Crusaders Plus # 8 - 10

Spectrum's Comments: The Equinox team finds themselves trapped in a bizarre world seemingly inside the rings worn by Nazgul and Alyssa. In actuallty, they were the heroes Nightingale and Ranger possessed by the foul spirits of the rings. Joined by a miniature dragon that speaks in TV slang and the bizarre Jack O'Lantern, they are attempting to escape. Legend says that there is a way back through a cave guarded by lizard-like creatures....

Crusaders Plus # 8 - "The Other Side"

Jack O'Lantern swoops in on his glider and hurtles a pumpkin bomb at one of the surprised lizards. It lands before one of the lizards and he is stunned by the blast.

Ranger comes out from behind cover and shouts at the lizards. "Yo! You iguanas looking for me!"

The lizards quickly exchange glances with themselves and then between Ranger and the circling figure that is laughing hysterically. They rush towards Ranger.

In the background, Professor Abriax casts a spell and sinks into the earth.

Gadgeteer draws his pistol and fires on the lizard men.

Nightingale takes to the air and mentally attacks one of the lizard men.

Leo leaps into the fray and at one of the lizards. After exchanging claw attacks, Leo gets a solid hit and the lizard goes down with a hiss.

Jack O'Lantern takes out the lizard he bombed with his wrist rockets.

Professor Abriax appears behind the rushing lizard men. He casts another spell and mist surrounds the lizards. They cough and hiss, but refuse to go down.

Ranger engages one hand to claw. They exchange blows, but the lizard gets in a nasty cut to Rangers side. He is dazed.

Half of the lizards are down now. The remaining ones are in the area of the Eldritch Mist spell. They are quickly brought down by the combined efforts of everyone.

Professor Abriax - "Well down, everyone."

Nightingale - "Are you hurt, Ranger?"

Ranger - "I'll heal."

Gadgeteer - "Say, what happened to that screwy dragon?"

Nightingale - "I don't know... He was here a minute ago."

Gadgeteer - "Good riddance if you ask me! Shall we enter the cave?"

Ranger - "By all means. It should be dark enough inside."

Inside the cave is a short tunnel that leads into a large, seven sided room. Each wall has an opening in it. All the openings appear to be identical, except for the one you used to enter. There is writing engraved in the floor. Strangely enough, everyone can read it.

Greetings travelers
Onward you wish to go, but
Six passages confront you
This is a very important decision
Remember, only one leads truly
All others are false
I would not jest about such a thing
Grasp this thought: the correct passage
Holds more problems that you must pass
Tests harder that this one

Spectrum's Comments: That was a little puzzle that Muskateer nailed me with in one of our rare D&D games where I was the player. I hate riddles! And yes, as fast as that little dragon showed up, he was gone.

SUBJ: LEO THE CAT (R) FROM: The Flare 03/13/89 S#: 423209

Leo enters the tunnel and reads the little note..

"Guys, I'm going to use my senses to try to find the right tunnel. I really don't know what I'm looking for. Prof, any ideas?"

I extend my senses and begin to sniff to try and find the right tunnel. (But I don't know what a right tunnel smells like! ;)

SUBJ: Ranger (R) FROM: Deslock 03/13/89 S#: 791990

I'll use my skills to attempt to discern any differences there may be between the six passages, or to try to discover any other clues that may be present.

"Jack, do you know anything of this place? I don't think it would be too healthy for us to pick the wrong passage at this point. Leo, you appear to be able to sense evil in things; perhaps the correct passage would be less evil than the others, or even more evil. We need something that makes one passage different from all the others. Professor, Alyssa, any feelings from these passages?"

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 03/13/89 S#: 820542

I remove the soul gem and replace it with the all seeing eye. In seconds it pulses with a bright light, nearly equal to the gems.

"It seems to me, by the dialogue of the people in this place, that radio waves, or at least television broadcasts penetrate into this realm. The correct passage would be the one through which these frequencies flow. We must detect them... GADGETEER???"

