Megalopolis

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Crusade: Issue 58 - Terror in Times Square

The eye of the storm covered several blocks of downtown Center City. It was centered on 7^th Avenue, 42^nd Street, and Broadway. What the citizens of Center City liked to call Megalopolis Times Square.

The storm had evacuated everyone from the area. It now was acting as barricade. It roads were blocked and the area was sealed off. Black Orchid knew this was why the storm had been created. Something was about to happened there. She had to tell the New Crusaders.

The Black Orchid noticed that she was close to the center. No more time for idle analysis! “The Black Orchid to all team members,” she called over the radio. “The storm is centered on Times Square and it is not moving. Something is going to happen at that location soon and we need to be there. Everything else is a diversion to keep us busy and away! The storm is magical not scientific in nature so be prepared for anything!” She bolted up from the console and rushed out to make it Times Square, desperately hoping she has not wasted too much time already.

All across the Megalopolis Black Orchid’s call to the New Crusaders was heard.

·         The Eye of the Storm is at the Time Square location Star

·         Black Orchid is at CHESS HQ

·         StrikeForce and Dr Wildman have left Fear Island Super-Penitentiary and are their way to Dr. Avery's Mansion. They were over Winthrope Station when Black Orchid called was received.

·         Adamas is at the Airport

·         Skink and CAST is at Our Fair City Mall

·         Demolisher and Manta-Man are near Crusader Citadel

·         Patty Plus and Laserfire are in the Foundry

Dr Wildman scrambled around in the back of the hovercraft and found the towel StrikeForce had suggested was stowed away. As he mopped his hair with it he had that uncomfortable feeling that his time was out. As a Druid the eldritch energies he wielded were connected to either the sun or the moon. He had chosen the solar path and so needed to be exposed to sunlight even for a moment to connect with the mystic energies that gave him his abilities. Not since the incident with the Indian shaman when he found himself transformed into a tree inside a cave had he felt the 'loss'.

He gave a sigh and looked outside - 3 or 4 hours until dawn he guessed - and unless he got to the eye of the storm there was no way he was going to see any sort of sunlight. He reached for his neck and felt the silver torc around it. So the cowl was keeping Stormlord alive, and with his spell casting temporarily impotent, all that was left was the 3 charm spells in the amulet, his 3 healing potions, his druidic knowledge and his survival skills...and of course his sparkling personality!

Earlier, Doctor Arcane and Lady Arcane had agreed with himself and Stormlord; that the storm was supernatural in origin - and Black Orchid had verified the fact with science. At least the CHESS communicators were working as was the speeding Crusader Hovercraft. Looking outside, very little else was functioning. The storm had sprung from nowhere and had battered the city for over 24 hours relentlessly.

Dr. Arcane had informed StrikeForce and Dr. Wildman the same magical source that was creating the storm was blocking his ability to open teleport portals.

"About the only things left working are sticks and stones..." Dr. Wildman said as he sat down in the co-pilots seat, towel wrapped around his shoulders. "When we get through this Strike, you are going to have to teach me how to wield a stick - I've spent so much time learning how to use magic; when it stops working I should probably need to defend myself with a stick, staff or club - that feels like the sort of thing a druid should be able to do."

"I need to confess skipper..." He shrugged as he used the British term for captain "...I'm out of juice - unless I can get to some natural sunlight I'm not sure what good I can be when we have to face...whatever we have to face. You still happy me coming along?

Alternating between the gauges and the front window of the Hovercraft, the Cyborg Crusader keeps his eyes on any possible trouble that could impede their route to the E.O.T.S. Giving his friend and teammate’s words careful consideration. When he was sure of his response, he replied.

"Doc, it is always good to have you here. Sure you may have temporarily lost some of power, but you still have knowledge and insight that could be the difference between winning and losing. How do you see yourself contributing in the coming conflict? As far as stick fighting, sure I'd be happy to teach you."

Sending an update over the comm., StrikeForce says. "New Crusaders, This is StrikeForce, can I get a check in on everyone's status? Are you headed to the E.O.T.S.? Dr. Wildman and myself are in route at the present time."

Black Orchid confirmed she was on her way.

Manta-Man replied, “Demolisher and I are about to start heading over there. I will pick up Black Orchid in route.”

Laserfire replied he will be in route soon.

Adamas said “Right after I get plane passengers to a secured location”.

Skink was silent for a while then said, “I am too far. I will try to get there as soon as I can.”

Adamas replied, “Don’t worry; you will absolutely be there on time. I will come get you.”

Demolisher knew he had to try and make his way to Time Square, then center of the storm as quickly as possible, per Black Orchids message.

Manta-Man after receiving Black Orchid's message turned to Demolisher. "We need to get to Times Square as soon as possible. Demolisher, I know we have known each other for a short time but do you trust me?"

Demolisher wondered if Manta-Man was suggesting he could give Demolisher a good energy blast or something so he could absorb the energy and manifest some sort of power that allows him to travel faster.

Demolisher replied to Manta-Man if he was offering to provide an energy source he could absorb then yes.

Manta-Man blasted Demolisher with an Electrical Bolt. The Demolisher absorbed the electrical energy turning on his armor and gaining the power of Willpower: Fortitude.

{GM Note: Manta-Man did 9 points of damage. -2 to HP and 7 Points absorbed. His armor of 0/1/1/1. Rolled 95. Demolisher gained Willpower: Fortitude - can roll double amount of damage compared to normal rolling with damage.}

Demolisher spotted a bystander in a Yellow Cab. He asked him for a ride. Manta-Man gave the Cabbie a nod and handed him a credit card, “Charge it to the Crusader Visa.”

