Megalopolis: Quest: Standoff!

Location: Dr. Avery’s Mansion

After the plans were discussed, Centurion X approached Dark Star.

"If you wouldn't mind, can I have a moment of your time? I need to speak with you, Adamas, Dr. Arcane and Red Hawk. It is very important. Can you arrange that for me after everyone else leaves?"

CX was social with his new found friends and comrades. But when the other members of the guardians had left, CX remained. He looked at the gathered might and wisdom before him and was humbled.

"Hmph" The Black Orchid said to no one in particular. "I turn down being a leader and in less than ten minutes they go off on a secret meeting. I see where this is going."

In the secret meeting, Centurion X revealed his secret identity. All were supportive of his decision and the Cobalt Commander had a few business ideas to discuss.

Waiting until Alex and Joshua drift to one side discussing matters of industry he had less than no knowledge of he approached the doctor before he disappeared. "Pardon me Doctor Arcane. You say our first mission is to retrieve the Soul-Scythe from Glenn Jacco. I assume you have transport to Easter Island for the team?

“Both Pietor or DarkStar has the ability to take you there. If you don’t want their method, which is very direct but has the element of going in blind. I could arrange for CHESS to provide the Guardians with a transport vehicle.” Dr. Arcane replied

“Is Pietor or DarkStar taking us there?”

“You will have to ask them yourself Red Hawk. That is part of being leader deciding on how much intel you need before going and how you are going in; fast but blind or slow with sight are just two options to consider.”

“Will they be joining us?”

“Only if you choose them to transport the Guardians but they most likely will not stay. I know Joshua told me he has other important activities to perform instead of making the trip. Pietor has incredible power but has too much of the ‘ends justifies the means’ mindset for me. Red Hawk, you are welcome to ask him to join the team if you like. I won’t prohibit it.”

“What powers does Jacco wield?

“He is very intelligent, equal to any of the Guardian team members. He has the ability and endurance to withstand the elements. He has the hands of a demon, including the claws. He can draw the very life from a man with his touch. He also wields the Soul-Syckle. It is a destroyer of souls and protects the soul of its wielder”.

“Is the Scythe a weapon we can use to destroy Cr’tgerof?” Red Hawk asked Dr Arcane.

“Yes, it is a terrible burden to wield but it can be used as weapon against Cr’tgerof. Will it destroy him? It all depends on the wielder. It provides no guarantees, Red Hawk”.

Cr’tgerof tempted half of our heroes at Stonehenge and I can only think his power is greater on his own home world . . . I apologize for asking so many questions but this is so sudden and not what I expected when I was asked to attend this meeting."

Dr Arcane smiled, “No apologies needed. This is what a good leader does.”

Then they heard Donnah scream.

In less than a blink of the eye Dr. Arcane disappeared.

**********************

Outside on the Mansion’s back lawn a single man sat.

The mottled grey Mustang raised his head and snorted at the cowboy, sending sulfurous smoke curling from each nostril. The Kid shook his head and settled further back against the big oak he sat against.

"Little early to be gettin' restless, isn't it, y'old broomtail?" The Kid took a cheroot from his shirt pocket, and lit the hard, thin cigar with a match struck against his boot. "We been riding for over a century, and right now, I'm just as happy sleeping out here in the grass as I would be in bed at some fancy San Francisco hotel."

The cowboy drew on the cigar, and then exhaled the smoke through his nose. “Course, we don’t want to overstay our welcome. Doc Avery and his folks have been mighty kind, but we’re gonna have to find some honest work for ourselves.”

He took a long while to stare up through the trees. “Truth be told, though, I don’t know who’d be fool enough hire on a couple of curiosities like us.”

Then they heard Dr. Avery’s granddaughter scream.

Next they saw Dr Arcane’s man servant smash through the plate glass windows of the back of the Mansion. He crashed onto the ground beyond the pool.

**********************

In the Mansion DarkStar was conferencing with CX in the corner of the library.

"You should know StarCorp has been invited to bid on several defense contracts that belonged to DeBrandt. I plan taking the lead on as many of those contracts as possible. It's up to you but I'm offering to buy those divisions of DeBrandt and keeping those workers employed if you're willing to sell. You won't make a profit, but the liquidity offers you a chance to reinvest in new projects. Personally I've been thinking of looking for a partner to enlarge and upgrade a number of the company’s aerospace divisions, particularly for a couple satellite and StarDagger projects."

Then they heard Donnah scream.

***WHOUMP***

DarkStar suddenly appeared in Donnah’s bed room. In his haste it hadn’t occurred to him to bring Centurion X with him. Donnah was not there. He quickly consulted his gauntlet.

