Crucible #49 - "Displays of Fear"

[GM Mad]

Crucible #49 - "Displays of Fear"


Roll Call: Backlash, Stormchild, & Tesla

Noticing a boy yelling and jumping up and down on a rooftop, Tesla flies closer carrying Backlash. As they pair close in, a bolt of lightning strikes the child! Miraculously, he’s barely even harmed from the bolt. The boy goes on to tell a strange tale about his parents. How his father’s skin was changing and he was becoming more distant. How his mother was disappearing and reappearing and that monsters were trying to scare him and his neighbors.

Alec leads the way into the apartment building. He takes the stairs down two floors and then heads down a hallway. Ominously, claw marks are noted on the walls and one door has been smashed open. Hunks of the door lie on the floor with deep claw marks in them. A low growl can be heard inside that apartment.

At Alec’s apartment, the door is wide open. His father can be seen inside, sitting in the shadows unmoving.


Roll Call: Blackout

"Yeah, sure," Blackout responds after a moment. "Guess they don't need me over at the Lab.”

“Thank you, sir. Were I able to be to fully scan the anomaly, I might be able to understand what is going on. It may be nothing, but it may be a very serious situation.”

“Hey Edgar, if it turns out to be something a little too big for me, what's the likelihood of backup being close by?"

“I’ve heard from Master Frostbite and his group has just completed their mission. They are only a few minutes away. I’ll alert them to your situation.”


The platform changes course and Blackout is taken towards Downtown San Diego. Once back on shore, he is able to travel by way of his swing line. A few blocks from the docks and Blackout reaches the location Edgar designated. From the rooftop, Blackout looks down on the street below trying to make sense out of what his senses are telling him.

Something down in the street is seemingly phasing in and out of reality. At times Blackout can sense what he things to be a laboratory of some type and a figure in a large and bulky encounters suit, much like an astronaut might wear. And then at other times there is an empty street!

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Eldrich, Frostbite, Goldstar, and Purple Phlox


Over in Horton’s Plaza, the group winds down after dealing with the threat of a demon invasion. Eldrich goes to assist the Purple Phlox while Frostbite works the radio. Goldstar watches.

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…

“The last I heard from Master Flux was that his group was moving in to confront Terror Unlimited. Perhaps he is unable to answer due to an ongoing battle?”

“There is another situation developing near your location. Master Blackout is going to investigate it right now and may need back up. Can you assist?”


In the background, the Purple Phlox starts to come around. She’s not hurt, just tired after what she went through.

All that remains is what to do with Devilspawn on ice.


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

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

“You’re welcome,” Starguard will say.

"And get Shamrock secured somewhere inaccessible. 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.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Starguard interrupts. A moment later, Shamrock is teleported away. “There, he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.”

"Good move there 'Guard. Let's get a quick intel on their actions inside from the employees and then get them out of it. Can anybody tell me what they saw in there? Anyone overhear the back-and-forth?"

One of the five, a man in a white lab coat steps forward. “Thanks for rescuing us. I’m Sam Soloman, director of this project. Those four appear to be draining off radioactive material from the reactor. I’m assuming that they are doing that for bomb making purposes. Beyond that, we don’t know anything. They just appeared out of nowhere and quickly overpowered us.”

Suddenly, a loud claxon screeches out!

“That’s the overload alarm! The reactor is going to blow unless it can be stopped!”

“Terror Unlimited has vanished from my scanners!” Starguard adds. “They're gone and they left us a present behind!”

Now what?

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

“That won’t be necessary,” Starguard interrupts. A moment later, Shamrock is teleported away. “There, he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.”

In moments, Shamrock is gone and Starguard is back. "Uhm... just out of curiosity, where did you take him?" Menagerie asks.

One of the five, a man in a white lab coat steps forward. “Thanks for rescuing us. I’m Sam Soloman, director of this project. Those four appear to be draining off radioactive material from the reactor. I’m assuming that they are doing that for bomb making purposes. Beyond that, we don’t know anything. They just appeared out of nowhere and quickly overpowered us.”

Lily doesn't like the sound of this at all. A 'dirty nuke', as she has heard them called, could be a devastating weapon, and Terror Unlimited are just the type that would willingly use such a weapon. Depending on where, the results could be catastrophic.

Suddenly, a loud claxon screeches out!

“That’s the overload alarm! The reactor is going to blow unless it can be stopped!”

"How do we do that, doctor Soloman?! Can you stop it if we take you in there?"

“Terror Unlimited has vanished from my scanners!” Starguard adds. “They're gone and they left us a present behind!”

"At least we won't have to fight our way through them at the moment. We'll need to try to track them down after we deal with their present, though."

