Crucible #46 - "Higher Power"

[GM Mad]

Crucible #46 - "Higher Power"


Roll Call: Flux, Scarlet Sabre, and Starguard

Outside the Caliente Research Laboratory Flux approaches a pair of familiar figures. Starguard and the Scarlet Sabre have just materialized!

Flux flies up to them both, stopping in front of Starguard's face, and makes himself known quietly.

"Hello 'Guard, is this who she appears to be?"

Before Starguard can answer, the crimson clad woman will say, "That's right, I'm Morning Star. Pleased to meet you."

"Behave", Starguard tells her. Turning to Flux, Starguard will say, "She better be who she appears to be or she's been lying to me."

"How do you do, Scarlet. I'm Flux in case Starguard hasn't already told you."

"He mentioned it", Scarlet replies with a grin. "So what's the current situation? Not that I mind getting out of work early on a Monday."

After quick introductions Flux will ask if 'Guard has used his ship's equipment to detect hostiles in the area.

"Yes, they all seem to be in the main lab where the experimental reactor is located. We detected 9 people in there. Four must be the members of Terror Unlimited, the other five hostages. We'll have to proceed carefully."

"I've run into these guys before”, Scarlet adds. “They're cold-blooded killers and will do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals. My suggestion would be to try and rescue the hostages first. What do we know about this experimental reactor anyway?"

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Tilt-A-Whirl

After dealing with the would be bank robbers, Tilt rushes to assist Flux up at the Caliente Research Laboratory. The blocks miles pass by in a blur. That is until a small explosion up ahead interrupts Tilt’s run! A bright flash accompanied the explosion, but it does not seem to have been directed at Tilt herself.

Slowing down, Tilt takes in her surroundings. She’s still in the Militarized Zone in downtown San Diego. Before her there is an ongoing battle between several supers! The sides are quickly apparent as there are five women tangling with two demonic looking monsters!

Hovering over the battlefield is a tall woman in a royal blue and purple costume. A golden birdlike emblem covers her heart and a matching golden birdlike helmet covers the top of her head. A long beak protrudes from the helmet over her hose and small-feathered wings sweep away from her ears. Long auburn colored hair can been seen flowing from underneath this helmet. Lastly, a pair of wings made up of some transparent bluish energy emerges from her back and supports her.

A second woman hovers nears the first, supported by a small whirlwind. She has long blonde hair that is whipped wildly about on the winds. This woman wears a green costume.

The main monster down on the ground is a demonic looking man with dusty red skin, barbed tail, bat-like wings, and horns emerging from his skull. Thick hair grows around his lower legs and arms. His only article of clothing is a large brown belt that supports a loincloth.

In one of his hands he’s holding an attractive brunette prisoner. This woman wears a green robe that’s tied shut with a green sash over a black bodysuit. The robe drops just below the woman’s waist. On her feet she wears green ankle boots with high heels. Dropped on the ground nearby is a green witch-like pointed hat. The woman in the monster’s grasp appears unconscious.

Fighting along the side of the demonic monster, is an equally demonic looking female. Her skin is reptilian in nature and dark red in color. Large claws are at the end of her hands and feet. Pair of twisted horns emerges from her head. They are golden in color.

She’s engaged in claw-to-claw combat with a cat-like female. This woman has orange fire with black tiger stripes. Her face is human, but her eyes are slit like those of a cat. Her hair is long and brown in color.

Rounding out the supers is the woman who just fired a blast of electricity at the male demon. (The source of the light and the explosion.) This one has long blonde hair that stands on end and arcs with electrical energy. Her costume consists of a blue one piece that covers her torso. The collar is a deep V-neck that is yellow and is stylized to resemble lighting. Black leggings and arm coverings finish out her attire.

Going to get involved in this mess or just keep going?

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Backlash & Tesla


Having dispatched the Monster, the duo start to make their way across San Diego towards the Caliente Research Laboratory to the Northeast. Tesla flies along while Backlash covers the blocks in leaps and bounds.

As they move along, a sudden gust of wind knocks Backlash off course and he crashes down in the middle of a street. Gathering his wits about him, Backlash finds a quartet of super beings standing close by looking at him.

The closest of the group is also the largest. It’s a tall man with shoulder length blonde hair. He’s heavily muscled and goes bare-chested. A red and blue cloak hangs from his shoulders and a gold-linked belt sits around his waist. Black knee high boots and tan colored pants finish off his ensemble.

