Zortel

Warshades have some impressive self buffs, such as Sunless Mire, Black Dwarf Mire and Eclipse that carry over into alternate forms. You could go: Black Dwarf Mire > Human form Sunless Mire > Eclipse then transform into Nova Form, becoming a veritable flying juggernaught Resistance and +Damage wise.

Peacebringers can carry over Essance Boost and Conserve Power to Dwarf and Nova forms, Build up can be carried over as well, where I find I have enough time to go Bright Nova Blast > Scatter > Detonation > Blast before it runs out, without Hasten or Recharge enhancements.

((Looking to run the Bodyguard mission IC, preferably with Unity Vigil or prospective Vigil members, The mission is leftover from... level 48, I think, so there's a bit of SK room. I'll be going on Zortel, level 50 blaster. Anyone else up for this?))

"I heard the oddest conversation last night in Pocket D..."
"Oh? I heard that degenerate Coile was in there with some young blonde."
"Nah, even more disturbing!"
"... even more?"
"Yeah, some people on the top bar were talking about necrophilla... and some of them were all for it! It's sick..."
"... Did you have to tell me this as I was eating a ham roll?"

-Overhead in a cafe in Kings Row between two men this morning.-

"You damn pesky kids, quit leaping off my windowledge! Of all the nerve! Why, back in my day we didn't try and get ourselves killed scaling buildings dressed in leather and capes, and certainly not in the night when some people are trying to sleep! Why, we had more respect for our elders, that's for sure, and let me tell you this, we did without fancy sneakers for running and jumping..."

-The continuing and rambling tirade of an old lady last night, hanging out of her bedroom window in Kings Row cursing at teen superheroes.-

"Hey Martha, you noticed Nene lately?"
"Hard not to, Jerry, she really looks something else with that new skin."
"Well yah, but she's seemed a little down lately... 'specially after that news report about Founders Falls."
"You should have seen her yesterday, Jerry. She just looked baffled most of the time... I'll have a sit down with her at some point."
"Thanks Martha... I worry about her sometimes."

-Prometheus Lake Cafe owner Martha speaking with regular customer Jerry on sunday morning, in Atlas Park.-

"They're really making some work on that Unity Vigil building. I've been seeing Zortel and a load of workers going in and out with equipment and materials."

-A person in Skyway City commented yesterday, gesturing towards a building in the Astral District.-

"Mamamamamama!" Kelly gurgled, her tiny hands reaching up towards her mother as she entered the room. It was around three am on Saturday morning, Zorielle having responded to the cries coming from the bedroom next to hers. Adjusting her dressing gown, she bent over the crib and picked up her daughter.

"Ssssh... you don't want to wake your brother up, do you?" she said softly, cradling her child in her arms as she headed to a chair on the far side of the room to sit down, stroking the coppery-dark lock of hair on her daughter's head with a fingertip.

"What's gotten you up then, Kelly?" Zori asked, smiling softly as the baby snuggled up to her in her arms. "Just wanted your madre?" Leaning back in the chair, Zori got a bit more comfortable.

"I know... I've not been about at home as much as I should be lately... but your madre's very busy trying to help others." Zori said softly. "Hopefully soon though, things will settle and I'll be able to spend more time here with you, and with your brother."

The heroine known as Zortel wasn't really one for baby talk, prefering to speak more sensibly to her children. Her fingertip moved down to the bridge of Kelly's nose, slowly stroking from top to tip.

"The workmen were in the base today, we've been working on getting the facilities set up. We've got the medical bay set up, as well as other things... oh, I recruited two new members today."

Kelly mumbled sleepily, her eyes drifting open and shut as her mother talked.

"There was Cassidy Troy... she worked for the British Military and Intelligence Services... she sems very nice too. And there was BowFire, he's a very friendly and polite man, seemed very willing to help out, especially with the younger recruits." The dark haired woman smiled, before kissing her daughter's forehead.

