Romanov

Ok, level 10 it is. My character is perhaps unfortunately called Dee Dee Diablo.
Band-wise she is bass player, songwriter and voalist, providing backing vocals and performing one or two of her own songs in each set.
Hero-wise she is a fire/fire blaster who sold her soul to a demon in return for musical excellence. Since then the demon has been trying to get out of the deal, and has tricked Dee Dee into performing good deeds in Paragon in an effort to trigger a loophole in the contract.

((Should we make use of the Watchmen Forum and add a section for this group?))

This sounds fun. Keep me the bass player spot. I'll work on the character later but she'll be a tanker with an axe.
As well as Wednesdays, Tuesdays are out for me too.

((There will be a chance to interview Dr Milo Symmian tomorrow evening before we start missions))

All of the Watchmen with personal email accounts receive an email today. Attached is a video file.

If you click on it the video starts to play. The scene is an office which surprisingly has no books or papers in it. In centre frame is a large desk. A man is sitting behind it hidden in shadow. He is stroking a large white cat.

"Ah Watchmen, we meet at last."

The man leans foward so that his face is in the light. He is a thin man with a wide grin and a mop of brilliant red hair.

"Sorry, guys," he adds, now speaking in a Liverpool accent. "It seemed funny when I thought of it."

He stands up and lets the cat go. He speaks into a dictaphone. "Note to self. Return Fluffles to Mrs Miggins. Collect $20 reward. Spend it on ciggies and beer. Bonus."

He turns back to the camera. "Sorry, mates, I should introduce myself. I'm Dr Milo Symmian. Well, it's Professor actually, but the ladies prefer a Doctor. Some of you may remember me as the spandex clad crimfighter Spidermonkey before my untimely death. But I won't confuse you with that now, I just want to thrown out the idea of an information sharing exercise. I fought alongside Saule once or twice and I think I have some idea about what caused what happened to you. Although, to be honest, I really hope I'm wrong.

"Anyway, I'll be watching the Reds stuff Chelsea in the Dirty Duck tonight, but I could maybe meet you tomorrow at my office. I'm head of the advanced robotics and nanotechnology department here at Paragon U. It's not as fancy as it sounds, in fact, I am the advanced robotics and nanotechnology department at Pargon U.

"So swing by Wednesday evening and we can chat. The coffee here is (bleep!) so bring your own. Mine's a skinny Arabian mocha sanani."

((Paragon Eye is a cable television show with a small but dedicated fanbase made up largely of housewives, students and conspiracy theorists. This episode was broadcast last night and is repeated several times on Channel 109))

The host of Paragon Eye, Jesse Truman, with his trademark flashy suit and even flashier smile, runs down a staircase shaking hands with audience members. He takes his place in a spotlight in front of a backdrop of sensational newspaper headlines.

HOST: Hello, I’m Dr Jessie Truman, and you must be in the know because you know those in the know watch Paragon Eye. Now we have a packed show for you tonight and I am legally obliged to tell you to watch the aftershow credits carefully as they include several clarifications, corrections and apologies. But first, by popular demand, let’s welcome back Antonio!

Dr Truman takes a seat behind a desk as Antonio enters the stage to a mixture of cheers and boos. As on his last appearance on Paragon Eye, he is wearing a white leather jacket and indecently tight red leather trousers.

HOST: Welcome back, Antonio.

ANTONIO: Thanks for having me back, Jesse.

HOST: Now, Antonio, let me tell you we had an overwhelming response after your last appearance on the show.

ANTONIO: Well, the ladies know what they like. And the ladies like Antonio. And, luckily for them, Antonio he like the ladies.

HOST: Quite. I’d like to start with a few viewers’ questions if that’s ok?

ANTONIO. I aim to please.

HOST: Rita from King’s Row says: “Please, for the love of God, tell me that that man practices safe sex”.

ANTONIO: Rita, let me tell you, Antonio he doesn’t need to practice.

HOST: She means safe sex, you know precautions…?

ANTONIO: Oh, of course, and if I’m not too sure about the lady I’ll even double…

HOST: Thanks, I think that covers it.

ANTONIO: But let me say this, Jesse, the loving with Antonio is never safe sex. In fact I ask all my ladies to sign a disclaimer in case of a pleasure induce heart attack or seizure. And I also take no responsibility for any future decline in sexual satisfaction with, let’s be honest, lesser men.

HOST: Well, I hope that answers your question, Rita. Now, Bubba from Steel Canyon wants to know if you’re the guy that his wife Jolene has been seeing.

ANTONIO: I can make no promises on that account; I can’t really be expected to remember their names afterwards. But let me assure you ladies when you are with Antonio he is all about you.

HOST: Bubba adds that if you are the guy he’s quite open-minded and would like to discuss a situation that could benefit you all.

ANTONIO: I just remembered, that guy who is seeing the lady, that’s not me.

HOST: But you can’t remember all those names surely?

