Quest: When a Monster sees its Shadow - Issue 56

{Location: Axiom Labs in Megalopolis' Foundry district}

While out one night patrolling the city on one of his first times out, Lester, now garbed as The Skink, returned to the lab to find it ablaze and vandalized, and his beloved father and mentor murdered.

 Security, some police, and reporters unfortunately arrived right as The Skink moved the doctor from the burning building.

“Look, who is that dragging Dr Harris from Axiom Labs” cried news reporter Jessica Anderson.

“I don’t know but I will have to take him in for questioning” said Detective Brokyo of the Megalopolis Police Department. “He looks like a murder suspect. I bet he is one of those new Crushers we have been trying to track down these past few months.”

“Are you sure he isn’t a licensed hero, Brokyo?” said Sergeant Investigator Carlton of the MPD. “Why don’t we ask for the ID first? If he doesn’t have it then we can cuff him and book him for Vigilantism. Then while he is cooling his heels we can see what else sticks.”

The Skink shouted as he sprang into action! "You got the wrong guy, man!" The small super said, his voice cracking with emotion... "I found this guy like this, and this place wrecked! I don’t want no trouble, man!"

The Skink moved defensively up walls and ceilings getting to the opposite side from the cops, using cover, and finally getting to the shadows, where...

Out of the shadows appeared a figure. He was wearing unusual glasses and a modern style jacket but the material wasn’t anything Lester had seen before.

Hello The Skunk, I have been reading up on you … no wait, you aren’t dressed like a mammal. Oh, your theme is reptilian so that would make you The Skink. My apologies let me start over.

Hello, The Skink, I am Nomad, Earth’s Dimensional protector. I have been reading up on you at the Interdimensional Library. I know your beginnings are very rough but I believe we can help each other out. I can give you a brief respite and introduce you to some heroes who can help you with your situation when your return. And you can help me save the world!” Nomad flashed what he was sure was his most persuasive smile.

"I dunno who you are, Nomad, but right now a respite is what I need to keep the Skink on the move! Let's go!"

Nomad opened a portal gate for both of them. They stepped through it onto Plains of Glass.

"I.. wha...? Yaaaahhhh! What the...?!?!?”, The Skink stuttered.

“Oh no, they have fallen into a Xo’J trapped!” Nomad yelled as he started to run toward a circle of darkness. “Come on Skink, we have got to help them!”

The Skink started running quickly passing Nomad, “Yes! Yes! Let's Go there! I'll Help! I'll Help!"  

They moved toward the guardians as the guardians attacked the Xo’J.

[42] Adamas flew toward the third Xo’J. He unleashed a barrage of power blasts. 9 of the 10 shots hit. The Domain Demon staggered from the onslaught but was not defeated. It continued to stand and fight on.

[32] Jack Frost looked around desperately. He saw Nomad in the distance. The eternal elemental flew toward the dimensional defender, desperate to leave this foreign land.

[30] Seeing one of the group down and the one called Crude about to go one on many against the demon hoard, StrikeForce thought, "I can't wait to see what they will decide to do. Time to get up close to these uglies."

Eyeing Crude' s location, the Bionic Brawler took off in an all-out run. When he travelled enough distance to make his landing point near the WW 2 hero, he put his staff to good use and propelled himself towards the fight. Upon landing he said to Crude, "Hey big guy, how about I give you a hand."

StikeForce attacked with his staff. Striking the first Xo’J he knocked the demon back 35 feet. Though hurt, the demon silently stood ready to continue the fight.

[30] Machinist finished his device. He aimed at the third Xo’J. The ray of light missed its target. “Darn it!”, The Machinist said, “I must have set the sights wrong”. He started to adjust his device.

[24] Chris shut down his external sensors long enough to clear his systems of the image of his friends in trouble. Rebooting his firewalls to external affected the American Android. Red Hawk caught the Paragon of Metropolis move forward toward one of the three demons attack the team.

Leaving the ghost of the past behind him Red Hawk rushed forward to assist the veteran vigilante. "On your left." Red Hawk took up position guarding Adamas as he let loose with a devastating blast of energy. For hours Chris had noticed his power reserve was being drain greater with each activity. The planet must draw on all types of energy. His diagnostics indicated a 29% decrease in energy efficiency since their arrival. Surprising the opposite was true of self repairing functions. The planet must emanate special energy. His diagnostics indicated a 1000% increase in repair efficiency since their arrival.

Stealing himself like an ancient shieldman, Red Hawk followed up on Adams energy blast, firing dual vibrational burst at the demon before them.

Both blast struck the creature, knocking it back 30 feet. Slowly it turned to look at its prey with its single eye. It may have been knocked down but it wasn’t knocked out. It continued to fight.

[20] “Right behind you, StrikeForce”, Crude said as he raised his massive fist. His gigantic punched missed the first Xo’J.

[20] The second Xo’J stared at Conquistador. The defender of the Americas started to feel a sharp pain in his head but it disappeared just as quickly. The Xo’J mind blast missed.

