Saturday, November 28, 2015

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 14th >
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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.
-------------

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



Quest: Plains of Glass - Issue 54



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

Agent America dressed in his room. He knew that the clothe he wore would take whatever appearance he wanted. That was how magic worked in the Domain.

He finished dressing and walked slowly to the banquet room. He examined the hallways for any changes. He had long since memorized it. He was here as a guest of Cr’tgerof. It has been a never ending battle of wills. The Demon Lord trying to turn him to his side, attempting to manipulate his emotions to break his will. It was very similar to how Cult Leaders gained control of their flocks.

The Man from Medusa knew that if he stayed long enough he would eventually break but there was too much to learn before then. He had to gather as much intelligence as he could before his time was up.

Three of Cr’tgerof’s lieutenants were already in the hall. Observing the place setting, the Super-Spy knew he and Cr’tgerof were the only ones joining the meal.

Agent America saw the Overseer looking out the window. This was the Demon in charge of the Matter Vacuum Towers and the construction of the Portal to allow the Lord of the Domain to enter Earth. His failures on Earth, two Towers being destroy had turned him desperate. The Overseer was looking for any advantage he could find to regain favor.

The Man from MEDUSA's stomach was grumbling as he went to have dinner with the master villain who was his captor.

"Overseer!" he smiled beneath his mask. "Tough luck lately. Don't worry, kid. I'm sure you'll turn it around. You'll be eating with the big man again in no time!"

"Hrrmmp" The Overseer snorted. He held out this hand and his water pipe teleported into it. "As long as I am not the main course then I will be satisfied. You on the other hand are barely worth being the appetizer." Overseer blew smoke into Agent America's face. "Don't worry the Demon Ladder will be finished on time and all of us will enter the portal through it."

Standing near the fireplace was a Horror. In his time in the Domain, Agent America had learned to be able to tell the different species of demons apart. From the Horror came the shape shifters like the one he had seen in Occult’s Castle.

This Horror was smoking Cuban cigar and wearing an Armani Suit. Obviously this Horror had been to Earth and recently. Could the Domain be the reason for all the myths that permeate from Hallowed Hills?

"Horror! My man! Looking sharp! Got any more Cubans you can spare? I got hooked at Guantanomo. And Havana.
You must have just stocked up recently? How's good ol' Earth making out?"

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?

[reply?]

"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?"

[reply?]

"Right now we are enjoying a little game of cat and mouse with a bow carrying vigilante. It is most fun when the mouse thinks it is the cat. Great times of Earth." ... sigh ... "I miss it so. Hopefully we will be back there soon."

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?

[reply?]

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.

{Location: Plains of Glass in the Domain}

Nomad waved to StrikeForce, “I guess I am the first one back. I have returned with the Guardians.”

Seeing the other heroes arriving, StrikeForce looked to determine if he recognized any of them. He introduced himself. "Hello, my name is StrikeForce, pleased to meet you." He walked upright in a military manner, and extended his hand to whomever he meets.

First, Strike Force shook hands with Adamas. StrikeForce knew of the Alien Powerhouse who fought to protect Refuge Islands from a giant demon slug. He could fly, shoot beam of energy from his eyes, super strong, and skin as hard as diamonds.

After Adamas had surveyed the landscape, Red Hawk spent a couple minutes looking out getting a feel the best he could for the Domain. It occurred to him the dry plasma bed must be the result of Earth heroes destroying the tower on their side of the dimensions. With that he glided back down toward the Guardians and Nomad while he was introducing the Domain's other resistance fighters.

As always Jack seemed the most energetic of the group, easily mingling with their new companions.

After landing beside Adamas and the blue and silver clad hero, Chris took time to introduce himself and greet the others.

Next StrikeForce met Red Hawk. StrikeForce had read about the android posing as Freedom Eagle as it tried to join the Super Society. The Super Society exposed him as a fraud and freed it from its programming. The last he had heard the android was trying to make it as a superhero called Red Hawk. It had flight powers and heightened senses.

Black Orchid was introduced next. StrikeForce had not heard or read about her before.

