The silence of the City streets was overwhelming. The heroes looked around. They had won. The remaining Crushers had fled. “0 for 2, some hero I’m turning out to be.” The Black Orchid muttered under her breath. Across the street the hooded bowman disappeared into the darkness. The weapon master in white picked his rifle that was laying on the roof top.
The Black Orchid whirled to face the newcomers, keeping her guard up but waiting for someone to attack her first since she doesn’t know who the new people are. Starbolt and Emerald Dragon moved over to where Black Orchid stood. Manta Lad landed near Starbolt, Emerald Dragon and Black Orchid, and looked at the other four meta-humans.
Still not sure what to make of them, the teenage sidekick called out: "Yo! Fierce, scary dudes! Nice job and stuff. That was really... cool. Like, thanks! I'm Manta Lad... Manta Man chose the name," he added sullenly.
Still not sure what to make of them, the teenage sidekick called out: "Yo! Fierce, scary dudes! Nice job and stuff. That was really... cool. Like, thanks! I'm Manta Lad... Manta Man chose the name," he added sullenly.
"Anyway, we're looking for the Crusaders. We know the Crushers have them. I think we have a way to track the Crushers to their, like, secret lair or whatever."
He cleared his throat to work up the nerve. "So. You wanna help us take the fight to those tools? Either way is cool. You know. Totally fine. Up to you."
Already walking away; the Pale Punisher stopped and turned to face Manta-Lad, in a gruff and throaty voice he responded, “No thanks kid . . . I left a friend of my waiting for me back there . . . I would hate to keep him waiting.” He jumped over to the next roof top.
The mistress of the vacuum looked to Manta Lad, Starbolt, and the Emerald Dragon to gauge their reaction. "Do you know these guys? Someone should warn the PD that Hauntress may try that Detective Broyko trick again. Who's got a communicator? Is everyone safe?" She started speaking faster, almost as if she's thinking faster than she can talk.
Starbolt activated his communicator to inform Det. Broyko it was cleanup time and Hauntress was still on the loose. “Good job, we have already picked up Crater.” Replied Dr. Brokyo, “I don’t know what hit her but she really had her clock cleaned. We will be there shortly to pick up the others.”
The Midnight Bug flew next to the group but maintained a little distance and suddenly the teleporting terror appeared next to Emerald Dragon.
Emerald Dragon then cast a long look over the newcomers before speaking; "So, who are you all and what brought you to this neck of the woods? It sure seems like you are on the right side and your skills would be most useful should you all choose to join us in the next step. Maybe you have some info on the motley group we just sent packing that could be helpful? Oh, if you haven't guessed I am Emerald Dragon, erstwhile mover of heavy objects and air cavalry." He finished that last statement with a wink and a chuckle.
Midnight Bug introduced himself. He was very interest in catching Centurion.
The teleporting vigilante introduced himself as The Wraith. “I will assist you," he said. "I can teleport myself and one other to any location within several hundred yards. How shall we begin this?"
Starbolt extended his hand and said "thank you for your help" to the new arrivals. He then turned to Manta-Lad, "V2 (Starbolt's nickname for M-l, i.e. M-M version2) how soon can we get a readout on where The Crushers are located? I think we should start formulating a plan to go after The Crusaders.
Manta Lad was happy to be called anything other than Manta Lad.
Not completely trusting the two new metas, the kid whispered to Starbolt, Dragon and Orchid: "I got Centurion's armor to secretly, like, transmit a signal to me. We can follow the sig to him right now! But we gotta bounce now before he figures it out.
"Also, we gotta quick get with Doc Morrow. Those Crusher tools totally wanted him outta action!"
Emerald Dragon chuckled to himself as he watched Manta Lad eye the newcomers with some discomfort. He doesn't know much about them but they proved themselves in battle which is good enough for him, plus he knows all too well what it is like to be judged solely by his appearance. He turned to Manta Lad and Starbolt; "Good job on getting some tracking set into Centurion's armor, Manta Lad that will help us out a lot. I agree that we should find out what Dr. Morrow knows if I hadn't gotten that cab out of there who knows what would have happened. They sure seemed to want to silence him to me."
Starbolt looked at Manta-Lad and said "I agree that we should depart as soon as possible, but I would like to coordinate our attack. What if we send a slightly smaller force to draw The Crushers out, and the larger force can attack from the flank or rear, possibly giving us essentially a double surprise attack. What do you guys (and Black Orchid) think"?
The kid cape was hesitant to disagree with an adult superhero, especially one he respected as much as Starbolt, but Manta Man's life was on the line!