Abriax will put the all seeing eye to the task of searching the tunnels before us, as best as is within its power. Will also use its Perception boost to search my feelings and information I've gleaned from the disks for any strong hunch.

Be sure to replace the gem after we've made a selection.

SUBJ: Jack O'Lantern FROM: Jack0Lntrn 03/15/89 S#: 414416

"Sounds like you've got a bad case of the sniffles, Fluffy. Here."

Pull out a Kleenex and hand it to the werewolf.

"You know, maybe its 'cause I'm dead, or somethin', but it seems to me that the answer to this riddle is right there in the riddle. Just look on the left and not in the middle."

Jack O'Lantern goes over to the message and blocks out all but the first letter of each line.

"Napoleon told me about this code; it's quite old. The French used it quite often, I'm told. Besides, it works better than hiding it under mold."

So, is there a door that is straight ahead? If so, dis must be da place, eh?

(By the way, if you go back, you'll see:)

G
O
S
T
R
A
I
G
H
T

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Spectrum's Comments: Since it was his riddle, not surprising that he knew the answer to it.

Crusaders Plus #9 - "The Other Side: Part Two"

You each use your abilities to find the correct passage to travel down. Leo sniffs the passages, but they have no discernable odor between them. He senses very strong magic from this whole cavern.

Nightingale reaches out and searches with her mind. As far as she can determine, you six are the only sentiment beings in this area. The powers she possesses do not help much in selecting the passage to take.

Professor Abriax dons his All Seeing Eye and looks down the passage. Strangely enough, the walls seem to resist his gaze. He seems to penetrate the wall, but only to have the wall reappear. BTW, Professor, the Runestone is working overtime.

Gadgeteer - "The idea about the signals is a good one, Prof. Let me see what I can whip up here."

While Gadgeteer starts to work, Jack O'Lantern points out his discovery. (See end of last post!) By taking the 1st letter of each sentence, the only ones capitalized by the way, it forms 'GO STRAIGHT'.

Gadgeteer has assembled a small radio. He turns it on and music blasts out of it. It is Jefferson Starship performing 'Find Your Way Back'.

Nightingale - "Very appropriate."

Gadgeteer - "You were right, Professor! Just give me a moment to get a sensor together."

A few moments later, a sensor is completed. He points it down each of the passages. The one directly opposite of the entrance tunnel has the strongest signal.

Gadgeteer - "Looks like 'ole pumpkin head was right!"

The six of you proceed down the passage. The walls of the tunnel glow slightly, just enough to let you see clearly. After forty feet the passage turns to the right.

Immediately around the corner, there is another message on the floor. It reads: "You've passed the first test".

You continue down the passage. It twists and turns a couple of times, but the sensor continues to register that the frequencies are directly ahead of you.

Gadgeteer - "Perhaps the signals can't penetrate the walls?"

Soon, the passage enters into a good-sized room. Across the room is a huge, 9-foot tall lizard man. He is tormenting a woman who is chained to the wall. She is badly bruised and bloodied.

Both of them turn to look at you. They both stare as if waiting for you to do something...

SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 03/17/89 S#: 793865

"Something's wrong; I don't think that all is as it appears here. Professor, Leo, what do you make of this?"

I'll scan the room, in an attempt to pick up any clue as to the true nature of it. It just doesn't feel right.

SUBJ: Jack O'Lantern (R) FROM: Jack0Lntrn 03/18/89 S#: 416531

"Well, if you ask me, which I'm sure no one will do. Even though I was the only one who deciphered the last clue. I think we should bomb the lizard guy. Personally, I gonna make him fry!!"

I know these lizard types and they aren't to be trusted. Gotta take him out and fast. So leap forward, pulling my napalm bomb out of my pouch.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Sorry, little lady, but I gotta toast your host! We're gonna have reptile roast!"

Make sure I don't hit the lizard's bound victim. Then, if we defeat or drive off the reptile-type, cut the woman's chains to free her.

