The New Vanguard! Frostbite Issue #8 - Home at last... but what is home?

Admin wrote:

"Ready?" asked Timmy Jones, general of the fantastical toy robot army...

OOC And it is of course a version of 'General Jumbo' from the Beano. Or Dandy. I think.

OOC:I love it...nostalgia attack

"Well done Tim, lets see what we can learn from your army"

With that, the two of them sped back to join the others...who know doubt was mystified as to what was going on when the area was about to be overrun by toys.

OOC:Frsotbite will do explanation, and then suggest to Dawson that with the layout in mind, the soldiers providing a distraction, they go for a breach with his men coming in from above, below or around etc. Frostbite will elect to go for the hostages and seek to put himself in harms way. He'll phase through a wall, and hope the speedster gets the idea to run rather than tarry and add murder to his list of crimes. Anyway as soon as the army are in and providing the necessary distraction, Frostbite won't hesitate to take advantage, assuming there are no other unfortunate and or nasty surprises awaiting them.

Sj

Dawson gaped, the cops were spooked and Williamson was aghast!

"You're taking on super powered terrorists with... toys??" she spluttered.

The Cyborg stood impassive. "Be quiet please. I'm concentrating. Twenty thousand all at once is tricky and sorting through the sensory overload is... difficult." said Timmy as his robot body stood statue still.

His head turned to the side to Frostbite. "I have a plan... sort of... but it would require some element of risk from you." he gestured and around 2000 hot wheels cars sped up to halt around them. "The speedster might not figure out whats on the floor if you can make yourself a target and..." he made a motion with his hand to suggest slipping up!

Williamson squared up to Dawson who was looking at the thousands of toys marching/running/hopping towards the casino in the near darkness as night time started to dip. (OOC Can't remember if I mentioned a time. Anyway, it's getting dark.)

Dawson took the angry tirade for as long as he could before he snarled "Calm yourself before I have you removed!" His super agents, Surge included, bristled and powered up, the cops spun weapons about to bear on them and then found themselves with red dots dancing about them as the SMITE troopers aimed at them!

The standoff was broken when Timmy stated "I'm in. The toy soldiers formed a ladder for more flexible figures to climb up. A He-Man and a Skeletor are creeping through the vents and a barbie is checking out the ground floor. I have 17 Action men standing lookout in the corridors and hmmm. I wonder."

He turned to Dawson and looked at the computer tablet he was using. "May I?"

Nonplussed, Dawson nodded. Two computer cable/interface tubes popped from Timmy's hand and suddenly the tablet flicked to provide a clear picture of what Timmy was seeing!

"I don't believe it!" muttered Wililamson. Dawson gazed at Timmy. "How come I don't know about you? You'd be a fabulous asset!"

Timmy glanced at Frostbite and spoke quietly "I'm... not what you think I am. I... ah. Hold on."

The screen flicked.

From the ground level the main casino floor was revealed and dozens of hostages sat there with hands on their heads. There were patrons, staff and security guards. Two others watching them ... the view seemed to jig up and down and 'sneaked' behind a slot machine for a closer look.

Dawson spluttered "That's Adam Crayford!" he said as the screen showed a man in his thirties, unshaven and dressed casually in an anorak jeans and boots. He smoked and flicked a spent cigarette in the direction of a security guard who snarled but otherwise did nothing. Beside him was a colleague who was so badly beaten they might be dead...

"Hold on..." muttered Timmy. Dawson, Williamson and Frostbite crowded round the tablet flanked by Dawsons SMITE operatives...

"This is trickier than I thought. Hmmm... Let's try..."

Suddenly the tablet crackled and sound came out of it.

"...cops outside mean business! Armed to the teeth!"

"Relax! Our resident speedster can disarm them faster than they can think!"

"What about the plan? There are SUPERS out there!"

"Relax!!! We figured that would happen. This new guy seems to have covered everything. So long as Watkins doesn't turn up we can handle any second stringers. Not sure about the guy with the blue chest but those clowns in black ... never heard of 'em. Bet ya I can smack that giant into next week with ONE PUNCH!" he laughed.

The other speaker wasn't revealed as yet but Dawson muttered. "Crayford... SUPERCHARGE... he's wanted. Can boost his Strength and Agility to staggering levels. He's dangerous!"

Another voice spoke up on the tablet. "They're stalling!"

"As we thought they would."

"Stuff this! I'm going out to have a word and rattle a few cages!"

"Suit yourself, but the stalling part we expected and we have what we came for..."

One of the police called out "Ma'am!"

The main door to the casino opened and a man stepped out. He was in his early forties, thinning hair, pencil moustache dressed in a tux which had seen better days. He called out "Who's in charge? You have 1 minute to lose the supers or we throw out a few bodies. I think you need a demonstration though..."

"This is why they call me... DEATH RAY!"

He spread his hands and a strange light lanced out of his fingers...

EDIT: POST AMENDED!

OOC I had to rush to finish it up and wasn't at all happy when I hit the sack hence up at 0426 typing an Amendment!