What is most noticeable is the large club that he carries. Its about three feet long and made from some dark brown wood. The top of the club is carved into the shape of a reptilian claw gripping a sphere of some black stone, possibly onyx. A leather thong holds the club to the large man’s wrist.

“This is Maulers turf, punk!” the large man threatens. “You wanna get past, you gotta pay the toll. Or we’ll just take it outta your hide! What’s it gonna be, freak?”

Standing close to the man with the club is another man who hovers above the ground. He’s Hispanic in race dressed in a cloud-gray body suit with white gloves, boots, and cloak. His cloak twirls behind him on the winds racing around him.

Nearby is another man in an all pale-green bodysuit that even covers his head. A bluish-green spherical field of energy surrounds this man at a distance of 12 feet around him, enveloping him like a giant bubble.

Rounding out the group is the lone woman of the Maulers. It’s a short Hispanic beauty wearing mostly black leathers. Her tight black leather pants are tied up the sides and show skin there. She wears a matching top that leaves her belly exposed. Over this she wears a black leather jacket that is fully opened. Cowboy style boots are on her feet and dark sunglasses cover her eyes.

Tesla can observe this from overhead.

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Blackout, Menagerie, and Serena


Blackout and Menagerie have taken the unconscious Guiding Light back up on the main deck where Serena waits. Seeing that the Lily has been injured, the Knight heals her wounds. (BODY is back to normal.)

Discussion turns to why they had to battle the Guiding Light.

"In our legal system, as set out by the laws of our government, evidence is an important part in determining the guilt or innocence of those accused of crimes. As such, to protect such evidence so that it can be used in trials, there are laws that make it a crime to destroy evidence that can be used in a trial. Instead, the law requires that evidence be turned over to the authorities, so that it can used in court. Once the trial has been concluded, the government takes care of destroying any dangerous evidence, such as these drugs, using methods that are deemed safe."

“But what does that have to do with this situation?”, Serena asks innocently. “The Guiding Light was on a mission from God. Surely that takes precedence over the laws of man? My own abilities are God given and that is whom I serve above all others. If I were to find myself between the laws of man and those of a Higher Power, the Higher Power would always win out. This is just common sense. Unless you do not believe in God here?”

Serena will seem genuinely confused, more than usual at any rate, at why this is such an issue. (Think of Serena as a D&D style Paladin and you’ll get where she is coming from.)

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Eldrich, Frostbite, and Goldstar


The struggle against the Black Paladin and Lady Bale continues!

High above, Eldrich acts and casts a Sunglare spell. A blinding light suddenly erupts in front of the Paladin. The dark knight is blinded by the attack and cannot defend himself when Frostbite blasts him with razor sharp shards of ice!

The force of the attack sends Black Paladin backwards and he hits the ground with a loud clang and does not move. Lady Bale watches this with astonished eyes!

“You’ve harmed my love!” she screams at Frostbite. “You’ll pay for that!”

Rushing forwards, Lady Bale swings her sword at Frostbite’s chest and hits! Ice is sent flying and Frostbite falls backwards in a great deal of pain. Fortunately, the blade didn’t completely penetrate his ice coating.

Eldrich casts a second spell and a magical force slams into Lady Bale from overhead. The Giant’s Cudgel spell takes Bale down and renders her unconscious.

Just like that, the fighting is over with!

Inside the mini-blizzard, the Purple Phlox is starting to come around. Goldstar does likewise a few moments later. Black Paladin, Black Magus, Lady Bale, and Devilspawn are all unconscious.


Now what?

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Seeing as how Serena is out of her element, Blackout fears the Guiding Light will awake and she will do something silly, like let him destroy the evidence. Therefore, he proposes the only viable option.

"I'll stay here and catch up with the two of you as soon as the authorities are done," Blackout states. "I'll leave the task of explaining to Serena about 'seperation of church and state' to your capable hands, Menagerie," Blackout will add with a smile in her direction. "Plus I know I can put him down again should the situation arise."

Having settled that, Blackout will remain behind and explain the entire situation to the authorities once they arrive. He will then excuse himself and use his swing line to head off after the others, catching up as best he can.

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

After dealing with the would be bank robbers, Tilt rushes to assist Flux up at the Caliente Research Laboratory. The blocks miles pass by in a blur. That is until a small explosion up ahead interrupts Tilt’s run! A bright flash accompanied the explosion, but it does not seem to have been directed at Tilt herself.

