Summer_Heat

Ash restrained himself from poking the twin bubbleheaded girls in curiosity to see if they were automatons. With a shrug, he pulled back his hood and powered down his armor, exposing his deathly pale white skin-head, arms and feet. He continued to make his rounds amongst the remaining heroes with introductions. Afterwards, he walked towards the kitchen and began searching for something to nibble on. There was a small bowl of clementine oranges sitting on the counter, so he picked one up and started examining it like a monkey would before devouring it. He sat back and watched the "the Trinity." With a curious smile, he started munching down on the miniature orange. "This is very tasty, what is it?"

((Senaria, I'm taking this in separate context to the PCU thread, so any references would be just like, "oh yea that happened during issue 5 & 6 of this comic series," or "so that's what happened to him between issues 10 & 11 on that comic series" hope that helps ya))

A better, more fleshed out, grander and more heinous explanation behind the overthrow of the 5th Colum by the Council, and an IC reason why it all happened. The Council has a great potential to be much more evil than just a bunch of Nazis, but the general consensus is we don't care because there is not enough effort in the original overthrow.

On that note, I'd like to see the fall of Atlas to 5th column than to council, as it is historically accurate, not to mention remarking all the plaques in game back to referring to at least the present day Council as an acknowledgement of the overthrow. (ok the last parts a bit of a hijack but I would like to see it done.)

Ash had already picked his bed by the time the Trio was doing their flashy introduction. "If its agreeable to the other men, I'll take the bed against the wall closest to the door. I need to be close to an outlet while I sleep."

He looked onto the Trio that seemed confused. There were only seven standing here. He had dropped his bag on the claimed bed before walking out to greet the others. The circuitry on his exposed armor (face, hands, feet) shot across in all directions as he moved, showing the signals going back and forth. "There is one female missing. She is probably running late like most of us were. I'm Ash, by the way."

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Not saying it isn't. In fact, I enjoy Dark Astoria as a zone and the story behind it. I'm kinda baffled as to why this new zone isn't tied into it somehow.

I'm just saying, seeing this type of content... only a year into the game, COH should still be introducing fresh and new ideas for itself and not content that makes me wonder if I wandered into Everquest by accident.

RTT

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Croatoa... the Malleus Mundi event in its own zone...COOL!

RTT, the Fir Bolgs mentioned are connected to the Malleus Mundi event with the monster during the event named Eochai, leader of the Fir Bolg. I'm not sure if you got to experience this event, but if not it was wicked fun running around clicking on doors getting inspiration treats or enemy spawning tricks. If one got bored trick-or-treating, people sought out Eochai and fought him in his many many incarnations. Eochai was basically a larger form of the Fir Bolg, which was a DE Razorvine with a funny jack-o-lantern for a head.
Eochai

This excerpt is Found in the Paragon Times' interview with Azuria, explaining IC why the event occurred:
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“The dimensional barriers that normally protect us from these combatants can become weakened for a time and suddenly this war makes a tangible appearance on our plane of existence—usually to our great detriment—and then we have a crisis like the Malleus Mundi event of last Halloween. The struggle is ongoing nevertheless. We must remain vigilant.”

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I'm assuming that Croatoa is connected directly to the Malleus Mundi Event and that is why the Fir Bolg have returned. Others have speculated this as well, which has validity in speculation since the features update says,
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"New Villains – The Cabal of witches, the nasty imps called Red Caps, the giant Fir Bolg and the legendary Tuatha de Dannan rule this realm."

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I hope this helps explain why Croatoa is another and unique magic oriented zone and not connected to Dark Astoria.

Personally I'm gonna start waving aroung my Halloween badges again...damn I can't wait to get on to the test server and beat those guys up again!

edited for referencing who I was talking to

Ash saw no reason to be flashy. He glanced in the mirror again. He looked like a robot with his armors on, but that was how the nanites operated. He adjusted his hood and jacket once more, then proceeded to exit the studio. So far the six other heroes all seemed to make dazzling entrances. All had been flashy. He manipulated the two energy tanks in his calves to propel him upwards as he flew over to meet the others. Inside his duffel bag was a very important item that Rick Davies helped him build: his charger. He nodded to the other heroes.

"Ash!" the announcer's voice called out. There was a short acknowledgement of him before the crowd returned to cheering on others. Ash suppressed an eye-roll as he turned and walked towards the house. Thoughts and questions filled his head as he pushed the thoughts down to focus on a single task.