From the mans hands a blazing stream of energy lanced out, punching into parked cars, police vans, barricades and flashing out across the street into opposite buildings, smashing through walls and windows without pause! All the while the man laughed at the destruction he wrought and whilst some brave Police stood their ground to open fire most ran for cover and found even that was ineffective as cars started to explode and flipped into the air, filling the street with flames, black smoke and a sound like thunder!

There were numerous officers down. At least one had been hit directly and been scythed neatly in half despite the body armour. He lay still in death with the wound cauterised and the horrible smell of burnt flesh in the air. It looked like a war zone.

It WAS a war zone!

And all the while the madman with death in his hands was laughing...

Dawson grit his teeth "Tell me we have a clear shot! Take him out!"

"Already shot him sir!" came the voice over the comms. "We need the new guns! There's some kind of protective field about him! It's like firing blanks!"

The SMITE commander dragged a stunned Williamson away from a burning car. She started to come around as they got a few feet away and coughed, looking about bewildered.

"SURGE! ZOO MASTER! SOLAR GIRL! TAKE HIM OUT!" yelled Dawson.

Surge (Kevin) grew and looked down at Frostbite. "How about it... 'boss'? Want a crack at this guy?"

Admin wrote:Surge (Kevin) grew and looked down at Frostbite. "How about it... 'boss'? Want a crack at this guy?"

As much as the delay pained him, he knew what it was to lose a man or many men. "As much as I'd like to, contain him whilst me and Jones go for the hostages."

Nodding to Timmy, Frostbite said "you had a plan to use me, use me, let's get this done. I want these monsters incarcerated before the sun rises."

OOC: OK glad you did the amendment, not sure what would happen if he had killed so many policemen? After all, look what happens when one dies in the line of duty. Anyway, Tim had a plan to use me as decoy or something, I am good with that. Whilst everyone goes for the death dealer up front who can't control his psychopathic tendencies, Frostbite will go for getting the hostages with Tim terrible army. Oh, by the way, I was grinning like I don't know what as I read of the different toys taking a look around and whatnot. So funny.

Sj

Timmy Clomped up towards the Casino with Frostbite beside him. The pair used the smoke, fire and confusion to cover their passage as best they could.

They were followed by thousands of toy cars that kept pace and circled them both. "Not much of a plan Frostbite but when that speedster comes for us i want you to ice the floor all around you and I'll make a barrier of constantly moving cars around us. An opponent like that isn't as dangerous if they are flying through the air and landing on their backside. When I get inside I'll command the toy soldiers to swarm the Eurotrash lot and we can use the confusion to attack!"

Surge ran past with Solar Girl in the air overtaking them and taking aim at Death Ray!

Meanwhile Zoomaster transformed into an Elephant and moved at speed towards the powerful supervillain!

OOC Solar Girl blasts Critical Blow at Death Ray..

Energy Blast 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,8,+0 Total: 25 vs
Death Ray Dex 7 + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 5,12,+0 Total:28
MISSED

The ground near Death Ray erupts and he yelps "HEY! You'll pay for that!"

Surge with his giant fists calls out "Aim better SG!" and swings at Death Ray!

OOC Surge Dex 7 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,4,+0 Total:18 vs
Death Ray Dex 7 + Roll(2d12)+0: 11,11,+0 Total:22 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 6,2,+0 Total: 30 (37)

What the heck? Death Ray is living a charmed life...

SMASH!

Surge thumped the floor and wrung his hand as Death Ray danced to the side. Surge shuck his head. "COME ON PEOPLE!" he shouted.

Zoo Master trumpeted and Surge moved aside as the Elephant charged up at the villain!

OOC And will probably miss based on the previous rolls... Let's see...

Zoo Master Dex 6 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,12,+0 Total:19 (25) vs
Death Ray Dex 7 + Roll(2d12)+0: 3,12,+0 Total:15 (22)

+2 EV (to 13) vs RV 11 = 2 Damage

The elephant rams Death Ray and staggers him backwards, but whilst the villain is shaken, he's far from down and out!

Frostbite and Timmy Jones entered the main entrance of the Casino and a FWOOOOSH! of air revealed the dreaded speedster was back!

"I'venoideawhoyoutwoarebutI'llmakeshortworkofyou!" he reeled off, at speed.

OOC you've not had a dice action (attack) yet only moved and done a non move/attack (speak to Timmy) so you have a chance to get a shot off or do something else before we go for initiative. WARNING: This guy really is nearly as fast as Lionheart and you could be in big, big trouble if he gets up close. We're talking a good chance of a Devastating Attack landing a hit so whatever defences you want to slap up, make sure you do it! Fluid Form or Dispersal spring to mind. Over to you.

Admin wrote:OOC you've not had a dice action (attack) yet only moved and done a non move/attack (speak to Timmy) so you have a chance to get a shot off or do something else before we go for initiative. WARNING: This guy really is nearly as fast as Lionheart and you could be in big, big trouble if he gets up close. We're talking a good chance of a Devastating Attack landing a hit so whatever defences you want to slap up, make sure you do it! Fluid Form or Dispersal spring to mind. Over to you.

Frostbite shifted into his more fluid form so that he could be harder to hit and more likely to dodge as he extended his powers out to cooling down everything around him making the floor super slippery in the process.

