Supercape

GM There was indeed little or no light in the long forgotten ancient tunnel. Who could say exactly how long it had festered here, unknown and unseen? The smell of damp mushrooms and raw sewage was strong here, strong enough for all to smell. But Lobisomem, with the most magnificent of noses, could smell more, underneath. A sickly sweet smell, like that of infected wounds. A rotting smell, like that of decaying corpses. But something was alive down here. Lobisomem could smell rats. The smell of rat was strong. And of course she could smell the bear in the carriage.... "Help...help...." cried the man with the fungus all over his body. He reached out to Arcturus, his flesh becoming welted and inflamed. His skin was become puffy, and his breathing ragged. The mutant fungus was still there, but inert.

Hell Q Introduction Who are you? Sum yourself up in one sentence. Pretend Voodoo sorcerer bonded with a psychic parasite Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? Lord Lament! The Duke of Despair! The Sultan of Sorrow! What is your full birth name? Luther Earl LeGrasse Where do you live? Freedom City and New Orleans. Mainly the former. How old are you? What year were you born (if applicable)? 26. In 1991 Physical Traits What is your gender? If not applicable, please explain. Male How would you describe your heritage? Mixed. Really mixed. How tall are you? 5’8”. With shoes on. What is your body type? Slender Do you have any particular weaknesses, such as allergies or physical disabilities? Photosensitive Epilepsy How do you carry yourself? Are you graceful, or heavy on your feet? Can you be stealthy, do you walk with confidence? Dramatic. With a touch of stealth if need be. Describe your skin, eye, and hair color. Brown skin, Brown eyes. Used to have black hair. How do you wear your hair, if applicable? Do you have facial hair? I don’t, but as Lament I stick on a white goatee wig. Do you consider yourself attractive? Do others? Not really. Do you have any scars, tattoos, piercings, or birthmarks? No. Do you resemble anyone famous? I am famous! Do you have a dominant hand? Right What kind of clothing do you wear? Stage costumes. I am a master of disguise, muahahaha! But as Lament I wear an outrageously tall top hat and ragged jacket, both purple in colour. Do you wear makeup? Of course! Dark shadowed black or bone white! What is your vocal range? Is your voice distinctive in some way? Its quite low and rumbling and I can project! Do you have any distinctive habits, nervous tics, or mannerisms? Where did they come from, and what causes them? Do other people notice and remark on these habits? Do they annoy you or other people? I can’t help humming along to a tune or tapping my feet when I hear music. History Where do you come from? New Orleans Have you made any major moves, or do you live in your hometown? No. My family go back three generations in New Orleans. I have a house there and am often visiting, but now I live in Freedom City. Do you feel loyal to your country of citizenship? Do you consider yourself patriotic? How do you feel about the government of your country? I don’t have strong feelings either way. Perhaps I am a touch cynical, and I could not call myself a patriot. I am more invested in the local politics of Freedom City and New Orleans. How do you feel about the place you come from? I love it. Where is your home town? What was/is it like? It was wonderful, full of jazz and rich smells, and a vibrant street life. Growing up, were most of the people you knew similar to you, or were you somehow a minority? How did that affect you? I was a runt, I had a few run ins with bullies but I usually talked my way round them. Is there something you've always been really good at or really bad at? How has that affected your life? I am excellent at stage magic. So good, I made a career out of it! Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? No, my family are all live and I had a positive upbringing, although we were not well off. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. My first magic tricks, aged thirteen on the Streets of New Orleans. I was hooked on doing it! What stupid things did you do when you were younger? I played truant a few times. Went in under age to bars. Where did you go to school? How much school did you have, and did you enjoy it? Yeah I enjoyed it. I can’t say I was smart, but I was smart enough. I had lots of friends. Do you have any mementos of your childhood? What are they, and why did you keep them? If you have none, why not? A huge amount of mementos of my family. I keep them stored in my New Orleans House When did you decide to become a hero? Why? Did anyone influence you one way or another in the decision? I do believe in helping out, but the truth is, I have to. The psychic parasite in my body demands feeding! Is the reason you give people for becoming a hero different than your real reason? If so, why? Of course. I don’t want everybody knowing I have an alien psychic parasite of horrific power stick to me bones! Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? Other than a few minor criminal infractions, no. I would hardly call them deep or dark. Do you represent yourself as being different from who you really are? Why? Absolutely. It’s the stage! Do you have any sort of criminal record? If so, is it public knowledge? Its not public knowledge. I broke a few minor laws as a teenager. Nothing serious. Family What are your biological parents' names? Vincent LaGrasse, Magreet Lagrasse Were you raised by them? If not, please explain and describe who raised you. I was What was their standing in the community? What did/do they do for a living? They weren’t well off, but they were respected. My father worked in a whisky distiller, and my mother worked as a cook part time. They threw some great summer parties. Where are your parents now? New Orleans Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? They stayed in New Orleans How did you get along with their parents? How do you get along with them now (if applicable). Pretty well and pretty well. They were laid back, let me do my own thing, never pushed me one direction, and encouraged me in my career. How do your parents view you now, or how would they? With pride, more or less. Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what are their names? Describe your relationship with them. Ella Lagrasse, and Violet Lagrasse What was your birth order in the family? Middle Where are your siblings now (if applicable)? Do they have families of their own? What do they do? Both in New Orleans. No children yet. Ella works as a council member. Guess she wants to be mayor one day. Margreet is a Jazz singer. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? Frequently, but it’s a little harder these days. Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? I suppose I have my best memories of my mothers cooking, but other than that, not really. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? I think Margreet understands me best. But its not a big thing. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? If so, please explain. Not from my families perspective! Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? If so, please explain, including how it has affected your life. John Legrasse, he was a detective. Busted up a cult in 1907. All a bit spooky. Do you have a partner and children currently? If so, please describe them. No If you do not have a partner or children, do you want them someday? How firm are you in your opinion on this, and what might change your mind? If I can rid myself of this parasite, sure! What type of person would be your ideal mate? Good cook, music lover, a little on the short side. Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, please describe them, and how you came to be close to them. My family are probably my closest friends. I have a good relationship with some musicians and managers from my show. Do you have a best friend? If so, how did they become your best friend? How close are you to your best friend? No If you were to go missing, who would worry about you? My family, my manager. Probably my fans. Have you lost any loves? If so, how did it happen, and what did you do? Got my heart broken five years ago by Betty Raymond. Smokin’ hot singer. She ran off with her drummer. Do you have any bitter enemies? If so, please describe them and their history with you. No What is the worst thing someone has done to you? I got beat up pretty badly when I was seventeen by some punks in a bar. Where do your loyalties lie? In what order? I am not sure I have any particular loyalties, or at least a loyalty that trumps other ones. I have a duty to my family and my friends, my city, my world. But doesn’t everyone? And no one loyalty is absolute. Who or what do you trust the most? Why? My family. People I know. I don’t trust the government much. Who or what do you despise? Why? Bullies, probably. Racists, maybe. I don’t like philistines or pretentious art critics much. What qualities do you admire most in other people? Are these qualities you possess? Laughter, I think. Well, it can be cruel and malicious, but that laughter of genuine appreciation and shared love. What qualities do you hate most in other people? Do you have any of those qualities? Cruelty, I think. I’m not cruel. Do you have a secret identity? If so, who knows it? Do you hide it from people who are close to you? Why? Yes, as Zombo! Nobody knows that Zombo and Lament are one and the same. Do you work well on teams and in groups? Are you a leader or a follower? I’d like to say in teams, and as a leader. But my condition can make that difficult. Are you on a super team? If so, how do you get along with your comrades? Do you trust them, or do you have secrets from them? No Are you a member of any church, fraternal organization, club, committee, political party, or other group? How much time do you spend on that? No Personality & Beliefs Who are your heroes? Several famous stage magicians and jazz musicians. Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? No, I can’t say I have. A couple fell into drugs and alcohol, which soured the idolisation. But I didn’t lose the admiration for past achievements. Do you like being a hero? If so, what is the most rewarding part? If not, what makes you keep doing it? There is a part of me that likes bringing cruel people to account. Maybe I have a vengeful side underneath the nice exterior. But the truth is I have to feed the Void inside me. Is there anything that would make you give up hero work, or even switch sides? If I managed to rid myself of the void! I can’t see anything that would make me switch sides. What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? Survive, to be honest. It would be good to recover my career. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? Rid myself of the Void. What is your greatest fear? Why? What do you do when something triggers this fear? The Void becoming too hungry, and feeding off me. Is there anything you would give you life for? People? I don’t think I could make that call until I was in that position. How do you feel about money and material wealth? Do you desire it or disdain it? Are you miserly with what you have, or do you like to share? Is it a mark of success, or a means to an end? Yeah, I desire it. You are a fool not to. I grew up in a poor household which was warm and loving, but yeah, money does grease the wheels of life. How do you generally treat others? I try to cheer them up! Are you a trusting person? Has your trust ever been abused? I can’t say I particularly trust or distrust. I guess I default to trusting people, but can lose that trust quickly. Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Do you have a lot of self-confidence? Extrovert! How do you act around attractive, available members of your preferred sex? I get a little bit more dramatic. What are your most annoying habits? I am always looking to be the centre of attention. Do you feel contempt for any general category of people? Who are they, and why? I can’t say I do. Maybe people who like country and western music. What is your favorite food? Do you prefer any particular type of food? Do you take the time to enjoy your food, or do you eat as fast as you can? I like all kinds of foods. Anything spicy! I savour every mouth slowly. What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or otherwise)? Bourbon. What is your favorite treat (dessert)? Crème Brule Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? Anything bland, I guess. What is your favorite color? Are there any colors you dislike? Purple. I think grey is a bit dull. What sort of music do you like? Is there any that you hate? I love Jazz. I hate Country and Western. And Heavy Metal. If you have a favorite scent, what is it? Anything floral. Do you have a favorite animal? Snakes! What is your most treasured possession? Why? The poster for my first ever paid show. Quite a landmark. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? Creature comforts! Is there a job or a task you would absolutely refuse to do? Shovel shit. Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? If so, how do your beliefs affect your life?How important is it to you? It’s a bit of a grey area. I don’t really follow a religion, but religious beliefs are woven into me, for better or worse. I don’t pray but I have a sense something is watching me. But not necessarily in a benign way. Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special? My parents. If you belong to a religious organization, how often do you attend? Do you have a specific place of worship, or friends within the organization? How much do you agree with the beliefs of your organization? I do not. Could you kill? Have you killed? I could, as a last resort, but I have not yet. What circumstances led to you forming that conviction, or taking that action? I don’t kill because I would have to live with myself afterwards. Are there circumstances under which you believe it is permissible to kill? What are they? To save others. How would you react to watching someone kill another person? Would your reaction be different if the killer was a friend or an enemy of yours? Its entirely dependent on circumstance, other than to say it would always be shocking. I mean, that’s somebodies life ended, BAM! Gamed over. How would you react if something important was stolen from you? I would be pretty furious and try to get it back. How would you react to public humiliation? I would go into a horrible melancholia and doubt myself, but come back with a better show. How would you react if a good friend or relative were purposely or accidentally killed? Has it happened to you? I would be upset and angry. It has not happened yet. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? Murder. For obvious reasons. If your life were to end in 24 hours, what five things would you do in those remaining hours? Go to a small music club, listen to Jazz, get drunk and eat steak. Career & Training Do you have any special training in your hero skills? If so, where and how did you get it? Not in my hero skills. Who taught you the most about your heroing abilities? What was your relationship with that person? Self taught Do you have any particularly unusual skills? How did you acquire them? I am a master of disguise, sleight of hand, and showmanship. Do you do something besides hero work for a living? Have you ever done anything else, or do you plan to? Yes, I am a showman. The Great Zombo! Voodoo master! What is your preferred combat style? I’m not that much of a fighter, but I guess it would be a defensive flavour. Have you ever received any awards or honours? Several, for my shows. What skill areas would you like most to improve in? Is there anything you can't do that you wish desperately you could? I would like to be better at playing the drums. How do you act around people who are more skilled than you in areas you'd like to improve? Are you jealous, or do you try and learn? I study them intently (and maybe have a little hint of jealousy!) Lifestyle & Hobbies What is a normal day for you? How do you feel when something interrupts this routine? I don’t have one. My life is pretty chaotic. I usually stay up late and wake around noon. Do you have any hobbies, or interests outside hero work? What are they, and where did you pick them up? I play the drums, and read a bit. What do you do for fun? Listen to music, drink, play cards, socialise. Do you have a costume? What does it look like? A big tall purple hat, a ragged purple jacket, a false white beard, and masses of make up. With a machete at my belt. How do you normally dress when not in costume? Smart casual. I do like a bit of purple! What do you wear to bed most nights? Depends how hot it is! Do you wear any special jewelry? What is it, and what does it look like? No. Do you have a special place where you keep your valuables? A safe in my New Orleans Home. What's your preferred means of local travel? How about long distance? By car, or plane. Miscellaneous Have you ever made a will, or tried to make arrangements for your death? What provisions did you make? Yes, I would leave it to my family. If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? I don’t think so. What would you like to be remembered for after your death? A fantastic entertainer who brought a bit of joy to the public. Do you believe you pose a threat to the public? Why or why not? Yes. I have a hungry parasite in my body. I do my best to keep it fed, but it is, honestly, a danger. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? My charm. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? My height. As a player, if you could, what advice would you give your character? Speak as if he/she were sitting right here in front of you. Use proper tone so they might heed your advice... Get rid of the damn Void, make a heap of cash, retire to a mansion on the beach.

