Friday, February 9, 2024

Crusade: Issue 88 - Decisions!

 

Patty reviewed with the team what she had learned from scouting the island and the military base. It appeared to her that the robotic workers were trying to build another Doomsday Robot as quickly as possible. She surmised that Cyberdoom had not counted on his Doomsday Robot being defeated. While he had a small army without the Doomsday Robot, his forces might not be powerful enough to invade Megalopolis as was promised. The team had time to set down anywhere on the island. The New Crusaders could choose a course of stealth and subterfuge. They didn’t have to attack the military base immediately.


Based on Patty Plus recon she showed on the map the team has key areas are on the map. Not all items marked were spotted (if there was something to see). Adamas filled in what he could see with his heightened vision.

 A-L: Patty did not see anything.

I & H: Adamas saw these were the silos that the Skyberion came out of.

1-7: These are native villages.

8: This is the Temple excavation. Adamas confirmed he had been to the Temple before with the Fellowship. {See Quest Issue 23 http://vav-megalopolis-pbem.blogspot.com/2012/03/quest-dr-arcanes-shame-issue-23.html }

9: Base of the Oceanographic team.

10 Tracking System which is communicating into the heavens.

11-12: Both Patty and Adamas don’t know what is there.

13 Old U.S. Military, naval/air base

14 Villa

15-20 These are native villages.

Between A and K is the underwater trench {dark water shading in the middle of the non-shaded Water} which contains the underwater base that both Adamas {Issue 85} and Dr. Wildman saw.


Dr Wildman slipped carefully out of the water holding an old Spanish sword hilt he had found lodged between two rocks on his way up from the seabed. The waves lapped over him occasionally but in this form he didn't really notice. He had set 'Bruce' on patrol to monitor what was happening under the surface, especially around the undersea base. William turned the hilt in his hand and was mindful of 'StormBlade' - the mystical weapon of Excalibur who had passed the sword down to William rather than to his grandson Stormlord. "I suspect, young man, you will find better uses for this than Stanislas - the magic in this blade has affected him in a way I had not expected - it's as if the storm has touched his soul as well as his body." The old man who was once the hero of WW2 looked sad as he passed his legacy on. Stanislas had hated them both from that point on. William had no evidence, but he was sure that the 'death by misadventure' report from the coroner had more than a hint of Stanislas' intervention. Still, Stormlord inherited his Grandfather's estate and William inherited the sword...or rather wore the cowl. The 'StormBlade' was more than a weapon, it was the raging heart of a storm made manifest in a physical arcane artifact. In the hands of Dr Wildman it became a hood, more fitting for the survival expert than the warrior who once bore it. William's act of mercy of handing the hood to Stormlord to protect him from the vampiric effects of Dr Apocalypse's World Storm may have finally given Stanislas all he had ever desired - but who knows what form the 'Storm Heart' may have taken in his hands.

 Suddenly he twitched as a familiar presence swept over him. "That's not possible' he thought. He focused and there was no doubt - the 'Storm Heart' was near and it was 'suffering'!. It was here on the Island. What diabolical plan was Pieter plotting, or perhaps Stanislas - enraged at his situation - had come seeking retribution from the man who almost killed him. Surely, he wasn't that proud! It was always his sense of entitlement that was his downfall. Stanislas had called himself 'Stormlord' but with the 'Storm Heart' he quite likely had become that. William had always felt there was some redemption possible for Stanislas. His Grandfather was a good man - some of that must have filtered through. He had always hoped that Stanislas would join him as part of the 'Circle of the Sun'.

 'Well, this day is getting more complicated by the hour.' he said to himself. William made a difficult decision - he had to find Stanislas. Whether he was a friend or foe of Dr Apocalypse - that would be unveiled all too soon. For now, he must find the 'Storm Heart' and take it back - by force if necessary. He threw the sword hilt back into the water. With a mental command he sent the 'Staff of Thorns' back to the Steading - he would need all his mystical capacity to wrestle back the 'Storm Heart'. With a discreet flurry of arm action and emerald eldritch energy where once 'The Creature' stood now there was a gull.


With a cawing that sounded very much like 'mine, mine’ - which seemed an appropriate phrase to utter at this juncture - William took off and focused his mystical senses. He honed in on where the 'Storm Heart' was calling him from and flew in that direction...

Off in the distance Dr. Wildman sense multiple types of magic existing. Normally he couldn’t feel magic this strongly. Maybe it was the concentration or something unique about the islands themselves. He wondered if the Temple could be a fey line and amplifier combined. Before he had time, he saw someone flying ahead of him. He was surprised that the person was visible. Maybe Stormlord had become overconfident since his new gain powers from the ‘Storm Heart”.

 As Dr Wlidman, in his gull form, closed on Stormlord he could see that the “Storm Heart” wasn’t in the form of a blade or a cloak but a scepter.


Dr. Wildman could not catch Stormlord before he landed. When he landed, Stormlord walked into a cave. He opened a gate to a wire cage elevator and walked in. Dr. Wildman guessed there must be something underground, He wondered if the elevator went down to the tubes he had seen under the island. Could Stormlord be headed to the underwater base or was there somewhere else in the cave he could be going that Dr. Wildman hadn’t seen?

 {Stormlord and Dr. Wildman are at location marked 11 on the Map}

Demy found comfort with Black Orchids leadership.  He felt like she could tell his anxiety was redlining from being cooped up in the Strikes aircraft.  He had plenty of missions being transported by Russian and US Air Forces aircraft.  They were all loud and utilitarian, with exposed hydraulics and basic handles and other controls with uninspired signs so common in the military.  Nothing like this craft, where form paralleled function.  It wasn't a NYC penthouse by any means but Strikes technology definitely was an "11" in comparison to standard DOD aircraft.  And he could hear himself think.  So much quieter in here than what he was used to.  Which gave him time to think - maybe too much.  He certainly didn't like the fact they could potentially go down in the water.  He scouted for some type of emergency floatation device just to be ready to deploy for himself and others if they went down.  Assuming they survived any crashing into the water.  NOPE!  "Snap out of it." He said to himself.  He REALLY appreciated Orchids comforting words, her leadership may be new, but could tell he was in good hands with her and the others in charge.

 He focused his attention towards the land masses in front of him.  It was hard to gauge as their shifting maneuvers made it difficult to accurately approximate how far off, they were, but it was going to be soon.

 StrikeForce asked the team. "Does anyone have a landing preference? I can drop off multiple locations if that is what you want."

