Spectrum's Comments: And now the conclusion to the Great Super-Villain Contest featuring the LA Knights, the Freedom Squad and a whole host of guest stars! I did push things along considerably in the opening post, but it was more a desire to get this thing over with more than anything else. Readers of the main site should notice some similarities between how this version and that version of the GSVC concluded. Numerous old PC's turn up as well. Having them captured for the GSVC was an easy way to explain their disappearances.
New Crusaders #11 - "Finale"
Outside the mysterious dome, the combined forces of the LA Knights and Freedom Squad move to the offensive. The enigmatic Beholder uses his power in an attempt to retrieve the Emerald Eye.
Meanwhile, inside the dome itself, Dr. Destroyer has reached the Arena of Death. The huge, bowl shaped room was currently empty. Destroyer noticed the confusion on his aides face.
"There is another, much simpler way to achieve our goal."
In the cellblock itself, Serena moved based the numerous cells holding the missing heroes. Ignoring them, she continued single-minded towards her goal.
At last, she reached her desired goal. Drawn her sword, she sliced the door open. Before her was the most powerful of the trio of Emerald Eyes.
Unexpectedly, a dimensional portal appeared under the Eye and it dropped out of sight!
Outside, the Beholder smiled at his success.
"It was difficult, but I have moved the eye into Limbo. There is a peculiar energy field around the dome. You will find it impossible to teleport through. I was forced to move the Eye into another dimension. Move it a corresponding distance towards me and then return it."
The Beholder's birthmark flares with power again and a ripple appears in the middle of the air.
In the Arena of Death, Dr. Destroyer moved to a panel of controls.
"With a single press of a button, ultimate power will, quite literally, fall into my hands."
Unnoticed in the opening, Borealis watched, waiting to make his move.
In the control center of the great doom, the being known as the Crimson Claw was enraged!
"Thissss isss intolerable!! SSSSServantsssss, attack!!!"
The Claw himself made his way to the Arena of Death. Human flesh shall be cleaved with his claws!
At the cell of the Emerald Eye, Serena screams in rage at the disappearance of the Eye. Using her own magic, she creates her own opening into Limbo...
Back outside, Beholder's rip has solidified. The opening looks into a place with no color... no light... no sound... The only thing that appears to exist is the Emerald Eye itself. Using his power, the Eye slow moves closer. Unexpectedly, a second force acted upon the Eye.
"I do not understand", Beholder said. "The Eye resists me."
Looking into the void, the second opening is notice. It is Serena and she is pulling the Eye back towards her!
In the Arena of Death, vaguely humanoid shapes phased through the walls. The Servants of the Claw had arrived!
"Deal with this rabble, Menton", Dr. Destroyer said dryly.
Menton turned and fired a blast of his awesome energy. Two the servants were hit and utterly destroyed. Their dead forms hit the deck, reverting to their real, hideous appearance. Smoke formed around them, as the smelly, slimy, tentacled creatures began to resolve.
Undaunted, Dr. Destroyer pushed the button...
Sweat appeared on Beholders face as he engaged in a dimensional tug of war with Serena over the Emerald Eye.
"Can we use this opening to send someone to get the Eye", American Eagle asked. "Say Sapphire for example?"
Victrix added her own telekinetic abilities to the task and slowly the Eye moved towards the heroes.
"No!", Serena screamed. "It's mine! It belongs to me!!"
Unexpectedly, the void moved... Something is alive in there!
Caught momentarily off guard, Beholder and Victrix ease up. Ceasing the moment, Serena draws the eye towards her.
"Ha-ha-ha!! Didn't know about the Lord of the Void did you? Pity."
Still more unexpectedly, Serena herself dropped out of sight. The Eye follows her and is gone.
"This is it!", American Eagle shouted. "No more time for finesse. Beholder can you provide a pathway between us and where Serena is now. Everyone who can fly prepare to fly into the opening and make for the exit on the other side. Carry as many non-fliers as you can."
"I will try", the Beholder said.
For the last time, back in the Arena of Death, Dr. Destroyer has just pressed the button. The floors of all the holding cells collapse, dumping their contents to the floor of the Arena. Twenty-three missing heroes try to recover from the surprise landing. The other two Emerald Eyes land amongst the fallen heroes. One lands on Monarch and he screams at its touch.
Serena with the main Emerald Eye in tow crashes to the ground. Use her magic, the eye moved closer.
Seeing the objects of this bizarre contest in sight, the other villains move to retrieve them.
