouses that truly captured Erik's attention. It was the witty Golden Age tricksters like Spitfire Jones and [i]la Renard Rogue[/i] of whom he couldn't get enough. No matter how outmatched they were, they had always made it look so [i]easy[/i]. He consumed history books, restored news reels and pulp novels at a frantic rate, regardless of their actual accuracy. Naturally agile, Erik joined his school's gymnastic and fencing teams, as well as the drama club, becoming a popular athletic star. It was Erik's senior year which would radically alter his life. An armed robbery at a local convenience store went horribly wrong, and Gina was shot and paralysed from the waist down, forcing her into a wheelchair and early retirement. Although she remained strong in the face of adversity, Erik was galvanised. The Espadas family had never been very well off, and Erik dropped out of extracurriculars to work at as a projectionist at a movie theatre to help make ends meet. He turned down a number of modest athletic scholarships when he graduated so that he could take more hours there, working other odd jobs around the community as well. His sister Ellie had proven to be brightly intelligent, and Erik was determined that she would be able to attend the university of her choice. One such odd job involved cleaning out the storage area of an antique store. Amidst the ornate lamps and jewellery boxes, Erik discovered what appeared to be a positively ancient playing card: the Jack of Swords, depicting a slyly winking prince. When he asked the store's owner about it, the old man bid him keep it as a souvenir, as the rest of the deck had long since been lost or destroyed. Pocketing the weathered card, Erik made his way home. Along the way, he encountered a group of toughs menacing a young woman. As the leader of the gang pulled out a cigarette and arrogantly flicked open his lighter, an incensed Erik leapt forward. The lighter's tiny flame flared brilliantly, flowing unnaturally through the air to the young man's instinctively outstretched hand, where it solidified into a blazing rapier. A moment later half of the thug's cigarette had been seared away, the other half smouldering in his trembling lips. The toughs beast a hasty retreat, with a shocked Erik quickly following suit, leaving behind a grateful but confused young woman. Experimenting in secret, Erik found he could create swords not only of flame, but of sparking electricity, crackling cold and a multitude of other energies, provided that there was a source to draw upon. Redoubling his abandoned training, he donned the garb of Jack of all Blades, and became the wise-cracking, street-level protector of his community. Early encounters with other powered individuals taught him that the bioenergies they produced were particularly suited for his purposes, perhaps because they already had a manipulatable, organic aspect to them. Radiation, sonics, lasers, even shadows and magical energy could all be turned back upon their users, if Erik could avoid their initial attacks. Erik keeps his civilian identity a closely guarded secret, encouraging the misconception that 'Jack' is his actual name, with his heroic moniker the result of his being too cute for his own good. The only person aware of his double life is his sister Ellie, who discovered Erik collapsed in their backyard after a particularly brutal fight. Fortunately the teen had begun preparing to study medicine after high school, and her first aid skill likely saved her brother's life. Since then she had become Erik's confidant and greatest supporter. The specific source of his powers is unclear. Mystic heroes have determined that there is nothing extraordinary about the playing card he found, at least not any more. It's possible that it merely provided a mental template for a latent mutant ability, while another theory supposes that it held a conceptual incarnation, vaguely akin to but far lesser than Dr. Metropolis, which has since merged with Erik. Although he initially didn't worry much about the specifics, the recent appearance of three new opponents has spurned Erik to search for answers. Jack of Cups, who add the force of any attack to his own strength, Jack of Coins, a probability manipulator and Jack of Staves, a skilled magic user have all attacked Erik on sight, making cryptic references to a Tournament of Suits. All three have proven to be dangerous and capable foes, forcing Erik to play upon their animosity towards each other to escape. [b]Personality & Motivation[/b]: Erik is a man who's words and actions are at odds. Outwardly, he seems easy-going and carefree, with a clever tongue and a love of the spotlight. Most conversations become friendly verbal sparing matches as Erik actively avoids serious topics, and he is widely regarded as an incorrigible flirt; a fun guy to have around, but hardly one to rely upon. What isn't immediately obvious is that Erik works a string of part-time jobs to support his mother and younger sister. Considering his word to be his bond, Erik will always be there for a friend in need, and truly wishes to leave the world a better place than he found it. He possesses an unbreakable spirit coupled with stubborn pride, resulting in a complete inability to admit defeat. Jack of all Blades has become an outlet for Erik, allowing the free-spirited, ever-glib part of his nature to emerge, while satisfying his deep sense of responsibility. Although attracted to the high adventure of larger threats, he considers himself first and foremost a defender of the little guy, stopping crimes that might seem trivial to Freedom City's better established heroes. Remembering what happened to his mother, Erik feels that a simple hold-up can be just as devastating as a supervillian's rampage. Much of the boy enthralled by the superhero community remains in Erik, and he is always thrilled to team up with other heroes. Although he bears some scorn for Claremont Academy alumni, whom he views as having had it too easy, this is easily outweighed by his desire to meet superhumans his own age. His boisterous competition with his male peers and flirting with female heroes and villains alike tends to either annoy or endear him to potential allies, but Jack of all Blades never fails to leave an impression. [b]Powers & Tactics[/b]: Erik can manipulate any kind of energy to form an effectively-solid construct in the shape of a sword. While he has a bit of leeway with regards to the weapon's specific appearance, he almost always uses a fencing rapier. Functioning in most respects as a normal sword, the tight concentration of power allows the blade to pierce most defences, and it retains the basic nature of its source energy. In order for Erik to form a sword, there must be a power source for him to draw from. A sword of flame might be drawn from a bonfire, or an electrical blade from a power generator. More exotic energies require a more exotic source; Erik may draw from a blaster's light beam, a magic user's mystical attacks or even the shadows controlled by a darkness manipulator, none of which he would be able to access in their ambient forms. Although an accomplished fighter in his own right, Erik's fantastic accuracy comes from an unconscious awareness of the energy surrounding him. This allows him to sense the precise position of his blades, as well as the more subtle energies present in all living things. This also aids him in avoiding attacks, fortunate as he is comparatively fragile next to most superhumans. Against generic thugs, Erik rushes in dramatically, forming a sword and quickly disarming them before taunting them into surrender or retreat. When fighting superhumans, he prefers a more reactionary approach, keeping them off balance with acrobatics and jibes until he can assess their specific abilities, often taking the opportunity to form a sword using the energy from their attacks. Given that many superhumans are immune to their own powers, Erik prefers to use such blades against an opponent's team-mates or underlings. In the absence of an exploitable weakness, he will usually default to making a fire sword using the lighter he always carries. [b]Complications[/b]: [i]Enemies[/i] (The Jack of Cups, of Coins and of Staves, who are apparently involved in some sort of deadly tournament, and believe Erik is as well.) [i]Grandstanding[/i] (Erik's style revolves around showing off, in and out of combat, even when discretion might be wiser.) [i]Responsibility[/i] (Man of the House) [i]Secret[/i] (Superhero Identity) [i]Sidekick[/i] (Erik’s no less protective of his sister now that she’s a superhero too.) [i]Struggling[/i] (Erik's supporting his family and saving for his sister's tuition; it's tough to find work sometimes) [i]Sucker for a Pretty Face[/i] (Erik's easily distracted by attractive women, be they bystanders, fellow heroes or even villains.) [i]Teammates[/i] (The Interceptors are family to Erik, whether or not he openly admits it.) [i]West Ender[/i] (The West End is Erik's 'turf'; he's extremely protective of his neighbourhood, and knows it much better than the rest of the city. [b]Abilities[/b]: 6 + 10 + 12 + 0 + 4 + 12 = 34PP STR: 16 (+3) DEX: 20 (+5) CON: 12 (+1) INT: 10 (+0) WIS: 14 (+2) CHA: 22 (+6) [b]Combat[/b]: 14 + 20 = 34PP Attack +7 Base, +13 Melee, +19 Swords Grapple +17 Defense +19 (+10 Base, +9 Dodge Focus), +5 Flat-Footed Knockback -4/-1 Initiative: +9 [b]Saves[/b]: 4 + 10 + 8 = 22PP Toughness: +7 (+1 Con, +4 Defensive Roll, +2 Greatcoat) Fortitude: +5 (+1 Con, +4) Reflex: +15 (+5 Dex, +10) Will: +10 (+2 Wis, +8) [b]Skills[/b]: 52R = 13PP Acrobatics 10 (+15) Bluff 17 (+23) Climb 5 (+10) Language 1 (Spanish) Notice 8 (+10) Stealth 11 (+16) [b]Feats[/b]: 70PP Agile Climber Attack Focus (Melee) 6 Attack Specialization (Swords) 3 Beginner's Luck Challenge (Fast Task [Feint]) Defensive Attack Defensive Roll 2 (+4 Toughness) Distract (Bluff) Dodge Focus 9 Elusive Target Equipment 3 Evasion 2 Fascinate (Bluff) Fearless Grapple Finesse Improved Critical (Swords, 18-20) Improved Initiative Inspire 5 Jack-of-all-Trades Luck 4 Move-By Action Power Attack Set Up Sidekick 30 (15 + 15 Veteran Reward) Skill Mastery 1 (Acrobatics, Bluff, Notice, Stealth) Takedown Attack 2 Taunt Uncanny Dodge 2 (Mental [Energy Awareness], Visual) [quote name="Equipment"][b][u]Greatcoat[/u][/b]: [b]Protection 2[/b] [[i]Power Feat:[/i] Subtle]; [i]Cost:[/i] 3EP [b][u]Grappling Hook[/u][/b]: [b]Super-Movement 1[/b] (swinging), [b]Speed 1[/b]; [i]Cost:[/i] 3EP[/quote] [quote name="Shared Equipment"][b][u]Personal Contribution[/u][/b]: [9EP] [b][u]Interceptors HQ[/u][/b]: [21EP] [i]Size:[/i] Large; [i]Toughness:[/i] 10; [i]Features:[/i] Combat Simulator, Communications, Computer, Concealed 2, Defense System, Fire Prevention, Garage, Gym, Living Space, Holding Cells, Infirmiry, Power 2, Power System, Security System 2, Workshop [b][u]Defense System 1[/u][/b]: [b]Snare 11[/b] [b][u]Power 1[/u][/b]: [b]Healing 10[/b] ([i]PFs:[/i] Persistent, Regrowth) [22pp] [b][u]Power 2[/u][/b]: [b]ESP 6[/b] ([i]Visual, 20 mile range [all of Freedom City][/i]; [i]Extra:[/i] No Conduit; [i]Flaw:[/i] Medium – Surveillance equipment; PFs: Subtle, Rapid [x10]) [14PP] AND [b]Quickness 12[/b] ([i]Flaws:[/i] Limited to Search) [4PP] AND [b]Quickness 12[/b] ([i]Flaws:[/i] Limited to Notice) [4PP] [b][u]MAVERIC[/u][/b] (Mobile Armored Vehicle for Emergency Response and Intercepting Criminals): [13EP] [b]Size[/b]: Huge [2EP] [b]Strength[/b]: 35 [1EP] [b]Speed[/b]: 5 [5EP] [b]Toughness[/b]: 10 [1EP] [b]Defense[/b]: 8 [0EP] [b]Features[/b]: Alarm, Caltrops, Remote Control, Smokescreen [4EP][/quote] [b]Powers[/b]: 28 + 2 + 7 = 37PP [b]Energy Sword 6[/b] (Corrosion, [i]Power Feats:[/i] Alternate Power, Improved Critical (18-20), Mighty, Variable Descriptor 2 [Any Energy], [i]Drawbacks:[/i] Limited [Available, Concentrated Energy Types], [i]Extras:[/i] Penetrating) [28PP] [list][b][u]AP[/u] Energy Sword Flurry 6[/b] (Damage, [i]Power Feats:[/i] Improved Critical (18-20), Mighty, Variable Descriptor 2 [Any Energy], [i]Drawbacks:[/i] Limited [Available, Concentrated Energy Types], [i]Extras:[/i] Autofire 3) [27PP][/list] [b]Super-Senses 2[/b] (Energy Awareness [Mental], Magic Awareness [Mental])[2PP] [i]Erik is sensitive to both the electromagnetic spectrum and magical power. This awareness is filtered through to his regular senses in a mishmash of synesthesia, giving him a general impression of the energy's particulars and allowing him to recognize signatures he's sensed before.