 Patty studied all of the new intel and options. "I still say we hit that robot factory I scouted out before all the recent fireworks. This undersea base thingy is interesting but if we hit the factory, not only will that put a stop to their current efforts but like I said before, it will likely draw out some or all of any bad guys in the vicinity without us having to track them all down."

 "Since you're looking for military knowledge, that would mean we set the location and hopefully control the tempo of the battle instead of having to react to whatever they might be planning."

 James was looking a little green in the gills after the evasive maneuvers subsided. "Well, I hope we never have to do... that again!" he muttered as he tried not to throw up.

 Adamas recommended they stay together vs. splitting up.

 Powercell understood the desire to not split up, but he was too tired to participate in a head on attack. He needed time to recover.

 Enforcer suggest either he or Blizzard stay with the aircraft. Both had the ability to provide area protection.

 Blizzard thought he was the better choice to stay with the aircraft as Enforcer had more experience in the type of assault on the base that was being proposed.

 Erdbeben said, "I don't care what we do, let's just get on solid ground again." After providing his input, he made a mental note to write himself a prescription for extra strength Dramamine.

 Patty and Adamas’ reports made Demy's mind start to swirl with all kinds of tactical options that he shared with Black Orchid during their discussions.

 A) They could submerge and potentially infiltrate into the undersee base.  They could then attempt to make their way through the tube, possibly disabling the launch positions of the robot sea and sky sentries (all positions A-L) as the snuck towards the Villa where he thinks the HQ of Cyberdoom may be.  All assumptions he is betting on. This was ruled out when StrikeForce pointed out the aircraft wasn’t capable of submerging and the mini-sub had been lost.

B) Attack full force at the military base at 13.  This would take on the full force potentially of Cyberdoom’s minions and other sentries head on. 

<<ANTICIPATION!!!>>

C) Attack position 10 which he was betting on may have something to do with shield projection system covering the islands.  His concern was that positions 11 & 12 may be either power supply or defensive batteries providing over watch for the "shield generator"/Comms antennae. Maybe if they can ID what they are and take them out they can call in some additional support if things go south or at least help with exfil.

D) The islands of T'Pao, K'naud and T'und all APPEAR to have natives that feels like we should steer clear of to mitigate collateral damage and save lives.

 No matter where they end up landing, Demy will deploy immediately and continue to get MISHA into position to either provide defensive cover if we are sneaking around OR head straight into the mass of oncoming baddies to rend, rip, tear and blast away using multi shot and/or multi attacks with Demy using this Nano Sync To Hit modifier to help direct fire control.

 He pauses a moment after that last and his eyes go wide, then a slight, quirky smile starts to appear.

 <<ANNOYANCE!>>

 "T'PAO... ?" Demy questioningly whispers....

Head stationary but eyes darting and looking up at the ceiling as if searching for something unseen.

 “No....T'PAU!"

With that, Demy settles in. Puts on his Sony Walkman headphones, lays his head back, his eyes roll back white, and begins to summon M.I.S.H.A. regardless of where they end up landing while hits the PLAY button..... nothing happened …

 Demy checked the batteries on the Walkman. They were dead {GM Note: See last issue where a Skyberion’s missed still drain the energy from the Sony Walkman’s Battery. I rolled a luck roll to see if Demy had extra batteries. Demy needed a 10 or less. He rolled a 16}

 Demy sighted in frustration. He didn’t think to bring extra batteries because the commercial said these batteries would go on and on and on and ... he so wanted to listen to his song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwrYMWoqg5w

 From within Demy the unstable nanotech particles started to leave his body and converge on the location where M.I.S.H.A would form. It would take about 30 seconds for the particles to merge and construct the Cyberbear.

 The Black Orchid thought about the options. "I always prefer the stealth route, but we have also had good success with the decoy route. Those of us who can become invisible could break off and infiltrate while there is a more frontal assault. They DO know we're here after all. Alternatively, I could be part of the distraction with a large darkness 'monster.' We also have the sea folk. How comfortable are people feeling with a partial frontal assault?"

 "That could work," Patty agreed. "However, I wouldn't be able to go with any invisible types, I can only do that in astral form and that would take me out of any fighting needing done."

 StrikeForce replied, "I can drop off the team wherever you want, even if it is in multiple locations."

 Erdbeben strapped himself back into his seat and tried to close his eyes and rest until the plane landed.

 <Turns and Actions due August 28th>

 Battle Conditions (Mighty Protectors character data):

 Adamas                        Hit Points:   22 Power Points:   33       Flight: 256”

Black Orchid                Hit Points:   24 Power Points:   83       Visible

Dr. Wildman                 Hit Points:   12 Power Points:   60        Form (9): Bird; Controlled (2): Shark; Swim: 48”

Erdbeben                     Hit Points:   46 Power Points:   36       

Patty Plus                    Hit Points:   15 Power Points:   60        Corporeal

StrikeForce                 Hit Points:   31 Power Points:   93        Flying Aircraft: 256”               

Rubicon                       Hit Points:   20 Power Points:   66        Absorption Protection

MISHA                          Hit Points:   41 Power Points:  101       Not Summoned

Blizzard                       Hit Points:   12 Power Points:  37        

Enforcer                       Hit Points:   12 Power Points:  58        

Powercell                     Hit Points:   13 Power Points:  19        

Manta-Man                   Hit Points:   13 Power Points:  66         Swim: 0”

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 Dr Wildman slipped carefully out of the water holding an old Spanish sword hilt he had found lodged between two rocks on his way up from the seabed. The waves lapped over him occasionally but in this form he didn't really notice. He had set 'Bruce' on patrol to monitor what was happening under the surface, especially around the undersea base. William turned the hilt in his hand and was mindful of 'StormBlade' - the mystical weapon of Excalibur who had passed the sword down to William rather than to his grandson Storm Lord. "I suspect, young man, you will find better uses for this than Stanislas - the magic in this blade has affected him in a way I had not expected - it's as if the storm has touched his soul as well as his body." The old man who was once the hero of WW2 looked sad as he passed his legacy on. Stanislas had hated them both from that point on. William had no evidence, but he was sure that the 'death by misadventure' report from the coroner had more than a hint of Stanislas' intervention. Still, Storm Lord inherited his Grandfather's estate and William inherited the sword...or rather wore the cowl. The 'StormBlade' was more than a weapon, it was the raging heart of a storm made manifest in a physical arcane artifact. In the hands of Dr Wildman it became a hood, more fitting for the survival expert than the warrior who once bore it. William's act of mercy of handing the hood to Storm Lord to protect him from the vampiric effects of Dr Apocalypse's World Storm may have finally given Stanislas all he had ever desired - but who knows what form the 'Storm Heart' may have taken in his hands.