"Starbolt, if they see our smaller force try to draw them out and stuff, they could, like, use the Crusaders as hostages," the
hyper-intelligent teen reasoned. "Let's figure out a plan once we know where those Crusher creeps are all holed up... and who's coming with us and stuff," he said, turning his gaze back toward the shady new dudes.
"Starbolt, if they see our smaller force try to draw them out and stuff, they could, like, use the Crusaders as hostages," the
hyper-intelligent teen reasoned. "Let's figure out a plan once we know where those Crusher creeps are all holed up... and who's coming with us and stuff," he said, turning his gaze back toward the shady new dudes.
"V2, sorry if I misspoke, I am ready to go. I understand your frustration; I also have family to worry about. I was thinking that planning an attack would give us a better chance of success. What would Manta-Man tell you to do in this situation? "
Manta Lad thought about that for a moment. Then: "If Manta Man were here, he'd probably say something all wise and stuff, like... 'Measure twice. Cut once.'
"Like, let's size up the Crushers first. See where they are, and what Doc Morrow knows. Then plan an attack. What do you guys think?" he asked Starbolt, Black Orchid and the Emerald Dragon deferentially.
Emerald Dragon looks over the group and around the area they all just fought in; "While the tracking device in the armor will be very useful, perhaps we should also question those who we captured. Maybe they know something that they can be 'persuaded' to mention to us." He punctuates his statement by bending over to pick up a stray piece of rebar and knotting it into a pretzel with frightening ease and a grin on his face that is more than slightly disconcerting.
Det. Broyko and the Crusher Crimewave Task Force arrived very shortly. A CHESS Heavy Containment trailer arrived with Bishop Prince in the passenger seat. The CHESS rooks quickly secured Vibron and loaded him into the trailer. There was a high tech bed which looked like a tanning bed with hoses attached. Bishop Prince explained it was a sleep inducer. It was the only way to secure someone with powers like Vibron. Within a minute the CHESS HC trailer was gone.
The Megalopolis PD quickly secured Shortstop and Manstar. They drove off with them towards Crusher Crimewave Task Force HQ. Detective Broyko invited the team to ride in a squad car with him or to meet him at HQ. He wanted the team to meet with Dr. Morrow and if they wanted to they could question the Crushers as well.
Location: Megalopolis PD CCTF HQ
The heroes interviewed the captured Crushers. The first one was Shortstop.
When asked “where were the Crushers operating from?” Shortstop replied, “All of Center City is their home field.”
When asked, “Where are the Crusaders?” He replied, “They never left the ballpark.”
When asked, “Who are the remaining Crushers?” The diminutive speedster refused to answer.
When asked, “Why do the Crushers want Dr. Morrow?” The reply was, “Not the Crushers, its Mocker that wants him.”
Det Broyko remembered the last time Megalopolis had to deal with Mocker. He was the leader of the Infidels then. He had captured the Crusaders that time. He had the wild idea that he could force Manta Man to make him a new head. He believed that since Manta Man was an electronics genius that would be within his capabilities. Manta Man agreed but instead attempted to rewrite the A.I. He was stopped by Toxic, who was monitoring Manta Man’s work. Mocker’s A.I. was damaged. It appeared to have created a circular logic loop where he repetitively creates similar plans.
<replies; follow-up questions?>
Next they interviewed Crater.
When asked “where were the Crushers operating from?” Crater replied, “From within the blessings of the Devine One. Please shed you’re fears and I will lead you to true belief.”
When asked, “Where are the Crusaders?” she replied, “Where all unbelievers find themselves. They are captured by their own sin.”
When asked, “Who are the remaining Crushers?” Crater refused to answer.
When asked, “Why do the Crushers want Dr. Morrow?” The reply was, “Mocker wishes to be taught by the man who created TEACHER.”
<replies; follow-up questions?>
The heroes were surprised when they interviewed Manstar. He seemed like a totally different person. It wasn’t the lack of flames it was a totally different personality. Manstar was arrogant and aggressive. The person was calm and tentative.
When asked “where were the Crushers operating from?” he replied, “It is fuzzy like a dream. What Manstar does comes to me as a dream. So the details are not complete but I can usually get a good idea of what it is he is doing. I have dreamed a lot about flying around and onto the roof of Crusader Citadel.”
When asked, “Where are the Crusaders?” He replied, “I hate him. Manstar is ruining my life. In fact, he rarely allows me out to have a life.” He looked pleadingly at Black Orchid. “You will help me won’t you? I can help you in return. I can join you. There has to be away for me to take my life back? Therapy, medication, anything, I will do anything to not be Manstar again. Let me help you, I can take you to them”
<replies; follow-up questions?>
Manta Lad informed the others that he might be right. The tracking signal disappeared when it was near the Citadel. Unfortunately the Citadel has built in automatic jammers that would block the signal once Centurion was across the street from it.
