"Beach Blanket Grond!"
Spectrum's Comments: The following picks up on the events of the New Crusaders #1-4 file and the Torpedo solo stuff. Grond has hit the beaches of LA and the Freedom Squad is out to stop him.
Freedom Squad 1
Hero Roster: Sapphire, Wolf and Mega Man
American Eagle goes off with Wolf for a moment to engage in a quick conversation. They return a moment later.
Quickly, the team makes its way to the beach. The flyers fly there, while the others ride in a van driven by Jo-Tan.
Grond is still on the beach as you arrive. He is being annoyed by another super in a sea blue/green costume... He seems to be losing...
"Everyone be very careful!", American Eagle shouts. "Grond is a very dangerous foe. His strength is even beyond your considerable level Sapphire. He has no grasp of tactics; usually reacting to wait attacks him. This is going to be a most difficult test!
GM Notes:
Seems I forgot to describe what Grond looks like... Here goes...
Grond is a 9' tall monster with greenish-gray skin, and two small white horns jutting out of his forehead. His eyes are red, and his ears have a pointed, amphibian appearance. He has an extra torso, and two extra arms. He wears dark blue trunks.
Enjoy... ]:>
Spectrum's Comments: The super who appears to be losing to Grond is the aforementioned Torpedo.
SUBJ: Sapphire
'Aye, friend Eagle... A most worthy adversary. Permit me to test his mettle.... If some one would distract the monster, I'll see if I can do some damage.'
Saph will then fly off, circling around the monster. She will land behind, while, hopefully, the creature is being occupied. I'll prepare a haymaker. When ready, I'll shout 'Hey, Grond!' taggin him when he faces me.
SUBJ: Savij FROM: Psycho Tim 06/25/90 S#: 115064
After hitting the beach, Savij lays his eyes upon the superhuman Brute, who looks to be way out of Savij's league. Still, Savij will grab a hand full of sand and try to throw it into Grond's eyes. After that, Savij will stay a good length away from Grond, knowing one punch could kill him.
SUBJ: wolf FROM: Wild dan 06/26/90 S#: 801835
I will turn invisible then using stealth approach and attack with a bite to the back of the neck and hold on for dear life
Freedom Squad # 2
On the beaches of LA, the Squad encounters the monstrosity known as Grond. Wolf, Savij and Sapphire prepare to attack the beast.
The creature known as Savij advances in, tossing sand into Grond's face. While that is going on, an invisible Wolf moves in. He leaps at Grond's back, attempting to bite him. Much to his surprise, his fangs fail to penetrate Grond's thick skin.
Meanwhile, Sapphire winds up, preparing to land a haymaker on Grond. She taps Grond on the shoulder and he turns to face her. Wolf's eyes widen as he sees Sapphire prepare land her punch. He manages to dive for cover as the azure warrior blasts Grond in the face.
The behemoth flies back about 50' and he is not happy!
'Grond smash puny humans!!!'
The monster leaps back towards Sapphire. He connects solidly with one of his flaying arms. The heroine is rocketed back, out into the ocean, disappearing beneath the waves, some 70' from shore....
GM Notes
Hmmm, might have bitten off more than you can chew... ;)
Sapphire is 27 of 53 Stun
SUBJ: Professor Power (R) FROM: Nain 06/30/90 S#: 849699
"The radio said we would find the Freedom Squad at this beach. Hopefully American Eagle will be there too."
"My God! Dynamo, there's two monsters fighting it out. Look what the big one did to that lady! Okay, I'll drop you off. I'm going after the big one!" With that, I'll do a full move-thru into Grond.
"You won't do that again, Monster!"
You see a red and yellow streak fly thru the sky and smash into Grond. When he land, you see a powerfully built man, about 6' tall with a yellow bodysuit and red cape, cowl, boots, gloves, and trunks. There is a large blazing "P" on his chest, surrounded by an atom.
"You won't find me so easy to defeat, beast! You now face Professor Power!"
