Saturday, April 9, 2011

The Black Orchid Character Sheet

Secret Identity: The Black Orchid
Age: 27
Gender: F
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 155 lbs
Level: 5
Experience Points: 17613
Player: Marc

As elusive and fascinating as her namesake, The Black Orchid slips among the shadows of the night, blithely shrugging off death and danger.
Super Powers and Super Skills:
1. Skill: Will Power A
2. Skill: Hgt End  A + 18
3. Darkness Control: 17.5 in radius, range of 42 in
4. Devitalization Ray: Pr 3, 3d10 Power damage, Range of 87 in
5. Regeneration (can’t heal light damage): 3.2 HP per round
6. Hgt Int B +21
7. Invisibility (Level 2, 3, & 5 advancements): 1 action to become invisible, 1 PP every hour
      +1 to hit /-1 to be hit first round, then increase +1/-1 every round after that per rules.
8. Heightened Expertise with Devitalization Ray: +2 to hit (Level 4 advancement)


Weakness: Diminished Senses  (-4 to attacks in broad daylight)

Statistics:
Strength: 11
Endurance: 29
Agility: 14
Intelligence: 33
Charisma: 15
Hit Points: 30
Power Points: 87
Carrying Capacity: 327.9025 lbs
Hand-to-Hand Damage: 1d6
Accuracy: +1 (Including Power Mods)
Damage Modifier: +4 (Including Power Mods)
Detect Hidden: 24
Detect Danger:  28
Reaction Modifiers: 2 from Good -2 from Evil
Movement: Ground:  54 per turn
Movement: :  per turn
Healing Rate: 3.2 hit points per day
Occupation:Engineer
Security Clearance: 5
Wealth: 15
Skills: 
Accounting/Finance
Martial Arts
Athletics
Medical
Awareness
Military
Book Knowledge
Business
Persuasion
Communications
Research
Engineering
Esoterica
Government/Bureacracy
Subterfuge
Technology
Vehicle Operation
Legal
Wrestling
Luck Points: 1.5
Gear:
Notes:
Annie Kokuran spent most of her youth in Our Fair City, the pleasant child of an absentee father and loving mother. Even as a young child, her natural fortitude and keen mind set her apart from her friends. Focusing on her studies, she graduated at the age of 18 from Hallowed Hills University, a very expensive, very exclusive institution of higher learning. She never knew who paid for her education and she knew enough not to probe too deeply. Her talents were immediately recognized by the National RoboDynamics Corporation where she rapidly rose in the ranks. Annie oversaw several research programs designed to augment the capabilities of soldiers, particularly in reconnaissance and surveillance. During a demonstration of one of the new technologies, an explosion occurred, spraying all present with an experimental “stealth” chemical. Many were injured in the blast, and Annie lost her job, citing “negligent oversight”. Annie suffered remarkably few injuries, although she did become overly sensitive to sunlight after the accident.
At first Annie became bitter and resentful, but then used her intellect to learn more about what happened that fateful day. Over the course of a few years, she uncovered that it was clearly sabotage, and although very sophisticated, it appeared to have no particular motivation. During this time however, she discovered that everyone else who was in the blast had been systematically disappearing, through what seemed to be a carefully orchestrated series of events to minimize suspicion. Annie also discovered that she seemed to be able to create and control areas of darkness.
When Annie presented her findings about the sabotage, the disappearances, and the strange powers she started to manifest, it fell on deaf ears NRDC. Luckily for her, a representative of CHESS was visiting NRDC and took an interest in her story and had her reinstated at NRDC. Annie now works officially for NRDC on “Special Programs” (nearly always CHESS-funded)  but recently she has been approached by CHESS about doing some field work herself.  While training to further gain control of her darkness manipulation, Annie also discovered that she could sap the energy from opponents with a concentrated thought.

Crusade: Data Gathering - Issue 3

On the rooftop of a building in the shadow of Crusader Citadel, a new team is forming.  They have been called because the Crusaders have not responded to the need to stop the Crusher Crimewave.  Why the Crusaders have been gone so long is unknown but a new set of heroes have gathered to meet the challenge.

Manta Lad says "I think we should work in pairs," the kid said, looking at his feet. "Once Jessica Anderson's report goes out, the Crushers will know we're after them.”

"Maybe you could, uh, join Dragon at Fear Island?" he said to the red devil.  And to Phade: "Maybe you could work with Starbolt and talk to the cops?"

The Devil looking creature shakes his head ‘no’.  He burst out in flames and flies off the roof.  The others watch as the ‘Son of Satan’ disappears in the direction of Hallowed Hills.  There is an extended silence.

Phade breaks the silence by saying “I will go along with Emerald Dragon”.

Manta Lad relieved that they aren’t all leaving, "Hey, are you guys carrying your phones, so we can stay in touch?"

Starbolt states, "Working in pairs sounds like a good idea Manta-Lad and as a matter of fact I do have my phone on me. Guys I think that we should agree on a specific time and place to meet back up."

All present nod in agreement.

Upon all of them reaching agreement of when and where to return, they part in their separate teams. Starbolt flies down to the Plaza of Crusader Citadel.  He lands in front of Detective Broyko.  He offers the help of the team to the leader of the Crusher Taskforce.  Broyko reaches to remove his hat, forgetting that it had been stolen by a Crusher [Amazing First Issue ~ ed.]. Cursing nothing specific, he thanks Starbolt for the help.

He takes Starbolt to the Crusher Taskforce Command Center. When they arrive, Starbolt’s cell phone rings. It is Emerald Dragon.  The Prison Warden will not allow him and Phade to talk with the Infidels. Can Starbolt ask Detective Broyko if he would help?  Detective Broyko listens, “Starbolt, I trust you. So I would be glad to vouch for your team.”  The leader of the Taskforce calls the Warden and explains the situation.  Within minutes access is granted.

Detective Broyko turns to the Taskforce Command Centers analysis boards.

