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DUST DEVIL II Power Level: 12 (180/180PP) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: -5 Defense / +5 Toughness In Brief: The successor of the Dust Devil legacy, expanding his protectorate beyond the Magic Mesa. Theme: Grave Digger - Blues Saraceno Alternate Identity: Cassidy Collins Birthplace: Southside, Freedom City Residence: Broken Crow Refuge on Halifax Street 16, Lantern Hill, Freedom City Base of Operations: Lantern Hill Occupation: Guardian of Magic Mesa Affiliations: Magic Mesa Family: John Collins (father, born 1962), Pearl Collins (née Hart, mother, borm 1961), William 'Billy' Collins (born 2003), Benjamin Collins (paternal uncle, born 1965) DESCRIPTION Age: Born on June 5th 1987 Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 6'0'' Weight: 203 lbs., variable Eyes: Blue Hair: Black Cassidy Collins is a Caucasian man that looks perhaps a few years older than his age. He has wild, but short black hair and a short black beard. While he can look normal with effort, his skin will often appear to crack, like the ground in a desert. His eyes are blue and glow. He prefers to wear flanel or dress shirts with jeans and a old tan duster jacket, which he will often supplement with various scarves or cowboy hats. He tends to wear nicer clothing at the Broken Crow Refuge when taking in those that need his help, such as supplementing the dress shirts with vests or gloves, or wearing sunglasses to hide his unnatural looking eyes. He very much styles himself as a modern day desperado or cowboy. Cassidy's body and clothing will turn to sand at will, often taking on various half-dissolved sand forms as he moves about. HISTORY Cassidy Collins had never been a golden child, but he had never been a bad kid either. He grew up poor, but he made do, working various jobs to make ends meet, including helping his uncle Benjamin out with some of his less legal activities. One such job involved driving out into the Painted Desert in Arizona in 2019. Unfortunately, Cassidy discovered that his uncle was smuggling stolen weaponry from the 2018 Terminus Invasion. Benjamin killed Cassidy to maintain the secret. Cassidy died in the desert, afraid, alone and abandoned. Only, it wasn't the end. Hours later, Cassidy opened his eyes. He was alive, only he wasn't. His heart no longer beat, and he was alone. The Magic Mesa had reached out to Cassidy, chosing him as it's newest guardian, it's new Dust Devil. Cassidy returned to Freedom City. He tried to use his powers to be a hero. Tried to make his family proud, but that was never meant to be his path. The Dust Devil was meant for something else. As his powers began to evolve and grow, he found himself drawn away, towards the Magic Mesa and beyond. Becoming less man and more a force of nature as time progressed and he fought threats where the Magic Mesa led him, Cassidy would eventually come to accept that he had become something quite inhuman, the will of a dead man in the form of a sandstorm. He fully embraced the mantle of the Dust Devil, the supernatural guardian of the Magic Mesa. Eventually, the path set out for Cassidy by the Magic Mesa would lead him back to Freedom City. As always, the city would become the center of major ramifications for the world, and the Mesa wanted its guardian to stand ready. Cassidy established the Broken Crow Refuge on Halifax Street 16 in Lantern Hill, and quickly set about establish the Refuge as the place to come for anyone in need. PERSONALITY & MOTIVATION Cassidy Collins is a serious individual, with a dry sense of humor. His main motivation in life is to fulfil his charge, by protecting those that seek his aid at the Broken Crow Refuge, or those that he is guided to help by the Magic Mesa. He does not go out of his way to get into trouble of his own accord, but he has, despite his own complaints to the opposite, a strong sense of right and wrong, and he is liable to find trouble by putting himself in danger to keeps others safe. He is blunt and to the point, rarely putting on a show, instead prefering the most direct route to disable a threat. Cassidy has resigned himself to his role as an undead guardian, doing the bidding of the Magic Mesa with little question. He doesn't realize that the Mesa affords him as much freedom as he would like, and that his choices matter much more than he knows. Perhaps he will one day learn that the Magic Mesa would afford him to have a life. POWERS & TACTICS All of Cassidy's powers come from the magic of the Magic Mesa. Appointed as the Mesa' newest Dust Devil, Cassidy has become a being of living sand. Like the previous Dust Devil, Cassidy cannot be killed and he requires no rest or sustenance, and while he has yet to see the signs, he has stopped aging. He is incredibly resilient to damage, being able to shrug off most attacks by instantly rebuilding his sand body, which also means he is unaffected by most kinds of poison and diseases. If Cassidy sustains enough damage to actually hurt his body, he can rebuild himself. Cassidy can manipulate and expand the sand that makes up his body, using it to reshape his body, creating weapons made out of sand or even summon a steed made out of sand that he can ride. He can create sand and dust storms powerful enough to flay the skin off his enemies, either damaging them or flaying their or damage to weaken them. He can spread out the sand in his body, spreading it to make him more difficult to hurt, or reform in another position. He can even use sand as a medium to travel across the globe. COMPLICATIONS Betrayed: Cassidy was betrayed and killed by his own uncle. He understandably has some trouble fully trusting