Removed.

Tonight was going rather smoothly as Mannequin was just finishing up a upstart gang and was beginning to get some much needed information about the other local gangs when the power went out. It didn't bother him much with him not having conventional sight and relying more on radar but nonetheless a blackout was never a good thing. Sending a quick address to the police he went in search of the cause only to find the strange pulsating violet beam coming from Tandem Robotics. While he hasn't worked with them personally his company, Vision Inc, has had a few joint projects in the past. What could possibly be happening there? Arriving to the scene Mannequin made his presence known. He had far to many miscommunications with the police in the past and didn't want to be mistaken for a Death Bot again. "Good day, just arriving on the scene...Whats the situation? Hostage situation, villain trying to become famous?"

"Oh, uhhh...I...I was trying to make a Aura of Ingenuity...The old guy said it would help open my mind and make other spells easier. Oh yeah, I can do some magic now!" His face breaks out into a massive grin that Facsimile is all too used to. "I've only been here for a couple months and I can already do cool stuff like make Light Balls and see through walls! Just a few more weeks and I can start coming with you and beat up baddies. Arn't you happy?" Meanwhile in the Dining Room... While the Sorcerer's face was shrouded in darkness you could feel the warmth in his voice. "Great! I'm sure I can show you all sorts of wonders from way back. I get the feeling that you are more of a physical type of mage instead of elemental or physic. I'm more of a elemental type myself but that shouldn't be an issue. You wouldn't be the first I've taught something to. I do wonder though, what made you become one? Power, freedom, or just the joy of learning?"

"Deoxy, I'll see if I can occupy her while you rescue the hostage!" Mannequin shouted trying to be heard over the ultrasonic scream. "She may be fused with the building but I bet there is still some of her exposed inside..." With that he activated his Magnetic Drift and zoomed into the building. While he didn't like the idea of going into a certain deathtrap he didn't see much other choice. If Imprint was allowed to continue she might just take over the city turning it into her. Thousands would be displaced or worse, harmed. Besides she made this personal with stealing his tech and abusing it to no end.

Hey guys sorry for not being around for a long time...Been having health problems mainly with my back. Regardless Im in this to the end so let git ur dun.

Hearing the voice echoing around him Mannequin could only think..."This woman, is by far the most insane person I have ever met. If I don't put her down the next "master plan" of hers might be to turn the rivers into chocolate..." Turning towards the sleazy salesman. "You need to get out of here while you can. Deoxy and I will handle this but it will be easier to not have to worry about her using more people against us." Without waiting for a response he used his Magnetic Drift and sped towards the monster building stopping next to Deoxy. "Imprint, this is madness! What do you hope to achieve by becoming part of a building? Give up this pointless agenda and surrender."

As Facsimile walking down the stone spiraling staircase torches lining the wall seem to magically light ahead of him. With each floor he passes he notices that most of the floors look to be in disuse as more and more piles of dust and cobwebs surround the him. He cant help but feel like something is watching him...Finally reaching the bottom floor he sees the thick iron bars coating the doorway with the heavy iron gate swung ajar. Inside there is a dark cloaked figure starring at some sort of green magical orb that pulses as it sporadically grows and shrinks. Suddenly the orb disappears in on itself and you hear the robed figure. "Oh darn it! I almost for sure had it that time! Sigh, well going to have to ask him for more diamond dust..." He turns startled to see you and fumbled backwards toppling over a chair. "Bro, is that you?" Meanwhile as Salvo keeps Dan company... Grunting to clear his throat. "So...I have you figured to be a mage of some sort. Is that correct? I can always tell when another in my profession has that impulse itch to make rituals and cast spells...If you want I can show you the Ritual Chamber later. It has all the magical ingredients one could ask for. I might be able to teach you a thing or two aswell."

Sighing over Deoxy just shouting his plan and leaving to it without seeing if he wanted to try something Mannequin pondered. It didn't make much sense for them to be here since they know we know this place but...Block head is a building addict and needs to build. So maybe they are here. Turning to Mr.Brick Mannequin knew he wasnt acting very much like a hero threatening people and should probably do what his dad always did and be the better man. Shifting weight from one foot to the other "I...am sorry. At times its hard to be a hero when you know whats at stake if you fail. I don't have the right to barge in here and threaten you and for that I am sorry but I will implore you. Any information you have can and will save lives. I don't carry around millions like Dr.Deoxy nor do I want to make a deal but if an event does happen this might be traced back to you regardless of what you actually did. I'm not trying to blackmail you here. But I can't stop the public if they reach those conclusions themselves."