Manta-Man flew to where Black Orchid was. As she ran, he flew in behind her scooping her up. They flew the rest of the way to the eye of the storm.

Adamas got Jessica inside and safe, and headed for Times Square. Along the way he picked up Skink at Our Fair City Mall and Event Center. Skink attached himself to Adamas back. His claws held on tightly. Adamas’ invulnerability made it painless.

The Skink yelled “Woohoo!” as he rode on Adamas’ back as the Diamond Dynamo flew them to Times Square.

Patty took a moment to catch her breath and give silent thanks she was able to help the people in the building, especially the little boy. Laserfire might be his hero but that didn't sting, she wasn't in it for publicity or glory. In fact, normally she would have beat feet already but this wasn't going anything like her usual patrols. Plus if she was being honest she had always been impressed by Laserfire, too.

She watched him control the flames, and when he was done smiled and nodded at him "I bet you're a hit at parties."

He smiled back and seemed to be about to say something when they both got the update from Black Orchid on their communicators.

Patty did some quick math in her head. She was a ways out from the storm's center. "I know this is a bit forward on the first date, but any chance I could get a lift?"

Laserfire smiled back. “Sure, I would be glad to give you a lift, especially considering it our ‘first date’,” he said with a slight chuckle.

They flew off as the rescued residents cheered them. Soon Laserfire and Patty Plus arrived in Times Square and landed.

Manta-Man and Black Orchid landed next to them.

Manta-Man said, “Laserfire, you didn’t tell us you made a friend.”

Reaching out his hand to Patty Plus, Manta-Man said. “Hello, I am Manta-Man founder of the Crusaders and current member of the New Crusaders. I am glad to meet you.”

Demolisher surf the Yellow Cab as it careened into Times Square and Demolisher leapt off the car ready for action.

Adamas landed beside the other New Crusaders.

Skink did a double somersault as he leapt off Adamas back and onto the pavement.

StrikeForce with Dr. Wildman landed the hovercraft in Times Square.

StrikeForce monitored news reports in the hovercraft. When Jessica Anderson started broadcasting, he told everyone especially Adamas. He broadcast the image with the onboard projector.

“… as the storm continues.”

“For those of you who just joined us, once again this is Jessica Anderson with News special report on the continuing eastern United States storm crisis. Just minutes ago a video data stream was beamed here to the Megalopolis News headquarters, from a person or group that claims responsibility for the storm that has been causing such havoc in the eastern states for the past few days. We’re going to show this video for you as soon as we get it set up, so we will be seeing this for the first time just as you do, in the next few minutes.

“‘While we’re waiting for the tape to run, let’s go over once again, the chain of events that . . . Excuse me for one moment. All right… I understand that the video is ready to run. I don’t understand exactly what we are about to see now, other than it’s supposed to be a statement of demands from the group that claims responsibility for the devastating storm that has been raging here for the last five days. Here’s the video .....”

At this point, the picture of the news Jessica was replaced by a picture of a darkened room. In the center foreground was a man in a black costume and cape. His features from the shoulders up are hidden in shadow, but his eyes seem to shine out through the darkness. He spoke in a low and well modulated voice:

“I am Doctor Apocalypse, Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme. I am the author of the tempest that grips the eastern United States in its terrible gauntlet. These are my demands. I suggest that you heed them:

“In nine days, the Congress of the United States of America will pass a resolution declaring that the Refuge Islands of Megalopolis shall be a separate and sovereign state, independent from the United States and deeded wholly and completely over to myself.

“No later than the following day, the President of the United States will sign that resolution into law. In addition, the President will have drafted by that time, and be prepared to sign, a treaty of non-interference with the new state, and with me as its absolute monarch.

“Within three days following this, the government of the state will ratify this law and will initiate procedures to evacuate the Refuge Islands of Megalopolis. No later than thirty days after the law is ratified by the state legislature, the Refuge Islands shall be completely evacuated of all of its current residents. Anyone remaining will become my citizens and forfeit their American Citizenships. There will be no dual citizenships allowed or granted.

“If these demands are not met, in strict adherence to the schedule I have stated, I shall destroy a major city of the United States. I will continue to do this every day that you fail to comply with my demands.

“Do not think for a moment that your military or your technology can protect you from me. I am your technological superior. I can defeat you strategically; I can crush you psychically; I can destroy you supernaturally!

“If you are wise men, then you will let the evidence that I have already shown you be enough; you will let the disasters that have already occurred be the last. To underestimate me would be a terrible mistake. Unfortunately, I do not believe that you are wise men. I believe that most of you will be foolishly skeptical of my powers. For you, I have arranged for there to be one additional demonstration of my abilities. You have tasted my supernatural power; tomorrow I will show you something of my technological might. This demonstration will take place at sunrise today in the center of Times Square. You may respond to this situation as you see fit. As for the storm, I will end it now.

“You will not hear from me again unless you disappoint me.”

The video transmission ends.

StrikeForce stopped the projection.

Dr. Wildman knew that his Steading was on one of the Refuge Islands.

Black Orchid knew that StarCorp was on a different Refuge Island.

Skink loved all the entertainment activities the Refuge Islands provided.

Adamas knew Dr. Apocalypse. His name was Pietor.

{GM Note: Adamas meet Pietor in Quest Issue no. 2}

It is 30 minutes before sunrise.

<Turns and Actions due November 4^th>

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Wooo Hooooo!!! Glad to see a new issue.

Tom, I will think over what I want to ask soon.

Thanks,

Jamey

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Hi Tom,

So excited to receive the next issue, and hopefully by the fact its out means things are a bit better at home for you and the family.

