Wesley turned the faded, tarnished lamp in his hands. It still caused a shiver of dread when he looked at it, but it was clearly different now -- how it looked when he first was tricked into deciphering the inscription. It was again inert, no longer thrumming with power.
I'm free.
He handed the lamp back to Jaira. He opened his mouth to say something, but the emotions caught in his throat. He just smiled weakly.
Jaira took the lamp with a nod. "Hey, you don't have to make a big deal about it. We're good."
"Maybe, but... I should. Thanks just aren't enough. If you need anything--"
"Don't. I gave that up when I wished you free." Jaira looked at the lamp one more time and stowed it in her carry-on bag which she then slung over her shoulder. "Besides, it's been a crazy adventure, hasn't it? All thanks to you!"
Wesley nodded, glad to be off the topic of how much he owed her. "Yeah! It was closer than what I'd prefer, but it's worked out. I'm free, the Curator is facing an international tribunal, you get to take a priceless relic back to its native country... happy resolutions all around."
Jaira turned to look at the terminal and checked her watch to see how much time before customs and boarding. "That's true. And really, you don't owe me anything. If it weren't for you, I'd never had known I'm the descendant of the Aladdin."
Wesley smiled. "And if it weren't for that fact, you'd never have been able to take control of me from the Professor. Though, it would have been nice if you'd have gotten a selfish w-- heh. A wish for yourself."
"I told you, 'Don't.'" She pointed behind Wes to where Wendy was waiting. "I don't need magical wishes. The only ones I needed to make were the ones I made."
"You're amazing."
Jaira smirked and adjusted her hijab against the wind. "I know. Not bad for a former street rat, huh?"
"Not bad at all." The pair exchanged a hug and separated. Wesley drifted backwards until he was standing next to Wendy. He clasped her hand
They watched the plane take off and fade into the distance. Then Wes turned to look at Wendy, a smile in his eye as he spied the coin on a chain around her neck. Their last gift from the lamp and the entire ordeal, it sported an image of Wesley on one side and Kalilah on the other. "So, for tonight, have you decided what side you want, or do you want to flip the coin?"
"Do we know where they are right now? Because maybe, if you don't think they'd be willing to give the lamp up, we just drop out of the blue and take it. Don't give them a chance to think, or react. We smash in blasting 'Ride of the Valkyries' or something, so the Friends won't know what hit 'em."
Arcanum takes a few steps away from Wendy and Kalilah, letting them have their moment. "There's some leeway in how wishes get granted. For example, if someone says, 'I double-you I can fly,' I could just give them some airline tickets. It'd be simpler than giving them wings or turning them into a bird."
Arcana moves away from Wendy, cheeks returning to their normal color. "That's where rubbing the lamp comes in. I become devoted to whoever rubs the lamp, so the wishes won't be dickish."
Wes shakes his head. "He's an old white dude culturally appropriating a bunch of artifacts, so that might put him on their radar if they're looking to branch out into fighting other injustices, but I don't think he pollutes any more than your typical citizen.
"The museum stopped using Styrofoam in the cafeteria."
Wesley raises his hand. "This is... way better than what I'd thought we'd be facing. Tumbler, what if we just asked Thorn for the lamp? Maybe in exchange for helping them do some good? There's got to be some common ground, right? If we help them expose some sort of environmental issue, something like that?"
Wesley's lips are drawn tight as Wendy prefaces the topic of the meeting. When she says the lamp needs to specifically return to Kalilah, his mouth twists in distaste, but he says nothing.
He briefly meets White Fox's eyes, then looks back to the computer display.
Arcanum looks hurt at Ziss -- er, White Fox -- when she doesn't engage except with the most standoffish of greetings. He doesn't respond, just stays shrouded in his hooded cloak.
When 86 comments that he disapproves of Arcana's look, he shakes his head. "It's not the level of protection I'm worried about. It's the comment sections after we go out in public in that."
"Wait, seriously? Don't shut me down! I need to know what's going on with you! With us! Aren't we both Wesley?"
"We're... different now. I'm female. All the way, through and through. It feels good. And right."
"Swell. Where did you get 'Kalilah'?"
"Wendy suggested it. It means 'Darling.' Get it? She's the Darling Derby, and...?"
"Yeah, I get it. So, you're all girl, all the time, and Wendy's darling. What does that mean for me? What happens when we find the lamp and sort out our memories?"
"I'm not-- look, I don't want to just get rid of you! I like knowing there's still Wesley out there! That way, I can just be Kalilah. I'm happy! And Wendy-- you have no idea! It's amazing, our connection... I think I love her!"
"Do you remember what Dad says about new love?"
"... that it's a complex chemical cocktail in our brains bringing about euphoric feelings designed to help propagate the species. Except we're lesbians. And I even acknowledged that when I told Wendy. Though... I believe it's more than just physical attraction and sex. We've opened up with each other. Shared."
"But, you're in love with being a girl right now, aren't you?"
"... I... yeah."
"Yeah, that's what I thought. Remember who also wants us to be a girl for him."
"You think I could forget that?"
"No, but you could be training yourself for him without even realizing it! Look at those heels you're strutting around in! And those clothes!"
"I still like beautiful girls. I know I'm gorgeous, and it's amazing to dress this body up."
"Right, right. You're one hundred percent girl now. Remember, I've got the masculinity, and as much as I like seeing it, I don't see the appeal in wearing it. So... keep that in mind? Or is there any point in pretending we're the same person?"
