Brown Dynamite

"The sea isn't only made up of Atlanteans and Deep Ones. There are a wide range of creatures that inhabitant the world outside of the view out. We, Atlanteans, are a warrior people. With all that implies good and bad, not every one of my kind swears their loyalty to King Theseus, the man you may know as Sea King. Some separate becoming warlords, barbarians, or maybe just travelers, and hermits. The more barbaric ones occasionally raid ships for profit and enjoyment. I find stopping them to be just as fun." Thaelia responded matter-of-factly while crossing her arms. She didn't quite get the subtlety of whatever Subito was trying to get across with the jumbled up defense of the mate. It was in no way a statement on Atlanteans and moreso on her own personal views. Although the lecture could have sounded like some sort of guest circuit speaker on Atlantean culture, skimping over important details on politics and such, her summary was merely a product of her upbringing and what she considered worth mentioning. Her head instantly snapped in Tona's direction eyes brimming with curiosity. "Most exciting part? Can we start with there instead of the library? The last library I was in I ended up breaking with a stone pillar."

I don't see it as Typhon having nothing to gain. There is one daka crystals coupled with whatever orichalcum he has access to would lead to pretty well armed. Actually, can you imagine how the two mix in general? And although Typhoon can seemingly take the place at will. If he really could, it begs the question why hasn't he? I'd go as far as saying he's tried and has only reached the point of almost succeeding. But even without him. There's plenty of possibilities of who could be pulling the strings in such a situation. It may even be a joint effort by more than one villain, or a new original guy. Maybe someone doesn't feel White Lion is worthy of the title of king anymore, and seeks to not only take over Dakana but expand its territory into Atlantis and other isolated lands with no UN foothold. Just spitballing here.

GM It didn't take Velocity long to reach the top deck. It was no surprise as it didn't take her long to do much of anything else. Whizzing by at speeds invisible to the naked eye she'd be greeted to the unfortunate surprise of the craggly musclebound Smash. Whom was currently guarding his deck full of hostages in his single mounded pursuit to follow whatever orders he had been given previously Secretly part of him was hoping that one of them would make a move so that he could go off script. Standing still and doing nothing was far too boring a use for the former pugilist. The passengers for their part were slowly inching towards the edges of the deck. Other than the occasional sob not a single peep could be heard. One brave man sought to make himself an example by defiantly standing up to Smash. After taking a few steps forward the man was sent flying into the sea by a glancing blow. Luckily, he was left relatively unharmed simply winded for a moment as he struggled to stay afloat. Upon gathering his bearings, the civilian would begin swimming to shore like those whom had taken the leap before. Unfortunately, the distraction had served to get Velocity within Smash's line of sight. "Oh pretty underwear lady. You gonna be in trouble if you no listen!" ------- Elsewhere, Erick had managed to safely land on the middle deck of the boat. And as far as he could tell he was completely alone. If one didn't count the various items and offers on display. None of which had been tampered with or stolen. A few fragile items such as vases had been knocked over in the initial commotion when the ship was first boarded by Smash. But other than that he was completely in the free and clear to make his way to his own display case. The one which placed an offer on a free boat ride with Erick Sloane to the winning purchase of the old family fishing boat. The blonde was positively livid as he pulled out a briefcase from underneath the case.

Omen nodded accepting the terms. "Fifteen minutes seems long enough to get a quick snack. Just try and avoid any recruitment posters. The allure of joining the eye in the sky probably loses its luster after the first ride in the Max Armor." The blonde quipped swinging his legs onto the ground before rising comfortably to his feet. Whistling ever so slightly as the upbeat man got ready to leave the room. The very notion of being deputized by AEGIS was quite fascinating in its own right. Especially with the all access pass around in a facility that was out of an old school blend of sci-fi and spycraft novels. Suffice to say the energetic boy inside of him was loving every minute of it. Erick was not one to ever lose track of just how fun putting on a cape and cowl could be. It was the little things like a Russian adventure in which he was to take part in helping take down a terrorist cell on the high seas. Straight up reverse piracy. He could probably do with keeping a more serious line of thinking. But it was so hard when the words came out so enjoyably.

GM The commotion did absolutely nothing to stop Smash from reaching the top deck of the yacht. Making his way to the center of the deck, Smash would raise his large boot into the air before slamming with enough authority that he was sure to get the attention he wanted. "Listen up, do what Trap-Door want and nobody get hurt. Don't and me smash!" The threat may not have been the most articulate one ever uttered, but it certainly got the job done. Megan had lucked out, due to the massive size of the yacht it needed a bit more storage space than the average vessel. With the rest of the passengers otherwise occupied in terror by Smash. Those who hadn't elected to simply jump overboard would not be aware of her slipping into an unoccupied broom closet. It wouldn't, however, be the most comfortable fit.

