Brown Dynamite

Thaelia was positively beaming as they set their eyes upon the reef. "Places like this make the voyage worth it. I once got lost in one of the forests beneath the sea. Only found my way out thanks to catching sight of one of these reefs. All of them having their unique beauty makes for readied landmarks. I got such a long lecture on how it was improper to run off into a forest without telling anyone when I got home." Thaelia shrugged after her reminiscence had come to a close. The trip out to the Mediterranean was everything she had hoped it would be as far as relaxation went. Actually the past few weeks in general had been pretty great. "Of course there are some less than natural formations lying about that make for good markers as well. Vessels, abandoned cities, even some fortresses that were razed by surface-dwellers and eventually sunk. But as this reef shows, above all there is life down here." The atlantean didn't agree with the use of the sea as a sort of resting ground for the belongings of the surface. However, not everyone on the surface could experience its wonders as easily as Giang, so that was to be expected.

"I'm still not used to it honestly. The world above. I like the surface dwellers, um...people, well enough. But life up there seems to lack the same glory to it. Does that make any sense? Your people tell stories daily of your warriors as they fend off in those square boxes. Why is it only a select few take the efforts to try and commit the feats that would earn them. Would not your world be a better place if everyone aspired to be one of your heroes? I am not implying everyone should be pursuing a warrior's lifestyle. But shouldn't they pursue more meaning?" It was clear that her culture shock hadn't quite faded from life up on the surface. She liked people, but she found it incredibly difficult to relate to the lifestyle of an average civilian in Freedom City. It was a conflict that she often found herself at odds with. Especially as she was most accustomed to matters that she could solve with more straightforward means, as opposed to an abstract understanding of her fellow man. It was a learning process. Luckily, when she was interested in something she put her all into it. Case in point, she quickly moved on from whatever sociological and philosophical difficulties she was having and sped towards her friend. "Have you ever seen a coral reef up close? They're so beautiful. Let us see if we can find one nearby."

Omen didn't flinch at all as the flames came towards his face. At least outwardly, on the inside he was falling apart. The flash of fire brought on memories of his parents when. Hotheads were far and wide far from Erick's ideal opponents. He could feel his heart palpitate as it screamed to be set free from his body. But, Omen would have to put on appearances. Somehow managing to dig deep and chuckle as he waved off the act of intimidation. "I'm shaking in my boots. Really. Now in all seriousness stop playing with that before someone gets hurt." Omen quickly swung the pair of escrima sticks attempting to knock the man out before he would have to deal directly with the flames any more. Avoiding them was one thing but a close up view was a bit too unnerving for comfort even with Omen's level of confidence. Unfortunately his emotions got the better of him and his attack wasn't coordinated properly enough for the pyromaniac to easily swerve his head and avoid blunt objects. Deciding another tact was in order, Omen would begin to holler at the pyromaniac. Hoping to goad him so as to complete ruin his cool so that an opening to take advantage of would open up. "Well, then again. I can see why you wouldn't want me to try and stop you. With those little itty bitty flames. You'd end up the laughing stock of your friends. A burnt out wannabe playing with fire. C'mon you have to already know how this story ends, you might as well just give up big guy. I'm after bigger fish than you tonight."

Seeing as it's gone back around to Omen. He'll do just that. Following up with a bit of a smack, Omen getting a roll of 21 on the attack roll with another DC 21 toughness save. Taking a move action after to Taunt with the -5 hit to his bluff skill (making it a fast task) after, so he can set up an opening for Errant. Alas the -5 hit was brutal getting a 16 opposed by Bluff, Sense Motive, or Will (whichever is best)

Erick exhaled as the woman left. So much for relaxing after his side trip into the club. It seemed he would have a busy night ahead of him after all. The gymnast's eyes would linger out towards the crowd of carnival before his attention returned to Tyrone and the injured man. "I'm sorry for all this unpleasantness. My name is Erick Sloane, pleasure to make your acquaintance and thanks for all this. Uh, should we be doing anything else for this guy now?" Erick's hand shot straight up as he rounded out his greeting by waiting for a handshake. He didn't address the obvious elephant in the room as to what just happened. Some details were best not aired. Especially as Erick hadn't managed to gather all the details of the entire situation himself. La Rosa's influence had to truly be something to garner such a response as retribution. Their response to the direct attack wouldn't be anything less than unpleasant.

