Dead
Posts 47
Power Level 21
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Post by Gluttony on Oct 29, 2016 15:19:54 GMT -7
Gluttony had been pouring over maps of downtown when a realization struck him. The Bulwarks were relatively well known, to the point where he had heard of rumors involving the general location of their headquarters. He had focused intently on the Pandas for a while, even managed to make allies within the faction. However, next to nothing was known of the Reins. They simply appeared one day and jumped right into the power struggle of Emerald City. Something had to be done about that.
Judging from previous interactions between Keepers and the Reins, the new faction considered themselves heroes of a fashion. Therefore, all that would be needed to draw them out is something to attract heroes. Wanton murder usually qualified, but Gluttony wanted to make good and sure that he would find the right kind of people.
Gluttony arrived at the home of a notable anti-super politician, one Damien Cook. He had taken his time getting to the mansion, and on his path were the corpses of plenty of unpowereds. He wanted to be easy to track, all the better for making sure that the Reins would try to stop him. If they didn't show up in time, then the city would be short one voice denouncing supers. He was sure his faction-mates could probably figure out some way to turn that to their advantage.
He stepped towards the manor, anticipating seeing if his plan would work.
SCHEME: assassinate an anti-super politician, and hopefully draw out the Reins in an attempt to learn more about the faction
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Rein Initiative
Posts 134
Power Level 31
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Post by Solomon on Oct 29, 2016 15:20:58 GMT -7
If one were to take an impartial viewpoint, tonight was a very poor night for Solomon to battle. Not due to resources or injury; today had been one of his meetings with Plague Doctor, meaning he had more than enough fuel for his powers, and a buzz that had followed him since through the evening. Besides the drop in conflict since the dragon attack, it was for reasons of the latter that he had not been engaging in nearly as many battle (not that he had many before), and thus was actually in quite good health.
Rather, it was exactly because Plague Doctor had come that a fight was best avoided this evening. He had taken the lives of those brought, and, assuming tonight would be about as uneventful as any other so soon after the dragon, he had taken the opportunity to write some new spells in the hopes of filling couple of holes he’d come to find in his repertoire. One of his most starkly lacking were close-range, accurate, single target spells useful in melee combat - he was not without them, per say, but the utility of them could not be understated in a city full of supers who preferred to get in their enemies’ faces.
Initial writings could be done at the FOB, but the necessary settings and tweaks were probably better done away from structures people would care to find wrecked. With spells as both precise and powerful as what he was making, they would have to be cast several times over until he could work out quirks and optimize power usage. That tended to leave holes were there shouldn’t be in walls that are useful to structural integrity.
It would be best for him to practice somewhere secluded, especially given the number of defensive spells he’d already cast in order to keep himself from accidentally taking off one of his arms. It made him feel somewhat lightheaded - which was useful for churning through spells quickly, but not so much for being around people.
Sadly, in this instance, he couldn’t just find a glade in the hollows and do it there, as one of the spells he was going to be testing required buildings. The docks were no longer an easy destination for buildings no one cared about, but luckily there was one more approximation of a scrap yard in the area; namely, HappyWorld. Solomon had teleported to the edge of old amusement park, with the intent of finding an unused structure and near-zero people density.
Instead, he found a trail of bodies.
Solomon stood motionless, unable to decide what to do. Someone was up to something, and it was his duty to stop it. Yes, he was trying not to get into fights after or during high power usage, but the real goal of the faction was to stop supers from doing what had evidently been done, correct? Therefore it was his obligation to do something. A small part of him objected to this logic; he’d already decided on how he was going to spend his evening, and the back part of his mind strongly suggesting he just stick with it, for exactly the last counterpoint the other side offered. He really, really wanted to fight whoever had done this. He was already looking forward to it.
Had he known just an hour earlier that this was what he would find, he would’ve saved writing for another day. Now, the lives of the people taken earlier that evening, the spells cast in protection, and the several already in practice made his decision for him. And, as luck would have it, his teleportation had left him only a short few blocks away from the culprit. Solomon left. There would little going back.