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

Tilt's boredom shows that she has no grasp of the seriousness of the situation. The silly man Shamrock is wisked away, so she has no one left to play with as everyone else seems to want to talk to the boring-looking scientist guys.

“Terror Unlimited has vanished from my scanners!” Starguard adds. “They're gone and they left us a present behind!”

Tilt perks up at hearing about a present, but seeing the frightened and worried faces of everyone, she realizes it's not that kind of a present. She sighs and waits for Flux to need her help again.

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

Eldrich assists the Purple Phlox to her feet when she's ready to rise.

"A remarkable handling of conflicting magical energies, well managed. My congratulations."

"If I might prevail upon your time, I have some questions about this realm's mages that only another pracitioner might answer. Is there a method of contact that one might use to arrange for a more suitable time and place? I have been told of a 'fone' which can accomplish such things over long distances. Do you have one?"

Keeping one ear on the conversation between Frostbite and Edgar, Eldrich awaits the final resolution of their next desination.

[Bruce]

Flux

“Terror Unlimited has vanished from my scanners!” Starguard adds. “They're gone and they left us a present behind!”

"At least we won't have to fight our way through them at the moment. We'll need to try to track them down after we deal with their present, though."

"Did they get Shamrock back too Starguard? If not then questioning him later might give us some idea where they are headed. For now we better get inside fast"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Roll Call: Eldrich, Frostbite, Goldstar, and Purple Phlox

Eldrich assists the Purple Phlox to her feet when she's ready to rise.

"A remarkable handling of conflicting magical energies, well managed. My congratulations."

“Uhm, thanks,” the Phlox says as she stands up. “I didn’t know I had it in me.”

"If I might prevail upon your time, I have some questions about this realm's mages that only another practitioner might answer. Is there a method of contact that one might use to arrange for a more suitable time and place? I have been told of a 'fone' which can accomplish such things over long distances. Do you have one?"

“What sort of questions did you have in mind?” the phlox responds. “I’m not really all that reachable much of the time.”


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

In moments, Shamrock is gone and Starguard is back. "Uhm... just out of curiosity, where did you take him?" Menagerie asks.

“Oh, Shamrock? He’s in orbit.”

"How do we do that, doctor Soloman?! Can you stop it if we take you in there?"

“I might be able to, provided they didn’t sabotage the cooling systems. We don’t have much time.”

"Did they get Shamrock back too Starguard? If not then questioning him later might give us some idea where they are headed. For now we better get inside fast"

“No, I still have him. You want me to teleport us back in then?”

GM Notes:

Small update this weekend! Flux, going to take everyone in, or just a few? Everyone else is as they were last update.

Now what?

[Bruce]

Flux

"Teleport everyone inside 'Guard. I'm not taking a chance on splitting up now. As soon as we can see what's been done in there we can proceed further."

[Storm Child]

Storm Child

Alec moves into the apartment slowly, concern in his eyes as he stares at his unmoving father. He glances at the two heroes briefly before slowly creeping towards his father.

"Dad?" he whispers, dread in the tiny voice. "Dad, where's Mom?" he asks, gently reaching towards his father.

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Something down in the street is seemingly phasing in and out of reality. At times Blackout can sense what he things to be a laboratory of some type and a figure in a large and bulky encounters suit, much like an astronaut might wear. And then at other times there is an empty street!

"Um, Edgar?" Blackout will contact Edgar once more, not entirely sure what to make of the scene below. He will describe it in hopes Edgar might have further information. "As best I can tell it seems this guy is working in a laboratoy, but then he vanishes again. Disappearing and re-appearing. I would hate to drop down there and get caught up in whatever effect is going on."

If Edgar can provide any insight and believes it to be safe, Blackout will drop down at the edge of this strange phase-shifting that seems to be going on. He will then call out to the man in hopes he can respond.

If Edgar can't provide any insight or doesn't believe it's safe, Blackout will sit tight and wait for the calvary.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Alec leads the way into the apartment building. He takes the stairs down two floors and then heads down a hallway. Ominously, claw marks are noted on the walls and one door has been smashed open. Hunks of the door lie on the floor with deep claw marks in them. A low growl can be heard inside that apartment.

At Alec’s apartment, the door is wide open. His father can be seen inside, sitting in the shadows unmoving.

"That doesn't look good," Tesla will say quietly to Backlash, not wanting her voice to carry. Hearing the growl further inside, Tesla tenses.

Alec moves into the apartment slowly, concern in his eyes as he stares at his unmoving father. He glances at the two heroes briefly before slowly creeping towards his father.

"Dad?" he whispers, dread in the tiny voice. "Dad, where's Mom?" he asks, gently reaching towards his father.