If it’s not too much bother could you map out generally where we all are in a rough map with our positions, where the prison is, where Avery mansion is, where the eye of the storm is, where the Mall is, where CHESS HQ is etc. That would be helpful for me just to formulate a response.

Cheers

Steve

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I have attached the Megalopolis Map.

The Eye of the Storm is at the Time Square location Star

Black Orchid is at CHESS HQ

StrikeForce and Dr Wildman have left Fear Island Super-Penitentiary and are there way to Dr. Avery's Mansion, They were over Winthrope Station when Black Orchid called.

Adamas is at the Airport

Skink and CAST is at Our Fair City Mall

Demolisher and Manta-Man are near Crusader Citadel

Patty Plus' location hasn't been established, Most likely it is The Foundry or but it could be Our Fair City

Tom

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Tom,

Thanks for the map.

Jamey

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woohoo! glad for the next ish!

Chuck

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Steve,

How are you?

I have been looking over the map and the locations for the team members. D.W. and SF have not travelled far from the prison at this point, and Dr. Avery’s mansion is farther away than the eye of the storm. As I figure it Adamas(at the airport)can obviously transport himself to the location. He could swing by the mall and pick up The Skink. If we need the Academy students, then that would require us to go get them, but it would probably be best to leave them out for the time being. Manta-Man is at our HQ with The Demolisher. M-M can pilot one of the other vehicles and pickup Black Orchid from C.H.E.S.S. HQ if necessary. This just leaves Party Plus, who has yet to join our group, and is not known to the group (StrikeForce May have some information on her because of his super hero/villain knowledge skill). I was wondering if there was a way to contact both Dr.'s Arcane without having to travel to their home. This would allow all of us to travel to the E.O.T.S.

Your thoughts?

Jamey

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Yes, the Young Dr. Arcane (Hannah) has a CHESS communicator. The Crusaders have provided both with communicators in case of emergency. So in flight communication is possible.

Tom

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Dr.'s Arcane can teleport if needed. I believe Adamas has seen both of them do this in the past.

Jon

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Jon,

Thanks, I had forgotten that.

Thanks,

Jamey

*Edit from previous e-mail: Patty Plus, not Party Plus. (Auto correct) sorry.

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Dr. Arcane informed StrikeForce and Dr. Wildman the same magical source that is creating the storm is also blocking his ability to open teleport portals.

Tom

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Party Plus - the great unsung hero of discount event planning!

The Black Orchid notices that she is close to the center. No more time for idle analysis! “The Black Orchid to all team members,” she calls over the radio. “The storm is centered on Times Square and it is not moving. Something is going to happen at that location soon and we need to be there. Everything else is a diversion to keep us busy and away! The storm is magical not scientific in nature so be prepared for anything!” She bolts up from the console and rushes out to make it Times Square, desperately hoping she has not wasted too much time already.

OOC: I don’t remember if The Black Orchid can run at full speed for a long time using her Willpower with the 3.0 reworking and/or if it will take too long to get there quickly but she will try anyway.

Marc

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No, it doesn't.

Manta-Man can bring Black Orchid

Tom

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Hi Tom,

A good question was asked about how quickly Dr Wildman recovers once he hits sunlight. I guess we have never faced this as an issue so wondered if you had any thoughts?

In my head it was a bit like Green Lantern - once the 24 hours is up access is denied but as soon as he is exposed to natural sunlight the access to his powers is regained. Are you happy with that?

That being the case are we past the 24 hour mark as I'll role play the next bit depending on your answer. Also what time of day is it at the point of writing...I've lost track.

Cheers

Steve

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I agree that exposure is all that is needed. That is what we did with Dr Wildman was introduced. He was in a cave and turned into a wooden statue.

It is night. He will be exposed to morning sun in the center of the storm but nowhere else.

Tom

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Patty Plus is with Laserfire. He received Black Orchids communications. The Fiery Flyer asked Patty if she would like to help with the cause of the problem. He can carry her as he has the ability to control his flame aura so she wouldn't be burned.

Thanks

Tom

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Tom

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Awesome issue, and not just because of the Amazing cover. :)

Adamas will get Jessica inside and safe, and head for Times Square.

I loved the blow by blow on the rescue, it built a sense of danger and stress into the story as you read it. Very cool!

Thanks and welcome back!

Jon

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Thanks, I am glad the story style was a success.

Will Adamas pickup Skink along the way?

Tom

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Absolutely!

Jon

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So Demolisher will try and make his way to Time Square, then center of the storm as quickly as possible, per Black Orchids message. If he can get a bystander to give him a ride that would be great, otherwise he'll run, he and Manta are pretty close. If there's someone around that can give him a good Energy blast or something he could see if he can absorb the energy and manifest some port of power that allows him to travel faster.

The mental image of him car surfing a Yellow Cab as it careens into times square and Demolisher leaps off the car ready for action, seems like a fun time!

Thanks,

Chris Burke

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Manta-Man can provide the energy blast.

As far as car surfer is concerned Demolisher has freed over a dozen drivers from drowning in their cars. I bet he can find a grateful driver to take him.

Let me know which you really want to do

Tom

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How about an energy blast from Manta-Man to see what happens, and then if it's not anything that helps with travel he'll hop on to a car for the triumphant arrival!

Chris

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Manta-Man blasts Demolisher an Electrical Bolt. The Demolisher absorbs the electrical energy turning on his armor and gaining the power of Willpower: Fortitude.

How do you want to catch your car surfing ride? Call Uber? Contact someone you helped in the underground garage?

Thanks

Tom

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How long until dawn Tom?

