Location:
Over the Ocean heading toward Easter Island
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.
"Whew!" everyone heard out of nowhere, moments
before The Black Orchid reappeared inside the ship and the ship itself reappeared.
She was sweating, but looked none too worse for the wear. It's hard not to see
the smile on her face. "Thanks everyone for the help! That was actually
fun and very informative. Now, where did we land?" she clapped her hands
and rubbed them together.
Thunderhead congratulated Black Orchid on her amazing
scientific feat. "That's incredible."
“Why thank you Thunderhead, I am glad to help as I can."
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."
CX looked up from
the display and glanced across the assembled heroes.
"In all
seriousness, we need more of a plan than 'Get the Scythe'. A plan never
survives contact with the enemy, but most troops don't survive that contact
without a plan. I suggest a minor split in the team. Send a couple
of our fastest fliers to the other to suspected sites while the main force
approaches what we think are his base of operations. If it is a trap, the
we'll have a main force available to deal with it and our speed scouts headed
for the real targets. If it is our target, then the fastest fliers can be
recalled and arrive quickly. I'm not married to this plan. It’s
just what I see. If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm listening.
Of course, I'll support whatever you decide Hawk."
CX will step back and
let the group mull over his words and offer up their suggestions. He thought
to himself,
"I hope they
don't think I'm being pushy. I just don't want us to get blindsided like
at Stonehenge. Let’s just hope we've got enough time to make a plan
before we start searching Easter Island."
Because it is closer
than the other two, the team traveled together to the first satellite location
together.
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 there 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.
CX said "Don't we need a plan to gather that intel? I'm just saying that we can do a very minor
split and cover all of the three bases."
They split up and traveled
to the other two sites confirming they don’t exist.
Soon they do find
Jacco’s location which was hidden from satellite view by magic. There isn’t any
movement or sentries outside the perimeter.
Thunderhead glassed the huts
with his antique binoculars and said, "At the risk of sounding old
fashioned, does anyone have X-Ray vision?"
Adamas floating over to Thunderhead focused his Ethereal Vision
on the scene below. "Not exactly,
but I think I can help. What am I
looking for," he said as he focused on the scene below.
Thunderhead looked up from his binoculars and said:
"Adamas, can your vision tell us what's inside those buildings, and what's
underneath that site?
Adamas nodded to Thunderhead and peered below.
Starbolt waited quietly until a plan has been formulated, or
he was needed for something. He looked around to visually absorb what his
surroundings were.
After using his Ethereal Vision, Adamas informed the team
that no one is in the small building on the south west {GM Note: top right of
the map}. On the East side of the bridge in that building there were 5 people.
He saw someone holding the Soul-Syckle, based on Thunderhead's description he
thought it was Jacco. He did not recognize who the man Jacco was talking to. There
was another man wearing an octopus mask that was staring into a clear ball. On
the other side of the room Sister Indigo was talking to Mother Superior of the
Tarot Masters.
There were rooms underneath the building but he couldn’t make
out what was in them. The thickness of the walls and his current distance prevented
it.
There was no one in the building with the hole in the roof.
In the building on the North West {GM Note: bottom right of
the map} there were 5 creatures. He didn't recognize 3 of them but he did the
remaining two.
It was Super Nova of the Tarot Masters and he was talking to
Donnah!
Thunderhead said to everyone, through the amulet: "Nice
work, Adamas. That crystal ball... they'll soon divine our presence. We must act now. We should target the group
around the soul scythe first. With luck, we'll surprise them before they
discover us."
After Adamas shared what he saw with the team via his amulet,
Red Hawk started dissecting various approaches for the team to take to best
acquire the Syckle. Chris nodded in agreement with Thunderhead.
"I agree with Clark ... and I'm not comfortable with the
possibility those statues being golems of some type either. Adamas and I are
proof life comes in all kind of forms ... Anyone who can make a play for the
Scythe, do so, but be careful on your approach."
CX said "Alright
everyone, I have a few tactical questions. #1 - We are not seeing any
movement in that camp. If this Jacco character is as formidable as you
say, is it possible he's already expecting us? Or at least some kind of
retrieval force if not us in particular? If this is layers of magic and
electronic countermeasures, we canNOT be
sure what we're seeing is what is there. Is this guy the kind to set up a
bait and switch scenario? Thunderhead, you've already tangled with him.
How sneaky is this bast... jerk? #2 - If we assume this is a
trap, what kind of destructive defenses should we be expecting? Somehow I
don't think giant top hats and bunnies are gonna be on the menu.
Shouldn't we be prepared to be dealing with Domain demons and other
nasties sent by Gr'fliptaflerger?"
Thunderhead answered CX through the amulet: "Jacco
wouldn't set traps. He'd want to attack us himself.
Dr Arcane explained
that Adamas’ Ethereal Vision was magical based. “The Glamours were set up to
trick modern electronics and scrying. Since Adamas’ Vision is neither there is
a very high probability he is seeing what is really happening.”
Thunderhead "I agree we need a plan, but we'll need more
intel before we can forge a good one."
Focusing on his amulet Chris tried to contact the team
mentor. "Doctor Arcane, it looks like many of the Tarot have made their
way to Easter Island ... Donnah is also here and she seems to be cooperating
with Cr'tgerof's allies ... I leave it to you whether to inform DarkStar, or not,
but if he can stay on mission, we could use him as a quick evac when we can get
our hands on the Scythe."
