The New Vanguard! Frostbite Issue #9 - New team, old problems!

The General snarled, and glanced at his gathered men before turning back to Frostbite.

"The Queen is... indisposed. But..." he glanced again and seemed annoyed "I shall of course ensure the consort of the dead King witnesses the battle. With my assured victory against you, the 'best' of the surface world, perhaps finally she will consider that it is I, GR'Axxus who is the strongest and most able to rule the undersea kingdom! Her rejection of me previously shall be considered. Perhaps I will insist that she kneel before me in order to convince me to marry her now! Yes... this could work for me!"

Frostbite saw some of the guards smiling... and others were aghast, hostile even, glaring daggers at the General. They were professionals and held their tongue but it seemed quite clear to Frostbite that many of the soldiers were loyal to the Queen, and the previous King who had died it seemed.

Battlebug stepped up as the General spun on his heel and guards spread out to escort Frostbite. "Boss... are you sure about this? I don't know if I could take this guy but... I don't want to see you hurt. Lemme at 'im!" he whispered.

Melody frowned. "I don't think he'll fight fair Frostbite. Maybe there is some way to convince him that we can fight as a group or... I don't know... against a group of him and his men?"

One of the Guards came forward. "Prisoner, you shall follow us. Failure to comply shall ensure the deaths of the hostages." The guard faltered and glanced aside then hissed "Good luck. AR'Gann is no traitor." as quietly as he could.

Admin wrote:One of the Guards came forward. "Prisoner, you shall follow us. Failure to comply shall ensure the deaths of the hostages." The guard faltered and glanced aside then hissed "Good luck. AR'Gann is no traitor." as quietly as he could.

Frostbite had been in the undersea kingdom before he knew how they had the corrupt politicians, the despotic rulers and their noble upright folk as well. Just like the surface. All the salty seas don't wash out the bilge in some and can't hide the gold in others.

Turning to the others as they were moved along, Frostbite said, "I hear you BatteBug, and you are not wrong, but look how it would seem to them down here, we'd be ganging up on their general. If he isn't beaten fair and square on his terms he still has bragging rights. If I can pull the pin on this bully, his buddies cave in as well. Sadly it has to be this way, or else they will pull some stunt to make us still look the part they want us to play. If there is foul play and I'm convinced this general is too sure of his own righteousness not to consider any means to deliver his perceived just ends so I might need you to help when that time comes. He may lose, but I don't think he'll lose graciously. But if I lose, well tell... ah never mind let's hope I don't lose."

OOC: OK looks like I'm in for the fight of my life and to stop a coup from taking place - are being here seems strangely providential. Maybe there is a guiding hand at work in all this...Anyway I will prepare as best I can for the fight, I know what you were saying before about fighting underwater and here I am doing just that. Ugh, not sure how I can tip things my way, as flight and movability are limited - I guess my slinky slushy self might work better, but that might only work defensively - I don't plan on winning by wearing the general down through boredom. So I'm looking to see if there is another way in all this, also I am curious to know what hold this guy has over the Queen, where she is in all this and clearly what has happened to the rightful King - all a little too convenient, me thinks.

Sj

Surrounded by guards and with more guards left to watch Melody and Battlebug, Frostbite was led through the water free zone to the silver bubble that marked its boundary.

Stepping once more into the water and led down more corridors he was flanked and guarded for some minutes until he was left and locked in a room down a level or two.

Guards were placed outside and one was left inside.

Nothing to do for it but wait.

After a minute or so the wave of a hand from the guard attracted his attention. He was glancing at the two outside the door and was waving hands at Frostbite. No, not waving, signing.

'In order to pick up the basics of the language one must first form basic phrases and build from there. Unfortunately there may not be enough time to do that.' stated Frostbot. 'However I may be able to analyse the signing of the Guard and form a guess as to his intentions.'

OOC Int 9 + Roll(2d12)+0: 10,12,+0 Total:22 (31) vs
OV10 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,1,+0 Total:8 (18) +5 (to 13) vs RV10=3 RAPs

'I... am not... General ... Graxxus... soldier. No, follower. The Queen... prisoner... visitors... changed... people... dying... Visitors - possibly meaning Advent - came to change people and some are dying?' guessed Frostbot. 'We need help. Too many... to... kill. No, fight. Queen is held in ... high place. Tower?' added the sentient program.

Advent. This had their stamp all over it. Graxxus was arranging for the Queen to be present at the battle, but she was held captive in a tower?

Frostbite smelled a rat.

Suddenly the door opened and the Guard stood to attention with a glare at Frostbite before putting eyes forward. A man in ceremonial robes and head dress came in. "I am Seneschal RO'Darn. By way of explanation because we are not savages, you are a captive of the people of Balacris, which is a province of Atlantis which covers all the oceans of this planet. Each... 'sea' or 'ocean' you humans refer to is a Kingdom in its own right. At one time we had an Emperor but those times ended when you covered the Earth with your expansion and pollution. The time is coming when the seas shall be made to rise and crush all you have built! Our new allies have given us the means to accelerate our evolutionary progress, multiplying our abilities by magnitudes of hundreds or thousands of times over those who are as yet untreated! Not only will we crush your 'Britain' and the other countries in this that you call the 'North Sea' we will rise up and smash all who do not bow to Balacris... with GRAXXUS as our new King!"

Three of the guards gave an arrogant and sneering look at Frostbite. The one who had been signing glanced down and away before staring straight ahead.

OOC Go quietly to the arena? Cue Kirk Star Trek battle music!

By the way, I'll post this in all the threads but I'm up to my eyeballs this weekend with work and seeing the Girlfriend for the first time in yonks so an update will be Monday...

Admin wrote:Three of the guards gave an arrogant and sneering look at Frostbite. The one who had been signing glanced down and away before staring straight ahead.

OOC Go quietly to the arena? Cue Kirk Star Trek battle music!

By the way, I'll post this in all the threads but I'm up to my eyeballs this weekend with work and seeing the Girlfriend for the first time in yonks so an update will be Monday...

