Spectrum's Comments:
While creating Crusaders, we decided to use the angle of solo heroes coming together to form, or in this case, reform a hero team. We started them each out with solo adventures with the idea of having them cross paths with each other. More or less the idea did work.
What follows is admittedly very disjointed. Instead of posting the game on a Bulletin Board, we ran the soloists via E-mail until they started to gather in small groups. Even worse, it appears that we didn't save any of the mails that came with their responses. What we do have is our responses to them, written offline, printed up, and then typed in online. (With no flat rate pricing on Q, you did has much work as possible offline to save $$$.) However, some of our responses seem to be missing too.
Crusaders #1 - "Only the Beginning...."
The campaign is set in New York, in current time.
The most talked about occurrence of the past few days has been the outcome of the recent conflict between American Eagle of the Freedom Squad, and the villainous villainess, Blue Jay. The surprising part was that before either of the combatants managed to gain an upper hand, they were BOTH ambushed and knocked out by Foxbat. He gave no reason for his actions other than to gloat about the victory. He soon disappeared, leaving both behind. Blue Jay is currently in Stronghold.
Spectrum's Comments: One of the things that was sadly lacking in the Q Files was consistency. I contradicted myself so many times that it wasn't funny! For instance, the above places the Freedom Squad in New York City, while New Crusaders put them in LA. They ended up in LA. Other than this reference, I don't think any of the Squad actually appeared in these files as a NY team.
Another hero team we sat in NY was the New York Knights, which was a collection of our characters. They did appear, and then later simply disappeared to reappear in a different place with a different team name for no apparent reason. Sigh.
NAZGUL
While wandering about the city one night, Nazgul is surprised to find himself interrupted. He turns to see a man in a black and red costume. His costume is mostly black, with a red belt, boots, and other gadgets. He wears a half mask.
"I am none other than the great Utility. I'm sure you've heard of my great aptitude for defeating and defaming heroes. Now that job is worth even more to me. So, whose side are YOU on mister?"
Spectrum's Comments: Nazgul was the very first character submission we received. Both looked at it, exchanged puzzled glances and then went, "Oh-kay.."
Nazgul was not a hero. Not even close. He bore a magical ring and was naturally invisible. He wore a cloak that was visible to mark his presence. His story gets more fleshed out as time goes on. It does turn out rather interesting. Ironically, out of all the characters introduced in this file, he lasted the second longest.
BACKLASH
While at your job as Daniel Jackson, you receive a call from your twin. He says that a 13 year old came to the comic offices claiming that a man in a bilious green costume with black trim had roughed him up over some transmissions. He hadn't gone to the authorities about the attack. The description seemed to match that of the villain known as Darkon. He thinks that this attack should be investigated. Then, without warning the phone suddenly goes dead in mid-sentence!
So, now what are you going to do...
Spectrum's Comments: Backlash was kind of a one-note character. His main power was the ability to reflect attacks back to their source, hence the name. What I remember most about him was he going into fights and drawing attention to himself by shouting, "Hey! Come on and hit me!" He also has the same name as a character from the Stargate movie and TV show, but this took place long before either of those.
BACKLASH 2
After a few moments of grumbling from your supervisor, you manage to convince him of your 'sincerity'. Quickly changing into costume, you take to the air, and fly toward your brother's workplace.
Upon arriving, you fly through an open window. The first thing you see is a man who matches the description your brother gave you. Your brother is lying on the ground, apparently unconscious. Darkon, meanwhile, is menacing the young boy. Bystanders are all crouching behind drawing tables, etc.
Darkon - "Okay, eh! You better give me those data transmissions, or else!"
Awaiting your reply....
ULTIMAX
You have just completed your most recent task, one of little danger, and lots of cash. Socialite and wealthy industrialist, Sheryl Campbell, had been hosting an elaborate New Year's Eve Bash on her yacht and had employed your illustrious talents. The night went well with little or no trouble.
On the way home, however, you come across a very bizarre sight. The glint of metal in an alleyway catches your attention. On closer inspection, you see that it is apparently the body of a hobo, with one very important difference: parts of his body are mechanical! The metal parts are scattered about through the unfortunately dead figure almost randomly.
(You are welcome to ask more questions, or otherwise follow up on this).
Then, upon arriving at your living quarters, you begin to go through your mail, which you earlier retrieved from your PO Box. One item in particular catches your eye: a letter asking your services regarding protection from a superpowered adversary. It has a number that you can connect should you wish to.
