Location: Megalopolis and Beyond.
As the Dhole dissipated into a greasy cloud, Adamas looked around at the damage to his surrounding he was totally unaware of during the battle. So focused he had been on the task at hand, he did not even realize he himself was putting innocents at risk, destroying property, and harming those he desired only to protect. He quickly assessed that local law and medical teams appeared to have the situation at the bridge in hand before heading back to the island to reconnect with his team. He quickly located them, along with Dr Arcane who was speaking to some men garbed in suits he could only describe as "government issue."
A news crew approached. They requested an interview. Dr. Arcane politely declined while allowing himself to be filmed and indicated the decision is up to each person on whether to speak with the reporter or not.
Windblown politely refused comment and instead sought to join up with the others back at headquarters to discuss things.
Adamas landed a short distance away. DarkStar clapped his friend on the back "Here's the hero of Megalopolis today. Adamas's quick thinking and swift actions kept that monster at bay, enabling the other heroes who showed up today to save the lives of countless Festival attendees." Looking over the heads of the FISH team and news crew Joshua saw the snail’s pace (by his standards) being made by the EMTs. "Excuse me but I have a few things to take care of. If you have time after Adamas and don't mind being teleported to one of the local hospitals, you can find me assisting evacuating the wounded."
*Whoump*
Adamas shook his head at the part he played in this battle. It seemed instinct had taken over. He had "known" what had to be done to stop the Star Devourer, but how? Surely he could have done something to save that CHESS agent, or kept debris from his attacks from striking innocents. A look of solemn determination came upon his face.
"I will speak to the people," the enigmatic man of tomorrow said in low tones. He allowed himself to be led to the reporters, glancing at the cameras as they flashed and whirred.
"People of Earth, I am not of this planet, but my hope has always been to be one of your protectors. My friends and I have won a victory here today, but at what cost. We were fortunate to have support from your police, CHESS, and I believe I even saw some costumed vigilantes in the crowds striving to protect the innocent. They are the true heroes today."
"My actions were reckless and I apologize to the people of Megalopolis. When Dr. Arcane called us together, I saw an opportunity to protect this world, and I hope to be allowed to continue that quest, but today I stand before you asking your forgiveness for not putting your safety first. It is a mistake I vow not to make again. I only hope you will give me that chance, and ask that you do not hold my actions against these others who fought this great evil without putting your populace at risk."
"My large blue friend's heart is with the people and I will strive to be more like him. Agent America seeks only to serve, and asks no thanks, and Wind Blown was key to stopping the villains, hurting no innocent. I will learn from them, and hopefully someday I too will be someone you will be able to call a hero."
"Thank You." Having completed his speech, Adamas leaped into the air and heads back to the mansion at near top speed.
As DarkStar teleported Festival attendees from the festival grounds to the hospitals, he was joined by web journalist Roger Devore. He is lead reporter for Capes. Capes is the number one Meta-human reporting sight on the web. His blog and twitter accounts have more followers than CNN and ESPN combined. Critics have hailed him as this generations’ Ernest Hemingway. Roger joyfully rode and reported from the “DarkStar Express” as Joshua teleported across Megalopolis with him for the rest of the day. Tweeter exploded as followers swarmed to “#WHOUMP” and “#DarkStarExpress”.
Agent America headed to meet his contact. He thought back to the first time they had met. He was with MEDUSA and the contact was with the company. Agent America had been sent to Asia to perform an agent extraction. The man now known as Craftsman was the handler. The situation was difficult. The agent had broken protocol by establishing relations with indigenous people. He had been burned for it. He at first refused to leave without them but it wasn’t his decision or safe for them. When the company wasn’t going pull him out it became MEDUSA’s responsibility. MEDUSA for all its flaws still believed in “No man left behind”; soldier or spy.
The handler was good, the spy was great, and the super spy was the greatest. Together they had cut a path across the pacific, leaving ruin in their wake. Unfortunately during their time together it was obvious the spy would not join MEDUSA. He wouldn’t rest until he retrieved those he had left behind. With great reluctance, Agent America followed orders to bring the spy to Professor Patriot. The spy and the professor came to an understanding. The spy left his old life behind, forgetting about Asia. He became Enforcer of the Crusaders.
