The New Vanguard! Frostbite and Lionheart Issue #2

OOC Got kids this weekend but I'll be cracking on with the particulars of the new adventure and should see something up probably Monday or Tuesday. I'll give you a nudge

LIONHEART

Connecting to the Cloudmans mind was not a problem. Communicating was. the best way to describe it was a series of brief images. Lionheart could sort of get the gist - the Cloud People were annoyed at having their patch invaded but could respect a powerful invader. Sort of. There was another image too. A bright light, and in the midst of it, a humanoid figure.

What could it mean?

He communicated the confusing garbled image to Frostbite.

Frostbot spoke up inside Frostbites head 'Clearly territorial, these creatures see us a challenge to their superiority and rather than throw their entire force at us they are ... 'sizing us up' and seeing what we want. The glowing figure... perhaps the one behind all of this? the one who has transplanted these species from their native planet to this one, for reasons unknown? Such a being might have the resources to give us a way home. Or to destroy us.'

The Cloudman (such a term was as loose as could be applied - they were sexless and nowhere near being an actual human) formed into a near facsimile of the human form modelled on Lionheart. Height, weight, body shape even facial features, albeit made of swirling green mist. That was acidic to touch.

It waited for something from Lionheart. Some image, or message expressed as images perhaps, on what Frostbite and Lionhearts intentions were.

Meanwhile Frostbite couldn't help but all of this was being observed. Someone, somewhere, was watching them, he felt sure of it.

Admin wrote:It waited for something from Lionheart. Some image, or message expressed as images perhaps, on what Frostbite and Lionheart's intentions were.

Meanwhile, Frostbite couldn't help but all of this was being observed. Someone, somewhere, was watching them, he felt sure of it.

Lionheart sought to convey in the best terms that he could, that their intentions where only to stay safe, and to leave themselves as best they could. That they themselves had been transplanted in a manner of speaking and were looking for their own bright world - Earth.

OOC: So let's go for, "we come in peace" motif as best as can be put across in this limited form of language.

Sj

The Cloud 'man' seemed to consider, then tip its head slightly to the side

Though not strictly telepathy, Lionheart assumed the creature had some manner or means of speech with the greater 'whole' overhead. Maybe they were the same being and this offshoot was some kind of ... avatar.

The Avatar noticed a sizzle of smoke from the floor and where it stood it started to sink into the rock slightly where its acidic touch burned into the floor. It seemed to concentrate, solidify and step aside, more solid this time.

It looked like a perfect facsimile of Lionheart albeit being of a light lime green colour, top to bottom. And thankfully, clothed.

It turned back to Lionheart and pulsed thoughts as a reply.

"Taken. Homeland far away. Tested. War. Tested. Death. Many deaths. Tested. Fighting. Learning. Deaths." were the images Lionheart received. They'd been brought here against their will and 'tested'? Possibly pitched against other displaced creatures/aliens. tested why? For what?

The images of a distant gas giant across the universe in the creatures mind along with several different cloud types swirling about him. The feeling of loss was attached to these images.

Again with the glowing figure. A powerful one, able to capture and transport samples of species across the universe for ... what? Pleasure? Research? Training? Genetic modification? Why???

Just then Lionheart turned, and Frostbite followed his gaze...

A mass.. hundreds.. of Wasp People angrily buzzing towards where Lionheart and Frostbite stood with the Cloudman! The Cloudman collapsed into a cloud and started to fly upwards towards the main body... Now what???

Admin wrote:A mass.. hundreds.. of Wasp People angrily buzzing towards where Lionheart and Frostbite stood with the Cloudman! The Cloudman collapsed into a cloud and started to fly upwards towards the main body... Now, what???

It was Frostbite's turn to step in and having got the picture of what was transpiring with Lionheart, seek to put the Wasp people at ease. Clearly, they had been forced by their capture to fight or at least ended up in conflict largely by virtue of bumping up against one another and not being able to understand.

Frostbite made a move to explain all this and that they 'Cloud Man' as much as the Wasp people was here by the will of one greater, if its purpose was to make them fight, then perhaps together they could yet accomplish together what they could separately. And yet find a way to break free of the grip that set them here.

Meanwhile, Lionheart sort to do the same with the Cloud Man, urging it not to take a hasty course when just like them, the bee people had been brought here without thought to their will or wishes. But that maybe a way could be found to unite the different factions against their common foe rather than against one another.

Sj

The goodwill that Frostbite had built with the Wasp People bought him a pause.

The Wasp Woman who'd quickly learned their language was translating the angry words between the Wasp People warriors and Frostbite. The Cloud People had periodically attacked them! Destroyed a number of their homes! Followed them across the world! In the early days they had burned their wings and skin until the new ones had spawned, more resistant to the green mist! They...

Frostbite blinked. What? They'd adapted to be more resistant to the Cloud Men?

He glanced up at Lionheart

Lionheart flew after the cloud, projecting images inside his head to send to the sentient cloud. It was difficult. Alien, even. To think of an image that fit the situation then send it. That said, Lionheart was smart, especially now that he could call on Saladins considerable intellect as a background option. His angrier counterpart had been quiet for a while but Lionhearts powers told him he was always there.

The Cloudman slowed. Pulsed images back. They'd battled against various aliens. Had to adapt, change, in order to survive. They'd had to...

Suddenly the cloud sped off back towards the main body, which was itself starting to drift away.

Lionheart was about to shout "WAIT!" but something made him turn about. A fast swooping form came towards him. He looked up towards the cloud... there! A number of muscular large forms swooping through the cloud and leaving gaps where they passed through! What now?

Admin wrote:Lionheart was about to shout "WAIT!" but something made him turn about. A fast swooping form came towards him. He looked up towards the cloud... there! A number of muscular large forms swooping through the cloud and leaving gaps where they passed through! What now?

"Wait what is going on." Lionheart couldn't help be say...it would seem that the evolution of creatures on this planet was somehow being forced, somehow being destabilised and the weak weeded out the strong made stronger. Again one couldn't help but feel this was all some master purpose a grand design or at least a crude attempt at one was being played out with the lives of who knew how many cast aside as they failed, but one or two survived to carry the new mutations forward.