That should be enough to generate plenty of questions, answers, or other...
Spectrum's Comments: Ultimax was a character very similar in design to Citadel. A ton of minor powers in a large multi-power. He was also a Hero for Hire. And yes, Sheryl Campbell has been around for a very long time! The body with the metal parts in him was a long running sub-plot in the game.
LORD LIBERTY
While engaged in some extra information retrieval, you find yourself accessing something called "The Muppet Show", whatever that is. However, it is suddenly interrupted by a news flash.
"This is Allen Kingston reporting live from the sight of a supervillains rampage. We are just outside of a hobby shop, 'Not Just a Game', where the villain known as Sledge has taken the entire building and all its customers' hostage. He says that he will start harming those hostages unless a superhero arrives in the next 5 minutes. A bizarre request, to say the least."
Just then, the front pane of glass explodes outward and a man in a black and blue-gray costume steps through. He swings his hammer hand and the screen goes black, and then switches to the newsroom. However, one thing caught your attention before the camera exploded. Ernie could be easily seen inside that selfsame store!
So, what are you going to do?
Spectrum's Comments: I liked Lord Liberty. He was a 9' tall mechanoid, ala SIMON. He took things literally and Ernie was his DNPC. Of all the heroes in this file, Lord Liberty lasted the longest. Power wise, he had 30 STR, martial arts, and enhanced senses.
BACKLASH 3
It takes some time, but eventually the young kid is able to triangulate the reception point of the transmissions. The source was untraceable. It took a day...
The location is determined to be at the Flushing Airport, in Queens, east of LaGuardia and north of Shea Stadium.
I'll let you make your plans, before going any further...
Spectrum's Comments: Apparently, the combat between Backlash and Darkon was lost somewhere along the way. Judging by what follows, Darkon was simply driven off by Backlash. Must have blasted himself with Darkons.
ULTIMAX 2
In the alley -
The body has no ID of any kind. The metallic parts are part of the body, like a cyborg would be. The authorities take their usual long time to arrive and give you some rather questioning looks through the whole ordeal.
Home-
They are willing to go up 10% in price. You don't get the feeling that he is a crook. He describes himself as a businessman, and this is merely a business deal. They tell you that the antagonist is known to the by the name, Sun Dragon. If you need any information, you can contact Li Ling Fong. They you give his address.
Next is up to you.
LORD LIBERTY 2
Okay, you go outside, and scare the hell out of the first person you see. She rushes off screaming. Finally, you get someone's attention.
"Gowan down 'bout tree lights an' grabba left. Den go a block. Can't miss it."
Working off these directions, you proceed to amble in the direction that the man pointed. After passing by three lights, you stop to consider 'Grabba left'. Stopping the first person that comes by, you reach down and pull off their left shoe.
"Hey!"
While you prepare to 'Go a block'. Your high range hearing kicks in, and you hear Ernie screaming! You rush off in that direction, coming quickly to the Hobby shop. You rush to the door and say your little speech.
"If yer a hero, you'll do!" Sledge pulls back his hammer hand and swings. (You can react at the same time) He slams it into your chest and sends you flying across the street. (If you attack, it hits before the KB.)
So, now what
NAZGUL 2
"After an attack like that, you've got to be kidding! But since you started it,..."
Utility pulls out a gun and fires at you. A net comes out wrapping around you. Going desolid lets you easily avoid that however. You move into position to attack again.
After draining more of his END, you fire again, this time knocking Utility across the alley. Apparently, he can see you easily.
"Much better, my friend, but not good enough!"
He opens fire with his wrist rockets. They connect, but pass right through you and explode in the wall behind you.
Now what?
Spectrum's Comments: Apparently, Naz simply attacked Utility and demanded that he surrender. Naz was also a power leach with several different types of drains.
NOMAD
While on a routine patrol through the city, you hear of a police report that grabs your attention. An unknown supervillain in a green and black costume is threatening people by blowing up the fuel tanks at the Flushing Airport. The airport in question is located east of La Guardia and north of Shea Stadium.
So, what are you going to do?
Spectrum's Comments: Nomad was telekinetic and had glider wings on his costume.