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

Jack Frost was next. StrikeForce couldn’t believe the myth of his childhood was floating before him. He wondered what parts of the myth were true and which weren’t. Besides the power of flight which he was now observing, he figured that controlling snow & ice and his being immortal had to be at least true.

The ancient youth greeted the new member of the pantheon, "Greetings, good sir knight!"

StrikeForce extends his hand to the youthful elemental. "Pleased to meat you Jack." Saying to the group, "So, first of all who is in charge, and what is the plan?"

Nomad pointed to Red Hawk and replied, “We don’t have one. I had sent out the others gather intel for us while I retrieved the Guardians.”

The Guardians and StrikeForce felt the ground shift. They looked around as they shifted into defensive postures to try to figure what was happening. Nomad stood nonchalantly, “About time the rest of them returned”

From the ground emerge a form. It changed shape from a pool of dirt and grime into the crude form of a man.

Nomad said, “This is Crude. He is from what I call Indyverse Dimension of your Earth. I have started naming them so I can keep them straight. Saying their Dewey Decadecimal System number is such a pain and hard to remember. He was fighting World War II when the Domain was trying to ally with the Nazis.”

Crude said, “Howdy, I sure hope there aren’t any Krackens here. Nasty things and their breath reek terribly. Worse than my Grandpappy back from a 3 day bender of moonshine and jerky.”

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.”

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?”

Adamas saw a flock of Dravens flying toward them. He recognized the intelligent birds by their red eyes. It was what separated them from the Earthly raven. Adamas noticed something wrong. One of the avian wasn’t a Draven but looked like an American eagle. The bird flew away from the flock toward the base. The eagle landed next to Nomad. It transformed into a man.

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.

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?”

The team heard a skittering in the crystal grass. It moved fast and low as it traveled closer.

Nomad said, “Come on out Serpent. The Guardians are here.”

Out of the grass stood an alien, Adamas recognized it as Logrellian, the alien race that was now living on Pluto.

Serpent said, “About time, I have been monitoring the patrols in the coral. I believe I can lead us past them but we need to go. They change their patterns regularly.”

The Logrellian nodded in greeting to everyone.

She provided a simple "Hi, I'm The Black Orchid."

“Hello, Black …ssss… Orchid, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

The ancient youth greeted the new members of the pantheon, "Hail-l-l, lizardman!"

"ssss, Call me Serpent please. It is amazing the things I have seen in the short time seen I fled to Earth. It is nice to meet you, Jack"

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?'

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."

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 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."

Night Wraith said, “I don’t understand why Nomad selected me. I am more of an urban hunter, not country bumpkin. I will still do the best that I can.” As he shook hands, he didn’t walk around to each person. He stretched his arm to them. He easily stretched his arm to 10 feet away. It obvious he could have stretched further if needed.

Nomad said with a sigh, “I told you Night Wraith, your skills are needed in the castle. Dark, damp, and lots of towers, just your kind of place.”

“Yeah, but what about me, you bring me to a place without Satellites, no internet, no A.I.s. Only the most basic of electronics work here. It is like being in the 1980s again.”

Nomad said, “This is the Machinist from the Dominicverse. You know you can make it work. Your visor might be useless but you still have abilities.”

As Nomad spoke, the Machinist stared at Red Hawk. As he slowly walked toward the android, the metal pieces on his suit floated into the air. In mid air they assembled themselves into a rudimentary scanner. As he looked at through the scanner he said, “I understand how the other one is still functioning. Bionics will still work even if the nanites can’t function to make repairs or adjustments. But how in the name of Turing are you working!” The Machinist examined Red Hawk as he waited for an answer.

Red Hawk said, "Not that I care to undergo such an examination again, but I believe Mr. Rose said something about my construction taking place on a level of nanotechnology that was practically identical to biological in function and form. I'm approximately 95% identical to a 'normal' meta-human.

The Black Orchid saw the parade of new faces and nodded in sympathy when Machinist ranted about the loss of technology. She moved over to him and said, "I know how you feel. My powers don't depend on technology but it is a key part of who I am as well."

