Geez3r

Maxima just chuckled as Cho complained about the weight.  "Well I'm not gonna throw a semi at you unless I know you can catch it now am I!?" she asked shaking her head, still suppressing some laughter.  Maxima looked over at the display on the wall for how much was being lifted, which was a little over 2,500 lbs now.  Well there's the class one threshold passed with flying colors.  She's probably a high class three, maybe a low four.  thought Maxima to herself as she took a step back into the scientist role and evaluated Cho's performance. 

 

Maxima again chuckled as the full body scanner was mentioned.  "Funny you should mention that." she replied as she hit a few buttons, and long machine like arms descended from the ceiling, arrayed with all manner of lenses and cameras, and more than a few doo-dads that emitted some kind of light as the whole arrangement slowly orbited around Cho.  "Best way to see if you've got any unknown powers is to observe the ones we do know about in action.  Be careful now, the bar will begin to add weight at an accelerated rate.  Remember, squeeze once to stop the weight gain, and twice to shut it down entirely." cautioned Maxima as the readout now said Cho had over 4,000 lbs. in her hands. 

Maxima just shrugged as the topic of her not so secret identity came up.  "If you're willing to put yourself on the line to help others, you've got the strength of will needed to keep a little secret." she said calmly.  "I figured that not matter how accomodating I might be, there'd still be some doubt lingering in the back of your mind as to how pure my intentions were.  This was the best way I knew how to dispel them.  I got into this business to help people." she concluded sincerely. 

 

Clapping her hands together, she continued "Now before we get to the fun stuff, we need to get one more boring bit out of the way first." Maxima reached down and tossed the aforementioned barbell to Cho.  "This place really isn't built for the two of us to duke it out, and it would be better if we got a handle on your strength limits before we did have at it."

Maxima had a big smirk plastered on her face as Cho stumbled over her words a bit.  She's a good kid.  thought Maxima to herself, giving Cho's hand a little squeeze.  "I initially got my powers when I was a bit younger than you were." explained Maxima, as she was glad was no longer looking up at Cho.  "Though they weren't as... prominent as they are now.  My powers are inborn mutations to my genetic code.  My baseline powers were low level strength and toughness, but my brain's congnitive ability was also enhanced.  Over time with continued mutation, and some... prodding along the way I got to where I was today." explained Maxima.  She felt it was only fair to even the playing field so to speak between them, with Maxima knowing (or soon to know) quite a lot about Cho's abilities. 

 

"And as for the weight lifting, I started doing it before I had a lab to test myself.  And as I said, my powers were pretty weak to begin with, so I needed to give myself an edge.  Now that I can do this..." she said gesturing towards her new stature "I've found that my strength increases proportionally when I change.  Stronger Cassandra equals a much stronger Maxima."

As the gears in Cho's brain began putting together the pieces, Cassandra flipped a few switches on the wall, sealing the door, blackening out the window and disabling the security devices in the room.  The system was intended for working on confidential government contracts (at least that was the official line, Grant had these systems in place for conducting their shadier operations), but it also quite handy for the working super-hero to get in a little workout while they were waiting for data to process, or for code to compile. 

 

"Oh of course I use it.  Everyone knows I'm a regular at the gym." said Cassandra innocently enough as the last of the security systems shut down.  But with an impish smile, she took a knee on the ground before her body suddenly grew and expanded into an amazonian frame that dwarfed even Cho.  Cassandra's clothes were seamlessly replaced by a blue and white singlet by some device she was wearing, the lab coat probably was abandoned so it didn't get ripped.  Standing to her full height, the good doctor extended her hand to Cho.  "I don't think we've been properly introduced.  The name's Maxima."

Maxima

 

(8)

Cassandra grinned from ear to ear as Cho made her declaration.  "That's the spirit!" she cheered gleefully.  "Well I think I just about talked your ear off here, so hows about we go ahead and put some of this expensive equipment to work here and see what you can do?" she asked, but not really waiting for an answer, suddenly seeming pretty animated.  She got up and went to a nearby closet, deciding to ditch her labcoat, which showed off her well built frame.  She also pulled out a barbell that seemed to have, for lack of a better description, Tron-lines running its length. 

 

Cassandra pushed a button on the wall, and a section of the floor pulled away to reveal a large metal plate with the same sort of lines running its length.  "So, I've made this company a lot of money in my day, but that means I sometimes work insane hours.  As you can probably guess, I'm a bit of a health nut, so I wasn't too keen on missing out on going to the gym.  The company compromised and got me this set up here.  It's basically a set of linked electromagnets; the bar and the floor only attract one another.  But since this technology was originally developed by ArcheTech, it was over-engineered beyond belief, which is good because it can even give people with super-strength a workout.  Controls are in the bar itself, I'll set it to progress mode, which means it'll just get heavier and heavier until you tell it to stop.  Squeeze once and it'll stay at that weight, squeeze twice and it'll enter into repel mode, where it'll just hang in the air." explained Cassandra demonstrating the function of the machine.  "Oh and the screen on the wall over there will display how much you're lifting."

Cassandra's face softened quite a bit as that day was brought up.  Her eyes instinctively glanced over to the picture frame on the shelf.  On it was a picture of her mother standing in front of the AEGIS headquarters, the same building she was in when Omega laid siege.  "As of right now, I've just been forming hypothesis.  I can't say most of this for certain.  A lot of these super-powers are inherently random, but commonalities do exist, especially among shared origins.  Those infused with Terminus energies tend to be resilient, while those with psionic abilities also tend to inherit increased cognitive abilities.  But lightning doesn't strike twice as they say.  Those closest match we have on record for you for instance, that person could also fly, and the Terminus energies would leak out of themselves whenever they started to really exert themselves." explained Cassandra.  She paused for a minute to collect her thoughts. 

 

"The one thing I can say for certain right now is that your mutations are not over yet.  You will likely either refine your current powers and physiology, or develop new ones.  We can start running some tests if you'd like to get some clearer information, but anything too detailed will take time to process." said Cassandra.  She didn't want to get Cho's hopes up that they might have an answer that very same day. 

