Thursday, September 8, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Wraith: TAKING OUT THE CONTROLLER - Issue 13
Location: Center City near midnight
The serpent’s head smashed into the passenger window. Oww! The Wraith heard the woman officer scream in pain.
Within the garbage truck, The Wraith heard a communications device sound. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
Ffstt. Ffstt. Thuk! Thuk!
Arrows flew across the sky and struck both the tires on the opposite side from where the driver was standing. The tires deflated and the garbage truck leaned slightly to the side.
The Wraith watched the hooded bowman parkour down the side of the building next to the cruiser with the drugged police officer. He snatched the police radio off the officer’s belt. The bowman to the alley, then drove on a motorcycle in the direction that the third patrol car had gone.
The Wraith telekinetically made his flying bumper twist around like a boomerang. It flew back towards the "trash serpent" at breakneck speed....
...and then suddenly changed course towards "The Trash Man," or whoever our mysterious Rascal of Refuse was, and hit him instead. David figured that taking out the controller would hopefully take out the trash. Unfortunately the blow was not enough to stagger the man, let alone bring him down.
...and then suddenly changed course towards "The Trash Man," or whoever our mysterious Rascal of Refuse was, and hit him instead. David figured that taking out the controller would hopefully take out the trash. Unfortunately the blow was not enough to stagger the man, let alone bring him down.
Officer Perkins ran out of his car. He opened the trunk of his patrol car pulling out his shotgun. He aimed the shotgun at the garbage truck driver.
Ka-Boom!
Unfortunately Carl Perkins was still shaken from the collusion he was in. His aim was off, missing the ambushing Crusher.
FWUUMPH!
A grenade streaked across the sky. It flew into the cab of the garbage truck.
DA-BOOM!
The communications device ceased emitting sound. The steering wheel was gone and the seats were on fire.
The man in the black mask and jacket stayed next to the patrol car watching the fight intently.
Officer Alice Walker struggled in the grip of the trash serpent. She drew her pistol but was unable to find a shot.
Ka-Blam!
She fired in desperation and the shot missed.
Officer Milford rose up from the other side of the car. He fired his service revolver at the trash serpent. His aim was true but it wasn’t enough to drop the debris beast.
The trash serpent yanked Officer Walker from the patrol car. It carried her over and dropped her in the back of the garbage truck.
The Garbage Man stretched his hands again. This time a debris dragon rose from the garbage truck. It attacked Officer Milford. He was able to roll with most of the blow. He grunted in pain but moved away from the trash monster.
Current Conditions:
The Wraith Hit Points: 10 Power Points: 51 Telekinesis Defense inactive
< Due Date: August 31th, Actions, Goal, Replies>
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The Wraith will telekinetically make his flying bumper twist around like a boomerang, fly back towards the "trash serpent" at breakneck speed....
...and then suddenly change course towards "The Trash Man," or whoever our mysterious Rascal Of Refuse is, and hit him instead. David figures that taking out the controller will (hopefully) take out the trash, as it were.
...and then suddenly change course towards "The Trash Man," or whoever our mysterious Rascal Of Refuse is, and hit him instead. David figures that taking out the controller will (hopefully) take out the trash, as it were.
Patrolling the Streets,
Greg
Phantom: On Target - Issue 13
Location: Center City near midnight.
The serpent’s head smashed into the passenger window. Oww! Phantom heard the woman officer scream in pain.
Within the garbage truck, Phantom heard a communications device sound. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
Ffstt. Ffstt. Thuk! Thuk!
Arrows flew across the sky and struck both the tires on the opposite side from where the driver was standing. The tires deflated and the garbage truck leaned slightly to the side.
The hooded bowman parkour down the side of the building next to the cruiser with the drugged police officer. He snatched the police radio off the officer’s belt. The bowman to the alley, then drove on a motorcycle in the direction that the third patrol car had gone.
The flying bumper twist around like a boomerang. It flew back towards the "trash serpent" at breakneck speed....
...and then suddenly changed course towards "The Trash Man," and hit him instead. Unfortunately the blow was not enough to stagger the man, let alone bring him down.
...and then suddenly changed course towards "The Trash Man," and hit him instead. Unfortunately the blow was not enough to stagger the man, let alone bring him down.
Officer Perkins ran out of his car. He opened the trunk of his patrol car pulling out his shotgun. He aimed the shotgun at the garbage truck driver.
Ka-Boom!
Unfortunately Carl Perkins was still shaken from the collusion he was in. His aim was off, missing the ambushing Crusher.
Phantom blocked out all the distraction around him focusing on what he had heard. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
“. . . not happening . . . “, Phantom says in a deep and ominous whisper as he pulls back on the trigger of his M203 Grenade Launcher.
FWUUMPH!
FWUUMPH!
The grenade streaked across the sky. It flew into the cab of the garbage truck.
DA-BOOM!
The communications device ceased emitting sound. The steering wheel was gone and the seats were on fire.
The man in the black mask and jacket stayed next to the patrol car watching the fight intently.
Officer Alice Walker struggled in the grip of the trash serpent. She drew her pistol but was unable to find a shot.
Ka-Blam!
She fired in desperation and the shot missed.
