From within the heart of an ancient Ragnorok, a new battle raged to rock the heavens! For in the lost city of dead gods, Vanguard faced the Dark Avatar inside the Temple of the Pantheon of Evil!
The Dark Avatar surveyed the shattered statues of the Dark Pantheon, and grimly cast another black spell. This one summoned into existence a translucent, mystical energy wall between the battle and the remaining statues (see map)! VER-RANG! It ranged to the walls and ceiling. She placed herself on the same side of the barrier as Vanguard, so she could continue murdering them!
“I’ve still more than enough power left to make all of you beg for mercy,” she promised.
Avatar was determined to keep Dark Avatar’s attention on him so that the rest of Vanguard was free to act! Without a word, he ran at the 40 foot tall titan of terror and quickly scaled her armor, never alighting for long at any one point (like Legolas scaling an Oliphant). When the demigod of destiny reached her neck, he slashed at it with the sword he forged with the skill of Hephaestus! SSHUNK!! Avatar’s aim was true and he drew blood!
The Dark Avatar snarled in her booming, giant voice: “So the Pantheon’s sacrificial lamb still has some bite left?” WHAMM! She struck Avatar with a hand that was bigger than him, sending him flying off, backwards and down! (22 points of damage! Roll with 1, takes 21 off hits!) Avatar landed on his feet again, but another attack like that would kill him! Her cold laughter filled the massive temple.
Talon summoned what strength he had left and flew another ‘strafing run’ at Dark Avatar! SKASH!! His claws slashed her! Her armor was so damaged now it was no longer protecting her!
Soldier he yelled out, "Be careful, Clone's on the other side of the barrier. We need to get him out of there!" Using the column as cover, he took aim at the ceiling above Dark Avatar and fired a pair of explosive rounds! BOOM! BOOOMM! Heavy stones were loosed from the explosions and tumbled down into Dark Avatar’s back, shoulder and head! THUMP! KRASH! She roared in pain and anger.
Lightning Strike surveyed the mystical wall blocking him off, trying to figure out a way to get to the other side of it. When he heard Soldier reporting Clone’s position, the electric avenger transformed into living lightning and disappeared! SHAKOW! Almost simultaneously, he poured out of Clone’s communicator in a rain of sparks, destroying it, and assumed human shape again! Strike was on the other side of the barrier! He then took aim at an undamaged statue, the God of Death, and SHAKOOM!! blew it to bits! Dark Avatar raged, “No!” There were five statues remaining!
Symbiote fired a lightning bolt at their fearsome foe! SHAKAKOW!! Her armor offered no protection.
“Aarrh!” she growled.
Zephyr flew toward the mystical wall and blasted it with a gale force wind! WHOOSH! Almost nothing happened! The wall merely moaned. In fact, no air even deflected off the wall’s surface. “Guys,” she said, “I think this thing just devoured that wind blast.”
Menagerie moved to the stairs to transform when his senses suddenly detected the smell of sulphur wafting up the stone stairwell. Dark Avatar’s mystical shield smelled of sulphur. She had cast the barrier through the lower level as well! (see last ish! Clone made it through before she formed the barrier!) The shamanic shapeshifter assumed the form of Man and moved to the barrier to observe the Coven. The corrupt conjurers still waited and watched.
Menagerie called to them: “This is not a fight between good and evil. Nor is it a fight between life and death. It is a fight between existence and destruction. No one can side on the sideline when the stakes are this high. What does the Coven gain if all there is … is nothing?”
Sentinel joined the mysterious mystic. “Hey Samedi! Knew you’d make it to the endgame, Smiley. So how’s that quest for the power of the Avatar working out for you and your cronies?”
The beacon of liberty ended by asking the Crimson Coven, “So tell me, where do you think you all fit into the equation with The Dark Pantheon’s Scorched Earth policy?”
The Coven members heard Menagerie and Sentinel and were silent. Samedi still wore his manic grin, even in the face of cosmic oblivion. Mirage frowned. Okmenhotep seemed to actually be smiling.
Sentinel then formed a construct inside the wall, trying to disrupt it or make a path that Vanguard could use to reach the other side. The wall moaned and disintegrated the construct until nothing was left of it!
Watching it, the mystical wall didn’t appear to be a solid. It was more like a damage field or a wall of flames. Things could move through it, but they would be damaged by it!
Sentinel formed a final construct, inside the statue of the Goddess of Discord and War! KABOOM!! It imploded and the Dark Avatar’s armor disappeared! Her face was that of a beautiful woman, with serpents instead of hair, like the mythical Medusa!
Slingshot saw Clone across the way. "How did he get there?" Scott wondered. He searched for Clone’s exit and found no way to the other side, except maybe by smashing through an exterior wall.
He turned and saw the Dark Avatar standing between the two remaining pillars. He smiled. “Time to give something back.” The pliable powerhouse stretched his big arms around the two remaining pillars and then pulled with all his might to bring them down on top of Dark Avatar! KRASH!! KA-THOOM!! The hundred foot stone columns bludgeoned the evil giantess mercilessly, breaking bones and driving her to her hands and knees. She was struggling for air. “Curse this vessel!”
The Clone that was behind the magic wall quickly divided to create ten more duplicates! Suddenly all eleven Clones poured out of the antechamber to topple the four remaining statues!
The Crimson Coven was waiting and ready (saved actions), and could have stopped the flood of duplicates. Instead, they did nothing!
KRASH! The statue of the God of Hell was toppled by two Clones!
ZGRASH! The statue of the God of the Undead was broken by two Clones!
SMASH! The statue of the God of Monsters was destroyed by two Clones, and Dark Avatar’s form changed again! Her face became more human, and the serpents were replaced with ebon hair.
BASH! The statue of the Goddess of Magic was smashed by two Clones, and suddenly the mystical barrier disappeared with a moan! Dark Avatar’s supernatural speed left her. And she began shrinking back to human size!
There were no undamaged statues left in the unholy temple!
Dark Avatar cried, still on her hands and knees, “Nooo! Stop! We’ll spare the Earth! We’ll give it to you… as a plaything!!”” Her voice was different; deeper.
The Clone that was on Vanguard’s end of the unholy church, charged her. Increasing his pace, he reached down to the ground and grabbed the nearest piece of broken column and heaved it at her and said ( in Ukrainian ), “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,... but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty!” SMASH! Dark Avatar was badly injured!
Avatar retrieved his spear and closed to attack before the Pantheon’s speed and strength left him!
Dark Avatar rolled onto her back, beaten and exhausted, revealing her true face. Her true identity.
It was Penumbra.
She was as different from Dark Avatar as was Kairos from Avatar…
…And perhaps more: she was not blinded by Amnesia. Nor was the Dark Pantheon content to merely manifest in their champion, instead choosing complete possession.
Broken and bloodied, she looked up at Avatar and snarled, “Next time, I shall utterly destroy you.”
Avatar struck her with the butt of his spear! KRAK! She was unconscious.
Mirage said, “Wait, wait! What was that plaything part again?”
Okmenhotep said in English, “Well done, Vanguard.
I shall imprison her, so that she isn’t reincarnated into a new life form. I shall also put an end the spell that is holding you here. Likewise, the Crimson Coven.
Farewell, Vanguard. I hope we meet again. If we do, please call me by my real name: Mystic.”
With that, he fired an eldritch blast from each hand to destroy the two remaining lode bearing columns! VRAK! And as the temple of evil came down in an avalanche of stone, Vanguard saw the environment and everyone in it disappear into nothingness as they headed for home.
Vanguard materialized atop the Vanguard Vault! Dawn was breaking. It was going to be a beautiful day.
OOC:
Replies to any and all of the above?
-----------------------------------
This concludes our story arc!
Loose ends:
Sentinel, Symbiote, Zephyr, Menagerie and anyone interested in the history of superheroes has heard of the Mystic. He was a mysterious sorcerer who was an infrequent and mercurial ally of the Liberty League, the golden age heroes of WWII. The Mystic was never photographed and his motives were often inscrutable.
Before long, Vanguard will share the information they discovered when they were separated. It seemed that in the temple, Dark Avatar was nearly omnipotent. Outside of it, she was nearly powerless, which is why she needed to employ the Crimson Coven to deliver Avatar to her with the promise of immortality. A promise she never intended to keep.
The Coven believed Vanguard would be pulled into the matter eventually, given Avatar’s relationship and proximity to them, so they decided to strike Vanguard and Avatar simultaneously.*
Wishing to avoid a direct confrontation, or worse, an invasion of Vanguard Vault where Vanguard would be best defended, the Coven attacked Vanguard in their dreams where they would be most powerless. Once contact was made, they transported Vanguard’s physical selves to the Pantheon’s home dimension and ensorcelled them via the nightmare illusion spell.
When Vanguard pierced the illusion, the Coven had no choice but to attempt to defeat Vanguard in battle and bring Avatar to the Dark Avatar. The Coven’s morale was quickly broken by the unexpected fair fight.
*It’s possible that Okmenhotep / Mystic was never on Dark Avatar’s side. Perhaps he manipulated the Coven into involving all of Vanguard, so that Vanguard would handle the threat Dark Avatar represented to the multiverse.
