Spectrum's Comments: What had started out as a series of separate storylines have all come back together. The team is now reunited against the threat of Megaton!
Primus has taken Imperial and his gang off to the Ryker's Island Stronghold. In the process the team has learned of another threat in the city. Dragonman gives Ranger and Sundragon a lift, while Firestar and Nightengale fly under their own power.
Strongbow runs to join them...
She then turns her attention to Megaton. The energy construct continues to draw electrical power.
Conjuring a magical bolt of magnetism, she attacks.
Her aim is true, and Megaton reels under the attack. Its circuits already damaged by Nightstalker's attack, are further warped by the magnetism. In English, Megaton freaks out!
The creature fires off a blast of energy, striking the Sorceress down. What little remains of the Cafe, collapses...
Sometime later, the Crusaders arrive, followed closely by Strongbow. ('Bow was faster, but the flyers had a shorter distance to travel.)
As you arrive, you can see what appears to be a 9' tall, humanoid ball of energy coming out of the rubble of the Hard Rock Cafe. It stretches its arms out and electricity arcs from nearby power lines.
Is it your imagination or is the creature growing...?
GM Notes:
Looks like you got big problem on your hands!:)
By now, Nightstalker and the Sorceress have regain consciousness, but are buried in the rubble. Both have been fortunate enough not to have taken any BODY.
SUBJ: dragon FROM: Wild dan 05/20/90 S#: 840261
i amidey drop my passeners and change to BLACK DRAGON FORM from the air i
will let this thing have it with ACID
WHERS SORC i ask when i attack
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 05/20/90 S#: 46852
- Doesn't look good, one villian on his feet, and two heroes missing. -
"My, your a big one, aren't you? Well, you know what they say along those lines, so I'll refrain, don't want to sound too clichéd."
After Dragonman's strafing run, I'll tumble in and plant my feet in Tiny's chest, rolling clear and waiting for the rest of the team's actions before taking any further offensive moves. I'll be keeping an eye out for signs of our missing comrades, moving to their aid if required.
SUBJ: Firestar
After the other two attacks, I'll come in and hit it with fire.
'Lord Liberty, what is it? Can you locate anyone trapped in the rubble?
Nightengale, can you sense the Sorceress or Nightstalker around here?'
Depending on how the opening attack go, will determine future strategy. Although, I don't think making actual contact with the thing is in anyone's best interest.
GM Notes:
Arriving on the scene of Megaton's rampage, Dragonman let's off his passengers and flies towards the enemy. In Black Dragon form, he breathes acid on the creature.
The attack doesn't seem to hurt Megaton, but it does get his attention. He raises an arm and blasts back at DM, knocking him across the street.
Ranger tumbles in, kicking Megaton in the back. Making contact with the creature, Ranger is repelled by the field of energy surrounding the creature. Megaton is knocked back from the attack, but doesn't appear damaged.
During the attack, Ranger notices that the creature is hovering a few inches above the ground.
Firestar flies in and tags Megaton with a fireball. Again, it has no apparent effect except to push the creature back.
Ranger - 21 of 35 Stun
Dragonman - 32 of 62 Stun
GM Notes: Nightgale
'Gale winches at Ranger being brushed off by Megaton.
'Always putting your foot in it, eh?'
'Gale concentrates, scanning for the missing Crusaders.
'I've got them, Firestar! They don't appear to be hurt, but are trapped under the rubble. Nightstalker is in pain, though. Something about this creature, Megaton as he calls it, is hurting him.'
'I sense no thought process from this Megaton at all.'
GM Notes: Lord Liberty
'Scanning, Firestar. Interesting. The creature is an automation, projecting a very strong energy field. A energy similar to Nightstalker. Melantium, I believe is what he called it. The creature has been heavily damaged. It appears to be out of control. Warning: the energy field around Megaton is dangerous to touch!'
'I've have the locations for Nightstalker and the Sorceress.'
Spectrum's Comments: Lord Liberties player had been AWOL for a time, so I did a quit post to cover Firestar's questions.
SUBJ: SunDragon (R) FROM: Nain 05/21/90 S#: 818828
"Ywow! Biiig monster! Dangerous too."
