Location:
Dr. Avery’s Mansion
***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?”
"The trickster
likes twisting words Donnah. Pietor knows beyond your grandfather I don't trust
any leader, be he mundane or meta. Little Pietor likes leeching off the efforts
of others Donnah, and is grasping for more power he hasn't earned with either
his own strength or wisdom. Think Donnah, first he steals the artifacts the
Guardians fought to safeguard and now he tries to confuse you with his lies.
Remember who you are."
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?"
"Roger. I'll talk if I can, but I'll
separate them with darkness if you give the signal" The Black Orchid, any
thoughts of being snubbed by CX behind her, indicated her willingness to follow
Red Hawk's orders. She made sure she was out of sight of the confrontation and
made herself invisible. She snuck up on the pair and listened for a moment. If
it seemed like it is getting out of hand or Red Hawk gave the signal, she planned
to throw a thick barrier of darkness between the two.
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.”
Jack alighted lightly on the ground, his feet
not even leaving footprints in the snow. His first thought was to fly off into
a rage, but the Summoner had just apologized. Something that Jack has never
heard, “Did the Summoner just ask for
help?” In all the years he had never heard that. It could be fun. It would
be nice to be free without a Summoner and without being restricted to only a
few months of the year. A cool wind picked up, lifting Jack up so he was eye to
eye with the Summoner. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither
beginnings nor endings to the forces of nature. But the wind carried an icy
chill as if it would bear mischief as well as the snow. "Thank you
Summoner" He said, a look of mischief in his eye.
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.”
The Hellfire Kid putted his pistols away. He
kindly thanked the Doc for his hospitality and offer but declined. He had
finally freed himself from one quest he did not want to take up one so soon
afterwards. With a tip of his Stetson, he bid everyone goodbye and left.
Thunderhead said to Doc Arcane: "The
Enemy has turned heroes to his side before, most recently at the Battle of
Stonehenge. You know Pietor and Donnah better than any of us. Is that what just
happened here?"
Dr Arcane looked at Thunderhead sadly, “Not
for Pietor, he was very reluctant to allow me to mentor him. I do not believe
he would follow another now. I do believe it is true of Donnah. Once I explain
the history of Donnah and the others it will make more sense.”
Dr Arcane escorted everyone else back into
the Library where he briefed them on the history of the Natural Forces.
“Some months ago, a small golden casket was
unearthed at the archeological dig of a 2,000 year old tell in Egypt. With
great care, the casket was opened and found to contain five remarkably
well-preserved scrolls. The casket itself was placed on display in the Egyptian
Museum in Cairo. Unknown to the Domain and its allies the scrolls were sent to
America. One each was sent to five prominent scholars for translation and
analysis. I was one of those scholars even though my field of expertise has
never been archeology or linguistics but parapsychology and the history of
occult science.”
“Since Pietor had a doctorate in archeology
he did the translation and analysis. The purpose in sending the scroll to me was
for more than to study the fifth scroll, but to guard it and prevent it from
falling into evil hands. If what small portion of the scroll that Pietor translated
was accurate, then this scroll held the key to the proper use of the other
four, and those four contain long-forgotten secrets of mystic and ancient
alchemical transubstantiation which could shake the very foundation of modern
science. I believe the Domain destroyed the Golden Casket attempting to get the
five scrolls that they thought were inside it.”
“I attempted to contact the other four
scholars. Three are missing and the last one is in the hospital. He was hurt in
a burglary gone badly. The police did not know all that was stolen from the
house but the Domain was behind this. I believe they had acquired all five
scrolls and took the three scholars as well.”
“The transubstantiation spell would not work
in the Domain. It had to have Earth reagents. These reagents can be human but
they needed a fourth. They took Donnah to be the fourth reagent.”
“The Guardians traveled to the Doman and
entered the inner most chamber of Occult’s Castle. They interrupted her
performing the ceremony with the stolen scrolls and the 4 people she had stolen
as well. The area is guarded by beasts never seen before by anyone from Earth
but a select few.”
“The 4 humans were changed into Elementals.
The Guardian successfully stole the master scroll and freed the
Human/Elementals from their bonds. They escaped the Domain and Occult. In a
rage Cr’tgerof destroyed Occult for her failure.”
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.
Somewhere in the
frozen arctic a small glacier slides into the ocean after being beaten into
iceberg sized junks as DarkStar released his fury over the Donnah's departure
due to Dr. Apocalypse's manipulation of the one woman he felt he might have
loved but could never touch. Over the next few months Joshua was driven by two
things. First, finding a way to track Donnah and the Domain demons. Second,
acquiring the power and wealth needed to do so no matter what it took. His
company's resources were still available to Doctor Arcane and the Guardians but
his time was now committed to the accomplishment of those two task.
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.
Red Hawk silently
contemplated the day’s events as he flew through the landscape of Megalopolis. “Our
enemy is a Devil. Turning friend against friend. Daughter against father?” Soaring to a landing outside
StarCorp tower, Chris flashed his employee identity card before entering the
massive building and heading to the barracks for the on-site security teams.
While his primary job was assisting Team Hephaestus with understanding the
various systems that gave his body the power and life it had, he also spent
some of his down time training with the company's security team and was given a
locker to store his workout gear. Chris nodded to a couple of the security
guards resting in the lounge and greeted his trainer at the armory. "Hi
Mike. Thanks for helping setting me up. Mr. Rose said he left a list of gear I
would need based on his own experiences." Mike helped Chris strap the
battle harness of his hero uniform and explained how to store and use the
various pieces of equipment designed for a long-range recon member. Slapping
Chris on the back, Mike gave him one last look. "You aren't ready for any
military gear yet, but you have plenty of water, food, and medicines. We know
you fly but rope is always good to pack and never ever go anywhere without a
good knife. Good luck Hawk."