Officer Milford rose up from the other side of the car. He fired his service revolver at the trash serpent. His aim was true but it wasn’t enough to drop the debris beast.
The trash serpent yanked Officer Walker from the patrol car. It carried her over and dropped her in the back of the garbage truck.
The Garbage Man stretched his hands again. This time a debris dragon rose from the garbage truck. It attacked Officer Milford. He was able to roll with most of the blow. He grunted in pain but moved away from the trash monster.
Current Conditions:
Phantom Hit Points: 23 Power Points: 61 Invulnerability: 5
Right FN Five-seveN Pistol: 20 rounds
Left FN Five-seveN Pistol: 20 rounds
AR-57 Assault Rifle: 49 rounds
M406 High-Explosive Round Grenades: 3
<Due Date: August 31th, Actions, Goal, Reply?>
---------------------------------------------------
Street Patrol: Issue 12: On Target.
> PHANTOM’S IC RESPONSE <
BLAM!
The AR-57 round struck the garbage man in the head. The man was unfazed. The round shattered against his skull.
CREAK!
The front bumper to patrol car came off. It floated in the air briefly, and then spun toward the serpent. It missed the bobbing and weaving head of the trash beast.
SMASH!
The serpent’s head smashed into the passenger window. Oww! Phantom heard the woman officer scream in pain.
Within the garbage truck, Phantom heard a communications device sound. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
“ . . . not happening . . . “, Phantom says in a deep and ominous whisper as he pulls back on the trigger of his M203 Grenade Launcher.
FWUUMPH!
> PHANTOM’S GOAL(S) <
Phantom doesn’t know who is who; or what is what, so he’s simply falling back onto his military training. He quickly assesses his surrounding environment, assigns threat levels, establishes primary and secondary targets, and at the same time begins to plan a route for an emergency egress.
His primary target ( the one he just fired on with his grenade launcher ) at the moment is the interior cab area of the garbage truck. He wants to take that out first hoping that it will not only eliminate the trash-powered freak’s mode of transportation, but also wipe out communications between the garbage-based mutant and the rest of his group ( group = the person(s) that were communicating with him just moments ago ).
After firing his grenade launcher Phantom will reload it immediately ( I'm assuming that doesn't require an action? ).
> PHANTOM’S OOC RESPONSE <
I was just wondering, Tom – if for some reason our characters should find that they wanted to stay together as a group after all is said and done – would that actually be an option or did you want to keep them running separately?
And in case I have forgotten to mention it – I’m really looking forward to the rest of this story arc – I think you’ve done a great job with the campaign thus far Tom and the rest of the players have made it a real joy to come back to week after week.
Talk to you all soon,
-Kev
> PHANTOM’S IC RESPONSE <
BLAM!
The AR-57 round struck the garbage man in the head. The man was unfazed. The round shattered against his skull.
CREAK!
The front bumper to patrol car came off. It floated in the air briefly, and then spun toward the serpent. It missed the bobbing and weaving head of the trash beast.
SMASH!
The serpent’s head smashed into the passenger window. Oww! Phantom heard the woman officer scream in pain.
Within the garbage truck, Phantom heard a communications device sound. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
“ . . . not happening . . . “, Phantom says in a deep and ominous whisper as he pulls back on the trigger of his M203 Grenade Launcher.
FWUUMPH!
> PHANTOM’S GOAL(S) <
Phantom doesn’t know who is who; or what is what, so he’s simply falling back onto his military training. He quickly assesses his surrounding environment, assigns threat levels, establishes primary and secondary targets, and at the same time begins to plan a route for an emergency egress.
His primary target ( the one he just fired on with his grenade launcher ) at the moment is the interior cab area of the garbage truck. He wants to take that out first hoping that it will not only eliminate the trash-powered freak’s mode of transportation, but also wipe out communications between the garbage-based mutant and the rest of his group ( group = the person(s) that were communicating with him just moments ago ).
After firing his grenade launcher Phantom will reload it immediately ( I'm assuming that doesn't require an action? ).
> PHANTOM’S OOC RESPONSE <
I was just wondering, Tom – if for some reason our characters should find that they wanted to stay together as a group after all is said and done – would that actually be an option or did you want to keep them running separately?
And in case I have forgotten to mention it – I’m really looking forward to the rest of this story arc – I think you’ve done a great job with the campaign thus far Tom and the rest of the players have made it a real joy to come back to week after week.
Talk to you all soon,
-Kev
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GM Reply
It only take movement for Phantom to reload his grenade launcher.
If the Street Patrol PCs want to create a team they can. It doesn't have to be all or none either. It can be 2, 3, or all 4 chosing to become a team. It is up to you, I can easily adjust my campaign materials.
Thanks
Tom
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I feel bit uncomfortable addressing the stuff in this email; since it almost feels as if it were meant as a private one-on-one kind of a thing, but since it was forwarded to me I guess I will . . .
JOHN WROTE:
Just read Kevin’s response for Street Patrol. If I remember right he doesn’t have a rulebook, but thought with some advise he could get the effect he’s looking for.
- That might have been a slight miscommunication on my part – I have the 2.0 rulebook, but not the 2.1 version.
JOHN WROTE:
Just read Kevin’s response for Street Patrol. If I remember right he doesn’t have a rulebook, but thought with some advise he could get the effect he’s looking for.
