Vanguard: The briefing continued. The bodies from the room with the Silver Coffin are slowly being identified and their remains returned to their families when possible. Half were homeless. Others were recently missing persons.
Inhuman shared his theory on Nanite’s whereabouts with Vanguard and Doc Rocket. But Symbiote cannot detect anything new or unusual in the Harness.
Later, when Slingshot was not present, Rocket said to Inhuman, “A brilliant conclusion. Here’s where I think you may have gone wrong, young man. When the Luddite absorbed Lightning Strike and Symbiote, they were in electrical form, including their very minds. Nanite was not. While her mind was powered by electricity, it was not made of electricity. The Luddite withdrew all of her power, but the electricity was just that: power. Not her mind. However, without power to fuel her higher functions and with no reply to Sentinel’s beacon, I fear the worst. I she had escaped why has she not contacted us?”
Inhuman and Symbiote believe that Symbiote should help identify the abilities and weaknesses of the captive extranormal criminals of CHESS Castle. Sentinel disagrees. (OOC: Discuss?)
Inhuman thinks that if Skin Deep is operating for Black Bat then he may have some plans for her that does not involve a vacation at this juncture. (OOC: Assuming Inhuman said this out loud…) Detective Archer growled, “And IF I had wheels I’d be a tricycle. Where’s your evidence that Skin Deep is working for Bat?”
Vanguard discussed the Silas Caine lawsuit. Slingshot said, "I want to apologize to the team. I don't think that I fully understood the position we would be in when I landed that one punch." With that he slunk down in his chair.
Director Grey said, “Everyone makes mistakes. Just none of you make this one again.”
Inhuman said: “I’m finding it pretty hard to believe based upon the past actions of the Luddite and the members of Vanguard that any one would truly believe that The Luddite was attacking Vanguard to save Silas Caine unless he was motivated somehow.”
Agent Sam Drake continued playing devil’s advocate: “Who said the Luddite was there to save Caine? Vanguard tipped their presence to the Luddite in Hell’s Kitchen a day earlier. A man made of shadows could have been following Vanguard the entire time.” Director Grey watched and said nothing.
Inhuman said: “SILAS CRANE SUGGESTED THE ACTIONS THAT LED TO THE DESTRUCTION OF HIS OFFICES, therefore he in essence gave assent to the damages.”
Drake said, “Again, just to feed you what his lawyers are saying, the Vanguard damages began when they crashed into the offices, before Caine suggested any action. The damages include an attack on Caine, which he didn’t suggest. The offices would never have been destroyed if Vanguard had not led the Luddite there in the first place.”
(OOC: Replies to any of the above.) Eventually Grey said, “Enough. This is getting us nowhere. As lawyers you make great superheroes.”
Forester: At CHESS Castle, Forester said to Hyena: "I was concerned that you might suffer from lycanthropy when we first met... I will do what I can to get you the help you need."
Hyena laughed derisively. “Right. Help turn me back into that weakling, Martin.”
His long slavering teeth were exposed to the molars as he drew his lips back in disgust. “How’s that gonna help me?! Tell you what, bleeding heart. Why don’t you open my door? Gimme some real @#%&* help!” Staring defiantly into Forester’s eyes the jovial jackal laughed his eerie animal laugh.
Forester checked his medical records and came up clean.
Forester tells Marksman of Hyena's werewolfian origin and totem-sensing ability, and that he was severely injured by the diseased derelict. The blind Zen Master said, “As in all things, student, I hope you will do what is right.” He did not repeat his warning that the vampire might try to recruit him before he departed.
Forester said to Director Grey: “With Skin-Deep, assorted members of Homicide for Hire, and who knows what else still on the loose, has CHESS identified the top two or three or four public enemies now at large ... This would help prioritize, and perhaps split into effective subteams, before the next missions begin. It's easy to get tied up in loose ends and minor leads," he explains. "I don't want to miss the forest for the trees."
Grey ignored the woodsman’s pun, “You’re right. We built Vanguard to stop Swastika. Then you followed two of Swastika’s escapees into the rat’s nest of Big City’s underworld. Instead of playing defense, it’s about time we started planning an offensive strategy. I think we could start with…”
Grey’s words were broken off by the sound of sirens. The alert was sounding across Vanguard’s HQ!
“Damn,” muttered Grey. (OOC: See below)
Kairos: The fated fighter dreamt of a place beyond time. Had he been there before? From atop the decapitated marble god, the shadowed woman said: “Traveler… you are lost. More than you know.”
“And how is it that I have become so lost? And how do YOU know more than I…?” asked John.
“We all know more than you do, “Kairos.” Fighting fruitlessly against your Destiny, you drank deep from Charon’s cup. You’ve lost all sense of who you are. Of what we are. And having done so, you’ve created a new identity for yourself, but it is not a true one. As I am an Avatar of Night, you are an avatar of War. Of Ares.”
Her voice was seductive and intelligent. Behind her, across the full moon, a lunar eclipse began. White became red as she continued. “Search your feelings… You are no blind, idealistic “hero.” Battle is all that consumes your thoughts and actions. Without it, you become nearly dormant. You were bred for one glorious purpose. I can help you. Let me help you remember and embrace your Fate. Our Fate.”
She descended and stood revealed as Penumbra. In her left hand appeared a golden chalice from swirling black mist. She offered it to John. “Drink and remember, my brother.”
(OOC: Reply? After John decides to drink or not, he is jolted awake in bed by alarms in the HQ. (See below!)
Inhuman: “In you I see Frostfire… the Human Dynamo… Storm Giant… Blazon… Nemesis… Tornado Man, All gone now.” Inhuman will take this list to Sgt. Stone and ask him to match it up with our team members.
Stone looked at him with all the incredulity his big rocky mug could muster which was surprisingly a lot. He grabbed the paper from Inhuman’s webbed hands. “Gimme that. What he’s saying here is that you young, punk, wide-eyed, wet behind the ears, wanna be, hero-playing mental cases are as green and clueless as the first year Freedom Force! And they’re all outta the hero biz!” Now getouttahere before I make you swim laps!!”
Suddenly, sirens sounded. Vanguard HQ was on alert! (See below!)
Sentinel: Director Grey replied to Sentinel regarding Black Bat’s CHESS file, “There is no higher clearance version. You’ve got all we have. And we have nothing on Stentor’s secret identity. Just like we don’t have yours, kid.”
From Sentinel’s observation, it appears Agent Sam Drake made no distinction among the men of Vanguard, Doc Rocket or Sgt. Stone. He treated them all the same.
Later, at Vanguard HQ, Kirk thought of what he said to Lancaster: “That’s certainly true, but usually their deceit works best when cleverly intermixed with words of truth. Perhaps there is more to the symbol and to your choosing it than even you knew about.”
Sentinel used his computer skills to research the symbol online. He was shocked with what he found.
The history of the seal of the United States was as his grandfather had told him, but there was also a darker symbolism: paganism, Freemasonry and ultimately the Illuminati, a quasi-mythical secret society of “illuminated” or “enlightened” men who are the secret masters of this world: perhaps for their own profit or for the good of all.