Craftsman agreed to assist MEDUSA on the condition he had access to Asia to monitor and intervene in his old cases. MEDUSA agreed. He was instrumental in the creation of The Commander’s armored suit, Frank’s current body known as Meganaut, and the War Wagon. He had since gone freelance. Craftsman was the one tricking out Agent America’s car. The Star Spangled Super Spy drove his car into the warehouse. He signaled using a combination of headlights and horn blasts as he had been instructed. An interior wall rose to review a hidden workshop. He pulled his car in.
Windblown was shocked when he arrived home to find 4 messages on his phone. All from Meta-Manpower incorporated. He was being called in for a job interview. He quickly called back setting up an appointment for the next day. He spent the rest of the day checking the resume he sent in to remember what he had written. None of it was lies but a good resume is written for the specific employment opportunity. He needed to refresh himself on why Meta-Manpower wanted a social worker on staff.
The next morning he put on his best suit. He packed his Windblown suit in a gym bag with workout clothes on top. He put it in the trunk of his car. Kyle knew he wouldn’t need it at the interview because Joshua Rose would have a top notch security staff. He was bringing it in case Dr. Avery called him.
The interview went well. He had been totally wrong about why he was being interviewed. He had been offered the job at the end of the interview. That was a first; it would appear that all of Joshua’s companies operated at a break neck speed like their boss did. Hopefully they are as well armored as DarkStar. Kyle was surprised by the focus of his new job. He had expected he would be helping low powered Metas adjust to the demands of the workplace and putting their past behind them. That wasn’t it. It turned out that Germany was their largest customer. They are shifting their workforce to utilize Meta power beings as much as possible. Kyle would help screen and prepare them to work overseas. While the pay was significantly better than being offered in the states, the cultural change would be significant. He was being hired to make the transition as smooth as possible.
StarCorp was struggling to meet its sales forecast for the year. The current USA debt ceiling crisis had killed all of the expected orders that they were counting for the two new Diatanium production facilities. Fortunately they were able to get export licenses to a few select foreign countries. Trish had to step in to work the international channels. There was no way she was going to let StarCorp have it first series of layoffs. Joshua wouldn’t understand while he didn’t care about profits he needed the cash flow to fund his projects. So while he was away working on his current special space project {DarkStar Semi-Annual, available now}, she was going be StarCorp’s leading salesman.
That is why these series of meetings had been so important. Professor Layton Abercrombie was empowered by the government of Great Britain to buy as much Diatanium as possible. He was attempting to convince StarCorp to open a third plant in the U.K. The wondrous metal of Joshua Rose made steam powered technology possible. It solved the whole weight and size problem. They would be able to revert to lighter than air travel. England’s dependence on foreign oil would be eliminated. Professor Layton explained how the analog engine would eliminate cyber crime by foreign governments and terrorist organizations because they would be no longer using electronic devices. The combination of these advances would allow them to travel the Ether-space to distance worlds. At dinner Professor Layton explained to Trish how employment in the U.K. will reach record lows as the remaining work force return to Britain’s agricultural roots. Textiles of cotton and silk will become thriving industries once again. It is his goal to return his country to its core strengths and self-sufficiency. Professor Layton invited Trish to follow up with any questions or visits she deemed necessary to complete their business arrangement.
Adamas enjoyed the comfort of space again. He had a lot to work on. He agreed to help DarkStar with his special space project and he needed further training. He meant every word in his interview. He realized he didn’t need to work on his agility as much as he did on his vision. How did he let himself become so clouded? He blasted several asteroids in rapid succession. He focused on identifying the smallest pours on them. He needed to see clearly and powerfully. He focused his eyes on his goal. He focused on the power of sight.
Agent America reviewed the data gathered by the Craftsman with him.
