Spectrum's Comments: This was the first full post for the combined games. The members of the Crusaders had been joined by the former members of Equinox.
Crusaders #28 - "Loose Ends"
While getting to know each other better, the man known as Monarch mentions something about a series of mutilations that he was investigating. At the urging of Firestar, he tells the full story...
It all began at the aftermath with the battle with the Minutemen robots. Monarch and the Sorceress found themselves down in the sewers where they found a man on the verge of death. He was hideously deformed. Bits of metal and machinery covered his body. The man died in moments, but with his last breath begged for help.
Monarch took the man to the Coroner's Office. There he met a Dr. Winston who should Monarch a room full of corpses just like the man in the sewer.
Monarch questioned the Doctor further. It was Dr. Winston's belief that the bits of metal and machinery were GROWN on to the people, not surgically implanted. It was as if someone was trying to turn people into machines.
After completing his questioning of Dr. Winston, Monarch went to police headquarters to discuss the matter with the officers in charge of the case. Detectives Norm Johnson and Jackie Carter.
Monarch was shown the evidence accumulated. By using triangulation, the approximate center of where the bodies had been located was found. The intersection of Washington and Murray streets was the center point. That location was east of Battery Park and about a mile south of where Monarch found the man in the sewers.
Having told his story, many of the heroes assembled here can recall hearing stories about these mysterious killings. Some of you have even found other bodies.
As for Strongbow's request, Felicity will tell him that the Crusaders Mansion sits on a sizeable piece of property. The backyard itself could be considered a small park. However, if that is not sufficient, Sound View Park would be the closest natural park.
For those of you who wish to stay on base, Felicity will show you to quarters where you can stay. Each quarters is basically a four-room apartment.
Now what?
SUBJ: MONARCH FROM: N4SIR 09/05/89 S#: 73553
My choice has already been chosen, wise one. I must assist in solving the hideous crimes perpetrated upon those less fortunate. Good Afternoon.
To my fellow players "If any would care to join me. Your help will be deeply appreciated. But we must hurry no telling how many lives hang in the balance."
SUBJ: Firestar
'I agree with Monarch. We must look into these atrocities. However, we must have a plan before simply rushing out. Since we have such a large number of heroes present, perhaps some of us could go undercover, disguised as potential victims while the rest of us patrol the area. What do the rest of you think?
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 09/07/89 S#: 414847
"Good idea Firestar. I'm familiar with undercover work, and can probably make a more convincing wino than Monarch. I'll check in with the Department; we wouldn't want to interfere in any undercover work they may be doing themselves."
"Looks like our dinner plans will have to be put on hold, Chris, but don't think I'm letting you get away that easy. I'm holding you to that dinner."
After waiting around to hear whatever plan is developed, I'll report in at my precinct and gather whatever new info is available on these killings, along with the status of the investigation. While I'm at it, I'll check out whatever information the police have on the events leading up to and immediately following Lightwarp's disappearance.
SUBJ: Strikeout FROM: Kityana 09/08/89 S#: 804589
Umm this may not be all that important...but what kind of metal is it?
SUBJ: STRONGBOW FROM: AREION 09/10/89 S#: 69052
"Aaaarrrrggghhhh...Where will these desecrations of the natural order cease! I have been in the white-man's world scant days and have seen in that time more wrong than I knew existed!"
"As if his factories and habitats of asphalt and cement were not travesty enough on the glorious beauty of nature NOW he seeks to extract HIMSELF from it completely!! When you have need of me just call my name...I will be on the grounds."
Strongbow leaves the atmosphere of the house in favor of the vast beauty of what passes as the bases back yard, wondering how he will ever survive in this backward world that once belonged to his people.
Spectrum's Comments: Gee, Areion... A little melodramatic there? ;D
SUBJ: Jade Panther FROM: Panther13 09/10/89 S#: 839890
"Again, I only got mixed up in this mess due to by involvement in the case against my...friend T.J. Lawrence, whom some of you know as Gadgeteer. I feel my immediate course lies in that investigation. Therefore, I must take my leave. It has certainly been interesting...."