[/i] [b]Super-Senses 6[/b] (Detect Energy [Mental, [i]Extras:[/i] Accurate 2, Acute, Radius, Ranged], [i]Feats:[/i] Alternate Power) [7PP] [list][b][u]AP[/u] Super-Senses 6[/b] (Detect Magic [Mental, [i]Extras:[/i] Accurate 2, Acute, Radius, Ranged]) [6PP][/list] [b]DC Block[/b]: [code]ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC18 Toughness (Staged) Damage Energy Sword Touch DC16 Fortitude (Staged) Drain Toughness Energy Sword Touch DC24 Toughness (Staged) Damage Costs: Abilities 32 + Combat 36 + Saves 22 + Skills 13 + Feats 70 + Powers 37 = Total Cost 210/210 Note: Jack of all Blades has a single rank of Improved Critical as part of his Strike power, which brings his energy swords in line with regular swords, i.e. a 19-20 range. The additional rank as part of his normal feats places this at 18-20 for both regular and energy swords. Note: As a metamagi, Erik's powers are the result of a mystically enhanced mutation, blurring the line between genetics and sorcery. This enhancement specifically allows him to form his borrowed energy into swords. Magic nullification removes the 'sword' descriptor from his Energy Sword Array, which means he will no longer benefit from his Attack Specialization or Improved Critical feats. Effects that nullify mutant powers shut off said Array entirely, as well as his Super-Senses. [anchor]Jill[/anchor] Power Level: 10 (150/150 PP) (Sidekick 30) Trade-Offs: +5 Defense, -5 Toughness Unspent PP: 0 [floatr][/floatr]Characters Name: Jill O'Cure Alternate Identity: Ellie Espadas, Jill Pique Age: 17 Gender: Female Height: 5'8'' Weight: 125 lb Hair: Dusty Brown, Dyed Black Eyes: Dark Blue Description: Ellie Espadas is a coltish young woman with short dusty brown hair dyed black and a perpetually sardonic expression on her angular features. She prefers to dress in layers, favouring oversized dress shirts under fitted vests and similar combinations, accessorising with bangles and broad rings. Recently she has taken to carrying a canvas messenger bag storing first aid supplies and her costume. Said costume mirrors her brother's, swapping a deep crimson for his royal blue. Black tights feature prominent red piping up the sides while a cropped top and jacket provide an airier look. Jill O'Cure has also adopted an identity concealing bandana mask and a hair colour to match Jack’s customary wig, although the family resemblance remains obvious. History: Born in 1992, Ellie Espadas was born to Freedom City policewoman Gina Espadas and immigrant John Pique, who disappeared shortly before her birth. Growing up in the West End verbally sparing with her older brother Erik, she demonstrated a keen mind from an early age, reading voraciously and studying a variety of subjects without prompting. When a stray bullet in a convenience store robbery gone wrong left Gina paralysed from the waist down, Ellie actually arrived on the scene before her brother, in time to see the paramedics who arrived to stabilise her mother. While the tragedy signalled the end of her brother's childhood, it came at a time when Ellie was only just beginning to discover who she was. Simultaneously developing a devoted interest in medicine and acquiring a flint hard, cynical edge, she found her early high school years difficult and isolating. Compounding matters, her brother and closest confidant was forced to spend most of his time making ends meet. Though trying, these years honed Ellie's forceful personality. When Erik revealed to her the super powers he had gained, she helped his create the persona of Jack of all Blades. Her medical knowledge were instrumental in those early months, during which he would often return home in the middle of the night with a variety of wounds and fractures. Escaping social tribulations at school stemming from boredom, Ellie was delighted to spend time with the friends Erik made in the superhero community. Nevertheless, she remained on the periphery of that world until the night John Pique reappeared at the Espadases’ door step, carrying the unconscious form of Rose Copas, better known as Jaci o' Cups. Amidst the revelations and frantic melee which followed as the so-called Tournament of Jacks reached a head, Ellie came into possession of the Jack of Coins playing card dropped by the slain Denari Jones. The complex magics woven into the artefact awoke the latent metamagi abilities which were as much her heritage as her brother's. Over Erik's objections, she donned a costume of her own and took the name Jill O’Cure. Conceding that she was determined to follow in his footsteps regardless, Erik decided that he'd rather keep his sister nearby where he could keep her out of the worst danger. Ellie, naturally, has other ideas. Thanks to a few pulled strings, she has enrolled at Claremont Academy for her senior year under the pseudonym Jill Pique, in order to learn more about her powers. Personality & Motivation: Ellie developed a biting wit alongside her brother, and if she lacks a measure of his self-assured bravado, she makes up for it with a razor sharp acumen. She is, however, more likely to use this as a defence mechanism, making clever quips to downplay a strong sense of empathy and what is easily a genius level intellect. Although somewhat more pragmatic than many heroes, Ellie has a strong sense of personal responsibility and has dedicated herself to saving lives. She struggles to balance the need to do what it takes to get the job done and a keen awareness of potential collateral damage. The Jill O'Cure persona allows her to indulge in her more impulsive side, while still playing the voice of reason to her brother's reckless abandon. Powers & Tactics: Ellie is able to manipulate biological material on the cellular level. Thanks to her extensive knowledge of medicine, her default use of this ability is to heal, miraculously repairing wounds, curing illness and even regrowing limbs. The flip side of that power is a devestating attack on a body's natural defenses with a mere touch. These applications are signalled by a pale blue and virulent green glow, respectively. Ellie also possesses the apparently unrelated ability to create translucent force fields around herself and others. Conceptualizing herself as a super paramedic, Ellie makes protecting civilians her priority, sheilding them with her force fields and delivering medical attention to any injured. Given a choice, she prefers traditional medical techniques to using her powers, not entirely trusting their 'something for nothing' nature, but does not hesitate when time is of the essense. In actual combat, Ellie leverages her not inconsiderable self defense training. Against non-powered foes, a single application of her offensive abilities is often enough to discourage further conflict, while she wisely follows a more cautious strategy when dealing with super villains. Ultimately, she lacks her brother's inclination toward fighting, and seeks to end such confrontations quickly. Complications: Civilians (Ellie prioritizes the protection of innocent bystanders over fighting villains, even more so than most heroes.) Family (It's not easy being Jack of all Blades' sister.) Secret (Superhero Identity, 'Jill Pique' Identity) Sidekick (As Jill, Ellie has to deal with an over protective brother and may have trouble getting other heroes to take her seriously.) West Ender (Ellie is proud of her neighbourhood and particularly protective of its residents.) Abilities: 0 + 8 + 2 + 10 + 4 + 6 = 30PP Str: 10 (+0) Dex: 18 (+4) Con: 12 (+1) Int: 20 (+5) Wis: 14 (+2) Cha: 16 (+3) Combat: 8 + 16 = 24PP Attack: +4 Base, +6 Melee, +10 Disease Touch Grapple: +8 Defense: +15 (+8 Base, +7 Dodge Focus), +4 Flat-Footed Knockback: -2/-0 Initiative: +4 Saves: 4 + 6 + 8 = 18PP Toughness: +5 (+1 Con, +2 Defensive Roll, +2 Costume) Fortitude: +5 (+1 Con, +4) Reflex: +10 (+4 Dex, +6) Will: +10 (+2 Wis, +8) Skills: 56R = 14PP Acrobatics 6 (+10) Bluff 15 (+18) Knowledge (Life Sciences) 5 (+10) Language 2 (Latin, Spanish) Medicine 12 (+15) Notice 10 (+12) Stealth 6 (+10) Feats: 18PP Attack Focus (Melee) 2 Defensive Roll 1 Distract (Bluff) Dodge Focus 7 Eidetic Memory Equipment 1 Evasion 1 Improvised Tools Quick Change Set-Up Taunt Powers: 36pp Biological Manipulation Array 17 (34PP, Power Feats: Alternate Power 2) [36PP] Healing 10 (Power Feats: Stabilize, Persistent, Regrowth, Extra: Total) [33PP] AP Disease Touch 10 (Drain Fortitude 10, Power Feats: Accurate 2, Incurable, Slow Fade, Extra: Linked [Damage]) + (Damage 10, Extras: Alternate Save [Fortitude], Linked [Drain]) [34PP] AP Create Object 10 (Power Feats: Progression 1 [10-foot cube/rank], Selective, Stationary, Tether, Extras: Impervious) [34PP]DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC15 Toughness (Staged) Damage Disease Touch Touch DC20 Fortitude (Staged) Drain Fortitude Touch DC25 Fortitude (Staged) Damage Costs: Abilities 30 + Combat 24 + Saves 28 + Skills 14 + Feats 18 + Powers 36 = Total Cost 150 Note: Like her brother, Ellie is a metamagi, the result of mystically enhanced mutation, blurring the line between genetics and sorcery. In her case, magic nullification prevents her from using her Disease Touch or Create Object Alternate Powers. Effects that nullify mutant abilities shut off her powers entirely. Doktor'd

