Ari

Is there much chance Red Moon would be of use? She's not as fast as Solar, but she's pretty good with technology.

GM Claremont Academy, Freedom City April 14th, Sunday, 11.59AM Another crisp, breezy spring day in Freedom City was at its height. The sun shone weakly down through a thick bank of clouds that hadn't shown any sign of leaving since morning, a gentle sea breeze was rushing across the Bayview Hill, and Claremont Academy was its usual quiet self. The grounds were well-populated, dotted with the school's outlandish students taking a breather from learning how to be the heroes the world would need. Most students were either off-campus or enjoying the outdoors before the week started the next morning and they would be stuck inside once more. Koshiro McMillan and Kimber Storm were among them, the paper-manipulator and poltergeist sharing a rare stroll together on the path threading around Claremont's lawn. Everything was going very well, until the golden eagle landed with a thud on the path a few feet in front of them. Looking up at the pair, it got unsteadily to its feet, croaked and offered them a talon ringed by a thin band of silver holding a small scroll.

Thev, Tiff, Semi, feel free to make your Intimidate rolls!

"S'that obvious?" Subito asked absent-mindedly as he watched Serge make his shot, tensing as the ball shot forward and sent the other balls rocketing across the table. Giving a quiet whoop and clapping enthusiastically as the three targets were smashed unerringly into the pockets, he stopped abruptly and winced at the foul. "Ouch man. Good shot though! You're not usin' some manner of under-handed stratagems, are ya?" he asked with a sly grin. Catching the white ball he smiled confidently "Three pockets? Ain't bad at all. Now to show you good. That sounds like a really neat idea Surge." he added, plopping the much-abused white sphere onto the green table and aiming with a care that looked hilariously delicate on his powerful frame, lining the cue up to pin the purple 12 "I can understand how you'd see that workin'. if you know how a rock's gonna fall in an avalanche for example, you can plan for that. But this is different...hAH!" he struck the cue ball with a smart crack, sending it whirling into the purple-striped ball, bouncing it into the pocket just inches away. With great satisfaction Subito watched as the white ball, still spinning, went bouncing clean into the blue 10 and sent it straight for the pocket across the table for him...only for it to clip the black 8 a few inches from the drop and bounce off the side, rolling to a slow halt in the upper right corner of the table. He snapped his fingers and shrugged, stepping aside "That sucks. Anyway Surge," he went on, glancing up earnestly at his friend "I'm sayin' you should think about tryin' that kinda stuff out. I think waiting for the right people to fall in around ya isn't a good plan 'cause then you'll spend more time with people you're familiar with and already like. Workin' well with me is way different from making a good team-mate for somebody like, uh, Ronnie" he offered, referring to the otherworldly velociraptor girl.

GM The Ages Lost made excellent time as it soared out of Earth's atmosphere, sails glistening with the light that sped it at incredible speed towards the Moon. As the anachronistic vessel soared around the desolate glowing ball they quickly came into view of the massive ship Phantasmagore had made his announcement from, the sun glinting dully off its deep green, scarred and pitted hull, a distant speck that soon grew to fill a massive part of the space ahead, blocking the stars with its bulk. It was wholly dark, save for the engines ruddy glow. Passing over the cratered surface, the crew and passengers could see the frail silver spires of Farside City, right under the shadow of the tremendous battleship's weapons. On the side facing them, in letters stretching over a mile, were archaic letters spelling out something that only Stormbreaker recognized and still couldn't understand. Scholar could read them though: the Grievance Heart. Whatever that meant, it conjured up images of destruction and terror. In a slight recess around the midway point, an enormous door opened to reveal a deeper darkness. Over the ship's communications the same voice that had rang out over Freedom City spoke softly "I am glad to see such honor. The Farsiders will praise your memories, come aboard and face me."

