The Nightmare of SIDE

[Arlin]

Kate shook her head slightly. That look from Blossom... she could relate to that. And hey, props to her for taking an enormous hammer to the back of the head. Still, for now she was a foe, and Kate knew she couldn't afford to get distracted. She took stock of the battlefield, noting Caleb's momentarily lowered defenses before Agent Foxglove stepped in. Good.

With a small smile, she brought a pair of portals into existence with a slight pop on Karaage.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Took care of it in the OOC Thread.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Round 4

The Ilessian spy satellite that was hovering over the fortress wasn't zoomed in enough to make out many of the details of the fight. But when Kenta's knee struck Korokke, it definitely registered the wave-like sway of the larger bamboo forest as the shockwave of the impact rolled over them, and the sudden cloud of dust that was kicked up from the ground, briefly obscuring the two fighters.

When the cloud settled, though, Korokke still stood, his arms crossed in an X before his face. In the last instant, he had managed to block Kenta's knee, and stood unharmed by his devastating blow.

And yet...

Up atop the drawbridge, Hirekatsu's eyes narrowed, his grip tightened on his teacup. He drew in a long breath from his nose, and took a short sip.

Korokke's dragons wavered, and then suddenly dispersed, the flames spraying out into uncontrolled sparks. Korokke fell back a step, into a balanced fighting stance, but wavered. Swayed. Letting out a short, surprised breath, his eyes wide, he dropped to his knees as his legs failed to support his weight.

"How...!?" he gasped out, before collapsing face-first to the ground, unconscious. Though physically unharmed by the blow, his chi had been utterly spent to absorb it.

Across the way, Aidan continued dancing circles around Karaage, scoring another perfectly-timed strike that sent his hammer flying away again. Karaage, though, weirdly wore a smile, giving an approving nod to the disintegrator. Apparently, whatever injury to his pride (not to mention straight up injury) Aidan had inflicted on him was secondary to enjoyment of having an actual challenge for a change.

Avery's tremendous chi blast rolled over the enemy forces. Blossom brought her sword up in a hard slash just before it reached her, and the energy wave split around the sword, rolling past her harmlessly. Karaage just shrugged it off.

But the defenders in the area...they didn't take it so well. One ninja managed to leap back from the blast, one hand coming up before his face in what may or may not have been some sort of mystical or focusing gesture, and escaped unharmed. But his compatriots, as well as all of the soldiers, were hammered to the ground, struck down by instantly by the Heaven Blast of the Dragon.

Wraith and Aidan struck together, and while taking a powerhouse's legs out from under him wasn't easy, it helped when you could literally take his legs out from under him if he didn't fold. Down went Karaage, dropping to the ground with another hand-shaped hole in his flesh. It was perhaps not perfectly timed - the next instant, one of Kate's portals sailed over Karaage's head - but several others still hit him, and frankly, it didn't matter how tough you were when it came to weaponized portals. They were holes in space - no matter could exist where they did, and Karaage's blood flowed freely.

Nonetheless, the powerhouse hurled himself forward, not just kipping up, but launching himself back over to where his hammer had again fallen, snatching it up and leaping back towards the fray, though not quite right into the midst of the heroes, settling into a ready stance. "Come then, warriors! If you think you can take me! Show me what you've got!"

More ninja leaped into the fray, coming at Avery, Aidan, and Prophet with distracting strikes.

Blossom leaped forward, into the midst of her opponents, and lashed out in a rapid spinning strike. Her sword split the air, a razor-sharp air slash rushing out from it around her at the enemies remaining nearby.

Lotus continued stalking through the trees, seeking the sniper, unaware that Hayseed was even then drawing a bead on her...

The bushi assembled on the wall, wary of further area strikes, and took aim, ready to provide supportive fire as needed.

Spoiler

Show

Karaage:
Free: Mobility to Instant Stand rolled in the OOC.
Move 1: Dazed.
Standard 1: Move to hammer.
Move 2: Staggered.
Standard 2: Pick up hammer.
Extra Effort 2 - Additional Standard Action: Recover Staggered.
Move-by Action: Into AE12.
End of Turn: Karaage 1 Regenerates a Bruise.

Ninja:
Move: Into the square if not already there.
Standard: Each one will attempt a Distracting Attack, one each on Avery, Prophet, and Aidan. On a hit, Toughness DC 19 vs. Damage, Will DC 14 vs. Vulnerable/Defenseless.
Avery: (1d20+8)[26]. Hit
Prophet: (1d20+8)[11], Deflected at (1d10+20)[28]. The Dream protects him. Aidan helps.
Aidan: (1d20+8)[22], Deflected at (1d10+20)[24]. Deflected
End of Turn: (1d6)[2] more join the fray.

Blossom:
Move+Standard: Whirlwind Attack on Avery, Prophet, and Aidan. Dodge DC 20 for half, Toughness DC 25/20 vs. Damage.
End of Turn: Deflect's Secondary Effect triggers.

Lotus:
Move: Fail to find Hayseed.
Standard: Fail to find Hayseed.

Bushi:
Move: Some of it, yeah.
Standard: Ready actions to Aid when a melee attack is made. The next five melee attacks made will have an Aid applied to them by two bushi at 1d20+11 (boosting defense against hero attacks, or the attack rolls of enemy attacks).

Map

All PCs are on turn

[Hyperbolic sine]

The ninjas attacked, but Foxglove was ready: one blade was cut in half, one blazed in green flames and left nothing but dust behind, and the the third survived because its user didn't even come close to hitting Prophet.

The same fate awaited the bullets fire by the bu-wait, they weren't firing? Not good, he couldn't afford to let them spoil his (or the others') attacks. Easily dodging Blossom's whirling blades, he hurled a few balls of energy at Karaage, then took a deep breath to oxigenate his muscles and darted towards the keep, Dreamtech enhancing his legs and speed.

As it turns out, the bushis' armour wasn't really designed to counter disintegration: with his punches easily passing through, Aidan could land clean hits on their solar plexus - they all dropped without a sound, as did the ninjas he targeted on his way back to the Champion (who unfortunately seemed to have adapted to Aidan's feints).

"Sorry for the wait." he said, taking those extra moments needed to strike at the same time as Kenta.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move, Standard: see OOC.
EE Standard: Accurate 4 Defensive Charge Karaage #1, Team Attacking with Kenta at with Corrosion Punch at (1d20+9)[10]. Strength DC (1d20+9)[28]+5 vs Crag Hammer flying away, Toughness DC 19 24 vs Weaken Toughness, and either (@+5 for Teamwork) +5 to Kenta's Rank or Toughness DC 24 29 vs Damage.

Deflected at 1d10+20, Exhausted next round.

[SuperCracker]

For a moment, Kenta was worried. He’d thrown everything he had into that attack, and Korokke was still standing! Kenta hovered in mid-air, his knee still raised. Flying people can freeze in position very easily. Noah’s chest rose and fell with breath in the moment before Korokke fell to his knees and dropped.

Kenta did it… and he did it without being on death’s door. A smile broke out onto his face.

“Cause I fight for others, that’s how.”

Kenta turned around and watched the others fighting Karaage and Blossom. With the duel completed, Kenta could honorably join in the greater battle. And oh how he would join it.

Still hovering off of the ground, Kenta brought both arms out to his sides, stretched out fully. He started to gather all the chi he could muster. It turns out that it’s a lot. A white aura flared up around the Champion and the earth began to tremble. Spiritual pressure built up drastically in a short amount of time. Kenta grunted and did his best to focus his breathing. He was drawing forth more than he rightfully should at any one time. Such a task was draining.

He then brought his hands close together, palms open, facing Karaage. A ball of white-blue chi formed within his grasp. Flares of energy flew off of it. It took physical strength to hold his hands in place and aim. When it was fully gathered, Kenta made Dymara proud by shouting the name of his attack.

“FINAL FLASH!”

The ball exploded towards Karaage in a beam… a really, really, and I mean really big beam. The attack was massive, carving a line through the battlefield as it raced towards Karaage. The SIDE Satelittes definitely saw this, because the attack was easily visible from space. The mass of energy rushed towards Karaage and slammed into him with a direct hit.

