Spectrum's Comments: New people have simply arrived out of the blue and another dead body was found.
Lost Heroes #37 - "And the Killer Is..."
In the Sick Bay, the computer analyzes the Black Forest.
Number 6 - "Hang on a moment, Beth. It's coming over now."
"Analysis complete. Insufficient data on life form at present time."
Beth - "Computer, hypothesize based on available data."
"Life form is a mutation of the flora that existed in the botany section while the based was inhabited. How it survived without light and water is unknown."
Tarantula - "That tells us a lot. Well, I better get going here. Rem, would you come with me please? We need to talk."
While they depart, Slade picks up the body and follows Beth to the Medical Section. Doug and Lord Lunatic follow.
And in the Medical Section...
Number 6 - "Computer, report on other data requested."
"Tau Ceti is a type G star, located 11.2 Light Years from Earth. Only Earth contact via the Pioneer 23 Space Probe. System contains 17 planets, four of which could possibly support life as we know it. Tau Ceti was not a recorded destination for the Earth ships."
"Data on subjects in Cryogenic Freeze ready. Subjects are scientists from the 24th century. They remained behind in hopes of rebuilding the mother world in some future age. The treatment that they underwent will render them inert for one thousand years. There is a procedure for early revival."
"The subjects are Dr. David Mendelson, Professor Sharon Johnson, Jason Stern, Lt. Gary Brock, Amy Stephenson and Dr. Jill Harvey."
In Tarantula's quarters, he and Rem begin their little chat....
Tarantula - "Believe me, Rem, it's in the best interest of everyone for me to do this."
Rem - "You're not leaving me behind."
Tarantula - "But--- Ugh!"
Suddenly, pain comes over Tarantula.
Rem - "What is it? What's wrong?!"
In a different section of the Medical Sphere, Beth performs the autopsy. In mere moments, the results are coming in.
Slade - "What is it that you are doing?"
Beth - "Trying to find a killer. While draining the victims' blood, the killer left his own saliva behind. I ran a physical on everyone shortly after we arrived here. If the killer is one of us, we'll be able to determine who it is."
Before their eyes, the data comes up. The identity of the killer is revealed!
Beth - "We've got to get the others and stop this!"
Back in Tarantula's quarters...
Tarantula - "You'd better go..."
Rem - "Not while you're like this!"
Tarantula - "You don't understand... I can't fight it... I--I..."
Rem - "Whatever this is we can overcome it together!"
Tarantula suddenly turns to Rem.
Tarantula - "Yes we can overcome this! Your warm blood is what I need!"
Tarantula opens his mouth to reveal large fangs! He starts to close in on Rem...
GM Notes:
Looks like the cat's out of the bag! Or rather the fangs are bared! The bloodsucker is none other than Tarantula!
Number 6 covered almost everything in that's happened in the last post. If you have any additional questions, include them in your post.
Spectrum's Comments: Yep, Tarantula was the killer all along. It was all part of what Areion had designed for the character. More of what exactly his plan was will be revealed below.
SUBJ: Doug Ballant FROM: Shadeblade 12/25/89 S#: 788434
Looking at the computer's screen, coldly displaying Black Tarantula's name, Doug feels a dark chill run down his back.
"But that's crazy, isn't it? He's one of you... He CAN'T be the vamp... He and Rem were just here with us moments ago. They just left to go talk... Uh, oh. That didn't sound too hot, did it? Do you all suppose that, just in the interest of safety, make sure that they're alright? This might all be a mistake, but it might be wise to check up on them."
Not knowing where they went, or how to get there even if he did, Doug waits patiently by the door.
Mail Fro: AREION Date: Monday 25-Dec-89 19:41 EST
BT will be using his hypnotic stare on REM. If REM should use her Mental Illusion on BT to hide herself or if he should start loosing to an illusion, he'll send a mental message to REM worded to distract her into revealing her position or drop her illusion. Something like:
>>Rem.. PLEASE.. Oh God.. HELP ME!!<<
Should more than one other person enter the room, BT will bolt through the open door, performing a multiple move-by on anyone in the way. He'll head for the power generators intent on knocking out the power (and the lights) so he can hunt his prey in his own element.
Should he succeed in this, he will retreat the general area of the Botany Sphere so he avoid probing by REM by retreating to the forest for short periods of time (Hope she didn't buy the invisible power effect.) Use stealth, breakfall, & acrobatics as needed.
Spectrum's Comments: Private moves from Tarantula.
