Ari

GM The last two hulking Crusaders grew still, and a deathly quiet settled over the street as the last wisps of Crow's fog drifted and stretched into nothing. From a distance the few Freedonians who had stayed close enough to watch the fight gave a quiet cheer when they saw the pair triumph, though they still didn't dare approach. Suddenly, a flare of brilliant light swung out of the sky, arriving just above the two vigilantes and resolving itself into the white-hooded and cross-bearing wonder boy of racist thugs everywhere: the White Knight! Glaring down at the piles of his soldiers scattered around the alleyway, he snarled "Excellent work, I thought it would take at least three of your scum-suckin' super kind to deal with these guys. Let me congratulate you!" he shouted, blue fire suddenly springing to life around his body and his eyes glowing with a brilliant blue light. Gathering some of the cruel flames into his hand, he swung back and threw it straight at the head of the King of Suits, the stabbing light of hellfire sure to render him blind!

Crow took 10 to hit the Minion, Power Attacking +5 to make the DC of his next attack 32, which the Crusader could not beat. All Super-MAX Crusaders down, now for White Knight. From the air, he arrives, casting fire upon the King of Suits for a Visual Dazzle. Attack roll: 24. misses. Round 6 King of Suits: Unharmed, 3HP Crow: Unharmed, 1HP White Knight: Unharmed-GM KoS is up, and he throws a Snare at White Knight, then moves into partial cover behind a corner of the wall. Attack roll: 18. Reroll!(2HP): 18. +10 makes it 28, hits. DC19 Reflex save: 24. Whoa. Crow is up!

GM The parents looked at each other. The father turned to Philos and began, with an air that said he had made the same speech many times before "Your comrade is...mostly accurate. The mask is not what we need to regain our power, however. It does hold the keys to controlling animals with our thoughts alone, however. It bears inscriptions copied from our ancestors' ancient tombs, and the one who masters its art can place any beast under their control, from this world or any other. It was stolen many years ago, and the ascension of children like Ayaguna and Abegbe" he smiled and clapped the pair on the shoulders, Wreak looking utterly furious at his real name being used, and Archetype looking slightly relieved "signifies that our time has come. They and the many who shall surely follow will supplant the people of this world, making a new age. We shall then sweep back into the land of our ancestors and take it for ourselves!" he smiled again. Adjusting his thin glasses "I trust that is understandable? Though...this has turned out much worse than we thought. Perhaps a change of tactics is required..." The mother said to the King of Suits "I do not think we will be shunned, but why ask for the charity of the son of our betrayers, when we could take what we wish?"

The Herald gulped as the sense of unreality and a void passed through him. He had no idea what Elias had done, but bet it wasn't something he would have ever wanted to do. As he tightened his grip on the man, however, something struck him 'Is what I do any different? He attacks people's minds, I strike at their bodies, both of us try to hurt people. I don't think any of those guys I punched in the face would ever think something like "Oh man, that hurt, but at least you didn't penetrate into my very heart and soul!". This guy wouldn't care much, I bet.' he decided, suddenly whipping backwards in a smooth arc, bending his back in a graceful arch as he slammed the metal man's head straight into the pavement with punishing force. Rising without skipping a beat he said "Sorry about this, but you endangered people's lives for no reason. We're lucky you didn't manage to do whatever crazy thing you were trying to."

The King of Suits stepped quietly up to the family and Philos, saying "The mask they're talking about apparently has something to do with them...getting powers of some kind, I believe? At any rate, it is what they want to try and 'get back' the power and authority they used to have in the Lost World. Th-" the Frenchman looked suddenly at Philos, adding quickly for his benefit "My apologies! The Lost World is a...world, another Earth that appears to hold inhabitants from many different time periods and even universes, it is particularly noted for the large variety and number of prehistoric lizards that yet survive in it." he turned cold blue eyes to the "New Breed" "It seems their ancestors dwelt on that Earth, before the forebears of Zandar, one of its most famous citizens, expelled them." he swished the cape around his arms and body, leaning against the container that had held the antelopes and watching the four with a a polite smile and a deep undercurrent of fear. "That aside, I would argue that all is hardly lost. The Lost World is a place that anyone can get to, I am sure after all this time, you would be welcomed!" he beamed at the mother, guessing she would be the toughest case. Directing his words to her he added "Won't the people of Zandar be pleased to know that you so honor his forefather's memory, you wanted to return and join him so long after your banishment! The Jungle Lord cannot hold grudges older than he is, surely?" he pointed out gently.