As Lucius and Pyris settled in, the first race began. Lucius was being cautious in his wagers, only wanting to bet in favor of the same horse Antonius Justus would bet on. Pyris had tricked his way to sitting with Lucilla and Berit, finding comfort in the two from their compassion. He smiled shyly as the first race began and they all focused on it. He glanced down to gaze again at his work, hoping it might one day earn his freedom. Any cheers from the surrounding stands were pantomimed by Pyris faking the sound from his mouth. He wasn't aware the charade wasn't really working.

I wondered what you meant when I read through that when I picked this up...didn't see Moderator6's edit until you put light on it. Why don't all the moderators have cool names like CuppaJo, Aura, and Alexa? are they not cool enough?

As Lucius and Pyris arrived at the Circus Maximus, they quickly sought out Antonius Justus and his other clients. Soon the two groups had found each other, and the formal greetings were taken care of. Soon the race would start and enjoyment would be had.

*whistles innocently*

/powexec_bumpthread

on a side note that thread was pretty funny.

A rather short skinhead with pale skin passed one of the booths while on his way to get some food. He was in a simple hooded jacket and baggy pants, looking like a civilian. Curious about what new thing heroes were getting into these days, KC Titan entered the booth.

“Welcome and thank you for auditioning for Big Brother: Heroes. We will answer you a series of questions. Please answer them truthfully.

1) Please state your name and security level.

"Uh...Ash, L 7." He was short answered and hesitant. "Oh you mean hero name. That is KC Titan."

2) Can you please tell us about your origin and powers?

"Um...well, I don't really remember how I got here, but from what my mentor told me, I was extracted me from a big 70 foot tall robot while he was in another country and I was brought back for treatment, where it was discovered I was part mechanical...so I guess technology as I'm part machine now. As for my powers, it goes with that being half robot. I've got these energy tanks inside my arms, and I can use it to augment my punches. Also my machine enhancements allow me to take more of a beating than a normal person. Not sure how much further it can take me right now though..."

3) Please tell us about any hobbies or interests you might have?

"I like to eat if that counts, working with gadgets really interests me. Does that work?"

4) How would you describe yourself?

How would I describe myself? Ash paused for a moment. "I'm white, no hair, gray eyes, part machine. Oh and I'm very curious."

5) Do you think you are easy to get along with?

"I haven't had any fights with non-criminals if that counts."

6) Please tell us a little about one of your recent missions?

"Um...Ok there was this one time in Atlas Par this warehouse was filled with these little mechanichal guys, I think they're called Clockwork. Apparently they were all waiting at the entrance because when I entered they all attacked me. After a big throwdown I came out standing and they were in pieces at my feet. After searching the rest of the warehouse, it was clear they were all at the entrance when I defeated them. Thought that was pretty interesting."

7) Why do you wish to appear on Big Brother: Heroes?

"To meet new people?" He wasn't really asking a question, just unsure of what exactly to say. Feeling more certain about his response, "Yea...definitely want to meet new people."

8) What do you think you will be able to bring to the Big Brother house?

"I think I'll be able to bring an unbiased opinion to any problem. I think that would be really helpful."

9) What would you do if you win Big Brother Heroes?

"There's a prize huh? Well, I'll probably not get to keep it so...proably help the homeless population get out of the sewers...they get really scary when they go down there."

10) ((OOC question: How regularly can/do you post?))

((you know me. forum lurking junky...once a day is my MIN unless something really important is happening.))

11) ((OOC question: Do you wish to be picked?))

((Up to you Stu, if you see a place for me to fit, then go ahead, I won't feel bad if I'm not picked.))

Thank you for your time. We will contact you in a few days to let you know the success of your audition. Good luck.”

A raised eyebrow (or would be if there was any hair) and a shrug was his only expression as he exited the booth and continued to walk down the street.

Lucius Marius was astonished at the masterwork Pyris had accomplished with the pendant. It was so simple in size, yet it's petite stature made the intricate lace and overly that much more complex. "Pyris this is your best work so far. As a reward, I'm going to take you to the Circus Maximus today to watch the races with me. Perhaps you can display your talents to our patron. Come now, best to get into some nicer clothes."

Pyris was grinning broadly as he held the small pendant delicately in his hand. Every unhappy thought was washed away at the sound of getting to see the races. He quickly rushed to his bedchamber where he placed the pendant on his bed while he changed into a cleaner tunic. Soon he and Lucius were off to the races to watch.

