"The Mole & The Mystic"

Moments after the Brickstown incident...

"Shit...SHIT...SHIT!!" thought Max as he dug like he'd never dug before. All he wanted to do was get out, get to Kings Row and shove that cannister he buried at the underground warehouse where he was arrested up the District Attorney's keister! He could've finally cleared his name! He could've been a free man, but NO...he had to go save Archie - AGAIN. Now, instead of being falsely accused of involuntary manslaughter and human trafficking...

...Max inadvertently became accessory to the murder of a police officer! Max hadn't killed anyone his whole entire LIFE!

"DAMN IT!" Max roared as he punched the bedrock before him, knocking a hole into the Paragon Sewer Network.

"Maxwell, is there something amiss?" inquired the old man from behind in a paternal, yet menacing tone.

"Naw...jest gotta make a li'l detour. Freakin' sewers..." Max grumbled over his shoulder as he surveyed the area. Archie's voice made Max's skin crawl...he didn't even sound like Archie anymore, didn't look much like him anymore either. Instead of pale and sickly, he now had the appearance of a man who had weathered the seasons with the fortitude that spanned generations. The broken bracers tied to his waist clanked and clattered ominously. How long Max could maintain his ruse, pretending to be lost in the only part of Paragon City he knew best...Max couldn't determine.

"No doubt about it, Maxxie...yer gettin' skull-fucked on this one." Max chided himself mentally as he sighed scaling his way down to the sewer pipeline walkway below, and observed the old man as he step out into the open air...and floated forty feet to the walkway, landing like a feather on a gentle breeze. There's no way Max could lead this guy back to the surface again. Scowling bitterly, Max admitted to himself that he really didn't know anything about the old man - the injuries the he had sustained at the Zig had already healed without a trace! HOW?!

"So what's yer story, Archie?" Max inquired off=handedly.

"My story?" the old man replied with an arched brow.

"Yeah, like...how'd ya end up in the clink?" Max queried while gesturing to the broken bracers secured to the old man's hip. "We never talked much, well...you never talked much, I prob'ly talked your ears off..."

"Oh ho, my little friend, you would be dead long before I could ever begin." the old man chuckled as he stroked his beard.

"What?!" Max replied in shock. What did the old man mean? Did the old man see through his act?

"It's a looong story." the old man clarified, noting his companion's distress with a mirthless grin.

"Yeah...right, got th' Cliff Notes?" Max replies as they continue down into the depths.

"What are 'Cliff Notes'?" inquires the old man.

"Nevermind, Archie..." Max grumbles...


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:15, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

Paragon Sewer Network, Kings Row District

Doom Pool: 3D8

Scenic Distinctions: Maze Of Corridors, Pipes & Effluence Galore, and What's That Smell?

D8 Anti-Mutant Mob (same datafile as before)
D8 Detective Martinez (same datafile as before)

Yep, it's a sewer...complete with all the fixings one might expect. Copious amounts of...sludge...can be seen pouring in sporadically from almost every conceivable angle as pipes extrude and jut hither and yon like some kind of demented, corroded, muck-covered forest. The perpetual maze of dim corridors makes drawing a sightline nearly impossible, close quarters may be the only option...and with some areas completely devoid of walkways, maintaining one's footing is the effluence was a challenge in it's own right. Lastly, of course, there is...

...the smell. It quite literally defies description...

"GodDAMN I hate the sewers!" swears one of the members of the Anti-Mutant Squad as one of the newest of the squad loses his lunch, retching violently.

"Get it together, Nielson." Detective Martinez tells the sickened squad member who nods with effort, covering his mouth with the back of his forearm.

"Alright, boys...you got your assigned sectors - fan out and keep off comms unless you find something...I don't wanna hear your snarky comments all night." she states.

"Sooo...turn our mics off then?" inquires one of the more seasoned squad members with a sardonic grin.

Detective Martinez shoots the seasoned squad member a venomous glare as a squad member beside him claps him on the shoulder saying, "She just doesn't wanna hear you whine like a li'l bitch, Jackson."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:59, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 2):

Mark hovered before the group of cops. Moving with a slight hum, he could not smell the sewers or much of anything really. His red aura kept him independent of the enviorment . He did not even need to sleep anymore, but to be honest when he had slept only nightmares seemed to plague him. Only bad memories of the war...

"Even the underground bunkers in echo base where better than this. They where clean. UV, WW-you guys have any way to track our targets?" He asked his team.

[Private to GM: 1 xp-relates his military experience to current situation]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:49, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

UV shook her head. “Not me. I can try to scout ahead and give some indication of what is going on. My aura burns off the smell and I can move quietly when needed.”

Windwalker slowly rises into the air and is still.  Centering himself and pulling all his skills together.
Now let me remember.  Back, Back, It was 23 July ????.  I was here.  Just and that tunnel leads to...

