Ari

Look, I'm sorry I didn't think Blue Jay would throw Kit off a roof, what do you want from me?

Full-Round Action Use Inspire to give all allies a +4 bonus to checks, saves and Attack rolls. (2HP)

DC27 Toughness save: 22. He's down. We are out of rounds.

"Whoa..." Subito said, eyes wide with amazement. The story was weird, random and had Grace blasting snake people, everything that he loved at once. To his dashing '...I mean...' schoolmate he said "Yeah, magic stuff is pretty much like that all the time! It's pretty great!" he said with a grin. Sitting closer he added to Darren's questions with a curious "Yeah, did the rod turn out to be part of some kinda larger plot? Was it the central tool needed to try and take over the world?" he asked with gleaming eyes. Then he looked embarrassed and said quickly "Er, sorry. What Darren said." he waved to other boy and took a hasty sip to hide his burning cheeks.

Also, no need for Blodeuwedd to make a Notice check to make out what he's saying. The echo is enough that she can hear every word.

GM "In-deed, sir?" the captain looked a little surprised, though he recovered with commendable speed and good humor. Leading the way to a small corner of the store room, he carefully removed a small panel from one where, stuck his arm in up to his bicep and searched around with eyes raised to Heaven with great concentration, small mutters and irritated whispers suddenly succeeded by a stiffening of his arm, whereupon he withdrew it and produced a small bronze cup, covered by a thin white veil. Raising it reverently he glanced at the disguised Crow, with an almost apologetic look "This isn't the Graal, I'm afraid to say. That was stolen out of the West Country by those dratted Iscariot bastards. But it has some very great power all the same." He put it on a nearby crate, leaned against it with a casual air, licked one finger and traced a pattern on the wall behind him, which left a faint blue glow. "Now we can be sure that nothing as Fey as I bet our mutual enemy is can get at us." he said with great confidence and a winning smile across his scarred face "Those Welsh cretins and their idiotic allies have put a real dent in the trade recently. What has our..benefactor arranged as a fitting exchange for these beauties?" he asked, eyes glittering with greed. And something else, something much more arcane than usually glinted in the light of a man's living eyes.

Congratulations, Darius! I hope things are well with you, and that your birthday was a wonderful occasion! Here's to many more returns to this province of the year! :toot:

Subito had just been about to offer to radio the police when Kristin went ahead and did it. He shrugged at the telekinetic's decision "Ladies and mutant powerhouses first, I always say" he said cheekily, making his feathered hat vanish now that keeping the sun off of him wasn't the issue. "It'd definitely suck if I got stuck in that." As Glow vanished inside Heraldo leaned down to inspect the tunnel, one arm draped over the boulder as he frowned into the hole. "I've heard enough stories about serpents and their lairs to know that following El Sierpe into this is foolish. But, what the heck!" he grinned as he got on his hands and knees to follow Glow in "Since when did we do the smart thing? I'll tell ya if I hear anything bigger than a black mamba" he added teasingly. Subito snorted derisively "Kris, I like a lot about you, but I can safely say your butt ain't on that list. Besides, people that get all drooly over girls' butts are jerks, and I'm pretty sure I'm not a jerk." With that, he crawled a few feet behind Glow, eyes on the narrow cave floor and ears pricked for the least sound of danger. His golden aura illuminated the tunnel around them just a bit.

Hey Yurklenorf! Glad to see you. A couple of ill things strike me: first, In Brief is about the character, who they are and what they do, not just what their combat ability is! Second, Follow-Up Strike seems a little iffy. Allowing another attack that is almost sure to hit doesn't sit quite right with me. It only coming into play with a Critical Hit mollifies that, though.

