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The air was cold enough that James’ breath escaped his lungs in billowing white clouds of a much cleaner sort than was usual. He wasn’t smoking at the moment, having tossed his previous cigarette to hiss and sizzle on the cold asphalt at the side of the road. He’d put it out of its misery with the toe of his shoe, grinding it to an even greater degree of lifelessness before he’d taken the short walk up the path to the porch. Strands of multicolored lights dangled merrily from the gutters and spiraled down the columns in tight loops. A wreath hung from the door; cut from real pine, it still maintained some of its characteristic scent. Reduced by age, it was nevertheless a refreshing change from cigarette smoke and leather-scented aftershave. From behind the door, Warne could hear music playing – the drums pounded softly within the house, the crashing cymbals clanged. It took him a moment, but James realized he was listening to a butchered rendition of “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” The telekinetic shook his head; it was just so thoroughly Stone he had trouble justifying his surprise. What else would the AMP’s pilot be listening to on Christmas Eve but heavy metal? A wind blew by, chilling Warne enough that he considered activating his force-field. Instead, he simply pulled his jacket tighter around his body. Lonely Point was true to its name, being a largely desolate peninsula unburdened by things like enough trees to dull the knife’s edge of winter cold. Home to the Lonely Point Naval Station, it also housed the maintenance bay of the Armored Mobility Platform, the incalculably expensive and oft-malfunctioning vehicle piloted by his AEGIS-assigned partner, Ethan Stone. Stone was employed at the Naval Station as a ‘consultant,’ on the AMP project, a convenient cover that was lent credibility by his former Air Force service and time spent as a MAX-armor pilot for the clandestine organization. Unbeknownst to his wife, Ethan flew the AMP and served his country as Upgrade, a bipedal jet-tank designed to showcase the United State’s expanding arsenal of experimental weapons technology. It was a career that his wife wouldn’t have approved of, if she knew.

This is the Out of Character thread for A Heavy Metal Christmas, which can be found here.

Monday, June 13th, 2016 AEGIS Headquarters, City Center, Freedom City 8:21 AM A Monday morning. Nobody likes Monday mornings. Not even the men and women at AEGIS. No matter how much they liked their job, they also liked sleeping, and Monday mornings generally didn’t allow for the latter, even more so when employed by the American Elite Government Intervention Service. Among the many employees currently working, both in the Federal Building, and the actual headquarters below, were Agents Ethan Stone and James Warne, codenames Upgrade and Adept. After a run-in with an upstart hero a month ago, the two of them had been working to get the permission for a formal AEGIS Investigation. Not an easy task by any means. The company was spending a lot of money on their legal team, doing the best to make sure AEGIS would not come after them. Amongst them, Jonah Cullstone. Harvard Law. He had been making sure that any progress was denied, every little vulnerability covered. And not only was there opposition from outside. Many people inside AEGIS also believed that it was best to allow Neutron Industries to continue what they had been doing, they were important to the government. World needs power, and so long as they weren’t doing anything illegal that could be proven, there was no reason to interrupt. Not that that had stopped the two agents. They continued doing whatever they could to gain permission. And they were not alone, a variety of people all across AEGIS gave them their support. When James Warne entered his office that Monday, he was greeted by a familiar face. Vincent Clarkson. Clarkson had been assigned to the last assignment dealing with Bonfire and Neutron Industries, and had helped the agents with their efforts to get permission. His face showed exhaustion, and a smell of coffee accompanied him. In his hand, a file, only a few pages of paper inside. “We’ve got the Go-Ahead.“

OOC for this Currently, Clarkson's in Warne's office together with him. Upgrade has already been informed and can arrive whenever it feels appropriate!