The outlandish pair had gotten more than a few guarded looks as they made the short walk over to the guest house, most of them directed at the man in the cape and cowl strolling along and beaming at everyone the two Frenchmen passed. Marceau didn't mind the stares, it was nice to be out and see new places and people again after years spent in the Fens of Freedom City. He glanced up at the cheerful red brick house and its soothing blue roof, and sighed inwardly. 'Been a while since I saw a place like this...' he thought as they stepped through the door and into the House. As they took their leave of Det. Aaliya Kapoor('she is quite lovely'), he bowed to her slightly "We shall not disappoint you Detective, you may depend on that." he said as the windowed door shut behind them. Like René he loved the old aesthetic, and it sent warmth through his heart though his was a much shallower appreciation of something familiar. He had stayed at guest houses like it when he was a child and his parents traveled. His reverie was rudely interrupted when the radio was flung his way, and catching it awkwardly he looked at René in a moment of blinkered confusion before smiling fondly, sliding it onto a free spot on his utility belt and commenting "It takes a while to get adjusted, my friend. I am sure you'll get it." Walking up to the lady behind the front desk he politely explained what the men were there for, assuring her that they intended no harm to 'Alucard' and wouldn't start a devastating fight in the guest room. Thanking her warmly he led the way up to the man's room, knocking firmly on the door. "Hello? Alucard? We would like to talk to you." he called cheerfully in his deep voice through the crisp white wood panels.

DC22 Toughness save: 24. Success. Morsa shoots at the last one above them: 27. Hits. DC21 TOU save: 16. Downed. He moves 20ft. ahead. Net Fly is up.

The mighty lizard thrashed madly as Young Britannia's blast of light seared its hide and eyes, the iron coils working themselves just loose enough for El Heraldo to slip out from its grip! Swooping into the air he clutched at his aching chest and side, wincing as pain lanced through him with every breath he took. Through a squinted eye he caught sight of the teary-eyed girl still held firmly in his right arm, and with a quick move held her closer, whispering "I'm sorry, you're alright now. We both are. I'll take you t'your family" Turning around he called up to the glowing woman in the Union Jack "Thanks a lot, Why-Bee! This snake seems to be somebody we've met before, its got the same eyes as that foul mistress of the mere, the otherworldly Maiden of the Marsh, the fiendish Madame Malaise!" he grinned despite the crushing agony, the bright-faced young boy glad for the chance to say that. "Be right back!" he added as he flew like a golden comet in search of the girl's parents. It didn't take long, the Freedonians had gathered a more or less safe distance from the fight, held back by security staff and calling, taking pictures and cheering on the heroes as they battled the snake. As he flew over the crowd El Heraldo heard a scream of "Oh my God! Carl, that's Jessie!" the lady shouting it easy to make out, and dropping down the young paragon quickly handed over the girl, saying "Think nothing of it! I was glad to help, and she was very brave for such a young lady. Be free, citizens!" he shouted as he swooped back for the battle, followed by a chorus of cheers!

Thanks Young Britannia! And TiffanyKorta too I guess. Anyway, EDIT:(moved this up in line) Free Action to tell Young Britannia about the weirdly familiar eyes. Also cheering her on. Moving over to the little girl's parents(who can't have gotten more than 200ft. away) using Flight.

Alright, combat begins. Loyalist forces(x15): 9. Parsinkle: 28. Rebels(x17): 12. King of Suits: 22. Supercape, René's roll please!

'Vampire trouble? In Whitby? Well, they can't all be in Kosovo and Italy' The King of Suits nodded firmly "We will do all we can. The poor creature might be swayed just by having someone to talk to. Despite monsieur de Saens being a helpless old man, he is quite cunning and skilled, and I have some slight martial experience and a few useful gadgets to bring to the table. And both of us know a thing or two about vampires" he winked at Det. Kapoor. Neither of them were anyone's first choice for dealing with the living dead, but the lean Frenchman wasn't about to pass up a chance to learn. Besides, this would let them quickly get in touch with people who could lead them straight to Gallia. Offering his hand he said with a warm smile "Your Ministry just got some temporary agents, detective. Lead the way." Tapping the button on his grav-bike again, he carefully raised it to a foot off the ground. Sliding a guiding beacon onto his belt Marceau added thoughtfully "My friend makes a good point, can the poor fellow come out during the day? And however did you learn about him?" he asked with a look of great interest. 'I've heard a lot about the Le Puissante of England. It will be interesting to see how they deal with these monsters!'

By request, DC10 Wisdom roll: 10. Booyeah.

DC30 Toughness save: 13. Someday I'll roll this badly at a dramatically appropriate moment. But not today. Reroll(3HP): 19. +10 because he got an 8, so 29. Another Bruise.

El Heraldo has 4 ranks of Inspire. It's already part of his awesome build.

Forcing himself a little out of the crushing bonds, El Heraldo took a breath that went through his lungs like a bag of razors and shouted "Hail Young Britannia! I am...graaaghhh..." he squeezed his eyes shut as the snake's muscles squeezed him even harder and stars burst behind them, but his empowered muscles and bone held fast, and taking another gasp of air he said tightly "We...will defeat this thing. We will...rescue everyone here. Let us join our shields, Britannia! For Justice will Prevail!" he shouted, eyes blazing gold and a cry like one from a thousand throats ringing in the ears of the two national spirit-bearers. They felt a flood of energy, of power course through them as the Spirit of Victory lent them their might! "You're finished now, snakey! Young Britannia and me have got you beat!"

