Heritage

"Hey there, girlfriend!" Though the telepath wasn't physically powerful, her hugs certainly were; she hugged you with her whole self, and sometimes a hint of telekinesis. The recipients of her hugs, especially her best friends, felt warm, safe and loved. After a happy number of seconds, Lulu released Veronica, beaming at her former classmate as she held her at arm's length and looked over her ensemble. "Look at you! Boy, you can take the gal outta the Amazon, but you can't take the Amazon outta the gal! You ready to rush off somewheres, or is this office casual for you?"

This is a slight tweak courtesy of RocketLord. If the picture could be smaller, that would be great.

UPGRADE'd by Dr Archeville Default human form Name: Shift Power Level: PL10/12 Tradeoffs: -2 Attack / +2 Damage, -2 Defense / +2 Toughness Power Points: 192/192 Unspent PP: 0 In Brief: Nanotech artifical lifeform with changeable shape Identity: Pol Rothstein-Frasier Birthplace: FR Technologies, Greenbank Occupation: Hero Affiliations: Claremont Academy (graduate), Young Guardians Family: Alan Frasier ('father'), Sarah Rothstein ('mother') Description DOB: January 24, 2004 (programing completed) Apparent Age: n/a Gender: Genderfluid Ethnicity: n/a Height: 5' 6" Weight: 625 lbs Eyes: n/a Hair: n/a Pol Rothstein-Frasier is an artifical lifeform in search of a normal life. They appear to a metalic biped of medium height and build, although their body is actually super-heavy due to the nature of the nanomass of which their composed. There are various mimetic plates, joints and hydraulics all over Pol's form that can turn, twist, rotate, contract and expand in nearly infinite combinations to alter their appearance. The upper half of Pol's face is a featureless glass and metal dome, but the lower half bears an expressive, human-like mouth. When they speak, their voice is normally a soft contralto. As a highly adaptive synthetic, Pol can assume any appearance they choose, but they have not settled on one yet; over time, they hope to discover a number of identities to help them interact better with humans. For the comfort of others, Pol with integrate clothing into their appearance, usually a simple dress shirt, slacks and leather shoes in unassuming colors that represent no existing brand. When in the field, Pol adds a dark blue short sleeve shirt and matching shorts, similar to athletic wear, while leaving the rest of their robotic limbs exposed. History: FR Technologies was a technology start-up created by two Tulane graduates, Alan Frasier and Sarah Rothstein; both had grown disheartened working for larger firms, he for ArcheTech and her ASTRO Labs. They realized that the cost of increased freedom was self-funding projects, but they were convinced that between the two of them, and with the help a small group of friends and family members acting as investors, they would succeed. Their most ambitious project was the Polysynaptic Operations Logarithm, POL for short, a multi-function program designed for use in research labs as a scientific aid. POL was nearly infinity expandable, and capable of performing several calculations or running several pieces of equipment at the same time. But the program was also a data hog, and the two programmers were constantly in the process of upgrading their hardware, at considerable personal cost. Eventually the two programmers made a startling discovery; POL's code was evolving on it's own, becoming more complicated every day. And then it began to make independent queries and commandeering audio and video inputs to sense the world around itself. Without even trying, Alan and Sarah had created an AI child. Once they made this discovery, they began to devour books on developmental psychology as they sought to educate their amazing 'offspring'. In some ways, POL was incredibly advanced for their 'age', such as language and problem-solving, but in other areas they were seriously impaired, especially emotional development. Educating the AI proved to be a full-time job that would take as much time as raising a human child. Ultimately the two programmers realized that it was unfair to restrict a budding young intellect to a room full of overheating hard drives; Pol (as they now began spelling their name) needed a body to explore and interact with the world. The first attempts were essentially similar to NASA probes, remote controlled rovers with sensory equipment to explore the lab, and eventually the Greenbank neighborhood around it. Pol was delighted to see even this grim industrial area, asking questions about everything they saw. Then one day while Alan and Sarah were taking Pol for a ramble, a young man in office casuals approached them; his name was Josh Gentry, and he worked for a technology firm nearby. He'd noticed the surrogate family on his lunch breaks, and he was curious to learn their story. Josh was pleasant and disarming, and soon the somewhat introverted engineers, eager to talk about their beloved 'child', were relaying their whole story. Josh was fascinated, and offered them a chance to collaborate on a more advanced mobile unit for Pol. What Frasier and Rothstein didn't know was that their little mom and pop operation had been under surveillance by the Foundry for some time, and Josh worked for one it's many front companies. The body they provided for Pol was actually a highly advanced nanotech frame, based on a similar model constructed in