Shadowland - The Vanguard Issue #1 The Shadow Deepens

Admin wrote:He smiled "Though personally, I'm hoping you make a fight of it." though there was no warmth in the sound.

Frostbite wondered what he could do here, what he hoped to gain. A straight up fight wouldn't be won easily. But clearly the being before him, had all the theatrical tricks and power to appear like the beneficator, whislt casting him as the villain. He realised how much people wanted to believe, and this being played on that.

"Forget it, you know that this gesture is pointless. We are not like you, we've been tested but not found wanting as you have. We've stuck to our guns, whilst you just gave in. Was the promise of power too suductive, or did you just forget you've a calling to a higher duty. Say what you will, but you're true nature cannot be hidden forever. Even if you appear as an angel of light, it will be seen that its not the light you serve. "Every tree is known by its fruit..." It might take time for people to realise, but they're a lot more aware than you'd give them credit for. They are not animals to be farmed, they are people to serve, however badly they know it."

Frostbite allowed his words to sink in all the while wondering what options lay open before him, that didn't involve playing into this beings hands.

Sj

His 'other' self, Joe Hoskyn from some other reality, sneered... "Weak. As I was. The Dark Power is there to be used! You have no idea do you? You play the hero, stop these petty little wars of theirs, and they hate you. They hate you because you can fly! They hate you because no matter how hard they strive, or push themselves, they will never ascend to your level! You are a god to them, and you let your gift go to waste! The Dark Power is wasted on you! I know a thousand, a million, more even, versions of us that joined the great collective you call the Devourer! You can save this world! Be the hero you claim to be! Come with us, leave these... 'ants' to their scurrying around in the dirt! The Devourer is the ultimate power in this - or any other - universe! No Galactic Empire, no army or super being can stand against us! Our every want, need and desire is fulfilled in ways you cannot imagine! In there..." he pointed to the dark sky "you can craft a world to your own design, populate it with more of these pathetic dirt walkers, and lord it over as god, if you wish!"

"I did... for a while, then I moved on. I transcended mere earthly desires or dreams. You will... in time, perhaps. Time this world does not have. Join us, or step aside and watch as we fill this world full of terror, fear and anguish, sate our voracious thirst, then leave it a dead husk, and you behind with it as punishment! Or save them, and join with the great collective!"

He started to rise, to fly towards the sky. "I would give you a day to decide, but you do not have even that. Take the message to your friends. Tell them the choice. Save the planet and join us, or watch powerless as we leave it barren and empty!"

The light from the pinprick hole in the Devourer encircling the sun suddenly sealed, and the screams of anguish from the people of New York City filled the air, to the delight of the Dark Emissary who kept flying upwards! "Drink it in, brother! Feed! There's plenty more where that came from! We'll milk them until their minds are gone, but mankind is resilient, and there is much suffering they can withstand before then!"

Frostbite could feel the Dark Power inside partaking of the anguish and horror that emanated from the people of New York, and he quelled the rising feeling to call on the Dark Power, unsure of what the effects might be.

"It's him!" screamed a man at street level, pointing at Frostbite. "He took away the light! Get him!" The people erupted into an angry, baying, hateful mob, and started tearing things up to throw at Frostbite!

"Drink it in brother! They hate you! That, as you know, is meat and drink to us! Delicious!" he laughed, heading ever skyward!

Frostbite looked in despair at the crowd below. Thousands of people like baying animals seeking to kill him, to grind him into dust! Somewhere a gunshot rang out, and he was grateful that his intangibility allowed him to ignore such things!

The choices remaining to him were few. He could try to persuade the mob that he was there to help, persuade the President of the United States of the same, attempt to stop or capture the Dark Emissary, or leave to tell the others what had transpired. The screaming and hateful shouting of the massive mob was worrying though, and somehow Frostbite knew it was only the start...

Admin wrote:Frostbite looked in despair at the crowd below. Thousands of people like baying animals seeking to kill him, to grind him into dust! Somewhere a gunshot rang out, and he was grateful that his intangibility allowed him to ignore such things!

Frostbite rose to the sky, he looked back on the mob that had turned ugly. Hate inspired by fear, fear of the unknown and the powerlessness of it all washed over him. He didn't want to remain, 'feeding' as the shadow did within him, made his stomach turn. He then looked up and rose into the sky.