Doctor Clinton Avery, BBA,MS,PhD,PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Parapsychology and History of Occult Science and three time Nobel Laureate. He had one daughter: Elizabeth Avery Hannah now deceased. One son-in-law: Trevor Hannah now deceased. They were survived by their daughter: Donnah Hannah, Dr. Avery’s granddaughter. They both reside in Hallowed Hills of Megalopolis. Neither is wanted by any government agencies. Dr. Avery does have contacts with CHESS and FISH who use him to consult on matters of the Occult. There is a 5 year period where Dr. Avery was on extended sabbatical. It is not know what he was researching at the time as no known book or paper was published. There is speculation that it was a mental breakdown because his departure occurred right after Elizabeth and Trevor’s death. He had taken Donnah with him.
Donnah Hannah had been home school therefore no academic records or much other information either. She is in her twenties but because her birth records were lost in a fire at the courthouse in the county she was born in. Her exact age couldn’t be determined. She is either 22 or 27. The fire had occurred before the records were archived electronically with the state.
Pietor has a doctorate in Archaeology. Before he came to work for Dr. Avery he was fired from his teaching job because of a paper he wrote advocating that archaeological finds should belong to the teams and sponsoring institutions and not the government that the item was located in. He was given a chance to withdrawal the paper and apologize. He refused.
Nothing that wasn’t falsified could be found on Miss Ellie, Dr. Avery’s personal assistant. The Craftsman guessed it was a forged identity. If Agent America was interested in the fake identity, he could provide it.
Dr. Arcane was a very distinguished Super Hero. He was a member of the Super Society from 1990 to 1994. He is credited with assisting the Indestructables with a time-traveling to 1497. In 1999 Dr. Arcane publicly retired from Super hero activity but there is no record of his being active from 1994 to 1999.
Adamas is an alien of unknown origin. He was found by the Government Intelligence Agency: Non-Terrestials (G.I.A.N.T) near Space Station I. Adamas was with the Super Forces briefly. He has no known location of residence on Earth. He appeared to travel the globe to learn and assist those in near. Currently he has spent the majority of his time around Hallowed Hills.
Craftsman was unable to find anything on Windblown.
Joshua Rose, ex-navy commander, ex MEDUSA agent, founder of StarCorp and Meta-Manpower inc. He sells his services to different government agencies through the use of consulting contracts. He is on the watch list by the Cyber Crimes task force. While it is known he is information driven there is no evidence of virus creation or computer high jacking. There is suspicion that he accessed the protocols to Military Satellites and gained the information on how to arm and fire them {as seen in Issue 6 of Quest ~ editor}. There was not enough virtual evidence to try him for the crime. All protocols have been changed since.
No information on the Commander was available. Craftsman reminded Agent America that when a person joined MEDUSA their life before that becomes “stone”. It is in the past and it is meaningless to what the person will become.
Agent America thanked Craftsman then he left. He lay by the Bellagio pool for a few days. There he met Madge Eagleton. She had long brown hair which was always in a ponytail. Her body was tan and lithe. She was strong and graceful in movement, like a panther. With her, he drank, gambled, and forgot all about this Agent America business... and that dream.
** After the events of DarkStar Semi-Annual **
{Available in the Message Section of the Megalopolis Yahoo group}
Rall of the Capellon Hegemony and Xovert Le Tize of the Zorn Empire studied the computer readouts in sickbay of Space Station I. Commander Astro was standing next to them. Detective Ravage and Agent L were watching on video screens. Rall thought to himself. Who is this DarkStar that he would warrant the attention of the triumvirate of GIANT? He was able to gather leading minds of the humans to support his project. He was able to garner the support of Adamas. Now all three are here to know the situation of this man’s health, I can understand Commander Astro. The project was a space jumper. Supposedly this human used it to jump from Earth to Mars. So that would be Commander Astro’s responsibility but Detective Ravage was responsible for aliens committing criminal acts on Earth and Agent L is the tactical officer of the Men in Black division.
Xovert Le Tize spoke, “The readings are conclusive. The teleportation jump event device did not cause this metabolic event. Patient metabolic structure was in turmoil. Video records point to trauma patient suffered on the Day of the Star-Devourer accelerated metabolic metamorphosis. The boost process from the jump horizon overloaded the transformation. That is why Commander Astro found patient on Mars unconscious. When transformation completed, patient will regain consciousness and be fully healed.”
