8797/Peril in the Park

Peril in the Park
Date of Scene:	23 November 2021
Location:	Union Square Park
Synopsis:	No description
Cast of Characters:	Roland Livingston, Achilles

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Roland Livingston has posed:
Union Square Park isn't quite packed, as it's a pretty chilly day, but since the sun is out there are more than a few people around enjoying themselves. As the crowds mill about and joggers jog and nannies tend to children under the trees, Roland Livingston is meandering around with a coffee cup in his left hand. Mostly, he's people watching. Checking out the folks that have gathered here for whatever reason. The scholar of the arcane keeps looking around, making sure he's not missing anything or anyone.

When people come close to him he gives them nods, being a fairly polite sort of person. He drinks his hot beverage and stops to look at a statue of a warrior on horseback, checking out the sculpture for a while and looking quite thoughtful.

Achilles has posed:
    When folks think of a park in Manhattan, they usually think of Central Park. This is why Angelo tends to go to the other ones when he needs a moment's peace. He finds himself departing a hot dog vendor cart with a loaded chili dog in hand, and a bottle of water in the other.

    But he approaches the same statue, a few feet off to the left from Roland. "Always amazing what people choose to immortalize." he says in a voice that carries just the smallest hint of a leftover English accent.

Roland Livingston has posed:
As the other fellow speaks to him Roland turns to look at them, lifting his cup in a friendly gesture, "Warriors are often popular." His own accent is definitely upper class English. "Lots of people think of war as glorious, or a grand adventure. I've only been involved in them peripherally, but it seems to me that the noncombatants that get stuck in those places don't seem to think much of them."

There's a bit of chuckle, then, "Still, a good dust up can be fun if one is careful to make sure that the only people hurt are the ones that have it coming."

Achilles has posed:
    "The reality is that war is a messy, terrible, and terrifying thing. And yet, sometimes the alternative is worse." offers Angelo before he takes a sip of his water.

    "However, one should never -enjoy- that reality. War is never something that should be pursued because one desires it. It should be something done because one has no other choice. But.. if you -are- going to be a warrior, there is no sense in doing it half-assed, right?" he asks.

Roland Livingston has posed:
"Oh, it's a mess alright, but you're correct, sometimes it's better to fight it than to let a greater evil go unchallenged," Roland replies. "I enjoy a good fight, but I've never been stuck in a real war. If I'm involved in one it's to rescue some artifact or other before it's destroyed or used for nefarious purposes by one of the factions. I much prefer when it's a monster or something than people. They tend to be easier to stop, but killing them can weigh heavily on me."

He nods at the last question, "Definitely. If one is to go into combat one should make sure they're as prepared as possible. I train every day for various situations, just in case."

Achilles has posed:
    Indeed. Angelo has been in so many wars that there are times that he loses count. His green eyes show his age for just a moment, flashing back over the millennia rapidly before he shakes his head and comes back to the present.

    "So, you train do you?" he asks. "You mentioned artifacts, are you some modern day Indiana Jones then?" he adds with a smirk before taking a big messy bite of his chili dog.

Roland Livingston has posed:
"I prefer to think of myself as a scholar of the arcane, who just happens to do a fairly good Indiana Jones impression from time to time," Roland says with a grin before taking a sip of coffee. "I've been training to fight since early childhood. I come from a long line of monster hunters and mystical artifact seekers. My family had a library of information on the mystical and quite a few magical items at one time. I'm all that's left, unfortunately, and most of what we'd protected is gone. Scattered to the wind or horded by a villain." His broad shoulders shrug, "Now I work at recovering what I can while helping those who need it. I've been thinking about finding myself a costume and beating up muggers, too. The last ones I fought I happened to be out running and I felt quite underdressed when Shadow and some sort of turtle man samurai appeared to help."

Achilles has posed:
    "Monster hunters." says Angelo as he lifts his brow. Of course, he waits until he swallows that big bite before speaking. "Costume. Are you sure you should be discussing such things with a random stranger in a park?" he asks.

