Airon

Weaver blushed a bit when Fleur complimented him. "Yes... yes it's nice to meet you too, Fleur." he answered. Meanwhile, his brain was screaming Oh boy, I'm really teaming up with Fleur de Joie! They were talking about computer hacking though, and that was a area where he was useless. "We should probably contact this Mr Cameron right now, at least to make sure they didn't have any problems there." he scratched his head under the hood. "Do you think there's a chance that your role as foster super-parents has been revealed for good? Or do you think Madame Zero kept the information for herself?" that was a huge concern of his - Carlton and his wife were doing a priceless service to the City, in an area he hadn't even considered. If the underworld knew, it could make stuff very difficult for them.

Brutus lifted his hands to parry the powerful blow dealt by Lord Steam, but he was too slow and too weak. The cane jerked back the warlord's fingers, and landed on his head, breaking his right eyebrow. As thick, almost purple blood gushed out over his face, Brutus' eyes closed and his knees gave in. With a thunderous thud he hit the floor. He tried for a second to raise a hand, but failed. The three heroes looked around. The once wonderful room of the mansion was half in ruin: spear-holes in furniture and tapestry, cracks in the walls, unconscious bodies all over the floor... behind a large couch that escaped from the mayhem hid the human ambassador and her Atlantean lover. The former was eyeing the door, now partially blocked by Revenant, as if she was planning to run for it.

1d20+11 → [9,11] = (20) Failed! since he's already Staggered, any further damage pushes him into Unconscious - he's down! Leviathan gets an extra HP for fighting bravely until the end against a stronger enemy who had a pickle with him. and of course we're out of round scansion, so whoever wants to post...

grapple 1d20+21 → [12,21] = (33) ok, this thread clearly has some kind of TIE jinx on it. since in contested rolls ties go to the largest bonus, Brutus evades your grapple. He's still dazed from Steam's blow though, so he forfeits his action. Round 6 17 (1) - Lord Steam, 3 HP, unharmed 17 (2) - Leviathan, 0 HP, bruised, fatigued 17 (3) - Revenant, 1 HP, unharmed 16 (1) - Lord Brutus, bruised 3, staggered 16 (2) - 2 guards, unconscious Steam is up.

Hit hard in the solar plexus by Lord Steam, Brutus stumbled backwards, mechanically raising the elbows to protect his face; and again he took a step back, when he absorbed with some difficulty Leviathan's mighty spell. He never even saw Revenant closing in for a grab. The undead girl's hold was strong, but lacked the skill of a professional wrestler; Brutus used his years of formal training in all forms of combat to evade from it, twisting his elbow and wirst to shift all of his arm's strength on Lucy's thumb - that gave in under the expert maneuver. Brutus was injured, almost stunned and defending himself like a trapped beast - but he was still standing "Atlantis' bards write songs about my prowess - anf" he had to catch his breath mid-speech "you cannot best me!" his boast was somewhat less threatening with his arms shielding his face and his voice broken by the heavy breathing.

Weaver Hot and Cold (3 IC posts) Strand of fate (5 IC posts) Presentation! also GMing (1 IC post) + HellQ GM Presentation! also playing (1 GM post) Something Fishy - part 2 (7 GM posts) The Stars Say That... (4 GM posts) so I count 12 GM posts, just enough to transform them into 6 IC posts for Weaver and put him at 15

I apologize for the very long pause - got sidetracked by the holidays. Madame will use her Move Action to get up from Prone And her Standard action to Demoralize Asad 1d20+20 → [14,20] = (34) Sense Motive, Will or Intimidate DC 34 for Asad otherwise he's shaken. Bear will attack Asad once again 1d20+1 → [17,1] = (18) that's a hit. TOU DC 25 Weaver will try to bind definitely Madame with his Snare power 1d20+10 → [11,10] = (21) that's a hit since she's entangled Reflex save for her, DC 20 1d20+8 → [3,8] = (11) failed, she is Bound! --- ROUND 6 The Man-Ape will jump up to Weaver and punch him hard 1d20+10 → [8,10] = (18) wooof but luckily not very precisely. Missed. 29 Man-Ape, bruised 2 22 Catalyst, 1 HP, bruised, fatigued 21 Asad, 2 HP, bruised 14 Madame Marvelous, bruised, Bound and Helpless, with Plot Device 14 two bears, unharmed, one bound and helpless 8 Weaver, 1 HP, bruised Asad, Madame and the bears are in the cage; Madame is helpless so the Device can be removed with a Move Action; Catalyst is just outside, with a clean shot; Weaver and the Man-Ape are up on the wall. Catalyst is up - since she surged last round, she either spends a HP or she's fatigued.

This has gone long enough thought Weaver. With Arug in the air he lacked mobility, but he had a clean shot and took it: a small cape left his costume and enveloped itself around Madame’s ankles, wrists and eyes, completely blocking her. “Now, guys, now! She’s helpless, let’s take away that damn bear-controlling thing!†he yelled at his partners. His screaming grabbed the attention of the confused man-ape, who opted for a good old-fashioned punch to the head as a way of dealing with an enemy. His powerful legs sprung him in the air and on the wall next to Weaver, but his swing was a bit rushed and missed the target.