Was this what was happening to them, if they failed, would they evolve beyond their current state? Lionheart shuddered, the thought of Saladin evolving was not something he was keen to see. Their combined power was formidable as it was.

Again Lionheart reached out with his mind, hoping to see if reasonable communication could be established. He didn't like to judge by the warlike and aggressive look to these winged creatures, but he knew that the time for talking might soon be at an end.

Meanwhile, having sort to placate the Bee people, Frostbite suggested that they take cover, things might be going from bad to worse and they couldn't help much more. With the people safely away Frostbite got back to the ship. It was time to check the damage and on his people.

OOC: Ok so whilst Frostbite seeks to see if he can assist with repairs and making sure the ship and her crew are safe, and perhaps for now also thinking about getting back to their 'planet' Lionheart is going to attempt to do meet and greet 101 with these new boys. Judging by their appearance it's not going to be easy to go on a charm offensive to win them over. But Lionheart is plucky so he'll yet try.

Sj

"Wait what is going on." Lionheart couldn't help be say...it would seem that the evolution of creatures on this planet was somehow being forced, somehow being destabilised and the weak weeded out the strong made stronger.  Again one couldn't help but feel this was all some master purpose a grand design or at least a crude attempt at one was being played out with the lives of who knew how many cast aside as they failed, but one or two survived to carry the new mutations forward.  

OOC Busted! Nice deduction. But who is behind all this forced genetic evolution, and why?

The large swooping forms headed straight to where Lionheart was stood near the wasp people, whilst half of their number swooped in and out of the retreating green cloud leaving visible holes with every pass!

The Wasp people wailed in their strange buzzing way and hundreds of them took off in a panic, heading up into the air and back towards the domes they called home.

Several remained, including the Wasp Woman spokesperson who fumbled about with the weapon she held and brandished it with quivering hands in the general direction of the oncoming Dragon Men!

That seemed as good a term to label them as any.

Lionheart pulsed a WELCOME and PEACE! at the oncoming fliers. There were... uh oh. Over a dozen. The others were swooping in and around the cloud. The dozen sped towards Lionheart then 7... no 8 broke off to speed after the Wasp People! They seemed to trail green vapour after having inhaled it from the Cloud People cloud. As they did so, they SPED UP! Lionheart raised an eyebrow! What on Earth! Their speed was... impressive, even for a super speedster!

One of them crashed to the ground in a crouch several metres from where Lionheart stood. Towering over him, it tipped its head to the side with a snarl and revealed sharp tusks for teeth. He had no idea if the creatures had understood his telepathic greeting, but from the way it was snarling...

OOC Roll(2d10)+0: 5,5,+0 Total:10 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 9,7,+0 Total:26 SUCCESS with DANGER SENSE

Needless to say Lionhearts danger sense was SCREAMING at these creatures. Every one he glanced at triggered a threat that suggested he'd be vulnerable to attacks not just from all of them combined but from each one of the dragon men. These were high up on the food chain of this planet. If not Apex predators then certainly near to the top!

The Dragon Man seemed to be looking Lionheart up and down. Analysing him...

==========

Frostbite soared back towards the shuttle.

He glanced back, only to see he was being followed by HUNDREDS of Wasp people! What on earth? He couldn't see what had happened to Lionheart, but could see the retreating cloud. Even from this distance he could see dozens of holes punched through the mass as the winged Dragon Men swooped in and out of it. Were they feeding?

Frostbite had a bad feeling about this.

His earpiece crackled as he got into range of the shuttle.

"...repeat, skrrrzzz... arna to Frostbite or Lionheart. Respond!" crackled the voice in Frostbites ear.

Just then he saw a Dragon Man smash through the cloud of Wasp People, sending a dozen or so tumbling to the floor far below! It was... IT WAS TRYING TO CATCH FROSTBITE UP, AND CLOSING IN AT AN INCREDIBLE SPEED!!!

Admin wrote:The Dragon Man seemed to be looking Lionheart up and down. Analysing him...
==========
Just then he saw a Dragon Man smash through the cloud of Wasp People, sending a dozen or so tumbling to the floor far below! It was... IT WAS TRYING TO CATCH FROSTBITE UP, AND CLOSING IN AT AN INCREDIBLE SPEED!!!

Lionheart knew that he might be giving away the slim advantage that they had, but it didn't feel right attacking this...well whatever this was without knowing that it intended to harm. Although his danger sense going off was a pretty big clue that this wasn't going to go well. He could imagine, no probably that wasn't his imagination as the mocking laughter of his long-time advisory echoed in the vaults of his mind.

He resigned himself to the fact that most people just didn't equate peacefulness and harmony as he did. With an inward sigh, he let loose with his Psi blasting - there was little point in doing anything other since these guys clearly didn't mess around either.

Meanwhile, Frostbite told the shuttle in no uncertain terms to get space side. It was imperative they left with the only working ship they had whilst they had a chance to remain space worthy. Any more damage to the ship risked them all being stranded and that left their options even more limited than they already were.

Turning to the oncoming opponent, Frostbite pondered his options. In a straight-up fight there as little chance, his slighter and physically less powerful form could take these creatures down. Moreover, they proved more than a match for the harsh planet atmosphere and the acidic cloud...did that mean they'd be impervious to extremes of heat and...cold?

His options were running out fast as was the speeding menace coming at him. With the hits, he'd already been taking he was not in the best shape for another fight, but there is was. Raising his arms which he dematerialised long enough so he could attempt to get a good shot off at the oncoming creature. Its boldness and speed he hoped made this easier to line up and hit...but the real deal would be what if any, harm he could do to stopping this thing.

OOC: Ok Lionheart is going with Psi blast as it's his best shot, sorry bad pun, at this range. And following up with brute strength and martial arts.
Meanwhile telling the others to get clear, Frostbite is going to see if he could do likewise. My fall back option, now the cloud has gone is to go into gooey form, which will might mean I can try and hit back a bit more meaningfully.

Sj

FROSTBITE flew towards the Shuttle, yelling at the crew to get up and out of there!