At the meeting with Dr. Morrow, everything they had learned in the last two days was given to him. After reviewing everything Dr. Morrow informed the police and the heroes that the Crushers could have but one reason to gather the particular equipment they have been collecting – the circumventing of the Crusader’s computer system, TEACHER!
Dr. Morrow warned that the Crushers may be able to take over TEACHER within days, even if they failed to get all the parts they wanted from Manning Enterprises or in capturing him. Time is of the essence! TEACHER controls the Citadel’s defenses, and has links to may top-security data banks around the world. In the wrong hands, TEACHER is a deadly tool.
<Due Date: December 17th, Actions? Replies?>
Current Conditions:
Black Orchid Hit Points: 30 Power Points: 87 Willpower Defense inactive
Emerald Dragon Hit Points: 76 Power Points: 81 Acid Breath: 26 Doses
Manta Lad Hit Points: 11 Power Points: 69 Luck Points Pool: 0 Lightning Defense inactive
Starbolt Hit Points: 34 Power Points: 75
Midnight Bug Hit Points: 20 Power Points: 60
The Wraith Hit Points: 10 Power Points: 53
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Black Orchid
"0 for 2, some hero I'm turning out to be." The Black Orchid mutters under her breath. She now whirls to face the newcomers, keeping her guard up (Willpower) but waiting for someone to attack her first since she doesn't know who the new people are. She looks to others (Manta Lad, Starbolt, and the Emerald Dragon) to gauge their reaction. "Do you know these guys? Someone should warn the PD that Hauntress may try that Detective Broyko trick again. Who's got a communicator? Is everyone safe?" She starts speaking faster, almost as if she's thinking faster than she can talk.
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Manta Lad
Manta Lad landed near Starbolt, Emerald Dragon and Black Orchid, and looked at the other four meta-humans.
Still not sure what to make of them, the teenage sidekick called out: "Yo! Fierce, scary dudes! Nice job and stuff. That was really... cool. Like, thanks! I'm Manta Lad... Manta Man chose the name," he added sullenly.
Still not sure what to make of them, the teenage sidekick called out: "Yo! Fierce, scary dudes! Nice job and stuff. That was really... cool. Like, thanks! I'm Manta Lad... Manta Man chose the name," he added sullenly.
"Anyway, we're looking for the Crusaders. We know the Crushers have them. I think we have a way to track the Crushers to their, like, secret lair or whatever."
He cleared his throat to work up the nerve. "So. You wanna help us take the fight to those tools? Either way is cool. You know. Totally fine. Up to you."
(OOC: fyi, Tom, I don't think Phantom, Wraith and Archer's players' emails were included in this issue's email)
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Starbolt
Starbolt will extend his hand and say "thank you for your help" to the new arrivals. He then turns to Manta-Lad, "V2 (Starbolt's nickname for M-l, i.e. M-M version2) how soon can we get a readout on where The Crushers are located? I think we should start formulating a plan to go after The Crusaders.
OOC: If Manta-Lad doesn't like the name Starbolt will drop it.
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Manta Lad
Manta Lad was happy to be called anything other than Manta Lad.
Not completely trusting the four new metas, the kid whispered to Starbolt, Dragon and Orchid: "I got Centurion's armor to secretly, like, transmit a signal to me. We can follow the sig to him right now! But we gotta bounce now before he figures it out.
"Also, we gotta quick get with Doc Morrow. Those Crusher tools totally wanted him outta action!"
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Starbolt
Starbolt looks at Manta-Lad and says "I agree that we should depart as soon as possible, but I would like to coordinate our attack. What if we send a slightly smaller force to draw The Crushers out, and the larger force can attack from the flank or rear, possibly giving us essentially a double surprise attack. What do you guys (and Black Orchid) think"?
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Manta Lad
The kid cape was hesitant to disagree with an adult superhero, especially one he respected as much as Starbolt, but Manta Man's life was on the line!
"Starbolt, if they see our smaller force try to draw them out and stuff, they could, like, use the Crusaders as hostages," the
hyper-intelligent teen reasoned. "Let's figure out a plan once we know where those Crusher creeps are all holed up... and who's coming with us and stuff," he said, turning his gaze back toward the shady new dudes.
"Starbolt, if they see our smaller force try to draw them out and stuff, they could, like, use the Crusaders as hostages," the
hyper-intelligent teen reasoned. "Let's figure out a plan once we know where those Crusher creeps are all holed up... and who's coming with us and stuff," he said, turning his gaze back toward the shady new dudes.
