Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Quest: Natural Forces! - Issue 30

 Location: Domain inside the Crystal Castle.
Adamas again took in the battlefield with his enhanced speed.  The Cure appeared to be holding her own with one XIMIX, and Dark Star had the other... Elwood now had the fifth scroll; Adamas thought back to the one given to them by Dr. Avery, maybe it could help the elementals.  The elementals seemed to be gaining some control of themselves with the bonds broken; only Stone appeared to still be under Occult's sway.  All that left was the hoard of Boogens.

Adamas flew down and smashed the bracelets on Stone. The release from the enchanted bonds transformed Stone and freed him from Occult’s mind control.
Turning to Wave, Breeze, and Flame, "We are here to help you.  We want to get you home, and then we'll see what we can do about getting you back to normal.  Right now, we need you to come with us.  Donnah, if you can understand me.  Please help us, everyone gather together here, and DarkStar will get you out of here," Adamas pointed at the Blue Behemoth.

Struggling with monstrous Ximix, Joshua was preparing to toss the creature into a group of Boogens, His brow sweating from the battle and the strain of exertion in his voice, glanced at his combat companion, "Really? I'm a little busy over here?" Sigh ... "Take out the two Big Ones ... Take out the civilians," I can't imagine why I ever started up a 'delivery service'.

In a soft muffled tone Mary lets out a grunt under her breath. A rush of pain shoots through her body. The Boogen’s blade caught her by surprise. Still soaked from the Elemental attack she banked high right away from the gang of Boogens and survey the battle field. It seemed the "Team" had freed 3 of 4 Elementals from Occult’s spell after Adamas took out Occult but none of her henchmen have yet to fall. Using the amulet to communicate with the Team "I'm going to take out big ugly then see if that's AA and try to...." Mary was cut off by the booming voice of Adamas.

Adamas yelled. ”Cure, Get Harvey!  Magus, Secure Occult!  Elwood, How about a distraction!"

Still using the amulet "That's a negative Big A. Can't get a 6ft rabbit that's non corporal and invisible and stop using our names out loud. You don't know who's listening in even when using the amulets. I'll meet you over by Ion. If it's AA I can heal him."

The Cure fired two Latarium blasts at the XIMIX the first missed the demon but the second hit. The XIMIX fell to the ground incapacitated.

Two of the Boogens saw Occult stand up. She called out to them "To me my silly minions!  Bring it in and take a knee whilst I commune with the great and powerful pooka god!  Quickly now!  Come to me!" The two Boogens ran over to their mistress. They took a knee to begin communing with the pooka god.

Wave looked around hesitantly. She moved toward Flame, Stone, and Breeze.

The two Boogens in the north of the Crystal Castle ran to pick up their spears. They threw the weapons at The Cure missing her.

With the ancient scroll in hand, Elwood got himself up and headed over to his newest teammate, Magus.  "This seems better suited in your possession," handing the scroll over.  Nearby, the creature called Flame ascended the steps which gave Elwood a start.  "Friend of yours?" he asked Magus sheepishly.

Donnah moved toward Wave, Flame, and Stone.

At this point Adamas was shouting directions, "DarkStar, get these civilians someplace safe, and then come back for the rest of us!  

DarkStar ran to the Natural Forces. He positioned himself between the four elementals; Joshua slipped the amulet back around his neck. In a voice as loud as his thunderous chest can bellow, "Anyone wanting to return to Earth gets one chance to grab a seat on the DarkStar express." Rose can't help but remember...

Don’t assume everyone is your enemy or they will become so.
Don’t assume everyone is your ally or you will be betrayed.

That goes double for you DarkStar . . . Doc don't you know better than to feed the monkeys?

 *WHOUMP*

The XIMIX that was fighting DarkStar bellowed in anger. It charged across the floor toward Adamas as it reloaded its crossbow.  It raised the loaded crossbow firing at Adamas

THUMP!

The bolt struck Adamas

{GM Note: Crossbow bolt does 21 damage points; -21 to Invulnerability}

The XIMIX swung the large bastard sword at Adamas’ back.

BAM!!

It struck him square in the back. The force of the blow knocked the Alien Powerhouse across the room smashing him into the wall.

{GM Note: Sword does 19 damage points; -3 to Invulnerability, -5 to PP, and -11 HP}

The two Boogens who had attack DarkStar before turned around. They ran toward Adamas. Both stabbed their spears at Adamas. One on each side of him.

SWISH! SWISH!

Both attacks missed.

Two Boogens chased after The Cure throwing their spears at her but their aim was off. The spears missed. One of the spears struck a Boogen which was behind The Cure. The blow knocked it to the ground incapacitated.