Cheers

Steve

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3 to 4 hours. I am not strict on timekeeping employing more of comic book logic to time

Tom

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She watched him control the flames, and when he was done smiled and nodded at him "I bet you're a hit at parties."

He smiled back and seemed to be about to say something when they both got the update from Black Orchid on their communicators.

Patty did some quick math in her head. She was a ways out from the storm's center. "I know this is a bit forward on the first date, but any chance I could get a lift?"

Shane

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P.S. I agree, the map was helpful. I also enjoyed the mechanics of trying to help the plane down safely.

Shane

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I.C.: Dr Wildman scrambled around in the back of the hovercraft and found the towel StrikeForce had suggested was stowed away. As he mopped his hair with it he had that uncomfortable feeling that his time was out. As a Druid the eldritch energies he wielded were connected to either the sun or the moon. He had chosen the Solar path and so needed to be exposed to sunlight even for a moment to connect with the mystic energies that gave him his abilities. Not since the incident with the Indian shaman when he found himself transformed into a tree inside a cave had he felt the 'loss'.

He gave a sigh and looked outside - 3 or 4 hours until dawn he guessed - and unless he got to the eye of the storm there was no way he was going to see any sort of sunlight. He reached for his neck and felt the silver torc around it. So the cowl was keeping keeping StormLord alive, and with his spell casting temporarily impotent, all that was left was the 3 charm spells in the amulet, his 3 healing potions, his druidic knowledge and his survival skills...and of course his sparkling personality!

Earlier, Doctors Arcane and Arcane had agreed with himself and StormLord; that the storm was supernatural in origin - and Black Orchid had verified the fact with science. At least the CHESS communicators were working as was the speeding Crusader Hovercraft. Looking outside, very little else was functioning. The storm had sprung from nowhere and had battered the city for over 24 hours relentlessly.

"About the only things left working are sticks and stones..." He said as he sat down in the co-pilots seat, towel wrapped around his shoulders. "When we get through this Strike, you are going to have to teach me how to wield a stick - I've spent so much time learning how to use magic; when it stops working I should probably need to defend myself with a stick, staff or club - that feels like the sort of thing a druid should be able to do."

Steve

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IC: Alternating between the gauges and the front window of the Hovercraft, the Cyborg Crusader keeps his eyes on any possible trouble that could impede their route to the E.O.T.S. Giving his friend and teammate' s words careful consideration. When he was sure of his response, he replied.

Jamey

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Crusade: Issue 57 - The Calm after the Storm

Adamas headed into the storm, using his heightened senses to find those in need. In the distant he saw a Gulfstream jet blown off course by the violent winds. There were 3 people on board. It was starting a rapid descent and there wasn’t a landing field nearby. It was going to crash.

In the plane he heard the screams of the passengers. He recognized the sound of Jessica’s voice. Jessica was on the troubled plane and she was screaming in terror.

Adamas scanned the plane with his ethereal vision to see if he could determine if the problem was mechanical, or if the weather was causing the problem, or if it's was just the weather. It wasn’t mechanical. The storm was too strong for it and was forcing it down as its wind gusts were stronger than the plane’s propulsion.

"There's no way I can lift that thing, but I know I can get the passengers to safety."

Adamas flew underneath the plane. Maybe combining his flight ability with the plane’s propulsion he can assist the pilot in safely landing the plane.

Adamas pushed his strength and flight, as he tried to aid the pilot giving his support.

{GM Note: Jon is correct that Adamas can’t lift the Gulfstream. The aircraft weight is 17,280 lbs. Adamas’ Carry Capacity is 3,840. If he pushes his carrying capacity and moves to ¼ flight speed, equivalent of crawling, he can lift 15,360 lbs. Since Adamas can’t carry it this will be strength based task of Adamas HtH of d6+d8 vs the Mass of the Aircraft of 2d8. Adamas can push the task so he will get d6+d8+2. When Adamas rolls higher he lifts the plane from its descent, when he rolls lower the Gulfstream descends. Adamas needs a positive score of 25 to safely land the plane, a score of negative of 20 crashes the plane into the city. Every turn it doesn’t crash Adamas gets a bonus of 1 point to the cumulative total.}

Adamas pushed hard against the underbody of the Gulfstream. He felt its descent stop and it leveled off into a steady flight.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 70 Adamas rolled: 11, Aircraft rolled: 5, No bonus for first turn, Cumulative total: 6}

The plane continued its ascent.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 68 Adamas rolled: 11, Aircraft rolled: 8, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 10}

Adamas let out his breathe as the plane continued its ascent.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 66 Adamas rolled: 10, Aircraft rolled: 9, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 12}

A gust of wind pushed hard against the plane but the Diamond Dynamo held firm.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 64 Adamas rolled: 7, Aircraft rolled: 7, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 13}

Plane and hero battled valiantly against the renewed force of the storm.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 62 Adamas rolled: 11, Aircraft rolled: 11, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 14}

The storm as if it had a will of its own fought back.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 60 Adamas rolled: 9, Aircraft rolled: 13, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 11}

Every muscle in Adamas body ached as he fought the renewed force of the storm.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 58 Adamas rolled: 9, Aircraft rolled: 14, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 7}

Engine and alien screamed as the plane began to ascend again.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 56 Adamas rolled: 11, Aircraft rolled: 9, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 10}

Even a momentary stalemate was a victory.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 54 Adamas rolled: 10, Aircraft rolled: 10, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 11}

Adamas pushed hard with his flight, the plane ascended slightly.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 52 Adamas rolled: 9, Aircraft rolled: 9, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 12}

The storm pushed back.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 50 Adamas rolled: 6, Aircraft rolled: 7, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 12}