For obvious reasons Subito thought his 'sorry' was all that needed to be said then. 'Won't do any good to go and be all "Hey, I'm sorry for that thing I just did". Give her some space. Chances are she'll take it as well as Galanta does and just smack me a bit-' his thoughts were interrupted by Samantha doing just that. Wincing at the hat swat, the stocky boy said impatiently to Elias "El? Not your problem, don't make the same idiot mistake I just did. What kinda exemplar are ya?" he asked with a rueful grin, rubbing at his scalp. Sighing in irritation he called after Sam "I really am sorry 'bout that! Probably won't happen again." he added under his breath, smiling thinly at Cerys as he dug out the bottle of Sriracha from the bag next to Elias' tent, carefully smelling the aroma from around the cap, his smile deepening at once. Looking almost cheerful he gently set it aside for the meal, getting to his feet and dusting his knees off. He was humming now. Turning in much better spirits to the Welsh agent he said briskly, and with a residual defiance "So...how sorry do I need to be here?"

...Elias needs to teach Subito wrestling moves. Preferably with something smooth and jazzy coming out of the speakers. Alright, attacking by smacking him into the ground(so Unarmed damage attack): 20. If that hits, DC26 Toughness save.

Maintaining the grapple. Anything else that would help?

KoS will Aid that roll: 13. 23 is numerically superior to 22, I suppose. Using a HP(2HP left) reroll: 18. Making that a 26. They go from Hostile to Unfriendly, though that bumps up the DC of further attempts to change their stance by +10.

GM The monster of the Llyn Brenig turned its head a little to watch its passenger's face, massive eyes coldly peering into those of its cargo as it weighed and considered the words. Seeming to come to a decision it turned back to the gloomy, if well-lit and surprisingly warm, journey. With a croaking groan it replied slowly, and with care "I trust neither the Order, or the Twylyth Teg. The humans have hunted and slain my kind when we grew noxious to them, and the Fey are ever-changing. They were once friends of my race..." it muttered gloomily, swimming on in silence for a while. Before the urge to speak and break it became unbearable it added simply "But yes. I will do as you ask. The shards are buried far from the palace, where the Queen can never find it. Do not fall off." It added with what could only have been a smirk as the pair sped down and soon found themselves among a pile of massive bones, a skull taller than Subito's torso lying partially submerged among the mud. In the chasm of his ribs a faint smoke emanated from a pile of lake mud and rocks. Setting down among the giant's grinning corpse, the Afanc whispered a prayer, massive eyes swiveling around at the lake in fear. Motioning for the human to follow its lead, it began to dig, soon uncovering a small shard of glossy black iron. It grinned at the boy "We shall have a great prize. Dig, youth!" The Queen smiled cat-like at Blodeuwedd's question, answering immediately "To last, of course! Our kind is ever-changing, after all, and what stands strong today may yet fall the next. With the artefact I could outlive all the petty arguments that have riven my kind, I could lead us all into a new and glorious age..." she sighed happily "Perhaps even find some way to join our two worlds. Tell me human," she asked Blodeuwedd while abruptly leaning forward, resting her chin on her hand with enough force that it paled the already snow-white skin "What would your people think of a..union, between our worlds? We have had goodly trade before, and much that is strong was built by our joined hands." she added a hopeful and crafty glint in one eye.

It will take some doing, but they could be convinced, especially if the two can get their kids to speak up on their behalf.