others. The GM can award Dust Devil a Hero Point if his lack of trust in others complicates a situation. Broken Crow Refuge: Cassidy has dedicated himself to the Broken Crow Refuge, and he is bound to at least listen to the pleas of those that come to it to seek his aid, most likely putting him in trouble as he seek to help them. Dead Like Me: Cassidy died. Then he came back. The experience was traumatic, and while he believes that he has dealt with his feelings on the matter, he hasn't. His undead state as a sand creature might also mean negative reactions from the world around him, if they learn what he is. The GM can award Dust Devil a Hero Point if his status as an undead being made of sand causes issues, such as in social or medical situations. Dust Devil Legacy: The Dust Devil is an almost mythic figure. The protector of Magic Mesa, he is a ruthless guardian. Those that know of the first Dust Devil can be predisposed towards Cassidy, for good or bad. The GM can award Dust Devil a Hero Point if the Dust Devil Legacy makes them negatively predisposed towards him. Guardian of Magic Mesa: Cassidy's powers come with a price. While not as strictly bound as the first Dust Devil, he must protect the Magic Mesa if needed, forcefully being drawn to its protection. This can both mean direct threats at the Magic Mesa, as well as more indirect threats, such as those whose actions could simply threaten the gateways between worlds. This can lead to Cassidy becoming involved in situations and battles he would rather have avoided, or being forced to abruptly leave his current location. The GM can award Dust Devil a Hero Point if the Magic Mesa forces him to return to protect it at an inopportune time, or nudges him to get involved in a conflict he would rather not. Whatever Happened to the Dust Devil: The old Dust Devil is gone, and Cassidy has taken his place as guardian of Magic Mesa. He doesn't know whether the first Dust Devil moved on, died or was otherwise rendered unable to fulfill his duties. ABILITIES: 0 + 6 - 10 + 4 + 8 + 6 = 14PP Strength: 10 (+0) Dexterity: 16 (+3) Constitution: - (N/A) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 16 (+3) COMBAT: 8 + 6 = 14PP Initiative: +6 (+2 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative) Attack: +4 Base, See individual Powers in DC Block Defense: +7 (+3 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +1 Flat-Footed Grapple: +4 (+4 Attack) Knockback: -8 (Toughness /2) SAVING THROWS: 0 + 5 + 6 = 11PP Toughness: +17 (+17 Protection) Fortitude: - Reflex: +8 (+3 Dex, +5) Will: +10 (+4 Wis, +6) SKILLS: 68R = 17PP Diplomacy 7 (+10) Intimidate 7 (+10) Investigate 4 (+6) Knowledge [Arcane Lore] 13 (+15) Notice 6 (+10) Ride 7 (+10) Sense Motive 6 (+10) Stealth 12 (+15) Survival 6 (+10) FEATS: 15PP Benefit [Wealth] 1 Connected Dodge Focus 4 Hide in Plain Sight Improved Initiative Interpose Luck 4 Move-by Action Ritualist Veteran Awards Equipment 4 (20EP) Broken Crow Refuge (Headquarters; An unassuming brick front building on Halifax Street in Lantern Hill) [20EP] POWERS: 14 + 31 + 30 + 17 + 2 + 15 = 109 All have the Magic and Sand descriptor unless otherwise noted. Devil Array 6 (12PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 2) [14PP] BP: Create Object 3 (Extras: Movable; Feats: Progression [Base Size] 3) (3x50 ft. cubes) {12/12} (Descriptors: Shape Sand) AP: Emotion Control 12 (Flaws: Limited [Fear]) {12/12} (Descriptors: Fear the Devil) AP: Environmental Control 4 (Distraction DC 15, Visibility -4; Flaws: Range [Touch]) (50 ft. radius) {12/12} (Descriptors: Sand Storm) Dust Array 13.5 (27PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 4) [31PP] BP: Blast 12 (Feats: Accurate 3) {27/27} (Descriptors: Sand Revolver) AP: Damage 12 (Extras: Area [General Burst]; Feats: Progression [Area Size] 3) (60-600 ft. radius) {27/27} (Descriptors: Dust Storm) AP: Drain Toughness 12 (Extras: Ranged; Feats: Accurate 3) {27/27} (Descriptors: Dust Devil's Touch) AP: Healing 12 (Extras: Affects Objects (+0), Total; Flaws: Personal; Feats: Persistent, Regrowth) {27/27} (Descriptors: Putting Myself Together) AP: Snare 12 (Feats: Accurate 3) {27/27} (Descriptors: Sand Trap) Immunity 30 (Fortitude Effects) [30PP] (Descriptors: Undead Guardian) Protection 17 [17PP] Regeneration 2 (Resurrection 1/day) [2PP] (Descriptors: Rise From The Grave) Sandstorm Array 6 (12PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 3) [15PP] BP: Insubstantial 2 (Gaseous Form; Feats: Selective) {11/12} (Descriptors: Sand Form) AP: {6 + 6 = 12/12PP} (Descriptors: Steed, Summon, Animal) S peed 6 (500 mph, 5000 ft/rnd; Extras: Linked [Super-Movement] (+0)) [6PP] Super-Movement 3 (Air-Walking 2, Trackless; Extras: Linked [Speed 6] (+0)) [6PP] AP: Teleport 12 (Extras: Accurate; Flaws: Long-Range, Medium [Sand]) (Range: 20 million miles) {12/12} (Descriptors: Travel Through Sand, Dimensional, Temporal) AP: Teleport 4 (Extras: Accurate; Flaws: Short-Range; Feats: Change Direction, Change Velocity, Turnabout) (Range: 400 ft.) {11/12} (Descriptors: Dissolve and Reappear, Dimensional, Temporal) DC BLOCK Name Range Save Effect Attack bonus/Other Unarmed Touch DC15 Tou (staged) Damage +12 Sand Revolver 120 ft. DC27 Tou (staged) Damage +12 Fear the Devil Perception DC22 Will (staged) Fail: Shaken >5: Frightened Panicking Dust Storm Burst Area 60-600 ft. radius DC22 Ref Reduce Damage effect to DC21 Tou Area DC27 Tou (staged) Damage Dust Devil's Touch 120 ft. DC22 Fort Toughness Drain +12 Sand Trap 120 ft. DC22 Ref (staged) Fail: Entangled >5: Bound and Helpless +12 Totals: Abilities (14) + Combat (14) + Saving Throws (11) + Skills (17) + Feats (15) + Powers (109) - Drawbacks (0) = 180/180