If it still seems to be drawing energy from to electrical lines, I will sever them or knock them down. Then, despite risk to myself, I will try to get its attention with an AP auto-fire punch (lvls to OCV). Then after I have its attention, and am hopefully still up I will start miraging (Images), and act as a target/distraction(lvls to dcv).
"Okay, Short Stuff, let's see you take on the best! Get 'im guys!"
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 05/21/90 S#: 469120
"Well, that was a shocking experience."
- Hand to hand is out of the question, let's see about killing two birds with one stone. Or piles of stone, as the case may be. -
I'll get the location of Nightstalker and Sorceress from 'Gale, and start to dig them out, hurling the junk I'm pulling up at Megaton.
SUBJ: dragon FROM: Wild dan 05/22/90 S#: 478252
:geting up from hit:
you shoure pack a wolp
change to a white dragon and hit him with frost breath (not in a cone)
SUBJ: Firestar
'Good work, Lord Liberty. While Sundragon and Dragonman keep the thing busy, let us unearth our comrades.'
Assuming that goes successfully, and if the monster co-operates, I'll summon the team together.
'I have an idea that my short out this thing. The plan is three fold. I suspect that magnetism hurts this creature. Sorceress, would you be able to conjure a magnetic attack?'
'Next, we need to 'ground' it. I suspect that is why it is floating. Contact with the ground would drain it of its powers. I believe that Nightengale would be best for the job. Telekinetically pushing it down.'
'As for the rest of us, our job is to keep it busy. Perhaps together we an shut this thing down. Any questions? If not, let's get to work!'
GM Notes:
The Sorceress and Nightstalker are quickly unearthed.
Meanwhile, Sundragon attacks the monster with his rapid punch. Megaton appears hurt by the attack, but Sun almost knocked himself out.
In the background, Dragonman is just regaining his bearings.
Sundragon - 7 of 31 Stun, Stunned
Spectrum's Comments: I guess Sundragon missed Lord Liberties warning about Megaton being surrounded by a energy field that was dangerous to the touch.
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 05/25/90 S#: 836528
"Affirmative Firestar, an excellent strategy, and our recent encounter with Imperial has given me an idea here."
Lord Liberty will quickly scan the ground looking for either a fire hydrant on the corner or an underground water pipe. He will then do whatever is necessary (either break open the hydrant or smash into the ground to rip up the pipe) He use his strength to aim the stream of water at the energy beast.
SUBJ: STRONGBOW - Paul BlackCrow FROM: AREION 05/26/90 S#: 849070
STRONGBOW watches SUNDRAGON battle the Melantium monstrosity, completely detached.
"I am sorry Firestar...I...I can not battle side by side with such a man! I will search for innocents who may be trapped in the rubble..."
With an air of sorrow, STRONGBOW will begin searching the rubble, using his enhanced hearing and sense of smell to locate and rescue anyone who may be buried in the ruins, using Power Heal spells on those badly wounded.
When he's satisfied that no one else is down there...at least no one within his power to help...He'll push spectators and victims back to a safe perimeter and observe the battle closely. Though honor will not allow the Navaho youth to ally himself with the likes of SUNDRAGON...honor would NOT be served if he stood by and watched one of his teammates die!
SUBJ: Sorceress
Shakes the dirt and filth off of herself, thanking those who unburied her.
'Thanks, I needed that! Ugh! It'll take forever to get this plaster out of my hair!'
'Sounds okay to me, 'Star. I owe that walking sparkplug a few lumps!'
Conjuring magnetic blasts, I'll attack when commanded.
'Honor, huh? More like coward to me...'
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 05/26/90 S#: 102941
"Good thinking, Firestar, I think you've spotted this things weakness!"
I'll scan the area to see if there's any wire or cable amongst the wreckage. Should such be available, I'll ground one end, then take a tumble over Megaton, draping the cable over him.
Crusaders - #64 - "Megaton on the Loose: Conclusion"
Having rescued the Sorceress and Nightstalker from the wreckage of the Hard Rock Cafe, the Crusaders turn their attention to the architect of this disaster.
