Ari

OOC for this thread.

GM 11.45 AM, Late January, 2013, Branson Building, Branson Plaza, Wading Way, Freedom City The day had dawned much like most slightly damp January days in New Jersey, the sun reflecting off the skyscrapers and sending its shafts blazing through the streets. The inhabitants of the Branson Building, that glittering spire of the dawn representing the Roseus Corporation, had begun their daily routines with the calm that had only a couple of weeks ago been shattered. Freedonians were hardy, and had pressed on through worse times than that, however! As Agatha Benson slammed into the glass window and fell to the floor just a second before her desk went sailing out in a hail of shards, she thought to herself 'What did we do, God?!' a fitting question, though sadly unlikely to be answered, the office building rapidly becoming a scene of chaos as windows were smashed open, offices ransacked by costumed figures, and the security staff fled out into the streets screaming in wide-eyed terror! Already the citizens not fleeing were taking pictures as they sought to begin. Police and ambulances were summoned as news spread of a supervillain attack!

"So, you can't tell me, due to the circumstances of their escape? Understandable." Marceau nodded a few times, looking down thoughtfully at his near-empty plate. He looked up with a smile. "I will make no further inquiries, Philos. Please accept my apologies for prying into such a sensitive matter for your people. I can imagine the delicate nature of such a mission!" he added with a quiet laugh. Taking a quick bite and chewing with savor he thought over the rest of what the philotherian had said 'I had no idea that was a word! I must read a dictionary sometime...' before continuing "You mentioned that your transport was damaged. Might I be allowed to help with its repair? Or does it need parts and skill that I'm not likely to have?" he asked with a grin. Suddenly he frowned "Am I likely o encounter some of these creatures? If so, where should I take them?" A look of concern "Er...sorry for asking, but...how are you able to take some much Tabasco sauce? Grand Dieu, Philos! I haven't seen anyone eat so much and remain so calm!"

GM Sekhem remained perfectly still for a moment, then muttered under breath and discarded the power. The clothes quickly changed back to her old outfit, and she led the way inside. Seating their guest at the table, Grace poured the Hand a cup of tea. Taking it with shaking hands, the Hand raised it the hood, and seemed to drink. "Thank you." it said. "Why are you here?" Grace asked impatiently, at which the Hand flinched and said quickly "I...esssscaped my imprisssonment. That thing outssside wasss my prissson, I usssed magic to tressspasss to thisss world." it gulped "I wasss...followed. Pleassse!" it held out its hideously thin arms desperately "Protect me! I can tell you about the Ssshadow-world! Who livesss there, what their power isss!" Grace snorted derisively, then turned to the two Claremonters "Well kids, you're heroes, I'm not getting involved, and besides this thing needs medical help. I'll stay and make sure it doesn't get it's stupid ass killed. You want to face whatever thing followed the Hand back?" she asked with a grim smile.

GM Without a word, White Knight fell into a whimpering unconsciousness, sprawled in a heap on the alley asphalt in front of the shocked eyes of the two Crusaders still awake and not running. With dual cries of terror, the tattooed men fled from sight, their pounding feet soon fading away and eventually replaced by the noise a speeding car that was abruptly cut off by a wail of sirens. Suddenly, with a screech of tires on the pavement two STAR vans rolled around the corner, bearing down on the apartment building with all speed! They ground to a halt next to the alley and the unconscious Crusaders, disgorging a team of officers that quickly levered the dumpster off of White Knight, bound him even further with power-dampening manacles, and hauled him back into the van. He was followed soon after by his MAXed-out Crusaders. Even the one who had tried to run hadn't managed to escape. The one on the rooftop was a little harder to get, but was soon detained as well, borne down by two agile and strong officers. Their captain shook the hands of the King of Suits, warmly congratulating him on his victory "We had no idea something like this was going to happen. If you hadn't stopped it, I don't wanna imagine how it could have turned out. Thanks a bunch citizen!" With a tip of his hat, the squad captain jumped back into the van, and roared off into the night. It took only a little while for the Freedonians to return, tentative at first but rushing quickly back to their homes and cheering the speedy defeat of White Knight and his Crusaders!

