"Why, Anderson is the reason we're here now. He kept chanting 'Devorado is coming' to himself, over and over. It piqued our curiosity, so we decided to investigate the subject of his ramblings."
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Lightning Blade smirks and nods at Longbow's comment. "I'm all for dramatic tension, but this is getting ridiculous."
I will admit that there's been less action than I was expecting, but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying the campaign. I'm really invested in discovering the nature of this world-destroying cataclysm you've established. Unfortunately, Lightning Blade is a conceited a+*&!&!, more concerned about his own identity than about the task at hand. The fact that his current disguise is actually less revealing than his signature costume is irrelevant - without the proper Lightning Blade look, all of his swagger and self-confidence is gone. I've been trying to stay true to LB's character without being a detriment to the plot, but I'm starting to feel like this type of character doesn't fit with the tone you had in mind.
Lightning Blade acts tense and reserved throughout the conversation, refusing to participate unless addressed directly.
Lightning Blade shows no interest in the Professor's ramblings. "Yes, yes...Gracie, if you do bring your duffel, I hope you won't mind if I keep my rapier in there as well. I, too, would like to be prepared if something goes awry."
Lightning Blade makes a distressed grunt. "I have some concerns about this plan. You're essentially asking me to reveal my identity. It's not that I don't trust you people, but I happen to be rather famous in Britain. There's a chance I could be recognized here as well, and that would draw a lot of unwanted attention to us." He crosses his arms. "My civilian disguise will have to include a hat and some sort of eyewear - sunglasses, ideally. Anything less is liable to compromise my anonymity, not to mention the mission itself."
Lightning Blade decides to pair up with the professor.
LB boards without a moment of hesitation.
Lightning Blade orders the heartiest meal he can manage, and devours it quickly. He then paces around his room for several minutes before going to bed, his trusty weapon propped against the nearest wall.
"So, again, how did you plan to follow him? It's not like he would have followed roads, or slowed down and waited for you."
Lightning nods as he turns toward Farthingram. "Ah, I actually know someone with that sort of gift. Hired him to build my equipment, in fact. He didn't get into crime or crimefighting, as far as I know. Guess he was one of those supers without any ambition. But I digress." To Hawthorne: "So you don't know anything about Devorado? Also, why rely on the robot truck? Couldn't a human have just as easily blown up whatever needed to be blown up?"
Lightning Blade regards the manacled man with a hint of pity. "Hmm...he's not so impressive out of costume." "Well. I guess the first thing to ask is, why were you trying to free Protector? What was all this nonsense he was spouting about Devorado? And most importantly...who designed your costume?"
"Good. I'd hate to know the ending of my story, even if it wasn't completely accurate anymore." "I have no more questions right now. Let's see what Frostorm has to say."
"Spellbound, I don't think they even know your real name, much less your entire life story." He shrugs. "And even if they did, there's no telling how accurate that information is anymore. People are dying before their time. Scary-sounding names are being spoken that our 'informants' have never heard of." "And that can only mean one thing: Someone else has access to information about the future, and is using it to change the course of events. Maybe they engineered their own device, or stole the design from DICE. Doesn't really matter now. The point is, all bets are off. The changes will only grow from here, until our timeline is completely unrecognizable to the informants in the original one."
"Well. You people just never run out of surprises, do you?" Lightning Blade takes a moment to ponder this, rhythmically drumming his fingers on the table. "So, in layman's terms, how does this Dirac Communicator work? Could someone have created a similar device, or stolen the technology from you?"
Lightning Blade merely rolls his eyes at his companions. "Let's discuss this later." He picks up one of the forms, and raises an eyebrow upon reading the title and the clause about interfering with timelines. "Is this the government's idea of a joke?" Nonetheless, he signs it without hesitation.
"Hmph. I don't think your military tactics are going to help us much. But if you really think you have something you can teach us, then I'll humor you."
Lightning Blade scoffs, having leaned across the table to listen in on Gracie and Challenger. "I can train myself, thank you very much. If you would like me to attend your little sessions so that you can admire my skill, I would be happy to oblige."
Lightning Blade has a momentary look of concern when the words "Delta 100" are mentioned, but quickly reverts to his usual smirk. "Ah, good, I was starting to get bored."
"Well, it seems my colleagues have mentioned everything that would be of interest to you. I was mostly engaged in the fight itself, so I could talk at great length about our opponents' abilities, but I imagine you'll learn about them yourselves during our chat with Frostorm." He takes a sip of his tea, looking surprisingly calm for someone so energetic. "Mmm. To his credit, he was quite a spirited fighter. I'd bet that he has more stake in this whole thing than some hired mercenary would."
Lightning Blade finds himself paired up with Longbow, much to his dismay. This is going to be a quiet ride.
Lightning Blade nods at Gracie. "Yes, it was cowardly of them to attack the civilians in the chopper. But, to be frank, they were there because of us. Perhaps in the future we should find a means of communication that doesn't put so many people in harm's way." "We have enough to worry about without having to protect a chopper full of bystanders."
"Easy? A victory maybe, but surely a pyrrhic one." "Yes, unfortunate, but I was mostly referring to how Protector went down. He just babbled for a while, then the machinery in their truck made some noises, and he collapsed. It was almost too easy, don't you think?" When the Commander arrives, Lightning Blade only gives him a polite nod.
Lightning Blade flashes a cocky grin at Frostorm. "Don't feel bad, it takes a lot to keep up with Lightning Bl-" His taunting is interrupted when he notices Protector has fallen unconscious. "Huh...well, that was easy!"
