Sacerdos

Motor oil, ketchup, synovial fluid, and any other liquids whose viscosity changes as stress is put on them.

"Thunder or ma'am will do. And yes, please do take your shoes off. You can just put them next to the door there." She pointed to a small set of shelves designed for the purpose. After a beat, she jerked a thumb toward a nearby corner. "You can put your drinks in the fridge if you like." Watching him slip his shoes off, Thunder inquired, "So, Pomp, what are you hoping to get out of this?"

Ah, yes. Gotta love those non-Newtonian fluids. Cool stuff.

Yeah, I know. Last line of Fanboys, said of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, as best as I can remember it. "You know, I just had a thought. What if this really sucks?"

The last line of Fanboys comes screaming to mind. :P

Thunderstanding shrugged at Ace. "That's what he said his name was."

"Oh," interjected Thunderstanding helpfully, "this is Discreet."

Thunder traded her empty for the replacement nuclear fallout, then looped a heavily muscled arm around Jack's offered elbow. "Lead on, Discreet!" Thunder raised an eyebrow and shot Jack a dubious look. A lady who knows how to drink? Smoooooth, Mr. Not-Getting-My-Phone-Number-Ever. Her expression cleared rapidly and she smiled broadly at Ace. "Heck of a shindig you're throwing here. Thanks for the invite!"

"Sure thing," replied Thunder. "Show me 'round the A-list crowd." Before Jack could reply, she noticed Geckoman and Student Body belly up to the bar. "Nice costume!" she called to the young hero, raising her drink in an informal salute.

The heavy wooden door opened, and sunlight fell across Thunderstanding's well-toned body. Her eyebrows rose in surprise as she realized just how tall Pompadour was. Not many men could look down at her. He was also much more attractive than the martial artist had expected. But, she was here to do a job; socializing could wait until after she'd kicked his ass a bit. The muscular heroine stood out of the way and greeted her guest with an easy smile. "Come on in. I'm guessing by the hair that you're Pompadour?"

Okay, let's get the obligatory will save out of the way... Well, that was close... a 14.

Ummm... No? :oops:

Not really. It makes him immune to most light melee weapons. Any weapon that does +3 damage or more ignores his impervious, which includes light pistols on up.

kk, I think you're up, Fell. Unless you've got more to add, Electra?

Thunder smiled. "I'll kick your butt if you don't," she responded. It was hard to tell if she was serious or joking. "I'll see you in two days. Be good."

Suddenly, Thunderstanding took a step back and dropped the targets to the ground. "Not bad," the competitive heroine said. And she meant it. A large part of her seriously wanted to get Erin in the ring, just to see which of them would walk out. Thunder had to admit that it might not be her. "Keep that focus and you'll do well." She pointed to a clock on the wall. A young Muhammed Ali looked defiantly out from behind its hands. "We've been at this about an hour now. I know you could go on, but you need to relax and let this soak in a bit. Tomorrow, I want you to find something to practice on. Make it something you can destroy, 'cause you will. Maybe get a few pumpkins or something. And then do what you did with Mister Man to it; at least a hundred punches." She looked over at Mr. Archer. "When am I going to see her next? Day after tomorrow?" He nodded and replied, "Same time, right?" "Yep." Turning back to Erin, Thunder asked, "So, any questions, thoughts, whatever?"