And again the pen came out as Cassandra went to work writing her notes.  This time, however she strikes out a few lines from the previous dialogue out.  She also writes for quite a bit longer after Cho is done talking, seemingly doing some sort of calculation.  "Well... I want to run some tests first, but I think I've got a pretty good idea of what is going on here.  You aren't the first individual to have been infused with Terminus energy, and thankfully, not the first to have been reviewed by scientists." added Cassanda as she jabbed her pen in the direction of a stack of papers and folders sitting on a nearby shelf.  "You bear quite a resemblance to one subject in particular as a matter of fact.  Increased size, strength, toughness and the ability to project Terminus energy, and you're a bit fuzzy on the control aspect on that last one; another commonality.  My initial assumption is going to be that the Terminus energies in your body are continually mutating it, to better conform to its needs.  Your growth spurts and hardened musculature could be the result of your body strengthening itself against its own internal burden.  You likely feel pain because the process is not yet complete." said Cassandra sitting back, waiting for Cho to absorb the news. 

"You don't have to explain or defend yourself.  Family is always a bit complicated." said Cassandra with a wry smile.  Cassandra otherwise keeps her comments to herself as Cho begins to explain their powers, however Cassandra is writing furiously on the notepad.  While the pad is kept in plain view, she seems to be writing in shorthand, either that or technical jargon.  When Cho was finished, Cassandra finished writing her last thought or two, before setting down the pen, reviewing her own notes. 

 

"Well, from what you've told me so far, it seems like a few of my hypothesis may hold water.  In this world, there is matter and energy.  This is also dark matter and dark energy.  X and Y, and then by extension, not-X and not-Y.  Two sides of the same coin that are diametrically opposed to one another, and in fact cancel out one another should they come into contact with one another.  And then there is the Terminus.  By all knowledge we have, rather than not-X or not-Y, or even not-Z, the Terminus is simply not."  explained Cassandra.  "It is oblivion embodied, and can yet somehow interact with matter and energy and not negate it.  It's a paradox, and one I wish to investigate.  I believe it could be a literal new dimension in science.  The human biology is a frail thing; infused with Terminus however, it becomes something very different.  Tell me, have any of these energy flare ups occurred without conscious effort on your part?  And how have you reacted to other elemental hazards, such as fire, lighting or lasers?"

While the debate most certainly wasn't finished yet, it at least seemed to pause.  Seizing this opportunity, Cassandra started to lead the family into the facility proper.  "If we can get started, just follow me."  said Cassandra as she started walking to the security door on their right, swiping her ID card as she does so.  "So just a few ground rules, and things you should be aware of.  For security reasons, I'm going to have to ask you to stick with me or a security escort while you're here.  We've got some projects in development that need to be kept under wraps.  You're also going to notice security cameras and keycard access areas, as a heads up.  If you need to use the facilities while you're here, speak up."

 

She leads the family up a floor and down a few hallways, to what appears to be her personal lab, judging by the plaque on the door.  The lab itself is covered in high tech machinery, half of which the lay-person wouldn't even recognize.  In the corner of the lab, she has a plain wooden desk with a collection of chairs that seemed to have been grabbed from where ever they were available.  "Please have a seat." says Cassandra as she takes her own seat behind the desk, pulling out clipboard with notepad as she gets settled.  "Why don't we start off with you telling me what you yourself know about your powers Cho?  And feel free to be as detailed as possible."

Cassandra's smile faltered for a moment while the family had their little blow out.  Notes to self: "Benjamin" is likely a point of contention.  Likely, these two are not Cho's biological parents, or rather one of them isn't.  Closeness of touch, to the mother and abruptness of conversation with father suggests, the mother is the biological parent and remarried.  Assumption matches correlation of recessive traits displayed between daughter and presumed mother vs presumed father in 3:1 ratio.  Furthermore, puff of smoke likely resulted from some form of energy discharge, likely uncontrolled.  Safe to conclude that energy output may still be tied to emotional responses; perhaps tied to treat assessment and/or flight or flight response?  Uncontrolled energy output may be tied to family's unease of Cho's current situation.  surmised Cassandra as she took note of the situation internally. 

 

"I'm going to be blunt, so we nip this in the bud right now.  Cho, I am not here to take your powers away; for all intents and purposes, that option isn't even on the table right now.  I am here so you and your family understands your powers, your strengths and your limitations.  The truth of it is that until you understand them, you powers are a double edged sword; understand them and they become a shield." stated Cassandra matter-of-factly.  This was also coincidentally a rehearsed line, Cassandra meant every word.

Cassandra had gotten a bit lost in her thoughts while she was waiting for the family to arrive.  It was probably for the best, as she might have tackled them the moment they set foot in the door if she was paying attention.  As it was, she was able to collect herself for a moment while the family checked in with the receptionist.  Striding up to them, Cassandra offered her hand to Cho's parents.  "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin?  Thank you for making the trip.  I'm Dr. Cassandra Steel, we spoke on the phone?"  she said just a little too fast, like she had mentally recited the line a few hundred times.  "I guess that would make you Naomi..." she continued offering her hand to the youngest daughter.  "And our guest of honor, Cho." finished Cassandra, saving her biggest smile for Cho.  "Thank you all for coming.  I'll be the one overseeing all of today's proceedings, so feel free to ask me anything at any time.  Before we begin, do any of you have any questions?"

May 29^th, 2014 10:30am

Rennamex research lab; A Grant Conglomerate's subsidiary

 

The building at the listed address was rather unassuming, with the exception of the security checkpoint at the main gate. Besides the sign plastered on the front of the building, there was little to differentiate it from many of the other industrial office buildings in the area. It was relatively small, compared to its peers, at only 5 or 6 stories. It was tall, blocky and corporate, with next to no aesthetic qualities.

 

The main lobby did very little to dissuade this feel. There was a receptionist behind a desk, that blocked them off from the rest of the lobby, the only way to enter was from a door on the other side of the desk, and like the three other doors in the lobby, required a keycard to access. At least two security cameras surveyed the scene. There was a small waiting area with a handful of chairs, and a coffee table with a few scientific periodicals and local newspapers.

 

The only interesting bit was the scientist in a lab coat practically bouncing off the walls, only pausing long enough to look out the window into the parking lot. “They aren't due for another 10 minutes Dr. Steel. I can page you when they arrive.†said the exasperated secretary to the young scientist. “Not gonna happen Randy.†replied Cassandra shaking her head frantically. “They're a 16 year old kid with oblivion running in their veins. They're going to be scared coming here, and I have to put them at ease. Besides think of all the science! Do you know what Terminus exposure normally does to the body? Trick question! You don't, because nobody does, and I get to try to find out! Oh this should be fascinating!â€

Going to be a bit spotty this weekend, going on vacation and to a wedding and possibly buying a car. 

