csyphrett

Re: The Magistracy's Baby 8 Jeff Stafford looked around the roof of the museum, armored costume concealing his nervousness as he breached the security of the place. It was child's play for a man of his talents and skills. A few minutes later, he was walking into the room he wanted after disabling many of the devices put in place to stop him. Stafford checked his chronometer as he worked his way to the display case in the back of the room. He felt the pressure of passing time. Sooner or later the Magistracy would figure out what he was doing, even with the Chemist dead, or hurt. Then he would have a real problem on his hands. Unfortunately he had been forced to waste a day and a half preparing for this job. His paymaster was making him crazy wanting him to take excessive risks for some paper, no matter how old it was. He also knew he couldn't turn it down either. He might wind up back in a coma. At least he was alone in the room, and it looked like an easy score. A flash of brown drew his attention, making him draw his pistol as he ducked to one side. A rain of crystal passed by to his left. Stafford frowned under his full mask. The frown deepened when he recognized Crystalmach in her brown and yellow costume, leather bracer on one arm. She never went anywhere alone. Where were the other members of the CORPS? Reflexes took over as the mercenary backed out of the room, firing bullets at the witch. This had to be a trap. He expected no less since he had lost the element of surprise. The Halberdier pulled his axe out of the sheath on his back as he watched the bullets he fired bounce off a crystal shield. His senses had switched to high alert at the first sign of trouble. The sound of shoe leather alerted him to Pointer popping up on his left. He spun the long axe in one hand, stopping the impact of invisible projectiles with the metal blade. Crystalmach and Pointer were a surprise. Still neither one was a match for his skills and heightened physical powers. He would just have to kill them both, then grab the paper and move on before anyone else showed up to help them. The Halberdier reversed direction, exchanging fire with the Pointer as he closed on Crystalmach. The witch was more of a threat than the suit with the invisible guns. Once he cut off her head, he could turn and deal with the government agent. A crick of leather moving made Stafford turn his head, made him start to swing his long axe at something coming from his left. A hand blocked it, another catching his face with a fist. He staggered from the blow, turning to bring the pistol in line to deal with this new threat. The Persian. Stafford rode the punch into a spinning fist. He and the leader of the CORPS were near physical equals. He should have expected the artificial man. Crystalmach and he were inseparable. Stafford leaped over another punch, used the last of his pistol's ammunition to keep the witch and government lapdog out of his hair as he rushed the display case. He smashed the plastic open with his axe. Lightning lifted him off the ground and flung him across the room. Smoke drifted across his still form. "Now, let's get some answers," said Jack Silver, lightning still rushing in his eyes venomously.

Re: A Problem of Dissatisfaction Generally it is assumed that when you make a multiform, the different forms have to be bilt on the same guidelines as the original CES

Re: xialin showdown Entry 7- Other threats exist in the world of the Xiaolin Busters other than ghosts and mad magicians. Behind every legend is a core of truth. An example is the Raven, the spirit of revenge. The Raven is known by the trail of destruction it leaves. Being dead has removed its sense of restraint. All that matters is meting out punishment to its chosen victims. The Raven has no set face, or body. Instead it looks like a recent victim of some crime that led to murder. It then wanders the streets at night, looking for its prey. Typically this is a spree that may take as much as two days. Then it vanishes until something else calls it. There is a split opinion on what the Raven is, what cause it to appear in the forms it takes. Some think it is an unknown Wu empowering victims to mete out their own form of justice. It fits except none of the known victims are buried in the same cemetary, or even buried opting for cremation. They held different jobs, different routines with perhaps one or two connections that people living in the same city might have. The other opinion offered is the Raven is some kind of spirit that brings a person back as an undead creature. It is motivated by some unknown capriciouness that is satisfied by the amount of damage done by its avatars.

