KnightDisciple

...Has this thread died? :(

Carson smirked at both girls.

"Nothing says that, Vivian. But it helps me tell you two apart better. As for time..."

He looks at his watch.

"I bet we can find a theater showing it fairly soon. If we go now."

With that, he shrugged his bag securely over one shoulder, then took each girl by an elbow (conveniently placing himself between them) and tried to gently guide them away. He smiled a 100-watt smile and laid the Irish brogue on a bit thicker than before.

"Shall we, ladies?"

Gabriel looks over in surprise as Sparksmith announces himself. He extends one hand, though he takes a couple shuffling steps back from the edge before standing.

"Call me Gabriel. Thank you for coming to help. Should make things a bit easier."

Gabriel gives Vivian an odd look.

"I thought that one wasn't out for another couple of days? This Friday, I thought."

He shrugs, throwing Amy a wink.

"Anyways, I'd like to see Inception more anyways. I like the director's previous works, and preview make this one look good too. Should have some action for you, Vivian, heady artsy stuff for me, and DiCaprio for Amy to look at, eh?"

His lilting tone indicates he's clearly joking with the girls, but is still serious about his movie pick.

I say old chap, why, happy birthday!

Carson smiled naturally even as he was sweating bullets on the inside.

"I was being a responsible authority figure and keeping an eye open for stragglers from the bathrooms and such. This is the only one I found, though."

He tapped Vivian on the shoulder for a second, before both his hands went in his pockets.

"Now then. You ladies want to head off somewhere not here? Coffee shop, some other shop, a park, whatever. I've got the rest of the day, with my youth and stamina to back me up. How about you girls? Vivian said she had work tonight, but that's a ways away. Maybe a movie?"

Carson is rocking back and forth on his feet, looking at a spot in the ceiling as he concentrates on ideas for the three of them.

"Just not as familiar with this side of town, I suppose. Might be nicer taking a walk outside, though."

Carson had moved on from the armor exhibits, and was just wandering the aisles at the moment. He thought maybe there ought to be more security around, but they were probably just staying out of sight and all that.

Unfortunately, he didn't totally watch where he was going, occupied as he was with a combination of watching the exhibits, wondering about security, and maybe glancing at some of the pretty young ladies around. Thus, he ended up running into someone.

It just happened that this "someone" was Professor Quentin. Carson caught himself before he stumbled, and helped steady the other man.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, good sir! I just got clumsy here! You alright sir?"

His earnest Irish voice ought to make Quentin feel at least a touch more at ease.

:oops: Yes. This was brought to my attention. I will make sure not to fail to mention such things in the future. My humblest apologies. :oops:

So...is this still happening? Do we PCs need to kickstart things a bit with some more posts?

Gabriel stood on the roof about 5 feet to Muse's right. He was crouched down, trying to present as little of his beacon-white costume as possible. At the moment, he was scanning some of the darker parts of the street through the night-vision goggles he'd acquired not long after entering the city.

"Looks quiet so far. You calling in a bit more help for us?"

His voice was barely above a whisper, and was oddly neutral; almost as if he was distracted. He spoke while still scanning about with the goggles.

Tranquility Tyrant was created and approved in August.

I also completed HellQ, 20Q, and Reputation entries in the month of August for Gabriel.

Carson chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"Well, that lecture was all that was on my plate today. I imagine the other teachers are going to be scrambling to adjust to the schedule. As for Amy...Ah, there she is!"

He sticks his hand in the air and waves. Sure enough, there's Amy, milling about in the crowd, looking for the two of them. She seems to spot Carson's wave and starts heading over for the two of them.

Carson smiled and shrugged at her explanation. When he next spoke, his normal accent was back. He didn't seem conscious of the change.

"Well, when nature calls, it can be hard to ignore. Don't worry about it. As for noble...eh. I guess. Partly I just didn't want to be locked into a safe room with everyone else. Gets a bit stuffy, you know?"