Over the frantic buzzing of the Wasp peoples wings he saw the extent of the damage to the Shuttle. It was peppered with small holes where acid had burned through the hull. The crew had been trying to patch weld the perforations but had run out of time! As he saw his crew scramble towards the hatch he heard its engines fire up and turned into his 'slush' form which provided the maximum protection as physical attacks would simply pass through gaps in his body. Hopefully.

OOC Frostbite blasts Energy at the oncoming target. As his Energy attack is cold based, that has a different effect on these creatures...

Energy Blast 14 + Roll(2d10)+0: 2,10,+0 Total:26 vs Dex 13 + Roll(2d10)+0: 3,2,+0 Total: 18 - Attack Vulnerability 8 = 10. +6 Effect.

Energy Blast 14 + 6 (20) - Resistance Value 24 - Attack Vulnerability 8 (16) = 4 damage

The creature seemed confident. Indeed, as Frostbite blasted he saw a slight glow about the creature that caused the hero to groan. 'Force Field?' he groaned inwardly. However the creature doesn't move out of the way quickly enough AND the blast punches through the creatures force field!!!

Taken aback, it angrily levels its head and ROARS with a torrent of flame filling the sky around Frostbite!

OOC WARNING! This may be one of the most powerful opponents Frostbite has EVER faced!!!

Flame Project 20 (!) + Roll(2d10)+0: 5,10,+0 Total:35 vs Frostbite Dex 9 + Fluid Form 3 (12) + Roll(2d10)+0: 7,8,+0 Total:27.
HIT +4 Effect.
Flame Project 20 +4 (24) - Body 11 + Fluid Form 3 (14) = 10 Damage!!!

Frostbite is on 9 body currently and has 74HP remaining. You'll need to absorb some of the damage to stay conscious. I will also allow you to spend HP retroactively on defence to buy extra dice for defence. However a roll of 15 is pretty good, extra dice are expensive and you'd really need a roll of 7 or 8 on any extra dice you roll to make it worth your while to get a double result. Last Ditch defence is far, far cheaper and probably your best bet. Fighting against a far more powerful foe (as this guy is) will burn through yoru HP in a short time. However, it's not 'all lost' They ARE especially vulnerable to cold. may be worth Frostys while to scramble his neophyte heroes from the shuttle. They may help, soak up some blows or slow the other guy down, but these creatures are the 'Apex' of the transplanted races on this planet. At least as far as you have encountered this far...

LIONHEART gathered his psychic energy

To his Superspeed enhanced reflexes these things were moving slowly, but not in total slow motion as he was usually used to!

He blasted the Dragon Man closest. Even though it was metres away its towering height and bulk cast a shadow on Lionheart. Its speed was simply astonishing for something so muscular and powerful looking!

OOC I'm assuming Critical Blow. Better damage, less accuracy. Mind Blast 13 + Roll(2d10)+0: 6,8,+0 Total:27 vs Int 9 + Crit Blow 4 (13) + Roll(2d10)+0: 5,8,+0
Total:26

Success + 1 Effect. Mind Blast 13 +1 (14) - Resistance Value 16 - Crit Blow -6 (10) = 4 Damage

Same as his team mate!

The psychic Lion mauls the Dragon, so to speak, and the creature grunts in surprise and pain. It shakes its head in anger and raises a hand. Chanting in an alien language it seems to draw energy in a strange pattern in the air. Lionheart sees it and starts to move out of the way, but something strange happens. It's not a physical attack, it's a magical attack...

OOC Magic Blast 15 + Roll(2d10)+0: 2,9,+0 Total:26 vs Lionheart Influence 9 + Roll(2d10)+0: 8,7,+0 Total:24

Success +2. Magic Blast 15 +2 (17) - Spirit 10 = 7 damage!

This is SPIRIT damage and something Lionheart has rarely (if ever?) taken before! You can retrospectively buy defence dice (as Frostbite can) or absorb the damage (cheaper option though to absorb all the damage gets expensive).

Once you've decided on the combat damage response I'll roll initiative for the various sides and we'll go from there. These guys ARE incredibly tough and varied, and one on one are a match for nearly anyone. There are quite a number of these things knocking about though. If you think it's bad now, wait till they gang up...

So... Absorb damage and/or spend dice on defence dice (expensive, not guaranteed to succeed or do any good)?

Admin wrote: Frostbite - Last Ditch defence is far, far cheaper and probably your best bet...[/i][/color]

Frostbite wasn't sure if he knew instinctively before these new players emerged how much trouble he was in, but something at a gut level.  Something that was part and parcel of being in combat in so many situations, places, peoples somehow told him this was bad, really bad.   Then the attack, powerful and of all things that which was his own Achillies heel, heat, blasted at him.  Would this be his hill?  Would this be where his story ended, that this would be where the story ended, stranded the other side of the Galaxy in a system not his own?  It might be, and he was not afraid of death, but he wasn't ready to go down without a fight, whatever happened he wanted his crew to get off safely.  He had to buy them time.  

OOC: Yup go for last-ditch defence, if nothing else simply because the fact that the attack was far greater and more devastating then he'd reckoned on imagined.  I feel like this is intended to be an almost no-win situation.  If we win we get an audience, if we loose we might get a very different kind of audience.  Frostbite's concern would be what happens to the others, more than himself, and then what they could do - if anything to stop this evil manipulation of races.

Admin wrote:LIONHEART This is SPIRIT damage and something Lionheart has rarely (if ever?) taken before!?

Lionheart, powerful beyond belief given what the original parameters of his cloned existence had assumed or appeared to be.  But with merging with Saladin his nemesis, itself something unseen, his power had been magnified many times over.  Yet, in truth even in the magical realms, he'd once been, he'd not known this kind of attack.  For once he realised this must be how many heavy hitters feel when he attacked them with his Psi powered blasts.  Boy, this did not feel good, rallying his efforts, he wasn't about to go down without a fight.  Richard King had no 'mother' to teach him what to do, but his basic 'programming' and his learned experiences which forged the moral centre of his character wouldn't let him quit till the breath was forced out of his lifeless body.  That hurt and someone was going to pay if he could stay alive long enough to return the favour that is.