GM The Painted Desert, Arizona March 3rd, 2024 10:00 AM The Painted Desert survival class has been going on for years at Claremont at this point. Rumors have started to spread by now. Most of the time, the chosen students get to spend some time in the Painted Desert, learning how to survive in a hostile environment, seeing some pretty sights. Then there are, of course, the survival classes that go awry. The ones that end up going into a strange mesa that takes them on time travel adventures as they go through the paths. Sure, it sounds outlandish, and after the first or even second trip, it could have been anything, but after the third trip? Well, there is obviously something out in the Painted Desert. The last few years have been calm, at least. Just a normal survival class, nothing happening. Nobody ending up in any mesas or other time periods. Whatever weirdness happens in the Painted Desert is obviously over by now, right? It should just be a regular survival class. Right? That's what the young would be heroes Baltazar Botez, Carmen Alvarez Arrache, Bernadette O’Connell and Vueriz would perhaps think, at least, as the van that has taken them from the airport stops in front of a small house in the middle of nowhere and opens. They have been told where they would go and what they would have to go through. The heat during the day, the massive drops in temperature during the night, having to navigate and survive without using their powers, at least to the extent that they can. A woman with black hair tied into a long braid sits by the house, with a massive backpack sitting next to her. She is wearing a wide brimmed dark grey cowboy hat and tan shorts and t-shirt. "Hey guys, I'm Alexandra Macedon. Welcome to the Painted Desert."

