KnightDisciple

Carson was enjoying himself, perusing the various displays of arts of all sorts. About the only things missing were music and theater. And even those were represented with a small collection of various classical compositions and plays, albeit the sheet music and scripts rather than actual performances. He particularly enjoyed the collection of Irish arts, including the Middle Ages works. He wasn't a huge art buff outside of his immediate field, but even he could enjoy such pieces of classic beauty. He'd actually been surprised he'd gotten tickets, but the theater department director at Freedom College had an extra ticket, and Carson couldn't pass up the chance. He stopped in front of a display of a few ceremonial armor pieces from Ireland, England, and Scotland. Obviously too ornate to be worn in battle, they were nonetheless fascinating to look at. "Hm. They look great, but I wonder how comfortable some of these poor boys were in these getups?" he mused aloud.

The Tranquility Tyrant is Christopher Lee with some makeup assistance to smooth away some of the lines. Gabriel is a bit tougher. Jonathan Rhys Meyers actually fits pretty well, barring hair and eye color. He might be a touch short, but that's minor.

Right, so, I'm gonna give this guy a shot. Tentative working name is "Cobalt Templar". Big thing here is that I want to make sure the Power Drawbacks are done correctly. My theoretical plan is to, as time goes on, I'll actually buy off the Drawbacks, representing him gaining a better hold on both himself, and his power. I have some ideas for backstory, name, etc., but right now I want to make sure my powers math isn't off. Edit: Changed his skills a bit. Should still add up the same. Edit 2: Changed skills again. Changed working name. Power Level: 7 (105/105PP) Trade-Offs: -2 Defense / +2 Toughness Unspent PP: 0 Gold Status: 0/30 In Brief: *Pending* Alternate Identities: *Pending* Identity: (Public or Secret) Birthplace: *Pending* Occupation: *Pending* Affiliations: (people and/or groups you work with)*Pending* Family: *Pending* Age: ?? (DoB: Month [day, optional], Year) *Pending* Apparent Age: (if applicable) *Pending* Gender: Male Ethnicity: *Pending* Height: *Pending* Weight: *Pending* Eyes: *Pending* Hair: *Pending* Description: *Pending* Power Descriptions: (if applicable) *Pending* History: (Please remember we are a family friendly site. Your story should be PG-13 at most. If your character wouldn't fit in an episode of Justice League Unlimited or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, please rethink it.) *Pending* Personality & Motivation: *Pending* Powers & Tactics: *Pending* Complications: *Pending* Name (description) Example Secret (is really afraid of the Big Bad Wolf) Abilities: 6 + 4 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 22pp Str 16 (+3) Dex 14 (+2) Con 16 (+3) Int 12 (+2) Wis 12 (+2) Cha 12 (+2) Combat: 6 + 4 = 10pp Initiative: +3 Attack: +3 (+7 with Power Ring) Grapple: +10 Defense: +5 (+2 Base, +3 Dodge Focus), +1 Flat-Footed Knockback: -1/-4 Saving Throws: 3 + 3 + 4 = 10pp Toughness: +9 (+3 Con, +6 Power Ring/Protection) Fortitude: +6 (+3 Con, +3) Reflex: +5 (+2 Dex, +3) Will: +5 (+1 Wis, +4) Skills: 56r = 14pp Acrobatics 8 (+11) Climb 6 (+9) Concentration 6 (+7) Craft (Artistic) 4 (+5) Knowledge (Business) 6 (+9) Knowledge (Earth Sciences) 6 (+7) Knowledge (History) 6 (+9) Language 4 (Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, Latin) Notice 6 (+7) Search 4 (+5) Feats: 6PP Dodge Focus 3 Instant Up Luck 1 Precise Shot 1 Powers: 46 - 2 = 44PP Drawbacks: 1 = 1pp Vulnerable (Demonic/Hellfire/Infernal; Frequency: [uncommon]; Intensity: [Minor]) [1pp] DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC18 Toughness (Staged) Damage Blast (CEC) Ranged DC22 Toughness (Staged) Damage Strike Touch DC22 Toughness (Staged) Damage Dazzle Ranged/Area DC17 Reflex 1/2 Effect DC17 Fortitude Blinded Abilities (22) + Combat (10) + Saving Throws (10) + Skills (14) + Feats (6) + Powers (44) - Drawbacks (1) = 105pp

Gabriel looked up. "Yet I told you what to do. It happens sometimes. As for being right, it's been known to happen." He chuckles at her admission. "Oh, frustration I can understand. Trust me. But you can't let it affect your judgment out here. We hold too much power and responsibility for that." He quirked his eyebrow underneath his mask as he considered her. "So, now what?"