Blue you remember hearing about this guy. He used to be what some would call a B-List hero named Runic. Even though he never really fought the people loved him for his service. He went missing in 1963. Only Ex notices this but Dan looks very uneasy around you two. You can see him fidgeting with his hands and every once in a while he looks at you only to quickly look away when you look back. You get the feeling he is scared of you.

"I know this is going to sound bad but he is downstairs in the dungeon. There only other places to sleep are my room and the barracks but he didn't want to sleep in a crowded place so we turned the dungeon into his room. I can assure you it isn't locked or anything.Did you want to see him? We can go there now if you are done eating."

Sure! Gimme a roll. Also both please give me a Notice or Sense Motive.

https://orokos.com/roll/608611 Here is the Intimidate check

Clenching his fist Mannequin felt disgusted with rewarding yet another criminal lowlife. While he did look up to Deoxy a great deal he was vastly disappointed in what he saw as rewarding criminals for their crimes. Deoxy has his reasons but still, it felt wrong and that made Mannequin pause for a moment. Why did he feel this was wrong? His parents taught him that the best way to stop violence it to peacefully resolve things with reason and words...Isn't that what Deoxy was doing? No matter what reason he saw for the act he couldn't condone it for the simple matter of hate. Mr.Brick is exactly like all the slime ball salesmen who if they saw profit in something they will extort it regardless of how many lives they will crush. If its not a supervillain holding the people hostage with their crazed powers then its them with the contracts and deals. Ever so slowly walking to the table making his footsteps louder than more while slightly separating his form to appear bigger he hoped he would come of as imposing. He made no sound while Deoxy and Brick talked until he was up at the deck at which point he slammed a hand down cracking the surface of it. "Mr Brick, I have made it abundantly clear when I entered that I want only answers from you...And instead of doing the reasonable thing and telling us you decided to be scum. Did you know that the same woman you are withholding information of threatened the lives of hundreds just hours ago? She was willing to detonate bombs killing men, women, and even children. She was willing to go that far out of fear, fear of us. Now here we are trying to stop this maniac from potentially killing more and yet you attempt to make a profit over potential death. I am appalled at your lack of empathy and would want nothing more than to break you. But, I simply have no reason to care about you beyond what you know so... I will ask one more time. Where is she? I trust you will make the smart decision being the "business man" you are."

Dan waited patiently as Facsimile preyed upon the small feast in front of him allowing him to enjoy himself and ask his questions. He smiled throughout the questioning until he heard mention of him sending fight happy dudes their way. Shaking his head he sighed. "I'm sorry for letting that happen. The "Black Guard" well, they are very narrow minded. When I first head news of a mysterious outsider going around asking very strange questions I knew it had to be someone else. I instructed them to find her and bring her back safely and with permission. Sadly they like everyone else here is a fake and cannot understand things outside the norm of fantasy tropes. When the Big Bad Guy." Pointing to himself. "Tasks his followers to bring someone here they just assume he means to kidnap them. They mean well in some way but they just don't understand when I do something beyond being an evil overlord." Taking a moment to consider the other questions Dan wiped his hands and face with his napkin. "While it was sadly violent for you guys it went much better with your brother. He turned up about a month or so ago and was more willing I suppose to go with the mean looking men. I've been taking care of him while he stays here. If you want we can go see him once dinner is done." "I suppose the first question is pretty important isn't it? Well, where to start? Time works differently here so I'm not quite sure how long I've been here but I can say with confidence it has been quite some time. Back before coming here I was what some may call a hero of sorts. While I didn't fight the evil doers I did help save people from collapsing tunnels and burning buildings. I'm not much hero material sadly but I do what I can." A look of remorse crossed his face for a second but quickly goes away. "I'm a Arcanist by trade but only really a beginner so I always look for more books to expand my abilities. And that's what brought me to a mysterious shop that seemed to come out of nowhere and well, I found the book." Shaking his head and softly chuckling. "I should of been more patient and casted a ward spell before opening some random book in a mysterious shop I've always been eager." Unsure of what to say next he got up and began slowly pacing the room bringing up a hand to stroke a non existent chin. "When I came too I was in the very same hamlet you found yourself in playing the role of the hero of the story. Unlike you there wasn't another person from the outside to talk to and instead of a wizard it was a dragon. The brit you've been hearing talked on and on about this tyrant dragon hoarding the riches of the land and cleaning all those who oppose him with terrible fire..." Stopping in his pace to bring up a decrepit hand it suddenly burst into flames dancing across his finger tips. "At first I tried to find another way out then the obvious finish the story since I wasn't confident in defeating such a foul creature but over time I began to change. I became older, wiser, more sure of myself and more powerful until I was the stereotypical old wizard you'd read about in books. At this point I decided to try to finish the story by defeating the dragon. I'd like to say the dragon was as nice as I am now for a big bad but unfortunately it wasn't. It was truly the thing of nightmares. Bigger than a castle, flamers so hot they were white, and the sense of power around it was almost numbing but luckily I know a thing or two on how to contain fire and barely survived the ordeal. Looking off the wizard sighed once again. "I thought by simply defeating the dragon would free me but as I stood over the broken form of the beast the Brit told me I needed to slay it to rid the land of its evil and only then would I be a true hero. At first I charged up a mighty blast but as I stared at the dragon, into its eyes...I saw fear. It wasn't just some simple mindless creature. It was a thinking, living thing and at that point could do nothing to stop me and just like any living creature it didn't want to die. It's eye's pleaded at me begging for mercy and well...I faltered. Up until then I have never killed anyone let alone harmed them. Killing something so defenseless was wrong and I believe true heroes show mercy. I stripped the dragon of its power and banished it from the land." Sighing again the sorcerer plopped into his chair. "Sadly, the Brit was furious at this. Saying how it went against the story and how I ruined everything. He called me a villain then left me stuck here while I slowly changed into what you see now. I never wanted to be the bad guy of the story but no matter what I do the townsfolk view me as such. I used the dragon's hoard to build new homes and churches and they twist it into me owning them via their land. I tell my guard to help and protect the poor so they extort them for protection. No matter what I do I am evil." "Sorry for such a long ramble but that's my tale. I hoped it helped you figure things out. Do you have any more questions of me? If not I'd still like to know your names if you don't mind."

