Crucible #48 - "Displays of Terror"

[GM Mad]

Crucible #48 - "Displays of Terror"


Roll Call: Backlash & Tesla


Once more we find ourselves in Downtown San Diego where Backlash and Tesla are slugging it out with the Maulers. Tess has taken three of the gang members down with her electrical blasts, while Backlash and Maul continue to go at it.

“What’s the matter Mauler? Did I hurt your Ego?!” he calls back at Maul. The anger is apparent as he leaps towards ‘Lash whom quickly sidesteps his attack.

“You wish, wimp!”

“Let’s say we finish this!!” To Maul, to Tesla he will say, “Don’t get to comfy up there Ill be done with pretty boy here in a minute!” He goes in and Hammers Maul with punches, hopefully he is near his breaking point!

Backlash turns and lands another punch on Maul. Maul appears to be getting woozy on his feet, but yet again the force of the blow does no move the strong man!

”Yes, lets finish it!”

Maul grabs his large club and slams it hard into Backlash’s chest! The force of the impact knocks Backlashes breath away and causes tremendous pain! Cracking sounds are heard and it’s clear that multiple ribs were broken. Everything goes black and Backlash falls to the pavement unmoving. Maul gloats loudly over his fallen foe.

“Not so tough, are you punk!”

Enraged by this, Tesla lets Maul have it! Her electrical blast hits the large man and he stiffens up from the current going through him. Finally, Maul just collapses to the ground and is also unmoving. Wisps of smoke rise from his body.

Landing beside Backlash, Tesla finds that her partner took massive damage and appears to be badly hurt.

Hero Status:

Backlash - -25 STUN, 8 of 18 BODY

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Blackout

Brother Brimstone was just blasted out of the sky by the authorities on the dock. Blackout’s swing line is wrapped around Brimstone and it begins to follow the flaming fanatic into the water. Blackout grabs the other end of the line and quickly wraps it around the railing.

Brother Brimstone hits the water unceremoniously and plunges into the depths. Blackout begins to pull the fiery villain from the drink. The police are beside Blackout by the time Brimstone is pulled back up on deck. They take Brother Brimstone into custody and drive away with him and the Guiding Light.

“Thanks again for the help,” one of the agents will say. “You need a lift somewhere, masked man?”


Roll Call: Eldrich, Frostbite, Goldstar, & the Purple Phlox


Inside Horton’s Plaza frustration is beginning to set in. In response to this, the heroes agree to free the Black Paladin. Eldrich moves to carry out this task.

"Swear by what you hold dear that you will aid us Paladin, and I will see to your release!"

“My word is my bond,” the dark knight intones.

Satisfied, Eldrich smashes the ice encasing Black Paladin. Retrieving his mace and Lady Bale’s sword, Black Paladin advances to where Borealis stands.

“Light is lethal to these shadow demons! Those who have that ability should strike them down now!”


While that is going on, the lone shadow demon springs at Frostbite like a frenzied animal. Its claws and talons rake his ice sheathing creating huge gashes in it. So far his flesh has been unharmed.

Hearing the Black Paladin’s words, Goldstar acts. She calls out “Solar Flare!” and generates a incredibly bright light around the shadow demon. Frostbite is momentarily blinded by the attack. When his vision returns, his ebony cloaked attacker is gone.

“If any of you can do so, weaken the power of the Greater Eye!” Black Paladin commands. “Drain its magic away! Be ready to destroy more of the invaders with light attacks! Steel yourselves as this is not over yet!”

More shadow demons erupt from Borealis. Two at first and then four more. There numbers continue to grow and now there is a dozen of the hissing clouds of claws and teeth. They prepare to spring and rend mortal flesh!

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Menagerie, Gladiator, Tempest, Tigress, and Sapphire


Outside the Caliente Research Labs Menagerie and the form of Tilt-A-Whirl rushes up as the Young Champions Jet comes in for a landing. While they disembark, Lily notes Shamrock rushing towards her. Obviously, he thinks that she is the real Tilt!

Menagerie rushes towards him and Shamrock prepares to swing his large bat. However, before he can connect Menagerie changes forms once more. She changes into a butterfly and heads skyward.

Shamrock comes to a sliding stop, tearing up the lawn with his passage. He looks around confused for where his target went.

“You can’t hide from me forever, girlie!”, the large Irishman calls out.



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


Inside the Caliente Research Facility, our heroes have just appeared thanks to Starguard. They quickly locate and are located by the rest of Terror Unlimited! At Scopria’s command they attack!

Tilt dashes forward trying to reach Mindslayer, but the psionic in skimpy purple satin is just as fast. A mind bolt catches Tilt in the head. Her mind is suddenly on fire and her progress slows to a crawl.

Almost just as fast, Scorpia gestures and fires a dart from her wrist launcher. It lands before Starguard and Tiny Flux and explodes! The concussive force of the blast sends Flux flying backwards. He hits the far wall of the chamber hard and slips into blackness.

