GranspearZX

Origins I: Regret It isn’t often that it happens… that transformative moment where everything changes, nothing is the same, and everything you thought you knew suddenly means absolutely nothing. I thought I understood it all. My magic, what it meant, how to control it… Turns out I didn’t understand a damn thing. I should have seen it coming, in hindsight. After my first UNICOM encounter, I decided to stay in Africa to help rebuild. I missed my own graduation to do it. At the time, I thought it was a worthy sacrifice to make, but now…. No. That’s not what I was doing. I was isolating myself. Trying to drown out the noise, both external and internal… I had so many opportunities to reach out and ask for help. I know a number of people who both offered and gladly would have helped if I’d only asked. But I said that I was ‘fine’. I lied to everyone. Even myself. And now I’m going to die for my pride and fear. Marcus could barely remember where he was, never mind how many days had passed. The details were sketchy and faded, but he remembered being ambushed in the streets of Johannesburg by the same cultists that had tried to steal the Beast Rune from him countless times in America. Even without being horribly outnumbered, when *it* showed up, the fight took an ugly turn. Brute strength had never been enough to face the iron monstrosity that had been stalking him since he was a teenager. He wasn’t sure why he thought it would be any different. Still, he found himself hoping that no one else had been caught. He couldn’t hear the pulse of the Beast Rune anymore. At one time, he would have been relieved, but silence had never been more terrifying. Every day that steady beat was reduced to little or nothing as his magic was being drained from him. There was still something there. He was still alive. But what exactly was that worth now? I didn’t understand a damn thing. Amidst the bouts of unconsciousness, Marcus could hear his captors talking. Someone was coming. Someone important. Nothing could stop them then. His first instinct was resistance, but his magical restraints held. Transforming outwardly wasn’t an option. He couldn’t feel the Beast Rune at all. It was gone. He was too exhausted to even think about fighting. But I’m not dying here today, dammit. Think, Marcus… Hours passed. Days. And he could think of nothing. Without his magic, what did he really have? The door swung open and a rush of air hit him as the men in hooded brown robes filed in. Something seemed off, though. The whole room slowed down as he braced against the sudden drop in temperature, keenly aware of the shackles chaining him to the wall. The color drained from the room, and a figure faded into view. Large. Imposing. Feral. The shadowy beast went unnoticed by the cultists, now frozen in place. What was this? The red-eyed mass of darkness walked slowly and deliberately toward him, and Marcus could only stare back. Never mind that he couldn’t physically move his body; his mind was still racing. All he could think was one thing… Not at all what I expected Death to look like. “Do you know who I am?” When it spoke, its voice filled his mind. Though even and calm, it felt like a roar, chilling him a little despite his already dire situation. It was as intimidating as it was familiar. It had been years since he had heard it so clearly. But once he had placed it, there was no mistaking its baritone authority. The Beast Rune. “You’ve resisted my call for long enough, magus,” it said. “And now, that arrogance will cost you.” No kidding. They’re about to— “That’s not what I mean. Our fates are intertwined, child of Man. And believe It or not, I would rather not see you meet your end just yet. These… amateurs will never be able to take control of me. Nor will you. However…” The beast’s red eyes narrowed, nearly nose to nose with Marcus. “…you’ve never been the type to seek power for the sake of power, have you? Your father… he was much like you. I will offer you the same freedom I offered him.” Absolutely not. Marcus didn’t so much as hesitate when the Beast posited the question. There was his answer... what he had left when hi magic was gone. His dignity. The freedom of his soul. There was no way he was going to give that up. The Beast Rune took full control of his father and destroyed an entire town. Lives were lost. Marcus resigned himself to death before allowing anything like that to happen again. “Your father’s mistake is that he underestimated his own anger, his own rage and regret. All the things that led to his life before that moment… You humans bury these things in the deepest parts of you and then blame everything but yourselves when they surface. And yet, here you sit, clearly without such regrets… and you want to die anyway.” If that's what has to happen, fine. But… that’s not what I want at all. “Then let me in. Not just partially this time. No holding back. No regrets.” You’ve got to be kidding. Marcus stared at the Beast and he couldn’t believe either the proposal or the idea that he was actually considering it. If he did this… then what? Would he be strong enough to stop what had happened to his father? He didn’t even know where he was or the damage that he could cause. I have conditions. “As if you’re in a position to make demands.” Damn right I am! Look where we are right now. If I go, we BOTH go. My soul is prepared for that. And you'll spend who knows how long in the dark before you find another sucker to take your Faustian deal. The Beast growled, and Marcus continued to glare back at the massive thing, eyes unwavering. “…you’ve a better understanding of this than I thought. I knew I liked you. But your strength alone will not help here. The Cult has damaged you in a way that even I cannot heal. However, I can add what power you have left to my own. A balance can be struck. I can guide you back to your path… but you must first let me in.” For what it was worth, Marcus could tell that it wasn’t lying. He also knew cryptic speech when he heard it, and the Beast was definitely withholding something. Though time seemed to be standing still, he could tell that his answer here would determine his fate. More importantly, he didn’t have one if he said no. And neither did the Beast Rune. Alright. “Good.” Without so much as a moment of hesitation, the Beast reached forward, placing its massive paw on Marcus’s head. “I am Animus, the Beast Rune… and I unleash you.”