SUBJ: BLACK TARANTULA FROM: AREION 12/25/89 S#: 442134
As TARANTULA bears his fangs, expressions of pain & intense concentration and an unyielding, uncompromising malice alternately flash across his face in rapid succession.
"AAARRRRRGGGHHHHH....can't hold... it's too strong...sisters deserve it... brought this on themselves...not her... not her fault....AAAAAHHHHHH....Run, Rem, RUUUUN!!!"
With a violent shudder, the bloodlust casts down Tarantula's control. His bloodthirsty stare burns straight through REM.
"AHHH...There is nowhere to run little one, nowhere to hide. You are far too slow and weak to escape from ME!"
A savage smile twists Tarantula's face as he advances menacingly towards REM.
SUBJ: Beth
"I don't know, Doug, I just don't know. Regardless, we had best get down there."
Beth will make sure that her pistol is in place and her force field is up. She will lead those who come along to Tarantula's quarters.
SUBJ: REM FROM: REM9 12/26/89 S#: 93822
"No Tarantula it can't be you. Someone else is trying to take control of you. Fight it. I'll help you. I love you. I won't let this thing take over you now."
Rem will put up her force field and try to keep out of Tarantula's grasp. While he is still fighting the takeover she quickly calls out for Beth. **Beth, HELP me!! Something has taken over Tarantula and it wants to kill me. He's trying to fight it, but I don't think he can do it alone.**
"Come on Tarantula you can do it. Remember we all love you here." REM will try to reach in Tarantula's mind and start pulling out all the people who Tarantula ever loved. His parents, friends, ect. They will all start appearing around Tarantula cheering him on to beat this thing. (Yes I know she will have to drop her force field to do this, but after the telepathic message she is more aware of her surroundings and can take care of herself better.)
SUBJ: LORD LUNATIC - Victor Feury FROM: NightStlkr 12/27/89 S#: 99685
"AYE, t'would be an excellent idea to pay a visit to thy Comrade-in-Arms' chambers, Beth. I have a feeling we shall indeed be needed there."
Lord Lunatic follows Beth and the others to Black Tarantula's chambers with his mighty Phoenix Sword in hand.
"T'would be a pity if I am forced to wield the Phoenix Sword against a fellow hero. But if need be, I think we should attempt to subdue him without harming him, thus allowing us to learn the cause of his ailment. Though I've not known him long, I sense that he is a valiant warrior and not some kind of vampiristic monster. I understand being ridiculed for uncontrollable quirks such as Tarantula's: He has his blood craving; I have my psychological imbalances for which I was inclined to leave The Order of Mystic Knights. We MUST find some way of helping him..."
"When we arrive at Black Tarantula's chambers, Lord Lunatic will try to reason with him. If he appears violent, he will use the Phoenix Sword to encompass Black Tarantula in a Ring of Fire in hopes of restraining him.
Lost Heroes #38 - "After the Spider"
In the Medical Area, Beth, Doug, Slade and Lord Lunatic stare at the computer screen in various states of disbelief.
Beth - "We better get down there."
Lord Lunatic - "After you, Milady."
Down in Tarantula's quarters, Rem has also figured out who the killer is....
Rem - "It can't be you! Anyone but you!"
Tarantula - "There is nowhere to run little one, nowhere to hide. You are far too slow and weak to escape from ME!"
Rem then notices something unusual about Tarantula's eyes. As she looks into them her body seems to become numb. Tarantula continues to advance on his prey.
Just then, the door slides open and Beth, Doug, Slade and Lord Lunatic rush in. Lunatic draws his sword and throws a ring of fire around Tarantula.
Tarantula - "Leave me alone! Nothing can stop me from feeding!"
It is clear that Tarantula is trying to fight himself, and that he is losing...
GM Notes:
Short post this week, but it should leave everyone with plenty to do!
SUBJ: Slade FROM: IRONARCHER 01/01/90 S#: 446034
Slade draws his laser crossbow and aims it at toward the spider.
"Please don't move, I know you are smart enough even in this condition to realize I could blow you head clean off from this range!"
SUBJ: Doug Ballant FROM: Shadeblade 01/01/90 S#: 423878
Why can't anything ever be simple and clean-cut? Is there NEVER an easy solution?
"I think that I might be able to do a little to help myself..."
With that, Doug turns his focus into himself, tapping the force that has saved himself and others many times. In an instant, like the flipping of a mental switch, the air around Tarantula begins to shimmer. Pouring on his inner strength, the imprisoning field of force begins to hamper Tarantula's movements.
