Jade Hood and Stone Fist Issue #5 - Evil comes in many forms!

"Tell me again, who we are waiting for?" asked Doctor Yin. 

She was still messing with her hair, trying to get it to dry straight after the soaking it had gotten in the madcap escape from the tunnels beneath Cairo. The trio sat in the shade of a tree at a table of the cafe Stone Fist had mentioned. Jade Hood felt somewhat naked without his mask on, but it was soaked and besides, he would have stood out like a sore thumb. 

The cafe was busy with merchants and businessmen having meetings, sellers hawking their wares, the well to do and less so enjoying a break as the afternoon sun beat down. 

Jade Hood glanced at his friend. They'd told Mary to meet them here, but as usual she was late, and knowing her ability to find trouble they didn't doubt she'd be imperilled somewhere. It would have been easier to ditch her - put her on the next plane back to the US, but she was a linguistic expert, versed in a dozen or more languages and cultures, a skilled archaeologist and someone who always seemed able to rustle up what was needed with the bare minimum of resources. They'd left her with Dr Wulfgang, a reformed Time Traveller who'd picked the wrong side - the Nazis - after going back into the past. he'd been responsible for the serum that had created the monstrous power of Baron Bloot, but the madman was gone, presumed dead. Of Lara Lamont, another acquaintance of the Lore Knights, there had been no sign either. Lara had, like Stone Fist, developed superhuman powers though she could barely control them and had vanished in the fires of Bloots hideout, current location - if indeed she was still alive - unknown.

"There!" hissed Stone Fist, and the trio looked across the crowded square to where Mary was striding happily through the crowds, waving off sellers and noisy merchants and waving a hand above her head for the others to see her. A couple of paces behind Dr Wolfgang clung to his briefcase and watched the crowds of people walkoing by nervously.

Mary strode up. "You're alive! I've got enough money for plane tickets - wherever you need to go!" Behind her the Doctor looked about at the crowd nervously, though they seemed to be getting on with their normal everday business. "Who's this?" asked Mary.

Before Dr Yin could answer there was a shout, and Mary looked about. "Oh. I suppose we'd better go. I was bored, and went to an auction house. Bought a few trinkets I thought looked interesting - very interesting actually. A phone call later and we're quite the bit richer. Seems some of the bric a brac I bought for near nothing was worth quite a bit if you know who collects that stuff! Just... ah, there were other interested parties once they'd realised what I'd bought, and they wanted me to part with it before I could meet my buyer."

She looked around, and the group saw - some 100 feet across the crowded market square - a group of white fellows in smart suits pushing their way thorugh the crowd. "Germans?" asked Dr Yin.

"Nazis!" spluttered Dr Wulfgang. "Mary insulted them and we had to run for it. Looks like they've found us!"

A dozen men in all were pushing their way through the crowds, much to the peoples consternation. 

Mary shrugged "But we have money for tickets! All I did was a little buying and selling!"

Doctor Wulfgang rolled his eyes "Yes, but the items you sold were theirs! You bought them off a street thief! They wanted them back, but now... I think they'll settle for getting payback!" he wailed. Then he noticed Dr Yin for the first time and spluttered "YOU!" he seemed to get into a flap, stuck for words but pointing at Dr Yin, then looked, panicked, over his shoulder. He turned to Jade Hood and Stone Fist "Do something!" he wailed!

OOC You're sat in a cafe overlooking a busy market square, and a dozen suited Nazi goons are barging their way through the crowds to get to Mary - and by association - you guys. She has enough money for plane flights to wherever you need to go, but first these gentlemen might need placating... or failing that, a stiff right cross!

Admin wrote:"Do something!" he wailed!

OOC You're sat in a cafe overlooking a busy market square, and a dozen suited Nazi goons are barging their way through the crowds to get to Mary - and by association - you guys. She has enough money for plane flights to wherever you need to go, but first these gentlemen might need placating... or failing that, a stiff right cross!

OOC: "Whahoo great to be back!"

Jade Hood, looked almost relieved that Mary was back safely.  But where she went, like some strange vacuum, trouble was never far behind.  However at least they were about to help.  Knowing the Nazi's the chances were the 'trinkets' Mary had purchased were far more than they might seem.  The Nazi's wouldn't waste their time with anything less.  

