#ignore the missing augmentation/piercing

[arach-tinilith]

Once again, windswept picrew coming in clutch. This is my rogue trader, Judith ^

[paperanddice]

With the Barrowhaunts finished, it's time to explore the next faction within Threats to the Nentir Vale.

Bitterstrike is a powerful white dragon that is constantly building her army of subjects and vassals to hold power over the region. Decades ago she treated the people of the Vale as her meals, uncaring of what they may do to protest, but a powerful warrior finally fought back and severely wounded the dragon in a single strike, gouging out her eye with his pick. She fled, evading the area for three full decades as she waited out the short, pitiful life of the human who dared stand up to her.

In her time away, Bitterstrike did what few white dragons do: she learned more than wanton destruction and short-sighted anger. She unlocked some of her magical bloodline for powerful magic, both that which she could unleash upon others and some to augment herself. She can now impose her will upon others with a powerful geas that freezes their blood, binding them to her will and also leaving them vulnerable to her if they should even think to betray her.

Originally from the 4e Monster Vault: Threats to the Nentir Vale. This post came out a week ago on my Patreon. If you want to get access to all my monster conversions early, as well as a spot on the Paper and Dice Discord server, consider backing me there!

5th Edition

Yet despite her power, Bitterstrike is still a young dragon. Nearly having reached full dragon adulthood, she's barely in the Large size category anymore and within another decade will reach full adulthood. Even then however, she could stand toe-to-toe with many of her elders due to the powerful magical rituals she's cast upon herself, allowing her powerful breath weapon to harm even creatures of pure ice.

Bitterstrike Large dragon, chaotic evil Armor Class 18 (natural armor) Hit Points 157 (15d10 + 75) Speed 40 ft., burrow 20 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft. Str 21 (+5) Dex 10 (+0) Con 20 (+5) Int 10 (+0) Wis 15 (+2) Cha 16 (+3) Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +9, Wis +6, Cha +7 Skills Intimidation +7, Perception +10 Damage Immunities cold Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 20 Languages Common, Draconic Challenge 12 (8400 XP) Action Recovery. If Bitterstrike is charmed, frightened, or stunned at the end of her turn, she can expend all her Legendary Actions to end the effect. Deep Cold. Cold damage dealt by Bitterstrike ignores resistance, and creatures immune to cold damage take half as much damage instead of no damage (as though they had resistance). Ice Walk. Bitterstrike can move across and climb icy surfaces without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn't cost her extra movement. Legendary Resistance (2/Day). If Bitterstrike fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead. Vassals. Any creature that Bitterstrike casts geas on gains immunity to cold damage for as long as the spell remains on it, except for cold damage dealt by Bitterstrike. The creature is instead vulnerable to cold damage dealt by Bitterstrike. Additionally, the creature gains the ability to cast hellish rebuke as a first level spell once per day, dealing cold damage instead of fire damage. The creature's spellcasting ability score for this spell is Charisma. Innate Spellcasting. Bitterstrike's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components: 1/day: hellish rebuke (deals cold damage instead of fire) 1/week: geas (as 7th level spell) Actions Multiattack. Bitterstrike can use her Frightful Presence. She then makes three attacks: one with her bite and two with her claws. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10+5) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) cold damage. Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6+5) slashing damage. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8+5) bludgeoning damage. Frightful Presence. Each creature of Bitterstrike's choice that is within 120 feet of her and aware of her must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to Bitterstrike's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours. Deep Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6). Bitterstrike exhales an icy blast in a 45-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the target takes 49 (11d8) cold damage and is restrained by ice. As an action, a creature within reach can make a DC 15 Strength check, breaking the ice on a success. The ice can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 15; hp 25; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to cold, poison, and psychic damage).

If the saving throw is successful, the target takes half as much cold damage and is not restrained. Legendary Actions Bitterstrike can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Bitterstrike regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn. Detect. Bitterstrike makes a Wisdom (Perception) check. Tail Attack. Bitterstrike makes a tail attack. Rampage (Costs 2 Actions). Bitterstrike can move up to her speed. Each time Bitterstrike moves within 5 feet of a creature for the first time during this movement, she can make a claw attack against that creature.

13th Age

The white dragons have been in decline since the defeat and death of the White. The magical influence an Icon has over its people wanes, causing white dragons to become more simple and bestial compared to other dragons. Bitterstrike thinks she can prevent that, and with the powers she's unlocked she has become greater than any other white dragon in the present age. With her vassals and her personal strength, surely she can rise up to become a new White, joining the council of chromatic dragons once again so that they may become the Four.

As with all dragons, Bitterstrike has the Escalator and Flight special rules. She actually already has the equivalent of two dragon special abilities (7 on the chart, free use of her breath weapon when staggered, and 14, One Unique Thing), but don't let that stop you from rolling one or two more for her, as well as unleashing her Nastier Specials unless the party puts in the work to break her power before confronting her.

Bitterstrike Huge 7th level troop [dragon] Initiative: +11 Vulnerability: Fire Bitter Claw and Bite +11 vs. AC (2 attacks) - 20 damage Natural 16+: Bitterstrike can make a deep cold breath attack as a free action. [Special Trigger] C: Deep Cold Breath +11 vs. PD (each nearby enemy) - 15 cold damage and the target is stuck (save ends) Natural Odd Hit or Miss: Bitterstrike takes 2d8 damage. [Special Trigger] C: Bitter Vengeance +11 vs. PD (the triggering enemy) - 20 cold damage and the target pops free from Bitterstrike Limited Use: 1/battle, as an interrupt action, when Bitterstrike takes damage from a nearby enemy. Bloodied Breath: The first time that Bitterstrike is staggered during a battle, she can use deep cold breath as an interrupt action. Bitterstrike doesn’t take damage from a natural odd roll when using deep cold breath in this way. Bloody Escalation: While staggered, Bitterstrike’s crit range expands by an amount equal to the escalation die. Instinctive Rampage: Bitterstrike gets an extra action each round, taken at the initiative count 10 higher than her action. If Bitterstrike couldn’t take this action because she’s confused or stunned, then that effect ends instead of Bitterstrike taking the action. Resist Cold 18+. AC 23 PD 20 MD 16 HP 300 Nastier Specials Deep Cold: Bitterstrike treats her natural die roll as 5 points higher for the purpose of overcoming damage resistance with her cold attacks. Vassals: All of Bitterstrike’s allies in this battle gain resist cold 14+ if they did not already have better.

[shera-dnd]

I Think I Love You

About a day later than I was planing, but it is finally here

Here is my gift for @taramacgay for the @sherawintergiftexchange

Their prompt was "Glitra - shit I think I like you" and you nerds better be sure I had a lot of fun writing this

This is a bit of a long one so it will be all under de read more link. Hope you guys enjoy this

Maybe it was the fear of death that had Catra’s heart racing, maybe it was the adrenaline that made the world slow down around her, maybe it was a sudden fear of being separated from the one ally she had in this cursed ship that made her grip Glimmer’s hand like this.

Lasers flew around them as they raced towards Mara’s ship; On one end of this corridor was freedom, on the other death, yet all that ran through Catra’s mind was how beautiful Glimmer looked as the fires of the exploding ship illuminated her face.

A hole had been blown open at the end of that corridor. Catra was grateful she wasn’t here when Prime’s ship was still outside Etheria’s atmosphere as she did not feel like taking a stroll in the cold nothingness of space. Beyond that hole, Mara’s ship awaited and on its entry ramp was Adora, her hand extended to catch them both. Catra had never been this happy to see Adora in her life.

They leapt towards the ramp, landing safely in Adora’s arms. It was over, they finally escaped, they were free. Catra hardly had any time to celebrate when she noticed a green beam of light flying towards Glimmer’s back and before she could even process what was happening she jumped in the way, taking the blast straight to the chest and in a moment the world went dark.

~~~

“I’m fine” Catra insisted, trying to get up from her uncomfortably soft bed “I’ve had worse”

“No, you���re not fine” Glimmer argued back, gently pushing Catra back down. It wasn’t nearly enough force to actually stop Catra, but she couldn’t find it in herself to push back against Glimmer, so she simply laid back down again. “Just rest, Catra”

“Whatever, Sparkles” Catra yielded, not wanting to upset the princess so soon after their great escape. “Shouldn’t you be out there with your friends, celebrating your return or whatever?”

“I’m spending time with a friend right now, aren’t I?” Glimmer answered, with a smile that made Catra’s heart race. What was Catra’s problem?

Ever since yesterday she had been feeling all weird around Glimmer. No, now that she thought about it she felt like that for a while, but only recently did it start getting intrusive like this. Now she couldn’t even touch Glimmer without getting distracted by how warm and soft she was and how much she wanted Glimmer to just hold her and- oh, Glimmer asked something she didn’t quite catch.

“What?” Catra asked, returning to reality.

“I asked if you were okay” Glimmer repeated “You didn’t say anything back and I got worried”

“I told you I’m fine,” Catra answered, perhaps a little more aggressively than she would have liked. “I just need some rest”

“Alright” Glimmer agreed, holding Catra’s hand for a moment before letting go - oh Catra did not want her to let go, ever - “I’ll let you get your rest then” Catra wished she didn’t feel this bad watching Glimmer go.

~~~

“This is ridiculous!” Catra protested, as Glimmer and Bow dragged her through the castle.

“Come on, Catra,” Bow insisted “don’t you wanna befriend all the other princesses?”

“Not really” She shrugged “I’m fine with being barely tolerated. I’m used to it by now”

“That may be how it worked in the Horde,” Glimmer argued “but in Bright Moon we all try to be friends”

“Sounds like too much effort” Catra joked “Can I go back to trying to kill you guys?” Glimmer shot her an annoyed glare. “Fine, I’ll do what you want” Catra conceded. It looked like ‘annoyed glares’ also had to be added to the ever growing list of things Glimmer did that got a rise out of Catra.

Catra was dragged into their war room and seated next to Adora. She gave Catra a tired look that seemed to say ‘they got you too?’ All the other princesses on the other hand seemed a lot more interested in what was about to happen. Catra was still unsure what they all gathered here for, but whatever that ‘bonding experience’ was she was pretty sure she was gonna hate it.

And she absolutely did, at first. All the princesses discussing their absolutely over the top and nonsensical ‘plans’ for defeating Horde Prime was extremely frustrating, but about half way through it all clicked. This was about the fantasy, about the perfect world where they could just magic Prime away, where they could all be great heroes in their own way.

Besides all that it was pretty fun to watch all the princesses different takes on her character. Some still saw her as some over the top villain begrudgingly helping them, some saw her as the hero she had the potential to be...and then there was Glimmer. Dresses were never Catra’s thing, but she would definitely consider wearing one if it got a reaction like that out of sparkles.