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 03/18/89 S#: 523732

==I agree with Ranger, the woman is far too calm. SOMETHING IS AMISS!==

Attempting to act before my overzealous teammate, I'll try to get the dragon totally enclosed in a 10,10 Forbidding. This will protect both us and the creature.

"Jack O'Lantern, you fool! Hold back! Don't be so quick to release a possible adversary or attack a possible ally! She is in chains...if the creature wished to do her harm, it could have easily done so!"

"Hail, mighty dragon! We are strangers to this world, in search of a passage home! We mean no offence!"

If I miss my shot, I prepare a full strength Eldritch Bolt A spell in anticipation of retaliation.

SUBJ: GM Update:

Professor Abriax's warning comes to late. Jack O'Lantern's aim is true and his napalm bomb explodes on the large lizard. The lizard roars in pain, the stench of it burning flesh filling the room. The Lizard tries to leap forward, but at that instant the Professor's Forbidding spell surrounds the creature.

Gadgeteer - "Whew! What an awful smell!"

Nightingale - "This is very odd. I see the lizard and the girl, but I cannot sense their presence otherwise."

Leo - "That's right, Professor. They do not register to my senses."

Professor - "How odd."

Ranger - "It's trying to break free!"

As the napalm continues to burn him, the lizards' large claws slice through the Forbidding, shattering it. It leaps at Jack O'Lantern, but Jack side steps the assault. As Ranger and Leo prepare to defend themselves, the Professor casts an Eldritch Bolt at the lizard. His aim is true and the lizard crashes to the cave floor.

Gadgeteer - "Awww, he fall down and go boom."

Nightingale - "I still can't sense the lizard or the girl."

Jack O'Lantern approaches the bound woman. She merely stares as he approaches. A blade appears from his right index finger and, using it, he cuts the fetters. Nightingale moves next to the girl.

Nightingale - "Its all right, dear. We're your friends."

Everyone else draws closer, not knowing what to expect. The girl merely looks at Nightingale. She speaks: "You've passed the second test."

Saying that, she vanishes. A moment later, you notice an exit from this cave that wasn't there earlier.

Gadgeteer - "Off hand, I'd say that were suppose to go this way."

You walk down the passage for fifty feet. You enter into a 10x10 foot room. There is another passage in each wall. There is writing engraved on the floor.

It reads:

Again we meet travelers and
You still seek the exit
All that I can tell you is that
Test number 3 is before you
If you use your wits
It will not puzzle you a second time

Nightingale - "Another riddle. And the answer is not the first letters..."

Spectrum's Comments: This one was a bit easier.

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 03/19/89 S#: 442544

"It appears I owe you an apology Jack O'Lantern! Your swift action very well may have made a difficult battle an easy one, even if it was only an illusion." ;>

"The answer lies in the riddle itself, in making reference to the first. Nightingale is correct, the first letters are useless... discard them, and what do you have??? 'Go left'. Not bad, aye Lantern?"

The Professor smiles a wide grim, he's becoming more attuned to this backward world, and more appreciative of his 'Mad' partners survival in it.

"Where is Puff? I was under the impression he was coming with us!"

Spectrum's Comments: Told ya.

Crusaders Plus #10 - "The Other Side: Part Three"

Gadgeteer - "You beat me to that one, Professor. My sensor says that same thing."

Nightingale - "Let's get moving. I want out of this place!"

Jack O'Lantern stands before the correct opening. He gestures towards it.

Jack - "Be my guest, but first there are two more tests!"

Professor - "By all means, let us proceed."

A short distance down the tunnel you find the words 'You have passed the third test' etched into the floor.

Leo - "Looks like you were right again, Professor!"

After a very long passage you come to yet more writing on the floor. It reads: 'Test Number 4 this way'. There is the symbol of an arrow point further down the passage above the words.

Ranger - "That seems a little too obvious for my tastes."

Professor - "Quite so, my boy."

