Ari

Anyway, that's a DC32 Sense Motive check for Silver Scream. She cannot make that, but let's see if she gets a natural 20: 19. Nope! Notice roll: 3. Nay! Silver Scream will now try and use Bluff to try and Trick Kat into showing herself: 13. Reroll(+1HP for both): 29.

Teamwork! More importantly, Freely Seek, you actually CAN'T use a Hero Point twice for the same effect.

"That thing was just a bastard to get our hands on." Subito grumbled, raising an eyebrow at Cerys' warning about calling her after her namesake. He had the basics of the story told in the fourth branch down pretty well, but the Welsh girl's attempts to explain it fully were taking a little more time. Nonetheless he said eagerly to the young mutant, unknowing the effect his careless words were having "Dig deep in the water, Kat! You'll be fine, I know it." he added with a reassuring grin, darting off under the cord into the next lane over, keeping pace with the girl and tossing over the occasional encouraging word when he saw her fumble a stroke. "Hey Cerys!" he called back to his crush "How 'bout you tell Kat that story where you first learned how to swim?" he suggested, hoping this would help build up a mutual understanding.

...And found it! With a rasp like water over stone he grated "There are four of your race, inside that structure" he pointed an accusing spined claw at the warehouse and describing them as best he could"they are doing magic with a vast cauldron of water. Let us go!" So saying he set out at a brisk walk for the building, unslinging the Red Wave conch from his side and tying its harsh leather cord around his forearm. "Tell me, Silver Spider, are you capable of great stealth? The Japanese spider clans I fought against many centuries ago could hide in ways no triton could imagine." he asked the arachnid-themed gravity-manipulating heroine with a casual air "I have heard your land spiders are even quieter." He added thoughtfully. 'A small lake, an excellent weapon for the water girl.' he thought with eager anticipation.

If memory serves you do that with a Bluff roll. A Perform roll might help there too.

