The NEW Vangurd! Issue #3 - New Team, old problems - Lionheart/Frostbite/Silver Sentinel/Wandafar (for now - see text)

OOC New issue but it will soon split off into solo adventures for LH, Frosty and SS. Whilst this may seem like a lot more work for me (to be honest with my 'work' schedule as it is at the moment I'm amazed I get anything done at all) single player threads actually take up less time because there isn't as much reading and picking through posts to get the interaction sorted out as there is in a group game. That's the theory anyway. I'm sure my employer has something else to say on the subject of my free time, mind...



St John Hall, north of London...

The footsteps echoed on the marble floors of the mansion. A man in his fifties, immaculately attired in a butlers uniform, turned and addressed the trio following him. "This way sirs." he requested.

To Lionhearts senses the man registered as being strange, to say the least. It wasn't the perfect pronunciation of words, straight backed walk or the lack of a hair out of place, it was something else. No, not the lack of any body odour, even one masked by cologne or scent.

To Frostbite it was clear. 'An android.' stated Frostbot, matter of fact. Frostbite looked the fellow up and down, shrugged, and continued to follow him. Silver Sentinel gaped about in the hallways, the opulence and expense of the place a world away from his upbringing in 1920s Britain. He couldn't help but use his powers, feeling the metal all around him. He'd guessed about the Android, and Android Andy had noticed the fellow straight away before he'd taken off, promising to return later in the day.

Lionheart suddenly paused, clicked his fingers and turned. "Got it! I knew something was off! He's an..."

The man from the future saw Frostbite and Sentinel stifle smiles as best they could before he realized his friends had figured out what the mans status was. Lionheart had noted the way he'd walked, and put all the other clues together, albeit slower than his team mates had done.

"Sirs? The Swimming Pool" offered 'Jethro' the Butler. he stepped inside a large room, heated and immaculate like the rest of the place. Indeed, the vast house seemed not to have been lived in.

Clad in jeans, t shirt or shirt and trainers or boots, the heroes weren't exactly dressed for a swim, but the pool looked inviting. "Full Olympic size sirs." offered Jethro.

Lionheart saw a dark form in the water and turned to the others. The water broke and a female form rose from it. "Jethro!" she said, American accent clearly stating she was 'not from around here'. "Wandy never told me we'd have visitors. Are they...?"

Jethro nodded "Miss Catherine Stowe, please meet Dr. Wilgommens' friends. Richard King, Steve Jenson, Joseph Hoskyn. A fellow American I believe."



The woman smoothly lifted herself from the pool, powerful lithe body evident from the way the swimsuit clung to her as she paced across to a lounger and lifted a towel to dry herself off. She raised an eyebrow at Jethro who merely stated "They have Dr Wilgommens full trust, and he vouches for them completely."

"And Justin?" she asked, looking the three over. Jethro seemed unflustered by the questioning "Lord St Johns is indisposed at the moment. He will be made aware of situation presently."

"Well, if Wandafar trusts you, so can I. I'm 'Captain Ion', but don't tell anyone." she smiles, and offers her hand. "Tell me about yourselves. I thought I was the only one living here...Well, aside from Jethro."



OOC Make your introductions to your new house mate gentlemen, if you will, and I will see what I can do about stepping up my post rate (have to go to work now ) Proper intro box to be added later...

Admin wrote:OOC Make your introductions to your new house mate gentlemen, if you will, and I will see what I can do about stepping up my post rate (have to go to work now ) Proper intro box to be added later...

"Sure does beat the barracks, ah Steve?"  Frostbite joked with Sentinel, as he gaped at the luxury of the place.  Frostbite however had been to palaces and exotic locations under the sea.  Although this was impressive, it didn't seem to phase him so much.  

We they came to the pool the idea of getting washed off was a different matter entirely.  

[Following introductions from Jethro]

"Mam, I'm Frostbite, these are my friends, Silver Sentinel and Lionheart.  We're ah new around here, so to speak.  Appreciate your friendly welcome, they seem to be in short supply these days."

And with that Frostbite fell into an easy conversation talking to Captain Ion, wanting to know more about news from home, what had changed, who was president.  What he could glean about the land of his birth.  

Lionheart meanwhile slipped into pool, having divested himself of his grimy outer layer.  it didn't worry him that he was stripped down to his underwear, such considerations didn't matter when you're grown in a vat.  And within minutes he was outpacing the fastest human swimmer as he did laps back and forth, enjoying the opportunity to get clean and stretch out.  

Sj

Captain Ion raised an eyebrow at the introduction, then relaxed and smiled "Not being a native of these shores, I wasn't sure about how uptight you... these.. limeys got over their secret identities. I guess it doesn't matter so much around us."

"And here in this place, it's not like there will be any prying eyes - Wandafar has the place watched like a hawk... within reason." she chuckled. "Nice to meet y'all" she added with a firm handshake and a smile.

She watched as Lionheart sped up and down the pool like a rocket, tireless and knocking out speed that would leave a speedboat in his wake, yet not leaving much in the way of a backwash thanks to being smaller and more aerodynamic. He got out and the butler handed him a towel and white robe to dress in.