[19] The first Xo’J stared at Crude. The giant elemental reach for his head with a grimace but then let out a sigh of relief. “You missed Demon, I might look like a knuckle head but I ain’t. I am an engineer and an officer.”

[18] Conquistador formed a solid light energy lance. He launched the lance at the second Xo’J missing with the attack.

[17] Cougar ran across the plain of glass. He pulled another bolo from his belt. He threw it at the second Xo’J. Cougar’s aim was true. The bolo wrapped around the mind demon. When the cable stretched taunt the bolo balls exploded. The second Xo’J staggered in pain but was still able to fight.

[17] Night Wraith reached out his hands to grab two crystal towers. The scourge of the underworld stretched his arms. Like a slingshot he launched himself into the air. He glided across the plain of glass as a low mourn was heard. The wailing continued to get louder until it became a sonic scream.

Night Wraith hit the first Xo’J with a sonic blast knocking it back 15 feet. The Xo’J stood up shaken and bruised but was still able to fight.

[16] In the form of a cougar, Menagerie ran across the fields toward the second Xo’J. Menagerie snarled and growled in frustration as the Xo’J was too far away to reach.

[15] The third Xo’J stared at Adamas. It tried to fry Adamas’ brain but the mind blast missed. Adamas was uninjured.

[15] Seeing that the odds were back to even from the fog being dissipated, The Black Orchid reformed the darkness around herself in the rough form of a giant version of the creatures, hoping to scare them with superstition.

The three Xo’J all looked at the giant shadow creature. Moments passed. The Mind Demons turned and ran away in awkward hoping motions. They fled in three different directions.

{GM Note: in the skill sections there is the Presence skill. This is intended to simulate Batman’s causing criminals to be paralyzed with fear, even surrendering without putting up a fight or Spiderman’s taunting the villain to the point that the villain is so angry he fights wildly.

The mechanic is using the Skill System Save rules. Black Orchid had a Presence Basic Chance Value of 11. Without any modifier a roll of 11 or less is needed on a 1d20. I gave a +2 modifier for creative use of Black Orchid’s power. The Xo’J has an Oppose Modifier on Presence of 1. So the math is 11+2-1 for a 12 Save Value.

When the Save is successful, it is up to the GM to decide the NPC’s reaction. I do take how close or far the die roll is to the value to determine the reaction. All 3 rolls were a 5 or less on 1d20. Since the Save rolls were less than half the needed value of 12. If it had been rolls between 10 or 12 I would have selected that the Xo’J were stunned and lost their actions for next turn.

Since the rolls were so low I decided for the Xo’J to flee.}

Nomad and The Skink joined the Guardians. Nomad quickly introduced The Skink. Everyone quickly introduced themselves

{To save space I am not putting in the NPCs introductions, If you want to read them read Issue 53 or click here

http://vav-megalopolis-pbem.blogspot.com/2015/10/quest-meet-team-issue-53.html

Players feel free to introduce your PCs to Chuck’s The Skink. Chuck if there is any NPC you wish to converse with please send dialogue in an email and I will gladly respond}

Menagerie reminded Nomad of the Crystal he had given to the Draven. “Oh, my bad. I should have given everyone a crystal.” As he handed them to all the heroes, “As you discovered the Laws of Physics are different here. These crystals function just like your communicators on Earth. All you need to do is talk, even at the level of a whisper and everyone can here you.”

Jack Frost demanded Nomad to take him back to Earth. The Domain was no fun. As he stamped his foot in impertinence he explained he was bound to the Earth. His job was to defend the Earth on Earth. He couldn’t be here. He had to get back.

Nomad agreed to take Jack back. He took the unconscious Serpent with him as well. “Time is of the essence, we can’t wait for you to tend him. I will take care of Jack and Serpent.” Having said that, Nomad opened a dimensional portal and the 3 heroes left the Domain.

The team traveled the remaining miles to the Coral Forest without incident.

The Forest is a single gigantic sentient brain-coral, comprised of billions of tiny minds. The depth of the coral reaches 400 feet in places. It is sharp to the touch. The heroes can see the entrance to a twisting pathway veering away from the Plasma River which runs through it.

As the heroes decide whether to take the path, follow the river, or not enter the Coral Forest at all they hear a voice in the crystal ear pieces.

“This is Agent America. I was given this by a “friend of an American”. Come in, over.”

<Replies and Actions due Jan 5^th >

Battle Conditions:

Adamas                        Hit Points:   47  Power Points:   66         Invulnerability: 24

Black Orchid                 Hit Points:   30  Power Points:   85         Willpower Defense active and invisible

Red Hawk                     Hit Points:   74  Power Points:   79         Invulnerability: 10; Willpower Def active

StrikeForce                  Hit Points:   60  Power Points:   84         Invulnerability: 28;

The Skink                     Hit Points:   30  Power Points:   75        

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Seeing one of the group down and the one called Crude about to go one on many against the demon hoard, StrikeForce thinks,"I can't wait to see what they will decide to do. Time to get up close to these uglies." Eyeing Crude' s location, the Bionic Brawler takes off in an all-out run. When he has travelled enough distance to make his landing point near the WW 2 hero, he puts his staff to good use and propelled himself towards the fight. Upon landing he will direct his comment to Crude, "Hey big guy, how about I give you a hand."