The Hound "Sweet Mary mother of Jesus" cursed the Hound, hopping from side to side and chasing his tail. It looked like he was dancing on hot ashes. And it sounded like he was talking English through the vocal apparatus of a dog. He was beyond skittish. He didn't want one of those boots kicking him. That would be bad. Possibly lethal. "Hey you, Mr. Stompy, that's right you!" he yelled at Jack. "You got a good shoe cleaner? With all that stomping your feet? Yeah?" he said, encouraging the battle brother. "Guess what you stepped in? That's right. A canine special. Delivered out of the back door. Fresh and pungent. You get my drift? Har har har! That's what happens if you stomp your feet without looking, my friend. Good luck getting that out! Har har har!"

Goddamn it darnation and so on! Im ill. Anyway: Standard Action: Total Defence Move Action: Feint (at -5) on Jack that he will give to Foreshadow, with set up feat!

As the previous attack was buffetted off by impervious, going for a power attack, fully shifted: Power Attack on BB: 1d20+9 10 and there we go. For a move action, leaping / running into the car to get back into his own body. Looks like need some other bloody powers!

NOt much to see with infravision (at the moment) bgut throw me a notice roll for scent.

Starshot "Careful..." started Starshot. "I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of these grazers" The threat looked low, however, as long as the grazers were not antagonised. Thinking about it, they could even be useful. Cutting through the blade grass was slow, exhausting work and not something he would choose. It sapped energy and resources. Putting his weapon away, and his hand up, he slowly, peacefully, approached what he judged to be the alpha. "Easy...easy..." he whispered, calm and in control. He had a natural rapport with animals. What was it? The fluid movement, the steady eye? Whatever it was, he was going to try and persuade the animal that he was no threat. And, if lucky, perhaps even direct its grazing in a suitable direction...

Going for a Animal Empathy bonding thing (diplomacy etc) Animal Empathy: 1d20+15 26

GM Subway cars were pretty heavy. Especially a few of them linked together. But between them, Arcturus (one handed) and Lobisomen together started hauling the car down from the crack. Alas, fates conspired against many today. With a horrible rumble of earth, the crack widened and the railways started crumbling. The whole subway tunnel was sinking, sliding... On a stream of fresh water and raw sewage from broken pipes, to the tune of clanking broken metal and screams, the who tunnel collapsed, and the train with it, complete with Arcturus and Lobisomen. It was fortunate that it was more of a slide than a fall, for the casualities would have been horrible if the latter. Still after a few sickly seconds, there were certainly bruised and broken bones, and possibly worse. There must have been a good few dozen people on the train, and as Arcturus had seen, some were already busted up. Where were they? Some ancient disused and forgotten cavern. Possibly the old sewer system. It was caked in filth and pitch dark. The smell was now of musty dust, sewage and that faint aroma of damp mushrooms....