OOC:
The date is over 3 years ago and there is something unsettling about that date.  Something major in the news.  What was Windwalker doing in the tunnels.  Need Gm give me the year.

OOC:
With slow deliberate power Windwalker pushes out to escape the capsule.

OOC:
D10  Affiliations: Team
D4  Profession: The Ways of the Monk.
D8  Serenity. (Monk Trained).
D10 Master Unarmed Combat.

21:22, Today: Windwalker rolled 11,6,3 using 2D10,1D8,1d4 with rolls of 4,7,6,3.  Think where the mole would be 1d4 - 1PP.

Results: 13  Effect: d10 Opp:-

In reply to Windwalker (msg # 5):

"Let me see if I can help...ah...clear your mind." Fury said as the monk focuses. Seeing the lights only he could see flowing out of Windwalker's head, he tried to absorb any emotion that would distract the meditating man.

As always, the emotions that had nothing to do with anger converted to rage the moment Mark used his power upon them. He growled as he tried to clear his friends mind. "Sorry...sorry about that." He muttered, not even sure what he was apologizing for.

Ooc:

Assisting WW.

Team-d8
Distinction-d8
Sense emotions-d10
Mind control-d8

Total=15
Effect die=d8

18:11, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 14,8 using 3d8,d10 with rolls of 6,1,7,8.  Assisting WWl.

1 xp-tries to hold back unneeded anger.

This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

A boy runs at you with a dagger.  He hit the ground (sadness).
A man fires a arrow at you.  It fly's back at him (sadness).
Three guards armed with swords swing at you.  You move (sadness).
A woman gives you a drink.  She drinks her own (sadness).
A man laugh's at you on horse.  The horse runs away (sadness).
A masked person throws some stars at you.  They return back to him (sadness).

A woman is singing in a kitchen.  You touch her (sadness).
A man is eating some fruit.  You had put it on a table 10 minutes ago. (sadness).
A girl is sniffing white powder.  The deal had been done (sadness).
A body guard draws a gun.  You dodge (sadness).
A bath just finished being run.  You drop the toaster (sadness).

It was not to clear his mind but to organize the sadness to find the right one.
It is I that am sorry.  Tengin says with sadness.  But it is control sadness.  One that has found peace.
It was the last sadness with the toaster that he need and with Crimson Fury help the picture was clear.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

CF, you rolled an opportunity which I will purchase - gain a PP, Doom Pool gain a die, Doom Pool is now 3d8, 1d6.

I'll be using the Scenic Distinction - Pipes & Effluence Galore as a hinderance (D4) to the resistance roll, and step up a die in the Doom Pool from D6 to D8. Doom Pool is now 4D8.

As Windwalker attains the lotus position in preparation to draw upon a lifetime's worth of experience, Crimson Fury stands vigil ready to absorb any emotional impulses that may distract or otherwise impair the aged monk's meditation.

Crimson Fury experiences two lifetime's worth of regret all at once, like an unsuspecting punch to the gut! So much sadness, from such an unassuming man - it would seem utterly impossible to hold it together. Yet he manages, relying upon methods and techniques to attain serenity - techniques that feel centuries old. A time Windwalker longs, but cannot return - a place he ran from, but can no longer run to. The cycle of sadness continues...

Using techniques against his will, Crimson Fury feels Windwalker experience one atrocious act after the next - pristine, concise and masterfully committed by his own two hands. Not a shred of anger, just despair...a Crimson Fury feels that Windwalker was an unwilling spectator in very his own body. Crimson Fury feel himself turn off a faucet and step inside a tub, lacking any sense of serenity...Crimson Fury feels himself pick up a toaster...

Turning his back on everything, Crimson Fury feels the desire to end it all...than be used as a weapon. Crimson Fury feels Windwalker's lamentations peak...as if he were betraying an old friend, or teacher.

*CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!*

A sewer pipe rattles, like a drill sergeant banging on pots and pans. That's right...if it ain't rainin', you ain't trainin'. Crimson Fury feels his rage consuming one utterly miserable sensation after another. Can't give up, never give up! If sadness is all you got left - HATE IT!

Crimson Fury feels himself look up into a mirror...and drop the toaster.

Today: Mender Phantasm rolled 16,2 using 4D8,D4 ((2,8,3,3,2)).
Total: 12
Effect: D8
Opps: 0

CF succeeds in establishing an emotional buffer long enough for Windwalker to benefit, but the connection severs shockingly. Spending a Doom Die (D8) to use my reaction roll effect die as a counterattack - CF experiences D8 Emotional Stress as he finds himself trying to cope with two lifetimes worth of bitter regret...it hurts. Doom Pool is now 3D8.

