While not being worn this is a stack of dark obsidian plates that emit a faint hum ((perception 20) and float just barely above each other). Deep purple lines are scratched into their surface. ((Arcana 10) These are ((Arcana 15) Transmutation) runes. ((Arcana 20) The symbols suggest Moving objects or changing their density ((Arcana 25) It's both simultaneously.)))
The pile of plates is too heavy to be moved, regardless of how strong the person attempting to do so is.
When someone places a palm against the symbols the lines begin to glow and move onto the person's body. The plates lift in the air and snap into place forming armor around the person. Mimicking the motion of removing a helmet will cause the plates to separate and return to a pile at the wearer's feet.
While wearing this armor anyone attempting to strike you with a weapon attack must make a DC 20 strength saving throw or the ammunition or weapon used against you will simply shatter. An attacker making an unarmed melee attack against you must make a DC 20 constitution saving throw or suffer damage equal to what their attack would have dealt instead. Your speed is reduced by 10 while wearing this armor and you are immune to forced movement. Otherwise this armor functions as regular plate armor.
If you enter an anti-magic field or are the target of dispel magic while wearing this armor you immediately are knocked prone, your speed is reduced to zero, and if you need to breath you begin choking.
If the wearer dies inside of the suit it will return to its inactive state as a pile of plates.
((History 25, speak Giant) There is writing among the runes on the armor in an archaic dialect of giant. It reads, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper.")
The Premier Cricket League: A New Era in T20 Cricket
The Premier Cricket League (PCL) has swiftly emerged as a major force in T20 cricket since its inception in 2019. Known for its exhilarating matches, innovative gameplay, and star-studded lineups, the PCL has quickly garnered a global fan base and established itself as a formidable competitor among the world's top T20 leagues.
A defining characteristic of the PCL Cricket is its relentless commitment to innovation. The league has introduced several unique elements to the traditional T20 format, enhancing both the excitement and strategic depth of the game. One of the most notable innovations is the "Power Surge," a two-over period where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This rule encourages batsmen to play more aggressively and often results in higher scores, much to the delight of fans. Additionally, strategic timeouts have been implemented, providing teams with opportunities to regroup and reassess their tactics, adding a new layer of strategy to the fast-paced format.
The PCL' franchise model has played a significant role in its rapid rise to prominence. By representing major cities, the league has fostered intense regional rivalries and built a loyal fan base. The participation of high-profile international players such as AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Rashid Khan has elevated the league’s profile, attracting viewers from around the globe. This blend of seasoned stars and emerging local talent creates a dynamic competition that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each match.
The league's strong emphasis on digital engagement has further amplified its reach. PCL matches are broadcast on multiple platforms, including traditional television networks and digital streaming services, ensuring that fans worldwide can follow the action. The league's robust social media presence and interactive fan engagement initiatives have created a vibrant online community, enhancing the overall fan experience. Through live tweets, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes content, the PCL keeps its audience constantly engaged.
Beyond the entertainment value, the PCL is deeply committed to promoting grassroots cricket. The league has launched several development programs aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent. These initiatives ensure a steady pipeline of skilled players for the future, improving the overall quality of cricket and strengthening the league's connection with local communities. By investing in grassroots development, the PCL not only enhances its talent pool but also fosters a deeper connection with cricket enthusiasts at all levels.
In addition to its on-field innovations, the PCL has also been a pioneer in leveraging technology to improve the viewing experience. Advanced analytics, player performance tracking, and immersive virtual reality experiences provide fans with deeper insights and a more engaging way to enjoy the game. This tech-savvy approach has set the PCL apart from other leagues, making it a favorite among younger audiences.
The Premier Cricket League has quickly established itself as a major player in T20 cricket by combining innovative gameplay, star power, and a strong digital presence. As the league continues to evolve, it promises to deliver even more thrilling experiences for fans and create new opportunities for players to shine on the global stage. The PCL blend of entertainment, competitive spirit, and commitment to development ensures its place at the forefront of the cricketing world.
Setting: The New York Chippendales; their 9 PM show
Behind Chippendales
Having sorted out their plans mere days before, the team of three reconvene in the back of the club. Otis is already dressed for his part in their plan, his uniform pants snug and tight pairing well with his only accessory from the waist up -- his bow tie and collar. Lucy and Charla are grinning from ear to ear, trying to quietly sneak Otis into the club. It was lucky that this deed had coincided with the loss of one of the club dancers; Otis would look like the last minute member they'd needed. Encouraged at their prospects, the girls shooed their makeshift stripper in.
"Okay," Lucy whispered, "Remember that you have to sell this, alright? This isn't some fifty cent diner strip club. This is Chippendales. We can't get kicked out before you actually make it on stage. You're our only hope, Obi Wan." With that inspiring pep talk, Lucy winked back at him and slapped his ass, waving him on. "Now, go make your girls proud."
"Hey," Otis smirked, covering his butt, "You could wait until we're alone together, you know." With that as his closing remark, he turned to find the stage, as Charla hollered after him about throwing a drachma at his face if he fucked up. As any gentleman would, especially of Chippendales caliber, he promptly flipped her off behind him. That didn't do much to deter her need to assure him of her promise, though, because at that, she pulled a drachma out and threw it at his back. Otis continued to swagger off, effectively holding in what would surely be his need to cry.
Holding back her own laughter, Lucy pulled Charla away before she could cause any more trouble. "Come on, we've got our own jobs to do." She followed Lucy, trying to remember what all she had to do. "What's our job again?" she asked, just to make sure. At that, Lucy grinned widely, mirth clear in her expression. "Easy: to get in without any trouble and enjoy the show." With a clear objective, Charla relaxed and nodded. "Oh, that's gonna be easy. You brought your fake I.D. and flirty eyes, right?" Lucy's grin only widened.
In front of the bouncer
Tickets already in hand, the girls made their way to the bouncer, their only obstacle before they could watch Otis dance like his life depended on it. They handed their tickets over and the bouncer accepted them, but before either girl could release a breath, he looked the two over and set the tickets down.
"Can I see some identification, ladies?" Without breaking a sweat, Charla passed hers over without saying a word, her smug facial expression conveying how awesome and confident she felt in the moment. Feeling set, she took the moment to throw on her killer pair of shades, a gift from Otis that he'd built in with microHD camera capabilities so that they could record the night with ease. Lucy, on the other hand, was taking her time, fluttering her lashes at the bouncer while she looked up at him from under them and stroked his arm. She handed him her fake I.D. and smiled coyly at him. "Will that be all, mister?"
Before the bouncer had any time to react, much less speak coherent words, Lucy had already taken the liberty of grabbing both fake I.D.s and skirting past the bouncer, waving deviously behind her, offering Charla a mental high five that only dangerous girls who have just committed a minor misdemeanor together could understand. After noting Charla's glasses, Lucy followed suit and slid her's on as well.
Inside Chippendales
When the two made their way inside, Lucy ushered Charla over to their killer seats, all the while grinning up at the view. Otis, it seemed, had already been getting into the groove of his newfound talent, and was twerking on stage to the classic, 'Anaconda'. By the time the girls had walked in and sat down, Otis had already stripped to what appeared to be dinosaur tighty-whiteys. He was mid-Macarena when Lucy turned to Charla conspiratorially and insisted that now was the time to make it rain. Ever the over-achiever, Charla pulled out a stack of bills, which she then split in half, handing one half to Lucy. "Let's make it rain together."
As luck would have it, Otis was already transitioning into 'Single Ladies' and announcing to all in the club that they should "MAKE IT RAIIIIN!" Holding back one single tear, Lucy accepted the wad of bills. "This is a beautiful moment," she exhaled, joining Charla as she made it rain like a balla'. What no one had been expecting, however, was that Charla would be mixing in drachma with her dollar bills. As her hella rain continued, a fistful of drachma hit Otis squarely in the chest.
"ALL THE SINGLE LADIES..." Otis' mystifyingly accurate portrayal of the entire Single Ladies dance was cut short as he was caught off-guard by the drachma pelting him in midst of his dedication to the Queen. He stiffened and whirled on the girl still whoo-ing and screaming at the stage. "HEY, LADY, STOP BEING SO DAMN RUDE."
In a fit of impulse, Otis marched off stage toward his team mate, ready to fight. "You wanna go? Turn on your location!!" Entirely amused with the situation, Lucy stood up and crossed her arms. "Aw, man," she mocked disapprovingly, "The dinosaur tighty-whiteys wants to go. You gonna take that, Charla?" Not one to be outdone, Charla quickly hopped on top of her chair, so that she could tower over him.
"I will kick you in the face, nerd," she taunted, pushing him from her advantageous height with shameless bravado, "You fucking nerd." Totally not dealing with this whole height difference thing any longer, Otis yanked her off the chair, expressing clearly that she had offended him. "I will slap the shit out of you," he promised as she stumbled down and landed forcefully on her feet. Dusting herself off, she glared directly at him. "First of all: rude. Second of all: who do you think you are, dino-undies?"
Nearing the last straw, Otis scoffed harshly. "I'M A FUCKING CHIPPENDALE." Unimpressed, Charla merely scoffed back, eyeing his dignifying outfit. "Uh, I think you mean the chipmunks, 'cause you're tiny compared to the guys here." She turned her nose up in a pretentious sniff, while Lucy cackled in the background, observing the situation like it was the best show ever. That was when she noticed the security guards motioning their way and she immediately sobered up. "Hey, guys?" she interrupted, looking wide-eyed and a little evil, "I think we're gonna need to make a getaway."
"WELL, I MAKE UP FOR THAT DOWN UNDER, OKAY," Otis answered in an angry huff before he realized what Lucy had said, while Charla only pretended to barf in response. "Huh?" he replied eloquently, his words catching up to him, "Oh, shit! Leggo." Charla eyed the security guards that were now approaching. "Uh, should we start running?" Lucy flexed her fingers before saying anything, looking up at the two with a glint in her eye. "Well, duh," she answered gleefully, "But let's make it worthwhile, you know?"
Finally hearing something even better than making it rain, Charla's face lit up and she smiled mischievously. "I have an idea..." And that was when she began to quickly explain what she dubbed, the 'Grenade Plan'. "Perfect," Lucy laughed, "We'll make a run on your mark." As the security had finally breached their side of the building, Otis smirked in assent. "I'm down. But we should hurry." And so it began.
Nodding, Charla prepared to start her plan. "Ready... break." At that second, she dashed toward the security, hand in her pocket, exclaiming in crazed tones that she had a bomb on her. Taken aback, the guards froze and took slower, more cautious steps toward her. Before they could get too close, she then pulled out a potion bottle she'd teleported from camp and threw it to the ground, causing a small explosion. Taking Charla's cue, Lucy tried then to aid the work of the potion by setting the area of the explosion on fire. Unfortunately, her hubris caught the better of her, as she also caught the better half of the staging on fire.
Lucy gaped at the quick mess she'd made for a moment, before shaking her head as always and urging her team mates on. "Fuck, fuck, FUCK. GO. MAKE A RUN FOR IT AND DON'T LOOK BACK," she shouted, making sure that everyone was good to go, "IT CAN STILL LOOK COOL IF WE DON'T LOOK BACK, COME ON!" By then, both her team mates were already running out, held back only by their need to slo-mo run to add to the effect.
Charla was amazed by the effects of the fire in combination to her explosion. "Yes; best day ever!" Her joy was evident in her tones, and she quickly caught up to Otis and Lucy, also running in slo-mo, refusing to look back because that would ruin everything. The fire blazed behind them, a picturesque end to a deed well done.
They were subsequently banned from Chippendales forever.
Characters: Otis and Charla
Setting: Sunday night; approximately 1:45 AM @ the Hashtag team headquarters (a.k.a. the lounge)
Summary: Otis and Charla discuss the next deed while fellow teammate, Lucy, sleeps.
Charla looks up from her phone and nods. "Do you have any ideas on what we should do?"
Otis: "Of course. I do this deed all the time. It's a piece of cake, literally."
Charla: "Oh. Ohh. I don't know what this team would do without out you."
Otis: "You'd probably be in the negatives."
Charla: "Probably."
Charla: "So, do you have the weed stuff already made or do we need to buy some?"
Otis shakes is head, “But I'll stay up and bake some brownies and maybe even a cake tonight. Can you get a beer can by tomorrow? My alcohol stash is out and asking the Dionysus kids may seem suspicious if they're also in the game.”
Otis pulls out a ziploc bag that contains weed from his pocket. "I came prepared."
Charla: "Got it. I think I have a few beers I took from the last campfire, so we should be good. Do you need help making the brownies?"
Otis: "Great. We'll need an opaque cup to put it in. This is easy, but do you want to help? We can make extra and sell them after the deed is done. I'm getting more in a few days anyway. Or can just give them away and Chiron will get mad at everyone else being high. We can get the other teams in trouble."
Charla: "I like the idea of selling them so we can pocket some money. Dude, we should give one to Chiron."
Otis: "Gods, yes . Charla, I think I love you."
Charla flips her hair. "Thank you, thank you. I accept your love."
Charla: Anyways, should we check the kitchen for an opaque cup?
Otis shrugs. "Sure. If we can't find out here, we'll just buy an ICEE from the Snack Shack and use that cup. Those are like, solid white and blue."
Charla walks over to the kitchen area of the Lounge. "Now I really want a Cola ICEE."
Otis follows her and leans on the counter. "Is the Shack still open? We can go get one."
Charla starts looking through the cabinets. "I think so? I'm 99.9% certain they never close. We definitely should, though, like while the brownies are baking."
Otis walks over to the pantry and pulls out the flour, vanilla extract, sugar and chocolate chips, then sets it all on the kitchen counter. "We'll have about thirty minutes so that's more than enough time. Hey, can you take out the butter and a sauce pan?"
Charla finds a clear measuring cup and puts it on the counter. "Is this good enough?" Nodding she replied, "Awesome. Are you gonna get anything?" As she strolled to the refrigerator to get the butter said, "Sure but what does a sauce pan look like again?"
Otis takes out four eggs and places it next to all the other ingredients. "You're kidding, right?"
Charla shakes her head, "Nope." She then takes the butter out from the fridge and sets it on the counter. "Is it like a normal pan or is it deeper than most?"
Otis rolls his eyes. "Nevermind." He starts going through the pots and pans until he finds one the right size. "Do you know what a baking pan looks like?"
Charla thinks for a moment. "No. In my defense, this my first time baking."
Otis "You sweet summer child, you have not truly lived. You can just sit there and I'll do this real quick."
Charla purses her lips before admitting her defeat. "Fiine," she said before sitting down on a high chair and resting her elbows on the kitchen top.
[Otis makes the brownie batter and pours it in a 9x13 baking pan that is lined with parchment paper. He sticks it in the oven that was preheated to 350F]
Otis: "Let's go get your ICEE."
Charla gets up from her seat, "Sweet. Do you want anything? My treat."
Otis: "Weeeeell, since you're offering. How about the entire store stock?"
Charla shrugs, "Okay. I'm not helping you carry all that, though."
Otis: Wait, are you serious right now?
Charla: That depends, were you seriously asking?
Otis: No, I was joking. But, if you're down, I'm down.
Charla: I don't see why not. We need to fill the Lounge with more food anyways.
Otis chuckles, "Charla, please marry me."
Charla: You just want me for my money.
Otis: Hm. True.
Otis: You can be my sugar daddy.
Charla laughs, "Let me ask Daphne for permission first."
Otis: She's going to blow her stupid whistle at us.
Charla: Not unless Peter stops her.
[Charla and Otis stay up all night at the lounge, eating junk food they bought at the Snack Shack and taking out the pot brownies from the oven to let them cool.]