Turning towards the visitor from the Dominicverse, StrikeForce said, "What do you mean that nanites are non-functioning?" Grabbing his tools from his bag, he verified what The Machinist had told him. After running a diagnostic evaluation on himself, he put his tools away and pondered what he had learned.

StrikeForce learned that the nanites were present but inactive. It was like they were loaded with the most basic code to keep them in his body and out of harm’s way but they weren't capable of taking commands or performing repairs.

"Hello, Hephaestus!"

"Sigh, you have it right Jack. I am nothing but a basic blacksmith here. All my surveillance gear and computer networks are useless. To think all the conspiracies are being shaped by this place. I have been a fool. I thought I knew the secrets but they were masks. Masks layered over masks. Hopefully soon we will be able to take down the one who is behind this once and for all."

Jack smiled as he thought, "The more things changed on Earth, the more they stayed the same."

Seeing the others and noting Machinist's concerns, The Black Orchid said, "Machinist brings up a good point, should we test our abilities first to see if they behave as we think they should, or does it change the more we go through the dimension?"

Conquistador said, "What do you have in mind? We could find a grove of trees for target practice."

Serpent said, "sss.. I know where a scout party of Boogens are camped...sss... They would provide a moderate test... sss"

"I agree with Black Orchid," StrikeForce stated. "I would prefer to test out my abilities and gear before we get into a situation and discover that things don't work as we believe them to."

Machinist said, "I am against testing on the Coral because it is sentient and its intelligence is on our level."

"After I perform a few exercise to see if everything "feels" the same and test out my staff, I should be good to go." replied StrikeForce.

Night Wraith said, "We could always spare with ourselves"

Cougar said, "or we could play a game of baseball."

Crude said, "Combat Maneuvers does make sense. I like Night Wraith's idea of performing a few War Games."

Menagerie said, "Do we really have time for this?"

Nomad said, “I agree with StrikeForce, just a few fundamental exercises should be all we need. I have to leave to get one more hero. I will meet you on the way.”

StrikeForce tested himself. He finds that his weapons are working fine and his abilities aren't impaired expect for the Nanites ability to repair him.

He does notice that his Escrema Sticks feel heavier than before. He believes the extra weight will limit his normal carrying ability and may lower his striking power.

{GM Note: In game terms he can lift 178 lbs less and his base HtH is 1d10 instead of 1d12, his accuracy and damage modifiers are unaffected.}  

Black Orchid can feel the extra gravity pull but doesn't think it will affect her much.

{GM Note: her carrying capacity is 138 lbs less but no effect to HtH dice or any other effects}

Her powers function normally. She looked at the Fields 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.

Conquistador said, “There is still no way to fly over the coral. It is quite persistent in not allowing it. I can’t negotiate any kind of passage.”

Crude said, “No luck on my side either, I ain’t able to tunnel under the coral.”

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.”

The team started out again across the Fields of Glass. It looked like endless plains littered with shards of broken crystals. 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 Fields and in the coral too.
[Replies?]

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.

“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”

{GM Note: I am not providing a combat map at this time as none of you can see at the moment. The map shows you where you are in the Domain.}


The Mist was an ambush and caught you by surprise. I am not providing Current states yet either. Since you were traveling defenses which required to be turned on weren’t. Please let me know if the defenses you choose to turn on and other abilities you use.}

{GM Note: You are in the Mist of Confusion, so get your role play on. You hear your loved ones cry out and the taunts of your enemies, tell me who you hear and what they are saying.}

<Replies and Actions due Nov 2nd >
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The Black Orchid sees the parade of new faces. She shakes hands with any who offer and provides a simple "Hi, I'm The Black Orchid." She cautiously smiles back at Cougar and nods in sympathy when Machinist rants about the loss of technology. She moves over to him and says, "I know how you feel. My powers don't depend on technology but it is a key part of who I am as well." Seeing the others and noting Machinist's concerns, The Black Orchid says, "Machinist brings up a good point, should we test our abilities first to see if they behave as we think they should, or does it change the more we go through the dimension?"

[OOC: also, I remembered what I *really* wanted to do with my advance. I know I had said earlier I wanted to improve my to hit on the vacuum blast, but I just remembered I wanted to be able to see through my own darkness (which I don't think I can do right now). If I can, I'll go back to the bonus. Also looking forward to going into a Strange New World!]

Marc
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"I agree with Black Orchid," StrikeForce states. "I would prefer to test out my abilities and gear before we get into a situation and discover that things don't work as we believe them to."

Jamey
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conquistador said, "What do you have in mind? We could find a groove of trees for target practice."

Serpent said, "sss.. I know where a scout party of Boogens are camped...sss... They would provide a moderate test... sss"

Machinist said, "I am against testing on the Coral because it is sentient and its intelligence is on our level."

Night Wraith said, "We could always spare with ourselves"

Cougar said, "or we could play a game of baseball."

Crude said, "Combat Maneuvers does make sense. I like Night Wraith's idea of performing a few War Games."

Menagerie said, "Do we really have time for this?"

Best
Tom 
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"After I perform a few exercise to see if everything "feels" the same and test out my staff, I should be good to go." Replies StrikeForce.

OOC: StrikeForce will ensure that his staff works properly. He has allready run a diagnostic, and other than the nanites, everything else was fine. He will perform some physical feats to determine if his strength,endurance, and agility are affected or not.

Jamey
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Hi Tom. I've had a really busy when you're doing the new job trying to get used to argue schedule. I apologize but I have lost track As to whether I had responded to this issue or not. Could you give me a heads up if not I will respond

thank you
John
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You have not responded. You did give me Red Hawk's level advancement.
Best
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------
StrikeForce tests himself. He finds that his weapons are working fine and his abilities aren't impaired expect for the Nanites ability to repair him.

He does notice that his Escrema Sticks feel heavier than before. He believes the extra weight will limit his normal carrying ability and may lower his striking power.

{GM Note: In game terms he can lift 178 lbs less and his base HtH is 1d10 instead of 1d12, his accuracy and damage modifiers are unaffected.}

Best
Tom
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Orchid can feel the extra gravity pull but doesn't think it will effect her much.

{GM Note: her carrying capacity is 138 lbs less but no effect to HtH dice or any other effects}

Her powers function normally. She looked at the Fields 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.

Best
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Great issue Tom. I must admit my Geek-out started when Crude showed up, and continued through many of your characters that I previously knew of. I do have a question, how is StrikeForce' s nanites/ healing affected by the Domain?

Thanks,
Jamey
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Thanks, it is fun to get my characters in Megalopolis as NPCs.

In the Domain StrikeForce will get his normal healing rate every hour instead of once a day. So he doesn't get double the healing rate for the Nanites but the Domain itself provides more healing.

So this will get StrikeForce so roleplay of having to deal without the Nanites but it won't be a detriment in gameplay as his healing is better in the Domain without Nanites than on Earth with the Nanites.

Thanks
Tom
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Turning towards the visitor from the Domonicverse, StrikeForce says, "What do you mean that nanites are non functioning?" Grabbing his tools from his bag, he will attempt to verify what The Machinist has told him. After running a diagnostic evaluation on himself, he will put his tools away and ponder what he has learned.

Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holy Cow

Great issue Tom. Totally thrown by the shuffling of characters. Especially Strikeforce. What's up with that brother? :-)

I have a question and still hoping to come up with an advancement that strikes me before we go full tilt.

{GM Note: In game terms: All actions cost +2 power points over and above its normal costs. Normal healing takes place every hour instead of once per day. Adaptation will negate both the positive and negative effects of the atmosphere}

How is Red Hawk's Regeneration effected by this ? I'm asking because I was actually wondering if there was a way to have the Regeneration effect PP along with HP?

Crude? Menagerie?? Machinist???  .... Freaking awesome lol. :-)

Will have a response for the hero from Empire City up soon.

Thanks

John
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Looks like we're seeing into the Multi-verse... pretty cool, I thought you had a lot on your place pulling all the heroes of our world into one adventure...

This looks to be Epic!

Jon
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Normally Red Hawk's regeneration costs 2 PP (as an additional action at the end of the turn). Since it wouldn't make since to make him regenerate twice in a combat turn. I think the best course is the regeneration cost 0 PP in the Domain.

I have the Power Point cost for regeneration to show the healing being tiring with the improved healing in the Domain won't be tiring.

Unfortunately Regeneration can't restore PP, that would be a variant to the Power. If you wanted to, that could be his level advancement. That his Regeneration heals both HP and PP. He would heal 3 Hit Points (4 HP if 1 or 2 rolled on 1d10) and 1 Power Point (2 PP if 1 or 2 rolled 1d10) per turn. This would mean the 2 PP to heal isn't charged but baked into the regeneration amount.

Best
Tom
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Thanks, Jon :)

I never heard which power you wanted for his level advancement. Let me know if there is 1 you like. If you don't like any of them let me know and I will try to work something else.

Best
Tom
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Hey Tom

Would this mean that upon return to Earth he would "Regenerate" an equal amount of HP and PP per Turn? Totally agree Regenerating twice per Turn is wacko.

Regards
John
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No, the regeneration I described would be on Earth. In the Domain he would regenerate the same in HP and PP.

Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOL Well that makes a lot more sense. I must have inverted my math brain last night. That sounds like a cool Advancement on his Regeneration power. I'd like to go with that if that's okay with you?

Thanks
John
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Fine with me. I will write it up tonight.

Tom
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Hi Tom, as to The Black Orchid's advancement, I can't find your document, but I'd like to either increase her general to hit, or better if she could just increase the to hit of her vacuum blast (devit ray), since she's been using it quite a bit. Also, I don't know if that or her darkness control powers will behave differently in the domain, but seeing as she's never been there, I guess we'll find out!

Marc
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You can use you level advancement to increase your accuracy by +1 for all attacks or +2 to her vacuum blast.

Yes we will find out when she uses it.

Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cool. I'll take the +2 to vacuum blast

Marc
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Jack Frost:
The ancient youth greeted the new members of the pantheon:

"Greetings, good sir knight!" (Strikeforce)
"Well met, mighty mud elemental!" (Crude)
"Salutations, shamanic shapeshifter!" (Menagerie)
"Hail-l-l, lizardman!" (Serpent)
"Welcome, were-cat!" (Cougar)
"Peace, prestidigitator!" (Conquistador)
"Salute, shadow demon! (Night Wraith)
"Hello, Hephaestus!" (Machinist)

Jack smiled as he thought, "The more things changed on Earth, the more they stayed the same."



Agent America:
The Man from MEDUSA's stomach was grumbling as he went to have dinner with the master villain who was his captor.

"Overseer!" he smiled beneath his mask. "Tough luck lately. Don't worry, kid. I'm sure you'll turn it around. You'll be eating with the big man again in no time!"
[reply?]

"Horror! My man! Looking sharp! Got any more Cubans you can spare? I got hooked at Guantanomo. And Havana.
You must have just stocked up recently? How's good ol' Earth making out?"
[reply?]

"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!"
[reply?]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
StrikeForce learned that the nanites were present but inactive. It was like they were loaded with the most basic code to keep them in his body and out of harm’s way but they weren't capable of taking commands or performing repairs.

Best
Tom
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
The Man from MEDUSA's stomach was grumbling as he went to have dinner with the master villain who was his captor.

"Overseer!" he smiled beneath his mask. "Tough luck lately. Don't worry, kid. I'm sure you'll turn it around. You'll be eating with the big man again in no time!"

"Hrrmmp" The Overseer snorted. He held out this hand and his water pipe teleported into it. "As long as I am not the main course then I will be satisfied. You on the other hand are barely worth being the appetizer." Overseer blew smoke into Agent America's face. "Don't worry the Demon Ladder will be finished on time and all of use will enter the portal through it."

"Horror! My man! Looking sharp! Got any more Cubans you can spare? I got hooked at Guantanomo. And Havana.
You must have just stocked up recently? How's good ol' Earth making out?"

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?

"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?"