"Ah, my mistake." Marceau smiled apologetically again, which fit the slowly deepening lines of his face perfectly. Stirring up a spoonful of curry, he brought it almost to his lips and then paused, staring in horror at Philos' cavalier dumping of tabosco into his meal. Wincing as he imagined the all-but overpowering taste, he managed "That is a terrible thing, introducing new species that disrupts the ecosystem around them. I have heard terrible things about the kudzu plant in America, and the rabbits of Australia." the tall and pale man's explanation for how you needed to treat different kinds of animals was quite interesting, but he was curious...though he didn't forget to take a few bites of his food first. He suddenly leaned closer, asking nervously "Philos...what are these animals, anyway? I've heard nothing about an illegal mass-importation on the news. Not that I am all that up to date compared to some." he admitted sheepishly, rubbing his jaw. "Also," he asked, blue eyes lighting up "would it be possible for me to help?"

Subito gratefully sipped the tea "Yeah, that's the thing: I don't know how you approach somethi-someone like her. I mean," he winced at his slip of the tongue and went on hurriedly "we're connected and all. But actually going to her domain to talk seems like it oughta require something." Looking surprised at Etain's joking challenge he said promptly "I can hear your heart beatin'! I met a vampire once, her heart didn't beat all that much." he said darkly. Glancing over at Morgan he added curiously "Aristocratic vampires? Those seriously exist?" The suited boy lit up at those words. Being an 'avatar in compliance with their will' was a much better way of putting his job than he would have thought of, and he bobbed his head thankfully to the reserved illusionist. "Yeah, that sounds about right. She told me once she can't come into the physical world on her own." He frowned "Wait...does this mean that the Dama Azul's kind of like a god? One of the girls at school, she told me that she's powered by one of the loa, and that they can't come into the world without a human to carry them. S'this a similar kind of situation, Mr. Cimitiere?" he said Nick's name with the same kind of misplaced emphasis that often happened when someone tried to say it in a 'French' way.

"Gr-I mean, Sekhem, don't do this." Subito told the scepter-wielding woman anxiously, quickly stepping between her and the pathetic figure on the grass. Raising his arms up slowly he went on, with a relieved look at Darren "Yeah, what he said. This guy's no threat to anybody! C'mon, leave him alone, how about we hear why he came back?" he suggested eagerly "If he's escaped from Apep or whoever, maybe he can help out!" It was unlikely, but at least it might direct the vengeful Grave from thoughts of taking such quick action. "Let me and Darren carry him inside, he might need a hosptial." the stocky boy offered, bending down to loop one slimy arm around his neck and shoulder.

GM At last the calls for Blodeuwedd and her guides to repeat the story faded, parents gently but insistently led their children away and back to their regular business, and after a few casual reminders from their interpreters the four teens were re-united at the great courtyard before the hall of Zandar. They were met there by the familiar figure of the Jungle Lord, and two small groups of five people dressed entirely unlike the people of the jungle. One band was dressed in simple and colorful brown robes, marked at the edges with broad stripes of bright color. The other small assembly wore crisp white(at least originally, jungle travel had colored it somewhat) togas, with slim ornamental armor on the arms and legs. Neither carried any weapons that could be seen. Zandar was deep in conversation with them, but the moment he caught sight of the young heroes he smiled and waved them over "My young friends! These are the ambassadors from Nova Roma and the Inca land of Viracochasuyu! They have come to ask for my aid in guarding their traders from the beasts of my dominion, and will join our feast. I am sure they will be happy to tell you all about their homelands!" With a great thundering of drums, the door of the hall was opened, letting out the delicious smell of cooked meat and spices, mingled with the fruits of the Lost World and food none of the teens had seen yet. Inside, the hall was lined with the skulls of beasts Zandar and his forebears had slain, and decorated with many gems and precious metals. Zandar's wife Korzeel dealt with the ambassadors after they were shown in, and they bowed gravely to her and the bright-eyed young girl at her side. She warmly greeted the Claremonters, seating them close to each other. The visitors from Viracochasuyu and Nova Roma were staggered, to prevent conflicts. The meal was served at a single table made of an enormous tree, and was magnificent, with nearly every kind of food the teens could have expected and more present somewhere, the ambassadors having brought gifts in the form of their nation's most exotic dishes. They talked freely with the Claremonters, as eager to learn about their world as the teens were to find out about theirs.