Slowing down, Tilt takes in her surroundings. She’s still in the Militarized Zone in downtown San Diego. Before her there is an ongoing battle between several supers! The sides are quickly apparent as there are five women tangling with two demonic looking monsters!

"Ooooooo!" Tilt exclaims as she takes in the epic struggle going on between combatants. She looks quickly from one to the other, taking in all of it quickly like watching a movie come to life.

Suddenly she remembers, Flux! He's counting on her to save him. Quickly she tells Edgar what she's seen, then she's off agian. Speeding away from the titanic battle.

[Backlash]

Backlash

As they move along, a sudden gust of wind knocks Backlash off course and he crashes down in the middle of a street. Gathering his wits about him, Backlash finds a quartet of super beings standing close by looking at him.

“Hey.. Wow! Ugh! As he hit’s the ground hard. “What the heck?” the hero says in quick succesion. Looking for the cause of the wind gust he looks and soon find a quartet of gang members he surmises summing him up.

Raising to his feet and dusting himself off he looks at them as a Large Blonde male carrying a stick says,“This is Maulers turf, punk!” the large man threatens. “You wanna get past, you gotta pay the toll. Or we’ll just take it outta your hide! What’s it gonna be, freak?”

“So it is.” he says without a trace of fear in his voice. “Well,“ the black garbed hero says in reply. “Let me ask ya a question. You like your turf right? Well in about an hour’s time you and rest of San Diego aren’t gonna have a turf if the Nuclear reactor goes critical. Now we can settle this one or two ways, How bout You and me settle this between you and me. If I win we go free if you win I’ll pay your toll. Either way if you hold me up any longer; you and your turf wont needing a night light for a very long time.”
“Or Ill come back and settle my ’debt’ at a later time.”

While the the clubbed foe regards his request Backlash will pump up his density to max and getting ready to dodge any assault that may come his way.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

High above, Eldrich acts and casts a Sunglare spell. A blinding light suddenly erupts in front of the Paladin. The dark knight is blinded by the attack and cannot defend himself when Frostbite blasts him with razor sharp shards of ice!

Taking advantage of his comrades distraction Frosty fires off a few razor sharp icicles into the Black Paladin. Much to his surprise the Dark Paladin drops from the combined assault!!

“You’ve harmed my love!” she screams at Frostbite. “You’ll pay for that!”

“He asked for it toots!! Consider us even.”

Though the warrior women has other intentions as she rushes Frosty and buries her sword through his chest thankful his armor takes most of the attack.

Falling backward Frosty let’s out screams of Anguish as the pain takes over his icy features. Thankfully Eldrich soon ends the confirtation as he knocks out Lady Bale!!!

Groaning in pain he says a “Thanks, I owe ya one.” to Eldrich.

With the Paladin and others out for the count Frosty gets up and looks around seeing his comrades soon raising to their feet.
“Eldrich anyway you can keep them caged with a similar spell you just used?”
If not Frosty will begin incasing those villains in ice, after removing Lady’s bales sword and Paladin’s mace. Looking back at Eldrich he will add,” Any Ideas what we should do with these? “

[Bruce]

Flux

What do I know about the experimental reactor?? Not nearly enough and more than I can say!

"Not much of anything, Scarlett. Sorry. I agree completley about Terror though. Hostages first- then take down. I would not put it past them to have rigged the reactor to go off regardless of any payments made to them so we need to look for that too. I'm hoping the tech people inside will have better insight into what might have been done and how to undo it."

Flux turns to Scarlett and asks, "How much can you tell us about them? Reinforcements are on the way so we have an edge in numbers. It might be feasable to have two operations at once-one to free hostages and the second to take down Terror Unlimited."

"And by the way 'Guard how does that ship teleporter work? Can you extract the hostages with it? That would go a long way to taking the advantage away from them."

Never thought this place 'd be attacked like this. Always some risk in a facility of this kind but more from operations then threats. Hope you're holding up bro'....

Left unspoken is the thought that his brother is already dead. There should be more than five people here even in the current state of conditions.

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

Eldrich makes up for lost time and foundering attention with two quick spells -both effective- while enjoying the rush of old memories falling into their proper places.

Eldrich blinks twice, bleatedly remembering where he is again.