Some sources claim this shadowy cabal to be sorcerers wielding ancient secret magicks from the Knights Templar.
The actual symbol, the Great Seal of the United States, was designed by the founding fathers, many of whom were Freemasons. It was placed on the back of the one dollar bill in 1935 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a high ranking Mason. Strangely, the seal is reversed, with its back on the left and the front of the seal on the right.
The eye in the triangle is said to be the eye of God, the eye of Horus, the All Seeing Eye, and more.
“Novus Ordo Seclorum” means “ A new order for the ages” or “New World Order.”
The symbol’s presence on America’s currency is said to be a sign to “all who can see” to show the true power behind the United States. The superhero conspiracy websites have noticed Sentinel’s crest and its implications.
Sentinel recalled troubling connections between the Knights Templar and SKULL!
Kirk was about to phone Lancaster when the alert was sounded across Vanguard HQ! (See below!)
Vanguard: Vanguard quickly assembled in their ready room at 6:05pm. Agent Sam Drake was monitoring the communications console. “It’s CHESS Castle. There’s a prison break. They need help.”
“What the hell?” said Grey. “That’s supposed to be impossible! How?!”
Drake was unflappable. If he didn’t like extranormals, it didn’t affect his work. He said to Vanguard: “Let’s board the Manta Craft and I’ll brief you what little we have while we’re on our way!”
“’Our way’?” said Grey.
“Yes, sir,” Drake said. “Tier 5, sir.”
Grey nodded grimly. “Get goin’.”
Forester knew of 4 tiers in CHESS Castle. Someone asked what tier 5 was. “Pray you don’t find out,” said Grey.
The Manta Craft lit out from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building. It was piloted by Larry Manetti, a CHESS Rook who had flown jets for the Freedom Force. “Hang on,” he said as the ship accelerated hard. ZVROOOOOOM!
They would cover the 30 miles to Ossining in under five minutes.
Drake said: “Near as we can tell, something came out of orbit and struck the prison. Registered a 5 on the Richter scale. Generators could be out. After the initial mayday, we heard men screaming. Then we lost all contact.”
Through the front windscreen, Vanguard saw a plume of black smoke rising in the distance. Stormclouds too.
Sam Drake continued. “There are just under 300 extranormals housed there. 50 prison personnel including four CHESS Knights… no contact from them either. We’ve called for backup. Jets are scrambling.”
Ajay patched in and transmitted prison schematics. Vanguard had seconds to scan them. Ajay said: “From the exterior, CHESS Castle looks like a normal prison to protect its location. Humans are kept in the buildings above ground. Extranormals in the maximum security facility underground.” (OOC: See schematic.)
Forester knew the layout. The lower the level, the higher the security. Tier 1 was Administration and Prisoner Processing. Tier 2 was Medical, Recreation, Workshops. Tier 3 was Science and Research. Tier 4 was Security.
The Manta Craft was in the black smoke now. Rain came down hard. Wind. Lightning. Thunder. “Where do you want me to put this thing?!” yelled Larry Manetti. Prison yard sirens were audible. Men shouting. A loud explosion boomed. The sound of buildings collapsing, or maybe walls?
The ship broke from the smoke on a pass over and got a visual. It was bad. The building that gave access to the underground prison was broken open like a fatal head wound. Men bled out. Dozens were visible with more coming, all in orange jumpsuits. They raced across the yard. Some were flying. There were two CHESS Knights down.
The impact crater was on the generators! They were burning the smoke plume. The access building burned too.
Through the craft’s cameras, from the CHESS Omni-Carrier, Ajay started identifying super-villains. Out of their costumes, he could only ID half:
“That fast one has got to be Accelerator. He can transfer velocity with a touch!
Elemento, that two time loser! He’s flying out! (OOC: An old Intercrime hack. Controls fire, ice and the elements!)
Jeez, Crab Man has mutated again! (OOC: From the Sinister Sea Squadron, a former team mate of the Octopus)
There’s Jellyfish! (OOC: Also from the Sinister Sea Squadron; all taken down by the Freedom Force in the ‘80s)
The Hyena is loose dammit. (From Homicide for Hire)
Smog! (The anti-eco-terrorist whom Black Bat sided with before he was “destroyed.”)
That one is Mother Russia. (Imprisoned for 20 years after the Soviet Super Soldiers tried to kidnap Polar Bear!)
Dr. Chiropterus, Figment, Triceratops, I can’t keep up!!”
(See image, which depicts the villains in their costumes. But remember, they are currently in orange jumpsuits.)
The fear of seeing so many powerful supervillains rampaging forth was barely quelled by Kairos’ Nobility of Spirit!
OOC: Actions?
Current condition: Everyone is in top condition.
------------------------------------Inhuman:
Reply to Doc Rocket about Nanite’s whereabouts:
“Well, I thought it was a good idea, one that I will be the first to point out was absolutely hinged upon several unknowns.” Inhuman gives a gurgling sigh… “I will leave no stone unturned, hopefully she is not hiding somewhere out of fear and distrust, after all the Caramel Cupid [OOC: Does that work for Slingy? If Dark chocolate works better use that instead] barely knew her and most of the rest of us are definitely on her unknowns list… She may be of the wait and see opinion.” Inhuman points to his head “I’ll keep the wheels a-turning”.
Inhuman and Symbiote believe that Symbiote should help identify the abilities and weaknesses of the captive extranormal criminals of CHESS Castle. Sentinel disagrees. (OOC: Discuss?)
Here is a more palatable solution how about we go to Grey and see if he would be willing to make this offer: reopen the cases of those who are imprisoned and allow themselves to be tested in order to examine to see if this as new evidence would have possibly changed their convictions, much like DNA sampling did when it first became legal. This should benefit all sides, more Harper data,
Detective Archer growled, “And IF I had wheels I’d be a tricycle. Where’s your evidence that Skin Deep is working for Bat?” “No offense here Detective, but we have little evidence that Skin Deep is anywhere, however” Inhuman waggles a finger here addressing Det. Archer in his most persuasive voice “This is an opponent that we must deduce their actions not by direct impact but by indirect means, we are looking for a specimen that we must find by figuring out where two of one thing appears to be different locations and in the maze of Big City’s size… well finding one person in this city is a full time job for you guys, finding two won’t be any better.” (OOC: after rumors of Femme Fatales sidekick that was reported dead surface, Inhuman will direct this to Det. Archer and Vanguards attention, with a note that this may be a case of two in one place.)
ZVROOOOOOM! They would cover the 30 miles to Ossining in under five minutes.
(OOC: Inhuman will try to observe the operation of the Craft, If he does lose his powers maybe CHESS will allow him to be trained in their systems and act as team liaison and support….)
Drake said: “Near as we can tell, something came out of orbit and struck the prison. Registered a 5 on the Richter scale. Generators could be out. After the initial mayday, we heard men screaming. Then we lost all contact.”
“If Someone at CHESS isn’t on this, I presume there is some satellite observation of The Castle? If so then perhaps there will be a clue as to our orbital bombardiers? If I was running this show I might orbitally bombard the base with my toughest guy, assuming he could do that safely.”