 “We have been tracking the thefts of the Crushers.  They appear to be electronics, computers, and other high tech items.  They have robbed all known high tech companies with the exception of Manning Enterprises.  We believe they are next and we believe it will be tonight.”

“We can’t find a pattern in what they are stealing. We have three working theories on what is going on.

1)     They are stealing more than they need to hide the true purpose of the thefts.

2)     Some of the Crushers are stealing the wrong things because they are dumb.  Bull is the best example of this theory.

3)     What they are stealing does not matter but only that they are stealing a lot of it. It is like they are trying to get someone’s attention.  I can imagine who that would be. All the high tech company owners and scientists have made emergency trips to Megalopolis in an attempt to keep their companies alive. The only two who haven’t shown are Joshua Rose and Carter Manning.  Both have a history of extended absences and neither has to be in office in person to effectively lead their companies

“The only scientist that hasn’t been summoned is Dr. Morrow. He doesn’t work for any companies currently. He is more a freelance inventor but he did create TEACHER.  We have made arrangements for him to be brought in by police escort. He will arrive at the Taskforce Command Center tomorrow.

Starbolt thanks him for the information of the thefts.  He asked Detective Broyko what information he can provide on the Crushers himself.

“Here is the list of who we think are involved and what meta-data we have on them.

            FIST is short for Flying Infantry Shock Trooper armor, which he has stolen. FIST has Armor with jet boots, life support, and augmented strength, plus a Power Blast device. He has some reputation as a ‘Robin Hood’ type villain, and other criminals distrust him, though reputation is mere hype. His real name is Frank Streeter.

            Mercury Mercenary has heighted speed in addition to his modern weapons expertise. He deserves his reputation of being totally ruthless and merciless. His true identity is unknown … apparently even to himself!
            Rachel Weaver is the Shrew, a very tough female wrestler. She is reputed to be a drug addict.

            The Bull is ‘Big Bull’ Buckford, a psychotic physical juggernaut. He is known to become enraged by the sight of the color red.  It used to be mindlessly but one of the last times he was in prison, the prison psychologist was able to work him past his issue.  My men tell me know that he will start calling his opponent ‘Red’ to help him focus on the fight.  We have learned that the original Shrew, Sheila Brewster, was able to teach Bull the basics on boxing before she died. So those that said Bull will never learn were wrong. In his ten years as a criminal he has done that. He is a killer

            Victor Tuttle, the Peregrine, had synthetic avian appendages surgically grafted to his body. He has wings, talons, and my hat!

            Temper’s identify and actual powers are unknown, but he seems to be able to instill berserk rage in his opponents. Victims of this control later fell emotionally drained.

            Master Zero attempts to conquer the USA in 2000. He and his Legion of Cold are defeated by Flashfire. Exposure to mutagenic ‘white hole’ has induced cold powers; he can project ice masses, create ice armor, and radiate extreme cold. He has weakness to fire.  He defeat by Flashfire caused him to lose the leadership of the Legion of Cold.  The resulting imprisonment has greatly reduced the Legion of Cold’s influence.  It is now on the same level as an organized gang.  We believe Madame Frigia.  Master Zero fell on hard times and we believe his joining the Crushers is an attempt to regain some his lost rep.  His real name is Ekabod Zynciskiski.

            Lisa Grass also known as Crater, She has the ability of flight and disintegration.  She is wanted for the slaying of a news reporter and three police officers

            Dustdevil has the ability to manipulate the dust.  That doesn’t sound too bad until your experience a sandpaper cyclone.  He can sandblast the paint of walls or flesh of bone.  He can create a cyclone around him that doesn’t harm him and protects him from being harmed.

“They haven’t robbed a place together. The Crushers tend to split up into 2 or 3 groups.  Most of the robberies occur in the evening before the sun sets except for Bull.  He robs at all hours of the day.

At Fear Island Super Penitentiary, Phade is signing over his device into protective custody. He pockets the claim slip.  He is not pleased but he didn’t want to wait outside either.  Emerald Dragon is not happy either.  He did not like having to call Starbolt but he wasn’t going to start his career by breaking in.

The two heroes are led into the reception area for visitors.  The Warden explains that it is not like the normal prison visiting center.  This one is a reinforced cell itself.  They can see it other face to face but can’t reach each other.  If anyone attempts to break out they will release a variant of a knock out gas.  It doesn’t have to be inhale. It will permeate the skin as well.

The Warden explains they will start with the low risk prisoners first and move up.  All of these are consider medium threat potential in here. The high threat inmates have special rooms tailor to counter their abilities.  The Infidels were a very dangerous group and no one wants them on the streets any time soon.  The Warden says his goodbyes. He introduces his head of security.  The head of security, Mr. Jones, will be their escort for the rest of the time.

The first member to enter is Cannonball.
Emerald Dragon and Phade are surprise to see he only has one arm.  Mr. Jones explains the other was a bionic attachment.  It is in custody at an undisclosed location.

Emerald Dragon stares at him, smiling that overly toothy predatory grin he sometimes has. "So, how it you ended up in here but your other companions are out running free and recruiting new members, acting is if you all never existed. You may have no desire to aid me or the Crusaders but think of it this way; if I help get your companions locked up in here with you. You could exact a little payback for their callous disregard of you all.

“You got it wrong you freaks. It was Mocker you gave me my arm in the first place.”

Emerald Dragon shows no reaction to Cannonball’s outburst. “Alternatively I could always let it be known amongst the inmates that you all assisted me, whether that was true or not. Super powers or not, I am sure they could find a way to express their displeasure. You help me and maybe I could see my way to putting in a word for a bit more comfort in your accommodations and maybe even pare down your sentences a bit.”

Cannonball falters, “Could you get me a new arm? It doesn’t have to be bionic or anything just a simple prosthetic.”

Phade lets him know they will try their best to make it happen.

“Okay, you see, Mocker is not obsessed with the Crusaders.  It is TEACHER.  He doesn’t want to steal TEACHER’s tech. It is different.  If I didn’t know better I would call it sibling rivalry.  The way he goes on about TEACHER’s creator, it almost sounds like he is ranting against a Father who is favoring a different son.  Mocker is free.  He will not be far from the Citadel. That is all I know.”