[Thokk_Smash]

On top of the outpost, Wraith takes a moment to catch his breath. From what little he can see from his position (crouched on the rooftop so as to present as little of himself as possible), it seems the battle is taking a bit of a turn. Korokke down at the kid's hands, and Karaage taking a beating from Foxglove and the kid. He continues to watch, and wait for his chance, as the battle rages on.

Spoiler

Show

Move: Staggered

Standard: Recover off Exhaustion

Spoiler: QD only, pls

Show

Spending a Tai success to get the following invention: Unkie Wraith's Boo-Boo Belt (name courtesy of Tai): Regeneration 10 (Unreliable--5 turns of healing).

Free action at the end of the round: Regenerate one Bruise. 4/5 turns of healing left.

Status: Bruised 1, Staggered, Fatigued
HP: 1
Luck: 0/4

[Arlin]

Kate cursed under her breath as Karaage dropped at just the right time to send her aim off. Still, it hadn't been a complete waste. Slipping through a portal to stand with her allies, she turned and send another volley into the juggernaut.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move: Portal Step to Z10.

Standard: Destructo Disks on Karaage. (1d20+12)[23]Hit! On hit, DC 23+Multiattack HAD vs damage.

Status: Fatigued

[herodofcows]

Hayseed pounces, and all the doubt goes away.

In those rarified moments before her quarterstaff impacts the base of her foe's skull, everything feels electric. Her skin tingles, her pupils dilate, the tension coagulates into bundles of maximum possible force. She is elated. She is enraptured.

It all comes back: every moment spent perched on a roof, or busting through hired security, or standing toe-to-toe with a Dreamer, all of the glories and delights of fieldwork . . . it's all too sweet to refuse.

I can never go back behind a desk again.

THWACK

"Hiya! What's your name, sweetie?"

She darts into the bamboo once more, slipping into cover and surveying her foe delightedly.

She didn't track me! Ha! I've still got it!

Spoiler: OOC

Show

All rolls done in the wrong OOC, but done nonetheless.

[Dodgeson]

The protective aura around Avery met Blossom's air slash without faltering and the same went for ninjas strikes (he was really going to miss being able to tank through hits instead of just shaking them off when they left Dymara), though that wasn't the reason that martial artists had failed to distract him from the task at hand, that honour went to Karaage. He had thrown everything that he had at the powerhouse and had practically nothing to show for it, just like Dadram, just like the Porello goons...

Avery stopped that train of thought right there, this wasn't the time or the place for self pity, that over sized goon wanted to see what they could do then that's what he was going to get!

Energy surged between Avery's hands as he clasped them together, thrusting his palms forward it blossomed in to a ball almost as large he was that surged towards the Champion.

"LION'S ROARING BULLET!!!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Free Action: Variable to Ranged Damage 10 Linked to Ranged Affliction 10 (Impaired&Vulnerable/--/--, Fort)(Extra Condition)(Limited Degree x2)
Standard Action: All-Out/Power Attack +5 at Karaage (1d20+10)[26] DC30 Toughness Save and DC25 Fortitude Save vs Impaired&Vulnerable if that hits
End of Turn: Regain a point of Toughness

HP 2
Status -2 Toughness/Fatigued/-5 Active Defense

[Hyperbolic sine]

As Avery's energy ball hit Karaage, Aidan weaved around the powerhouse and exerted himself to quickly deliver a disintegration-powered punch to his kidneys.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

EE Standard: Power Attack with Corrosion Punch at (1d20+5)[20], Toughness DC 30/25 vs Damage/Weaken Toughness.

[Dorni]

Prophet blinked the last of the Vision's glow from his eyes and surveyed the battlefield, trying to reestablish his bearings. The Vision he'd just recieved had been alarming. A foretelling of dire things to come, made worse by the certainty that it would come to pass. But there was a season for all things, and the time to tell of this Vision was not now.

Prophet turned - to address the great Champion and his tea cup. "Sir Hirekatsu, you established the terms of this Challenge - that my associates and I would engage in combat against this keep's defenders until one side is unable to continue." Prophet spread his hands to encompass the battlefield, where dozens of bushi and ninja lay fallen, and even Koroke and Karaage lay defeated. "I respect the skills of this keeps' defenders, but I believe it is clear who will prevail here. With due respect to the skills and bravery of those who remain, my team has suffered only minor injuries so far and Blossom alone cannot hope to prevail against us all. Allowing this Challenge to continue further only serves to create unnecessary injuries and suffering, the very thing Queen Dymarra established the tradition of Challenges to avoid."

"I ask that you recognize the outcome of this skirmish and let there be an end to the fighting. If you do so, as a Healer I will gladly join you in the spirit of ending unneeded suffering and offer to use my Gift to treat your wounded."

Spoiler

Show

Move: Talk Down Hirekatsu: Persuasion (1d20+20)[35]
Standard: Readied Action: If Blossom attacks a target within range (himself or Avery), Blessing of Protection. Avery and Prophet are Deflected at 1d10+22 and Healed at 1d20+1. If she attacks a distant target, Heal the primary target at 1d20+10.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Aidan scored another solid blow on Karaage, not only causing him to drop his weapon again, but sending him staggering backward, even his augmented toughness and regenerative abilities unable to keep the pace with the sheer volume of damage the disintegrator could inflict. Most foes would have been down from that, but Karaage stood even in the face of crippling injury.

Of course, then came the Final Flash. Battered as he was, even Karaage wouldn't be able to withstand a blast that concentrated. He managed to roll with it as it struck, though the beam still seared away the flesh from his left side. Nonetheless he kept moving, whirling back the other way as Kate sent more portals slicing his way, taking a chunk out of his right arm.

Avery's blast of pure spiritual energy caught him full in the face, knocking him briefly off-balance, but for a moment it seemed like the powerhouse, badly injured as he was, had nonetheless managed to take everything the heroes could throw at him!

But being off-balance for even a moment was too long against an experienced SIDE agent. Aidan came in with another hard punch backed by his disintegrating power, dusting the iron-like skin and armor-like muscle over Karaage's solar plexus so the full force of his strike was felt.

Karaage dropped to one knee.

Woozily, face twisted with pain, he looked up at the heroes.

"Well...fought...warriors," he slurred out.

"Karaage...is...defeated."

"Thank...you...for...the...urrgh," the last word of the haiku was lost in a groan as he collapsed onto his side, moaning.

Prophet made his offer, to which Hirekatsu responded by taking a sip of his tea. Blossom turned to face him as well. "I concur that this battle is pointless," she said. Her tone suggested that this was not a particularly new descriptor for it, but at the very least, it was now even more fitting than it had been before.

Hirekatsu looked down at them...and then jumped from the drawbridge.

He cleared the moat casually, landing on the ground...well, it was weird. He landed lightly, silently, but even so there was a sort of pressure from his landing. It didn't kick up a cloud of dust or even sway the grass, but it could be felt deep in the chest. He looked over the group of heroes, the fallen bushi and ninja and Champions, Blossom where she stood ready. Their gazes met and held for a fraction of a second.

And then in a sweeping motion, Hirekatsu turned perpendicular to the fortress, gesturing back towards it with one arm. The drawbridge dropped down to cover the moat. "The Challenge is won. You may retrieve the engineer and his work," he said with genteel formality.

"No." Blossom said. Once again, Kenta could feel that sudden, brief and controlled spike of Hirekatsu's chi.

"The terms of the skirmish did not include an entire party of foreign nationals being allowed free rein throughout a Darpon military installation. One of their number may accompany me to retrieve them. The rest will remain outside." That said, she looked to Prophet and gave an appreciative bow of her head. "Your offer to heal the injured is appreciated, and accepted with gratitude."

Meanwhile, in the bamboo forest, Lotus had just gotten smacked atop the head by a quarterstaff and, even worse, hadn't been able to track her attacker as she vanished into the trees. A certain dread started creeping down the ninja's spine. This was a situation she was all too familiar with - although rarely from this side.