OOC: No worries Monday works for me, my own posting rate has had to be curtailed somewhat, but I'm trying to keep ahead, so no worries.

"Tell me, Seneschal RO'Darn, is the usual practice of the free peoples of Balacris, to submit themselves to untested and untried evolutionary enhancements from folk you know not of, nor not their true intentions? Whilst you sneer at the surface dwellers, are you sure your knew allies aren't just using you? After all, what they gave so easily can so easily be taken or used for their own good. Have you considered that in your rush to regain and restore what is out of order, and I see the wisdom of your plight and the utter unfairness of it! Nonetheless, do you know these people's true intentions, if they are enemies willing to aid you but come from the surface are you sure they mean you so well?"

Frostbite wasn't sure how his words would go across to the Seneschal, however, he wanted to take the opportunity to make sure that he probed where they were weakest. In the search for power, had they got ahead of themselves and placed themselves in a worse position. Undoubtedly they had - it seemed to him that no matter how benevolent 'Advent' appeared to be, no one was asking the question why? Or they were but were too awed by the opportunity for quick gains so didn't think or look too deeply. Advent had picked their targets well, one had to wonder whom else they were looking to pit against those who remained opposed to their agenda.

OOC: Ok so I am going to ascertain what I can see if I can't make this guy and his lackies question the wisdom of their choice of allies and otherwise get ready as best I can.

Sj

"The process cannot be performed on everyone. The young, fittest and strongest are prime candidates for the treatment. The rest of us will plan and utilise their new abilities to establish us as the predominant force on this planet!" said RO'Darn.

"These ADVENT beings doubtless have their own agenda but by empowering us and creating hundreds, thousands of powerful warriors they have unleashed in us a force that cannot be stopped or opposed by anyone including ADVENT. When they return we shall negotiate new terms to our agreement and they will not be able to resist us."

The Atlanteans were playing a dangerous game!

"Now move! GR'Axxus will prove to the doubters once and for all that the surface dwellers cannot now stand against our new might!" The guards prodded at Frostbite with their tridents. It seemed that though RO'Darn had not signed up for this treatment and was probably a weaker 'standard' Atlantean, though they were superhuman when compared to ordinary humans.

"Remember this though, human..." hissed the Seneschal. "We have hostages, and we have you team mates. When you enter that arena your job is to LOSE! If you win... the consequences will be disastrous for you!" he cackled.

The guards began once more to prod and bully Frostbite towards the arena...

OOC Anything else to add before the showdown with Graxxus?

Admin wrote:OOC Anything else to add before the showdown with Graxxus?[/color]

Frostbite didn't allow himself to groan, but within he felt the sure sense of bitter bile rising in his stomach. The lurch that left him feeling worse than a body blow might have done. He really stepped into a Lion's den and there was no angle about to shut their mouths.

His mind raced through possibilities, he had mistakenly assumed that the honour that bound one bound them all. How wrong he was - like humans of all walks, they were just as corrupt and likely to do whatever suited them most. For some who were good and noble - noble actions and for the corrupt...

Since they were walking he felt he might as well continue to deal a blow to the Seneschal untested faith. "Hmm I see you hold the winning hand before I've even set down to place my wager. Shame I thought to lose fair and square was of greater gain, but now you have to have the prizefighter throw the fight, just to make sure you look good. Strange, do you not place as much trust in this power that you've been given that you have to weigh the odds against me. Maybe deep down you know that Advent who are clever enough to give this power to you, is also clever enough to make sure it cannot be used against them? Surely you are not so naive as to imagine that they would allow their servants to rise up against them. I saw it before you know. Weapons given to men, with a failsafe, they exploded before the men could do any harm to Advent. Who's to say that they aren't going to do the same to you. In that situation that made fools of us as well. Had an enemy appear, in their armour, they came in to rescue the hostages and triggered a secret signal that killed all their opponents. Made them look great, me and my team like chumps. And I can't help that if you've got a winning strategy, why change it. Give you guys power, a fast track to your dreams, then pull the rug right underneath you when they come down to defeat you - which is their real plan all along. You are a thinking Seneschal, wouldn't that sound like a really clever plan, a great way to enlist the support of the surface dwellers whilst removing you from their flight path to come and take the whole earth. Beware Greeks bearing gifts, my friend. Beware!"

Frostbite didn't know if his words might make a single bit of difference to a man so enraptured by the thrill of his own power. Power didn't just corrupt it made fools of people who worshipped it - making them often lose any sense of propriety. That is why it's often best in the hands of those who don't seek it. But if this didn't work then he had to think of a way out. Would refusing to fight, stop these proceedings, before they got started. If he denied the general his great fight if Frostbite could point out how he wasn't willing to fight without coercing a conflict, what did that say for the enemies they thought of the surface dwellers. Where they really the real enemy they'd been made out to be? He was hoping for some inspiration to arrive in the 11th hour, he might be waiting in vain.

OOC: OK made my play for trying to turn this guy or at least give him serious doubts based on my previous encounter with Advent. I am wondering about refusing to fight - since that would deny the victory, and perhaps seeking to see if I can leverage that to address the crowd? Hmm, time very quickly will tell.

Sj

The Seneschal snorted. "ADVENT may believe they are in control but we are making our own moves on the play board, be rest assured."

"We are no mere primitives, sifting through the mud for worms to eat! My civilisation was reaching for the stars when your ancestors lived in caves! We adapted to live under the sea after a great cataclysm when others species died out! We are spread across the world, and when we have... adapted the genetic sequencing provided by ADVENT to our own purposes we shall rise, with GR'Axxus King and I his first hand, the power behind the throne. The surface dwellers -aye, even you 'super' humans - will bend the knee or be swept under the waves we shall raise to wash away your monuments, your settlements, your very lives."

"Why? You might wonder. Because we tried to live in peace." he hissed. "We avoided all contact with man but still you soiled the seas, farmed and fished more than you needed, set off great bombs in the ocean as tests unheeding of the fact that wildlife and even the sunken city of Zenachris was caught in the shockwave. We are few, and we are scattered. Seven major undersea kingdoms and none of them counting more than a few thousand in population. We are a dying people. We must fight or die out."

