Dr Arcane has gathered a new team of super powered individuals hoping they will become heroes. The Temple of the Dragon of Juompur has been violated. Intruders have gotten past Arcane’s magical defenses. The team has been sent to stop them before they can use the Dragon’s magic to open a portal to the Domain.
The Domain is a sinister dimension which has repeatedly attempted to conquer Earth throughout the centuries. It cannot be allowed to gain a foothold in this dimension again.
The adventurers have arrived in Juompur to find out who has dared do this. Adamas and Cmd. Rose appear on the road. After a few minutes of scouting, a Whoump is heard and Cmd. Rose is gone. Next Windblown and Agent America appear.
Moments later, another Whoump is heard and a Bell Helicopter Long Ranger suddenly appears on the road as well with a Pilot and Cmd. Rose inside
Cmd. Rose speaks to the pilot “Okay Adrian, you’re the best SPIE pilot I know. Keep the engine and sensor suites warm, the com-line open and get the hell out of here the second things look hinky. The “China-man’s” been instructed to only call you in if it’s a clean extraction. Under no circumstances are you to get engaged in a live fire situation. A flight plan out of Manila has been filed, so head there if I can’t get to you.”
Whoump
Cmd Rose with the help of Cybil, the advanced A.I. of his Holo-pad, chose the best location to set up base to monitor the team’s activity on the island. He located all team members and started routine scans when he identified a threat to the Adrian. Joshua frowned as he spotted several heat signatures in the foliage a short distance from the helicopter.
Cmd. Rose keyed in a command on the Holo-pad and Cybil zoomed onto the area. The foliage is thin enough to get a visual image. There are three men in camouflage. All are armed but none of the weapons are drawn. One man is operating a laptop. Attached to the laptop is a video camera which the second spy has focused on the helicopter. The third is talking on a cell phone. Quickly Cmd. Rose gestures for the holo-keyboard and calls up a second screen projection. He launches three of his special programs. The laptop is hacked first. After reviewing everything on the laptop, Cybil displays a third screen representing the cell phone. Switching over to it, the Holo-pad starts playing the cell phone conversation using a translation program to convert Mandarin to English.
<Voice 1> “But boss, there is only one of them. We can easily take him”.
<Voice 2> “Then what? The others could return and we know not what they are capable of. Our agents are reporting the helicopter did not fly to the Island. It just appeared.”
<Voice 1> “That is correct, then two walked off, one flew off inland and the last one disappeared.”
<Voice 2> “One flew off and one disappeared! Based on those results you are recommending a kidnapping! You really have the intellect of a {untranslatable}. Negative!”
<Voice 1> “Hind end”
<Voice 2> “No hind ends! This is a surveillance mission only. Do not approach the helicopter or any visitors. Over.”
Cmd. Rose thinks to himself. Hind end? What the hell’s someone’s ass got to do with anything and who would have thought a cell phone would get reception out here?
“Cybil backtrack that cell-signal from the second voice to its source. I don’t care what it takes, just don’t get caught.”
“Adamas it looks like you got two bogies at the Temple. Buzz us if you can’t speak. If things get hot, let us know I’ll be there in a blink.”
“China-man, I assume you and the Somali heard that, and things are fine on your end. Same thing if you need assistance.”
“Helo One, your under observation from the foliage to your port side. Apparently they want to ransom my helicopter and pilot. That won’t happen! Keep the bird warm and ready to lift. If I’m occupied use my signal on the GPS to bring your passengers to me if necessary. Otherwise I’ll have you out here in time for your date with Rachel. Rose Out.”
Agent America disguised as a Chinese peasant and Windblown disguised as a Somali Pirate have meet with a contact of the Agent’s. Ching, a pirate prince with the Red Flag Fleet, has informed them that there are two different parties on the Island. Ching does not have the name of the woman but was able to capture her image with a cell phone camera.
Ching provided the image of the creature that the Island’s wizard identified as a revenant.
The Man from MEDUSA was shocked to find out they were not the first to arrive trying to find her.
“So you must be here as part of the chase. I knew the woman was trouble but to send both, The Agent and Derek M'bse, the Huntsman. She must really be serious trouble.”
Surprise showed across the Master of Disguise’s face as he thinks, “What is that shadowy mercenary/assassin doing here? He has connections with a number of Western covert agencies and organizations but why would any send him here?
“What you were not sent by the same group. We have competing interests for what this woman is after” replies Ching.
Agent America said in English: "If the woman, Huntsman or anybody else comes around, we were never here," as he handed Ching a second stack of bills. He gripped Ching's forearm again and thanked him in Mandarin. "Always a pleasure."
He looked to his Somali companion to make sure there was nothing else he wished to add or ask.
Windblown, not understanding a word of the Mandarin and feigning a limited understanding of English, merely stands quietly, trying to look intimidating.
Agent America requested a different exit from the building than the way they had entered.
Outside, he'd scan the area to make sure they weren't being observed or followed. That done, he'd find a dark, empty alley and make contact with Rose.
Using the scrambled signal of the communication coin, the secret agent still transmitted as little info as possible, just in case. "Request immediate, inconspicuous transport. Over."
He'd make the full report to his teammates face to face.
