Lugubrious

World of Light

Poppi

Level 3 Poppi - (4/30) EXP
Location: Peach's Castle Moat
Word Count: 389

Blinking, Poppi ran over what Linkle told her in her head. The others had been like her at some point, forced to fight against their wills? But few -if any- of them appeared to be machines like her. That could only mean that the power of the entity called Galeem affected all manner of beings, regardless of what they were. Rather than mind control or hacking, it constituted something altogether higher and more threatening—and more poignantly for Poppi, it didn't hold any special significance for her versus her living allies. While certainly a frightening thought in some ways, it somehow made her feel more at peace in others. After a moment or two, the artificial blade looked up. “...Oh. If everyone susceptible, and not just Poppi, feel less bad about.” For the first time, she seemed to realize that Linkle had been offering her a hand to shake. Mustering a smile, she placed her metal mitt in the girl's. “Nice to meet Linkle. Please call Poppi Poppi,” she requested, as though her usage of the Nopon dialect didn't make her name one-hundred-percent obvious.

A moment later Poppi got to her feet, and shook the water from one leg, then the other. “Thank you for meeting,” she remarked as she did, “Now Poppi feel silly for getting worried while lacking info.” After she finished, her face grew solemn again. She looked Linkle in the eye and told her in a low, urgent tone, “But...if Poppi ever do go berserk and start to do bad thing...friends might get hurt. Tora might get hurt. Maybe better off if Poppi destroyed.” She stared back into the water, only for Hat Kid to plunge headlong into it the next moment, sending ripples across its surface. Alarmed, the blade reached out a hand toward the child, but the girl swam steadfastly toward her floating ship and climbed inside. Within, the spacefarer would find a vault with only two of her forty timepieces remaining, meaning another collect-a-thon in store. “Huh. Hattypon good swimmer,” Poppi observed. While her earlier statement hadn't been forgotten, she didn't know what else to do about that feeling at the moment, so she started back toward the castle's doors. “Regardless, things okay for now. Should go back to Masterpon.” A few steps later she turned about, glancing back at Linkle. “Coming, friend?”

Tora

Level 4 Tora - (14/40) EXP
Location: Peach's Castle Kitchen
Word Count: 887

Though a little jealous of Blazermate and Ratchet, who got to tinker and engineer while he cooked, Tora didn't want to let Cooking Mama down, and he especially didn't want to make her angry after her chastisement of Bowser. He minded the stovetop for a while, flipping and seasoning when necessary, until he judged the meat done and scooped it off onto a plate. He took a deep sniff while holding the finished product, and exclaimed, “Ooh, wonderful fishy smell! Tora can hardly wait to chow down!” After heading to the chef for further instruction, he took the meat to a prep station, where Toads were busy putting together various foods on a number of plates. Tora watched at first, then lent a wing to get his sizzling fish ready for eating. As much as his mouth watered just thinking about it, more remained to be done before everyone could eat, so the Nopon returned to his station with a spring in his step as though his enthusiasm could cook the meat faster.

Before too long, Peach placed the article of food on the final plate, and stood back from a countertop blanketed in delicious-looking dishes. Among them were her very own grilled vegetable kebabs, promising to thrill the tastebuds of any vegetarian, and tender vegetable stew. Tora's grilled fish stood out as one of the largest meat servings available, though less committed seafood lovers could also try the tender steamed fish, or the meticulously-prepared crab. There were also breaded pork cutlets with tomato sauce, roast stew with an excellent texture, mouth-watering skewers, a mushroomy chicken saute, hefty rib steaks, pizza, and more. So tantalizing was the smorgasbord that few could take their eyes off it; more or less everyone had appeared for the meal, including those left indisposed during the Megadragonbowser fight, like the Kid, Banjo and Kazooie, Junkrat, and Roadhog. The princess looked thrilled, and with a ring of the dinner bell declared open season on the assembled feast.

Tora,at the forefront of the gathered crowd, wasted no time grabbing a plate of fish. Out of habit he reached for the pizza too, but at last second changed his mind and snapped up a dish of skewers. Hurrying through the crowd, he made his way to the large dining table and clambered up into a high chair designed for a toad, which ended up with him a little higher than he needed to be, though he didn't particularly care. His one-track mind urged him to pull off pieces of fish by the hunk and wolf them down, but the sight of an approaching figure stopped the hungry Nopon in his tracks. “Poppi!” he sang, delighted to see her smiling again. “How are you? Everything goody-good?”