"Oh." Despite Blodeuwedd's heading-off of his apologies, he still looked glum, though he brightened up noticeably when she mentioned she never did anything special for her birthday. "We should do somethin', just the two of us" he said in a surprisingly gentle voice "It'll be new for both of us. I could take you to meet my folks if you want." Beaming at the pale girl, he said "Yeah, just point the way!" led them into a secluded alley, and put a hand over his heart for a moment, concentrating...'No. I absolutely refuse Aw, c'mon Dama! It'll help keep lots of people safe from trying to mug Blodeu. And anyway, it's not for me. it's for her. ...I still trust her only as far as I can see her, but very well. Receive my power, O Herald!' With a flash of gold, El Heraldo took on his amazingly flamboyant guise and struck a faux heroic pose. Laughing heartily, he gently put an arm around Cerys' waist, holding close against him as he said "Okay, hold on tight!", waited a moment for the girl to get a good grip and soared into the air! The wind rushed past them and soon got a lot colder as the young paragon and agent breasted the roofs of downtown, the lights of the city spread out below them, and Subito paused for a moment to take it all in, eyes wandering over the beautiful sight. Hugging Cerys closer, he sighed quietly in amazement, letting the magical moment stretch on just a bit. Kissing Blodeuwedd on the cheek he murmured "I wish we could see this every night. Alright my lady, where to?" Following her instructions exactly, he flew across the city to her apartment building.

Burning a Hero Point to remove the Dazed, and another to use Inspire. +4 to all saves, checks and rolls. Sorry about that.

His stocky comrade laughed and patted him on the shoulder "Awww, I knew you cared El" smiling in relief at hearing his friend was hungry too, he led the way quickly over to the unassuming red brick and and wood diner with the sign blaring Gene's into the darkening afternoon. They entered into a subdued but persistent din as people from all over Southside dug into the hearty food and talked about their days, especially the recent super-fight just a few blocks down! After a cheerful greeting to the impressively bald and dark Gene(introducing Elias as "A great pal of mine!") and catching up with a few friends, Subito got the pair of them a window seat overlooking the sidewalk. "Thanks Sally!" he said with a grin up at the young waitress as she dropped a stack of sandwiches onto their plates, getting a lingering smile as she replied "No need 'Bito, it's good to see you again and a friend of yours is ours too. Enjoy, boys!" she called over her shoulder. "You're the best Sal!" Shouted The muscular Hispanic turned to the food, sniffed the air and whistled long and low "Gene hasn't lost his touch" he announced, selecting a beef, tomatoes and Gouda with great care. Taking a massive bite, he chewed with a reverent close of his eyes. Suddenly his eyes opened and he smiled broadly "Whatcha think of the city so far, El? Pretty awesome, huh?" he asked around the sandwich.

You forgot the Staggered.

DC28 Toughness save: 14. Staggered and Dazed. Editing IC post.

"Blodeu, if I ever start a secret order of secrecy" Subito said grandly as he held up a finger and gazed heroically at the ceiling "The first thing I do'll be to get the ten greatest chefs in the world on retainer. And then make 'em cook casseroles and curry all day!" he added with a wicked grin. Hearing Blodeuwedd laugh was easily the best part of the evening so far, beating out the dancing easily.' Their desserts delivered, the muscular boy dug into the French delicacy with his spoon, shaving off small portions and eating them with great relish. Looking up he smiled at Cerys "Anyway, I still wanna learn. We should do that sometime, get some grocery stuff and make Welsh food at your apartment! It'd be awesome." Subito declared with utter confidence. Taking a hearty bite of the brioche, he leaned back and watched the waiters scurrying elegantly across the length and breadth of the restaurant, rolling his eyes as he caught a muttered conversation a few tables away about whose trust fund babies he and Cerys were. Leaning thoughtfully on the table he flicked his hazel eyes up to meet hers "Hey Blodeu, when's your birthday? Mine's in July, way the heck off. We should do somethin' to celebrate yours in style." The rest of the few minutes spent at the Chez Henri passed all too quickly, and at last the bill was brought, Subito payed without any of the hesitation and wincing he had expected, and soon the two were on their way arm in arm to Cerys Pfer's apartment rented out under her foremost alias. Trudging through the swirling snow, her schoolmate frowned up at the sky "Didn't think we'd take so long and it'd still be snowing. You okay Blodeu? We can fly there if you want, just hold on tight and point the way" he offered as he nestled closer against the young heroine. The idea appealed to him immensely, and not just because it meant he got to be closer to her.

