The eye of the storm covered several blocks
of downtown Center City. It was centered on 7th Avenue, 42nd
Street, and Broadway. What the citizens of Center City liked to call
Megalopolis Times Square.
The storm had evacuated everyone from the
area. It now was acting as barricade. It roads were blocked and the area was
sealed off. Black Orchid knew this was why the storm had been created.
Something was about to happened there. She had to tell the New Crusaders.
The Black Orchid noticed that she was close
to the center. No more time for idle analysis! “The Black Orchid to all team
members,” she called over the radio. “The storm is centered on Times Square and
it is not moving. Something is going to happen at that location soon and we
need to be there. Everything else is a diversion to keep us busy and away! The
storm is magical not scientific in nature so be prepared for anything!” She
bolted up from the console and rushed out to make it Times Square, desperately
hoping she has not wasted too much time already.
All across the Megalopolis Black Orchid’s
call to the New Crusaders was heard.
· The Eye of the Storm is at the Time Square location Star
· Black Orchid is at CHESS HQ
· StrikeForce and Dr Wildman have left Fear Island Super-Penitentiary and are their way to Dr. Avery's Mansion. They were over Winthrope Station when Black Orchid called was received.
· Adamas is at the Airport
· Skink and CAST is at Our Fair City Mall
· Demolisher and Manta-Man are near Crusader Citadel
· Patty Plus and Laserfire are in the Foundry
Dr
Wildman scrambled around in the back of the hovercraft and found the towel
StrikeForce had suggested was stowed away. As he mopped his hair with it he had
that uncomfortable feeling that his time was out. As a Druid the eldritch
energies he wielded were connected to either the sun or the moon. He had chosen
the solar path and so needed to be exposed to sunlight even for a moment to
connect with the mystic energies that gave him his abilities. Not since the
incident with the Indian shaman when he found himself transformed into a tree
inside a cave had he felt the 'loss'.
He gave a sigh and looked outside - 3 or 4
hours until dawn he guessed - and unless he got to the eye of the storm there
was no way he was going to see any sort of sunlight. He reached for his neck
and felt the silver torc around it. So the cowl was keeping Stormlord alive,
and with his spell casting temporarily impotent, all that was left was the 3
charm spells in the amulet, his 3 healing potions, his druidic knowledge and
his survival skills...and of course his sparkling personality!
Earlier, Doctor Arcane and Lady Arcane had
agreed with himself and Stormlord; that the storm was supernatural in origin -
and Black Orchid had verified the fact with science. At least the CHESS
communicators were working as was the speeding Crusader Hovercraft. Looking
outside, very little else was functioning. The storm had sprung from nowhere
and had battered the city for over 24 hours relentlessly.
Dr. Arcane had informed StrikeForce and Dr.
Wildman the same magical source that was creating the storm was blocking his
ability to open teleport portals.
"About the only things left working are
sticks and stones..." Dr. Wildman said as he sat down in the co-pilots
seat, towel wrapped around his shoulders. "When we get through this
Strike, you are going to have to teach me how to wield a stick - I've spent so
much time learning how to use magic; when it stops working I should probably
need to defend myself with a stick, staff or club - that feels like the sort of
thing a druid should be able to do."
"I need to confess skipper..." He
shrugged as he used the British term for captain "...I'm out of juice -
unless I can get to some natural sunlight I'm not sure what good I can be when
we have to face...whatever we have to face. You still happy me coming along?
Alternating between the gauges and the front
window of the Hovercraft, the Cyborg Crusader keeps his eyes on any possible
trouble that could impede their route to the E.O.T.S. Giving his friend and teammate’s
words careful consideration. When he was sure of his response, he replied.
"Doc, it is always good to have you
here. Sure you may have temporarily lost some of power, but you still have
knowledge and insight that could be the difference between winning and losing.
How do you see yourself contributing in the coming conflict? As far as stick
fighting, sure I'd be happy to teach you."
Sending an update over the comm., StrikeForce
says. "New Crusaders, This is StrikeForce, can I get a check in on everyone's
status? Are you headed to the E.O.T.S.? Dr. Wildman and myself are in route at
the present time."
Black Orchid confirmed she was on her way.
Manta-Man replied, “Demolisher and I are
about to start heading over there. I will pick up Black Orchid in route.”
