No gift given, is truly given freely, and the ones you just have to ask for are often the most expensive of all...
Mastermind went from island to island in his home land, sometimes aiding his siblings, and sometimes working alone as was his want. He had gone to the island of the bay and acquired for himself the shards of Radia there and found that he could do more with them than his siblings.
Feeling strong, he heard a call, the call of the Spider. For the Spider had gained a toehold in the City and called upon Mastermind and his kin to take and hold that spot. But that is a story for another day.
This is the tale of how Mastermind had tasted power, and how he desired more.
Mastermind strode down the avenue where Spider dwelled, it was a grand avenue where Spider's message was given to all: if you have power, take it, and do what you wish. The message pleased Mastermind, and with head held high, he continued on to where Spider lived. He climbed high up into the web and spoke to Spider, who sat at the center.
"Father, I have gone to the shore, and taken the shards of Radia for myself," said Mastermind, "and I have heeded the song and fought for our cause, and have been amply rewarded. But I crave more."
Spider nodded, and smiled, for the desire for more was key to controlling his creations. "I will gladly give you more, you need but ask."
Mastermind smiled, power to be had, for so simple a thing as asking?
"I then ask."
"Ah," said Spider, "but you must ask in the right way and in the right place."
Mastermind's smile faded. "And what way is that, and where?".
"I have created a test, for the faithful, a special test. One where you must be strong. If you wish the power, you need but go down the path and take if for yourself."
Mastermind had often traveled, and he expected the path to have perils and conflict, but since he enjoyed both, he looked forward to the journey. "Point me upon the path Father, and I shall go."
Spider again smiled, a smile just as cold as his first one. "Go back the way you came, and you will see a side path, take that one."
Mastermind did as he was bid, and seeing the path for the first time, he took it.
There awaited him a guide who spoke, "I bid you welcome Mastermind, know this as your task in this land." The guide pointed to the interior of the island, "Deep within lies a maze, in the maze are three acolytes, each is held in durance vile. They must each be freed, one after the other. When you take them to a place of security, they shall give you unto you a portion of a Talisman. When the tripartite talisman has been rendered whole, you must again journey into the maze. In the maze are alters, there offer up the talisman and you shall have the words to a special prayer. The words of the prayer are powerful and will fade quickly from your mind, and they in turn must be taken to another alter."
Mastermind looked at the guide, "Three times I must make the journey, and must take two trips to an alter?"
"Yes," said the guide, " and your final trip will reward you with a great power. There are three powers, one that aids you, and two that will smite your enemies. You of all should understand how three become two, then two become one of great power.."
Mastermind nodded, and prepared to depart.
"Know this," said the guide, "in this place you fight only for yourself."
"Yes, yes," said Mastermind, "I am familiar with Father's dictates."
The guide shook his head as he watched Mastermind leave.
The path was fraught with peril, for Spider had placed above the maze those who were tasked with keeping the power from the unworthy. Mastermind avoided those he felt would unduly delay him, and fought those he wished to test himself against. He entered the maze, with his minions.
The path was dark, and from the darkness swarmed tiny foes, individually weak, but in great numbers. Mastermind and his minions fought them off, and penetrated deeper into the maze. There, they were met by a great monstrosity, a parody of Father's form. Mastermind and his minions soon dispatched it, and rounded the next corner in the maze. There, swarming about an acolyte, was an entire herd of the monsters. Mastermind smiled grimly, and set about dispatching them, bodies flew, and more than once he had to call back his minions and again gird them for war. But finally, in the end, triumph.
The acolyte spoke, and told him where he could be taken to safety. Mastermind led him out, but the acolyte lagged behind. To his annoyance, Mastermind had to go slowly, and again and again, he had to fight. Finally, they reached the place of safety, but it to was guarded. Once more Mastermind and his minions went into the breach and finally, the acolyte was secured. And just as he had been told would happen, the acolyte gave Mastermind one third of a talisman.
Mastermind cursed under his breath, for he knew that three more trips below awaited him. Again and again, Mastermind and his minions fought through and achieved victory against foes both great and small.
Finally, Mastermind held the complete talisman in hand, he sped back to the maze, and found the alter where the prayer for strength was held. It too was surrounded by monsters, and for the fourth time, he and his minions fought in the maze.
The words to the prayer rung in his ears, and he went to leave the maze. Before him stood his brother, Brute.
"Greetings brother!" he said joyfully, "there is power here for the taking!"
Brute smiled, and it was the same smile that graced their father's face, "Indeed, for the taking."
Mastermind's own smile fell as Brute's foot slammed into the ground and Mastermind and his minions went flying. Mastermind staggered to his feet, the guides words ringing in his ears along with the prayer he had worked so hard for, "you fight only for yourself." Brute smashed and stabbed through Mastermind's minions and with one decisive rage fueled blow, he took the words of the prayer from Mastermind and himself fled the maze.
Brute was most pleased, and went to the alter. He climbed up to it, and as he prepared to offer up the prayer, a child of Defender stepped of a cloaking shadow where she had been hiding and smote him with the gifts of lightning and kin. Brute was too weak to fight back, the shock left him unable to move or defend himself. She took the prayer, for Spider would accept the prayers of any who wished power, and offered them up. The words rose on a column of fire to the heavens, to await her call. The child of Defender again cloaked herself in the shadow and set about waiting.
