Sunday, June 17, 2012

Phantom Man Beast: In Search of Nicotine - Issue 4

Location: Rooftop.

The sound of Detective Hill’s badly beaten form falling on to the fire escape below went completely unnoticed by the Phantom. The scream of police sirens wailing in the distance were barely audible to him as he stepped away from the edge of the building and began to get swept away in a memory he thought he had long since forgotten.

The warm summer breeze moved gently across a field of tall green grass, the afternoon sun set high above on its heavenly perch, and a man watched as his wife and two daughters danced whimsically about in a small circle. As they frolicked, the sunlight filtered through their hair and made it all look like threads of finely spun gold. They laughed as they spun quicker and quicker, and laughed even hard as the circle broke and they all fell carelessly to the ground. As his wife leaned forward to tickle their children she looked over to him with the kind of love in her eyes that most men go a lifetime without knowing. As his heart reached out towards its one true love . . . the memory of the moment began to fade.

The illusion of happiness that was playing out before him began to slowly collapse as the escalating level of chaos unfolding around him in the preset began to drag him back into the world he was truly living in.

Loneliness quickly swept across the voids created by the fickle finger of fate, and emptiness mercilessly filled the ruins that littered the tattered landscape of his soul.

Once again he felt the sense of vengeance that for far too long had been his only companion in this world.

He promised that he would always protect them and keep them safe

He promised her that he would love her forever . . .

The massive Man-Beast observed the Phantom's interrogation of the crooked cop with renewed appreciation of the white widowmaker's ruthlessness... until the end. Then it snarled, "You made one mistake, little man. You let him live. If we're gonna work together, you've got to stop being so damn soft. They won't return the favor."

The “Angel of Death’s” eyes squinted unconsciously as he glanced over at the supernatural beast and in a noticeably confused and surprised tone asked, “. . . work together?”

The creature chuckled gutturally. "That's right. I aim to prey on the underworld of this city... to tear out its heart and devour it while it's still beating. Before I'm done, they'll know what fear is. I sense you've got the same goal. If we don't work together, we'll just get in each other's way. I trust you'll be able to keep up with me?"

The veteran solider simply shook his head slightly, released a gentle sigh, and in a tone filled with a small measure of disgust and disbelief responded to the creature,” . . . anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?”

As he spoke, the Man-Beast absently padded over to Detective Hill's lost finger. It bent over, picked up the bloody remnant, sniffed it to get Hill's scent and then tossed it into its slavering jaws. Crunch. Nom.

It swallowed, smiled and turned its yellow cat eyes back at the Phantom. Its pupils shrank to vertical slits and it growled with merry hate: "Now... Trickshot, the Moonlighters, Buzzard... Who do we kill first?!"


Phantom turned his head, looked at the Man-Beast and calmly responded in distinctively aggressive and throaty tone, “. . . Trickshot”

They parted their separate ways. Phantom went to one of his secret arsenal locations. He changed out his gear for more assault oriented arsenal.

He went to the location he had for the Nicotines holdout.  They were all there. A guard was at the front door. He was watchful as if he expected trouble. The gangs’ motorbikes were in back with the pickup truck he had seen Trickshot driving. They were placed strategically where they were easily watched from the windows in the house.

When Phantom arrived at the rendezvous place Man Beast wasn’t there but the reporter he had seen earlier.  Sam Jones explained the Man Beast had undergone a change in his life which prevented him from making the meet. Sam went on to explain that he would square it with the cops so any kidnapping charges would be dropped before he left town. As he turned to leave he hesitated.

“Any chance of an interview?”


... To Be Continued ...

<Due Date: May 12th,  Actions? Replies?>

Current Conditions:
Phantom                       Hit Points: 23    Power Points: 50           Invulnerability: 5           
Two, FN Five-Seven Pistols: 3 to hit, 1d8 damage, 20 rounds per magazine
Four, extra Pistol Magazines: 20 rounds per magazine
One, FN P90 Submachine Gun:
+5 to hit, 1d8 damage, 50 rounds per magazine
Two, extra P90 Magazines:
50 rounds per magazine
Two, M67 Fragmentation Grenades:
+2 to hit, 1d10 damage, 2” blast radius
Two, MK3A2 Concussion Grenades:
+2 to hit, 1d2 damage, 1” blasé radius, Paralysis Ray attack
Gerber Mark II Combat Knife: +2 to hit, HTH+1d3

Man-Beast                    Hit Points: 34    Power Points: 67
---------------------------------------
All of the following is OOC –

Tom, GREAT issue! I must admit that I’m dying to know if Detective Hill is going to be investigated by the police department in the upcoming issues or will he just be seen as an innocent of victim of vigilante violence. No need to answer that – just thinking out loud ;)

Jeff, we’re probably going to have to write-up some ‘back and forth’ conversation in order to explain how Phantom and Man-Beast come to agree on a partnership – should be interesting to say the least.