Upgrade Power Level: PL10, 150/160PP. Trade-Offs: -1 Attack, +1 Damage; -1 Defense, +1 Toughness. Unspent Power Points: 10 In Brief: An agent of AEGIS pilots a walking tank in defense of truth, justice and the American Way. Residence: Freedom City. Base of Operations: Lonely Point Navel Base. Catchphrase: “It's time for a little shock and awe.” Alternate Identity: Ethan Stone. Identity: Classified. Birthplace: Eglin Air Force Base (roughly three miles away from Valparaiso, Florida). Occupation: AEGIS agent tasked with piloting the XO-9 Armored Mobility Platform. Affiliations: The USAF, AEGIS, DARPA and the DoD. Family: Meryl Stone (wife), Lilly Stone (daughter). Description: Ethan Stone is a tall, athletic man with bright blue eyes, cropped black hair and an easy smile. When on duty as Upgrade he pilots the XO-9 Armored Mobility Platform, an enormous powered exoskeleton designed to showcase all of the very latest in American experimental weapons technology. Age: 35. Apparent Age: Mid-thirties. Gender: Male. Ethnicity: Caucasian. Height: 6’1”. Weight: 185bs. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Black. Power Descriptions: The XO-9 AMP has been equipped with a staggering array of cutting-edge weaponry, nearly impenetrable armored plating, reactive defenses, strength augmentation, supersonic flight and an autonomous repair system – all powered by a uniquely compacted LFTR thorium reactor. History: Seven years ago USAF pilot Ethan Stone was shot down over enemy territory and spent three weeks trapped behind enemy lines. Despite overwhelming odds he managed to evade capture, sabotage multiple enemy installations and eventually commandeer the aircraft with which he made his escape. His escapade resulted in a recruitment offer from AEGIS and his competency there made him worthy to serve his nation in a new way: as the pilot of the XO-9, soon to be known to the world as Upgrade. Personality & Motivation: Ethan has dreamed of flying since he was a very small child and his choice of a career in the Air Force was no surprise. Fittingly, Ethan has a light, breezy personality that is backed by a steely, patriotic determination to see things through. As Upgrade he serves as equal parts a superhero and piece of living propaganda designed to show the common American that their government doesn't have to rely on supernatural powers: a man and his machine are more than enough. Powers & Tactics: Although Ethan doesn't have supernatural powers of his own, he is a highly skilled agent of AEGIS and his training makes him more than a match for most mundane opponents. As Upgrade he has access to an indestructible war-machine equipped with state of the art weapons. In combat Upgrade will position his substantial bulk between his enemies and any noncombatants in the area before attempting to overcome his foes with all of the force afforded to him by superior firepower. Complications: Accident: The XO-9 is more of a vehicle than a suit and its size can be disadvantageous. Honor: As propaganda, Upgrade is expected to conduct himself in a way befitting of a hero. Responsibility: Upgrade's actions are beholden to the whims of the Department of Defense. Abilities: 6 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 30PP Strength: 32 (+11) / 16 (+3) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 16 (+3) Intelligence: 14 (+2) Wisdom: 16 (+3) Charisma: 14 (+2) Combat: 5 + 0 = 10PP Initiative: +2 (+2 Base) Attack: +9 Melee, +9 Ranged / +5 Melee, +5 Ranged Grapple: +37 / +20 / +8 Defense: +9 (+5 Base, +5 Dodge Focus; +3 Flat-Footed) / +5 (+5 Dodge Focus; +0 Flat-Footed) Knockback: -12 / -3 Saving Throws: 3 + 4 + 3 = 10PP Toughness: +11 / +7 / +3 (+3 Con, +8 Protection; +3 Impervious) Fortitude: +6 (+3 Con, +3) Reflex: +6 (+2 Dex, +4) Will: +6 (+3 Wis, +6) Skills: 44R = 11PP Acrobatics 4 (+6) Computers 4 (+6) Diplomacy 4 (+6) Disable Device 4 (+6) Escape Artist 4 (+6) Intimidate 4 (+6) [+2] Notice 4 (+7) Pilot 4 (+6) Search 4 (+6) Sense Motive 4 (+7) Stealth 4 (+6) [-4] Feats: 12PP Benefit 1 (AEGIS Agent) Dodge Focus 5 Equipment 5 Move-by Action Equipment: 5PP = 25EP Communicator (0EP) Tactical Vest (4EP) Arsenal (21EP Container) Base Power: Tear Gas Grenade (18EP) Alternate Equipment: Blaster Rifle (1EP) Alternate Equipment: Fragmentation Grenade (1EP) Alternate Equipment: Smoke Grenade (1EP) Powers: 