TheQuestionMan

Marlene cast a glance at her watch laying on the bathroom counter. She was tempted to run more hot water into the tub to bring the temperature back up to a more relaxing level, but she had plans for tonight. She closed the brief she had sitting open in front of her on a bathtub caddy.

 

The business proposition offered by Frost Industries sounded good and the numbers they were offering seemed more than reasonable, but there was something, something that she couldn't really put a finger on, that made the whole thing turn sour in her mind. Normally on nights like this, Jason adamantly refused to discuss business with her. He had made it very clear, their date nights were for her and himself. She debated violating that.

 

She slid the caddy easily down the tub and pulled herself from the cooling water. “You can drain it, Mentor.” The drain released and the water and bubbles gurgled its way out. She dried herself and wrapped the towel around herself. Marlene cracked open the door to allow what little steam remained to vent.

 

Gathering her things from the counter, Marlene gave her fog-dimmed reflection a wistful smile. Almost as an afterthought she snagged the brief off the caddy before heading out the door and up the stairs to the sleeping area she shared with Jason.

 

She sent the brief spinning through the air, to land on the bed next to the gray skirt she had picked out to wear. Putting the proposal from her mind, she reached for the pink seamed stockings draped over her armoire.

 

Having gotten dressed, Marlene was putting the finishing touches on her makeup when she heard the door to the loft slide open. She gave her reflection a smile and reached for the necklace that for the last fifteen years, she had been inseparable from. Something was dropped noisily on the dining table and Marlene shot a look at the door that led to the stairs. She slipped the necklace back on and checked her reflection one more time. The amethyst star Angelique had given her looked out of place. Sorry, Angel. Tonight is just me and Jason. She reached up to remove the necklace again when the star faded from view. That was weird. She shook her head.

 

She heard the refrigerator open. Marlene cast a glance at a full-length mirror and saw that her seams were straight, the skirt was hanging properly, and that her pink silk blouse was caught in the belt she had put on. A cabinet in the kitchen closed loudly. She cast an annoyed look at the door and straightened her blouse. Marlene slipped down the stairs in stocking feet.

 

“What are you looking for?” she asked Jason. Cabinets stood open around the kitchen. He turned to look at her. His head cocked to the side. For long seconds he was silent. And then, “What are you doing here?”

 

Reaching up to close a cabinet, Marlene said, “What kind of question is that?”

 

“I wasn't looking for anything,” he mumbled.

 

Marlene leaned back against the counter. “Are you okay?”

 

“I'm... fine,” he said.

 

Marlene gave him a concerned look and then smiled. She lifted one foot and pressed the sole against the cabinet door. “What do you think?” she asked lifting her arms to the sides, hands palms up. His eyes roamed her body from the foot up. When his gaze reached her belt, his head cocked to the side again. His eyes moved up and locked on hers. Again, he was silent for a long moment. A smile slowly worked its way out of him. “You look stunning.”

 

“So,” she asked coyly, “what's the plan for tonight?”

 

Jason checked his watch, his finger tapping on the crystal. When he spoke, it was with more self-assurance. “I have a late meeting. It came up rather suddenly.”

 

Marlene crossed her arms and gave him a hard look. “With whom?”

 

“Julia Frost.”

 

“Uh huh. Does this have anything to do with her proposal? I want to talk to you about it”

 

Jason shrugged. “I don't know. She called, said she was in town and wanted to meet with me.”

 

“When, exactly, is this meeting supposed to take place?”

 

Jason moved to step past Marlene. “In a half hour. I need to change.” He slipped up the stairs. Marlene watched him go. She was sorely tempted to follow. She sighed and attempted to get her thoughts in order. She looked at the dining table and the bag of groceries that had spread its contents across the surface. She set to putting those away to give herself time to think.

 

Two movies peeked out from the bag and Marlene pulled them out. The Notebook and Somewhere in Time. Marlene smiled to herself despite her mood. She set those aside. A roast, onions, potatoes, carrots, and fresh green beans all found places in the refrigerator or pantry. Returning to the bag, Marlene found a red rose and small box, several inches square, crushed and covered in albumen. Almost an entire carton of eggs had broken and spilled in the bag.

 

She turned at the sound of Jason descending the stairs. He was settling a black suit coat over a royal blue silk dress shirt. “We need to talk.”

 

“I have to go. We can talk tomorrow at the office.” He pulled down a long coat and draped it over his arm before sliding open the steel door.

 

“Jason?”

 

“Tomorrow, Miss Palmer. At the office.”

 

With the closing of the door, Marlene slipped down into one of the chairs. Her fingers tapped heavily against the tabletop. “Mentor?” There was no answer. Marlene's gaze flicked to the computer monitor hanging high on one wall. In a font that could be easily read from where she sat, were the words “Anomalous scan detected. Conducting Level 4 diagnostic sweep.” “Fine,” Marlene said under her breath. “Don't be available to talk.”

 

Her eyes went back to the table and the crushed box caught her attention. She pulled the top open and pulled out an object wrapped in tissue. Marlene carefully peeled the paper away from a spun glass rose. It would have been beautiful if it wasn't broken. Marlene sat and wondered if it was an omen. She stood up, taking the bag from the table and dropping it in the trash on her way by up the stairs.

 

She gave Jason's clothes a withering glance where they lay strewn across the floor. Marlene took her phone from where it lay on the dresser. She scanned through the list of numbers and selected one. Putting the phone to her ear, she sat on the bed cross-legged.