Solomon didn’t speak his arrival. A bolt of electricity struck the ground in front of Gluttony, threatening another to hit should that not cause him to halt. He stood, his stance wide, about thirty feet back from the Keeper, eyes locked on the man. He had discarded his coat just a moment before, in favor of the sleeveless underneath. Electricity crackled around his left hand, dancing up the large, black, and intricately drawn tattoo decorating the whole of that arm. Three books hovered at his sides.
“To think, Gluttony, I was considering extending to you an allyship.” Though his words were harsh and spoken harshly, he was smiling. The latter was light, but both his tone and expression held an edge. Solomon raised his sparking hand again towards the Keeper, threatening, but waiting. He would not offer a chance at surrender, but he would a retort.
OPPOSING: To keep the peace, whatever the cost.
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The Keepers
Posts 71
Power Level 20
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Post by Poppet on Oct 29, 2016 16:31:22 GMT -7
To her, the Keeper was the first one who doesn’t rub her the wrong way when she first met them; so far some of the mission they gave out to her was…support role at best: stealing a piece of wood and helping with someone’s personal mission. Most of the time she tended to stays away from the faction’s power play with politic and such; they’ll just give her a headache from all the politic mumbo-jumbo. Since each of the other Keeper member all just went on their own personal crusade, she feel that as long as they didn’t do anything bad, then she can at least accept whatever they’re doing.
But not this, anything but this: Keeper always know what mission one of their own is doing, so it wasn’t surprising when she came across Gluttony’s mission. She was curious: the file was mentioning a notable anti-super politician.
“Now why would the faction be worry about someone like him?” Jessica asked, “not like what they’re doing will matter to the grand scheme of thing.”
“I-I guess this is Gluttony’s personal mission? Maybe he’s planning on getting some information on the guy.” Poppet said.
“I know, why don’t we go there and check it out? Who know, maybe he can give us something just like Azoth did when we help her with her own personal mission.”
“W-Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt; let’s see if he needs our help for anything.”
---
As soon as she arrived at the scene, however, Poppet would suddenly regret that decision. Right in front of the manor, the body of guards litter all over the yard, bleeding and lifeless. This wasn’t a simple investigation mission; this was an assassination mission. She didn’t realized what she has walked into until she saw the horrific sight before her. She almost threw up from the sight of dead bodies if she didn’t get a hold of herself.
“W-Why?” she looked at the guards’ bodies. All of them stand no chance against a super, let alone Gluttony.
“Good gracious; old Gluttony sure knows how to leave such a mess behind.”
“T-They’re just doing their job, w-why didn’t he just knock them out?”
“Guess the guy doesn’t understand how to be subtle like Azoth; either that or this is his way of getting attention.”
Her time spending with the Keeper, she only took on those works that require no need for violent, or putting people in danger. During the dragon’s fight, she tried everything to make sure the spores won’t harm any more people in its wake. Never has she used her power that would put innocent people in harm’s way. If this is how a super used his power, then is that the reason why the people around this city have always looked at her with such fearful expression? They were afraid of what she might do to them; that’s why that teenager she managed to save run away screaming.
“W-We must stop him,” Poppet exclaimed, “these people, they have done nothing wrong to deserve such a death like this.”
“You do realize that this mean we’re going against one of our faction member. The Keeper will not like this.”
“I don’t care; this should not be the way we do thing. People’s lives should not be taken away so lightly like this.”
Poppet can still see a vivid image of what happen, and it makes her sick in the stomach that this reminded her of that. Even if this might put her in question with her fellow Keeper members, someone must stop this senseless murder from continuing.
Opposing: sorry Gluttony, but mass murder is not a solution to this.