Dr Avery replied to Chris, “I have been
conferring with Cybil. She can’t overcome the illusions. That means Joshua
would have to blind teleport to your location. The Glamours are preventing his
homing in on the amulets you are wearing. It appears their defenses have been
designed to prevent DarkStar from showing up announced. I’m afraid with Joshua
having no idea where he would be arriving at and the probability there are more
magical traps designed to capture the Cobalt Commander, you are going to have
to do this without him as backup.”
Outnumbered, and the element of surprise seemingly no longer
in the team's favor, never the less the mission has to succeed. "Anyone
with a useful area effect attack that won't hinder the rest of the team, target
the five on the bridge ... Adamas, Supernova took out a lot of heroes at
Stonehenge. When he shows up he's all yours unless the situation goes farther
south than it looks like it has already. Everyone who can fly do your best to
stay at range, pound Jacco and protect yourselves until we can grab the Scythe.
If we get our hands on the Scythe, let's regroup and evac as soon as possible
... God Speed."
Thunderhead said "Remember this is more than just a
smash and grab mission. Jacco has a gate to the Domain on Easter Island. It's
the only way to bring more than a single hero through at a time but it works
the other way too. The Domain can bring another invasion force through it
without setting up Anti-Matter Vacuum Tower."
Chris considered this situation. “Since they are in the
bigger building to the left we need to blow the roof off the building so we
don't get pulled into a trap ourselves, Thunderhead could you do that with a
big gust of hurricane wind from your weather powers?
Thunderhead nodded and returned his binoculars to their belt
pouch. Then he thought-spoke through his magic amulet as he hurtled to earth
with blinding speed, "Red Hawk sir, I respectfully suggest we avoid area
attacks until we've identified everyone as an enemy. Donnah's down there. There could be
friendlies... even hostages."
Chris told Adamas to do it then. His powers allowed for more
direct targeting.
Black Orchid said, "Starbolt, can you fly me in?
Centurion, how do you want me to proceed? Isolate one group or the other with
darkness or try to take out squid-face with my vacuum blast. I don't think
we're in the portion of the program that calls for stealth anymore, seeing
Thunderhead chomping at the bit like he is."
Thunderhead thought-spoke to Black Orchid through the amulet,
for all to 'hear:'
"I'm afraid our hand is forced, miss. They'll soon find
us with their crystal ball. Unless... Do you have a way to quickly make us all
invisible?"
Even as he asked, Clark wondered if these mystical villains
could somehow see the invisible.
Projecting his thoughts through the amulet and using hand
motions for those who can see him Red Hawk indicated to the team to take up
position in a semi-circle at the top of the map facing the hut Jacco is in,
approximately eighty feet (16 squares) in the air. He motioned for the team to
hold their actions until the Diamond Dynamo blasts the roof off and Starbolt nailed
Jacco's feet to the earth.
Looking over the situation and listening to the others. CX projected across the amulet, “I can
literally raise the roof if everyone else wants to lead an attack. In the event it gets bad, I can always use
the roof's substructure as a weapon.
Your call, Hawk." CX stood
by and awaited orders.
Red Hawk: "CX, if that hut is made from indigenous
materials I don't think your magnetic power will have much effect."
CX replied, “Looks can be deceiving. I can
tell that those huts only appear to be made from indigenous materials”.
Red Hawk agreed for Adamas to blast the roof
and CX to remove what was left. He signaled for the team to move into position.
All the Guardians flew to form a semi-circle
on the north of the hut that Jacco was sighted in. Black Orchid was carried by
a construct created by Starbolt.
Red Hawk signaled for all to attack at the
same time. Each would signal when they were ready.
{GM
Note: In order for all attacks to count as a surprise they have to occur on the
same phase. If Adamas attacked during his phase only the attacks during that
phase would count as surprise to the opponents. Any other Guardian attacking on
a phase before that individual’s phase would still count as surprise but once
that opponent’s phase arrived any attacks after that phase would not count as a
surprise or attack they were unaware of.
During
the phases that the Guardians were holding their actions, I rolled for Detect
Danger for the opponent. If they failed I treated it as a non combat turn for
them. If all opponent’s failed their Detect Danger rolls then all the Guardians
would be able to have the element of surprise with their attacks.}
{Start
of Combat}
[38] Adamas waited for the others to be ready
to attack.
[28] Red Hawk hovered. He waited for Starbolt
and Centurion X to signal they were ready.
[26] Torrent walked out of the further hut.
She was looking up at the sky.
“Super Nova, I know something is wrong. I can
sense it in the air. There is danger here!”
Super Nova followed her out the door. He had
turned on his flame aura. “I don’t understand you connection to the water,
including the moisture in the air but I trust you on this”
“It’s the Guardians! They are hovering over
Jacco’s hut! Torrent pointed as she screamed a warning to the others.
{GM
Note; Torrent’s Detect Danger was 11% and rolled 5 on 1d100}
[26] Adamas fired 10 blasts at the roof of
the hut. He blasts ripped away large holes in the structure revealing a modern
interior and roofing infrastructure. Jacco, holding the Soul-Scykle, and Lord
Noman stared up in shock.
