"Schrodinger's Penitentiary"

The journey though the access hallways to service elevators is dismal and bleak, constantly highlighted by the strobe-like flicker of emergency lights as alarms consistently drone in the background. Sporadic conflict can be heard here and there, leaving the intrepid trio in a perpetual state of uncertainty if their efforts have gone undiscovered. While time proves evidence that their efforts have gone without notice...the security features for existing door and elevator access require continuous impairment. The Warden's pass card fails to function, leaving Tenzing to apply more security countermeasures than he can remember...

"Are we going to be recieving any backup, Warden?" inquires the former Pilot as the group slowly penetrates the lower levels.

"The Parameter Guard should have already sent three squads within...one to the Core, the second to the Armory, the third to assist in containment, " replies the Warden as he checks his watch anxiously. "Approximately fifteen minutes ago, Longbow should've dispatched a detachment to reinforce the Parameter Guard...but since there hasn't been any radio chatter, I can only presume backup's not arriving fast enough."

He rests his hand upon the Pilot's shoulder who looks quite dismayed at the whole state of affairs and says, "No one ever hopes things like this occur, but this is what we signed up for. It was unexpected, but not unanticipated." Squeezing the Pilot's shoulder, he adds with a sincere look, "We got a job to do, son...we'll make it right. Paragon City is depending on us."

The Pilot merely nods, though seemingly uninspired, as the group continues their advance to the Armory...

***

The one thing that is most noticeable upon arriving at the fourth level, where the Armory lies, is the decided lack of...guards, inmates, anybody for that matter. What security features existed have been destroyed in decidedly improbable fashions. Emergency suppression turrets look to have been torn from the inside out, drones lie about completely devoid of charge, but the most startling is the remains of two Zigursky heavies which seem to have been fused through each other in an 'X' like pattern - the pilots didn't survive.

"Oh God..." is all the Pilot can muster. "Steady, Johnson..." intones the Warden though he likewise shows signs of being sincerly disturbed by the grisly display.

The Armory is a vast storage unit, about the size of a football field, likewise completely severed from the rest of Zigursky Penitentiary's infrastructure save for one port of entry. Unlike the surrounding parameter of cells, the Armory was built to withstand nuclear bombardment making it difficult to say if there was any place in Paragon City more secure. Alas, the massive reinforced doors to 'The Vault' are unguarded...and slightly ajar as flickering light emits sporadically from within.

How would everyone like to proceed?
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:08, Wed 02 Jan 2019.

Fury floated there, his glowering face matched by the red field around him. It surged and flowed, more like he was coated in red liquid that ignited into flame as soon as it hit the air. Fury himself was not focused on the others, but everything around them. He was seeking emotions other than the four people present. Even the most trained sniper still had feelings that he could detect. Of course, the machines had nothing Mark could sense that way, so he would have to stick to his ears and eyes...

The Vault, by nature of it's design, makes it difficult to ascertain what lies within...but one thing Marc is certain, a lingering wake of despair leads ultimately...here. It was an emotion he could sense all the way as the group made their way towards the Armory. Other than that, he is uncertain...he thinks he senses a few, but it feels like an army. How one could feel like so many, or so many feel like so few, confuses him to some degree.

Windwalker turns to the Warden.
I take it that these places have video recording of what happen in them.
Is there place near here I could try to access them.
We need to build a picture of what has happened and try work out why.
It also may tell us what we got left to face.

Odd question but:-
Does any of GM use of Tenzing tech skills fall under the following?
Ways of the Technology.
1 exp When you learn how use new technological item.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Wed 02 Jan 2019.

"Yeah...," the Warden replies quietly as he edges his way closer to the unsecured doorway, "...inside the Vault. It's an entirely enclosed area, just another fail safe in order to insure no inadvertent access could be attained. Even the air circulatory system is self-contained with carbon scrubbers that last for months." Drawing his sidearm, he intones rather ominously, "Only one way in...one way out."

If there was something that Tenzing could use, yes...but there's nothing external of the Vault that could be readily used to determine what's inside.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:17, Wed 02 Jan 2019.

OOC:
But is there any points Tenzing could access outside which would give us view of what when has going inside and if any of these things came out again?
I only need time frame since the lock down so would not be to long tap to look at.

UV looked at the door and could feel her aura flare slightly with the frustration and anger. She was behind the curve. Something like this would never have happened in the old days, not when she could plan her own strikes and remove obstacles. This was something different. UV looked at both Crimson Fury and Windwalker, thinking of the time when she would have had no one. Was she making the right call here instead of cutting her loses and breaking for it?

No, she had a job to do. Villain or hero, UV always saw a job through. She couldn't operate any other way. "What is the containment system inside like? Halon or similar oxygen displacement to knock supers out? Automated defense right?", she asked as her criminal mind started to work out how she would break in.

1 XP) 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.

The Warden glances over at UV and hesitates, then sighs muttering under his breath, "Any port in the storm..." Returning his attention to the door, he replies quietly to UV, "Once the Zig's on full alert, S.O.P. requires the Vault be sealed and secured from the inside...besides what individual securing methods for the items held within, no further security countermeasures exist. My men had securing the Vault down to five minutes during their last test..."

A clatter of metal and the sound of rummaging cuts the Warden off as he hold up his hand. Quietly to the others, he hisses, "Apparently we're in luck, whoever's in there is still shopping...if we're really lucky, we can catch them unawares. Ready?"

Entering the Vault past the massive security doors is like entering a collosal enclosed stadium, with rows upon rows of storage racks extending down the entirety while a series of walkways line the paremeter, leading to more lockboxes. The whole entire Armory is in a staggering state of disarray, as if an entire mob had ransacked the place...except there was no mob to be seen. Various implements of destruction lie scattered about, torn from their lockboxes and cast asunder...whoever was here was looking for something more than just weapons...

The Vault (Detainment Center) - Doom Pool: 0
Rows Of Storage Racks
State Of Utter Disarray
Implements Of Destruction

The sound of metal grating on metal can be heard, a limp body of a female inmate can be seen dangling from the roof, wrapped in barbed chains. "Oh, my dear Warden..." echoes a voice accentuated with the sound of rattling chains, "How does it feel to be incarcerated?"

"The counselors informed me you were OVER your fixation with chains, Theresa..." replies the Warden grimly as he eyes the woman hanging from above.

"I ADORE them...," croons the voice as the woman hanging from the ceiling raises her head with a leering smile, "...unlike so many others". Dozens upon dozens of guards and inmates step out from behind the rows of storage racks, gripping various implements and tools with vacant stares. "Of course, in the end...all kneel under the Chains of Dominae!"

"You talk too much..." interrupts another as a cadaverous woman appears seemingly out of thin air. Like an undeveloped photo slowly being treated in a chemical bath, her features fade from a negative afterimage to an astoundingly attractive woman still wearing inmate garb. "THESE are the ones Morose told us about?"

A child-like giggle echoes in response from deep within the vault...voice UV knows all too well.

The statuesque woman merely scoffs as she vainful examines her fingernails, "If THIS is the best Paragon City has to offer..."

The Pilot only has time to mutter, "The Furies..." as the Warden draws his sidearm while the mob surges forward shouting in unison, "FOR DOMINAE!"

Dominae (Public ID - Theresa May, Altered Human) - D12 Emotional Stress, Escaped The Scene
Affiliations: Solo D8, Buddy D4, Team D6
Distinctions (D8/D4, +1 PP)
Indomitable Willpower
Mu Mystic Artifact
Obsessive & Domineering

Chains of Dominae
Enhanced Weapon (Mystic Chains) D8
Enhanced Reach (Stretching) D8
Enhanced Strength (Animated Chains) D8
Superhuman Durability (Mystic Metal) D10
Godlike Mind Control (Mystic Harness) D12
SFX) Chain Links & Mystic Collars. When inflicting a grapple type complication with Chains, add a d6 and step up your effect die. Targets complicated out of scene acquire a D6 Physical Complication - Collared.
SFX) Multipower - Add more than one power die from Chains of Dominae to your pool. Step back each power die in your pool once for each die beyond the first.
SFX) Sweeping Chains, Staggering Will - In an action that includes Mystic Chains or Mind Control, add a D6 and gain an additional effect die for every target past the first.
LIM) Required Component. Mind Control can only be used on targets afflicted with the Physical Complication - Collared.