The Captain also dressed in a white robe followed Jethro as the butler led the way into a conservatory, complete with one way glass and looking out over rolling countryside, though of course it was obscured mostly by rain.

"Your weather..." she chuckled as she sat, "Never got used to it!" With regards Frostbites questions, she shrugged. "President Haines is in charge of a coalition government. Seems to be the thing to do these days as people figure one politician or party is pretty much the same - or as bad - as another." The Butler came back with drinks and busied himself around the various plants in the large room, pruning and watering where required. "Superheroes had a bit of a rough time a while back when the UK more or less declared war on all unregistered supers. There was a real danger of that flowing over into the States and that would have been disastrous as our superhuman population more or less polices itself. You have a few Class 5s here but its nothing compared to what we have over there, good and bad. Say, whatever did happen to those mysterious Class 5s that turned up over here? I heard rumours, but they were gone almost as soon as they showed up..."

She shrugged, leaving Frostbite to shuffle uncomfortably. Stormwarden was gone to who knew where, and Putty didn't make the transition back to the current timeline either. Wherever his friends were, Frostbite hoped they were safe and happy. He had new friends now, though 'new' was a relative term. They'd fought side by side through a war and... he chuckled to himself. In a way he'd never come back to this time either. He - Joe Hoskyn - was brought up in the 1920s and that mysterious symbiote Joseph Rigdon inside of him was simply a voice in his head these days, and a mostly quiet one at that.

Lionheart was a man out of time - any - time. Born in the future to fulfil a role, betrayed by those who created him and sent back in time to form the final piece in a jigsaw that would see ultimate control of humanity pass to the two men in the future who had been charged with saving it. They'd been thwarted, and Lionheart had completed his primary mission - of stopping Saladin - but that man had paid the price. He'd been saved by placing his mind in a cloned body, but Lionheart assumed he'd been left in the past, some 70 or so years ago. If he wasn't dead by now, he'd be ancient and that was assuming he even existed in this time line at all. More worrying was the feeling that twisted genius Claude Bentham had survived. Of the evil and charismatic Damon Trowers there'd been no sign, but even he had, at the last, worked to save humanity from the threat posed by the Nazis.

Silver Sentinel was a man like the others, marooned in a time not his own. Everyone he'd know was dead, or a distant relative of the people he knew. Dwelling on that was depressing but what else did he have?

"Wandafar knows of my time in the Intelligence Service in the States. I was lucky, advancing through the ranks pretty quickly and selected for a special program to create super soldiers. Out of hundreds a few exhibited superhuman abilities and of those only a few survived, me being one. Even so, my powers were always unstable..." said Captain Ion "and in a recent battle they overloaded. I became a danger to myself and those around me, so retired from active duty. The scientists over there had little answer to cure what they'd done to me so their solution was to lock me up in a lead lined bunker and put me on ice. I ... politely declined that, and with the help of some friends absconded. Wandafar is a genius by any measure. The Executive, one of your state sanctioned super teams, interacted with my own team in the last few weeks before it was disbanded, which is where I met Wandafar in the first place. He had some ideas then how to stabilise my condition so I came here in the hope he could help me, and so he has."

She shrugged, smiling. "I'm cured, so long as I take my..."

Jethro came over with a beaker of water and tray bearing a dozen or so different shaped and coloured pills "Drugs" she added, rolling her eyes.

"Anyway, he told me you'd be coming, and gave me a heads up on what you need. New identities, code names, equipment, costumes, base of operations, even civilian jobs and cover stories. I can do all that and more - Uncle Sam saw to that. If you plan to continue your superheroics I can help with everything you need and coordinate from a central base in London. Wandafar will pitch in, and we have an extensive list of superheroes we can call on to help, as a kind of floating roster. Some you may have heard of or met before... Yeoman, Majestic, Pixie, Chalice, Android Andy... heck I think even Timmy Jones still has his 'fantastical robot army' knocking about, but he's been more into making films and donating the proceeds to charitable causes these days. Others like Retribution, Ben Nevis, Steeplejack, British Bulldog, Nowhere Man and Mosquito are 'lone wolf' types, doing what they can when they can in their own way, but generally steering clear of the limelight. Some of those guys are still on wanted lists, but from what I can tell the charges are trumped up to say the least. That said they don't do themselves any favours when they flaunt or ignore the law in their pursuit of justice. I think some of them genuinely get a kick out of beating up bad guys, handing them to the cops and beating them up again when they get out hours later because of lack of evidence."

She smiled ruefully. "So, first things first. Who do you want to be?"

OOC It's a basic question that's not so easily answered - come up with a new identity and cover story for your characters, job they'd like, where they want to live, what sort of lifestyle money wise... You don't even need a secret ID at all, but your RPG time will mostly consist of hitting bad people in the head and being interrupted by bad people when your character is trying to get some sleep. The Avengers and the FF have been attacked so many times at their home that its a wonder they put up with it, and the people living around them must despair. Without people to protect a public id is absolutely fine, but the British press will be following you like flies on dog poo. Not a pleasant thought (either way)...

Admin wrote:She smiled ruefully. "So, first things first. Who do you want to be?"