Twenty Question with Gabriel Gabriel leaned back against the wall of the bank, well away from the crowds around the police and other emergency workers. He stood there, back against the brick, head resting back against the wall, eyes closed, half-full water bottle in one hand. White costume or no, he seemed to have escaped notice. Fine by him. He'd been in the bank for over and hour and a half. Negotiating first with a working-class man on the end of his rope, then the police, then the insurance company who had initially refused treatment for the man's wife and son. Finally, the company had caved, with both the bank employees and police confirming the necessary transactions, and poor Jerry had surrendered. The 40-something had ended up weeping in Gabriel's arms as the police came for him, Gabriel standing there somewhat awkwardly, but still concerned for the man. He intended to testify such that he received the lowest sentence possible. With a sigh, he heaved himself to his feet, draining the bottle and looking around for a handy wastebasket. "Hello, Gabriel, was it?" Turning around, Gabriel was confronted by a smiling woman in a long, poofy black dress, looking oddly out of place in the confines of the alley. She was tall, meeting his eyes easily, and had a confident demeanor. "I'm Joan Collier, I'm with the Freedom Ledger," she said, hefting the pen and paper she had in one hand while shaking his hand with the other. "I was wondering if you'd mind answering some questions about yourself for our profile of you? That was quite a thing you accomplished today in the bank." Gabriel turned at the voice, taking a moment to register what was occurring. "The bank? Oh. I'm just glad I managed to keep people from getting hurt today." His eyes fell on a handy garbage bin nearby, where he quickly tossed the bottle, which just barely made it into the bin. "Interview? I guess that's fine. Do you want to do it here, or move somewhere less..." He gestures at the crowd, and the alley she'd placed herself in. "Yeah. Please, forgive me. I'm usually a bit sharper on me feet, but I was negotiating for nearly the whole time in there." "Wherever you'd like to talk is fine," said Joan, following Gabriel out of the alley. She walked slowly and carefully, enough that Gabriel couldn't really make out her lower body at all underneath the heavy dress. 1. "I couldn't help notice your accent. Are you a recent immigrant to the United States, or have you lived here for a while?" "What about this place over here?" There's a small, conveniently placed outdoor diner nearby. In Freedom City, a superhero sitting down with a journalist is nothing new. Thus, the request for as private of a table as possible was easily granted. Gabriel settled down after ordering a water and a light sandwich. 1.)He had the grace to look a bit surprised as he realized his accent had slipped. When he spoke next, it was more neutral. "I was not born in the territory of the United States. I'm not a fresh immigrant, though. I've been in the country long enough to be established in all respects." 2. I understand, and if you don't want to talk about your life elsewhere, that's fine. Were you active as a superhero in your own country, like the hero Arrowhawk, or have you only started your work here in Freedom City? 2."I've only been active as a superhero here in America. I'm neither a "legacy" hero, or someone with decades of experience, so I had to work to master my abilities before I felt it was right to use them in typical crime-fighting situations. As well, I wanted to, ah, "get the lay of the land", as it were." 3. How's your professional relationship with Freedom's superheroes? Are you on any teams, or have you made any close allies? 3."I am not on any teams at the moment. I've started working with assorted heroes here and there, but nothing formal has been achieved. I suppose my closest ally would be Freedom Angel, for, perhaps, obvious reasons." A twinkle graces his eyes as he smiles. 4. "So your name isn't a coincidence? You actually do draw your powers from figures in Judeo-Christian mythology?" 4.No coincidence at all. I was visited by the Archangel Gavriel himself, the Herald and Messenger of God. He told me he was answering my prayers by granting me a small portion of his power. Specifically, the ability to influence sound. 5. Ah. The Archangel of God. I see. I've encountered many sonic controllers with a wide swath of abilities. Could you be a little more specific about your powers? 5. Well, I've found I'm able to cause intense nausea, disorientation, confusion, or even paralysis in my opponents. I can use sound to calm them, anger them, and so on; not mind control, but notable influence on their emotions and mood. I can concentrate it into a sheer thing of brute force, allowing me to knock opponents out. I can use a fancy version of ventriloquism to speak with people far away. I've yet to test it, but I suppose I could, if I wished, talk to everyone on Earth at once. I can even use my powers to fly! And...somehow, I seem to have become even more of a people person. I find it incredibly easy to negotiate with people, calm them down, and so on. 6. Interesting, interesting. Would you describe yourself as a worshiper of the Abrahamic God, or are you simply empowered by his agents? 6.As I said, I was visited by Gavriel in response to my own prayers. So, yes, I worship, as you call Him, the Abrahamic God. 7. I see. Do you find it difficult to work with other heroes who are empowered by the so-called pagan pantheons? 7. Yes and no. It can prove trying at times, depending on their, ah, source of power, and how aggressively they seek to make others aware of that fact. No, in that I have realized and accepted that my job, when I wear this costume, is not to be a preacher. It is to be someone who uses their powers to save lives. I respect people, no matter their creed. I may not agree with that creed, but I respect them as people. Nothing more than what I feel I'm called to do, really. 8. I'm sure that's good to hear. Tell me, do you think other heroes should have a similar agenda when it comes to their relationship with the world? 8. Do you mean, should other heroes not seek to specifically proselytize others to particular belief systems, ideas, or political agendas? Again, I'd say yes and no. Yes, we shouldn't use our status as "superheros" as a platform to advertise our particular sets of religious or philosophical beliefs, or to advocate for political parties or individuals. That said, I do believe we have a duty to call attention to issues causing harm to the city. For instance, I always like to raise awareness of how involved teenagers are becoming in criminal activity. Gangs, drugs, individual crimes. There's a whole host of reasons. I'm a firm believer that both public institutions and private citizens should try to work with these teens to provide them with better alternatives. I'm not going to dictate the particulars, because I think there are a lot of good options. Again, I primarily seek to raise awareness. I believe heroes should be willing to take that step in a public manner, if they feel so inclined. It's a delicate balance, I suppose. 