Location: Domain at the campsite where the portal to Earth is open.
Within the wind swirling around him DarkStar heard a scream.
JOSHUA!!
Unfortunately DarkStar couldn’t respond to Donnah’s cry. He was struggling under the mass of Ghouls clawing at him. A Ghoul on his left raked his claws across DarkStar’s side. {9 points of damage to Invulnerability}
These little bastards might only be four feet tall but they bite like a sabertooth tiger. Bleeding from various gouges and claw marks in his steel hard flesh; Joshua focused his thoughts to Donnah through the amulet. “Donnah I’m fine, but you have to leave. I can’t concentrate on fighting these things while you’re still here, and someone needs to be with Doc. We can’t trust those other Elementals, he needs you. Go.” I’m sorry Doc, she may not be the same, but she’s still the person we … Arrgh.”
A strong wind grabbed the Ghoul that had struck him. It flung the demon 30 feet away. In a quiet breeze DarkStar heard Donnah say she had to help before she left.
A huge wave of water washed over DarkStar and the hairy demons. It wasn’t strong enough to carry any of them away.
Once again focusing his thoughts to the old wizard; “Doc, I’ve got a pack of Ghouls on my back, close the portal as soon as Donnah’s through.” Holding his position, almost inviting the creatures to swarm even closer, DarkStar waited as long as possible for Donnah to make her escape through the portal.
Donnah and the Wave left through the portal.
Two Ghouls raked their claws and fangs over the prone body of DarkStar. {Ghoul 1 did 11 points of damage, -11 to Invulnerability. Ghoul 7 did 10 points of damage, -10 to Invulnerability.}
"Hey Darkstuff how goes it on the outside? Looks like we're on our way to you." DarkStar heard The Cure speak to him through the amulet
While busy shifting under the mass of brawling bodies, DarkStar positions himself in an attempt to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. "Hearing" Mary's inquiry, Joseph's quick mind slipped a picture of his current situation to the young lady and replied, "You know me Ms. Nightingale ... always making new friends ... arrgh ... "
The Cure replied, "That's just great. Can't take you anywhere."
DarkStar IC thought, " arrgh ... Nightingale ... urumph ... I'm good sister, stick to the plan, protect ... roooar ... the bookworm and bunny, bring AA home."
"Big A ,Magnuts and the 6ft bunny are in good hands with the all powerful Mr.D. I'm on my way to you. By the way that was not AA!" The Cure thought.
"Big A ,Magnuts and the 6ft bunny are in good hands with the all powerful Mr.D. I'm on my way to you. By the way that was not AA!" The Cure thought.
I don’t want to have to kill these things, but I will if I have to. Like a wounded lion swarmed by a pack of mad hyenas, DarkStar raised to his hands and knees. By sheer force of will he lifted his massively powerful fists, bringing them crashing down creating a shockwave to throw the creatures in all directions.
{GM Note: Luck Point used and next Level Advancement to gain this power stunt}
The shockwave shook the ground and rattled the crystal bushes and trees. 7 of the 8 remaining Ghouls were launched away from the Cobalt Combatant. The Domain Demons flew in all directions landing as close as 15 feet and as far as 65 feet away. They landed with loud crashes. Their Pack mentality was broken. The Ghouls ran into the woods.
The 8th Ghoul raked its claws down DarkStar’s back. . {Ghoul 5 did 15 points of damage, -7 to PPs, and -8 to HPs}
It ran away into the woods to join the fleeing members of its pack.
The Cure arrived shortly followed by the rest of The Team. Occult and Agent America were not with them.
With reluctance they entered the portal to return home.
When they entered they found the Mansion under construction. The exterior of the building had been repaired. The outside grounds were still be patrolled by the Safeguard. 3 weeks had passed on Earth since they had left.
DarkStar looked for The Chosen but they weren’t to be found. Dr. Avery explained that he had released them from protecting him when word arrived that the Domain had invaded Hallowed Hills. Dr Apocalypse had gone with them to help repel the Demon hoard.
Agents of FISH had come to help with the protection of Dr. Avery. Donnah and the three professors were helping patrol as well. They had started calling themselves the Natural Forces. Donnah explained 2 days had passed since she had gone through the portal before The Team had returned.
Dr. Avery explained they had the rest of the day to recover. They were needed to at CHESS HQ tomorrow. The Domain was invading. A Super Hero Task Force was being formed there to repulse them.