OOC It's a basic question that's not so easily answered - come up with a new identity and cover story for your characters, job they'd like, where they want to live, what sort of lifestyle money wise... You don't even need a secret ID at all, but your RPG time will mostly consist of hitting bad people in the head and being interrupted by bad people when your character is trying to get some sleep. The Avengers and the FF have been attacked so many times at their home that its a wonder they put up with it, and the people living around them must despair. Without people to protect a public id is absolutely fine, but the British press will be following you like flies on dog poo. Not a pleasant thought (either way)...

Frostbite leaned back, reflective for a while.  It wasn't easy deciding who you were going to be.  Besides which he'd not really had time to process their adventures back in his own time, now he had to adjust to a new place and time.  

Lionheart was also deep in thought, processing different ways he could make himself useful, a life in a place like this.  Hmm what might that mean.  

OOC: "

ok figure its easier to switch to OOC to discuss this, so here goes:

Lionheart is drawn to Law enforcement, its what he knows.  I think I'll have him apply to be a police officer, seems like a good way to keep his ear to the ground.  He's particularly interested in cyber crime and terrorism.  Ways by which he might be able to follow up the people behind the base he tried to infiltrate back when he first arrived.  Besides if Bentham was out there it might provide a link to things going on with them and give him a genuine reason to stick his nose in trouble.

Civilian ID, well lets say his name is Dick King, close enough.  

As for Frostbite, bit more tricky, he's got the brains esp with an onboard sentient computer, but in truth he was always a farm boy who enlisted.  So I think he'd best suit some sort of skilled workman type job.  Electrician or something - however that doesn't necessarily put him in a good place to spot the action.  In one sense if I start from the ideal position, of being able to respond to or learn about crime then maybe I ought to be something that frees me up.  Maybe for the time being I could do things like Electrical repair, security installation that sort of thing, but on the side I am practising being an ice sculpture who is looking for clients in high positions.  That way I can get leads and interesting lines on what is going at different ends of society.

As for a name, Joseph Smith, which is simple enough."

Sj

"Police Officer? No problem." said Captain Ion. "in fact you'd be surprised how easy that is to set up. The tricky part is finding people who have heard of you should anyone dig too deep - the records part is fine."

She raised an eyebrow at the name. "Dick King? That's more of a porn star name isn't it?" she chuckled.

OOC Sorry

"How about... Special Crimes unit? They tend to float about, picking up the breadcrumbs weird and super types leave behind. Plus they are spooks - turn up, trenchcoats and suits, veritable walking clichés. The Police don't know them or like them, but stand back when they turn up and flash their badges. Dig too deep and a quiet word is had to back down. Either that or... account for your every move to superior officers and be up to your eyeballs in paperwork."

Even as she said the words she leaned back in the chair and laughed "Ha! I'd love to see their faces when you type up a months work in seconds! Anyway, your call."

She turned to Frostbite "Mr Smith! Sculptor? I like it. It's good thinking. Blend into the masses, cater to the filthy rich, tasteless and egotistical types that throw a lot of parties, like to be centre of attention and outdo one another. In this country, that means footballers or criminals usually." she smiled. "How good are you?"

Frostbot gave a list of images inside Frostbites head. With the wave of his hand he conjured a sculpture from thin air...



Instantly as the temperature dropped the air conditioning kicked in, but despite how warm the houses' heating system got, Frostbite felt confident nothing short of a fiery volcano would see his ice melt!

"I'll get on it. How about you... Silver Sentinel?"

OOC Still with us Ross? Dave watch for new solo issues in the next day or so.

Admin wrote:"Police Officer? No problem." said Captain Ion. "in fact you'd be surprised how easy that is to set up. The tricky part is finding people who have heard of you should anyone dig too deep - the records part is fine."

She raised an eyebrow at the name. "Dick King? That's more of a porn star name isn't it?" she chuckled.

OOC Sorry

OOC Still with us Ross? Dave watch for new solo issues in the next day or so.

OOC: "Ok will do.  Never thought Dk would sound wrong.  Hmm Ok lets just continue with Richard King.  Now you mentioned it, its hard to take the name seriously anymore.  

As regards Ross, he is still about, I think he hasn't realised the thread has started in a new place, his last post (that came after you'd started this new thread) was in the old thread.  You probably want to PM as he might not have realised."

Sj

"Barracks indeed" exclaimed sentinel under his breathe even though the previous statement was a good ten minutes ago.

"I'm sorry" Ion question with a puzzled look towards Steve

"No..no..nothing" he quickly stammered. "IDs" sharply changing the subject. "You may need to come back to me on that one miss".

Captain Ion raised an eyebrow at Silver Sentinel, then shrugged. "There's no rush. It's not as if the world is..."

Jethro the Butler stepped up next to the Captain and coughed lightly. She was about to speak when he glanced at a large plasma television mounted into the wall, which flicked on and changed immediately to a news channel.

The newsreader was speaking over a helicopter shot of a prison complex from which a large pall of smoke was boiling up. Armed police surrounded the place in numbers, and the Helicopter veered sharply as they started to fire on what appeared to be a large figure striding through the smoke towards a hole in the prison outer wall and to where the police waited. Sparks lit up as bullets pinged from the huge form and the camera zoomed in.