Table of Contents Origin Story I. Regret II. Recall III. Rebirth IV. Recovery The Interview 20Q HellQ

Arcturus There's Always Room For One More Entrance of the Gladiators Deeper Underground Origin Story [Regret/Recall/Rebirth/Recovery] Spectra Praetorians: Tides of Progress Revanche: At The Point of a Sword GM The Pied Piper of Hanover The Helix Project The Room Where It Happens

All edited up! Added a few languages to her skills and I took out that other Blast AP. Also took the Thrown/Mighty out of Strike. Should also be golden on all the typos and cosmetic snafus as well!

Spectra's illusions are all violet-hued humanoids. Their weapons vary--phantasmal gunners, swordsmen, archers. But they're always people, and she can't make illusions like animals, and she can't create Illusions that alter terrain (like, say, making someone think there's a wall in front of them or making a bridge disappear).

"I... tend to hold back when people ask. My core aptitude isn't something I I usually just use.... Things tend to get broken that way." At best, his transformations would probably knock furniture over. Seeing Lynn and listening to her now, he had no doubt that she wouldn't so much as bat an eye if he used his usual forms. He could only hope that wouldn't ever be necessary. As he reached to touch the glamour, he couldn't help but feel as f he recognized the smell from somewhere. He couldn't quite place it, but it reminded him of someone... A single eyebrow rose at the pointed ear "So wait, you're not-... er... sorry. That's kind of a rude question, probably. And there's way too much myth and hyperbole when it comes to magic; I can barely tell what's real or what isn't."

"...huh." Marcus was pretty sure he wasn't dreaming at this point. Had he been drugged? Spellbound? Both? He couldn't really tell, and as much as he hated to admit it, the entire situation was beyond creepy. The darkness, the tightrope, the clowns... it reminded him why he avoided circuses. He was pretty agile, but his paranoid mind could see a myriad of things going horribly wrong if he tried to just waltz his way across. And he certainly wasn't going to do that in bear form. The thought briefly crossed his mind to flying across, but the last time he tried it, he'd nearly been knocked from the sky by an angry water god. His control was terrible and the space was less open than he would have liked... Right. On with it then. Marcus extended both his hands, settling into a combat stance. The Beast Rune burned to life against his shoulder, and Atmos the Wind Rune formed on both his palms. "Soul of the Beast, spirit of ferocity and solitude, let me be your vessel..." He spread both his arms apart and clapped, engulfed in a violent if brief whirlwind. When it died, Marcus had transformed. Slightly bigger than his natural form, Arcturus was a large humanoid tiger, wearing the green and gold tights of his costume. "...yep. This'll do." Without hesitation, the animagus darted forward, a burst of wind in his wake. His plan was simple--run through the hellscape of a lallway as fast as possible.