Gadgeteer - "According to the my sensor, the signals aren't coming from down that passage... Their coming from the right hand wall!"

Leo - "But the test is suppose to be that way!"

Nightingale - "Perhaps this is the test itself?"

Gadgeteer - "That could be possible, 'Gale. Let's just see what--- Ah-ha!"

Gadgeteer reaches out to search the wall, but his hand simply passes through it! Somehow, you know that you've passed the 4th test.

Ranger - "A hidden passage!"

Professor - "Well done!"

Gadgeteer - "One test to go! We're almost home!"

Cautiously you enter the passageway. It travels for about twenty feet and enters another passage. This passage is 80 feet long, and there are 8 doors on the side opposite of you.

Some of the doors have names written on them. In order from left to right, the doors read as follows: blank, Steve, Martin, Christina, Charles, Leo, blank and Thomas.

Stranger still, the door bearing your name is the only one that person can open. Since Gadget's sensor points to behind the doors, you seem to have little choice but to proceed through the doors.

Beyond the doors is a large room. The floor of the room is laid out in alternating squares of black and red. Each square is about 10' x 10'. On the wall opposite you is another 8 doors.

These doors open and people whom remarkably look your group enter. They occupy squares exactly opposite of yours.

The other Professor Abriax sneers: 'Let the final test begin!'

Spectrum's Comments: Another D&D staple-- the chess puzzle!

SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 03/22/89 S#: 837456

"This grid resembles a chess board. Given that analogy, and further accepting that we are the 'white' pieces, and that our surly counterparts are the 'black' pieces, this would assign to each of us a corresponding role: Gadgeteer a Rook, Jack a Night, Leo and I Bishops, Nightingale is our Queen, and the Prof is our King. If we are indeed playing a form of chess here, then I might suggest that Chris move diagonally in front of the Prof, covering our 'King', and placing theirs in check. From there, we should proceed, always keeping their King in check, for in this particular game, I do not want to consider what the price of losing a piece might be. What do the rest of you think?"

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 03/23/89 S#: 811641

"Yes...Let the battle begin in earnest!"

The Professor glares wildly at his dark image, anticipating a titanic one on one magical confrontation when Ranger's words reach him.

"Hmmmmmm....Perhaps you are right. Discretion IS the better part of valor! "

Abriax will allow himself to be shielded, but will hurl Eldritch bolts over, and Eldritch Mists past, his teammates. His primary target, his own dark reflection.

"Don't play entirely by their rules...engage them. If this is truly similar to a chess game, them their movement is restricted, make use of that. They must be beaten if we're to get home!"

SUBJ: Jack O'Lantern FROM: Jack0Lntrn 03/25/89 S#: 117365

"So, I'm supposed to be a Ca-Niggit? I don't get think I get it. It might be a game of chess, but whatever it is, it's certainly a mess. By the way, isn't a checkerboard red and black? I guess it doesn't matter it's time to attack!"

If there are no movement restrictions, then Jack is going to move across to the far side of the board, about the third row up. If there are movement restrictions, then move in that general direction as much as possible. In the meantime, however, lob a smoke bomb in the middle of the board.

"Heads up Little Miss Queen, a present from the ka-niggit from sight unseen!"

And with that lob a concussion bomb at the Nightingale opposite. Even if I miss, I'm bound to hit somebody!

"Might I suggest we stay away from our opposites? And if we gang up on one or two, we might give them fits! I have the feeling that fighting ourselves might be trouble and I want to get outta this place on the double!"

SUBJ: GM Update

Professor - "Yes! Let the battle begin in earnest!"

Ranger - "Wait, Professor! I just realized something!"

And after Ranger finishes his speech about chess...

Professor - "Hmmm... Perhaps you are right. Discretion is the better part of value!"

And then things start to get serious! Leo crosses to the other side of the board with feline ease and claws at the opposite Gadgeteer. Black Leo performs a similar move, but he fails to hit the White Gadgeteer.