Using the secret entrance at Manning,
Starbolt retrieved his diving knife, dive bag and diving gear that he kept at
his locker. "I'll have to pick up some protein bars and water for the
trip. My first-aid kit will also come in handy" he thought to himself. While
At Manning, and picking up his gear, Starbolt changed into a new costume.
After collecting the items he left to meet up
with the rest of the team.
Noting that he knows nothing about magic, CX
prepared for the worst. Using his current suit, he created a metal mesh,
layered backpack. Within that pack he placed a sealed bag which contained
his "Domain Armor” He gauged the weight on his back and added steal ball
bearings until it becomes uncomfortable to carry. He then removed a few
pounds of the added weight.
"If things go sideways, and they always do, we'll probably
wind up in the Domain way ahead of schedule. Better safe than completely
screwed." CX
thought as he walked around, making sure the weight was manageable in his suit.
He then concentrated on the amulet.
"This is Centurion X. I am ready
and will meet you all at the rendezvous point for lift off. Just as a
precaution, everyone might want to take some rations with them."
Wanting to heed his own advice, CX stepped to
his desk and pulled out a couple boxes of energy bars. Placing them into
his backpack, CX pulled on a crimson spandex cowl that leaves his mouth
exposed; he activated the bookshelf door that led to the exit of the private
lab. Taking to the air, he headed to the lift off point for the
transport.
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.
The military base that took the super-teams
to Stonehenge was only a few miles outside the city, and after clearing the
bases perimeter, Red Hawk landed at the MEDUSA craft Dr. Arcane had told the
team would take to Easter Island.
When the rest of 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?”
"My name is
Chris. It is my honor to be here with all of you."
War Wagon replied, “Nice to meet you too. I
am Kevin but please use my call sign while we are on the mission”
At the planning session, Thunderhead spoke
up: "I fought Jacco once before, at Machu Pichu, in 1931. Jacco
sees himself as an archaeologist but he's really a fervent occultist
dedicated to the macabre. He robs graves around the world to gain enough
mystical power to rule the world. He came very close to succeeding at Machu
Pichu.”
“He's made pact with other-dimensional
demons, resulting in fearsome powers. He can kill with a touch. His
ability to drain life has given him unnatural long life, like a vampire.
The other result of these pacts has been the loss of his sanity.
He's obsessed with graveyards and ancient burial grounds. The press in the
30's dubbed him “Obituary” because all his discoveries related to a deceased
culture or civilization, and the rumor that Jacco was a necrophiliac.”
"Today, Jacco must be searching for the
legendary Tomb on Cor on Easter Island. The Tomb is likely to reside between
Mt. Pul and the Rano Raraku Quarry, but south of both of them, near the
coastline."
He indicated the place on the map with a
finger. "We should be able to find Jacco there. Or at least, his
handiwork."
Greeting the other
who had arrived Red Hawk listened intently as Thunderhead shared his information
of the Jacco. Once it seems he was finished Red Hawk considered how best to
proceed. Reaching up he unmasked showing the team his true face. Thinking of
what is to come he hoped his gesture would help build a bond of trust when it
was time to fight the Enemy.
"Thunderhead,
thank you for sharing your experiences with Jacco. I know you are a man out of
his own time." Looking over at Adamas and thinking even of his own origin.
"I think you'll find plenty of friends here" . . . "Correct me
if I'm wrong, but I assume there is still quite a bit about modern technology
you haven't learned yet? I was thinking you could work with Centurion X to make
use of satellite images that might help track down Jacco's lair? . . . Also
with you having experience with the enemy, any input on a battle plan would be
greatly appreciated."
The golden age
goliath replied, "Only those with great personal vitality and speed should
dare get within range of Jacco's deadly touch."
Then he looked at
Red Hawk. "No offense friend, but Jacco's power to steal life may not
affect those that aren't living.
"If I had to
predict his movements, I expect he'll target me first. Perhaps we could use
that to our advantage."
Red Hawk said, "Black
Orchid ... Most the team has the ability to fly I think we will need a sea side
approach to the island and Jacco's lair. I was hoping you could work with
Starbolt and War Wagon to develop a way we can slip onto the island
undetected?"
"I am thinking about it." The Black
Orchid paused, "If I don't think I can make it work, I do feel a weather
diversion is in order, though. It's true I don't fly so I will need to be
dropped off, but I'm pretty light, so maybe one could carry me if I'm the only
holdout.”
Starbolt said, "If needed I can
construct something to transport you in Black Orchid. If needed I can fly low
into the island, or I am also a trained scuba diver and can enter by sea."
The Black Orchid looked deep in thought for a
few minutes. "OK, I think I might be able to swing this. I believe my
invisibility is acting like an organic Digital Radio Frequency Memory jammer,
taking in light from one side and redirecting light from the other side of me back
to the observer instead of the original reflection, such that I appear
invisible. This is most likely another manifestation of the manipulation I
perform with my darkness control, although there I might be tapping into a
subatomic dimension to absorb the light, much as I think is happening with my
vacuum blast, and I..."
She stopped a moment, shook her head, and
continued talking as much to herself as anyone else, "Getting off topic.
Anyway, let's see if there is some sort of biometric scanner on this boat. For
this kind of plane, I'd be surprised if there isn't a fingerprint scanner
somewhere.... and... here it is! Now all I have to do is redefine what the
scanner is detecting, my 'ORFM' if you will, amplify it, connect it to the
jammer, and spread it across the visible spectrum as well as the existing radar
frequencies. That way, when I go invisible, the scanner should read the pattern
coming from my finger, and using the equipped DRFM jammer, theoretically apply
it to the plane as well. I can only keep my invisibility going for about half
an hour without interruption, but that should give us enough time to get close.
