Dariusprime

"Oh, great...," mumbled Fulcrum as water washed over her. She had a pretty good idea of what was happening, and judging from the sounds from above, things were getting serious. She kicked everything into high gear. They needed to return to shore fast. Initially her acceleration was slow, nothing worse than the boat itself taking off from the docks. Soon though that increased until she leveled off at a velocity not unlike the boat's own after it escaped into the open ocean. Sure, they could go faster, but from the sounds of it, Subito and (newly freed?) metas were in for a fight. No need to topple them over! As for herself she was largely unconcerned. She had to get them back to the shore before those robots destroyed the boat! Her eyes focused on the prize: the pier!

Slice of Life #7: Official Recommendations July 2nd, 2011 Freedom League Headquarters, Freedom City Internal Email (Secured) To: Captain.Thunder @FreedomLeague.org From: Daedalus @FreedomLeague.org Ray, I crunched the numbers again and came up with the same results. The “Terminus Storm†phenomenon is stabilizing over time. In 5-7 weeks we should see the last of the trans-dimensional interference. The wormhole generated by Fulcrum was highly unstable and self-limiting within our own reality. The space-time distortions are all accountable by the models. I can still only speculate at the manifestations within the Terminus proper. Nonetheless certain conclusions can be drawn from the available data. Firstly, Terminus radiation was localized to North Bay and released in sub-effectual quantities. The on-site Interceptors were uncontaminated. Secondly, no Terminus-infused matter transversed the wormhole into our universe. In fact, given the data and witness accounts, the breach acted as a negative-pressure environment. Now the bad news. Our dimensional sensors are likely to be down for the near term. The detectors were designed for micro-burst measures of Terminus frequencies, and they were completely fried. We will have to rely on AEGIS for their data until I can discern the extent of the damage and initiate repairs. We are looking at a minimum 90 days before 50% local coverage. I also reiterate my objections to any scouting and/or “rescue†attempts. Ray, we have known each other a long time. Archeville is one of the great minds of our time, but frankly he is still out of his mind if he truly believes he can rescue her. We lost the Atoms to the Terminus with a 94.73% probability of their demise within 60 minutes of dimensional transit. My numbers are even worse for Ms. Teymourian even with Omega out of the picture. He is chasing a phantom, a memory. My only hope is he comes back to reality before he does something foolish. My original recommendations stand: inform her family that was she killed in action. Let them mourn and move on. Remember what the uncertainty did to the Atom children.

Slice of Life #6: Endings Reams of ink and electrons have been used documenting the recent villainous emergence of Dr. Viktor Archeville and his subsequent freedom from mind control. Among the news, The Freedom Ledger printed this item on Saturday, July 16th: --- In Loving Memory Mona Teymourian, 31, died in the line of duty June 17th, 2011, in North Bay, Freedom City, New Jersey. She was fulfilling her calling as the superheroine Fulcrum. A Freedom City native, Mona was born to Afareen Teymourian and Omid Ansari on Monday, July 21st, 1980 at Freedom City Medical Center. She graduated from West End Central High School in 1998. Her collegiate work included Freedom City College and the Seattle Art Institute. The University of Oregon awarded her a Masters of Fine Arts in 2005. She was active in student government associations, art clubs and athletics. She worked prolifically as a graphic and fine artist across the United States before returning to Freedom City in 2008. Her portfolio spans multiple mediums including graphic novels, sculpture, ceramics and many forms of painting. She is best known as the lead artist for Freedom League Adventures and Typhoon. Opening a multi-media publishing company and joining the Freedom League were among her future plans. Her love of life and gentle dignity were apparent to all who knew her. She lived life one day at a time, taking in the small triumphs and tragedies. Favorite activities included sports, reading and especially being a superheroine. She could often be seen in Riverside enjoying the local coffee shops. A staunch humanitarian, Mona devoted her life to improving the human condition with a steely resolve far beyond the sum of her powers. She participated in numerous fund raisers including the Fisticuffs charity boxing tournament, the New Jersey Save the Music Outreach and the Freedom City Humanist Association’s book donation program. She is survived by her mother, Afareen Teymourian; stepfather, Dr. Mahmoud Zandipour; sister, Fatima; grandmother, Ava Teymourian; fiance, Dr. Viktor Archeville; Interceptor teammates Colt, Willow, Grimalkin, Jack of All Blades, Jill O’Cure, Geckoman, Thrude; and innumerable friends and acquaintances. She will be missed. The accompanying picture shows a smiling Fulcrum giving a thumbs up to the camera.