Here's Jill's final, complete sheet for approval: Power Level: 10 (150/150 PP) (Sidekick 30) Trade-Offs: +5 Defense, -5 Toughness Unspent PP: 0 [floatr][/floatr]Characters Name: Jill O'Cure Alternate Identity: Ellie Espadas, Jill Pique Age: 17 Gender: Female Height: 5'8'' Weight: 125 lb Hair: Dusty Brown, Dyed Black Eyes: Dark Blue Description: Ellie Espadas is a coltish young woman with short dusty brown hair dyed black and a perpetually sardonic expression on her angular features. She prefers to dress in layers, favouring oversized dress shirts under fitted vests and similar combinations, accessorising with bangles and broad rings. Recently she has taken to carrying a canvas messenger bag storing first aid supplies and her costume. Said costume mirrors her brother's, swapping a deep crimson for his royal blue. Black tights feature prominent red piping up the sides while a cropped top and jacket provide an airier look. Jill O'Cure has also adopted an identity concealing bandana mask and a hair colour to match Jack’s customary wig, although the family resemblance remains obvious. History: Born in 1992, Ellie Espadas was born to Freedom City policewoman Gina Espadas and immigrant John Pique, who disappeared shortly before her birth. Growing up in the West End verbally sparing with her older brother Erik, she demonstrated a keen mind from an early age, reading voraciously and studying a variety of subjects without prompting. When a stray bullet in a convenience store robbery gone wrong left Gina paralysed from the waist down, Ellie actually arrived on the scene before her brother, in time to see the paramedics who arrived to stabilise her mother. While the tragedy signalled the end of her brother's childhood, it came at a time when Ellie was only just beginning to discover who she was. Simultaneously developing a devoted interest in medicine and acquiring a flint hard, cynical edge, she found her early high school years difficult and isolating. Compounding matters, her brother and closest confidant was forced to spend most of his time making ends meet. Though trying, these years honed Ellie's forceful personality. When Erik revealed to her the super powers he had gained, she helped his create the persona of Jack of all Blades. Her medical knowledge were instrumental in those early months, during which he would often return home in the middle of the night with a variety of wounds and fractures. Escaping social tribulations at school stemming from boredom, Ellie was delighted to spend time with the friends Erik made in the superhero community. Nevertheless, she remained on the periphery of that world until the night John Pique reappeared at the Espadases’ door step, carrying the unconscious form of Rose Copas, better known as Jaci o' Cups. Amidst the revelations and frantic melee which followed as the so-called Tournament of Jacks reached a head, Ellie came into possession of the Jack of Coins playing card dropped by the slain Denari Jones. The complex magics woven into the artefact awoke the latent metamagi abilities which were as much her heritage as her brother's. Over Erik's objections, she donned a costume of her own and took the name Jill O’Cure. Conceding that she was determined to follow in his footsteps regardless, Erik decided that he'd rather keep his sister nearby where he could keep her out of the worst danger. Ellie, naturally, has other ideas. Thanks to a few pulled strings, she has enrolled at Claremont Academy for her senior year under the pseudonym Jill Pique, in order to learn more about her powers. Personality & Motivation: Ellie developed a biting wit alongside her brother, and if she lacks a measure of his self-assured bravado, she makes up for it with a razor sharp acumen. She is, however, more likely to use this as a defence mechanism, making clever quips to downplay a strong sense of empathy and what is easily a genius level intellect. Although somewhat more pragmatic than many heroes, Ellie has a strong sense of personal responsibility and has dedicated herself to saving lives. She struggles to balance the need to do what it takes to get the job done and a keen awareness of potential collateral damage. The Jill O'Cure persona allows her to indulge in her more impulsive side, while still playing the voice of reason to her brother's reckless abandon. Powers & Tactics: Ellie is able to manipulate biological material on the cellular level. Thanks to her extensive knowledge of medicine, her default use of this ability is to heal, miraculously repairing wounds, curing illness and even regrowing limbs. The flip side of that power is a devestating attack on a body's natural defenses with a mere touch. These applications are signalled by a pale blue and virulent green glow, respectively. Ellie also possesses the apparently unrelated ability to create translucent force fields around herself and others. Conceptualizing herself as a super paramedic, Ellie makes protecting civilians her priority, sheilding them with her force fields and delivering medical attention to any injured. Given a choice, she prefers traditional medical techniques to using her powers, not entirely trusting their 'something for nothing' nature, but does not hesitate when time is of the essense. In actual combat, Ellie leverages her not inconsiderable self defense training. Against non-powered foes, a single application of her offensive abilities is often enough to discourage further conflict, while she wisely follows a more cautious strategy when dealing with super villains. Ultimately, she lacks her brother's inclination toward fighting, and seeks to end such confrontations quickly. Complications: Civilians (Ellie prioritizes the protection of innocent bystanders over fighting villains, even more so than most heroes.) Family (It's not easy being Jack of all Blades' sister.) Secret (Superhero Identity, 'Jill Pique' Identity) Sidekick (As Jill, Ellie has to deal with an over protective brother and may have trouble getting other heroes to take her seriously.) West Ender (Ellie is proud of her neighbourhood and particularly protective of its residents.) Abilities: 0 + 8 + 2 + 10 + 4 + 6 = 30PP Str: 10 (+0) Dex: 18 (+4) Con: 12 (+1) Int: 20 (+5) Wis: 14 (+2) Cha: 16 (+3) Combat: 8 + 16 = 24PP Attack: +4 Base, +6 Melee, +10 Disease Touch Grapple: +8 Defense: +15 (+8 Base, +7 Dodge Focus), +4 Flat-Footed Knockback: -2/-0 Initiative: +4 Saves: 4 + 6 + 8 = 18PP Toughness: +5 (+1 Con, +2 Defensive Roll, +2 Costume) Fortitude: +5 (+1 Con, +4) Reflex: +10 (+4 Dex, +6) Will: +10 (+2 Wis, +8) Skills: 56R = 14PP Acrobatics 6 (+10) Bluff 15 (+18) Knowledge (Life Sciences) 5 (+10) Language 2 (Latin, Spanish) Medicine 12 (+15) Notice 10 (+12) Stealth 6 (+10) Feats: 18PP Attack Focus (Melee) 2 Defensive Roll 1 Distract (Bluff) Dodge Focus 7 Eidetic Memory Equipment 1 Evasion 1 Improvised Tools Quick Change Set-Up Taunt Powers: 36pp Biological Manipulation Array 17 (34PP, Power Feats: Alternate Power 2) [36PP] Healing 10 (Power Feats: Stabilize, Persistent, Regrowth, Extra: Total) [33PP] AP Disease Touch 10 (Drain Fortitude 10, Power Feats: Accurate 2, Incurable, Slow Fade, Extra: Linked [Damage]) + (Damage 10, Extras: Alternate Save [Fortitude], Linked [Drain]) [34PP] AP Create Object 10 (Power Feats: Progression 1 [10-foot cube/rank], Selective, Stationary, Tether, Extras: Impervious) [34PP] DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC15 Toughness (Staged) Damage Disease Touch Touch DC20 Fortitude (Staged) Drain Fortitude Touch DC25 Fortitude (Staged) Damage Costs: Abilities 30 + Combat 24 + Saves 28 + Skills 14 + Feats 18 + Powers 36 = Total Cost 150 Note: Like her brother, Ellie is a metamagi, the result of mystically enhanced mutation, blurring the line between genetics and sorcery. In her case, magic nullification prevents her from using her Disease Touch or Create Object Alternate Powers. Effects that nullify mutant abilities shut off her powers entirely.