Jamey

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OOC: I don't know if Adamas "ethereal vision" will allow him to see through the darkness.  

IC: If he can see their attackers, he will blast the closest one with his energy blast.

If not, he will move forward with haste until he escapes the darkness, and then attack the closes enemy.

Jon

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Majority of the mist is gone. Thanks to Adamas super breath and Jack Frost summoning a strong wind.

Adamas can see the three attackers who are 200 inches (games distance) away. Each in a different direction.

Thanks

Tom

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Adamas will go for an opponent no one else is attacking.   He should have sufficient movement to easily close to firing distance.

Thanks!

Jon

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Single power blast or the 10 shots of auto blast or a different number?

Thanks

Tom

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Let's go full throttle. :) 10 blasts...

Jon

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OOC: While I did not state it, StrikeForce will attack the closest enemy.

Jamey

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Chris shuts down his external sensors long enough to clear his systems of the image of his friends in trouble. Rebooting his firewalls (Willpower Defense) to external effects the American Android catches the Paragon of Metropolis move forward toward one of the three demons attack the team.

Leaving the ghost of the past behind him Red Hawk rushes forward to assist the veteran vigilante. "On your left." Red Hawk takes up position guarding Adamas as he lets loose with a devastating blast of energy. For hours Chris had noticed his power reserve was hardly effected at all regardless of the activity. The planet must emanate special energy. His diagnostics indicated a 29% increase in energy efficiency since their arrival.

Stealing himself like an ancient shieldman, Red Hawk follows up on Adams energy blast, firing dual vibrational burst at the demon before them.

John

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Seeing that the odds are back to even from the fog being dissipated, The Black Orchid reforms the darkness around herself in the rough form of a giant version of the creatures, hoping to scare them with superstition. If she still has any actions, she will keep an eye out to any of her fellow heroes who look in trouble and try to soften up their foe with a Vacuum blast. (unless she has a specific job, this is The Black Orchid's MO, to aid those out in front by weakening opponents who are at risk of getting the upper hand; the giant darkness creature is one of many experiments she keeps trying to explore the effectiveness of her darkness).

Marc

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REply 1 (running for it!)

The Skink shouts as he spring into action! "You got the wrong guy, man!" The small super said, his voice cracking with emotion... "I found this guy like this, and this place wrecked! I dont want no trouble, man!"

The Skink tries to defensive move, up walls and ceilings if need be, to get to the opposite side from the cops, using cover, and get to the shadows, where...

Reply 2

"I dunno who you are, Nomad, but right now a respite is what i need to keep the Skink on the move! Let's go!"

(on entering the bizarre plain of glass)

"I.. wha...? Yaaaahhhh! What the...?!?!? Yes! Yes! Let's Go there! I'll Help! I'll Help!"  

Chuck

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Quest: Monsters in the Mist - Issue 55

{Location: Castle of Cr’tgerof where the Scarlet Orb is located on the map}

The suave super-spy wore a tuxedo, mask and gloves to dinner.

As the Horror stared at Agent America he slowly reached into his interior coat pocket and pulled out another cigar. "Here enjoy. So you are telling me that Dr Avery invited you into his smoking lounge? or were you more interested in chasing Donnah around the grounds?

He took the Cuban cigar from the Horror, smelt it and tucked it into his jacket pocket. “Thanks. Much obliged. How do you know so much about Avery and Donnah?” he asked innocently.

“I worked regularly with Occult. She wasn’t too bad for an Earther. She really hated Avery. She was always telling me that Donnah was his ultimate weakness. Occult would droll on and on about those two, if you could ever get her focused on something else she could be a lot fun.

"Earth, oh Earth is nice this time of year. I love the chaos that an invasion brings, even when the vanguard is defeated. The Hallowed Hills are my favorite. Have you ever been there?"

“Hallowed Hills? Of course. A little quiet for my tastes. The invasion will help liven the joint up. I hear the Demon Ladder is right on schedule.”

The Horror cast an evil glance at the Overseer. “I sure hope it is. Our Lord and Master will not tolerate any more delays”

The last was an Abomination Prince. They were the warlords of the Demon Lord’s armies. He would know the troop movements and what they were doing to prepare for the final invasion. It appeared to be leering at the Overseer as if its failures were putting the Prince’s efforts at risk as well.

"Abominable!" Agent America said, not sure yet which eyes to be looking into. "Don't be so hard on the kid. It'll all work out. Everything ready for the final push? Tick tock, tick tock!"

All its eyes meet AA's, "We are going more demons daily from the Breeder Lake. While other's failure has deprived us of a third river, we are creating our forces fast enough to overwhelm your pitiful world."

"I grow bored. I am told you are a great fighter on Earth. Why don't we fight in unarmed combat to see how great you truly are? It would be grand entertainment. It’s a perfect way to relieve boredom as these weaklings finish their tasks, Don’t you agree?

Agent America replied to the Abomination, “Nah. Don’t want to crease my tux before dinner with the big man. Dining alone again, are you?”

No, once I make a statue report on troop staging I will join my fellow Princes for a grand feast.

Agent America spotted a Draven soaring outside the Banquet Hall window. It appeared to be trying to get his attention. It wanted him to come to the window.

After hearing Abomination Prince’s reply, the Man from MEDUSA went to the window to see what the Draven wanted.

The Draven dropped a small crystal onto the ledge. “This was given to me by an American Eagle”, it whispered. “You can communicate with him if you like.”

The Draven flew off. The crystal was the same size as his ear bud communicators that he used with MEDUSA and the StarCorp one that DarkStar used.

{Location: Plains of Glass in the Domain}

The guardians meet the other heroes that Nomad had gathered across the dimensions to stop the Domain’s last attempt at invading Earth. As base camp was cleared to start their journey, some thought back to previous conversations.

The ancient youth greeted the new member of the pantheon, "Well met, mighty mud elemental!"

Crude said, "Well I'll be dipped in honey and win first prize at the county fair, are you young man winter? You look like a child. Son, are you sure you should be here? This is some mighty powerful dangerous stuff we fight'in here.”

The eternal child scowled at Crude. “Dangerous? I was defending Earth when you were a stain in someone’s driveway!” Jack smiled proudly. He knew that learning what the big flat path in front of Dr. Avery’s mansion was would pay off handsomely one day.

She shook hands with Crude and provided a simple "Hi, I'm The Black Orchid."

“Well, ain’t you a pretty filly. You remind me a lot of super heroines I knew in England. Have you ever been to England?”

Nomad said, “This is Menagerie from the Jarkaverse.”

The ancient youth greeted the new member of the pantheon, "Salutations, shamanic shapeshifter!"

"Well, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. I meet the Lady of the Lake and now Jack Frost. Jack when you get back to your Earth. If you run in a giant fellow name Pachy and his lady love, Snow Leopard, be nice to them. They are just starting out and heading up North is the best place for them to get some privacy, if you know what I mean." Menagerie gave Jack a wink.

Jack frowned at Menagerie’s mysterious riddles. “Speak plainly, wizard!”

Menagerie said, “I have given the Draven the crystal. It is taking it to the castle as we speak. It appears that multiple dimensions believe Earth is an easy target. It is time to teach this one the errors of that thought process.”

She shook hands with Menagerie provided a simple "Hi, I'm The Black Orchid."

Menagerie said, “Orchids are one of my favorite flowers. I know of some beautiful trails in our Nations parks where the flowers will take your breath away. Nature creates the most beautiful landscapes when it isn’t interfered with, don’t you agree?”

From the other side of the base another voice was heard, “I know time is of the essence but we can’t rush ahead. That is how fatal mistakes are made. Hello, I am Cougar.” He shook hands with those that were willing. “I am not sure if Nomad has named the rest of the Dimensions the rest of us are from. He has traveled to so many I think even he gets confused.” Cougar gave a wink to Jack and Black Orchid.

She shook Cougar’s hand and said, “Hi, I’m Black Orchid.” Black Orchid cautiously smiled back at Cougar.

Jack said, "Welcome, were-cat!"

Cougar said, "Hi, Jack. So are you ‘the’ Jack Frost or did you take his name because you loved those old claymation cartoons as a kid like me?'

The spirit of winter said to Cougar. “I didn’t take that name. It was given to me by my father, the North Wind.”

Down from the sky flew a man in gleaming armor. Nomad said, “Ah Conquistador how did you fair?”

“No Luck at all,” Conquistador greeted the Guardians and StrikeForce.

"Peace, prestidigitator!" The ancient youth greeted the new member of the pantheon,

"It is true I use magic but I am a warrior not a sorcerer. I do not use the black arts. I have been given true magic from El Dorado to free the enslaved and enlighten those in darkness. Peace to you Jack."

“Good!” exclaimed the ageless boy to Conquistador. “Nothing good ever comes from sorcery!”

She shook hands with Conquistador and provided a simple "Hi, I'm The Black Orchid."

Instead of shaking Black Orchid’s hand, Conquistador kissed the back of it, “I am El Conquistador, Champion of El Dorado, Heir to the Seven Cities of Gold, and the Protector of the Americas. At your service m’lady”

The Black Orchid coolly accepts his attention, looks a little nervously at the others and then says, "Thank you, we are all at each others' service."

The last two to arrive had been training nearby. They introduced themselves to the newcomers.

A voice said, “I am Night Wraith.

"Hi, I'm The Black Orchid."

“Ah another creature of the darkness, it is great to meet a kindred Hero,” Night Wraith said.

"Salute, shadow demon!