Re: Teen Guardians Wednesday the third 11:45 am Patty and Tammy had a little time to clean up before a plain undercover car rolled up outside the speedster's house. They were made aware of it when Patty's father opened the front door with his key. "Patty?," he said. "I'm home." "Mmm...Hi, Daddy," Tammy said, her legs curled up under her in the kitchen, sipping slowly through the straw the soda that filled her glass. Despite the work that the two had done in the household, it had remained Very Darn Quiet since the boys had left. "Did they find out what happened are you okay you were right there when it all happened." She glanced at Tammy--she still had samples that had to be examined... "The police want to talk to you," said her father. "Then we need to talk about this boyfriend. Where did you hook up with such a shifty looking character?" Patty's jaw dropped. "I haven't 'hooked up'," she objected, "I just like Eric, he's...got a core of decency, Daddy, he really does-and he's nice you just don't get to see from my point of view and...." Her voice trailed off--and she tried not to blush or smile at herself: the hormones were definitely acting up and forcing her to act 'her age'. With a sigh, she let this part of the battle go--there would be other times to fight the good fight... "I'll talk to the police," she said in a small voice, looking back at Tammy for reassurance... "Do you need a lift home, Tammy," asked the dad. "I'm sure your parents will want to make sure you're all right." Once she was off the phone, she quickly put it back on the charger and came back into the living room. "I...think I can talk to the police, Daddy," she said, and sat down demurely on the corner of the couch. "All right," said Dad. "We'll talk about Shifty later when you're feeling better." He went to the door, and opened it. Detective Allen and Agent Bye stood in the door. The detective was as nondescript as she remembered from the first murder. The agent, dressed in black, towered in the frame. "Miss Chen," said the agent, nodding. "Miss Chen?," said Detective Allen. "It was my honor to meet her last night when I called on Dr. Chen after the first death," said the giant, head brushing against the ceiling. "It is surprising to see you again in such a way, Miss Chen." "Why don't you two talk in there," said Allen, pointing to the kitchen. He waited for the two to clear out before starting his questioning. "Miss Antres, can you please tell me what happened?," he said, pen over his notebook. 11:50 am Hardball could see the school was wrapped up tight, cops everywhere. His motorcycle was in the parking lot, sitting forlornly by itself. He spotted it, looking the school over. Hardball could see that walking into school in costume was going to be more trouble than it was worth, what with witnesses and everything so he ducked into an alley and changed back into Anthony then walked into the school grounds and over to his bike. He wondered where he should go now and decided to call Eric before leaving to see if he could co-ordinate the gang to watch the various sports captain's houses for signs of 'psycho stalkers'. As his phone rang, Emp moved to a nearby roof top. It was risky and he wasn't sure if the girl coming out of the shower had seen him but he hid and answered his phone. "Hello, wonderful world of Emp. How may I direct your call?" he forced himself to sound happy and cheerful. He listened to Hardball's ideas about the captains and started telling him the news Pusher had found out. "I was looking for a place to land to call while I was on my way. A new school is being dedicated to a sea captain. I figure if we can get there and go over the new place we might learn something." "O.k." said Anthony "I'll meet you there" He wheeled his motorcycle until he was past the worst of the milling traffic, both human and vehicular, and then gunned his motor as he set off. Andrew Johnson High School was in the rougher part of town, a three story building surrounding a central court. Four blocks over was Casket's bar. Hardball could see the plaque in the front wall where the school's name had been changed some years ago. Unlike his school where everyone had gone home, Hardball spotted kids and teachers going about their business. If he was the mayor, the rededication ceremony would take place right here in front of the school, in front of the plaque. 12:00 pm Emp and Pusher had a possible lead to fit the clue. Andrew Johnson was a sea captain lost at sea for thirty one days in his youth, returning home in four to rededicate the school named after him. Now if they could only get to him first to make sure he was the right one. Eric listened intently, this hurt his own plans but not by much. "Call the others let them know what you found out. I'm going to take a trip over the new school that's being built. See if I can find anything." "I don't have any phone numbers," reminded Pusher. "I just bought this today. It's not even charged yet." Emp marched out in costume soon firing off the grapple gun so that he could swing off and away. The school pusher was talking about was a bit of a trip. Shame he couldn't travel and talk at the same time. Something he was going to have to fix real soon if they where going to continue being heroes. After hanging up with Anthony, Emp dialed up Patty's number. He wasn't quite sure whom would answer the house phone so he waited. It was at this point the phone rang... "I got it," Patty announced, stepping into the kitchen and grabbing the cordless phone; she walked randomly towards the back patio door and said, "Hello?" Eric sighed with some relief "Listen the new school that's dedicating to a sea captain..." he began filling her in as quickly as he could about the information that Pusher had given him to her. Patty cut him off right after he said, 'Sea Captain'. "Uh, I have company right now--can I call you back in a bit?" she asked, wanting to know but not wanting to blow cover. "Be a little while-maybe we could get together later at the Mall or something, too, but I'd have to ask my Dad if its okay, y'know?" "Alright, talk to you later." he took the interruption in stride and considering the lady had located him and somersaulted backward to avoid the broom "Sorry ma'am. As lovely as your body is, I must be going. Good evening." he grinned, diving off the edge of the building on continuing on his way towards the school via grapple gun. Although if the woman gives a report there was no telling what would be waiting for him tonight. Andrew Johnson High was in a poorer part of town, a three feet tall square circle around a central courtyard. Everything seemed normal with people going about their business as lunchtime periods were being rotated through. On the street below, Emp could see Anthony, rolling into the neighborhood on his bike. 1:40 pm Nariko's leg was bleeding, caused her pain when she moved, and everyone around the Little General was looking at her. Obviously some of these people had seen hurt people before. They started moving away at a fast clip. The throbbing pain from her chewed-up leg making the decision for her, Nariko decided to try stepping into the convenience store and asking for help. "Oh, look at you," said the large man behind the counter, dark dreadlocks stuffed up under a large knitted cap. "You be bleeding on my floor. Do that outside." Finally approaching her breaking point, Nariko's light brown eyes started to well up with tears. "B-but I need someone's *help*! A nasty dog attacked me and some guys are *after* me! Can't I at least use your *phone*?" "Go in the bathroom, and wash your leg off," said the clerk, pointing at a door in the back of the store with both a man and woman symbol on it. "You can put some paper towels on it to help stop the bleeding." "Thank you...", Nariko said with genuine gratitude, accepting the man's somewhat meagre help. Heading quickly into the bathroom, she gingerly pulled up her blood-caked pants leg and tried her best to clean up and access the bite wound. Cleaning the blood off showed a crescent of flesh hanging loose. A little more and she would have been crippled for a while. Her mother wouldn't have liked that. A knock on the door came, then "I called the police, girl. They be coming to take you to the hospital."

