Scene: Detainment Center, The Ziggarut

"Schroedinger's Penitentiary" - Doom Pool: 0
Past the administration and intake layer of the Ziggarut's surface are eight levels of progressively more dangerous inmates, laid out in grid patterns with occasional intersecting hallways. Each of the Zig’s cells has EXTRAORDINARY SECURITY FEATURES - they’re constructed from steel, lined with Impervium, and use two-way video screens instead of windows. POWER-NEUTRALIZING AGENTS are introduced in various ways to the inmates (drugs in food, suppressive energy fields, etc.), with varying effects.

Scene Distinctions: Extraordinary Security Features, Power-Neutralizing Agents, Automated Defenses, and Full Blown Riot!

As per requested, UV attends the armored convoy to Zigursky Penitentiary...the Freaks provide no resistance, but do make an aweful scene by way of lewd remarks and suggestions - a juvenile vulgar display. Even while disembarking, they make absurd requests like 'I wanna see my lawyer!", "Where's my phone call!", "I gotta go pee!". The idea that they're being booked into one of the most secure, and quite possibly the most dangerous, prison in all of North America doesn't seem to phase them. The Freak Shocker even has the gall to hollar at one of the guards, "Honey, I'm home!" Processing the Freaks takes time...a long time...

***

Underneath it all, an elusive creature continues to work it's way down through Zigursky's infrastructure...continuously guided by almost undiscernible messages and signals. At one particular junction amid the internal vents and maintenance crawl spaces, Husk halts and hisses venemously under his breath to no one particular, "Why are you helping?" Through ventilation, he can see a message scroll across a nearby video display.

**IN HELPING YOU, I HELP ME**
**I CAN GET YOU TO THE ONES YOU SEEK**
**BUT I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE**
**TO BYPASS FAILSAFES BETWEEN STRUCTURAL LEVELS**
**THE RED WIRE TO THE LEFT**
**CONNECT IT TO THE MAINFRAME TO YOUR RIGHT**

Husk wasn't entirely certain he could trust this unknown benefactor, but what was certain is that there was no way he could have made it this far without detection...and since there was nothing stopping it from revealing his position and throwing this entire venture out the window, he saw no reason not to comply. Skillfully exiting the crawl space, Husk acquires the cord and plugs it into the mainframe...and for the first time since Zigursky Penitentiary was built...briefly, almost beyond human awareness...

...the power flickers.

***

Approximately two hours ago, buried beneath the foundation of Zigursky Penitentiary, a very unique 'cell' containing a very unique inhabitant...surrounded by a persistent, and rather potent, electromagnetic field - waited. It was used to waiting, it had kept track of it's detainment right down to the millisecond...Clockwork programming was like that. So when a power surge required Zigursky Penitentiary to resort to it's own independent power generators to maintain functionality...that fraction of a second where power levels were less than nominal, was all it took. It's first step - baffle security measures and protocols...when the power restored to full capacity, no alarm or warnings occured. It was free, but not entirely...the structure inhibited it's ability to broadcast, at least not without detection...and being discovered was how it ended up being detained in the first place.

Still, it could not allow such a place to exist...it would be counterintuitive to it's programming to allow it to remain. The Cerebreaum would not be able to fullfil it's duty to the Clockwork King of Epsilon Tau 27-2...if it's capture remained possible. With the security systems baffled, it scrolls through gigabytes of data regarding Zigursky Penitentiary, including staff and current occupants...and begins processing contegencies. A security alarm nearly trips as a vehicle enters into the Zig's medical bay...Cerebreaum terminates it, and observes a human-alien symbiote wheeling in a horribly mutilated body. "Interesting...," Cerebreaum notes with almost human-like curiousity regarding the symbiote the alarm was warning about, "...hands...I could use hands..."