Laserfire replied he will be in route soon.
Adamas said “Right after I get plane
passengers to a secured location”.
Skink was silent for a while then said, “I am
too far. I will try to get there as soon as I can.”
Adamas replied, “Don’t worry; you will
absolutely be there on time. I will come get you.”
Demolisher knew he had to try and make his
way to Time Square, then center of the storm as quickly as possible, per Black
Orchids message.
Manta-Man after receiving Black Orchid's
message turned to Demolisher. "We need to get to Times Square as soon as
possible. Demolisher, I know we have known each other for a short time but do
you trust me?"
Demolisher wondered if Manta-Man was
suggesting he could give Demolisher a good energy blast or something so he
could absorb the energy and manifest some sort of power that allows him to
travel faster.
Demolisher replied to Manta-Man if he was
offering to provide an energy source he could absorb then yes.
Manta-Man blasted Demolisher with an Electrical
Bolt. The Demolisher absorbed the electrical energy turning on his armor and
gaining the power of Willpower: Fortitude.
{GM
Note: Manta-Man did 9 points of damage. -2 to HP and 7 Points absorbed. His
armor of 0/1/1/1. Rolled 95. Demolisher gained Willpower: Fortitude - can roll
double amount of damage compared to normal rolling with damage.}
Demolisher spotted a bystander in a Yellow
Cab. He asked him for a ride. Manta-Man gave the Cabbie a nod and handed him a
credit card, “Charge it to the Crusader Visa.”
Manta-Man flew to where Black Orchid was. As
she ran, he flew in behind her scooping her up. They flew the rest of the way
to the eye of the storm.
Adamas got Jessica inside and safe, and headed
for Times Square. Along the way he picked up Skink at Our Fair City Mall and
Event Center. Skink attached himself to Adamas back. His claws held on tightly.
Adamas’ invulnerability made it painless.
The Skink yelled “Woohoo!” as he rode on
Adamas’ back as the Diamond Dynamo flew them to Times Square.
Patty took a moment to catch her breath and
give silent thanks she was able to help the people in the building, especially
the little boy. Laserfire might be his hero but that didn't sting, she wasn't
in it for publicity or glory. In fact, normally she would have beat feet
already but this wasn't going anything like her usual patrols. Plus if she was
being honest she had always been impressed by Laserfire, too.
She watched him control the flames, and when
he was done smiled and nodded at him "I bet you're a hit at parties."
He smiled back and seemed to be about to say
something when they both got the update from Black Orchid on their
communicators.
Patty did some quick math in her head. She
was a ways out from the storm's center. "I know this is a bit forward on
the first date, but any chance I could get a lift?"
Laserfire smiled back. “Sure, I would be glad
to give you a lift, especially considering it our ‘first date’,” he said with a
slight chuckle.
They flew off as the rescued residents
cheered them. Soon Laserfire and Patty Plus arrived in Times Square and landed.
Manta-Man and Black Orchid landed next to
them.
Manta-Man said, “Laserfire, you didn’t tell
us you made a friend.”
Reaching out his hand to Patty Plus,
Manta-Man said. “Hello, I am Manta-Man founder of the Crusaders and current
member of the New Crusaders. I am glad to meet you.”
Demolisher surf the Yellow Cab as it careened
into Times Square and Demolisher leapt off the car ready for action.
Adamas landed beside the other New Crusaders.
Skink did a double somersault as he leapt off
Adamas back and onto the pavement.
StrikeForce with Dr. Wildman landed the
hovercraft in Times Square.
StrikeForce monitored news reports in the
hovercraft. When Jessica Anderson started broadcasting, he told everyone
especially Adamas. He broadcast the image with the onboard projector.
“… as the storm continues.”
“For those of you who just joined us, once
again this is Jessica Anderson with News special report on the continuing
eastern United States storm crisis. Just minutes ago a video data stream was
beamed here to the Megalopolis News headquarters, from a person or group that
claims responsibility for the storm that has been causing such havoc in the
eastern states for the past few days. We’re going to show this video for you as
soon as we get it set up, so we will be seeing this for the first time just as
you do, in the next few minutes.
“‘While we’re waiting for the tape to run,
let’s go over once again, the chain of events that . . . Excuse me for one
moment. All right… I understand that the video is ready to run. I don’t
understand exactly what we are about to see now, other than it’s supposed to be
a statement of demands from the group that claims responsibility for the
devastating storm that has been raging here for the last five days. Here’s the video
.....”