To her fortune, a telepathic message from her twin informed her of the end of the battle. She folded and sheathed her fans, holding her hands up in a sign of non-violence. "The battle is over. Your side has been declared victorious. I concede defeat," she said to...well, to the general direction that she kinda thought Hayseed might be in, anyway.

Then she started heading back towards the fortress, though she still walked with care, not entirely sure there wouldn't be a staff coming at the back of her head before she escaped the shadows of the trees.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Battle over! Everyone take a Hero Point!

And while we have some epiloguey stuff still to do, as far as mechanical challenges and whatnot go, that's pretty much a wrap for this adventure! Everyone can spend any remaining Hero Points (since even throwing all these guys at you, I think I only burned through like, what, half of them? Maybe a bit less? ) for Inspirations, more setting-scale Edit Scenes,
and/or bonus Downtime Actions as suit you. They'll reset otherwise, so use 'em or lose 'em!

In other news, the Task Force has come pretty far since the adventure began. They've crippled Tara's efforts and brought in a sizable majority of the original escapees. But as we all know OOC and Prophet knows IC, the threat of Tara Ellens is far from over. The Task Force has proven their power, but they're going to need to be at the top of their game to deal with what comes next (blame Daimon, not me!) Fortunately, they have a bit of a leg up on that:

Everybody take 10 Power Points and increase your Power Level by 1!

Technically, five of these are the regular PP for advancement, and the other five are kinda "bonus" PP to help ease the burden of meeting PL caps and whatnot. If you prefer, rather than increasing your actual PL, you can stay at PL 10 but take 15 additional PP (on top of those ten - you don't lose the "bonus" PP if you do this) to expand your versatility more than your raw power. As always, you can also edit your sheets freely at this time, or even rebuild them from the ground up.

I'm also going to do a larger than usual timeskip at this point, probably around threeish months (gotta give Tara some time to do her APEX dust experiments!) before the next major episode. Due to this especially long timeskip, everyone can take 10 Downtime Actions. During this time period, everyone can also have an individual "sandbox scene" for playing out more character-centric things that haven't really gotten screen time during the adventure or whatever. I can come up with these if desired, but if you have a particular scene you'd like to play out, that is preferable! In addition, I do believe that Kate has tracked down Janis and I'm not going to try and figure out some arbitrary reason that it would take three months to confront her, so we can play out that confrontation while we're doing sandbox scenes. What I'm going to do here is give you guys a kinda partial Hero Point refresh for that - you'll each have the usual one Hero Point, but it won't count against your next adventure totals. You may also spend from your next adventure totals (including next adventure's Luck rerolls) if you need to.

However, extra little wrinkle. Janis will of course have some backup to make her not a complete pushover. If you guys use current Downtime Actions to successfully track down other named NPC villains (such as Aidan's enemy Chlorine, and remember that Ballistic is still out there) they'll be added to the encounter (with a bit of backup of their own), and the group will get an extra Hero Point each for the battle. In addition to that, you can use a Downtime Action to make a DC 20 Investigation or Intimidation check to add more escapees to the battle - up to one per degree of success. Generic escapees don't also have backup, and each one added gives one bonus Hero Point to the character who adds them for the battle. You may define some general characteristics of escapees you add - interesting background elements, or general powersets, etc. All escapees defeated in this battle count towards successes for the Hunt Escapees general downtime action. Bonus Hero Points remaining at the end of the battle will not carry over to next adventure, but can be spent afterwards for more Inspiration, Edit Scenes, or bonus Downtime Actions. So basically, make the Bonus Battle as insane as you want, after seeing what you did here I'm pretty confident you can handle it. Generic escapees will have Power Levels randomly determined between 8 and 13 (2d6/2+7), with the higher PL ones being assumed to be Tara-boosted.

Finally, although as always I'm open to this whenever, now's an especially convenient time for any questions, comments, critiques, complaints, suggestions, ideas, requests, whatever. Anything I can do to make the game more fun, let me know! One question I have in particular is, do you guys prefer there to be more role-playing setup around the meat of episodes, or getting to the main fight as fast as possible. The most recent two episodes are pretty good examples of the extremes here, with the Aisha episode having a lot more role playing and background and such (and granted, it actually got solved without a big fight, but that was more strategy than plot so whatever) while this one here was pretty much "get to crazy anime duel as fast as possible!")

[Thokk_Smash]

Seeing Hirekatsu jump down, Wraith quickly follows. He allows himself to be seen easily, his clothes slightly bloody but otherwise fine, although he appears visibly exhausted. "I will come with you to fetch my nephew," he says, giving Blossom a pointed glare. He glances askance at Hirekatsu and (with some relief at being able to relax it off) releases the dampeners on Karaage's powers.

[Hyperbolic sine]

As the green flame around his fist quickly died down, Aidan bowed to the defeated Karaage as Dymaran etiquette demanded (at least in popular culture). He was feeling smug, but he tried not to show it too much: he was perfectly aware that it had been a team effort, and that the only reason their exchange had been so one-sided was likely to be found in the enormous difference between his meager chi and that of the opponents the Champion was used to.

"Take your time, you're too old for this." he then replied to Wraith, adding "And don't forget to put their Projection Blocker back online." while giving Blossom an "if we wanted to steal your secrets, we'd already have" look.

A couple minutes later, he was already on the phone to arrange the trip back to Ilessia.

[Arlin]

Kate let out a sigh of relief, straightening to a more natural posture. She wasn't about to let her guard down, but at least the immediate and obvious threat was dealt with. She frowned a bit, concentrating as she looked at Wraith. "Give a shout if you need me... Agent," she hazarded.

Shaking her head as if to clear it, Kate took stock of her companions. Caleb was obviously worried, but physically fine. He'd speak when he was ready. Surprisingly, it seemed that everyone else had made it through with relative ease, too. Well, she presumed Hayseed had as well, she hadn't spotted her yet.

Kate turned her attention to Blossom with a respectful nod. "Tell me, miss... do you drink? Seems like we could both use one after all this. Call it 'Cultural Exchange'," she added, one side of her mouth curving up into a smile.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Persuasion check for drinks invite: (1d20+15)[22]

[Dodgeson]

"LION'S ROARING BUL..."

And like that the battle was over, Avery's follow-up blast dissipating in his hands, forcing his appearance back to normal he approached the unconscious Champion (and more importantly his hammer) whilst fishing his phone out of his pockets. With the hostilities over snagging the hammer would only drop the rest of the team in hot water but that didn't mean he was leaving without a trophy.

After a few moments futilely struggling to lift the heavy weapon he settled for simply setting placing his foot triumphantly on it and snapping a picture.

[Dorni]

Prophet bowed his head to Hirekatsu. "Thank you."

True to his word, Prophet set about providing Healing.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Blossom looks at Kate for a moment as if she had sprouted two additional heads. "I...what?" she asked.

"She's in," Lotus answered helpfully, walking by.

Blossom looked at her, looked back at Kate, and gave an acquiescing shrug, before leading Wraith into the keep.

Spoiler: Wraith

Show

Blossom leads you through the keep, down to the dungeons, to Tai's cell...where the door is still hanging open,
an unbound Tai leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe. "We ready to go?" he asks you in a chipper tone of voice despite his bruises, casually tossing an AC chip into the air with a bit of a flourish before catching it.

Blossom seemed taken a bit aback by his apparent lack of containment, but you know, she rolled with it. "I will need to have our technician review that chip before you leave, to ensure it does not contain proprietary information."

Tai, not exactly the sort to concede anything to his foes at the best of times, and well aware that the presence of "Uncie Wraith"
was a statement about where the leverage was in this situation, retorted brazenly, "Yeah, no, that's not gonna happen. Not that your "technician" could break any security or detect any hidden code I might care to develop, mind. But the possibility of getting all your dirty secrets stolen is just the risk you take when you kidnap a technopath, you idiot. You're welcome to try and stop me physically, of course, or take it to your king. I'm just sure it'll go well for you."
He finished off with the most absolutely trolling fake-friendly smile his expressive features could muster, and then brusquely pushed past her and headed for the exit.