{GM
Note: -10 PP for autoblast of 10 shots}
[26] Red Hawk held his action as Super Nova
was out of range and he didn’t want to take the risk of missing by taking such
a long range shot.
[26] Torrent punched two watery fists at
Adamas. Her arms stretched across the distance of the village. The first punch
missed.
POW!
The second punch hit him.
{GM
Note: 4 points of HtH damage from Torrent’s punch, -4 to Invulnerability}
[26] Super Nova took to the sky. He flew
across the village. He pointed his hand at …
[26] Red Hawk fired 2 vibe blasts at Super
Nova. Both blasts struck Super Nova hard. He grunted in pain but did not fall. Super
Nova could continue fighting.
{GM
Note: -2 PP for Dual Attack. -5 PP per Vibe Blast. -12 PP total for Red Hawk
this phase}
[26] Super Nova raises both hands and this
time he aims at Red Hawk. “How dare you hurt me! Now feel the wrath of the sun!
Super Nova fired 2 flame blasts. The first
struck Red Hawk on the hand! The flames wrapped around his hand but Red Hawk
didn’t feel any pain. His defenses and invulnerability had protected. All he
felt was a little tingling.
{GM
Note: Super Nova rolled a 1. For the critical hit, Red Hawk’s hand was rolled.
If Red Hawk had failed his save roll he wouldn’t been able to dual attack as he
needs both hands to perform it.}
Super Nova’s second flame blast hit as well.
Red Hawk grunted from the pain but he was still able to fly and fight.
{GM
Note: First flame blast did 14 points damage; -10 to Invulnerability, -4 PP.
The second flame blast did -14 points damage; -7 PP and -7 HP. Roll for System
Failure was higher than 7%. No system failures.}
[25] Jack Frost watched the show with
enjoyment. He decided he would wait to see what happened next before taking
action.
{GM
Note: Zeus had computer problems and wasn’t able to keep up with last issue and
emails. I am holding his turn for next issue. Hopefully he will have his
computer problems resolved by then.}
[25]Thunderhead faced the
necromancer...
"Jacco, I'm truly sorry for this. I don't expect you to
understand but I think your mind has been damaged from your exposure to the
entities of the higher planes. You're deranged and you must be stopped. We
can't let you hurt yourself or anyone else, anymore."
There was a moment's pause, and then suddenly KRAKA-BOOM!!!
Lightning flew from the hands of the Incan Incarnation, targeting Jacco's head!
{GM
Note: -2 PP for Dual Attack, -1 PP for each Lightning bolt}
The first lightning bolt missed. The second
struck Jacco squarely in the head. Thunderhead watched in shocked wonder as he
saw the electrical arcs moved from Jacco’s head down his arm onto the
Soul-Syckle. The lightning was then absorbed into the Soul-Syckle. Thunderhead
stared in horror as he saw a ghostly apparition leave the handle of the
Soul-Syckle.
Jacco said, “Bye Sofia, you will be missed.
We have been together for such a long time. I will so miss our conversations.”
Jacco looked up at Thunderhead and spoke
again. “Agent Silva of the FBI is who that was. She and her partner, Agent
Mulder had attempted to capture me in the late 1990’s. Obviously they failed.
She was a fine criminologist and very good at undercover work but she hesitated
in taking the shot. She had assure me over the years that she was an excellent
shot and if given the chance again.”
Jacco smiled a thin smarmy smile. “She
assured me I would be wearing an additional scar on my forehead. Oh well C’est
la vie.”
“I had wondered what had happened to you
after all these years, Powers. Still wearing that Thunderhead costume I see.
Well I left my Obituary moniker behind but for old times’ sake I could use it
again this one time.”
“So what is then? Thunderhead vs Obituary:
Battle to Rule the Earth!”
With that Jacco raised his hands and the
Soul-Syckle and let loose with a blood curdling maniacal laugh.
{GM
Note: I wanted to provide clarification on what happened with Thunderhead’s
attack. The Soul-Syckle is a Special Weapon with powers. It has Absorption:
Damage. It absorbs Hit Point damage taken by it wielder. So any damage to HP
for Jacco is transferred to the Soul-Syckle before he takes damage to his own
HP. There is a limit to how much damage the Soul-Syckle can absorbed. Of
course, what that limit is, how it is managed, and calculated are GM secrets.}
[25] Coriolis exited the hut. She took to the
skies. She flew toward the Guardians.
“Surrender Guardians, I don’t want to hurt
you but I will”
Two blasts of hurricane force wind came from
her hands. The winds buffeted Thunderhead. The Incan Incarnation rolled with
the little bit of force that got past his invulnerability.
{GM
Note: First wind blast did 14 points damage; -14 Invulnerability, Second wind
blast did 9 points damage; -6 Invulnerability and -3 PP}
[23]
Centurion X used his magnetic powers to remove what remained of the roof on the
hut. He fashioned a crude block from the materials. He slammed it in Super
Nova.
WHAM!
Super Nova flipped backwards over and over
for 10 feet before he was able to right himself, stopping his momentum. Super
Nova was hurt but he was still flying and able to fight.
{GM
Note: CX need a 4 to hit and rolled a 4!)
[21] Conflagration exited the southern hut.
He burst out into flames. He flew toward the Guardians.