At the entrance way, the Crimson Claw itself appeared. Someone would pay for this disaster!
Not to be left out, a opening appears and the combined forces of the Freedom Squad and the LA Knights arrive amongst the chaos.
Serena reaches for and retrieves the Emerald Eye. She screams as she touches it. The pain passes after a moment, but she looks in bad shape.
"It's... mine!!"
Serena gets more stronger. Unearthly energy surrounds her, restoring her to full health.
"Power is mine! Now I can summon my lord, my master, my father... Tyrannon!!!"
GM Notes:
Not too much happening this week...;)
Remember me saying that there is one six star character on the 1 to 5 scale? Take a wild guess who it is...
Okay, you are not alone for this final confrontation. Numerous missing hereos are present. Some you are familiar with, some you are not. Here they are with their group affiliations.
Champions: Rating
Defender 2
Solitaire 2
Crusaders:
Lightwarp 3
Tigress 2
Enforcer 2
Spirit 2
Equinox:
Jade Panther 2
Monarch 2
Protectors:
Ace 2
Brainstorm 2
Doc Sonic 2
Dr. Wraithe 3
Helios 3
Huntsman 3
Maelstrom 2
Quasar 3
Renegade 2
Silverfist 2
Shadow Warriors:
Lorelei 2
Strike Force:
Light Rune 2
Plasma Ranger 2
Soloists:
Guardian 3
Darkbane 2
Post Away!
Spectrum's Comments: A quick word of explanation here. Serena was created by Areion to be his arch-nemesis and a diabolical love interest. I took his initial concept and added a few things of my own to the mixture. One was to make Serena Areion's sister, which makes her attraction to her brother a bit more twisted. This also revealed that Tyrannon is Areion's father. For those who don't know who Tyrannon is, he's from the Mystic Masters source book. He's your basic extra-dimensional conqueror built on 8000 pts. No, that was not a typo!
SUBJ: -- AREION -- FROM: AREION 09/02/90 S#: 115718
Areion's eyes flare at Serena's proclamation.
"NO!!!! Tyrannon will NOT rule this world! Not while I live!! I'll stop you at any cost!!"
Areion's eyes fall upon the false Eye.
"AT ANY COST!!!"
With the ferocity of an animal, Areion springs for the gem. Shifting his magic mid leap, Areion instinctively does what he can to protect himself from the painful effects he's witnessed contact with these gems to have. (s8: Magic Sustenance, 8PD 7ED Force Field 15AP 12RP; s3: Mark of the Warrior, +5 CON, 10AP 8RP; and shift the rest to my Counter Spell to try to diminish The Eye's defenses, s5: 5D6 Suppress vs. single magic, 31AP 25RP)
If the eye is too far away for me to reach it, forget the Counter Spell, shift remaining points to Mage Force (s4) and bring it to me as fast as possible.
SUBJ: The Beholder - Marduk FROM: NightStlkr 09/02/90 S#: 102164
At Serena's exclamations, the solemn visage of The Beholder is replaced by one of bitterness and determination. He cries out:
"It shall not happen, witch! Those of the Beholder race would never allow it! I do not understand why the other survivors of my race aren't present to oppose you, but one Beholder DOES stand in defiance of your scheme! In my prime I could have easily foiled your plans with but the slightest whim!! But the Power no longer flows through my being as it did in eons past; my slumber has caused them to run stagnant in my veins! But I may yet have enough of my once-omnipotent power left to stop you, and aided by one of these majestic Eyes, I SHALL!!"
With that, The Beholder summons one of the remaining Eyes (preferably the one that landed on Monarch) to his hand, (--10" Teleport- usable on others [+1], at range [+1/2]. 50ap; 20rp--)using his power to avoid its damaging effects.(-- +40 ED Force Field vs. magic only [-1/2], 0 END [+1/2]. 60ap; 20rp--).
As the Eye appears in his hand, The Beholder points it toward Serena in a threatening manner. He yells out in a ringing, almost demonic voice:
(Presence attack)
"DROP THE EYE!!! OR KNOW THE WRATH OF A BEHOLDER!!!!!"
(-- +50 PRE. 50ap; 20rp--)
SUBJ: WARLOCK FROM: DMG 09/03/90 S#: 449692
As the battle unfolds and Warlock sees what Serena is trying to do his will use his odds power to try to make the summoning sap the strength (as much as possible) from the one who appears, namely her father. Then he will continue to use that power to make Serena's EYE's power turn on the one who holds it.