Let's start with the easy one: Midnight II - 6PP to spend 2PP : Add Darkvision to Super-Senses: [b]Super-Senses 3[/b] (Darkvision, Infravision) [3pp] 2PP : +2 Fortitude Save, for +7 total (it says +2 Con right now, but that should be +3). 2PP : +2 Reflex Save, for +7 total. Doktor'd

Trevor unconsciously pulled the front of his fedora down with one hand at Marcie's outburst, feeling worse about his unintentional embarrassment of his distaff counterpart than anything, even as Erin's confirmation caused the corner of his mouth to twitch upward. After a long moment of awkward silence, he tilted the hat back up part way and gave Tricia an apologetic look without saying anything out loud. The expression she gave him in return as the colour faded from her cheeks was just as clear. Nothing to be done now. He glanced over at Aaron as the athletic young man looked moodily out the window, then back to Tricia with a raised eyebrow. You like him though, right? That's pretty obvious now, her flat look replied as she crossed her arms. For once the slim young woman was glad for her crush's apparent obliviousness. Trevor shrugged slightly, the movement all but imperceptible. So ask him out. Tugging on her hat again, Tricia slouched in her seat. Now's probably not a good time. Her Earth-Prime double had to concede that point with a concerned look in Erin's direction; he'd learned to give her space when the topic of her family history arose, but that didn't make seeing her so obviously upset any easier.

