Cheers all - and thanks to IC for trying to herd this bunch of nefarious cats.
Hopefully things calm down IRL and when they do by all means give me a shout.
BD
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Think it was cryptic humour?
Alternative is I just ham him up... dunno... Input and thoughts welcome.
I'm beginning to think that Mamon is more of an Iron Age style villain - and my preferred style of playing him as cruel and egotistical might not be a good fit going forward? As such I'm thinking for dropping out, which would allow Lazarus to create a fight focussed PC if he's so inclined.
My take is I'd much prefer the bombastic scraps and o'er the top performances, but was figuring you wanted a more low-key, street level game to be honest. At the moment I've only posted 55 times as Mamon and 37 in his alter ego. Most of that has been conversational pieces... So I agree not what I foresaw in the game either. For me the best part of the game thus far has been the heist and fight with Gemstar. More of that type of encounter would work for me. The fundraiser wasn't so much for political intrigue as more a way of controlling/influencing powerful folk - that sort of stuff tends to get noticed in the comics and heroes come a' knocking. Tonally I'm pretty flexible - nothing preferred, although as long as we don't go too silly I'm fine (Mr Impossible and such) Improvements/Investments - More posting I guess, both in game and OOC where we can thrash out the plan forward and not draw out the next step as a overlong discussion. We should also have a group name if we're drawing on the Silver Age...
June 19th man - was worried you'd been nailed with the banhammer again. Glad you're still here :) Agree we're in another of our planning exhanges...
IC - Been almost a month since anyone other than you, myself or Lazarus have posted. Time for new blood or want to call it a day?
Māmōn eyes Nevi with a wry smile; "I sense you are familiar with life behind the Iron Curtain yes? Do you have any contacts we can utilise in the absence of Dearest Lazarus plucking them from his font of knowledge?"
The demon smiles; "Excellent. A road trip then? I could do with some good vodka and better caviar..."
Māmōn glowers, his eyes flashing deep crimson as some unnamed plan is quickly stymied. Fools. Mortal fools. If we bottle the spirit we could have supped at our leisure... His diabolic chain of thought is shattered by The Princess breaking into song... ... it does little to improve his mood. As Sylph seeks to wrap up its latest iteration with the group, the demon leaves the entity with his own sharp words. "We are not fools creature. Some of our number have lived for millennia. Do not treat us like naive babes or court fools... We know our trade. We know villainy..."
Māmōn listens intently, then "Surely a body would allow you to experience the chaos first hand... Savor it... Crayke could build you a bespoke vessel... or I'm sure one of my associates would volunteer?"
The contents of the conversation do little to shift Māmōn's glower from Crackerjack; "I do love how you refer to us as minions Crayke. Very ironic of you..." The demon flashes a needle toothed smile; "Of course when I do the same, it carries far more gravitas..." Māmōn then addresses the disembodied entity's plan for the villains; "Interesting... A state of chaos to grant us opportunities and our desires... for your amusement. Nothing else?"
Soooo... half way to the circuit our van's water pump went kaput. Back home pending a possible re-run tomorrow... Best laid plans and all that!
Folks - just a wee heads up that I’ll be out of town this weekend. Helping out as pit-crew for a mate of mine whose racing bikes, and we’ll not be back until late Sunday. Will most likely be Monday morning before I’ll get back into the posting swing. Cheers
Māmōn casts his baleful gaze upon Crackerjack; "Indeed. What price for immortality? All the tea in China? All the bullion in Fort Knox? All the jewels we just stole..." The hulking demon flashes an infernal smile, then awaits those more technically minded to ascertain how secure their loot is.
Māmōn raises a scaled eyebrow in scepticism of Crackerjack's self-professed brilliance; "Quite. I've encountered many geniuses o'er the millennia... yet here I stand as their bones bleach in history's sun..." The demon flexes his clawed hand, tapping Crackerjack's head with malign undertones; "Do try to stay alive Crayke. I would so hate to see another gifted mind removed from its crushed skull."