Madame had almost lost her will to fight, but not her will to scream insane threats and provocations. Badly beaten, she stood up, the prototype on her head shining brightly as she directed the bear against Asad. “This is no toy, you fool! This… anf anf†she had to catch her breath to keep yelling “This is but the first step I take into freeing our brothers and sisters! You corporate mannequin cannot think of stopping me!†her voice was broken and tired, but still vibrant with passion and insanity – backed up by the unnatural sparkle of her eyes and her maniacal grin. As she ended her speech, the bear once again landed a claw on Asad in an attempt to maul the increasingly shaggy-looking hero, now clad only in bloodied rags of his once expensive designer clothes.

1d20+11 → [18,11] = (29) wow I didn't think he'd make it, unbelievable. 17 (1) - Lord Steam, 3 HP, unharmed 17 (2) - Leviathan, 0 HP, bruised (fatigued next round) 17 (3) - Revenant, 1 HP, unharmed 16 (1) - Lord Brutus, bruised 3, dazed for 1 round, staggered 16 (2) - 2 guards, unconscious Revenant is up after Eviscerus' IC post

the critical makes the Sense Motive to avoid flat-footedness moot TOU DC 30 1d20+11 → [9,11] = (20) failed by 10, dazed for another round, and Staggered; we're getting close to an end, but he's still standing. Leviathan is up - you're in melee with everybody else, so even if you use a ranged attack I'm assuming it's point-blank so no -4 for shooting into melee.

Weaver landed smoothly near Rene and Carlton, then stepped down from Arug. He looked at the building the Eye of Justice just left, then at his own apartment a few dozen yards away, then again at the older super-hero. I really should start paying more attention to my surroundings if I am to make it as a super-hero he thought to himself scratching his chin under the scarf this guy is a damn cyborg, and probably a Freedom City legend too! he lives a rock's throw from me and I never even saw him! “I – I’m a bit lost.†he interrupted “I’m Weaver, by the way… †he leaned his hand towards John "Very pleased to meet you, mr Carlton, and you too, Monsieur DeSaens. I'm a big fan of your work - and I'm not only talking about the crime-fighting." he smiled at the old artist, a bit star-struck. “I’m getting that nutcase was after a child, but it seems he’s not yours – so it’s not your basic villainous revenge plan. The League gave you… her child?†his brow furrowed in confusion “And said child has powers? And does he know his heritage?†for a moment Weaver lost control of his usually calm demeanor “For once that the fight with the villain went smoothly… of course there’s complications…†he added in sarcastic whisper after regaining calm.

no problem man, offer still stands

VIGNETTES December 2011 - The mask we wear

The full-speed charge had left Brutus wide open, and even if Revenant's attack was a bit clumsy, it still managed to hit hard: the magically empowered muscles of the undead girl finally succeeded in making a dent in the depths-forged impervious physique of the Atlantean. Brutus stumbled upon the impact - almost stepping on the unconscious body of a guard - losing his balance and landing on a knee. The unexpected blow left even his penchant for over-dramatic provocations and threats without verbal fuel. Just a grunt interrupted his heavy breathing, then the warlord closed his guard trying to catch a moment to recover.

actually, Tiffany, that 15 hits. He has base defense +6, but since he Charged, he suffers a -2. If you want to modify the IC post go ahead. DC 26 TOU for Brutus 1d20+12 → [6,12] = (18) that hurt. another Bruise, and Dazed for 1 round Brutus is dazed, the guards unconscious: neither acts this round. END OF ROUND 4 ROUND 5 17 (1) - Lord Steam, 3 HP, unharmed 17 (2) - Leviathan, 0 HP, bruised 17 (3) - Revenant, 1 HP, unharmed 16 (1) - Lord Brutus, bruised 3, dazed for 1 round 16 (2) - 2 guards, unconscious Lord Steam is up - now everybody who is still standing is in the same melee.

