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

OOC Been hard at it, churning characters out and scouring existing DC Heroes (and villains) to pitch against your ragtag team. It's a tricky thing, striking a balance between 'too tough' and 'too hard' and whilst it seems that the dice and odds are against you a lot of the time, I'll always - as a reasonable GM - try my best to avoid the 'no win' Kobayashi Maru scenario (Star Trek Wrath of Khan reference...) It doesn't always succeed but there's always the chance with me of an escape or out. Sometimes it's not obvious, but no one said being a hero would be easy...

As Catherine piloted the jet at high speed, Frostbite was able to settle back into the chair and consider all that had happened since his space travelling adventures.

Heck, perhaps it was time to take stock of his life? What life? He'd dedicated it to doing good and helping others. In the meantime his own had fallen by the wayside. He was still a young man but he'd seen much and experienced pain, loss and hardship in his several years as a superhuman. From world war II to the future, the past, space and beyond.

"Penny for your thoughts?" asked Catherine. "You've been thrown in at the deep end since you got back and not had time to talk about anything. The team scattered to the four winds to see if they still had a life to pick up and you? You got a fresh costume, a shower, watched the news to catch up about this ADVENT business and here you are again, diving into the thick of it!"

She chuckled. "Before I lost my powers I was the same. Driven. I felt a need to prove myself, push myself. Not to others but myself. I was my own worst critic. You take that to the next level."

Frostbite was about to answer when she glanced at a flashing light and frowned.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Intruder. A stowaway. On the OUTSIDE of the ship. You did say you let Kevin come aboard didn't you? The sensors didn't pick it up in stealth mode as they give a small signature off and Wandafar didn't get round to fixing that. Maybe he never will as he's got a year of soap operas to catch up on. Must have... hopped on somewhere. Like a tick."

"More like a FLEA." said an irish voice behind. Catherine and Frostbite turned to see Shamrock in the doorway of the cabin. "Have you a visual?"

She nodded and pressed a few buttons, skipping between views of various parts of the crafts exterior. "There!"

Clung to the outside of the ship like a spider was a young man, gangly but athletic, dressed in a green costume. It looked like he was comfortable enough but if Catherine had gone into supersonic mode he might have been ripped clean off the ship. or more likely the panel he was holding onto would have been torn off in his grasp and compromised the whole mission!

"We'll have to stop and prise him off. He means well, but he's an idiot." sighed Shamrock.



Castaways' head popped besides Shamrocks. "He applied to join the UKChampions. He IS powerful, you have to give him that!"

"Well, yes, but erratic. He can't be relied upon. And he's a kid. A college student I'm guessing. We were supposed to be on a stakeout and he was there as backup but had to rush off for 'something important'. I suspect it was the bathroom." said Shamrock.

"It was probably an exam, and you have to admit he was useful! He took Caveman out!" added Castaway.

"I don't want him on the team. He's disruptive, doesn't follow orders and impulsive. Sometimes you need to be sensible, patient and do the right thing. Can you say for certain you can rely on him to do ANY of that?" asked Shamrock.

Castaway frowned and turned away. "Whatever. I'm just saying we're going into the unknown and projections on the tests showed he could bench press a battleship...."

"IF his powers weren't 'playing up'. Like the rest of him, they tend to come and go..." argued Shamrock. "He would annoy Bloodhound, that's for sure." added Castaway, thoughtfully. "Endless flea on dog butt jokes."

Zoo Master calls out "With Ke... Surge injured and Sun Girl's energy blast needing to be replenished, we need all the muscle we can get! I vote we take him!"

Surge scowled. "It's not a democracy. It took me a long time to figure out but when we have a leader it's THEIR call, and on their shoulders rest the responsibility of failure."

Shamrock was about to speak but spread his hands instead suggesting he was backing down. Castaway looked hopeful. "Give the boy a chance. He's a hero, and has to learn. He doesn't have experience yet but if we keep an eye on him one day he'll be good enough to join the UKCs. Or your group, Frostbite. Assuming you have one."

Catherine glanced over. "Without Lionheart the team is lacking muscle. You can't carry all the weight on your shoulders. In fact, with the entire team having gone on a sabbatical to reclaim their lives the fact is we DON'T have a team. The Vanguard is... just an idea! A good one - a great one - given what you've achieved but the Vanguard as it stands right now... is a team of one!"

'Maybe you should change your name to Vanguard' suggested Frostbot. It wasn't his most helpful suggestion.

Frostbite glanced at the screen. The ship would need to slow to prize the idiot off. Even then, if he didn't want to be ... dissuaded, would it come to some inane superhero fight over whether the boy could go or not? Catherine flicked a switch and held a finger over a button. "I could energise the hull. Won't hurt him but might shock him off and when he does we can hit the boosters. Time's a wastin' boss." she added, lapsing into an American drawl.

Castaway looked doubtful. "Or I could teleport him somewhere. I don't know if he would survive a fall from this height..."

Frostbite glanced at the screen. Was the youngster... singing.. .and looking like he's about to break into a dance? He rolled his eyes. He didn't need this, but according to the others, he might add much needed muscle... or be a pain in the butt he didn't need.

Surge called out "Give 'im a chance boss. I got to admit I'm not 100% and if he can punch a bad guy that's one less for the rest of us to worry about."

Admin wrote:Surge called out "Give 'im a chance boss. I got to admit I'm not 100% and if he can punch a bad guy that's one less for the rest of us to worry about."

Frostbite was already moving and phased through the ship up toward the stowaway "So do I take it that this is supposed to impress me when we are going on a mission to stop a bunch of villains building a bomb or weapon with nuclear uranium. However, I'm told like this situation you are rather unstable, care to correct me and explain why I shouldn't just fry your sorry butt and eject you from my ship? I'm a reasonable man, and willing to listen if you don't try any funny stuff. Come on in and tell us all. "

And with that Frostbite popped open the hatch to let the Flea in. This mission was sensitive already, he'd brought on Surge because he wanted to help him along with Zoo Master and Sun girl, but he wasn't relying on them, rather he was giving them a space to work whilst being covered by the main heavy hitters. This Flea might be more of a pain than help and Frostbite wasn't going to budge an inch till he had a better understanding of this unknown and his rather erratic history let alone powers.