“Perhaps someone should check the weather report, those clouds don’t look natural, if there is a weather manipulator in the prison then we should ID them they may be our top priority.”
The Manta Craft was in the black smoke now. Rain came down hard. Wind. Lightning. Thunder. “Where do you want me to put this thing?!” yelled Larry Manetti. Prison yard sirens were audible. Men shouting. A loud explosion boomed. The sound of buildings collapsing, or maybe walls?
“Unless someone has a better Idea, land near the River downstream, I can pick up some water for some options, if we get pushed back I can better defend near the river, Symbiote and I may be able to recharge there also.” (OOC: I don’t see a listing for a range on my hydrokinisis, I would like the craft to be in a location I feel comfortable as being within range of my manipulation).
OOC: Actions?
Inhuman’s attention snapped up a notch at the mention of sea based Superhuman life, especially if it is brought to his attention that they were Octopuses team mates. “Agent Grey, I may be able to solicit help from Crab Man, Jellyfish or other Aquatic based metahumans, if so are you willing to pursue some reductions in sentencing for aiding in containment?”
Inhuman paused for scant moments (OOC: after Grey’s reply if he decides fast on Inhuman’s Offer, anyone with better ideas insert but keep the argument to a minimum and try to up the teamwork) “Gentlemen, this is the times that try men’s souls, Ajay try to figure out who you think is likely the most troublesome that Symbiote is likely able to duplicate, We will try to get Symbiote to him then take him down. Mr. Manetti, if this thing can land/hover drop us off then use your best judgment to stay out of danger, we need you to if at all possible provide an escape route or additional telemetry maybe even back up if this brute is packing, but be a reserve. After the Symbiote idea works or fails Kairos, if there are any pockets of guards get to them and keep them fighting, you can use the square firepower rule the best with those guys. I’ll see if the sea can be called upon to our aid. Symbiote you know what to do, if you need to recharge your power, get to me then recharge in the river you may be able to influence others like I can, but it isn’t mind control it is a sort of friendship/alliance power that may not last past a change of power. Sentinel, you may have the best divide and conquer powers see what you can do with that concept. Slingshot, you may be the other guy to lead the round up, or maybe collapse the exit everyone else is trying to use if you think that will work, there is at least one fire wielder out there, ill try to keep his fire powers off of you. Lightning Strike your best choice may be the security systems but there may be opposition in there, try to provide ranged damage. Forrester, just like Blitzer over there provide ranged support, If I have the chance I’ll try to recover arrows for you, Slingy, you may want to think about doing the same.
Everyone, try to stay close enough to provide support for each other say within 50 feet (10”) and a flowing diamond pattern, running off can get us all killed. This is as bad as some of the situations we have been in remember; support your fellow teammates, and they should do the same. Unless there are other tactical suggestions, let’s get the heck over there and clean up this mess.
Later…
"D-mmit"Cursed Inhuman "the better plan is someone hit the generator to get in, the escapees are of secondary importance.... Okies Assumption time:" "Agent Gray, Do you know if we get power back to the system if it will aid in containment?" "Ajay, in addition to communication do these comm gear thingies transport pictures? If so what we need to do is connect face recognition software with the Castle files eliminate everyone except duplicates and see who is left.... this also may help us face off against whoever we encounter." "Look the thing I see is... Maybe whoever hit Castle to release a level 5 thing, then someone would have to go in and fetch it out, if we can stop them from letting it loose then maybe capture the nouns going in there after the level 5 then we might have a chance." "But if I had a guy capable of orbital bombardment then i would leave him there to make sure LS couldn't just pop the base back on."
------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Inhuman said: Sentinel, you had some rudimentary success in communicating with it if I understood the case logs correctly. If we try to locate the being and communicate with it again it could give us some answers, both about Nanite and Inhuman's condition as well.
Sentinel: Rudimentary describes it well. I’m not sure what the Star Giant got from me, but at best I can describe what I got almost more as overall ‘empathic’ feelings or gestures from it rather than a true communication of thoughts and ideas. I wish we could find the Star Giant again, particularly with Inhuman here so we could have some true communication, for many reasons.
The Luddite withdrew all of her power, but the electricity was just that: power. Not her mind. However, without power to fuel her higher functions and with no reply to Sentinel’s beacon, I fear the worst. I she had escaped why has she not contacted us?”
Kirk, having been listening and looking over the charts and readings from his scientific friends hoping his understanding of computers and energy-flow would give him some insight into all the testing that was beyond his immediate scope of knowledge stopped reading.
Kirk focused his energy senses intently and focused on the area of Nanite ‘mapped’ out to be her brain and related functions. He tried to focus to see if the reintroduction of power to her mechanic systems had flowed into the part of her that physically served as a brain or if that portion of her systems was somehow separate from the rest.
Doc’s words got Kirk thinking about the situation in an entirely different way. “Doc, what you just said, I’d been thinking about Nanite’s consciousness in computer terms – her possibly jumping into the net along with Inhuman’s thoughts of her consciousness transferring to Symbiote’s harness, but from what you said, what if we haven’t been giving her ‘humanity’ enough credit? What if it’s all still right here, Kirk pointed at her ‘head’? What if she is just the equivalent of being ‘knocked unconscious’ and we just haven’t properly ‘woken her up’?”
OOC: Jeff, not sure to what degree power has been introduced into Nanite’s system yet and if it has been directed to her ‘brain’ and that’s what Kirk is trying to understand here.
“What if her design is even more human-like then we thought and the ‘reboot’ you discovered is just a ‘wake-up’ call for her, the equivalent of good jostling to her system to wake her up?”
OOC: Doc and the others may have worked through these theories already and if Kirk knew it wouldn’t bring it up, but have they tried to company the various areas of her ‘brain’ to check to see if they are all alike (ie wiped clean) versus some portions different than others (ie containing data – her memories and other knowledge etc)… just another area of thought that Kirk picked up on from Doc’s comments of the electricity being power, but not her mind.
Inhuman and Symbiote believe that Symbiote should help identify the abilities and weaknesses of the captive extranormal criminals of CHESS Castle. Sentinel disagrees. (OOC: Discuss?)
Just to clarify this one, Kirk wasn’t against the idea, but against the idea of forcing it upon the criminals against their will. He had suggested giving incentives to them to motivate them to cooperate. Kirk was also concerned with Symbiote keeping his research ‘close to home’ so as not to fall in the hands of those that might misuse it (not the classifying of powers but knowledge relating to possibly removing them). If there were some that absolutely didn’t want to cooperate and it was felt that they posed such a threat that the reading should be done, then they should be some ‘due process’ and protocols to determine it, with the individual given a chance to state their case as to why it shouldn’t be done, etc. While criminals give up some of their civil liberties due to their actions (ie criminal activities), they don’t lose all of their rights automatically.
Eventually Grey said, “Enough. This is getting us nowhere. As lawyers you make great superheroes.”
Kirk chuckled out loud at Grey’s remarks. Although he was familiar with many aspects of the legal system and appreciated its need to safeguard the rights of people, he couldn’t help but feel that people like Caine had perverted its intent. At this point he felt that the red tape should be left to those best suited to handle it and that Vanguard has enough of their plate without worrying further about the legal defense; that was one of the benefits of their government sponsorship … and if any entity could delay things forever, it would be the governmental bureaucratic engine; they’d give Caine a run for his money.