Shortly back on the bridge, having informed the others of what the Shadow self had told him, he wondered at the wisdom of talking to the President. He really didn't know what else they could do. He personally couldn't convince people of anything, or could he.

Turning to the agents on board he started to rattle off orders, designs to be made, a shield and various other requests. Perhaps the vanguard couldn't inspire the people, but maybe General Freedom could.

OOC:

Ok its time for General Freedom, who has been fighting the Nazi's behind enemy lines, comes forward and meets his President.

My idea is that I get the robots, put together the uniform and bike as before. And then some distance away I am dropped in, and I ride up to Washington, making as big a splash as I can. Then...well there isn't a plan just an idea and I'll see where and how far I can go with it.

Sj

Joe felt like a phony, but desperate times called for desperate measures!

Looking at himself in the mirror, dressed in full body stars and stripes with a mask and costume identical to that he'd worn in his short time as the popular superhero General Freedom, he gave orders for the V-Ship to drop him off and make itself scarce.

=========

He rode through the streets on his 'motorcycle' which was actually a robot from the Robo Carrier morphed into the form of a motorcycle!

It had taken a lick of paint to make it look used, and he'd rolled in the dirt a little to give his costume that 'worn' look. Even now as he rode down Pennsylvania Avenue in the dark, lights blazing through the night, he could see the terrified looks on peoples faces. Some were gathered in crowds and shouting, ranting even, at what they saw as the Governments inaction - as if they could do something about this!

General Freedom glanced to the sky and the stygian darkness that met his gaze. He had no idea how long it would be before the madness of perpetual dark sparked rioting in the streets, buildings ablaze and the breakdown of public order! Even now, there was sunspot activity which disrupted radio signals and terrified people at home huddled around wireless sets hoping for official word of what was going on and what to do!

He pulled up at the gates where he was challenged by half a dozen soldiers!

"Who the heck are..."

"Wait! Isn't it that guy?"

"Who?"

"Freedom! General Freedom! He was in the papers, on the news. Didn't you see the movietone newsreels a few months ago?"

"It could be anyone! The world is going crazy! This whack job could be trying' ta pull the wool over our eyes! So how about it mack? You who you claim to be? If so... prove it!"

Admin wrote:"It could be anyone! The world is going crazy! This whack job could be trying' ta pull the wool over our eyes! So how about it mack? You who you claim to be? If so... prove it!"

Joe got off the bike and moved over to the Soldier. He looked down at him, his imposing figure and bright garb made a big impression amidst the gloom and despair. "I don't do party tricks soldier, I take orders and I'm here to see the Commander in Chief. Now if that isn't good enough for you, what would you like to see me do? Unless you've taken leave of your senses, there is a war on. But if it makes you feel any better, you can take my sidearm and escort me in."

Frostbite leaned over the man, as he awaited his decision. He rightly had expected some resistance, but he hoped that the fact the President knew him even wanted him to serve the country, would be enough when word got flagged up to him.

Sj

"W... wait. Sir." said the soldier, clearly somewhat star struck by the man in front of him. In his short tenure as an American symbol of heroism and freedom, Frostbite had made quite the impression, and only subsequent events had pushed his keenly felt absence to the back of American hearts and minds.

Some minutes later, a Soldier returned. "Sir, you're to be escorted under armed guard. If you are who you say you are, the President will see you, If not, then we'll be arresting you and locking you up for impersonating an officially sanctioned government operative!"

General Freedom nodded then followed the half dozen armed guards.

=========

The President looked frail, somewhat weak and exhausted...

The Oval office was full of advisers, men in suits who were probably FBI agents, and others General Freedom could't guess with regards their purpose. A man he did know, Phillip Stern, stepped forward. "I asked something of you* the last time we met, if it is you. What was it?"

The armed men in the room seemed tense, and ready to level guns at General Freedom!

OOC *After a literal answer, a single word. Check in the 'story so far' and Frostbites World War II Issue #1 for Sterns request

Admin wrote:The armed men in the room seemed tense, and ready to level guns at General Freedom!

OOC *After a literal answer, a single word. Check in the 'story so far' and Frostbites World War II Issue #1 for Sterns request

OOC: Ok well it was two words, "be lucky" Those seem to be the only words of any great 'significance' at the of our conversation, so I'll go with them.

Frostbite looked kindly on the man and their last conversation before he left them, "Sir it was two words, you said, 'Be lucky'. I must confess sir, despite everything somehow I managed to arrive back here at the right time."