"I worry at times... what'll happen if this falls apart, things like that... but I know if anything bad does happen, I've still got Tessa, you and your brother, your big sister... so I know things will be allright."

A smile touched her lips as Kelly's hand slowly closed around one of her fingers.

"And that's all I need to keep going, and to make sure to stay as safe as I can be. Come on Kelly, let's get you back to bed." She said softly, standing and taking her daughter back, setting her besides her brother before leaning in to kiss both of their foreheads. Slipping out of the bedroom, she glanced down the large stairwell in the centre of her villa, listening for sounds of life.

"Good, Mona and Lisa are still asleep." Zori said to herself. The pair were two of the gynoids she created back when she owned ZorTel Industries, as guards to aid her. Now though, with the extensive modifications she had made, they were more like members of the family. Content, she made her way back to her bedroom, closing the door behind her before sliping her dressing gown off, to tiptoe her way back and slip into bed besides her partner.

And hopefully drift off back to sleep.

Aye, them's the ones.

Just a note, the prior two nominations were posted on April 1st and April 6th, thus aren't applicable for entry in the March Creative Genius Competition, but are for April's next month.

Yet again the posters are going up, plastered over the lobbies of Pocket D, and at various locations in Paragon and the Rogue Isles. The Staff at Pocket D will be busy preparing for the event again, as once again a Speed Meet will grace Pocket D's central dancefloor.

Pocket D, DJ Zero and the Cryptic Underground Present: The 2nd Pocket D Speed Meet

Yet, there are shadowy rumours gracing the bars and dancefloors. Renovations, revamping, and DJ Zero has had his thinking cap on. What's the custodian of the Pocket Dimension up to? What events has he planned to bring to the interdimensional night club?

Only time will tell.

Group Name: Unity Vigil

Server/Game: Union City of Heroes

Theme: An officially sanctioned group of heroes and experts working together to benefit each other and Paragon.

Webpage: None at this time.

Contacts: @Zortel in game, Zortel on the forums

Usual Activities: IC Missions, Socializing

Background & Structure: Formed recently by Zorielle Rolando, also known as the hero Zortel, the Unity Vigil was created as a way for heroes to band together with access to various federal and private organizations and have a centralized access to expertise. In addition to this, it offers heroes a chance to find people to work with to watch over their backs and to learn.

The Unity Vigil also works with the FBSA's Hero Experience program, to help young and new heroes gain valuble combat experience, and with the Metahuman Youth Reformation Scheme, which helps metahuman young offenders out of youth detention centres and provides them with training.

The Structure is Vigil Commander (Zortel), then Senior Members, Veteran Members, Members and Junior Members. Jnr. Members are those in the FBSA or MYRS Hero Experience Program, Members are those standard members, Veterans have showed great experience or are important liasion officers, and Senior Members are involved with the running of the Vigil.

Admission Notes/Requirements: Any heroes can become ordinary members, those with experience or links to a group such as the PPD or Portal Corps would be considered for Liasion Officer work, and would facilitate interactions with characters and such organizations in IC investigations. If you're interested in joining, a global tell or PM on the boards containing a few bits of information about your character would be useful, and then a meeting between Zortel and the character in question can be arranged.

Tessa Rolando: Unity Vigil Roster - 03/04/2007
Zortel - Unity Vigil Commander, DATA Liasion Officer. Scientific and combat experience.
Fridan - Veteran Member, Technological and combat experience.
Arachidamia - Veteran Member, MAGI Liasion Officer. Magical and melee combat experience.
Storm Sapphire - Member, PPD Awakened Division Liasion Officer. Experience with meterological and Kheldian issues.
Cauter - Member, Paragon Fire Department Liasion Officer.
Fusebox - Veteran Member, Hero Experience Program Trainer. Notable computer skills.
Cindersnap - Junior Member, MYRS Hero Experience Recruit.

Next heroes to recru_

"Mmmh, love, you coming to bed?" A woman's voice called out from the bedroom. It was fairly early... or late in the night on Rolando Island. Situated in the South Pacific, the privately owned island was home to the Rolando family and their close friends, as well as several of the androids and gynoids that the family had created.