Orange Tier Blockbuster: Double-Dash, The Lightspeed Trickster (PL 15 - 255pp)

 

“Run, run, run, as fast as you can. I won this race before it even began.â€

 

Abilities: 4 + 10 + 10 + 6 + 4 + 6 = 40PP

Strength: 14 (+2)

Dexterity: 20 (+5)

Constitution: 20 (+5)

Intelligence: 16 (+3)

Wisdom: 14 (+2)

Charisma: 16 (+3)

 

 

Combat: 22 + 20 = 42PP

Initiative: +5/+65

Attack: +11, +15 Speed Attacks

Grapple: +13

Defense: +19 (+10 Base, +9 Dodge Focus), +5 Flat-Footed

Knockback: -2/-5

 

 

Saving Throws: 3 + 5 + 3 = 11PP

Toughness: +5/+11 (+5 Con, +6 Defensive Roll)

Fortitude: +8 (+5 Con, +3)

Reflex: +10/+20 (+5 Dex, +5/+15), Evasion 2

Will: +6 (+3 Wis, +3)

 

 

Skills: 156R = 39PP

Acrobatics 20 (+25)

Bluff 17 (+20)

Computers 17 (+20)

Diplomacy 7 (+10)

Disable Device 17 (+20)

Gather Information 12 (+15)

Knowledge (Current Events) 7 (+10)

Knowledge (Popular Culture) 7 (+10)

Languages 1 (English [native], Spanish)

Notice 8 (+10)

Sense Motive 8 (+10)

Sleight of Hand 20 (+25)

Stealth 15 (+20)

 

 

Feats: 17 PP

Acrobatic Bluff 2

Attack Specialization (Super-Speed Attacks) 2

Connected

Contacts

Defensive Attack

Defensive Strike

Distract (Bluff)

Improved Critical (Rapid Punch) 2

Power Attack

Redirect

Skill Mastery 2 (Acrobatics, Bluff, Computers, Disable Device, Diplomacy, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Stealth)

Takedown Attack 2

 

 

Powers: 15 + 15 + 10 + 31 + 3 + 35 = 106PP

Speed 15 [15pp]

Quickness 15 [15pp]

Enhanced Reflex Save 10 [10pp]

Enhanced Feats 31 (Improved Initiative 15, Evasion 2, Elusive Target, Move By Action, Dodge Focus 9, Defensive Roll 3) [31pp]

Super-Movement 3 (Wall Running 2, Water Walking) Flaws: Only while running [3pp]

 

Super-Speed Array [35pp]

Damage 15 Extras: Autofire – All the punching

* AP: Insubstantial 4 (affected by attacks that move at super-speed); Damage 5 Extras: Affects Corporeal – You're too slow~

* AP: Speed 5, Quickness 5, Super-Movement 7 (Sure-footed 4, Permeate 3, Temporal Movement 3) - Double-dash

* AP: Drain Toughness 15 (objects only) Extras: Targeted Burst Area, Selective; Flaws: Full-Round Action – Disassemble

* AP: Trip 15 Extras: Knockback, General Area Cylinder; Flaws: Touch Range; Power Feats: Progression x2 (75ft radius, 300ft height) - Tornado

* AP: Damage 15 Extras: General Area Explosion; LINKED Dazzle 15 (auditory) Extras: General Area Explosion; Flaws: Touch Range – Sonic Boom

 

 

Drawbacks: (-0) = -0PP

 

Abilities (40) + Combat (42) + Saving Throws (11) + Skills (39) + Feats (17) + Powers (106) - Drawbacks (00) = 255/255 Power Points

 

 

Double-Dash is widely considered to be one of the most annoying super-villains to ever put on a brightly colored costume. Double-Dash's real name is Megan Conners. She had always been a bit of an action junky, a thrill-seeker, but anything to get the spot light would do. Her pursuits would eventually lead her to be front and center as part of Channel's “Action News†team, being the camera woman for the infamous Amy Feng. For a while, the two made quite the pair, as Megan was just as reckless as Amy was in the pursuit of the story. That came to an end when they were covering a plot by Dr. Simian using a chronal disruptor to turn the mayor (and many other state officials for that matter) into children, or maybe it was apes. As the Freedom League intervened, Dr. Simian's device was damaged and released an uncontrolled pulse of energy right at a certain camera woman who decided to get a little too close to the action.

 

When Megan came to a few moments, Dr. Simian was defeated, most of the League was standing over her, and yet all eyes (and cameras) were on her. When she stood up, she noticed that everyone else around her hadn't moved. She quickly pieced together that she had gotten super-speed from the accident. In short order, she demonstrated her new powers by literally running circles around Johnny Rocket. Things quickly got out of hand, as she started to dismantle and recreate the surrounding landscape in her image, making sure to majestically pose for the cameras. When the League attempted to apprehend her, she literally fled the country.

 

As Double-Dash, Megan doesn't commit crimes so much as she just causes general mischief and mayhem. She often steals things just to see if she can, and later returns the items, preferably while the place is still under guard. She'll only stick around in an area to attract the camera crews, and she'll scatter as soon as it looks like she might have an actual fight on her hands. When she doesn't feel like waiting for a camera crew, Double-Dash has been known to wear a camera herself and live-stream her crimes on the internet.

 

By request from AA, a speedster with all of the go-fast. They're an otherwise normal person who is just really, really fast. They've got a few tricks up their sleeve from their days as a reporter in training, but they're mostly focused on being really fast, and really annoying. She is actually fast enough where they have Temporal Movement 3, which means that they can run through time itself on a whim. This isn't so much as something that'll see play, but it's a built in plot hook. It's also why she's so hard to contain, she can make it so she wasn't captured in the first place.

 

The one trick that I really like about this build is the Insubstantial setting. She can be affected by attacks that move at extreme speed, so for instance, it offers no protection against stuff like light based attacks, or lighting, or even other speedsters, but all other attacks are useless because they're too slow to catch her. I'm going to go ahead and pat myself on the back for that one. While she is focusing on not getting hit however, they can't put as much power behind their blows. All of the other powers are pretty standard fare. Dissassemble things at high speed, spin around in a circle to make a tornado and run so fast you make a sonic boom.