    A sip of his water is taken, and he turns to regard Roland. "In all seriousness, identity is an important concept, and if you are talking about having a dual identity, perhaps that is something you should keep between you and yours."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"I'm not serious about getting a costume. I think I'm too vain to hide my identity and I try to handle things as legally as is possible, especially in the states or the UK," Roland says with a shrug. "The monster hunting I've got little reason to hide, I should think. My greatest enemy knows where to find me, or at least some of his minions do. They keep sending gargoyles and such to kill me. I can't tell you how many times I've had to repair or replace weapons I've busted crushing stone." Then he chuckles, "Additionally, I only go after monsters that are a threat to people or are guarding something magical. If they mind their own business I leave them alone. Like a Sasquatch or a Yeti. They don't bother people, there's no need to go looking for them." He pauses, "Now vampires. I have only once met one that didn't have destruction coming to them. I still tend to judge them as individuals, however."

Achilles has posed:
    "Well, the term monster, implies they are monstrous, or a threat. I would categorize supernatural beings who are -not- a threat to others as just that. Supernatural, not monsters. Trust me, there are monsters who are very human as well." replies Angelo.

    "So, magic. I mean, I can't deny that magic exists. The world has changed since the dawn of the superhero." A sip of water, and then he sets down his bottle before offering a hand, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Angelo Tampambulos. Agent of SHIELD, among other things."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"I've met my share of monstrous humans, but I shall take your advice with regards to noting the difference between monsters and supernatural creatures," Roland says with a firm nod.

As the other fellow extends his hand for a shake Roland reaches out to take it. Firm, polite grip, slight shake, "How do you do, Agent Tampambulos? Roland Livingston, at your service." Then he chuckles a bit, "I grew up surrounded by magic and a great deal of knowledge on the subject. And swords and bows and such, too. When I started getting out in the world, away from the castle, it struck me as odd how many people weren't knowledgeable about the arcane or combat systems. I actually teach magical history and theory a little bit. Sort of my way of helping to make sure the next generation is prepared for what they'll likely face."

Achilles has posed:
    Nodding his head, Angelo states, "History is important. I forget who it was who said... those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. But... it is as true today as it was then."

    "I've had the benefit of living through a lot of difficult situations. You may be surprised by how many. But I -can- tell you with the benefit of experience that while I do not know a lot about magical theory, I -do- know a lot about how to combat it."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"Quite true," Roland says about the history remark.

Then he arches an eyebrow looking at Angelo. After nodding a bit of a smile appears on his face, "Most of what I use my knowledge for happens to be combating evil uses of magic, but as far as general magical information I'm a treasure trove. Probably one of the world's leading experts, despite my youth. My family made sure my education was quite extensive, with a large focus on the mystical." He lets out a sigh, "I miss them dearly. And our archives and treasures. I was one day hoping to use one of our magic swords." There's a shrug.

Achilles has posed:
    "I always find it amazing how many people romanticize swords. On the ancient battlefields, swords were secondary weapons. They were only used after the -real- weapons weren't able to be used. The -real- king of the battlefield was the spear."

    "But then there is the Bugs Bunny song about spears and magic helmets." he adds with a smirk. "Either way, I am sorry for the loss of your archive and your collection. Believe me, if the choice is a magic sword, or a skilled wielder with a normal weapon, I would go for the skill over magic any day."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"I train extensively with a variety of weapons, but the longsword is my favorite," Roland says with a chuckle. "I'm quite good. Never lost a fight that mattered." He finishes off his coffee and looks for a trashcan. Upon spotting one he tosses the cup towards it and watches as it sinks in. He nods to himself.

