Monday, March 26, 2012

Phantom Man-Beast: He will help me! - Issue 2

Location: Champions Sports Bar.

When Hill walked in, Sam watched him for a moment to see if he was alone or meeting others.

Then he’d said,”Scuse me, Father,” and went to Hill.

“Detective, lemme buy you a drink. I’m a reporter. Name’s Sam Jones. I was wondering if you could shed some light on the Foundry’s White Widow Maker for me,” Sam said, smiling with his mouth but not with his eyes.

Hill face turned to an expression that Sam could read all too clearly: 'Another Damn reporter'. Hill said, "Look I have nothing new to tell you that isn't in my report and I didn't tell the other reporters. If you leave now, I will take your number and call you first if I dig up anything new."

"Look, I know you don't believe me, none of the others did either but I mean it. Just getting a drink in peace tonight means that much to me."

Thump! Thump!

The grenades quickly filled the bar with tear gas. The gas was a thick gray haze which clouded the entire bar in a thick fog. Phantom could easily move to his target. There were two men where he had placed Detective Hill to be. His combat senses kicked in. He could tell there were 4 other armed people in the room. Most likely cops, there were 3 bruisers and 5 non-combatants which were 2 women and 3 men. All were bent over struggling to breathe. None had made a move for him or the doors yet.

In the haze Phantom could not tell which of the two men was Hill.

Sam tried to stay as calm as he could but the tear gas was burning his eyes and lungs. He couldn’t catch his breath and his eyes were furiously watering in a vain attempt to clear the irritant from them.

"No!" cried Sam. "Not here! Not now damn it!" Sam was thankful that the tear gas would obscure what was about to
happen... except from Hill and the alabaster angel of death. They'd have a front row seat.

Sam's hand shook and the drawing of the white widow maker fell from it. His face turned red and contorted. Bulged impossibly like it was going to explode. And then it did.

The front of his face detonated forward violently into its new, longer shape. His torso writhed and cracked as it grew larger, bursting free of his shirt and jacket like they were tissue paper. His arms flailed wildly as they grew longer... thicker.

"I said NO!" he growled sharply, sounding more beast than man.

 Naked from the waist up, his skin rippled over musculature that crawled with a life of its own. Then thick hair sprouted over that, dark and hard as pine needles.

"Raugh!" he barked and the voice was a snarling wolf and a roaring lion.

His eyes were pleading for help and then they took on the pupil and iris of a panther... and the hunger.
The cat eyes looked at the trembling, fur covered hands as they sprouted black claws. The eyes closed as the jaws cracked painfully and filled with long, ravenous fangs.

"ROOOAR!" The bar patrons might have thought a grizzly bear was somewhere inside that tear gas cloud.

The thing was nearly seven feet tall now, a savage amalgam of man... feline... lupine... simian... ursine. And then it spoke!

"Enough pussy footing around, you weakling," it snarled to no one in particular. "I'll get the answers we need." The eyes, reflecting light like a nocturnal predator, focused upon Hill. "He'll be only too happy to help ME."

Smiling darkly to show all its terrible teeth, the Man Beast grabbed Detective Hill.

He picked up his prey. Turning around Man Beast ran across the sports bar.

CRASH!

They ran though the Champions Sport Bar Window destroying the logo. Across the street Man Beast ran carrying his prey with him. Hill was bleeding but still conscious. The Hairy Hunter used the fire escape, window sills, and brick ledges to climb the side of the apartment building.

Undeterred Phantom followed the others through the shattered window. Quickly he realized his new opponent was faster than him. Since he couldn’t catch him on foot and the creature was already out of his shotgun’s range he pulled out his pistol and fired.

BLAM!

Phantom watched as Hill quit struggling and slumped in Man Beast’s arm. Both disappeared over the edge on the roof onto the top of the building. Hearing the approach of people coughing behind him, Phantom knew his shot had missed its intended target but had struck Hill instead.

On the rooftop, Man Beast inspected Detective Hill. He was not dead. He had blacked out from the bullet wound he had received.

<Due Date: March 17th,  Actions? Replies?>

Current Conditions:
Phantom                       Hit Points: 23    Power Points: 50           Invulnerability: 5           
                                                            Mossberg 590A1 Combat Shotgun - Flexible Baton Round: 9 Rounds
                                                                                Ammo band on Shotgun: 9 Flexible Baton Rounds
Left; FN Five-Seven Pistol: 20 Rounds
Right; FN Five-Seven Pistol: 20 Rounds
4 extra magazines: 20 Rounds each
                                                                                ABC-M7A2 Tear-Gas Grenade: 4
                                                                                M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask
                                                                                Gerber Mark II Combat Knife

---------------------------------------
Phantom

When Jeff posted his response it didn't hit me for some reason what he was up to - well played Jeff! Tom, excellent issue - I really appreciate the way you presented the opportunity to meet up with some really interesting NPC's - well done sir!