"You owe me nothing my friend. My inattention brought this upon you all. I am pleased no lasting hurt was taken. As to what to do with these.....my ideas are perhaps not appropriate for this place. The lawful rulers must decide their fate. Unless....."

Eldrich casts a look at the reviving Purple Phlox. Could this BE one of the rulers? In a land of lesser magics could the few mages here be the secret powers behind the law?

I must find the enclaves of magical thought here. It is the only way for me to expand my knowledge of this place of wonders from the prospective of magic users.

"If we can attend to them all quickly we should do so. The words of the High One indicate more trouble in other parts of this city. We must go in support of our comrades as soon as we are able."

[Tesla]

Tesla:

En route to the reactor, Backlash is suddenly attacked from seemingly out of nowhere. It takes a second for Tesla to even realize he's not bounding along below her. Turning around in mid-flight, she swoops down to see a confrontation brewing.

“This is Maulers turf, punk!” the large man threatens. “You wanna get past, you gotta pay the toll. Or we’ll just take it outta your hide! What’s it gonna be, freak?”

If it was up to her, she would be all for pasting these thugs. Time is preciously short however, so she hovers impatiently, but will bring her force field up with a crackling of electricity in case things go south fast. If any of them are foolish enough to make a move on Backlash, Tesla will unleash an electrical bolt into one of the others, perferably one who seems to be most vulnerable or unprepared for an attack from above. Unless, of course, the leader wants to go one-on-one, in which case she will only attack if another tries to interfere unfairly.

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Blackout adds to what she has already told Serena regarding this Guiding Light. He makes his point strongly, emphasizing the dangers that this man represents.

“But what does that have to do with this situation?”, Serena asks innocently. “The Guiding Light was on a mission from God. Surely that takes precedence over the laws of man? My own abilities are God given and that is whom I serve above all others. If I were to find myself between the laws of man and those of a Higher Power, the Higher Power would always win out. This is just common sense. Unless you do not believe in God here?”

Serena appears confused; clearly things are very different from wherever it is that she comes from. Lily pauses a moment to collect her thoughts.

"Many here believe in a god or gods. We have many religions with radically different beliefs and nearly all of them claim that all of the others are false. Even different factions of the same basic religion are strongly at odds and have been known to war on one another for centuries. In this situation, there would be no way to govern if religion were paramount.

"Thus, in this country, we believe that religion is a very private matter, and that everyone has a right to follow any beliefs that they choose. However, religious observations may not conflict with the laws, particularly with regards to hurting other people or depriving them of their freedoms. To do so is considered both criminal and morally and ethically indefensible.

"I'm sorry to say this, Serena, but if you choose to violate the laws of our land in pursuit of your beliefs, then you will be considered no less a villain that those we fight. I have my own beliefs, but choose - as does any good citizen - to observe them in ways that conform with the laws of our nation."

"I'll stay here and catch up with the two of you as soon as the authorities are done," Blackout states. "I'll leave the task of explaining to Serena about 'seperation of church and state' to your capable hands, Menagerie," Blackout will add with a smile in her direction. "Plus I know I can put him down again should the situation arise."

"Perhaps that would be for the best, Blackout," Menagerie says. "Serena, we have friends in need of our help. I will be happy to discuss this more with you on the way." Changing into her Major Star form, she offers to carry Serena in order to make good time.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

Woozily, Goldstar starts to come around.

“Jeepers! It feels like I was hit by a comet!”

Sitting up, Goldstar looks around and it seems that the battle was won without her.

“Wow, you guys took them all down without me!”

Flying up, Goldstar will join her companions.

“So what’s going on? What do we do next?”

[Serena]

Serena:

The Knight listens as her friends try to explain things. There are many religions here and they even contradictory with each other? The laws of man are more important than the laws of god?

“It seems to me, based on what you’ve told me, that this world is in dire need of proper religious guidance. There is only one word of God. You’ve lost your way and have been corrupted by false ideals. You people are a mess. It is clear that the situation here is far more dire then I ever imagined.”

"Serena, we have friends in need of our help. I will be happy to discuss this more with you on the way." Changing into her Major Star form, she offers to carry Serena in order to make good time.

In spite of her grave concerns over the seeming lack of obedience to a High Power, Serena will go along. “Yes, let us help our friends and those others in need. I trust such a thing is not against the law of man?”

