Spectrum's Comments: With the conlcusion of Target: Hero, the game took what became standard proceedure. After a long scenario I usually followed things up with smaller, more personal events. Typically, just asked the PC's what they wanted to do and went from there. Oh, and for the curious, Wally World was an amusement park that turned up in the Old Stuff.
Crusaders - #55 - "Epilogue"
The DEMON plot has been foiled and the Sorceress rescued. Under the might of the combined powers of Firestar, Dragonman and Strongbow the Island Base is destroyed.
With that task done and the remaining Demon Agents secured, the team boards the C-Jet and flies home.
Several days pass without incident. The Tigress decides that being part of a team isn't her style. So she cuts out on her own.
Ernie is excited to see Lord Liberty again. He's even more excited about the complimentary passes to the grand opening of Wally World, an amusement park. He has three free passes to the park.
The day after returning from the Island Base, Strongbow begins his hunt for Viper activates. After several uneventful days, he does gleam one piece of information. There is some type of meeting to take place tomorrow night at Shea Stadium at midnight. He cannot learn any other details.
GM Notes:
Short post this week, but I will update as necessary depending on character actions. Basically, the ball is in your court for now. You just going to hang around the mansion, go out on patrol or whatever else you can thing of?
Time to give out XP's once more. So, without any further waiting this list is all the unspent XP's available to characters. Some points have already been spent or owed. They have already been deducted.
Dragonman 5
Firestar Spent
Lord Liberty 6
Nightstalker 11
Ranger Spent
Sorceress 2
Strongbow 9
T-Storm 5
You may spend your points now, save up for some power or effect in mind, or you can choose to get a 'Mystery Power'. A mystery power is when I use your XP's and assign a power/talent/ skill to a character, but he doesn't know what it is, until he finds out by trial and error. Mystery Powers will be logical to the character concept, i.e. bricks won't suddenly be able to read minds, etc.
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 03/24/90 S#: 398094
During the last few days, I'll report in to work and try to get a line on any unusual activities that might be taking place around the City. In addition, Nightengale and I will be spending some quiet time together.
Assuming Strongbow lets the rest of us in on what's going down, I'll see if there's any word at Police HQ as to what might be happening. In any event, I'll offer to go with him to Shea.
SUBJ: dragon FROM: Wild dan 03/24/90 S#: 79313
after getting back to the mansion I will cast the spell :read minds: aiming at shea stadium this will be cast at midnight
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 03/25/90 S#: 67271
"Ernie!! Wait till you hear all the things that we have been doing. You won three tickets to go to Wally's World? I did not know that they had the technology to send people to other planets, but it may be dangerous, perhaps we should invite Firestar to come along. It is not another planet, just an amusement park like I saw in that movie with the Griswalds? Oh now I see. This is good. It will be open for us though, right? I will not hold a guard hostage like he did. That is against the law. Yes Ernie, I know. It was only a movie, not real life. I forgot.
If it is okay, I would still like Firestar to come along. She has been working too hard lately, and deserves a nice relaxing day. Is this okay with you?"
If Ernie agrees, Lord Liberty will ask Firestar if she would like to come with them. If so then the three of them will have an enjoyable (once it is explained to Lord Liberty he is supposed to let the rides scare him and not try and save everyone on them who is screaming) time at Wally World.
SUBJ: Sorceress
Once back home, the first thing I'll do is spend several hours repairing the damage done to my poor hair. This whole ordeal has ruined it!
I'll relax around the mansion, recovering from my ordeal. Wearing a sleek, one piece, red swimsuit, I'll lounge around the pool getting my tan back.
Once I feel strong enough, I'll see how my powers are functioning. I'm not sure what that hellish machine has done to them...
Other than that, I'll hang around my new guy :)
SUBJ: Firestar
'Wally World? That would be different... Sure, why not? One question though. How are we going to disguise you Lord Liberty. I mean, at 9' tall, you're bound to stand out. I would rather not go in costume."
Perhaps this will give a chance to unwind after the latest events. Still recovering from past wounds, I plan to keep my activities to a minimum. I had planned to do some tanning, but the sight of the beautiful Sorceress engaged in that activity changes my mind. I cannot compete with her on looks. Instead I'll do some work in the electronics lab. I plan to start working on providing communication devises for all of us. Could prove to be handy.