Honestly, I'm not sure the equipment could handle much more than that without
burning out anyway. It is clearly not meant for this, but it's worth a shot.
Anyone want to help?" She looked around eagerly at the others.
Starbolt said, "Black Orchid, I'm well
versed in planes, I would be glad to help."
CX was more than happy to give any technical
assistance to Black Orchid's attempt to create a one off stealth screen for the
jet.
Focusing his amulet
on Adamas, "Could you help me with the other
one? He must feel very disoriented and everyone looks to you as a
rock, the team touchstone." Giving everyone time, Red Hawk
took a moment and walked up to the Guardians newest member. "Jack, welcome
to the Guardians. I am pretty new myself and everything is moving petty fast.
We appreciate you joining the Quest. It would help if you could share with the
team where you are from and what you can do when facing the enemy"
Jack smiled at Red Hawk with an impish grin,
thanking him. The Frost King floated higher up in the plane. He took the
posture of past great Summoner’s took when they spoke. With a great flourish
and much showmanship he showed on a small scale how he could summon snow and
icing plus a freezing cold wind. He did a back flip and bowed.
Once Jack has realized that he is free to
wander this plane without being captive again he begins to hover/fly around the
airfield looking at the others and just poking his nose into things. He found
food stuff like he had never seen before in Starbolt’s bag.
When he opened CX’s backpack he found it had
the same food stuff and lots of wonderful metal balls.
Chris walked up behind Black Orchid as she
and War Wagon was testing to see if the plane systems are compatible with her
light-altering technology. "Orchid ... I don't mean to interrupt, but if
we are going to insert the team onto the island while it is still dark we need
to leave within the hour. Can you get this idea of yours to working before we
get to the island? I would prefer the team to go in fresh if we can do that
undetected, but if we can't leave soon might have to go with a plan B."
"Everyone, I've asked Black Orchid if
she can have her alterations on the craft working before we arrive at Easter
Island. I want to layout my ideas for our approach and initial actions once we
reach the island."
"A) If Black Orchid can get her idea
working the team will use the aircraft to make a beach landing. Thunderhead can
help with a storm with cloud cover and lightning to cover our approach."
"B) We depart the aircraft 5 minutes out
and Starbolt ferries the team underwater to the beach with Thunderhead still
providing support from above."
"In both the scenarios I think Adamas
should accompany Thunderhead, and I would like the team to approach with as
much stealth as possible. I hope TH and CX can narrow down which site Jacco was
actually located before we arrive. Maybe Black Orchid can have a satellite
tasked to give real time information? If not, we might have to split into three
teams for a recon. If we do that I think we should keep Thunderhead and Adamas
overhead as a rapid response team."
"Any thoughts or ideas to add or avoid
before take off? Thanks to Doctor Arcane, we have a lot of advantages, but
let's all be on same page before we hit the beach."
War Wagon listening to the team spoke up.
"Those are great ideas but we won't be able to receive real time Satellite
communications when we take flight. I have an EMI Jammer that will make us
invisible to electronic surveillance. The drawback it while it is working we
can't receive data from those same sources. We have to rely of the Plane's
instruments only."
"I have to run the Jammer, We don't want
those that are watching me to inform Jacco we are coming."
{GM Note: Player Characters with heightened
hearing hear this next part}
War Wagon turned back to the controls
muttering under his breath. "Cybil is always watching me."
Red Hawk said, "Thanks War Wagon. That
will help with deciding our choices."
Thunderhead said, "It’s unlikely Jacco
will have radar capabilities. However, he might be able to detect the magical
origins of a supernatural storm. I'd hate to give him advance warning."
Black Orchid indicated she was confidant the
system would work unfortunately it couldn’t be tested before being used. She stated
she would support any location Red Hawk decided on, but suggested north of the
big volcano so as to minimize the chance of being spotted / detected, even with
the invisibility.
Red Hawk said, “Sounds like Plan: Black
Orchid is a go for the island approach then.”
War Wagon feed in the coordinates for the
flight and provided the requested satellite images requested by the team.
War Wagon engaged
the EMI jammer as the MEDUSA Stealth plane left the base.
The plane flew
silently over the water below radar detection levels. When it was 35 minutes
ETA to planned landing site War Wagon said, “You’re on in 5 ticks Black Orchid”
Black Orchid move
into position and at the appointed time switch the improvised system on. It
worked!
{GM Note: Black
Orchid used 1 Invention Point and 1 Luck Point for this 1 time invention}
The plane became
invisible. For the next 30 minutes the team traveled quietly as the plane’s
devices hummed and sparked.
The plane circled
around the island to land next to the Terevaka Volcano as planned. The landing
was rough but successful.
Red Hawk said, "Remember
everyone, according to Doctor Arcane the retrieval of the Scythe is our primary
goal. Let's not get distracted with capturing Jacco if it might endanger that
part of the mission."
Because it is closer
than the other two, the team travels to the first satellite location together.
{GM Note: Please provide
how you are traveling if you want to apply any tactics to your movement}
When the team
arrives they don’t find any building at all. They quickly scout the area and
contact Dr. Arcane.
Dr Arcane explained,
“It is appears to be multiple layers of glamour spells which have been designed
to cover up what is going on here from both magic scrying and electronic
surveillance. I am not going to be able to see what you see. The glamour spells
are so well done that they even fool the amulet.
They traveled to the
other two sites confirming they don’t exist.
Soon they do find
Jacco’s location. There isn’t any movement or sentries outside the perimeter.
<Replies
and Actions due May 11th >
------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Snow? Really? And me without my mittens....” CX thought.
LOL
Best line in a long time Dave. Tom I am always impressed with your comic book covers. Awesome issue. Just wish Joshua had the chance to smack Pietor with the coach. A coach? .... Lol excellent.