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Rein Initiative
Posts 9
Power Level 15
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Post by Azrael on Oct 29, 2016 17:36:59 GMT -7
"Wow! Now this is what murder is all about!" Azrael honestly had just stumbled upon this scene by pure accident, they were usually sent to patrol around Emerald City thanks to their wings, but they couldn't be happier by what they had found for once. They quickly took to the skies again, desperately wanting to meet whoever was so good at killing, maybe they were a Pandemonium, that would be amazing! Unfortunately, not all dreams come true.
"Aw, hell! Are you serious!?" Azrael almost wished they didn't catch sight of a fellow Rein Initiative member, Solomon, as they flew over what was probably the murderer guy, Gluttony, now they were going to have to fight alongside Solomon if they didn't want Rein Initiative messing with them again! They lighted down next to Solomon, and materialized their scythe.
"Hey there Solomon, fighting this guy is what Reins are supposed to do, right? Oh, and guy were fighting, nothing personal, just doing my job!" Their tone may have sounded completely normal in everyday conversation but using a scythe to wave at your, hopefully, soon to be defeated enemy really, really isn't.
Opposing: Murderers are pretty interesting but I can't be helping them this time!
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The Keepers
Posts 17
Power Level 30
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Post by The Revelation on Oct 30, 2016 5:11:16 GMT -7
There was no particular pattern to it, nothing too far out of the ordinary. At various locations around Malachite Isle, cars pulled out of driveways, quietly rolling onto the smooth, clear roads. To be sure, it was unusual for so many people in so many different locations on the island to choose to leave their homes at almost exactly the same time, especially at this hour, but that could be dismissed as a simple coincidence.
Then they all began driving towards the same house.
It would take them a little while to arrive, but arrive they would. They all knew where they had to go, what they had to do, knew it in their bones, though some sweated and trembled as they drove, uncertain and afraid.
Still, none would stray from their course. Wheels turned and turned as the cars rolled inevitably down the road towards their destination, dozens of bloodshot eyes fixed on the road ahead. Men, women, even a single teenager, all sicced on their targets like mad dogs. Nothing could stop them now but death, or victory.
Supporting: your heart is telling you to kill them.
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Pandaemonium
Posts 22
Power Level 20
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Post by Pride on Oct 31, 2016 1:06:02 GMT -7
"I hope that this is not a complete waste of my time, for your sake Gluttony"
Pride sat upon the mansion's roof, as it was fitting for the king to have the high ground. He was told the plan by his sin subordinate and decided to go along with it, after it such a loud mouth mongrel should be silenced post haste. Plus those brain whatevers, could cause potential interference or difficulties for his sins later down the line, and that could not stand. So he agreed to stick around in case of such an attack, after all Gluttony would not require Royal assistance for such a meager task unless other less super supers involved themselves. Speaking of which.
"Ah it appears you were right in your prediction Gluttony, guess we shall have to show them what happens when the sins are trifled with."
Supporting: what kind of King doesn't support his minions?
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Post by PANOPTICON Ver. 3.023 on Oct 31, 2016 10:01:11 GMT -7
PANOPTICON Ver. 3.023 online Analyzing aberrant activities. Coordinated aberrant movements detected on Malachite Isle, sector D-8. Analysis indicates possible business or political motive. Agents present on-site... Detected: 7,026 unpowered humans. Detected: Six standard aberrants. See case files 1-5005, 1-5050, 1-5520, 1-5666, 1-6180, 1-6195. Mission log start. (Click here to send in your actions!) |
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Dead
Posts 47
Power Level 21
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Post by Gluttony on Nov 1, 2016 11:29:29 GMT -7
Gluttony was almost starting to be concerned that his plan had fallen through when a familiar voice sounded from behind him. A potential alliance with a member of the new faction was something that would've been useful, but it was too late to take back what was done. Just as well, really; Gluttony preferred his method anyway.
He turned to look at the wizard. There wasn't any retort given besides a menacing grin. Everyone else - Keepers, Rein, even Pride - didn't matter. Solomon was now number one target, and Gluttony was determined to get the info he wanted, even if it cost the other super his life.