Adamas strained the muscles in his back to resist.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 48 Adamas rolled: 13, Aircraft rolled: 12, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 14}

Lightning flashed as the storm echoed its own resistance

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 46 Adamas rolled: 11, Aircraft rolled: 16, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 10}

Thunder clapped sending a shockwave of sound against the struggling hero.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 44 Adamas rolled: 7, Aircraft rolled: 11, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 7}

Adamas heaved the heavy load away from the city

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 42 Adamas rolled: 14, Aircraft rolled: 10, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 12}

The rain and wind threatened to tear the aircraft from his grasp

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 40 Adamas rolled: 5, Aircraft rolled: 10, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 8}

The storm helplessly battered against the man of diamond

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 38 Adamas rolled: 16, Aircraft rolled: 5, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 20}

The alien dynamo forced the storm into submission as he past the last skyscraper.

{Adamas -2 PP for push, total PP: 36 Adamas rolled: 11, Aircraft rolled: 7, Bonus: 1, Cumulative total: 25}

Adamas safely lowered the plane down onto the airport runway. Jessica ran out of the plane into his arms.

StrikeForce dropped the family off at the shelter on the way to the Penitentiary. Jennifer stood on her tiptoes to kiss StrikeForce on the check. “Thank you! You are my family’s hero!” The two boys hugged the Bionic Brawler around his knees. “Who cares about Starbolt or Tomahawk? StrikeForce is the best!” said James. As StrikeForce said his goodbyes, Megan used her sleeve to wipe off her Mother’s lipstick from his faceplate. “There, now you’re ready to save the rest of the world”, she said.

StrikeForce saw no reason that Dr. Wildman should have to fly all the way there on his own. While waiting on the good Doctor to have his conversation, StrikeForce interacted with the head of security at the prison, Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones said, “For some reason the Crusaders are our favorite super-criminals to be interviewed. I guessing it’s because they have no loyalty to each other or even Mocker, heh, I guess there’s no reason to be loyal to a pile of spare parts*. Have you by chance been working with Phade or Emerald Dragon? Those were two interesting guys. I meet them when they were starting out. You could say one was a ‘shadow’ of what he would become and the other was pretty green.” Mr. Jones laughed at his own joke for what felt like 10 minutes to StrikeForce.

*{Crusade Issue 26 ~editor}

Dr Wildman walked out of the final security checkpoint deep in thought. The rain continued to lash down. Normally he would simply put his hood over his head for shelter but that was no longer an option. The Cowl of Storms was impotent in the enormity of this raging mystical tempest. The only real use it offered was to keep Stormlord alive, acting as a barrier between the man and the storm that threatened to consume him.

StrikeForce crouched on the front of the Crusader Hovercraft; his systems scanning for threats. The prison was on lock down but given all that was going on it paid to stay alert.

"So was he helpful?' StrikeForce pointed back into the prison where Dr Wildman came from.

"Let's hope so, it cost me the very clothes off my back! We need to find the source of the storm." bellowed Dr Wildman over the wind.

"Any suggestions?" was the question that Dr. Wildman had asked him. StrikeForce contemplated what his answer would/should be. Keeping his senses active and scanning, he replied to his teammate. "Doc, this is outside my realm of expertise. Perhaps we could ask your apprentice Dr. Arcane, doesn't she have an affinity for elemental magic?" Pausing momentarily, he added. "If it is some kind of spell, wouldn't whomever cast it have themselves inside some kind of protection circle?"

"That is a great suggestion" replied Dr Wildman. "Whoever is generating this..." he waved his arms pointing upward to the storm "...is clearly someone with greater mystical powers than I have encountered. Perhaps Donnah’s father might have some suggestions as well."

"Best speed to the Avery Mansion then. I'll call ahead..."

Dr Wildman used the communications array in the Hovercraft to contact Donnah and her father whilst StrikeForce pilots us to the mansion.

Once in the Hovercraft Dr Wildman opened up the communications relay back to TEACHER.

"TEACHER can you relay back to the team that StrikeForce and I are en route to Avery Mansion. Stormlord has been...stabilized and has informed us that the storm in mystical in origin and therefore someone or something is behind it! We are trying to gather a bit more intelligence from the 'Eldritch Community' hence our destination. If any of the others from the team have any further information can you patch it through please. Wildman out!"

Dr Wildman grinned, turned to StrikeForce whilst getting the position of the Avery Mansion up on the navigation system: "What I really need is a towel...probably not standard kit on this thing!"

"Check in the back for a towel, when we dropped the family off at the shelter, the support personnel may have left a couple of them, just in case we ran into anyone else in need of a rescue. Hopefully they have on in your size." He let out a slight laugh. StrikeForce piloted the Hovercraft towards the Avery mansion, as straight a route as possible.

Wildman thought back to the last time he had spent time with Dr. Arcane.

… William stretched out his arms and yawned, drawing in the cool fresh air of the early morning. He looked at the sky and decided that it was going to be another cold day, a good day for hunting. Donnah stepped out from the Steading, “So Sensei, it looks like it might snow later” - she predicted as she looked up. “What is the plan for the day?”

William grinned, he liked Donnah - she had a spark to her. He had agreed to help with her training, well agreed with Clinton Avery - Donnah’s grandfather; the original Dr Arcane and that mantle were passed onto Donnah. Clearly she had an aptitude for the mystical arts but within William’s little neck of the woods of sorcery: druidism; were a bit more...primal - and that required different skills. Avery had said that his granddaughter had an affinity for ‘natural magic’ on account of her once being transformed into an air elemental, hopefully this training session should draw that out.

