Supercape

Synth Time and opportunity were slipping away. The driver was probably not the sharpest tool in the box, but he would figure something out sooner or later. When that time comes, fear might loosen his tongue... But until that point, the situation should be milked as much as possible. "They are after us. Anyone follow you? I couldn't see if anyone was following me. Damn, it hurts!" said Synth with a theaitrical clutch to her bandaged chest. Panic entered the words in a crescendo. "Where can we go? What are we going to do? Where can we hide? Damn! Damn!" Synth stole several hurried looks behind, to see if anyone was following. In this, there was no theatre - if there was somebody following (and that was the suspicion) he wanted to know who - or potentially what - was following. His brow was wet with sweat. To be honest, the pang of the change was still in his bones, a creaking ache that was subsiding gently, but with enough spice to give that cold, clammy look.

GM Sphere flashed like the sun (on, poetically, a sunless world) at Paradigm's offer. "I have detailed files" explained Sphere. "The entire complex, and resident suites. President Munn is not far" he said, whizzing off at an impressive speed, silently floating at head height. A minute later, T -10 minutes.... There was of course, a lock, but Sphere had override to practically every function in the palace of the Tinker. The door opened smoothly. Inside was a glass and chrome dome, fairly extravagant, although a little cold somehow. The clear and beautiful night sky, with no sun to pollute with light, lay above. No sign of Munn, but plenty of Munns belongings. Including clothes, electronics, computer, and so forth. And several - or perhaps more acturately several dozen books, autographs, pictures and holograms of Lexa (and, to a lesser extent, her works).

Barrier (and for that matter Paradigm) may have heard of Zaul Zeno Its probably a DC 15 Galactic lore to have heard the name. DC 20 for details. As its not that critical, Ill trust you guys to make a roll and take an estimate about how much you know. On another note; because of the nature of the whole thread, Ill just sound you out; are your characters romantically linked to others (I presume not each other, but that's always possible), and if not, how would you feel about NPCs in this thread falling in love with you guys (nothing sexual, and within the parameters of the thread - i.e. not magic love at first sight, but some romantic attraction)? Whilst it may or not be relevant, I suppose romantic orientation of your character may be good to know. No need for this element to the story at all, I'm just pinging you for your thoughts.

GM The Bar, Reception Hall "Brack off" barked Devil Dog at Barrier, the saliva from his mutated mouth spraying everywhere. "I'll shove your Trikugh up your Rhagrach" he said meaningfully. Red Spear put a hand on his shoulder and pulled him away. It looked like if anyone but Red Spear had done that, the Devil Dog would be eating a hand sandwich. "Cool you Rhagrach" she told the large alien. "She's a Praetorian. Right?" she said forcefully. "Don't want to mess with them" Devil Dog conceded as much as his flared nostrils and dribbling mouth would let him. Which was a grumbling spluttering mumbling something. Possibly involving roasting Barriers' Rhargrach in some exotic spices. It was hard to say. Talking to Barriers back, Red Spear continued; "I apologise for my partner here. He is a bit of a sledgehammer. We are just trying to earn a living" she explained, trying to sooth the situation. "I am afraid he has a condition" she explained delicately, miming a squirming mouth. "Makes him a bit irritable. Can get a little carried away sometimes" On close up Red Spear looked pretty standard Lor; probably human, bar her red eyes, which, on closer examination looked like they were cybernetic implants. Still - they matched her colour scheme. "We have been tracking a criminal for years. A slug by the name of Zaul Zeno, wanted for a number of crimes by the law, and wanted for a lot more by several wealthy individuals who are not quite so lawful themselves" she explained, pointedly not elucidating which bounty she and her partner were seeking. "Nocturne would be a good hiding place. Might have thrown his lot in with the Tinker. Makes sense - Tinker is clean, but nobody knows what he looks like. And both of them are...experimenters" she said, pointedly, hissing the last word.