"I don't know."
Kalilah sends a response to the group text. You know I'll be there.
Guy-Wes looks uncomfortable when it seems like he's expected to talk. "Um, yeah. This is weird and all." He looks around, then focuses on 86 since her confusion seemed genuine. "Imagine waking up and there's you, but there's another you who's the opposite sex even though that's the bad guy's plan for you all along and is all like, 'this is how it is.' And you're one guy friend has bailed on you."
He folds his arms. "I guess, that's my gripe. My want is... that we still pull together and stop the bad guy. 'Cause that's what's more important."
Wes chuckles, relaxing visibly. "Being my own master is kind of my goal, you know. But I get what you mean. Thanks." Carmen can tell her invitation surprises him. He glances over at Arcana for a second, then nods his head. "'Hang' out by hang gliding? Sounds like a good time. I'm in."
-----------------
Guy-Wesley doesn't immediately say anything during the team meeting. He's sitting closer to Carmen than Girl-Wes. He looks at his female half like he's expecting her to speak up first. When Carmen and Wendy speak he just listens.
On board the Hat-wing, Tumbler takes a seat next to Wesley, looking at him curiously. "So...is this going to be a thing now for you? Being twinned all the time? Or can we get you to fuse together like Ruby and Sapphire and be Garnet again?" She asks, trying to keep things light.
"But, seriously though, are you okay? You seem really stressed out. You need some time for yourself?" She whispers, dropping the 'devil-may-care' attitude. "I mean, your other half seems like she's pretty okay with this, but you're not exactly on the same wavelength..."
Wesley folds his arms. He seemed to have understood the Steven Universe reference, but it doesn't amuse him.
"No, I'm not okay. That's what the Curator was going to do to me. Us. Make me a girl, some sort of devoted servant, and rewrite me entirely. Wesley: gone. All that's left is the genie."
He lowers his voice too and leans in. "Why is she so okay with what's happening to her? Me. Us. Whatever. Doesn't she see it?" He looks at Tumbler desperately. "Do you think you can, you know, make sure I get the lamp back first when we find it? So I can set this all right? I'm Wes, so shouldn't I be in charge?" Provoke:2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 + 1 = 7 Condition if you refuse
The Wesley-construct posed for the selfie after bringing the Barbed Beret to the group. He didn't smile.
Wendy and the female-him flew off together, leaving him to stand with the rest of the team and be ignored. He pulls the hood of his cloak over his head and broods until the Hat-Wing arrives.
Guy-Wes boards the aircraft and eyes Arcana, who is sitting in the passenger cabin cross-legged, wearing sweatpants and a baggy sweatshirt. Her feet are bare. "So, you're still...?" he starts, looking confused.
"Yes," she replies, a warning in her tone. Before he can say anything else, her eyes flash blue as she stares at him. "Oh. You're where all my masculinity went. You can keep it for a while. I'm going to stay like this." She rises to her feet and puts a hand on his chest. There's a flow of energy from her to him.
"That should keep you around a while. Can't have you fading away until I decide what to do with you."
Arcanum scowls. "This is messed up, dude."
"Tell me about it. And I'm not a dude. Currently."
"I feel real."
Arcana shrugs. "Good. You can be Wesley. I'll be... this. For now. Until I get the lamp back and my memories sorted out. Then... we'll see."
Guy-Wesley hears the distant thunder of battle and doesn't need any encouragement from Barbs. "Hop on," he says as he shifts into an eagle and takes to the sky. He soars over the scene, trying to get an idea of what's happening and giving the doll on his back a bird's eye view.
Wesley looks at Wendy and his cheeks get red. Like they always do ever since he'd started having intensely sexual dreams involving her.
"Nothing that I can tell--"
No, that's not true. He did find the lamp. And he'd shown the interior to Wendy. They'd developed a relationship -- but how is that possible when he lost the lamp?
His relationship had been with Ashley Mills. Wendy had pushed him to try to find a bit of happiness. It had been awkward at first, but he slowly --
No, he found the lamp!!
Wendy sees Wesley is visibly warring with himself -- and sometimes herself. He shifts back and forth almost as he's debating over and over.
"Wendy -- the wish changed something. My past. It's not matching up with my memories."
He leans in, cheeks burning even hotter. "Have we... done something together? With me as a girl?"
Wesley staggers as she tries to figure out what Ziss's wish did. It's like a missing tooth; something happened, she was sure of it.
She searches her memory, recalling the triumphant achievement of deciphering the sigils descending into terror as he'd become the genie of the lamp. The panic, the desperation that drove him to flee, lamp in hand.
The uncanny knowledge that just bubbled up from somewhere in his brain. That he was bound. That his powers would grow and once he unlocked them all, he would be forever enslaved to the lamp. He knew somehow that the Curator owned the lamp -- owned him -- and would remake him into the servant of his dreams.
Those first few days as he wrestled with the knowledge were hazy. He had been alone, wrapped in panic and warring with what he knew instinctively yet rejected desperately. He tried living in denial, refusing to even acknowledge the powers that he was exhibiting. It got so bad that he'd even thrown the lamp into the garbage and watched it get hauled away by the dump truck...
But he could sense where it was, and found it just a day later...
Wait.
No, he didn't.
He'd never recovered it. The lamp was still out there, lost.
Why had Ziss wished he'd never found it? He hadn't.
Wesley floats into the air as eldritch energy crackles around him. He forms a telekinetic fist and grabs one of the Treznak warriors in its invisible vise.
Wesley steps up behind Derby as she speaks. His eyes crackle with blue energy as he charges up, in case the Treznaks don't like her speaking to them like she just did.
Charge up:2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 1 = 6
Hooo-boy. 2 burn and three conditions. Let's say, Angry, Afraid and Guilty.
Was it his own reluctance to pull on the powers of the djinn? Whatever it was, his mind swirled in heady and conflicting emotions as his powers flare into readiness.
Wesley glances at Ziss and realizes he's been called out. He blushes slightly and shakes his head. "You know what I mean. There's no way to tell how someone will react. I'm afraid one of those ways will be, 'ooh, let me try out a w-word.'"
Wes opens his mouth to start to explain that it's not technology that allows him to change the shapes of himself and others, but Tumber's question is so much more interesting. He stops and listens closely.
At 86's mention of the others wanting their capture, Arcanum steps back outside and sends a blast of telekinesis to wipe out any tracks in the snow they left behind.
Unleash (Hopeless):2d6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 - 2 = 9 Just in case it's something that does require a roll, I'll go with Unstable/Temporary
He then follows along, watching in amazement the scene that usually is only achieved through movie magic.
He catches 86's attention for a moment. "About that 'showing fangs' statement. CT aside, we don't really have fangs, and smiling is a human way of showing comfort and camaraderie. Are we going to start an incident if one of us laughs?"
Wesley glances back at the illusory wall and tries to force away his nervousness. "86, if we're going to cause more problems for you, we can stay back. Maybe even draw those two women away from here."
Wesley just had time to wonder if getting buried alive by an avalanche or getting shot by the two mercenaries would hurt worse, but then a personal force field combined by a collapsing tree gave him the path to safety.
He briefly wonders why they're bothering to help him; shouldn't they trust in how powerful he's become lately? Still, he hasn't used but a fraction of his magic and didn't even try to engage the two snipers. Of course he needs help.
Taking Helpless
On foot, he follows the others as they keep moving up the mountainside.
Wesley takes a step back, recognizing the fact that 86 is getting defensive. "Sorry! I'm not trying to spy; it's just that our species hasn't really mastered interstellar transit and stuff like food and... well, even gravity hasn't been figured out yet. So... I was just curious. Not trying to breach your security. Eighty-six," he adds, deliberately not calling her "Fuzzbutt."
Wes frowns. "Then what about food? Don't you use hydroponics to grow anything? I know you prefer meat, but do you not eat any vegetables? Or what do you feed your livestock?" he asks, getting more curious about an entirely ship-based organism and society.
Wesley savors the feeling of cold. He could shift into an elemental form that would ignore the freezing temperatures, but he doesn't. He just pulls his cloak closer to stop from shivering as he follows the group.
"Hadn't heard it called that before. It's snow. A term for a lot of loose ice crystals that fall from the sky as frozen precipitation," he tells 86.
Wesley disembarks and takes a moment to savor the view.
He thinks about the ways he could help finding 86's crew. Flying above in the shape of an eagle, sending magical sensors off in every direction, or just creating a big neon sign that's impossible to miss.
He sighs and pulls up his cloak. Maybe I'll just see how the others handle it.
"It's really neat," Wes agrees, looking over the crazy number of dials, gauges and controls in the cockpit. He gets dizzy just thinking about all the lessons and training it would take to understand it all. He gives Wendy's shoulder a squeeze and sits down in a chair out of her way. He buckles himself in and settles down for a flight.
As they fly, he reflects on a recent conversation.
Wes and Diego:
After the swim with Wendy, Wesley was naturally feeling pretty good. Things were progressing with her... at a breakneck pace, if he was to be perfectly honest. But he may not have all that much time anyway so it sort of made sense.
While he tried to reflect on him and Wendy, he couldn't shake a feeling of irritation. Wesley quickly located its source -- Diego. His behavior on Askara had really pissed him off.
Maybe we should have a talk, Wes thinks, and pulls out his phone. "Hey. You free?" he texts.
There is a bit of lag in the reply. Eventually Wes receives: Yeah. Just checking my spots.
Thought we could hang out. Owe you a beer or two. Sound good?
Where?
Don't really care. We could go to that one place from before, or someplace new. U pick
S!#+, dude. I can get most anywhere way faster than you. What can you get to?
Wesley decides not to point out that he could probably W-word himself anywhere -- though that would be a stupid waste. He tries to think of some place around Bay City that Diego would most likely have visited. How about LJ's Bar and grill?
There is a delayed response.
Where you at? I already got us a table.
Showoff
Wesley arrives a little under ten minutes after receiving the text. He finds Diego and sits down at his table. "Their wings here are great," he starts the conversation off. After another moment, he asks, "Feel better being back on Terra Firma?"
Diego was actively licking sauce off his fingers and replies ”F!!@ yeah. Next time y’all are going off world, leave me here.”
Wesley settles in his chair and looks at Diego with disappointment in his eyes. "Really? I get that it puts you out of your element, but seriously? If it's too hard, don't bother? Dude."
He shakes his head. ”You don’t get it. My power relies on having been there before to just teleport there. Took me a long ass time to get my spots set up. So, I go to a world I’ve never been to? Yeah, I’m basically stuck. Sure I can make me a energy blade and fight somewhat okay, but I’m still stuck. And I don’t like being stuck,” as he picks up another drummy.
Wesley takes the advantage of the waitress coming around to take his order to let some of the heat from his voice dissipate. "I get it. I told you I understood on Askara. But, you know you're more to the team than a g!~+&* taxi service, don't you? You're so quick to find reasons to not be a part of it. Why is that?" Managed to roll a 7 on C&S, even with all the penalties!
Diego takes a drink of beer. ”Because every time I’ve tried to be closer to someone on this team, it’s either thrown in my face, or I’m judged for being an Ace, or…I’m used as a g%&*&!n taxi service. You and Derb’s and Ziss are the only ones who give me half the time of day, and even then, even Derb’s gives me the F#!~in’ side eye when I wear my Aces colors. So yeah…why bother with a huge effort?”
He points a drummy bone Wes’ way. ”My advice? You and Derbs go run off and be happy and make magic lesbo babies somehow. To Hell with the rest of it.”
Wesley eyes the bone and looks back up at Diego. His expression is serious. "As great as that sounds, you know why that can't happen, right? At least not yet? I'm on a ticking clock!"
He looks exasperated. "Everything's such a f%+&ing transaction with you. But you know what? Ask me for something. I promise there's no strings. I want to do something nice for you, because that's what friends do. Ask away. And you know I can give you just about anything you want."
Diego shrugs. ”See…that’s what you and the others don’t get, esse. Sure, I like money and nice things, things I never had a flying f$@* all of a chance of getting before my powers. But all I REALLY want? A little bit of f~~&in’ friendship. Instead, every time I’m around everyone just wants to use me for what I can do. Figured you would be the one of all of ‘em to get that, being the literal genie in the lamp and all that.”
He waves another chicken wing dismissively, ”But…I’ve been wrong before.”
Wesley sits back in his seat. He's a little unsure about where to go from here. Did we just have a breakthrough?
"Okay, then. Um... I'm glad you shared that. So... how can I be a better friend? 'Cause I don't want you to be wrong here."
”Shthop twyin ta fith me fer one,” he replies with a mouth full.
Wesley blinks. "Wait. Fix? You said 'fix'?" He shakes his head incredulously. "When have I tried to fix you?"
His annoyance with Diego intensifies. He pulls back. "What the f%$@, dude! You're talking like I'm some ex-girlfriend or something!"
”Did you not just try to convince me everything I do is a transaction? And to tell me I’m wrong when I’m basically the team taxi despite all evidence saying otherwise? Or, how did you say it, too hard don’t bother? Like I’ve never had it rough?” Diego retorts casually, seemingly nonplussed.
"No. I asked you why it always had to be a transaction. And how is pointing out that you're wrong about the whole taxi thing 'fixing' you?" He adds air quotes, then folds his arms. "I'm just trying to figure out where you stand. You've had one foot out the door since we teamed up, and it seems like you're looking for an excuse to bail for good."
Wesley leans forward and raps the table as his eyes flash blue. "I'm asking you. What's it going to take? What can we do to get you to commit? 'Cause I'm f#@$ing sick of it. I don't have the time to play this 'will he or won't he' game." Marking doom track for an Adult move. 8 on a Persuade. He can mark potential or shift labels if he answers
”Like I said,” Diego says before taking a long drink. ”A little actual friendship and respect. I’m a pretty simple f&%#ing dude,” he says as he sets the glass down less than gently.
`Shifting Labels: Danger up, Mundane down.`
Letting out a long sigh, Wesley slumps in his seat. "Okay. What does that look like? Where am I falling short?"
Diego looks at him strangely and said ”Who said you were? I mean, you are being kinda pushy about it right now, but when it comes to being an actual decent person to me on the team, it goes you, then Ziss, then everyone f@~*ing else,” using his hand as a marker indicating Wes at the top, Ziss a ways below him, and then the others at the bottom, which conveniently placed his hand by the wing plate again.
Wesley doesn't look especially proud that he's on the top of the friendship scale. "I don't know, dude. It looks more like a list of 'what have you done for me lately.' If that's how you see friendship, then I'm sorry."
”Wow. Harsh dude. You do realize you are the only one who has actively hung out with me. Ziss has sort of, but mostly for their own reasons.”
He drops the wing he was eating on his bone plate half eaten and finishes his beer in one go. ”Suddenly lost my appetite,” he adds as he looks for the waitress to signal her for the check.
"I've always thought that part of being friends is the ability to call it out when someone's being an asshat," Wes says quickly before Diego can teleport away. "Have you ever asked me to hang out? But here's the thing. I don't blame you for not doing that, since it would've been weird what with me being a hot girl every now and then. No wrong messages, right? So... if I can realize that and not hold it against you, maybe you can accept that the others are also going through their own s#!#? And maybe not hold that against them?"
When the waitress comes, Diego says ”Two snakebites, and a White Russian for me,” before turning back to Wes.
”Yeah, I don’t ask you to hang because you got Derbs. And like you said, 50/50 if you girl or not. Not that it matters, but when a man has a woman, I’ve learned it best to hang out on their terms, not to pressure them to hang on yours. You got s+#% you wanna talk about, then let it out dude,” he says as he takes the half eaten wing back in his hand.
Wesley looks away for a moment, then shrugs. "All right. This is kind of selfish, but I'll just say it. I don't want to be the only guy on the team. Especially with my... switching back and forth... issues. If you decide to ditch us for good, then it becomes... I don't know. Like, why bother switching back at all? I don't know if I'm making sense, but it feels like that would eventually happen if you left. 'Cause I think 86 might be female too."
He looks serious. "Are you going to stick with the team?"
Diego smirks and replies ”Having trouble grounding yourself, I take it?”
Wesley lowers his voice. "I think it has to do with... what I'm becoming. It's like, I need to serve. To follow orders and be what other people want me to be. Wendy's great because she wants me to be me, but... it's not just her who's affecting me."
He rubs his face, looking hopeless and scared. "I am so f$~#ed." When you share a vulnerability or weakness with someone, give them Influence over you and ask them if they honestly think there's hope for you. If they say yes, mark Potential or clear one box of your doom track. If they say no, mark a condition or mark your Doom track.
”I mean, I’m sure Wendy would like making you ‘serve’ her!” he replies in jest, trying to lighten the mood in his usual, less than perfect manner.
”Take a breath, man. Relax. We just delivered a big hit to that f~!~er who is trying to trap you. Maybe we can force him to back off now. Either way, we will get you out of this.”
Wesley nods, as the grip of panic unclenches from around his heart. He grabs one of the snakebites when it arrives and takes a big drink while he tries to settle himself.
"Thanks," he musters, smiling weakly. He holds up the glass for a toast. "I appreciate it."
Diego clinks the glass before asking ”So, our waitress…wearing panties or not?” with a smirk.
Wesley blinks at the unexpected question. He honestly hadn't checked her out that closely. "Do you want my guess, or do you want me to find out for you?"
”Bet then answer…but I am curious how you’d prove it without creating a scene…” he smirks and gives her another look. ”Hundred bucks says she does.”
Wesley shakes his head. "Oh, I've got ways. But sorry. I'll be willing to pay you a hundred bucks just so I don't have to try to find out." He makes a gesture at himself. "Remember: rich white kid."
Assuming that Diego's answer was "yes," marking Potential. That gives me five, so I take an advance. Choosing to rearrange labels with a +1
Wesley clears his throat and nods. "Yes sir. I, um, I certainly will. Thanks for loaning this."
He gives Wendy's hand a squeeze, then walks around the craft to get a good look at it. When he finishes the circuit, he leans over to Wendy. "Do you want me inside, or flying along outside?"
"Yeah, but I'd rather it be my choice, rather than something that's done to me because of the lamp. That's what's so insidious about it. Like, if Wendy had ever rubbed the lamp without me knowing it... everything we've shared would be, like, a question. You know. Was it even real in the first place?" He shudders at the concept.
"So, anyway. Yeah. Fairy tales sound great, but their original stories were usually pretty dark."
Wesley winces at the sharp rebuke, and is relieved Ziss walks it back. "I deserved that," he admits.
He lingers nearby in the coffee shop, but doesn't sit down with her. When she tells him she's healing, he offers her a smile. "I, uh, don't know. I'm glad. I'm really glad, and proud of you. I've been feeling more on the precipice lately, so I don't have time to play games. And it might be part of the genie thing, but I want to help. If there's something you want, I want to try and get it for you.
"Hearing that I already helped, well, it feels good. Clearing Angry
Wes sighs, stopping the doors from closing. He lowers his voice. "I don't know how I know. But I just do. Whoever rubs the lamp... connects with me. It's not like ownership -- that's what the Curator has. He'll get me eventually if I'm not broken free, and rubbing the lamp won't change that. But, like, if you rubbed the lamp, I think I'd become... perfect for you. Like, your dream man. Or woman. Whatever you preferred. Your happiness would be my priority."
He smiles weakly. "That's why I've always told people to not rub the lamp."
"Huh?" Wesley grunts in surprise at Ziss's sudden appearance. "Oh. Um... no, you didn't miss it. I'm just getting some air. I need to be... away from people right now. And their desires."
He maneuvers past Ziss and gets into the elevator. "Wendy's got the lamp. If you need me, have someone tap it. Don't rub it. I'll come running back."
Wesley nearly convulses. What Carmen said was so close to a wish that he almost granted it right then and there. Guilt eats at him as he draws further away from the conversation. Better that they talk about wants and desires away from him.
Woozily, he retreats to the elevator leading up to the coffee shop. He has to restrain himself from pounding the button to summon the lift faster.
Wesley just stays quiet while there's talk of going up against bigger foes like what they face in Halcyon, and starts to shift uncomfortably when the topic switches to Tumbler's prosthetic.
He's wearing his usual Arcanum cloak with his hood flipped up. He adjusts the hood a bit, letting it further shroud his face.
Wesley has been watching the computer closely, grateful that it could do the job. He turns to Megan at her comment. "We found 86 with the Curator's vault."
Grow into my own image. Really starting to feel the limits -- or lack thereof -- of the genie powers. Using the lamp to keep everyone safe, conjuring a sand worm, and giving everyone disguises was almost scary in how effective he could be. Shifting Freak up and Mundane down as he's feeling more and more like a magical being. Also, I think we didn't really make progress toward defeating the Curator, so marking a doom track.
Wesley and Wendy head out to the private beach where they'd enjoyed themselves before. He picks her up into a princess carry and walks out into the surf. As the churning waves roll up and recede, spraying them with mist, he whispers, "Close your eyes," as he lowers her down into the water.
Wendy feels a pulling and stretching sensation in her legs as they suddenly feel limp and bound together. Then their rigid bone structure dissolves and is replaced with powerful muscles around a single spine running the length her tail.
Wesley looks over Wendy's Askaran form as she suggests keeping it for a moment of passion. His mind spins as she suggests more uses of his shapeshifting powers in the bedroom. "I... no, Wendy, I like you as you. If you wanted to know what it's like with, you know, bigger boobs, I could let you experience that. It's strange that I know more about what that's like. But don't change just because you think that that's what I want."
He takes her hand and laces his fingers with hers. "Okay?"
Ranged
Ghost Killer Holy Aphelion Artillery Laser + Heavy Gunner Harness**: +18 to Hit*; Dmg 3d8+13; crit Burn 1d6; range 120 ft; Fire; Ammo 40/40 (4)
**Reduce penalty from full attack and range by 2
Liquidator Disintegrator Rifle: +18 to Hit*; Dmg 1d20+13; crit Corrode 1d6; range 30 ft; Acid; Ammo 36/40 (4)
*+21 when combat tracking active
Theme (Ace Pilot):
THEME KNOWLEDGE (1ST):
You are obsessed with starships and vehicles, and have committed to memory almost every related tidbit of knowledge you’ve ever come across. Reduce the DC of Culture checks to recall knowledge about starship and vehicle models and parts as well as famous hotshot pilots by 5. Piloting is a class skill for you, though if it is a class skill from the class you take at 1st level, you instead gain a +1 bonus to your Piloting checks. In addition, you gain an ability adjustment of +1 to Dexterity at character creation.
LONE WOLF (6TH):
You know at least a little bit about handling every role on a starship, and you can sub in for certain tasks in a pinch. Whenever you need to attempt a skill check either during starship combat or to directly repair or otherwise maintain your starship, you can treat half your ranks in Piloting as your ranks in the appropriate skill for the check, if that would be better (since you effectively have ranks in the related skill, you are considered trained in the skill for the purposes of this check).
Need For Speed:
Speeding in a vehicle gives you a heady rush, and you can easily handle operating vehicles at high velocities that might send lesser pilots spinning out of control. Reduce any penalties to Piloting checks you make when on a vehicle by 1. When you take the double maneuver action during a vehicle chase (see page 283), reduce the penalty for each action by 1. Whenever a Piloting check has a penalty for failing by 5 or more, you take that penalty only if you fail by 10 or more.
Skills:
Skill Points per level: 4 (Class) + 6 (Intelligence)
Acrobatics +7
Athletics +18 (+2 Str + 13 ranks + 3 class skill)
Bluff +0
Computers +29 (+6 Int + 13 ranks + 3 class skill + 4 Insight (Bypass) + 1 + 2 Accelerated Datajack)
Culture +19 (+6 Int + 13 ranks)
Diplomacy +0
Disguise +0
Engineering +28 (+6 Int + 13 ranks + 3 class skill + 2 Racial + 4 Insight (Bypass))
Intimidate +0
Medicine +22 (+6 Int + 13 ranks + 3 class skill)
Mysticism +16 (+3 Wis + 13 ranks)
Perception +23 (+3 Wis + 13 ranks + 3 class skill + 4 Insight (Bypass))
Physical Sciences +22 (+6 Int + 13 ranks + 3 class skill)
Piloting +24 (+7 Dex + 13 ranks + 3 class skill + 1 Theme)
Profession(Vidgamer) +30 (+6 Int + 13 ranks + 3 class skill + 4 (Kit) + 1 (Clothes) + 3 Skill Focus
Sense Motive +3
Stealth +9 (+7 Dex + 2 Racial)
Survival +5 (+3 Wis + 2 Racial)
***+4 circumstance bonus on Culture, Engineering, Life Science, Mysticism, and Physical Science checks to recall Knowledge.
Cheek Pouches:
Ysoki can store up to 1 cubic foot of items weighing up to 1 bulk in total in their cheek pouches, and they can transfer a single object between hand and cheek as a swift action. A ysoki can disgorge the entire contents of his pouch onto the ground in his square as a move action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
Darkvision:
Ysoki can see up to 60 feet in the dark. See page 263 for more information.
Moxie:
Ysoki are scrappy and nimble even when the odds are against them. A ysoki can stand from prone as a swift action. Additionally, when off-kilter (see page 276), a ysoki does not take the normal penalties to attacks or gain the flat-footed condition. When attempting an Acrobatics check to tumble through the space of an opponent at least one size category larger than himself, a ysoki receive a +5 racial bonus to
the check.
Scrounger:
Ysoki receive a +2 racial bonus to Engineering, Stealth, and Survival checks.
Class Features:
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (EX):
1st Level
You construct an artificial intelligence (or AI), a sophisticated program of self-motivated code that you can access for help in a variety of endeavors. This AI is the product of your own genius, far more advanced and complicated than any available for sale to consumers (though it falls short of being truly self-aware), and only you know the secrets of its creation and operation.
Your AI can take one of two forms: a drone or an exocortex. You must pick one of these forms upon taking your first level of mechanic, and once this choice is made, it cannot be changed.
Exocortex:
You begin play with an exocortex, an artificial processor that interacts with and augments your biological brain’s cognitive functions, which can aid you in a variety of tasks, from combat to digital infiltration. Your exocortex is implanted within your physical body or brain, similar to a piece of cybernetic hardware, allowing your AI to access your mind and feed you information.
As you gain levels, your exocortex advances in sophistication and processing power—see Exocortex on page 79. Only you can access or interact with your exocortex.
BYPASS (EX):
You are skilled at getting inside computer systems and electronic devices. At 1st level, you gain a +1 insight bonus to Computers and Engineering skill checks. At 5th level, every 4 levels thereafter, and at 20th level, this bonus increases by 1 (+4).
CUSTOM RIG (EX):
You have created a customized toolkit you can use to hack systems and items. Your custom rig can be configured to take up an upgrade slot on your armor or can be installed as a cybernetic augmentation system in your brain (though it can be combined with a datajack for the same price as installing a datajack normally), your eyes, or an arm. For more information on augmentations, see Chapter 7: Equipment. Alternatively, you can configure it to be a handheld device, meaning that you must retrieve it and hold it to use it effectively. While using this rig, you always count as having the appropriate tool or basic kit for any Computers or Engineering skill check you attempt. Some mechanic tricks (see page 71) and drone mods (see page 77) require the use of a custom rig. In addition, you can use your custom rig as a Mk I comm unit (see Chapter 7: Equipment).
If your custom rig is damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen, you can kitbash a new one from any engineering kit, hacking kit, or other technological toolkit, reconfiguring the materials into a new custom rig with 1 hour of work. You can have only one custom rig at a time. If you create a new custom rig, your old one functions as a normal toolkit of whatever type you made it from and can no longer be used with your mechanic tricks.
OVERLOAD (EX):
As a standard action, you can cause a short in an electronic device, including most ranged energy weapons, melee weapons with the powered special property, or a single armor upgrade. This makes the device nonfunctional for 1 round. Overload doesn’t cause a locked door, safe, or other device to open, but it prevents anyone from opening it for 1 round. You must be adjacent to the device to use this ability. If you have a drone, you can instead use this ability on an electronic device adjacent to your drone. If you have an exocortex with the wireless hack ability, you can instead use this ability on any electronic device within range of your exocortex’s wireless hack. If you use overload on an item or armor upgrade in someone’s possession, the owner can attempt a Reflex saving throw to negate the effect (DC = 10 + half your mechanic level + your Intelligence modifier). Overload doesn’t affect androids, cybernetics, drones, powered armor, robots, or creatures with the technological subtype (all of which have shielding against this sort of attack), or items larger than Medium. Once a device has been successfully overloaded, a residual static charge prevents that device from being overloaded again for 1 minute.
WEAPON SPECIALIZATION (EX):
You gain the Weapon Specialization feat as a bonus feat for each weapon type this class grants you proficiency with.
Mechanic Trick - Overclocking (Ex):
You have augmented the performance of your AI for maximum response timing. You gain a +2 insight bonus to initiative checks, and either you (if you have an exocortex) or your drone (if you have a drone) gains a +2 insight bonus to Reflex saves.
Mechanic Trick - Visual Data Processor (Ex):
You notice even the smallest shifts in movement, temperature, and vibration, gaining the insight bonus from your bypass class feature to Perception skill checks.
Mechanic Trick - Neural Shunt (Ex):
Once per day, as a reaction when you fail a saving throw against a mind-affecting effect, you can shunt that effect into your exocortex instead. When you do so, you are not affected by the mind-affecting effect, but for the normal duration of that effect, you lose the Skill Focus feat granted by your exocortex’s memory module and cannot use any of the exocortex’s abilities in any way (including any proficiencies and mods it grants you). When a mind-affecting effect is shunted into the exocortex, spells such as dispel magic or break enchantment can be cast on you to end the effect as if you were affected by it. Once the duration of the mind-affecting effect has ended, your exocortex resumes its normal functions. You must have an exocortex to learn this trick.
Mechanic Trick - Invisibility Bypass Processor (Ex):
Your visual data processor now allows you to see invisible creatures as per see invisibility. You must have the visual data processor mechanic trick to learn this trick.
REMOTE HACK (EX):
You can use your custom rig to attempt Computers and Engineering skill checks at a range of 20 feet. At 7th level and every 2 levels thereafter, this range increases by 10 feet. A target of this ability (or a creature attending or observing your target) can attempt a Perception or Sense Motive check (DC = 10 + 1-1/2 × your mechanic level + your Intelligence modifier) to determine that you are the origin of this activity.
Wireless Hack (Ex):
Instead of combat tracking, your exocortex can access another computer system within 20 feet, allowing it to attempt a Computers check against that computer each round, using your skill bonus. This counts as a standard action for the purpose of the Computers skill. You must remain within 20 feet of the computer system for the entire time your exocortex is interacting with the computer. If the task requires multiple actions (or even rounds) to accomplish, you can spend your actions to work in concert with your exocortex, counting both your action and the exocortex’s effective standard action toward the total time required. If you don’t have the remote hack class feature, you must be adjacent to the computer to attempt your checks.
EXPERT RIG (EX:
Your custom rig has improved. Whenever you use your custom rig to successfully hack into a computer, you can also disable one countermeasure installed in the system (except firewalls). In addition, your custom rig can now be used as any engineering or hacking specialty kit of item level 6th or lower, and it has the features of a computer with a tier equal to half your level with the artificial personality, hardened, or security I upgrade module. It also has an audio/video recorder. You can add extra modules or countermeasures to your custom rig at the normal prices. See page 213 for more information on computers.
You can also use your custom rig to communicate over an encrypted channel with your ship, allowing you to access your ship’s downloaded data sets and transponder (see page 430) at a range of 5 miles. If you have a drone, you can issue commands to or directly control your drone at the same range.