"Alright dear, just finishing up." Tessa called out, saving the notes she was typing up and shutting down her laptop. She often enjoyed working on the balcony, looking over the west of the island and the houses below. Taking the slim notebook inside, she set it on the desk and slid the balcony doors shut.

Zorielle was already in bed, her glasses folded up and resting on the bedside table as she combed her long, dark hair out. Slipping her dressing gown off and hanging it up, Tessa climbed into bed and shuffled over to cuddle up, nestling her head against her partner's shoulder. Zori couldn't help but smile at the feeling of Tessa's short red hair tickling her skin, and afte a few more combs she put the brush to one side.

"Lights off." She said, the illumination in the room dimming down to nothingness, before laying back on the bed in her partner's arms.

"So, how's things going then, my love?" Tessa asked.

"Tough..." she admitted with a little sigh. "It's just getting the ball rolling at first, recruiting people and getting known."

"Hopefully people should start coming forward at some point... what do you think of the ones we have already?"

Zori smiled. "Well, not much I need to say about our Hannah, is there? Cauter... seems like a decent man, he knows a lot of the PFD too. I think he'll be a valuble member of the team." She muesd a little. "Officer Preston I'm not so sure about... sure his track record is good, but... he's going through some pretty big changes at the moment, I'm worried that personal issues may interfere with his work and his duties with the Vigil."

"Ellie seems to have a good opinion of him... so does Eloise from what I've heard." Tessa said reassuringly, kissing Zori's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll do fine."

"Cindersnap, he's one of the MYRS ones... he seems a nice kid, if a little overconfident.. some anger issues too. Might be best to let Hannah deal with him, they are both former Outcasts after all, and both have been in Juvenile Hall."

"Definately a good idea... I think it'd help him."

Zori's fingertip brushed through the side of her partner's hair. "Fridan seems very polite and friendly... from what I've heard, he'll be a good addition. Our MAGI liasion, Mary is rather promising too. Got a sense of humour on her too. They're a good start." she smiled proudly.

"Guess you'll be hunting tomorrow then for new recruits, huh? Any in mind?" Tessa said with a content little smile, her eyes half closed at the stroking.

"I've got a few ideas... and don't worry, I'll make plenty of time for you and the kids." Zori promised.

"Really?"

"Really." The dark haired Spanish woman said with a nod, leaning in with her lips pouted for a kiss. With a coy little smile, Tessa pouted her lips, leaning in towards her wifes embrace...

They stopped short as a cry came from the bedroom next door, followed shortly by another one. The two women looked at each other for a moment before smiling.

"They sure have their timing, huh?" Tessa sighed.

"That they do, dear... want me to go check on them?"

"No no, you get your rest, you've had a busy day dear. Lights, one quater illumination." The red-head said out aloud, the bedroom lights flicking on before she slipped out of the covers, ready to go and see what was disturbing her two children.

This press conference airs on Tuesday 3rd April at 12.30 on Paragon City's Channel 7 news, and then later on other news networks. Zorielle Rolando, the person who spoke at the conference, may be known for past deeds in the city. In addition to being the CEO of the now closed ZorTel Industries and the heroine Zortel, she recieved the Stalwart Medallion during her efforts of the Rikti Invasion, where she held off a tide of invading Rikti from the area of the city she was in at great personal cost and injury.

The Begining
Personal Reflection
Who Watches The Watchmen?
United in Vigilance
Let's Liase
Contingent
Brining It All Together
Experience and Co-operation
A Parents Work Is Never Done

Indeed, and just realised, it's Wednesday 25th April, not the 26th. I'll be making the poster soon. Thankfully I still have the Pocket D logo saved, and have photos of the first speedmeet to add in.

It was Billy Idol's 'Rebel Yell', then Puddle of Mudd's 'Blury', before finishing with Jess' request of Shania Twain's 'Man, I Feel Like A Woman'.

