Crusaders Plus # 3 - 5

Spectrum's Comments: The unlikely alliance between Nazgul and Alyssa with Professor Abriax and the Cat has been formed. The heroes are off to the airport, securing passage to Salem in order to continue their conflict with the Dark Order...

Crusaders Plus #3 - "An Ill Wind Blows..."

Alyssa - "I was merely 'keeping a civil tongue'. What is this I sense? Concern? How repulsive! It disgusts me."

Naz turns back to the portal; it is unchanged.

Alyssa - "I know nothing of Hieronomous's base, the coward that he is. Come, nothing further can be gained standing here."

With that, Alyssa turns and walks out of the chamber. The rest of you follow a moment later.

Leo, the Cat, unerringly leads the way to the surface. After a brief stop at the Professor's quarters, to drop off a few things and change clothes, the quartet head for the airport.

Two hours later, the tickets have been purchased and you are on the runway await take off. Minutes roll past, but still no sign of taking off. Outside, a snowstorm has blown in. The winds are fierce.

Suddenly, there is an explosion on a nearby runway! Another jet is in pieces on an adjacent runway. High above this scene a figure in a white bodysuit with a blue cape simply floats.

Man - "Foolish, land bound slugs! I am the master of the skies! You must give me tribute, or all other aircrafts shall meet the fate of this one!"

The man gestures and, at his command, a small air craft is picked up by the winds, turned over, then slammed to the runway. The man's laughter can be heard over the howling winds.

Man - "Well, slugs? What is your response? My money or this jet meets its fate in ten minutes! Thus swears, Aerion!"

He spins in the air and streaks closer to the jet you are on. You can feel the wind grasp the jet, shaking it menacingly.

Post away!

Spectrum's Comments: That's Aerion making life rough for our heroes. Not to be confused with areion the user. Seems that I didn't seem to pay any attention to the fact of these oddly costumed individuals getting on a plane. I mean, Nazgul is invisible for Pete's sakes! Oh well. The players didn't seem to notice either.

Mail From: AREION Date: Monday 6-Feb-89 18:30 EST

Speaking from PROF ABRIAX's viewpoint something does not seem right to me. If these two and the Dark Order were fighting for the same thing, why are they battling each other? But let that pass. Even if they are both truly evil, there is obviously some bigger picture here! The only way I can see to ride this out is to let them guide me along the path! YOU'RE RIGHT I DO NOT TRUST THEM!! That's why I've kept the rune stone hidden, in case I have to use it on them.

Playing along serves a three-fold purpose:

1. It gives them the benefit of the doubt...to a degree.

2.It gives me a tour guide through this mystery.

3.If their goals are evil, I'll be there to stop them (and will know what I'm up against) Plus I may be able to get an upper hand at a later time, combat appeared to be eminent back there.

So, in the meantime, I'll play coy and really kick in the humility bit, to prey on their superiority complexes. Make them think they have absolutely nothing to fear from me. I'll have to rely on Cat to warn me of immediate, eminent danger from them.

Spectrum's Comments: More secret GM Mail...

SUBJ: Leo The Cat FROM: The Flare 02/05/89 S#: 807105

Leo gets out of his seat and takes of his large raincoat, hat and sunglasses and dashes to the nearest door. Leo wears only a black pair of bikini swimming shorts.. His almost silver fur shimmers in the light. His hands are stockier than normal hands, hiding a set of razor sharp claws. His long mane is braided and runs down to the middle of his back. His green slit eyes gaze out the window and then back at the others in the cabin..

"EVERYONE! Please remain buckled and most of all stay calm!"

Leo uses his advanced senses to see if the cabin's been pressurized.... If it is he will warn everyone and then open the door. Once the door is open he will use his senses to see what the group is up against.

SUBJ: Nazgul (R) FROM: Deslock 02/06/89 S#: 522425

"I will not tolerate this fool."

I'll 'power up' for battle, centering the effect on the middle of the plane.

"Don't worry, Cat, this rabble won't be in a hurry to do anything. Well, Alyssa, are you planning on doing anything useful this time, or will you just be taking up space again?"

Not waiting for a response, I shall desolidify and drop through the bottom of the plane to the tarmac. I'll stroll over to a good firing position, and blast this twit from the sky.

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX (R) FROM: AREION 02/06/89 S#: 521736

Ducking down to cover my face I scoop up my duffel bag from under the seat, and summon the gem. Then I'll phase into the Dreamscape and pass through the bottom of the plane like NAZGUL. Pausing only to don the Cloak of Displacement. I cast an Eldritch Mist spell at Aerion.