Between the two of you, you're making it very hard for me to start shooting people - damn you both for having those icky filthy things called mprales . . . err . . . mkrales . . . hmm . . . marales . . . ACK! I can't even spell the word without screwing it up lol ;)

Talk to you guys soon,

- Kev
------------------------------------------
Man Beast

OOC: Any reaction at all from Hill after Sam asked him about the white widow-maker and before the tear gas rolled in? Thanks.

IC:
"No!" cried Sam. "Not here! Not now damn it!"

Sam was thankful that the tear gas would obscure what was about to happen... except from Hill and the alabaster angel of death. They'd have a front row seat.

Sam's hand shook and the drawing of the white widow maker fell to the floor. His face turned red and contorted. Bulged impossibly like it was going to explode. And then it did.

The front of his face detonated forward violently into its new, longer shape. His torso writhed and cracked as it grew larger, bursting free of his shirt and jacket like they were tissue paper. His arms flailed wildly as they grew longer... thicker.

"I said NO!" he growled sharply, sounding more beast than man.

Naked from the waist up, his skin rippled over musculature that crawled with a life of its own. Then thick hair sprouted over that, dark and hard as pine needles.

"Raugh!" he barked and the voice a snarling wolf and a roaring lion.

His eyes were pleading for help and then they took on the pupil and iris of a panther... and the hunger.
The cat eyes looked at the trembling, fur covered hands as they sprouted black claws. The eyes closed as the jaws cracked painfully and filled with long, ravenous fangs.

"ROOOAR!" The bar patrons might have thought a grizzly bear was somewhere inside that tear gas cloud.

The thing was nearly seven feet tall now, a savage amalgam of man... feline... lupine... simian... ursine. And then it spoke!

"Enough pussy footing around, you weakling," it snarled to no one in particular. "I'll get the answers we need." The eyes, reflecting light like a nocturnal predator, focused upon Hill. "He'll be only too happy to help ME."

Smiling darkly to show all his terrible teeth, the Man Beast reached for Detective Hill.


OOC:
Goal:
Grab Hill and leave at top speed to a secluded place (leaping straight up to a rooftop?) where his terrible work can be done in private.
-----------------------------------------------------
Phantom

OOC: Wicked Jeff. Street Patrol's version of Jeckel/Hyde or Banner/Hulk maybe? Good storytelling style none the less.
-----------------------------------------------------
Phantom

LOVE IT!!! Jeff you are so going to get us ( i.e. Man-Beast and Phantom ) into a fight LOL! I was just working on my response for this issue as well, but got a bit stymied when it can to how to deal with you ( i.e. Sam ) - thanks for providing some direction lol

Son of a gun - A bar brawl was not the way that I had envisioned Man-Beast and Phantom starting off their relationship =D

Great stuff - talk to you soon,

- Kev
-----------------------------------------------------
Man Beast

OOC

Thanks guys.

Caught a typo:
"... and the voice was a snarling wolf..."

Also, Tom, if the Man Beast gets a hold of Hill, they're exiting the
bar through the big plate glass window in the front. It doesn't mind
if Hill gets scratched up in the process but it wants him conscious.

Once Hill gets his bearings he'll pull out his pistol. The Man Beast
will expect this and, if it's got an action, it'll attempt to
violently knock the gun from his hand like Roy disarming Deckard at
the end of Blade Runner... complete with wolf howl.
Only more... convincing.

:)
-----------------------------------------------------------
GM

GM IC: Hill face turned to an expression that Sam could read all to clearly: 'Another Damn reporter'. Hill said, "Look I have nothing new to tell you that isn't in my report and I didn't tell the other reporters. If you leave now, I will take your number and call you first if I dig up anything new."

"Look, I know you don't believe me, none of the others did either but I mean it. Just getting a drink in peace tonight means that much to me."

Then the room in filled with tear gas.
(I hoped you enjoyed your sneak preview into the next issue of Phantom/Man Beast)

Tom
-------------------------------------------------------------
Man Beast

OOC: Hey Tom: Here's the final, proofread version. Please use this
instead of the other two. Nothing's changed, except I just folded them
into one post. Thanks.