 

“Hey! What are you up to?” She ran her hand down one leg and tucked her ankles closer. “Then it's okay if I ask you for some company tonight?” Marlene felt a tear slide its way down her cheek and she wiped it away with the palm of her hand. “No. He... went out. Said it was a business meeting.” She ran her fingers through her hair and looked out the skylight over the bed. “That's fine. The two of you are better than alone tonight.” Marlene's fingers traced the line of her necklace until she came to Angelique's eight-pointed star. “Weird,” she said quietly. “No. I haven't. I didn't know if I was going to be taken out or have dinner cooked. From the bag that was tossed on the table, I'd think that cooking was the plan.” She tightened her grip on the star until the points dug into her palm. “That's fine. I'll see you two when you get here. Thanks, Trese.”

The Tesla Roadster pulled up in front of the The Four Seasons hotel. Jason stepped out and adjusted his coat against the autumn chill. The valet took his keys in exchange for a yellow slip of paper. Jason made his way into the lobby. His gaze settled on the young woman behind the counter. Her dark hair and olive complexion spoke of the Mediterranean. Jason put his most charming smile into place and moved to the desk.
 
“Can I help you, sir?” she asked with a smile. Her voice was accented. Greece, a passing thought went through his mind.
 
“Jason Scott. To see Julia Frost,” he told her.
 
Her fingers danced across the keyboard. “Let me check. Yes. Miss Frost is staying in the Ty Warner Penthouse. I will call up and announce you, Mr. Scott.”
 
“That would be much appreciated.” His eyes held hers while she made the call.
 
She lay the phone back on it's cradle. “You are expected,” she said returning his smile.
 
“I would also like a room. Something with a nice view of the city.” Her fingers began going through the process of booking a room. “Tell me, Jasmine,” Jason charmingly said reading her name off her tag, “what time are you free this evening?”
 
Jasmine gave him a warm smile. “My shift ends at ten. How long will you be staying with us?”
 
“Monday, I think. Yes. Monday will do nicely,” he said. “I would like a bottle... no, make that a magnum of champagne, sent up at 10:30 along with fresh strawberries. And I would like you to be there no later than eleven.”
 
“I am flattered, Mr. Scott, but the company policy prohibits fraternization with the customers.”
 
Jason's charming smile never wavered. “So don't tell them. I certainly won't. I'll make it worth your while.”
 
Jasmine looked around to see if anyone was watching or listening. “What would I have to do?”
 
“Wear something interesting. Hose, heels, dress. Be interesting company for the evening.”
 
“I don't know...” she said lowly.
 
“Eleven o'clock, Jasmine. My room,” he said with his charming smile. “Don't make me have to come looking for you,” he said with a wink. He headed off for the elevator that would take him to the penthouse.

“Just waiting on the game plan, Teke. Oh, hey! Look who else got a new outfit,” Dani said looking Jenny over. Jenny blushed. She had on what looked like a medium blue leotard over a lighter blue, almost white, body suit, with boots and gloves that matched the body. Her hair was pinned up and a full mask was in her hands.
 
“It feels weird,” she said.
 
“You look pretty hot,” Dani said with a wink at the girl.
 
“Hey! That's my sister you're ogling!” Nightwing snarled.
 
“I don't know, Brad. She looks pretty damned sexy to me.” Charley glared at Nightwing in challenge.
 
“Enough!” Kris snapped. “Brad, you've ogled every woman in the building whenever you've gotten the chance, so don't you think that you're being just a little bit hypocritical? And your sister is wearing more than some of us do.”
 
Pulsar moved so that Marlene was in front of him and put his arm around her shoulder. She reached up and put her hands on his arm. “How does it fit?” he asked her.
 
Jenny shrugged. “Like I said it feels weird.”
 
“I asked how it fits. Not how it feels. You'll get used to it. It's a light-weight armor. It will stop small calibers. I wouldn't chance anything heavy if you can avoid it. I took your abilities into account.”
 
She nodded. “It fits okay. It's similar to what I wore doing floor exercises. It just feels... weird.”
 
“You'll get used to it,” Trese told her reassuringly.
 
“Did you go over the layout sheet, Jenny?” Ash asked.
 
She nodded again. “There's a zippered pouch in each glove. A compartment in the outer side of each boot,” she pointed to indicate it. “There are hidden clasps here,” she pointed at the front of her hips, “for a belt, or for a backpack if I so choose, using the hidden clasps on my shoulders, as well.” She smiled at them.
 
“What else?” Kris asked.
 
“I've got my hair done up tight, to fit under the mask, so that it can't be grabbed in battle by an enemy. I've got a communicator,” which she pulled out of one of her gloves and put it in place, “which will be held in place by the mask.”
 
Ash nodded. “Anything else?”
 
Jenny was thoughtful for a moment and then shook her head. “That's all I can think of.”
 
“Alright, then,” Ash said. “Get your mask on and let's get down to the Ready.”
 
Jenny gave them a nervous smile and pulled the mask on over her head. She picked her head up and looked at Ash. Her world tilted and she stumbled. Charley held her steady. Jenny pulled her mask back off and said sheepishly, “And the lenses are ground to scrip. I'll be right back. I need to take out my contacts.” She turned, stepped past Charley and jogged down the hall.

Water sluiced through Jason's short cropped hair and over his body. The water was hot; just short of scalding. He stood with his hands braced against the shower wall. Already he felt the knots in his back and neck loosening under the heat.
 