He didn't say anything verbally, but his voice buzzed in Wraith's commlink, "Thanks, Uncle Lou. Is Tsuki okay?"

By the time Wraith and Blossom returned, with Tai in tow, Prophet was about wrapping up his healing. Korokke was glaring at Kenta so intently that his face actually felt uncomfortably warm, but any further aggression on his part was quite thoroughly curtailed by the unwavering look of disapproval that Hirekatsu was fixing him with, only broken when he averted his gaze to Tai.

"Mister Huntington, please accept my sincerest apologies on behalf of my master for your mistreatment. Your champions have secured your release, and agree that the matter is settled. You have my personal assurance that such a breach of etiquette will never happen again, and those responsible will be reprimanded appropriately."

"Sure they will," Tai returned with dismissive sarcasm, and Hirekatsu's eyes widened just slightly. To publicly doubt the given word of a Champion of Hirekatsu's level was a serious insult.

"I can see your experience has been traumatic," the Champion returned, and while his tone conveyed sympathy, there was a darker note buried within it. He looked to Kenta. "I am sure your friend wishes to return home as soon as possible. I suggest you be about it. I am glad that this matter could be brought to a satisfactory conclusion. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that if you require further interaction with my lord or his staff, it should be undertaken through proper diplomatic channels." Translation: Get off my land, outlander, and don't come back if you know what's good for you.

* * * * *

Tai had fallen asleep shortly after boarding the plane home. With the group otherwise alone in the passenger hold, it offered as good an opportunity as any to discuss the mission...or any other matters of note.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Wanted to give you guys an opportunity to bring up Prophet's vision and/or Kate tracking down Janis, if desired.

[Dorni]

Prophet rose from where he'd been tending Tai to take a seat by the group. The boy deserved his sleep. "Everyone, there's something you need to know."

The Vision had been on his mind ever since he'd first had it. For all that his Gift could explain, it was sometimes difficult to explain the full scope of his Gift itself. Not all of the Visions he was gifted with came to pass. Some Visions were unlikely to come to pass - events from far distant futures or requiring unlikely chains of events to unfold often felt thin and whispy, like they could shatter at any moment.

The Vision of Tara was not like that. Even as he'd experienced it, it radiated the feeling of being carved in stone. "While we were... participating in the Challenge, I received a Vision of things to come. You all should know about it - it was about Tara..."

Prophet laid out his Vision, first of Tara slaying Arcanis and taking the Apex Dust, then later emerging from a ruined building with Staff in one hand and a large rock glowing with the same ominous crimson light as the dust over the other.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

See the IDTC and HoM posts for refreshers. The Vision begins on the IDTC side at Spoiler 2 (Arcanis killed by lightning) and ends on the HoM side at Spoiler 4 (where she teleports away)

[Thokk_Smash]

Spoiler: In the Outpost

Show

Wraith tries to hide the smile--pfft, nah. Wraith's smirk is only a candle to his nephew's smarmy expression, but for the IN-SIDE agent it is huge. "You'll be glad for a drink before long," he says, with a look that implies all he'd done prior to the Challenge. It is not a kind look, but it is kinda a smile.

On the walk out, his expression softens. He whispers into his commlink, "Anytime, squirt. She was pretty banged up, but she's safe and sound in Verdania. Now, we just have to explain all this to your mother..."

Wraith never leaves Tai's side until they reach the plane, however long that takes. Only when the kid is resting does he go to the rest of the group. Once Prophet finishes his description of his Vision, Louis leans back in his seat. It's...a lot to take in. "Well...that's a heavy weight to consider," he says after a few moments' thought. "I don't know if your visions are immutable, but I do know: if that's Tara's plan, let's give her hell before she does it."

His expression is defiant (lowercase is important, here) as he says this, but it softens in a moment. "While we're all here, I just want to say...thank you. Thank you all so much for helping to rescue Tai. You really can't imagine what that means to me." Louis' voice is entirely sincere, his expression earnest as he looks at everyone in turn. True, rescuing Tai hadn't been the sole reason for coming to Dymara (there'd been a mecha-construction to stop). But that doesn't dampen the relief at having Tai back safe and sound.

[Hyperbolic sine]

Aidan nodded at Wraith's thanks, but his mind was too caught up in processing Prophet's words to make any witty remark. Hunched forward, his chin leaning on his fists and his elbows pressing against his legs, wearing a gloomy expression, he exhaled in a long sigh.

"Do you know when? where?" he asked, though he wasn't really expecting an affirmative answer. "We need to find and secure that stone. Then Tara will come to us."

[Dodgeson]

Avery nearly choked on his drink when Caleb related his vision to the team, coughing and spluttering the contents of his flask at anyone unfortunate to be sitting in front of him, this was bad, really bad.

"I gotta go with Foxy and what'shisname on this one. We gotta warn people, we gotta find that rock, we gotta stop Tara. That's what we do right?"

[Dorni]

"The Dream did not give me a sense of when this takes place," Prophet cautiously replied to Aiden's question. "Nor did it tell me where. The battle with Arcanis took place in what I believe was a room intended for magic, but I am no expert on that community. As for the latter Vision, I could quite clearly make out the Heros of Millaine. Millane isn't that large of a city. There can't be that many places in Millaine that would be willing to house that stone."

"But I have to caution you all. Many of my futures the Dream reveals to me are possibilities to be either steered toward or avoided. This wasn't one of those. The Dream made clear that this is going to come to pass, and efforts to change it will only make it worse. It may be difficult to accept, but the Dream is clearly telling me that this is the least bad version of these events."

"Still, that doesn't mean there is nothing we can do. We might not be able to change this from happening, but we can try to change the context in which they happen."

[Hyperbolic sine]

Aidan bit his lip in anger, then made a pained expression as if he had a headache. "Bloody precognition."

He then sighed. "The context? Then, what do you suggest?"

[Thokk_Smash]

"If we can't stop her, we can try to mitigate the fallout," Wraith chimes in with a strained voice. The thought of Tara getting whatever she got in the Vision is obviously abhorrent to him as well, but he seems resigned to the whole "mess with this and the world b*tch-slaps you twice as hard" schtick. "If we know she hits Millaine, we can make sure rescue crews and HC and ACC forces are sufficient for the damage Prophet saw. It would be wonderful if we knew what she would do with the stone itself, but with the heroes that call Millaine their playground, I think we can assume she won't get away with this without a fight."

He sighs and leans back in his chair. "Meanwhile, we keep doing what we've been doing: track her down and bring in any escapees she might be able to augment and use. She wants that stone, whatever it is? Well, let's make sure she's doing it without anything even resembling a support network."

[Quellian-dyrae]

The Task Force made their way home without incident. Wraith's sister Bethany was waiting for them at the airport when they landed. Rumors that an Alpha Storm team spontaneously found themselves gearing up for a mission at the exact moment she met her brother's gaze were almost certainly mostly false. Fortunately(?), cooler heads managed to prevail, and Lord Dikon's fortress and everyone in it was not wiped off the map via satellite discharge. If only just.

Ahem.

It was only a few days later when Kate, after months of investigation, managed to track down Janis. The umbrakinetic had fled Verdania after Kate had first started closing in on her, but Kate had persevered. Such perseverance unfortunately required keeping tabs on pretty much every report of a young girl gone missing or murdered throughout the country, but nobody said the life of a private investigator was fun. Janis had been moving around a lot, keeping a step ahead for a while, but recently her trail had led back to the city of Essleton, a fair-sized city about a hundred miles west and a bit north of Verdania, and had stayed there. Which was definitely odd.

But it became less so when Aidan's own contacts in Essleton had alerted him that Chlorine had been spotted there, in the company of her longtime associate, and every DES-SIDE agent's favorite former-prisoner, Max Victor.

That three of the escapees had all settled in the same place was definitely a red flag, and called for more direct reconnaissance. Infiltrating the enemy lair proved only nominally challenging for Wraith. Whether the news he brought back was considered good or bad, well, that depended on your point of view.