Mastermind and Brute together awoke at the place of healing, and each glared at the other. Corr, and Dom, and Stalker soon joined them, and Mastermind was chagrined, for he had thought the path to power was his alone. To learn that the others had it as well, and that they could fight him for it, was not a comforting thought. It was Stalker, who had been flung about by a pet of a child of Controller, who spoke up first, "Perhaps, if we all worked together, as do the children of the City, we could take them down and take what is rightfully ours." Mastermind nodded in agreement, as did they all, but from that day on, he warily watched his siblings, as each watched him.
And in the center of his web, the Spider smiled and listened with pleasure to the prayers offered to him by his own children and the children of the City, prayers whose true power was discord and distrust.
Biomechanic, Keeper of the Faith.
@Oroborous and @Oroborous2
Avatar by HeroPortraitStudios
From the Groundhog Day Attempt at Citadel: GM, "There's no badge for breaking a TF."
As is common among the children of Statesman, many heroes were gathered under the statue of Atlas, regaling each other with tales of their great feats. One Child of Controller, Fire, boasted "Nothing can overcome my Imps, for they are truly most powerful, adding much strength to my own". Overhearing this, Trick- the youngest child of defender was amused; "I can easily overcome your imps, fire" he called loudly "With but a single arrow your imps will not dare to come near me.
Strong willed and quick to anger, Fire accepted Trick's challenge and summoned his precious imps. "I accept your challenge" he cried, eyes blazing. The heroes that were gathered around took steps back, leaving Trick and Fire in a large circle so that they might have their challenge unhindered.
Trick smiled; "Send your imps to me, and I shall repel them as I said". And so Fire sent his imps toward Trick, who merely stood still for a moment. As the imps advanced, Trick lazily drew his bow and fired one of his arrows high into the air. The arrow landed in between himself and the imps, an oil slick erupting as the arrow struck the ground.
Upon reaching the Oil Slick, the imps stopped dead. No amount of cajoling from Fire could convince them to advance, each time they approached the oil slick the imps fled in apparent terror. "Do you concede that your imps can indeed be overcome?" asked Trick. "But they are not defeated!" Boomed a furious Fire. "No matter what you try, they will not advance" replied Trick "It is time I believe to concede defeat"
Further enraged, Fire would not give up, he continued to attempt to coax his imps to attack Trick, but to no avail. As darkness fell, and many of the heroes gathered had left, Fire at last dropped to the ground and wept- he had been bested.
Trick walked over to Fire, to comfort him. "Temper your pride with humility" said Trick "For there is always to be another mightier than you".
What part of phnglui mglw'nafl Cthulhu r'lyeh w'gah nagl fhtagn don't you understand?
[ QUOTE ]
I have to say I'm enjoying these stories, Jock. Yours, too, Kid_Disaster!
I particularly like the optimism and acceptance shown in them. As morality tales, they work quite nicely! Too often we get caught up in the gloom and doom of things. These stories get beyond that and show how cool it is to be a "child of Defender."
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you!
Thank you for liking my stories.
Thank you for telling Kid he did a wonderful job when I forgot to.
Thank you for bringing this thread to the world again in the Dev Digest since that has produced all these new stories!
And thank you to all our new writers for producing them. I seem to have created a new genre: CoX Mythology 
Thank you as well for the work you put in on this game I love so much. As an avid fan of the game, and a programmer myself, I feel a certain camaraderie with the developers in a "let me buy you a drink if you come to GenCon Indy this year" kind of way.
Tonight's story reveals how Granite Tanks got their armor, and why it pays not to take your teammates for granted.
- Jock Tamson, Who lives within an hour of Indianapolis. It used to be more, but they raised the speed limit on I65.
Kin's gifts included great speed and the ability to share it with others. This was much valued and praised amongst the other Children of Statesman. They would assail Kin saying, "Boost my speed please", and "This is wearing off, another please", and sometimes, "Cut that out! Everytime you do that I collide with the wall!" So Kin had many friend's amongst the Children of Statesman and few enemies, and those few enemies could be recognized by their flat noses.
Sadly, in time, gratitude will turn to expectation and expectation to demand. So it was with Kin's gifts. Over time the courtesy faded from the pleases, and "Thank you" became replaced by "Where is..." and "Why haven't you...". Rare is the man so noble that he will always give thanks for that which is freely given. It is the curse of Kin and his Children to learn this hard lesson again and again.
One day Kin was hunting with Tank's son Granite. Granite had inherited many gifts from his father, but was also the very apotheosis of his father's slowness. Granite often sought Kin's company, for it benefitted him greatly, but he had perhaps grown to take his cousin's help for granted. So it was that when Kin was startled by a Thorn Wizard and held tightly by his evil magics, Granite did not notice.
Granite noticed himself slowing and called out, "I slow! Speed me cousin".
"Mmmph!" replied Kin.
Time passed while Granite pounded methodically upon a Caster of Fires till he called out again, "Where is my speed cousin!"
"Mmmmph, mmm!", replied Kin.
Granite cirlced about to face another foe, and unknowingly drew the Wizard's attention. So it was that the Wizard also fell in time, a great time in fact, to Granite's patient work. By then Kin had freed himself. "Hmmph", said Granite, "I know this trick. If you just intend to watch someone work, watch someone else.", and so saying went on alone. Kin went to see his sister Darkity.