ANTONIO: I one hundred percent remember that I have not been with any lady by the name of Joanne.

HOST: Jolene.

ANTONIO: That’s what I meant. Joanne, maybe. Jolene, no way.

HOST: That leads me on to a question of my own. Level with me here Antonio, these powers you say you have and all these ladies that you…how shall I put this?

ANTONIO: Give pleasure without measure.

HOST: Ok. It’s all in the mind isn’t it?

ANTONIO: An expert lovemaker knows that a great deal of duties should be to his lady’s mind, that is true.

HOST: Let me put it another way. It’s all in your mind. Made up. Not true. A fantasy.

ANTONIO: I’m not sure what you’re getting at, Jesse.

HOST: I’m suggesting you are not, as your website claims, “scientifically proven to be the greatest lover of ladies since the dawn of humankind”.

ANTONIO: It’s all true.

HOST: Have you even had one woman apply to your website for your services? Because, I have to tell you, the women who took the time to write in don’t seem to see you as you see yourself. The only one who asked for more details wanted them to apply for a restraining order to protect herself against the possibility of ever meeting you.

ANTONIO: Let me explain with what I call a metaphor. If a woman has spent her life going to small fairgrounds where she rides the ferris wheel on the carousel, when she goes to Disneyland and sees Space Mountain she is naturally going to be a little scared. She says to herself “Will it be too much for me? Has my life of riding the safe, slow rides prepared me for something that will take my body to the limits of sensation?”

HOST: So, has anyone contacted you to ride your rollercoaster?

ANTONIO: Yes, in fact I am meeting a lady after this very show.

Antonio takes out a piece of paper from his jacket pocket.

ANTONIO: Her name is Jane Doe and she describes herself as a professional lady. She says she works in the cutthroat world of business where it is kill or be killed and she looks forward to meeting a man she can take care of. Her hobbies include keeping fit and hunting.

HOST: Well, good luck with that, Antonio. Join us after these messages our sponsors when we will meet a woman who wants the world to know that Synapse really is the quickest man in Paragon.

Is anyone else having problems accessing the Watchmen forum? I haven't been able to get on today so I've been unable to post any updates/responses in the story thread. Hopefully I'll be able to get on at home this evening.

((Wouldn't you know it, Mr Carter has got himself abducted. His rescue (or attempt as rescue/escape) will be played out as forum rp HERE rather than in game. Please try and get him out before Wednesday or things might get unpleasant for him ))

((Email sent to the Bunker with a journal entry attached))

Watchmen,

I am in St Martial following a suspect I believe could be involved in the Rivera incident.

I have just returned from a warehouse on the west side of the island. My intel was that a Tsoo leader called Bronze Leopard had been holed up in there for the last few days. Three people arrived at the warehouse early tonight. From their physical appearance, it is a fair assumption that they are super powered villains. Not an uncommon site here. Two were male; one was a mountain of a man with stone-like skin, the other seemed to be half man/half plant. The female, who seemed to take the lead, had a greenish tinge to her skin and wore a top hat.

I went in closer and watched the beginning of an exchange. On a table between Bronze Leopard’s men and the three villains was silver box, roughly the same size and shape as a keyboard. I really hate coincidences, they make me tetchy. I heard something and had to move position. I did not see who ended in possession of the box. The three villains left, I managed to take pictures but could not see if they had the box. I have decided to continue my surveillance of Bronze Leopard in the hope of following this formula to the source.

This island is heavily patrolled by Arachnos troops and they have been alerted to my presence when I have attempted to send a message from my Palm Pilot. I am sending this mail from Mama Wong’s Food Shack. She is an old friend from Shanghai; unscrupulous and devious, but I trust her. Please do not attempt to question her about me; she will deny all knowledge of me and may kill you.
I am now going dark until I have the information I need. I have attached the last entry in my private journal to bring you up to speed on my current situation.

Do not follow me here; I will return.

Bastinado


Journal Entry - 04/13/07

It’s been four days since we tracked down the Tsoo gang touting what they claimed was a human bomb formula. Suzi was right, it was too close to our own situation to ignore. In the heat of the fighting, one of the Tsoo leaders fell deeper into the cavern. I followed him down but there was no way of finding him in that maze of tunnels And when I saw that Burnie was in trouble I returned to the task at hand.

When we questioned the Tsoo we had captured they knew nothing about the formula. Less forceful questioning of their captive, Michael, was also a dead end.

That left two possibilities, PPD were wrong about the human bomb formula or the man who escaped was the only one in the know. This being Paragon, two of the Tsoo the Watchmen arrested were back out on the street 12 hours later. Unlucky for them. Three broken fingers and some fun with the electrical cord from a lamp later, and I had a name. Bronze Leopard.

For the next two nights I laid hurt on the Tsoo in Steel Canyon. I let the restraints off; found my dark place again. At the end of it they were only too willing to give up Bronze Leopard. Seemed he’d boarded a boat from Independence Port to St Martial.

I figured the best way to go into the Islands was undercover. Dozens of refugees land on their shores every day and one more wouldn’t be noticed. It was time to assimilate. Use those skills to be Mr Nobody. How to spend the night in a bar, walk down a street, and not have one person be able to give more than the vaguest of descriptions. I’m always wearing a mask.

The Diary of Tabitha Guest

I still haven’t deleted the message from Suzi White. I thought that it was best to stay away - talking about Sarah can only make things worse. But things are worse. I called Rochelle to reminisce about Sarah. But she doesn’t remember her at all. The memory of that funny, beautiful girl has been wiped from the mind of another person that loved her. I wish I knew who to be angry at. I wish I knew who to hate. Killing a young, vibrant spirit is an atrocity, but erasing her from everyone and everything is beyond evil.

I checked the Paragon Post this morning. The second Saturday of every month her daddy places that ad, asking Sarah to let her family know she’s ok. But she’s not ok. And that ad didn’t appear today. I pray to the gods that those Watchmen have not contacted Eugene and Bettie.

I’ve made new posters. Each time I get better, the magic is stronger. But each time more days have gone by, more people have forgotten Sarah. But as I keep telling myself “We Must Never Forget!” Mr. Hostetter said I seemed distracted today, that I should be careful not to let my work slip. Couldn’t really tell him that running tests on those abominations that Crey Industries shipped back from Grandville aren’t at the top of my to do list. And on that subject, I’m still no closer to finding what Dr. Symmian sent me here to retrieve. There are plenty of devices in the Crey labs, but none that look like a nautilus shell. Every day I’m in these labs, I’m afraid. Maybe what happened to Sarah should be a warning, I should walk away. But she just makes me more determined. She makes me stronger.

((Suzi White and any character that accompanies her to the meeting can talk to Tabitha Guest here.))

((Bastinado sends an email to all Watchmen with a video file attached. For pictures of Antonio and to take part in fourm rp to investigate him visit the Hyperion Watchmen forums ))

I will be out of the city for the next few days following a lead. I will send information as soon as I have it.
Attached to this message you will find a video which I think may be worth investigating. It is an episode of the cable television show Paragon Eye. It is lowest common denominatort trash TV barely disguised as a show exploring Paragon’s widespread conspiracy theories. Last week, a man calling himself simply “Antonio” was interviewed. Please watch the tape, find him and question him. Just in case his claims are true, no female Watchman should be left alone with him.

The video:

A man in a flash suit walks onto a cheap, char show stage to the excited cheers of the audience. The backdrop is a collage of newspaper stories with lurid headlines such as “DEADBEAT SQUID: Lusca is the father of my six babies and won’t pay child support and STATESMAN IS KING: City’s premier hero is really Elvis”.
A hazy graphic flashes on the screen confirming that this is the “Paragon Eye” show.


HOST: “Hello, I’m Dr Jessie Truman, and you’re watching Paragon Eye. Now, we’ve all heard stories about people being caught in freak explosions or being hit by cosmic rays and developing super, duper powers. And what do they do? Why, obviously, they get grandma to stitch them up fancy suit and go out and fight crime. Yawn! Been there, done that! Well tonight we meet a man who isn’t using his powers for good, he’s using them for lurve. Give a big Paragon Eye welcome to Antonio!”

The show’s host, Dr Jessie Truman, takes a seat being his desk as a skinny looking man in a white leather jacket and uncomfortably tight red leather pants enters the stage. He carefully eases himself into the guests’ chair.

HOST: “Welcome to Paragon Eye. Antonio. Now we’re only allowed to call you by your first name, why’s that?”

ANTONIO: “Well, Jesse, I have to be careful of the boyfriends and husbands of the ladies that I am helping out, you understand?”

HOST: “Not really. Tell us how you are helping out these ladies.”

ANTONIO: “Well, about a year ago, I found that I had my powers.”

HOST: “Powers, eh?” What, the old fireball from the hand, laser beam eyes?”

ANTONIO: “No, not powers like that. I have the ability, well, how should I explain?”

HOST: “Quite quickly before we have to go to commercials if possible, Antonio.”

ANTONIO: “Ok, the best way I can describe is that I am quite literally a sexual god.”

HOST: “That’s quite a claim there, Antonio.”

ANTONIO: “And not one I make lightly, Jesse. But I have been given these powers and fell I must now share them with the world. Well the ladies of the world anyhow.”

HOST: “So, you’re powers don’t work on us men folk then?”

ANTONIO: “I don’t know, that’s not my bag. I am all about the ladies.”

HOST: “Calm down, Antonio, I wasn’t implying anything, it’s just the viewers wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t question you about the extent of your powers.”

ANTONIO: “I understand, let me explain to you. I have found that I am able to fell what a woman feels in her brain. I looked it up in a dictionary, I think “empathy” is the word they use. I know her what gives her pleasure, her most secret desires. And I know how to make them come true.”

HOST: “That’s quite a claim.”

ANTONIO: “It is. But it’s more than that. I can sense everything that is going on inside her body. I can give her loving on a cellular level.”

HOST: “Here that ladies?”

The women in audience respond by screaming. Antonio stands and flexes his “muscles”.

ANTONIO: “Yes, and I feel it is my responsibility to share my gifts with the women of Paragon City. If a divorced woman is finding it hard to get back into the dating scene, I will be there! If a student is missing her boyfriend back home and emails and texts aren’t doing it for her, I will be there! If a woman’s husband just wants to sit on the sofa watching television with a beer in his hand instead of giving her the pleasure, I will be there! Not on the sofa, obviously, with the lady.”

HOST: “That’s quite a mission, there could be thousands of woman out there in need of your “powers”.

ANTONIO: “I am hoping so. I mean, yes, there could be too many for even me to handle. So, for the first few months, I will have to be saying “no fat chicks”.

HOST: “How about you tell us how you got these powers of yours, Antonio? Were you bitten by a radioactive gigolo?

ANTONIO: “No, I was at a hospital. The Rivera Medical Centre.

HOST: “Why were you there, if it’s not too personal?”

ANTONIO: “I had been on a blind date. I thought things were going well, but I misread the signs, you know? It seems I am allergic to the brand of mace she was carrying.”

HOST: “I see, and the mace gave you powers?”

ANTONIO: “No, that would be ridiculous. There was some sort of explosion at the hospital. That must have been what did it. As well as the powers I have explained to you, I noticed other changes. I am from King’s Row, but since that day I have spoken like Antonio Banderas.”

HOST: “Yes, I meant to ask you about that. Anyway, join us after these messages from our sponsors when we will be speaking to a woman who will tell us about the night Manticore made her all a quiver.”

ANTONIO: “Wait, I haven’t told the lovely ladies how to contact me! Just go onto the computer internet and visit www.antonioknowswhatyouneedbabyandwillgiveittoyouf orninetyninedollarsplustax.com.

Attention all Watchmen.

I am pleased to inform you that Johnny Ember is safe and well. He suffered an “overload” of his powers three weeks ago and chose to isolate himself so not to put his fellow Watchmen in danger.
Due to his volatile state, he must be contained within an oxygen controlled environment. Such a set up has been provided at the newly upgraded medical bay in the Bunker.
His condition will be monitored by Dr. Furnace. Johnny has expressed his desire to continue to serve as a Watchman. He will assist Dr. Furnace’s medical research and provide scientific and technological advice and support when needed.

Bastinado

((Johnny Ember now lives in the copper tank in the med bay. He is now an npc and will provide scientific and tech advice))

((This story is the conclusion of Safehouse Part One and takes place between the battles with Frostfire and Unlucky Pete))

Safehouse Part Two

Bastinado returned to the Barracuda. He fought the urge to slip behind the wheel and lose himself in roaring speed.

He popped the trunk. Inside, Johnny Ember was reading a Miss Teen comic book, carefully held in one of his large metallic gauntlets, by the light of a pen torch.

“I’m nearly done,” he said without looking up.

Bastinado reached into the car, gripped Johnny’s shoulders and yanked him out of the trunk. Johnny pushed back his baseball cap and looked around the corroding cavern of a warehouse.

“You know, we had a little betting action of where you hung up your trenchcoat in the daytime, Bast. Most of us went for cave, haunted amusement part or maybe a tower –
I don’t think anyone had creepy, abandoned warehouse.” Bastinado kept walking, leading him to the stairs. “You’re not listening, are you?”

“I didn’t bring you here for chit chat or to enjoy a few beers and a slice watching Friday Night Football,” replied Bastinado flatly as he climbed the steps. “I need some expert advice. And in the absence of an expert, you’ll have to do.”

Bastinado, knocked on the door, which was still slightly ajar. “Stanley, the gentleman I told you about his here.”

The door slammed shut. “Charging him a buck a gander are you? Come and see the freak!”

“Mr Splitkin, I remind you I am not a patient man and have access to a variety of gasses and drugs,” said Bastinado, pushing open the door. He motioned Johnny to enter the room. His jaw dropped as he saw the bloated bulk of Stanley Splitkin hovering a few inches from the floor.

“I feel sick,” said Johnny.

Bastinado’s jaw tightened. “Have some…compassion, boy. He’s a victim of what happened at Rivera just like the rest of us.”

“I’m not talking about Shamu there, I really feel sick. Well, not sick, just weird. I can’t explain it.”

Bastinado looked at Johnny. He need seem pale and beads of sweat were forming on his forehead and upper lip.

“Just run the tests, Mr Ember. Then I’ll take you home.”

“Cool, I call the trunk,” replied Johnny, a detectible weakness in his voice.
Bastinado left the room and walked through the fourth door on the landing that was his makeshift sleeping quarters. He sank into his bedroll and closed his eyes, he was used to catching moments of rest whenever the opportunity arose.

But he didn’t get moments. His surrounding began to shake. The dull boom of an explosion rattled his brain as he felt the air get hotter and hotter. He ran onto the landing. Black smoke and curling flames were pouring from Stanley Splitkin’s room.

He got closer, the heat was intense. Through the smoke he could see the massive frame of Stanley being consumed by the ravenous flames. For a split second an image from old newsreel footage of the Hindenberg disaster passed his minds eye, before ran along the corridor to pick up a dusty fire extinguisher.

When he entered the room he saw Johnny Ember lying on the floor screaming in pain. The charred remains of his gauntlets were embedded in the walls and Mr Splitkin’s flesh, and flames were shooting from his arms like jets from a water cannon.

Bastinado turned the fire extinguisher in his hands and threw it at Johnny like a missile. It stuck him on the side of a head, knocking him unconscious instantly.

Although less fierce, the flames were still spewing from Johnny’s arms. But when Bastinado looked closer, all that remained of Johnny’s arms below the elbow was charred bone.

Bastinado grabbed Johnny. Suppressing the pain as the flames licked his body armour as well as the chilling screams from Stanley Splitkin. He dragged him into the landing.

“Luckily, I prepared the guestroom in case you or Solar Flare ever went nova,” he said to the unconscious Johnny before pushing him into the last room on the landing.

The door locked the instant he slammed it shut. He entered a sis digit code into a control panel on the wall. Watched through the reinforced window as Johnny regained consciousness. Watched as Johnny came to the realisation that the air was being sucked out of the room. Watched as Johnny pleaded with him from the other side of the soundproofed door. Finally, Johnny slumped to the floor again and the flames died down.

Bastinado took off his trenchcoat and returned to Stanley’s room. He was still ablaze. Fat was dripping from Stanley’s body creating flaming pools on the floor. Bastinado used his coat to beat the fire.

Stanley let out a noise, somewhere between a scream and a sigh. Every inch of his gigantic body had been severely burnt. “Kill me.”

Bastinado took the Colt .45 from his shoulder rig and aimed it at what used to be Stanley Splitkin’s face. He became afflicted by something that had never bothered him with any of his other kills. Hesitation. And in those seconds he watched as some of the charred flesh fell from Stanley’s shoulder. Then new flesh and started to form over muscle and bone.

“Your regenerative powers…” said Bastinado. “They’re phenomenal. You’re going to be ok.”

Stanley groaned. “At least give me something for the pain.”

Bastinado crouched next to Stanley. Placed his hand on his head with something almost approaching tenderness, before smashing his head into the floor with enough force to put him out for the rest of the night.

He returned to the room where he had imprisoned Johnny Ember. Almost six minutes had passed. Not long enough to cause any permanent brain damage. He entered more numbers into the control panel, releasing a slow, steady stream of air into the room.

Watching for any signs of flames that would force him to remove the air for good.

Long enough to end the threat for good this time.

Hello yous,

There are a few options as to what we can do rp-wise tonight. The characters could meet with Dr Milo Symmian, a collegue of Saule Grian. It would be similar to the Comette session, but less emotional and dramatic. Still a few clues would trickle through.
Another option is for characters to have brief one-to-ones with Dr. Furnace to describe how their powers have changed and give a few personal details (there are still a few character we know next to nothing about).
Finally, Gaz is planning a Bloody Bay session but I don't know if this is good to go tonight.
Whatever we do we'll make sure there is a good number of missions to make some progress towards lvl 20.

If you check back on this thread, gorbaz, Aero and I have put forward SG costume ideas. The one with the best response was Aero's costume which did indeed feature stars.
Ammon recently suggested that trenchcoats would be a good addition to the SG costume, which I can see working well.
No decision has to be made until at least lvl 20 so everyone feel free to put some more costumes forward.

Also, if anyone is inspired to carry out an investigation/research following last week's "interview" with Comette please PM me with your ideas. White Vampyr is looking into Saule Grian and Sarah Halley's (Hyperion Star and Comette)time at Paragon U, but there were several other nuggets of info people could look at. One would be to investigate whatever led to Comette going to Bloody Bay before she was abducted. Another would be to try and find a candidate for the villain described as having "metal hands". Maybe it's worth checking if Comette was the only hero who disappeared at this time.
I'll try and post an account of the interview and a bulletin before tomorrow's session.

Super Support Sisters

Hey,

Thanks to all the heroes (and one villain) who turned out to the first ever meet of the Super Support Sisters. I hope you think being a Girl of the Triple S can help you or that you can be there for someone else trying to make sense of being a teenage gal with big powers and responsibilities in this City.

The first meeting was attended by me (obviously), White Vampyr, Grac Mistress. Ferlina, Bay State Ranger, Pin Pointer, Dr Upton and Winged Doom.

We decided that one thing the Triple S could start off with is a regular study session. This would help us to help each other, as well as get some more study tips from brainiacs like Jessica, and maybe ease the burden of studies on our already hectic lives. Any girls who has dropped out of school (they must have missed my after school special on the importance of education. Well I guess there is no after school for them…hmmm) can also come along and we’ll try and help you exercise that noggin.

These sessions will be held at my mom’s apartment in Founders Falls. FYI - she makes yummy snacks!

So, please add your take on the first meeting and the Sisters in general. Add some piccies if you have them, my webmistress Lucy would love to see them (she has one of Grav Mistress as her screensaver now - lucky I’m not the jealous type!)

Laters,


Missy Winters

I did think that after I posted. I've asked Chove to email Bridger so maybe, just maybe the title will change soon.

I'll be there at about 8pm. I've sent GoodGuy the stuff he needs for his quickie on the Watchmen forum, but he may find it longer than he was anticipating.

Thanks for the tip Pious, I'll do that.

Follow this linky .

Hi Jessica,
Thanks for you nice words about the wbsite, but most of the credit should go to my webmistress Lucy Norton.
You didn't tell me you worked at Paragon U! What I wouldn't give for a personal tutor that understood that it's perfectly reasonable to ask for an extension on a paper when you've been up all night battling supervillains.
Glad you coming along tomorrow (Monday), you're just the type of hero I was hoping would take on a "big sister" role.
We should start about 8ish.
Oh, and in other news, I can now confirm there will be Chinese food.

((In an effort to move things along plotwise I am going to open a number of forum threads on the Watchmen site where members can question certain people. This is the first...))

[u]In character:[u]

Bastinado sat at the large table in the centre of the Watchmen’s Bunker. He looked at the coffee stains on the once polished service, the pile of discarded clothes scattered on the floor in front of the lockers. A reflection of the minds of some of the people he found himself allied with – no focus, no order, a mess of trivial concerns that obscured what should be their objectives. Survival. Vengeance. And Redemption.
Finally, the Watchmen began to arrive at the base. Each taking their seats.

In front of Bastindo was a laptop computer. The same laptop computer liberated from Unlucky Pete whose look finally ran out for good at the hands of the Watchmen. He turned on the laptop; the images in front of him duplicated on the large plasma screen behind him.

“My contact broke the encryption, not that sophisticated he said. It has some interesting material on it.”

He pressed a key. A complex 3D chemical symbol appeared on the screen. “This diagram depicts what is described in the accompanying report as a “mutagenic chemical”. The report talks about how this mutagen in theory could be used to enhance the physical and mental abilities of a subject. Seems it is introduced into the bloodstream.”

He paused.

“And then there is this. We have suspected for some time that the Lost have been trailing us. We’ve seen them in Perez and Skyway, even when we were following leads that seemingly had nothing to do with them. Here’s the evidence.”

He pressed another key. CCTV footage of Suzi White walking along one of Talos’ more exclusive shopping streets appeared on the screen. Then photographs of High Burn fighting a Skull Gang in King’s Row.


Images or footage for each of the Watchmen, with the exception of Bastinado, Psyte and Mr Carter, appeared in turn.

Bastinado looked at his team. “Any questions?”

((Please post questions on the Watchmen Forum , I'll leave the thread open until Tuesday and answer in character throughout the next few days))

((OOC: Three days have now passed since Missy and Suzi’s conversation. The word is out that the first informal drop-in and getting to know each other session will take place in Pocket D on Monday evening. Flyers have also got the message out and direct people to a website.
Please feel free to post messages in this thread as if you were posting on the website. If you are a young heroine, describe how your first days as a “hero” have been, or if you are a more mature heroine offer advice based on your experience. Requests for support can also be made, which may lead to storylines involving characters who may not have met through normal circumstances))

IC: The young heroine sat at the terminal in the Steel Canyon internet café. She had been in Paragon City just a week, and was already nursing bruised ribs and a swollen lip from an encounter with some Hellion thugs. The café patrons didn’t give a girl in a mask a second glance, but she knew that her mum and dad would freak if they knew where she was at night. She looked at the flyer and entered the address for the Super Support Sisters site:

“Welcome to the Super Support Sisters site. If you have found your way to this site you are probably a “heroine” who may one day be in need of help, support or guidance, or maybe you feel you have knowledge, life experience or skills to help someone just beginning to fight the good fight.
“There are no commitments to registering with the Girls of the Triple S. But if you ever need someone to listen you can be assured that someone will be there - whether you need help with a task that seems overwhelming, need advice, or just want someone to talk to or hang out with a gal pal who understands.
“Hope to see you in Pocket D on Monday!”

Missy Winters
(Miss Teen)

Missy mulled over what Suzi had said about the possibility of her not being around much longer. She sensed she didn’t want to talk about it, so she filed it under “later”.

“Thanks, Suzi, “ said Missy. “I knew you were the right person to come with this. Will you spread the word in Pocket D, tell everyone who’s interested to call in on Monday evening?”

Missy paused as she stood in the window frame. “I’m so excited about this. It will be so cool for girls like Cass and Rachel to know they have somewhere to turn if they need it.” She turned, held eye contact. “It’s good to know there’s someone there you can turn to when you need to.” Then she thrust herself into the night.

Missy knew that Pocket D was the ideal place for the first “drop in”, but she had an idea to spread the word faster and wider. She surged through the city until she arrived in King’s Row. Her old neighbourhood. It seemed so long ago. Before the pageant. Before her powers manifested in the glare of the media. Before Miss Teen. And now she was helping Britanic transform the slums. It was like a dream.

She hovered past an apartment building. Saw the shadow of a figure cast on the drapes by the light from a computer screen.

Missy knocked on the door of apartment 203. A bleary-eyed woman in her forties, obviously not to thrilled at just being woken up, opened the door.

“What do you want?” She blinked, taking a closer look at Missy. “Wait don’t I know you?”

Missy pointed at the official Miss Teen 2007 calendar in the woman’s hallway. “Possibly. I’m usually in pink spandex punching a supervillain.”

“Oh,” replied the woman. “You’ll be wanting to see Lucy, she’s been very upset you…”

“Thanks, Mrs Norton,” said Missy as stepped into the apartment and headed for Lucy’s room.

“Just five more minutes, mom,” said Lucy after Missy had tapped on her door. “I just need to finish this article about Miss Teen’s retirement for the website.

Missy eased open the door. “Reports of my retirement have been exaggerated”.

Lucy was sitting in her pink wheelchair that was adorned with Miss Teen stickers and had her signature across the back. She turned from the computer screen. “Missy,” she said, not quite as excitedly as the first time they had met after Missy agreed to be interviewed for missteenrocks.com. “Oh, are you here because you want me to close down the site?”

Missy sat on Lucy’s bed, picking up a stuffed toy for comfort. When she saw her own face in cotton looking back at her she put the doll back down. “Of course not, Lucy, it’s your website, you keep doing it as long as you like.”

“But they’ll be no updates for the latest news now that you’ve retired,” said Lucy.

“Babe, I haven’t retired. I’ve just given up the whole celebrity trip. Although I’m starting to find out that celebrity isn’t something you get to opt out of. But I’m still out there fighting the good fight; they’ll be plenty for your site. It’s just I need to find out for myself what Miss Teen stands for and it’s not endorsement deals and merchandise.” She looked around Lucy’s room, where every product she had put her name to was displayed still in it’s original packaging, from Teen Dream perfume to the Miss Teen “foot stomp action” possible figure. “Although some of it was good stuff.”

“Oh yeah, it’s great. Mom’s bought me 12 crates of Miss Teen Bubblegum Soda before it goes off sale.”

“Anyway, Lucy,” said Missy, wondering whether to advise her not to drink it too often. “There may not be any more Miss Teen merchandise, but you have me. And I’m hoping you can help me.”

“Me, help you?” said Lucy. She looked down. “I’m sure there are lots of people who would be better. You don’t have to feel bad because…”

“I don’t feel bad,” said Missy. She looked at the scar on Lucy’s leg from her latest operation, feeling guilty that her own flesh hadn’t been bruised, cut, or even marked, in almost two years. “I want your help, because you’re the only person I know that can do it.” She stepped behind Lucy, turning her wheelchair back towards the computer. “I need someone who can think like a teenage girl. Check! And who knows how to make me a shiny new website.”

Missy welcoming the cool, cleansing air of Founders Falls after her night in Pocket D.

She had been in clubs for personal appearances before, but this was the first time she had been a paying customer. Problems like being threatened by trolls or proposition by thugs were usually something she could solve with a swift bout of super strength powered fisticuffs, but Pocket D was a totally different game.

But that wasn’t concerning her as much as her feelings after meeting a young heroine called Bay State Ranger. Cassidy reminded Missy so much of the girl she had been two years ago. Wearing the red, white and blue - treating every fight as an adventure. Missy thought back to those times. Despite making so many friends, and being guided by great heroes such as ARGOT and Swamp Monster, she remembers sometimes feeling scared.

Scared and alone. She wondered what the Miss Teen she had become would have said to that 16-year-old rookie hero.

Missy broke from her thoughts as she approached Sentinel Tower. The window of the penthouse was open like Suzi had promised. But she turned her back to the glass (in case anything R rated was taking place within) and gave it a gentle tap.

Suzi welcomed her inside. There was something comforting about being in her presence, although she was definitely the type of girl Missy’s mom had warned her not to mix with.

Suzi was a good listener, and sensing Missy had something on her mind, she poured herself a gin and sat down.