Vanguard had been gone for approximately seven hours.
-----------------------------------
Please now answer the following 3 things:
1) If you wish to leave the game for whatever reason, now is the perfect time in terms of our story. But I sincerely hope that none of you will leave. Those that stay, please continue:
2) Please let me know any major things you’d like your character to do over the coming weeks/months. Remember, your actions help steer this mighty, unwieldy saga! Your characters’ lives sow the seeds for future adventures.
3) Experience Point Time!Experience is awarded for:
Surviving the Nightmare Illusion Mind Trap: 500 points
Detecting a clue to help smash the Nightmare Illusion Mind Trap: 500 points (Symbiote only)
Battling and Defeating the Crimson Coven! 1000 points
Exploring the Lost City: one dose of Occult Studies skill
Escaping the Mists of Madness! 500 points
Defeating Dark Avatar: 1000 points
Deducing the statues were her power source: 500 points (Slingshot only)
Thwarting the Dark Pantheon’s plan, and saving the Multiverse: 1000 points +1 Charisma point
Everyone gains a new level!
Every level increase means:
Better combat ability. (An attacker’s chance to hit is modified by the difference between his level and his target’s levels. Example: a 1st level hero attacking a 6th level villain gets a -5 modifier to hit. That same villain gets +5 to hit the 1st level hero. )
+1% to detect hidden and detect danger
Charisma/10 in Luck Points! (see game site for Luck Point rules)
New powers and/or skills! Please check the site on Character Advancement to figure out what you want to do on this, and then let me know! Have fun with this.
Once I get all this, in a week and a half, I’ll modify your sheets and then begin the next thrilling adventure arc in our senses-shattering saga-rama!
Thanks everyone.
Viva Vanguard,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Current Conditions at Issue’s End:
Avatar: Hit Points: 4, Power Points: 17, Manifesting: Cosmic Awareness
Clone: Bodies: 12, Hit Points: 1, Power Points: 35, Hit Pool: 12
Lightning Strike: Hit Points: 36, Power Points: 27
Menagerie: Hit Points: 14, Power Points: 53, Form: Man
Sentinel: Hit Points: 19, Power Points: 10, Shields: 3! Creation Points: 3
Soldier: Hit Points: 19, Power Points: 56, Invulnerability: 8
Slingshot: Hit Points: 11, Power Points: 56, Invulnerability: 8
Symbiote: Hit Points: 18, Power Points: 49, Charges: 13, Copied: Strike
Talon: Hit Points: 36, Power Points: 0, Fatigued
Zephyr: Hit Points: 13, Power Points: 55, Charges: 6, Armor: 25
--------------------------------------------------
Soldier:
Jeff, once the team gets together and gets a debrief completed, Soldier will make his own entries into the files he's been keeping. As far as advancement for soldier, I'd like to improve my accuracy with my pistol, so Soldier will be spending some time on the CHESS firearms range (anyone who wishes to join him is welcome, as I think that everyone should have some familiarity with any weapons or devices used by the team, and the CHESS agents supporting us), for his 5th level advancement, for now, I'll go with the next item on the list I'd previously sent you.
The Dark Avatar surveyed the shattered statues of the Dark Pantheon, and grimly cast another black spell. This one summoned into existence a translucent, mystical energy wall between the battle and the remaining statues (see map)! VER-RANG! It ranged to the walls and ceiling. She placed herself on the same side of the barrier as Vanguard, so she could continue murdering them!
“I’ve still more than enough power left to make all of you beg for mercy,” she promised.
Avatar was determined to keep Dark Avatar’s attention on him so that the rest of Vanguard was free to act! Without a word, he ran at the 40 foot tall titan of terror and quickly scaled her armor, never alighting for long at any one point (like Legolas scaling an Oliphant). When the demigod of destiny reached her neck, he slashed at it with the sword he forged with the skill of Hephaestus! SSHUNK!! Avatar’s aim was true and he drew blood!
The Dark Avatar snarled in her booming, giant voice: “So the Pantheon’s sacrificial lamb still has some bite left?” WHAMM! She struck Avatar with a hand that was bigger than him, sending him flying off, backwards and down! (22 points of damage! Roll with 1, takes 21 off hits!) Avatar landed on his feet again, but another attack like that would kill him! Her cold laughter filled the massive temple.
Talon summoned what strength he had left and flew another ‘strafing run’ at Dark Avatar! SKASH!! His claws slashed her! Her armor was so damaged now it was no longer protecting her!
Soldier he yelled out, "Be careful, Clone's on the other side of the barrier. We need to get him out of there!" Using the column as cover, he took aim at the ceiling above Dark Avatar and fired a pair of explosive rounds! BOOM! BOOOMM! Heavy stones were loosed from the explosions and tumbled down into Dark Avatar’s back, shoulder and head! THUMP! KRASH! She roared in pain and anger.
Lightning Strike surveyed the mystical wall blocking him off, trying to figure out a way to get to the other side of it. When he heard Soldier reporting Clone’s position, the electric avenger transformed into living lightning and disappeared! SHAKOW! Almost simultaneously, he poured out of Clone’s communicator in a rain of sparks, destroying it, and assumed human shape again! Strike was on the other side of the barrier! He then took aim at an undamaged statue, the God of Death, and SHAKOOM!! blew it to bits! Dark Avatar raged, “No!” There were five statues remaining!
Symbiote fired a lightning bolt at their fearsome foe! SHAKAKOW!! Her armor offered no protection.
“Aarrh!” she growled.
Zephyr flew toward the mystical wall and blasted it with a gale force wind! WHOOSH! Almost nothing happened! The wall merely moaned. In fact, no air even deflected off the wall’s surface. “Guys,” she said, “I think this thing just devoured that wind blast.”
Menagerie moved to the stairs to transform when his senses suddenly detected the smell of sulphur wafting up the stone stairwell. Dark Avatar’s mystical shield smelled of sulphur. She had cast the barrier through the lower level as well! (see last ish! Clone made it through before she formed the barrier!) The shamanic shapeshifter assumed the form of Man and moved to the barrier to observe the Coven. The corrupt conjurers still waited and watched.
Menagerie called to them: “This is not a fight between good and evil. Nor is it a fight between life and death. It is a fight between existence and destruction. No one can side on the sideline when the stakes are this high. What does the Coven gain if all there is … is nothing?”
Sentinel joined the mysterious mystic. “Hey Samedi! Knew you’d make it to the endgame, Smiley. So how’s that quest for the power of the Avatar working out for you and your cronies?”
The beacon of liberty ended by asking the Crimson Coven, “So tell me, where do you think you all fit into the equation with The Dark Pantheon’s Scorched Earth policy?”
The Coven members heard Menagerie and Sentinel and were silent. Samedi still wore his manic grin, even in the face of cosmic oblivion. Mirage frowned. Okmenhotep seemed to actually be smiling.
Sentinel then formed a construct inside the wall, trying to disrupt it or make a path that Vanguard could use to reach the other side. The wall moaned and disintegrated the construct until nothing was left of it!
Watching it, the mystical wall didn’t appear to be a solid. It was more like a damage field or a wall of flames. Things could move through it, but they would be damaged by it!
Sentinel formed a final construct, inside the statue of the Goddess of Discord and War! KABOOM!! It imploded and the Dark Avatar’s armor disappeared! Her face was that of a beautiful woman, with serpents instead of hair, like the mythical Medusa!
Slingshot saw Clone across the way. "How did he get there?" Scott wondered. He searched for Clone’s exit and found no way to the other side, except maybe by smashing through an exterior wall.
He turned and saw the Dark Avatar standing between the two remaining pillars. He smiled. “Time to give something back.” The pliable powerhouse stretched his big arms around the two remaining pillars and then pulled with all his might to bring them down on top of Dark Avatar! KRASH!! KA-THOOM!! The hundred foot stone columns bludgeoned the evil giantess mercilessly, breaking bones and driving her to her hands and knees. She was struggling for air. “Curse this vessel!”
The Clone that was behind the magic wall quickly divided to create ten more duplicates! Suddenly all eleven Clones poured out of the antechamber to topple the four remaining statues!
The Crimson Coven was waiting and ready (saved actions), and could have stopped the flood of duplicates. Instead, they did nothing!
KRASH! The statue of the God of Hell was toppled by two Clones!
ZGRASH! The statue of the God of the Undead was broken by two Clones!
SMASH! The statue of the God of Monsters was destroyed by two Clones, and Dark Avatar’s form changed again! Her face became more human, and the serpents were replaced with ebon hair.
BASH! The statue of the Goddess of Magic was smashed by two Clones, and suddenly the mystical barrier disappeared with a moan! Dark Avatar’s supernatural speed left her. And she began shrinking back to human size!
There were no undamaged statues left in the unholy temple!
Dark Avatar cried, still on her hands and knees, “Nooo! Stop! We’ll spare the Earth! We’ll give it to you… as a plaything!!”” Her voice was different; deeper.