81 = 81PP Device 20 (100PP Container; Flaw: Hard-to-Lose; Feats: Restricted 1; Tech, All Tech) [81PP] Density 4 (+8 STR, Weight Multiplier x2, Immovable 1, Impervious Protection 2, Super-Strength 1; Extra: Continuous; Flaw: Permanent) [12PP] Growth 4 (+8 STR, +1 Size Category [Large: -1 ATK/DEF, +4 Grapple, -4 Stealth, +2 Intimidate, 10ft Reach]; Extra: Continuous; Flaws: Permanent, no CON bonus) [8PP] Primary Array (22PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 3, Dynamic Power 3) [30PP] Base Power: Healing 10 (Extra: Total; Flaw: Self-only; Feats: Persistent, Regrowth) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Blast 11 (110-1,100ft) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Flight 11 (25,000mph, 220,000ft/rnd) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Snare 11 (110-1,100ft) [22PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Super-Strength 11 (up to 90 Effective Strength) [22PP] Secondary Array (12PP Array; Feat: Alternate Power 1) Base Power: Autofire 11 (Blast Extra) [11PP] Alternate Power: Penetrating 11 (Blast Extra) [11PP] Enhanced Trait 5 (Attack Bonus) + Enhanced Trait 5 (Defense Bonus) [10 + 10 = 20PP] Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9PP] Protection 6 (Extra: Impervious 1) [7PP] Super-Senses 2 (Darkvision) [2PP] Drawbacks: (-4) = -4PP Normal Identity (Common, Major) DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Blast 11 110ft DC 26 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Energy) Blaster Rifle 8 80ft DC 23 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Energy) Frag Grenade 5 50ft DC 15 Reflex Blast Explosion 5 Smoke Grenade ––ft DC –– Reflex Obscure (Visual) 1 Tear Gas 4 40ft DC 14 Reflex Dazzle 4 + Nauseate Explosion 4 Unarmed 11 Touch DC 26 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Unarmed 3 Touch DC 18 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Totals: Abilities (30) + Combat (10) + Saving Throws (10) + Skills (11) + Feats (12) + Powers (81) + Miscellaneous (???) - Drawbacks (-4) = 150/160 Power Points.

Player Name: Sophistemon. Character Name: Upgrade. Power Level: PL10/11 158/166PP. Trade-Offs: -5 Defense, +5 Toughness. Unspent Power Points: 8 In Brief: An AEGIS agent pilots a walking tank in defense of Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Residence: Freedom City (Lonely Point Naval Base). Base of Operations: Lonely Point Naval Base. Catchphrase: “It's time for a little shock and awe.” Alternate Identity: Ethan Stone. Identity: Secret / Classified. Birthplace: Eglin Air Force Base (roughly three miles away from Valparaiso, Florida). Occupation: AEGIS agent tasked with piloting the X-09 Armored Mobility Platform. Affiliations: AEGIS, the USAF, DARPA, and the DoD. Family: Meryl Stone (wife), Lilly Stone (daughter). Description: Ethan Stone is a tall, athletic man with bright blue eyes, cropped black hair, and an easy smile. As Upgrade he pilots the X-09 Armored Mobility Platform, an enormous suit of chrome powered-armor designed to showcase the very latest of America's experimental weapons technology. Age: 35. Apparent Age: Mid-thirties. Gender: Male. Ethnicity: Caucasian (European-American). Height: 6’2”. Weight: 185bs. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Black. Power Descriptions: The X-09 AMP has been equipped with a staggering array of cutting-edge weaponry, nearly impenetrable armored plating, reactive defenses, strength augmentation, supersonic flight, and an autonomous repair system – all powered by a uniquely compacted LFTR thorium reactor. History: Seven years ago USAF pilot Ethan Stone was shot down over enemy territory and spent three weeks trapped behind enemy lines. Despite overwhelming odds he managed to evade capture, sabotage multiple enemy installations, and eventually commandeer the aircraft with which he made his daring escape. The escapade resulted in a recruitment offer from AEGIS and his competency there made him worthy to serve his nation in a new way: as the pilot of the X-09 AMP, known to the world as Upgrade. Personality & Motivation: Ethan Stone has dreamed of flying since he was a very small child and his choice of career was no surprise. Fittingly, he has a light and breezy personality backed by a steely, patriotic determination to see things through. As Upgrade he is intended to serve as equal parts a superhero