RocketLord

Starting simple, with just cheese? But what else made up a burger? And Pan liked to try many things at once and get a proper adventure out of it. Elizabeth's suggestions sounded great. He wasn't quite sure what everything was, but if the special sauces were special, then then had to be great, right? He nodded thoughtfully at Abigail and Elizabeth's suggestions. They were right. He was lucky to be able to try something for the first time, at least something that they all took for granted. "But starting simple is not how I do things. Tell me, what makes the best burger for you! Then I will make sure to try that first!"

So that was how it felt for others when he turned to dust. At least Abdul running meant that he had something to follow. No more questions, just a chase. He could do that. First he created a small sandstorm around himself, enough to put out the smoke and probably ruin those leaves. No reason to leave this behind. Turning to sand, Cassidy then followed Abdul into the cracks. The sand that made up his body shifting and turned, sliding through the cracks in the Magic Mesa with purpose. Moving quickly, he descended into the depths of his place of power. If there was something in here creating this poison, he would destroy it.

Cassidy could feel his anger bubbling. There was something about Abdul being here, and how he spoke about the Magic Mesa that just pissed him off. Did he speak in metaphors or actual truths? When it came to the Mesa, it could all be true. He would be better off taking it at face value, instead of trying to guess anything. While Abdul rambled, Cassidy remained silent, right until the point where he stood up. "I'm the Dust Devil. If you know anything about the Mesa, then you know what that means. Now you will tell me exactly where that snake is." He was done with all the cosmic ramblings. First the rich kid, then the woman, now Abdul. He had to get to the end of the line.

So, this was what it was going to be? A rambling conversation with a guy that might be high out of his mind, or might just be messing around with something really dangerous. Cassidy looked down at Abdul. He hadn't moved, he hadn't been shocked at all to see a man appearing out of the sand. That was a first. At least he gave the most coherent description of the leaf and what it did, if it wasn't just hyperbole. Eyes open to the cosmos, beautiful visions... Cassidy knew he hadn't been the Dust Devil for a long time, but that honestly didn't sound like anything good for the rest of humanity. "Not here. This is not your domain." Cassidy finally replied. His voice was deep. Deeper than he had intended it to be. And his words weren't quite his own. "Who is your supplier? What is that leaf?" Cassidy had to know what he was dealing with, then he could get Abdul away from here.

Pan shook his head. He honestly didn't mind. He liked telling about Neverworld, and he missed his home. Still, no reason to let that show too much. More important things in the world than home sickness. Like friends and adventure! "That's a brilliant way to think of it! Saving people and having adventures is what life is all about, isn't it? And if your relative got control, then I'm sure you'll learn it soon!" He floated around in the room a bit, without really thinking about it. He couldn't help himself, he got excited. "I'm from a place called Neverworld. It's amazing. There's adventure to be found everywhere! Pirates, natives, pixies! Flying ships and roaring seas!" He pauses for a moment, a brilliant smile playing over his lips at the memories of his adventures. "To be honest, I'm not quite sure how I got here, but now I'm here, so I can just as well make the most of it and try to find a new adventure."

Even if he hadn't been back to the Magic Mesa since becoming the Dust Devil, Cassidy could find his way around with ease. Everything around him was warped, but it was how it was supposed to be, after all. The Magic Mesa was more than just magic, and, somehow, he was supposed to be the protector of all this. Even for Cassidy, navigating the Magic Mesa required concentration. It was a beautiful sight, but also haunting in its own way. In time, he reached the top of the Mesa, and there he saw a man. It had to be Abdul. He was strange to see anyone else here, at the top of the Mesa. No one was supposed to be here, and especially not someone what Abdul was doing now. More of those damn leaves. Did they come from one of the other places that could be accessed at the Mesa? If they were some otherwordly drug, then that would explain a lot. He could just strike, but he wanted answers, too. And to find a way to keep Abdul from returning. At least Abdul didn't seem to have noticed him yet. Cassidy materialized from the sand on the opposite side of the small fire from Abdul. His arms were crossed as he looked down at the man. "You shouldn't be here, Abdul." Who knew? Maybe calling him out by name might help.