With no threats in sight, unless Strongbow comes to us for aid, I encourage everyone to relax. Patrol the city if you wish.
'I am sorry to hear that you must go, Tigress. Remember, you'll always have friends here.'
At some point, I'd like to get together with Felicity.
'Has there been any trace of Lightwarp at all? What about Imperial and his gang?'
If there are no other pressing matters, I'll go to Wally World.
GM Notes:
Ranger
At the police station, Ranger in his SI learns that not much going on the supervillain front. However, another situation has been brewing. Apparently, Viper has been fighting amongst themselves. Speculation has it that one Nest Leader is attempting to conquer all the other nests is the part of the world.
Ranger is awakened during the middle of the night. Beside him, Chris aka Nightengale is screaming. Martin calms her down, attempting to learn what is going on.
'I had another nightmare... It was horrible... Why do I keep having them?'
She begins the cry, the strain of these terrible dreams are beginning to take their toll.
Dragonman
At the present, you are unaware of the meeting at Shea Stadium. Is there anything your character wishes to do?
Lord Liberty
Relieved that you will behave yourself, Ernie is delighted to have Firestar go along.
'She's cute, doncha' know! Can I get some cotton candy? Can I, huh?'
Firestar
Felicity will respond to Firestar's questions.
'No, there has been no trace of Lightwarp or any of the other missing heroes. The most recent disappearance was of the Freedom Squad. The entire team has disappeared!'
'There has been much Viper activity of late. However, none of it can be directly attributed to Imperial.'
'I think I may have a solution to the problem of Lord Liberty's appearance. A former Crusader, Ti-Gor by name, had a small device that allowed him to pass as human. It generates a visual illusion around the bearer. I'm sure that with a little work it could be altered for Lord Liberty.'
Sorceress
After several days of loafing, and the acquiring of a decent tan, Felicity approaches you.
'If I may suggest, we should test how your powers are recovering. If you are willing, we could run a session in the War Room'
The War Room is the Crusaders Danger Room.
SUBJ: STRONGBOW FROM: AREION 03/25/90 S#: 15710
After learning all he can on the streets, the warrior brave returns to the Crusaders' back yard and the camp he set up there.
At one point during his preparation, he lets what he's discovered slip out while talking to RANGER. After thinking his offer over for a minute, he agrees that it might be wise to bring a back up, but asks him to keep it between the two of them.
"...This is personal."
"I'll be leaving about 10:30, I'll drop by your room before I go.. remember not a word to anyone."
At precisely 10:30, STRONGBOW will head into the mansion and RANGER's quarters. With or without his teammate, STRONGBOW will head for Shea Stadium. Once there, he'll lurk about the shadows, waiting for the show. (Gem will be activated.)
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER - Malik (R) FROM: NightStlkr 03/25/90 S#: 496771
After the long jet ride back to Crusaders Mansion (and I'm sure Malik and The Sorceress had an 'interesting' ride back, huh??), NIGHTSTALKER changes back to his human form, Andrew Knight and goes to let his mentor Audric know he's back safe and sound. Andrew tells him of his most recent adventure, especially his newfound romance with The Sorceress; Audric's reaction is somewhat skeptical:
Audric: "YOU??? With only ONE girl??? Somehow, I find that hard to believe, Andrew."
Andrew: "Cute, Audric; real cute..."
Audric: "It's just that I never pictured you having a relationship with just one girl; for you, it's always been, 'Different night, Different girl'."
Andrew: "Yeah, well...maybe I'm slowin' down in my old age."
Audric: "You're only 19, Andrew. Besides you are half Phantorian and Phantorians have been known to have extremely long life spans..."
Andrew: "I was only kidding."
Audric: "Oh. Well anyway, I think you are showing a lot more maturity."
Andrew: "...Please don't say that."
Audric: "I think your father would be very proud of you."
Andrew: "Yeah, I guess... ::long solemn pause:: Well, I plan to ask her to
dinner tonight; see a movie, go dancing, stuff like that. And maybe a romantic
Midnight Flight over the city."
