Hugo Fowl

Corvo had all that he needed. Using a combination of his arcane abilities and skills,he barely needed more than the bare minimum of equipment which suited him fine. Which was why, upon noticing the deficiency in Clara's equipment, he very quietly bought an extra bedroll suitable for the outdoors without sacrificing comfort and opted to leave it by her with an anonymous note later. Rest was important after all and for better or worse, they would be working extensively. He would give her one more chance as well as look out for his companions as normal. Though without the thanks people usually did such tasks for. That said, it appears their new escort mission seemed to have quite the effect on their party. She seemed to have charmed the majority of his companions, Corvo content to stay back for now to avoid smothering the poor girl with introductions. To Komi he gave another eye smile, nodding once as he spoke. "Quite. I can't wait to get on the ship too." All that open water meant he could fly to his heart's content without worry for torch or pitchforks by deranged villagers! This coat was nice, but his wings felt so cramped.

Corvo was prepared and ready for anything. He was also in a cheerful mood. The sun was shining, Komi was here and there was a mission to be had. A task within their power. As far as he was concerned, he was going to give this a hundred percent and he nodded to the two. "Greetings sir! The Workers Of Requisite, Sly and Egnimatic Solutions are here to assist!"

It was true that Corvo held a low opinion of Clara right now. But that did not extend to pettiness and he extended the olive branch as he said courteously. "That's fine with me. So we can add an apocathery to our list of places to visit. In a town with a guild like ours I'm sure they'd have something. I need a new bedroll myself."

That sounded like a good idea and he nodded, looking to the others. "We'll see you all later then unless you want to join us." And off they went.

Sounds like a plan then. But not when they had to prepare for a mission in so little time. "Tonight at dinner then, whenever that may be on our mission. In the meantime, who wants to come along with me?" He looked around and added. "I'm going to see about some equipment I might need. Shall we meet at the appointed place for our client till then?"

"Hitting-oh! Hahaha." He chuckled as he nodded to Komi fondly. "We grew up in the same group together at the Abbey. She's a friend of mine. Speaking of which Komi, we should catch up after. Actually, we could make it a group meal." The idea sounded better as he added to everyone in general. "I would like to go over our first mission and then we can identify each other's strengths and weaknesses,for better synergy I'm future. It'll also be a great way to let Komi catch up and get to know all of you. Who's up for it?"

It would be nice to team up with an old friend from the Abbey. Corvo gave a grin beneath his face mask, eyes curled up in a way to indicate he was smiling as he nodded to her. Corvo considered carefully before he finally spoke. "So we have a choice between the fire investigation, and the two escorts? Personally I'd love to visit the Elven City."

"I told you if it was me, you'd be dead." Corvo bantered back, hearing of the fiery destruction. That said, this WAS something more serious as he asked. "How much leeway do we have in investigating this and are we expected to liase with local authorities?"

Oh. Corvo was confused and a little bewildered as he tried to make sense of it. Before deciding to think better of it for now as he asked. "One more thing sir...Group C is short a member now." He glanced at Komi as he added casually. "We could use a healer and diplomat."

"But what was the point, sir?" Corvo stood tall, his voice breaking briefly as he looked at the old man and asked. "What good is there to be found in anything that happened to us?"