"Philotherian?" Marceau raised his eyebrows. "You should put some thought into that, Philos. You're excellent with words!" he said with an encouraging smile. Stirring his food with the spoon he regarded Philos' spicing with vague unease, commenting only "Yes, Wreak did seem a little like a gorilla: strong and wary, not easily dissuaded." sucking in air as his next spoonful approached he added "Zoos, they always have animals worth seeing. If animals are your especial hobby, you're bound to see something few others would." At the question of his name he paused, considering it for a short moment before admitting with a wry smile "Twenty-five, last birthday. I'm not nearly where I hoped I'd be last year, but progress is slow I suppose!" Blue eyes flicked to his curry as he took another bite and swiveled up to his meal-mate's red. "You plan to stay here long, friend Philos?"

GM With a deft flick of its tail the Afanc tossed the metal shards into a bag, shoveling those that flowed away from his target into the canvas sack. With a faint growl it looked at Subito curiously "I was asked to drive humans from the shores, something I would have done anyway to keep you from this." it stroked a stray shard with its claw, a piece that seemed to hold half of a graven pig's head "They eased my passage to your world, where the water is thicker and fish are sweeter. Where I can be as strong as I once was." It glared at Subito then turned back with a swish of its tail to the barge above, setting off with the bag clenched in its teeth. As the lake creature and his cargo swam to the surface, a distant thing could be seen, racing towards the same destination and trailing a faint white fire that burned away the water around it. "The entertainment of mortals? How exciting! We could weave spells again to delight your race, bring you beauty that none have seen since the last age!" the Queen looked like she was about to start talking some more, only for the Afanc and Subito to burst to the surface, the bag streaming mud and bright water. With a cry of joy that was nearly a squeal, the royal Fey leaped to her feet, hauling up the bag herself with surprising ease, spilling its metal contents onto the deck and falling to her knees among the broken treasure, silent and transported with joy. "At last!" she cried, hugging some of the iron shards to herself, only to suddenly turn graciously to the pair of humans "And now, guards, if you will kindly prepare the boats, my guests and I can prepare for the lakeshore celebration! I of course must speak a little more with this adorable one." she smiled beatifically at Blodeuwedd, in the same way all too many smiled, the 'I have you now' smile. Going back to her throne in a suddenly spotless dress she added to Subito "Little boy, sit on my table and tell me where you dragged this wonder from." Blodeuwedd very suddenly sensed Dyrnwyn. It was close, hardly ten feet away and would be there in under a minute.

GM The Commandant shivered under the sudden threat, and words flowed forth "We have shorn the souls and legs from giants, making war machines that cannot be stopped by one art. The people will be turned to cyborgs, silent knives sent into the upper world!" he blinked, and his eyes hardened "Idiot Agate, he told me threats could no longer work...curse your useless science, brother!" Burkehardt glared up at Blodeuwedd "As soon...as soon as I get my limbs to obey me, I'll spit you both on lances of Ymir!" As he spoke, a faint chill began to grow in the air. Outside, the sounds of marching feet could be heard. The bank of computers hummed away with an electronic drone, reflecting passing squads of clones and wolves loping at their sides, strange arms waving from their backs.

Both work for me! Let's see how well he does. Bluff(opposing with Sense Motive): 12. Failed! Let's say that gives a -2 penalty to his Intimidate(opposing with the same): 25. 23, failed. He talks, but still wants to fight! Round 2. Myrmidon: Unharmed, 3HP Burkehardt: Bruise(x1), Dazed, Disabled-GM Blodeuwedd: Unharmed, 2HP