- That might have been a slight miscommunication on my part – I have the 2.0 rulebook, but not the 2.1 version.
JOHN WROTE:
Grenades do 1d10 at truck that size needs probably 40 hp just to disable?
- Actually Tom has been kind enough to give me a small measure of latitude with designing ‘custom firearms’ ( thanks Tom ); which he of course approves of or modifies, which may have slightly different game stats then the very general and vague list in the V&V rulebook. The stats I initially work up for these weapons are based entirely on a combination of the V&V rules and on the real-world stats for these firearms. Here are the stats that Tom and I seemed to have agreed upon for the M203 Grenade Launcher and the M406 High-Explosive round its using:
M203 Grenade Launcher: +3 to hit, grenade type = damage, Ax5 range, single shot weapon, not capable of automatic fire. The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to the bottom rail of several different weapons.
M406 High-Explosive Round: Often called the "H-E" round, this round is intended to produce kills and casualties on point and group targets, as well as destroying bunkers and doors. Although the round has a 2” Blast Radius like all other grenades, the round is designed to concentrate most of its damage within the area around the initial strike point. Anything caught within the 0” to 1” Blast Radius of this round will suffer 2d8-1 damage, 1d6-1 ( minimum of 1 ) if within the 1” to 2” Blast Radius.
I’ll start working on a broader, more complete list for us to work from in the future, Tom. This way we’ll have the stats and stuff already worked out, and all we’ll have to do is just refer back to it from time to time when Phantom changes up his weaponry.
JOHN WROTE:
If he makes a "Special Attack" on the head, he'll be getting the same effect Archer was going for on the tires/legs - plus cutting th the communication was excellent - hope it works - if nothing else it ought to give Bonesnapper a better chance to sneak up on Trashman
TOM WROTE:
You are correct John, I was treating Kevin's targeting the cab as a special attack in that area. So it should get the desired effect you are mentioning.
- A Special Attack roll sounds right – I probably should have been a little clearer in my response – sorry about that. I guess I’ve just gotten used to Tom being able to just read between the lines and knowing where I’m going with stuff – that’s my fault – shouldn’t go around making assumptions – my apologies again. My main goal with the grenade attack was to wipe-out his communications ( i.e. radio ) and the driving controls ( e.g. steering wheel, accelerator pedals, shifter, etc. ), and not actually the vehicle or the engine. So again – you’re right – a Special Attack does seem in order. In the event of a missed Special Attack, would the ‘area effect’ nature of the grenade still do damage to the vehicle?
Thanks again for bringing this stuff to my attention guys – I’ll try to put more detail into my future responses.
Talk to you guys soon,
-Kev
Grenades do 1d10 at truck that size needs probably 40 hp just to disable?
- Actually Tom has been kind enough to give me a small measure of latitude with designing ‘custom firearms’ ( thanks Tom ); which he of course approves of or modifies, which may have slightly different game stats then the very general and vague list in the V&V rulebook. The stats I initially work up for these weapons are based entirely on a combination of the V&V rules and on the real-world stats for these firearms. Here are the stats that Tom and I seemed to have agreed upon for the M203 Grenade Launcher and the M406 High-Explosive round its using:
M203 Grenade Launcher: +3 to hit, grenade type = damage, Ax5 range, single shot weapon, not capable of automatic fire. The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to the bottom rail of several different weapons.
M406 High-Explosive Round: Often called the "H-E" round, this round is intended to produce kills and casualties on point and group targets, as well as destroying bunkers and doors. Although the round has a 2” Blast Radius like all other grenades, the round is designed to concentrate most of its damage within the area around the initial strike point. Anything caught within the 0” to 1” Blast Radius of this round will suffer 2d8-1 damage, 1d6-1 ( minimum of 1 ) if within the 1” to 2” Blast Radius.
I’ll start working on a broader, more complete list for us to work from in the future, Tom. This way we’ll have the stats and stuff already worked out, and all we’ll have to do is just refer back to it from time to time when Phantom changes up his weaponry.
JOHN WROTE:
If he makes a "Special Attack" on the head, he'll be getting the same effect Archer was going for on the tires/legs - plus cutting th the communication was excellent - hope it works - if nothing else it ought to give Bonesnapper a better chance to sneak up on Trashman
TOM WROTE:
You are correct John, I was treating Kevin's targeting the cab as a special attack in that area. So it should get the desired effect you are mentioning.
- A Special Attack roll sounds right – I probably should have been a little clearer in my response – sorry about that. I guess I’ve just gotten used to Tom being able to just read between the lines and knowing where I’m going with stuff – that’s my fault – shouldn’t go around making assumptions – my apologies again. My main goal with the grenade attack was to wipe-out his communications ( i.e. radio ) and the driving controls ( e.g. steering wheel, accelerator pedals, shifter, etc. ), and not actually the vehicle or the engine. So again – you’re right – a Special Attack does seem in order. In the event of a missed Special Attack, would the ‘area effect’ nature of the grenade still do damage to the vehicle?
Thanks again for bringing this stuff to my attention guys – I’ll try to put more detail into my future responses.
Talk to you guys soon,
-Kev
------------------------------------------------------------------
GM
You are correct on the potential for damaging the truck with the area attack if you miss.