In Character stuff to come. Had to respond to such a fun read. Let the roller coaster ride begin :-)
Warm Regards
John
LOL
Best line in a long time Dave. Tom I am always impressed with your comic book covers. Awesome issue. Just wish Joshua had the chance to smack Pietor with the coach. A coach? .... Lol excellent.
In Character stuff to come. Had to respond to such a fun read. Let the roller coaster ride begin :-)
Warm Regards
John
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Never
a dull moment...
Great
issue Tom!
Jon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IC:
Thunderhead said to Doc Arcane: "The
Enemy has turned heroes to his side before, most recently at the Battle of
Stonehenge. You know Pietor and Donnah better than any of us. Is that what just
happened here?"
OOC:
Great issue Tom, as always!
Can we please get a one paragraph Cliff
Notes version of "the history of the Natural Forces?" Sorry to
be obtuse.
In the 1930s, did Thunderhead face Jacco
on Easter Island? If yes, where was his lair?
Thanks.
More to come.
Best,
Jeff
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No, Thunderhead battled Jacco at
Machu Picchu.
Thanks
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Thanks. Much appreciated!
Based on his knowledge of Jacco, I'd like
Thunderhead to attempt a detect hidden to deduce where Jacco would likely set
up shop on Easter Island. Maybe his
choice of location on Machu Pichu offers some insight? Or his original home on Easter Island?
Also, using Thundy's Mysticism, History and
Archaeology skills, what is thought to be the central nexus/location for
magic/ley lines/power on Easter Island? That's a likely suspect for Jacco's
base of operations.
Also, can I
get some adjectives to describe Jacco's personality? Is he a helpless
puppet of dark forces? A power-hungry sorcerer? A scholar? A megalomaniac? This stuff might help predict his location or
actions. Also, any handy weaknesses, psychological or otherwise. :-)
As an aside, Machu Pichu ties right into
Thunderhead's Incan origins. Can we say
the 1930's Jacco/Thunderhead confrontation occurred during, or directly after,
Thunderhead's origin? Maybe 1930's explorer-adventurer Clark Powers was out to
stop Jacco's schemes (like Indiana Jones would go up against would-be sorcerers)
and in the process became Thunderhead? Does that work for you?
Thanks,
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes connecting Jacco to Thunderhead's origin
is perfectly fine with me. As far how it ties I will leave to you as what you
think is coolest.
I will roll and let you know the results
tonight.
Best
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thunderhead knew that Glenn Jacco was
obsessed with graveyards and ancient burial grounds. The news media in the 30s
had dubbed him “Obituary” because every discovery related to a deceased culture
or civilization and the rumor that Jacco slept with the dead he had found.
Jacco portrayed himself as an Archaeologist
but Clark Powers knew that Jacco was really an occultist and grave robber who
had made a pact with other-dimensional demons.
In Machu Pichu they had battle over a
significant tomb. It was during this time that Clark Powers became Thunderhead.
{Jeff feel free to add more details here}
Clark knew that Jacco had to be searching for
the Tomb on Cor on Easter Island. From his research back in the 30s Clark
believed the Tomb was between Mt. Pul and the Rano Raraku Quarry but south of
both of them near the coastline.
Glenn Jacco is a fervent occultist dedicated
to the macabre. He robs graves around the world to gain enough mystical power
to rule the world. He came very close to succeeding at Machu Pichu but for
Clark Powers, who Glenn Jacco hates with a burning passion.
Best
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:
So this is all THUNDERHEAD's fault for not putting an end to him in the
30's! LOL Just kidding!
Dave
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC; Hah.
Truth to tell, Thunderhead wouldn't have
killed him even if he had the chance.
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Thanks Tom. Cool beans.
Jacco has unnatural long life, or is also
traveling though time? Thanks.
Everyone: Please assume Thunderhead will
share everything he knows. When I get a chance, I'll handle it in character.
But I don't want to hold anyone up until then.
Best,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacco's ability to drain life has given him an unnaturally long
life.
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<<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?">>
"Roger. I'll talk if I can, but I'll
separate them with darkness if you give the signal" The Black Orchid, any
thoughts of being snubbed by CX behind her, indicates her willingness to follow
Red Hawk's orders. She will make sure she is out of sight of the confrontation
and make herself invisible. She will then sneak up on the pair and listen for a
moment. If it seems like it is getting out of hand or Red Hawk gives the
signal, she will throw a thick barrier of darkness between the two.
Marc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<[War Wagon] 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?”>
"Well we should probably try to conceal
our approach as much as possible. Whatever place is easiest to land in a
hurricane." The Black Orchid looks over at Thunderhead as she says this. I
don't believe I have the capability to make the whole ship invisible, although
I could cloak most of it in darkness."
The Black Orchid will try to figure if she
can somehow tap into her Willpower and/or use Inventing Points to
"push" her Invisibility to the ship.
Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Guys
Hey Jeff is this information that TH is or
will be sharing with the other characters?
If it is I have a couple replies I'll make ready for Red Hawk. If not
I'll go another direction and see how that plays out. Thanks Jeff
Regards :-)
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:
Thanks Tom.
John, yes Thunderhead will share all his info
at the War Wagon planning session. Unlike AA, he's trusting and has no ulterior
motives. :)
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: I
think that's why AA and Adamas got along, different sides of the same
coin. AA didn't trust anyone - Adamas trusted everyone, both positions lend
themselves to problems.
Maybe TH will find the balance.
Jon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Thanks.
Funny you mention that. TH was a conscious
decision to be the Good balance against all the Evil villains I normally play
as a GM. AA was too antiheroic to be
that balance.
Jeff
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: And the accolades continue!!! :D
IC: Noting that he
knows nothing about magic, CX prepares for the worst. Using his current
suit, he creates a metal mesh, layered backpack. Within that pack he
places a sealed bag which contains his "Domain Armor" He gauges
the weight on his back and adds steal ball bearings until it becomes
uncomfortable to carry. He then removes a few pounds of the added weight.
"If things go sideways,
and they always do, we'll probably wind up in the Domain way ahead of schedule.
Better safe than completely screwed.." CX thinks as he walks around,
making sure the weight is manageble in his suit. He then concentrates on
the amulet.
"This is Centurian X.
I am ready and will meet you all at the rendezvous point for lift off.
Just as a precaution, everyone might want to take some rations with
them."
Wanting to heed his own
advice, CX steps to his desk and pulls out a couple boxes of energy bars.
Placing them into his backpack, he activates the bookshelf door that
leads to the exit of the private lab. Taking to the air, he heads to the
lift off point for the transport.
Dave
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:
Just a slight retcon. CX will
pull on a crimson spandex cowl that leaves his mouth exposed, just prior to
leaving the lab. Sorry, was going to
put it in and got ahead of myself...
Dave
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That was great! This is my first time playing
in this format. I am so going to have to check email more often so I can get as
much in as possible. So without further ado I'll post response for Jack to get
us rolling toward the next issue.
Jack alights lightly on the ground,his feet
not even leaving footprints in the snow. His first thought is to fly off into a
rage, but the summoner has just apologized. Something that Jack has never
heard. 'Did the summoner just ask for help?' In all the years he had never
heard that. It could be fun. It would be nice to be free without a summoner and
without being restricted to only a few months of the year. A cool wind picks
up,lifting Jack up so he is eye to eye with the Summoner. The wind was not the
beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the forces of nature.
But the wind carried an icy chill as if it would bear mischief as well as the snow.
"Thank you Summoner" He says, a look of mischief in his eye.
Zeus
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: If the GM is so inclined to do the
History of the Natural Forces I am willing to share Jack's Background history
with players who have some arcane and/or nature abilities that would allow them
to have knowledge or the GM can tell me to butt out
Zeus
---------------------------------------------------------------------
“Some months ago, a small golden casket was unearthed at the
archeological dig of a 2,000 year old tell in Egypt. With great care, the
casket was opened and found to contain five remarkably well-preserved scrolls.
The casket itself was placed on display in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Unknown to the Domain and its allies the scrolls were sent to America. One each
was sent to five prominent scholars for translation and analysis. Dr. Avery was
one of those scholars even though his field of expertise has never been
archeology or linguistics but parapsychology and the history of occult science.”
“Since Pietor had a doctorate in archeology he did the translation
and analysis. The purpose in sending the scroll to Dr. Avery was for more than
to study the fifth scroll, but to guard it and prevent it from falling into
evil hands. If what small portion of the scroll I translated is accurate, then
this scroll holds the key to the proper use of the other four, and those four
contain long-forgotten secrets of mystic and ancient alchemical
transubstantiation which could shake the very foundation of modern science. I
believe the Domain destroyed the Golden Casket attempting to get the five
scrolls that they thought were inside it.”
“Dr Avery attempted to contact the other four scholars. Three are
missing and the last one is in the hospital. He was hurt in a burglary gone
badly. The police did not know all that was stolen from the house but the
Domain is behind this. I believe they have acquired all five scrolls and took
the three scholars as well.”
“The transubstantiation spell will not work in the Domain. It has
to have Earth reagents. These reagents can be human but they need a fourth.
They took Donnah to be the fourth reagent.”
The Guardians traveled to the Doman and entered the inner most
chamber of Occult’s Castle. They interrupted her performing the ceremony with
the stolen scrolls and the 4 people she had stolen as well. The area is guarded
by beasts never seen before by anyone from Earth but a select few.
The 4 humans were changed into Elementals. The Guardian
successfully stole the master scroll and freed the Human/Elementals from their
bonds. They escaped the Domain and Occult. In a rage Cr’tgerof destroyed Occult
for her failure.
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: A bit sad to
be setting the big guy aside for now, but excited about playing Red Hawk :)
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?"
<Joshua
reply?>
<DS: OOC>
First action would be to immediately teleport to the other side of Starbolt's
force field using his knowledge of tactics and Pietor to choose a location to
surprise the turncoat - likely right in front of him, as he would expect DS to
appear from above or beyond and play whack-a-mole with his ivory white head ...
as is though let's go with the story as written *smile*. DS maintains the role
of shield staying just to the right of Donnah.
<DarkStar:
IC> "The trickster likes twisting words Donnah. Pietor knows beyond
your grandfather I don't trust any leader, be he mundane or meta. Little Pietor
likes leeching off the efforts of others Donnah, and is grasping for more power
he hasn't earned with either his own strength or wisdom. Think Donnah, first he
steals the artifacts the Guardians fought to safeguard and now he tries to
confuse you with his lies. Remember who you are."
<DS: OOC> Oh
yeah, old Petey would have had a big blue angry road block if he had tried to
portal out after losing Donnah into the wind. So :) ... As the world turns ...
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.
Somewhere in the
frozen arctic a small glacier slides into the ocean after being beaten into
iceberg sized junks as DarkStar releases his fury over the Donnah's departure
due to Dr. Apocalypse's (called himself that back during the Crossover)
manipulation of the one woman he felt he might have loved but could never
touch. Over the next (set of issues - lol) few months Joshua is driven by two
things. First, finding a way to track Donnah and the Domain demons. Second,
acquiring the power and wealth needed to do so no matter what it takes. His
company's resources are still available to Doctor Arcane and the Guardians but
his time is now committed to the accomplishment of those two task.
Later DS
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: How much of Thunderhead's background is
he going to disclose? I don't want to post on something that's not right. I do
enough of that on my own without any help!
Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeus, feel free to share Jack's background with the others.