Audric: "You really like her, don't you?"
Andrew: "Yeah...yeah I do...funny what we had to be put through before I finally realized it. Well, I gotta' go; oh, and Audric..."
Audric: "I know, I know: 'Don't wait up'."
Andrew gives him a sly wink and leaves the room. Audric is left behind, lost in thought.
(( Yes, your father is indeed proud of you, Malik. Maybe someday, my son, you shall learn just how proud I really am... ))
Poolside:
Andrew appears, wearing boots and faded jeans; his T-shirt off and tucked halfway into his back pocket. In one hand, he carries a bouquet of flowers, and in the other, his electric guitar. It's a black B.C. Rich with a skull-and- crossbones logo on the lower corner. A red bandanna is tied to the top of the guitar neck.
Andrew 'stalks' up behind Sorceress, and gives her a surprise kiss. He presents the flowers to her, and then begins to serenade her (which may not be easy, since Andrew only knows how to play Hard Rock).
SUBJ: dragon FROM: Wild dan 03/25/90 S#: 413650
i will head down to the dander room i took to much libary in the last fight i need to be better
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 03/26/90 S#: 463238
Taking Chris into my arms, I attempt to calm her fears.
"I don't know what could be causing these nightmares, but perhaps a change of scene will help. You haven't met my parents yet. It would give us a chance to get away from the city for a while."
At Strongbow's request, I agree to keep our late night foray a secret. When his tap comes upon my door, I'm ready to roll.
SUBJ: T-Storm (R) FROM: Nain 03/27/90 S#: 106352
Well, I think I'll take the time to relax, let the adrenaline flow back to normal.
I also think we deserve something nice as a reward, so I will use my powers to create several nice days. Wouldn't want anyone's tan to be spoiled!
Besides that I'll loaf and take a few laps around the pool each day.
One thing you notice is that T-Storm never seems to totally relax around you for he never takes off his mask when anyone else is around, even while swimming. He is either paranoidally secret about his ID, or very shy, or both. The only thing you know about his other life is that he visits his family each Saturday by teleporting.
He does cringe at Nightstalker's hard-rock serenade, and literally rains on his parade until he stops or becomes violent, in which case he'll dunk Nightstalker into the pool with a gust of wind and then T-Port away laughing.
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER - Malik FROM: NightStlkr 03/28/90 S#: 103913
Andrew gets up, soaking wet; he doesn't appear to be happy. After using his Atomic Reconstruction to dry himself off (and Sorceress too if T-Storm managed to get her wet as well...), he puts down his guitar and says to his sweetheart:
"Excuse me, honey. T-Storm wants to play..."
Changing to his Phantorian form, he approaches T-Storm and playfully motions him to come a little closer. Once he's within range, he activates his Darkness. Now, in his own element, NIGHTSTALKER grabs T-Storm in a headlock and proceeds to give him a scalp full of nuggies.
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 03/28/90 S#: 510624
"Thank you Felicity, this would be most useful if it can disguise my appearance. I have found that most humans react strangely when I am around, and I do not wish to be the cause of anyone's distress. Firestar can you assist me in trying to modify this device so that it hides my identity?
Ernie, exactly what is this 'cotton candy'? Is it something you wear or is it something you eat?"
SUBJ: Sorceress
The Sorceress finds herself laughing uncontrollably at the antics of Storm and Stalker.
'I didn't know you were a music critic, Storm!' :D
She doesn't even mind the few drops of water that do come her way.
Once Storm has fled the scene, I'll embrace my hero.
'You know, there are other ways to dry off...'
'Felicity has asked me to go through a run in the danger room. Wanna watch?'
As for my own reactions the serenade that would depend on what tune is being played. :) ;) :*
GM Notes:
Ranger, Strongbow and 'Gale
Nightengale - "Perhaps you're right. Some time away may do us both good. Let's do it!"
Later that night, Strongbow taps on the door. He and Ranger quickly make their way to Shea Stadium. I assume that you're driving there.
They arrive at the Stadium about 15 minutes to Midnight. Scouting out the place, you find three groups of what you assume to be viper agents. Each group is a different entrance and has several cars of agents.