***

"I have done what you asked, and by no means am I ungrateful...your intervention with their security means and measures has been essential, but for our bargain...I still have need to ask - those affiliated with The Fifth Column, where are they?" A nearby desktop copier begins printing documentation pertaining to current existing inmates fitting that description. As Husk turns to peruse the selection, an obviously synthesized voice warbles, "SOME OF THOSE SELECTED ARE CONSIDERED TO BE AN EXTREME THREAT TO ESTABLISHED SOCIETY." "What do you mean?" Husk replies suspiciously...a sense of urgency rising. "OH...NOTHING...I AM JUST FULFILLING MY END OF THE BARGAIN. I AM SETTING YOUR AFFILIATES FREE...AND SO ON...AND SO ON...AND SO ON..."

Emergency lighting flashes in the sudden darkness as every sirens begins blaring alarms. Every cell, every barrier, every security checkpoint and countermeasure...opens up, turns off and shuts down. "What have you done?!?" Husk snarls savagely. "WHY...TESTING A THEORY...LET US SEE IF THEY REALLY ARE A THREAT..." Husk was already on the move in vain to sever the connections he helped create...not to his surprise, all the security features he previously bypassed - reactivated.

OOC: UV and Aegis, when the power flickers...that gives a few of the seasoned veteran staff reason to pause. The Warden, being on the verge of issuing a general alert, thanks to the timely urgings of Aegis, breaks open and pulls the fire alarm...and nothing happens. "Your utility provider SUCKS!" jibes on of the Freaks followed by a round of raucous laughter from his mates...before the lights go out and the strobe lights begin, followed by the sound of automated weapons fire...

Since both Aegis and UV have enhanced senses and/or reflexes, you get to choose between the two of you who posts first, Aegis because he suddenly feels aware of impending danger, UV because you see the occurrence happening and act at the speed you're accustomed to: very rapidly. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:53, Mon 04 June 2018.

Aegis let the others deal with the officers, the statements, all of it.  It didn't matter to him in the least.  His attention was fixed, staring off at something only he could see.  His brow was creased and a small half frown was present on his face.  He ignored the distractions, the mundane, focusing completely on what he could determine.

He stood there, still, until several minutes after the paddy wagon had left.  The frown shifting to a scowl, his focused returned to the mundane as he look around to see who was there.  "Time is short.  I don't know your individual focuses and skills but I believe we're about to have a imminent dimensional breach.  Normally, I find and seal them before they occur.  But this...there is interference everywhere.  Like static or interference.  I'm only getting scattered information.  But the brief glimpse of intelligence show quick burst of change.  A breach is building and soon; I can only localize it to somewhere near the center of the penitentiary.  Which is obviously ridiculously bad.  I have to go; stop it before whatever forces try to break through.  I will likely need help when whatever it is invades," he remarks dryly before he turns and starts walking quickly towards the Zig...

While dubious at first, the Warden quickly moves to action when Aegis mentions an other-dimensional threat at the heart of Zigursky Penitentiary. Smashing a glass cover, he yanks a lever against the wall...with no results. "Damn!" exclaims the Warden under his breath. Turning to the staff on-hand he barks, "Secure these perps, then fallback to the armory! This is not a drill, move like you got a purpose!"

"What about the non-combatants, sir?" asks one of the guards.

As the lights go out and the warning alarms blare, the Warden replies harshly, "As of right now, everyone involved is a combatant. Get to the armory, that's our rally point, I'll meet you there...MOVE!" His last word more like an utterance for warning than an order to disembark as a barrage of weapons fire cuts him off abruptly, and almost in two. Drawing his sidearm from behind withering cover, he says to UV and Aegis, "I need to get to my office...now!"

**EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! LOCKDOWN IS IN EFFECT!**...blares an intercom in the darkness as automated turrets begin mowing down a series of targets...indiscriminately...inmates and guards alike alight in strobe!

Outside Zigursky Penitentiary, a general alarm blares as a shimmering field drops over the structure...

Zigursky Penitentiary (Detainment Center Section)
Large Scale Threat: 3D8
Cybernated Senses: D8
Impervium Durability (Durability): D8
Automated Defenses (Blasts): D8
Power-Nullifying Agents (Nullify): D8
Security Drones (Mob): 3D8
SFX) Backups Engaged - Spend a Doom Die to restore a mob die, recover an affiliation die, or power trait.
SFX) Network Synched: Use two or more Zigursky Penitentiary powers in a single dice pool at -1 step for each additional power.
SFX) Multivector Approach: If an action includes Cybernated Senses, replace two die of the same value with one die one step higher.
SFX) Fire At Will...and Bob...and Bill: Add a D6 and keep an effect die for every additional target.
LIM) Technically Limited: Step up stress, trauma or complication inflicted by a tech-related sources and add a D6 to the Doom Pool.
LIM) Unit Structure: Mob die can be targeted with area effect attacks or complications.