The artificial blade nodded. “All goody-good, Masterpon.” She looked at all the food. “Looks like Tora will be overeating again.”

Sputtering, Tora waved a wing dismissively. “Pfff! As if such thing were possible for Tora! But here, take look at this!” Without even having a bite himself, Tora pushed his plate of fish over to Poppi, who hopped up into a chair beside him. “Tora know that Poppi love food smells. Made this myself, you know! Am super-good chef!”

With a wry smile Poppi pulled the plate over, saying, “Very sudden change of pace for renowned microwave aficionado.” She allowed her olfactory sensors to take the dish in, and found herself nodding in satisfaction. Once she pushed the plate back over, Tora dug in with reckless abandon. “Despite odds, very nice smell indeed.” While the Nopon preoccupied himself with the seafood, Poppi reached for a skewer to take a whiff of it, too.

Like the others, they took note of the map brought in by Bowser, a cute little mini-Bowser, and their sorcerous koopa adviser.

Though highly lacking in specificity, the map seemed to cover the whole region, with Peach's Castle in the center below a huge, blank spot. Nobody could be sure of the exact scale, or whether things on the map were scaled appropriately to one another in the first place, but given the relative size of 1-1 the region seemed pretty expansive. Tora took a break from his second skewer to comment, “Place seem really huge. Much bigger than any Titan. Would take incredibly long time to get around to all hotspots.” He used his half-eaten skewer as a point, indicating first the Dark Forest and Under, then the Land of Adventure and Dead Zone. “But if split in half, whole team could go either way around and meet at top. If Tora know anything, know that 'City Without Name' serious endgame place.” He shrugged as best one could without a neck or shoulders, returning to his food. “But that just suggestion.” He glanced at Bowser following his announcement of a kart-retrieval mission, and would have shouted out that he'd like to go if his mouth wasn't full.

All the while, the Master of Masters leaned against the wall by the door. He nibbled at a kebab, the food turning as dark as his hidden face the moment it neared his invisible lips. Kirby stood nearby on a countertop, steadfastly devouring peelings, cut-off ends, overcooked bits, extra ingredients, and anything anyone cared to give him, like a living garbage disposal. The little guy sure could eat.

Hilltop

The sun sliding farther toward the horizon painted a pretty picture, visible in all its glory from the rounded top of one of the old Mushroom Kingdom's colorful, zigzag-patterned, nigh-cylindrical 'hills'. From this vantage point, much of this region of the New World could be seen, from the rocky barrens to the south to the desert of the east to the northwest's frigid peaks. A quick look over the should confirmed the presence of the dark forest, its leafy green sea stretching all the way to the sparkling ocean. The woman atop the hill breathed a heavy sigh; so far a cry was this from the muddled nightmare she'd left behind.

The noise prompted a look from the man to her right, though his black hood obscured his features. He lost interest quickly and returned to watching Peach's Castle, idling all the while. He seemed unable to stand still, instead rising up and down by bending his knees while his fists lay on his hips. For her part, the woman did her best to ignore him.

Their mutual annoyance came to an end as an inky plume arose behind them. The air whirled and collapsed in on itself, forming a dark gateway, and through it marched a third figure clad in black. Together the odd pair turned to face him, and he looked between them curiously.

“...Well, enough standin' around all goonish-like then, spit it out already!” he encouraged, his deep voice a remarkably casual drawl.

Ceasing his idling, the energetic man held up a hand, palm-up, ready to explain with theatrical aplomb. However, his acquaintance cut in before him. Her musical voice was smooth as silk, bearing a curious accent. “He left it in the bedroom of the princess. The seekers have it by now; I watched the spawn of the reptile take it just a few moments ago.

A chuckle issued from the newcomer's hood. “Pff! Aren't we making it a bit too obvious?”

After casting a sidelong glance at his interrupter, the other man propped up his hands on his lapel and gave a toothy smirk. “Hohoho! You ain't got a good look at them seekers, see? Dumber'n a bag o' rocks, and twice as slow! They ain't goin' nowhere if we don't spell it out!”

“Heh,” the newcomer snickered. “Fair enough. But let's not forget how strong a couple of idiots can be. Boss told be 'bout a time a few someones rained on your parade...”

Balling his fists, the other clenched his teeth. “Why, you...!”