From Sentinel’s observation, it appears Agent Sam Drake made no distinction among the men of Vanguard, Doc Rocket or Sgt. Stone. He treated them all the same.
I’m assuming from this you are saying that Kirk is noticing that it isn’t a person with gifts that Drake has the problem with then, it’s those that actually put on a costume and assume the identity of a super-hero. Although not great, this would be a bit more positive then Kirk’s idea that he had a prejudice against anyone with ‘gifts’ – it might be more of a general attitude that he has a problem with those who, in his mind, are looking for the limelight perhaps. If we have an opportunity to work with anyone gifted who hasn’t taken on a costumed identity, Kirk would be interested in Drake’s treatment of them. Are there any gifted agents of Chess who have worked with Drake that we are aware of but who aren’t super-heroes in the files? Thanks.
Sentinel recalled troubling connections between the Knights Templar and SKULL!
Kirk will pick up this research again and get Lancaster’s point of view on what he’s learned (likely after this next adventure in downtime again).
It was piloted by Larry Manetti, a CHESS Rook who had flown jets for the Freedom Force. “Hang on,” he said as the ship accelerated hard. ZVROOOOOOM!
They would cover the 30 miles to Ossining in under five minutes.
Kirk walked over to watch Manetti working his magic with the controls and commented with a bit of awe, “Smooth. I didn’t know they could move this fast, and it looks like you don’t even have to think about maneuvers you’re about to make” as he tried to distract himself a bit from what they would find.
They broke from the smoke on a pass over and got a visual. It was bad. The building that gave access to the underground prison was broken open like a fatal head wound. Men bled out. Dozens were visible with more coming, all in orange jumpsuits. They raced across the yard. Some were flying. There were two CHESS Knights down.
The impact crater was on the generators! They were burning the smoke plume. The access building burned too.
Kirk tries to do an energy outlay of the area with his senses. In particular, he is looking for bigger and perhaps unusual sources of energy.
Kirk surveyed the situation and turned to Grey and Drake and Vanguard. “Ok, I know that our first impulse it to move out guns blazing and try to take down the escaping felons. But we can’t do that. There are three hundred super-villains and only a handful of us. We have to get the Castle containment protocols operational again. That should be our first priority and should maximum our containment ability of the felons. Where are the backup generators located and what needs to be done to get them to kick in?
Second, we need to figure out that objective of whoever started this mess. The escape is the cover-up for what they really want. What is kept here that’s valuable enough for someone to orchestrate this? Is there anything of value that has been moved here recently? What about in this Level 5?
The power needed to orchestrate something out of orbit would be huge. From our currently known criminals at large it certainly in line with the scientific genius of Swastika, but this seems like much to overt and operation for the Bat. Are there any extra-terrestrial threats that would find something of value housed here?
Chess should have their jets work together upon arrival to keep a constant bombardment of weapons coming down at the exits to discourage any more felons from escaping and to hopefully take out any that still try, until we get the containment protocols running again. Hopefully those that are out already will only be concerned with their own freedom and not helping out the other inmates and we can round them up later.
We need to stay together. Our being organized and watching each other’s backs here is our greatest advantage against those fleeing felons. If we lose that, we’ll just get cut down by the sheer numbers and we won’t be able to get the Castle up and running again.”
Kirk took a deep breath and wished he’d logged more hours with Stone in the gym these last couple of weeks instead of with Lancaster meditating.
------------------------------------
Forester:
Forester's first instinct tells him to pull out an Extinguisher Arrow and help douse the fire, but he reasons that the Castle must have sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and other equipment on hand. So he tries instead to stop some of the villains from escaping. Here are his top three actions:
1. Aim a sonic arrow against Dr. Chiropterus (presuming the villains relies on radar).
2. Use a Boomerang arrow against Figment.
3. Direct a Tangler Arrow at Accelerator (unless he can fly).
4. Fire a Flare Arrow against whoever is the closest target.
While firing at another villain, Forester calls out to Hyena:
"Hyena, my brother, you need our help~ You cannot run from the pack!"
Forester knows full well that Hyena will not assist the heroes. But he hopes that continuing to take an Alpha Dog role will infuriate the lycanthrope so much that he'll at least stick around for a fight instead of trying to escape.
Forester does feel genuine concern for Hyena, he suffers from a supernatural disease.
At least for now, Forester wants to duplicate the strategy he used when Vanguard initially faced Homicide for Hire. Distract Hyena (even if this means getting clawed) while actually attacking other villains)
------------------------------------
GM Replies:
Before the Jailbreak:
Sentinel said: “…what if we haven’t been giving her ‘humanity’ enough credit? What if it’s all still right here, Kirk pointed at her ‘head’? What if she is just the equivalent of being ‘knocked unconscious’ and we just haven’t properly ‘woken her up’?”
Doc Rocket said, “It’s certainly possible, my boy. Her form is powered and functioning. As I said, her mind is a blank. But I have located a sort of “reboot” capability tied to her higher “brain” functions.”
OOC: Seth/Sentinel said (About Drake’s apparent prejudice): I’m assuming from this you are saying that Kirk is noticing that it isn’t a person with gifts that Drake has the problem with then, it’s those that actually put on a costume and assume the identity of a super-hero.
OOC GM Reply: This could be it.
The Jailbreak:
Inhuman said: “I presume there is some satellite observation of The Castle? If so then perhaps there will be a clue as to our orbital bombardiers? …
Ajay said breathlessly: “We’ll check to see if any satellites were in position to observe CHESS Castle at the time of the attack! Stand by for that!”
Inhuman said: “Perhaps someone should check the weather report, those clouds don’t look natural, if there is a weather manipulator in the prison then we should ID them they may be our top priority.”
Ajay replied: “I said Elemento can control the elements! I’ll search the prison roster for more!”
Inhuman said: “Agent Grey, I may be able to solicit help from Crab Man, Jellyfish or other Aquatic based metahumans, if so are you willing to pursue some reductions in sentencing for aiding in containment?”
Grey said, “I’m willing to pursue it,” without much enthusiasm.
Inhuman said, “Ajay try to figure out who you think is likely the most troublesome that Symbiote is likely able to duplicate.”
After a moment, Ajay said, “Triceratops is the most physically powerful by far!” (OOC: Symbiote, does Vanguard know you cannot duplicate all powers? Either way, Ajay’s answer is the same. Just clarifying.)
Inhuman said: “Mr. Manetti, if this thing can land/hover drop us off then use your best judgment to stay out of danger, we need you to if at all possible provide an escape route or additional telemetry maybe even back up if this brute is packing, but be a reserve.”
Manetti nodded agreement and shouted, “It’s Larry!”
Inhuman said: "Agent Grey, Do you know if we get power back to the system if it will aid in containment?"
Grey said, “Sure. You’ll be able to hold these jokers in their cells again.”