William stared up at the sky and nodded; I think you are right Donnah - snow seems to be on the horizon.” Clearly her transformation into an air elemental had left a residue of weather divining - it was a good forecast.

“So our first lesson is how to catch a unicorn!” continued William, watching to see Donnah’s reaction.

Donnah looked at him quizzically. “A unicorn - are you sure, I’m pretty sure there are no such things as unicorns.”

“True, on this world there used not to be; unfortunately a good natured prank has released all sorts of fauna in this forest here that shouldn’t belong. And before you ask, yes it is true that maidens have an advantage in catching them - however this is a test of skill and an opportunity for me to help you understand more of the wonders of nature. This will be your first ‘Wild Hunt’; something of a rite of passage for those in my line of work.”

Donnah shook her head, bemused by the prospect of the day ahead. “Well it’s not what I expected when I agreed to grandfather’s suggestion of you training me, but few things are quite what they seem these days.”

William tossed over a canvas bag to his younger apprentice. “A gift.”

The young woman opened the bag to find a pair of stout outdoor walking boots.

“In my line of work a flash pair of heeled boots are great when you have a cape that allows you to fly; but are next to useless trekking across the wilderness. And the trainers...sorry sneakers you are wearing will perish too quickly where we are going.”

After five minutes Dr’s Wildman and Arcane stood shoulder to shoulder, Donnah wearing her new boots. “Shall we?” suggested William and took off at a steady pace into the woodlands, his younger apprentice following him…

Four hours later the two crouched in the lee of a rocky outcrop. Donnah looked a little out of breath but was making a good show of learning the tricks and tips William was passing on - some practical survival skills, others being references to druidism.

“As with all magical schools there are aptitudes and specialisms - mine it would appear are centered around my knowledge of animals. I can tap into the eldritch energies and filter them through my understanding of zoology to transform. I’ve also had the privilege of travelling the world looking for rare animals or surviving extreme conditions to entertain TV viewers and so again channel the energy and think of the place and I can create a teleportation gate to get me there.”

“So as I said earlier unicorns like maidens not men so it's time for me to go...”

With that he clapped his hands together - “Size of a wolf!”

With a shimmer of emerald eldritch energy where Dr Wildman once stood now appeared a white and grey furred wolf. It sniffed the air as the first flakes of snow started to fall. With a bark and a bound, off he ran - Donnah sprinting behind him. …

Dr Wildman remembered this was the result of a “gift’ left in his Steading by the dryads. There were unicorns and griffins, fairies and silver stags within his home, set to escape, which they did.

Dr Wildman pondered the increased power and frequency that magic was being now seen in the world. “What has changed?” He asked himself.

The Skink got on his communicator, puffing himself up near the girls and holding the device with his tail…

"Green Peace, this is The Skink... Can you grow plants into a mesh above them to protect them from any falling glass or debris? See what you can do!"

The girls giggled taking multiple selfies as the Skink spoke. One dared to kiss him on the cheek. They all ran to the designated shelter area.

Green Peace replied, “No, I can’t but Power Plant can. I can stretch myself up there and create a mesh with my body. It will take use several minutes but we will get it done.” Skink watch as the plants near him started to grow and Green Peace enlarged himself reaching toward ceiling. Skink realized that Green Peace had some kind of stretching and elongation powers. He wondered if that was anything like giant growth powers.

Skink then ran at top speed, along the crowd line, yelling:

"Everyone PLEASE STAY CALM AND DONT PANIC!!! WEVE GOT TO REACH THE STORM SHELTERS QUICK! FOLLOW ME! PUT THE DAMN PHONES AWAY! QUICK!”

The Skink kept repeating himself until everyone listened and more to the shelter area. He didn’t care if they did it because it was the safe thing to do or to get away from him.

“I SEE YOU OVER THERE! I DON’T CARE WHAT LEVEL OF CANDY CRUSH YOU ARE ON! PUT THE DAMN PHONE AWAY!

Suddenly there was a spark of electricity jumping from the phone causing the guy to drop it. Manta-Lad landed next to Skink. “YOU SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO SKINK! IF YOU DON’T I WILL CAUSE A POWER SURGE OFF OF THE CELL TOWER AND BLOW OUT ALL YOUR PHONES!”

Manta-Lad gave a fist bump to Skink as the few remaining people quickly put their phones away and moved to the shelter areas.

Where's an instant giant mattress when you need one, Patty thought to herself. This *wasn't* the kind of thing that was her usual patrol situation. Still, she had known when she decided to come out this storm was anything but normal.

I'd settle for a bullhorn at this point since I can't get that mattress... cupping her hands around her mouth, she shouted towards the fire escape-cum-death trap.

"HEY FOLKS! I KNOW THERE'S A BIG MEAN FIRE AND EVERYTHING BUT GET BACK INSIDE!! NOW!! THAT FIRE ESCAPE WON'T HOLD YOU!!!"

She paused, thinking fast. This was bad and likely to get worse sooner rather than later.

"I'LL FIND YOU ANOTHER WAY OUT!"

Patty used her communicator to radio in the situation and location to the emergency services and New Crusaders. Black Orchid replied with confirmation that information was received and assistance would be dispatched as soon as possible.

Moving out of their view as if leaping to action, she lied down quickly.

Patty Plus sent her astral self streaking towards the building, moving at 138 MPH and hoping against hope she could spot a way out for the trapped people before the flames claimed them...

She moved from floor to floor using her survival skills to find a safe passage. It was difficult as first but she found a path.

{GM Note: Patty Plus needed 11 or less on d20 for find the path. First roll was 16, the second 5. The path was found}

The tenants of the apartment building couldn’t agree whether it was an angel, ghost, or vision that led them to safety that day but all agreed they wouldn’t be alive if it hadn’t shown them the way.