GM The Bar, Reception Hall Red Spear was doing most of the talking. She was a tall, slender alien with red hair, red eyes, and red leathers that blended a bit of high tech, a bit of low tech. Barrier could see she was wearing "Jump boots", a neat little fashion that allowed large leaps through the air. No weapons that he could see, but on the other hand she had a serpentine look to her. "We heard Zaul was here. There has a been a bounty as big as a this planet on his head for the past five years. You look like you know something my little friend. Mouth shut, eyes open. You don't want to be polishing glasses and chrome all your life, do you? We could make it well worth your while..." she finished, letting the words linger. Devil Dog was over eight feet tall and nearly as broad. His race must have been spectacularly ugly, or he was a messed up individual. Quite possibly, both. His face was a yawning maw of teeth that looked jumbled up but dangerous. Unlike Red Spear, his garb was pure barbarian. Leathers, furs, skulls and bones tied together in a haphazard fashion. Whilst Red Spear was quick, he was powerful. He licked a lopsided tongue over lopsided but certainly sharp teeth. "And you don't want to get on our wrong side..." he slobbered. The Barman whimpered. "Please...puh...puh lease...leave me alone...ah...puh...lease...help me!" he implored Barrier. Devil Dog looked at Barrier as if he was going to eat her.

Starshot So, a water world - or at least, a world with water on it - now one of dry sands. And yet, there was jungle too. At least what seemed to be jungle. It could well be a horrible tangle of razor sharp cactus. Perhaps this was where the Kuabanda lived. The ships in the sky; either star craft, or indigenous air craft. Quite possibly both. At least confirmation that such things existed. Athru would not know more. But it seemed the Jungles were the way to go. For water, for food, and for answers. Thanks for your visions. Thanking was always a good start. I think it is time to face the burning sands, and the Place of true warriors... He said, mixing in excitement, intrigue and to be fair a bit of worry into his thoughts. It was still a mystery as to what the Place of True Warriors was. It was not even certain that tooth, claw, or spear would be involve. Many cultures had many interpretations on "warrior" - some deviating far from brutal combat. There was always the war with the self, to be overcome by serenity rather than rage. He suspected, however, that even if philosophy was blended with ritual (as was the normal), steel and the strength to wield it would be the nature of the beast...

Synth Gus was it? Well, that's a start... Ride of the Valkyries? Very dramatic! and distinctive! she noted, filing away how his "Partner" seemed to react to the sound. It was, he presumed, a rung up the ladder of mysteries and misdemeanours. "Wait for what? The cops?" groaned Synth, clutching his ribs. "What happened back their, partner? That crazy woman jumped me...I can't remember anything. Blacked out, I guess. Woke up feeling with my head hurting like it was new years day, 2000" he groaned, now clutching his head. "Stumbled out here. Still feeling screwed up. So what happened? Anyone find out?" he asked, fishing for trouble. It was a poor gamble, but if he kept the man disorientated. "And for god's sake, keep going. You heard 'em...." he added. "Keep driving! and make it fast!" he added, as way of distraction.

GM The admittedly already metallic surface of Sphere steeled. "As far as I am aware, the last time she was seen was in the Bloom - garden. With you, Barrier, myself and President Munn" Sphere paused a moment, reflecting. Ironically (and possibly, given Lexa's influence, deliberately), its surface become mirror like, External reflection reflecting its internal reflection. "Whom it seems nobody has seen either. He is certainly neither in this hall or in his seat at the opening" The clock in the Hall ticked way its seconds. "This may, of course, be innocuous. But it is certainly bad timing. In any case, the opera is difficult to delay, and impossible to delay long. The audience will agitate. A certain amount of anticipation may heighten the palate for drama, but only so much" mused Sphere, still perfectly reflective. "If she cannot be located in adequate time, the band can follow the introduction score for now. Of course, we would still need a suitably prestigious, respected, and famous master of ceremonies to stand in for the raising of the curtain..." it mused. Somehow, the reflective surface seemed to reflect Paradigm's face so very clearly....