OOC: Sorry don't know if I can shift to form and ice, but figure the shift might be more important (as he will no doubt win initiative) and then ice if I have to follow any attack.

Sj

OOC Adrenaline surge on Fluid Form (which is his best defence)

Adren Surge 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 9,4,+0 Total:13 (28) vs
Fluid Form 3 + Roll(2d12)+0: 9,2,+0 Total:11 (14)
+5 EV (to 20) vs RV3 = 17 RAPS

Fluid Form boosts to 15

Frostbite sprays ice all around him in a circle around the floor!

"HahahayouidiotyouhavenoideahowspeedandfrictionworkI'llmeltthatinnotimeatall!" laughed the buzzing speedster!

Frostbite noted the swarms of toys cars forming up in a huge circle around the trio in the lobby!

OOC Initiative no need to roll:

Mamba first
Frostbite second
Timmy last

Mamba is overconfident and attacks the pair of heroes before whizzing off out of reach! Going for critical blow and multi attack!

Mamba Dex 20 + Roll(5d12)+0: 7,4,8,2,6,+0 Total: 15 (35) vs
Frostbite (highest OV) 24 (!) + 4 Crit Blow + 2 Multi Attack + Roll(2d12)+0: 4,11,+0 Total: 45

Mamba MISSES the pair of heroes!

"Whatonearth!You'remadeofslush!I'llhavetochange my Wooooooaaaaahhhhhhhh!" CRASH

He sprinted through the ice so fast there is a trail of water where it melted and sped through without fully appreciating that the carpet was CRAWLING with toy cars!

OOC At speed 20 he punches through the wall which in turn does Body 8 vs Mamba Body 6 = 2 damage!

Timmy laughed, a strange sound from a cyborg! "I'd forgotten how much fun this could be!" as he marched over to the dazed Mamba lying in the rubble of a smashed interior wall!

OOC Frostbite can attack first though. Mamba is battered a bit but far from down! And he's a speedster. Good luck with hitting him!!! You're up

Admin wrote:OOC Frostbite can attack first though. Mamba is battered a bit but far from down! And he's a speedster. Good luck with hitting him!!! You're up

With a grim look of determination, Frostbite moved to attack.

OOC: Ok I'd like to keep up the cold effect on the floor, I don't want to lose that ability to hamper his movements if I can do that and attack great. If not then just keep the cold going and do the best I can with that for now and hope Tim has more success.

Sj

Frostbite pours super slick hard shiny ice all over the floor in the casino area around them!

Meanwhile...

OOC Initiative outside...

Death Ray 9 (26)
Surge 8 (23)
Zoo Master 8 (23)
Sun Girl 11 (29)

Sun Girl acts first and BLASTS Death Ray with a Critical Blow!

Energy Blast 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 10,3,+0 Total:13 (28) vs
Death Ray Dex 7 + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,6,+0 Total:8 (19)

+4 EV (to 19) vs RV 11 - 6 (Crit Blow) = 14 Damage. Death Ray is DOWN!

BOOM!

There is a SMASH of windows and the unconscious villain Death Ray flies through the casino windows to crash onto the floor, slide across the ice and thud up against a wall!

Timmy Jones glances down and mutters "One down several to go."

He levels an arm at Mamba the speedster and tries to blind him!

OOC Flash 10 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,8,+0 Total:15 (25) vs
Mamba Dex 20 + Roll(2d12)+0: 9,6,+0 Total:15 (35)

Missed!

Timmy shook his head. "Too fast." he muttered.

Mamba looks at the floor. "Dammitthisisgoingpearshaped!Timetogonopaydayisworthastretchinprison!"

OOC He wins initiative and considers attacking Frostbite/Timmy until he looks through the shattered window and sees Sun Girl and Zoo Master looming along with the giant Surge! Mamba acts first...

Then he turns tail and vanishes!

At 20APs speed he can travel at nearly 500 miles per second! he's probably already at home watching the whole event on the news!

Timmy concentrates then speaks. "There are two more villains in the next large room where the slot machines are. Lots of cover, lots of hostages. We can't rush in there!"

Surge grins with his car size head poking in the room. "Get them outside where we can pound them into the floor!"

A voice calls out from the next room. "ANYONE COMES IN HERE WE START TURNING THESE PEOPLE INTO MINCE! YOUR CALL!"

Admin wrote:Timmy concentrates then speaks. "There are two more villains in the next large room where the slot machines are. Lots of cover, lots of hostages. We can't rush in there!"

Surge grins with his car size head poking in the room. "Get them outside where we can pound them into the floor!"

A voice calls out from the next room. "ANYONE COMES IN HERE WE START TURNING THESE PEOPLE INTO MINCE! YOUR CALL!"

"No we've come too far we don't want this to come unstuck now. No perhaps I need to see if we can get in, but also any chance we can get any of your toy soldiers in the ducts, or vents. If we can get them in they might provide a distraction if I can get between the hostages and the villains. Then when I give the signal..."

Frostbite explained his thoughts to those about and then having memorised the floor plans looked for a way to phase through the walls or floors and rise up in the next room without being seen.

OOC: Ok seeking the best way in, I did think phase, but I guess in my more liquid form I could also slosh through a vent, but not sure if that would be noisier and less obtrusive or not.

Sj

OOC Frostbite can phase through just about any wall. Force fields will hinder his progress but Dispersal will do the trick (same as phasing). Fluid Form is more useful in combat.

Timmy nods then concentrates.

"I'm in." he whispers.

Behind Frostbite the shrunken Surge says "I'm a bit stuffed in here. If I grow I'll trash the place."

Zoo Master changes back into an ordinary human. "I can get in there no problem, but I'm not sure what..."

Landing, Solar Girl adds "Just get in! We need to save those people!"

Frostbite could tell they were eager but inexperienced. Even Kevin had only been with the Vanguard a short time and had been a hot head in that time. Frostbite turned to Timmy. The hulking cyborg was staring at the floor.

"There are lots of hostages. One man has been beaten and tied up near the back of the room. A vent has been torn from the wall and it looks like it goes into some boiler room below. Hang on. I've got a transformers Optimus Prime climbing down there. Hmmm. Tricky to see hang on." said Timmy.

"Hurry up!" hissed Solar Girl. "We are running out of time!"

Frostbite is about to hush her when Timmy speaks "The boiler room is pretty big. Pipes all over the place. There's a wall been smashed through. It's to the vault room. Whatever has done this has punched through the stone."

"Death Ray most likely the culprit. His blast is able to burn or smash through just about anything." said Zoomaster with a chuckle. "He's not causing us any more problems. Say... did you move his body?"

Surge turned. "What? No. Solar Girl was..."

"I came in here to zap more bad guys! The Police must have him. I'll check..."

She flew off then came back. "GONE! He's gone!"

Timmy glanced at Frostbite. "I'll bet the speedster snatched him up."

Frostbite rolled his eyes and waited. Timmy continued. "There's a man moving blocks of money through the air. Telekinesis probably. That means there's only one bad guy in the hostage room. It's hard to pick him out as he's dressed like the other casino goers. No costume."

Frostbite called out "We need some time to get things sorted out here! Don't do anything foolish please!"

"STOP STALLING! GET OUT OF HERE! YOU HAVE 1 MINUTE! GO... OR ELSE!" shouted the reply.

"Found him." said Timmy with a lopsided half metallic grin. "He's just over six foot tall, handsome chap in a tux. Very buff in an athlete type way, dark hair, could pass as a hero if he had a cape. He's stood near a bunch of hostages. I can distract him if you like but you'll only get one shot at getting through the door and nailing him. if we make much noise the guy downstairs will hear. Oh wait. There's a single man trussed up downstairs. He's unconscious but unhurt aside from a couple of bruises. I'm getting more of my lads down there to untie him."

Surge turned to Frostbite. "Do we charge in?" he sounded nervous.

Admin wrote:Surge turned to Frostbite. "Do we charge in?" he sounded nervous.

"No let me go first as soon as I am in, and have attacked him then you rush in but quite as you can. We don't want the one downstairs to panic. He'll do something desperate if we don't deal with this right."

Frostbite chose the place which would give him the easiest access to the tall man that Timmy had indicated. If he could phase through unannounced and then switch to fluid form he could try and overwhelm the man so as to keep the noise down. Freezing him within himself if possible.

OOC: Ok so either through the floor along and up or adjacent wall and then come out and switch to fluid form to see if I can grapple/smoother him to the floor and keep him quiet. HP as needed please, got to succeed and don't want to stuff this up.

Sj

OOC Frosty has martial arts but his best bet is to ice Production to freeze the guy in a block. Easier to hit, easier to score a critical blow.

Frostbite moved quietly through the walls and snuck around the large room full of slot machines.

Sticking to the shadows it seemed to take hours to get into position. Unfortunately he wasn't the most stealthy of heroes with that blue disc on his chest but so far so good...

OOC Stealth check buying 2 dice FROSTBITE HP 98

Dex 9 + Roll(4d12)+0: 2,11,3,7,+0 Total: 18 (27) vs
Supercharges' Int 7 + Roll(2d12)+0: 8,9,+0 Total:17 (24)

Frostbite seems to be unseen!

Then he notices something strange.

A toy soldier is pointing in an opposite direction... and looking there another soldier is waving for Frostbite to approach! He peeked round a corner. The path would take him AROUND a number of hostages who could probably raise the alarm inadvertently!

Timmy was proving his worth once again!

Frostbite crouched and floated around to get the best, most clear and direct path to the rear of the villain!

With a nod to the toy soldiers who all saluted as one then dived back into nooks and crannies he considered his options. He knew nothing useful about this villain. What powers he could bring to bear, any abilities or skills...

That meant try a grab (and Frosty was optimistic about his chances having not been seen but there were no certainties or blasting with his ice and hoping to encapsulate the villain in a block of ice. He decided that might be his best bet and levelled his arms...

OOC Adrenaline Surge to boost ice Production...

Adren Surge 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 11,10,+0 Total:21 (36) vs
Ice Prod 9 + Roll(2d12)+0: 5,9,+0 Total:14 (23)

+5 EV (to 20) vs Ice prod 9 = 11 RAPs

Ice Production boosts to 15! Probably best just to blast him rather than capture.

