Supercape

"Not much fun, this dimension..." shouted Supercape over the noise and chaos. "...playing havoc with the old cape" he added. Even Supercape could sense the urgency of the situation, and for once, he deemed dusting off his magnificent cape was probably wasting precious seconds. Already his mind was penetrating the dimensions around them and working out how to manipulate the quantum energies that intertwined and bent around the multiverse. Reaching out to grab as many people as he could with his arms, he applied his mind to the key nudge that would shift them. "Grab on!" he yelled, as the space around them warped and shuddered...

The space infront of Warder wobbled and distorted, expanded and contracted. It paused in a state of flux for a few seconds. And out stepped Supercape, dusting of his cape. "Anywhere, any time" he smiled. "Well, not any time. I'm working on that. Hypothetically quantum entanglement should allow a non-paridoxical event transfer across the temporal streams of n-space. You see, if you look at the m-theory maths from a Heisenburg-Hawking perspective and consider the implications of wave-particle imaginary existence in a many-world multiverse then..." He looked around and coughed. "Maybe later. All ready for home?" he asked, examining the passengers.

Oh and as for Mr. Push. He can indeed use his telekenetic prowess to clear a path for landing! good call!

Sorry have been away a bit due to pain and painkillers - very woozy and sapped! Anyway, Blueshift can indeed use that device to her leisure. Time is sufficiently pressing, but with QUickness x10,000 taking 20 on a check is not a problem so I will presume you take 20 on physical sciences for a total result of 35 - more than enough! Firstly, the asteroid is stuffed full of Quantum Energy [TM] - or whatever novel name you wish to give to it (Blueshift Radiation is quite acceptable). Where it not for your Counters Concealment, your device would be much worse off: The entire planet has partial radio obscure. The surface is part silicon and part crystal, again, of a type your choice. Eg Quantum Crystal (I say quantum because its a good reason why Supercape cant teleport to/from/around the planetoid). The energy is electrical - discharges between the peaks of crystal. Anyone caught in the discharge would take a DC 30 toughness check (Reflex for half to take it to 23). The planet itself is very low (micro) gravity (Using standard rules) and flooded with moderate degree of radiation: although your space suits will shield your from that. It also is a vaccuum and ill use standard rules for that (again your spacesuits will shield your from that effect). However, it also has a lot of micro razor sharp crystals floating around. These will eat into and degrade both the ship and your suits, particularly if you move around a lot. FInally, it is geologically unstable. A few earthquakes, chasms opening up, etc. Good luck out there, chaps!

"I must confess a degree of caution, Sir", chipped in Supercape. "If I had to choose, solar energy would be my choice - although the set up costs could be prohibitive, especially if its lunar based. Prohibitive, but not impossible. " He approached the subject as gently as he could. "Vaccuum energy does sound exciting, but it is an unknown quantity. Would you be prepared for some of us at the Lab to look over the maths? and if possible the prototypes?" He anticipated a negative response. Whilst the Baron professed advancement for human civilisation, he appeared possessive over his project. That wasn't surprising, or indeed blameworthy: Supercape judged him to be half scientist and half businessman. "I am sure we can sort out all the logistics - I am guessing you are stuffed to your eyeballs with patents so we wont be stealing any ideas. "

Right sorry I have been out of commission a while - post surgery been in a lot of pain and a lot of painkillers, neither of which are good for the brain! Anyhow: Jube picks up a lot of scents around the corpse, and would certainly identify anyone who would have been close to him. That will help narrow down the field, but it wont be exclusive. Investigate roll of 24 is more than sufficient: Jube picks up the a fragment of steel from the corpses wound: a splinter from a knife. With a keen eye and magnifying glass, he could match this to the murder weapon. Incidentally, if anybody has Medicine or Knowledge: Science, feel free to use them examining the corpse. As for notice checks: Anybody who scores more than 20 will notice the corpse seems to have been dragged: not far, but several feet, from where it initially fell. However, the bleeding only occurred from its new location.

Time is not of the essence here so feel free to take 20 (if you wish - its up to you if you want to do slow detective work or fast - the latter of course means you are closer on the heels of the crook). All characters can make notice checks (for Jube this will include his nose!) Also, if you wish, investigate and search checks.