Synth If the car jumped the red, or even waited for the green, the trail would be lost. No time to check the inside of her pockets (as full of intrigue as it might be) - the momentum and opportunity could not be wasted. Even as she acted, it occurred to her that it might be a simple thing such as a wallet. Which would have a name. Which would make the deception much easier. Everything was a gamble in the end, however, and she bet on action. If the opportunity presented itself, she would sneak a look. Stumbling in front of the car, clutching his ribs, Synth sprawled over the bonnet. "uuuhh....let me in....get us out of here...." he mumbled, peeling himself of the bonnet and trying the passenger seat door.

So just moving at double normal human speed (as per tracking scent) which should catch up with the other man. I suppose that can be fluffed as looking like moving all out for a normal human. In any case, ideally Synth would want to catch up with the runner and play out being the bearded man. If any rolls needed for that (like notice for when getting near, or bluff to look out of breath etc) please feel free to make them on my behalf.

Synth It was an unpleasant, even noxious smell. The swear, the beer, the blood. Nothing she hadn't experienced before. Being a trash-collector, you got used to these things. The fact it was that blood was interesting. Plus the bandages. What was going on. Fight club? Too soon to speculate. But something was up, that was for sure. She paused a moment and then went to follow the scent. On another day, this would be a time for caution and stealth. Not today, however. She had already lost precious timing effecting her change, and swapping clothes. The trail must not go cold! With that in mind, she ran forward, hot on the heels (or so she hoped!) of the panicked man.

Synth The fiery nerves started to cool down as sinew and bone settled into shape. Her vision started to clear. That hurt; more than she had anticipated. Too much a change, too fast. As everything ground into place, the pain started to subside and she stood up, still aching. Her disguise was no good without the clothes to match. But on the other hand, the man was getting away. No decision was the worst decision, however. A snap judgement was made; it would be better to infiltrate and deceive than trust that a frightened man both knew the truth and would tell it. Besides which, she could seize that opportunity again - whilst the avenue that presented itself right now, changing to the bearded bald man, was likely to close. As quick as she could - and she was quick - she threw off her tattered jeans and t shirt, and pulled on the clothes of the bearded man. Precious moments lost, but at least she could pull off the disguise now. Once dressed, she launched herself back to the door. Maybe she could catch the fleeing man's scent.

GM Kit Klikk scuttled away in an agitated state. He did looked far from at peace; looking this way, and that, his antenae vibrating, as if he could see and feel Grue in every corner of the hall. He had even looked at Paradigm and Barrier in an odd way, scrutinising them carefully. The grand opening of Act I was only minutes away and the hall had almost emptied, although Devil Dog and Red Spear were still there, this time trying to grill the small barman, who looked petrified. "No no...I swear....I mean...err..." he looked around nervously, his eyes catching Barriers. He gave a pained look at Barrier, pleading silently for help - to be rescued from the two bounty hunters. Sphere approached Barrier and Paradigm, looking highly vexed. Ugly purple blots of darkness oozed across its chrome surface. "Calamity! Oh Calamity! It is only twelve minutes until opening, and Lexa has gone missing!"

For reference taking 10 to get a 32 Result on Disguise with Morph (although will probably have to swap clothes with him later). If you feel its good story wise, then could always activate Pain complication, saying the quick transformation was so painful it allows the other man to run. No harvesting HP points, just an option for what would work best!

Synth "Goodnight, sweetheart" As she put the first guy to sleep she turned again to his scared friend. "Now then my friend" she started, taking a soft step towards him. "I'm going to find out whats going on here. One way or another. You don't look like the kind of guy who has created a lot of mess. You look like the kind of guy who gets paid to clean up the mess afterwards and not complain about it. Well, I'm after the guy who created the mess. And if you start talking, then you can be the kind of guy who didn't see anything, goes home, grabs a beer, and watches monster truck demolition derby marathon on the TV with a couple of friends and can forget about the whole sorry mess" "Or you can take a nap and the consequences" she added, looking at the bearded man below. "But I am going to find out" she emphasised. As if to punctuate her point, and gritting her teeth against the pain, she changed her body - growing a beard, going bald. Becoming the likeness of the man at her feet. And the agony was crippling. She fell to one knee, her vision glazing over...