At huge flame blast left Conflagration’s
hand. The blast struck Red Hawk hard in the chest. Red Hawk groaned in pain but
was still able to fight and fly.
{GM
Note: Red Hawk took 20 points of damage; -7 PP and -13 HP. No system failures
as he rolled higher than 20% on 1d100}
[20] Starbolt constructed foot clamps with spikes that grab
into the earth to keep Jacco place. Obituary was stuck in place and couldn’t
move or evade.
[20] Marutukku held his action.
[19] Black Orchid fired a Vacuum Blast at
Jacco. The blast hit. Jacco groaned as his energy left him.
{GM
Note: Black Orchid rolled a 15 which would have been a miss if Starbolt hadn’t
immobilized Jacco.}
[19] Sister Indigo flew out of the hut. She
flew past the Guardians then circle around coming up on Black Orchid from the
side and behind.
Sister Indigo blasted Black Orchid with 2
spirit bolts. “Just because you are invisible to the naked eye doesn’t mean
there aren’t other ways for one that is in tune with the cosmos can find you.”
Black Orchid cried out in pain from being
hit.
{GM
Note: Black Orchid has -1 to be hit for Invisibility; I did not consider the
construct as giving away her position for combat modifier purposes. The first
spirit bolt did 10 points damage; -8 PP and -2 HP and the second spirit bolt
did 11 points damage; -7PP and -4 HP}
[17] Quarry exits the southern hut. He sends
a punch at CX. He stretches his arm across the village but the gigantic fist misses.
[16] Mother Superior flew out of the damage
hut, through the missing roof. She circled around to position herself in front
of Centurion X. She focused on his armor. She looked for a weakness.
Mother Superior called to the other Tarot
Masters, “His armor gives him his other powers. If we damage his armor enough
we should be able to so cause system failures on those powers as well.”
[15] Marutukku raised a force field
surrounding Lord Noman, Obituary (Jacco), and himself.
[13] Lord Noman waved his magic wand. A fog
rolled into the village obscuring everyone’s vision. No one was blinded by the
fog but it was harder to see at a distance.
{GM
Note: For game play, every 5” will be a -1 to hit modifier to range attacks}
[13] Obituary uses the Soul-Syckle to smash one
of Starbolt’s constructs. He can now move one of his feet.
{GM
Note: Jacco is no longer completely immobile. Instead of needing less than 20
to hit, Attackers will be given a +4 to hit modifier while one foot is still
trapped}
[1] Red Hawk and Black Orchid regenerate.
{GM
Note: Red Hawk heals 3 HP and loses -2PP for the healing. Black Orchid heals 4
HP and loses -2 PP. Instead of Regeneration taking an action it now has a
second action cost in PP. This is the same practice I use for defenses that
took an action to turn on and for dual attacks, since in the PBeM there is only
1 action per turn unless a character has Heightened Speed}
Please remember when you are calculating
range that the PCs are 16” above ground. So for Quarry, Torrent, Lord Noman, Jacco,
and Marutukku who are on ground level a value of 16” has to be added as well as
the actual squares counted to determine whether they are in range and for
determining range penalties.
<Replies
and Actions due June 21st
>
Battle Conditions:
Adamas Hit Points: 47 Power
Points: 68 Invulnerability: 20
Black
Orchid Hit Points: 28 Power Points:
67 Willpower Defense active and Invisible
Centurion
X Hit
Points: 144 Power Points: 112 Magnetic Defense active
Jack
Frost Hit Points: 8 Power Points: 53 Ice
Defense active
Red
Hawk Hit Points: 57 Power Points: 61 Invulnerability:
0 and Vibration Defense active
Starbolt Hit
Points: 34 Power Points: 75 Creation Points: 45, Used: 30
Thunderhead Hit Points: 43 Power Points: 73 Height:
6 ft, Invulnerability 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Nice set
up and story!
IC: CX will
study the site they are approaching. He will consider everything he has
been told and what he has witnessed. He addresses the heroes on the
plane,
"Alright
everyone, I have a few tactical questions. #1 - We are not seeing any
movement in that camp. If this Jacco character is as formidable as you
say, is it possible he's already expecting us? Or at least some kind of
retrieval force if not us in particular? If this is layers of magic and
electronic countermeasures, we canNOT be
sure what we're seeing is what is there. Is this guy the kind to set up a
bait and switch scenario? Thunderhead, you've already tangled with him.
How sneaky is this bast... jerk? #2 - If we assume this is a
trap, what kind of destructive defenses should we be expecting? Somehow I
don't think giant top hats and bunnies are gonna be on the menu.
Shouldn't we be prepared to be dealing with Domain demons and other
nasties sent by Gr'fliptaflerger?"
He looks up from the
display and glances across the assembled heroes.
"In all
seriousness, we need more of a plan than 'Get the Scythe'. A plan never
survives contact with the enemy, but most troops don't survive that contact
without a plan. I suggest a minor split in the team. Send a couple
of our fastest fliers to the other to suspected sites while the main force
approaches what we think are his base of operations. If it is a trap, the
we'll have a main force available to deal with it and our speed scouts headed
for the real targets. If it is our target, then the fastest fliers can be
recalled and arrive quickly. I'm not married to this plan. It’s
just what I see. If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm listening.