Slaves of Dominae
Collared Minions: 5D8 (5D Physically Stressed Out)
SFX) I Fall For Dominae! - Remove a Mob Die in order to ignore Physical Stress or Physical Complication intended for Dominae.
SFX) Takedown For Dominae! - When inflicting a grapple complication on a target, add a d6 and step up your effect die.
SFX) Many Backgrounds, One Mind - If a dice pool includes a Collared Minion Die, you may add an Expert Combat, Covert or Crime Specialty Die (D8) at no cost.
SFX) Mob For Dominae! - Target multiple with an action, adding a D6 and keeping an additional effect die for every additional target.
LIM) Mob Cohesion - Collared Minion Mob Die can be removed by D10 Stress or Complication, and can be targetted independently by Area Affects.

Specialties
Acrobatics Expert D8
Menace Master D10

Twilight (Public ID - Serene Grisante) - Escaped The Scene
Altered Human
Solo: D8 Buddy: D4 Team: D6

Distinctions (D8/D4+1PP)
1) Goddess Complex
2) Ravishing & Ravenous
3) Darkforce Prodigy

DARKFORCE CORRUPTION
1) Leech (Drain) D10
2) Teleport D6
3) Enhanced Reflexes D8
SFX) Touch Of Darkness: When you succeed in using LEECH in a melee attack action, you may recover Physical Stress, or step back Physical Trauma by -1 at no additional cost.
SFX) Void Dancer: Take D6 Physical Stress in order to ignore stress, trauma, or complications from PHYSICAL ATTACKS unless caused by COSMIC, MYSTIC and/or DARKFORCE sources.
SFX) Dark Empowerment: Add a die from the doom pool for an attack action. Step back the doom die and return it to the doom pool when done.
Lim) For Consumption Only: Leech can only be used to Shutdown Traits and/or cause Physical Stress. Assets cannot be created.
Lim) Beyond The Horizon: In order to use Teleport in a dice pool, take D6 Physical Stress. In order to use Teleport as part of a support action, target must be within melee range and take D6 Physical Stress.
Lim) Like Medicine To The Dead: Add Leech to the opposing roll when others try to recover your PHYSICAL STRESS.

Specialities (D8/2D6 or D10/2D8/3D6)
1) Acrobatics Expert: D8
2) Psych Expert: D8

Morose (Public ID - Evelyne DaVore) - Escaped The Scene
Solo: D8, Duo: D4, Team: D6
Distintions (D8, D4 +1PP)
Addicted To Suffering
Aura Of Depression
Mutant Mistress of Melancholia

Emotion Control (Despair)
Psychic Misdirection (Invisibility): D8
Psychic Senses (Empathy): D8
Psychic (Emotion) Blast: D8
SFX - Depression Field: On a reaction against a PHYSICAL MELEE attack action, inflict EMOTIONAL STRESS with your effect die at no cost or spend a Doom Die to step it up by +1.
SFX - Waves Of Despair: When using Psychic Blast, add a D6 and keep an additional effect die for each additional target.
SFX - Self-Destructive Tendencies: If Morose causes her target to become EMOTIONALLY stressed out, target suffers both PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL TRAUMA.
SFX - Nothing But Sorrow: Spend a Doom Die to ignore EMOTIONAl Stress, Trauma or Complications unless caused by Psychic or Mystic sources.
SFX - Thrives On Suffering: Add Psychic Senses to your dice pool when recovering Physical Stress. Spend a Doom Die to recover your own PHYSICAL STRESS or step back your own PHYSICAL TRAUMA TYPE by –1.
LIM - Misery Loves Company: Can only recover PHYSICAL STRESS/TRAUMA if there is a target in the scene suffering EMOTIONAL STRESS/TRAUMA, and only up to the amount equal to how much a target has, or how much she can psionically convert via Psychic Senses (D8), whichever is lower.
LIM - Mutant: Add a D6 to the Doom Pool when affected by Mutant Milestones, tech and effects.

Specialties (D8/2D6 or D10/2D8/3D6)
Psych Expert: D8
Menace Expert: D8
Covert Expert: D8

UV, Windwalker and Twilight all have Enhanced Reflexes but Twilight is vain, she doesn't deign present company worth her immediate attention...so, UV and Windwalker, which of you would like to act first. :)

Uncollared Zigursky Prison Guard Squad (2D8 Combat Resource)
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:10, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

UV sprang forward in an instant. Despite everything, she needed to get through the mob to get to Morose. She would, and destroy her hated nemesis, in the end. UV extended her hands forward and extended her aura, the intense buffeting effect of the heat acting like a concussion wave to knock back the mob. She glared at the oncoming mob and the woman hanging above. "I'm going to melt those chains right off your body!", UV shouted at Dominae. She looked back to her companions. "I'll keep them off us," she said and returned her focus forward.

1) INTENT: Stop the mob!
2) AFFILIATION: Team D6
3) DISTINCTION: Coronal Aura D8
4) TRAITS: Solar Blast D10
5) SPECIALTIES: Menace Expert D8
6) ASSETS: None
7) PUSH/STUNT or RESOURCE: None
8) TARGET STRESS: None
9) TARGET COMPLICATION: None
10) SFX: None
11) LIM: None
12) DICE POOL: D10 + 2D8 + D6
13) RESULT: 12, Effect D10
14) OPPS:0

16:53, Today: UV rolled 2,9,5 using 1d10,2d8,1d6 with rolls of 2,7,2,5.  Stop the mob!

OOC: Crimson is up.

Since UV's not exactly targetting the entire mob, I'll only opt to apply 1D8 of the total mob die to the reaction roll. However, since the mob is part of Dominae's power set, she does get to add her own affiliations and power traits...which occurs as follows.

Team D6
Mystic Mu Artifact D8
Superhuman Durability D10
Stretching D6 (Added from Multipower SFX)
Collared Minions D8
Combat Expert D8 (Added from Many Backgrounds, One Mind SFX)
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Dominae, rolled 3,6,2,4,2,4 using 2d6,3d8,d10
Total: 10 (Spend 1 Doom Die - 13)
Effect: D10
Opps: 0

Wow, highest rolling die was a D6...had to spend a Doom Die right of the bat (Doom Pool is now 2D8). Dominae had to put in some serious effort in order to keep her 'pets' safe!

A series of chains explode from around the rows of storage racks forming an impromptu barrier absorbing the concussive shockwave UV strove to blast the mob asunder! "You DARE!" screeches Dominae from above. "Why do you fight us, Corona? Is Hero Corps's leash THAT comforting?"

Was thinking about doing a counterattack, but with only 2D8 in the Doom Pool...meh, Dominae's litany is nothing more than scathing commentary and nothing more. Round is passed to Crimson Fury. :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:54, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

"Got it." Fury replied to UV. "Let's make sad little rain cloud over there have to work to get our depression." He growled, sensing Morose as another emotion based being.

Mark fists glow, and he brings them togeather. Drawing power from the shield he had wrapped the warden and the pilot in, he sends forth his plasma. While this place is almost coated in Morose's despair, his rage forces it back. A red glow coats each of his team member's heads. They each can feel a distant anger, somehow linking them to Mark, and each other.

Ooc-creating rage halos to protect the team. Vs doom pool.

Team-d8
State of disarray-d4 (+1 pp)
Sense-d10
Mind control-d8
Menace-d10
Resource-d8
Construct sfx-d6, +1 effect dice
Area effect sfx for 4 extra targets-4d6.

Spending a pp to make asset last.

Sfx-constructs+d6, +1 effect die.

Sfx-area effect+4d6 for team, keeps 5 effect die.

18:20, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 2,4,2,8,6,7,5,16 using D8,d4,d10,d8,d10,d8,d6,4d6 with rolls of 2,4,2,8,6,7,5,4,2,6,4.  Create asset.

Total roll=15. Effect die=d12, d12, d8, d8, d8.

UV and Windwalker get d12 rage halo. Warden, pilot, and Fury get a d8.

Should interfear with any emotion effect headed thier way, plus they could draw on it for anger related actions.

Windwalker goes next.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

Not much is going to prevent CF from creating the asset. Other than the state of disarray making concentration difficult...maybe.

Mender Phantasm rolled for the Doom Pool 2,1,6 on 3d8.
Total: 8
Effect: d4
Opps: 1

Well, not only did CF succeed, he can step up one of the effect die by +1!

Crimson Fury has no problem shaping the emotional state of affairs into palpable form, imbuing himself as well as the others with reddish fields bolstering their aggressive capacity, as well as sufficient insulation against Morose's emotional influence!

I was really concerned about how much you could allow an asset to provide, but...heck with it, you're golden. Just make sure everyone notes what die rating they have.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:33, Sat 05 Jan 2019.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 13):

Ooc-increasing my rage halo by +1 step.