Synth "Grmph" grunted Synth. She hadn't exactly expected it to be easy. "A torn pipe. A hidden room. A lot of blood" she answered, bluntly. "Don't stall for time. And don't run" she shouted at the other man. "You can save yourself and talk. Now. Nothing cryptic. No evasiveness. A straight answer now that explains it all without you having the time to think up some story" "I won't ask twice. If you don't tell me straight away, I'll use other methods. Which will just mean I have to take more time to find out. You, on the other hand, will regret that path a lot more than me". She paused to leap on the man. A quick chokehold, take him out. The other man might be more talkative, but even if they were not, she could take their form and go detective.

Synth isn't really the intimidating type but lets try a roll: Intimidate the dudes: 1d20+2 12

Synth (as ?) It wasn't enough for a conviction. Who knew what was going on? But it was enough, judged Synth, to take action. With altered features to a heavy set, long haired woman wearing the tattered (and now dirty) clothes she had walked in, she squeezed out of her corner to confront the men. "Reveal what?" she demanded, flexing her muscles and punching her fists together menacingly. "Don't run" she added. "I'm faster than you, and stronger than you. And all you will be getting is a couple of broken bones. Best case, scenario" she explained. "I know your brain is telling you to run. Or fight. Or maybe both. But your brain isn't going to get crushed and diced like salami. Well, not unless we get really nasty..."

Starshot 1. Corrected Save Annotation. 2. Yes, using final reward. 3. I actually make the Xeno still 96 EP despite rechecking. I think the features still add up to 13? [Alarm 1, Computer, Garage, Gym, Infirmary, Masterwork Vehicle, Masterwork Living Quarters, Remote Control, Safari Cells [3], and Workshop]. I have noted in the space travel cost (i.e. now annotated). I think the extra EP of 181 was actually the utility belt should be annotated as 4 Alt powers and 24 EP (Now corrected). Double checked and it makes 180 to my eye. 4. Powers was a screw up by me. I have revised this to make 46 PP total. This left me with 3 spare PP which I have sunk into a) Making Base Attack +12 not +10, and b) Removing Ranged attack focus and adding prone fighting feat. I think that all adds up now. Gunmonkey 1. Corrected what I think is an annotation error. Strength - AFTER size reduction, should cost 9. Constitution should have been costed as 8, not 18, meaning a total score of 37. 2. I think you are in error here. Gunmonkeys base defence is +9, meaning his dodge bonus is +4. This would give him a base defence of +9/+5. However, as he is small size this becomes +10/+6. I am pretty sure that size bonus is explicitly added after flat footing (there is ATT reference to this, and as explanation you retain your size bonus to defence even when helpless/defenceless). EDIT: Found reference https://roninarmy.com/att-forum-archive/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=24033 3. Corrected the annotation for Supersenses. In addition his toughness, I think should be +3 (+4 from CON, -1 Size) so I have annotated that in.