American Eagle's mouth might drop open a little at this.
Spectrum's Comments: Professor Power and his partner Dynamo are a pair of new players to the game. They'll cover their background further on in this file. Nain was Sundragon and T-Storm over in Crusaders.
SUBJ: DYNAMO! FROM: Azhanti 06/30/90 S#: 440598
"Okay Professor Power, I'll deal with the vicious looking little one. Drop me off in front of him."
The red white and blue clad figure drops lithely to the sand in front of Savij.
"Give up you horror! or I'm gonna show you why I'm called Dynamo!"
He has levels on defense and has an action saved to throw a right cross at Savij.
Dynamo is 5'10" tall, with a well-defined physique. He is wearing a blue bodysuit, red boots, cowl, and gloves, and a white cape and belt. On his chest is a large red "D".
"It's nice seein' you after all these years American Eagle."
SUBJ: Sapphire
Out in the water, Sapphire tries to regain the feeling in her jaw.
'Smeg! I've never been hit like that before! 'Ever before have I encountered such power!'
More than a little impressed, Saph flies back to the conflict. Upon see the two newcomers she is a little confused. But seeing the one attack Grond, I decide that they must be on our side. I'll fly in at Grond, performing another Haymaker.
SUBJ: Savij FROM: Psycho Tim 07/01/90 S#: 120088
"Why Man attack Savij?" says Savij "Savij not hurt man" then Savij runs in behind Grond, does a full power leap into the air and then as he hopefully lands on Gronds shoulders will stab his claws in as deep as he can with all the extra momentum he has. "Savij...Help!"
Spectrum's Comments: Who would have thought that playing a character that looks like something out of Alien would have a down side to it? ;D
GM Notes:
American Eagle watches the new Squaders in action.
'Blast! I had hoped they might have the power to contend with Grond. If we're going stop this menace we're going to have to work together. Victrix, Jo-Tan, we--'
Eagle is stunned to see Professor Power and Dynamo appear on the scene.
'It's impossible-- you're both-- dead--'
Confused, Eagle simply watches the battle...
SUBJ: Wolf FROM: Wild dan 07/01/90 S#: 31915
::looking very suprised::
::turning invisible again::
If Grond goes down, I will go for groin with bite if he goes down or not also attack with claws at some spot.
Spectrum's Comments: Uhm, yes. Hard to believe that someone actually posted something like that. That has to be the only time a player ever told me that he was going to attempt to bite someone down there! :x
GM Notes:
Dynamo, dropped by Professor Power, confronts the creature known as Savij.
'Give up, you horror!' he shouts. 'Or I'll show you why I'm called Dynamo!'
Savij is confused by this. 'No... Savij help!' He turns, running towards Grond.
A little confused by this, Dynamo chases after.
Meanwhile, Professor Power goes into a 'power' dive at Grond. The Professor hits the beast, knocking him out towards the water.
Sapphire, returning from her own trip, tags Grond with another haymaker as she passes. Grond flies out into the ocean, propelled by the strength of the punch.
There is a tremendous crash as he hits the water and sinks. Several seconds pass and there is no sign of Grond.
'I wouldn't have believed it if I had seen it...', He says. Turning towards Professor Power and Dynamo, he continues. 'How can it be you? You died in the over forty years ago!'
Is the menace of Grond over?
Who are these two lost heroes?
Where do these dumb blurbs come from?
Stay tuned!
SUBJ: Sapphire
Watches Grond sail into the ocean and disappear beneath the waves. Suspecting that this isn't the defeat of Grond yet, she will fly out to investigate. Fishing Grond out of the water if necessary.
SUBJ: DYNAMO (R) FROM: Azhanti 07/10/90 S#: 63643
"Damn they 're makin' heroes weird these days. Sorry 'bout that little er..um...buddy. What in blazes was that monster?"
He walks over to the stunned American Eagle and gives him a hearty handshake.