OOC: I think he's got to tell me why I should not kick him off, rather than just accept what others have said. Not least of all because I might end up having to stand by having him be onboard.

Sj

"Yow!" yelled the youngster as he hopped back and lunged out with a foot to cling onto the aircraft at high speed.

"You scared me man! Spooky! Like a ghost! But kinda cool!" he chuckled. "Is this your plane? I headed out to find out what was going on with the casino then saw this thing suddenly appear in the sky and start to hover! I thought 'THAT has to be some villain guy coming to make his escape but I sneaked a peek in and there's a really hot chick driving. Then I saw the airship - that went KABOOM! and I'm thinkin' there's more to this so here I am, hitching a lift! Don't mind me, I'm just a lil ol' Flea!" he laughs over the howl of the wind.

"But uh, if you want to go inside and chat that's cool too because it's cold out here." he says making a show of theatrically rubbing his shoulders.

With the hatch open the youngster followed Frostbite in and waved to everyone. "Hi! Hey Castaway! Big fan of your TV show! And uh.. Shamrock. Oh man." he said as he looked less pleased at seeing the stern Irishman.

Sun Girl walked over and he perked up. "Woot! I'm liking this mission already and... wait... what did you say? Uranium? I uh, have some experience with that. Mostly bad but I know something about it. That...uh... doesn't scare me. I'm here to help!" he said and struck a pose, flexing his muscles while grinning.

"I revoke my previous statement." said Surge. "We should drop him off. Now."

"Hey wait!" said the kid. "I'm stronger than I look! I'm fast, i can fight... my reflexes... and I'm tough... jump about. Cool. Heck, my costume is better than most of yours but I like your shiny dome chest thing man. What batteries does it take?"

Zoo Master suppressed a chuckle and Shamrock shook his head before going into the cockpit and dropping into the navigator chair.

Flea seemed to sense the chance to participate was slipping away and he stepped in closer to Frostbite, looking up to him slightly. "Look man, I'm new at this. I know that sucks but everyone has to start somewhere. I want to help, i won't get in the way and I'll do whatever you want me to do. In reason. Unless Castaway asks in which case I'll just do it." he grins. "But uh, this is your show and I just want to help." he added, trying to put on a serious expression. Somewhat tricky with his home made costume and his silly expression/wobbly antennae.

Behind Fleas' back Surge shakes his head and makes a rude gesture with a clenched fist from side to side.

"I can SEEEEEE you." said Flea without taking his eyes off Surge. "Really man. If you want to back that up with... no, NO! I'm not rising, not this time! I want to help. If you don't let me I'll ... I'll follow you anyway! I can jump far! And fast!"

"But would rather ride in here with you. And the ladies. But not Shamrock. That guys a jerk." he whispers close in.

"I HEARD THAT." said the Irishman from the cockpit.

Admin wrote:Flea seemed to sense the chance to participate was slipping away and he stepped in closer to Frostbite, looking up to him slightly. "Look man, I'm new at this. I know that sucks but everyone has to start somewhere. I want to help, i won't get in the way and I'll do whatever you want me to do. In reason. Unless Castaway asks in which case I'll just do it." he grins. "But uh, this is your show and I just want to help." he added, trying to put on a serious expression. Somewhat tricky with his home made costume and his silly expression/wobbly antennae.

"But would rather ride in here with you. And the ladies. But not Shamrock. That guys a jerk." he whispers close in.

"I HEARD THAT." said the Irishman from the cockpit.

Frostbite felt trapped, in that the same things this child was asking for, was in many respect the offer he had made to Surge and the others. With a resigned nod to the other's he spoke in no uncertain terms to the Flea. "I give you one chance, blow this and well it might be good night Christmas for us all anyway. You watch, you only get involved if I give the say so. And if, if we get out of this we think up a better name and look for you. If you are going to take this seriously, then you'd best act the part. Are we clear?"

Frostbite said to the others, "We were all, what he is, once."

Frostbite motioned for the Flea to take a seat and then went back upfront. As he returned he thought about what Catherine had said before they were interrupted. His whole life was a serious of interruptions, in which his own was put on hold. He'd left one war, but never really stopped being in another, R&R was something of a distant memory. But when this was over, he was going to follow that conversation up with Catherine. She was a...a colleague but it would be good to have a friend, someone with whom he could spend the time that gave him a reason to stop, rest and recuperate if time and circumstances allowed. Maybe it was time to stop putting his own life off, maybe he'd done waiting. But that was for another day.

OOC: Ok looks like Flea stays, and we get on with the mission. I appreciated the nod to Frostbite's having a life and would be good to look at that sometime.

Sj

Flea gives a big grin and a wonky salute. "I won't let you down sir! So uh, who is everyone? I know Castaway cause she's hot and on the TV and super hot and Shamrock because he's a uh... ahhh... hero."

Surge rolled his eyes. "I'm Surge. Stay away from me and don't talk to me at all and we'll get along just fine."

Zoo Master leaned in "Never mind him, he's just taken a beating and is cranky but he's a great guy really and won't run away from a fight."

Sun Girl added "He's Zoo Master, I'm Sun Girl and he's the leader - Frostbite. We stopped a bunch of criminals from nabbing a guy but they made him talk and now we're on our way to secure the uranium the guy hijacked a week ago. The bad guys are Eurotrash and ..."

The conversation continued and Frostbite walked back into the cockpit past the seated Shamrock and slipped on his head set to look at the instruments.

"I think you made a mistake bringing the kid, but it's your call. We haven't got time to nursemaid him." said Shamrock.

Catherine glanced over her shoulder at the moody hero and argued "You started out once. Did you ever make mistakes or have you always been perfect?"

Shamrock paused then spoke up "Pickup coming up." he looked at a screen and pressed a finger to his ear. "This is Shamrock, Bloodhound. Get ready." he activated the rear hatch and leaned to shout over to Catherine "Slow to collect Bloodhound. That building rooftop ..." Frostbite looked out the window and saw a large building jutting from others in the centre of Leeds. "Bloodhound get ready..."

"Sidewinds are wild up here. Maybe we should..." said Catherine.

"He'll be fine." said Shamrock. "Stand by..."