Mob of Inmates: 2D6
Nullified, Desperate, Drugged
Combat Novices: D6
SFX) Riot! - Add a D6 and keep an additional effect die for every additional target.
LIM) Mob Coherency: Each mob die can be subjected to area effect attacks and complications.

The Warden: D8 (D6 Physical Trauma)
Experienced Combatant, Old-Fashioned Sensibilities, Unflappable
Firearm: D8
Combat Expert: D8
Psych Expert: D8
SFX) Literally Unflappable - Spend 1 Doom Die to ignore stress, trauma, or complications from Emotional Stress related afflictions.
LIM) Old Wounds - Add a Doom Die to step up Physical Stress inflicted by Physical Attacks by +1.



OOC: There...now the post makes a little more sense. UV gets an action before my next calamitous post. Aegis will be able to perform an action next. As far as the Warden is concerned, as an NPC character, he can't take any active rolls, so he'll simply be formulating a plan (creating an asset) to "Exit For The Warden's Office" starting at D8, he makes a break for it when it reaches D12+. The mob of inmates are on the verge of rioting against everybody and everything, and may cause some damage, but worst may very well occur from the networked defense systems of the Zig. Consequently, it would be possible to literally smash and destroy every possible defense mechanism in this sector (remove all Large Scale Threat affiliation die which would shut down the system, but only temporarily. It would be enough to keep the inmates safe). Also, it seems quite certain that the Warden will not survive trying to reach his office unless assistance is rendered. So...Warden, Inmates and Automated Defenses hell bent on clearing house. What do you do? ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:35, Thu 31 May 2018.

UV breathed deeply as she tried not to let the chaos unfurling around her to shake her up. Just a few years ago, this type of scenario would have been a boon to any plan she had been working. Now, as a hero, or at least the semblance on one, she couldn't fathom what to do. Then, as if a light had gone off, she looked at Aegis and the Warden. "I'm going to give the system a high priority threat. That should make it focus on me. I'm fast enough to give this thing a run for its money while you make a run for the armory. Give me some cover or help if you can, otherwise, don't slow down. Okay?"

And with that, she began to glow with her coronal aura. Soft light suddenly flared as she floated off the ground and darted out into the line of fire. Between her past incarceration, highly visible heat signature, and her aerobatics, the system would have no choice but to go after her.

1XP)When current events make you recount the path that led to you adopting an unlikely career as a super hero, and wonder if it's really who you are.

1) INTENT: Draw the attention of the security system
2) AFFILIATION: Buddy D8
3) DISTINCTION: Reformed Villain D4 + 1PP
4) TRAITS: Superhuman Speed(Flight) D10
5) SPECIALTIES: Acrobatic Master D10
6) ASSETS: None available
7) PUSH/STUNT or RESOURCE: None
8) TARGET STRESS: None
9) TARGET COMPLICATION: None
10) SFX: None
11) LIM: None
12) DICE POOL: 1D4 + 1D8 + 2D10
13) RESULT: 10, D10 Effect
14) OPP: None


20:29, Today: UV rolled 14 using 1d4+1d8+2d10 with rolls of 2,3,7,2.  Distract security!

Zigursky Penitentiary: 3D8
Cybernated Senses: D8
Security Drones: 3D8
SFX) Multivector Approach: Replace two die of the same value with one die one step higher.

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Zigursky Penitentiary Detainment Sector, rolled 1,6,8,7,4,6 using 5d8,d10. Maintain targeting integrity.
Total: 15
Effect: D8
Opps: 1 (Wow, was wondering if I'd ever see an op rolled - UV gets first dibs.)