Erick looked up at the woman with the death mask. Now that an actual doctor was on the scene he was a bit more relieved to act. "Isabella, if you want his blood on your hands so badly then do not hesitate to shoot through me first. Otherwise, you have done enough. Your message has been read loud and clear by the patrons of this bar. And I'm sure they'll tell their little friends. You are right, things are different here. I don't even begin to understand what sort of outcome you believe you're heading towards by doing this. Other than the illusion of soothing the pain from some sort of personal vendetta the only possible ending for this will be more tears and bloodshed not less." There was a complete lack of confidence in her not going through with it and just shooting Erick to get to Espinho. But better him than the medical professional currently closer to the gun. The man was just an innocent bystander offering to help out, it wouldn't do to let him get hurt on the blonde's behalf. Erick felt as if he had to take some responsibility for placing the mobster in such a vulnerable position so as to allow the woman's vengeance its outlet in the first place. Which made his preparation in dropping to cover the body if need be easier to swallow. His eyes would wander to the gun wondering if he was quick enough to make it if he tried.

Seeing as I disappeared and no one submitted anything here. Although Cubist had his concept. I shall think up another oddball. PL: 10 (150) Theme: Monkey See, Monkey Do! Description: Pretty simple design a character who happens to be a talking monkey, ape, chimp, etc. whose super abilities are coupled with an application in a real career field. I'm talking Detective Chimp , Contest End Time: Friday, July 19th

Omen gets a 27 on his sense motive roll.

There was a time where Thaelia would not have been allowed to travel without armed accompaniment. Either they had more faith in her after a semester without incident or they had just enough faith in the atlantean's roommate to keep her head out of trouble. Both possibilities had the questionable air of assuming that the youth was better at thinking before acting at this point. She hadn't brought the subject up seeing as they were in the comfort of guards back home. But Thaelia had yet to remind her roommate of the risks in the ocean depths that accompanied the wonders. "Well if you enjoy it so much perhaps this can become a regular occurrence? I am forever grateful that the administrators at Claremont roomed me with someone who has a shared appreciation for the ocean. But...barbarians, warlords and the like. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Also remember to keep a vigilant eye in case we run into someone a bit more possessive with their own connection to the sea. Not all creatures are like the rays we're swimming with." The excitement in her voice was palpable. Although she was attempting to warn Giang about possible dangers, it was easy to tell that the atlantean warrior wouldn't be opposed to actually getting into said danger. Being the far less level headed of the pair.

"Something tells me you two won't be becoming prison pen pals." Omen quipped as he noted the interaction between Grab and Velocity. His curiosity was also piqued at the notion of what their goals really were. His curiosity was equally piqued as to whether there was anything deeper going on. The asphyxiation made sure that Omen also wanted some distance from her. Officially finding himself not a fan of Larceny, Inc as the night went on. Not that there was any question in the first place. "Two out of four isn't horrible at least we can take that as a win. Only a matter of time until the other two end up behind bars. The rest of the group seemed a lot more diplomatic than her. 'Course I don't think they kept the Big guy upstairs in on the loop."

GM "Why so curious? Sorry if you think the well is deeper than it really is. But if you weren't here, I can guarantee we would have left with the spoils. Not that our motive is any of your business, Goggles. We could have only come out for sightseeing for all I care. And all you will get outta me. You can go back to letting that hamster wheel inside your head turn." Grab replied brushing off Velocity's attempts at gathering any more information. Her personality made it difficult to tell if she was being difficult for the sake of being difficult or actually guarding information. The elastic grifter's eyes scanned the room before her head tilted in Velocity's direction a coy look on her face. Obviously now intent on being as problematic as she could. "Well, I could be convinced to be a bit more gabby. For a price. This party is just about ruined. So how about you let me take some prison trinkets?"