 

Suddenly he twitched as a familiar presence swept over him. "That's not possible' he thought. He focused and there was no doubt - the 'Storm Heart' was near and it was 'suffering'!. It was here on the Island. What diabolical plan was Pieter plotting, or perhaps Stanislas - enraged at his situation - had come seeking retribution from the man who almost killed him. Surely, he wasn't that proud! It was always his sense of entitlement that was his downfall. Stanislas had called himself 'Storm Lord' but with the 'Storm Heart' he quite likely had become that. William had always felt there was some redemption possible for Stanislas. His Grandfather was a good man - some of that must have filtered through. He had always hoped that Stanislas would join him as part of the 'Circle of the Sun'.

 

'Well, this day is getting more complicated by the hour.' he said to himself. William made a difficult decision - he had to find Stanislas. Whether he was a friend or foe of Dr Apocalypse - that would be unveiled all too soon. For now, he must find the 'Storm Heart' and take it back - by force if necessary. He threw the sword hilt back into the water. With a mental command he sent the 'Staff of Thorns' back to the Steading - he would need all his mystical capacity to wrestle back the 'Storm Heart'. With a discreet flurry of arm action and emerald eldritch energy where once 'The Creature' stood now there was a gull.

With a cawing that sounded very much like 'mine, mine’ - which seemed an appropriate phrase to utter at this juncture - William took off and focused his mystical senses. He honed in on where the 'Storm Heart' was calling him from and flew in that direction...

 

Steve

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 StrikeForce asked the team. "Does anyone have a landing preference? I can drop off a multiple locations if that is what you want."

 

Jamey

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 Patty studies all of the new intel and options. "I still say we hit that robot factory I scouted out before all the recent fireworks. This undersea base thingy is interesting but if we hit the factory, not only will that put a stop to their current efforts but like I said before, it will likely draw out some or all of any bad guys in the vicinity without us having to track them all down."

 

"Since you're looking for military knowledge, that would mean we set the location and hopefully control the tempo of the battle instead of having to react to whatever they might be planning."

 

---

 

OOC: Tom I'll probably hold on to my CPs and keep building them up but for upgrading a character is it just 1:1 on CP cost? For example, if I have 5 CPs and spend 5 on an ability, then I would have rank 5 in that ability (or 5 additional ranks in an existing ability)?

 

Shane

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On the CPs it is 1 for 1. While MP does not use ranks, but the concept is close. If you used it on an existing ability, you can improve the damage or damage resistance.  You could add a modifier which increases range or lowers power costs, etc.

 

A new ability would have a use level that starts at 5 CPs or less. Invulnerability for example starts at 20 CPs can't be bought for 5 CPs without 15 CPs of modifier(s) which would severely limit its usefulness.

 

You can save them for use later. You won't have to wait for a break in play either. If during combat, you decided what you wanted to use it on we would update as part of the turn, and it can be used for that issue.

 

Tom

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James was looking a little green in the gills after the evasive maneuvers subsided. "Well, I hope we never have to do... that again!" he muttered as he tried not to throw up.

 

"I don't care what we do, let's just get on solid ground again." After providing his input, he made a mental note to write himself a prescription for extra strength Dramamine.

 

Afterwards, he strapped himself back into his seat and tried to close his eyes and rest until the plane landed.

 

 

OOC: James is going to invest 5 CP into his Vibro blast and 5 CP into his Agility.

 

Paul

--------------------------------------------------------------------

 Tom,

 

Let's beef up Adamas damage a little bit, I believe 10 pts will get him 2d10, vs. the current 2d6.  In addition 3 cps to Str would give him 2d8 dam, vs. the current d6+d8, and a couple of hit points to boot.  Let me know if that's not right, or you do not approve.

 

As far as actions, Adamas will go with Patty and the Robot Factory.  He recommends they stay together vs. splitting up.

 

Jon

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Yikes, sorry for delay as well as the wall of text.

Lots to put out in case there is more multi round action.  I'm ok with it FWIW.

 

IC: Demy found comfort with Black Orchids leadership.  He felt like she could tell his anxiety was redlining from being cooped up in the Strikes aircraft.  He had plenty of missions being transported by Russian and US Air Forces aircraft.  They were all loud and utilitarian, with exposed hydraulics and basic handles and other controls with uninspired signs so common in the military.  Nothing like this craft, where form paralleled function.  It wasn't a NYC penthouse by any means, but Strikes technology definitley was an "11" in comparison to standard DOD aircraft.  And he could hear himself think.  So much quieter in here than what he was used to.  Which gave him time to think - maybe too much.  He certainly didn't like the fact they could potentially go down in the water.  He scouted for some type of emergency floatation device just to be ready to deploy for himself and others if they went down.  Assuming they survived any crashing into the water.  NOPE!  "Snap out of it." He said to himself.  He REALLY appreciated Orchids comforting words, her leadership may be new, but could tell he was in good hands with her and the others in charge.

 

He focused his attention towards the land masses in front of him.  It was hard to gauge as their shifting maneuvers made it difficult to accurately approximate how far off they were, but it was going to be soon.

 

Patty, Adamas, and Dr. Wildman's reports made Demy's mind start to swirl with all kinds of tactical options that he shares with Black Orchid during their discussions.

A) They could submerge and potentially infiltrate into the undersee base.  They could then attempt to make their way through the tube, possibly dissabling the launch positions of the robot sea and sky sentries (all positions A-L) as the snuck towards the Villa where he thinks the HQ of Cyberdoom may be.  All assumptions he is betting on.

B) Attack full force at the military base at 13.  This would take on the full force potentially of Cyberdooms minions and other centries head on. 

<<ANTICIPATION!!!>>

C) Attack position 10 which he was betting on may have something to do with shield projection system covering the islands.  His concern was that positions 11 & 12 may be either power supply or defensive batteries providing over watch for the "shield generator"/Comms antennae. Maybe if they can ID what they are and take them out they can call in some additional support if things go south or at least help with exfil.

D) The islands of T'Pao, K'naud and T'und all APPEAR to have natives that feels like we should steer clear of to mitigate collateral damage and save lives.

 

No matter where they end up landing, Demy will deploy immediately and continue to get MISHA into position to either provide defensive cover if we are sneaking around OR head straight into the mass of oncoming baddies to rend, rip, tear and blast away using multi shot and/or multi attacks with Demy using this Nano Sync To Hit modifier to help direct fire control.

