Sophistemon

Understood. Let's continue with the investigation, then; I'm interested in learning more. Would you like to specify a skill check?

Every forum roller ever has hated me, man. I might be able to do both, maybe? Have Presto's private investigations into what's going on interrupted by a phone call?

Oh, if we do the latter (I'm leaning towards it) how would you want it handled? Would you play as the therapist? EDIT Though, learning more about what's going on through private study might be a better idea. With four Hero Points I probably have enough to last me through regardless.

Sam blanched and made an odd face at the suggestion of conjuring spirits. "I don't, uh, I don't commune with the dead," he said. "Necromancy isn't on my list of things that I enjoy." He didn't mention that he'd tried it once, to pull one over on his enemies back when he was engaged in a less than noble profession, and it had dreary consequences. He didn't have to -- the expression on his face told the entire story and then some. He took the card and looked down at the number, committing it to memory. He cleared his throat. "That said, I'll do what I can."

Sam nodded, albeit a little somberly. "No, believe me, nobody knows that better than I do. I just... sort of get the feeling that he doesn't really know what he's doing, is all." He shrugged, dismissing the concern, and thought for a moment. "What if the whole thing is a distraction, Warne? Something to keep the magically-inclined people of the city busy so that something else sneaks by without us realizing it? Maybe it's not supposed to make any sense, to keep us confused and off the right track?" He steepled his fingers and stared through the triangle that they formed. "I mean, I might be crazy, but if so I'm still a crazy magician. Maybe the entire thing is a bit of misdirection -- some smoke and mirrors so that we don't notice the trick that they're playing?" He sighed. "Of course, even if it is, we don't know what." He looked up at the agent. "I'm sorry. I want to be more helpful but I don't know how."

Okay, I've removed four ranks of Sneak (I'm not sure what I was thinking when I spent them there in the first place) and lowered the Normal Identity Drawback to a Full-Round Action. How does that look?

I'm sorry, HGM, I'm really not trying to be difficult. I know that I'm kind of particular about this stuff and I apologize if it's coming across as silly. I'll go over the sheet and look for a point to shave off so that I can lower the Normal Identity Drawback down to a -4. Thank you, again, for all of your help.

I guess that it would help if I remembered to actually make the changes to the sheet, huh? I've edited the first post for your perusal.

I'm so sorry for the delay in posting the changes. I'm on a job-hunt, so filling out new applications takes up a lot of my time. I've edited the math errors found in the Pilot skill and the Protection power entries. In Equipment, I've replaced the Commlink with a 0ep 'Communicator' that takes the place of a cellphone. I've used the spare EP to purchase smoke grenades. I've also taken a look at my arrays. I think that I'm going to leave them 'as is' if that's okay -- I tried it the other way and found that I wasn't able to get the kind of efficiency out of my points that I like. Plus, having the XO-9 be quite that strong and fly quite that quickly doesn't really appeal to me for some reason; those numbers should be the purview of gods, not machines. I did, however, go back and edit the entry to make it more obvious that the Extras are affecting the Blast power purchased in the primary array. Additionally, Vahnyu mentioned that I need another drawback on the Device to qualify for the Normal Identity drawback that I've anti-purchased. He suggested a 'Full-Round Activation' drawback, for a -1 point. Would that work?

Sam set the box of starlight carefully on the console between the two front seats of the van. "He's an idiot," he stated simply. "And if he isn't careful he's going to get himself killed." There is a pause, then: "He said that the starlight can increase a person's magical power, and he's even dipping into his own stock in an attempt to develop the gift himself. I've heard of things like that before, but never mass-produced like this, or sold so cheaply. I would say that I think whoever's behind this is looking to saturate the market, but the business-side of illegal narcotics was never my purview. I just used, I never sold." He looked at Warne. "I'm sure that you heard that he's going to try to set up a meeting with his supplier. I never actually thought that he'd go through with it, but... again, he's an idiot. I almost feel bad about using him like this."

Presto eyed the birds a bit warily before turning to address the others. "A parliament?" he asked. "I'd always heard that a group of crows was called a 'murder.' I prefer yours." He looked, then, at the young man in the squirrel costume. "They're waiting for something," he explained. "Crows are very smart. Ravens, too. They learn quickly and remember for generations. Much, much easier to train than doves. I used to work with crows a bit when I toured -- you never do get used to how they stare at you." He reached one arm up to a shoulder and brushed off a stray pigeon feather. "Pigeons, on the other hand, are dumb as a stump. Filthy flying rats, pigeons." He looked at Warrior Woman. "I'm, uh, new to all of this. Who do we know that can control birds, or other animals? Should we be worried about more dangerous creatures coming around?"