Here is how I resolve. It is a special attack so there will be two dice rolls to hit.
If the first roll hits but the second doesn't then the cab is missed but the grenade is in the same square as the truck so it gets the area damage.
if the first roll misses, I don't roll the second roll, I determine how many squares is missed by. First roll is a 1d8 to determine direction. An 1 is north of the truck and moving clockwise around the square from there. The second is the distance missed. I use the distance modifier chart to determine dice. A distance from 241 to 480 is -4, so I would use a 1d4 to roll. The roll is how many squares it missed by. I would then resolve the area damage for the square it lands in.
Thanks
Tom
Bonesnapper: WHAT IS HIS WEAKNESS? - Issue 13
Location: Center City near midnight
The serpent’s head smashed in to the passenger window. Oww! Michael heard the woman officer scream in pain. The officer next to him murmured, “Officer Walker, are you all right? Officers down, I repeat we have Officers down.”
Within the garbage truck, Bonesnapper heard a communications device sound. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
Ffstt. Ffstt. Thuk! Thuk!
Arrows flew across the sky and struck both the tires on the opposite side from where the driver was standing. The tires deflated and the garbage truck leaned slightly to the side.
The hooded bowman parkour down the side of the building next to the cruiser with the drugged police officer. He snatched the police radio off the officer’s belt. The bowman to the alley, then drove on a motorcycle in the direction that the third patrol car had gone.
The flying bumper twist around like a boomerang. It flew back towards the "trash serpent" at breakneck speed....
...and then suddenly changed course towards "The Trash Man," and hit him instead. Unfortunately the blow was not enough to stagger the man, let alone bring him down.
...and then suddenly changed course towards "The Trash Man," and hit him instead. Unfortunately the blow was not enough to stagger the man, let alone bring him down.
Officer Perkins ran out of his car. He opened the trunk of his patrol car pulling out his shotgun. He aimed the shotgun at the garbage truck driver.
Ka-Boom!
Unfortunately Carl Perkins was still shaken from the collusion he was in. His aim was off, missing the ambushing Crusher.
FWUUMPH!
A grenade streaked across the sky. It flew into the cab of the garbage truck.
DA-BOOM!
The communications device ceased emitting sound. The steering wheel was gone and the seats were on fire.
“Snakes, Michael thought to himself. It had to be snakes.”
Clearly, the man in the garbage truck was a meta! He must be controlling the trash, forming it into a serpent. And if he was after the officers, then it seems pretty clear that he was a bad guy.
Michael spent a moment studying the garbageman. He noticed that man was slow to movement as if something was hindering him. Bonesnapper knew that fast lateral attacks would be most effective as the garbage truck driver would not be able to bob or weave out of the way. Watching intently a little longer and Michael knew what was restricting the Meta’s movement. It was the dirt, mud, and trash caked onto his body. It was providing a covering, a protection of sorts. The covering appeared as if it could be easily washed away.
Clearly, the man in the garbage truck was a meta! He must be controlling the trash, forming it into a serpent. And if he was after the officers, then it seems pretty clear that he was a bad guy.
Michael spent a moment studying the garbageman. He noticed that man was slow to movement as if something was hindering him. Bonesnapper knew that fast lateral attacks would be most effective as the garbage truck driver would not be able to bob or weave out of the way. Watching intently a little longer and Michael knew what was restricting the Meta’s movement. It was the dirt, mud, and trash caked onto his body. It was providing a covering, a protection of sorts. The covering appeared as if it could be easily washed away.
{GM Note: Weakness Detection takes an action but is always successful. Bonesnapper gains a +4 to hit and knows the Garbage Man has vulnerability to Water. Water based attacks cause triple damages)
Officer Alice Walker struggled in the grip of the trash serpent. She drew her pistol but was unable to find a shot.
Ka-Blam!
She fired in desperation and the shot missed.
Officer Milford rose up from the other side of the car. He fired his service revolver at the trash serpent. His aim was true but it wasn’t enough to drop the debris beast.
The trash serpent yanked Officer Walker from the patrol car. It carried her over and dropped her in the back of the garbage truck.
The Garbage Man stretched his hands again. This time a debris dragon rose from the garbage truck. It attacked Officer Milford. He was able to roll with most of the blow. He grunted in pain but moved away from the trash monster.
Current Conditions:
Bonesnapper Hit Points: 18 Power Points: 53
< Due Date: August 31th, Actions, Goal, Reply?>
------------------------------------------
Snakes, Michael thought to himself. It had to be snakes.
Clearly, the man in the garbage truck was a meta! He must be controlling the trash, forming it into a serpent. And if he was after the officers, then it seems pretty clear that he is a bad guy.
Michael spends a moment studying the garbageman (Weakness Detection). Then, he tries to sneak up on him, unnoticed. If successful, he strikes with a tonfa from behind. If the effort to sneak up on him fail, Michael launches an attack from the front, hoping to at least catch the opponent by surprise.
Clearly, the man in the garbage truck was a meta! He must be controlling the trash, forming it into a serpent. And if he was after the officers, then it seems pretty clear that he is a bad guy.