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thunderhead will
share all his info at the War Wagon planning session. Unlike AA, he's trusting
and has no ulterior motives. :)
@
<Red Hawk: IC
reply and actions>
Red Hawk silently
contemplated the days events as he flew through the landscape of Megalopolis. Our
enemy is a Devil. Turning friend against friend. Daughter against father? Soaring to a landing outside
StarCorp tower, Chris flashes his employee identity card before entering the
massive building and heading to the barracks for the on-site security teams.
While his primary job was assisting Team Hephaestus with understanding the
various systems that gave his body the power and life it had, he also spent
some of his down time training with the company's security team and was given a
locker to store his workout gear. Chris nods to a couple of the security guards
resting in the lounge and greets his trainer at the armory. "Hi Mike.
Thanks for helping setting me up. Mr. Rose said he left a list of gear I would
need base on his own experiences." Mike helps Chris strap the battle
harness of his hero uniform and explains how to store and use the various
pieces of equipment designed for a long-range recon member. Slapping Chris on
the back, Mike gives him one last look. "You aren't ready for any military
gear yet, but you have plenty of water, food, and medicines. We know you fly
but rope is always good to pack and never ever go anywhere without a good
knife. Good luck Hawk."
@
The military base
that took the super-teams to Stonehenge is only a few miles outside the city,
and after clearing the bases perimeter, Red Hawk lands at the MEDUSA craft Dr.
Arcane had told the team would take to Easter Island. Greeting the other who
had arrived Red Hawk listens intently as Thunderhead shares his information of
the Jacco. Once it seems he was finished Red Hawk considered how best to
proceed. Reaching up he unmask showing the team his true face. Thinking of what
is to come he hopes his gesture would help build a bond of trust when it was
time to fight the Enemy.
@
"My name is
Chris. It is my honor to be here with all of you."
@
"Thunderhead,
thank you for sharing your experiences with Jacco. I know you are a man out of
his own time." Looking over at Adamas, the Kid, and thinking even of his
own origin. "I think you'll find plenty of friends here" . . .
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume there is still quite a bit about
modern technology you haven't learned yet? I was thinking you could work with
Centurion X to make use of satellite images that might help track down Jacco's
lair? . . . Also with you having experience with the enemy, any input on a
battle plan would be greatly appreciated."
@
"Black Orchid
... Most the team has the ability to fly, but unless Kid's horse sprouts wings
with those flames he breathes I think we will need a sea side approach to the
island and Jacco's lair. I was hoping you could work with Starbolt and War Wagon
to develop a way we can slip onto the island undetected?"
"Remember
everyone, according to Doctor Arcane the retrieval of the Scythe is our primary
goal. Let's not get distracted with capturing Jacco if it might endanger that
part of the mission."
Focusing his amulet
on Adamas "Could you help me with the other
two? They must feel very disoriented and everyone looks to you as a
rock, the team touchstone." Giving everyone time, Red Hawk
takes a moment and walks up to the Guardians newest member of fire and ice.
"Kid, Jack, welcome to the Guardians. I am pretty new myself and
everything is moving petty fast. We appreciate you joining the Quest. It would
help if you could share with the team where you are from and what you can do
when facing the enemy"
Love the player
inter-action guys :)
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am thinking about it." [OOC:
awaiting GM decision] The Black Orchid pauses, "If I don't think I can
make it work, I do feel a weather diversion is in order, though. It's true I
don't fly so I will need to be dropped off, but I'm pretty light, so maybe one
could carry me if I'm the only holdout. Not sure about the horse, though."
She thumbs over her shoulder.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IC: Adamas smiles at the cowboy, "If the
horse is willing, I don't think that will be a problem."
Jon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Orchid can use a luck point and make an
inventing roll for a one time power stunt.
Best
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are 3 Satellite images that Centurion X
was able to pull from the area that Thunderbolt thought Jacco would be hiding.
Best
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Using the secret entrance at Manning,
Starbolt retrieves his diving knife, dive bag and diving gear. that he kept at
his locker. "I'll have to pick up some protein bars and water for the
trip. My first-aid kit will also come in handy" he thinks to himself.
After collecting the items he will meet up
with the rest of the team. "If
needed I can construct something to transport you in Black Orchid. If needed I
can fly low into the island, or I am also a trained scuba diver, and can enter
by sea." He will tell the group.
OOC: Tom, Could Starbolt construct a
container of sufficient size and strength to transport the group under water
while he scuba's ahead? If it is possible he will offer that as an option to
the group.
Jamey
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Some more maps of Rapa Nui can be found
here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7WeAh30rD2MWFJQWJoWHRGQ2c/edit?usp=sharing
The Black Orchid looks deep in thought for a
few minutes. "OK, I think I might be able to swing this. I believe my
invisibility is acting like an organic Digital Radio Frequency Memory jammer,
taking in light from one side and redirecting light from the other side of me
back to the observer instead of the original reflection, such that I appear
invisible. This is most likely another manifestation of the manipulation I
perform with my darkness control, although there I might be tapping into a
subatomic dimension to absorb the light, much as I think is happening with my
vacuum blast, and I..."
She stops a moment, shakes her head, and
continues talking as much to herself as anyone else, "Getting off topic.
Anyway, let's see if there is some sort of biometric scanner on this boat. For
this kind of plane, I'd be surprised if there isn't a fingerprint scanner
somewhere.... and... [taking artistic license] here it is! Now all I have to do
is redefine what the scanner is detecting, my 'ORFM' if you will, amplify it,
connect it to the jammer, and spread it across the visible spectrum as well as
the existing radar frequencies. That way, when I go invisible, the scanner
should read the pattern coming from my finger, and using the equipped DRFM
jammer, theoretically apply it to the plane as well. I can only keep my
invisibility going for about half an hour without interruption, but that should
give us enough time to get close. Honestly, I'm not sure the equipment could
handle much more than that without burning out anyway. It is clearly not meant
for this, but it's worth a shot. Anyone want to help?" She looks around
eagerly at the others.