Hearing the door open and feeling the chill of cooler air, let Jason know someone had come in. He lifted his face to the streaming water. “Are you okay?” It wasn't a voice Jason was expecting. In fact, being in the shower with an “occupied” sign on the door, he wasn't expecting anyone.
 
“I'm fine,” he said turning around. “You do know that there's another shower right next door, don't you?”
 
Ashleigh gave him a shy smile. “I wanted this one.” She slipped the lock into place. Jason let the water run over his head and stared at the blonde woman. He didn't bother trying to cover himself. Her hair was cut in a short shag. Her sapphire eyes threatened to drag him in. She had on a short robe and her legs were bare. “Can I ask you a question?” Jason gave the merest hint of a shrug. “Are you... seeing anyone?” Jason didn't respond. “Dating? Engaged?” An echo of old pain, not yet fully healed crossed over his face.
 
“No. There's no one.”
 
Ashleigh gave him a nervous smile. Her fingers slowly pulled at the sash of her robe. “If you want me to go, I will. I was thinking maybe, I could wash your back and you could wash mine.” She opened the robe and let it slip from her shoulders.
 
She felt his gaze travel her naked body as if it were an electric touch. She quivered, sucked in her breath and took the plunge. It was all of three steps to join him under the falling water. She smiled up at him and said, “I'm usually not so forward.”
 
“Ashleigh...”
 
“Just 'Ash' is fine.” She reached up and pulled him down, her lips meeting his for the first time.

“So, if Jason has already moved ahead with his plans, how, exactly, are you planning on finding him?” Ash asked Spellbinder.
 
“I don't plan on finding him, Ash. I expect Jason to point out where he is. Exactly.” Spellbinder gave the blonde woman a small, amused smile.
 
Ash was confused. She looked around to the rest of her teammates and then back to the sorceress. “I don't get it.”
 
“It's simple, really.” Spellbinder used the butt of her staff and pointed it towards Ash, who gave it a wary look. Spellbinder slipped it beneath the chain around Ash's neck and lifted her pendant free. “I'm going to use you, Kris, Dani, Trese, and Warren. Between the five of you, I'll know exactly where he is. It will only take about five minutes. Then I'll use him as a beacon and send us to him. I will need a space big enough to do that, though.”
 
“Training room, Addie. Plenty big enough,” Warren said. “How long to set up?”
 
Spellbinder thought for a few moments. “Give me a half hour to set up the circle. That will give you all time to get ready.”
 
“Ready for what?” Trese asked.
 
“Things are moving where Jason is involved. He has Kaneda and Titania working with him. If he is slipping into darkness the way Lisa suggests, then we may only have one shot at this. You need to figure out who is going to talk him in off the ledge and that person needs to figure out how they're going to do it.”
 
“He's my best friend,” Warren said quietly. “I should be the one to talk to him.” Standing up, Kris gave him a long look. “What?” Kris gave him a sad smile and the winged woman walked out into the hall. “What was that all about?” Warren asked quietly.

“Oh, wow,” Lisa said quietly when Dove walked into the training room. White body armor covered her; white knee-high boots with guards, gloves that covered her arms almost to her elbows, and a loose hooded cowl shaded her eyes. In her hands she carried a long, heavy bladed spear.
 
“Kris...” Warren started, but seemed to have lost what he had intended to say.
 
She gave him a gentle smile. “It's okay, Warren. I know what I'm doing.”
 
“You sure?” Ash asked. “I'd hate to think you've given up on your oaths.”
 
Dove shook her head gently. “I haven't, Ash. I know what I'm about.”
 
Giving the winged woman in white an appraising look, Spellbinder said, “Kris, I want you here.” She pointed out on the outside of the circle she had made in chalk on the floor. “Stand here and face the circle.” Kris moved to where the sorceress indicated and noticed the faint pentagram inside the circle.
 
Spellbinder moved around the circle counter clockwise to the next point of the star. She closed her eyes, said something under her breath and when she looked up, her eyes seemed to give off light. With her Witch Sight active she looked on the others. She thought for a bit. “Warren. You here, please. At the right hand. Face the circle.” Warren moved to where she indicated while she moved on to the next point.
 
Without breaking her stride, she said, “Dani, here. Same as the others.” She stopped at the fourth point and turned her gaze from Trese to Ash. “Well, that's an interesting development.”
 
Trese looked nervous. Ash shrugged. “Something wrong, Addie?” she asked.
 
“Just a development that I hadn't expected. Nothing I can't work with. Trese, here, please. Ash, you take the left hand point.” They stepped to where they were wanted. Spellbinder moved behind Kris. The incantation started slowly, quietly, almost like a chant. Spellbinder moved, almost dancing, around her friends. The butt of her staff left a light blue trail of magic that settled into a circle around the five and the pentagram.
 
Light shone from the pendant Dove had hanging from a black choker. When Spellbinder made her way behind Warren, the light of the pendant shot out like a laser beam to Warren's ring. Spellbinder's song and dance continued until she was behind Dani. Light shot across the pentagram from Dove's pendant to Dani's. Spellbinder continued. A beam of light snapped into being between Dove and Trese, and between Trese and Warren.
 
Spellbinder continued on to close the outer circle. When she was done a crimson beam went from one stone to another, binding all five into a star. Warren brought his hand up unconsciously so that the star was level around chest high. Spellbinder passed through into the circle. The beams she passed through never broke, maintaining their connection as she passed.
 