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

“It seems to me, based on what you’ve told me, that this world is in dire need of proper religious guidance. There is only one word of God. You’ve lost your way and have been corrupted by false ideals. You people are a mess. It is clear that the situation here is far more dire then I ever imagined.”

Menagerie looks at the strange woman for several moments. "Just out of curiosity, Serena, but which God is that: Allah, Buddha, Christ, Vishnu, or some other?

"Look, I know you're new here, and apparently came from somewhere else, but you may want to be careful. This isn't your world, and life here may be fundamentally different that what you're used to. No matter how good your intentions, you may create more strife than weal if you run around trying to change everyone to your way of thinking or try to convert everyone to your set of beliefs. People here are every bit as passionate about their beliefs as you are about yours, and you starting religious wars isn't going to help anyone."

In spite of her grave concerns over the seeming lack of obedience to a High Power, Serena will go along. “Yes, let us help our friends and those others in need. I trust such a thing is not against the law of man?”

"For the most part, no. Metahumans - which means anyone with powers beyond those of normal people - are empowered by law to help in law enforcement. However, we are still bound to follow the laws in doing so. For example, killing people - even criminals - is against the law, as is destroying evidence as we discussed a moment ago."

Changing into her Major Star form, Menagerie will offer Serena a lift and then take off in the direction of Caliente Research Labs.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

“Wow, you guys took them all down without me!”

Yeah, He throws a mean mace,“ he says in reply

Flying up, Goldstar will join her companions.

“So what’s going on? What do we do next?”

“Well first we gotta get these guys in custody as quickly as possible and put them out of harm’s reach.” Radioing Edgar he will say, “Can you get a hold of anyone that could hold a few metahumans with magical origins?” he guesses from some of their abilities. “Unless you can hold them with your cells?”
He will then as Phlox and Eldrich,” Is there anyway you can hold them magically?”

Once that is under control Frosty will say, “We were called to get Flux outta some trouble at the reactor site, Anyone who can move the fastest should go ahead while someone should stay behind till they are taken care of.”

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

No, Frostbite, I cannot fashion a magical entrapment for these, but I suggest we remove their magical items and keep them seperated, including the armor and gloves. Perhaps the Purple Phlox has ways of containing them?

Entrapment...entrapment...no nothing leaps out to me at the moment...

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Roll Call: Tilt-A-Whirl

While en route to aid Flux, Tilt has come across a battle between five super-powered women and two demonic looking creatures. The heroine watches for a few moments and then realizes that her help is needed elsewhere. Tilt dashes off once more before the combatants are even aware of her presence...


Roll Call: Backlash & Tesla

While en route to the Caliente Research Laboratory, Backlash and Tesla have come across a street gang looking for a fight. They call themselves the Maulers and are led by a tough looking man who goes by the name of Maul. He listens to Backlashes story but doesn't seem to believe any of it.

"What a crock!", Maul retorts. "Everyone knows that we don't have any Nuclear Power Plants around here! You're just trying to chicken out on us! No way! Not with the Maulers on hand! Maul'm!"

Maul unexpectedly flings his club directly at Backlash! The hero was expecting to be attacked and easily dodges the crude missile. The club will then reappear back in Maul's hands as if by magic.

The other Mauler's turn their attention towards Tesla who hovers overhead surrounded by an arcing field of electricity. The man inside the bluish-green energy sphere strikes first. A blast of bluish-green energy suddenly leaps from the sphere itself and streaks towards Tesla!

The blast just misses Tesla, who retaliates with an electrical blast of her own. The energy punches through the spherical force field and reaches the man inside. Incredibly, he simply falls to the ground and his energy bubble vanishes.

"Senora Relampago just took out Vector!', the lone woman of the group cries out in a heavy Spanish accent. "Bella Fuego will take care of her!"

The Spanish woman in black leather turns back towards Tesla and gestures towards her. As she does so, a wide blast of fire leaps from her hand that singes the air before Tesla! The blast itself misses the electrical heroine.


GM Notes:

That takes care of Phase 12. Now what?

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Blackout


Menagerie in the form of Major Star takes off with Serena in hand. Time passes slowly for Blackout after they leave and before the authorities arrive. Several cars of DEA Agents and regular police roll up sirens blaring. The authorities board the ship and take control of the situation. The drug smugglers are rounded up, as is the Guiding Light. Blackout gives his statement to the authorities.