------------

OOC: Any reaction at all from Hill after Sam asked him about the white
widow-maker and before the tear gas rolled in? Thanks.

 IC:
"No!" cried Sam. "Not here! Not now damn it!"
Sam was thankful that the tear gas would obscure what was about to
happen... except from Hill and the alabaster angel of death. They'd
have a front row seat.

Sam's hand shook and the drawing of the white widow maker fell from
it. His face turned red and contorted. Bulged impossibly like it was
going to explode. And then it did.

The front of his face detonated forward violently into its new, longer
shape. His torso writhed and cracked as it grew larger, bursting free
of his shirt and jacket like they were tissue paper. His arms flailed
wildly as they grew longer... thicker.

"I said NO!" he growled sharply, sounding more beast than man.

 Naked from the waist up, his skin rippled over musculature that
crawled with a life of its own. Then thick hair sprouted over that,
dark and hard as pine needles.

"Raugh!" he barked and the voice was a snarling wolf and a roaring lion.

His eyes were pleading for help and then they took on the pupil and
iris of a panther... and the hunger.
The cat eyes looked at the trembling, fur covered hands as they
sprouted black claws. The eyes closed as the jaws cracked painfully
and filled with long, ravenous fangs.

"ROOOAR!" The bar patrons might have thought a grizzly bear was
somewhere inside that tear gas cloud.

The thing was nearly seven feet tall now, a savage amalgam of man...
feline... lupine... simian... ursine. And then it spoke!

"Enough pussy footing around, you weakling," it snarled to no one in
particular. "I'll get the answers we need." The eyes, reflecting light
like a nocturnal predator, focused upon Hill. "He'll be only too happy
to help ME."

Smiling darkly to show all its terrible teeth, the Man Beast reached
for Detective Hill.


OOC:
Goals:
Grab Hill and leave at top speed, exiting the bar through the big
plate glass window in the front. It doesn't mind if Hill gets
scratched up in the process but it wants him conscious.

The Man Beast will race to a secluded place (leaping straight up to a
rooftop?) where his terrible work can be done in private.

Once Hill gets his bearings he'll pull out his pistol. The Man Beast
will expect this and, if it's got an action, it'll attempt to
violently knock the gun from his hand like Roy disarming Deckard at
the end of Blade Runner... complete with wolf howl.
Only. more... convincing.

:)
------------------------------------------------
Phantom

> PHANTOM’S IC RESPONSE <

Through a combination of skill and raw instinct ( OOC: his Awareness skill, a Luck Point, Det. Hidden, etc. ) quickly makes a decision as to which of the two men is most likely Detective Hill and which one of them isn’t. Swinging the butt of his shotgun around, he drives it violently straight into his targets gut!


> PHANTOM’S GOAL(S) <

Phantom wants to get out with Detective Hill as fast as he can with as little fighting as possible.


> PHANTOM’S OOC RESPONSE <

If Phantom nails the right guy and Hill doubles over from the ‘gut-shot’, he’ll grab him by the back of the neck and drive him towards the front door of the bar. If he can get him to the front door, he’ll use Hill’s head to open it and drag him off into the night.

I’ll be honest – Phantom wouldn’t be expecting something like Man-Beast to be in the bar, but he is definitely prepared for trouble so I’m confident if a fight should break out between the two over Hill that Phantom would be ready for it.

Depending upon how it goes down; if Man-Beast and Phantom get into a fight, Phantom will either shoot him with his shotgun or hit him with the butt of it – in that order of preference.

If it comes down to a tug of war between the two for Hill, Phantom will let Hill go and shoot Man-Beast with his shotgun.

Talk to you all soon,

- Kev

Codename Red Hawk: What's in a Name? - Issue 3

Location: Department of Superpower Affairs – Megalopolis Offices

Sitting in a corner of the Department of Superhuman Affairs cafeteria Brian sat across from the strangest legacy he had ever seen or heard of. To everyone else in the room “He” looked like a normal human being. Drinking a cold coke and cheeseburger, “He” sat and listened intently to ever word Brian uttered as if they were from God himself. Frankly it was a bit uncomfortable, but as Dennis pointed out, between his collegiate study of the Freedom Eagle and his career as a computer programmer, there probably weren’t three other people in the world better suited to help the android in his amnesiac state.

“I’m glad to see you want to follow in the Freedom Eagle’s footsteps and double so you picked up on the potential problems of continuing to pose as him. I knew years ago that I couldn’t wear that uniform. It was his and I had no right to it. I had to forge my own identity as a hero, and now so do you. Red Hawk’s a fine name but we’ll have to get the uniform properly altered to suit the persona you’re wanting to project. I’m curious why Red Hawk.?”