Dispassionate and distant, the woman cut in once again. “If they waver from the path set before them, we will correct their course. Until then...” She trailed off, and with a final glance at the skyline of the New World, turned away. Another dark portal appeared, and into it she vanished without a trace.

Huffing, the short-tempered one tugged on his collar to straighten it. “Hmph! Anklin' on back to the ocean, I'll bet. Awright, enough bumpin' gums. All the sharks where they oughta?”

With a grin the newcomer stepped backward, a corridor flaring up behind him. “All but you, buddy. Better hustle on over.” The next second, he was gone, and the last of the three left soon after.

Project Crossover [Video Game Crossover RP]

Slayer
Level 6 || Day 3 || Ragnarok
@Zarkun @Holy Soldier
WC: 607Experience: 49/60

Though he couldn't see outside his little metal container, Slayer realized it for the best very quickly. It launched at breakneck speed, eliciting a brief, strangled cry from the gentleman vampire, who fought to keep himself steady as the shell rocketed through open space. A split second later it hit home with an incredible impact, burying itself in the Halberd's side. Slayer stood up from the resulting mess after a moment or two, not much worse for wear physically, though his head span something fierce. After rubbing his temples and shaking out the stars, he looking up just in time for a second shell to strike the ship not far away from where his own came to rest. This time he didn't jump in alarm, instead removing his monocle to polish it as Alicia extracted herself from the remnants of her transportation. He'd seen her before now, of course, but only now did he really look.

”Ah, hello there. Forgive me for any staring, I implore you; you rather resemble the somewhat irksome fellow who 'beat' me in the arena back at the castle.” With that observation and its nebulous intent made, he turned his attention to his surroundings. He'd been less-than-formally introduced to the Halberd's second floor, where a certain machine resided that needed be rent asunder. While he anticipated some sort of defense mechanism, perhaps on par in terms of 'threatening' appearance with the ship's harmless-looking crew members, he did not anticipate a problem. While he could tell he hadn't yet regained his true strength, he felt might fine; beneath his noble veneer lay a tremendous amount of power, and where terrific might and cunning wit walked hand in hand, few could bar the way. ”No time to waste, I suppose. Let us find that pesky reactor.”

He made tracks down the second floor's central walkways en route to the reactor chamber, giving no consideration to stealth. Any Waddle Dees or Doos that got in his way demanded little more than a light slap or shove with the foot to tumble away, dissuaded or dizzied. To be frank, Slayer felt bad pushing the little critters around, but given that they were enemies, they still got off pretty easy. That conclusion made Slayer think about how this whole heroism business had affected his mindset; before, he didn't have any enemies. He never involved himself in the world's affairs, merely watching and learning, so never did anyone really don that mantle. Fools, curmudgeons, and vagabonds there were plenty, but being misguided, or overly proud, or desperate did not make one a 'foe'.

Slayer's musing trailed off as he neared his destination. Between him and the reactor chamber lay a complex and dangerous-looking weapon system, more sophisticated than anything Slayer might have attributed to the work of a Waddle Dee's stubby hand. ”Well now. It would seem they've prepared an energetic reception for us.” No cover, nothing to use as a shield, too far to teleport, too strong to block or tank given that claw-arm. What to do, what to do. He glanced out a nearby porthole, and an idea struck him. Could he just...go outside? With his strength, he could make hand and footholds out of the Halberd's exterior, blink back up if he happened to slip, and then punch his way back inside once he got past the Combo Cannon. Things would be easier if the shell launchers just put us right in the reactor chamber, he reflected, though surely there must have been some obstacle that prevented such an easy solution. If Alicia didn't some up with something better, he'd be giving it a try.

World of Light

<Snipped quote by Lugubrious>

My problem is actually the exact opposite. I exclusively play characters with traits I can define, because I don't feel confident in my ability to play pre-defined canon characters. It's a matter of not being able to really do them justice.

@Genon

Odd. I'd always imagined that the chief appeal of an RP like this would be to take control of a character one is passionate about. However, feel free to give it a whirl. I'd be interested in seeing what you come up with.

World of Light

Hey @Lugubrious, I just wanted to check with you, what exactly are the limitations on "Blank Slate" characters? I was thinking of going with the protagonist of Armored Core 3, but that game makes your character a blank slate. Every aspect of your mecha can be customized, and every feature of your character is up to the player's imagination, since the game doesn't actually give you anything to work with.