The question caught him off guard. Marcus coughed heavily, nearly choking a little bit, as he tried to recompose himself. Should he lie? How much does she know? If he'd learned anything, it was that magic was, well, dangerous. Nope. She asked for honesty... she was going to get it. Mostly. He figured the explanation of the Beast Rune and ...probably not a lot. I mean... I guess it depends on what kind we're talking about." Marcus raised his right hand casually, channeling his focus into the back of his right palm. The violet symbol for Fulgur, the Lightning Rune appeared on the back of his bare hand, and a thin but visible spark danced between his fingertips. "Most of what I know is self taught, with a little bit of instruction from people I've met along the way. It gets more elaborate in my case but... special circumstances. I guess I should've been a little more careful given the history of that address..." Marcus chuckled, rubbing nervously at the back of his neck. "But at least I'm not some vagrant living in an abandoned building!" Marcus paused as he considered something. "But... if you don't mind my askng... how do YOU know about magic?"

Marcus stared for several moments at the faded neon sign. He'd heard of places like Moe's of course, but he couldn't recall having ever been in one. It was certainly the kind of place where he'd order everything on the menu... twice... but now wasn't the time for that. He was technically working. He wasn't sure who gave Susan Ratliff his number. For that matter, he wasn't sure why he met with her. But when he did, he could immediately smell something was amiss. She hadn't seen her husband in a week. Police refused to help. She'd spoken to him over the phone but his voice seemed... unusual. Monotoned. Rehearsed. At first, he wasn't sure how he was going to be able to help. Still, he was confident he could track the guy down. Starting from his workplace, he traced Nathan's steps back to Moe's. Surely someone there spotted him... and it didn't hurt to ask. He walked in quietly and sat down at a booth, removing his knit hat and gloves. It really seemed like an odd place for Nathan to have been wandering around, but there was nothing so far but weirdness and conjecture. He decided to flag down a waitress while he figured it out. "Excuse me... can I get a coffee, please?" As he spoke, he put Nathan's photo on the table, quietly fishing for a bite without asking the question he wanted to ask--yet.

GM January 5, 2018 The winter weather wasn't exactly forgiving. Record lows and snowfall were a strain on everyone's patience in sone form or another, and nowhere was it more obvious than among people who worked for Freedom City's social services. Homeless shelters struggled to find room for everyone, from adults to runaways... The situation was taxing enough on everyone that no one really noticed when vacancies opened up. A bed here, a room there... no one questioned it; rather, they were thankful that someone else could be housed, and the fairest assumption was that the previous occupant had moved on. Transient population", they siad. Some people knew better. All Nathan Ratliff wanted to know was 'why'. A local volunteer and social worker, Nathan was well known among his peers for being a big-hearted busybody. So in late December when several runaways he'd been working with vanished, Nathan refusded to believe they'd simply packed up and gone somewhere else. A week later... Nathan didn't show up for work.

An OOC thread for Arcturus, Sensus, and shenanigans!