"Yes, it is! There's just so many people!" Pan couldn't contain himself. He started floating off the ground, just a few feet, but it was noticeable. The golden dust fell from him, disappearing before it hit the floor. He drifted to the window and looked out at the city. It was getting dark, and the lights were on. He could the call to adventure, just waiting for him to join it, but he had promised to behave when he was allowed into the Academy. He had to try to last at least a day. Pan nodded to Micah's comment about mastering himself. "Makes sense. It sounds like you're rather powerful. It is great that you're trying to master abilities like that. I have seen people with great power and little mastery create great tragedies before."

So, she is with Abdul. No falling out, just being left behind after doing what Abdul had told her. She was getting better, but she was still not completely out of her high. She had water now, and with some luck, she wouldn't get up to any other trouble. He turned to sand as he said just a few more words. "The cosmos want you to live. Go home." At the last syllable he turned completely to sand, and let the wind spread him away. With some luck she would think he was just a part of her hallucinations and would go on her way. If not... well, then he would deal with that. Hopefully his lack of foot prints left behind would help sell his bluff. At least he knew where Abdul was supposed to be. Gathering himself into a humanoid form a short distance away, Cassidy kneeled in the sand and travelled once more, this time directly to the Mesa itself. Time to find Abdul.

Just great. Abdul had gone to the Mesa. And he was finding something even stronger than the leaf. The woman was working with him after all, and spouting more gibberish, just like the rich kid had. If this had to do with the Mesa, then this was going to be worse than just some street drugs. Magic and worse would be involved. He probably didn't have long, but he had to know if the woman was still on Abdul's side or they had a falling out. He couldn't just abandon her here, no matter what. "So why did he abandon you here?"

Cassidy gently placed the woman in the car, making sure she was in a sitting position, before he went to investigate the car's boot. His eyes first focused on the leaf. How many of these things did Abdul bring? They couldn't be that important to him if he were willing to just leave them behind like this. First, Cassidy grabbed the leaf and carefully placed it with the other. If he were going to do something other than just punch Abdul out, he would need evidence. The leaves would have to do. Then, he grabbed the water bottles, before returning to the woman. "Here. Drink." He was uncomfortable about this. He couldn't leave her behind here. He might be able to make it through the desert, but there was no telling if she could. And she would slow him down. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" He paused for a moment. "And where is Abdul?"

It was an interesting game. At first, Pan hadn't been quite sure what the rules were, if any. Two teams, on either side of the net. Most games with balls and nets he knew involved the ball getting into the net to score points, but it didn't seem to be the case here. The teams could touch the ball with their hands, but not hold it. They could pass it along to their teammate, so multiple touches allowed on each side. And they seemed to get a point whenever the ball touched down on the opposing team's field. So, keep the ball in the air, or get it on the opponent's field. Interesting! He was completely absorbed in the game. He had almost forgotten everything else that was going on around them, while he ocassionally shouted more encouragements for Astrid and Micah.

"The Dust Devil." Cassidy still felt weird saying it out loud. He had spent some time researching rumors and stories about the Magic Mesa and the first Dust Devil after gaining his powers, but it still felt off. The Dust Devil was a legendary figure. Few were sure if he were real or just a myth, but sightings had been reported for centuries. And here he was, stepping into the role. Big shoes to fill. He noticed the sickly sweet smell almost immediately. It was disgusting, to say the last. He had never been one for sweet perfumes, and this was much worse. What the hell was that leaf? At least she seemed to want him to get his hands on Abdul. Great, that was something he could agree on. "That's the plan." She needed water. "Did you bring any water in the car? Or anything to drink at all?" If she didn't, or Abdul had taken it all, he would need to bring the woman along. Leaving her here like this would be a death sentence. The only question was how the leaf would make her react. If it had the same effect as it did on the creepy rich kid, then bringing her along could complicate things.

Cassidy still couldn't get used to the feeling of travelling through the sand. It was a whirling, disembodied experience. He felt like he could use himself in the web of sand that seemed connected around the entire world. Maybe that was what happened to the first Dust Devil. Maybe not. Either case, he tried to only do it when necessary, and if Abdul had reached the Magic Mesa, then it was time. He appeared not far from the buick, the tower of black stone looming in the horizon. Cassidy's first thought came to Abdul. Maybe he had managed to crash the car, before continuing on across the desert. He felt the pull to continue, to head to wherever Abdul was going, but then he noticed the woman. He should hurry on ahead, he should find Abdul, but he couldn't just leave someone like this. Moving to the buick, he pulled at he door of the backseat. If it wouldn't open, he would pull it off, before pulling the woman out, gently lifting her into his arms. She would need water, but where would he find it here?