 

He pauses a moment after that last and his eyes go wide, then a slight, quirky smile starts to appear.

<<ANNOYANCE!>>

 

"T'PAO... ?" Demy questioningly whispers....

Head stationary but eyes darting and looking up at the ceiling as if searching for something unseen.

 

“No....T'PAU!"

With that, Demy settles in. Puts on his Sony Walkman headphones, lays his head back, his eyes roll back white, and begins to summon M.I.S.H.A. regardless of where they end up landing while hits the PLAY button..... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwrYMWoqg5w

 

 

OOC: Tom/All, I realized too late that Demy's Summoning of MISHA requires 5 minutes, is a Persistent Ability, and takes an Action to initiate if I understand correctly.  I'm trying to understand Summoning Modifiers: Conditional Summoning Time on p.72 and am wondering if I can spend IP to add a version that allows for faster summoning deus ex machina due to the fact that I should have been actively summoning MISHA ~5 minutes ago.  I did state that I was "preparing to summon him as we hit appropriate distance" from land fall, but Demy usually goes into a "state" to do and I feel having him being able to be summoned would be against the characters story, if not the rules.  So, I was thinking of the 1 Action or 3 round version but this appears to be based on how far away MISHA is.  The character concept is that Demy is infused with "unstable nanotech" where MISHA auto departs in either d20 hours AND fails to summon at all if a 20 is rolled.  Essentially, MISHA is a part of and "in" Demy (Demy's weight alone is not Demy + MISHA, FYI), but there is this law of mass and density that I get wrapped up in that the delta of which has to come from somewhere (other dimension...?). Let me know your thoughts on this and what the cost might be, if allowed.

If not, he will get MISHA's summoning initiated finally and put his IP's into MISHA's size increase. The intent is to spend enough to get MISHA into the next size bracket, if possible.  If not, we'll increase his STRENGTH to the next level, Increase his Plasma blast if he has any left over to the next damage die.  For Demy, he would like to increase his ability to see through and use MISHA more as a drone so may discuss options in the future.

 

Also, regarding the Scientist who helped with Operation Siberdum, I have some thoughts, but will follow up as this already suffering from TL; DR.

 

Cheers!

 

Greg

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I was thinking about increasing his healing rate or ability to control machines.

 

Jamey

----------------------------------------------------------------------

He might need a defense against the beam that the robot fired that slowed down his nanobots.

 

Jamey

---------------------------------------------------------------------

That is a good idea for the short team. For the long term option, StrikeForce could use his CPs to start a Base. It falls under the Vehicle rules section. Vanguard Industries could be the base. We know it houses the regenerative device. Here are some examples that can get you started.

 

Tom

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tom,

 

Sorry for having to ask, but what is/are the benefits to StrikeForce of having a base?

 

Thanks in advance,

Jamey

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 You can add permanent abilities for less CPs with the restriction of having to return to base to get it.

 

The Regeneration device for StrikeForce at Vanguard was available because of his IPs. If he uses his IP for something else the next time he visit Vanguard it will be down for maintenance.

 

The base can make the Regeneration device permanently available plus other abilities.

 

Tom

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks Tom

Jamey

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Black Orchid thinks about the options. "I always prefer the stealth route, but we have also had good success with the decoy route. Those of us who can become invisible could break off and infiltrate while there is a more frontal assault. They DO know we're here after all. Alternatively, I could be part of the distraction with a large darkness 'monster.' We also have the sea folk. How comfortable are people feeling with a partial frontal assault?"

 

Marc

----------------------------------------------------------------------

"That could work," Patty agrees. "However, I wouldn't be able to go with any invisible types, I can only do that in astral form and that would take me out of any fighting needing done."

 

Shane

----------------------------------------------------------------------

StrikeForce replies, "I can drop off the team wherever you want, even if it is in multiple locations."

 

Jamey

Crusade: Issue 87 - Evasive Maneuvers!

 

A battle was occurring in the sky, high above the ocean.


[11] Adamas liked that his autofire seemed to be eating up their armor... “Let's turn up the heat!” he thought.

 Adamas pushed his speed to get between the Skyberions and the ship again, and auto-fire his next target.

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 5. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 16. Adamas did 11 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 7 points. -1 Hit Point. The 1 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 15. All abilities still function}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 5. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled an 11. Adamas did 8 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 5 points.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 5. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 3. Adamas did 6 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 3 points}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 5. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 15. Adamas did 4 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with1 point}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 5. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 14. Adamas did 4 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 1 point.}

 Black Orchid was thinking about making the entire plane invisible by pushing it with her Willpower, but Black Orchid knew that turning the plane invisible would make it untraceable by video, but the plane would still be traceable through the use of radar. Black Orchid knew that putting radar on flying vehicles is standard practice so she expects that the Skyberions would have radar.

 Another option was for her to take a cycle out, but there was resistance to that. It appeared the others were worried that Adamas wouldn’t be able to protect both the plane and the cycle.

 Black Orchid knew her vacuum blast would drain the energy from the robots. The cold of a vacuum of space draining their batteries or rendering their fuel inert.

 She discussed with Rubicon his experience as a drone pilot. She suspected the flying robots weren’t equipped with sophisticated AI. Their tactics weren’t altering to account for Adamas. It was as if their tactics were designed to take down flying mechanical aircraft only. While their attacks had a very slight chance of affecting him, they weren’t altering their formations or changing targets.

 Rubicon said the robots appeared to follow a familiar attack pattern for missile defense systems designed to bring down troop transports. Rubicon stared at the robot’s designs, there was something familiar about them, but he wasn’t sure. Could it be that they reminded him of Project Siberdum? He wondered.

 Project Siberdum was an earlier robotics project that developed a few of the breakthroughs that were used in the project which created M.I.S.H.A. Something about the AI that failed that lead the change in direction to remote piloting, but Demy couldn’t remember much more about it. The Russian scientist left Russia in disgrace.

 {GM Note: Greg if you would like to name the scientist you can and if you want to fit him into MISHA’s and Demys’ backstory you can. Let me know what you want to do.}

 Patty stayed buckled and was uncharacteristically quiet as she tried to stay out of the way and not distract anyone. She had military combat experience and knew the best thing she could do at the moment was to let the people who could engage, engage and wait for a time to be helpful.

 Rubicon remained ready to summon M.I.S.H.A. immediately upon reaching the appropriate distance to landfall.

