Crusaders Plus # 11 - "Go Solo!"
Gadgeteer quickly whips up a transmitter for Muskateer. Musky promises to put the transmitter in place before the gate room is sealed off.
Several days pass and the new base is rapidly coming into shape. Jack O'Lantern said that he would join, but had some business to attend to first. His requests for what to put into the base were, as you might expect, odd. He wanted quarters for himself and his 'Uncle Henry', although he didn't say who his Uncle Henry was. In his own quarters he want 3 coffins installed. Plus a large supply of cough drops, so that they would stop his coffins from getting away.... (I am not making this up! This is what he told me!)
The base is roughly laid out as follows. It consists of four floors. Each floor is 12 hexes x 12 hexes. The first floor contains the living quarters. The second floor holds the gym, a weight room, a small pool, kitchen, lounge and library. The labs are on the third floor. There is an Occult Lab for the Professor, a Parapsychology Lab for Nightingale, and a Machine Shop and Electronics lab for both Gadgeteer and Jack O'Lantern. Also on this floor are the main computer, communications and meeting room. The top floor is a vehicle hanger and vehicle workshop. There are no vehicles yet, but Gadget intends to build a few. The power generator is also on this level.
The Professor Artifact chamber is adjacent to his Quarters. The walls are reinforced to 12 DEF, 10 BODY. The base is also surrounded by Force Field that is impenetrable by teleporters.
The base will cost each of you a total of 7 pts at the moment. Here is a list of accumulated XPs to date:
Professor: 5pts
Leo: 5 pts
Ranger: 3 pts
Jack: 3 pts
How you wish to use your xp's are up to you, with one exception. Each of you must donate at least 1 pt to the base when I give xp's out.
Professor Abriax and the Sorceress:
It is late in the evening as we find the Professor walking home.
(Question: Do you still live on campus or at the base full time?)
He just departed an old bookstore in his eternal search for mystical references. As he walks along, a loud disturbance is heard from a nearby alley. Turning you see a squadron of Demonwarriors attacking a young woman. The woman makes a serious of mystic gestures and casts a spell. But the spell goes awry and flowers pelt her foes.
DemonWarrior - "Surrender immediately, girl, and you won't get hurt!"
The five Demonwarriors close in...
Okay, Professor, what do you do now?
Ranger and Nightingale:
It is late in the evening and the two of you are engaged in acquiring groceries for the base. Chris volunteered to do the cooking, but she wanted you to tag along to help pick out what you wanted since you're a vegetarian.
Chris - "It may sound strange, but I never would have believed that I would find grocery shopping enjoyable. But compared to what we've been through these last few months anything normal is nice."
Martin - "That is very true, Chris. Normal is very pleasant indeed. Ah! There's what I was looking for-"
Just then a strange look comes over Chris. She looks startled.
Martin - "What's the matter?"
Chris - "Listen..."
She touches your shoulder and other thoughts fill your mind.
"We know that you're in there, Nightingale! You cannot hope to escape Psi-Kin! Come out immediately and you won't get hurt!"
Martin - "Who's Psi-Kin?"
Chris - "The work for an organization called PSI, an organization of evil mentalists. We've got to get away from here!
Now what do you do?
Leo and Monarch:
After a long day of school, you are accompanying an attractive co-ed home. Her name is Dawn Hess. You both share several classes. What first attracted you to her, apart from her looks, was that there was a trace of magic in the girl. You two chatted a school for a while and now you're walking her back her dorm.
En route to the dorm, she had to stop at the bank. And that's when the trouble began...
While you stood in line, the doors to the bank burst open and man and a woman entered.
The man wore a gray and black costume and, strangely enough, his right hand was missing. It had been replaced by a hammerhead.
The woman wore a blue-swimsuit like costume of light blue. She wore matching thigh high boots and gloves. She wore a full-length, white cape. She wore no mask. Her hair was shoulder length and blonde.
Sledge - "Dis a stick up!"
Howler - "Permit me, Sledge!"
Sledge looks momentarily at the woman, but then turns away.
Howler - "As my powerful companion stated, this is a robbery. Surrender all your money immediately and no one will be hurt!"
Just then everyone's attention was drawn to a man who appeared behind the two villains.
"I believe that Monarch will have something to say about that!"
