Special Powers III: Castles of Maybe

[ZephyrPhantom]

Heh heh heh. You 'four' ... two, I should say, think you can mess with the timestream so seamlessy this time?
Even if the Noodly one oversees this dimensional occurence, he cannot remove my existence - he is far weaker than the many fanatics and heretics that have tried to kill me before....

Beware, Ankh and EvaRia... I may be your friend, or your enemy if you tamper with the universe too much...
Temporal Imperfection - Ariel forcefully reverts to Ankh.

"Where'd she go?" I turn to the tree, who shrugs and replies "She climb back on bird."

"That's-" I turn my head and see the same bird Ariel observed fly by, except this time the girl I 'caught' flew by swiftly and confidently on it. She glanced briefly at us, frowned, and continued to fly.

"Do we go after her, Ankh?" A voice echoes in my head simultaneously with the organic golem that speaks to me.

... "I do not know." I reply. "It seems she does not want to talk to us."

"How about we split up? I go on sky and you head some other way. I'm sure we'll both find interesting things."

"I feel like you're tempting your own death, but very well, good luck." I quickly restate the plan to OldTrees and get to work.
1. Write - Alternate Reality (The timeline shudders...)
2. Text (Interrupt) - Create Vessel - Tengu Body.

3. Ariel takes off and follows Eva curiously at a much lower height, thinking about what to say.


 
Ankh/Ariel

Statues:
Split - Both are still treated as one person under all limit caps. (E.g. Ankh can use 1 move and Ariel can use 2 moves in a turn. Ankh can only hold 2 items if Ariel has 1 item, etc...)
Split Summon (Ariel) - If Ariel dies, she reunites with Ankh. Create Vessel is disabled for the next 2 posts I make afterward.

Powers: (1)
Gemini Mask (Both)

Items: (1/3)
Reality Phone (Ankh)

Summons: (1)
AntiMana Sniper (Gun, 4/5) (Ankh)
Ariel (Tengu)

Alliances (1/3)
OldTrees

[artimies7]

Event time!

From the depths of indistinguishability, bringing the halls of undecision and the Tomes of Afterthoughts, comes the first Castle of Maybe.
Hordes of what would be ten thousand strong creatures pour from its gates. At least they would, if anyone could know what they decided to be.

So, now that I'm done with that. The castle is 1001 square miles and 12 yards tall at the smallest basement, so get geared up. It resides somewhere in the east, but not so east that some of you couldn't call it west. I'm not sure what treasures lie within, but maybe the first one's the best and it all goes downhill from here.


Orly, shiny?
1:

[Camoninja]

(starting body)
_ doesn't like interacting with people. He prefers being them- at least temporarily. He can switch the minds of any two people he can see (mostly himself and someone else, but can switch two other people in two turns). He has no name, since from birth he knew how to "change his mind" and never stayed in his original body long enough to hear his name. He vaguely remembers in previous incarnations of his control of the time flow, but received a different one this time from the hassle of making sure he didn't destroy himself (and the universe) at any time, every time he used his power. (Powers transfer with minds to the new bodies)

_ sees a speck in the sky. Out of curiosity, he switches with it. He immediately feels a sensation of joy, and then looks down. Joy quickly turns to panic. He takes a moment to find the closest person to switch with, finds a golem, and then switches, panting with the golem's mouth. Something doesn't feel right in this person's body. It feels... unstable.

"How... what... was that... Scary..." he says.
Summary:

_ can switch minds/souls/whatevers with any two people he can see, but the mind has to be in the body. His starting body has the black dagger in the picture. He can't keep any items, because whatever he has must be traded off every time he uses his ability. I think OldTrees would now be in control of the flying EvaRia body, while the golem would decompose on me. If the EvaRia body dies, then OldTrees is still the tree, so he can make another golem, or whatever.