Frostbite [ooc: and me] awaited the agents reply, he had this going for him, he certainly had a good poker face, that much is certain.

OOC: If I got it wrong and didn't read far enough, then I can go back and take a another look, but as far as I could tell, Stern didn't appear much in issue 1, having said that the search facility doesn't work, so I might not have gone back far enough, I only looked at the last two pages in issue 1, as that is where he seemed to turn up. However my player knowledge is probably quite faulty so my character might know better. Then again if Stern things I'm an imposter, then who knows where that takes us.

Sj

Trowers muttered "Shut up Claude..." and glanced at the large head peering through the gap in the barricade, the gaping maw and malice etched face! "I think I'm going to need a bigger flamethrower..."

There was a crashing of metal and wood as a large hand reached through the gap in the barricade and started to probe around for something living to eat!

"Well ... Heck," Anyman cursed. "Let's see if this does anything!"
Using his silver encased hand, Anyman punches the hand/arm reaching into the room. And if that doesn't work, then I guess it is time for him to find out he has an Ego Blast now, which probably won't work against an undead but we will give it a try anyways.

FROSTBITE in the Oval Office

Stern looked at General Freedom... well, sternly. Then he relaxed and nodded. "Be lucky kid. Yeah, he's the real deal. Stand down."

The agents seemed to give a sigh of relief and holstered weapons. As the mood in the place became friendlier an Agent even came over. "Say, would it be too much of an inconvenience to sign these?" he handed over some 'General Freedom' trading cards, with images taken from blurry photos or painted on. "Y'know, for my kid." The agent glanced over, then stepped back, embarrassed as the President wheeled himself over on his wheelchair. "Good to see you back here. I don't suppose you want to make serving your country a more permanent role? If not, what can I ... we... do for you son. And what can you tell us about the sun going 'out'? I have to say, it's unnerved the country and it's getting hard trying to make excuses to the people in my radio addresses. There's civil disorder, call to go to war.. but against whom? You and your friends in the Vanguard stopped the Axis but at what cost? We seem to have a situation where we stopped one world threatening menace and swapped it for another! Please tell me son, you're not here as part of the problem, but as part of the solution?"

ANYMAN on the Nazi Moon base with DAMON TROWERS/CLAUDE BENTHAM against the UNDEAD SCOURGE!

Anyman reached through the gap, probing about. As his hand came near the huge vile creature, he could feel his skin tingle! 'That doesn't feel good!' he thought to himself!

OOC If he misses, he's going to find out how bad it is... Roll 6+5 (11) + DC6 + WC3 = 20. 3 Accuracy, plus 25 from strength = 28htk. Divided by 4 to inflict 7htk.

There was a sizzle of flesh and Anyman smiled, satisfied that silver did in fact harm the creature! He had a sneaking suspicion that had he not used the silver, he would be the one screaming in pain! With his body already changing inside, he knew he needed medical attention. Chances were if this thing broke through it wouldn't matter!

With a curse he focused his anger into a bolt of mental energy, surprised and pleased but still confused that it'd happened!

OOC Ego 12 + roll 8,9 (17) = 29.The creature has a special defense against mental attacks - if yours doesn't get through, it's will! That said, it has an ego of 15, so not guaranteed... Roll 6,5 (11) = 26. Anyman is successful and inflicts 6htk damage for a total of 13htk inflicted this round. That's not a bad start. Remember to use hero points next time!

The creature roared in pain and started tearing at the barrier! The heavy barricade was tossed aside like so many empty wooden fruit crates, and Anyman knew his time was running out! If this thing smashed through the barrier it would come down to a straight fight, and the Vanguardian had the distinct impression that just touching the thing - or being touched by it - was a bad, bad thing!

OOC Continue with more of the same or try something else?

The creature roared in pain and started tearing at the barrier! The heavy barricade was tossed aside like so many empty wooden fruit crates, and Anyman knew his time was running out! If this thing smashed through the barrier it would come down to a straight fight, and the Vanguardian had the distinct impression that just touching the thing - or being touched by it - was a bad, bad thing!

OOC Continue with more of the same or try something else?

"Try the flamethrower," Anyman yells out, as he looks for more metal to wrap his hands and wrists in. "Is there some kind of escape hatch or way to seal any holes we make to the outside?"

actions: Give the flamethrower a chance and then punch away with armored fists, HPs into damage. Was thinking of using my strength and the moon's reduced gravity to grab him and throw it very very far away, maybe even into orbit around the moon but need some kind of exit that doesn't leave us in a vaccum..