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The Keepers
Posts 71
Power Level 20
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Post by Poppet on Nov 1, 2016 14:09:57 GMT -7
Poppet carefully stepped over the laying bodies that litter the area only to see Solomon is facing off against Gluttony. To make thing more complicated, there’s a man sitting on the roof of the manor and an army of people coming in through the gate. They all looked like they’re under someone’s control, since unless the politician decided to throw a biggest party in the city, there’s no reason for these people to be here.
“Looks like we got a full house,” Jessica said, “wanna bet those people are under a Keeper’s control?”
“Whatever you do, don’t hurt them.” Poppet said to her doll; the last thing she need right now is to fill the yard with more bodies than before.
“That’s a very tall order, considering we’re literally surrounded.”
“J-Just do as I say, Jessica; we’ll think of something.”
Even though she does feel glad that Solomon is here, it does frighten her to see him like this. The tension between him and Gluttony is real, and it’s a good idea to stay slightly away from their confrontation. As far as what she can remembered from the past, things turned quite ugly when he got mad; she'll make sure to stay out of his way when that happen, and she'll also need to make sure those people out there didn't get too close either.
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The Keepers
Posts 17
Power Level 30
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Post by The Revelation on Nov 1, 2016 23:03:43 GMT -7
Cars pulled up, and people got out, walking towards the house as a swarm. None of them were armed, but something about the way they walked gave a distinct impression of aggression. The length of their strides, perhaps, the lack of fear in their relentless advance.
They stopped short of the supers, however, instead forming a rough line several meters away from the closest one. A tall man stepped forwards, calling out in a loud but wavering voice.
"Supers! This is our island! Leave us alone, damn it, or we'll see you pay for coming here!"
The words didn't appear to be addressed to anyone in particular, nor were they particularly out of character for an angry and entitled civilian, but those familiar with the Keepers might catch the other meaning in the short speech. Malachite is ours. Get off our turf.
Other than the lone shout, however, the crowd wouldn't immediately do anything. They simply stood there, staring, not so much as a murmur more passing through their lips, though they'd certainly react if any of the supers present tried to attack them.
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Rein Initiative
Posts 9
Power Level 15
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Post by Azrael on Nov 2, 2016 5:11:49 GMT -7
"Oookay... can someone tell me what's exactly going on?" First some random, but awesome, murders, way more supers than just one, and now some stupid civilians who clearly don't know who they're talking to! Azrael turned towards them, giving an aggressive stance of their own, "Oh yeah!? And what'll you do? Just keep on bitching at us!? Just go home!"
By the time Azrael turned back towards the supers they were supposed to fight, they were a little aggravated, good, at least they have a better reason to want to hit something, they are really angry!
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Post by PANOPTICON Ver. 3.023 on Nov 2, 2016 11:36:26 GMT -7
   PANOPTICON Ver. 3.023 analyzing combat data... --- Interference (Depowering) by Azrael against Pride results in SUCCESS, +5% combat advantage Interference (Obfuscation) by The Revelation against Solomon results in FAILURE due to suppression by the target's equal-or-greater immunity Maneuver (Speed) by Pride against Poppet results in PARTIAL success due to suppression by the lesser Interference (Depowering) Azrael used, +5% combat advantage Maneuver (Field) by Solomon against Gluttony results in SUCCESS, +25% combat advantage Aggression (Destruction) by Gluttony against Solomon results in FAILURE due to suppression by the equal-or-greater Maneuver (Field) used by the target, +10% combat advantage Aggression (Confinement) by Poppet against Gluttony results in SUCCESS, +30% combat advantage --- Current conditions: Pride may not be targeted by enemy Interference (Depowering) powers Solomon may not be targeted by enemy Interference (Obfuscation) powers Current advantage: Azrael Poppet and Solomon have 60% Gluttony Pride and The Revelation have 15% Current openings: Azrael may SURPRISE the other side at a cost of 15% combat advantage, causing his side's actions to come first in the resolution order as though they were of higher level for the rest of the battle. Solomon may REGROUP at a cost of 30% combat advantage, cutting the other side's combat advantage in half. Poppet may CAPTURE Gluttony at a cost of 15% combat advantage, causing his powers to stop contributing combat advantage for the rest of the battle. (Click here to send in your next round's actions!) |
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The Keepers
Posts 71
Power Level 20
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Post by Poppet on Nov 2, 2016 20:21:06 GMT -7
The cry of pain coming from inside the manor can be heard from the outside, and Poppet has already feared the worst has happen. Since Gluttony is being busy outside as Solomon is dealing with him, someone is inside right now helping him with his mission. Both Poppet and Jessica quickly get in the manor, hoping they weren’t too late.