and piece of living propaganda. The AMP is designed to show the American citizen that their government doesn't have to rely on supernatural powers: a man and his machine are more than enough. Powers & Tactics: Although Ethan Stone doesn't have super-powers of his own, he is a highly skilled agent of AEGIS and his training makes him more than a match for most mundane opponents. As Upgrade he has access to an indestructible war-machine equipped with state of the art weaponry. In combat Upgrade will position his substantial bulk between his enemies and any noncombatants in the area before attempting to overcome his foes with all of the force afforded to him by superior firepower. Complications: Accident -- The X-09 AMP is more of a vehicle than a suit and its size can be disadvantageous. Honor -- As propaganda, Upgrade is expected to conduct himself in a manner befitting a hero. Responsibility -- Upgrade's actions are beholden to the whims of the Department of Defense. Abilities: 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 20PP Strength: 14 (+2) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 12 (+1) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 12 (+1) Combat: 20 + 20 = 20PP Initiative: +10 (+2 Base, +8 Improved Initiative) Attack: +6 Melee, +6 Ranged Grapple: +8 / +16 Defense: +5 (+4 Base, +1 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -7 Saving Throws: 4 + 6 + 4 = 14PP Toughness: +2 / +15 (+2 Con, +13 Protection) Fortitude: +6 (+2 Con, +4) Reflex: +8 (+2 Dex, +6) Will: +6 (+2 Wis, +4) Skills: 72R = 18PP Bluff 4 (+5) Computers 4 (+5) Craft: Electronic 4 (+5) Craft: Mechanical 4 (+5) Diplomacy 8 (+9) Disable Device 4 (+5) Escape Artist 4 (+6) Gather Information 4 (+5) Knowledge: Technology 8 (+9) Notice 8 (+10) Pilot 4 (+6) Search 8 (+9) Sense Motive 4 (+6) Stealth 4 (+6) Feats: 18PP Accurate Attack All-Out Attack Benefit (Agent of AEGIS) Dodge Focus Fearless Improved Aim Improved Defense Improved Grab Improved Grapple Improved Initiative 2 Improved Overrun Improved Pin Luck 3 Move-by Action Power Attack Powers: 73 = 73PP Device 18 (Hard-to-Lose, Limited to Group (Training), All Technology, 90PP Container) [73PP] Power: Primary Array (32PP Array) [37PP] Base Power: Healing 10 (Extras: Action 2; Flaw: Personal; Feats: Persistent, Regrowth) [32PP] Alternate Power: Corrosion 10 (Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Damage 10 (Extra: Area Cone, Selective; Feats: Homing 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Blast 10 (Extra: Autofire 1; Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Blast 10 (Extra: Penetrating; Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Alternate Power: Snare 10 (Extra: Backlash; Feats: Accurate 2) [1PP] Power: Secondary Array (16PP Array) [19PP] Dynamic Base Power: Flight 8 (Max speed of 2,500mph) [17PP] Dynamic Alternate Power: Super-Strength 8 (+40 STR carrying capacity, +8 to some checks) Power: Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9PP] Disease, Poison, all Environmental Conditions, & Suffocation Power: Protection 13 [13PP] Power: Super-Senses 12 [12PP] Danger Sense: Vision, Darkvision, Direction Sense, Extended Type: Vision (-1 per 100ft), Infravision, Radio, Radius Type: Vision, Tracking: Infravision 2 (normal movement speed) Drawbacks: (-5) = -5PP Disability -- Oversized Build (Uncommon, Minor) [-1] Normal Identity -- Activation Sequence (Common, Major) [-4] DC Block: ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Strike 2 Touch DC17 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Bludgeon) Corrosion 10 Touch DC25/20 Toughness (Staged)/Fortitude Damage/Drain (Technological) Damage 10 Touch DC25/20 Toughness (Staged)/Reflex Damage (Technological) Blast 10 100ft DC25 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Technological) Snare 10 100ft DC20 Reflex (Staged) Snare (Technological) Totals: Abilities (20) + Combat (20) + Saving Throws (14) + Skills (18) + Feats (18) + Powers (73) - Drawbacks (5) = 158/166 Power Points. Movement Notes: Flight -- 2,500 mph / 22,000 ft per round. Jumping -- Running Jump 12 ft, Standing Jump 6 ft, High Jump 3 ft. Throwing Distance -- 22.4 tons 5 feet, 100 lbs 2500 feet, 10 lbs 1.9 miles. Carrying Capacity Notes: Light Load -- 7.5 tons. Medium Load -- 14.9 tons. Heavy Load -- 22.4 tons. Maximum Load -- 44.8 tons. Push/Drag -- 112 tons.