MILITARY SURPLUS'D by GIZMO King of Suits 27PP to spend. :arrow: Fixing the Armaments belt Device, it was at rank 5 instead of it's real rank 7, using 8PP to buy it up. :arrow: Buying one of the Zultasian Grav-Cycles he ran into in Morocco. 3PP for 15EP to buy it. :arrow: Buying another rank of Takedown Attack [1PP] :arrow: Buying 10 ranks of Sense Motive, 6 ranks of Knowledge(Physical Sciences), 6 ranks of Drive, 1 rank of Diplomacy and 1 rank of Disable Device, for 6PP :arrow: Buying 2 ranks of Base Attack, and 1 rank of Base Defense for 6PP. :arrow: Buying 1 rank of Fortitude and 2 ranks of Will for 3PP. In hindsight, I ought to have waited for the last 3PP and just gotten a Sidekick. EDIT: :arrow: Buying Cell Phone. [b][u]Player Name:[/u][/b] Arichamus [b][u]Character Name:[/u][/b] King of Suits [b][u]Power Level:[/u][/b] 14 (221/221PP) [b][u]Trade-Offs:[/u][/b] +4 Attack / -4 Damage (Unarmed); +4 Defense / -4 Toughness [b][u]Unspent PP:[/u][/b] 0 [b][u]Progress To Gold Status:[/u][/b] 62/90 Old sheet [url=http://www.freedomplaybypost.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4486]here[/url]. [b][u]In Brief:[/u][/b] French unpowered crime-fighter come to Freedom City to test and improve his abilities and help anyone he can. [b][u]Alternate Identity:[/u][/b] Marceau Suvou [b][u]Identity:[/u][/b] Secret [b][u]Birthplace:[/u][/b] Aude, France [b][u]Occupation:[/u][/b] Janitor, superhero [b][u]Affiliations:[/u][/b] House of Suits (European superhero alliance), Legio de Halberdiers (French magician's group, members include magical artist Rene de Saens) [b][u]Closest Family:[/u][/b] Masud Suvou (Father), Kioni An-Sallah-Suvou (Mother), Mossar An-Sallah (Maternal Uncle), Erran An-Sallah (Maternal Aunt) [b][u]Age:[/u][/b] 24 (November 2nd 1987) [b][u]Gender:[/u][/b] Male [b][u]Ethnicity:[/u][/b] Moroccan/Kenyan [b][u]Height:[/u][/b] 6'5" [b][u]Weight:[/u][/b] 178 lbs. [b][u]Eyes:[/u][/b] Blue [b][u]Hair:[/u][/b] Black [b][u]Description:[/u][/b] In his regular attire Marceau is a largely forgettable figure in drab earth-toned coveralls and work boots. In-costume, he wears a 'typical' black and red cape-and-cowl with the insignia of one of the four card suits emblazoned on the chest in attractive white shades. He keeps his hair short and at a remove from his face, giving him a high forehead, which combined with his far-spaced eyes gives him a look of constant apprehension. His nose is also short and blunt, his mouth is thin and often curved slightly upwards at some remembered joke, and he wears a a short, bristling beard. His voice is low, deep and resonant, with a slight French accent. [b][u]Power Descriptions:[/u][/b] Marceau's gadgets have a general trend of belying their efficacy through unassuming exteriors, mostly by making them look like cards from a standard playing deck, though a close examination quickly alerts the observer to the fact that they all are much thicker. His electricity-delivering [b]Shock Rods[/b] are much less in line with the rest of his contraptions, and thus more obviously resemble some kind of weapon, looking like small nightstick with two copper and zinc wires meeting at the tip, which deliver the shock. Newest to his arsenal is a pair of chemically-powered [b]Gauntlets[/b] that use the burst of a small explosion triggered by the puling of two levers on the palm to increase the force of a punch with a small ram. [b][u]History:[/u][/b] Marceau Suvou was born in the Aude river valley on the south coast of France, to a teacher at the College Varsovie in Carcassonne, and his bride, an electrical engineer. They lived in peace in an old stone house converted out of an ancient Roman villa. Nothing of note happened besides the quiet, introspective personality Marceau developed while living in the river valley. At the age of seven, his parents, having saved up enough money, embarked on a series of two-month long vacations throughout the Eurasian continent. The cumulative effect was for the boy's already deep interest in the smaller things of life to turn into a near-obsession. For hours when not in the rigorous schooling his parents took upon themselves to give him, he would watch ants walk under leaves, observe the movements of pebbles in the shallows of the river near his home, and stared in awe at a dust devil he happened across one night when he and his family were sleeping in the Afghanistan desert, entranced by the way it swirled the grains about itself. To his parents' relief, he made friends easily, and learned the languages spoken around him with a moderate effort. He wasn't immune to misfortune however, and suffered several potentially dangerous accidents, including one that rendered him permanently impotent. It took his move to Reims at the age of thirteen, when his mother got a job at the Chooze nuclear power plant, for him to take a wider view. One Saturday morning, while walking in the Jardin de la Patte-d'Oie with a Czech schoolmate of his named Aloysius Novak, when the Raven II and Bowman IV appeared, fighting a flying giant. As they stared in dumbfounded incredulity, the two unpowered heroes managed to lure the giant into a cloud of