Cmd. Rose says “On my way China-man”. “Adamas, Helo One, heads up, I’m on the move”
Whoump
Agent America and Windblown signal Cmd. Rose they are ready to leave. Cmd. Rose states, "One sec. Adamas, DarkStar. Is your position clear for an approach? If your unable to speak, press the com-badge's symbol twice if we're clear" Joshua prepares for 'transport' and does a quick positional analysis on Adamas’ com-badge. "Cybil monitor Adrian's position. I any of those heat signatures move in his direction let me know."
Adamas found a nearby clearing with a large boulder that overlooks the Cave he lands on the boulder. "All Clear, come to my location he whispers into his communicator."
Commander Rose looked at the current pirate-like appearances of Agent America and Windblown. "Time to go. If you need to change into cos ... err combat gear, now's the time". Agent America signals he is not changing and Windblown following the superspy’s lead signals the same.
Calling up a Holo-board, Joshua overlaid the heat signatures with the com-badge in Adamas' vicinity. Then visualizing the location closest to Adamas that is also out of a line of sight to the heat signatures in the temple, the Commander prepares for transport. Haven't taken a team in on a blind-teleport since the bridge at Khyber Pass, he thinks. "This should be interesting"
Whoump
Standing next to Adamas, Agent America noted the temple and said: "We've ID'ed two other factions in play.”One, a merc. operative named the Huntsman who usually works for Western powers. He could be an ally, or not. "The second, a witch who calls herself Occult. Last seen with a zombie bodyguard.”
Turning to Adamas "Have you been inside the temple yet?"
"I've seen the statuette, but they appear to be starting some kind of ritual, but I haven't had much experience with that kind of thing. There is a woman and a man, I'm not sure what a Zombie is, but I didn't see anything else", replied Adamas
Agent America said quietly to the man from another world: "A zombie is someone who believes they're already dead. With that kind of mindset, they're awful hard to kill."
The Blue Man Mountain flashed back to the conversation at the pool less than a couple hours ago. Dr. Avery said, "Be careful, the Dragon has a significant amount of magic protecting it. That is why it still exists. Do not attempt to grab it when you first get there. The best time to get it is when the ritual to open the portal is started. The majority of its magic is used to open the portal. That is the best time to grab it or destroy it. Keeping the portal from opening is more important than preserving the statute. "Well if they've decided to start the party, I guess it'd be rude of us not to dance. I'm going for the Dragon. “
Windblown looks at DarkStar and states, "This won't be easy, but then, it never is, is it? Hell, I can probably distract 'im, at the risk of gettin' my ass toasted."
Commander Rose speaks to his Holo-pad, “Cybil give me two map overlays. One here, one at the helicopter. Just a last minute check to make sure we have all parties accounted for. Well China-man? You and the Somali going to be able to operate efficiently in that attire?” They both give a thumbs up.
Joshua absently touches the amulet that he had so reluctantly put on not so long ago. Didn't Arcane say we could reach him through the amulet in times of need? I feel like an idiot, but I guess it's no different than my com-badge. Closing his eyes, Joshua tries his best to communicate in a way he has no clue about. "Arcane . . . Arcane! You old goat, wake up and skip the coffee, we need your counsel. The Dragon and your enemies are in sight but we need a green light to attack."
Dr Arcane says "Yes, my young smurf, what is going on? I would be glad to provide counsel. Beware that we can communicate with the medallions but I can't sit and watch through them. You have to desire to communicate with me in order for it to activate. The best time to attack is when the ritual incantation is finished. That is when the Statute will be at its weakest.
DarkStar questions, "Finish the ritual? That sound bad, really really bad. I thought that was what we we're here to stop?”
The good doctor replies, “I said the ritual incantation. It is only one part of the ritual. After the incantation it will take a minute and half for the released magic to open the portal. So after Occult finishes chanting you will have 90 seconds to remove the statute’s presence from the Temple”
“Okay you the boss. I guess we wait. Hell AA's going to ask anyway. Let me describe the scene before us … does the woman or her 'companion' look familiar?"
Dr. Arcane identifies her as the Conjurer Occult. She specializes in the magic arts of summoning and commanding creatures, beings, and even objects. That would explain the lumbering creature that is with her. Occult has been convicted in the United States for the thefts of ‘allegedly’ magical items. The creature is a revenant of Hela who I believe was responsible for the murder of 19 sorority girls having a ski party last December.
"Boss Arcane says the Dragon is weakest when the ritual incantation is finished. What do you guys think?"
Windblown looked at the others, "You asking me? I say we wait until they finish their little party. If that weakens lizard lips, then it's all good."
After Rose's question about how long a ritual incantation takes, The Agent Extraordinaire waited for someone to offer up that he had a PhD in Hocus Pocus. When even Dr. Arcane stated he didn’t know how long that part took he said quietly, "I agree with Windblown. They've begun their ritual. It'll keep them distracted until it's finished. And Rose needs to catch his breath. Let's use ten minutes to secure the perimeter. Maybe we can find a second entrance into the Temple. Huntsman is probably already here," he said, scanning the area as he spoke. "...This feels too easy."
"I can monitor Occult and her "zombie." If they finish the ritual before ten minutes is up, I'll sound the alarm. If they spot me, I can pass for a mundane local, so they won't overreact and stop the ritual." He produced a small pair of field glasses from under his robes and held them out for anyone to take. He reset his communication coin and said, "We should keep open communication from now on."
"Once the assault begins, I like Rose's tactics." He turned to the cyan super genius, "If you extract the Dragon before our targets are down, watch your back. You've seen case files of metahumans that could follow 'porters."