Not sure that's the best idea for the boy to be moving into the apartment alone, Tesla moves in as quietly as she can. She'll scan every corner of the room, even looking up, and will prepared to put up her force field if something leaps at them.

[Backlash]

[backlash

Alec leads the way into the apartment building. He takes the stairs down two floors and then heads down a hallway. Ominously, claw marks are noted on the walls and one door has been smashed open. Hunks of the door lie on the floor with deep claw marks in them. A low growl can be heard inside that apartment.

At Alec’s apartment, the door is wide open. His father can be seen inside, sitting in the shadows unmoving.

"That doesn't look good," Tesla will say quietly to Backlash, not wanting her voice to carry. Hearing the growl further inside, Tesla tenses.

Shaking his head he silently agrees with the electrical heroine.

A

lec moves into the apartment slowly, concern in his eyes as he stares at his unmoving father. He glances at the two heroes briefly before slowly creeping towards his father.

Seeing the Dread upon the child’s face as well as the unearthly growl coming from the apartment Lash’ places a hand on his shoulder, “Let me go in first, and you can follow. I don’t think your parents would want anything to happen to you.”

Lash will enter the room if anything tries to lash out at them lash will protect the boy and cut it off from attacking him, with density up

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

“Oh, Shamrock? He’s in orbit.”

For a moment, Menagerie's eyes display her surprise, before she members something about him having a space ship that the others used earlier. "In orbit? O-kay. That should do the trick."

“I might be able to, provided they didn’t sabotage the cooling systems. We don’t have much time.”

"Well, we can only hope, then." She turns to Flux to see what his decision will be.

"Teleport everyone inside 'Guard. I'm not taking a chance on splitting up now. As soon as we can see what's been done in there we can proceed further."

Menagerie prepares as best she can to be teleported. She's still not certain if she likes the idea. In preparation, she shifts back to the dragonfly form she had earlier, in case stealth is warranted.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite
“The last I heard from Master Flux was that his group was moving in to confront Terror Unlimited. Perhaps he is unable to answer due to an ongoing battle?”

“There is another situation developing near your location. Master Blackout is going to investigate it right now and may need back up. Can you assist?”


Frostbite quickly accesses the situation, If Flux and the others are in a fight it would be well be over before they cavalry arrived. Looking over at the others as he speaks with Edgar a thought comes to his mind.

“Eldrich take Phlox and the icicile back to the Island , if she wakes up you two would be best suited for dealing with her. As for Goldstar and I we will assist Blackout, Unless you have any objections to this, Let‘s get moving!”

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

“What sort of questions did you have in mind?” the Phlox responds. “I’m not really all that reachable much of the time.”

'What sort of questions....?' Where do I begin?

"Is it normal for the mages of this realm to remain so secluded from others?

"How do you all reach each other for purposes of knowledgeable exchange?"

"Where do you keep the centers of instruction located?"

"How do..."

The flow of questions is stoppered by the decisive words of Frostbite.

“Eldrich take Phlox and the icicle back to the Island , if she wakes up you two would be best suited for dealing with her. As for Goldstar and I we will assist Blackout, Unless you have any objections to this, Let‘s get moving!”

"I have no objection to raise Elemental One, yet the Phlox may have other intents. And you may yet need me for this new situation as well. I shall depart at once to deposit this demon breed upon our Isle, then return to aid you as best I can.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Roll Call: Backlash, Stormchild, & Tesla

Bypassing the smashed in door to the neighbors apartment, the heroes move towards Alec's apartment. (We're dealing with 2 different apartments here. The growl and smashed door was a neighbor's apartment, while Alec's dad is sitting in their apartment. My apologies for not being clearer.)

At the door to Alec's apartment, Backlash goes to hold Alec back, but the boy is faster. Alec steps into the apartment first, with Backlash and Tesla following closely behind them. Looking around, the heroes find no one else in sight but ominously there are numerous claw marks in the apartment's walls.

"Dad?" he whispers, dread in the tiny voice. "Dad, where's Mom?" he asks, gently reaching towards his father.

After a long pause, Alec's father sits up and moves out of the shadows and into the light. Much to your surprise, his skin now has a metallic sheen to it, as if he was dipped in metal. It superficially reminds Backlash and Tesla of Metalla, the metallic secretary of Sanctuary.

Without speaking a word, Alec's father points out the door and back towards the hallway. Another growl is heard from out there and the sounds of claws scrapping on something follows.

"Help me!", a woman's voice is heard off in the distance. Alec can determine that it's not his mother, but the voice does sound familiar. However, no one can place it. "Get away from me!" A blood-curdling scream follows.