"It's alright. I miss my family and my stuff, but the stuff I can track down. I've already recovered a singing bowl that supposedly tells you when or how you'll die or some such. We could never get it working." Roland chuckles. "You are certainly correct in that skill conquers equipment. Still, no reason one shouldn't try to use the best." He pauses for a second and then asks, "You're a warrior yourself, clearly. What do you favor? In addition to the longsword I'm quite a fan of the battle rifle. I run a short barreled 7.62 NATO with a suppressor wherever such things are legal. Usually with an LPVO or red dot sight. I keep going back and forth."

Achilles has posed:
    "I enjoy the motto that one adapts and makes do with whatever is at hand. Best not to specialize than to be able to work with whatever is about." offers Angelo. Then he grins, "When you say Longsword, are you referring to what the modern game designers call a longsword... which would historically be called an Arming sword? Or are you referring to the hand and a half weapon that was called a Longsword in history?"

Roland Livingston has posed:
"The hand and a half sword," Roland confirms. "I never understood why arming swords were called longswords in games. One would think the designers would know better, but I sometimes forget that not everyone grows up around weapons."

"While I favor the longsword, I'm quite good with more weapons than most people can name. Last time I smashed a gargoyle, for instance, I broke a warhammer's haft over its head before grabbing a bar mace to finish running it off. And I often use spears for vampire hunting. I like the reach afforded me and one doesn't even need a silver tip if the staff is wooden. I tend to like to get inscriptions in silver on my custom made blades, though, so that I'm prepared for creatures that are vulnerable to that material."

Achilles has posed:
    Nodding his head slowly, Angelo doesn't correct anything. After all, he is not an expert on vampires. Just an expert on killing. "Well, you -are- a historian then." he admits with a smirk, "I have been fortunate enough to have a family that is big on history also. My mother, aside from being an overprotective woman, was big on education. My father? Not so much." he offers with a shake of his head.

    "I have been known to knock around with a weapon or two in my day. I have a tendency to use an enemy's weapon against them. It just seems fitting from time to time."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"As I said, my education was quite good," Roland grins at Angelo. "It's good that you had the opportunity for an education. It's lacking in too much of society, especially when it's not terribly difficult to come by." There's a shrug.

At the remark about using the enemy's weapon against them Roland chuckles, "I do that occasionally, myself. Ripped a shotgun out of bloke's hands the other day and bashed him and his friends with it before throwing it at someone. I suppose I could have shot them, but there was a costumed vigilante around and I'd prefer not to make enemies of them."

Achilles has posed:
    "Well, there is never a reason to kill unless you have no alternative." agrees Angelo. "But education was not exactly as easy as some make it out. Not for me. I had to teach myself in many ways. I have money now, but I was a poor child."

    Finishing his meal however, he moves to the trash can himself and deposits the remnants there.

Roland Livingston has posed:
"I've been left with no alternative on occasion, unfortunately," Roland says with a frown. "I generally prefer to damage people to where they can't fight or render them unconscious, but if noncombatants are threatened I tend not to take chances." There's a shrug.

"That's not good. I've never had to deal with being poor. I'm afraid I might be better suited for the wilderness than the city were I to run out of means for supporting myself."

Achilles has posed:
    Shrugging his shoulders, Angelo turns back to regard Roland. "Well, not all of us had the advantage of beginning life with money. I had to fight my way up. Sometimes literally. But in more recent times, I have managed to accumulate quite a bit of wealth. It's... complicated."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"I'm glad you're well off now," says Roland with a bit of a nod. "I don't apologize for having grown up with wealth, or for keeping my family's money, but sometimes I wonder if I might be more well rounded if were raised as normal person." He shrugs, "There's no telling. I like my life, for the most part. It's lonely sometimes. Hard to tell who wants what from you when you're known to be loaded. Still, I throw the best parties." There's a smile at that. "In fact, I'm planning one relatively soon. I've got a yacht out in the marina that I throw most soirees at." He reaches into his jacket to produce a metallic business card that he offers over, "Reach out to me sometime soon and I'll send you an invitation. You're an interesting fellow."