OOC:Ok as with Frostbite go for last-ditch and then try to go again but this time into close combat.  It might be that magic which is ranged and involves some sort of spell casting can be disrupted by close combat.  Maybe I'm stretching, but Lionheart will go full bore martial arts and speed on this wee beastie. Assuming he gets to do that.

Sj

FROSTBITE WAS...
HP 74
Body 9/11

OOC Damage 10, 6 Absorbed (You can absorb more but it gets progressively more expensive from here on. 6 is just about the sweet spot...) at a cost of 21HP

FROSTBITE NOW...
HP 53
Body 6/11


OOC INITIATIVE... Roll(2d10)+0: 6 Frostbite (31), 6 Dragon Man (40)

The Dragon Man is going to physically attack at Superspeed. Want to spend anything on defence? Yellow Column shows costs for extra defence dice.



LIONHEART WAS...
HP 109
SPIRIT 10/10

LIONHEART NOW...
HP 88
SPIRIT 9/10

OOC Once more, the sweet spot is 21HP for 6 HP absorbed so Lionheart takes 1 Spirit damage. He'll heal that quick enough.

INITIATIVE Roll(2d10)+0: 2 LIONHEART (48), 2 DRAGON MAN (36)

LIONHEART acts first with POWER RESERVE 12 diverted to SUPERSPEED boosting it from 10 to 22
His most effective attack, he's fast enough to put in a DEVASTATING ATTACK which is much harder to hit with but really delivers the smackdown if it hits. I recommend.

LIONHEART DEX 22 + Roll(7d10)+0: 3,6,3,10,7,4,5, Total:28 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 10,7,+0 Total:45 (Much better follow up roll!) vs

DRAGON MAN DEX 13 + DEVASTATING ATTACK 8 + Roll(2d10)+0: 8,8,+0 Total:29 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 5,9,+0 Total:51

Undone by a cracking roll from the Dragon Man! Yours wasn't brilliant but good enough to hit. Normally. If you'd have attacked WITHOUT the Devastating Attack, you'd have hit... but not scored any damage!

The DRAGON MAN responds with a blast of Fiery breath at Lionheart!

FLAME PROJECT 20 + Roll(2d10)+0: 4,1,+0 Total: 25 vs LIONHEART DEX 22 + Roll(2d10)+0: 9,9,+0 Total: 40 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 9,1,+0 Total:50 MISS

Lionheart misses with a hit that would have smashed a hole in a mountain but neatly sidesteps a near point blank range shot that by ANY definition of the term should be IMPOSSIBLE to dodge! The Dragon Man was inhumanly fast, strong, powerful, resistant, and destructive. That fiery breath would melt through steel, rock, heck, maybe even diamond. It was like flying close to the sun! It should have burned Lionheart and tested him to the very fibre of his being. He was fast so. faster than a speeding bullet?

Oh Yes.

The Dragon Man gapes. It stares at its foe, then snarls, grinding tusks and popping knuckles, ready to unleash fury! It waves back its fellows and makes it clear. THIS one is MINE! I claim the glory of this KILL!!! Speaks the gesture, even if the words are not uttered!

Any defence HP to spend for Frosty then I'll resolve that attack and do Frostys.

Lionheart vs a Dragon man is shaping up to be a right scrap! Over to you.

Admin wrote:[size=18]FROSTBITE WAS...
Any defence HP to spend for Frosty then I'll resolve that attack and do Frostys.

Lionheart vs a Dragon man is shaping up to be a right scrap! Over to you.

[b]OOC: Yes I'll buy one extra dice, on the theory that spending a fortune on a fight I'm not going to win is pointless. Unless you plan on killing us (and that is unless you do plan on killing us to bring us back stronger a la all the other creatures here) then Frostbite hasn't got a chance of winning this and using resources is going to just drag it out but not gain anything. I know this is a bit meta, but I'd rather awaken with some HP than none, as my die rolls don't always help the situation.

As for Lionheart, well die rolls or not he has such a world-class advantage lets go for it and see if we can't bite back twice as hard.

Sj

FROSTBITE
HP 40
Body 9/11

OOC Buying two extra dice for defence. You'll not be able to win all fights. There are options - running, surrendering etc. Getting the trainees from the Shuttle was another option but duking it out with this thing is surely going to get Frosty battered. Can't win em all... Mind you, Lionheart I'd put my money on... unless those pesky dice rear their head again. Or, there are other options...

The Dragon Man takes a swing at Frostbite... no. Not one. Hundreds! It also exhibited a fighting style very reminiscent of martial arts, at a level displayed usually only by masters!

OOC Dragon Man Dex 13 + Roll(6d10)+0: 2,2,7,3,4,6,+0 Total: 4 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 5,7,+0 Total: 29 vs
Frostbite Dex 9 + Roll(4d10)+0: 3,5,7,7,+0 Total:14 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 1,10,+0 Total: 34

MISS!

EDIT: OOOPS! I bought the two dice as it improves your chances (and you can see that from the rolls). I can certainly wind it back and just count one die but that would alter the result. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, leave things as I've just done and it's Frostys attack. or I can cancel one of the 7s, refund the HP and Frosty gets a smack in the mouth. Your call. I will assume you stick with the miss result...

Owing as much to experience AND luck, Frostbite ducked aside and rolled backwards, using near superhuman ability to dodge the multiple blows!

Once more the Dragon Men gaped. This one looked about, as if uncertain. Frostbite could now attack!

OOC Over to you. Depends on what you decide above (Frosty will get socked in the mouth if he doesn't dodge). Adding anything to his attack? It's an agile foe, but maybe a couple of extra dice and a critical blow might just get the job done, against all the odds...

LIONHEART
HP 88
SPIRIT 9/10

Using incredible superspeed, martial arts and really going for it to hammer the opponents head into the floor, Lionheart poured on the speed...

OOC Lionheart initiative ... no point rolling when Lionheart pours his power reserve into Superspeed. He wins.