---------------
Also make the 3x forward shield into a 2x shield which should reduce the chances of anything going wrong with it.
Last but not least Warlock will want to make his teleportation Gadget work both ways.(He can teleport up to 100 Yards or he can teleport something/one else the same distance. He will do this as soon as possible.)
SUBJ: Sapphire
Sapphire glares about the large Arena. She was been in battles before, but nothing of this magnitude! As per her warrior code, she seeks out the most powerful of the enemy.
'You are this Doctor Destroyer that men speak of in awe. Let us see who is supreme in battle!'
Sapphire will fly forward, and attempt to connect with regular strength punches.
Mail From: AREION Date: Monday 3-Sep-90 13:38 EDT
OK, here's what I'm going to do with the 50pts
All purchased as OIF: Emerald Eye
--------------------------------------
(24pts) Remove Limited to power list and No Conscious Control for unlisted powers Limitations from pool control cost.
(18pts) Raise Sword MP to 65pts
(3pts) Raise s1 to 2.5D6 HKA, AP, 1/2 End on 1.5 D6 (4End 5D6+1 Max possible)
(3pts) Raise s2 to Missile Deflection/ Reflection (vs Attacker) +10 to roll
(1pt) Raise s3 to +8D6 HA, 0 End
I'll wait for an approval before I post...make sure I didn't go TOO far overboard!
:> Mike :>
Spectrum's Comments: Another quick explaination. The various Emerald Eyes are like Variable Power Pools that can be used as the possessor desires. Above was how Areion set up his Eye. Below Areion shifts into a form more like his father's.
SUBJ: -- AREION -- Page I FROM: AREION 09/03/90 S#: 822907
From the instant he touches The Eye, a horrible change comes over the leader of The LA Knights. His flesh, darkening towards blackness, seems to become fluid rippling and circulating across the exposed portions of his body like the flow of a river. Long black horns emerge from his forehead, forming a perfect V that reaches skyward at its pointed ends. And The Eye...the false Eye has embedded itself in the mans body, midway between his chest and stomach. It rests there and pulsates stronger & stronger until it no longer appears corporal.
Areion looks down upon himself with his once blue eyes, eyes now red as blood, and he knows despair. He lets out the blood curdling shriek of a soul in torment., but even the voice is not his own. It has a deep guttural, animal like quality to it, more like a snarl than a voice.
At last, his form resolidifies, the transformation complete, and what was once Areion lets out an insidious peal of laughter.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Little Fool! Did you REALLY BELIEVE you could bear the touch of even a false Eye without letting ME out?!?!"
Areion looks down at the sword hanging at his side and smiles crookedly.
"Ahhh! Come to me, Sword of Vandries! Feel the touch of your new master!"
He draws the sword and instantly spouts of silver-white fire erupt from The Eye, pouring through his body and into the sword. The blade ignites in an argent white detonation of power.
"It is as the legends say. Sword and wielder are one!"
With a gesture, Areion heals his wounds (3D6 BODY,STUN,END Aid, only to starting levels 45AP 26RP) and strides over to Serena. Taking her hand with the intimacy of a lover, he looks deeply into her eyes.
"The time is nigh, my love. We must prepare the way for our father! Allow me to deal with these lesser creatures."
Gesturing again, Areion glares menacingly at the heroes.
Areion gestures and a silver-white glow settles on the brow of every hero present. However it doesn't have the effect you might expect.
**Fear not ,my friends! Though I may be transformed in body, in mind I am still myself. There is no time to explain. Play along, it should buy us precious time.**
(Mindlink with any mind, 64x Targets Visible power effects. 45AP 30RP)
Shutting off the mindlink with those who know me, I'll add for the benefit
of those who don't:
**I realize you don't know me, but, please, you must trust me! I'm one of the good guys!**
Calling all the darker aspects of his being to a point just below his surface consciousness, Areion sets to the task of deception at hand. Hoping that the evil side of his nature will mask his true intensions, and that Serena will take his 'transformation' at face value and not monitor his magical emanations too closely.
"It is done! They belong to ME now, body and soul."
"Destroy these infidels, faithful ones! Crush them under the sheer weight of your number!"
Choking down of his resolve, Areion begins a series of mystic gestures (Images vs normal hearing, 1024", extra dimensional (Thulkos) 40AP 32RP and 20pt total Mental Defense 16AP 13RP in hopes of shielding my deeper thoughts) and calls out across the void.