"We learned long ago that your surface weapons and technology were destructive but we could overcome them given time. What we could not overcome were the superhumans. Great armies of you. Some able to move mountains, boil oceans, burn through our strongest metals with a glance. ADVENT showed us there was a way to rise up, but we shall not be their puppet!"

The guards all about were watching with fevered looks as the Seneschal ranted. All save the one guard stood away, looking down, away, anywhere but at the madman.

"Your defeat in the arena is assured. History is written by the victor and make no mistake, we WILL win! Today you will accept defeat to save the lives of the Rig workers. The only promise I can guarantee is that if you do not put up a show and take a beating, the rig workers WILL die, and more besides. Our attacks on your rigs shall be stepped up. Furthermore our scientists shall keep you alive for study. The woman is powerful, you, even more so and the boy? His potential is staggering. We have not seen his like, and yet we cowed him with mere words, saying to him unless he sat there like a meek prisoner his friend, his mentor, you... would die. His hero worship for you blinds him and dooms him. The boy will be studied, dissected, kept alive as long as possible until we find out how his irradiated body can generate such staggering levels of what you call adrenaline."

"When we have that secret? Then... then shall the surface world fall to us. None could stand before an army of our Atlanteans, each with the power of... of a god!"

The guards shoved and prodded with the tridents. It was time. Going down steps and into water Frostbite was able to take the mask off and breathe underwater. Unfortunately it was going to hamper everything. His agility, his aim, his powers... Put up a show?

He was walking to his own death and cornered into making the ultimate sacrifice in the hope that the hostages might stand a chance of survival!

=========

"Stop it!" said Melody. Her chains rattled and she struggled against them as they bound her to the wall.

Half a dozen guards beat and kicked on Battlebug, the boy curled up, chained and bound on the floor.

"Move, use your powers, resist in any way... and your leader dies. Worse, if we do not report soon, the hostages die too!" snarled one guard with his hand grabbing Melodys' chin.

"Leave... her... alone..." groaned the boy. Blood clouded the water around him and through the barred windows huge sharks prowled outside.

"They want your blood human." snarled an Atlantean. "The scientists said we were to 'rough you up' but not kill you. We have only just started. You will need carrying from this chamber, human!"

"This is wrong." said one of the Atlanteans. "There is no honour in this! What happened to us?"

"Wrong?" snarled the Sergeant. "Wrong you say AE'Neus? What was wrong was my mother being churned up by the propeller of one of their ships. What was wrong was my son being poisoned by pollution dump in barrels at the bottom of the sea close to where he played. An entire generation of our young wiped out. We are DYING, fool, and only now we have the slimmest of hopes, the faintest of chances! This youth, this... stripling... the woman and the other, the cold one... their bodies hold the key to our survival! ADVENT giving us the concentrated serum was one thing... this shall elevate us further!"

"I looked into that. There were over three hundred volunteers and less than seventy five were successfully treated! What happened to the others? Where is my cousin, RE'Aneur? My friends, their families... volunteering for the treatment and never being seen again!"

The Sergeant snarled. "Get out of my sight weakling! In order to win you must make the ULTIMATE sacrifice!" Two of the guards shoved AE'Neus out of the door.

Then the Sergeant turned to Battlebug. "Now boy, you shall find out the true meaning of pain."

=========

The roar of a crowd got louder, carrying through the water. Through a dark corridor and into a circular room with stone benches, the water freezing and lit blue by the glowing weed all about the dying city, but the guards nor their captive felt it.

The Seneschal made one last statement. "Remember. Fight well. You need to convince the crowd, but when it is time to fall I shall signal you. Fail to comply... well... let us just say it shall test your heroic motivations to the very limit if you sacrifice over a dozen lives for your ego."

The guards parted for the man as he left to take up his seat in the arena. One of the guards stood slightly apart from the others. He walked over to Frostbite, glanced over his shoulder then gave Frostbite a hard shove! "You heard him surface dweller!"

There was a chuckle behind from the other guards as they chatted amongst themselves and the lone guard leaned in. "The boy suffers. He thinks to resist will doom you. His faith in you will be his doom! However... I am working to secure the hostages release and hopefully your friends... before they perish. You must give me time though... The Seneschal will signal you, but I shall give you a sign when the hostages are free or the boy..."

"Hey! What are you saying? Get back from there." snarled a guard. "What are you talking about?"

"I was telling this air breather that I hope the General humiliates him as payment for the death of my Father and Sister. They died when an oil spillage poisoned the water and they were trying to save the sea life." said the guard.

"Well... get back. You'll have time to watch him humbled by GR'Axxus." snarled the Sergeant.

OOC this is it! Any plan or use of defensive powers etc? Heck, if you wanted to you could go intangible and simply escape...

Admin wrote:"Well... get back. You'll have time to watch him humbled by GR'Axxus." snarled the Sergeant.

OOC this is it! Any plan or use of defensive powers etc? Heck, if you wanted to you could go intangible and simply escape...

Frostbite ground his teeth, he was no coward, but he was no showboater either.  Bullys like this take a good pounding, but this was a people humiliated and humbled, beaten and bitter.  There was a lot of pain here, and if he got out of this using Wandafar's brain to start helping reverse the damage done to the seas and getting the Atlanteans recognised as a sentient race and sovereign nation might start to undo the damage done.  But all that was good and fine when one was not at the end of a trident or the threats to those you'd felt bound to protect.  Frostbite was a soldier he fought hard against enemies, but enemies here were fighting hard and dirty.  And that made him grind his teeth in frustration and anger.  Anger he'd love to vent, but for now, it would have to wait.  The Soldier - like so many of these noble people had show courage and a will to help his friends and the hostages.  Play for time, well he hoped he could do that sensible without making the general so furious that he went and did something stupid before the guard's people could get the others free.

OOC: No we play along, for now, giving as good as we get, but not pushing back too much.  Using fluid form to resist, density increase to offset blows putting on a show...yadda yadda...anything to make sure the others had a fighting chance and hope that I can survive this long enough to turn it around.  If the queen is here, then I want to try and find a way to get to her. Its a shame BB and Melody don't leave me, and take the hostages, but I know they'll be loyal, however he could really let lose and get them away which would create a diversion I could use, if only I could let them know?

Sj

A gate opened and Frostbite was prodded out.

He looked about. The ancient arena was dilapidated and half empty seats still held a couple of hundred Atlanteans. Guards were peppered about and Frostbite noted the Queen, a beautiful woman in her mid forties with a downcast expression dressed in black was sat in a royal box of sorts. The Seneschal, sneering and smug, sat alongside her and guards stood by.

Seeing as everything was underwater fish swum by and the place was lit up with patches of blue seaweed. The pressure of the ocean would normally affect humans badly but Frostbite was superhuman, plus he had ingested the special weed that granted him the ability to breathe underwater. He would still struggle though.

Swimming down from the royal box GR'Axxus looked imperious. "Behold! The finest the surface world has to offer!" he addressed to the crowd. "These foul criminals continue to spoil our seas and kill our people directly or indirectly. Though we are naturally more powerful than a normal human we are few in number. Our buildings crumble, our fish stocks dwindle, they continue to ... help themselves to whatever they want. No more say I!" he said, a device on his voice transmitting his voice to speakers around the arena. "It is time to fight back. Recently ADVENT showed us how to enhance our natural abilities beyond what we thought possible! We can now fight on a near equal level to the surface dwellers!"

He waved a hand about that settled on Frostbite. "We will study this man and his companions. We will find a way to adapt their abilities to a form that we can benefit from! We will then strike, and show the other kingdoms that it is we, at Balacris, who should form a new Atlantean Empire and we will be at its head!" There were a few murmurs and GR'Axxus looked annoyed about the lack of cheering. "First, for your entertainment and to demonstrate our increased abilities... a battle in the arena as of old!"

He turned to the Queen who stared into the Arena seemingly at the ground and was nudged by the Seneschal. She raised her hand then dropped it, and GR'Axxus advanced!

OOC GRAxxus uses Density increase and Power Reserve to Water Freedom. Frostbite can use either Density Increase or Fluid Form. Fluid Form is the more defensive so we'll go with that. Your best attack is Power Reserve 10 added to Energy Blast 12 (for 22 Energy Blast) so I would suggest that as the way forward but defensive options include Dispersal which boosts to 18 and makes Frosty pretty invulnerable. if that is the option you opt for I will recalculate any damage you suffer.

GRAxxus is far faster and wins initiative.

The giant Atlantean strides up flexing huge muscles and delivers a blow to Frostbite!

AV20 + 2D M Arts + Roll(4d12)+0: 2,8,11,3,+0 Total:19 (39) vs
OV15 + 2D Acro + Roll(4d12)+0: 3,9,1,6,+0 Total:15 (30) +4 (to 25) vs RV16=9RAPs damage Frostbite down to 2/11 Body. If you went with Dispersal that would be no damage (with RV29 but Dispersal 18 is higher than Graaxus body but not when he is using Density Increase)

A swing sends Frostbite sprawling through the water and he notes that underwater, in GRAxxus' element, he was supremely fast, ultra strong and incredibly durable!

The crowd roared its pleasure as Frostbite was under attack!

OOC Your Power Reserve of 10 can be switched through various powers. Dispersal 8 is one, Energy Blast 12 is another. You can attack physically (hard to hit) or energy blast (made tricky underwater)

Admin wrote:OOC Your Power Reserve of 10 can be switched through various powers. Dispersal 8 is one, Energy Blast 12 is another. You can attack physically (hard to hit) or energy blast (made tricky underwater)

OOC: Ugh, that was hard.

Frostbite felt that and dispersed his body so that the blows would not connect so powerfully whilst giving the illusion of being hit and he responding in like kind. He imagined playing with Jimmy and Mike his two best friends from years ago. Barnie Ross of Frankie Click, boxing champions the boy's father's had talked about and pretending to go a few rounds in the ring together. This was nothing like that. The Seneschal was right to admire the power they'd gained but at what cost?

OOC: So I will remain dispersed or there is a real danger of me getting knocked out. I'll pretend to do push back by flying back, and or play-acting as in the movies, allowing him to connect, but letting it appear that he is hurting me when clearly he won't be. I'll gage what I do from the crowd's reaction so that I make that the focus of what I do. And try and play along as best I can. I might try and get a few licks in, or use my energy blast swapping energy reserve from dispersal to energy blast if possible to see that we get a few licks back in. But I'm looking to play along for a time and look out for the signal.

Sj

Frostbite dispersed himself just enough so that there was some contact, flung a clumsy fist back, took a kick between the legs (which he didn't feel) and blasted at GR'Axxus in what was not much more than a slightly warm light show.

GR'Axxus leaned in "Stop using your powers... or I will give the signal for the hostages to die!"

Suddenly Frostbite knew he was in trouble.

GR'Axxus wanted more than a show... he wanted a pound of flesh, a chance to show his superiority! Underwater he WAS more powerful than Frostbite... but Frostbite could remain completely invulnerable to GR'Axxus' every move if he so wanted! He could continue to avoid the blows but that would make the General angry and others would pay the price...

Admin wrote:Suddenly Frostbite knew he was in trouble.

GR'Axxus wanted more than a show... he wanted a pound of flesh, a chance to show his superiority! Underwater he WAS more powerful than Frostbite... but Frostbite could remain completely invulnerable to GR'Axxus' every move if he so wanted! He could continue to avoid the blows but that would make the General angry and others would pay the price...

This was bad, not only did he want to show his superiority he wanted to humiliate the people of the surface and their strongest paragons of so called virtue. Frostbite felt like the prizefighter who'd been told to take a dive in the last round. It felt wrong, but so did the whole situation. It was wrong because without Advent this situation would never have escalated to this level. It was wrong because the Atlanteans had been losing ground for years to pollution and apparent indifference. It was wrong that Frostbite had to take some licks, but as a soldier one willing put oneself on the line for others, teammates, squadron or otherwise. Was this any different? Was this like some sort of ritual torture, he didn't have to like it, but he would do whatever it took so that his life counted for something, and it was only pride that would keep him from otherwise doing this.

Nodding imperceptibly to GR'Axxus, Frostbite materialised again and stole a glance at the soldier, the timing was everything this day.

OOC: Wow goes to show when you are over a barrel even the simplest of fights can be never tinglingly difficult. Anyway, I'll take the licks, humiliation is something you don't get to feel if, despite what someone puts you through, your sense of self-worth is located in a place that it can't be taken from you.

Sj

GR'Axxus grinned. This was going to hurt. A lot. Something would break. The pain would be greater than any he had...

'The solider' said Frostbot in Frostbites head.

Frostbite risked a glance and saw the soldier who'd been trying to get the hostages out was nodding, his hands clasped on his trident.

The Queen was still surrounded by soldiers and the Seneschal who himself was grinning and nodding...

Just then he heard a THWACK! and GR'Axxus scowled. "What?"

There was a disturbance and several guards ran to an entrance to the arena... then one flew out backwards through the water!

ZeeeeeAPPPPPPP!!!!!!

A loud sound echoed through the water causing all the Atlanteans to clutch their heads in pain and shock whilst the fish swum off and away!

"What is...?" spluttered GR'Axxus.

At the entrance to the tunnel limped a youngster with the tatters of a mask and some shreds of cloth covering his modesty. His body was black and blue and blood trailed through the water. He moved with pain at every step and Frostbite saw the youngster wince in pain before giving a thumbs up... then he turned, and guards were attacking him!

GR'Axxus snarled and spat "The hostages are going to..."

"Sir!" shouted a Sergeant. "The Hostages! The woman freed them! And the boy is..."

"I know fool! Put them down! NOW! I shall deal with this one!" snarled GR'Axxus as the people in the Arena rose to their feet still clutching their heads from Melodys sonic blast!

OOC I don't like no win scenarios, but a little drama is ok. GR'Axxus still acts first but you might want to decide how to apply your Power Reserve 10 points (which powers/abilities to add to) before we start this ding dong

Admin wrote:OOC I don't like no win scenarios, but a little drama is ok. GR'Axxus still acts first but you might want to decide how to apply your Power Reserve 10 points (which powers/abilities to add to) before we start this ding dong

Frostbite gritted his teeth, "I like you GR'Axxus, the you that was before bitterness and a lust for power gripped your heart and twisted you into this pitiful thing that would see his own people crippled to gain the throne. You will die a very lonely man & whatever the outcome you will find that power makes for a paltry life."

Moving back into his dispersed form, he saw no point in trading blows with GR'Axxus rather let him try his best for a moment whilst Frostbite got to grips with the situation. But he knew he would have to put the this would be pretender down.

OOC: OK going to have to try and see if we can freeze the guy into place. See how well his strength does if I stop him from moving for a bit. So I want to control the water down here by turning it all into ice, and then disperse through it to get to the Seneschal and the queen.

Sj

OOC Power Reserve 10 goes into Dispersal 8 boosting it to 18. Frostbite has 'partial' solidification so that he is dispersed (phased)... aside from a hand which allows him to be defensive and attack in the same round. However he can be struck but its much harder to do so.

GR'Axxus snarls and swings with blow after blow at Frostbite!

OOC CRIT BLOW AV15 + 3D M Arts (1D Acro) + Roll(5d12)+0: 12,3,8,8,10,+0 Total:16 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 12,9,+0 Total:37 (52) vs
OV10 + 4 Crit Blow + Trick Shot 4 + 2D Acro + Roll(4d12)+0: 8,1,7,12,+0 Total:20 (38) +5 (to 26) vs RV29 (-6 Crit Blow=RV23)=6 RAPs damage. Frostbite reduced to 5/11 Body

Crack! Arggh! Though only his hand was partially dispersed the super dense form of GR'Axxus catches some part of his hand and sends shooting pain up his arm!

Frostbite attacks with Ice Production but without the power reserve added to boost it the power is pretty much ineffectual.

OOC No point in rolling but you never know.

Ice Production 5 + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,9,+0 Total:11 (16) vs
OV15 + 1D Acro + underwater penalty 4 + Roll(3d12)+0: 3,1,5,+0 Total:8 (27) Attack Missed.

GR'Axxus laughs at the feeble attack Frostbite puts out! "I will strike some part of you again! Your attempts to avoid me by becoming a ghost will NOT work!"

=========

Battlebug was in poor shape but the damage was only skin deep. The beating he'd taken had mostly been absorbed by his ability to take the sting from Kinetic impact. That had been tested to its limits but he needed it to look convincing!

Now he was in trouble though.

Underwater, surrounded by enemies and his friend/boss/mentor in trouble with the new lady - Melody - tasked with setting the hostages free. So, no pressure then!

OOC Go for broke +6/-9 Adren Surge 21 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,6,+0 Total:18 (39) vs
Pow Reserve 7 + 6 GFB + Roll(2d12)+0: 10,11,+0 Total:21 (34) +3 (to 24) vs RV7 - 9 GFB (-2)=26 RAPs. Power Reserve up to 33.

12 points to Dex (up to 20) 21 to Str (up to 27)

Multi Attack on four Atlanteans...

CRIT BLOW AV20 + 3D M Arts + Roll(5d12)+0: 7,6,4,12,11,+0 Total:23 (43) vs
OV11 + 4 Multi + 4 Crit Blow + 4 underwater penalty + 2D Acro + Roll(4d12)+0: 1,8,6,4,+0 Total:14 (37) +3 (to 30) vs RV 16 + Multi 4 - Crit Blow 6 (RV14)=16 RAPs each. All four are smashed unconscious!

Frostbite saw out of the corner of his eye the tunnel where Battlebug had appeared was suddenly a flurry of bubbles and thrashing limbs!

Then the youngster popped out and looked around again, giving a grin and a thumbs up! Around him were unconscious Atlanteans!

OOC Do you want to adjust your powers this time? Possibly to boost energy blast or stay on the defensive? Also you may want to absorb some of that damage because another hit will KO Frostbite. Dispersal (Phasing) would normally render Frostbite invulnerable to many attacks but GR'Axxus is using Density Increase meaning his effective Body is 21 vs Dispersal of 18 and therefore able to affect Frostbite. That's all crunch stuff all you need to know is that:

Graxxus can hurt you.
You need to use Power Reserve wisely
There are times to fight... and times to consider a tactical retreat. This is GR'Axxus playground after all...

Admin wrote:Graxxus can hurt you.
You need to use Power Reserve wisely
There are times to fight... and times to consider a tactical retreat. This is GR'Axxus playground after all...[/i][/color]

OOC: Oh yes let's absorb some of that damage or as much as we can reasonably do so. And add power reserve to full dispersal so I can escape and team up with BB, to get to the Queen.

"Another time, GR'Axxus, another time..." Frostbite said as he went into full dispersal and tried to fly over to his friend to stand with him.

OOC: So I want to make sure we get the hostages out, but I know GR'Axxus will kill this little rebellion so we need to keep the momentum going if we have a chance not to turn this into a worse situation. GR'Axxus will be a problem soon, but I want to regroup with BB and Melody before I take him on alone again.

Sj

OOC All damage absorbed (21HP for 6 Body damage) Frostbite is on 11/11 Body (full) and 56HP

"Haha! You run from my mi... wait... where are you going?" bellowed GR'Axxus.

Frostbite more or less flew through the water. Dispersed as he was his movement was not hampered (OOC seems reasonable) and putting distance between himself and the Atlantean General seemed to be a good idea.

"Hey boss!" said Battlebug as he snapped another Atlantean trident in half. "Melody is making her way through this place with one of the guards who seemed pretty cool. He mentioned you were in trouble against GR'Axxus but from what I can see you had him where you wanted him."

Frostbite looked about. There were four hulking Atlanteans lying around.

"Oh these guys? Once I'm not tied up and trying to stay alive they ain't so tough." he added before SNAP another trident added to the pile. "Won't be using those pig stickers ag... uh oh."

Frostbite looked into the darkness of the tunnel to see a door had opened and a group of Atlantean soldiers were pouring out...

"Too many to fight?" asked BB. He looked over his leaders shoulder and muttered "Yeah, here comes big bad."

Another side door in the tunnel opened. They had a choice of going back into the arena where GR'Axxus was faster, more agile and as strong as Battlebug or...

A female Atlantean hissed "This way! Your friend is helping us get the hostages out but we may have a problem!"



BB glanced at Frostbite, the oncoming soldiers and the mouth of the tunnel where GR'Axxus would soon be and muttered "I think going with the hottie is best in this case." He ducked down the tunnel.

The door closed behind and Frostbite sealed it with a mass of solid ice. It would melt eventually but slow down the normal Atlanteans. GR'Axxus would make short work of it when he got there.

"There are many of us who feel that war with the surface dwellers is a bad idea, and many of us have seen no trace of family or friends who submitted to the 'enhancement'. I am one of the Queens handmaidens. We act as guards too and though we are capable fighters none of us can resist the power the ADVENT serum has given the others who follow GR'Axxus. Thankfully some who feel like us have not... turned to GR'Axxus side after taking the serum." she explained after swimming through the corridors which lead to the old crumbling palace overlooking the arena.

"There are not enough of us to resist GR'Axxus though who is mighty indeed. I will lead you to the Queens chamber. Youo *must* get the Queen out safely and to another Atlantean city! Balacris has fallen under the sway of GR'Axxus and the Seneschal RO'Darn who stands at GR'Axxus side as the power behind his attempt to win the throne."

"We need to get the hostages out." explained Frostbite.

The woman gave a pained expression. "But my Queen..."

Battlebug glanced between the pair and said "Frosty, we can get the hostages out and get back down here, or... I can try to get the Queen free. Whatever you say, you're the boss."

The youngster was swimming in what amounted to shredded swimming trunks and not much else. His costume was torn away and bruises covered his body but he seemed up for a fight. Brave? Perhaps to a fault.

The woman added "My name is AR'Adenn. Please... promise me. We MUST get our Queen free and away from this place! They seek to start a war she wants no part of and is still grieving the loss of her Husband the King, which sparked off this series of events that leave us on the edge of war with the surface! If we do fight... we will lose! GR'Axxus and the others are too blind to see that! if they manage to unite and empower all the Atlantean cities though... they will use their water controlling powers to create a great wave that washes over the land!"

Admin wrote:The woman added "My name is AR'Adenn. Please... promise me. We MUST get our Queen free and away from this place! They seek to start a war she wants no part of and is still grieving the loss of her Husband the King, which sparked off this series of events that leave us on the edge of war with the surface! If we do fight... we will lose! GR'Axxus and the others are too blind to see that! if they manage to unite and empower all the Atlantean cities though... they will use their water controlling powers to create a great wave that washes over the land!"

Turning to Battle Bug Frostbite with a heavy heart spoke urgently. "Battle Bug you have more than proved yourself, son. You've done amazing and been incredible brave given the nature of this little foray and all that its asked of us all. You've shown metal and character beyond your years. But now I'm going to have to ask you to help Melody get those hostages out of here. They more than anything prove why we are not like GR'Axxus and why we must help the rest of this city. I've been down here before and I can survive far longer than you. Melody needs a hand, lad, can I rely on you?"

Frostbite new he could move fast if he was fully dispersed and flew through the water more than Battle Bug or Melody, but he was wanting to enlist Battle Bug's choice in this not just tell him what to do - he deserved that.

OOC: OK hopefully BB sees the wisdom of getting out the hostages when we are done here, I'll tell him to inform Catherine and Wandafar what is going on and get some back up, we might need Dawson in on this not to mention Justin.

Sj

Battlebug frowned. "What, and leave you with those goons? I... uh.. that's not right boss! I can fight! I can..." he looked at Frostbite who'd not replied and sighed "Ok, I'll do that. Melody is even newer than I am according to what she said. She might need help... and she's hot!" he said, brightening up!

"I'll get those guys out of here, you can rely on me! And... I'll be back!" he said in a poor imitation of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

AR'Adenn watched the youngster go. "He seems brave but foolish. His power is not in doubt, but can he be trusted to make sensible decisions?" she asked.

Frostbite watched the youngster go, making his way through the water with a combination of swimming, jumping and pulling himself along.

If there were guards at the hostages, Frostbite felt sure that even though they were powerful and in their element both BB and Melody could handle them. Well, sort of sure.

AR'Adenn hissed "This way!" then swum off down a side passage, glanced around then pushed at a rock. A hidden passage appeared and only Frostbites blue chestplate lit the way as the Atlantean could 'see' with sonar. Still, being dispersed he could move easily through stone or metal of most types and they soon appeared at a panel above them. "This is a secret hatch the Queen told me about in case of... well, this. A coup attempt. We don't know if GR'Axxus knows about it though. I hope not."

Taking the lead Frostbite raised his head through the floor.

Looking about he saw a large open throneroom with marble tiled floor, pillars all about and in the distance a veranda/viewing area which overlooked the arena. There were about a dozen guards and though the cries of the crowd drowned out what was being said it was clear the Seneschal was barking orders to guards and keeping a close eye on the Queen and her handmaiden. The Queen was basically a hostage...

=========

Battlebug made his way through dark corridors using his sonar and ultra vision to see and feel his way through the darkness.

It was cold down here and he felt it but was able to resist far longer than an ordinary human. The pressure down here would have crushed an ordinary human too but his powers protected him. Still grumbling after being effectively ordered to go find the hostages he felt sure that Frostbite would need him against that bully. His boss was smarter, more versatile and as powerful in different ways especially with that amazing energy blast and ability to phase but Battlebug felt in a one on one fist fight with that fish man goon he could prove his worth.

He hoped he'd get chance and maybe, just maybe learn some stuff along the way from Frostbite who was obviously the greatest superhero who ever lived.

Rounding a corner he scanned about then moved to a door. The fifth he'd checked. This old palace was a maze, and half of it was crumbled away! Where would the prisoners be kept?

Somewhere with air. He moved to a window looking out over the blue glowing undersea city.

"Ah ha!" he said to himself, looking at a dome of a building with tiny air bubbles coming from it. Occasionally half a dozen Atlanteans would swim down from the surface dragging a strange net that bulged up. The deeper they swam the harder and slower the progress. They were bringing air down from the surface!

"You're a genius!" he chuckled to himself.

"Genius?" said a voice behind. "I wouldn't say that." said the cruel sergeant who masterminded his beating! The half a dozen Atlanteans with him levelled tridents!

"Well, I'm usually smart, except when I ignore my sonar.." said Battlebug, sheepishly.

=========

"I need to get you out of here." said Melody, her voice carrying through the water. "i can't go into the air so you'll have to go in the water." she said to the dozen or so gathered Oil Rig workers in the partially collapsed building with the dome.

"But the water pressure will crush us!" said one.

"And we're already freezing to death." said another, nearly blue with cold.

Melody frowned... then turned. Someone was coming!

Admin wrote:Looking about he saw a large open throneroom with marble tiled floor, pillars all about and in the distance a veranda/viewing area which overlooked the arena. There were about a dozen guards and though the cries of the crowd drowned out what was being said it was clear the Seneschal was barking orders to guards and keeping a close eye on the Queen and her handmaiden. The Queen was basically a hostage...

OOC: I like how you are doing the other characters as a narrative so that I get to act for FB but the others I get to see the consequences of my decisions whilst you decide their fate. On one level really hard, but no more so than it would be in real life where FB might order them to do something and no, know more until they were back together.

Frostbite moved slowly the attention being drawn by the others. Could he add his power reserve and blast away the guards, to leave the queen free. It was a big ask but what else could he do, but go for the big moves whilst he had the opportunity to catch them cold, as it were.

OOC: OK Going for Devastating attack on as many as I can blast with my Cold Energy blast, with power reserve brought in and using HP to buy 3 dice. When I've hit as many as I can I'll signal AR'Adenn so we move quick to protect the Queen and try and get her away from the others.

Sj

Having moved into the room and partially solidified in his slush (fluid) form, Frostbite took aim with both hands...

OOC Frostbite HP 56

Power Reserve 10 to boost Energy Blast 12 up to 22.

DEV ATTACK AV22 + 3D (cost 21HP Frostbite down to 35HP) + Roll(5d12)+0: 10,9,10,1,10,+0 Total:20 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 12,9,+0 Total:41 (63) vs
OV11 + Multi Attack on ten (most he can target) + 8 + 8 Dev Attack + 3 range + 4 difficulty under water - 4 Surprise attack (no acrobatics) + Roll(2d12)+0: 4,6,+0 Total:10 (40) +7 (to 29) vs RV16 +8 Multi attack - 12 (Dev Att = 12RV)=17 RAPs. Crunch.

Blasting his most potent energy blast out, avoiding hitting any non guards (not hard considering most of the guards are surrounding the Queen) Frostbite blasted away, catching them by surprise and smashing into them like a bowling ball into skittles!

Each one struck pinged through the water and landed in limp piles...

Only two were left when the churned up water cleared!

The Seneschal, on the floor in a heap peered up, pulling his hands from over his head. "What...? Don't just stand there! He's one man! Get HIM!"

The Guards levelled their tridents and blasted at Frostbite!

OOC Dex 11 + 5D Weaponry + Roll(7d12)+0: 10,4,2,6,9,8,4,+0 Total:19 (30) vs
OV15 + 2D Acro + 4 difficulty underwater + 3 Range + Roll(4d12)+0: 10,2,12,6,+0 Total:22 (44) attack missed. Went for the high roll as the last few low doubles have been garbage!

Dex 11 + 5D Weaponry + Roll(7d12)+0: 6,4,5,9,3,9,12,+0 Total:18 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 12,4,+0 Total:34 (45) vs
OV15 + 2D Acro + 4 difficulty underwater + 3 Range + Roll(4d12)+0: 7,4,12,7,+0 Total:14 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 8,6,+0 Total:28 (50) Attack missed

Both blast with no little skill at Frostbite and his barely solid slush ice crystal form was required to dance and step around the blasts.


OOC Roll(3d12)+0:
6 Frosty (34),
4 Guard #1 (29)
1 Guard #2 (26)

You win initiative. No surprise this time! You are using Fluid Form - it's better than Dispersal in its unenhanced state as it makes you harder to hit AND to damage rather than just to damage (Dispersal). You have many powers which kind of do a similar or same thing but you can also look at that as options. In a straight up min/max way piling all those points into a force field would have been better bang for buck but we started from a base of the GH character and there's more to Frosty than just being a blasting brick! Over to you...

Admin wrote:The Seneschal, on the floor in a heap peered up, pulling his hands from over his head. "What...? Don't just stand there! He's one man! Get HIM!"



OOC Roll(3d12)+0:
6 Frosty (34),
4 Guard #1 (29)
1 Guard #2 (26)

You win initiative. No surprise this time! You are using Fluid Form - it's better than Dispersal in its unenhanced state as it makes you harder to hit AND to damage rather than just to damage (Dispersal). You have many powers which kind of do a similar or same thing but you can also look at that as options. In a straight up min/max way piling all those points into a force field would have been better bang for buck but we started from a base of the GH character and there's more to Frosty than just being a blasting brick! Over to you...

Frostbite again aimed, seeking to stop the guards before the Sensachals orders could be carried out. Meanwhile, he shouted back to AR'Adenn "Defend your Queen!"

Sj

FROSTBITE HP 35

Targeting both guards Frostbite shouted for AR'Adenn to get to the Queen!

The Seneschal snarled "They are trying to kill the Queen! Stop them!" and he stood with a snarl on his face, snatching the wrist of the Queen and striking her across the face. Shocked, the Queen was dragged by the Seneschal towards the balcony where the politician shouted "GRA'Axxus! ATTEND ME! THE HUMAN IS HERE!"

Frostbite grit his teeth and took aim!

OOC Devastating Attack again? Crit Blow? HP? Target one or both guards? you can also target the Seneschal but that would be a 'trick shot' in order to miss the Queen and if you fail, you miss all three targets and may hit the Queen!

Admin wrote:FROSTBITE HP 35

Targeting both guards Frostbite shouted for AR'Adenn to get to the Queen!

OOC Devastating Attack again? Crit Blow? HP? Target one or both guards? you can also target the Seneschal but that would be a 'trick shot' in order to miss the Queen and if you fail, you miss all three targets and may hit the Queen!

Frostbite aimed again at the remaining guards, seeking to avoid the Queen at all costs.

OOC: Devastating on the guards, but not the Queen or Seneschal, I don't need to miss him and play into their hands enraging everyone against me. Good call on the fluid form I should note that on the character sheet sometime

Sj

OOC Switching Power Reserve 10 to Energy Blast 12 (Energy Blast now 22)

EB22 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,9,+0 Total:21 (43) vs
OV11 + 8 Dev Attack + 3 range + 4 difficulty under water + 2D Acro + Roll(4d12)+0: 1,4,11,4,+0 Total:8 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0:
6,5,+0 Total:19 (45) Attack Missed

Frostbite can't quite blast them and knows he's poured in too much power at the expense of accuracy (literally, a Crit blow would have done less damage but would have hit for certain)

The two guards swim up to Frostbite to attack him in a pincer fashion!

OOC Dex 11 + 3D Weaponry + Roll(5d12)+0: 7,6,1,3,9,+0 Total:16 (27) vs
OV15 + 2D Acro - team attack 2 + Roll(4d12)+0: 5,4,2,5,+0 Total:10 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 6,1,+0 Total:17 (30) Attack Missed

Dex 11 + 3D Weaponry + Roll(5d12)+0: 6,10,5,4,11,+0 Total:21 (32) vs
OV15 + 2D Acro - team attack 2 + Roll(4d12)+0: 9,3,5,4,+0 Total:14 (27) +3 (to 20) vs RV16= 4 RAPs damage. Frostbite is on

FROSTBITE HP 35 BODY 7/11

Initiative Roll(3d12)+0:
6 Frosty (34) ,4 Guard #1 (29),2 Guard #2 (26) Frostbite is first and they are team attacking on him. Your call on whether to absorb any of those last points of damage...

Meanwhile the Seneschal struggles with the Queen and is quite violent with her, belying his status as a mere Politician! "Foolish woman! Your only chance of survival is to marry GR'Axxus and cement his place on the throne! It would be a pity if you were to fall victim to the surface dwellers attack and further reinforce the need to invade them!"

The Queen gamely battled back and struck the Seneschal across the face... to no avail! The politician laughed in her face and took her by the throat. Suddenly her handmaiden, struck down previously leapt at the Seneschal and surprised him! Though non enhanced she was still an Atlantean and powerful compared to a human! Unfortunately the Seneschal was stronger, faster and tougher and smashed out at the Handmaiden... Blood clouded the water...

==========

Melody floated through the water and waited...

ZeeeeeACCCCCKKKKKK!!! She blasted her sonic beam at the soldiers and not only struck several of them, ALL of them were somewhat disorientated as the sound interfered with their sonar!

==========

Battlebug, practically naked save for a comics code authority rag around his midriff rolled his neck. "Right then, I've battered a few of you! Who's ne.... YEEEEEOOWWWWWWW!" he cried out as the sonic blast from Melody BONGED through the water!

The Atlanteans are also caught unawares and Battlebug, though partially deafened turned and hopped out the window swimming as fast as he could through the water to where the domed building was!

He heard shouts behind him and knew in the open water he would be picked off! Swimming down into the partially ruined city beside the Arena he didn't have time to reflect on what an ancient magnificent place this must once have been...

==========

Frostbite watched as the Atlanteans in the throne room including the Queen and the Seneschal cried out and held their ears!

OOC Frosty will benefit because they will not be able to team up against him when they attack