Catherine glanced at Frostbite, slowed some but swooped low over the rooftop at a hundred miles an hour or more.

Watching on the rear camera Frostbite saw the cable suddenly whip about and Bloodhounds perfectly timed leap was going to miss the rope line! He'd plummet to the ground far below!

Immediately Frostbite rose and started to move when Catherine placed a hand on his arm. "Look!"

A green Blur shot from the hatch, spun through the air with unnecessary flips, scooped Bloodhound up with an outstretched arm and spun, sending Bloodhound through the air where he landed gently on the rear hatch of the jet!

"I'll turn about for Flea. i must admit..." started Catherine.

"No need." sighed Shamrock and he pointed to the front windscreen where the youngster was clung and looking in whilst hanging upside down and waving/grinning. Moments later he entered the back hatch and shouted "Am I the first with the 'has that doggy got fleas' jibe?"

Collective groans ensued and the hatch closed.

With a glance at Frostbite Catherine smiled and shook her head before setting the new course and gaining height rapidly. Frostbite glanced at Shamrock, saw the hero scowl and brood and spun back in his seat. His gut feeling told him he'd made a good choice about the kid.

'Initial analysis of the youths reactions, agility and speed suggest that whilst he is not able to boost his speed and reactions to Lionhearts level he is at least the equal of your sometime team mate. He will be a formidable fighter.' suggested Frostbot.

OOC Next up... THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN... AGAIN!!!!

Admin wrote: 'Initial analysis of the youths reactions, agility and speed suggest that whilst he is not able to boost his speed and reactions to Lionhearts level he is at least the equal of your sometime team mate. He will be a formidable fighter.' suggested Frostbot.

OOC Next up... THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN... AGAIN!!!!

OOC: Looking forward to it, love the fact that Frostbite has fallen into a new team and somehow assumed leadership without anyone blinking an eyelid.

Sj

OOC We're not quite at the stage for a new issue yet so we'll continue in this thread...



ROLL CALL! (all on full Body/Mind/Spirit/powers all working unless noted in description!)

Frostbite, leader!
Shamrock, grim UKChampion, reluctant to follow Frostbite
Castaway, UKChampion, media friendly/savvy, team player
Surge, former Vanguard now SMITE agent, Body 1, battered, bruised but ready to play a part. So long as there are no stiff breezes...
Zoo Master, nervous SMITE agent, follows without question
Sun Girl, another SMITE agent, her energy blast is DOWN (burned out) at the moment
Bloodhound, UKChampion, grim loner type
Atomica, UKChampion, by far the most powerful hero here who went on ahead to scout out the scene.
The Mighty Flea!, annoying wisecracking youth who may or may not be useful. An unknown quantity who annoys most of the adults.
EDIT: TIMMY JONES THE CYBORG


The area outside the ship became increasingly more rugged, forested and mountainous as it picked a spot to land.

"Best to stay back and not let anyone know you're coming." said Catherine. "We're in stealth mode but with supers? Well, you can never know."

Shamrock had a map of the area on a screen on google maps.

"Remote. A road half a mile away. If it comes to a fight there's no one else that should be affected. Good."

Surge spoke up "Room to grow to my full height without squishing anything!"

Zoo Master adds "Still have to mind where you're stepping, big guy!"

Castaway looks thoughtful. "I can teleport us closer but maybe we're better splitting up and coming at it from several angles."

"I agree." said Bloodhound who otherwise hadn't said much on the way. He looked thoughtful, intelligent and... grim.

"Hey, I'll team up with Sun Girl and Castaway! I ...uh... haven't thought of a reason yet that doesn't make me look like a walking hormone." said Flea then he added "But I'm working on it!"

Sun Girl rolled her eyes. "I'm not at full power. I was hoping the flight would take longer so I could recover but I only recover in sunlight. I could fly above the clouds and stay there until I'm good though, and come down when I'm ready?"

Bloodhound grumbles "I work best alone. If Eurotrash set up a perimeter I may be able to take one or two of their scouts out. Moving Uranium is no laughing matter, even for those idiots."

"I could go with you?" added Flea.

Bloodhound stared at the youngster who grinned back like a puppy and didn't give an inch. "He's not going with me." said Bloodhound to Frostbite, finally.

Admin wrote:Bloodhound stared at the youngster who grinned back like a puppy and didn't give an inch. "He's not going with me." said Bloodhound to Frostbite, finally.

"OK that's enough, Flea I can leave you here as your behaviour suggests that is what you are asking for?"

Frostbite quietened the whole group down, "No look from what we've seen of this revived Eurotrash, they are capable and have at least one member, Mamba who is scarily fast. We don't know what they've done to the place in the time they've had but Power, the guy behind all this is the worst kind of genius, absolutely clever and totally deadly. He won't mind who he takes out, so no unnecessary heroics, we've got a job to do, not a franchise to sell."

He let that sink in before he moved on "Bloodhound I brought you on as part of the team, you and Shamrock I want coming in from the East. Zoo Master and Castaway come in from the West, Surge, Sun Girl and Flea..." He waited for Kevin to bulk before he moved on "...and Flea needs to cover the North, I need you just to be available not engage unless I say so. I want you to find high ground to give me eyes. Sun Girl get up and get recovered and get back understood? Atomica and I will come in from the South. Catherine, I need you to circle around and give me eyes wide. I want to know of Prof Power has another of his armoured Air Ships coming in from on high, before he does otherwise be on standby and watch for ground flak, so stay up high, we don't need you lighting up the sky. Is everyone clear? Let's keep coms to a minimum so we don't let chatter give us away. We group in on the place from all four sides and then unless anyone has urgent intel we move in on my mark, gather at 100'...ah sorry can't do the conversion thing - I'm old fashioned like that. Anyway, gather at 100 around the location, stay low and try not to trigger anything. Are we good?"

Frostbite looked for any feedback or comment. He wasn't someone who had to give orders to feel important and was not threatened by suggestions from others.

With a last nod, the team looked ready and he gave the order for them to move out.

OOC: Ok shame we haven't got Lionheart with his nifty danger sense, but still we have whom we have. So let's go with this and see what we can flush out.