Thaelia was matching Giang's pace, stroke for stroke. Though not exactly her enthusiasm with the Devil rays. The dark haired teen could barely hold make a smile. The Atlantean royal certainly enjoyed her friend's company and was somewhat relieved when Giang agreed to come to Atlantis in the first place. Especially as it provided the added benefit of Thaelia not having to worry about her roommate being kidnapped. Although some part of her was curious as to what it would be like to have a father have that much of an interest in their child, even if it was for all the wrong reasons. While she would never utter a complaint about her tutelage on the surface world, Thaelia still couldn't help but feel its natural beauty would never compare to the world hidden within the depths of the sea. She was home and her body knew it. With every stroke she felt her heart almost skip a beat with excitement. No longer feeling restricted by the short span of the Claremont's pool. Which over the past few months had become as close to a home away from home as she could get. Not that she would ever admit to being homesick, especially to her family during the course of the previous few weeks. She loved them all the same. But Thaelia was far too prideful to even consider letting that much of a softer side slip out. As sophisticated as the underwater magical society was, they were still a warrior people. Of course that didn't mean they didn't know just how to relax as the atlantean was hoping to show Giang with Crantorium's beauty. "You could easily fool someone into thinking you were a child of the sea at the rate you're going. Haha!"

Omen (20) >Opening Bids (10) >Carnival Night (10) Glamazon (0) GM (9) >Opening Bids (9) (Point to Glamazon and the remainder go to Omen)

"What have you done?!" Erick called out incredulously, a wave of emotion sweeping him as he dropped to the floor. No. Ogod. Nononono. This can't be happening. No. There was absolutely no love lost between Erick and Espinho. If anything he sympathized more with the woman whom had fired the shot in the first place. The gymnast was far from a first responder. But it was all he could do to stop himself from breaking down he had to focus. He knew he couldn't just let the Thorn die even if he was a murderer. Taking off his shirt both to have something to help apply pressure and as some make shift body substance isolation Erick would get to work. Desperately trying to use whatever alcohol was in reach for sterilization. Preferring whiskey but he wasn't completely positive how helpful it would be. Falling back on his limited first aid experience Erick would do everything in his power to stabilize the killer's neck whilst applying pressure so as to stop the bleeding on a now elevated head. Despite managing to somewhat stabilize the stoned faced gangster, Erick was only buying time at best. A gunshot wound, especially one to the head was a matter of time. Add to that the fact Erick wasn't positive he could even transport the guy safely. Espinho's chances of survival couldn't have been great. Not without proper medical assistance. "Help! This man needs medical assistance. Please! Somebody help." At this point Erick had been calling out into the streets hoping someone, anyone, would risk entering the bar and helping. Now would have been a great moment to know portuguese.

Preferably one who is a body horror currently enjoying dance. Oh if only.... Still while shouting out for help Erick has to give it a go with some shoddy for responder medicine...17 better than I would have expected. Especially considering the ranks with the penalty added on amounted to -1.

Omen made a face full of pure discomfort. "Yeah, sure I'm peachy. I think my insides were just violated. And I'm still hoping she washed her fingers. But other than that top of the world. That was easily the most violating near death experience I have ever had. Seriously if there's a self-help group for this I wouldn't be surprised." Omen chuckled as he rose to his feet. Any future meetings with Grab or villains like her would certainly involve a bit less mouthwork on his part. Omen wasn't jesting with how perturbed the woman's attempted asphyxiation had made him. "Anyways, thanks. If it wasn't for you knocking her around like it was going out of fashion I might not be awake for this conversation." Taking another moment to shake any lasting discomfort off.

Hm. On the one hand Jack-of-all trades allows Erick to use medicine untrained. On the other hand, no improvised tools and HP that would be used on temp having it was used on the earlier attack reroll. So would I be correct in assuming an attempted medicine roll would have a -4 penalty?

Happy Birthday, Roo. Don't do anything I wouldn't do...actually it'd be safe for your health to not do anything I would do.