Mr. Jones signals for Cannonball to be removed.

Next a woman walks in wearing an orange coverall.  It is Acylla.

She looks at Phade coldly. “I worship the sun. You are in fellowship with the darkness. I will not speak with you.”

She looks at Emerald Dragon. “Ah, you have the mark of Xiuhcoatl on you.  I don’t believe you are an heir of his but you are a distant kin.  You are appealing to me. I will speak with you. Why are you here?”

Emerald Dragon explains the situation with the Crushers and their suspicions about Mocker

“If you are willing we can barter information for favors.  I have not used any of my …” she pauses to look at Mr. Jones, who nods in the affirmative, “my ‘special’ visits.”

“Mocker never strays from his programming.  He is in most ways exactly as his name.  He mocks all. He wants to have enemies helpless before him so he can mock and shame them.  Everything he does is a deception. His appearance, his powers, and his actions are all about deception.  Do not study his actions to find his plan.  Look to the actions of others to discover his plan.  He does not plan actions but reactions.”

“If my information leads to your success then come back to thank me properly on a ‘special’ visitation day.” She rises from her chairs. Giving her best seductive smile she leaves the room.

Next into the room is Killshot.
He sits down into the chair looking blankly in front of him.

Emerald Dragon moves into Killshot’s view. “You may have no desire to aid me but think of it this way; if I help get your companions locked up in here with you. You could exact a little payback for their callous disregard. Alternatively I could always let it be known amongst the inmates that you all assisted me, whether that was true or not. Super powers or not, I am sure they could find a way to express their displeasure. I will find the Crushers one way or another, but if you help me you get a little payback when they get dumped in here with you. So what's it going to be?"

While he talks to him he absent-mindedly plays with a piece of rebar, bending it into and out of the shape of a pretzel, still wearing that disturbing grin as he occasionally looks up.

The criminal turns his attention to the Emerald Dragon. “Go ahead, tell everyone I cooperated.  I am bored stiff in here.  That would add a little spice to this endless monotony. Now you on the other I hand.  I would love to hunt you. You would be better prey than any bird”.
  
Phade leans forward and catches the killer’s eyes.  The two take measure of each other. Phade nods and signals Mr. Jones to send Killshot on his way. Phade explains that Killshot is serious about being bored when he is not killing. Killing convicts would be something he would enjoy. We were going to getting nothing of value from him.

Mr. Jones takes them to the high threat special rooms to interview the next Infidels.

Sadhana will only cooperate if they can get the World Religions to renounce their corrupt ways and bring Dreamweaver’s head on a silver platter.  Dreamweaver stands against the very concept of universal truth and must be destroyed.
Riptide wanted to be deported to his homeland Aquina in exchange for his cooperation. Mr. Jones informed him that would never happen.
Toxic stated he would never give up Mocker.  He had stolen the tech to create his containment suit.  If the Supreme Court didn’t rule the removal of the suit would be cruel and unusual punishment, he would be in a toxic chemical barrel at this instance.
Repulse was more than happy to cooperate.
He would love to payback Mocker and Bull for leaving him here to rot. His advice was not to underestimate Mockers use of Bull.  “Most of the time Bull is like the hand that the magician use to distract the audience’s attention away from where the trick is really occurring. Figure out what Bull is serving as the distraction from.”

“My final advice is: Mocker is not human. Don’t think of him that way. He fakes humanity as part of the illusion. He was never a person. He is not a person who is in a machine.  He is a computer program controlling a machine.  Treat him as if he was a killer car.”

Mr. Jones leads the inmate back to his room.  He escorts the two visits to the exit. He personally makes sure that Phade gets everything back and that it is all in proper working order.

Manta Lad and Meltdown easily gets into Carter Manning’s office without being seen.  Manta Lad quickly uses the computer to get into TEACHER’s back door.  He moves aside and lets Meltdown get to work.  While Meltdown starts to enter commands, Manta Lad picks up the phone.

He calls Dr. Morrow. The conversation is brief because the Megalopolis PD has arrived to escort him to the Crusher Crimewave Taskforce Command Center. They need to leave soon to be able to arrive by tomorrow.  Manta Lad questions him about TEACHER current behavior.  Dr. Morrow ponders it for a moment.  He decides that TEACHER must be under attack from several hackers.  It would appear it is shutting down certain parts of its system to prevent the hackers from getting access.

Meltdown is trying to figure out which system sub-routines are still available for access.  The internal security cameras and electronic surveillance equipment in levels 1 to 3 are shutdown.  He attempted to activate the Crusader’s comm.-links but they are off-line.  Several different attempts fail. He decides maybe the historical databases would give him what he needs.

He accessed the flight and travel plans database.  Meltdown could not find a flight plan logged with the FAA in the last 3 months.  On a hunch he checks the hangers on level 4 and shuttle launch tube.  The Crusader Shuttlecraft, Hovercraft, and Jet Helicopter are still in the Citadel.

<Due Date: Mar 23rd, Actions? Replies?>




Manta Lad:

"I think we should work in pairs," the kid said, looking at his feet. "Once Jessica Anderson's report goes out, the Crushers will know we're after them.
"Maybe you could, uh, join Dragon at Fear Island?" he said to the red devil.  And to Phade: "Maybe you could work with Starbolt and talk to the cops?"

<replies, if any?>

"Hey, are you guys carrying your phones, so we can stay in touch?"

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Starbolt:"Working in pairs sounds like a good idea Manta-Lad and as a matter of fact I do have my phone on me" Turning to face Phade, Starbolt says" Phade, are you up for talking to the cops?" Guys I think that we should agree on a specific time and place to meet back up."
OOC: If Phade is interested in talking to the cops with me I will suggest we depart.I will ask the Detective for a list of names and powers of the villains that we are possibly having to deal with. I also would ask about the last contact that they had with any of the Crusaders.