Thus, the protagonist of any Armored Core game to my knowledge is going to blur the line between canon character and OC, since I intend to play mine as something other than a silent protagonist who never gets out of their mecha. It's almost like bringing in Commander Shepard: Yes, the major story beats of any individual Shepard's backstory is going to be the same, but the details--and their personality--will differ, often heavily. But this is even more extreme. Even more extreme than the Good Hunter in the characters list, since at least he's actually seen on-screen.

@Genon

Well, I would prefer (and I think it's a better idea) to have far more defined characters. I've found that blank slates are often uninteresting to play as, even if traits are assigned, and that many who head in that direction lose motivation. The Courier, played by ProPro, is a mysterious figure whose past, appearance and personality are pretty much up to the player, is an exception, but ProPro has demonstrated a strong vision for what those are for Courier 6. If you want to go down this route I can't say no, but I would advise against it.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Verum Autem Ex

Having found a backstage cranny to stow himself in, Arthur settled in for the show. Once still, he could feel more acutely the accelerated beat of his heart; he couldn't deny his excitement, not just for what was to come, but for what had happened. Discovered alongside his comrade Hogan by a pair of security guards, he had been called on to trust the nebulous abilities of the mercenary Leonard, who Arthur had yet to see in action. In case the man's little slips of 'authority' failed him, Arthur had steeled himself to make use of his own Stand power--namely, the rather mundane ability of Space Oddity to bop the unsuspecting guardsmen over the head. However, Free Bird worked its magic despite Arthur's doubts, and now the large man and large crocodile lay in wait behind the curtain, ready for the spectacle to begin.

For the longest time, nothing of particular note to a Stand user seemed to happen, but while he couldn't see it, Arthur suspected one heck of a show for the audience. More than once he figured that he'd been too paranoid, perhaps unwittingly trying to flex the muscles of experience he'd built up over the years, and that he'd denied himself and his scaly friend a perfectly harmless entertainment experience. Oh well. Getting stiff after a while, he felt like finding himself a more comfortable hiding spot and nodding off, but the bombastic noise of the Crue brothers' performance made any such respite outright impossible. Instead Arthur toughed it out, waiting patiently and more or less alertly up until the point the magicians called out for a volunteer. "Hmm," he murmured. This could be just what he was waiting for. With such a vast audience, the odds of the brothers picking out another Stand user were slim to none, but there was more to destiny than luck; one could never forget the law of attraction.

Observed throughout his time in the hidden world and confirmed through correspondence with others like him, that phenomena dictated that the fates of Stand users intertwined inseparably, slowly but inevitably their paths into alignment. Sooner or later, Stand users come into contact -and often conflict- with one another. As for why this happened, Arthur couldn't possibly imagine. The phenomenon couldn't be seen, tested, or studied. Yet it could be felt, and the feeling that came with knowing that everything was somehow connected, that one was part of something far bigger than oneself...it was a strong, complicated feeling.

With that in mind, Arthur peered out from his hiding spot between the curtains. The spotlights flitting about the obvious coalesced a moment later on a single person. At this distance making out features proved difficult, but there could be no mistaking that pink hair. "Mieke," he muttered, his face growing taut with focus. What a bizarre coincidence. If anything was going to go wrong, it would be now. Averting his gaze once more, he flexed his muscles and cracked his knuckles in preparation for whatever may come.

Capes of Denver: A Worm RP

For a time, despite the best efforts of the coordinators, chaos reigned. People scrambled to accomplish their various assignments, and the Margrave was among them. Having joined the search and rescue division lead by Inkscape, he anticipated -and indeed wanted- nothing to do with the terrifying monstrosity known as Behemoth. Sure, he could throw a few cars using his power, but why improvise a ramshackle solution when so many heavy-hitters were lining up to do what they were trained for? Though relegation to citizen-saving just like at the convention center boiled his blood, the Margrave preferred it on the inside of his body, so he embraced the task given to him. Along with the others, he sought out the panicked and confused, helping them flee from the deadly colossus as best he could. No matter how large or heavy the obstruction, it turned to practically nothing before his touch. Whole vehicles could be moved out of evacuation routes, or used to open up new avenues of escape. Fallen rubble could be cleared away in mere seconds, freeing those trapped and, unfortunately, revealing those who'd already left this place for good.