GM (4) Halloween on the Boardwalk (4) Dust Devil II (35) Dust, Sand and Smoke (15) Wrong Groceries (13) Sting in the Tail (7) Forever Boy (35) Adventuring Time (3) Assemble! (2) Last Gasp of Summer (6) No Better Time To Start (3) Out for a Spin (4) Roommates (9) The Last American (6) Toondependence Day (1) Justice 20 Questions (1 PP) All GM posts to Justice, since it isn't enough to bump either of the others anyway.

Pan opened his eyes. Whatever the Last American was, it had been a bad idea to open it. He had tried to close it again once the crackling energy appeared, but he hadn't been able to, and now, here they were. Somewhere completely different. He sat up. He felt weird. Slow. Like he had just been hit by one of the Hooked Man's pirates. But he hadn't, right? He could see the others, at least. And trees all aroudn them. And daylight. They had been inside moments before, and now they were here? He wasn't so sure he liked books from Earth so much anymore. Of the two he had opened, one was a distorted telling of his life and adventures. The other had brought them here. Was that normal for Earth books? No matter what, he could freely admit that he was the one at fault here. He had opened the book, and that had brought them here, and now poor Judy seemed like she was panicking. He was stil dazed, but he was coming to. A dead zone? What did she mean? Finally getting to his feet, he hurried over to Judy and Ashley. "I don't think I like Earth books very much. Sorry, I didn't think a book could be dangerous. What do you mean with dead zone?"

So I don't have to create a new thread whenever I feel like building/creating something Useful links Names Empty Sheet PCs Archer II Forever Boy PL10 Forever Boy PL12 Holger Danske - Ratatoskr Justice - Super Mode Little Mermaid II Nevermore II Rebellion Spaceman Ideas PCs Ghost Shatterhand Cosmic Hero Burning Kaiju Victory Nathan Knight Lightning Bug King of Cats - Cat Metamorph - Cat God Metamorph Gallant Retired/Not using Cheval Dust Devil II Orbit Poet U.F.O. NPCs Guide: Conversion guide from 3E Guide: NPC Guide The Chamber (all in Emerald City Secrets) (convert from 3E) - The Grandmaster (under The Chessmen in book) (draft in progress) Professor Zed (idea) Archer I Ultio Suit User Guidebook The Chamber Nevermore II guidebook PL Cap, Tradeoffs, Extra Effort, Hero Points Other Danish super heroes

The Mesa? Could they mean Magic Mesa? Cassidy's disappointment in the kids' reaction was short lived, there were more important matters now. He disappeared into a whirl of sand again, flying through the air and leaving the club. Stealth didn't matter much, but it was just the easiest way to get through. It shouldn't be difficult to find some sand somewhere. A nearby construction site would do. Then he could use that to travel and quickly get to the Mesa. Maybe he was in luck and Abdul hadn't gotten there yet. He hadn't felt the pull towards the Magic Mesa yet. If not, who knew what kind of trouble Abdul could cause? He didn't even know anything about him, aside from his choice in drugs and him being a philosophy major.

"Pixies are neat, yes." Pan should know, with how many he had been around. He hadn't been sure if pixies even existed in this world, but he was nice to know that they did. They might be very different, but he would like to find out. Still, a thought for another day. "If meeting in a tavern is the standard experience, then I vote for the campfire." He looked over at Adam, smile still on his lips. "If the dungeon master agree, of course." He was the dungeon master, after all. He was the one that would guide their adventure and help tell their tale. Bringing out his own emerald dice, Pan placed them on the table. Back on Neverworld, they had mostly played cards, or physical games. This was something entirely different to him. But he noticed something missing from his collection of objects: A representation of Oberon Underhill. Others had figures or Alex's lugnut. "I seem to have forgot to bring a representation for Oberon. Could I borrow something?" He wasn't really picky about it. Anything could do.

Those guns were so loud. And so so strange. Pan quickly flew to the side, making sure that Lucy wasn't in his line of fire. Pan could only stare as Beth bounced straight up again after the punch. He could really see what she had meant about about them doing something completely unexpected. And they had just thrown his mind wave off like that. Fine then, they had eyes and ears. And Pan could try to take those out, at least. Since Lucy was dealing with Beth, he would try for Vera. "Is all the villains of this world like these two?" Lucy had said that he should expect things like for regular heroes, but this seemed weird, even compared to the people he had met here. A blazing firecracker glowed in Pan's right hand as he spoke. It would go off in a moment, so he threw it straight for Vera, getting ready for the flash and the bang.