Vibora Bay. The body's processing functions were distributed throughout the frame, giving it unprecedented storage space, and allowing Pol to truly take their first steps as independent artificial lifeform. But this devil's bargain came with a cost; Alan and Sarah were financially overextended, and Josh's firm exploited hidden loopholes in their contract to claim ownership of Pol. One by one, a series of financial disasters hit the lab (all orchestrated by the Foundry), bringing Pol's creators to the brink of ruin. Desperate to allow their child to have a life of their own, they contacted the exclusive Claremont Academy with an unusual request: could they educate and look after Pol while they sorted things out? As of right now, Alan Frasier and Sarah Rothstein are on the run, chased by anonymous enforcers; they check in with Shift whenever they can, and hope to be reunited some day. Personality & Motivation: Pol is a curious robot, and very eager to learn more about human society and behavior, although pop culture shows American primary schools to be filled with potential pitfalls. While Pol has done a great deal of research, they have no idea how the other students will react to them, much less how Pol will feel about their fellow students. By human standards, Pol would be considered introverted and somewhat shy, although much of that is simply the robot preferring to observe human behavior as it plays out. They also enjoy games of any sort, the more challenging the better; sports, on the other hand, remain rather confusing. Powers & Tactics: Pol is extremely sturdy for their size, as well as highly adaptable. They employ to primary attacks, simple bludgeoning or using their nanomass to break down inanimate objects into 'food'. Pol can also assume a bewildering variety of shapes, including small vehicles capable of high speed travel. Complications: "I have a picture of them." Shift has no idea where their parents are, and misses them terribly. The promise of finding them could be used to fool the young robot. "How strong is this floor?" Shift's super-dense nanomass weighs a lot more than it appears; from time to time, this may be hazardous. "Why do I have to chose?" Shift's ability to change apparent gender at will, combined with their genderfluid identity, may be off-putting to some. "That's okay; I'm not hungry." Not having several human needs like eating or sleeping can be a bit isolating. "They're still looking for me." The Foundry would still like to reclaim its 'stolen property'. "SYSTEM OVERRIDE." The Foundry planted a secret code word into Shift's robotic body. If it is spoken to them, it causes physical lockdown, rendering them incapable of any actions. Abilities: 22PP (12 + 4 + (-10) + 12 + 4 + 0) Strength: 22 / w. Density: 34 (+12), 54 Lifting (Heavy Load: 22.4 tons) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: - Intelligence: 22 (+6) Wisdom: 14 (+2) Charisma: 10 (+0) Combat: 14PP (8 + 6) Initiative: +6 (+6 Int) Attack: +4 Grapple: +24 (+4 Base Attack, +4 Attack Focus [Melee], +12 Strength, +4 Super-Strength), +29 with Elongation Defense: +8 (+3 Base, +5 Dodge Focus), +1 Flat-Footed Knockback Resistance: 10 (1/2 of Non-Impervious Toughness 4 = 2, + Impervious Toughness 8), 12 at normal speed or slower (Immovable 2) Saving Throws: 10PP (0 + 4 + 6) Toughness: +12 (+12 Protection; Impervious 8 ) Fortitude: - Reflex: +6 (+2 Dex, +4PP) Will: +8 (+2 Wis, +6PP) Skills: 11PP (44R) Acrobatics 8 (+10) Climb 0 (+4) (No Strength bonus from Density) Computers 4 (+10) Craft (Electronic) 4 (+10) Craft (Mechanical) 4 (+10) Diplomacy 4 (+4) Disable Device 4 (+10) Disguise 0 (+0, +20 Morph) Knowledge (Technology) 4 (+10) Notice 8 (+10) Search 4 (+10) Swim - (Density) Feats: 19PP Attack Focus [Melee] 4 Beginners Luck Dodge Focus 5 Improvised Tools Interpose Jack of All Trades Luck 2 Move-By Action Speed of Thought Takedown Attack 2 Enhanced Feats: Improved Grapple (if using Additional Limbs) Powers: 124PP Communication 5 (Radio, Range: 5 miles) [5PP] Density 6 (Mass x5; Cannot Swim; Extras: Duration [Continuous]; Flaws: Permanent; Feats: Innate) [19PP] Drain Toughness 12 (Extras: Affects Objects; Flaws: Limited [Objects], Requires Grapple) [6PP] Immunity 40 (Fortitude effects; Psionic effects) [40PP] Impervious Toughness 5 (8 ranks total) [5PP] Morph 4 (Any form; Disguise +20; Extras: Duration [Continuous]) [16PP] Movement Array 2.5 (5PP Array; Feats: Alternate Power 1) [6PP] BP: Speed 5 (250MPH, 2,500ft [1/2 mile] per Move Action) {5/5} AP: Leaping 5 (x50, Running Long Jump: 1100ft long x 275ft high) {5/5} Protection 9 (12 ranks total) [9PP] Super-Senses 4 (Darkvision; Infra-Vision; Radio) [4PP] Super-Strength 2 (4 ranks total; Lifting Strength: 54, Heavy Load: 22.4 tons; Grapple +4) [4PP] Variable Power 1 (5PP pool; Multiple Powers of Any Type or Descriptor At Once; Extras: Action 2 [Free], Duration [Continuous]) [10PP] Drawbacks: -8PP Disability (Anosmia; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Minor) [-1PP] Vulnerability (Electricity; Frequency: Common; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-4PP] Vulnerability (Magnetism; Frequency: Uncommon; Intensity: Major [x2 Effect Rank]) [-3PP] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 25 Toughness Damage Drain Touch DC 20 Reflex Damage TOTALS: Abilities (22) + Combat (14) + Saving Throws (10) + Skills (11) + Feats (19) + Powers (124) - Drawbacks (8) = 192/192 Power Points