Spending HP for three dice FROSTBITE HP 77
Ice Production 15 + Roll(5d12)+0: 4,11,11,7,9,+0 Total:22 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 9,6,+0 Total:37 (52) vs
Dex 20 (!) + Suprise Attack -4 + Distraction -2 + Crit Blow 4 + Acrobatics Roll(3d12)+0: 2,7,8,+0 Total:15 (33)

+6 EV (to 21) vs Str 8 - 6 (Crit Blow) = 19 RAPs

SUPERCHARGE IS DOWN!

Frostbite zaps the target who looks - incredibly - as if he could move aside at the last moment! Instead he is slightly distracted by ... "What? Toy soldiers?" and the shot zaps him in the chest!

He arcs his back and cries out as a block of ice encases him!

People cry out and shy back but have already been made aware of what happens i they cry out or make a fuss as the state of some of their bloodied faces indicate!

The door quietly opens and Timmy followed by the other fledgling heroes come in. Within moments they are shushing people to stay quiet and helping them file out...

"A blow well struck." said Timmy quietly. "Remind me not to get on your bad side." he chuckled.

"The guy downstairs is still loading money up... oh. He's stopped. He's saying something... hang on... 'Supercharge? You better not fall asleep on me or bail like Mamba did! I won't stand for... Supercharge? Damn it.' said Timmy, repeating the words his soldiers heard.

Timmy turns to Frostbite. "He's down there without support and he knows his team are taken out. There's the hostage down there still."

Admin wrote:Timmy turns to Frostbite. "He's down there without support and he knows his team are taken out. There's the hostage down there still."

Turning to the rest of the team, he spoke quickly, "Right for the moment get these hostages help and make sure he is secured safely. Tell Dawson the situation and then come as Tim directs through his toy soldiers. We are going to get us a final villain and try and pull our fat out of this nasty fire!"

Then turning to Tim Frostbite quickly sketched out the plan. "Yo do reckon and diversion I'll get in and see if I can take him out before he harms the hostage or can use him for leverage." It bothered Frostbite that whilst his quarry was alone down there he saw no obvious way apart from the Speedster to get the money out. Was there something they'd missed?

OOC: Ok I will slip between floors seeking to put myself in a position where I can either take this guy out or get between him and the hostage. I was going to disperse through the floor being directed by Tim's team, but if fluid form gets me there better then so be it. I am not sure if attack wise like before freezing the villain on the spot or Energy blast, going to have to go with whatever seems best at the time. But urgency is paramount of course.

Sj

"I'll get the lads to fan out and cover all the angles. There has to be some way for this lot to make off with their ill gotten gains. They can't expect the authorities to let them go." muttered Timmy as he concentrated.

"Might take a few minutes. They only have little legs."

Suddenly Dawson ran in. "There's something coming! Scans didn't pick it up on radar but the snipers spotted it high up and contacted Air Traffic control. It's some kind of... blimp..."

Surge laughed "They looking to make the slowest getaway ever?" he laughed.

"How many blimps do you know that slow down from supersonic speed?" asked Dawson.

Surge quietened down.

"They are getting out that way - invisible to radar, fast and armed to the teeth! I'll bet we only have a minute or two before it starts raining bombs down on us! We have to get everyone out of here... NOW!"

Timmy glanced across "I need more time to get a good view of the situation."

Admin wrote:Timmy glanced across "I need more time to get a good view of the situation."

"If you can handle things here I'll see what can be done with the others to prevent this blimp from causing more problems. See if you can keep the hostage safe. Perhaps with the blimp being here, are last catch of the day, will be otherwise to occupied to worry about us or a hostage only getting free with the cash."

OOC: Assuming Tim can do what needs to be done, Frostbite will take the flyers up with him, and see if we can't spoil someone's day. Ice up the engines, break-in and see if we can't stop this thing from ruining or raining on our parade down here. If Tim needs back up, then, I'd best stay as I am one of the few of us who can get downstairs quickly, I'm wondering if this blimp thing has teleport capabilities hence them not being worried about being laid siege to. If Tim can't cope alone, then go with the original plan and get down to stop the last guy and save the hostage.

Sj

Tim nods "I'll make sure my lads take a good look around there and cover all the exits."

Surge splutters "What? That's it? Surely we should just charge in and mash the guys face in!"

Timmy turned patiently and looked down at the 6'6" tall former Vanguardian. "Your power is to grow, correct? Down there the ceiling is around twelve foot high. There are pipes, boilers, various air con units and not a lot of room to move. How effective do you think you will be?"

"Well... ok but I can still pack a punch without... dammit." admitted Surge.

Zoo Master said "I can transform into an eagle and boost my speed. I'll go up and check out the Zeppelin."

"No way I'M missing out on that! I'm in the lead at the moment guys! Well, tied with Mr Frosty anyway. Let's go get the airship!" said Solar Girl

Dawson turns as he helps his men get the hostages out and secure Supercharger who is out for the count. "Frostbite is in charge. Don't go charging in without his say so. We'll secure the fort here. If that guys pokes his head out we'll shoot it right off!"

OOC You flying straight up? Which powers are active (with regards defence etc) ?

Admin wrote:OOC You flying straight up? Which powers are active (with regards defence etc) ?

As the others got ready to lunch off Frostbite added a few general thoughts, to be sure..."We don't know what defences they've got, and if they can and will passively scan for us. They might well have something to throw our way, and we might need a decoy to take the heat. Zoo Master, do you think you can handle taking a look, nothing too close - I presume your eyesight will be sufficient? And then when we've got a notion of what we're facing up there, we can see if we can't find a way to bring "big bird" down to earth."

And with that Frostbite launched off, he didn't know if he was quicker or slower than the others, but he was glad to not be working alone. Although his predecessor started that way, his strengths were always to the fore when working with others. It was good that, despite his trainees going off to find their way, he had fallen quite naturally into another group. Although a man out of time, this time seemed to suit him, and he was pleased to make new friends and reacquaint himself with some old ones.

OOC: Ok so if Zoo Master does reckon, and Solar Girl and I hang back, if need be I'll be dispersed but not sure we'll see. My hope is to use my weather powers and start to make things difficult in the vicinity of the ship, that would cover our entry and seek to throw off whatever targetting devices they might have to bare on us.

Sj

The Airship was a dot in the sky and against the darkening light was getting tricky to see. It was so high up that it was difficult to make out any details.

As an Owl Zoo Master had no problems seeing in the dark. Flying nearly two miles up presented its own problems though.

"I flew as high as I could but started getting short of breath! An owl is not equipped to fly so high! Instead I enhanced my vision - owls can see with great detail over distance AND in the dark." he chuckled. He shivered and accepted a cup of tea. To Dawson he said "Sir, that thing is a floating battleship! It has 'pods' on it. An airship can't exceed 100mph normally but that thing is streamlined and shaped like a large wing. The pods may be boosters or jets of some kind to provide a short term boost to speed and allow it to escape.

From up there they could be planning anything, even to bomb this place!

Frostbite looked up, considering. He would have no problem breathing at 10,000 feet up but Sun Girl and Zoo Master looked uncertain. "My healing power only works in sunlight but I have enough energy stored up to blast normally." she admitted. Zoo Master added "I'm sure a bar headed goose can fly that high without a problem. in the dark though, I'm pretty sure they won't have night sight. I'll try it anyway."

"I can provide light." said Sun Girl "But they'll see us, no doubt about it!"

Suddenly a distant POCK! went off and seconds later...

BOOOOOOM!!!!

A police car exploded fifty feet away, flipping end over end and bursting into flames!

Police ran for cover and levelled weapons helplessly - their guns might reach a mile or so at most. The airship could rain mortars down on them with near pinpoint accuracy it seemed! TIME WAS RUNNING OUT!!!

Admin wrote:Police ran for cover and levelled weapons helplessly - their guns might reach a mile or so at most. The airship could rain mortars down on them with near pinpoint accuracy it seemed! TIME WAS RUNNING OUT!!!

That did it, turning to the others, Frostbite spoke urgently, "Someone has got to stop that thing so it doesn't hold us to ransom and let these guys escape unharmed. Follow if you can, you two, but no unnecessary risks. If I can get close enough I might be able to hack in and then we can stop the guns and perhaps the ship."

And with that Frostbite lept up and swept forward toward the tiny air blimp so far above.

OOC: Ok so I am either going to disperse so they can struggle to track me, and if they track have to hit a semi tangible target. And then swing in to see if I can make contact and unload a Frostbot payload on their computers. As I go up I will seek to use my weather-controlling and ice-making powers to blindside and seek to stop them from tracking me. Being so cold as well I am hoping that heat-seeking and tracking are not going to be easy, if I can lower the ambient temperature around me I should be invisible on some aspects of tracking and hopefully create enough interference for radar to struggle as well.

Sj

OOC Adrenaline Surge 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 6,3,+0 Total:9 (24) vs
Dispersal 5 + Roll(2d12)+0: 10,4,+0 Total:14 (19)

+3 EV (to 18) vs RV 5 = 13 RAPs

Dispersal boosts up to 15!

Adrenaline Surge 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,5,+0 Total:17 (32) vs
Weather Control 8 + Roll(2d12)+0: 1,3,+0 Total:4 (12)

+6 EV (to 21) vs RV 8 = 13 RAPs

Weather Control boosts to 15!

Adrenaline Surge 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 4,10,+0 Total:14 (29) vs
Flight 9 + Roll(2d12)+0: 1,6,+0 Total:7 (16)

+5EV (to 20) vs RV 9 = 11 RAps.

Flight boosts to 15!


Frostbite waved a hand and instantly the clouds beneath the airship started to form up!

OOC Weather control 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 4,6,+0 Total:10 (25) vs
Change in weather 2 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,5,+0 Total:17 (19)

+3 EV (to 18) vs RV 2= 16 RAPs. The fog in this area will last up to 2 days if Frostbote wishes! He can cancel it at any time.

The wind drops dramatically and the cooling air hits a fine rain which instantly turns into mist obscuring the view as Frostbite soars upwards at top speed!

He leaves the other two behind in an instant as he covers the distance between the ground and the two mile gap high up in the sky in a heartbeat! Passing through the belly of the pod underneath the body of the airship Frostbite enters a dark 'engine room' though the engines are electric motors and the batteries are of a strange liquid type rather than the heavier ones made out of metal. Whoever built this thing was a genius!

His chestplate illuminates the area somewhat as he moves around and he sees there are motion sensors mounted on the walls in here. They don't light up suggesting he doesn't show up on them... Moving to a panel which seems to be a computer of some kind he places a hand from it and there is a brief spark as Frostbot leaps in.

'I'm in' types the response on the screen. 'Accessing. What would you like me to do? the aircraft functions are accessible but the weapons are being fired from the next level up in the gondola and not accessible via the aircraft systems. I can override their controls completely, shut the engines down, bring it down somewhere or completely disable the thing which will stop them from being able to unplug the systems....' offered Frostbot.

Admin wrote:'I'm in' types the response on the screen. 'Accessing. What would you like me to do? the aircraft functions are accessible but the weapons are being fired from the next level up in the gondola and not accessible via the aircraft systems. I can override their controls completely, shut the engines down, bring it down somewhere or completely disable the thing which will stop them from being able to unplug the systems....' offered Frostbot.

Frostbite was angry, anyone who could bring such a weaponised barge into a crowded civilian part of the city like this and then indiscriminately drops bombs on police, medics and other civilians was someone that Frostbite wanted to stop. And stop badly.

With a motion to Frostbot, he instructed him, "I want this thing on the ground where the criminals within can be properly incarcerated and taught a valuable lesson in good neighbourliness. I'm going to go up top so they don't try and fire on the rest of the team or the other below."

And with that Frostbite ascended up through the roof to the floors above. He was in no mood to talk or negotiate and he hoped he had a suitable target to impress on his utter dislike for their contempt for civilian life below.

OOC: Ok head on up and on a mission to stop the guns and the gunners asap.

Sj

Frostbite moved through the ceiling...

OOC Adren Surge 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 6,2,+0 Total:8 (23) vs
Dispersal 5 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,12,+0 Total:19 (24)

Failed!

And thuds against the roof! Slightly annoyed, he flies through the engine room and opens a door to swoop up a level of steps and opens the door into the Gondola control/weapons room.

In there he sees a panel with screens across a wall and two 6' tall humanoids in all head to toe black operating controls with their back to him. Along the sides of the gondola are three (on each side, making eight in total in here) all black clad humanoids aiming what looked to be mortars of some kind with boxes of grenade like spheres in boxes by their feet. The Mortars have some kind of targeting mechanism which ensured their accuracy even from two miles up!

One of the humanoids turns and reaches for a grenade only to pause when he/it sees Frostbite. The masks on their faces are identical, height, build, identical...

'They may be artificial life forms' suggested Frostbot back in Frostbites body having given the 'emergency landing' command that overrides any other controls in the airship!

The vehicle had started to move and descend and the two pilots gave up trying to figure out what was happening. All eight turned as one to face Frostbite. And they spoke as one...

"DIDN'T YOU KNOW IT IS IMPOLITE TO BARGE IN WITHOUT KNOCKING? WHO DARES OPPOSE THE PLANS OF... PROFESSOR POWER!!!"

Frostbot accessed data files in its memory. 'Professor Power – Another megalomaniac, and possible the source of some, or
indeed all of the new metahuman villains popping up on a daily basis. He was certainly the architect of the following groups:

• The Chain Gang – prison themed super strong/tough thugs

• Death Knights – armoured goons with weapons that caused accelerated cell
decomposition.

• Grave Robbers – another Death theme, though these metahumans really
do seem to be more alive than dead. They stemmed from Powers attempt
to create a true vampire. With many of the traits of a vampire, he almost
succeeded.

• Skull and Crossbow – the deadly duo, one with a flaming skull head, the
other with a bone crossbow, hire their killing talents out to the highest
bidder.

• Savage – a vile animalistic killer with no qualms, morals or limits on how far
he'll go to gain notoriety. A game to his sick mind, he has the tools and the
talent to backup his wild orgies of pure violence. Adjutant almost broke his
own killing code when he brought Savage in.

Those are just some of the goons/villains the genius known as Prof. Power has turned out. The man himself is undoubtedly a metahuman, his powers of invention and gene manipulation nigh on unparalleled, save for a few American heroes and the monarch of an Eastern European country.'

The fellow certainly needed bringing to justice! If he had employed some or all of the Eurotrash villains his plans must be grand indeed! Aside from the obvious - money - there must be something else. A target, a message to be sent, some device or goal yet to be discovered that he was seeking to achieve!

Admin wrote:The fellow certainly needed bringing to justice! If he had employed some or all of the Eurotrash villains his plans must be grand indeed! Aside from the obvious - money - there must be something else. A target, a message to be sent, some device or goal yet to be discovered that he was seeking to achieve!

Although he had come in all guns blazing, Frostbite was seldom without a plan, but this it turns out was one of those times. Need and the dire situation had necessitated haste, now he was beginning to think that haste might not have been his wisest foremost option. But he was no coward, and when faced with seemingly difficult odds, one steps up.