With that, the man in green and white turns and silently heads for the exit.
Spectrum's Comments: And that was pretty much it for all of Muskateer's Champs characters. (Jack O'Lantern, Starshine, Jade Panther.) He did try to run Tigress a few times in Crusaders, but those attempts were short lived. Basically, he didn't have any further involvement in the Champs games on Q.
Crusaders #29 - "Undercover"
Having decided to investigate the mysterious killings, the Crusaders plan their course of action. At Firestar's suggestion, several of the team members will go undercover while the rest patrol the area where the bodies have been found.
Ranger checks with the police to see if any new information has surfaced. Nothing new has been learned in this case or dealing with the disappearance of Lightwarp.
Later that night, Ranger is disguised as a bum. He wanders the streets waiting for something to happen. Nightengale keeps a close telepathic watch on him.
Four nights pass without incident.
On the fifth night, something does happen. A figure in a hat and trench coat passes close to the disguised Ranger. He sticks his hand into Ranger's face and gas comes out. Ranger is surprised for a moment, but plays along. (The gas had no effect on him.)
The figure picks him up and carries him off.
Imperial - "Let's nail that sucker!"
Firestar - "Wait. Ranger is in no danger yet. Let's follow them. Perhaps we can locate where their lair is?"
Nightengale - "Very well. But the moment Ranger is in danger, I shall act accordingly."
Lord Liberty - "I have Ranger and the stranger on my scanners. Tracking."
The stranger carries Ranger into a run down building. They go into the basement, pass through a secret door and disappear.
Moments later, the Crusaders arrive in the basement.
Lord Liberty - "They are behind this section of wall. My scanners indicate that there is a large area on the other side."
Sorceress - "This appears to be the place. How do we get in?"
Monarch - "I minor concern, my dear."
Monarch walks up to the hidden entrance and 'knocks'. A large section of the wall is blasted open.
Beyond is a large laboratory. Most of you stand in horror as you look into the room. Many 'experiments' are in progress. Moaning fills the room. From across the room, a seven-foot tall metallic form turns. It is metallic silver in color, lined with gold cords.
'What is the meaning of this outrage?! Who dares to enter the lair of Mechanon?!'
Spectrum's Comments: Yep, Mechanon was behind the 'people with machinery in them' plot line!
SUBJ: STRONGBOW FROM: AREION 09/16/89 S#: 845940
The Indian brave called Strongbow stands gaping in horror at the room's contents. The sight of innocent people in such suffering, mechanical augmentations protruding from their bodies nearly causes his insides to spill their contents onto the cold cement floor. Only one though batters its way through his revulsion;
"...this is what hell must be like..."
His lip furrows in rage, making his voice sound cold and savage, almost inhuman.
"YYOOUU!...Silver DEVIL!! I'll see you back to the fiery depths that spawn you if I must spill every last drop of my warriors blood!"
"EEEEEEYYYYYYYIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!!!"
Strongbow charges, a fierce war cry on his lips. The tomahawk he holds high over his head bursts into argent green flames that sear the air soundlessly as it pulses in harmony with the gem on his brow.
When he's bridged the distance, Strongbow brings his weapon crashing down into the robot's metallic hide. Shards of green and silver erupt in all directions in the detonation upon impact. (Provided I hit ;> )
If Strongbow is hit, he'll spring back to his feet and charge to strike again (or for the first time if he' s failed to hit ;> )
"By the spirits!!...You will DIE for your crimes even if I must die with you!!"
If he takes more than 2 body, shift levels to DVC and only make half moves Strongbow will be ready to dodge at all times, even if it means aborting his next phase. he will, however, sacrifice a hit to get in a good shot himself (will shift levels back to OCV to do this, if Strongbow has gone Enraged, ignore this paragraph all together.)
This looks to be a looong battle guys!
BTW: Allow me to step out of character for a moment just to say:
"SOMBODY...HHEEEEELLP!! STRONGBOW'S GONE NUTS AND...I DON'T WANNA DIE!!!"
Spectrum's Comments: Did I mention melodramatic before?
SUBJ: Firestar
After recovering from the shock of uncovering such a chamber of horrors and the sight of its master, Firestar will begin to shout orders.
'Spread out everyone! We have superior numbers, let us put them to use. Also, someone see to the victims here in the lab. We might be able to save some of them.'
She will call out to Lord Liberty.
'You were with the Crusaders when you first encountered Mechanon. Is there any type of weakness that we can exploit?
Regardless of the answer, Firestar will throw fire at the villain. You're right, 'Bow... This is gonna be a long fight!
SUBJ: Monarch FROM: N4SIR 09/17/89 S#: 794129
After seeing the room Monarch launches himself at the Mechanon gaining as much velocity as he can and has he nears will increase his density adding to the impact he will also use his skills in flight to hit in the advent that the robot attempts to move.
"Monster, I will be your down fall. Your last thoughts will be of the humanity that destroyed you. Sorceress, protect yourself and the others in this room. I have sworn upon the life of that beggar his killer will pay by my hands."
After the move thru (attempt) Monarch will stand still Density on and will begin to throttle this metallic creature "You are a blight of these beings technology creature one I will take great pleasure in terminating."
If the fight has progressed beyond this move Monarch. Will begin to use his EB coupled with his strength. "Sorceress, We need to begin to evacuate this laboratory. Enlist the others to assist you. We need more room for this struggle."
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 09/17/89 S#: 840532
I'll continue to play possum, until the other Crusaders arrive, although the suffering of these victims is almost more than I can bear.
When my compatriots burst in, I'll use the distraction provided by Strongbow's charge to launch a surprise attack on Mechanon. I'm giving this shot everything I've got; I don't expect to get a second chance.
"DIE YOU INHUMAN MONSTROSITY!"
After my initial assault, I'll assume a defensive posture, attacking when Mechanon's attention is focused elsewhere, or when one of our team is endangered. In the latter case, I'll attempt to distract Mechie long enough to remove the immediate threat.
SUBJ: Strikeout FROM: Kityana 09/28/89 S#: 452009
::looks around disgusted at the sight of the lab.. Noticing Mechie Strike is quite impressed::
Whoa...::gathering nerves up Strike thinks on what do..biting her bottom lip she takes out a ball:: Gosh i hope this helps a little..
::Strike raises her bat taking aim on Mechie and swings::
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 09/30/89 S#: 126728
"On our first meeting, it was only when we joined and combined our might that we really hurt him, although it looked like a few times that he was under assault from some unknown assailant. Upon further analysis I believe that the unknown one was Officer Terry who had some sort of effect on him, but that is only a theory."
After he tells Firestar this, Lord Liberty turns to face his one time master, "So Mechanon again we meet. And I see that you still have a callous regard for human life. I regret to inform you that I must stop you in your experiments. They are most cruel and seem to cause the humans great amounts of pain."
Lord Liberty will then pick up the nearest heavy object he can and hurl it at Mechanon (taking note that it does not hit his teammates or the victims). He will then start to close in on Mechanon, all the time scanning his armor for any sign of an opening. Either way, when he is in range Lord Liberty will deliver a flying drop kick on the bucket of bolts.
Crusaders #30 - "Rematch"
In an underground laboratory, the Crusaders have found the mastermind in the mutilations case.... Mechanon!
Mechanon - "What is the meaning of this outrage?! Who dares to enter the lair of Mechanon?!"
Strongbow becomes enraged; his voice is cold and savage as he screams.
Strongbow - "You silver devil!! I'll see you returned to the fiery depths that spawn you! Even if I must spill every last drop of my warriors blood!"
Strongbow charges; a fierce war cry on his lips. His tomahawk bursts into green flames, matching the color of the gem on his forehead.
As 'Bow charges, Imperial and Starshine take to the air and circle around the sides.
Strongbow reaches the master villain first. His tomahawk embeds into Mechanon's metallic skin. Mechanon stands stock after the attack, unharmed. Imperial and Starshine also fire at the mechanoid, but both miss.
Mechanon - "Pitiful organics. Die."