Power Level:: 10/12 (180/185 PP) Trade-Offs: None Unspent PP: 5 In-Brief: Intergalactic diplomat and psychic nomad Theme: Dance of Swords -- Avi & Surasshu Alternate Identities: Liora Sylestrin Identity: Public Birthplace: Tetragenesis III Occupation: Diplomat, Mediator Affiliation: The Praetorians Age: 20 Gender: Female Ethnicity: Tegregenisian Height: 5'9" Weight: 120 lbs Eyes: Violet Hair: Black Description: For all intents and purposes Tetragenians look exactly ike humans, and Liora really is no different. Fair-skinned with long black hair. she tends to command attention simply by walking into a room. She tends to dress in a simple dresses or her civilian uniform while not on 'official' business, and when she's un an undercover capacity, she can pull off most anything. As Spectra, her face is covered by a violet butterfly mask and purple/white tights. Power Descriptions: Liora's constructs all carry the same purple hue when she uses them, whether they're real or not. Typicall, Liora's illusions take the form of swordsmen, archers, or mages. This violet theme is further carried by her eyes; when using any ability, all three of her eyes have the same violet glow. She can also arm herself with psychic beams and blades, affecting both corporeal and incorporeal targets. She can also strike at the very soul of another person with her psychic knives, jarring them enough to incapacitate for a few seconds. History: Liora will never deny that her life was one filled with privilege. Her family descended from a long line of Tetragenisian diplomats,, and she was expected to follow in their footsteps. It was a destiny that Liora never questioned; it was everything she knew, and only later did she realize how little information she really had other parents' occupation. Afforded the finest tutors and instructors, Liora wanted for very little, but around the age of 10, Liora began having strange dreams. They grew more frequent when Liora first visited the Caldorian Republic. Embroiled by a civil war that had lasted for nearly fifteen years, the Tetragenian government attempted to open diplomatic channels with the government in order to find a path to peace for both sides. For a few months, the tension seemed to subside. A sudden attack on the embassy, however, shattered the illusion of a ceasefire entirely. While Liora's psychic abilities saved her, many others weren't so fortunate, including her parents. Liora fought back, quickly determining that the attack wasn't initiated by the rebellion in Caldor. In fact much of Caldor had come under attack by a similar force she would later come to know as the Communion. Stranded on Caldor for six months, she survived largely on wit and rudimentary weapons training. For years after, she tracked the Communion--not a difficult task, all things considered. She joined the Praetorians not long after rescue game to Caldor and what was left of its citizenry was saved from the carnage. Liora all but forced herself on the Praetorians through strength of will alone and, though she initially only sought to be a member of their diplomatic corps and pursue her own agenda in seeking justice for her family, it wasn't long before her psychic abilities became much more common knowledge. She struck a compromise in keeping the two separate--Liora the savvy public ambassador and Spectra, the masked psychic of the Praetorians.For a whille, this arrangement was fine, though difficult to maintain. As time passed, however, dreams of the future began to haunt her. In the months before the attack that left much of the Praetorians in stasis, she grew restless and anxious. Reticent to actually tell anyone details of the futures she saw, she knew that fighting the current of time also carried the risk of one getting swept away by it. Her one comfort, though, was seeing the aftermath of her comrades' return. Not even she could predict the length of time that would pass, however, and the natural death of the system where her people resided. Personality & Motivations: Liora is a very driven young woman, determined to bring peace to as much of the universe as she can. Though her psychic abilities and heightened perception do allow her more insight than most, she much prefers to rely on wit and