"Wait!" exclaims the Warden as UV illuminates the area brightly in the low-light hazard conditions, drawing the attention of quite a few automated sensors...oodles of automated sensors as a series of scans and drones sweep her general vicinity while she leads the automated security systems on a merry chase...then they stop tracking her. At first she thinks she may have succeeded in confounding the system, but the sound of a series of security doors slamming closed behind her fills the blanks quickly enough - while still in the Detainment Center, UV finds herself cut off from the Warden and Aegis!

OOC: Going to ramp up the excitement a little by spending a Doom Die in order to break up the group a little. Aegis and UV are now considered 'Solo' instead of 'Duo/Buddy'. Doom Pool is now 2D8. The system is trying to break the group apart so it can better understand how to eliminate it's targets...eep! Aegis, you get to act next. :D
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:44, Wed 30 May 2018.

"Typical," Aegis muttered in annoyance.  Dividing up the forces just when things are about to hit the fan.  And he's stuck with the warden who didn't listen.  Well, if the security systems are all activated, that'd at least keep the prisoners contained.  "You should probably hide," he said to the warden as an aside.  But Aegis put the man and his safety out of his mind almost immediately.  He had to get to the breach before it was too late; that's what mattered in the end.

Taking a deep breath, he centered himself and reached out.  Letting the magic swirl and expand outward.  Riding the aether, he let it seep into the system.  Bonding, merging and infecting it.  He gave himself unrestricted and authorized access and pulled himself back into his body.  He had to get cleared if he wanted to rush to the breach without getting slowed down.  And maybe even help keep the scumbags in their cells.


OOC:
So, here's the intent and how I think it will work.  Using magic mastery to control forces of creation (cosmic mastery) to infect the system to make me 'cleared/allowed to be there' and start hauling ass to the breach.  I am pretty skilled at covert actions as well.


Solo: d10
Cosmic: d10
Uncompromising (mission): d4
Sorcery adept: d8
Covert expert: d8

22:29, Today: Aegis Magus rolled 14,8,4 using 2d10,2d8,1d4 ((4,10,1,7,4)).
That's a 26 total.

OOC: Remember that when adding a total, use the two highest (or more, plot points withstanding). Aegis's total would be 17 with a D10 effect.

Zigursky Penitentiary: 3D8 (Zigursky is large with lots of sensors)
Cybernated Senses: D8 (Complexity of the sensors being influenced)
Power-Neutralizing Agents: D6 (Countermeasures utilized in order to maintain integrity, included by way of SFX - Network Synched)
Security Drones: 3D6 (defeating sensors includes all drones, included by way of SFX - Network Synched)

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Zigursky Penitentiary Security System, rolled 3,2,1,8,1,5,5,3 using 4d8,4d6.  Prevent security systems from being intruded upon.

Total: 18 (Spending a Doom Die in order to add to total - 5+5+8)
Effect: D8
Opps: 2 (Opps for sale! :D )

As Aegis expands his awareness, permeating the aether, he attempts to warp the very fabric of the cosmos - striving to obscure himself from the maniacal system and it's probing sensors...

OOC: Spending the other Doom Die - Doom Pool: 0, in order to counterattack inflicting a D8 - Immobilized physical complication on Aegis.

Alas, the speed unto which the system responds in nothing short of remarkable as a series of security drones orbit around his person, discharging cables that wind about his body and limbs. Aegis finds himself unable to complete his incantation, or any incantation for that matter, as he falls to the ground - a modern-day mummy wrapped in wires!

OOC: Aegis, your Limitation is now active (Conditional) and you gain a Plot Point. :D Okay, give me a moment...going to drum up a post regarding how the system and inmates act.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:48, Thu 31 May 2018.

ACK! Accidentally deleted the previous post! Okay, going to try and reproduce it...good thing the dice roller saves rolls.

As the inmates bear witness to the dangers afoot, they do what any group of desperate inmates would do - they riot, turning Zigursky Penitentiary into a literal free-for-all as the entire scene erupts into outright anarchy!

OOC: The mob creates a scene, increasing the doom pool by a D8 which I'll go ahead and convert into a scene distinction - Full Scale Riot!...which will be utilized in order to try and help the inmates breakout.