Tenzing goes over to the computer consult getting the warden to follow.  He starts tapping into the computer.  His speed on the keyboard is such that the computer sometimes has moments when it is trying to catch up with him.  Tenzing is doing what he hates most.  Using skills he learn from his dark days.  His bosses had breafed him on all major and some minor criminals.  So if Tenzinf was so ordered he knew how to take them down. There privte assassin.  So he hacked away.  A clip here and voice over there.  Part of news clip from the news channels.  Recording of the demands Twilight had made to police.  All put together into a montage.

A montage thought Tenzing to himself.  Once a long time a go such thing would have never been.

Then a voice almost screaming filled the room.  The voice of Twilight.
But I am a Goddess.  You will do what I say.  A voice of some male answers Twilight.
Sorry but the sun just come up.  It looks like the time for Twilight has gone.
A screem Noooo The Voice is Twilight in answer.
Then the clip cuts into mixture of police and TV reports and commentaries on the last time Twilight was captured and sent to the Zig.  All put together in the most derogatory and demeaning way possible.

Tenzing turns to Twilight and mouths.
If your such a great Goddess why are you stuck in someone else's dungeon playing second fiddle to someone that clearly thinks she is better than you.  And no you cannot say this part of some cunning plan.  A true Goddess would never have stoop to such so called cunning plans.

Emotional stress:-
Twilight is not the great Goddess she like to think she is.

OOC:
Tenzing tries to wind Twilight up over how peripatetic she is as stuck in the Zig and not free like a Goddess should be!!!

OOC:
D10  Affiliations:
D8 Reflexes. (Techno chip). Light speed on keyboard.
D8 History/Backstory: Technology has it uses (even if I hate it). To find the clips and make a recording that fills the whole room.
D10 Master Crime. To know about Twilight.  What makes her tick, her failures in her crime sprees and how she came to end up in the Zig (as assassin breafed on most criminals).
D12 Use rage halos (plus they could draw on it for anger related actions).  Make Twiligh angry with herself for being in zig and having to work with Dominae when a true Goddess should always be free and Dominae should be serving her.

15:23, Today: Windwalker rolled 4,5,3 using 2d10,2d8,d12 ((3,1,3,2,3)).

(Ok I get all bad rolls so did work).
Use the 1 PP to add dice.

Results:9   Effect: d8 Opp:1
emotional stress.

Alright, I'll go ahead and buy that opportunity, Tenzing gets 1 Plot Point and the Doom Pool goes up to 2D8 & 1D6. Twilight doesn't exactly have a lot to pull from. Since the emotional attack was directing Twilight specifically, she takes it personally so I'll use her Solo affiliation. Her Goddess Complex certainly doesn't play in her favor so I'll use that distinction at D4, adding another D6 to the Doom Pool. I'll go ahead and spend on of those D6 to pull in the Scenic Distinction - State Of Utter Disarray representing that she's not entirely focused upon Tenzing's attempt to irritate her. None of her Traits or SFX's help out here so I'll finish by adding her Psych Specialty because she's experienced in manipulating others emotionally, so she's not exactly a stranger to this. Can a 'Goddess' be level-headed?

Solo D8
Goddess Complex D4
State Of Utter Disarray D8
Psych Expert D8
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Twilight, rolled 7,5,7,4 using 3d8,d4.
Total 14
Effect D8
Opps 0

Apparently so, and I'll spend another D6 from the Doom Pool (now 2D8) to represent her counter in the form of D8 Physical Stress to Tenzing. While she was not sufficiently angered to become a handicap, she's angered enough to seek retribution.

Twilight sneers at the video presentation and turns her eyes towards Tenzing as he attempts to goad her into anger. Kneeling down, she picks up a fragment from one of the many implements which lie about the vault's floor. "You doubt MY Divinity?" she replies acidly as she turns to look at Tenzing once more, "Oh ye of little faith..." The implement takes on the appearance of an undeveloped photograph, like Twilight, before blinking out of view...

Tenzing suddenly feels a sharp pain - the fragment Twilight was holding skewers his arm!

It's not a physically traumatizing injury, nor does it cause complications (other than the stress), but it hurts! It's quite evident she's the one that took out the two Zigursky heavies...and now it's the Furies turn to go...oof, give me a moment. Processing...
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:17, Sun 06 Jan 2019.

"Twilight, we don't have time for this...stop toying with them!" Dominae growls as she sends a series of barbed chains and snapping manacles towards Crimson Fury threatening to engulf him with mystic shackles as a portion of the mob rushes him, guard and inmate alike, striving to render aid to their newfound mistress!

Dominae does what she's known to do, entangle people with her chains. She's trying to keep track of everything, so she's acting as part of a team (D6). She's using the Mu Mystic Artifact so that's a D8. She'll use the Enhanced Strength (D8) the chains provide, and use Stretching at a D6 as per the Multipower SFX in order to keep herself out of the immediate fray. She will also be using Chain Links & Mystic Collars to add another D6 and step up the effect die. I'll also throw in one of her Collared Minions die (D8) in order provide Dominae with an Expert Combat Specialty (D8) due to Many Backgrounds, One Mind SFX as a part of the mob rushes Crimson Fury striving to assist Dominae in taking him down!

Team D6
Mu Mystic Artifact D8
Enhanced Strength D8
Stretching D6 (Multipower SFX)
Chain Links & Mystic Collars SFX D6
Collared Minions D8
Many Backgrounds, One Mind SFX - Combat Expert D8
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Dominae, rolled 1,3,4,8,4,2,6 using 4d8,3d6
Total 14 (Spend 1 Doom Die - 18)
Effect D8 (Steps up to D10 as per Chain Links & Mystic Shackles SFX)
Opps 1

I'm going to be sadistic and spend 2 Doom Die leaving the Doom Pool empty. One Doom Die I'll use to add to Dominae's total because CF seems to be the most influential opponent thus far. The other die I'll use to create a Timer (D8) representing something occuring within the Vault that could radically change the scene...something Dominae is striving to ensure happens. CF, I'll need a reaction post from you against a D10 Entangle Complication with an 18 total.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:08, Sun 06 Jan 2019.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 17):

Mark was swarmed. Granted the various equipment and gear laying about made it diffcult for all of them to reach him, but those chains moved like living arms and they tried to bring him down. He felt the imprisoned emotions in each man, and they dragged him to the ground and where about to clamp one of the collars around his neck. He could barley sense his allies, given all the desperation and fear surrounding him. It was like they where not there at all.

Mark managed to meet Dominane's eyes, and he felt utter rage at this defilement of these men. Some of whom may not deserve it. He screamed with fury, and drew upon the power of his rage halo, the bubble surrounding the pilot and the warden, and his own frustrated inner anger.

The explosion of red plasma struck each man surrounding him, and a red ball of fire shot from his mouth and slammed into Dominae...

OOC:

Using Solo die because I am surrounded and cut off from the others.

Reaction with area effect SFX

Spending 2 xp to use as 2 plot points.

One to add an extra die to my total, the other to use Counterattack on Dominae and goons.

Solo-d10
State of Disarray-d8
Senses-d10
Blast-d10
Combat-2d8
Rage halo array-d10
Energy Bubble resource-d8
SFX Area effect-1d6

Total=21

Effect die-Dominae 1st, then goon. d10, d10

12:54, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 2,8,8,1,4,2,1,23 using d10,d8,d10,d10,2d8,1d8,d10,1d6 ((2,8,8,1,2,2,2,1,5,)).

Two ops.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Sun 06 Jan 2019.

Owie...that's one mob die out of commission, make that two because 'I Fall For Dominae' SFX...she redirects the Physical Stress to one of her Mob die. Those poor inmates and guards, this is why it's a good idea to have a quality life insurance policy. I'll go ahead and buy those two Opps, CF gains 1 PP because I'm going to add a D6 and step it up to a D8.

The chains and mob are blasted away in a profound red hued display of harrowing energy as CF stands his ground, retaliating with a seething blast straight towards Dominae! "I fall for Dominae!" cries a series of voices as a group of slavishly dedicated inmates and guards strive to make themselves a living barrier with their own bodies in desperation to protect their mistress...taking the full brunt of CF's assault as they are blasted asunder!

"My pets!" Dominae screeches, "Twilight, end this fool!"

Dominae's cry is equally matched by the Warden who stammers, "My God, what's he DOING?!? Those are my men he's blasting!"