GM The Jungle Lord clapped his hands briefly at the acrobatic display from the Claremonters. Stepping neatly aside from the incoming Subito, he said to them "Excellent! I am glad to be hosting such skilled youths as you. Headmaster Summers has made an excellent choice with you four. Now, follow me!" he said eagerly as he walked with long and rapid strides towards the strong wall that ringed his capital. Coming within shouting distance of the walls, Zandar introduced himself with a shout that seemed to shake the ground "MY SUBJECTS! I RETURN WITH GUESTS!" waiting for the echoes to die down and for a round face to appear on the wall he added with a sweeping gesture to to the gate that looked almost totally immovable "OPEN THE WALL!" With a shudder, the gate creaked slowly open...until it suddenly slammed down with a thud that echoed again through the trees. It crossed a broad trench that was filled with spikes honed until they gleamed dully in the light that reached them. Many of their points were reddened with blood. The gate was wide enough that Zandar and the teen heroes could walk three abreast, and on the other end through a narrow passage soon appeared a great crowd of people dressed in finery only a little less grand than their Jungle Lord. They thronged around the majestic Zandar and their visitors, embracing them and welcoming them in a language only Subito totally understood, though all of them got the meaning of cheery smiles and warm hugs! The meeting party turned into a procession leading to the hall Zandar lived in, the house of dinosaur bones that they had seen before. On its steps, the mighty man introduced the Claremonters to his subjects, before taking them aside after most of the throng had departed back to their lives. "Go where you will, the welcoming feast will begin this evening. You have my leave to go where you wish in the town. If you wish for a translator, I have many able subjects well-versed in English ready to accompany you." He smiled "May you make memories here. I shall see you this evening." with a majestic nod, Zandar walked inside the house with a clack of its macabre door, from within a female voice raised in surprise and relief sounded, followed soon after by a child's high-pitched excitement.

GM "Right, sorry...comrade!" Galanta hastily corrected herself, driving another kick into the blue knight's side, which also rang off harmlessly. "What the Hell are you made of?" she demanded peevishly as she rubbed her shin with a grimace. "Graahhhhh....shggggkkkk" Rodrigo managed, his voice warped and echoing in the evil-looking helmet. He was still shaking from Wisp's latest battering, and obviously wasn't fit to start fighting back just yet.

As Wisp smashed and battered at the armored Rodrigo, Subito groggily got to his feet, holding his head with a free hand as waves of pain washed through it. Catching sight of Serge lying nearby, he almost jumped to his feet and struggled over to his friend. A quick check proved he was unhurt, just unconscious(though that was bad enough!), and now Subito saw the blue knight, who Wisp and Galanta were already battling. In an instant, El Heraldo appeared in a swirl of gold that slammed into Rodrigo, shouting "Whoever you are, we'll tear you off my cousin, monster!"

Subito's enthusiasm hadn't dimmed for a moment of the trip. As they traveled high above the forest floor through the green-tinged dark he walked as quietly as he could, listening to the creeping, crawling, soft-stepping things that moved around them, shivering with excitement at what those sounds meant: a whole new world to explore! He kept close to Blodeuwedd as they moved, and had to keep down excited whispers as some giant creature stalked past them, nearly invisible save for their reflecting scales catching the light. As they came into view of Zandar's capital he let out a long, slow whistle, staring in awe at something that wouldn't have been out of place in one of the old Aurora pulps come to life. Smiling cheerfully at Zandar's order from them to follow he began "Will do sir! Where's the release..." he stared as the Jungle Lord swung down effortlessly to the ground, hurtling dozens of feet without harm. Blinking a little he turned to Cerys with a look of concern "Hey, uh, you know-" he realized that the lithe Welsh girl was already in action, and watched in astonishment as his schoolmates all elegantly and gracefully descended. he looked around at the suddenly lonely walkway "Okay then, let's not screw up" he muttered. Grabbing one of the remaining vines, he took a step back and then launched himself off the platform, the wind rushing past him and the trees speeding by with terrifying speed! His muscles strained for a moment as he soared towards the others with his hair flailing in the wind, and then he let go. He tumbled weightlessly for a few moments before he felt himself spinning towards the ground, timed and tensed himself, and when he heard more than felt the incoming grass, he spun. Flipping and twirling, he bounced along the ground and came to a dusty, shaking, exhilarated stop before the others. Taking a second to recover he gave Cerys a quick, gentle hug, then turned his shining eyes to the magnificent Zandar "That was amaaaaziiiiing...." he all but whispered. Straightening up, Subito checked the straps on his backpack "Lead on, your majesty! We look forward to seeing your realm, if this is what it's like to live here!" he said with a grin.