Marc
---------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: I think I got lost somewhere after Dr.
Arcane asked Jack if he would like to stay, did the group leave for Easter
Island or are they still in the planning stages? If I can get clarification
that would help with my interactions with group (i.e. who is was there when Doc
freed Jack)
Zeus
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Planning stages. Anywhere from the Mansion to the Air Base
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I was assuming War Wagon had showed up with
the plane (last two paragraphs of the issue). If not, this interaction can wait
until the plane appears.
Marc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, War Wagon showed up with the plane.
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Also, to further clarify, The Black
Orchid clearly wanted to help defuse the confrontation at the house, but she
has no real connection to Donnah, so she's mentally already on to the next
thing (getting to Easter Island).
Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom, Just wondering when Starbolt would have
the opportunity to switch to his new costume?
Thanks,
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, Include the costume change when he went back to Manning
Enterprises (where he picks up his knife and other supplies).
I am still figuring out the rules on you sub trick. Will get it to
you later today or tomorrow at the latest.
Best
Tom
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Tom.
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------
Tom,
Would you please show his new
costume in the next issue?
Thanks,
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Slight adjustment
to Starbolt's actions. While At Manning, and picking up his gear, Starbolt
changes into a new costume.
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Tom, Could Starbolt construct a
container of sufficient size and strength to transport the group under water
while he scuba's ahead? If it is possible he will offer that as an option to
the group.
Yes it is possible. It would take all of his
construct points and the air would last for 5 minutes.
Best
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
At the Mansion after Jack Frost was freed
DarkStar
Adamas
Black Orchid
Thunderhead
Starbolt
Red Hawk
The Hellfire Kid
Centurion X
Dr Arcane
At the Air Base with Jack Frost
Adamas
Black Orchid
Centurion X
Red Hawk
Starbol
The Hellfire Kid
Thunderhead
War Wagon
Contactable by Amulet: Dr Arcane (DarkStar
too but he might be too busy to answer)
Best
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I appreciate the chance to play, guys, but
I'm already 35 e-mails behind after only two days. Given my schedule, I'm
obviously not going to be able to keep up with you all, so I'll just bow out
now while it'll be a simple matter to excise the couple of places my
character's been mentioned.
Joe
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe, I am sorry you feel that way. One of the
things I have tried to maintain is the player providing as little or a much as
they want. So long as everyone is having fun.
Even though we have a lot of emails there is
nothing critical that you have to answer. If there is I will reach out to you.
If you still want to drop then that is fine.
I won't excise your character. He will just decide not to join the others when
Dr Arcane asks. Consider it a two issue guest appearance.
I really did enjoy the short time we played
together.
Best
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is to Joe as well.
Sometimes we have burst of activity and
sometimes we're quiet. The Black Orchid wasn't too active in the last two
issues because I was so busy with work, but I've had a little break so I'm a
bit more active right now. Tom has never pressured anybody to be more or less
active, since we all understand how time slips away.
Also, I must admit, I get lost quite a bit
especially when characters are discussing things that happened in the past, but
now I just let it wash over me and don't try to figure it all out until I read
the issue where Tom pulls it all together. Then next round I can come in and
add something meaningful if I wish.
I hope you'll stick around and give it
another shot. Honestly, I'm one of the culprits for it being this busy right
now and as I said before, that's a bit of a fluke.
- Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Jesus
Not to toot my own horn but Thunderhead freed
Jack from Pietor's control. Toot! Toot! Toot!
Then Doc Arcane invited Jack to stay on in
this plane of existence and join our merry band.
Best,
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thunderhead:
Here's the full
reply, so far. [mostly
written by Tom! ;) ]
IC:
After Pietor and
Donnah left, Thunderhead said to Doc Arcane: "The Enemy has turned
heroes to his side before, most recently at the Battle of Stonehenge. You know
Pietor and Donnah better than any of us. Is that what just happened here?"
--------------------
At the planning
session, Thunderhead spoke up: "I fought Jacco once before, at Machu
Pichu, in 1931. Jacco sees himself as an archaeologist but he's really
a fervent occultist dedicated to the macabre. He robs graves around the
world to gain enough mystical power to rule the world. He came very close to
succeeding at Machu Pichu.
He's made pact with
other-dimensional demons, resulting in fearsome powers. He can kill with a
touch. His ability to drain life has given him unnatural long life, like a
vampire. The other result of these pacts has been the loss of his sanity.
He's obsessed with graveyards and ancient burial grounds. The press in the
30's dubbed him “Obituary” because all his discoveries related to a deceased
culture or civilization, and the rumor that Jacco was a necrophiliac.
"Today, Jacco
must be searching for the legendary Tomb on Cor on Easter Island. The Tomb is
likely to reside between Mt. Pul and the Rano Raraku Quarry, but south of both
of them, near the coastline."
He indicated the
place on the map with a finger. "We should be able to find Jacco
there. Or at least, his handiwork."
--------------------
Red Hawk said,
"...with you having experience with the enemy, any input on a battle plan
would be greatly appreciated."
The golden age
goliath replied, "Only those with great personal vitality and speed should
dare get within range of Jacco's deadly touch."
Then he looked at
Red Hawk and the Hellfire Kid (if he's there). "No offense friends, but
Jacco's power to steal life may not affect those that aren't living.
"If I had to
predict his movements, I expect he'll target me first. Perhaps we could use
that to our advantage."
--------------------
OOC: Marc:
Thundy's got no technical skills to help Black Orchid make the plane invisible.
Cool idea, though!