Starguard’s armor helps him endure the explosion better, but even he is knocked from his feet.

The energy of the blast radiates out from the center point and Tilt is caught along the outer edge. The force of the blast also knocks her off her feet. She hits the floor hard.

“You were fools to think you could take on Terror Unlimited!” Scorpia declares arrogantly. “Now you will pay with your lives!”

Starguard regains his feet and sizes up the situation. He activates the teleport system in his armor once more and the heroes are gone.


Back outside Caliente, Starguard, Flux, and Tilt suddenly reappear. However, they are not alone! The five hostages were also whisked away. Flux’s brother is among them.

Menagerie and the Young Champions note the heroes’ arrival.


Hero Status:

Flux - -18 of 28 STUN
Tilt-A-Whirl – 12 of 38 STUN

Now what?

[Backlash]

Backlash

Backlash turns and lands another punch on Maul. Maul appears to be getting woozy on his feet, but yet again the force of the blow does no move the strong man!

”Yes, lets finish it!”

Maul grabs his large club and slams it hard into Backlash’s chest! The force of the impact knocks Backlashes breath away and causes tremendous pain! Cracking sounds are heard and it’s clear that multiple ribs were broken. Everything goes black and Backlash falls to the pavement unmoving. Maul gloats loudly over his fallen foe.

Backlash watches as he sees the club come into the Maul’s hand; Sadly he wasn’t quick enough to block the attack as it slams him hard in the chest! The air rushes out of him as it strikes causing him to gasp for air as the pain in his ribs doubles, he hears a loud crack the pain is to great and blackness overcomes him.

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

Tilt dashes forward trying to reach Mindslayer, but the psionic in skimpy purple satin is just as fast. A mind bolt catches Tilt in the head. Her mind is suddenly on fire and her progress slows to a crawl.

"oooooo...oowie!" Tilt cries out, her brian suddenly on fire. It's one of the few times she's actually ever slowed down, and the feeling is not pleasant.

The energy of the blast radiates out from the center point and Tilt is caught along the outer edge. The force of the blast also knocks her off her feet. She hits the floor hard.

"ooof!" she cries out, landing hard on the floor. "these..guys...are..not..playing..fair.." she mumbles, mind and body reeling.

Back outside Caliente, Starguard, Flux, and Tilt suddenly reappear. However, they are not alone! The five hostages were also whisked away. Flux’s brother is among them.

"huh?nowwhat?" Tilt asks, coming around a little. "idontwannaplayinthereanymoremisterstarguy!" Tilt will tell Starguard.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Seeing how ineffective he has been in recent minutes Frosty will begin to make room between him and the gate and demons,(Moving back but not showing his back to them) As he does so he will concentrate on mending/increasing his protective armor.

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Her trick seems to have worked against the weak-minded behemoth with the tacky Irish accent. Unfortunately, butterflies don't fly very fast, and she doesn't have all the time in the world. Menagerie switches to a dragonfly and zips around to a point above and behind the Jolly Green Giant.

“You can’t hide from me forever, girlie!”, the large Irishman calls out.

Fortunately, she doesn't intend to.

Back outside Caliente, Starguard, Flux, and Tilt suddenly reappear. However, they are not alone! The five hostages were also whisked away. Flux’s brother is among them.

Menagerie notes the sudden appearance of Starguard and her teammates. Hopefully, this will act as an effective distraction for the Irish brute.

Racing down towards Shamrock's back, Menagerie will shift to her Goldstar form when she gets close and "go dense" just before plowing into him.

==============================================
Can you say Flying Move-Through? Sure. I knew you could.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

Hearing the Black Paladin’s words, Goldstar acts. She calls out “Solar Flare!” and generates an incredibly bright light around the shadow demon. Frostbite is momentarily blinded by the attack. When his vision returns, his ebony cloaked attacker is gone.

“WOW!” Goldstar exclaims upon seeing her Solar Flare somehow destroy the shadow critter. It was only light and shouldn’t have done that! Still, Goldstar’s not one to argue with results.

“If any of you can do so, weaken the power of the Greater Eye!” Black Paladin commands. “Drain its magic away! Be ready to destroy more of the invaders with light attacks! Steel yourselves as this is not over yet!”

Not seeing anyone else object to the orders of the guy we’re just fighting, Goldstar will continue to use her Solar Flare to destroy the dark critters.

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Brother Brimstone hits the water unceremoniously and plunges into the depths. Blackout begins to pull the fiery villain from the drink. The police are beside Blackout by the time Brimstone is pulled back up on deck. They take Brother Brimstone into custody and drive away with him and the Guiding Light.

“Thanks again for the help,” one of the agents will say. “You need a lift somewhere, masked man?”

"Anytime," Blackout responds simply, "and although I appreciate the offer, I think I'll find my way quickly enough."