So, here's the Mariner's news thread. We'll start with the Gigantic Questionnaire of DOOM! Introduction Give a two or three word description of yourself. (Describe your character's concept.) Poseidon’s chosen champion Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? O Nautikos, the Mariner, the Seafarer What is your full birth name? Konstantin Amyntas Vlahos Where do you live? Underwater, near Freedom City Why do you live there? Hades is most active in Freedom City, and I am a creature of the sea. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? I fight for a righteous cause. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? I am unskilled at what I do. Physical Traits How old are you? 33 What is your sex? Male What is your race? Greek How tall are you? 5’ 9†How much do you weigh? 90 kilos What is your general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise? I am strong and tall. I walk in a way that tells everyone I know this. What is your skin colour? Olive complected and tanned What is your hair colour? Very dark green What is your hair style? Long ringlets Do you have any facial hair? I have a man’s beard, full and curly. What is your eye colour? They are clear and blue. How attractive are you? I do not care. What is your most distinguishing feature? I have webbed hands and feet. Do you have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks? I have many scars from hard work. I have two tattoos; a woman on my right arm and a shark on my left thigh. What is your handedness (left/right/ambidextrous)? I am right handed. Do you resemble some currently known person? I do not think so. What kind of clothing do you wear? I wear jammers. When I need to, I wear shoes and a T-shirt as well. Do you wear makeup? Never. What sort of vocal tone do you have? My voice is deep and scarred by drink. History Where is your homeland? Greece Are you aware of its history? Yes. Are you patriotic or a social outcast? Greece is the best country. What is your opinion of home? My home is the sea. It is good. Where is your home town? I was born on Gioura, but it is not my home. Are your real reasons for becoming an adventurer different from what you tell others? No. How far would you go to keep such secrets from being revealed? What would you do if the truth became known? What secrets? What do you fear would occur if the truth became known? I do not fear this. Do you have any particularly high or low ability scores? I am strong in body and mind. How have these scores affected your life so far? Other sailors respect my strength. What about your race, growing up were you in the majority or a minority? On Gioura, everyone was the same. On the sea, everyone is different. There is little difference between the two extremes. Did this impact your outlook in any way? *shrug* How do you feel about other races? Men are men. Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? I knew death, poverty, and struggle. In this, I was neither alone nor traumatized. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. I stood on a ship at sea, too far out to see the shore. This was the first time I knew how much I loved the sea. At that moment I vowed to Poseidon that I would live on the water. What stupid things did you do when you were younger? I did the things that children do. I took silly risks and fought with other boys. Which toys from your childhood have you kept? None. Why? What do they mean to you? If you didn't keep any, why not? What did you do to them all? I left them behind when I left to make my fortune. I have not missed them. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? No. Are you who you claim to be? Yes. Do you have any sort of criminal record? No. How do you view the heroes/legends of your country? They were mighty men who were close to the gods. I envy them. Family Who were your parents? Damon and Eugeneia Vlahos Were you raised by them? If not, then why didn't they and who did raise you? They raised me. What was their standing in the community? No better or worse than any other. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? We stayed on Gioura. How did you get along with their parents? Well. How would your parents describe you? Answer this in the voice of your mother, then in your father's. I do not know. I have not seen them in nearly twenty years. Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what were their names? How did you get along with each of your siblings? I have a brother and a sister. He is named Miklos and she is named Doris. I was cordial with both of them. What was your birth position in the family? I am younger than Miklos and older than Doris. List all current knowledge of family locations, spouses, children, birth dates, schooling, and any important incidents that only you and they might remember. I do not know where they are or what they are doing. Most likely, they have not left Gioura. Miklos is two years older than me and Doris is one year younger. I have forgotten their birthdays. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? I do not stay in touch with them. Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? No. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? No. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? *shrug* If so, who are they and how did they "gain" the position? I do not know. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? No. If so, what did this person do to become famous or infamous? I said no. Do you try to live up to the reputation of your ancestor, try to live it down, or ignore it? ... Do you ever want to have a family of your own someday? I have given it no thought. Would anything change your mind on this issue and if so, what? I do not know. What type of person would be your ideal mate? An attractive woman who raises my children, keeps my house, and does not interfere with me. Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, who and what are they like? Only one; he is a dolphin. What is the history of their relationship(s) with you? He is my companion, given to me by Poseidon. Do you currently have a best friend whom you would protect with your reputation or your life? Yes. If so, who are they and what caused you to feel so close to them? What would have to happen for you to end this relationship? Aristo would give his life for me. I owe him the same regard. Do you have any bitter enemies? Yes; any follower of Hades is my foe. If so, who are they, what are they like, and what is the history of their feud with you? Poseidon has charged me with destroying evil men. Have you defeated them before? No. How might these enemies seek to discomfit you in the future? They will try to kill me. Which person(s) or group(s) are you most loyal to? Poseidon Who is your most trusted ally? Aristo Who do you trust, in general? The Earth-Shaker and his creatures Who do you despise and why? I detest those who do evil for their weakness. Name seven things you hate in others. 1. Hades worship 2. Lying 3. Thievery 4. Cowardice 5. Injustice 6. Stupidity 7. Being too touchy-feely Is your image consistent? I do not know or care. Do you deliberately present yourself differently in different situations, and how? No. What would you die for? Anything that Poseidon commands What is the worst thing someone has done to you? I was shot at by pirates once. What is your general reaction to an attractive member of the opposite sex who lets you know they are available? I take that which is freely given to me. How do you get along with other heroes? I do not know any. Have you lost any loves? Yes. How did you handle the situation (short & long term)? My first and best love is the sea, and I have always returned to her. Who would miss you should you go missing? Aristo How close are you to your adventuring companions? We would kill and die for each other. What do they not know about you? I do not know. Are you a member of any house, guild, organization, or church? What is your level of involvement? I am a member of no group. Personality & Beliefs Do you, or did you, have any role models? No. Do you have any heroes or idols, either contemporary or from legend? I always admired the old heroes, especially Herakles and Iasonos. Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? No. When did you decide to become an adventurer? When Poseidon told me to. Why have you chosen to risk your life as a career? Poseidon told me to. What do you expect to get out of being an adventurer? What, if anything, would make you stop adventuring? I expect to continue enjoying Poseidon’s favor. I would only stop if he commanded me to. Do you have any dreams or ambitions? If not, why? Yes. What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? I will learn what I can do, and how best to fulfill the task Poseidon has set before me. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? I want to shatter every last one of Hades’ cults, wherever they are. If these goals seem at odds with each other, or with your dreams, how do you reconcile the differences? They are the same. Do you have any great rational or irrational fears or phobias? If so, what are the origins of, or reasons behind them? No. How do you react when this fear manifests itself? It does not. What are your attitudes regarding material wealth? Money is less important than companionship and good wine. Are you miserly with your share of the wealth, or do you spend it freely? I spend it as fast as I get it. Do you see wealth as a mark of success, or just as a means to an end? It is a means. How do you generally treat others? I treat them as I wish to be treated. Do you trust easily (perhaps too easily) or not? No. Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? I am neither. Are you a humble soul or blusteringly proud? I am neither. What habits do you find most annoying in friends? I do not like people who touch too much, or who are too interested in how I am feeling. What are your most annoying habits? I do not know. Ask those around me. Is there any race, creed, alignment, religion, class, profession, political viewpoint, or the like against which you are strongly prejudiced, and why? The followers of Hades must be destroyed. Poseidon commands it. What is your favourite food? Couscous What is your favourite drink? Retsina What is your favourite treat (desert)? Flan Do you favour a particular cuisine? No. Do you savor the tastes when eating or "wolf down" your food? I eat neither slowly nor quickly. Do you like food mild or heavily spiced? I like spices. Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? No. What are your favourite colour(s)? Sea green Is there any colour that you dislike? No. Do you have a favourite (or hated) song, type of music, or instrument? I like guitar music. If you have a favourite scent, what is it? Sea spray, early in the morning What is your favourite type of animal? Whales Are you allergic to any kinds of animals? No. Is there anything that enrages you? Violence against the innocent Is there anything which embarrasses you? Highly emotional people Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? I neither need nor desire soft beds. Do you have a patron deity? Poseidon! Are you devout or impious? I am devout. Do you actively worship and proselytize or do you simply pay lip service? I do not proselytize, for that is not what Poseidon wishes. None can doubt my devotion to the god. What lengths would you go to defend your faith? Whatever Poseidon asks, I shall give. Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special? My parents and the people of Gioura. Do you belong to a dominant church, or an independent church, cult, or sect (and is the group accepted, frowned upon, or considered heretics)? I belong to no church. Will you kill? Yes. When did you decide (or learn) that you would? I don’t know. When do you consider it okay to kill (under what circumstances)? If someone is trying to kill you or another person, then it is alright to kill them. When do you consider it wrong to kill (under what circumstances)? If someone is doing not harm, then it is wrong to kill them. What would you do if someone else attempted to (or successfully did) kill under your "wrong" circumstances, what would be your reaction? I would use my abilities to stop them. What if it were your enemy? I would use my abilities to stop them. What if it were your friend? I would use my abilities to stop them. What if the opponent were not in control of their own actions (under duress, charmed, dominated, possessed)? I would use my abilities to stop them. What would you do if something were stolen from you? I would get it back. What would you do if you were badly insulted publicly? I would insult them back, perhaps with my fists. What would you do if a good friend or relative were killed by means other than natural death? I would find out who killed them and avenge their death. What is the one task you would absolutely refuse to do? I will not turn my back on Poseidon. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? Hubris, which is more than pride. It is a crime against the gods. How do you feel about government (rulers) in general? Why do you feel that way? They do not matter much. The ocean has no government. Do you support the current government of your homeland? I do not care about them. If so, how far are you willing to go to defend the government? If not, do you actively oppose it? I do not care about them. What form of government do you believe is the best (democracy, monarchy, anarchy, aristocratic rule, oligarchy, matriarchy) and why? I prefer the anarchy of the open sea. Do you have any unusual habits or dominant personality traits that are evident to others? Most people do not worship the old gods anymore. I do. If so, describe them and how you acquired them, as well as when they might be more noticeable and what causes them. I learned religion from my parents. I pray to the sea and make sacrifices in Poseidon’s name. I am as open about my religion as the Christians are about theirs. Do you have any unusual or nervous mannerisms, such as when talking, thinking, afraid, under stress, or when embarrassed? No. What is your most treasured possession? My health If your life were to end in 24 hours, what 5 things would you do in those remaining hours? 1. Sacrifice to Poseidon as I do every morning 2. Eat breakfast 3. Look for evil men to fight, pausing only to eat lunch 4. Eat dinner 5. Die entering the sea with a prayer to Poseidon on my lips Career & Training Where and how were you educated? I learned my trade by doing. Who trained you in your adventuring class(es)? I learned to sail from my parents. I learned to be a seaman from other seamen. What was your relationship with your teacher(s)/mentor(s)? It was good. Is this person or institution still in existence? I do not know. Were you a prize student or did you just barely pass? I did well because I love the sea. Look at your skills. How did you acquire them (especially the unusual ones)? I learned everything on the sea. Have you ever done anything else for a living? No. How do you function in combat (maneuvers, weaknesses)? I protect myself with water. I spray water at my opponents. I try not to be hit by them. Have you ever received any awards or honours? No. Is there anything that you don't currently know how to do that you wish you could? I need to learn how to be a detective. Are you envious of others who can do such things in a good-natured way or are you sullen and morose about it? I am not envious of them. Lifestyle & Hobbies When not adventuring, what is your normal daily routine? I explore the sea with Aristo. How do you feel and react when this routine is interrupted for some reason? I am not bothered by it. What are your hobbies when you are not adventuring or training? I like to watch boxing and horse racing. What do you do for relaxation? What things do you do for enjoyment? What interests do you have? I drink and share the company of men. Also, I explore the sea with Aristo. How do you normally dress when not in your adventuring gear? I do not have adventuring gear. What do you normally wear in bed at home? I do not have a bed. What do you normally wear in bed while adventuring? I do not have a bed. Do you wear any identifiable jewelry? No. Where do you normally put your weapons, magic items, or other valuables when you are sleeping? I do not have these things. What morning or evening routines do you normally have? I sacrifice to Poseidon at every meal. Do these change when you are adventuring? No. Travel: how do you get around locally? I swim or surf. Do you have a Last Will and Testament? No. What does it say? I do not have a will. Miscellaneous What would you like to be remembered for after your death? I wish to be known for destroying evil men. What kind of threat do you present to the public? None. If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? I have some tattoos. As a player, if you could, what advice would you give your character? Speak as if he/she were sitting right here in front of you. Use proper tone so they might heed your advice... “In order to most effectively carry out Poseidon’s order to fight Hades, you need the help of others. You know that you’re not a good detective. Enlist the aid of those who are, and learn from them. And, you know that Hades’ minions are legion. In order to defeat an army, gather an army.â€Â

I edited the headers for the various posts to take account of the date and clear up the timing of things a bit.

Late afternoon, the Whiting residence: Eliza’s bright laughter filled the room, riding over the deeper guffaws of the rest of the family. Of all of them, she took after dad the most; shorter, higher-voiced, and pale. She’d left Deadbeat Dave back at the apartment, which happily put that eight-hundred pound gorilla of an issue out of sight and mind. Relaxed and smiling, she was just their Eliza, the pretty one. Next to her on the well-used brown leather couch sat Josh, the baby. He chuckled and raised a Lowenbrau to his lips. He’d developed a taste for foreign beer at college, an affectation the rest of the family hoped he would outgrow along with his penchant for painting his fingernails black. At least his many tattoos were all strategically placed so as to be hidden by his work clothes. Suddenly looming across the scene, Mike moved his massive frame to steal the chips back from Sam. “Quit Bogarting the snacks!†he boomed jovially. Well over six feet tall and sporting the stereotypical cop authority belly and crew cut, Mike looked every bit the thug. Sharp as a tack and twice as street smart, he milked that impression for all it was worth. His wife, Kim, cultivated a different but equally no-nonsense look. Even on relaxed days like today, she had the piercing look of a perfectly coifed bird of prey. A line from an old Cake song always reminded Alicia of her: “Her fingernails shine like justice!†None of the family doubted that she would someday replace her boss, district attorney Dan Durgan. To Alicia’s left were mom and dad. Tom was a barrel-chested man whose once rock-hard muscles had long since been softened by office life. His kind eyes and easy smile made it easy for Alicia to put aside, though never forget, the hours they’d spent screaming at each other. Shandra was a tall woman with broad shoulders and child-bearing hips. Fiercely proud of her family, she currently stood close to her favorite son. Sitting easily in the seat of honor--dad’s favorite chair--and handsome enough to star in a soap opera, was Sam. He raised his long-necked beer bottle and proposed a toast. “To family!†“To family!†replied the chorus. Behind her smile, Alicia ached to punch him in the nose.

Just FYI for those concerned; I'm waiting on Grim's response before I continue on with Thunder's.

It helps that Pixar has the best of all those other movies to riff off of.

More like, "My brain moves so quickly that I'm three steps ahead of you." And yes, that makes exactly as much sense as "I'm motivated to go first." The problem is that charisma isn't about motivating one's self; it's about motivating others. In other words, charisma works much better for, "You're motivated to go first and protect me."

Over time, Thunder moved the target mitts faster and faster. She also began moving them more aggressively, occasionally swinging them toward Wander's head or midriff. Toward the end of the exercise, she threw in the occasional kick toward the student's legs and feet.

Nerts! Exactly one point too high for Thunder to Skill Mastery her way through it. :P

A person uses their two characters to inappropriately cooperate and/or work around the rules, resulting in a big stink that lasts a week or so. Folks involved find the process unfun and are therefore less than gruntled for a while.