Orange Tier Blockbusters: Cyborg Slayers - Eighty - Six (PL 14 - 250pp)

 

“You cannot stop us. â€

 

Cyborg 06

 

Abilities: 12 + 0 + 14 + 4 + 4 + 6 = 40PP

Strength: 22/46 (+6/+18)

Dexterity: 10 (+0)

Constitution: 24/34 (+7/+12)

Intelligence: 14 (+2)

Wisdom: 14 (+2)

Charisma: 16 (+3)

 

 

Combat: 16 + 16 = 32PP

Initiative: +0

Attack: +8, +10 Melee

Grapple: +39

Defense: +10 (+8 Base, +2 Dodge Focus), +4 Flat-Footed

Knockback: -23

 

 

Saving Throws: 3 + 4 + 4 = 11PP

Toughness: +7/+18 (+7/+12 Con, +6 Protection) Impervious 12

Fortitude: +10/+15 (+7/+12 Con, +3)

Reflex: +4 (+0 Dex, +4)

Will: +6 (+2 Wis, +4)

 

 

Skills: 128R = 32PP

 

Computers 13 (+15)

Craft (electrical) 13 (+15)

Craft (mechanical) 13 (+15)

Demolitions 18 (+20)

Disable Device 13 (+15)

Intimidate 19 (+21)

Knowledge (Technology) 13 (+15)

Notice 13 (+15)

Sense Motive 13 (+15)

 

 

Feats: 11 PP

All Out Attack

Attack Focus Melee 2

Dodge Focus 2

Interpose

Power Attack

Startle 2

Takedown Attack 2

 

 

Powers: 37 + 10 + 18 + 12 + 2 + 9 + 32 = 120PP

 

Density 12 Extras: Permanent (+0); Power Feat: Innate [37pp]

+24 Strength

+6 Protection

+6 Impervious Toughness

+4 Immovable

+4 Super-Strength

x25 Mass

Enhanced Constitution 10 [10pp]

Impervious Toughness 6 (Total of 12) Extras: Reflective (Melee) 12 [18pp]

Immovable 4 Extras: Unstoppable 8 (covers ranks from Density) [12pp]

Speed 2 [2pp]

Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9pp]

Super-Strength 7 Power Feats: Haymaker, Shockwave, Counter Punching, Bracing [32pp]

 

 

Drawbacks: (-0) = -0PP

 

Abilities (40) + Combat (36) + Saving Throws (11) + Skills (32) + Feats (11) + Powers (120) - Drawbacks (00) = 250/250 Power Points

 

 

 

Cyborg 08

 

“You cannot catch us.â€

 

 

Abilities: 10 + 10 + 10 + 6 + 4 + 6 = 46PP

Strength: 20/30 (+5/+10)

Dexterity: 20/40 (+5/+15)

Constitution: 20/30 (+5/+10)

Intelligence: 16 (+3)

Wisdom: 14 (+2)

Charisma: 16 (+3)

 

 

Combat: 24 + 36 = 60PP

Initiative: +25/+35

Attack: +12, +18 Melee

Grapple: +23/+28

Defense: +18 (+18 Base, +0 Dodge Focus), +9 Flat-Footed

Knockback: -2/-5

 

 

Saving Throws: 3 + 3 + 3 = 9PP

Toughness: +5/+10 (+5/+10 Con)

Fortitude: +5/+10 (+7/+12 Con, +3)

Reflex: +8/+18 (+5/+15 Dex, +3)

Will: +6 (+3 Wis, +3)

 

 

Skills: 148R = 37PP

Acrobatics 15 (+20/+30)

Bluff 12 (+15)

Computers 12 (+15)

Diplomacy 12 (+15)

Disable Device 17 (+20)

Intimidate 12 (+15)

Knowledge (Technology) 12 (+15)

Notice 13 (+15)

Sense Motive 13 (+15)

Sleight of Hand 15 (+20/+30)

Stealth 15 (+20/+30)

 

 

Feats: 29 PP

Acrobatic Bluff 2

Attack Focus Melee 6

Defensive Attack

Defensive Strike

Elusive Target

Evasion 2

Improved Critical (unarmed) 2

Improved Initiative 5

Move by Action

Power Attack

Redirect

Set-Up

Takedown Attack 2

Teamwork 3

 

 

Powers: 10 + 20 + 10 + 5 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 1 + 10 = 69PP

Enhanced Strength 10 [10pp]

Enhanced Dexterity 20 [20pp]

Enhanced Constitution 10 [10pp]

Speed 5 [5pp]

Quick 5 [5pp]

Leaping 2 [2pp]

Super-Movement 3 (Wall Running 2, Slowfall) [6pp]

Super-Senses 1 (Danger Sense) [1pp]

Autofire Extra Applied to Strength score [10pp]

 

 

Drawbacks: (-0) = -0PP

 

Abilities (46) + Combat (60) + Saving Throws (09) + Skills (37) + Feats (29) + Powers (69) - Drawbacks (00) = 250/250 Power Points

 

 

We got ourselves a two for one special here. I may wind up doing more teams of Blockbusters in the future as well, though for obvious reasons they'll all tend toward being Orange Tier. The team known as Eighty - Six are a pair of cyborgs created by the Foundry. The pair were experimented on against their will and somehow managed to escape the Foundry's laboratory, rumors put it that it due to a villain attacking the lab over a previous grudge. They retain fragments of their past lives, but just enough to know of all they have lost. They even forgot their own names, and instead have been referred to as the serial numbers written on their metal frames, 08 and 06 respectively. The press came up with referring them to as “Eighty-Six†due to a famous photograph where Cyborg 08's serial number was shown in a mirror, looking like 80, while 06's serial number was viewable from the front.

 

The duo's primary motivation is to destroy the Foundry. However, they will go to whatever lengths are necessary to complete this vendetta without any qualms about who or what gets in their way. They are fully willing to demolish entire city blocks if there is even remote chance it'll damage the Foundry in anyway. The only thing they will not risk is each other's safety. When their plans go south, and the other is in danger, they pull out all the stops to get out of dodge. Eighty-Six sometimes find themselves in the employ of other villains out of necessity. They need their bodies to continue to function, but if they get heavily damaged, they'll need someone to help patch them up. Such partnerships are strictly temporary, and they'll soon be back pursuing their own vendetta. How the Foundry will react to other villains aiding Eighty-Six remains to be seen.

 

From a meta gamey perspective, Cyborg 08 fills the archetype of the cyborg samurai more popular in the anime genre obviously. While Cyborg 06 is the unstoppable terminator. Basically a power house and speedster teaming up. I built them with Constitution scores because they are human enough to not be fully machine. Any lasting injury that needs repair would be a complication if they were a PC, but here that's a plot seed.