Sj

Everyone seemed to have gotten the memo but Flea put a hand up and waited to be addressed...

"Um, Atomica? Is that the fiery lady with the great... uh... flames? Is she supposed to be here?"

"Kid has a point." said Shamrock. Everyone looked about. Shamrock frowned then messed with a small tablet/phone device which he put on hands free.

"Might be no signal up here, but these devices were designed by a super genius dwarf guy who was in the Executive a while back." explained Shamrock. "Wanderlust i think he was called. German."

There was a snicker at the back from someone.

"UKCM2 to one. Receive. UKCM2 to one. Can you hear me...?" asked Shamrock keeping his voice low. Static.

Shamrock turned to Frostbite. "Could mean anything or nothing. Atomicas' powers have proved problematic in the past. She emits a strange kind of radiation that..."

"Radiation?" said an uncertain voice. Eyes turned to Flea. "Carry on." he mumbled.

"As i was saying, we've had problems in the past and... she's pretty headstrong, believes she's invincible. There's a chance she turned up here and charged ..." he made a swooping motion with his hand "Right in."

Eyes turned to the distant house set in the hills...



"Looks peaceful enough." said Castaway.

Bloodhound sniffed the air.

OOC Analytical smell 20 + Roll(2d12)+0: 4,2,+0 Total:6 FAILED POWER BURNED OUT!

Oh for petes sake.

"Too many mixed scents, too far away to get a good read." said Bloodhound looking troubled. "have to wait a while before I can differentiate the scents."

OOC in other words an hour till it reboots. Chuffin dice.

"I can go with you!" suggests Flea. "No one, and I mean NO ONE sneaks up on me!" he said proudly.

He took a sniff...

OOC Analytical Smell 10 + Roll(2d12)+0: 10,2,+0 Total:12 (22) vs
OV10 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,3,+0 Total:10 (20)

+2 EV (to 12) vs 10RV = 2 RAPs

1) There are too many scents within range (1 mile) to count or differentiate accurately but more than 10
2-3) A smell like burning is faint in the air. Possibly Atomica or another meta human with fire/flame type abilities.

"Huh. Dogman is right but... Atomica or someone like her was here. Dunno if she still is." he shrugged. Bloodhound scowled then reluctantly nodded.

He added "My senses are so acute it is quite easy to overload them. In a way that's a blessing. you have no idea how hard it is to sleep when you can hear things from miles away or smell everything in a city."

"Ewwww!" exclaimed Flea. Bloodhound added "The boy might not have my range of senses but we should approach with caution. If anything Atomica is hardly the most... subtle... of heroic individuals."

"Bull in a china shop subtle more like." said Castaway, rolling her eyes. Shamrock scowled. "Enough Champions! Remember who you are and who your represent especially in front of others! Frostbite, may I suggest I take the UKChampions around from this point and take up position opposite where we are now in about a miles distance and you stake out here. When we're in position we'll go on your call and come two pronged with eyes in the sky where required." he said of Catherine in the jet.

Surge looked uneasy but unwilling to speak up. Zoo Master and Sun Girl shrugged.

Flea looked about. "Hey! He's the boss! He makes the calls! Whatever Frostbite says.. goes!" he said, squaring up to Shamrock who was several inches taller and broader than the youngster.

On days like this Frostbite wished he was called 'Ibuprofen man' instead...

EDIT forgot all about Timmy Jones the Cyborg. He pipes up...

"Frostbite was placed in charge of this operation. Shamrock you should follow his orders. Flea you should be quiet. Surge you are badly injured and another encounter could be fatal. Whilst we stand here discussing things the enemy might be making their getaway." said the robotic Timmy.

As he spoke a massive car size ball of intertwined plastic rolled from the back of the ship.

Shamrock rolled his eyes. "Really? What do you expect to do with that? Intimidate them with hordes of playmobil?" he threw up his hands.

Flea stood next to Timmy who towered over everyone. "You tell em big guy."

"Be quiet."

"Yes sir."

Surge offered "I'm following Frostbite. If he is ok with Shamrocks call then so be it. you guys know each other, you work as a team. But if you get in the way or jeopardise the operation we'll make sure the right people know about it."

Zoo Master added with a rare 'butt in'. "Kevins right! It's Frostbites call!"

"Dude... secret identity..." groaned Surge. All eyes turned to Frostbite.

Admin wrote:"Bull in a china shop subtle more like." said Castaway, rolling her eyes. Shamrock scowled. "Enough Champions! Remember who you are and who your represent especially in front of others! Frostbite, may I suggest I take the UKChampions around from this point and take up position opposite where we are now in about a miles distance and you stake out here. When we're in position we'll go on your call and come two pronged with eyes in the sky where required." he said of Catherine in the jet.

Surge looked uneasy but unwilling to speak up. Zoo Master and Sun Girl shrugged.

Flea looked about. "Hey! He's the boss! He makes the calls! Whatever Frostbite says.. goes!" he said, squaring up to Shamrock who was several inches taller and broader than the youngster.

On days like this Frostbite wished he was called 'Ibuprofen man' instead...

Frostbite nodded, grateful for Shamrock's suggestion he knew his team and probably was in a better position to command them. Besides in a firefight, a clear chain of command was important. He added "It might be they are jamming coms so we are going to be a blindsided if we don't know the other is in trouble. Especially if Atomica has gone in early or been compromised. Beware Mamba he's as fast as I've known and I've known fast. Ok let's get on with it, Zoom Master, Surge, Flea with me. Sun Girl go chase the sun and get back to us. OK move out."

With a nod to Catherine aware that with coms down she might, at best only be able to surmise what was happening on the ground, the first point was to stop anything that might be using to jam them and then get on with the mission at hand.

OOC: I guess I hardly need to say it but stealth approach, I'd rather have had Surge, Zoo Master and Flea hang back, and it may be that I do - however since UKC are going it together, that would leave me alone and I'd rather have their back up than not.

Sj

Castaway offers "Good luck!" whilst Bloodhound and Shamrock simply nod.

She concentrates, raising her hands out at the sides slightly... and the trio vanish!

"Whoa!" mutters Flea. He watches as Sun Girl says "I'll be back as soon as I can. If I can't find you straight away I'll head back to this spot then go from there. keep your heads down guys!"