Hanging toward the back of the group, Trevor raised an eyebrow as they passed by the pickup. "Not into mechanics?" he asked Tricia, a vague note of disappointment in his tone. "What? Of course." The willowy girl followed his gaze. "That's Aaron's truck. I ride a motorcycle." Her counterpart raised his eyebrows as he donned his own sunglasses now that they were in public. "Right, but he doesn't let you work on it? Weirdly macho." It was a little tough to imagine a world where Erin's double could be emasculated by his own. Tricia, for her part, gave him a confused look. "'Macho'? What?" Slow realization dawned on Trevor's face. "You two aren't...?" "You are?" Wincing slightly, Trevor looked upward and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Whoops." Tricia pulled emphatically down on either side of her newsboy cap, pale cheeks colouring with a deepening black blush.

"Hrn," Trevor grunted as Mark and his distaff counterpart began gabbing at accelerating speeds. "Stereo." "It's... actually 'Tricia'," the dark haired girl across from him softly corrected her science teacher, who didn't seem to hear. She realized she still hadn't been at Clairemont very long, but you'd think at least the instructors would get her name right. Her parallel self returned his escrima stick to its holster and smoothly walked over. "Trevor," he introduced himself, tapping a finger to the side of the fedora in an odd salute. "So. This is odd." The willowy young woman gave him a slow once over, reflexively adjusting her sunglasses when she came to his discoloured eyes. "Already like you better than being 'Misty, the Midnight Maid'," she decided with the beginnings of a slight smile in spite of herself. "Ouch," Trevor commiserated, placing his hands in his pockets. "That's definitely worse than 'Kid Midnight'. Did the outfit have--?" "Horrible bright yellow? Mmhmm." Tricia shook her head ruefully. "Since Jamie was already a brunette and Marcie's blonde, she made me a redhead." The lanky youth stifled a chuckle. "Yellow trunks on top of black pants," he countered. "Yee."