OK between the two of you, you can handle a Subway car! But! GM Fiat time! and Hero Point to you both. There is a collapse anyway, and tumble you both go. This is enough to cause some more superficial damage and maybe a few passenger broken bones. You can feel free to narrate some cuts and bruises but mechanically you are fine. Lob - 3 HP - Bruised x2 Arctururs - 4 HP - Injured

Mr. Murk "Fine wine, good beds, and old libraries, for starters" explained Mr. Murk. "And feel free to use them on your travels. As long as you don't empty the cellars!" he chuckled. "They are haven for you, and others. Our final refuge". "I fear you ask of me things that are almost beyond my reach. Almost. The age of wonders is upon us and it is true that I need not rely to much on shadows and masks. What is one of my kind compared to the Gods and Aliens that stride the world?" "And yet, my strength is in the unseen rather than the seen. By my blind eyes, this is so" he said, sombre. "I may not be in view, but i will be there, always, wherever hate and cruelty fester. There! in the dusk, in the shadows, by word or fist, myself or my musicians will be not merely observers, but actors!" ~ Fin ~

Lament "Hmm..wha...wha....I was just resting me eyes!" protested Luther, who had been feeling drowsy. He had been rebuilding his career after the disastrous Las Vegas Shows and it had not been easy either physically or for his ego. To do such small venues for a man of his talent! Huh! Nonetheless needs must. And he had a beast to feed. "I'm good, Benny, real swell" he answered as he orientated himself. A glass or bourbon an hour ago. Maybe two glasses, plus the fatigue of a tour, had left him a little drowsy. And too late for a short of espresso at this hour. He stifled a yawn. "Nothin' a good hotel bed won't fix. How are you? We in the back end of nowhere, I guess?"

Yippee!