Inhuman said: "Ajay, in addition to communication do these comm gear thingies transport pictures? If so what we need to do is connect face recognition software with the Castle files eliminate everyone except duplicates and see who is left.... this also may help us face off against whoever we encounter."
(OOC: they do show pictures like a cellphone.) Ajay, nearly exasperated, said: “I’ll get someone started on it!”
Skip/Inhuman wrote: (OOC: I don’t see a listing for a range on my hydrokinisis, I would like the craft to be in a location I feel comfortable as being within range of my manipulation).
OOC GM Reply: Sorry. Int x Level or 15” / 75 feet.
Sentinel said: Kirk tries to do an energy outlay of the area with his senses. In particular, he is looking for bigger and perhaps unusual sources of energy.
GM Reply: Sentinel’s range is 100 feet and he’s in a moving air craft. The ground reduces his range per foot of solid material “scanned through.” He can reach underground tier one of CHESS Castle and power there is down!
Sentinel said: “ Where are the backup generators located and what needs to be done to get them to kick in?"
Ajay said over the radio from his schematics: “Sub basement! They should have kicked in when the generators went. Maybe they were damaged in the micro-quake of the impact?”
Sentinel said: “What is kept here that’s valuable enough for someone to orchestrate this? Is there anything of value that has been moved here recently? What about in this Level 5?”
Grey said: “CHESS Castle only holds criminal extranormals. "Things of value" are stored at CHESS Vault.”
Sentinel said: “The power needed to orchestrate something out of orbit would be huge. From our currently known criminals at large it certainly in line with the scientific genius of Swastika, but this seems like much to overt and operation for the Bat. Are there any extra-terrestrial threats that would find something of value housed here?”
OOC GM Reply: Sentinel knows that a craft that could enter orbit, or sub orbit, is not beyond the technological reach of a few extranormal masterminds and more than a few governments. Add to that, the failed S’Korian invasion of Earth left behind much alien technology for those industrious enough to seize it.
Best,
Jeff
------------------------------------
Sentinel:
OOC: Grey said, “Sure. You’ll be able to hold these jokers in their cells again.”
So to clarify - there are no inhibitor devices of in general any kind that 'power down' the criminals that they wear that would be reactivated if we get power back online? Getting the power back means we'd just be able to keep them locked up again assuming we could get them back to the cells. That's what it sounds like you were saying.
I think both Kirk and Inhuman were trying to figure a way so that it not Vanguard versus 300 escaped super-powered cons which is hopeless by sheer numbers. If the power isn't going to be a boost in cutting down some of the numbers then it wouldn't be as great a priority.
We need to come up with some sort of idea for containment.
Does Chess have any sort of backup contingency to flood the place with some sort of knockout gas of something along those lines? If not could Chess get something here to employ through the ventilation system to do it? At least then we'd just have to contain things for a time and we'd have a possibility of succeeding here. Does any of our scientific types know of any sort of pulse that could be generated to knock out a bunch of people all at once?
Just trying to see if we know of any other containment possibilities here that might take out a majority of the cons and narrow the odds.
------------------------------------
Inhuman:
Hmm... "Agent Grey, does it matter which cells these jokers get tossed in if we get the power up? ie if Triceratops gets thrown in the wrong cell does that mean that he will just bust out or what?"
------------------------------------
OOC GM Replies:
Seth / Sentinel wrote: So to clarify - there are no inhibitor devices of in general any kind that 'power down' the criminals that they wear that would be reactivated if we get power back online?
OOC GM Reply: Correct, they are not wearing necklaces that paralyze them by remote control for example.
Seth / Sentinel wrote: Does Chess have any sort of backup contingency to flood the place with some sort of knockout gas of something along those lines? If not could Chess get something here to employ through the ventilation system to do it?
OOC GM Reply: CHESS probably has tear gas. There is likely tear gas and no end of crowd control gear in the prison's security tier, not to mention control of computers, blast doors, stairwell access, etc.
If any guards are still alive, they might have holed up there too, no?
If you want to use ventilation, you'll need power.
The crisis is only 10 minutes old and still unfolding. There are a lot of unanswered questions.
Skip / Inhuman wrote: "Agent Grey, does it matter which cells these jokers get tossed in if we get the power up? ie if Triceratops gets thrown in the wrong cell does that mean that he will just bust out or what?"
Ajay replied. He would serve as makeshift information central for info on the prison. He sounded frantic as he coordinated printed reports in security envelopes, computer screen schematics, and info that was being shouted at him. More of his team was reporting for duty every minute. Some were diverted toward planning a possible evacuation of Ossining and the surrounding towns.
"Maybe! No one from the Castle had made contact, not even on cellphones!! They would be the best source of information for these questions! Have you seen anyone yet?!
From what I can tell here, different methods are employed to contain different extranormals! Each tier has a higher level of security as you descend! To judge from prisoner lists, my team tells me that all the extranormals we've ID-ed in the yard are from the Tier 1 Cellblocks!"
"Makes sense that they would be first to reach the surface," grumbled Grey.
Best,
Jeff
------------------------------------
Inhuman:
Ajay replied: “I said Elemento can control the elements! I’ll search the prison roster for more!” "Sorry Ajay, I thought you meant earth, air, fire and water, my mistake."
Grey said, “I’m willing to pursue it,” without much enthusiasm. "Then I will try to bring them over to our side."
(OOC: Symbiote, does Vanguard know you cannot duplicate all powers? Either way, Ajay’s answer is the same. Just clarifying.) (OOC:If I didn't know to ask that clarification then strike it, I may have missed that that is OOC Knowledge)
Manetti nodded agreement and shouted, “It’s Larry!” "Okay Larry." Inhuman grinned a grim grin.
(OOC: they do show pictures like a cellphone.) Ajay, nearly exasperated, said: “I’ll get someone started on it!” "Even if it doesn't help now, it may help later Ajay"
Grey said: “CHESS Castle only holds criminal extranormals. "Things of value" are stored at CHESS Vault.” Inhuman paused and collected his thoughts "Well that points to one of three options, either this is a distraction, 'they' want some additional personnel, or this is a trap. Lightning Strike and Symbiote may be a good choice to send down there after we take on Triceratops or check out the Generator area, But they may be trappable down there or there may be defenses to prevent such an instance."
------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Tear gas isn't going to really help. If there was some knockout gas that we could employ through the ventilation system that would take out the majority of the cons (perhaps 90-95% figuring that 5-10% would have powers to protect them or allow them to withstand the gas) that might be a plan of action. The guards still conscious would likely be having little success against the super-powered criminals and if they were knocked unconscious with the majority of the convicts, it would likely cause them less injury then when they confront the cons.
I was hoping for backup generators NOT located in the heart of the facility and inaccessible except through the eye of the storm, but a plan to move in fast and get the generators active to take out the majority of the cons is still better than a plan to try to prevent 300 super-powered felons from escaping by pummeling them.
Maybe! No one from the Castle had made contact, not even on cellphones!! They would be the best source of information for these questions! Have you seen anyone yet?!
This could mean that outgoing communication is being blocked, and that we might lose contact once we enter the facility ourselves, and also that perhaps that 'breakout' portion of the plan is even more organized that we might have thought which is bad news.