Though no small help in the search and rescue effort, the Margrave kept his ear to the ground. He perked up at attention when a voice reached him through his earpiece, belonging to nobody other than his very own division leader and veteran cape, Inkscape. Lo and behold, the man had found a job that suited him perfectly. He seemed to know the Margrave better than he knew himself. Additional weapons meant a better chance at driving off the damn Endbringer and preventing further loss of life. “On the case,” he declared, and made tracks toward his prescribed destination.

He'd begun moving the containers when activity caught his gaze. Like many others, he watched transfixed as a crashing cascade of ink challenged Behemoth. In awe he watched Inkscape -the leader he never followed, the mentor he never learned from- put his whole being into his attack, driving the Endbringer back. From this distance, the Margrave couldn't see what became of Inkscape afterward, but something in the pit of his stomach told him what had transpired. “The brightest candles burn the quickest,” he murmured, eyes downcast.

So, that was what a hero looked like.

He resumed his task, vowing internally to accomplish the last mission given by Inkscape, though he could not keep his eyes off the Denver skyline. In only a few moments, an incredible light filled it, engaging Behemoth directly. This thing the Margrave couldn't identify until a familiar voice reached him over his earpiece. ”Knock 'em dead,” he told Tulpa, more venom in his voice than he expected, though whether or not his words would ultimately reach her he couldn't say. Soon after a wild storm of energy suffused the heavens, a pure sensory overload. The Margrave rerouted his focus to running, closing the distance to the staging area with weapon caches in hand. He arrived just as things hit their fever pitch. After the veritable tornado of fireworks came a maelstrom of wind and debris; the young man couldn't even fathom what was going on. Having released the weapon caches from his power and let them loose for all to grab what they needed, he joined their claimers by grabbing one of his own and running after. At this range, none could really do any damage to Behemoth, or even be sure they hit, but the small group needed to do something, and shooting was all they could do.

A voice came to the Margrave through his comms, unfamiliar but dripping with intent. Frustration overtook him; if only he could make people into toys as well as objects. As it was, he could do nothing to help—and if that wasn't the order of the day, he didn't know what was.

World of Light

Poppi

Level 3 Poppi - (3/30) EXP
Location: Peach's Castle
Word Count: 429

Linkle's call provoked a slight jump from Poppi, arriving just after she laid a hand on the main door to push it open. She'd been lost in thought, not really paying attention, and the rabbit-eared girl seemed to take her by surprise. Though offered as friendly advice, Linkle's warning received an unhappy look from Poppi. “Thank you, but Poppi is not robot, but artificial blade.” Her features downcast, Poppi held up a metal hand and watched as she flexed her fingers. “...But it make little difference. Poppi not real. Just machine with no heart. Betrayed heroes just like that, almost killed Masterpon. Poppi deserve to rust in scrapyard.” Crestfallen, she pushed open the door and hustled through.

She did not, however, go to the scrapyard. A few moments after setting foot outside, she stopped at the edge of the moat, not far from the main bridge. The strange ship of the hat-wearing kid still floated in its middle, but Poppi paid it little attention. She seated herself on the bank and allowed her lower legs to dangle in the water. After just a few moments, a fish swam up, attracted by the light shining off the metal. It approached without any wariness, staring dully at its reflection and even nipping a few times. Poppi could not feel its touch, and she knew that it wouldn't have come right up to a living thing so easily. She watched it until it didn't interest her anymore, then turned to watch the other creatures swimming about, living it up in the moat. Using her voice instead of any breath, she let out a sigh in imitation of Tora. Even after hearing her Masterpon's explanation, she had so many questions, and not all of them concerned this strange new world.

One stood above the rest: how could she look him in the face again, or any of them, after turning evil so easily? After all the soul poured into her by Tora, and everything they'd been through, she was still just a piece of metal run by lines of code. A hard puppet dancing on soft strings. Anyone could stamp out her pretend spirit and turn her into a weapon against her friends. How was that fair?

Poppi put her hands on the ground and leaned out over the water. A sad face stared back at her from its rippling surface. She saw herself blink, but knew that she didn't need to. The realization almost made her laugh. All this tireless, heartfelt effort put into a dangerous failure. How disappointed Tora must be.

The Kitchen

As more people gathered around the table at one end of the kitchen, a few toads appeared with platters. “Gonna be a while until the meal's ready, but here! This stuff's great,” one said, before setting down a plate full of little sandwiches right by Michael and Franklin. Anyone else nearby could help themselves, too.