Just as Blackout is getting ready to leave, something attracts his attention. Someone is flying on to the scene and the agents and police around Blackout are stopping to take notice. From what he can sense, this new arrival is a stranger to Blackout.

The new arrival slows to a hover over the deck of the ship. More details come to Blackout's enhanced senses. It is a man and you can almost feel the heat coming from him. It’s almost uncomfortable.

"What are you doing to the Guiding Light?" the new arrival demands. There is a noticeable Spanish accent to his voice. "I am Brother Brimstone and I swear that any who dared harm him will face my purifying fires! None may interfere with our scared mission!"


Roll Call: Menagerie and Serena

Menagerie in the form of Major Star streaks across the sky propelled by his nuclear energies. She easily carries Serena in her arms. The trip passes by quickly. Departing from Shelter Island, the first leg is over North San Diego Bay and then back over Downtown San Diego itself.

As the pair fly along, there is a bright flash from down below that gets their attention. A loud crash follows. Then, unexpectedly, a woman in green and black is hurtled over the buildings and is tumbling helplessly through the sky! Going to try and rescue her? The woman does not appear to be conscious.

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Eldrich, Frostbite, Goldstar, Purple Phlox


Things have quieted down inside Horton's Plaza once more. The Black Paladin, Lady Bale, Devilspawn, and the Black Magus have all fallen in battle. Goldstar and the Purple Phlox recover from being knocked out and regain their feet.

Frostbite quickly kicks Black Paladin's mace and Lady Bale's sword away from them. Then he covers the pair in ice. Neither Devilspawn nor the Black Magus carried any obvious weapons.

Wearily, the Purple Phlox grasps her Crystal Staff. As she does so, a flash of purplish flame covers her body. The flames fade just as quickly as they appeared and the Phlox seems to be in better shape from it. Her posture straightens and her movements are freer.

"It seems that I am in your debt", the Phlox says to the three heroes. "I am known as the Purple Phlox and you are?"


On the subject of containing the prisoners, the Purple Phlox will say, "I have do not have such spells committed to memory at the moment. My primary concern was to investigate the source of black magic here and deal with it as needed."

As she speaks, the Phlox turns back to the black haze that hangs over the summoning circle inside Horton's Plaza. It still radiates both magic and evil to those sensitive to such things.

"I don't know anything about any reactor trouble", the Phlox continues, "but this here is just as deadly. It's a time bomb just waiting to go off. It must be closed before it causes any more trouble."

Unexpectedly, the rift grows wider and a sphere of pure blackness flies out! Before your startled eyes, the ball morphs into the figure of a man of average height. However, this figure is all black, something like a human eclipse. No features can be seen on the black-sheathed figure.

"It appears that I spoke too soon", the Phlox mutters. "This is bad! Very bad! The rift is widening and threatens to swallow us all!"

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Flux, Tilt-A-Whirl, Scarlet Sabre, & Starguard

Flux turns to Scarlet and asks, "How much can you tell us about them? Reinforcements are on the way so we have an edge in numbers. It might be feasible to have two operations at once-one to free hostages and the second to take down Terror Unlimited."

"About Terror Unlimited?", Scarlet replies. "Quite a bit as I've run into them on at least two occasions. Scorpia is fast and deadly. She has claws that can slice through steel and can fire a variety of darts from her wrist launchers. Shamrock is your classic strongman with a strong lucky streak. Mind Slayer is a psionic who can kill with just a thought. Their newest member is a man called Black Hole. He can teleport himself and others at will."

"And by the way 'Guard how does that ship teleporter work? Can you extract the hostages with it? That would go a long way to taking the advantage away from them."

“The device is always focused on me and I can have others near me included in the beam”, Starguard explains.

“In short its worthless for picking out hostages and getting take out and things like that”, Scarlet teases. “For having access to high technology and being able to utilize zero-point energy, you’re very limited my starry, starry knight.”

“Better to be limited than to keep it out of the wrong hands”, Starguard teases right back. “Would want you primitives to get in over your head.”

“What he can do”, Scarlet continues, “is teleport us inside the facility to get closer.”

“If I can get close enough to the hostages, I can teleport them away”, Starguard states.

“Leaving us to deal with Terror Unlimited. That’s a nice and chivalrous thing to do.”

“Well, if you get in trouble, I’d just have to rescue you”, Starguard fires back. “Rescuing maidens in distress is what we knights in armor do.”