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OOC: Emerald Dragon will be at the prison trying to get some answers. He would be happy to have the assistance of Filius if he wants to come along. He is also carrying his cell phone so he can be reached if need be.

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Manta Lad and Meltdown - Where are you going to hack TEACHER, Carter Manning's office or a portal device at Starbucks?  What are you trying to find out from/ do in TEACHER

Emerald Dragon - What questions are you going to ask the Infidels or instead of exact questions what information are you trying to get and how do you plan to get it (favors or threats)

Starbolt - What information do you want from Detective Broyle

Phade - which group are you going with Fear Island Super-Penteniary or Crusher Task Force

Phil - which group are you going with Fear Island Super-Penteniary or Crusher Task Force

Thanks
Tom

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Starbolt
I want to know about the previous robberies. What was taken, what the items can be used for. What villains have been involved, the villains known powers and weaknesses. Are any of the villains known associate not incarcerated, and if so what are their known powers and weaknesses. Were the robberies on specific days or times?

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Meltdown
Anything at all, information on the crusaders, their wherabouts, security footage of the area, etc. Not sure where though.

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OOC: The problem is Emerald Dragon really can't make any threats that stick as they are all in custody and it would not look good to apply muscle while they are behind bars. He would want to try and get any information about whether their allies had anything to do with the Crusaders' disappearance. I am honestly not sure how to go about it without being anti-heroic as I am sure they have no intention of answering obvious questions.

Any suggestions cuz I am kinda stuck....

Jan

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Manta Lad thinks for a moment.

Then he says: "Hmmm. With only a few hours to work this angle, I can see two ways to go here:

"First, bad cop. Bluff violence. No one knows you, so you could be crazy enough to do something. You look pretty mean. No offense.

"Second way, good cop. The Infidels can't be too happy that their old team mate has left them rotting in jail while he starts a new team. Maybe they'll want to help you hurt him."

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Starbolt
How about "If you don't help, I would be more than willing to let the other inmates know how helpful you have been." I am pretty sure being labled a snitch would not go over very well behind bars. Just a thought.

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IC: Emerald Dragon is let in to where the Infidels are being held. He stares each of them down in turn, smiling that overly toothy predatory grin he sometimes has. "So, how is it you all ended up in here but your other companions are out running free and recruiting new members, acting is if you all never existed. You may have no desire to aid me or the Crusaders but think of it this way; if I help get your companions locked up in here with you you all could exact a little payback for their callous disregard of you all. Alternatively I could always let it be know amongst the inmates that you all assisted me, whether that was true or not. Super powers or not, I am sure they could find a way to express their displeasure. You help me and maybe I could see my way to putting in a word for a bit more comfort in your accomodations and maybe even pare down your sentences a bit. I will find the Crushers one way or another, but if you help me you get a little something in return also and a little payback when they get dumped in here with you. So what's it going to be?"

While he talks to them he absent-mindedly plays with a piece of rebar, bending it into and out of the shape of a pretzel, still wearing that disturbing grin as he occasionally looks up at each of them.

Regardless of their response he will eventually make his way back to the citadel to plan the ambush for the Crushers.

OOC: Thanks for the suggestions guys, it has been a LONG long time since I did supers and it is a different experience altogether than fantasy rpgs. Hopefully the above dialog will get a little something back.

Jan

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OOC: No problem

Jeff

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Sorry, I’ve been sick and got behind in reading the posts.

Phade will go along with Emerald Dragon.

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OOC:

Manta Lad wants to do the hack at Carter Manning's office. What we're looking for is up to Meltdown, who requested access to TEACHER. 

We can call Doc Morrow from there as well.

Laying plans for the ambush would likely be informed by what we discover from the police, "They always attack from the south!," etc.
Once we get the scoop from the cops, we'll then design the best ambush.

Any other thoughts on this?

Best,
Jeff / Manta Lad

The Quest: Search for the Orb - Issue 8

Before the assembled member of his team, Dr. Avery says, “I am Dr. Arcane.  Since my injury that has placed me in this wheel chair I have used spells of illusion to give the appearance that Dr. Arcane is still as he has always been.  This was to protect me and my family.  In the past I had an enemy discover my secret. My daughter and her husband paid the price for that knowledge.”

Commander Rose thinks, “His child. Donnah's parents! Another orphan of war, another victim of the darkness.” Glancing over at Donnah, he speaks,” It might weight heavy on you old man, but you've done a great job Doc.”

Dr Avery nods, showing his appreciation for the comment. “Please forgive the deception, but I needed to get to know you first before telling you.  Like Gandalf, I like to take those that are powerful in the world to form my fellowships.

Commander Rose ponders, “Gandalf? Who knew? I bet the grouchy goat probably has the original manuscript around somewhere.”

Dr Avery continues, “Having a group of only magic users can limit the creativity in solution finding.  That is ironic because magic is about unlimited possibilities but it is still true.”

“The Domain has made it next move. It has stolen 3 Orbs from the Megalopolis Museum.  We need to track down these thieves and prevent their theft of the 4th Orb. Unfortunately I do not know where the Orb is and cannot track in magically. It only gives off a magical signature when in use.  The Orbs do not open an entrance to the Domain.  It brings a monster from the Domain.  The Orbs bring the Star-Devourer.    

The Cobalt Commander thinks, “Right back to business. The old man's tough. Guess he'd have to be after all these years and tribulations. I respect that.” Speaking to his team mates, “Okay then we'll need someone to run down any leads that might have been left at the museum break-in. AA? If you think it's worth checking out, we don't have anybody else better qualified than you to look into it.”

The star-spangled superspy smiled under his mask at Rose's new spandex threads and said, "Happy to case the museum. Windblown, you want to work the museum exterior?"  Windblown acknowledges that he will take the task.

DarkStar smiles as he sees a plan taking shape. “We'll also need to know the last known location or owner of the 4th Orb. Unless you already have a lead there Doc, do you?”

Dr Avery shakes his head, “No, there is no way to track the Orbs magically unless they are being used.  Then it is easier to find the Star-Devourer instead.”