And here is the 2018 Super Strength Roster. As previously: Rules: PC must have earned 5 PP to be on this roster (so done to exclude people who make a PC then leave or change their minds soon after!) Player must have been active (posted) in last three months. Effective STR is calculated by base STR, plus any ranks of Super Strength. Some things are a judgement call. I have judged according to the spirit of the roster, namely, overall strength. Boost, Density, Rage, and Growth all count. Variable powers count only if it is a “reasonable” use of the variable power (i.e. reasonably fits descriptor of the variable power). Hard to lose devices count. Easy to Lose devices judged on a case by case basis. Limited Strength Super Strength, such as to grip, to one limb, or so on, will, in general not be counted (as its “overall” strength). Other drawbacks such as fades, or distracting, do. If anybody spots any errors, please feel free to make a post afterwards and I will edit if I agree! Please note this is not as easy as it looks, and mistakes happen! Whenever I do this I get a barrage of angry players (well, not that angry!) and corrections are easily made. Also please note that this has been done, as previously, for interests’ sake (and who is Freedom City Gonna Call when an Aircraft carrier gets dumped in the park). Don’t take it as a competition. Superheavyweight (75+) 141 - Paradigm 124 – Stalwart 111 - Phalanx 104 – Dreadnought 90 - Triakosa 85 – Kanunu 85 - Glamazon 80 – Voin Zhenshchina Heavyweight (50-74) 73 – Torpedo Lass 72 - Arcturus 70 – Solar Sentinel 69 - Rock 68 – Kid Kamehameha 65 – Citizen 65 – Asad 62 - Ouroboros 60 - Revenant 60 – Miracle Girl 59 – Fascimile (Giant Form) 57 – Ms. Britannia 55- Reagent 54 – Upgrade 54 – Miss Americana 52 – Cannonade 51 – Lady Horus 50 – Bloody Mess Supermediumweight (35-49) 49 – Wander 49 - Wraith 46 – Salvo 46 - Wail 45 – Synth 44- Willow 42 - Harrier 40 – Rev 40 – Scion 40 - Cavalier 40 – Miss Grue 40 – Pacer 40 – Barrier 37 – Sea Devil 37 - Dragonfly Mediumweight (26-34) 34 – Leviathan 34 – Argonaut 32 - Grimalkin 30 – Rosethorn 30 - Bliss 20 - Nighthawk 26 – Starshot 26 – The Ape Rat 26 – The Tattered Man 26 – Liam Connor (Dr Thorne) 26 – Lou Lubrano 26 – Emerald Spider 26 - Nightingale Peak Human (20-25) 25 – The Traveller 24 – Comrade Frost 24 – Crimson Tiger 24 – Bird of Arms 24 – Ace Danger 23- Set 22 - Mr. Murk 22- Wayward 22- Ardent 20 – Renegade 20 – Terrifica 20 - Midnight Exceptional Human (16-18) 18 - Blodeuwedd 18 – Foreshadow II 16 – Ronin 16 – Jack of all Blades 16 - Grim 16 – Savant 16 – Adept 16 – Ghost Girl 16 – Frostbite 16 - Tsunami 16 – Gaian Knight 16- Eclipse 16 – The Salmon 16 – The Red Rat 16 – Bombshell 16 - Woodsman Normal Human (10-15) 14 - Spitfire 14 – Hyperactive 14 – Lord Steam 14 – Gremlin 14 - Punchline 14 – Warp 14 – La Renarde Bleue 12 – Zenith 12 – Presto 12 – Nick Cimitiere 12- Fast Forward 12 – Edge 12 – Red Moon 10 – The Scarab 10 – Moon Moth 10 – Ditra Fifty Five 10 - Roulette 10 – Prism 10 – Velocity 10 - Temperance 10 – Fleur De Joie 10 – Greasy Gear 10 – Doctor Thorne 10 - Errant 10 - Mirror 10 – Shair the Spellsmith 10 – Sofia Orellana 10 - Synapse 10 - Queenie 10 – Volcanic 10 – Phantom 10 – Bonfire 10 – Flintlock 10 – Dol Druth, the Speaker 10 – Waverider 10 – Sparkler 10 - Sandman Weakling (Below 10) 8 - Rene DeSaens 8 - Psyche 8 - Endeavor 8 – SFX 8 - Hologram 6 – The Brain Rat

LAMENT Zombo! / Luther LeGrasse Knowledge [Art] DC 15: Zombo’s stage show is well designed, and indicates a great deal of skill in entertainment and direction. DC 25: Zombo’s stage show integrates African music and percussion with New Orleans Jazz rhythms. The make up is superb, darling. Knowledge [Arcane] or [Theology and Philosophy] DC 15: Zombo’s shows seem to have some connection to New Orleans Voodoo type rituals. DC 20: ….But are not authentic. They are essentially a Sham, made to look like what people expect to believe, rather than actually the real deal. They are based on the New Orleans style. Knowledge [Pop. Culture] DC 15: Zombo is a famous stage magician, who pretends to be a “genuine” Voodoo Sorcerer. His real names is Luther LeGrasse. DC 25: He has done shows around the world. Six months ago, he did a run in Las Vegas and the reviews were awful. There was rumour of some voodoo curse; at least three audience members attempted suicide after seeing his show. Gather Information DC 15: Zombo is Luther LeGrasse, a stage magician who grew up in New Orleans. DC 25: Luther LeGrasse is a Jazz fan and amateur musician, and still frequents the streets of New Orleans. His family still live there, his sisters are a local council politician and a Jazz singer, respectively. Luther LeGrasse has epilepsy. Knowledge [Behaviour Sciences] DC 20: Zombo/LeGrasse shows signs of non-malignant narcissism. He seems to crave validation by applause and recognition, perhaps due to an unstable ego or sense of self. He would thus be expected to be flamboyant and attention seeking in order to validate himself. Lament Gather Information DC 20: Lament is an alleged master of the mystic arts of sorcery. There is no evidence, however, of any sorcery in his activities. He operates in Freedom City and the South East Coastal Regions of the States, including the Bahamas. DC 30: Everyone who knows or has witnessed Lament notes there is no evidence of sorcery. The speculation is of psychic powers which depress mental and physiological functioning. However, Lament clearly uses the “mystique” of Voodoo powers to impress people. Knowledge [Theology and Philosophy] DC 20: Whilst Lament does a good approximation of a Voodoo sorcerer, it is not accurate. Knowledge [Behaviour Sciences] DC 15: Laments Victims show signs of transient clinical depression. DC 20: The history of this does not fit well with the history or progression of actual depression, but rather of an acute onset catatonic depression which is extremely rare. This points to some psychic or other force eliciting this clinical picture (or things like drug use, or complex partial seizure activity).