Of course, I'll support whatever you decide Hawk."
CX will step back
and let the group mull over his words and offer up their suggestions. He
thinks to himself,
"I hope they
don't think I'm being pushy. I just don't want us to get blindsided like
at Stonehenge. Lets just hope we've got enough time to make a plan before
we get to Easter Island."
Dave
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thunderhead glassed the huts
with his antique binoculars and said, "At the risk of sounding old
fashioned, does anyone have X-Ray vision?"
OOC:
Tom, does Clark's
Archaeology or Mysticism skills identify those three figural statues, the
altar, the monolith circle, or anything else in the village?
Is Clark able to
answer CX's question about Jacco's penchant for sneaky traps?
Thanks,
Jeff
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ok I have obviously missed a few entries any idea how? I have
been checking daily (Got my computer room finally cleaned out) so what
happened? Did the team go to the island?
Zeus
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Zeus :-)
Only time I could think you might not get something is when a
players character is doing something other player characters would have no
knowledge of. Like the proposed business
deal between Brandt and Rose. Otherwise I always hit "Reply All".
Hope that helps.
Regards
John R
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adamas IC: Floating over to Thunderhead focuses his ethereal
vision on the scene below. "Not
exactly, but I think I can help. What am
I looking for," he says as he focuses on the scene below.
OOC: Adamas will stay close to the team, and relay any
information he finds via his amulet.
Jon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think you missed anything.
Getting to the island was just reported in this issue. The
last interaction I had was The Black Orchid doing the invisibility prep (I
didn't know how it came out until Tom said it).
Also you can always check all the e-mail traffic at the end
of each issue to see if you missed something.
Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whew!" everyone hears out of nowhere, moments
before The Black Orchid reappears inside the ship and the ship itself
reappears. She is sweating, but looks none too worse for the wear. It's hard
not to see the smile on her face. "Thanks everyone for the help! That was
actually fun and very informative. Now, where did we land?" she claps her
hands and rubs them together.
Marc
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes it was in the latest issue. Did you get the email with a
word doc and off file attached from me?
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nudge nudge. ;-)
Jeff
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clark can tell they are stolen ancient artifacts. He doesn't
think they are providing any magic protection to the island or the village.
No, Jacco didn't set traps, he would rather ambush his
victims himself.
Regards
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thunderhead congratulated Black Orchid on her amazing
scientific feat. "That's incredible."
[later...]
Thunderhead answered CX through the amulet: "Jacco
wouldn't set traps. He'd want to attack us himself.
"I agree we need a plan, but we'll need more intel
before we can forge a good one."
Thunderhead looked up from his binoculars and said:
"Adamas, can your vision tell us what's inside those buildings, and what's
underneath that site?
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Adamas nod's to Thunderhead and peers below.
Adamas will share what he is able to see with the team via
his amulet.
Jon
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Starbolt will wait quietly until a plan has been formulated,
or he is needed for something. He will also look around to visually absorb what
his surroundings are.
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Don't we need a plan to gather that intel? I'm just saying that we can do a very minor
split and cover all of the three bases."
Dave
----------------------------------------------------------------------
After using his Ethereal Vision, Adamas informs the team that
no one is in the small building on the south west (top right of the map). On
the East side of the bridge there are 5 people. He sees someone holding the
Soul-Syckle, based on Thunderhead's description he thinks it is Jacco. He does
not recognize who the man Jacco is talking to. There is another man wearing an
octopus mask that is staring into a clear ball. On the other side of the room
Sister Indigo is talking to Mother Superior of the Tarot Masters.
There is no one in the building with the hole in the roof.
In the building on the North West (bottom right of the map)
there are 5 creatures. He doesn't recognize 3 of them but he does the remaining
two.
It is Super Nova of the Tarot Masters and he is talking to
Donnah!
Enjoy
Tom
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue clarification, It appears I was very clear in write up.
All three satellite locations were mirages. The team checked all 3 and found
they didn't exist. At the end of the issue they found a village which didn't
appear on any of the satellite scans.
I hope this helps.
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry I meant to write "It appears I was not very clear
in my write up".
I hate with my mind thinks "not" but my fingers
don't type it and my eyes don't tell me I didn't type it.
Ugh
Tom
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Lousy fingers!!!
Jeff
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Adamas will share what he is able to see with the team via
his amulet.
Thunderhead said to everyone, through the amulet: "Nice
work, Adamas. That crystal ball... they'll soon divine our presence. We must act now. We should target the group
around the soul scythe first. With luck, we'll surprise them before they
discover us."
Jeff
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The issue ending recon made sense to me Tom ... Of course Jon
and I have advantage of being with your style for a while now :-)
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<Red Hawk: IC response and actions>
After Adamas shares what he sees with the team via his
amulet, Red Hawk starts dissecting various approaches for the team to take to
best acquire the Syckle. Chris nods in agreement when Thunderhead says to
everyone, through the amulet: "Nice work, Adamas. That crystal ball...
they'll soon divine our presence. Â We must act now. We should target the group
around the soul scythe first. With luck, we'll surprise them before they
discover us."
"I agree with Clark ... and I'm not comfortable with the
possibility those statues being golems of some type either. Adamas and I are
proof life comes in all kind of forms ... Anyone who can make a play for the Scythe,
do so, but be careful on your approach."
