Crusade: A team meets - Issue 2

Jessica walks to the center of the Plaza and stare into the TV camera. “Where are you Crusaders? The city needs you.”

That question is on the minds of the 5 invitees that are standing in the Plaza as well.  They were invited to join the Crusaders by Manta-Man but he has not shown himself. While they wait Jessica Anderson of WCTV approaches one of them.  Why she chooses the hero hiding in the shadows will not be answered because she is here to ask questions not answer them.

“Would you tell the TV audience what is your name and what your powers are?” The man in black responds, “My name is Meltdown, and my powers are extreme stamina and Disintegration” With an award winning smile she asks next “what is your purpose here and will that involve stopping the Crusher Crimewave?” Meltdown replies “My purpose here is to investigate and I am only here to investigate, not challenge a group of 10 super villains”.

Anderson gives a small smile.  “Investigation?  That sounds interesting Meltdown.  Would you be willing to tell me what you are investigating?” Meltdown replies, “I am not able to give you that information until a later time. But I will keep you informed. Thank you.” She thanks him in return.  She lets him know this was a recorded interview and not live.  He should watch tomorrow to see the interview played on the broadcast.

At first Starbolt is not willing to give an interview to the reporter. Jessica responds by smiling at Starbolt with her best smile. She motions for the camera to be turned off.  She states, "I understand you’re not wanting to give an interview and providing too much information.   I am not like the reporters from Power Witness Weekly or Truth Seeker Weekly News.  I really do want to introduce Megalopolis to one of its newest heroes."  She walks a little closer and coos, "How about giving only your Superhero name and that winning smile on camera. That is all I need handsome." She waits expectantly for your answer. "My name is Starbolt. I am here to help with the crime wave. My actual powers I would rather keep to myself. No sense giving the opposition any advanced information." If you would like a better interview, maybe we could arrange one at a later time." Jessica gives Starbolt a wink, “I definitely want that to be arranged.”

Emerald Dragon looked over everyone that was gathered; reporters, police, and civilians. He has a big heart (even bigger now that it is a dragon's) but he is smart enough to realize that despite his intentions he looks like the coming of Ragnarok and most people will be intimidated by his appearance. He shrugs briefly and listens to the long report given by Jessica Anderson, head spinning slightly at all the information she lays out. He occasionally glances at Detective Broyko who he notices is eyeing the group with a speculative expression on his face.

The Emerald Dragon sees that Jessica appears hesitant in approaching him.  She summons here courage to walk toward him. Attempting to make it easier for her, he speaks first. "You can call me Emerald Dragon. Who I was before is irrelevant now. As is obvious I can use my wings to fly. I have the ability to take a good amount of punishment and to dish it out with my fists as well. I have other abilities as well which I wish to remain secret for now lest my foes have the chance to prepare for me. I was summoned to the Citadel and I am here to assist with whatever needs to be done. If the Crushers stand in my way I will definitely meet them head on with the intention of sending them packing or to prison. Do you have any other questions?” Jessica meekly shakes her head no. She softly says “thank you” and leaves for the middle of the Plaza.

As the invitees are interviewed by Jessica, a shadow passes over them.  The shadow has the form of Manta-Man.  Watching the hero land, all are struck with the fact something is different about the costume.  It wasn’t Manta-Man.  Starbolt voiced out loud what the others were wondering.

“Manta Lad, what are you doing here?”

Meltdown steps out of the shadows, pulling his cloak deeper over his head; obscuring his face from view. "Manta Lad, what happened? I would like to take a look at your super-computer."

“Um,” said Manta Lad to the skull faced man who towered over him. “Uh… Meltdown, right?"

Manta Lad thought, “Ai ai ai! These guys are humongous! And most of them look like bad guys! A green, bat-winged monsteroid! A death’s headed guy in black! A freakin’ devil! Whatever. I hope Manta Man knew what he was doing. Knows. I mean, knows what he’s doing. Get yourself together. Don't blow it. You can totally do this.”

Manta Lad gulped hard cleared his throat and said in his most serious, superhero tough-guy voice to all the superheroes: “Thanks for answering the call, everyone. I need to brief you, but away from the reporters. Follow me, please.”