Michael spends a moment studying the garbageman (Weakness Detection). Then, he tries to sneak up on him, unnoticed. If successful, he strikes with a tonfa from behind. If the effort to sneak up on him fail, Michael launches an attack from the front, hoping to at least catch the opponent by surprise.
Archer: MISSION OBJECTIVES ARE MORE IMPORTANT - Issue 13
Location: Center City near midnight
The serpent’s head smashed into the passenger window. Oww! David heard the woman officer scream in pain.
Within the garbage truck, Archer heard a communications device sound. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
The Archer watched the Ice Cream Man drop like a puppet with its strings cut, letting out a sigh of relief as he readied another set of arrows. Small wonders, I was beginning to think every crook and gangster in the city had adamantium lining in their skulls . . . speaking of, apparently Trashman there is second cousin to Invulnero. If the slug from a sniper rifle bounces off his skull, my arrows are going to be next to useless . . . the man in the black mask is either a powerhouse or a fool, because Trashman looks like he could give that Adamas guy a run for his money.
Focus on the objective Daniel, save the endangered officers. The radio makes it sound like the third cruiser got stopped at a secondary ambush point. If they need Trashman’s truck to transport “the whole freakin car”, then I guess I can buy them some time by making sure that doesn’t happen.
Archer shot two broad-head arrows at the Trashman’s truck tires in an attempt to disable the vehicle.
Ffstt. Ffstt. Thuk! Thuk!
The arrows struck both the tires on the opposite side from where the driver was standing. The tires deflated and the garbage truck leaned slightly to the side.
Focusing his Spatial Awareness for optimal combat conditions, the Archer used his acrobatic and mountaineering skills to parkour down the side of the building next to the cruiser with the drugged police officer. Archer snatched the police radio off the officer’s belt. He ran for his motorcycle and rode off in the direction that the third patrol car had gone.
Archer pushed his awareness forward searching for the patrol car. It was easy to follow it in Center City. It was a newer and cleaner city than the Foundry. He followed the floating debris from the blasts that had missed the car but struck road or building. Each cloud of debris led to the next pothole or damaged wall.
When he found the ambush site he slowed to half speed. He wanted to get closer but wanted to make sure of what he was heading into first. He sensed a man floating in armor up ahead. There were two villains floating near the patrol car. One was a woman who was firing blasts from her hands. She was carving away the car from a barrier which was inside the car. The other was a floating fire. It was firing blasts of flame, so hot it was instantly melting the metal from the car.
A teen is a baseball uniform was farther away.
As Archer drove closer he sensed two figures flying toward the car. A man was carrying a woman. They flew right by the armored man and the floating woman. The villains did not turn toward them. It was like they couldn’t see the duo. The two landed. Suddenly a third appeared next to the patrol car. This “man” had wings like a dragon. The winged creature picked up the patrol car.
The woman bent over and then all the villains turned as if noticing the three newcomers for the first time.
Archer focused on his bike. It had started shaking badly. He gripped on tight trying to keep from wrecking. His motorcycle went from shaking to vibrating. It vibrated quite badly. It started tearing apart. At the last second Archer leaped from it. He landed in a perfect roll transferring his momentum throughout his body.
{GM Note: 1d8 damage from motorcycle crash. Four points of damage Archer rolled with all of it}
Archer was shocked. He didn’t know what had happened, had he been attacked? Then he heard a voice.
“Centurion, this is Vibron. You were correct in stationing look-outs in all directions. There was a hero following us from the other ambush sight. I am engaging”.
“Roger, that Vibron, we have 3 more here. Happy Hunting.”
Had he heard right, a column of floating debris has spoken? He turned his head to look. He was shocked to see a costumed villain standing there instead. It had a helmet and lightning bolts coming from his extremities to his belt. His hands had glowing auras around him. He flickered like one of those Holo-grams in those old science fiction movies.
{GM Note: Player knowledge only: Vibron has vibration defense. It allows objects to pass through him; he can even walk through walls. Since Archer’s spatial sense is dependent on bouncing off solid object to return to him Archer was not able to read him completely. With vibration defense, there are always different parts of his body becoming solid and then switching to non-corporal while other parts are in an offsetting pattern, it appeared as floating debris to him because Archer had never encountered this before. Now that he knows about it he can recognize it. For his spatial sense to see the whole of Vibron he would have to create multiple layers/waves to adjust for the defense. It will take half his movement to do this. This is only required for Archer to ‘see’ Vibron with his spatial sense but he doesn’t have to do that for any other reason.}
Current Conditions:
Archer Hit Points: 53 Power Points: 67
Blunt Head Arrows: 18
Broad Head Arrows: 8
< Due Date: August 31th, Actions, Goal, Replies>
-----------------------------
Initial Responses to: Archer Issue 12 “Shots in the Dark”
OOC: Tom, I have a rule question. There are certain Powers and rules that call for the character to expend an Action to activate. With the new, one Action per Turn rule in effect, that’s going to have quite an effect on speed of game play for some of those Powers and rules. Would it be possible to exchange either movement or one of the two dual-attacks available to “activate” those effects? In Archer’s case I’m thinking of the “Evasion” rule. Stacking it with Heightened Defense is his only real defensive ability. Others might have different yet connected concerns about the cost of an Action with the new rules.
The serpent’s head smashed into the passenger window. Oww! David heard the woman officer scream in pain.