Tora definitely did, sneaking away from the stovetop he'd been tending to grab a sandwich and scarf it down before scuttling back, making sure to avoid an enraged-looking Cooking Mama on the way. “You great big lout!” she scolded Bowser. “We need all the counter space we can get, and you're in the way! Shouldn't you be finding your son right now?” Hopefully the overgrown turtle would realize Bowser Jr was somewhere in the castle and make himself scarce looking for him.

She turned next to face Blazermate, the fire vanishing from her eyes. A glittering smile flew the medibot's way after she gave a respectful bow; so rarely did the chef get her due! “Of course, both of you go right ahead!” she beamed. “Just make sure to keep your tinkering far away from the food, and don't let any acrid smoke go wafting around! Meals must be prepared in a sanitary environment!” Evidently, the hard-working cook remained strict and informative even when happy.

Meanwhile, Peach paused in her preparation in order to consider Mario's question. “Hmm...” she furrowed her brow as she cast her mind about the tyrant's former fortress. “Most of them are here, I think. Yoshi's out back, Luigi is probably still cleansing the library, and I would imagine Wario's having the time of his life in the treasury.” She wrinkled her nose. “As if I needed another reason to avoid working with money. As for Daisy, Rosalina...I have no idea. They must not be around here.”

Royal Bedchamber

For a time, Hat Kid's detective work turned up practically nothing. Whoever this Princess Peach was, she seemed to be a simple, singularly uninteresting character, with no discernible hidden depths or interesting past. The fashionable child turned up only clothes, knickknacks, self-care items, and the evidence of a number of hobbies, like knitting. Most eye-catching were a number of figures scattered about, though they seemed to be nothing more than mundane collectibles. She did not, however, find a single hidden panel or trap door, or for that matter, a smudge of dirt or dust bunny. This woman was a neat freak, for sure.

However, something did turn up out of the blue after a few minutes: a bib-masked miscreant with flashy red hair and green scales very much like those of the Koopa King who so authoritatively co-opted Hat Kid's service not too long ago. Bowser Jr was far more intent on joining in on her fun than Bowser Sr's typical agenda of self-aggrandizing bullying, so the discovery more than likely meant a new comrade in her search for something interesting.

Unbeknownst to her, her mission's completion was far closer than she might have realized. As an expert explorer and collector, Hat Kid searched high and low for hidden goodies, perusing every nook and exposing every cranny. Thus, the most ordinary spots slipped her notice at first, and in fact she had yet to examine the most obvious among them: the top of Peach's stationary desk. On it lay a large sheet of sturdy parchment, its inscriptions' handwriting a far cry from the dainty cursive on Peach's letters. It was, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a map.

World of Light

@Lugubrious

Bowser JR

Bowser Jr

Game Origin: Super Mario Sunshine

Personality: Bratty, spoiled and rude jr takes a lot after his doting father, both due to his upbring and due to his craving for respect and and acknowledgment of others, especially his father. Jr also generally dislikes been treated like a child, despite acting his age nearly all the time. He is somewhat smarter than his father, not that this requires much of an intellect, and a touch less stubborn as well, being able to swallow his pride if it is necessary. He is also somewhat lonely as a combination of his royal status, a lack of many acquaintances in his age group and, of course, his own rather abrasive attitude. The Koopalings, for example, act as more mentors or underlings than anything close to companions.

He also likes big dangerous machines and he really, really likes giant robots.

Background: Bowser jr is the only son of the Koopa King Bowser. First seen in super mario sunshine where he kidnapped peach and impersonated mario, Jr now has a long history of battling against mario, generally alongside his father but occasionally solo. Jr was also present at the failed cliffside battle against Galeem and was, along with almost everyone else, blasted Galeem almost immediately.

Specialty:Summoner, Combat Pilot, minor nuisance
Level: 1

Experience: |////////// (0/10)
Powers: Minion Captain: Bowser Jr can summon squads of minions to fight for him. These act more or less identical to strikers except there are more of them and each mook is individually weaker than a regular striker.
Current minions are

• Goomba Swarm
• Koopa Corps

Additional types can be unlocked by mass soul absorption

Strengths:
Leadership: Certainly not a born one, jr nonetheless has learned this skill in-order to filled the royal boots of his father some day. Unlike his father, who leads as something of a general, jr has lead his troops from the front. Or the back of the front at least, commanding squads of minions to do battle in his name while he manages their tactics and formation as a squad captain.