The next day as Granite set out to hunt he found, wating in a cave he often hunted in, a strange black creature the like of which he had not seen before. "Ha! Be gone!", said he as he struck it was his mighty right fist. His fist sunk into the creature and stuck solid. "Let go!", bellowed Granite, and attempted to push his foe away with his strong left hand. His left hand was soon as well stuck as the right. "You may think you have defeated me", warned Granite, "by I have feet to fight with too!", and so saying kicked hard at this strange new threat. Soon his foot was as solidly stuck as his hands, and Granite was left slowly hopping about the cave. In time he colided with a wall and both he and the creature made of tar, for such it was, both stuck fast to the rock.
As Granite struggled to free himself, Kin walked by and asked, "Do you need help cousin Granite?" "You can see that I do!", replied Granite angrily. "Yes I can", replied Kin, "Why I was just thinking yesterday, while held still by the magic of a Wizard, that a good friend notices when His Friends Need Help." The last words Kin clicked into place like heavy blocks of stone, so that Granite was sure not to miss them. Sheepishly, Granite asked, "Will you help me cousin?"
So Kin lent a hand, and Granite was in time freed, though he was left with great slabs of the cave wall stuck about him. He claimed to his siblings, perhaps out of embarrassment, to like the protection they provided. His Children continue the custom to this very day. Of all the Children of Statesman, they are also the most likely to show gratitude to the Children of Kin.
- Jock Tamson, Mythologist
[ QUOTE ]
So Kin lent a hand, and Granite was in time freed, though he was left with great slabs of the cave wall stuck about him. He claimed to his siblings, perhaps out of embarrassment, to like the protection they provided. His Children continue the custom to this very day. Of all the Children of Statesman, they are also the most likely to show gratitude to the Children of Kin.
- Jock Tamson, Mythologist
[/ QUOTE ]
So simple an explanation for so overwhelming a power. I love it.
Keep it up Jock!
Their's a lot of great writing here.
[ QUOTE ]
So Kin had many friend's amongst the Children of Statesman and few enemies, and those few enemies could be recognized by their flat noses.
[/ QUOTE ]
This made me laugh, thanks.
[ QUOTE ]
And thank you to all our new writers for producing them. I seem to have created a new genre: CoX Mythology
[/ QUOTE ]Thank you for letting us add to the legend!
Thank you for creating the genre!
Drawing off the style and theme, I got inspired. Thanks Jock, I haven't been this inspired in a loooong time.
The Unsuspected Ally: Part I
The children of Statesman were many, yes. The children of Statesman were powerful, yes. Indeed all of Statesman's children had grown to be respectable and revered among the citizens and villain factions of Paragon City and The Rogue Isles. However, the children of Statesman had much learning to do and their level of maturity would soon be exposed.
In Kings Row, while playing a rousing game of "Toss the Skul", Blaster of Energy and Controller of Mind were having a jolly good time catapulting unsuspecting Skulls off of buildings and into deep ditches.
"102 yards! Beat that Controller!" Blaster of Energy boasted.
"Pfft! That's nothing, watch this!" Controller retorted. And with a wave of his hand launched the unsuspecting Skull 217 yards into the air and laughed as he plummeted to his demise.
Ha! Ha! Beat that! Controller of Mind exhorted.
Meh. It was okay. But mine was defeated before he even hit the ground, so I RULE! Plus yours landed on that Turtle, Lobster thing in the ditch so it doesnt count.
Lobster? I didnt know Kings Row had Lobsters. Controller said puzzlingly. Heh
See, the children of Statesman were extremely powerful, and young and sometimes when a youth has that much power without experience they tend to show off. Statesman strictly forbid such activities because with acts such as these, justice was not being served, only the youthful angst of a child. All of their public displays of power did not go unnoticed however, as they had been being observed by a distant hoard of Clockwork minions. A hoard of Clockwork minions who were building something, something that would soon make Blaster and Controller regret their power flaunting ways.
While the two were headed to Atlas to reunite with their siblings Tanker, Defender and Scrapper, they were halted by a dreaded sight. Seemingly out of nowhere they were smacked to the ground by a tremendous force of might. As they lay on the ground, they turned to see the horrible reality of the identity of their attacker. The earlier observing Clockwork minions laughed to their delight.
Bzzt! Tzodayz Uzz DIE! Bzzzzzt! The Clockwork Canon Prince taunted. No lon..zzz
ger will we zzuffer the blight of u heroezzz for we hazzz unleazzhed ze Paladin! BzzzzT!
It was the Clockwork creature constructed to be known as Paladin!
Blasters and his siblings had only heard rumors of this Paladin. But once realizing that Paladin was no longer an Urban Legend, had a sense of panic and urgency come over them.
Over confident with all of his destructive might, Blaster scoffed at the giant nightmare. Ive heard of you. Is that all youve got! Take this!, and with an outstretching of his arms, unleashed a massive burst of destructive energy. Blaster, certain that nothing could withstand a single out pouring of one of his most fearsome attacks, was quickly humbled and afraid. Paladin was unscathed and worse, was rampaging towards he and Controller. Now Controller being versatile in control and helps, replenished and fortified Blaster and at the same time set out to render Paladin motionless. Controller focused with all his might and set forth a massive wave of psychic force, but to no avail. The horror in Controllers face was unspeakable as Paladin was still on the rampage and was then bearing down on the two with tremendous abandon.