"Well, say it with enough conviction, and it may work. The American idea is good. Lot of very silly people there. " She paused briefly. "But perhaps before we enter the passenger cabins, the scene of the crime might come first?" she opened the door to the next carriage, which appeared to be full of various scientific equipment, half of which was in storage. "The body is in here... and please feel free to use that nose". Ms. Wells did not lie, for in the middle of the carriage, in a large pool of blood, lay the body of an elderly, white haired man, in crumpled and bloody evening attire.

Nope. Good story. The Brit Machine carriage (that they are in) is not the scene of the crime - its the carriage next door where the grisly deed was done (And the body lies!)

"You do indeed" replied Ms. Wells. "Lady of the realm. Awarded with the Order of the Greater Garter, thanks to your efforts. Of course, it is up to you if you wish to use the title. It may be of some value in the right circumstance". "As for the magnificent suit of armour" continued the scientist. "I understand your concern. However, it leaves you, or us, with a dilemma. I have no doubt of its robust qualities, but on the other hand I am no sure how helfpul it will be to the investigation itself. Other than scaring off the weak-willed. The choice is yours, of course. Safety and caution may be the most prudent option. "

HellQ: Lord Steam Introduction Who are you? Sum yourself up in one sentence. The greatest detective in the Empire, Lord Steam! Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? Lord Steam has been my nickname in this dimension. Lord Lucien Lockwood, my real name, does just as well. What is your full birth name? Lucien Livingstone Lockwood. Where do you live? Just on the outskirts of Freedom City, near the splendid Forest (Where I have invested in considerable grounds for nature preserves etcetera). It is an old mansion, full of character. And now, full of servants too. How old are you? What year were you born (if applicable)? I am thirty years old, born on the third of March 1981. Physical Traits Good old fashioned aristocratic stock, tall, athletic, handsome, good hair. What is your gender? If not applicable, please explain. Male How would you describe your heritage? I was born into the Lockwood family. Lombard, my father, remains head of that noble line, although he is somewhat venerable now. A great family of the empire, very respected, and very wealthy. How tall are you? Six foot, one inch. What is your body type? Athletic, quick, and strong. Well, I may not be a world class athlete, but I stay in shape. Captain of the English under 15s Cricket squad for a few years. Do you have any particular weaknesses, such as allergies or physical disabilities? No, I am in tip top shape! How do you carry yourself? Are you graceful, or heavy on your feet? Can you be stealthy, do you walk with confidence? With grace and authority, of course. Born and bred to do so. I suppose I could sneak around if I had too, but not really my style. Describe your skin, eye, and hair color. A flushed saxon skin, with light brown hair and blue-green eyes. How do you wear your hair, if applicable? Do you have facial hair? Quite long, shoulder length, swept back, and well groomed. Never fancied facial hair myself, although a spiffy moustache would perhaps not go amiss one day. Do you consider yourself attractive? Do others? Of course (to both). Do you have any scars, tattoos, piercings, or birthmarks? Got a nasty stab arresting my first real crook, the Hampstead Hatchet. Still got the scar on my belly from that one. Do you resemble anyone famous? Myself. Do you have a dominant hand? Yes, my right. What kind of clothing do you wear? All sorts, but always expensive and well tailored. I usually wear an elegant Victorian style, which is, I gather, deemed somewhat eccentric in Freedom City. Do you wear makeup? No sir, I do not! What is your vocal range? Is your voice distinctive in some way? Quite loud, what with all that shouting in the cadets. 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? No. History Where do you come from? Most pertinently, I come from the dimension you term Earth Victoriana. Have you made any major moves, or do you live in your hometown? A very major one. Cross dimensional. Moved around back in my own dimension a bit, of course. Studied at Oxford, moved to London. Do you feel loyal to your country of citizenship? Do you consider yourself patriotic? How do you feel about the government of your country? Absolutely. God save the King! How do you feel about the place you come from? Splendid place, a bit stiff at times to be honest. When a man tires of London, he tires of life. Or comes to Freedom City. Where is your home town? What was/is it like? Growing up, were most of the people you knew similar to you, or were you somehow a minority? How did that affect you? Is there something you've always been really good at or really bad at? How has that affected your life? Sir, it is no exaggeration to say I am good at everything. As to what I am really excellent at, the answer would be “to whatever I put my mindâ€>. To date, my main interest is in the noble of art of detective work. Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? No. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. Reading the entirety of the Encylopedia Brittanica when I was six. Good read. The old man was rather proud,. What stupid things did you do when you were younger? Oh just the usual old Japes. Setting a few fires in the stables with some home made fireworks, smashing a few windows with my catapault, maybe a dalliance or two with a handsome maid. Where did you go to school? How much school did you have, and did you enjoy it? Eton, initially, until a went to Oxford University. Jolly good fun, character building stuff. Boarding school is good for you. Do you have any mementos of your childhood? What are they, and why did you keep them? If you have none, why not? My school reports, a few of my silly experiments, like the fireworks and catapault. Why not keep them? All good fun. When did you decide to become a hero? Why? Did anyone influence you one way or another in the decision? To keep my brain occupied, and to do my civil duty. Can’t have thugs wandering the streets of disorder. Is the reason you give people for becoming a hero different than your real reason? If so, why? No. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? No. Do you represent yourself as being different from who you really are? Why? No. If you do have these secrets, what do you fear would happen if the truth became known? How far would you go to protect those secrets? No secrets to hide, dear fellow! At least none I want to share! Do you have any sort of criminal record? If so, is it public knowledge? I may have bent the Law a few times as a young man. Drunk and disorderly, that kind of nonsense. Fortunately, my status, and my father’s wealth could buy me out of any criminal charges. Family What are your biological parents' names? My father is Lord Lombard Lockwood, and my mother was Lady Cressida Lockwood (Formally Brassfellow). Were you raised by them? If not, please explain and describe who raised you. Yes, alongside the house staff, particularly my nanny, a jolly robust lady called Meredith Willows. Of course, once I was boarded at Eton, they raised my too, in their own way. What was their standing in the community? What did/do they do for a living? They were gentlemen and ladies, Sir. It would not do for them to work for a living. Where are your parents now? My Mother died five years ago, bless her soul. Riding accident. Well, she was nearly 60 at the time. As for my father, he manages the estates back in my home dimension. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? They were mainly based in Lockwood estates, but we did travel around quite a bit. How did you get along with their parents? How do you get along with them now (if applicable). Rather well. Fond of my mother, and my father. Have a few quarrels with the old man these days of course, I swear he gets more cantankerous with old age. See him now and again and we get on well enough, especially if we share a good pipe, meal, and bottle of port How do your parents view you now, or how would they? I think my father is proud of me, but he dosen’t show it directly. Just with the twinkle in his eye. Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what are their names? Describe your relationship with them. 2 Sisters. The eldest, Lucy, is a respected Judge. Youngest woman ever in my dimension. I ask her for the odd bit of legal advice now and again. My younger sister, Helen, is a pianist. Very good one. What was your birth order in the family? I am the middle of the three. Where are your siblings now (if applicable)? Do they have families of their own? What do they do? Lucy is unmarried, devoted to her work in upholding the Law, and lecturing. Helen is dating a rather tepid but talented young artist. No children yet. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? Yes, although being in a different dimension can be trying. Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? Well, I do suppose I have a soft spot for the old man. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? Perhaps Lucy, as we both work with the courts. Maybe a little bit of competition now and again, and even a few quarrels. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? If so, please explain. No. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? If so, please explain, including how it has affected your life. Admiral Bertrand Lockwood, hero of the British Empire Naval fleet, must be over a century ago now. 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? Seems a jolly good option in the fullness of time, and for the right woman. What type of person would be your ideal mate? Intelligent, handsome, a little bit mysterious. Perhaps a little French, maybe? Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, please describe them, and how you came to be close to them. Not yet, at least in this dimension. My family are probably my closest friends back in Earth Victoriana. 