Additional thoughts: At this point we're looking at a pretty hopeless situation here. I'm assuming that once we enter and find out what is really going on that perhaps some form of fixing this situation will present itself and whatever plans we have for the situation will change anyway. However it would seem logical that Vanguard would try to enter the facility with more than a "let's try to knock out as many of them as we can to prevent them from escaping" plan; although it seems like that's where we're going.
------------------------------------
Symbiote:
Jeff said: "Symbiote, the conversation between Hal and Shelly happened just how you wrote it. Nice"
Thanks, very kind. And while Hal Harper may dread the idea of Shelly entering the superhero world, I don't think any of the players would mind if she showed up with some super incarceration power at this point.
Regarding the possible testing of captured extranormals at CHESS castle:
Symbiote shrugs. "Really, gentlemen, I don't have a terribly strong opinion on this," he said. "I firmly believe any law abiding metahuman is entitled to his or her privacy, and has the right to decide what--if anything--he or she reveals to the world. But I believe that if you break the law with your powers--well, you give up some of your rights, just as any criminal gives up some rights when he goes to jail. If we want to design an extra level of due process to regulate this kind of testing, I'm open to whatever we (or CHESS lawyers) come up with. As I say, my research schedule is pretty busy right now, I won't be hurrying to do these tests unless it's some kind of emergency anyway.
"The one exception is the heat of battle," Hal adds. "If I absorb a villain's powers in a fight, well, sorry, but no sympathies. I'll use those powers to protect myself, my teammates and innocent lives and I'll study them later, in part to help prevent that particular bad guy from causing any harm in the future."
To Sentinel, if he makes his concerns about Symbiote's research known:
"Don't worry, Kirk, I'm not going to be sharing my research with the general public, at least not anytime soon. Maybe never," the Scientific Superhero assures the Avatar of Liberty. "I'm well aware of what could happen if it gets into the wrong hands. I suspect future historians will refer to our time as the Metahuman Age, and it's a time at least as fraught with dangers as the Atomic Age was. I have no interest in giving any unethical person the knowledge or ability to manipulate metahuman powers."
Also, as an aside, Symbiote did tell the others about his inability to absorb supernatural powers. That's tactical information he figures they need to know.
At the jailbreak:
(OOC: My plan is largely an amalgamation of others posited so far, with a few twists. Discuss, modify, let's try to get something worthwhile going).
1) Inhuman brings in a tidal wave from the river, to wash across the prison yard. Just as it's hitting the escapees, Lightning Strike electrifies it. Hopefully the combination of the water's concussive force and the electrical shock will knock out a fair amount of these losers.
2) We then start working on those who were flying above the wave, missed by it in some way or another, or tough enough to withstand the damage. Pick a partner and start dancing. Inhuman's idea of trying to negotiate with the aquatic villains isn't a bad one, for example.
3) Sentinel creates a force shield over the breach in the facility. First rule: Stop the bleeding. Hopefully this keeps any more from getting out, at least for a while.
4) In the meantime, going into the fight with Slingshot's powers (his reach will be the most useful for gaining access to other heroes or villains and copying their powers), I go after Elemento. Triceratops may be technically the most powerful but the flexibility of Elemento is going to be most useful here. (Side note to Jeff: Is a gaseous form of some sort one of Smog's powers? If so, all the more reason to use Elemento's abilities. I assume wind manipulation would be very effective against that).
5) If/when I absorb his powers, I create an ice wall--a glacier, really--over the breach in the wall, allowing Sentinel to drop his shield and enter the fray with the rest of the villains.
6) Once we have the outside villains subdued (or, realistically, some have escaped--we may have to make some "bird in the hand" judgments in this situation)--we address the problem of the interior of CHESS castle. Maybe Lightning Strike and/or I can get in through the electrical wiring and restart the power if it's a matter of throwing a breaker or activating a backup system (we presumably both have the scientific/technological knowledge to do it). If the entire electrical system is suffering from serious structural damage, however, we'll come back outside and try a different tack.
7) Again, using Elemento's powers, I melt a ventilation hole in the glacier and we pump in tear gas/knockout gas, anything that CHESS has. If that's impossible or impractical for whatever reason...well, I melt a bigger hole and we go in. It'll be dark, with a labyrinth to fight in against heaven knows what. What fun. And of course, one thing that I think we shouldn't forget: Whatever--or whoever--breached that wall is presumably still in there.
Again, discuss, critique, modify. And remember the old saying from the military: "A plan is just a list of things to go wrong."
------------------------------------
Inhuman:
"Of course we Could disguise ourselves and go in as cons... we aren't that well known yet and there are a few orange jumpsuits right there." Inhuman gestures grandly at the escapees. "This does remind me of the time the Libery League (Need the Gm to fill in the blank with a terribly clever idea the LL had by disguising themselves as Nazi troops to infiltrate a bad situation and save the day)" Inhuman grins here "But Orange does clash with my skin tones". "I also don't think I can do a "tidal wave" we are only talking about 88 gallons here, barely a 4'x4'x4' area at normal compression levels. I feel there is more power to be used but i don't know how to access it," The transformed terran shook his head in a admixture of emotions "honestly, I still think the best option to turn this around is to gain whatever allies we can and make ourselves as powerful as possible, Elemento's weather powers may not be as useful inside the building as outside. From what I understand of prison politics there are many schisims in places like this, if we can make these groups fight each other then we can do the mopping up." Inhuman shrugged "Stopping the grander plan here may have to involve stealth moreso than going in guns blazing, and Sentinel, hope is our most powerful weapon whether it is in our hands or in the hands of others." "Larry, when you drop us, please make it close to the river, then radio in to HQ and help the evacuation plans for the local residents, this craft will better serve out of the firefight but be ready for our call, we may have wounded to evacuate."
------------------------------------
Slingshot:
"I will handle Triceratops", said Slingshot. With that, he slingshot himself at the enormous villain.OOC: What's the goal? Try to contain the hemorrhage. So Scott will try to grab Triceratops and swing him into as many of them as possible. I'm hoping for a Strike! Maybe CrabMan and/or Mother Russia? Anything to keep them busy and not flee.As the last seconds of conversation before going in the fray, Slingshot has a few more ideas for the team:Symbiote: You might want to copy Accelerator's powers and boost us up added speed might help us contain them faster.I like the Inhuman/Lightning Strike Special, it will help greatly. Although, if there's generator problems and they could help lock down the escapees, I think LS is in the best position to help re-power the facilities.
------------------------------------
Sentinel:
Regarding the possible testing of captured extranormals at CHESS castle:
Kirk agrees with Symbiote and having some of your rights taken away due to criminal activity was in his thought process too. His concern is the degree of the rights taken away and that it isn’t abused and that there are safeguards in place to prevent abuse. His concern isn’t even really with Symbiote as he comes to know the man but rather the precedent set that can later be used by less scrupulous men. Controlling who one is and their genetic stuff is still a basic human right. Criminals don’t become volunteers for experimental drugs nor have their genetic identities compromised simply because they’ve become incarcerated (ie. this criminal has a rare blood-type, let’s forcibly extract his blood to use it to save others).