TO BE CONTINUED....
THE UNSUSPECTED ALLY: PART II
Help! Help! Blaster yelled into his communicator to his siblings. We are under attack in Kings Row by the Paladin!
Paladin? Stop playing. Tanker jokingly replied. Paladin is an Urban Legend pops tells us to keep us in line. Is me lying face down on the concrete an Urban Legend? Blaster rebutted.
Im on my way! Tanker exclaimed. Hold on until I get there!
In route! Defender assured them. Stay out of sight!
Im in Warburg! Scrapper yelled. Just let me finish off this stalker first and Ill be there ASAP!
No! Come NOW! Controller yelled as he did all he could to stave off the giant behemoth.
No amount of running or any attempt at defeat could quell the single minded mission of Paladin. Blaster picked himself up again from the pavement and Controller tried in vain to continue to hold off the Paladin.
We need a distraction!
You think. Controller rebutted sarcastically, But without Tanker here all he wants to do is rip us a new one.
Or just rip us! Blaster exclaimed.
As the futile battle raged, there was a being that had been lurking in the deep and watching from the shadows. He merely observed the battle at first, but soon could not resist the expanding need to intervene. One minute it was in one place and with a dim display of purple luminance, appeared directly in front of the Paladin
face to face. At first Paladin seemed puzzled, as did Blaster and Controller.
OMG! Blaster yelped. WTF is that?!
I dont know said Controller. But that little dude is gonna get stomped for sure.
The tiny being turned to the two and directed, Get yourselves together, Ill hold him off!
As the diminutive being stood at the feet of Paladin, Blaster and Controller were assured of their doom. Not today Paladin! Your primary objective will go unfinished! Then suddenly in a fantastic show of might the being exploded in a purple shroud of never before seen energy. And in an instant no longer was there a minute being of small proportions staring at Paladin. In its place was a giant monstrosity of force the likes that have never been seen by the children of Statesman.
Holy Shizzle! Blaster yelled. Its the Lobster you dropped that Skull on earlier.
Controller replied, I knew there werent Lobsters in Kings Row. I told you!
The giant, purple monster now standing toe to toe with Paladin, waved its claws and instantly the colossal battle ensued. Controller while healing his wounds rose to his feet, ran towards the battle, fortified and boosted the adrenaline of the giant sea creature looking beast. Blaster arose with new confidence as he knew he could unleash all of his power without recompense at Paladin. The two Titans rolled and flung one another back and forth into buildings, crushing cars, light poles and narrowly avoiding citizens caught in the fray. The battle raged on, the Paladin gave no ground and neither did this strange looking purple monster.
TO BE CONTINUED....
THE UNSUSPECTED ALLY: PART III
I cant do this forever! yelled the massive behemoth Im getting increasing tired and may not be able to hold it off much longer! And I cant even dent it. exclaimed Blaster. Controller having applied all of his skill to replenish the waning energy of the beast and after many failed attempts to subdue the Paladin, was greeted to a much welcomed sight. His brothers and sisters had teleported right into the battle. Help had arrived
except for Scrapper.
Tanker unsheathed her mighty Mace and knocked Paladin to the ground. Your momma was a can opener! Tanker said sarcastically. Defender set forth a haze of darkness to hide and bolster his siblings strength and immediately applied a patch of darkness to weaken and slow Paladin. There, this should even the score a little! Scrapper! Where you at!? Hold on. These Hellions owe me money! Scrapper explained as she brought up the rear.
The battle seemed endless, as neither the Paladin nor the children of Statesman and their foreign ally were gaining ground.
Blaster! Tanker yelled. Is that all you got!
Im giving her all shes got captain!
We need more damage. Scrapper said sheepishly. These steel Lee Press On Nails arent getting it done. I can barely scratch it sometimes. And suddenly in a spectacle same as before, the giant Lobster transformed into
What now? A Squid!?!? Blaster questioned Is Lusca your mommy?
With the Paladin continuously weakened by Defender, thoroughly occupied by Tanker, and partially subdued by Controller, the giant flying Squid unleashed a rain of purple death so powerful that even Blaster had to pause in awe. Paladin, now on its heels tried to escape for cover, but was so terrified and sluggish due to Defender and Controller that its demise was inevitable. Resistance had become futile. Blaster, Scrapper and the Squid continued to pour it on and suddenly in a massive explosion, Paladin blew up into a million pieces! The children of Statesman were victorious!
As the rain of flaming, mechanical parts fell to the ground, the heroes battered and exhausted turned to the flying creature who was now a humanoid being. Whew! Thanks for holding it down...ummm
Seafood Man is it? Tanker said graciously, Yeah these two are always getting into trouble! said Defender as he glared at Blaster and Controller. Who. What are you anyway? asked Blaster as they turned to the unknown being. I am a Kheldian know as a Warshade. My name is Plutonian Pariah. I am not from this planet. Well I kinda gathered that. Scrapper scoffed. The alien continued, I was happening through this city hunting my hunters when I noticed the young ones making mischief. I was intrigued so I decided to observe. That is when I noticed the Paladins construction and your siblings pending defeat and decided that my aid was needed
alas my story is long and my journey has been arduous and I require rest. All things I will explain to you in due time.