Pan tries to dazzle Vera with some Fireworks. 1d20+14 = 17 Reflex 16 to avoid being blinded and deafened, if it hits.

Not the best place to enter, but beggars can't be choosers, and at least no one were around. Materializing from his sand form, Cassidy could hear the jazz. It was never really his thing, but fine. He could peek through the door and see the stage, and most of the audience. Not exactly a full house. Again, maybe a mixed blessing. He took a moment to scout the crowds from his hiding place. No sense in just rushing in without a plan. Not that it took Cassidy long to find a group of kids that stuck out, even as they had tried to dress like the rest. They had the same odd look as the rich kid from earlier. If Abdul was here, they would know. Cassidy turned into sand again, his non-corporal form moving over the audience until he began pouring down in front of the group of rich kids where he took physical form again. "Where is Abdul?" He put on his best growl. If nothing else, he hoped their shock at the sudden appearance of a masked man would help.

The mask still felt odd on Cassidy's face, but it served its purpose. His grey costume wasn't easy to see in the night, which was just how he prefered it. Pops had bought his white lie, and he had brought the leaf along. Might not be the smartest choice, but it was the choice he had made. So, he approached from above. Southside didn't have the most heroes, and people rarely looked up. There was something about the name of the place that rubbed him the wrong way. He wasn't sure what it was. It might have been something he had read or heard at some point, but he honestly couldn't place it. Landing on the roof, Cassidy begun to search for a way inside. Anything small enough for sand to slip through.

Cassidy looked down at the leaf as the brat finally made his getaway. Good riddance. He'd probably run off to Abdul and tattle on them, but that was good. He sounded creepy all the way off, not that it surprised Cassidy at this point. Holding the leaf in his hand, he turned to Amy. He didn't like this next part. Hated it, really, but he couldn't get her involved in this. Not if the Dust Devil were going to pay Abdul and the rich kid a visit. "Better go through the official channels, right? I'll let Pops know about the leaf and what happened, then he can get in touch with your office and we figure out how to get this back to you guys. Otherwise that creep's just gonna go on about how one of us stole it, right?" There you go. Hero of the year. Already lying to his friends and family. Uncle Ben would so proud. Of course, soon as Amy he'd hide the leaf. Might be used as leverage. A bit later he could tell Pops all about it, and that the kid had returned and actually succeeded at stealing the leaf. And as soon his shift ended, it would be time to find Abdul.

Pan didn't mean to make Micah cry, but at least it was good tears. Still, friends were important to Pan, and he were quick to decide when someone was his friend. He took a step back when Micah clapped his hands, his smile broadening into a grin once again. And something slightly less depressing, then! Pan could do that! "I love music, so why would I ask you to play elsewhere?" He wasn't sure quite what a guitar was, but if Micah was good at it, it would probably be great. He had seen cars, though. They were just about everywhere, after all. Interesting machines, and Pan was almost instantly in awe at Micah being able to work on them. It had to mean repairing or changing things about them, and honestly, Pan thought that nobody that didn't work exclusively for something like that would have been able to. "I honestly don't have many plans for what to do. I only got signed up a little while ago, when I stumbled into some trouble. I'm not really from around here, so for now I think I'll just go wherever fate decides to take me. I'm sure there'll be many adventures at a place like this!"

Cassidy was the first to admit that he had little interest in plants or anything like that, but looking at the leaf, even he could tell that it didn't look normal. Holding the plant up, making sure not to unwrap it and touch it, he stared at it for a moment, even if he wasn't sure quite what he was trying to understand from it. The rich kid's suggestion brought Cassidy back to reality. "Yeah, sounds like a plan. It'd be smart to give it to ya, right?" Cassidy walked over to the kid. He bent down, getting ready to hand it over, but just before the kid could take the leaf, he pulled it back. "On the other hand, for all I know, you could be looking to steal this. This leaf here, its the property of whoever it was supposed to be shipped for, right? Can't go handing it out to just anyone. If Abdul's the owner, then tell him to contact the distribution center, yeah? I'll make sure Amy takes it with her on her return trip."