With that being said, Blackout moves close enough to the nearest tall building, balcony railing, dock crane, scaffolding, or whatever he can use to hurl his rod and utilize his swing line. As he arcs away from the agents, he calls back, "Make sure you get my name right in the papers, boys! It's Blackout!"

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Maul grabs his large club and slams it hard into Backlash’s chest! The force of the impact knocks Backlashes breath away and causes tremendous pain! Cracking sounds are heard and it’s clear that multiple ribs were broken. Everything goes black and Backlash falls to the pavement unmoving. Maul gloats loudly over his fallen foe.

“Not so tough, are you punk!”

Enraged by this, Tesla lets Maul have it! Her electrical blast hits the large man and he stiffens up from the current going through him. Finally, Maul just collapses to the ground and is also unmoving. Wisps of smoke rise from his body.

Landing beside Backlash, Tesla finds that her partner took massive damage and appears to be badly hurt.

"You arrogant..." Tesla's words trail off, and it's unclear who she was talking about. The air is chraged with another electrical blast slamming into Maul. Apparently the last of the Maulers can't stand up to her attacks either and he is down.

Tesla quickly flies down and sees Backlash is severely injured. Wasting no time, she picks him up as carefully as she can and prepares to fly back to the island. She contacts Edgar, "Backlash is down, Edgar. I'm returning with him to the castle immediately. Can you let the local authorities know there's four big piles of super villian trash that needs to be picked up?"

She'll let Edgar know where they were and start flying back to the island as fast as she can. Hopefully Flux and the others can get along without them...

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

Light...the most obvious attack against demons of darkness.

Eldrich will cast Sunglare at the nearest little demon and continue until it dissapates , then switch to a new target. Until the Ward runs its course only that and the Smiting Hammer spell are possible through it's defense.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Roll Call: Backlash & Tesla

The fight against the Maulers has ended with them being defeated, but Backlash has been wounded in the process! After taking care of Maul, Tesla contacts Edgar.

Tesla quickly flies down and sees Backlash is severely injured. Wasting no time, she picks him up as carefully as she can and prepares to fly back to the island. She contacts Edgar, "Backlash is down, Edgar. I'm returning with him to the castle immediately. Can you let the local authorities know there's four big piles of Supervillain trash that needs to be picked up?"

"Will do, Madame," Edgar responds. "The medical division will be standing by for your arrival."

After that, Tesla picks Backlash up and starts to fly back to the island. After about a minute, Backlash begins to stir in Tesla's arms. Fifteen seconds later, he awakes feeling no pain. Up ahead, the castle is just starting to come into view.


Hero Status:

Backlash - 11 of 47 STUN



Roll Call: Blackout

Blackout declines the offer of a ride. He latches his swing line to a nearby overhead crane and swings off. The hero makes good time and before long he's nearing the northern tip of the docks area. It is then that he begins to wonder the wisdom of declining the ride.

Shelter Island is connected to the mainland by a single strip of land, making it more like a peninsula than a true island. A lone road, Shelter Island Drive, connects the island to the rest of San Diego. There's nothing high enough to swing on to easily span this area. Hoping a ride on the back of a tractor-trailer is an option.

Your location places you far, far away from the Caliente Research Labs. In fact, the Steel Squadron base, your original destination, would be closer but even that is miles away. Another option and one that would save time and distance, would be to have Edgar send you one of his floating platforms used to shuttle people from the island to the mainland. It would save considerable time and distance.

(Basically, your trip to Shelter Island was moving you further away from Caliente, so you're a long way off from there.)

How do you want to proceed?

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Eldrich, Flux, Goldstar, & the Purple Phlox


Inside Horton's Plaza, the struggle against the invading Shadow Demons continues. Goldstar and Eldrich act in concert using Solar Flare's and Sunglare spells to generate bright spots of light. The effects are devastating on the Shadow Demons and all of them in the immediate area are destroyed.

While that is going on, Frostbite withdraws from the combat area while regenerating his icy sheath.

Behind him, the Purple Phlox points her Crystal Headed Staff at Borealis. Purplish mystical energy leaps from the staff and strikes the hand the Greater Emerald Eye is held. Greenish energy begins to snake down the purple beam as the Crystal Headed staff drains the energy away.

This continues on for several moments and a noticeable green aura begins to surround the Purple Phlox. Eldrich and Goldstar continue to unleash there light bursts and Shadow Demons are blasted out of existence as fast as they are arriving.

Suddenly, the black sheath surrounding Borealis weakens and begins the fade. With its energies being drained away, the Greater Eye can no longer maintain the gateway. When that happens, Black Paladin acts! He lifts up Lady Bale's sword and slams it across Borealis' wrist!

The blade neatly slices through Borealis’ wrist and his hand that holds the grafted Greater Eye falls away! Borealis himself screams in pain and the blackness surrounding him vanishes. Dropping to his knees, Borealis stares at his bloody wrist in shock.