“Looks like it’s your turn, Catra” Adora said, handing Catra the weird paper screen thing they had been using.

“No no, I’m good just watching” Catra countered, getting ready to leave. She was not gonna take part in this

“Please” Adora asked, making puppy dog eyes.

“That is not gonna work on me, Adora” Catra declared

“Please!” Joined Glimmer and Bow

Catra sighed, grabbed that stupid screen and started narrating.

.

Tall dark buildings stretched in the horizon until they pierced the stormy clouds above, the only light that illuminated the world was the lightning above and the neon from the city bellow. Residing atop the tallest of these buildings was the tyrant that turned the world into this bleak dystopia, Horde Prime.

Sirens blared throughout the top floor of Prime’s spire, red warning lights illuminating every room and corridor as a battalion of clones mobilized, and at the heart of this chaos stood Catra, weaving and slashing through Prime’s defenses.

“Catra, retreat and wait for reinforcements” Bow called on her communicator “You can’t face Prime on your own”

“Please” Catra laughed as her augmented body effortlessly dodged around a hail of bullets “Prime should be the one running now”

“Catra, please-” He tried again

“Tell our friends to pick up the pace” She said, muting Bow “They wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun”

As soon as Catra opened the door to Prime’s office she was sent flying back into the corridor by a massive explosion. Prime had been waiting for her. She ran back towards him, leaping around to avoid the spray gunfire he unleashed upon her. She landed feet first on his chest and pushed him back into the office.

The battle that followed was long and bloody. Catra was fierce, fast, cunning, but Prime was stronger than she could’ve prepared for. Blow after blow he stayed standing and blow after blow Catra struggled to get back up. This was not a fight she could win alone and she had been a fool to believe so.

Prime approached her now that she couldn’t get up anymore, ready to get rid of her for good, but before he could do anything, a blast of colorful light sent him flying against the back wall. Reinforcements had arrived. Glimmer was here.

The princess confidently walked into the room and she was light and warmth and color, she was comfort and kindness and care, but she was fury, she was power and terror. She was beautiful and she was invincible.

.

“Is that how you see me?” Glimmer asked, blushing furiously

“What?” Shit, did Catra say all that outloud? She had to come up with something quick “No, I just thought you needed a little power trip after all that happened. Actually this whole game is just silly, let’s do something else” She hastily explained herself, getting up and dashing out of the room before anyone could stop her.

~~~

“Wildcat, can we talk?” Scorpia called, knocking on Catra’s door

“What do you want, Scorpia?” She asked, opening the door just a little

“It’s just that you’ve been such good friends with the queen lately and then you suddenly start avoiding her and acting weird around her and I just wanted to be sure you were doing okay” Scorpia explained. “Also I baked cookies” She continued, offering a plate of scorpion and cat shaped cookies. “Perfuma taught me!”

“I am not acting weird and I am not avoiding her. I am fine” Catra insisted, grabbing one of the cookies. She absolutely was avoiding Glimmer, but Scorpia didn’t have to know that. Catra took a bite of one of her cat shaped cookies. It was probably the best thing she had since they escaped Prime’s ship “You can stay here, but only until I’m done with the cookies.” Scorpia smiled at her, proud that Catra liked her cookies so much, and made her way into the room.

Catra’s room was modest, or at least as modest as a room in Bright Moon could ever be. She didn’t exactly have much in the way of decoration. In fact she even asked Glimmer to remove some excess, such as the overly soft bed that had now been replaced by a much more solid bunk. The waterfall had been removed as Catra complained that the constant sound was bound to drive her mad. What was left was a lot of open space for her to train and very few places for her and Scorpia to sit. Her bunk would have to do.

“So why were you avoiding the queen again?” Scorpia asked, completely ignoring Catra’s previous comment.

“I told you I’m not avoiding her” Catra repeated, grabbing another cookie.

“You know you can trust me, Catra” Scorpia insisted. “Just talk to me so I can help you through this” Catra groaned in response, flopping back onto the bed.Scorpia smiled at her, accepting this a sign of agreement.

“I’ve just been feeling weird around her, okay?” Catra admitted, grabbing the next cookie. “I kinda just rolled with it when we were stuck together. I mean, we only had each other back then and I couldn’t let something like that get in the way, but ever since we escaped I’ve just been feeling…” Catra trailed off, unsure of how to explain it.

“Anxious? Sweaty? Like your heart is gonna jump out of your throat? Like every second you spend away from her it’s a second you’ve wasted?” Scorpia eagerly offered, earning a suspicious look from Catra.

“How do you know?” Catra asked, wondering if the black garnet somehow made Scorpia a telepath.

“Aww, Catra, you’re in love!” Scorpia beamed

“Seriously? Me? In love with princess sparkles?” Catra couldn’t help but laugh

“I’m serious!” Scorpia defended “You should be more honest with yourself. Let yourself feel that stuff!”

“Alright, sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you,” Catra apologized “but I’m not in love with Glimmer. I promise” She assured her. “Now go spend some time with flower princess, I’m sure she already misses you”

She got Scorpia out of the room before she could continue that uncomfortable line of questioning,. letting out a sigh of relief as soon as her door closed. Love? Scorpia must be out of her mind if she seriously believed Catra was in love with Glimmer.

Catra returned to her bed just to find that she forgot the plate of cookies there and it still had a cookie left. It was one of the cat shaped ones and it was covered in pink and purple sprinkles. That was kinda cute, she thought to herself, did this little cat have a little sparkly princess just like her?

Just like her?

“Shit!”

~~~

The war would not wait for her silly little drama. Prime still lived and while he did Etheria was in danger. Fighting him and protecting the people of their world was priority one, confessing her crush to Glimmer could wait. Catra was definitely not looking forward to that conversation.

The battlefield suited Catra better than the halls of Bright Moon. It was chaotic, it was dangerous, and it was just like her. It was strange that in this mess, where a single misstep could cost her her life, she had more peace of mind than while resting next to the girl she apparently loved. She could think about things from a removed perspective.

She was considering the best moment to bring this up to Glimmer, as she absent mindedly tossed a clone against another with her new whip. It was a gift from Glimmer, a replacement for the one she destroyed. It was obviously just a way to make her more effective in combat again, but part of her dared hope it was a sign of friendship or maybe even- No! A removed perspective, Catra, she thought to herself. You can’t let this distract you.

She shook her head, trying to get herself to focus again. But before she could process what was happening, a bright pink light surrounded her and next thing she knew she landed ass first on the ground. Glimmer landed on top of her, and the sickening smell of charred flesh assaulted her nostrils.

“I guess we’re even now” Glimmer joked through the pain, her voice strained. Catra was in shock, unsure of what to do.

“Glimmer, please stay with me” Catra pleaded, her voice cracking

“Heh” Glimmer chuckled, not completely there anymore “I like how my name sounds when you say it...”

“Glimmer, you idiot” Catra laughed, but tears filled her eyes. She didn’t even see the enemy forces approaching until something else blew them all up.

“I’ll take her to safety” Bow called, taking Glimmer away from her “Cover our way out!”