Seeing Adamas quickly take charge of the situation at hand brought a sense of renewed belief to Magus. He finally saw Adamas trusting in himself, pushing the limits of his full potential, and embracing his own preordained destiny. In that brief moment his mind reached out to Dr. Arcane and he somberly relayed a very simple; yet ominous, message, “. . . Adamas is awakening.”

That moment was fleeting however, as an unexpected sense of dread took hold of the mystical guardian of the multiverse – something felt terribly wrong. Magus forebodingly whispered aloud, “Something about all of this feels wrong.” A sudden sense of epiphany manifested itself as he replayed in his mind what had just transpired only moments ago . . .

 . . . Occult finished her incantation. She looked up. She quickly saw through the illusions. “You dare try to fool me with mind tricks. I am the Master of the Mind. Fools we are under attack. Look around you. Defeat them.” . . .

“. . . this has all been entirely too easy”, he whispered aloud. Magus then thought to himself, “She had years to prepare for this moment, too much to lose . . . something is so very wrong with all of this.” As Adamas started to make his way toward the back of the room, Magus flew toward the ceiling at the center of the chamber and looked in the direction of the imprisoned Agent America.
Seeing through the deception before him, Magus shouted out mentally to Adamas, “Adamas! Get down!” With a sense of dire urgency, the champion of the macrocosm reached out with both of his hands and fired a double burst of mystical energy at the imposter before him.

One beam missed striking the wall above the prisoner disguised as Ion. The second burst of mystical energy struck him in the chest. Ion hollered in pain. The scream was not human sounding.

Then Ion changed shape. He slipped his hands from the manacles. The hands formed into claws as they grew in size. Armor covered its body with tentacles and a beak sprouting from its neck. Without knowing their names Magus watched a Changeling take the form of a Sl’sssk.

It charged on spindly legs toward the nearest prey, Adamas. Attacking from behind with a massive claw the Sl’sssk crushed the Alien Powerhouse’s ribs

CRUNCH!

{GM Note: Sl’sssk does 17 damage points; -5 to PP, and -12 HP}


< Due Date: September 8th, Actions? Replies?>

Changes Characters stats while in Domain

Adamas – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 3,666, and HtH is 1d12
Elwood – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 53, and HtH is 1d2
Harvey – He is a magical or imaginary being so his ‘stats’ are unaffected.
Magus – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 852, and HtH is 1d8
The Cure – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 85, and HtH is 1d3

QUEST
Current Conditions:
Adamas                        Hit Points: 23    Power Points: 46           Invulnerability: 0
Harvey                          Hit Points: 81    Power Points: 87  
Elwood                         Hit Points: 9      Power Points: 54  
Magus                          Hit Points: 34    Power Points: 57  
The Cure                       Hit Points: 12    Power Points: 41           Suit ADR 108

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Great work Tom! I was wondering how much damage does the suit take? Am I leaking radiation? If so how much? Also do I have 2 actions to use since I only used 1? I'll give my action(s) after you let me know.

OOC: Should we have the elementals fight with us? It would even up the numbers. If DarkStuff or MagNuts can free the last one even better. As far as a plan of action...let's see what Big A has in mind.

Larry
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GM: You have 1 action because The Cure fired on the XIMIX twice. The ADR of the suit was reduced from 110 to 108. I am not counting as rolling damage as lower ADR. So the suit is not leaking.

Best
Tom
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Thanks Tom. I wasn't sure because you didn't say if I hit or missed on what would have been the first attack.

IC:In a solf muffled tone Mary lets out a grunt under her breath. A rush of pain shoots throught her body. The Boogens blade caugth her by surprize. Still soaked from the Elemental attack she banks high right away from the gang of Boogens and survey the battle field. It seems the "Team" has freed 3 of 4 Elementales from Occults spell after Adomas took out Occlult but none of her henchmen have yet to fall. Using the amulet to communicate with the Team "I'm going to take out big ugly then see if that's AA and try to...." Mary is cut off by the booming voice of Adamas.

At this point Adamas is shouting directions, "Cure, Get Harvey! Magus, Secure Occult! Darkstar, get these civilians someplace safe, then come back for the rest of us! Elwood, How about a distraction!"

Still using the amulet"That's a negative Big A. Can't get a 6ft rabbit that's non corporal and invisible and stop using our names out loud. You don't know who's listening in even when using the amulets. I'll meet you over by Ion. If it's AA I can heal him."

OOC:So I'm fling as high as I can and right away from the Boogens then a double blast at the XIMIX.I then what for Adamas by Ion/AA. Jon I would have just told you to change what you said but this could be more fun for the story.

Larry
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Agreed!