9. That's a very good sentiment, I'm sure. The community could use more civic-minded superheroes. What is it about Freedom City that's attracted you to living and working here? 9. Honestly, it was less my individual choice, and more a rather blunt Divine message. So you could say that Someone Else chose this city, and I simply listened and obeyed. 10. I see. Were you told why? Is something going to happen here that our citizens should be made aware of? 10. Nothing specific. It was less of a strictly verbal message, and more that a couple of very obvious signs occurred when Freedom City was on the news one day. For one thing, my rosary glowed with white light. It's wooden, so that's not normal. I've taken to think I'm simply here to play my part in the greater whole. If and when I'm led elsewhere, I'll go. 11. You sound like a very committed person. Would you say you have a life outside your work? 11. Outside of my hero work? Yes. I do things beyond just being a superhero. Joan gives him such a look until he elucidates. Gabriel has the grace to give a small, embarrassed cough. I have a more normal job, and at least something resembling a social life. It's nothing fancy, but I feel content in my place. Suffice to say, my job outside of the mask helps people as well. I'm afraid I really can't tell you more than that. I understand; most heroes do prefer their identity to be sacrosanct. 12. What do you think the role of justice should be in society? Do you favor retribution or reconciliation? 12. Justice is, first and foremost, something meant to protect the innocent. That said, I tend to lean much more towards reconciliation, especially for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies. A lot of times, such crimes occur as much because of circumstances as choices. Don't mistake me; I fully believe people are responsible for their actions. Crimes cannot go unpunished. I simply think that all factors should be taken into account, and efforts should be made to let people pay their debt, then peacefully re-enter society. Only the worst, unrepentant criminals should feel the greater share of retribution. I won't give a definitive statement on the exact form; not my place. But I do believe there is evil in the world, including truly evil people. And we must ensure, to the best of our ability within the law that these evil people cannot harm the rest of society. 13. I see. As you may know, the state of New Jersey recently abolished the death penalty. Do you favor the use of capital punishment on the worst recidivist super-criminals? 13.I believe that, in my current identity, it would be more prudent for me not to answer that question. My opinions on that are better expressed in my civilian identity, through votes and letters to the appropriate government representatives. That actually got a smile out of the hard-nosed reporter. 14. Excellent. Tell me, how do you see your role as a superhero developing in the future? 14. Well. I suppose I'll continue to do what I've been doing. Hopefully, in a couple of years, I'll really start to see an impact from my efforts. Beyond that, I might end up joining one superhero group or another. Barring some unique guidance from my Boss, you understand. 15. I've been made aware of a demonic incursion in the city a few months ago. Do you think something like that is planning to happen again soon, and if so, do you have a plan to stop it? 15. I haven't received specific warning about it, and I haven't stumbled on any signs of such a plan. Yet. But, if it does occur, I will put my full effort into stopping it, right alongside the other heroes. My plan isn't extensive, at least not yet. Perhaps if I can integrate better with one team or another, I can make a more extensive plan. 16. Where does your first duty lie as a superhero? 16. To do my best to protect the innocent from threats, both mundane and extraordinary. 17. How do you define innocence, Mr. Gabriel? 17. Hm. Well, I suppose I'll go with the legal definition of innocence. That is, those who are not in the process of committing a crime. The people simply going about their day, living their lives. As I cannot read minds, I cannot judge people on their thoughts, or even perhaps things they've done in secret. But in a hostage situation, the innocent are those not holding a gun to someone's person, demanding money, freedom, etc. Or any similar situation. 18. Do you have a romantic life, Mr. Gabriel, or do you prefer to remain ascetic? 18. I haven't taken any vows of celibacy, if that's what you mean. Beyond that, I feel any detail, or lack of detail, is better left unspoken for the discretion of all involved. 19. Interesting, interesting. What are your views on the world outside of Freedom City? Do you agree with the Pinnacle Path's argument that this is the Calvinist 'shining city on a hill'? 19. The rest of the world? Well, I think people everywhere have value. I suppose Freedom City is special in some ways, but then, every city is special to those who call it home. I don't believe Freedom City is the "greatest city in the world", or anything of that nature. I don't know if I'd agree about the comment of a "shining city on a hill". Plenty of other cities can shine just as brightly. Beyond that, I won't comment on the Pinnacle Path. 20. Well, I think we're about finished. I just have one more question. Why does a man empowered by God and his angels need a secret ID? 20. Hm. A few reasons. First, my power is by no means absolute. It's harder than for the average citizen, but I could be killed. So caution is due. Second, it's only prudent to ensure the safety of my family, friends, and so on. God watches out for us, but it helps if we act intelligently. Actions have consequences, and revealing my identity would have consequences. Finally, and this is perhaps a bit selfish, I need the chance to get away from the overwhelming pressure of being a "superhero". I'm not all-powerful, so I cannot do everything and save everyone. I need time to be myself, to do things I enjoy in other arenas. It keeps me healthy mentally. After pleasantries were exchanged, Gabriel left money for the waiter and flew off to continue his never-ending quest.