Just Arcturus right now. The spores and stuff are contained within the carriage. True, some will leak out through smashed windows and stuff but its not potent enough to matter. Although feel free to smell damp mushrooms and sneeze, or get some insignificant rash etc!

20 Questions: Vince Voyeur Interviews Lament, the Sultan of Sorrow 1. Where is your hero from? New Orleans 2. How would your hero physically describe him/herself? Is this different from how others would? Handsome and imposing. Others, maybe not. I might get away with imposing! 3. Does your hero have distinguishing speech characteristics or recurring mannerisms? I have a bit of French Creole accent 4. What is your hero's motivation? I have come to strike terror and despair in the hearts of the cruel and wicked. Muahahaha! 5. What are your hero's greatest strengths and weaknesses? My greatest strength is fear! I have no weaknesses! 6. What does your hero love? What does your hero hate? I love my family, and New Orleans. I just drink the culture there, especially on the streets in the early hours of the morning. I hate bullies, I think. Well, I hate a lot of things, but that’s one that stands out. 7. How would you describe your character's mental and emotional state? I am dramatic, melodramatic, and fearsome. But I can get a bit carried away with myself. Other than that, I’m stable. *twitches eye*. Honest. 8. What does your hero fear the most? Myself! 9. What is your character's greatest ambition? I don’t have a grand scheme. Except maybe ridding myself of my terrible curse! 10. How does your hero feel about the state of the world and his/her place in it? It is a place of great creativity and beauty, which is born from pain and suffering. I think it’s a Ying and Yang thing. I feel I can help the former and limit the latter. 11. Does your hero have any prejudices? How does he/she get along with others? I am a bit of a loner, and can be a bit distant at first. But not unpleasant or rude, just a little distant. Maybe I am scared to get close. But if I open up, I am warm hearted and without prejudice. 12. Where do your heroes loyalties lie? In what order? I am not sure I have any particular loyalties, or at least a loyalty that trumps other ones. I have a duty to my family and my friends, my city, my world. But doesn’t everyone? And no one loyalty is absolute. 13. Does your hero have a lover or partner? How do they feel about the hero now? Not now. It would be difficult what with my fearsome sorcery! Muahahaha! 14. Does your hero have a family? What is the relationship there like? Yes, and my relationship is generally good, although I am away from them a lot of the time. Since I have become Lament, the Duke of Despair, things are a little more…complicated, strained even, but not antagonistic. 15. How would the people closest to your hero describe him or her? A show off! 16. Is your hero a role model? No. I would hope not. There are much better ways to help the world than the ways of Lament! 17. How spiritual is your hero? Does your hero follow a relgious tradition? Maybe. I dabble. It is a complicated thing. I would best say I synthesise various beliefs but then do not worship any deity once I have done so. 18. Is your hero part of a team, or would he/she like to be? Why? I would very much like to be. I think it would be difficult, though. I struggle with my powers. 19. How does your hero feel about the place of metahumans and aliens on Earth? I think they are general a force for good. But sometimes a fearsome danger. 20. If you could give one piece of advice to your hero, what would it be? Retire if you can!