instinct to navigate the more subtle encounters in which the Praetorians find themselves. She generally dislikes violence, having seen all too much of that during civil wars on her former homeworld and others her parents visited in their diplomatic travels. Liora rarely acts without thinking, and carefully examining the mannerisms and motivations of others is second nature to her. This analytical mindset often comes across as a dismissive arrogance, when in reality she simply knows a person better than the information they think she has. Powers & Tactics: Liora is able to use various telekinetic abilities, the most notable of which revolve around the manipulationlf light energy. aided by her own heightened perception due to her alien physiology, she can create semi-solid constructs, illusions, as well as project psychic bursts of light energy over large distances. Her unique perception and third eye also allow her to see an individual's aura, and on occasion she can even see into the future. When Liora absolutely has to fight, she doesn't often engage with an enemy directly. She will either use her illusions to confuse and divide an enemy or simply blind them with a flash of light and allow her allies to do the rest. Her naturally longer range pf vision, even without her psychic abilities, make her an excellent scout, allowing her and her allies to plan accordingly. Complications: Blinded By The Light: Spectra can't always control her visions of the future. When they come, it's often sudden and the ordeal of receiving them can be extremely exhausting. Abilities: 0 + 0 + 0 + 2 + 8 + 6 = 16pp Strength: +10 (+0) Dexterity: +10 (+0) Constitution: +10 (+0) Intelligence: 12 (+1) Wisdom 18 (+4) Charisma: 16 (+3) Combat: 14 + 14 = 28pp Initiative: +0 Attack: +7, +9 Psychic Knife, +10 ranged Defense: +10 (+7 base, +3 Dodge Focus; +3 flat-footed) Grapple: +7 Knockback: -10 Saving Throws: 5 + 6 + 8 = 19pp Toughness: +0/+10 Force Field Fortitude: +5 (+5) Reflex: +6 (+6) Will: +12 (+4 Wis; +8) Skills: 72R = 18pp Acrobatics 6 (+6) Bluff 7 (+10)SM Concentration 9 (+13) Diplomacy 9 (+12)sM Gather Knowledge (4 (+7) Languages 2 (Gal Standard [Native], Delaztri, English) Knowledge (behavioral science) 7 (+8) Notice 2 (+6/+14)SM Pilot 4 (+4) Search 7 (+16)SM Sense Motive 7 (+11) Sleight of Hand 8 (+8) Feats: 10pp Attack Focus (ranged) 3 Attractive Connected Contacts Dodge Focus 3 Skill Mastery (Bluff, Diplomacy, Search. Notice) Powers: 46 + 15 + 1 + 10 + 1 + 16 = 89 Illusion 10 (Affects all sense types; Ex: Damaging, Flaws: Phantasms, Thematic 2 [Humanoids Only]) [40pp + 6pp Alternate Powers] (Psychic) AP: Blast 10 (Ex: Alternate Save [Will]; PF: Affects Insubstantial 2) [1pp] AP: Dazzle 10 (Affects Visual; Ex: Selective Attack, Area [Perception, General]) [1pp] AP: Mind Reading 10 (Ex: Sensory Link) [1pp] AP: Strike 10 (PFs: Accurate 1, Split Attack 3, Thrown) + Stun 10 (Linked to Strike) [1pp] (Psychic Knife) AP: Super Senses 21 (Extended Mental 2, Precognition, Radius (Mental), Trace Teleport, True Sight) + ESP 4 (Visual, Ex: No Conduit)[1PP] AP: Teleport 4 (Ex: Affects Others, Portal; PFs: Change Direction, Change Velocity, Easy, Turnabout, Progression, Mass 10 [250000 lbs]) [1PP] Communcation 4 (Range: 1 mi., Mental, Ex: Area [Omni-Directional]. PF: Selective) + Comprehend 3 (Read/Speak/Understand All) [15pp] (Psychic) Flight 1 (Flaw: Levitate) [1pp] (Psychic) Force Field 10 (Ex: Impervious; Duration](Concentration]) [5pp] (Psychic) [10pp] Super Senses 1(Mental Awareness) [1pp] (Psychic) Tetragenesian Physiology (PF: Innate) [16pp] Enhanced Trait 4 (Notice +8, Search +8) Super Senses 11 (Danger Sense [Visual], Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Sight 3, Rapid Vision 1, Spatial Awareness) DC Block Attack Range Save Effect Blast 10 100 ft. DC 25 (Will) Damage (Psychic) Dazzle 10 100 ft. DC 20 (Fort/Ref) Dazzle (Visual) Illusion 10 Perception DC 20 (Will) Damage (Illusion) Mind Reading 10 Perception DC 20 (Will) ---- Strike 10 Thrown (250 ft) DC 25 (Tou) Damage (Physical) Stun 10 [Add. Effect] DC 19 (Fort) Staged (Dazed/Stunned) Unarmed Melee DC 15 (Tou) Damage (Physical) Totals: Abilities 16 + Skills 18 (72 ranks) + Feats 10 + Powers 89 + Combat 28 + Saves 19 + Drawbacks 0 = 180/185 Power Points