That she could do. She wiped away her tears, turned to face the approaching clones, and this time all she saw was red.

~~~

“Funny being on the other side of this” Glimmer joked, laying on her bed with Catra by her side.

“Funny? You nearly killed me” Catra complained, earning a giggle from Glimmer

“Last I checked I saved you” She argued, her smile constant even through the pain in her back “What even got you distracted like that?”

“It was nothing,” Catra deflected, looking away “it won’t happen again” It was her fault, if Catra hadn’t been so distracted none of this would happen. If Catra hadn’t opened the portal, if Catra fled with Adora, if Catra just- Glimmer hugged her, it felt warm and soft and Cata wished she could stay like that forever.

“It’s not your fault” Glimmer assured her “You just have a lot on your mind”

Glimmer was wrong, Catra only had one thing on her mind and it was her.

“Hey, I should be the one comforting you right now!” Catra argued, trying to sound confident. She failed.

“This is not my first time almost dying” Glimmer admitted, breaking the hug to look into Catra’s eyes “And I would do it again to save the people I… care for”

“When I pull that kind of shit it’s usually to make things worse for people” Catra confessed. Memories of the portal still haunted her nightmares.

“You’re better than that now” Glimmer reassured Catra, holding her hand “You saved me twice now”

“And I tried to kill you how many times before?” Catra argued. She did not deserve all this kindness.

“It doesn’t matter” Glimmer insisted “That is all in the past”

“Why are you so forgiving?” Catra asked weakly “After all I’ve done...”

“Because I messed it up too” Glimmer admitted “And if I can’t forgive you how can I hope for anyone to forgive me” Suddenly these last few weeks made so much sense to Catra. In a strange way they were each other’s roads to redemption, their path to happiness. Was this why she fell in love with Glimmer?

“Glimmer,” Catra called and the princess perked up, looking up at Catra’s eyes again. Was she looking at her lips before? That thought filled her with some more confidence for what she was about to do “Thank you for forgiving me” No, that was not what she wanted to say.

“Thank you for helping me forgive myself” Glimmer answered, showing a weaker side Catra hadn’t seen since their time in that cell. Glimmer leaned forward to hug her again, but Catra stopped her. She wanted to look her in the eyes when she said this.

“Glimmer, the reason why I’ve been so distracted lately and why I’ve been avoiding you,” Catra stopped to take a deep breath, she could do this “is because I’ve been having...feelings for you,” Catra mentally berated herself, how was she so bad at this? “and I’ve been afraid of those feelings. I’ve been afraid that you’d reject me and that rejection was all I deserved, but you’ve been so good to me and I just-”

“Catra.” Glimmer interrupted. That was it. Glimmer was gonna put an end to Catra’s bullshit, but at least she would have some closure. It was all she could ask for “May I kiss you?” The question caught Catra by surprise.

“What?” She asked, completely confused

“May I kiss you?” Glimmer repeated and only then Catra understood what just happened.

“Yes!” Catra wanted to play it cool, but her stupid heart no longer had any patience for that.

Glimmer leaned close again, their lips finally meeting and for the first time in months Catra finally relaxed, her fears and regrets melting away as she kissed Glimmer back and if she could do this for the rest of her life she would happily do so. When they finally broke apart Glimmer giggled.

“What?” Catra asked, with the brightest smile she had in ages.

“It’s nothing, I just,” She stopped, trying to calm down her laughter “I think I love you”

Catra kissed her again.

“I think I love you too”

[tishigo]

Just adam

!!! Caution graphomania !!! Inadequacy of characters and what is happening !!!! !!!!! Those who know the canon and cannot tolerate bullying over it can go further !!!!

About the dark past of Adam:

The "white spiral" really created Adam as a perfect creature, his parents knew Sharif, even were friends. At that time, Sharif was interested in experimenting with Adam, from which he often visited the Jenson family.

At Christmas in the Jenson family, where friends and acquaintances were invited, special agents came. They shot Adam's entire family, and the child himself was rescued by David. That night, Adam suffered greatly and at his 10 years old had already acquired a whole set of augmentations. David then got off only with his right hand and bride.

Meanwhile, the “White Spiral” creates an even more unique and perfect creation-girl under the number K-2UR.Mi. Fully grown in the laboratory, she is already ahead of her peers in development and has a number of new augmentations.

Due to a strong shock, Adam forgot what happened that day. Since that incident, David became Adam's adoptive father. Sharif did not say for a long time what had happened to his parents, he constantly turned his back on it, saying that his parents had left for work, and all that.

Adam stayed so stupid until he was called to the board at school, he didn’t even respond when he heard this - Sharif Adam, to the board. Then he thought that he was new in the class, but that was not so. On that day, he found out the truth that his parents were dead and Sharif was his guardian. David did not want to tell the truth so that the child’s tormented mind would not suffer.

From that moment, the character of Adam began to slowly change and already in his teens begins to behave inappropriately.

“But what’s unusual in this, adolescents are not adequate anyway, that’s normal,” you say. Yes it is, but the things that happened to him in childhood even then influenced him. Even then, people did not accept augs, and from the very beginning he had enemies. Only David supported him, though he was too caring with him - this affected Adam, so that he became too gobbling and jealous.

At fifteen, Adam met a girl and not anyhow with anyone, namely, K-2. At that time she was 11 years old, but with her mind she was already ahead of Adam. It is difficult to call their first meeting pleasant, it was more like hitting from the K-2 side, but their life had pushed them together more than once. At 17, Adam began working for his father in the security service, K-2 already then worked for Sharif and carried out simple tasks. A common place of work had a good influence on their relationship and they became friends. By the way, K-2 had no friends until this moment.

So she became a frequent guest at Sharif's house. Instead of the serial number, they gave her the name Katie or just Kay. Relations with Adam turned into something strange, like everyone loves each other, but they do not know about this. But David had long guessed. He suggested that Adam confess and start dating Katie, but Adam was too stubborn and angry when Sharif said what to do and how. Therefore, he sent David to hell. Kay often saw Adam quarreling with his father for any reason, she did not understand why he was so ungrateful, because she never had a family.The quarrels became a constant occurrence in their house and at the age of 20 Adam moved away from his father, Sharif offered him a normal apartment and that will help, but the stubbornness of his son was great, he chose the most miserable apartment-kennel. In it, he became that ghoul who smokes and drinks and from time to time drags his old girlfriend Megan.

Jealousy and not the ability to accept the past ate Adam from the inside. Katie was promoted quickly and unconstrainedly, but when Adam himself barely made his first assignment, it annoyed him, one might say he began to envy her. He was enraged by the fact that all Sharif's attention turned completely to her. The cherry on the cake was the news that his father was going to

marry a certain Clara, he did not know her, but already hated her. David nevertheless invited his son to the ceremony, he came to an end, drunk in a doublet, tried to ruin everything, but Katie took him away, there they talked. Adam told everything that he thinks about him that he loves and hates. She was meek said she did not want to see him anymore. This was their last conversation.

For two years, Adam got all the information about himself, found out what happened then at Christmas, why, due to strange circumstances, he and David were not killed. The truth turned out to be too simple, but terribly frightening - this was arranged by David and the organization behind which he stands. He also learned that he sponsored the White Spiral.

This did not give Adam peace; he wanted to get rid of everything “Sharifovsky” in every possible way and slowly replaced all the augmentations with Chinese fakes. Then this obsession appeared to get rid of everything that is connected with his father. Megan who worked for Sharif was the first victim (killed her in a burst of "love" - ​​strangled).

One day he decided to bring the whole family together, so to speak, for a long time he had not seen each other. This alerted David and therefore he invited Katie (she was not just a friend, but also a bodyguard, if I may say so). Adam behaved suspiciously calm, everything was almost an idyll, but not for long. First, Adam began to ask questions about the White Spiral, then he openly began to tell David that he had destroyed his whole life. He grabbed his father by the throat, began to choke, but Kay quickly reacted, saved David's life. The fight between them began. Katie got into a rage and almost pierced Adam with a blade, but Sharif became between them, he was pierced through, but fabulous luck did not hurt anything vital. The incident to some extent reassured Adam, but Kay was furious and tore off his asshole hands. On that day, Adam was raked in a fool, Sharif was rescued, and Katy first felt the fear of losing a loved one.

Adam spent five years in a mental hospital, Sharif came to him every month, he told everything that was happening in the world. For all the time Adam never spoke to him, completely ignored him. One day, Sharif came not alone, but with Katie's arm. Adam only had a look to understand why they had come. He did not blink an eye when he heard of their imminent wedding. That was the last straw.

He escaped from the asylum in his sixth year. He was not going to attack immediately, first he would collect more powerful augmentations for himself and wait for the right moment.

And his plan was almost fulfilled, he found them at the Panhea, but everything that happened there remained in the waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Davit and Katie were hit hard, but survived, and Adam was reported missing ...

[corey-067]

Happy/light-hearted prompts: “That’s a good look for you.“ 

Well, this didn’t turn out quite as light as I’d intended it, but hopefully somewhat. Third time’s the charm, right? Part two is here.

Spartan-IIs didn’t tend to get shore leave. Outside of their armor, weapons, uniform, and PT gear, the clothing, and other possessions that Corey-067 owned could fit into a single footlocker. He was ready to move at a moment’s notice, and now he found himself with a moment to breath, a moment, for the first time in his life, where he didn’t have a war to fight.

It felt strange to him, checking himself in a mirror as he adjusted the collar of his brown leather jacket, having otherwise dressed in a t-shirt and navy blue combat trousers, with his sidearm concealed in one of the thigh pockets. It never hurt to be prepared. During the Battle for Earth, the Spartan had deployed with a group of ODSTs, and he’d taken them, against orders, to defend a Misriah facility in New Mombasa. They lost three Marines in the fight, but the civilians made it out in time, and with Corey’s AI, Astrid, taking on the central computer’s data, they were able to purge it before anything fell into enemy hands. Before they’d parted ways, they agreed to meet up for drinks when the war was over, with a heavily unspoken ‘if we make it that far’ hanging in the air.

As he always did before he left his quarters, Corey splashed icy cold water over his face. Sweeping his fingers back through his hair, they lingered at the stubble on the sides, tracing the two-pronged scar he’d received at the hands of a Zealot during the war. The Spartan had slammed a civilian out of the way, breaking her arm and several ribs, barely managing to snap his head to the side before the tip of the weapon pierced his faceplate, hardlight searing down the side of his face. Whenever he felt his typically singular confidence falter, he would practice with that weapon, if only to remind himself that one of the Covenant’s best swordsmen hadn’t been able to take him down.

Within minutes, he’d made his way down the street, ignoring the glances, both friendly and otherwise from the civilians and soldiers he passed. Ducking his head as he entered the only bar in the vicinity of Bravo-6 that remained standing, his imposing frame drew looks from the customers, both directed at him, and the bartender.

“Scotch, please. Something smoky.” He waved his hand at the suggestion of ice, wanting to experience the unadulterated flavor of the amber concoction in his glass. Before it touched his lips, however, a distinctive Sydney accent sounded behind him.

“You’re one of those Spartans, aren’t you?” Corey couldn’t tell intent from his tone, so he turned slowly, surprised to see an older man with his hand outstretched to shake. “Like the Chief, right?”