Weaver * 1 pp to background skills: Knowledge [art] 4 * 4 pp to bump up his Device from this to this basically he sews into the flapping scarves of his costumes little blades, and weights of various metals, and uses them as a flail or a whip. Also a tiny addendum in the Power Descrption to explain this new AP. [b][u]Player Name[/u]:[/b] Airon [b][u]Character Name[/u]:[/b] Weaver [b][u]Power Level[/u]:[/b] 10 (158/158PP) [b][u]Trade-Offs[/u]:[/b] +1 Toughness, -1 Defense [b][u]Unspent Power Points[/u]:[/b] 0 [b][u]Progress To Bronze Status[/u]:[/b] 8/30 [b][u]In Brief[/u]:[/b] master carpet-weaver with relatively new-found control over fabric and cloth, family man and protector of the neighborhood. [b][u]Alternate Identity[/u]:[/b] Saeid Ashoubi [b][u]Identity[/u]:[/b] Secret (to all but his close ones) [b][u]Birthplace[/u]:[/b] West End, Freedom [b][u]Occupation[/u]:[/b] High-end carpet maker [b][u]Affiliations[/u]:[/b] ??? [b][u]Family[/u]:[/b] Karim Ashoubi, father; Hediyeh Ashoubi, mother; Masoumeh Kavanagh, sister; Jonah Kavanagh, brother in law; Jamila Naguib, wife (pregnant). [b][u]Description[/u]:[/b] [b]Age:[/b] 32 ([i]DoB:[/i] 01/24/1979) [b]Apparent Age:[/b] Middle-Thirties [b]Gender:[/b] Male [b]Ethnicity:[/b] Middle-Eastern (persian) [b]Height:[/b] 5'10" [b]Weight:[/b] 140 pounds [b]Eyes:[/b] Black [b]Hair:[/b] Black [b][u]Description[/u]:[/b] Saeid is lean and straight, without an ounce of excessive fat on his relatively small frame. Bare-chested, he shows long and thin muscles that wouldn’t be out of place in a middle-distance runner. His hair is black and curly, and he keeps it fairly short to hide the already receding hairline; he also sports a full and well-trimmed beard and moustache. In his civilian persona, he wears standard casual suits, favoring grey and earth-tones, usually with band-collar shirts. He fakes a thick Persian accent, mimicking the way his father talks, though English is his native language. As a professional art retailer he knows very well how to read his interlocutor expression and how to pitch a product; he’s a pretty smooth talker, especially when selling his works. His super-hero costume is composed of several layers of loose, vaguely oriental-looking clothes, with a large cape and several scarves floating around his neck and arms. He wears a cowl, and a scarf covers his mouth and nose. The costume is mostly dark blue, with burgundy and golden inserts. He speaks a perfect, inflection-free English. Arug (pronounced AH-RUG) is a very fancy and thick Persian carpet, with geometric decorations and the same color pattern of his master, about 8’ x 6’. [img=http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/Airon_svntn/Weaver.png] He shouldn't be holding a whip but a scarf... but somehow Herofactory doesn't think a scarf is a plausible hero weapon :mrgreen: Another, more detailed drawing with HeroMachine 3 [spoiler][img=http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/Airon_svntn/WeaverHM3.jpg][/spoiler] [b][u]Power Descriptions[/u]:[/b] Saeid has total control over fabric and cloth of any kind: he can move them around, imbue a semblance of magic life in clothes and carpets. His hands glow faintly in the color of the object he is controlling in said moment. [b][u]History[/u]:[/b] Saeid is a second-generation immigrant from Urmia, western Iran. His parents were one of the few families of Sunni Muslims in a prevalent Shi'ite community, and they moved to Freedom City in 1977. They settled in a very low-rent apartment between Greenbank and the West End. The Ashoubi had a proud tradition as weavers of fine traditional Persian carpets, and it took them little time to find their niche in the growing art and interior design scene of a metropolis like Freedom. They weren’t rich, but managed to give their two children a nice enough childhood and a decent education, and to keep them safe from the criminals of the Greenbank as well as the many crisis that Freedom seems to attract, like the Terminus invasion. The Ashoubis always had a way with looms and fabric, very nimble fingers and a special eye for patterns, but it wasn’t until young Saeid entered the family business, once he completed high-school, that the gift really manifested itself. Where his father could move the threads as he liked with just the tip of his fingers, Saeid could literally make the threads dance just with a gaze. His powers grew with the years, the more he spent weaving, the more his control over fabric and cloth became strong and precise. Any plan he had of joining the many crimefighters of Freedom were put on hold when he fell in love (and after a few years married) Jamina, a smart Egyptian girl who was majoring in Business management with his sister at Freedom College. Saeid had always been involved with the community, helping to resolve disputes between the several minorities of the West End, but it took two very distinct events, between few days of distance, to make a real super-hero out of him. The first was his sister’s wedding to the Irish Jonah Kavanagh. After years spent discussing with her parents to let them accept a marriage outside the Islamic community, a lot of public relations between the two communities, Masoumeh finally got the ceremony she wanted… when the two families started a riot, accusing each other of corrupting their culture. The riot lasted what seemed like hours, and ended only when Siren and Daedalus overcome the Purger aka Will Montgomery, an ignorant and racist man who, in order to impress his idol White Flame, got mind-controlling and hate-spreading powers from Mr. Infamy. By the time Montgomery was sent to Blackgate and the two heroes explained to the families what happened, the ceremony was ruined, three people were dead and Jonah had sustained an injury so dire that he was forced on a wheelchair. Saeid had worked so hard to give her sister a nice life, mediating between the two families, and now everything was ruined because of some idiot with powers. The second event was the “birth†of Arug. When practicing his powers, one night Saeid managed to imbue true life into a wonderful carpet he weaved a few days before. It wasn’t simply animated: it moved and communicated just like a pet. Intentioned to understand his powers and make good use of them, Saeid approached Sallah at the local mosque. The aide of Adrian Eldritch agreed to help him and booked him an appointment with the Master Mage. Under the tutelage Sallah and with occasional help form Eldritch, Saeid learned how to properly use his powers. For a couple of years now he patrolled the neighborhood, but maybe he’s ready to step up and join the major crime-fighters of Freedom… [b][u]Personality & Motivations[/u]:[/b] A rational and pacific man at heart, Saeid has the characteristics of a good mediator. He enjoys a good reputation as a successful businessman and artist, and as a man involved with the social issues of his city. A lifetime of selling his products gave him a good understanding of people, and if it wasn’t for the family, the business (and that darn the hero thing) taking up so