 Recalling back to Black Orchid’s unanswered question if M.I.S.H.A. was limited to bear form only. Demy had never considered it. M I.S H.A.'s form had always been the symbol of Russia’s courage, endurance, and unprecedented strength. As inherent as the Bald Eagle was to America as he understands it. Nevertheless, the bear form was what always the topic and point of discussion and training. So, can M.I.S.H.A. take another form...? Demy thinks not. He just goes through his conditioned process that he was trained and enhanced with the ability to summon and M.I.S.H.A. is extracted from him by bio-submolecular nano technology. At least that is how he was made to believe by the Colonel during his indoc and training.

 [ 6] Replying over his comm. device. "Keep up the great work team and keep holding on. I'm going to up the evasive maneuvers." The Cyborg Crusader kept up the defensive flying.

 [ 5] The Black Orchid realized she’s done what she can in the subtlety department and now needs to jump to raw firepower. She targeted the closest Skyberion with her vacuum blast. 

 ZUMPT! The vacuum blast struck the flying robot, freezing its batteries and rendering portions of its fuel inert.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Draining power points doesn’t trigger the rolling for loss of abilities. Black Orchid needed a 17 or less to hit, rolled a 9. Black Orchid did 19 points of pwer reduction. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion’s Power Points was reduced by 16 points.}

 [ 5] Powercell moved to his portal. He fired his first electrical bolt at the same Skyberion.

 KKZZKTT! The electrical bolt struck the flying robot. It was still flying and able to continue in the fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It has 2 vulnerabilities to Electrical Abilities. 1st weakness is attraction, -2 to its defense against Electrical. The 2nd increases +4 to damage. Powercell needed 11 or less to hit. Rolled a 4. Powercell did 14 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 3 points. -8 Hit Points. The 8 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 17. No new abilities are lost}

 [3] Powercell fired his second electrical bolt at the same Skyberion.

 KKZZKTT! The electrical bolt missed the flying robot.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Powercell needed 11 or less to hit. Rolled a 16.}

 [ 4] Blizzard fired a vibratory blast from the other portal at the same Skyberion.

 VARR! The vibe blast missed!

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Blizzard needed an 11 or less to hit. Rolled a 15.}

 [ 4] Erdbeben feels rocked back and forth from the blasts of the drones and the evasive maneuvers from the ship. Based on his first attempts at firing out the ports of the ship, he decides to go with one, better aimed shot than try to attack twice.

 VARR! The vibe blast hit! The flying robot was damaged as the blast pierced its armor. The robot vibrated hard as the vibe blast shook its armor and pieces of armor fell off. The wings cracked from the shaking and the electrical systems shut down. The Skyberion fell from the sky, hitting the ocean in a metallic bellyflop. It sank below the surface of the water down to the depths of the ocean.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Erdbeben needed a 15 or less to hit. Rolled a 3. Erdbeben rolled 20 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 3 points. -9 Hit Points That was all the remaining HP for the Skyberion. The 9 points of damage for unliving, rolled an 18}

 [ 4] Skyberion 3 flew behind the aircraft and Adamas. Its shoulder’s launcher revealing a pulse beam blaster. It fired at the aircraft. The pulse beam missed as StrikeForce rolled the aircraft to the left. As the pulse beam passed by StrikeForce felt the energy cause his nanobots to slow down, become a little sluggish for a second then everything was back to normal.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion needed a 13 or less, rolled a 20 The second roll was a 7. Normal miss.}

 [ 4] Skyberion 2 flew behind the aircraft and Adamas. One of its shoulder’s launchers open reviewing a pulse beam. It fired at the aircraft. It missed. Adamas’ cape ruffled and flapped as the beam passed through it harmlessly.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion needed a 13 or less, rolled a 17. A miss.}

 [ 1] Enforcer fired an explosive round at the middle Skyberion of the 3 remaining. The 2 Skyberions flying wingman positions to it were close enough to be caught in the explosion.

 BANG! KABOOM! Enforcer’s shot went right next to the Skyberion. Then the round exploded next to the Skyberion. The explosion pierced the armor damaging the robot. It rolled with the damage. The Skyberion was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Enforcer needed an 20 or less to hit the spot he was aiming his area attack for. Rolled an 19. Enforcer did 9 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 6 points. 0 Hit Point damage}

 KABOOM! The explosion hit the left Skyberion wingman. The explosion pierced the armor damaging the robot. The Skyberion rolled with the damage. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Enforcer did 8 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 5 points. 0 Hit Point damage}

 KABOOM! The explosion hit the right Skyberion wingman. The explosion pierced the armor damaging the robot. It rolled with the damage. The Skyberion was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Enforcer did 7 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 4 points. 0 Hit Point damage.}

 William could hear in his earpiece the battle under the surface with Manta-Man and above the surface with the rest of the team. As much as he wanted to stand with his fellow Crusaders, he knew that the distraction they were causing would give him the best opportunity to covertly get to the island.

 He pulsed his urgency to 'Bruce' who sped up. William marveled at this new 'Creature' form and the ability it afforded him to sweep through the water with startling ease. Even so, keeping pace with a sprinting tiger shark was 'taxing'. William could see an underwater structure ahead that was underneath the main Island.

 {GM Note Round 2}

 Remembering that she had previous military experience, The Black Orchid leaned back and addressed Patty. "Patty, do you think you go up front and help analyze the tactical situation? Any suggestions to improve our evasive maneuvers can help keep us all alive."

 Patty thought for a moment, then replied to Black Orchid. "My military experience was squad tactics on the ground. Air combat is a completely different arena. But if you want me to go try, I can... I'm just worried I might be more of a hindrance than a help."

 Patty did mention that there was common strategy of softening up ground fortifications with artillery fire prior to a land assault. Maybe something similar could be done is this situation even though it was all range fire.

 Black Orchid thought about it. If she and Adamas hit the Skyberions first it would soften their defenses and if Enforcer and Powercell attacked last they might get the most out of their attacks.

 She called out the new attack order.

 [14] Adamas used auto-fire to try to hit already damaged Skyberion, not expecting to take it out but to soften it up.

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. It failed to pierce its armor. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 4. Adamas did 2 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. It failed to pierce its armor. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 16. Adamas did 3 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 6. Adamas did 9 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 6 points. 0 HP damage}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion2. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 13. Adamas did 7 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 4 points. 0 Hit Point damage}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled an 18. Adamas did 4 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 1 point. 0 Hit Point damage.}

 [ 7] The Black Orchid realized she’s done what she can in the subtlety department and now needs to jump to raw firepower. She targeted the closest Skyberion with her vacuum blast. 