 

Cyborg 08 is quite a bit slower than most speedsters, but is quite a bit physically stronger. Of the two, he's better with technology and can fulfill a bit of a hacker role when simply smashing is out of the question. Cyborg 06 on the other hand is about as much of a Mighty Glacier as you can get. She has a bit of speed on her, but her main shtick is just how absurdly tough and strong she is. Of the two, she is the more machine like, which is why she has Density and Life Support. I was half tempted to give these two Immunity to interaction skills to add the full on Terminator vibe, but I wanted to leave that avenue open to combat them.

 

Plot hooks include:

 

* Blow it all up! - The most common thread for these two. They find a Foundry base that happens to be in populated area and they move in to destroy it and a large swath of the surrounding landscape.

 

* Stalker – Borrowing from their Terminator roots, Eighty-six seem to be gunning for an ordinary citizen. Is he an agent of the Foundry or just an innocent man caught in the cross fire?

 

* All in the Family – Another cyborg in the series has appeared. Either working with or against the Foundry and Eighty-six.

We've got a new person starting in like 2 weeks at work so I may have free time again in the near future.

The Harvester – Reaper of the Void (PL 16 - 440pp)

“...â€

 

Abilities: 20 + 20 + 30 + 10 + 10 + 6 = 96PP

Strength: 30 (+10)

Dexterity: 30 (+10)

Constitution: 40 (+15)

Intelligence: 20 (+5)

Wisdom: 20 (+5)

Charisma: 16 (+3)

 

 

Combat: 24 + 24 = 48PP

Initiative: +10

Attack: +12

Grapple: +22, +25 w/ Additional Limbs

Defense: +12 (+12 Base, +0 Dodge Focus), +6 Flat-Footed

Knockback: -16

 

 

Saving Throws: 3 + 0 + 8 = 11PP

Toughness: +20 (+15 Con, +5 Protection) Impervious 12

Fortitude: +18 (+15 Con, +3)

Reflex: +10 (+10 Dex, +0)

Will: +13 (+5 Wis, +8)

 

 

Skills: 244R = 61PP

Acrobatics 10 (+20)

Computers 15 (+20)

Craft (chemical) 15 (+20)

Craft (electrical) 15 (+20)

Craft (mechanical) 15 (+20)

Disable Device 15 (+20)

Intimidate 21 (+24)

Knowledge (Arcane Lore) 20 (+25)

Knowledge (Galactic Lore) 10 (+15)

Knowledge (Cosmology) 20 (+25)

Knowledge (Life Sciences) 20 (+25)

Knowledge (Technology) 15 (+20)

Medicine 20 (+25)

Notice 15 (+20)

Pilot 8 (+18)

Stealth 10 (+20)

 

 

Feats: 29 PP

Accurate Attack

All Out Attack

Ambidexterity

Artificer

Eidetic Memory

Equipment 15

Fearless

Hide in Plain Sight

Improved Grab

Improved Grapple

Move-by Action

Power Attack

Ritualist

Skill Mastery 2 (Listed Knowledge skills and Craft skills)

 

Equipment – Spaceship [75ep]

Size: Gargantuan [3ep]

Strength: 70 [12ep]

Speed: Space Flight 8 [8ep]

Speed: Flight 8 [16ep]

Toughness: 16 [5ep]

Feature: Navigation System [1ep]

Powers: Blast 15 [30ep]

 

 

Powers: 27 + 17 + 7 + 5 + 6 + 4 + 10 + 9 + 17 + 10 + 83 = 195PP

 

Negrull Template

Regeneration 25 (Bruised 3, Injured 6, Staggered 6, Disabled 8, Resurrection 2) Power Feats: Persistent, Regrowth [27pp]

Emotion Control 8 (Both Despair & Fear) Extras: Perception Area (+1); Flaws: Range (Touch) (-2), Permanent Duration (+0); Power Feats: Innate [17pp]

Immunity 7 (Interaction Skills, Sense Motive) [7pp]

Immunity 10 (Mental Effects) Flaws: Limited – Half Effect [5pp]

Super-Movement 3 (Slithering, Wall Crawling 2) [6pp]

Additional Limbs 3 (5 tendrils) PF: Innate [4pp]

Strike 2 PF: Mighty, Improved Critical x2, Penetrating 5 [10pp]

Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9pp]

Protection 5 Extras: Impervious Toughness 12 [17pp]

Flight 5 [10pp]

 

 

Negrull Blood Harvester Array [83pp]

Damage 20 Extras: Alternate Save (Fortitude), Vampiric, Ranged [80pp]

* AP: Nauseate 16 Extras: General Area Cone, Poison, Secondary Effect

* AP: Transform 16 (Living Things)

* AP: Damage 16 Extras: Alternate Save (Fortitude), Perception Range (+2)

 

 

Drawbacks: (-0) = -0PP

 

Abilities (96) + Combat (48) + Saving Throws (11) + Skills (61) + Feats (29) + Powers (195) - Drawbacks (00) = 440/440 Power Points

 

 

Little is known about the entity known as the Harvester as it has never spoken or even attempted to communicate with anyone or anything. We know it is an alien from one of the unexplored regions of space that seems to be a collector of some sort. It utilizes some form of magic fueled by biological components, referred to as “blood magicâ€. To that end, it appears to have come to Earth to abduct humans for its grotesque arcane experiments, or maybe even to fuel its magic. Officials have yet to be able to pin down any sort of MO as the Harvester seems to strike completely randomly, targeting random civilians just as much as they target meta-humans. It seems to have no concept of Earth culture or social norms, and shows no interest in learning. By the same token it appears to be incapable of holding a grudge and rarely pursues attackers or those who free its captives.

 

 

And this latest Red Tier Blockbuster by request from Ravelled, we overdose on the nightmare fuel. The request was for an alien mage. The original idea was going to be something like a Lobo inspired Blood Mage. But the idea morphed into my head until it became a lovecraftian nightmare with unknowable intentions stalking the world seeing humans as nothing more than sacks of meat for it hunt and main, twisting them to meet its own perverted ends, completely uncaring to any suffering it may cause. This change may or may not have to do anything with the fact that my company is going through its budgeting process. Unless you leave a lot of what this guy does off screen, this guy can quickly blitz past our PG-13 rating, so use with caution.