Is this all right? If so...:

1. Switch with EvaRia.
2. Panic, and scrabble around for something to save myself.
3. Switch with Golem.

[Cel]

_ can switch minds/souls/whatevers with any two people he can see, but the mind has to be in the body. His starting body has the black dagger in the picture. He can't keep any items, because whatever he has must be traded off every time he uses his ability. I think OldTrees would now be in control of the flying EvaRia body, while the golem would decompose on me. If the EvaRia body dies, then OldTrees is still the tree, so he can make another golem, or whatever.

I don't mean to be a pain, but I think you should change that power. The problem I see with it is that it can easily lead to confusions, misunderstandings, and diverging 'realities.' (I.E. Person A and Person B get switched. Person A thinks that since bodies have switched, so have powers and proceeds to use Person B's power. Person B's next post states how s/he dodged the switch, and continues using h(is)er own power, resulting in two people having Person B's body.)
  On the other hand, if other people (or the GM) think that it is a balanced non-problematic ability, than go ahead and continue.

[ZephyrPhantom]

_ can switch minds/souls/whatevers with any two people he can see, but the mind has to be in the body. His starting body has the black dagger in the picture. He can't keep any items, because whatever he has must be traded off every time he uses his ability. I think OldTrees would now be in control of the flying EvaRia body, while the golem would decompose on me. If the EvaRia body dies, then OldTrees is still the tree, so he can make another golem, or whatever.

I don't mean to be a pain, but I think you should change that power. The problem I see with it is that it can easily lead to confusions, misunderstandings, and diverging 'realities.' (I.E. Person A and Person B get switched. Person A thinks that since bodies have switched, so have powers and proceeds to use Person B's power. Person B's next post states how s/he dodged the switch, and continues using h(is)er own power, resulting in two people having Person B's body.)
  On the other hand, if other people (or the GM) think that it is a balanced non-problematic ability, than go ahead and continue.

OOC : It can be balanced, but it tends to lead to problems with trying to write from a different PoV and more confusion, as Special Powers 2 showed later in the event. I'll let Arty make the final call since he's hosting, but I do think this ability will cause writing problems in the long run like it did last time.
More mongrels from this Noodleman? How interesting.....perhaps I should 'broadcast' this to everyone. I guess I'll bring back an old friend from another dimensional occurrence here... why not? >=)
A loud voice sounds in my head echoing:

From the depths of indistinguishability, bringing the halls of undecision and the Tomes of Afterthoughts, comes the first Castle of Maybe.
Hordes of what would be ten thousand strong creatures pour from its gates. At least they would, if anyone could know what they decided to be.

So, now that I'm done with that. The castle is 1001 square miles and 12 yards tall at the smallest basement, so get geared up. It resides somewhere in the east, but not so east that some of you couldn't call it west. I'm not sure what treasures lie within, but maybe the first one's the best and it all goes downhill from here.

I turn to see Ariel flying back towards me in alarm.

"Did you hear that?"

"Yes. And we've already met a few of them, it seems!"

Suddenly a boy with black glasses appears, then clutches his head while the dark-haired girl sits up in alarm, changing her pose.

"Ankh, I believe we have SERIOUS problems right now." Ariel mumbled next to me. We merge back together, realizing that divided we will fall.
1. Merge Back.
2. Text - Fi-

My action is cut off as an ice bolt blasts me back. Several more dark bolts then plow into EvaRia and this boy. When EvaRia sits up again, she yells at the boy "WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!" Mind control seems to be at play again....

"I don't know what's going on, but we have enemies to fight!" I quickly push them apart and nod to OldTrees "We'll explain later - for now, just stop them."

"Hmph, Dungeon Master. You know I'm rather difficult to beat." The famillar woman grimaces as she creates a trident out of ice "Only this time, I'll play a bit more... fair, shall we say. Perhaps you and your lowly band can win my respect this time?"