Pyris' lesson had been over for a quarter day, and he was practicing the techniques in the small forge. He had made numerous pieces incredibly quickly, each one more impressive than the last. His mentor left for a moment feeling Pyris was mature enough to handle things on his own. In the absence of his mentor, Pyris began his masterwork piece for the lesson. He took a small piece of silver, and began pulling at the corners like it was dough. His hands began to glow an orange fire while the metal itself shimmered. It was like working with wet clay as he molded and shaped the silver. The process seemed to never end as he periodically tossed the piece into the water nearby to cool the metal in its current shape. When he was finished, A beautifully knotted flower pendant had been molded out of one singular piece of metal. No points of welding truly made the piece stand out over the others. With the piece completed, Pyris smiled. The center looked as though it held a large stone, but in fact it was merely a unique network of silver crisscrossing that created a gemstone appearance. This was truly his best piece yet. He shut down the forges for the hour, and headed up the stairs to display his work to Lucius and his mentor.

Brutus smiled as he checked his Spatha once more. It was still not a blade he was familiar with, but he wanted to get as aquainted ot the camp and the ways things were done before he played with swords and sparring. "I would enjoy the training greatly, but not at this moment. I feel it is more important for me to learn the rest of the camp and then we can return to spar. I am sure there will be plenty of opprotunity for me to train and increase my skill."

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Pyris had taken the next lesson and excelled. It was clear his ability to manipulate the metal was far surpassing his teacher, and the training had not even begun. Lucius would be pleased.

I agree with Wolffe that you wouldn't see it unless you were the victim, but it all depends on how you're 'seeing' it. with psionics you've got to handle the third eye, and unless the person is so powerful to see auras and into other realms, the third eye will just be feeling out for the stuff, so victims would feel the attack comming, and from what direction. Just my thoughts on it. Psionics in RL is hard to explain if neither side knows diddle about how it really operates, and I don't think there's anybody tthat truly knows what it would really 'look' like. As for what psionics can do, well, I'd base it's limitations on your own imagination. I've always seen psionics as the force without the cool lightsaber.

Yes, as I am very intrigued.

"It is good to train on a daily basis. From an athlete's standpoint, becoming relaxed in training can lead to failure in the olympics. However, too much training too quickly can force bad habits, dirty shortcuts, and turn a potential asset to his team into a complete liability. I hope the break in training for the journey to the east does not disrupt any of the newer recruits in their learning curves, and cause such patterns. By the way, how many days will we have before we start on that journey?" Brutus spoke up, feeling it something he could comment on. He realized how similar training a legion to fight was to training athletes to compete. He was truly feeling in his element.

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Pyris looked up to see the silversmith approach him ready to teach today's lesson. The silversmith was a sympathetic fellow, and while Pyris wasn't entirely certain that the smithy knew of his preference to not speak. The smithy assumed it was out of obedience and determination to prove himself that Pyris never asked a question. Regardless, Pyris realized this may be the only time he felt comfortable in this household.

Atrius looked at the weaponsmith and chuckled. "Larger still? You're holding one of the largest gladius that we have. What could be large enough?"

The weaponsmith and Atrius seemed mildly amused by their predicament, especially as their eyes landed on the Spathas. Atrius walked over and started looking at the swords. He found one that was far to long for him, but as Brutus picked up the Spatha it seemed to fit him like a glove. Brutus smiled. He was more laughing at himself than anything. It would be amusing for him to walk around with a Spatha instead of a Gladius in Armor that barely fit in length. For once he felt estranged by his height, almost like he didn't belong in the shorter world. Knowing my luck and how things have run so far, I'll probably get stuck on some little thing... Perhaps one of those northern monstrous horses the Celts ride would work if this legion has any. If one exists, Brutus. It could all have been roumors.

"This sword feels perfect in my hand. Good weight, good length. I fear altering the blade though might imalance the sword."

Brutus smiled broadly as he looked downward towards his centurion. As Atrius headed towards the weaponsmith, Brutus wondered if he should have asked his father to forge him a sword. "I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I expect the sword to be of masterwork quality. Even so, I may still request to have one personally made for me." Brutus followed Atrius into the weaponsmith's tent, seeing the array of swords that were made. He looked over some of the longer ones, but even some of the longest ones were too light and stubby on his stature. Brutus considered for a moment that the Roman swords would have to do, but they felt and looked like knives in his hand. He made a grimace as he turned back to Atrius, "It is as I suspected. These are a bit too light. Is there anything...larger?"