Achilles has posed:
    Smirking, Angelo shakes his head, "The mistake so many people make is to wonder about the past in relation to how they could have done it differently. The fact is, the past can not be changed. All you can do is change how you react in the future. Your past made you whom you are now. So simply focus on who you are, and who you wish to be."

    "More wisdom from my mother." he adds with a chuckle, "As for interesting, I think you might be surprised."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"Excellent advice, sir, I shall try to take it," Roland replies with a grin. "I intend to face the future head on. Embrace what of it I can, such as the technology and the changing trends. Fight what needs fighting, such all the damn Nazis nowadays." Then he lifts his chin at Angelo, "Surprise me, old chap."

Achilles has posed:
    Smirking, Angelo shakes his head, "Everyone has their secrets. And most people don't divulge them openly to people they just met." he adds, "Let us just say that I have access to intelligence and law enforcement resources and leave it at that." he offers before holding out a hand once more, "It is good to meet you though. Are you a Doctor by the way?"

Roland Livingston has posed:
When the hand is extended Roland gives it another firm shake, "I've got quite a few of my own secrets, but I'm eternally curious about people." There's a chuckle then. "No, I'm not a doctor. I actually haven't been to a university, though my education is likely more than the equivalent of a degree."

Achilles has posed:
    Shaking his head, Angelo sighs, "Alas. Here I was hoping to revive the.. Doctor Livingston I presume... jokes."

    But he chuckles and asks, "If I were to look you up in the SHIELD database, can you tell me what I might find?"

Roland Livingston has posed:
"I should just buy an honorary doctorate," Roland says with a grin. "I quite enjoy those jokes."

Then Roland pauses for a moment, "Hmm. Very good question. I've worked with at least one SHIELD agent in the past, though I don't know if it was an official mission. And I've provided some of my knowledge to another." Another second to think, "I shot a few bank robbers in Gotham. Recently took a fellow who was struck by a stray bullet to the hospital in that city, as well. Myself, Aquaman, a young lady superhero and some large animal people stopped some sort of submarine based invasion of New York a few days ago." His hand reaches up to rub at his chin as he thinks, "I was in a plane that went down over the Amazon at one point, landed in drug dealer territory and had to escape with the wounded pilot." Then he seems to remember something big, "My family was slaughtered by the army of a vampire sorcerer named Gebhard the Undying." One more thing, "And I regularly travel overseas, including to the middle east." And finally, "And I consult with law enforcement on cases involving the arcane. Once worked with Spider-Man and another time with one of the Flashes."

Achilles has posed:
    Chuckling, Angelo clarifies, "I meant.. what would their records have to say about -you-. Not what you have done. Who you are. But I do appreciate the resume'." he adds.

    "I presume that you have firearms permits too, yes?" he asks ... trying to keep a straight face, and failing.

Roland Livingston has posed:
"Oh, probably that I'm fairly helpful and I tend to keep my nose clean," Roland manages to say after laughing for a moment. "I've got tons of firearms permits, as a matter of fact. Cost me a fortune in lawyers and setting up trusts and whatnot. It would have been cheaper to buy my way into a law enforcement agency in an official capacity, I think, but I don't see myself as a member of the constabulary. I much prefer being a consultant who takes on the ninjas that kidnap cops. I forgot about that incident until just now."

Achilles has posed:
    "Well, if you ever need executive level protection on a job... I am sure that you could afford it. I also.. before joining SHIELD, I started up a personal security company. The company is still operating, but I let my Vice President take over operations so I had no conflict of interests."

    Fishing a card out of a coat pocket, Angelo hands it over. "They are called Myrmidon Personal Security."

Roland Livingston has posed:
Taking the card, Roland gives it a look and then slides it into one of the pockets inside of his jacket, "Like Achilles. I like the reference, make your clients indestructible." There's a grin then, "I'll reach out if I ever need personal protection. I'd hate to put them in harm's way with regard to the creatures that sometimes try to assassinate or kidnap me, but I suppose they could handle it or they wouldn't take on the job."