In the center of the circle, in the heart of the star, she set her staff to rest. When she took her hand from it, it remained standing upright. As one, the beams snapped to the crystal set into her staff, causing it to glow red. She finished the incantation and reached for the staff. Information came to her in that moment. “Arena est a pythonibus,” she said quietly.
 
“'Arena eat a python on a bus'?” Nightwing asked, confusion evident.
 
Warren shrugged. “It must run through the Congo.”
 
“It isn't in the Congo,” Spellbinder said with some annoyance. “It's Outside. It means 'Arena of the Wizards',” she explained. “It is known by many different names, but that is the one that I learned of it by. If Jason is there, someone must have shown him a gate. I question who and I hate to find out why.”
 
“Why does it sound like that 'outside' was capitalized?” Warren asked.
 
“Because it is, Warren. It is in a pocket that is outside of the astral. It is outside of time and space as you know it.”
 
“It's an arena. Means it should be a good place for a brawl,” Nightwing said.
 
“No!” Spellbinder, Dove and Ash said in unison.
 
“We aren't looking for a fight, Brad,” Kris said. “We're looking to keep one from happening. Warren, get changed. Brad, if you can't do this, say so and you can remain here.”
 
“There are rules for the Arena. Say nothing. Do nothing. Everything will be weighed there,” Spellbinder told them. “Who is going along for the ride? Step inside the circle.” Jenny pulled her mask over her head and slipped her contact case into a glove pocket. She stepped next to Spellbinder without any hesitation. Trese slipped her jacket off and tossed it to the side, leaving her in her red and blue uniform.
 
“If you are not looking to do battle, I will remain behind,” Warstar rumbled deeply. Spellbinder nodded at him with a tight-lipped smile.
 
Lisa's eyes flashed solid white. “I dare not go, Addie,” she said quietly. Her eyes shifted back to normal.
 
“I understand, Lisa,” Spellbinder told her gently. “Brad? You in or out?” Nightwing inhaled deeply, held it, then let it out. He snapped his cowl into place. He crossed into the circle. “Alright,” she said letting out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. “Face outward. How we are here is how we will appear there.”
 
“Okay, everyone. Hold on.” Spellbinder chanted and the outer circle began glowing again.
 
Power surged and blue lightning flashed. When the glare faded and Lisa could see again, she and Warstar were alone in the training room. “Godspeed,” she whispered.

Red Doom (Classic Organizations) 
Tokamak II (Colonel Sergi Vasalov) - Powered Armour [481pts] 
Red Shield (Lyndon Johnson Kaufman) - Mutate Silver Avenger & Powered Shield [336pts] 
People's Commando (Vlad Kyrlov) - Mutate Cybernetic Supersoldier [447pts] 
Loupe Garoux (Pierre Jaquard, French Communist) - Thug & Mystic Werewolf [105 & 375pts] 
Marathon (Nicholas Trikelis, Greek) - Martial Artist & Weapons Specialist [285pts] 
Soyuz Proletariatski (George Pasternik, Russian Cosmonaut) - Duplicator w/Density Powers [546pts] 

New Guard (Classic Organizations) 
Ivan (Dimitri Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers, & Martial Artist [395pts] 
Cosmo (Vladimir Cossack) - Mutate Cosmic Powers [395pts] 
Sputnik (Uri Kamononv, Ukrainian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Telekinetic w/Body Armour [338pts] 
Perestroika (Karelia Sholokov) - Mutant Mentalist [273pts] 
Nemesis (Constantin Kowalski) - Mutate Electrokinetic Energy Projector & Flyer [317pts] 
Scarlet Sentinel (Hans Borscht) - Inventor & Giant Robot [277 & 261pts] 
Disinformer (Antiocj Drezhavin) - Super Spy, Doppelganger, & Gadgeteer [400pts] 

Independents (Classic Organizations) 
General Mayhem (Boris Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers & Cold Powers [502pts] 
Erg (Alexi Andropov) - Mutate Powered Armour & Metamorph w/Body of Radiation [406 & 378pts] 
Bolshevik Barracuda (Leonid Leoniv) - Mutate Metamorph w/Water Powers [303pts] 
Cold Warrior (Boris Greshenko) - Scientist/Inventor, Powered Armour w/Cold Powers [365pts] 
Tokamak I (Anya Andreyev) - Powered Armour w/Plasma Powers [355pts] 
St. Peter's Star (Elena Lidiinovich, Russian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Energy Projector & Flyer w/Light Powers [390pts] 

Warsaw Pact (European Enemies) 
Cavalry ( , Polish) - Mystic Martial Artist & Weapons Masters w/Medieval Weapons & Armour [pts] 
Carpathia (, Czeck) - Mutant Brick w/Growth Powers [pts] 
White Rose (, Bulgarian) - Mutant Spy, Energy Projector & Metamorph w/Shrinking Powers [pts] 
Bastian of Budapest ( , Hungarian) - Mutant w/ Force Field Powers [pts] 

Mass Reaction (Villainy Unbound) 
Ringer () - Mutant Metamorph w/Shapeshifter Powers [pts] 
Bomb () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radiation/X-Ray Powers [pts] 
Echo () - Mutate Telepathic Powers [pts] 
Fallout () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts] 
Flower () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts] 
Meltdown () - Mutate Brick w/Body of Radioactive Slag [pts] 


Cheers


QM

P.S.: European Enemies Debugged 
http://surbrook.devermore.com/revisedhero/herorev.html