Ignoring the man and his cries, Black Paladin stares at the Greater Emerald Eye for a few moments. "All this trouble for this trinket of power," the Dark Knight muses. "Alas, the price is far too high for my liking."

Using his left foot, Black Paladin nudges the severed hand and sends it flying into the rift. That task complete, he spins towards the Purple Phlox. "Now, woman! Use the energy you have leached away to permanently seal this fissure! Close it so that these foul demons will never return!"

The Purple Phlox complies while Goldstar and Eldrich continue their barrage of light attacks against the Shadow Demons. The greenish tinged purplish energy is unleashed from the Crystal Headed Staff. It slams into the rift and in response the rift slowly begins to close.

More and more energy pours out of the Crystal Staff and it starts to loose its greenish tinge. The physical drain on the Phlox is noticeable and she drops to her knees. Inch by inch, the rift shrinks until finally it is no more! At that point, the Phlox simply drops to the floor unconscious.

All is quiet for a time after the rift is sealed. Eldrich and Goldstar are noticeably weary after their continuous barrage of light attacks against the Shadow Demons. Eldrich can no longer sense any magic coming from the area the rift used to exist. It is now gone.

A blood curdling scream issues from Borealis and you can't help but look in his direction. As you watch, his from shifts and wavers and is compressed into a glowing ball of light. Suddenly, this light flies upward and streaks out of the plaza and off into the sky.

"My thanks for your assistance," Black Paladin calls out. "I am in your debt, thus I will leave you unharmed for the nonce. Therefore, I bid you adieu."

Looking in the Dark Knight's direction, you can see Lady Bale and the Black Magus by his side. One moment there are there, the next they are gone. This are of Horton's Plaza is now deserted, save for yourselves and the still unconscious Devilspawn.

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Flux, Menagerie, Tilt-A-Whirl, Starguard, Gladiator, Tempest, Tigress, & Sapphire.

A direct attack on Terror Unlimited hasn’t gone as planned and Starguard teleported back out of the Caliente Research Facility. However, he did bring the hostages with him, so they can no be used against you.


While this is going on, Shamrock looks to find the girl that made him dizzy earlier. He waves around a palm tree like it was a bat! She was right in front of him, but seems to have vanished. Unbeknownst to Shamrock, it was Menagerie impersonating Tilt and she just changed forms to get away from him. Shamrock then spots the just arriving heroes and spots the real Tilt!

“There you are!”

The green clad villain beings to rush towards the group with palm tree in hand. From out of nowhere, Menagerie changes into Goldstar, shifts her density, and plunges directly at Shamrock! So intent is he on his target, that Shamrock never even sees the attack coming. Menagerie/Goldstar slams into Shamrock’s back with great force. The Irish strongman is hurtled forwards over sixty feet from the impact. Incredibly, he’s still moving and struggling to regain his footing.

Menagerie hits pretty hard as well and tumbles to the ground near Starguard. She’s woozy but quickly shakes off the effects of the attack.

“Reinforcements at last,” Starguard notes. “Perhaps now we’ll be able to take them down.”

Flux begins to come around as well.


Hero Status:

Flux - 6 of 28 STUN
Menagerie – 14 of 28 STUN


Now what?

[Backlash]

Backlash

With the darkness enveloping him in slumber, his body quickly goes about healing himself A few moments later he begins to stir as the wind from Tesla’s flying bombards his face. Shaking off the weariness of sleep he groans, as if first waking up.

“What happened? Did I get em?” he asks as the castle comes into view, “Huh, What are we doing here? Shouldn’t we be on our way to Caliente?” he asks his electrical companion.

When asked how he is feeling he will Merely say, “I’m feeling a lot better, Like waking up in the arms of an Angel. ’ he adds.
“ Do we have to go through with the Docs? I hate needles…”. He says with a chuckle.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Ignoring the man and his cries, Black Paladin stares at the Greater Emerald Eye for a few moments. "All this trouble for this trinket of power," the Dark Knight muses. "Alas, the price is far too high for my liking."

“Trinket?” he says to himself, “Is there to be a more power artifact he was seeking?” He wonders a lot.

A blood curdling scream issues from Borealis and you can't help but look in his direction. As you watch, his from shifts and wavers and is compressed into a glowing ball of light. Suddenly, this light flies upward and streaks out of the plaza and off into the sky.

Looking in the direction of Borealis, Frosty cringes at the sight as the man is compressed in on himself and becomes a ball of light and is gone soon after, ‘Will we see him again?’ the question runs through his mind.

"My thanks for your assistance," Black Paladin calls out. "I am in your debt, thus I will leave you unharmed for the nonce. Therefore, I bid you adieu."

Before Frosty can answer back he sees Black Paladin, Lady Bale and Black Magus wink out of existence. But they have left one of their number behind, The prone, lone figure of Devilspawn lays dormant nearby. Not wanting the witch to get away and knowing his Ice encasing will soon melt under the heat Frosty elects to entomb Devilspawn in Ice.