I'll try to interrupt the wind as much as possible with full strength physical (20 PD) Forbidding. Once LEO has evacuated the plane, escort them to safety, shielding them with the Forbidding. If, at any time, it appears that an energy-based attack may be levied against these innocents shift Forbidding to 10PD 10ED.

Update#2: An Ill Wind Blows...

Leo gets out of his sear, removes his garments and moves to the hatch. The jet is still on the ground.

"Everyone! Please remain buckled and most of all stay calm!"

A number of various responses are heard from the passengers. Some gasp, not knowing what to expect. Various voices are heard:

"He's a big one!"

"I hate to have to clean his litter box!"

"I knew I should have taken the cheapest ticket I could find..."

"Look, mommy, it's Tony the tiger!"

"I will not tolerate this fool", Nazgul declares.

Unexpectedly, a glow surrounds a large section of the passengers. They all grow silent and look very tired. The Professor calls his amulet, casts his spell and sinks out of the jet to the runway below.

"Don't worry, Cat, this rabble won't be in a hurry to do anything." Nazgul says. "Well, Alyssa, are you planning on doing anything useful this time, or will you just be taking up space again?" Not waiting for her response, Naz goes desolid and drops through the bottom of the jet.

Unfortunately, the passengers do get to hear her response! "Taking up space!", she shouts. "Why that idiotic moron! To think I once thought he would be an ideal servant! Why I--- OOOOOHHHHHH!!!"

Alyssa goes desolid and floats through the ceiling. Back at the hatch, Leo opens the hatch, but the passengers still remain seated. They look kind of numb. Leo's sharp senses detect something out in the mini-blizzard now engulfing the airport. Two people, a man and a woman. Their scent is unfamiliar.

Professor Abriax emerges from the bottom of the jet and is spotted by Aerion almost immediately.

"Well, what do we have here? You look like you'd be worth a point or two!" Aerion fires a blast of air, but is wide.

Abriax casts his Eldritch Mist spell at Aerion. At the same time, Naz lands on the pavement nearby. Aerion chokes and gasps on the mist, but is still up.

"Neat trick, you got there, Merlin", Aerion says. "Now try one of mine! Fly the friendly skies of Aerion!"

The wind swirls around the Professor and he is hoisted off of the ground. The wind buffets him further down the runway and then rudely crashes him to the ground.

Nazgul, feeling more powerful than ever before, blasts Aerion. Without a sound, Aerion plummets from the sky.

Inside the plane, Leo is somewhat surprised when a man in a brown and gold costume walks up to him from inside the plane.

"Hi, there", he says. "I'm known as Gadgeteer. May I be of some assistance?"

While thinking of a response, Leo notices the woman he spotted before slide towards the jet on a path of ice. She looks like a teenager.

"I wonder if giant cats are worth points?", She says. "Hey, Furry! Chill out!"

A blast of ice and cold comes from her hand. As it comes closer to the plane, the wider it grows until it covers the entire hatch area, covering both Leo and Gadgeteer.

Outside the plane, Nazgul stares at his handwork. Aerion won't be coming around for quite sometime. Alyssa flies in.

"You dare to interfere?!", she screams. "I was prepared to deal with this dog!"

Just then, a lightning bolts zips through the air and zaps Alyssa. She is blasted back and comes to a sliding halt on the runway. Blue energy coalesces about her, and then she simply vanishes.

Turning, Nazgul sees a man nearby. Electricity plays about his hands. He wears a charcoal-black body suit. His belt and a large letter 'T' on his chest are bright red.

"I think I lit up her life.", he says.

And, finally, Professor Abriax regains his wits from his unexpected trip. A man stands next to him.

"Are ya one of dem wimpy hero-types?"

The man wears a hideous, multi-colored costume consisting of a jet black hood, n tunic with the upper half orange and the bottom half dark blue, divided by a purple strip charged by a purple gauntlet. He wears brown trunks and boots, and light blue pants with white side strips. His gauntlets are red and crackle with yellow power.

"Cause, if ya are, dah Power Crusha iz gonna 'ave ta pulverize ya!"

Post Away!

Spectrum's Comments: Lots of comments here. Gadgeteer is essentially the same as the Black Tarantula character mentioned in the forum. As the name suggests, he's good with gizmos.

Observant folks will realize that the Great Super Villain Contest is in full swing here with the talk of points. However, it never did get resolved until the New Crusaders game. Most likely, I didn't have the module and thus couldn't run it until later on. At some point Muskateer simply left much of his gaming stuff, what was left at any rate, here with me. Between the two of us, we have just about everything from pre-5th edition Champs.