Name : ? ? ? Abilities : ? ? ? Class : Water/Dark Nymph APP: 3 Status : Hostile Items : Trident Abilities: Psionic Barrier - Can nullify each attempt to alter her mind (E.g. Mind Control) at the cost of 1 action this turn per nullification.  Nullifications cannot exceed the number of APPs in a turn. Trying something different here - Player created NPCs. I'm probably going to use the RNG to determine outcomes of how well she responds to actions.

Name : Minor Wyrm 1 Abilities : Dive - Fly up in the sky then dive at the opponent in a gambit to inflict more damage. Takes 2 actions. APP: 1 Status : Hostile Items : None

Name : Minor Wyrm 2 Abilities : Dive - Fly up in the sky then dive at the opponent in a gambit to inflict more damage. Takes 2 actions. APP: 1 Status : Hostile Items : None

3. Fire AntiMana Sniper at the Dark/Water Nymph. (3/5 Bullets)

 
Ankh

Statuses:
None

Powers: (1)
Gemini Mask (Both)

Items: (1/3)
Reality Phone (Ankh)

Summons: (1)
AntiMana Sniper (Gun, 3/5) (Ankh)

Alliances (1/3)
OldTrees
Enemy Nymph's Actions:
1. Deflect AntiMana Sniper attack w/Trident.
2. Cast Liquid Shadow on OldTrees. OldTrees is poisoned but regenerates health from attacks.
3. [Passes due to low roll]


Minor Wyrm 1's Actions:
1) Attack Zblader

Minor Wyrm 2's Actions:
1) Attack OldTrees
As a reminder to all interested users, you are allowed to join midgame.

[OldTrees]

_ can switch minds/souls/whatevers with any two people he can see, but the mind has to be in the body. His starting body has the black dagger in the picture. He can't keep any items, because whatever he has must be traded off every time he uses his ability. I think OldTrees would now be in control of the flying EvaRia body, while the golem would decompose on me. If the EvaRia body dies, then OldTrees is still the tree, so he can make another golem, or whatever.

0) Golem body 1 was possessed. Golem body is animated by new soul (camoninja). Golem consiousness is in Eva Ria but the animation will only last 2 actions before natural soul returns (EvaRia).*

1) Golem in EvaRia's Body flys to nearby tree.
2) Golem in EvaRia's Body crafts a golem body and dissipates from stress.

3) OldTrees Animates the Golem held by camoninja.
(http://tektek.org/avatar/48212724)
Status:
EvaRia sitting in her body on a tree next to inanimate golem body (golem's chest says "useful item")
Camoninja in a stable golem body carrying an animated golem
OldTrees rooted somewhere

*artificial souls are very weak

[ZephyrPhantom]

Enemy Nymph's Actions

1. Steal the Reality Phone from a downed Ankh.
2. Text - Mentality Scramble (Her roll was a 94 out of 100 for this one. :/) - All minds are reset to normal and sent back to default bodies (Summons w/souls or minds get hurt instead). Each enemy then may get hit with a mental status effect.

OldTrees - No status inflicted.
EvaRia - Panicking - Next post, your next two actions are spent "Gathering Courage" unless someone else does something to help. Panicking is removed after you gather enough courage.
Zblader - Nervesliced - Attacks may miss, spells may fail to cast until this status is removed. (Failiure rate is 50%)
camoninja - Slowed Reactions - You may only use 2 actions max per turn, until this status is removed.
"I suppose I'll take you down, one at a time, eh, while you're all struggling."

3.  Text - "Null Mind" - The first action targeting each player's mind is nulled each time a mind ability is used.

Minor Wyrm 1's Actions:
1) Fly high in the sky! (1/2 Dive)

Minor Wyrm 2's Actions:
1) Attack Ankh (Zblader) (RNG sure likes me. =P)

"The battle medium here is the mind, Dungeon Master. Would I really not prepared against such a threat?
Ankh's Actions
"You sunnava-" I quickly snatch the phone back from her, but the damage is done - my AntiMana Sniper fades away in a cloud of mist as she counters by stabbing the trident into it and knocking me away. Everyone seems to be back to normal, thought - everyone seems to be glaring at the new boy who showed up.... I wonder why... and the golems around us seem to be crumbling at damage to their minds...