Patty Plus returned to the burning building using her Search and Rescue skills to try to find anyone left in the building. She found a little boy hiding in his closest. She claiming talked to him and convinced him that he would follow her he would be safe.

{GM Note: Patty Plus needed 8 or less on d20 for this difficult task of finding trapped person. First roll 19, the second 6.}

When they exited the building the little looked up to see his hero flying toward him. Laserfire of the Crusaders landed next to them on the ground. He told the boy to continue across the street. Laserfire held up his arms and hands. Beads of sweat appeared on his brow as he did his best to control the flames from spreading to the other apartments or completely destroy this one.

When he was done Laserfire looked for Patty Plus. He wanted to congratulate her on a job well done.

Looking through he could see that most of the people were in their cars. Should he open the hole enough for the cars to drive through or would it be better to tell them to get out of their cars and swim over here. The Demolisher decided to open up bigger holes. He swung his sledgehammer.

WHAM! Demolisher opened a 20 foot hole in the wall. The nearest car edged it way through, followed by a second and third car.

{GM Note: Demolishers HtH with Sliver Hammer of Sargantanas is 2d8+2d10. He rolled 19 damage points minus concrete’s structural rating of 6 leaves 13 hits. That is a 20 foot hole.}

BA-BOOM! Demolisher opened a 100 foot hole through the fallen debris. All the water flooded out of the parking garage and down the street. The nearest cars drove out in pairs side by side through the opening. Within a minute the parking garage was evacuated and all the drivers and passengers had been saved. They honked their horns in thanks to the Demolisher. Manta-Man put his hand on the Domain Powerhouse. “Good show, Maxwell’s silver hammer has nothing on you.”

To her shock, the Engineering Genius discovered the storm started in the center of Megalopolis. It appeared without any of the typical markers or indicators. There weren’t any pre-emergent winds. There was nothing then there was the storm. The Brilliant CHESS Bishop quickly concluded the storm wasn’t following any known weather patterns or even any of the basics of meteorology. This was not a question for science as what happening isn’t following the first tenet of science which is that it is demonstrable and repeatable. This had to be magic.

The Black Orchid opened the communications link with F.I.S.H. "Hello, this is The Black Orchid from C.H.E.S.S. I have pinpointed the origin of the storm to a location in Megalopolis. Here are the coordinates:" She read off the coordinates to the highest precision she could determine. "While it is obvious this is not a normal situation, the speed and severity of the storm point to a supernatural, mystical origin, rather than an augmented scientific one which is why I called you. I will continue to monitor the spread rate for a while to determine if it slowing or speeding up its growth and I will generate predictions for outlying communities. I have access to some of the proper equipment I need to do a scientific analysis, but I don't have access to supernatural analysis equipment. If you'd like to meet me either here at the Megalopolis C.H.E.S.S. office or another location, we can hookup and do both analyses at the same time and location."

While she's waiting for a reply, The Black Orchid started to perform her time series calculations on the growth of the storm. "This is unbelievable, she said to herself as she dived into the data.

F.I.S.H responded with confirmation of her information and agreement with her assessment. They provide her additional information to add to data set for analysis.

The data showed here that the eye of the storm wasn’t moving. It covered several blocks of downtown Center City. The eye was centered on 7^th Avenue, 42^nd Street, and Broadway. What the citizens of Center City like to call Megalopolis Times Square.

The storm had evacuated everyone from the area. It now was acting a barricade. It roads were blocked and the area was sealed off. Black Orchid knew this was why the storm had been created. Something was about to happened there. She had to tell the New Crusaders.

Switched on the comms device and told them what she had determined. The New Crusaders need to get there and prepare for what is about to come.

<Turns and Actions due October 14^th>

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Tom,

If I am understating the issue correctly, StrikeForce is flying Dr. Wildman to the penitentiary, if so, could the mother and her children be dropped off at a storm shelter on the way, so that StrikeForce can be available to transport/help Dr. Wildman if necessary?

Thanks,

Jamey

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Dr. Wildman is at the Penitentiary. If StrikeForce wants to pickup Dr. Wildman so he doesn't have to fly back in the storm, there is a storm shelter on the way.

Tom

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StrikeForce drops the family off at the shelter on the way to the Penitentiary. He sees no reason that Dr. Wildman should have to fly all the way there on his own. While waiting on the good Doctor to have his conversation, StrikeForce will attempt to interact with the warden and/or guards at the prison. (He wants to have a good relationship between the team and as many government entities as possible.

Jamey

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Hi Tom,

So Dr W finds himself in a dilemma that whilst the storm is blowing the only thing keeping SL alive is the cowl.

If you are happy we could run this as a subplot. Perhaps whilst the next few issues are running SL can find a way to circumvent the mystical off switch? What would he do with it? What does it do to his power set? Is he unscrupulous or honourable with its use?

If you are happy to run with this I'll play the next few issues without the cowl.

Let me know and I'll write this up.

Jamey and I are planning to dialogue the search for the creator of the storm. If we build it on this email thread would that work for you or would you prefer it 'reply all’?

Cheers

Steve

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I'm good with this subplot. I am fine with you using this email thread, you can add other players if you contact their characters.

Thanks

Tom

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IC: Dr Wildman walked out of the final security checkpoint deep in thought. The rain continued to lash down. Normally he would simply put his hood over his head for shelter but that was no longer an option. The Cowl of Storms was impotent in the enormity of this raging mystical tempest. The only real use it offered was to keep StormLord alive, acting as a barrier between the man and the storm that threatened to consume him.