 ZUMPT! The vacuum blast struck the flying robot, freezing its batteries and rendering portions of its fuel inert.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Draining power points doesn’t trigger the rolling for loss of abilities. Black Orchid needed a 17 or less to hit, rolled a 17. Black Orchid did 15 points of power reduction. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion’s Power Points was reduced by 12 points.}

 [ 7] Blizzard fired a vibratory blast from the other portal at the same Skyberion.

 VARR! The vibe blast hit! The flying robot was damaged as the blast pierced its armor. Its left shoulder launcher exploded in a flaming energy ball. This was not the launcher it had been firing the pulse beam from but the other launcher which had never been fired from. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Blizzard needed an 11 or less to hit. Rolled an 11 Blizzard did 15 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 4 points. -8 Hit Points. The 8 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 5, the flying robot lost a device (ability). It was its power blast device. It hadn’t been fired before, so the New Crusaders didn’t know the Skyberions had a different second weapon. The New Crusaders recognized it was a power blast device exploding based on their past experiences. If a PC or NPC doesn’t have the experience, then they were told by another PC or Enforcer}

 [3] Erdbeben attacked when damaged robot when the smoke cleared, and it came into view.

 VARR! The vibe blast hit! The flying robot was damaged as the blast pierced its armor. Its systems went offline as pieces of its armor vibrated off. The Skyberion fell to the ocean below.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Erdbeben needed a 15 or less to hit. Rolled a 12. He rolled 22 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 4 points. -15 Hit Points. The 15 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 16. All the flying robot’s Hit Points are gone. It is incapacitated.}

 [3] Enforcer fired an explosive round at the Skyberion of the left. The other Skyberion was close enough to be caught in the explosion.

 BANG! KABOOM! Enforcer hit the Skyberion. The round exploded into the Skyberion. The explosion pierced the armor damaging the robot. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion 1 has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Enforcer needed a 20 or less to hit. Rolled a 16. Enforcer did 11 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 7 points. -1 Hit Point. The 1 point of damage for unliving, rolled a 17.}

 KABOOM! The explosion hit the left Skyberion wingman. The explosion pierced the armor damaging the robot. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Enforcer did 11 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 7 points. -1 Hit Point. The 1 point of damage for unliving, rolled a 3. All abilities still function.}

 [ 2] Powercell moved to his portal. He fired his first electrical bolt at the left Skyberion.

 KKZZKTT! The electrical bolt missed the flying robot.

 Powercell fired his second electrical bolt at the same Skyberion.

 KKZZKTT! The electrical bolt struck the flying robot. The explosion pierced the armor damaging the robot. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Powercell needed 11 or less to hit. Rolled a 10. Powercell did 13 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 6 points. -4 Hit Points. The 4 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 6. All abilities still function}

 The two remaining Skyberions rolled into turns attempting to get a clear shot at the aircraft and not hit Adamas.

 [3] Skyberion 3 {GM Note: Skyberion 2 was knocked offline} flew behind the aircraft and Adamas. It aimed its shoulder launcher’s pulse beam blaster, it fired at the aircraft. Adamas swooped to intercept the pulse beam. His invulnerability fought off the effects of the beam. He was unaffected.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion fired a Siphon beam which I have heavily modified. It has the alternate damage type of electrical energy type instead of Entropy. It suppresses the ability only. It Damage was converted to Save on EN +4, It has Duration reduction usable on others. It reduces an hour’s worth of ability use.

 The Skyberion needed a 13 or less, rolled a 7. Adamas is providing Heavy Cover. On a 14 or less the beam hits Adamas instead, rolled a 5. Adamas must make as EN save against Energy. He has 11 EN Save plus 8 for Invulnerability, and plus 4 from the beam. Adamas needs a 23 or less. Only an automatic failure will cause to fail the save. Adamas rolled a 5. He made is Save roll}

 [3] Skyberion 1 flew behind the aircraft and Adamas. It fired its pulse beam and missed.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion needed a 13 or less, rolled a 20. The second roll was a 10. Normal miss.}

 William headed toward the island, singing to himself, “keep on swimming, keep on swimming."

 {GM Note Round 3}

[10] Adamas used auto-fire to try to hit already damaged Skyberion, not expecting to take it out but to soften it up.

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 3. Adamas did 4 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 1 point. 0 Hit Point damage.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 4. Adamas did 8 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 5 points. 0 Hit Point damage.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 6. Adamas did 5 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 5 points. 0 Hit Point damage.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 6. Adamas did 4 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 1 point. 0 Hit Point damage}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 2. It failed to pierce its armor. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed an 18 or less to hit, rolled a 6. Adamas did 2 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor.}

 [ 6] The Black Orchid targeted the same Skyberion with her vacuum blast. 

 ZUMPT! The vacuum blast struck the flying robot, freezing its batteries and rendering portions of its fuel inert.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Draining power points doesn’t trigger the rolling for loss of abilities. Black Orchid needed a 17 or less to hit, rolled a 15. Black Orchid did 16 points of power reduction. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion’s Power Points was reduced by 13 points.}

 [ 6] Blizzard fired a vibratory blast from the other portal at the same Skyberion.

 VARR! The vibe blast hit! The flying robot was damaged as the blast pierced its armor. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Blizzard needed an 11 or less to hit. Rolled a 6. Blizzard did 8 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 3 points. -2 Hit Points. The 2 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 19}

 [ 6] Erdbeben fired his vibe blast at the same Skyberion.

 VARR! The vibe blast hit! The flying robot was damaged as the blast pierced its armor. It was knocked offline. Falling from the sky down toward the ocean. Erdbeben listened for the satisfying splash sound that he knew was coming.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Erdbeben needed a 15 or less to hit. Rolled a 6t. Erdbeben rolled 22 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 3 points. -16 Hit Points. The 16 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 20. The flying robot has no more Hit Points left. It is incapacitated.}

 [ 4] Skyberion 3 {GM Note: Skyberion 2 was knocked offline} flew behind the aircraft and Adamas. It fired its pulse beam at the aircraft. The beam missed. Rubicon’s Walkman stopped playing. Its batteries were drained from the closeness of the pulse beam.

 [ 1] Enforcer fired an explosive round at the remaining Skyberion. It was hit in the explosion.

 BANG! KABOOM! Enforcer hit the Skyberion. The round exploded into the Skyberion. The explosion pierced the armor damaging the robot. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Enforcer needed a 20 or less to hit. Rolled a 15. Enforcer did 7 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 4 points. 0 Hit Point damage.}

 [ 1] Powercell moved to his portal. He fired his first electrical bolt at the only Skyberion.