Megaton has just withstood the attack by Sundragon, forcing him back with its field of energy.
After a moment to plan, the team attacks back.
Firestar and Dragonman get its attention. Megaton seems confused. First it gets a face full of fire, and then DM ices him.
With his attention diverted, he is wide open for the Sorceress' attack. Her magnetic blast causes the energy field to flicker and fade for a moment.
Before Megaton can even recover, Nightengale begins her attack. Her mind reaches out to the construct, grabbing it. By sheer force of will, she slowly inches it towards the ground.
Unnoticed in the background, Ranger and Sundragon have located a length of wire. Securing it to the ground, they throw it around the monster.
What happens next is a rapid succession of events. Megaton attempts to fight the unseen force overcoming him. At last 'Gale forces him to the ground.
The Sorceress connects with another magnetic blast.
Sun and Ranger lasso Megaton with their wire.
A minor explosion follows, forcing the heroes back. When the glow fades, the energy field around Megaton is gone. The mechanisms of the construct are clearly visible.
A cheer goes up from the large crowd. The area is quickly beset by fans, the media and the authorities.
Out in the crowd, Strongbow notices a man approaching him. Incredible as it may seem, the man is made of marble. He speaks.
'Hi! I'm Boulder. I want to join the Crusaders!
GM Notes:
Say hello to the new PC! :)
Megaton's energy is gone. Nightstalker is no longer affected by it.
No one is seriously injured. Now what Crusaders?
Spectrum's Comments: The downside to these types of games was ways of getting new players into the game without having to make them wait a long time. Nothing like simply walking up and asking to join!
SUBJ: Firestar
'I love it when a plan comes together! Well done everyone!'
After the robot falls, I'll move to examine it.
'Hmm... This is interesting. Lord Liberty, help me gather up the components, please. I want to take it back to the mansion and examine it.'
When Stongbow approaches with Boulder, I'll extend my hand.
'Welcome Boulder! What's this I here about joining us? I suppose there is room for another. What kind of powers do you have?'
SUBJ: Boulder (R) FROM: Long Bo 05/28/90 S#: 793907
You see an awesome sight.6'4" of grayish granite in man shape. He looks like a Greek statue orange shorts.
"Howdy firestah, Ah'm boulder and Ah'd sure like ta join yall's team. As far as powers go,Ah guess this is it. Ah can change myself ta marble and Ah'm real strong."
::smiles::
"Ah guess Ah'm askin ta be your strongman, uhm, strongperson."
::smiles::
SUBJ: dragon FROM: Wild dan 05/28/90 S#: 487720
i will land then change to human form before going over to bolder
hi glad to have you on the team shakes hand i am called dragonman for i can
change into any dragon
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 05/28/90 S#: 521886
"Affirmative Firestar. This mechanical construct should not be left unattended for long. There is no way to judge how he gets his power, so he should be put into some place of confinement as soon as possible."
Lord Liberty will then help Firestar collect Megaton. He will keep his sensors trained on the construct to detect for any rise in energy level.
SUBJ: Firestar
'Hmm.... Well we could use some muscle on the team. I don't see any problem in giving you a tryout. I'll have to talk to Felecity about this, she's the team coordinator. As team leader, I welcome you aboard!'
I'll take a moment to introducer Boulder to everyone.
'Lord Liberty, could your please contact Felicity? We could use the C-Jet to get Megaton's remains back.'
SUBJ: Sorceress
Regards the newcomer, while silently cursing her unclean appearance.
'Muscles, huh? I like muscles... Tell me about yourself, big guy... :)'
SUBJ: SunDragon FROM: Nain 05/29/90 S#: 823269
To fans: "Please, one at a time! Yes I'm back with the good guys! Hey, there's more than enough to go around! "HEY! Nice meetin you Marbles! Like the shorts! Sure, sure I can get you Lord Liberty's autograph. Here's mine. Oh yeah! Your place or mine!?"
GM Notes:
Lord Liberty contacts the mansion and Felicity flies one of the Jets to the seen. Megaton's remains are loaded on board and flown home.
Okay, several days will pass and if you want to do anything, please post it. Boulder's membership is approved. There is the possibility of several other newcomers, but nothing definite at the moment.
