Crusaders # 8 - 10

Spectrum's Comments: Lightwarp's newest recruits to the Crusaders begin to arrive at the Crusaders Mansion.

Crusaders #8 - "The New Crusaders"

SUBJ: And now, the NEW CRUSADERS! FROM: Panther13 03/12/89 S#: 818331

Lord Liberty and Imperial arrive at the mansion at roughly the same time. The two of you are met by an attractive young woman who introduces herself as Felicity Daniels. She invites the two of you, and Ernie, who accompanied Lord Liberty as well, into the mansion.

The main foyer is impressive. It is beautifully decorated with marble floor and brass accoutrements.

Felicity says that she will be handling the day-to-day operations of the Crusaders. She then begins a tour of the facilities.

The base is quite large and luxurious. There are 2 levels to the mansion, plus a basement level. All the rooms are decorated rather expensively and there is numerous advanced electronic equipment throughout the whole.

However, there is one section that remains unfinished. The walls and floor have been replaced, but the rooms have not been finished. This is obviously the section of the Crusader's base that was hardest hit when the Dark One attacked them. It was in this battle that all of the Crusaders, save Lightwarp, were killed. The trophy room holds tributes to these 5 valiant heroes.

On a less somber note, the base itself has a small center section, with a larger wing sprouting off of either side. The center section holds the Central Foyer on the lower level, while the upper level contains the Rec room facilities. The West wing is the one that was hit, and holds some labs and a double-level library on the lower floor. The upper floor, in this area, houses the trophy room, but most of it is still in the process of being put into use.

The East Wing meanwhile, holds the Danger Room monitoring room, a small gymnasium and pool and the Medi-Vac systems. The second floor in this area houses all the living suites. Each suite consists of a living room, bedroom and bath. Each suite is outfitted with a computer terminal.

The outer grounds are just as extravagant. There is a large fountain in the front, and a smaller one in the garden out back. The entire grounds are fenced in, and Felicity assures you that there are plenty of security measures.

The tour ends with the basement level, which is where the pool continues down from the 1st floor, and the Danger Room, itself. It also houses the computer itself. There is also an underground monorail from here to the team's underground hangar.

Felicity finishes the tour, bringing the two of you back to the central foyer. There you see Lightwarp waiting for you.

Felicity - "All finished with the ten-cent tour, sir. These were the only two to show up."

Lightwarp - "Hhmmm... That is a little unexpected. Although, I am very glad to have the two of you! Welcome to the Crusaders."

He shakes each of your hands.

Lightwarp - "And you too, Ernie."

Ernie - "I'm hungry, Mr. Lightwarp."

Lightwarp - "Felicity?"

Felicity - "Be right back..."

A moment after she turns and leaves, the doorbell chimes ring.

Lightwarp - "Odd. I didn't expect to need the complete staff so soon. They won't all be here until tomorrow."

The armored hero opens the front door. Standing there is a humanoid metallic creature. Its head is a near perfect sphere, with a triangular section protruding forward. A mouth grill is below it.

The newcomer is mostly green in color. He takes a step forward, and speaks.

"Hello...My name is R.A.L.F. Will you be my friend?"

Before anyone has an opportunity to respond, there is a sudden explosion just behind R.A.L.F., which draws everyone's attention. Standing there in the front grounds are the villains known as Binder, Plasmoid, Black Star, Charger, and Slick: the ULTIMATES!!!

Black Star - "Well, well, well. Look what we have here!"

Charger - "Looks like a bunch of rookies trying to play Crusaders."

Binder - "Except for you, Flashlight! We know you're a rookie. Time to initiate you into the big time. Plasmoid! Attack!"

Spectrum's Comments: As mentioned last file, many of the original players either quit or were gone from Q. Officer Terry was the exception and she didn't want to join a team. R.A.L.F. is a new player and another mechanoid. Other new players would arrive very soon.

SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 03/14/89 S#: 429408

"To initiate, hmmm that means to welcome or get started. Oh! You must have the Underdog superhero rings. Thank you. I have been waiting for mine."

Ernie," Underdog superhero rings? No Lord Liberty only Underdog has one of those. They are the enemy. Show them what kind of hero you are made of."