I manage to steal back the phone, but another Wyrm slams into me.
Getting up, I summon a sword and prepare for the next assault. It works, despite my shaking hands and twitching legs. My nerves feel raw and disoriented....
1. Steal back Reality Phone. I get unlucky and AntiMana Sniper is destroyed.
2.  Recover from Wyrm assault.
3. Text - Checkmate Sword (Black) - Summons a large black sword with chess motifs. Summon succeeds.
 
Ankh

Statuses:
Nervesliced - Attacks may miss, spells may fail to cast. (Failiure rate is 50%)

Powers: (1)
Gemini Mask (Both)

Items: (1/3)
Reality Phone

Summons: (0)

Alliances (1/3)
OldTrees

[Xenocidius]

As Xenocidius writhes on the ground in pain, he summons from within the very last ounce of mental power he has. It builds until he can get no more ... and he uses it ... to switch to first person.

I am dying. The AntiMana Sniper has done me in. How could the great Xenocidius be downed by a single arrow? This is impossible. Yet here I am, waiting for death.

And suddenly, I feel a great burst of energy. The yellow geek's Mentality Scramble action has refreshed my mind. The pain has completely faded, and I am revitalized ...

Revitalized and ready for sweet, sweet revenge. The yellow geek shall not get away with this. His AntiMana Sniper has been destroyed, and I cannot imagine what else he can do to stop me.

There is a girl sitting on a tree. She seems to be able to fly, so I am sure that she could execute a sneak attack on the yellow geek. I easily reach out my mind to hers and ensnare it within the ravenous claws of my psyche.

1. Control EvaRia

The silly girl is panicking. She is more scared than Scaredgirl! Thankfully, my mind-based actions are twice as powerful, so I can get her courage up with a single action.

2. Gather Courage (2x)

The silly girl has overcome her panic. Now, yellow geek, you are about to see what happens when you cross paths with me.

3. Fly at yellow geek full-speed, Kamikaze-style.

"This is how you kill two birds with one stone!" I laugh. "Well, more like one bird and one yellow geek." Eagerly, I await the devastating collision.

[OldTrees]

Summary:
Dropped golem charges at Nymph. Nymph parries with trident but is not blessed with luck. Using the buried trident as leverage the golem starts to grapple and choke the nymph using vines from its body as makeshift garrote. The golem continues to increase the strength of the choke hold.
(Sorry it had no melee weapons that would stand up to a trident so grapple and choking was the only option)

Actions
0) The body holding loses its animating soul (camoninja) and drops the animated golem as a result of the NPC Nymph's action
Golem body 2
1) Moves to NPC nymph
2) Initiates constricting grapple (Strength to break choke = 1AP) (Trident head buried in golem chest)
3) Increases constricting grapple (Strength to break choke = 2AP)
(http://tektek.org/avatar/48212724)
Status:

1 inanimate golem body (#1) in the clearing with NPC nymph. Currently a target for a wyrm.
1 inanimate golem body (#3) in the middle of nowhere
Camoninja safe in original body thanks to NPC Nymph. Slowed reactions status might be removed depending on if it was soul or brain dependant.
OldTrees rooted somewhere

[EvaRia]

I feel dazed for a sec as if my concentration had a major lapse, but my memories refill me on what just happened.
Somehow, I have found myself in the midst of a fairly chaotic battle.
My mind snaps back into focus as the very real danger of combat suddenly presents itself to me.

The first thing I see is a wyrm diving right at us.
My thoughts race as the situation puts me into combat mode. I can feel my reaction time become faster, my body lighter, and time seems to slow down to me as I poise myself for offense.

As the wyrm comes for us I stare it in the eye, focusing all my attention onto it.
It's trying to kill us. I need to do something. Quickly.
As the reality of combat hits me more and more, I feel a certain familiarity...
I've done this before.