"Oh, I know the feeling about anti-virus needs," replied Fulcrum, pulling out her iPhone. Instead of a protective case, the phone was cradled in a titanium-colored metal case. "Apple is full of themselves as far as security goes. Remember those phone hackers at the News of the World? Someone tried hacking my phone a while back. One of the problems of having a listed number." "I'm glad you enjoy Claremont. It seems like a really good place for metas. Wish more schools like that one existed. Hell, for all I know, they do exist. I didn't realize it until Summers approached me about mentoring Wander." Checking her messages, she pocketed the phone, "and I grew up in Freedom City." "Speaking of boot camp, maybe we should try actually lifting a few of these things. You know, like we originally intended." She chuckled and stood up with a stretch.

"Yes, keep them from taking hostages," she said, somewhat redundantly herself. After all the victims were already boxed, but not in active danger at the moment. "They're still loose and thus dangerous. We each have an important role to fill," she added with a smile. She'd been trying to let El Heraldo do the dramatic work. After all those robots were tough, but the kidnappers didn't appear much more skilled than normal people. Which would have made for exciting 'live-fire' training for the young paragon. Hopefully, now that the boat was under control, El Heraldo could step up and cow the kidnappers. That would make both of their jobs much simpler! For herself she continued her slow journey back to land. In order to keep the ship stable, she'd thrown all of her power into her lifting ability. That left relatively little 'juice' left to fly. Not to mention going much faster would have jeopardized everyone on board. As the light lit up the night sky, Fulcrum felt confident that this new hero could handle his own. If he did get in over his head, that boat could be the world's largest pinball machine!

Darn! Missed out on time and subtlety! If you decide to run any similar threads, KD, please keep Fulcrum in mind. :)

"Okay, no more Ms. Nice Gal," grumbled Fulcrum as she shrugged off the powerful bolt of energy. Without fanfare she dove under the boat, leaving a plume of water to splash over the boat's occupants. Slipping under the boat, she waved at El Heraldo before judging the bottom of the boat. She roughly wanted to locate the center of mass. One, to make the craft easier to lift, and two, to prevent it from being damaged or even splitting in half! Then she put two mighty hands right along the keel and hefted. Slowly but surely, the ship lifted from the water, followed by Fulcrum. She hovered there, waist deep in the ocean, and held the boat high and dry. Slowly, ever so slowly, she started flying, kicking up wake as she hydrofoiled back toward the mainland.

Fulcrum gave Vicky a sideways glance and smirked back. "Oh, I wouldn't mind that too much." "You and me both. Viktor talks up his latest development, and so help me, I have trouble keeping up even with processing much faster than normal," said Mona to the talk of Super Science. "I wonder if Arthur C. Clarke was more right than he imagined. 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic' does seem to apply in paradoxical reverse in terms of Super Science. Think about it: if some of those inventions were based on as-yet unknown principles, objective principles, then they should still function in some form without the inventor or operator. Yet in the case of some Super Science devices, they cease functioning, and never seemed to be physically possible in function, unless the operator is concentrating on its use. Which, ironically, from the people I've met, is just a bit too similar to how magic functions to be of coincidence." Shrugging, she presented her Toto for review. "Don't worry. I ask that question to a lot of people I meet. We both have an advantage, in a way. Neither of us 'use' science or magic in the conscious sense, so we aren't burdened with that weird magic-technology dichotomy." "I'm honestly not sure if I could stand attending Claremont. From what little I've heard, the place feels more like a boot camp than a school."