Pint sized powerhouse: Despite his short stature jr is actually rather strong, capable of lifting several times his weight, and has a fair bit of the dexterity that his father lacks as he can skillfully wield all manner of weapons and do a fair bit of platforming as well. Hsi shell also makes him fairly durable, tough nowhere near as much as his father.

Mechanical skill: Bowser jr has shown a fair deal of skill when it comes to the use of machines, having piloted (an possibly designed) numerous mech, ships, cars and other combat vehicles. He can aslo hack emails.

Weaknesses:
Childish: reckless, impatient and impulsive, jr has a lot to learn.

Small: He might be tough, but the lad is still only waist high.

Spirits:

Inventory: Gaddbrush: also known simply as the magic paintbrush this weapon is capable of creating a harmful ink or goop like substance. This can be applied to enemies as a dot effect and to terrain to create hazard zones. Weapon wise it can either be used as a short spear or like a roller from splatoon.

Kindred Spirits:

Pearl: Bratty rap princess

Eddie Riggs: Literally just jack black leading a metal powered army.

Corupted Vor: Look at them, they come to this place when they know they are not pure. Tenno use the keys, but they are mere trespassers. Only I, Vor, know the true power of the Void. I was cut in half, destroyed, but through it's Janus Key, the Void called to me. It brought me here and here I was reborn. We cannot blame these creatures, they are being led by a false prophet, an impostor who knows not the secrets of the Void. Behold the Tenno, come to scavenge and desecrate this sacred realm. My brothers, did I not tell of this day? Did I not prophesize this moment? Now, I will stop them. Now I am changed, reborn through the energy of the Janus Key. Forever bound to the Void. Let it be known, if the Tenno want true salvation, they will lay down their arms, and wait for the baptism of my Janus key. It is time. I will teach these trespassers the redemptive power of my Janus key. They will learn it's simple truth. The Tenno are lost, and they will resist. But I, Vor, will cleanse this place of their impurity.

@DracoLunaris

That's some good stuff. Accepted.

World of Light

Tora and Poppi

Level 4 Tora - (12/40) EXP and Level 3 Poppi - (2/30) EXP
Location: Peach's Castle
Word Count: 1233

Tora watched with bated breath as the prismatic dancing light surrounding his ally turned to a dazzling inferno. After a few moments of wide-eyed staring he was forced to look away and squeeze his peepers shut, so brilliant was the glow. Before long, however, the deed was done. When Tora looked at Agoston again, he found the man large, stronger, and much, much scarier than before. For a moment panic gripped the Nopon; did the spirit of Megadragonbowser corrupt him after all? But the Centurion's actions in the next few moments displayed acute self-awareness, and suggested not even the faintest hint of violent intent. For the first time, those assembled got the chance to see their stalwart comrade's face. His features, rugged and weary but strong, inspired a different sort of awe. And when he winked at Tora, any doubts the young inventor had were washed away. Sure, the Centurion boasted some new hardware, but the software was the same.

Behind him, Poppi glanced at her masterpon. With the excitement of battle gone, she couldn't distract herself from the realization of what happened before, and that feeling of guilt welled up once again. She said nothing, staring away into a corner, until Henry asked a question that Tora happened not to hear. “Poppi has been here about as long as you, but yes, seems so.”

Just when it seemed like everyone could let out their pent-up stress and relax, someone new barged onto the seen. An ordinary-looking fellow except for the telltale signs of Galeem's influence, he wasted no time in zeroing in on Bowser to pick a fight. He attacked before Tora could really process what was going on, smacking the Koopa but not really hurting him. In response, two of the party members -Franklin and Henry- struck back. The damage, somehow, seemed to knock the Galeem right out of him—or was it because of that dark wave, finally taking hold? Either way, somehow, Gene regained his senses and with it lost his desire to keep fighting. It was weird, but Tora didn't object; the more the merrier, after all. He decided to greet the new arrival, and in the process also unwittingly give Franklin a few of the answers he was looking for.

“Hello, friend!” He called, waddling over to clap a wing on Gene's shoulder while Spyro said his piece. “Take easy, meh. Will explain, but doesn't make most sense, so listen close. Basically, crazy light monster called Galeem destroy everything everywhere and make new world under his control. But friend pinkypon free us with heart, and now on adventure to set everything right by beating up big baddies, meh. If friend fight good, can tag along!”

Nearby, the Master of Masters watched the situation unfold. That Nopon seemed to be content doing his job for him, which helped solidify in his mind his plan to leave the group. “Couldn't have said it better myself,” he agreed. Kirby came down off his head, and bounced toward the party to celebrate with them. Since nothing else seemed to need the Master of Masters' attention, he decided to have a look around. The garden out back might be nice.

Though Tora might have liked to stick around and talk with Gene some more, the pit in his stomach compelled him to follow in Peach and Ratchets' footsteps. Poppi, noticing his departure, followed alongside wordlessly. They passed the Centurion on their way in, who'd just downed a drink and chucked the cup at the intruder, and entered through the open door into an altogether cozy room. With stone walls, light streaming in through a long metal-latticed window, and all the cooking space and equipment one could need, it was comfortable and homely, but also a bustle of activity. The toads, though hard at work, paused their activities cooking, kneading, chopping, and measuring to say hello. All sorts of smells bombarded the pair as they slowly made their way to the other end of the long chamber, where two women were busy cooking. One was Peach, having already discarded her dainty gloves and washed her hands to contribute directly, and the other was a stranger. Both, however, accomplished their tasks with both grace and precision, making it seem easy. For a moment Tora merely watched, overwhelmed, until Peach noticed his face and giggled. “You look like you're seeing a magic show. Do you like cooking?”

The Nopon scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed. “...Mehmeh. Like eating cooking, but not cooking so much. Tora usually get ingredients that can be eaten without cooking.”

Poppi cracked a smile, though she still looked downcast overall. “That kind of sad.”

Blustering, Tora waved his wings. “Nonono, meh! When live alone and too busy engineering to cook, not have time for fancy dishes!”

Peach laughed again, and tossed him a slice of orange. The Nopon caught it, thanked her, and started eating immediately. Just after, Mario and Geno arrived to meet with the Princess. She smiled warmly, and stopped cutting fruit for a moment to put her hands together. “How wonderful to see you both. It hurt so terribly to know that you were held captive in the dungeon, Mario, and not do anything about it. And Geno.” She gave the polite doll a curtsy. “It's been a very long time. I'm glad you're well.” Another, somewhat helpless laugh escaped her. “My apologies for a less-than-proper introduction. I figured I'd do what I...hm, you know, do best. To thank you all. In the mean time, the castle's yours. Feel free to go anywhere you want. Or, you could stay here. With this much help, things should be ready in a half hour or so, but we can always use more.”

Hearing, her, Tora nodded his body in determination. “Then Tora will help! May not be good cook, but can follow instructions of one.” He span around to face his artificial blade, too full of spirit to notice her demeanor. “What about Poppi? Want to help? Tora knows Poppi cannot eat, but can enjoy smells, right?”

For a moment Poppi remained silent. In that pause, Tora realized that his partner seemed somewhat conflicted. Something was wrong. “...Poppi? What wrong?”

She closed her eyes, smiling. “Nothing! Just want to get some air. Masterpon go ahead and help in kitchen.” With that, she went back the way she came, headed out the kitchen and through the throne room toward the door leading outside.

Tora's brows furrowed. He thought back to advice given to him from Gramps, Nia, Pyra, and Dromarch. What should he do? “Hmm...strange. Poppi seem sad, but Tora not want to seem overbearing. Should give space for now.” To avoid interrupting Peach and her friends, he went past a few giant barrels filled with various drinks toward the other woman. “Hello! What should Tora do to help?”

Cooking Mama's eyes gleamed. She passed the Nopon a spatula and pointed him toward a nearby stove. “Keep an eye on that meat. Season it every so often, and check the bottoms. When they're brown, turn them over so that the other side can fry!”

Taking the spatula, Tora waddled over. While Mama was short and had a huge head, she could at least see and reach over the counter and appliances. His eyes barely crested the sides. Still, he burned with resolve—the desire to make and eat delicious food. “Okay, leave it to Tora!”

World of Light

@Lugubrious

Are the bodies of Zer0 and Gaige still around? Din might want to give them a funeral if they are.

@Stern Algorithm

No, Zero and Gaige turned to ash after their destruction. Their spirits, which are now with Ratchet and Courier 6, are what remains of them.