Blackhoof

well there should be about 60 Epics native to Eugene, minus whatever ones have died in the 10 years since, so plenty of room for a number of weird powers ooh... tough one. People not knowing him? People knowing him? Spikes/stakes? Something piercing his eye?

why thank you What do others think? Sort of like the Dalles, in that the Epics are not all-powerful or Highs in many cases. Makes things more tense and dramatic. That said, playing with and as High Epics is pretty awesome Just a suggestion to make this location really stand out. oh! I misread what the power was and thought they literally crawled. I second this question.

then indeed he shall! in a little bit though, I'll give the government some time to respond to the first attack and such.

I think he is actually fairly powerful in some ways. The ability to restrict the movement of anyone he touches to a crawl makes life completely unbearable for them. He could hold anyone he could touch to ransom, and if they killed him they would doom themselves to a crawl forever. The issue of course is touching them, but that shouldn't be too hard given that most epics are overconfident and have no issue talking with people within arms length of them without knowing what they could do.

Sounds interesting.

On the subject of Eugene, I have a proposal. How about we say, no High Epics. None. I think there are far too many in Oregon already High Epics would also dominate this sort of warfare unless there are multiple, and then we sort if get into being a Portland clone that exaggerates our already excessive amount of High Epics. I think the lack of invincibles would improve the gang wars tremendously- we could have gangs of Epics backed up by vanilla mobsters, and the Epics could have all sorts of cool and deadly powers, but we would need to role play them in a different and more cautious manner than we normally might. I think a setting without Highs would be interesting and unique in this RP.

@Mckdee+Voidus: I hope you don't mind that I used your characters lightly in my Deathskull post? I figured that is what they would logically do in that situation, after all. If you have any issues I can edit the post and we can work something out? No big deal

Lady Deathskull woke with a start, the agony of her burnt body echoing from her dream. It took her several minutes to gather her thoughts as the pain faded into memory, and the parts of her body that had been burnt still stung. Soon, even the stinging faded, although she could remember the pain, the mind-numbingly extreme pain that had entombed her. Her own metal, turned into a weapon against her. Looking around, Deathskull saw that she was back where she sat down this morning- in the Salem arena bleachers. Around her were both Epics and vanillas, all deeply asleep and in the same shared dream she had been in. Not everyone was asleep though- she saw servants walking through the rows on business, staff around the periphery of the stadium, and some Epic and vanilla guards scattered around. Several were in Soulcaster's personal box, where the ruler of Salem sat, asleep like the rest of them. She recognised the Epic who had first greeted her, the head enforcer or something, standing by him, wide awake surveying the crowd. Suddenly Soulcaster raised his head, looking straight at her. He had a malicious smirk on his face. Deathskull frowned, thinking to herself. "Why would he be smirking like that? I won, didn't I? Those burns were embarrassing but.... oh..." That was when she something occurred to her. That cheetah Epic had been made to fight in a tutu- very amusing, but a petty act. But why? He had been there when the rude enforcer had accosted her, perhaps... it was punishment. And if that was his punishment as a mere bystander, how would Soulcaster punish her, who had apparently committed an offence by putting the vanillas in their places. By putting her in a fight with an Epic who could cause her immeasurable agony with every attack. Rage boiled inside of her, and she shot to her feet, skull face twisting into a mask of rage. She went to move her arms upwards, to raise herself into the air and massacre that stupid, smirking Epic when she felt her armour resist. Completely. It didn't move with her. Rage turned into confusion as she tried to move the arms of her armour, usually an action so intrinsic that she didn't need to think about it. But they weren't moving. They were as unyielding as metal was to anyone but her. It was as if... she had lost her power. And seeing the sadistic grin on the face of an Epic that stood near Soulcaster, looking right at her, she knew that she had. A vanilla walked up beside her. "E-excuse me, Ms Deathskull?" "....what" she spat through gritted teeth. "Lord Soulcaster wishes you to know that when Showstopper has returned your powers to you, you are welcome to join him in his personal box for a meal. H-he says that you must be hungry after your fight." Lady Deathskull was silent for several seconds, immobile inside her own armour, her protection once again used as a weapon against her. ".....Well...." Deathskull finally responded, forcing a cordial tone. "It would be rude to refuse such a... generous offer, would it not? Tell him that I accept. Tell me... when does this Showstopper plan on returning my power?" "When... w-when Soulcaster believes that you have... um... learnt your lesson, m'lady." The servant cringed at even repeating such insolent words to an Epic, even a powerless one. "I... see." Lady Deathskull replied and the servant scurried off, eager to escape while her impotent rage welled within her.