About five to midnight, the groups begin to enter the Stadium.
GM Notes:
Sorceress, 'Stalker, T-Storm...
Felicity comes rushing out into the pool area.
'What is that terrible noise?!? Are we under attack? Oh... it's you Nightstalker...'
She momentarily blushes.
'While I've got you all here, Nightstalker and T-Storm, I would appreciate it if both of you would submit to some testing in the War room. It is a standard procedure to gauge the strength of new Crusaders. I had the room set up for the Sorceress, but then Dragonman asked to go in too. It would be nothing to adjust the room for two more. Are you game?'
SUBJ: Firestar
'Glad to be of assistance, Lord Liberty. Now let's see... How does this thing work. Ah, I see. Just a few adjustments and we'll be ready to go. Who do you want to look like? Mel Gibson? Tom Selleck? Underdog?'
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER - Malik FROM: NightStlkr 03/29/90 S#: 415569
Malik looks over to Felicity:
"Everybody's a critic..."
In response to the offer of training in the War Room, Malik answers:
"Well, normally Audric handles my training sessions, but going for a romp in the War Room might be a nice change of pace."
NIGHTSTALKER takes Sorceress' hand as they head off to the War Room.
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 03/30/90 S#: 422349
"Well Firestar, I believe the intention of the device is to not let people know who I am am I correct? Therefore Underdog would not be a good choice, but rather Shoe Shine Boy would be a better one. However I have noticed that the canines of this planet walk on four legs and do not talk like Underdog, and I would rather not do either of these, so perhaps I have a better idea. Since I am the Man Of Steel on this planet, I think that the appropriate disguise would be that of Clark Kent. Does that mean that I should call you Lois and Ernie Jimmy
though? I have had no practice at the secret Identity experience, so I request your advice in this matter."
Crusaders - #56 - "Welcome to Wally World"
Firestar & Lord Liberty:
Aided by a personal illusion projector, Lord Liberty, now looking quite similar to Clark Kent, Firestar and Ernie arrive at Wally World. The crowd at the park is surprisingly sparse. Walking around the trio locate the main attractions of the park.
Attractions include:
A sky lift riding, above the park
A mystery maze
A shooting gallery
A Mountain Railroad
A Haunted House
A Jungle Ride
A Midget Car Raceway
There are also the standard amusement park features, games of skill, merry-go-rounds, etc.
Ernie is wide-eyed as you walk the park. There is so much to do! He doesn't know where to begin.
Strongbow and Ranger:
After the Viper Agents enter the Stadium, 'Bow and Ranger cautiously follow. Using their skills, they make their own entrance to Shea by climbing up the side walls.
Once inside, they quickly make their way towards the playing field. Emerging from the concession area, they spot the Viper fractions gathering near the pitching mound.
One figure seperates from each of the group and walks towards the mound. Reaching there, they begin to converse. You are much to far away to hear what is being said. Apart from the men, there are a total of 11 Viper Agents surrounding them.
War Room Group:
Back at the Crusaders Mansion, Felicity explains how the practice drill works.
Felicity - "This is a simple practice drill. The object of this drill is to reach a designated button. That will end each person's exercise. Of course the room will be doing it's best to stop you! While the exercise is in progress, the computer will be monitoring you. It will analyze your tactics, your powers and defenses. The program will continue to upgrade its attacks on you as its database grows. All energy attacks in the War Room are of the STUN only variety. Unless there is any questions, we shall begin."
The War Room is quite large, covering a total of 75 Hexes. It's large enough for Dragonman to be in dragon form. Each hero starts a short distance from each other. You are each running a different program, but you can aid and help others. Of course if you do, you will be subject to attacks from that program too!
The drill begins!
A man-sized robot pops up out of the floor close to the Sorceress. It rushes towards her.
Before Nightstalker knows what is going on, a large net is shot out of the ceiling entangling him.
Dragonman flies towards his button, only to have a large wall slide in front of him. A laser turret fires on him from behind.
T-Storm, if he agrees to the exercise, is confronted by great blast of wind, pushing him back. Behind him, a section of the floor slides open. Only darkness can be seen within the pit.