Within the garbage truck, Archer heard a communications device sound. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel in your truck.
OOC: Okay Tom, you scare the crap out of me when something goes right at the beginning of a combat. I’ll be keeping an eye on that Ice Cream Man buddy. I’m sure he’s going to go all zombie on us or something by the third turn.
<Archer: IC Responses> the Archer watches the Ice Cream Man drop like a puppet with its strings cut, letting out a sigh of relief as he readies another set of arrows. Small wonders, I was beginning to think every crook and gangster in the city had adamantium lining in their skulls . . . speaking of, apparently Trashman there is second cousin to Invulnero. If the slug from a sniper rifle bounces off his skull, my arrows are going to be next to useless . . . the man in the black mask is either a powerhouse or a fool, because Trashman looks like he could give that Adamas guy a run for his money.
Focus on the objective Daniel, save the endangered officers. The radio makes it sound like the third cruiser got stopped at a secondary ambush point. If they need Trashman’s truck to transport “the whole freakin car”, then I guess I can buy them some time by making sure that doesn’t happen.
<Archer’s Actions> Archer will use two broad-head arrows this Turn. He will make a Dual Attack on two of the Trashman’s truck tires in an attempt to disable the vehicle. I assume this effect might require the equivalent of a “Special Attack”, I only hope to get some “to hit” bonus for it being a surprise attack and/or stationary object.
Focusing his Spatial Awareness for optimal combat conditions, the Archer will then use his acrobatic and mountaineering skills to parkour down the side of the building next to the cruiser with the drugged police officer. If the attack on Trashman’s truck tires was successful (I know how you’re bound to roll a 20 at the most inopportune times Tom) Archer will snatch the police radio off the officer’s belt. He’ll then make a run for his motorcycle in an attempt to make off for the third patrol car.
<Archer’s Goals> Flying bumpers, Sniper shots, and some ballsy dude in a black mask. Archer feels that with Ice Cream Man incapacitated and the odds down to three to one, that the officers in the third patrol car are probably in even greater danger than the ones here, at the intersection.
With the changing dynamics of three other parties involved in assisting the police officers, Archer has expanded his Primary Goal of rescuing the officers to include the ones in the third cruiser. If he hadn’t heard the radio message, and if there were not “others” around to take on Trashman, he’d stay and finish the job, but mission objectives are more important that head counts or beating up bad guys.
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GM
With the new, one Action per Turn rule in effect, that’s going to have quite an effect on speed of game play for some of those Powers and rules. In Archer’s case I’m thinking of the “Evasion” rule. Stacking it with Heightened Defense is his only real defensive ability. Others might have different yet connected concerns about the cost of an Action with the new rules.
It will be on a case by case basis. For Evasion, you will have a choice use an action and it will last for an additional turn or evade and attack at the same time as a dual action. As a dual action it will last only for that turn, cost 2 PP and applies a minus of # to hit to the attack (# is equal to their accuracy bonus from base stats). I think that is fair because any character with Agility of 14 or less would had to use Evasion as their only action for the turn under the only method. For the Dual Attack impact it shows that fighting defensively is harder than attacking without concern of being hit. I also don't expect this to have much impact on the game because the use of Evasion is extremely rare.
He will make a Dual Attack on two of the Trashman’s truck tires in an attempt to disable the vehicle. I assume this effect might require the equivalent of a “Special Attack”, I only hope to get some “to hit” bonus for it being a surprise attack and/or stationary object.
To hit the truck, Archer will need to roll a 19 or less. Since he is aiming for a tire on the truck, he will have to roll a 19 or less twice for the Special Attack.
Best,
Tom
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Archer
Wow this as been a nasty weak buddy (Inventory
I'm sure the Dual Action/Evasion explanation made perfect sense but my brain is mush. Archer hasn't had a chance to use Evasion yet but it is his primary defense (Spidey/Daredevil-ish) in my mind) So please have patience with a lame-brain when I try to put it into effect. Thanks.
Cool on the tire attack. Thanks. I still have a weird feeling about Ice Cream Man but the Trashman's radio communication really shaped Archer's Action this Turn. Not only am I curious to the others reactions but thinking Phantom and Archer might mix like oil and water or Punisher and Daredevil if they spend too much time in the same vicinity
Thanks Again
John R
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Crusade: Blackout - Issue 10
Location: Above Center City in a Megalopolis PD Helicopter near midnight
Broyko continued the briefing. “The only patrol car we have heard from is the one that Dr. Morrow is in. It had not been a target of the first part of the ambush so it split off from the other two cars. It was ambushed later by Crushers. The identified attackers are Hauntress, Manstar, Shortstop, Crater, and Centurion. The patrol car was disabled. Fortunately Dr. Morrow was able to prevent their taking him by inventing a gadget on the spot. They are currently protected by it. Our ETA is less than half a minute to their location. Most of you can get their faster on your own. How to you want to do this?”
At that time the scanner on the Helicopter picked up a transmission which was heard throughout the Helicopter. “Sam, this is Centurion. Dr. Morrow has created a force field within the patrol car. We can’t get him out. Collect your trash ASAP. We will need to bring the whole freakin car back to the Citadel using your truck.”