Red Doom
Tokamak II (Colonel Sergi Vasalov) - Powered Armour [481pts]
Red Shield (Lyndon Johnson Kaufman) - Mutate Silver Avenger & Powered Shield [336pts]
People's Commando (Vlad Kyrlov) - Mutate Cybernetic Supersoldier [447pts]
Loupe Garoux (Pierre Jaquard, French Communist) - Thug & Mystic Werewolf [105 & 375pts]
Marathon (Nicholas Trikelis, Greek) - Martial Artist & Weapons Specialist [285pts]
Soyuz Proletariatski (George Pasternik, Russian Cosmonaut) - Duplicator w/Density Powers [546pts]

New Guard
Ivan (Dimitri Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers, & Martial Artist [395pts]
Cosmo (Vladimir Cossack) - Mutate Cosmic Powers [395pts]
Sputnik (Uri Kamononv, Ukrainian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Telekinetic w/Body Armour [338pts]
Perestroika (Karelia Sholokov) - Mutant Mentalist [273pts]
Nemesis (Constantin Kowalski) - Mutate Electrokinetic Energy Projector & Flyer [317pts]
Scarlet Sentinel (Hans Borscht) - Inventor & Giant Robot [277 & 261pts]
Disinformer (Antiocj Drezhavin) - Super Spy, Doppelganger, & Gadgeteer [400pts]

Independents
General Mayhem (Boris Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers & Cold Powers [502pts]
Erg (Alexi Andropov) - Mutate Powered Armour & Metamorph w/Body of Radiation [406 & 378pts]
Bolshevik Barracuda (Leonid Leoniv) - Mutate Metamorph w/Water Powers [303pts]
Cold Warrior (Boris Greshenko) - Scientist/Inventor, Powered Armour w/Cold Powers [365pts]
Tokamak I (Anya Andreyev) - Powered Armour w/Plasma Powers [355pts]
St. Peter's Star (Elena Lidiinovich, Russian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Energy Projector & Flyer w/Light Powers [390pts]

Warsaw Pact (European Enemies)
Cavalry ( , Polish) - Mystic Martial Artist & Weapons Masters w/Medieval Weapons & Armour [pts]
Carpathia (, Czeck) - Mutant Brick w/Growth Powers [pts]
White Rose (, Bulgarian) - Mutant Spy, Energy Projector & Metamorph w/Shrinking Powers [pts]
Bastian of Budapest ( , Hungarian) - Mutant w/ Force Field Powers [pts]

Mass Reaction (Villainy Unbound)
Ringer () - Mutant Metamorph w/Shapeshifter Powers [pts]
Bomb () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radiation/X-Ray Powers [pts]
Echo () - Mutate Telepathic Powers [pts]
Fallout () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts]
Flower () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts]
Meltdown () - Mutate Brick w/Body of Radioactive Slag [pts]


European Enemies Debugged
http://surbrook.devermore.net/revisedhero/herorev.html

Eurostar (Conquerors. Killers. & Crooks)
Durak of Eurostar - Mutate Brick [pts]
???


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Russian Resources:

List of Russian superheroes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Russian_superheroes

The Red Star
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Star

GURPS Russia
http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/books/Russia/

Mythic Russia
http://mythicrussia.wordpress.com/about/

Rifts® World Book 17: Warlords of Russia™
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1140202.Rifts_World_Book_17

Rifts® World Book 18: Mystic Russia™
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1140203.Mystic_Russia

Rodina (Mother Russia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodina

Slavic Mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavic_mythology


Cheers


QM

Red Doom (Classic Organizations) 
Tokamak II (Colonel Sergi Vasalov) - Powered Armour [481pts] 
Red Shield (Lyndon Johnson Kaufman) - Mutate Silver Avenger & Powered Shield [336pts] 
People's Commando (Vlad Kyrlov) - Mutate Cybernetic Supersoldier [447pts] 
Loupe Garoux (Pierre Jaquard, French Communist) - Thug & Mystic Werewolf [105 & 375pts] 
Marathon (Nicholas Trikelis, Greek) - Martial Artist & Weapons Specialist [285pts] 
Soyuz Proletariatski (George Pasternik, Russian Cosmonaut) - Duplicator w/Density Powers [546pts] 

New Guard (Classic Organizations) 
Ivan (Dimitri Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers, & Martial Artist [395pts] 
Cosmo (Vladimir Cossack) - Mutate Cosmic Powers [395pts] 
Sputnik (Uri Kamononv, Ukrainian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Telekinetic w/Body Armour [338pts] 
Perestroika (Karelia Sholokov) - Mutant Mentalist [273pts] 
Nemesis (Constantin Kowalski) - Mutate Electrokinetic Energy Projector & Flyer [317pts] 
Scarlet Sentinel (Hans Borscht) - Inventor & Giant Robot [277 & 261pts] 
Disinformer (Antiocj Drezhavin) - Super Spy, Doppelganger, & Gadgeteer [400pts] 

Independents (Classic Organizations) 
General Mayhem (Boris Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers & Cold Powers [502pts] 
Erg (Alexi Andropov) - Mutate Powered Armour & Metamorph w/Body of Radiation [406 & 378pts] 
Bolshevik Barracuda (Leonid Leoniv) - Mutate Metamorph w/Water Powers [303pts] 
Cold Warrior (Boris Greshenko) - Scientist/Inventor, Powered Armour w/Cold Powers [365pts] 
Tokamak I (Anya Andreyev) - Powered Armour w/Plasma Powers [355pts] 
St. Peter's Star (Elena Lidiinovich, Russian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Energy Projector & Flyer w/Light Powers [390pts] 