The more Symbiote expresses himself and his intentions, the further Kirk trusts him. He has seen that he has a high moral code and that he is genuinely concerned with trying to help others and he seems to embody the sort of qualities that Kirk himself wants to display as a hero.
Of course we Could disguise ourselves and go in as cons... we aren't that well known yet and there are a few orange jumpsuits right there." Inhuman gestures grandly at the escapees.
This had occurred to Kirk also. Even in costume, with the exception of Hyena, these guys should have no beef with Vanguard at all so other than the really insane ones who would want revenge on “all super-heroes” most would likely just want to not miss their opportunity to escape from the “inescapable” CHESS Castle and just get their freedom. I would think that it would be the exception that they’d want to take the time to fight and possibly give up their one chance at escape.
Inhuman shrugged "Stopping the grander plan here may have to involve stealth moreso than going in guns blazing, and Sentinel, hope is our most powerful weapon whether it is in our hands or in the hands of others."
Kirk thought about how Lancaster must have felt as a rookie as he charged the shores of occupied Europe with the Allied GIs. The odds surely seemed insurmountable against them and he had barely begun to know just what he was capable of accomplishing with his gifts and as a hero. But then he thought of what it must have meant to those GIs, many of them barely beyond being kids themselves, as they saw the Beacon of Liberty overhead in sky leading the charge of the brigade, knowing he was on their side, doing all he could to protect them!
Whatever internal doubts Kirk had about the current situation, the Harbinger of Hope kept them to himself and nodded his head in replying to Inhuman, “I couldn’t agree more. Hope will be one of our most powerful allies today and we need to inspire that in those witnessing our actions,” but Kirk added, “But hope based on an accurate knowledge of things is surely more powerful. Gentlemen, let’s give the world both today!”
With that Kirk flew clear of his teammates zooming towards the one flying felon, Elemento, at top speed. Kirk’s energy morphed around him into the appearance of flames as if he were a ‘human torch’ blazing through the sky.
OOC: Kirk is taking the flying foe since Vanguard has the special attack in store for those fleeing on foot. Given that Elemento likely has no idea who he is or what his powers are, Kirk is hoping that mimicking flames will throw Elemento off so his attack can take him by surprise, perhaps he might even think he can ‘control’ Kirk’s ‘flames’ and use it against him or something along those lines and waste his efforts in that regard.
Also, I’m assuming that as this takes place the fleeing villains were given the opportunity to surrender and are refusing. Although highly unlikely, it would be sad if we pummeled them and they were just fleeing for their lives from some still unknown menace (to us) that was randomly killing everyone in the Castle.
As Kirk closed in on Elemento his energetic ‘flames’ encircled Elemento forcing him forward and carrying him along as Kirk continued his movement towards the entrance of the Castle. The ‘flames’ were actually sharp like razors as they tore into Elemento cutting and bruising him. Sentinel’s forward motion stopped just as he came to the opening of the Castle where the felons were fleeing. Sentinels flaming construct continued forward (in flaming effect) pushing Elemento back into the Castle and hard against the opposing wall after which the ‘flames’ withdrew back to Sentinel at the entranceway. Elemento’s bruised and battered form slumped against the wall, his jumpsuit in shreds.
As Sentinel hovered blocking further exit his voice echoed through the Castle, “For your own safety, return to your cells NOW!”
OOC: I think you get the idea here and naturally I know that none of this may go the way I’ve written it, but Kirk wants catch Elemento unawares and force him back the way he came. He wants his uniform torn to shreds for a showy display and hopefully if successful this will demoralize the escape attempt of the felons. I’m hoping here that this will be unexpected and that between Kirks’s normal attack at full power and his speed from flying this will hopefully cause enough damage to Elemento to take him out or stun him or scare him enough so that this can be pulled off.
At this point too, Kirk should at least be able to see what is going on inside and start to get further energy readings to help them to figure out how to proceed. Although going along with trying to stop the escaping felons for the morale of the populace, he is still convinced that their saving the day is dependent on getting inside and finding out what is really happening here, and the sooner, the better.
I’d add that Kirk is fully aware that this could backfire and a gazillion attacks come his way in the next few seconds, but he’s hoping that at full power his shields will hold and is ready to deal with that too.
So, heroic enough? Would Lancaster be proud? J
------------------------------------
Inhuman:
"hey Larry, does this thing have external speakers?" OOC: If So i will ask the two aquatic opponents to meet me at an easily identifiable location, preferably close to Triceratops current location.
"Kairos does your nobility of spirit work over loud speakers? If so this may be a chance to give the guards a chance to join us." Note the Inhumans priority of battle is get to triceratops if possible As a team trying to stay within 10" of everyone else, if not then ill stick with IIRC Sentiel and Symbiote (the other two ppl interested in trying formation) possibly Kairos. Inhuman if within close range of Slingy will delay/hold his action to counter fire attacks against Slingy if possible. then seeif he can team up with potential aquatic allies. OOC: Did inhuman get back his 1 per level "upgrade ally" ability at the smae time he got back the Luck point or is it still "unrecharged"?
------------------------------------
Kairos:
While we've not really worked it out completely, I believe the nobility of spirit power is just something that works allies. It isn't a power that is activated but one that is just omnipresent.
Honestly, guys...I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. We are WAY outclassed in terms of power levels AND numbers. I’m thinking about going in amid the criminals and just evading. With my Heightened Defense, evasion, and the use of my staff, I think they'd be at a -13 or -14 to hit me and I might be able to tie some of them up while something else is done. The only bad part is that you never win a defensive war and I don't like not going on the offensive.
------------------------------------
Forester:
Sensing that Kairos wants input from others, Forester speaks words he has been aching to say: "Kairos, you've mastered the art of escaping near-death more times than I can count. Yet for all the battles we've shared, I have yet to see your powers in action."
Forester continues. "Your name means luck. There must be something--anything--you can do to help us remedy this situation.
Dodging danger only goes so far,"
------------------------------------
Kairos:
First, to address the dream sequence (and possibly revise it a little):John looks at the cup, considering her words. Avatar of War? Me? What kind of crazy dream is this? Goes to show you what happens when you start running around in a costume and having delusions of grandeur. At this he wakes up abruptly and sits up in bed, amazed at the vividness of the dream. He sits in the almost-darkness for quite a while, not able to go back to sleep, puzzled by the reality of his unconscious mind's imaginings...or was it NOT a trick of his mind...? The dream occupies his thoughts often through the following days, not fading from memory as most dreams do. Could it have been real...?
Secondly, the situation at hand: Kairos looks sidelong at the archer, wondering if he's reading more into the comment than he should. Not seen my "powers" in action? Dodging danger? If he means what I think he means, he hasn't been looking very hard. Penumbra was easily the most dangerous of Homicide for Hire and needed to be taken out or otherwise occupied and taking on Morgue first thing was hardly "dodging danger". Taking on the Black Bat isn't something that any of us are likely to be able to do any time soon and following the mind-controlled members of Vanguard alone to their destination wasn't exactly danger-dodging, either. Nah...he MUST have better tactical sense than that. Surely he does. Kairos gazes forward toward the action, quirking a corner of his mouth upward in amusement. But you never know, maybe he doesn't. If he really has an issue then it can be handled later. There are more pressing concerns here.