Presto relaxed, his muscles releasing their subtle tension. "That's good," he said. "That's very good, Terry. Thank you." He reached out and took up the box of starlight, which he held as carefully in both hands as he might a crate of explosive compound. "I appreciate your help. Do you have a pen?" Once Terry had readied himself, Sam rattled off his phone number -- having to stop and repeat himself a few times, of course. When it was finally written down, Presto began to say his goodbye. "Let me know as soon as possible whatever it is your supplier tells you," he instructed the other man. "I hope to hear from you soon." With that, he turned and walked to the door. Unless stopped, he will make his way outside and back to meet with agent Warne and the others.

Excellent!

Presto did a quick count of the available doses then thumbed through his funds and discovered that his cup runneth over. "Terrance, my friend," he said. "That's a very good start, really. Very good. But I'm afraid that I'm going to need quite a bit more for what I have planned. A trick like none other -- a trick to change the world!" He grinned somewhat wildly, like he used to when he stood in mid-air, his wand at the ready, with the heroes closing in. If Terry's the kind of man to keep up with magical news, or even superheroics, he might now recognize Sam for who he is -- or at least get an inkling of his past. He leaned in, over the counter, to use his height to his advantage. "Now, I know from prior experience in these matters that I shouldn't inquire as to your source; that's a bit of a faux pax in the drug-dealing business. But I do need more starlight, you understand. Much more than you have. And perhaps I could persuade you..." He slipped a few bills from the roll and placed them on the counter. "...to officiate a meeting?" He'd baited the trap with talk of a magical undertaking; he only hope that it, and the money, would sway Terry away from his better judgement.

I'm sure that you're going to want a skill check for this -- just let me know which one and I'll roll it.

Sam grinned through his goatee, and the smile was genuinely pleased. As they discussed the costume, he raised both hands palm up. "It's not that uncomfortable," he explained. "It's a fitted suit that I've enchanted. But it does get a little... bulky, and it's not good for all seasons." He gestured to the jacket that he wore, in all of its slightly-ratty glory. He then looked at Butch. "I got into the series with Army of Darkness," he explained. "It was strange to go back and watch the earlier films, but I liked them. As for the books themselves, don't worry. I've gotten quite adept at delving into ancient knowledge; I know how to be careful." Time passed, and Lynn and her father began to discuss fictional adventures. When Gretchen began to whisper to him, Sam leaned in close to hear her better. He nodded when she'd finished. "Deal," he said, and shook her hand.

The corner of Sam's smile twitched slightly as he withheld a laugh. If this was how Terry conducted his business it was a wonder that he was still alive, let alone dealing a magical narcotic to people like Knickknack. That said, what he saw before him wasn't at all what he'd expected. For example, with a name like 'starlight' he'd anticipated it to be, at the very least, blue. Presto hummed a short tune under his breath as Terry did his calculations and, after a minute or two had passed, he spoke. "So then," he said. "How much do I owe you?"

Presto Dreamweaver -- 34. One Night at Rusty's -- 7.

All right, if you're sure.

Sam blinked -- that wasn't nearly as expensive as he'd been expecting! Back when he'd been a bit of a 'partier' while on tour as a magician he could remember paying much more for a decent snort of premium cocaine. He wondered if it was priced so low because it was so new. Maybe whoever it was that created the drug wanted to get as many people hooked as cheaply as possible before they raised the price? That was a trick as old as the huckster profession. Regardless, he shrugged and reached into his pocket to remove the bundle of bills that Warne had provided him and began to count them out. "I want as much as possible," he said. "I have some... rather impressive feats in mind and I need to be at my best. You understand." He smiled, and continued. "So then, you don't make it here? Wherever do you get it?"

Frack! I'm sorry; I can't believe that I messed that up. If you'd like I can edit the post and prevent a continuity error.

Thanks for your input! I'll make the corrections shortly. I set up the secondary array that way because I like the idea of alternate 'weapon modes' that Upgrade can switch through. I suppose that I could add another 11 points to the initial array, if that would be preferable. I'm sorry for the other mistakes; I can simply decrease the ranks of Impervious to increase the ranks of Protection; that's an easy fix, as is the math on the Pilot.

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.

I see three instances where that occurs, with the first being his Strength score and the other two being his Attack and Defense scores. Are there any more that need switching? Edit: Never mind, I found a few more instances that needed switching. Is this more to your liking?

Presto paused, taking a moment to think things over. Everything that Terry said seemed to correspond with what Knickknack had mentioned in the prison, so at least that indicated the man wasn't lying. The magician was astute enough to notice that Terry touched the bandage when he mentioned the dreams, though what that could mean eluded him. Just how real were the drug-induced nightmares? Real enough that injuries inflicted subconsciously manifested in the real world? There were certain spells, dark magic, that could kill a man as he slept, through his dreams, but Presto hadn't ever heard of something like that distilled into a narcotic. "I... see," he said at last. "That's quite a potent potion that you've got there. You, ah, made it yourself, did you?"