Corvo knew he would be challenged when he stepped out of the Ravenholde Abbey. He didn't expect it to be from his own companions, but so be it. He was content turning it over in his mind that he did the right thing. When it came down to it, when someone was seeking to harm Innocents? The skill he had honed was enough to overcome it. All he had to do was keep fighting. That said, the travel back was much more pleasant despite everything as he formed his opinions of each person. Cliff, despite his barbaric exterior was a sentient of forethought. He considered before he struck,took it upon himself like Corvo to keep peace and raised his weapon as a last resort from what Corvo understood. Despite the fact he had left the talks with Bertha to them, Corvo suspected had there been no other choice he would have done his best irregardless. Strong too...Corvo had asked for a spar one night and found himself pleasantly hard-pressed. Out of all of them, he felt a bond with Cliff forged in empathy for being men of thought and action. Muggy was an innocent soul despite everything. Corvo found himself charmed by how he worried he had done evil, especially when all he did was hold still as he was in no position to help lest the crazed Tabaxi fire an arrow in their guts. He was earnest and well meaning, willing to learn and seemed to forge a friendship with Farley over their shared heritage. Farley he liked. The monk shared values similar to his own and did his best to fill the air with stories of his travels. Of places that the Tiefling had never seen before, save in stories and books. He was a well-traveled soul and it showed in his patience and the serenity he excuded. Which left the last member, whom he had a rather low opinion of at this point. Despite knowing what Elbine would have done, as well as the rather creepy (in hindsight) fixiation on her over the past few days, she still acted as if it would have been preferable if one of the others had died in place of Elbine. Would she still act like this if Muggy had been buried? Cliff? Farley? He didn't know. All he knew was that for some reason, she took closer to heart the actions of a violent, arrogant, deliberately anti-social Tabaxi with no honor than she seemingly did her living teammates. It colored his perception of her and he made a mental note to keep an eye on her in future if they stuck together. He didn't need the delusions of someone whose mindset resembled that of an abused spouse continually making excuses for those undeserving. And so he was nothing more than polite but no further with her. The first impressions were the lasting ones after all. And then all too soon, the rooftops of Eastrun was before them. Corvo was of a like mind. His glare took advantage of his fiendish heritage, livid in the coldness radiating off him as he kept a hand on his sword. And then Clara made to speak. Perhaps she would talk about the loss of potential Innocents? How it cost merchants on the road who otherwise might have traded with Eastrun, or the fact that the guild master had kept this from them-. ....Corvo could feel his opinion sinking even lower of the wizard. Perhaps he shouldn't have expected anything more. But then he actually was shocked out of his anger. Not enough, but to a point where he could behave without raising his voice. Komi was here! He gave her a nod of greetings, a small smile splitting his face behind the mask before he turned to the guild master and spoke. "We are all angry, yes...But I find myself disappointed. These bandits are worse than normal ones. They at least do not pretend that there is anything noble in what they do. But these? They target folks for no reason than a twisted ideology. They cripple people, rob them of anything they need to survive and leave them to die, claiming it's not murder. I had thought they had an actual cause that we may try to address them. I had thought we were going to help people who had been abused and thought this was their only recourse left. To find out that it was all a lie and over such a banal issue infuriated me. And against our worse instincts, we left them quietly and unmolested...Though not on a lack of trying from one of our number." His mouth curled beneath the mask in a snarl as he spoke. "Elbine is dead. We had to rescue him from his wounds after he tried to attack them and when we opted for peaceful methods, he went ahead and ambushed us in an attempt to strong arm us into following him. He threatened to shoot us if we made a move against him and I warned him and gave him an ultimatum to surrender. He did not. And I did my duty." He reached into his lapel, pulling out his badge for the guild as he weighed it in hand. And then he placed it gently on the desk. "Tell me there is something behind this. Tell me that we did not go through all this trouble, that all these had been ignored because of a toilet seat. If not...Then consider this my resignation." He didn't need a badge to do good in the world. And he had a feeling some of this group would follow him anyway, his eyes meeting Komi as a touch of his stress shone through his eyes.

I had some initial trouble thinking of an 80s match we hadn't seen before. Classics like Freddy Krueger vs Ghostbusters for example had been done before, and I wanted something that wasn't just a beat down. Then I remembered these properties and it took off from there. Thanks for the kind words!

Picard stared with incredulous eyes at the sight before him. He had used this scenario before. A mansion-turned-school in Winchester, quiet and serene. Within this place, he had many fond conversations with the advocate for Federation values that called it home and enjoyed his company. But this was new and quite frankly, impossible in every sense of the word. The parameters extended only to a single man constructed within and no more. So who was this man that stood where normally Charles would be seated, looking out at the grounds for Picard to join him? Whoever he was, he did not recognize him in the slightest. He was a powerfully built man, clad in dark purple armor. A cape that wouldn't be out of place upon the shoulders of an Emperor rested on his form. His helmet resembled that of a Spartan of old and altogether, he looked intimidating to the layman-a look carefully cultivated, realized the good captain. He knew who he was now. Aloud, he spoke. "Erik Lensherr I presume?" He turned to look at him, giving Picard his full attention as he mused aloud in surprise. "Charles? Congratulations on your miraculous recovery. Though I confess, I'm curious as to what purpose it serves you today to act as though you've seen a perfect stranger." Picard shook his head. "Sir, I am not Charles Xavier. My name is Jean-Luc Picard; Captain of the Enterprise and on occasion when duty permits, I come to visit my friend here." Erik smiled and Picard was struck by the charm inherent in it as the man spoke cordially. "In that we are much the same Captain. For I too seek out my friend, when duty permits. Though I see by your expression you know of me." Picard nodded and gestured to a seat, taking the chair he normally did when Charles was here, the captain curious as he asked. "He told me many things. None the least of which was your curious history together and your respective ideology." "If you refer to the direction our people must take to survive. Then yes." Erik sat down, completely at his own ease though he kept the helmet as he spoke. "Humanity is an intolerant people. I say this with the hindsight of both experience and firsthand account. As a child, I saw thousands rounded up and burned alive for reasons that amounted to simply 'they were different and therefore, undeserving.' Charles believed that humans could understand, could accept us and yet,what does he do? He keeps his people here, on what amounts to less than a reserve for our people and far less than we deserve. Even as a pacifist, he subconsciously knows the truth. I have no such illusions as to the work I perform and thankless as it may be, it is the only way." "It is true that humans can descend to black depths. But I believe that can change and has changed." Picard declared as Erik looked on politely. "In my time, such barriers had vanished entirely. Racisim, intolerance has become subsumed by a spirit of unity and brotherhood. We reach to the stars together in a Federation and boldly go in a mission to extend this collective mission to all. We are not a perfect people, but am I not living proof that such a future is not simply an impossibility? And worth fighting for?" Erik's smile grew fond as he looked on before he spoke, his tone nostalgic and a little wistful. "You even speak like Charles. I must say, the resemblance is quite uncanny. He was quite passionate as well. I had come originally to speak with him. But perhaps fate has given me someone to take his place, however briefly. Very well." He inclined his head to Picard, Magneto speaking on as he challenged. "Are you prepared to defend from the platform our mutual friend has declared his hill to die on?" Picard smiled and leaned back. The sun was shining. The tea was hot and he had quite a conversation to look forward to. "Sir, I was born ready." The two men shook hands. The debate began. The Setup Captain Picard, taking Xavier's place debates with Magneto over the possibility of a peaceful future for mutants and mankind. Will the captain be able to sway the Master of Magnetism? Or will Magneto leave Picard's argument in a wheelchair? You decide.

"Believe me my friend if it was me? You'd all be dead." He grinned and added more seriously. "There's a faint smoke trail up ahead. I would have flown over but we've seen what happens when we rush ahead."

Corvo landed, his expression bemused as he spoke. "So.... Apparently the brimstone and such came from up ahead. Around where we buried the weirdo if I'm any judge." He paused and then in all seriousness spoke. "I think Elbine was dragged down to Hell." : |

"-Love Bertha." Corvo folded up the letter and gave a smile or at least,moved his mouth muscles to make a smile. A chilling air radiated from him, his fingers flexed to his sword as he said very calmly. "I'm so glad that all these attacks are done for the most banal of reasons. And that the person in charge of our adventuring group won't do anything about it since his spouse is apparently in charge of it. Doesn't it make you feel like all our efforts were for the best? That we spent our time doing something worthwhile and worthy of our talents?" He began to laugh and it was cold as the rest of his words, biting and harsh now. "To think too that Elbine thought to ambush and attack us over...A toilet seat matter. Ok, that's a little funny in a grim way." Corvo admitted before he burst out laughing. His wings flicked out and he suddenly stopped. "I'll keep an eye out. Red sparks is danger, yellow is unsure. Green is friends." And he took off into the skies.

TV show Hulk? Hmm. ...Tempted to give it to Lou. But Jason will just keep coming.

This made sense and Corvo opened the note. "They were an unpleasant bunch,weren't they? Irregardless we have, technically done what we were here to do-to report on them and not simply burn them to a crisp." In this at least, he was inclined to give Elbine credit where it was due. After meeting them, he was of the opinion that perhaps it was better to burn and salt the earth where they had camped. "At any rate my friend, perhaps it was for the best. Following orders is as important as knowing which ones to follow. Besides, imagine how strange it'd be if we were all the same too." His lip might have twitched in a smile as he added. "If we were all of the same mind as Elbine, every dark corner would be crowded as we joust for position and make incredibly grim commentary." He went back to reading the letter and doing so aloud for the benefit of the rest.

Eh it's alright. I had fun writing this one. Mind if I keep this here and just do a new one? It's nice getting the cricks out as it's been a while since I did any CBUB matches. Lol.

"Oh. Of course we could do that." It was simple enough and he took the letter,giving a short bow. "Thank you for your time, we leave in peace." And he turned and walked out.

Ah wait I just saw. This is a tabletop game. Does that mean this fight doesn't count since it's not a music video, show or computer game or movie?

Oh I'm using the actual module itself, published in 1983. Using Wikipedia as my guide. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenloft

Ismark Kolyanovich took one look at the rabbit in the room and without a word, did an about face and strode out. Well. That was it. His last hope of summoning someone, anyone who could possibly save his sister from the nightmare to come wasn't dashed so much as kicked in the balls, thrown in a weighted barrel and chucked off a cliff into a dragons cave. He should have known better than to trust that weird summoning book. What kind of a wizard name was Acme anyway? Sounded like something you'd get on your face at puberty and with such things running through his mind he saw the rabbit again. Of course he would. He noted idly it was wearing gloves and even with the ears, came up to a little above his waist at most. He was eating a carrot. The loud crunch shattered the awkward silence and gave birth to an entirely new dynasty of awkward silence as before swallowing, the rabbit spoke because why not? "Eeeh. What's up doc?" Ismark sighed aloud and shrugged once. "Oh nothing much. My sister, Ireena has been fed upon by a powerful vampire. My father is dead and in a coffin I had to create from some bookshelves. Our home has been constantly under siege by the undead and I spent the last of our arcane components in the hope of summoning someone to deal with Strahd Von Zarovich." "Gesundheit." The rabbit said politely and Ismark shook his head. "No, that's the name of the vampire with a lust for my sister. Anyway atop of all this, the stress of the situation has driven me irrevocably mad. I fear for my families fate such as it is now." The rabbit was shocked. His eyes bulged as his entire posture seemed to shudder in exaggeration. "Mad? Why would you think that?" Ismark gestured to him. "Well for one, I'm talking to an anthropomorphic rabbit. That seems like a ready indicator." The rabbit made a sound of comprehension, thoughtfully munching the carrot before he spoke. "Yeah, that does sound like you're mad. Tell you what sport!" He pulled out a stepladder and climbed it, absently tucking the carrot remainder behind an ear as he adjusted Ismarks collar and brushed his shoulders. "Take a nap. When's the last time you rested, eh? I'll go deal with the whole thing and you get a good night's rest and this will be all better when you wake up." Ismark considered and gave a thankful nod. "Thank you. I'll do just that." And with an about face, Ismark turned and headed upstairs. The rabbit followed after, taking off his shoes and tucking him in before tip-toeing out. And with an evil little rub of his hands, Bugs Bunny gave a grin. "Now then...Where's the old bat anyhow?" ------- He was ancient. He was the land. Absolute master of a Hell with only a few hundred souls at most. A life bereft of flavor, his only entertainment found in the adventuring parties snatched by the mists or lured by his servants. He was Strahd Von Zarovich and he was feeling bemused. Normally he would know when intruders would come to Barovia. There was a sensation to it, a feel he would hone over centuries of life, one night after the other all the same in this prison. Tonight, the flare felt odd. As though the land itself recoiled briefly before smoothing out to what he knew once more. Strahd felt a tendril of interest penetrate his black heart as he wondered what could have caused such an effect. Would