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Pyris walked briskly back into the kitchen, still no sign of Brutus. He paced around the room, chewing on an apple as he pouted. While he stood eating Lucius Marius entered the kitchen. Pyris was quick to extend another apple towards his master in offering. Lucius took the apple kindly and began eating in silence with the boy. After a moment, Lucius spoke up.

"I'd like for you to get some more silversmith training in today. Perhaps later we can work on other metals. I'd like for your skill to progress to weaponsmithing shortly after we arrive in Judea. Brutus will no doubt need a sword in his new position."

Pyris looked up at Lucius with a rather confused look. The thought and reality slowly began to set in, but still needed one last push for the truth to be complete.

"I see Brutus failed to mention it to you. Antonius Justus has chosen to sponsor him as a Tribunal in the XXI Rapax. He left this morning." There was a slight smirk of pride on his master's face, not out of spite for Pyris, but strictly out of pride that his son was a tribunal.

The final piece landed onto Pyris like a boulder on his stomach. He let out a low and heavy sigh as he nodded and turned away from his master, heading down to the temporary forges set up for their stay. When he was alone and out of sight from everyone, he hugged the wall for a moment as silent cries signified the only expression that his entire world had just been turned up-side down. When he heard footseps, he quickly recovered himself and continued down to the forges, not looking anyone in the eye.

Damn good chapter. Very much out of the frying pan and into the fire, on many vs. accounts. I like it!

Begins to think of the horrors of the dirty smurf song being spammed on broadcast until all the non-smurfs /petition them....

/e shudder

I think that BotBS will be associated with either water or climate, like storm...possibly the electric controllers or something like? They have to be 'heroic' somehow so that personally rules out pirates or vampires...

I really don't like the idea of vampires...the last thing this game needs is a bunch of goth-wannabes running around doing the shadow-puppet bird trick (if you don't know, check the Napoleon Dynamite Happy Hands scene towards the end) saying, "When I do this it means I'm in bat form."

Oh, I strongly disagree with the idea it will be robots...just look at the acronym... BotBS.... Bot BS. and we all know what BS hints at.

Brutus Marius was, at kindest, naive of the methods of military procedure. In fear of performing wrong protocol, he was a statue as he listened to the legatus speak to him, taking in as much as he could.
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“I am sorry I am not able to spend more time with you at the start, but we have much to get ready before going East. There will be plenty of time to talk on the voyage.”

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"It is understandable, sir. I look forward to learning under your guidance." He watched at Tuccius walked out of the tent, and hesitated to follow. Assuming he had been dismissed, he stepped out of th tent and followed Tuccius to be fitted. Tuccius left the man for a moment to be fitted for his armors. His unusual height proved to be rather difficult, though two pieces were found that would barely fit the length. They would require some severe alterations, however.

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* Manticore also dropped that Statesman has a unique ability which is represented on his Heroclix figure: The lightning of Zeus.

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only one problem......that lightning bolt on the figure is on ALL Heroclix figures. It shows how many attacks that figure can make on his turn. just FYI

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I was not referring to his attacks. I was referring to Quake and Pulse Wave. I baked those into the design of his dial to represent his ability to call upon the Lightning of Zeus.

~M

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Yeah, Incarnate refers to a deity. Statesman is "Zeus Incarnate" Zeus in the Flesh. Zeus inhabits the body of Statesman.

Likely hades inhabits the body of Lord Recluse.

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Image Comic's City of Heroes Issue 2 is a very good read on this very topic............(I refuse to say more for the BIG SPOILER that would ensue, though many probably already have discovered this)

((gets wide eyed while reading))

I like how it's starting off. Definitely something I'll want to see where this goes. I haven't read pg 1-400 of Whittmore yet so I'm interested to see how this evolves, not knowing the exact outcome. Keep it up!

Dawn had broken through the window of Brutus' room, and he was almost finished preparing to meet with the Legionare this morning. Giving himself one last once-over in a reflection, he crept out towards the main rooms of the house. He still hadn't told Pyris about the job. Even worse was he didn't know how. He gave up as he held the scroll his father gave him the previous night and strolled out towards Ostia, arriving just slightly past mid-morning. Once he arrived, he reread the scroll again to determine the proper recruiter he was to seek out.

(( Aww well best of luck to you Z, hope you can get everything settled and be back as soon as you can!))