Lord Liberty, "Oh. Hmm. What kind of hero I am made of. Well I am made of a durum zirconium alloy that is almost like steel so I guess you could almost say I am a man of steel. I know. THIS LOOKS LIKE A JOB FOR SUPERMAN."

Lord Liberty will then run through the door and try to deliver a flying drop kick on Plasmoid.

Spectrum's Comments: Apparently, I'm missing a response from Imperial here. He probably made some sort of lewd comment to Felicity. By the way, there is a secret to Felicity. One that took over four years to be revealed...

SUBJ: Attack of the Ultimates (R) FROM: Panther13 03/18/89 S#: 518214

Felicity - (to Imperial) "I'll see what I can find... I'm sure we have a dog biscuit or two at the very least."

She then walks away, as in previous post.

Lightwarp - (to Imperial) "I'd be careful what I said to Ms. Daniels. She is not only very skilled in what she does, but I wouldn't want to get on her bad side."

Continuing on with the attack:

Binder - "Plasmoid! Attack!"

Before anyone can react, the pinkish creature moves forward and points one of its arms at the assembled heroes. A beam of energy shoots out and envelops R.A.L.F. completely. R.A.L.F. then is pulled from the mansion and launched straight up into the air. Another blast then shoots out from the alien and slams into R.A.L.F. at the top of his flight.

Lightwarp - "I'll catch him. Let's show these guys what Crusaders are made of!"

Imperial - "Sounds good to me, my man!"

Lord Liberty rushes out of the front door and leaps at Plasmoid, as Lightwarp also flies out and into the air to catch R.A.L.F. Plasmoid doesn't seem to see the 9 foot tall armored hero coming, still watching his target fall from the sky. Lord Liberty crashes into Plasmoid, and both of them go crashing across the grounds.

Meanwhile, Imperial flies out and fires at Binder. Binder is hit by the energy burst and sent flying. He is stunned, but not unconscious. While all this is happening, Felicity grabs Ernie and pulls him inside the mansion and seals it. Lightwarp catches the falling R.A.L.F. and lands nearby, setting the stunned robot on the front lawn.

Black Star - "Looks like we get to go at it again, hero!"

Black Star strides purposely towards Lightwarp. A beam from the armored hero's gauntlets flashes out straight at the black and crimson-garbed villain and travels straight through him.

While this is happening, Imperial tries to follow up his attack on Binder, but has to avoid an attack from Slick. He does so easily, but is then knocked from the air by an electric blast from Charger. Imperial crashes to the ground, as Charger and Slick close in.

Slick - "I'll make sure this bozo doesn't....."

Slick is cut off in mid-sentence. His limbs seem to stiffen and he comes to a complete halt.

Meanwhile, Lord Liberty gets a few more punches in on Plasmoid. He hits him twice, the second punch knocking the alien back further, but neither of the attacks stun Plasmoid. Plasmoid slowly regains its feet and then fires a beam of energy at the hero. The electricity covers Lord Liberty and his body convulses under the massive electric energy involved. Lord Liberty drops to one knee, smoke pouring off his metallic back.

Nearby, Black Star and Lightwarp exchange a few blows. Neither will go down, but both take some heavy hits. They each swing and hit at the same time, and each go flying backward from the blows. They both land stunned.

Spectrum's Comments: Observant readers have probably noted several times now where a villain gets attacked by something unseen. Those are all mental attacks coming from Police Officer Terry.

SUBJ: R.A.L.F. FROM: Xiphias 03/19/89 S#: 469124

"I-must-Protect-those-who-Might-be-My-friends. He goes forward and attempts to grab Plasmoid. Please-stop-Plasmoid-or-I-will-Be- forced-To-restrain-You."

If that doesn't work: "I-am-Sorry-you-Forced-me-To-do-This."

And fires his heat EB at him. If that doesn't work he reluctantly switches to his heat RKA.

BTW-the projection on the front of R.A.L.F.'s head is rectangular

SUBJ: Firestar:

"Geez! Looks like somebody's having a party"

Turning, you see that the speaker is a young woman hovering in the sky. Her costume consists of a red body suit with black trim. She wears high boots, shoulder length gloves and a mask all in a orangish-yellow color. Her long blond hair is in a ponytail.