The Spartan closed his bright blue eyes for a long moment, and when they opened, they were glassy with tears that he wouldn’t cry. Not here. His lips curved into a gentle smile as he grasped the man’s hand, careful to control his augmented strength. “Yes, sir. I’m Corey-Zero-Six-Seven. The Chief’s my brother.” It wasn’t meant in the literal sense, but the Spartan-IIs were family.

“Well then, you’re good in my book, mate.” He shook Corey’s hand with remarkable vigor, leaning around him to glance at the bartender. “He drinks on us tonight - his mates too. They’ve certainly bloody earned it.”

Corey didn’t know what to say; outside of his own people, this man had shown him more respect, more gratitude than almost anyone ever had without him directly intervening to stop them from dying. “Thank you.” It was all he could think of, but it didn’t give any description of the gravity of the situation held for him.

“Get in here, Spartan!” the call came from the doorway of a private room, off to the side of the bar. The bartender pushed the bottle towards him and waved away the offer of payment.

“You’ve got some catching up to do,” the bartender grinned. “Have fun, Spartan.” Seeing what he was bringing to their gathering, the ODST let out a whoop. “Knew there was a reason we invited you! He’s bringing the top shelf!” He laughed at the camaraderie he experienced, offering a pat on the back for the playful thump on the shoulder he received. They toasted and drank, over and over, to those they’d fought with, those they’d lost, and time and again to John. Corey had been to the monument, had even met the Arbiter after he was done talking with Lord Hood, and he still maintained that his brother wasn’t dead. But he toasted and celebrated every moment of it, even those which he couldn’t, or wouldn’t discuss aloud even with these friends.

“You’d all make pretty good Spartans,” he told them, not half as drunk as they were. His metabolism seemed to process the booze rather fast, far too quickly in his opinion. “But straight up, Jen has you beat.” They laughed, more or less accepting his word on it. They’d served together, and each of them had proven themselves. But the Sergeant had saved his life, in an entirely reckless display that reminded him of the brothers and sisters he missed so much. Recklessness that wasn’t displayed here, he noticed. She was taking it slow on the drink, far slower than the rest of her squad.

His second bottle of scotch was on its last legs when  Jen swung her legs over the side of his chair. “That, right there.” She grinned at him, cocking her head to one side, gesturing at his civvies. “That’s a good look for you, scars an’ all.” She offered one of her squad an obscene gesture at their comments, before laughing along with them.

“Honestly, I feel naked.” He shook his head.

As he opened his mouth to continue, she smirked at him, something different about this smile, stirring something within him that he couldn’t quite explain. “That,” she chuckled so that only he could hear, “would also be a good look for you.”

[jelanisaeed]

Fight Scene - Bakari

“Duck!”

The voice of his archers resounded in a pleasant echo. Grateful didn’t begin to explain the rush of happiness as he rolled away from a gush of acid. Green like the sickly skin staining the bodies of these mutant frog demons. They locked their unfocused gaze on him as their long tongues swiped their warty lips.

Bakari frowned. With a quick enchantment, he became a puppeteer to dozens of scattered arrowheads across the bloodstained field. And felled his assailant with a rush of only two.

Naturally, he smirked. Weaving through the battlefield wasn’t hard now. Gained more arrowheads to orbit him with quickly spoken enchantments. The best lesson Bavual taught him after those months. With a flick of his wrists, demons melted away into puddles of sticky green goo. Even the best of them—a blotted scorpion with a thin needle stinger—succumbed to his might.

Ironic, though Bakari didn’t waste time contemplating the ways of the universe. All that matter was the safety of his team. Thankfully, his efforts saved quite a few from sneak attacks. Of course, conjuring the occasional shield didn’t hurt either.

Saves us a laundry bill, he whistled as green goo slid down his glimmering shield of cobalt mana.

Larger demons always gave the worst goo-baths. This one with the mangled features of a wolf and spider fused in an unholy union. Personally, Bakari saw its death a favor. No way living wasn’t difficult for it. And his job as a Dajide Murengo dictated he bring peace to nature. Though he wished for another way.

“Archers!” He barked, backflipping away from a heavy swing from a mutated bear. “Aziza’s Tears!”

Arrows rained down from above and killed many off the smaller demons in their way. The bear hung on, riddled with arrows as purple blood leaked and matted its fur to its back. It moaned, falling to its knees as fresh tears twinkled down its face. Bakari frowned. Perhaps had the cards been different, they’d live in peace. Not forced into a war didn’t ask for.

A war Bakari never wanted.

“I’m sorry,” Bakari whispered and rocketed another arrowhead…right through the head. “I pray the kiinbies grant ya new life.”

A hunter’s prayer he learned from Big Mama. Suppose to cleanse the arrow and lead the spirit to the afterlife.

They could all use a spiritual cleanse after this. Bakari surveyed the area with a frown. The bodies of the fallen weren’t far from here devoid of their precious mana. Soul-stones harvested if those gaping holes meant anything. Mourning now wouldn’t change their fates. He only wished the kiinbies were kind to their aggressors.

“Stay strong,” he proclaimed, oozing pulses of positivity through his empathy. The effects were instantaneous as brilliant energy enveloped them in body mending hugs. “We finna survive.”

Bakari knew survival well and refused to miss this date. Hopefully, they didn’t mind the extra company.

Though they might have to postpone. A chill ran up his spine as a heavy shadow weighed on him. Hot breath slapped at his neck and he shuddered.

Bakari leapt back and ignited fistfuls of cobalt magic against his heads. His remaining arrowheads floated above as he glared at the enemy. A demon far larger than any before towered over them. Decked out in intricate, ceremonial armor and thick spinal spikes. An awful pair for those rotten teeth it flashed through the afternoon light. Or the green salvia stained across its dry, purple lips.

“Figures,” Bakari scoffed and summoned with bow. Gently, he drew back the bowstring. Magic howled through the weapon, calling forth a notched arrow of pure magic. “Back off—Fell Sniper!” The arrow flew with his remaining arrowhead following close behind.

Only to be swatted aside by the demon’s heavy, spike-ridden club.

“I’m starin’ to hate y’all,” Bakari deadpanned.

The demon only roared before rushing in. It swung its heavy club, but Bakari ducked. Reeling back a magic coated fit, he howled before slamming a punch into its chest. It’s armor cracked as its skid back, winded as its club flew from its grip. But Bakari wasn’t finished. Howling dogs filled his ears and a stream of cobalt magic erupted from his hands and smashed into the demon! Carried it off far as it cried out in pain.

“Block that,” he snarled, landing a solid kick through the skull of a creeping frog.

Despite his wishes, however, he knew it wouldn’t stay down for long. Demons that strong never did. They went for rounds and some claimed they didn’t feel pain.

Bakari chased after it, notching another magic arrow. His soldiers tried to follow, but he scolded them. They were there to hold the line.

The crash site wasn’t far from him. Calm except for the shifting rocks pilled on top of each other. From the demon, he assumed. Frowning, Bakari circled it tensed. It had to be alive; Bakari felt the beat of mana drumming at his senses. So why—

Grrrnghhhnnnnnn!!!!

The boulders exploded in a thick purple haze, sending harsh tremors through the earth. Bakari shielded himself from the biting winds. Closed his eyes for a second too long. When he opened them, the demon stood before him. With a hideous grin, it swung at him.

Thank Lord Mavu his shield materialized when it did. Half-baked; however, it covered only his front and his back his back exposed to crash into the rockface. “Gah,” he cried out. But managed to roll away just in time, narrowing avoiding being smashed beneath the demon’s feet.

Grrrnghhhnnnnnn!!!!

Not face enough to avoid the meaty head before it seized his face and yanked him up. Weightless was a strange feeling Bakari never liked much. Nor the wind whipping his body as the demon swung him around.

Then came the pain.

The sharp, burning pain like massive glass shards piercing his skin. He screamed, but the hand muffled him. Already he felt his magic go to work as howling dogs filled his mind. Just need a minute to lick his wounds like only the best bloodhounds—

The pain flared up once more, stalling his magic. He didn’t even notice the weightlessness this time. Only the pain. Harder this time as the demon applied pressure.

Harder—the grinding rocks echoed in his ears. Whispering pitied apologies as they bared witness.

Harder—he waved them off, preferring nothing more than driving an arrow through the demon’s—

Harder! The wind snatched from his throat. His magic went into overdrive. Barking orders as it dulled the pain and healed the wounds. But it wasn’t fast enough.

Harder!

Harder!

His throat burned. Raspy and sore from each barely concealed scream as the demon.

Harder!

Harder!

Bakari braced himself for more, but it never came. Fatigue, perhaps? Heavy breathing bounced through his ears, but Bakari didn’t know where it came from. Not that he had much breathe left. His burning eyes made seeing impossible, but mind knew this well. Sightless and degraded much like all those moons ago. When he was only a child struggling to survive with his family. A child who saw too much. Years ago, he pledged to never be helpless again. To find the strength to overcome any obstacles. Yet the object of his fears had him trapped just like all those moons ago.

No, he willed his trembling arms up and grabbed the cold metal of the demon’s gauntlet. I ain’t, he breathed, fortifying his bones and augmenting his muscles with magic. The bloodhounds howled through his ears. And he squeezed. I ain’t gonna die here!

Tighter—the metal groaned under his grip.

Tighter—creaking echoed and Bakari pumped more magic through his body.

Tighter! The metal caved in and the demon screeched. Something thick and warm dribbled down his arm.

“I ain’t gon die,” Bakari pushed the hand up, ignoring the screaming in his tired muscles. Slowly, it lifted. And he rose to his feet, holding his hand overhead with a bloody grin. “Or lose!”

His massive wings bloomed and unfurled from his back, glittering. Bakari took to the skies, dragging the demon with him as his beautiful butterfly wings gave heavy flaps. Higher he flew until the world became an anthill to him and spun. Howling, he threw the demon down with all the strength left in his arms.

He wasn’t done, however. He opened his arms for an empty embrace. The bloodhounds howled once more, releasing pounding magic through his veins until it oozed through his dark skin. His arms flowed through practiced patterns. Drawing in the mana from the world around him before resting above his head, hands clasped.

And countless arrows materialized above. Cobalt like his eyes and pointed down at the plummeting demon.

“Hunter’s Tears!”

The arrows shot after demon and soon an eruption echoed through the air.

Bakari flew down and found the demon in a crater. Deceased with arrows riddled through its chest and single one plunged through its forehead. He frowned. Perhaps things could have been different. Maybe it deserved a ending better than its slow dissolve. For now, however, he chose not to worry.

Right now, his friends fought for their lives across this horrid field of decay. And he refused to leave him unaided.

Bakari unzipped his pouch and out came a flock of magic seals. “Great hunter of the Black Moon—Mlinzi,” upon his words, the seals ignited in a burst of magic. “I beseech thee, bestow upon me thy grace!” The seals flocked to their positions, draining their magic into the earth. As for Bakari, he sank to his knees and clasped his hands in prayer. “Bless this land with thy breath!” The howls reached a crescendo as he slammed his palms into the ground.

“Hollowed Hut!”

His magic surged through the earth and rose in wispy streamers of light. Knotting togethers as the howls came down from their height. Yet the magic only went higher. It’s chosen form bathed him in a comforting light and made the sweat pouring down his skin worth it. Even licked away his wounds as it gave its own howl to the heaven.

The deep, soul-rattling howl befitting only the strongest of bloodhounds.

And the strongest it was. The massive hound tossed a glowing bone into the sky, howling as it shattered and raining glimmering rays of light across land.

“Be safe,” his wings retracted deep within his soul-stone. Exhausted, Bakari collapsed as rushing feet echoed around him.

The darkness returned. But this time, he welcomed its embrace.

[mapsmonstersamazing]

INTRODUCING: The Overseer