Nightengale remarks to Ranger, that this might be a good time to take that trip we were talking about.
The team becomes aware of the event portrayed in the New Crusaders post.
Spectrum's Comments: That last bit refers to what happened in the opening post to the New Crusaders game. Specifically the call for heroes to Los Angeles in New Crusaders #1-4
SUBJ: Boulder (R) FROM: Long Bo 05/30/90 S#: 842614
It's hard to tell for sure, but it seems boulder blushes, marble and all at the sorceress.
"Shucks maam. Ah'm just a growin boy from Dallas Texas. There ain't really all that much ta tell. Ah just sorta wound up here. Been workin my way cross country. Fer meals Ah been workin as a mechanic by day and playing jazz and blues by night at pubs. Ah love playin the guitar."
::looks at sundragon::
"Marbles huh?"
::gives him a good natured slap on the back and busts out laughing.::
"Ah think Ah'm gonna like you."
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER - Malik FROM: NightStlkr 05/30/90 S#: 790442
Still standing among the rubble of the Cafe', NIGHTSTALKER can feel the ill effects from the Melantium beginning to subside. With the pain gone, he breathes a sigh of relief. Now that he's back to his senses and aware of what's going on around him, he marvels at the destruction that he unwittingly helped bring about.
"Whoa...when I bring down the house, I don't fool around. I hope this place was insured...if not, I bet I know who's gonna' have to fix it..." :(
With somewhat of a stagger, Malik walks over to his teammates and thanks them for their help. Although his gratitude is sincere, somehow it doesn't sound like it comes from the bottom of his heart. He seems to be a little sullen from this whole ordeal.
::talking out loud to himself::
"I sure wasn't much help this time, was I?? Megaton would've had me right where he wanted me if the other guys didn't show up. Damn you, Kromar...how did you find out?? And how am I supposed to put an end to your tyranny, if I can't even handle your crummy bounty-hunter flunkies without the others fighting my battles for me? It's all because of that stupid prophecy. How am I supposed to live up to something like that?? This is getting to be too much responsibility for one man to endure; even if that man happens to be two people in one."
At that same moment, NIGHTSTALKER overhears Firestar's plans for Megaton's remains. He turns around to see her and Lord Liberty gathering up the remains.
"NO!!", he exclaims in a fit of blind rage; his echoic voice seemingly ringing in everyone's heads. Brilliant blue energy flows from his fingers as he Atomically Reconstructs the Melantium monstrosity's mechanical remains into a pile of confetti.
"There's no way I'm gonna' let ANYONE examine that thing!!! The less people know about Melantium and how to harness it, the better!!!"
In all the time you've known Malik, this is the first time you've ever seen him really lose his temper.
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 05/30/90 S#: 484637
"Welcome aboard, Boulder."
"Your right, Chris. This is probably as quiet as things are ever going to get around here. I'll let Firestar know that we'll be gone for a few days."
Finding our fearless leader, I'll explain that Chris and I are going to Boston for a couple of days to spend some time with my parents. After talking to Firestar, I'll go looking for Strongbow.
"I know your upset by Sundragon's presence, Bow. I can't say that his murderous rage impressed me, either, but the man has a good reputation, and I think we ought to give him a chance. I can't say that I fully comprehend your particular code of honor, but I do think I can understand your dedication to it, having a strong code of my own. And, although our codes are not the same, we work well together, as our adventure at Shea has shown. This is why I'm willing to see how Sundragon fits in."
Spectrum's Comments: Ranger and Nightengale's Boston Adventure was done by Email and will be posted in the weeks to come.
SUBJ: Firestar
'What are you--?'
Firestar stands stunned as Nightstalker destroys Megaton. An uncharacteristic rage comes over her.
'You idiot!! Do you realize what you have done?! Upon analyzing the construct we could have possibly learned who created it and where it came from. It could have led us to your attackers! And further more, by analyzing the Melantium radiation we could have possible found a defense against it. Perhaps even a cure! But now....'
Still slightly po'd, Firestar flies off into the night towards the mansion.
Next morning, Firestar reappears. She will attempt to locate Nightstalker.