Re: Anime series as a campaign Too bad we can't get a gm to put all this in a campaign world and run a game of it. CES

Re: xiaolin showdown Page 5- Jade and the ghost stood in a cleared area in the middle of the upper deck. Her talons gleamed under the nearby street lights. She attacked, carving silvery light as she moved. The ghost blocked, using a form of crane that she had never seen before. The other arm swooped in for an attack to her face. Jade was able to block, and counterattack with a ripping blow to his body. He staggered back from the contact, flickering in shock. Jade's long black hair and kimono flowed in the breezes around her as her long nails gleamed in the light as she quickly but gracefully moved around and attacked the ghost with a powerful tiger claw strike. The claw strike met stiff fingers as Song Wing Chun spun, whirling his other arm in for a strike to an ear. She could see the hand glow as the edge descended. Jade blocked with her wrist. The ghost still looked angry, perhaps even angrier than when she first saw it. The floor was covered with a thin sheet of ice by now. Jade raked her long fingers through him again. He flickered on impact, falling back against the rail. He looked defeated. "Are you ready to give up this fight," asked Jade as she stood ready to dodge and then attack again if he still wanted to fight. "You are not my beautiful wife," said Wing Chun, spinning fast, chopping the floor. "Power Geyser!" Blue energy picked up Jade and flung her the length of the upper deck as it ripped up the hard wood. Something caught her in midair before she hit anything on the way down. Song Wing Chun faded away, glowering across the room.

Re: Anime series as a campaign Is this strictly anime, Spence? I am running a solo game for one of my players based on Xiaolin Showdown and Ghostbusters. CES

Re: What Fantasy/Sci-Fi book have you just finished? Please rate it... The Magickers by Emily Drake- Jason Adrian is invited to a camp where it turns out the kids are supposed to learn how to be magicians. A Harry Potter type book basically. The one thing that stood out to me is how blind the counselors are to what's going on in the camp. The kids hid the fact that one of them was a were bear for like two months as an example. CES

Re: Amalgamation Hero, let's create new Heroes from old ones Storm Ravager: Ororo Wilson, raised in secret by her mother, discovers she can control atmospheric conditions, boosting her own physical skills to an in human level. Discovering her father is a mercenary responsible for heinous death worldwide, she snaps. She dons a copy of her father's costume and becomes Storm Ravager. CES

Re: The New Circle The US Government, through NASA, invested a small amount of its budget into the exploration of space. This fueled the need for improvements, to make something better to help operations. That technology filtered down to the public, improving life on Earth a little. Sometimes these grand experiments and fact finding missions go wrong. Sometimes a probe never made its mark, and simply vanished without a trace. Occasionally a mission would come back online without an explanation for the ground crew. No one knew what to make of it until the Neptune Glider mission. The Neptune Glider was supposed to fly to the edge of the solar system, and orbit around Neptune taking pictures much the same as similar Saturn and Jupiter missions. It reached its destination, and slid into its rotation. Then it had a systems crash. Ground Control started panicking at the thought of their expensive observer floating dead in the water before it could send back data and pictures. No manned mission could reach it, there was no way to fix it from the ground. Writing it off seemed inevitable. Then it turned itself back on for no apparent reason. Pictures flowed back to NASA from the reactivated satellite. Careful examination showed a masked face peering at the camera lens the moment it came back on line. It wasn't in the next picture taken a moment later. It was decided that the errant face was a natural reflection in the background that vanished when the satellite shifted in orbit. How else could you explain a man's face in only one picture? NASA's analysts were wrong. Data from other probes placed in the solar system revealed someone was helping their projects along. Disasters were being averted by someone operating in the vacuum of space. They didn't know who, or what, could be saving their projects at the last minute. Finally they caught a glimpse of the mystery man when the Rovers and Victory warded off a small fleet of raiders. He confronted the aliens and held them off until help could arrive. He vanished after the battle was over. He has appeared several more times, helping out with space emergencies, and then vanishing. The media have got wind of this mysterious hero, naming him the Phantom ‘Naut. The Naut has helped the Rovers since then, usually on space based missions. He is the loosest member of the loose knit team, operating beyond the atmosphere. Still he is in good standing with Mr. Thunder and the rest. He can be depended on to protect the world from menaces beyond the blue sky.