 

On the mechanical side of things, they basically have two sets of powers, one for being an alien in some form of power armor (which is purchased as a full trait since it is likely the only thing keeping them alive on this planet), and then the blood magic. A lot of the alien traits were designed to make them feel, well alien. Slithering, additional limbs, and the Immunities denote that they are quite freaky and act in a way totally seperate from humanity. But what really sells it is the Emotion Control which is on permanently. There is something about the Harvester that terrifies the primal portion of everyone's brain. It is the gutteral reaction of “This thing should not be, and it wishes me great harm.†The Blood Magic does some nasty things to people. The Harvester usually opens up with the Nauseate on a crowd before going after whatever happens to its target of the day. It'll use its Damage effects on anything left standing. Rarely does it use its Transform, but when it does, it will usually turn the target into some nightmarish alien creature.

I'm going to be a bit more flaky than usual.  One of my coworkers hit a deer with their car, don't worry he's alright, but his car got trashed, so I've got to help pitch in to cover his workload, and we're working on the monthly close & budgeting for the new fiscal year so things are even crazier than normal. 

Orange Tier Blockbuster: Mesmero – The Man in Black (PL 15 - 300pp)

 

“I'm not the type of man who waxes poetic about the multitude of ways I can cause you pain; I just demonstrate.â€

 

Abilities: 6 + 2 + 10 + 20 + 20 + 20 = 74PP

Strength: 16 (+3)

Dexterity: 12 (+1)

Constitution: 16 (+3)

Intelligence: 30 (+10)

Wisdom: 30 (+10)

Charisma: 30 (+10)

 

 

Combat: 24 + 24 = 48PP

Initiative: +9

Attack: +12

Grapple: +15

Defense: +17 (+12 Base, +5 Dodge Focus), +6 Flat-Footed

Knockback: -3 / -1 Flat-footed

 

 

Saving Throws: 4 + 10 + 7 = 21PP

Toughness: +7 (+3 Con, +4 Defensive Roll)

Fortitude: +7 (+3 Con, +4)

Reflex: +15 (+5 Dex, +10)

Will: +17 (+10 Wis, +7)

 

 

Skills: 160R = 40PP

Bluff 15 (+25)

Concentration 10 (+20)

Computers 10 (+20)

Diplomacy 15 (+25)

Disable Device 10 (+20)

Gather Information 15 (+25)

Intimidate 15 (+25)

Investigate 10 (+20)

Knowledge (Business) 5 (+15)

Knowledge (Streetwise) 10 (+20)

Knowledge (Tactics) 15 (+25)

Notice 15 (+25)

Sense Motive 15 (+25)

 

 

Feats: 26 PP

Connected

Contacts

Distract (Bluff)

Defensive Roll 2

Dodge Focus 5

Eidetic Memory

Elusive Target

Evasion 2

Fascinate (Diplomacy)

Fearless

Improved Initiative 2

Inspire 5

Leadership

Masterplan 2

Set Up

 

 

Powers: 67 + 15 + 4 + 5 = 91PP

 

Mental Domination Array [67pp]

BE: Mental Blast 15

AP: Mind Control 15 Extras: Duration (Sustained), Effortless

AP: Paralyze 15 Extras: Range (Perception) (+2)

AP: Drain (Wisdom) 15 Extras: Range (Perception) (+2), Secondary Effect

AP: Mental Transform 15 (Complete Alteration) Extras: Continuous Duration; Flaws: Full Round Action

AP: Illusions 14 (All Senses) Extras: Selective; Flaws: Phantasms; Power Feats: Progression x4 (100ft radius)

AP: Mind Reading 15 Extras: General Area Burst, Effortless, Action

AP: Stun 15 Extras: Range (Perception) (+2)

 

Communication 6 (Mental, 20 miles) Extras: Area; Power Feats: Rapid, Selective, Subtle [15pp]

Super-Senses 4 (Mental Awareness, Acute, Analytical, Extended x2) [4pp]

Immunity 5 (Interaction Skills) [5pp]

 

 

Drawbacks: (-0) = -0PP

 

Abilities (74) + Combat (48) + Saving Throws (21) + Skills (40) + Feats (26) + Powers (91) - Drawbacks (00) = 300/300 Power Points

 

 

Mortimer O'Hare, also known as Mesmero is considered by most governments to be one of the most dangerous criminals on the planet. In most physical respects, he is simply an ordinary human, but he possesses a brilliant mind, supplemented by powerful psionic abilities. The saving grace is that Mesmero only has telepathy, he can't use his powers to physically affect anything at all; a fact that doesn't make his psionic lashes easier to take however.

 

In contrast to many ego maniacs, Mesmero is often seen as being very calm, cool, collected, and very much aware of his own failings and shortcomings. While he may talk down to his opponents in a fight, he always seem to carry himself above all of it. Knowing full well that he can't do everything alone, Mesmero often surrounds himself with other villains to accomplish a job. To that end, Mesmero is a brilliant tactician, and has been hired just as frequently for his tactical mind as he has been for his psionic mind, giving him extensive connections throughout the underworld. What puts him at the top of most wanted lists however is his ability to completely brainwash those around him, adding yet more troops to his army.

 

And here we've got another Orange Tier Blockbuster, Mesmero. He sits in stark contrast to many of the other Blockbusters in that he is not super durable. He also has very little attacks that affect a whole area. In a one on one scenario, he may be one of the easiest to defeat Blockbusters I wind up making, depending on how good your Will Save is. But, if you're using Mesmero in such a fashion, either the PC's have done a bang up job of foiling his plans, or you're running him wrong. Mesmero is the man behind the man. With feats like Inspire, Leadership and Master Plan, Mesmero works best in a group. For his flunkies, a handful of generic PL 10 characters can do wonders, but you can also add some extra flare by using someone specific. Generally speaking, when not blostering his allies, Mesmero focuses on spot removal, singling out heroes that are giving his allies trouble. Furthermore, when things turn back, Mesmero is not to proud to admit that he is beaten and go for a tactical withdraw, possibly using some clever illusions to cover their espcape. Or better yet, to split up the heroes, so one of them can be singled out guerrilla warfare style, and brainwashing them into joining his side for good measure so they can come back stronger for round 2.