If you're trying to avoid mighty whiteyness I'd say it's the rate of assimilation and getting the status that might be the problem. The rest of which don't make. But really as long as the reason Tona and co are succeeding isn't by virtue of simply being a foreigner. And instead by virtue of their own merits and y'know crime fighting experience I don't think there's a real issue. It's not as if it's regular old joe smcho and his band of plumbers getting a +20 circumstance bonus from radical whiteness.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Sorry about this. Erick considered slipping away, there was after all a scrambling crowd to hide behind. It wasn't all that impossible to think that they could get separated. But this shake up was all the reminder he needed to keep his personal relations at an arm's length. Chances were that his next act was going to kill any impression he had made thus far. The blonde man sprinted for the port side of the deck and grabbing the railing it appeared as if he simply leapt over. Outwardly it seemed as if he was making a cowardly leap for survival without bothering to check on his dance partner. In reality he was using the railing as a pivot point to help launch himself to the lower deck. Where a bit more privacy could be afforded.

Free Action: Omen draws his Escrima Sticks. Thanks to his Quick Draw feat this is a free action. Move Action: Omen moves to try and acrobatic bluff our pyromaniac friend. He takes a Fast Task Challenge to accelerate an the Bluff into a move action at a -5 penalty. Getting a 26 Standard Action: Assuming he's within 5' to take a step during his action, Omen follows up with a swing of those very same Escrima Sticks with a roll of 29 which should bring with it a DC 21 toughness save. 23 if he the Acrobatic Bluff succeeds due to sneak attack. Edit: I forgot that Bluffing sets up a sneak attack as well. I always forget that.

Erick wanted to groan as he almost fell to his feet from the movement the massive yacht had been engaging in. Far more than was obviously expected in the evening. The loud clanging of an uninvited guest scaling the ship didn't add any bouts of inspired enthusiasm either. Erick would go on to look around rather frantically for some sort of opening not fond of what he assumed was some roundabout hostage situation. Of course, how could my night go any other way? As much as he enjoyed his job, he really was wishing the career path came with a night off. Almost at odds with that wish he was at least grateful that the auction items were only one floor lower. Attending an event hosted by acquaintances of the Sloane family gave him a little leeway. "Still one of the better high society events I've attended." He let out, sighing as a plan of action began to form.

True. But figured might as well have 'em now for when they do come into play. Omen gets a 18 Trap Door a - 12 Smash a - 8 Grab- 5 Get-Away - 44

Seeing as we'll need it soon. Roll for initiative.

GM Suddenly a loud ringing noise pierced the sky before the roar of the engine starting up echoed throughout.the craft. Everyone on board would be jerked back as the vehicle began jettisoning itself forward. Those on the boarding ramp at the time were knocked into the water below. Landing safely, but no doubt ruining at least one outfit. The yacht's speaker system would kick in and a gruff voice would begin to echo throughout the boat. "Ladies and gentlemen this is your captain speaking. Seeing as you are all in such a charitable mood, I trust you won't mind a little change in the itinerary. Tonight you get the honor of not pretending like you care about the poor in this city and actually giving back. Careful it's going to be a bumpy ride." The so called captain's warning did not need much explanation A loud thud followed by the entire vessel being rocked. Those on the starboard side of the ship would be able to see that the cause was the grey skinned villain known as Smash. A member of Larceny, Inc. one of FCPD's most wanted crew of super criminals. The man who looked as if he was chiseled from literal granite slammed onto the vessel with such velocity that it was only a matter of physics defying luck that the luxury vehicle wasn't torn asunder The passengers were in a state of panic many screaming for help and running all over the deck. Some even attempted to jump of the vessel having decided the cruise was not in their best interest.

Isn't 90% of the Legion of Heroes semi-obscure by default? Certainly an interesting variation of Matter-Eater Lad's deal.

Erick moved to go along with the stride of the music. He wasn't stumbling or the like that was never an issue balance wise. Nor was it that he particularly lacked rhythm. The dance floor was just simply not the environment his grace was often applied in. Of course he wasn't aiming to make a fool of himself either so carrying on with a confident expression as he returned the woman's smile with one of his own. "Indeed, we'll just have to make them a memorable thirty minutes." He gave a curt nod as he went along with their motion. Compared to how he spent his evenings usually, it was a certainly a nice change of pace. He almost had to remind himself not to get too comfortable.

Clad with Megan around his arm, Erick would lead the pair to the dance floor. Once there he would move to try and secure his right hand on her left shoulder blade. His left hand would be outstretched to the side awaiting the company of her hand to meet it. "I am completely secure enough to state that if the looming risk of my feet coming down on yours becomes apparent it may be proper for you to take the lead instead." The blonde man would turn to acknowledge the stage as the chubby man made his way down. With his informative update as to the status in the evening. "Well it certainly sounds as if we have the time for a little enjoyment before the main event of the evening."

GM The sounds of the philharmonic choir filled the air with pairs already making their rounds on the dance floor. A loud clinking noise would cut through the night air a short slightly heavyset man would cut into the musical proceedings. The music would come to a complete stop allowing the man to rise up on to a stage and begin to address the entire deck. His face was flushed pink with beads of sweat pooling most likely nervous to speak in front of a large crowd. The hat from the lights focusing in on him weren't doing any favors either. "May I have your attention please. I am pleased to inform you all that opening bids will begin in thirty minutes. We ask that all wishing to participate in the bidding head down to the middle deck at that time in which the auction will take place. And thank you all for coming." As the man finished speaking the philharmonic would begin to play a rendition of The Blue Danube Waltz by Johan Strauss II. Resuming the festivities as if the interruption had never occured.