"HEAR US, TYRANNON, MIGHTY CONQUEROR! YOUR CHILDREN CALL! GRANT US THE POWER TO DESTROY THESE ARROGANT MORTALS AND PAVE THE WAY FOR YOUR TRIUMPH!!"
Whether or not Tyrannon responds, Areion will shift his pool again (exact point allotment WILL depend on if he responds or not. At any rate, 4RP will go for Mind Link with Serena, so work together and strike as one. I'll just have to watch what I'm thinking! ;> )
Then Areion will wrap his left arm around Serena's right and raise them to be pointing at DR. Destroyer."
"Let us give this self proclaimed GOD a taste of Solomic HellFire!"
(Areion will have his sword in his right hand, ready to redirect any attack sent his way back at the attacker, Levels to OCV)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Got a knack for biting off more than I can chew, don't I?!? :>
Spectrum's Comments: Yes, indeed he does!
SUBJ: Savij FROM: Psycho Tim 09/03/90 S#: 22141
Now that all this weird stuff is going on, Savij is quite confused, looking at the hideous transformation of Areion, and all this emerald eye business, and THEN the telepathic communication, Savij will attack the person he deems responsible for getting into his head...Menton. This is almost too much to take for Savij, so he will attack anything that even moves.
Mail From: Immortal Date: Monday 3-Sep-90 20:12 EDT
Do we know if Serena is on our side? (if not.. before entering combat, I will change my pool to...
Real Active Power
22 49 Telekinesis 12 STR ECV based, invisible to all but mental, affects entire object, 3x END
5 5 Mind Link - Starlight
15 30 Force Field 15 PD&ED 2x END +1 phase activation time
3 10 Flight 10" 5x END
8 20 Teleport 10" 4x END
(53 real points)
Using this arrangement, I will try to yank the Emerald Eye from Serena's grasp. I will try 2 times, then shift my pool to...
Real Active Power
18 41 T.K. 10 STR ECV based, invisible to all but mental 2x END, 14 or less act.
20 40 Ego blast 4d6 2x END, 1/2 conc to act., 15 or less activation
(I will keep the rest the same.)
I will request that Starlight try to blind Serena, so I have a better chance of grabbing the Gem. (the above is only If I was not told that Serena is on our side.)
SUBJ: Shadow FROM: WILD CATS 09/03/90 S#: 114711
Not believing what is going on, Shadow will turn into a huge black dragon, then let out a huge burst of fire at Dr. Destroyer, then move up and try to hit Menton with his tail with all his might. Then, if any villain is close enough or attacks, claw them.
SUBJ: wolf FROM: Dragon ref 09/03/90 S#: 99777
i poly to wolf form and use stelth to get close to ser then lunge and grab the eye in my mouth running away from ser
GM Notes:
Serena lets out an evil laugh as Areion joins her. "Now you see that I was right all along. Can you not feel it? Do you not revel in the power we now wield?'"
Whether she accepts the transformation or is too caught up in her own power surge to care is unknown. Serena joins hands with Areion. As she does, a glowing translucent globe appears around the pair.
"A minor enchantment for our safety. Now, Behold the full power of the Eye unleashed!"
Join with Areion, she prepares to fire a blast of hellfire at Dr. Destroyer...
Wonder if the good Doctor can withstand a 9d6 RKA? ;)
SUBJ: Scarlet Sabre
Scarlet is in awe at the energies in play here. Upon hearing Areion's mental words, she decides to play along.
'As you command, master.'
She moves to a point about halfway between the villains and Serena. Once there, Sabre will attempt deflect any incoming energy blasts that look like they will miss Serena, accidentally putting them back on course. If the acts look like they are going to hit, I'll appear to give a valiant effort, but just miss.
If the opportunity should present itself, I'll use my energy line to snag any of the loose Eyes, particularly Serena's.
SUBJ: Night FROM: Wildchilde 09/05/90 S#: 121128
Flinging 2 knifes at Menton, I will move into hand to hand range and start throwing the punches.
Mail From: NightStlkr Date: Thursday 6-Sep-90 18:12 EDT
Hiya Mad :)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Here's how I want The Beholder to spend his extra points from the Eye:
* 137 85pt Cosmic Power Pool- 1/2 PHA to shift (+1/2); No skill roll (+1), Act 14or< with Side effects (-1 1/2). All powers at 0 END +1/2).
[ *= OIF: Partial Limitation: Emerald Eye (-1/2) ].