A work in progress Claremonter. Feedback welcome and encouraged! Power Level:: 10 (150/150 PP) Trade-Offs: None Unspent PP: 0 In-Brief: Student of magic with a technomagical chaperone Alternate Identities: Alexander Wolff Identity: Public Birthplace: Sector 12 (geographically, Brooklyn, New York) Occupation: None Affiliation: None Age: 16 (August 3) Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5'7" Weight: 115 lbs Eyes: Blue Hair: Black Description: Power Descriptions: Alex gets his natural gifts from his father. Commonly known in her time as 'hyperkinetics', Alex was born with extremely refined and efficient motor and sensory skills, giving him uncanny reflexes and aim. This processing power is also what gives him heightened magical ability, as his physiology is able to process Aether at an unusually high rate of efficiency. The Libram focuses and directs Alex's natural affinity for magic, allowing him to shape and craft the Aether he can produce into energy or objects. He can also repurpose that energy through the Libram to augment her own physical abilities. History: Alex hails from a dimension where magic is strictly regulated by the government. As such, citizens who even show the slightest potential for manipulating magical energies (called Aether where he's from), are kept under strict watch. Alex was no different, growing up in a poor, run down neighborhood, kept under strict military guard. That didn't stop his grandfather, Graham Wolff from researching Aether to find a way to give it back to the people without government interference or regulation. With the help of a group called the Prometheus Movement, he created a device that not only housed decades of magical knowledge and research, but it contained an artificial intelligence made from existing technology and Aether that was could attune itself to its user. It wasn't long before the government found out and, in an attempt to root out the Prometheus Movement and the Libram Graham Wolff created, began raiding settlements. Wolff tried to escape with Aex, and when that proved to be an impossible errand, he gave Alex the Libram and pushed him through a magically created gate into another, alternate dimension, one where he knew magic wasn't that kind of weapon. Personality & Motivations: "Melancholy" is an apt word to describe Alex. He wears his ordeal pretty obviously, but he doesn't burden others with the details. Rather, he distracts herself by solving other peoples' problems. The thought of returning home, though, is always on his mind, and he seeks to learn and unlock as much of the Libram's secrets as he can so that she can return and rescue his grandfather. The Libram's personality is much like Graham's--sharp, direct, and ultimately concerned for Alex's safety. While Libram cannot technically disobey Alex, he is programmed to offer him counsel, even when he suggests or attempts something reckless. Powers & Tactics: When Liora absolutely has to fight, she doesn't often engage with an enemy directly. She will either use her illusions to confuse and divide an enemy or simply blind them with a flash of light and allow her allies to do the rest. Her naturally longer range pf vision, even without her psychic abilities, make her an excellent scout, allowing her and her allies to plan accordingly. Complications: Bibliophile: Alex has never met a book he didn't like, and getting lost in one his disturbingly easy for him. Family Ties: Alex knows how much Graham risked to save the Libram, but Alex is also resigned to do anything to rescue his grandfather. This resolve often makes him do some irrational and unwise things. Hunted: Eventually, someone from her time will be able to trace where the Libram went. The energy Libram emits is somewhat unique, and using it as Lexicon allows anyone with the proper tools to track her within a two mile radius. Small Stature: Alex's magical affinity doesn't exactly halt her aging, but it has stunted his growth. It's a particularly sensitive thing, and vitually any mention of it is met with immediate loss of temper. Alex almost always blows it out of proportion (which is not a short joke, but Alex might disagree). Training Wheels: Alex is still learning to control the Libram and her Aetheric abilities. Because of this, she isn't always able to concentrate on Libram's instruction and perform more complex functions of the Libram's abilities. Occasionally, she will need to make a Concentration check to use the device's Power Feats. Abilities: 0 + 4 + 0 + 3 + 2 + 0 = 9pp Strength: 10 (+0) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 10 (+0) Intelligence: 13/20 (+1/+5) Wisdom: 12 (+1) Charisma: 10 (+0) Combat: 16 + 12 = 28pp Initiative: +6 Attack: +8 base, +10 Libram Grapple: +8 Defense: +10 (+6 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -10 Saving Throws: 7 + 4 + 9 = 20pp Toughness: +0/+10 (Shield) Fortitude: +7 (+0 Con, +7) Reflex: +10 (+2 Dex, +4 Hyperkinesis, +4) Will: +10 (+1 Wis, +9) Skills: 84R = 21pp Acrobatics 2 (+8) Bluff 4 (+4) Computers 4 (+5, +19 w/ Libram)SM Concentration 5 (+7) Disable Device 3 (+4, +18 w/ Libram)SM Gather Information 8 (+8) Knowledge [Arcane Lore] 3 (+4, +20 w/ Libram)SM Knowedge [History] 7 (+8, +20 w/ Libram)SM Knnowledge [Physical Science] 8 (+9, +13 w/ Libram) Knowledge [Technology] 3 (+4, +20 w/ Libram) Notice 12 (+13) Search 4 (+9) Sense Motive 6 (+7) Sleight of Hand 4 (+6) Stealth 6 (+8) Survival 4 (+5) Feats: 8pp Attack Specialization 1 (Bolt) Dodge Focus 4 Eidetic Memory Improved Initiative Takedown Attack Skill Mastery (Disable Device, Computers, Arcane Lore, History) Ultimate Effort (Aim) Powers: 11 + 53 = 64 Hyperkinesis (PF: Innate) [11pp] Enhanced Trait 5 (Reflex +4, Acrobatics +4) Enhanced Feat 1 (Ultimate Effort: Aim) Super Senses 4 (PFs: Danger Sense [Vision], Rapid Vision 2, Uncanny Dodge [Vision]) Device 17 (Libram; easy to lose, only usable by Alex, Extra Effort applies to user) [53pp] Blast 10 (100 ft, DC25; PFs: Affects Insub 2) [Command: Bolt] [24pp] AP: Blast 10 (2500 ft, DC25; PFs: Affects Insub 2, Homing, Progression 4, Split Attack 5; Flaws Tiring) [Command: Sniper] [1pp] AP: Strike 10 (Ex. Penetrating, PFs: Mighty, Affects Insub 1) [Command: Sword] [1pp] Leaping 2 (x5 jumping distance) [Command: Bound] [1pp] Protection 10 (Ex: Force Field, Impervious) [Command: Shield] [20pp] Super-Senses 2 (PF: Tremorsense) [Command Echo] [2pp] Speed 2 (25 mph or 220 ft/rnd) [Command: Accel] [2pp] Libram A.I. Array [35pp] Comprehend 5 (PFs: Codes/Ciphers, Languages [Speak/Understand All], Machines/Electronics [S[eak to/Understand] [10pp] Datalink 1 (PFs: Cyberspace) [2PP] Ehnanced Intelligenc 7 [7PP] Enhanced Skill 13 (Knowledge [Technology] +12, Disable Device +10, Computers +1-, Knowledge [Arcane Lore] +12, Knowledge [History] +8) [13PP] Enhanced Feat 1 (Skill Mastery (Disable Device, Computers, Arcane Lore, History]) Super Senses 2 (Detect Magic [Visual]) [2PP]