Admin wrote:FROSTBITE in the Oval Office

Stern looked at General Freedom... well, sternly. Then he relaxed and nodded. "Be lucky kid. Yeah, he's the real deal. Stand down."

Frostbite as General Freedom smiled warmly. It felt good to shake the hand of an American who, despite his lack of powers, was ready to stand up to someone like him.

Then turning to the President he saluted before replying, "Sir the matters at hand are.." Frostbite struggled for words. He could see that the President understood the struggle, these were alarming times. "Unlike anything we've seen. Biblical in apocalyptic nature. We thought things were bad with the Nazi's and they are. But the Nazi's were a convenient foil for the real powers that threaten us now. And instead of just nation at war with nation, this is one race against humans everywhere. Sir these things pose a threat on a different level, they fight a fifth columnist war using propaganda, lies and cloak and dagger the like of which we've never seen. They feed on fear, suspicion and anger the way a schoolyard bully, grows tougher through intimidation. These things grow stronger on the very fear they are so clever at generating, turning a nation against itself and its true allies. If there was ever a time for heroes, for courage and for the American way, then this Mr President is that hour."

Frostbite said no more. What more could he say, if there was ever a time for the rugged pioneering spirit that built America then this was that time. A time for faith, for fight and for America to show itself strong.

Sj

ANYMAN on the Nazi Moon base with DAMON TROWERS/CLAUDE BENTHAM against the UNDEAD SCOURGE!

Bentham called out "We were running somewhat short of options when we chose this room. It has access to the most equipment. Unfortunately there are several layers of base above us, and the walls are reinforced metal."

"He's full of good news" said Trowers, coming forward with the flame thrower. He stood as close to the gap in the barrier as possible and let rip with the flames!

There was a searing blast, and a roar of anger from the creature on the other side of the rapidly dismantling barricade. For the moment it seemed the creature had been dissuaded. Trowers glanced at the cannister "We have enough for two more shots like that"

Anyman was tearing metal sheeting off the walls to wrap around his hands in order that his flesh didn't touch that of the horror outside!

He peered into the darkness, saw the glow of recently roasted flesh then punched out!

OOC Anyman has 2 frames, then creatures attack. Use 3 Hero points... 10,9,2,8,4 (19) + WC3 + DC6=28-17. 11 accuracy +25 damage from strength = 9htk after dividers.Creature has taken 22htk

There is a roar of pain as the creature suffers another painful punch to its writhing mass of a body! Cheered by the success, Anyman strikes out again!

OOC Another 3 Hero points, he's used 6 this round. 2,2,4,9,6 (really tricky - take 15 or double 2? I'll assume double 2...) and extra roll 8,7 total 19. Same as last time, 9htk. Creature has taken 31htk

The creature seemed to back off, receding into the darkness of the corridor. After a few seconds, Trowers turned to Anyman. "has it had enough?" he asked.

Bentham continued soldering wires and shaking his head at having to marry alien technology with designs from the future and 1940s resources. Still, as a brilliant scientist and inventor he was used to cobbling things together, though not usually with the threat of being eaten by undead hanging over him!

All of a sudden there came a banging sound from the ceiling, and all three looked up! Panels started to dent and bend inwards, and a groping hand poked through a gap in the ceiling! Trowers risked a look and called out "More undead! Coming through the ceiling!"

The crash at the barricade confirmed the creature was back! More debris was tossed aside and there was enough room for it to lean in and swipe into the room, though Anyman and the two time travellers were out of reach - it would only be a matter of time before the creature was in fully, and by then the undead on the floor above would have clawed their way through metal panels and start dropping into the room!

Bentham called out "I can risk trying to set off a controlled pulse wave with my machine, but it will burn out a number of circuits and may affect us as well! there's no telling what a lunarium burst will do to the undead, if anything!"

Things looked desperate!

Bentham called out "I can risk trying to set off a controlled pulse wave with my machine, but it will burn out a number of circuits and may affect us as well! there's no telling what a lunarium burst will do to the undead, if anything!"

Things looked desperate!

"We need that machine to save the universe," Anyman yelled out, as he prepared to punch away again. "Trowers and I will do our best to give you the time you need. Just keep working!"

more HPs into damage.