Windwalker, add Crimson Fury's effect die (D8) to your dice pool, roll the additional die and edit your post regarding the result. Your reaction post will follow thereafter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:57, Thu 04 Nov 2021.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 8):

Fury stared at the pipe. His memory flashing back to that time in boot camp. The banging of pots and pans in the early morning. Of the drill Sargenant screaming I'm his face, while putting a boot to his back while he crawled the obstacle course. Of when he shot his rifle.

Then the memories moved into Windwalker's, showingbthe regret and remorse of the monk doing the most horrible acts while being fully aware and unable to stop.

He shook his head as the connection broke. But was unable to do anything but be caught up in flashback.

ooc-3 xp-Freezes up/reacts due to flashback

OOC:
I not really sure what I am doing or how this helps?  I though if CF was successful it would set my D10 up to a D12 and success?  Or do I role D8 and add it to my Result of 13 and hope it major success?

In reply to Windwalker (msg # 10):

Ooc-i think you roll another d8. You then can use it if it rolls higher than your two dice used, or you can spend a PP to add its total to your result.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Thu 04 Nov 2021.

OOC:- If that so - that a lot of pain for little or no gain.

In reply to Windwalker (msg # 12):

Fortune is a fickle thing, how badly does Windwalker want to find The Mole? You would roll the additional D8, and adjust your Total...if the die result makes your total higher. :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:09, Thu 04 Nov 2021.

OOC:
21:13, Today: Windwalker rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  CF helpful dice???

I don't know what to say.  I just feel CF got con by the GM.
Do does my D10 stand.  If so we going to be as close as we can be.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:17, Thu 04 Nov 2021.

That depends on whether or not Windwalker succeeds against a the Doom Pool: 3D8
I can't think of any Scenic Distinction that would help or hinder so let's see where this goes...

Windwalker attains the lotus position and drops into a meditative like state with a serene expression across his wizened face...

"Where are you going?" asks the old man.

"I'm running away!" the boy replies.

"You won't get far running like that...if you really want to run far, you'll have to run like the wind." states the old man while stroking his wispy beard.

"How do I do that?" the boy replies, eyes wide with wonder.

"Come to the monestary and I'll show you how." the old man grins.

No, regardless of how bittersweet those memories may be...Windwalker needed to recall something more recent. Still, he lingers if but for a moment...adrift in the nostalgia as if it were yesterday. In a sense, it WAS yesterday...up until the day he ran away. The day he ran so fast...he left his past far, FAR behind him - to another time he'd rather forget.

A time where he lost heart, a time that broke his spirit...when The Director pulled his strings.

Slowly and meticulously, Windwalker goes over each painstaking event...every operation he was sent on, every target he was sent to eliminate, every drug deal he was sent to protect, every officer he put in the grave. Not one memory retained any actual collaboration or assistance by The Mole...quite the opposite. The Mole was becoming a thorn in The Director's side, a persistent inconvenience to his underground operations in Kings Row, and no villain organization or street gang ever regarded The Mole as a potential ally or asset.

Something was wrong with this approach, trying to anticipate The Mole's next move or position wasn't going to be done by trying to think like a criminal...because up until the day The Mole was arrested for human trafficking and involuntary manslaughter, as far was Windwalker could recollect - he never was. Up until his arrest, The Mole never wavered in his drive to keep the underground safe. If only Windwalker had such conviction back then, back when Windwalker only sought the resolve to end it all...and the shock that should've killed him, but instead - set Windwalker free.

Windwalker closes the door on his sordid past, drawing a serene silk partition across the window of his mind, and opens his eyes...oblivious to the tear that trails down his cheek.

Today: Mender Phantasm rolled 4 using 3d8 with rolls of 1,2,1.
Total: 0
Effect: D8
Opps: 2

Well, it won't matter if I put the only D8 I have to use as part of the Total (2) or as the effect die (D8), leaving the Total 0 because Windwalker attains an exceptional success, stepping up his effect die +1 step for every five his total was over the reaction roll. Whether 13 or 11, he still steps up his D10 effect die twice from D10 to D12...then D12 to D12+.

Sooo...I use the D8 as the effect die, Windwalker succeeds in creating a D12+ Asset - he is confident The Mole is leading the Arch-Druid into the hazard zone, far below for the public's general safety in a desperate attempt to put a stop to The Arch-Druid. When asked how Windwalker could know such a thing, the only thing he can think of is that it would be something a hero would do. Ex-convict or not, the look of shock and horror on The Mole's face during the video footage as The Arch-Druid froze the patrol officer to death could not be faked.

The Mole's not trying to escape Paragon City, he's not even in the Paragon Sewer Network, he's leading The Arch-Druid into a trap...in the Abandoned Sewer Network.

I also spend a Doom Die (D8) to use my reaction roll effect die as a counterattack, Windwalker experiences D8 Emotional Stress for his harrowing trip down memory lane...regardless of how serene Windwalker may appear to be...

...it hurt. Doom Pool is now 2D8.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Thu 04 Nov 2021.