The frosty teen is Icicle of course. She never reformed on this world. Thunderbolt was the one who toasted Alyssa and the fashionably dressed Power Crusher is closing in on Professor Abriax.

SUBJ: Nazgul (R) FROM: Deslock 02/08/89 S#: 129009

Pondering unto himself: Why I ever believed she would be of any use, I do not know. And this scum... it's absolutely incredible that morons like this are allowed to live. I must see what I can do to improve the gene pool.

With that, I take aim at the twerp that nailed Alyssa, and fire away. After that, I think I'll get physical for a while. Walk up behind the nearest victim, and give them a resounding boot.

This should be easy, assuming they can't see me. If they act as if they can, then I'll be more discrete about my attack, but I don't think this should be a problem.

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 02/08/89 S#: 129141

Take a half phase to prepare my Dreamscape spell.

"Hmph...I'd like to see you try it, STUPID!" I taunt trying to goad him to the attack. Before he can get to me, I phase then lunge as if to meet him half way. (So he should fall straight through me). Then quickly scan my surroundings to locate a suitable hiding place (perhaps behind the landing gear of a near by plane)

Make a half move, solidify, taunt "Come now, big strong guy like you can do better than that!", wait for his charge, phase, make a second half move to finish my turn.

In this manner, I'll make my way to my chosen cover in a zigzag pattern. Taunting him with such insults as:

"You're so ugly, your mother used to sit ya in the corner and feed you with a sling-shot!"

When I'm within one move of it, wait for his attack and lunge for it. Safely hidden (I hope) ready an Eye Of The Beholder spell and project a muscle bound image of myself directly in front of the overturned aircraft Aerion conveniently left on the airfield.

"Alright simpleton, enough play! Come and take your medicine like a man!!" the image shouts. It will appear to remain solid the entire time.(With any kind of luck, he'll go barreling right through it, and the plane will go **BLOUGHY!!!**"

SUBJ: Leo the Cat FROM: The Flare 02/09/89 S#: 406017

As the man in the gold outfit joins Leo at his side Leo spots the woman..

"INCOMMING!!!"

As the ice engulfs the 2 Leo clenches his fists and waits for the attack to stop. Once the woman stops Leo will unclench his fists and extend his claws. Once he does he does that he will try to break out of the ice. If he breaks out of the ice he will help his new found 'friend'..

"Brrrr.. Good thing I have my fur coat on. Buddy you ok???"

Crusaders Plus #4 - "An Ill Wind Blows: Part Two"

Nazgul blasts the area around the attacker of Alyssa. It seems to have no effect on the man.

"That was right unfriendly of you, mister. Thunderbolt takes that from no one!"

Electricity crackles around the man and is discharged into Nazgul. Naz does not rise from this attack.

Elsewhere, Professor Abriax recovers to discover Power Crusher standing over him.

"Well? Iz ya one of dem types?"

The Professor stands, dusts himself off. "Hmph... I'd like to see you try it stupid!", he says. Abriax proceeds to follow with a series of gestures; however, Power Crusher is much faster and plasters the Prof with a punch. Abriax is down once again.

And still elsewhere, Leo and the Gadgeteer find themselves, quite literally, on ice. Leo extends his claws, but the ice is thick. It will take some time to get of this.

"Brrr! Good thing I have my fur coat on", Leo replies. "You okay, buddy?"

"Ye--ye--yeah... Got my.... thermals on..."

The woman slides closer.

"In case you haven't guessed, I'm Icicle", the girl says. "And I've got you two down cold."

Icicle slides into the plane and proceeds to remove the valuables from the passengers.

"You boys just stay put, an I'll be finished here in a moment."

"It will take some time for my claws to break through the ice, my friend", Leo says. "Is there anything you can do?"

"Sorry,... I left my... flamethrower in the other... costume."

Icicle turns her attention back to the half frozen heroes.

"Now, now, boys", She says. "No trying to get out."

She gestures and more ice is thrown on top of the old. She stands before Gadgeteer.

"Too bad your a hero, Gadget", she says with a smile. "You're kinda cute! Later days, guys!"

With her loot in hand, Icicle slides away. She pauses and looks back for a moment.

"Oh, and, ah... Thanks for the points!" Icicle slides off into the blizzard.

Moment's pass and Leo finally breaks out of the ice. Gadgeteer was starting to turn blue.

"Can you sense her out there, Leo?", he asks.

"She is long gone... But I can sense others. Very close!"

The pair stand look out the door to the jet. Much to there surprise, a woman in a skintight black and red costume is standing of the side of the plane! She is rather attractive.

"Hello? I'm with the NY Knights. You may call me, Spinnerette."

"And you can call me anytime!", Gadget says with enthusiasm.

"Okay, anytime, who's your friend?"

Leo proceeds to explain the situation.

Back out on the runway, Professor Abriax regains consciousness once more. This time a man and a woman stand near.

"He's comin' around, 'Tress", the man says. "What do you make of 'im?"

"I can sense magic from him", she says. "A sorcerer, I'd say."

Abriax focuses on the people before him. The man is dressed in an orange and navy blue costume. He wears a hat with a white plume on it. He carries a sword.

The woman is extremely attractive. She wears a short magenta dress over a black body suit. Matching white gloves, belt and boots finish the costume.

"I know who you are", the Professor says. "You're the Enchantress and Muskateer! It's an honor to meet you!"

A short time later, also joined by the remaining members of the New York Knights, Spectrum and Morning Star, the incident at the airport is discussed. Nazgul hasn't returned yet.

"So let me get this straight", Muskateer says. "These guys just roughed you up and then left?"

"And they mentioned something about points?" Spectrum adds. "And not the ones on they're heads. Very weird."

A short distance away, Nazgul recovers, but he has yet to be noticed by anyone. Ten feet away from him, Alyssa's ring glows a soft blue....

Now what are you going to do?

Spectrum's Comments: Finally, we get to meet the very familiar New York Knights. They are basically the characters that you are all familiar with. I believe we had the couples (Musky & 'Tress, Specs & Mstar) married or engaged at this point. Spin was the odd lady out, apparently. The outfit the Enchantress is wearing was one of her other outfits. It was the last one she had in our old stuff.

Also, let that be a lesson you all you super mage types out there. Never taunt a brick when he's within striking range!

SUBJ: Leo The Cat.... FROM: The Flare 02/12/89 S#: 478309

As Leo breaks out of the ice he quickly uses his senses to lock onto Icy's scent, permanently locking it into his memory along with any others in the area. (Friend or foe)

Damn, gotta design a warmer outfit This G-String may look great but Brrrr. Not much coverage. Gadget, if you could take care of the passengers. I gotta see if Professor's OC. Later!!

Leo quickly leaps onto the tarmac and flips over to the Professor.

You ok Professor? I got the scents of those creeps locked up here. Next time we'll get 'em. Oh HI! I didn't introduce myself did I? How rude!! I'm Leo, The Proffesor's guide.

Leo eyes the Enchantress and smiles politely as he takes her hand and kisses it.

"I am honored to meet you Enchantress"

Leo purrs loudly as he smiles once again...

Spectrum's Comments: Silly boy, getting his hormones in an uproar like that. ;D

Mail From: AREION Date: Monday 13-Feb-89 19:18 EST

In relation to post #3 Provided Cat tells me NAZGUL isn't close enough to overhear, I take the ENCHANTRESS & MUSKATEER aside for a few words.

"Beware the two called ALYSSA & NAZGUL! LEO here has sensed a definite aura of evil about them! When we came by them, they were battling DARK SEREPH, DEMONFIRE and HIERONOMOUS of DEMONS' inner circle. They claim, the Dark Order, as the three called themselves, to have two of their brethren hostage, and that their only concern, to stop the Dark Orders plans for them.

"Still, I've heard them speak of preparing for 'the Master'. And each has expressed a desire to enslave the other. We travel with them in hopes of sorting this out, and preventing any misdeeds! Perhaps the New York Knights can spare a hand or two?

"Be VERY cautious of NAZGUL! As far as I can determine, he's some kind of Parasite He appears to drain the energy from living beings at will!"

Spectrum's Comments: Still more secret mail...

SUBJ: Nazgul (R) FROM: Deslock 02/13/89 S#: 820671

"WHERE IS THAT INSOLENT PUP? I'LL SHOW HIM LEVELS OF PAIN HE NEVER CNEW EXISTED."

I get to my feet, surveying the area for signs of our attackers. Once I notice the new arrivals, I'll wait to see what develops. If I happen to notice Alyssa's ring glowing, I'll head over to see what's up.

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 02/13/89 S#: 474503

Pushing myself up onto my hands and knees.

"ohhhh...looks like...I was the stupid one!"

"Who...Wait a minute, I know who you are, you're the ENCHANTRESS and MUSKATEER! It's an honor to meet you! I...excuse me for a moment."

To LEO - "Yes, I'm fine, my boy! Though my pride's taken a beating. I don't know how I let that big, dumb, lummox get the best of me! I see ALYSSA, but where's NAZGUL? He must have dropped his cloak."

--After the conversation--

"This is all very confusing! Save for the young ice projector, what was her name? These villains appear to have acted without motive. They just walked in, trounced us, and walked out! And what's all this about points?!"

"Has anyone taken AERION into custody or has he made good his escape?"

Crusaders Plus #5 - "An Ill Wind Blows: Conclusion"

The scene is a runway at JFK Airport. The snowstorm has died down considerably, but the weather is unpleasant. The New York Knights are conversing with Professor Abriax, Leo and Gadgeteer. The membership of the Knights includes Muskateer (the leader), the Enchantress, Spectrum, Morning Star and Spinnerette.

Professor - "This is all very confusing! Save for the young ice projector, what was her name?"

Morning Star - "Icicle is her name."

Professor - "These villains appear to have acted without motive. They just walked in, trounced us, and walked out! And what's all this about points?"

Muskateer - "We don't know, Prof. But this isn't the first thing like this to occur."

Spectrum - "I've said it before, and I'll say it again: very weird!"

Spinnerette talks with Leo.

Spinnerette - "What a unique creature you are."

Leo - "Thanks."

Spinnerette - "By the way, just call me 'Spin'. I haven't been a miss for sometime now. Oh, and a word of advice, my furry friend. Don't get to interested in the Enchantress there; her husband happens to carry a sword, if you get my drift."

Professor Abriax - "Has anyone taken Aerion into custody, or has he made good his escape?"

Spectrum - "Nah, Prof, the windbag was still snoozin' when PRIMUS took him away to Stronghold."

Enchantress - "This Nazgul you spoke of intrigues me, Professor. Perhaps the Master of the Circle knows of this foul creature and what his goals are?"

Professor - "You are willing to help in this matter?"

Muskateer - "Take it from me, Prof, when somethin' like this comes up, there's no stoppin' her from dealin' with it."

Enchantress - "Those who use magic for the cause of evil must be eradicated. And whatever the Dark Order is up to now, it must surely be evil and nature."

Just then a shouting voice is heard:

"Where is that insolent pup? I'll show when levels of pain he never knew existed!"

Gadgeteer - "Speak of the devil..."

Enchantress - "Where is he? We must find him before he can get away!"

Leo - "Permit me, Enchantress. I'll smell him out for you."

Enchantress - "Let me cast a spell---"

Leo - "Got him! Under the jet over there!"

Spectrum - "I see him!"

Morning Star - "I don't see anything."

Spectrum - "You don't have my eyes, dear. Good thing too, I wouldn't be able to see!"

Underneath the plane, Nazgul picks up the ring once borne by Alyssa. Outside the plane, the others close in.

Gadgeteer - "Now what are we going do?"

Spectrum's Comments: The above should give you all some idea what the modified script form we discussed in the Old Stuff forum is like. Very lacking in descriptions.

SUBJ: Leo The Cat.. (R) FROM: The Flare 02/14/89 S#: 450433

As the young lady 'Spin' warns Leo about Enchantress his mind becomes focused on his newfound female friend.

As the group moves in Leo will act as a lookout for the group. If any attacks are fired Leo will use his grace and agility to move the person in danger out of the way.

SUBJ: Nazgul FROM: Deslock 02/14/89 S#: 823799

So much for Alyssa. It's a shame; she had information I could use. At least she left this behind.

With those thoughts, I don the ring that was Alyssa's.

It is at this point I notice the hostile throng approaching.

So, this vermin seeks to turn on me? Bah! And to think I thought they could be of use. Come then, if you dare, we shall see who walks away from this battle.

"Have a care who you offend, pitiful mortals, for there are powers at work here beyond your comprehension."

I shall wait under the plane while the group approaches. If I am attacked, I shall blast the plane, seeking to cause it's fuel to explode, becoming desolidified to avoid the blast.

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 02/16/89 S#: 449121

I stretch out a hand of restraint towards my companions.

"NAZGUL, you buffoon, knock it off! You still suspect us of misgivings at every turn?!"

"What has become of ALYSA?"

It appears I made a mistake. ALYSSA has apparently been disintegrated (Bone headed me!)

I'll kneel down near where the ring was recovered.

"GONE! Perhaps there is still hope!"

Donning the Rune Stone I begin to chant.