For a while, the tall almost Mediterranean looking “man” across from the table doesn’t speak. His long black hair and strong bronze features look chillingly the same as the day he and Dennis had followed that strange light down the alley to the Peratonian. They watched as “America’s Greatest Hero” died after passing his powers to Dennis and bequeathing his flight suit to Brian. Finally with a smile “He” spoke. “I like the color red . . . and . . . well, anything with the name eagle in it seemed like I was trying to hold onto whatever it was I was before I met you and Dennis . . . that faux Eagle character.”

“I don’t want to have anything to do with him. At least not until I find out all the facts about what happened that day and why.” After taking a drink from his coke, savoring the sweet syrupy flavor “He” continues. “And I saw on the TV that the hawk is a predator. If I’m going to find out who created me I need to become a hunter. So I chose Red Hawk when Dennis asked me what my name was going to be. Does that make sense?” His eyes light up waiting for approval from Brian, and once again Brian gets that uncomfortable feeling. Merely smiling and nodding his head.

“Uhm Brian . . . why do some people have two names and some don’t? I noticed watching Capes TV network that almost all the heroes and villains have two names. When Dennis asked my name was I supposed to have two of them?”

“Names are identifiers as you know; there are more possibilities with two names than with one.  When someone is extremely famous the fans will shorten to one name because that is the only person they think of when they say the name. It is speed over clarity.”

“Oh … I see I think.” His heightened senses allow him to smell and hear Dennis Machek as he enters the busy cafeteria “He” looks up expectantly. It’s through Brian that “He” had started to learn about who “He” might be and how “He” might fit in the world. It’s Dennis “He” senses who will teach him how to utilize his abilities. He and Brian both smile as Dennis energetically makes his way through the tables and chairs of the cafeteria. Dennis’s own smile lighting up the room as he waves a card in the air as he approaches. Looking across the table “He” asked the question. “So where can we go to get the suit altered?”

“Well StarCorp has offered to pay Ms. Stitch to alter your costume. They are making it a part of your compensation while you will be working for them in some kind of capacity.”

"He" looked excitedly at his two mentors to be. "I'm anxious to start working with their scientist. The Project Director told me that I would be the only person involved in every phase of analyzing the systems and materials that were used in my creation. Something about security measures and protecting my property rights, if I work at it, he said I could become a leading research assistant in nano-engineering."

“Lab Rat”

“Now Dennis we don’t know that for sure. I am sure StarCorp will use him instead of just making him a study subject. Besides I am made sure they signed a Non Disclosure Statement which will make sure they can’t use anything they learn without Red Hawk’s permission. All patients will be in Red Hawk’s name, not StarCorp’s, and he will get royalties from every sale or internal use they find from studying him.”

Giving Dennis a quizzical look "He" searched the phrase 'lab rat' on the table's holo-pad. The results light up on the viewer as Brian explained the terms of the contract he had negotiated for Red Hawk, "He" looked up at his two mentors with a stone faced expression. "I may have been created in a lab, and I may enter into a mutually beneficial agreement with StarCorp, but I will never be anyone's 'lab rat'.

Dennis laughed, “I bet Joshua will turn red when he learns about what he signed. Something he won’t be able to turn a quick buck from. Come Red Hawk lets go get your costume altered before the StarCorp attorney’s figure out what Joshua did.”

“He" felt a sense of pride as Dennis called him by the Codename: Red Hawk. Smiling "He" picked up the over-sized gym bag with the faux Freedom Eagle costume. The trio, linked by a legacy so strange Hollywood wouldn't think to write it, made their way to Brian's jeep in the DSA parking lot. Climbing into the back seat "He" didn't know where he was from or who had created him. "He" wasn't sure where he was going or how he was going to get there, but "He" knew one thing. Where ever "He" was from, where ever "He" was going, "He" would try and do it as a Hero.

Leaning up into the front seat "He" asked Brian if he could borrow his holo-pad. "He" wasn't sure what he was looking for. This wasn't like a codename. This would be a name people would know him by when he wasn't being Red Hawk. Searching the internet "He" started learning how names were given at a human child's birth. "I don't have parents, and I may never know who my creator was. I certainly wouldn't ask Brian and Dennis. They've done so much for me already. No, I need to start creating my own identity, outside of the hero Red Hawk."