Then, to everyone: "How does that sound? Any more thoughts? What are we missing?"
During this exchange, the eagle-eyed espionage agent watched their surroundings and kept his voice down.
Adamas responds "Ah, well I have no intention of killing anyone, but I do not think it would be a problem to remove this Occult or her friend. I'd think our best move would be to remove our opposition, while DarkStar removes the object of their attention. At the same time evidently there are protections the good doctor was aware of that I am not, and I value your opinions. If you feel we should wait, I will do so."
Agent America breathed a sigh of relief. If the wildcard of wonder didn't go along with the plan, what would have happened then?
The man in Chinese garb signals and leaves to secure the parameter. He moves in a way to appear as a peasant searching for food, not a spy searching for his foe. He is able to circle the outside of the Temple without finding any traps or dangers to the team. He is unable to find the Huntsman but his instinct tells him that M’bse is watching. The Master of Disguise walks to the edge of the outer door. He looks inside the Temple. He sees the Chainsaw wielding monster staring at him but the creature doesn’t move. Occult does not see him as she is chanting to the Dragon statute in the center.
In the corner of the Temple in the air he sees a floating remote-cam focused on the ceremony. Ah, so that is how you are watching your prey. We will have to put an end to that. Checking to make sure the Chainsaw creature has not moved, Agent America walks back to the team to info them of what he has found out.
DarkStar has Cybil do a last minute check of our and Adrian's areas by overlaying local heat signatures with com-badges. Everything checks out fine except that there still isn’t a human heat signature where Adamas’ com-badge is. Nothing has changed in the last 10 minutes seen he 'ported this spot.
The Blue electronics genius attempts to hack into the remote-cam that the Agent in Disguise had identified. Surprisingly, it does not immediately bend to his will. Hmm, this Huntsman has created something new here. I have never seen this architecture commercially before. It would appear that I will need about 5 minutes to hack this device.
DarkStar speaks "If no one minds my suggesting a plan of attack. Adamas if you would be so kind to draw the zombies attention away from the statue with a power blast or two. Ideally pulling him away from the Dragon. Windblown if you and A.A. could do the same with Sorceress, that'll clear a path for me to make a clean snatch and grab. I'll be right back after I secure it with the Pietor. A.A. I know you'll keep an eye out for 3rd parties. If you have a suggestion to add before the starter whistle blows now's the time buddy.
The advanced scout Agent replied "Sounds good, Rose. Can your Holo-pad find out how zombies are supposed to be neutralized? If this guy thinks he's a zombie, let's use his psychosis against him. Everyone, once we enter the temple, the Huntsman will come running so watch your backs."
Dr Arcane responds, “Use the Holo-pad for other tasks, I can answer this. Zombies are neutralized by removal of their head or destruction of the skull. They are corpses re-animated therefore they are slow, have average human strength, rotting flesh, and sometimes can create additional zombies with their bite. Because they can be easily destroyed they are not used in singular fashion but in mass waves.
“Revenant is a person who has been revivified. In other words, has been brought back to life after death. The deity who brings the person back will assign it a mission of revenge to perform. It can be to get revenge for a child’s drowning due to the negligence of the camp staff by killing all camp staffers. Or it could be to seek revenge on parents who had burned it alive by killing their children. The deity ‘The Crow’ is responsible for more revenants than any other. The mission it assigns is to revenge the revenant’s murder and the murder of a loved one. Once the mission is complete the revenant reverts back to death.
“The revenant will be getting the ability to sustain significant damage and cannot be killed. Often it will have abilities greater than the average human. Revenants can be delayed by hours, weeks, months, or even years if it receives damage equivalent to killing it. The length of the delay is dependant of its favor with its deity.
“That is the biggest difference from zombies and revenant. Zombies are made by necromancers to serve the wizard and revenants cannot be made by humans, only deities create revenants. In fact, it was tried once by an entire coven. The coven wanted a revenant to revenge the persecution it was getting from the Templar Knights. They sacrificed one of their own children and called on ‘All Hallows Eve’ to bring it back as their avenging angel. All Hallows Eve did bring back the child named Samhain but did not give it the requested mission. Instead of giving it a mission to kill the Templar Knights, All Hallows Eve simply gave it the mission to kill. Samhain performs its mission well, killing the entire Coven including its parents. Samhain still seeks to kill.
Adamas nods, “The revenant should prove no problem, but I think a little more physical approach might be called for.”
Once again focusing on the arcane amulet. "Arcane? We're getting ready to make our move. First option is to bring the Dragon to the mansion for you guys to secure. Can you notify Pietor to have the purple gloves and bag ready? If that's not possible, I'll still grab it and start cracking heads until I find one hard enough to smash it on. Rose out"
Agent America moves silently from their position to take up the lead position. He will buzz the com-badge twice when it is time to move.
Stooping his shoulders to further enhance his disguise, America’s Super Spy passes by both the open outer and inner doors. He walked along the interior wall. The Chainsaw toting creature’s eyes follow the Chinese man as he moves. “Watch all you want Chainsaw but I have backup that will take care of you. I have other duties or I would show there isn’t life after death.” Taking a piece of cloth, he had prepared on the way in, he covers the remote-eye.
Agent America then moves to position himself with his back to a wall and facing Occult. Chainsaw is across the Temple on the other side of the pedestal. Unfortunately the Agent’s back is to the door. Occult stops her chanting. She wipes sweat from her brow and smiles grimly. The Dragon statute is glowing. Magic is moving away from it toward a spot behind where Chainsaw is standing. Agent America without a visible sign of movement reaches his com-badge
The team hears the chanting stop and then their com-badges buzz.