The patriotic paragon jolted with horror at what he saw in the snake's eyes. For a moment he was frozen, stupidly letting the monster make the first move and get its coils wrapped securely around his body, only an automatic reaction letting him get the incredibly loud girl to what was, for now, safety. His powerful free arm busy supporting the screaming child, El Heraldo clenched his teeth and narrowed his eyes as her terrified shrieks went through his head like knives. 'Can't really blame you for being scared, kid' he thought grimly, glariing defiance at the snake that gripped him in coils like iron 'But it's still super-annoying!'' Aloud he bellowed "Yeah, that's right! Fight me like a lizard! Leave the girl alone, buster, you'll have to get through me first!" 'Yes! And a certain dashingly patriotic comrade! She can't hear you ...It might be a he, you know! Seriously?!You pick that to argue about? ' Then the iron coils tightened. All at once the breath was crushed out of El Heraldo's powerful lungs, his ribs creaked dangerously and his eyes bugged out in pain and the sheer force crushing him to death.

DC44 Opposed Grapple check: 42. Builders beware of poor choices. He is Pinned.

That hits. DC22 Toughness save: 13. Failed by 9, destroyed. Feel free to make your Takedown Attack.

Following close behind, head darting about as he took in tantalizing glimpses of the wondrous magicians' mansion, Subito walked into the scrying pool room and stopped, blinking in surprise at it. "Oh hey!" he said with a grin, walking up to the shivering pool, leaning against the cool stone and squinting into its depths "This looks just like I hoped it would! This place is so cool..." Wiping the smile off his face he took a deep breath, muttering "Right, sorry Nick. 'Kay, memory comin' right up." He narrowed his eyes, and began drawing up all he could remember of Puerto Rico. Looking for whatever it was that made up its soul. The first thing that appeared in the stilling water was a row of houses aflame, a towering figure in the sky launching blazing javelins at them. "Whoops! Sorry guys, that's the first thing I thought of" the young paragon explained sheepishly. He turned and tried again. The next sight was at least more obviously metaphorical: a massive field of armored sheep grazing under the shadow of an anvil that reared into a stormcloud, blue lightning flashing from the summit. "I got it!" Subito exclaimed, leaning closer and concentrating. Suddenly the water shimmered, quivering to a stop for a few seconds as it showed an island somehow floating above what Nick recognized as the otherworldly waters above Guinee. The forests crowded around the town districts glittered with eyes and horns. After a little trial and error, Subito managed to find a high road, following it over a bridge guarded by three cloaked figures stationed along its length, a stretch of woods crowded with monsters and bodies of the dead, coming to a halt before a wall in the dazzlingly colorful capitol. The trip was quick enough that other things, including keys, a garden and a broad lake could be glimpsed, but however much the boy tried, he couldn't make the scry focus on them. The wall was an impressive sight. Several stories high, made of blue steel and covered in pictograms showing the Blue Dame at work in the island's history. It took several minutes, but at last Subito found the small door in its base, and passed through it with considerable effort. The interior of the Blue Dame's sanctum was like a museum gone mad, artifacts from every age crowding the room. Huts from the age of the Taino to iron chains lying in broken heaps to flags embedded in the walls to racks of guns and swords. Two chairs were prepared amidst the chaos, the Dame seated in one colored as blue as her armor and cleaning a long rifle while a ram drowsed at her feet, the other empty and so colorful it almost hurt to look at it. "You will not let him pass?" she asked the strange figure crouched on a tortoise shell. Raising a horned head, the Vejigante bared its teeth "We have your leave to do as we will, so long as we kill none. We cleave to it, as do the others. If he comes, we shall test him." Its confidence withered into a servile cringe when the armored woman actually looked at it. The Dame held it in her gaze for a long moment then shrugged "You and everyone else, it seems. Even the creatures of Juracán. Just keep in your own borders, or my flocks will make you pay" Bowing humbly, the robed monster crept out the door. All at once, the vision ended. Looking up Subito haltingly explained what he had seen and heard. In the short lull as everyone mulled over this information he offered quietly "Well...'least I kinda know what to expect?"