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 staff. MI7, the intelligence agency from Earth Victoriana. Have you lost any loves? If so, how did it happen, and what did you do? Not as yet. Do you have any bitter enemies? If so, please describe them and their history with you. No. If you have enemies, how do you think they might attempt to work against you in the future? Discredit me, ruin me, something like that. I doubt they would resort to violence. What is the worst thing someone has done to you? Where do your loyalties lie? In what order? Gosh, a tricky one. I don’t know if I can put them in order. To myself, my family, to King and country, and to the Law. That’s the honest answer. I cant put them in order, old bean! Who or what do you trust the most? Why? People I know the most – my family, my staff, my friends. I have utmost faith in the rule of the Law, democracy, and society. Who or what do you despise? Why? Villains! Although I relish the challenge of apprehending them. What qualities do you admire most in other people? Are these qualities you possess? Intelligence, decency, manners. I would like to think I have these qualities. What qualities do you hate most in other people? Do you have any of those qualities? Rudeness, bad manners, the uncouth. Do you have a secret identity? If so, who knows it? Do you hide it from people who are close to you? Why? No. Do you work well on teams and in groups? Are you a leader or a follower? Either, dear fellow. I can take a suggestion of course. Not the kind of chap who takes orders. 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? Member of MI7, the extraordinary intelligence service of the British Empire in Earth Victoriana. Personality & Beliefs Who are your heroes? Good old fashioned, boys ‘own Englishmen. The adventurers, the pioneers, the leaders… Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? Never, sir. Never!. Upstanding Englishmen, the lot of them! Do you like being a hero? If so, what is the most rewarding part? If not, what makes you keep doing it? The challenge, the hunt, the unmasking of the villain! Is there anything that would make you give up hero work, or even switch sides? Quite possibly, if I found something as suitably stimulating. What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? Set up a robust headquarters on Freedom City, get to know the city and the dimension, and capture a few crooks! What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? Don’t plan that far ahead, old fruit! But quite possibly, the same. I want to be successful, stimulated and wealthy! What is your greatest fear? Why? What do you do when something triggers this fear? Ridicule, bankruptcy, loosing my reputation. If these become a possibility, then – why – I would dig my heels in and not stand for it! No Sir! I would not! Is there anything you would give you life for? My country, for the greater good. In some heroic enterprise. 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? Very useful stuff, money. I love it! I am generous with it, but of course I have a lot to be generous with. How do you generally treat others? Fairly but firmly. Are you a trusting person? Has your trust ever been abused? Yes I am. And I take the abuse of my trust most poorly. In general however, I find that trust given is not often abused. Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Do you have a lot of self-confidence? Extroverted, Sir! Extroverted! Nothing wrong with my self confidence! How do you act around attractive, available members of your preferred sex? With good manners, and charm. What are your most annoying habits? My dogged curiousness, I would suppose. I can’t let a mystery slide. I simply must have the answer. Of course, some folk in this new dimension of yours do find my attitudes and behaviour a little peculiar so I am told. Do you feel contempt for any general category of people? Who are they, and why? None. 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? A good roast dinner. I am a food lover of the world, always eating in the finest restaurants. Not that I eat to excess or gorge myself. Quality, not quantity. What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or otherwise)? Port probably, although I have a soft spot for the standard British Beer sold in its many Taverns and Public Houses. What is your favorite treat (dessert)? Crème Brule. The finest thing to come from France. Simple, elegant, and subtle all at once. Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? Np. What is your favorite color? Are there any colors you dislike? I don’t suppose I have one. Maybe the blue of the British Policeman. What sort of music do you like? Is there any that you hate? Classical music is my favourite. The finest artists of the centuries will always trump the finest artists of the present. If you have a favorite scent, what is it? Rose. Do you have a favorite animal? Good trusty hunting dog will always serve you well, Sir. As will a hearty steed. What is your most treasured possession? Why? My 18th birthday present, a family heirloom. A priceless silver Swiss pocket watch. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? I have done both, and to a degree enjoy both. I would prefer the latter however. Is there a job or a task you would absolutely refuse to do? Menial, boring, or repetitive tasks. Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? If so, how do your beliefs affect your life?How important is it to you? Not particularly, although I am interested in all aspects of the human psyche. Could you kill? Have you killed? Shot a man dead in Afghanistan a few years back, nasty business with some local bandits. I don’t relish the event, and would rather not take a life again, now matter how beastly the soul was. But I could, if the situation demanded it. What circumstances led to you forming that conviction, or taking that action? Reflecting on what happened, and retaining my convictions on the need for Justice and Law. Are there circumstances under which you believe it is permissible to kill? What are they? It is. In a war. If its you or him, then best to choose him. Killing without cause, or choosing to Kill, is called something else. Its called murder. 