I agree, Trollthumper. I agree. Sons of blind jackals indeed. Haven't been around much lately I know. I'll be out of town from Thursday to Sunday with little hope of internet connectivity. I'll update my posts before I leave. Thanks!

Because the liver is evil and must be punished! No, really, a couple of those sound good.

Fulcrum smiled and patted the dog's belly, "'Khaane' would be right, I think. You may want to ask my mom. I'm getting a bit rusty." "Thank you. Looks like Dad has been sneaking her treats again. Sissy here is our official greeter. That means Fatima is probably not far behind..." she said before the screen door opened again. Subject #1: Fatima Teymourian Age: 16 Description: The bubbly half-sister of Fulcrum, Fatima is all of the technological savvy and popularity of the two. Rarely without her iPhone or iPad, she buzzes around with a frenetic energy and always has a project or two in the works, particularly of the computer application or Facebook variety. She attends West End Central High School, holds a solid 3.6 GPA and wants to be an engineer. Her dream is to attend the Hanover Institute of Technology. Of particular note, she has attended two different school tours of ArcheTech and a summer conference for aspiring scientists and engineers. Appearance: Petite and lithe, she conjures comparisons to Grimalkin in build. Her face and green eyes speak of her Iranian heritage, although her complexion is much lighter than Mona's. She is dressed in jeans, a Maroon 5 t-shirt and a red head scarf. The sisters look like complete opposites: Fatima the gymnast and Mona the boxer. "Hi, sis!" yelled Fatima as she swept out of the house while still looking at her phone. "Mom is about to kill the oven. I'd stay clear of the kitchen for a while." Then she remembered Mona brought a guest, looked up and froze, eyes wide. The pent up squeal didn't follow, thankfully, because she was much too cool and mature for that nonsense. Instead she broke into a huge smile and zoomed up to Viktor with Dynamo-like speed. Offering a handshake, a stream of introductions following, "Great to meet you, Dr. Archeville! I've read so much about your work. I mean, you're one of the scientist heroes of Europe, but of course you know that. I didn't believe Mona at all when she said you two were dating!" While maybe not the grip-of-death, Mona's sister certainly had the energy to shake an arm off. "Fatima, Dr. Viktor Archeville. Viktor, my sister, Fatima," added Mona as a pleasantry.

Interesting. Indeed, online personality quizzes are a great weakness of mine as well. I just enjoy indulging that weakness.

No need to apologize! Running combat (especially online) is anything but simple. For me at least! You're still doing great! Okay, #6 got the lucky shot and hit her. Quick question though: did you mean DC 20 TOU check or 30? Because a +15 gun is packing the heat of a naval gun! If DC 20, then her Impervious soaks it. If not, here is the roll: Toughness vs DC30 (1d20+20=32) Oh yeah Do you want a GM post or have me post first?

Viktor faces his most dangerous foe yet: Fulcrum's mother!

Flashback! Sunday, November 7, 2010 3 weeks post Fractures 1534 Turtle Dove Lane Home of Fulcrum's parents For three weeks, the darkest recesses of Viktor Archeville's mind bathed in the light of reason. Or less pretentiously, the id portion of his split personality seemed purged from his brain. He never felt better psychologically, and with that health came a new sense of joy in living. In Fulcrum's case that meant the time was right. She'd delayed one of the most important crossroads of any relationship: meeting the parents. Not that she didn't love Viktor thoroughly, or thought that their relationship wouldn't stand the test of time. No, her concerns were more centered on her mother. As Fulcrum described her, "She is smaller, louder and even more bullheaded." Afareen Teymourian also held very high standards for her daughters. Fulcrum wasn't about to throw Viktor to the metaphorical lion's den and hope her mother wasn't in an overcritical mood. She wanted Viktor to be prepared for the possibility that Afareen, sweet as she could be, wouldn't be happy with Mona's choice in boyfriend. --- The vertigo faded quickly. Viktor's teleportation belt deposited them on the lawn of 1534 Turtle Dove Lane. Small, ranch-style homes dotted the short street, surrounded by neatly tended lawns and fences. If not for the upthrust sidewalks and too many layers of paint, one could imagine the neighborhood as belonging to a new subdivision. Fulcrum turned to Viktor and swept an arm toward the front door, "Casa Teymourian, at your service." On cue, a fat Cocker Spaniel mix unlatched the screen door, barked happily and charged out to Fulcrum. Scooping the dog up in one arm, she scratched her ears, "Hi, Sissy."