Documented below is the first draft of my homebrew class for 5e D&D, the Overseer. I wanted to make a class that used abilities I didn’t see in conjunction very much, and a constitution- and intelligence-based class seemed like an interesting idea. The Overseer is a paragon of endurance, inspiring their allies to great feats with their sheer spirit.

I ended up using two different mechanics for this class: exhaustion, and movement points. Exhaustion is an interesting mechanic in D&D, in that it’s very powerful but oft-underused; if you’re really keeping track of travelling and perhaps your party isn’t taking too much care of their inventory, it’s gonna come up a few times. Or if you’re playing a barbarian, the berserker path gives you the exhaustion penalty as a condition after using your frenzy. I wanted to explore that a little more fully; the Overseer makes full use of the exhaustion rules, and a lot of their abilities are based around exhausting themselves to benefit other party members.

The movement points are more like Ki Points for a monk (and a lot of the level progression is based off of the monk class), in that they allow the Overseer to perform feats available only to them. They are a support class in a manner of speaking, bolstering their allies and allowing them to deal extra damage or give extra conditions to their foes.

Abilities

Grid-map Mind: You have an innate sense of tactics and logistics. You can attack using your intelligence bonus rather than your strength or dexterity. Once per short rest you can attack with advantage – if you do, you can use your attack to force an enemy back five feet and give their next attack disadvantage, rather than deal damage.

Rally the Troops: You rouse your allies into action when they are exhausted! Heal up to two friendly targets within 20ft of 1d6 damage, and they regain abilities and spell slots as though they had just taken a short rest. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your level between long rests. The healing increases to 1d8 at level 5, 1d10 at level 8, 2d8 at level 12 and 2d10 at level 16.

Movement Points: At 2nd level you gain movement points. Your overseer level determines how many movement points you have. You can spend movement points to give extra actions to other characters. Once you have used them, you must complete a short rest to regain movement points equivalent to half your level, or a long rest to recover all of your movement points. Each action has its own specific cost:

Extra move: Spend one point to give an ally one extra movement on their turn, allowing them to move their full speed twice in one turn.

Extra attack: Spend three points to give one ally an extra attack on their next turn.

Superior Defence: At 2nd level you become sturdier and more hardy. Your AC is 10 + your DEX bonus + your CON bonus.

Overseer Specialists: At 3rd level, Overseers branch from their general path into a specialist path, choosing from: Field Medic, Drillmaster, or Logician. Each specialist gains abilities at 3rd, 6th, 11th and 17th level.

Push Your Troops: At 3rd level, you can take a point of exhaustion to perform any of your Overseer abilities as a bonus action.

Pure Stoicism: Beginning at 5th level, you effortlessly shrug off the effects of fatigue. You can exhaust yourself once at no cost. You can spend a short rest to remove one point of exhaustion, rather than a long rest, and you can spend a standard action to remove a point of exhaustion for ten minutes, at the cost of taking an extra point of exhaustion at the end of the encounter.

Painlessness: At 7th level you gain the ability to shrug off the lightest blows. When hit with a physical attack, you can spend your reaction to ignore piercing, slashing and bludgeoning damage up to your level+ your CON bonus. At 15th level, you gain the ability to shrug off damage from magical attacks too.

Fight Through the Pain: At 10th level you become immune to poison and disease.

Lighten your Burdens: At 13th level, you may spend two movement points to heal yourself by rolling 1HD as a standard action.

Centred Mind: At 15th level you no longer feel the effects of exhaustion. It’s worth noting that you still die when you reach 7 exhaustion points, but you no longer take penalties as a result of your state of exhaustion.

Rapid Recovery: At 20th level, you lose all exhaustion points with a short rest.

Overseer Specializations

Field Medic Specialist: You focus your energies on learning how to heal and give aid in the midst of the action. Field Medics are overseers who choose to heal the pain of their allies, bringing them back into the fray when they are beaten down and exhausted. The Field Medics use their sharp minds and cunning words to push those who follow them past the point of exhaustion, so that they may rest long and well and live to fight another day.

Advanced Medical Training: You now add your intelligence bonus to your healing with “Rally the Troops”. If you spend a movement point, you may add your proficiency bonus too.

Emergency health: At 6th level, you gain the ability to cast Cure Wounds at second level as a standard action, at a cost of 2 movement points. You can also gain a point of exhaustion to cast it at fourth level.

Soothing Salves: at 11th level you can use a short rest to remove up to two exhaustion points from the party, either from the same person or from two different people.

Adrenaline Burn: At 17th level, you can spend 3 movement points as a bonus action to create a 20ft aura of adrenaline, giving everyone within an extra attack and healing them HP equal to your INT bonus + your CON bonus every turn they stay in the aura.

Drillmaster Specialist: You make the most of your strong will and stalwart vitality. When leaping into the fray you burn through your energy to show others how it’s really done, inspiring them to greater action! Drillmasters force themselves and their team through pain, exhaustion and even serious injury to win the day and come out on top, against all odds.

Grim March: When you take this specialisation, you and your allies no longer experience exhaustion until after 10 hours of journeying in one day. In addition, they get an extra day without food before exhaustion sets in, and only take one point of exhaustion per day when parched. You also gain the ability to spend movement points to augment the whole party, yourself included:

- Furious dash: spend two movement points; you and the rest of your party gain the ability to dash as a bonus action next turn.

- Fatal Roar: Spend one movement point; you and the rest of your party deal an extra d4 on their next attack. This increases to d6 at level 7, d8 at level 12, and d10 at level 16.

- Into the Fray: Spend one movement point; if combat has not started, gain advantage on initiative rolls. Every party member also has their speed increased by 10 feet for their next turn. This increases to 20ft at level 7, 30ft at level 12 and 40ft at level 16

- Berserker Cleave: Spend three movement points; if an ally is making a melee attack against one enemy, they may take a five foot step and attack another enemy nearby.

Rush of Blood: At 6th level, for every point of exhaustion you suffer, the rest of the party gain temporary hit points equal to your CON bonus + your proficiency modifier.

Muscle Burn: At 11th level, you may take a point of exhaustion to take first position in the initiative for one round. If you spend three movement points in addition, you may instead choose an ally to move into first position for one round.

Battlefield Watcher: At level 17, you can protect your team with quick warnings. When an ally within 20ft is hit with an attack, you can use your reaction to spend a movement point and give them resistance to the damage.

Logician Specialist: Whilst other overseers are focused on tactics or healing, you prefer to head into the thick of it, pinpointing the weaknesses in your enemy and driving them back. Logicians use their intelligence to figure out tactical advantages they can take, exploiting gaps in the enemy defence or forcing them into rookie mistakes. They are cold, calculating warriors, with a knack for putting their allies exactly where they need to be.

Vengeful Guidance: At 3rd level, you gain the ability to more precisely aim your allies’ strikes. You can spend your movement points to augment their attacks. You can spend one movement point per bonus circumstance, as chosen from below:

- Precision strike: Your knowledge of the enemy guides your ally’s hand. They add your INT bonus to their attack and damage rolls.

- Staggering blow: the target creature must make a DEX save (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your INT bonus) or be knocked prone.

- Taunting strike: the attacker deals damage without adding their ability modifier and in exchange, the target has disadvantage on all attacks against anyone else next round.

- Fearsome blow: on successful hit, the foes must make a WIS saving throw against the attacker’s intimidation. If they fail, they take disadvantage when attempting to hit the attacker.

- Cunning feint: The attacker makes a bluff check against the target’s AC. If successful, they deal full damage and add the overseer’s CON bonus to the damage.

Pinpoint step: At 6th level you may gain a point of exhaustion to quickly analyse enemy attack patterns. Enemies take disadvantage when attacking you this turn, and you gain advantage on saves to avoid area-of-effect damage. If a spell would deal half damage on miss, it instead deals you no damage at all. In addition, you can spend a movement point to give disadvantage to attacks targeting one ally until the start of your next turn.

Hawk Watcher: At 11th level, you may choose to spend your turn in combat watching an enemy and learning its attack patterns. Next round, you and your party gain advantage on attacks against that enemy type. E.g. if you watch an orc archer during your turn, the party gains advantage on attacks against orc archers.

Instinct Flow: At 17th level, you and your allies are perfectly in-tune. Friendly creatures within 20ft of the Logician gain advantage on attacks and saving throws, and the Logician can use their reaction to spend movement points and give disadvantage to enemies who are in combat with friendly creatures. If they spend two movement points, enemies attacking friendly creatures within 20ft of the Logician take disadvantage.

-

So that’s the Overseer. Let me know if you feel like it’s balanced, what you’d change, how you think it works with other classes. I’m interested to hear your thoughts!

[glassheartcd]

🗡️//all the ladies, pls tell me about their weapons

Ways of War|| Accepting! @dxspereaux

Under a read more because holy FUCK this got long.

Takane, like her brother Ren primarily fights with her fists. When she’s using her powers though, she tends to have her claws out, which coupled with her speed and unpredictability, makes her a bit of a whirlwind against the lower level demons. She can also use the blood she draws from them as weapons, using them to make spears to throw at other ones.

Though her ideal weapon is a scythe, that belonged to her mother at one point before she and Ren defeated her. The weapon has since reshaped itself to reflect her soul in a sense, it can also create blasts of demonic energy. She barely uses that function though, and she can use her scythe in order to propel herself and get around faster on the battlefield.

Then there’s Sayomi. Now, her fists are her go to weapon in most close up fights. Given she’s a werewolf, it’s safe to say that against a human opponent, she’s capable of tossing people around like ragdolls. She packs a hell of a punch, and like her parents, has a fighting style revolving around moving in quick succession. If she’s partially wolfed out, her claws are capable of tearing through flesh, in addition to that her teeth are incredibly sharp, and she’s easily able to rip out someone’s throat with her teeth.

Now for her choice in fire arms, she carries around a Ruger Super Blackhawk, which is chambered for .44 rounds. Though she’s also had her’s customized with night sights and has a wooden grip. The woman loves her classics. Now to most people, a .44 has a lot of kick, seeing as she’s not human though, the recoil isn’t hard for her to control.

In addition to that, she carries around a trench knife. She’s pretty damn effective with it too, considering her normal punches can break bones and dent steel, she can use a knife similar to a sword and cut limbs with ease. The blade’s reinforced to hold up to her strength as well, so she doesn’t end up shattering it and constantly buy new blades.

Luka’s preferred loadout is either a sniper rifle, or submachine gun backed up with her personal sidearm. Her sniper rifle loaded with anti-armor rounds, and customized with a built in silencer and a scope that can switch magnifications. Though she also has canted iron sights just in case she needs to use it on the move. That being said, she has another long range weapon, that’s only used in situations where she’s facing heavy armor. It’s a railgun and since she’s far away, it gives her ample time to charge it. The weapon fires a single shell that’s capable of piercing through multiple targets when fully charged. It can be fired partially charged, but it severely hampers the damage of the round. If hits the ground though, it does have a small explosive radius.

Her submachine gun can be compared to a modern day P90, with a large magazine and high rate of fire. However, the ammunition for it an energy cartridge that recharges over time. It’s not the most damaging weapon, but the rounds will tear through shielding systems and robotic units with ease. It can kill human opponents just fine as well. She can also switch out the standard energy cartridge with stun rounds that allow her to take a target down to interrogate or capture them.

Her sidearm on the other hand is a mix of a modern day Sig Sauer P226 and Beretta M93R, She has it customized with a laser sight and a folding buttstock to allow her better control over it while using the burst fire. It can accept a variety of rounds, including energy cartridges which don’t give recoil. Armor piercing rounds, stun rounds and incendiary rounds, which can only be fired in single shots, so as not to overheat the weapon.

On the other hand, her exosuit is also capable of enhancing her strength and speed. She has hers customized with a cloaking system which allows her to sneak by enemies easier. That being said, she can’t sprint under the cloak or else it’ll drain faster. It comes with a wrist mounted terminal which works with Holiday in order to use her suits abilities and interact with technology easier.

In situations where she’s moving through an urban environment, she trades her cloak for a grapple attachment, which allows her to stay on the move, and with the help of jumpjets in the suit allows her to use a blast to provide her a boost. In capture missions, she outfits her suit with a stun function, where she can send a charge of electricity to her gloves to stun a target. Due to the augments the suit gives her, she is more than capable of ripping a door off the hinges or tossing heavy objects.

There’s also a power armor she has, which is configured for ease of movement as well as helping her with her sniper role. Though this means it’s less armored, that being said, she has a stronger shield so that she can survive longer. The armor enhances her strength to super human levels and allows her to survive things that would kill a normal human. Such as being punched by a Vanguard. Her power armor had to undergo extensive repairs and she was benched for months to recover, but it can stand up to quite a lot. It’s also air sealed, so it helps her survive in hostile environments.

Jensen’s first weapon would be her sword, Lion’s Roar. The main form is a longsword that she can use one handed for quicker attacks, or when she’s feeling more methodical, a two handed style that allows better defense and slower attacks. She’s a master with the blade as it’s similar to what she used during her time as a knightess. Jensen can also ignite the blade with the help of her pyrokinesis. It’s an intricately designed blade that suits her needs and style.

What makes the blade special however is it’s ability to lengthen and switch to the form of a scythe. Jensen has rarely used such things against human opponents, but since her pupil Yoshika  has introduced her to hunting, she’s started to use it more often. What makes this more dangerous than the sword form is that her attack reach is doubled, and she can use her pyrokinesis to form a makeshift barrier by swinging it around her body. Her most dangerous attack with it however is a supercharged blast of flame which annihilates anything in its path. Using it however will exhaust her, so she only uses it when she’s partnered with Yoshika so that she knows she has someone to back her up in case she misses or there are more enemies in the battle.

Her secondary weapon is a greatsword, named Little Wolf in honor of her son Liam, seeing as it was originally his sword. The weapon is made to ignore the defenses of most enemies, and Jensen’s fighting style becomes much slower as a result of the weight of the blade. This weapon can’t be infused with her pyrokinesis, but she can use the weight of the blade to aid her with melee attacks. It’s also used in combination attacks with Yoshika, who can toss her at an opponent and she uses the speed to aid her hitting a target. She can easily cleave through most things due to the sheer weight of the blade making her spin faster. The secondary function allows her to shift the blade into a shield, which she can use in conjunction with her longsword. She can bash an opponent with it to stun them or push them away. The steel of the shield is the same as her blade, so nothing’s going to destroy it any time soon.

To store the weapon when they’re not in use, she has a seal in the shape of a lion’s head to store her longsword on the back of her left hand, while the on her back, she has a seal in the shape of a half-moon crest, with a howling wolf taking up the other half of the seal.

Recently she’s learned how to use her forging powers to create new weapons. So she can create weapons for temporary or permanent use, as well as protective items. That being said, these temporary weapons are nowhere near as strong, and break quite easily.

Alyth likes to use axes, in fact, she has a custom designed axe that incorporates the use of dragon fire. There’s a function for it that lets her store vials of it that are kept in the blade, once she uses one, the fuel ignites, letting her use dragon flame to help her fight enemies.

There’s also her mechanical arm, which has a function of letting her fire her hand out as a grapple, to pull herself to an enemy or drag them to her. She also has a miniature crossbow installed into it as well. Though she prefers using the good old punch technique as well.

Ever since Rio fused herself with the demon, she lost the use of her original magic, an act that nearly killed her, but once she overcame it, she gained new abilities in the form of her ice magic. It’s an incredibly versatile magic, considering that she can form multiple weapons, use it as movement enhancement or even defensively.

She also maintained her psychokinetic abilities, so she can still lift people with her mind and create psychic projections that can duplicate her actions. If she overuses that though, she does run the risk of knocking herself unconscious due to the strain on her body.

Vanessa’s preferred weapon is actually a custom made lever action rifle. She and her father actually found an old Winchester Model 94 and completely bought it to more modern standards. Her’s is chambered for .45 rounds, so it packs a punch, only problem is that it’s a lever action rifle, so it’s not overly practical in most combat situations.

Which is why she carries a Browning Hi-Power, which she has customized with night sights and a match trigger, enabling her to fire much faster than a normal handgun. When that fails, she’s got her body, namely her two primary fighting styles of Judo and Taekwondo. She packs a good punch and her speed helps her stay ahead.

Minerva on the other hand, being a dragon has her natural abilities in breathing fire, as well as being able to breathe pure draconic energy. Not only this but she can assume her true form and gains a massive boost in speed and power. Her claws and teeth are capable of shredding through nearly anything, and she flies fast enough to break the sound barrier.

Her body can be wreathed with draconic energy, which can offer protection as well as serve as a way for her to completely rip through something by flying through it. In addition to that, she can flip her wings backwards and project the same energy in missile like projectiles, long story short, she’s the most powerful muse on the blog, there is a reason why she was worshiped as a goddess.

[badsithnocookie]

my own contribution i guess to quinn hell 2k17

cw: involuntary psychiatric care, implied self harm/suicidal behaviour

slightly canon divergent but watcha gonna do

the Red Lady i believe is an @inquisitorhotpants creation.

Never believe anything until you've seen the body.

Eirn had said that about herself, years before - rolling her eyes as another shocked ally/enemy learned the hard/best way that she wasn't nearly as dead as everyone kept trying to pretend. She'd died on Quesh, she'd died on the orbital station on Hoth, she'd died on Corellia, she'd died on Ilum, she'd died a hundred times if you believed the rumours. She collected the best of them, like stamps, and always tried to argue it was a flattery, of a kind.

(She'd used it to berate herself, as well, when Draagh had pulled himself from death and hounded her steps, an augmented revenant who lashed out at her as though doing so might bring him anything but ruin)

Quinn had never stopped hating the blasé way she treated rumours of her death; primarily, if he was honest, because he hated the thought that one day, they might accurate. The only ones she hadn't scorned had been her own parents, and Quinn suspected that was more because they were her parents than anything else.

(She'd applied the same maxim to her sister, or tried to, but when weeks turned into months and then years with no evidence of Anya having cheated death, she'd spent a week in mourning dress and made an apologetic offering to the Red Lady - one of the vanishingly few times in her life that Quinn had ever glimpsed Sith superstition in action)

These newcomers, though, were no ordinary enemy, and Quinn knew enough of space warfare to know that it was vanishingly rare that all those lost in battle were accounted for. His own father's body had never been recovered - had been half the reason his mother had clung to that same ridiculous hope he now harboured, in the face of all likelihood and probability.

'She's not,' Jaesa said, her tone - for once - authoritative and certain in a way that Quinn envied and feared.

He'd never trusted Jaesa Willsaam - she was simultaneously too Sith to never be a danger to Eirn, and too un-Sith to be a trusted ally of the Empire. Eirn, for all her heresies and unorthodoxies, was Sith through-and-through; Jaesa, by contrast, was still far too Jedi for Quinn's comfort. Still, the words that passed her lips here and now were ones that Quinn desired to cling to - a hypocrisy, perhaps.

'You don't know that,' Vette argued - Vette, who hadn't stopped blubbing since they'd first heard the news of the fleet's fate. The Republic had been the ones to pull the survivors out of the maw, of course - a relative handful of escape pods, their occupants used to barter for prisoners of war who'd all told the same stories of the Empire's Wrath - of her heroism, of her sacrifice.

'I can,' Jaesa retorted. 'I- It's hard to explain,' the Sith continued, sighing irritably, 'But she- something in the Force changed. And Darth Marr- I felt him pass.'

The Force, according to all the Sith who'd spoken of it in Quinn's earshot, had mourned him - the Empire, Quinn knew, had just suffered a blow worse than any the Republic had dealt it in all their years of war. The Dark Council, which had ruled for years in Vitiate's stead and which finally stepped into his place in the chaos after Ziost, was leaderless and but a hair's breadth from tearing itself apart. Quinn knew Sith well enough to know that the battle lines were being drawn, and while there were some who served the Empire first - there were others who served only themselves, and who would sooner wage war on rival Sith than the Republic - never mind this new enemy.

'But- Eir,' Jaesa added - using, as so many did, the shortest form of Eirn's name (the one she hated, but had long given up trying to dissuade anyone from using; the one Quinn could actually pronounce, and the one he refrained from using all the same).'I've tried reaching out,' she added, sighing irritably again. 'I can't- find her. Maybe I'm just not- powerful enough. But- the Force hasn't- mourned her. Not like it should, if she- had,' she finished, apparently just as able to use those words as Quinn himself was.

'What was that she always said,' Pierce rumbled, not looking up from where he was taking apart his blaster. 'Never believe anything-'

-

-until you've seen the body.

There she was, though, in far-too-sharp resolution, bent and bowed before the Zakuulan Emperor, her execution made into a spectacle for all the galaxy to see. Eirnhaya Illte-Quinn, who'd hated the spotlight - who'd done everything she could to avoid publicity, who'd only ever wanted to serve quietly, dragged out in front of every sentient with a holo, and murdered in front of a cheering crowd.

Quinn couldn't watch, couldn't not watch. Couldn't stop throwing up. Sobbed until he passed out, and woke some hours later wishing that he hadn't.

-

It was a Sith proverb, he knew that much, though for the life of him he could never remember the original wording. He half remembered Eirn half joking that they should found a new Sith line, with that as their motto, and he hadn't been able to stop grinning for a week at the thought of a legacy worth remembering.

-

Jaesa, for all that Quinn had never trusted her, was the only one who would believe him, and he simultaneously loved and hated her for it. The hope that Zakuul had lied was both what kept him going and what threatened to destroy him - hanging over him, threatening to shatter and to take the last of his sanity along with it.

The Empire, though, took Zakuul at their word - Eirn was declared legally dead, her estate divided up according to her last will and testament and her crew scattered to the wind. Broonmark had long gone by then, disappearing into the Kaas jungles and never returning; Pierce was reassigned, and Vette - who he'd never gotten along with, who he tolerated mostly for Eirn's sake - disappeared, taking her few things from the apartment and vanishing entirely.

Her allies and contacts, such as they were, were utterly unhelpful and unresponsive. Darth Vowrawn responded only to his calls with a polite form letter sent by an attendant, Darth Marr's apprentices were too busy fighting amongst themselves, Rathari had gone to ground more thoroughly than ever. Even Acina, who'd once made a point of seeking him out, ignored most of his pleas and responded to the few she did with brusque annoyance, and Quinn re-realised that for all that he'd achieved, for all that Eirn had always insisted otherwise - he was, compared to her, utterly worthless.

-

'-I cannot allow this to continue, Captain. You are continuing to waste Imperial resources-'

'I hardly consider it to be a waste, Minister. The Empire's Wrath-'

'Captain. I know that you and she were close,' Lorman began - talking to him as though he were a child who still believed in monsters under his bed, 'And you have my condolences, truly. But your insistence on this- mockery is utterly unhelpful-'

Close. That word didn't even begin to do it justice. He'd never understood the phrase other half until Eirn, not really. She'd told him once that he made everything possible - that without him, she could never have done so much of what she had. Be here, she'd said, be you. That's all I need. In the weeks - months - following her disappearance, he'd come to realise he was much the same; that without her, it felt like part of himself was missing - that the parts of the world that she'd made make sense were just as alien, again, as they'd been without her, and all the more so for the way he knew that she'd have transformed them from an insurmountable challenge to conquerable trial merely by the act of standing at his side.

'Minister,' Quinn replied, attempting to steady himself, 'I have the word of a powerful Sith-'

'Yes,' Lorman snapped, 'I've heard Lord Willsaam's prattling too, but she's one Sith. One ex-Jedi Sith,' he added, sneering pointedly, 'which does not exactly engender trust. Tell me, Captain,' he added, 'Have you considered that she is just telling you what you want to hear?'

Of course he had, but the possibility hurt too much to give it much time and contemplation. He couldn't answer Lorman's accusation, though, which just made the Minister smile.

'As I thought,' he smirked, and Quinn saw red.

-

Of course, every time he felt like he'd hit a new low, life insisted on reminding him that there was further still that he could fall.

-

Offerings to the Red Lady were rarely made by non-Sith, but they happened; Quinn's last act as a free man was one in Eirn's honour. Incense of a perfume she'd favoured, a bouquet of ziiberry blossoms - small, delicate, purple flowers, of the same sort she'd worn on their wedding day - tied with a white ribbon, chosen for the heresies they'd argued over as much as not.

He refused to believe that she was dead, but offerings for the safe return of the lost living were as frequent - if not more - than those in memory of the dead. Quinn was not a superstitious man in the slightest, and he knew that Eirn largely distanced herself from Red Sith culture - but when mourning her family, she'd found a sort of comfort in the ritual of it, and he found a tie to her that he clung to as if for dear life.

That fate had allowed him this before Lorman's men had placed him under arrest was- hideously theatrical, he caught himself realising. He could almost hear Eirn humming the funerary march from Ashaara just to annoy him - her and Vette badly singing the duet as off-key as they could manage, and he wished, in that moment, that he'd never once complained about it.

-

He had a recurring dream, in the times between; of Ziost, of the place he'd known as her hometown and of the lifeless husk it had become. Sometimes she was there, amongst the ashes; sometimes, she was amongst the fallen. Sometimes she wasn't there at all, and he'd realise just before waking that was because she'd left him there, alone.

-

That Acina, of all people, ended up as Empress of the Sith was not a twist Quinn would have predicted. Acina had ambition, certainly, but was reclusive with it - seemed as likely to outlast her fellow Councillors than outsmart them. When the dust settled, though, the makeup of the Dark Council was little changed, and Acina was Marr's - and Vitiate's - unlikely heir.

He was at least allowed - required - to shave himself, to dress appropriately, despite the depths to which he'd fallen. He wondered - had to wonder - if Acina wanted to gloat; assuming, of course, she'd ever considered him a rival at all.

'Captain Quinn. A pleasure, as always,' she oozed - just as shallowly charming as she'd attempted to be when she'd sat on the Dark Council.

He smiled, his former rank as much a painful memory as everything else that had been ripped from him. 'I am afraid my rank is a distant memory, Empress.'

'A pity,' Acina mused, drumming her fingers on her desk. 'You and I never saw eye to eye,' she added, 'But even so, I recognise an asset when I see one. Your tactical acumen, your tenacious nature... you should never have ended up where you are. It's criminal that you did,' she mused, smirking a little to herself at her pun.

Quinn said nothing; Acina was presumably going somewhere with this, and he was not inclined to stop her. The sooner whatever charade she wanted was over, the sooner he could get back to losing his mind.

'Tell me something,' Acina added, shifting her position, 'Do you still believe your wife to be alive?'

A trap if he'd ever seen one. Nobody who wasn't a psychiatrist had asked him that in years; Acina was more powerful than all the psychiatrists in the Empire, though, and didn't have nearly as spartan an office as any shrink he'd ever been forced to justify himself to.

He licked his lips, nervously - his mouth suddenly dry, his throat suddenly trying to close up on itself.

Lie, his self-preservation whispered.

'I- do,' he replied, though - his voice cracking, through disuse as much as the emotions currently trying to throttle him. 'Empress.'

Acina smiled; the smile of Sith, pleased and cruel and merciless. 'I was hoping you'd say that.'

-

A pardon. A promotion - a job, authority, respect. War, and rumours of war - six years of news that he'd been hiding from, terrified that the one thought that kept him waking up in the mornings might be shattered by a single careless word.

Better/Worse:

Security briefing [and he always skimread through this section, because it was always the same, to the extent that if it was the same shape as the day before's he knew he could ignore it] Guests due today [and he usually ignored this one entirely too, because he hated only one thing more than that possibility and that was having to interact with strangers] Eirnhaya Illte-Quinn [and he reread that one until his caf had gone cold and still couldn't bring himself to believe that he wasn't the punchline of someone's idea of a funny prank]

-

Except, no, there she was. Smiling faintly when Acina greeted her, shadowed by her own entourage - dressed in armour he didn't recognise, and with an expression, when she thought nobody was looking, that he did. Distant enough, across the palace grounds, that he could duck out of sight - could watch her move, and try to convince himself that that what he was seeing was real. When she glanced around at Kaas City - at what it had become, in her absence - she was searching, and for a moment, he could have sworn she looked right at him.

If she saw him, she ignored him; if she didn't, then she moved on regardless.

-

He spent a good twenty minutes retching in the fresher, nervous terror consuming him in a way it hadn't in what felt like lifetimes.

-

By the time he returned - by the time he gathered enough courage to seek out the Imperial guard, to attempt to engage with what should have been his duties - it was to news he did not want to hear.

'The Empress and the Alliance representatives have already left the palace, Major. They are not due back for another three hours.'

Quinn swallowed, nervous terror refusing to let go of his throat - the conviction that he'd made a mistake, that he was worrying for nothing, that if he was this cowardly she wouldn't have cared to reunite with him anyway.

'Alright,' he just managed - babbled, 'Thank you.'

There would, he told himself, be later.

-

Except, of course, there wasn't.

-

The Imperial Palace was gripped by chaos, of course - an emergency session of the Dark Council was to be called, but until that happened, Minister Lorman had stepped in and taken charge. Quinn knew that there were a million and ten things that he should have been doing, but all he could think about was the haunted expression on her face that she'd tried so hard to keep from all her other observers, and the polite smile when she'd greeted Acina, and taste of his own bile, clawing at the back of his throat.

-

'Never believe anything,' she'd once said, curled around him, half asleep, 'until- well, you know.'

He'd thought, obscenely, of his father - and of the grief and denial that had gripped his mother for far too long. 'That's not always possible, Eihn,' he'd replied, eventually - stroking her hair, absent-mindedly, and smiling faintly as she purred against him.

'It is,' she’d retorted, still half asleep, 'You just gotta be determined. No such thing as a perfect crime.'

'I think,' Quinn had replied, eventually, 'We're talking about very different things.'

Her response, to that, had just been a gentle snore.

-

He woke up in a hospital ward, first unsure of how he'd gotten there, and then unsure he'd truly wanted to remember. The kolto-stained bandages told their own story - one he wished he didn't know the prelude for, and which insisted on replaying itself on infinite loop, regardless.

'Captain.' The attending physician was one he knew - one Eirn had known, one who'd never asked too many questions about how she'd ended up needing the attention she did. 'Sorry,' she corrected, 'Major. I'm glad to see you're awake.'

There were flowers on the nightstand: purple lilies, with blood red stamens, and a handwritten, hand-signed card.

-

Acina's expression, once he was well enough to receive visitors (once he was well enough to be received; the Sith Empress could hardly be drifting into a public hospital, especially so soon after an attempt on her life) was more worried than it was anything else - a cause for his own concern all by itself.

'My apologies, Empress-'

'No,' Acina replied, shaking her head. 'I should be the one apologising, Major. I should have included you more, as soon as I knew she'd be coming. Instead...' she trailed off, sighing. 'The Alliance are yet to make their decision on- well, on an alliance, Acina confessed, 'But if they do- I'm certain she'd be more than happy to hear from you.'

'Empress,' he started, finally finding the words to voice this thought, 'Not that I'm ungrateful, but- why do you care?'

'You are precious to her,' Acina replied, 'And that makes you precious to me, and to the Empire. Never forget that, Major.'

-

At least, he tried to reflect, he could admit to the psychiatrists that kept being inflicted on him that she was alive, without them using this as proof he needed to be medicated - or worse. Losing control of himself, handing it off to drugs and doctors - it sat unpleasantly with him at the best of times, and this was not the best of times.

-

The Alliance, it turned out, did not consider standing with the Sith Empire to be in their interest. The decision visibly annoyed Acina, and puzzled Quinn; he wondered, for a long moment, if Eirn had decided that herself - if it was a decision blamed on Lorman, if it was a decision made in order to avoid him. He knew she'd been deeply disillusioned, in the wake of Ziost - grieving her homeworld, her parents, almost her entire extended family, blamed by the Dark Council for her service to Vitiate and dragged before them in a sham of a show trial. They'd been satisfied with her loyalty and oaths of fealty, in the end, but she'd come away from it with a distance and a hatred in her that she'd never had before, and he'd ended up wondering just how long it would be until that hatred festered into something worse.

(It hadn't had a chance, though; Darth Marr had offered her a place at his side, out in wild space, and she'd answered that call eagerly - determined to make the monster that had destroyed so much of what she'd held dear pay)

-

Still, he could find himself a purpose; tried to comfort himself with the notion that she was yet alive, and that perhaps- perhaps, he simply left that thought, before clinging to it as he attempted not to drown.

-

The world turned. The galaxy turned. He watched the news from Zakuul half-heartedly and half desperately, but Eirn had long perfected staying out of the spotlight. She'd been denied it on her own terms, and rejected it entirely on the terms of others, and other than Zakuul's sham execution, had succeeded quite admirably. It was a skill Quinn had always admired, and currently hated; there were rumours, to be sure, of the (arrogant, apparently - why did people always reach for that insult?) Outlander Sith who'd struck down Zakuul's God-Emperor, but never anything concrete. Never any proof.

Never a body.

It was morbid, but it gave him a reason to wake up.

-

Some time after the dust should have settled, his morning briefing contained a summons; nothing more, just a summons to Acina's offices - a time, an instruction to be prompt and well-turned out. Not that he was ever not these things, but the additional instruction gave him worried pause.

-

He was waved through her security, which continued to worry him; Acina's secretary offered him a smile, which definitely worried him.

-

Empress, she was saying, I'm only here because-

The bolt of fear was all but overwhelming; for a moment, he was convinced that she wasn't there at all - that she was there for Acina, that he shouldn't have even bothered-

- but there she was, in the flesh. Wearing the same, soft, lazy style of clothing she'd always favoured, on her lazy days; a lightsaber he didn't recognise on her hip, and shadows he knew far too well in her eyes.

'eihn?' he managed - his voice crumbling along with his resolve - with his conviction that he should even be there, with the terror that had been lurking ever since he’d read his summons.

'vai?' she just replied - just as overwhelmed, he realised, the knowledge imposing itself on him unpleasantly.

For a long moment, neither of them moved - not consciously, anyway, not other than to shake (her, barely visibly trembling but doing so all the same; him, swallowing back fear and nerves and hope and shuddering with the effort) - and then, of all things, she was around him, her arms clutching him in a tight, inescapable hug, her face buried into his shoulder, her body pressed as closely into his as their clothing allowed, and- she was solid and real and she smelled of- of her, of travel and poor sleep and the attempt to disguise this with scented deodorant, of Imperial-standard-issue dry shampoo and caf from one of the better stands in the city market.

('I'll let you two get reacquainted,' Acina purred, choosing to step out of the room, despite her ownership of it - but she was far outside of his awareness, of both of their awarenesses)

'you're real,' he just managed, stupidly - clutching her just as tightly, aware acutely of the tears that were soaking into her shoulder as he clung to her, turn.

'really real,' she replied, and he realised she was weeping, too, and that just made him cling to her all the more.

[hotshotshitshow]

my #1 asshole

Sevara Redoul

Basic Information

Full Name: Sevara Freyde Redoul Nicknames/Aliases: Sev Age: 21  Gender: female Orientation: shrugs. she doesnt care enough to define it. she does not experience romantic attraction often (and when she does would really rather ignore it and is known to lash out) and doesnt care about the gender/sex of a person she might have sex with. she likes sex with no strings attached. Species: human for the most part but she was originally a fantroll Birthday: November 1, 1995 Occupation: when she gets older she ends up running an art gallery. for some time she also runs the art gallery of a univeristy and is in charge of teaching the gallery exhibition classes. she also does tattoo and piercing work on the side. one of her first jobs tho was being the person who paints advertisements on the windows of businesses. Powers: incredible physical strength Living Family: Rizopa Redoul, Basira Redoul, Svinya Redoul, Elvita Redoul, Obyren Levine Hometown: Current Residence: 

Physical Characteristics Height: 5′6 Hair: black Eyes: dark blue (bloodcolor) Body Type: somewhat squat with a lot of fat and muscle in her midsection, hips, and thighs Distinguishing Marks: missing the tip of her right index finger down to the first knuckle Left or Right-Handed: right Quirks/Habits:

Medical Information Addictions: Aids/Augmentations: bad eyesight. wears contacts/glasses Allergies: Conditions: Physical Abnormalities: has an underbite Blood Type: Mental Illnesses: generalized anxiety Other Notes: None

Mental/Personality Attributes Known Languages: English Positive Traits: reliable/honest, insightful, seemingly extremely confident, strong (physically), capable Neutral Traits: self-aware, just Negative Traits: jealous, judgemental/unforgiving, hypocritical, stubborn, overreactionary Optimist, Pessimist, or Realist: Pessimist/realist Introvert or Extrovert: cusp Fears: being taken advantage of/being made a fool of, affection, never being able to better herself, melting/acid (espec that hokey kind you see in 50′s horror movies), jump scares, amusement park rides Secrets: that shes mega insecure but being how much she acts out and how macho macho she tries to be sometimes i think its fairly obvious to a lot of people. also that she is really really super hard on herself and battles a lot with anxiety.

Likes/Dislikes General Likes: art (espec of the 2D variety), winning fights/being right, looking her best, really lame jokes (she has a really stupid sense of humor), knowing she did something Good and Right, self improvement, anime/video games (KIRBY IS HER MAIN MAN. KIRBY IS HER BRO), collecting weird found objects and happy meal toys General Dislikes: hot weather, getting really sweaty, dishonesty, physical pain, sour food or anything that tastes really strongly of vinegar, losing fights/being humiliated, romance Favorite… Animal: rhinos, wild boars Color: stormy greyblue Food: BREAKFAST FOODS Music Genre: psychobilly, rockabilly, horrorpunk, garagepunk, 80′s pop Season: fall/winter

Relationships Best Friend(s): riz, basira, gyanav, quoia Other Friends: Acquaintances: Significant Other(s): Rivals: Enemies: Pets:

Other/Trivia Meaning of Name: Religion: Astrological Zodiac: scorpio Chinese Zodiac: boar Celtic Zodiac: Element: MBTI Type: Hogwarts House:

Personality:

Very judgemental of others, but in the sense that she judges you for your actions and behaviors rather than where you are in life or what you have (judges more based on character/personality rather than social standing, race, sexuality, gender identification, etc etc)

Finds first impressions to be very important. Tries to be a good person to you if you have her trust. If you do something that pisses her off she will never ever forget it (NOT the forgive and forget type. If you do something that pisses her off it’s extremely hard for her to let it go)

Totally the type to dwell on things too long and over analyze things to the point where things might be totally twisted around in her mind and aren’t really reality at all but continues to judge people and situations based on the conclusions shes come to in her mind.

Hypocritical like woah because she’s allowed to judge the hell out of you but if you have any issues with her then you’re stupid and she ignores you (she does try to better herself as a person, it’s only with faults that she herself sees. Or, lets herself look at. If anyone else tries to point anything out, they’re labelled as a busybody and need to go away).

still tries to be a good person, and doesnt see much wrong with how judgemental she is, she simply sees it as her being truthful. shes’s actually pretty decent to be around and has a really stupid sense of humor if you’re decent to her and end up getting close enough to her.

despite this, she still finds it hard to get close to others because she has a fear that if she lets her guard down too much, someone will make a fool of her. while still trying to be nice to people she cares about, she can still be physically rough with them (in a sort of affectionate way) and can still be kind of a bully

desperately wants to better herself as a person and wants to be nicer and less of a shithead, but its too scary to make herself that vulnerable right now. also half the time she doesnt realize what she does or says is wrong until way later (or if ever) and then feels like she has no control over stopping herself or improving.

she is absolutely the type to stay up late staring at the ceiling overthinking things and making herself feel nuts. she is a lot more critical and hard on herself and anxious than she would ever let on to anyone else, so dont tell anyone.

Charahub page (there is a lot of repeated word-for-word information here but there is some other stuff.)

[puzzlespoiler]

SpoilerTime!

I expect some mechanic to switch between abilities to show up since 7? is way too many to have available at one time unless the games changes drastically.

Cloak & Dagger (???)

Child of Darkness - Cloak uses the cover of his cloak to dodge and absorb enemy attacks. (PASSIVE) Cloak & Dagger's team take %NumDamage less damage. When fired, this power becomes Child of Light. If there are at least %NumTiles Yellow tiles on the board, this power costs 2 AP less.

Cull The Weak - Cloak finds easy prey in those of lowered constitution. Deals %NumDamage to the enemy with the lowest health.

Hunger - Cloak envelops his foe and drains them of their life force. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Black Countdown tile targeting the front enemy. While this tile is on the board, that enemy loses %NumLevels levels in all powers (to a minimum of 1).

Child Of Light - Dagger imbues her attacks with the warmth of her Living Light. (PASSIVE) Cloak & Dagger's attacks deal %NumDamage more damage. When fired, this power becomes Child of Darkness. If there are at least %NumTiles Black tiles on the board, this power costs 2 AP less.

Living Light - Dagger emanates an aura of living light, cleansing evil from her foes and fending off Cloak's hunger. Deals %NumDamage damage to the enemy team, plus %NumExtra damage to each enemy Villain, then restores %NumHeal health.

Knives - Dagger fires several light-knives from her fingertips, cleansing the enemy of evil and darkness. Removes up to %NumTiles enemy Strike, Protect, or Attack tiles and deals %NumDamage damage. If no such tiles exist, the damage is dealt to the enemy team instead.

Pocket Dimension - Cloak retreats into his pocket dimension to evade enemy attacks. If Cloak & Dagger would be dealt at least %NumDamage damage, they go Invisible for 1 turn. Whenever Cloak & Dagger return from Invisibility, they create a strength %NumStrength Purple Strike tile.

Hawkeye (Clint Barton)

Deep Breath - Hawkeye takes a deep breath and draws his bow, taking careful aim at his prey. Places a %NumTurns-turn fortified Blue Countdown tile. When it reaches 0, if you have more than %APThreshold Red AP, deal %BigDamage damage. Otherwise, deal %NumDamage damage.

Bola Arrow - Hawkeye's arrow bursts in mid-air, deploying bolas which wrap arround his target, incapacitating them. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that stuns the target for %NumStun turns. This power becomes Explosive Arrow and Hawkeye has six arrows left.

Explosive Arrow - Hawkeye's arrow hits the target, letting out an ominous beeping for mere moments before it explodes. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that deals %NumExplosiveDamage damage to the target. This power becomes Electric Arrow and Hawkeye has five arrows left.

Electric Arrow - Hawkeye's arrow hits the battlefield and releases an immense electric charge. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that creates %NumChargedTiles Charged tiles. This power becomes Sonic Arrow and Hawkeye has four arrows left.

Sonic Arrow - Hawkeye's sonic arrow lets loose an ear-piercing scream as it flies towards its target, disorienting his enemies. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that creates %NumStrikeTiles strength %StrikeStrength Red Strike tiles. This power becomes Hacking Arrow and Hawkeye has three arrows left

Hacking Arrow - Hawkeye shoots a cutting edge hacking arrow into his opponent's base and disables their defenses. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that steals %NumAP enemy AP of a random color. This power becomes Acid Arrow and Hawkeye has two arrows left.

Acid Arrow - Hawkeye lets loose an acid arrow, which breaks open at his target, metling metal and burning enemies. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that creates %NumAttackTiles strength %AttackStrength Purple Attack tiles. This power becomes Smoke Bomb Arrow and Hawkeye has one arrow left

Smoke Bomb Arrow - Hawkeye's smoke arrow floods the battlefield with cover for him and his allies. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that grants Hawkeye and his teammates Invisiblity for %NumInvisibleTurns turns. This power becomes Shrapnel Arrow, which is Hawkeye's last trick arrow!

Shrapnel Arrow - Hawkeye fires his final arrow, which breaks apart in mid-air, firing explosive shrapnel which hits each of his targets. Creates a %NumTurns-turn Blue Countdown tile that deals %NumTeamDamage damage to the enemy team. This power becomes Out of Arrows.

Out of Arrows - Having used all of his ammo, Hawkeye has to improvise hand-to-hand. Deals %NumUnarmedDamage damage to the target.

I Never Miss - (PASSIVE) Hawkeye fires rapidly and still always hits his targets. Whenever a friendly Countdown tile reaches 0, gain %NumAP Blue and Red AP. At the start of the turn, fortify %NumTiles friendly Countdown tiles.

Iron Fist (Danny Rand?)

Chi Focus - Danny concentrates his energy to augment his physical power. Creates a strength %NumStrength Purple Strike tile. Then, if there are at least %NumTiles friendly Strike tiles on the board, Fortify %NumFortify of them and gain %NumAP Green AP.

Like Unto Iron - ???

??? - Danny rushes into the fray, making quick work of his enemies. Deals %NumDamage damage. Then, if there is more than 1 enemy remaining, gains %NumAP Black AP. Otherwise, deals %NumExtraDamage extra damage. If Luke Cage is an active ally, this attack ignores all enemy Protect tiles.