'Nightstalker, I want to apologize for my outburst last night. I had no right to yell at you like I did, but deep down inside, I believe what I said to be true.'
After here about Ranger's and Nightengale's trip...
'A vacation sounds nice! Enjoy yourself. Have you two set the date yet?'
Once Boulder is approved as a member, I'll give him the ten cent tour of the mansion. I'll also go about the proceed of getting Sundragon team membership as well.
Later on, I'll attempt to locate Strongbow. Like Ranger, I too am a little confused about his 'Code'.
After hearing about what happened in the War Room, I'll assist Felicity in getting the computers back on line. Afterwards, I'll start work on communicators for the team.
SUBJ: Sorceress
Moves to Nightstalkers side after Firestar flies off in a huff.
'Hey, buck up o'man o'mine. You did what you thought was right. Let's blow this joint.'
Aided by my cloak, I too take to the air flying back to HQ. Once there I spend several hours getting myself cleaned of all that filth.
I'll then spend my free time doing my favorite activity, lounging about the pool.
SUBJ: dragon FROM: Wild dan 05/31/90 S#: 496103
walkes over to BOLDER and asks if he would like to join me in the danger room to work on teamwork for maby a fastball expess :eyes twinkle at that idea!::
SUBJ: Boulder FROM: Long Bo 06/01/90 S#: 504611
"Thank yall fer acceptin me. Ah really wanted ta join."
While taking the' 10cent tour' I ask Firestar "What about secret ID's? Ah dont wannt the whole world ta know who Ah am,but Ah dont want ta stay in marble form around yall all the time either."
After my questions answered "Sure Dragonman, Ah'd love a romp around the danger room."
SUBJ: Firestar
In response to Boulder...
'We're usually pretty open in private, Boulder. A few of us have revealed our identities, some have not. The choice is yours. As for the world at large, no one will learn your identity from any of the team.'
'Also, I don't think the War Room is ready for use yet. It took a great deal of damage the last time it was used. But, once it's fixed, I'd like to run an exercise with the whole team!'
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 06/02/90 S#: 829540
As Lord Liberty reaches for the remains of Megaton and pulls up confetti, he pulls his hands back and notices that the outer coating of paint on his fingertips is no longer there!! He is about to make some remark to Nightstalker, but before he is able to, Firestar lets him have it but good. After she flies off, Lord Liberty will then turn to Nightstalker, "That is one thing I have never understood about humans. You all seem to react quite emotionally and unpredictably at times. Nightstalker, if you are going to use your power like that again, may I ask that you warn me first? Thank you."
All the while he is talking there is no malice or sarcasm in Lord Liberty's voice. He is quite sincere in everything he said. Lord Liberty then calls Felicity for the Cjet to bring everyone who hasn't suddenly left in a huff (Sorry 'Star) home. He will gather up the confetti and bring it along with him.
When Lord Liberty reaches the base, he will seek out Firestar. "Firestar, you left in such a hurry I did not know if you wanted the transformed remains of Megaton or not. Also my senses have accumulated much data of our foe both before and after the transformation. I was also scanning him during the transformation as well. Do you wish me to relay this information, or purge it from my memory?"
SUBJ: NIGHTSTALKER - Malik (R) FROM: NightStlkr 06/02/90 S#: 514791
After having transformed Megaton's remains, and having such a violent attitude toward his friends, NIGHTSTALKER faces his teammates' reactions.
As Firestar takes her turn losing her temper, all Malik does is stand in his blind fury; his fists still rippling with energy. Although no one can see the violent flicker in his eyes (they're covered by a thin black membrane, remember...) you can almost feel the pounding weight of his stare.
"I happen to know D*MN well what I'm doing!! And as far as where Megaton came from and who sent him, I ALREADY KNOW!! He came from my home dimension, sent by 'The Usurper' to either kill me or bring me back to HIM so HE can destroy me!!"
"Don't kid yourself about finding a cure for my Melantium allergy. I don't think any of your scientists would be able to fully grasp Melantium's properties; it hasn't even been discovered here yet!! It's a rare band of Primal energy. Besides, if anyone knows enough about Melantium to find a cure, it'd be Audric."