Dr. Avery finished with his phone call. He had arranged for the cloak to be transported from the Museum. After the theft of the Orbs they were agreeable to take Dr. Avery’s replica and large donations to allow him to keep the actual cloak. The magical properties did not allow it to be moved except by walking or riding in a wheeled vehicle. Safeguard protection services would transport it with another shipment. The rare isotopes should provide adequate cover for the cloak. Dr. Avery would have waited for the others to return to discuss this but they deserved time to rest and recover. Safeguard had a Licensed Superhero Division of their own plus the others would be back before the transfer occurred. There shouldn’t be anything to worry about. “What could possibly go wrong?”
<Due Date: August 17th, Actions? Replies?>
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OOC: Another great issue! Thanks for GM-ing, Tom.
Nice job Adamas, for solving the mystery!
Tom, I'll likely add another function to AA's spy car.
What powers/abilities does AA's spy car currently have, please?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Windblown politely refuses comment and instead seeks to join up with the others back at headquarters (Doc's manor) to discuss things. (More to follow based on discussion between players.)
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Agent America:
(OOC: Has the double agent of democracy heard of FISH?)
As the news cameras approached, the mysterious man from MEDUSA blended into the crowd and disappeared. He didn’t want to risk being photographed next to superheroes.
Via his necklace gizmo, he said to Arcane and the Angels: “Nice job, team. I’ll stay in touch.”
America booked a flight to Vegas. Before he left, he checked in with his mechanic friend. He’d like to install more options into the ‘vette.
(OOC: Tom, for this level advancement, may I please add either hidden machine guns, missiles, a smoke screen, an oil slick, a speed booster, or any combination thereof? Thanks.)
He’d also call his contact who was building files on the Commander, Arcane and the Angels, and check on his progress.
Then he’d lay by the Bellagio pool for a few days. At night, he’d drink, gamble, meet some girls, and forget all about this Agent America business... and that dream.
OOC: Thanks.
Best,
Jeff
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As Adamas and DarkStar joined their fellow Heroes, a news crew approached. They requested an interview with each of you.
Dr. Arcane politely declines which allowing himself to be filmed and indicated the decision is up to each person on whether to speak with the reporter or not.
<DarkStar: IC Response> Clapping his friend on the back "Here's the hero of Megalopolis today. Adamas's quick thinking and swift actions kept that monster at bay, enabling the other hero who showed up today to save the lives of countless Festival attendees." Looking over the heads of the FISH team and news crew Joshua sees the snails pace (by his standards) being made by the EMTs. "Excuse me but I have a few things to take care of. If you have time after Adamas and don't mind being teleported to one of the local hospitals, you can find me assisting evacuating the wounded."
*Whoump*
<DarkStar: Actions> Joshua will offer his assistance to the EMTs teleporting the worst of the wounded directly to the appropriate local hospitals. One of the first things he did when moving to Megalopolis was to create jump points to all the local hospitals and law-enforcement facilities. (see DarkStar: Side Shot #1, check for back issues in the $1.00 bin) He'll give an interview if any of the reporters are willing to risk jumping with him and doing it on the run.
Tom thanks for the great fun
PS: when do we get to how the Crusaders are doing?
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Agent America
OOC: Thanks!
I'll take:
Smoke screen, and flat fixing/self re-inflating tires this time.
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Adamas (OOC): As the dhole dissipates into a greasy cloud, he looks around at the damage to his surrounding he was totally unaware of during the battle. So focused he had been on the task at hand, he did not even realize he himself was putting innocents at risk, destroying property, and harming those he desired only to protect. He quickly assessed that local law and medical teams appeared to have the situation at the bridge in hand before heading back to the island to reconnect with his team. He quickly located them, along with Dr Arcane who was speaking to some men garbed in suits he could only describe as "government issue."
Adamas landed a short distance away, and walked up to the group just in time to hear DarkStar's words and shook his head at the part he played in this battle. It seemed instinct had taken over. He had "known" what had to be done to stop the Star Devourer, but how? Surely he could have done something to save that CHESS agent, or kept debris from his attacks from striking innocents. A look of solemn determination came upon his face.
Adamas (IC): "I will speak to the people," the enigmatic man of tomorrow said in low tones. He allowed himself to be led to the reporters, glancing at the cameras as they flashed and whirred.