StrikeForce crouched on the front of the Crusader Hovercraft; his systems scanning for threats. The prison was on lock down but given all that was going on it paid to stay alert.

"So was he helpful?' StrikeForce pointed back into the prison where Dr Wildman came from.

"Let's hope so, it cost me the very clothes off my back! We need to find the source of the storm." bellowed Dr Wildman over the wind.

"Any suggestions?"

Steve

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IC: "Any suggestions?" Was the question that Dr. Wildman had asked him. StrikeForce contemplated what his answer would/should be. Keeping his senses active and scanning, he replied to his teammate. "Doc, this is outside my realm of expertise. Perhaps we could ask your apprentice Dr. Arcane, doesn't she have an affinity for elemental magic?" Pausing momentarily, he added. "If it is some kind of spell, wouldn't whomever cast it have themselves inside some kind of protection circle?"

Jamey

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IC: "That is a great suggestion" replied Dr Wildman. "Whoever is generating this..." he waved his arms pointing upward to the storm "...is clearly someone with greater mystical powers than I have encountered. Perhaps Donnah's father might have some suggestions as well."

"Best speed to the Avery Mansion then. I'll call ahead..."

Dr Wildman will use the communications array in the Hovercraft to contact Donnah and her father whilst StrikeForce pilots us to the mansion.

Steve

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Hi Tom,

I just revisited the website and looking at Dr W's character sheet I noted his weakness if not charged by sunlight.

How long has the storm been raging and what is the impact on Dr Wildman's solar weakness?

Might have an impact going forward...gulp!

Steve

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Very interesting! I will integrate that situation into next issue

Tom

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The Skink got on his communicator, puffing himself up near the girls and holding the device with his tail..

"Greenpeace, this is The Skink... Can you grow plants into a mesh above them to protect them from any falling glass or debris? See what you can do!"

He then ran at top speed, along the crowdline, yelling:

"Everyone PLEASE STAY CALM AND DONT PANIC!!! WEVE GOT TO REACH THE STORM SHELTERS QUICK! FOLLOW ME! PUT THE DAMN PHONES AWAY! QUICK! (Repeats as much as he can to try to get them to listen)

Chuck

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OOC, what is Patty Plus's relationship / status with the New Crusaders, if anything? I'm assuming she's a licensed hero in the traditional V&V sense, but does anyone know who she is? Also, does she have a communicator?

In Character:

I'd settle for a bullhorn at this point since I can't get that mattress... cupping her hands around her mouth, she shouted towards the fire escape-cum-death trap.

"HEY FOLKS! I KNOW THERE'S A BIG MEAN FIRE AND EVERYTHING BUT GET BACK INSIDE!! NOW!! THAT FIRE ESCAPE WON'T HOLD YOU!!!"

She paused, thinking fast. This was bad and likely to get worse sooner rather than later.

"I'LL FIND YOU ANOTHER WAY OUT!"

[If I have a communicator I'll radio in the situation and location to the emergency services and New Crusaders]

Moving out of their view as if leaping to action, she lies down quickly.

Patty Plus sent her astral self streaking towards the building, moving at 138 MPH and hoping against hope she could spot a way out for the trapped people before the flames claimed them...

Shane

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She is a licensed superhero per the Mighty Protectors rule book. On the website I have the basics boiled down to 3 bullet points.

She has a CHESS communicator. A CHESS emergency specialist will patch her to the New Crusaders and TEACHER.

How is she searching? Does her background help or will it be a luck roll.

Tom

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My original thought was moving at that rate she could cover enough ground to hopefull find another exit or solution quickly.

She has Hunting/Survival if that would help... my concept during character creation was that she has Search and Rescue experience.

Shane

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Adamas will push his strength and flight, and try to aid the pilot giving his support

Jon

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The Black Orchid opened the line to F.I.S.H. "Hello, this is The Black Orchid from C.H.E.S.S. I have pinpointed the origin of the storm to a location in Megalopolis. Here are the coordinates:" She reads off the coordinates to the highest precision she can determine. "While it is obvious this is not a normal situation, the speed and severity of the storm point to a supernatural, mystical origin, rather than an augmented scientific one which is why I called you. I will continue to monitor the spread rate for a while to determine if it slowing or speeding up its growth and I will generate predictions for outlying communities. I have access to some of the proper equipment I need to do a scientific analysis, but I don't have access to supernatural analysis equipment. If you'd like to meet me either here at the Megalopolis C.H.E.S.S. office or another location, we can hookup and do both analyses at the same time and location."

While she's waiting for a reply, The Black Orchid starts to perform her time series calculations on the growth of the storm. "This is unbelievable, she says to herself as she dives into the data.

Marc

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Once in the Hovercraft Dr Wildman opens up the communications relay back to TEACHER.

"TEACHER can you relay back to the team that StrikeForce and I are en route to Avery Mansion. StormLord has been...stablised and has informed us that the storm in mystical in origin and therefore someone or something is behind it! We are trying to gather a bit more intelligence from the 'Eldritch Community' hence our destination. If any of the others from the team have any further information can you patch it through please. Wildman out!"

Dr Wildman grinned, turned to StrikeForce whilst getting the position of the Avery Mansion up on the navigation system: "What I really need is a towel...probably not standard kit on this thing!"

Steve

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"Check in the back for a towel, when we dropped the family off at the shelter, the support personnel may have left a couple of them, just in case we ran into anyone else in need of a rescue. Hopefully they have on in your size." He lets out a slight laugh. StrikeForce pilots the Hovercraft towards the Avery mansion, as straight a route as possible.

Jamey

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