Jon
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Lots of cool action Tom

I have a follow up question. If I remember right the interaction with Donnah all counted as movement do DarkStar should have a second Action saved up? If so I want him to teleport the out dropping  the Xinix (sp?) into the wilderness then back right behind Stone. That is if he has the actions to do that?

Thanks for the fun
John R
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GM: Wrapping the Amulet around Donnah's wrists and the bracelets was movement. DarkStar braking the bracelets was his first action of the turn.
So DarkStar has 1 action this turn. So he can't teleport out and back this turn.

Best
Tom
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I've got a few of questions for you, Tom.

Do Wave and Flame see hostile at this point? Are they just standing there confused or do they seem in control and somehow aligned with one group or the other?

My Adaption Defense is active correct?

Would Magus be familiar with the spell Occult used on Donnah and the other three people? If so, what does he know about it?

-Kev
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Do Wave and Flame see hostile at this point? No

Are they just standing there confused? More in turmoil from the physical change

Do they seem in control and somehow aligned with one group or the other? At the end of the turn they appeared in control. No appearance of alignment with any group at this time.

My Adaption Defense is active correct? Yes

Would Magus be familiar with the spell Occult used on Donnah and the other three people? He knows they were ancient (2000 years) scrolls which combined to create transmutation spell which could change the properties of a person to a reagent. The main scroll was the incantation spell and the each of the 4 scrolls magically contain the reagent used in the transmutation. It is written in an ancient that Magus knows but translating the scroll would take an action (because of time and intellect) 

Tom
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Ooc:  Harvey's goal is to fool the remaining creatures, so they cease attacking The Team.  He will create an illusion over Occult, making her appear as though she is back on her feet and giving new orders to her gang of domain monsters.  "To me my silly minions!  Bring it in and take a knee whilst I commune with the great and powerful pooka god!  Quickly now!  Come to me!"

Ic:
With the ancient scroll in hand, Elwood gets himself up and heads over to his newest teammate, Magus.  "This seems better suited in your possession," handing the scroll over.  Nearby, the creature called Flame ascends the steps which gave Elwood a start.  "Friend of yours?" he asks Magus sheepishly.

Mike
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OOC: Great job everyone!  Way to go with the quick responses looks like the early edition took us all by surprise.  Tom, loving all of the artwork, the color pics, the cover art, and the maps all really bring things to life.  Fantastic!

IC: Adamas again takes in the battlefield with his enhanced speed.  The Cure appears to be holding her own with one XIMIX, and Dark Star has the other... Magus now has the fifth scroll, Adamas thought back to the one given to them by Dr. Avery, maybe it could help the elementals.  They elementals seemed to be gaining some control of themselves with the bonds broken, only Stone appeared to still be under Occult's sway.  All that left was the hoard of Boogens.

Adamas flies down and smashes the bracelets on Stone.  Turning to Wave, Breeze, and Flame, "We are here to help you.  We want to get you home, then we'll see what we can do about getting you back to normal.  Right now, we need you to come with us.  Donna, if you can understand me.  Please help us, everyone gather together here, and Darkstar will get you out of here," Adamas points at the Blue Behemoth.

At this point Adamas is shouting directions, "Cure, Get Harvey!  Magus, Secure Occult!  DarkStar, get these civilians someplace safe, then come back for the rest of us!  Elwood, How about a distraction!"  At the same time, Adamas will fly to the back of the room, free their companion in disguise and bring him to the center of the room.   If anyone needs assistance or if anyone gets in his way he will use his Power Blast to clear the path.

OOC: Go TEAM! (gotta do something about that name)

Jon
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OOC: but ... but ... I want to play with the Ximix some more. Dang can't have no fun. LOL   Doing great Jon.

John
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Nicely done Jon.

Mike
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Jon Great Job leading the Team.

Larry
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Thx, except for the Elwood/Harvey thing... And the fact that I totally forgot about the name thing...

Jon
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Jon you're LEADING. That's what I've been looking for from the Team Leader. Everyone drops the ball here and there. You're doing great. That's my 2 cents... spend it as you like.

Larry
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> MAGUS’S IC RESPONSE <

At this point Adamas is shouting directions, "Cure, Get Harvey!  Magus, Secure Occult!  Darkstar, get these civilians someplace safe, then come back for the rest of us!  Elwood, how about a distraction!"  At the same time, Adamas will fly to the back of the room, free their companion in disguise and bring him to the center of the room.

Seeing Adamas quickly take charge of the situation at hands brings a sense of renewed belief to Magus. He finally sees Adamas trusting in himself, pushing the limits of his full potential, and embracing his own preordained destiny. In that brief moment his mind reaches out to Dr. Arcane and he somberly relays a very simple; yet ominous, message, “ . . . Adamas is awakening.”