The teenager raised his arms and the black, manta-shaped wing-cape took him into the air. He wouldn’t fly far. Just to a nearby rooftop so they'd be out of sight of the press, Crusader Citadel, and Detective Broyko.

Emerald Dragon looks down at Manta Lad and nods at his greeting and his words. As the others begin to follow Manta Lad, Phade approaches Emerald Dragon and asks, “My name is Phade, can you give me a lift as flying isn’t one of my powers.” The man with the ancient Dragon heart nods in agreement. He spreads his wings wide and leaps into the air, wings catching the wind and blowing back at those nearby. He circles the roof where Manta Lad landed the drops to the rooftop gracefully, setting Phade down and landing next to Manta Lad.

Emerald Dragon grins broadly, amused at the effect this often has on people with his draconic countenance; "Well I am here and interested in hearing anything more you have to offer once the rest arrive. I am Emerald Dragon, as if you may not have guessed. It is a pleasure to meet you, all things considered."

Meltdown flies into the sky right behind the others. Landing in clear view of all other heroes, he laughs. "Emerald Dragon? Nice name. Did you come straight out of a Godzilla movie? You look a little small for a dragon."

Emerald Dragon laughs loudly at that comment; "Well out of China actually, but not originally. This form is quite new to me so I really don't know WHAT is going to happen as I get older. That being said it is a pleasure to meet you. What name do you go by?

You can call me Meltdown. And you can feel free to guess what I can do?

Starbolt steps back and takes flight. As he makes his way to meet up with the rest of the group he thinks “I hope we can get to the bottom of what is going on." When he lands he addresses Manta Lad. "M-L, what information do you have for us?" "To the rest of you I am Starbolt, It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Emerald Dragon acknowledges Starbolt greeting and then speaks, "Manta Lad, please bring us up to speed. Is Manta-Man safe?"

Manta Lad landed on the rooftop with his back to the heroes that followed him. He was still for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. Then he turned to face them, and blurted it all out.

“I don’t know if Manta Man is safe! He’s missing. So are all the Crusaders. None of them answer. I called you here.”

The kid sounded distraught, like he had lost his parents or something.

“I don’t know what to do. No one will listen to me. I think Mocker is behind the Crusher Crimewave. And I think the Crushers have captured the Crusaders! But the police won’t believe me because I’m just a kid.

If Manta Man was here he’d say something like, we need to stop the Crimewave, and get answers out of the Crushers.”

Just mentioning Manta Man seemed to give the kid some reassurance; direction.

“I, uh… can get us inside Manning Enterprises, the only big electronics guys left in the city that the Crushers haven’t hit yet. We can stake it out and ambush them. Get some answers. Find Manta Man.”

He turned to the scary skull guy: “I can’t get into the Citadel, I’m not a Crusader, but I can, uh, hack into TEACHER if you want.”

Then to everyone: “We, uh, should probably talk to Mocker’s ex-buddies who are in lock up, too. See if they, like, know anything. The police… wouldn’t let me do that either. Maybe one of you could?”

The un-titanic teen finally stopped. He had gotten it all out without crying.

He looked up at the heroes, fairly pleading. “Will you guys help me... please?”

Emerald Dragon looks down at Manta Boy with a small smile playing across his face; "Of course I will help you, the Crushers need to be stopped. You did well in taking the initiative to gather the group of us to assist you."

Starbolt draws in a slow breath, and thinks to himself "So my hunch is correct, something is wrong. Don't worry Bobby, we'll find you and the rest" Turning to face Manta Lad, he says, "You can count me in. I think that the stake-out would be a good idea, after we find out what is going on with Teacher."  "It might be stating the obvious, but I think several of you might be able to scare some information out of Mocker's buddies."

Emerald Dragon looks over at Starbolt and a wide grin appears on his face, a somewhat disturbing grin; "Oh, you MAY just be right about that." He picks up a loose brick and holds it in one hand. His eyes focused on Starbolt and his grin still wide on his face he closes his hand deliberately, the effort obvious in the muscles on his forearms. Moments later cracks appear in the brick then it begins to crumble in his hand. Emerald Dragon drops the crumbs of the brick and dusts his hand off. His grin softens to be more natural; "Yes, I think between myself and Meltdown we should be able to loosen some tongues."