 

Red Tier Blockbuster: Helixa – Queen of the Stars - PL 17 (425pp)

 

“It is better to be beneath the notice of a god, rather than beneath their heel.â€

 

Abilities: 10 + 10 + 10 + 8 + 12 + 14 = 64PP

Strength: 20/40 (+5/+15)

Dexterity: 20 (+5)

Constitution: 20/40 (+5/+15)

Intelligence: 18 (+4)

Wisdom: 22 (+6)

Charisma: 24/40 (+7/+15)

 

 

Combat: 30 + 28 = 58PP

Initiative: +21

Attack: +15, +19 Unarmed

Grapple: +20, +34 w/powers, +42 at full Super-Strength

Defense: +14 (+14 Base, +0 Dodge Focus), +7 Flat-Footed

Knockback: -2/-16 with Powers

 

 

Saving Throws: 3 + 4 + 6 = 13PP

Toughness: +5/+20 (+5/+15 Con, +5 Protection) Impervious 12

Fortitude: +8/+18 (+5/+15 Con, +3)

Reflex: +9 (+5 Dex, +4)

Will: +12 (+6 Wis, +6)

 

 

Skills: 100R = 25PP

Acrobatics 10 (+15)

Bluff 5 (+20, +24 w/ Attractive)

Concentration 19 (+25)

Diplomacy 5 (+20, +24 w/ Attractive)

Intimidate 15 (+30)

Knowledge (Cosmology) 11 (+15)

Knowledge (Galactic Lore) 11 (+15)

Knowledge (Physical Sciences) 6 (+10)

Notice 14 (+20)

Sense Motive 14 (+20)

 

 

 

Feats: 25 PP

All Out Attack

Attack Specialization (unarmed) 2

Attractive

Dazing Attack

Distract (Intimidate)

Favored Environment (In Space)

Fearless

Follow up Strike

Improved Critical (unarmed) 2

Improved Grab

Improved Grapple

Improved Initiative 4

Move-By Action

Power Attack

Skill Mastery

Startle 2

Stunning Attack

Takedown Attack 2

 

 

Powers: 20 + 20 + 16 + 17 + 11 + 19 + 7 + 31 + 6 + 93 = 240PP

 

Enhanced Strength 20 [20pp]

Enhanced Constitution 20 [20pp]

Enhanced Charisma 16 [16pp]

Protection 5 Extras: Impervious Toughness 12 [17pp]

Super-Strength 4 Power Feats: Shockwave, Strike of Valor, Counter punching [11pp]

Flight 8 Power Feats: Dynamic [19pp]

* DAP: Super-Strength 8

Space Flight 7 [7pp]

Immunity 31 (Life Support, All Radiation Effects, All Heat Effects, Aging, Starvation and Thirst, Need for Sleep) [21pp]

Comprehend 3 (Speak & Understand all Languages at once) [6pp]

 

 

Super-Nova Array (80pp array, 6 Dynamic AP's) [93pp]

Environmental Control 10 (Extreme Heat, Moderate Irradiation, High Gravity, Daylight; 5,000ft radius) [80pp] – Majesty of a Star

* DAP: Damage 0-17 Extras: Sustained Duration (+2), General Area Burst (85ft radius) {0-68pp} – Corona

* DAP: Damage 0-19 {0-38pp} – Plasma Burst

* DAP: Disintegration 0-16 {0-80pp} – Solar Flare

* DAP: Move Object 0-20 Extras: Perception Ranged {0-60pp} – Gravity Manipulation

* DAP: Move Object 0-17 Extras: Damaging, General Area Burst; Limited: Only to Grapple & crush {0-51pp} – Weight of a Star

* DAP: Create Object 17 Extras: Impervious, Reflective – Melee; Power Feats: Selective, Tether {2-70} – Ion Field

 

 

 

Drawbacks: (-0) = -0PP

 

Abilities (64) + Combat (58) + Saving Throws (13) + Skills (25) + Feats (25) + Powers (240) - Drawbacks (00) = 425/425 Power Points

 

 

Helixa is a member of an ancient race from one of the far flung reaches of space whose name has been lost to time. Her people possessed technology that granted them near god-like power. They could create entire planets and stars practically on a whim, and much of their race spread out to populate the (at the time) sparcely populated universe. It was not technology that her people created, but rather they had found. It was likely a remnant of the Preservers. Such technology was highly coveted and well protected for if it were to fall into the wrong hands, it would surely doom their race.

 

The fates seemed to love irony, as Helixa was one of the select few members of her race who was allowed in its presence, but only to guard it, never to use it, when she arguably coveted its power more than any other. When she saw her chance she took the strange device, but in her haste, it was mishandled. The resulting cataclysm shattered her homeworld, rendering it little more than dust, but Helixa was forever changed. The device had infused her with power beyond her wildest imagining, giving her the power of the very stars themselves.

 

Helixa has wandered the stars looking for a world to rule, as one such as her should never serve. She has conquered many worlds, but eventually left, finding the inhabitants being too droll, or otherwise simply getting bored. She has made her way to Earth, hearing there are those who would even defy Omega and the Terminus. Such people would truly make the most worthy subjects.

 

 

And here is my first Red Tier Blockbuster. A her core, Helixa is a brawler. She is arrogant, vain and cruel. She thinks only of her self, and sees no reason why everyone else doesn't cater to her every whim. She fancies herself to be elegant and regal, and she can indeed pull that look off, but a scowl comes so much easier to her than a smile. She is not one for subtlety and will not hesitate to destroy all who would oppose her in an overly dramatic fashion. Not only does she want to rule, she wants to be seen ruling. In her travels, she has rarely encountered anything requiring tactical thinking on her part, so if her first attack does not work, her instinct will be to make the next one more powerful.

 

Power wise, Helixa is an unexpectedly quick combatant, who never the less still hits like a truck. Her true forte is her cosmic power of the stars, alternating between concentrated blasts of solar energy, and gravity. Her favored tactic is to pummel a target into submission, while letting her Corona run free, incinerating anything that dares to be in her presence. She will mock and demean her opponents, and the only thing that will slow her onslaught is to bask in the sight of her battered enemies groveling before her begging for mercy.

 

Blockbuster Primer 1

 

So I've actually had this idea cooking for a while, and once I saw the recent campaign discussion thread, I decided to "get on with it" as the kids say.  So here's my Blockbuster idea.  I'm not sure if it's what people are looking for, but I'm going to throw it out there just for kicks. 

 

I had this idea for a collection of builds I'm going to refer to as Blockbusters. A common theme that runs around in the community here is that once you reach the higher PL's, there really isn't any true challenge for your characters out there. Most of the NPCs are under PL 12. And it kind of breaks suspension of disbelief your characters run into the same handful of bad guys over and over again because they're the only ones who can challenge them in a straight up fight.