Midnight grimaced behind his featureless mask, but didn't hesitate to act. "Watch her," he called to Geckoman, indicating Medea with a significant gesture before sprinting after Edge. Leveraging his slightly longer stride to catch up, the black clad youth pulled his grapple from his belt and grabbed the reality manipulator's shoulder firmly. Turning the strength of the cable's retraction up a few notches to balance the added weight, he sent them both soaring forward after the escaping villain. Reaching the end of the corridor as Erin charged into Superior, Trevor immediately washed the entire area is light absorbing midnight mist as he released Mark and replaced his grapple. "Back to the void with you, Superior."

Midnight II Free Action: Arrange Gadgets Super Movement 1 (Swinging), Speed 3 (50 MPH) [5PP] Move Action: Grab Edge and swing down the corridor to Superior and Wander. Free Action: Midnight Mist Standard Action: Auto 30 Demoralize w/Skill Mastery against Superior.

Midnight II makes that automatically with Skill Mastery!

"You're dead, Midnight pointed out harshly as the Night Cycler jumped to life, startling given its virtually silent engine which belied it's finely tuned power. "Hold on," he instructed, adding, "to the bike. Jacket's dry clean only." The toneless growl made it difficult to tell if the black clad vigilante was making a joke or not. Regardless, he poured on the speed, making a beeline for Port Regal.

"See, stuff like that is why people think we swing that way," Jack whispered back to Colt, keeping his lips in a confident grin for the benefit of the young woman in front on him. "" he answered her question, "" Rising from his bow, his expression grew serious if no less dashing. ""

Earth-XX Thanks to her sunglasses and mutated eyes, Tricia recovered quickly from the blinding light. By the time it did, a noticeable transformation in her demeanor had occurred. Straightening to her full height, shoulders squared and expression set, a matte black bo staff had appeared in her ready hands. Standing a few steps back from the gateway, she was in a position to observe her classmates and their suddenly appearing doppelgangers next to each other, making the similarities obvious if difficult to believe. "Should probably be expecting..." Earth-Prime "...a nearly identical universe to be doing something different?" Trevor asked Ms. Harcourt flatly as he reflexively unspooled a length of carbon micro-filament cord from his belt, tossing the elctro-magnet anchor behind him and leaping forward into the expanding light after his friends. Gritting is teeth through an unpleasant twisting of reality not unlike a slowed down version of teleporting, he came out on... Earth-XX ...the other side, just behind Erin and Mark in a crouch, a grimace on his face and he adjusted his fedora with one hand and retrieved one of his escrima sticks with the other. "Hnn, bright lights..." "Never a good thing," agreed an uncannily familiar voice ahead of him. Tricia gave the new arrival a short wave while still keeping a firm grip on her staff with her thumb and free hand. Same eyes... she thought to herself. Trevor looked about the room, quickly taking in the scene as he rose carefully to his feet. "Huh," he opined.

Earth-XX The slow, bemused blink Tricia gave Marcie was concealed behind her sunglasses and the brim of her cap. "...right." The dark haired girl was pretty sure the probability controller was trying to be supportive, but it was a little hard to parse the intent behind Lucasese sometimes. At least it distracted her from Aaron's moment of cryptic moodiness, which objectively shouldn't have been nearly as attractive as it was. "Good to be prepared," she agreed quietly, adjusting the compartment laden belt which hung from one of her hips. "Could take a look at your truck some time? I mean, it seems..." Earth-Prime "...to be working alright," Trevor observed softly to the other students, tilting his head slightly to one side as he observed the glowing framework. "If we're opening into a void, though, shouldn't it be dark?" Even his relatively limited experiences at Claremont had convinced him that the experiment was almost certain to go horribly awry, but it usually took a little longer for the wheels to come off. He moved to stand a little closer to Erin when she visibly tensed, but let her take the forward position. If something did try to come through, they weren't going to find a better first line of defense than the bat wielding teen.

Earth-XX Cool but not aloof, Tricia reminded herself, walking over to the others. "Hey, Marcie." The slim, dark haired girl let the nickname pass; she'd initially taken it as a backhanded insult, but had eventually come to realize that the gregarious cheerleader wasn't really capable of insincerity let alone malicious intent. "Good," she answered Aaron, studiously not focusing on the athletic young man's ability to lift heavy objects. "Got the new nitro injectors fitted last week." It was probably the longest string of words either of the other students had heard from her, and Tricia immediately turned to the unpacked equipment, embarrassed. Stupid. He doesn't want to hear about..." Earth-Prime "...setting all of this up," Trevor considered, giving the gear an appraising look. The lanky youth was intrigued by the defense system Harcourt was describing. A barrier against extradimensional incursions certainly seemed wise, though he privately wondered if something similar could be developed against abilities which warped their own reality. Granted, if he had to choose someone to have that kind of power, Mark would certainly be near the top of the list. "Good," he agreed, unconsciously returning Erin's smile and following her arm with his own to prolong the contact. Following the teacher's directions, he went about preparing the equipment as she unpacked it, understanding the engineering principles at work better than the finer points of the theory behind experiment's design.

Earth-Prime "Ears are burning," Trevor murmured dryly as he entered smoothly, hands in his pockets. The lanky young man wore simple jeans and a white undershirt, but the unfastened black jacketed and prominent belt he'd topped them with were unmistakably those of Midnight. Evidently he'd felt it prudent to prepare for mishaps as well. Although his dark hair was covered my his grandfather's beaten fedora, Trevor had left his sunglasses hanging from his pocket, having grown more comfortable with the red and black discolouration of his eyes caused by the continuing development of his powers. A faint smile touched his expression as he stood next to Erin and gave Mark an amiable if brief nod. "Any idea what this..." Earth-XX ...equipment is for, Tricia wondered silently as she padded into the room. Barely an inch under six feet tall, the willowy girl had an uncanny ability to remain unnoticed despite her proportions. She'd recently and without explanation taken to wearing a pair of sunglasses under the beaten newsboy cap she'd inherited from her grandmother everywhere she went. They certainly didn't make the laconic youth any more approachable, but at least they distracted somewhat from the midnight mist coloured blush that briefly touched her cheeks when she spotted Aaron talking with Marcie. She hesitated, debating whether to greet them or remain quiet.