GM Notes:
I'll update the post as soon as possible. This game will soon become a Sanctioned Champions game. I'll be hosting a Phantasy Guild room Tuesday night, 11-12 EST if any of you have something you wish to discuss.
No one in any of the exercises, have yet to take damage. Notice I said yet... ;)
Spectrum's Comments: One of the less pleasant duties as a GM was to host an open chat room in the People Connection 1 hour per week.
SUBJ: STRONGBOW - Paul BlackCrow FROM: AREION 04/01/90 S#: 442923
"Perhaps it would be best if we split up, I'll circle around to one dugout, you, the other. My senses are rather sharp; perhaps I will be able to hear them from there. If one of us is discovered, the other can attack from behind."
If RANGER has no objections, STRONGBOW will quickly and quietly make his way down the isles and very cautiously lower himself over the wall, into the visitors dugout. He will stop and listen before deciding what to do next.
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 04/01/90 S#: 459745
"A sound plan, Strongbow. Remember, we must remain alert. With the feuding going on inside the Viper organization, these people will likely be trigger happy."
I'll make my way to the Mets dugout, and wait for events to determine my next move. Once there, even if I can not hear the words spoken on the field, I will attempt to determine from the attitudes and body language of the speakers what's going on.
SUBJ: Firestar
Before leaving for the park, I'll first change into some suitable clothing. When Firestar re-emerges from her quarters, she is out of costume. Her long, blond hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She is wearing an attractive blue blouse with matching shorts. Socks and sneakers round out the outfit.
When seeing Lord Liberty, aka Clark Kent, a smile comes to her face.
'Hello, Clark. You can call me Lynn. It seems to be a slow day for the park. Good, I don't like crowds. They seem to have a lot of neat stuff here. What say we try the racing cars? That sound like fun.'
As the day goes on, Lynn begins to relax more and more. The stress of leading the Crusaders slowly fading away for the time being.
Spectrum's Comments: The Q version of Firestar was named Lynn Adams.
GM Notes:
Ranger and Strongbow
The heroes split up, each heading for a different dugout. Silently, they reach the positions they desire.
At this range they can hear what is being send. At times the three Nest Leaders are shouting.
'Something must be done about this! I won't give up without a fight!'
'Yeah, what can we do? He's got a frickin' army of supers.'
'That's right. He already controls Nest 195 and 197. I wonder what he is up to?'
'That doesn't matter! We've got to join forces if we are to continue to operate as separate nests!'
Suddenly, Strongbow senses that there are other arrivals at this meeting. Out near second base, an area of 'darkness' falls away to reveal Starshine and Plasma!
Starshine - "You're foolish alliance is over before it begins! We shall crush you!"
Together, the two villains open fire on the Viper Agents. Six of the agents go down before they can even react.
Now what are you going to do?
Spectrum's Comments: Yep, Imperial and his flunkies are back!
SUBJ: T-Storm FROM: Nain 04/02/90 S#: 508504
Wind! Against me! HA.
If it is possible, I will t-port (15") out of the wind behind the robot the Sorceress is facing and blast it with a few mega volt of lightning.(10d6)
If not I will summon a counter wind to stop me, then t-port.
I will then look for my button, t-port as close as I can and using the winds subtly, I will press it (TK, min str, fine manip.)
SUBJ: Sorceress
Before the exercise begins, I shall first conjure up my costume.
'All ready to begin!'
Seeing the robot advance, I smile.
'A walking hunk of metal shall not stop me!'
Aided by my cloak of levitation, I'll fly over the robot and towards my off switch.
'Hey, Stalker-honey! Gettin' all wrapped up in your work?'
:>
SUBJ: dragon (R) FROM: Wild dan 04/03/90 S#: 495865
I first cast shield on me then change to black dragon form and acid breath the wall then immediately change to human form trying to trick any guns on me
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER - Malik (R) FROM: NightStlkr 04/04/90 S#: 105944
NIGHTSTALKER playfully smirks over in The Sorceress' direction:
"Cute, darling....real cute. I love a girl with a healthy sense of humor. This net isn't much of a threat; but if this test is starting out so easy, I can feel it in my gut that it's gonna' get a whole lot harder......and I'm gonna' love every minute of it!!"