***WHOUMP***

The Cobalt Commander appeared in the Kitchen. Donnah wasn’t there either. In frustration he screamed and asked Cybil why she wasn’t locking onto Donnah’s coordinates. Cybil replied that Donnah’s heat signature was too faint. Joshua quickly changed the algorithm not to search for heat but for significant and unusual wind patterns. Since Donnah had been magically transformed into a Wind Elemental when she had been kidnapped by Occult and taken to the Domain he knew that would be the best way lock onto her position.

***WHOUMP***

{GM Note: DarkStar failed his Detect Hidden with Companion (Cybil) bonus roll twice before rolling successfully}

**********************

Then they heard Donnah scream.

The remaining Guardians quickly gathered together. Thunderhead pointed out the weather conditions were changing. Someone was controlling it. Centurion X tried to use his suit’s sensors to detect where Donnah was but was not able to {GM Note: Failed Detect Hidden roll}

Red Hawk used his sensors to determine that Donnah had been in the back of the house in the room nearest to the pool {GM Note: Successful Detect Hidden roll}

As the Guardians ran and flew toward the back of the Mansion Adamas lead the way. He used his Ethereal Vision to scan the room at the back of the house. He didn’t see her but he did see a short man he hadn’t seen before. The man lifted up on the air, flew out the shattered window and past the pool. Adamas tried to follow him with his gaze but the back wall of the Mansion blocked his view. His Ethereal Vision couldn’t penetrate the wall’s thickness.

**********************

Earlier in back of the Mansion, Pietor prepared the floor for the summoning. “Ask him nicely? Blah, how much longer will I allow myself to listen to his platitudes?” Pietor thought to himself. “There are those meant to lead. They have the power and the ability. All the others are meant to follow. Does a shepherd ask the sheep if they want to be part of the flock? Does he reach a consensus with them on where the greenest pastures are? No he does not!”

Pietor tossed the reagents into the summoning circle as he spoke the words of binding. A shadowy figure appeared. The figure slowly became solid. Pietor locked eyes with the man as Dr Arcane’s apprentice said the words that bound the man to the wizard’s will.

Then they heard Donnah scream.

Pietor look toward the doorway, he had not seen her enter the room.

**********************

The man known as Jack fought back the anger. It had been centuries since a Magi had successfully bound him. He had been forced to do the Magi’s bidding but he never did it with joy and happiness. When he escaped the binding his wrath was a terrible thing to behold. He had destroyed entire villages in the effort to wreck his vengeance on the summoning Mage.

Jack met the gaze of the current Magi that would dare to perform this act. He fought the binding spell with all his willpower.

Then they heard a woman scream.

Jack Frost watched a tornado form from within her hands. The twister blasted the Mage outside through the windows. The wind woman flew out the broken windows after the Magi.

Jack felt the command, “Protect Me”; he lifted himself up on the wind. He flew out the same way the others had gone. He moved to the left of the Mage which was opposite of the woman who had flown to the right side. As he floated into a fighting position another Magi appeared, floating, opposite of his Summoner.

Upon hearing the scream, The Black Orchid immediately activated her Willpower defense and tried to discern the direction of the scream, running as quickly as possible.

The Kid leapt to his feet, pushing his hat tighter onto his head.

"No rest for the wicked," he muttered around his cigar, and then bolted towards the house, his booted feet kicking up bits of leaf and sod.

Looking through the walls, Adamas saw Pietor hitting the ground, and Donnah facing him, Dr. Arcane looking on.

Picking up the young woman's scream through the mansion wall, Chris noticed Adamas looking at the wall in the same direction. Following Adamas gaze, shifting Red Hawk pointed toward the pool as his sensitive audio suite heard the shattering of glass. Pointing past the pool, the American Android asked, "Adamas, what is going on?" The yells, appearance of the stranger and Pietor's obvious fighting position as he faced off against Doctor Arcane all screamed to his positronic brain eminent violence.

In the back of CX's mind, the offer from DarkStar rattled like a loose muffler bracket. He had never considered letting any of his company go to protect it... But his awareness was on the matter at hand. The woman, who had inspired his confession, had screamed. His sensors were unable to locate her but Red Hawk was leading the way. He followed, adjusting to not being the one calling the shots.

Donnah needed help. Thunderhead flew faster than the wind. He was surprised to find a standoff between friends! Surprise turned to anger when he recognized who Pietor had summoned and enslaved.

His right pistol cleared its holster as the Kid ran through the play area, jumping a corner of the sandbox and dodging the close end of the swings. The left was in his hand when his boots hit the patio, and he skidded to a halt on the stone as he saw the various players gathering there. The guns remained pointed downward, but held out from his hips. The cowboy regarded everyone but Arcane and Donnah warily through eyes filled with fire.