much time, he could probably become a half-decent political or social figure. He learned in the worst possible way that he must use ALL his gifts to help the community, not only those who he understands and is comfortable with. After two years, he is pretty confident with his magic, though he hasn’t tried to bring true life into another inanimate object. His first priority is to defend his family and neighbors but after every lesson with Sallah and Eldritch he understands his powers a little better and is ready to confront something stronger. [b][u]Powers & Tactics[/u]:[/b] So far Saeid has mostly operated keeping his neighborhood safe form criminals, more than fighting super-villains. His modus operandi involves sneaking on his adversaries using Subtle flight and his stealth skill, then flapping scarves around their eyes (Obscure) while he or his magic carpet rescue the victim of the ill-intentioned. If forced into a fight, he takes control of the enemy’s clothes, tightening them around the limbs (Snare) or, if he’s really pissed, around the throat (Suffocating Damage). If the adversaries aren’t wearing suitable clothes (as in: naked or wearing battle-armor or such), Weaver’s costume provides enough scarves and capes to throw at them. He is also well-versed in confounding enemies by moving pieces of his costume where he isn’t (feinting, distract, redirect). He sewed little weights and blades of various metals (silver for demonic creatures, cold iron for faes, etc...) into his costume, and he can hit with them as if using a whip or a flail. Arug's primary role is transportation, with its massive strength it can carry a lot of weight. In combat, Weaver instructs it to take bystanders to safety first, then to tackle minions, by sneaking up on them and starting a grapple. If it has to fight face to face, it usually swooshes close to the ground (Prone Fighting) to enhance his defense. It communicates with Saeid by simple few-words empathic sentences, as in “danger left!†or “all safe, go!â€. [hr][/hr] [b][u]Complications[/u]:[/b] [b]Secret Identity[/b]: Six persons know about Saeid powers and second life: his parents, his sister, his wife, Adrian Eldritch and Sallah. He’s trying really hard not to make this number grow. [b]Family man[/b]: both his wife and his parents still work at the carpet store with him, the father helping with the weaving and the women overlooking the economic side; with a baby on the way, a family business relying mostly on him and his efforts in the community, sometimes the super-hero life stretches him too thin. [b]Prejudice[/b]: even in the modern and open-minded Freedom, muslims and middle-eastern people find ignorant persecutors… and that’s without counting maniacs like White Knight. [b]How did I do that?[/b]: his powers are relatively new. He knows next to nothing about magic, even if Sallah and Eldritch are teaching him. [b]Never in the Big Leagues[/b]: Saeid mostly fought common criminals and low-level super-villains. He still has to face one of the terrible menaces that pop up so commonly in Freedom. [b][u]Attributes[/u][/b] 0+6+6+2+6+6= 26 pp STR 10 (+0) DEX 16 (+3) CON 16 (+3) INT 12 (+1) WIS 16 (+3) CHA 16 (+3) [b][u]Combat[/u][/b] 8+10= 18 pp Attack: +4 (+10 w/Cloth Magic) Grapple: +4 / +10 using Move Objects (limited to people wearing clothes; limited to pinning/holding) Defense: +9 (base defense 5, dodge focus 2, shield 2) +3 flat-footed [+7 w/o costume, +3 flat-footed w/o costume] Knockback: -6, -5 flat-footed, -3 no costume, -2 no costume, flat-footed Initiative: +3 [b][u]Saving Throws[/u][/b] 5+6+4= 15 pp TOU: +11 (+3 Con, +6 Protection, +2 Defensive Roll) WILL: +8 (+3 Wis, +5) REF: +9 (+3 Dex, +6) FORT: +7 (+3 Con, +4) [b][u]Skills[/u][/b] 96 ranks= 24 pp Bluff 10 (+13) Concentration 9 (+12) Craft (artistic) 12 (+13) Diplomacy 9 (+12) Gather Information 7 (+10) Knowledge (Art) 4 (+5) Knowledge (Arcane Lore) 4 (+5) Knowledge (Streetwise) 9 (+10) Languages 2 (Arabic, English) (Farsi [Native]) Notice 10 (+13) Sense Motive 10 (+13) Stealth 10 (+13) [b][u]Feats[/u][/b] 25 pp Attack Specialization 3 (Cloth Magic) Benefit (Wealth 1) Defensive Roll Distract (Bluff) Dodge Focus 2 Precise shot Redirect Sidekick 14 (Arug) Taunt [b][u]Powers[/u][/b] 36+12+1+1= 50 pp [b]Cloth Control Array 16[/b] (32pp; [i]PF[/i]: Alternate Powers x3, Split Attack) [36 pp] [array][b][u]BP[/u]: Snare 10[/b] ([i]Extra[/i]: Constricting; [i]PFs[/i]: Obscure Sense [Visual], Reversible) {32/32 pp} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Damage 8[/b] (suffocating damage)([i]Extras[/i]: Alternate Save [Fortitude], Duration [concentration], Range [Ranged]) {32/32 pp} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Obscure 10[/b] [visual senses] (1 mile) ([i]Extra[/i]: Selective, Independent; [i]PF[/i]: Reversible) {31/32 pp} [u]AP[/u]: [b]Move Object 10[/b] (Effective strength 50, Heavy Load: 12 tons)([i]Extra[/i]: Range [Perception]; [i]Flaw[/i]: Limited [Only Clothlike Materials]; [i]PFs[/i]: Precise, Subtle) {22/32 pp}[/array] [b]Device 3[/b] (Weaver costume, 12/15 pp of powers; hard to lose) [12 pp] [device][b]Cloth control array 0[/b] ([i]PF[/i]: AP) [array][u]AP[/u]: [b]Damage 10[/b] ([i]PF[/i]: Extended reach 3, Improved critical, Triggered [being grappled], Variable descriptor 1 [different metal weights and blades]){17/32 pp}[/array] [b]Flight 1[/b] (10 MPH/100 ft per round) ([i]Flaw:[/i] Gliding; [i]PF[/i]: Subtle) (can’t fly on his own, but he can pull off a Batman-like entrance) [b]Immunity 1[/b] [environmental cold] [b]Protection 6[/b] (surprisingly resistent magic-cloth armor) [b]Shield 2[/b] (scarves flap around deflecting blows)[/device] [b]Enhanced feat 1[/b] [Quick change] [1 pp] [b]Super-Senses 1[/b] Communication Link (Arug) [mental][1 pp] [b][u]DC Block[/u][/b] [code]ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 15 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Snare Ranged DC 20 Reflex (staged) Entangling, Binding Constricting Bound victims DC 20 Toughness (staged) Damage (physical) Whip/flail Touch (ext 15 ft.) DC 25 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) Suffocating Damage Ranged DC 23 Fortitude (staged) Damage (physical) Trip(move object) Perception DC 20 Max [Str;Dex] Prone TOTALS: ABILITIES (26) + COMBAT (18) + SAVES (15) + SKILLS (24) + FEATS (25) + POWERS (50) - DRAWBACKS (0) = 158/158 SIDEKICK: Arug - Sidekick 14 (68/70 pp) Weaved by Supercape Power Stunts for Cloth Magic Array Elongation 1 (5 ft) Immunity 30 (Fortitude) Protection 5 Super-Strength 3 (Effective STR 31; Light Load 612 lbs, Heavy Load 1840 lbs) (6 pp) Super-Senses 1 (Communication Link with Saeid) [mental] - due to the Mental link PF of Saeid’s power Super-Senses 3 (Accurate Radio Sense) (3 pp) DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 18 Toughness (Staged) Damage (Physical) DRAWBACKS -2-1-3-2= -8 pp No Hands (-4 on manipulation skills, minor, common) -2 Mute (minor, uncommon) -1 No Normal Senses (common, moderate) -3 Vulnerable [fire] (minor, common) -2 STATS -13 + COMBAT 10 + ST 8 + SUPERPOWERS 53 + SKILLS 3 + FEATS 7 - DRAWBACKS 8 = 60