Spectrum's Comments: This was actually something of a tradition in my Champs games. Typically after a long group scenario, I'd do something with solo heroes or in smaller groups. I usually depended on the group and what the PC's gave me to work with. This was around when Muskateer was first gone from Q, so Jocko was gone as well. Simply easier to have him away on personal business than run him as an NPC. Cat's player was gone as well. Given Cat had been more of a NPC from the very beginning and with this ties to Prof. Abriax, it seemed better to just keep him around.
SUBJ: Monarch FROM: N4SIR 04/01/89 S#: 81594
The Man Behind the villains stands 6'5". The all white costume seems to light the room. The gold bracers and headband seem to the fit this standing Adonis.
"Ladies and gentleman please remain calm," Monarch says "These two will not harm you as long as I stand."
I will leap/Fly over them.
"Now Cease your operations here cowards and return to holes or Answer to the MONARCH"(use Pre Attack).
Spectrum's Comments: Monarch was the first of the new heroes to debut in this file. N4sir (enforcer) also played Golden Lion in Crusaders and Brawn in Lost Heroes. I seem to recall Monarch being one of the Blood, which was the source of his aristocratic attitude.
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 04/03/89 S#: 819602
Chris, if you can give me an idea what these creeps look like, I can head outside and get behind them. They don't know who I am, so they shouldn't suspect anything. I'll wait for you to come out, and, while their attention is on you, I'll hit them from behind. With the element of surprise, we should be able to take them out before they know what hit them. I guess this blows our afternoon of peaceful shopping.
SUBJ: Nightingale
"You shouldn't have to much trouble recognizing them. Psi-Kin is a family, mutant quadruplets. Their names are Alabaster, Crimson, Emerald, and Indigo. The last is the leader. Their powers are all psionic in nature."
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 04/05/89 S#: 478210
'OK then, here we go.'
I'll move to the store exit, scanning as much of the street as I can on the way, trying to spot the Psi-Kin. All the while, I'll keep my mind occupied with trivia: box scores, statistics, starting lineups, etc... Anything so that a casual mind scan would come up empty on me. Once I spot them, I'll move into a position from which I can flip into combat once Nightingale appears. I'll try a martial kick on one of the Psi-Kin, Indigo if I can identify him in any way (clothing or some other item in indigo?). From there, I move as rapidly as possible to take them down before they know what's happening.
Ranger and Nightingale: Part Two
Ranger quickly, but subtly, departs the supermarket. As 'Gale alluded to, Psi-Kin are easy to spot: Four costumed figures stand in the parking lot.
The first is a man in a black costume with deep red trim. A crimson red energy field surrounds him.
The second is a huge (6'4") man. He is bald and his skin is completely white. His costume consists of a black bathing suit with black boots, wrist, arm, and leg bands.
Next is a woman in a white body suit. She wears dark green boots, gloves, belt and mask. Her hair is light green.
The last is a man in a black costume with purple trim. His mask is black, and his cape, boots and gloves are white.
Ranger heads for a secluded area to change into his costume. The wait is a short one for Nightingale exits the supermarket and faces Psi-Kin. They are so intent on their target that they fail to see Ranger's approach.
Ranger runs forward, does an acrobatic flip over the hood of a car and kicks Indigo in the back. The effect is devastating. The villain is thrown over twenty feet in the air. He crashes to the ground with a dull thud. He is still.
The rest of Psi-Kin is totally surprised. 'Gale flies in and hits Crimson with a mind bolt.
Ranger leaps at Alabaster next. He lands a punch, but fails to hurt the large man. Alabaster swings and lands a solid blow on Ranger.
Crimson's energy field comes to life. Fists are formed of the red energy streak from him and pummel Nightingale.
Emerald smacks Ranger in the back of the head with a shield she formed. Ranger slips and crashes into the side of a parked car.
Ranger is dazed for a moment. But when he does regain his wits, he sees that the others have ganged up on Nightingale. She is firmly held by four of Crimsons fists. She is rapidly being moved towards Alabaster and Emerald who are standing ready.
Now what?
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 04/09/89 S#: 821965
"Eh...a damsel in distress. And a magic wielder too! Curse my lack of foresight! Why do I feel it necessary to venture out of doors armed only with the soul gem? Perhaps, it is a potent tool, but using it for Offence and Defense at the same time greatly diminishes its efficiency!"
"Perhaps a bit of deception may win the day, err a blow was struck!"
Ducking behind a tree, I summon the Soul Gem, and prepare an Eye Of The Beholder spell.
Stepping into the open, I cast it, in attempt to make myself look and sound like Hieronomous!