Re: Grond, underpowered pansy? It's cancelled according to Comicon posters. CES

Re: Super Origins I tend to allow everything in a game. I've had superpowered flying bricks, freakish monsters, supersoldiers, tech guys, ninja weasels. AS far as Batman, or anyone like that, not surviving a fight with superhumans, I don't see it. A lot depends on the superhuman, and what the the tech guy/weaponeer has on hand. I've seen some of these guys wipe the floor with superior opponents. CES

Re: The Magistracy's Baby

Re: The New Circle Jahnni Djinn 2 Background Information: Jahnni Djinn was born the son of nomads in the desert of the Arabian Peninsula. He maintained the small herd of animals for his clan, working as a shepherd and horse wrangler. It was an idyllic life for the youngster. Jahnni's family wandered in search of water, and food. They camped close to what was known as the Haunted Village. It was a necessity at the time, but something they would have rather avoided. Only the shepherd boy enjoyed the prospect of camping in such a mysterious locale. Jahnni explored the broken down houses as he watched his flock. He couldn't see any reason for the villagers to have fled. In fact, he found a ring buried under the dirt floor in one of the decrepit domiciles. It was shining gold, and fit his finger perfectly. The trouble started after that. A strange vaporous apparition began appearing around Jahnni. It went away when he asked it to do so, but mostly hung around him, glaring at anyone who came too close. It appeared and vanished almost whimsically. Occasionally it would do something to help Jahnni's family. The nomads named the apparition Ali when they were no longer terrified of it. Jahnni began asking Ali for help, and it responded positively but silently. It did what he wanted, but never spoke, only smiled or frowned depending on the circumstances. Still the two of them became local legends, battling evil across the Middle East, even encountering the Iron Iman once. Jahnni earned the name Jahnni Djinn after helping members of the Rovers defeat an extradimensional menace during a United Nations relief effort to the region. Some of the local fundamentalists believe that the simple shepherd is a devil, or consorts with devils thanks to his companion. Jahnni believes that he has been given a gift to help his fellow man, whether to bring rain, or prevent harm. While he is based in the Mideast, he has traveled with the Rovers and on his own enough to think people are the same all over, and deserve help. As long as Ali appears, he will lend that hand. Quote: "My friend Ali, and I, would like to pass please." Personality: Jahnni is laid back, protective of others, and is always looking for the next horizon. He has a certain distrust for technology, but more for rigid attitudes. His role as a shepherd is extended to humanity at large. Appearance: Jahnni dresses in the loose shirt, pants, boots, and head dress of a Beduin popularized by such movies as Lawrence of Arabia, and Hidalgo. He still wears his lucky ring on one hand. Otherwise he could blend in with any Eastern community without drawing notice. Powers: Jahnni's doesn't have any natural powers. He earned his fame by being able to ask his sometimes companion, Ali, to help him succeed at any given task. He has picked up numerous skills to reflect the amount of wandering he has done across that part of the world. Other than his command of Ali, he is not extraordinary in the least. Character Name: Jhanni Djinn Real Name: Jahnni Bin Mustafa Nationality: Saudi Arabian Hair/Eye Color: Brown, Brown Place of Birth: Arabian Desert Date of Birth: 12/20/1986 Height/Mass: 5'9, 120 pounds Cost Characteristic Value 10 STR 20 18 DEX 16 20 CON 20 32 BODY 26 8 INT 18 40 EGO 30 10 PRE 20 0 COM 10 PD 4 ED 4 20 SPD 4 REC 8 END 40 STUN 46 OCV: 5 DCV: 5 OECV: 10 DECV: 10 Phases: 3,6,9,12 Cost Powers and Talents (END) Summon Ali: Summon specific 500 pt genie (+1), Slavishly loyal (+1), 12 continuing charges lasting one hour each (+1), Incantations (- 1/4), IIF ring (-1/4) 200 pts Watched by above: 4d6 luck 20 pts Cost Skills 3 survival desert 12- 3 KS: Shepherd 12- 3 Animal Handler 13- 2 TF: Riding animals 2 TF: automobiles 3 Combat driving 12- 3 Navigation: land 12- 3 stealth 12- 150 Points Disadvantages 5 DF: archaic clothing 30 Hunted by Demon 11- 15 Hunted by Terrorist Extremists 14- 20 Protective of people 15 Rivalry with Iron Iman 15 Master of Djinn 14- 20 Public Identity 20 Honorable 10 Dnpc: Sallah the archaeologist 8- CHA Cost = 158 Total Powers Cost = 220 Total Skills Cost = 22 Total Cost = 400 Plot Hook 1) Two mighty djinn have erupted in a populated area. Their wild spells have caused chaos to the town/city/country. The players have been asked to go in and save the day. Plot Hook 2) The players find a list and a lead to an artifact stealing group, possibly linked to Demon. One of the things mentioned on the list is Jahnni Djinn's ring. Plot Hook 3) A castle builds itself in the desert overnight. Governments on all sides want an answer to the mystery. GM's note-Jahnni Djinn is based on Johnny Thunder and Aladdin. Have fun with him.