Starting at the Farsider's sudden burst of speech in his native tongue, Marceau smiled politely at the other man. "I can understand that! Some people never take another name for this. Their choice, and nobody thinks less of them." Leaning against the battered seat, he regarded the foot traffic outside with interest for a few moments before turning back to Philos. "So...one of the reasons you might use a 'moniker', 'hero name' or 'code name'" he punctuated the last one with a roll of his eyes and sarcastic finger-quotes "is to differentiate from your real self, to make it harder for people who might hold a grudge against you to find you. Or just to keep folks from hounding you in the street, asking for autographs, pictures and...signs of affection." he smile wavered a little at that last item. Digging into his curry with enthusiasm he went on "It is hardly required! I partially use it to distinguish between my regular life and vigilantism. Of course, our situations are quite different, so what works for me might not work in the least for you." At the question of what France was like, Marceau's blue eyes all but glowed with enthusiasm. Jabbing the spoon into his remaining food, he told Philos "Freedom City is a great place, filled with power and mystery the likes of which can be found nowhere else, but my first love is still France. My friend, France is a place of wonders. Beautiful forests of tall trees that stretch for miles and are filled with magnificent animals of every kind. Hills from which cicadas sing at evening, skies that wheel with flocks of birds, towns surrounded by ageless fields that have stood for centuries. I grew up on the bank of the river Aude, where fish swim, fishing birds dart and the river itself carves sparkling waterfalls. The cities, Philos! They are spectacular." His smile turned wistful "It was my home, I would love to show you around it some day." He frowned "Though yes, the animals are rarely as well cared for as they should. Same across much of this world, unfortunately." Grinning at the mention of the family, Marceau nodded "Agreed! I am sure she will be quite strict with them after this. Hopefully what you said will remain in their minds. I know it will in mine." he looked admiring at the Farsider across from him "I did not expect such deft handling of them from you, Philos. You seem even younger than I am! It took me years to realize how little good mere fighting accomplishes."

GM "An excellent plan" Grace said approvingly, smiling at Darren with a look that suggested she had herself once considered similar ideas. Beginning to say "In fact, I believe-Ooh!" she gasped sharply when Subito accidentally sent his tea rocketing into the air, and stared at him for several seconds. At last she said carefully "Yeees, please don't take any more tea, Subito. You are quite forgiven, but I won't risk it twice." She took another sip, frowning at the stocky teen as he outlined his own plan. Giving it some thought, she ventured "Well, that certainly is not under-ambitious. But I think it could use some consideration. You can't really plan to become someone admirable, and trying to do that as an end to itself can lead to some...very foolish decisions." she grimaced. "So! Anything else you need to know? I have a couple decades of stories I can tell you about-" a sudden *WHAM* resounded through the air and floor as something crashed outside the house "-after we find out what that is." Putting her cup on the table and taking the sekhem off the wall, Grace walked casually outside. On the front lawn was a strange egg-like black shell, dripping a viscous black liquid from its broken interior. Out of it was crawling a pale figure in a brown and gold cloak, a black veil obscuring their face. Grace stared at the figure for a few moments before pointing the rod at it and saying crisply "That is the Hand of Apep. Let's banish him together, kids!" the rod glowed and she whispered sharply "Sekhem" with a flash of light she stood before them in crisp white robes, with a golden headdress. She began walking grimly up to the Hand. Seeing her approach, the cloaked figure weakly raised an emaciated arm, gasping out "Ssssekhem, no! You ssshould be helping me! I have ssseen the light at last! have mer-!" "No." Grace said, pointing the Sekhem at its head "I will not allow you to haunt my life." she glanced back at the two boys "Please don't interfere. I have to do this. I can't take this risk."

White Knight's DC37 Toughness: 15. Failed by 22. He's out! DC22 Fortitude save: 16. Failed by 6. We are out of rounds.

Excellent! One thing I want to make plain is that this is intended as a Star Wars-like adventure, not a super-tense interstellar political thriller where the heroes are involved for plausible deniability. They're called in to do something heroic, even if for someone who might not deserve it. Blue Rose, you mentioned something about disguising the rescue as a pirate attack, I think? I'd love to hear more about what you had in mind!