At Moira request, a 20 min sketch of ideas.... Sunspear Power Level: 10; Power Points Spent: 150/150 STR: +6 (22), DEX: +6 (22), CON: +6 (22), INT: +0 (10), WIS: +8 (6/26), CHA: +8 (6/26) Tough: +6, Fort: +6, Ref: +8, Will: +10 Skills: Bluff 4 (+12), Diplomacy 4 (+12), Intimidate 4 (+12), Knowledge (theology & philosophy) 10 (+10), Language 2 (+2), Medicine 4 (+12), Notice 4 (+12), Perform (dance) 4 (+12), Perform (singing) 4 (+12), Perform (stringed instruments) 4 (+12), Sense Motive 4 (+12) Feats: Attack Focus (melee) 4, Attractive (+4), Dodge Focus 4, Fascinate (Perform), Fearless, Improved Critical (Strike 4), Improved Critical (Strike 4), Luck 2 Powers: Feature Divine Inspiration: Increased effect of "Inspiration" use of HP Immunity 13 aging, condition: Cold, custom: Sunlight Effects 10, disease; Power Loss (Apples) Infusion of Sun (Enhanced Trait 40) (Traits: Charisma +20 (26, +8), Wisdom +20 (26, +8); Power Loss (Eating apples) Leaping 2 (Jumping distance: x5) Speed 2 (Speed: 25 mph, 220 ft./rnd) Sunspear (Device 5) (Easy to lose, Restricted use (Divine characters); Feat (Looks like bracelet initially)) 22 PP Sun Array, Feat: Alt Power 3 BP: Dazzle 10 (affects: visual senses, DC 20, Feats: Improved Critical (Strike 4); Range (touch); Extended Reach (5 ft.)) linked with Strike 4 (Linked; DC 25, Feats: Improved Critical (Strike 4); Affects Insubstantial 2 (full power), Extended Reach (5 ft.), Incurable, Mighty) AP: Fiery Sunbeam (Strike 10) (Alternate; DC 25; Line Area (5x250 ft. line); Affects Insubstantial 2 (full power)) AP: Sunburst (Dazzle 10) (Alternate; affects: visual senses, DC 20; Burst Area (50-250 ft. radius); Range (touch); Progression, Increase Area 2 (area x5)) AP: Sunlight (Environmental Control 5) (Alternate; heat (extreme), light (bright), Radius: 100 ft.; Total Fade; Range (touch); Slow Fade (1 minute)) Attack Bonus: +6 (Ranged: +6, Melee: +10, Grapple: +16) Defense: +10 (Flat-footed: +3), Knockback: -3 Initiative: +6 Drawbacks: Vulnerable, common, minor, Fire, Vulnerable, common, minor, Metal Languages: English, Greek, Latin Totals: Abilities 28 + Skills 12 (48 ranks) + Feats 13 + Powers 73 + Combat 24 + Saves 4 - Drawbacks 4 = 150 Fluff: Sunspear was stripped of divine heritage by the rage of Hephasteus - she ate a poisoned apple that took away her divine soul. Ever since, she keeps the scars of this horror including a slight vulnerability to metal and heat (thanks to the god of the forge). Her divine parents did their best, bathing her in an enchanted stream of golden sunlight. Even if she would be mortal, their child would grow up with peak physical abilities, great beauty, and that golden sunlight in her, protecting her from disease and the ravages of time. She would grow to have superhuman wisdom and charisma, but if she ever ate apples again, she would be stripped of this gift (temporarily), becoming ungainly, crude, and primal. On earth, they could not let her be undefended; a gift from the Gods - a golden bracelet that she could transform in an instrument of Appollo - a blazing spear, shining with sunlight. Complications 1: Hephasteus Curse: His fury still lingers. As god of the forge, any mechanical device of metal will tend to fail in her hands, often at the worst moments. This may even extend to technological devices but things like cars and machines have it in for her... 2: Vain: She is an almost goddess, and will not abide taunts, nor anything that detracts from her glorious appearance or charm. humiliation is interolerable. 3: Artistic fascination: Taught by Apollo himself, she is easily fascinated with anything musical or artistic, being easily deceived or manipulated by artists and musicians. 4: Device powered by the sun. The sunspear will slowly lose power and is recharged by the sun. Extended use or protracted periods with no sunlight will cause it to fail. 5: Nectar and Honey. She has a very sweet tooth growing up on Nectar and Honey. She has an odd palate, and will not like bitter or sour foods, spitting them out (easily causing offence or at the least lacking social niceties). This may also include a desire for apples even if it does cause a terrible effect on her...