Turning to his friend with a knowing nod, he got up looked around and whispered a quick plan, involving ducking into the nearest ally, where they could prepare some sort of ambush.  

Jade Hood, deferred to his friend, his superior abilities made him invaluable not only in a fight by just scanning a scene to see if it was a viable location to begin with.  Jade Hood added, "Friend, we'd best be aware, Hitler might have agents who've benefitted from modifications the like of which we've seen before.  We must try and take them quickly so that our departure won't be further delayed by allies they might have to hand."

Then once this was over, they'd have to try and stop the two doctors squabbling over one another.

Sj

But where she went, like some strange vacuum, trouble was never far behind.

I think that there is a power that covers this - Dumb Luck or Weirdness Magnet or something like that - in the rules.  

 
Jade Hood added, "Friend, we'd best be aware, Hitler might have agents who've benefitted from modifications the like of which we've seen before.  We must try and take them quickly so that our departure won't be further delayed by allies they might have to hand."

"You really know how to take the fun out of something, ya know," Stone Fist snorted.  "I liked being the strongest guy around.  Now, I'm not.  Thanks."

He stands up, very noticeably, and then heads for the alleyway, shooing everyone else in front of him.

"Is there like a mosque or something like that nearby," he asks Mary as they enter the alleyway.  "I was thinking of us heading over to such a place and you yelling in their tongue something about those mooks behind us having taken something valuable to their religion.  Might get them stirred up and keep those mooks off our tails for awhile."

"A mosque?" asked Mary, staring nervously at the Nazis. "Why yes, If I remember it's..." she turned and looked in the direction of the men pushing their way through the crowd. "That way."

Straightening the glasses on her nose, she shrugged and turned "But this alley will do! Come on!"

She started running, followed by the two Doctors and the heroes. Even in the alleys hawkers sold their wares, albeit it was of the quality that might be found discarded at the docks and gathered in wooden boxes... Which it probably was.

Ignoring their protests after being pushed aside or ignored, the group came into another square and baulked at the dense crowds gathered there. When Jade Hood and Stone Fist arrived at the end of the alley they had seen the nazis enter the alley and gained a small lead on the suited goons.

Then something strange happened.

There was a roar, like a wild animal was on the loose!

The crowd parted, somewhat petrified, and the reason why stood at the end of a corridor of people. Some 50 yards away, a suited Nazi in long coat stood smoking a cigarette, hat shading his face from the sun though the heavy black knee length coat must have been sweltering!

The man next to him, a brutish blond fellow of six and a half feet height, was dressed in a loose white shirt and jeans. The clothes started ripping as the mans skin darkened, turning green and sprouting scales, spines from his back and elbow, a tail from the trousers, and becoming some kind of corcodile/human hybrid, standing a good foot taller and probably weighing nigh on half a ton! People screamed, but didn't run. They seemed to be fascinated, rooted to the spot!

Doctor Wulfgang was aghast, but muttered "The nazis... they are using techniques were tried in the future, to combine the traits of animals and humans! But how... how did they know we would be here?"



Dr Soo Lin rounded on Wulfgang "Techniques YOU helped develop!"

Wulfgang was about to answer when he gaped and the Crocodile man started to march across the square, people shying back as the monstrous creature loomed past! The Nazi in the coat stayed where he was, casually dragging on a cigarette and watching proceedings... Anyone close by might have noticed a strange colour in the mans eyes, but there was no mistaking the slight smile on his face...

OOC The Croco-man is a big brute, and Jade Hood recognises its movements as fluid and quick, belying its bulk and strength. If you do fight this thing, you'll need to work together to best it!

Wulfgang was about to answer when he gaped and the Crocodile man started to march across the square, people shying back as the monstrous creature loomed past! The Nazi in the coat stayed where he was, casually dragging on a cigarette and watching proceedings... Anyone close by might have noticed a strange colour in the mans eyes, but there was no mistaking the slight smile on his face...

OOC The Croco-man is a big brute, and Jade Hood recognises its movements as fluid and quick, belying its bulk and strength. If you do fight this thing, you'll need to work together to best it!

"Aren't crocodiles worshiped or something," Stone Fist asks Mary nervously. "I mean if we try to fight that thing, will they join up against us and try stoning us all?"

ooc: actually, would like to avoid the thing and go after trench-coated Nazi guy, maybe he is controlling that thing. And if not, busting his jaw and knocking out a lot of his teeth feels like something refreshing to do for the Stone Fist.  