"I thought that I'd try out for the Crusaders, but I never expected a test like this! Pay attention, Mr. Warp, Firestar is about to audition!"

Fly towards the being called Plasmoid and hit him with my fireballs.

"Stay away from that man, you monster!"

Try to drive Plasmoid away from the armored man. Stay airborne and continue to pepper Plasmoid and avoid be hit!

Spectrum's Comments: And that's the introduction to this worlds Firestar. Power wise, she's pretty much the same as the original Firestar. Personallity wise, she's a different person and older. This Firestar is something of a scientist.

SUBJ: Imperial -

"Hmmm, well Felicity, it's your lost!"

Back to the battle:

"That was a pretty slick move, dude! Nice pose!"

Turn my attention to Charger.

"I understand that you're a regular dynamo, Sparky! Let's see you handle this!"

Switch to super strength and belt this bozo in the chops.

"That should stop you're charging!"

If, by some miracle, he endures this attack, continue to pummel away.

Say, who's the hot chick?!

Spectrum's Comments: Gee, you think that there might be just a touch of Captain Valor in Imperial?

SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 03/22/89 S#: 423759

"Warning R.A.L.F. entity. The glowing one generates an energy charge that is harmful. Approach with extreme caution. Do not come in contact with him for any length in time. Strike when I strike. Help me get him into the fountain. Maybe the water will drain his current."

Lord Liberty will then look for any weakness in Plasmoid. "Ready, now." Lord Liberty will try to time his blow with RALF and then proceed to pound on him (hopefully) pushing him back into the fountain.

SUBJ: GOLDEN LION FROM: N4SIR 03/23/89 S#: 494747

After stepping out of the cab and sizing the situation up. Under my breath I'll say, "Dad said I'd have days like this."

Golden Lion will then charge the nearest villain with his back to him using his shoulder for a classic shoulder tackle move-by.

ps. Panther take a look at GL new stats made a couple of mistakes in addition and have posted new stats.

Spectrum's Comments: Another new player. N4SIR ran a few characters before eventually fading away. I actually got to know him somewhat. He was from the Midwest and actually part of a gaming group that included Ray Greer of Champions fame. (He created the Fox character.)

Also got some neat stuff from N4SIR, including an early copy of the Anopheles module that came out in Champions in 3D. I ran it online before the book even came out!

Crusaders # 9 - "Ultimately..."

SUBJ: ULTMATELY..... (R) FROM: Panther13 03/25/89 S#: 844390

With the battle now heatedly underway, things are starting to happen quickly. As R.A.L.F. and Lord Liberty maneuver to engage the entity known as Plasmoid once again, suddenly, he stops moving and appears it pain. The being looks around as though trying the find the unseen attacker. This is all the time that the two robots need and together they smash Plasmoid, who doesn't even seem to be aware of them any longer. Plasmoid is blasted back toward the fountain and splashes into it, sending a shower of water into the air.

As Plasmoid tries to rise, everyone can see that his body is sparking and hissing, and he wobbles unsteadily. At this moment, Firestar appears on the scene. She lets a fireball fly and her aim is true. It explodes on the plasma being and sends him flying! Plasmoid lands some 30 feet away and doesn't try to rise this time.

Firestar - "Yeah! I got him! We got him, guys!"

Meanwhile, Imperial and Charger square off. Imperial swings and smashes Charger on the jaw with a vicious right hook. Charger is sent rocketing away and slams into the gate surrounding the mansion. He, also, doesn't appear to be moving.

Imperial - "Ha! Whatta wimp!"

Nearby, Binder sizes up the situation and decides that perhaps it is time for the better part of valor.

Binder - "Apparently, we underestimated you heroes! Rest assured that we will not do so a second time."

He, then, starts backing away brandishing his weapon. Firestar streaks in.

Firestar - "Sorry, but we can't let a big bad villain like yourself get away Scott free."

Binder - "Too bad, toots!"

He aims and fires, covering Firestar with his super strong adhesive. She drops from the sky.

R.A.L.F. - "Cannot-let-friend-be-hurt."

R.A.L.F. rushes over and catches the falling Firestar before she crashes, unceremoniously, into the ground.

Imperial - "Nice catch, Ralph."