"Hm, It's valid, logical, and probably the smartest idea. But pbbbft. I may not frequent the black tie events all that often. But even I know to give my attention to the beautiful woman making the small talk in front of me rather than potential business opportunities from gentlemen with wrinkles older than me. Although I will keep the butterfly effect of party politics in mind." The blonde haired man gave a curt smile before letting a chuckle or two escape. Erick would then pat down his coat rising up from his seat and then extending a hand in the woman's direction. "I do think that's enough business talk for now at least. And I was promised a dance. I'd be quite the fool not to collect."

I'll even start us off with the first theme. Prize is selecting the next contest. Exciting I know! PL: 10 (150) Theme: You are what you eat! Description: Design a hero or villain whose M.O revolves around using foods or condiments as the base of his shtick. Something along the lines of the Condiment King from Batman's rogue gallery or Monsieur Grand Fromage from Misfits. Or even as out there as someone that physically is food like Princess Gumball from Adventure Time. Contest End Time: Monday, March 11th Theme Index >Monkey See Monkey Do: Intelligent talking ape working a 9-5 and punching CRIME! >Sign of the Stars: Cabal? Cartel? Astrology? Who cares?! Zodiac Inspired Heroes abound.

"Summer regatta? I'll have to take your word for it. Don't get me wrong I'm enjoying myself. Good ambiance a pleasant view both on and off the boat." Leaning forward towards the other blonde sharing the table with him, Erick would let out a joke whisper. "But little secret between you and I. Not big on this whole scene usually. I think I'll have to miss that summer showing." Leaning back into his seat he would let out a chuckle as a grin appeared on his face. The night air brushing against his hair as he stared out at the cityscape. The more time he spent away from the Southside the more apparent it became to the young man just how many perspectives there were to this one city. Whether that was a good thing or not had never really solidified in his mind. But the concept was certainly a trait worth acknowledging. As the drug dens in the Fens were just as much a part of the city as the one percenters enjoying a seaside auction.

A warm smile would form on the blond male's face in response to the new challenge statement. That was certainly something he had taken to heart. "With the exception of added stature I don't imagine a PhD would be a very sound invested for Economics either. Unless you are just so enthralled with the math that is. I'd go as far as saying the only ones who really should pursue doing are careers in academia. Not everyone gets tenure and all. Still to on a the lighter note to new challenges. Whether yours be in Summit or elsewhere." As he spoke Erick made sure to lift up his glass in acknowledgement. Folding a napkin from the table, Erick would dab slightly against his face. His head tilting to take in the view. "I will give the colossal thing this. It comes with some nice scenery. I can kind of see how the yacht club keeps its members. If these are the sights they have to look forward to."

Palming the glass for a moment, Erick would wait for the moment a server passed by placing the glass on a tray as it passed. He would easily switch it for a glass of lemonade in one fluid motion. The drink would not take long to meet his lips as the fluid moved down his throat. The stream danced merrily as it made its way down his throat. "I'm a business major. Minor in econ. Aiming to get an MBA after my undergraduates work is complete. Which taking summer courses into account is sooner rather than later. Not aiming to become the next Summit Transnational or anything, but with time possibly holding a large enough conglomerate of athletic programs, fitness clubs, and supplements to inch my way forward and really give back. Might open up a financial firm while I'm at it. know a boring plan for a gold medal winner, but hey I guess I'm a dull guy nowadays. "

Noted.

Erick whistled in response to her ivy league credentials. The school name alone came with a wealth of prestige, even for those there on a sports scholarship. "Yale, that's certainly an impressive accomplishment. Especially if you can swing it to avoid having to be in town more than four days a month. Someone's a star lawyer in the making. Has to be pretty inconvenient to make the trips back and forth, I'm not a fond of the idea of so much jet lag." He continued making his way through his meal. Which did not have the quickest survival life in store for it. Raising his glass of champagne he thought it over for a moment and relented before it could touch his lips. "Driving tonight, I think I'll stick to the water."

Shrugging at the question, Erick would stop for a moment before answering. "I'm pursuing higher educational pursuits at FCU. I've also been getting shares in small businesses with the potential for growth. Getting a recoup as long as they don't flounder. I've been looking into setting up a line of fitness clubs across the country starting with the city of course. But getting a good base of investors as well as an assortment of other hang ups have gotten in the way. Not to mention finding the right location. Suffice to say I keep busy. And yourself dancing all over town?" Of course he left out the less important details like dressing up at night and being shot at more times than a person should feel comfortable with by the mobs. It was probably a conversation killer and all. As he awaited her answer, Erick placed one of the watercress sandwiches in his mouth. The sandwich was surprisingly delectable for something that lacked any chance of filling a person up without a buttload of bulk. He was of course more carnivore than food connoisseur so the good taste only made up for the fact that the miniature sandwich lacked a cold cut of any sort as a filter between the bread.

Would it be fair to say that combat has started?