“But I don’t like being rescued. I can take care of myself.”

“Yes, dear.”

While Flux listens to the banter between the two heroes, he notices Tilt-A-Whirl come running up to them.


Now what?

[Backlash]

Backlash

"What a crock!", Maul retorts. "Everyone knows that we don't have any Nuclear Power Plants around here! You're just trying to chicken out on us! No way! Not with the Maulers on hand! Maul'm!"

“Alright then, Its your funeral.” he calmly states. ‘I gotta stop trying to talk my way outta things……..’

Maul unexpectedly flings his club directly at Backlash! The hero was expecting to be attacked and easily dodges the crude missile. The club will then reappear back in Maul's hands as if by magic.

Rushing forward to meet Maul Backlash keeps his Density up while saying, “ I hope you know how to use that thing! Cause if you don’t Im gonna stick it up your nose!”

Once in melee range of Maul he will trade punches with the club swinger.


OOC: If at all possible he can block the club strike he will try then send a vicious punch to Maul’s head in counterattack.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Frostbite quickly kicks Black Paladin's mace and Lady Bale's sword away from them. Then he covers the pair in ice. Neither Devilspawn nor the Black Magus carried any obvious weapons.

Kicking the weapons away he will say, “ Now I don’t want you guys hurting yourselves or anyone else.” he says with a mock grin. After they are frozen in ice he will say, “Now you guys play nice.”

Wearily, the Purple Phlox grasps her Crystal Staff. As she does so, a flash of purplish flame covers her body. The flames fade just as quickly as they appeared and the Phlox seems to be in better shape from it. Her posture straightens and her movements are freer.

"It seems that I am in your debt", the Phlox says to the three heroes. "I am known as the Purple Phlox and you are?"

Frosty watches as Phlox picks up her staff, in doing so flames swirl about her strangely enough it looks like she looks the better from it. “Frostbite, Glad to meet you.” he says.

"I don't know anything about any reactor trouble", the Phlox continues, "but this here is just as deadly. It's a time bomb just waiting to go off. It must be closed before it causes any more trouble."

“Well how do we go about closing it?” he asks the purple flamed heroine.

Soon a Black sphere emerges from the gap and takes the form of an human eclipse.
"It appears that I spoke too soon", the Phlox mutters. "This is bad! Very bad! The rift is widening and threatens to swallow us all!"

“Then Let’s see that doesn’t happen anytime soon!!” Frosty will attempt an Ice ram at the Eclipse creature.

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

While Flux listens to the banter between the two heroes, he notices Tilt-A-Whirl come running up to them.

Seeing Flux, Tilt's eyes go wide with surprise and elation i'm in time! she thinks. Rushing up and stopping right in front of him, she exclaims, "imadeit! ... um, sorry, hi Flux! i was told you needed to be saved! here i am!"

Seeing the other two standing around exchanging banter she'll wave and proclaim, "hi i'm Tilt-A-Whirl!"

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Carrying Serena in her arms, Major-Menagerie makes good time towards Caliente. However, it seems that their arrival at that destination, and The Foundry afterwards, is destined to be further delayed.

A burst of light and sound herald the arrival of an unconscious woman hurtling through the air. Immediately, Lily alters course in an attempt to intercept the woman in the air.

Her arms being full, Menagerie urges Serena to snag the woman as they fly close. "Catch her if you can!"

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

"It seems that I am in your debt", the Phlox says to the three heroes. "I am known as the Purple Phlox and you are?"

"Your pardon worthy, I am known here as Eldrich Arcane: these are my compatriots Goldstar and Frostbite of the Vigilant. We too sensed the disturbing rise of magic here."

On the subject of containing the prisoners, the Purple Phlox will say, "I have do not have such spells committed to memory at the moment. My primary concern was to investigate the source of black magic here and deal with it as needed."

Memorized?? Memorized??? What sort of mage is this?

Eldrich has no time to ask questions as the rift of darkness allows a human shaped shadow to pass into the Plaza.

And my Ward has expired. I shall have to forgo it's protection for the moment....

Eldrich once again casts Sunglare at his new opponent hoping to give the others an edge in the next battle.

[Bruce]

Flux

Seeing Flux, Tilt's eyes go wide with surprise and elation i'm in time! she thinks. Rushing up and stopping right in front of him, she exclaims, "imadeit! ... um, sorry, hi Flux! i was told you needed to be saved! here i am!"