And I remember...

The wind is my blade.

Just as the wyrm is about to land an attack, I slice at it with the air, carving an arc across the sky. It's cut clean in half with ease.

It's a small victory, but I waste no time. I spot the other wyrm flying high in the air, getting ready to dive at us.

I once again feel the air under my feet and let it carry me to the wyrm's location.
It obviously didn't see me coming. Under the pressure of combat, I move incredibly quickly.

One more quick slash dispatches it easily. The sight of blood raining from the sky should be unsettling, but somehow I'm not disturbed.

The feeling of combat is too natural to me. In fact, I find myself enjoying the thrill.
Despite everything I show a small smile.


1. Slash at the wyrm going diving at Ankh.
2. Ride the wind into range of the other wyrm.
3. Slash.

[Cel]

(http://tektek.org/avatar/48214223)
I began to move towards the castle, prowling closer towards my 'prey'... then the castle began to twist and turn, growing larger and darker and more... uncertain. Windows stuck out of walls where no hole was cut for them, giant towers pertruded into the sky with no doors to enter them, and a hollow, echoing voice, as if spoken from afar range out across the land.
From the depths of indistinguishability, bringing the halls of undecision and the Tomes of Afterthoughts, comes the first Castle of Maybe.
Hordes of what would be ten thousand strong creatures pour from its gates. At least they would, if anyone could know what they decided to be.
I could tell for sure it wasn't the castle's voice, it was distant and quiet, not like the deep ringing baritone I had heard before.
Speaking of the castle... "Is that still you?" I called, my voice faint inside the uncertainty, "sir?"
Then I heard his voice, weak from effort, "the madness is even taking me... I thought I had more time." Then with his last strength, "flee, Deo! This is to much for you to handle. Flee!"
Frozen with shock, I stood my ground. They say the first person you see on awaking into the world becomes the person most important to you, perhaps I felt this way, after having never seen my parents? I certainly had unconditional trust for the snarky baritone voice.
"I'll come back." I said with determination, "with more power, and more people, and I'll save you."
I heard his protests, but they were far too faint now, and I ran from the castle without looking back, feeling the uncertainty dwindle as my distance grew.
0: Witness the castle transform
1: Run from the castle hastily
Even the great forest surrounding the castle was warping with uncertainty, the trees on the edges twisting and mashing together into horrific shapes that would never appear in nature.
Panicky and upset, I wanted to get as far away as possible, and I ran through the forest with my eyes shut.
CRASH!
2: Run through the forest with closed eyes
3: Crash into someone!

[Thalas]

The path before me distorts together with the forest creating magnificent, yet strange view. Trees seem to bend their branches under invisible pressure, as if they were trying to hide from a unkown ominous power, which they never experienced before. Mysterious power gropes for everything in its reach tearing off leaves, break trees in their trunks and arousing fear in me. 
I shiver as the power grows stronger, even Raziela hides beneath her wings.
"My lord, the stars dim, rivers and lakes are drying out and eclipse comes near, let us flee, before Fortuna with her unsettled wheel averts her sight from us." Raziela expressed her doubts, which didn't calm me at all. The earth was turning more chaotic with every second, some poet could say it was undulating as volatile air.
"Regardless we must keep on, god commanded me to slay every beast, man, woman or suckling on earth as long it has Special powers, and this aura, that I feel is extraordinary, it has to be Power bearer." I replied. despite her instincts, Raziela didn't object with me.
1. Observe the waving forest
I glanced again at forest, when someone bumped in me.
2. Someone crashes into me
It took me while, before pulled myself together. I opened my and saw a young girl. Her hair was silver as moon shine and her eyes were crimson as the dragon's breath. However the waving even increased, blurring my vision, neverthless I could see the monstrous beast coming for its prey, us
3. Rises up and notices the beast.

(http://tektek.org/avatar/48248174)

Name : Abilities : Class :  Beast APP: 4 Status : Hostile Items : none