Warsaw Pact (European Enemies) 
Cavalry ( , Polish) - Mystic Martial Artist & Weapons Masters w/Medieval Weapons & Armour [pts] 
Carpathia (, Czeck) - Mutant Brick w/Growth Powers [pts] 
White Rose (, Bulgarian) - Mutant Spy, Energy Projector & Metamorph w/Shrinking Powers [pts] 
Bastian of Budapest ( , Hungarian) - Mutant w/ Force Field Powers [pts] 

Mass Reaction (Villainy Unbound) 
Ringer () - Mutant Metamorph w/Shapeshifter Powers [pts] 
Bomb () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radiation/X-Ray Powers [pts] 
Echo () - Mutate Telepathic Powers [pts] 
Fallout () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts] 
Flower () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts] 
Meltdown () - Mutate Brick w/Body of Radioactive Slag [pts] 


Cheers


QM

P.S.: European Enemies Debugged 
http://surbrook.devermore.com/revisedhero/herorev.html

Red Doom
Tokamak II (Colonel Sergi Vasalov) - Powered Armour [481pts]
Red Shield (Lyndon Johnson Kaufman) - Mutate Silver Avenger & Powered Shield [336pts]
People's Commando (Vlad Kyrlov) - Mutate Cybernetic Supersoldier [447pts]
Loupe Garoux (Pierre Jaquard, French Communist) - Thug & Mystic Werewolf [105 & 375pts]
Marathon (Nicholas Trikelis, Greek) - Martial Artist & Weapons Specialist [285pts]
Soyuz Proletariatski (George Pasternik, Russian Cosmonaut) - Duplicator w/Density Powers [546pts]

New Guard
Ivan (Dimitri Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers, & Martial Artist [395pts]
Cosmo (Vladimir Cossack) - Mutate Cosmic Powers [395pts]
Sputnik (Uri Kamononv, Ukrainian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Telekinetic w/Body Armour [338pts]
Perestroika (Karelia Sholokov) - Mutant Mentalist [273pts]
Nemesis (Constantin Kowalski) - Mutate Electrokinetic Energy Projector & Flyer [317pts]
Scarlet Sentinel (Hans Borscht) - Inventor & Giant Robot [277 & 261pts]
Disinformer (Antiocj Drezhavin) - Super Spy, Doppelganger, & Gadgeteer [400pts]

Independents
General Mayhem (Boris Tiomkin) - Mystic Brick, Metamorph w/Growth Powers & Cold Powers [502pts]
Erg (Alexi Andropov) - Mutate Powered Armour & Metamorph w/Body of Radiation [406 & 378pts]
Bolshevik Barracuda (Leonid Leoniv) - Mutate Metamorph w/Water Powers [303pts]
Cold Warrior (Boris Greshenko) - Scientist/Inventor, Powered Armour w/Cold Powers [365pts]
Tokamak I (Anya Andreyev) - Powered Armour w/Plasma Powers [355pts]
St. Peter's Star (Elena Lidiinovich, Russian Cosmonaut) - Mutate Energy Projector & Flyer w/Light Powers [390pts]

Warsaw Pact (European Enemies)
Cavalry ( , Polish) - Mystic Martial Artist & Weapons Masters w/Medieval Weapons & Armour [pts]
Carpathia (, Czeck) - Mutant Brick w/Growth Powers [pts]
White Rose (, Bulgarian) - Mutant Spy, Energy Projector & Metamorph w/Shrinking Powers [pts]
Bastian of Budapest ( , Hungarian) - Mutant w/ Force Field Powers [pts]

Mass Reaction (Villainy Unbound)
Ringer () - Mutant Metamorph w/Shapeshifter Powers [pts]
Bomb () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radiation/X-Ray Powers [pts]
Echo () - Mutate Telepathic Powers [pts]
Fallout () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts]
Flower () - Mutate Energy Projector w/Radioactive Powers [pts]
Meltdown () - Mutate Brick w/Body of Radioactive Slag [pts]


European Enemies Debugged
http://surbrook.devermore.net/revisedhero/herorev.html

Eurostar (Conquerors. Killers. & Crooks)
Durak of Eurostar - Mutate Brick [pts]
???


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Russian Resources:

List of Russian superheroes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Russian_superheroes

The Red Star
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Star

GURPS Russia
http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/books/Russia/

Mythic Russia
http://mythicrussia.wordpress.com/about/

Rifts® World Book 17: Warlords of Russia™
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1140202.Rifts_World_Book_17

Rifts® World Book 18: Mystic Russia™
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1140203.Mystic_Russia

Rodina (Mother Russia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodina

Slavic Mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavic_mythology


Cheers


QM

Re: Rifts HERO?
 
I to have been working on a few Rifts HERO writups, as I liked the setting but not the system (and not a lot of the later additions).
 
Here, for instance, it a Ley Line:
 
 
LEY LINES
Ley Line (Average): Forcewall -- 0 rPD / 0 rED, 20†Long, Transparent To Energy and Physical (+1/2), Megascale (MegaArea; 1†= 1 km; +1/4), RE to 0 (+1/2), Persistent (+1/2) (110 Active Points); Visible (-1/4). Real Cost: 88.
 
Magical Energy: END Battery (100 END / 100 REC) (110 Active Points); Linked to Forcewall (-1/2). Real Cost: 73.
 