There weren't just three escapees in one city - there were ten of them, all holed up together in an old warehouse. With them were a dozen cyborgs wearing the uniforms of the Steel Fist. While he was there, Wraith was able to catch enough conversations to suggest that the escapees had come together on their own initiative, in hopes of whelming enough forces to be able to take out the Task Force. And they were obviously not planning to take chances - one discussion indicated they hoped to get at least five more escapees to join them before making their move. How they had gotten the Steel Fist to work with them, unfortunately, wasn't mentioned.

This, naturally, called for a meeting to determine an appropriate course of action.

Spoiler: What You Know About These Guys

Show

Spoiler: Jarod Mottershead AKA Headbanger

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Hair Manipulation: Array.

Prehensile Hair: Extra Limbs 3 (Projection), Elongation 4 (120'; Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]), Improved Grab, Fast Grab, Improved Hold.

Hair Swing: Extra Limbs 1 (Projection), Elongation 4 (500'; Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]), Movement 2 (Swinging [Full Speed]), Speed 6 (Limited [Swinging]).

Hair Control: Array.

Follicle Frenzy: Damage 6 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 6 (Multiattack, Limited [Grabs and Disarms], Reduced Range [Close]).

Hungry Hungry Hairdo: Damage 6 (Secondary Effect, Grab-based) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Toughness; Progressive [Limited to While Grabbed], Grab-based).

Hairspin: Damage 6 (Burst Area, Selective).

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

Jarod's powers currently only affect his own hair, but if augmented, could potentially affect the hair of others, as well as adding substantial raw power and control to his abilities.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

A member of a not-particularly-famous rock band, he was arrested shortly before the breakout for selling drugs to minors. His drugs were not exactly the best quality, and the prosecution considers it sheer luck that there haven't been any deaths connected to him (although there were some close-call overdoses). He himself is badly addicted to hard drugs, and he was not in prison long enough for any rehab efforts to take effect.

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 25

Show

Since the breakout, he hasn't so much been "laying low" as "wallowing in the squalor of his own shattered life",
staying off the radar by virtue of having no home, no friends, and no prospects. He wasn't considered high priority for retrieval; it was more-or-less assumed he'd get caught in a drug bust eventually if no one took care of him sooner. Still, he does have actual talent as a musician,
and he's not particularly malicious by nature, so if he can be brought in and rehabilitated it'd be a good thing for sure.

Spoiler: Assessment DC 10

Show

PL 9.

Spoiler: DC 15

Show

1-point Damage, Toughness, and Fortitude shift.

Spoiler: DC 20

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Penninah St. Martin AKA Risen

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Spectral Hand: Extra Limbs 1 (Projection, Indirect 4), Elongation 5 (250'; Quirk [Extra Limb Only]).

Undead Aspect: Array.

Aspect of the Ghost: Insubstantial 4 (Overcome by Holy).

Aspect of the Zombie: Immunity 30 (Fortitude); Reduced Fortitude 10.

Aspect of the Vampire: Flight 5, Regeneration 10 (Source [Blood]).

Aspect of the Skeleton: Immunity 20 (Sharp-force Trauma; Limited [Half Effect]), Immunity 10 (Life Support).

Aspect of the Wraith: Insubstantial 2, Flight 5.

Necromancy: Array.

Reaping Claw: Damage 10 (Affects Insubstantial 2) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Paralyzed; Fortitude; Cumulative); Accurate 4.

Enervation: Weaken All Abilities 10 (Broad, Simultaneous, Accurare 4, Feature 2 [Increased Cap]).

Absorb Life: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Fortitude]) Linked Weaken Fortitude 10 (Fortitude; Feature 2 [Increased Cap]) Linked Healing 10 (Restorative, Persistent, Quirk [Heal Order], Limited [Degree capped by degree of damage, Restorative capped by Fortitude drained], Limited [Self Only]); Accurate 4.

Animus: Damage 10 (Targeted Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Accurate 4, Affects Insubstantial 2).

Command the Dead: Affliction 9 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Range, Progressive, Limited [Undead Only]).

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

Penninah's powers cover much of the classic necromancy suite, but he doesn't seem to have any ability to actually conjure undead minions that last for any period of time. If he's been augmented, this sort of ability is likely to develop.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

A known associate of Janis Stephens, and probably her most devoted student. Early on he struggled with the dark nature of his power, due in large part to his traumatic Awakening that resulted in the accidental death of his four-years-younger sister, followed by his parents disowning him. Janis was instrumental in helping him overcome his fear of his powers and channel his guilt constructively. It was only after her true nature was revealed that it became known that "channel his guilt constructively" meant "use his powers to murder at Janis' direction". Janis was never one to get her hands dirty with extraneous killings - if someone had to be taken out to keep her secret safe or make her abductions easier, Penninah was the one who did the job.

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 25

Show

Penninah is nowhere over the trauma of his Awakening. Any reminder of his former family is likely to send him into an uncontrollable rage.

Spoiler: Assessment DC 18

Show

PL 9, +15 PP.

Spoiler: DC 23

Show

1-point Damage, Toughness, and Fortitude shift.

Spoiler: DC 28

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Wystan Tennison

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Photosynthesis: Regeneration 6; Enhanced Regeneration 4 (Source [Sunlight]), Feature 1 (Sustained by sunlight).

Phytomorphic: Immunity 2 (Critical Hits), Immunity 2 (Poison, Disease; Limited [Doesn't apply to those that could work on plants]), Morph 2 (Plants of equivalent size), Enhanced Stealth 4 (Limited [Only within lots of plantlife]).

Morphic Vines: Damage 8 (Reversible) Linked Move Object 8 (Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 4, Extra Limbs 4, Elongation 4 (250'; Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]).

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

Wystan's power is phytomorphism; the ability to turn into plants. If he's been augmented, it's possible he'd be able to use his powers on others, transforming their bodies entirely or partially into plantlife. This would offer him vastly more offensive potential than merely his ability to transform his limbs into super-strong vines to whack people with.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

A fifteen year old kid who has been living on his own on the streets for as long as public record has details on him - his name's definitely fake. He's had numerous run-ins with the police for things like theft and vagrancy. He only recently developed his powers, and went overboard with them last time he had been caught, attacking the police with his vines, badly injuring them (though they survived). Nonetheless, he's a minor, and up until the breakout it was SIDE's hope that by the time he got out he'd have accumulated enough money and skills from prison work and rehabilitation efforts to be able to make his way as a productive citizen.

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 35

Show

Born Jimmy Mould, his parents were both Dreamers, but were killed by Defiant when he was seven years old.
The Defiant had jobs as police officers and used that to get close to their targets, and this experience left him with a deep mistrust of police.

Spoiler: Assessment DC 22

Show

PL 10, +15 PP.

Spoiler: DC 27

Show

2-point Toughness and Fortitude shift.

Spoiler: DC 32

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Barbara and Markus Watts AKA Mantle and Core

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Spoiler: Barbara

Show

Bonded Powers: Immunity 1 (Markus' Powers), Communication Link 1 (Markus).

Elemental Speed: Speed 10.

Dreamer of Earth: Immunity 10 (All Earth Effects).

Earth Manipulation: Array,

Burrowing: Burrowing 15 (Penetrating, Limited [Earth Only]).

Stoneskin: Impervious Toughness 14, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits; Limited [Half Effect]).

Earthen Power: Regeneration 10 (Limited [Only while in contact with natural ground]), Immunity 10 (Strength-resisted effects)

Earth Control: Array.

Fist of Stone: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative); Accurate 5, Improved Critical 1.

Launch Boulder: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned; Fortitude; Ranged, Limited Degree); Accurate 5, Improved Critical 1.

Earthworks: Create 12 Linked Move Object 12 (Precise, Limited [Earth]); Accurate 5.

Magma Strike: Damage 12 (Secondary Effect, Incurable, Limited) Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Create 12 (Impervious, Continuous, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Entrapment Only], Limited); Accurate 5.

Magma Blast: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area, Secondary Effect, Limited); Enhanced Extra 12 (Selective; Limited [Must spend a move action controlling the flow of magma]).