Using this opportunity, Binder turns and begins to kick in his boot jets. However, as his luck would have it, Golden Lion appears on the scene at that exact moment. Lion smashes into the thoroughly surprised villain and sends him skittering back across the lawn.

Binder - "What in the world...?!"

Lion roars at the startled villain and then leaps, slamming into him again. A third blow is not necessary as the Ultimates' leader is down for the count.

Nearby, Lightwarp recovers before Black Star and smashes him with his armored fist. Black Star quickly regains his feet again, however.

Black Star - "I ain't goin' so easy, hero. It's gonna take all of you!"

Lightwarp - "Talk's cheap, Blackie."

As Black Star rushes forward to attack again, he suddenly stops and grabs his head and screams.

Lightwarp - "Sorry, don't have any aspirins, but will this help?"

The armored hero winds up and smashes the helpless villain. He bounces to a halt some distance away.

Finally, there is but one villain left standing.

Imperial - "Hey, big guy, here's a present!"

Slick still stood stock still as if frozen. Imperial batted the villain towards Lord Liberty. The tall robot redirected the villain's progress with his own fist. Slick ricocheted toward R.A.L.F.

Lord Liberty - "R.A.L.F.-entity, you may finish the battle."

Slick dropped to the ground after crashing into R.A.L.F.. The Ultimates were now defeated.

Imperial - "Aw-freakin'-right! We're bad!"

Lightwarp - "Looks like we passed our first test of fire, Crusaders. And with flying colors, no less. Felicity, contact Stronghold. We have a deposit to make. And it also looks like some introductions are in order. Well done, all of you."

SUBJ: Golden Lion (R) FROM: N4SIR 03/26/89 S#: 829653

"I don't think Binder will need this," GL says removing Binders toys. "Just to assure that He doesn't decide to go anywhere."

"By the way Ladies and Gentlemen I call myself Golden Lion. I would like to consider myself at the disposal of the Crusaders."

What stands before the group is large man standing about 7 Feet tall in a tan brown and black body suit with what appears to be a stylized lion Snout Making up the black portions of the costume. His hair is light Brown and hangs past his shoulders. And his fingers seem to end in what appears to be claws. Although he is completely human most can't help but sense something very animalistic about him.

SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 03/26/89 S#: 417197

"How do you do Golden Lion? My name is Lord Liberty. Are you from Oz?" After introductions are over LL turns to Lightwarp, "Lightwarp please assist. According to my calculations, something affected the Ultimates in this battle. For some reason each one of them stopped in the middle of fighting. Is this normal? My programming states that a foe will not stop fighting until he has been deactivated and yet some of our foes stood still and waited to be hit. Query?"

If Lightwarp cannot come up with a satisfactory explanation, Lord Liberty will scan the area with all of his senses and see if he can find anything out of the ordinary (which will be a real surprise if you consider this group ordinary.)

SUBJ: Imperial-

"Alright! We just kicked some major butt! This Crusader biz is gonna be a blast!"

I'll take this opportunity to introduce myself to the newcomers.

"I'm Imperial, a great hero of no small talent! Me and Burt-- pointing to LL-- are newest if the Crusaders. But guys did help in trouncing those turkeys. So, Ralf, Lion and Firestar are you hitchin' up? I hope 'Star is... We could stand a skirt or two around here!

And in reference to LL conversation with Lightwarp...

"If you recall, big guy, the same thing happened at the airport! Our foes being struck by an unknown adversary! Perhaps we have an guardian angel?"

I'll turn my considerable powers towards trying to locate this 'Angel'.

And finally, to Lightwarp:

"So, my man, tell me about this Dark One who rubbed out your pals? I'd like to know what I'm up against when we go to kick his butt over his shoulders!"

SUBJ: Firestar -

YUCK!

Burn my way out of this sticky-stuff! This is awful! My poor hair... Thanks for the assist Ralph!

"I must say that I'm impressed! Those were powerful adversaries. Hello everyone, I'm Firestar. I too would be interested in joining the Crusaders... You don't seem to be to particular in who you accept-- glancing at one great hero in particular-- so I should be accepted without too much trouble."

If circumstances permit, I'd like to have a private conversation with Light Warp...