Celestial Event Energy: Aid 10d6 to END Battery, Fade Rate 5/Day (+1 ½) (250 Active Points); Only During Celestial Events: Eclipses, Planetary Alignments, or Summer/Winter Solstace (-1). Real Cost: 125.
 
Location of Magic: Change Environment (Area of Overwhelming Magic, -4 PER Roll to Magical Senses), AoE 20†Line (+1 1/4), Explosion (+1/2), Megascale (MegaArea; 1†= 1 km; +1/4), RE to 0 (+1/2) (60 Active Points); Linked to Forcewall (-1/2). Real Cost: 40.
 
Rift: Extra-Dimensional Movement (to any one random dimension/world), x512 mass, AoE (13†radius; +1), Continuous (+1/2), RE to 0 (+1/2) (195 Active Points); Gate (-1/2), Visible (-1/4), Only On Ley Line Nexus Points (-1/2), Only During Celestial Events: Eclipses, Planetary Alignments, or Summer/Winter Solstace (-1). Real Cost: 60.
 
Creatures From the Rifts: Summon (up to 1000 points of creatures), RE to 0 (+1/2) (300 Active Points); Activation Roll (11-; -1), Arrives Under Own Power (-1/2), Summoned Being Must Inhabit Locale (-1/2), Linked to Extra-Dimensional Movement (-1/2). Real Cost: 86.
 
Total Points: 472.

Re: Rifts HERO?
 
Actually, wouldn't giving "squishies" precautionary CON-Stun measures negate calling them "squishy" in the first place?
 
Nonetheless I figure that purchasing Resistant Damage Reduction - STUN Only should suffice.

Re: Storn's Art & Characters thread.
 
but then he wouls have had to draw the ground as well

Re: Storn's Art & Characters thread.
 
Gotta love superhero physics! I've done Sonya here before, but the patron wanted another shot, this time, tanks for the memories!
 

 
btw, Checkmate, thank you... that painting is one of my personal favs.

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group...
 
GURPS Black Powder & Magic: [setting the Scene] We have survived a trip down the rapids that the Gods Plane calls a Drain and arrive at our destination. We are tired, wounded, and concerned for the life of a companions framiliar.
 
There is a hole in the ceiling about 4 meters up where we are headed.
 
GM - "Right, how are you getting up there?"
 
Nicalo (Nobleman Wizard) - "I levitate"
Malik (Northman Wizard) - "I use my grappling hook, rope, and climb"
Fate (Elf Swordwoman Wizard) - "I climb the rope"
 
GM (Looks expectantly at me) - "And how is Rufio getting up there?"
 
Rufio (Master Swordsman - Trying to look innocent) - "We are on the Gods Plane right?"
 
GM (Nods)
 
Rufio (Raises arms, palms out, and tilts head back) - "Right, I Ascend"
 
 
 
Guess you had to be there.
 
QM

Re: Tall Ship Plans
 
Horatio Hornblower
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Hornblower
 
Age of Sail
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_sail
 
Ship of the line
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_the_line
 
Piracy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate
 
List of pirates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pirates
 
Piracy in the Caribbean
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy_in_the_Caribbean#Boysie_Singh_.26mdash.3B_a_20th_Century_Pirate
 
Rating system of the Royal Navy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rating_system_of_the_Royal_Navy
 
Best Scale Models
http://www.bestscalemodels.com/cgi-bin/cart/store.cgi
 
Frigate - Google Images Search
http://images.google.ca/images?q=Frigate&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images
 
 
Start with the "Name" and "Class" of Ship. Then use "Deck Plans", "Models", and Google Images.
 
More Later
 
QM

Re: Superhero Images
 
Here are some new character images I recently uploaded to the WestGuard site (I've not yet written descriptions for them all):
 
http://www.westguard.org/index.php?title=Cryotron
http://www.westguard.org/index.php?title=Idea_Men
http://www.westguard.org/index.php?title=Nuvo
http://www.westguard.org/index.php?title=Ganyeka
http://www.westguard.org/index.php?title=Nightveil
http://www.westguard.org/index.php?title=Grimknight
 
I also wrote installation instructions for the software that made them:
 
http://www.rpglibrary.org/jump.php?id=367

Re: Storn's Art & Characters thread.
 
its not great i'm not really happy with the colour i think the skin tone could be adjusted a little its a bit to yellow and the eyes where basically just cut out and then extended a little with transform but not to bad for 5 minutes work
link to the image

Re: Rifts HERO?
 
Actually concerning Cybernetics and Bionics, they won't actually be recieving much of a point break: neither really qualify as a focus; they cannot be removed or lost easily. They are however, restrainable.
 
Re: Cyberdocs, Technowizards, and Mechanics etc: I'm inclined to let them buy their created gear via both points (built with Independent) and money. Part of the booty (so to speak) that they can aquire as they adventure includes points vested into the loot. Technology for the Mechanics, Docs, etc, and Crystals, Rare Metals, and Spell Type Foci items for the Magic using chaps.

Re: Storn's Art & Characters thread.
 
Here is an NPC for my upcoming Weapons of the Gods game (tomorrow!). This is Forceful Leaf, spirit of the Eagle Forest Valley. She is a quasi-spirit... but of course, knows kung fu.
 
Because anyone of worth in WotG knows Kung Fu.
 
It is also new software for me, so it was a lot of struggle trying to figure out how to do stuff. This was done in Corel Painter IX (I've been a photoshop boy up to now.)
 