MIRACLE WORKER (EX):
As a move action, you can repair damage to a starship’s systems or modify a suit of armor or weapon to function more efficiently. To use this ability, you must be able to handle the item affected without impediment. You can use this ability once per day at 7th level, plus one additional time per day for every 4 mechanic levels you have beyond 7th. The exact effect of this ability depends on the object or system you are modifying.
Armor: You grant a +2 enhancement bonus to a suit of armor’s EAC and KAC for 1 minute.
Weapon: You grant a +2 enhancement bonus to a weapon’s attack and damage rolls for 1 minute.
Damaged Ship: You restore a number of Hull Points equal to the starship's base frame HP increment. If this raises the ship’s HP over a multiple of its Critical Threshold, you can repair critical damage to one system per multiple, reducing its severity by one step. For example, if your starship’s Critical Threshold is 8 and you restore 10 HP, reducing the damage to the hull from 17 HP to 7 HP, you could restore one system from wrecked to glitching. Using this ability during starship combat is your action for the turn, and you can do it only during the engineering phase. See page 292 for more on ship construction and page 320 for more on damage to ships.
Exocortex Mods (Ex):
Your exocortex allows you to apply any one of the following drone mods to yourself as if you were a drone with that mod installed: armor slot, cargo rack, climbing claws, enhanced senses, hydrojets, jump jets, resistance, smuggler’s compartment, speed, or weapon proficiency (gaining proficiency in advanced melee or heavy weapons). At 11th level, you can apply an additional mod, and your options expand to include echolocators, excavator, flight system, greater resistance, invisibility field, and reactive camouflage. At 14th and 17th levels, you can apply an additional mod. Each time you gain a level, you can switch any of your mods for different mods, but you must always choose at least one mod from the 7th-level list.
Override (Ex) - 9th Level:
Your overload class feature now affects androids, drones, robots, and creatures with the technological subtype, which must succeed at a Will saving throw (DC = 10 + half your mechanic level + your Intelligence modifier) or be dazed for 1 round. If the target fails its saving throw by 10 or more, it is not dazed and you can dictate its actions for 1 round, though these actions can’t be obviously self-destructive. Once a creature has attempted a saving throw against this attack (regardless of the result), it is immune to this attack for 24 hours.
Coordinated Assault (Ex) - 11th Level:
If you have a drone, whenever both you and your drone make attacks against the same target, you each receive a +1 circumstance bonus to your attack rolls. If you have an exocortex instead, whenever you and your exocortex are both attempting to hack a system, you each receive a +1 circumstance bonus to the checks to gain access. In either case, these bonuses increase to +2 at 17th level.
Advanced Rig (Ex) - 13th Level:
Your custom rig’s computer functions gain a bonus firewall countermeasure (see page 217). This firewall has no additional cost, does not count against the maximum number of countermeasures your custom rig can have, and can block off a module or group of modules already protected by a firewall.
In addition, you can use your custom rig to communicate over an encrypted channel with your ship, allowing you to access the ship’s sensors, control its security systems, and prepare its engines for takeoff (as well as use the encrypted communications functions of your expert rig) at a range of 50 miles. If you have a drone, you can issue commands to or directly control your drone over an encrypted channel at the same range.
Combat Tracking (Ex):
Your exocortex provides you with enhanced combat ability, granting you proficiency with heavy armor and longarms. At 3rd level, you gain weapon specialization in longarms just as if your class granted proficiency. As a move action during combat, you can designate a foe for your exocortex to track. As long as that target is in sight, the exocortex feeds you telemetry, vulnerabilities, and combat tactics, allowing you to make attacks against that target as if your base attack bonus from your mechanic levels were equal to your mechanic level. Designating another target causes you to immediately lose this bonus against the previous target.
Memory Module (Ex):
You can use your exocortex’s memory module to enhance your own knowledge. Once per day, as a reaction while not in combat, you can reroll a failed skill check (see page 243) to recall knowledge (see page 143). In addition, your exocortex grants you the Skill Focus feat as a bonus feat. You can’t use your exocortex’s memory module while combat tracking is activated. Every time you gain a mechanic level, you can rebuild your exocortex’s memory module, replacing the exocortex’s bonus Skill Focus feat with Skill Focus in a different skill.
Twin Tracking (Ex) - 10th Level:
You can designate two targets for your exocortex to track, increasing your base attack bonus against each. You can designate both targets with a single move action, but you must be able to see them both at that time.
Ghost Intrusion (Ex):
Whenever you use the Computers skill to access a system and you fail to overcome its defenses by 4 or less, you do not trigger any countermeasures and there is no log of your attempt. If you fail by 5 or more, any countermeasures take effect against you as normal.
Holographic Projector (Ex):
Your custom rig can project holographic images as a standard action as often as you like, as per 2nd-level holographic image except it can create speech and has a range of only 120 feet.
Equipment:
Iridiscent Spindle Aeon Stone
Clear Spindle Aeon Stone
Radiation Badge
Aphelion Artillery Laser + Heavy Gunner Harness
Liquidator Disintegrator Rifle
Battery x2
Eyes of Rhean
Accelerated Datajack
Vocal Modulator
Respiration Compounder
Black Heart (Mk III)
Adrenal Booster
Single Cybernetic Arm
Synaptic Accelerators (Mk I, II, & III)
Prosthetic Limb x4
Mk I Dermal Plating
Basic X-legs