yes, I did that on purpose since I had this question: what would be the proper Knowledge to know about cosmic stuff? like streetwise for street crime, is there a skill to know about Star Khan, Grues, etc?

Weaver December vignette (I wrote it as a "The mask we wear" vignette, but I realize it can just as well qualify as a "First Time") A carefully crafted mix of style and substance the West End “The bulk of it should be tough and close-fitting†whispered Jamila in Saeid’s ear “what do you think about that navy blue over there?†she pointed at one of the huge yarns in the warehouse “it will blend into the night, wouldn’t it?†A few days before, he confessed her his idea of becoming a super-hero, using his fabric-controlling magic to help the neighborhood. And after a lengthy discussion and having given her final approval, Jamila took charge of the operation of creating a proper costume. He loved how much thought she put into things, how many sides of every situation she was able to see. It reminded him of the first time he saw her. “Oh, Saeid, welcome!†greeted him Miriam. She kissed him on both cheeks “Thanks a lot for the mint tea, it’s delightful!†“Thank you for the invite, Miri… I was prepared to spend another evening working…†She grinned in response “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about not working: my friend Jamila is in the kitchen, she’s preparing her most famous tabulè… surely she could use a helpful hand.†“Miri, are you trying to set me up again?†he poked her side playfully. “No, no, this time is totally different.†“How?†“This time it might just work!†Back at home, husband and wife were looking at their purchases. “I think I should weave three or four scarves under there. I can have them floating in front of me deflecting blows.†Saeid waved in front of the mannequin wearing the preliminary draft of his costume. “What if you make them longer, and made it so that they envelop you? They’ll provide additional protection, and when you move them all your body would seem to shift.†“That’s unsettling.†“That’s the point! You’ll scare the S#!£ out of them!†He looked at her surprised. Vulgar language wasn’t her trademark. “Heh. I’m sorry.†She smiled innocently “I’m really getting into this thing!†The boiling oil hissed as she dropped the minced vegetables in “A few minutes, we don’t want to fry them, just… let’s give them a golden shade. They’ll taste better and the colors will pop on the yellow of the saffron base.†Saeid looked at the remaining ingredients on the table “So now we should put on the couscous the cumin and the basil, right?†Jamila smiled and waved her index “Just a teeny tiny bit. We want everybody to choose how strong they want it. When you get better at cooking it, you could gamble on everybody’s taste.†“What if I don’t get better?†“Oh, if you keep me as a teacher, you’ll become amazing!†Jamila rubbed her chin, looking at the mannequin perplexed. The costume was getting sturdier and more impressive, allowing freedom of movement as well as impressive theatric tricks “What if you run into something more dangerous than thieves and enforcers? This city is full of maniacs and aliens. Don’t you want something stronger?†He kissed her on the hair “I thought about that.†He grabbed a bunch of weights and small metal blades from a counter “I thought about weaving these into the costume, then twirling the scarves I’ll have something akin to a flail. But I’ll wait until I get better… I don’t want to accidentally cripple somebody.†“Now we add the meatballs – you could serve them aside, but they add substance as well as provide color contrast. You want both style and core elements merging together. A perfect mix of the twoâ€. They served it and all their friends ere enthusiast. Jamila playfully deflected every compliment towards Saeid. They started several recurring jokes that night that would accompany them in their first dates. Saeid’s fingers were moving, nimbly directing an mute symphony, and the threads danced accordingly making the costume grow from a bunch of yarns and loose threads. “You’re getting better.†smiled Jamila as she leaned on him in a tired hug. “It’s easier than cooking – but I don’t have as amazing a teacher for it.†She chuckled “Speaking of which – what do you say about a special ‘cooking lessons’ to celebrate this beautiful costume?†Saeid winked at her “We’re going to make a mess of the ‘kitchen’, honey.†“Oh… it comes with the activity.†They started kissing as the last threads interwoven themselves and completed the costume.