Crusaders #2 - "We Do Seek New Crusaders"
Recent word has come out that Lightwarp, the previous leader of the defunct group, the Crusaders, has since been looking to form a NEW team. The Crusaders former base was the mansion donated to the team by wealthy industrialist, Fredrick Burton Rutherford III. He can be located at the mansion in Forest Hills for questions.
News reports inform everyone that the villain known as Darkon was driven away from the Wondrous Comics publishing offices by a hero who calls himself Backlash.
Also, there is the bizarre report of Edna Wackenbush who found her cat, Fluffy, dead in the alley behind her yard. The strange thing is that the cat had had some alterations. Parts of its body were haphazardly replaced by mechanical and electrical pieces.
Lastly, we have a report on the latest exploits of the NY Knights. The city's heroes thwarted the foul plans of Dark Seraph, when he attempted to capture one of their members, the Enchantress,
Spectrum's Comments: The above was a general post to all the players. Lightwarp hasn't appeared yet in the new stuff, but the character who became him has! (How's that for a vague hint?) The dead bodies with mechanical parts sub-plot continues. This particular Enchantress is the one that you're familiar with. The roster of the NY Knights included Muskateer, the Enchantress, Spectrum, Morning Star, & Spinnerette.
MYSTERY 2
"What's going on?"
Guard - "There was reports that a man in a green and black costume blew up the fire station and is threatening everyone by blowing up the fuel tanks!"
The guard is noticeably nervous. You head out to the runway area. A police siren can be heard in the distance. Out on the runway, you can see a man in a green and black costume driving a jeep. He disappears in the fog. The runway lights have all been knocked out.
So, now what
Spectrum's Comments: Apparently, Mystery number 1 was lost somewhere along the line. Mystery was a lady police officer with mental powers. She never had a costume and didn't play heroine very much. Her last name was also Terry, and called herself Miss Terry. Miss Terry, Mystery. That's where I got that gag for Silver Spectre in the new stuff.
NOMAD 3
You glide around the area in question, and see a man in a black and green costume driving a jeep. He disappears into the fog. All the runway lights have been knocked out. Airport security has assembled, but is pretty much worthless. The wail of more sirens can be heard in the distance.
So, now what
Spectrum's Comments: Another missing post. Many of the heroes were being lead to the Flushing Airport where the big scenario was taking place.
ULTIMAX 4
Sun Dragon wears an all white bodysuit, with a black belt. On his chest is a dragon encircling a sun. On his mask is a stylized sunburst. Your new boss says that he can supply you with a limited laser weapon. It will be limited to a three shot cartridge. He gives you the address, which is located in the South Bronx.
The first day goes by boringly enough. In fact, so does the night and the following day. However, on the second night, you spot an intruder on the grounds. It is a man in a mostly white costume, sneaking about.
You watch as he slips into the shadows. A moment later, you notice him climbing up the side of the wall! He stops for a moment on the roof, as if he hears something.
What do you do?
Spectrum's Comments: Yet another missing post. Ultimax is being set up by the bad guys to take out a hero who's been pestering their operations.
SUN DRAGON2
You take out the first guy easily enough and he drops like a stone. The others start moving in on you, as you try and make a break for it. You easily duck a knife thrust and leap over a swung chain. A spinning kick knocks the knife wielder into another of his friends.
"Get him!"
You break off and start running down the street. A gunshot rings out behind you. You make a quick turn down an alley. Footsteps are rushing after you. Now in the dark, you leap up the wall and quickly climb to the roof above. Voices can be heard below.
"Nobody does that to the Dragon Lords!"
You see two of them mulling about below you, as the others rush down the alley. A few moments pass, and they come walking back.
"He got away."
"Forget about him. We have to get to that warehouse anyway. Mr. Ultimax is waiting for us there."
"Oh yeah, we're supposed to help him rub out that Fong chick!"
They all start out of the alley. You can see them heading to a van, and start to get into it.
So, now what do YOU do?
Spectrum's Comments: Yet again, still another missing post. Sun Dragon was your typical fast Martial Artist. Boy, don't the Dragon Lords get around? The deception continues as the bad guys hope to lure Sun Dragon into a fight with Ultimax, hoping that Max will take out Sun Dragon for them.
LORD LIBERTY 3
You hit Sledge at the same time that he hits you. You end up lying on your back in the street. Sledge apparently is still standing from your attack.
"You're the only one what's gonna get hurt, Chromedome!"
He comes toward you, as the assembled crowd scatters. As he approaches, your scanners kick in and begin analyzing your opponent
"I'm gonna smash you!"
He swings his hammer hand, but hits only the pavement. You come up swinging and slam Sledge in the back with a two-handed smash. Sledge crashes into the pavement about 15 feet away.
"That did it! You're going to the body shop now, bucket o' bolts!"
Sledge comes at you again, very single-minded in his fighting tactics. Sidestepping the rush, you grab him by the arm and send the villain flying. He crashes into a mailbox, sending a shower of envelopes into the air.
Ernie - "Way to go, Lord Liberty! Hit him again!"
"Awright, Robo-Cop, that's..." But Sledge is cut off in mid-sentence. An energy beam from the sky hits the villain and drops him.
"Look! It's Lightwarp!"
"That's enough, Sledge. Just consider yourself cancelled!" A man in a green, gold and white armored suit lands nearby.
"Good work, mister", he says to you. The crowd starts rushing forward again, cheering.
What would you like to do or say?
Spectrum's Comments: And Lightwarp is introduced and meets Lord Liberty.
MYSTERY3
You find a discarded luggage truck and rush into the fog after him. Sight is limited here to about 15 yards. You end up losing him, but ahead you can see a few large shapes.
As you get closer, you see two large trucks on the runway. A jeep is also parked nearby. Through the fog, you see the man in the green and black standing in the jeep. Four men work nearby with jackhammers and another four are standing around the trucks.
You identify yourself, and the costumed one laughs!
"You threatening me, eh, Mountie?"
You start trying to talk him into giving up, but he will have none of it.
"You've got to be bleeding crazy! Darkon would never give in to one lone officer. What have you been drinking, eh?"
He motions to the four men by the truck, who start moving toward you and start reaching for things in their jackets.
So, what do you do now?
NAZGUL 4
You have already phased out of your cloak, but Utility can still see you. Since using your desolidification would result in your taking STUN, you turn solid again, and zap him yet again.
He was waiting for you however, and lets another blast from his wrist rockets go. You see Utility drop from the wall as the rockets slam into you. You feel yourself thrown across the alley, and into the wall.
The next sensation that you feel is a small weight lying on you. You come to and find Utility still unconscious lying on you. The wail of sirens can be heard nearby. A few more noises tell you that cars have approached and a number of people are about to enter the alley.
So, now what?
LORD LIBERTY 4
Ernie - "I'm okay, Lord Liberty. Look, it's Lightwarp! Can I have your autograph?!
Lightwarp - "Sure thing. (To LL) Sledge is a tough customer. You handled him well."
He shakes your hand, as reporters move in and cameras flash.
Ernie - "Gee, Lord Liberty, I bet you could do some real superheroing with him!
Lightwarp - "To be honest, I am looking to recreate the Crusaders. Judging from this little fracas, you look like prime material. What do you say?
Now what?
SUN DRAGON 3
They don't seem to notice your presence, and drive away. They head for the South Bronx.
Eventually, they reach what appears to be a warehouse. Everything is dark. The van stops, and the Dragon Lords get out. They all start to head over to the warehouse. Nearby, but out of sight, you hear what sounds like a battle.
So, now what do you do?
ULTIMAX 5
The man in white turns toward you.
"You talk tough. Let's see if that's true". He leaps toward you, swinging. You slip under the first blow. Undaunted, your attacker pulls back and slices at you with his clawed gloves. You barely avoid this attack as well.
"Are you going to fight, or just run like a woman?"
Now what?
Spectrum's Comments: The deception continues. That's actually the White Dragon menacing Ultimax here.
NOMAD 4
You glide into the fog and see two large trucks parked on a runway. Four men work nearby with jackhammers. Four other men are rushing toward a young woman who you heard identify herself as a police officer. They all have guns. The man in green and black stands nearby laughing loudly.
You reach out with your TK and lift the surprised figure off the ground.
"What the...? Trying to sneak up on me, eh? Well, suck darkons!"
Darkon doesn't move, but a stream of darkness erupts from his body. It slams into you and you go flying through the fog-shrouded air. Stunned, you crash into the ground.
So, now what are you going to do?
BACKLASH 5
While returning to your car, you hear a large explosion. Hurriedly putting on your costume, you then rush back to the scene.
Once there, you see that a dense fog is beginning to form on the runway. It grows quickly in area and in thickness. You fly in over the area, and see a recognizable figure! Darkon is racing down the runway into the fog in a jeep. In a moment, he disappears into it. Police sirens can be heard in the distance. All the runway lights have been knocked out. A large fire is burning near the terminal.
So, now what?
LORD LIBERTY 5
Lightwarp - "Well, maybe he could be a junior Crusader. And, yes, I think you would make a fine Crusader."
The reporters take a few more pictures and people all around are shaking your hand.
Lightwarp - "So, Lord Liberty, it looks like you're about to have your first mission as a Crusader. My radio tells me that there is a disturbance at the Flushing Airport! Take my hand, and we'll be off! It sounds like Darkon."
Are you going to go, ask any questions, or anything else?
Spectrum's Comments: And thus, Lord Liberty becomes the first of the new Crusaders.
MYSTERY 4
The thugs hesitate, but don't drop their weapons. You use your molecular agitation on the guns and they all drop the weapons.
Looking back toward the costumed baddie, you see him suddenly hoisted into the air by some unseen force. He then turns and a stream of darkness slams into a black man in a dark blue costume, wearing wings (like Marvel's Falcon). The newcomer is hit by the attack and knocked flying! He quickly disappears from sight. Darkon is laughing hysterically to himself.
The thugs look like they are thinking better of it and are keeping their distance.
What do you do now?
NAZGUL 5
You phase through the wall and disappear from sight, leaving the troublesome interlopers behind.
A few days later, you find yourself wandering through the city's sewer system. It is an extremely handy mode of travel, and your being dead should keep the smell from bothering you. Besides, who's going to find you down in the sewer anyway?
However, this time, something is different. You almost feel drawn down here, as though your wandering is leading you somewhere. Where, you have no idea. Hours pass, as you slosh through the muck.
You finally reach a dead end (no pun intended), and feel that whatever is leading you comes from beyond that wall. You step forward through the wall, and come into a surprising place.
The area is no longer wet, and shows signs of being very old, yet still is in relatively good shape. The one thing that grabs your attention is that there is what looks like an archway. However, there is no way through; it is pitch black. Six small rubies can be seen all around the top of the arch, one is glowing brightly. For some reason, your ring starts to glow as well.
While you ponder this situation, you see another of the rubies light up as well!
So, now what are you going to do?
Spectrum's Comments: That's the same portal that played a significant role in the Photon origin story. Nazgul's own story is picked up in the Crusaders Plus folder.
ULTIMAX 6
You spring up to your new height and grasp a somewhat surprised 'Dragon. His arms are pinned, as you raise him high into the air. However, most unexpectedly, he opens his mouth and a burst of fire roars out! The attack catches you full in the face, driving you backward.
"You're finished now, Ultimax! You're done for!"
The flash of light that came with the burst blinded you, but only for a moment. When you look around, you see the man in white rushing toward you from behind.
What do you do now?
SUN DRAGON 4
The thugs quickly disappear from sight, and you lose them by the time you have your costume on. You then rush over to the battle area. There you see a man in a mostly white costume, with orange and red trim, fighting a man in black. They exchange a few blows, then the man in black suddenly grows to 15 feet tall!
He grabs the man in white and hefts him into the air. His target then turns the tables on him! A burst of fire erupts from the man's mouth, catching the giant smack in the face. He topples to the ground. By now, you are close enough to hear them.
Man in white - "You're finished now, Ultimax! You're done for!"
But he doesn't press his advantage. For no apparent reason, the man looks toward you, then turns and slips away into the night.
What are you going to do?
Spectrum's Comments: And thus the two heroes finally come face to face.
BACKLASH 6
You follow Darkon into the fog, but quickly lose him. After a few minutes of flying around, you finally come upon an interesting scene.
There are two large trucks parked on the runway. Nearby is a jeep and a luggage truck. As you close in, you see four men working away with jackhammers on the runway. Four other men are all dropping their weapons, as though they've suddenly grown incredibly hot. They were all menacing a young woman in civilian clothes. Darkon is here, as well.
He is engaged with a man in a dark blue costume and wings, like Marvel's Falcon. Darkon was lifted into the air by an unseen force and then he turned and blasted the other man, who also happens to be black. He goes flying backward from the stream of darkness that slammed into him, and is quickly out of sight. Darkon drops to the ground and begins laughing hysterically.
So, now what?