Turning to my armored allies: That appears to be a sophisticated suit you boys have, perhaps you'd let me take a look at it later? Electrical Engineering is one of my talents. I'm sure that I would find its construction fascinating!

SUBJ: R.A.L.F. (R) FROM: Xiphias 03/26/89 S#: 406222

Hello-will-You-be-My-friends. He then looks at the villains. I-hope-We-did-Not-hurt-Them-too-Badly-that-Would-make-Me-unhappy.He then turns to Lightwarp. Is-this-A-normal-Day?

SUBJ: Lightwarp FROM: Panther13 03/26/89 S#: 793115

(To Lord Liberty)

"Well, from experience, I'd have to say that the couple Ultimates that acted strangely must have been hit by some sort of mental attacks. Unless we happen to have anyone here that can do that sort of thing, there must have been some outside influence."

Lightwarp uses his armor's sensors to scan the area.

"A ha. There seems to be someone hiding just outside of the gates to the mansion."

Lord Liberty's sensors confirm this as well.

"Perhaps someone should go take a look?"

(To R.A.L.F.)

"Unfortunately, all too often, this is a normal day in the life of a superhero."

SUBJ: ... FROM: Miss Terry 03/26/89 S#: 793941

A car pulls up front, and stops at the gate, A woman steps out of the car carrying a two-way radio and a briefcase, she quickly attaches a badge to her jacket and looks startled as she sees what's in the yard. Some of you recognize the officer as the same one at the airport.

'Looks like ya'll have had some trouble, well it seems to be spreading,' Sitting her briefcase down she opens it and pulls out some alien type weapon and then says, 'Anyone know what this is? I just picked this up after seeing three weird men chasing another.'

SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 03/28/89 S#: 454709

Lord Liberty spots the policewoman's two-way radio and gets an idea. "Excuse me officer. May I use your radio? I need it to guide my friend Lightwarp to someone who has assisted us but appears to be, now what was the word Ernie used, oh yes shy."

If Miss Terry allows us to use her radio, I'll give it to Imperial, "Here Imperial, I can give you directions to our assistant by radio. Please use it if you need assistance."

After I have given Imperial directions and am sure I am tuned to the right frequency I will keep my sensors on our guest to locate him. Upon hearing Firestar's comment I turn and say, "Suit? I was not aware that I had any clothing on. Please explain."

SUBJ: Lord Liberty (R) FROM: REM9 03/30/89 S#: 430627

"I am in this suit of armor I guess Firestar, however if you are referring to organic life such as yourself, there is none inside me. My power core allows me to operate with out the consumption of any organic material. I would not think it proper to consume any member of higher intelligence anyway. Is this the way of some humans? I have not seen this practice as of yet on this planet and thought that it was wrong to kill. Please explain this discrepancy. "

SUBJ: Miss Terry, FROM: Miss Terry 03/30/89 S#: 425385

Thinking the request is strange I switch the radio to civilian band and hand it to him with these words, 'This is city property, don't let anything happen to it!'

Holding the alien gun up again, 'So does anyone know what this is?'

Crusaders # 10 - "One of our Aliens is Missing"

To Lord Liberty -

"What I believe Firestar was saying is that she thought there was a person inside your armor, and R.A.L.F's too. Apparently she possesses skills in the electronics field and merely wished to take a look at such an advanced piece of hardware, such as yourself.

"It is wrong to kill, Lord Liberty. But, unfortunately, many people don't really care about what is right and wrong. If they did, there would be no need for heroes like us."

"Hold up on the walkie-talkie, Imperial. According to my scanners, I believe that Officer Terry is the one we seek. What is this you say about alien weaponry? Let's go inside where we can take a look a them."

"All of you, Lion, Firestar and R.A.L.F. are welcomed to the Crusaders!"

Imperial - "Alright! Now we're gettin' a serious fightin' force!"

"I also extend this invitation to Officer Terry. You have been a great asset to us twice now. Although, I would suggest that if you're going to a hero, you should dress the part. If not for yourself, then to protect your loved ones."

(For a description of the Crusaders Mansion, refer to Crusaders #8.)

Shortly in one of the remaining labs...

"Hmmm.... As you suspected these weapons are of alien manufacture. There is no way to open them up... How Strange. Perhaps it would help if you could explain how you came into possession of these weapons, Officer?"

SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 04/01/89 S#: 407455

"Oh. Thank you for the information Lightwarp. I therefore will stop anyone I see killing anyone else. Firestar if you wish to see my inner circuits I would gladly show them to you. If you wish, you may help me with my systems check when we get to the lab. I seem to have a minor short in my left arm due to that last punch. Your assistance in this manner is most appreciated. R.A.L.F. perhaps you would like to come too. You seem to be different in construction than myself. Inquiry for what purpose were you constructed?"

SUBJ: Firestar FROM: Schar 04/01/89 S#: 844435

"It would be a pleasure to assist in your repairs, Lord Liberty. Sorry about the misunderstanding. Is R.A.L.F. a robot/android/which ever you call yourselves?"

"Alien weaponry? I don't like the sound of that one! Rather ominous."

SUBJ: ... FROM: GM Toria 04/01/89 S#: 415253

Pointing at the alien weapon, 'I disarmed 3 men, who each had one of those weapons, the men were chasing another man who is being taken to the hospital. Upon disarming them the men split up and ran, I shot and believe I killed one, he seemed to fall apart when I hit him and the other two escaped, I still have there weapons though.'

'I'll look into a costume and get back with you on joining.'

I get my radio back and wait for more on the weapon.

SUBJ: Lightwarp... FROM: Mad DM1 04/01/89 S#: 415655

"The alien fell apart!?! That is indeed very strange. Unfortunately, there is no a whole more that I can tell you about these weapons. They are of an advanced technology. My instruments are useless in trying to find out what makes these things tick. If the other two aliens escaped, that leaves us with no clues to who they are or what their motive is..."

"Perhaps the man they were chasing might provide a few clues. Do you know anything about him?"

Spectrum's Comments: Muskateer did his first Q fade out around this time, so I took over the game while running 2 characters. Yes, I am a glutton for work! I was familiar with where this scenario was going, so it was not a problem. There was some E-mail stuff with Officer Terry that led up to this, but no copies appear to have been made of it.

SUBJ: R.A.L.F. FROM: Xiphias 04/02/89 S#: 412792

I-am-A-robotic-Artificial-life-Form-Firestar. to LL "PURPOSE: TOTAL ELIMINATION OF THE ENTITY KNOWN AS MECHANON" then starts and says, What-did-I-say? I-would-Be-glad-To-assist-You-Firestar-And-Lord-liberty. I-am-Capable-of-Repairing-things.

SUBJ: GM Update:

While Firestar and R.A.L.F. assist with Lord Libertiy's repairs, Officer Terry's radio comes alive with a string of reports.

Several squad cars have been called to the M.E.T.E. building. What follows are several frantic reports by various officers. There are screams and talk of a 'monster'. The situation is clearly beyond the power of the police. M.E.T.E. stands for the Metropolitan Extra-Terrestrial Enclave.

Lightwarp - "Sounds like they could use some help. Assemble the team! We have a job to do!"

Imperial - "Time ta kick some alien butt! Ya-hoo!"

While the rest of the Crusaders make ready, Lightwarp speaks to Officer Terry.

Lightwarp - "Sorry, Officer Terry, but duty calls. You may accompany us if you wish. I'm afraid that the alien weapons will have to wait. This 'monster' takes precedence."

A short time later, the team arrives at the M.E.T.E. labs. There, the police valiantly, but to no avail, try to contain a hideous creature. The creature is octopus-like in shape. It has sixteen tentacles, each 60 feet long. Eight eyes adorn the creatures' head, permitting it to see in every direction. The creature flings the police cruisers about as if they were toys!

As you prepare for your actions, you notice another costumed person on the scene. It is a powerfully built man in a black costume with a red 'P' on his chest.

Spectrum's Comments: The whole alien weapons sub-plot was totally forgotten and never followed up. Later on I used the same scenario in Young Champions. However, the three weapons were not forgotten and resurface much later in the game. The guy in black with the P on his chest is Plasma Paladin, a new player.

SUBJ: GOLDEN LION FROM: N4SIR 04/04/89 S#: 423161

"Alright Crusaders what's the plan?" GL says. "Who's the super across the way does anyone Recognize him?" Lion will then move as not to provide a mass target for any one drawing a bead on the group, but will stay away from the monster and the unknown super.