Re: The Magistracy's Baby 7 Crystalmach stood behind the Persian, shifting the stones on her bracer. Pointer was beside her, ghost guns rippling the air as he fired round after round at the stick men trying to get close enough to touch them. Jerry Silver stood by himself next to his chair. Lightning coruscated around him, forming arcs that shattered the moving black when he looked at them. Crystalmach placed the last stone in place, then pressed the activate key. Mystic energy cleared the room, lashing out in glass spikes of light. She smiled, glad to have bought a little time. Purple lines ran up the walls in the aftermath of the spell. "Looks like the building's defenses activated," Crys said, scanning the area with her bracer. "I can't find any of those things left." "Feels better," said Jonah Charles, standing straighter in his corner. "Looks like your guy doesn't want you to stop him, Silver." "We'll see about that," said Silver, letting the electricity die around him. "Status report, Reilly." "Jerry," said Maker's voice, cutting Reilly off before he could say anything. "We have something. The Chemist had a picture in his mind of what the Halberdier stole, and it was linked to some other papers." "How sure are you?," asked Pointer, bulling his way to the intercom. His tie hung loose from his neck now. Cordite drifted around him. "The second piece we learned about was just stolen by the Triangle," said Maker. "A notice just came in to the system." "Where are the rest?," said Silver, pushing Pointer out of his way. "One is in Los Angeles, the other in Dallas," said Maker. "They are both in museums on display." "You in, or out?," Silver asked his counterparts. "I'm in," said Pointer. "I'll have to file a report on this to my boss." The Persian nodded. His plastic face hid the calculations circuiting through his brain. The Halberdier had taken some very valuable things from him. He wanted to pay back the cost. "Maker, keep working on the Chemist," Silver said, before switching to an open channel. "Magistrates report to the Slide. We're finding out what's going on. Reilly, take care of damage control. Maker is staying behind in case you need her." Silver looked at his guests as he cut the intercom. He had dealt with them before this, and knew what they were capable of in a crunch. He could have picked worse people to go into a fight with if he wanted. "You guys will stick with me," said Silver. "John Public will take the rest of my people with him. We'll take Los Angeles. They'll take Dallas." "Have a good time," said Charles. "I'll get the CORPS up to speed in case we need them from here." "I'll send a note to the agency after we touch down," said Pointer. "We might need them, might not. In any case, I have to let them know where I am and what I am doing." "Let's go," said Silver. "Charles, you can do your organizing from the control room. Reilly will give you a phone to use if you need it." "Thanks," said Charles. "Just stay out of trouble," said Silver. He pointed to a set of arrows on the wall. "Follow the red ones to the control deck. Reilly should fix you up." Charles broke off, waving at the group as they continued to the transporter room.