CALCULATIONS:
Normal costs (60 pt Pool)..........................60
30 (control cost) x 2.5 / 2.5 ........30
* 0 END for base 60 pt Pool ..........10
Bonus pts from Eye-- +25 pt Power Pool....................+25
* 12 (control cost) x 3 / 3 .........+12
90 (base Pool) + 47 (Eye pts) = 137
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The last 3 pts from the Eye go into his REC (total 12 REC-- +2pts) and his STUN (total 41 STUN-- +1pt)
SUBJ: The Beholder - Marduk FROM: NightStlkr 09/06/90 S#: 799980
After witnessing Areion's bizarre transformation and hearing his mental message, The Beholder is unsure of what to make of it.
This Areion is truly a complex being. His contact with The Emerald Eye has brought forth the visage of his demonic nature, yet inwardly, he claims to be just. Furthermore, he asks me to put my trust in him, despite his malicious intentions. I may not know him, but still I sense he is truly a noble warrior. Perhaps that is all a Beholder need know...
The Beholder raises his Emerald Eye to his chest. Pressing it against his 'birthmark', streams of energy flow outward in all directions as the two seem to merge. The Emerald Eye still remains visible, though it has been placed just below the surface of The Beholder's skin. With the added power of The Eye, The Beholder's 'birthmark' begins to flux with power even more radiantly than before.
Obeying Areion's verbal 'command', The Beholder focuses on Menton. A crimson burst of power rushes from his hands toward his target, wreaking havoc on the villain, internally.(--8D6 NND- defense is having no nervous system. 80ap, 31rp--).
Being forewarned of Menton's capabilities, The Beholder will also use his power to boost his own mental attributes. (--+16 EGO. 32ap, 13rp; 20pts Mental Defense. 20ap, 8rp--)
New Crusaders #12
The situation within the Arena of Death has vastly changed. Serena is now in control of the main Emerald Eye. Areion and the Beholder are now using the lesser Eyes.
Areion is running a desperate deception in an attempt to fool Serena. He has appeared to join Serena's cause, but secretly warns the other heroes of his goal.
Combining his power with Serena's, they blast Dr. Destroyer with hellfire. Destroyer appears unharmed by the attack. He regards Tyrannon's children with a nasty glare.
"Even with the Eye's aid, you power means nothing to me. Feel true power!"
Destroyer fires an energy blast that explodes all around Serena and Areion. It lashes out, striking all in the area.
Many of the just freed heroes go down under the attack. Of the new heroes, Emerald Knight, Wolf, Starlight and Scarlet Sabre all go down. Dynamo and Night are both stunned.
The energy penetrates the defense shield created by Serena. Areion is overwhelmed from the attack and blacks out for a second. Somewhat dazed, he attempts to gather his wits about him.
Enraged at the turn of events, the Crimson Claw strikes down Short Circuit in a shower of blood.
Menton sees the creature known as Savij approach and defends himself with a mindbolt. Savij's mind is overload from the attack, stunning the creature.
Borealis fires a blast of concentrated light, further hurting Serena. Enraged, she spins and fires back, but only doing minor damage to the Canadian villain.
Sapphire tries to attack Dr. Destroyer but misses.
Warlock uses his power to attempt to weaken Serena's hold on the Eye. Unknowingly, he complements Wraith's attempt to telekinetically wrestle the Eye away. Serena's will is strong and she maintains control.
Professor Power punches the Crimson Claw, but the Claw is unhindered.
The Beholder hits Menton with a blast designed to shock his nervous system. His aim is true, but Menton withstands the attack.
Menton returns the favor, mindblasting Beholder. Thanks to the Eye's powers, the Beholder is only mildly hurt.
Shadow, in dragon form, blasts Dr. Destroyer with his fire breath. The Doctor is unharmed, his armor taking the blunt of the attacks. Destroyer retaliates, stunning Shadow with an energy blast.
"Thissss isss all wrong!", the Claw shouts. "SSShe isss not powerful enough!"
Ominously, a strange change is coming over Serena. The Eye begins to glow slightly. Those who are close enough can see the Eye actually graft itself to Serena!
Her features begin to darken until she is totally black. Almost like a human eclipse.
Areion shakes off the cobwebs to discover in horror that his hand joined with Serena's has disappeared into the darkness! His mind reels as he feels her terror through the mindlink.
Within the unnatural darkness there is movement and sound... Many dark shapes are moving... closer and closer...
Suddenly the arena is flooded by demonic creatures of various sizes and shape.... The Old One's are back!