For all the fearsome fears of Lord Lament, the Duke of Despair! the Sultan of Sorrow! Muahahaha! 20 Q Reputations Hell Q

GM Lobisomem crawled down the manhole and into the sewers. The stench was, predictably, awful. It was obvious however, that something was up architecturally. Massive cracks in the sewers, and rubble and dust. Exploring further, following the sound, and the flow of raw sewage (that would mix would the Crazy Creme....it was hard to say which was more unhealthy), Lobisomem crawled down the cracks to the rooftop of a subway line. Here, he had an excellent view of the Subway carriage wreck, slowly, with screeches and groans, falling down an even bigger crack to...well....one could not see. A dark crack with something below. It would surely not be long before the subway train fell... The metal was being eaten away by the strange Fungus Arcturus was investigating. Lobisomen could see it all...and saw how, as Arcturus through the earth, the fungus exploded into a cloud of spores and gloop. The infected man, a good two thirds of his body covered by the fungus, gave an awful groan, but he could hardly be bothered by the cloud of spores. He was infected enough already....

The Fungus is not exactly fighting back, but you will get some "splatter" This is not too serious, just an Nauseate 5 (Area) effect from gloop and spores. Could you make the appropriate Reflex and Fort Saves.

Mr. Murk "That is a wise position, madam" nodded Murk. "From your own perspective, at least. I would imagine the world would be at loss if you did return and insulate yourself from it. But, it is a decision for you, not for the world you live in". "The world is a soup of mixed flavours. Dark, complex, bitter and sweet. If I may be so bold, by advice would be to taste and savour all it has to offer. Do not recoil from the sour, and let such tastes inspire you for better things. It is easy to become cynical, especially with centuries on your shoulders" he sighed. Such was his never ending battle. "For me, it is love that drives me. The finest of all emotions. The simple empathy that one has for another. The universal solvent for any sticky problem" he said, a smile on his face. "Mayhap then, it is not the time for you to make consideration of the Codus Immortus? Mayhap then, you need to consider the world before considering this small part of it?"

Starshot Starshot quickly held up his fist. Stop...Quiet.... It was probably safe. Probably wasn't good enough, when it came to safe. What was this? Acid? it would be an ideal way to bypass the defences of the blade grass. Spit out some acid, wait for the shell to dissolve, then feast. He doubted this was a sentient event; too much effort for too little reward. By his estimation, they were facing a acid spitting herbavoure. Of course, best not too assume. Or assume only danger. He flicked on the blaster rifle and kept it raised. Maybe his whip and strength would be more effective, but the rifle packed the punch. He did not neglect scanning the air: it could well be a bird like creature. Dropping acid. He gave a little smirk at the pun. With hand signals he indicated to Saark and Loreen to keep eyes open, scanning the grass and the horizon. Damn, the grass was excellent cover. Perfect for an ambush. Cautiously, he approached the grass and gently put the very tip of his boot onto the chemicals...

Lord Steam "Your suspicions are not unfounded, but they remain speculations" agreed Lord Steam, pondering the matter. "As for a history lesson, I am afraid that my knowledge of history, whilst considerable, is also of little use!" he said, with a smile on his face. "I am not from this dimension. Past about 1800 I am quite useless" he gave a jolly little laugh. "But your eye, I think, is on investigation. And I would add mine own to you. What say you? What do we need to find out, and how shall we do so?"

Starshot "By the screaming Valkyries, what was that?" asked Starshot, taking his finger off the trigger and pointing the plasma rifle up. He inched forward slowly, ready to fire again if need be. There was some reassurance to be had by the fact that the rifle had had some effect. Whether it was good or ill, who could tell? He scanned the area with his helmet sensors. "I've seen a hundred thousand species on as many worlds. Never seen anything like that..." The creeping blue still concerned him, and he did not venture too far. Testing the water, he took out a thermal pellet and lobbed it carefully at the thin blue colour...

Arc recognises it as form of fungus, but a mutated form. Like a mutated fungus! (But seriously, he clocks it is a genetically altered terran fungus)