what turned out to be anesthetics, knocking it out and sending it crashing to the ground. Even back then the two were quick on their feet, and managed to speak for a few seconds with their new idols before the two left to rejoin the rest of the visiting Freedom League. Neither of the two young men took lightly the Raven's joking suggestion that they become heroes themselves to help out. For the next ten years whenever they had time from schooling, the two trained rigorously, offering their help to any who happened to need it. Their early successes were helped in no small part by the duo's enthusiastic acceptance of the smallest or largest of cases. Aloysius soon took on the role of leader due to the simple fact that as the dashing, swashbuckling sort, he assured others of their legitimacy more than the more subdued Marceau, and when the two set up shop in Serbia in 2007 it was Aloysius who drew up the ranking system and enthusiastically designed the guild's uniform, assenting to Marceau and the later King of Spades(a Romanian woman named Sabine Vaduva)'s wish for more concealing colors only after the Frenchman showed him how easily a competent gunman could track a target in the flashier garb the boisterous Czech loved. The two soon had well over a dozen allies, all of whom as enthusiastic about the kind of work the two often did(dealing with unsolved crimes, fighting the incursions of crime families, capturing supervillains), and all equally dedicated to the kind of training program the two required for all members. After becoming well-entrenched in the European superhero family as a reliable group of problem-solvers and competent fighters, Marceau and Aloysius began to discuss the idea of starting a branch in the U.S.A., a long-time dream of theirs on account of nearly mythical Freedom City. The discussion was finalized after Marceau uncovered and thwarted a wide-ranging conspiracy in the lower levels of the European Union's government, a long and maddening case that led to the resignation and jailing of a French politician that Marceau in civilian life had deeply admired. In the investigation the King of Suits had found links between the conspirators and numerous criminal families throughout the continent, including ones that previously had appeared totally self-sufficient. Embittered at this discovery at his work, he gladly took the chance for a change of scenery. Arriving in 2010, he unsurprisingly couldn't find much in the way of work on the New England coast, and found himself moving further and further south from his earlier landing point of Maine, ending up in Freedom City shortly after the Grue invasion in April. He found himself a job as a janitor at an office building used by the American Grant Conglomerate branch's accounting staff, performing sundry maintenance work whenever the place needs it for wages that could be charitably described as "Sub-optimal". As a result, he set up a delivery system to get needed supplies for his costumed adventuring from the base in Europe, which is maddeningly slow and often needs repair after arrival. Nonetheless, the Frenchman is eager to continue his work in his new home, and potentially help people get into his business, and fight the corporeal evils of the world on a level they otherwise would never have the chance to do. [b][u]Personality & Motivation:[/u][/b] Marceau is usually brisk and cheerful, seeing no reason to dwell on misfortune or become over-demonstrative of one's feelings, although he is still as vulnerable as any other human to irrational emotional responses. He tries to carry himself as he feels he should to inspire others, the knowledge that people follow the exploits of people in his line of work partially for encouragement an ever-present aspect in his mind. He doesn't have the charm that some others do, but he'll gladly try to live up to others' expectations, something he knows first-hand as a marvel to behold. [b][u]Powers & Tactics:[/u][/b] Marceau's favored tactic is to make his way to a suitable hiding spot and launch a sneak attack against any opponents he can manage, disarming any with firearms he can beforehand. If caught in the open he'll try to escape to a place where he can use his experience with ranged weapons to even the odds. If trapped, he'll use a smokebomb to blind his enemies before attempting to subdue all opponents around him with whatever will defeat them quickest and quietest. He finds lengthy battles increasingly difficult to fight, meaning he relies overmuch on quick defeats to win his battles. [b][u]Complications:[/u][/b] [b]An Army Marches.