With a dull rattle of scales, Wave-Eye nodded. He stepped slowly back against the corner of the front door, pressed against it with his conch at the ready "I will wait until Silver Spider signals us. I will leave any spirits inside for you." Nochehuatl added with a shark-like grin. His mighty body ready for battle, he turned to contemplating the situation, as best as someone like him could anyway. 'Odds are Deep Ones. They are perpetually causing trouble on the surface. We should have killed them all long ago. Mizuchi at least had some backbone there. The Atlanteans seem almost...sorry for them, somehow' Glistening oddly in the fading light of the day, the massive triton waited patiently.

"'Jay, that's a ridiculous argument! Spewing arrows at people who can't hurt you, and raving about how you have to be ready to kill 'anyone who turns', pathetic!" Heraldo felt enormously sheepish when Warp had so deftly and efficiently transported the wounded out of the fight, thankfully there was plenty else to focus on, like the lava incinerating the stage he was on. Lifting off it, he turned to face Quickstep only to hear the exchange between Blodeuwedd and Blue Jay, tears welling up as he saw Hammerhead get cut down in seconds and crash onto the frozen roof, which he viciously(and only partly successfully) fought back. His heart leaped when Kit suddenly leaped into action, seizing the quiver from their murderous comrade and throwing it to Cerys, who quickly saw to its destruction! Heraldo changed course in an instant, rocketing straight for the disarmed Blue Jay so they could put a final end to her brief reign of death and terror! Keeping a careful eye out for any signs of mystic power surrounding Tona that might lead to her controller, he streaked through the air like a red, blue and gold bullet trailing gold. As he flew he went on "Blodeuwedd! Kit! I'll try and get her in the air! Be ready when 'Heh, not "if"'"she escapes!" then dove straight into the erstwhile heroine with arms outstretched to pin her arms to her sides and grip her like bands of iron! "Have you gone crazy archer? Nothing you're doing makes the least sense unless you just want to kill people!"

Now for the weakest link. DC15 Reflex save: 24. Unexpected. Alright, everyone makes it down safely!

Free Action Speak throughout. Move Action flying over to Blue Jay. For a Standard Action making a grapple attempt on her. Attack roll: 24.EDIT: Fatigued makes that a 22. If that somehow hits, Grapple roll: 37. Reaction Setting Interpose for Blodeuwedd.

Player Name: Character Name: Roi "King" Suvou Power Level: 6, 90/90PP Trade-Offs: None Unspent Power Points: 0 Progress To Bronze Status: 0/30 In Brief: French immigrant come to Freedom to aid some family members caught in shady dealings. Alternate Identity: The King of Suits Identity: N/A Birthplace: Rheims, France Occupation: Tailor Affiliations: French immigrants, those opposing the Freedom City Mob, Justice Family: Description: Age: 23 Apparent Age: N/A Gender: Male Ethnicity: Algerian/Kenyan Height: 6'4" Weight: 200lbs Eyes: Blue Hair: Black Roi Suvou is a tall and gangling man, with an engaging smile and a pleasant manner. He keeps his hair quite short, his bristling beard trimmed with all care, and his clothes in excellent condition despite the occasional need to patch and darn them. Power Descriptions: No powers. History: Born in Rheims in 1919, Roi's life was, while hardly luxurious, mostly happy and peaceful. The dreadful Great War still hung heavy on people's shoulders, but as an energetic and perpetually happy child he did a lot to ease the pain his parents had over the loss of so many friends and kin. His mother is a busy and deft seamstress, and his father is a skilled and restrained maker of boots and shoes. During his childhood years, he mastered the craft of throwing small rocks, pebbles and whatever came to hand at objects the size of pebbles, something he kept up with vigor throughout his life. As he grew and matured, his parents and their friends watched with no little relief as the enthusiastic boy took readily to his mother's profession, revealing a keen mind and a sharp eye for details as he experimented with the fine art of cutting, sewing, folding, stitching, arranging and creating beauty with cloth. As well, he threw himself wholly into something that warmed their hearts even further: aiding others. No matter the trouble, if Roi learned of it, he would dedicate every available hour to its easing and the redressing of wrongs. This often, sadly, got him into trouble he could rarely deal with on his own, such as trying to prevent a local group of bullies from terrorizing the smaller children at school. But his selfless actions soon won the heart of many who lived around him, and when at last he was old enough to start hit own tailoring business, he was never long without work. His nickname came from the dead-obvious play on words involving his given name and the well-made suits he became known for in his part of town, as well as simple fondness. Not all of his family was so lucky as Roi, however. Several of his cousins, aunts and uncles had moved to the United States of America after the war, either in order to find a new life after their old one was destroyed, or to seek out better prospects, or a simple desire to move. Many of them had crossed the sea over to the famed Freedom City, where unfortunately they had come under the thumb of the crime bosses that ran the city's underworld. Upon learning of this in 1934 Roi immediately packed his bags, took his tools, manifold bolts of cloth, some money and his lucky king of spades, and boarded a ship for the city. He was determined to help his kin, whatever terrors these American gangsters might have in store. He didn't know what was to await him there, or that his luck was soon to run out... Personality & Motivation: Powers & Tactics: Complications: Fatal Flaw: Bleeding Heart Roi is all too easy to make a sucker of if someone tries to play on his heartstrings. Chivalry A believer in a fair fight, no matter if his opponent doesn't. Pardoné? Roi still isn't quite perfect with his English, meaning some figures of speech, allusions or particularly uncommon words might go clear over his head. No Killing Seeing as he's both a foreign national and a softie, killing his enemies isn't in the cards no matter who they are or what evil they might do if left alive. Vigilante tourism is not his bag. "Well of course I know what I'm doing!" Nervous about being in a strange land and among unfamiliar people, Roi is often much too defensive when it comes to offers of help. Abilities: 2 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 6 = 22PP Strength: 12 (+1) Dexterity: 16 (+3) Constitution: 12 (+1) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 12 (+1) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 6 + 8 = 14PP Initiative: +3 Attack: +3 Melee, +6 Ranged Grapple: +4 Defense: +6 (+4 Base, +2 Dodge Focus), +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -1 Saving Throws: 2 + 3 + 2 = 7PP Toughness: +0 (+1 Con, +0 [Other]) Fortitude: +3 (+1 Con, +2) Reflex: +6 (+3 Dex, +3) Will: +2 (+0 Wis, +2) Skills: 52R = 13PP Bluff 8 (+11) Craft (Artistic) 4 (+6) Diplomacy 8 (+11) Intimidate 6 (+9) Knowledge (Current Events) 4 (+6) Languages 2 (English, French(Native), German) Medicine 4 (+6) Notice 8 (+9) Stealth 8 (+11) Feats: 16PP Accurate Attack Attack Focus (ranged) 3 Benefit (Wealth 1) Defensive Attack Dodge Focus 2 Throwing Mastery 3 Equipment 1 [5EP] Improved Aim Power Attack Skill Mastery 1 (Craft (Artistic), Diplomacy, Medicine, Stealth) Sneak Attack Takedown Attack Powers: 6 + 0 + 0 = 0PP Device 2(10PP Device; Easy-to-Lose)[6PP] Lucky King of Spades Blast 2(Feats: Improved Disarm, Knockback 2, Mighty 1 [Damage 3], Precise Shot, Alternate Power 1)[10PP] AP: Damage 2(Extras: Penetrating 2; Feats: Mighty [Damage 2])[5PP] Drawbacks: (-0) + (-0) = -0PP DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC16 Toughness (Staged) Damage Blast Ranged DC17 Toughness (Staged) Damage Damage Touch DC8 Toughness (Staged) Damage Totals: Abilities (22) + Combat (14) + Saving Throws (7) + Skills (13) + Feats (16) + Powers (6) - Drawbacks (0) = 90/90 Power Points