Re: Teen Guardians Wed, 11:30 a.m. The group realized something as they ate pizza and talked. The heartbreaker wouldn't go after the police, unless it was someone attached to the school system. And Captains commanded precincts, they didn't patrol students. It must be some other kind of captain. Patty stared at the table, unnaturally subdued from her normal bubbly self. "What," she offered, her normal rapid-fire burst mode of conversation apparently in 'standby', "if it's the captain of the football team-or other sport?" She looked askance, knowing that her offering was going to be slapped down once again by Hardball. A quick calculation told Patty there were 112 days in a season for most sports. "Authority figures, a captain." Eric looked thoughtful as he tried to put the pieces together somehow. "Well, which sport is going to start in four days? She'd likely attack the captain of that sports group." Titan was on the football team, and they had already started their season. The next major sport was Basketball next month. The school's web page would have a schedule maybe. Patty looked at Hardball and crossed her arms, slouching back and leaning only slightly towards Eric. "You're in charge, or so it seems you want to be you make the decisions she's the one that is hunting you or taunting you, you figure it out or give us instructions or directions." The phone rang. Hardball stood up suddenly and leaned over the table toward Patty "Look you ditzy cow, I didn't ask for this psycho bitch to start popping off people in some twisted attempt to please me. I don't want to be in charge and I certainly didn't ask to be condescended to by some little tramp who, despite claiming she was once an adult, seems to act like she's half her new chronological age. How the hell they gave you a license to practice medicine I'll never know. Now why don't you answer the phone, since it is your house, and let the grown ups talk for a while." Her hands hadn't moved-yet there were four distinct slaps and his cheeks hurt. "TRAMP?" her eyes flashed, "You're the one insisting that we pussyfoot around without contribution--you're the hero with a backup group, that's sure the hell you make the situation out to be--you go out back, talk it over with yourself and then come the hell back in and tell us what the hell you want to do since you're obviously so much more smart than any of us GET OUT." She wasn't standing there; she could be heard in the living room--and her voice was calm. "Hello?" "Hello sweets," said Patty's father. "I'm glad you made it home. The police want to talk to you. You wouldn't happen to have seen your greasy 'boyfriend', and the reject from the fifties would you? They're both gone, and the police want to talk to them too." Eric watched the drama unfold around him. This was getting them nowhere fast. "Listen, Hardball, ten deep breaths and let's call it a draw. We need answers, not volcanos blowing up around us." Eric stared at Hardball directly. "I'd rather not try and force people to calm down. It won't help people's attitudes at all." He heard Patty talking on the phone in the living room. "Now then, you gave us a great deal to go on. She definitely goes to the school. She definitely had access to the principal this morning. Those leads have been cut off from us. But it does let us know where she is and how much ability she has access to. Judging from the evidence I'd have to say where dealing with a wallflower type that became fixated on you." He inhaled, sitting back as if lost in thought. "What captain will be back in four days? Do we have any of the team captains currently out of the school of family trips?" Hardball didn't know jack about school sports but he did know the football team captain Dash Reynolds had been in school that day. The cheerleaders fawned over him. "Tammy walked me home," Patty started, "she's just hanging around right now she was talking about going home herself in a bit is it okay if she hangs around and he's not a greasy boyfriend he's Eric and it doesn't matter because you don't know who he is or anything I'd like to have him over for dinner sometime so you can meet him sorry I never talked about him and who are you talking about the reject from the 50s that doesn't make any sense to me but I haven't seen them since I left school..." She gulped, fighting nausea--she was lying again. "I don't feel good, Daddy, if you want the cops to come here and talk to me you can, love you Daddy." She hung the phone up and, a moment later, reappeared in the kitchen. "Cops are on their way, they want to talk to you," she said, nodding at Eric. "I told them I didn't know where you were and..." She looks queasy for a moment, then fights it back. "...that I hadn't seen you since school. Best maybe if you disappear--Tammy, I told my Dad you were here and hanging around a little--you're welcome to, but if the cops show up and find you to guys..." She purses her lips, the previous spat with Hardball momentarily forgotten. Eric watched her fight off her own queasy feeling. "It's okay Patty. I'll talk to you later." Patty zipped to the door and stopped him on the back patio. Standing up to tiptoe, she brushed her lips against his cheek, her own cheeks read. "Be careful, okay?" He smiled at her as he walked out "I'll try, but trouble is generally so much fun." Eric stood up and walked out the back door and moved over a few fences before moving to the actual front of the area and started walking towards the base. He couldn't talk to the police, nor would he. As much as he liked Patty or the group in general he wasn't sure what had gotten into him back there, he was about to risk going back to 'him'. No, that wasn't right, He might have put on a good show earlier but the more he thought about it the more he was certain it was just a show. He wouldn't have had the courage to be near 'him' again and considering the police department were still full of monumental morons he wasn't likely going to go near any police officer. He needed a plan, a trap for this Heartbreaker. One that could work. They had four days. "Wonder if she reads the news paper?" he asked himself as he continued on his way. Hardball was already heading for the door. He was silently clenching and unclenching his hands attempting to calm himself down. He couldn't believe he'd lost his cool again. "Hardball." The word was neutrally spoken and from the door of the house. The next words were a surprise as Eric walked away from the patio and Patty. "Be careful, okay? Like me or not, or whether I like you or not--we're on the same team--and I *am* willing to help you any way I can, okay?" Rabbit was right about one thing, this *was* his responsibility, people were dying because some psycho bint was trying to impress him. He needed to find her and fast, he just wished he was better at solving riddles. He headed back toward the school. Might as well make an appearance, and possibly find out if the Football captain was having any heartburn. The school had been emptied by the time Hardball got back to the school. Police had cut off the building from its surroundings. He could see the uniforms were guarding the doors to keep people out. Eric put that idea out of his mind. It wasn't likely going to help. But maybe a friendly target. Some times villains and psychos didn't mind working or talking to each other. Maybe if he went around in costume swinging around he might learn something or at the very least burn off a bit of steam and annoyance at the world in general. Once he was back at the base he changed costumes he would do to that very task. He was going out on a 'heroic' patrol. First time for everything. He was debating if he should look up old contacts to see if they'd been affected. A few bars and clubs sounded good. Eric found Pusher sitting in front of a new computer on a new desk, surfing the internet, making notes on a pad, trac phone on a charger. A radio was telling people to hurry on home early, hurry on home. Boom Boom Mancini was fighting Bobby Chacone. The chalkboard with the first clue was off to the right. Eric stopped off at the chalkboard spending long enough to write the newest clue. "Hey Pusher, good news I ended up right the first time. Bad news the principle still ended up dead. Maybe you can make some sense of this? I didn't keep up with captains in school." He then began changing into his costume. "I need a bit of thinking space for now, so I'm going to swing around the city. You can reach me by cell if you gain any insights." He really wasn't waiting for replies but changing certainly took time. If anything Eric seemed more agitated than normal. "Here you go, Eric," Pusher said. He showed Eric a news story he had found using google. Sea Captain Andrew Johnson found after 31 days lost at sea to be at rededication of school named in his honor. Eric paused as Pusher talked about Captain Andrew Johnson. "Any idea where he lives?" He finished placing his costume on and walked over to him. "I'll need to contact the rest of the group on this one once we know." "According to this, he's at sea," said Pusher. "The dedication is in a few days. They expect him to sail in and speak a couple words about surviving school and then he's back to the sailing life." 1:30 p.m. It took ten minutes, but Nariko was able to spring the latch on the door enough so she could open the window and look through it. A wooden floor was on the other side of the door, with a kitchen table with two chairs. A refrigerator sat on the other side of that. An oven was next to the fridge. It looked like they were keeping her in the pantry. Wasting no time, the gearhead girl tried to fit through the small opening while looking up to see how the pantry door itself was secured. It was a tight squeeze but Nariko pushed herself through with an effort. She heard footsteps coming from another room in the house. *Oh Sxxt!*, she thought as she quickly re-latched the little door and tiptoed her way away from the sound of the footsteps. As soon as she was out of the kitchen, she looked around almost frantically for a suitable reflective surface to use to escape through. The only thing that looked close was the little window on the oven door, unless she wanted to try for the back door and escape out into the back yard. *DOUBLE Sxxt!*, she thought and tried to dash through the back door and into the back yard. Nariko found herself in a disused backyard covered with grass grown long over the past summer. A wooden fence surrounded the property, high enough to block other people's view, as well as slowing down climbers. Nariko heard a growl from somewhere to her right. She turned her head to look at the source, filled with even *more* fear than before. A dog appeared at the corner of the house. She couldn't tell the breed, but it looked big and angry enough to foam at the mouth. *Aaaah! What a frigging *nightmare*!* Biting back the urge to scream at the last possible moment, Nariko ran for and jumped onto the wood fence, hoping to get high enough on it fast enough so that the dog won't get her. She tried to scramble up and over it as quick as she could. Nariko just barely got over the top of the fence without a bite. It was a close thing but she did it. *All RIGHT!*. the gearhead girl thought exultingly as she cleared both the fence and the nasty dog's jaws. "Now to *disappear*...", Nariko murmured to herself as she quickly looked for the nearest reflective surface to make her escape though. Nariko heard movement from the other yard. No doubt Ebersole or his assistant had come out to see what the fuss was about. The dog jumping at the wooden fence couldn't be any help. She saw a bird bath full of water close to the neighbor's house. Then she heard wood crack like a broken dish. That couldn't be good. *Oh F*CK!*, Nariko's mind screams out as she makes a mad dash for the bird bath. All it would take would be a quick look at her own reflection... More cracking wood told her that Fido the lovable watch dog had broken through the bottom of the fence. Barking told her he was on his way after her. She reached the bird bath, hearing the sound of plants being knocked over behind her. *It's now or NEVER!* She looked down into the bowl, seeking her reflection and her escape. A portal opened for the girl. She could see it. Then something grabbed hold of her leg in jagged lines of fire. Trying her best not to panic, she touched the portal and started the process of porting through, hoping to slice the tormenting dog in half as she slipped in and severed the portal behind her. The dog fell on top of her as she slid on the tile floor. He paused a second in his chewing at his strange surroundings. It wasn't a great opening, but it was something. With a scream, Nariko squirmed out from under the dog and made for the bathroom mirror, hoping to slip through another portal before the dog recovered his wits! The dog started barking, then scrabbled after her, sliding a little on the tiled floor. She made the bathroom, spotting the mirror. Her face looked wan as she looked into the glass. She spotted the dog coming right at her. Summoning up what little energy she had left, she opened the portal and slipped out into somewhere else...somewhere that *hopefully* didn't have a half-crazed dog in it... Nariko appeared next to the bird bath. She could see the hole in the fence to her right. Ebersole's assistant was looking through it. It looked like he had a pistol in his hand. Hoping that she hadn't been seen, Nariko ducked down and quietly fled towards the other side of house, hoping to find another surface to gate through. Nariko found several places she could use to gate. Her leg was sticky with blood, the pants leg ripped around the bite mark. She didn't hear the assistant but knew the logical thing he would do was check where the dog had gone. Trying not to think about her throbbing and chewed up leg at that moment, the gearhead girl used the nearest place to gate and got the hell *out* of there. The dog growled at Nariko as she stood in front of the gate. Blood marked its muzzle as it got ready to charge again. It was conceivable that if it kept on her leg, it could chew it in two. Nariko went for the farthest of the two convenience stores she had seen from the street. Stepping back into the open gate dumped Nariko on the street in front of the Little General. The gate closed behind her, allowing her reflection to become visible behind the protective grate over the windows and doors.