The Warden blasts one of the drones nearest Aegis, preventing it from securing the mage entirely. Hastily approaching, he goes to work on the cables while saying, "Don't move, son...these things're designed to constrict, you move - they tighten, and if you don't mind me sayin'...you don't look like you can take a whole lot of squeezin'".

OOC: The Warden was going to create an asset for himself to help him get to his office...but as problems arise, his old-fashioned sensibilities takeover as he strives to save the heroes. Aegis, for a Plot Point, you can have the Immobilized physical complication removed without having to roll to do so.

"I didn't just make parole to get shot in the back!" shouts one inmate before bursting into flames. Pulling off the melting remains of a inhibitor collar, he grins saying, "Now we're cooking..." before getting blasted in the face by a series of drones deploying fire suppressants...he collapses under a voluminous cloud of suffocating agents.

OOC: The Zig takes pot shots at...well, everybody. A mob die of inmates gets dropped, dozens fall...powered and nonpowered alike. Inmate...and hero...UV, you are assailed!

Zigursky Penitentiary (Large Scale Threat): 3D8
Cybernated Senses: D8
Automated Defenses: D6 (added by way of Network Synched)
Security Drones: 3D6 (added by way of Network Synched)

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Zigursky Penientiary, rolled 3,6,6,1,4,6,3,6 using 4d8, 4d6.  The Zig attacks! Pew! Pew! Pew!
Total: 12
Effect: D8 Physical Stress (UV)
Opps: 1

OOC:...and guard.

"Almost got it..." reports the Warden before letting out a cry of anguish and falls over, back smoldering.

OOC: The Zig doles out D8 Physical Stress to the Warden. As he is a minor character, he can take the stress...but not much more. Initially thought it would take him out entirely, but D10 is necessary...so he's wounded, seriously wounded.

Doom Pool: D10, D8

Scene Distinctions: Extraordinary Security Features, Power-Neutralizing Agents, Automated Defenses, and Full Blown Riot!



This message was last edited by the GM at 17:47, Thu 07 June 2018.

Elsewhere deep within Zigursky Penitentiary...,

Quite literally one of Zigursky Penitentiary's best inmates, Theresa May followed a tight schedule...dutifully, one might say, making it difficult to believe that this mild, unassuming former museum curator assistant could do anything more than provide tours. Alas, in her cell, her 'complication'...was evident. Paper clip chains festoned the ceiling, sheets tied in knots, chains drawn on the walls. The psychologists called it 'therapeutic', these liberties helped ease her stress...

When her cell door opened and the alarms began sounding, the compulsion grew stronger than she had ever experienced before...before she she was brought...here. Compelled to leave the security of her cell, inmate Theresa walked towards the Armory through the riot following the sound no other seemed to hear - the rattling of chains and the clanking of manacles...chains designed to bind...

By the time she arrived the Armory was already open and under assault, a variety of bodies littered the hallways - robotic, inmate and guard. She takes just enough the time to alter her appearance, tearing her uniform and adorning her visage with the blood of others, before dashing forward into the line of fire of a series of guards still holding the Armory secure.

"Get On The Ground!" shouts one of the guards, but she does not relent...rushing forward screaming hysterically, "There's a riot going on! I was attacked! Help!!!" "No inhibitor collar, sir...she's not meta." "My ex's lawyer wasn't meta..." "Take her to the back, Smitty...you've got inmate detail." As she is grabbed by the shoulder and lead into the Armory, she suppresses a smile as she follows the sound of rattling chains growing louder - chains designed to control.

"Sir, we got more incoming!" "It's the goddamn drones again!" "Smitty, get up here!" "You're safe now - don't move." orders the guard with a sense of genuine sincerity. "How sweet", she thinks while the sound of conflict erupts from the entryway as she begins to wander deeper into the Armory to the sound of phantom chains, "He's trying to protect me..."

She thinks to herself as her fingers caress a secure lockbox, the sound of chains clinking rigorously, "...he'll make a good slave." As if on cue, the container busts open - enveloping Theresa in a shroud of barbed chains and twisted metal!
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:19, Mon 04 June 2018.