The Clone that was on Vanguard’s end of the unholy church, charged her. Increasing his pace, he reached down to the ground and grabbed the nearest piece of broken column and heaved it at her and said ( in Ukrainian ), “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,... but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty!” SMASH! Dark Avatar was badly injured!
Avatar retrieved his spear and closed to attack before the Pantheon’s speed and strength left him!
Dark Avatar rolled onto her back, beaten and exhausted, revealing her true face. Her true identity.
It was Penumbra.
She was as different from Dark Avatar as was Kairos from Avatar…
…And perhaps more: she was not blinded by Amnesia. Nor was the Dark Pantheon content to merely manifest in their champion, instead choosing complete possession.
Broken and bloodied, she looked up at Avatar and snarled, “Next time, I shall utterly destroy you.”
Avatar struck her with the butt of his spear! KRAK! She was unconscious.
Mirage said, “Wait, wait! What was that plaything part again?”
Okmenhotep said in English, “Well done, Vanguard.
I shall imprison her, so that she isn’t reincarnated into a new life form. I shall also put an end the spell that is holding you here. Likewise, the Crimson Coven.
Farewell, Vanguard. I hope we meet again. If we do, please call me by my real name: Mystic.”
With that, he fired an eldritch blast from each hand to destroy the two remaining lode bearing columns! VRAK! And as the temple of evil came down in an avalanche of stone, Vanguard saw the environment and everyone in it disappear into nothingness as they headed for home.
Vanguard materialized atop the Vanguard Vault! Dawn was breaking. It was going to be a beautiful day.
OOC:
Replies to any and all of the above?
-----------------------------------
This concludes our story arc!
Loose ends:
Sentinel, Symbiote, Zephyr, Menagerie and anyone interested in the history of superheroes has heard of the Mystic. He was a mysterious sorcerer who was an infrequent and mercurial ally of the Liberty League, the golden age heroes of WWII. The Mystic was never photographed and his motives were often inscrutable.
Before long, Vanguard will share the information they discovered when they were separated. It seemed that in the temple, Dark Avatar was nearly omnipotent. Outside of it, she was nearly powerless, which is why she needed to employ the Crimson Coven to deliver Avatar to her with the promise of immortality. A promise she never intended to keep.
The Coven believed Vanguard would be pulled into the matter eventually, given Avatar’s relationship and proximity to them, so they decided to strike Vanguard and Avatar simultaneously.*
Wishing to avoid a direct confrontation, or worse, an invasion of Vanguard Vault where Vanguard would be best defended, the Coven attacked Vanguard in their dreams where they would be most powerless. Once contact was made, they transported Vanguard’s physical selves to the Pantheon’s home dimension and ensorcelled them via the nightmare illusion spell.
When Vanguard pierced the illusion, the Coven had no choice but to attempt to defeat Vanguard in battle and bring Avatar to the Dark Avatar. The Coven’s morale was quickly broken by the unexpected fair fight.
*It’s possible that Okmenhotep / Mystic was never on Dark Avatar’s side. Perhaps he manipulated the Coven into involving all of Vanguard, so that Vanguard would handle the threat Dark Avatar represented to the multiverse.
Vanguard had been gone for approximately seven hours.
-----------------------------------
Please now answer the following 3 things:
1) If you wish to leave the game for whatever reason, now is the perfect time in terms of our story. But I sincerely hope that none of you will leave. Those that stay, please continue:
2) Please let me know any major things you’d like your character to do over the coming weeks/months. Remember, your actions help steer this mighty, unwieldy saga! Your characters’ lives sow the seeds for future adventures.
3) Experience Point Time!Experience is awarded for:
Surviving the Nightmare Illusion Mind Trap: 500 points
Detecting a clue to help smash the Nightmare Illusion Mind Trap: 500 points (Symbiote only)
Battling and Defeating the Crimson Coven! 1000 points
Exploring the Lost City: one dose of Occult Studies skill
Escaping the Mists of Madness! 500 points
Defeating Dark Avatar: 1000 points
Deducing the statues were her power source: 500 points (Slingshot only)
Thwarting the Dark Pantheon’s plan, and saving the Multiverse: 1000 points +1 Charisma point
Everyone gains a new level!
Every level increase means:
Better combat ability. (An attacker’s chance to hit is modified by the difference between his level and his target’s levels. Example: a 1st level hero attacking a 6th level villain gets a -5 modifier to hit. That same villain gets +5 to hit the 1st level hero. )
+1% to detect hidden and detect danger
Charisma/10 in Luck Points! (see game site for Luck Point rules)
New powers and/or skills! Please check the site on Character Advancement to figure out what you want to do on this, and then let me know! Have fun with this.
Once I get all this, in a week and a half, I’ll modify your sheets and then begin the next thrilling adventure arc in our senses-shattering saga-rama!
Thanks everyone.
Viva Vanguard,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Current Conditions at Issue’s End:
Avatar: Hit Points: 4, Power Points: 17, Manifesting: Cosmic Awareness
Clone: Bodies: 12, Hit Points: 1, Power Points: 35, Hit Pool: 12
Lightning Strike: Hit Points: 36, Power Points: 27
Menagerie: Hit Points: 14, Power Points: 53, Form: Man
Sentinel: Hit Points: 19, Power Points: 10, Shields: 3! Creation Points: 3
Soldier: Hit Points: 19, Power Points: 56, Invulnerability: 8
Slingshot: Hit Points: 11, Power Points: 56, Invulnerability: 8
Symbiote: Hit Points: 18, Power Points: 49, Charges: 13, Copied: Strike
Talon: Hit Points: 36, Power Points: 0, Fatigued
Zephyr: Hit Points: 13, Power Points: 55, Charges: 6, Armor: 25
--------------------------------------------------
Soldier:
Jeff, once the team gets together and gets a debrief completed, Soldier will make his own entries into the files he's been keeping. As far as advancement for soldier, I'd like to improve my accuracy with my pistol, so Soldier will be spending some time on the CHESS firearms range (anyone who wishes to join him is welcome, as I think that everyone should have some familiarity with any weapons or devices used by the team, and the CHESS agents supporting us), for his 5th level advancement, for now, I'll go with the next item on the list I'd previously sent you.
In his "downtime" he'll be doing a little research on his father, and his father's involvement in CHESS activities in Venezuela (if possible he'll make some discrete inquires with former military buddies, and CHESS personnel he feels comfortable speaking to).
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
Awesome story arc! I can't believe I got to meet Dr. Mystic and battle Penumbra! I mean Menagerie got to. Yes I have read Vanguard history all the way up to the 5 Bosses and Black Bat before joining.
For my level advancement, I want Menagerie to have the ability to mentally communicate with Vanguard when not in human form. Whether it is a two way telepathy or a restricted send only ability to up to you Jeff.
If it is restricted for gameplay purposes but wouldn't count as a 1/4 power then I was thinking of a partial form of Weakness Detection - No bonus to hit but can determine a NPC weakness.
So…
1st Choice: Telepathic Speech: One way communication into someone's mind, while in animal form is what we had on my list. It is still my first choice, I am unsure whether that is considered a complete level advancement. I remember that get all of Telepathy would take 4 advancements to get. If Telepathic Speech is a complete level then I am good with it.
2nd Choice: Weakness Detection. It can be an expansion of his Heightened Senses in theme.
Downtime: Menagerie will get a cat. He will frequent any nearby parks, zoos, wildlife reserves, or wildlife entertainment centers. He will attempt to get to know the other Vanguard members. He will learn CHESS and Vault procedures. If there are any Animal Revolution members in the CASTLE that he can meet with and maybe mentor with CHESS permission/supervision. He will attend Soldiers combat sessions. He will contact the Canadian Park Service to make sure Pachyderm and Snow Leopard are doing well.
Let me know what your thoughts are on this.
He will see who in the Vault likes to play poker.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
Jeff, again, another great story arc. I wish I had picked up on the statues on the first turn in the temple. it would have cost me fewer hitpoints.
To guide my decision on the weeks/months ahead (can you be more specific? ;] ), When we get home, some idea as to how Nanite/baby is doing.
Also can you find any of the emails we traded on idea of things to follow on and the advancements? I've been looking in my emails, but I'm not finding it.
Thanks,
Stephane/Slingshot.
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
Another fun romp. Loved the "everything you know is wrong" opening for this chapter.
My next advancement will be, unsurprisingly, finding a way to make Gadget Girl's power storage modifications of the Harness permanent. If this involves more visiting her at Chess Castle and interviewing her, so be it.
Hal will also continue to assist Nanite with her pregnancy as best he can. And though he'll be circumspect about it and not mention it to either Nanite or Slingy unless they specifically bring it up, he'll also carefully monitor the Digital Zone for changes or anomalies, seeing if anything coincides with Nanite's condition ("there's a pulse of energy from the Zone every time Nanite feels the baby kick!" or something like that). He'd love to be wrong, but Symbiote is still afraid this pregnancy may be The Entity's way of kicking open a door to our world. (Plus, I always loved the way Reed had a gateway to the Negative Zone right there in his lab at the top of the Baxter Building, thought it was one of the coolest concepts in the Fantastic Four).