Gadgeteer - "Missed me, fur-ball!"

Jack O'Lantern glides out onto the playing board, but is startled to find that his movement is restricted to that of the piece him emulates. Stopped at almost the center of the board, he drops his smoke bomb. Thick darkness covers the middle of the board. Vision is only possible along the edges.

Grabbing a concussion bomb, he hurtles it at the Black Queen.

Jack - "Head's up Little Miss Queen, a present from the Ca-niggit from sight unseen!"

His aim is true and the bomb explodes on Nightingale, stunning her.

While this is going on, the Black Jack O'Lantern glides in towards his opposite.

Black Jack - "Never let it be said that I'm a rude host, so here's gift for you-- a ghost!"

He hurtles a white object at Jack. It grows as it sails through the air and surrounds Jack.

The Ranger's engage the Leo's in hand-to-hand combat. White Ranger martial punches Black Leo. The other Ranger lands a martial kick.

Nightingale moves before Professor Abriax to protect him and place his double in check. She glances to one side and blasts Black Leo with an ego attack. That combined with a blast from Gadgeteer's gun defeats Black Leo. He falls to the game floor and disappears.

Professor Abriax hurtles an Eldritch bolt at his mirror image. His aim is true! Much to his surprise, the Black Professor fades away, defeated.

Professor - "Hmmm... They may be our opposites, but they are not our equals!"

Black Gadgeteer fires at White Leo, but misses. Leo retaliates and, with a powerful swipe of his claws, rips into Gadgeteer. He is dropped, and he also vanishes.

Gadgeteer - "All right! Three down, three to go!"

In the middle of the room, Jack O'Lantern frees himself from the ghost; however, his double is right on top of him. The darkness begins to fade.

Black Jack - "You didn't like my Ghost? To bad, 'cause now you're toast!"

Black Jack grabs his opposite and electricity flows between the two.

While, this is going on, Black Jack fails to notice Ranger on the move. He rushes toward the two lanterns, does an acrobatic flip over White Jack and crashes down on Black Jack feet first! Black Jack fades before he can even hit the floor.

On the other side of the room, Leo contends with Black Ranger. He manages to hold him off for the moment. Seeing his partner in trouble, Professor Abriax throws Eldritch Bolt at Ranger. He is dazed from this attack, but is still up.

Gadgeteer draws a bead on Black Ranger, but is warned off by Nightingale.

Nightingale - "No, Gadgeteer! Fire at my double! I'll deal with the evil Ranger!"

Turning, Gadget sees the Black Queen regaining her senses. He fires his weapon and goes down permanently.

Following up on her promise, 'Gale blasts Ranger and he too goes down.

Ranger - "We did it! We passed the final test!"

As if on cue, the far wall vanishes. It is replaced by an object that looks very similar to the gate that you encounter in the underground; a black archway with 5 large rubies at the top.

Professor - "So this is what is on the other side of the arch!"

Jack O'Lantern - "Now that we're outta trouble, let's get outta this place on the double!"

Gadgeteer - "You got that right, Pumpkin Puss!"

You all pass through the gate without any ill effects and find yourselves in the very same room where Professor Abriax and Leo first met Nazgul and Alyssa. Leo quickly leads the way to the surface.

Gadgeteer - "Well, that was interesting. Now what?"

Professor - "We must get to the headquarters of the New York Knights! If one of their members should come into contact with the rings we left behind..."

Nightingale - "By all means, let us hurry!"

Nightingale takes to the air with Ranger, followed by Professor Abriax with Leo, Jack on his glider, and Gadgeteer and his jet pack.

Forty minutes later at the Knights base, you find that your fears are unfounded. Muskateer and the Enchantress greet you. They listen to your story with great interest.

Enchantress - "We wonder what happened to you."

Muskateer - "Our security system taped what happened in the lab. And since you seemed to be surprised that it happened, I figured that it wasn't your doing."

Enchantress - "Precisely. When I returned to the lab, both you and the rings were gone."