Some Idea’s and Future Goal’s:

- Hook up with Father Lonnigan
- Clear Phantom of kidnapping ‘the reporter’
- Wipeout Trickshot and his new friends
- Stake out the hospital where Detective Hill is being treated to see who comes to visit him. I’m guessing we’ll see some of the Moonlighters that Hill named and maybe the Buzzrd himself ( in his secret identity ). I’m guessing they might also try to kill him or at the very least shake him up a bit to see if he ratted them out to Phantom & Man-Beast or not.

TOM WROTE:

After a brief cry of pain, Detective Hill replied, “He has taken up with the Nicotines. You should be able to find them at their safe house.” Detective Hill provided the address.


- Is the Nicotine’s Safe-house in the Foundry? I’m assuming that it is, but I just want to make sure.



TOM WROTE:

. . . Hill said, “We own the Foundry precincts and are without number. No names only badges.”


- How many precinct houses are there in the Foundry? If you don’t have a particular number in mind that’s fine – the reason ask is because I was just wondering how spread out these guys are, or are they more consolidated. For example if there’s only one or two houses it might make finding out who the Buzzard is a little easier, if there’s four or five it might make it a little more difficult.


TOM WROTE:

Detective Hill quickly gives the names of 8 Megalopolis PD officers. The Phantom had not heard any of their names before.

As the corrupt detective finished telling Phantom all he knew about the Moonlighters, . . .


- Am I correct in assuming that in addition to the names of the eight officers that Hill gives their ranks, precinct house numbers, etc.?

- Are you going to allow Phantom to be able to just remember all this info or should I have him write it down somewhere?



Talk to the both of you soon,

- Kev
------------------------------------
- Is the Nicotine’s Safe-house in the Foundry? I’m assuming that it is, but I just want to make sure.

Yes it is.

- How many precinct houses are there in the Foundry?
3

- Am I correct in assuming that in addition to the names of the eight officers that Hill gives their ranks, precinct house numbers, etc.?

You have their names and ranks but not precinct house numbers. You know the breakdown is 2, 3, and 3. Detective Hill was in the same precinct as the 2 he names.

- Are you going to allow Phantom to be able to just remember all this info or should I have him write it down somewhere?
Yes, I am going to allow it to be a part of his knowledge. He doesn't have a weakness which would cause him to have a chance to forget it. I won't make you remember it as a player.

Best
Tom
-----------------------------------
Man Beast

OOC

Great issues, no foolin. Haha. See what I did there?

Sorry I didn't answer Phantom's questions last ish. Great job replying for me, Tom. Thanks. Will pay better attention from now on.

I'm traveling this week, so I'll be a little quiet til after Easter.

The creature will want to go after Trickshot or the Moonlighters,tonight, before Hill tips them off. He doesn't want to see Lonnigan.But I'm completely open to whatever you want to do Kev.

Best,
Jeff
------------------------------------------
The massive Man-Beast observed the Phantom's interrogation of the crooked cop with renewed appreciation of the white widowmaker's ruthlessness... until the end. Then it snarled, "You made one mistake, little man. You let him live. If we're gonna work together, you've got to stop being so damn soft. They won't return the favor."

The angel of death looked skeptical at the creature's phrase "work together."  [OOC: Kevin, feel free to alter this any way you deem fit. I just needed a narrative device.]

The creature chuckled gutturally. "That's right. I aim to prey on the underworld of this city... to tear out its heart and devour it while it's still beating. Before I'm done, they'll know what fear is. I sense you've got the same goal. If we don't work together, we'll just get in each other's way. I trust you'll be able to keep up with me?"

As it spoke, it absently padded over to Detective Hill's lost finger. It bent over, picked up the bloody remnant, sniffed it to get Hill's scent and then tossed it into its slavering jaws. Crunch. Nom.

It swallowed, smiled and turned its yellow cat eyes back at the Phantom. Its pupils shrank to vertical slits and it growled with merryhate: "Now... Trickshot, the Moonlighters, Buzzard... Who do we kill first?!"

Jeff
------------------------------------------------
> PHANTOM’S IC RESPONSE <

The sound of Detective Hill’s badly beaten form falling on to the fire escape below went completely unnoticed by the Phantom. The scream of police sirens wailing in the distance were barely audible to him as he stepped away from the edge of the building and began to get swept away in a memory he thought he had long since forgotten.

The warm summer breeze moved gently across a field of tall green grass, the afternoon sun sat high above on its heavenly perch, and a man watched as his wife and two daughters danced whimsically about in a small circle. As they frolicked, the sunlight filtered through their hair and made it all look like threads of finely spun gold. They laughed as they spun quicker and quicker, and laughed even hard as the circle broke and they all fell carelessly to the ground. As his wife leaned forward to tickle their children she looked over to him with the kind of love in her eyes that most men go a lifetime without knowing. As his heart reached out towards its one true love . . . the memory of the moment began to fade.