I think she is pretty good power-wise. The only thing I'd change if you want to weaken her is the time-travelling objects part. Other than that she is no more powerful that any powerful Epic we have. How does she force others to experience/travel to the rift? and why does she spend so much time fighting monsters in it? (assuming you are still going with that point) and they all have their own creeptastic nightmares walking around too On another topic, I was having a look at a map of Oregon, and it reminded me how close a lot of major cities are to each other- spread across a main road with relatively small gaps in between. It goes Portland, Salem, Corvallis and then Eugene. So it seems to me that Salem can probably get most of its daily needs supplied by trade with Corvallis, or at least from ample donations from Corvallis Epics who would probably go there a lot for entertainment. And with Corvallis especially being a relatively nice place to live, a lot of people from Portland and Eugene probably moved there (as well as just spreading to other towns and places around) to escape the violence in those cities. I'm beginning to think that my estimate for the vanilla population of Corvallis was much too low. Even with large population decreases from death or starvation, the combined populations of Eugene and Portland are over a million, certainly enough would be left over to beef up the population of Corvallis by a fair amount.

Ah interesting. Probably due to strength if abilities and the powers they have as well. Maybe they age less the more they use their powers?

I think he should die in battle, on-screen but from another's pov. Anything less would be boring

well considering Icon is a travelling and invincible infection vector, definitely not related question- can Epics become zombies? in charge!? Iconoclast angry! Iconoclast SMASH!

well Sirce gave me Winterspell and his other Icesteel Keep Epics, and he gave Dragoon to Mail-mi. were discussing things at the moment, actually I agree completely. And probably most of the inhabitants of Portland and Eugene have already left for the three nicer cities, padding their population a bit.

Didnt even notice it actually wasn't taking a shot either, in case you thought i was is happening with Eugene? Its the second largest city in Oregon, isn't it? has any backstory so far in the RP mentioned it? Just curious, is all, I wasn't planning on doing anything with it myself if you wondered. Also on another unrelated note, how does everyone feel about Atrophy in Corvallis? I plan for him to be neutral at first and go with wherever the cards fall as the action unfolds.

The plot thickens! Will Buttercup figure out what is happening... before it is too late? Too bad Chase revealed the fact that the uber-ghoul was a human

Not at this stage, no. He wants to be as personally inconspicuous as possible until things get worse. Even if she was right near him, he would continue escaping. If she attacked him directly, he would pretend to be dead until she was out of sight, and then heal and escape. for now...

indeed, but compared to Newcago's 90% population loss, the 50-60% loss I've estimated for most cities seems fair and accurate. I think Portland would have less than a tenth if its original population by now though, given the complete lack of any incentive to stay compared to nearby nice cities. yeah about that sounds right. I was vague with my timing on purpose. He shifted (i like that term) the servants in Pyrotouch's house, and a few others around, but he didnt hang around long. So probably 25 or so, including the ones that have died (lie the one that killed Pyrotouch). indeed, that would be a good idea if we can agree on rough numbers yeah, that's a good point actually. Donations of supplies would be a huge source of resources for Salem. I didn't consider the idea of exacting payment from the contestants. i don't necessarily think that is accurate. The fights are all dream-state after all, they just need enough manpower to maintain the stadium, and staff and maintain the accommodation, as a minimum. yeah, like most Epics she could carve through ghouls like wheat. They are, after all, just pain-immune angry people. hmmm good question. Its open to debate i suppose. Ghouls are stupid, and very susceptible to Iconoclast's own suggestions. That said, it is an inherent part if his power, and their minds are so clouded with base rage and hunger that they don't have room for much else. If understanding the commands is necessary, they wouldn't work because ghouls cant understand words anymore. If not, then I'd say they would be resistant but able to be commanded. Since Iconoclast and his ghouls are partly based off of the Reavers in Firefly, we know exactly what he'd do he is a simple, predictable person.

that's true, but something we should remember is that Chicago went from a population of 3.6 million to 250'000 at the start of Steelheart. A city renowned for its livability, if tyranny, lost over 90% of its population. Compared to that, i was being really, really generous with my estimates.Although to be fair, most of these cities are much nicer places to live in for humans than Newcago. Its just something to keep in mind when thinking about how many people left or died because of the Epics. oh! Forgot about those 3. So 8 Epics in total. Sounds reasonable. Edit: oh! And Quicksilver and his Epics. Don't know if they came from the Dalles though or what.

oh yeah, I forgot about the Financier. Still, the town only had the Metal until a few years ago (if i am not mistaken?), and he doesn't seem like the type who would run a tight ship of a city, you know? When did the Financier come to the city?

I liked it, the use of telekinesis to cause a fight was quite clever. yeah, I wanted to avoid a zombie apocalypse situation. That would be a bit OP. Thanks

oh yes, he loves those Kenshin can be one of those attacked just now, perhaps? Or soon to be attacked, elsewhere. If he isn't careful he might be her first victim

Also, I have been wondering a bit about population numbers. Not just with Epics, but also with the normal people in each of the cities. I know we have been deliberately vague about numbers but I personally would like to pin them down a bit more, if others are happy to do that too? I mean I sort of have ideas in my own head-canon, but it would be good to sync all our ideas together I think, so we are all on the same page. My personal ideas on the Epic/human populations in each city: Portland: no real ideas at all. At least 120 or so, with the MEE being most of them plus the Epics from the factions we know about. Corvallis: Less than 20'000 humans, maybe 200 or so Epics (many from other states attracted to the niceness) Astoria: Maybe 2000 or so. Maybe a few dozen Epics, plus the ones we already know about. Nothing very nice to attract anyone in particular, I figure. The Dalles: Combined with the two nearby close towns/suburbs perhaps 10'000 or less. We know all the Dalles Epics, don't we? Salem: Probably pretty low, a few tens of thousands from a populace of 160'000. Maybe only a dozen or so Epics normally, but with a fluctuating number that stay for the fights. What does everyone else think?

Iconoclast post up. More death, anarchy and blood courtesy of Corvallis' favourite living nightmare! Seems like it, yeah.

Iconoclast went out the back door and ripped off an arm, throwing it into the woods. Within seconds it had healed with an uncomfortable tingling sensation. He moved to the cellar doors, strengthening his muscles as he ripped them open. The ghouls were free. A bestial hissing rose from the dark cellar, and soon shapes began moving in the shadows, climbing the short stairway to freedom. Iconoclast stepped back, grinning as the dirty, ragged, blood-stained former humans emerged from the cellar. One by one they stalked out of the darkness, blinking at sudden brightness, hunched over like animals. Their teeth were bared, and their eyes filled with a dark madness. The creatures, 11 in all, gathered around Iconoclast. They were facing outwards, eyes darting on the look-out for prey. With the dawn so young, they saw none. Many of these houses were not occupied, regardless. Iconoclast smiled as they assembled, and as if addressing loyal followers he said, "Lets give these Epics a rude awakening, shall we?" He pointed down the road at a random house to the left. With nothing but a mental suggestion, half the ghouls growled and began loping towards the target. He directed the other half down the road to a house on his right, and they too obliged. Turning towards the house directly across the road, a rather larger and nicer one than Firefly's, Iconoclast drew a deep breath. The morning light bathed his blood-covered talons as he ripped off his shirt, revealing thick, corded muscles and a powerful, wide chest. "Let the games begin!" ............... Pyrotouch frowned as her door creaked. Her eyes opened as her sleep was interrupted. Groaning, she rolled over to face the intruder. One of her servants stood in the doorway, features concealed in the shadows. "Why..." Pyrotouch snarled, "Have you woken me up?" The servant did not reply, but instead slowly walked forward, slouching over. "What in Calamity is wrong with you?" Pyrotouch yelled as she sat up. Light fell upon the servant's face, and Pyrotouch gasped as she took in the wild eyes, the battered featured, and the bared teeth. Before she could react, the woman who had served her breakfast nearly every morning for a year roared and charged towards her. Pyrotouch yelled and pointed at the servant, using her power to light the woman's clothes on fire. Any normal human would have screamed in agony and fallen to the floor, or at least stalled in their attack. But the woman was anything but normal. As a ghoul, she was impervious to pain, and her attack did not falter even as her body was wreathed in flame. Pyrotouch barely had time to scream before the ghoul was on her, fingers clawing at her face and chest. Pyrotouch tried to fend off her crazed assailant, but she was not immune to her own flames and could only create them, not control them, and her dressing gown quickly caught alight. Pyrotouch screamed as she was burned by her own flames and overpowered by her own servant. And she kept screaming until the ghoul's teeth clamped down hard on her throat and ripped it out in a spray of blood. ........................... Blackthorn awoke to screams. "What on... earth is going on here?" He mumbled as he rubbed his eyes. The screaming continued, and he quickly realised that whatever was happening was very serious. Jumping out of bed, Blackthorn willed his power into action, and curved black spikes rose out of his hands and head. Storming out of his room into the central hallway, Blackthorn was greeted with the sight of one of his servants dead on the ground. Standing over him was a hunched, ragged figure, wielding a knife. The intruder turned towards Blackthorn and roared like an animal. Blackthorn's eyes widened and he almost reflexively threw a thorn from each hand towards the creature as it leapt at him. The twin impacts caused it to stagger, but it recovered with shocking speed and ran towards him, knife held high. Blackthorn staggered back in fear and missed his next throw, but the crazed human was already on him, stabbing him in the shoulder with its knife. He cried out in pain. Blackthorn grew long spikes from his palms and rammed them into the human's side and neck, neither attack apparently registering in the creature's enraged expression. "What, is this thing on some sort of drug?" Blackthorn thought as he stabbed it again twice. Blood poured from its wounds, especially the neck, and it hissed as it raised the knife for another blow. With a quick throw, Blackthorn knocked the knife from its hand, and followed up with a stab in the temple. Its brain pierced, the crazed human finally died. Blackthorn gasped for breath, clutching his shoulder and shoving the body off of him. Blackthorn sagged, breath ragged. "What on earth is going on here!? Servants! Attend me! I killed the attacker!" Blackthorn staggered towards the end of the hallway. "Ring someone! I want an explanation and a personal apology from-" The Epic stopped as he exited the hallway, and saw two more wild-eyed strangers kneeling over the dead bodies of his staff. The crazed humans were hunched close over their bodies, gorging themselves on their entrails. They looked up as Blackthorn froze, horrified, blood dripping from their mouths. Shuddering in fear and no small amount of anger, Blackthorn grew more thorns and prepared to impale the ghouls, when he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Before he could register the third ghoul, it had already leapt towards him, its ambush perfectly executed. Blackthorn screamed as it sank a kitchen knife into him, and the other two ghouls charged forward to share in the kill. .................... A servant clutched her Epic's phone, as ghouls tore apart the other servants. Hiding in a closet, she frantically dialled Corvallis Security. As soon as the call connected, she whispered into the receiver without waiting for an answer. "Please send help, people are attacking us, this is Stonefinger's house! Please please send someone they are killing everyone just please-" The door opened, and the thing that opened it snarled. "Hurry please no DON'T-" ..................... Iconoclast smiled, as he often did. Looking around, he heard the glorious sounds of anarchy all around him, as his ghouls, some newly turned, rampaged from house to house. "It won't take long for Rainmaker to send reinforcements." He mused, as he watched ghouls down the road chase after and bring down a human who had escaped from their house. "Better get going. I'm not ready to meet with Rainmaker myself.... yet." He put on the shirt he had taken from a servant who no longer needed it, and began running. Once he was a few blocks away, he would stop running, duck into a corner, change his appearance, and act like he was just out for a morning stroll. They would never suspect him, and never catch him. Until it was too late.

Yeah, usually unless stuff has already been decided and written into the thread, you have freedom to make some things up within the boundaries already set