GM Sphere's light seemed to solidify, its skin glistening to hard steel for a moment. "I can assure you that this base is fully secure. The Tinker has installed the best security systems in the galaxy" it said firmly. "Besides which. the serving robots are capable of dealing with any threat in a non-lethal manner" Back in the main reception hall, twenty minutes to the opening of the Night Flower, the guests had begun to thin out, taking their places. Red Spear and Devil Dog were there, talking to guests in a manner that seemed to be insistent, bordering on interrogation. Those same serving robots, all chrome and grace, continued to ply drinks and delicacies. More Terran gin was offered to Barrier. Kit Klikk was there, a smallish insect with six limbs in the standard Star Knight armour (albeit modified for his physiology). Klikikiki - kik kik - kikiki - ki kikiki - ki The rapid clicks of the insects mandibles lacked any inflection, it was a kind of advanced more code for communication. Fortunately, his Star Knight armour could communicate. "Welcome. Special Event. Apologies for interruption of evening. Warning. This one* tracked Grue spies. On Nocturne. Conjecture - Grue investigating Bloom. Suggestion increased vigilance at event" Between the mandibles clicking and the drab communication, it was difficult to tell, but Kit seemed subdued and agitated at the same time. Perhaps it was the nature of his race, perhaps not. *Standard reference to self used by Kit's race.

again, another Galactic Lore Roll, with +4 for Eidectic Memory. Dc 20 DC 25 DC 30

GM Munn Marneen was astute enough not to dispense with the formalities, especially with the Paretorians. But it was become increasingly clear he was only interested in Lexa - and perhaps by extension, the Bloom. There was a long pause whilst the Bloom was admired by all, until Lexa broke the serenity. "There it is, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is of course, a colony in artificial surroundings. Outside, by the Vent, by the Opera, it will be larger, wilder. Not, it should be said, under such optimal situations as this - i am afraid it may not be so rapid or virulent. The vent is not of ideal temperature or ultravoilet light to lead to this" she explained, almost disappointed. "But, it will be a fine backdrop in any case. And speaking of which, I must take my leave. The opening is imminent, and there are last minute preparations to make". She gave a warm smile and walked off, to beat of Munn's adoring eyes. "Excuse me, dear Praetorians" he bowed at Paradigm and Barrier. "I must speak with Lexa..." he apologised, before waddling off after her. As he did so, Sphere entered the dome, silent and translucent, lines of amber flowing over its body. "I hope you enjoyed the private viewing", it said its smooth melodic voice. "I must apologise however. Lexa has invited a member of the Star Knights, Kit Klikk, to the Opera. He has been here for several days during the preparation. He is asking to speak to you..."

GM A few moments later... Barrier had (with no complaints from the nervous man) disengaged from the Barman, whilst Paridigm had not (with much complaint) disengaged from Munn. Lexa, growing increasingly irritated with the Fish-mayor, lead them to a silent dome of glass, under the beautiful night sky of Nocturne. In the centre, another small dome, with bubbling thermally heated water, under ultravoilet glare, was the Bloom. It was neither one thing, nor another. Every ten seconds or so, the water exploded into a new form. purples and reds predominated, but every explosion of cellular life was a different hue, sometimes in different parts. It was like crystal, then like leaves, then like a million marbles. "It is beautiful" remarked Lexa, watching the display in a slow circular walk. "I am not a scientist, but as I understand it, the Bloom has evolved to this planet's unique conditions. It hibernates for centuries or more, frozen. When a thermal vent appears, in conjunction with starlight, it grows at an unprecedented rate, so fast that the evolving cells actually use the previous bloom for food. A certain minimal amount of new nutrients and chemicals from the vent, a certain amount of light, plus heat, and a new Bloom will eat the old dead ones. What you see..." The previous Bloom of purple hued spikes died, only to be replaced by a new one of deep aquamarine leaves. "...is the new eating the dead" She paused whilst the Aquamarine leaves died, crumbling, only to be cannibilised by the new bloom, this time of white spiralling tendrils. "It is always searching, always trying to evolve, to survive. Alone and unique" she finished, quite enraptured by the site. Even Munn was silent, his eyes finally drawn away from his idol. "It is my muse" finished Lexa, humbly. "And I dedicate the Night Flower to it. I hope it will listen..."

Synth Fight the Power 12 Posts GM The Night Flower 12 Posts GM posts to Flintlock up to as far as can go (15 I think). Any spare, boosting Synth to 15 Posts, then 1 to Red Rat, Starshot, Steam. Misc I never did take credit for this, which I have updated. If agreeable, then bonus PP to Flintlock.