Stepping back in surprise as the massive man swung out of the decaying shreds of mist and took a swing at him, the King of Suits automatically leaped forward and kicked him in the sternum, sending the Crusader crashing against the wall and sliding down it in an unconscious heap. Blinking in surprise he called over to Crow "That was unexpected! What do you say the odds are now, my young friend?" he asked with a wry grin, drawing a razor card and flipping it between his fingers as he watched the last Crusader in the fight, confident that soon they would have won the day!

GM Shrugging off the boy and tossing him to the ground just as the King of Suits dashed into view, the Crusader glared at Crow before snorting, turning to the side, and dashing into the alleyway. Halting and getting into a ready stance, he began "Now, let's see you-" "RARRRRRRRGH!" interrupted his comrade, who tore out of the metal bonds that encased him and leaped upon the King of Suits, sending a fist crashing into the man's wiry chest, only for it to rebound harmlessly off of the armor, and bruise his knuckles with a disbelieving howl. "Seriously Jack, you embarrass me." said the other Crusader with a look of disgust.

Alright, opposing Grapple roll: 31. Darn it. #1 Moves over to KoS and swings fists at him: 25. Hits. DC23 Toughness save: 27. Surprising. #7 Moves into the alleyway, and goes into Defense Mode. #8 leaves the battle. White Knight arrives next round! Round 5. King of Suits: Unharmed, 3HP Crow: Unharmed, 1HP Super-MAX Crusaders(x2): 1 Unharmed, 1 Bruised(x1) KoS attacks the Crusader #1 with fists of justice: 25. Hits, DC19 Toughness save: 12. He is down. Crow is up!

Darting backwards in time to evade the blow, the King of Suits looked sharply up at the huge Crusader, eyes narrowing as he retorted "Good manners take you further than bad, garçon. I was giving you some space!" he snapped, sliding around the towering hulk's defenses, drawing his gauntlets and slamming a chemically-powered ram straight into the man's side! Watching as he sank with a low mumble, Marceau sighed with relief, checked the man's heart and was surprised to find it still beating. Shrugging off the question of 'why?' for later, he swung down onto the sidewalk, hurrying towards where the lone vigilante was handily dealing with the crowd of MAXed-out gangsters. 'At least I won't be too late!' he thought wryly, glancing admiringly at the scattered figures of the fallen.

Subito kept as calm as he could while the Queen gaily agreed with Cerys' and yanked him neatly out of his chair. He had a part to play in her plan, he was sure, and 'After all' he thought 'she wouldn't send me down there if she didn't think I'd come back! Indeed.' Glancing pityingly at the Afanc, the boy smiled and politely began "Don't worry y-ah!" he was suddenly cut off as their hostess placed a kiss on his cheek, and he forced himself not to glower at the faerie Queen, instead continuing "Thank you your majesty. I will find what lies down there, and bring it to you safely." and making a short bow. He turned to climb down onto the lake creature's back, flustered and angry at the frequent and deeply unsettling affection the Queen seemed to have for him, when he heard Blodeuwedd's footstep and heartbeat draw nearer, and was only slightly surprised to hear her voice as she whispered to him. He shivered a bit at the feel of her breath on his cheek all the same, his heart accelerating as she murmured . The well-built boy smiled and stood up for a moment to reply, only to suddenly find her arms swung around him and her mouth pressed against his, his protest lost in an unintelligible "Mmrmmm..." as he cautiously held Cerys' body against his, his pounding heart leaping into his throat as he struggled to keep up to Blodeuwedd's standard of stage-kisses. As they separated Subito stared at Cerys with a downright bashful look, hastily turning away with a blushing "I...you don't need to apologize Blodeu, it..s'okay if you do that, you're really good..." he turned dark crimson as he briefly stammered "I mean-uh..bye!" before he grinned as widely as he could and waved a hasty farewell to the agents, then tossed himself onto the Afanc's back and was soon lost in the Llyn, struggling to get the memory of the last few seconds out of his mind as he wiped her taste off his lips, quickly lost in the questions of what was going on. Looking down at the Afanc when it spoke, he replied "I don't want your cauldron, but I don't want the Queen to have it either. She'd do crazy things if she got her claws on it, I bet." scratching it behind the ears he suggested "How about this: you help me get that pot out of the lake, and I can promise the Order will keep the Queen from enslaving you ever again." he smiled grimly, an odd look on his cheerful face "They have to be kinder than that wacko Twylyth Teg are to you." he looked at its large eyes "Whaddaya say?" 'Oh Madre, I had no idea she was that...lithe. Like supple- Ahem?Gah! Stop reading my mind! Dream on, Herald. Clean thoughts from hereon out You're enjoying this, aren't you? Aren't you?! As you would say 'tee-hee-hee!''