::Hunting Mode::

SUBJ: Firestar

I've never seen him before. I wonder who he is?

"I have an idea, Lightwarp. If this creature is truly like the octopus and amphibious, then perhaps my flame could hold it off? Perhaps driving it into an area here it could be contained. What do you think?

SUBJ: Imperial FROM: Imperial1 04/08/89 S#: 491168

"Plans? Who needs plans! With the power we've got assembled, here we should just go ahead and trash this thing!"

I'll fly forward and weaken it with EB's first. Then I'll switch to full strength and punch this thing back into the slime hole it crawled out of!

Spectrum's Comments: Subtly is not one of Imperial's virtues.

SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 04/08/89 S#: 421456

"That sounds like a logical plan to me Firestar. I will find or construct a containment facility big enough. R.A.L.F. entity. Please assist me for maximum efficiently. Lightwarp I will call when we are ready. " Lord Liberty will then run off and use his sensors to find the room with the strongest walls or one that could be reinforced.

SUBJ: R.A.L.F. (R) FROM: Xiphias 04/09/89 S#: 834657

"I-am-Sorry-lord-Liberty-but-I-can-Only -repair-Things-i-Am-not-Programmed-for- Construction."

"Firestar-i-Project-beams-Of-heat-May-i-Assist-you?"

SUBJ: The Plasma Paladin FROM: Nainitsuj 04/09/89 S#: 838444

"Awright slimeball, git back into your cage! I don't wanna git rough with you."

A bolt of plasma shoots from his hands.

"You can't take me on beastie! No matter how tough you are, I'm tougher."

"Sheesh! How many heroes are there in this burg? I suppose you're the new Crusaders. Think I could join after I finish with this creep. I hope you're the Crusaders, or I'll have to take you on too."

Spectrum's Comments: Apparently the same goes for Plasma Paladin as well. BTW: his username was Justinian spelled backwards. Surprised the heck out of him when we pointed that out.

SUBJ: GM Update:

Before Lightwarp can decide upon a plan to deal with the creature, Imperial streaks forward, firing blasts of energy. The attack, while it doesn't appear to hurt the creature, drives it back.

Lightwarp - "Wait! We don't know what we are dealing with here!"

Plasma Paladin also fires at the creature. His attack is even more impressive. The creature is hurtled back a full fifty feet!

Plasma Paladin - "Suck plasma, beastie!"

Unnoticed in the background, Officer Terry's cruiser pulls up. She concentrates on the creature.

Hurt, the alien creature lashes out with powerful results. A tentacle slaps Imperial from the sky like one would hit a tennis ball. He is hurtled into a nearby building.

With incredible speed, a second tentacle lashes out at Plasma Paladin. He too is hurtled across the night sky, but is still conscious.

Golden Lion - "What shall we do--!"

Just at that moment, a third tentacle whips around the large man! Hard, cartilage like protrusions along the tentacle rakes his skin. Lion is lifted off of the ground by the creature and is being pulled towards the creature.

Lightwarp - "Forget about an containment area for the moment, Lord Liberty! We've been forced to fight this thing directly. I'll rescue Lion, the rest of you distract the creature!"

Lord Liberty moves forward, studying the creature.

Firestar - "Come on, R.A.L.F.! Let's turn up the heat for this thing!"

R.A.L.F. - "It-will-be-a-pleasure-to- assist-you-Firstar."

Officer Terry steps out of her car and slowly walks forward. She concentrates and lashes out at the creatures mind. What she finds somewhat surprises her.

Lightwarp Flies forward to assist Golden Lion. But as he approaches, yet another tentacle appears and bats him away. Lightwarp is hurtled away from the battle and over the distant rooftops.

Firestar and R.A.L.F. fire at the creature. It is wearing down. A tentacle flies through the air and crashes into Firestar. The young heroine is unconscious before she hits the ground.

While Lion struggles to free himself, Lord Liberty appears and strikes the tentacle itself. Lion is released.

In pain, the creature whirls and flees. Plasma Paladin hits it once more, but the creatures' incredible speed allows it to get away.

A moment later, Imperial re-appears.

Imperial - "Hey, where'd it go?"

