{Location: Domain
Dimension}
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.
"Yes!" The Black Orchid said to
herself, not too loudly, but anyone near could hear her enthusiasm. When it was
clear they're gone, she said to the others, "I wasn't sure that was going
to work. They probably weren't used to getting a beating like that either.
Bullies are bullies even in other dimensions."
Winking at Orchid, “Good idea, that little
trick could prove very useful in the future.” Adamas said.
"Thank you Adamas." she said after
a moment, not sure what to make of the wink.
Nomad and The Skink joined the Guardians
Arms wide as Red Hawk circled downward, the
swirling plasma currents making flight even more difficult as the team gathered
around Nomad and his visitor. “I don't
know where he has come from, but he might had wished had stayed by the time out
mission is complete”, Red Hawk thought to himself.
Nomad quickly introduced The Skink.
Turning to Nomad, and listening to his
introduction Adamas smiled and extended his hand to The Skink, “Welcome to the
party.”
Landing softly, Chris introduced himself as
Red Hawk.
She went over to the new hero and held out
her hand. She had clearly become more confident after each successful battle.
"Hello, I'm The Black Orchid and welcome to our group."
Stepping forward to meet the new arrival, the
Bionic Brawler extended his hand and introduced himself. "My name is
StrikeForce, I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
The Black Orchid only realized after she shook
hands with Skink that she was wearing the Machinist's sunglasses. She took them
off briefly, said "Sorry about that, it's a little bright for me
here," and she put them back on after a moment.
The short statured Skink took in this bizarre
place and this new group, keeping his distress at his escape in check... He
nervously rapped his small black claws on his belt buckle as he took the scene
in...
"Man, that was close back there! I
thought I was sunk for sure... I wanna thank you guys for savin my hide back
there... Whatever you got going on? You can count on The Skink to help get it
done!
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
"Skink, is that right? As you can
obviously tell," The Black Orchid broadly waved a hand around her,
"we're not in Kansas anymore. Some of us are finding that our abilities work
a little differently here, wherever here is. You may want to test them briefly
before we get in the heat of battle."
The Skink could tell he felt heavier when he
tried to do a back somersault. He tired quicker but felt the best he ever had.
{GM
Note: Domain effects: The Skink HtH is now 1d4, his accuracy and damage
modifiers were unchanged, here’s why;
Atmosphere
– The alien chemistry of the Domain’s air has the following effects on humans.
Each action takes costs +2 power points over and above its normal cost. But
normal healing takes place every hour instead of once per day. Adaptation will
negate both the positive and negative effects of this atmosphere.
Gravity
– The Domain has gravity of 1.89 times Earth’s gravity. I multiplied each
character’s weight by 1.89, and subtract each extra pounds of weight from his
Carry Capacity. I recalculated HtH damage based on the Remaining Carrying
Capacity
Geology
– The solid and rocks in the Domain are composed of diamond hard crystals, and
the native flora share these characteristics. Structural Rating equals 10. Any
character smashing into or falling on this substance takes +1d10 damage.}
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.”
Adamas accepted the Crystal from Nomad, and
tucked it away in his costume.
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.
The Black Orchid was clearly sad to see Jack
go. "I understand where he's coming from, but still, I'll miss his
carefree attitude."
Adamas was saddened to see Jack Frost leave,
and wished him well.
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 could see the
entrance to a twisting pathway veering away from the Plasma River which ran
through it.
Red Hawk had flown as high as possible while
the team approached the Coral forest. The strange energies of this planet
somehow seeming to alter the cells of his synthezoid body in ways Cyberdoom
could only have guessed at. Arms wide as Red Hawk circled downward, the swirling
plasma currents making flight even more difficult.
They heard a voice in the crystal ear
pieces. “This is Agent America. I was
given this by a “friend of an American”. Come in, over.”
In a mix of emotions, Adamas heard his friend’s
voice, “Agent America, so good to hear your voice again. I was afraid we might have lost you.”
"It is good to hear from you too Adamas,
No I wasn't lost but I am a guest in the Scarlet Orb. I would love for you to
visit. I have made some new friends I would like you to meet." Agent
America said. “The sooner the better, I would hate for you to miss the party.”
When they were at the entrance to the forest,
Black Orchid said. "That doesn't look... pleasant.” She turned to Adamas
and Red Hawk, "Should you try flying again? Walking through somebody's
brain does not sound like a good idea."
Adamas informed the team they would have to
walk. The Brain-Coral will not allow them to fly over it. It will pull them
down.
"That's too bad about flying over. Can
we at least try to fly around it? It seems like we'll lose a lot of time
otherwise."
StrikeForce directed his comment towards the
ensemble of heroes, but more directly to the core group of heroes. "So,
what is our next move?"
Landing softly, Chris looked toward Black
Orchid and StrikeForce. "From what I could tell, the map is accurate. If
we are going to make it to the scarlet orb, it's going to be through
there." Pointing one winged arm ominously through the twisting path before
them.”
Cougar agreed with Red Hawk, “It is time for
us to go, Menagerie and I will take point”. Menagerie in cougar form
thought-sent his agreement. The entire them heard his telepathic communication.
The team started down the twisting path
single file with Menagerie in the lead and Cougar close behind. Night Wraith
reach up to grab a coral strain with each hand. He traveled by stretching and
jumping from coral to coral, his rubbery skin protecting from the sharp edges
of the coral.
{GM
Note; If you send the movie The Incredibles, Night Wraith is moving exactly the
same way that Elastigirl / Mrs. Incredible did on the roof tops and in the
battle with the Giant Robot.}
Crude and Conquistador offered to bring up the
rear guard. Crude maintained 6 foot height because of the coral being over
head.
The heroes came to a clearing. In the clear are
eight vintage WWII and Korean fighter planes.
The
planes are in perfect condition. Machinist shouldering his Light Ray Rifle, he
ran to the first aircraft he could reach. Inside the cockpit a still burning
cigarette was found. Tumbleweeds rolled by him as the Machinist ran to check
another plane. No crewman was present but the gas tanks are still half full and
several of the planes carry live ammunition. On board flight plans show that
all the planes were flying over the Bermuda Triangle.
“I
knew it!” He yelled.”They were covering this up. The Government conspiracy was
intended to keep the Domain a secret from the people. It appeared that someone
was trying to make contact with the Domain; I bet they were trying to gain them
as allies during both wars. Another mask removed!”
Cougar
replied, “I don’t care about your conspiracy theories, Machinist. I want to
know where the pilots are.”
“The
pilots? Why the Demons must …” Machinist pulled his Light Ray Rifle from his
shoulder. He blasted a tumbleweed.
[30]
As he blasted a second one, the Machinist said, “They are moving in different
directions and there isn’t any wind! They aren’t tumbleweeds but Demons!”
Night
Wraith launched himself into the sky. As he glided he let out a low sonic wail.
“My sonar is picking up 7 of them. They are surrounding us”
[29]
One of the Y’Tego stopped moving. All of its fibers wavered and twitched. The
Fibers stretched out straight and stiff.
“Aarrgh!”
Machinist screamed and grabbed his head.
Adamas
screamed at the same time. His brain was on fire. He was shocked by the pain.
{GM Note: Mind Blast
attack as Mind Control type. He was hit for 7 points of damage; rolled with 6
for -6 Power Points and -1 Hit Point}
Red
Hawk noticed that his internal fire walls were buffered but held.
{GM Note: Red Hawk’s
Willpower defense against Mind Control and Emotion Control prevented him from being
hit by the Mind Blast}
Conquistador
yelled, “Everyone flee the area. They are Y’Tego they have a mental attack that
can attack all those around them at once.”
Crude
replied, “So ya’re telling me those critters yonder are Mind Grenades. Well, if
that ain’t just dandy.”
Cougar
said, “Exactly it will be better for only a few of us with range attacks stay
to drive them off. Everyone else get out of here. Adamas since you know Agent
America we need you to lead the others. Night Wraith, Machinist, and Conquistador
with me everyone else go, now!”
[28]
Adamas, The Skink, and Red Hawk fled the clearly through the opposite end that
they came through.
[27]
A second Y’Tego stopped moving. All of its fibers wavered and twitched. The
Fibers stretched out straight and stiff.
“Aarrgh!”
Machinist screamed and grabbed his head
StrikeForce
grunted but did not cry out when the pain hit. It was worse than any migraine
he had ever experienced.
{GM Note: Mind Blast
attack as Mind Control type. He was hit for 10 points of damage; rolled with 7
for -7 Power Points and -3 Hit Points}
Black
Orchid focused her mind. She ignored the pain before it could start. Her will
was stronger than the Y’Tego’s mind.
[26]
StrikeForce left the airplane graveyard, joining the rest of the Guardians who
had escaped.
[23]
A third Y’Tego stopped moving. All of its fibers wavered and twitched. The
Fibers stretched out straight and stiff.
The
Machinist let go a sigh of relief. “That one missed me.”
“Aarrgh!”
Cougar screamed and grabbed his head.
Black
Orchid focused her mind for a second time. She easily ignored the pain before
it could start. Her will was stronger than this Y’Tego’s mind as well.
[23]
A fourth Y’Tego stopped moving. All of its fibers wavered and twitched. The Fibers
stretched out straight and stiff.
“Aarrgh!”
Machinist screamed and grabbed his head
“Aarrgh!”
Crude screamed and grabbed his head
Menagerie
focused his mind to prevent the attack and successfully deflected it with his
will.
[22]
A fifth Y’Tego stopped moving. All of its fibers wavered and twitched. The
Fibers stretched out straight and stiff.
“Aarrgh!”
Machinist screamed and grabbed his head. He fell to the ground incapacitated.
“Aarrgh!”
Conquistador screamed and grabbed his head
Menagerie
focused his mind to prevent the second attack against him. He successfully
deflected it with his will again.
[22]
Cougar pulled two bolos from his harness. He threw one each at two Y’Tego that
were still moving.
KABOOM!
KABOOM!
Both
bolos wrapped around their targets exploding when the bolo balls struck their
victims. Both of the Y’Tego laid flat on the ground incapacitated.
“Two
down, five to go”, Cougar said as he jumped on top of one of the fighter wings.
[21]
Black Orchid ran to join the rest of the Guardian. She left the clearing
safely.
[17]
Night Wraith blasted an Y’Tego with a sonic blast. It rolled with the damage but
it was still incapacitated.
“Three
down” Night Wraith in a haunting wail that drifted across the clearing.
[17]
Crude and Menagerie ran across the clearing joining the Guardians.
Menagerie
thought-sent to the team, “We have to move on time is of the essence. The
others will join us when they are able.” The man in cougar form started down
the twisting coral path again.
[14]
As the Guardians reluctantly started to leave, they saw Conquistador blast a
fourth Y’Tego with a solid light construct. Crude thought it looked like a
cannon ball but wasn’t sure. It might have been a bowling ball. Either way it
had been flattened and was incapacitated.
“That’s
four down. C’mon boys only three more, let’s git ‘er done” said Crude as turned
to follow the others down the trail.
The
heroes quietly and quickly follow the path through the coral. The path led into
a small ravine. In the distance they saw dozens of Devilopes lay partially
decomposed. The corpses emit a stench fouler than any the heroes have ever
previously experienced.
“Whew!
This is worse than that Kraken’s breath, even after it set me on fire. That in
tarnation is a frightful awful smell”, Crude said.
Menagerie
moved toward the edge of the ravine. He thought-sent, “It is nothing more than
the cycle of nature. All life ends as nourishment to the land from which it
came. This is nothing more. Still I would recommend we find a way around.
Places like these are known to be considered private and sacred land to those
that are left behind.”
The
heroes were unable to find a path. “It would appear we will have to go through
it,” Menagerie thought-sent.
As
the heroes entered the ravine they heard a loud bellowing animalistic cry. Two
Devilopes came charging toward them.
The
Protectors of the Devilope Burial Ground challenged any Demon that dared to
enter their ravine. They would not allow any feasting on their dearly departed.
They bellowed challenges at the heroes.
Crude
grew to 18 feet in height. “Okay, you Demon Pachyderms, if it a scrap you want
then I’ll be ya huckleberry.” Crude looked to the Guardians and Menagerie. “Go,
I will hold them off so you can get through safely. Don’t even think about
arguing with me. It’s like my grandpappy would tell me, he was a Texas Ranger
if I ain’t told ya before. My grandpappy always told me its ‘One Riot, One
Ranger’ anymore than that then you’re wast’in resources.”
Crude
charged into the Devilope on the left. He applied a forearm smash to its
forehead. The Devilope staggered but didn’t fall. It stood and would continue
to fight.
“C’mon
you two, ya’ll smaller than that there Kraken but I’m bettin you have plenty of
fight.”
The
second Devilope mashed it trunk into Crude’s head. Crude dropped to one knee
but was still awake and able to fight.
“Now
that more to my like’n, you pink pachyderm.” Crude looked to Menagerie. “Now
git moving all of you! I have a handle on this. Git to that Scarlet Orb and
save all of our Earths.”
As
Menagerie lead the Guardian past the Devilope Protectors, Crude stood raising
both hands over his head. He smashed his fists into the first Devilope. It
bellowed in pain but was able to withstand the blow. The fight continued on.
As
the heroes left the Devilope Burial Ground, they heard the sounds of the
titanic battle as it continued.
The
Guardians and Menagerie continued down the twisting path. They saw in the
distance a large chamber. They stopped to scout out what it was. Before they
could split up they heard the sounds of something coming up behind them.
It
was Conquistador and a stranger.
Conquistador
told the heroes how they had defeated the Y’Tego but he was the only one not
incapacitated. Nomad had arrived after the battle was over. He had brought
Trekker with him.
{GM Note: We have
added Christian to our game. Trekker is his character. I am trying something
with his character that I have not done before. Trekker has Heightened Speed,
combined with teleportation. So his Heightened Speed is multiple teleports like
Nightcrawler. I always loved him and that power stunt. I have been reluctant in
past to allow Heightened Speed because it is one of the powers that can
dominate a game, making the other players by standers. I think with this
character design it won’t be a problem.}
Conquistador
introduced Trekker to the team.
{Flashback}
{Location: Himalayas,
Earth}
A lone figure stood on the mountain top admiring
the scenery. An unexpected person walked up the trail to him.
“Hello, I am Nomad. It would be a pleasure to
make your acquaintance.”
“I would have addressed you by your hero name but
it appears that Dimensipedia has 3 different names listed for you with the historians
constantly argue which is right. I am guessing Trekker but if I am wrong let me
know. I just didn’t have time to go to the Interdimensional Library to do the
proper research this time.”
“Earth needs your help. The Domain is preparing
to invade using an Interdimensional bridge being built from the Scarlet Orb. I
need you to join the other Earths’ heroes that are trying to stop this.”
Here allow me to open a door for you.
{End
of Flashback}
Conquistador told them that Crude was still
fighting the Devilopes when they passed through. He expected the Oily Goliath
to win but wasn’t expecting him to be able to join them in time. The fight
appeared legendary and wouldn’t be done anytime soon.
The heroes scouted the area. There weren’t any
traps surrounding it. They decided to enter the large chamber formed of
sparkling golden Brain Coral, they immediately sense the presence of a great
intellect in danger. Menagerie changes his form into that of a grizzly bear.
There are 4 Ghouls physically assaulting the coral growths.
They heard a telepathic cry for help. It came for
the Brain Coral.
<Replies
and Actions due Feb 15th >
Battle Conditions:
Adamas Hit Points: 47 Power
Points: 78 Invulnerability: 24
Black
Orchid Hit Points: 30 Power Points:
87 Willpower Defense active; Invisible
Red
Hawk Hit Points: 74 Power
Points: 93 Invulnerability: 10; Willpower Def active
StrikeForce Hit
Points: 60 Power Points: 86 Invulnerability: 28
The
Skink Hit Points: 30 Power Points:
75 Evading
Trekker Hit Points: 11 Power
Points: 50 Adaptation Defense active
Phase of Action:
[49] Trekker 1st action
[42] Adamas
[34] Trekker 2nd action
[30] Red Hawk
[30] The Skink
[27] StrikeForce
[24] Black Orchid
[19] Trekker 3rd action
[17] Menagerie
[14] Conquistador
[04] Trekker 4th action
{GM Note: I am including the Order of Actions and what phase
they are on for the next turn. You can move and attack (dual attack if Agility
over 15) on your Phase.}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Yes!" The Black Orchid says to
herself, not too loudly, but anyone near can hear her enthusiasm. When it is
clear they're gone, she says to the others, "I wasn't sure that was going
to work. They probably weren't used to getting a beating like that either.
Bullies are bullies even in other dimensions." She goes over to the new
hero and holds out her hand [she'll wait to see if any of the more senior
members step up first]. She clearly becomes more confident after each
successful battle. "Hello, I'm The Black Orchid and welcome to our
group."
--------------
The Black Orchid is clearly sad to see Jack
go. "I understand where he's coming from, but still, I'll miss his
carefree attitude."
-----------
When they are at the entrance to the forest.
"That doesn't look... pleasant. She turns to Adamas and Red Hawk,
"Should you try flying again? Walking through somebody's brain does not
sound like a good idea."
[Hey Tom, great issue (and not just because
The Black Orchid's trick snagged the cover!) and thanks for letting me run with
The Black Orchid's Darkness Control! I figure with her Heightened Intelligence
she can quickly think of the kinds of things that might be effective in a given
situation and give it a shot]
Marc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
You're welcome. Thanks for the kind words. I
am glad you are having fun exploring Black Orchid's powers.
Best
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
And welcome Chuck!
Also, The Black Orchid only realizes after
she shakes hands with Skink that she is wearing the Machinist's sunglasses. She
takes them off briefly, says "Sorry about that, it's a little bright for
me here," and she puts them back on after a moment.
Marc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm enjoying seeing Orchids powers gain
depth. Reminds me of Susan Storm when Byrne took over the FF mag :)
John
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stepping forward to meet the new arrival, the
Bionic Brawler extends his hand and introduces himself. "My name is
StrikeForce, I am pleased to make your acquaintance." He then directs his
comments towards the ensemble of heroes, but more directly to the core group of
heroes. "So, what is our next move?"
Jamey
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The short statured Skink takes in this
bizarre place and this new group, keeping his distress at his escape in
check... He nervously raps his small black claws on his belt buckle as he takes
the scene in...
"Man, that was close back there! I
thought I was sunk for sure... I wanna thank you guys for savin my hide back
there... Whatever you got going on? You can count on The Skink to help get it
done!
Show
original message
Chuck
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Adamas IC:
Winking at Orchid, “Good idea, that little
trick could prove very useful in the future.”
Turning to Nomad, and listening to his
introduction he smiles and extends his hand to The Skink, “Welcome to the
party.”
Adamas is saddened to see Jack Frost leave,
and wishes him well.
He accepts the Crystal from Nomad, and tucks
it away in his costume.
In a mix of emotions, Adamas hears his
friends voice, “Agent America, so good to hear your voice again. I was afraid we might have lost you.”
Jon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"It is good to hear from you too Adamas,
No I wasn't lost but I am a guest in the Scarlet Orb. I would love for you to
come visit. I have made some new friends I would like you to meet." Agent
America said.
Adamas informed the team they will have to
walk. The Brain-Coral will not allow them to fly over it. It will pull them
down.
Thanks
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you Adamas." she says after
a moment, not sure what to make of the wink.
------------
"That's too bad about flying over. Can
we at least try to fly around it? It seems like we'll lose a lot of time
otherwise."
----------------
"Skink, is that right? As you can
obviously tell," The Black Orchid broadly waves a hand around her,
"we're not in Kansas anymore. Some of us are finding that our abilities work
a little differently here, wherever here is. You may want to test them briefly
before we get in the heat of battle."
Marc
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Hawk IC [Replies and Responses]
Red Hawk has flown as high as possible while
the team approached the Coral forest. The strange energies of this planet
somehow seeming to alter the cells of his synthezoid body in ways Cyberdoom
could only have guessed at. Arms wide as he circled downward, the swirling plasma
currents making flight even more difficult as the team gathered around Nomad
and his visitor. I don't know where he has come from, but he might had wished
had stayed by the time out mission is complete. Landing softly, Chris
introduces himself as Red Hawk, and looks toward Black Orchid. "From what
I could tell, the map is accurate. If we are going to make it to the scarlet
orb, it's going to be through there." Pointing one winged arm ominously
through the twisting path before them.
John
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