"Come on... Keep fighting it! You are among friends, now, even if your mind refuses to believe so."
SUBJ: Beth
"Surrender, Tarantula. There is nowhere to run."
As Beth speaks, she draws her stun pistol.
"Don't force me to use this. I will use it, but only if you make me. Come with us. Let me examine you. There's got to be way to solve your problem."
If Tarantula continues to attack or the guys are unable to stop him, Beth will use her pistol to stop BT.
SUBJ: LORD LUNATIC - Victor Feury FROM: NightStlkr 01/03/90 S#: 433454
Victor clenches at the hilt of his Phoenix Sword as he awaits Black Tarantula's reactions. If he flips out, and tries to free himself from the Ring of Fire, he'll hurl a wave of Mystic Flames at him. If he remains somewhat rational, LORD LUNATIC will try to reason with him.
"The flames that surround thee will not harm thee, restless one. They are merely a means of restraining thee, so that we may help thee with thy ailment. I do not wish to do battle with a fellow hero, but if ye insist on it, the only BLOOD ye will see may very well be THY OWN..."
"I fear that ye cannot fight thy irrational behavior alone...please, let us help thee; we are thy friends, not foes."
After he utters these words, LORD LUNATIC falls silent. The sight of what's happening to Black Tarantula brings his hidden fears to the surface; those thoughts cause his blood to curdle.
((I fear that someday, I may share a similar fate as Black Tarantula's. I pray by The Four-Winds, if and when that fateful day arrives and I loose control to y irrational emotions, may there be compassionate people such as these to aid me; may I never have to face the horror of my own madness....Alone. ))
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 01/04/90 S#: 797599
- Well, nothings happened in five minutes. I wonder what's next. -
It is at this point that the computer breaks in to report on a sudden change in Tarantula's life signs.
- Tarantula? Yes, it makes sense, I really should have suspected as much. -
I'll contact the others over the base intercom. "If at all possible, try to subdue Tarantula. I don't believe he's responsible for his actions. The same process which helped me may be able to cure him."
"Computer, medical analysis of the present state of Black Tarantula. Request probability that his current condition is a result of his incarceration at the sisterhood temple. List treatment alternatives when enough data is obtained."
- So tired... too much to do, can't sleep now... too much to do... -
Spectrum's Comments: Number 6 is actually starting to get the idea about what is really going on here. He did have some of it figured out before the big secret was revealed. As soon as they dealt with one crisis, a new one would immediately pop up. It was like someone was trying to keep them from doing the things they wanted to do...
SUBJ: BLACK TARANTULA FROM: AREION 01/07/90 S#: 474467
"Surrender???...I'll surrender!! After I spill every Last drop of your precious blood!!"
Too far gone in his bloodlust to know or even care of the danger he's in, TARANTULA strains against the flaming bonds holding him. (Push for +10 STR)
Should he succeed as quickly as he hopes, he'll react as totally unexpected. He leaps for the lights rather than REM or any of the others, swinging hard as he does so, shattering them (I hope). Landing back on his feet, he springs in the darkness for the door (or at least where he thinks the door is).
If he should be unsuccessful in shattering the lights, BLACK TARANTULA will try to remain in the center of the room, keeping adversaries on all sides (BT is rather quick, the knowledge that should they miss they may hit one of the others should hold the conscientious at bay until he can make his escape).
Mail From: AREION Date: Sunday 7-Jan-90 15:43 EST
If BT can't get to the lights, and someone should block the door, He'll use his 'Hypnotic Stare' to try to get by.
If BT should make it to the hallway, he'll head for the sisters quarters. He still hasn't fed.
Also, I'm trying to sucker REM into helping me escape (Via Mind Link) ...Just how much does REM9 know about what's happened to me??
Lost Heroes #39 - "After the Spider: Part Two"
Inside Tarantula's quarters, everyone now knows for sure that Tarantula is the 'vampire'. Lord Lunatic surrounds him with a Ring of Fire and the others call for his surrender.
Tarantula - "Surrender? I'll surrender after I spill every last drop of your precious blood!"
Tarantula strains and shatters the Ring of Fire and leaps to the ceiling, shattering the light. The room is plunged into darkness. Doug creates a shimmering globe of force just a split second too late to contain Tarantula. Both Beth and Slade fire their weapons blindly at the ceiling, both seem to miss. They can't be sure in the darkness.
Lord Lunatic adds his Mystic Flames to the attack. The room is briefly lit by the brightness of the flames. The fire grazes Tarantula, but does not slow him down.