Before Agent America can launch his attack at Occult he sees Adamas fly into the room. Adamas banks hard away from the Man from Medusa. The Alien Hero slammed into the back of Chainsaw without stopping. Grabbing the creature, the unbreakable man flies out the inner door.
As Adamas leaves the Temple, DarkStar appears at the base of the pedestal holding the Dragon. [GM teleports 6 PR]
Adamas is surprised by the strength and mass of the creature. The creature struggles to free itself. While it cannot break free of the Adamas’ grip, it does change the trajectory of the flight. They crash into the left wall of the interior entrance. The stone wall is the weakest of the three and gives way. Without slowing they smash through the wall into a separate chamber. In seconds, they crash into the Temple’s exterior wall.
Windblown rounds the corner of the Temple to see Adamas come exploding through the wall. In his arms is a chainsaw wielding creature. In a split second the pair crash into the ground creating a crater. [GM 10 damage to Adamas’ Invulnerability]
Windblown doubles his speed to run into the Temple’s outer doors. Running down the entry corridor he sees through the inner door, Agent America is charging Occult.
Agent America launches into a kick to take down the conjuror. His foot strikes but it is not Occult. A 2’ x 2’ floating wall has appeared in front of his foot and that is what he struck. The magical wall shatters into pieces. Occults looks at him with a sneer, “Peasant, you dare strike me. For that your death will be quite painful.” Waving her hands with a flourish, she chants a quick spell. A figure appears next to her. “Samhain, do your thang!”
Windblown calls up the wind to protect him by circling him. [GM Telekinesis Defense, 1 action and 1 PR] The wind master looks to where Samhain is between him and Occult and Cmd Rose.
DarkStar looks at the Dragon in front of him. “I love it when a plan comes together.” He grabs the Dragon. He doesn’t feel the statute in his hands. It feels like an energy field, no energy he has ever felt before. He looks in disbelief as his hands start to glow. Then the Dragon is gone. “Where did it go?” Looking around his next thought is “where did the Temple go”.
Both Agent America and Windblown stare in amazement as Cmd. Rose disappears but without the Whoump sound. They glance at the door hoping to see Adamas emerge to tip the balance back into their favor.
Turning back to Occult and Samhain, Agent America decides he needs to tip the scales on his own. He tries to blind them with phosphorous flare gimmick [GM second action 2 PR]. Occult quickly pulls her cloak over her eyes to protect herself and Samhain grunts. Neither is blinded by the flare.
Samhain swings a fist at Agent America, who expertly ducks the punch. America’s super spy moves back from the new threat. Over Samhain’s shoulder he sees Cmd Rose reappear in front of the Dragon [GM teleportation 6 PR].
DarkStar raises both hands striking the barrier around the Dragon statute with all his might, electricity dances from his hands striking multiple places along the barrier [GM second action 2 PR lightning carrier attack 2 PR]. The magical barrier expands to engulf Joshua Rose. He disappears without a Whoump.
Windblown reaches out his mind and gathers up the wind. He launches the force of a tornado at Samhain and misses.[GM second action 2 PR and wind attack 3 PR]
<Actions, Replies>
Current Conditions:
Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 94
Windblown Hit Points: 6 Power Points: 88 Telekinesis Defense active
[Flashback to DarkStar's first attempt to grab the Dragon ~ ed.]
[Scene Change to Adamas and Chainsaw ~ ed.]
[Flashback to DarkStar's first attempt to grab the Dragon ~ ed.]
Windblown calls up the wind to protect him by circling him. [GM Telekinesis Defense, 1 action and 1 PR] The wind master looks to where Samhain is between him and Occult and Cmd Rose.
DarkStar looks at the Dragon in front of him. “I love it when a plan comes together.” He grabs the Dragon. He doesn’t feel the statute in his hands. It feels like an energy field, no energy he has ever felt before. He looks in disbelief as his hands start to glow. Then the Dragon is gone. “Where did it go?” Looking around his next thought is “where did the Temple go”.
Quickly he pulls out his Holo-pad and discovers he is 4 miles from the Temple. Anger crosses his face.
Whoump
Cmd Rose reappears in front of the Dragon [GM teleportation 6 PR].
DarkStar raises both hands striking the barrier around the Dragon statute with all his might, electricity dances from his hands striking multiple places along the barrier [GM second action 2 PR lightning carrier attack 2 PR]. The magical barrier expands to engulf Joshua Rose. He disappears without a Whoump.
Standing in the middle of a bunch of trees, the electronics genius thinks, “Doc, this isn’t working.” Doctor Arcane responds, “I am monitoring the magical energies of the Dragon, I could tell it was weakened when you struck it. Keep pounding that magic barrier DarkStar.”
<Actions, Replies>
Current Conditions:
DarkStar Hit Points: 248 Power Points: 73 Armor: 105
[Scene Change to Adamas and Chainsaw ~ ed.]
Both Agent America and Windblown stare in amazement as Cmd. Rose disappears but without the Whoump sound. They glance at the door hoping to see Adamas emerge to tip the balance back into their favor.