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Starbolt
"V2, sorry if I misspoke, I am ready to go. I understand your frustration; I also have family to worry about. I was thinking that planning an attack would give us a better chance of success. What would Manta-Man tell you to do in this situation? "
OOC: Starbolt is open to whatever options we want to use.
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Manta Lad
Manta Lad thought about that for a moment. Then:
"If Manta Man were here, he'd probably say something all wise and stuff, like... 'Measure twice. Cut once.'
"Like, let's size up the Crushers first. See where they are, and what Doc Morrow knows. Then plan an attack. What do you guys think?" he asked Starbolt, Black Orchid and the Emerald Dragon deferentially.
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GM
Summary of situation for Midnight Bug in Crusade
He has seen the reason he has arrived (Centurion) flee from the scene while he was distracted by Hauntress' illusions. Manta Man has invited him to join them and has told the others he can follow Centurion electronically, only to Midnight Bug's surprise it isn't Manta Man but someone smaller in a similar suit (see attachment).
Is Midnight Bug going to join the others to find Centurion?
Is he going to confront the deception that was pulled by Manta Lad?
You can do a save against Intelligence to see if Midnight Bug knew Manta Man had a sidekick, if you prefer. It is public knowledge; it all depends on how much Midnight Bug paid attention to the Cape Community of Megalopolis. If he did watch the TV show Capes or read the Superhero Weekly News add +4 to save number. We are using the Save rules attachment from "In Broad Daylight". Normally I would roll it but since this is only for role playing your PC you can roll it to decide how to play it if you like.
Thanks
Tom
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Midnight Bug
OK, I made my save. I know who Manta Lad is. I will join the group to find Centurion.
Jack
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Manta Lad
OOC:
Manta Lad Goals:
1) Get Street Patrol to join us.
2) Talk to Doc Morrow and see what he knows.
3) Track Centurion's signal to learn the location of the Crushers' secret lair.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Starbolt
Sounds good to Starbolt. He will be interested in formulating an attack on the Crushers. He would seek to minimize civilian injuries and property damage
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Emerald Dragon
My apologies for the delay.....
IC: Emerald Dragon chuckles to himself as he watches Manta Lad eye the newcomers with some discomfort. He doesn't know much about them but they proved themselves in battle which is good enough for him, plus he knows all to well what it is like to be judged solely by his appearance. He turns to Manta Lad and Starbolt; "Good job on getting some tracking set into Centurion's armor, Manta Lad, that will help us out a lot. I agree that we should find out what Dr. Morrow knows, if I hadn't gotten that cab out of there who knows what would have happened. They sure seemed to want to silence him to me."
IC: Emerald Dragon chuckles to himself as he watches Manta Lad eye the newcomers with some discomfort. He doesn't know much about them but they proved themselves in battle which is good enough for him, plus he knows all to well what it is like to be judged solely by his appearance. He turns to Manta Lad and Starbolt; "Good job on getting some tracking set into Centurion's armor, Manta Lad, that will help us out a lot. I agree that we should find out what Dr. Morrow knows, if I hadn't gotten that cab out of there who knows what would have happened. They sure seemed to want to silence him to me."
Emerald Dragon then casts a long look over the newcomers before speaking; "So, who are you all and what brought you to this neck of the woods? It sure seems like you are on the right side and your skills would be most useful should you all choose to join us in the next step. Maybe you have some info on the motley group we just sent packing that could be helpful? Oh, if you haven't guessed I am Emerald Dragon, erstwhile mover of heavy objects and air cavalry." He finishes that last statement with a wink and a chuckle.
Emerald Dragon looks over the group and around the area they all just fought in; "While the tracking device in the armor will be very useful, perhaps we should also question those who we captured. Maybe they know something that they can be 'persuaded' to mention to us." He punctuates his statement by bending over to pick up a stray piece of rebar and knotting it into a pretzel with frightening ease and a grin on his face that is more than slightly disconcerting.
OOC: I think that covers all the angles he can think of at this time. He is certainly in agreement with recruiting the newcomers, questioning the good doctor, and using the tracking device. Hopefully the group will be in agreement about also interrogating the captured super villains. If anything more is needed let me know and I will put in another email...
Jan
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The Wraith
IC: The Wraith steps forward. "I will assist you," he says. "I can teleport myself and one other to any location within several hundred yards. How shall we begin this?"
OOC: Not revealing the exact nature of his TK. At least not yet.
Patrolling the Streets,
Greg
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Manta Lad
OOC
Dragon's reply reminded me!
4). Secure unconscious Crushers!
Agree we should question them.
Best,
Jeff
Dragon's reply reminded me!
4). Secure unconscious Crushers!
Agree we should question them.
Best,
Jeff
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