The illusion of happiness that was playing out before him began to slowly collapse as the escalating level of chaos unfolding around him in the preset began to drag him back into the world he was truly living in.

Loneliness quickly swept across the voids created by the fickle finger of fate, and emptiness mercilessly filled the ruins that littered the tattered landscape of his soul.

Once again he felt the sense of vengeance that for far too long had been his only companion in this world.

He promised that he would always protect them and keep them safe

He promised her that he would love her forever . . .

The massive Man-Beast observed the Phantom's interrogation of the crooked cop with renewed appreciation of the white widowmaker's ruthlessness... until the end. Then it snarled, "You made one mistake, little man. You let him live. If we're gonna work together, you've got to stop being so damn soft. They won't return the favor."

The “Angel of Death’s” eyes squinted unconsciously as he glanced over at the supernatural beast and in a noticeably confused and surprised tone asked, “. . . work together?”
The creature chuckled gutturally. "That's right. I aim to prey on the underworld of this city... to tear out its heart and devour it while it's still beating. Before I'm done, they'll know what fear is. I sense you've got the same goal. If we don't work together, we'll just get in each other's way. I trust you'll be able to keep up with me?"
The veteran solider simply shook his head slightly, released a gentle sigh, and in a tone filled with a small measure of disgust and disbelief responded to the creature,”. . . anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?”
As he spoke, the Man-Beast absently padded over to Detective Hill's lost finger. It bent over, picked up the bloody remnant, sniffed it to get Hill's scent and then tossed it into its slavering jaws. Crunch. Nom.

It swallowed, smiled and turned its yellow cat eyes back at the Phantom. Its pupils shrank to vertical slits and it growled with merry hate: "Now... Trickshot, the Moonlighters, Buzzard... Who do we kill first?!"


Phantom turned his head, looked at the Man-Beast and calmly responded in distinctively aggressive and throaty tone, “ . . . Trickshot”

> PHANTOM’S GOAL(S) <

Phantom has two goals at the moment:

1. Find Trickshot and wipe him and the Nicotines out. Trickshot because it would mean the definitive end of the Sons of James gang, and the Nicotines for try to protect Trickshot.

2. Phantom wants to see what his new partner is made of – nothing like a ‘live fire exercise’ to find out.


> PHANTOM’S OOC RESPONSE <

My sincere apologies once more for the lateness guys.

Tom, I’m assuming that Phantom will be allowed to change weapons at this point. If you’re going to allow him to do so, then this is what he’s going to grab.


- His standard miscellaneous equipment ( i.e. Zippo, Hinged Handcuffs, tactical LED flashlight, etc. )
- Two, FN Five-Seven Pistols
- Four, extra Pistol Magazines
- One, FN P90 Submachine Gun
- Two, extra P90 Magazines
- Two, M67 Fragmentation Grenades
- Two, MK3A2 Concussion Grenades
- One, Ka-Bar Combat Knife



FN Five-Seven Pistol:
+3 to hit, 1d8 damage, Ax6 range, 20 rounds per magazine, capable of automatic fire. Phantom equips his with an under-barrel tactical flashlight.

FN P90 Submachine Gun: +5 to hit, 1d8 damage, Ax7 range, 50 rounds per magazine, capable of automatic fire. This weapon is equipped with a tactical flashlight on its right rail. The P90 fires 5.7x28mm rounds from a standard 50 round magazine ( same magazine used by the AR-57 ).

M67 Fragmentation Grenade: +2 to hit, 1d10 damage, weight = 1lb., 2” blast radius.

MK3A2 Concussion Grenade: +2 to hit, 1d2 damage, weight = 1lb., 1” blast radius. Anyone successfully hit by the blast will also suffer the effects of a Paralysis Ray attack.

Combat Knife: +2 to hit, HTH+1d3 damage, A” Range. Phantom uses either the USMC Ka-Bar or the Gerber Mark II combat knife.


Talk to you guys soon,

- Kev
-----------------------------------------------------------
Yes you will have time to change weapons.  In fact, I am going to use this change to level Phantom up.  For Street Patrol I am using standard improvement from V&V 2.1.  This means Phantom can increase one of his Stats by +1 or he can improve as secondary stat like Accuracy Modifier with a +1.

Please let me know what improvement you would like.

Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------
Cool! For some reason I didn't think we were going to level-up the Street Patrol guys - no idea why I thought that.

To be honest I'm pretty happy with Phantom in relations to where he stands as compared to the other villains he's been facing. I mean if I was one of those Min/Max type players I would automatically just say - Agility or Endurance, but I want something 'more' for Phantom, and the 'Man-Beast & Phantom' storyline - you guys have any idea's or suggestions?

I was thinking maybe something team oriented like 'Team Tactics' or 'Deadly Duo' - a +1 to Accuracy, or Damage, or whatever - to both Phantom AND Man-Beast whenever they're within close proximity to each other or something ( must be within ?" of each other to gain bonus ).

I don't know - what do you guys think? Any ideas/suggestions?

-Kev
------------------------------------------------------------
Since Jeff had to drop, we will work together on a new idea of his leveling up before next issue.

Tom


Quest: Stampede! - Issue 26

Location: Domain

Adamas landed and told The Team about the approaching danger of the Ghouls.

As Adamas and "Harvey" reported in on the pack of creatures starting to surround them, Joshua focused his thoughts relaying the information solely to Dr. Arcane. Based on the description provided he flashed a mental image of the creatures with a simple question ... "Friend or Foe?"

“Foe, they only see you as food.” was the response.

The Dravens became excited and talked among themselves. Finally the leader turned to Magus. “The Chosen One has found the Lost One, impressive. This is a very good sign.”

“So Chosen One will you prove your mettle against the pack as is the way of the Savage Domain or do you plan to display ‘Earthly Cunning’ to avoid fighting.” There was obvious contempt when it said “Earthly Cunning”.

"Earthly cunning" was Agent America's stock and trade.
The Cure turned her head to face Agent America "So...are we letting the talking hot wings goad us into a fight with the demon ewoks?" She then turned her back to the team and then whispered to AA "You're the Team leader right? If you say fight or if you say pass that's what we do. I only say this because too many cooks...you know what I mean." The Cure then walked pass DarkStar and Magnus and shook her head as she then made her way to Harvey and Elwood.

Elwood stood a little taller as Mary walked toward him and said, "I'll check Harvey.  Ahem, Harvey wonders if we should just try to scare the animals off with a show of strength."

On cue, Harvey created an illusionary pack of 12 of the large pachyderms he recently observed, making them appear to stampede toward the oncoming ghouls.

Leaning a bit toward the Cure, Elwood said, "I hope this works.  Keep your fingers crossed."

DarkStar said, "Ion (AA’s current disguise), I suggest we get the fliers in the air. Guys, if things get hot, remember to watch each others 'six' and buddy up. If we have to get in a firefight, concentrate your shots and attack in tandem. Knockout one target at a time and move to the next. Hopefully all those teeth are just for smiling big and pretty when they're making new friends, but can't hurt to be a little cautious. . . . Scatterbrain? You want to stay with me or catch a ride with one of the fliers?" Asking Elwood to keep within arm’s length at all times, DarkStar kept his back to Agent America, while surveying the actions of the pack of Ghouls. "Nice touch with the elephants. Even lions know better than to mess with something that big."

"Thank you for your offer my friend" Elwood responded.  "My dear" now turning toward Mary, he continued "you very likely do not need my assistance, so I will stay with our formidable ally if you do not find this disagreeable."

"Not at all." as she turned to face Elwood. "Take care kind sir. I'm sure you're in good hands."

The eyes of Elwood sought the horizon as he tried to see how well the conjured stampede will fare against the oncoming unwelcoming committee.  "I hope the ghouls didn't want any bananas."

"Sounds good to me...only thing is I don't think I can carry any one."  Mary looked to see how the Dravens react to the teams "Earthly Cunning". Mary then turned her attention to Magus.

"If you don't mind me asking, do you know why the Dravens call you the chosen one?"
Tilting his head slightly to the side in order to let The Cure know that he had heard her, but not looking directly at her, Magus responded with a sense of melancholy in his voice, “ . . . yes . . .”

As ‘The Team’ began to discuss what their next course of action would be, Magus just stood there silently hovering above the ground with a look stoic determination on his face and stared out across the endless horizon.

The secret agent listened to all the advice the Team offered up. He smiled at Dowd's Psionic illusion, admired Rose's battle tactics and winced behind his mask at the Cure's politicking. Then he said, "There's no profit in this fight. I suggest the airborne members of the Team please carry the ground-pounders and we fly over this mess, continuing on to our real goal. If there are any objections, I'm happy to hear them now."

"No objections here . . . What about the birds?" replied DarkStar.

Adamas said, "I do not understand what exactly is happening here, but I remember this place."  Adamas shared details on a land inhabited by foul wizards and the creatures they created for pleasure.  The animals now roam the land preying on each other causing the eco-system to be unbalanced with too many predators and not enough prey. Each wizard maintained its own stronghold to protect himself from the land each had haphazardly created. It was a feudal kingdom taken to nightmarish extreme.

Adamas said, "I see no benefit in battling ghouls, or how that might bring us any closer to finding Donna.  These fowl creatures are merely goading us to gauge our mettle."

"I recommend that we follow them if they will guide us, if not we have a lot of territory to cover, unless Magus has some direction," he says turning to the young mage.

Once again Magus tilted his head slightly to the side in order to let his team mate know that he had heard them, but this time he did not respond.
 
"If a fight is unavoidable, everyone's number one priority is their own defense. Protect yourselves. Again, we have nothing to gain here... or to prove." AA said.

As he spoke, he thought: "Lost One? The alien Adamas is a native of the Domain?"

DarkStar said, "Like I said no objections, mission first ... always, but I doubt these 'guides' fly all that fast. Hell from the sounds of it they might not even want to until they've been entertained, and we need them to find Donnah and Occult."

Still hovering silently above the ground in an almost noble posture, Magus turned to look at Agent America and said in an almost emotionless tone, “Complete the mission . . . I’ll catch up if I can.” As he started to take off in the direction of the ghouls he quickly stopped and turned to the patriotic super-spy once again. For the first time since he has joined ‘The Team’, Agent America caught a slight hint of genuine emotion and heartfelt sincerity in Magus’s voice, “They’re your responsibility now . . . get them to safety.” Handing the star-spangled banner hero the scroll he had tucked away just moments ago, the two heroes exchange a mutual look of understanding. Before anyone can even voice an opinion about the matter, Magus flew off alone to meet ‘The Team’s’ would-be assassin’s head-on.

Magus flew to the last known location of the pack. There he saw them taking running in the other direction. The stampede illusion had been effective with the dim witted beasts. From behind him he heard the tell-tale sound of *WHOUMP* letting him know The Team was on the move.

Magus lifted up in his noble standing position that he used in flight. He quickly joined up with the team that was moving cautiously as it followed its guide. Beside predators on the ground they were making sure to avoid the territory of the most aggressive flying predators. Adamas was carrying Agent America and The Cure was flying next to them.

Magus heard Elwood scream in pain. Adamas and The Cure flew toward the ground with upmost speed. As Magus arrived he was DarkStar crushing what looked to be tumbleweed.

The Cure checked on Elwood who lay on the ground injured.  All around them tumbleweeds were being crushed by an unseen force. Within minutes there weren’t any intact tumbleweeds within 200 yards of them.

DarkStar was telling Agent America and Adamas. “Scatterbrain and I ‘ported into the area. It looked like a good spot from the distance with only these weeds and crystal plants. When we arrived here, this one”, DarkStar pointed to the tumbleweed he had crushed,”started moving on its own. Then it stopped and started to vibrate.  I felt a pain in my skull, like a slight headache. That is when Scatterbrain screamed and fell to the ground.”

Adamas explained it was not tumbleweed but a demon. It is called YTego and can generate a telepathic blast that covers a 100ft radius around itself. It is capable of moving and turning on its own.

{GM Note: Psionic Blast area attack was made on both DarkStar and Elwood. DarkStar took -7 to HP and Elwood -8 to HP}

The Draven asked how much longer until we can travel again.  Occult’s stronghold is in sight. It won’t take long to get there from here.

The Cure placed her hand on Elwood’s chest. A green glow surrounded them both and then it looked to be absorbed by Elwood. He sat up and looked to be 100% better.

The Cure walked over to DarkStar and offered to heal him. He accepted her offer.  She placed her hand on his chest. A green glow surrounded them both but it wasn’t absorbed. It floated away.  The Cure was shocked. She had never been unable to heal someone before.

DarkStar was puzzled. He wondered if his invulnerability prevented his healing. Then another possibility crossed his mind. He looked up toward the sky. He searched for the Sun but didn’t find one.  While the Domain had a source of light it was not being illuminated by a stellar radiation source such as Earth’s sun.

{GM Note: DarkStar’s Weakness: Requires Sunlight to recover Hit Points is what prevented The Cure from healing him.}

< Due Date: May 12th, Actions? Replies?>

Changes Characters stats while in Domain

Adamas – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 3,666, and HtH is 1d12
Agent America – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 1,097, and HtH is 1d10
DarkStar – Agility is 11, Carrying Cap is 27,696, and HtH is 3d10
Elwood – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 53, and HtH is 1d2
Harvey – He is a magical or imaginary being so his ‘stats’ are unaffected.
Magus – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 852, and HtH is 1d8
The Cure – Agility no change, Carrying Cap is 85, and HtH is 1d3}

QUEST
Current Conditions:
Agent America              Hit Points: 83    Power Points: 97          
Adamas                        Hit Points: 47    Power Points: 78           Invulnerability: 24
DarkStar                       Hit Points: 83    Power Points: 110         Invulnerability: 30
Harvey                          Hit Points: 81    Power Points: 90  
Elwood                         Hit Points: 9      Power Points: 54  
Magus                          Hit Points: 34    Power Points: 73  
The Cure                       Hit Points: 22    Power Points: 79  

-------------------------------------------------
OOC: It may look like I'm trying to make a rift in the team but I'm just looking to see who runs this ship.

IC: The Cure turns her head to face Agent America "So...are we letting the talking hot wings goad us into a fight with the demon ewoks?" She then turns her back to the team and then whispers to AA "You're the Team leader right? If you say fight or if you say pass that's what we do. I only say this because too many cooks...you know what I mean." The Cure then walks passed Darkstar and Magnus and shakes her head as she then makes her way to Harvey and Elwood.
-----------------------------------------------------
OOC
Wow. Getta load of Lady Macbeth!
;-)))

Things are about to get interesting.
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------
OOC: Get your popcorn ready! Nooo. Really? Nobody else wants to see Stars and Stripes slap this "Team" into shape? I see a lot of solo acts when I should see a "Team". And if nothing else This could be a splash of color in a black and white world. ; )

Larry
---------------------------------------------------
OOC:  lmao

 . . . and as someone who "sees a lot of solo acts when I
should see a Team"  .  .  .  your thought process is that stirring the pot is a good thing?

Baby color this Team has in spades, lol.

John
----------------------------------------------------
OOC: Yep. Why? Do you think I'm wrong? Do you see a team? If anyone else thinks I'm wrong let me know. Maybe I'm missing something. And yes "stirring the pot" brings all the $@&! to the surface. ; )

Larry
----------------------------------------------------
OOC: Yes you're wrong but that's okay. Everyone is allowed an opinion. What you have is three Team members that have worked successfully for a year and a half accomplishing every mission given them defeating every foe they fought. With then you have three PC newbies who have yet to really prove themselves. It's a matter of integrating veterans and rookies. Rookies see things without truly understanding them but think they know everything and are ready to set the world on fire to show everyone how badass they are.

Yes I see a Team. One in transition. One that I suspect will grow stronger and more powerful if time and opportunities allow . . . but like I said everyone is allowed an opinion, and that's mine. Hope that’s not too much "colorful $@&! for you.

John
----------------------------------------------------
Ooc:  I hope this isn't too impulsive.  Harvey and Elwood are definitely newbies and have yet to get the understanding of teamwork.  I will make them evolve through experience. 
 : )

Ic:
Elwood stands a little taller as Mary walks toward him and says, "I'll check Harvey.  Ahem, Harvey wonders if we should just try to scare the animals off with a show of strength."

On cue, Harvey attempts to create an illusionary pack of 12 of the large pachyderms he recently observed, making them appear to stampede toward the oncoming ghouls.

Leaning a bit toward the Cure, Elwood says, "I hope this works.  Keep your fingers crossed."

Michael
-----------------------------------------------------
OOC: Well Elwood certainly isn't badass.

Will post IC next week.
Happy Easter everyone.

Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------
OOC: impulsive yes but seemingly very much suited to the character. . Using a creature they are familiar with Is well done and hopefully will have the desired effect. Kudos. I’m holding DS back for the moment. He's not only out of his element. I'm trying to figure Toms game. Friends are enemies. Enemies are friends?  Nothing is as it seems is basically what Doc said.

For the moment it's a point and click adventure for DS. AA points and DS clicks  i.e. Hulk Smash (lol)

Later Team
John
-----------------------------------------------------
Hi Tom

Quick question - honest :)

Do the Team's Amulets still have the same kind of link to Doctor Arcane as when they were on Earth? i.e. "Hey Doc I gotta quick question?"

Thanks
John
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes you can talk to both Doctor Arcane and Dr. Apocalypse using the Amulet.

Best
Tom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<DarkStar: IC response & actions> As Adamas and "Harvey" report in on the creatures surrounding them Joshua focuses his thoughts relaying the information to Dr. Arcane. As they come within sight he will flash a mental image of the creatures with a simple question "Friend or Foe?"

OOC: I'm hoping DS can get a quick answer and formulate his Action from the information Doc provides. Regardless ...

<DarkStar: IC > "Ion (AA) let's get the fliers in the air. Remember to watch each others 'six' and buddy up  If we have to get in a firefight, concentrate your fire and  attack in tandem. Knockout one target at a time and move to the next. Hopefully all those teeth are just for smiling big and pretty when they're making new friends, but can't hurt to be a little cautious. . . . Elwood? You want to stay with me or catch a ride with one of the fliers?"

John
----------------------------------------------------------
Ooc:  did you intend to use Elwood's name, as opposed to "Scatterbrain"?

IC:  "Thank you for your offer my friend" Elwood responds.  "My dear" now turning toward Mary, he continues "you very likely do not need my assistance, so I will stay with our formidable ally if you do not find this disagreeable." The eyes of Elwood seek the horizon as he tries to see how well the conjured stampede will fare against the oncoming unwelcoming committee.  "I hope the ghouls didn't want any bananas."

Michael
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Crap :( - My bad man!

Honestly,  I think his not having a "codename" just throws me off. Will correct with a corrected and updated response when I send Tom's DS potential responses based on the information he receives from Doc.

Thanks for the Catch
John
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IC: "Not at all." as she turns to face Elwood. "Take care kind sir. I'm sure you're in good hands."

OOC: The Cure will await orders from AA so actions saved till then.

Larry
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DS: Initial response edited.

<DarkStar: IC response & actions> As Adamas and "Harvey" report in on the pack of creatures starting to
surround them, Joshua focuses his thoughts relaying the information solely to Dr. Arcane. As they come within sight
he will flash a mental image of the creatures with a simple question ... "Friend or Foe?"