With his helmet secured, CX activated his defenses as he flew in a rough formation with the rest of the Guardians.

“Right, okay, I can do this”. Red Hawk calmly led the others through the French doors to the patio.

Suddenly the distinctive ***WHOUMP*** of DarkStar entering the room interrupts as Red Hawk turned to Starbolt. Then just as quick the Cerulean Commander was ***WHOUMP*** gone again.

***WHOUMP***

Teleporting back into the room with the rest of the team members, DarkStar was so focused on finding Donnah he saw, but didn't hear, Red Hawk pointing past the pool and speaking to the others. A red haze he hasn't felt since the last time Bull attacked and injured StarCorp’s employees started to color the Cerulean Champion's vision. He had learned to accept Pietor, but had never trusted him, not since the day Doctor Arcane had sent his disciple to Joshua and now Donnah was screaming.

DarkStar grabbed the couch.

***WHOUMP***

DarkStar teleported between Pietor and Donnah, holding the Doctor’s couch menacingly.

Without Dark Star's jaded vision, Adamas saws only friends, with the exception of the new arrivals. Adamas zoomed through the house, to Donnah's side, facing off against the new comer. Adamas landed between Jack and Donnah, his eyes begin to crackle with unearthly energy, "What villainy is this," he stated simply, and awaited the next actions, crouched ready for a fight.

"Adamas cover Doc, I got Donnah." DarkStar replied.

Red Hawk said with a hand on his friends shoulder, "SB, can you throw up a big X shaped force field out there? Maybe we can de-escalate this before things get out of hand?"

Responding to his friend’s request, "Sure RH, Let’s see what I can do." Starbolt proceeded to construct a force field as requested.

Quickly running a scan over his teammates, CX attempted to detect any sizable amount of metal he could use to move them if the need arose. As the group arrived in the 'garden' outside the broken window, CX concentrated on the amulet and reached out to the group.

"I've scanned everyone. If you have any metal on you, I may suddenly move you if you get in trouble. Just giving you a heads up. Your lead Hawk, where do you want us and how do you want us to handle this?"

As the team looked out past the pool, Chris listened to CX volunteering to aid the others, and Thunderhead pointing out the weather was being manipulated by another.

Hoping the doctor's amulet projected from his android brain as well as it received. "Dr. Arcane, what can we do to help?"

Dr Arcane replied, “I don’t know. This situation is worse than it looks. We could lose my granddaughter.”

He pleaded with Donnah to calm down. She was part Domain Demon now. She needed to maintain her mental focus. If she didn’t, she could become controlled by others.

“Like the Frost King!” Donnah cried. “How are we so different than the Domain then?”

Pietor was the one to reply to her question. “We aren’t different. The powerful lead the weak and protect them from harm. Isn’t that right Joshua? We Metas should lead the Mundanes, not the other way around?”

Donnah looked down to Joshua. “Is that true, Joshua. Do you really believe Mundane shouldn’t lead Metas?”

Dr Arcane said, “Pietor stop this nonsense! You aren’t helping. Earth is not a society of predators.”

Pietor said, “Don’t pretend it isn’t, Doctor. Then what are the Guardians? Aren’t they your chosen pack of wolves.

“Really Pietor?” Donnah said, “If that was true then I should join the Domain. With them I am Coriolis, Lord Marshall of the Fiery Skies.”

Pietor smiled. “We all have to pick the side we think will win, Sweetie.”

Dr Arcane cried, “No don’t listen to them! You are not Coriolis! You are Donnah Hannah, Dr. Clinton Avery’s granddaughter, my granddaughter!”

Without shifting to look in Starbolt’s direction, Pietor said. “Don’t even think for a second that I can’t disintegrate that barrier you have placed between us.”

Keeping his eyes on the four way standoff Red Hawk glanced at Thunderhead directing his thoughts toward the Tempest Titan. "Thunderhead, can you return the weather to normal, or discover who might be controlling it?"

Thunderhead replied telepathically to the Guardians and Doc Arcane, "Pietor is controlling the weather, through the ancient spirit he has bound against its will."

The Black Orchid watched the others carefully to see what they do. They obviously know at least some of the people involved in this altercation, while she is still an outsider. That doesn't prevent her from keeping her guard up however, particularly as she eyes the newcomer in their midst.

Red Hawk whispered to Black Orchid "Can you make your way unseen behind Donnah and Pietor? Joshua doesn't look like he's in a mood to listen, and maybe you can help calm him and Donnah down?"

Red Hawk activated his Vibrational and Willpower defense, hands up in a non-threatening manner as he floated, softly landing on the north side of the pool. If the poop hits the fan he was prepared to target the unknown element, Frosty. He really really really rather not.