"True I am a demon to the underworld, but be not fooled I am a man wrapped in the guise of a demon. I am not a demon like those around here." Night Wraith looks around nervously, "To think I didn't believe that demons existed before I came here."

“Oh, demons do exist,” Jack said to Night Wraith. “They certainly do.”

Adamas said, "It appears we will have to travel through this 'coral' as we had to on our Earth. It appears by combining the knowledge our new friends have accumulated, we should be prepared to begin.”

Cougar said, “I have tried my best to follow Agent America’s scent. The best I can tell he is in Cr’tgerof’s Castle. I found the site where the patrol captured him. I follow their tracks and smell to the edge of the coral. I can lead everyone back to there.”

Adamas said, “Yes, Cougar, then you can track those who took Agent America once we enter the coral, and Serpent can help us to avoid their patrols."

Turning to Adamas, Red Hawk said, "If you don't mind, I want to present a proposal. I know you are in a hurry to find your friend, but from above I notice one of the towers is no longer flowing. I can’t help but think they are a power source for The Enemy."

"Perhaps one group of infiltrators could make their way to the castle while another strike force does what is possible to take down the source of the other plasma rivers? They seem central to His plan and we don't know how much time we have before He strikes at Earth."

Replying to Red Hawk, StrikeForce said, "Whether I am part of the infiltrators or another "strike force", depending on how fast we need to get there, I might need a lift." Maintaining an even tone he told him, "Though I hate to tell you that I am the "only" StrikeForce that I know of."

Red Hawk replied with an undecipherable straight face to his new comrade. "I appreciate your confidence but I would feel more comfortable if with more than a one man StrikeForce if we decide to assault the source of the plasma rivers."

Replying to Red Hawk, he said, "However you want to do it. I am just along for the ride."

Adamas said, “I do not mean to rush into anything, but I am anxious to find my friend, and put an end to this threat."

The Heroes started off toward the coral. The flyers carrying the non flyers until flocks of demons started flying toward them. They quickly landed. Menagerie said, “I believe the Demons believe we are carrying our prey back to our lair to eat them. These are scavenger demons like Hyenas trying to steal a kill from a Lion. Unfortunately we can’t carry anyone without being attacked for those we are carrying.”

On the way, The Black Orchid piped in during the discussion of the strike forces. "I don't have power or speed, but I can sneak in and do a lot of damage to systems if needed. Red Hawk, where do you think I'm needed most?" The Black Orchid was starting to forgive Red Hawk the perceived slight of not being included earlier back on earth.

When discussing splitting into a stealth and an assault teams, StrikeForce said "I will go to whichever team needs me."

As they discuss creating two teams...

Adamas turned to Red Hawk, "I think we need to stay together; evidently there are other groups here from other dimensions.  We could easily end up attacking one of the groups working with Nomad.  Slowly turning to look at their new companions, Adamas waves his hands at the other dimensional heroes.  "We could have taken any one," nodding to Crude, Menagerie, Serpent, Cougar, and Night Wraith," for an enemy.  We're stronger together.  I understand your wish to take down their Power source, and I agree, that should be our priority. “I let my desire to be reunited with my friend sway what is best for our world, and that cannot be.  He would not have it.  We shall do things your way," he said with a heavy heart.

The team started out again across the Plains of Glass. It looked like endless plains littered with shards of broken crystals.

She looked at the Plains of Glass wondering if the reflective material will enhance the brightness of the Domain light. Her diminished sight in broad daylight might really be apparent there.

The Black Orchid frowned at the shininess of the glass.  "Machinist, you wouldn't by any chance happen to have an extra pair of sunglasses? The excess light may be a bit..., limiting."

Pieces of plastic and metal flowed off of Machinist's uniform, they formed into sunglasses frames. He reached into a pouch. Pulling out two polarized lens he placed them in the frames. He secured them together.

"Here you go, not as stylish as Ray-Bans but they are sturdier."

Watching the Machinist create sunglasses, Adamas' thought to himself, "Magic by any other name, is still magic."

Small scrapes and cuts were inevitable as they walk across it. Fortunately they were healing quickly so it was only a nuisance. They witness crystalline growths up to five hundred feet tall, crystals made of green and purple gems, and swarms of horrid little demon – bugs.

When they had traveled 20 miles they heard a screeching up in one of the crystalline growths. Checking it out they found a demon that looked like a big black monkey with too many arms, legs, eye, mouths, and noses.

“Hello, humans, Do you need a guide? I know secret ways in the Plains and in the coral too.

"What's your name?" Jack asked the monkey guide.

“My name is Sn32gr of the Goxek. For the price of a finger I will show you a secret entrance into the coral. For one of your arms I will show you a hidden path to the back of the Energy Pylons that will get you past the guards.

At the sight of the demon monkey, The Black Orchid tensed up (activating Willpower) and then stared at it carefully while others interact with it.

Cougar replied, “A finger? An arm? Gross! there is no way we will trade body parts for you to be our guide.”