"I chose Red Hawk to represent an image. An image designed to follow in the footsteps of Condor and Freedom Eagle. I want my personal name to be something that makes people comfortable. Something with a sound lets people relax when they hear it." Looking through a list of baby names "He" goes through the Brian and the B's then Dennis and the D's. "Hmm … something in the C's . . .” Finally "He" leans forward between the two friendly bantering of the two brothers in arms. Clearing his throat and smiling warmly "He" looks at both mentors.

"Please … call me Chris."

<Due Date: March 17th, Actions? Replies?>

------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Tom

OOC: Well here we go

<Red Hawk IC: actions and responses>

"Well StarCorp has offered to pay Ms. Stitch to alter your costume. They are making it a part of your compensation while you will be working for them in some kind of capacity."

"He" looks excitedly at his two mentors to be. "I'm anxious to start working with their scientist. The Project Director told me that I would be the only person involved in every phase of analyzing the systems and materials that were used in my creation. Something about security measures and protecting my property rights. If I work at it, he said I could become a leading research assistant in nano-engineering."

"Lab Rat"

"Now Dennis we don‟t know that for sure. I am sure StarCorp will use him instead of just making him a study subject. Besides I am made sure they signed a Non Disclosure Statement which will make sure they can‟t use anything they learn
without Red Hawk‟s permission. All patients will be in Red Hawk‟s name, not StarCorp‟s, and he will get royalties from every sale or internal use they find from studying him."

Giving Dennis a quizzical look "He" searches the phrase 'lab rat' on the table's holo-pad. The results light up on the viewer as Brian explains the terms of the contract he had negotiated for Red Hawk, "He" looks up at his two mentors with a stone faced expression. "I may have been created in a lab, and I may enter into a mutually beneficial agreement with StarCorp, but I will never be anyone's 'lab rat'.

Dennis laughs, "I bet Joshua will turn red when he learns about what he signed. Something he won‟t be able to turn a quick buck from. Come Red Hawk lets go get your costume altered before the StarCorp attorney‟s figure out what Joshua did."

He" feels a sense of pride as Dennis calls him by the Codename: Red Hawk. Smiling "He" picks up the over-sized gym bag with the faux Freedom Eagle costume. The trio, linked by a legacy so strange Hollywood wouldn't think to write it, make their way to Brian's jeep in the DSA parking lot. Climbing into the back seat "He" didn't know where he was from or who had created him. "He" wasn't sure where he was going or how he was going to get there, but "He" did know one thing. Where ever "He" was from, where ever "He" was going, "He" would try and do it as a Hero.

OOC: lol no love for Rose from Dennis huh?

Regards
John
-------------------------------------------------------
Red Hawk: Side Shot # 2.1
As Brian's jeep wound its way through the busy streets of Central City, "He" absently listened to his two mentors argue about the pros and cons of his working with StarCorp. "He" didn't mind. It gave him time to look on with wonder at a world he was just beginning to understand. "Names are identifiers as you know; there are more possibilities with two names than with one" "I feel like Brian was telling me something . . . " The sound of jet engines roar overhead, "He" looks up seeing  two CHESS sky-cycles zip through the city's skyline.
Looking back down at the over-sized gym back holding the faux Freedom Eagle uniform, "He" feels a longing to be up there with the CHESS Knights. Soaring through the sky every day hunting those who would prey on the innocent, the weak. " . . . but then what?" Smiling at the playful banter between Brian and Dennis "Brian, you need to get out of that classroom more …" "He" thought about that. Brian taught, Dennis had his music, even the CHESS Knights probably had a life outside of serving the public. " . . . and they all have separate identities."

"He" sits there the wind in his face as they cross the bridge leading from Central City into Soiree Heights. Central City was financially rich. Soiree Heights was a city of opulence. They even had the ability to pay heroes to protect them. "… freaking mercenaries … "He" has more … " came Dennis's voice from the front seat. Something in Dennis's tone of voice struck him as being wrong. Brian and Dennis both seemed uneasy when referring to him as "He". "Hmm … "He" … I guess it sound a lot like "It". Maybe if I had a real name it would help?"

Leaning up into the front seat "He" asked Brian if he could borrow his holo-pad. "He" wasn't sure what he was looking for. This wasn't like a codename. This would be a name people would know him by when he wasn't being Red Hawk. Searching the internet "He" started learning how names were given at a human child's birth. "I don't have parents, and I may never know who my creator was. I certainly wouldn't ask Brian and Dennis. They've done so much for me already. No, I need to start creating my own identity, outside of the hero Red Hawk."