Gaming Saturday afternoon/evening. Church Sunday morning, gaming that afternoon/evening. Probably will get some post time here and there, but definitely a reduced presence.

Sand, you probably ought to PM him. Besides, he hasn't been on the boards since Wednesday. That might be part of it. Maybe he's just busy IRL.

Gabriel listens impassively, processing everything he hears. "Well, I can't really fault you for being a direct person. And if you haven't dealt with something like this before, that explains some of it. But you have to listen to the police and/or other heroes on the scene when it comes to hostage situations. Charging in blindly will get someone killed. You heard the police, there were two robbers unaccounted for in the building. What if they'd hidden themselves in a dark corner, and as soon as you'd busted in there, hammer swinging, they'd opened up with assault rifles on the hostages? Bam, dead innocents. What if the guys holding guns on the hostage are spread just a bit further apart then you thought? Bam, dead hostages. What if they'd had dead-man's switches to explosives? Bam, dead hostages." He walked closer, pointing down at the men and women being released after medical examinations and brief questioning. The husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters. Old and young. All of them utterly normal. "We mess up, they pay the price. You want to go into the bank and take out the robbers? I can respect that. I have a rare gift with words, so not everyone's going to be able to do what I do. But you ever come upon a situation like this again, you sit your pretty little butt down next to the policemen in charge, and you make a plan. You make it so the only risk is to your own person." He pokes her in the sternum, right above the Orb of Fate. "That's what it means to be a hero. We run the risk so others don't. Because we can take it. Because we have these gifts for a reason, and it's not to go charging in blindly." He backs off several steps, turning to sit on the edge of the roof, pushing his hood down. Smooth white mask shows in its place. "Look. Valkyrie. I really do appreciate that you showed up and were eager to help. I do. I think the police do, too. Things worked out fine today. Everything I've said is just tips for the future." He turned to appraise Valkyrie, and her reactions.

Gabriel had been so focused on the streets, consumed with both his vigil and his own thoughts, that he hadn't heard anyone appear on the roof behind him. Thankfully, it wasn't a lethal mistake this time around. Nonetheless, he was still startled. He took one quick step back from the roof edge and spun around. His right hand came up in a position that seemed read to aim and fire, and it thrummed with restrained sonic energy. "Who-" He sees Alex's pose, and the fact that she's not trying to hurt him. A moment more to make sure this isn't just a quick cover, and the energy around his hand disappears. Gabriel straightens himself out, standing there with his arms crossed. When he speaks again, his accent-less voice carries almost no emotions beyond "caution". "Who are you, ma'am? Why are you up on this rooftop? Is something wrong? Do you need help?"

Gabriel's expression was inscrutable as he turned to the police chief. "Good day sir. Hopefully things stay comparatively calm." "Yes, hopefully. And the same for you, ah, Gabriel." The chief just scratched his head as Gabriel took off for the nearby building. "...Superheroes." When Gabriel landed, he stood there for several moments, regarding Valkyrie. "I have to ask: Have you ever had to handle a hostage situation before?"