Afterward he will say, “Good job, All of you. I am sorry that I could not be of more help.” looking down almost with an ashamed look on his face. Notifying Edgar as well as Flux, Frosty will say into the radio, ‘Situation in Horton Plaza contained. We have one prisoner. Flux do you still require assistance?”

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

Shamrock then spots the just arriving heroes and spots the real Tilt!

“There you are!”

Finally shaking off the effects of the recent tussle, Tilt hears Shamrock and turns. Seeing him she smiles and waves, "hithere!"

Suddenly the big man is slammed into by someone and knocked up and away from her. Pouting, she calls out, "byebyepalmtreeman! comebackwhenyoucanplaylonger!"

Starguard says something about reinforcements, but the whole speech is kind of boring, even though it is short. Tilt just stands around kicking small pebbles until Flux feels well enough to say something important to her.

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

The arrival of the real Tilt-A-Whirl provides a perfect distraction, and Gold-Lily is able to lay into Shamrock hard. Unfortunately, he proves as hard as the second syllable of his name.

Picking herself up off the ground, Menagerie stumbles woozily a bit before shaking off the effect. "A little help with the Jolly Green Giant here would be appreciated. Anybody?"

“Reinforcements at last,” Starguard notes. “Perhaps now we’ll be able to take them down.”

"Could we start with this one, please?" Not waiting for an answer, Menagerie shifts to the form of Tesla this time. Getting in close was way too unpleasant, so she'll try to hit him from a little ways off. Menagerie rises into the air while generating the electric field she has seen Tesla use, then fires a bolt at the big green guy. Mentally, she says a little prayer in the hopes of it working...

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Blackout declines the offer of a ride. He latches his swing line to a nearby overhead crane and swings off. The hero makes good time and before long he's nearing the northern tip of the docks area. It is then that he begins to wonder the wisdom of declining the ride.

Shelter Island is connected to the mainland by a single strip of land, making it more like a peninsula than a true island. A lone road, Shelter Island Drive, connects the island to the rest of San Diego. There's nothing high enough to swing on to easily span this area. Hoping a ride on the back of a tractor-trailer is an option.

Blackout releases his swing line and hurls his rod out once more. It sails out into the distance, hangs there for a second, then clatters to the pavement. "Well, isn't this a bit embarassing," he says outloud to himself. Scanning the area, there is no easy way across, and running just is going to be too slow.

Another option and one that would save time and distance, would be to have Edgar send you one of his floating platforms used to shuttle people from the island to the mainland. It would save considerable time and distance.

Not wanting to waste anymore time, he'll humble himself and contact Edgar, "Edgar, I seem to have put myself into a bit of a bind." Chuckling he'll continue, "Could you send me one of your platforms to help get me to Flux and the others?"

Hopefully Edgar can do so. In the meantime, Blackout will reel in his swing line and wait as patiently as he can.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

"Will do, Madame," Edgar responds. "The medical division will be standing by for your arrival."

After that, Tesla picks Backlash up and starts to fly back to the island. After about a minute, Backlash begins to stir in Tesla's arms. Fifteen seconds later, he awakes feeling no pain. Up ahead, the castle is just starting to come into view.

“What happened? Did I get em?” he asks as the castle comes into view, “Huh, What are we doing here? Shouldn’t we be on our way to Caliente?” he asks his electrical companion.

Noticing Backlash stir, Tesla lets out a sigh, realising she wasted valuable time flying all this way. "Hey now," she scolds playfully, "you're supposed to be seriously hurt. Oh, and no, I had to clean up your toys."

When asked how he is feeling he will Merely say, “I’m feeling a lot better, Like waking up in the arms of an Angel. ’ he adds.
“ Do we have to go through with the Docs? I hate needles…”. He says with a chuckle.

"Yeah I bet, nothing a long drop from this height wouldn't cure," Tesla says, trying to hide the laughter.

Changing course as quickly as she can, she heads off towards their original destination. Contacting Edgar once more, she'll tell him, "Might as well have your medical team stand down, Edgar. Backlash says he's fine, but I'll have him check in with you once we get back just so we can be sure of that."

To Backlash she says, "There's no getting out of that either, by the way. Just a once over to make sure you really are fine."

[Bruce]

Flux

The explosion from Scorpia puts Flux out of it briefly. His body snaps back to regular size after he's thrown down and Starguard teleports everyone outside.

Coming around is like swimming up from the bottom of a dark lake. Light and sound coalesce into recognizable images and understandable speach.

"Grh. Umph"

Not remotely what I wanted to say.....

When he can, Flux will ask for a situation report

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

Eldrich moves to support Frostbite's withdrawl to remake his icy armor, shifting position to provide cover.

Throughout the casting, he watches the Purple Phlox for cues on what might be cast next but the local mage uses the powerful staff at her disposal to draw off the magic from the so-called Eye of Azog instead.

