Supercape

Having a few problems with 'tinternet at the moment, hopefully I will resolve them soon. Its intermittent but annoying. I will be posting but will be largely absent from chat for time being. As its intermittent, I can still usually check messages and be involved in threads, so keep em coming. You may, however, have to transiently shed tears of despair as you are deprived of my wonderful charm on chat for a day or two...

Supercape was less than impressed with himself. Damn it, when was he going to be a hero? Heck, he was meant to be a SUPERhero. He had the cape to show it. Instead, this young woman with a ragtag costume was showing him what real. Mettle was. He paced around a bit, listening intently for any of the aforementioned sounds. When he heard the crashing of chairs, he burst into action. Activating his quantum force field, and r unning into the room in a flurry of textile splendour he pronounced "Halt, citizens!"

Quentin turned round to the young fellow. "Shhh" he said, reflexively, before realising that it was indeed a pertinent question to a very unusual situation. "Sorry dear chap, force of habit in a theatre. I don't think so, no. Most peculiar. Haven't read the Greek tragedies for oooh a good decade though. Some of these modern productions do take liberties. " He looked back to the stage. He wasn't persuading anyone, really. This didn't seem part of the show.

"Right then", announced Supercape, "I guess we need to apprehend the youth and convince him of the error of his ways. " He cracked his knuckles. "I'm sure the poor boy is just misguided. A stern lecture on civil responsibility will do the trick. It stands to reason he will see the error of his ways and capitulate if we confront him... thereby revealing the underlying malaise!" he twirled his finger with an authoritarian air and drew himself up to his not unimpressive full height. "What do you think, young lady? I'm sure you, as a woman still possessed of vibrant youth, have insight into the matter. "

"Blimey" replied Supercame, fidgeting. He reached momentarily for his bow tie, before realising that he had reformed it into his splendid shimmering blue costume. "Erm, what do we do now? I'm not much good at this stealth business." It would be even worse if he activated his shimmering quantum force field, as he was tempted to do. He still had the bruise from the day before. He did wish his companion would lighten up, it would help relieve his own mounting anxiety. "Erm. I hat to ask you flat out. But are you able to spy on him?" He instinctively winced and held his hands over his head, excepting another admonishment.

Quentin was annoyed. He had been enjoying the show, and now it seemed everything had gone awry. Falling sandbags, fights amongst the production crew. Hold on. Teleportation?. Something was off here. He strained his extraordinary senses, but no abnormal energies. Not special effects? What was going on? What should he do? For the time being, it seemed all he could do was remain in his seat and watch. If the situation became clearer, he could always nudge the odd atom this way or that.

Supercape was impressed. Two dimensional form! His mind whirred with the complexities. No mass in that shape either... she was virtually invisible to his special sensory abilities. "My dear that was quite extraordinary! How I would love to know how you do that! Does it hurt? What's it like? Is the parabolic of the extrapolated dimension hyperfolded within an n-dimensional lattice?" "Hmph. Anyway. Yes. Something has been clearly stolen from here. I wonder if the university staff have been complicit?" "Ether way, we have some more investigating to do!" He smiled and winked at her. "Get it? Ether way? No?"

"Why, of course..." started Supercape, reaching into his pocket for the University key, before realising that he didn't have it, and in any case it would be a dead give away as to his identity. "I don't" he mumbled. Blast and damnation I have to be more careful! he reprimanded himself. In any case, it would be interesting to see what this Silhouette lady could do. "Take it away, madam!"

"I think I can manage that" replied Supercape, who had given up hope by that point, and had started his own amateur and ineffective investigation. Truth was, he was simply ignorant in the ways of crimebusting. Atombusting yes, crimebusting no. But he wasn't to late to learn, even from this young lady. Might be good for him, a bit of Sherlock Holmes. In a flash, he reformed his tweed jacket and bow tie into the splendid blue and white shimmering costume of Supercape, and with another moments concentration teleported outside of the chemistry building that he had been intently gazing at. "I'm here!" he continued, down the phone. Rather pleased with himself, this time.

Quentin awoke the next morning with a mild hangover that partially resolved with a big glass of water, an english breakfast, and a liberal dose of paracetamol. Event below par, his mind was keen, and he spent an hour or so in the campus library researching the effects of Zoom. Nasty stuff, he concluded. He was hardly a detective, however, and admitted to himself that investigating crime was not really his thing. The young lady he had met last night probably had more clue than he. He was still rather ashamed of his general behaviour last night, and noted he really hadn't got much of a clue who she was. Perhaps a quick message to her? Apologies for last night. Any leads? I promise I'm quite sober today.

"Certainly, my dear. " replied Supercape, massaging his head and his ribs. He pulled out the phone he used for his costumed identity, and gave her his number. "The Zoom stuff seems a little reckless to me. Hmph. Kids today. Should be studying and reading books. Wasn't like this in my day. " he sniffed. But she was right in one regard. He needed a good nights sleep. "Well, tomorrow then. I'll brush up on my Zoom in the meantime. " and with that, he flew off. Not exactly in a straight line, but it would do.