GM Zandar seemed pleased at their promises, and gladly led them on the way to his capital. The jungle quickly proved to be even more immense than it had appeared on the hill, with trees towering above them and blocking out much of the sunlight in the jungle floor. As it turned out, that wasn't where they were headed, with the Jungle Lord instead taking them through the forest across narrow rope and wood bridges that soared half-way up the mossy and vine-wrapped trees. Climbing up to it was a breeze. They passed relatively unobserved by the passing fauna, though several times Zandar had them lay very still as a massive carnivore passed like a monstrous and noxious shadow by them, tensing and fixing his eyes on the animal until it was out of sight. After a fairly peaceful journey of around two hours, the band came within sight of a vast clearing, in which stood a massive complex of cunningly-built wooden buildings reaching up and around the trees, some of them hundreds of feet above the ground. From their vantage point, the Claremonters could easily see that it teamed with life, from small animals running through narrow streets to a busy marketplace under the shadow of a house made from dinosaur bones. "My capital!" Zandar proclaimed with a sweeping gesture, and a look of deep pride. A few yards closer to the city, however, and something became very evident: It stopped well before civilization, and had no obvious means of getting down. "Now, let me introduce you to my people. This way!" And with that, the Jungle Lord took hold of a nearby vine, and expertly swung off the walkway to the ground! He easily flipped off it at the highest point, landing in a tumble on the floor a few yards from the mighty stockade around the city. He beckoned them to follow.

Subito had jumped to his feet the instant Zandar appeared, feeling foolish for not having heard his approach.The 'chil-teenagers' slip rankled the stocky teen more than a little, but the magnetic and energetic Jungle Lord quickly pushed aside such petty irritations. He shook the man's hand with will, saying "I'm not sure you could learn anything from me, sir, but I'll do what I can!" then hoisted his backpack over his shoulders and followed along. The long climb had taken a lot of the wind out of Subito's sails, and he was breathing deeply by the time they reached the turn, and entered another world. The sight left him utterly speechless for several long seconds, eyes wide and jaw slack with amazement. The sudden rearing of the dinosaur above the tree-line got a faint and quiet yet very obvious squeal of glee, hands clasped before him as he gazed in wonderment around at the Lost World! "This...is amazing..." he breathed, and began "Aw man, we shou-oh!" he looked in surprise at the Jungle Lord. The request made sense, but he still was a little frustrated he thought they were that irresponsible. 'We're not kids, Zandar! Oh? Don't start! I won't have to Alright, we'll abide by this guy's laws. Better'n making the guy mad,a nd might as well keep out of trouble while we're here' Placing a hand on the spear he smiled boldly at the ruler of the jungle, glowing faintly gold "I vow, and let the Blue Dame be my witness, that I will take nothing that is not from your land." he glanced at the jungle below them, adding cautiously "So...where do we go first? Can we see the preradactals?" he asked gleefully.

For a moment Subito tensed, opened his mouth to say something choice...and then closed it. He looked glumly at Blodeuwedd and nodded once. He said quietly "I will. Soon as she gets back...dunno if it will do any good." he muttered. He helped get them set up to eat the sizzling stir fry, and watched Elias carry the squirrels to Tona, wondering vaguely 'Wonder if she'll come back right after this- She's thicker-skinned than you. Have no fear'.