The hulking demon nods approvingly at the results, then drops the feet bereft of the winged boots, with a disappointed glower. "How disappointing... At least we have hobbled Hermes..." Māmōn steps through the new portal, then eyes his fatigued ally with diabolic interest; "Tired Crayke? Can't last the breakneck pace..?"
Māmōn's eyes blaze in anger and frustration as Gemstar stymie's his devilish domination. He nods as she walks through the portal, then lugs the limp body toward the opening; "Crayke. Close the portal when I place our immortal here through..." Māmōn drops the man's body through, but keeping hold of his winged ankles, so they remain on the villianous side of the portal... With a menacing smile he speaks; "Now. Close it. The wing'ed feet will make for priceless trophies!"
Māmōn lands still holding the old man by the throat. As the others parley with the young woman, the demon smiles fiendishly; "Alas child... your work is not enough. Actions show subservience..." With his other talon hand Māmōn gestures toward the portal, before speaking in a beguiling voice; "Go back from whence you came. Leave us to our spoils... Once you are through you will have this old relic returned before it is closed. Do this. For Māmōn wills it!" . Silver Tongued Devil (Affliction): Affliction 6 (Entranced, Controlled, Compelled; resisted by Will); (Extras: Increased Range [Perception] & Subtle); (Flaw: Sense Dependent [audio])
As Gemstar shoots past and into the portal, Māmōn flashes a wicked smile. The demon swoops to the ground where the prone old man lies and lifts him up by the throat; "Tsk-tsk naive mortal... You left me the best bargaining chip possible..." Presenting the fallen pseudo-god like a trophy, Māmōn too flies through the portal...
Still blinking, Māmōn swings a lack luster back-hand at the iridescent heroine; "It is you... Gemstar... that needs to begone!" :
: The hulking demon blinks, his baleful pupils dilating before he smiles; "Alas for you girl I am going nowhere... until the great End of Times is upon us..."
: In a seeming stalemate the hulking demon withstands the barrage of the bejewelled heroine. Flashing a predatory leer Māmōn adds to Gemstar's doubt as he hovers near her; "A fine effort girl... Alas you lack the prowess to tip these scales in your favour..." As he speaks the damage previously wrought by her gem missiles heals Once again Crackerjack's words cause the infernal eyes to flair in anger, yet he looks to his opponent and swoops in, claws first; "Indeed... Our combat must end my dear... then I will deal with my prattling companion..." :
Māmōn's eyes flash crimson as Crackerjack orders the group to retreat; "You do not give the orders here Crayke! Know your place mortal!" The demon returns his baleful gaze toward Gemstar, unfurling scaled wings and rising to meet the heroine;
"We have business girl. A debt of pain to be repaid... And Māmōn shall collect!! Māmōn rakes at Gemstar with his pitch coloured talons; :
:
As the meta-heroines gem barrage slam home, Māmōn grunts in pain and his eyes flash a deep red; "Bravado indeed girl. Your spritely companion has the crux of it... fight or talk?" The hulking demon grins, then slashes at the girl with wicked claws; "My turn..." :
As the eponymous Gemstar makes her appearance Māmōn turns to face the woman and her elderly ally; "Finally. Someone worth subjugating..." At her bravado, the hulking demon raises a scale'd brow; "Clowns?! Ah yes... my companions... Perhaps they appear somewhat trifling, but you will find them, like me, to be adversaries beyond your abilities child!" As Lazarus boons him with greater strength Māmōn chuckles grimly, then rushes forward, aiming a infernal fist at the woman; :
... then steps forth, shrouded in whisps of brimstone and sulpher -
The imposing infernal scowls at the heavy door; "At present this is both our bulwark and our prison yes? Best we leave it in place until necessary..."
@IC: Any thoughts on expanding the gang - or are we continuing as the Fearsome Four?