"Well, I'd like to show you my invitation, but I'm afraid that it rather got caught up in the mess it seems you orchestrated below. So why don't you accept my invitation to enjoy her majesties finest hospitality."

And with that, Frostbite blasted wide with his powers aiming for a widespread focused on disruption and confusion rather than actual harm, until he'd sought to level the playing field a bit more.

OOC: Ok going to freeze the floor as before making it super slippery and anything else I can ice up so as to make it hard to grab, use or otherwise arm these goons. And then as a move action move into my slinky form so as to be harder to hit - I hope.

Sj

OOC Frosty wins initiative...

Ice Production over the floor...

Adrenaline Surge 15 + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,3,+0 Total:5 UH OH!

Adrenaline Surge BURNS OUT for one hour and Frostbite immediately takes 5 damage to Body! (Frostbite Body 6/11 Remaining)

Wincing with pain Frostbite tries to make do with his normal levels of ice Production. This is not going to be easy!

OOC Ice Production 9 + Roll(2d12)+0: 10,2,+0 Total:12 vs
Area 9 APs + Roll(2d12)+0: 11,11,+0 Total:22 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 5,7,+0 Total: 34 (44)

Frostbite FAILS to cover much of the floor! It's a simple matter for the rushing dark clad humanoids to step around the wet/ice/slush patches on the floor of the control deck of the Gondola!

Stifling a curse Frostbite changes into his slush form and hopes he doesn't get a pounding!

OOC Absorb any of the damage that he took from the burnout? His Energy Blast 14 is his best bet going forward, along with Fluid Form 3 or Dispersal 5 for defence. Fluid form adds to defence and resistance so it's the best bet, albeit slightly.

Days like this were sent to test him! Frostbite saw the oncoming mob and could but marvel at their coordination and skill!

OOC Team attack by eight...

Each humanoid has Dex 7 Str 7 Body 7. Not amazingly tough in and of themselves, but working as a team...? This could get messy!

Humanoid Dex 7 + roll...

1) Roll(2d12)+0: 1,9,+0 Total:10 (17)

2) Roll(2d12)+0: 6,9,+0 Total:15 (22)

3) Roll(2d12)+0: 4,12,+0 Total:16 (23)

4) Roll(2d12)+0: 6,7,+0 Total:13 (20)

5) Roll(2d12)+0: 6,10,+0 Total:16 (23)

6) Roll(2d12)+0: 5,4,+0 Total:9 (16)

7) Roll(2d12)+0: 3,7,+0 Total:10 (17)

8) Roll(2d12)+0: 8,1,+0 Total:9 (16)

Frostbite Dex 9 - team Attack -6 + Fluid Form 3 + rolls. Frostbite has an effective 14EV so the bad guys need EV of 15 or more to hurt him.

1) Roll(2d12)+0: 11,1,+0 Total:12 (15) 9EV

2) Roll(2d12)+0: 5,10,+0 Total:15 (18) 10EV

3) Roll(2d12)+0:  9,6,+0 Total:15 (18) 10EV

4) Roll(2d12)+0: 4,11,+0 Total:15 (18) 9EV

5) Roll(2d12)+0: 6,8,+0 Total:14 (17) 10EV

6) Roll(2d12)+0: 7,10,+0 Total:17 (20) MISSED

7) Roll(2d12)+0: 6,2,+0 Total:8 (11) 10EV

8) Roll(2d12)+0: 11,7,+0 Total:18 (21) MISSED

Even though a flurry of fists and kicks came in at a multitude of angles Frostbite didn't feel any of them. His 'slush' form added to his already bulletproof skin and despite feeling somewhat drained by that burnout he felt if this was the best these guys had to offer, he could take them out.

The Airship continued to plummet towards a sports field - courtesy of Frostbot - and a flapping of wings caused Frostbite to glance even as he was ducking a blow from one of the humanoids...

An Eagle landed on the outside of the gondola and squawked. Zoo Master was here, where was... ahhh...

Solar Girl appeared beside him and took aim at the window...

OOC Energy Blast 15 Multi Attack on 3 targets critical blow plus Roll(2d12)+0:7,2,+0 Total:9 (24) vs

Dex 7 + 4 Multi Attack + 4 Crit Blow + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,3,+0 Total:5 (20) HIT 17EV vs RV 7 + 4 - 6 (5) = 12 Damage. HUMANOID DOWN!
Dex 7 + 4 Multi Attack + 4 Crit Blow + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,1,+0 Total:13 (28) MISSED
Dex 7 + 4 Multi Attack + 4 Crit Blow + Roll(2d12)+0: 1,9,+0 Total:10 (25) MISSED

The windows punched through and one of the Humanoids was smashed along the floor and into the wall of the gondola where it lay prone. Two other targets leapt aside and Sun Girl shouted "Damn! There's more where that came from though!"

OOC Frostbite is up next. Absorb any of that damage from earlier?

Admin wrote:[color=#0033cc]OOC Frosty wins initiative...

[i]OOC Frostbite is up next. Absorb any of that damage from earlier?

OOC: Going to have to be quick, not much time today...so go for energy blast on the nearest one.

Sj