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Eldrich and Purple Phlox

Frostbite and Goldstar depart Horton's Plaza to go assist Blackout, leaving Eldrich and the Purple Phlox alone. Eldrich has some questions for the Phlox.

"Is it normal for the mages of this realm to remain so secluded from others?

"This realm?" the Phlox repeats in confusion. "You mean this country? Is it normal for mages to be so secluded? I guess it is. Its not like there’s that any."

"How do you all reach each other for purposes of knowledgeable exchange?"

"We really don't. Uhm, if I have question I'll usually try to find the answer back at my base or I'll call the Sorceress."

"Where do you keep the centers of instruction located?"

"What are you talking about? Like a school for magic? That would be very helpful. I barely know what I'm doing half the time."

"How do..."

"Look, I'd like to help you," the Phlox says, "but you're asking about things I know very little about. If you can see that Devilspawn is turned over to the authorities, then I guess I'm not need here any more. Nice to have met you."

Going to say anything before the Phlox leaves?

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Blackout, Frostbite, and Goldstar


Elsewhere in San Diego, Edgar has directed Blackout to a very odd scene.

"Um, Edgar?" Blackout will contact Edgar once more, not entirely sure what to make of the scene below. He will describe it in hopes Edgar might have further information. "As best I can tell it seems this guy is working in a laboratory, but then he vanishes again. Disappearing and re-appearing. I would hate to drop down there and get caught up in whatever effect is going on."

"How fascinating", Edgar responds. "Based on your observations and what I can detect, I would say that something or someone is forcing their way into our reality! As I noted before, the area where the white event occurred remains temporally and dimensionally unstable. Perhaps this 'guy' as you refer to them is the mysterious figure that has been appearing and disappearing as of late?"

"I would advise against closing in on your target until it either becomes solid or vanishes all together. Otherwise, you might get caught up in what is transpiring and perhaps sent to where ever it is they are coming from."

"Ms. Goldstar and Frostbite are en route to your location."

True to his word, Goldstar flies in a few minutes later carrying Frostbite. Down below, the strange laboratory and encountered suited scientist continue to phase in and out of our reality. However, it's starting to remain here for a much longer duration before vanishing again.

The figure in the encounter suit continues to work, as if oblivious to what is going on around it. As you watch, what appears to be a small radio antenna swivels into a new position. A golden beam of light is fired from the antenna and is streaks off into the distance.

A few heartbeats later, an even larger beam of energy is sent back along the golden beam and it strikes the antenna! The antenna draws in the power and the energy stabilizes the laboratory. It stops phasing in and out and appears solid.

The effect on the area around Downtown San Diego is even more dramatic. A translucent white dome of energy appears overhead. Its peak is two miles overhead and to those who saw the energy bubble the covered Downtown San Diego during the White Event will realize that it occupies the same space! Even worse, it appears to be growing!


GM Notes:

The lab now appears to be solid and it is logical to assume that the mystery scientist in the encounter suit is responsible for the bubble reappearing. Although just where is all that energy coming from?

[GM Mad]

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


At the Caliente Research Lab, Terror Unlimited has apparently departed, but they've left the reactor on overload!

At Flux's direction, Starguard teleports everyone into the reactor chamber, including the former hostages. Once inside, the scientists go various control stations about the lab and attempt to shut down the runaway reactor.

Inside the containment area, the reactor ominously glows as more and more energy is put forth. From seemingly out of nowhere, a golden beam of energy pierces the lab and the containment dome. As everyone watches, the beam begins to siphon away the extra energy of the reactor! It leaves the reactor and travels back along the original beam and disappears from sight.

“I can’t explain it,” Dr. Solomon calls out, “but the energy levels are dropping! I believe we are no longer in danger of suffering an overload. It this drain continues, we’ll be able to reach power levels where we can safely shut the reactor down. This crisis is just about over with.”

“The energy is being drawn to Downtown San Diego”, Starguard reports. “I’m getting some very strange readings from there. There’s a great deal if interference and its throwing my readings off. There’s a large anomaly taking form there. It’s about two miles in size and it’s growing!”

Those who rush out of the lab to take a look will see a familiar translucent bubble engulfing Downtown San Diego. As you watch, the bubble grows larger swallowing up more and more of San Diego. It’s drawing closer to the research lab!


Now what?

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

Not that many mages, they don't talk to each other, and this one doesn't know what she's doing MOST of the time???

Truly I am lost and far from home...

"Very well Purple Phlox, I shall not delay you further. It seems that THE Sorceress is the best source of information for me then. Safe journey to you."

Eldrich sketches the mystic sign of farewell in the air to the Purple Phlox, turns to the Devilspawn in ice, seizes one limb and Steps away with her.