Manta Lad was visibly relieved at the response. "Thanks, guys. Thanks." Now he would eagerly lose himself in the work at hand with a ferocity and determination that matched his need to not think about losing another parent. The kid would find Manta Man and the Crusaders, no matter what it took.

The heroes discuss their options on the roof.  It is decided that tonight they will attempt to ambush the Crushers at Manning Enterprises.  Before that they will split up to gather as much information as possible.

·         Emerald Dragon will go to Fear Island Super-Penitentiary to interview the incarcerated Infidel members.

·         Manta Lad and Meltdown will see what information they can gather by hacking TEACHER.

·         Starbolt will meet with Detective Broyko to learn what the Crusher Crimewave Task Force knows.

The members look Phade and the ‘Silent Devil’ to see if they will join one of the groups or what they will do.

[GM Note: Thank you for your patience.  You can still have further interviews with Jessica.  Let me know that you do and I will respond with further questions or have your first interview as case maybe.  I am attaching the Manning Enterprises maps for your ambush planning.  If there is anything else you want to add to the rooftop discussion, send that in as part of the next turn and I will include it in to Issue 3.]

<Due Date: Mar 3^rd, Actions? Replies?>

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Emails submitted for Issue 2

Starbolt reply

I will not be giving an interview to the reporter. I don't want to broadcast what powers I have in case the bad guys are watching. I would like to suggest to the other heroes that we go somewhere that we can talk in private. When we are alone, I will tell them that I think something could have happened to the team.(Blizzard not being back to work on his comic book)Some of the Crusaders have personal commitments that they would have to be back to take care of. I will introduce myself to the group.

1. My name is Meltdown, and my powers are extreme stamina and Disintegration.

2. My purpose here is to investigate.

3. As stated, I am only here to investigate, not challenge a group of 10 super villains!

Meltdown steps out of the shadows, pulling his cloak deeper over his head; obscuring his face from view. "Manta-Lad, what happened? I would like to take a look at your super-computer."

Manta Lad:

“Um,” said Manta Lad to the skull faced man who towered over him. “Uh… Meltdown, right?"

Manta Lad thought, “Ai ai ai! These guys are humongous! And most of them look like bad guys! A green, bat-winged monsteroid! A death’s headed guy in black! A freakin’ devil! Whatever. I hope Manta Man knew what he was doing. Knows. I mean, knows what he’s doing. Get yourself together. Don't blow it. You can totally do this.”

Manta Lad gulped hard, cleared his throat and said in his most serious, superhero tough-guy voice to all the superheroes: “Thanks for answering the call, everyone. I need to brief you, but away from the reporters. Follow me, please.”

The teeneager raised his arms and the black, manta-shaped wing-cape took him into the air. He wouldn’t fly far. Just to a nearby rooftop so they'd be out of sight of the press, Crusader Citadel, and Detective Broyko.

Out of Character (OOC): 

Hi everyone. I’m Jeff. Nice to meet you. Excited to be playing.

Thanks.

Best,

Jeff

Emerald Dragon

IC: Emerald Dragon looked over everyone that was gathered; reporters, police, and civilians. He has a big heart (even bigger now that it is a dragon's) but he is smart enough to realize that despite his intentions he looks like the coming of Ragnarok and most people will be intimidated by his appearance. He shrugs briefly and listens to the long report given by Jessica Anderson, head spinning slightly at all the information she lays out. He occasionally glances at Detective Broyko who he notices is eyeing the group with a speculative expression on his face. Emerald Dragon briefly approached Jessica when she nears the group; "You can call me Emerald Dragon and I will be happy to give you an interview once I have met with my companions to get more of the story. For now suffice it to say that if the Crushers show up, I will be here to meet them."
Emerald Dragon looks down at Manta Lad and nods at his greeting and his words. Momentarily after Manta Lad flies off he spreads his wings wide and leaps into the air, wings catching the wind and blowing back at those nearby. He circles the roof where Manta Lad landed the drops to the rooftop gracefully, landing next to him.
Emerald Dragon grins broadly, amused at the effect this often has on people with his draconic countenance; "Well I am here and interested in hearing anything more you have to offer once the rest arrive. I am Emerald Dragon, as if you may not have guessed. It is a pleasure to meet you, all things considered."
OOC: Hello to everyone as well, my name is Jan and it has been a LONG time since I have played V&V. I hope to have a grand old time with it. :-)
Tom, my character is obviously interested in giving the interview. So I am ready for the back and forth to complete the interview.

GM Reply

Anderson gives a small smile.  Investigation?  That sounds interesting Meltdown.  Would you be willing to tell me what you are investigating?

Tom

GM Reply

Jessica will be smiling at you with her best smile. She motions for the camera to be turned off.  She states, "I understand your not wanting to give an interview and providing too much information.   I am not like the reporters from Power Witness Weekly or Truth Seeker Weekly News.  I really do want to introduce Megalopolis to one of its newest heroes."  She walks a little closer and coos, "How about giving only your Superhero name and that winning smile on camera. That is all I need handsome."

She waits expectantly for your answer.

[GM note: Having Heightened Charisma is awesome, isn't it]

Tom 

OOC: Yeah, If my Hght. Chr. can help the team it will be great. IC: I would be happy to give you the quick interview after I meet with my team mates. Starbolt then steps back and takes flight. As he makes his way to meet up with the rest of the group he thinks " I hope we can get to the bottom of what is going on." When he lands he addreses Manta-Lad. "M-L, what information do you have for us?" "To the rest of you I am Starbolt, It is my pleasure to make your aquaintance."

OOC: Hello guys, my name is Jamey, I think this will be fun.

I am not able to give you that information until a later time. But I will keep you informed. Thank you.

Meltdown flies into the sky right behind the others. Landing in clear view of all other heroes, he laughs. "Emerald Dragon? Nice name. Did you come straight out of a Godzilla movie? You look a little small for a dragon."

"Manta-Lad, please bring us up to speed. Is Manta-Man safe?"

OOC: Hello all, Andrew here, experienced heavily with PBEM's but it is my first V&V PBEM however. Glad to meet everyone.

IC: Emerald Dragon laughs loudly at that comment; "Well out of China actually, but not originally. This form is quite new to me so I really don't know WHAT is going to happen as I get older. That being said it is a pleasure to meet you. What name do you go by?

You can call me Meltdown. And you can feel free to guess what I can do ;)

Phade agrees to a short interview after he talks to Manta Lad.  As the others begin to follow Manta Lad Phade approaches Emerald Dragon and asks, “My name is Phade, can you give  me a lift as flying isn’t one of my powers?”

Manta Lad landed on the rooftop with his back to the heroes that followed him. He was still for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. Then he turned to face them, and blurted it all out.

“I don’t know if Manta Man is safe! He’s missing. So are all the Crusaders. None of them answer. I  called you here.”

The kid sounded distraught, like he had lost his parents or something.

“I don’t know what to do. No one’ll listen to me. I think Mocker is behind the Crusher Crimewave. And I think the Crushers have captured the Crusaders! But the police won’t believe me because I’m just a kid.

If Manta Man was here he’d say something like, we need to stop the Crimewave, and get answers out of the Crushers.”

Just mentioning Manta Man seemed to give the kid some reassurance; direction.

“I, uh… can get us inside Manning Enterprises, the only big electronics guys left in the city that the Crushers haven’t hit yet. We can stake it out and ambush them. Get some answers. Find Manta Man. ”

He turned to the scary skull guy: “I can’t get into the Citadel, I’m not a Crusader, but I can, uh, hack into TEACHER if you want.”

Then to everyone: “We, uh, should probably talk to Mocker’s ex-buddies who are in lock up, too. See if they, like, know anything. The police… wouldn’t let me do that either. Maybe one of you could?”

The un-titanic teen finally stopped. He had gotten it all out without crying.

He looked up at the heroes, fairly pleading. “Will you guys help me... please?”

IC: Emerald Dragon looks down at Manta Boy with a small smile playing across his face; "Of course I will help you, the Crushers need to be stopped. You did well in taking the initiative to gather the group of us to assist you."

OOC: BTW, Emerald Dragon would have had no problem giving Phade a lift to the roof.
        Sir GM, am still waiting to do that interview when you have the opportunity. :-)

Starbolt draws in a slow breath, and thinks to himself "So my hunch is correct, something is wrong. Don't worry Bobby, we'll find you and the rest" Turning to face Manta-Lad, he says, "You can count me in. I think that the stake-out would be a good idea, after we find out what is going on with Teacher."  "It might be stating the obvious, but I think several of you might be able to scare some information out of Mocker's buddies."