"I havn't been in the hero business for long but I don't think its wise to be so nonchalant about this. For all we know the mad woman is turning Block Head into a weapon. People can get hurt if we don't succeed here. I also don't think its wise to simply bribe the thugs. Yes, its nice not having to fight them but still...It seems like you are just reinforcing their line of work here. They need to know of the consequences of being bad people rather than be rewarded to take a break from it. Again though, I'm new to all this so maybe I'm missing the point." Pushing open the doors without checking if its locked or not Mannequin entered the building. "Mr.Brick, I have returned and have need of you. Just answer a few questions and that will be all. There is no interest here beyond that."

The food presented to you is a few pots of what appears to be different kinds of soups and some baskets full of bread. Despite the more bland look it smells wonderful. Upon hearing you talk about the outside world he visibly relaxes and looks very relieved. "Words cannot express how happy I am for you to ask that question. I've been trapped here for what seems like centuries! I cannot tell you how lonely this place is. Sure there are the villagers but they are all fake. They may act and appear real but they cannot grasp anything not already in the book sadly. Talking to them is like talking to a four year old. Oh, I almost forgot. My name is Daniel Horis but you can call me Dan if you'd like." Dan looks around the room and starts tapping his fingers on the table. "So...I'm not sure where to begin explaining everything here so ask away and I'll do my best to answer it. May I know your names though?"

"Unbeknownst to them, the heroes were walking into a trap set up by the Devious Sorcerer! It is at this point they decided to not bother listening to such an evil being as they would no doubt attempt to trick them and instead decided to defeat the Evil Sorcerer." From down the stairwell you hear the kindly if not tired voice of the Sorcerer. "I can hear you, you dumb book! Don't be afraid. I really do just want to talk. Surely we can do that right?" "And so the Mad Sorcerer shouted on about some "book" or some other nonsense in an attempt to fool the heroes. Being the wise heroes they were they decided not to listen to him and is inane ramblings." "Sigh..." Was all the Sorcerer said. Coming to the Dining Room floor you see a long oval shaped table made of oak with several chairs lining it. Dust lines the floor and there are a few cobwebs on the chairs and torches giving the room a abandoned look. The only other person besides you two is the Sorcerer who sits at the far end of the table furthest away from you. His features are hidden behind a vibrant yellow robe and the only thing visible from under his hood are his bright red eyes that seem to pierce into you. He pauses from eating another bite of his soup as he looks up towards you two. "Sorry for mess...I haven't had company here in well, forever. Do take a seat through! I can assure you the food is fresh and very tasty." He motions a hand and 2 chairs on the left side of the table are magically pulled out. He continues to look at you expectantly.