Fair enough Tanker agreed, Lets head back to the house. Im sure pops has already gotten wind of this. Defender glared at Blaster and Controller with a piercing stare, You two are in sooo much trouble!
Snitch Blaster mumbled as he pouted.
Hey! Wheres Scrapper?! Controller asked, Scrapp! Where you at?
Im at the store getting
stuff.
If you spend all your allowance dad is gonna kill you. Defender scolded.
Lets bounce Tanker ordered, I think pops would like to meet you Pluto. Scrapp! Lets go!
Hey can someone loan me a million real quick, Ill pay it back when I get paid tomorrow.
Scrapp! Defender yelled. Coming. Coming. Scrapper yielded as he followed the pack.
The children of Statesman journeyed towards their base, victorious yet again over the forces of tyranny with the help of a new found, yet strange ally.
Man Im hungry. Blaster complained, Anyone feel for Seafood?
BLASTER! the children of Statesman exclaimed. What? I got a taste for seafood is all.
THE END
You have heard now the story of how the Great Progenitors left over the sea, giving to their numerous children gifts to be cherished and help them in times of need. So, too, in that tale lies the truth of Defender's gift to her children, in whose blood flows such power that but little is needed to strengthen them.
This is the story of Blaster's gift, and how it was changed. As you know, Blaster gave to his children the ability to call upon his mighty power when their own strength was near expended and they walked near to death. And some of Blaster's children were content with this gift, for they loved to dance along this fine line, daring death to claim them. But many others were far less happy, seeing another side of Blaster's gift to them -- that they should defy their own natures, and far from revelling in the strength of their skills, sowing destruction among their foes, they must creep along in caution, never daring to draw much attention to themselves.
Often and often did Blaster's children gather to bemoan this gift their forefather left them, desperately desirous of some change, and they petitioned Statesman long and loudly, but their calls went unheeded. At last, one heedless young Child of Blaster, Fire by name,desperate in her frustration, told her siblings, "I will seek if there many be another we can direct our calls to. I will bring back a new patron or I will bring back change, or I will not return." And she set off into the unknown.
Long Fire roamed, through the pit that lies nigh to Atlas Park, past the forest within which many dread foes lurked, through islands and mystic valleys. She scoured the depths of the steel canyons and the heights of the strange lands left behind by Kin and Darkity's epic Chase, petitioning many strange beings to aid her and her siblings in their plight. But though some heeded her, none could help, and she wandered on.
Many and many a time in her travels did Fire make use of the gift her forefather had left her, and though often did it save her, as often did she lie facedown, overwhelmed by many foes. Still she persevered, until at last, after much adventure, she came across a strange device. Of brass did it seem to be made, and much twined about itself, and seemed marked like an hourglass. Ever burdened with curiosity, she activated the device, and stepped through the golden portal it created.
A strange, floating isle appeared before her, wrought of stone and crowned with waterfalls, and strange folk moved therein, neither friend nor foe. Among the strangers of this land she sought anew, and learnt that this was an isle out of time, and its folk controlled the fabric of time itself. They showed her many wonderous things, passing her back and forth through time and space, and she grew excited, for surely here would be found the solution to the troubles she and her siblings faced.
Accordingly, through time she travelled, back and back, so far that she felt all her power leave her and all her skills fade from her mind, until she found that moment which she sought -- the moment where the Progenitors blessed their children before departing forever over the sea. Desperate, at the last of her strength, she gasped her plight to Blaster himself, pleading. Much puzzled was Blaster at her revelations, and he bade her show him.
So she did. And when she had fallen, all her prayers were answered, for Defender raised her to her feet, and Blaster granted her wish. "From henceforth," he said, "when you return to your own time, all my children shall be blessed with a new gift. No longer will I aid only those in sore need, for Statesman's curse has rendered my blood thin and weak, unable to carry the reserves of power you need. Instead, I shall strengthen my power within you at all times, so that you may defeat your foes before they overwhelm you. Also, I shall grant you this boon, by the goodness of my sisters Defender and Controller -- though your foes may be powerful, no power they carry shall ever be so strong as to render you completely incapable. Though they may be but the least of your skills, yet always shall you be able to wield them."
she who needs no mic
"You couldn't be more wrong if you were upended in a vat full of toxic wrong by Captain Wrong and his Wrongbots and earned a permanent inherent power called Aura of Wrong."-Lady_Sadako
That was awesome Envy. Not quite in the same style as Jock, but that matters little. It was still great.
And an awesome way of introducing kheldians into the mythology.
Main Hero: Flame Blade (Scrapper lvl 50; Katana/Regeneration)
Main Villain: Elenor Seahawk (Mastermind lvl 44; Necromancy/Poison)
My Arcs: #337278: Learning Curve
Fight my Brute: SMASH
This is probably better the second time around Jock...
But to stay true to the first time this got posted:
Surely there has to be more to tell about Kin, the strongest, fastest hero of them all!
i wouldnt mind more stories about the Spider's children, its too one-sided so far
You're in the defenders forum, not dominator or corruptor...
Ask and ye shall receive, sort of... it's maybe a bit rough.
Currently: 50s (5), 40s (3), 30s (5)
Red and blue side, mostly Infinity, Virtue, and Freedom.