Re: Amalgamation Hero, let's create new Heroes from old ones The first thing that jumped out was Star woman which is taken. Another combination could be Wonder Firestarter, an amazon with a magic flame thrower. CES

Re: What Fantasy/Sci-Fi book have you just finished? Please rate it... Iron Council by China Mieville: Finally finished it. I wouldn't reccommend this book. Most of the characters verge on fanatics, things were done that didn't make sense, and too much was crammed in when in my mind it would have been better to concentrate on one idea. CES

Re: What Fantasy/Sci-Fi book have you just finished? Please rate it... Hell to Pay by Simon Green: When a rich immortal's granddaughter vanishes into the wilds of the Nightside, there's only one detective tough enough, smart enough, and willing to look for her. John Taylor is that man. CES

Re: xialin showdown Entry 6- This is a template and two examples of sheng gong wu in the setting. Name: Appearance: Function: Name: The Ghost Cauldron Appearance: A black cauldron big enough to cook a ten pound turkey in. A white letter for kuei is on the side near the lip. Function: The cauldron boils ectoplasm and releases it on a site to form a random ghost. Name: The Trojan Horse Appearance: A brass horse statue. Function: The Trojan Horse transforms its user into a metal horse capable of running at great speeds, and armored against injury for the brief time its active. Typically its only active to carry the user to a spot determined when it is activated. The Wu are always active. They only require someone to pick them up and use them. They are also finite in number. One record reported one hundred in existence but only six have ever been found at the moment.