"I chose Red Hawk to represent an image. An image designed to follow in the footsteps of Condor and Freedom Eagle. I want my personal name to be something that makes people comfortable. Something with a sound lets people relax when they hear it." Looking through a list of baby names "He" goes through the Brian and the B's then Dennis and the D's. "Hmm … something in the C's . . . " Finally "He" leans forward between the two friendly bantering of the two brother in arms. Clearing his throat and smiling warmly "He" looks at both mentors.

"Please … call me Chris."
-------------------------------------------------------------

The Wraith: The Hunt - Issue 22

Location: Crusader Citadel

A heavy storm raged around the Citadel. It had grown in magnitude when the Megalopolis SWAT team had entered the Harmon Building Lobby.

ZZABBBOOOOMMM!

A lightning bolt struck the lobby again!

The lights were out in the entire building.

On the top floor several heroes walked into the stairway making their way down into the Citadel.

Black Orchid said, "Alright Tomahawk, lead us down to where Manta Lad is and please tell us if you see anyone lurking in the shadows, especially that b--, uh, Hauntress character. Starbolt, did ML say how far he went down the stairs?"

"M-L went down to the infirmary area. He made a mad dash down attempting to rescue the Crusaders. "Starbolt replied to Black Orchid. “He has great potential." The Stellar powered hero thought to himself. “But he has to learn that rushing in half-cocked like this does neither himself nor the team any good." To the rest of the group Starbolt said, “I would prefer if we kept Wraith and myself paired up with one of the other group members without a fast-move ability, in case we have to get out of here in a hurry."

The Black Orchid agreed as she put her hand on Tomahawk’s shoulder as they started to go down the stairs."We may still have some element of surprise left if they think that ML came in impetuously on his own from above. Wraith, I think you can help us with that when the time comes with your telekinesis. Let's go!" Despite calling out orders, The Black Orchid seemed completely unaware that she's trying to take charge of the situation.

The Wraith silently moved at reduced speed, hoping to avoid running into anything, toward the infirmary.  He swept the floor in from of him using his TK ability.

Tomahawk whispered to the others as they reached the fourth floor. “I see a Crusher exiting the Elevator across the room. He can fly and has extra large eyes on his helmet. He is flying toward us. I don’t think he can see us but must know about someone using the stairs to gain entrance. Do we continue down to the next floor or stop this Crusher first?”

Having left his teammates behind Manta Lad was several floors below them. He opened the stairway door and ran toward the Infirmary. As he placed his hand on the Infirmary door heard voices from the computer room.

“We’re under attack! Someone has reached us I can smell him.”

“Don’t just don’t stand there! Go beat him senseless, while I start the emergency generator!”

It was Mace and Mocker.

Manta Lad slipped silently into the Infirmary and waited, holding his breath, hoping that Mace didn't follow him in there! He quickly texted Starbolt: "Mocker in Computer Room near Infirmary! Mace headed to generator!" careful to tediously spell it all out longhand, knowing how clueless grownups were about texting. Luckily, the teen was fast on the keyboard.

"Way to jump into the deep end, genius!" he thought to himself, grateful that Manta Man hadn't seen that dumb stunt. Then he saw Manta Man and the Crusaders.

Locked down until power was restored, they looked so helpless. And there was nothing he could do about it. For a moment he felt lost. Everything he had gone through to get here. Broyko. Recruiting a team of grownup heroes. Discovering that the Crushers had the Crusaders. Tracking the Crushers. His hand touched Manta Man's glass prison. This wasn't how he imagined their reunion.

Then he remembered Mace and Mocker. And anger took a hold of him. All the frustration and fear of the last few days added fuel to the fire. His hand moved away from the glass and formed a fist. He turned and faced the door. Expecting Mace to come into the infirmary, he went to a shelf. Open the lids on several chemicals and then Manta Lad hid. He hoped the medieval moron wouldn't be able to smell him in a room full of medical smells.

Mace did walk into the infirmary. The Teen Techie watch as Mace didn’t look around but held his head high. He was actually trying to find him by smell. When Mace turned his back toward Manta Lad’s hiding place.

SHAKOW!

Manta Lad sucker punched him with a blast of white hot electricity! The Mace cried in pain, dropping to his knees.  He slowly rose back up to his feet. He looked for his attacker.

KRASH!

He had blindly swung his mace, smashing a shelf of chemicals with it.

“Quit hiding you back-blasting chicken!”
{GM Note: Manta Lad did not get the ambush benefit because all the Crushers know they are under attack. While The Mace couldn’t find Manta Lad he was expecting a fight. While Manta Lad gains several bonuses to hit because of his hiding, stealth chemical, and attacking from behind, The Mace was able to roll with damage.