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? Shocked. There should not be any need for killing. I’d keep my cool and try and prevent any further bloodshed occurring. It would certainly put a most powerful strain on any friendship. How would you react if something important was stolen from you? I would be most vexed, and immediately start to look for clues as to the culprit! How would you react to public humiliation? With a stiff upper lip, on the outside. Inside, I would be mortified, and swear revenge! How would you react if a good friend or relative were purposely or accidentally killed? Has it happened to you? I would keep as good cheer as possible. Inside, the fires would drive me to apprehend those responsible. As yet, it has not happened. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? Murder. The taking of a life must be the most grave of offences. If your life were to end in 24 hours, what five things would you do in those remaining hours? I would go to a jolly good party and try to forget about it. Enoy myself as much as possible in good company. Career & Training Do you have any special training in your hero skills? If so, where and how did you get it? I have all sort of experience in training. I mainly taught myself, as a hobby, but MI7 and other people have aided me at times. Most of my skills are in detective work and related applications. I am also learning Baritsu at its London School, and have a fair proficiency at the art. Who taught you the most about your heroing abilities? What was your relationship with that person? Myself! Do you have any particularly unusual skills? How did you acquire them? No, unless you include my natural photographic memory. Do you do something besides hero work for a living? Have you ever done anything else, or do you plan to? No sir, I am a gentleman. And gentlemen do not work. What is your preferred combat style? Baritsu, if required. However, there is no substitute for surprise, tactics, and the use of ones brain in any situation – combat, or otherwise. Have you ever received any awards or honours? The order of the Lesser Garter, for arresting the Hampstead Hatchet. What skill areas would you like most to improve in? Is there anything you can't do that you wish desperately you could? Everything! Most eager to learn. My major ambition is to become the greatest detective in the multiverse! 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? Both! Lifestyle & Hobbies What is a normal day for you? How do you feel when something interrupts this routine? I would arise at a gentleman’s hour. That is, after midday. I have few commitments so I would amuse myself as I see fit, with the evening usually set aside for the more frivolous of activities. Do you have any hobbies, or interests outside hero work? What are they, and where did you pick them up? I am an avid reader of everything – politics, philosophy, literature. It helps one keep a perspective on things. I am setting up a few business ventures on this dimension, which are a pleasant distraction. What do you do for fun? On my own, I might read, take a walk or some other exercise. However, I like to socialise, play the wit, go to the theatre, opera, or music hall. Any good adventure or experience. Do you have a costume? What does it look like? No. How do you normally dress when not in costume? Elegant victorian style, usually with a walking cane, and my silver pocket watch. What do you wear to bed most nights? Fine silk pyjamas, maybe a dressing gown. Do you wear any special jewelry? What is it, and what does it look like? A gold ring bearing the Lockwood coat of arms. Do you have a special place where you keep your valuables? My safe at my home. What's your preferred means of local travel? How about long distance? Walking, or automobile. Long distance, I would probably use a Zepplin or other aeronautical vehicle. Miscellaneous Have you ever made a will, or tried to make arrangements for your death? What provisions did you make? I have, it is much encouraged amongst the nobility. My inheritance would go to my sisters, with a modest amount to legal charities. If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? Goodness man, how macabre! I wouldn’t think so, but what a ghastly image! What would you like to be remembered for after your death? A hero, a genius, a great detective. Do you believe you pose a threat to the public? Why or why not? Not in the slightest. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? My wit. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? Well, it’s a new dimension, I’m still getting used to its… peculiarities. 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... I must plead with his Lordship to exercise all due caution and restraint on his noble venture. Whilst his prestigious intellect and vast talent cannot be denied, I must also humbly remind him that he is venturing into a new dimension, with a new horizon of danger and peril. Many men with godlike strength move in this world, and I would beseech his Lordship to be wary and accept what few limitations he may possess… if any. Thanking you most kindly, Sir.