A blast of energy strikes Strongbow in the chest, knocking him back. Upon contact, the energy explodes outwards. It's energy drives Starshine to the floor and Imperial crashes into a lab table.
On the outer edge of the explosion, the energy washes over Nightengale and Monarch. Both show no effects from the attack.
Nightengale returns with an attack of her own, mildly affecting the villain. Monarch flies forward, gaining density as he goes.
Monarch - "Monster! I will be your downfall. Your last thoughts will be of the humanity that destroyed you. I have sworn upon the life of that beggar his killer will pay by my hands."
Mechanon - "Is there no end to this foolishness?"
Mechanon doesn't even try to avoid the collision. The two titans collide in a resounding crash. Both go sprawling across the lab, uprooting tables and machinery as they pass. Fortunately no one is in that corner of he lab.
Ranger attempts his surprise attack, but misses when his target is abruptly moved.
Mechanon is the first to rise from the collision. The remaining Crusaders close in. Lord Liberty closely examines his creator's armor, spotting a small glitch in its mesh.
Strikeout tosses a baseball into the air and then smashes it with her metal bat. The ball rockets forward and deflects off Mechanon's face.
Mechanon - "Enough of this child's play!"
At his command, several sections of the wall slide open to reveal four robots.
Mechanon - "Kilbots, enter capture mode! My Technological Disease seems to be ineffective on humans. Perhaps it will work better on meta-humans!"
Meanwhile, an unknown figure appears at the entranceway.
'This appears to be the place...'
Gm Notes:
Talk about going from bad to worse!
Well, looks like we've finally started to resolve the longest sub-plot in the campaign. I made this scenario back in the beginning of the game and figure prominently early.
Although only Lord Liberty was around back then, the Crusaders fought Mechanon in posts 5-7, when the team was formed.
Hero Status:
| Name | Stun | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Strongbow | 6 of 29* | 2 of 10 |
| Monarch | 38 of 50 | 12 of 12 |
| Starshine | -- Unconscious -- | |
| Imperial | 43 of 48 | 12 of 12 |
*Stunned
No one else has taken damage.
And, finally, say hello to the new PC
SUBJ: STRONGBOW (R) FROM: AREION 10/01/89 S#: 444111
The Indian brave STRONGBOW writhes on the ground in agony, for long moments totally unaware of his surroundings, until his fury batters its way through his pain.
He pushes violently to his knees, the flow of blood streaming from his mouth, fed by the blood filling his punctured lungs. The flesh of his chest as turned an ashen gray, darkening around the sickening indentation of where his chest was crushed!
Deep inside, he knows he's hurt badly, maybe dying. But even his own immanent death can't stay the fury in his heart. This is how a warrior should die...in battle, and if this is his time... so be it!
Lurching to his feet, the young warrior is oblivious to all but MECHANON. His rage only capable of one focus at a time. The pain & convulsing in his chest all but forgotten, Strongbow hurls furious words at the robot like hot acid. His voice is barely understandable through his wheezing.
"...You... hate all organics... consider all of nature with.. *cough* malice? Do you construct?!?... well, by the hands of organics were you created and by... the hands...of organics... will you be DESTROYED!! *cough*...If I fail, then these others... will stand without me... and if they fall others will arise, and if THEY fail...others still!...You will NEVER be free!! *cough cough* You will never succeed in destroying the natural order... the organics you hate will always endure to plague you!!"
Again the Tomahawk is set ablaze with a green glowing fury, this time to be hurled at MECHANON with all the Strength Strongbow can muster (slot #1 of MP, area effect bridges the distance between myself & MECHANON) If I can't get a clear shot (other heroes in the way) then EGO roll to refrain. If successful charge & use slot 3 again.
Looks like this one just might be to the DEATH!!!
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER - Malik FROM: NightStlkr 10/01/89 S#: 823976
In the doorway, you can see the form of a well-developed male. He has long, wavy brown hair and jet-black flesh that gives off somewhat of a luster. He is dressed in blue and black, and his eyes and nose are covered by a thin membrane that almost resembles a mask. In an eerie hollow voice the form speaks:
"There's no need to fear: NIGHTSTALKER is here!"