Lord Liberty - "It has fled, Imperial. Several of our teammates are injured. Will you please assist?"

Imperial - "Yeah, sure... I'll help Firestar!"

After a few moments, the Crusaders are all recovered and back together. With on notable exception; Lightwarp. No trace of him was found.

Imperial - "Just great! Our fearless leader is AWOL and this thing is still loose!"

Officer Terry walks over to the team.

Terry - "I can't tell you what that thing is, but I can tell you that it is lost, afraid and very hungry."

Firestar - "And packs a mean wallop!"

Terry - "Whatever it is, it has the mind of child. We must not harm it."

SUBJ: Imperial FROM: Imperial1 04/13/89 S#: 827338

"All right, I'm in charge here! With my main man Lightwarp missin', I'm takin' over. I say that we go after that tentacled turkey and blast it out of existence! We had it on the ropes and let it get away! Follow me! There's superheroin' to be done."

I'll fly after the monstrosity. This time, I'll stay at range and blast away. Everyone should separate and surround the thing so that it can't get away this time!

Spectrum's Comments: Now honestly, did Impy's action surprise anyone?

SUBJ: Firestar

"Whoa there, guy! Didn't you hear what the police officer said? It's a baby-thingy! We can't just go and kill the thing! It's just misunderstood. It's lost and alone in a strange place."

"You seem to possess powerful sensors, Lord Liberty. Can you locate Lightwarp or the creature? We do need to subdue this creature, quickly. It does not realize the damage it is doing."

Spectrum's Comments: At least Firestar was the voice of reason here...

SUBJ: GOLDEN LION FROM: N4SIR 04/14/89 S#: 396478

"Imperial that thing is confused. Didn't you hear any thing that was just said, lets contain it until we find some one who can communicate with it"

GL will then go to Miss Terry

"Officer is there anyone M.E.T.E. here that can tell us what it is that we are dealing with, we need information now. Hurry please."

SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 04/14/89 S#: 437756

"Inquiry friends. Miss Terry stated that it was hungry. And yet it batted away everyone except you Golden Lion. It is logical to assume therefore that to this creature you represent food. Would it not be wise to find this creature where there are others like you? As for 'blasting it out of existence' Imperial, I find this completely unnecessary. Why would you wish to harm a creature that you have yet to determine if it means you any harm? That would be most improper."

SUBJ: R.A.L.F. (R) FROM: Xiphias 04/16/89 S#: 817687

We-must-Not-hurt-The-child-We-must-Protect-it-If-you-Try-to-Harm-it-Imperial-i-Will-be-Forced-to-Restrain-you.

R.A.L.F. the looks at Officer Terry and awaits instructions as she is obviously the only suitable replacement team leader.

SUBJ: Plasma Paladin FROM: Nainitsuj 04/16/89 S#: 453074

"OK guys, what now. I don't like fighting kids of any sort, and I don't take orders from loudmouth ignorant scum! Or scuz. If we find it, I'll distract it and let it chew on me for a while, it can't kill me much!

Spectrum's Comments: Imperial just has this way of making friends and influencing people...

SUBJ: Imperial FROM: Imperial1 04/16/89 S#: 89299

"Look, perhaps I did over react. I for one don't like bein' a ping-pong ball to some refuge from 20,000 leagues! But let's face some facts boys and girls. This thing might be a baby, but you guys are actin' like it's made of glass. In case you weren't payin' attention, that thing took on the entire team and trashed half of us! We hit it with enough force to level a skyscraper and did even stun the thing! I have never been hit so hard in my life as when the thing hit me. I doubt that we're going to be able to contain the thing, provided that we're able to stun the thing or prod it on. All I'm saying is that in trying to stop this thing might take lethal force. Seeing what that thing withstood, we might not be powerful enough to stop it!

Well? Do any of you have a better idea?

SUBJ: Officer Terry FROM: Miss Terry 04/18/89 S#: 400833

Terry walks out following mental trail of the monster, keeping a hand on her holster she continues on. She turns to Imperial and answers his question, "Yes, I have a idea on containing this thing until we can get someone who knows what this is!"

Terry uses her mind to communicate feelings of security to the animal when she locates her and will try to convince it that we're its friends.