Man. That's rough... What happened? Not seeing any posts that could have riled the boards... No worries IC - with us dropping 2 nefarious members perhaps new blood would inject something to the game. Its currently a heist premise so wouldn't be outwith the realms that its attracted the schemes of other meta-crims?
At Lazarus' request for discretion the demon eyes the numerous infernal symbols carved into rooms surfaces by his clawed fingers; "Somewhat late for that dear boy. Let them find me... They will kneel in defeat or perish attempting victory..."
Māmōn looks briefly up from scratching infernal symbols upon the worktop. "My dear Lazarus... I am merely the hellish muscle in this nefarious endeavour. The logic, planning and advice on where the most uncut diamonds reside are surely the forte of your other minions... yes?" The demon eyes the assembled crooks with a jaundiced look; "I'm sure such information would be freely available at such a convention... Mortals fat with self importance and grandeur oft require little cajoling to impart their knowledge..."
At the Princess' suggestion Māmōn smiles and throws his clawed hands up in a mock display of declination; "No please. Let us make a statue of me, and have these weak-willed chattel worship at my feet..." Continuing to flash his needle teeth in a rictous leer, the hulking demon continues; ... It is somewhat ahead of schedule for the glorious End of Days but no matter!" As the others conjugate their plan the infernal brute drags his black talons across the table, scouring its surface; "Whatever turns the greater profit. Whatever makes this endeavour run smoother... I entrust those more versed in heists and the art of thievery to guide our collective hands..."
As the Princesses left field solution Māmōn merely narrows his glowing eyes in frustrated thought; Vacuous. And deluded... He forces a smile; "3 hours is a mere trifling my dear. Alas however this is a gathering of precious stone aficionados, not some fantasy convention. I shall mingle in my mortal flesh if disguising my infernal form is beyond your powers of illusion...
Māmōn brow remains furrowed by he nods with a devilish smile; "Of course dear Lazarus. We cannot allow Crackerjack's sponsor to derail our intentions..." The demon flexes his claws, then focusses on the task at hand; "If the Princess can get me close to those whose minds may be made... malleable to cause, then I'm sure I can convince them to assist us... The trick will be shrouding my infernal form to those weak mortals eyes..."
At the televillian's challenge, Māmōn looks toward Crackerjack, infernal eyes narrowing at the estwhile lunatek; "Minions... Hah... Quite." The demon smiles maliciously then looks to the others; "So who or what is this Sylph? The name is not familiar to my time on this earth... Lazarus have you heard of her? Princess you perhaps have heard tale? Anyone know of this entity?"
Markus moves from the rest of you, shifting to a room by himself. Muttering is heard from beyond the door, then scent of sulfur herald the heavy footsteps as Māmōn re-enters the fold. The towering demon flashes a shark-like smile; "Better. Much better... Our elusive Nevidomyy does raise an interesting point. We do lean heavily on Crackerjack's demented acuity at this juncture. Rest assured we will all have our part to play..."
Okay guilt factor kicked in... plus the realization that I invested a bunch on this character (whose barely flexed his infernal muscles)... I'll try and get my mojo back on the game. Apologies for the speedbump.
Guys I'm pulling out of this one - heart's no longer in it. Thanks for the opportunity IC - good luck all. Cheers BD
Bliadhna Mhath Ùr (Happy New Year) to you all one and all. Have a good 'un when it comes. Here's to health, wealth and happiness for everyone and nefarious times around our virtual table. Slàinte!
Māmōn nods smiling; "A physical visit would be a sound stratagem... Alas my majestic true form before you now is somewhat... conspicuous... in such mundane settings." The demon eyes their host; "Dearest Lazarus. I trust the attire I sent to you awaits me in one of the other rooms..." The infernal giant then moves toward the meeting room's exit...
Ante Chamber: Māmōn lumbers through to where a room where an expensive suit hangs, along with a small brief case. The demon stands before it, looks around cautiously : Then in a harsh whisper utters words long since forgotten by mankind; "Formam quod minus." Upon the final word, Māmōn's form seems to burn and drift away in a flaring of sulphur fumes and flame. Left stands a man... of perhaps Middle Eastern ethnicity. Methodically he dresses and from the case retrieves gold cufflinks and a tie pin bearing This Infernal Symbol Dressed and readied he returns to the group.