Fulcrum mentally wondered why the ship at stopped. Engine trouble? Were they going silent? She spotted them easily enough in the night water, but perhaps they were working on the lights? Either way now was not the time to ponder their strategies or fortunes. Slowly descending on approach, the whir of air suddenly ceased with a sound somewhere between a crack of thunder and a splash. A canyon of water sprayed up in her wake, and the boat crew could see a white torrent of water speeding their way. El Heraldo heard a roar reminiscent of a wave or motor boat speeding his way. The white water dissipated at the rear of the boat, revealing Fulcrum. She grabbed the propellers with both hands and bent them together like a metal flower bud. The tempered steel protested under the strain, but nonetheless gave way like great shapes of soft clay. Then she was off! Up she flew from under the boat, into the air. No doubt the robots would be following suit shortly. Now that the boat was disabled, she could focus on the guardians while El Heraldo worked on the victims and their kidnappers! Except...the robots seemed to have disappeared...

Move Action: Fly to boat's propellers Standard: Damage the propellers Move: Fly up about 50 feet above boat. Assuming you take 10 on the propeller(s)' toughness (Steel +10), then she damaged it. El Heraldo or her may have to finish it off!

Fulcrum 12 Little Big Trouble (6) Under Cape and Banner (6)

Fulcrum laughed and replied, "If absolutely necessary, I would indeed pile drive him into the floor before he hurt someone. What I'm more worried about is meeting my own Dread Pirate Roberts. Jack-of-All-Blades doesn't count. Sometimes the height does have advantages. You're right." "Hey, a purple flashlight alone could be amusing. How did he construct it? A large laser I assume? I remember watching a show that speculated you'd need a magnetic plasma chamber." Fulcrum mused as she continuing working. "Well, you didn't hear it from me, but I'd say don't let the grounding dampen that activity too much. Sketching up there is like being on top of the world. Plus considering how good that one there looks, you do have quite an eye." Glancing around in mock paranoia, she whispered, "I recommend Champion's or Sentry Statue. They're not the highest by any means, but they both have spectacular views."

That's cool. If you want to take some time off, we can pick up as needed. After all you did that for me. ^_^

Still interested in continuing the thread?

What will the robots do now? ;)

Move: Fly up to Iron Ink Attack: Melee vs Iron Ink (1d20+10=13) Move: Fly 500 feet away or out to the boat. Rats!

Fulcrum knew a coordinated attack when she saw it. After all she fought most of her opponents alone, and one had to learn a thing or two about tactics just to survive. Thus the bobbing-and-weaving target didn't have much appeal for her. Her attention was focused on the other one. What could it be doing up there? Perhaps that was the bait, not the evasive flier, but she couldn't take the chance. Zooming up to the stable robot, she balled a fist and punched the bucket of bolts like a ton of bricks! Well, she tried anyway. The thing proved faster than she imaged, and her aim not as great. Still all was not lost. Banking sharply she flew wide out of over the bay, cape flapping behind her. Even a hundred feet in the air, her speed threw up white-water wake in her passing. She wanted to see what was going on with that strange light, how El Heraldo was fairing, and where exactly the boat was at the moment. Even with her enhanced senses, a boat running dark could easily disappear in these waters. Those kidnappers would not escape with their victims! Not to mention she'd already started a slow turn. Picking up speed for an attack run on the hovering robot...

Take your time! Took me all weekend to get back to the site after all. :oops: