Eddie Tesla's page

I expected Jack's question about Van Horne to be a trap, so I was waiting to see if I had maneuvered around the question artfully enough to get him to come back with me

"Restaurants are too public to keep that thing. Here we have a business front, discreet and able to keep guards posted." Eddie replied without missing a beat. He was surprised at how natural the accent was becoming. "Also, makes a better venue to discuss illicit dealings." He led Jackie inside, quickly stifling his own confusion about the unknown man. "Meet the crew. The dame's Zoe, then we have Simon and that's Tony" He said, quickly ad-libbing at the end. "So take a seat and put your feet up. Boss'll be here when business is over. In the mean time, if you need want a drink, Simon here makes a cup of tea my old lady calls Dreamy". Eddie emphasizes the end, hoping that Simon gets the hint.

If you want something to talk about, Eddie did call Zoe in that last post. Also, why would Ryuko be waiting on me?

"That rich weirdo with all the reliquary and doodads? Don't know why he's bothering when we can already do what we can." Eddie assumed others would share that opinion. "But, who am I to say anything about the doings up the ladder. Boss is the man with the vision and things've been better lately. Just a sec, gotta call ahead, let 'em know we're coming."

Eddie pulled out his cell phone and had it dial the last incoming number. Making sure to stay in character during the call, he kept his statements short and concise. "Yeah, it's me. Just picked Jackie up from the airport. They must be doing something right with those tiny liquor bottles because he seems a bit out of it. This one's a real V.I.P. on the boss' list right now so try to keep it professional will ya." He put away his phone an continued leading Jackie to his bike.

"It was a joke, doesn't anybody appreciate Whedon?" Eddie shrugged, doing his best to mimic the accent he heard from both Jackie and the armed men from earlier. "Still in Detroit? You're back, guess the trip was pretty smooth. Ol' Big Cat sent yours truly to drive your ass to the new safe house. That the thing? Thought it'd be bigger." He said, gesturing toward the urn.

Lore: 4d3 - 8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 1) - 8 + 2 = 3

"Nice. Eddie uttered, finally witnessing firsthand what the ritual is like. 'Think Eddie. What do people normally say to people who get their memories wiped? If nothing else I need to get him to Simon... That's it!' He felt a bit of smug satisfaction at his newly formulated plan. "Jackie, would you like a treatment?

Suddenly the chorus to Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" Rang out before Jackie could give his answer. "It's Zoe, might be important" Eddie said, excusing himself.

"The ritual? Yeah we got away. We're at the airport right now. No, it's not that strange that I have a cell phone, but you'd be surprised at how much it costs to get one with military grade EM shielding. Well, it turns out the urn bleeds. What? Yes it's important. They need the blood for the ritual." Suddenly Eddie broke out in a string of profanity not acceptable for company, polite or otherwise. "Sorry, I have to go. That urn Can NOT leave here."

He turned back to Jack. "New question. Say Big Cat doesn't have the urn. Would that actually stop him from the ritual, or would he just start collecting his blood from other sources? After all, you said it seems like he is addicted to the power."

Eddie sneezed. Wiping his hands on his napkin, he continued his conversation. "So you're in the organization? I guess that doesn't surprise me, how else would you have the knowledge or access to the urn. I would, however, like to know if that knowledge reaches to specific incidents. Like, does the name Tesla mean anything to you? Other than the obvious of course."

The elderly part is what you're concerned as a misrepresentation of Blair? I hadn't even considered that she may have been talking about you on account of the "flames bursting from the hands of" part. Don't you only use force?

Time seemed to stand still while Eddie thought intently on the details of his day. 'Why would I tell myself to not recover my memories until I see her? I don't see how flying blind would be anything but a hindrance. However, my note didn't mention anything about grabbing fragments. I should see Mr. Whittaker after this.'

Speaking of which, sorry for taking yours Zoe. I certainly am paying for that now.

Any idea if Ryuko is coming back? His lull was over two weeks ago and Eddie is kind of at his mercy.

The laughs came easy while they sat in the small airport cafe. Eddie continued to add condiments to his omelet, wondering if there would be enough hot sauce in the bottle he was shaking vigorously. "So what I need to know mostly about this situation is who I am dealing with. If they think they can just fry my brain and leave it at that." He trailed off, a little too upset to speak for a moment. "They're just lucky that I'm no killer."

How does being the worst liars make us the best criminals?

Eddie unfastened the urn from the bike and took a moment to look it over. "So why all the trouble anyway? If you only need to keep it from them, why not simply destroy it?" he asks bluntly.

Lore: 4d3 - 8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 1) - 8 + 2 = -1 wow... epic fail.

Worst? No. Back in post 7 I rolled a deceit of -3

"Yes!" Eddie smiled enthusiastically. His head twitched, and he coughed momentarily. "Was that a bug? Awesome! I needed more protein." He laughs again, spirits flying while he races toward the airport.

If it's okay I would like to make a few declarations on the scene before my roll for the cat and mouse, as Eddie is trying to outmaneuver them rather than just go faster. Feel free to stop me if I'm out of line

Self-Maneuver, Discipline: 4d3 - 8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 1) - 8 + 3 = 2 Create Aspect: IN TUNE WITH TRAFFIC
Declare Scene Aspect, Alertness: 4d3 - 8 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 1) - 8 + 2 = 3 Create Aspect: CONGESTION AHEAD
Declare Scene Aspect, Alertness: 4d3 - 8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 3) - 8 + 2 = 3 Create Aspect: SHOULDER RIGHT - EXIT LEFT

Eddie watched for the expected bottleneck ahead. Traffic always slows to a crawl here. Checking his mirror again, he drifts right. Passing a few cars on the shoulder (doubtlessly garnering a few "organ donor" remarks) before merging with traffic again. Did they take the idea? He thought, knowing that at a base level humans have a mimicry instinct. If they want to keep that position three cars back, they'll have to follow. He repeats himself, accessing the shoulder in quick bursts of speed. 'Either they follow or it's already over' Rhythmically bouncing in and out of traffic, Eddie makes his move. He suddenly follows left, quickly merging lanes to access the off-ramp. 'They'll never make it through that wall of cars' Finally laughing aloud. The thrill of the chase pulsing through his body.

Tagging previously mentioned aspects, Driving: 4d3 - 8 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 3) - 8 + 1 + 6 = 7

Eddie smirked to himself at the news. "Of course we are! he shouted while twisting the throttle. If they think they can follow me on The Interstate, they're crazier than I am. He took a moment to taste the flow of traffic, not at all unlike the particles of his own power. All taking the path of least resistance to find their way to each respective destination. Soon he found his own place in the flow, darting and weaving between cars to put further distance between them.

Is this going to be handled as a chase or a conflict? Also, will I be able to combine my Athletics, Alertness, or Discipline with my driving for the ensuing checks?

"No problem, but I still need help when this is over. Expect a call." Eddie made a motion for Jack to follow him and added over his shoulder "Thanks for breakfast." He led Jack to his bike and handed him a helmet. "It's the only one I have, hold tight and pray to any gods you follow that we don't run into trouble." He strapped the urn down with the elastic net used to hold his helmet. Climbed on the bike with Jack and started it with an act of will. With a flick of his wrist, they were on their way to the airport.

I think we found how there might be some antagonism left between them lol.

"And subject an innocent bystander to potential danger? Loss of car is a lot easier to swallow than loss of life." Eddie half-snapped, mild irritation sparking across his eyes. "A rental will be more expensive, but if we're attacked at least nobody has to get hurt."

"Stormy is fine, but are you sure about running? Might make the news. We don't want up to the minute coverage of our location broadcast nation wide while taking our friend to the airport" Eddie said, adding a somber undertone to the now lighthearted conversation. "If need be, I can get us a car. Not like there's a shortage in this town. Full of old American models, made with metal and simple circuitry."

"For a couple of months, you're not doing too poorly. Hell, for three years after my abilities emerged, I thought I was a super hero, bought a cape and everything." Eddie laughed while tearing a croissant in half, unaware of how hungry he had been until he took his first bite. "I don't need direct info on the ritual, more about who is doing it. They burned me and I can't let that slide."

Lore to know anything about the urn 4d3 - 8 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 3) - 8 + 2 = 4

"So I'm guessing your friends; Larry, Curly, and Moe will still be looking for you." Eddie smirked. "Thing is, midnight is a good bit away and you need help. But I have to ask: Die, or end up little more than human shaped furniture." He asked, wondering if he suddenly had another practitioner to worry about.

Not having anything to say, Eddie drank his coffee watching the events unfold.

Eddie took a long drag from his cigarette, suppressing a pang of disappointment at the missed opportunity to work off his frustration. He exhaled. "I didn't show up to play the part of the dashing hero. I think I'm in trouble and I'm going to need your help when you're free." he said almost nervously, the days events already wearing on him.

If you don't mind Zoe, I believe I'll take that as my cue.
Declaring arrival on scene

Riding with a purpose was a great way to ease the mornings tension. Cool breeze, warm sun, it was a glorious day in sharp contrast to the trouble he knew was brewing. For now though, it's better the just enjoy the ride. Slipping into despondency can be deadly when dark wizards are trying to fry your brain. "Dark wizards trying to fry my brain? Gods, why does my inner monologue sound like a bad Harry Potter fan fic?"

Nearing Ms Rowena's place, Eddie almost hit the reason for his visit. "I've seen her move like that before, guess she's already on the hunt" He thought as he found a place to park his bike. He moved with purpose down the alley. "Hello Zoe, nice to see you're keeping yourself busy." He says with a half smirk while flicking at the end of a new cigarette, then grasping it between two fingers. "Having trouble with specs or roughs?" Holding his left hand in a pantomime of a lighter, a spark of energy arcs between his thumb and index finger, lightning his cig.

Eddie knew that was coming. He didn't know the depth of the situation but usually when trouble came, eviction followed. "If you have family to protect, that's far more important than my little spat." He headed toward the door, looking back briefly to say "Thank you for the help"

A quick Survey of the street revealed the location of Storm, not that he had to worry about someone stealing her. No key or switch to be found. Ignition is handled wholly on his part. A quick kick, her engine roared and Eddie considered his options. It was well before lounge hours, leaving him some time to kill by himself. "If I have to hunt for a woman, perhaps I could use the help of a huntress" he thinks as he snaps his bike into gear. Exhaust flares and her engine sings as Eddie decides to try and pay his old friend Zoe a visit.

He knows me? Of course he does, I'm doing bizarre rituals in his basement. Eddie thought to himself, suddenly feeling much younger than he is. The disapproval of this seeming stranger hitting harder than he thought it should have. "I'm sorry I tried lying, but this whole situation is so confusing." He says , while rubbing at the back of his neck. "I can't say I remember much, I don't even remember meeting you or where I can even start looking for her. What I do know is that either I want myself to find Ariana, or someone wants me to think I do. Either way," He says with a dazzling smile. "If someone wants me dead, I'm back in familiar territory."

You certainly have put me in an interesting situation. I can't wait to see what interpretation of my trouble could have led to this.

Blocking energy? My energy or protecting me? I quickly read the note and pull my clothes on. From my pocket I draw a pack of rolling papers and fold one into an envelope and scrape some blood stained chalk into it. I may not be able to reach anyone remotely myself, but I know someone who can.

Compel/fate point accepted.

Waking up in a strange place is never easy, but if you do it enough you start to develop a routine. I smelled the bare earth, ruling out chloroform. The light I used to look around wasn't especially painful so no concussion. Magic then, the circle around me quickly confirming the assumption. Usually after the how comes the who and why, but when magic is involved memory isn't as useful. Next step is getting free. I try breaking the circle with my foot initially, barring that I'll use my power to burn a break in the circle (dispel check?). If that too fails, I'll make noise to try and face my captor.

I've never asked, but do you have a __-person perspective preference for posting? I know I have an easier time making a characters personality come through, through first.

Okay, now that I am more familiar with the rules again. It looks like instead of using my magic in a maneuver to give them the STUNNED aspect (which I could only tag for a compel once without spending fate points), it would be better to build it as a single target Block:4 against all actions for 2 exchanges. That is unless I am misunderstanding the nature of temporary aspects.

That being said, is there anything you would want me to change about this Rote

Taser(Name could definitely use work)
Eddies typical first response to an attack by the unknown. A quick electrical shock without the amperage behind it to cause any lasting harm. Generally only the very tough or very determined are able to ignore the pain inflicted.
Type: Lightning evocation offensive block
Power: 4 shifts
Control: Rote, Roll Discipline plus focus as attack roll
Target: One target in line-of-sight, blocking all actions
Duration: Two exchanges
Opposed By: Targets Endurance or Discipline skill

Take all the time you need to recover. I'm eager to play the game, but I know it will be all the better if you're thinking clearly.

EDITORIAL NOTE: I intended for that to seem more sympathetic and less selfish than it actually came out.

May as well get a little tinkering done while waiting for the game to begin. So I have changed an otherwise boring aspect (Alternating Current) to one that I thing fleshes Eddie out a bit better. So I have changed it to Rider on the Storm. Storm, of course, being a motorcycle that he built himself, taking only the most pristine parts from a salvage yard. Perhaps the best explanation for why he is currently residing in Detroit.

I actually talked to Ryuko about that very issue. He told me that Mythic generally isn't for players and that my resistance won't come up much so I should take supernatural at -0. Also, I can't get enough of the phrase "Things that are not electricity are easy to come by"

Grargh! The post monster ate my almost completed profile. I'll have it up in a while.

How about an even split? Two items each at 3 slots. One being the coat at persistent Good block, the other is a ring that gives me the AMPED UP aspect 3/session and of course my focus giving 1 offensive power and 2 offensive control.

I'm taking refinement instead of Ritual, no matter what I thought of I couldn't see a way to lightning flavor thaumaturgy other than the Victor Sells way. Giving me 3 focus slots and 6 enchanted item slots.