Power Level: 10 (150/150PP) Trade-Offs: None In Brief: An old man in a suit of powered armor with a grudge against nearly everyone, the Tranquility Tyrant fights those he sees as deserving of his wrath with a barrage of Anti-Sound based weaponry! Alternate Identities: Humphrey Wright; The Tranquil Lord (self-given name, only used by Wright himself) Identity: Secret Birthplace: South London, England Occupation: Retired Financier Affiliations: Himself, England Family: None living. Age: 100 (DoB: May, 1910) Apparent Age: Late 40s Gender: Male Ethnicity: English Height: 6'1" Weight: 155 lbs Eyes: Green Hair: White Description: Humphrey Wright is a tall, lean man. His face makes him look even leaner; even though he appears much younger than he ought to, his drawn face suggests his true age. The goatee he's grown out tends to smooth out the sharp angles of his face, as well as granting him a more dignified look. When about in his civilian identity, Humphrey almost always dresses in finely tailored suits of dark, subdued colors. At his most casual, he wears crisp slacks with a button-up shirt, albeit with no tie. As The Tranquility Tyrant, Wright wears a thick, heavyset suit of powered armor. His forearms and palms have various emitters for his high-tech weaponry; his feet and back encase special "sound jets" that propel him through the air. His head is fully encased, with a "T" visor of black, non-reflective material keeping his face hidden. A simple crown is merged into his helmet. The armor's primary color is a subdued gold, with red and silver highlights scattered about. Power Descriptions: Humphrey Wright's only powers native to himself are the effects of the anti-aging formula he ingested, with have given his body a bit of a boost in the physical abilities department. Otherwise, it all resides in his armor, which provides him with enhanced strength, protective armor, flight, and an array of anti-sound-based attacks. History: Humphrey Wright was born into a proper English family in 1910. His father, and his fathers before him, had all been proper English gentlemen. The fact that the Wright family was old money only helped. His father was "important" enough to avoid needing to enter the First World War, though he did invest in various weapons-making companies. Humphrey was the younger of two sons to the Wright family, and so was given somewhat less attention for many of his early years. His brother was, after all, the "primary heir" of the family empire. The '20's came along, and the Wright fortune only increased. This meant, of course, that the '30's hit them fairly hard, though they were never reduced to the level of the more common peons in the world. When Britain began gearing up for war, Humphrey decided to show his independence, and signed up for the British Army. He figured his natural poise, intelligence, and charm would land him an officer spot almost immediately. He was partly right; he did end up going through officer training, and becoming a Leftenant before long. But his "charm" was almost nonexistant; Humphrey was never very good at leading more than a few men. Thus, he stalled at the rank he was at. in 1940, he signed up for the British Commando program, wanting both the challenge and the prestige. He served with distinction for his rank, becoming quite skilled at his job. After World War II, he moved on to be a member of the Special Air Service until 1955, when a knee injury forced him to retire. By this point, Humphrey's parents had passed away, and his brother had a grown son who was married himself and had a child on the way. Edmund and his family were driving to meet with Humphrey at the ancestral home, to celebrate Humphrey's retirement, when a drunk driver caused a crash fatal for all involved. In the space of a year, Humphrey Wright no longer had a purpose, a family, or much hope for the future. He'd never had luck with women, something he always blamed on them, but which was actually due to his own overbearing sense of superiority. Over the next few decades, Humphrey grew increasingly bitter. He watched the world change around him in ways he found upalatable, unproductive, and just plain wrong. He found that about the only thing he could do was not invest in companies that offended him...Until he found that essentially every company did things he didn't like. He tried buying one or two out and forcing change, but more and more the laws of the land prevented that. By the time of the Terminus Invasion, Humphrey Wright was a bitter, secluded old man with far too much money, and fart too few things to do. Even having done everything he could to stay healthy, at 83, he was living on borrowed time. Then one of the pharmecutical companies he had a large investment in contacted him. Recent developments had allowed them to produce the first test batch of what they called a "permanent de-aging formula". Eager to perhaps gain a bit of his old life back, Humphrey volunteered to test it. Initial reluctance was soothed by undisclosed grants going to the company. Humphrey made sure his will was up to date, and traveled to the lab. Once there, they explained the product and procedures to the old war veteran, and got to work. Instead of a single dosage, the chemical actually took several smaller doses to gently integrate itself into his body. The laboratory's doctor cautioned that effects might not present themselves until the final dosage, and even then the change would be gradual. Humphrey didn't care, so long as they blasted gone on with it. And so, Humphrey Wright's life was changed forever as he was injected with the experimental cocktail. A man with nothing to lose was about to gain a lot. Humphrey didn't regain consciousness until a week and a half after the process ended. Whe he awoke, he could immediately tell something was different. For one thing, he bad knee...wasn't. Both of his knees felt just as strong and secure as they did decades ago! But that wasn't the extent of it! All of his body felt younger, stronger. Slowly, he stood and walked over to a mirror. He was shocked. He looked like an incredibly fit 40-year old man! He felt even younger! Only his face and hair color betrayed more age, but even that was muted! Perhaps now, he could actually change this blasted world gone wrong. He pondered that question even as the doctors and scientists explained everything. His body was now at peak capacity, and would stay there on its own, with no effort. He'd had the full measure of his body's youthful strength and energy restored, with a bit more besides. He was now immune to disease. And he felt so alive! For a few years, he was content to focus on revitalizing his wealth, and even growing some of the companies he had a major sharehold in. But as time moved on, things that had previous just annoyed him about modern culture tended to provoke actual rage in him. Oh, a controlled rage, but rage nonetheless. At first, he was slightly worried about this. But as time went on, he grew to accept his new outlook. It was only reasonable, after all. Things just weren't quite right. Maybe he should find a way to fix it. Make things orderly, and peaceful, and quiet again... He happend upon reports from 2 separate companies. The first was a company researching acoustics, specifically the applications of full acoustic nullification; a whole host of possibilities for less-than-lethal weaponry and related devices. The second company was working with the British Army on cheaper power