"Doc, I didn't know y'all had company," The Kid said steadily, his eyes never leaving the group. "Everything all right, or is somebody tryin' to raise a ruckus?"

Red Hawk focused on the Golden Gladiator. "Thanks CX. Could you politely go ask the cowboy at the edge of the patio his intentions please?"

Keeping his eyes, ears, and sensors open, CX nodded his acknowledgement to Red Hawk. His hands held up and out, fingers spread in a sign of non-aggression, CX cautiously glided around the conflagration toward the cowboy.

"If I heard you correctly, you're a friend of Doc Arcane? We're his guests. My name is Centurion X. I'm really not sure what's going on but I think there's been some kind of misunderstanding. It looks like Donnah and Lurch have had some kind of falling out. The rest of us are just here to make sure everyone's alright. Please tell me you're not here to cause trouble."

CX focused on the amulet as he spoke. He hoped his conversation will be broadcast to the rest of the Guardians so they will know the cowboy's disposition as soon as he did. CX was trying 'Fly Casually' and not look aggressive to the cowboy and his smoke snorting horse. Nothing here at the mansion was what it seems. Though those six guns look like iron, CX has the distinct feeling that they are much more than pea shooters.

The Kid's head turned the slightest bit, and fire brightened the corners of his eyes nearest Centurion X.

"I ain't never been one to look for trouble, hoss. But the Doc's been nice enough to let me bed down on his spread fer a bit, so I'll wait to get the word from him 'fore I take sides." The cowboy waggled the end of one pistol as a warning.

CX mentally echoed the cowboy's word through the amulet, not sure if it can do that on its own.

"The cowboy is a guest of the Doctor's, or so he says. It looks like the Hansen reject and the butler are the only one's causing trouble. And from the look in the Snowball's face, I'm not sure he's really into either."

The being known as Jack stood facing the screaming woman and his current "master". The hatred for the master surging through him into the circle. But he knew he cannot defy him. At least not now. At Jack's will, the winds began to pick up and heavy clouds started to accumulate over them all as snow began to fall

“Snow? Really? And me without my mittens....” CX thought.

The man of yesteryear's first impulse was to save Donnah. But in her wind form she looked like she was more than holding her own. This had all the earmarks of a domestic squabble. Probably best to let Doc Arcane sort it out.

The captive elemental continued to whip up wind to obscure vision. In this fashion he could protect his Summoner without actually engaging in any combat as yet. Thinking to himself, “At least I am keeping with the intent of the command if not the wording. Some Summoners were so touchy about those things.”

Thunderhead didn't relish the thought of battling a winter elemental for control of the weather. They could destroy the entire region.

"The way to return the weather to normal is to free the spirit from Pietor's control," Thunderhead said telepathically as he scanned the area and found what he was looking for. He flew to the summoning circle in an instant. Crouching down, he examined it closely. "It's a long shot. But it might work."

Thunderhead stood and outstretched one hand over the circle of summoning. Electricity crackled from his fingertips and eyes and then KRAKA-KOOM! A blast of white hot lightning leapt from his hand with a thunderclap!

The circle disappeared in a white hot flash! Jack Frost could feel he was free!

Donnah was focused on Pietor. She didn’t see the freeing of the Frost King, aka Jack Frost. “Fine! The Strong shall lead!”

“From now on refer to me as Coriolis!” Then she disappeared into the eye of a Tornado.

Pietor scanned the Guardians menacingly, “So you think freeing him is better than having him fight for you! Then you deal with him and the ramifications.”

Pietor opened a portal and backed through it. It was obvious he was ready to attack anyone who tried to stop him.

As the portal closed everyone heard him say, “Dr Arcane our association has ended. The next time we meet it will be as equals.”

Dr Arcane sighed audibly. “That didn’t go well”.

Dr Arcane looked to Jack Frost, “I am sorry about you being summoned against your will and having your will bound against you. Please I would like you to stay as my guest. I have urgent matters to discuss with you. The Earth needs your help.”

Dr Arcane looked at The Hellfire Kid, “You can put away your weapons. I have friends I would like to introduce you to. Regardless of what Pietor said about the Guardians, I believe they serve a worthwhile purpose and I would like you to join them.”

Dr Arcane escorts everyone back into the Library. He briefs them on the history of the Natural Forces {GM Note: See Quest Issues 23 to 30}

Dr Arcane admitted it was probably a mistake to not undo the spell when they were rescued but they wanted to help put down the invasion. Now Dr Arcane wondered if it was really a stalling tactic by their Demon subconscious until it was strong enough to take over.

Dr Arcane tried several incantations but wasn’t able to locate Donnah.