Magma Wave: Damage 12 (Cone Area, Secondary Effect, Limited) Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled; Fortitude; Cone Area, Secondary Effect, Limited Degree, Limited); Enhanced Extra 12 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned]; Limited [Only against Vulnerable or Defenseless targets, including those who become so simultaneously]).

Spoiler: Markus

Show

Bonded Powers: Immunity 1 (Barbara's Powers), Communication Link 1 (Barbara).

Elemental Speed: Speed 10.

Dreamer of Flame: Immunity 10 (All Heat Effects).

Fire Manipulation: Array.

Body of Fire: Insubstantial 3.

Fiery Aura: Environment 5 (Extreme Heat, Light).

Cleansing Flames: Nullify Afflictions 15 (Broad, Simultaneous, Limited [Counters Only], Reduced Range [Close]).

Fire Control: Array.

Fiery Sword: Damage 12 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Incurable); Accurate 5.

Fiery Bolts: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Extended Range, Accurate 5).

Fireball: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area); Enhanced Extra 12 (Selective; Limited [Must spend a move action to precisely shape the blast]).

Lava Strike: Damage 12 (Multiattack, Incurable, Limited) Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Alternate Resistance [HAD], Limited); Accurate 5.

Lava Blast: Damage 12 (Ranged, Cloud Area 2, Limited); Enhanced Extra 12 (Selective; Limited [Must spend a move action controlling the flow of magma]).

Lava Wave: Damage 12 (Cone Area, Secondary Effect, Limited) Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Defenseless; Fortitude; Cone Area, Secondary Effect, Limited Degree, Limited); Enhanced Extra 12 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned]; Limited [Only against Impaired or Disabled targets, including those who become so simultaneously]).

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

Barbara and Markus' most powerful offenses require them to work together, combining their terrakinesis and pyrokinesis to create volcanic effects. If they've been augmented, it's possible that they'll be able to generate these sorts of attacks by themselves.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

Fraternal twins, Barbara and Markus are basically the brawn to Laraine Grober's brains. They're fiercely loyal to her and protective of each other. Like their leader, they were arrested for vigilante murder.

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 25

Show

Barbara and Markus developed their powers particularly early, before they were even two years old. This means they have had a lot of opportunity to train with them, but they're pretty wild powers and it definitely takes effort. Significant distractions could cause them to make mistakes and lose control.

Spoiler: Barbara Assessment DC 10

Show

PL 11.

Spoiler: DC 15

Show

1-point Damage shift. 3-point Toughness and Fortitude shift.

Spoiler: DC 20

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Markus Assessment DC 22

Show

PL 11.

Spoiler: DC 27

Show

1-point Damage shift, 3-point Defense and Will shift.

Spoiler: DC 32

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Laraine Grober

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Physical Enhancement: Enhanced Strength, Stamina, Agility, Dexterity 4 (Reduced Ranged Attack 4, Permanent).

Super Parkour: Flight 5 (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]).

Quick Recovery: Regeneration 5 (Limited [Bruises Only]), Immunity 1 (Sleep; Limited [Half Effect]).

WARNING! As a tactical expert, Laraine can be expected to be prepared for the most obvious strategies on her opponents' parts. Any attempt to use a power that targets or exploits a weakness of Laraine or one of her allies will allow her to make an especially effective attack on her next turn, as she exploits flaws in such predictable strategies!

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

Chances are augmentation would do little more for Laraine's powers than boosting her physical prowess further. However, it should be kept always in mind that she is an expert warrior and tactician, and her minor Dreamer power likely reflects the least of the threat she might present.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

A lethally skilled vigilante who had been operating in Verdania for decades before being captured, Laraine is a master of tactics and extremely skilled warrior to supplement her minor Dreamer power. A lone wolf in the past, as of five years ago she began working with Barbara and Markus, adding a terrifying amount of raw power to her already dangerous skillset. To be fair, a lot of dangerous Dreamers and criminals are off the streets thanks to her. Problem is very few of them were given the opportunity for due process.

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 40

Show

Laraine was a friend of Barbara and Markus' parents. When they developed their powers so early, she immediately saw their potential for contributing to her vigilante efforts. She killed their parents, kidnapped them, and raised them to help her war on crime. The irony was lost on her. She told them that her parents were killed by a Dreamer criminal (technically true!) to ensure their loyalty to her cause. In theory, if the truth could be revealed, this could cause the twins to turn against her, but it would be almost impossible to convince them of it.

Spoiler: Assessment DC 30

Show

PL 11, +15 PP.

Spoiler: DC 35

Show

1-point Attack and Defense shift.

Spoiler: DC 40

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Masuyo Preston

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Gravity Master: Immunity 10 (All Gravity Effects; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Gravity Manipulation: Array.

Rescind Gravity: Flight 10.

Gravity Field: Move Object 10 (Burst Area, Limited [Up and Down]).

Heavy Gravity: Environment 5 (Impede Movement 2; Continuous, Selective).

Gravity Control: Array.

Gravity Slam: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Gravity Well: Move Object 10 (Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close]).

Gravity Rend: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Toughness); Accurate 5.

Gravity Pull: Move Object 10 (Burst Area, Limited [Only to grab and pull]); Damage 10 (Grab-based) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Grab-based); Accurate 5.

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

Masuyo's powers, if augmented, would likely give him more control over his own personal gravity field, potentially allowing him to gravitationally push physical attacks away from him with some concentration. It should also be remembered that he typically goes into battle with a heavy impact maul; if he's been able to acquire a replacement, it would likely make his attacks that much more dangerous.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

An elderly gentleman who typically supplements his gravity-control powers with an impact maul. An IDEA physicist with a grandfatherly demeanor, he's a kindly and good-natured fellow who might have accidentally kinda-sorta destroyed an entire city block when an experiment went a little wrong and resulted in a localized black hole. He had been appropriately remorseful for his part in the deaths of nearly a hundred people, turned himself into SIDE, and pled guilty. Why he has thrown in his lot with this band of miscreants one can only speculate. He's very well-traveled, and has spent extended time in both Peral and Dymara. He's known to have a lot of stories.

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 25

Show

DES-SIDE psychological reports indicate that he's had terrible nightmares about his experiment gone wrong,
and in therapy can only talk about it for a few minutes before having panic attacks.

Spoiler: Assessment DC 10

Show

PL 12, +15 PP.

Spoiler: DC 15

Show

No tradeoffs.

Spoiler: DC 20

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Max Victor

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Cooler Than Your Average NPC: Enhanced Luck 2.

Cooler Than An NPC Has Any Right To Be: Enhanced Luck 3.

Cooler Than Your Average PC: Luck Control 2 (Negate Hero Point, Force Reroll).

Coolness By Proximity: Luck Control 1 (Grant Effect), Feature 3 (May grant an opponent beneficial GM Fiat as a Reaction; recovers a Luck Reroll upon doing so. Target may spend a Hero Point to negate his recovery while retaining the benefit, becoming immune for the rest of the scene upon doing so), Enhanced Advantages 5 (Inspire 5).

Awesome Stunt: Flight 5 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]).

Awesome Combatant: Array.

Awesome Attack: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Limited [Only against targets in reach], Variable Descriptor [Objects at hand]) Linked Affliction 10 (Entranced; Will; Perception Range, Burst Area, Selective, Sense Dependent [Sight], Limited Degree 2, Limited [Must center on self]); Enhanced Extra 10 (Secondary Effect on Damage; Limited [Only if he misses his attack next round]).

Chill, Bro: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Will], Sleep) Linked Affliction 10 (Entranced/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative, Secondary Effect, Insidious [Insight DC 20], Limited [Offensive actions only]); Accurate 5.

You're Trying Too Hard: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect, Incurable, Limited [Only against a target who used a Hero Point, Extra Effort, or All Out Attack last round]) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Transformed [Traits set to 0]; Will; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Weaken Parry and Toughness 10 (Fortitude; Limited).

You Know What Would Be Awesome?: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Area [Hearing], Selective, Cumulative, Precise, Alternate Resistance [Will to ignore Perception Area], Limited [One Command]); Enhanced Extra (Secondary Effect; Limited [Only if at least one other target of equal or greater power is at least Compelled by the effect]).