IC: Emerald Dragon looks over at Starbolt and a wide grin appears on his face, a somewhat disturbing grin; "Oh, you MAY just be right about that." He picks up a loose brick and holds it in one hand. His eyes focused on Starbolt and his grin still wide on his face he closes his hand deliberately, the effort obvious in the muscles on his forearms. Moments later cracks appear in the brick then it begins to crumble in his hand. Emerald Dragon drops the crumbs of the brick and dusts his hand off. His grin softens to be more natural; "Yes, I think between myself and Meltdown we should be able to loosen some tongues."

OOC: With a base HTH of 2d8 and a damage modifier of +5 that would make his minimum damage 7. Brick I believe has a SR of 5 (from the book), so I figured it would be pretty basic for him to be able to crush a brick. If I am overstepping feel free to modify the post. 

Manta Lad was visibly relieved at the response. "Thanks, guys. Thanks." Now he would eagerly lose himself in the work at hand with a ferocity and determination that matched his need to not think about losing another parent. The kid would find Manta Man and the Crusaders, no matter what it took.

OOC:

Hi everyone. Looks like 'today' we split up?

Some of us go to Fear Island for Infidel interrogation.

Some of us hack into TEACHER. Maybe this team also contacts Doc Morrow, TEACHER's inventor?

Maybe some of us could see what the police know, get dossiers on the known Crushers from Broyko, see if there are any known Weaknesses to exploit? What time of night do the Crushers normally stage their break ins? Is there a pattern? How do they normally break in? etc.

If these are our choices, the teenage troublemaker will join the TEACHER team. Sounds like Dragon wants Fear Island and Meltdown is on TEACHER team? Everyone else?

If no one volunteers for the police team, Manta Lad will switch to that job, reluctantly.

Any other ideas for what we could be doing today?

This evening we regroup, share our findings, respond to discoveries (if any)? Then tonight we set the ambush at Manning Enterprises?

Does this sound right? Any other thoughts?

Tom, I know Enforcer's arch enemy is Mercury Merc. Does Manta Man have an arch nemesis among the Infidels or the known Crushers? Thanks.

Best,

Jeff / Manta Lad

GM Reply

Infidels

Mocker: Active - Location Unknown

Acylla: Imprisoned - Fear Island Super Prison

Bull: Active – North American Continent; Member of the Crushers

Cannonball: Imprisoned - Fear Island Super Prison

Killshot: Imprisoned - Fear Island Super Prison

Repulse: Imprisoned - Fear Island Super Prison

Riptide: Imprisoned - Fear Island Super Prison

Sadhana: Imprisoned - Fear Island Super Prison

Shrew: Dead

Toxic: Imprisoned - Fear Island Super Prison

Zymba: Active – African Continent

Sounds good to me... And I thought I needed manta lad to help me get into teacher?

OOC: Starbolt will take whichever job you need him to take. I could talk to the police; see if this increased charisma helps out.

IC: The Interview: Emerald Dragon eventually seeks out Jessica Anderson for a more comprehensive interview. Sitting down with her he begins by answering her initial questions; "Who I was before is irrelevant now, I am Emerald Dragon. As is obvious I can use my wings to fly. I have the ability to take a good amount of punishment and to dish it out with my fists as well. I have other abilities as well which I wish to remain secret for now lest my foes have the chance to prepare for me. I was summoned to the Citadel apparently by Manta Lad and I am here to assist with whatever needs to be done. If the Crushers stand in my way I will definitely meet them head on with the intention of sending them packing or to prison. Do you have any other questions?

OOC: He definitely is interested in going to interrogate the captured Infidels before returning to help set up an ambush for the Crushers.

Are there any other things he needs to make clear or deal with that I can address?

Jan

OOC:

Great. So Manta Lad is with Meltdown on TEACHER. Thanks!

Riptide is one scary looking dude! The boy birostris is glad he's in lockup!

IC: Starbolt will also seek out Jessica for his interview. "My name is Starbolt. I am here to help with the crime wave. My actual powers I would rather keep to myself. No sence giving the opposition any advanced information." "If you would like a better interview, maybe we could arrange one at a later time."