Looking out over the situation, he gives a mental headshake. Why are the good guys always the underdogs? He gives a little snort as he leaps onto the ground. Listening to the chatter from the others, a plan of action begins to form. There's more danger here than just these escapees. I hate to let them go but there are more fish to fry. If we waste our strength on these guys, we won't have anything for what's on the way. Best to contain what's below and then deal with these later.
Kairos races toward a CHESS knight or other guard still on his feet, hoping that he's recognized and not attacked as if he were an escapee. If necessary, Kairos will attack anyone attacking the knight or guard to which he is speaking. (OOC: Does the Agility increase give me any more attacks yet or do I have to go even higher?)
"Are there emergency generators or any other way to keep the rest of the population from escaping? We need to keep the bulk of them down below and not let them get out! These guys are minor compared to what's coming if we can't contain this!"(OOC: Other actions will depend on the answer that he gets from the person to whom Kairos is speaking but, in general, Kairos will be defending his information source from attack for now and, if necessary, rallying the guards in the general vicinity as Inhuman had suggested. Getting a positive answer about there being emergency generators or some other method of containment is what he hopes to hear, however.)Kairos awaits an answer from the guard while subvocalizing into his communicator, "Strike...can you power the prison with your personal energy? Is that something that is even possible?"
------------------------------------
GM Replies:
Inhuman said: "This does remind me of the time the Libery League
(Need the Gm to fill in the blank with a terribly clever idea the LL had by disguising themselves as Nazi troops to infiltrate a bad
situation and save the day)" Inhuman grins here "But Orange does clash with my skin tones".
GM Reply: It all happened in the Golden Age classic Liberty League #67, "My Enemy! My Self!" ...Aided by Agent America, the daredevil master of disguise, the League secretly infiltrated the upper ranks of a Gerry division and had them to hold a bridge they had been ordered to dynamite! When the Brits advanced to cross it, the League tore off their costumes and lit into the goosesteppers from within their own ranks! - Ye Excitable Ed
Sentinel said: Heroic enough? Would Lancaster be proud?
GM Reply: Those are pretty big shoes to fill, huh?
PS: Please don't forget to write qualifiers when referring to action results. Example: It's Sentinel's hope that... Elemento is quickly beaten to a useless pulp. Thanks!
Inhuman said: "Hey Larry, does this thing have external speakers?"
... OOC: Did inhuman get back his 1 per level "upgrade ally" ability at the smae time he got back the Luck point or is it still
"unrecharged"?
GM Reply: The manta craft has external loudspeakers. The "upgrade ally" power happens once per level, so it won't repower until 2nd level. The "attempt to gain an ally" happens once per "session" so that has repowered.
Kairos wrote: First, to address the dream sequence (and possibly revise it a little):
GM Reply: Your revision is cool, and cool with me.
Kairos wrote: OOC: Does the Agility increase give me any more attacks yet or do I have to go even higher?
GM Reply: Here's the math: Every issue is half a V&V combat turn. To get to 2 actions an issue, it means that on average your character needs to have 4 actions per turn in the V&V rules.
That requires a 41 Agility. If you roll a 5 on your initiative d10 (again, the average), you would act on 46, 31, 16 and 1. Four actions.
It's something that happens rarely. I think there have only been two examples in nearly 3 years of playing:
Superspeedster Blue Comet had a 21 Agility and a +20 to initiative from his Heightened Speed. The Cat had an Agility higher than 41!
Sorry.
To keep this PBEM relatively simple, I don't allow for 3 actions a
V&V turn (like you and several other villains would have), nor for 1 action a V&V turn (like Inhuman would have).
But you are going earlier in initiative each issue, as you'll soon see.
Best,
Jeff
------------------------------------
Sentinel:
OOC: GM Reply: It all happened in the Golden Age classic Liberty League #67, "My Enemy! My Self!" …
And that's why the League rules!
GM Reply: Those are pretty big shoes to fill, huh?
You said it. Lancaster would actually be able to accomplish what I wrote without breaking a sweat. I wait with anxious anticipation to see what actually befalls Kirk in his heroic attempt.
PS: Please don't forget to write qualifiers when referring to action results. Example: It's Sentinel's hope that... Elemento is quickly beaten to a useless pulp. Thanks!
I don't know if this was meant specifically for my posting or just a general reminder, but amongst the rambling I gave the qualifier "I think you get the idea here and naturally I know that none of this may go the way I’ve written it".
I do try to qualify it with every post, but I know that all is subject to editing by yourself and to it not going that way just due to bad rolls, or it just being beyond Kirk's ability, power, etc too.
Whenever I say Kirk does something it is always with the knowledge that it is subject to your approval and game play, but it makes for smoother reading and a more heroic posting telling it the way I'd like it to happen. And you had told me to do it that way when we started the game.
Believe me, I know that in the next issue it may read "Kirk flies from his teammates at full force towards the laughing Elemento who points at Kirk firing a force that penetrates his shields. Kirk falls from the sky to the ground unconscious, at which point Triceratops tramples his body into the dust as Agent Drake comments, "Good riddance. I knew the kid would choke when we needed him most! Maybe all the hot wind from one of his speeches would have been a more effective attack."
Looking forward to the next issue! Who are we lacking here in replies? Is it just Tony/Lightning Strike?
Seth
PS: OOC: When reading through some of the postings this morning I realized that I had a question that likely would have come up when Vanguard went over the timeline in the Chess debriefing but don't remember asking then if it was clarified.
It was towards the end of the battle and we were separated and the time scheme wasn't lined up in player terms because the team was no longer together.
Were we able to time synch the moment the mind-controlled heroes regained their senses and control of their actions and match it to what was occurring in the confrontation of the rest of the team battling Black Bat?
I guess I'm trying to figure out if we have a clue as to what allowed the team to regain their senses so we might have a strategy in a similar situation in the future.
Were we able to correlate the time of their mental release to any specific actions by or against the Bat?
Thanks.
------------------------------------
Inhuman:
(OOC: Assuming speech takes no action)"Larry may i borrow the external speakers?" Inhuman extends his hand to the pilot and awaits the operators transaction."{fellow childer of the mother sea I implore you to aid a fellow, I have an option you might be interested in if you will meet me over by the west wall to discuss options.*}""Gentlemen, try not to hurt my fellows of the sea unless you have to." Inhuman attempted to remind Vanguard.* in the language of the sea Then jump down and proceed on to real combat actions folowing outlined previous plans. Try to work on teamworking with others.
------------------------------------
Forester:
Realizing that Kairos may have taken offense at his words, Forester clarifies his position on evasion. The honorable archer admired Kairos' boldness in facing Penumbra during their first mission together. And Forester was amazed by Kairos' innate ability to avoid danger (when a sonic arrow almost buried half the team alive during the battle against the Black Bat).
"Dodging danger only goes so far," Forester says, "... because these villains are trying to escape. If we protect ourselves first by evading their attacks, they may all be gone before we can react."