 

So basically I want to make a collection of characters whose job it is to fill in the higher echelons of power to give the PC's something big and stompy to fight. The way I figure it, is that towards the end of career, Centurion was a PL 16 Paragon. Either he roflstopped everything out there, or someone out there could have given him a good run for his money.

 

With that in mind, I will be making these builds with the express intention of being able to go toe to toe with high end PC's or a team of slightly lower PL PC's. In doing so, I will ratchet up the power gaming, bend more than a few rules, and I may just flat out break some of them.  For all intents and purposes, I am making boss style characters.  They might not be the most interesting, or have engaging story hooks.  These guys are here to be the ones you square off against when you want to start brawling.  I'll give these characters some token backstory and the like so you can kind of see what makes them tick. 

 

 

Before I get into the builds proper, I want to note that I'm going to be making 3 tiers of blockbusters. Orange, Red and Black.

 

Orange tier characters are what amounts to a mini boss. They are designed with certain exploits, tend to the lower level of PL (at least in comparison to some of the other builds I'll be tossing out), and there are likely more than one of them knocking about. A well coordinated team effort can bring down an Orange Tier Blockbuster without too much difficulty. I would place T-Wrecks in this category. He's kind of a one trick pony. He doesn't have any regeneration, can't fly, and has no real tactics other than to shoot everything until it stops moving. And the scary bit is that if whoever made him can probably make another. Orange tier Blockbusters are generally PL 14-15, and usually less than 300pp.

 

 

Red Blockbusters are the next tier up. They are built to be quite a bit stronger, and generally don't have any glaring weaknesses. They won't have an answer to every tactic, but the direct approach probably won't work, likewise with trying to take them on yourself. Lastly, this tier will likely only have 1 or 2 of a given build knocking about at a time. They represent serious threats to entire super-teams, but don't necessarily threaten life as we know it simply by their existence. Dr. Doom for instance would fall into this category in most instances. These characters are generally PL 16 – 18, and usually less than 500pp.

 

Black Blockbusters are the highest tier, and are not to be trifled with and are threats to entire galaxies if not entire universes. Someone will die when you fight a Black Tier Blockbuster. Beyond their own scope of power, members of the Black list likely have members of the Orange and Red lists as lackeys and servants. The cannonical Black Tier Blockbuster is of course Omega. Black tier Blockbusters are basically a PL X character that can technically be defeated in a hypothetical scenario, which is why you bothered to stat them in the first place. They are PL 19-20, and have no budget on power points.

Maxima

 

(3)

Glamazon

 

A smile formed on Thaelia's face after El Heraldo compliment in which her expression clearly read, see that wasn't so hard as she faced Errant.  Coyly slipping her arm away from the psionic teen after Giang questioned why Errant thought they hadn't found him attractive.    She stopped for a moment to connect the dots as to who the El Sourface was that Subito was referencing.  Looking around the room before the shoulder bump took place for some sort of masked luchador or the like.  Before it dawned on her that Errant was the one in question.

 

"I do not believe Errant is very sour.  He can come of tepid temperament.  But I believe there is something there just waiting to bubble to the surface."  Clearly intent of figuring out the puzzle that was her stoic classmate.

 

The explanation on gigantomorphs went over Thaelia's head.  She was able to catch something about oxygen.  But that was about as far as she got before simply nodding politely.  "Ah yes, before I forget my manners.  It is also my pleasure to meet you Maxima.  I am known as the Glamazon."  The Atlantean royal stretched out her hand for her part of the greeting.  Not that her public identity was secret in the slightest.  But introducing herself by her heroic title had less follow up questions.  Plus she enjoyed doing so.  It had a boisterous ring to it that the Atlantean just loved.

"The pleasure is all mine." replied Maxima as she shook hands with the Atlanean.  Maxima squeezed down on Glamazon's hand with some degree of force, but stopped well before anything painful.  She had never shaken hands with anyone that had super strength before... or an Atlantean for that matter.  Maxima cracked a smile.  "We might have to spar with one another one of these days.  I'd love to see some Atlantean fighting styles in action first hand."

 

 

Heraldo

 

 

Subito listened with unusual interest to Maxima's brief lecture, nodding along vigorously when she paused and laughing heartily when the scientist stopped herself from going even more into detail "I wouldn't have minded, Maxima, it's good to learn, and it's obviously somethin' you're really passionate about. That's great! I hope I grow up to be like you, workin' in a field that I can get excited about. How many dudes d'you think can do that? We've got so many choices, and it's thanks ta people like you, Maxi! To your health, and all seekers of knowledge." He solemnly toasted the built biochemist with an enormous mouthful of spicy soda. At first all seemed well, until his eyes opened over his swollen and reddening cheeks with a look of deep regret. Swallowing loudly, he hurriedly grabbed a nearby glass of water and chased the soda down with it, putting the glass back as he coughed and spluttered, pounding his chest with a free hand, managing, as he regained his colorful composure to gasp out "I'm okay, jus-just need to not do that ever again. Blagh"

 

 

"I've been great! Got lots to do, had some great times recently, and made awesome friends!" his former schoolmate replied happily "Just graduated in September, but I think they're going to wait until next summer to have the big "you made it!" party. Don't think I'll go, got stuff to do, you know how it is." Taking a bite out of the rice and vegetables making up the base of his sizable plate, he glanced around at the nearby Claremonters, his merry smile taking on a slightly melancholy edge before his normal cheer returned.

 

 

The resplendent teen paragon blinked "Thaelia...you and me are totally on the same page!" he exclaimed joyfully, slinging his free arm over his shoulder "I've been trying to get this guy" he pointed accusingly at Errant "to stop looking like he's just swallowed the world's supply of lemons for more'n a year! " Swinging around Glamazon he offered the Atlantean teen demigoddess his powerful hand "I welcome you to the battle of joy against misery, sister in arms!"

 

"Well I'd say you've got the enthusiasm part down pat." remarked Maxima smirking at Subito's antics.  "You'll do quite well if you can put some direction to that drive." encouraged Maxima.  Maxima took a figurative step back as the other teen heroes started conversing with Errant.  She felt like this was some sort of internal matter, and if they were really trying to coax him out of his shell, the last thing he needed was a stranger butting in.  It was good seeing the next generation looking out for one another. 

I could have Maxima try her hand at keeping up with the operations of the Lab.  Once her rebuild goes through, she'll have the funds, business savvy, legal expertise, scientific know-how, and most importantly, the spare Equipment ranks to keep the Lab operating.  I'm assuming you can throw extra points from player rewards into maintaining something like this yes?