DarkStar replies, “I'll have Cybil run a search concerning the sale or cataloging of any items matching the Orbs description on the internet. Who knows maybe it's been sold at auction to private collector, college or another museum?”

As DarkStar explains all that he and Cybil will do, Agent America thinks back to the last two days.  He had called an old contact in the intelligence community and asked what he has on Avery, Arcane, Rose, Windblown and Adamas. Then he went to the beach on St. Bart's for a long weekend, incognito of course, and forgot about all this for a few days. At the end of the time, he flew home and found out his contact would need more time.  He would check in another day or two to see what he had dug up.

When America returned to Avery's mansion, he was costume, behind the wheel of the new Corvette, and ready for further punishment.  He made a quick call to the Craftsman. He was told it would be no problem to start outfitting it into a proper spy car, for a small fee of course.

Agent America focused his thoughts back to DarkStar’s plans, “Donna, I don't suppose you or Pietor could spend some time and fill me in on what kind of people we're looking for? I'm no psychologist, but I might be able to adapt a personality profile program to search for a list of likely suspects based on socio-economic factors and cultural background. The kind of thing the FBI and other federal agency profilers use to determine the kind of individual drawn to a particular activity.”

Agent America looked at Adamas and smiled. "Hey, big guy, how did everything go on the sun?"

[Flashback to yesterday, ~ ed.]

The Earth fell slowly away, becoming smaller and smaller, Adamas began to accelerate, moving toward the glowing orb of the Sun.  As he blasted a micro meteor to dust, he heard the words of the good doctor echoing in his memory, “any object striking the statue could interact with its magical protection, teleporting you away from it, leaving it vulnerable to recovery by our enemies.”  Adamas had to safely get the statue into the Sun’s gravitational pull.

He was surprised at how many satellites there were circling the small blue that was his adopted home.  Passing the recent crash site of the LCROSS satellite in the Cabeus Crater, he marveled at how young this world truly was.  Just beginning to impress its influence onto the galaxy surrounding it, the signs of potential were there.  Adamas wondered at how quickly they were advancing.  But which direction would they go, focusing on the good, or turning to the weapons they seemed so talented at creating. 

The development of paranormals almost always heralded a rapid advancement of technology he thought.  At the same time Adams wondered at how he knew these things.  He felt confident that his knowledge was accurate, but had no idea where those memories came from.  If sound carried in space, the growl of frustration deep within his chest could have been heard at a distance.  Again he released energy from his eyes, disintegrating a meteor so small and moving so fast that a human wouldn’t have seen it until it had already passed through them.

Adamas was beginning to see that the trip, normally taking a few minutes was going to take much longer.  At his maximum speed, even he would not have been able to react quickly enough to have prevented that speck of space dust from striking the statue.  He was able to accelerate somewhat, but nowhere near top speed. 

The rest of the trip was rather uneventful.  As he released the Statue into the Suns gravitational pull, he watched as it began its decent into the corona.  As soon as he was sure it would be unrecoverable, he virtually vanished as he headed back toward his adopted home at close to top speed.  He paused as he past the Earth’s red neighbor, passing destroyed cities covered in a red dust.  He wondered at what had happened here, and as many humans did, if any life continued to survive below.  After a few moments reflection, he continued his journey.  Dr. Avery had encouraged him to return quickly.

Arriving back at the mansion, Adamas felt a slight frustration that his comrades did not seem to be prepared to continue their quest.  He passed Windblown in the Library, floating gently above the ground.  His eyes widened momentarily as he realized his companion was so quickly learning to master his powers.  He nodded to his friend, and passed silently through as not to interrupt his experience the novelty of freedom found in flight.

Heading back to his own quarters, he glanced around at the accommodations, clearly designed for a Human occupant.  A large bed to the side sat unused and unnecessary.  Across the room a large plasma screen monitor hung from the wall, also utilized.  In the corner, a computer sat.  Adamas was pleased to find he had been able to access the files he had created on earth.  Basically his life to this point was contained in those files.  Again, he looked through the descriptions logged by the astronauts that had found him floating freely in space.   Looking for any clue that might give him an idea of his origins, again, he found nothing… perhaps Commander Rose could be of assistance in this area, maybe he was missing something, again the growl of frustration.

He was just heading back downstairs as he heard Pietor’s summons, to join his companions downstairs. 

 [End of Flashback, ~ ed.]


Adamas to Agent America: The Sun is as it always was, far easier to approach than it is to escape. 

"I'll drink to that," said Agent America, thinking of his weekend in the sun on St. Bart's.

“I had no trouble if that is what you are asking.” Adamas responds, not sure if they were still talking about the same thing.

Agent America turns his attention to Dr. Avery, "Doc, what can you tell us about the Orbs, and the 'monster?”

Dr. Avery, “The Orbs are the power source for the magic.  They fuel themselves from starlight. The stars have to be in a certain position over the earth.  Unfortunately, I do not know what or when that is.  The Orbs will bring the Star-Devourer to our planet.  The Domain uses these as their planet destroyers. The Star-Devourers were responsible for the destruction of the Martian Civilization. It would take more than one but one would be enough to destroy Megalopolis.”

With a sober tone, the Fellowship of Heroes finished their planning and leave to execute their assignments.

Agent America disguised himself as a middle aged history nerd and goes to the museum. Big glasses, tweed jacket with elbow patches, turtleneck, penny loafers, briefcase, a band aid on one finger, the whole deal.

While there he was surprised that there is no evidence of a break in.  He walks over to the exhibit.  There he reads the placard,
“The Orb of the Stars”
The Orbs are ancient objects of art designed to show man’s fascination with the Stars.
The Orbs will reflect starlight within its inner core for one week out of the year.

“It really is a shame they were stolen now”. The Man from MEDUSA turns to the speaker.  She is a museum tour guide.  The guide appears to be college age and very pretty. “Today is the start of the one week out of the year that you can see the stars glowing on the inside. Moonlight isn’t needed either. The stars are visible from the display all day long.  Well no reason to cry over split milk. If you hurry you can sign up for the next tour.” She flashes you her best smile, “I will be leading it.”

In the distance you hear two men arguing.  One has the same tweed jacket as you are wearing and the other has a suit on.  After a brief exchange the man in the suit goes to the office and shuts the door. The man in the tweed jacket storms off.  The pretty college student makes a heavy sigh, “There he is again.” Remembering the geek in disguise is next to her. “Sorry, he just makes the tour last so much longer with his questions.  If you ask me, I bet he hired someone to steal the Orbs.  He was always complaining that they deserved better security. Sorry, time for me to leave, I hope I see you on my tour.” She finishes with a song in her voice.

The superspy turns his attention back to the display.  It looks like the robber walked right over, picked the orbs up, and left with them.  “How is that possible?” he mutters to himself.

“She wasn’t that into you, you know. Misty gets a percentage of the tour receipts after the first twenty tourist of each month. She is always trying to charm more into taking the tour. Nice jacket you have, I am Ralph”

The man in the tweed jacket extends his hand.  The American spy doesn’t take his hand, making a comment on how many germs in on an average the person’s hand.  Instead of being offended, Ralph smiles in agreement.  Seeing this as a perfect person to pump for information, AA starts expressing regret and concern about the orbs being stolen.

Ralph nods in agreement, “It is more than the loss of historical art piece.  Those Orbs are three of the four Orbs of the Star-Devourer.” He pauses to gauge the Agent America’s reaction.  When he was sure he wasn’t going to be mocked he proceeded. “The Orbs are detailed in “The Mutterings of a Madman.”  It is the greatest book on other dimensions there is. Fortunately for us the author did not disguise the truth in the form of fiction. Unfortunately for the author this had him burned at the stake as a heretic.  It is said he died calling out to the Undying Ones to take his soul.  I wonder if they did.”

“You most likely aren’t familiar with this book as most copies have been burned.  There is a fictional work which provides most of the interesting pieces of its history.  You have heard of H.P. Lovecraft right?”

“Lovecraft hides the truth by making the gods aliens and having them trapped on the Earth.  In reality they are not trapped but they are in a dimension called the Domain.  They cross directly from dimension to dimension, so it can look easily like they are escaping an Earthly prison for those that don’t want to see the truth.”

“Here is his entry on the Orbs and the Star-Devourer”

The Orbs are to be used to summon the Dhole {Star-Devourer}. The Orbs must be able to see the stars while the Ritual of Summoning is performed.  The Stars must be in aligned to the Hunter and its Prey while the Ritual of Control is performed.  The Dhole will consume the planet with its tunnels turning it into its nest.  The Dhole is between 400 to 600 metric tons, 90 to 100 meters longs, and 6 to 10 meters in diameter.

While performing the Ritual of Control do not allow the Dhole to tunnel through the core.  Keep it on top to have it prepare its nest next to a strong source of water.  After the burrow is complete, force it to deposit it eggs in the nest.  When this is done stop the Ritual of Control and release the Dhole.  The destruction of the planet is assured. 

After closing the book, Ralph shook his head. “I tried to explain to Museum Director the power of destruction these Orbs had. I repeatedly asked him to move them to a museum in Hallowed Hills would be better prepared to protect it from the threat it poses.  He laughed at me.  He was confident he could protect it and why steal this piece of art.  It was incomplete and not worth more than half a million.  The hubris the man has in mind boggling.”

“I hope the new owners of the Orb do a better job than was done here”.  With the statement, Ralph gathers his belongings and leaves the Museum.

While attempting to work with Pietor and Donnah in an attempt to develop a FBI-style psychological "profile" for likely candidates it occurs to Joshua the museum and/or police should have video footage of the robbery. Opening a channel on the team comm-link . . .

"Agent, do you think you can get us access to the museum's security camera footage? I'd like to run it though a facial recognition program and cross-reference it on the psych-profile we're trying to put together.” The nerd in disguise taps his comm-link to signal he has received the message.

The rest of the morning Agent America continues to act like a curious busybody geek.  He questions guards, other guides and curators unfortunate enough to cross his path. At lunch time he looks at his watch, picks up his briefcase. He says goodbye to anyone this willing to make eye contact. In his briefcase is his Agent America's costume.

Later that day, he returned disguised as Agent America. Showing his official superhero ID, he requests to meet the museum director.  The director agrees to meet with him.  He shows Agent America into his office. “Hopefully you will do better than the Valiants.  Telecom came the day of the break-in and she could see anything out of the ordinary.” He pauses, waiting for a laugh for his joke.  When he doesn’t get one, he continues “We didn’t get a note.  It is not uncommon for museum thieves to steal art and try to ransom it back.  We have been watching the auction houses and they have not showed up.”

Agent America asks to see the security footage and for a tour of the wing that the Orbs were housed in.  The Director agrees to all of his requests.  He picks up the phone and makes the necessary arrangements.

Watching the security footage, the Superspy is shocked. What he sees is unexpected.  Several men walk into the museum wearing business suits.  They strategically place themselves throughout the building.  Then in groups of three they grasp hands and look at the other people.  The people faint as a trio looks at them.  Very quickly everyone except the men in suits is on the floor.  Looking closely, the America Agent realizes the victims are asleep. “Amazing”

Agent America interviews the guards, guides, and curators in the video tape.  All say the men grasped hands. “Looked Hard” at them and they fell asleep.  When they woke up the men and the orbs were gone.

Agent America goes outside and meets with Windblown. Windblown says he didn’t find anything at all. He even searched the roof and the tree tops. More of an excuse to fly than anything else but no clues was found.  Agent America agrees.  With a copy of the security footage it was time to see what they can find out back at the mansion.

DarkStar and Adamas are back at the mansion.  Dr. Avery recommended that Adamas perform the function of lookout.  The goal was to find the Orbs before the Star-Devourer could be found but we needed to be prepared if that didn’t happen.  Dr. Avery and Adamas worked out a flight path which would allow him to survey all of Megalopolis and return to the mansion every hour.