Focusing on his amulet Chris tries to contact the team
mentor. "Doctor Arcane, it looks like many of the Tarot have made their
way to Easter Island ... Donnah is also here and she seems to be cooperating with
Cr'tgerof's allies ... I leave it to you whether to inform DarkStar, or not,
but if he can stay on mission, we could use him as a quick evac when we can get
our hands on the Scythe." Outnumbered, and the element of surprise
seemingly no longer in the team's favor, never the less the mission has to
succeed. "Anyone with a useful area effect attack that won't hinder the
rest of the team, target the five on the bridge ... Adamas, Supernova took out
a lot of heroes at Stonehenge. When he shows up he's all yours unless the
situation goes farther south than it looks like it has already. Everyone who
can fly do your best to stay at range, pound Jacco and protect yourselves until
we can grab the Scythe. If we get our hands on the Scythe, let's regroup and
evac as soon as possible ... God Speed."
<Goals> Make sure all team members are on same page as
to the goal of the mission and quickly develop an order of attack. I don't see
a need to take damage getting bogged down in a grand melee if it's not
necessary. Hopefully Doc can focus Joshua on the needs of the Quest (I totally
leave that as a GM decision) if not I have a Plan B involving the special
talents of Adamas and Starbolt - so stay conscious boys.
Thanks Tom
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
" ...If we get our hands on the Scythe, let's regroup
and evac as soon as possible ... God Speed."
Thunderhead nodded and returned his binoculars to their belt
pouch. Then he thought-spoke through his magic amulet as he hurtled to earth
with blinding speed, "Red Hawk sir, I respectfully suggest we avoid area
attacks until we've identified everyone as an enemy. Donnah's down there. There could be
friendlies... even hostages."
Thunderhead zoomed into the structure that held Jacco and
scanned the room, trying to quickly identify who was speaking with Jacco. He'd telepathically inform his team of who
was present. Then he turned to face the necromancer...
[OOC: If the heroes have successfully surprised/ambushed the
villains, and we get a free action before they attack, then...]
IC:
"Jacco, I'm truly sorry for this. I don't expect you to
understand but I think your mind has been damaged from your exposure to the
entities of the higher planes. You're deranged and you must be stopped. We
can't let you hurt yourself or anyone else, anymore."
There was a moment's pause, and then suddenly KRAKA-BOOM!!!
Lightning flew from the hands of the Incan incarnation, targeting Jacco's head!
[OOC: Special attack to knock out.
Goal: Protect everyone from Jacco. Get Jacco out of the fight
before he can harm anyone.
OR
If the villains aren't surprised and they will act this turn,
then...]
IC:
"Obituary. The
years haven't been kind," said Thunderhead with sincere concern.
"Look at me. And look at you. Do you see the ruinous
path you've chosen? And the results of your terrible choice? You had so much
promise. You were once a brilliant scholar. You could have had a rich,
fulfilling life instead of this insane, parasitic existence. You've always been a victim, a pawn of higher
powers that don't care whether you live or die. Surrender now, stop this
madness, and we'll afford you every mercy in our power. Perhaps we could even
cure you."
OOC: If Jacco moves to
attack another then Thunderhead will use his Action to either block that attack
with his body or use his lightning blast to spoil the attack, whichever seems
more effective.
If Jacco moves to attack Thunderhead, then Thunderhead will
use his action to Evade.
Goal: Protect everyone
from Jacco. Thunderhead wants to goad Jacco into attacking him by deploying the
things Jacco hates most: compassion, mercy, love.
In either scenario, Thunderhead is normal-sized for now.
I hope that's clear. Thanks.
Good luck, everyone!
Best,
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Jeff it is very likely I read Tom's response wrong. I
thought the five were on the east side if the bridge. If they are in the bigger
building to the left (which I'm now thinking is likely) we need to either draw
them out or blow the roof off the building so we don't get pulled into a trap
ourselves. We can either do that with a big gust if hurricane wind from you
weather boys or I can have Red Hawk auberge destroy it with his vibration
attack. Game mechanic wise which makes more sense Tom?
John
--------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:
Hi John!
Per Tom's email yesterday on what Adamas' ethereal vision
revealed, there are two groups of five:
Group one:
Jacco
Unidentified person
Man with octopus mask and crystal ball
Mother Superior
Sister Indigo
Group two:
Supernova
Donnah
Three unidentified "creatures" (but Tom used the
term "creature" to describe Supernova and Donnah, so these three may
or may not be human)
The unidentified ones could be villains or hostages. They could be captured members of Agent
America's resistance from the Domain, or more Tarot Masters. One could even be Pietor.
Let's hope DarkStar gets the word. :-O
Tom said Jacco isn't a trap-smith. And it's likely the
villains think their illusions had protected them. There might be no further defenses.
Might. :)
Due to history and personality, Thunderhead wants to protect
the team from Jacco. So TH will confront him asap, rather than using his action
to open up the building for others to rush into danger. Sorry.
In addition to Red Hawk blasting the roof, Adamas (who acts
early in the turn) could fly through the roof with his speed and
invulnerability, making a hole for us, and probably still have an action for an
attack. Maybe Starbolt too, with his flight and energy shields. Just a
thought. TH has flight but is not
invulnerable to physical objects, like the roof. So he couldn't do that.
