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The Card Sharks Power Level: 5 (150/150) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: None In Brief: Shark-Human Clones Alternate Identity: Marina Heart/Club/Spade Birthplace: French Polynesia (Unknown location) Residence: Freedom City / The High Steaks Occupation: Security / Management of The High Steaks Description: Age: Unknown Apparent Age: Varies Gender: Female Ethnicity: Polynesian – Modified DNA. Height: 5’7” Weight: 55 Kgs Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown / Red-Blonde / Black. The Card Sharks appear to be normal women in their twenties of uncertain ethnic heritage, with brown skin. They usually wear smart clothing, black jacket, white shirt, skirt and heel. The clone-triplets look identical, but they have taken to different hair colour to aid in their distinction (sometimes matched by clothing colour). “Club” has brown hair, “Heart” has strawberry blonde hair, and “Spade” has jet black hair. History: The Card Sharks are the result of a seventy-year project initiated by the Nazi’s and continued by SHADOW/OVERSHADOW. They are genetically altered clones of mutant woman with a debilitating skin condition. Over years, the genome was progressively refined until three identical clone “triplets” were created. And then the Freedom League of the day eliminated the experiment. The Zoss family collaborated with the Nazi’s and, in decades past, held onto some of the research. August Zoss, in his mission to root out the shadow of SHADOW from his companies past, found the files and the three triplets, frozen in ice. August Zoss gave them jobs and training and erased the file data. Personality & Motivation The Card Sharks have a somewhat icy demeanour, professional, crisp. They are not cruel or sadistic, however. Whilst they are grateful to August Zoss and his company for rescue and rehabilitation, they are not fanatically loyal. They are fiercely protective of their sister-clones. They are loyal to their job and role, and their wealth and status. They do engage in “fun” too; gambling, karaoke, and even the odd martini. Powers & Tactics: The Card Sharks are fundamentally human, but with the original skin condition twisted into a regenerative boon. They heal fast, and their senses are exceptional. As a peculiar quirk, their skin can absorb oxygen from water, and thus they are able to survive underwater. The three clones seem to be psychically linked, and thus they can communicate with each other telepathically. The Card Sharks are remarkably strong for their build, and have exceptional reflexes. They have moderate combat training. Whilst their main job is security and running the Zoss business (particularly the High Steaks), they are more than capable of handling a few drunken thugs. Abilities: 6 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 32 Strength: 16 (+3) Dexterity: 18 (+4) Constitution: 16 (+3) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 14 (+2) Combat: 14 + 14 = 28 Initiative: +8 (+4 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative) Attack: +7 Defence: +7, +4 Flat Footed Grapple: +10 Knockback: -1 Saving Throws: 5 + 4 + 3 = 12 Fort +8 (+3 Con, +5) Reflex +8 (+4 Dex, +4) Will +5 (+2 Wis, +3) Tough +3 Skills: 120 Rank = 30 PP Bluff 4 (+6) Diplomacy 4 (+6) Disguise 4 (+6) Drive 6 (+10) Skill Mastery Gather Information 8 (+10) Intimidate 4 (+6) Knowledge (Business) 8 (+10) Knowledge (Civics) 4 (+6) Knowledge (Current Events) 4 (+6) Knowledge (Streetwise) 4 (+6) Language 4 (Arabic, English [Native], French, Japanese, Spanish) Medicine 4 (+6) Skill Mastery Notice 8 (+10) Perform [Singing] 4 (+6) Pilot 6 (+10) Skill Mastery Profession [Gambler] 8 (+10) Search 8 (+10) Sense Motive 8 (+10) Sleight of Hand 8 (+10) Skill Mastery Stealth 4 (+8) Swim 8 (+11) Feats: 17 PP Attractive Assessment Chokehold Equipment 2 Endurance 2 Environmental Adaptation [Underwater] Favoured Enemy [Jet Set] Improved Disarm Improved Grab Improved Initiative Improved Pin Jack of All Trades Precise Shot Skill Mastery (Drive, Medicine, Pilot, Sleight of Hand) Well Informed Equipment: 10 EP Silenced Hold out gun with non-lethal ammo clip: Blast 2 (Feats: Masterwork, Subtle, Stun Ammo) [7 EP] Mini Tracer [1 EP] Concealable Microphone [1 EP] Designer Clothes [+5 Bonus to concealing items in it] (1 EP] Zip Ties [0 EP] Pack of Playing Cards [0 EP] Powers: 1 + 2 + 18 + 2 + 7 + 1= 31 All powers have genetic/regenerative descriptor, except communication link [psychic], and swimming (training descriptor) Immunity 1 (Suffocation: Drowning) [1 PP] Immunity 4 (Aging, Disease, Poison, Sleep, Flaws: Limited [Half Effect]) [2 PP] Regeneration 17 (Ability Damage 2 [1/hour], Recovery Bonus 6 [Automatic], Bruised 1 [1/round], Disabled 2 [1/ hour], Injured 3 [1/minute], Staggered 3 [1/minute], Feats: Regrowth) [18 {PP] Super Senses 2 (Communication Link 2 [Other clones]) [2 PP] Super Senses 7 (Extended Visual, Extended Auditory, Extended Scent, Acute Smell [Scent], Tracking 1 [Scent], Low Light Vision, Analytical Touch) [7 PP] Swimming 1 (Speed 2.5mph) [1 PP] Abilities 32 + Saves 12 + Combat 28 + Skills 30 + Feats 17 + Powers 31 = 150/150 PP

Mid-August, 2023 After sunset / before midnight Liberty Park “…And in an update on other unfortunate news. The body of local small business owner Donald Greuber was found. The body was found in the waters of Liberty Park, just a hundred feet from the spot local news correspondent Vincent Lancaster and his cameraman Andrew Peterson disappeared from three days ago. The latest victims to fall prey to what people are calling the Liberty Park Demon.” A young anchorman reads from an offscreen teleprompter. “Freedom City Police have repeatedly insisted though that after serious investigation, there is no actual proof of supernatural involvement.” Anywhere else in the country and that may have been meant as a joke to lighten the mood. But in Freedom… “City Hall has been under pressure after it had been revealed police had been downplaying attacks around Liberty Park that have been increasing over the last year. No connections have been made between the known victims and police still have no suspects.” The young man folds his hand solemnly. “We will continue to cover this story as more information becomes available.” the camera switches to a cheerful looking young anchorwoman. “And when we return…” **** *ring ri-* “911, what is your emergency?” “Ya, ah, I want to report a, ah, a body.” “A body?” “Yes.” “Can you tell if they’re alive?” “Nah, they not moving, and I ain’t getting any closer.” “That’s okay sir. Can I get your name?” “I, ah, rather not.” “That’s okay sir. Where did you find the body?” “Near the Foster St entrance of Liberty. It’s, ah, it’s hangin over the wall.“ “Hanging over th-“ “Look, I can’t talk anymore. I ain’t getting involved.” “Sir-“ *click* **** Street lamps illuminate the police tape that cordoned off nearly a hundred yards in every direction into the park from the Foster street entrance of Liberty park. Agitated police personnel swarm the area looking for clues while keeping late night rubberneckers at a distance. Several reports argue with the police refusing to let them past the barriers until they’ve finished. Despite the efforts of police, civilians are still active in the park. It’s been a sad, but constant struggle for authorities. Some are heedless of the danger, some possibly hoping for it. Some hoping to take advantage of it and some just because they tragically have no where else to go. There have been rumors of federal involvement at the behest of local government. And pictures on social media have show individuals in suits speaking with local police, though no official statement on it has been given. All said and done… there seems little optimism that an end is in sight.