Professor - "Than we have failed in this task. The rings are now at large seeking new hosts. Nazgul and Alyssa shall live again."

Enchantress - "Not completely, Professor. We now know a great deal more about this than we did before. Plus the information that you'll learn when you translate the plates will be of great value."

Muskateer - "Plus I'll give PRIMUS a call and have them seal the arch chamber off. You six did a super job under great pressure."

Gadgeteer - "Yeah, we did, didn't we?"

Enchantress - "Perhaps you should remain together? There's always room for more heroes."

Nightingale - "That's not a bad idea. I've always wanted to join a group. Plus consider that all six of us now have an interest in the Ring Bearers and their goals..."

Gadgeteer - "It could be fun!"

Professor - "I have consider it in the past... But where would we have headquarters?"

Gadgeteer - "Did I happen to mention that I'm independently wealthy? I just happen to own the Jefferson Building. The top four floors are currently vacant..."

Ranger - "That would do."

Nightingale - "But who will be leader? Since Gadget's going to back us up, I think that he should be leader."

Gadgeteer - "I appreciate the offer, but I couldn't accept. My business needs often demand travel on my part. I won't always be available."

Muskateer - "I'm sure that you'll come up with something. But if you'll excuse us...?"

Professor - "By all means, let us depart, my friends! We have much to discuss."

Enchantress - "Do you have a name yet?"

Professor - "That I do know, my dear. We are now Equinox!"

GM Notes:

So now we are at the stage to finally form a team! That in itself brings up a number of questions.

1) Who's going to join. Gadgeteer says that he'll be a part-time member. Nightingale will be full time.

2) Who will lead this merry band?

3) Gadgeteer would like to know what everyone would like to have on the base. What type of facilities, labs, etc. And who plans to stay on base.

Plus anything anyone cares to add!

Next time: Everyone goes solo, as far as the PC's are concerned. And we'll introduce two new PC's. Monarch and the Sorceress! Take care all!

SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 03/28/89 S#: 97801

"Oh...Musketeer...If I may impose, before sealing the chamber, install a radio distress transmitter Gadgeteer will provide you with, am I right Gadgeteer? The rings are still out there, and that means there may yet be other escapees from the reality within the rings"

"I've no real preference in who should lead us, or if a designated chair person is even necessary. But would be honored to welcome you all into Equinox as my teammates..."

::in a joking tone::

"Even Jack here!" :D

"Equipment??? I've no real use for technical hardware, but what I could use is Mystical references*. Books, scrolls, ancient texts...LOTS OF THEM! They would help greatly in my, and presumably our roles as the Earth's Defenders."

(* Ie. A Library bought as a lab with a bonus to my occult knowledge skill)

"I could also use a concealed, armored compartment adjacent to my chambers to serve as my magical artifacts storage vault. Many of the relics I've come into possession of must be guarded. Should they fall into evil hands...."

SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 03/28/89 S#: 130030

"Hmm... In my brief career thus far, I have always worked alone, but seeing how well we worked together, I think that Equinox is worth a shot. Also, there is still the matter of the rings that must be dealt with. I'll be available pretty much full time. I do have a job, but I have a great deal of flexibility in its execution, and our work may well meet those needs. As far as equipment goes, a gym and gymnastics equipment would be ideal for me. I think that Leo would also be able to put this to good use, but that's for him to say. One additional request, I'm a strict vegetarian, so I'd need some special meal preparation. Other than that, I don't see any problems."

SUBJ: Leo The Cat.. FROM: The Flare 04/01/89 S#: 448485

Prof, I'm in of course..Prrrr...I think a complete gym with a dash of modern technology... Gadget maybe you could help that...."

Leo purrs loudly when Enchantress speaks to him...

"What's your opinion milady?"

"purrrrrrrr......"

Spectrum's Comments: Leo's still purring up the wrong tree. Finally our heroes are out of that very strange world and back to normal surroundings. Well, as normal as any of my game worlds would be!