As long as he's checking up on old cases, he'll also check in to see if the courts have made a decision on devolving The Primate yet.
Ready for the next adventure! Oh, and apropos of nothing....I have found the material my real life superhero costume shall be made from....
http://www.stuntpadding.com/shop/index.php/
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC Replies and questions:
Thanks everyone! I’ll finally catch up the site over the next 7 days, so you can see what each other were up to when you were separated.
Slingshot: If the statue weakness hadn’t been detected I think Dark Avatar could have won! :0
Fyi, Downtime will not exceed the 5th month of Nanite’s pregnancy. So far she seems healthy. Do you want to know the baby’s gender?
I’ll start hunting up your advancement list and forward it to you.
Soldier: Do you want your level advancement to be weapons accuracy or the next item on your advancement list? I’ll start hunting up your advancement list and forward it to you.
Symbiote: Thanks. You’re good to go. Thanks for the padding link too!
IC replies to come later.
--------------------------------------------------
Avatar:
Badly injured and exhausted from the fights, John takes a couple of days off from the store. After the mandatory debrief, he holes up in his apartment and broods over what has happened.
While he certainly accepts the existence of super powers and such, the ongoing revelations that the gods of Greek mythology (and likely others) are real and at work in the universe shakes him up. Raised in the Greek Orthodox traditions, though not really following them as an adult to any great extent, he nevertheless had always assumed that there was one God and not multiple ones...and certainly not that he was an agent of theirs in the world.
Good and evil had never really meant a lot to him. The world was shades of gray, some darker or lighter than others but shades of gray, nevertheless. He had gotten into the costumed hero thing more out of a sense of adventure than anything else but now? He was truly and agent of the gods and, apparently, and agent of good, at least in simple terms. He regretted his dream decision to drink from the chalice offered to him. What effect would that have on him now? Anything? Was it possible that his actions had set these events in motion? Had his reckless decision done harm?
After brooding over these things for a few days and healing up, he shrugs them off. What is in the past might matter but what is in the future is the only thing that can be controlled. Time enough to consider these things in the dark of the night when sleep does not come. John sees that he has a duty, a purpose, and is determined to take hold of his destiny. With a renewed sense of purpose, he returns to training
While not disinclined to scholarly pursuits, he is a scholar of the humanities and not of modern science so he sees no real way of aiding the likes of Symbiote and Zephyr. He is, first and foremost, a warrior, and his broad range of abilities makes him an ideal sparring partner for anyone on the team who desires such. He jumps into training with zest and begins working on Endurance as his next level's advancement.
He decides to devote more and more time to Vanguard and less to his store. He appeals to Vanguard's patrons to see if some low-level agent or agents could be assigned to the store in some sort of duty capacity as he wants it in good hands and his own interests secured. If this can't happen, he'll hire someone he knows and trusts to work there.
-------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
“Farewell, Vanguard. I hope we meet again. If we do, please call me by my real name: Dr. Mystic.”
Kirk shot a glance first to Hal and then to Menagerie and replied, “Dr Mystic, wait, how can we …”
And as the temple of evil came down in an avalanche of stone, Vanguard saw the environment and everyone in it disappear into nothingness as they headed for home.
“… contact you?”
OOC: Jeff: Thought the above would be Kirk’s reaction and funny. First panel of dialogue takes place in the ‘Dark Dimension’ or whatever we are going to call this place; Kirk finishes his sentence as he reappears atop the Vanguard Vault.
As always thanks for your efforts and another great story arc. I’m very much looking forward to the website update so I can see what I missed.
Level Advancement:
I think we’re still working on toughening up Kirk’s stats. In the back of Kirk’s mind is his being ready to handle Swastika upon his reemergence and I’m guessing you’d prefer not to do another charisma at this point so I was actually thinking intelligence.
However, if you’d prefer to hold off on that we could do one of his stats to get him some more hit points under the shields. I’d like to see him go a bit quicker too, but I don’t think that gets him more HPs, so what do you think would work best for him.
For power type stuff, this adventure really showed how the power points going on Kirk render him ineffective in battle quickly. Also Vanguard needs a defense against an intangible foe. I’d envisioned Kirk getting these sort of things down the road when he comes to grips with his true origins and full grasps and understands energy manipulation. But I think those revelations would be in his far future and not now.
Let me know if you think the intelligence or another more physical stat would work better for now.
Down time:
(1) Some continued training with Soldier.
(2) Continue to pursue REACH activities.
(3) Kirk checks in on John throughout this time trying to be a friend and sounding board if he needs it, at least until he sees John has worked through things. He postulates that he still doesn’t believe in the whole ‘God’ part but certainly there were beings that inspired humans to describe them in those terms and they seem to be the source of his powers. He think however, that if those ‘Dark Gods’ and in another dimension and could have possibly returned, then perhaps the “Gods of Good” aren’t as totally ‘demised’ as this adventure would lead us to believe. He wishes they could make contact with Dr Mystic to find out more for John… and also to help Menagerie discover more of himself.
(4) Kirk spends some time talking about Mystic with Hal from the fanboy perspective and keeps up to date on Nanite’s progress.
(5) He keeps up with Scott to be sure that since they aren’t in the midst of a crisis, he is dealing with his upcoming fatherhood all right and not becoming overwhelmed.
(6) He tries to help Menagerie to feel welcome and get acclimated.
(7) He checks up on the progress with getting Clone’s family safely relocated.
(8) Kirk visits Lancaster to spend time, tell him about the adventure, and find out if he can recall anything more about Dr Mystic that he hadn’t told him before.
If I’ve missed anything or have other stuff on the backburner that I’ve forgotten about, please remind me.
Real World:
Vacation 2/12 – 2/19. Paula and I are going to Grand Cayman to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Can you believe it? (well, that’s for Jeff and Tony). Hotel should have WIFI, but I won’t know for sure if it works as other hotels in the Caribbean have said they’d have it and it really didn’t function, so don’t be surprised if I’m out of the reply loop for a bit as I try to get the office stuff done so I can leave and deal with the mess at work when I return.
A good week to all.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Soldier:
OOC: Is there a specific training program you want to undertake? Personally, Soldier would like everyone on the team to be familiar with his pistol, and to have at least some basic medical training, as we tend to sustain a fair amount of injuries (burns, broken bones, gunshot wounds, etc.). He'd also like everyone to be familiar with any standardized equipment the C.H.E.S.S. support staff carries on a regular basis. Also, did we ever decide on some form of non-verbal code?
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
I know I want it, all I ask is a variation that Menagerie can do in animal form: Head movement and limb waving.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Hi Everyone:
At Vanguard’s request from last downtime, CHESS can offer a training packet of the following skills:
-First Aid
-Language: non-verbal signal code
-Heightened Expertise with CHESS firearms: +1 (costs two skill slots)
-Manta Craft pilot
-Tactics (lets you retro-actively call out trained maneuvers like the Cannonball Special, as well as increases your chance of Surprising foes, predicting their movements, etc.)
But this packet would take up your entire Advancement.
If you only want 1 of these, it would take up 25% of your advancement. 2 skills is 50%.
If you take 4 skills, you get a 5th skill for free.
Doubling up on a pre-existing skill increases your chance of skill success.
Soldier: I think your smartpistol is biometric and prevents others from using it.
Avatar: Thanks!!
Sentinel: Happy Anniversary! Intelligence works with the character, and also gives you more Power Points, and therefore Creation Points. It’ll bump up hit points a little, and increase your detection abilities and Telepathy powers.
Menagerie: Thanks!
Best,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Avatar:
OOC: Just out of curiosity, if it DOES have biometric security, would Symbiote be able to use it if he used his harness to copy Soldier's DNA? Does the harness copy ANY DNA, only giving the super-powers of the super-powered, or does it just copy powers only and it's not a question of copying DNA?
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Good question. I think the Harness only copies superpowers and weaknesses from DNA. Otherwise he would absorb stats, appearance, and other things stored in DNA. But these could be cool possibilities for level advancements. Best,Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
OOC: This is accurate (only copies meta-powers and meta-weaknesses) but yes, this could be a great update someday!
--------------------------------------------------
Lightning Strike:
OOC:
Regardless of how late I normally post, I will not be dropping out any time soon. Every time in the past when I took time off, I returned to a new character or came back as a villain (see Black Bat).
Anyway, Lightning Strike would like to improve his agility. He may move at the speed of lightning but in terms of actions in the game sense he moves like molasses. It is time to get him to move quickly in both actions and speed.
I am definitely looking forward to the next story arc as we are rapidly getting to the point where our characters are nearing super powerful level when we face the Galactus types.
It's clobbering time!!
Tony
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
OOC: Yea, I'm getting tired of those non-powerful non-Galactus level types like the Entity and the Dark Avatar
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Yeah it's about time I took off the kid gloves.
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
OOC:
=O
Great Job Jeff! Loved the story - very dramatic conclusion! As far as leaving goes - not a chance - you won't get rid of me that easily lol ;) As for leveling - as much as I would love to get a few more Endurance points for Clone, I'm going to go with the 'Heightened Senses: Telepathic Connection' upgrade we discussed a while back. I can't wait to see how it works in a scenario - it'll definitely make Clone a better fighter ( e.g. more organized attacks ) and probably improve communications between the group should we ever split up again. I'll have to get back to you on the IC stuff - I have a few things I want to do and I want to make sure that I've got it all straight before I post anything. Again - great job Jeff - thank you. I also wanted to thank everyone in the group - its been a lot of fun playing with you guys - thanks for all the laughs and smiles. This is without a doubt a really terrific campaign =) Talk to you all soon, -Kev
--------------------------------------------------
Lightning Strike:
OOC: Now we all know that all of those super-powerful villains defeated the heroes but kept them alive so that they could eventually find the ultimate nullifier!! I think Vanguard needs to get their ass kicked to make us all a little humble. Not that I am looking forward to it but we need to remember that with great power come great responsibility.
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC:
Request received.
J
--------------------------------------------------
Lightning Strike:
OOC: It could be like that 1960's Avengers issue with the cover that read "The Bitter Taste of Defeat" and had Cap unconscious against I think the original Power Man but I could be wrong.
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
OOC: You are right about the title. Here is the cover art.
It was the second Power Man who later becomes Goliath and then Atlas.
It is a good thing Menagerie has been killed once, being killed a second time shouldn't hurt too much, right Jeff? RIGHT Jeff?
Maybe Menagerie should have picked animals that run away very fast instead of predators.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: clarification: We all got a level of Occult Studies?
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Yes. Anyone who already had it now has two doses of it.
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Kirk would continue workouts and such like last downtime. In addition to the bonding, I'm thinking that Matt's military training and discipline and scheduling is something a bit different from all of his training with Lancaster. I think the such a disciplined schedule goes against his personality but he is seeing the benefit potential in Soldier and is intrigued by it. Kirk was been promoting interaction with CHESS personnel and promoting a mutual respect since the start and is glad to have someone more easily accepted by CHESS and promoting this spirit also.
On the skill set specifics, I'll address in another email reply.
Thanks,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Hi Jeff.
Heightened intelligence it is as I thought that was actually the most practical character-wise at this point too and had it in mind since the completion of our solo adventure (but no leveling occured for Kirk then).
Also, if I understand per last leveling, since we cannot do the full seven points to a stat, we do get to use some leveling for skill type stuff (you said part of last leveling was creation of REACH.
Is that is so and I can get some skills, I'm not sure how much you count that stat increase, so from the CHESS training pack I'd take
(1) First Aid - since Kirk has been doing this anyway as much as he could. I'm assuming he really should have basic knowledge from his training with Lancaster and his experience over the years, but this would make it formal and I guess help with actually rendering aid in game terms.
(2) Non-verbal signal code - If Kirk only gets one, he'd choose this first, both to support Matt is trying to bring this discipline to Vanguard and to take the lead in setting an example for the others and also to promote continued integration and acceptance of Vanguard by CHESS personnel.
(3) Tactics - Again, more for the role you've given Kirk in the team.
(4) Manta craft pilot. Actually my personal first choice and hopefully he gets in the next skill package with tactics. I've been dying to get Kirk to fly the manta craft since early adventures. Must be my personal wish that I could fly along with a tip of the cap to Hal Jordan.
(5) Heightened expertise Chess firearms.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
As the other members of Vanguard slip quickly back into the familiar and normal routines of their lives; one member seems to be struggling with something – Clone. Contrary to what most might expect from the multiplying menace of mirth and mayhem, Clone seems to keep to himself after the group arrives back into the ‘real world’. Visible signs of what one could easily describe as antisocial behavior begin to display themselves more and more as the days pass. His characteristically uplifting and lighthearted view of the world seems to have been replaced with a noticeably gloomy disposition for some reason. His involvement with social events and activities such as watching his soap operas and Rachael Ray with the other members of Vanguard, volunteering his time with the REACH program, regular church attendance, and even the time he spends with his family; all seem to have been affected by this unexplained personality slump. Aside from occasionally visits to The Vaults kitchen to grab a small meal; courtesy of Clone’s mother, Alexander is rarely seen leaving his room. When approached by other members of Vanguard or his family about the apparent ‘funk’ that he seems to be in, he simply answer with a forced smile,”I am being o.k. . . . I am just needing of some sleep . . . I am to be being better soon.”
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
Awesome story arc! I can't believe I got to meet Dr. Mystic and battle Penumbra! I mean Menagerie got to. Yes I have read Vanguard history all the way up to the 5 Bosses and Black Bat before joining.
For my level advancement, I want Menagerie to have the ability to mentally communicate with Vanguard when not in human form. Whether it is a two way telepathy or a restricted send only ability to up to you Jeff.
If it is restricted for gameplay purposes but wouldn't count as a 1/4 power then I was thinking of a partial form of Weakness Detection - No bonus to hit but can determine a NPC weakness.
So…
1st Choice: Telepathic Speech: One way communication into someone's mind, while in animal form is what we had on my list. It is still my first choice, I am unsure whether that is considered a complete level advancement. I remember that get all of Telepathy would take 4 advancements to get. If Telepathic Speech is a complete level then I am good with it.
2nd Choice: Weakness Detection. It can be an expansion of his Heightened Senses in theme.
Downtime: Menagerie will get a cat. He will frequent any nearby parks, zoos, wildlife reserves, or wildlife entertainment centers. He will attempt to get to know the other Vanguard members. He will learn CHESS and Vault procedures. If there are any Animal Revolution members in the CASTLE that he can meet with and maybe mentor with CHESS permission/supervision. He will attend Soldiers combat sessions. He will contact the Canadian Park Service to make sure Pachyderm and Snow Leopard are doing well.
Let me know what your thoughts are on this.
He will see who in the Vault likes to play poker.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
Jeff, again, another great story arc. I wish I had picked up on the statues on the first turn in the temple. it would have cost me fewer hitpoints.
To guide my decision on the weeks/months ahead (can you be more specific? ;] ), When we get home, some idea as to how Nanite/baby is doing.
Also can you find any of the emails we traded on idea of things to follow on and the advancements? I've been looking in my emails, but I'm not finding it.
Thanks,
Stephane/Slingshot.
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
Another fun romp. Loved the "everything you know is wrong" opening for this chapter.
My next advancement will be, unsurprisingly, finding a way to make Gadget Girl's power storage modifications of the Harness permanent. If this involves more visiting her at Chess Castle and interviewing her, so be it.
Hal will also continue to assist Nanite with her pregnancy as best he can. And though he'll be circumspect about it and not mention it to either Nanite or Slingy unless they specifically bring it up, he'll also carefully monitor the Digital Zone for changes or anomalies, seeing if anything coincides with Nanite's condition ("there's a pulse of energy from the Zone every time Nanite feels the baby kick!" or something like that). He'd love to be wrong, but Symbiote is still afraid this pregnancy may be The Entity's way of kicking open a door to our world. (Plus, I always loved the way Reed had a gateway to the Negative Zone right there in his lab at the top of the Baxter Building, thought it was one of the coolest concepts in the Fantastic Four).
As long as he's checking up on old cases, he'll also check in to see if the courts have made a decision on devolving The Primate yet.
Ready for the next adventure! Oh, and apropos of nothing....I have found the material my real life superhero costume shall be made from....
http://www.stuntpadding.com/shop/index.php/
Viva Vanguard,
Greg
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC Replies and questions:
Thanks everyone! I’ll finally catch up the site over the next 7 days, so you can see what each other were up to when you were separated.
Slingshot: If the statue weakness hadn’t been detected I think Dark Avatar could have won! :0
Fyi, Downtime will not exceed the 5th month of Nanite’s pregnancy. So far she seems healthy. Do you want to know the baby’s gender?
I’ll start hunting up your advancement list and forward it to you.
Soldier: Do you want your level advancement to be weapons accuracy or the next item on your advancement list? I’ll start hunting up your advancement list and forward it to you.
Symbiote: Thanks. You’re good to go. Thanks for the padding link too!
IC replies to come later.
--------------------------------------------------
Avatar:
Badly injured and exhausted from the fights, John takes a couple of days off from the store. After the mandatory debrief, he holes up in his apartment and broods over what has happened.
While he certainly accepts the existence of super powers and such, the ongoing revelations that the gods of Greek mythology (and likely others) are real and at work in the universe shakes him up. Raised in the Greek Orthodox traditions, though not really following them as an adult to any great extent, he nevertheless had always assumed that there was one God and not multiple ones...and certainly not that he was an agent of theirs in the world.
Good and evil had never really meant a lot to him. The world was shades of gray, some darker or lighter than others but shades of gray, nevertheless. He had gotten into the costumed hero thing more out of a sense of adventure than anything else but now? He was truly and agent of the gods and, apparently, and agent of good, at least in simple terms. He regretted his dream decision to drink from the chalice offered to him. What effect would that have on him now? Anything? Was it possible that his actions had set these events in motion? Had his reckless decision done harm?
After brooding over these things for a few days and healing up, he shrugs them off. What is in the past might matter but what is in the future is the only thing that can be controlled. Time enough to consider these things in the dark of the night when sleep does not come. John sees that he has a duty, a purpose, and is determined to take hold of his destiny. With a renewed sense of purpose, he returns to training
While not disinclined to scholarly pursuits, he is a scholar of the humanities and not of modern science so he sees no real way of aiding the likes of Symbiote and Zephyr. He is, first and foremost, a warrior, and his broad range of abilities makes him an ideal sparring partner for anyone on the team who desires such. He jumps into training with zest and begins working on Endurance as his next level's advancement.
He decides to devote more and more time to Vanguard and less to his store. He appeals to Vanguard's patrons to see if some low-level agent or agents could be assigned to the store in some sort of duty capacity as he wants it in good hands and his own interests secured. If this can't happen, he'll hire someone he knows and trusts to work there.
-------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
“Farewell, Vanguard. I hope we meet again. If we do, please call me by my real name: Dr. Mystic.”
Kirk shot a glance first to Hal and then to Menagerie and replied, “Dr Mystic, wait, how can we …”
And as the temple of evil came down in an avalanche of stone, Vanguard saw the environment and everyone in it disappear into nothingness as they headed for home.
“… contact you?”
OOC: Jeff: Thought the above would be Kirk’s reaction and funny. First panel of dialogue takes place in the ‘Dark Dimension’ or whatever we are going to call this place; Kirk finishes his sentence as he reappears atop the Vanguard Vault.
As always thanks for your efforts and another great story arc. I’m very much looking forward to the website update so I can see what I missed.
Level Advancement:
I think we’re still working on toughening up Kirk’s stats. In the back of Kirk’s mind is his being ready to handle Swastika upon his reemergence and I’m guessing you’d prefer not to do another charisma at this point so I was actually thinking intelligence.
However, if you’d prefer to hold off on that we could do one of his stats to get him some more hit points under the shields. I’d like to see him go a bit quicker too, but I don’t think that gets him more HPs, so what do you think would work best for him.
For power type stuff, this adventure really showed how the power points going on Kirk render him ineffective in battle quickly. Also Vanguard needs a defense against an intangible foe. I’d envisioned Kirk getting these sort of things down the road when he comes to grips with his true origins and full grasps and understands energy manipulation. But I think those revelations would be in his far future and not now.
Let me know if you think the intelligence or another more physical stat would work better for now.
Down time:
(1) Some continued training with Soldier.
(2) Continue to pursue REACH activities.
(3) Kirk checks in on John throughout this time trying to be a friend and sounding board if he needs it, at least until he sees John has worked through things. He postulates that he still doesn’t believe in the whole ‘God’ part but certainly there were beings that inspired humans to describe them in those terms and they seem to be the source of his powers. He think however, that if those ‘Dark Gods’ and in another dimension and could have possibly returned, then perhaps the “Gods of Good” aren’t as totally ‘demised’ as this adventure would lead us to believe. He wishes they could make contact with Dr Mystic to find out more for John… and also to help Menagerie discover more of himself.
(4) Kirk spends some time talking about Mystic with Hal from the fanboy perspective and keeps up to date on Nanite’s progress.
(5) He keeps up with Scott to be sure that since they aren’t in the midst of a crisis, he is dealing with his upcoming fatherhood all right and not becoming overwhelmed.
(6) He tries to help Menagerie to feel welcome and get acclimated.
(7) He checks up on the progress with getting Clone’s family safely relocated.
(8) Kirk visits Lancaster to spend time, tell him about the adventure, and find out if he can recall anything more about Dr Mystic that he hadn’t told him before.
If I’ve missed anything or have other stuff on the backburner that I’ve forgotten about, please remind me.
Real World:
Vacation 2/12 – 2/19. Paula and I are going to Grand Cayman to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Can you believe it? (well, that’s for Jeff and Tony). Hotel should have WIFI, but I won’t know for sure if it works as other hotels in the Caribbean have said they’d have it and it really didn’t function, so don’t be surprised if I’m out of the reply loop for a bit as I try to get the office stuff done so I can leave and deal with the mess at work when I return.
A good week to all.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Soldier:
OOC: Is there a specific training program you want to undertake? Personally, Soldier would like everyone on the team to be familiar with his pistol, and to have at least some basic medical training, as we tend to sustain a fair amount of injuries (burns, broken bones, gunshot wounds, etc.). He'd also like everyone to be familiar with any standardized equipment the C.H.E.S.S. support staff carries on a regular basis. Also, did we ever decide on some form of non-verbal code?
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
I know I want it, all I ask is a variation that Menagerie can do in animal form: Head movement and limb waving.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Hi Everyone:
At Vanguard’s request from last downtime, CHESS can offer a training packet of the following skills:
-First Aid
-Language: non-verbal signal code
-Heightened Expertise with CHESS firearms: +1 (costs two skill slots)
-Manta Craft pilot
-Tactics (lets you retro-actively call out trained maneuvers like the Cannonball Special, as well as increases your chance of Surprising foes, predicting their movements, etc.)
But this packet would take up your entire Advancement.
If you only want 1 of these, it would take up 25% of your advancement. 2 skills is 50%.
If you take 4 skills, you get a 5th skill for free.
Doubling up on a pre-existing skill increases your chance of skill success.
Soldier: I think your smartpistol is biometric and prevents others from using it.
Avatar: Thanks!!
Sentinel: Happy Anniversary! Intelligence works with the character, and also gives you more Power Points, and therefore Creation Points. It’ll bump up hit points a little, and increase your detection abilities and Telepathy powers.
Menagerie: Thanks!
Best,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Avatar:
OOC: Just out of curiosity, if it DOES have biometric security, would Symbiote be able to use it if he used his harness to copy Soldier's DNA? Does the harness copy ANY DNA, only giving the super-powers of the super-powered, or does it just copy powers only and it's not a question of copying DNA?
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Good question. I think the Harness only copies superpowers and weaknesses from DNA. Otherwise he would absorb stats, appearance, and other things stored in DNA. But these could be cool possibilities for level advancements. Best,Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
OOC: This is accurate (only copies meta-powers and meta-weaknesses) but yes, this could be a great update someday!
--------------------------------------------------
Lightning Strike:
OOC:
Regardless of how late I normally post, I will not be dropping out any time soon. Every time in the past when I took time off, I returned to a new character or came back as a villain (see Black Bat).
Anyway, Lightning Strike would like to improve his agility. He may move at the speed of lightning but in terms of actions in the game sense he moves like molasses. It is time to get him to move quickly in both actions and speed.
I am definitely looking forward to the next story arc as we are rapidly getting to the point where our characters are nearing super powerful level when we face the Galactus types.
It's clobbering time!!
Tony
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
OOC: Yea, I'm getting tired of those non-powerful non-Galactus level types like the Entity and the Dark Avatar
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Yeah it's about time I took off the kid gloves.
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
OOC:
=O
Great Job Jeff! Loved the story - very dramatic conclusion! As far as leaving goes - not a chance - you won't get rid of me that easily lol ;) As for leveling - as much as I would love to get a few more Endurance points for Clone, I'm going to go with the 'Heightened Senses: Telepathic Connection' upgrade we discussed a while back. I can't wait to see how it works in a scenario - it'll definitely make Clone a better fighter ( e.g. more organized attacks ) and probably improve communications between the group should we ever split up again. I'll have to get back to you on the IC stuff - I have a few things I want to do and I want to make sure that I've got it all straight before I post anything. Again - great job Jeff - thank you. I also wanted to thank everyone in the group - its been a lot of fun playing with you guys - thanks for all the laughs and smiles. This is without a doubt a really terrific campaign =) Talk to you all soon, -Kev
--------------------------------------------------
Lightning Strike:
OOC: Now we all know that all of those super-powerful villains defeated the heroes but kept them alive so that they could eventually find the ultimate nullifier!! I think Vanguard needs to get their ass kicked to make us all a little humble. Not that I am looking forward to it but we need to remember that with great power come great responsibility.
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC:
Request received.
J
--------------------------------------------------
Lightning Strike:
OOC: It could be like that 1960's Avengers issue with the cover that read "The Bitter Taste of Defeat" and had Cap unconscious against I think the original Power Man but I could be wrong.
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
OOC: You are right about the title. Here is the cover art.
It was the second Power Man who later becomes Goliath and then Atlas.
It is a good thing Menagerie has been killed once, being killed a second time shouldn't hurt too much, right Jeff? RIGHT Jeff?
Maybe Menagerie should have picked animals that run away very fast instead of predators.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: clarification: We all got a level of Occult Studies?
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Yes. Anyone who already had it now has two doses of it.
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Kirk would continue workouts and such like last downtime. In addition to the bonding, I'm thinking that Matt's military training and discipline and scheduling is something a bit different from all of his training with Lancaster. I think the such a disciplined schedule goes against his personality but he is seeing the benefit potential in Soldier and is intrigued by it. Kirk was been promoting interaction with CHESS personnel and promoting a mutual respect since the start and is glad to have someone more easily accepted by CHESS and promoting this spirit also.
On the skill set specifics, I'll address in another email reply.
Thanks,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Hi Jeff.
Heightened intelligence it is as I thought that was actually the most practical character-wise at this point too and had it in mind since the completion of our solo adventure (but no leveling occured for Kirk then).
Also, if I understand per last leveling, since we cannot do the full seven points to a stat, we do get to use some leveling for skill type stuff (you said part of last leveling was creation of REACH.
Is that is so and I can get some skills, I'm not sure how much you count that stat increase, so from the CHESS training pack I'd take
(1) First Aid - since Kirk has been doing this anyway as much as he could. I'm assuming he really should have basic knowledge from his training with Lancaster and his experience over the years, but this would make it formal and I guess help with actually rendering aid in game terms.
(2) Non-verbal signal code - If Kirk only gets one, he'd choose this first, both to support Matt is trying to bring this discipline to Vanguard and to take the lead in setting an example for the others and also to promote continued integration and acceptance of Vanguard by CHESS personnel.
(3) Tactics - Again, more for the role you've given Kirk in the team.
(4) Manta craft pilot. Actually my personal first choice and hopefully he gets in the next skill package with tactics. I've been dying to get Kirk to fly the manta craft since early adventures. Must be my personal wish that I could fly along with a tip of the cap to Hal Jordan.
(5) Heightened expertise Chess firearms.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
As the other members of Vanguard slip quickly back into the familiar and normal routines of their lives; one member seems to be struggling with something – Clone. Contrary to what most might expect from the multiplying menace of mirth and mayhem, Clone seems to keep to himself after the group arrives back into the ‘real world’. Visible signs of what one could easily describe as antisocial behavior begin to display themselves more and more as the days pass. His characteristically uplifting and lighthearted view of the world seems to have been replaced with a noticeably gloomy disposition for some reason. His involvement with social events and activities such as watching his soap operas and Rachael Ray with the other members of Vanguard, volunteering his time with the REACH program, regular church attendance, and even the time he spends with his family; all seem to have been affected by this unexplained personality slump. Aside from occasionally visits to The Vaults kitchen to grab a small meal; courtesy of Clone’s mother, Alexander is rarely seen leaving his room. When approached by other members of Vanguard or his family about the apparent ‘funk’ that he seems to be in, he simply answer with a forced smile,”I am being o.k. . . . I am just needing of some sleep . . . I am to be being better soon.”
OOC: OK – to be honest I’m not 100% sure were I’m going with all of this – it just seemed fit. I actually started writing up a whole thing were he was helping his family relocate, donating time to the REACH program and his churches community center and such, but something made me change it. I was thinking that after everything he has been through since he’s met Vanguard, it all might start to ‘get to him’ after a while. He is after all only a 22yr old farm boy from a small Ukrainian village – all of this superhero stuff might be a shock to his system. Freeing his family from the Russian government, being labeled a traitor by his former government, defecting, traveling to other dimensions to combat evil beings, seeing his ‘real’ face in that dream-like illusion created by the Crimson Coven, etc. . . might be a bit much for poor little Alex to mentally and emotionally handle ( in accordance with his Weakness: Psychological Limitation ). I would image that he would need a ’few minutes’ to sort through it all and come to terms with his ‘new life’. I was also thinking that this self imposed isolation and personal reflect period might be a good way to slip the Heightened Senses upgrade in that I chose for my new level.
Jeff if you want/need to change any of this around a bit to fit into the campaigns story a little better, by all means go for it =)
Talk to you all soon,
-Kev
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
At first, Kirk will allow Clone some distance, figuring everyone needs some time to deal with stuff. However, when Kirk notices the continued decline and particularly that he is isolating himself he takes more direct action to confront and assist. Some personality types need time alone to work through things (ie like Kirk making himself available to Avatar but not pushing - he feels Avatar would want and need to work through it mostly himself - it is different for Clone) - Clone is a people person and needs to be around people to heal, not away from them.
Kirk will approach Alex to speak to him alone and would try something along these lines.
"Alex, I know you've been through a lot of adjustments lately and that perhaps Vanguard's missions and encounters are of a scale different than what you've experienced personally. One thing that keeps me going is that I've learned and been taught that things are seldom what they seem and even once we think we 'have it together' things can quickly change. I'm thinking this past adventure with your alterate self and then seeing evidence of all those 'gods' may be shaking your faith in yourself and your religious faith, which is a huge part of you.
Now although I don't personally ascribe to belief in a monotheistic God, what you saw with incarnations of all those gods certainly doesn't preclude the existence of your one ultimate God. I'd discussed this with Avatar too, just because we discovered evidence of beings whereby many of the gods mankind has worshiped exist, doesn't mean that the worship ascribed to them is accurate and preclude other forms. In my mind, what we found is evidence of alien creatures, ahead of man at the time of encountering them, and from which our legends and gods were based by a more primitive society of men... if Vanguard fell through time and encountered much of any society of ancient man, we'd likely be worshipped as gods if we weren't careful.
Don't let what we encountered shake your belief system. We found more questions, not ultimate answers.
Alex, I'm afraid for you and the path you are following - I'd refer you to the words of your greatest prophet, 'there is more happiness in giving than in receiving'. You've lived your life that way until now, and cutting yourself off from your giving spirit and your love of people isn't going to help you here. I believe one off your Proverbs warns against the one isolating himself and that isolation leads to the loss of good judgement. You are experiencing that here. Let us back in, even if you have to force yourself at first, and things will come together inwardly for you also.
You have family and friends that care about you Alex, remember that, and take advantage of it. Let them help you as you've always tried to help others."
OOC Hope this helps get Clone back on the right path - and it seemed like something Kirk would be compelled to do.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Hi
Everyone:
As Seth/Sentinel indicated, anyone that is increasing stats (due to limitations on the increase) has advancement gains left over.
Please quickly let me know if you're taking skills with that. :)
For example:
Strike gains 3 points of Agility and takes First Aid and Nonverbal Code Language.
Avatar gains 3 to Strength and takes Tactics and Expertise with CHESS weaponry.
Etc.
Stephane: I'll allow the weakness buy down, but it'll be awful subtle given that it's half of a '1/4 Super Power' in strength! ie: 1/8 of the Weakness would go away.
Talon: you haven't replied to the turn yet. Please let me know when you can reply!
Thanks,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Avatar:
OOC: An attack bonus with the sword? Work on simultaneous activation of Avatar powers rather than one at a time? Decrease in cost of use of Avatar powers?
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: Jeff: Assuming I can retroactively do a quick change.. I'll tweak my entry to the following:1- Advancement: 50% on two skills: Non-verbal, Tactics. Keep the rest for further use (next level)I'll stay close to home keeping an eye on Nanite, the pregnancy, and training with the others/CHESS in the above skills.I'll also continue furthering the REACH program. I'll give as much of my time as I can safely do (depending on how the pregnancy is going).
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
OOC: Hey Jeff would it be possible to do a little retro stuff with Clone? I didn’t realize how much time was going to pass between issue 130 and 131. Given the amount of time that transpires I was hoping to maybe expand a bit on the Clone / Sentinel discussion, work him out of his slump ( nobody stays in a bummed out mood that long – especially Clone ) through a short little narrative, and maybe work with Symbiote for a little bit ( once Clone gets his old personality back ) on a special project ( if Symbiote has the time and is willing to help ).
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
At first, Kirk will allow Clone some distance, figuring everyone needs some time to deal with stuff. However, when Kirk notices the continued decline and particularly that he is isolating himself he takes more direct action to confront and assist. Some personality types need time alone to work through things (ie like Kirk making himself available to Avatar but not pushing - he feels Avatar would want and need to work through it mostly himself - it is different for Clone) - Clone is a people person and needs to be around people to heal, not away from them.
Kirk will approach Alex to speak to him alone and would try something along these lines.
"Alex, I know you've been through a lot of adjustments lately and that perhaps Vanguard's missions and encounters are of a scale different than what you've experienced personally. One thing that keeps me going is that I've learned and been taught that things are seldom what they seem and even once we think we 'have it together' things can quickly change. I'm thinking this past adventure with your alterate self and then seeing evidence of all those 'gods' may be shaking your faith in yourself and your religious faith, which is a huge part of you.
Now although I don't personally ascribe to belief in a monotheistic God, what you saw with incarnations of all those gods certainly doesn't preclude the existence of your one ultimate God. I'd discussed this with Avatar too, just because we discovered evidence of beings whereby many of the gods mankind has worshiped exist, doesn't mean that the worship ascribed to them is accurate and preclude other forms. In my mind, what we found is evidence of alien creatures, ahead of man at the time of encountering them, and from which our legends and gods were based by a more primitive society of men... if Vanguard fell through time and encountered much of any society of ancient man, we'd likely be worshipped as gods if we weren't careful.
Don't let what we encountered shake your belief system. We found more questions, not ultimate answers.
Alex, I'm afraid for you and the path you are following - I'd refer you to the words of your greatest prophet, 'there is more happiness in giving than in receiving'. You've lived your life that way until now, and cutting yourself off from your giving spirit and your love of people isn't going to help you here. I believe one off your Proverbs warns against the one isolating himself and that isolation leads to the loss of good judgement. You are experiencing that here. Let us back in, even if you have to force yourself at first, and things will come together inwardly for you also.
You have family and friends that care about you Alex, remember that, and take advantage of it. Let them help you as you've always tried to help others."
OOC Hope this helps get Clone back on the right path - and it seemed like something Kirk would be compelled to do.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC: Hi
Everyone:
As Seth/Sentinel indicated, anyone that is increasing stats (due to limitations on the increase) has advancement gains left over.
Please quickly let me know if you're taking skills with that. :)
For example:
Strike gains 3 points of Agility and takes First Aid and Nonverbal Code Language.
Avatar gains 3 to Strength and takes Tactics and Expertise with CHESS weaponry.
Etc.
Stephane: I'll allow the weakness buy down, but it'll be awful subtle given that it's half of a '1/4 Super Power' in strength! ie: 1/8 of the Weakness would go away.
Talon: you haven't replied to the turn yet. Please let me know when you can reply!
Thanks,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Avatar:
OOC: An attack bonus with the sword? Work on simultaneous activation of Avatar powers rather than one at a time? Decrease in cost of use of Avatar powers?
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: Jeff: Assuming I can retroactively do a quick change.. I'll tweak my entry to the following:1- Advancement: 50% on two skills: Non-verbal, Tactics. Keep the rest for further use (next level)I'll stay close to home keeping an eye on Nanite, the pregnancy, and training with the others/CHESS in the above skills.I'll also continue furthering the REACH program. I'll give as much of my time as I can safely do (depending on how the pregnancy is going).
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
OOC: Hey Jeff would it be possible to do a little retro stuff with Clone? I didn’t realize how much time was going to pass between issue 130 and 131. Given the amount of time that transpires I was hoping to maybe expand a bit on the Clone / Sentinel discussion, work him out of his slump ( nobody stays in a bummed out mood that long – especially Clone ) through a short little narrative, and maybe work with Symbiote for a little bit ( once Clone gets his old personality back ) on a special project ( if Symbiote has the time and is willing to help ).
Given his vast scientific background; especially within the Skill fields of Science, Genetics and Research, I was hoping to work Symbiote to develop ( using Clone’s Inventing Points/Luck Points/etc. of course ) a weapon for Clone – a staff. Instead of always having him grab weapons of opportunity from around the campaign setting ( sticks and stone for example ), I was hoping to come up with some kind of melee weapon ( a staff comes to mind ) that would duplicate itself along with Clone as he uses his Multiplicity power.
I’m not trying to increase Clone’s powers at all with this – I was just hoping to see the character develop a bit more by having a weapon that he can be consistently seen with as opposed to always reaching for chunks of marble on the ground, a stash of CHESS pistols stored in weapons locker, etc. . . I also wanted to work in a bit of character development type stuff – a new costume ( with a back story as to why he came up with a new one of course ), and a short narrative explaining how his new telepathic link power came into being – if that would be ok.
I’ll start working something up once you get back to me on what you’ll allow to transpire during the months between both issues.
Talk to you all soon, -Kev
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
OOC: Personally I'd love to see the narrative if Jeff allows and you have time to do it and feel free to use Kirk to further assist if it fills a need in your/Clone's efforts.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
Pending Jeff's approval Symbiote will, of course, be happy to help with this.
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC:
Kev/Clone: Character development is always welcome! Go for it.
Re: Staff: We’ll need an “unstable molecules” type name for the (Soviet) science of how his costume duplicates. Any ideas? Then the same principal can apply to a staff.
We'll also need a pseudo-reason why Clone can't duplicate the cash in his wallet, or a cat he’s holding. Maybe the staff is somehow made of the same molecules his uniform is?
Let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks.
Best,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: Suggestion: Staff: Maybe it's a duplication limitation. As long as Clone identifies the object as par of his core "self" (a la matrix) then he'll duplicate it. You can only change your core self items at level increase/training time?
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
OOC: Kev, I don't know if you have thought this out already but the email really spurred my imagination at lunch.
Here is what I thought of. You are welcome to use any of it that you like. You are also welcome to laugh and hit the delete button.
------------
Straight Russian translation of Unstable Molecules from Google: Nestabil'nyh Molekul
Origin on Clone's Costume
Since Clone was a mutant at an early age then it can be surmised that the mutagenic event impacted the area he lived in as well. I am speculating that Clone's Father and Mother were able to use the local cotton and hemp crops to create clothes for their child. For most of his life he had his clothes duplicating with him.
When the Govenment brought the Human Collective to Moscow, they also brought a collection of cotton and hemp with them. There the Soviet Agricultural Engineering Academy (S.A.E.A) was able to determine the proper mixture with normal textile materials to the collective mutagenic material and still have it duplicate. It is a 20/80 split of normal to mutagenic. S.A.E.A. was disappointed to discover that the mutagenic effect on the plants did not give the plants 'superpowers'. Which meant that production efficiencies beyond normal growth cycles were not possible. They were pleased to discover that the mutagenic effect was to positively interact with 'superpowers'. All Soviet Super Soldiers are uniformed with this wonderful material. The Oleksienko Collective's (as it is referred to in the Kremlin) only crops are cotton and hemp by order of the Minister of Textiles.
S.A.E.A. named the mutagenic compound: Oleksienko Molekul.
Origin of the Staff
Clone's brother has been secretly grafting hemp stalks into different hard wood trees. He has been successful with oak. He has figured out how to do the grafting on a mature tree and still cause the tree to take on the Oleksienko Molekul properties. Because the tree was still alive and growing, the amount of mutagenic plant needed for grafting was significantly less. He was able to secret the hemp out of the Soviet Union. He has made the Staff for Clone.
-----------
Thanks for a fun lunch
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
OOC:
Sorry for the Clone side story/narrative not being done yet – I am working on it still and was really hoping to have it done by now – I will do my best to get it out asap
--------------------------------------------------
Sentinel:
OOC: Personally I'd love to see the narrative if Jeff allows and you have time to do it and feel free to use Kirk to further assist if it fills a need in your/Clone's efforts.
Best,
Seth
--------------------------------------------------
Symbiote:
Pending Jeff's approval Symbiote will, of course, be happy to help with this.
--------------------------------------------------
GM:
OOC:
Kev/Clone: Character development is always welcome! Go for it.
Re: Staff: We’ll need an “unstable molecules” type name for the (Soviet) science of how his costume duplicates. Any ideas? Then the same principal can apply to a staff.
We'll also need a pseudo-reason why Clone can't duplicate the cash in his wallet, or a cat he’s holding. Maybe the staff is somehow made of the same molecules his uniform is?
Let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks.
Best,
Jeff
--------------------------------------------------
Slingshot:
OOC: Suggestion: Staff: Maybe it's a duplication limitation. As long as Clone identifies the object as par of his core "self" (a la matrix) then he'll duplicate it. You can only change your core self items at level increase/training time?
--------------------------------------------------
Menagerie:
OOC: Kev, I don't know if you have thought this out already but the email really spurred my imagination at lunch.
Here is what I thought of. You are welcome to use any of it that you like. You are also welcome to laugh and hit the delete button.
------------
Straight Russian translation of Unstable Molecules from Google: Nestabil'nyh Molekul
Origin on Clone's Costume
Since Clone was a mutant at an early age then it can be surmised that the mutagenic event impacted the area he lived in as well. I am speculating that Clone's Father and Mother were able to use the local cotton and hemp crops to create clothes for their child. For most of his life he had his clothes duplicating with him.
When the Govenment brought the Human Collective to Moscow, they also brought a collection of cotton and hemp with them. There the Soviet Agricultural Engineering Academy (S.A.E.A) was able to determine the proper mixture with normal textile materials to the collective mutagenic material and still have it duplicate. It is a 20/80 split of normal to mutagenic. S.A.E.A. was disappointed to discover that the mutagenic effect on the plants did not give the plants 'superpowers'. Which meant that production efficiencies beyond normal growth cycles were not possible. They were pleased to discover that the mutagenic effect was to positively interact with 'superpowers'. All Soviet Super Soldiers are uniformed with this wonderful material. The Oleksienko Collective's (as it is referred to in the Kremlin) only crops are cotton and hemp by order of the Minister of Textiles.
S.A.E.A. named the mutagenic compound: Oleksienko Molekul.
Origin of the Staff
Clone's brother has been secretly grafting hemp stalks into different hard wood trees. He has been successful with oak. He has figured out how to do the grafting on a mature tree and still cause the tree to take on the Oleksienko Molekul properties. Because the tree was still alive and growing, the amount of mutagenic plant needed for grafting was significantly less. He was able to secret the hemp out of the Soviet Union. He has made the Staff for Clone.
-----------
Thanks for a fun lunch
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
Clone:
OOC:
Sorry for the Clone side story/narrative not being done yet – I am working on it still and was really hoping to have it done by now – I will do my best to get it out asap