OOC: I would like to seek out the police commander to see if I can get any information from him. If Jessica has any information that she would be willing to share, I would be interested in that too.

 Starbolt would like to help plan the ambush after talking to the police, if that is an option. Otherwise I will just talk to the police

Emerald Dragon will also help plan the ambush after he interviews the Infidels.
 

OOC:

Manta Lad will help with ambush too.

Also, can the TEACHER hacking team also talk to Doc Morrow?

Thanks,

Jeff / Manta Lad

Yes, but they have to talk to Dr. Morrow first and it has to be by electronic communication. You don't have time to visit him in person.

Tom

Crusade: Meet me at the Citadel - Issue 1

It is night time at Manning Enterprises.  It is not unusual for the computer in the office of Carter Manning to be on this late.  What is unusual is Carter is nowhere to be found. Someone else is at the computer and he is using it to break into the main network system.  The shadowy figure works quickly to navigate around the firewall and into the back door that Carter had created for himself.  Careful not to signal his electronic presence, he finds the file he is looking for.  He executes Operation Next application with the file linked as the source data.  The shadowy figure leaves the office as the invitations head to their destination.

All across the cities of the Megalopolis people are receiving a very unique invitation.  They have been asked to consider joining the most famous active Superhero team.  Manta-Man’s signature was at the bottom of the electronic invitations.  All were asked to meet him at the Crusader Citadel today.

Phade strapped on his gear and verified his blaster was fully charged.  He had started patrolling Center City after CHESS had locked it down. The crimewave of the Crushers was spreading. CHESS couldn’t bring an end to it and therefore they were at least containing to Center City. It was a good thing that the Crusaders had finally returned from their absence.  “It seemed like a strange time for them to recruit”, Phade thought. “Maybe using me as reinforcement would help bring the Crushers down sooner and let me prove my worth at the same time”. Phade opened his teleportation portal. He knew a blind alley near the Citadel which would always have one of its three walls in darkness to connect his portal to. As he stepped in he thought, “There has to be more reinforcements than just me.”

Emerald Dragon soared between the tall skyscrapers of Center City. He had been surprised to have received Manta-Man’s email at his old private investigator account: jamesicpi@megalopolis.gov. He was excited about getting a chance to help bring an end to the Crusher Crime Spree. Center City had a special feeling to him.  While Soiree Heights had the best restaurants and the richest clients, it was in the bottom of a valley. There wasn’t any wind up drafts and down drafts that so appealed to his dragon side.  Hallowed Hills had the mountains and winds to appease any dragon but it was a city locked in the past. That drove the man in Emerald Dragon crazy.  Center City, the business heart of the Megalopolis, had everything for both man and dragon. When he was a P.I. it always provided the best clients.  The cases were not the typical scumbag jobs a lot of investigators would get.  The skyscrapers gave the same feel of being in the mountains and the wind currents were awesome. He is a creature of the city and Center City is his new home. Spotting the Citadel, Emerald Dragon banks hard to his right.  Spreading his wings wide he prepares to land.

Meltdown moved silently and quickly between the alleyways and side streets.  He phased in and out as he ran through dumpsters and parked cars. When he came to a location with people he would phase and jump above them.  Running on the air over their heads, he would pass unseen. For a place with so many flying superheroes and villains, the citizens of Megalopolis didn’t look up very often.  In his non corporeal form he ran straight toward the Citadel.  His search for the Black Legion has been fruitless, maybe with the resources of the Crusaders he can find them.  It would also be good to be apart from a team again.  While he doesn’t regret the decisions he has made since his escape, he missed the teamwork. Now was the time for Meltdown to make an impact on the crimewave.  Seeing the Citadel ahead, he looks for the best position to wait for the arrival of Manta-Man.  Selecting his spot, he floats down to it and returns to his solid form.

Starbolt was surprised when he received the message on his secure cell phone.  The Crusaders have been gone for at least two months. He had expected to here from his cousin first.  The next issue of Ninjaman was late and Bobby would be in a panic. Usually when this happened Bobby would call ‘his cuze’ to run errands while he would work on his comic non-stop. Starbolt enters the special code into this time card given to him by Carter Manning when he started working at Manning Enterprises.  He then leaves for the day. He walks over to the employee fitness center.  He gets into sauna #1. He pushes in a special located tile in the back corner. On the side in the mortar is a key hole. He uses his special pass key to open Manta-Man’s secret locker room.  He changes into costume.  When ready he takes the stairs to the roof.  Exiting the fake utility room, he looks to the sky.  Once sure he will leave unobserved, Starbolt takes flight.  He streaks toward the Citadel. He really looked forward to showing Manta-Man and his cousin, Blizzard, that he is ready to be a Crusader.