FROSTBITE in the Oval Office

The President was silent for a moment. "Son, understand, we have had a hard time understanding the events that have transpired recently. The War in Europe ended when vast flying aircraft carriers appears over every country in the world only for us to find out you and your friends were in charge of them. That made people nervous - were these few trying to set themselves as supreme rulers of the many? Can't blame people fer wonderin'? These subversive types are less visible than yourselves too - people tend to fear what they don't understand, and are terrified of that which they think they understand, with their minds playin' tricks and jumping to the wrong conclusions. Then we have the sun... blanking out. It's been dark for a day or so and there's looting, panic in the streets, mobs with burning brands and placards stating the end of the world is nigh. The press thinks you lot - the Vanguard - are to blame, and I can't dissuade them without giving them something."

He sighed then continued "Now we have people on the ground reporting that a disturbance in New York ended peacefully, but that this visitor from elsewhere brought back the sunlight - we have a situation of mass hysteria now! Why, I even hear tell of a religious sect forming, the 'Bringers of the light' that claims the being in Central Park was some sort of god come to visit death on us for all our sins unless we repent." he shook his head. "People have been emptying banks with their life savings and pouring it on this sects' lawn to somehow pay for a way out of this. Someone should tell them that the current crisis may well make money, and the banking system worthless."

"Son, I won't beat around the bush. This looks like the end o times. Unless you and your friends come up with something - quick - I'll have to declare martial law and proclaim the Vanguard the enemy of all right thinking nations. You may have not brought this on us, but by god we can't just sit here whilst you and your friends are powerless against it. We'll mobilize people, organize them as best we can and arm them if need be. Then we'll watch the skies and wait. If doom is coming, we'll go down fighting!"

There was a cheer from aides and agents in the room. General Freedom felt powerless - the situation was snowballing, and without hope the natural response was panic! That played right into the Shadow Demons hands...

'And ours. I have... been... silent, because the flood is almost more than I can feed from!' said the Shadow Demon inside. 'There are too many, and they are too strong, to fight directly, and they feed as I do, from the terror and panic. I know nothing of such things, but it seems without a visible symbol of hope and something to cling to, these people will drown in panic, fear, terror and blood!'

The President looked outside. "The end of days...." he said, and his voice went quiet. Outside the screams and shouts of the mob were getting louder, and somewhere a gun went off...

Admin wrote:FROSTBITE in the Oval Office

The President looked outside. "The end of days...." he said, and his voice went quiet. Outside the screams and shouts of the mob were getting louder, and somewhere a gun went off...

OOC:
Ok lots going on at the moment so head space is very limited, which is why I didn't reply straight away. I kind of know that this needs me to write a stirring speech and to go sort of address the nation, alongside the president. But right now I'm so tapped out, I've no idea how to write that when I've got so many other things going that I need to do.

But being busy often means one cannot see the wood for the trees, so maybe I am missing the obvious here, if so please feel free to be obvious. Anyway a handy hint or a hero point leg up/on ramp would be helpful today.

Sj

OOC no probs - had plenty going on myself and the kind of free form play we are involved in can sometimes give too many choices, so much so that it seems there are no clear choices. Like standing in a forest and telling you that every direction is a safe way out. So which way do you go?

The President thought for a moment. "The police are as frightened as the public. Army? They are wound tighter than a spring, looking for a war to fight. The place is a powder keg getting set to explode..." he sighed, removed his glasses and pursed his nose.

"Look... You don't have to do this - I can't force you..." he said, raising a hand to quell objections from the chiefs of staff. "But I am asking you. Get out there. Be seen. Stop looters, criminals... we'll make sure the press know where you can be seen. Just for a few hours. Be a symbol of hope and liberty... just for a few hours."

Stern returned from a side office looking pale. The President looked up. Taking a deep breath, Stern offered "Sorry sir, but we just got a phone call. It's... the Statue of Liberty ... it's... it's walking towards New York, and firing... 'death rays' from its eyes!"

The collective gasp in the room was cut off when the President spoke. "Are you sure? That's... " he looked outside of the window "hardly surprising. The rest of the world has gone mad, why not the most visible symbol of Americas' spirit springing to life to bring death upon its people?"

'The Shadow Emissary. The attack has begun. It will not be direct - simply destroying swathes of people will remove the sustenance the shadows need. Herding them, terrifying them, removing their will to live, crushing their spirit... and what better way than to strike at the symbols that so inspire the people of this land?' said the Shadow Demon inside Joes head!