Of the children of Statesman and the Children of the Spider, there are some who are different from the rest, the users of devices and traps, or as some might say, Gadgets.
This is a tale of the Children of Blaster, and of Corruptor and Mastermind. (And the odd Scrapper and Stalker.)
In the beginning, the Statesman founded the great Hero Supply Company, manufacturer of personal defense Devices. (Why the ordinary citizens of Paragon do not shop there, remains unknown to this day.)
Scrapper, Tanker, Controller, and Defender would browse, but never buy anything. What need had they for tasers or invisibility cloaks when they could wield fire, ice, or electricity?
Blaster saw what was available, and spent time pondering, and wandering the hills behind the City, thinking. At last he said to the Statesman, "Many of my children, inspired by The Black Bat, and the Skull-Chested Man, do not want raw power to smite their enemies. They want to defeat their enemies with their own Gadgets. I want to give my children unlimited access to the Hero Supply Company's wares." And the Statesman agreed, seeing the truth in Blaster's words.
(Later, some of the children of Scrapper, after seeing the ways of the evil Knives of Artemis, would also get limited access to the Hero Supply Company. But this was much, much later.)
And the Children of Blaster did use the Caltrop and the Trip Mine, and did blow their enemies into tiny bits, and saw that it was good, and Blaster smiled.
(The Hero Supply Company has had a few scandals and ups and downs since the beginning, but remains a fixture in Paragon City to this day.)
The Spider looked on, and wanted to give his own Children even more power than the Children of Statesman. Thus, the Spider ordered the founding of the Villain Supply Company, yet another dark mirror of Statesman's own creations.
And the Spider said to his Children: "We will take the best of what they have, and I will give you even greater Gadgets to defeat your foes! Who wants this boon I offer?"
And Corruptor spoke up first, ever the dark mirror of Blaster and Defender: "I want it my lord!" For Corruptor remembered the demented and murderous Clown who often fought the Black Bat, and wanted to emulate him.
Mastermind spoke up, "I want it as well!" For Mastermind remembered the Bald Man, and how his genius and inventions would torment and bedevil the Man of Red and Blue, and wanted to emulate him.
Brute and Dominator ignored the Spider. Just as Tanker and Controller before them, they had no need for Gadgets.
Of the Children of Stalker, only Ninja spoke up... but very, very quietly, as was the nature of Stalker. (And this is why even today Ninja has the fewest Gadgets.)
And sometimes, the Childen of the Cities did ask, "But why do Corruptor and Mastermind get a Force Field Generator and Acid Mortar and Poison Trap, while Blaster gets an Autoturret and Smoke Grenade and Targeting Drone?"
"Some mysteries are unknown to even the wise. Perhaps it is just that the Spider had more imagination... or experience... than the Statesman, going second and all. But you didn't hear that from me."
And that is the story of Dev and Trap.
Currently: 50s (5), 40s (3), 30s (5)
Red and blue side, mostly Infinity, Virtue, and Freedom.
Like others, I found this thread through the Dev Diary, and must say that it is wonderful. I really enjoy the style of these stories. I hope they keep coming, and maybe if the muse should come upon me, I'll add a line or two myself someday
Dear NCsoft, if you go through with this shutdown you've guaranteed you'll not see another dime from me on any project you put out, ever.
http://xx-starhammer-xx.deviantart.com/
Thank you all.
[ QUOTE ]
In Kings Row, while playing a rousing game of "Toss the Skul", Blaster of Energy and Controller of Mind were having a jolly good time catapulting unsuspecting Skulls off of buildings and into deep ditches.
[/ QUOTE ]Is there something wrong in the fact that I immediately think how to combine using these powers with good timing to shoot a skull really hella far? Cuz seriously, toss him into the air, the force bolt will send him at an upward angle.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And thank you to all our new writers for producing them. I seem to have created a new genre: CoX Mythology
[/ QUOTE ]Thank you for letting us add to the legend!
Thank you for creating the genre!
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks indeed!
Nice to know I can get some use out of my $25K piece of wall paper. 
@Oroborous and @Oroborous2
Avatar by HeroPortraitStudios
From the Groundhog Day Attempt at Citadel: GM, "There's no badge for breaking a TF."
Original was posted July of 07.
With respect to the Op....
My humble, stumbling, slightly sleep deprived homage to this quite wonderful thread by Jack Tamson
..
Jasmine was a weary daughter of Defender. In her youth she was a much sought out descendant of Empathy and glorious were the battles she partook in. Countless numbers of Statesmans children had rained praise on her after she had endlessly warmed them in the light of her powers. But she was weary now. She seldom answered any of the calls from this new generation of statesmans children or of the tribe of Pug. She occasionally wandered the deep Hollows or barren parks of Perez casting blessings upon the youngest of statesmans descendants but she simply lacked the energy to once again do battle against the mighty forces of evil. She had grown cynical and depressed in her retirement and felt that no one appreciated her unique powers. Perhaps she was even envious of the praise cast upon her defender cousins for their abilities to weaken the mightiest of foes or enhance the powers of the sons and daughters of Scrapper, Blaster, Controller and Tank. She simply knew that for her, the battle was over; she would no more be a guardian for the rest of Statesmans descendants.