Oh God. Marcus smiled, masking his nervousness. He realized he made a huge mistake already. Sure, HE knew that Parkhurst wasn't exactly what everyone thought it was, but that knowledge wasn't exactly common. He wasn't the type to lie, though, and he had, in fact, been living there since returning from overseas and starting school. Technically, he'd had a room there since he was 17, but how to explain that... "I have an arrangement with the owners," he said, carefully choosing his words. It wasn't a huge deal as far as he was concerned, and he didn't want to lie. It, admittedly, looked really weird at best, and he could only hope she didn't probe into it too much. The last person he recalled trying to 'visit' ended up with part of their memory erased and chalked the entire thing up to a drunken college adventure among friends. "I don't get my mail there though. I have a P.O. Box at the university for that."

"Water's fine, thanks." He nodded, tanking another cursory glance around the place. Part of him was trying not to indulge his 'sniff out the magic' habit, but he couldn't help but be curious as to where it was coming from. It wasn't at all overpowering; it was faint and subtle--more like an interesting fragrance than an in-your-face scent bombarding him. It was an interesting change, and he had a faint suspicion that one of the sources might have been a person. That much was confirmed when Lynn moved closer. As he followed her to the main office, he was reminded of other mages he'd med--Equinox and Edge immediately came to mind, not to mention the Keepers who had put him back together. Still, magic wasn't exactly something he could just bring up as a topic of conversation. A job interview didn't seem like the place, after all, and he couldn't imagine someone asking him about it in seriousness. Whether he got the job or not, he would definitely have to start visiting the place more often. The fact that he was being watched wasn't lost on him. At one point, he turned and looked directly at Nicki, giving a faint nod of acknowledgement and a smile before turning his attention back to Lynn. "This is a really nice store... I can't believe I've never been in here before."

Normally the scent of magic would have immediately put him on edge. It was something of a learned response; years of the smell of arcane energy being a prelude to something life-threatening had made Marcus somewhat jittery. Still, he didn't feel quite so threatened when he walked into the bookstore. Part of him expected it; one thing he'd earned was that magic was hiding in plain sight everywhere. The smell of food probably helped. Absently, he realized he hadn't eaten in his haste to be early, and now he was regretting it. When Lynn approached, he straightened up a little. "Yes ma'am. I'm here for an interview? I might be kind of early though..." Marcus had to concentrate to avoid fidgeting nervously as he often did when he felt uncertain. Confidence, Marcus. It's fine. We're fine. It's a job interview! You've dealt with worse. He took a deep breath. "Name's Marcus. Marcus Irons." He extended his right hand and smiled politely.