Hmm, thinking back...
Number Nine, Miss Ellie, Grav Mistress, Cambo, Krazeer, Mr. Torch, Subject Anjel, Solar... Flame? (I forget, I just call him Solar!), Slyx (? Natayla), Shadowe, Lyn Legend, Nightschild and Bay State Ranger were observing, I know I've missed a few.

I think I'll probably run one next month, perhaps on.. Wednesday 26th April.

Well, it was a slow start at the begining, with 4 people there including myself, but at the end of the meet at 21.20 there was about 12 people there.

((Please make sure that you have the Request channel active on your chat window, because DJ Zero's announcements will take place on that channel. The Announcements will cover the starting rules, and the announcements to change who you're talking to.))

Were they talking about it though? Cause I've not heard anything about it lately, at least not directly. Some of my characters signed it, but they aren't going to go on talking about it or anything.

"Hey sweetie, how was Scouts today?" The boys mother asked as her son got in the car.

"It was really cool Mom, we went out to get signatures for the Heroes Amongst People campaign, and we like got a ton from some heroes!" Robert said with a big grin, showing his mother his petition form.

As she looked over it, some familiar names and some not so familiar were listed on there: Cauter, Zortel, Nene Ninnezt, Rushmore, and the list went on and on.

"Well, I think someone deserves a treat, where do you want to go for dinner?" She smiled proudly.

"Major Flanders, mom!"

Robert's mother smiled and started the car up, pulling away from where she was parked. "Major Flanders it is."

"We can indeed guarantee that to the agents. We've worked extensively with both Freedom Corps, the Paragon City Police Department, the DA and the other offices of law and justice in the city to ensure that the agents will be released when their sentance is finished and they are rehabilitated."

"Indeed there has, both with first stage testing in animals, second stage testing in humans taken place in seven different countries, psychological research backing and supporting our findings and there is also the results we have seen from one of our first agents, who's behaviour has increased for the better already in just one week."

The balding man at the podium nods.

"Of course. The program is not forced on any of the individuals, it is offered to them based on their situation and they have the details fully explained to them, and plenty of time to think over whether they wish to be a part. If they do not wish to take part after joining, they will be decommissioned as an agent, and the chip removed."

He paused to have a sip of water, before continuing.

"As for the second part of your question, a great deal of effort in crytography and encryption has gone into the chips and the frequencies they are carried on, but as for the worries you had, it prevents me from disclosing more than that. As well as that, the Control Operator staff all undergo rigerous background checks, and we have many security measures and rules in place to protect both the agents, control operators and the general public. Yet again, I cannot disclose the nature of these due to security."

Talos Island - Hotel Geneva. 2pm.
---------------------------------

"Good afternoon everyone, and welcome." The balding middle aged man said at the podium in the conference room, shuffling some papers. Behind him sat a large view screen, and the various journalists and reporters were out in front.

"It's been just over a week since the launch of a brand new project to help this city, and help in the rehabilitation of young offenders that fill the city's Juvenile Hall. Many teenage metahumans fill the hallways, having gotten into the gang culture that pervades our streets and tries to lead people away from law, order and decency."

"The Paragon City Metahuman Youth Reforment Scheme." Flashes up on the viewscreen behind the man.

"Instead of confining metahuman young offenders, we have started a project based on the pioneering research of a team one and a quater years ago, whereby they are drafted into hero and community work, learning to use their powers and be taught how to be upstanding members of society."

"Lawrence Daniels, Paragon Press." A man stuck his hand up. "So, you're condoning the release of young offenders onto the streets? What is to stop them from reoffending again?"

"Indeed, and we have something to stop them." The man said with a slight smile. A diagram of some kind of cybernetic implant came up on the screen behind him.

"The BRMC - Behavioural Reinforcement Modifier Chip. Planted subdermally into the young offender, it allows monitoring and supervision of their activities, and is staffed remotely at all times by a Control Team, with three controllers assigned to each individual."

"Natasha Sheers, Freelance News Agency, what exactly does this chip do to control the person its implanted into?"

"The chip has several functions that help in the functions assigned to it. The first is the Sensory Transmission Relay. This allows the controller to see and hear what the implantee, or 'agent', is doing. The second is the Electrostimulus Behaviour Reinforcer. If the agent does something against the code of conditions assigned to them, a small electrical pulse will be issued to chastise them for their actions."

"Karl Marco, Paragon Times, isn't that somewhat inhumane?"

"No, the shock causes no physical damage, and the pain is very minimal. It has been successfully shown in trials to help cause aversion to negative behaviour and reinforce them not to reoffend. Continuing on, the third function of the chip is its Active Stream Chemical Monitoring Process. This allows us to see if the agent has used any narcotics or other illegal substances. Tied into this system is a Biosign Guardian. This monitors how the agent is doing physically, and if needed we can activate a Mediport to transport them to hospital, or teleport them to a form of incarceration such as the Zigursky Prison if necessary."

"Finally, there is a fourth, last resort function in the chips, which is the Subdermal Power Neutralizer. If the agent goes out of control or is about to harm a civillian, the Control Operator can activate a system that will deactivate the agents metahuman abilities."

"Ian St. John, Paragon Central News, it sounds like several of these systems compromise the agents human rights, what are your oppinions on that?"

"The agents are all briefed on the terms of becoming a part of this project, and sign a contract indicating that they are aware of all the terms and conditions. All Control Operators sigh confidentiality clauses."

"Henry McGregor, Paragon Standard, what would choose someone to undergo this instead of staying in a Youth Detention Centre? And leading on from that, is this just being offered to any offender with metahuman abilities?"

"There are benefits to the project, including having their own housing in the city provided, and an allowance in addition to their food and necessity allowance to spend on what they see fit within the conditions of their contract, based on performance and behaviour on and off the field. And no, it is being offered only to individuals who we feel would benefit and prosper from this project. Last question before we open up the floor to the other attendees of this conference?"

"Michael Roberts, Paragon Star, is there anything in addition to this project to help reform the offender?"

"Yes, we offer educational tuition, work experience placement in some cases, counsellors and psychiatrists, and classes to help reform the agents into valuble and productive members of society. Alright, we'll now open up the floor to questions, anyone?"

((Feel free to have a reporter ask a question.))

"I haven't seen that half snake come out of her building lately..."
"Probably shedding again. Some guy ticked her off when she was shedding one."
"Oh? What happened to him?"
"Do you know what 'Defenstrated' means?"
"Ouch..."

-Two blue collar workers talking in Port Oakes-
-----------------------------------------------

"Daymn! Dat girl's catchin' rays naked again!"
"What? Get the camera or something!"
"Chica must be mucho loco to do that here!"

-Three minor gang members in Port Oakes, near the hospital.-

Aye, same here. Which reminds me, I need to go and grab Snake Charmer for Jan.

Well, I assume there's hero action figures, comics, cartoons. You get reality TV shows like COPS, but with Heroes, and other such things, some are celebrities of Z-A list nature. Trading cards, Freedom Phalnax toys in up-n-away kids meals, that sort of thing.

The posters are going up, placed around Pocket D, and over the Rogue Isles and Paragon City. DJ Zero has ordered in the extra drinks needed. For coming on Thursday 29th March at 8 o'clock in the evening, is an event like no other, where heroes, villains, civillians, anyone can meet up with people in America's first Interdimensional Night Club to socialize with others.

With at least 10 minutes to chat with someone, people are already getting ready, wondering who they'll meet and what they'll discuss, nervous as to if they'll fit in, or meet someone they could fall in love with, or someone to loathe, or even just someone to talk to about the Paragon 49'ers last game.

What will you do? Who will you meet? What will you say?
Only one way to find out...

The Pocket D Speed Meet Poster, being put up in various places in the isles and the city!