OOC for this. @Thevshi, @Supercape, @MoonSimply, @Kaede Kimura

OOC for this. @EternalPhoenix @Electra @Dr Archeville @Spacefurry

GM The Painted Desert, Arizona October 4th, 2020 10:00 AM "Sorry kids, grandpa wasn't kidding about this desert being hell during storms." Blue Squad had been told that they would be going on a field trip to Arizona, to the painted desert, to meet up with a Doctor Macedon for a survival class. Leon might have heard about his friends' trip the year before, and how the aging Doctor Macedon had decided to swear off any and all future field trips after yet another trip to the past through the Magic Mesa, but maybe this time would be different? The whole thing had started out pretty well. Doctor Alexandra Macedon had picked Blue Squad up at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with an off-road van with enough space for the entire crew, their luggage and Danica's ride. It turned out she was the previous doctor Macedon's granddaughter, and she had been more than happy to take up the task of leading another squad on a survival class. They had reached their dropoff point and then proceeded out into the desert. A few hours later, a sandstorm had started kicking up, slowly growing in strength and intensity. "We gotta find shelter! Anybody see anything?" Doctor Macedon's long brown hair was kicking around her in the wind already, while she fought to keep her stetson secure on her head. Up ahead, the group could see a mountain that just so happened to have a cave.

GM The Painted Desert, Arizona September 22nd, 2020 14:00 PM Doctor Alexander Macedon stepped out of the van, and into the bright light of the Arizona desert. If his heavy backpack weighed him down in old age, he didn't show. He was an older man, having pushed past 70 some years ago. He would tell anyone that bothered to ask that he was retired, and yet, he was, standing in the Painted Desert once again. Once again, the headmistress had convinced him to take a group of students on a survival class. He could only hope that it went better than the last time. Macedon's hair was thinning and grey, bordering on white. His beard was cut short, barely more than stubble. His left eye was hidden behind an eyepatch, with horn-rimmed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. He wore khaki pants, a white dress shirt that was already starting to stain from sweat. His boots were heavy, but solid. Dressed for the weather. His well worn cowboy had was held in his hand, lightly fanning his face. He wore a slightly oversized revolver in a holster on the right side of his belt. Turning to the van, he grumbled something, before speaking up. "Alright, hurry up and get out here, kids. We don't want to waste more sunlight than we have to." The students were even younger than the ones in last batch. Fine. He'd deal with that. More of them were just regular people, no powers, just training or tech. He could respect that. He had even allowed them to bring their gear, as long as they carried it themselves. For emergencies, of course. Not just for the regular class. "Rule number one: I give an order, you follow that order. This is a survival class. You're going to learn how to survive if you ever end up in a place like this. No buts, if or maybes. As far as you're concerned, I am in charge."

OOC for this. @Kaede Kimura, @Tiffany Korta, @RedSpine, @Nerdzul

GM The Painted Desert, Arizona October 3rd, 2019 14:00 PM Survival class, that was what the guest teacher had called it. If you were going to be a hero, then you could end up out in the middle of nowhere, and you needed to know what you could do to survive. The fliers on Blue Squad might have argued that they could just fly away, but the Doctor Alexander Macedon had not accepted any objections, and a day later, Blue Squad had found themselves in the Painted Desert in Arizona. They had all been given proper gear stuffed into heavy backpacks, and now they had been dropped off near the Rainbow Visitor Center by the van that had picked them up at the airport. Doctor Alexander Macedon looked like a man in the early 70'es. His skin was tanned by the sun, and seemed slightly leathery, from years of being out in the harsh sun. His thinning hair were grey, almost bordering on white, as was his scraggy, unkempt beard. He wore a black eyepatch over his left eye, with a pair of horn rimmed glasses over both eyes. A cowboy hat on his head, he wore a beige dress shirt, with the few buttons closests to his neck open, revealing his grey chest hair. He had rolled the sleeves up, with an brown bomber jacket stuffed into his backpack. He wore dark grey fatigue pants and a pair of heavy dark boots. Something about him made him seem even older, and one the way here, he had made it more than clear that he didn't want to do this or have anything to do with a bunch of super powered kids, but he owed someone a favor. Standing by the side of the road in front of the teens, Macedon held up a map, making sure they could all see it. "Listen up, kids. This map is our only clue to where we're goin'. We're gonna be crossing through the Painted Desert here, and we're gonna survive off the rations you've brought and what we can find, but make sure you don't do anything to harm the nature around here. No smashing rocks with any of your fancy gadgets or powers or anything like that. We're gonna go off road, and gonna end up at the Painted Desert Visitor Center, with some stops on the way. It's gonna take a while, so save on those rations." He made a short pause and lowered the map. "Now, who's up first for learning how to read and follow a map? Yer all gonna get yer turn."