You're not wrong Tilt! Save me from the cute banter of dating/married[?] superheros!

"Tilt! Should have guessed you'd be first up. See any of the others on your way in?

"If they're not here soon we go without. Hostages can't wait on us."

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

"Tilt! Should have guessed you'd be first up. See any of the others on your way in?

A look of confusion, then - is she pouting? - crosses her face. "um boy, i didn't know i was supposed to keep an eye out for them..." Then suddenly her face lights up, practically beaming. "wantmetogolookforthem?" she says in an excited tone, forgetting Flux probably can't understand her now, "itwouldonlytakemeasecond!"

She stands ready to race off and look for those slow pokes if Flux gives her the word.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

Gathering her bearings, Goldstar spies the woman in purple. Even stranger purplish flames cover her face!

“How neat! Hi, I’m Goldstar.”

Then everyone’s attention turns the strange black rift as something emerges from it! A ball of blackness comes out and then changes shape into a man sheathed in blackness.

Everyone around her seems to think this is trouble, so Goldstar will help them attack it. She’ll fire her Photon Blast to start with.

[Serena]

Serena:

Menagerie looks at the strange woman for several moments. "Just out of curiosity, Serena, but which God is that: Allah, Buddha, Christ, Vishnu, or some other?”

“Those names are meaningless to me. Obviously there false idols that must be struck down.”

"Look, I know you're new here, and apparently came from somewhere else, but you may want to be careful. This isn't your world, and life here may be fundamentally different that what you're used to. No matter how good your intentions, you may create more strife than weal if you run around trying to change everyone to your way of thinking or try to convert everyone to your set of beliefs. People here are every bit as passionate about their beliefs as you are about yours, and you starting religious wars isn't going to help anyone."

“I know this world is strange!”, Serena angrily calls out. “My faith is about the only thing I have left in this horrible place and now you would deny me that? This place is about as close to the fiery pits as I can imagine and yet none of you can see that. Those that I find I can relate to, you oppose? I am wrong or are you wrong? Have I picked the wrong group of carryout goods acts with? I just don’t know any more.”

Serena will agree to be carried away, but it is clear that she is very troubled by recent events. Nothing makes sense any more and she finds that even her faith is coming into question.

Menagerie calling out brings Serena back to reality where she finds an unknown woman being hurtled across the sky.

Her arms being full, Menagerie urges Serena to snag the woman as they fly close. "Catch her if you can!"

“I will try!”

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Things are going rather well with the authorities, although Blackout knows it's still taking too much time. He's about ready to depart when he senses things are going to go sour once more.

"What are you doing to the Guiding Light?" the new arrival demands. There is a noticeable Spanish accent to his voice. "I am Brother Brimstone and I swear that any who dared harm him will face my purifying fires! None may interfere with our scared mission!"

"Oh he's not harmed, he's just a bit sleepy," Blackout replies jovially, "as this isn't his ship, we have to move him to temporary housing." Doubtful that Brother Brimstone will appreciate his antics or believe that prison is merely "temporary housing," Blackout tenses for a fight.

"You guys might want to back up if this gets ugly," Blackout will quietly warn the officers and agents. If the good Brother attacks, Blackout will be defensive. Once he sees an opening, he will hurl his rod at the flying zealot.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Tesla can't help but smile at these foolish street toughs. She was hoping to mop them up and teach them a valuable lesson. Now she's going to get that chance, as the first one who decides to attack her, apparently called Vector, quickly learns.

The blast just misses Tesla, who retaliates with an electrical blast of her own. The energy punches through the spherical force field and reaches the man inside. Incredibly, he simply falls to the ground and his energy bubble vanishes.

"Senora Relampago just took out Vector!', the lone woman of the group cries out in a heavy Spanish accent. "Bella Fuego will take care of her!"

The Spanish woman in black leather turns back towards Tesla and gestures towards her. As she does so, a wide blast of fire leaps from her hand that singes the air before Tesla! The blast itself misses the electrical heroine.

"Going to have to do better than that, chica!" Tesla calls back. She'll line up the fiery woman in her sights next and release another electrical blast.

Rushing forward to meet Maul Backlash keeps his Density up while saying, “ I hope you know how to use that thing! Cause if you don’t Im gonna stick it up your nose!”

Tesla laughs outloud at Backlash's threat. She definitely enjoys his company, and together they are a formidable team.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed