001 [Video]

[withthebrotherhood]

[The video feed shows Toad (in all his scummy green glory) focused and frowning as he messes with the console. It’s not like there wasn’t an explanation, but he’s bad at listening. And refraining from touching things.]

Ah… freakin’… stupid… Heeeey, it’s workin’!

[He immediately brightens. Then scowls again when he remembers what he turned it on for.]

So, uh, I'm new. Hi. Anyway, how cool are people with this deal? Maybe someday do something to fight the weird evil whatever it is, get a house on turtle island?

[The roof over his head aspect is actually quite a selling point for Toad. And there's something unnatural about admitting he exists on some kind of public channel and not just hiding in the shadows, but it seems to be what people do here.]

‘Cus that’s stupid, but how stupid? Is it worth playin’ along? I didn’t see a lot of dumpsters to dive in and stuff, so can you even be, like, no, fight your own monster, I’ll be over here, hiding. Do you actually get in trouble or go to turtle jail?

[He’s a follower. And a coward. Having some idea of how much of a tantrum he can get away with throwing will be helpful.]

...Toad out.

Comments

[withthebrotherhood]

[Overlanders. Sure, why not. He's called them worse. And that's a question he can answer confidently.]

So they can find us before we mess 'em up. Doesn't usually work out for 'em. Heh.

[ixis]

You wage war on your own kind? Or are you so far removed now that it hardly counts as such? Overlanders are the xenophobic sort, at least in my experience. Of course they would reject others of their own species simply because they had advanced beyond them or changed in ways that broadened their appearances.

[withthebrotherhood]

...They started it.

[ixis]

Of course they did! I don't doubt or fault you for a second. They're afraid of anything that doesn't look like them or think like them. They've waged two massive wars against anything non-Overlander back where I come from.

[withthebrotherhood]

Oh, yeah, sounds like them.

[Not that even other mutants are that welcoming if you're green, slimy, and pointy, but that seems like a downer.]

But like I said, most of us look close enough to normal. I'm the weird one.

[ixis]

One man's 'weird' is another man's kin. And, well, anything that sets you further apart from the standard Overlander...

[Naugus ain't winning any beauty contests either, here OR at home.]

Toad, was it?

[withthebrotherhood]

Yup. So what's your damage?

[He's still leery. And while this guy could be a mutant who's from someplace with a different world for it, Toad's not going to warm up right away, thanks.]

[ixis]

Ixis Naugus, my friend! Truly a pleasure. And the only damage I present is upon those who I deign to suffer my sorcery.

[Angling to present himself as someone strong and potentially latch-on-able? Maybe. One can never have too many apprentices/knights/underlings/stooges, after all.]

[withthebrotherhood]

To how much your what now?

[It's not like sorcery is the weirdest idea he's been confronted with today, but it's hard to readjust one's thinking that quickly. He'll be duly impressed once he catches up.]

[ixis]

I am a sorcerer, boy! One of great power and capability. The elements bend to my whims and the shadows part at my behest.

[withthebrotherhood]

...Yeah, okay, that doesn't actually tell me anything. That's, what, like... ice powers or a darkness thing or what?

[ixis]

All of the above! Shadow, fire, water, air, earth; all are mine to command!

For some reason I cannot fathom properly, a great number of people on this turtle refuse to speak on their abilities, preferring to keep the cards to the vest. As if we aren't all allies here that presumably must rely on one another's capabilities at some point, at least in theory. I, for one, refuse to put my particular flame beneath a bushel.

[withthebrotherhood]

Well, that's wonky.

[He's jealous. That's a lot of powers to pack into one guy.]

I can kinda see their angle, though.

[He, for instance, isn't going to explain every facet of his powers, like the way his slime lets him stick to sheer surfaces or his affinity to water. It's good to have a few cards left to play. The Brotherhood knew everything, and they totally screwed him.]

[ixis]

...Speaking with you, I suppose I can marginally understand how some would be reluctant to out their abilities too readily. Seeing that you come from a world where Overlanders actively hunt others with powers and differing features.

But still! This is Tu Vishan and that is neither here nor there! Literally! I am here to be an instrument of victory in this realm, just as I was summoned for.

Incidentally, I can sometimes be talked into offering apprenticeship.

[Just sayin'.]

[withthebrotherhood]

I, uh, don't think I have any magic on my resume.

[It still sounds goofy, giant turtle or no. He's quite willing to understand things in terms of ridiculous powers, as long as they have "mutant" in front of them.]

[ixis]

Hardly matters. I even have manners of simply granting talents, if you feel your own are presently lacking. You know, if you decide you want to apply yourself a little and help the cause.

[withthebrotherhood]

[He hates being helpful. And as nice as better powers sounds, he can't help thinking of MRD experiments.]

...Sounds pretty shady, man.

[ixis]

Things often do. Just putting out there that I'm more than willing to help should you find yourself wishing you had more to offer or better means to keep yourself safe. Things may escalate without warning around here, after all.

[withthebrotherhood]

...What does this magic junk work like, anyways?

[So he's curious. He's still wary.]

[ixis]

Which part and in which way? It's a versatile craft, after all. For instance, I could just be a gracious benefactor and grant you the ability to shift from flesh to crystal, rendering yourself nigh indestructible with a thought. Very useful for keeping safe, really.

[So what if it takes a veritable deal with a devil to get that? CRYSTAL POWERS. YOU CAN BE EMMA FROST MINUS THE CLEAVAGE.]

[withthebrotherhood]

[That is where his mind goes, yes.]

Eh, I know a chick who can do that. Looks handy, but not super cool or anything.

[She can't walk around that way all the time, after all, and sooner or later a guy with superspeed will run in and break your nose before you can change over.]

[ixis]

Being invulnerable and not needing sleep, food nor air isn't 'cool' where you come from? Vale's bones, what a pity.

[withthebrotherhood]

[A combination of high standards and a startling lack of common sense. Toad's ideas of good powers are mainly based on who makes him feel particularly inadequate. As such, the relatively tame options of superspeed, superluck, eye lasers, stealing other people's powers by poking them, and the ability to stab things while Canadian are on the top of the list.]

Not knockin' it. Just... sounds kinda second-tier.

[ixis]

[It could be argued that being Canadian is a super power unto itself. Naugus ears flatten back slightly, mildly offended that anyone would call any of his talents second banana.]

Suit yourself. Welcome to the turtle at any rate. If you ever reconsider or just want to chat, I'm easy to find. Ixis Naugus, sorcerer supreme.

[And with a click and a blip, he cuts the video feed with a toothy smirk.]