Of course this was not her choice. As a daughter of Defender she had a solemn duty to perform. She was at once blessed and cursed. She who could bring any of Statesmans descendants back from the brink of death felt useless, for seldom was the call for her blessings needed. Statesmans children were strong and clever, and had grown adept in their ability to take care of themselves. But then the unthinkable occurred. Long had Statesmans children fought valiantly against the evil of the spawns of the Spider. The spawns of the Spider were clever and ruthless and without mercy and their jealously and hatred of the children of Statesman was boundless. But the only thing stronger than that hatred was their sense of self preservation. And when the forces of the Rikti Nation attacked they spared no one, and all who stood before them perished.
When the Rikti attacked Jasmine had been shocked by the tremendous outcry and activity from her cousins. They had all gathered together vowing to defeat the menace from the skies and once again bring peace to the cities. They had rushed off to engage in battle leaving her behind, perhaps forgetting her as she had long since stopped answering their calls to join them as they amused themselves in battle with there common enemies such as Dreck or the Spiders. But Jasmine had followed this time , and she watched as her cousins clashed in mighty battles against foes that showed no mercy, and her cousins were sore pressed to defeat these foes even with the startling help of the spawns of the Spider. The daughter of Defender felt her Mothers Spirit move within her. She once again remembered who she was meant to be. She reached deep within herself and felt the powers well up thru her soul and spread to encompass her cousins. When she did this she noticed that not only did she heal her cousins but the children of the Spider as well! What this meant she knew not, but she vowed to never again forsake her sacred duty. She would continue to help in the fight against one of the worst dangers to ever descend upon the cities. The battle in that place at that moment turned and the alien forces quickly retreated. Her cousins congratulated themselves and eyed the children of the Spider who stared at the heroes arrogantly before they left to return to report their own commanders. Her cousins had barely noticed Jasmine in the heat of battle and now they also went back to report on the alien activity to the Vanguard who were organizing the fight against the Rikti invasion. But Jasmine cared not. She remembered once again that being a child of Defender was not about the glory or the praise... and she remembered the tale of Statesman and the Book. She was content that as a daughter of Defender her name would be written in the Great Book.
Fini
One of the descendants of Defender called himself Doctor, for his branch of the family tree had received the greatest Healing powers from Defender. He had spent his early years wandering the City and fighting evil, as did his many relatives. He earned his name by healing those in need, though more often that not he preferred to travel alone. In time he grew sorely vexed by the curse upon Defender, that her strongest powers were only for others. He grew in power slowly because of the curse, and saw many of his relatives pass him. In time he gave up fighting evil, and decided to lead a more scholarly life. He studied the history of the City, and more importantly the powers of all of his relatives. In truth, he desired to cheat fate!
One evening he went to a park and called to his closest relatives, the children of Defender. He whispered in their ear that there was a way to avoid the curse. Some did not care, for they had lived their entire lives with it and it seemed only natural. But others listened, and in listening learned the secret. The children of Defender could use their greatest powers on each other! It would be as if Defender were using her powers on herself! So strengthened, the children of Defender would be stronger than Blaster's children, and tougher than Tanker's children.
The descendants of Radia learned their lessons too well. They had many small gifts, and all the other children of Defender could best them in one field or another. But when many of Radia's children got together, their many small gifts became many great gifts. Nothing could stand before them. So great was their pride that Doctor was not allowed to venture with them when his longing for adventure returned. He talked to descendants of Kin, Bubbles, and Sonic, and explained how they could be stronger and safer that the children of Radia, and they also turned him away when they discovered the truth of his words.
Bitter at the betrayal, Doctor began talking to the children of Controller. He told them the same secret he has told his closer relatives, that the children of Controller could use their bits of Defender's power to aid each other, and the pets that many of them brought into battle as well. So great was their success that those with stolen bits of Radia's power put the true descendants of Radia to shame. With so many of Controller's children together, they could hold any foe and feed it to their growing legion of pets. Once again, Doctor was turned away. He gave up and went to the lands of Pug where he knew his gifts would be appreciated.
The story would end there, were it not for all the droppings that Statesman started seeing around his once clean City. He followed the trail and found a small group of Controller's children, surrounded by an army of flaming monkeys (their favorite pet). Children and monkeys were all glowing strongly green with Radia's gift, and the pets were dispatching foes and flinging poo with wild abandon. Statesman appeared before them and asked the ancient question, "Do you need help?" Fear filled their eyes for the answer was obvious. He struck down three quarters of the Monkeys and took three quarters of their power. "Now you do."
Goodbye and thanks for all the fish.
I've moved on to Diablo 3, TopDoc-1304
I was wondering who'd make one about Rad Superteams.... lol
Since other people are adding in, I figure I'll give a tale of one of Stalker's children. Hope you guys like it, and don't mind it not being defender based.
A tale of one of Stalkers Children, Claw.
As mastermind had said before, stalker was strong. He struck from the shadows, and needed not the help of his siblings to complete his tasks. As time went by, Stalker had children of his own. Like the with Statemans children, his power was shattered amoungst his offspring in different forms.
His first Child, Ee-ehm, was the strongest of his kin. Her raw destructive power was unmatched, to a point where she could easily destroy the most armored of enemies without need of the element of surprise.
His second Child, Darq, used the very shadows which concealed him, to strike and blind his foes. In this way, Darq could eliminate the key targets, and continue to baffle his foes with the blinding darkness. So black was his dark grasp, that a glimpse into its depths could leave his victims shivering in terror.