"Right now we are enjoying a little game of cat and mouse with a bow carrying vigilante. It is most fun when the mouse thinks it is the cat. Great times of Earth." ... sigh ... "I miss it so. Hopefully we will be back there soon."

"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. A perfect way to relieve boredom as these weaklings finish their tasks?


Jack Frost
The ancient youth greeted the new members of the pantheon:

"Greetings, good sir knight!" (Strikeforce)
"Well met, mighty mud elemental!" (Crude)

"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.

"Salutations, shamanic shapeshifter!" (Menagerie)

"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.

"Hail-l-l, lizardman!" (Serpent)

"ssss, Call me Serpent please. It is amazing the things I have seen in the short time seen I fled to Earth. It is nice to meet you, Jack"

"Welcome, were-cat!" (Cougar)

"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?'

"Peace, prestidigitator!" (Conquistador)

"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."

"Salute, shadow demon! (Night Wraith)

"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."

"Hello, Hephaestus!" (Machinist)

"Sigh, you have it right Jack. I am nothing but a basic blacksmith here. All my surveillance gear and computer networks are useless. To think all the conspiracies are being shaped by this place. I have been a fool. I thought I knew the secrets but they were masks. Masks layered over masks. Hopefully soon we will be able to take down the one who is behind this once and for all."

Best
Tom
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StrikeForce extends his hand to the youthful elemental. "Pleased to meat you Jack." Saying to the group, "So, first of all who is in charge, and what is the plan?"

Jamey
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By the way, I really liked the Pic's with the introductions... They all look great!

Jon
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Thanks Jon

You have 2 level advancements to use. Do you know what you want?

Tom
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I thought we had discussed this.

1. Area attack
2. Buy down weakness, vulnerability

Jon
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You already bought down the magic weakness, was there another weakness you wanted to buy down?

I sent you several choices on area attacks but didn't hear which you wanted or if you want to use two level advancements for more than one.

Thanks
Tom
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Sorry, it was the vulnerability I wanted to buy down.  I'm ok with a breath area affect. 

Jon
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<Red Hawk: Response and Actions)

After Adamas had surveyed the landscape, Red Hawk spent a couple minutes looking out getting a feel the best he could for the Domain. It occurred to him the dry plasma bed must be the result of Earth heroes destroying the tower on their side of the dimensions. With that he glided back down toward the Guardians and Nomad while he was introducing the Domain's other resistance fighters.

As always Jack seemed the most energetic of the group, easily mingling with their new companions.

[As Noman spoke, the Machinist stared at Red Hawk. As he slowly walked toward the android, the metal pieces on his suit floated into the air. In mid air they assembled themselves into a rudimentary scanner. As he looked at through the scanner he said, “I understand how the other one is still functioning. Bionics will still work even if the nanites can’t function to make repairs or adjustments. But how in the name of Turing are you working!” The Machinist examined Red Hawk as he waited for an answer. ]

"Not that I care to undergo such an examination again, but I believe Mr. Rose said something about my construction taking place on a level of nanotechnology that was practically identical to biological in function and form. I'm approximately 95% identical to a 'normal' meta-human.

[To the new arrivals, "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 can track those who took Agent America, and Serpent can help us to avoid their patrols."

To the larger group, " I do not mean to rush into anything, but I am anxious to find my friend, and put an end to this threat."]

After landing beside Adamas and the blue and silver clad hero, Chris takes time to introduce himself and greet the others. Turning to Adamas, "If you don't mind, I want to present a proposal. I know you are in a hurry to find your friend, but form 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."

John
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Hey Tom

I got the order of my response mixed up a bit. Please feel free to place it in an order that makes more sense please.

Thanks
John
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Replying to Red Hawk. "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 tells him. "Though I hate to tell you that I am the "only" StrikeForce that I know of."

Jamey
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Red Hawk replies 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."

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

Jamey
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Black Orchid can feel the extra gravity pull but doesn't think it will affect her much.

{GM Note: her carrying capacity is 138 lbs less but no effect to HtH dice or any other effects}

Her powers function normally. She looked at the Fields 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.

Best
Tom
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