DarkStar’s profiling has lead to more disagreements than progress. Pietor has left saying “This is a waste of time. Don’t chase the person. Tract the magic source instead.”   Donnah is recommending a colligate scholar and Cmd. Rose isn’t sure that this is the work of bandit scholars. 

Donna attempted to explain the fundamental personality type of a Mage. “Magic is the ability to tap into the various forces and manipulate them to your will. This is a great power, but it takes a lot of intelligence and knowledge to utilize it effectively.  No magician was created overnight.  It takes a long time and a lot of patience to become a mage.”

“Doesn’t that sound more like a scholar than an inventor?  Magic isn’t not at all like science.  A mage cannot use the method of scientific discovery made famous by Thomas Edison.  Failure leads to death not to the solution.”

“Magic is manipulating the natural forces.  A magician studies the Language of Creation and uses the language of the creator to alter reality as they see fit.   The better one understands this Language, the better they are at wielding magic.  Look at magic like this, God created the Code and the Code governs how the universe works.  When you learn God's code, you can alter the code to suite your whim.   Magic is, in a nutshell, the cheat code to the Cosmos.”

“The word Warlock is an example of this.  The word literally means, "Word Breaker".   The Warlock literally breaks the word of god and replaces it with his own.”

DarkStar is glad to see Agent America and Windblown when they show up with the tapes.  Cybil has found who has the other Orb.  The Orb was bought by Jeremiah Colbert.  He is a rich eccentric recluse who had the winning bid in an auction five years ago. Colbert has a home in Our Fair City but isn’t answering the phone.

Taking the security footage, face recognition software is able to get 5 faces good enough to search with.  Within in minutes the Facebook pages of all five are found.  All are fans on the Cult of Stellar Propitiation.  Checking the Cult’s page there is announcement of a Festival today being held on the Refuge Islands.  It is call the Hunter and Prey Festival of Lights.  It started this morning and will be held all week.

The searches all brings back the Board of Directors for the museum in Hallowed Hills that Ralph mentioned.  Ralph, Jeremiah Colbert, and one of the men in the video are three of the eleven members of the Board.

Dr. Avery looks at the team.  That is a long of information. What do we do next?

<Due Date is March 23rd, Actions or Replies>
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hey All

OOC: Couldn't sleep - again. Thought I'd get us started off.

[Dr. Avery: "My daughter and her husband paid the price for that knowledge"]
<Commander Rose: IC> His child. Donnah's parents! Another orphan of war, another victim of the darkness. Glancing over at Donnah. It might weight heavy on you old man, but you've done a great job Doc.

[Dr. Avery: "Like Gandalf, I like to take those that are powerful in the world to form my fellowships"]
<Commander Rose: IC> Gandalf? Who knew. I bet the grouchy goat probably has the original manuscript around somewhere.

Star-Devourer? That sounds bad, really really bad.

<Commander Rose: IC> Right back to buisness. The old man's tough. Guess he'd have to be after all these years and tribulations. I respect that. Okay then we'll need someone to run down any leads that might have been left at the museum break-in. AA? If you think it's worth checking out, we don't have anybody else better qualified than you to look into it. We'll also need to know the last known location or owner of the 4th Orb. Unless you already have a lead there Doc, I'll have Cybil run a search concerning the sale or cataloging of any items matching the Orbs description on the internet. Who knows maybe it's been sold at auction to private collector, college or another museum? Donna, I don't suppose you or Pietor could spend some time and fill me in on what kind of people we're looking for? 0'm no psychologist, but I might be able to adapt a personality profile program to search for a list of likely suspects based on socio-economic factors and cultural background. The kind of thing the FBI and other federal agency profilers use to determine the kind of individual drawn to a particular activity.

 OOC: We still don't know enough about each others private life or identities (except DarkStar's) to make maximum use of all our talents yet. And I really think some team combat training is in order at some point - soon.

Follow up after you all have had a chance to get ball rolling along
John R

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Agent America:

OOC: Tom, America won't make recordings of his reports. Too dangerous as evidence. Instead, he'll use his Willpower in an attempt to memorize the salient details if and when he needs to make a report. What he doesn't remember, he'll fabricate, as usual. ;)

IC:
The star-spangled superspy smiled under his mask at Rose's new spandex threads and said, "Happy to case the museum. Windblown, you want to work the museum exterior?"
<reply?>

America looked at Adamas and smiled. "Hey, big guy. How did everything go on the sun?"
<reply?>

"Doc, what can you tell us about the Orbs, and the 'monster?'"

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

OOC:
No revised issue necessary.

How many days of downtime are we talking?
Where in the US is Megalopolis?

Thanks,
Jeff

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

(During downtime...)
Agent America will call an old contact in the intelligence community and ask what he has on Avery, Arcane, Rose, Windblown and Adamas.
Then he'll lay on a beach on St. Bart's for a long weekend, incognito of course, and forget about all this for a few days.
At the end of day three, he'll fly home and see what his contact dug up. If he has to pay for the intel, he'll pull funds from the retirement account.

When America turns up at Avery's mansion, he'll be in costume, behind the wheel of the new Lamborghini, and ready for further punishment.

OOC:

:)))

Tom, this is the Spy Car.

Best,
Jeff

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Agent America will disguise himself as a middle aged history nerd and go to the museum. Big glasses, tweed jacket with elbow patches, turtleneck, penny loafers, briefcase, a band aid on one finger, the whole deal.

While there, he'll examine the area of the break in and learn the orbs' history, and what the museum claimed them to be. Acting like a curious busybody geek, our deceptive double agent will ask lots of historical questions of any guards, guides and curators unfortunate enough to cross his path. He'll want to hear all the gossip about the break in too, and will generally make a nuisance of himself.

The briefcase holds Agent America's costume. Later that day, he'll return disguised as Agent America. Showing his official superhero ID, he'll request to meet the museum director and ask the director all the same questions, and get the same tour, again as an official representative of law enforcement.