Achilles has posed:
    "More like... the Myrmidon were mercenaries, but were also the best mercenaries in the known world during their time. Achilles was their commander, but -they- were as mortal as anyone else. Like I said.. I have a bit of historical knowledge." admits Angelo.

Roland Livingston has posed:
"It's good to know your history," chuckles Roland. "I'll recommend their services to the other people I meet who may need them, as well. You'd be surprised how paranoid some of the people I meet are. Or perhaps not." There's a shrug. "The Myrmidon would fight in formation in a manner that was reminiscent of the ants, right? I recall something about that and how it made them quite fearsome to the enemy. I love the idea of the phalanx or shield wall, myself. Not practical anymore, but in ancient times it was truly devastating."

Achilles has posed:
    "Well, while I drew upon the inspiration of them for the name, I went with more modern training and skillsets. Most of my men and women are former special forces. I make sure that they are passable medics two." begins Angelo with a chuckle. "In fact..." he adds, "Three of them are former Air Force Pararescue. Those people are insane."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"Quite impressive!" Roland exclaims happily. "I get most of my firearm training for former special operations sorts. Frequently travel out west or down south for education. Many of them are quite mad, but in the best ways." There's a big nod, "If I were ever to join the military I'd like to try for special operations myself. I think it would suit me, hunting terrorists and such. I only go after them when they get in my way or hijack my plane."

Achilles has posed:
    "I was not in the US Military myself, but having done a lot of studies of them when forming my firm... I have to say, anyone whose job it is to skydive into a hostile zone behind enemy lines, provide medical treatment to wounded special forces soldiers, and then help them fight their way out, is the kind of crazy that I respect for sure." offers Angelo. "Jacobs once told me that his company motto was... we are nine one one for the Seals."

Roland Livingston has posed:
Roland keeps on grinning as he shakes his head, "Imagine what sort of chap goes into battle to rescue the most elite warriors in the world. That's quite an impressive thing to have on your resume. My ancestors got involved in a few of the Empire's wars, but it was usually taking out monsters that were summoned or created or assassinating dangerous sorcerers. A few of my relatives took out a number of Hitler's werewolves and sorcerers, I'm told. Still, I doubt they were leaping out of good planes to get it done."

Achilles has posed:
    "Exactly... and I have the privilege of employing three of them." offers Angelo with a shake of his head, "In my opinion, I wish I was working for -them- in all honesty. But.. I am at least able to pay them well for their skillset."

    "And yes. Hitler was al... reported to use supernatural entities in his quest to rule the world."

Roland Livingston has posed:
"You make do where you can, right?" Roland asks with a smile. "It's good that they're making decent money. I imagine that their services are quite in demand." His thumbs hook into his pants pockets and he rocks back and forth lightly on his feet, "Lots of would be world conquerors used the supernatural. Wellington and Napoleon both had wizards on their side, if I recall family history correctly. There were any number of potent spellcasters during the colonization of Africa. Most unfortunate time period, sometimes the history of the Empire makes me somewhat ashamed. My family was there taking out the evil ones, and the vampiric flying monsters and such." He shrugs, "We can trace our lineage back to the Crusades, though, so at various points in time my forefathers made some nasty judgment calls."

Achilles has posed:
    "Well, one constant in the world is the ability for humans to delude themselves into thinking that the most heinous crimes are okay, if only because it serves their imaginary friend or religion's purposes." suggests Angelo Tampambulos.

    But he takes a deep breath and nods, "We are quite the species, are we not?" he adds.

Roland Livingston has posed:
"Quite true," Roland says rather sadly. "I like to think people today are educated enough to skip those mistakes, but then we'll come across fascists and religious extremists and such and it's not legal to hunt them all yet." He shrugs. "Humans are quite interesting to study, if a bit unpredictable."