Turning his attention totally toward MECHANON, a slight grin appears on his face.
"All right MECHANON. I've been waiting for a chance to sink my claws into that ugly puss of yours! You've been causing all kinds of despair to these poor souls, and now you're gonna pay...IN SPADES!!!"
::thinking to himself::
Time to power up, Malik. I don't think it would look very impressive with a seven-foot tin-man stomping on your face.
(Shifting pool to ENERGY STIMULI & ENERGY CLAWS)
NIGHTSTALKER's fists start to glow an eerie blue iridescence, and claws of pulsating energy appear between each knuckle. He then flies toward MECHANON and slashes at him.
"Have a taste of the POWER PRIMAL, MECHANON!!!"
(All levels to OCV and full STR behind claws)
Spectrum's Comments: And here's the debut of Nightstalker, one of the heroes I used in Avengers #36. He's around all the way until the end of the campaign. He also marries the Sorceress/Enchantress and ends up as leader of the LA Knights.
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 10/02/89 S#: 68562
- So much for the element of surprise. This battle is only seconds old, and already three of our numbers are down. Time to even the score. Too many lives depend on us. -
Spotting Mechanon, I perform a flip over to his corner and perform a martial throw on him, preferably into the wall.
"If we're so pitiful, metal one, why is it you always fail?"
I'll continue on the move, coming to the aid of any of my teammates who become hard pressed.
SUBJ: Firestar
Seeing so many of her teammates collapsing on Mechanon, Firestar will turn her attention to the incoming robots.
'Come on in, boys! Let's see if you can stand the heat!'
'Star concentrates and blasts the trio, providing they are close enough together, with a Nova Blast.
'Oh my god... I just realized what's going on here... This isn't some kind of experiment... Mechanon is attempting to develop a process to turn organic beings into machines. With himself as the Prime Machine!'
Horrified by her discovery, Firestar streaks towards Mechanon.
'We'll stop you somehow! By all that I hold dear, I swear that we will stop you!!'
Blasts of fire come from her hands and, hopefully, overcome Mechy.
Spectrum's Comments: Firestar was kind enough to explain the plot just in case someone didn't get it.
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 10/03/89 S#: 456296
"Warning, Firestar the tactics that the group is now demonstrating are similar to those first tried by the Crusaders in their first encounter with Mechanon. It is my belief that they will meet with the same result. The group must fight together and find ways to combine their power if they are to defeat him." Upon seeing the Attack bots entrance Lord Liberty will approach them, "Hello, my name is Lord Liberty. I would be very grateful if you would help us to stop the entity known as Mechanon. His logic circuits are in serious need of repair."
If Lord Liberty gets the response I believe he will get his tactics will change. "Your programming must have been altered by Mechanon. I know as he tried to do this to me as well. I regret that I will now have to deactivate you, but if it is possible I will find a way to reverse his programming and restore you to animation." With that Lord Liberty will try to Martial Throw one robot into the other.
SUBJ: MONARCH (R) FROM: N4SIR 10/07/89 S#: 446121
Standing Monarch reevaluates the situation. "It would appear I have misjudged the capabilities of this mechanic malcontent. EVERYONE, WHILE I ENGAGE HIM IN COMBAT STRIKE HIM AT ONE TIME. DO NOT CONCERN YOURSELVES WITH MY WELFARE WE MUST BRING HIM DOWN QUICKLY."
Monarch will then find something to wrap around Mechanon such as an electrical cable or metal beam that he can wrap him in.
SUBJ: Strongbow FROM: AREION 10/07/89 S#: 825241
If Strongbow is rational enough to comprehend or care (Ego roll??) he will do as MONARCH asks and hold his attack to coordinate with the others.
If not...just ship my body back to the Navaho Indian Reservation!
TENINTIVE POST BATTLE NOTE: If by some miracle, Strongbow survives this battle and is still conscious (or regains consciousness shortly after) and after he stops wailing on the fallen robot (IE. Recovers from Enraged ;> ) he will use his Power Heal ritual to try to help Mechanon's victims, Starting with the women & Children...If he still has charges left he will help his teammates, again starting with the women.