Adamas sits up in the crater and looks around. No one told him that a Zombie could be THIS tough. Hearing an unfamiliar mechanical sound he turns to see Chainsaw lunging at him with his weapon. Adamas rolls to avoid the blow but is unable. He is struck hard. The chainsaw bites into his shoulder, ripping the skin. [GM 21 damage: 14 to invulnerability and 7 to PR] Liquid starts to come out of the wound. The Alien stares in amazement. He has never had a wound before. The liquid spills into his hand. “Is this what the scientist tried to get with their needles but couldn’t?”
Focusing on his opponent before him, Adamas launches himself into Chainsaw again. He grabs him [GM second action 2 PR] and flies off. The grab caused the creature to drop his chainsaw. Adamas speeds toward the ocean.
The Alien Hero arrives at the ocean and tries to drop him but Chainsaw’s strength is a match for Adamas’. They are locked in each other’s grip.
<Actions, Replies>
[GM Adamas cannot use movement to drop Chainsaw.
Options to break grip without moving are:
1) He could try to break Chainsaw’s grip which is a strength saving throw for Adamas and an Agility saving throw for Chainsaw. Because their strength levels Adamas needs to roll a 10 or less on 1d20. Adamas can tell that Chainsaw is less agile that the average person (10 or 11). Chainsaw chances of making his saving throw is less than 50%.
2) He can strike Chainsaw. Because Adamas has hand to hand combat skill he will not suffer a damage penalty, the “to hit” is automatic, and rolling with the punch is not possible. Once Adamas gets past Chainsaw’s protection, knockback will require Chainsaw to make a strength saving throw or he will fly away the distance of the knockback. The knockback amount will lower Chainsaw’s chances of making his saving throw.
I want to let you know how I am performing the magic vs. Adamas’ invulnerability weakness. The magic has to be in the attack either as power or item. Just being a magic base character is not enough. So using Captain Marvel from DC as an example, his punches would be applied against Adamas’ invulnerability but the SHAZAM lightning would not; it would go straight to hit points and power points.]
Current Conditions:
Adamas Hit Points: 34 Power Points: 64 Invulnerability: 0
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Agent America Reply
OOC: Hey guys, fyi, I'm out of town next week, so I'll be quieter than usual.
IC:
Agent America said in English: "If the woman, Huntsman or anybody else comes around, we were never here," as he handed Ching a second stack of bills. He gripped Ching's forearm again and thanked him in Mandarin. "Always a pleasure."
Agent America said in English: "If the woman, Huntsman or anybody else comes around, we were never here," as he handed Ching a second stack of bills. He gripped Ching's forearm again and thanked him in Mandarin. "Always a pleasure."
He looked to his Somali companion to make sure there was nothing else he wished to add or ask.
<Reply if any, Windblown>
Agent America requested a different exit from the building than the way they had entered.
Outside, he'd scan the area to make sure they weren't being observed or followed. That done, he'd find a dark, empty alley and make contact with Rose.
Using the scrambled signal of the communication coin, the secret agent still transmitted as little info as possible, just in case. "Request immediate, inconspicuous transport. Over."
He'd make the full report to his teammates face to face.
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Adamas and Cmd. Rose appear on the road. After a few minutes of scouting, a whoump is heard and Cmd. Rose is gone. Next Windblown and Agent America appear.
Moments later, another whoump is heard and a Bell Helicopter Long Ranger suddenly appears on the road as well with a Pilot and Cmd. Rose inside.
<OOC:> I definitely would have secured the perimeter. I also had thought of planting a number of mini-cams, like the ones I talked about at Sarisa’s, around the “drop site” for security purposes, but I like your solution also.
Joshua pulls out his Holo-pad; he has Cybil pull up the topography maps from the Peoples Republic of China government survey office. He identifies the best position to view the Temple, Capital City of Juompur, and the Helicopter. He walks over to his pilot and provides a few last minute instructions to his pilot.
<Cmd. Rose IC:> Okay Adrian, you’re the best SPIE pilot I know. Keep the engine and sensor suites warm, the com-line open and get the hell out of here the second things look hinky. The “China-man’s” been instructed to only call you in if it’s a clean extraction. Under no circumstances are you to get engaged in a live fire situation. A flight plan out of Manila has been filed, so head there if I can’t get to you.
Whoump
Joshua stands next to a tree. After a few minutes he finds a good place to set up base . . . . “Cybil provide threat information” . . . overlay the holo-map with body heat signatures within the human range . . . two heat signatures show up near the Temple but neither line up with the communicator signal. . . . There are two additional heat signatures in the same location as Windblown and Agent America. . . .
. . . Joshua frowned as he spotted several heat signatures in the foliage a short distance from the helicopter.
Cmd. Rose keys in a command on the Holo-pad and Cybil zooms onto the area. The foliage is thin enough to get a visual image. There are three men in camouflage. All are armed but none of the weapons are drawn. One man is operating a laptop. Attached to the laptop is a video camera which the second spy is focusing on the helicopter. The third is talking on a cell phone. Quickly Cmd. Rose <edited for special effect:> gestures for the holo-keyboard and calls up a second screen projection. He launches three of his „special. programs . . .
. . . The laptop is hacked first. . . .
. . . After reviewing everything on the laptop, Cybil displays a third screen representing the cell phone. Switching over to it, the Holo-pad starts playing the cell phone conversation.
<Voice 1> “But boss, there is only one of them. We can easily take him”.
<Voice 2> “Then what? The others could return and we know not what they are capable of. Our agents are reporting the Helicopter did not fly to the Island. It just appeared.”