DavidMcMahon wrote:ooc: actually, would like to avoid the thing and go after trench-coated Nazi guy, maybe he is controlling that thing.  And if not, busting his jaw and knocking out a lot of his teeth feels like something refreshing to do for the Stone Fist.      

 OOC: "Agreed.  Lets try and see if we can't get past the croc and to the more suspicious Nazi."

Turning to the others Jade Hood spoke quickly, he knew what his friend had in mind, for he'd had the same thought also.  "Doctors, Mary, be on your guard, whilst we attack these two, it might be a distraction to get at you.  Give me what the Nazi's were looking for.  At least if we keep things separate, if things go badly it may mean we have some power to bargin."

Stashing the item away in the depths of some hidden pocket, Jade Hood nodded to Stone Fist.  "The Croc will be fast, it has all the speed and ferocity of its namesake, perhaps to save time, dancing with it.  You'd best leap with us both over to the other fellow, we'd like a word with first."

OOC: "At this point I am assuming that Stone Fist's ability to leap, is as potent as it was before, that he can even attempt this.  It just seems that trying to get past otherwise will be pointless as we may well need exceptional roles to dodge past the creature.  However my one worry is that the Nazi's who were following us, will try to stop us by capturing our friends, forcing a stalemate.  We'll just have to see."


Sj

Jade Hood & Stone Fist
(With Mary, Doctors Wulfgang and Soo Lin)

Mary shrugged "I sold most of the stuff. Truth told it wasn't THAT good, but I kept hold of this..." she held up a statue of a man with a Crocodile head. "Sobek. The local buyers wouldn't touch it. Scared stiff! I mean... it's old, but hardly... oop! here he comes!" she handed over the 10" tall statue which looked faded and worn, but still clearly recognisable as a man with a crocodile head. Doctor Soo Lin hissed "Be quiet woman! More walk less talk!" Wulfgang looked at Stone Fist and Jade Hood. "What, what are you going to do?"

In answer Stone Fist looped an arm around his friends waist and took to the air with a mighty leap!

The Croco Man, with incredible reflexes, launched himself up in the air to intercept them! He fell short, but not by much, those powerful jaws closing on empty air as a collective gasp went up from the crowd of people looking on at the incredible scene!

They landed only twenty feet from the man in the coat who backed up a step and hissed "Ubermensch! You are... Bloot mentioned you!"

"No matter. I am not without power!" he cackled, and his eyes started to glow!

OOC Initiative... Stone Fist (9)+14=23, Jade Hood (6)+19=25, Nazi (9)+15=24. Jade Hood goes first, then Nazi, then Stone Fist...

OOC Initiative... Stone Fist (9)+14=23, Jade Hood (6)+19=25, Nazi (9)+15=24. Jade Hood goes first, then Nazi, then Stone Fist...

OOC: btw, which power did you give Stone Fist and his ever mutating body?

Admin wrote:Jade Hood & Stone Fist
"No matter. I am not without power!" he cackled, and his eyes started to glow!

OOC Initiative... Stone Fist (9)+14=23, Jade Hood (6)+19=25, Nazi (9)+15=24. Jade Hood goes first, then Nazi, then Stone Fist...

Jade Hood, launched an attack on the man, seeing that he was trying to concentrate, he went for a nerve punch to stop that his attack before it begun.  

OOC: "ok so Jade Hood, will use his martial arts to deliver what he hopes is a mean nerve punch.  If I can throw him into Stone Fist's direction as a consequence of a good hit, so be it.  I will end with looping around behind him, so that the way is open for Stone Fist to come at him and me to flank him."

Sj

Jade Hood feints, moves to the side and delivers a roundhouse kick to the back of the Nazis head!

OOC Roll 2d10 → [3,4] = (7) Miss

The Nazi is surprisingly fast, though Jade Hood knows it was perhaps his own eagerness to flatten the fellow rather than any superhuman ability to avoid the near supernatural skill of the martial artist!

The Nazi glared, hissing, and countered by touching a finger to his forehead!

"Behold ze superior mind of ze Third Reich!" he hissed, and attacked Jade Hood with a bolt of mental power!