17 (1) - Lord Steam, 3 HP, unharmed 17 (2) - Leviathan, 0 HP, bruised, dazed 17 (3) - Revenant, 1 HP, unharmed 16 (1) - Lord Brutus, bruised 2 (-2 Def for 1 round) 16 (2) - 2 guards, unconscious Revenant is up

Player Name: Airon Character Name: Saiph Power Level: 7 (108/111 PP) Trade-Offs: -1 Attack / +1 Damage, -1 Defense / +1 Toughness Unspent Power Points: 3 Progress To Bronze Status: 4/30 In Brief: Former component of an all-powerful Gestalt hero, trying to adjust after the loss of his partners. Alternate Identity: Luke Perrin Identity: Secret Birthplace: Boston, MA Occupation: hero, high school student Affiliations: Claremont Academy, formerly the Seven Stars of Orion and the Lor Republic Family: Donovan Perrin (father), chef; Geena Lovato (mother), accountant Description:[floatr][/floatr] Age: 18 (DoB: 1993 [February 26th]) Apparent Age: 16 Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5’10’’ Weight: 150 lbs Eyes: brown Hair: brown Luke is a normal teenage boy in good physical shape. He appears and behaves as a slightly younger man than his official registry age, since he didn’t age for the bigger part of the last two years. His body is fit and lean, his hair is cut short so that he doesn’t have to bother combing it. He has seven small (ping-pong ball sized) marks of stars - similar to tattoos - composing the Orion constellation on his body: three constituting the belt on his lower abs, two on his shoulders and two on his thighs; the Saiph mark (on his right leg) is much darker and noticeable than the others. He doesn’t like to show them, and usually wears blue jeans and slim-fitting shirts and sweaters. As Saiph, his body is enclosed in a jet black suit covering everything but his face, with the seven stars of Orion shining in place of his marks. Power Descriptions: When he uses his powers, the Saiph star on his suit shines brightly. His powers manifest as blinding white light, surrounded by a reddish and fainter glow, generating from his hands. He can project it as beams towards his enemies, or use it as propulsion for super-sonic flight. He also has latent telepathic abilities - now almost null and dormant after the accident, but still there. All his powers have the “Cosmic Energy†descriptor and the “Bestowed by Lor†origin. History: Orion the Star-Mace is one of the greatest heroes of the Milky Way. The technocrats of the Procyon system, feather in the cap of the Lor Republic, found a way of harnessing and storing massive amounts of Cosmic Energy, and used it to power the Hrliiekt-Joood, (Giant Hunter) a benign behemoth chock-full of energy. They uploaded into this being seven of the keenest scientific and tactical minds found in among the Lors, and launched him into space. Known by many names, Orion travelled the galaxy fighting its most fearsome foes. After centuries of battle, it finally came to a defeat against an unspeakable evil. Only one of the seven minds - named Hilac - managed to detach a small portion of the collapsing body, carrying the source of Cosmic Energy, and ended up crash-landing on a small planet called Earth. Sixteen-year-old Luke Perrin was a having the time of his life. His high school in Boston was in the middle of an intercultural program that welcomed guests from schools all around the world. Luke and his friends were spending mornings working on a great model UN and afternoons chaperoning cute foreign girls around the city. It was when Luke (together with six friends from the program) was enjoying a sunset in the park that the relict seared through the sky and crashed into the woods. The seven teenagers couldn’t contain their curiosity and got near the crash-site. It was Ludwig, a cocky German student, the one who first decided he wanted to touch the relict. The other six followed. When all seven hands had touched the remaining of Orion, their minds exploded into the cosmos, instantly learning about the Lor scientists, Orion and his purpose. Each one of them was imbued with a sparkle of the cosmic energy that powered the behemoth. Their bodies became space-resistant and able to wield the cosmic energy. Their minds could connect with each other instantly over any distance. They became aware of cosmic threats. Their most impressive power was that they could merge together, and give new life to Orion the Star-Mace! They named each other after the Seven brightest Stars of the Orion Constellation: Rigel, Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Saiph, Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak. Initially they tried to keep it a secret, sneaking out to be super-heroes. When the multi-cultural project ended, each one brought back his gift to his home country. But once you have tasted the cosmic power, its call is too strong. To know of such menaces out there, to know that you could end them, it is unbearable. They all mentally connected and decided together. The next day Luke confessed the secret to his parents, showed them what he could do, and informed them that he was going to merge indefinitely with the others to fight the good fight in the depths of space. He flew out under his star-power when they were still protesting and trying to stop him. The seven youths met on the Moon, and merged together for good while watching their home planet. They spent the next two years coexisting into a single body for weeks at the time, and always mentally connected even when separated. Their minds got so accustomed to work as one that they barely needed to speak anymore, as they usually shared the same thoughts. They fought the such of Star-Khan and the Gorgon. But if for the original Lor uber-minds it took several centuries to find a fight too big, for these kids it only took two years. Orion was on the verge of being destroyed against a world devourer: when all seemed lost they decided to divide into their original selves trying to save at least some of them. Only Luke (Saiph) and Yolanda (Mintaka) were able to flee. The other five were sucked into a cosmic vortex and got lost in space. The pain of the mental connection shattering left the two survivors stunned and shocked. They woke up hours later, drifting in the void. It took them four days of space travel to get back to the Solar System, four days without food nor sleep that tasked even their enhanced metabolism. Once on Earth, Yolanda went back to Poland. Luke tried to convince her to stay and fight evil together, but she was still shocked by the sudden loss of what had been her world for the last two years; she powered down instantly, severing the last mental link between the Seven Stars of Orion. They parted with few words and a lot of tears. Luke, 18 by the books, but 16 in appearance and education, drifted to the world-famous Claremont Academy, hoping to finish his education and finding help to recover his previous team. Personality & Motivation: Luke has a strong sense of responsibility but little of the experience and common sense needed to support that. He was incredibly happy of being a part of Orion, bringing justice and peace in the galaxy. Now that his power has been severely resized, he still wants to help, though he may lean towards feeling useless battling common crime after years spent facing cosmic-level threats. He is very much a team player, almost too much: he’ll probably criticize partners who don’t assist each other in battle, and has a short temper for individualist. After years as part of an amazingly well-oiled team, it’s pretty much guaranteed he’ll find it harder to work with new partners who don’t share a common mind. The biggest obstacle to his happiness is the loss of the other former components, a tragedy that can bring him to a gloomy and depressed mood. It also brings him to take as a personal responsibility the safety of every member of his group, and he sees as egoistic on his side not to take a hit for a teammate. He also feels terribly for the way he left his family. Powers & Tactics: If he has to face a threat alone, he’ll act as a straight-up blaster, keeping distance and attacking from far away, trying to modulate his energy emission to exploit vulnerabilities. In a team, he’ll gladly use his incredible speed to fly on the battlefield confusing enemies and shielding teammates. Complications: Secret identity? Why?: in the universe he was famous as Orion, here on Earth he should be keeping a lower profile, but he really isn’t very careful. I used to be big: oh boy, did he. He may forget to be a small fish from time to time, and take on a much bigger threat than advisable. Why did you go left?: he assumes every team has to perform as flawlessly and smoothly as the Seven Stars of Orion, and expects assists and cohesion even when he probably shouldn’t. It was my fault: it wasn’t really, but he still has huge amounts of survivor’s guilt. It’s too painful for him the idea of losing another teammate: if a member of a new group would be in mortal danger, he will probably try to sacrifice himself instead. I’ll get them back: He still looks for a way of finding his missing teammates. He’ll bother every super-scientist in the City searching for help. Out of place: he basically abandoned his entire life to be a part of Orion. It will be hard, after almost two years, to regain normality. Also, he still hasn’t seen his parents about his return, and though he misses them, he is ashamed of how he left. Vulnerability: Fear-inducing, despair-inducing, or dream-inducing effects may trigger the shock of his teammates’ loss. Any effect that brings to the surface those memories is likely to devastate him. Abilities: 2 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 2 = 20 pp Strength 12 (+1) Dexterity 12 (+1) Constitution 18/14 (+4/+2) Intelligence 16 (+3) Wisdom 14 (+2) Charisma 12 (+1) Combat: 8 + 8 = 16 pp Initiative: +5 Attack: +4, +6 blast/dazzle Grapple: +5 Defense: +6 (+4 Base, +2 dodge focus), +2 Flat-Footed Knockback: -4 Saving throws: 5 + 5 + 2 = 12 pp Toughness +8 (+4 con, +4 protection), +2 powered down Will +7 (+2 wis, +5) Reflex +6 (+1 dex, +5) Fortitude +6 (+4 con, +2) +4 powered down Skills: 44/44 ranks = 11 pp Bluff 6 (+7) Craft [electronics] 2 (+5) Computers 2 (+5) Diplomacy 6 (+7) Knowledge [physical sciences] 2 (+5) Knowledge [current events] 7 (+10) Knowledge [tactics] 2 (+5) Knowledge [technology] 2 (+5) Language 3 (English [native], French, German, Lor) Notice 6 (+8) Sense Motive 6 (+8) Feats: 6 pp Dodge Focus 2 Improved Initiative Interpose Luck Set-up Powers: 24 + 22 = 46 pp Lor Cosmic Enhancements Container 4.8 (24 points) [24 pp] Communication 1 (mental, 10 feet) [1 pp] Enhanced Constitution 4 (to 18/+4) [4 pp] Feature 1 (Environmental Adaptation [zero gravity]) [1 pp] Flight 1 (10 mph, 100 ft per move action) [2 pp] Immunity 7 (all environmental conditions, all suffocation) [7 pp] Immunity 2 (need for sleep, starvation and thirst; i]Flaw: Limited [half effect]) [1 pp] Protection 4 [4 pp] Space travel 1 (1c) [1 pp] Super-senses 3 (extended for all vision; ultra-vision) [3 pp] Starpower Projection Array 10 (20 pp of powers; PFs: Alternate Power x2) [22 pp] BP: Blast 8 (PF: Accurate, Improved range [200 ft increments], Precise, Variable descriptor [any electromagnetic]) [20/20] AP: Dazzle Visual 8 (PF: Accurate, Improved range [200 ft increments], Precise, Ricochet) [20/20] AP: Flight 9 (10,000 mph, 19 miles per move action; PF: Move-by action, Moving feint) [20/20] Drawbacks: -3 pp Normal Identity: (Frequency: uncommon [free action to touch tattoo]; Intensity: major [loss of all powers]) [-3] DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 16 Toughness (staged) Damage (Physical) Blast Ranged DC 23 Toughness (staged) Damage (Energy) Dazzle Ranged DC 23 Reflex, then Fortitude Blinded Totals: Abilities (20) + Combat (16) + Saving Throws (12) + Skills (11) + Feats (6) + Powers (46) + Drawbacks (-3) = 108/111 Power Points