"People of Earth, I am not of this planet, but my hope has always been to be one of your protectors. My friends and I have won a victory here today, but at what cost. We were fortunate to have support from your police, CHESS, and I believe I even saw some costumed vigilantes in the crowds striving to protect the innocent. They are the true heroes today."
"My actions were reckless and I apologize to the people of Megalopolis. When Dr. Avery called us together, I saw an opportunity to protect this world, and I hope to be allowed to continue that quest, but today I stand before you asking your fogiveness for not putting your safety first. It is a mistake I vow not to make again. I only hope you will give me that chance, and ask that you do not hold my actions against these others who fought this great evil without putting your populace at risk."
"My large blue friend's heart is with the people and I will strive to be more like him. Agent America seeks only to serve, and asks to thanks, and Wind Blown was key to stopping the villains, hurting no innocent. I will learn fro them, and hopefully someday I too will be someone you will be able to call a hero."
"Thank You." Having completed his speech, Adamas leaps into the air and heads back to the mansion at near top speed.
OOC: Tom, another great episode, I loved the cross series action, really great stuff. In Adamas down time, he wants to focus on his senses, I always meant for him to have Heightened Senses... Maybe he could use inventing points to develop telescopic or x-ray vision with his "ultra eyes", training in Agility and still working on figuring out how he came to Earth, possibly with Dark Star's help...
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GM reply
Thanks, Adamas has advanced a level so you can use your level advancement to gain Heightened Senses: X-ray and Telescopic or you could use split it between Agility and Heightened Sense. If you split Adamas would gain 4 points to Agility score and one of the Heightened Sense choices.
For inventing points, that would be to add features to existing powers, like adding the ability to Auto-Fire with Power Blast.
Let me know what your choice is to do with your level advancement?
I also have a question about the write-up. Did you as a player intend to disclose Dr. Arcane's secret identity? If no, I will change Dr. Avery to Dr. Arcane in the writeup. If yes, it would be totally within character for Adamas to make the mistake, so let the fun continue.
Thanks
Tom
Tom
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Auto-Fire with Power Blast is an option... absolutely want that! Invent away!
Let's go with both Vision abilities if that is possible. Could prove helpful... reminds me of Smallville as Clark "discovers" his new abilities, loving it. I may write that into DS's side shot...
Totally didn't mean to throw Dr. Avery under the bus. Please change it in the write-up to Dr. Arcane.
Let's go with both Vision abilities if that is possible. Could prove helpful... reminds me of Smallville as Clark "discovers" his new abilities, loving it. I may write that into DS's side shot...
Totally didn't mean to throw Dr. Avery under the bus. Please change it in the write-up to Dr. Arcane.
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GM
Yes, both Vision abilities are possible with the level advancement. So we will do Heightened Senses: X-Ray and Telescopic. No Agility improvement for now.
I will pull out the inventing rules tonight and map out the process for adding Auto-Fire to the Power Blast for you. I will change the write-up for you.
Best,
Tom
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Hey Tom
Nice set of stories for July partner. The abruptness of the Street Patrols storyline through me off a bit but I'm EXCITED to see where it leads (glad I posted Archer reaction before Phantom did or I'd be conflicted who t have targeted :) )
I did NOT consider a level advancement while writing the RetCon and the teleport booster is suppose to merely be a plot device. The RetCon wa suppose to be a fairly direct conversion - just dumping the electrical powers, and more importantly all that armor and hit points. As far as the teleport booster, it has so many limitations (requires DS to initiate, is a stationary point to point teleport, has a recharge time of (?? seconds, etc etc.) I wouldn't want to even claim it as an Invention at this point. It is suppose to be one of the steps to inventing a inter-solar space ship with teleportation abilities. Heck I'm not even sure the Mars Jump worked - I left that vague and at your discretion because I thought it would be more fun that way.