Malik activates his Energy Claws and proceeds to slice his way out of the net. Once free, a cocky grin appears on the Phantorian's face; he doesn't appear to be moving toward his objective. Instead, he just stands in a combat-ready stance, waiting for his next obstacle.
"C'mon, hit me with yer best shot."
(Something tells me that Nightstalker is just cruisin' for a bruisin'...but hey,isn't that the Malik that we all know and love???).
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 04/04/90 S#: 457798
- It looks like the rumors of Imperial's activities are true. Despite there nature, I cannot allow these people to be slaughtered. -
I'll move from my dugout position at top speed, trusting that darkness and their pre-occupation will keep the various viper factions from noticing me. My primary targets are Imperial's two goons. Once in range, I'll leap into a flying drop kick against Plasma. Rolling out of that attack, I'll continue my assault.
War Room Continued:
T-Storm, scoffing at room's attack on him, T-Ports to safety. He appears behind the robot menacing the Sorceress. He destroys the robot with a bolt of lightning and then teleports away again.
Nightstalker shreds the net with his claws. He stands still, daring the room to come and get him. The War Room is more than happy to oblige!
The next thing 'Stalker knows, the section of floor he is standing on is rocketing towards a collision at the ceiling. More by reflex than intent, he rolls of the 'express elevator' an instant before he would have been flattened against the ceiling.
Her opponent gone, the Sorceress flies toward her off button. A tentacle shoots out of the floor, wrapping itself around her right leg. She struggles, but cannot free her leg. Suddenly, portions of the sidewall begin to move out towards the mage, attempting to make a Sorceress Sandwich.
Dragonman casts shield around himself, just before the lasers hit him. Unharmed, he switches to Black Dragon form, melts the wall with his acid. He changes back, and runs through the opening.
As he rushes forward, a section of the floor slides open. A wind comes up behind DM, pushing him towards the pit.
T-Storm reappears on the other side of the room. Unexpectedly, the floor beneath him gives way. He lands unharmed in a room below. A wall slides up and another robot moves to the attack.
Now what heroes?
SUBJ: dragon (R) FROM: Wild dan 04/06/90 S#: 5132
looking behind: change to red dragon form and ride the wind frying the tenciale holdinf sorc I LOVE GLIDING!!!
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 04/06/90 S#: 122730
"Your appearance Firestar, or rather Lynn, is much different than I am used to seeing. I am glad that you have chosen to come with us."
"That sounds like fun to me too Lynn, but I have not yet learned how to drive, let alone gotten a driver's license yet, but I am sure if you or Ernie would instruct me as to the procedure, and we do not enter any major roads, or break the speed limit it would be all right. What do you say Ernie, would you like to go and race some cars first?"
At first the sights and sounds of the amusement park confuse Lord Liberty, (as Ernie and Lynn have to restrain him a few times from trying to save the screaming children on various rides) but as soon as he learns that everything here is just for amusement, Lord Liberty believes he is having fun, but he is not really sure what fun is.
SUBJ: STRONGBOW - Paul BlackCrow FROM: AREION 04/07/90 S#: 516220
After Imperial's lackeys attack, STRONGBOW looks over to teammate's position to see RANGER climbing quietly out of the dugout. A smile twists his lips.
"I knew I chose the right man for the job."
STRONGBOW will hurl a burst of energy from his Tomahawk at Starshine (Mp s2) before half-moving out of the dugout and shifting to his Strength of the Bear (MP s9).
"So...Imperial's woman rears her ugly head again! I should have known scum such as you would have a hand in Viper! Come then...this time you face my full fury! This time, there will be no escape!!"
Put both levels to DCV, STRONGBOW will dodge and continue dodging (even if he must abort to do so). His purpose is to give his teammate time to get into position. He will keep their backs to RANGER at all costs, even if it means taking a hit (In which case, he'll breakfall and roll with the punch)
When RANGER strikes, STRONGBOW will strike whichever of his opponents is closest. He'll also try to lock onto as many scents as he can during the course of this encounter.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The fun continues on three fronts and I wonder who sent Ernie those Wally World tickets....