OOC for Here

Spigori Unified Year 331,697 "Ratings are down again, huh?" Tun complained as she watched the dip- even her most annoying rival, Fex, was getting viewers again-. How were they getting bored again? She'd just brought Wrestling to the Spigori, and they were already bored of Wrestling! They really had some gall. The giant being of hard light turned her many eyes to the screens she kept locked on all earth signals she could obtain. A mind knowledgeable beyond compare and made purely for entertainment watched entertainment made for beings below her on the evolutionary totem pole; but even she had to admit that their entertainment far outstripped what the Spigori AIs could create. As her eyes flicked this way and that, she spied something interesting. "Cesar's...Sports Book?" she questioned. But then as she watched, her questioning thoughts turned to firing probes. She had an idea now! Earth Year CE 2024, March She appeared from a probe that seemed to pop into existence; they didn't appear like conquering invaders, but rather like paparazzi cameras. The projection was 8-10 feet tall depending on the space available. It presented a bright orange creature with blue highlights; blue gems, a blue neck, and bright blue lips. It had 4 eyes- three in a line and a larger one set in the forehead-, it was clearly female. It had 4 arms; each with 5 regular fingers and a thumb. And it had a giant, showman's smile. It was dressed in a toga with a gold laurel crown. It spoke to each person with a loud, excited voice. "Hello! I am Tun, the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Spigori Civilization, their premier entertainer of the entire race, Artificial Intelligence of Channel 1207; Sports Central 8, The Ocho. I am offering you a grand experience to come to my Game Station to participate in the grand opening of my new Battle Casino; Tun's Palace. You will be able to participate in the finest gambling activities that I can muster; those from Earth and beyond. If you win, you can take home any number of fabulous prizes!" she clapped all four of her hands repeatedly. "Yaaaay! Prizes!" The drone spat out some confetti. Then a contract appeared in one of Tun's hands, holding it out to each of the Heroes she'd picked. In another hand, she held an object of great desire to the hero in question, or at least a virtual representation of it. "Are you interested? Just sign here and you can make your dreams come true!" She had absolutely just appeared surprisingly; no matter what the heroes had been doing, Tun had appeared to interrupt it.

An OOC for This Thread Featuring: Diamond Light! Shooting Star! Mz. Grue! And Forever Boy! For now, you can decide what she's offering that's enough that your hero would sign up to journey to a weird alien's space casino! If you want to dialogue it out a bit, you can do that as well.

Diamondlight Power Level: 11 (250/250) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: none In Brief: Billionaire infused with Daka-Energy Catchphrase: “Lighten Up!” Alternate Identity: August "Zed" Zoss Birthplace: Switzerland Residence: Various / International Jetsetter Base of Operations: Various / International Jetsetter Occupation: Owner of multinational company [Zoss Design], Gambler Family: Henri Zoss, Father Description: Age: 43 (DOB 8 / 8 / 1980) Apparent Age: 30-35 (Aging slowed) Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5’11” Weight: 80Kgs Eyes: Silver-Blue Hair: Blonde August looks like a handsome, broad-shouldered man in good shape, with mid length blonde hair and peculiar silver-blue eyes (that glow when he uses his powers). He dresses stylishly, favouring jackets and turtlenecks, or smart suits (including black tie). History: The wealthy Zoss family stretch back a couple of Centuries in Switzerland . In World War 2, Rudolf Zoss was the recipient of various Nazi Party (including the Thule Society) illegal goods, stored at the Zoss mansion. Amongst the good was a powerful Daka crystal, stolen from Dakana. August Zoss made the most of his inheritance. The Zoss family may not have had the most moral of histories, but they were clever. Hugo was smart, astute, and charming. He studied psychology in Cambridge, Economics in Paris, and European Law in Brussels. He aspired to be an intellectual, but he often was a hedonist, and developed an addiction to