Windwalker walks slowly down from his meditation position directly at Detective Ramirez.  He looks her straight in the eye.
I was right.  The Mole was set up.  He was a Hero and Senator William J. Goddard called a hit on him.
I have access to a data base of the criminal world and just done my own data check so I known.
When I take us to where the Mole is you will see if you keep your eyes open.  I want you to remember he on our side.
A true Hero acts like a Hero.  Even if the people he is saving hates him.  I know this because I done this myself.
So let save the city and see if we can save a true Hero as well.

He then leans in and whisperers something in her ear.
[Private to GM: Oh and .. you really should stop accidentally landing a hand on young male officers bum's and giving them a quick squeeze.  They may be cute but it is really not becoming of a Detective of your years.  We all have our weaknesses but you must stop acting like your male counterparts do with female officers.  Plus I know Officer Whiting does not like it.  Your the wrong gender.  That is why he has not said anything or done anything about it and never will.]

Windwalker draws back and winks at her so everybody can see him.
But that is between you and me.  You cannot tell anybody.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Fri 05 Nov 2021.

"He figured out all that just by sitting down?...pffft, I coulda done that." grumbles one of the squad members.

"Shut your pie-hole, Dawson...you sit around the precinct all day an' get nothin' done." quips another of the squad.

Detective Martinez appears stunned, "Senator Goddard?...what does any of that have to do with The Mole's whereabouts?"

When Windwalker refuses to say, but instead offers to lead the others to The Mole's location...Detective Martinez's expression turns cold and hard.

"Uh oh..." murmurs one the squad members.

"Stop RIGHT there, Windwalker." exclaims Martinez as she steps in front of him. "Listen, Maxwell Tillerman is an escaped fugitive from Zigursky Penitentiary. That's a fact - regardless of how anyone feels about it. Maxwell Tillerman is also wanted for questioning regarding the murder of a PPD Officer. Lastly, Maxwell Tillerman is wanted for questioning regarding the whereabouts of another escaped fugitive he was last seen in company with - Archie, a PRIORITY target primarily responsible for the death of said PPD Officer. I've got two squads combing through this shithole trying to find him, and could be right on top of him, so you BETTER believe me when I say that now is NOT the time to be obstructing this operation by withholding information. I don't want you to lead me to him...if you know where Maxwell Tillerman is - you need to spill it so I can inform my men where to con..."

Detective Martinez's words are cut off abruptly by a thunderous boom echoing from the depths, followed shortly thereafter by a tremorous shockwave that causes many of the pipes to blow open their pressure valves in order to compensate...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:43, Sat 06 Nov 2021.

"Captain?...*static*...Detective Ramerirez...Ma'am?" crackles a voice over her comm unit.

"What is it Patterson?" she replies turning from Windwalker.

"We got the seismic scanner working...found the dish...couple of punks were playing freesbie with it down in The Gish. Had to jury rig it, though...Williams is on the roof holding it so we can get better reception...he's not too happy about that..." drones the voice over the comms.

"Get to the POINT, Patterson!" Martinez snaps.

"...well, the scanner spiked like crazy...hypocenter approximated roughly around U-Sector...we felt a li'l tremor up here...what's going on down there?" the voice over the comm inquires.

"U-Sector?" Detective Martinez states quizically before turning halfway to Windwalker and asks without really asking with a cross expression, "The Abandoned Sewer Network, is that where he's heading?"

She doesn't wait for a reponse as she shouts into her mic, "All units, -ALL- Units, converge on U-Sector! I repeat! All Units! Converge on the Abandoned Sewer Hazzard Gate! Go! GO! -GO!-"

UV, I'm going to spend a Doom Die from the Doom Pool and have you separated from the Team, you are now Solo as you were scouting ahead and due to your flight speed, along with the delay the others experienced while Windwalker attempted to glean The Mole's whereabouts, you cover a good bit of distance. Doom Pool is now D8.

Next scenes are up for both UV (Solo) and WW, CF, Det Martinez and the D8 Anti-Mutant Squad as the race to Abandoned Sewer Network ensues!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:20, Sat 06 Nov 2021.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 17):

"Everybody chill!" Fury said, moving between Ramirez and WW. "We are all on the same side here! Chances are WindWalker has a theory and no actual evidence of anything..." However, before he can finish, the rumble starts.

Windwalker looks calmly at Detective Ramerirez.
Well that has just ruined my hope of gaining surprise on the druid.  Which may not be good news.
As for "as you say believe me when I say".   I have had the supreme ruler of the known world pass a death sentence on me at least four times.  The Zig would be classed as what you call a holiday camp compared to that.  So you should come to my gym.  I can tell you about it and help you with some breathing exercises.  I think they may be helpful to you.  You can have free membership for 6 months.

Windwalker bows politely to her.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:38, Sat 06 Nov 2021.