Lionheart Dex 22 + Roll(7d10)+0: 5,9,1,2,9,8,7,+0 Total: 18 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 8,8,+0 Total: 34 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 8,10,+0 Total:52 rolled + Dex 22 = 74 total. Oh my word. vs

Dragon Man Dex 13 + Roll(2d10)+0: 10,4,+0 Total: 27 + Crit Blow 8 = 35

+9 Effect (added to Lionhearts Str 13) = 22 - Dragon Man Resistance 24 - 12 Devastating Attack (12 RV) = 10 Damage.

Lionheart delivered blow after punishing blow, despite how the Dragon Man ducked, swung back, kicked out, swiped and staggered back. Lionheart leapt off the big creatures back from where he'd been repeatedly ramming its head into a rock! The rock was shattered, the creature angry but there was something else. Respect? Fear?

Spitting green goop that must be blood, the creature stood and spun to Lionheart, ROARING with flame at him!

OOC Flame Project 20 + Roll(2d10)+0: 8,3,+0 Total:31 vs
Lionheart Dex 22 + Roll(2d10)+0: 3,6,+0 Total: 31

HIT no adjustment to damage.

Flame Project 20 - Lionheart Body 13 + Force Field 8 (21) NO DAMAGE

Once more the Dragon Man gapes. It is truly astonished.

Breathing hard (OOC This Dragon Man is on 3/13 Body) the Dragon Man steadies itself on wobbling legs. It glances to the watching Dragon Men who hover in the air... and Lionheart risks a glance about. Not just the Dragon Men watching, but the Cloud Men have stopped running, apparently watching from a distance. Despite being turned into mulch in great numbers, the Wasp people have returned to watch from a distance. All are concentrating on what might be, finally, a changing of the guard in the order of power on this planet!

The Dragon Man seems to realise what is at stake. It thumps its chest and says something in an alien tongue. Then it points to Lionheart. It bows its head slightly then stands in a combat stance, waving its hands and uttering an incantation again...

OOC Frosty to attack. Also whether to let the defence stand or take the smack in the mouth. Use dice for Frosty? Go for Critical Blow? Devastating Attack? They ARE vulnerable to cold. They don't dodge it or resist it at all well. There's a chance Frosty could win, if the dice aren't horrible.

After that, Lionheart gets to act first in his fight, which he is definitely winning after that pounding he just handed out!

Admin wrote:FROSTBITE
HP 40
Body 9/11

OOC Frosty to attack. Also whether to let the defence stand or take the smack in the mouth. Use dice for Frosty? Go for Critical Blow? Devastating Attack? They ARE vulnerable to cold. They don't dodge it or resist it at all well. There's a chance Frosty could win, if the dice aren't horrible.

After that, Lionheart gets to act first in his fight, which he is definitely winning after that pounding he just handed out!

OOC:No I made the call go with the dice as they fell

Frostbite was surprised himself to still be standing. But he wasn't going to look fortune in the face when it favoured the bold in this way. Unleashing his attack he called on Frostbot to help him target the creature so that despite its speed he might further anticipate its moves to make his shot count.

OOC:So I'll add a die to accuracy and go for my cold blast attack and hope for a good if not amazing shot...

Meanwhile, Lionheart had, had enough, and let it be known in no uncertain terms as he sought again to overcome the creature with his own signature attack.

OOC: Again I'll buy a die to increase the accuracy and make sure I hit, however, if you think it better spent on the damage I'll let you make that call as you think fits best.

Sj

FROSTBITE
HP 34
BODY 9/11

Having scrambled to the side as the attack trails behind him, Frostbite considered. He was pretty much superhuman fast with reflexes and agility that ordinary humans could not fathom. However these creatures are more so Frostbite knew he needed a decisive strike to tip the balance in his favour!

OOC Going for Critical Blow. Extra Die on attack. Energy Blast 14 + Roll(3d10)+0: 7,10,1,+0 Total:31 (Extra die no use! Sometimes that's how it goes..) vs

Dragon Man Dex 13 + Crit Blow 4 + Attack Vulnerability -8 + Roll(2d10)+0: 6,1,+0 Total:16

Hit +5 Effect (to 19) - Resistance Value 24 - 8 (Attack Vulnerability) - 6 (Critical Blow) = 9 Damage. And that, is how you get it done! DRAGON MAN DOWN!

Frostbite sprinted to the side, unleashing a blast with one hand which the Dragon Man dodges then pouring it on with the other! The twin beams scythed inwards then struck dead centre in the chest of the creature, punching through the Force Field around its body and causing it to gasp as its magic fire powered body starts to chill, and the red glow in its torso dims then turns blue!

It lands some twenty feet away or so in a smoking, steaming pile, defeated, curled up and looking less intimidating than before. The watching crowds of creatures - Wasp Men, Dragon Men, Cloud Men look on in silence.

LIONHEART
HP 88
SPIRIT 9/10

OOC Lionheart doesn't need to spend HP on dice when using Martial Artist. He gets so many free dice from his incredible skill that it's *almost* a certainty to get a double.

The Dragon Man glanced to the side seeing its companion flattened by Frostbite and turns as if about to say something. Straight into a left/right hundreds of fist combination!

OOC Lionheart Dex 22 (using power reserve on Superspeed) + (using martial artist) Roll(7d10)+0: 8,7,1,9,4,10,9,+0 Total: 40 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 9,5,+0 Total: 54 vs

Dragon Man Dex 13 + 8 (Devastating Attack) + Roll(2d10)+0: 6,5,+0 Total: 32

+7 Effect (Str 13 +7=20) - Resistance Value 24 - 12 (Devastating Attack) = 8 damage. DRAGON MAN DOWN!

Though not as effective as last time the Dragon Man could not defend against the inhuman speed of Lionhearts blows! Time and again they smashed against the forcefield around the creature and it all ended with an uppercut that sent the creature through the air, thudding into the floor near its companion and sliding some thirty feet beyond!

"Show off!" laughed Frostbite

Lionheart grinned and turned to the other Dragon Men.

They were looking at each other, considering the 'challenge' that had been thrown down at them with the defeat of two of their number.

One of them looked at the two fallen Dragon Men then flew forwards.

OOC The Aliens Comprehend Language power... 11 + Roll(2d10)+0: 7,5,+0 Total: 23 vs Alien Language 12 + Roll(2d10)+0: 10,4,+0 Total: 27 FAILED

The huge Dragon Man towered over Lionheart but he felt no danger. It knelt before him, almost head to head at eye level and growled "Show... Off..." before stating something in an alien language that neither Frostbite nor Lionheart could understand.

The other Dragon Men turned to leave, aside from four which broke off and flew to gather the fallen pair, one on each arm. They departed swiftly, to cheers from the Wasp People in a buzzing cacophany!

The Dragon Man remained bowed, head down. Frostbite walked over, whilst in his head Frostbot spoke. 'The Alien appears to be submitting in some way. Perhaps surrendering or offering itself as a sacrifice so that the victors can claim a prize whilst the rest of its people escape. These creatures have their own peculiar sense of honour, warped as it may be to us. If I figure correctly, and I usually do, they are near the top of the tree in terms of abilities and dominance on this world. I suspect they, like all other races, have been displaced and made to battle for dominance. Why, we cannot know yet until the one who caused this reveals their self, or selves...'

Suddenly there is a bright, searing light! The Dragon Man ducks down, covering its eyes and COWERING! The Wasp People flee in panic, the Cloud Men (or rather the great, communal cloud) speeds off at maximum clip and the retreating Dragon Men are so petrified they DROP their unconscious companions and fly off! Both thud into the floor from a height of around three hundred feet but neither Vanguardian is in any doubt they could survive the fall. A fall from space would barely dent their hides...



The glow was like a sun appearing in the midst of the planet, and even Lionheart had to shield from the glow! Then it started to fade, replaced by something else...

A vast creature, humanoid in appearance and standing in the sky some several hundred feet tall.

"WE ARE THE TESTER, AND YOU HAVE BEEN TESTED. YOUR ABILITIES AND CAPABILITIES SHALL BE STUDIED AND ABSORBED INTO OUR COLLECTIVE TO BE USED IN THE NEXT CYCLE OF CREATION. YOU HAVE BEEN HONOURED AND YOUR SACRIFICE SHALL BE NOTED IN THE ANNALS OF SPACE AND TIME!" bellowed the voice which shook the very ground itself! Trees rattled, creatures cried out in panic, birds took to the sky and rocks broke loose from mountains, causing dusty landslides!

Lionheart clutched his head, barely able to think! WHAT??? His danger sense... IT WAS GOING OFF THE SCALE!!!

Admin wrote:"WE ARE THE TESTER, AND YOU HAVE BEEN TESTED. YOUR ABILITIES AND CAPABILITIES SHALL BE STUDIED AND ABSORBED INTO OUR COLLECTIVE TO BE USED IN THE NEXT CYCLE OF CREATION. YOU HAVE BEEN HONOURED AND YOUR SACRIFICE SHALL BE NOTED IN THE ANNALS OF SPACE AND TIME!" bellowed the voice which shook the very ground itself! Trees rattled, creatures cried out in panic, birds took to the sky and rocks broke loose from mountains, causing dusty landslides!

Lionheart clutched his head, barely able to think! WHAT??? His danger sense... IT WAS GOING OFF THE SCALE!!!

OOC: Wow don't believe I managed to do it. Lionheart yes, but Frostbite! Always the underdog, but that dog had his day. Let's hope it's not too short-lived ;-)

Lionheart and Frostbite arose to be in line with the face.

And there Frostbite spoke up hoping that the creatures vast size wouldn't cause it a problem to hear him..."Thank you, I think. We are sentient beings who are travelling the galaxy in order to find our way home. We came, to bargain and seek a way to find supplies in our mission. I can see that you to have a purpose, what is this collective that you speak of and you seem to have assumed we want a part in it? If that is so we are going to have to disappoint you."

OOC: Ok I am aware that this guy isn't used to people probably talking back to him and that in so doing the heroes are likely to put ourselves in real danger (what's new ;-)) but there is no way we are taking this lying down - not unless the heroes have no fight left that is?

Sj

OOC Assume it's a booming and shouty voice so that I don't have to put everything in caps

"We will indulge your questions as a show of respect."

"We are charged with the creation of the perfect fighting soldier. From across the universe we gather species, pitting them against each other and accelerating their evolution. Some races do not evolve beyond that state in which they are gathered. These beings..." he gestured to the Dragon Man still on his knees and shielding his eyes from the glare "show a remarkable ability to evolve. When first gathered they were unintelligent creatures that walked on all fours. They were quickly defeated but before they could be discarded, they were analysed and found to have incredible evolution abilities. On their home planet they were the apex predator and therefore evolved no further. Here, they are pitted against other species that we gather and have proven themselves able to adapt and change, even when defeated. We expect they will evolve again. If it turns out they have evolved to their limits and will change no further, they will be discarded. You will become a new subject for us. Testing shall be extensive. Resistance is futile. Your minds, bodies and spirits shall be examined in detail. What we find interesting having observed you is that despite the similarity in form you display vastly different abilities and variation."

"You will divulge the details of the planet of your origin. We shall visit it, and harvest it for more varied samples. Perhaps we have found what we are looking for. Now, all communication will cease. You will submit and prepare for detailed examination."

The great gold figure started to glow, brighter and brighter!

Admin wrote:"You will divulge the details of the planet of your origin. We shall visit it, and harvest it for more varied samples. Perhaps we have found what we are looking for. Now, all communication will cease. You will submit and prepare for a detailed examination."

The great gold figure started to glow, brighter and brighter!

That was it, Frostbite had, had enough.  Enough of this senseless killing just to make what?  Bigger and stronger and tougher soldiers - pawns in a devastating war to climb to the top of the greasy pole.  

"Not on my watch...  "Frostbite said to himself as he was prepared to fight with all he had to resit yet another bully, we an overdeveloped sense of entitlement.

OOC: Ok use all my die remaining for a Critical strike spread between the attack and damage -I'm all in.

Lionheart could see and knew instinctively his Frostbite rarely if ever lost his cool. That thought would seem funny if it weren't for the deadly earnestness of their situation.  Lionheart would have to file it away for another time if there as another time.

He could see and almost feel the power building behind Frostbite, and then the thought coming behind his rage, before his friend shouted out in words loud enough for all to hear, "NOT ON MY WATCH. NOT TODAY AND NOT EVER TESTER!"

Lionheart wondered if this was a good day to die...good as any other.  He was a clone, his family was all around him.  He'd lost so much and so many, he didn't want to die, but if by his death he'd stop the entropy that the universe seemed so bound to, for just a little bit longer - he would consider that, a good death.  One worth having.

Joining his friend he gathered his energies as best he could, for one devasting attack, for surely it would need to be to overwhelm such a beings considerable defences.  

OOC: Lionheart is also all in and will use whatever HP you deem necessary to punch through the Tester's defences and do it some major harm.  I guess that eventually, the faulty logic of the Tester or his masters is that go along this path long enough and either he will meet a bigger enemy, or his 'allies' or slaves will evolve to become that bigger enemy that one day it might their own soldiers who'd bring their downfall by evolving to a point where they'd exceed the Tester's ability to withstand them.  Maybe today is that day.

Sj

OOC Frosty can buy four dice to blast at the Tester. His most powerful attack is a devastating attack (really hard to hit, max damage). The Tester has not demonstrated being able to dodge or even move at the moment, but anything that can subjugate powerful races on this 'Battle Planet' must have a few tricks up their sleeve... Lionheart doesn't need to spend points for attack dice and I assume he goes for the same all out attack. I will apply a bonus to the attack from team attack.

FROSTBITE
HP 4
Body 9/11

Blasting with rage in his heart, Frostbite attacks! Energy Blast 14 + Roll(6d10)+0: 4,7,3,4,5,8,+0 Total: 22 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d10)+0: 8,2,+0 Total:32 vs Dex 28 + Roll(2d10)+0: 10,3,+0 Total: 41 -2 Team Attack + 8 Devastating attack (47 total) MISS

Lionheart attacks Dex 22 + Roll(7d10)+0: 3,2,8,10,1,2,4,+0 Total: 26 DOUBLE (crikey, a poor roll indeed. Tempted to go with the 10+8 but a double gives another roll so...) plus Roll(2d10)+0: 5,6,+0 Total: 37 vs
Dex 28 + Roll(2d10)+0: 9,3,+0 Total: 40 - 2 (team Attack) + 8 (devastating attack) (46 total) MISS

The heroes attack!

And... something happens. There is a shifting, a movement, something doesn't quite compute in the brain of the Vanguardians. Even Lionheart, one of the most powerful superhumans on the planet, isn't able to quite believe what just happened. When he threw pictures at the giant glowing figure, the target simply wasn't where his fists landed.

How could they miss something so big?

What on Earth...?

The Tester responded.

A hand raised, a flash of light, roar of thunder...

OOC Attack against Lionheart ... Energy Blast 28 + Roll(2d10)+0: 6,7,+0 Total: 41 vs

Lionheart Dex 22 + Crit Blow (+4) (26) + Roll(2d10)+0: 5,7,+0 Total:38 HIT +2 Effect (to 30)

30 Effect - 21 Resistance - 6 (Crit Blow) = 15 Damage!

Lionheart is FLATTENED with a single blast!

You can absorb some of the damage to keep Lionheart up on his feet (absorbing 3 points will do that) but Lionheart will be STUNNED and unable to attack next round.

Frostbite looks to the side where his friend is on the ground. A single blast could defeat the most powerful member of the Vanguard??? What the... What chance did that give the rest of them, give Frostbite? he was faced off against a power that was too mighty to measure! His own powerful attacks were as nothing against the sheer world shattering force arrayed against him!

OOC A shocker!

Frostbite can attack next round. The Tester is basically waiting for him to do that, or to submit to the entities power. Lionheart can absorb some (up to 13 points, very very expensive in HP) to stay up on his feet and help his friend but cannot attack next round. The most powerful opponent the team has ever faced against?

Admin wrote:Lionheart is FLATTENED with a single blast!

You can absorb some of the damage to keep Lionheart up on his feet (absorbing 3 points will do that) but Lionheart will be STUNNED and unable to attack next round. [/i][/color]

Frostbite looks to the side where his friend is on the ground. A single blast could defeat the most powerful member of the Vanguard??? What the... What chance did that give the rest of them, give Frostbite? he was faced off against a power that was too mighty to measure! His own powerful attacks were as nothing against the sheer world shattering force arrayed against him!

OOC A shocker!

Frostbite can attack next round. The Tester is basically waiting for him to do that, or to submit to the entities power. Lionheart can absorb some (up to 13 points, very very expensive in HP) to stay up on his feet and help his friend but cannot attack next round. The most powerful opponent the team has ever faced against?

OOC: Yes please to Lionheart absorbing the damage via HP

Lionheart felt as if every bone and some he might not even be aware of was aching if not feeling shattered at that point. As he moved, dragging since it felt as if he was barely able to stand let alone fly, himself as best his body almost shattered by the blow could do.

Frostbite knew he was outmatched, outgunned and out of options. But he wasn't about to lay down and let this entity bully them into submission. But the use of force was pointless at this moment. He had nothing to match Lionheart and his best shot, feel short, by a long stretch.

All he had, as so often was the case, was his principles and words by which to take a stand.

"I can see that there is little point trying to match our powers with yours. But we will not submit to your testing, not allow ourselves to be willingly used as pawns in your power games against any race you'd seek to oppress or dominate. We believe in principled freedom, and will stand against your tyranny, we and all those whom you fight against.

The irony is, in the end, the soldiers you raise to fight, may well set others to fight back, advance, develop and by principled means evolve to yet beat and best you. However, should you change to use your powers in a principled fashion you could do much good? Since it seems you will not, on principle we stand ready to offer our lives for we can only die once, but we will not live if the life you'd call us to would be a death undeserved and unjust to others."

Sj

LIONHEART
HP 82
Mind 1/13
Spirit 9/11

The Tester seemed to consider Frostbites words.

"OTHERS HAVE RESISTED AS YOU DO. WE SHALL EXTRACT FROM YOUR MINDS THE DETAILS OF YOUR HOME PLANET. DIVERSITY SUCH AS YOU DISPLAY SHOULD NOT BE WASTED. BE IN NO  DOUBT, HOWEVER, THAT YOU WILL BE TESTED< EVOLVED AND IMPROVED UPON, AND YOUR SACRIFICE SHALL FURTHER YOUR SPECIES IN THE COSMIC BATTLE TO COME." bellowed the Tester. It seemed to blur, then a hand, colossal and wide, appeared to dwarf the heroes where they stood and all was BRIGHTNESS!

Then Dark...

OOC Tester BLASTS the pair of them. Energy Blast 28 + Roll(2d10)+0:  8,10,+0 Total:46 vs
Highest Dex (Lionheart) 22 + Multi Attack (+2) + Roll(2d10)+0: 9,1,+0 Total: 34

HIT +5 Effect (to 33) - Highest Resistance (Lionheart 21+2) = 9 Damage.

FROSTBITE is DOWN unless he spends 3 out of his last 4HP to stay on his feet.
LIONHEART can absorb 9 damage to stay up at a cost of 45HP but he's better off saving them. This is a fight that, ultimately, only staggering die rolls would allow you to win. Your call...

Admin wrote:LIONHEART
HP 82
Mind 1/13
Spirit 9/11

FROSTBITE is DOWN unless he spends 3 out of his last 4HP to stay on his feet.
LIONHEART can absorb 9 damage to stay up at a cost of 45HP but he's better off saving them. This is a fight that, ultimately, only staggering die rolls would allow you to win. Your call...[/i][/color]

OOC: I went quite on this to think about it. If I wanted to metagame, I'd basically say ok no-win situation, let's move on and I'll save my HP for later. But I don't like metagaming, and these are heroes who I want to play as heroes. So basically what, to me, makes them heroic and therefore worth playing is that they carry on till victory is either won or prized from their cold lifeless hands. As one famous hero said, "Never give up, never surrender..." They will spend their last HP and fight till they're beaten of dead. Sorry, can't play it any other way if I'm to stay true to them and the way I think they should be played in character.

Lionheart never felt so beaten, never had his incredible body felt so broken. But he knew if he fell countless others would also go. With a titanic effort and a stubbornness of will that boarded on stupidity or bravery, others would have to decide, he fought back. He gave his all, now if need be he'd give his life.

Frostbite saw Lionheart rise, unbelievably after the beating he had taken. In a world of marvels once again Frostbite felt truly overwhelmed by the spirit of his friend, who though clone showed no less courage and determination than he could ask of his men, or himself. Tired, oh so tired, beaten and bloody. His body on fire - an experience for one so cold he felt the worse for. He turned painfully back to the Tester.

"Tester, we're not worth it. The earth is full of people like us. People who will be more trouble than is worth your while or your petty goals. Go now whilst you can. Kill us or don't kill us but know this we will not bow down or go quietly into the night. We'll rage, rage against the dying of the light Tester. So go now, go quickly. This is my warning to you, heed it well or let this be the moment you learned your true limits and rue the day you began this course."

Sj

The Tester towered over the pair.

LIONHEART
HP 37
Mind 1/13
Spirit 9/11

FROSTBITE
HP 1
Mind 1/8
Body 9/11

Somehow the pair stayed on their feet, too dazed (OOC Stunned) to retaliate.

"YOUR RESILIENCE IS... UNEXPECTED. WE SHALL CONSIDER HOW BEST TO CAPTURE YOU WITHOUT KILLING YOU." it bellowed. Then it vanished!!!

Lionhearts Danger Sense stopped screaming... but there was something ... different about it. Rather than tell him of a specific threat it suggested simply that he was in danger. That was strange seeing as he'd been feet away from the Tester. What...? He couldn't think straight. His body felt...

Shouldn't his uniform be in tatters?

His head was wracked with pain. He knew he was outmatched, outgunned, but something was odd about that whole encounter.

Frostbite wobbled to his feet, walking over then sagging to his butt on a rock.

The wasp woman with the rifle flew over... She hummed... "You... you defied the tester! All who have done that have be destroyed! How can this be?" Her speech was simplistic but the ability to pick up language was remarkable.

A cloud man floated down and formed into a facsimile of a human, albeit without facial features. It 'stared' at Lionheart and Frostbite. Then it offered a n arm in salute across its chest. The Wasp woman had been hissing at its approach but lowered her rifle. "The creature offers... respect."

A Dragon Man flew over, the Cloud man shrinking back in fear. The hulking brute towered over Lionheart and looked down at him. It made noises like gargling until Lionheart picked out a few words "... Tester... Resisted... Respect..."

The Vanguardians were in no shape to resume a battle and the Tester could come back at any moment. Might they use that time somehow to prepare for the Testers return?

Admin wrote:LIONHEART + FROSTBITE

The Vanguardians were in no shape to resume a battle and the Tester could come back at any moment. Might they use that time somehow to prepare for the Testers return?

Frostbite nodded at his friend, unsure as to what to do but now they'd gained respect, could they forge these creatures into a unit to counter-attack? To what end, would they be left alone? Would the be able to coexist here without further interference? Suddenly policing their own world, went universal and very complicated.

Frostbite nodded to the others as he himself settled on a rock, he gestured to the creatures as he was grateful for their gratitude but not for their servitude. He was not interested in replacing one monster with another.

Lionheart trotted over, despite what he'd been through he was already beginning to look better.

"They will be back, and though we've managed to delay things, there is no telling what we will have won apart from some breathing space. We need a plan, either to kick these guys into touch, or perhaps even bring you all with us." Though Frostbite had his doubts about that, how would their friendly 'ship' feel about the acid cloud alien being 'aboard' let alone the more ferocious beasts.

"I suspect that this will give them time to think, they won't be in a hurry but this has given them cause to think again. We'd best make the most of it. "

OOC: Not entirely sure what to do, I'd like to send the team and Lionheart back to our friendly planet and see what we might be able to do about evacuating everyone from here. But not sure if that is even doable, let alone desirable. The alternative is to get everyone together and sort of do an all-out attack, but that could be costly and counterproductive. We also don't know when the Tester would be back, and what additional resources he might bring. So I'm sort of lacking for tactical details to help make the best decision.


Sj