Re: xialin showdown Page 4- Jade rushed over to the child to see how bad he was hurt as she demanded, "Look what you have done! You must stop this at once before you kill someone!" Then she called to her guards, "Guards quickly get everyone out now!" The bodyguards moved to carry out her orders. She could see that most of the crowd were already fleeing from the ice bringing thing. The boy had a sliver of wood driven into his arm like a spear. Blood was everywhere. If he was older, if might not be life threatening, but she could see that he could die from such a wound. "There shall be death," said the ghost, raising his hands. Energy built as he readied himself to unleash another blast. Shots rang out, bullets marring the facade, making the ghost flicker as it turned to whomever threatened it. Jade quickly looked around for one of her guards. She saw one so she called out, "Joe. Come quick. Take this child to the hospital now before he bleeds to death." Then once the guard and the child were safely out of the way, she turned and faced the ghost and said, "Is this the way you really want to do things here? If so, then it is you who will die again." She started to draw up energy around her. Jade wanted to throw energy but all she had was her toughened nails. If bullets didn't work, there was little chance that her artificial claws would do much. She could keep it busy for a little while, maybe drain its energy fighting her. This was her family's restaurant, the center of their criminal empire. They couldn't lose the building.

Re: The Magistracy's Baby 6 He had lost his name years ago. He had been named the Hurting by his first employer. He had kept the name as he worked his way from one criminal operation to the next. He had worked with and against the Halberdier before. They had a professional respect, he supposed. All that mattered was the color of his money. The Hurting had lost a lot of things with his name. All he cared about was doing a job. He found it acceptable for people to pay him for something he would do for free. The Hurting's partners were different. They only liked to work for money. If a client couldn't pay the amount asked, they tended to take revenge. The Hurting didn't care as long as he moved like he was alive, mixing it up in the real world. The Hurting stood beside a plastic display case. Clawed hands extended from under the ragged shroud wrapped around his thin body. His talons cut the plastic in a circle in one swift motion. He pulled the circle out with an easy move of his thin wrist. The paper on display beckoned him to take it. The thin fingers pulled the paper from the display case with care. Red eyes glanced at the strange writing from under the hood hiding his head. He handed the paper over to his partner, Quentin. The mercenary slid the paper into a carrying case with care. The Hurting almost wished someone would show up to try and stop him. He didn't like a job that was too easy. It didn't give him that buzz that he needed. "Let's go," said Cano. "We got what we came for. We're rich." Quentin looked at the hulking piece of rock and dog mixed together. He looked like he wanted to say something scathing, but couldn't think of the right words. Finally he gave up with a sigh. "We're rich," said Quentin. "Let's drop this off and move on to the next one before someone catches wise and tries to stop us." The Hurting nodded, silently leading the way out of the museum. It made no difference to him if someone tried to stop him or not. Still it would be nice to rake someone's face to ribbons and feel their blood on his hands. It would let him know he was alive. He needed that constant reassurance since he had lost his name. The trio had crossed paths with the CORPS and the School on numerous occasions. The Hurting had enjoyed one duel he had engaged in with the Graft. There was a man after the revenant's heart. They had fought to a standstill until events had pulled them apart. That was what made whatever acted as his blood to sing. Stafford would pay the rest of the money into the account. They would split the money. He wouldn't spend his. Quentin had women and play as a vice. Cano had a wife and kid somewhere. The Hurting had no one and no need so his money stayed and collected interest until one day he did feel like spending it. He knew that was a long way in the future because right now he couldn't imagine anything different from the way he felt now. The trio boarded a van designed to carry Cano's bulk without breaking the streets. They drove away before the police arrived to investigate the alarm. Maybe next time, the Hurting told himself as he watched the building recede in the back window. "I wonder what the Halberdier wants with this paper," said Cano. "Maybe we can hold him up for some more money." "No," said Quentin. "We were paid to deliver this. Then we get the other half of our money. We're not going to get greedy and blow this." "Greed smeed," said Cano. "I was just thinking we deserve a bonus for our professionalism." "Professionalism means we don't hold up our employer," said Quentin. "Besides who else would we sell the paper to? Let's not throw easy money away." "Quentin is right," said the Hurting, attention still on the passing streets. "Let's wait before we bite the hand that feeds." The Hurting wanted more jobs, harder jobs. He couldn't get those if his group started reneging on their deals. He would do anything, but he wouldn't jeopardize a good working relationship for something petty like money which he didn't use anyway.

Re: Quote of the Week from my gaming group... From the All Star Squadron I am in: The Shining Knight said, "Verily, it be a one-eyed, one-horned flying purple people eater of some sort. Surely, songs will be written about our battle with this beast." OOC: Yea, verily. By Sheb Wooley, mayhap. CES

Re: The New Circle Man, you've put some work into this thread. Thanks for keeping it alive! No Big. Sometimes I think I have some type of typographia. CES

Re: Time Travel and Potential Plots. I don't know if this is what you are talking about but when in the last face to face I ran, one of the characters was a shapeshifter. He was contacted by someone from the future who wanted to take his genes and help humanity. Chris was cool with it until he visited that future and realized vampires were behind the offer and were going to destroy his timeline to make theirs by mixing his genes into a faster contaminant for them. CES