[/b]..: Marceau relies on shipments of supplies from Europe to operate at peak effectiveness, as he doesn't have nearly the resources to replicate the chemicals and metals he requires. A disruption of this lifeline would be dangerous for him. [b]Bad Bosses:[/b] Marceau is blissfully ignorant of the Grant Conglomerate's misdeeds, and would probably severely overreact if he found out about them. [b]Hatred:[/b] Conspiracies. [b]Responsibility:[/b] Caring for the needy, especially his 'posse' of sundry homeless, harmless lunatics and underemployed vagrants who have latched onto him as their protector against street-gangs and minor organized criminals. If any threat comes against them, Marceau feels honor-bound to aid them. [b]Secret:[/b] Identity. [b]Struggling:[/b] Maintenance work doesn't pay much. [b][u]Abilities:[/u][/b] 8 + 10 + 8 + 8 + 0 + 4 = 38PP Strength 18 (+4) Dexterity 20 (+5) Constitution 18 (+4) Intelligence 18 (+4) Wisdom 10 (+0) Charisma 14 (+2) [b][u]Combat:[/u][/b] 20 + 18 = 38PP Initiative: +9 Attack: +10 Base, +14 Armaments Belt, +18 Unarmed Grapple: +12 Defense: +18 (+9 Base, +9 Dodge Focus), +4 Flat-Footed Knockback: -3/-2 Unarmored [b][u]Saving Throws:[/u][/b] 6 + 6 + 13 = 25PP Toughness: +8 (+4 Con, +4 Costume) Fortitude: +10 (+4 Con, +6) Reflex: +11 (+5 Dex, +6) Will: +13 (+0 Wis, +13) [b][u]Skills:[/u][/b] 168R = 42PP Acrobatics 10 (+15) Bluff 8 (+10) Climb 6 (+10) Craft(Chemical) 8 (+12) Diplomacy 9 (+11) Skill Mastery Disable Device 6 (+10) Drive 6 (+10) Escape Artist 5 (+10) Gather Information 13 (+15) Intimidate 9 (+11) Investigate 12 (+16) Skill Mastery Knowledge(Physical Sciences) 6 (+10) Knowledge (Streetwise) 10 (+14) Skill Mastery Knowledge (Tactics) 10 (+14) Languages 6 (Arabic, Cantonese, English, French [Native], Hindi, Russian, Serbian) Notice 12 (+12) Search 12 (+16) Sense Motive 10 (+10) Stealth 10 (+15) Skill Mastery [b][u]Feats:[/u][/b] 46PP Attack Specialization (Armaments Belt) 2 Attack Specialization (Unarmed) 4 Benefit (Can use Knowledge [Tactics] for Master Plan checks) Dodge Focus 9 Endurance Equipment 9 (45EP) Evasion Improvised Tools Improved Initiative Jack of All Trades Luck 2 Master Plan Power Attack Quick Change Quick Draw Set-Up Sneak Attack Skill Mastery (Diplomacy, Investigate, Knowledge [Streetwise], Stealth) Startle 2 (Move Action) Takedown Attack 2 Throwing Mastery 2 Well-Informed [b][u]Equipment:[/u][/b] 9PP = 45EP 0 + 1 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 15 + 11 = 45 [equip][b]Binoculars[/b] [1EP] (Masterwork) [b]Cell Phone[/b] [0EP] [b]Concealable Microphones[/b] [1EP] [b]Costume w/ Armored Underlay[/b]: Protection 4 (Power Feat: Subtle) [5EP] [b]Gas Mask [/b][1EP] (Masterwork) [b]Grapple-Gun:[/b] Super-Movement 3 (Slow Fall, Swinging, Wall-Crawling) [6EP] [b]Handcuffs[/b] [1EP](Masterwork) [b]Mini-Tracers[/b] [1EP] [b]Multitool[/b] [1EP] (Masterwork) [b]Night-Vision Goggles [/b][1EP] (Masterwork) [b]Re-breathers[/b] [1EP] [b]Zultasian Grav-Cycle[/b] [15EP] [array]STR 15, Size Medium Toughness +8 Defence +0 Powers: Flight 6 (500 mph; Feats: Subtle, Drawbacks: Low Ceiling 2, maximum 15 feet)[/array] [b]Utility Belt 4 [/b](8PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 3) [11EP] [array]BE: [b]Blast 2[/b] (10 20-ft. Range Increments / 200ft Max Range; Power Feats: Homing, Improved Ranged Disarm, Mighty 2 [as DMG 4]) (boomerangs) [8PP] AP: [b]Dazzle Visual 4 [/b](flash grenades) [8PP] AP: [b]Obscure Visual 4[/b] (50-ft. radius; Extras: Independent) (smoke card) [8PP] AP: [b]Snare 4[/b] (bolos) [8PP][/array][/equip] [b][u]Powers:[/u][/b] 28 + 3 + 1 = 32PP [b]Device 7 [/b](Armaments Belt, 35PP; Flaw: Hard-To-Lose) [28PP] [device][b]Armaments Array 14.5[/b] (29PP; [i]Power Feats:[/i] Alternate Power 6) [24PP] [array]BE: [b]Blast 6[/b] ([i]Extras:[/i] Autofire, Penetrating 6 [as DMG 10]; [i]Power Feats:[/i] Improved Critical(19-20), Precise Shot, Improved Ranged Disarm, Mighty 2 [as DMG 8]) [29PP] (razor cards AKA Kings of Spades) AP: [b]Blast 9[/b]([i]Extras:[/i] Area (Targeted, Burst; 45-ft. radius); [i]Power Feats:[/i]Affects Insubstantial 1, Knockback 1) [35PP] (explosive cards AKA Kings of Clubs) AP: [b]Dazzle 14[/b](Visual, Olfactory Senses; [i]Feats:[/i] Accurate)[29PP] AP: [b]Snare 14[/b]([i]Feats:[/i] Tether(Max. Range: 1400-ft.) [29PP] (coil cards AKA Kings of Hearts) AP: [b]Strike 8[/b] ([i]Extras:[/i] Autofire 1; [i]Power Feats:[/i]Improved Critical 2(18-20), Improved Overrun, Improved Trip, Knockback 4, Mighty [as DMG 10], Split Attack, Weapon Break) [29PP] (ram gauntlets) AP: [b]Stun 14[/b] [28/29PP] (shock rods) AP: [b]Obscure 14[/b]( Visual and Auditory Senses; [i]Feats:[/i] Independent)[29PP][/array][/device] [b]Immunity 2[/b] (Cold, Heat; Power Feat: Innate) [3PP] (training, conditioning) [b]Speed 1[/b] (10 MPH / 100' per Move action) [1PP] (training, conditioning) [b][u]DC Block:[/u][/b] [code] ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 19 (21*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Bolas Ranged DC 14 Reflex (Staged) Entangled/Bound Boomerang Ranged DC 19 (21*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Coil Cards Ranged DC 24 Reflex (Staged) Entangled/Bound Explosive Cards Ranged DC 24 (26*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Flash Grenade Ranged DC 14 Fortitude Blinded Gauntlet Touch DC 25 (27*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Shock Stick Touch DC 24 Fortitude Stunned Razor Cards Ranged DC 23 (25*) Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical); Penetrating [as DMG 10] *Sneak Attack Totals: Abilities (38) + Combat (38) + Saving Throws (25) + Skills (42) + Feats (46) + Powers (32) - Drawbacks (0) = 221/221 Power Points MILITARY SURPLUS'D by GIZMO