"I will, my friend." the King of Suits answered confidently, smiling defiance in the face of Jeanne. Whisking a red and white King of Hearts from his sleeve, the costumed adventurer swung it at the transfigured Beatrice, the card splitting into a massive serpentine corkscrew whirling through the air as it unwound. It was one of the King of Suit's favorite inventions, mostly because it was so utterly unexpected in battle. 'The only downside is how hard it is to treat the steel' he groused to himself, springing lithely away from the possessed woman with a soft clik of his boot heels. He kept himself close to the woman, not wanting the unsteady painter to become her target if he could help it. "Let my cards give you a hug, madame!" he called over to Jeanne cheerfully "A spirit of blood and terror is a trifle out of fashion, and you need a warm welcome!".

Very well. Round five. Asad: Unharmed, 3HP Gabriel: Unharmed, 6HP Halb-in-Shadow: Bruise(x2), Dazed, Pinned-GM Starlight: Unharmed, 4HP Silver Spider: Unharmed, 2HP Young Britannia: Unharmed, 2HP You're up Asad!

Sure. Difficulty Class is 15.

GM The cow let loose a threatening rumble and scraped at the container floor until Philos drew closer, his gradual and gentle movements at last convincing the bitter, angry animal that she and hers weren't in any danger from him. Watching him with vast and liquid eyes, the soft nudge galvanized her into action, trundling out of the freight container and reuniting herself with the bull, who had taken up position in a slightly overgrown part of the lot and was testing the tough grasses and weeds. The small group near Archetype let loose a faint and very restrained cheer as she lumbered into view and trotted over to her mate, several Freedonians taking pictures of the strange sight to send to their friends and family. The costumed woman seemed quite happy to answer their questions about the animals, revealing a surprising depth of knowledge about their habitat and dietary needs. It wasn't the rigorous and detailed understanding that Philotherian had of Earth herbivores, but it was considerably more than what the Americans could have been expected to know. Wreak left his post briefly to stalk over to Philos, glaring daggers at a troupe of teenagers apparently trying to work up the nerve to get closer. When he was in range he said huskily to the Farsider "Thanks for this, really. Now if you'll just stand aside" he folded his arms across his chest and looked defiantly up at the animal handler "We'll be on our way. Archetype! We're leaving!" he barked over to his sister, who after a hasty conclusion to her lesson in the problems buffalo could have with their hooves wandered over to him with a warm smile to Philos. Taking a look around at the liberated animals she said "Hey! Thank you so much for your help, I'll just make a Sending Sphere, and we can-" only to be cut off as a much older-looking woman and man stepped out of a hole in the world. Both were dressed in neat business clothes, and were from their appearance and the accent of the greying man as he swept an imperious and dour gaze around the parking lot strewn with animals "My son, I am disappointed." Turning fully to Wreak and cutting off the man's protests with a raised hand, he said flatly "You have failed in the first task we granted you and your sister. The mask is what we need to regain our birthright. I gave you one mission, Ayaguna, one. Now all is lost." he shook his head slowly, his eyes abruptly alighting on the two heroes. Stepping back he nodded to the woman, who had fixed Archetype with a Look that had left the normally ebullient woman speechless and shifting with embarrassment. Speaking aloud she stated to the world at large "There is one way to redeem yourselves. Destroy these relics, and claim the artifact." she looked at Philos "Do you have anything to say before destruction?"

The gaudy Heraldo brightened even further when Glow and Elias arrived, calling over "Glad to see you two! We could use all the help we can." he said warmly, shaking the telekinetics' hands with his own crossed over each other. Stepping back to give Kristin and Elias room, he gestured over to the house with a shrug of his broad shoulders "Sorry Glow, but I'm afraid I know about as much as you do right now." he smiled apologetically at his friend, adding "As far as I can tell, it probably is magic, and done by somebody human, which is a pretty big relief-Errant, you alright?" he asked the hooded hero anxiously, surprised at Errant's sudden change from his usual cold indifference and watchfulness to deadly wrath. Glancing at the policeman he offered quickly "Sorry officer, but Erran't not had many favorable encounters with the police. This won't be a problem, I promise." he added with a sweeping bow where he held one hand behind his back and the other over his heart. Stepping over to the reserved psychic he whispered "Buddy, snap out of it, we've got a job to do. What's with him?" louder he asked Arcturus "So, any ideas so far?"

Using the Coil Card Snare, because that makes sense. Attack roll: 15. If that hits somehow, DC19 Reflex save. Then Move Action further away.

I am in agreement there.

GM Nisien's pale eyebrows raised briefly, and from a nearly imperceptible twitch at the corner of his mouth made plain that he had heard and understood Subito. Cigfa spared him a ghost of a smile and a faint nod. Making no other sign that they had noticed his words, besides Cigfa commenting lightly "Indeed? We must organize a fishing trip sometime." whereupon they kept a careful watch apparently on the general area around the Queen and Blodeuwedd. The royal in question seeming to grow more excited by the minute. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Ah, I was hoping there was someone like you among the party!" she exclaimed, lolling even more impossibly on her ornate seat, her hair somehow evading the deck "Most of the Order's mighty and wise agents have little interest in giving much aid to my kind. Mostly it seems to be an interest in gathering tools, weapons and information of our race. Good things all, of course, and while I may not have much head for the work of a merchant I admire your people's cunning in that art." came the smooth assurance. Flicking a small piece of fruit into her mouth she considered the junior agent's offer, at last jumping to her feet and extending a hand to Subito, waiting only a second before dragging him to his feet, kissing him on the cheek, breaking away with her now grating tinkling laugh before dragging the boy over to the cage holding the still-whimpering Afanc, releasing the complex locks with a wave of her and a single syllable. Turning to Blodeuwedd she said grandly "Well child, I accept your gracious offer. I have no wish to remove someone who gives such fine service to you, and I shall be very surprised if he doesn't find something good down there!" she winked at the young woman, patting Subito on the back and calling down to the Afanc "Ho, lake creature of many scales! Bear this young boy down into the lake wherever he wills, and carry whatever he wishes back up. Do not disobey his least command, or you will lean how strong my hand has become." she said, eyes narrowed at the beast. Smiling beneficently at the stocky teen, she helped him down onto the Afanc's back, the animal cowering and wide-eyed in terror, thanking the Queen profusely before surging down into the depths of the lake. As the last of the ripples of its passage faded, the Queen went back to her seat, taking another piece of fruit and tossing it over to Blodeuwedd. Biting with vigor into the apple she asked around it "Tell me agent...Blodeuwedd, isn't it? What sort of use do you think such an artefact should be put to? Conquest? Peace and plenty? A union between kingdoms?" Down below, the Llyn was lit up with a bizarre play of glinting lights flickering in the depths, and all around him Heraldo could hear the sounds of fish and other animals. When the barge was a distant sight, its voice rumbled cautiously "Tell me, where do you wish to go? I assume you want to scrape up that old pot, bring it out of my grasp?" it all but snarled, though it still sounded cowed.

Quick thing about Penetration. Penetrating basically works to remove ranks of Impervious, and you have to buy up individual ranks of Penetrating. For example, Strike 4 with Penetrating 4 would turn Impervious 8 into Impervious 4. This would turn a previously impregnably-protected character...preganble, I guess. Anyway, I say we run with what you're doing here anyway , because it would be awfully dull if Heraldo wasn't in danger besides from the impending explosion of doom. DC21 Toughness save: 15. Bruised and Dazed!