Erick was caught by surprise when the enchanting woman strolled in. There was something grim about her demeanor he couldn't quite place. At least until her all out declaration of war. The reaction shouldn't have gotten past him, she was as much a victim as all of the lives that Espinho took from this world. But that didn't justify the act she wanted to commit. Erick knew he had to try and stop her. Pleading out the man's voice softened far from the fighter who took down the Thorn. Inching ever nearer to the brazen woman. Trying to get close enough to reach for the gun if it came to that. "Isabella. Trust me you don't want to do this. If you pull that trigger that's not something you can come back from. It's not something you will ever forgive yourself for. Your husband wouldn't want this for you. He may have gone about it through the worst possible means. But I'm sure he was only trying to provide the best for you. Please don't let La Rossa take something else from you." The appeal of revenge wasn't lost on Erick. Really it could be argued that the man deserved every bit of vengeance in her heart. But that wouldn't bring back those lost by his hands. It wouldn't take the pain. It wasn't justice, it was just a temporary relief. One that would follow her for the rest of her life. Unless he could put a stop to it.

Erick gave an unimpressed look to the mobster. He was imposing sure enough, but he wasn't going to get the opportunity to live out his demented fantasy. Thrusting his right hand forward, Erick would connect with a blow to the man's jugular. Quick to capitalize, Erick would grab Espinho by the back of his head while he was crouching forward in pain. In that instant bringing the thug's skull towards his knee, forcing the collision with as much strength as his frame could manage. Tossing Espinho aside as he blacked out. No longer concerned with the heavy set man. Well I suppose dragging him to the cops is a job better left to a guy wearing mask. Not saying a word, Erick would walk back over to his still upright table of cards to collect his winnings. Making sure to cut into the silence in the room the tourist would begin to call out. "So, I believe I said I would pay for my beer by the end of the night?" He was starting to get a good enough understanding of how La Rossa operated. And even though he wasn't sure where to begin in tracking down Isabella's sister, it was progress.

So going to take a power attack dropping his attack bonus for more damage. 12. Yeah that's just bad. Spending the Hero Point to reroll. Which gets a much better result of 21 with a TOU save of 20 due to the power attack

Erick wasn't an educated martial artist first and foremost. He certainly knew his way around a brawl. But the blonde man, was an acrobat before all else. Stepping forward and using the table as a launching pad Erick would take to the air. Somersaulting over the stoned face man in the hopes of forcing an opening by misleading him. As graceful as Erick's motions were, they didn't quite provide the room for the stoned face man to lose track of his movements. Which as a performer he couldn't help but take to heart. What his movements did provide where an ample angle to essentially donkey kick the man towards the table. Smashing his head down with the force to really try and sell home the point that the thug might be biting off more than he could chew this time. While Erick wasn't sure how much force the table could take, Espinho just became far more acquainted with that knowledge at least. "Snakes are beautiful creatures and all, don't get me wrong. But I don't particularly care for slithering. I tend to fly. Not that a thorn stuck into the ground could quite get that." Even out of uniform, Erick was a talker.

Erick starts it off with an Acrobatic Bluff as a move action, taking the -5 to his acrobatics skill and getting a 24 on the check as he doesn't have the fast task challenge as a feat. So I'll need a Sense Motive or Acrobatics roll to oppose it. Followed by a much better unarmed attack roll of 29 again with a TOU DC of 18. If the former Acrobatic Bluff was successful the DC is 20 what with being able to make it a sneak attack.

Wasting little time, them blonde would pick himself up and leap into action. Hoping to end the stirred commotion quickly he threw an errant jab only to make contact with air. It seemed as if the stoned face man wasn't inexperienced with his share of scuffles with the ease he managed to avoid Erick's pugilistic effort. Considering the dive's policy for law enforcement, Erick didn't expect that the police would come in to break up the brawl. In fact, he would wager that chances were this was a common sight for the boozehounds around here. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a sore loser? And here I was nice enough to not even raise a complaint about how long you sat with that ace in your pocket." It seemed as if Erick's hopes about ending the commotion as quickly as it started were a moot endeavor. The man was clearly fuming. A notion which suited the acrobatic gymnast all the better. This was a rare situation in which standing out a little would give him a bit more leeway to act in his pursuit of this Rosa gang.

Out of Costume, Erick's Tou is down three. But he makes the TOU roll with a 24. I did, however, do the math wrong when doing the roll and put 7 instead of 6. So the roll should be 23 not 24. Erick manages to stuff said grapple with a 20 on the opposed check.