GM Even faster than they had arrived, the trio had been defeated with ease! Arnold dragged the two left out on the road inside the church, shutting and locking the doors behind himself as he painfully lugged the two unconscious forms into the center of the room. Frowning briefly at the long cut in the woman Changeling had bested, he glanced up at her questioningly before shrugging and saying "Bah, you did what was needed. I'll not whine to my rescuers. Just give me a moment to try and remove whatever shackles are about these people." So saying he gathered up the ones possessed by Dis, and arranged them carefully with their feet close to anothers' head in a triangle. Raising a hand over them he began a slow and quiet incantation that gradually filled the church with a soft green light that slid around the forms of the three people, Changeling's eyes seeing a solemn crowd of angelic beings walking out from behind him to inspect the shells, each shaking their head in resignation and sorrow before turning away. After several minutes the older man was sweating and still chanting, until at last his hand dropped and he fell to his hands and knees, panting heavily. Looking back up he said wearily "Forgive me, youngsters, but I can't do it so quickly."

Notice roll: 26. He hears all!

GM The young nurse looked blankly at the King of Suits, though he was still short of breath enough that he didn't make anything of the greeting, and sat down gratefully on the cushioned seat. At the question, the guard turned smartly around to reveal that he looked precisely like the man on the sofa behind him. "I am named Jonathan Bradley." Whipping up the small rifle slung at his side he lunged over to the nurse, quickly putting the young man in a half-Nelson and the barrel of the small arm against his neck. "Please do not try and stop me." he said loudly "I wish to proceed to the medical floor. There is a certain trio of aliens in your keeping, I believe" he said tersely to the captain and his squad of guards, all of whom had already readied(though not fully raised) their weapons, watching the imposter with cold eyes. One of them who had dallied just a moment behind the others to take care of the alarm quickly tapped the radio on her chest, muttering into it "Hostage situation in the main lobby. Catalyst, if you can, get down here and help out!"

Alright, guard will grab the nearby medic and try to hostage his way out of a sticky situation. KoS preliminary attempt to talk him down: 15. Well, doesn't make the guy start shooting, but following attempts increase the DC by 3 each.

King of Suits makes with the punching, and the rams: 21. Hits. DC25 Toughness save: 16. Down! Move Action onto the sidewalk below. Crow is up!

GM The false image of the Silver Scream stared at the vision, her teeth clenched almost as tightly as her bloodless hands, while the true spirit wafted up and above the gleaming field conjured up by Kit, surveying the glorious mirage with something akin to heartbreak. 'It is so like I wished...but it isn't real., even to me' she thought bitterly, commanding that her double speak. With a grim look at the wondrous sight, the illusion curtseyed with old-fashioned flair to the vision of the older Katherine, saying darkly "I thank you for your attempt to put me at ease, and at rest, but this sight" 'she' gestured to the grown Katherine with an a well-manicured hand "is only half of the story. The subtle art and the beautiful performance is but the cream of the drink. Behind all the successes you will find hides a legion of arduous work and endless tedium." placing a nearly invisible hand over the heart of the fairy-like Katherine for a few moments, Lauren's mouthpiece asked "Do you think such grace and wonder will outweigh a longer future of drudgery and condescension? You will age, become wrinkled as your limbs slow, and you will be replaced by other girls younger and prettier than yourself. Nothing in the world of the theatre lasts, not even it's greatest stories. Nothing except me, of course." With a snap of spectral, the air shivered. Out of either of the two young heroine's sight the doorways became warped and twisted into themselves. Anyone trying to get in or out would be very effectively thwarted. The illusion's head sank with her hand, which drooped to her black-clad side "We tell such lies in the theatre, it is true, and to be a great actress one must believe in some measure in the reality of their role. But why let such self-deception color a vision of the future?" she asked with a hollow voice, clearly by now thoroughly into the performance.