All Heroes passed their Endurance save so the Stealth Chemical is in effect next turn.}

<Due Date: March 17th, Actions? Replies?>

Current Conditions:
Black Orchid                 Hit Points: 30    Power Points: 86 Invisibility: +2/-2 Willpower Defense active
Manta Lad                     Hit Points: 10    Power Points: 64 Invisibility: +2/-2 Luck Points Pool: 2, Lightning Def inactive
Starbolt                                    Hit Points: 34    Power Points: 75 Invisibility: +2/-2
The Wraith                     Hit Points: 10    Power Points: 53 Invisibility: +3/-3
Tomahawk                    Hit Points: 69    Power Points: 84 Invisibility: +2/-2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manta Lad

OOC: Great issue, Tom.

We have communicators?
I know Manta Lad has a cell phone. Before the communicators, early on, we used cell phones to talk. ML has Starbolt's number, correct? Anyone else?

Also, is Manta Lad's Lightning Defense visible when activated?

Thanks,
Jeff
----------------------------------------------------------------------
GM

Yes, you still have the communicators you were given by Det. Broyko.

Manta Lad does have Starbolt's number in the cell phone.

Unfortunately all the other team members are late arrivals so Manta Lad does not have there phone numbers.

Manta Lad's Lightning Defense is visible with activated and the energy emitted would destroy the Stealth Compound too.


Best
Tom
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Manta Lad

Manta Lad slipped silently into the Infirmary (stealth skill use!) and waited, holding his breath, hoping that Mace didn't follow him in there! He quickly texted Starbolt: "Mace and Mocker in Computer Room near Infirmary!!!" careful to tediously spell it all out longhand, knowing how clueless grownups were about texting. Luckily, the teen was fast on the keyboard.

"Way to jump into the deep end, genius!" he thought to himself, grateful that Manta Man hadn't seen that dumb stunt.

If he heard Mace go past the infirmary, he'd silently explore the Infirmary. If the Crusaders really were in there he'd try to free them! Manta Man first of course! (Lightning Control powers to control theses devices, plus First Aid skill and Technology skill)

If Mace came into the infirmary, (yikes!) he'd hide (stealth skill again), hoping the medieval moron wouldn't be able to smell him in a room full of medical smells. (Luck Point use in this case, to force Mace to make two Detect Hiddens to find the meta-monkey wrench!)

If Mace was about to find him, Manta Lad would use his Lightning Control device to short out Manta Man's containment device to noisily free him (control panels overload, exploding with sparks and smoke) in order to:
a) Cause a surprise/diversion so Mace won't find Manta Lad in here
and
b) Free his hero, Manta Man!

If Mace was about to find him, and the Crusaders aren't in the infirmary, the kid could still use the overloading equipment stunt in a pinch to distract Mace from finding him. In this case, Manta Lad would want the explosion to hurt Mace.

Those are the best laid plans of mice and men anyway.

OOC:
Goals:
In equal priority:

-Text Starbolt for backup!
-Hide from Mace!
-Free the Crusaders!

Thanks.
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GM

Quick reminder the Citadel is completely without power so unless Manta Lad has a way to power the devices his Lightning Control is useless.

Here is general knowledge that Manta Lad would have from where he is standing. He can see through a window in the door that the Crusaders are in the Infirmary. They are being held captive in table-sized Plexiglas tubes filled with mind-numbing vapor. Manta Man designed them that if there is a loss of power they automatically seal shut and can't be opened until power is restored. He didn't want a badly injured person to die from the Citadel losing power and the tube opening.  Manta Lad is aware of how the tubes work and that they can't be opened until power is restored.

Best
Tom
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Manta Lad

OOC: Ugh.  ;-)

OK. Will need to send new orders. But I will still text Starbolt.
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Manta Lad

OK. Take 2.  ;-)

IC:
Manta Lad slipped silently into the Infirmary (stealth skill use!) and waited, holding his breath, hoping that Mace didn't follow him in there! He quickly texted Starbolt: "Mocker in Computer Room near Infirmary! Mace headed to generator!" careful to tediously spell it all out longhand, knowing how clueless grownups were about texting. Luckily, the teen was fast on the keyboard.
"Way to jump into the deep end, genius!" he thought to himself, grateful that Manta Man hadn't seen that dumb stunt. Then he saw Manta Man and the Crusaders.

Locked down until power was restored, they looked so helpless. And there was nothing he could do about it.
For a moment he felt lost. Everything he had gone through to get here. Broyko. Recruiting a team of grownup heroes. Discovering that the Crushers had the Crusaders. Tracking the Crushers. His hand touched Manta Man's glass prison. This wasn't how he imagined their reunion.

Then he remembered Mace and Mocker. And anger took a hold of him. All the frustration and fear of the last few days added fuel to the fire. His hand moved away from the glass and formed a fist. He turned and faced the door.
If Mace came into the infirmary, he'd hide (stealth skill again), hoping the medieval moron wouldn't be able to smell him in a room full of medical smells. (Luck Point use in this case, to force Mace to make two Detect Hiddens to find the meta-monkey wrench!)
If Mace was about to find him, then Manta Lad would sucker punch him with a blast of white hot electricity! Otherwise, he'd let him go to the generator and Tomahawk.

If he heard Mace go past the infirmary (or if Mace entered the infirmary, couldn't find Manta Lad and left) then Manta Lad would creep out and sneak to the Computer Room (more stealth skill use) to ambush that s.o.b. Mocker with a lightning blast!
OOC:
Goals:
-Text Starbolt for backup!  (move or "speech")
-Hide from Mace!               (move)
-Sneak attack on Mocker! (attack, preferred)
      But if his hand is forced:
-Sneak attack on Mace      (attack, second choice)
Thanks.
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Starbolt

What powers does Tomahawk have?
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GM

He has improved STR, END, and AGI. He is not better in a single area than any of the other heroes i.e. Starbolt’s STR is better, Black Orchids END is better, and Manta Lad AGI is on par with his. He has heightened senses make him a great tracker, boost his detect danger, and gives him Night vision. He has an ancient Tomahawk which he is an expert with.
Best
Tom
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Starbolt

Starbolt will ask Tomahawk to take the lead because of his ability to see in the dark. Starbolt's actions will depend on what happens. He will take out the Crushers as he finds them, clearing floor by floor as he goes. He isn't too happy about M-L taking off, but he would attempt to help him if he becomes outnumbered. (You don't turn your back on family).
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Black Orchid

"Alright Tomahawk, lead us down to where Manta Lad is and please tell us if you see anyone lurking in the shadows, especially that b--, uh, Hauntress character. Starbolt, did ML say how far he went down the stairs?" The Black Orchid puts her hand on Tomahawk’s shoulder as they start to go down the stairs."We may still have some element of surprise left if they think that ML came in impetuously on his own from above. Wraith, I think you can help us with that when the time comes with your telekinesis. Let's go!" Despite calling out orders, The Black Orchid seems completely unaware that she's trying to take charge of the situation.

[OOC: Who all is with us now? Did I address everybody? I assume that just because The Black Orchid has Darkness Control doesn't mean she can see in the dark, correct?]
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GM

Correct, she can't see in the dark.

In stairway is Black Orchid, Tomahawk, Starbolt, and The Wraith.

In the infirmary is Manta Lad.

On the Lobby floor is the MPD SWAT team and Det. Broyko.

Regards
Tom
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Manta Lad

OOC: Who iced the generators?

Thank,
Jeff
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GM

Det. Broyko took did it when he traded spots with Black Orchid. The plan was for her to do it until the team was short handed. So he did it instead.

Regards
Tom
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Manta Lad

OOC: Thanks. Manta Lad will text him" "Crushers headed to generators! Watch out"
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Starbolt

"M-L went down to the infirmary area. He made a mad dash down attempting to rescue the Crusaders. "Starbolt replies to Black Orchid. “He has great potential." The Stellar powered hero thought to himself. “But he has to learn that rushing in half-cocked like this does neither himself nor the team any good." To the rest of the group Starbolt says, “I would prefer if we kept Wraith and myself paired up with one of the other group members without a fast-move ability, in case we have to get out of here in a hurry."
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Black Orchid

I've been out of town, so I may have missed it. Did Tomahawk start taking us down the stairs?
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GM

Yes he has. You haven't reached the next floor yet. Normal movement in the stairway will cover 2 floors, so it will take you 2 turns to reach Manta Lad.

Thanks
Tom
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The Wraith

Sense he has presumably been sprayed with the chemical invisibility AND has his own invisibility-in-darkness (and it's all dark now), Wraith will assume he has....wait for it...DOUBLE SECRET INVISIBILITY!

He also has ten hit points, so perhaps now is not the time to get too cocky.  He will continue moving--at reduced speed, to hopefully avoid running into anything--towards the infirmary.  If possible, he'll use his TK to sort of "sweep" the floor in front of him, hopefully tripping any potential adversaries along the way.

Crusading the Streets,

Greg
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