"You're lookin' pretty damn good yourself after more 'en 40 years in the business. Winger 'round here somewhere or has he gone off on his own? By the way, this your team?"
Waits for introductions while keeping an eye on the ocean in case Grond resurfaces like a U-boat.
SUBJ: Professor Power FROM: Nain 07/10/90 S#: 12204
"So long to that monster."
"Hello, Eagle, its been a long time. The story is pretty long. Maybe we could discuss this somewhere else besides the beach? You're looking pretty good yourself after 40 years. How's Winger doing? Maybe you could introduce us to some of your teammates. Some of them seem pretty strange. You will have to fill us in a lot. We have 40 years to catch up on, you know."
Freedom Squad 3
On the beaches of LA, the Freedom Squad has just battled Grond. Sapphire takes the air, attempting to learn the creatures' fate. She flies over the waves, but cannot locate him.
The man in the sea green costume comes around. He introduces himself as Torpedo. He says thanks for the help and swims off into the ocean.
Megaman is nowhere to be seen. He apparently had second thoughts and ran off.
American Eagle shakes both Dynamo's and Professor Power's hands in turn.
"Yes, it has been a long time. And yes, this is hardly the place for a reunion. Let us return to the Squad's HQ."
A short time later, the heroes arrive the converted warehouse HQ of the Freedom Squad. Jo-Tan provides refreshments for those who want them. American Eagle and Victrix make you all feel at home.
"Well, to start with", American Eagles says, "I am not the American Eagle that you are familar with. The first American Eagle retired after an injury involving the creation of his wings. At that time I was his partner, Winger. However, I was the 2nd Winger, the first perishing near the end of the war. However, the first Eagle told me a great deal about both you. I was under the impression that you had been killed. Permit me to introduce my associates."
Eagle proceeds to introduce Victrix, Jo-Tan, Sapphire, Wolf and Savij. He explains further the situation that the Squad is facing, including the deaths of Dimension Man and Hardhat and the near fatal wounding of the Black Phantom.
"Right now we are in quite a mess. Unless you both have other plans, I would be honored if you joined our band."
SUBJ: Sapphire
Somewhat disappointed about Grond's disappearance, returns to the others. She watches as American Eagle greets the newcomers. When given the opportunity, she will introduce herself to Prof. Power.
'Well struck, Professor! Between our might the beast didn't stand a chance.'
She will then approach Dyanmo.
'Hail, Dynamo! I fear that I know little about either of you, or this world for that matter, but you shall find me a staunch ally.'
For the new players, Sapphire is a large, muscular woman. She stands nearly 6'5". (Imagine the She-Hulk as blue instead of green and you'll get an idea what she looks like.) Sapphire usually wears form-fitting outfits of black spandex.
Once at the HQ, I'll look it over, learning the set up. I'll then retire to my room to rest.
SUBJ: Savij FROM: Psycho Tim 07/16/90 S#: 112664
"First...promise Savij...that you not...hurt Savij!" says Savij, as he looks untrustingly towards the 2 new heroes.
SUBJ: wolf FROM: Wild dan 07/17/90 S#: 27410
i deside that the time if right to let all know who i am :shape changing to my human form:
SUBJ: Dynamo (R) FROM: Azhanti 07/17/90 S#: 72231
"Don't worry Savij, it was just a misunderstanding' on my part. But you do look like a monster...a little monster. Hi ya Sapphire, well your new to this world but I'm new to this time.
Congradulations Winger, you finally got to be the Eagle! Nice ta meet ya Jo-Tan, Victrix, Wolf.
(On the current situation)
What's the world comin' to, Heroes getting shot down in the streets and we don't even know who ta go after. Besides that, it looks like the whole city is practically under seige. Does anybody know who's behind all this?(To American Eagle)
So if you became the American Eagle when he got crippled, what did Sparks do after my 'death'?"
SUBJ: Professor Power FROM: Nain 07/17/90 S#: 68164
"The pleasure was all mine, Ms. Sapphire. Don't worry Savij we won't hurt you. Eagle, is he the team mascot or something?"