You're tying to talk her down with an image of glory, so that would be a Charisma roll. DC15 Sense Motive save: 20. Notice roll: 13. Failed. Silver Scream sustains her Illusion, and adds onto it a maze around the exits. Move action up onto the stage above her Illusion. Round seven, Unchanged. Warp: Unharmed, 2HP Kit: Unharmed, 3HP Silver Scream: Unharmed-GM Warp's up, want to take any action Freely?

GM "I need you two to talk her into giving you the pieces. It will take some doing, I know" he added with worry clear in his voice "But we can't risk an open confrontation like this, we are not prepared yet. Nisien will receive a message shortly with additional options, should they appear. Be safe children." he added, sounding unusually tender before his voice cut out. Cigfa looked up slowly, a far-away look in her eyes for a few seconds before she tilted her head slightly downwards. "So! What shall we do next? Swimming? A footrace across the lake? Diving?" the Queen asked with a tinkling giggle, her eyes hawk-like.

Arnold will now bring the pair inside, and set up a Ritual to try and perform some Nullify justice on their demonic Container. Jury-rigging the Ritual, so DC15+Immunity 15(Damage(Magical), Magical Effects(Limited: Targeted only)), DC30 Knowledge(Arcane Lore) roll: 27. Close, but not enough.

DC23 Toughness save: 16. Down. Out of rounds.

Noticing Cerys' quiet effort in getting stuff for the camp, Subito gathered a similar pile of firewood on the way back, keeping up a happy chat along the short trek. He affected horror at the mention of spicy food "Oh come on Cerys, you know me. When have you seen me eat anythin' hotter than tabasco-flavored ice-cream?" he asked with a laugh, gently lengthening the hug by just a second with his free arm, enjoying the quiet hum of insects, the creaking of trees and the rustle of wind in the branches as he brushed against her. He was thrilled at what Blodeuwedd had just offered him, the chance to join up and help her family's business, both giving him an excuse to be around her even more and learn about her country and what she liked? It would have been impossible for him to even consider turning her down. 'New Year's with Blodeu...' he glanced up at her as they reached the campsite, then thought better of the kiss and called out "Hey guys! We got some firewood, should keep the bears off at least." He knew there weren't likely to be any bears in New Jersey, but you never knew with Wharton forest. Catching sight of the animals Tona and Sam had collected, he tossed the wood next to the small stone circle and clapping respectfully. "Great work, huntress!" he said to the young archer, face beaming "With you around, starving's not on the menu!" Wandering over to Mr. Landis and his wok he gestured to it "What're we having, sir?"

GM Blinking in surprise at the sudden and vicious display of martial prowess, Simmons whistled low and flew down on a rushing wave of power to the pair on the road, carefully beginning to tie their hands and feet together with short lengths of rope he carried in his pockets, grunting a little as he tugged at the knots. He glanced briefly at the holy place behind him, muttering "Hope those two have sense..." Inside, the Dis-possessed woman shook off the small anklet of wood that had come free after her brutal kick through the pew. Breathing in sharply with a hiss, she suddenly lashed around with her left arm, a trail of brimstone following it as she struck several inches beside Changeling's face, a deep growl that could never have left the throat of someone built like her thundering through the air when she realized that the punch had missed.

DC24 Toughness saves for Dis-Possessed #2 and #3: 18, 27. Second DC24 Toughness save: 19. Both down. Arnold goes next, flying onto the road and preparing to carry the bodies inside the church. Dis-Possessed #1 tries to take a swing at Changeling again: 16, miss. Take it away, Aoiroo!

Subito suppressed a groan at the memory of his and Cerys' brief monster-hunting trip to Wales. "An 'Afanc' is a lake monster" he said shortly, jaw set at an angry angle "it looks like a cross between a beaver and a dinosaur. Also," he said looking casually over at Kat "if someone walks up to you in Wales and asks about your Afanc, punch 'em. Punch 'em good and hard." Sliding back into a more vertical position and treading water he added lightly and with a cheerful smile "So, while it might not be what you or me would call 'normal', Blodeu's education wasn't just about stuff on dry land." He suddenly darted through the water over to the Welsh girl's side, slinging an arm around her shoulders "C'monnn, princess, show Kat how well you can swim! We can talk while swimming, it is totally doable." he declared with authority and a teasing grin.