Does that mean that I could have a persistent 4 block? Speaking of which, I can't find persistent enchantments in the book. SO either it costs 4 slots for a persistent 4 block or it would give me 4 block 3 per session. (how are sessions handled in PBP anyway?) I'm not seeing the downside to a permanent protection.

Okay, I really like the idea of a persistent block that can shatter. It gives a great visual of being off balance from having to dodge too frequently. Now as a hypothetical say I have a Lore of Fair. That would make the coat with a block of 1 refreshing every exchange. But since I have extra enchanted item slots to use on it, I can give the coat more power. Strength of effect +1 per slot used. I'm assuming since it's /2 it would take 2 additional slots to get a block 2 but could I devote more slots than that, or would it exceed the double lore rule?

So if it takes 3 shifts of power to inflict an aspect on myself or others, does that mean that to have anything meaningful on myself, I would need at least 5 shifts of power, or I lose the aspect before my next exchange? Seems a little pricy and risky just to give myself AMPED UP or GROUNDED. Or am I misunderstanding things?

5 shifts? Nice, that puts it perfectly in rote range provided it's tied to my focus.

How about if the coat was able to allow me a dodge roll in passive situations (Lore #) times per session? Might not be the best idea, I should just go with the armor as long as you say I've provided sufficient justification to using lightning as armor.

So far my biggest problem is finding rules friendly ways to do more with my lightning beyond blasting and stunning(blocking). Even then, if I want them to be tased longer than a single exchange, I have to continue spending actions. (Never-mind, I just sorted that bit out, and that's only if I want a powerful block that I maintain. Star Wars Emperor style) Would this be handled as a grapple?

I was also thinking of other spells based in self enhancement, but I'm not sure if I would be able to even do that without ritual. Would I be able to use spell maneuvers to apply temporary aspects to myself that I could invoke?

I also have an idea for an enchanted item I would Like to run by you.

Eddies Coat:
This black denim trench coat has fine copper wire inlays stitched into strange patterns. Through detection of magnetic force and bio-electrical pulses, the coat infers a semi-precognitive sense upon Eddie. Allowing him to avoid hits that would otherwise harm him

Would this be handled as a block or armor? I was thinking a bonus to his dodge rolls would be appropriate but I can't find any way to do that by the rules.

Sorry that it's taking me a little longer than expected to get the crunch down. I bought the books as soon as they were out and devoured them, but have never found a game so I have to relearn most of it.

That I can get into! Eddie, after all is a bit of a professional squatter. He certainly doesn't have friends this far west, but has had to stay on the move for some time now. Finding himself in Detroit, he is amazed by the number of large derelict buildings that he can stay in.

Is Simon still a social worker or has that been revised? That could be a great tie in for Eddie as well. I know Simon doesn't like to mention the supernatural unless the other person does first, but Eddie doesn't conceal his electricity too well. His bipolar personality would also warrant the need of help. So as a character I think Eddie and Simon would be very compatible. Perhaps I should change my official trouble to Bipolar Personality.

Zoe, that looks good to me, I really like the angle of Eddie even being present for the incident.

Simon, I don't think it's the length of your first story that is keeping people from clamoring for a guest spot in it. It just seems to be a little restrictive as to where anyone else can fit in. Probably because the thing is only affecting one couple. Maybe if it was a little more widespread, forcing the thing to move around.

I like the idea but I'm having a little trouble thinking of how Dresden style wererats could be threatening. Let's change that to ghouls. After all, the red court already has a bone to pick with him.

I was thinking semi-aggressive at first encounter. A lot of people died to a bizarre power surge in the railway. I'm sure NY has some form of SI and at least one informant with ties to the paranet knowledge pool of practitioners. It wouldn't take much to draw a conclusion that the human coil could have done it.

If you would prefer a friendlier meeting I could go for that, but I don't think he would be at a law firm. He comes from money but has none. It wouldn't take long to see that he may be troubled but non-hostile. He is also not too arrogant to accept help when it's needed.

Would your aunt do pro-Bono for someone that most would perceive as a privileged kid? When I typed it, I was thinking more along the lines of her vigilantism. She corners Eddie, turns into a lion, and his only retaliation is using lightning to stun her and run away. Later,she catches up with him and gives him a chance to explain himself.

NY Zoe? Sounds perfect for a tie in with my first story.

This leaves it pretty open for just about anyone in the area to lend a hand. I also agree that the magic in the group is diverse enough to handle the three of us. What's the paranet for, if not to link lesser powers while vampires run rampant.

I am here, and I hope to have a first story up by tomorrow. With reasons why a Tesla would show up in Edison town! Seriously, a little research showed me that Detroit is powered by Edison Electric, a coal plant. How crazy is that? Carbon based fuel for a large city this day and age.