Māmōn listens to the others impassively, only when Crackerjack challenges the group does his eyes flash with infernal anger; "My dear Crackerjack. Speak not to me of small mindedness... I do not wish the world's economy on its kneels... It already worships me... covets Mammon. Why on this earth would I wish the fatted calf to be slaughtered?" He taps a claw impatiently, before nodding a horn'ed head at Crackerjack's manic rationale; "However on our Gemstar I do agree with your deranged logic. If we can discern her alter ego, others can too. It would cost us valuable time and effort to pursue such a treasure..." The demon smiles as he mulls the options; "Since she relies on gems for her power sources, perhaps once we are possession of the haul she will be more... compliant... to a beautiful corruption? Until then this heist should remain our focus... Should she meddle in that - we put her down. Quickly."
Māmōn flashes a hard smile at the continued verbal sparring, before wryly adding his own comment; "Most wise Lazarus... Especially with so many hungry wall-street sharks circling a valuable commodity carcass these days... You can never be too careful..." The demon drums his clawed hand impatiently across an elaborate surface as he looks to Crackerjack for what the crazed inventor's digital investigations may have yielded; "Back to the task at hand, and more pointedly the erstwhile protagonist of the piece... Gemstar."
Māmōn slows his stalking, nodding at the value in the group's fledging planning; "Apt words Gentlemen. Hellishly better if we can subvert this Gemstar... For to corrupt that which is pure and ruin its luster is a priceless action indeed." The demon mulls the group's next steps; "Gaining knowledge of the locations and their mundane defense should be simple enough. Greed opens doors quicker than any key. Buy the information from those weak mortals tasked with is custody... Our heroine of the piece however, is a different matter... What do we know of her?"
Māmōn scowls at the immortal, eyes flaring a fiery red; "So Lazarus... You enlist a Prince of Hell into your endeavour to "handle the riff-raff"..?!" The towering demon flexes its claws as it mulls the scenario; "As our friend here just alluded to - we have all the pieces of the puzzle. Our Princess can indeed distract, while I have a perchance for convincing folk of the correct path to follow... be that persuasion be gentle... or not." He smiles again, noting the appearance of Nevidomyy. "Perhaps we should make some introductions since we are to embark on a joint venture. I'm somewhat old fashioned and like to know who I'm breaking bread, and legs with..." The demon bows his horned head slightly, then in his beguiling voice introduces himself formally; "I am Māmōn. Fallen from Heaven. A Demon Prince of Greed. My infernal form is both powerful and persuasive. I value both the subtle threat and the violent action, and excel at either... For I am Māmōn."
The demon smiles as the others commit with relish; Crumbs on the water catch the greedy fish. "While I commend your scale of avarice Lazarus, I too would pose some questions... though perhaps less focussed on the job than our juggler here..." Māmōn nonchalantly stalks past each of the group, then eyes their immortal host; "Our assembled might seems a tad loaded for a stealthy bank job. I have seen Ocean's Eleven... there was no 8ft Demon Prince in it dear boy... So I wonder if there is more to this puzzle than you are revealing?"
: Māmōn's baleful gaze see's through any veil of illusion, and he casts a jaundiced eye toward the ranting Crackerjack; Now we have a raving lunatic to add to the delusional faerle princess, a comedic criminal and the narcissistic immortal. Quite the collection of discrepants! What price for them all I wonder... The towering demon flexes his clawed hands, addresses their host in his soft, beguiling voice; "Lazarus. You bade us all journey here. A man of your aeonian vision clearly has motives... Please share..."
The demon continues to grin like a Cheshire as he answers Bankshot; "Juggling? Japes! Are you sure you are not Lazarus' jester-in-court?"
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