Best,
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC
Cross posted.
Last thought:
If the roof is a problem, Adamas or Starbolt could fly
through the door.
Jeff
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why thank you Thunderhead, I am glad to help as I can."
Thunderhead congratulated Black Orchid on her amazing
scientific feat. "That's incredible."
... later
"Starbolt, can you fly me in? Centurion, how do you want
me to proceed? Isolate one group or the other with darkness or try to take out
squid-face with my vacuum blast. I don't think we're in the portion of the
program that calls for stealth anymore, seeing Thunderhead chomping at the bit
like he is."
Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I just saw this, and I don't think The Black Orchid's
response would change as a result, except she would address both Red Hawk and
Centurion.
Marc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Hi Marc, I think you forgot to hit Reply All on your
below email. TH's reply is here:
IC:
Thunderhead thought-spoke to Black Orchid through the amulet,
for all to 'hear:'
"I'm afraid our hand is forced, miss. They'll soon find
us with their crystal ball. Unless... Do you have a way to quickly make us all
invisible?"
Even as he asked, Clark wondered if these mystical villains
could somehow see the invisible.
OOC:
Tom, BO's reply might alter my actions. If not, I have
addition to them anyway:
In the if-then option where the villains aren't surprised, I
said Clark will evade or try to foul Jacco's action. But that only works if
Clark moves first in the turn. If Clark
doesn't, then please use the other if-then action: lightning blast to the head.
But Clark will still use his longer soliloquy (hopefully before Jacco acts) in
order to goad him.
There! clear as mud.
Please let me know if you need clarifications. Thanks.
Best,
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: I'm hoping Adamas wants to use his breath power to blow
the roof off like one of the three little pigs to set the rest of us up for a
surprise attack. I am not going to have Red Hawk micromanage what attacks each
team member takes. He will just make general suggestions as far as a strategy
and then hopefully we can be successful from there. Jeff I'm perfectly cool
with Thunderhead playing his past with Jacco but Red Hawk definitely would
prefer that everybody attack at range and focus on the Scythe instead of on the
bad guys. But hey that's why they call
it a role-playing game and not a war-game good luck everybody.
Sincerely
John R
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC
Hey, I can work with that.
Thunderhead just wants to take away Jacco's choice on who
he'll attack, hence the goading. And, as the decoy for Death Touch, he'd like
to Evade if Jacco's going to attack this turn, as Thundy's not suicidal. :-)
He isn't looking to go mano a mano or anything. If anyone
wants to make a grab for the soul scythe while Thunderhead is drawing Jacco's
fire that would be great.
Tom, if anyone blows a hole in the roof so that the heroes
can surprise attack at range from the air, please use Thunderhead's surprise
attack "lightning blast to the head" orders, including the dialogue
if it still seems appropriate, but from max range from the air.
Thanks.
Best,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe a long range attack plan has been decided.
I know:
Thunderhead will throw lightning at Jacco's head.
Black Orchid will Vaccum Blast
Red Hawk will Vibe Blast the roof (if it is still there)
otherwise Vibe Blast Jacco.
Starbolt will carry Black Orchid (assuming in a construct)
and his action is ???
Jack Frost will ???
Centurion X will ???
Adamas will ???
I know Thunderhead is firing from his max range. I need
ranges from the others or I will assume max range as well.
I also need to know positioning. Are all of the Guardians
together or spread out. If spread out how spread out? Completely circling the
village or half way circling the village?
I have caught up on back issues to the web and will be putting
up the Character Sheets today for Hellfire Kid and Jack Frost.
If any needs more time please let me know. It is not a
problem at all to give another week or two to get turns in.
Thanks
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Having trouble with a lot of pop ups on my computer I have no
idea why or how to stop them. And I have gotten lost on following the story
Zeus
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Starbolt will construct a wedged blade to help remove
the roof if Red Hawk blasts it, or if he vibe blasts Jacco he will construct
foot clamps with spikes that grab into the earth to keep him in place. if that
isn't an option, he will blast him as well.
Jamey
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<Red Hawk: IC> Projecting his thoughts through the
amulet and using hand motions for those who can see him Red Hawk indicates to
the team to take up position in a semi-circle at the top of the map facing the
hut Jacco is in, approximately a eighty feet (16 squares) in the air. (If
Adamas thinks it will work) He will motion for the team to hold their actions
until the diamond dynamo blows he roof off and Starbolt nails Jacco's feet to the
earth. (Should make it easier for anyone wanting to make a special attack on
Jacco and/or grab the Scythe).
OOC: If Adamas thinks his Breath Power will work Red Hawk
will hold his Action and use it as an Overwatch on any of the bad guys -
specifically Supernova, that guy was a wrecking ball at Stonehenge - if Chris
doesn't Detect any particular Danger to the team he will double up next Turn.
If Adamas indicates he doesn't think the Breath Power will work or at least on
his own he will add his Vibratory Attack to assist giving the other team
members clear lines of sight to the Mission Target.
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Tom, I don't know how confident Adamas is in his breath
power, as he's never used it
before. I think he would know if he
could do it, so I'll leave it up to you to direct this.
If he's not bringing the house down, he'll be happy to go Hancock on Super Nova,
up close and personal.