Lord Steam aka Lord Lucien Lockwood

"Indeed" nodded Ms. Wells. "The fact is, he helped me design it... and build it." She waved her hand over the Brit Machine, which was still steaming and whirring, although it was (as far as any of the heroes could tell) powering down after its trans-dimensional journey. "I didn't always approve of the direction he took the Institute, but you should be aware that he was the one of the foremost weapon designers for the Empire. And we were travelling as incognito as we could - very few people knew about our planned demonstation at the University of Dehli. Only myself, and two bodyguards, who were, as far as I can tell, drugged. "

"Vacuum energy eh?" replied Supercape. He wasn't completely surprised - his guest had shown himself to be quite capable of understanding such esoteric physics - and was clearly motivated and able to dedicate significant resources to the challenge of harnessing such forces. It had always struck him as being... well, feasible but not necessarily warranted or even efficient. Conversion of matter directly to energy had always seen the best option. "Well, its an interesting thought. Played around with the idea in my head of course. Technically possible, I suspect, although the engineering to do it is not... easy to say the least. I wont press on just how what direction you wish to travel, but it sounds interesting. "

Back in MI7... "Ah yes, thank you, sir" replied Lord Lockwood, recalling the night of frenzied combat he had had with the bent policeman. He rubbed his side automatically, remembering the steel of the blade. Fortunately, he had been patched up with no problems. He could afford the best surgeons in London, and knew a far few of of the Harley street physicians personally. Important lesson he recalled. Detection is only half the battle! "Well, it all ended up quite well" he continued. "The rotter is locked up for good now, and the Heath is safe once more". "Yes yes" replied V. "Showed some promise there. Our best detectives couldn't crack that as fast as you did, I dare say. And I understand you made quite an impression with the Royal College of Metaphysical Engineering, with that unfortunate Zepplin incident..."

The Hatchet rose to his feet, shaking the cobwebs from his head. He staggered as he regained his composure, waving the bloodied knife in front of him. The two men no longer exchanged words. In the midnight rain, they faced off to each other, each desperate for victory. The cane and blade clashed, and clashed again, both glinting. Bodies thrust against one another, and boots strained for balance in the wet and muddy ground. The fight became less elegant and more ferocious. Lucien knew he was, this time, fighting for his life against an opponent who was a killer. Dispelling his mind of all thoughts of failure he once again grappled with the Hatchet, and both men tussled from side to side, slamming into a tree as they battled for supremacy. In the end however, Lucien was stronger, faster, and more able. A slip, and the Hatchet left himself open. A swift low kick compounded the stumble of the murderer, and the cane whipped around connecting with the villains head. This time, the Hampstead Hatchett did not rise. His bloodied blade slipped from his unconscious fingers and tumbled to the ground beside him. "And let that be a lesson to you!" proclaimed Lord Lockwood, tapping his adversary with a foot. Now to get this patched up... he thought, observing the bloody mess he had left on his shirt.

Next Round follow up from LS (HH shaking off stun) 1d20+9=26 DC 20 Toughness save (Bruised x1) 1d20+2=18 ENd of round LS Injured x2 HH Bruised x2, Staggered Next round HH Attack 1d20+6=22 LS Toughness 1d20+7=24 resisted, even with 2 Injuries LS Attack 1d20+9=10 Miss Next Round HH Attack 1d20+6=15 Miss LS Attack 1d20+9=19 Hit HH TToughness vs DC 20 1d20+1=6 Staggered again, meaning Knocked out!

The hatchet crept forward and sprung, faster this time, aware that Lord Steam was a capable pugilist. The cane came up, but too slow. Damn! Keep mind on the Job! he cursed, as he felt the blade sink into his abdomen. "Ouch", he commented, as he sunk to one knee, flailing with his cane. The Hatchet stepped back, withdrawing his bloodied blade with a grin on his face. "No different to all the rest are you, your Lordship?" he sneered. "You bleed just the same, and you will die just the same. " "Indeed" replied Lucien, wobbling slightly - and more than he needed to. "My predicament seems most perilous..." Again the blade came down, on his shoulder. It Stung, but he didn't feel the seeping wetness as he did over the first wound. "Die!" screamed the Hatchet, lost in bloodlust. Perhaps he was insane after all... he seemed to be relishing his murderous goal. "Not today!" replied the sleuth, with a spring in his step and a flash of his cane, that drove into the Man's Jaw and sent him stumbling away to his knees. "Its not quite as bad as it looked!" he remarked, holding his aching wound.