TOU for the guards 1d20+5 → [3,5] = (8) 1d20+5 → [11,5] = (16) they're both unconscious you can get to Brutus and Leviathan with your normal movement. Leviathan is up after Steam's IC post - remember to save against Brutus's attack.

TOU DC 26 for Brutus 1d20+13 → [11,13] = (24) another bruise Brutus Move action: Intimidate (-5) on Revenant, do demoralize her. He'll take 10 with skill mastery. DC 20 (highest of intimidate, sense motive and Will) or be shaken. Standard action to charge at Leviathan (as per house rules), Power Attack shifted +2 (so with the modifiers for the charge he is at -2 def, +2 damage) 1d20+10 → [12,10] = (22) TOU DC 27 for Leviathan Guards: Standard attack, one at Steam, the second at Revenant 1d20+5 → [7,5] = (12) 1d20+5 → [11,5] = (16) both miss END OF ROUND 3 ROUND 4 17 (1) - Lord Steam, 3 HP, unharmed 17 (2) - Leviathan, 0 HP, unharmed 17 (3) - Revenant, 1 HP, unharmed 16 (1) - Lord Brutus, bruised 2 (-2 Def for 1 round) 16 (2) - 2 guards, unharmed Steam's turn (now Brutus is no longer at melee distance for Revenant and Steam, but the guards are).

Revenant hit hard, and Brutus definitely felt the blow - he exaled in pain and bent a it forward as the fist impacted on his stomach. The evergrowing rage shone red in his eyes as he tossed aside the undead girl. He gave her just a scowl, even if she'd been the most serious threat so far "Out of my way, woman! I shall deal with you after the monster." The guards attempted two clumsy spear thrusts against the more expert Revenant and Lord Steam; as their attacks predictably failed, Lord Brutus's veins throbbed under his pale skin as he called upon every bit of strength he had. Then he sprinted towards Leviathan, jumped in mid-run, raised his elbow and landed it on Leviathan's shoulder.

Weaver reacted slowly, a bit startled not only by the biggest baddie he ever faced, but also by his first fight side by side with two Freedom City legends. It was Fleur’s talk about a child to wake him up. He didn’t really had a clue about what was going on, and wasn’t sure he could do much that the others weren’t going to do better. Madame seemed interested in the building next to his, so he directed Arug just between her and the door. “I have to say, I’m amazed by what you have done to the neighbor†he joked then, hiding his preoccupation with snark “the kids will love it!†he kept moving while talking, trying not to give away his position to the blinded villain “I suggest you just let them enjoy the sight and follow my colleague’s advice: call it a day, Madame!â€