GM October 20th, 2016, 9:30 A.M. Deputy Director Theresa Becker leaned over her desk to slide a pair of files to the men across from her. Although a short figure, beginning to gain weight thanks to her current desk job in AEGIS’ Directorate division, she was once a field agent who helped defend against the last Terminus invasion. Burn scars adorned her knuckles instead of rings, and her face showed the subtle signs of reconstructive surgery. She was a blunt, no-nonsense woman with a reputation for fairness but, if truly necessary, choosing success of the mission over the agents who carried it out. Rumor had it that she once made a young rookie cry with just a stern glare. More than rumors said at least two at-large supervillains wanted her dead very, very badly. James Warne quite liked her, to the extent that he liked anyone. “I’m sending you both to West Virginia,” Becker explained with a gesture to the files. “There is an abandoned munitions factory in the town of Wallders, near Bluefield. When the factory died, it essentially took the town with it, but the few stragglers have reported suspicious activity. Noises, strange lights, and so on. We checked the power grid, and someone seems to be leeching electricity back into the facility at a high rate, probably to supply whatever machinery still remains. This has ‘supervillain’ written all over it. Someone has very likely made this place their new lair, and we want to dig them out before they can cause any trouble.” She jutted her chin toward Ethan Stone. “Chain of command wants to send you in just as much for publicity as anything. Show the country that AEGIS still cares, even about little backwater spots like Wallders. Don’t be too flashy; we don’t want it to look crass. You’re going in as a defender of the American people, not a campaigning politician.” When Becker’s eyes turned to Warne, she looked almost a touch suspicious. “…I’m not entirely sure why you’re assigned to this too; you’re not exactly good advertising, most of the time. Still…I do prefer to use teams for these kinds of missions, just in case, and you two worked well together with the Bonfire matter. Just try not to terrify any civilians. If your name shows up in the papers as anything other than a glowing commendation of the agency, I’ll have you working credit fraud for the rest of the year. “And that’s basically it. Questions?”

OOC for this thread.

GM 2nd of May, 2016 Early Morning AEGIS Headquarters, Freedom City The Plagues of Egypt, the Makot Mitzrayim were over. Various heroes, all around the world had dealt with them. The public had been affected. The media were full of reports about the plagues, details, reports, conspiracy theories. And so was the public’s attention, still entirely focused on the destruction and mystery surrounding them. In all this talk of biblical horrors, many had forgotten an event that made the headlines just days before the first plague. The assault on Neutron Industries, with the following destruction of not only their primary reactor, but also the temporary shutdown of most nuclear reactors along the east coast. The attack had been spear-headed by a small-time newcomer to the super-scene, a pyrokinetic calling himself Bonfire. Large parts of the public immediately reacted, calling him a terrorist and calling for his arrest. Meanwhile, others, among them a few people with positions of power, called him a hero for fighting corruption and the pollution of nature. AEGIS sub-commander Vincent Clarkson didn’t care either way. Bonfire had done enough good to build up a bit of protection, and truth be told, Clarkson had never been a fan of the nuclear industry. He had, probably deliberately, been left very vague assignments. It fell on him to assemble a team to go out and tell this hero-gone-rogue that he was going down a bad path, to convince him not to continue with actions like these, one way or another. Not arrest him, no. That would just cause the entire discussion, which had fortunately been interrupted by something much more threatening, to continue. It was best if all of this would just be forgotten, less political efforts from either side, less heroes thinking they can act like him too. This was about a show of force. Show him what AEGIS was capable of. Show him what would happen if he decided to go completely rogue. The agents were not permitted to use any kind of violence outside of facing aggression, but the threat of it was something that remained open for them to use. And so, the briefing had concluded. Ethan “Upgrade” Stone and James “Adept” Warner were to be accompanied by a local team of AEGIS field agents, and do what had been specified. They could call upon a, for AEGIS purposes, medium amount of supplies and backup, and had all been handed a file on Bonfire, specifying both known powers (very easy to find thanks to him having a blog), areas he frequented (more difficult to find since he wasn’t really tied down to any place), as well as heroic contacts (very few), and more miscellaneous information. “Well then, Gentlemen. Any remaining questions?”