As soon as she got to the bedroom door, the door suddenly burst open as a man bleeding from his shoulder ran out. His wound doesn’t seem to be serious, but the perpertrator must still be inside. With one glance in the bedroom, Poppet saw the woman holding a kitchen knife coated in blood. From the looks in her eyes, she can make a guess what whoever controlling the people out there has managed to get her under their control.
With no time to waste, Poppet created a thick network of webbing that snatched the kitchen knife away and completely bind her where she stood.
“L-Listen, whoever you are, p-please leaves them alone.” She said to the woman.
Since this Keeper seems to be able to control the unpowered like this, she immediately turned toward the wounded politician and bound him into the wall, wrapping her strings around him like a cocoon. The cocoon also acts like a bandage to seal up the wound on his shoulder and stop it from bleeding any further.
“I-I’m sorry, b-but this is for your own protection. P-Please remain calm until this is over.”
“Don’t you worry about a thing,” Jessica flew up to his face, “we’ll make sure to protect you, even from yourself if it comes to that.”
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Dead
Posts 47
Power Level 21
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Post by Gluttony on Nov 3, 2016 11:11:12 GMT -7
Gluttony swung just in time for Solomon to vanish before impact, and then the wizard reappeared slightly above the sin. Gluttony was standing at ten feet, so the target for Solomon was Gluttony's head. The sword slashed at him, and Gluttony didn't have time to avoid the attack completely. Instinct kicked in, and he jumped backwards.
Gluttony's mask fell to the ground, split in two. His face had a deep gash going across, going from his upper forehead to his cheekbone, that passed through his eye. He couldn't see from the injured eye, the attack having ruined it.
The large sin bit his tongue to distract his mind from the pain before glaring at Solomon. "I'll kill you for that," he growled quietly through clenched teeth at the Rein. As the blood ran down his face, he started to formulate a plan. He no longer wanted information from the wizard. No, he wanted the super's head on a platter.
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Rein Initiative
Posts 134
Power Level 31
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Post by Solomon on Nov 3, 2016 12:06:39 GMT -7
It wasn’t frustration that locked Solomon’s attention on the sin. He wasn’t angry at Gluttony, or anything at all, really. While unexpected in practice, the Keeper’s actions were not unexpected in principal. Gluttony held no allegiance to Solomon; thoughts that he might be of use, or that he would not slaughter as he had, were mistakes solely of the Rein’s fault. More often than not, such expectations would be broken. It was simply the way of supers.
No, with each passing spell, the longing for the thrum of battle grew, and with it his toothy, twisted smile. He needed to get that rush of adrenaline, feel his powers make contact with flesh, use more of his powers to get the flood of power that spilled into him with each. Solomon’s mind said to fight, and so he fought. The point at which he could say no to the rush had passed when he decided Gluttony would be his target. Now, nothing else mattered; not the other supers, or the civilians watching, or the man who had just been stabbed within the manor. Only continuing the fight, and defeating the enemy set before him.
Solomon landed nimbly on the ground. The feeling of cutting the super’s flesh still lingered in his hands, and his blood on the sword’s edge. He flicked the blade outwards, scattering droplets into the grass already stained by the sin. A single, low laugh came from Solomon, and Gluttony’s glare was met with a smile showing teeth. His wide eyes burned with but one goal.
“Come and try.”
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