Det. Broyko looked out the front of the helicopter. “It would be faster if you flew there from here. All your flight speeds are faster than the helicopter is when it is carrying this much weight.”
Manta Lad wanted to get a plan going before the heroes leave the copter. "Wait! What do we know about these creeps? And, um... can any of you, like, lift a car?"
"Sorry," The Black Orchid shakes her head, "I don't really know anything more than any of you do about these villains, and lifting cars is a bit out of my league. If one you fliers want to carry me, however, I'll bet we can get to the crime scene quicker than a helicopter as Det. Broyko suggested.”
Starbolt said "I'm strong, but nowhere near that strong. I can provide a lift to someone who needs it." He paused for a second before continuing on, "I think that we can agree that our first priority must be to get the Dr. to safety as quickly as possible before engaging the villains. Who do we feel has the best chance to get the Doctor to safety the fastest? We should come up with a plan as quickly as possible so that we can get going."
Manta Lad said, "Maybe Dragon could fly the car out of there?"
Emerald Dragon leaned forward from his position in the helicopter. He said with a wide grin, which looked vaguely unsettling on his face; "Of course I can fly a car out of there. I can also fly something in there if need be or at the least carry someone. If it is a fight when we get there who does everyone think I should focus on?"
Emerald Dragon leaned forward from his position in the helicopter. He said with a wide grin, which looked vaguely unsettling on his face; "Of course I can fly a car out of there. I can also fly something in there if need be or at the least carry someone. If it is a fight when we get there who does everyone think I should focus on?"
"I could obscure the car in darkness, making the occupants less likely to be the target of a sniper. I will still need to let Emerald Dragon see to fly, however, so I couldn't make it too big." The Black Orchid looked around. "OK, who needs to be carried? Me and Phade here. Starbolt, I'll go with you so that you can get me there quickly so I can set up a field of darkness and hopefully get in the car. Then Emerald Dragon can swoop down and pick it up. What do you guys think?" The Black Orchid looked at them eagerly.
Phade told the team that he could open a portal in darkness. He just had to know it was safe on the other side. If Starbolt and Black Orchid flew close enough to enclose the patrol car in darkness, he could open a portal. Emerald Dragon could travel through the portal pick up the patrol car and carry it back. That would prevent his being spotted getting there.
"Cool! If we don't fight these Crushers, but instead, like, fake'em out and make em think we're only here to save the police car, we could leave with the car and sneak back and follow the Crushers to the Crusaders!" Manta Lad said all in one breath.
Det. Broyko finished pulling up the data on the villains. “Hauntress was the Shrew before she died. She is back now as Hauntress. She can control darkness, move through floors and walls. It is rumored she is able to scare a person to death. This is the original Shrew not the one you fought at the warehouse. That is Shrew II.”
“Manstar has the power to control flames. He can raise the temperature to melt items on the spot. He can fly as well.
“Centurion is another one using stolen power armor. They all have Armor, Flight, and Power Blast right?
“Crater can fly and has a blast of some type
“Shortstop is a baseball player kicked out of MLB for taking MHGH (Meta Human Growth Hormones). He is short and very fast.
“Sam the trucker we don’t know. The other cars were hit by an Ice Cream Truck and a Garbage Truck. I would guess that Sam is the driver of one of those vehicles.”
The helicopter land about 500 feet away from the ambush location. The Heroes exited the Helicopter except for Manta Lad who was going to monitor the Crusher’s communications as they executed the plan.
Phade and Emerald Dragon set themselves up in their location signaling to Starbolt and Black Orchid they were ready. Starbolt picked up Black Orchid. They streaked into the sky disappearing into the darkness sooner than was normal. Phade signaled to Black Orchid, Starbolt, and Manta Lad he could sense Black Orchid’s darkness from the natural darkness of this time of night.
Seconds felt like minutes as they past. Phade focused his mind. A portal opened in front of him. Manta Lad called that he wasn’t picking up any sign that the Crushers had spotted the Black Orchid’s darkness sphere. Emerald Dragon stepped into the portal. It felt like he was walking through a waterfall but instead of being wet. He felt tingly.
Emerald Dragon started to feel for the patrol car when he noticed a light. Starbolt was two feet ahead. He had a one finger glowing. It was producing enough light for them to see by but not strong enough to escape the darkness sphere. The reptilian powerhouse stepped to the patrol car and picked it up.
“Uggh!” Black Orchid groaned. She bent over grabbing her head. Sweat appeared on her brow.
They heard a voice from outside the sphere. A voice from the grave. A voice that fear and death followed. “Someone dares to control darkness in my presence? You dare steal from me?”
The darkness sphere dispersed in a gust of wind and fury.
Before them was the Hauntress.
{GM Note: Both Hauntress and Black Orchid control darkness. The Crushers were prepared for a Superhero attack. Because of her power she could sense the presence of the darkness sphere. She attacked the sphere to disperse it. I used the “Mind Control – Charisma vs” to hit on the combat chart to determine her chances. She succeeded}
Back at the helicopter, Manta Lad heard. “Centurion, this is Vibron. You were correct in stationing look-outs in all directions. There was a hero following us from the other ambush sight. I am engaging”.
“Roger, that Vibron, we have 3 more here. Happy Hunting.”