"Well Winger, it seems that the old American Eagle picked the right man to fill his boots."
"Well, as for our deaths. We had heard that Dr. Lirby Koo was up to something, and we went to investigate. He was planning to go back in time and give Japan the bomb! We stopped him though, but not before he managed to trigger his death ray on us. It exploded at the same time he fired. The ray and the explosion seemed to have put us into a suspended animation. We only woke up because of one of the super battles rattle the underground lab badly."
"Of course we will join your team. You have my powers and scientific skills at your disposal, though my knowledge is somewhat out of date."
"Do you have one of those computers? I would like to catch up on what has happened since we were 'away'. Maybe I can find some clue as to who would be bent on destroying the Freedom Squad."
Professor power retires to a room to read and all is quiet there except for one VERY loud bellow "WHAT!? GERMANY'S REUNITING!?!?!"
Spectrum's Comments: And that's the backstory to these two. Heroes from WWII held in suspended animation for four decades.
GM Notes:
American Eagle welcomes you to the team. "I'm not totally sure just what Savij is... He, Wolf and Sapphire here agreed to help us earlier today. But I feel safer having him around us then loose on the streets."
"I'm not totally sure what became of Sparks, Dynamo. I do keep track of as many supers as possible, but he seemed to simply disappear during the early 70's. He may have retired."
Victrix comes up to Dynamo, places her arm in his. "Why don't I show you around the place, Dynamo?", she says with a smile. "I'm sure that you'll find it interesting."
Jo-Tan cautiously approaches Savij, asking him if he is hungry. If the creature is willing, Jo-Tan will show it to the kitchen.
Everyone acknowledges Wolfs human appearance.
"Come, Professor", says American Eagle. "I'll show you to our computer."
Eagle shows the Professor to the small computer center. Power, of course, was expecting something that filled several rooms. "Modern technology", Eagle adds.
Power spends most of the next day researching the Freedom Squad problem, but makes little headway. A variety of villains could be responsible, but none of them bear any particular ill will to the Squad.
During the day, you hear reports of a super battle in a downtown business district. Shamrock, Bluejay and Cheshire Cat, all known Viper operatives battled Lady Blue and her ally, Doug Ballant, a singer/super. The battle was over by the time the police arrived. Which side won is not known.
Later that same day, there is a knock at the front door. A man in all black costume is there. He introduces himself as Night and is wondering if the Squad is taking on any new members.
Next day the Squad receives a call from the police. A band of villains were spotted of the city, flying north. Among then was the Black Paladin, along with another that bore a close resemblance to Dragonman of the Crusaders. The police believe that the LA Knight are en route to deal with them, but are not 100% sure.
Spectrum's Comments: Yes, the Doug Ballant mentioned above is the same Doug currently in the Lost Heroes game. LH ended before New Crusaders started and I let Doug carry his character over into this game. He remained a soloist for a very long time and never really interacted much with the other players, so I held back on his solo exploits until his time in LH is done. I'll cover those in the future.
SUBJ: Night FROM: Wildchilde 07/19/90 S#: 475381
::knocking at the door::
"Hello Freedom Squad, I am Night, I wish to join your group is you are still excepting members, my skill with these (holds up a knife) and my Copter could come in handy.
Night is about 5'11' tall and 175 lbs wearing a jet-black costume with full facemask and billowing black cape. He has a lasso and 6 daggers at various locations on his belt, (one knife in boot)
Spectrum's Comments: Wildchilde also had characters in the D&D games.
SUBJ: Sapphire
'Well met, Night. I am Sapphire. Welcome to the Freedom Squad.'
Assuming that American Eagle okays it.
'Shall we investigate this dragon appearance, Eagle? I for one could stand for a little excitement.'
Spectrum's Comments: That wraps up the first three posts to the Freedom Squad. Their story continued back into New Crusaders #5 where they teamed up with the LA Knights. But first check out LA Knights #1-4 coming soon.