HH Attack url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2983489/]1d20+6=26 Critical! DC 22 Tough Save 1d20+7=13 Bruised and Injured. Shaking off the Stun this round, for HH to attack again url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2983493/]1d20+6=20 A regular hit DC 17 Toughness save with 1 Injured 1d20+7=16 Moves to Injured x2 And his retaliation 1d20+5=25 for a fast feint vs 1d20+10=18 Meants the Hatchet is Flat Footed +2 dam / -2 Attack from Lord Steam 1d20+7=19 A comfortable hit, DC 22 Toughness 1d20+3=6 Staggered, Bruised, Stunned.

Supercape swore he could actually feel his blood cells melting down as bathed in the radioactive goo. Have to get out of this he swore, as he concentrated and flew out of the coolant with his cape flapping wildly, droplets of glowing green coolant splattering the entire room. This is going to be a nightmare to clean up... He was sick, wounded, and facing a nuclear powered villain who had gone critical. This wasn't looking good. But with enough time, Dragonfly might be able to overload him. I have to buy that time... With a wave of his hand, a globe of quantum material sprung up around Hiroshima Shadow. The faintly blue, semi transparent material was stronger than steel and would last forever. As long as nobody clever examined it really hard. It neither existed not did-not exist, and careful scrutiny of its more esoteric properties caused it to collapse to a state of non-existence. And that's a start... he nodded. Hopefully Hiroshima Shadow was not an expert on quantum mechanics, nor had the inclination to examine the material in much depth.

All good. Notice check is straightforward (as she can read Russian!).

Lucien sidestepped the man. The Hampstead Hatchet was not clumsy, far from it. He was actually deadly, and totally at home fighting with the blade. But the sleuth was faster, quicker, and more skilled with his trusty cane, which he brought up into a Baristsu fighting pose before slapping the blade away and striking back with his stick. The two men spun around to face each other again, each now aware that their enemy was not some helpless maid or witless thug. Both men were fast, strong, and able, and had a taste for the cut and thrust of fighting. Lord Lockwood moved with a cunning but effective grace, and his opponent with a powerful and violent crouch that spoke of much experience in dirty fighting. His heart racing, Lucien - in a detatched manner, came to realise that the detection of the criminal was only half the matter. One must also apprehend the villain. And in this case, that put him in considerable personal jeopardy. He was not surprised to find he loved the flush of adrenaline.

Using slightly modded "Mob Boss" for Hampstead Hatchet 1d20+1=13 Init HH 1d20+3=12 Init LS HH up first 1d20+6=14 Miss. LS will feint as a move action 1d20+5=22 vs 1d20+10=23 done And proceed to attack! 1d20+9=11 missing

Previously... Lord Lockwood pulled up his coat over the drizzling rain. November, in a cold winter, on Hampstead Heath, at midnight, in the middle of a rain that seemed to seep and stick to his clothes... Not his idea of a pleasant evening. But three murders here in three weeks. And grizzly ones too. He had asked around, and examined the scenes, carefully examining for clues. The weapon... a Hatchet, the man was large, with a slight limp, and a particular type of shoe, with worn soles. Left handed. He had even tracked down the soil that had been trampled around the victims. All of it had lead him here. He realised that he was now close, and it dawned on him that he may in fact be in some physical danger. Ahead, a copper patrolled the pathway, solitary, and also wet to the core. "No use running", said Lord Lockwood calmly. "The games up!" The grizzly copper shuffled to his side, with a slight drag of his right leg. "How did you know?" he growled. Lockwood replied with an even smile. "Aside from all the evidence you left at the scene, the victims... you tried to make it look like a grizzly serial killer, but they were all crooks themselves, carrying large amounts of money. A bent copper like you knew just when to strike..." "Damn right, and I bet you are carrying a pretty penny too, being a Lord like you are..." snarled the Hampstead Hatchet pulled out the flashing steel from under his rain coat, and charged the Lockwood.

A solo thread describing Lord Steam's entrance to Freedom City / Origin. Open to any ideas or even guest appearances later if people want to pip in.