Jon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why in a construct? We're on the island so it's just at most
about 10 miles away. Or am I missing something?
Marc
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not sure either. We really quantified it as a specific
effect as opposed to damaging. Adams's could autocrats the structure. 10 blasts
should be enough to remove it.
I would rather do that than add a damaging effect to his
super lungs.
Do you agree?
If you do could you give some kind of dialogue saying he has
only used it on fires and gases. The roof is too sturdy so I will blast it
instead.
I never saw Hancock. That sounds like a very nasty action.
Thanks
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Adamas could autoblast the structure.
"Adams's could autocrats" <<<< I hate
auto spell checkers!!
Glad it doesn't change my name too
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: 8-0 Yes well I
saw and own Hancock and if Jon is referring to what he think he is ... I'm
shocked (lol) ... and pretty sure something like that would never occur to
Adamas LOL.
I think we are just about there except for confirming Dave
Zeus and Joe. ???
Regards
John R
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm good with that.
Still has the desired effect.
Hancock usually landed hard, creating a crater, which I'd
love to do to Super Nova.
Jon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Whew. Ahhh. Supernova and a crater that's good. I was afraid
you were talking that other thing with the guys fist ... and uhm never mind
8-o
Jon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking over the situation and listening to the others. CX projects across the amulet, “I can
literally raise the roof if everyone else wants to read an attack. In the event it get bad, I can always use the
roof's substructure as a weapon. Your
call, Hawk." CX will stand by and
await orders.
Dave
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Can't wait to see Adamas get all autocrat on their
asses.
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OC:
Tom,
I remember you said the gate to the Domain is on this island.
So after we get the scythe, we need to eventually go through the gate, correct?
Also, having read everyone's actions, if Jacco is unconscious
by the time TH moves, TH will use his action to grab the scythe.
Final Goals:
1) Protect all teammates, especially from Jacco's death touch
(so TH will goad Jacco to target TH if need be)
2) See that Jacco is unconscious or captured (blast to head
at range)
3) Get Scythe
whew!
Best,
Jeff
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Correct, Good Memory! I was beginning to think you needed a subtle
GM reminder :)
Best
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rotfl
Jon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
You guys are killing me...
Jon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Everyone, here's my email that covered this, back from
12/13/13.
It's the last IC paragraph.
--------------
IC:
On the trip home:
Thunderhead slept on the passage across the Atlantic Ocean.
He had been without rest since he first met Nomad and Agent America.
As the troop transport made its final approach into
Megalopolis, Thunderhead woke up, peered sleepily out the window and was
awestruck. The city of his birth now looked like something out of a Buck Rogers
comic strip. "But wait... No jetpacks?"
His eyes sought out all the old landmarks he knew, and ended
on the Foundry. His little sister would be 112 years old if she still lived.
"Did her children live in the Foundry today? Or her children's
children?"
At Doc Arcane's:
Dr. Avery's old fashioned home was comforting and familiar to
Thunderhead. The time traveler drank in the old paintings, books and antiques
with a wistful smile.
Red Hawk said, "Your arrival at Stonehenge was what we
had to have to tip the battle, thank you. I look forward to finishing this
fight at your side."
Thunderhead put down a book, shook the man's hand and said,
"It was nothing. You all had the battle well in hand before I
arrived."
As the superheroes of this century began planning,
Thunderhead stayed in the background listening. The man of yesteryear still had
much to learn.
When Starbolt asked for intel on the Domain, Thunderhead
waited until everyone had given their input, and then he said:
"I can share what I know. Agent America recently escaped
imprisonment in the Domain. There, he met a man named Nomad who can walk
between dimensions. Nomad and Agent America are gathering heroes from across
the dimensions to form a resistance against the Domain, and to free the
prisoners of Cr’tegorf’s Castle that include heroes from your time: Meganaut
from the Super Forces, Blitzkrieg from the New Super Society, and Telecom.
"So far, Agent America and Nomad have recruited Cougar,
Conquistador, Night Wraith, Machinist,and me for the resistance. Slowly, so as
not to attract attention of the Enemy. I
am here on their behalf.
"Glenn Jacco is still alive here in 2013. I've been sent
to stop him, again. I first met that corrupt sorcerer in 1931. He made a pact
with demons and almost became the ruler of the world. Jacco has a gate to the
Domain on Easter Island. It's the only way to bring more than a single hero
through at a time."
OOC:
Tom, Thunderhead will share all he knows and answer any
questions to the best of his ability. Thanks.
--------------
So, immediately after we get the scythe, we'll need to locate
this Gate.
It reinforces Hawk's statement to avoid unnecessary injury.
Best,
Jeff
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CX said : Looking over the situation and listening to the
others. CX projects across the amulet, "I can literally raise the roof if
everyone else wants to read an attack. n the event it get bad, I can always use
the roof's substructure as a weapon. Your call, Hawk." Â CX will stand by
and await orders.
Red Hawk: "CX, if that but is made from indigenous
materials I don't think your magnetic power will have much effect."
OOC: I remember the rundown on Jacco. I just don't want to
get too far ahead of the game. I'm still not sure what we should be doing with
the Scythe once we get it. Pietor took all the other cool toys the Guardians
gathered. I half expected him to be here to do same with the scythe
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