Imagine JLU's Javelin but with the ability to use DarkStar's SSPS (Solar System Positioning Signal) a solar system equivalent to GPS. The prototype ship (like the Mars jump) will only work with DS as the "teleport" device, but the end product is suppose to be a weaponized version for GIANT that teleports on its own and even has the ability to make short combat jumps. I'd prefer GIANT have another "contractor" create//incorporate the weapons. StarCorp is a transport company at heart not a weapons maker. I want to keep it that way. Plus I bet that probably is how it works in real life alot anyway - you obviously know more about that than I. Either way I see this project advancing at a rate that suits the needs of the GM/Campaign. As far as how Inventing Points and Wealth are affected? Totally up to you, its all fun storyline stuff to me.
Unless Cmd. Astro turns out to be a real prick or GIANT some "racist" organization, it will have a level of commitment from Joshua as does his Meta-Manpower project. Both because he thinks they are cause worth dedicating himself to. Quest first though (after all the Demons are an immediate threat)
Back to the Subject (my apologies)
- As mentioned I hadn't thought any of these things would result from a level advancement. Just story stuff under your control more than mine really. As far as personal "advancement" goes I have two thoughts.
In no particular order
One - I'm not sure how your going to handle multiple jumps in a Turn giving we are going to the pre-V&V 3.0 rule of 1 action per 10 seconds. It would be nice to be able to use the Dual-Attack by teleport-punch-teleport-punch. If that is possible under these rules then on to Two, if not is that an "advancement" kind of thing?
Two (more of an invention really) - Once again with the new rules in effect (and the RetCon in place) would a Hammer push DS out of your comfort zone as far as his combat abilities? If so TOTALLY COOL, I reiterate whole-heartily the importance of game-balance. Was just curious if with the changes and the RetCon if that may have changed. Can't stress enough my desire not to upset the apple cart when it comes to this - you got enough on your plate without worrying if this is an issue.
Doesn't a Star-Hammer sound really cool though? Not even sure what that would entail but it sounds cool :)
Big Finish
- I suspect "One" is probably already legal, as I also suspect "Two" might still not be a campaign-desirable addition to Big Blue's arsenal. If so, I don't see any reason for utilizing the "level advancement" at this time. Matter of fact if I remember right, it takes 2 "advancements" to add a super-skill and 4 to add a power. If there is some place it might be noted on his character sheet as it being saved up or whatever that would be appreciated.
Heyzeus I do know how to ramble, no? Yes :)
A whole lot of typing to say let's just do the RetCon and put the "level advancement" in our back pocket huh?
Thanks Again, I love Megalopolis and the stories your creating
John Russell
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Hmmm, actually option 1 isn't allowed because all movement is used before or after the attack whether it is a single attack or dual attack. The combat maneuver does have a move by option where an attacker moves the entire movement but does the attack while moving. Distance modifiers are applied and 1/3 damage is applied to attacker (full damage to foe and 1/3 damage to attacker). We could do the level advancement to allow DarkStar to perform his teleportation as a move by attack. He would save 6 Power Points (1 teleport vs 2) but still have distance modifiers and 1/3 damage.
Or you could save it.
On the Star-Hammer, lets see DarkStar in action first. With 3d10 damage he is still top of the rung in V&V. One of the fun things about playing with Jeff Dee as GM, he provided us insight into his thoughts on the Crushers. He called Bull the "Hulk" of the V&V universe. While there are other characters that pack more damage than him, I know from Jeff Dee's point of view that Bull is the line where we cross into "Hulk" level characters. It is something I intend to carry into Megalopolis.
Let me know if you want to level up to option one of teleport punch teleport for PR=6 or teleport punch-punch teleport for PR=8 or if you want to wait to get a better feel for how Retcon DarkStar plays.
I had hoped to get the comics out on Monday but while the change in rules has made them faster to produced, Real Life has push the comics to Thursday.
Thanks
Tom
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Morning Tom
No sweat :) Let's keep the level advancement on hold then. See how the RetCon feels and maybe we can let the "story" suggest where the level advancement should go. I mean it's not like I've done anything off beat with the character recently .. right? (LOL)
Does not Star-Hammer sound cool though? Maybe make a good name for his personal wanna-be Javelin? Nah you probably won't let him arm it and his personal stuff should stay focused on science research and exploration equipment :)
Later pal
John R
(Hulk really? Crap not to far off. I've been visualizing DarkStar on Things power level)