The first male member of the team he will help, charges permitting, is MONARCH whose bravery has earned the warrior's deepest respect. If, after all this, STRONGBOW has a charge remaining, then & only then will he turn his healing powers to himself.
Crusaders #31 - "...And One Shall Fall"
Within the lair of Mechanon, the Crusaders find that they have more than the arch-villain to worry about...
Mechanon - "Kilbots, enter capture mode! My Technological Disease seems to be ineffective on humans. Perhaps it will work better on meta-humans!"
Through hidden doors, four killer robots emerge and attack!
They refuse to listen to Lord Liberty. Seeing that he cannot convince them to be peaceful, he picks the nearest one up and tosses it at the rest. All four go crashing to the floor.
Firestar - "Well done, Lord Liberty!"
Firestar flies over and hits the robots with a Nova Blast. When the flame clears, the robots have been rendered inert.
At the entrance to the lair, a man enters.
'There's no need to fear: Nightstalker is here!'
However, most of the Crusaders are concentrating on the battle. Nightengale lifts one of the lab tables, with a victim of the Technological disease still strapped to it, and hurtles it at Mechanon. It hits the Prime Machine with a resound crash. Ranger leaps into action before Mechanon can right himself. He tosses the robot into and through the back wall of the lair.
Monarch rips out a support girder and flies towards Mechy.
Before he can arrive, Mechanon is once more on his feet.
Mechanon - "My Kilbots destroyed! You shall pay dearly for that human!"
A beam of energy lashes out and catches Firestar full in the torso. She screams and falls to the floor. Once more the energy of the attack radiates out. Nightengale, Lord Liberty and Strongbow immediately drop.
Elsewhere, Nightstalker has reached Mechanon. His energy claws rip into the villain and he falls.
Everything is sudden quiet after Mechanon falls. Monarch, Strikeout, Ranger, Sorceress and Imperial all stare at the fallen robot.
Gm Notes:
Is the battle over? Stay tuned!
Group Status:
| Name | Stun | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Firestar | -45 of 39 | 1 of 13 |
| Imperial | 43 of 48 | 12 of 12 |
| Lord Liberty | -21 of 30 | 7 of 13 |
| Monarch | 38 of 50 | 12 of 12 |
| Nightengale | -2 of 38 | 15 of 15 |
| Ranger | 35 of 35 | 10 of 10 |
| Sorceress | 35 of 35 | 12 of 12 |
| Starshine | -20 of 40 | 9 of 9 |
| Strikeout | 24 of 49 | 10 of 10 |
| Strongbow | -21 of 29 | 2 of 10 |
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 10/08/89 S#: 127657
"I don't know who you are stranger, but you certainly arrived at the right time."
Scanning the area, I notice my fallen comrades. When my eyes fall upon Nightengale, I leap across the intervening space and come to her side. Noting that she is only stunned, I make her as comfortable as possible, and move on to see what aid I can give to my other teammates and to Mechanon's victims.
"Someone dismember that thing, I won't trust that monster until it's a pile of scrap."
Looking about, I note the wreckage of the table Nightengale tossed at Mechanon, and at what's left of the victim who was strapped to it.
- Chris, how could you do such a thing? -
Spectrum's Comments: Perhaps Nightingale isn't quite herself these days...
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER (Malik) FROM: NightStlkr 10/11/89 S#: 832277
Seeing the defeated MECHANON sprawled out at his feet, NIGHTSTALKER lets loose an eerie wail, followed by a very satisfied grin. He then SPITS on MECHANON. ]:>
::Deactivates his claws. Says to RANGER::
"Glad I could help. I don't think our friend Mechy will be getting up for a while...but just in case..."
NIGHTSTALKER uses his Atomic Reconstruction to fuse all of MECHANON's moving parts together.
"...There. That'll hold him. Now all that's left is to pick up the pieces; boy, this place is a mess!" :>
NIGHTSTALKER will do his part in freeing MECHANON's victims and tending to the wounded.
Spectrum's Comments: Yes, this was a very small post. More next time out!