Gryphon_Cyrus

((OOC: I'm going to propose a hiatus for a few days since my family does does gifts on Christmas Eve and I'll be distracted with whatever I get for a little while.))

Edit: This doesn't mean that I won't be checking my e-mail, so if you PM me I will be able to know and check.

((OOC: We are going to have to do a little bit of manipulating of the facts in order to explain where in the Tower your character was (he couldn't get directly into the room from the outside world based on what I'm working on establishing for the fortress). Also, send me a background and a list of ablities and goals for your character. I can explain the reasons for this via PM.))

((OOC: Don't tell me I wrote us into a corner now... Oh, wait, you guys are probably preparing for the holiday (or celebrating/observering as the case maybe)

Medb narrowed her eyes a Mr. Book while had his little episode. She'd known that showing even a portion of her hand at this point was dangerous but she needed the man's experience with soul transference and spirit transmigration, as well as his ability with the darker arts, if her plan was to succeed. She would speak to him later in an attempt to do some damage control.

[ QUOTE ]
"I apologize for speaking out of turn," Nomegeh says, "but the Hegemon would probably have some comments at this point."

"I've already mentioned that the Hegemon was created as part of Project Messenger. Some of the files have been leaked onto the Internet, so there's no harm in telling you that Project Messenger was a failure.

"The flaw was that it is impossible for a superior being to be controlled by inferiors. The Project Messenger constructs rebelled against Dr. Ferris, time after time. Despite all his precautions, rogue units destroyed his research labs, bankrupted his organization, and eventually killed the man himself.

"So I'm concerned about plans to bring this powerful living weapon into our universe. How can we ever be sure that it will follow the Hegemon's orders instead of acting on its own agenda?

"I'm also concerned that we don't fully understand your father's plans. How does he benefit from the destruction of our world? This needs to be investigated. I'm just speculating, but I wonder if his goal isn't to destroy the weapon, but rather to absorb it into himself?"

[/ QUOTE ]

Medb was getting gradually more annoyed with the Hegemon. She new that the android was posing as her own henchman. She also new that the automaton would not admit to doing so if called on it, no matter the evidence. The arrogance of the "fem-bot" was also grating on her last nerve. She had only one choice as to how to deal with this farce.

"I am sorry, Nomegeh, but any further details will have to be given to the Hegemon in person. If she wants it, then she must come to me. I will continue once the minion has been escorted out."

((OOC: I know I'm probably coming off as a jerk, but the character of Hegemon rubs me the wrong way, and as a result tends to do the same to my own characters. Even so, I am not trying to write the character out all together. Think of this as a poker game except that Medb can see everyone (except Dark) else's cards.))

((OOC: Disreguard my message, Stu. I found some time under the sofa cushions.))

[ QUOTE ]
Mr. Book looked at Kirke with interest, the words striking a cord with him. It was not as elegantly put as he would have put it himself but Kirke's statement was regretfully very true. Villains today were just thugs, two-dimensional, no sense of style or decency. Even villains such as the ClockWork king were guilty of this. Maybe Kirke was not the mindless thug Mr. Book had first believed him to be. It was still obvious that the man had little or no class but in his own common way what he was saying was very poetic. Kirke's honesty about his abilities had been foolish but in a way Mr. Book also respected him for it. However that did not mean he would be inviting the man to any social gatherings any time soon, not the kind of circles he mixed in.

Mr. Book also wondered how truthful the others had been or if like himself they had omitted certain facts about themselves. Giving to much information about ones self was dangerous. Give too much and someone can search for a weakness.

They all listened as Medb informed them of why they had been summoned. When she was finished Mr. Book spoke up.

"Forgive me for being so rude as to ask but how does helping you achieve this goal aid us? I myself have no need of super weapons. However, I can not vouch for your other guests."

[/ QUOTE ]

Medb thought for a moment. "I could give you the obvious answers: the distruction of all of the known realities would be bad for any of our personal goals since my father would find someone as suicidal as he is; it is better for such a weapon to be in one's own hands rather than in the unpredictable hands of another; or even, that you should have longer term plans for after you find a relitive that can act as your host. However, I don't believe these arguements would be as persuasive as being given payment for services rendered. And I don't just mean monitary payment. I have knowledge of who you are looking for, Mr. Book, both with in the Paragon City you know, as well as through any of the multitude of portals that exist there, some of whom may even have powers that might supplement your own abilities.

"The same goes for you all, I can help you get what each of you want most."

((OOC: Crud... might have written myself into a corner. I'll have something by Monday in relation to Book's question, I hope.))

((OOC: No testimonial from JiD at this time since he's not in the room.))

Medb listened to each of the four people that she had personally hand picked to be a part of this venture, recognizing that each had been mostly open and honest with her, Mr. Kirke being more so than the others, but also recongized that almost all of them seemed to have one glaring hole that she already knew from their files. The only person that she would not expect an explanation from was Mr. Dark, who had been forcebly put on the list by her father. This, more than anything, gave her reason to distrust the man.

[ QUOTE ]
"Nothing but two-dimensional thugs. I'm talking about real villains. There aren't too many left anymore."

[/ QUOTE ]

Medb chuckled at the remark. "I find it funny that you do not label the thugs as villains, but you may not recall what that word meant in the past. However, I do understand your meaning, and I do agree, Mr. Kirke, that there are far too few true threats to the status quo. This very reason, is in part, why I have assembled this group together.

"However, I must admit that I also have certain self-serving reasons for doing so as well. You see, I am to summon a specific powerful entity from another dimension, a sort of other worldly, living weapon. However, my father, who had originally created this plan now seeks to sabotage it's success. His new plan is to stop the summoning when it reaches it's apex, causing the weapon to not only be destroyed, but also causing all demensions connected to it's prison and our world to be sent into oblivion as well. We cannot let my father succeed in his plan.

"I know you are probably thinking that I am proposing an act of heroism, however, if my father is prevented from stopping the summoning, then we will have the most powerful weapon in this or any other known world, and we can use it however we please."

((OOC: With out realizing it, Peppermint gave Medb a sex change. ^_^)

[ QUOTE ]
Noticing that Mr. Book has remained standing, she takes his chair and moves it in front of her own so that she can prop her feet up. She watches Medb, waiting for her to explain the purpose of the meeting.

[/ QUOTE ]

Medb, who had not yet sat down, had initially paused for effect, but now had her gaze focused on the automaton. "I feel I must remind you, Hegemon, that you are a guest brought here for the purpose of conducting buisness," the woman was not sounding pleased. "As such, you WILL act in a professional manner as opposed to a common thug and you will NOT act as if this were your personal lair. Do I make myself clear?"

((OOC: U.H., I need to know what knowledge and talents Mr. Dark possesses so I can better work him into the plan I already have an outline for.))

[ QUOTE ]
"I'm sure it is." He said, waiting for the lady in their group to be seated before he himself sat down. "and may I ask Mr. Dumas just what game it is we have all been brought her to play?"

[/ QUOTE ]

Medb let out a quiet chuckle. "The Horned King has as much knowledge about this meeting as the rest of you. I was the one who sent for all of you. I did so not only because I was aware of the talents and knowledge you each possess but also because I know that you each have something that you desire that you have been unable to achieve on your own."

((OOC: There will be at least a couple more sections to this RP that should bring this to a close. We are just hashing out the details))

[ QUOTE ]
Quote:
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"Yeah, it's real pretty. But what exactly are we doing here?"


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"I would like to know the same. The invitation was very cryptic." Mr. Book added.

[/ QUOTE ]

Medb sighed. "Right down to business, I see. Well, I suppose you should follow me if you wish to the purpose of this meeting."

The four villains walked down a well lit hall as Jack disappeared in a flash of light. They eventually reached the door to a room that looked unlike the sterile metal hall that lead them their. The room had a very cosy and antique feel to it.

((OOC: Tag Palaquinn to describe his character and action as they enter.))

((OOC: Retconning the seats and the meeting room since they aren't to it yet. Still at the front entry to the warehouse as I start this.))

((Note: The name "Medb" is pronounced "Mev."))

The apparently dissembodied voice spoke again. "Ah, I see we have almost everyone here, and just in time for the alignment. You may feel a moment of discomfort but no actual harm should be done to you... Unless you are allergic to shellfish."

All present saw bright flash of light and felt their sub-atomic partcles being slightly tugged in every direction. The feeling only lasted a moment and then it was gone like nothing had happened. When their vision cleared they saw the villians saw that they were no longer in the warehouse and in what seemed to be an ultra-high tech facility of some sort. Standing before them was a thin, serious looking woman with dark purple hair wearing an all black suit and shirt. As she spoke, all present noticed that her voice was the same as the disembodied voice they'd heard just moments before.

"I see that all present got the messages I sent, even if you didn't know who sent it or that it was intended for them... Seeing as how I have you all at a disadvantage, knowing who you all are, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Medb MacBeth. I welcome you all to this prototype facility, which I lovingly call the 'Mobile Pocket-Dimensional Fortress: Tower.'"

((OOC: My screen name has been changed to protect the innocent. ^_^)

[ QUOTE ]
"My I enquire as to the purpose of tonight's little gathering." He asked Jack in Diamonds as they followed. His voice showed no sign of annoyance and remained very polite and proper.

[/ QUOTE ]

The voice that responded to his question was not the voice he had expected: sultry and femanine, but with an accent he couldn't quite place. "Think of the meeting scene from the remake of 'Ocean's Eleven' and you'll be on the right track. Would one of you please tell Mr. Kirke that he should stop hiding or he will miss the meeting..."

((OOC: And I'm done with my finals. Please send me a PM on your villain's actual ambitions and previous exploits. It's important to the plot that a particular character knows this.))

A metalic voice came from behind the two villians. "Sometimes it's more important to maintain the secracy and utility of an opperation rather than making it more welcoming."

The two turned and saw the black cloaked figure of Jack in Diamonds. "I suggest we go inside before we are late."

The assassain reached out with a "naked" mechanicle hand and opened the door to the warehouse and disappeared inside.

((OOC: Getting down to the week before finals here, so I'll have to wait until after I'm done with them before I add to this.))

((OOC: So, what next? I want to get fully wrapped before it gets deleted.))

The next day, the being simply known as Mr. Book found an envelope had been slid under the door to his living space in Steel Canyon. Inside were a note, a map, and a playing card, the "Jack of Diamonds." The message on the note said, "All that you desire can be yours. Meet at the location indicated on the map."

[ QUOTE ]
Here in is the exact problem. Heroes in comics rarely fit into the basic archetypes, but for game balance we have them and must fit our characters into them.

[/ QUOTE ]

I beg to differ. The fact is that most heroes in comics do fit into the 5 basics. The thing about the game is that certain power sets haven't been introduced into the game to facilitate that.

[ QUOTE ]
If you played the orginal D&D game before it became advanced, you might remember what the classes were like. If you were human you could choose between fighter, mage, cleric, & thief. If you were and elf you were automatically what would become a fighter/mage. If you were a dwarf or halfling you were a fighter (but each races own varient of fighter). This is basically what COH is evolving into, if your human (or from Earth) you are one of 5 archtypes, othewise you are a race/class combo.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can come up with a bunch of RP ways to actually get around this apparent limitation, which I can go into if you ask. Oh and Statesman's AT (which he said would be out after CoV) would be for humans as well.

[ QUOTE ]
That would be like saying only Green Lanterns can have moldable force fields, or only kryptonians can have flight and superstrength together, an idea that is a complete 180 to how COH was introduced.

[/ QUOTE ]

You are being way to general with the powers of GLs and Kryptonians. The introduction of the Kheldians in the way they are doing it now would be more like saying that Kryptonians are mostly the ones who have the combination of powers of flight, super strength, super jump, super speed/intangiblity, invulnerablity, x-ray vision/heat vision, cold breath, and super reflexes (primary set = defense, secondary = offence). What that means is that Kheldians might not be the only ones with the powers they have since you should still be able to choose your Origin when you create the character (the devs haven't said you can't yet).

[ QUOTE ]
Now we get Warshades, Peacebringers. Ok, so, these are the archetypes for all those dozens of your favorite super powerful comic book heroes who are from another planet and draw power from the number of people around themselves? I mean a facet of the class is that they are aliens? That should be left to origin, not be inherent in an archetype. The description of these things is actually kind of too specific for a class, let alone trying to pass it off as an archetype.

[/ QUOTE ]

The thing I'm getting about the EATs is that they all fit under the heading of "I'm not really a part of any of the 5 main hero types." Essentially these could be thought of as all one archetype, but only not.

[ QUOTE ]
And before someone yells out Manhunter or Superman or something... yes they are aliens. We don't need an archetype for superpowerful aliens, we have a science origin. In the above examples I gave Manhunter could be a Science Powerhouse. There's not, and probably never will be (hopefully) an archetype that you can fit Clark in.


[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, Science isn't the one for aliens, Natural is, but that's beside the point. Also, if by Manhunter you mean, "Martian Manhunter," then "Powerhouse" would be a mistake. DC's Martians would be considered EATs with the shapeshifting and the mental powers. However, if we aren't naming those two then how about some others that fit into the idea that each comic universe has EATs that are unique to themselves and wouldn't be thought of as fitting any archetype (note: there ARE only 5 classic archetypes).

1) Image's Spawn: In fact there have been many Spawns according to the mythos of the comic. All of them are humans who died and were given powers directly linked to Hell. All of them have the exact same powers and their major weakness is that they have a limited amount of power they can use before they are completely corrupted.

2) DC's Green Lantern: Energy blaster, Illusion controler, FF defender, and any sort of scrapper or tanker they want to be and they can change their role on the fly. With the infinite power of their rings, the GL Corps screams of being an EAT and they really don't fit into the any other AT. What's more, since EATs are supposed have weaknesses: what about the color yellow?

3) DC's Hawkman/Hawkgirl: More specifically the Thanegarian race as a whole. 'Nough said.

The fact is that the Kheldian's "classes" (and other EATs) are just the CoH world's response to every other comic book universe's characters who don't fit into the main five archetypes that can be seen constantly.

OK, so I stand corrected, but that still keeps them from being limited. We are talking about a total of 32 powers for each EAT, and those are just the ones that are specific to them. Statesman didn't say they wouldn't have access to Power Pools so that ads the 4 powers from each of those. So there would be a bit more variety than I think you were assuming (which I could be wrong about), just not as much as the other ATs. The point is that this doesn't seem like it is that much of a step back just yet.

As an aside: Statesman did say new power sets for both EATs (first line of the quote), but not how many between the two of them, so there is still the potential for there to be more than one Primary and one Secondary for each of them.

In any event, we will have to wait and see.

(Yet another aside: I am liking our debate about this, so if I'm being at all abrasive in my disagreeing with you, I appologize.)

[Quote]Imagine if Cryptic had used that idea from the very beginning. All tanker might be given 16 super strength-like powers and 16 powers appropriate for invulnerability.

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe what Statesman has said was that both EATs would have 16 power SETS (8 primary, 8 secondary I would assume), not just 16 predetermined powers, and I would assume they would have access to all the power pools as well, which goes against the analogy of your "elf mage." Though if you could find the direct quote where he says that the EATs would be given 16 powers rather than 16 powersets, I'll concide the point.

How about a counter analogy. Let's equate both EATs to a branch of the military. Not everyone in a given branch has all the same abilities. Some people are technitians, some are in charge of communications, some are the experts in using heavy ordinance. It comes down to what each person is good at. Now assume that the two EATs are branches of the Kheldians' military. It would stand to reason that each member of that "branch" might have different specializations. In game terms, these specializations would be the power set combinations. The devs know that they need to offer veriety to the players so they aren't going to limit you to only one powerset.

As a side note: When the skills system comes out, all characters, including Kheldians, will be able to destiguish themselves that much more.

[ QUOTE ]
I think this paragraph pretty much hits it on the head. I've run superhero RPG for some time now. Usually I get really good backgrounds, were people think of interesting ways their characters became heroes. But every once in a while you get the guy who's only explaination for his character is he's Kryptonian, former S.H.I.E.L.D, or just a mutant (with no other backstory). That to me is what Kheldains are in COH. How did you get your powers? Your a Kheldian. Why are you here? Same reason the other Kheldians are. What are your general goals? Same as the other Peacebringers.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you think no one is creative enough come up with something more indepth than your statement. The only reason why anyone would be forced into doing something like that is if the Kheldians were some sort of hive mind like the Borg. (This is not what I think the case is.) I can actually think up a slightly unique background for a Kheldian.

Q: How did you get your powers?

A: I am Kheldian, however, I'm kind of young by my race's standards so I'm not very experienced yet.

Q: Why are you here?
A: I don't know about the others, but I'm here for the adventure. Actually, I don't think they even know that I followed them here, to be perfectly honest.

Q: What are your general goals?
A: I'm SUPPOSED to be guarding against the Nictus on our home world. But they haven't attacked there in years. The front lines is where the excitement is. And besides, I want to learn more about your the cultures of your people.

I could go on from there, but you get the idea. Just because someone is of a given race doesn't mean they can't have a deeper background. Heck, depending on how the powers work, you could come up with a back story about how your powers are actually similar to the Kheldians without actually being Kheldian. All this really does is offer a jumping off point for you to build your own story into the world.

"Hello, Netherwolf. I appologize for my tardiness. I am sure you have other engagemets, so I won't take up much of your time. I represent a group of indeviduals that are... displeased with the current state of things. As such, they are looking to overthrow those who currently hold power and they need allies." A metal hand holding what looked like a business card reached out from under Jack in Diamond's cloak. "If you wish to know more, be at this warehouse in one week."

Jack In Diamonds blinked his red eyes at the duo. "Um, yes, quite. Thank you for delivering this to me. Now, if you don't mind, I am late for meeting someone."

A figure in a black and red cloak walked through lobby of Paragon's airport. He silently approached a locker. He pulled a manilla enveloped from it's back. As he left, he dumped a small metalic object from the package into his hand and placed it on a part of his head hidden by the hood of his cloak.

"Agent Designate: Jack in Diamond. I know this mission will be unlike those you normally take, but the time we have planned for has come. In the envelope you have in your hands right now is a group of indeviduals who we believe will be receptive to joining our cause. All worlds shall belong to us."

The cloaked figure chuckled to himself. "As you wish, my dark mistress, my Queen the Spade."

((OOC Note: Please have the JiD approach any villian you have even if they turn down his offer.))