gambling. Meanwhile, Doctor Henri Zoss (the son of Rudolf and father of Hugo) was driven to use the Daka Crystal in their vaults when his dear wife was sick, believing he could energise the human body. It did not work, and she perished. However, August (his son) found out about the terrible heirloom, and tried to intercede, believing it belonged to Dakana. Ripping it from his father's laboratory he was exposed to its energies and transformed, infused with the energies designed to save his mother. August was already a capable man, but now energised, he turned his mind to loftier goals than study and pleasure. The realisation that his family had an ignoble past, and his new powers, drove him to a new chapter in his life. He was now concerned with the power and corruption of the emerging plutocrats of the world; and he determined to use his talents to hold to account the rich and powerful who so often were accountable to nobody... Diamondlight would dearly love to return the Daka Crystal to Dakana, but for the fact that he still feels some family shame about the matter (And would prefer to do so secretly). He is however stopped by the fact that his father is now extremely ill too, and is using the energies of the crystal to stay alive... Personality & Motivation: Calm but thrill seeking (maybe a self-destructive streak), Charming, Intellectual. August was always a pleasant, charming, intellectual man. He remains much of his personality but now he is committed towards atoning for his families past. He has a complex relationship with wealth–enjoying and savouring every luxury it brings, but also being deeply concerned about its abuse and corruption. August considers himself (and arguably is) a man of the world, an intellectual. He talks with a hard to trace, pan-European clear accent. He maintains a darker desire – an uncomfortable addiction to risk taking and gambling that he has not, and probably never will, shake. He has an additional “adventurous” streak. This is not quite the same as reckless – he prefers calculated gambles that he can carefully manipulate (but are gambles all the same). Powers & Tactics: Diamondlight can emit blue-silver coloured energy. Combined with his intelligence, and ability to sense light from every direction (thus giving him proverbial eyes in the back of his head), he can strike out with laser beams in every direction, emits bursts of blinding light around him, or most spectacularly, emit shining blades of light from his body to fight with. His Daka infused energies allow him to create a protective force field around his body (of the same colour), and actually provide him with limited sustenance and vitality. Diamondlight can also “bend” light around him, giving him a form of invisibility. If he moves too fast, the distortion becomes apparent so it is really only useful when moving very slowly. Aside from his powers, Diamondlight is an extremely smart, astute, and charming man and is an expert in psychology, law, and economics. He is a master of social skills and a world class gambler. Combined with his resources, he could be considered just as “dangerous” or powerful even without his energy powers. Tactically, Diamondlight will use his social skills (possibly augmented by invisibility and illusions) to first make sure he is “playing” on his terms. Once in a fight, he will use bursts of light and lasers against multiple foes or targets at range – but his preferred mode of combat is to use his “Laserswords” from each hand. Power Descriptions: Diamondlights' powers look like clear blue-silver-white energy constructs. His eyes glow when he uses his powers. When his force field is active, it gives him the same hue. Complications: Daka Deflection: Daka crystals “bend” his powers, causing beams of light and energy to bend away from the crystal or even, sometimes, absorbing them and causing a mighty feedback loop on Diamondlight (which could seriously injure him). This is less of a problem the nearer the crystal is to him, oddly (in other words, it affects his powers more when they are ranged) Gambling Gent: August can hardly ever turn down a game of cards or dice. He is essentially addicted to gambling – if it were not for his mastery of gambling he would be quite broke. People can distract, delay, or manipulate him with this addiction (and he could always lose…) Horrible Heritage: August and his father keep the family shame quite secret, and he would do anything to keep it that way. Hugo feels a need to make amends to (or at least feels indebted to) Dakana. He will be completely trusting and extremely helpful (And thus easily manipulated) by these groups (or those successfully pretending to be from those groups). As noted above, he would dearly love to return the family Daka crystal, but for the fact its energies are keeping his father alive. Heroic Hedonism: August is a hedonist whose tastes are very broad rather than very gripping. He will seek out and be seduced (in the widest sense of that term) by anything that would feed his intellectual, artistic, philosophical, or sensual lusts. He would “fall” for a masterpiece of modern art, an exclusive wine tasting event in Paris, or dinner party with a revolutionary politician just as he would a pretty face. Paternal Problem: Henri, his father, is sickly and still grieving over his mother. He lives almost as a recluse in the family mansion in Switzerland, and could be a source of vulnerability for August. Standout Signal: August is exceptionally easy to locate as he constantly emits a harmless but unique energy signature; invisible to the normal human eye but with the right equipment, skills or super-senses he stands out. Finding him is like locating the haystack around the needle. Abilities: 4 + 4 + 4 + 8 + 12 + 12 = 44 Strength: 14 (+2) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 18 (+4) Wisdom: 22 (+6) Charisma: 22 (+6) Combat: 22 + 22 = 44 Initiative: +10 Attack: +11 Base Defense: +11, +6 Flat Footed Grapple: +13 Knockback: -5 (-8 With Hard Forcefield) Saving Throws: 6 + 10 + 6 = 22 Toughness: +11 (+2 Con, +9 Force Field) Fortitude: +8 (+2 Con, +6) Reflex: +12 (+2 Dex, +10) Will: +12 (+6 Wis, +6) Skills: 180 Ranks = 45 PP Bluff 12 (+18) Concentration 16 (+22) Craft (Artistic) 2 (+6) Diplomacy 10 (+16) Drive 8 (+10) Skill Mastery Gather Information 4 (+10) Intimidate 4 (+10) Knowledge (Art) 6 (+10) Knowledge (Behaviour Sciences) 12 (+16) Knowledge (Business) 16 (+20) Knowledge (Civics) 12 (+16) Knowledge (Current Events) 6 (+10) Knowledge (Theology and Philosophy) 2 (+6) Language 6 (English, French / German / Italian [Native Swiss], Latin, Russian, Spanish) Notice 8 (+14) Perform (Oratory) 4 (+10) Pilot 4 (+6) Skill Mastery Profession [Gambler] 16 (+22) Sense Motive 14 (+20) Skill Mastery Sleight of Hand 14 (+16) Skill Mastery Stealth 4 (+6) Feats: 17 PP Attractive Benefit 3 (Wealth 3) Connected Distract (Bluff) Equipment 33 (Free from vet Rewards) Fascinate (Bluff) Favoured Opponent (Jet Set) Improved Initiative 2 Jack of All Trades Minions 12 (The Card Sharks, PP 150, Progression 2 = 3 Minions, Free from vet rewards) Redirect Set-Up Skill Mastery (Drive, Pilot, Sleight of Hand, Sense Motive) Taunt Throwing Mastery 1 Uncanny Dodge (Visual) With Enhanced Feats: Evasion 2 (Only vs energy effects) Equipment 33PP = 165 EP Powers: 18 + 1 + 2 + 5 + 42 + 3 + 7 = 78 PP All powers have (in addition to others below) “Daka Energy Crystal” descriptor Force Field Array (16 PP Array, Feats: Alt Power 2) [18 PP] (Light, Force descriptor) BP: Forcefield 9 (Extras: Impervious 6, Feats: Selective) [16/16 PP] "Hardlight" AP: Forcefield 9 (Feats: Selective) linked with Environmental Control 5 (100' r Bright Light, Feats: Precise Flaws: Touch Range) [10+6=16/16 PP] "Shining light" AP: Forcefield 9 (Feats: Selective, Subtle) linked with Concealment 2 (Normal Visual, Feats: Close Range, Selective, Limited Flaws: Blending and Passive - reduce concealment to partial rather than full) [11+5=16 PP] "Softlight" Enhanced Trait 2 (Evasion 2, Flaws: Limited to energy effects) “Energy Mastery” [1 PP] Immunity 2 (visual dazzles) [2 PP] [Light sensitive / no need for eyes] Immunity 10 (Aging, Environmental Cold, Sleep, Own Powers, Starvation and Thirst, Fatigue Effects, Flaws: Limited to half effect) [5 PP] “Sustained by energy”  Light Array (36 PP Array, Feats: Alt Power 6) [42 PP] [Light descriptor] BP: Damage 11 (Extras: Area [Burst, Targeted], Selective, Feats: Improved Critical 2, Precise) [36/36 PP] “Laser Spray” AP: Dazzle 11 (Visual Extras: Area [Burst, General, 1-1100’ radius], Feats: Decrease Area 11, Increase Area 3, Flaws: Range [Touch]) “Light Burst” [36/36 PP] AP: Create Object 11 (Extras: Movable, Feats: Precise, Stationary, Subtle) [36/36 PP] “Hardlight” AP: Illusion 11 (Visual, Extras: Duration [Sustained +1], Feats: Area Progression 3 [50’ Radius]) [36/36 PP] AP: Damage 11 (Feats: Extended Reach 2, Improved Critical 2, Precise, Split Attack) linked with Dazzle 11 (Visual, Feats: Extended Reach 2, Improved Critical 2, Precise, Split Attack, Flaws: Range [touch, -1]) [18 + 18 = 34/36 PP] “Laserblades” AP: Damage 11 (Feats: Improved Critical 2, Increased Range 2 [5000' max], Improved Range 3 [1000' Increments], Precise, Extras: Range, Penetrating [6 Ranks Only]) [36/36 PP] "Laser Vision" AP: Concealment (All visual senses, all radio senses, Extras: Affect Others, Area: Burst, Range, Feats: Close Range, Progression: Area 3 [30'-300' Radius], Selective) [34/36 PP] “Energy Distortion” Super Senses 3 (Extended 1 Normal Vision [x10], Low light vision, Radius Normal Vision) [3 PP] “Light Sensitive” Teleport 5 (500' as move action, Feats: Change Velocity, Turnabout, Instant up Flaws: Short Range Only, Drawbacks: Cannot teleport through opaque materials) "Light Flash" [7 PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 17 Toughness Damage Laser Spray Touch/Area Targ. DC 26 Toughness Damage Light Burst Touch/Area Gen. DC 26 Reflex/Fort Dazzle Laser Sword Touch/15’ DC 26 Tough, Ref/Fort Damage, Dazzle Laser Vision Ranged [x5] DC 26 Tough Damage Totals: Abilities 44 + Combat 44 + Saving Throws 22 + Skills 45 + Feats 17 + Powers 78 = 250 / 250 Power Points

Mühlenplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland Saturday, April 21st , 2018 2:23 PM It was a beautiful day on Lucerne’s Mühlenplatz. People from both near and far enjoyed the sudden sunlight after a long winter by sitting in the restaurants outside and browsing through the various stores. There were travel groups, locals, and Swiss from other parts of the country. And there was Auguste Zoss. He’d not been in Lucerne for a while, there honestly weren’t that many reasons to visit the city. But today he was, thanks to an invitation by an old friend earlier in the day. He didn’t have anything else to do for the rest of the day, so it felt only fair to spend some time in the sun, amongst all the others. People were walking down the streets en masse, and Auguste was enjoying his coffee, occasionally peeking over at a man on a nearby table who was holding the most recent newspaper. But then, the occasional superhero noticed something. A glint, up on one of the roofs. A closer look revealed something quite disturbing. A man, set up with what quite clearly was a sniper rifle.

Here you go, @SpicyWaffle and @Supercape. Cape, give me a Knowledge (Art) check for some of the stuff you find down there!

Fall 2018 The invasion was over, Freedom City was rebuilding and moving on with its life - even if most people had thought that life was going to come to an end. High Steaks had taken some minor structural damage during the fracas, not enough to shut the place down, but enough that keeping a regular movement of engineers, construction workers, and their equipment away from the tourists was just one of the many bits of sleight of hand that made life at the High Steaks interesting. At least until today. "Peter broke through with his pickax," commented Miranda, the tall, rangy Italian-American woman wearing the same orange hardhat and safety gear as the rest of her men. "If he hadn't had his line on him, he'd have fallen in-" She and Diamondlight were standing together at the edge of the substantial sinkhole that had once been the bottom of his lowest underground parking garage, her headlamp only partially illuminating the substantial cavern that the collapse had uncovered. Down below, they could make out other stonework that looked manmade - and definitely something more glittering than stone. Going down there would be quite a gamble. "You want me to call the Freedom League, boss?" - It took Baxter some time to realize that the music was coming from the armor, still tucked away where he'd put it. He recognized the sound; the old Nokia that his uncle had wired into the suit a lifetime ago still worked and the suit probably still had enough power to make it work. But why would anyone be calling it? It had _not_ been part of the numbers he'd given out - but then, he hadn't always been the one in the suit...

For stuff 20 Questions Reputations HellQ Guide Entry