"Hmph." mumbled Supercape once more. "Who were those rapscallions anyway? I'm not particularly fond of getting run over, particularly by a human being. And my hip hurts. " Pondering the matter slightly, he continued. "I'm a bit new in town, but I have heard of this zoom thing. I'm guessing that's the root cause, so to speak. " He furrowed his brow, and massaged it gently. "This is most perturbing. I really don't want this stuff on the campus. Might interfere with my lec... errr... my e..lectric superpowers. Or something. " he mumbled.

"Right guys", said Slick, who was nervous to say the least. Flamethrowing villains were the last thing she fancied fighting once, let alone twice. "Stay close, and keep watching with the camera and listening with the bugs. And Dragonfly, keep your finger on the sprinkler system button. If it gets to hot, we need to douse him. " She examined the drip on the scientist, full of a moderate dose of benzodiazepine sedative and a side helping of opiates. She knew enough pharmacology for a good guess. 50 odd years of running a pharmaceutical company meant that a little had rubbed off. Her own drip was inserted, running just saline. She adjusted the scientists drip, and slowed the flow. Hopefully he would wake up soon.

Sounds fun. Hope the communist angle comes into play! This may become technically difficult with two PL 13s and two PL 7s, so I hope all bear with that problem.

Next up, the Good old British Bobby, the "Copper". In this setting named after the copper plated truncheon they use that has a wind up battery unleashing a one-shot "stunning" charge! The Copper Power Level: 3 (39PP) Trade-Offs: None Description: The Copper is the typical British policeman in Victoriana Earth. Eskewing firearms, he (or she) uses fair play and courage to patrol the streets. 'Evening all, 'Evening all, what's going on 'ere then? Some Coppers may have slightly different skills, such as Ride instead of Drive for mounted police, and of course there are specialists with all sorts of skills. Detectives may have higher Investigate, Search, and Sense Motive Skills. A few "Special officers" may carry firearms. The Street Copper below is usually chosen to be a rather tall and burly chap, as per the Police officers of old. Whilst not corrupt (usually), they are no adverse to giving scruffy scallywags a 'clip round the lughole. Coppers are normally held in fairly high regard by civilians. Abilities: 4 + 2 + 4 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 12PP Strength 14 (+2) Dexterity 12 (+1) Constitution 14 (+0) Intelligence 10 (+0) Wisdom 12 (+1) Charisma 10 (+0) Combat: 6 + 4 = 10PP Initiative: +1 Attack: +3 Grapple: +5 Defense: +2, +1 Flat-Footed Knockback: -1 Saving Throws: 3 + 3 + 1 = 7PP Toughness: +3 (+2 Con, +1 helmet) Fortitude: +5 (+2 Con, +3) Reflex: +4 (+1 Dex, +3) Will: +2 (+1 Wis, +1) Skills: 28R = 7PP Computers 10 (+15, Skill Mastery) Diplomacy 4 (+4) Drive or Ride 3 (+3) Gather Information 2 (+2) Investigate 2 (+2) Knowledge (Civics) 2 (+2) Knowledge (Streetwise) 2 (+2) Medicine 2 (+2) Notice 4 (+5) Search 4 (+4) Sense Motive 4 (+5) Feats: 0PP Equipment 3 DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 17 Toughness (Staged) Damage Copper Touch DC 19 Toughness (Staged) Damage DC 14 Fortitude (Staged) Stun Abilities (12) + Combat (10) + Saving Throws (7) + Skills (7) + Feats (3) + Powers (0) - Drawbacks (0) = 39 Power Points

First up, the SZS (Special Zeppelin Service). The Steampunk version of the SAS, the crack troops of the British Empire! Special Zeppelin Service Power Level: 6 (83 PP) Description: An SZS Officer is the most highly skilled and dangerous soldier in the British Empire. The below is a template, but SZS officers will also have one (or maybe two) other special skills such as bomb disposal, mechanic, pilot, medic, etc. They may also have other equipment such as Sniper Rifles, TNT explosives, gas grenades, gas masks, scuba gear, etc, and could use pretty much any weapons as they deem fit. They do not always operate in uniform. The equipment below is for an "in uniform", patrolling regular SZS soldier. SZS Officers may have even higher Att/Def, Tactical skills, INT, and training, and may not be classed as "minions". Abilities: 20 pp STR: 14 (+2) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: 16 (+3) INT: 12 (+1) WIS: 14 (+2) CHA: 10 (+0) Combat: 24 pp ATK: +6 DEF: +6 (+3 flat footed) Init: +7 Grapple: +8 Knockback: -3 Saving Throws: 12 pp TOU: +6 (+3 Con, +3 Vest) FORT: +7 (+3 Con, +4) REF: +6 (+2 Dex, +4) WILL: +6 (+2 Wis, +4) Skills: 13 pp=52 r Climb 4 (+6) Craft (Mechanical) 2 (+3) Drive 4 (+6) Intimidate 4 (+4) Knowledge: Tactics 8 (+9) Medicine 2 (+4) Notice 8 (+10) Pilot 4 (+6) Survival 4 (+6) Swim 4 (+6) Feats: 14 pp Equipment 9 Improved Aim Improved Critical (Rifle) 1 Improved Initiative 1 Precise Shot 1 Startle DC Block: Unarmed Attack Touch DC 17 Toughness (Staged) Damage Rifle Ranged DC 20 Toughness (Staged) Damage Heavy Pistol Ranged DC 19 Toughness (Staged) Damage Knife Ranged DC 19 Toughness (Staged) Damage Grenade Ranged / Explosion DC 20 Toughness (Staged) Damage Abilities (20) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (13) + Feats (14) + Powers (0) - Drawbacks (0) = 83 Power Points

As I am planning (soon) a moderately long thread in an alternate Earth (Steampunk English Empire), with possibly some further threads, I am going to need to play around with a few key Archetypes. I am going to be using many of the key civilian builds in M&M, with a few fairly obvious and I think trivial alterations (like replacing computers skills for craft (mechanical) as an obvious example). Equipment will be changed a little - no automatic weapons, plenty of halberds and cutlasses for instance (the army, police, and crooks will all be armed a little different). However, I am going to play around with some key figures I think may come up in this thread. Open for all comments and advice, and if anyone wants to shove in something they want in E-V reality, i'm more than happy to see it!

Ok, so Interest so Far: Definite Interest: Heritage / Grimalkin Avenger Assembled / Edge Aoiroo / Silhouette Trollthumper / Cannonade Possible Interest Qutoemyname / Colt I want to draw the line at 5 (even though it wont be particularly combat heavy and may well involve team splits etc). So if people above could confirm interest that would be great. Anybody else interested, feel free to post and if above don't confirm I can handle up to 5 (I think!). In the mean time, if any of above have any particular ideas or stories they want to explore with characters let me know (I usually ask this, although I can't always deliver!) Also, I will be creating some base NPC formats. I'm not sure the policy here about making all NPCs open for players to see? I'd rather keep it fairly secret for suspense from a personal perspective.

"Hmph. Well, thanks. Consider me suitably admonished", replied Supercape. He was rather uncertain about the whole business, truth be told. "The names Supercape, incidentally, on account of my super cape". He gave a wink. He really hoped the heroine would lighten up a little. All work and no play and all that.

"Hmph" retorted Supercape. To be honest, he was feeling more alert anyway. With a concerted effort he stared at his costume until it folded into a more uniform and characteristically magnificent form. Not perfect, but without an expert tailor and a tape measure, nobody would know the difference. Not much he could do about his breath, other than try not to breathe to heavily. With a flash of inspiration, he again reformed his costume to create a mouth covering. Of course, he know looked like a half baked blue ninja and his voice was muffled, but nobody would smell his breath. "Wfft thsh tho?" he asked. He pulled a bit at the cloth, and spoke a bit louder. "Will this do?"

Slick pondered the situation for a moment. "I have a feeling that scientist guy isn't going to be to happy when he wakes up in hospital. He looks like our best lead, I guess. " Remembering the slightly green girl, he had a thought. "I wonder how he would feel about his experiment.... he might be a bit more loose lipped around her." he continued, as he started to concentrate. Once again, with streaks of oil and contorting flesh, Slick changed shape. Now, he had the appearance of the "experiment" - the young girl, complete with slightly green skin. "Hook me up with a medical gown, a saline drip, and place me in the same room. See what happens when he wakes up. Just be ready with those fire extinguishers and try and keep him sedated!"

"Drunk. Nonsense my dear. I may have had a glass of wine. Or three. " He stiffened slightly. "Can't a hero have an odd tipple?". He deflated, his shoulders slacking. Not a good example, he realised. Honesty was the best policy. "Look, I have had a few, and I realise that is not exactly ideal. However, I happened to be in the area by coincidence and felt I had to react. " What exactly was the policy on this anyway? He was hardly a big drinker, but he wasn't to keen on complete abstinence. He hadn't been this sloshed for months, if not a year or so, and he was hardly falling over.

Because I wanted to Liebniz to be slightly more intelligent than Supercape, but not 20 (best in nation) Because I wanted him to be slightly above average charisma, but less so than Supercape (so 11)!

The fog cleared. Perhaps the blow and the adrenaline even sobered Supercape up slightly. With a quick glance at the boy, he focussed on a few key atoms which shifted, altered, and let loose a glow of purple radiation that enveloped the speeding youth. Nobody was fast enough to evade Supercape. The incandescence glided over the boy's skin and his eyes glazed over, dropping his friend to the floor and loosing motor control. The quantum blast was not lethal, but it more than paid back for the bruised ribs Supercape would be feeling tomorrow.

Supercape is up, albeit bruised and drunk! Time for a frazzle! All the high defence in the world wont help against perception ranged attacks ZAP! Rolling zoomboys toughness (I am giving him +7 as defensive roll is +2 per rank now) 1d20+7=13 DC of Rad Blast is 25, so thats Bruised, Staggered, Stunned!