What looked like a refugee from a movie about ancient Greece was laughing as he turned and directed what seemed to be a stream of prisoners to take cover. The fellow must have stood around eight feet tall at the shoulder, hugely muscled and with a large amount of body hair. His feet were cloven, he wore only a loin cloth and his head looked like a Bulls - in other words he resembled the Minotaur of ancient legend!

Captain Ion spoke up "The police can't handle that. Jethro, monitor channels and see whether DICE or SMITE are on their way. The UKChampions will probably turn up at..."

Jethro coughed "Ahem, the Champions are helping the Euro Knights contain the villains known as Eurotrash. Whilst there may be some members available it might be prudent to ask the authorities if they require assistance."

ion pulled a face. "With all due respect, I'm not in any fit state and our friends here are unknown to SMITE and the other organisations. It's possible there may be... complications."

She looked at the team. "Unless...? You all dress in the same uniform, we come up with some bogus names and...oh."

The screen fizzed out as the Helicopter feed died and a frightened looking newsreader tried to compose themselves with a lot of umming and ahhing and shuffling of papers.

Jethro spoke up. "The prison is situated in Wales. The isolated location is perfect for its high security status and there are no known breakouts previously to this situation. Prisoner details are classified, but the film footage showed a number of high profile criminals who are due for prosecution at an upcoming trial that may offer insights into the Usurpers organisation. They are a criminal force with links and members spread throughout society high and low. They were the organisation responsible for the kidnapping of the heroine formerly known as Cut-Lass' family. A most unfortunate outcome. I believe from the blurred, brief footage shown on the screen just now that some of the escaping convicts may be metahumans - the restraining manacles are of a type designed to dampen superhuman powers."

Ion looked at those gathered. "This is no ordinary prison break, clearly. Without eyes on the situation we won't know if it gets worse or not." She chewed her lip. "What do you think?"

OOC For a (badly needing updating) Who's Who click HERE

Admin wrote:Ion looked at those gathered. "This is no ordinary prison break, clearly. Without eyes on the situation we won't know if it gets worse or not." She chewed her lip. "What do you think?"

OOC For a (badly needing updating) Who's Who click HERE

Frostbite looked back toward Captain Ion, "Clearly someone with a lot of leverage and resources is taking a big chance.  Perhaps this is a recruiting drive for a new push.  Trouble is, of us all only Lionheart here could reach Wales in anything like a useful time.   Have you another mode of transport, otherwise I think we're up.  That many criminals will take at least our combined efforts, perhaps even that might not be enough though."

Lionheart continued to look thoughtfully at the screen, his demeanour looked composed, but he was a bundle of energy waiting to explode and looked longingly to be off.  

OOC: "Ok think its gonna take us all to stop the Minotaur, unless you wanted to split up this isn't gonna be easy for one person to handle on their own from the looks of things Paul.  So lets get shaking and baking."

Sj

Captain Ion smiled "Well from the notes I've already been supplied, your friend there" she said, referring to Silver Sentinel "Could cook up something to fly in"

"And Lionheart there could simply pick the thing up and fly with it from the inside. That said, we aren't short of resources" she smiled. "We have supersonic transport available, should get to Wales within minutes. I can arrange that, or you can make your own way? I will work on the ground here and try to use what contacts I have within SMITE and the police to ensure that the authorities don't get in your way - as you say this doesn't look like an amateur operation. My files are sketchy on Minotaur. What I do know is that is reinforced steel-crete wall and that being a supers prison, there will be some manner of damping field in effect just for situations like this. With that in mind..." she looked at Jethro, who nodded.

"I shall be back presently ma'am" he offered, and sauntered off.

"Wandafar developed a gadget designed to counter the effects of such power damping devices. Seeing as though the tech for power dampening used in that jail is actually - indirectly - derived from one of Wandys designs he cooked up when he worked with the Executive, chances are you won't have any trouble. The bracelets also act as holographic communication devices and have internet access built up, plus GPS and a few other bits. As for protecting your identities, until such time as you feel you need to make your own personal stamp on your appearance I suggest you wear an all black suit and half or full face mask, with perhaps a logo on the chest. We can have those ready in minutes. The suits are of a stretching material that will adapt to most of the powers that superhumans possess, and 'self heal' if torn. Shame we can't do that for skin yet."

"I will also send out a call to various contacts that we have. Better to show up in force and be prepared for anything, right?"

Admin wrote:Captain Ion smiled "Well from the notes I've already been supplied, your friend there" she said, referring to Silver Sentinel "Could cook up something to fly in"

"I will also send out a call to various contacts that we have. Better to show up in force and be prepared for anything, right?"

OOC: "Good call re Sentinel, just didn't know his power level right now and i thought that if the power only got an average or low roll, he'd look bad if it dumped us mid way to the prison.  Besides Ross hasn't been around much, so don't want to hold things up."

Frostbite nodded, pleased that the resources available made it possible for them to jump back into the action.  In many ways this felt more comfortable, talk of a life outside of what they did now seemed so distant that normal life was more about what they did to stop bad guys, or save the world than draw a regular wage cheque. That was an adventure he wasn't particularly thrilled about, but this on the other hand was right up his street.  