That moment is fleeting however, as an unexpected sense of dread takes hold of the mystical guardian of the multiverse – something feels terribly wrong. Magus forebodingly whispers aloud, “Something about all of this feels wrong.” A sudden sense of epiphany manifests itself as he replays in his mind what had just transpired only moments ago . . .

 . . . Occult finished her incantation. She looked up. She quickly saw through the illusions. “You dare try to fool me with mind tricks. I am the Master of the Mind. Fools we are under attack. Look around you. Defeat them.” . . .

“. . . this has all been entirely too easy” , he whispers aloud. Magus then thinks to himself, “She had years to prepare for this moment, too much to loose . . . something is so very wrong with all of this.” As Adamas starts to make his way towards the back of the room, Magus flies towards the ceiling at the center of the chamber and looks in the direction of the imprisoned Agent America ( OOC: employing his Heightened Sense of Reality to determine if what is really imprisoned back there is AA or something else entirely ).

If it appears to be Agent America –

Not seeing an immediate threat in his imprisoned teammate, Magus turns his attention back to the indoor battlefield and whispers to himself once again, “ . . . what am I missing?” Not wanting to loose the upper hand in his teams conflict, Magus wastes no time aiding his dimensionally displaced teammates. ( OOC: At this point Magus will ‘fill in’ where needed most. His priorities in order of preference are: dispelling the magic on the remaining elementals bracelets, aiding in the evacuation / team egress, ‘taking out’ any pesky demon creatures ).

If it doesn’t appear to be Agent America -

Seeing through the deception before him, Magus shouts out mentally to Adamas, “Adamas! Get down!” With a sense of dire urgency, the champion of the macrocosm reaches out with both of his hands and fires a double burst of mystical energy ( OOC: dual attack with his Mystic Bolt spell ) at the imposter before him.


> MAGUS’S GOAL(S) <

Magus wants to tie-up all the ‘loose ends’ in the room before ‘The Team’ makes their exit.


> MAGUS’S OOC RESPONSE <

Everyone else have their responses in already? If so – any chance for another ‘Early Issue Release’?

Tom, let me know if you need anything else form me for this turn. Some clarifications maybe?


Talk to you all soon,

- Kev
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DarkStar Smash

John
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Jon, I have a quick question.  Adamas refers to 2 different situations.

"Dark Star has the other (XIMIX)..."

"DarkStar, get these civilians someplace safe, and then come back for the rest of us!"

Does Adamas intend for DarkStar to defeat the XIMIX then transport or abandon the XIMIX to the rest of the team to teleport the civilians out?

Thanks
Tom
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The first was an observation, the second a request. ;)

Jon
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DarkStar, get these civilians someplace safe, then come back for the rest of us!

DarkStar IC: Struggling with monstrous Ximix, Joshua is preparing to toss the creature into a group of Boogens, His brow sweating from the battle and the strain of exertion in his voice, glancing at his combat companion, "Really? I'm a little busy over here?" Sigh ... I can't imagine why I ever started up a 'delivery service'.

 ... to be continued.

Kudos Jon
John R
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The first was just an observation.  His goal is to save the civilians.

We have what we came for, let's bugout. 

Our goal was never to come in and battle with these guys.

Jon
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Agreed

Kev
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DarkStar, get these civilians someplace safe, then come back for the rest of us!

DarkStar IC: Struggling with monstrous Ximix, Joshua is preparing to toss the creature into a group of Boogens, His brow sweating from the battle and the strain of exertion in his voice, glancing at his combat companion, "Really? I'm a little busy over here?" Sigh ... "Take out the two Big Ones ... Take out the civilians," I can't imagine why I ever started up a 'delivery service'.

*whoump*

Using a combat jump to position himself between the four elementals, Joshua slips the amulet back around his neck and looks for a chance to crush the bracers on Stone's wrist. At the very worse I grab him and we get them off later. Then in a voice as loud as his thunderous chest can bellow, "Anyone wanting to return to Earth, gets one chance to grab a seat on the DarkStar express." Rose can't help but remember ...

Don’t assume everyone is your enemy or they will become so.
Don’t assume everyone is your ally or you will be betrayed.

That goes double for you DarkStar . . . Doc don't you know better than to feed the monkeys?

OOC: As much as I'd like to teleport everyone out this turn I couldn't get in position with them spread out - according to our last issue. So I'm hoping the seemingly bewildered souls will gravitate to DarkStar's call and he can do a real Teleport next issue. (No combining Combat Jumps and Teleports if I remember right, right Tom?) If DarkStar doesn't get a chance to crush Stone's bracers then I'll (preferably) save that Action til next Turn.

PS: Glad someone is checking on AA/Ion. I agree though the odds in a fight are rough Ximix is no joke) this is too easy, heads up all. I can see a curve ball coming.

John
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