At this point, the picture of the news Jessica
was replaced by a picture of a darkened room. In the center foreground was a
man in a black costume and cape. His features from the shoulders up are hidden
in shadow, but his eyes seem to shine out through the darkness. He spoke in a
low and well modulated voice:
“I am Doctor Apocalypse, Earth’s Sorcerer
Supreme. I am the author of the tempest that grips the eastern United States in
its terrible gauntlet. These are my demands. I suggest that you heed them:
“In nine days, the Congress of the United
States of America will pass a resolution
declaring that the Refuge Islands of Megalopolis shall be a separate and sovereign
state, independent from the United States and deeded wholly and completely over
to myself.
“No later than the
following day, the President of the United States will sign that resolution
into law. In addition, the President will have drafted by that time, and be
prepared to sign, a treaty of non-interference with the new state, and with me
as its absolute monarch.
“Within three days
following this, the government of the state will ratify this law and will
initiate procedures to evacuate the Refuge Islands of Megalopolis. No later
than thirty days after the law is ratified by the state legislature, the Refuge
Islands shall be completely evacuated of all of its current residents. Anyone
remaining will become my citizens and forfeit their American Citizenships.
There will be no dual citizenships allowed or granted.
“If these demands
are not met, in strict adherence to the schedule I have stated, I shall destroy
a major city of the United States. I will continue to do this every day that
you fail to comply with my demands.
“Do not think for
a moment that your military or your technology can protect you from me. I am
your technological superior. I can defeat you strategically; I can crush you
psychically; I can destroy you supernaturally!
“If you are wise
men, then you will let the evidence that I have already shown you be enough;
you will let the disasters that have already occurred be the last. To
underestimate me would be a terrible mistake. Unfortunately, I do not believe
that you are wise men. I believe that most of you will be foolishly skeptical
of my powers. For you, I have arranged for there to be one additional
demonstration of my abilities. You have tasted my supernatural power; tomorrow
I will show you something of my technological might. This demonstration will
take place at sunrise today in the center of Times Square. You may respond to
this situation as you see fit. As for the storm, I will end it now.
“You will not hear
from me again unless you disappoint me.”
The video
transmission ends.
StrikeForce
stopped the projection.
Dr. Wildman knew
that his Steading was on one of the Refuge Islands.
Black Orchid knew
that StarCorp was on a different Refuge Island.
Skink loved all
the entertainment activities the Refuge Islands provided.
Adamas knew Dr. Apocalypse.
His name was Pietor.
{GM Note: Adamas meet Pietor in Quest Issue
no. 2}
It is 30 minutes before sunrise.
<Turns
and Actions due November 4th>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wooo
Hooooo!!! Glad to see a new issue.
Tom, I will think over what I want to ask
soon.
Thanks,
Jamey
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Tom,
So excited to receive the next issue, and
hopefully by the fact its out means things are a bit better at home for you and
the family.
If it’s not too much bother could you map out
generally where we all are in a rough map with our positions, where the prison
is, where Avery mansion is, where the eye of the storm is, where the Mall is,
where CHESS HQ is etc. That would be helpful for me just to formulate a
response.
Cheers
Steve
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I have
attached the Megalopolis Map.
The Eye of the Storm is at the Time Square
location Star
Black Orchid is at CHESS HQ
StrikeForce and Dr Wildman have left Fear
Island Super-Penitentiary and are there way to Dr. Avery's Mansion, They were
over Winthrope Station when Black Orchid called.
Adamas is at the Airport
Skink and CAST is at Our Fair City Mall
Demolisher and Manta-Man are near Crusader
Citadel
Patty Plus' location hasn't been established,
Most likely it is The Foundry or but it
could be Our Fair City
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom,
Thanks for the map.
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------
woohoo!
glad for the next ish!
Chuck
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve,
How are you?
I have been looking over the map and the
locations for the team members. D.W. and SF have not travelled far from the
prison at this point, and Dr. Avery’s mansion is farther away than the eye of
the storm. As I figure it Adamas(at the airport)can obviously transport himself
to the location. He could swing by the mall and pick up The Skink. If we need
the Academy students, then that would require us to go get them, but it would
probably be best to leave them out for the time being. Manta-Man is at our HQ
with The Demolisher. M-M can pilot one of the other vehicles and pickup Black
Orchid from C.H.E.S.S. HQ if necessary. This just leaves Party Plus, who has
yet to join our group, and is not known to the group (StrikeForce May have some
information on her because of his super hero/villain knowledge skill). I was
wondering if there was a way to contact both Dr.'s Arcane without having to
travel to their home. This would allow all of us to travel to the E.O.T.S.
Your thoughts?
Jamey
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes,
the Young Dr. Arcane (Hannah) has a CHESS communicator. The Crusaders have
provided both with communicators in case of emergency. So in flight
communication is possible.
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr.'s
Arcane can teleport if needed. I believe
Adamas has seen both of them do this in the past.
Jon
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Jon,
Thanks, I had forgotten that.
Thanks,
Jamey
*Edit from previous e-mail: Patty Plus, not
Party Plus. (Auto correct) sorry.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Arcane informed StrikeForce and Dr.
Wildman the same magical source that is creating the storm is also blocking his
ability to open teleport portals.
Tom
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Party
Plus - the great unsung hero of discount event planning!
The Black Orchid notices that she is close to
the center. No more time for idle analysis! “The Black Orchid to all team
members,” she calls over the radio. “The storm is centered on Times Square and
it is not moving. Something is going to happen at that location soon and we
need to be there. Everything else is a diversion to keep us busy and away! The
storm is magical not scientific in nature so be prepared for anything!” She
bolts up from the console and rushes out to make it Times Square, desperately
hoping she has not wasted too much time already.
OOC: I don’t remember if The Black Orchid can
run at full speed for a long time using her Willpower with the 3.0 reworking
and/or if it will take too long to get there quickly but she will try anyway.
Marc
--------------------------------------------------------------------
No, it doesn't.
Manta-Man can bring Black Orchid
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi
Tom,
A good question was asked about how quickly
Dr Wildman recovers once he hits sunlight. I guess we have never faced this as
an issue so wondered if you had any thoughts?
In my head it was a bit like Green Lantern -
once the 24 hours is up access is denied but as soon as he is exposed to
natural sunlight the access to his powers is regained. Are you happy with that?
That being the case are we past the 24 hour mark
as I'll role play the next bit depending on your answer. Also what time of day
is it at the point of writing...I've lost track.
Cheers
Steve
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree that exposure is all that is needed.
That is what we did with Dr Wildman was introduced. He was in a cave and turned
into a wooden statue.
It is night. He will be exposed to morning
sun in the center of the storm but nowhere else.
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Patty
Plus is with Laserfire. He received Black Orchids communications. The Fiery
Flyer asked Patty if she would like to help with the cause of the problem. He
can carry her as he has the ability to control his flame aura so she wouldn't
be burned.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Manta-Man
after receiving Black Orchid's message turned to Demolisher. "We need
to get to Times Square as soon as possible. Demolisher, I know we have known each
other for a short time but do you trust me?"
Tom
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Awesome
issue, and not just because of the Amazing cover. :)
Adamas will get Jessica inside and safe, and
head for Times Square.
I loved the blow by blow on the rescue, it
built a sense of danger and stress into the story as you read it. Very
cool!
Thanks and welcome back!
Jon
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks,
I am glad the story style was a success.
Will Adamas pickup Skink along the way?
Tom
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely!
Jon
---------------------------------------------------------------------
So Demolisher will try and make his way to
Time Square, then center of the storm as quickly as possible, per Black Orchids
message. If he can get a bystander to
give him a ride that would be great, otherwise he'll run, he and Manta are
pretty close. If there's someone around
that can give him a good Energy blast or something he could see if he can
absorb the energy and manifest some port of power that allows him to travel
faster.
The mental image of him car surfing a Yellow
Cab as it careens into times square and Demolisher leaps off the car ready for
action, seems like a fun time!
Thanks,
Chris Burke
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Manta-Man
can provide the energy blast.
As far as car surfer is concerned Demolisher
has freed over a dozen drivers from drowning in their cars. I bet he can find a
grateful driver to take him.
Let me know which you really want to do
Tom
-------------------------------------------------------------------
How about an energy blast from Manta-Man to
see what happens, and then if it's not anything that helps with travel he'll
hop on to a car for the triumphant arrival!
Chris
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Manta-Man blasts Demolisher an Electrical
Bolt. The Demolisher absorbs the electrical energy turning on his armor and
gaining the power of Willpower: Fortitude.
{GM Note: Manta-Man did 9 points of damage.
-2 to HP and 7 Points absorbed. His armor of 0/1/1/1. Rolled 95. Demolisher
gained Willpower: Fortitude - can roll double amount of damage compared to
normal rolling with damage.}
How do you want to catch your car surfing
ride? Call Uber? Contact someone you helped in the underground garage?
Thanks
Tom
-------------------------------------------------------------------
How long until dawn Tom?
Cheers
Steve
---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 to 4
hours. I am not strict on timekeeping employing more of comic book logic to
time
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Patty
took a moment to catch her breath and give silent thanks she was able to help
the people in the building, especially the little boy. Laserfire might be his
hero but that didn't sting, she wasn't in it for publicity or glory. In fact,
normally she would have beat feet already but this wasn't going anything like
her usual patrols. Plus if she was being honest she had always been impressed
by Laserfire, too.
She watched him control the flames, and when
he was done smiled and nodded at him "I bet you're a hit at parties."
He smiled back and seemed to be about to say
something when they both got the update from Black Orchid on their
communicators.
Patty did some quick math in her head. She
was a ways out from the storm's center. "I know this is a bit forward on
the first date, but any chance I could get a lift?"
Shane
-------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S.
I agree, the map was helpful. I also enjoyed the mechanics of trying to help
the plane down safely.
Shane
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I.C.: Dr Wildman scrambled around in the back
of the hovercraft and found the towel StrikeForce had suggested was stowed
away. As he mopped his hair with it he had that uncomfortable feeling that his
time was out. As a Druid the eldritch energies he wielded were connected to
either the sun or the moon. He had chosen the Solar path and so needed to be
exposed to sunlight even for a moment to connect with the mystic energies that
gave him his abilities. Not since the incident with the Indian shaman when he
found himself transformed into a tree inside a cave had he felt the 'loss'.
He gave a sigh and looked outside - 3 or 4
hours until dawn he guessed - and unless he got to the eye of the storm there
was no way he was going to see any sort of sunlight. He reached for his neck
and felt the silver torc around it. So the cowl was keeping keeping StormLord
alive, and with his spell casting temporarily impotent, all that was left was
the 3 charm spells in the amulet, his 3 healing potions, his druidic knowledge
and his survival skills...and of course his sparkling personality!
Earlier, Doctors Arcane and Arcane had agreed
with himself and StormLord; that the storm was supernatural in origin - and Black
Orchid had verified the fact with science. At least the CHESS communicators
were working as was the speeding Crusader Hovercraft. Looking outside, very
little else was functioning. The storm had sprung from nowhere and had battered
the city for over 24 hours relentlessly.
"About the only things left working are
sticks and stones..." He said as he sat down in the co-pilots seat, towel
wrapped around his shoulders. "When we get through this Strike, you are
going to have to teach me how to wield a stick - I've spent so much time
learning how to use magic; when it stops working I should probably need to
defend myself with a stick, staff or club - that feels like the sort of thing a
druid should be able to do."
"I need to confess skipper..." He
shrugged as he used the British term for captain "...I'm out of juice -
unless I can get to some natural sunlight I'm not sure what good I can be when
we have to face...whatever we have to face. You still happy me coming along?
Steve
---------------------------------------------------------------------
IC:
Alternating between the gauges and the front window of the Hovercraft, the
Cyborg Crusader keeps his eyes on any possible trouble that could impede their
route to the E.O.T.S. Giving his friend and teammate' s words careful
consideration. When he was sure of his response, he replied.
"Doc, it is always good to have you
here. Sure you may have temporarily lost some of power, but you still have
knowledge and insight that could be the difference between winning and losing.
How do you see yourself contributing in the coming conflict? As far as stick
fighting, sure I'd be happy to teach you."
Sending an update over the comm., StrikeForce
says. "New Crusaders, This is StrikeForce, can I get a check in on
everyone's status? Are you headed to the E.O.T.S.? Dr. Wildman and myself are
in route at the present time."
Jamey
--------------------------------------------------------------------