Frostorm's attack barely glances off Lightning Blade's shoulder, leaving a patch of ice on his jacket. "Hey, this suit is dry-clean only!" He retaliates, sacrificing some accuracy for a more debilitating series of blows.
Unfortunately, the damage to his outfit seems to be affecting his concentration.
"Well, it looks like you're stuck with me now!" Lightning Blade continues attacking Frostrom, aiming his thrusts more carefully.
"Okay, now I'm angry. En garde!" Lightning Blade dashes toward Frostorm and unleashes a blinding flurry of stabs.
Lightning Blade dashes toward the bandits and truck, as his rapier starts to glow and hum with energy. "You DARE to oppose me, when the very wrath of the GODS resides in my blade?!" Then he unleashes a massive blast of electricity, enshrouding everyone within 60 feet of him (though somehow avoiding all of his allies).
"Right. So, how many of you can fly?"
Haha, thanks! This is my favorite type of character to play - snarky and overconfident even in the face of certain doom. Glad you're enjoying it!
Lightning Blade laughs heartily. "Eoten, you've got the right attitude! I can disarm the pistol guy, then you crush him and his friends!"
Lightning Blade notices the masked figure and grins. "That one has a superb fashion sense. He is clearly their leader." Then he sees the muscular man escaping from the white truck...and his grin widens. "Ah, is this the legendary Protector? Now things are getting interesting!"
Lightning Blade checks his earpiece: "Lightning Blade here. Ready to roll." He gives an approving nod at the professor's transformation. "Not bad, not bad at all! Now, watch this..." He begins running back and forth on the spot, moving faster and faster, until suddenly...
There now seems to be a second Lightning Blade standing next to the original. Upon closer inspection, there is a very slight blur between the two. Then, in perfect unison, both images draw their swords and swish them about dramatically. "Alright, Eoten, what say we take out that RPG before it really hurts someone?"
"Sounds impressive. I can hardly wait to see it in action." On the helicopter, Lightning Blade leans back in his seat. "So, Captain, what's this "incident" you speak of?"
Lightning Blade smiles back, looking quite flattered. "Oh, well, I suppose I can accept that. At least someone here appreciates fashion." He turns toward Longbow. "Yes, and I'm still curious about what you can do." Then to Spellbound. "And you, for that matter! Come now, this is no time to be shy."
Lightning Blade looks disappointed, but simply shrugs. "Hm. Well, your loss, really."
"Yes, I assumed as much. Tell me, would you be open to a change in wardrobe? I have friends in the fashion industry, and I'm sure they would be glad to create a new look for you. Something that'll make you look a little more bold and imposing!"
Lightning Blade scoffs at Challenger's comment. "Spandex? I'll have you know that every part of this suit is pure cotton or wool, specially treated to withstand my super speed! I would accept nothing less for my ensemble."
Cool. I'll drop one rank of flight speed in exchange for: Chain Lightning
Barring unusual circumstances, I can only fail the check on a natural 1. It'll be a somewhat situational power, but incredibly useful when fighting a single tougher enemy. (Also it'll look really cool, and that's what matters most.)
I like it - Chain Lighting per say. Oh, that's good. Mind if I use that? I might need some time to make the numbers work, but I'll try to be ready when the action starts.
Finally. If I had to sit through one more of those psychological tests, I would have actually gone insane. Lightning Blade looks at each of his new allies with a confident smirk. "So, the Golden Heroes finally make their debut! Now, I'm sure you've all heard of me, but please allow me to formally introduce myself." He bows dramatically. "I am Lightning Blade! The legendary swordsman who cuts through evil at the speed of light!" In the blink of an eye, he appears to the far end of the hangar, holding his rapier aloft. "My incredible speed is matched only by my skill with the blade!" He dashes back to his starting position, holding his sword outward in a poignant thrust. The blade is producing small sparks and a crackle of electricity (though it appears to be a largely cosmetic effect). "I have taken down petty thieves, gangs, and small-time criminals with almost no effort. I look forward to testing my skills against a worthy foe, and seeing what you all are capable of." He sheathes his blade with a dramatic flourish.
Hmm, maybe it could also be Limited to performing the same actions as me every round. If it can't, it disappears and has to be summoned again.
Decided I don't really like the Shapeable area effect. Switched it to a Burst. Also, I thought it might be cool if I picked up a Duplication power with the Feedback flaw. In reality, this would be Lightning Blade quickly moving back and forth between two positions, attacking from both places in the same round. They both get hurt when the duplicate is attacked, because they are actually the same person. On the other hand, it would take 20 points to create a duplicate equal in power to me, which is a pretty significant loss. And we may already have our share of melee fighters without another version of me crowding things up. What do you guys think?
So, where's Spellbound? The party needs its wizard!
Yeah, I think you're going to have a hard time getting people to trust you and not recoil in fear at the sight of your two heads. Also, it seems like you intended for Æthelweard to still be "himself" in his giant form, albeit with decreased intelligence and struggling to keep his destructive instincts under control. A two-headed creature with two distinct personalities doesn't fit with that.
I don't mind a lot of tough punchy characters. In fact, I can use feint with Set-Up to make it easier for two of you to hit a guy. Power Attack to your heart's content! I've made a number of tweaks since I first posted my stat block here. Most notably, I upped the damage for my rapier, made it indestructible, gave myself Danger Sense (using sight) and Uncanny Dodge, and changed my area attack to deal electricity damage. In exchange, I lowered my Fighting and rearranged my skill ranks. I also fixed a miscalculation with the Easily Removable flaw. Whoosh 1 has not participated in any online campaigns. |