The crowd was moving normally now. The speakers crackled to life.

"Attention all students and faculty. The rest of this period is canceled, due to the interruption. Next period is canceled as well. Classes resume as normal after that."

There was a cheer from student and faculty alike. Carson himself gave a broad smile as he looked to Vivian.

"There, you see? Even better. I'd given most of my speech anyways. You maybe want to find Amy, go back to the coffee shop for a bit? Or do something else?"

Fair enough! Just thought I'd give you another chance to make a check. ;)

Make a Notice check to recognize his voice. He hasn't changed accent, tone, or anything since she saw him in costume.

DC...15? That sounds good.

Carson just about took flight in shock. He turned to face Vivian, looking a big flustered himself.

"Vivian! Um...well, I'd gone to, ah, check the restrooms and such for stragglers, and by the time I'd done that, everyone was locked up tight. So I decided to just wait things out here. I think the lockdown's about to end..."

Indeed, they can hear the sounds of the safe rooms opening even now, and students and teachers alike heading back into the hall.

What Vivian may notice more is that Carson's not speaking with any accent. Does...that voice sound familiar?

Going to be out of town from late afternoon today, until probably mid-day Monday. Might be later than that before I can really sit down and catch up. I've still got a while that I can post, but after that, I'll be without internet.

Gabriel just shook his head as she left.

"Women. Ma warned me about American women. Ah well. Just have to remember not to wash this until I can write the number down somewhere..."

Carson took to the sky, a low boom echoing his movement as he raced for the school. Lockdowns lasted for a bit after word got out the situation was resolved; better safe than sorry in a city packed with super-criminals. So he had about 3 minutes left as he landed on the roof.

Of course, it took him about a minute to change, and then he had to take a second to scan around for witnesses. None. Good.

He hopped down, softly hitting the ground, and slipped in the door he'd propped slightly on his way out. He stopped by the restroom to wash his hands and face, then more calmly stepped out just before the lockdown ended. He lingered right outside the restroom doors, waiting to just slip back into the crowds as they exited.

He didn't notice the bit of white glove peeking out from a side pocket of his bag; he'd been in a hurry when he packed it.

Gabriel shot up at mention of "respective lives".

"Blast! I forgot about...ahem. Yes, numbers. Hold on a moment."

He digs around in a couple of the pockets in his duster, then pulls out a blank business card with a handwritten number.

"This will go through the Freedom League's switchboard or some such, keeps everything nice and secret. Do you have a similar number?"

Carson was enjoying himself, perusing the various displays of arts of all sorts. About the only things missing were music and theater. And even those were represented with a small collection of various classical compositions and plays, albeit the sheet music and scripts rather than actual performances.

He particularly enjoyed the collection of Irish arts, including the Middle Ages works. He wasn't a huge art buff outside of his immediate field, but even he could enjoy such pieces of classic beauty.

He'd actually been surprised he'd gotten tickets, but the theater department director at Freedom College had an extra ticket, and Carson couldn't pass up the chance.

He stopped in front of a display of a few ceremonial armor pieces from Ireland, England, and Scotland. Obviously too ornate to be worn in battle, they were nonetheless fascinating to look at.

"Hm. They look great, but I wonder how comfortable some of these poor boys were in these getups?" he mused aloud.

The Tranquility Tyrant is Christopher Lee with some makeup assistance to smooth away some of the lines.

Gabriel is a bit tougher. Jonathan Rhys Meyers actually fits pretty well, barring hair and eye color. He might be a touch short, but that's minor.

Right, so, I'm gonna give this guy a shot. Tentative working name is "Cobalt Templar".

Big thing here is that I want to make sure the Power Drawbacks are done correctly. My theoretical plan is to, as time goes on, I'll actually buy off the Drawbacks, representing him gaining a better hold on both himself, and his power.

I have some ideas for backstory, name, etc., but right now I want to make sure my powers math isn't off.