OOC Mind blast vs Jade Hood. Because of the slow (glacial, even...) nature of play by post (especially with my schedule at the moment) I am happy to let you use Hero Points after the fact to avoid the to and fro and delays it brings. There's a penalty of +1 point on anything you spend. So for example Jade Hood could increase his Opposing Value from 4 to 8 (4 HP +1 = 5 total) and Resistance Value from 5 to 10 (5HP +1 = 6 total) or less as required. You can absorb damage by using last ditch defence which costs 1 HP per damage absorbed.

Anyway, the attack from the Nazi is... 2d10 → [10,7] = (17) Ouch. Jade Hood has 172HP (will see if he has any left over from the last adventure to add to that) so decide what to spend before I apply the damage. My recommendation - add 3 points on Opposing value (cost 4 points in this case) and 4 on Resistance Value (cost 5 points) to boost Opposing Value to 7, Resistance to 9. Then absorb damage with more hero points as required.

David M - declare actions and any expenditure of Hero Points please.

Admin wrote:Jade Hood feints, moves to the side and delivers a roundhouse kick to the back of the Nazis head!


Anyway, the attack from the Nazi is... 2d10 → [10,7] = (17) Ouch. Jade Hood has 172HP (will see if he has any left over from the last adventure to add to that) so decide what to spend before I apply the damage. My recommendation - add 3 points on Opposing value (cost 4 points in this case) and 4 on Resistance Value (cost 5 points) to boost Opposing Value to 7, Resistance to 9. Then absorb damage with more hero points as required.

 As the Nazi surprised Jade Hood, he felt instinctively the danger or the man he faced and his considerable mental prowess.  Stealing himself and calling on hidden reserves, Jade Hood set to put his own mental fortitude, training and experience to good use as he resisted the oncoming attack.  

OOC: "I'll do as you recommend and spend on 4 HP on opposing value, and 5 on resistance, then as soon as I can do what I did before now that he might have opened himself up to me."

Sj

David M - declare actions and any expenditure of Hero Points please.


ooc: No HP at present. Will wait until a bit later in the fight to see what needs to be done.

Stone Fist moves up to the trench coated Nazi and swings at him.

Jade Hood
B:6 M:5 Sp:6
HP: 163

OOC Jade Hood will take 3 damage to his Mind (M) score putting him on 2 (unconscious at zero) OR you can choose to absorb the damage by spending 2HP per point of damage reduced. In case anyone was wondering (or I refer to it later) the genre I am using is 'Mock Real' which means whilst characters can die, it's rare. Same genre as comic book Batman, Teen Titans, Wonder Woman (though those comparisons are from the 90s so aren't probably relevant to the latest incarnations of those characters...). So, take the damage or absorb some, your call...

Stone Fist
B:8 M:5 Sp:5
HP: 172

Stone Fist meanwhile contained his incredulity that his friend - normally so dependable and quick - had flailed wide of the mark and popped his own knuckles, driving a fist at the man in the black trenchcoat and suit!

OOC 2d10 → [4,6] = (10) Miss (just)

The man in black ducks aside. "You are inferior!" he spat. "Ze Master race shall soon conquer all... behold, I shell demonstrate!"

OOC And... initiative... JH roll 2 (21 total) , SF roll 3 (17 total), Nazi roll 3 (16 total). You guys go first but... wait! The crocodile man is charging at you from the rear! He attacks last, but attack he most assuredly will!

Jade Hood glanced back - the huge creature hat startled the crowd now as they pushed to get back. It charged, angry, at the pair that had leapt over it! One snap from those cruel jaws... a swipe from those sharp claws... and it could all be over!

Admin wrote:Jade Hood
B:6 M:5 Sp:6
HP: 163

OOC Jade Hood will take 3 damage to his Mind (M) score putting him on 2 (unconscious at zero) OR you can choose to absorb the damage by spending 2HP per point of damage reduced. 

Jade Hood glanced back - the huge creature hat startled the crowd now as they pushed to get back. It charged, angry, at the pair that had leapt over it! One snap from those cruel jaws... a swipe from those sharp claws... and it could all be over!

 OOC: "Yes I will use hero points to absorb the damage.  And use this opportunity to boast my accuracy to hit and damage Mr superior so boast them by 10 points apiece, please.  We need to get this party over with before Croc snaps us all up."