Best,
Jeff
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Starbolt doesn't know invisible, but he does
know planes. He has skill in aeronautical engineering.
Jamey
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<Red Hawk: IC reply> Chris walks up
behind Black Orchid as she and War Wagon as she is testing to see if the plane
systems are compatible with her light-altering technology. "Orchid ... I
don't mean to interrupt, but if we are going to insert the team onto the island
while it is still dark we need to leave within the hour. Can you get this idea
of yours to working before we get to the island? I would prefer the team to go
in fresh if we can do that undetected, but if w can't leave soon might have to
go with a plan B."
OOC: Correct me if I'm wrong but you wanted
the team to take off within an hour of the last Issue. I'm just trying to
insert a comic book reason to push things along. If that isn't the idea please
disregard the above . Okay that said I would like to propose two competing
ideas for the island approach.
<Red Hawk IC: presentation>
"Everyone, I've asked Black Orchid if she can have her alterations on the
craft working before we arrive at Easter Island. I want to layout my ideas for
out approach and initial actions once we reach the island."
"A) If Black Orchid can get her idea
working the team will use the aircraft to make a beach landing. Thunderhead can
help with a storm with cloud cover and lightning to cover our approach."
"B) We depart the aircraft 5 minutes out
and Starbolt ferries the team underwater to the beach with Thunderhead still
providing support from above."
"In both the scenarios I think Adamas
should accompany Thunderhead, and I would like the team to approach with as
much stealth as possible. I hope TH and CX can narrow down which site Jacco is
actually located before we arrive. Maybe Black Orchid can have a satellite tasked
to give real time information? If not, we might have to split into three teams
for a recon. If we do that I think we should keep Thunderhead and Adamas
overhead as a rapid response team."
"Any thoughts or ideas to add or avoid
before take off? Thanks to Doctor Arcane, we have a lot of advantages, but
let's all be on same page before we hit the beach."
Regards
John
----------------------------------------------------------------------
War Wagon listening to the team spoke up.
"Those are great ideas but we won't be able to receive real time Satellite
communications when we take flight. I have an EMI Jammer that will make us
invisible to electronic surveillance. The drawback it while it is working we
can't receive data from those same sources. We have to rely of the Plane's
instruments only."
"I have to run the Jammer, We don't want
those that are watching me to inform Jacco we are coming."
{GM Note: Player Characters with heightened
hearing hear this next part}
War Wagon turned back to the controls
muttering under his breath. "Cybil is always watching me."
{GM Note: Player information with the
exception of Centurion X. His work on the Tank project already gives him this
knowledge of War Wagon. War Wagon has the following Weakness:
·
Paranoia – War Wagon believes he
is being watched at all times.
So he is going to be unreasonable about the
extremes he goes to protect himself and the team from being observed
Best
Tom
---------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: So is Adams carrying a horse?
Jon
---------------------------------------------------------------------
No, the Horse has the ability to go Non-corporal so it can in
essence Fly.
Best
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
IC: Starbolt
says" Black Orchid, I'm well versed in planes, If I can help please
let me know."
Regards,
Jamey
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
No, the Horse has the ability to go
Non-corporal so it can in essence Fly.
Best
Tom
Sweeeet ... Now if we can stop Kid from
bolting :-)
I'd like to second Marc and really hopin Joe
stays. This is a pleasantly unusual high amount of email for Megalopolis.
Usually me or Dave are only ones close to this much communication. You've
entered doing a transition. I while heartedly suggest ricin it out as the
strong silent plains drifter and you'll roll right into the grove before you
know it.
<Red Hawk: IC>. "Thanks War Wagon.
That will help with deciding our choices."
Salutations
John
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to second John, who is seconding
Marc in hoping Joe stays. Joe, I myself am not an epic poster and Tom and the
guys have let me hang around.*:) happy Come on Dude, stay with the group.*B-)
cool
Regards
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I've got a feeling the Kid will feel right at
home in the Domain...
Jon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Hawk said: "Thunderhead can help with a storm with
cloud cover and lightning to cover our approach."
Thunderhead said, "It's unlikely Jacco
will have radar capabilities. However, he might be able to detect the magical
origins of a supernatural storm. I'd hate to give him advance warning."
OOC: How about invisible jet? Or hover the
jet five minutes away and approach underwater in a Starbolt bubble? Or both?
:-)
Happy to hang in the clouds with Adamas, on
standby.
Hell-fire Kid! Hell-fire Kid!
Best,
Jeff
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Once Jack has realized that he is free to
wander this plane without being captive again he begins to hover/fly around the
airfield looking at the others and just poking his nose into things.
Zeus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ooc: Unless someone stops him at which point
he will engage them in conversation
Zeus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:
Hi all, just to make it clear, The Black
Orchid believes she can set this up without slowing down the timetable by much
if at all. She thinks it will provide the plane with a half-hour of
invisibility that she will trigger when they are half an hour out from the
island. She will gladly accept any help to get this done, as she has no ego
about doing things alone. She will support any location, but will suggest north
of the big volcano so as to minimize the chance of being spotted/detected, even
with the invisibility.
Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Woot woot ... Sounds like Plan: Black Orchid
is a go for the island approach then.
OOC:Â
Hi all, just to make it clear, The Black
Orchid believes she can set this up without slowing down the timetable by much
if at all. She thinks it will provide the plane with a half-hour of
invisibility that she will trigger when they are half an hour out from the
island. She will gladly accept any help to get this done, as she has no ego about
doing things alone. She will support any location, but will suggest north of
the big volcano so as to minimize the chance of being spotted/detected, even
with the invisibility.
John
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:
If called in, CX will be more than happy to give any technical
assistance to Black Orchid's attempt to create a one off stealth screen for the
jet. He is currently off making
preparations for the trip. :)
Dave
--------------------------------------------