GM Notes:
A few words on what is really going on here...
As you might know by now, a contest was going on to determine who the most powerful villain in the world was. The prize was the Emerald Eye of Azog. While the Eye was an object that granted its wielder great power, it also was a gateway for the Old Ones to return to Earth.
The Old Ones are beings who are considered to be demons, who once ruled the Earth tens of thousands of years ago. They were eventually banished by the Archmage of that time.
To return to Earth's dimension, they would have to establish a gate using a human being. To accomplish this, they created the Emerald Eye of Azog. Using the Crimson Claw as their agent, the Old Ones planned their return...
Which is where we are at now! :)
Hero Status:
Name Stun
Areion 1 of 35*
Beholder 29 of 40
Dynamo 25 of 42
Emerald Knight -17 of 28*
Night 5 of 49*
Sapphire 33 of 53
Savij 19 of 51*
Scarlet Sabre -12 of 31*
Shadow 12 of 46*
Wolf -3 of 40*
* Character is stunned.
SUBJ: Shadow (R) FROM: WILD CATS 09/09/90 S#: 487852
If still capable, shadow will attempt to fly up and strike Borealis with claws and fire. If not, he will avoid the villains, defend himself with tail, claws, and breath, and try to recover.
SUBJ: WARLOCK FROM: DMG 09/09/90 S#: 843302
As the Old Ones start to enter this world Warlock will use his power so that the gems power will multiple 100's of times over hopefully causing an overload that will destroy or disable the gem.
If he sees that is not working he will use his power so DR.D feels that the Old Ones are the greatest threat and must be stopped at all cost. [Warlock is increasing the chance that the threat the Old Ones are become DR. Ds greatest concern.]
SUBJ: Savij FROM: Psycho Tim 09/10/90 S#: 793233
after Savij takes a few seconds to shake the cobwebs out, he will resume his attack on Menton but instead he will run off at an angle past Menton as if in pain, and then try to spring on him by surprise by doing a full power leap with his claws extended first.
SUBJ: wolf FROM: Wild dan 09/10/90 S#: 820716
just turn invisable
Spectrum's Comments: That's probably the smartest thing he's ever done in the game!
SUBJ: Sapphire
Seeing all heck breaking loose, Sapphire will summon up all her strength and wade into the arriving demons. Her goal is to grab as many as she can and throw them back through the gate if possible.
SUBJ: The Beholder - Marduk R) FROM: NightStlkr 09/11/90 S#: 17471
During his confrontation with Menton, The Beholder catches a glimpse of the new arrivals out of the corner of his eye.
Initially, he is apathetic towards the newcomers as he presses his offensive against the psionic (use the same attack as before). But after taking a closer look, he realizes who these beings are.
"By the Jeweled Crown of Anu!!! THEY HAVE ESCAPED!!!"
Turning, The Beholder faces the ancient enemies of his race.
"HEAR ME, Old Ones!! I am MARDUK, son of ENKI!! You are not welcome here!!! You were banished from the world of man by the mighty AMBROSE; lord of all magick, revered arch-mage of our day!!"
"Your presence here will not elude the notice of my brethren!! I suggest that you return to your prison!!"
"BEGONE!!!"
SUBJ: night FROM: Wildchilde 09/12/90 S#: 807009
shaking the cobwebs free Night becomes terrified at what is transpiring knowing that he is extremely outclassed here he will avoid a frontal assault and instead try to work his way around and attack anyone from behind. He will also attempt to get the formerly captive heroes into action.
SUBJ: -- AREION -- FROM: AREION 09/15/90 S#: 86471
Areion gapes in horror at the black shape that used to be his greatest adversary...and the woman he loves. For the first time since his valiant stand against Tyrannon as a child, his heart knows the true meaning of the word fear. His concern for her is so great, he all but forgets the battle raging around him.
To Serena via Mind Link:
"Serena, you must reject the Eye!! Renounce its power with all of your might! You saw yourself, I called for father's aid but he did not answer!
The timing is not yet his! There will be other attempts, other opportunities, but if you don't do as I say NOW, YOU won't be around to be any part of it! Do you hear me, sister?!? It is not Mighty Tyrannon that you now serve, but The Old Ones!!"