<DarkStar: IC > "Ion (AA), I suggest we get the fliers in the air. Guys, if things get hot, remember to watch each
others 'six' and buddy up. If we have to get in a firefight, concentrate your shots and attack in tandem. Knockout
one target at a time and move to the next. Hopefully all those teeth are just for smiling big and pretty when they're
making new friends, but can't hurt to be a little cautious. . . . Scatterbrain? You want to stay with me or catch a ride
with one of the fliers?" Asking Elwood to keep within arms length at all times, DarkStar keeps his back to Agent
America, while surveying the actions of the pack of Ghouls. "Nice touch with the elephants. Even lions know better than
to mess with something that big."


OOC: DarkStar Actions depending on Dr. Arcane's response to Joshua's question ...
1) Friend: Joshua will step back and let anyone considers themselves more adept handle the situation with diplomacy.
2) Foe: Joshua will 'combat jump' with Elwood behind one of the more isolates set of Ghouls and use his attacks in an
attempt to knock them back in the direction of a set of Ghouls that has already been attacked by someone of higher Initiative.
3) No Answer: Same as for Friend or Foe, depending on how Agent America determines to handle the Ghouls.

PS: I can/will make alterations depending on future character input and interactions.

Watch out for the monkeys
John
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OOC: I don't think it's as simple as"friend or foe" What was said was...
"Don’t assume everyone is your enemy or they will become so."
"Don’t assume everyone is your ally or you will be betrayed."
Which is why I think we need to slow play this hand.

Larry
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"Earthly cunning" was Agent America's stock and trade.

The secret agent listened to all the advice the Team offered up. He
smiled at Dowd's Psionic illusion, admired Rose's battle tactics and
winced behind his mask at the Cure's politicking.
Then he said, "There's no profit in this fight. I suggest the airborne
members of the Team please carry the ground-pounders and we fly over
this mess, continuing on to our real goal. If there are any
objections, I'm happy to hear them now."

[replies, if any?]

"If a fight is unavoidable, everyone's number one priority is their
own defense. Protect yourselves. Again, we have nothing to gain
here... or to prove."

As he spoke, he thought: "Lost One? The alien Adamas is a native of the Domain?"

Jeff
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OOC: No assuming going on. It's why DS is consulting Doc. The one person who has been to the Domain. There's also a set of actions based on no response or no helpful response from Doc. No, "assuming" would be a whole simpler set of actions. :) It's also why he kept the message to Doc private. So as not to distract others from developing their own thoughts on the matter. - DS is known to be a touch paranoid in these situations

John
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<DarkStar: IC response> "No objections here . . . What about the birds?"

"Like I said no objections, mission first ... always, but I doubt these 'guides' fly all that fast. Hell from the sounds of it they might not even want to until they've been entertained, and we need them to find Donnah and Occult."

OOC: Probably over-thinking the bird thing but it did pop into my mind Tom wouldn't just let us use our uber-movement powers without a "cost". Otherwise DS could just Teleport us from site to site til we found Donnah and Occult. Like I said probably over-thinking.

John
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The ONE person who has been to The Domain? Wouldn't that be an assumption though? Perhaps someone else has . . . or perhaps not . . .


Adamas landed and told The Team about the approaching danger of the Ghouls. The Dravens became excited and talked among themselves. Finally the leader turned to Magus. “The Chosen One has found the Lost One, impressive. This is a very good sign.”

“So Chosen One will you prove your mettle against the pack as is the way of the Savage Domain or do you plan to display ‘Earthly Cunning’ to avoid fighting.” There was obvious contempt when it said “Earthly Cunning”.

Kevin
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OOC: The "assuming" was in regards to the Ghoul motives. But since you feel need to be nit-picky I'll give you that yes as far as DS knows Doc is the one reliable source of information on the Domain that he knows of. If another more readily available source of reliable information is available. By all means we're all waiting for it to show itself. Preferably In Character.

John
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Sorry If I upset you John - I assure you that wasn't my intention. I wasn't trying to nit-pick - just wanted to point out another possibility - my apologies again for getting involved in the discussion.

-Kev
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No problem Kev.

Maybe it would have helped, if I had been more complete in my sentence and stated "The one person DarkStar knows of that has returned from the Domain". Done, over and forgotten.

I just felt need to get the ball rolling. Only a couple days to deadline. DS is so out of his element it;s hard not to want to just play "Hulk Smash"  I was hoping the simplicity of his communication to and request of information from would have allowed Tom to have Doc respond this Issue and give us something to go on. As you can tell from my response to Jeff, I feel the Draven  are the key to how Tom is going to let us pace the game, but that truly is an assumption. (LOL)

Hit us up with some magical Magus wisdom buddy.  DS for one could use the input.

Later Big K
John
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> OOC: Probably over-thinking the bird thing but it did pop into my mind Tom
> wouldn't just let us use our uber-movement powers without a "cost".

OOC: Maybe, but AA doesn't know about Tom.  ;-)


> Otherwise DS could just Teleport us from site to site til we found Donnah
> and Occult.

OOC: Not sure that's easier than following the guides. Donnah could be
anywhere on the planet.

Best,
Jeff
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OOC: That's okay I'm pretty sure I don't know about Tom either, why should AA? Actually I'm pretty sure that's the other way around. (lol)

As far as teleporting I'm not saying it's a great ... no scratch that. I'm not saying it's even a mediocre idea, but in normal circumstances I'd have had DS teleporting the Team to the various magical hotspots it showed on the map Magus had out a couple issues ago. But you're absolutely right, Donnah could be anywhere. Hotspot or not.  It's why DS has been cooling his teleporting jets so far. It's also why he thinks the Dravens might be important in any "evac" plan the Team is putting in place.

On the other hand they could have FTL and teleport as far as DS knows. (lol) Either way he's backing AA's play until/unless Doc says otherwise - and maybe even then.

Regards
John
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IC: "Sounds good to me...only thing is I don't think I can carry any one."  Mary looks to see how the Dravens react to the teams "Earthly Cunning". Mary then turns her attention to Magus.

"If you don't mind me asking, do you know why the Dravens call you the chosen one?"

OOC:" politicking" Really!? See If The Cure backs you up again. ; )

Larry
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Sorry for the late response...

IC: Adamas - "I do not understand what exactly is happening here, but I remember this place."  Adamas will share whatever knowledge he remembers with the team.

"I see no benefit in battling ghouls, or how that might bring us any closer to finding Donna.  These fowl creatures (no pun intended) are merely goading us to gauge or mettle."

"I recommend that we follow them if they will guide us, if not we have a lot of territory to cover, unless Magus has some direction," he says turning to the young mage.

OC: Adamas will offer to carry anyone unable to join those in the air, but will stay close to the Cure and Elwood. Following Agent's lead.

Jon
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Quest: Issue 25: Lost One: Magus’s Response


> MAGUS’S IC RESPONSE <

TOM WROTE:

Adamas landed and told The Team about the approaching danger of the Ghouls. The Dravens became excited and talked among themselves. Finally the leader turned to Magus. “The Chosen One has found the Lost One, impressive. This is a very good sign.”

“So Chosen One will you prove your mettle against the pack as is the way of the Savage Domain or do you plan to display ‘Earthly Cunning’ to avoid fighting.” There was obvious contempt when it said “Earthly Cunning”.


As ‘The Team’ began to discuss what their next course of action would be, Magus just stood there silently hovering above the ground with a look stoic determination on his face and stared out across the endless horizon.


THE CURE SAID:

"If  you don't mind me asking. Do you know why the Dravens call you the choosen one?"


Tilting his head slightly to the side in order to let The Cure know that he had heard her, but not looking directly at her, Magus responded with a sense of melancholy in his voice, “ . . . yes . . .”


ADAMAS SAID:

"I see no benefit in battling ghouls, or how that might bring us any closer to finding Donna.  These fowl creatures (no pun intended) are merely goading us to gauge or mettle."

"I recommend that we follow them if they will guide us, if not we have a lot of territory to cover, unless Magus has some direction," he says turning to the young mage.


Once again Magus tilts his head slightly to the side in order to let his team mate know that he had heard them, but this time he does not respond.


AGENT AMERICA SAID:

"There's no profit in this fight. I suggest the airborne members of the Team please carry the ground-pounders and we fly over this mess, continuing on to our real goal. If there are any objections, I'm happy to hear them now."

"If a fight is unavoidable, everyone's number one priority is their own defense. Protect yourselves. Again, we have nothing to gain here... or to prove."


Still hovering silently above the ground in an almost noble posture, Magus turns to look at Agent America and says in an almost emotionless tone, “Complete the mission . . . I’ll catch up if I can.” As he starts to take off in the direction of the ghouls he quickly stops and turns to the patriotic super-spy once again. For the first time since he has joined ‘The Team’, Agent America catches a slight hint of genuine emotion and heartfelt sincerity in Magus’s voice, “They’re your responsibility now . . . get them to safety.” Handing the star-spangled banner hero the scroll he had tucked away just moments ago, the two heroes exchange a mutual look of understanding. Before anyone can even voice an opinion about the matter, Magus flies off alone to meet ‘The Team’s’ would-be assassin’s head-on.


> MAGUS’S GOAL(S) <

Magus wants to see that the main goal of the mission gets accomplished and that ‘The Team’ leaves ‘The Domain’ safely, but at the same time feels that confronting the approaching pack of ghouls is something that he needs to do as well. 

Magus will take the ghouls head-on once ‘The Team’ is safely away from the area.


> MAGUS’S OOC RESPONSE <

My apologies for getting this in so late guys - I can’t promise it won’t happen again, but I will try to keep it to a minimum.

My sincere thanks for all the concern and understanding guys.

Tom if you need anything else from me please let me know.


Talk to you all soon,

- Kev