Flea is about to add something but she waves him quiet and turns to Surge. "You need to rest, you know that?" shaking her head she takes off and is a dot in the sky in moments!

Zoo Master changes into a hare. "I'll scout about but won't be far away." he offers. Frostbite, Timmy, Surge and Flea moved low through the heather and around to crouch near rocks overlooking the farmhouse. They were still nearly half a mile away and the place looked quiet. The hare returns and speaks. "There is someone in the farmhouse definitely. I saw movement at one of the upper windows. I can get closer ... if you like."

Surge looks uncomfortable. "We need to get in there!" he hisses. "If Atomica has been taken captive who knows what they are doing in there? They could be torturing her for information... " he let his voice trail off. Timmy adds "The tactic of 'rushing in' may catch them on the hop. However, I believe I can get eyes and ears on the place."

The heather seemed to come alive as hundreds of toy soldiers ran over the floor, invisible at eye level because of the cover. "Give me a few minutes and I can report back."

Surge looked doubtful. Still, the small toy soldiers spread out and vanished from view. Flea was unusually quiet and Frostbite wondered if the youngster was nervous.

Timmy stiffened and turned to Frostbite. "My 'scouts' have seen evidence of the speedster, Mamba. He is here and scouting at speed. At some point he WILL discover us! Frostbite looked about. He couldn't 'see' anyone running about but the villain moved so fast he was practically invisible. The hare (zoo master) returns and speaks "Something is happening. Movement on the upper windows and people dressed in black moving about the outer buildings. There are several SUVs parked about."

Flea looked at the hare, was about to speak then clammed up.

A crackling voice comes over the comms. "...think can see a glowing form in one of the rooms... be Atomica, but we can't figure out... crackle buzzzz SKRRRZ!" Frostbite winced and pulled the earpiece from his ear.

Timmy turned. "Something is happening."

From this distance they could see black clad people - men and women - moving from the buildings. Frostbite counted.. eight* of them in sight, perhaps more inside. They then flew up into the air to float some 100' up and look out in every direction across the moors!

"They are bound to see us here." Stated Timmy. "I suggest we move in and attack." Zoo Master kept quiet, Surge added "Sounds good, say the word boss!" and Flea? He stayed silent...

OOC *GM NOTE Eight Eurotrash super solider agents are active...

Admin wrote:"They are bound to see us here." Stated Timmy. "I suggest we move in and attack." Zoo Master kept quiet, Surge added "Sounds good, say the word boss!" and Flea? He stayed silent...
OOC *GM NOTE Eight Eurotrash super solider agents are active...

One thing was for sure the Eurotrash knew they were there, and worse still Mamba was not only here but actively scouting. The element of surprise was gone. "Timmy, get your men into the upper room, the SUV's can act as a distraction, I want eyes on what is going on inside. And have some of your soldiers drive the SUV's away full lights, sound the works if they know where here, let's make the best use of what we've got. The rest of you..." Frostbite said with a know wince looking at Surge, "Mamba is so fast he is practically invisible, so on your guard, if a breeze feels wrong it might be because it is wrong. Surge, Kevin stay close, if we slow Mamba down you might get your chance. But no stupid headstrong stunts. Flea, help me, if you've any of that heightened sense stuff going, get it going, you're our early warning system. And Zoo Master perimeter, go before us, the first sign of trouble, double back to us. Right, let's move up on the farmhouse and stay frosty no trigger fingers."

With that Frostbite moved toward his more liquid state so as to make sure if Mamba came in, he was at least better able to handle a surprise attack. He hoped the others might be suitable able, but was most concerned about Surge.

OOC: OK eyes and ears on stalks, when the diversion hits, we go in hard, and see what we do when and if we get there. I'm trusting that the UKC team will know what to do though its evident coms are now down.

Sj

Timmy said "This will take some time. I will need to steal the keys to drive the car away." before he strode away with a nod to stand in the trees - what trees there were - and concentrated. Looking through the 'eyes' of thousands of animated plastic figures took his full concentration when trying to keep them out of sight AND find stuff of interest.

Surge watched him go then listened to Frostbite. With a sigh he said "Sure thing boss. Since when you trained me I'm stronger, faster, better trained... but still not good enough to take on someone who is too fast to hit. I'll watch, learn, and hopefully get my chance."

"I can watch from the air and dive down to warn you if someone is coming!" said Zoo Master. Frostbite saw he had a bit of a sweat on and figured he was very nervous at the coming battle. He transformed into a hawk and took to the wing, circling high up and looking down with enhanced hawk vision for he was able to effectively boost any ability of any animal he transformed into!

"Looks like you and me do the heavy lifting then boss." said Flea, but without his usual exuberance. Something was bothering the youth but he'd not been clear as to what it was.

He watched as Surge crouched and moved to the left then leaned in. "Ummm. This isn't probably the best time to say but if there's any radiation around I need to stay away from it. " Frostbite turned but the youth have stiffened and spun in a crouch. Frostbite saw why a moment later...

'Fading' into view was a superhuman who had previously been invisible!



"I am Martian Warlord! You... are as nothing before my power!!!" He thrust a hand out and the fight was on!

OOC And... yes. That should look familiar if you've ever read any Justice League America comics or seen any of the (fantastic) Bruce Timm JLA cartoon series...

INITIATIVE! Order is as follows...4,2,5,7,11,8,10

Frostbite 25 + 4 (29)
Flea 30 + 2 (32)
Surge 18 + 5 (23)
Zoo Master 20 (as Eagle with 10 Dex) + 7 (27)
Timmy Jones 21 (Int 9 otherwise as War Cyborg) +11 (32)
Martian Warlord 30 + 8 (38)
Two of the Eurotrash super agents who are in sight range once the fighting starts (action in first round is pure movement so no roll reqd)

Martian Warlord stretches an arm out to strike at (OOC 1-5 Flea,6-8 Frostbite,9-10 Surge, 11-12 Zoo Master Roll(1d12)+0: 5,+0 Total:5 Flea)

Martian Warlord Dex 7 + buying 2 dice (down to 132HP) Roll(4d12)+0: 3,4,1,7,+0 Total: 11 (18) vs
Flea Dex 14 + 2 extra Acrobatics dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 1,4,11,9,+0 Total: 20 (34) attack missed!