The next thing anyone knows is that the door slides open and a figure runs out. After a few more moments, light is restored to the room.
Beth - "Blast! He got a way!"
Rem - "We've got to find him... Help him... Please...
Rem shivers slightly, in spite of the comfortable temperature of the room.
Up in the medical center, Number 6 is once again at the computer...
"Review of Tarantula file complete. The Temple of the Sisterhood has little bearing on his radical change. An unknown mutagen is in his bloodstream."
"Hypothesis: Tarantula is continuing to mutate. Suggest final form that of a giant arachnid."
"Treatment: Insufficient data at present time."
Number 6 - "Did you get that, Beth? Unless we can stop BT and cure him, we'll have another giant spider on our hands!"
Beth - "We heard you. Where is he going?"
Rem - "I can sense where he is going... He's starving... He's going after the sisters... To feed..."
GM Notes:
Can Tarantula be stopped?
Will any more sisters die?
Where do these dumb blurbs come from?
Stay tuned!
Spectrum's Comments: The other secret about BT was that he was continuing to mutate and would eventually change into a spider. Again, that was all Areion's idea, so you can't blame me for that!
SUBJ: Doug Ballant FROM: Shadeblade 01/08/90 S#: 488044
"Damn! I took too long! This thing is going to get messy in short order, folks, unless we stop that dude. And about those guns... Are you THAT ready to use deadly force? I am slightly ill about that drained girl, too, but you two ladies say that he isn't really bad. Is there something I should know that you haven't told me? Call me a moralistic fool, but I'd hate to kill a guy that would normally be a friend..."
(Sheesh! I DO sound like a moralistic fool... This guy is slightly more than dangerous. I just don't know...))
SUBJ: Beth
"Things are not quite as they seem, Doug. Tarantula is, normally, our friend. Rem is in love with him. As for the use of lethal force, I must point out that I carry a stun pistol. Apart from knocking Tarantula out, it won't do much worse. I am doctor. I am sworn to save life. We must capture Tarantula, in one piece, and see if we can cure him of this affliction. I've seen Tarantula in action against some pretty tough competition. I seriously doubt our weapons would be strong enough to kill him. Right now we must come up with a good plan to capture him. He is much faster than any of us suspected. I feel that we must use teamwork to capture him. A plan would be great right about now.... Anyone have any ideas?"
SUBJ: REM (R) FROM: REM9 01/08/90 S#: 411327
"Maybe I can help.... Tarantula has made me weak... can barely move...but still have my mind...Tarantula wants the sisters...I can give him to feed on... This should give you time....Don't kill him PLEASE....He doesn't mean it..."
With that REM will tell the others where Tarantula is and then try and reach out to him with her mind. She will then create the illusion of one of the sisters calmly walking down the hall. When he attacks she will try to keep up the illusion as long as possible to try and fool all his senses, hopefully making him believe he is feeding. If he does end up figuring out the truth, she will let that one go but a little way further create another one. She will keep doing this so he will not know what is real and what is not.
SUBJ: Doug FROM: Shadeblade 01/08/90 S#: 393795
"I apologize for my jumping to that conclusion. Guns don't thrill me, and I tend to forget about the non-lethal variety."
"She is also right about a bit of planning. This guy is hard to hold onto, and solos aren't going to cut this record. We need to act together. I don't know how much this lady can do whatever she is doing to Tarantula's mind, so we need to hurry."
"I've got myself warmed up, now, and I shouldn't be caught off-guard again. My fields are tough, and they will help quite a bit. The idea is to immobilize him or, if it comes to it, knock him out. Aside from Doc's stun gun, what else do we have as resources? Vic... That sword of yours can bind him, can't it? How about you Slade? Can you change into something that might help? That strange contraption left quite a whole in the wall, and we don't want to KILL the guy. Standing together, we should be able to help this guy collect his marbles again."
Doug seems to have almost pushed the recent, somewhat devastating, events. His haunted eyes seem to gleam with the upcoming challenge. A much needed distraction in the helping of others...
He waits silently for the others to speak.
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 01/09/90 S#: 504255
Hearing what has transpired, I issue new orders to the computer.
"Computer, Black Tarantula is currently a security threat. Secure all internal base doors against his passage, and give periodic reports to myself and to Beth on his location."
- I've got to get on with my work; I'm useless in this bed. -
"Computer, you state that Tarantula's condition is not related to his capture by the sisterhood. Is there any indication what agency has triggered the mutation? Given the current information, would the Mendelson Rewrite prove an efficacious cure?"
I return once more to my design work, doing what I can to help in Tarantula's capture, and possible cure.
SUBJ: Beth FROM: Schar 01/10/90 S#: 117933
'Perhaps that's how we can capture BT, guys! If Number 6 can use the computer to shut off portions of the base, then we can box BT in. Prepared, we should be able to capture him without great difficulty. Unless anyone can come up with a better idea, I think we should go with this one.'
SUBJ: Slade FROM: IRONARCHER 01/10/90 S#: 119110
That sounds like a good idea, if we can box him in he won't be that much trouble!" If any more trouble occurs I will change my shape.
"Hmmm what should I become....A giant lizard maybe....they eat spiders!"
Lost Heroes #40 - "After the Spider: Part Three"
Tarantula has managed to escape the first capture attempt. Now the heroes try again to capture their blood-crazed companion.
Number 6 - "The computer is sealing off your section of the base. At least we can contain him for the moment."
Beth - "Good enough, Number 6. Let's get going."
The group moves along, but it is clear that Rem cannot keep up. Lord Lunatic is forced to pick up the young woman to make best speed.
Rem - "I think it's working.... He's buying my illusion..."
Several corridors away, you locate Tarantula. In the middle of the corridor, he is 'wrestling' with an imaginary woman on the floor. The woman is only there in Tarantula's mind. From the looks of the 'struggle' she is putting up quite a fight.
Up in the Medical Area, Number 6 is at the computer again....
"Update: Available data suggests that the Mutagen was in Tarantula all the time. Mutagen was in remission until recently. Cause of flare up is unknown."
"Conclusion: Mendelson's treatment could be a solution. Without further data, an accurate conclusion is not possible."
GM Notes:
Now what, people? Tarantula is too occupied with his 'victim' to notice your presence.
SUBJ: LORD LUNATIC - Victor Feury FROM: NightStlkr 01/14/90 S#: 433785
"It doest appear that we have located our quarry..."
Lord Lunatic gently puts Rem down and readies his Phoenix Sword.
"I fear that restraining Black Tarantula will not be enough; T'would be best if we wear him out first, perhaps even batter him into submission 'fore we attempt to bind him again. But not to worry, Milady; I will see to it that thy beloved doest not suffer any more than necessary."
"Lord Lunatic raises his mighty Phoenix Sword as its Mystic Flames lift him into the air. He will fly close to Black Tarantula and hurl his Mystic Flames once more.
SUBJ: Beth
Seeing Lord Lunatic fly off towards Tarantula, Beth mutters something under her breath, but no one can hear it.
"Number 6, can you have the computer seal the far end of this corridor off? Can you also lock all the other doors in the corridor? Doing that, he'll have to get past us again."
Beth will move slightly closer to cut down the range with her pistol. She will not get closer than 20 feet to the battling Tarantula and Victor. When Tarantula is open, I will attempt to shoot him with my stunner.
"Remember everyone, we are not trying to hurt him!"
SUBJ: Doug Ballant (R) FROM: Shadeblade 01/15/90 S#: 470436
"Wait a moment, Vic. He's distracted for now and doesn't notice us. Try and use your stunner on him, Beth. It might not hurt him as much. At least it could slow him down..."
Wow! Lunatic certainly is enticed by violence. I wonder why? He's only hinted at it. Maybe an ear to him would help... I'll have to try and talk with him. I hope that gun puts him out! We can't afford to start fighting Tarantula. It could hurt one of us and make his psychological recovery a bit harder. It will be hard enough with a corpse on his conscious.
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 01/15/90 S#: 466322
"I'll see what I can do, Beth."
"Computer, seal all doors around the area currently occupied by Beth and the others. Tarantula is not authorized to override this lockup."
SUBJ: Doug Ballant FROM: Shadeblade 01/16/90 S#: 512571
(Why do these things always happen? We are forced by fate to attack one that should be a friend. Why does this always happen to me? Just like Trish... There is no such thing as fair. Only harsh reality. My God... Now I might NEVER see her again!)
(Get on task, Doug. If you don't keep on the ball, someone else is going to get hurt.)
With a sudden alertness and grim determination, Doug begins to twist his fields of force. They weave and coalesce about Tarantula, restricting his movements and attempting to trap him.
Spectrum's Comments: Can our heroes capture BT? Can he be cured of his condition? What new crisis will arise? Stay tuned!