KnightDisciple

Carson nods as Stesha goes through the list. "Clothes, hygiene items, and vitamin supplements are easy; I just need to talk to a couple of the charities I know. Shouldn't take more than a day, especially for the kid-sized stuff." He taps his chin in thought. "I might have a couple leads on farm animals. Though...we'd need to ask these people if they know how to take care of them. Wouldn't be as much use, otherwise. Let me know if Derrick needs some help leaning on them. I might have a couple favors I can call in to put a bit more pressure on some of the staff out there."

Gabriel gave a belly laugh at the boy's question. "You'll have to ask him when he stops by." He stands as Stesha is handing out the fruit, watching the crowd, trying to take in everything. Even when faced with such hardship, it seemed there was life and happiness still. He turned and smiled as Stesha offered him some fruit. "Yes, thank you." He took it and began to eat thoughtfully. As he finished, Stesha would hear his voice in her ear, but from the non-reactions of everyone else, it was clear he was using his power to speak to her. That, and the fact his lips were barely moving. "So, they've mentioned clothing. Looks like food is taken care of, as is medicine by and large. I'll see if I can get some camping gear or something. Maybe...hm. It sounds like you guys have power troubles. Do you need help getting a hold of some more power gathering/generating equipment?"

Gabriel was struck by the question. For several moments, he was silent, contemplating the child's words. Then, with another smile, he knelt down to be as close to eye level as possible with the boy. "Am I an angel? Not quite. I was visited by a real angel once upon a time. He said I was meant to help people. So he gave me a few special gifts, kind of like how Fleur has special gifts. But I'm a man like anyone else here. I'm just trying my hardest to help you all." He leans in and stage-whispers (so everyone can still hear). "If you're a good boy, though, maybe I can see about getting a real angel to come visit, though. I'm good friends with one."

Cobalt Templar shook his head, trying to figure out what Warlock was trying to do. "Um. Claremont's going pretty well. I'm getting some training time in with Young Freedom; I might even have a shot at being on the team soon! Wander's put in several good words for me, and you know how Mark can be. It's not too bad, really." He contemplates Blake's rationale for his decision. "While I don't totally agree with your choice, I can respect you making it and following through. I'm a bit biased, though, since my life's dream includes immersing myself in academia. We all walk different paths, I suppose."

Cobalt Templar blinked at the non sequitor. "I was teasing you about the marriage thing and..." He frowns, not getting up just yet. "Why am I getting on the motorcycle, why are we going to Alabama, what's going on, and can I eat my Chocolate first?"

"That sounds like a pretty solid idea. Good mix of the mundane and the mystical. Gives people an immediate idea of what you do, without being overwhelming. Play around with it a bit, and it'll turn out perfect." He flagged their waitress down to order dessert. "Yeah, the Death By Chocolate Delight. Thanks." Turning back to Blake, he smirked. "Ring-Bearer? I'm not sure if I should be more insulted you want me to fulfill a wedding job normally done by a little kid, or that you didn't want me as your Best Man." He feigns a sudden realization. "Oh! You're talking about the one I used to fight crime! And here I thought you were just giving me the most oblique announcement of your engagement to Jessica possible."

Cobalt Templar quirked an eyebrow. "Associating "marriage" and "fear"? You sure you're not projecting a bit there, my friend?" He smirked as he served himself up some more steak. Let Blake think on that for a minute; might teach him to reign in the cracks on Quo-Dis a bit. "But I'm serious. I'm pretty sure there's more like this out there; maybe they were all designed so that at least some could counter others? Or maybe it's a coincidental weakness, who knows. Maybe I'll gather them all, and be a Lord of the Rings, eh?" He sat back and pondered the offer of work. After almost two minutes, he leaned forward again, a fierce smile on his face. "I'd have to clear particular excursions with the school, but yeah. I'm down for that. We could kick butt and take names, show them how it's done right. Though..." He examined the rather civilian-esque garb his friend was wearing. "Don't get me wrong, classic look is good and all, but you might want to think about doing a bit more to make it all hero-y. Not saying change th whole thing. Just throw a couple bits in; maybe a mask of some sort? A few symbols here and there? Distinctive color? Play with the idea a bit, I say. Think about it, at least."

Carson nods. "To give an example, back in October of last year, I fought a large number of undead, under the direction of a couple of necromancers. I would never hold the people who were once those bodies responsible for what happened. The necromancers, yes, but not those poor souls. In the same way, any who are totally enslaved, who cannot do anything no matter how hard they fight against the control...It is not their fault what happens." He smiles slightly. The next words he speaks hold no condemnation, only compassion. "I'm glad to offer you such understanding, all from my meager opinion. After all. Who am I to stand in the way of someone seeking redemption? Even a former Omegadrone. I'd be a poor Catholic otherwise." He stands and walks to the sink, casually washing off his plate. Without turning his head, he speaks back to the other man. "You sure you don't want anything else? I'd hate to have to tell Heyzel I only gave you water when you were hungry."

Gabriel sat back in his chair with a frown. While Murdock's words of watching worlds burn were troubling, his question was one that often got thrown in his face. So many people found themselves mad at their circumstances, and ended up blaming God, asking that same question. "Well. I will preface my answer by saying that I am not a theologian. I try to understand as much as possible of my faith, but there are others out there who have more "book knowledge" on this. Then again, perhaps I have more..."real world perspective", as it were. Ultimately, evil exists because everything has the capacity to choose. Long ago, Lucifer chose to say he knew better than God, that his ideas were better, that he deserved more. And in that choice was birthed Pride. Pride takes Choice and uses it to work ill in our lives. Pride crept into the hearts of Adam and Eve in the garden. Pride drives every dictator in history. They choose to follow that little voice inside them that says "I know better, and I'll make everyone understand, no matter how many people I have to hurt!" Evil springs from taking choice, and making it solely about yourself. Selfishness. An unwillingness to help your fellow beings. Unfortunately, such actions have consequences that echo throughout the ages. Power allows men to do terrible, terrible things, and often generations after they're gone, their actions are still felt across the nations. This god of death and destruction: he has made choices that put himself above others. And he has power. This means that, sometimes, worlds fall to him. I only pray their souls found rest. But you're wrong on one count: All that exists will not fall into the Doom Coil. After all. This planet has turned his efforts aside. It cost us, but something like that always does. I believe it's better to hold onto hope, right up until your last breath. Otherwise...we let the likes of the Terminus win. We prove them right. We give them control."

"So now you're an expert on these things? Besides, that shock was too strong overall, yet too muted by the armor, to be "fun", were I into such things. Which I'm not. I'm a more traditional guy. Do like a good brawl, though." Fenris nimbly got to his feat and took a moment to find the gargoyle creature that both of them had struck. Seeing it, he lifted his right arm and fired off another bolt. "Eat superheated plasma!"

Blasting Gargoyle 1 from range. Hopefully a 16 hits. If so, DC 23 Toughness save. Staying put, otherwise.

Now Carson was more confused than ever. This didn't sound like typical demon stuff. 'But how do I know what's "typical" for demons?' "So...you were enslaved to some sort of overarching will? Unable to choose? Hm. So you were basically..." Here, he shivers. "You were trapped in your own body and mind, watching it commit horrible deeds? I...Truly, I'm not entirely sure what to say. "I'm sorry" feels hollow, and it would be a horrible lie to claim I understand." He leaned forward, a concerned look on his face. "That said, I'm willing to help. Your sorrow seems sincere. Heyzel sent you here. So...what do you need from me? A listening ear? An outside perspective? Tell me what you need, and I'll do my best to aid, such as it is within my ability."

Carson frowns a bit more deeply. This man is hard to read, and his words, while troubling, are also ambiguous. "Are you hungry, or perhaps thirsty? If so, I can get you something. Either way, please have a seat, though..." He eyes the way the floor creaks under the man. "Do be gentle. Probably best to stick with the couch over there. It's sturdier than the other furniture." He pointed to the particular piece of furniture. If Murdock asks for food and drink, he quickly prepares it. He then seats himself in a nearby chair, giving Murdock a steady gaze. "So. You think that between where you come from, and what you've done, you're not only less than human, that no one will accept you. And that there aren't many of you on this planet.' 'Is it even possible to have reformed demons? Is that what he is?' "Let me ask you something: These terrible things you did. You regret that they happened, yes? Another question: Were they your choice? By that, I am asking if committing these foul deeds is something you willingly embraced and chose, or if it was somehow forced upon you by your nature? Perhaps you are here now because, in a fit of irony, you rebelled against your baser nature. Sorry if my speculation is off-base. I'm just trying to understand what you're looking for here." 'What would you even call an angel who rebelled against Heaven, then against Hell? An angel? A demon? Or something else?' he thought distractedly to himself.

"Peaches and cream? That's kind of la-" Any further words are cut off by the impact of the gargoyle. There's a sharp exhalation of breath, and his body almost immediately goes limp. He's still breathing when he hits the ground, but he's out cold. At least, he's out until he gets hit with a low-level electrical shock. His suit's systems reboot, and he arches his back while crying out in pain. "GAH! That hurt, woman!" He flops back down for a moment, taking several seconds to gather his thoughts and equilibrium as his vision cleared.

Hm. Recovery, DC 10. I get +1 from you, and my Con Bonus +1. 12, so skin of my teeth there. Hm. I had no bruises, but that's a full round action.

Carson blinks at the man's words. Then he steps to one side, opening the door fully to allow Murdock to enter. He closes the door behind the other man after he comes inside. "Heyzel sent you? Well, I'm happy to help. Please, come inside." He gives the man an evaluating look. "While I'm not certified, or an official minister, or anything of that sort, I do work with troubled kids a lot. So I suppose I sort of count as a counselor. I'm not sure what you mean by persuasive reality... As for being a sinner, that's nothing new. So are any other people out there in the world. All 6 or so billion of us. Me, I've sinned plenty. But I get the sense there's a bit more to this than your membership in the human condition."

Gabriel shook his head at the offer. "While I respect your desire to provide trade, I'm going to politely decline "compensation". I'm going to be operating with one or two larger groups in the...faraway land that Fleur spoke of. Questions might be raised by such barter. Besides. It's a core part of both my beliefs, and the beliefs of those I will be getting the clothes and such from, that giving to those in need isn't just a joyful opportunity, it's a basic obligation. You people need help, and I will see that you get it. Perhaps in time we'll look to set up trade or the like, but for now, consider it a gift from me. After all, I've missed so many holidays around here, I'll have to make up for it." He smiles as he crouches down to bring himself closer to eye level with the children. He ruffles the hair of a couple of them before standing straight again, giving the spokesman a serious look. "I won't sleep until these children have shoes. And I will work as hard as I can to arrange for everything else you need. This I promise you." He smiled at everyone, now trying to ease their minds a bit. "Was there anything else? Perhaps questions for me?"

Carson had been making himself a sandwich to ward off a bit of hunger when the knock came. He frowned in puzzlement as he glanced at his calendar. Nothing on schedule. 'Who could be coming by here without calling ahead?' he thought curiously to himself. He walked to the door, glancing through the peephole for a moment before unlocking and opening the door about halfway. He stood there, not quite inviting Murdock in, but also not trying to repel him just yet. "Can I help you, Sir?"

Gabriel crouches next to Marcus. "None of us were perfect tonight. We all got bamboozled on some level. We all went off half-cocked at one point or another. We could have done things better. But. That's the past. We've beaten him, no more deaths have happened, and this scumbag's getting locked away for a long time. Stone's doing fine from what we all saw out here. And think about it like this, Marcus. He may have made you attack him...but you didn't turn into a bear. To me, that means you still had enough control to fight back, even if just a bit. Every bit counts. You've still got time to build up knowledge and experience. I've had bad days too, been taken out of the fight, or things like that. If you need to talk more, let me know. Anytime." He then stayed there, silent, in case the teen wanted to speak more on the subject.

Slowly, both Cobalt Templars relaxed, allowing their large gun to disappear into nothing. They gave each other a grin and a handshake, before stepping forward a bit, joining the rest of the group. Cobalt Templar tilts his head curiously. "What, so we'll reappear at our homes at almost the same time we left, no matter how long we're here?" Cobalt Templar was thoughtful. "Dolorous Clock? That's what this thing is called? Are we still in the Imageria? Or something, somewhere else? And who are you?" The question wasn't hostile, only curious.

Cobalt Templar gave Warlock a flat look at the first couple of comments. "It's not just self-confidence. It's...it's like there's something about me giving in to the fear that breaks down the connection I have with the ring. It's honestly kind of scary in and of itself. I'm trying to work on mental exercises or whatnot, but it's going to be a long process. I mean, for all I know, there could be a version of this ring that generates fear. Now there's a sobering thought." He smiles at the offer of a bravery potion. "Thanks for the offer, but no. I need to do this with my own will and bravery. Glad to hear magic's doing you good all around, though."

The Baron contemplates his choices for a moment. "While performing complex theoretical equations is fun, it sadly won't help my goals today quite as much. So I'd like to see if Dragonfly's available to speak to us. If she's not, we can talk to other members here. I can see that I need to reformulate my approach a bit, and again apologize for my temper. This is just a very stressful trip, for several reasons that...well, that I won't discuss."

Fair enough on the Complication. Puts me at 0 HP right now. ...12. I should have taken the other roll as is. :?

The Baron closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and let out a small sigh. "Look. In retrospect, perhaps I didn't approach her in exactly the right manner. Maybe it was a simple personality clash. Who knows. I understand this isn't a business, and that your unique group isn't out specifically for business. But I'd have thought I would have had a little better luck. Then again, who knows. Perhaps I'm just frustrated by some underlying philosophy clashes; after all, you were rather dismissive of one whole arm of my company's work earlier. More than anything, though, what frustrated me was Miss Americana's not-so-subtle implication that I didn't care about people with my company's program. Which is the furthest thing from the truth. She just assumed I was a greedy businessman who didn't care for my fellow man. But I have a responsibility to help my company earn a profit. Both as the majority shareholder to my fellow company owners, and as a Senior Vice President, to both the shareholders and my employees. That all said, moving on would be best, yes. I'd rather move away from just metals for a bit. Is there someone else here who deals with exotic energies, dimensional research, or the like?"

Something not unlike a snarl emanates from the armored wolf-man. "You're a bloody wizard with two demonic-looking sidekicks. You expect me to believe you're sweetness, light, and innocence? You have another thing coming." He mentally curses as the man fades from sight. At least his armor shrugged off that weird energy. "I'll keep the one in the wall over there busy, ma'am. Other one's all yours until I'm done." With that, his left arm rose up and fired another lightning bolt, hopefully hitting the creature's side and further eroding its endurance.