Quite a powerful item, that. Very useful for the containment of escaping magic. Odd that both of these items are crystals rather than blood-metal.

Eldrich breaks off the thought before it can distract him as the Purple Phlox takes on the hue of the Eye.

Dangerous to take in such contradictory magical energies, I hope she knows what she is doing.....

And it seems she does as the black sheath of power around the third (?) mage falls away leaving the black-armored warrior free to strike off the hand of the Eye wielder, and kick both Eye and hand to the rift, spouting commands all the while.

The Purple one complies, forcing the rift closed with the energies of the Eye, while draining her own strength at the same time!

Stay ready, if treachery is due it will come now.

With the closing of the rift the Purple Phlox collapses and the last demons are destroyed by the effects of Goldstar's light while Eldrich steps closer to the fallen mage ,wary of the dark one now, but it is the one-handed mage that draws his attention by transforming into a sphere of light and escaping into the unatural blue sky.

"My thanks for your assistance," Black Paladin calls out. "I am in your debt, thus I will leave you unharmed for the nonce. Therefore, I bid you adieu."

With that pompous statment the three active enemies vanish in a magical surge of energy leaving the field to the Vigilant.

"Humph. His notion of gratitude is to NOT slay us..as if he could."

Frostbite moves to secure the remaining antagonist and Eldrich bends to attend to the Purple Phlox.

Frostbite will say, “Good job, All of you. I am sorry that I could not be of more help.” looking down almost with an ashamed look on his face. Notifying Edgar as well as Flux, Frosty will say into the radio, ‘Situation in Horton Plaza contained. We have one prisoner. Flux do you still require assistance?”

"I too must make apology. I allowed distractions to hold me at improper moments. Only your call roused me at the last. I vow it shall not happen again."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:


Roll Call: Backlash, Tesla, & ????

Fearing that Backlash was badly injured, Tesla picked him up and started to fly back to the castle. Much to her surprise, less than a minute later ‘Lash came around, his wounds seemingly healed! Convinced that her companion is well enough to continue on, Tess changes course and heads towards Caliente.

The pairs course now takes them to the northeast, back over the Militarized zone in Downtown San Diego. Up ahead they can see the small thunderstorm that El Tormento had created drifting across their path on the sea breeze.

Movement and yelling from the roofs down below get your attention. There, you see a boy jumping up and down and yelling. He appears to be in the 8-10 year old range.

“Help! My parents need help!”

As you watch, the mini-thunderstorm generates a stroke of lightning. The electricity strikes the boy, sending him flying backwards. The lad hits hard and is unmoving.

Landing close by a moment later, you’re shocked to find that no only is the boy alive, but he’s starting to come around. There’s a streak of white in his hair.


GM Notes:

Say hello to our new PC!


Roll Call: Blackout


Not wanting to waste anymore time, he'll humble himself and contact Edgar, "Edgar, I seem to have put myself into a bit of a bind." Chuckling he'll continue, "Could you send me one of your platforms to help get me to Flux and the others?"

“Of course, sir. It is on its way.”

Blackout only has to wait a few minutes at the dock until the platform comes sailing into view. After leaping down on the platform, Blackout can feel the slight tug holding him in place. The platform then accelerates back the way it came.

A few minutes into the trip, Edgar will contact Blackout.

“Sir, as I reported earlier this morning, I’ve been picking up a strange anomalies within the White Event Area. The entire area is dimensionally and temporarily unstable making exact readings almost impossible. However, what I am picking up is a stronger than normal convergence of those energies. Readings have been sporadic, but are becoming stronger and more stable. You’re the closest to this location. Can you investigate?”

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Eldrich, Flux, Goldstar, & the Purple Phlox

The situation inside Horton’s Plaza has been dealt with. Borealis has been freed of the influence of the Greater Emerald Eye of Azog. Black Paladin cut the Canadian villains hand off and then sent it and the gem back to the demon’s realm. Borealis screamed in pain, transformed into light, and then flew off. While that was going on, Black Paladin used the opportunity to teleport away with Lady Bale and the Black Magnus. All that remains behind is Devilspawn who is still unconscious, who Frostbite encases in ice.


Frostbite then contacts Edgar and brings him up to date. Strangely enough, Flux does not respond when called. The Purple Phlox remains unconscious.



Roll Call: Flux, Menagerie, Tilt-A-Whirl, Starguard, Gladiator, Tempest, Tigress, & Sapphire.


Outside the Caliente Research Lab, one group of heroes has just returned from confronting Terror Unlimited, while new arrivals converge on Shamrock. The Irish strongman was just sent flying by Menagerie in Goldstar form. Menagerie crashed near Starguard. The hero in the starry-armor helps her back to her feet while Flux comes around.

While this is going on, the Young Champions approach. Sapphire leaps and lands near Shamrock. She quickly puts him down before he can properly defend himself. The azure giantess drags Shamrock back to the others.

As Flux regains his wits he can see the lab workers are here, along with his brother Sam.

“Terror Unlimited got the drop on us,” Starguard tells Flux. “I found it prudent to withdrawal while I could. At the very last, the hostages are no longer an issue. Shamrock appears to have been dealt with, but the others are still near the reactor.”


GM Notes:

Sorry about the delay. Going through a case of strep throat and an ear infection. Between that and the meds, been pretty much out of it for several days. Back to the games!

[Bruce]

Flux

Starguard fills in Flux on the few moments he was out of it. The most important detail being the hostages released unharmed.

"Good move there 'Guard. Let's get a quick intel on their actions inside from the employees and then get them out of it."

Flux gets up off the ground as he speaks, shaking himself to awareness, and strides over to the five former hostages. "And get Shamrock secured somewhere inacessable. I don't want Black Hole getting him right back again."

"Can anybody tell me what they saw in there? Anyone overhear the back-and-forth?"



{Strep AND ear infection! You really know how to have fun Mad, old boy}

[And hello to the new PC! Welcome to the party!]

[Backlash]

Backlash

Noticing Backlash stir, Tesla lets out a sigh, realizing she wasted valuable time flying all this way. "Hey now," she scolds playfully, "you're supposed to be seriously hurt. Oh, and no, I had to clean up your toys."

“But I am,” Let’s out a fake groan. “How’s that?” he asks playfully. “Sorry Nothing like that has ever happened before….My own fault didn’t see his club coming till it was to late, Maybe I am getting old!” he tells himself playfully.

To Backlash she says, "There's no getting out of that either, by the way. Just a once over to make sure you really are fine."

“Can I get a second opinion on that? Okay okay, Ill do it, If you go out on a date with me.” he adds playfully.

A thunderstorm breezes by and soon movement catches Lash’s eye a boy seems to be in trouble calling for help.
“Looks like we are gonna be delayed Tess,“ gesturing toward the child,
Soon After a Lightning bolt strikes the kid sending him flying!!

Dropping next to him via Tesla Backlash is afraid of getting to close. He has heard currents still carry through the person hit for sometime, “Is he okay?” he asks his companion. Soon the kid comes around and Lash’ says, “That was some hit you took! Are you alright?” he asks

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Frostbite then contacts Edgar and brings him up to date. Strangely enough, Flux does not respond when called. The Purple Phlox remains unconscious.

Frosty checks the radio as Flux doesn’t answer his call….. “Edgar come back, When was the last you heard from the others?” He doesn’t like the fact that he isn’t answering…

‘Let’s get Phlox, back to the castle perhaps she is in need of medical attention. Afterward We can regroup and head to Caliente to rendezvous with the others. I just hope they are okay.”

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Starguard offers Menagerie a hand up, which she accepts graciously. “Thank you, Starguard. Always nice to meet a gentleman.”

Lily is just rising into the air in the form of Tesla when BigBlue bounds up to Shamrock and lays him out with one massive punch. Seeing that the villain has been dealt with, Menagerie returns to her own form and lands.

As Starguard briefs the still-groggy Flux on the situation, Menagerie listens in. She smiles at the news that the hostages are safe. However, with the rest of Terror Unlimited still inside and threatening the reactor, the situation here is still far from resolved.

"And get Shamrock secured somewhere inacessable. I don't want Black Hole getting him right back again."
Menagerie looks over at Gladiator. “Do you have the means to ensure that Shamrock won’t wake up? I’d hate for him to sudden become a problem again.”

She listens to hear what the employees have to say in answer to Flux’s question.

===============================================
Hope you feel better soon, Mad!

And welcome, StormChild! Hope you enjoy the game.

[Storm Child]

Storm Child

Alec DeLeon jumped up and down frantically on the rooftop. He didn't understand what was going on in the city; He didn't understand why. He just knew that something was seriously wrong.

Ever since the event, his parents had been acting incredibly odd. His father, normally a caring and loving man, was distant. He seemed emotionless in everything he did and his very skin seemed to change as time passed. Alec had tried to reason with him, to joke with him, to provoke any reaction, even going so far as to destroy his fathers loved record collection.

Nothing. He was an unfeeling automaton who ignored everything.

If that had been his sole problem, he might not have been jumping up and down on the roof in the middle of a small thunderstorm. Something else was in his apartment.

He hadn't believed it at first, but his mother was constantly disappearing and what he could only describe as "not-mom" was in her place. The 8-year old couldn't understand what was happening. Alec didn't know if the creature or monster was kidnapping his mother and then letting her go later, but it seemed to hate him.

The thing was constantly jumping at him from nowhere, acting as though it meant to kill him. Later, his mother would reappear as if nothing was wrong.

It was clear to Alec that a monster he had long ago thought lived in his closet had come out of the closet, but he had no proof....

Finally, after the thing had crashed through the door of his bedroom, Alec lost it. Fleeing as fast as he could, he ran to the roof, waving and screaming in terror, wishing that somehow he could draw attention to himself....

Alec DeLeon didn't so much feel or realize the lightning bolt had hit him. He had been standing and waving at flying people, idly wondering how that was possible while also not caring, when he had been struck. His next recollection was staring at the sky.

Sore, he sat up, smoke still wisping from where the bolt had thundered into him, staring at the heroes as they landed. His words came in a rush, the boy not even noticing the silver streak in his once uniform brown hair.

"Something's got my mom! I don't know if she's okay!" he said, trying to sound brave while at the same time struggling not to cry. "I don't know if it killed her! It's alone with my Dad!" he cried, indicating downstairs to the apartment complex.

Alec continued to struggle to his feet, feeling alone.

********

Thanks for the welcome guys! [/b]

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Blackout only has to wait a few minutes at the dock until the platform comes sailing into view. After leaping down on the platform, Blackout can feel the slight tug holding him in place. The platform then accelerates back the way it came.

A few minutes into the trip, Edgar will contact Blackout.

“Sir, as I reported earlier this morning, I’ve been picking up a strange anomalies within the White Event Area. The entire area is dimensionally and temporarily unstable making exact readings almost impossible. However, what I am picking up is a stronger than normal convergence of those energies. Readings have been sporadic, but are becoming stronger and more stable. You’re the closest to this location. Can you investigate?”

"Yeah, sure," Blackout responds after a moment. "Guess they don't need me over at the Lab. Hey Edgar, if it turns out to be something a little too big for me, what's the likelihood of backup being close by?"

[Tesla]

Tesla:

“Can I get a second opinion on that? Okay okay, Ill do it, If you go out on a date with me.” he adds playfully.

"We've already had our first date," Tesla tells Backlash, who can sense her razor-like humor coming with her next words, "and you went and nearly died during it. I'll have to give serious thought over whether the stress you gave me is worth it."

A thunderstorm breezes by and soon movement catches Lash’s eye a boy seems to be in trouble calling for help.
“Looks like we are gonna be delayed Tess,“ gesturing toward the child,
Soon After a Lightning bolt strikes the kid sending him flying!!

"Seems that... *gasp*!" Tesla never finishes as she sees the boy get struck by lightning. Quickly she flies down to the rooftop and drops Backlash off.

Dropping next to him via Tesla Backlash is afraid of getting to close. He has heard currents still carry through the person hit for sometime, “Is he okay?” he asks his companion. Soon the kid comes around and Lash’ says, “That was some hit you took! Are you alright?” he asks

Tesla moves up, not worried about a little electrical current! She checks the boy as best she can, and he starts to stir. He seems okay, but has a terrible story to tell.

"Something's got my mom! I don't know if she's okay!" he said, trying to sound brave while at the same time struggling not to cry. "I don't know if it killed her! It's alone with my Dad!" he cried, indicating downstairs to the apartment complex.

Looking at Backlash, she'll say to the boy, "We can help. Can you take us to your dad?"

Tesla will see if the boy will lead us, prepared to tell Edgar what's going on. She can't help but wonder if the boy is really okay, shrugging off a bolt of lightning.

--------------

Welcome Storm Child!

[Backlash]

Backlash

"Something's got my mom! I don't know if she's okay!" he said, trying to sound brave while at the same time struggling not to cry. "I don't know if it killed her! It's alone with my Dad!" he cried, indicating downstairs to the apartment complex.

Looking at Backlash, she'll say to the boy, "We can help. Can you take us to your dad?"

Backlash can’t help but wonder if the child is seeking attention though with recent events you never know. He is curious and soon asks, “What does this something look like?” Lash would like to know what he is up against…..perhaps the kid had to much sugar before going to bed or a way over active imagination……..

Lash will keep his density up, unless he hears the groaning of the floor beneath him. And follow the lad’s directions.


Welcome to the Funny Farm Storm Child!

[Storm Child]

Storm Child

Looking at Backlash, Tesla says to the boy, "We can help. Can you take us to your dad?"

Backlash can’t help but wonder if the child is seeking attention though with recent events you never know. He is curious and soon asks, “What does this something look like?” Lash would like to know what he is up against…..perhaps the kid had to much sugar before going to bed or a way over active imagination……..!

Alec nodded numbly, heading back towards his apartment. The boy glances at Backlash as he asks what the creature looks like, not knowing exactly how to respond.

"Nothing..anything..I don't know!" he murmurs forlornly, eyes cast down. "It changes. I don't know."

He stops briefly, looking at Backlash and Tesla, mouth opening slightly as if to say more before stopping. The boy has seemingly recovered from the lightning bolt already, the scorch mark on his clothes where it struck the only evidence of what had happened.

"I don't know," the boy finally repeated, his voice dipping. "It's a monster."

[GM Mad]

Post Closed