As he floated in the air the 'Martian Warlord' stretched an arm down to punch at Flea who watched it coming then... simply stepped to the side! "Huh!" muttered the youngster and Frostbite knew he'd gotten his bravado back! "That it? You're slower than molasses! Whatever they are. Slow.. the Molasses Martian, has a nice ring to it!" he laughed.

Flea turns to Frostbite. "I'm on it boss!" he yells and springs up to deliver a blow whilst still in the air at the floating Martian!

OOC Adrenaline Surge on Str. AS 18 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,9,+0 Total:21 (39) vs
Str 5 + Roll(2d12)+0: 8,11,+0 Total:19 (24)

+5 EV (to 23) vs RV 5 = +18 Str (to 23)

Attack with Dex 14 + two martial artist dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 5,3,10,7,+0 Total: 17 (31) vs
Martian Dex 7 + 2 extra dice (Hp down to 119) + Roll(4d12)+0: 7,3,4,7,+0 Total:14 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 2,1,+0 Total:3 ROLL FAILED. OV is 7

+7 EV (to 30) vs RV 15 = 15 damage! Martian Warlord absorbs 10 points (down to 64HP) and is on 5/15 Body and is also STUNNED so cannot attack next round!

With a sound like a THUNDERCLAP Flea connects with the Martians chin and sends him flying through the air to crash 100' away into the heather throwing up dust, branches and the odd grouse which was roosting!

Flea landed with an acrobatic flourish and muttered "Damn! maybe I should have pulled my..."

Then he saw the Martian get up, admittedly on shaky legs!

Flea gaped and was somewhat taken aback for a moment! "I don't believe it. That should have..."

Timmy stepped from the woods and fired a dazzling blast of light at the Martian!

OOC Flash 10 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,6,+0 Total:13 (23) vs
Dex 7 + range 2 + one extra die (down to 58HP) Roll(3d12)+0: 1,5,11,+0 Total:16 (25) ATTACK MISSED

Timmy blasted a beam of pure incandescent light as a tight beam against the villain but missed as he shielded his eyes and rolled aside!

OOC Frostbite is up then Zoo Master then Surge.

Martian Warlord is on 58HP and 5/15 Body (stunned next round). Yes I am using his actual stats from the DC Heroes game. Welcome to the big leagues You're up.

By the way if it seems like the pre made characters you face have a giant stack of HP to burn through you are right. That's because they don't have the benefit of buying skills with a view to using them in the new, enhanced, house ruled to death version of the game we play. If so then Martian Manhunter, Superman, the Flash and others would all have Acrobatics/Martial Artist.

At some point the game will be rewritten. I just need a) some time and b) the ability to write in a way that makes it easier to understand

Over to you.

Admin wrote:OOC Frostbite is up then Zoo Master then Surge.

Martian Warlord is on 58HP and 5/15 Body (stunned next round). Yes, I am using his actual stats from the DC Heroes game. Welcome to the big leagues You're up.

Frostbite directed the team toward the Martian but not to bunch up since they didn't need to make themselves an easy target, especially as Mamba was out there somewhere.

Moving up, he sought to stay close to Surge, he knew he was taking a chance with him and didn't want to see him receive hurt beyond the bruising he'd taken already.

Levelling an arm as soon as the distance allowed, Frostbite once again let loose with his signature ice blast. Aiming tight so as to make sure his beam didn't go wide, they couldn't afford to take chances, it was hit hard and hit the first time.

OOC: Ok going for accuracy and buying an extra die to try and make sure I don't miss. Shame I don't have a flame power or right now - Sun Girl, still can but do what we can but do.

Sj

OOC Buying an extra die. FROSTBITE HP 58

NOTE TO GM: Frostbite still has no ADRENALINE SURGE. IT BURNED OUT A FEW PAGES AGO.

He's not the most agile of foes. I'd also suggest Critical Blow...

Energy Blast 14 + extra die + Roll(3d12)+0: 9,5,9,+0 Total:18 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 7,9,+0 Total:34 (48) vs
Dex 7 +  3 range + two extra dice (MW down to 45HP) + 4 crit blow + Roll(4d12)+0: 6,2,1,4,+0 Total:10 (24)

+7 EV (to 21) vs RV 15 - 6 (crit blow down to 9 RV) = 12 Damage

Martian Warlord absorbs 8 damage (down to 9HP) and is on Body 1/15.

With a powerful blast the Martian is slammed backwards and slides through the heather and earth and slows to a halt in a pile of gathered earth! Even now he staggers to his feet and wobbles towards the battle.

"What does it take to put this guy down?" hissed Flea.

Zoo Master swooped down in the form of an Eagle and attacked!

OOC Crit Blow. Dex 10 + Roll(2d12)+0: 5,1,+0 Total:6 (16) vs
Dex 7 + 4 crit blow + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,4,+0 Total:11 (22) ATTACK MISSED

The Martian waves the attack off and stares at those who have wounded him, about to talk. Just then a GIANT strides over, raises a foot and tries to bring it down on the villain!

OOC Crit Blow. Surge attacks Dex 8 + martial artist two dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 11,4,6,10,+0 Total: 21 (29) vs
Dex 7 + 4 crit blow + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,5,+0 Total:12 (23)

+3 EV (to 19) vs RV15-6 (crit blow, down to 9RV)= 10 damage. He can absorb (at best) 3 points instead he goes down and is out fro an extra 9APs of time (90 minutes)

Martian Warlord looks up, sees a huge foot coming down on him and... STOMP!!!

Surge grinds it from side to side for good measure and lifts up. "AND STAY DOWN!" he bellows. He grins and raises huge arms to the air (he's just over 46 feet tall) and shouts "YES!!!"

The Martian lays in the foot 'hole' and seems odd, like a squished puddle. Doubtless it was some weird side affect of his alien physiognomy but Frostbite knew such a tough and dangerous opponent would not stay down for too long!

The two Eurotrash agents flying through the sky, all clad in black fly up and around in a pincer movement and take aim with their hands at the targets on the floor.

"So much for subtle." mutters Flea with a glance at the towering Surge who's blood is up. "WHO'S NEXT, PUNKS?!" He roars.

OOC initiative. 6,10,7,5,5,12,1

Frostbite 25 + 6 (31)
Flea 30 + 10 (40)
Surge 18 + 7 (25)
Zoo Master 20 (as Eagle with 10 Dex) + 5 (25)
Timmy Jones 21 (Int 9 otherwise as War Cyborg) +5 (26)
Martian Warlord OUT OF BATTLE
Two of the Eurotrash super agents who are in sight range once the fighting starts (action in first round is pure movement so no roll reqd)
Agent #1 17 + 12 (29)
Agent #2 17 + 1 (18)

Flea looks into the sky. "I'll take that one!" he points and takes off with a BOING!!!

OOC Adrenaline surge Str + Jumping

AS 18 + Roll(2d12)+0: 6,11,+0 Total:17 (35) vs
OV 5 + 2 multi + Roll(2d12)+0: 11,10,+0 Total:21 (28)

+4 EV (to 22) vs RV5 +2 (7)=15RAPs. Str boost to 20, Jumping to 20.

"Heeeeere I come to save the daaaaaay!" he hollers as he flies through the air "And smash your teeth in!" he adds as an aside.

Dex 14 + Martial Artist 2 dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 12,11,2,7,+0 Total:23 (37) vs
Dex 9 + Acrobatics two dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 7,11,12,4,+0 Total:23 (32)

+3 EV (to 23) vs RV 10=13 damage. AGENT #1 IS OUT!

SMACK! The youngster lands another pinpoint punch on the Eurotrash agent who tumbles away only for the youngster to grab him on the way down and land on his feet. "Next!" he quips as he throws the prone form a couple of feet to the side and dusts his hands.

OOC Frostbite is up. Mamba is out here remember...

Admin wrote:OOC Frostbite is up. Mamba is out here remember...

"Good shot, but don't get cocky kid!" OOC: Always wanted to say that

"Surge you are making youself a target, so watch yourself." With that Frostbite, only too aware that Mamba would be even more tempted to run at them, aimed at an opponent he could see, namely the other approaching target. Once again he took aim carefully, he didn't want one blast to miss.

OOC: No die this time, need to save that HP - so hope for the best and go for energy attack again.

Sj

OOC Energy Blast 14 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,8,+0 Total:15 (29) vs
Dex 9 + range 4 + acrobatics two dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 2,2,10,5,+0 Total:4 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 7,12,+0 Total:23 (36) ATTACK MISSED

Frostbite took aim but the target was agile and weaved from left to right as he closed the distance!

Timmy Jones stepped alongside his leader and took aim. "The trick, I have found, is not to aim where they are, but rather to attempt to aim where they will be..."

OOC Sonic Beam 12 + Roll(2d12)+0: 5,9,+0 Total:14 (26) vs
Dex 9 + range 4 + acrobatics two dice - 2 (already dodged) + Roll(4d12)+0: 7,9,5,2,+0 Total:16 (27) ATTACK MISSED

"Even so, it is not easy." he said, grumpily.

Zoo Master soared up, up, still as an Eagle and looked down from the sky, a dot now. He was it seemed looking for the best time to strike or watching out for others.

Surge THUMPED along the ground closing the distance to the flying man and bringing both hands round to CLAP him in between them!

OOC Dex 8 + Martial artists extra dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 3,5,6,3,+0 Total:6 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 2,7,+0  Total:15 (23) vs
Dex 9 + Acrobatics two dice -4 (third attack in same round) + Roll(4d12)+0: 2,6,6,11,+0 Total: 12 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 5,11,+0 Total:28 (33) ATTACK MISSED

Surge opened his hands expecting to find an unconscious smear but found only air! The agile foe swooped up and around, finding the giant too easy a target to miss!

OOC Crit Blow. Energy Blast 13 + Roll(2d12)+0: 3,1,+0 Total:4 FAILED POWER BURNED OUT!

Instead, nothing happened and Surge lived to fight another day as the agent looked annoyed! Frostbite breathed a sigh of relief on the floor and waited for the impetuous Flea to charge in at the agent!

OOC Initiative again...

Frostbite 25 + 4 (29)
Flea 30 + 1 (31)
Surge 18 + 12 (30)
Zoo Master 20 (as Eagle with 10 Dex) + 6 (26)
Timmy Jones 21 (Int 9 otherwise as War Cyborg) +4 (25)
Martian Warlord OUT OF BATTLE
Agent #1 OUT OF BATTLE
Agent #2 17 + 5 (22) ENERGY BLAST HAS BURNED OUT

Flea leapt at the agent ...

OOC Adren Surge (which will fail one of these rolls, mark my words. The character is built to a cost and is very much a house of cards... one bad roll and he'll come crashing down!) 18 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,11,+0 Total:23 (41) vs
OV14 + 4 (18) + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,5,+0 Total:17 (35)

+3EV (to 21) vs RV14 + 4 (18)=3 RAPs.

"Arrggh! Oops!" spluttered the youngster as he more or less tumbled and spun through the air but righted himself and thrust out a foot. "Dammit! Keep forgetting about that!" he called out. Nonetheless he attacked..

OOC Going for a Devastating Attack. Dex 17 + Martial Artist 2 dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 9,4,4,7,+0 Total:8 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 7,6,+0 Total:21 (38) vs
Dex 9 + Dev Attack 8 + Acrobatics two dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 5,3,4,4,+0 Total:8 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 10,7,+0 Total:25 (42) ATTACK MISSED

The Agent deftly moves out of the way of the youngsters clumsy attack even though he twists in mid air in a manner that looked impossible. But still missed.

Surge jogged over again and swung at the agent...

OOC Dex 8 + martial artist two dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 3,5,10,1,+0 Total:15 (23) vs
Dex 9 + acrobatics two dice + Roll(4d12)+0: 4,7,9,1,+0 Total:16 (25) ATTACK MISSED

"STAY STILL DAMMIT!" yelled Surge with a booming voice.

OOC Frosty is up. His two bull in a china shops have missed. Can the leader do better? this dodgy agent is proving elusive so far!

Admin wrote:"STAY STILL DAMMIT!" yelled Surge with a booming voice.

OOC Frosty is up. His two bull in a china shops have missed. Can the leader do better? this dodgy agent is proving elusive so far!

Frostbite talked to Frostbot to give him some onboard assist in trying to predict where he would be and aimed to try and be more accurate this time.

OOC: Ok let's try and up the accuracy, take my time, aim well and if FB can give me a bead...

Sj

Admin wrote:OOC That's called using Hero Points! At some point the rules rewrite will allow you to buy:

Acting Value (your aim or how well you do something)
Effect value (how hard you hit or the power level of the power)
Range (shorter range equals cheaper to buy)
Skill Dice (roll more than 2D12 when you use the power)

At the moment all of that is covered by one number, in Frostys case Energy Blast 14. And he gets no extra dice with it either unless he pays for them!

OOC: Oh blow right ok just go without Die at the moment, I need to eek them out a bit since we've not even faced Mamba or who knows what else and I don't want to be down to chicken feed when the big guns come knocking. Especially since I've got Flea who's ready to burn out any minute and Surge who might fall over in a stiff breeze.

Sj

OOC Energy Blast 14 + Roll(2d12)+0: 1,11,+0 Total:12 (26) vs
Dex 9 + range 2 + acrobatics dice two - 4 (attacked previously by 2 team members) + Roll(4d12)+0: 7,10,6,8,+0 Total:18 (25)

Hit +1 EV (to 15) vs RV 10 = 5 damage.

The Eurotrash agent wobbles in the air as he takes a blast and Timmy lines up a shot

OOC Sonic Blast 12 + Roll(2d12)+0: 9,6,+0 Total:15 (27) vs
Dex 9 + range 2 + acrobatics two dice -4 (team attack) + Roll(4d12)+0: 8,1,7,12,+0 Total:20 (27)

Hit +0EV. 12EV vs RV10= 2 damage.

The Eurotrash agent is down to 3/10 Body and decides that discretion is the better part of valour! He flies off at high speed over the horizon away from the battle!

"Should I chase him or...?" asks Flea.

Surge shrinks and breathes a sigh of relief. "There's more where he came from! I'm just glad we pounded the other guy!"

Frostbite looks up. The dot circling in the sky is getting bigger and Zoo Master (as an eagle) circles above the group and calls out "The others have engaged several Eurotrash supers on the other side of the farmhouse! They might need help! And there's something else... a bright light in the sky... LOOK!"

All eyes turned as ATOMICA flew up, up, up and looked about. "Erm, is she supposed to be on our side? because it sure looks like she's not that friendly. I have excellent vision in this form." explained Zoo Master.

Just then another bright light came down and Sun Girl swooped from on high. "It's no good! I'll have to wait for a fair bit longer for my energy blast to start working again! However I do have my blinding ray! Oh! It looks like there was a battle! Did we win?" She notices Atomica floating above the farmhouse. "Is that Atomica? Should I go greet her?" asks Sun Girl.

Atomica looks about, then decides to start drifting steadily in the direction of Frostbites team... uh oh...

OOC you have one round before things get nasty!

Admin wrote:All eyes turned as ATOMICA flew up, up, up and looked about. "Erm, is she supposed to be on our side? because it sure looks like she's not that friendly. I have excellent vision in this form." explained Zoo Master.

OOC you have one round before things get nasty!

"Flea take Surge and head for the others, I'll talk to Atomica and join you, don't get near her, she is all radiation and I don't want you falling out on us now kid."

With Zoo Master somewhere above, Frostbite rose toward Atomica, something about all this was dangerously off, and even without danger sense he knew she shouldn't be floating toward them but fighting with them. Frostbite decided he'd best play it cool, going up against her would probably seriously hurt. She was a power level above him at least. "Majesty, it is good to see you, we were worried that something might have happened to you. Do you have any intelligence to report we could seriously do with your abilities to aid us right now."

Frostbite was being weary, cordial but unsure as to what indeed why she had been absent only to show up right now? What had been happening?

OOC: Ok lame-duck comes to mind, but go no choice but to face it head-on and get this over with, it looks as if from what you're saying she's been mind-controlled, hypnotised or some other dohiky, that means our good girls is anything but right now. I've a feeling this is going to hurt!

Sj

Atomica sped up then slowed down to stop about 40' away in the air from Frostbite. She looked to the side as Flea scooped Surge up and bounced his way around the long way to the other side of the farmhouse.

Frostbite addressed her and she turned back. She looked Frostbite up and down and though it sounded like Atomica, it wasn't in quite the manner he expected to hear!

"Who are you lot, eh? You might knock them rentagoons round but no chance ya gettin past me! No idea what ya did to the martian but he's gonna be ****** when he comes round an I'm gonna knock you lot inta next week! Don't you know who I am? I'm ATOMICA and you, Icicle, are in deep ****!" says the fiery glowing woman! She laughs and levels her arms at Frostbite which start to grow bright with energy!

Frostbot speaks up 'Atomica is a class 4 superhuman and you should not attempt to tackle her alone. Her powers include very powerful energy blasts, near invulnerability, the ability to absorb energy and change into pure energy to move through solid objects. She can also fly, has exhibited superspeed superhuman reflexes and has a measure of superhuman strength in the 50 ton lifting range.'

OOC Uh oh!

initiative...
10,5

Frostbite 25 + 10 (35)
Atomica 27 + 5 (32)

Frostbite can act first!

Admin wrote:Frostbite 25 + 10 (35)
Atomica 27 + 5 (32)

Frostbite can act first! [/i][/color]

OOC: Run away, run away...Nah only kidding, not sure what to do though, other than run away toward the UKChampions as I cannot take this woman on alone, maybe they know why she sounds anything like who she really is.

Frostbite didn't need to be told twice, moving as fast as he knew how, which given Automica's abilities was probably slow, but since his intention wasn't to fight but to flee, and rejoin the others where he hoped they could make some sense of what was going on. As he moved he brought the weather in, hard. He knew it wouldn't stop Atomica but it might just buy him time to rejoin the group.

OOC: If I can get past and if I can get to the rest of the team, then I shout incoming...as that is what she is going to be. It sounds as if she is being mind-controlled its Aotimica's body but someone foreign-speaking through her as it were.

Sj