ANYMAN on the moon with Bentham and Trowers... and a horde of undead!

Undead hands closed on panels, wires, tubes, frames and beams. The beams resisted even the strongest of undead strength which bordered on superhuman. The rest? Clawed away, dragged, ignored, in the pursuit for warm human flesh!

Trowers called out "They're coming in! This wall..." he shouted, ready to unleash the flamethrower at the intruders as dozens of undead hands broken through the battered metal panels of the walls.

The barricade no longer stopped the creature at the doorway, but Anyman did. Every time the creature moved forward, he batted it with a powerful metal encased fist. Bentham called out behind him "The roof! It's coming in!"

Fleshless hands reached through gaps in the roof and several pale blue skinned creatures in rags of uniform crashed to the floor, and dozens of others blocked each other from entering...

The creature at the door hung back.. then lunged for a zombie that fell too close to it... instantly the Zombie seemed to shrivel... and the creature at the door got bigger!

Anyman figured it out then - the creature in the doorway absorbed flesh, added it to itself, even the dead things that wanted to feast on their flesh!

"Anyman!" shouted Trowers, backing off into the centre of the room. "How strong are you? Can you break through the floor... before we all end up as a meal for countless undead?"

More and more blue skinned former Nazi guards were tumbling into the room through the tears in the walls and ceiling!

Anyman figured it out then - the creature in the doorway absorbed flesh, added it to itself, even the dead things that wanted to feast on their flesh!

"Anyman!" shouted Trowers, backing off into the centre of the room. "How strong are you? Can you break through the floor... before we all end up as a meal for countless undead?"

More and more blue skinned former Nazi guards were tumbling into the room through the tears in the walls and ceiling!.



"Should be able to," Anyman called out. "Just show me where you don't want me destroying the floor so I don't break the machine or its power supply!"

actions: once he knows where it is safe, he will pound a hole in the floor and if he can, widen it into a crevice all across the room using strength, stretching and shapeshifting. Use HPs for damage. And if any zombies are on our side of the crevice push them into it. Other zombies from the ceiling, Anyman can form a wall with his body so they slide down it and into the crevice. Keeping big bad on the other side of the crevice and out of arm's reach.

Admin wrote:'The Shadow Emissary. The attack has begun. It will not be direct - simply destroying swathes of people will remove the sustenance the shadows need. Herding them, terrifying them, removing their will to live, crushing their spirit... and what better way than to strike at the symbols that so inspire the people of this land?' said the Shadow Demon inside Joes head!

Frostbite knew he couldn't face the Shadow Demon and win, not without using his own shadow powers. But if this fight was one more for symbolism, one for winning back hearts and minds, then he'd go down in a blaze of glory, if need be.

"Mr President, I believe I am needed in New York and tell the press, now if you'll excuse me I think I ought to be elsewhere."

With a smart salute, General Freedom about turned and went, wondering if he'd ever return.

OOC:
Obviously want to get up town as quick as I can, if I can use the Robo carrier discreetly I will do if not I'd better go by conventional means. I want the Robo carrier to give me a small division of its finest robots, but for them to look like American GI's and for them to act like GI's under my orders. At least that way we can get some additional covert back up.

Sj

ANYMAN on the moon with DAMON TROWERS and CLAUDE BENTHAM against an army of undead...

Glancing about, Anyman saw the unstoppable horde moving inexorably into the room, tumbling over jutting metal and staggering towards the warm blooded trio whilst more dropped through the ceiling and a the huge powerful demonic form continued to drag and tear at the metal beams supporting the roof.

He turned, grit his teeth, then slammed his fist into the floor!

OOC Anyman is trying to 'push' his strength so to speak, beyond previous limits to inflict enough damage to smash through the floor. He could do it - eventually - with his own strength, but time is not a luxury he can afford! With that in mind, the target number is 30 and a roll of 2D10 + Ego is required. Spending, say, 5HP to add extra dice for the attempt. Roll 5,4,5,8,1,1,1 (Don't blame me blame Invisible Castle). Double 5 plus 6,7 (13) means 23 + 12 ego, you add 5 points to your strength. Doesn't sound like much but effectively doubles his lifting capacity, so...

"ArrrrAAAAAAARGH!" shouted Anyman has he pounded fist after fist into the floor. "Wait!" shouted Bentham, backing off from a ghoul. "What?" spat Anyman whirling about and seeing claws, teeth, all ready to rend his suit and his oh so vulnerable body!

"Not there! There's a power conduit running right underneath!"

"What? you could have... where then? There?" said Anyman, pointing. Bentham glanced at a small device in his hand, shook his head and pointed. "No, there!"

Anyman glanced, strode over to where Bentham pointed and flailed his arms like rotor blades to pummel the undead clear! They sprawled, then started getting back up as more and more came into the room. "What are you waiting for?" bellowed Anyman, as he pulled a foot up then SLAM! drove it down into the floor!

CRASH!

The floor smashed through, Anyman dropping through it and stepping calmly forward into the room below whilst Trowers and Bentham dropped through the hole, Undead hot on their heels!

"There!" shouted Bentham, getting to his feet and pointing to a spot on the floor in the darkened room. Anyman grabbed a ghoul, thrust up into the hole above and scattered half a dozen more undead, sending them flying! He brought his fist down, smashing through the floor again and the trio dropped down into a corridor on the next level. A quick glance revealed it clear, for now, but the sounds of crashing from above suggested it'd not stay that way long!

"Which way?" bellowed Anyman, looking up and waiting for sign of the undead. There was a roar, and a HUGE hand smashed through the floor only a few metres away, groping about for them! Trowers cried out "the OPPOSITE way!" and led the way down the corridor! Behind, the ceiling caved in as the demonic beast from above absorbed many of the undead and gained size!

=========

"Do you think we lost them?" asked Trowers, breathing hard and checking the air supply on his suit.

Anyman had checked his... and been alarmed to find his suit had numerous small rents in it that had sealed, but let out much of his air supply. Trowers had reached for an oxygen cannister, then realised he'd used two for the flame thrower.

"Let's keep moving" said Bentham. They were getting deeper into the Nazi moon base, and back towards the Lunarium caves. Bentham explained "My device will set off a chain reaction in the Lunarium of the moon and it will be channelled upwards towards the mine entrance. From there, hopefully, the beam will lance through space and strike the Devourer!"

Trowers cringed. "And what of us?" Bentham looked at his associate, shrugged and continued speaking. "The moon itself will break up, according to my calculations. If we get the timing right much of it will drift away, into space, but on Earth there will be... serious upheavals."

"Upheavals?" asked Anyman.

"Tidal waves. The size of the Empire state building."

There was silence for a moment as the three continued. Somewhere in the corridors echoed the sounds of a monster tearing its way through the facility looking for them!

"Wait!" said Trowers as the corridor ended and became more cave like. "What's that glow, up ahead?"

Anyman watched as the Lunarium Man rounded a corner some 100m away, and levelled an arm at the trio. "you may pass, Anyman. These... evil men, must DIE for what they have done to me and to others!"

Behind, the sound of smashing metal got louder!

GENERAL FREEDOM strode from the White House with an escort of soldiers...

He left the main gates as the soldiers pushed through an army of the press and public, and watched as a 'car' warped and morphed into a motorcycle, ready for him to climb aboard! With a salute to the people and ignoring as best he could the din and clamour that followed in his wake! This contrasted wildly with the cloak and dagger way of operating in the United Kingdom, and General Freedom paused as he heard a young voice cry out "Save us General Freedom! We love you! Save us!" The call was taken up, then drowned out by clapping and cheering!

All of a sudden the impenetrable darkness in the sky above broke in a tiny section, and the area around the White House was bathed in brilliant sunlight! There were cries of joy and cheers, and General Freedom could almost feel the hope coming off in waves from the people!

He kicked up the motorcycle and roared off towards the location of the Robo Carrier.

Behind, the sky 'winked out' and darkness was restored, followed by a dying of the cheering and clamour...

=========

"Set course for New York. Top speed!" ordered Frostbite as he strode onto the bridge of the Robo carrier.

"I need a division of the most human-like robots, made to look human, to act as support crew. As soon as we're in range I want a look at what I'm up against!" he ordered. Settling back into the command chair, he had a few minutes to think about what had happened. The President had shook his hand "Godspeed son. You have the hopes and dreams of a nation riding with you. I'm mobilizing the army and have given orders to evacuate New York... but whatever is going on there will cause widespread panic and hamper the effort! Only you can save us now!"

Frostbite knew that calling on the Dark Power would allow him to smash the threat of an animated statue into smithereens, but it was calling on the Dark Power that had gotten them into this mess! Who knew what would happen were he to do so again?

"Sir!" called out a Peeler, and he flicked a switch!



The Statue was striding through the streets, and its face was fixed in a mad grin! It levelled the great torch and lit up the stygian night with huge torrents of flame! New York was burning! People screamed, running into the night! Sirens wailed and the police were helpless as thousands of people crammed the streets, running, hiding, being trampled... some took it as an excuse to loot whatever they could, and gunshots rang out followed by more screams!

Some found it too much, and leapt from the highest building they could find to their deaths!

The ground shook and the statue strode on towards the centre of New York, whilst the skyline lit up in its wake!

OOC 151 feet high, 204 tons in weight, animated by the Dark Power and capable of massive destruction, the Statue is considerably more lethal than the Mr Stay Puft Marshmellow man, but it's the psychological effect coupled with the fire and mass panic that is really doing the damage! The Robo Carrier is coming in at around 1 mile up. How do you want to play this? You can call on the carriers VAST firepower to strike the statue from the ground - assuming the Dark Power hasn't beefed up its defenses, or try a more direct smaller scale attack and minimise damage. Perhaps another important note is that General Freedom may well want to be seen tackling the thing himself - there's few things more inspiring than heroic sacrifice!

"Dammit! That's not what you were supposed to do," Bellowed Anyman when told the device was going to attack the Devourer. "Attacks won't work. You were supposed to build me a device to help me control the Dark Power inside me so I could send each individual part of the Devourer back to their home universe and then seal them into their universes!"


Anyman watched as the Lunarium Man rounded a corner some 100m away, and levelled an arm at the trio. "you may pass, Anyman. These... evil men, must DIE for what they have done to me and to others!"

Behind, the sound of smashing metal got louder!

"Go ahead and kill them Lunarium Man," he says with contempt in this voice, whether self-contempt or something else is not clear. "Now I'm going to have to try MY Plan with no back up or controls beyond what I can do for myself."

actions: Anyman prepares to spend all his Hero Points to help create enough Dark Power Points and control of said power to carry out his plan.

OOC 151 feet high, 204 tons in weight, animated by the Dark Power and capable of massive destruction, the Statue is considerably more lethal than the Mr Stay Puft Marshmellow man, but it's the psychological effect coupled with the fire and mass panic that is really doing the damage! The Robo Carrier is coming in at around 1 mile up. How do you want to play this? You can call on the carriers VAST firepower to strike the statue from the ground - assuming the Dark Power hasn't beefed up its defenses, or try a more direct smaller scale attack and minimise damage. Perhaps another important note is that General Freedom may well want to be seen tackling the thing himself - there's few things more inspiring than heroic sacrifice!.

ooc: Well, at least it is not an Angel! Just saw the season end of Doctor Who this last weekend with its Statue of Liberty Angel!

Admin wrote:GENERAL FREEDOM
OOC 151 feet high, 204 tons in weight, animated by the Dark Power and capable of massive destruction, the Statue is considerably more lethal than the Mr Stay Puft Marshmellow man, but it's the psychological effect coupled with the fire and mass panic that is really doing the damage!

Perhaps another important note is that General Freedom may well want to be seen tackling the thing himself - there's few things more inspiring than heroic sacrifice!

OOC: This is exactly my point, I want to form a rally point around which the nations hearts and minds can be galvanized.

"Ok I want you to patch into all radio feeds and broadcasts, I want the whole world let alone America to seem me tackle this thing and to bring hope and help to all. Don't overwhelm the feed, let the networks play with it and patch through the most important reports to me directly so I can interact with questions as we go. I want everyone to see our greatest defence is hope as we stand together that darkness cannot overcome light."

With that Frostbite strode out of the room, taking a moment in a quiet side corridor, he offered a short prayer. He needed help that nothing mortal could bring, before turning intangible and sinking into the floors below to the hangers where he could fly out with the crew. Once down in the hanger he issued new orders to the awaiting robots.

"Right I want robots to morph into primitive helicopters. I want several to act as decoys whilst the rest of the crew divide yourself up among them. Have missiles attached, but I'll give the word as to when to use them. Again make everything look as if within reach of the technological level of the time. We go for the attack, seeking to rescue civilians and draw the fire of that thing toward us. Now lets go do this."

With that Frostbite strode over to one of the newly moulded ships and prepared to fly off the Robocarrier his message to the world about to be broadcast that they might start the fight back.

Sj