"With pleasure, he looks scrumptious..." Twilight croons in response as she saunters forward. "Let's take this somewhere else shall we, big boy?" Almost instantaneously, the area surrounding Twilight and Crimson Fury takes on the hue like a negative afterimage...and they vanish!

Spending a Doom Die to separate Crimson Fury from the group. He is now Solo with Twilight.

Crimson Fury can tell he's somewhere near the vicinity of the Vault because when his vision comes back into focus, the two dormant Zigursky heavies fused together dominates his view with Twilight draped between them sporting a sultry grin.

I'll go ahead and say that concludes Twilight's action for this turn.

"Murderer..." whispers a voice that only UV seems to hear, the wail of a child echoes in the distance.

Morose, the Mutant Mistress of Melancholia, begins her mental assault once more...on UV. She not exactly acting as a Team since Dominae seems more adamant in ordering Twilight around. Once Twilight departs, Morose's desire to cause suffering encourages her to act whether Dominae wanted her to or not, so she's acting Solo (D8). Her distinction's obvious (MMoM) at D8, Psychic Blast at D8 and Psych Expert at D8. Since UV still has Emotional Trauma (D6), she puts that to use as well. Needless to say, she's striving to cause Emotional Stress.

Solo D8
Mutant Mistress of Melancholia D8
Psychic Blast D8
Psych Expert D8
UV's Emotional Trauma D6
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Morose, rolled 5,2,6,8,2 using 4d8,d6
Total 14
Effect D8 Emotional Stress to UV
Opps 0

UV, need a reaction roll from you to resist your favorite adversary. :D After that, it's the new round, and while I could have the bad guys act since they were the last to act last round...heck with it, UV - you can decide who goes next. :) The Warden hasn't done anything useful throughout the entire Zig other than be target practice. I'll have him create a one-shot Asset called 'Inmate Insight' at a D8 off his Combat Expert Specialty for any player to use for one action, which comes in the form of his general knowledge pertaining their record regarding their time at Zigursky Penitentiary such as their weakness, psych profiles, power potential and capacity, restraining methods used to keep them contained. Think of it as 'exploit weakness' in metagaming terms, and unless otherwise determined, like someone think it's significant to the narrative and spends a Plot Point to make it a lasting Asset, it's a on shot trick pony.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:26, Mon 07 Jan 2019.

UV shook her head. Not now. She didn't need this now. She was trying to help! It wasn't her fault! Swiveling her head around, UV couldn't locate the queen of depression. As the despair started to push, UV finally let go. All the rage and frustration and impotence from before welled up as it was fueled by the fog of rage from Crimson Fury. UV shouted to Morse with violence in her tone. "You want a murderer? Do you want to goad me into doing something? Well, wish granted! I'm coming for you! I will burn you into ash and not even a single mote of your soul will be left to mourn over! Here me and tremble, for the sun comes for you!", UV said as she rocketed off to hunt down the mutant villainess as her aura flared brightly.


OOC: UV is trying to return the favor and put the fear of god into Morose by using her need for vengeance and rage against the psychic assault. As Morose trying to feed on UV continues, she is just going to meet an unbridled determination to kill the villainess.

Spending a PP to convert the reaction into a counterattack for my turn.
1) INTENT: Returning the favor!
2) AFFILIATION: Solo D10 (Breaking off to hunt for Morose)
3) DISTINCTION: Coronal Aura D8
4) TRAITS: Superhuman Speed (flight) D10
5) SPECIALTIES: Menace Expert D8
6) ASSETS: Rage Halo D12
7) PUSH/STUNT or RESOURCE: Vengeance! D6 (1 PP to convert Emotional Trauma)
8) TARGET STRESS: None
9) TARGET COMPLICATION: None
10) SFX: None
11) LIM: None
12) DICE POOL: D12 + D10 + 2D8 + D6
13) RESULT: 20, Effect D10
14) OPPS:0
15) PP remaining:1 (2 spent)
20:32, Today: UV rolled 12,7,10,3 using 1D12,1D10,2D8,1D6 with rolls of 12,7,2,8,3.  Returning the Favor.


OOC: Crimson is up next. Give Twilight hell!

Hearing the screaming of those mind controlled men, the cry of panic of the warden, and the sudden transport of him to this new area-it clicked in again. The scene of panic and screaming in the desert. Mark's men laying about him, dying. Mark firing hitting his target over and over...thinking about his survival and the survival of his unit. Only to see who his enemy was after the smoke cleared. Children. Armed children resisting the invaders.

Mark pointed his glowing fist and Twilight and her new flunkies...but no blast was released. He was lost in the past once more, and he clenched his teeth trying to overcome the horror of the war.

OOC-3 xp-Freezes up/reacts due to flashback. Mark does not take an action.

Windwalker goes next.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:31, Mon 07 Jan 2019.

Elsewhere, deep within the bowels of the Zig...

...an enigmatic self-aware, self-sustaining spark of other-dimensional code notes a surveillance system being hacked...and decides to observe the feed, and the area it originates...

It glimpses part of news clip from the news channels, a recording of the demands Twilight had made to police...

Tenzing mouths, "If your such a great Goddess why are you stuck in someone else's dungeon playing second fiddle to someone that clearly thinks she is better than you..."

"You doubt MY Divinity?"...the fragment Twilight was holding skewers Tenzing's arm!

The explosion of red plasma struck each man, inmate and guard alike, surrounding Crimson Fury as a red ball of fire shot from his mouth...streaking towards Dominae...

"I fall for Dominae!" cries a series of voices as a group of slavishly dedicated inmates and guards strive to make themselves a living barrier with their own bodies in desperation to protect their mistress...taking the full brunt of CF's assault as they are blasted asunder!

...the Warden stammers, "My God, what's he DOING?!? Those are my men he's blasting!"

"You want a murderer? Do you want to goad me into doing something? Well, wish granted! I'm coming for you! I will burn you into ash and not even a single mote of your soul will be left to mourn over! Here me and tremble, for the sun comes for you!", UV said as she rocketed off...

The Cerebreaum pauses for a millisecond and ponders, "Hero...Villain...why do the organics differentiate?" before returning back to work at the task at hand...

Tenzing tries again to do same thing to Dominae as he did with Twilight.
If at first it does not work.  Try again.
The monk can be says to himself.  However he seem to have even less success.
At one point the pain in his arm slows him down.
He steps away from keyboard and stretches his arm.
That feels better.  He says.
But that was a mistake and all his hard work got jumbled up.
The only thing comes out of the computer is picture of very large black and white kitten playing with ball.

OOC:
We not even going talk about what monk was trying do.  However he does use 2 PP and heals himself of all stress he got on him using his SXF.
If by some strange fate of dice (which I be very surprised with) Dominae going have issues with black and white kittens playing with balls for rest of her life!!!

OOC:
D10  Affiliations:
D8 Reflexes. (Techno chip). Light speed on keyboard.
D8 History/Backstory: Technology has it uses (even if I hate it). To find the clips and make a recording that fills the whole room.
Expert Psych. D8
D12 Use rage halos (plus they could draw on it for anger related actions).  Make Twiligh angry with herself for being in zig and having to work with Dominae when a true Goddess should always be free and Dominae should be serving her.

02:48, Today: Windwalker rolled 1,1,11,1 using d10,d12,2d8,1d4 with rolls of 1,1,7,4,1.  Nice thing for Domic to see +1 PP.

Results:11   Effect: d4 Opp:3
emotional stress.
Ok Tenzingnew hobby is collecting rolls of 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Tue 08 Jan 2019.

Well, Tenzing at least gets 3 Plot Points (Doom Pool is somewhat lacking, now it has 3D6). Dominae, while initially trying to operate as a Team, finds herself lacking one member already and the other...can hardly be called a team player, and since the effect was specifying Dominae, she's operating Solo (D8). She'll also rely upon her Indominatable Willpower (D8) to resist the cute images of kittehs! Neither of her powersets apply so the only thing she has left to rely upon is her rather profound skill at being menacing (Menace Master D10), which she'll utilize to keep her focused on the task at hand instead of being swayed by teh kewtness!

Solo D8
Indomitable Willpower D8
Menace Master D10
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Dominae, rolled 1,3,10 using 2d8,d10
Total 13
Effect D4
Opps 1

"Kittens?...really? Annoying wretch..." Dominae sneers as she sends a chain through the nearest display cutting off the adorable mewling with a crash of rending metal and sparks.

Not even going to try and incur a D4 counterattack...Dominae will have to just settle for being annoyed. Now, it's back to the bad guys...one moment, post pending. :)

"She wants to kill me..." murmurs Morose as she paces nervously within the bowels of the Vault. "...how...DESPAIRING!" she grins broadly as if all of a sudden, she didn't have a care in the world as she taps into her own sense of suffering and expands her influence, causing the entire Vault to experience a sense of looming dread and despair!

Going to spend 2 Doom Die (Doom Pool is now 1D6). One Doom Die to activate Morose's SFX - Nothing But Sorrow, as Morose shrugs off the emotional stress she was experiencing due to impending possibility of UV blasting her to smithereens. In turn, she utilizes the sense of despair to fuel her own mutant capabilities to generate another scene distinction - 'Region of Despair' for another Doom Die, as everything sudden becomes a little more dour and desperate.

"Let's see if you find this amusing..." Dominae intones with a gesture as a mob of inmates and guards rush Tenzing's position as a series of chains rattle forth seeking new bodies to enslave!

Dominae seeks to inflict both the Warden and Tenzing with a Grappled complication.

Solo D8
Mu Mystic Artifact D8
Enhanced Strength D8
Stretching D6
Chain Links & Mystic Collars D6
Collared Minions D8
Combat Expert D8
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Dominae, rolled 3,6,6,6,6,2,3 using 5d8,2d6
Total 12 (Spend 1 Doom Die - 18)
Effect D8 Physical Complication (Grappled, +1 step via Chain Links & Mystic Collars to D10)
Opps: 0

Here's a good reason for having all those Plot Points, going to spend the remaining Doom Die to add to Dominae's total, which is now 18. Tenzing, how do you resist the mob and animated chains as they strive to immobilize you? Reaction roll, please. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Sat 12 Jan 2019.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 25):


Ooc-the warden and the pilot are still in Energy  bubbles I got as a resource.

NPC actions and reactions are handled differently than players (since they're really only bit players and not the main focus of the narrative). In MHRP, they just say that whatever the character tries to do, use whatever trait die is being utilized and apply it. For example...since you mentioned the Pilot...

"Shit's getting real, Johnson...DO something!" the Pilot chastises himself mentally as he avoids the majority of the conflict. Attaining a more relatively secure position, he witnesses Dominae assail Tenzing as the Warden went under. "Damn it!" he curses as he levels his sidearm and took aim, "Only got one shot at this..." he mulls as he squeezes the trigger.

*KAPOW!*

"Dominae! Look OWWW!" cries one of Dominae's collared minions as the Pilot's shot is intercepted by another of Dominae's slavish mob.

"How many of these fools must I DEAL with?" Dominae glowers menacingly.

The Pilot is a D8 specialist so he'll deal D8 Physical Stress to Dominae in a vain attempt to rescue the Warden. Needless to say, Dominae redirects the Physical Stress to one of her mob die, not taking it out entirely but now has D8 Physical Stress.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:18, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

Twilight looks Crimson Fury up and down as she slides off the two horribly mangled and fused Zigursky heavies with a slow intentful pace, "Performance issues?...so soon? Such a pity..." Taking a slow stride towards the Crimson Crusader, Twilight muses, "How did one such as yourself not end up..." and with a broad gesture to the surrounding area, "...in here? Clearly you have the temperment for it...you sure you're working for the right team? You seem to enjoy cutting loose..."

Twilight is going to try and use her womanly wiles to get under Crimson Fury's skin in order to inflict a mental complication called 'compromised loyalties' in order to convince him that he should be helping the Furies. Of course, she's Solo (D8), she'll turn on her sensual appeal by using her Ravishing & Ravenous distinction (D8) and her Psych Expert (D8) because she's done this before. I'd have her use her Dark Empowerment to further assist, but there's no dice in the Doom Pool. :(

Solo D8
Ravishing & Ravenous D8
Psych Expert D8
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Twilight, rolled 6,7,8 using 3d8
Total 15
Effect D8 Mental Complication (Compromised Loyalties)
Opps 0

Wow, compelling indeed! Okay, how does CF resist Twilight's drive to coax him over to the dark side?
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 28):

Mark heard the voice, snapping him back to reality. The screams, the dying men...and the so-called 'enemy' fading away until he saw where he was again. He saw the woman, and her emotions did not match her words. Granted Mark was alone, and having anyone pay attention to him was tempting. But he could see what was just a manipulating sales pitch.

"Save your crap for somebody else." He said with a growl. "Cause I ain't buying."

Ooc-
Solo-d10
Outcast by society d4(+1 pp)
Senses-d10
Menace-d10

Total roll=15, effect die=d10

19:31, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 10,4,2,5 using D10,d4,d10,d10.  Reaction.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

Nice retort! I was almost certain she would've effected CF with that. *snaps fingers* Alright, still need a reaction post from Tenzing regarding the grapple attempt. In the meantime, more exposition as the Timer die steps up from a D8 to a D10.

Meanwhile...

Slavish hands work feverishly at a device that looks cobbled together from a series of implements deep within the vault. Though it's purpose is unclear, it is put together with speed and efficiency that only those utterly dedicated to their task could accomplish...and the collared men seem dedicated indeed.

---

Book of Wisdom Volume II. Pain tells you your alive.  It has to be over come to grow.  But to grow you must over come pain not wallow in it.

---

(Pupil): Ouch, ouch, ouch, that hurts.
(The Temple Master): I know.  I am sorry but it better you face pain now than your own death later.

---

Tenzing turns to face the mob and the chains.  He focus for a moment.
Looks up at Dominae and bows lightly to her.
Chains and mob training.  I have not done that for years.
Let me see if I am still as good as I use to be.
I have few years on me now and add plastic as well.

With great focus using all his monk training, his strength and Reflexes chips the old monk quick on his feet.  With care he moves this way and that.  When he does stike back himself, it quick and with minimum effort.  Always to disable never to kill.
He also channels CF rage clouds to make mod more angry.  This would seem to be a mistake but Tenging know what he doing.  He fighting anger with calm.  Flaying chains and limbs with simple precise well timed movements.  So the mod ends up fighting it self or the chains.  As they go to hit him.  Tenzing gone and one of there own kind is hit instead.  So the monk turn the mob and chain against itself.

The years of training in monastery where not wasted on Tenzing.

At one point Tenzing give the warden a little shove and swings one of the mob round to replace him.  Just as the Collar is about to go on the warden in the hope saving the warden from Mystic Collar.

At the end he turns to Dominae.  Give a bow to her.
It seems I still have the knack I did in my youth.  Now what colour Kitten would you like me to make for you this time.  Black with white socks.  The grayie blue of Persian cat or a good old tabby cat.

He turns back to the computer showing no fear of her.  Making it clear that he going do what he said.  Make another cute cat appear for her.

OOC:
Tenging does what he does best.  Monk stuff....

OOC:
D10  Affiliations: Team
D8  Profession: The Ways of the Monk.
D8  Strength. (Techno chip).
D8  Reflect. (Techno chip). Use 1 PP to add to dice pull.
D10 Master Unarmed Combat.
D12 Use rage halos (make the mod more angry so they attack less effectively because Tenging using skill and precision.

Use a second PP to gain an extra dice.  If need be a 3rd to save the warden.
Can I use my (SFX) Counterattack: On physical stress attacks.
So I can turn my defense dice back on mod.  I.E. The mob and chain end up taking each other out instead of Tenzing.
Results: 24  Effect: d10 (step up D12 as I 5 over hers??) Opp:1

17:40, Today: Windwalker rolled 13,13,9 using 3d8,2d10,1d12 with rolls of 1,7,5,8,[5],9.  Good old monk training. +1 PP add extra dice+rage help.

OOC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...JROspq8&index=11
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

Nice roll! Alas, there's no such thing as an 'exceptional success' on a defense roll - exceptional successes are only regarded pertaining to how successful an action was. Your counterattack only works in situations where physical stress is involved, since it was a physical complication, your counterattack wouldn't be applicable (something to spend XP on, rework the SFX where it applies to physical attacks...not just stress related). Since you did use your Team affiliation, you're more than able to prevent the Warden from being affected - my bad, editing result. :)

True to form and decades of training, Tenzing deftly moves in, about, between and through the slavish mob as they try to overwhelm him...escaping entirely unscathed as if they were trying to wrestle the air itself! The mob finds itself a pile of bodies...some having others in headlocks, others grasping limbs, even the Warden manages to escape without incident as the chain threatening to affix a collar around his neck is deftly kicked away as Tenzing pulls the Warden free! Tenzing modestly approaches the terminal inquiring Dominae what her favorite color kitten is...much to her chagrin.

...and that wraps up this turn. Tenzing, you get a Plot Point for that opportunity you rolled. Doom Pool now has 1D6...woohoo! Since the baddies went last...I'm going to go ahead and pass the ball back to the players. Who would like to go first? :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:01, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

OOC:
Just to check I could change the dice I used so the effect
Results:20  Effect: d12 Opp:1

Would that make difference.
Even if your not happy to allow me change it would give me idea of what I can do.
Still learning what I can and cannot do.

Mender Phantasm: Won't be needed since you used your Team die, you effectively prevented Dominae from enslaving the Warden. That does leave us with the new round - again, though I could nominate the bad guys to go again, let's see what the heroes do. Who'd like to go first? :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:03, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

Tenzing may be odd but he totally a team player being raised in monistry.
I a happeir player now.  Put so much into last post trying turn thing around.

So seems like the warden owes Tenzing at lot.  Considering number of time GM tried to take this NPC down and Tenzing pulled it off so still around.

Mender Phantasm: I swear, I'm not intentionally trying to kill the Warden...honest. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:02, Fri 11 Jan 2019.

Mark could tell the woman was only semi-solid. She seemed to be made of darkness, but her emotions where fully human. He focused on her, ignoring his other senses and tried to drain her rage from her-thus striking directly at her mind. However, his own PTSD once again got in the way, and he was unable to focus as he needed to...

(OOC: Rage Drain on Twilight.

Solo-d10
State of Disarray-d4 (+1 PP)
Senses-d10
Mind control-d8
Menace-d10
Rage Halo-d10

Total=6, effect die-d10 emotional stress.

Hey WW! I think I beat you for craptastic rolls...

14:23, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 3,1,2,1,3,1 using d10,d4,d10,d8,d10,d10.

Next up-UV.) 
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

As Crimson Fury strives to syphon Twilight's vindictiveness, she eyes him warily. When she feels a very real and actual emotional pull, her eyes narrow icily...

Well, I'll buy those 3 opps CF rolled - CF gains 2 Plot Points, I'll add 2D6 to the Doom Pool and step one up to D8. Twilight doesn't actually have a lot to pull from by way of defense regarding this. Other than her affiliation and specialty die...Morose's 'Region Of Despair' may provide some emotional buffer (probably why Mark is having such a time with his PTSD). Does Twilight hold onto her vindictiveness?

Solo D8
Region Of Despair D8
Psych Specialty D8
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Twilight, rolled 2,6,7 using 3d8
Total 13
Effect D8
Opps 0

"You...want to drain ME? Twilight? Dame of the Darkforce Dimension?!?" Twilight states indignantly. She adds with a leering grin, "Let me show you how it's done..."

Apparently Twilight likes feeling vindictive...though she certainly didn't like someone trying drain her. She opts to return the favor...

With a swift elegant move...Crimson Fury hardly notices Twilight's hand caress his thighs as it flickers, fading through field and flesh alike. Almost instantly, he feels as if a portion of himself has been literally ripped away as his legs threaten buckle from underneath!

Spending a D6 from the Doom Pool (Doom Pool is now D6 & D8) using her D8 effect die in the form of her Leech ability, which she uses to target CF's Flight ability - effectively shutting it down! (Note: shutdown traits can be recovered just like stress/trauma)

UV looked and noticed that her hunt for Morose had left an opening for Dominae to do her work. Things were getting out of control. She stopped, hovering for a second as she looked over the battlefield. This is what they wanted. How could I be so naive?, UV thought as she berated herself for splitting away for a vendetta. She was a hero now, someone that was supposed to do good. Breaking off her hunt for Morose, UV found herself hovering above Tenzing. "I won't leave you again," she said in a trailing voice as she looked straight at Dominae. Drawing on a cocky air she didn't know she had still in her, UV grinned at the chained woman. "So, you like playing rough? Why don't we turn up the heat and see how well you really like it!", UV quipped as she pushed her fists forward and shot a solid stream of coronal energy at the hanging woman.

1) INTENT: Bust the pinata.
2) AFFILIATION: Buddy D8 (Joining up with Tenzing to take down Dominae)
3) DISTINCTION: "Time to turn up the heat!" D8
4) TRAITS: Solar Blast 2D12
5) SPECIALTIES: Menace Expert D8
6) ASSETS:
7) PUSH/STUNT or RESOURCE:
8) TARGET STRESS: None
9) TARGET COMPLICATION: None
10) SFX: Burnout! (1 PP to step up and double solar blast)
11) LIM: None
12) DICE POOL: 2D12 + 3D8
13) RESULT: 16, Effect D12
14) OPPS:0
15) PP remaining:0 (1 spent)
19:14, Today: UV rolled 15,12 using 2d12,3d8 with rolls of 4,11,4,3,5.  Bust the pinata!

Alright, Dominae's going to be using her Duo affiliation because she's still trying to keep track of the playing field...and keeping track of Morose isn't easy (D4 <- ironically, no Doom Pool increase for this). I'll add in Morose's 'Region of Despair' (D8) because that scenic distinction can't be helping UV all that much. She'll prepare to receive the blast with her chains as they are superhumanly durable (D10). That may not be necessary because a portion of her slavish mob of inmates and guards rally to her defense (D8) with combat expertise (D8). She'll also take advantage of UV's emotional trauma (D6). Does Dominae get blasted off her high horse?

Duo D4
Region of Despair D8
Superhuman Durability D10
Collared Minions D8
Combat Expertise D8
UV's Emotional Trauma D6
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Dominae, rolled 1,5,7,2,2,6 using d4,d6,3d8,d10
Total 18 (Spend Doom Die to add to total)
Effect D8 Physical Complication - Buried Under Racks to UV (Spend D8 Doom Die to counterattack)
Opps 1

Like a beacon of hope, UV expels a blast of scorching solar plasma luminating the fray with near blinding potential! Alas, the illumination fades under the pervading region of despair as her solar blast skitters across the surface of mystic metal! Dominae withdraws her animated chains, still glowing and sizzling from the deflected solar flare, and scoffs. "You've already tried your dazzling little display before, my dear..." Dominae sneers, "Let's see how well can you flare up...when you're buried!" With a sudden creak and crash, the mob pushes over a series of racks like dominoes, leaving UV buried alive beneath!

Well, on the bright side, the Doom Pool is empty again. Who would UV like to hand off to? Tenzing or the Furies? ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:33, Sat 12 Jan 2019.

"...and so now there's just..." Dominae gloats as she gives the mound of racks a cursory glance before lowering her gaze upon Tenzing, "...you." Spreading her chains outward, Dominae attains the appearance of some humanoid spider looming inside an expanding twisted web, "Your allies are gone, you're senselessly outnumbered, what possible hope do you have? Kittens?" All of a sudden, it becomes difficult for Tenzing to reliably ascertain the number of his adversaries...it looks like a dozen, then it looks like a lot more! As if to highlight Tenzing's distorted perceptions, Dominae's voice booms and echoes seemingly from everywhere, "Kneel Before Dominae!"

Dominae's going to try and terrorize Tenzing in order to cause emotional stress. Again, working as part of a Duo (D4), she finally gets to use her sterling personality traits - Obssessive and Domineering (D8), she'll brandish her chains in unsettling and threatening ways (D8), expanding them to great lengths as if to emphasize his limited options (D6). She'll add in a mob die (D8) and take Psychic Misdirection (D8) from Morose for her action in order to provide support to Dominae. Finally, what Dominae does best...besides enslaving people - be menacing (D10).

Duo D4
Obsessive & Domineering D8
Enhanced Weapon D8
Stretching D6
Collared Minions D8
Psychic Misdirection D8
Menace Master D10
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Dominae, rolled 2,6,2,3,6,4,6 using d4,d6,4d8,d10
Total 12
Effect D10 Emotional Stress to Tenzing
Opps 0

Tenzing, need a reaction post from being menaced by Dominae! :D
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:16, Sat 12 Jan 2019.

Dominae is now focused on Windwalker.
The monk is tapping away at the computer.  He starts to slow.  He can feel her attack on him.  Around him the room seems to change, it goes hazey.  The force of her power rests on him.
Under his breath he says.
The smoke room.  The room of illusions in the old temple.  Another test.
He slowly turns round to face Dominea being called by her comands and trying to resist.  The monk faces her.
"My allies are gone?" He repeats  "I am senselessly outnumbered!" he adds  "What possible hope do I have?"  Slowly before Dominea and everybody else the monk sinks to his knees.  He bows his head.
There is a moment as the monk takes in large breath of air.  The room is still.  The monk on his knees now broken?  Dominated?