he finally meet an equal? Someone he could have a worthy battle, a clash to remove the boredom and stave off oblivion for a little while? He would not get his hopes up, but something to increase his spirits was always something to look forward to. And so he would ride in style. Swift as the dead could ride, his coach rumbling across the roads before they began to slow. Strahd frowned and glanced up. That...Shouldn't be happening. They were nowhere near his beloved Tatyana's village. He looked out his window in annoyance. "Driver, why have we-what." Words failed him. Somehow, someone had taken the time to create a brick wall that stretched up twenty feet up and all the way across the width. There was a gate in the center,though locked and with a single guard playing a banjo-quite annoyingly too. Strahd scowled and stepped out of his coach, striding for the little man in all his dark glory. "Whadda they do when there is no starry sky? Where do they go when they can't go for a walk-." The singing trailed off as the gate guard smiled. "Eeeh. What's up doc?" Strahd was not amused. "Whose gate is this and by whose word have they blocked the road?" "What gate?" The guard glanced and gave a start as if just realizing the brick wall, iron gate and subsequent chair he had been waiting for folks to come by in had just appeared out of nowhere. "Oh you mean THAT gate? Personally I blame the Patriarchy. But I don't make the rules! It's a dime to get through boss!" Strahd was livid, cape billowing like the wings of an angry fiend as he snarled. "I am Strahd Von Zarovich! And I demand you open it now before I decide to decorate the spikes with your head!" The guard did not seem to take this with the seriousness such a threat was made in as he tsk'd. "Gonna need some ID then." Strahd blinked, confusion filling his frame and as alien as compassion. "What." "ID! A driver's license, a passport! Something like that." Strahd was beginning to get angry again as he gestured to his coach. "The symbol of my house is upon the door! And upon my hand lies my signet ring!" "I need a picture ID boss. Thems the rules." Strahd was once more at a loss, his lifetime of war and subsequent undead status never giving him a day like this before he snarled. "You will open that gate now. I will not tolerate this buffoonery no longer." "Oh no I won't!" Strahds eyes widened in rage as his fangs flashed and he snarled again. "Oh yes you will!" "Oh no I won't!" "Oh yes you will!" "Oh yes I will!" "Oh no you won't!" "Oh yes I will!" "Oh no you won't and I say you won't!" Strahd thundered and the skies darkened and swirled in reaction to his mood. The guard shrugged. "Ok boss. If you say I won't open, I won't open." Strahd smiled wickedly as he leaned back. "It is good you know your place, vermin." He turned to leave and paused as the guard called out. "Hey doc, look-just doing my job and just to show no hard feelings? Here!" He presented a cigar and Strahd took it, letting the guard light it as he nodded in approval at the quality. The odd hiss was off-putting, but nothing he couldn't handle. Waving his hand regally, he re-entered his coach and the entire thing turned around and headed back where it had come from. It made it up to about fifty feet down the road before Strahd realized what the heck had just happened. He also remembered far too late, that he didn't smoke. Around that point, things got a little blurry as the cigar exploded in the coach. Back by the gate, Bugs removed his disguise as he snickered and jerked a thumb back towards the couch. "Get a load of discount Bela Lugiosa here. Uh-oh!" Strahd was furious, stepping out from the smoking remains of his vehicle. The skies rumbled as lightning split the skies. Bats swarmed from every corner of Barovia at his call. Wolves howled in the night and the restless dead buried themselves in their graves, wisely hiding for the duration of Strahds anger. It was going to be a night to remember. The Setup. Strahd Von Zarovich. Darklord. Master of Barovia. Ancient and the Land. Vs one, hoppy boi. Will Strahd be the one to finally best the rabbit or will Bugs speedrun through Curse of Strahd?

We don't talk about the Sonja movie. There IS a Paizo archetype for her though, which is awesome! So by sheer Munchkin ability I'd have to give it to Sonja.

"I must ask first if you've killed anyone in your mugging." Said Corvo when it seemed no one else was going to talk before he elaborated. "Also, the one who attacked you all from before is dead. Buried some four hours down the road, after an attempt to strong arm is into obeying them to burn you all out or some drivel like that. We're not violently inclined and truly do wish a peaceful solution but if you've all killed innocent travelers than madame, that may well change our meeting now."