“sss … Get out of here or I will eat you myself… sss” Serpent opened his jaws.

The Goxek ran away.

When the other team members interact with the demon monkey, StrikeForce activated his senses to gather information about the possibility of this being a set-up before an attack. He remained quiet, as he did not receive any Intel that he needed to relay to the group.

The team travels 5 more miles into a mist. The entire area was shrouded in a pea soup fog. The flyers couldn’t get above it and had to land instead of risking smashing into a 500 foot tall Crystalline structure. Within the fog can be heard spectral sounds and voices, sounding vaguely familiar.

In the Mists, Jack heard the voices of his kin, the elder spirits of Earth, all gone from the dizzying, modern world that had left them behind. They languished alone and forgotten in the purgatory of Limbo.

“Ssss … We are under attack. I have adapted to this … this mist of confusion. There are demons in here! It appears they are trying to separate us before attacking.”

“Prepare to fight Champions of Earth … sss”

“AARGH!” Serpent screamed. Then the rest of the team heard the sound of a body falling to the ground in a loud Thud.

{GM Note: Ambush turn is over. Now is the start of combat}

As they entered the mist, Adamas could hear Jessica crying out... "Help Adamas. You're too late; they've enslaved Earth and brought us here to die."

[38] He inhaled mightily, and started blowing the mist away so that he could locate her, ready to launch himself at her abductors, with or without the team.

[34] Harkening to Serpents’ warning of a psychic attack, Jack disbelieved these woeful visions as he blasted the mist with a gale force wind, helping Adamas to blow it away from he and his friends.

 VWOOOOOOOSSSHHHH!!!! 

[31] Serpent did not answer any of the team’s calls for him to provide a status report.

[30] Red Hawk froze in place as he heard the screams of help from Brian and Dennis, aka Condor and Shatterman. Red Hawk scanned with all his sensors in all directions in a desperate attempt to find his friends.

[29] The Machinist knelt down on one knee. The shadow creatures of Set Wizard were attacking again. He knew exactly what to do. He would build the same light ray as last time. Pieces of metal floated off his suit as he fanatically assembled his weapon.

He paused for a second, reaching for his head. He had felt the starting of a severe migraine coming on but it passed just as quickly. He went back to the task of completing his device.

{GM Note: Machinist was attacked with a Psionic Blast. It was a mind control attack that would do damage instead of taking control. The attack missed.}

[21] At the sound of "We're under attack", The Black Orchid sent over the amulet, "We need time. I'm going to try to even things up. Everyone back up to my voice and make a circle and attack away from me. It's going to get dark." She started making a loud humming sound for the others to hear, held out her hands and let the darkness flow from her in an ever-growing circle (Since she can't see to make unique shapes, she's doing a "lowest common denominator" shape of a simple circle centered on herself).

[21] Upon hearing "We're under attack!” StrikeForce immediately activated his senses and pulled his escrima sticks. As he doesn't have an amulet and as such cannot hear what Black Orchid was communicating, he attempted to determine from which direction they were attacking from. As best he could tell they were approaching from multiple directions, he was constantly on the move, and kept his head on a swivel, trying to keep from being attacked from behind. When covered in darkness by Black Orchid he switched to his Thermal Imager.

During the sea of confusion, StrikeForce heard various voices both good and bad. The voices swirled and intertwined, both rising and falling in volume and intensity. There was his father pleading "Don't die son. I promise that I will fix this." Also the loving tone as he said, I am so proud of you. He heard his mom say "I love you." and "Congratulations you two, I will help with the wedding planning as much as you want me to." His brother and sister's voices are heard, but what they are saying was indecipherable.

On the other end are the voices of the mercenaries who attacked his father's lab, threatening death if his father didn't give them what they wanted.

The fog dissipated from the efforts of Adamas and Jack Frost. Black Orchid’s darkness protected the heroes from their attackers.

[21] Night Wraith started his sonic wail to activate his sonar. He scanned the area finding Serpent on the ground incapacitated. In the distance in 3 different directions he found their demon attackers. They were 250 feet away. They formed a triangle formation trapping the heroes in the interior.

Night Wraith used his stretching ability to launch a fist at one of the beings. His elongated punch missed.

[19] Machinist cried out in pain as a migraine tore into his brain. He dropped to both knees and all the floating parts dropped to the ground. After a few seconds of labored breathing, the parts floated up again. He started working to assemble his weapon once again.

[18] Cougar used his night vision so see out of Black Orchid’s darkness. He followed Night Wraith’s arm to find a target. He spotted one of their attackers. He reached to his vest pulling a bolo out of it. He whirled it around his head three times then threw it with amazing accuracy.

The bolo struck the creature wrapping it around his body. The heavily weighted balls at the end struck the demon hard but it was still able to fight.

SiSiSSSS

Gas spewed from the end of each of the balls. A knockout gas was starting to engulf its entangled prey. The gas then quickly dissipated. The winds from the two guardian powerhouses blew it away with the fog.

{GM Note: The bolo has a secondary paralysis attack which is a gas in game terms. The bolo hit but the secondary attack failed. So while game mechanics stated the attack failed for story purposes I choose the super breath of Adamas and the wind from Jack Frost as the reason.}

[17] For a third time Machinist violently grabs his head. “Not another one … sigh …the migraine failed this time”

[16] Within the darkness the form of Menagerie changes. The man bent down on all fours. A fearsome snarl was heard as a second cougar entered the battle field. This one sported no costume but fur and instead of bolos it had tooth and claw. It did have night vision just like the man who had taken its name as a moniker.

[15] Crude grew to 18 feet tall as he exited the circle of darkness. He charged over half the distance away from the second demon. “Come on you mangy demon, let’s throw down. None of this mind game stuff. Let’s fight fist to stump.”

The demon did not reply to the challenge made to it.

[13] Conquistador fired a solid bolt of light at the first demon. The shaped form into that of a cannonball as it screamed across the battlefield. The shot missed smashing into a mound of crystals shattering them into a million little pieces.

{GM Note: Currently Serpent and Crude are the only ones not within Black Orchid’s circle of darkness}

Battle Conditions:

Adamas                        Hit Points:   47  Power Points:   78         Invulnerability: 24

Black Orchid                 Hit Points:   30  Power Points:   87         Willpower Defense active and invisible

Jack Frost                    Hit Points:   31  Power Points:   75         Ice Defense active

Red Hawk                     Hit Points:   74  Power Points:   93         Invulnerability: 10; Evading

StrikeForce                  Hit Points:   60  Power Points:   86         Invulnerability: 28; Evading

GM Note: Please welcome Chuck to our group of players. His character’s story starts on the next page. We will be getting him with the rest of the Guardians as soon as possible (hopefully next issue). Turn due date is after his story so enjoy as we add another person to our game. Welcome Chuck.

{Location: Axiom Labs in Megalopolis' Foundry district}

While out one night patrolling the city on one of his first times out, Lester, now garbed as The Skink, returned to the lab to find it ablaze and vandalized, and his beloved father and mentor murdered. 

 

Security, some police, and reporters unfortunately arrived right as The Skink moved the doctor from the burning building.

“Look, who is that dragging Dr Harris from Axiom Labs” cried news reporter Jessica Anderson.

“I don’t know but I will have to take him in for questioning” said Detective Brokyo of the Megalopolis Police Department. “He looks like a murder suspect. I bet he is one of those new Crushers we have been trying to track down these past few months.”

“Are you sure he isn’t a licensed hero, Brokyo?” said Sergeant Investigator Carlton of the MPD. “Why don’t we ask for the ID first? If he doesn’t have it then we can cuff him and book him for Vigilantism. Then while he is cooling his heels we can see what else sticks.”

<Reply?>

{GM Note: Let me know if Lester is going to turn himself in or if he runs for it. We will play out your decision next issue but since it is a Superhero against two normal police officers. I wanted to add the next scene as well so I can get your responses so we can splice it together.}

Out of the shadows appeared a figure. He was wearing unusual glasses and a modern style jacket but the material wasn’t anything Lester had seen before.

Hello The Skunk, I have been reading up on you … no wait, you aren’t dressed like a mammal. Oh, your theme is reptilian so that would make you The Skink. My apologies let me start over.

Hello, The Skink, I am Nomad, Earth’s Dimensional protector. I have been reading up on you at the Interdimensional Library. I know your beginnings are very rough but I believe we can help each other out. I can give you a brief respite and introduce you to some heroes who can help you with your situation when your return. And you can help me save the world!” Nomad flashed what he was sure was his most persuasive smile.

<Reply>

Nomad opened a portal gate for both of them. They stepped through it onto Plains of Glass. “Oh no, they have fallen into a Xo’J trapped!” he yelled as he started to run toward a circle of darkness. “Come on Skink, we have got to help them!”

Battle Conditions:

The Skink                     Hit Points:   30  Power Points:  75         

<Replies and Actions due Dec 14^th >

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Alright! It's heating up! Great stuff, Tom!

The Black Orchid coolly accepts his attention, looks a little nervously at the others and then says, "Thank you, we are all at each others' service."

The Black Orchid frowns at the shininess of the glass.

"Machinist, you wouldn't by any chance happen to have an extra pair of sunglasses? The excess light may be a bit..., limiting."

On the way, The Black Orchid pipes in during the discussion of the strike forces. "I don't have power or speed, but I can sneak in and do a lot of damage to systems if needed. Red Hawk, where do you think I'm needed most?" The Black Orchid was starting to forgive Red Hawk the perceived slight of not being included earlier back on earth.

At the sight of the demon monkey, The Black Orchid tenses up (activating Willpower) and then stares at it carefully while others interact with it.

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At the sound of "We're under attack", The Black Orchid sends over the amulet, "We need time. I'm going to try to even things up. Everyone back up to my voice and make a circle and attack away from me. It's going to get dark." She starts making a loud humming sound for the others to hear, holds out her hands and lets the darkness flow from her in an ever-growing circle (Since she can't see to make unique shapes, she's doing a "lowest common denominator" shape of a simple circle centered on herself.

Marc

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Pieces of plastic and metal flowed off of Machinist's uniform, they formed into sunglasses frames. He reached into a pouch. Pulling out two polarized lens he placed them in the frames. He secured them together.

"Here you go, not as stylish as Ray-Bans but they are sturdier."

Best

Tom

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When discussing splitting into a stealth and an assault teams, StrikeForce will say "I will go to whichever team needs me."

When the other team members interact with the demand monkey, StrikeForce will activate his senses to gather information about the possibility of this being a set-up before an attack. He remains quiet, unless he receives any Intel that he needs to relay to the group.

Upon hearing "We're under attack!” StrikeForce will immediately activate his senses and pull his escrima sticks. As he doesn't have an amulet and as such cannot hear what Black Orchid is communicating, he will attempt to determine from which direction they are attacking from. If it is coming from a particular direction then that is the way he will face, if they are approaching from multiple directions, he will constantly move, and keep his head on a swivel, trying to keep from being attacked from behind.

During the sea of confusion, StrikeForce hears various voices both good and bad. The voices swirl and intertwine, both rising and falling in volume and intensity. There is his father pleading "Don't die son. I promise that I will fix this." Also the loving tone as he says, I am so proud of you. He hears his mom say "I love you." and "Congratulations you two, I will help with the wedding planning as much as you want me to." His brother and sister's voices are heard, but what they are saying are indecipherable.

On the other end are the voices of the mercenaries who attacked his father's lab, threatening death if his father didn't give them what they wanted.

Jamey

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Watching the Machinist create sunglasses, Adamas' thinks to himself, "Magic by any other name, is still magic."

As they discuss creating two teams...

Turning to Red Hawk, "I think we need to stay together, evidently there are other groups here from other dimensions.  We could easily end up attacking one of the groups working with Nomad.  Slowly turning to look at their new companions, Adamas waves his hands at the other dimensional heroes.  "We could have taken any one," nodding to Crude, Menagerie, Serpent, Cougar, and Night Wraith," for an enemy.  We're stronger together.  I understand your wish to take down their Power source, and I agree, that should be our priority. " I let my desire to be reunited with my friend sway what is best for our world, and that cannot be.  He would not have it.  We shall do things your way," he says with a heavy heart.

As they enter the mist, Adamas can hear Jessica crying out... "Help Adamas. You're too late, they've enslaved Earth and brought us here to die."

He will inhale mightily, and attempt to blow the mist away so that he can locate her, ready to launch himself at her abductors, with or without the team.

Jon

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OOC: Another great issue Tom. Nice characterizations!

Sorry for the delay.

IC:

Agent America:

The suave super-spy wore a tuxedo, mask and gloves to dinner.

He took the Cuban cigar from the Horror, smelt it and tucked it into his jacket pocket. “Thanks. Much obliged. How do you know so much about Avery and Donnah?” he asked innocently.

“Hallowed Hills? Of course. A little quiet for my tastes. The invasion will helped liven the joint up. I hear the Demon Ladder is right on schedule.”

Later, Agent America replied to the Abomination, “Nah. Don’t want to crease my tux before dinner with the big man. Dining alone again, are you?”

After hearing its reply, the Man from MEDUSA went to the window to see what the Draven wanted.

Jack Frost:

The eternal child scowled at Crude. “Dangerous? I was defending Earth when you were a stain in someone’s driveway!” Jack smiled proudly. He knew that learning what the big flat path in front of Dr. Avery’s mansion was would pay off handsomely one day.

Jack frowned at Menagerie’s mysterious riddles. “Speak plainly, wizard!”

The spirit of winter said to Cougar. “I didn’t take that name. It was given to me by my father, the North Wind.”

“Good!” exclaimed the ageless boy to Conquistador. “Nothing good ever comes from sorcery!”

“Oh, demons do exist,” Jack said to Night Wraith. “They certainly do.”

"What's your name?" he asks the monkey guide.

In the Mists, Jack hears the voices of his kin, the elder spirits of Earth, all gone from the dizzying, modern world that has left them behind. They languish alone and forgotten in the purgatory of Limbo.

Harkening to Serpents’ warning of a psychic attack, Jack attempts to disbelieve these woeful visions as he blasts the mist with a gale force wind, trying to blow it away from he and his friends.

 VWOOOOOOOSSSHHHH!!!! 

Jeff

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While out one night patrolling the city on one of his first times out, Lester, now garbed as The Skink, returned to the lab to find it ablaze and vandalized, and his beloved father and mentor murdered. Security, some police, and reporters unfortunately arrived right as The Skink moved the doctor from the burning building, mistook him for the perpetrator of the crime, and The Skink has had a dicey reputation with the law ever since, at least some of them. He now tries to pick up the pieces of his life and continue on somehow.

Chuck

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