DarkStar was consumed with finding Donnah; none of the other Natural Forces could be found either. The situation reinforced his decision not to travel with the Guardians to the Domain.

Joshua was searching for her using the resources from his unreachable lair when his ever present companion spoke, “There is an incoming call from a cell phone registered to one Alexander DeBrandt. You have been looking into his company of late; do you wish to speak with him?”

"Yes Cybil, please put him through. Good Morning, Mr. DeBrandt, have you thought about my proposal?" DarkStar hated diverting his attention from his search but he was an excellent multi-tasker so it wouldn’t divert his full attention.

"Good Morning to you as well, Mr. Rose, or do you still prefer Commander Rose? In any event, I have given a great deal of thought to your proposal. I have had the liberty of having a contract drawn up. If you have time, today, I'd like to sit down and go over it with you. I'll be at my office in Megalopolis until 5 this evening."

"I think we can swing that, and please call me Joshua. I know you are making last minute preparations for the Domain and I wish you the best luck. If there is anything I or StarCorp can help with please let me know. Tech is almost useless in the Domain. Keep your head on a swivel and keep in mind nothing is as it seems in there. You can make friends of those you perceive as enemies ... and of course you already know to keep an even closer eye on your friends."

"If you could forward your contract proposal through Cybil, Trisha and I will stop by your offices at fifteen-hundred hours."

"Then please call me Alex. I believe my suit will function within the Domain. I've read all of your reports and designed for it. I'm hoping that things will go smoothly. Thanks for the heads up. I'll send over the tentative contract for your review. At this point I would like to keep this between you and me. I really don't want the press or the government involved until we are both on the same page. I will be waiting for your arrival. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in this matter."

While everyone desperately wanted to find Donnah, they couldn’t put off any longer the showdown with Jacco over control of the Soul-Syckle.

Dr. Avery contacted CHESS for support in arranging travel to Easter Island. It was decided that MEDUSA would be able to provide a craft more suitable for their needs.

When the Guardians arrived they found War Wagon was the pilot. He provided them a map of Easter Island. “We will leave within the hour. We can land at the main airport or remote locations near one of the 3 volcanoes. Let me know where you want to arrive?”

<Replies and Actions due Apr 19^th >

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OOC: As they say in the commercial, "AWESOME SAUCE!!!!" Wow, the way you constructed the flow of the RP was great! I really, REALLY, enjoyed this episode! To our new player! Welcome!! As a side note, Zeus and I went to High School together. He's evil incarnate! What him!!! LOL I’m kidding, he's a great guy! I'm looking forward to continuing the great RP with him, and everyone else! :D

IC: In the back of CX's mind, the offer from DarkStar rattled like a loose muffler bracket. He had never considered letting any of his company go to protect it... But his awareness was on the matter at hand. The woman, who had inspired his confession, had screamed. His sensors were unable to locate her but Red Hawk was leading the way. He followed, adjusting to not being the one calling the shots. With his helmet secured, CX activated his defenses as he flew in a rough formation with the rest of the Guardians. Quickly running a scan over his teammates, he attempted to detect any sizable amount of metal he could use to move them if the need arose. As the group arrives in the 'garden' outside the broken window, CX concentrates on the amulet and reaches out to the group.

Dave

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Thanks, I am glad you enjoy it.

Tom

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Hey Z

Welcome aboard to Joe and Zeus. Whose playing what by the way? I hope this link helps Z and anyone else who needs it the Megalopolis homepage.

http://vav-megalopolis-pbem.blogspot.com/?m=0

No kidding on the awesome sauce. Nicely crafted article Tom. Very surprised on the timing of Pietro and his big "reveal". Figuring DS's response is going to be a blast :-)

More Fun to Come - Excelsior
John R

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John said: Very surprised on the timing of Pietro and his big "reveal".

You're right I hadn't planned it but Zeus gave me a wonderful opportunity and when he said he liked that idea best the way we go!! So much fun to be had.

Best

Tom

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"Hmph." The Black Orchid says to no one in particular. "I turn down being a leader and in less than ten minutes they go off on a secret meeting. I see where this is going."

--------

Upon hearing the scream, The Black Orchid immediately activates her Willpower defense and tries to discern the direction of the scream, running as quickly as possible.

[OOC: I'm not sure where she is in relation to the guy being thrown out the window.]

Marc

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The library is room 16 (see map at beginning of issue) and Pietor was in room 15.

Best

Tom

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Current placement of unseen characters

DarkStar is in room 15.

Adamas, Red Hawk, Starbolt, Centurion X have flown into room 15.

Black Orchid and Thunderhead are running through room 13 but can see all the way through room 15 to the standoff.