Edit: Changed his skills a bit. Should still add up the same.

Edit 2: Changed skills again. Changed working name.

Power Level: 7 (105/105PP)

Trade-Offs: -2 Defense / +2 Toughness

Unspent PP: 0

Gold Status: 0/30

In Brief: *Pending*

Alternate Identities: *Pending*

Identity: (Public or Secret)

Birthplace: *Pending*

Occupation: *Pending*

Affiliations: (people and/or groups you work with)*Pending*

Family: *Pending*

Age: ?? (DoB: Month [day, optional], Year) *Pending*

Apparent Age: (if applicable) *Pending*

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: *Pending*

Height: *Pending*

Weight: *Pending*

Eyes: *Pending*

Hair: *Pending*

Description: *Pending*

Power Descriptions: (if applicable) *Pending*

History: (Please remember we are a family friendly site. Your story should be PG-13 at most. If your character wouldn't fit in an episode of Justice League Unlimited or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, please rethink it.) *Pending*

Personality & Motivation: *Pending*

Powers & Tactics: *Pending*

Complications: *Pending*

Name (description)

Example

Secret (is really afraid of the Big Bad Wolf)

Abilities: 6 + 4 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 22pp

Str 16 (+3)

Dex 14 (+2)

Con 16 (+3)

Int 12 (+2)

Wis 12 (+2)

Cha 12 (+2)

Combat: 6 + 4 = 10pp

Initiative: +3

Attack: +3 (+7 with Power Ring)

Grapple: +10

Defense: +5 (+2 Base, +3 Dodge Focus), +1 Flat-Footed

Knockback: -1/-4

Saving Throws: 3 + 3 + 4 = 10pp

Toughness: +9 (+3 Con, +6 Power Ring/Protection)

Fortitude: +6 (+3 Con, +3)

Reflex: +5 (+2 Dex, +3)

Will: +5 (+1 Wis, +4)

Skills: 56r = 14pp

Acrobatics 8 (+11)

Climb 6 (+9)

Concentration 6 (+7)

Craft (Artistic) 4 (+5)

Knowledge (Business) 6 (+9)

Knowledge (Earth Sciences) 6 (+7)

Knowledge (History) 6 (+9)

Language 4 (Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, Latin)

Notice 6 (+7)

Search 4 (+5)

Feats: 6PP

Dodge Focus 3

Instant Up

Luck 1

Precise Shot 1

Powers: 46 - 2 = 44PP

Device 11(hard to lose) ‘Power Ring’ (55dp PFs: Restricted 2 [Only You]; Drawbacks: Power Loss (must be recharged every 24 hours, uncommon, 1 point), Power Loss (failing will saves vs. fear, uncommon, 1 point) (44)

Cosmic Energy Control 7 [14+4=18 pp]

BP: Blast 7

AP: Create Object 4 (Extra: Moveable) (PF: Progression (5 10 foot cubes), Stationary ) {14}

AP: Dazzle 7 (Visual Senses) {7}

AP: Strike 4 (PF: Mighty) {5}

AP: Telekinesis 7 (Heavy Load: ~1.5 tons) {14}

Enhanced Attack 4 [8pp]

Enhanced Feat 1 [Quick Change] [1 pp]

Flight 5 (250 MPH) [10 pp]

Immunity 9 (life support) [9 pp]

Protection 6 [6 pp]

Super-Senses 3 (Danger Sense [Radio], Darkvision) [3 pp]

Drawbacks: 1 = 1pp

Vulnerable (Demonic/Hellfire/Infernal; Frequency: [uncommon]; Intensity: [Minor]) [1pp]

DC Block:

    ATTACK      RANGE          SAVE                        EFFECT

    Unarmed     Touch          DC18 Toughness (Staged)     Damage

    Blast (CEC) Ranged         DC22 Toughness (Staged)     Damage

    Strike      Touch          DC22 Toughness (Staged)     Damage

    Dazzle      Ranged/Area    DC17 Reflex                 1/2 Effect

                               DC17 Fortitude              Blinded

Abilities (22) + Combat (10) + Saving Throws (10) + Skills (14) + Feats (6) + Powers (44) - Drawbacks (1) = 105pp

Gabriel looked up.