Then slowly the monk raises his head.  Tenzing faces Dominea with a calm look on his face.  The question must now run throw her mind.  Did she ever have control of the monk for even a second as he says to her.
But I have friends.  The truth is I choose to have everybody's as my friend.  Even you Dominea.  And we all have Kittens to play with.  Everybody loves Kittens.

With these key words the computer in the room produces a small hologram kitten for every real person, one for each people in chains, one for warden and the  pilot.  One for UV (it has angelic wings so can fly next to her).  A small kitten appear right next to Tenging.  You are so cute. he tells it.
There is one exception in the room.  Dominea!  She is not given one kitten but three.  A cute Black kitten with white socks, a regal Persian and playful tabby Kitten.  All sit just in front of her and look up at Dominea, meow they say to her as if asking her "Do you want to play!".

---

OOC:
You really want Domiate a monk??  Someone that spend years meditating on a blade of grass.

OOC:
D10  Affiliations: Team
D8  Profession: The Ways of the Monk.
D6 Serenity
D8 Expert Psych.
D12 Use rage halos again Tangin use rage around him to enhance his action of calm.

I am using 1 PP to turn my effective dice back on Dominae.  Because not once but twice she tried to take Tenzing out and failed.  (As you said you get nothing for being 5 or more over on reaction over then no need put any more pp into gaining extra dice - however if there is a reasons I still have another PP which I will spend).

Results: 13  Effect: d12 Emotional Stress Opp:-
09:47, Today: Windwalker rolled 3,13,10,5 using 1d10,2d8,1d12,1d6 with rolls of 3,6,7,[10],5.  Dominae terrorize Tenzing (my turn for 1s).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sat 12 Jan 2019.

Dominae seems absolutely flabbergasted, astounded by the sheer resilience of the old monk's will. She tried to ensnare him...that failed, she tried to terrorize him...that failed. For a brief moment, Dominae feels what it's like to have her astounding willpower not only put in check...but shaken to the very core of her being - her confidence wavers considerably!

Dominae now has D12 Emotional Stress...something she can't redirect either. Owie! She can take a thermal blast from UV...and nearly gets defeated by kittens. :O Going to lob the ball over to the Warden. Pilot Johnson throws the Warden some support taking his action for the turn.

"Hold on, UV! Johnson, get yer ass over here!" barks the Warden as he clocks a nearby collared minion with his sidearm. Inspired by Windwalker's resolve, the two men dedicate themselves to lifting the series of racks just enough to grant UV the means to get out!

The two men work in consort to eliminate UV's Physical Complication - Buried Under Racks D8. The Warden will deal D8 Physical Stress to take out one of the mob die which already had D8 physical stress, which steps up to a D10. Dominae now only has 2D8 Collared Minions.

Deftly withdrawing from Crimson Fury, Twilight savors the traces of crimson energy that lingers within her vile grasp. "You put on such a show when you first arrived...I guess Dominae thought you were a threat." She adds with a sigh as the traces of energy fade, "...to me you're just an appetizer, and I've wasted enough time with you." The villainous vixen take on a negative hue once more, smiling sardonically at Crimson Fury as she fades, "...try to keep up, hero."

Twilight's going to do the ever-infamous 'villainous grandstand' (Doom Pool gains a D6) before pulling the next most infamous villainous move - 'pulling a fast fade' as she teleports away (Spending a Doom Die to reestablish Twilight with her team), leaving Crimson Fury in the outer parameter outside the vault bereft of his capacity of flight! It's just Tenzing and the Timer left to act this turn...Tenzing, you got the ball. :D

Tenging walks slowly towards Dominae.
His own little kitten bouncing along side him.
He stops by the three kittens and says simply to Dominae.
Don't you want to play with them?

---

OOC:
Windwalk tries to finish of Dominae drawing on his last action he used to turn the tables.  Trying to get her to play with kitten and take her out of the fight.

OOC:
D10  Affiliations: Team
D8 Profession: The Ways of the Monk.
D6 Serenity
D8 Expert Psych.
D12 Use rage halos again Tangin use rage around him to enhance his action of calm.

Use 1 PP to add an additional dice.

Results: 13  Effect: d6 Emotional Stress Opp:1
19:43, Today: Windwalker rolled 4,5,5,2 using d10,2d8,1d12,1d6 ((4,4,1,5,2)).</s>.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:55, Sat 12 Jan 2019.

Well, Tenzing gets 1 Plot Point, Doom Pool gains 1D6...that's probably going to get spent as Dominae strives to maintain her resolve! She feels a little more confident as Twilight reappears inside the vault, so she'll use her Team affiliation (D6), clearly her 'Indomitable Willpower' (D8) will come into play. Nothing from her powersets come into play here so it's just her menacing nature to work past, which I'll split into 2D8 instead of a D10. She doesn't need a big effect die, she just needs a high total. Will Dominae succumb to teh kewtness?

Team D6
Indomitable Willpower D8
Menace Master 2D8
Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Dominae, rolled 3,1,4,8 using d6,3d8
Total 12 (Spend 1 Doom Die - 15)
Effect Default (D4)
Opps 1

Yep, that was a short-lived Doom Die...

"I'll flay you limb from limb, you insufferable buffoon!" roars Dominae as she looks about ready to snap!

...and the Timer steps up to D12, ending the turn...

Elsewhere within the vault...

Overworked hands put the finishing touches on a floor based platform contrived of various implements poorly implemented. Twilight manifests just off to the side and inquires with annoyance, "You're not done yet?" A power coupling is engaged, the platform crackles and humms. "Mistress! It is ready!" cries out one of the laboring technicians.

...and thus the new turn starts, and for the first time since this scene started - I won't be picking the heroes...dun, dun duuun. Post pending. ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:24, Sat 12 Jan 2019.

The turn starts...*sheepish grin*...with the Timer...which steps up to a 2D12. CF, UV and Windwalker gain 2 XP from my spending 2D12 - ending the Action Scene.

Upon hearing the slavish technician's utterance, Dominae slingshots herself towards the floor based platform shouting, "Morose! We are leaving!"

"NOOO!" comes a pitiful whine as chains fly deep within the vault, dragging a molified Morose down through the platform as it seethes with energy. "The suffering must never end!!!..." she cries.

"Pathetic sadist..." Twilight smirks as she steps on the platform with a sanctimonious grin...and likewise appears to rapidly descend with a crackling spark.

No collared minion follows, instead the remaining mob turn on the floor based platform and begin smashing it to pieces! "For Dominae!" they holler in unison before falling under fire from the Warden and the Pilot.

"Where'd they go, Warden?...the Furies?" inquires Johnson as he warily surveys the scene.

"Damn it..." is all the Warden can muster as the region of despair slowly fades.

...and now it's the beginning of a Transition Scene, it's still the same scene, everyone is still in or near the vault. The Furies have apparently escaped, but it doesn't feel quite so despairing (which is fairly subjective at this point). Crimson Fury will have made his way to the vault by the end of this occurence.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:06, Sun 13 Jan 2019.

OOC:
Can Tenzing stop the Warden and the Pilot shooting the mob.
Instead can he take them out with non lethal means.
Which he is capable of doing (do you need roll).
Take of the collars.  Then use 1 PP to free and heal up the ones that guards?
The warden would know which ones.

So ones that guard would be knocked out, release of Collars and so should be ok as Domainea has gone?


This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Sat 12 Jan 2019.

You could narrate how he interrupts, even with the Pilot assisting...there would still be roughly a mob die remaining, which I'm certain Tenzing, UV & CF would be able to handle without any real need for rolling or plot point expenditure. The remaining mob die is comprised of crime specialists with no real experience in combat so their not even remotely a threat. The real question is what do the heroes do from here? I posted a blurb about it in the OOC forum...*goads conversation over to the OOC forum* In the meantime, some unrelated exposition... ^_^

In a time long, long ago in a far and distant land...an old robed man teaches a young student ancient teachings of the martial arts. The student lands procariously off-balanced and falls over after a particularly fierce flying kick which the old man simply side-steps.

"How did I miss? I was so certain I hit!" inquires the confounded student.

"Certainty or belief?" replies the old man.

"What do you mean, Master?" the student asks as he stands dusting himself off.