"I think we'll save Sentinel's powers for when we get there, Steel reinforced walls is the sort of thing he can make good use off.  Why don't we talk about this on the plan, have the equipment taken there, we get suit up as we go.  Perhaps you can send us whatever schematics you can find as we'll need them to work out how to get this under control.  Will the guards shoot at us or can we get some clearance?"

Frostbite wanted to make sure that they had the law on their side, it wouldn't be a lot of fun to fight a three way battle, as taking down the fugitives before they made their escape or released their powers was going to be a challenge anyway.  

Frostbite swept hand out to the door, "Shall we..."

And Lionheart, to no ones surprise, was at the door to hold it open excitement clearly visible in his face also.  This was something they could all get on with, in a world that was otherwise so strange and unaccustomed to them right now and they to it.

Sj

(( A couple notes for this situation, Lionheart can 'fly' via Telekinesis at speed 14 (Max speed of Mach.. 32 I believe) He can however ramp up his Telekinesis to something like 22, plenty high enough to pick up everyone and then carry them with him at speed.

Additionally Silver Sentinel could use his METAL MANIPULATION to create an object with Flight 13 (I think). This object would be perminant and would not run out of power or have any chance of failure. His power that makes objects that have a chance to fail and only last so long is useful for making complex items on a time budget. Given enough time he could make literally anything with any number of powers by simply building in extra components to a device. Something as simple as an aircraft though would only take one round.

For Example:

Silver Flyer

Body: 12

Flight: 13

This would take a single auto action and not require a roll. The Body would be the result of making it out of steel (adjust for whatever material he has on hand), and the Flight comes form his actual power. It's weight and volume could equal 13 APs.. Essentially this could be a Heli-Carrier in size nearly (I'd opt for something smaller though personally).))

OOC Thanks for the input with regards the options Dune

Captain Ion stifled a smile at the teams enthusiasm "Readying the jet" she said.

Frostbot spoke up inside Frostbites head 'There is a device of some kind implanted inside her head. Nanotechnology. I predict that Wandafar installed it to monitor and control her powers, and it has the side effect of being a communication device and she has been receiving a constant stream of information from a remote computer. Some has been about us. All good, as far as I can tell. It's encrypted, but Wandafar has a peculiar style that is easy to... correction. His code self mutates every few seconds. Sneaky.'

Jethro returned with a small box holding several chunky dark grey plastic bracelets. He held one up. "Plasti-Steel. A name we gave to a plastic that is heat and cold resistant, shock and even bullet proof, to a large degree. It has a tracker, holographic emitter, communications, GPS, communications jammer and can connect wirelessly to networks to allow home base the opportunity to hack into them." he explained.

"Costumes are already prepared. Please follow me." he offered and led the way from the pool room through the corridors to the garage. Captain Ion called out from behind "The bracelets have detachable earpieces. Insert them! I'll be your eyes and ears and will pull as many strings as I can to smooth your relations with the authorities. Bear in mind this will be a high pressure situation and more costumes turning up, especially ones they don't know, won't go down well at first."

She left, going into another room as the team flipped up panels on the bracelets to pluck the tiny earpieces and place them in ears. They seemed to expand to form a perfect and comfortable fit inside the ear, and immediately the trio heard "TESTING! CAN YOU HEAR me ok?"

Cringing, the trio followed Jethro through the garage and into another section behind a concealed door masquerading as a wall. There a jet type vehicle awaited (OOC Picture to follow) which was already warming up. "Wandafar says you are to bring it 'beck in vun piece or Justin vill be pissed.' Hmmm. Quite."

OOC Any preparations or special equipment required? bear in mind the volatile situation at the prison, so hanging around whilst someone goes out for takeaway isn't probably a good idea.

Admin wrote:
OOC Any preparations or special equipment required? bear in mind the volatile situation at the prison, so hanging around whilst someone goes out for takeaway isn't probably a good idea.

OOC: "Nah, lets do it."

Sj

OOC: Dam it i thought i sent a message last night went some thing like this....

"Sure i could build something fast....god knows how...but yeah and with a stack load of guns so we can go in hard guns blazing, just shame we still don't have MARO".

Regards hero alias i was think John Clark as Clark was his mothers maiden name *cough* superman.
As for his occupation i was seriously thinking about a train driver as assuming we are in London or somekind of metropolis that has a rail system especially if its an underground network so sentinel can get from place to place quickly sling shoting his way around using his ability on the rails and maybe he could stash stuff in the abandoned sections.

As for his super name...metal menace is still a bit too 1945 and is easy to crack that he is silver sentinel so how bout iron fist? Caliber? Shield? Help please

OOC: How about centurian as he technically a hundred by now and because he is armour plated like a centurian

Admin wrote:OOC Steel Centurion? Or even just Centurion, or something equally Roman - Praetorian, Legatus etc.

Train Driver? Ha! I would absolutely recommend no one take up train driving if they value having a personal life of any kind! 

Updates tomorrow - need to hit the sack but should have time to get everyone sorted tomorrow.

Ross you might want to look https://darkeningshadows.darkbb.com/t139p240-chat-about-the-game#7885, David M has replied with some very helpful thoughts as well.  

Sj

Stepping on board the compact, somewhat 'cosy' interior of the jet, the trio found it clear that function rather than form was the order of the day.

Up front, a light flared, and in the pilots seat a female form appeared, pressing buttons with a smoothness that seemed to suggest gravity had little effect on her!



She turned, smiling at the group. "I am SOlid Light ARtificial Lifeform, or SOLARL. I was 'discovered' by Wandafar by accident. I am a collection of what seemingly are random bits of code and should not exist, as such. However, thanks to Wandafars light solidification devices, I am given form and... life" she grinned, and looked with childlike wonder on her hand, turning it as if seeing it for the first time. "I am here to assist you in any way possible."

She turned and her hands danced across the panel faster than any eye - save perhaps Lionhearts - could follow. The doors closed, engines fired and garage doors slid aside as she called out over her shoulder "Please strap yourselves in. I have been informed by Captain Ion that time is of the essence. Our vehicle signature will transmit that we are a SMITE craft, but the deception will last only until SMITE themselves arrive on the scene. Therefore I may have to drop you off and depart."

The ship shot forward as she intoned "The emergency exit is the door you entered in, please observe the no smoking sign and in the unlikely event of a crash, please use your superhuman abilities to prevent harm to yourselves. Have a pleasant flight."

The trio of heroes glanced at each other then were pressed back into their seats as the plane went hypersonic!

The darkened windows rattled and speaking was only possible via the use of helmets with noise cancelling headphones and mikes. Lionheart estimated the jet to be travelling at around 3-3500mph, and impressive feat, though short of his own speed by some margin.

SOLARL spoke up again "The situation on the ground is as follows. The maximum security metahuman incarceration facility near Trefeglwys in the Welsh mountains has been compromised. Security is normally tight around there and a constant no fly zone is in effect within 10 miles of the site. 22 minutes ago that was breached and the alarm raised. A SKY News helicopter had been filming in Wales with regards the recent floods and was given permission to breach the no fly zone for the authorities to get a better look at what they were dealing with until SMITE could arrive on the scene. A standing force of armed police and special operations tactical analysis and containment agents (SOTAC) had been training nearby in the hills and were able to get on the scene in only 10 minutes via helicopter. Local police are en route, but will be used in a containment capacity to ensure the site is off limits to the general public. What is known: A vehicle that bypassed the radar and standard detection suite of the facilities early warning systems dropped off - quite literally - a class four superhuman known as Minotaur. His abilities include being almost impervious to harm and vast superhuman strength. He was able to breach the walls of the prison in moments and proceeded to smash a path through the prison itself to free certain prisoners. It appears he freed others as a matter of course. I must remind you that this facility is used for the incarceration of criminals who are regarded as unsuitable for conventional prison facilities. Many are superhuman, others are skilled beyond normal means to comprehend. Further details shall be supplied once we are on the scene and able to identify the escapees. It is unknown how the prisons power dampening field was bypassed, but it clearly had little or no effect on Minotaur. It remains to be seen if the escapees regain their powers."

OOC eeesh that's a real chunk of text to digest. Feel free to respond. Next post sees the craft slowing to hug the hills and valleys as it closes in on the prison.

Admin wrote:OOC eeesh that's a real chunk of text to digest. Feel free to respond. Next post sees the craft slowing to hug the hills and valleys as it closes in on the prison.

After thanking their pilot and adjusting to the flight, Frostbite turned to the others, "Ok this Minotaur seems key to the whole mess.  If we can take him down, conventional forces, including this group SMITE, might be ok to clear things up."

Looking at Lionheart, Frostbite gave him a knowing look, Lionheart filled in, "Right, 'impervious to harm' so forget the smack down, lets go for psi blast to the brain and see if we can't overwhelm its mental defences.  Check!"


Frostbite nodded, "Besides which, I think only Sentinel...I mean Centurion...      "  Frostbite smiled as he corrected his oversight, "would have the only other chance to take on the beast, but then only to contain it.  I think you and me Steve, will need to try and stop the prisoners escaping, those that we can.  I suspect in the interval the clever ones have already slipped away. "

After sorting through the plan, such as it was, Frostbite unbuckled his seatbelt moved forward and brushed his hands against the console.  "Excuse me." He said as he let Frostbot connect with the internal mainframe and start to take telemetry and data directly from the ship. 

OOC: "Paul feel free to cut to the chase, lets get this on, drop us in the war zone from on high, we can all fly down and get straight into the action that way."

Sj

"Im sure we have taken down tougher old friend, there is more than one way to skin a cat....or minatour although maybe a change in tactics may be in order......shame I've been working on some new plasma fed twin gatatlin cannons." he said with a smirk for it was no secret Steve loved his guns but his foe required brains not brawn to be defeated.

OOC: Looking forward to this encounter

OOC Apologies for the delay. You wouldn't believe the week I'm having so I'll just keep shut and hope this post works before I have to hit the sack again for another eyeball straining 13+ hours shift like todays

Solarl flicked a switch that dropped an LCD screen in the passenger compartment. It unfolded from the roof and relayed the image from the cameras, zoomed at this distance and in night vision mode.

The rain had started to come down quite hard, and the distant prison was getting nearer. Flashes from automatic weapons fired by guards on the prison towers flared here and there. The camera showed the top of one tower exploding into fragments as something heavy and hard struck it at speed. The debris rained down in a cloud of dust and the 'something' was revealed as a Prison Land Rover, or rather what was left of it.

Solarl raised an eyebrow as Frostbite interfaced with the ship. 'Oh my.' 'he' stated in Frostbites head. 'She really is a sentient computer program, given solid light form via advanced light proj... ah yes. Telemetry. Scanning. The prison is a large complex covering over one square mile. There are 500 specialist inmates, all ranked 'dangerous' or higher by the governments classification system. Many are not metahuman, but 78 are categorized as being superhuman from Class one to Class 4, of which there are three prisoners. They are Dr Emmett Yarrid, otherwise known as Soulstealer, the individual known only as Cadaver and an unwholesome individual known as Professor Steven Playge, otherwise known as 'Black Playge'. Whilst trying to invent a cure for many of the worlds diseases he injected himself with a cocktail of drugs and chased it up by virtually ever killer disease known to man. His mere touch is deadly. Cadavar is essentially immortal, a being with superhuman strength and reflexes that heals almost instantly from any harm. Soulstealer is a psychic, able to inhabit anothers body and control it as his own.'

'There are many Class 3 superhumans, numbering around 34 depending on current population. Every prisoner has specific incarceration requirements that nullify their powers, and there is a powerful 'Null' field that dampens or 'turns off' superhuman abilities in or near the prison. Be aware of this - it may affect your own abilities. The majority of the inhabitants are skilled or talented individuals in the areas of assassination or criminal enterprises. Some are of genius level, and able to construct devices using only basic equipment.'

The ship flew closer, rain hammering from the windscreen. An automated call rang out over the comms. "ALERT! YOU ARE ENTERING RESTRICTED AIRSPACE! TURN AROUND NOW! YOU ARE BEING TARGETED BY SURFACE TO AIR MISSILES! YOU HAVE TEN SECONDS TO LEAVE AIRSPACE... 9 ... ALERT!...8... TURN ABOUT!....7... THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING... 6...5..."

Centurion lacked a powered suit as yet but figured there'd be plenty of metal to call on in the prison. The camera panned to show beleaguered guards being battered by lime green suited prisoners, even though some of the prisoners were still cuffed. The ones attacking guards appeared to be ignoring the fact that bullets were pinging from their skin!

In the midst of smoke, the Minotaur continued to pound away at the prison walls, breaking into the prison main complex. The guards on the towers continued to fire on the two dozen or so prisoners who'd already been freed and were taking cover behind guard vehicles. It seemed not everyone had recovered their powers, but the Null field was either not all it was cracked up to be or certain prisoners had a way to overcome it.

Lionheart figured there was some kind of advanced technology at work, possibly something to look out for. Frostbite had the prison schematics, hacked from a top secret government database. The paper trail Frostbot had left would lead to their own offices, questions would be asked, shrugs handed out, and life would continue as usual.

Centurion looked about. It was tempting to steal metal from the craft they were in. Much of it was of a lightweight fibre like carbon but of some other material. He lent in for sniff. Despite the colour of it, much of the panels were "Is this carrot?" he asked, frowning. Solarl was about to answer when a klaxon rang out. "Our status as SMITE operatives has apparently been rescin... no wait. Another message. The mainframe of the prison has been hacked and the automated defenses are targeting ALL airborne intruders. If we do not warn the authorities they will fly into a trap! Deploying countermeasures..." she said, and there was a loud BANG!!!!

The jet rocked, alarms blared and smoke filled the cabin. A side door opened and wind rushed in, followed by hard driving rain. A mile or two below, the Prison complex sprawled out, a series of large square blocks surrounded by a twenty foot high reinforced concrete wall in a hexagon shape with guard towers on the points. Beyond that, outside the prison were rows of barbed and razor wire and the only road in or out was guarded by guard posts with heavy duty posts and machine gun turrets. The gunfire rang out even over the howl of the jet engines.

"Incoming missiles!" stated Solarl calmly. "There is an unusual energy field showing on the scanners, a dome encompassing the prison. Apparently there are three areas it does not cover. One is centered on the being known as Minotaur, the other two are in the main entrance yard where the fighting is taking place. The fact they are moving suggests they are gadgets of some kind, carried or worn by the prisoners."

Frostbot spoke to Frostbite 'Those gadgets must counteract the null field and restore abilities to the prisoners. If Minotaur has broken into the main block he may be attempting to deactivate the Null field generator which will operate on its own power supply. If that were to happen...'

"... there would be a full prison breakout with 78 of the most dangerous individuals in Europe free to wreak havoc?" spoke Frostbite out loud. Centurion and Lionheart glanced at him. They each turned to look out at the prison below.

OOC Centurion - do you want to grab some of the ship to use as a suit, or help with the ships defense? Lionheart - straight into the fray and hope the null field doesn't affect you? Frostbite, attack from distance or get closer to the null dome?

Situation:

Fading light, driving rain that's getting harder, the remaining guard towers are shooting at the freed prisoners who are hiding behind vehicles in the yard in front of the main building, pinning them down. Three are not pinned down. Two are close together, another man is apart. They are reveling in tossing vehicles and chunks of scenery at the guard towers, and it's only a matter of time before the remaining two towers on this side of the complex are taken out as the first one was. There is a loud wailing sound ringing out across the place, and a group of prison officers with dogs are running around the main block to tackle the prisoners. Minotaur has moved from sight having smashed into the main building.

There is a null field surrounding the entire place that may or may not deactivate your powers. It is in the shape of a dome almost half a mile high. Should you enter it and it deactivate your flight and your ability to resist harm... well, you can guess the results. More surface to air missiles have been launched from sites inside the prison complex, and are heading towards the craft you are travelling in.

Over to you. Oh, and you should note - this isn't Golden Heroes with 20m range for powers. Most of your powers have a range equal to their AP value. For instance if you have Energy blast of 10 it has a range of 1 mile. Whether you can actually see the target from a mile away is another matter...

Admin wrote:OOC Apologies for the delay. You wouldn't believe the week I'm having so I'll just keep shut and hope this post works before I have to hit the sack again for another eyeball straining 13+ hours shift like todays

OOC Centurion - do you want to grab some of the ship to use as a suit, or help with the ships defense? Lionheart - straight into the fray and hope the null field doesn't affect you? Frostbite, attack from distance or get closer to the null dome?

OOC: "Firstly no need to apologise, although its reassuring to know you are still around and ok ;-).  Otherwise seems so unfair that in order to keep your job, you're required to do much more than the job is supposed to entail and basically do it for free!!! That ain't right.  Perhaps its time to start thinking about what you can do or retrain to do in a new career where your rewarded appropriately?"

"We can't wait to find out if the Minotaur succeeds or not, I've got to risk going in and hope my powers and this bracelet will be sufficient for me to stop it.  At least until you can catch up."  Lionheart said earnestly as with a nod he jumped out of the craft, and shot off towards the prison.  As he speed through the growing dusk, he brought up his force field, adjusted his powers for speed and mental ability and shot down low, hugging the ground.  His aim was to follow in the wake of the beast, and try and stop it before it made the situation unstoppable.  

Meanwhile Frostbite continued to help Solarl with the craft, "Frostbot work with Solarl to steady the ship, I've a feeling Centurion is going to need to borrow some of the craft before we get to the site. Then we'll fly in and you back off to a safe distance, no point you getting messed up in this.  Besides if it goes south, we don't want a handy escape vehicle, like this ship to be available either."



With that Frostbite waited for Centurion to obtain the metal he needed, recovered Frostbot and together they shot out of the craft, following in Lionheart's wake.  



OOC: "

Ok so Lionheart will go in all guns blazing, Psi blasts on anyone who he can strike, without stopping on the way through.  Otherwise I go for the Minotaur and trying to stop him.



Frostbite is going to get close and start freezing up the villains trying to escape.  When the immediate area seems secure I think I might try and ice up the breached wall.  Prevent further escapes.  Hopefully the authorities will see we're trying to help, not hinder.  But might have to rethink our options if we get fired on as well."



Thanks for the reminder re powers, I've really not got my head around what the powers do, as such.  The scale is so huge but the numbers don't suggest that.  10 sounds so lame compared to it being 40 or 60.  Larger numbers seem just more appropriate to powers that are exponentially much bigger.  I feel like I just do the equivalent of button mashing Frostbite and Lionheart.  Maybe its an age thing, but though I like how the DC rules work, I really don't fully appreciate how they (my powers) are supposed to work or what they can do in the hands of someone who does understand them (Dunecat).   Whilst I appreciate (I so appreciate) its not a 20m range, equally being able to shoot someone a mile away, just seems unnecessarily powerful, with no way to know how to make that work in the confines of the game in a way that isn't just being stupid.  So I play it very safe (just keep pressing the freeze button), since if I'm honest I've still not really got a grip what it is I can and can't do.I say this really as an apology, I think I could play both my characters, powers more smarter, if I really grasped what "Ice Production" for instance did as compared to what Frostbite could do before.  I really must go through the powers and write out a summery for me to look over.  Anyway apologise for the Cave man way I feel I'm playing at present.



Sj

"Carrot? Really? HOW MUCH OF THE SHIP IS METAL?" sen....centurion found himself now shouting as the explosions were getting aggressively louder.

OOC: It would be nice to upgrade the ship i.e. armour and weapons etc but i feel ranged weapons would do little to minotaur but maybe i could 'suppress' the other criminals and give Dave the distraction he may desperately need. I hope if the ship does get taken down i have enough time to suit up before it becomes my tomb.

IC: "GO" gestured centurion as he dived into the cockpit.
"Solarl were are the guns on his bad boy?" he asked as he adjusted the headphones so the background noise was no longer an issue. Plates quickly formed over the craft as if from nowhere held by cumbersome heavy rivets.