Gesturing with his free hand, will quickly thrust his senses into the Emerald Eye grafted to Serena's flesh
[Detect Emerald Eye: Discriminatory, targeting +10 to roll 37AP 30RP]
then will try to magically weaken its hold on her. [9D6 of appropriate Suppress (hopefully gained from Detection) 45AP 36RP]
If this doesn't work, (or Serena refuses to release The Eye) I'll try to grab a hold of Serena's Dark Orb and thrust my senses into it [Detect Dark Orb: Discriminatory, targeting +10 to roll...I'll be looking for the evil emanations I felt binding it earlier, as well as trying to figure out what power it has and how it works. 37RP 30AP]
New Crusaders #13
"This is your doing, Claw!", Dr. Destroyer shouts. Rushing forward, the armored villain reaches the Crimson Claw and lifts him into the air.
"Put me down!!", the Claw shouts.
"The purpose of this contest was to summon your masters to this world. If this world is to have an absolute master, it shall be Destroyer!"
Striding towards the gate that was Serena, Dr. Destroyer hurtles the Crimson Claw into the void.
"Here, tell it to your masters in person!"
With a hiss, the Crimson Claw disappears into the realm of the Old Ones.
In the scant seconds that the gate was been open, hundreds of the Old Ones have entered the Arena of Death. Regardless of former alliances, the assembled heroes and villains are forced to fight the Old Ones for their very survival.
The sheer power in the Arena of Death is more than equal to the task. Old Ones by the dozen go down each second, but they keep arriving by the hundreds. The downed Old Ones disappear in a puff of sulfur when downed.
Meanwhile, Areion is engaged in another type of battle. Still attached to Serena, he attempts to reason with her. Mentally trying to reason with
her. He finally succeeds.
"I-- I will try... The Orb.."
Areion then turns his attention to the Orb, thinking that it may be the key to this situation. He probes into, finding the intense evil he sensed with in the Orb to be an evil magic spell binding a soul to the Orb.
This soul powers the Orb. Pushing past the spell, he finds this Soul, while not the purist, a well meaning one. And aware...
A single word makes it's way to Areion's mind...
"Son?"
Before any further words can pass, Serena acts. Drawing power from the Orb, the Lesser Emerald Eyes disappear from Areion and the Beholder.
They reappear joined to the Greater Eye. Disregarding the pain, Serena summons the power within the trio of eyes. Greater and greater the energy flows around her. At the last moment, she turns it back upon the Eyes themselves!
The Eyes explode in a dazzling display. The Arena is plunged into darkness.
Later, the heroes regain their senses. The Arena, in fact the entire dome is gone. You are at the bottom of a large, bowl shaped impression in the earth. Presumably where the dome once rested. Looking around, all trace of the Old Ones is gone. Serena, the Eyes and the Orb are nowhere to be found. Areion cannot detect her magical presence.
Of the villains, only Dr. Destroyer and Menton remain.
"This conflict is over", Destroyer says. "But I shall return. The power of the Pyramid of Darkness will thrust me into world domination. Until then..."
Menton concentrates and the two disappear.
The members of the Freedom Squad and the LA Knights are greeted warmly by the other heroes. Good relations are established with those heroes and groups.
GM Notes:
Well, that brings us to the end of the GSVC!
Next week, the teams will be back to your regular, separate posts. The Crossover is over.
Post what your character plans on doing next here.
Time to give out experience points!
Name Xp's
Areion 7
Beholder 2
Dynamo 2
Emerald Knight 3
Night 2
Professor Power 2
Sapphire 3
Savij 2
Scarlet Sabre 4
Shadow 3
Starlight 4
Warlock 3
Wolf 2
Wraithe 2
For the time being, Professor Power and Dynamo are NPC's.
Spectrum's Comments: Ironically, the Claw's fate has been similiar each time we've done this. In the original X-Factor version Morning Star threw the Claw through the Gate. On Q it was Destroyer. On the main site it was Morning Star AND Destroyer!
The Dark Orb was another of Areion's inventions for Serena. I added that it was powered by Areion's human mother to explain what happened to her. Yes, she is EVIL!! Serena does return in the future, of course.
SUBJ: Shadow FROM: WILD CATS 09/16/90 S#: 490634
Shadow sits down to consider what to do next. His powers really only meant one line of work. "Well, this job never gets dull at least," Shadow mumbles under his breath. He'll stay with the LA Knights.
SUBJ: Savij FROM: Psycho Tim 09/16/90 S#: 421156
After the colossal battle, Savij will stalk the streets for awhile, killing a few drug dealers, then returning to the freedom squad's base.
I would like to spend my experience points on my dexterity.
SUBJ: Sapphire
After the titanic battle, Sapphire rests of the ground, exhausted. She greets the other heroes, but will avoid conversation.
Once back at the base, she will head to her room for some much needed rest. After sleeping for almost 12 hours, she will awaken refreshed. Following a huge meal, Sapphire will hit the gym and lift weights.
Sapphire will use her experience to increase her strength.
SUBJ: Scarlet Sabre
'Well that was interesting.'
Sabre will relay the happenings to Jaime. Summoning the jet, Sabre will, carrying any who care to go along, back to HQ. In the days to follow, she will help get the base equipment in shape. Combining her skills with those of Warlock and Emerald Knight.
'What kind of gadgets do you guys think we should have, huh?'
SUBJ: The Beholder - Marduk FROM: NightStlkr 09/19/90 S#: 102090
At the battle's conclusion, the man known as The Beholder is nowhere to be found among the conversing heroes. Should anyone look up, The Beholder can be seen standing near the edge of the crater.
His stance is truly majestic; he stands upright, one foot perched on a large rock. The sunlight dances across his gleaming white leather. His head is turned toward the sky as his long brown hair blows freely in the wind. His eyes closed, an expression of deep serenity rests on his face.
As The Beholder breathes in deeply, the 'birthmark' on his chest seems to come alive with a vivacious crimson glow. It almost appears that he is feeding off of his surroundings; as if he is at one with the environment itself.
As The Beholder stands gazing at the landscape, he can't help but utter to himself.
"It seems I've been led down another blind alley, but I won't let it deter me. For the past fortnight I have searched for my fellow Beholders; I truly believed I had found them this time, except the power that lured me here was not that of my brethren, but that of the accursed Old Ones."
"Why were they not here to combat our ancient enemies?? Did they not sense their presence as I did?? Do they not sense 'my' presence here now?? Wherever they are, I shall find them. I swear to you, my brethren, that MARDUK shall walk among you once more."
SUBJ: -- AREION -- FROM: AREION 09/20/90 S#: 403416
Rising awkwardly, Areion glances at his hands, relieved to see their pink flesh tone. Breathing a sigh of relief, he begins gathering his team together.
"Everyone OK? Looks like I have some explaining to do. There'll be time for that back at the church. Wraithe, you're welcome to tag along. We could always use another hero who knows how to handle himself."
"Eagle...I'm not sure what can be done about Short Circuit. There's not enough left to even give a decent burial, I don't even know who to notify."
After a long pause:
"Looks like things are pretty well wrapped up here. Should you need us in the future, you know where to us."
Areion will shake American Eagle's hand then fly up to The Beholder.
"I believe you had some questions you want answered? To my knowledge, The Beholders were just a legend. If your brethren still share this world with humanity, they remain well hidden. If you wish to remain with The Knights for a while, I could help you in your search. I have an extensive occult library back at our headquarters. That would be a good place to start. By the way, my name is Areion."
Before leaving, Areion will leave word with all the teams represented here that he would appreciate being informed of any run ins with Serena.
Areion will spend a lot of his free time for the next few days in the library, researching The Beholders, The Pyramid Dr. Destroyer mentioned, and The Dark Orb (Unless I miss my guess, Serena's Dark Orb is a relatively new creation, but there may have been others. I'll pay particular attention to texts that give instructions for the creation of magical artifacts and the lore behind them.) He'll also help the others with any renovations they may need to make on the base where he can.
SUBJ: Emerald Knight FROM: Long Bo 09/20/90 S#: 511645
"Well, I sure wasn't much help towards the end of this. I'm sure glad its over. I'll see everyone back at Areion's tomorrow."
I will first go and check on my business making sure everything's going OK then head to Areions.
I will then help in getting our base up to technological speed.
Latest news and happenings in the LA area.
The combined forces of the Freedom Squad and the LA Knights foiled the plot of an entity known as the Crimson Claw.
The missing heroes have been located. For the time being, the crime wave in LA has subsided. Things are slowly coming back to normal.
This city owes those heroes a huge debt of thanks.
The HART Warehouse was the site of a huge explosion several nights ago. Searching the rubble, a cache of Viper Weapons was found.
Two undercover police officers, attempting to infiltrate the drug underworld were savagely murdered. Eye witness reports claim it was the work of a 'monster'. The search for this creature continues.
Spectrum's Comments: And that concludes the GSVC and New Crusaders. From here the teams went back to their perspective posts. The above were small bits of news. The HART warehouse should be familar to long time readers of the site. It'll be the subject of a solo hero coming up soon.