blink

Ok back from the holidays; stuffed full of turkey! Castle and Durf's dice sites are down... however the disguise roll here isn't really all that critical. So I'm rolling at home Disguise roll (1d20+5) = 8. Disguise roll 2 (1d20+15) = 30.

Oh sure, make me look up the rules Ok here are the relevant sections: (btw, if it's not cool to quote rules chunks for copyright reasons, let me know and I'll edit it into my words or delete it) CONCEALMENT Type: Sensory Action: Free (active) Range: Personal Duration: Sustained Saving Throw: None Cost: 2 points per rank Using this effect, you gain total concealment from a particular sense—usually sight or hearing—although you are still detectable to other senses (even other senses of the same sense type). Each additional rank gives you concealment from another sense; two ranks give you concealment for an entire sense type. Concealment from visual senses costs double (2 ranks for one visual sense, 4 ranks for all visual senses). You cannot have concealment from tactile senses, since that requires being incorporeal (see Insubstantial). So at rank 5, you can have total concealment from all visual senses (4 ranks) and normal hearing (1 rank), for example. At rank 10 Concealment you have total concealment from all sense types other than tactile. While concealed, you can make surprise attacks against targets unaware of your presence (see Surprise Attacks, M&M, page 163). Attackers have a 50% miss chance against you (a roll of 11 or better on d20), assuming they know where to attack at all! Attackers able to perceive you with an accurate sense suffer no penalties, and combat is resolved normally. Someone can sense the presence of a concealed character within three Notice range increments with an acute sense (see Super-Senses for details) and a DC 20 Notice check, such as using hearing to detect a character concealed from sight. The observer gains a hunch that “something’s there†but can’t accurately perceive it (suffering the normal miss chance, for example). A concealed character holding still is harder to notice (DC 30). A concealed inanimate object or completely immobile creature is very hard to notice at close range (DC 40). It’s practically impossible (+20 DC) to accurately pinpoint a concealed character’s location using an acute sense. Here are the two flaws, which I don't have, that would apply to the predator style of concealment. FLAWS • Blending (–1): You “blend†into the background. Your Concealment only functions as long as you move no faster than your normal pace, since your blending can’t adapt faster than that. • Passive (–1): Your Concealment only lasts until you make an attack—defined as any action requiring a saving throw—at which point it stops working until you reactivate it, which you may do on the round after you attack. So I think I am concealed to them unless they have something like infravision, ultravision, xray vision, etc. Which means they know I am there, but still have a 50% miss chance because they don't know exactly where I am. The stealth check was for HiPS, which I can live with the fact that I can't use that while grappling. Let me know how you want to rule it and I'll go from there.

Nadia nodded at Jack, he was quite gracious both in accepting her apology and in his victory. In fact he had answered her question, at least on the surface without her even asking. The implication behind his comment on guns was that someone close to him had been shot; either by mistake or some kind of freak accident. She wasn't certain that she wanted to dredge up those memories quite yet. Perhaps a search through the news archives would reveal something further. "Is good not being mad, are having my thanks," she said holding his eyes trying to convey her total appreciation. She hoped he understood, but she also was used to simply offering thanks and letting the matter go. "So is time to pay, no? Well favorite color is being red. Is both color of homeland, and is quite good for dresses. Can being strong, bold, and sensuous. Very good thing for one color," she replied. The second question she had to think about. What did she do for fun? It wasn't as easy of a question as Jack might have intended. Often times what she did for 'work' was what she did for fun. Still, there were certainly parts she liked better than others, so she honestly answered, "is not having much time for fun. Training is of most importance. Fun, until recently, was taunting and battling of heroes." She paused, looking over at him to see what his reaction was before continuing, "recent background is not quite so good. Is not doing crime for crime, but to keep skills sharp and... well enjoyment. How is it said, 'thrill of the chase' I am thinking. Am not proud of this, but not wanting to lie to team. Looking for turning of all new leaves by joining team. If no fights to be having... um... is liking fast cars, skydiving, soccer, and having of dangerous friends." As for his last question, she put an arm under his and stood up slowly, hoisting him as she did. It was a gentle motion, learned from having to haul wounded out of hot zones with as little disturbance as possible. "Believing question having for Jack," she said while waiting for him to get his feet under him and not objecting to the contact. "having of how many dangerous women knocking around each week?" She knew that he had already ventured an answer to what she had wanted to ask, but she couldn't resist the teasing question.

Ok perhaps I have things wrong... When using improved grab I assumed I would be able to make an attack and maintain the pin (thus the choke hold). If this is the case then the demon needs to make a toughness roll against DC20 as well. That was the defensive attack part of things. I might be wrong as grappling wasn't really my strong suit, but I thought that's how it worked. So the chokehold is kind of a freebie. As for the concealment, isn't that how the power works? I have the concealment power which lets me blend into the background which is what lets me get the stealth checks. Now I'd assume that the one that I am choking certainly knows I am there, so no sneak attacks or anything like that on him. However, doesn't the conceal from sight work regardless of what I am doing? Let me know, although I'll probably just leave my action as it is anyway. However, then I know for future rounds.

Ok situation remedied. Wow, I normally don't space that bad on a thread. I must have opened it, got interrupted, and then never saw it in the new posts section again. Anyway, tag... you're it!

Nadia's eyes went wide as saucers as Grim described some of her past endeavors. She hadn't considered that there would be others on the team who might not have such a squeaky clean past; it changed much of the dynamics of the team... at least from Nadia's perspective. What else had she missed while trying to remain as cool as possible? Were there others on the team who weren't quite so wholesome? Certainly not the ones with a noted public persona, but Nadia vowed to do a little digging herself to try and find out more about the people on her team. "Mischief for good cause..." Blink said as if trying the words on for size. "Am liking very much. Would be happy for partner in crime." As she said the last phrase she kicked herself, but since she had already confessed, so to speak, she continued hesitantly. Grim was a very outgoing and infectious person and while Nadia instinctively liked her, she had a hard time opening up to anyone. Talking business and planning ops was another thing altogether. "Is only some families who are knowing of Blink. Have other... persona's that can be using as well. Thankfully, was not foolish enough to meet with Mob contacts as self," she said while pointing to herself. "Thinking that giving of black eye to mob is good thing. Can try to be playing of... floozy." Realizing that Grim had likely come down here for more than just a chat on the mob, she forced herself to try and be more personable, "so... am noticing that Grim and Colt are being some thing like an item. Is true? Colt is seeming to be good man."

Yes, totally, I thought I was waiting for you...

As her team mates entered the fray, Nadia inwardly sighed in relief. These creatures were far too tough to take on alone, and she relished the comforting presence of those fighting next to her. As the Interceptors attacked, she found purchase at the demon's neck, making small ports across it's back to get her arms in a position for maximum leverage. Even as she did, she kept kicking and jabbing at the thing, trying for some kind of vital point to speed it's demise along. Even as her arms tensed with the effort, her body blended into the background alternating between the colors of the Maveric and the creature she was trying to crush.

Ok then here is what I am going to do Move Action: None Standard Action: Improved Grapple: Maintain Pin(Chokehold) - Defensive Attack +3/-3 tradeoff Attack roll is 19, DC 20 (1d20+7 = 19) Opponent needs to make a fort save of DC15 on the Chokehold Defense for the round is 26 Free Action: HIPS - Gain Concealment from sight Stealth Check for other senses is a 31, completely concealed from normal sight (1d20+15=31)

Well she's fast, so a few seconds should be sufficient... ;)

Blink couldn't help but let a faint smile cross over her face, a rare occurrence for the sober hero, as she sat down next to Jack. He was quick witted and easy going, something she appreciated even if she didn't emulate it. More importantly, it seemed he was forgiving, which was something that she was most aware of at this awkward moment. She sat down gracefully beside him, looking over and not avoiding his eyes. She knew what she had done was both wrong and childish, but regret wasn't something that she wallowed in. "Is not being of drama queen, but very sorry for... outburst. Not used to loosing much and mad for not being ready for, tap tap," she said with a small hand flourish that indicated the double tap that Jack had performed. "Was very clever move. Should be ashamed for the falling for it." While she hadn't been out of breath, she had worked hard to try and use the unfamiliar weapon and to keep Jack's superior sword skills out of play. Already her heartbeat was receding as she pulled a stray lock of hair back into her pony tail. "So..." she said hesitantly, "if not being mad, then am owing answers."

I was a DC 27 for this round, so two misses. I have the retain defense while grappling feat and did a defensive attack.

Nadia sighed to herself wondering how tensions had gotten to this point already. Actually, what they needed was to get out into the thick of it. Nothing either bonded or broke a team quicker than live fire. Of course, she hoped that it would be bonded rather than broke, but that was going to be up to each of them. All Star had enough pride for the whole team which seemed to rub Jack especially hard. As Nadia saw it, having a camera hound like All Star on the team meant that there was more chance that she could go about her business without people noticing her. The only downside was what it would do to the team in the process. She caught up to Marcus as he followed Kris and Jack to the machine shop. Grabbing his arm to hold him back a moment she said, "Da. Is team. Team not thinking of All Star as stupid... unless is going to try and prove by causing of fights with team. Are needing each other, even if jabbing with words. Is um... what is phrase... butting of heads. Am sure that city is thanking for destruction of robot, even if show was being put on. Is another medal for display case, no?" Shifting in front of him she looked up into his green eyes; she could see the wounded pride and anger boiling underneath, "remember pride of others too... calling of courage is spreading seeds of doubt on team. Blink is trusting of Marcus and Jack with life, can give nothing more."

Nadia had been checking the scrapes and cuts on Jack. It was as he said, nothing too serious and what she would have expected from someone falling or leaping off their bike. Regardless, she had seen lesser wounds go septic and it didn't take much to clean and bandage them. As she did she listened to the interplay between her new team mates and considered how the tone had turned. Blowing off steam and butting heads was something that wasn't all together foreign to her. However, it also was good to know what people's limits were. Quietly, yet with a firm voice that was used to command, she said, "or would be doing what?"

I think we should just continue along. If Jack wants to post a reply to what we can see in the thread, I'll then respond what I wrote and we'll go from there.

Funny thing was that even after reading War's correction, I didn't realize what I had done Took me a few minutes to read it over a couple times and then the little light went on... whoops!

Nadia looked at All Star trying to find veiled insult in the comment. However, it seemed to be simple male machismo, something that she had seen plenty of in her years in the military. It wouldn't be the first time that a comrade made some kind of comment to her, and she doubted it would be the last. Comments were fine, however, the last soldier that had tried to follow up his jibes with a little physical comedy had ended up in the infirmary for the better part of a month. Of course, with this team, that sort of example might be easier said than done. "Am thinking will take a pass, are not invulnerable enough to handle it," she said in a deadpan voice to All Star. As she was replying, Jack came staggering in pushing his wrecked bike before him. It was becoming an emergency room it seemed. "Is not good that team is getting pummeled already," she said heading to Jack. "Letting me be seeing those if it is pleasing." She had reached Jack and the wrecked bike when Colt spoke up. It was an interesting assessment and she wondered how many aces the cowboy had up his own sleeve. Certainly All Star had power in abundance, she would have to study him and look for weaknesses later. While it was information that would likely never be used, she tried to make sure she was prepared for anything. As she mussed over those thoughts, she began to inspect Jack for the worst of his cuts and wounds.

Blink won't claim a room and take whatever's left...

Ironically, I had a aunt who thought that D&D was the devil's tool. So when we would all head to my Grandmothers, she would rail on me and tell my cousins not to play that evil game with me. It didn't bother me all that much at the time, I still read my books and did adventure design since my friends at home played. Flash forward a decade or so and I have been happily married, 2.5 kids, dog, station wagon, etc. Of her three children, two have contributed to three divorces, all have had multiple children out of wedlock, and other problems. For objecting to my hobby on religious grounds... I always thought perhaps watching her own house would have been a better use of all that righteous indignity. Mind you we all get along, and I'm not the sort to say "I told you so", but it doesn't mean that I don't think it :)

No. No they are not. Very nasty indeed.

Nadia shoot her head and looked too the first aid kit in her hands. She was going to be busy here that was for certain. With a sigh, she took a drink from the offered whiskey before screwing the top on. As Colt had guessed, she would have preferred the Vodka but that would have required a trip up. The other was right here, and if not quite as good, was certainly adequate for sharing with... friends? She got up smoothly, walking over to All Star, "let us be seeing to those." Then as the video footage played she inspected some of the more egregious of his wounds, "you are not being required to move in front of every punch. This is true, no? Or is some kind of code for heroes in this place?"

Well it is an antiseptic... oh wait, you mean to drink it Tisk tisk!

Eh, don't be a stranger. I need to meet Colt too!

Nadia nodded at Grim's assessment, it was pretty much spot on. She looked at the shifter for a moment, as if reassessing opinions. She was envious at Grim's ability to shift so fluidly. It was like the difference between pulling on a pair of broken in jeans as opposed to getting into a formal gown. Nadia could shift to mimic people, but Grim took it to a whole different level. Besides, the ability to summon objects out of the air was far too cool. "Are finding working for... good to be difficult? No?" she said, wondering how Grim had fared on her transition. "Am still feeling like team, or police, will be sending to jail for past crimes... is not good to be nervous all times." Then she thought about her possibilities of infiltrating the mob. There were a couple of families that now wanted her dead. That would be an issue, although she could certainly go in disguise and use her knowledge of the people in that organization. "No. Not too late. However, some families are wanting dead for failing of job," she said shrugging her shoulders. "Was not very partial to kidnapping or killing of civilians."

When the bulb exploded Nadia instinctively ported behind cover; which in this case meant behind the island in kitchen. Yet she still had a clear view as Jack formed the glowing blade from the remnants of the bulb. Her eyebrows rose a notch as the blade swished through the air like a real sword. While getting hit with a yard of hardened steel was not fun, she didn't think that his 'light sabre' would be all that enjoyable to contact either. Immediately she began to wonder what other tricks her new team could do.