"Certainty says, 'I will succeed'. Belief says, 'I cannot fail'. Certainty does not mean ignoring the possibility of failure, belief simply presumes...do not believe..." exclaims the old man as he executes a flying kick in perfect form, yet lands with the grace of a man a quarter of his age and says over his shoulder, "...know."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:41, Sun 13 Jan 2019.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 44):

Ooc-Is my flight still down, or do I have to recover it?

For the moment, it's still shutdown...a recovery roll will be needed in order to restore it. I posted in the OOC forums the general rules and guidelines pertaining to restoring shutdown powers.

The Warden looks at his sidearm with a state of disbelief as the region of despair fades along with the red hued field that surrounded him. He curses under his breath regarding something pertaining to metahumans and quickly moves to the nearest subdued guard. Laboring to remove the archaic looking metallic collar, he calls out over his shoulder, "Johnson, help me get these damn collars off!"

The pilot complies without hesitation, though still wary of the Furies sudden disappearance, He shows some sign of relief as he manages to liberate one of the collared guards who gasps in desperation as if he were drawing his first breath. "You're alright, you're free now..." reassures the Pilot.

"My God, Warden...what happened? What did I DO?" stammers one of the liberated guards as he rubs his neck, eyes wide with shock.

"Don't worry about what you did, son..." replies the Warden paternally, "Focus more on what you can do. Go help Johnson remove those collars and get these inmates secured."

The Warden and the Pilot will both produce resources during this Transition Scene providing 2D8 Mob die worth of liberated guards who willingly lend their hands wherever deemed needed. For the current time and moment, they'll be used to help remove the collars off the others and help detain the inmates who show no further desire to resist. That'll conclude their initial action during the beginning of this Transition Scene. What would everyone else like to do and how do they react to this sudden change of events?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Mon 14 Jan 2019.

Fury had to run back to the others. His senses would allow him to know which direction to go, as he could sense his allies feelings. Despite that, it was slow going. However, it did piss him off something fierce, which was causing him a boost in his power. Which no doubt would help restoring his flight.

OOC-Trying to recover flight.

Solo-d10
Distinction: feeds on rage-d8
Flight-d8
Menace-2d8

Total=17, Effect die=d8

11:29, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 9,8,7,8 using 1d10,1d8,1d8,2d8.  Trying to recover flight.

As Mark sprints back towards the vault interior, he can feel the ebb and flow of emotional tension occurring within. What did that woman do to him? His legs felt numb, which only increased Crimson Fury's ire. He had to get back to the others, he didn't have time for a leisure stroll! He could hear the drill instructors as if it were yesterday, "Move it, Private! MOVE IT!" Incised to action, embittered by the debilitating effects of Twilight's touch, Mark's anger proves greater as he soon finds himself swooping into the vault once more!

Drained Flight Trait D8
Today: Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Twilight's draining touch, rolled 8 using 1d8.
Total 8
Effect Default (D4)
Opps 0

Apparently Twilight's touch wasn't so impairing afterall as Crimson Fury fully restores his capacity of flight by sheer grit and irritation alone! CF is now within the vault.

Meanwhile in the Infirmary...

A Zigursky Parameter Guard surveys the wreckage along with a squad of others as they sweep the location. The guard directs the others to a series of areas before drawing off to the side and speaks into a non-standard communication device.

"Director..." the guard says quietly into the device while keeping a watchful eye upon the others. "The Asset has been secured, ETA for extraction - five minutes."

"You're late..." replies a voice from the device, "Your performance has be noted...I hope for your sake the Colonel is more forgiving."

"Yessir, understood sir..." replies the guard before being cut off as another guard approaches.

"Who were you talking to?..." inquires the guard before gasping sharply, a bony extrusion pierces through his back before rapidly withdrawing. Husk drags the guard out of sight, then adjusts his Zigursky Parameter Guard uniform as he makes his way out of Zigursky Penitentiary.

...and Husk finds his way out of Zigursky Penitentiary...whether he's working with the Director, whether or not he has the 'asset' or managed to locate and free any of the former members of the Fifth Column...will have to determined in another issue. ^_^

With the normal calm and purpose the monk sets about sorting out the many problems around him.  He does not seem that worried he was eye to eye - Psych to Psych with Domoice and her attempt to reduce him to nothing.

First he goes back and remove holigrams of the kittens.  Well almost all.
He adds a few strock and one kitten remains.  It looks up at him.
Your just to cute.  I had to keep you.  He tells the kitten.

He then sets about helping free the guards and healing both the guards and the prisoners.
His simple understanding of human body fixes a lot of cuts and bruises.  As he was one of people that coursed them it easy for him fix what he done to them.

Lastly he sets about fixing some of the technology in the room.
He come to a smashed platform.  The monk sets about trying to fix it.
As he doing so he turns to the others.
I trying to fix this teleport platform.  It should help us get deeper into the Zing.
We need to find out why things have gone so wrong and hopefully restore it to what the zing should be.
Someone has been messing around with it's programs and we need find out why.
As he fixes the teleport the kitten playing along with him.  Almost seeming to help.

---

1 PP to heal the Mob.  3 exp First time you heal a person of any type of stress.

1 PP to fix the teleport platform. 3 exp When you use technology to over come someone instead of your monk skills.  Create a 'Short Ranged Teleporter' D6 resource with your Expert Tech Specialty.

1 PP to create an assets Tenzing personal Cute Kitten D6.  Linked to his techno chip the Kitten follows him around and he and kitten play with each other.
1 exp When you learn how use new technological item.  (I should claimed this when first started messing around with holograms in last seen).

However this reduce me to 0 PP so not sure I can do this.

If and it's big if.  I will have enough exp to increase my serenity for D8.
The kitten make Tenzing feel good about himself so his monk skills increase???

This is my wish list I may not have time do it all.  But if you don't ask then not going to happen.  Also is anything you want me roll for Mender Phantasm.

Heh, alright...yes to both the healing and the platform, but the kitty will only be a short-term asset and it won't last longer than the end of the current scene (since it won't actually be able to pass through the teleporter). Windwalker is down 2 Plot Points, the guards and inmates have their stress recovered and he manages to repair the platform the Furies used! Tenzing seems just as busy during Transition Scenes as Action Scenes... :O

"You can actually get that thing to work?" inquires the Warden dubiously as Tenzing tinkers away at the smashed circular platform. As if in answer, Tenzing reattaches a power coupling and the platform hums with power! Blinking dumbly the Warden inquires offhandedly, "Ever think about working for the Penitentiary?"

Turning to the mob of recently liberated Zigursky guards, the Warden barks, "Okay, listen up! We have a means to reach the Core, so gear up! Johnson, I leave a squad with you - maintain security of the vault! Everyone else..." he says as he checks his firearm, "...let's finish this."

If there's anything else anyone would like to add or create, now would be the time. When ready, let me know...the Core awaits. ^_^

Alright, I'll go ahead and move on since there hasn't been any replies regarding other player agency.

While the short-ranged teleporter is working, the targeting mechanism seems unable establish a sufficient means to transporting anyone closer than the outer parameter of the power core. There is a great deal of interference trying to get closer...and that wouldn't do anyone any good to have their atoms dispersed all over like a fine mist, and while it is possible to draw up a schematic regarding the current layout of the Penitentiary's lowest level, there are signs of significant alteration to the preexisting floor plan.

"What's going on down there?" muses the Warden with sincere concern as he helps orchestrate the safest, albeit probably not the most efficient or appropriate, location to port across.

The squad finish suiting up and signify their readiness, the Warden merely nods and says, "I can't force anyone to go through with this. More than likely, this will be a one way trip for some of us...but we have already seen what we're up against. It is a rogue sentient AI called the Cerebreaum. It has the capacity to takeover and control machines, computers...even your grandma's cell phone. We've seen first hand what it can do, we've seen what it did to our own security systems. Fortunately for us, it still seems to not have found a way out of the Zig. If it does, what happened here will most likely happen all over Paragon City. So, like I said, I cannot force anyone to go through with this...but it would be foolish to think this can be avoided altogether - unless we put a stop to it. Our objectives are two-fold - Secure the Core...and kick that freaking virus' ass. Look to your fellow guardsman, remember the guardsmen we lost - we do this for each other, for them, and for Paragon City. Security detail, let's get this damn penitentiary secure."

A series of grunts, fist-bumps and hoots issue forth from the mob of Zigursky Guardsmen in reply as the final preparations on the platform are made...and the Warden steps up, vanishing in a burst of electrostatic energy.

Next Scene is up - Welcome to the Core.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:33, Wed 16 Jan 2019.