That's horrible; I love it!

The Intercept-Hers of Earth-XX! Why? Your mistake is thinking I need a reason. Elle Espadas, Lyndon Epstein, Billie Renolds Eric Espadas, Iris East, Moe Teymourian, Doktor Viktoria Archeville

Jack of all Blades stepped out of the Underground’s gym to find the screens running along the wall of the hallway in front of him projecting an entire studio audience who broke out into raucous applause as he appeared. Turning around, the swordsman was greeted by the Interceptors’ gregarious AI Vince, seated behind his customary desk and flanked by a small studio band. “Here he is folks, straight from the Underground, Jack of all Blaaades!†the nattily dressed computer exclaimed, prompting the simulated crowd to redouble their cheers. Jack walked over to stand next to Vince’s desk. “Seriously?†The would-be talk show host gave him a pleading look. “Aw, c’mon, Jacko, help a guy live the dream, huh?†With a sigh and a shrug, the fencer turned to wave to the projected crowd. The quality of the screens made the illusion fairly convincing, save the the plain ceiling and floor. “Hi Vince, happy to be here,†he grinned with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Thanks for coming out, big guy! Now, you’re a native of the West End, correct?†Vince asked him. Jack nodded. “Born and raised, Vince, and proud of it.†“And how would you say that effected you?†the AI continued, adjusting the mug on his desk. Jack pondered the question for a moment, rubbing his chin. “Well, lemme put it this way. We’ve got a way of doing things in the ‘End. You’re not going to last too long around here if you’re not willing to stand your ground and work for what you want.†“Truer words,†Vince agreed amiably. “Now, fencing can’t be that common a hobby, right? How’d you get into that?†“We actually had a team at my high school,†Jack explained. “By ‘team’ I mean like three guys, but still. I’m a pretty physical guy, but I never really went in for group sports. I like things one on one. It didn’t take long to figure out I was pretty good - well, really good, honestly - so I kept at it.†Vince nodded. “I’ll say! What do you think gives you that ‘edge’?†Jack considered for a moment. â€Well, these days it helps that I’ve got my whole weird supersenses thing going on. I can feel a lot of stuff coming before it hits.†He scratched his chin idly. â€Working with a sword that doesn’t weigh anything is pretty sweet, too. But back then? I dunno, just natural talent, I guess. Feels like I’m built for it.†“Well, let’s talk a little bit about ‘back then’,†Vince suggested. “What was high school like for you?†The swashbuckler shrugged dismissively. “I pretty much just coasted through. I did some sports, some plays and stuff, never failed anything.†Jack leaned against the wall, somewhat marring the illusion of the studio. “I was pretty popular, I guess. I didn’t really have a crew I was tight with, but I got invited to all the best parties, that sort of thing.†“Had your pick of the ladies, amirite?†Vince waggled his eyebrows suggestively, eliciting laughter from the audience. “Well, I dated a lot of girls, yeah,†Jack admitted rubbing the back of his head. “Nothing really serious, though, couple of months, tops. I guess I just got bored. It was always about looking good in front of the right people and showing up so and so. Pretty vacuous.†The young man smirked. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I did get a bit of a reputation for going through girlfriends pretty quickly.†“Nothing but a parade of meaningless, string-free lovin’, you poor sap,†the AI drawled. “How about these days? Seeing anyone special? Or just especially naked?†Jack shook his head. “Oh, see, now I get why you invited my on the show. It’s all lockerroom talk with you, huh? Little tabloid scandal? You got a paternity test coming up after the break?†Vince chuckled along with the audience and he held his hands up in his defense. “Hey, I gotta think of the ratings, right?†“Sorry to disappoint everybody,†Jack smirked, “but really, who’s got the time anymore? When I’m not patrolling, I’m training and when I’m not training, I’m sleeping. ‘Sides, not like I’m going to take the mask off for some random chica I pick up.†The AI spread his hands from their upraised position. “Must do something to unwind, though, right? All work an no play...†“Makes Jack a dull boy, huh?†The fencer gave Vince a wry look. “Trying to make point, pal?†“Hey, I’m just the interviewer here, not your therapist,†the gregarious computer program insisted. Jack scoffed. “Right. Well, it’s not like I never get out. Bill and Lynn’ll drag me off for a drink now and then, or vice versa. Swear, like they’re joined at the hip. I like to think of them as ‘Billynn’.†The audience guffawed accommodatingly. “Ha, I can see the tabloid headlines now!†Vince picked up a mug from his desk and swirled it around. “How about the newer members of the Interceptors? Getting along?†The acrobatic young man nodded amiably. â€Sure. Me and Mo’ go way back. It’s pretty weird seeing her again after so long, especially since she’s still got a couple feet on me! Zip, well...†Jack rubbed the stubble along his jawline. â€Funny thing. He reminds me a lot of me. He takes stuff too far sometimes, doesn’t know where the line is, but... plenty of folks’d say the same about me. And he’s fast, Rocket fast at least. Don’t tell I said so, but he’s gonna be one of the greats some day.†The AI’s expression grew a little more serious, the change in mood evidenced by the simulated audience’s failure to react to the show of sentimentality. “Sounds like you really care about them.†The implied question was left unsaid. Jack let out a breathy chuckle, rubbing the back of his head. â€Ha, yeah, I guess I do. Always been my problem; either keep people at arm’s length or put ‘em under the ‘family’ category. Got big sis and li’l bro, and the lovebirds who spend all Thanksgiving making out. It’s good.†The swordsman had a faint smile on his face, for once devoid of sardonic wryness. Vince gave Jack a curious look. “You mentioned keeping people at arm’s length. With the jokes and teasing, you mean?†â€Actually, no,†the fencer answered. â€That’s more like how I deal with people I actually like. That’s just the way me, Ellie and nuestra madre always rolled, y’know? You know you’re family when you can joke around with worrying about people getting all ticked for no reason.†Jack shrugged sheepishly. â€Granted, I guess that’s not the way everybody sees it.†The talk show host gave his a broad and knowing grin. â€Gotten you into trouble before huh?†The audience whooped and chuckled in response, leaving Jack to hold up his hands defensively. â€Hey now,†he warned jokingly. â€All I can say is that when I was in high school, I had a lot thicker skin than some of those Claremont kids. I mean, you’re young, rich enough to attend a fancy private school and you’ve got superpowers. Cry me a river, right?†â€You’re a paragon of boundless compassion,†Vince drawled. Jack chuckled. â€Yeah, yeah. If we’re being honest -†â€And I always am!†Vince interjected. â€If were being honest,†Jack continued, ignoring the host to the simulated audience’s delight, â€Sometimes I forget that those kids aren’t really adults yet, y’know? Wouldn’t kill me to be a little nicer, I guess.†â€Well, it’s not just the kids who have a problem with you,†Vince pointed out. Jack shot him a wounded look. â€Et tu, Vince?†The AI laughed. â€Well it’s true! I mean, what’s with all the nicknames? People hate that!†â€Aw, people need to get over themselves,†Jack dismissed with a wave. â€That’s just me being, what d’you call it, jocular. Joking around. If I was actually insulting them, trust me, they’d know it.†â€Before we get to far off topic, you mentioned your family,†Vince noted by way of segue, shaking his head in surrender. â€I understand you and your sister are quite close?†â€Well, yeah,†the swashbuckler answered with a raised eyebrow. â€She’s my sister. We bust chops a lot, but c’mon.†He glanced over at the AI’s representation on the wall and pointed a finger at him. â€She’s always been the smart one, y’know? Things have been tight, but she’s going to go to some big muckity muck school and end up doing more good that I ever will.†Vince seemed a little taken aback by the statement, but carried on. â€What field is she looking to go into, then?†â€Medicine.†Jack chuckled ruefully. â€She’s read just about every manual or textbook or whatever she could get her hands on, and my little nighttime excursions gave her a lot of chances to practice. She wants to be a paramedic.†The pride in the fencer’s voice was obvious. There was a long pause before Vince asked his next question. â€When you say things have been tight, you mean since your mother’s... accident?†â€Wasn’t an accident,†Jack barked back heatedly. â€You don’t ‘accidentally’ try to rob a convenience store or ‘accidentally’ pull the trigger when the cops show. You...†He took a deep breath and let it out, closing his eyes momentarily. â€Sorry, man. I just... I don’t really like talking about it. But yeah, since she got put in the chair. It’s been tough.†It was clear the fencer wasn’t going to say anything else on the matter. Nevertheless, Vince continued to probe. â€So. That’s what drives you, then.†Jack looked up sharply, a rebuke on his lips, before he realized that the AI had let the projected studio and audience fade away and was simply standing on the screen next to him, hands in his pockets. After a moment, the swordsman answered. â€Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. It’s just... I can’t ever stop, y’know? It only takes one night, one minute for something like that to happen to somebody else. So I gotta try.†Vince nodded quietly. â€So that’s why you do it, but how about why you do it that way you do? The whole swashbuckler thing?†Jack gave his friend a flat look. â€My power... is making swords,†he answered flatly. â€And there are lots of types of sword fighters,†Vince countered. â€So why this?†â€â€™Cause it should look easy,†Jack told him. â€I go up against guys a lot stronger than me, so I get them man, don’t give them time to think. Some heroes try to be scary, but I’d rather let the bad guys know they’re not.†It was Vince’s turn to give Jack a look of dry amusement. â€My goodness, you’re serious when you get like this. Don’t you let yourself have any fun at all?†â€Never said that! Honestly?†Jack grinned. â€I like fighting. I love jumping from rooftop to rooftop, I love laughing in a demigod’s face, I love swinging in just in time to save the day. So yeah, I take it seriously, but I wouldn’t change it, either.†â€There’s the Jacko we all know and love,†Vince grinned. â€Alright, pal. I just have to ask one more. What’s with the coat? I mean, has to be easier things to fight in! So what’s the story? Handed down to you? Conceals your movements? What?†Jack’s eyebrows rose as he shrugged. â€What? Nah, I just think it looks cool. Found it in a thrift store.†The AI looked vaguely aghast. â€You’re pulling my leg.†The swordsman gave him a broad smirk. â€Now, would I do that?â€