His third child was a frightening creature. Its form was most distorted by the powerful poisons marching through its veins. Large obtrusions jutted from its body, and possessed the toxin which his father, Stalker, used to slowly disable the foes which managed to survive the primary attack. Though Spine seemed most strange, this one could strike from range, hurling its obtrusions in all directions, or focusing on a single target with a large spike.
The fourth child was a swift one. Wielding a steel tool, she could cut through her enemies, but should situations turn for the worst, fell back on her gift of superior defense. Her weapon was a great cutting tool, but what use is a single function tool to a child of Stalker? While using the weapon defensively, Kat Could easily avoid harm, and fight as she would.
Stalkers fifth child however, was born with no apparent special gift. Claw was mocked by the mirror worlds Freaks as Clawls, a derogatory term used to show he could not cause the same harm as his siblings. One cool evening under the red moon of the eclipse, Stalker gathered his children. He looked over them and smiled. You are my children, he declared. You each have a unique gift from me which gives you the power to defeat your enemies. Now go and show me what my gifts can do! When All but Claw had left, Stalker placed a hand upon his shoulder and asked, Why my son, do you not embrace the shadows and go with them? Father, he replied, I do not possess any gift of yours. I cannot strike down foes quickly, I cannot blind my enemies I lack the poison of Spine, and do not have the evasion of Kat. What gift could you have possibly given me?
Stalker smirked and took a step back, acknowledging his sons currently slim physique. You need many strikes to defeat your foes. You use both arms many times and take many blows before you can subdue your foe. Yes father! You see? I need a gift or I will fall behind and continue to be mocked and taunted by the others in secret! My son You already have your gift. You strike faster and more frequently that Kat, and each strike is less tiring than any of other of your siblings. In time, this gift will give you a great strength, but now, fight hard.
With hope that His father spoke the truth, Claw went out to defeat his foes. Many times he took a knee to wounds, but never to exhaustion. When he found his Sister, Ee-ehm, panting but unwounded, he asked, Are you so tired sister? You who strike down any foe in but a couple blows? Silence brother! She hissed. I may be tired, but I have defeated three foes in the time you defeat one. Claw continued, leaving his sister to rest. He came upon Kat, breathing heavily, but with much less exhaustion than her sister. Sister, you are tired as well? Kat looked at Claw, and spat upon the earth. Youve no right to judge me brother. While I am tired, I remain unscathed. You have been injured on more occasions than I, now leave me to be! Claw continued along his journey. He saw Spine and Darq in the distance, fighting through enemies and grew in frustration. Surely their gifts were better than his! Why couldnt he have been given a greater strength?
With resentment in his heart and anger in his blood, Claw entered a state that was repressed, granted from his mirror uncle, Scrapper. Claw entered the Scrapper-Lock, and began cutting through a grove of trees. Hours passed and he continued in his lock. Morning came and his siblings retreated home. Jokes of how his weakness was holding him behind floated amoungst his siblings, all the while, Stalker watched the tree grove, smiling at what he knew was to take place. Days soon turned into weeks, and his siblings grew worried. Even if they were the Spiders grandchildren, they still cared for family. They searched for days, but never found their brother. They pleaded with father Stalker to search with them, but Stalker simply smiled. He pointed out towards the horizon where the tree grove once stood, and spoke. Youre little brother disappeared into the trees almost over a week ago, but you will not recognize him children. You will not recognize his strength. His children shared a laugh and one of them spoke. Father, he is not strong, Ee-ehm is the strongest of us, and he cannot possibly compare! Stalker shook his head, speaking once more. His smile still upon his face. Go to the Tree grove and see what your weak brother has done while you all rested. Go see what strength he has gained.
The siblings looked hesitantly towards the horizon, then set off. Traveling miles to reach the grove. There they came across a great field of mulch, rotting chips of wood littering the ground. Stumps stood where a massive forest once was, and Claw, in the distance, was still whittling away at the last stump. Brother! Come home with us! Kat pleaded. Her voice was gentle and almost apologetic, but Scrapper-lock was a dangerous condition. Claw could not tell enemy from foe, and in a great swing of his now muscular arms, a force ripped through the air, Knocking Kat onto the ground. Brother! Why do you attack us!? Darq pleaded, but his call went unanswered. Claw raised his other arm and swung it, creating another burst of force. Hes gone mad! Surely father Stalker means for us to stop him! The siblings blended into the shadows, all but Ee-ehm, whos pride and power told her to charge headlong and attack.
Claw, once more, drew his arm back, and this time, swung it in a great arc at Ee-ehm. The forceful Shockwave ripped through the air, and knocked the shroud of shadows off each of his siblings. Even Kat, who was most gifted in defense, could do little to block a force like this. To end the fighting, Stalker appeared behind Claw, whos eyes slowly softened as Scrapper-lock faded. You see my children, Claws gift was not entirely his ability to fight longer, but rather to discover his own strength, his own power. But father! argued spine, His gift is like my own, he strikes from range with the sudden movement of his arms! No, Stalker shook his head and placed a hand on Claws shoulder, who looked up to his father behind him. His power was discovered, not given at birth.
-Kimishima, Who likes claws more than food, and also likes copying Jock's end post thingy.