"I'm gonna be late. And I hate this tie. Do I have to wear this? WHY do people wear these things?" Marcus stood for what felt like forever in his Parkhurst room, staring at himself in the mirror. He wasn't sure if he was sypposed to wear a suit or something, so he opted for a nice pair of slacks and a collared shirt. Tucking the shirt in still felt pretentious to him. He didn't like it. At all. "You'll be fine. You look fine." The ghostly voice of the hotel maid echoed behind him. By now, he was so used to their presence that he didn't react with fear or shock. He sighed and shrugged, not entirely sure he believed her. "You should go, however. Or you really will be late. Good luck!" Getting a job seemed about the most normal thing Marcus could think of doing. UNISON didn't need him all the time, and he honestly wasn't sure he could live that life for prolonged periods of time. Working in a bookstore seemed normal. Safe. He arrived 20 minutes earlier than his interview was scheduled--he checked his watch twice tobe sure. Almost immediately he could tellsomething was off. Certainl nog in a bad way, but... unusual. Chalking it up to nerves, he took a deep breath and strode into the building.He kept an eye out for current employees, not entirely sure how he'd kill 20 minutes if he absolutely had to...

I'd definitely be up for this with Ralf.

Reputation Chart: Gather Knowledge DC10: "Ralf's that German transfer kid, right? Yeah, I've seen him around before. Just look for the short kid eating junk food all the time." DC15: "That Ralk kid is a little odd. I mean... I don't think I've ever seen him participate in gym class. Plus I heard he takes a LOT of extra classes, even through the summer... why? I dunno. He never complains about it so I guess it's for a good reason..." DC20: "Ralf? Oh, you mean Amorph. Yeah, he's a complicated one... once he drops that whole human facade, he's a whole lot different. Not personality-wise; kid's the same goofball he was before. Just a really strong goofball. Just don't get him wet though." DC30: "Ralf Steiner doesn't exist. Not really. I hear he's some sort of artificial life form or something..."

Content: Reputation Chart 20Q HellQ Origin Story

Arcturus Amorph Rock Meet Paper Crusader

Ralf couldn't deny thar Outlaw was distracting. He really did want to know what that whole fire business was about. As far as Harper went, h3 couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy. No matter what he said, Ralf could tell that it was fear driving him. He was here precisely because his father didn't want him to live that way. Harper wasnt beyond saving, but today probably wasn't that day. He turned to look at John. "Probably not how you saw your first day going, huh?"

Something told Ralf that he should probably do something. Jake's entrance was abrupt and whatever was affecting him didn't seem to be having the same effect on the cowboy, leaving Ralf with a little bit of uncertainty on how exactly to deal with it. He knew fighting wasn't going to solve a thing... if that was the case, SHADOW wouldn't exist at all. And as much as Harper probably had it coming, he hadn't actually done anything yet. "Hold on... er... Tex." Ralf wasn't sure if that was an overly stereotypical nickname or not. He actually thought it was kind of funny, but Jake looked rather serious and the whole situation could have gone a number of ways. "Nobody's looking to hurt anybody or get hurt. Even if some of us have a wildly overblown sense of self-importance..." Ralf cut a glance back at Harper in a 'yes-I-mean-you' sort of way. "My point is, everybody has secrets. Everyone in the world. Even you. And no one owes them to you because you're afraid of what they MIGHT be capable of."

Will save: 1d20+6 15

For the first time since arriving, Ralf frowned. It wasn't Harper's display that did it--though that was, in fact, cause for some serious concern on Ralf's part. Ralf's problem had more to do with what he said than what he was doing. He chewed the candy cane in his mouth down to nothing and took a deep breath before speaking. "You talk about being 'landed here' like this is a prison. Like we're all weapons waiting to be put to use or put down... you have no idea what you're talking about. I know what that looks like. And this? This isn't that. Not even close. I spent half my life behind a glass because of people who thought EXACTLY like you. They were wrong. And so are you." He didn't get angry often. It was a weird, altogether foreign emotion to him. He didn't like how it felt and it took him a while to get to that point, but without realizing it, he was starting to tense up. At least, until Lillian showed up. Ralf didn't have a sense of smell in the same sense that most normal people did. He did, however, notice that the air changed when she showed up, and he felt far calmer than he had just before she arrived. It was a welcome interjection as far as he was concerned, though he had a feeling that Harper wasn't going to let this go so easily.