With a mutter Subito tossed the sriracha sauce bottle next to Sam, the bright bottle landing perfectly on its bottom beside her. "Try a little bit with each bite. Gives it better flavoring. Just a little, not even enough to cover a third o' the squirrel bit, or it'll get pretty much uneatable." Taking a bite out the stir-fry he chewed it for a few seconds, then swallowed silently and glanced at Tona. "Tona, I'm sorry for what I said. It really was none of my business, and I'll quit bargin' into other people's conversations just 'cause I hear 'em. Will you forgive me?" 'Heh! Not that I ever did that before, but there's a first time to screw up for everything, eh El?' The muscular boy seemed to recall something 'Also, I seriously doubt that'll get forgotten any time soon I would not be so sure' and called over to the young Welsh agent "Hey, Cerys! What should we do tomorrow? I can't think of anythin' that'll properly get us in the camping spirit!" his cheerful smile abruptly vanished when he remembered their chaperone, to whom he added quickly "Uh, unless you already had something planned for us Mr Landis." 'I wonder if I could change places with...just about anyone else? They'd not be screwing up every five seconds "Alas, everything is not working out like I hoped it would, and I'm not looking good in front of my girlfriend! If only I could be removed from having to take responsibility for my actions like everyone else does" ...Why do you always have to have the better point? Fine, I'll drop it Good youth'

Marceau unknowingly mimicked Philos, blinking at the unexpected question. In truth he had never wondered that, during his time in England and Wales people had used it all the time. Of course, that was mostly to poke fun at his and Ace's chosen names. Casting his mind quickly back over what little he knew of the word, he offered brightly "It means what you call yourself or what others refer to you as, besides your given name. King of Suits, for example, is my 'moniker'." he explained with a kindly smile. "As for it not being English...I think it might be from Wales, or Ireland maybe." He shrugged with an apologetic turn to his smile. Shaking the man's hand he added "Glad to meet you, Philos!" He led the pair of them to Green Chili, happily greeting the over-worked woman behind the counter and ordering some curry, helping Philos make his order and taking them to a spot in one of the corners. "You're not from around here, eh Philos? I am from France myself. Three years resident."

"You beat up Set? By yourself?" Subito could not have looked more amazed and in awe if he had tried. Writing the story down almost as quickly as it was told, only a stabbing pain in his hand at last forced him to slow down, and eventually stop, writing. He thought over Mrs. Sobczak's question a great deal of seriousness, not least because he wasn't very familiar with either Grace or Darren, and being quite honest struck him as the best thing to do right then. 'That, and I wouldn't know what to say if I tried lying Yes, we need to do some work on that What, lying? Actually I was thinking of knowing what to say, but a little deception never hurt anybody. You should ask Blodeuwedd about that, she has pulled the wool over many eyes a number of times, and that is just counting when I have been near to see it Well, yeah, but she's had years of training in how to do that! Which would make her an excellent teacher ...Alright, I'll ask her about it, but if she says no I'm not asking again Ha! As you wish, my Herald' Throughout the short conversation Subito had been looking with greater and greater intensity at his lukewarm tea, and when he suddenly came back to his senses he jerked with a motion that sent a great splash of tea into the air! "Ohcrap!" he gasped, his hazel eyes wide with horror. Acting with frantic energy the Puerto Rican boy swept the rest of his cup up after it, managing to catch all but a few drops of the precious liquid before it fell onto the spotless blue tablecloth. Breathing heavily for a few seconds, he looked sheepishly at their gracious hostess, managing a panted "Sorry Ma'am. Got distracted, won't do that again!" Gulping back his drink before it could do any more damage and grinning as best he could at Darren, the muscular boy turned fully to Grace and said enthusiastically "I want to be a superhero more than anything. Before I retire, I wanna be the best hero Puerto Rico's ever had! We don't get many supers down our way, and I aim to change that! I want to gather heroes from all over to 'Rico so we can protect the Caribbean, and-and the whole world!" He was grinning much more confidently now, his warm face glowing with excitement at his dream. "I'm gonna be a diplomat too, making peace between people, stuff like that!"

"Where else would I be?" Subito asked grumpily as he walked into view, glancing at Agnes and not saying 'And why do you smell so weird? You'll learn Herald, if you and Blodeuwedd have the nerve to go anywhere with your relationship' Sitting on the damp ground a few feet from the bearer of the Spirit of Justice, the Spirit of Victory's bearer glanced irritably at the misty swamp morning. He turned his bright hazel eyes to the older Englishwoman, question evident in his look, but all he said was "Any plans? We definitely need to make sure Madame Malaise doesn't do..." he colored "...that again."