Phil pays the cab driver his fare.  He had expected it would have been difficult getting a cab while he was wearing his coat and had an extra large Fedora pulled down over his head covering his face.  It was not a problem at all.  The cabbie asked for half the fare upfront and then gladly drove him over to the Citadel. He knew he didn’t have to arrive this way.  He can fly himself when he was engulfed in his flames.  He should be known as well. After all he had been fighting evil in Hallowed Hills.  He found out that was the case.  He wasn’t known at all.  He had learned that “What happens in Hallowed Hills stays in Hallowed Hills”. So he had come this way to be sure someone didn’t think he was a Crusher instead of a potential Crusader. The mistake was quite possible since he had the name and appearance of Filius Sathani … “Son of Satan”

As all approached Crusader Citadel they see that the police have setup barricades. Earlier in the week there had been demonstrations by citizens that were upset the Crusaders had not ended the crime spree. Today there are no protesters.

Just the police and the reporter Jessica Anderson are present. The invitees all take positions within hearing distance of the TV camera truck.  All can hear the news feed in the truck and listen to the broadcast feed while Jessica waits for her live spot to start.

The lead anchor is discussing the current local political issue.  Labor unions are protesting and placing serious political pressure on the legislature to stop Joshua Rose from forming his new company, Meta-Manpower.  “While super powered individuals can be licensed to be superheroes, they cannot and should not be allowed to be considered Forklifts or Cranes in the workplace” says Teamster Leader Johnny Dugan. “There is no way a person can pass OSHA rules for mechanical safety. Super Strength is not a labor skill and will not be allowed to become a job qualification.”

The lead anchor states “There are conflicting legislative motions on the house floor.  One motion exempts Meta-Manpower employees from existing OSHA and certain labor laws.  The other holds these individuals to tighter regulation.  We contacted StarCorp requesting an interview with Mr. Rose. We were told he was unavailable for comment. The AFL-CIO was able to get a court injunction preventing the company from taking job application or placing any existing employees on contract with other companies.  The injunction is in place until the Legislator has passed clarifying labor laws for the situation.”

The anchor then turns in his chair and a graphic appears behind his head.  It is a graphic with the words ‘Crusher Crimewave’. “We are showing you video taken earlier today outside Crusader Citadel.” The video shows several police officers and a detective wearing a Fedora. A shadow moves across the men and the sound of flapping wings can be heard. Suddenly a hand reaches on screen from above the detective and snatches his hat off his head.  The detective yells, “You blasted Vulture! Give me my hat back.” Off screen is heard the sound of cackling laughter. “That’s Peregrine! Copper! If you want your hat come and get it”.  The roar of a CHESS skycycle is heard as a Knight gives chase.

The anchor then says “We go live now to Jessica at Crusader Citadel.”  Jessica replies and starts her report. “Thanks Ed, I am standing in front of Crusader Citadel. For those few in our audience which might not know, this is the headquarters of the Crusaders.  Crusader Citadel is situated in the top four floors of the Harmon Building at the corner of Lake and Center streets in downtown Center City. It is heavily guarded by advanced automatic defensive systems and contains the launch platform for the Crusader’s mini-space shuttle as well as the TEACHER computer system, a near- sentient computer of ultra-advanced design.

“The Crusaders are and always have been the primary band of heroes in Center City. They consist of Manta-Man, their leader, with devices for water breathing, flight, paralysis, and lightning control, his sidekick Manta-Lad, Evergreen, the mystic plantwoman who animates and controls vegetation, Blizzard, a hero with Ice and Vibratory powers, Dreamweaver, the mistress of illusion, Enforcer, a super-powered secret agent, and finally Laserfire, a hero with flame power and Light control.

The arch-foes of the Crusaders are the Infidels, a loose confederation of many individuals’ villains who have cause to hate the Crusaders for one reason or another.  The last we had heard the team had disbanded after their fail attempt to steal a Statcom Communications Satellite in 2001.”