"Yet I told you what to do. It happens sometimes. As for being right, it's been known to happen."

He chuckles at her admission.

"Oh, frustration I can understand. Trust me. But you can't let it affect your judgment out here. We hold too much power and responsibility for that."

He quirked his eyebrow underneath his mask as he considered her.

"So, now what?"

Twenty Question with Gabriel

Gabriel leaned back against the wall of the bank, well away from the crowds around the police and other emergency workers. He stood there, back against the brick, head resting back against the wall, eyes closed, half-full water bottle in one hand. White costume or no, he seemed to have escaped notice.

Fine by him. He'd been in the bank for over and hour and a half. Negotiating first with a working-class man on the end of his rope, then the police, then the insurance company who had initially refused treatment for the man's wife and son.

Finally, the company had caved, with both the bank employees and police confirming the necessary transactions, and poor Jerry had surrendered. The 40-something had ended up weeping in Gabriel's arms as the police came for him, Gabriel standing there somewhat awkwardly, but still concerned for the man.

He intended to testify such that he received the lowest sentence possible.

With a sigh, he heaved himself to his feet, draining the bottle and looking around for a handy wastebasket.

"Hello, Gabriel, was it?" Turning around, Gabriel was confronted by a smiling woman in a long, poofy black dress, looking oddly out of place in the confines of the alley. She was tall, meeting his eyes easily, and had a confident demeanor. "I'm Joan Collier, I'm with the Freedom Ledger," she said, hefting the pen and paper she had in one hand while shaking his hand with the other. "I was wondering if you'd mind answering some questions about yourself for our profile of you? That was quite a thing you accomplished today in the bank."

Gabriel turned at the voice, taking a moment to register what was occurring.

"The bank? Oh. I'm just glad I managed to keep people from getting hurt today."

His eyes fell on a handy garbage bin nearby, where he quickly tossed the bottle, which just barely made it into the bin.

"Interview? I guess that's fine. Do you want to do it here, or move somewhere less..."

He gestures at the crowd, and the alley she'd placed herself in.

"Yeah. Please, forgive me. I'm usually a bit sharper on me feet, but I was negotiating for nearly the whole time in there."

"Wherever you'd like to talk is fine," said Joan, following Gabriel out of the alley. She walked slowly and carefully, enough that Gabriel couldn't really make out her lower body at all underneath the heavy dress.

1. "I couldn't help notice your accent. Are you a recent immigrant to the United States, or have you lived here for a while?"

"What about this place over here?"

There's a small, conveniently placed outdoor diner nearby. In Freedom City, a superhero sitting down with a journalist is nothing new. Thus, the request for as private of a table as possible was easily granted.

Gabriel settled down after ordering a water and a light sandwich.

1.)He had the grace to look a bit surprised as he realized his accent had slipped. When he spoke next, it was more neutral.

"I was not born in the territory of the United States. I'm not a fresh immigrant, though. I've been in the country long enough to be established in all respects."

2. I understand, and if you don't want to talk about your life elsewhere, that's fine. Were you active as a superhero in your own country, like the hero Arrowhawk, or have you only started your work here in Freedom City?

2."I've only been active as a superhero here in America. I'm neither a "legacy" hero, or someone with decades of experience, so I had to work to master my abilities before I felt it was right to use them in typical crime-fighting situations. As well, I wanted to, ah, "get the lay of the land", as it were."

3. How's your professional relationship with Freedom's superheroes? Are you on any teams, or have you made any close allies?

3."I am not on any teams at the moment. I've started working with assorted heroes here and there, but nothing formal has been achieved. I suppose my closest ally would be Freedom Angel, for, perhaps, obvious reasons."