GM Without further talk, the man hastily led the disguised Crow deep into the bowels of the ship, carving small runes at the end of each hallway that erected a shimmering blue barricade, unknowingly a few seconds after Blodeuwedd had passed them. At last the trio stood in one of the smaller storage rooms of the ship, with crates much like the one that he had had brought onto the deck. Taking a crowbar down from the wall, he neatly opened up one of cases to reveal a mass of green gems. "Dragon's eyes!" the captain proclaimed triumphantly, digging a hand into the pile and producing a handful for his presumed buyer's observation "As green as you could wish, and not a stain of blood upon them! The hunters of Wales do good work, though that dratted Order has kept the good stuff for themselves, driving honest men such as my suppliers clean out of business." he shook his head sadly. "We have several shipments of metal, a ton of scales, a few hearts on ice, and even a certain goblet you might find useful." he winked slyly "What's your pleasure, sir?"

"Those pigs never saw it coming your Majesty!" Subito said politely to their hostess, smiling as he thought 'Are all Fey this blasted smug? How do they keep from just attacking each other to wipe those smirks off each others' faces?!' Leaning over to Cerys he whispered "Okay, so who's Bran Fendigger? I haven't gotten that far in the Mabi-" he blushed suddenly and coughed, glancing away as he began correcting himself hurriedly "-I mean, I've never heard of that guy. And is this cauldron some kind of eternal life dealy?" he listened to the slow rock of the water against the ship, wishing he could keep from thinking about immortal fairies crawling out of the lake and stealing up towards the towns...

Breathing a sigh of relief Subito nodded as John spoke his last, and marched out. "See you later, Mr. Smith!" he called after the other boy. He watched as John walked quickly out of view 'Man, Katy wasn't kidding about what he looks like from the back...wait, what?!' he started, shutting the door quickly and slamming against it, staring in silent horror at the wall. 'Damnit, why am I thinking about him like that? Perhaps it is as simple as you being attracted to him?' he gritted his teeth, sliding down to the floor. "I'm not gay, I-I'm not!" he said with sudden anger, cheeks flushing as he squeezed his eyes shut. He muttered a bitter curse as he found himself replaying the memory of his kiss with John, leaping to his feet, clicking on the desk lamp and flipping back open the book as he hunched over it, forcing the thought of the clone's soft lips and sweet breath away as hard as he could, trying to drown it in a sea of history...

GM <<"Not to worry, officers, follow me.">> the clone said heartily, leading the way rapidly down the hallways marked by a patchy and frequently scraped-off purple line, the halls it passed through all strangely empty <<"I doubt the intruders could get this far into the base on their own! The Doctor has unleashed his new assassin into the vents, the Cyborg should bring the heads to the meeting hall in just a few hours.">> he declared confidently, halting before an oak door that clashed terribly with the metal that surrounded it. Bowing before the portal he removed his mouthpiece and called out "Commandant! The officers are here!" There was an interminable silence before a familiar voice sounded behind the panels, saying "Good. Let them in, Fuchsia, then assemble the guards at all known exits and entrances. Nobody else must be allowed into this wing." Bowing again before giving a discreet and very un-Overshadow friendly wave and a smile before donning his helmet's mouthpiece, Fuchsia sped away, sword fixed on his thigh. When he was out of sight the door swung open, revealing the clone in the more loose attire with a rope in his hand attached to the handle, staring down into small vase that reflected in that unmistakable watery way onto his cold face. The vast but crowded room was mostly dark wood and bright stone and neat as a pin, a massive bookshelf with color-coded tomes and slates covering one wall, a large bench filled with metal, wood and stone odds and ends that Blodeuwedd could tell at a glance were based on known mystic relics of the past, and an incongruous bank of computers squeezed next to a narrow metal staircase, on which were innumerable security feeds. A small circle of runes on the ceiling gave the room a gentle, even lighting to the place. Once they had stepped inside, Burkehardt said crisply, still watching the vase of water "Welcome, brother! It has been too long! You should have visited months ago." He turned for the first time, and gave a horribly real and welcoming smile to Myrmidon, ignoring Blodeuwedd entirely. Raising a hand he added "You should have copied the rune onto yourself if you wanted to escape all notice. A good effort! The Overfather would be proud of you."

Round six. Warp: Unharmed, 2HP Kit: Unharmed, 3HP Silver Scream: Unharmed-GM You're up Freely!