Jessica then moves into the Building. “I’m here in the lobby of the Harmon Building, Ed, and all seems unnaturally peaceful. For the Crusaders are out of town once again, and neither the roar of their mini space shuttle nor the sounds of superpowered conflict have been heard here in Center City for almost two months. But this is not because the city is peaceful; rather it signals the go-ahead for the most terrifying crimewave to ever sweep this metropolis.

“The Crushers, new players in Megalopolis, prance almost unopposed through our fair community. Already they have assaulted and nearly demolished two businesses dealing in high technology, carting off truckloads of components to an unknown destinations for some un-guessable purpose.  They have robbed Emerson Electronics, StarCorp, Vanguard Incorporated, and Yamashito Electronics.

“The CHESS and the police have been unable to stop this band of marauders, said to consist of seven known Crushers: the armored FIST, Temper, the brutish Bull, the freezing Master Zero, the Shrew, the Peregrine, and the Mercury Mercenary.

“No other Crushers have been seen at these break-ins, but at least three other known Crushers are believed to be on the loose.  They are Marionette, a mind-controlling female midget, Stormlord, a British weather controlling villain, and the Hornet, with technological insect powers. Authorities have been unable to identify the criminal mastermind behind the team.

Jessica walks out of the lobby to where the police barricade is.

“And the break-ins continue. Detective Victor Broyko, head of the Crusher Crimewave task force, of the Megalopolis police force urges calm but admits that without help from the Crusaders or some other superhero group the chances of finally ending this rampage are minimal.

Jessica turns to Detective Victor Broyko, “Detective what do you have to say about the rumors going virual that the Crushers are really the next generation of the Infidels.” Broyko responds, “We on the task force take the rumor very seriously but we can’t find any facts to substantiate it.  The fact that Bull is part of the team is the only link we can find.  But it isn’t surprising that he had joined another them when the Infidels were finally defeated and the majority of them were locked up in Fear Island Super-Penitentiary. The Mocker hasn’t been seen for years and while Bull has been a villain for ten years but he is not smart enough to make it on its own.

“The websites have tried to point that the Shrew is a teammate as well. The fact they are choosing to ignore is this. The Shrew from the Infidels is dead.  She died in the Infidel attack on your TV station when Weaselmaniac lost control of his rabid pets.  This is a different Shrew. This Shrew was a heel on Beautiful Ladies of Wrestling before turning to crime.”

Jessica asked about the speculation that the Mocker is really the criminal Mastermind behind the Crushers.  “The Crushers M.O. is just like the Infidels.  Meta-based Electronics experts believe Mocker’s A.I. has become locked in an endless ‘Do … Loop’ for his criminal plans”.  Detective Broyko nods, “Yes, there are similarities but not all the facts line up.  We know that:

a)     The Crusaders went through normal channels to alert authorities when they left, and there is no indication that their absence is the result of any sort of foul play.

b)    The Crusaders’ current assignments are secret.

c)     TEACHER has been known to go on the fritz before, so the phone response malfunction in not all that surprising. The authorities are contacting a Dr. Bennet Morrow, TEACHER’s designer, to see if he can fix the problem.”

Jessica concludes her interview and walks to the center of the Plaza. “Where are you Crusaders? The city needs you.

Jessica Anderson, WCTV, at the Crusader Citadel”

The voice of Ed, anchorman, is heard. “Thank you for that report, Jessica”

Jessica approaches each of the invitees and asks for an interview.

[GM note: if you want to grant an interview to Jessica send me an email answering the following questions

A.    Superhero name and abilities

B.    Purpose here at the Citadel

C.    Do they intend to take on the Crushers.

I will follow up with an email roleplaying Jessica with follow up questions.  If any PC answers affirmatively to question C. Detective Broyko will approach the PC with his own set of questions.]

As the invitees are addressed by Jessica, a shadow passes over them.  The shadow has the form of Manta-Man.  Watching the hero land, all are struck with the fact something is different about the costume.  It wasn’t Manta-Man.  Starbolt voiced out loud what the others were wondering.

“Manta-Lad, what are you doing here?”

<Due Date: Feb 9^th, Actions? Replies?>