A twinkle graces his eyes as he smiles.

4. "So your name isn't a coincidence? You actually do draw your powers from figures in Judeo-Christian mythology?"

4.No coincidence at all. I was visited by the Archangel Gavriel himself, the Herald and Messenger of God. He told me he was answering my prayers by granting me a small portion of his power. Specifically, the ability to influence sound.

5. Ah. The Archangel of God. I see. I've encountered many sonic controllers with a wide swath of abilities. Could you be a little more specific about your powers?

5. Well, I've found I'm able to cause intense nausea, disorientation, confusion, or even paralysis in my opponents. I can use sound to calm them, anger them, and so on; not mind control, but notable influence on their emotions and mood. I can concentrate it into a sheer thing of brute force, allowing me to knock opponents out. I can use a fancy version of ventriloquism to speak with people far away. I've yet to test it, but I suppose I could, if I wished, talk to everyone on Earth at once. I can even use my powers to fly! And...somehow, I seem to have become even more of a people person. I find it incredibly easy to negotiate with people, calm them down, and so on.

6. Interesting, interesting. Would you describe yourself as a worshiper of the Abrahamic God, or are you simply empowered by his agents?

6.As I said, I was visited by Gavriel in response to my own prayers. So, yes, I worship, as you call Him, the Abrahamic God.

7. I see. Do you find it difficult to work with other heroes who are empowered by the so-called pagan pantheons?

7. Yes and no. It can prove trying at times, depending on their, ah, source of power, and how aggressively they seek to make others aware of that fact. No, in that I have realized and accepted that my job, when I wear this costume, is not to be a preacher. It is to be someone who uses their powers to save lives. I respect people, no matter their creed. I may not agree with that creed, but I respect them as people. Nothing more than what I feel I'm called to do, really.

8. I'm sure that's good to hear. Tell me, do you think other heroes should have a similar agenda when it comes to their relationship with the world?

8. Do you mean, should other heroes not seek to specifically proselytize others to particular belief systems, ideas, or political agendas?

Again, I'd say yes and no. Yes, we shouldn't use our status as "superheros" as a platform to advertise our particular sets of religious or philosophical beliefs, or to advocate for political parties or individuals.

That said, I do believe we have a duty to call attention to issues causing harm to the city. For instance, I always like to raise awareness of how involved teenagers are becoming in criminal activity. Gangs, drugs, individual crimes. There's a whole host of reasons. I'm a firm believer that both public institutions and private citizens should try to work with these teens to provide them with better alternatives. I'm not going to dictate the particulars, because I think there are a lot of good options. Again, I primarily seek to raise awareness. I believe heroes should be willing to take that step in a public manner, if they feel so inclined. It's a delicate balance, I suppose.

9. That's a very good sentiment, I'm sure. The community could use more civic-minded superheroes. What is it about Freedom City that's attracted you to living and working here?

9. Honestly, it was less my individual choice, and more a rather blunt Divine message. So you could say that Someone Else chose this city, and I simply listened and obeyed.

10. I see. Were you told why? Is something going to happen here that our citizens should be made aware of?

10. Nothing specific. It was less of a strictly verbal message, and more that a couple of very obvious signs occurred when Freedom City was on the news one day. For one thing, my rosary glowed with white light. It's wooden, so that's not normal.

I've taken to think I'm simply here to play my part in the greater whole. If and when I'm led elsewhere, I'll go.

11. You sound like a very committed person. Would you say you have a life outside your work?

11. Outside of my hero work? Yes. I do things beyond just being a superhero.

Joan gives him such a look until he elucidates.

Gabriel has the grace to give a small, embarrassed cough.

I have a more normal job, and at least something resembling a social life. It's nothing fancy, but I feel content in my place. Suffice to say, my job outside of the mask helps people as well. I'm afraid I really can't tell you more than that.

I understand; most heroes do prefer their identity to be sacrosanct.