With a sheepish look the stocky teen said "Yeah, didn't really know how to address a powerful and experienced wizard like you. Should've guessed by the fact you weren't dressed in robes and looking like you could see my soul I oughta be more casual." At Nick's apology he grinned and shook his curly head "Nah! She's pretty grand!" The selection of teas had Subito nearly bouncing with excitement, and he quickly chose a packet of English Breakfast, savoring the aroma before daring to take a drink. Sitting down with the utmost grace and manners at the table, he waited until the others had more or less gotten their food ready before replying to Nick. "Really? Huh. I'd have thought things like that would be all over the place." he colored as soon as the words left his mouth, and he added, quite abashed "I mean, sayin' that as someone who's never done much study or had much dealing with spirits of any kind." He took a long drink of tea to distract him from the error, and he looked briefly at the table before looking back up. He had quite a hopeful expression. "But yeah, it's like the spirit of America. Only for Puerto Rico. She's called the Blue Dame, have you heard of her? Even if you haven't met many, you and your...co-mages?" he glanced over at Morgan and Etain for confirmation or denial "You know they work, how they go about their business, and how they can be...well...approached?" Taking a bite from a sandwich his hazel eyes lit up. Chewing slowly, he swallowed almost noiselessly and said "That-these are delicious. Thanks very much Millie!" he called happily over to the ghost, twisting in his seat so he could look at the kitchen.

Slumping back to Earth, Heraldo looked agonized at the distant sounds of someone yelling for help. "But...alright, fine." He stood with the Banner over his shoulder "You'll do your best, I know, but...still want to just go help them, whoever they are." He looked up at the door floating in the sky, frowning and adding nervously "Er, I'll try and catch them when Kat and the rest come through." That at least what something he could do.

GM Grace looked pleased at Darren's question. After gently swishing the tea in her cup she began "It was April, 1963, the civil rights protests of Birmingham were just around the corner, and I was flying a group of Egyptologists to look at a new-discovered tomb hidden inside of a much larger structure. It had been barred, barricaded, strewn with false passages to deceive any intruders." she took a sip and grinned "Took us a heck of a lot of dynamite just to reach the burial chamber. But we reached it all right, and went inside with torches and a few lanterns, the Egyptologists hoping that this would be where some great and forgotten king or queen was laid to rest who could answer some dynastic questions. The hired hands like me hoping that whoever they were, they'd be loaded." she gave the two a grave smile "Not a lot of money in doing the work Egyptologists needed doing." Putting down the cup she took a slow breath, watched the table for a second and resumed. "We were both disappointed. The tomb wasn't holding a secret ruler or missing link in the familial chain of the Nile, it held the remains and possessions belonging to the kid of a governor. We only found out later what her story was. Apparently her dad was so stricken when she died that he payed for an incredibly lavish tomb for the girl. Wasn't much left to put in it when it was done. Just some toys, her favorite dog, her clothes and..." she glanced at the rod hanging on the wall "...that scepter. It was the only one there. For the life of us we couldn't figure out why something like that was in here. Nobody else payed it much mind, so I took it on the way out, realizing when I touched it that the thing was a lot tougher than a rod thousands of years old should be." The old woman took another sip, a quirk at each end of her mouth which quickly settled in grimness "We came out of the tomb and there found we had been trapped. Someone in a green and black robe calling themselves the 'Hand of Apep' and a bunch of snake-men had snuck up and were capturing us as we left the tomb, we were all talking so loud we didn't hear them at first, but just before I went up those steps, I heard the man before me give a croak. So unlike anything I had heard from a human throat that instantly stopped and crept into an arch. I could hear them hissing above me, asking each one about the rod." She raised a pale, worn hand and smiled openly "Then I glanced at the rod I was holding, and saw the words on it. I had learned a little Egyptian from the scientists, and so understood what it said: 'speak my name and hold me. I will grant power'. I said sekhem! and in a moment I was flying through the air, rocketing out of the tomb faster than the wind!" she gulped back a hearty sip of tea, eyes alight at the memory "I turned back, of course, wanting to fight those things holding the expedition captive. From it raced beams of energy that blasted the snake-men to pieces, and sent that 'Hand of Apep' running for their life!" she laughed, leaning back in her chair with one arm over the back. "After that there was nothing for it! I wasn't about to go back to being a pilot and mechanic when I could be a superhero. The others agreed to keep my secret, and after I learned to create that very fetching robe and mask with the rod, my identity was quite secure. I moved back to Freedom, and got into the life." Another, longer sip. "Does that answer your questions, darlings?"

That might be for the best with EH and Malaise, yeah. He'll be hard-pressed to keep her talking as straight as she is.