 KKZZKTT! The electrical bolt struck the flying robot. Minor sparks appeared. It was still flying and able to fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It has 2 vulnerabilities to Electrical Abilities. 1st weakness is attraction, -2 to its defense against Electrical. The 2nd increases +4 to damage. Powercell needed 11 or less to hit. Rolled a 1. The second roll was a 15. Normal hit. Powercell did 11 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 6 points. -2 Hit Points. The 2 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 7. No new abilities are lost}

 Powercell fired his second electrical bolt at the right Skyberion wingman of the falling Skyberion.

 KKZZKTT! The electrical bolt missed the flying robot. It was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Powercell needed 11 or less to hit. Rolled a 17.}

 William searched the outer ocean waters of the island. He did not find any underwater launch tubes. He found that the same tubes can launch both Skyberions and Seaberions. The Seaberions have a flight device which they use when launched to bring themselves to the location that they would dive into the ocean at.

 Dr. Wildman saw an undersea base. The undersea base is a permanent structure located at the bottom of the deep-sea trench located north of the two largest islands. {GM Note: Dark shaded area within the white area surrounding the islands. See the end of this Issue prior to Current Battle Conditions}

 There was an undertube system connecting the base to all the islands at multiple locations.

 At one corner there was an entrance and exit hatchway to the base {GM Note: On the next map it is marked with an E}. It was literally an open hole in the floor of the main chamber that grants access to and from the sea. It was large enough so that two one-man submersibles could surface through simultaneously. The one-man submersibles were smaller than the Mini-Sub which Manta Man was in. They were more like the Deep Hawks subs the salesman tried to sale them when they called about oceanographers. William watched the exit be primarily used for the comings and goings of the aquatic Cyberions {Seaberions}. The base was made from a combination of special titanium alloys and specially fabricated glass.

{GM Note Round 4}

[10] Adamas used auto-fire to try to hit already damaged Skyberion, not expecting to take it out but to soften it up but instead of protecting the plane he was flying straight toward the lone remaining Skyberion. Hopefully the blasts soften it up that smashing into would finish it.

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast missed Skyberion 3.

 GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed a 15 or less to hit, rolled a 16. Miss.}

ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast missed Skyberion 3.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed a 15 or less to hit, rolled a 20. The second roll as a 6, normal miss.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 3. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed a 15 or less to hit, rolled a 3. Adamas did 6 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 3 points, 0 Hit Point damage.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast hit Skyberion 3. Its armor was pierced but it was still able to fly and fight.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed a 15 or less to hit, rolled a 14. Adamas did 8 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 5 points. 0 Hit Point damage.}

 ZZWWT!! Adamas’ power blast missed Skyberion 3.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed a 15 or less to hit, rolled a 20. The second roll was a 6, normal miss.}

 Adamas smashed into the flying robot.

 KABLAM! Adamas smashed into Skyberion 3 breaking pieces of its armor off. It sparked, it fizzled, but it was still able to fly and fight.

 GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Adamas needed a 10 or less to hit, rolled a 3. Adamas did 21 points of damage. Armor protected 3 points. The Skyberion rolled with 4 points of damage. -14 Hit Points It was still active and able to fight. The 14 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 20}

 Adamas received 21 points of damage too because he rammed the Skyberion. His Invulnerability provided 16 points of protection. He rolled with the 3 points of damage. He lost 2 Hit Points.}

 [ 7] Erdbeben waited until he had a clear shot. After Adamas and the final Skyberion were separated from the shared knockback, he attacked the robot.

 VARR! The vibe blast hit! The flying robot was damaged as the blast pierced its armor. The robot vibrated and shook then it shut down. The final Skyberion fell to the ocean below eventually joining its brethren at the bottom of the sea.

 {GM Note: The Skyberion has the same Robot abilities package. It is unliving. Erdbeben needed a 15 or less to hit. Rolled a 7. Erdbeben rolled 17 points for damage. 3 points were stopped by Armor. The Skyberion rolled with 4 points. -5 Hit Points. The excess damage was applied to the remaining Power Points. Another -5 PP. The 10 points of damage for unliving, rolled a 12. The Skyberion is incapacitated}

 William reached the islands. He swam to the edge of the water and turned into a bird. He walked on the sand up to the beach on the island. To another watching it looked like the bird had flown down into the water to try to catch a fish but failed.

 Patty reviewed with the team what she had learned from scouting the island and the military base. It appeared to her that the robotic workers were trying to build another Doomsday Robot as quickly as possible. She surmised that Cyberdoom had not counted on his Doomsday Robot being defeated. While he had a small army without the Doomsday Robot, his forces might not be powerful enough to invade Megalopolis as was promised. The team had time to set down anywhere on the island. The New Crusaders could choose a course of stealth and subterfuge. They didn’t have to attack the military base immediately.


Based on Patty Plus recon she showed on the map the team has key areas are on the map. Not all items marked were spotted (if there was something to see). Adamas filled in what he could see with his heightened vision.

 A-L: Patty did not see anything.

I & H: Adamas saw these were the silos that the Skyberion came out of.

1-7: These are native villages.

8: This is the Temple excavation. Adamas confirmed he had been to the Temple before with the Fellowship. {See Quest Issue 23 http://vav-megalopolis-pbem.blogspot.com/2012/03/quest-dr-arcanes-shame-issue-23.html }

9: Base of the Oceanographic team.

10 Tracking System which is communicating into the heavens.

11-12: Both Patty and Adamas don’t know what is there.

13 Old U.S. Military, naval/air base

14 Villa

15-20 These are native villages.

Between A and K is the underwater trench {dark water shading in the middle of the non-shaded Water} which contains the underwater base that both Adamas {Issue 85} and Dr. Wildman saw.

 {GM Request: Please let me know where you plan to land the plane by identifying the letter or number on the map and how far from the number you will land.}

 <Turns and Actions due August 1st>

 {GM Request: Please let me know the plans, including how long so I can figure out if anyone gets a rest. If you anyone wants to use their CPs. Let me know what abilities (new or increases) you are wanting to do.

You can reduce or remove existing abilities to put those CPs into existing or add new abilities.}

 Battle Conditions (Mighty Protectors character data):

 Adamas                        Hit Points:   22 Power Points:   33       Flight: 256”

Black Orchid                Hit Points:   24 Power Points:   83       Visible

Dr. Wildman                 Hit Points:   12 Power Points:   60        Form (9): Bird; Controlled (2): Shark; Swim: 48”

Erdbeben                     Hit Points:   46 Power Points:   36       

Patty Plus                    Hit Points:   15 Power Points:   60        Corporeal

StrikeForce                 Hit Points:   31 Power Points:   93        Flying Aircraft: 256”               

Rubicon                       Hit Points:   20 Power Points:   66        Absorption Protection

MISHA                          Hit Points:   41 Power Points:  101       Not Summoned

Blizzard                       Hit Points:   12 Power Points:  37        

Enforcer                       Hit Points:   12 Power Points:  58        

Powercell                     Hit Points:   13 Power Points:  19        

Manta-Man                   Hit Points:   13 Power Points:  66         Swim: 0”

 

Experience Gained.

 [CPs] Earned; (CPs) remaining; {CPs} Unused.

 CP remaining are CPs after replacing Inventing points being used for permanent abilities. CPs Unused are total CPs available because prior awarded CPs were never used.

 [12]; (12); {14}  Adamas

[12];   (0);   {0}  Black Orchid: 14 of 16 Inventing Points used on abilities. Recovered 12. 14 IP available

[12]; (12); {12}  Dr. Wildman

[10]; (10); {11}  Erdbeben

[12]; (11); {13}  Patty Plus: 1 of 6 Inventing Points used on abilities. Recovered 1. 6 IP available

[10];  (8);    {8}  Rubicon: 2 of 6 Inventing Points used on abilities. Recovered 2. 6 IP available

[10]; (10); {10}  MISHA

[12];   (9);    {9} StrikeForce: 3 of 10 Inventing Points used on abilities. Recovered 3. 10 IP available

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Love the combat and descriptions really help to visualize the action!

 

I like the way Adamas autofire seems to be eating up their armor... Let's turn up the heat!

 

It's going to be difficult to block their blasts if Adamas is behind them, and he doesn't want them firing at the ship, so he'll push to get between them and the ship again, and auto-fire his next target.

 

Great job Tom!

 

Jon

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 Hi all,

 

I guess I'm not sure what The Black Orchid is doing right now. I was thinking about making the entire plane invisible by pushing it with extra Willpower, but that might have been made moot by another plan. Another option was for her to take a cycle out, but there was maybe resistance to that.

 

Sorry about my confusion!

Marc

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Black Orchid knows that turning the plane invisible would make it untraceable by video, but the plane would still be traceable through the use of radar. Black Orchid knows that putting radar on flying vehicles is standard practice so she expects that the Skyberions would have radar.

 

Black Orchid knows her vacuum blast would drain the energy from the robots. The cold of a vacuum of space draining their batteries or rendering their fuel inert.

 

Black Orchid can vacuum blast through a portal or off of the Skycycle.

 

Tom

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Tom would flying a standard flight plan help Adamas defend the craft and our ranged attack members to aim.

 

Jamey

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 No, I didn't penalize any of their attacks because you were flying Full Defensive and didn't penalize Adamas in protecting the plane either.

 

Tom

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 Thanks

 

Jamey

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IC: William could hear in his earpiece the battle under the surface with Manta-Man and above the surface with the rest of the team. As much as he wanted to stand with his fellow Crusaders, he knew that the distraction they were causing would give him the best opportunity to covertly get to the island.

 

He pulsed his urgency to 'Bruce' who sped up. William marveled at this new 'Creature' form and the ability it afforded him to sweep through the water with startling ease. Even so, keeping pace with a sprinting tiger shark was 'taxing'.

 

OOC: William is surmising that the 'Scuberions' may have been launched from an under the surface outlet like 'Torpedorions' 😂. If he gets to the island undiscovered, he will investigate to see if that is the case and attempt to ingress.

 

Steve

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Replying over his comm. device. "Keep up the great work team and keep holding on. I'm going to up the evasive maneuvers." The Cyborg Crusader will keep up the defensive flying.

 

Jamey

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 OOC: Thanks Greg for taking a picture! It was great fun for me as well.

 

BIC: The Black Orchid realizes she’s done what she can in the subtlety department and now needs to jump to raw firepower. She will target the closest Skyberion with her vacuum blast.  She thought about getting on a cycle but is not sure of their maneuverability against the Skyberions.

 

“Ok, let’s even the odds!”

 

Marc

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Erdbeben feels rocked back and forth from the blasts of the drones and the evasive maneuvers from the ship. Based on his first attempts at firing out the ports of the ship, he decides to go with one, better aimed shot than try to attack twice.

 

OOC: Erdbeben will attack any drone available with only one shot instead of two.

 

Paul

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Rubicon remains ready to summon M.I.S.H.A. immediately upon reaching the appropriate distance to landfall.

 

Recalling back to Black Orchid’s unanswered question if M.I.S.H.A. was limited to bear form only. Demy had never considered it. M I.S H.A.'s form had always been the symbol of Russia’s courage, endurance, and unprecedented strength. As inherent as the Bald Eagle was to America as he understands it. Nevertheless, the bear form was what always the topic and point of discussion and training. So, can M.I.S.H.A. take another form...? Demy thinks not. He just goes through his conditioned process that he was trained and enhanced with the ability to summon and M.I.S.H.A. is extracted from him by bio-submolecular nano technology. At least that is how he was made to believe by the Colonel during his indoc and training.

 

Demy will confide with Black Orchid further about all this when given the chance either during some down time or on the return from the mission.  Assuming they can get through this unscathed.

 

Greg

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Patty stayed buckled and was uncharacteristically quiet as she tried to stay out of the way and not distract anyone. She had military combat experience and knew the best thing she could do at the moment was to let the people who could engage, engage and wait for a time to be helpful.

 

OOC: If things get hairy and no one seems to know what's going on outside she'll go astral and try to take a look around and then come back in and report. Otherwise, she's staying put both physically and astrally.

 

Shane

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Remembering that she had previous military experience, The Black Orchid leans back and addresses Patty. "Patty, do you think you go up front and help analyze the tactical situation? Any suggestions to improve our evasive maneuvers can help keep us all alive."

 

Marc

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Patty thinks for a moment, then replies to Black Orchid. "My military experience was squad tactics on the ground. Air combat is a completely different arena. But if you want me to go try, I can... I'm just worried I might be more of a hindrance than a help."

 

OOC: Patty has Hunting/Survival in her skills, which we tied to her backstory as military experience. She would have been in Special Ops type stuff on the ground in Afghanistan, for example.

 

If Tom thinks that could help in the cockpit, she'll definitely head that way. But my personal first thought is that it would be out of her experience. Happy either way.

 

Shane

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