<Voice 1> “That is correct, then two walked off, one flew off inland and the last one disappeared.”
<Voice 2> “One flew off and one disappeared! Based on those results you are recommending a kidnapping! You really have the intellect of a {untranslatable}. Negative!”
<Voice 1> “Hind end”
<Voice 2> “No hind ends! This is a surveillance mission only. Do not approach the helicopter or any visitors. Over.”
<OOC:> Can I assume the team has ear buds? This way they may not be able to speak, but they can hear the others who can.
<Cmd. Rose IC:> Hind end? What the hell’s someone’s ass got to do with anything and who would have thought a cell phone would get reception out here?
“Cybil backtrack that cell-signal from the second voice to it’s source. I don’t care what it takes, just don’t get caught.”
“Adamas it looks like you got two bogies at the Temple. Buzz us if you can’t speak. If things get hot, let us know I’ll be there in a blink.”
“China-man, I assume you and the Somali heard that, and things are fine on your end. Same thing if you need assistance.”
“Helo One, your under observation from the foliage to your port side. Apparently they want to ransom my helicopter and pilot. That won’t happen. Keep the bird warm and ready to lift. If I’m occupied use my signal on the GPS to bring your passengers to me if necessary. Otherwise I’ll have you out here in time for your date with Rachel. Rose Out.”
<Goals> At this point my primary goal is Adrian’s safety. He’s a big boy though or Trisha wouldn’t have hired him. My responsibility to the team is to monitor potential threats and provide a rapid response action where needed. If there is a more secure location that would better suit AA and WB’s needs I will take the time to move Helo One. The helo is only for back-up in case I become disabled or engaged due to secondary activity.
<OOC:> This is the kind of military planning I see DarkStar having dedicated his intellect to after the botched mountain valley extraction.
Added because Jeff got AA’s response of first (again )
<Cmd. Rose IC:> “On my way China-man”. “Adamas, Helo One, heads up, I’m on the move”
Whoump
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Agent America reply
Whuomp!
Rose appeared next to Windblown and Agent America.
Agent America secured his communication coin and said, "Thanks.
"If you've found the target site, let's go there now and we can brief you and Adamas on what we've learned.
If you haven't found it yet, let's go to your vantage position for the debrief."
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Windblown reply
Windblown, not understanding a word of the Madarin and feigning a limited understanding of English, merely stands quietly, trying to look intimidating.
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Cmd Rose reply
<Cmd Rose: IC> "One sec" "Adamas, DarkStar. Is your position clear for an approach? If your unable to speak, press the com-badge's symbol twice if we're clear" Joshua prepares for 'transport' and does a quick positional analysis on Adama's com-badge. "Cybil monitor Adrian's position. I any of those heat signatures move in his direction let me know."
<Goal> We'll follow AA's plan. If we get the clear - in we go. If he responds wait - we head to the observation post. If no response - then we go in.
"Adrian get the bird up and running now. I want you able to get in the air at a seconds notice. If you don't hear back from me in the next 10 minutes head to Manila." Placing both his palms on AA and WB's shoulders he awaits Adama's response.
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Adamas reply
Adamas IC: Finding a nearby clearing with a large boulder that overlooks the Cave he lands on the boulder. "All Clear, come to my location he whispers into his communicator."
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Cmd. Rose reply
<Commander Rose: IC> Looking at the current pirate-like appearances of Agent America and Windblown. "Time to go. If you need to change into cos ... err combat gear, now's the time" Calling up a holo-board Joshua overlays the heat signatures with the com-badge in Adamas's vicinity. Then visualizing the location closest to Adamas that is also out of a line of sight to the heat signatures in the temple, the Commander prepares for transport. Haven't taken a team in on a blind-teleport since the bridge at Khyber Pass."This should be interesting"
Whoump
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Cmd. Rose reply
OOC:
"cos ... err combat gear"
That's great! :)
Agent America will remain incognito.
(Tom, once you confirm our successful teleport, I'll post the debrief. Thanks.)
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Gm Reply: Yes, the teleportation to the spot Adamas picked is successful.
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Agent America Reply
Agent America noted the temple and said: "We've ID'ed two other factions in play.
"One, a merc operative named the Huntsman who usually works for Western powers. He could be an ally. Or not.
"The second, a witch who calls herself Occult. Last seen with a zombie bodyguard.
"Have you been inside the temple yet?"
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Adamas reply
<Adamas> IC: "I've seen the statuette, but they appear to be starting some kind of ritual, but I haven't had much experience with that kind of thing. There is a woman and a man, I'm not sure what a Zombie is, but I didn't see anything else."
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Cmd. Rose reply
<Commander Rose: IC> Flashing back to the conversation at the pool less than a couple hours ago. Dr. Avery said, "Be careful, the Dragon has a significant amount of magic protecting it. That is why it still exists. Do not attempt to grab it when you first get there. The best time to get it is when the ritual to open the portal is started. The majority of its magic is used to open the portal. That is the best time to grab it or destroy it. Keeping the portal from opening is more important than preserving the statute. "Well if they've decided to start the party, I guess it'd be rude of us not to dance. I'm going for the Dragon.
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Windblown reply
<OOC> There is no plan B.
<IC> "This won't be easy, but then, it never is, is it? Hell, I can probably distract 'im, at the risk of gettin' my ass toasted."
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GM. As part of your plan, please tell me
1) How long you wait - i.e. go right away, wait long enough for AA and WB to gear up, wait until we hear Occult start the ritual, etc...
2)How are you entering the Temple - i.e. walking, sneaking, running, flying, teleporting, etc...
Note to John R: Cmd Rose has used 12 Power Points in teleporting to the Capital City and then to the spot outside the Temple. You need to wait at least 12 minutes before moving in if you want to start the situation with full Power Points.
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Cmd. Rose reply
<Response to GM>
1) Not having a remote ideal when the ritual technically starts (for instance: when she made the chalk lines did that count as "starting" the ritual?) Joshua is going to "guesstimate" with his uber-intellect starting the ritual requires a vocal component - hey that's how it works in all the movies right?
2) I don't know about the others but I'm going for the element of surprise. If AA and Adamas think they can handle the bad guys, I'll teleport in grab the Dragon, teleport it to Doc, and teleport back to the fight. If AA or WB have a concern I'll stay around, teleport behind the big guy and beat the crap out of him - hopefully using the knockback to smack him into the chick (Sorry Adamas but your bad ass enough I cant work up a sweat thinking these guys are gonna do much to get past your defenses)
Power Note: I'd prefer to "power up" first, but that all depends on how soon the ritual starts. At this point I'm going to defer to any suggestions AA has to make.
<Commander Rose IC:> Cybil give me two map overlays. One here, one at the helicopter. Just a last minute check to make sure we have all parties accounted for. "Well China-man? You and the Somali going to be able to operate efficiently in that attire? Joshua absently touches the amulet that he had so reluctantly put on not so long ago. Didn't Arcane say we could reach him through the amulet in times of need? I feel like an idiot, but I guess it's no different than my com-badge. Closing his eyes, Joshua tries his best to communicate in a way he has no clue about. "Arcane . . . Arcane! You old goat, wake up and skip the coffee, we need your counsel. The Dragon and your enemies are in sight but we need a green light to attack."
<OOC:> Hopefully I'll get a my power points while all this going on. I'm still deferring to AA if he has any major suggestions
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GM Reply
Dr Arcane says "Yes, my young smurf, what is going on? I would be glad to provide counsel. Beware that we can communicate with the medallions but I can't sit and watch through them. You have to desire to communicate with me in order for it to activate. The best time to attack is when the ritual incantation is finished. That is when the Statute will be at its weakest.
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Cmd. Rose reply
(now that's funny - not as funny as earth-hopper but funny nonetheless)
<Commander Rose: IC> "Finish the ritual? That sound bad, really really bad. I thought that was what we we're here to stop? Okay you the boss. I guess we wait. Hell AA's going to ask anyway. (describing the scene before us) Does the woman or her 'companion' look familiar"
"Boss Arcane says the Dragon is weakest when the ritual incantation is finished. What do you guys think?"
<OOC:> I'll wait for the other guys reply from here. If AA has a particular plan then I'll probably go with that. If Adamas makes a premature move I'll back his play, If DarkStar gets to full power before the ritual is over - well patience isnt his strong suit
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Windblown reply
<OOC> Sorry, this should have gone to everyone.
"You asking me? I say we wait until they finish their little party. If that weakens lizard lips, then it's all good."
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Agent America reply:
(OOC: Hi Tom, AA is geared up under his humble Chinese garb. He plans to stay incognito for the assault. If any rules issues arise from that, please let me know. Thanks.)
Agent America said quietly to the man from another world: "A zombie is someone who believes they're already dead. With that kind of mindset, they're awful hard to kill."
After Rose's question about how long a ritual takes, he waited for someone to offer up that he had a PhD in Hocus Pocus. When that didn't happen he said quietly, "I agree with Windblown. They've begun their ritual. It'll keep them distracted until it's finished. And Rose needs to catch his breath. Let's use ten minutes to secure the perimeter. Maybe we can find a second entrance into the temple. Huntsman is probably already here," he said, scanning the area as he spoke. "...This feels too easy."
"I can monitor Occult and her "zombie." If they finish the ritual before ten minutes is up, I'll sound the alarm. If they spot me, I can pass for a mundane local, so they won't overreact and stop the ritual." He produced a small pair of field glasses from under his robes and held them out for anyone to take. He reset his communication coin and said, "We should keep open communication from now on."
"Once the assault begins, I like Rose's tactics." He turned to the cyan supergenius, "If you extract the Dragon before our targets are down, watch your back. You've seen casefiles of metahumans that could follow 'porters."
Then, to everyone: "How does that sound? Any more thoughts? What are we missing?"
During this exchange, the eagle-eyed espionage agent watched their surroundings and kept his voice down.
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Adamas reply
<Adamas: OOC> Adamas does not have a healthy fear of anything, having never come up against something he couldn't knock down or fly through (something I'm sure he'll get over shortly as he is unaware of his vulnerability to magic). He's not used to working with a team, but, he's hoping to build relationships with his team mates.
<Adamas: IC> "Ah, well I have no intention of killing anyone, but I do not think it would be a problem to remove this Occult or her friend. It doesn't appear any of us are familiar enough with this ritual to determine when it will be finished, so I'd think our best move would be to remove our opposition, while DarkStar removes the object of their attention. At the same time evidently there are protections the good doctor was aware of that I am not, and I value your opinions. If you feel we should wait, I will do so."
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Agent America reply
"If you feel we should wait, I will do so."
Agent America breathed a sigh of relief. If the wildcard of wonder didn't go along with the plan, what would have happened then?
OOC: Vulnerability to Magic? This is going to get interesting.
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Agent America reply
OOC:
I thought we were doing recon first and waiting 12 minutes for Darkstar to heal up?
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GM reply
Yes, I didn’t think the plan was for the next issue to be recon only, so the issue was going to be at 12 to 15 minutes long.
I saw the “run & grab” strategy as having a Fog of War aspect that wouldn’t have the whole thing mapped out but react to the completion of the incantation by blindly charging in.
If I misunderstood and you want to eliminate the Fog of War aspect by having AA return to brief the team and provide spy camera photos let me know that is where your action ends.
That is why I asked about how you were entering the Temple, so I would clearly understand how far the team was going with its actions this turn.
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Agent America reply
OOC:
Thanks.
I don't want to drag things out, but ideally, I think the recon will help inform our invasion plans. For example, if we find another entrance, or if we find the Huntsman lurking nearby
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GM reply
Okay, I understand. I will give you the answers now:
It is a small Temple and there is not another entrance. The two inside match the description of Occult and her lumbering Revanant.
Agent America failed his det hidden roll so he did not find the Huntsman but he did spot an Electronic Eye hovering inside the Temple, so he knows the Huntsman is monitoring the ceremony.
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Windblown reply
<OOC> What is the floor of the warehouse like? Dirty, swept clean, covered in straw/sawdust?
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Cmd. Rose
<DarkStar: OOC> I believe I had Cybil doing a last minute check of our and Adrian's areas by overlaying local heat signatures with com-badges. If this turns anything up, cool. If not just shows I need to improve her A.I.
If A.A. notifies us about the Huntsman's remote-cam before the ritual starts/finishes (not sure where we are there?) I'll try to hack into the signal and track it's source.
Does Dr. Arcane have a response to my discription of the woman and advice on handling her?
I thought we had a view of the woman and zombie from Adamas's location when we teleported on scene? I assume you'll let us know if she starts/finishes the ritual?
<DarkStar: Actions/Goals>
<circumstance alpha> This is assuming DS has all his Power Points: Visually Zero in on the Dragon and Teleport to it's location. Grab said Dragon and teleport to Dr. Avery's mansion. Drop it off with Pietor and teleport back and beat the crap out of someone.
<circumstance bravo> This is assuming DS is less than full Power: Bull charge his way to the Dragon. Grab said Dragon and teleport . . . etc etc etc. Hopefully with Adamas, Agent America and Windblown engaging/distracting the bad guys.
<DarkStar: IC> "If no one minds my suggesting a plan of attack. Adamas if you would be so kind to draw the zombies attention away from the statue with a power blast ot two. Ideally pulling him away from the Dragon. Windblown if you and A.A. could do the same with Sorceress, that'll clear a path for me to make a clean snatch and grab. I'll be right back after I secure it with the Pietor. A.A. I know you'll keep an eye out for 3rd parties. If you have a suggestion to add before the starter whistle blows now's the time buddy.
Once again focusing on the arcane amulet. "Arcane? We're getting ready to make our move. First option is to bring the Dragon to the mansion for you guys to secure. Can you notify Pietor to have the purple gloves and and bag ready? (Warehouse 13 reference) If that's not possible, I'll still grab it and start cracking heads until I find one hard enough to smash it on. Rose out"
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Agent America reply
OOC: Thanks Tom. Also, AA will inform the team of the electronic eye.
IC: "Sounds good, Rose. Can your holopad find out how zombies are supposed to be neutralized? If this guy thinks he's a zombie, let's use his psychosis against him."
Everyone, once we enter the temple, the Huntsman will come running so watch your backs."
OOC:
Assuming we aren't discovered by Occult before the ceremony ends:
Action 1:
-When the ceremony seems ready to end, enter the temple with the team, still incognito. (movement)
-Cover the electronic eye with an already torn-off piece of fabric from his robe (only if this counts as movement and not his action)
-Charge Occult and position himself toward the back of the temple, back to a wall. Ideally, Occult will be between AA and the Revenant, and AA's facing should be toward the temple opening in preparation for Huntsman's arrival. (movement)
-Ambush Occult and strike her unawares if possible. (HTH attack)
Action 2:
-Attack Occult again. If the HTH attack was futile (she has a forcefield for example), then blind her with phosphorous flare gimmick. If HTH was effective, continue. AA will be careful not to blind his teammates.
-If Huntsman appears shout: "Huntsman, we're on the same side here!"
Goals, in priority:
1) Distract/defeat Occult so DS can escape with the Dragon.
2) Watch for the Revenant and the Huntsman.
3) Get a better sense of the layout of the temple interior.
4) If Huntsman shows, get him talking; try to discover his motives here
If AA is discovered before ceremony ends:
AA will pose as a local. He'll speak in Mandarin and tell her he heard a great sorceress had come to his city and so he followed her that he might serve her faithfully. If this works, and she's lulled into finishing the ceremony, once it's near completion he'll sneak attack her as per Action 1, above.
Thanks,
Jeff.
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Adamas reply
<Adamas> IC: “The Revenant should prove no problem, but I think a little more physical approach might be called for.”
OOC: When the signal is given, using his enhanced speed, he’ll fly through the zombie, grabbing him from behind. He’ll fly him out over the ocean and release him, then fly back to the group to provide any assistance needed. (that’s his plan anyway.)