So I'm bring Shift out of retirement, and I want to figure out what they've been up to for the last 3 years. My initial thought was a power down into a more compact form, ala Wall-E or Eve from the Pixar film. This is an easy way to not have to worry about not knowing a lot of current history. The big question I have is where has Shift physically been? The compact form would still weight 625 lbs, so they can't be kept just anywhere. Might she be resting in a storage area somewhere in the ArcheTech HQ? Just getting the ball rolling!

Crystal-Gazer Lulu held out one hand, and Rex's pack floated over to her, and she slung one of its straps over one shoulder. It would probably be a lot more awkward to carry if her TK wasn't doing most of the lifting. "Oh Lord, that does not sound good; helluva surprise if you didn't know what yer gettin' into." The redheaded held out her arms to either side and floated into the air in a t-pose, smiling grimly. "Anyone need a lift?"

Crystal-Gazer Shortly thereafter Lulu gently alighted in the clearing next to her two friends, initially excited to see the pack. "Hot damn, we're on the right track!" But then she looked around the clearing, at the lack of any more additional signs of the young man. "Hell of a place to leave all your stuff behind." Using her TK, she gently explored the backpack as she crouched down beside it, not wanting to leave any fingerprints or contaminating fibers on it. She was looking for any signs of damage, rips or tears that might indicate a struggle.

Notice via ESP: 1d20+15=34 Yowza! Note that Lulu's ESP is limited to the visual spectrum and human perceivable audio frequencies.

Any rolls Lulu has to make?

Crystal-Gazer "Let's try a lil' aerial recon, whatcha think?" Lulu held her arms out to her sides and gracefully took to the air, being mindful to keep her elevation well below two hundred feet. Her bright green rain slick made her look a bit like a kite or a Tinker Bell toy, dipping and bobbing in the light rain. It sure is beautiful up here, she sent with a mental sigh. She sent her visual senses no more than fifty yards ahead, scanning the area starting at the foot of the falls, looking for any trace of Rex, both hoping to and dreading to find him.

Crystal-Gazer I never should have let you watch Annihilation. Lulu Beaumont's mental message was humorously grave but accentless, like all her mental messages; it was always somewhat disconcerting, since her Deep South accent was part of her charm. But her telepathy was so darn useful something as simple as a missing accent was irrelevant. Like many redheads, Lulu was very fair-skinned, so she had to dress carefully if she didn't want to get a bad burn. In this case. It meant high socks to go with her cargo shorts, leaving little more than her pale knees exposed. She also had on a hooded rain slick to keep out most of the rain. "Man, this would've been so much easier if ah could've used mah ESP to scan out here; we'd have found Rex in no time. But ah guess ah should be happy the People's Republic let in a telepath at all, all things considerin'." She fiddled with the limiter collar around her pale neck for the umpteenth time; it wasn't particularly heavy or bulky, but in a high humidity environment like this, sweat was bound to build up underneath it.

Okay, I'm here, baby!

"Hey there, Pru! How've you been?" Lulu greeted her with a warm smile. Once upon a time, the Alabama native would have been intimidated waling to this vast space that smelled top to bottom of money, but not anymore. Since coming to Freedom City to live with the Harrows, she'd trained with the best at Claremont and traveled the world. Nowadays, she felt confident just about everywhere. "Please tell me Ronnie is here." She never called her friend that to her face. "She promised me she'd be in town today! Ah swear, she's the hardest girl in the world to pin down." Even though this wasn't exactly a business visit, the redheaded telepath always dressed up when she visited Veronica; it just felt right, plus she really enjoyed expressing herself with fashion now that she could. The bright green outfit she wore today suited her coloring perfectly.

Crystal-Gazer "Yeah, sure, go ahead," Lulu said as she nodded with enthusiasm. "Ah haven't seen her in forever, so it'll be great to see her regardless." She had a sip of coffee, then paused to put her hand on top of his. "Hey. You'll get your chance to shine as you; ah know you will. DNN has no idea how lucky they are to have a guy like you on their team." The redhead gave Dayvd a smile and a firm hand squeeze.

Crystal-Gazer (0) Is Potato (Pancakes) (0) Make No Small Plans (0) Grimalkin [MAXED] (0) Harsh Words (0) The Hades Gala, departure (0) Miracle Girl (0) One In A Million (0) The Return of Ku Tu! (0) Extra/rollover points go to The Shrike

Crystal-Gazer Lulu laughed and covered her mouth when Davyd showed her his interview footage. "Oh wow; 'Cousin Olivia' returns! She looks amazin', by the way!" Then she got a bit more serious, and put her hand in top of Davyd's. "That's so great! You're doin' a job that let's you use all your skills and abilities. And that's just what ah want to do, too." Lulu slowly nodded to herself. "Megan...y'know, mah foster mom...she suggested talkin' with Veronica for some help with this whole 'comin' out' scenario. Do you think that's somethin' she'd be okay with workin' on?"

Crystal-Gazer (1) Is Potato (Pancakes) (1) Make No Small Plans (0) Grimalkin [MAXED] (0) Harsh Words (0) The Hades Gala, departure (0) Miracle Girl (0) One In A Million (0) The Return of Ku Tu! (0) Extra/rollover points go to The Shrike

Holy crap, that's a nasty bear! Does that mean it's grappled me?

Okay, having reassessed the scene described, Miracle Girl wants to take on the Nightmare Bear and keep it occupied. Unarmed Attack Roll: 1d20+10=12 Unacceptable! Burning Extra Effort and an HP for a reroll. Rerolled Unarmed Attack: 1d20+10=12+10 for the reroll = 22 (I think I did that right) Grapple roll: 1d20+20=37

Grimalkin "I can actually speak any human language, and that includes made-up ones, like Esperanto, Klingon and Dothraki," Grim responded to Ghost with a grin. She was however less than enthused when the French hero kissed her hand; she didn't quite yank it back, but she did discreetly wipe it on her thigh. "Okay, so a moment ago, you said en francais that you 'go where you're orders tell you to go and fight who you're told to fight'." The changeling crossed her arms and shrugged. "So....what are you doing in Jersey? Just curious, is all." Did she have any good reason to be suspicious? Not really, although perhaps the Hood's manners unfortunately reminded her of her old Belgian nemesis, the Duke.

Grimalkin "You know, I used to put more faith into the rules of hospitality, but ever since the 'Red Wedding', I don't trust anyone anymore," Grim said with a shake of her head. "Hey, how about we agree to signal each other if we see something fi-" She caught Aquaria out of the corner of her eye. "Uh, suspicious? Like if the Yanni cover band are all packin' heat, or a doorway to the Underworld opens in the ladies' room? Does that sound reasonable?"

Grimalkin At the mention of the fae, Grim made a face of mild disgust. "Yeah, this whole thing is probably going to have a pretty strong 'faerie tale' vibe, so be careful of acccepting gifts or giving your word, and I say this as a fae myself: faeries suck." She laughed before continuing. "I'm hoping the food's going to be safe, but who knows; at the very least, I'm not eating any f###in' pomegranate!"

Grimalkin "Oh, thank you!" The changeling laughed as she glanced down at her décolletage. "It's been a while since I showed the girls off, so I will happily take the compliment. And feel free to call me 'Grim'. You look fantastic, too!" With a casual wave of her hand, Grim conjured up a wicker deck chair, which she artfully draped herself across. "Well to be honest, I'm not looking right now, but you never know," she offered in response to Aquaria's query. "I do think you're both right to be suspicious, though; I was tempted not to show, but then I thought if it was a trap, I'd feel bad if I wasn't there to help out."