Wishing he could roll his eyes Mannequin disliked how Deoxy dispatched the hired goon. While it was a good thing to not have to fight them it felt dirty having to bribe them. This will only make them more willing to commit crime when the heroes themselves pay them off. He was going to have to have this talk with Deoxy later. Seeing as to how Deoxy was being as persuasive as a bake potato to the rest of the assembled goons judging from their still present grimace and sneers He decided to lend a helping hand of sorts to try and back up Deoxy's point about how unfortunate it would be for them not to be smart here. Standing behind Deoxy Mannequin slowly started separating his head from his body by slowly contorting his neck. He had the rest of his body mimic being in pain as it spasmed from the neck getting further and further twisted. He had sparks start fizzing out of his body making him appear very unstable and dangerous before with sudden abruptness his head turned back into its position with a loud snap starring directly at the goons with his vacant expressionless gaze.

Removed.

"As the Valiant Knight jumped and landed on the tower he continued through the roof as if it was plaster and ended up in an awkward pile with the now more Annoyed Princess." Thankfully only the roof collapsed under the weight leaving them on the 6th floor. One would think that the inside of the Spire would be as dark and ominous as the name implied but in reality it looked to be very well maintained and lit giving off the impression more of a noble's house than some sort of dungeon of doom. The floor appeared to be a bedroom for possibly the Sorcerer. Not much was in the room itself save for a plain looking bed and small end table with a small vase of flowers. However before the heroes could further investigate they heard a voice echo through the Spire. "Well, hello there... You could of just used the front door you know. It wasn't locked or anything. Don't worry about the roof either. It can be fixed later. As much as I'd like to talk through my home it would be better to sit down and talk. Come, meet me in the dining room. Just take the stairs on the left and go down two floors." His voice had a soft timber to it with no hint of malice. Besides the echoing of the Spire he didn't sound any different than a normal guy.

Going to try to back up Deoxy by appearing physically imposing. https://orokos.com/roll/602601 16

Filled with the righteous anger that has driven him to what he had become Mannequin ended the lock down and immediately gathered a task force of his highly trained work force. He couldn't afford the luxury of time so he decided to be as straight forward and blunt as possible to his workers. Sure some might think he is a jerk but you didn't have to be nice to be a hero. "As head of R&D I am making it your top priority to assist me with my latest project. Expect to stay overnight. You will all be paid double for the remainder of your shift here. Unless its a family emergency this work is mandatory. If you have any issues take it up with H&R afterwards not me. I can assure you I have far to little time to care at the moment. If you have any questions then ask them as we work." With that Mannequin herded his engineers like cattle into their various stations while quickly drawing out the schematics he had in his mind. He knew she was weak to his electrical shock so he would do everything he could to abuse that. The idea he had in mind was perfect. A Ionized Neutron Pulse Emitter. A device that irradiates the Neutrons around it. It may sound like it causes cancer but its relatively harmless. The Neutrons are far to small to affect anyone normal sized but if you were a very small person well...You'd be in for quite a shock. James didn't know where Deoxy went but he figured the mad doctor was able to find his way around in the workshop. Hopefully Deoxy came up with some genius to help with their efforts. He wished he could of worked together on the same project with one of his idols but time was of the essence. If they were too slow then Block Head would be gone or worse. Block Head may be reckless and easy to anger but he is that of a child, naive and confused. Was there no limit to her vileness? She stole his work, might of killed his dad, and now kidnapped a child who Mannequin had a part in inadvertently creating. Looking at it in a way, Block Head was Mannequin's kid in some regard. Not wanting to delve deeper into that thought he continued shouting and directing his workers. The pace was maddening but the sheer progress was there. This was going to be a long night.

Device 2("Ionized Neutron Pulse Emitter";10 point device; easy to lose) [6PP] Damage 5 (Extras: Permanent Aura [+3), Flaws: Limites to TIny things [-2]) Total Cost 10 PP Here's the planning roll! https://orokos.com/roll/602420 34 Going to use electrical if thats ok for the construction. https://orokos.com/roll/602422 25

You notice that while there are 2 guards that there is only 2 guards there. You also notice that there is no side doors but there are a few open windows starting at the 3rd floor going upwards. The Spire's height is about 6 floors total.

I would say yes for the skip to Brick with the invention in the background. What I want to make is a aura damage field limited to things -3 size only. Not sure what to roll

The cloud that was Mannequin's mind began to clear as Imprint left with Block Head. Slowly he began to realize just what happened to him and everything else in general. Reaching up he cradled his head in his hand hoping it would alleviate the feeling of being drugged. "Ugh, Wha-Why does it feel like I've been drugged!" Looking around the room he saw that Imprint was gone with Blockhead. "Whe-where is that crazed woman? What happened to the art piece? All I remember was grabbing her in the vent and...Now this." Realization dawned on him as he realized he was the victim of mind control! "Oh, she is going to pay. She steals my work, abuses it utterly, may be responsible for killing my father, and now she just stole my mind! She is going to pay. What happened Deoxy? Surely you wouldn't just let her kidnap Block Head?"