As Jack watched Wander disappear into the distance, he suddenly frowned. "Wait. How am I gonna make it back to the city now?" Judging the distance between the cornfield and the nearest building to grapple from, he smacked a gloved hand into his face. "Nertz." Turning to the gargantuan bees, he prepared for a long wait. "So... anybody want to play par-bee-si?"

Jack scowled as he stood over the unconscious mages and listened to Grim's report over the comlink. "Nertz. Goldilocks! he shouted to Valkyrie. "We got a sitch outside! I need a ride and some muscle, so get your fine, Nordic self in gear!" He looked to the other heroes in the museum. "Shelly, Glowstick, you good to mop up in here? Sounds like we're going to need all hands on deck out there ASAP."

Looking down to the Wreck Room through the control booth's glass, Jack snorted in amusement at Lynn's sign. He was a little more interested in how Eli recovered from the team's temporary depowering. The speedster veritably crackled with electrical energy to Jack's metamagi senses, and the swordsman had been a little concerned with what cutting that element of the younger man's super human metabolism off would do to him. Fortunately, given that the dampners were going to be used for training, Archeville had apparently taken that into account.

Jack laughed easily. "No sweat, kid. A calculus test is definitely the greater evil here. Good luck." He was glad to hear Wander was hanging out with Albright; during their brief meeting out of costume, the diminutive psychic had impressed him. The fencer was confident she'd help the taller girl deal with whatever was bugging her. "Take it easy, Wander," he told her by way of farewell, giving the teen a nod deep enough to border of being a bow. "Good working with you."

Earth-Noir "Everybody needs some kind of help," Spade opined flatly, pointedly not offering the coolly collected woman a seat. "But if it's your dime, I'm listening." "It's my husband," the lady in the midnight blue dress told him calmly. "He's disappeared." Spade raised an eyebrow behind his domino mask. "Sure he wasn't just overwhelmed by your suffocating concern for his well being?" he asked dryly. "Joke if you must," she countered coldly. "I want him found, and I'm told you're reasonably competent."

Jack let out a short, sharp breath in agreement. "Girl, I hear that. The non-punching part of punching is a serious drag." He nodded toward the giant bees. "I wouldn't worry, Fleur's good people. If she says she found a good spot, she did. She hangs out with Dark Star, which gives you a pretty good idea of her position on the 'boyscout to Mother Teresa' scale." He rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn't great at dealing with teenagers, but even to him it was clear that Wander was disconcerted over something. "These guys got the short end of the, uh, honeycomb? I guess? Anyway, she'll make sure they're taken care of."