If Windblown doesn't want to case the grounds, he'll do so with the museum's permission while there as Agent America. But he'll conduct the search disguised as a museum janitor (in case the culprits are monitoring the scene of the crime). Before sundown, he'll search the exterior for clues and try to uncover how the break-in went down, the approach, the getaway, etc., walking the entire museum grounds, and the roof, if need be.

Thanks,
Jeff


PS: I said, 'Hills Angels.... Is this thing on?

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[Commander Rose: IC] While attempting to work with Pietor/Donnah (and Windblown?) in an attempt to develope a FBI-style psychological "profile" for likely canidates it occurs to Joshua the museum and/or police should have video footage of the robbery. Opening a channel on the team comm-link . . .

"Agent (is there a reason Rose wouldn't know America's true ID - both having worked at Medusa and all?) Do you think you can get us a access to the museum's security camera footage? I'd like to run it though a facial recognition program and cross-reference it on the psych-profile we're trying to put together. I'd also like to run as much old footage as they'll release through Cybil. She should be able to "tag" any unusual reoccuring "visitors" who are more interested in observing the museum personnel and securiy procedures than the artifacts themselves aot faster than we could do manually."

OOC: Jeff, I figure between Agent and Rose's combines espionage background, Agent's investigative skills and Rose's survellience skills, we should have an excellent chance of getting some solid leads. It doesn't hurt that we know we're looking for people interested in the occult and somethng called the Star-Devourer - I assume Doc is going to give us more to go on? Previous experiences with said Devourer? Most likely interested parties to summon said Domain demon? etc etc etc

John R

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

OOC:

No one knows Agent America's true identity.  :)

We'll see what the museum director has re: security camera footage.

Best,
Jeff

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Hey, folks. I'm going to have to put WB and BC on autopilot for about the next two weeks. CoastCon is coming up fast and as a staff member, all of my attentions are focused on that objective at the moment. Apologies.

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All cool. I was curious how things worked at the HQs and stuff. You had a pictures of some agents with faces exposed somewhere and I thought it might be like SHIELD or something. Thought they might have passed each other in a training session/locker room/galley or something.
[OOC:] Hey guy's! Should we be looking for more of an Endgame for this Domain stuff? Maybe a more proactive approach? Or is that not necessary with Doc (Gandalf)'s guiding hand?

John R

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The Earth fell slowly away, becoming smaller and smaller, Adamas began to accelerate, moving toward the glowing orb of the Sun.  As he blasted a micro meteor to dust, he heard the words of the good doctor echoing in his memory, “any object striking the statue could interact with its magical protection, teleporting you away from it, leaving it vulnerable to recovery by our enemies.”  Adamas had to safely get the statue into the Sun’s gravitational pull.

            He was surprised at how many satellites there were circling the small blue that was his adopted home.  Passing the recent crash site of the LCROSS satellite in the Cabeus Crater, he marveled at how young this world truly was.  Just beginning to impress its influence onto the galaxy surrounding it, the signs of potential were there.  Adamas wondered at how quickly they were advancing.  But which direction would they go, focusing on the good, or turning to the weapons they seemed so talented at creating. 

The development of paranormals almost always heralded a rapid advancement of technology he thought.  At the same time Adams wondered at how he knew these things.  He felt confident that his knowledge was accurate, but had no idea where those memories came from.  If sound carried in space, the growl of frustration deep within his chest could have been heard at a distance.  Again he released energy from his eyes, disintegrating a meteor so small and moving so fast that a human wouldn’t have seen it until it had already passed through them.

Adamas was beginning to see that the trip, normally taking a few minutes was going to take much longer.  At his maximum speed, even he would not have been able to react quickly enough to have prevented that speck of space dust from striking the statue.  He was able to accelerate somewhat, but nowhere near top speed. 

The rest of the trip was rather uneventful.  As he released the Statue into the Suns gravitational pull, he watched as it began it’s decent into the corona.  As soon as he was sure it would be unrecoverable, he virtually vanished as he headed back toward his adopted home at close to top speed.  He paused as he past the Earth’s red neighbor, passing destroyed cities covered in a red dust.  He wondered at what had happened here, and as many humans did, if any life continued to survive below.  After a few moments reflection, he continued his journey.  Dr. Avery had encouraged him to return quickly.

Arriving back at the mansion, Adamas felt a slight frustration that his comrades did not seem to be prepared to continue their quest.  He passed Windblown in the Library, floating gently above the ground.  His eyes widened momentarily as he realized his companion was so quickly learning to master his powers.  He nodded to his friend, and passed silently through as not to interrupt his experience the novelty of freedom found in flight.

Heading back to his own quarters, he glanced around at the accommodations, clearly designed for a Human occupant.  A large bed to the side sat unused and unnecessary.  Across the room a large plasma screen monitor hung from the wall, also utilized.  In the corner, a computer sat.  Adamas was pleased to find he had been able to access the files he had created on earth.  Basically his life to this point was contained in those files.  Again, he looked through the descriptions logged by the astronauts that had found him floating freely in space.   Looking for any clue that might give him an idea of his origins, again, he found nothing… perhaps Commander Rose could be of assistance in this area, maybe he was missing something, again the growl of frustration.

He was just heading back downstairs as he heard Pietor’s summons, to join his companions downstairs. 



IC to Agent America : The Sun is as it always was, far easier to approach than it is to escape.  I had no trouble if that is what you are asking.



OOC: He’s eager to assist in locating the orbs, but not quite sure how to go about it.  Investigations and detective work really aren’t his forte.  He’s generally more direct in his approach.  He’ll offer to examine the site of the theft from the air to see if he can find any traces as to where the orbs could have been taken… Star Devourer sounds familiar, and brings with it a sense of dread he doesn’t recall feeling before.



Way OOC: Hill’s Angels… funny… brought to mind a leather biker jacket with Charlie’s Angels on the back…

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Adamas said, "The Sun is as it always was, far easier to approach than it is to escape..."

"I'll drink to that," said Agent America, thinking of his weekend in the sun on St. Bart's.


OOC:
Great post. You really evoke the mind-bogglingly powerful and alien nature of the guy.