12. What do you think the role of justice should be in society? Do you favor retribution or reconciliation?

12. Justice is, first and foremost, something meant to protect the innocent. That said, I tend to lean much more towards reconciliation, especially for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies. A lot of times, such crimes occur as much because of circumstances as choices.

Don't mistake me; I fully believe people are responsible for their actions. Crimes cannot go unpunished. I simply think that all factors should be taken into account, and efforts should be made to let people pay their debt, then peacefully re-enter society.

Only the worst, unrepentant criminals should feel the greater share of retribution. I won't give a definitive statement on the exact form; not my place. But I do believe there is evil in the world, including truly evil people. And we must ensure, to the best of our ability within the law that these evil people cannot harm the rest of society.

13. I see. As you may know, the state of New Jersey recently abolished the death penalty. Do you favor the use of capital punishment on the worst recidivist super-criminals?

13.I believe that, in my current identity, it would be more prudent for me not to answer that question. My opinions on that are better expressed in my civilian identity, through votes and letters to the appropriate government representatives.

That actually got a smile out of the hard-nosed reporter.

14. Excellent. Tell me, how do you see your role as a superhero developing in the future?

14. Well. I suppose I'll continue to do what I've been doing. Hopefully, in a couple of years, I'll really start to see an impact from my efforts. Beyond that, I might end up joining one superhero group or another. Barring some unique guidance from my Boss, you understand.

15. I've been made aware of a demonic incursion in the city a few months ago. Do you think something like that is planning to happen again soon, and if so, do you have a plan to stop it?

15. I haven't received specific warning about it, and I haven't stumbled on any signs of such a plan. Yet. But, if it does occur, I will put my full effort into stopping it, right alongside the other heroes. My plan isn't extensive, at least not yet. Perhaps if I can integrate better with one team or another, I can make a more extensive plan.

16. Where does your first duty lie as a superhero?

16. To do my best to protect the innocent from threats, both mundane and extraordinary.

17. How do you define innocence, Mr. Gabriel?

17. Hm. Well, I suppose I'll go with the legal definition of innocence. That is, those who are not in the process of committing a crime. The people simply going about their day, living their lives. As I cannot read minds, I cannot judge people on their thoughts, or even perhaps things they've done in secret. But in a hostage situation, the innocent are those not holding a gun to someone's person, demanding money, freedom, etc. Or any similar situation.

18. Do you have a romantic life, Mr. Gabriel, or do you prefer to remain ascetic?

18. I haven't taken any vows of celibacy, if that's what you mean. Beyond that, I feel any detail, or lack of detail, is better left unspoken for the discretion of all involved.

19. Interesting, interesting. What are your views on the world outside of Freedom City? Do you agree with the Pinnacle Path's argument that this is the Calvinist 'shining city on a hill'?

19. The rest of the world? Well, I think people everywhere have value. I suppose Freedom City is special in some ways, but then, every city is special to those who call it home. I don't believe Freedom City is the "greatest city in the world", or anything of that nature. I don't know if I'd agree about the comment of a "shining city on a hill". Plenty of other cities can shine just as brightly. Beyond that, I won't comment on the Pinnacle Path.

20. Well, I think we're about finished. I just have one more question. Why does a man empowered by God and his angels need a secret ID?

20. Hm. A few reasons. First, my power is by no means absolute. It's harder than for the average citizen, but I could be killed. So caution is due. Second, it's only prudent to ensure the safety of my family, friends, and so on. God watches out for us, but it helps if we act intelligently. Actions have consequences, and revealing my identity would have consequences. Finally, and this is perhaps a bit selfish, I need the chance to get away from the overwhelming pressure of being a "superhero". I'm not all-powerful, so I cannot do everything and save everyone. I need time to be myself, to do things I enjoy in other arenas. It keeps me healthy mentally.

After pleasantries were exchanged, Gabriel left money for the waiter and flew off to continue his never-ending quest.