"I HAD to destroy the remains! There's no way that I could allow that knowledge to fall into the hands of someone like Mechanon or even Dr. Destroyer!!"
After Firestar takes off, NIGHTSTALKER gets an earful from Lord Liberty. The second L.L. utters the word 'human', Malik's upper lip curls.
"Watch who you're calling 'human', you crummy bucket of bolts. The last drops of royal Phantorian blood flow through MY veins."
"Why should I have to warn you?? Were you afraid that my aim would be off and YOU would've been the one who was turned into a pile of confetti?? You should give me a little more credit than that..."
Malik's verbal outbursts are cut short, as most of his hostility has run its course.
"Look, Lord Liberty...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to jump down anyone's throats like that. I should know by now that there's no way anyone could possibly understand this."
When Malik feels The Sorceress' arm around him, he embraces her tightly, like he's in dire need of consolation. Clenching his teeth, he mutters over and over:
"...No one understands..."
Later that night:
In the tranquil darkness of his bedroom, Andrew tosses and turns in the throws of restless sleep.
In his dreams, he sees the St. Charity's Orphanage somewhere in upper New York State. As he recognizes the surroundings the rest of the dream seems to flow into focus:
Sitting on a bed in the barracks is a young boy around 11. Joyfully, the boy is playing with his only toy- an old Superman doll. As he makes the doll fly around, he looks up to see another boy around 12 or 13, holding a small box wrapped with a bowed red ribbon.
"Happy birthday, Andy!" the older boy exclaims with glee. Putting the doll down, the boy smiles warmly.
"Thanks, Mike!!" he says with a childlike innocence. He takes the gift and hastily unwraps it. Inside the box is one half to a 'Friends Forever' necklace made of crude die-cast metal; the kind from out of a vending machine. As Andy gazes at the charm, he looks up to see Mike holding the other half.
"Now," Mike says, "You and me are officially brothers."
The dream pans forward to some time later that day. Out in the playground, Andy's sitting on a swing admiring his present, when some of the older kids come over. Their leader approaches Andy, and grabs the necklace.
"Whatcha' got there, Annndrew?" he says menacingly as he rips the charm from his neck.
"NO!!" Andy cries, struggling to get the necklace back. "My brother gave me that..."
"He ain't your REAL brother...he's just..."
"GIVE IT BACK!" the bully hears someone behind him shout. Andy's face lights
up as Mike repeats, "I SAID GIVE IT BACK!!!"
"I...I...I was only playin'..." the bully says as he cringes down and gives the charm back. Without warning, Mike punches the boy hard in the stomach, knocking him down.
"Now get out of here!" he yells as the bully's friends scatter. As the bully moves away, he shouts, "You won't always have him around to protect you, Annndrew!!"
As the bully runs away, Andy turns to his brother. Mike puts his arm around him and says in a compassionate tone, "Oh Andy, what am I going to do with you? He's right, I'm not always going to be around to protect you...you're going to have to learn to stand up for YOURSELF..."
"I'll try, Mike...I promise." Andy says in determination as he stares into his brother's eyes. What he sees there is a deep sullen pain; something he's never seen in him before. "I promise... I promise..."
Andrew wakes up screaming at the top of his lungs, "I PROMISE...I PROMISE!!"
Somewhere in the midst's of his subconscious, deep within his anguish, something triggers the change to his Phantorian self. He suddenly sits up still screaming, and throws a Power Burst across the room. It hits his study table, reducing it to splinters.
After that moment, all Malik does is pant heavily in the realization that it was only a bad dream.
Reaching into a drawer of his night stand, he pulls out a small, time-worn box with a red bow. Inside is a half of a necklace bearing the word, 'Forever'. Underneath the charm is an old photo. In the snapshot are two young boys in party hats; autographed in two different hands are the words, 'Friends Forever'.
"You KNEW, didn't you Mike.. you knew.." Malik utters softly; a single tear rolling down from his facial membrane.
That same dream haunts Andrew for the next few days.
Spectrum's Comments: A little bit of foreshadowing there. The 'Mike' mentioned here is actually Areion from the LA Knights game.