{GM Notes: Characters are not exactly to scale so do use to compare sizes to each other. Emerald Dragon has the patrol car lifted up. The blue circle is the force field that is protecting Dr. Morrow and the officers. The redish circle is Phade’s portal. It doesn’t always look this way, the dispersal of the darkness affected its coloring but otherwise it is unharmed.}
<Due Date: August 31th, Actions? Replies?>
Current Conditions:
Black Orchid Hit Points: 30 Power Points: 87 Willpower Defense active
Emerald Dragon Hit Points: 81 Power Points: 98 Acid Breath: 27 Doses
Manta Lad Hit Points: 20 Power Points: 69 Luck Points Pool: 2
Phade Hit Points: 17 Power Points: 58 Invulnerability: 8
Starbolt Hit Points: 34 Power Points: 75
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Black Orchid
Great job Tom! They're sounding more seamless than ever.
- Marc
- Marc
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Manta Lad
Manta Lad wants to get a plan going before the heroes leave the copter.
"Wait! What do we know about these creeps?"
He'll share whatever he knows about Sam the trucker, Hauntress, Manstar, Shortstop, Crater and Centurion.
He'll ask Broyko and the heroes if they know anything.
The techy teen will use his smartphone to Google more info about the villains.
"And, um.. can any of you, like, lift a car?"
Best,
Jeff
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Black Orchid
"Sorry," The Black Orchid shakes her head, "I don't really know anything more than any of you do about these villains, and lifting cars is a bit out of my league. If one you fliers want to carry me, however, I'll bet we can get to the crime scene quicker than a car as Det. Broyko suggested.
- Marc
- Marc
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GM
Det. Broyko replied to Manta Lad.
“Hauntress was the Shrew before she died. She is back now as Hauntress. She can control darkness, move through floors and walls. It is rumored she is able to scare a person to death.
“Manstar has the power to control flames. He can raise the temperature to melt items on the spot. He can fly as well.
“Centurion is another one using stolen power armor. They all have Armor, Flight, and Power Blast right?
“Crater can fly and has a blast of some type
“Shortstop is a baseball player kicked out of MLB for taking MHGH (Meta Human Growth Hormones). He is short and very fast.
“Sam the trucker we don’t know. The other cars were hit by an Ice Cream Truck and a Garbage Truck. I would guess that Sam is the driver of one of those vehicles.”
Regards,
Tom
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Starbolt
Starbolt says "I'm strong, but nowhere near that strong. I can provide a lift to someone who needs it." Pausing for a second before continuing on, "I think that we can agree that our first priority must be to get the Dr. to safety as quickly as possible before engaging the villains. Who do we feel has the best chance to get the Doctor to safety the fastest?" "We should come up with a plan as quickly as possible so that we can get going."
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Manta Lad
Manta Lad said, "Maybe Dragon could fly the car out of there?"
The winged wonder will fly there with the other heroes if it's faster than the copter.
The winged wonder will fly there with the other heroes if it's faster than the copter.
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GM
Yes, it faster than the Copter. If Black Orchid and Phade stay in the copter, it will arrive on Phase 5 on the next issue, if combat is initiated.
Best,
Tom
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Manta Lad
OOC
The same Shrew that ML fought?
The same Shrew that ML fought?
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GM Reply
No, the Shrew at Manning Enterprises was Shrew II.
Hauntress was Shrew I aka the original Shrew.
The first Shrew was an ex-boxer and the second Shrew is an ex-wrestler.
I did use the same artwork for Shrew II which was for the original Shrew.
Best,
Tom
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Emerald Dragon
IC: Emerald Dragon steps up after listening to all the info shared by Manta Lad. If there is any additional info he may know he will share it. He says with a wide grin, which looks vaguely unsettling on his face; "Of course I can fly a car out of there. I can also fly something in there if need be or at the least carry someone. If it is a fight when we get there who does everyone think I should focus on?"
Emerald Dragon also looks for something he could use as an efficient bludgeon; a sledgehammer, a piece of rebar, whatever.
OOC: Sorry, am up in the mountains on vacation and internet has been spotty. Also had the fun of breaking my thumb yesterday.....wheee. But anyhow here it is. :-)
Jan
Emerald Dragon also looks for something he could use as an efficient bludgeon; a sledgehammer, a piece of rebar, whatever.
OOC: Sorry, am up in the mountains on vacation and internet has been spotty. Also had the fun of breaking my thumb yesterday.....wheee. But anyhow here it is. :-)
Jan
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Black Orchid
"Also, I could obscure the car in darkness, making the occupants less likely to be the target of a sniper. I will still need to let Emerald Dragon see to fly, however, so I couldn't make it too big." The Black Orchid looks around. "OK, who needs to be carried? Me, is Phade here? Meltdown is still gone, right? Starbolt, I'll go with you so that you can get me there quickly so I can set up a field of darkness and hopefully get in the car. Then Emerald Dragon can swoop down and pick it up. What do you guys think?" The Black Orchid looks at them eagerly.
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Manta Lad
"Cool! If we don't fight these Crushers, but instead, like, fake'em out and make em think we're only here to save the police car, we could leave with the car and sneak back and follow the Crushers to the Crusaders!" Manta Lad said all in one breath.
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