“It started a few days ago,” said Missy. “A girl called Rachel called me on my cell, I don’t even how she got my number, although I’ve had to change it a few times when it’s been leaked on the internet. She was at the Rikti crash site. Somebody had sent her there to arrest 30 of those monsters to get some piece of information they needed. She sounded older on the phone, but when I saw her…well, I’m not even sure if she was in her teens.

“Since I’ve rejected the part of my like that was all about promoting Miss Teen the brand, I’ve seen so many of these young girls out there fighting the good fight. Rachel, Cassidy, so many more.

“When my powers first showed themselves, in front of the city’s media at that dumb pageant, I said these words that I’ve heard played back so many times.”

She made air quotes and recited her own words: “Moments ago I faced prejudice for being what I am, and I have seen men armed with might and weapons trying to take something not theirs by right. Well, from now, the title Miss Teen stands for something because it stands against that. Laters”.

She paused. “Well, to my shame Miss Teen came to stand for Miss Teen, and I want to put that right. I want Miss Teen to stand for every young girl with powers she’s struggling to understand or control, who’s making her own stand in this city.”

“That’s why I’ve come to you, Suzi. Lot’s of these young girls look up to you. They see you as a big sister. Mix it up with my experiences as a hero and a teenager, we could be there for these girls.”

She shrugged, signalling that her little speech was over.

((Bulletins are sent to cell phones by a series of texts to cell phones or email to all Watchmen. Once opened messages disappear after 60 seconds))


Hyperion Watchmen Bulletin

· After the successful raid on the warehouse lair of Lost boss Unlucky Pete, I have outsourced the laptop recovered to be decrypted. A report of the findings will be made within the week.

· Watchman Moonfrost, aka Arthur Penningworth-Smythe , was found dead in New York City. Due to the nature of his death, expect enquiries from law enforcement in the coming days. Any such enquiries should be referred to Mr Carter. Thank you to High Burn for her efforts in this matter.

· Watchman Street Flames, aka Johnny Ember, has been missing for two weeks. His gauntlets were discovered in his apartment. As he used these devices to control his powers, a possible explanation is that he was overwhelmed by his abilities. Please be alert to any reports of bodies being discovered.

· A known villain known as Mr. Smiles has requested that the Watchmen recover a silver box belonging to him, which is now likely in the hands of one of the city's criminal factions. The box is described as silver, approximately the size of a computer keyboard, with no markings. If this box is discovered in the course of investigations, please contact me to arrange a meeting. On no account should any Watchman bring the box to the Bunker or contact Mr. Smiles.

· The costumed adventurer GoodGuy has volunteered to research the dececeased hero Hyperion Star. I look forward to his report.

· I will be holding a brief workshop on bomb disposal today. If any other Watchman believes they have skills or knowledge that would be useful to their comrades, please organise a workshop.

Bastinado

((abridged version of post on the Watchmen Forum ))

After fighting alongside him over the past few weeks, it is apparent that Bastinado has advanced military training and some have wondered if he was special/black ops.
He secretive to the point of obsession. His voice is strained, as if he hasn’t spoken for along time, and it is impossible to place his accent beyond “American”.
Several survivors of the Rivera incident fit Bastinado’s description: white males in their mid to late thirties. However, further investigation will reveal that none of them have the expected military history. ((PM me if you intend to question medical staff specifically about whether there was a “soldier” being treated at the hospital)).
Anyone running background checks may surmise that Bastinado was either not at the hospital, he was for some reason not counted among the survivors, or his presence has been covered up.
One thing of note is the ubiquitous metal plate across his eyes. The rest of his costume is light weight military spec armour, which jars with the roughly constructed, slightly rusted, iron plate.

((I really don’t expect Bastinado’s background to be a secret for ever. It is up to the rest of your characters as to how comfortable they are being led by someone who refuses to reveal his identity. Perhaps at one point there will be a stalemate where he either has to leave the group or reveal who he is and face the consequences.
At the moment, this fact probably doesn’t stand out so much as both Psyte and Solar Flare wear masks and have yet to reveal much about themselves to other characters)).

I think the background checks idea is good. A man of Mr Carter's resources would have access to a range of sources, he'd be able to find things like date of birth, address, marriage status, credit hisory, education history, criminal record.
If people could post a summary of information he would find for their characters, it might make for some intersting rp especially if people have something to hide.
But Bastinado has removed the records (as best as he is able) from the medical centre, prison and police that would place David Jacob Reuther (his secret identity) there. Carter may find some people of similar sex and age that he may suspect could be Bast.

In other news, we have a new member called White Nightingale joining us.

I don't expect Bast's identity to remain secret for ever, as it could be put together jigsaw style. Psyte is a criminal and may recognise him from the Zig (especially supported by his mind powers), White Nightingale treated him in hospital and he has given some info to White Vampyr in private converstations. I suppose it depends on how interested the characters are in knowing who the masked mysteeryman, leading them into danger week after week, is.

(Finally, I'll change Carter's entry on the bible when I post the next update)