"High One, I am directed to deposit this demonic creature with the authorities. Please direct me to the closest such that I may do so."

A translucent white dome of energy appears overhead. Its peak is two miles overhead and to those who saw the energy bubble the covered Downtown San Diego during the White Event will realize that it occupies the same space! Even worse, it appears to be growing!

"High One! The White Energy that has been spoken of to me has returned to this location! More unpleasentness may present itself at any moment! Any advice you can render me will be accepted with alacrity!"

[Bruce]

Flux

“The energy is being drawn to Downtown San Diego”, Starguard reports. “I’m getting some very strange readings from there. There’s a great deal if interference and its throwing my readings off. There’s a large anomaly taking form there. It’s about two miles in size and it’s growing!”

"Can you cut the beam off 'Guard? A repeat of the weekend is not something I want to see again. Failing that, can you trace it to its source? Everyone get ready to head in regardless. The city can't stand a repeat of the 4th and all the resources are stretched thin.

[Storm Child]

"Help me!", a woman's voice is heard off in the distance. Alec can determine that it's not his mother, but the voice does sound familiar. However, no one can place it. "Get away from me!" A blood-curdling scream follows.

Storm Child

Fearfully, Alec looks at everyone, not knowing what to do. The voice is familiar, it is true, but the terror of the situation is gripping his mind in such a way that he can't recall exactly who it is.

Looking back to his father, Alec begins pleading. "Where's Mom? I want to leave!" he says, fighting back the tears of frustration.

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

They appear in the reactor, only to find that Terror Unlimited have indeed left the premises. The scientists get to wor, though they seem to be having difficulty getting the runaway reaction under control.

Suddenly, a beam of golden light punches through the dome and strikes the reactor! As best she can understand from the scientists' babble, the reactor levels are dropping, as though the energy were being sucked away by the beam.

Dr. Soloman and Starguard fill them in, but the news is almost as distressing as the previous crisis. Lily flies outside for a look. The bubble over the city is very familiar from just a couple of days ago.

"It's growing?" she asks. "That can't be good. I think we need to find the source of the bubble and turn it off before this gets out of hand. Starguard, does it appear to be generated from inside? Perhaps near the center?"

[Backlash]

Backlash
Without speaking a word, Alec's father points out the door and back towards the hallway. Another growl is heard from out there and the sounds of claws scrapping on something follows.

"Help me!", a woman's voice is heard off in the distance. Alec can determine that it's not his mother, but the voice does sound familiar. However, no one can place it. "Get away from me!" A blood-curdling scream follows.


Hearing the scream come from the outside hallways, Backlash Moves to the doorway at full density. “What the hell is going on?” he says in frustration as reaches the doorway. If he can determine where the scream came from he will head off in that direction

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

All this commotion, these older people running around yelling, makes little sense to Tilt. She's really quite bored as the seriousness of what is going on escapes her. Only when she sees the bubble over the city does her interest perk up.

"oooo,thatspretty!" Tilt exclaims, but all the others seem worked up about it. can't everyone just enjoy a pretty sight once in a while? man! she thinks to herself.

[Blackout]

Blackout:

"I would advise against closing in on your target until it either becomes solid or vanishes all together. Otherwise, you might get caught up in what is transpiring and perhaps sent to where ever it is they are coming from."

"Ms. Goldstar and Frostbite are en route to your location."

True to his word, Goldstar flies in a few minutes later carrying Frostbite. Down below, the strange laboratory and encountered suited scientist continue to phase in and out of our reality. However, it's starting to remain here for a much longer duration before vanishing again.

"Understood," Blackout merely replies and waits. Goldstar and Frostbite arrive shortly after, but Blackout hasn't made much more out of the situation. Quickly he desribes what he's witnessed to bring them up to speed.

Suddenly it seems the scientist, or whoever it is, taps into a new power source and manages to "cross over" from wherever he was before. It seems like the dome of energy is now back and even growing.

"Edgar, this person has seemingly tapped into some sort of power source and manged to bring himself completely across," Blackout will report.

"So what do you two think? Do we just rush down there and see if we can reverse this? Does that person even know he's doing anything wrong?" Blackout asks Frostbite and Goldstar, not entirely sure whether they're facing anybody malicious or not.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

After a long pause, Alec's father sits up and moves out of the shadows and into the light. Much to your surprise, his skin now has a metallic sheen to it, as if he was dipped in metal. It superficially reminds Backlash and Tesla of Metalla, the metallic secretary of Sanctuary

Tesla pauses for a second upon seeing the boy's father. It would seem he is unhurt, and Tesla doubts whatever is running around the apartments would be able to marr that form.

Hearing the scream come from the outside hallways, Backlash Moves to the doorway at full density. “What the hell is going on?” he says in frustration as reaches the doorway. If he can determine where the scream came from he will head off in that direction

"There's someone running about who doesn't play well with others is my guess," Tesla says as she reaches the doorway just behind Backlash. She will prepare her force field and move out with Backlash in an attempt to track down the monster that's on the loose.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

‘I don’t think rushing in there guns a blazing is the best. If we damage the equipment, we may not be able to reverse it! I think we should merely watch for a few moments and see if we can gauge his intentions. Though if another beam of light come from that thing I think we should move in and see what he is all about!.”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Roll Call: Backlash, Stormchild, & Tesla

The heroes have reached Alec’s apartment and discovered that his father now has metallic skin. When he asks his father where his mother is, the metal man points out the apartment door. A cry for help is heard followed by screams of terror and the sound of claws scrapping on something.

Looking back to his father, Alec begins pleading. "Where's Mom? I want to leave!" he says, fighting back the tears of frustration.

Without any show of emotion, the metal man points back out into the hallway again.

Backlash moves to investigate, followed closely by Tesla. The pair enters the hallway just in time to see a disheveled woman run out of the apartment where the door was smashed in. She is looking back the way she came and run smacks into Backlash. The woman screams in surprise and tries to get away from Backlash.

“Get away from me!” She screams. “Leave me alone!”

Getting a better look, the woman is very attractive with brown hair and eyes. Her clothing is ripped and there is some claw marks on her skin that are red with blood. Realizing that you’re not going to hurt her, the woman stops struggling in Backlash’s arms.

“A monster attacked me in my apartment! I don’t know how I got away, but you’ve got to stop it!”


Roll Call: Eldrich

After saying goodbye to the Purple Phlox, Eldrich Steps away with Devilspawn I tow.

"High One, I am directed to deposit this demonic creature with the authorities. Please direct me to the closest such that I may do so."

“That may be problematic,” Edgar will respond. “The military may try to arrest you as well since you’re in the Militarized Zone. You’re best bet might be a location outside of the zone.”

"High One! The White Energy that has been spoken of to me has returned to this location! More unpleasantness may present itself at any moment! Any advice you can render me will be accepted with alacrity!"

“The effect appears to be centered on the location with Master Frostbite and Miss Goldstar went to. Something there has forced its way into our time and space and is absorbing massive amounts of energy. If any thing can be done to stop this, it will have to be from there.”

Edgar will supply the location. Going to go there with Devilspawn or drop the demoness-cicle of somewhere first?

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Blackout, Frostbite, & Goldstar

Elsewhere in Downtown San Diego, Blackout, Frostbite, and Goldstar are faced with an unusual scene. A laboratory has been phasing in and out of reality. However, during one of the times it was here, a beam of energy was fired off and it brought more power back with it from some other location. Using this siphoned energy, the lab has become solid and more and more energy is drawn into it.

"Edgar, this person has seemingly tapped into some sort of power source and managed to bring himself completely across," Blackout will report.

“Understood. The dimensional/temporal disruption is growing worse! The bubble is becoming a crossroads in time and space itself! Even worse, it’s growing larger. At the present rate of expansion it will cover the entire city in minutes!”

Unsure if the encounter suited scientist working in the lab is acting out of malice or not, the heroes do move closer but do not interfere just yet nor do they actually enter the lab. Goldstar moves the closest and tries to get the scientists attention.

“Yo-Hoo! Mister Scientist, sir! What are you doing?”


The scientist looks up and at Goldstar. He pauses and then lifts his hand to his helmet. There is a small hiss and then the helmet is removed with a twist. Much to your surprise, the being underneath is neither man or woman, or even human for that matter!

What you see is reptilian in nature. A being with grayish skin that has a textured look to it. His eyes are slit like a reptile and his mouth is oversized and filled with small, sharp teeth. There is a definite look to intelligence to the creature and it does not regard you with any noticeable malice.

The creature turns and types something on a keyboard. Then it pivots a display screen towards you. Incomprehensible figures appear on the screen at first, and then a translation program kicks in and letters are changed into one from the alphabet. The message reads:

“Please do not interfere. I must save my people from extinction!”

All the while, more and more energy is transferred into the lab and stored for some unknown purpose.


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

At the Caliente Research Lab, the runaway energy from the experimental Fast Breeder Reactor is being mysteriously drained away. A golden beam of energy pierced the reactor from off in the distance and began to siphon the extra energy away.

"Can you cut the beam off 'Guard? A repeat of the weekend is not something I want to see again. Failing that, can you trace it to its source? Everyone get ready to head in regardless. The city can't stand a repeat of the 4th and all the resources are stretched thin.”

“I’m not sure if I can!” Starguard reports. “If I cut the beam off, then the reactor will go back to being overloaded. I think our best bet is to try and shut it down here. Can we do that, Dr. Solomon?”

“”We’re working on that,” Dr. Solomon retorts will working his console. “The draining is continuing and that in turn is making the reactor easier to control. In about thirty seconds I’ll be able to initiation shut down procedures.”

"It's growing?" she asks. "That can't be good. I think we need to find the source of the bubble and turn it off before this gets out of hand. Starguard, does it appear to be generated from inside? Perhaps near the center?”

“Its coming from downtown San Diego,” Starguard reports. “Some sort of temporal/dimensional anomaly is taking shape there and getting worse. I’m not picking up any harmful radiation, at least not yet.”

GM Notes:

Going to let Dr. Solomon try and shut down the reactor or take matters into your own hands. The energy that is being drained is easy enough to follow back into Downtown San Diego.

Next time: Post #50 and everything gets turned on its ear! Again!

Now what?

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

The creature turns and types something on a keyboard. Then it pivots a display screen towards you. Incomprehensible figures appear on the screen at first, and then a translation program kicks in and letters are changed into one from the alphabet. The message reads:

“Please do not interfere. I must save my people from extinction!”

All the while, more and more energy is transferred into the lab and stored for some unknown purpose.

Seeign the Lizardman Creature Frostbite reels its almost something out of a sci-fi novel!!! Figures jump across the screen but only succeeed in making his head spin then the translation begins.

“I can’t blame ya for wanting to save your people pal ,but not when you are endangering our city to do it! Now please shut it down.” he says without a waver in his voice. " Im sure there is another way we can help. "

[Backlash]

Backlash

Backlash moves to investigate, followed closely by Tesla. The pair enters the hallway just in time to see a disheveled woman run out of the apartment where the door was smashed in. She is looking back the way she came and run smacks into Backlash. The woman screams in surprise and tries to get away from Backlash.

“Get away from me!” She screams. “Leave me alone!”

As the women smacks into him he let’s out a breathe and says, “Easy lady, I’m not going to hurt you.”

Even with the bloody scratches that lay about her frame, he can tell that she is a very attractive women, she soon stops struggling and tells us what happened.

“A monster attacked me in my apartment! I don’t know how I got away, but you’ve got to stop it!”

“Don’t worry, we will.” as he moves past the women. “Perhaps you may want to wait outside.” He will move slowly into the apartment with his density up. If anything jumps at him he will greet it with a punch to its face.

[Storm Child]

Without any show of emotion, the metal man points back out into the hallway again.

Storm Child
Lower lip quivering, Alec slowly moves away from the metallic man that was his father, obeying what feels like his final request. Following the heroes quietly, the boy spares one last glance over his shoulder at the metallic man.

Backlash moves to investigate, followed closely by Tesla. The pair enters the hallway just in time to see a disheveled woman run out of the apartment where the door was smashed in. She is looking back the way she came and run smacks into Backlash. The woman screams in surprise and tries to get away from Backlash.

“Get away from me!” She screams. “Leave me alone!”

Getting a better look, the woman is very attractive with brown hair and eyes. Her clothing is ripped and there is some claw marks on her skin that are red with blood. Realizing that you’re not going to hurt her, the woman stops struggling in Backlash’s arms.

“A monster attacked me in my apartment! I don’t know how I got away, but you’ve got to stop it!”

Storm Child
Alec DeLeon scrunches up his face in obvious disappointment, unable to hide the dismay that they had not discovered his mother.

"Have you seen my mom? Mrs. DeLeon?" he yelps insistently, not knowing this person at all and obviously not really caring all that much. She was breathing, after all, unlike his now metallic father. Scratches heal.

The boy instinctively relapses to the proper title for his mother, knowing that despite him not knowing this woman, it was completely possible she knew his mother.

"We can't leave without my mom!" he says after barely waiting for her to respond, stamping his small foot. He crosses his arms defiantly, the white streak in his hair seemingly glowing for a brief moment.

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane

Eldrich looks down at the encapsuled Devilspawn, briefly pondering the wisdom of leaving her anywhere that was not with competent magical wards in place, and still keeping firm hold, Steps to the new location provided by the High One.

" I shall move at my best pace to the appointed location, High One. The demon woman shall remain with me for now."

Only a few invocations left in my Amulet. I must take care to spend them wisely.

[Bruce]

Flux

"All right: we wait until the Dr. has the reacter under contol then we head to the center of the new bubble. If Dr. Soloman says it's in hand we're good to go. If he loses control of it we take everyone we can out via 'Guard's ship, civilians first. Everyone else get ready to move fast. Tilt, take Menagerie with you now and head to downtown. Meet up with Frostbite and Goldstar. Let us know what you find when you get there."

"Gladiator, any extra room in your plane? Might need to evac Morningstar and the civilians to the medical facilities"

"Anyone know where Serena is? We might need her for spot healing as well as front line combat."

Here's hoping we don't get demons, dinosaurs , and cavemen again!




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

Hey is it just me or is our MAD GM having waay to much fun bending reality into odd shapes?

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

“Its coming from downtown San Diego,” Starguard reports. “Some sort of temporal/dimensional anomaly is taking shape there and getting worse. I’m not picking up any harmful radiation, at least not yet.”

"Well, that's good... I guess." Lily sounds uncertain, but hopeful. Since Dr. Soloman and his staff seem to have the reactor situation under control, she sees no need to interfere. Their efforts would likely be better spent trying to do something about the anomaly on the other end.

"All right: we wait until the Dr. has the reacter under contol then we head to the center of the new bubble. If Dr. Soloman says it's in hand we're good to go. If he loses control of it we take everyone we can out via 'Guard's ship, civilians first. Everyone else get ready to move fast. Tilt, take Menagerie with you now and head to downtown. Meet up with Frostbite and Goldstar. Let us know what you find when you get there."

Menagerie shifts into Tilt's form. "Soundsgoodtome!" she says, imitating the youngster's voice. She then shifts back to her own form and turns to Tilt. "How about I fly you out of the building, then run from there?"

"Anyone know where Serena is? We might need her for spot healing as well as front line combat."

"On the way over here, I left her to take care of an injured woman. She may be done by now. You should be able to reach her on the communicators to see if she's done."

If Tilt agrees to the plan, Menagerie will shift to Goldstar's form, pick up Tilt and fly outside. Once outside, she'll land, set Tilt down, shift into a duplicate of Tilt and and join her in following the energy trail.

[Tilt-A-Whirl]

Tilt-A-Whirl:

"All right: we wait until the Dr. has the reacter under contol then we head to the center of the new bubble. If Dr. Soloman says it's in hand we're good to go. If he loses control of it we take everyone we can out via 'Guard's ship, civilians first. Everyone else get ready to move fast. Tilt, take Menagerie with you now and head to downtown. Meet up with Frostbite and Goldstar. Let us know what you find when you get there."

Menagerie shifts into Tilt's form. "Soundsgoodtome!" she says, imitating the youngster's voice. She then shifts back to her own form and turns to Tilt. "How about I fly you out of the building, then run from there?"

Tilt opens her mouth to respond to Flux, but Menagerie-Tilt answers first. "hmmmpppphhh," Tilt says, arms crossed with a little shift of her hips, as she stares eye-daggers at Menagerie.

However, it appears to be more for show than any real dislike. "sureivealwayswantedtofly!" Tilt exclaims as Menagerie prepares to lift both of them out of there.

Once they get outside, Tilt asks, "wannarace?" Tilt plans on showing Menagerie that the real Tilt is the best Tilt, and takes off at full speed toward downtown.

[Backlash]

Backlash

"We can't leave without my mom!" he says after barely waiting for her to respond, stamping his small foot. He crosses his arms defiantly, the white streak in his hair seemingly glowing for a brief moment.

Backlash cocks and eyebrow at the spoiled brat then quickly says, “What did you hit a speed bump?” Noting his hair glow Lash adds, “ We arent leaving without your mother. If we don’t deal with what ever that is more people will get hurt….. Maybe even your mother!”

[Menagerie]

Menagerie:

Tilt opens her mouth to respond to Flux, but Menagerie-Tilt answers first. "hmmmpppphhh," Tilt says, arms crossed with a little shift of her hips, as she stares eye-daggers at Menagerie.

Having faced down her share of hardened criminals and defense attorneys, Menagerie watches Tilt's display impassively. In truth, she likes the youngster, but doesn't want to encourage her more childish inclinations too much.

At Tilt's agreement, Gold-Lily scoops her up and flies outside. The trip is short and quick, and they are soon on the ground again, where Lily takes on Tilt's appearance and powers once again.

Once they get outside, Tilt asks, "wannarace?" Tilt plans on showing Menagerie that the real Tilt is the best Tilt, and takes off at full speed toward downtown.

"Surething, butonlytotheedgeofthedome. Oncethere, weshouldsplitandscoutaroundtheoutsideofthedomeandmeetonthefarside." With that, she is off, trying her best to keep up with the spirited young speedster, but not to the extent that she leaves herself exhausted.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed