Second Age of Heroes (Mutants and Mastermind Quest)

[Oshha]

[X] No. You don't want any of their drug in your system and you don't need it.

***​

"No thank you," you reply, "I don't need that drug and I would rather keep foreign substances out of my system."

"That's a shame," says Johann Krausser, looking genuinely disappointed at your refusal.

You are about to reply when the world has changed around you. You go from standing in the middle of lab to the rooftops, slapping yourself across the face.

What really gets you is the being slapped across the face. Having been teleported by Mastermind not so long ago, you can understand how you suddenly appeared somewhere else, but you have no clue why you are slapping yourself.

But you are quickly distracted from such thoughts by the large explosion in the distance. Looking in its direction, you quickly place the location as being the old factory used for the creation of Apex Juice.

With sneaking suspicion, you decide to check your belt for the explosives and as you thought you might, you find that all the explosives are gone.

Pretty sure that your explosives are responsible for the explosion, you turn your attention back to the burning building.

The structure is a goner and it is already being to collapse. You can't help, but wonder what happened to the other people inside. Did they get teleported out like you or where they still in there when the explosives went off?

You personally don't want the Forces of Iron members to have died in there, but at the same time, they are violent criminals. If anybody deserve to die, it is those who would killed the innocent for selfish and vile reasons.

That said, you have yet to meet anyone that you would wish death upon.

Either way, there is nothing that you can do about the situation. The gangsters are either alive like you are or they have already died in the explosion and stand before the highest judgement.

So instead of needless worrying, you decide to reflect on tonight's actions. While you do enjoy showing off your body, seducing your opponents when panicking isn't the best of ideas even if it worked rather well tonight.

Plus…well, it just feels wrong and icky so you are going to avoid it again. If you want to show off your sexiness, you can do so in a party or something.

That said, you kind of just feel tired right now. Not physically because you don't really get tired physically, but you feel tired in a metaphorical sense. Emotionally too. Things have been oddly stressful for you tonight and you just feel like relaxing.

And relaxing is what you should do next now that your current objective has been handled. Whether or not the creator of the Apex Juice survived or if there is a lot of it remaining, there isn't anything you can do right now.

You just need to report back to Captain Jordan on the situation, try to contact Mastermind to see if he was the one who teleported you out and used your explosives to blow up the building and then just wait things out to see the consequences of your action.

***​

What does Knight Errant do the next day?
[] Church duties.
[] Go to a party.
[] Hang out with Chloe and her sister.
[] Try to contact Mastermind.
[] Throw down with a vampire.
[] Write-in.

***​

Short update. I tried to write something longer, but I couldn't get things right so short update instead.

 

[Oshha]

[X] Church duties.

***​

You report back to Captain Jordan on your way home as you are certain that he will hear about tonight's events when he next goes to work and you would rather he hears it from you first.

It goes well and you give Captain Jordan an edited version of events that unfolded this night. While he was irritable to be woken up as he was asleep when you arrived at his home, the city guard captain was grateful to be keep in the loop and that the Apex Juice production had been stopped or at least dealt a heavy blow.

He was less pleased at what happened in your tale, but not at you or your actions. You played loose and fast with the facts and details, just informing him that you tricked the Forces of Iron into believing that you were someone important and they escorted you in to the heart of the factory.

From there, you briefly describe meeting the Apex Alchemist before going on to how you were teleported out of the building without your explosives and then the building blew up, presumably using your missing explosives.

The last part is what gets the Captain Jordan the most worrying. The supernatural ability to make someone reappear in a different location and the person with said ability seemingly proving willingly to blow up buildings with people inside?

Absolutely terrifying to the city guardsman and you can't help, but agree with the man. After all, you have proven helpless as him and anyone else against such attacks.

If Mastermind is responsible for tonight's fireworks, you are going to have to reconsider how you deal with him. If he is responsible.

Speaking of which, while you originally planned to mention Mastermind to Captain Jordan, you refrain from doing so after seeing how concerned he is by the ability to teleport. No doubt that mention Mastermind right now would give him a poor first impression to Captain Jordan and you don't want to do that to Mastermind unless you know that he is responsible for the destruction of the Apex Juice production.

After bidding each other goodbye, you make your exit and head back to the Church.

***​

You spend the next day working in the church, throwing yourself into helping the needy and providing charity to those who need help and gather donations from those who come to visit you.

You attempt to calm yourself and relax as you throw yourself into your duties, but destruction of the Apex Juice remains at the back of your thoughts, gnawing away at you whenever you feel that you are about to get a handle on things.

Who was responsible for teleporting you away? What do they want and what are they up to? How many people died in that explosion? What will happen to Apex Juice in the future? Will they just start up another factory?

In the end, you decide to wait things out and focus on hitting the lesser criminals, picking off the street soldiers of the Orleans gangs and making everyday life just a little safer for the people of Orleans with every outing.

But crime-fighting doesn't take up all of your time and you do other things as well.

***​

Power Boost
You have 1 Power Point to upgrade Frederica's powers.
[] [Power] Ability
-[] [Power] Strength (2 Points)
-[] [Power] Stamina/Toughness (3 Points)
-[] [Power] Agility (2 Points)
-[] [Power] Dexterity (2 Points)
-[] [Power] Fighting (2 Points)
-[] [Power] Intellect (2 Points)
-[] [Power] Awareness (2 Points)
-[] [Power] Presence (2 Points)
[] [Power] Movement
-[] [Power] Speed (1 Point)
-[] [Power] Quickness (1 Point)
-[] [Power] Reaction (1 Point)
[] [Power] Senses
-[] [Power] Vision (1 Point)
-[] [Power] Hearing (1 Point)
-[] [Power] Smelling (1 Point)
-[] [Power] Touching (1 Point)
-[] [Power] Tasting (1 Point)
[] [Power] Regeneration (1 Point)
[] [Power] Seduce (1 Point)
[] [Power] None (save the Power Points for later spending)
[] [Power] Write-in. (? Points)

What does Federica do?
What will Frederica do in her spare time? Pick 3 Options.
[] [Fred] Hang out with Chloe. Increases relationship with Chloe.
[] [Fred] Spend time socialising with the high life of Orleans. Increases Persuasion & Deception.
[] [Fred] Spend time socialising with others. Increases Persuasion & Deception.
[] [Fred] Spend time doing your religious duties. Increases Expertise: Christianity, Increases Insight,
[] [Fred] Tinkering and working with technology. Increases Technology skill.
[] [Fred] Stalk the criminal underground to gain more information. Gain intelligence on crime in the city. Increases Stealth.
[] [Fred] Acquire a third outfit for Knight Errant. Gains a third outfit for Knight Errant.
[] [Fred] Acquire a shield for Knight Errant. Gains a shield for Knight Errant.
[] [Fred] Train yourself physically. Increases Athletics skill.
[] [Fred] Train yourself in the art of fist fighting. Increases Close Combat: Unarmed,
[] [Fred] Train yourself in how to use your sword. Increases Close Combat: Sword,
[] [Fred] Practice street fighting. Increases Close Combat: Unarmed, Close Combat: Knife.
[] [Fred] Write-in

***​

Spoiler: Rolls

Calming her mind and soul:
Will Check, DC20: 8+9 = 17, Knight Errant fails by 1 Degree.

***​

Attempted to write-out the church bit in more detail, but couldn't get it right hence why this update has been delayed.

 

[Oshha]

[X[X][Power] Regeneration (1 Point)
[X][Fred] Spend time doing your religious duties. Increases Expertise: Christianity, Increases Insight,
[X][Fred] Acquire a shield for Knight Errant. Gains a shield for Knight Errant.
[X][Fred] Stalk the criminal underground to gain more information. Gain intelligence on crime in the city. Increases Stealth.

***​

While you take a relative period of rest, you are still active in the city, keeping any eye on the criminal underground of Orleans and following various figures of importance in the criminal undergrowth.

You also decide to purchase a new shield to go along with the sword that you never use. The process is less of a conventional purchase and more you privately commissioning a shield from the blacksmith friend of Father Fionn who provides you with your plate armour.

Of course, you have to decide what type of shield you want. You could go for a small buckler. It would hinder you the lest and wouldn't take up much space, but it also provides limited protection. Meanwhile a large full body shield has been used by street thugs and other criminal fighters against you for great effect.

However, while it provides good protection as it can be used to cover the body or at least most of it, that very same trait makes it rather unwieldy. A trade-off that might not affect the criminals that you fight too much, but not one you are sure that you are willing to take yourself.

There is a third option that is compromise between the two. You could pick an round shield or heater shield, offering more protection than a buckler, but being easier to wield and move about than a large shield.

Pick 1 Shield to buy
[] [Shield] Buckler
[] [Shield] Round Shield
[] [Shield] Heater Shield
[] [Shield] Large Shield

When you aren't doing Knight Errant stuff, you are spending time on carrying out your church duties.

Compared to your social activities and heroic adventures, your church duties are relaxing and down to earth. Swepting the floor with a broom to clean the church, entertaining kids, tricking rich young lads into making generous donations and okay, that last one isn't exactly down to earth. But it is fun and for a good cause.

The donations go to charity as between the funding from the main Church and your own riches, the small church that you and Father Fionn run doesn't require any extra money. Instead, the poor and homeless get fed and provided with clothing, especially during the cold months of winter.

It is nice to help people in non-violent ways.

As for the criminal underground, it turns out that the criminals did perish in the explosion and you were the only one who got out. While the loss of life leaves a bad feeling in your gut, you can't deny that it was successfully in denting the Apex Juice production. While a few attempts to continue production have sprung up, some successful and some not, the criminal organisations of Orleans are already fighting each other over the suddenly much more limited supply of Apex Juice on the streets.

On the bright side, you aren't being blamed for the explosion, which you are glad for because it isn't your fault. While some do suspect you, any initial serious blame directed towards you was quickly countered by your non-lethal reputation. Instead, the various factions within the criminal underworld started blaming each other.

Now a gang war is on the verge of breaking out, threatening to topple the carefully arranged peace that the Duchess has set up in Orleans.

You kind of hope that a gang war doesn't break out. Too many innocents would suffer if that happened.

Another thing that you have noticed whilst spying on the criminal underworld is the growing belief in esoteric powers and abilities. Knight Errant, the Machine-Warriors, Apex Juice and a mercenary known as the Samurai are frequently popping up as the new game-changes in criminal discussions and the criminals of Orleans are looking into how to acquire new supernatural assets to counter you and the other unconventional actors in Orleans.

Fortunately, they aren't making any headway so you can continue to take some time to relax. In fact, Chloe has come up with a nice way to relax.

What is Chloe's idea?
[] A party with some friends.
[] A shopping trip with Chloe and her sister.
[] A visit to the local theatre.
[] Write-in

 

[Valkur]

Omake - Lady Cecile Montague

Lady Cecile Montague was always popular debutante in Orleans. Secretly it was she who was the true spymaster for the Duchess who worked the underground in order to grow in power. With the money Cecile brought in she found herself welcomed by the Duchess who regularly kissed her forehead in private and rubbed forearms in her chambers. A lowly daughter of a burgher destined for nothing but mediocre life Cecile began her rise in bootlegging alcohol through guard posts and selling with no license. The costs of regulations and her consistency made her enough to be seen as a breadwinner by her Father but not much better than her older brother Conan Montague who was slated to be the heir of the family.

Cecile didn't like that and so she concocted a plan to be rid of her brother the only way she knew: Poison. Conan hungered regularly for the pleasures of the flesh and Cecile knew of a brothel where she could pay for the Madame to spice his drink. Well more like spice one of her OWN drinks. It was an important detail to her. But the result is the same her Brother died in the arms of a prostitute and thrown into a river that very night.

Unbeknownst to Cecile was that the Madame was a Femme Fatale of the Duchess herself. Seeing her cunning and spunk the Madame immediately set to recruit Cecile into the Duchess services. Cecile cornered and out leveraged in material for blackmail soon found herself sinking into the realm of evil for the death of her brother but also into a land of dark opportunity. Cecile's bootlegging continued and with the Duchesses blessing was able to bring in greater amounts of product for the markets. Her riches were so that she bought both title from the Duchess, Land outside Orleans, and a luxurious Manor known for it's wild parties that are second only to the Duchess herself. The manor is complete with Vineyards, Guard Posts, Walls, and even a rumored Vault holding Cecile's riches in one place. Although no thief has ever come out of the manor to confirm it's existence.

Cecile's role in the operation continues to be bootlegging but has been the point of negotiations for the big three gangs of the city. An on the next full moon will the Gangs send leaders and representatives to Cecile's Manor for what she is calling 'A Night of Opportunity'. The Night is being disguised as an invite only party and masques ball for the Gang Representatives who themselves are well off financially. If successful, Cecile will be looking to be promoted by the Duchess herself to being her Spy mistress and marrying a Noble. A carrot she actively hops and for by the stick holding Duchess. A prize she wilfully begs and grovels for so that he Dark Mistress may feel the elation of control and power.

Orleans will not know peace if the Lady Montague succeeds.

 

[Oshha]

[X] [Shield] Heater Shield
[X] A shopping trip with Chloe and her sister.

***​

A nice shopping trip into town with Chloe and her sister is your friend's suggestion and you are happy to agree to it.

The next Saturday is when the three of you meet up. You arrange to meet at the Orleans market square where you are the first to arrive. You were some causal clothes for the day, a flowy green skirt and a white long-sleeved shirt that makes your curves look good while a couple of undone buttons at the top.

Somewhat conservative out of respect for Chloe's tastes, but still showing off the beauty that you are so proud of.

You only have to wait a few minutes and fend off two flirtatious lads when the Harkness sisters show up in a carriage branded with the heraldry of their house. Chloe is wearing a set of clothes that you often see her in, a white blouse and black trousers while Marissa is wearing clothing closer to your own.

Tight worker's trousers along with a sleeveless shirt which has plenty of support for her chest. Which makes sense because hers is almost as large as yours and unlike you, she doesn't have divine strength, toughness or whatever to support them without difficulty.

And gosh darn does Marissa look real good. In fact, you would-you banish those thoughts with an active effort.

With Chloe sat next to her, Marissa is driving the carriage as it comes to a halt next you.

"Hey Frederica!" says Chloe as she waves at you, "Good to see you again!"

"Hiya Frederica," says Marissa before giving you a beaming smile, "I've been wanting to meet up with you again."

"Greetings to both of you as well," you reply with a smile, "So have we got any plans for today beyond just shopping?"

"Nah," says Marissa as she hops off the carriage, "Just girl stuff. You know, hanging out, buying pretty dress and gossiping about boys."

"Gossiping about boys huh," you reply as Chloe also gets off of the carriage, "You no idea what sort of things I can tell you. And I do like to buy pretty dresses?"

"That sounds good," says Marissa, "I remember telling you that I would show you some players to get proper fitting clothing for ladies of our figure. And for lunch, there is a restaurant with some delicious food that Clo and I really enjoy."

"You up for that Chloe?" you ask your best friend.

"Sure, that plan sounds like fun," says Chloe.

***​

"Hey Frederica," says Chloe in a quiet voice as Marissa heads off to a changing room, "I need to speak with you about our other activities."

"How come?" you inquire in an equally hushed voice.

"You know about the explosion the other night," says Chloe and you nod your acknowledge before she continues, "And you know how they are all saying that it couldn't have been Knight Errant, but you had headed out that night to deal with it…"

"It wasn't me," you reassure her with the truth, "I will admit that I was going to do something and was there at the scene, but someone beat me to it. Since you brought up the subject, there is something I need to speak to about regarding that night's events, but we ought to do that in proper privacy."

"As you say," replies Chloe.

***​

"Do you really have to show off your chest like that?" grumbles Chloe.

"Why not?" asks Marissa, "She got big boobs and isn't afraid of showing them off. Just because you don't have any doesn't mean you should get jealous when your friend is proud of hers."

"I'm not jealous," hisses Chloe, glaring at her sister, "It is indecent and I don't want to get embarrassed by my friend dressing like a harlot. Imagine the rumours that could form and shame our house!"

"Urh, you keep getting so worked up about keeping our house looking good," snorts Marissa with a roll of her eyes, "If care so much about our house looking good, why don't you just clean it?"

"I do and that isn't the house I am talking about and you know it!" Chloe borderline-shouts, "Just because neither you or Marshall take it seriously doesn't mean that I shouldn't. In fact, that fact that neither of you two take it seriously that I especially should take it seriously."

"We aren't some old noble house Clo," replies Marissa, "Mum and Dad were just good soldiers who got given land and title because of that. I'm going to be an actress while Marshall is slimeball. Only you are-"

"While I hate to interrupt others," you say as you interrupt Marissa mid-sentence, "This is supposed to be a fun day out. Can we not break into arguments?"

"Fine," says Marissa with a wave of her hands before focusing her attention on you.

"Yes?" you ask her, raising eyebrow as she doesn't say anything whilst not looking away.

"Oh, it's nothing," answers Marissa with a wave of her hand as she finally looks away.

What does Knight Errant do that night?
[] Patrol the streets.
[] Spy on the Orleans Disciples.
[] Investigate possible Black Sabre criminal activity.
[] Write-in

***​

Poorly written in my opinion and no where near by best work, but I want to get things moving forward so I don't develop writer's block trying to get this update just right.