The Cure healed all of their injuries. Magus prepared to use the scroll to undo the transmutation spell but the Natural Forces refused. They knew they were scholars not fighters but they could serve by protecting Dr. Avery. This would free others to join the Task Force
When The Team arrived they were all escorted to CHESS’ largest conference room for the briefing. There were superheroes there that The Team had heard of before. The Amazing Gauntlet was talking with Volcanic Man. The Indestructibles were talking to the newly restarted Super Society.
Shatterman was introducing his teammates, Condor and a guy wearing a red hawk costume to Skyhawk, Magnetor and Kali.
Laserfire blew a soft low whistle. “This is the largest gathering of heroes I have ever seen. What kind of field trip is Co-Director Huffington taking us on?”
As the threat of the Domain grows we are bringing the rest Megalopolis into the story during our annual Megalopolis crossover event. Enjoy introducing yourselves to the other players in the other games. You will be briefed on the World Crisis that is happening by CHESS next issue.
It is time to come up with your team name or you will be introduced as The Team to all the other heroes of Megalopolis.
< Due Date: October 20th, Actions? Replies?>
Experience Point Time!
Experience is awarded for:
Battling and defeating Occult’s Revenants: 1,000 points
Battling and defeating Occult and Domain’s Demons: 2,500 points
Rescuing Donnah and the Professors: 500 points
Retrieving the Scrolls: 500 points
The new totals:
Current XP XP Gained Total XP Your Level
DarkStar 9.500 4,500 14,000 5, a New Level!
Character Advancement:
Shockwave: By either clapping his hands or stomping his feet/fist the character creates an area of effect of Knockback. No damage is applied to the opponent. It is the damage roll minus the opponent’s basic hits which calculates the knockback applied.
· By striking his hands together: Sonic attack in cone shape, Range=Str/5, Damage=3d6, PR=0
· By striking ground: Vibration attack in circle, Range=Str/10, Damage=2d12, PR=0
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WHAT the heck LOL. I haven't read the issue yet. I'm almost scared to. I can't even go back to check what I sent you, I deleted the response/actions I sent for DS already LOL well crap won't do that again. LOL Okaay here we go download click :)
John
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Thomas you stinker. You know I really really really had a different kind of Teleport in mind. I especially had a different location in mind. It's one reason why I decided to Combat Teleport instead of run around Stone and regular Teleport.
The biggest thing though is he was not going to teleport directly back to the "gate" but at a high point close-ish to the LZ he had seen during the initial part of the journey with the Dravens. Because his tech and physical abilities have been hampered in this environment, I was also going to use the time not only to recon the extraction point but to also guage the effect of the change on the Elementals. There was no way Joshua was going to bring back 4 potential threats to Earth without at least scoping them out with Doc's help. The thing where I quoted Doc was going to be his explanation if anyone on the Team had an issue with it.
All very cautious, all very DarkStar.
That was the Plan at least.
Sigh LOL okay don't sweat it. New Plan. Stinker. LOL
John R
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Sorry, I thought you were doing what you did because you didn't think there was any way for the 4 to be within reach of each other. So when all four were able to get together then he would teleport. I didn't realize you were doing a stalling tactic.
Next time I will ask first.
Regards
Tom
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No problem compadre rolling with the show. I'll also try to be more detail in where I might be heading with the character. I think I've become a little lazy recently while focusing on AoA and Rampart - No way I'm going to slack on Megalopolis though. Having way too much fun with the campaign setting.
John
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Hey Tom
I was looking at the latest Quest Issue and trying to figure out the best options given the 'circumstances'. At first the old *whoump* in and out tactic, dropping the bad guys into a plasma river seemed the way to go. But while looking at the map where old boy blue is battling ...
... I got an idea. ( ... aww don't be like that)
We've chatted a bit about how DarkStar fights with more finesse than brute force, and that the Domain effects would force him to adjust his style.
So looking at the battle map, I thought of this classic brick power stunt.
Shockwave: By either clapping his hands or stomping his feet/fist the character creates an area of effect of Knockback based on his hand to hand damage minus his opponents basic hits. Can shape the area effect in either a 45 degree arc equal to a fifth of his Strength score of a 360 circle equal to one tenth of his Strength score. (I actually see Captain America use something like this a lot when he's fighting groups of lackies trying to overwhelm him with numbers.) The idea here is to simulate those stunts you see Hulk, Supes, and guys like that use to do in comics. Bad guys flying back all over the place. The only damage it would do would be the result of the Knockback.
So what do you think partner? Invention Point and/or Luck Points? Or an early "Power Advancement"? I'm betting if you're good with it, it's the latter, at the cost of one of the former
Thanks
John R
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Hey Tom
I think we are heading in the same direction on the Power Stunt. Just might be visualizing it different and I might not be seeing something you do do bear with me please.
I visualized the range of the Shockwave being base on his Strength rating: divided by 10 for a circle and divided by 5 for a cone effect. Comes out to an are effect of 40ft either shape.
It would then "Knockback" anyone in the area based on a roll of his hth damage (3d10) minus their basic hit points. I haven't played with how much damage Knockback does so that where I am probably missing what you're seeing. Now that I think about it (trying to keep this Power Stunt in mind also for characters like Behemoth) maybe divide the HtH die roll by 2 for the distance Knocked Back? I also think a PR might help balance this out. Anywhere from 2 - 5 power point cost depending on how much Knockback we allow
Thanks for hashing this idea out with me. Really just looking for cool visual stunt. I thought by making it only Knockback it would make it effective but not over the top
Thanks again
John
I think we are heading in the same direction on the Power Stunt. Just might be visualizing it different and I might not be seeing something you do do bear with me please.
I visualized the range of the Shockwave being base on his Strength rating: divided by 10 for a circle and divided by 5 for a cone effect. Comes out to an are effect of 40ft either shape.
It would then "Knockback" anyone in the area based on a roll of his hth damage (3d10) minus their basic hit points. I haven't played with how much damage Knockback does so that where I am probably missing what you're seeing. Now that I think about it (trying to keep this Power Stunt in mind also for characters like Behemoth) maybe divide the HtH die roll by 2 for the distance Knocked Back? I also think a PR might help balance this out. Anywhere from 2 - 5 power point cost depending on how much Knockback we allow
Thanks for hashing this idea out with me. Really just looking for cool visual stunt. I thought by making it only Knockback it would make it effective but not over the top
Thanks again
John
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I missed you stating the range was Str/5 for cone and Str/10 for circle. I am good with that.
The one thing that V&V has always struggled with is area attack damage. While you could say it is a multiple attack it doesn't really fit well. Also it doesn't really make sense for a single focused attack (punch) to do 3d10 and an area attack to do the same 3d10 to everyone in the area.
I have seen the area attack play out two different ways.
1. The single damage is rolled (3d10 rolling a 20) and it is spread evenly over everyone hit (5 foes would each receive 4 damage).
2. The damage dice is reduced (Adamas Power Blast from 1d20 to 2d6) and all foes hit get their own individual die roll.
I tend to like the 2 choice better because damage does not swing mightily by how many foes are hit. It represents the power (damage) be spread out over a wider area instead of focused on a single point.
What are you thought on how the area attack damage should play out?
Tom
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Hey Pal
Yep V&V missed the boat on special effect attacks. Why it's such a hotbed for House Rules I guess
As far as the damage the Shockwave causes. I'm perfectly fine with the damage caused by the Knockback being the only damage caused by the power stunt. I'm just really looking to simulate a special effect that has situational uses. Like you I can't see allowing using his full hand damage in the area and making it a reduced damage seems like too much paper work compared to focusing on what the star of the stunt is The Knockback
More later enjoying the ideas. Back to work for now. Late
John R
Yep V&V missed the boat on special effect attacks. Why it's such a hotbed for House Rules I guess
As far as the damage the Shockwave causes. I'm perfectly fine with the damage caused by the Knockback being the only damage caused by the power stunt. I'm just really looking to simulate a special effect that has situational uses. Like you I can't see allowing using his full hand damage in the area and making it a reduced damage seems like too much paper work compared to focusing on what the star of the stunt is The Knockback
More later enjoying the ideas. Back to work for now. Late
John R
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Tom said: "I missed you stating the range was Str/5 for cone and Str/10 for circle. I am good with that."
Okay we have the range and shapes down. Now addressing the damage question. As mentioned I don't have any ideas or preference on damage. I would like to base the Shockwave Knockback on DarkStar's hand to hand damage minus the bad guys basic hits, then divided by 2 for the cone and divided by 3 for the circle. I think that would make a decent "house rule". I've tried to look at it as if you will potentially give the same stunt to other bricks in the campaign and want it to also make "sense" when Mountain Man or Behemoth are on the battlefield.
Tag you’re it. Tell me how you think it compares to Adamas Autofire stunt. Too much? Too little? Need a PR? Let me know and I'll do DarkStar’s write up tonight. Oh and if you want to put it off or just not into it cool too.
Thanks JR
Okay we have the range and shapes down. Now addressing the damage question. As mentioned I don't have any ideas or preference on damage. I would like to base the Shockwave Knockback on DarkStar's hand to hand damage minus the bad guys basic hits, then divided by 2 for the cone and divided by 3 for the circle. I think that would make a decent "house rule". I've tried to look at it as if you will potentially give the same stunt to other bricks in the campaign and want it to also make "sense" when Mountain Man or Behemoth are on the battlefield.
Tag you’re it. Tell me how you think it compares to Adamas Autofire stunt. Too much? Too little? Need a PR? Let me know and I'll do DarkStar’s write up tonight. Oh and if you want to put it off or just not into it cool too.
Thanks JR
---------------------------------------------
Tom I think it sounds like we're on the same page using different math. Yours sounds just fine if I'm picturing it right. Let's go with what you have set up but could you give me a simple example based on a fight in the city of how it would work if say he was fighting Electrocutioner and Behemoth. I just want to make sure I have clear understanding of how the sonic and vibratory stuff is being used and if the knockback is being based on the characters hand to hand 3d10 damage like normal. But let's definitely go with how you have it set up.
Thanks for putting effort into this. I hadn't thought of some of the advantages you mentioned until recently which was why I was insisting the only damage be from the knockback itself. I'm in middle of the kids Upwards soccer games but will write a DarkStar action up this afternoon.
Thanks again and if it turns out you feel need to adjust later you know I'm always up for a RetCon lol.
Warm Regards
John R
Thanks for putting effort into this. I hadn't thought of some of the advantages you mentioned until recently which was why I was insisting the only damage be from the knockback itself. I'm in middle of the kids Upwards soccer games but will write a DarkStar action up this afternoon.
Thanks again and if it turns out you feel need to adjust later you know I'm always up for a RetCon lol.
Warm Regards
John R
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DarkStar is facing Electrocutioner, Ratman, and Behemoth. He slaps his hands together creating a shockwave. He needs a 16 to hit (10 for sonics and +6 modifier, no calc levels to keep example simple), DarkStar rolls 3d6 getting 13. At 3 rolls to hit are successful.
o Electrocutioner has 4 basics hits. He is knocked back 9 inches or 45 feet taking 1d6 damage which is 5.
o Ratman has 3 basic hits so his is knocked back 10 inches/50 feet for 1d6 damage for 2.
o Behemoth has 6 basic hits so he was knocked back 7inches/35 feet taking 1d4 damage for 1 except he landed in front of a train which did another 20 points of damage when it hit him.
Best
Tom
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Hey Tom, this has been fun.
A train? LOL, dude you crack me up.
Okay I think I get the how you want this to work. There is an area of effect which range is based on the characters strength, but the effect of the Shockwave is a constant regardless if it were DarkStar or Mountain Man using the power stunt. Also, while there is an area of effect the power stunt requires a ‘to hit’ roll to actually effect those caught within that area. You’re allowing an Accuracy modifier that includes any bonuses for hand to hand attack but not the damage modifiers – once again keeping the actual effect of the power stunt a constant regardless of the characters actual strength.
(You know I keep forgetting DarkStar’s damage modifier – yeesh no wonder you aren’t including that in the effect and while I wasn’t picturing it, the ‘to hit’ roll works fine for me as another game balance mechanic.)
Looks awesome to me Tom.
John
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The effect of the Shockwave is a constant regardless if it were DarkStar or Mountain Man using the power stunt
I know that gave me pause too but I also struggle with DarkStar and Mountain Man being able to generate "winds" more powerful than Stormlord or Windblown. So I had to choose which was more balancing. The best choice was DarkStar and Mountain Man having the same knockback level but differing range and to hit modifiers which would mean the number of people affected would be the biggest difference.
Best
Tom
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Yeah I can see your dilemma. I didn’t mean for this to be something that would become a problem. It just seemed inspired by comic book brick battles. The power stunts whether autofire or area of effect or armor penetrating are all going to be a thing to keep an eye on I imagine.
I mention Armor Piercing not so much as a thing I expect DS to develop but it might be something you'll want to use for one of his opponents. (which of course makes me think he should use a future level on hardened defenses - lol) Sort of something Iron Fist would have used. DarkStar with Armor Piercing??? Nah, I think redefining Cybil and Ares need to be his focus after this.
Later Bro
John R
I mention Armor Piercing not so much as a thing I expect DS to develop but it might be something you'll want to use for one of his opponents. (which of course makes me think he should use a future level on hardened defenses - lol) Sort of something Iron Fist would have used. DarkStar with Armor Piercing??? Nah, I think redefining Cybil and Ares need to be his focus after this.
Later Bro
John R
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Hi, am prepping the next issues when I realized I didn't comment on the armor piercing. Armor Piercing already exists in V&V. It has two forms depending on whether the defense is Armor or Invulnerability. Invulnerability's armor piercing which is its built in weakness which the Player and PC agree on. For Armor its disintegration attack which ignores the Armor's Structure Rating. So for Armor Piercing bullets it counts as a disintegration attack (for effect not to hit) when comparing to the SR of the ADR.
Tom
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IC: "Hey Darkstuff how goes it on the outside? Looks like we're on our way to you."
OOC: When I hear from John I'll finish up.
Larry
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<DarkStar IC: Response to Cure> While busy shifting under the mass of brawling bodies, DarkStar positions himself in an attempt to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. "Hearing" Mary's inquiry, Joseph's quick mind slips a picture of his current situation to the young lady and replies, "You know me Ms. Nightingale ... always making new friends ... arrgh ... "
John
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TheCure IC: "That's just great. Can't take you anywhere." Not happy about leaving this fight unfinished, Mary knows she must help DS. With the amulet Mary contacts the Team. "Darknuts has his hands full.(with her mind's she projects to them the images DS has shown her of his fun fest.) I'm going to try and help to protect our four castaways. You guys might want to come with. Hey guys don't forget Mr. D and let's be smart this time."
OOC: Mary hits the high road and is out as fast as she can on her way to DS. Save's action, just movement.
Larry
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DarkStar IC: (italics) " arrgh ... Nightingale ... urumph ... I'm good sister, stick to the plan, protect ... roooar ... the bookworm and bunny, bring AA home." (italics)
OOC: I just felt it was what DS would insist on. By all means whisk that girls cute butt over as fast as possible if you like. :)
Will do my write up tonight if Tom confirms the parameters of ... :)
Later All - other that losing Jeff the Domain adventure has been a blast
John R
OOC: I just felt it was what DS would insist on. By all means whisk that girls cute butt over as fast as possible if you like. :)
Will do my write up tonight if Tom confirms the parameters of ... :)
Later All - other that losing Jeff the Domain adventure has been a blast
John R
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IC: "Big A ,Magnuts and the 6ft bunny are in good hands with the all powerful Mr.D. I'm on my way to you. By the way that was not AA!"
Larry
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<DarkStar IC: Response Action> (takes place before the ‘conversation’ with the Cure)
These little bastards might only be four feet tall but they bite like a sabertooth tiger. Bleeding from various gouges and claw marks in his steel hard flesh, Joshua focuses his thoughts to Donnah through the amulet. “Donnah I’m fine, but you have to leave. I can’t concentrate on fighting these things while you’re still here, and someone needs to be with Doc. We can’t trust those other Elementals, he needs you. Go.” I’m sorry Doc, she may not be the same, but she’s still the person we … Arrgh.
Once again focusing to his thoughts to the old wizard. “Doc, I’ve got a pack of Ghouls on my back, close the portal as soon as Donnah’s through.” Holding his position, almost inviting the creatures to swarm even closer, DarkStar waits as long as possible for Donnah to make her escape through the portal. I don’t want to have to kill these things, but I will if I have to. Like a wounded lion swarmed by a pack of mad hyenas, DarkStar rises to his hands and knees. By sheer force of will he lifts his massively powerful fist, bringing them crashing down attempting to create a shockwave to throw the creatures in all directions.
(insert conversation with the Cure)
OOC: Goal: Donnah’s escape, Portal closure.
Actions: Introduction of the Shockwave power stunt. If the power stunt fails the DarkStar will fall back on Plan B. If the Shockwave has no or negligible effect, he will reluctantly Teleport a half mile in the air over the plasma river, with any of the Ghouls that are swarming him as possible.
John