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group...
 
A GURPS Swashbuckler/Magic/Psionics campaign.
 
Cast Of Characters: (The two PC's involved are)
Mr.Davies the Shipbuilder/Tinkerer
Mr. Skinner the Marine/Scout if you please.
 
The Scene:
The Crew took a carriage from the city to a road side Tavern to secretly meet with the Prince's Agent. The Tavern is all but empty when they arrive. The Propriator is behind the bar wiping a dark stained rag accross the counter when we walk in. There is blood on his apron.
 
We signal for drinks and food. The Propriator seems nervous and replies that he will have to prepare the food himself as the cook died not long ago. We think nothing of it when he leaves without serving our drinks. Thinking more about the meeting with the Prince's Agent than the distracted Propriator.
 
Mr. Davies goes to the bar to draw our drinks himself and discovers the body Probably the real cooks and sounds the alarm. Mr.Davies and Mr. Skinner pair up while the rest of the Crew moves to surround the building.
 
Mr. Skinner and Mr. Davies begin their search in the kitchen and witness a scene of Horror. The Propriator stops in mid chop, butchering a woman and preparing our meal. The meat cleaver flys at them. Dodging the two go for their weapons.
 
The Propriator runs out a side door, down a hallway and into a room slammming a big heavy door. There is a loud click as the two arrive in pursuit.
 
Mr. Davies - "Can you pick a lock Mr. Skinner"
 
Mr. Skinner - "Certainly Mr. Davies"
 

 
Mr. Davies - "He's getting away Mr. Skinner"
 
Mr. Skinner - "No Mr.Davies he's not"
 
Mr. Davies - "That wasn't very subtle Mr. Skinner"
 
Mr. Skinner - "You didn't ask for subtle Mr.Davies"
 

 
Author Note: I was Mr. Skinner. Mr.Davies' player and I rarely got along, but for some reason this one time we just clicked. We both got a bonus point for Role Playing from the GM. It was awesome.
 
Cheeers
 
QM
__________________

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group...
 
A GURPS Swashbuckler/Magic/Psionics campaign.
 
Cast Of Characters: (The two PC's involved are)
Mr.Davies the Shipbuilder/Tinkerer
Mr. Skinner the Marine/Scout if you please.
 
The Scene:
The Crew took a carriage from the city to a road side Tavern to secretly meet with the Prince's Agent. The Tavern is all but empty when they arrive. The Propriator is behind the bar wiping a dark stained rag accross the counter when we walk in. There is blood on his apron.
 
We signal for drinks and food. The Propriator seems nervous and replies that he will have to prepare the food himself as the cook died not long ago. We think nothing of it when he leaves without serving our drinks. Thinking more about the meeting with the Prince's Agent than the distracted Propriator.
 
Mr. Davies goes to the bar to draw our drinks himself and discovers the body Probably the real cooks and sounds the alarm. Mr.Davies and Mr. Skinner pair up while the rest of the Crew moves to surround the building.
 
Mr. Skinner and Mr. Davies begin their search in the kitchen and witness a scene of Horror. The Propriator stops in mid chop, butchering a woman and preparing our meal. The meat cleaver flys at them. Dodging the two go for their weapons.
 
The Propriator runs out a side door, down a hallway and into a room slammming a big heavy door. There is a loud click as the two arrive in pursuit.
 
Mr. Davies - "Can you pick a lock Mr. Skinner"
 
Mr. Skinner - "Certainly Mr. Davies"
 

 
Mr. Davies - "He's getting away Mr. Skinner"
 
Mr. Skinner - "No Mr.Davies he's not"
 
Mr. Davies - "That wasn't very subtle Mr. Skinner"
 
Mr. Skinner - "You didn't ask for subtle Mr.Davies"
 

 
Author Note: I was Mr. Skinner. Mr.Davies' player and I rarely got along, but for some reason this one time we just clicked. We both got a bonus point for Role Playing from the GM. It was awesome.
 
Cheeers
 
QM
__________________

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group...
 
Excerpt from Champions of Vancouver: Episode 17...
 
micronaut_6 as Flicker - "You're who?"
 
radioKAOS as Gabriel - "I'm the Archangel, Gabriel."
 
Flicker - "Hold on, there's someone I'd like to introduce to you." - Calls Blitz
 
Amebushi as Blitz - "Um, hello Blitz, I'm standing on the roof of St. Paul's Hospital with the angel Gabriel."
 
Blitz - "Uh, have you been drinking?"
 
Flicker - "Well yeah, but that's got nothing to do with it!"
 
 
Followed sometime later by...
 
Flicker - "Okay, we've got a VIPER, an 'apple' and an angel: all we need now are a tree and a woman."

Re: Storn's Art & Characters thread.
 

 
I'll be happy to post mine as soon as I get it typed onto my new machine.

Playing with watercolors
 
Hi again,
 
This is a pic of a character that I drew probably a couple of years ago. I was never really satisfied with it, but I liked the way the cape flowed. I pulled it out a couple of days ago, and painted it with watercolors...a different medium for me. The background completely faded when I scanned it, she's supposed to be hovering in the clouds....sigh.....anyway, this is Liberty...and for Herophiles....her "starred" harness, is a psychic energy absorption harness which absorbs the ambient feelings of the people/crowd around her, and turns it into heightened abilities, so if she has a lot of public support, or "american spirit" as it were, she becomes more powerful.