Joe's PC Hellfire Kid and his pet: Mystical Mustang are in the Northwest corner (above and left of Botanical Area) among the trees. Only Pietor, Donnah, Dr. Arcane, and Jack Frost can see Hellfire Kid, if they looked away from the others in the standoff.

Those PCs with heightened senses dealing with hearing can hear Donnah screaming a Pietor, Pietor is responding with distain, and Dr. Arcane is trying to calm Donnah down. {Zues, you can send me any dialog for Jack to add to the standoff and I will have the NPCs respond in kind}

Thunderhead can feel the weather building up to a hurricane and it is happening very quickly

Best

Tom

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Dark Star / Centurion X Side Shot

OOC: Basically this would occur between the current action in the garden at Doc Arance's place and leaving for Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

IC:

Joshua had been busying himself in his unreachable lair when his ever present companion spoke, *There is an incoming call from a cell phone registered to one Alexander DeBrandt. You have been looking into his company of late, do you wish to speak with him?* "Yes Cybil, please put him through. Good Morning, Mr. DeBrandt, have you thought about my proposal?"

Dave

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OOC: Still awaiting chicken Hawk's orders. ;) LOL

Dave

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Current placement of unseen characters

DarkStar is in room 15.

Adamas, Red Hawk, Starbolt, Centurion X have flown into room 15.

Black Orchid and Thunderhead are running through room 13 but can see all the way through room 15 to the standoff.

Those PCs with heightened senses dealing with hearing can hear Donnah screaming a Pietor, Pietor is responding with distain, and Dr. Arcane
is trying to calm Donnah down.

******************************************

Then they heard Donnah scream

<DarkStar: IC response and actions>

*Whoump*

Teleporting back into the room with the rest of the team members, DarkStar is so focused on finding Donnah he sees, but doesn't hear Red Hawk pointing past the pool and speaking to the others. A red haze he hasn't felt since the last time Bull attacked and injured StarCorp employees starts to color the cerulean champion's vision. He had learned to accept Pietor, but had never trusted him, not since the day Doctor Arcane had sent his disciple to Joshua and now Donnah was screaming. "Adamas cover Doc, I got Donnah."

*Whoump*

<DarkStar: Goal> Grab the heaviest piece of furniture he can quickly snatch up teleport between Pietor and Donnah.

Then they heard Donnah scream

<Red Hawk: IC response and actions> Picking up the young woman's scream through the mansion wall, Chris notices Adamas looking at the wall in the same direction. Following Adamas gaze shifting Red Hawk points toward the pool as his sensitive audio suite hears the shattering of glass. Pointing past the pool, the American android ask, "Adamas, what is going on?" The yells, appearance of the stranger and Pietor's obvious fighting position as he faced off against Doctor Arcane all screamed to his positronic brain eminent violence. Suddenly the distinctive *whoump* of DarkStar entering the room interrupts as Red Hawk turns to Starbolt. Then just as quick the cerulean Commander is *whoump* gone again. Hand on his friends shoulder, "SB, can you throw up a big X shaped force field out there? Maybe we can de-escalate this before things get out of hand?"

<Red Hawk: Goal> Trying to get everyone to talk instead of getting entangled in a big fight before the Mission for the Scythe starts. :)

<OOC:> Woot initial responses made!

Batter Up

John R

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IC: Responding to his friend’s request. "Sure RH, Let’s see what I can do." Starbolt then proceeds to construct a force field as requested.

OOC: Starbolt uses all of his points to make it as strong as possible.

Jamey

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Then they heard Dr. Avery’s granddaughter scream.

Next they saw Dr Arcane’s man servant smash through the plate glass windows of the back of the Mansion. He crashed onto the ground beyond the pool.

IC: The Kid leapt to his feet, pushing his hat tighter onto his head.

"No rest for the wicked," he muttered around his cigar, and then bolted towards the house, his booted feet kicking up bits of leaf and sod.

His right pistol cleared its holster as he ran through the play area, jumping a corner of the sandbox and dodging the close end of the swings. The left was in his hand when his boots hit the patio, and he skidded to a halt on the stone as he saw the various players gathering there. The guns remained pointed downward, but held out from his hips. The cowboy regarded everyone but Arcane and Donnah warily through eyes filled with fire.

"Doc, I didn't know y'all had company," he said steadily, his eyes never leaving the group. "Everything all right, or is somebody tryin' to raise a ruckus?"

OOC: Hey, folks. Here's the Kid's description so you know who just showed up.

Appearance: The Hellfire Kid is a rugged, handsome man with bright red hair. He wears simple work clothes – a grey work shirt, blue jeans, a black bandanna around his neck, a grey Stetson with a cattleman’s crease, and plain brown boots. He wears a pair of walnut handled Colt Peacemakers. He smells of sulfur and his eyes are lit with the fire of the inferno.