Undeniably Cool: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Limited [Target must be in reach], Limited [Only against targets who have in some way tried to mock, deny, or outdo his coolness in the last round]) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Perception Range, Limited 2) Linked Weaken Will 10 (Fortitude; Perception Range, Limited 2); Enhanced Extra (Affliction gains Secondary Effect; Limited [Only if the target is not currently suffering the conditions at time of trigger]); Feature 1 (Any actions the target fails while affected by the Affliction or Weaken from this power fail in an especially silly or humiliating way).

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

Let's be honest, Max is probably at the theoretical maximum for coolness. It's unlikely that even Tara's powers could meaningfully improve him in any way. Also, if you're looking at his powers and saying to yourself, "Oh, this guy is basically the ultimate anti-PC" you would be correct. This is why I said Hyperbolic may have doomed you all. Blame him, not me.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

Max is, just, every DES-SIDE agent's favorite prisoner. Even with his powers suppressed he's just a totally chill guy. He knows the name of everyone working in the prison, asks after their families, and he left a really classy apology note in his cell during the breakout. He's always been a casually comforting presence to other inmates in group therapy sessions, and has had unusual success nudging the more recalcitrant ones out of their shells. It was often said that the only reasons his release wasn't expedited is because everyone would have been sad to see him go. The attorney who got him convicted retired in shame. His crime probably wasn't even all that- oh. Oh he's a sociopathic Hero killer without a conscience who is responsible for the deaths of three Heroes, two ACC members, and five SIDE Dreamers? Okay, admittedly, that's kinda bad, but still, totally stand-up guy other than that!

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 35

Show

You have it. You managed to pull it from the depths of the internet. The picture. The picture of Max Victor as a skinny, acne-covered, stuttering high-school freshman with no fashion sense from before his power kicked in. Use this at your own peril.

Spoiler: Assessment DC 30

Show

PL 10, +15 PP.

Spoiler: DC 35

Show

No tradeoffs.

Spoiler: DC 40

Show

All stats at PL.

Spoiler: Cecelia Burke AKA Chlorine

Show

Spoiler: Powers On File

Show

Improved Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 6 (Reduced Dodge 6; Limited [Only against Toughness-resisted Area attacks]).

Greater Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 4 (Limited [Only against Perception Range attacks]).

Gaseous Form: Insubstantial 2, Flight 5.

Obscuring Mist: Environment 2 (Impede Visibility 1; Selective, Permanent).

Fluidity: Array.

Engulf: Noxious Form gains Perception Range, Limited to Close, Secondary Effect.

Spread: Noxious Form gains Burst Area, Selective.

Cloud: Noxious Form gains Cloud Area, Secondary Effect.

Noxious Form: Array

Chlorine Gas: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect).

Poisonous Gas: Weaken Chosen Ability 10 (Fortitude; Broad).

Corrosive Gas: Weaken Chosen Defense 10 (Fortitude; Broad).

Knockout Gas: Affliction 10 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled/Incapacitated+Asleep; Will; Extra Condition).

Pheromone Gas: Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Cumulative).

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 20

Show

If Chlorine has been augmented, it's probably improved her fluidity and control over her form,
potentially allowing her to modify the effects of her gasses in more ways. It's also worth considering that, an augmentation to her gaseous nature may make her in some ways not just less solid, but less material. If so, her gaseous state would be far more resistant to disintegration-based attacks than it used to be.

Spoiler: Details on File

Show

Cecilia Burke is a powerful Dreamer, and a former Hero gone rogue (the Assembly pays well, but crime still pays more). Her main ability is transforming her body (and her possessions) into gas, and not of the harmless variety: venomous gas is what got her the codename, but corrosion, weakening and even mind control are all effects within her grasp. She's also extremely adept at hiding and covering her tracks.

She and Max are known associates, and were originally arrested together.

Spoiler: Well Informed DC 35

Show

Rumor is that Cecilia and Max, originally bitter enemies when Cecilia was a Hero, have since become lovers.
It's uncertain if Max played a role in Cecilia turning to crime.

Spoiler: Assessment DC 10

Show

PL 12, +30 PP.

Spoiler: DC 15

Show

4-point Defense shift.

Spoiler: DC 20

Show

All stats at PL.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Meetings, however, are boring and get dealt with OOC. Let's get down to brass tacks.

The escapees' warehouse wasn't exactly hyper-secure. Projection blockers take a lot of energy to run and that's not exactly conducive to staying off the grid. Wraith had penetrated their security a couple of times now, so the team had the advantage of knowing the layout. And also the advantage of knowing that the enemy's food supply had been liberally laced with certain...substances. "Poison" was such a harsh word. Really, it was a pranking tool, at worst. Granted, a Dreamer-grade pranking tool that had been developed by IN-SIDE agents when TOP-SIDE bureaucrats were getting particularly naggy, but still! It was harmless! As long as you didn't get stuck with cleanup duty! And weren't allergic to soy!

The warehouse was guarded by six of the cyborgs - two on the roof, two before the main entry, and two patrolling the perimeter. These guards were not to be discounted. Wraith of all people had almost gotten caught by one when he was sneaking around, but fortunately a quick memory rearrangement had kept an alarm from being raised, if only just. Their technological implants definitely included some manner of powerful sensor suite.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Here's the basic map. It includes the layout inside the warehouse, which you guys have from Wraith's scouting, but not the current positions of the NPCs, aside from the cyborgs outside. The map scale is one square per ten feet, so it's roomier than it might look to those of us who were brought up on 5' squares.

The internal walls are made of stone, presumably constructed from or with help from Mantle's powers. They're Toughness 12 and block line of sight and line of effect. The outer walls are sturdy and have been reinforced, rating at Toughness 14. The single-square rooms are small private rooms, presumably for the main NPCs, while the larger room on the left is a dorm for the cyborgs. On the right, the biggest room is apparently a sort of sitting/dining area by virtue of having furniture. The three-square room in the upper right connects to it and is...well, calling it a kitchen would be generous, but it has a sink and food and like pots and pans and stuff. The 2x1 room next to the "kitchen" connects to the outer area, and is a restroom.

Wraith and one other character of Thokk's choice can begin anywhere on the map and are guaranteed a surprise round. Originally, I was intending to say others could make a Stealth check to get the same. Then I went back and looked at what senses the cyborgs actually had (since I'm using the same build as I used for the Aisha mission). Mental Quickness 6 (meaning they can process a whole lot of information at once), Analytical Vision (no probably recognizing potential threats even in crowds and such), Extended Vision (huge sight range), and when Concentrating (which the ones that are on guard are), Radius, Counters All Concealment, and Penetrates Concealment Vision. Basically, unless you've got a way around super-senses (such as Wraith's Master of Stealth Benefit), there's not any reasonable way to sneak up on these guys. Sorry about that.

Aside from Wraith and whoever he slips in with him (and anyone who might have a way around super-senses that I'm forgetting), you have to begin your approach from Distance Rank 5 from the building - once you get closer you'll be spotted by the cyborgs. You can position yourself anywhere on the map that you can reach in a single move action starting from Distance Rank 5 (you may attempt to Slam through a wall with this action if you'd like). This place does not have a Projection Blocker, so Kate can totally portal you in if desired. So let me know how you want to approach and where you want to start out. Once I know where everyone is I'll add to the map anyone they can see, roll to determine which of the cyborgs drop from the poison, roll initiative, and we can get things going. Only the cyborgs on guard are attentive enough to be able to react immediately to an assault initiated with teleportation or superhuman movement, so they'll be the only ones to roll initiative against you; the other NPCs automatically lose initiative.

Or if you have some other ideas for how to approach that works too.

Just to keep things moving, anyone who hasn't posted a position within two days I'll just assume goes with Kate. If Kate doesn't specify a position by then then my brilliant plan is foiled and I don't know what I'll do.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Somewhere around a third of a mile away, Agent Hayseed and her spotter (a quiet, serious young man by the name of Pen Burton) were set up on the roof of a ten-story hotel, just them and their sniper rifles. A lovely double date. Through their sniper scopes, they had a fine view of the two guards on the roof and the two guarding the door as they started looking...woozy. One of each pair managed to stay steady, but the other two buckled over as...well, let's just say, it was probably for the best that a sniper scope's field of view was so narrow, and easily moved.