Jade Hood
B:6 M:5 Sp:6
HP: 146

Stone Fist
B:8 M:5 Sp:5
HP: 172

Jade Hood grunted with the effort of shrugging off the mind blast...

OOC You can spend 7 on Acting, 7 on Effect value, so 14 HP cost, plus 3 for the damage reduction.

The fact that someone could attack another persons mind, grabbing it, twisting, squeezing... causing untold pain and suffering in the process. All unseen, unstoppable... such a man would be more of a monster than that creature which bore down on the heroes from the rear!

With that in mind he focussed his efforts, swinging, swiping and flailing with barely controlled fury at the man in black!

OOC Attack... 2d10 → [7,9] = (16) Hit... and them some... except...

Jade Hood delivered a killing blow... four times in the space of a second!

Except... he didn't connect. He was so fast and furious that it took until the third swing to realize that he was hitting nothing but air! The man in black laughed! Laughed... and flickered...

A mirage? An illusion? Mere theatricality? Or something else? For a mind that could reach into another and slam into it like a twisted knife, it couldn't be too much more of a stretch to create an illusion - both visually and audibly - of something, so long as it was not beyond the realms of reality...

OOC Perception check for Jade Hood...2d10 → [1,4] = (5) Fail For Stone Fist...2d10 → [10,2] = (12) Success.

A flicker of movement on a roof around 200 feet away across the market square, and Stone Fist saw the glimpse of a black hat over the low wall on the flat roof!

He didn't have long to think about making a move for the man in black though - the huge crocodile creature was almost on him from behind!

"He's on the roof," he tells his partner as he swings around to meet the charging croco-man.

ooc: Is there some kind of attack where you can use the momentum of your foe against him? If so, want to try that. If not, punch the guy. No points yet until I know how tough he is. Also, what power did Stone Fist get with the hero points he spent. I know I wanted something other than a vision power but didn't know which one you picked for me.

DavidMcMahon wrote:"He's on the roof," he tells his partner as he swings around to meet the charging croco-man.

ooc:  Is there some kind of attack where you can use the momentum of your foe against him?  If so, want to try that.  If not, punch the guy.  No points yet until I know how tough he is.  Also, what power did Stone Fist get with the hero points he spent.  I know I wanted something other than a vision power but didn't know which one you picked for me.

 Jade Hood flicked a glance toward the Nazi was gloating.  As his companion bore down on them.  Jade Hood had unwittingly been played, these men were far more dangerous than the agents they'd met before.  Although tempted to go after the goon on the roof, he knew that to do so might exposes both of them to enemies that could easily take them down.  Only their combined efforts might win the day, but even then Jade Hood had a nagging doubt as to whether they could win through, when one man could shrug off the mightiest blows and punch as hard if not harder than Stone Fist and the other could safely attack over such a great distance, the mind with impunity.  

No time for self doubt or introspection, Jade Hood thought as he shrugged off the anxious thought that nearly gained a hold and turned toward the creature, throw stars to hand.  

OOC: "Ok will use my throwing stars to aim for vital points where possible, assume 20 HP to spent on the attack.  But if in the meantime I come under attack, I will first take evasive maneuvers as I don't think I'd survive a blow from Croc killer!"


Sj

OOC With regards power I didn't choose one for Stone Fist - you can add one during play, but as I mentioned in the OOC thread you won't get much bang for your buck - at best we're talking 1-2 Aps and that's assuming going for a cheap sense like telescopic vision or similar. Plus it would leave you pretty much completely without HP for another long adventure so that's something to bear in mind. With regards the move against the oncoming Croc-Man your best bet would probably be a dodge (which takes away your dice action and isn't terribly efficient unless you have Acrobatics) or 'Laying back' which makes it harder to hit you (+1OV) and harder for you to hit everyone else (+1 OV to everyone else). Handy if you are a badass fighter who doesn't mind sacrificing a little accuracy to beef up defence. I can imagine Batman, Captain America and even Thor doing that sort of thing. Heck, the Thing probably does it in his battles against the Hulk, to prevent him being smashed into rubble.

I will assume you punch Croc-Man in the meantime.

Roll 10,4 (14) Success 2RAPs damage and 1AP knockback

Stone Fist (B8 M5 Sp5 HP172)

With a bone jarring CRACK the stone fist of the aptly named hero smacks - hard - against the reptilian jaw!

The huge leathery figure is picked up off the floor and crashes backwards to land on a market stall, flattening it completely in a mess of smashed fruit! People scream and scatter, and the enraged creature clambers to its feet, tossing mulched fruit aside and staring with evil intent at its prey!

The creature charged at Stone Fist, but stopped short and instead twisted its body, using its thick powerful tail as a whip or bat!

OOC Stone Fist - Decide if you want to spend HP against the incoming attack (on OV, Rv and/or absorb damage) Jade Hood - you acted when you swung, and hit the Nazi... unfortunately that was a 'mirage'. When he spends HP to attack with his throwing stars, Jade Hood can spend 7 on Acting (roll to hit) and 4 on effect (the throwing stars add +1 to his strength for Effect value, or damage). I will assume when it's JHs' turn you will do that, as once Stone Fist has defended against these attacks there's a very good chance Jade Hood acts first in the round again.
For now though it's the bad guys turn ... Stone Fist endures a double assault - a Mind Blast from the Nazi on the roof and the Crocodile tail swing! The Mind Blast is against OV3 (SF Int) and RV 5 (SF Mind) so decide on any increase to OV/RV/Damage resistance please (for both attacks). They aren't attacking as a team (the Croc-Man wouldn't know how) luckily, so no bonus from that. Will be grabbing every chance I can this week to keep things moving but have the kids all week so it'll be tricky, juggling what time I have. I actually get more time to post when I am at work, strangely enough...

Admin wrote:
OOC Jade Hood - you acted when you swung, and hit the Nazi... unfortunately that was a 'mirage'. When he spends HP to attack with his throwing stars, Jade Hood can spend 7 on Acting (roll to hit) and 4 on effect (the throwing stars add +1 to his strength for Effect value, or damage). I will assume when it's JHs' turn you will do that, as once Stone Fist has defended against these attacks there's a very good chance Jade Hood acts first in the round again.

 OOC: "Yeah know that feeling ;-), fortunately my wife is a teacher and our kids are past that stage now.  Anyway Jade will do as recommended.  Man I am bummed about that mind meddler, being so far away that we can't get at him.  I bet all his power is offensive, physically he'd be prone to attack!"

Sj

Stone Fist will use up to 20 HP to absorb any damage that gets to him.

Stone Fist waited for the Crocodile/Man to land with the tail, determined to shrug it off with his 'stone hard' skin and bones.

Problem was the squishy bits underneath and in between!

OOC Roll 8,3 (11) for Croc man - hit, no damage (didn't penetrate that near steel hide)

The tail makes a loud CRACK! sound like a whip against Stone Fists chest and rips his shirt from him, leaving only sleeves! The rock hard abdominal and ridged muscles everywhere else redden slightly, but there is no other lasting effect from the blow that would have powdered brick!

The second assault was unseen, but Stone Fist definitely felt it!

OOC Roll 10,1 (11) Success, 4RAPs mental damage, soaked up by Stone Fists last ditch defence. He can stop up to 5 damage and it costs 2HP per point, so Stone Fists HP total is now 164HP, but his Mind is untouched.

Turning, defiant with a steel grin in his eye, the man of stone sees his dark clad nemesis on the roof. Though shadow from the hat casts the upper portion of his face in shadow, it's clear the lower part has a scowl fixed on it!

OOC Initiative and JH (roll 2) gets 21 total, Stone Fist (roll 3) gets 17 total. Nazi gets (roll 2) 17 total and the Croc gets (roll 7) 17 total. Stone Fist, the Nazi and the Croc man act at the same time (same initiative, same dex) Jade Hood acts first.

Roll 9,2 (11) Again. Hit, but with the extra spent on attacking such a (reasonably) slow opponent, I will assume Jade Hood went for a 'Critical Blow' - for the eyes or some such, with his throwing star. Makes it harder to hit (not an issue with effectively 14 vs 5 thanks to HP spent) but increases the chances of harming the Croc man. Jade Hood is on 152 HP. He scores a hit, and inflicts 8RAPs damage, which the Croc man soaks up (leaving him on 17HP) but his is STUNNED and cannot attack or perform any dice action this round.

That leaves the Nazi and Stone Fist to declare actions. The Croc Man is stunned, and whilst the throwing star struck him in a 'sore spot' he is still fighting fit. That said, a clobber from Stone Fist might change that... Over to you.

With a deft flick of the wrist Jade Hood sent a throwing star flashing through the air! It thudded into the thick reptilian hide and caused those watching to wince!

Mary shouted out as she was dragged through the crowd and getting further away "Yes! Sock it to 'em boys!" she yelled before adding "Hey! Watch those hands buster! I'm coming, ok?" Her, Heinz and Dr Yin were now clear it seemed, and had gotten some distance between themselves and the fight.

ooc: up to 20 HP to absorb damage. Up to 10 HP to do damage to croc.

Stone Fist does his best to deliver a Sunday Punch to the croc man while mentally preparing to fight off the mental attack he expects.

Stone Fist winds up his best 'Sunday Punch'...

OOC If Spending 10 HP best way is to whack 4HP on Acting Value (to bring up to 9) and 5HP to Effect value (taking up to 13). Now the 'Sunday Punch' part I assume is Stone Fist throwing his all into the punch to take down the Croc man. That pretty much makes it an attempt at 'Critical Blow', which adds +2OV and -3RV, so it's harder to hit, but if he does land then Croc Man is going to have a really hard time staying on his feet. It makes the AV (9) oppose an OV of 9-10, in other words a roll of 11 or more required. Here goes...

2d10 → [6,6] = (12) DOUBLE! plus 2d10 → [4,5] = (9) = 21 total. In a word... KAPOW!!!

11RAPs damage and whilst that would normally knock a human adult some 40 feet through the air, our 'friend' is not normal (by any stretch) and weighs a hefty 1/4 ton or so.

Nonetheless, Croc-Man takes a solid whack to the chin, staggers, and is STUNNED yet again. He absorbs 8 Damage (leaving him on 9HP) and is on 5/8 Body now. Still up, unable to attack and on the back foot.

Stone Fist is on 153 HP.

With a bone jarring SMACK! Stone Fist clatters his steel hard fist against the Croc-Mans snout! Though the huge creature stood its ground the area around its feet splintered in every direction and his knees buckled, struggling to hold the creature up! He moved his mouth as if to speak but only blood came out...

Stone Fist turned, waiting for the expected mental assault from the man in black...

But there was nothing. He couldn't see the fellow in Black - either he'd moved out of sight on the rooftop, or was choosing to change position and strike from a more advantageous point... or perhaps he was preparing some other attack, something more deadly?

Just then Jade Hood and Stone Fist both turned at the sounds of screams, and saw crowds of people around 50 yards down the road diving to the side as black cars, armed soldiers clinging to the sides, roared through the narrow streets! Jade Hood counted at least three cars, and half a dozen men in each car!

OOC No sign of the man in black, Croc Man is still in the fight - sort of - but stunned again and on his last legs. You're about to have more company too, in the form of machine gun toting Nazi agents and their local hired goons/muscle...

Just then Jade Hood and Stone Fist both turned at the sounds of screams, and saw crowds of people around 50 yards down the road diving to the side as black cars, armed soldiers clinging to the sides, roared through the narrow streets! Jade Hood counted at least three cars, and half a dozen men in each car!

OOC No sign of the man in black, Croc Man is still in the fight - sort of - but stunned again and on his last legs. You're about to have more company too, in the form of machine gun toting Nazi agents and their local hired goons/muscle...

"I think it is time to leave, my friend," Stone Fist yells over at Jade Hood. "Let's get our friends and get out of here, blending into the crowd."

Actions: Leap over to where I last saw Mary and the other two. Make sure Jade Hood can make it to safety and if he can, book after the other three. If not, will help him out.

DavidMcMahon wrote:Actions:  Leap over to where I last saw Mary and the other two.  Make sure Jade Hood can make it to safety and if he can, book after the other three.  If not, will help him out.

 Jade Hood didn't need to be told twice, and nodding in agreement with his friend, grabbed at a passing stall's collection of headscarves and wound it around his head so as to better blend in before leaping off in Mary's direction.  The stallholder about to shout suddenly caught sight of a couple of dollar bills floating gentle toward him.  His shout became a squeak, before tutting thinking to himself, "Americans!!!"  As he thought about how he'd have preferred to barter.  

OOC: "Best speed following in Stone Fist's wake, with a newfound respect for his incredible ability to hit.  Nice going Dave."

Sj