armor models. While recent years had seen power armor become more than just a vigilante's tool, it still wasn't affordable enough for the regular military. Of course, each group didn't know of the other; Humphrey decided to change that. He gathered select individuals from both groups to work on a joint project. He told them cost was no object, and swore them to secrecy. The money he offered each person involved helped; the fact that he'd picked individuals with fewer scruples helped even more. Before the year was out, Humphrey Wright had a power armor that held an array of weaponry based on Anti-Sound principles that could stand toe-to-toe with many a "hero". Those upstarts didn't know what they were doing, propping up a diseased culture like the were. He'd have to teach everyone a lesson. Start small, and work up! And so, "The Tranquil Lord" began his career. At first, he was viewed only with caution, as he seemed to target gangs, thugs, hoodlums, and the like. Minor villains on the scale of things. But slowly, as Humphrey's madness deepened, he began to grow more and more violent, and his target radius grew wider and wider. Before long, his insane quest to "better" the world had him attacking innocent civilians right alongside open criminals. At first, the police were no challenge. Eventually though, some of the local heroes started to fight back, and "The Tranquil Lord" became known as The Tranquility Tyrant to the public at large. He had to move. Wright needed a new start, and new targets. Britain was too precious to him to risk too much collateral damage. But that upstart America, well, they could use a more serious attitude adjustment. So Humphery Wright spent the next year buying land, building a house, building a couple of small labs, and generally preparing things to move himself, his "quest", and his support crews over to America. He found himself on the outer edges of Freedom City. A city that had plenty of things that needed fixing... Personality & Motivation: Humphery Wright is, in a word, cranky. Having thought every bit of culture past the 1950's was "new-fangled", "destructive", and just all around bad, he finds himself in a world that he essentially hates. He hates the music, hates the fashions, hates the movies, hates the games, hates the attitudes, hates the slang, hates the politics. All that and more. He hates it. With a dull, cold hate that seats itself in the pit of his soul. Not only does he hate many things about the modern world in general, Wright also has strong prejudice against...lots of groups. Teenagers and 20-somethings, women, other ethnic groups, the Irish, the Americans...the list could go on. What all began as mild annoyances has, over time, devolved into true derangement and psychosis. For all his high-minded talk, Wright is, at his core, a psychotic terrorist. The negative effects of the youth serum degraded his sanity to the point that he fixates on a different "culture crusade" every week. His plans typically revolve around attacking and destroying the source of his ire at the moment. Often enough, this means civilian targets are fair game. Luckily, he has enough sanity left that he seeks to destroy things more than people. That said, heroes who interfere, especially ones that push one of his many buttons, are likely to be given his full attention, and possibly even receive lethal force in his efforts. Powers & Tactics: The Tyrant will often open up a fight with a barrage of Anti-Sound Grenades scattered about. Though the effect doesn't last long, it is sometimes enough to disorient opponents, giving him a bit of an upper hand. As well, it can make it harder for multiple opponents to coordinate. Next, he will fire his Anti-Sonic Cannons, to soften targets up for his later attacks. Sometimes, he will fire a wave of Anti-Sound, so concentrated that the utter stillness causes extreme disorientation in those affected. Applied properly, the disturbing stillness of his Anti-Sound can even cause people to feel ill. Most often, The Tyrant will open with a scattering of Anti-Sound Grenades, then follow up with his Nauseauate attack or Confusion attack. He will then finish them off with Blast. When forced to fight up close, The Tyrant will attempt to grapple an opponent, then quickly take them out of the fight with Chokehold and his Strike attack. If he cannot grapple them, he will simply continue to mix his various attacks, including his Strike. Complications: Money Trail : Someone searching long and hard enough could trace The Tranquility Tyrant's armor and weaponry back to the companies Humphrey Wright has invested in. Overconfident : Humphrey's sense of superiority can tend to make him monologue at inappropriate moments. Prejudiced : Humphrey is prejudiced against...nearly everyone who isn't "properly English". As well, he disdains the modern woman, thinking that women should know their place: the home. He tends to look down on all other ethnic and country groups equally, though. Psychotic : Humphrey is by no means sane; thus, his targets and goals can shift without warning, making it hard for him to accomplish his original intent. Support Crew : Humphrey cannot maintain his suit on his own; he must bring it back to a hidden lab and have a support crew provide maintenance and repairs. Abilities: 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 0 = 14PP Strength 20/14/12 (+5/+2/+1) Dexterity 14/12 (+2/+1) Constitution 14/12 (+2/+1) Intelligence 14 (+2) Wisdom 14 (+2) Charisma 10 (+0) Combat: 20 + 20 = 40PP Initiative: +2 Attack: +10 Grapple: +20/+12/+11 Defense: +10, +5 Flat-Footed Knockback: -9/-1/-0 Saving Throws: 3 + 4 + 5 = 12PP Toughness: +10/+2/+1 (+2/+1 Con, +8 Protection) (Impervious 8/0) Fortitude: +5 (+2 Con, +3) Reflex: +6 (+2 Dex, +4) Will: +7 (+2 Wis, +5) Skills: 84R = 21PP Acrobatics 10 (+12/+11) Climb 8 (+13/+10/+9) Drive 4 (+6/+5) Escape Artist 6 (+8/+7) Knowledge (Business) 10 (+12) Notice 10 (+12) Search 10 (+12) Stealth 10 (+12/+11) Survival 10 (+12) Swim 6 (+11/+8/+7) Feats: 16PP Accurate Attack All-Out Attack Ambidexterity Benefit 3 (Wealth 3) Blind-Fight Chokehold Eidetic Memory Improved Aim Improved Grab Improved Grapple Improved Pin Instant Up Precise Shot 2 Powers: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 116 = 124PP Device 29 (145PP, Flaws: Hard-To-Lose) [116PP] (Tranquility Tyrant Battlesuit) Blast 10 (Extras: Penetrating 10) [30PP] (Anti-Sound Cannons) Confuse 10 (Extras: Area [100ft Cone]) [20PP] Enhanced Strength 6 [6PP] Flight 5 (250mph) [10PP] Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9PP] Nauseate 10 (Extras: Area [100ft Cone]) [30PP] Obscure 3 (Auditory, 25ft radius, Extras: Independent) [3PP] Protection 8 (Extras: Impervious [8]) [16PP] (Armor Plating) Strike 5 (Extras: Mighty) [6PP] Super-Senses 5 (Darkvision, Infravision, Radio, Ultra-Hearing) [5PP] Super-Strength 5 (Heavy Load: 6 tons) [10PP] Enhanced Constitution 2 [2PP] Enhanced Dexterity 2 [2PP] Enhanced Strength 2 [2PP] Immunity 2 (Aging, Disease) [2PP] Drawbacks: -4PP Normal Identity (Full Action) [-4PP] DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC17 Toughness (Staged) Damage Blast Ranged DC25 Toughness (Staged) Damage Confuse Perception DC20 Will Confused Nauseate Touch/Area DC20 Fortitude (Staged) Sickened/Nauseated/Helpless Strike Touch DC20 Toughness (Staged) Damage Abilities (14) + Combat (40) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (21) + Feats (16) + Powers (124) - Drawbacks (4) = 223 Power Points

It was another warm August evening as Gabriel flew low in the sky over Southside, Freedom City. Months of somehow managing to work alone in this hero-crowded city had been ended in the last couple of weeks. Before he knew it, he'd met, and even worked with, something like a dozen heroes over the course of perhaps a week! It was both incredible, and a bit jarring. He was still adjusting to this new aspect of his hero work; being able to just call a phone number to get help was so strange! 'All part of adjusting to the life of a superhero, I suppose. Maybe I should just think of it like I do my work at the College; I have coworkers there, and we cooperate all the time. Yeah, there we go. We're all coworkers. Even if some of us have more...direct...methods.' He frowned, recalling a couple of "rough spots" in his encounters with some of his peers. With a sigh, he landed on a nearby roof and cast his gaze on the street below, while keeping his ears pricked for any odd sounds. Nothing. 'Dare I say it Lord, but this night is almost boring...'

A thread for Mongrel Angel to encounter Gabriel, and the potential wacky hijinks that will ensue!

The police chief frowns deeply. "Now listen here, miss. That's a sure way to get at least some of the hostages killed. As soon as the boys inside hear you dealing with the lookouts, they'll pull the trigger, off some hostages, and tell us to back off. Even if you charge straight at them, automatic weapons can send out an awful number of bullets in just a few seconds. I don't mind the two of you helping, mind you. But we're going to play this safe, we're going to-" Another police office caught the attention of the group. "Chief, you won't believe it!" The group turns...and sees the hostages walking out, one by one, hands in the air. None of them appear wounded, though they all look tired and scared. As soon as the final hostage walks out, the robbers, completely unarmed and with their ski masks removed, walk out of the building. Several police officers rush over and start cuffing them, while the couple dozen hostages are herded over to one side. The SWAT Team rushes in to make sure the building is secure. Within 3 minutes, another police officer walks over. "Darndest thing! The robbers say they saw both these heroes out here, and decided it wasn't worth it. All six of them just surrendered without a fight! Thank you, both of you!" Gabriel stands there for several moments, still processing what has occurred. "Uh...You're welcome sir. Glad I could help. Even gladder no one got hurt." He turned to Valkyrie with a light frown. "I think we should talk. Perhaps one of the nearby rooftops?"

Gabriel nodded. "Thank you for the trip. And consider yourself welcome in the future. Though...advance warning is good too." He smirked a bit at that, giving the angel one final handshake. "I intend to walk that path, Heyzel. Good evening to you, and God Bless." After the angel left, he fished his keys out from a pocket in his coat. Quickly, he stepped inside. "Well Lord, I get the message. I just need to keep the faith, and stay the course." With a happy whistle, Carson went about preparing himself for a somewhat earlier turn-in that night. Wouldn't hurt to get some extra sleep.

Unless anyone objects, I vote we go ahead and scene skip. But I'm open to have them talk a bit more. One way or another, we've covered what needs officially covered.

Gabriel frowned at Valkyrie's words. "One could say the same to you, Miss...Hm. Don't know what you go by. Call me Gabriel." He turns once more to face the chief and the negotiator. "Now, what is the situation." "Uh, well Mr. Gabriel, Ma'am. From all the information we've gathered, there are six armed hostiles in the building. Two are near the front doors, in plain sight of both us and the others in the lobby. There are two in the lobby, guns trained on the hostages. And there are two that are further inside the building. We assume they are attempting to gain access to the vault and safety deposit boxes, or possibly checking for stragglers. We can't go in the back entrance, as the building doesn't have one. Just butts right up against that big store over there. So far, they've just said for us to stay out here, no one gets hurt. We think they've got some sort of transport arranged, but we're not sure. On the plus side, they're fairly calm, so we don't have twitchy men with itchy trigger fingers. Yet." Here he glances at Valkyrie. Meanwhile, at the doors of the bank, two men are partly visible, watching the proceedings. One seems to turn back towards the lobby, though his mask covers any words he might speak. A third man runs up to the glass, looks outside, and jogs back out of view. "Hm. How long has it been like this?" "Twenty minutes. No one's hurt, so the clock isn't ticking hard yet."

Gabriel nodded. "Very well then. Does anyone have anything they think ought to be added to our plan of action? Or should we stick with this, and adapt as necessary on the fly?" He looked to each of the others in turn, the hologram still highlighting their proposed hiding locations.

Gabriel Carson Finbar Keefe

Gabriel rests his head in his hands for a minute, clearly frustrated and embarrassed. "Again, it was my mistake. I thoroughly apologize. As for how you hide the two of you...You know your abilities better than I. So long as you can be ready to fight at the same time the rest of us are, I leave it in your hands."

Gabriel had the grace to sigh and act somewhat embarrassed. "Forgive my misunderstanding. The tone of your words, said in seeming opposition to mentions of various disabling methods, was misinterpreted. I can only say that the stress of just starting my initial "team work" with other heroes, combined with the nature of this issue, has stretched my patience some. I can agree with you about it devolving to fisticuffs. That said, as for talking a teenager out of their opinion...Suffice to say, I'm very persuasive."

Gabriel stayed thoughtfully quite for a couple of minutes. "Hm. We should stick together. The way the gang member was talking earlier, this group is going to stay together. One large example works better than many smaller examples, I suppose. Perhaps some of us should stay on the ground, and others on rooftop? There are enough alleys and the like that those who cannot fly should be able to hide themselves. If Breschau is the only one who cannot easily get to a rooftop, then...Gaian Knight should stay with him. I have a hunch your earth control would give the two of you the best hiding ability. Yes, I think that works well. Gaian Knight and Breschau in...this alley." Gabriel indicates one next to the building he feels is the most likely target. "And the rest of us on this rooftop." The roof of the 2nd most likely target. "As for what you said, Powerhouse...I don't accept that we have to use anything beyond non-lethal force. All of us are gifted in different ways to be beyond normal humans. The most I'm willing to concede to is knocking them out. If nothing else, I could disorient the whole lot of them for the rest of you to restrain."

Gabriel frowned. "Get over here and spend a couple minutes actually getting a handle on the situation. Unless you want the innocent hostages to get killed. We need information, and the police have it." He turned to the nearby negotiator and lead officer on the scene. "I apologize. Now, what can you tell us about the situation inside?" The police nervously glanced between Valkyrie and Gabriel, unsure of what was occurring, exactly.

There was a low humming sound echoing in the air, and suddenly, Gabriel was also standing there, having just touched down from his flight. Albeit a bit further back, and positioned so he could turn his head and face both Valkyrie and the police. At the moment, he faced the police. "Gentlemen, I'd say good morning, but it really isn't. Give me a moment..." He turned to Valkyrie and raised his volume a bit. "Ma'am, if you'd please come back here for a moment. It wouldn't do to unduly agitate the people with guns and hostages. Perhaps we could check with the authorities on the situation?" Though his words were polite, there was more than a little steel in his voice.

[Fifth National Bank] When Valkyrie and Gabriel arrive at the scene, a semi-typical image will greet them. Surrounding the stone steps leading into the large bank is a ring of police barriers,vehicles, and personnel. Two SWAT trucks are already present, as well as what appears to be a police negotiator's vehicle. At the moment, the criminals all appear to be staying inside the bank, though one or two can be seen through the doors, apparently watching the police in turn. Likely, the snipers are holding fire for fear of provoking the rest of the criminals to harm one or more of the hostages.