Pushing the limits of his power, Wraith led Avery into the service entry, through the kitchen, and into the living room. Wystan was in the kitchen as they passed, scavenging around for food. He didn't notice either door opening and closing. Core, Mantle, and two of the cyborgs were in the living room, the geothermal twins sitting at the table with a bowl of popcorn between them, watching a show on the television. One of the cyborgs was sitting on a kinda ratty couch doing likewise, while the last was sitting at a desk in the corner, writing something. Hopefully it wasn't important information, since she was presently busy spewing all manner of appetizingly-colored fluids all over it. Core, Mantle, and the other cyborg all stood up when that happened - although Core swayed and steadied himself on the table, looking a bit green, as they did - their eyes going to the stricken mercenary. And affording Wraith and Avery the perfect distraction.

Meanwhile, Kate, Prophet, Kenta, and two power-armored SIDE agents that Aidan had called in as tactical support for the assault appeared in the main room. Max and Headbanger were both there, hanging out and strumming on guitars with Chlorine and one of the cyborgs listening. It was pretty clear that Max was the better performer, but he was letting Headbanger take the lead anyway, because he was the one who had done it for a living after all. Another mercenary was also in the room, inventorying some supplies. Masuyo Preston and his hammer were in the corner between the front door and the living room door, leaning against the wall and watching the performance aloofly. He was sweating a bit though, and Max was looking a bit pale. When the heroes appeared, it didn't take long for him to put two and two together. "Ugh. Poison? Not cool, guys," he guttered out.

Spoiler

Show

All PCs are on turn.

[Dorni]

Spoiler

Show

Move: Charge Dream's Decree
Standard: Dream's Decree on Max. Power Attack 2. Attack (1d20+8)[14] 25. On hit, DC 23 Will vs Affliction [Entranced / Compelled / Controlled]. This power is Cumulative, Progressive, and only affects his Dreamer powers. Linked Weaken [Will] (Will save, uses same roll). This penalty only applies against Prophet's effects.
Extra Effort: Blessing of Protection. Prophet and allies within Area 1 are Deflected at 1d10+23 and benefit from Evasion 2. The Healing effect is irrelevant.

[Hyperbolic sine]

A day ago.

When, two days before, Major General Gallows had suddenly informed MSG Jenkins and Lt. Col. Monroe that they were being lent to FIRE-SIDE for a week-long training course, the former wasn't...particularly thrilled, so to say. Currently, after having spent the day in the exciting task of teaching rookies the basics of piloting power armours, the two were enjoying a leisurely dinner.

"...and, if I may speak honestly, colonel, we're just teaching some rookies how to pilot a PA, they didn't need veterans for that. And they themselves were only told about this 'round the same time as us, what's Gallows thinking?" he lamented, his tongue a bit loosened by the beer.

For Monroe, however, this wasn't the first time she'd seen someone being lent or relocated with little to no notice by the Major General. "I bet you'll see soon enough, Jenkins." she replied, with a knowing smirk.

---

Before the assault.

"...so all that was just so that we'd temporarily be police instead of army?"

"Looks like it."

"But why didn't he tell us, then?"

"Because he has a wicked personality."

"?!!"

"The comm is already open, Jenkins. *snicker*"

"Well, should have guessed it wasn't a coincidence. Operation starts in five minutes. Get ready."

---

Now.

Upon teleporting inot the room, Monroe quickly checked the foes she could see against the list given by Gallows' son, then barked "Jenkins! Delta protocol!"

"Yessir, ma'am!" he replied, leveling a gun-shaped device at Headbanger and shouting "FREEZE!" before pulling the trigger. Monroe herself would wait that extra couple seconds before acting, ready to either shoot with the same device herself or close in on the guitarist and wallop him with her energy maul.

Meanwhile, Aidan approached the warehouse from behind at super-speed: a moment before hitting the wall, a green flame flared up around him, and a moment later the same wall had a roughly human-shaped hole in it. On the other side, the bathroom: he determined that to be the most likely place for Laraine to be, given that she hadn't been spotted yet, but if that wasn't the case he'd just keep bursting through room after room until he'd find her - and then deliver a disintegration-powered punch and hopefully knock her out before she could do anything.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Note that due to conditional actions, I haven't placed/moved anyone on the map yet.

==Jenkins (SA1)==
He has the following weapon systems: Servo Strength, Autolock Machinegun, Laser Cannon, Power Nullifier, Power Deppressor.
Move: Demoralise Headbanger (@-5 for Move action) at (1d20+5)[16].
Standard: attack Headbanger with Power Deppressor at (1d20+10)[21], Will DC 20 vs Cumulative Progressive Entranced/Stunned/Transformed (Dreamer Powers Only).

==Monroe (SA2)==
She has the following weapon systems: Servo Strength, Autolock Machinegun, Plasma Cannon, Laser Cannon, Power Nullifier, Energy Maul.

Spoiler: If Headbanger Resists Jenkin's attack

Show

Move: Demoralise Headbanger (or Cyborg #7 if Headbanger is demoralised already) (@-5 for Move action) at (1d20+5)[17].
Standard: attack Headbanger with Power Deppressor at (1d20+10)[27], Will DC 20 vs Cumulative Progressive Entranced/Stunned/Transformed (Dreamer Powers Only).

Spoiler: Else

Show

Move: AS24->AQ22
Standard: attack Max with Energy Maul at (1d20+10)[27], Toughness DC 25 vs Damage and Fortitude DC 20 vs Cumulative Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated and Weaken Toughness.

==Foxglove==
Move: Arriving from BD1, break into the bathroom at AX17: if Laraine's not there, keep breaking into room after room counter-clockwise. Stealth to surprise her (though I bet she has Uncanny Dodge): (1d20+7)[23].
Free: switch to Corrosion Punch.
Standard: Accurate (3) attack with Corrosion Punch at (1d20+13)[33] (crit on 16+) Crit!, Toughness DC 22/17 27/22 vs Damage/Weaken Toughness , HAD DC 17 22 vs Impaired/Disabled/Transformed (Resistance/Recovery only, Toughness to recover), Strength or Mobility DC 30 35 vs Trip.

Power Attacking for 3 instead if she's Vulnerable somehow (-6 to hit, +6 listed DCs).

Deflected at 1d10+22.

Also, I will use either Extra Effort or Move-by-action, but I'll wait for the results to decide.

[Dodgeson]

"Man, this power of yours is really something." Avery followed Wraith, marvelling as they walked through the service entrance without Wynstan batting so much as an eyelid.

"You know when Foxy said he was pulling some strings to bring some extra muscle, I wasn't too sure about it, this stuff's dangerous. Why drag more people in to this than you gotta right? But I take that all back." Avery rambled on as they made their way in to the living room and the cymbals around his legs and the drum kit on his back went completely unnoticed, to say nothing of the tuba wrapped around his waist.

"You ever need a favour, consider it done."

Wincing sympathetically at merc currently losing their lunch in the corner Avery finally noticed the look that Wraith had been giving them since they started. "What? You said they couldn't hear us. Never mind, it's show time!"

Taking a deep breath, the toon hero pointed his brass instrument in the direction of the pair of escapees and let loose a single bone rattling, teeth chattering bass note.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Free Action: Set Variable to "Looney Tune" Perception Damage 11 (Area:Cone)(Limited:Must come from Avery, Limited:Require Move Action to Charge) Linked to Perception Affliction 11 (Dazed&Vulnerable/Stunned&Disabled, Fort)(Area:Cone, Extra Condition)(Limited Degree, Limited:Must come from Avery, Limited:Require Move Action to Charge)
Move+Standard: Attack Core, Mantle and the Cyborg DC26 Toughness Save and DC21 Fortitude Save vs Dazed&Vulnerable/Stunned&Disabled

HP 2
Condition Musical

((And I'll hold my second action until I see the outcome of this one if that's okay?))