Marceau stared in wonder as the family beat a hasty retreat. Then he silently raised a fist in triumph. "Victory!" the King of Suits exclaimed joyously "And hardly a single punch thrown!" He smiling and standing with his arms at his side, savoring the feeling of relief at the relatively simple resolution when Philos came up to him. The slightly shorter and stockier man blinked in surprise at the question, glancing at the map in momentary confusion before he beamed up at the young man. 'Wait...red eyes? Ah, someone with albinism like that young Wisp lady, no need to act all startled' "Of course! Just follow this road north for three blocks, then on your right it should be the first place you see!" he traced the street in question with great precision. The streets and shops in this part of the city were quite familiar to him now. Radiating good cheer, he added warmly, though in a quieter voice pitched so only Philos could hear "In fact, I will treat us both to a victory meal. Go down the first block, I'll meet you there out of costume." He waved to the nearby Freedonians "Justice is served, citizens! Good day to you. Be safe!" Then he bowed to Philos and grappled onto a nearby roof, waving and then vanishing. He quickly changed back into his coveralls, and waited at a streetlamp for Philos to walk past, falling quickly in step. "Marceau Suvou, may I know your heroic moniker, my friend?" he asked brightly.

The stocky boy kept a little to the back of the crowd as it gathered to watch and applaud Giang's display of supernatural power. It was a decision he quickly came to regret, not least because he kept needing to slip to one side or the other of the fascinated jungle people to properly watch what was going on. All throughout the girl's show he was captivated by the silent art as moving water acted out centuries-old stories, none of which he had ever heard or known of before(except for that of Hua Mulan, of course, and even then he wasn't too sure on some of the details). More than once he caught himself thinking 'Why can't I do stuff like that?' the Blue Dame was silent, as she didn't need to say anything. He knew the reason well enough, though it wasn't much comfort just then as he watched Giang create a flock of dragons that soared and dipped in liquid ribbons in the wind. Subito clapped with all his might as the show came to an end, calling over to his schoolmate "Bravo! That was awesome, Ms. Trang!" he was all smiles as she rejoined him and suggested they return to Zandar's hall "Sure Giang, I bet Mr. Smith and Blodeuwedd will be back, and fulla awesome stories to tell!" As they walked back to the house of dinosaur bones, Subito glanced at the slighter girl a few times before suddenly speaking, just as they rounded the sharp corner between an old house crowned with ribs and the broad steps leading up to the hall. "Hey, uh, Giang. Sorry for gettin' all flustered back there. Uh..." he swerved to talk to her directly while walking backwards up the broad flights, a rather serious and awkward expression on his face "What do you...what do you think would be a good gift for someone like Blodeu-I mean, like Cerys?" he asked, the muscular boy blushing at the slip. Rubbing the back of his curly head he added hastily "Uh, I mean, not like I'm thinking you know Cerys super-good, just wonderin' if you had any ideas since you're a girl too, and-darnit." a sudden look of both realization and anguish passed over the boy's swarthy face "I just screwed up bad, didn't I? Um. I'm sorry, shouldn't have assumed. I just thought...sorry, didn't think where I was going with that. er, I usually don't say stuff like that, a-almost never!" he stammered hurriedly 'Smoothly put. Hrrrgggghhhh' The interpreter had a look on his face that suggested he was well-used to such conversations, though he loathed them, and he very wisely kept silent.

GM The family stared in quiet shock at the very abrupt change in tone and temperature. Wreak looked by far the most at ease, the matriarch and patriarch looked utterly nonplussed, and Archetype was already making a Sending Sphere. "Bye!" she said hurriedly, and in a sudden burst of warm African air the family, the buffaloes and chimps had vanished, leaving a very surprised crowd, and the three ill-smelling freight containers sitting in an abandoned lot.

By now the King of Suits was sure that there wasn't much chance the family could be truly reasoned with. They were committed to trying to take over the world, and almost nothing would stop them from pursuing this...except being openly challenged. Listening with no little admiration to the tall boy's even and quiet speech, Marceau calmly adopted a menacing stance, arms crossed over his chest and chill blue eyes narrowed with grim defiance. He couldn't hope to beat the pair of them alone, but if the pale youth was as skilled as he was implying, he wouldn't need to carry the whole load. He waited until the last words were spoken, and in the silence that followed he said coldly, deep voice filled with an iron determination "And I will, too." Hopefully that would be enough.