Goal: The Kid isn't going to draw down on anybody until he gets the word from Donnah or Doctor Arcane. However, should attacks start flying, he'll use his pistols to Counterblast as many applicable attacks as he can.

Joe

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The being known as Jack stood facing the screaming woman and his current "master". The hatred for the master surging through him into the circle. But he knows he cannot defy him. At least not now. At Jack's will, the winds begin to pick up and heavy clouds start to accumulate over them all as snow begins to fall

Zeus

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IC: Snow? Really? And me without my mittens....

Dave

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OOC: The character with Heightened Speed goes last...

IC: Looking through the walls, Adamas sees Pietor hitting the ground, and Donnah facing him, Dr. Arcane looking on. Without Dark Star's jaded vision, Adamas sees only friends, with the exception of the new arrivals.

Adamas Zooms through the house, to Donnah's side, facing off against the new comer. Adamas lands between Jack and Donnah, his eyes begin to crackle with unearthly energy, "What villany is this," he states simply, and awaits the next actions, crouched ready for a fight.

OC: Adamas will hold his action until someone moves to attack, or moves toward Donnah. His main objective will be to protect her, then Dr. Arcane. He sees the man in the hat approaching, and assumes he is with the white haired youth.

Jon

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OOC: Hey Jesus and Joe!

I've always wanted to play a supernatural cowboy in V&V. So far, the Hellfire Kid looks durn awesome.

And Jack reminds me of a character I used to have a lot of affection for. ;)

Welcome to both of you. Great to have you aboard!

Best,

Jeff (Thunderhead)

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Dark Star / Centurion X Side Shot

OOC: Basically this would occur between the current action in the garden at Doc Arcane's place and leaving for Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

IC:

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"If you could forward your contract proposal through Cybil, Trisha and I will stop by your offices at fifteen-hundred hours."

Dave

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<CX: IC response> "I've scanned everyone. If you have any metal on you, I may suddenly move you if you get in trouble. Just giving you a heads up. Your lead Hawk, where do you want us and how do you want us to handle this?"

<Red Hawk: IC response> Right, okay, I can do this. Red Hawk calmly leads the others through the French doors to the patio. As the team looks out past the pool, Chris listens to CX volunteering to aid the others, and Thunderhead pointing out the weather was being manipulated by another. Hoping the doctor's amulet projected from his android brain as well as it received. "Dr. Arcane, what can we do to help?" Then focusing on the Golden Gladiator. "Thanks CX. Could you politely go ask the cowboy at the edge of the patio his intentions please?" Keeping his eyes on the four way standoff Red Hawk glances at Thunderhead directing his thoughts toward the Tempest Titan. "Thunderhead, can you return the weather to normal, or discover who might be controlling it?" Finally whispering to Black Orchid "Can you make your way unseen behind Donnah and Pietor? Joshua doesn't look like he's in a mood to listen, and maybe you can help calm him and Donnah down?"

<Red Hawk: actions> Activates his Vibrational and Willpower defense, hands up in a non-threatening manner as he floats softly landing on the north side of the pool. If the poop hits the fan he'll target the unknown element, Frosty. He's really really really rather not.

<Red Hawk: goals cont.> De-escalate the situation if possible.

OOC: Okay share time. I can't remember the last time I rp-ed a team leader, also as a role-player one of my biggest push button is another player trying to control or manipulate my character. If for any reason you feel at any time that the way I play Red Hawk as team leader bothers you please please please let me know asap. More likely than not I'd bet a paycheck it will be a misunderstanding of perception and the quicker we talk about it the better. I'm being paranoid I'm sure but being a leader on the football field or a basketball court is far different than on a PbEM role-play and I really just want to make sure we all have fun.

Excelsior

John R

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"Then please call me Alex. I believe my suit will function within the Domain. I've read all of your reports and designed for it. I'm hoping that things will go smoothly. Thnaks for the heads up. I'll send over the tentative contract for your review. At this point I would like to keep this between you and me. I really don't want the press or the government involved until we are both on the same page. I will be waiting for yout arrival. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in this matter."

Dave

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Keeping his eyes, ears, and sensors open, CX nods his acknowledgement to Red Hawk. His hands held up and out, fingers spread in a sign of non-aggression, CX will cautiously glide around the conflagration toward the cowboy.

CX will focus on the amulet as he speaks. He hopes his conversation will be broadcast to the rest of the Guardians so they will know the cowboy's disposition as soon as he does. CX is trying 'Fly Casually' (LOL) and not look aggressive to the cowboy and his smoke snorting horse. Nothing here at the mansion is what it seems. Though those six guns look like iron, CX has the distinct feeling that they are much more than pea shooters.

OOC: I think CX's intentions and actions are right together on this one!

Dave

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OOC: Hi Tom,

Got some questions:

1) With Clark's Mysticism skill, can he tell that Jack Frost is bound against his will?

a) Is a binding object apparent?

b) Is the summoning circle still intact?

c) Did any of us hear Pietor say "Protect Me."

2) Do we know why Donnah started screaming when she saw Pietor casting a spell?

3) Do any of us recognize the Hellfire Kid or his horse as guests of Doc Avery?

4) With his Mysticism skill, does Clark recognize Jack Frost for who he is?

5) Is the pool full or empty?

Thanks!

Best,

Jeff

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1) Yes, Clark can barely see the telltale signs that he is bound against his will in Jack's face (rolled a 16 on the Skill test needing 16 or less)

1a) No, Clark cannot find the binding object (rolled 18)

1b) Yes, the Summoning Circle is intact; Jack had to been summoned by the controlling Mage to leave it. (rolled 9)

1c) No, No one but Jack heard "Protect Me"

2) You can hear Donnah screaming at Pietor. She is furious that he would enslave an Elemental Force of Nature. She is demanding that he release the Winter Elemental now!

3) No, No one recognizes Hellfire Kid or knows whether he is a guest of Dr Avery's or not.

4) Yes, Clark knows him by many names throughout history. He is Jack Frost, Old Man Winter and the Frost King. His current incarnation has his roots in Norse and Anglo-Saxon winter customs. Starting in the 17th century, Jack Frost became a friendly spirit, but also very dangerous because if one were to insult him he would cover that person with snow or turn them into frost. Jack is a spirit and the personification of crisp, cold, winter weather. He is also at times shown as a mischief-making spirit, carefree and happiest when he can behave as he pleases. (rolled 12)

5) The Pool is full

Best

Tom

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OOC: Thanks. That helps.

Will get a reply out this week.

Jeff

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IC: The Kid's head turns the slightest bit, and fire brightens the corners of his eyes nearest Centurion X.

Joe

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IC: CX mentally echoes the cowboy's word through the amulet, not sure if it can do that on its own.

"*The cowboy is a guest of the Doctor's, or so he says. It looks like the Hansen reject and the butler are the only one's causing trouble. And from the look in the Snowball's face, I'm not sure he's really into either.*"

Dave

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OOC: Hi Tom,

How was the summoning circle's line created?

And on what surface was it made?

Thunderhead might want to break the circle to free Jack Frost.

Thanks,

Jeff

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The circle is made of a white substance that is on the wood floor of the room.

Best,

Tom

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Thanks.

From his Mysticism skill, does he think that breaking the circle will free Jack Frost or otherwise inconvenience Pietor?

Jeff

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Yes, it would create a Skill Test for Pietor. With the Circle he didn't need to test but now he will. Thunderhead head will apply his Opposed Skill Value of 6 to Pietor's Skill Save number. So Pietor will be taking the skill save at minus 6 to what he normally would.

Basically Thunderhead will have about a 20% chance to free Jack Frost by breaking the circle.

Tom

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Thanks.

Maybe Jack can pitch in to help? :-)

Jeff

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Donnah needed help. Thunderhead flew faster than the wind. He was surprised to find a stand off between friends! Surprise turned to anger when he recognized who Pietor had summoned and enslaved.

Red Hawk glanced at Thunderhead. "Thunderhead, can you return the weather to normal, or discover who might be controlling it?"

Thunderhead replied telepathically to the Guardians and Doc Arcane: "Pietor is controlling the weather, through the ancient spirit he has bound against its will."

Thunderhead didn't relish the thought of battling a winter elemental for control of the weather. They could destroy the entire region.

OOC: Goal: Destroy the integrity of the circle of summoning by using lightning to destroy the circle and/or the floor beneath it.

I'll use a Luck Point to hurt the odds of Pietor's saving throw, if possible.

Thanks!

Best,

Jeff

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Use of a luck point will double your opposed Skill to Pietor. So instead of -6 it will be -12 to his save number.

Do you still want to use the luck point?

Thanks

Tom

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Yes please!

Can Jack Frost throw Luck at this too? :-P

Thanks,

Jeff

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The Black Orchid watches the others carefully to see what they do. They obviously know at least some of the people involved in this altercation, while she is still an outsider. That doesn't prevent her from keeping her guard up however, particularly as she eyes the newcomer in their midst.

Marc

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The captive elemental continues to whip up wind to obscure vision. In this fashion he can protect his Summoner without actually engaging in any combat as yet. Thinking to himself, At least I am keeping with the intent of the command if not the wording. Some Summoners are so touchy about those things.

Zeus

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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Quest: Standoff! - Issue 35