"Step away from there cretins! If you've so much as harmed a hair on her head I'll cast you down into Hades myself! Go on get out of here! I'll handle this myself!!"
When the opportunity allows, I'll also use it to whisper in her ear.
"Do not fear my child, I am a friend. All masks will be removed as soon as you are safe."
Crusaders Plus #12 - "Go Solo! Part Two"
Leo and Monarch: Part Two.
Everyone in the Second National Bank of Manhattan eyes were focused on the man who just entered.
"Ladies and Gentleman please remain calm. These two will not harm you as long as I stand."
He flies over the startled villains and lands before them.
"Now cease your operations here, cowards, and return to where you came. Or you'll have to answer to the Monarch!"
Both of the villains seem to be slightly impressed by this newcomer.
Further back in the bank, Leo leads Dawn to a place of safety.
Leo - "Stay here. I've go work to do."
Dawn - "Where are you going?"
In response to her question, a sudden change comes over Leo. Silvery fur covers his body as his features radically change. In moments, a large man-sized cat stands before a very surprised Dawn.
Dawn - "Geez!"
Leo bounds across the room to the newcomers side.
Leo - "Permit me to assist you, sir!"
Monarch is startled for a split second, but it is all the time the villains need to act. They both attack the impressive figure. He stands having easily endured their attacks.
Sledge - "I think we're in trouble..."
Howler - "Get him, you fool!"
Now what?
Professor Abriax and the Sorceress
Professor Abriax steps out from hiding. He casts his spell and his form shifts to that of Hieronomous.
"Stand away from there, cretins! If you've so much as harmed a hair on her head, I'll cast you down into Hades myself! Go on get out of here! I'll handle this myself!"
An expression of total terror comes over the Demonwarriors.
Demonwarrior - "Yes, master! Immediately, master!"
They trip and fall over each other in there hurry to vacate the premises. As this is going on, their prey acts. She attempts to cast another spell.
"My thanks for your timely interruption!"
There is a flash of light and then she is gone. The Demonwarriors happened to witness this event. Stunned, they look at 'Hieronomous'.
"Well, dogs, now you have let her escape! Return to base and prepare to face my wraith!"
With that, the Demonwarriors flee. After they are gone, the Professor cancels his spell. He laughs to himself.
Professor - "I'd hate to be the one who had to try explain this."
The Professor whistles happily to himself and he continues his walk home. However, as he reaches the end of the alley he hears a voice.
"Wait."
Turning, he sees the woman appear out of thin air. She is in the process of pulling the hood of her cloak down. The woman is a brunette. Her clothing is tattered and soiled, except for the cloak. It is strangely clean. She is very attractive.
"I owe you my thanks, stranger. Who are you?"
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 04/13/89 S#: 839433
I shall leap in and martial kick the miscreant holding Nightingale to give her a chance to gather herself. I'll keep Alabaster and Emeralds attention on me using hit and run tactics, using acrobatics and martial arts skills to avoid their blows, and wait for them to make a mistake. If one of them leaves an opening, I'll nail them. Otherwise, I'll just be patient and wear them down.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 04/13/89 S#: 807435
"Ohhhh...what a time they'll have trying to explaining to Hieronomous! What I wouldn't pay to see the expression on his misbegotten face!!"
"Ehhh...So, you haven't fled after all. No thanks are necessary, my child. DEMON is no stranger to me, it was a privilege to send them scampering back to whatever rock they crawled out from under!"
"There is a certain power in names! You may call me Professor Abriax, Mystic Master, and proud bearer of the Soul Gem of the ENOCHIANS!"
"You, too, are no stranger to ways of Magic I see."
SUBJ: Sorceress
"That is true, Professor. I do have a talent for magic, but I seem to have little control over it. It seldom does what I wish it to. If not for my Cloak of Levitation, I would not have been able to get away from those thugs. Oh, forgive me I call myself the Sorceress. Once again, my thanks.'
The girl, while being attractive is quite young. Late teens, perhaps early twenties. Her face is smudged with dirt and sweat. She appears tired and, perhaps, a little on the thin side.
"Not much of a Sorceress, huh? Well, I best be on my way. Those agents have been pursuing me for a long time now. I best not stay in one place."
She turns and starts to slowly walk away...
Spectrum's Comments: At long last, this is the Sorceress (and future Enchantress.) This is the Sheila Grace version of the character, not the Gwen Kingston version. Same write up, very different personalities. At this point Sheila was very much like our Sorceress power wise-- minor magic skill propped up with magic items. That would change down the road. Personality wise, Sheila is very much like Argent.
SUBJ: MONARCH (R) FROM: N4SIR 04/14/89 S#: 400294
"Perhaps I did not make myself Clear cretin'," Monarch says grabbing the one with the sledge hammer." I suggested that you surrender rather than getting me angry."
Monarch then hurtles him into the safe door.(hard enough to render him unconscious) "Now my fine lady perhaps you would like to abandon this plan to pilfer this establishment of its nominal resources before I'm forced to get unpleasant with such a fine flower as yourself." Monarch stands and waits...
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 04/14/89 S#: 822094
"SORCERESS WAIT! If DEMON seeks your capture, you'd be better off with friends to stand by you. There is this organization, EQUINOX, a group of, shall we say 'gifted', friends and I are forming. You would be more than welcome to join us! It is said that there is strength in numbers."
"If I am not being too forward, perhaps I can help you will these illusive magical abilities? Though my spell casting comes from the soul gem, I imagine it must function in a similar manner."
The radiant blue light emanating from the gem highlights the old man's gentle smile.
Ranger and Nightingale: Part Three
Once more Ranger attacks from seemingly out of nowhere. His attack, while not as devastating as the one against Indigo, has the same result. The villain ends up sprawled across the hood of a car. His energy projections fade and 'Gale falls to the ground. The remaining two villains turn on you.
Alabaster - "You're dead meat, mister!"
Emerald - "Get 'im!"
The two rush forward, but Ranger martial dodges and easily avoids the attacks.
Unnoticed, Nightingale prepares to act. Her mind lashes out at Alabaster. Astonishingly, he comes to a complete stop in mid-swing! Seeing this, Emerald, spins towards Nightingale.
Emerald - "You'll pay for this, mind-witch! PSI never forgets! You'll rejoin us one day!"
Spotting his opening, Ranger punches the woman. She is dazed from the blow. A gentle touch from Nightingale puts her down.
Nightingale - "Not today, girl. Not ever."
Ranger - "Are you all right?"
Nightingale - "I'll feel better after a nice hot bath."
Ranger - "What about Alabaster? What did you do to him?"
Nightingale - "I shut his mind down. Not one of my more pleasant powers. He'll be fine until the authorities arrive. Let's get out of here."
Nightingale pauses a second. She turns to Ranger and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
Nightingale - "That's for the help, Ranger. You were fantastic."
Crusaders Plus #13 - "Go Solo! Part Three"
Monarch and Leo: Part Three
Monarch - "Perhaps I did not make myself clear cretin'. I suggested that you surrender rather than getting me angry."
Monarch reaches for Sledge, but Sledge eludes his grasp.
Sledge - "Stuff it, mister-high n' mighty!"
Sledge punches Monarch the chest.
Monarch - "I actual felt that!"
In the meantime, Leo leaps at Howler. His claws rake her and she is hurt.
Howler - "Filthy beast! This job has already gone wrong. I'm gettin' out of here!"
Howler rises into the air. A strange shimmer comes over her and she flies through the ceiling. Leo inhales, trying to memorize her scent.
Leo - "Geez!"
Monarch takes swing at Sledge but misses.
Sledge - "Ha! Ya can't lay a finger on me fancy pants! Take dis!
Sledge winds up and lands a tremendous punch. Monarch is blasted across the bank. He stands from the punch, fuming.
Sledge - "Ya talk a good fight, Percy. To bad ya can't fight one! Hahaha!
Monarch - "You've done it know my friend."
Monarch rushes at Sledge, enraged. He swings and hits Sledge with all his might. Sledge flies out of the bank like a rocket.
Leo - "Geez!"
Looking outside, you see that came to rest in a mailbox. Only his feet can be seen dangling out of the side. Satisfied, Monarch turns back to where Howler was.
Monarch - "Now, my fine lady, perhaps you would like to abandon this plan to pilfer this establishment of its nominal resources before I'm forced to get unpleasant with such a fine flower as yourself. Eh? Where did she go?"
Leo - "I'm afraid that she got away, sir. You were fantastic!"
Monarch - "Of course. You are an unusual being."
Leo - "Oh, I'm called Leo. I'm with Equinox!"
Monarch - "I have never heard of this Equinox."
Leo - "We're new. Say! How would you like to join? I'm sure the others will welcome you after I tell them how you beat Sledge!"
Monarch - "You have my interest. Take me to this Equinox."
Leo - "Great!"
At that moment, Dawn rushes forward.
Dawn - "That was really cool!"
Leo - "Ah, Dawn-- I can-- ah-- explain."
Dawn - "Explain what? I think that's neat. I love your fur. Seeya around, Leo."
Leo - "She--? Did you hear that?! She loves my fur!"
Professor Abriax and Sorceress: Part 3
The Sorceress starts to walk off, but Professor Abriax calls out to her.
Professor - "Sorceress wait! If DEMON seeks your capture, you'd be better off with friends to stand by you. There is this organization, Equinox, a group of, shall we say 'gifted', friends and I are forming. You would be more than welcome to join us! It is said that there is strength in numbers."
Sorceress - "Do-- Do you mean it?"
Professor - "Yes I do, child. And if I'm not being too forward, perhaps I can help you will these elusive magical abilities? Though my spell casting comes from the soul gem, I imagine it must function in a similar manner."
Sorceress - "That sounds really tempting, but..."
Professor - "I to am at odds with the dark forces of DEMON. It is my sworn oath to destroy such atrocities. We can also offer you a good, hot meal."
Sorceress - "Oh, you have no idea how long it's been since I've had a good meal."
The Professor offers his arm to the girl.
Professor - "If you'll permit me, my lady, I shall escort you to our base."
Half an hour later in the kitchen at the Equinox base, the Professor serves up an impromptu snack.
Sorceress - "This quite a set-up you have here."
Professor - "So, tell me, Sorceress, why does DEMON pursue you?"
Sorceress - "I don't know. Like I said before, I have some magical talent, but have little control over it."
Professor - "Hmmm... Perhaps they are after your cloak?"
Sorceress - "I hadn't considered that. Or maybe my amulet? It's also magical.
Professor - "I see."
Ranger and Nightingale enter the kitchen.
Professor - "Back from shopping I see."
Nightingale - "I never knew that getting groceries could be such a trial."
The Professor gives a puzzled look.
Ranger - "Psi-Kin showed up and tried to capture Chris. Say, who's that?"
Professor - "I've found a new companion for our group. This is the Sorceress. Permit me to introduce Ranger and Nightingale."
Nightingale - "The Sorceress? That's a new one on me."
Sorceress - "I'm pretty new."
Ranger - "Welcome to the group."
Just then Leo and Monarch also enter the base.
Leo - "Hey, everybody! Look who I met! His name is Monarch and he wants to join our group! What do you say?"
SUBJ: MONARCH FROM: N4SIR 04/16/89 S#: 127621
"HA HA HA!!" Monarch laughs greatly amused at the young beings fluster at the young woman's enamor of him.
"It seems that you caught the young ladies favor gentle sir."
"But business first, we must deposit this cad in the local constables office," Monarch says picking up Sledge. "Would you accompany me...,I am sorry I do not believe I got your name...Oh yes LEO I believe the young dame said."
"Young Leo would you be so kind as to walk with me and perhaps tell me stories of your group Equinox." Monarch will then leave with Leo.
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 04/17/89 S#: 824496
I'll exchange stories with the Professor and Leo on the day's events.
"It seems that while Chris and I were shopping for groceries, the rest of you were shopping for team members. Nice to meet you, Sorceress, Monarch. I work under the name Ranger, but around here Martin will do."
SUBJ: Sorceress
"Pleasure to meet you, Ranger. I mean Martin. And Nightingale. And Leo. And especially Monarch (sigh..;) I'm sure that we'll all become friends. Like I was telling the Professor here, I'm not much of a Sorceress. At least yet. You can just call me Sheila."
Sheila stands to greet the others. You can see that she's about 5'3" tall. Her light brown hair has a soft curl to it. Now that she's had the chance to wash up, you can understand where the term drop-dead-good-looks came from.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 04/23/89 S#: 105029
"We've all had a busy morning I see. Hello Monarch and welcome to Equinox!"
"I was on my way to collect my belongings when I witnessed a band of Demon Infernal Legions annoying the young lady here. We managed to fend them off, and I brought her here in hopes we could persuade her to join."
The Professor winks in Sorceress' directions. The kind, gentle expression of a friend.
"Once you've rested we can start your training immediately if you'd like."
The professor looks quite differently without the eerie blue shadows cast across his face by the gem. His ruffled, half grayed beard and deep sunken, unflinching eyes hint at a scholarly knowledge of the unknown, but hardly the powerful Magi you know him to be.