The morning headlines reads: Galaxy-Gal Reenacted - First Mutant Hero to voluntarily don an inhibitor collar.

Senator Goddard has gone on record to say that Galaxy-Gal serves as a prime example in what The Mutant Registration was designed to accomplish. "We're not trying to take away their identity, we're safeguarding everyone's."

The Warden of Zigursky Penitentiary was caught on video having this to say about the issue, "...that's NOT what they were intended for, you son of a...*bleep!* You're putting the punishment before the crime!..."

In other news, The Outcasts - a local gang of mutants cause a neighborhood vandalism spree in Steel Canyon, covering business and residential areas with graffiti while smashing windows and parked cars.

A video of one of the Outcasts spray painting a message on a wall goes viral, it reads:




Downtown Business Sector of Steel Canyon
Doom Pool: 2D6

Scene Distinctions (D8/D4 +1PP)
Ground Floor Businesses
Towering Skyscrapers
Middle Class Menagerie

Mob Of Outcasts: 5D8
Empowered, Enraged, Mutant Supremacists

Elemental Attack: D8
Elemental Resistance: D8
Elemental Movement: D8

The towering skyscrapers of Steel Canyon help give this part of Paragon City it's namesake as one can walk down almost any street and feel like they're at the bottom of a ravine with steep buildings looking very much like cliffs reaching skyward. Due to the unique architecture of the area, most business are situated at the bottom floor of the aforementioned skyscrapers whilst either residential and business offices are located on higher floors, stacked upon each other like an unusual game of tetris. Available plots aren't common, nor are they cheap, as residents and workers meander through the towering structures like some part of a colossal middle class menagerie.

The Outcasts have frequently targeted this area of Paragon City due to its representation of how power and authority can literally pave its way over practically anything...and everything. Normally low level criminal activity such as vandalism, robbery and the occasional mugging. This time, however, The Outcasts are out to make a statement - livid regarding the morning news, they intend to show Paragon City what real power is.

Under no circumstances are they rioting because they care about Galaxy-Gal, they think she's nothing but a turncoat (among other things) and some have gotten around to calling her a 'Hound'...probably the most polite thing they say about her, except for the implications, which may seem a tad disturbing. Nonetheless, it was bad enough that inhibitor collars were used on inmates...with this new developing situation where a mutant is required to wear an inhibitor collar whilst NOT being incarcerated...

...takes things just a little too far, as far as The Outcasts are concerned. The Outcast riot takes place during the late morning hours as businesses and offices are just opening up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:17, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

Strix looked at the mob before them as they landed, their wings folding down and merging back into their form. Striding forward, Strix spoke loudly but with a strange and alien reverberation in their voice. “STAND DOWN OR FACE CAPTURE.”

Strix had learned from the human immigrations that appearances mattered. They had altered their appearance to be more humanoid in nature and going so far as to imitate the lower half of a human face. In keeping with this trend, Strix morphed their left arm into a wicked looking bio-gun that could surely fling something nasty at the mob.


1) INTENT: Inflict Mental Stress to mutant mob.
2) AFFILIATION: Solo D6
3) DISTINCTION: Bounty Hunter from the Stars D8
4) TRAITS: Shapeshifting D10
5) SPECIALTIES: Psyche Expert D8
6) ASSETS: None available
7) PUSH/STUNT or RESOURCE: N/A
8) TARGET STRESS: N/A
9) TARGET COMPLICATION: N/A
10) SFX: N/A
11) LIM: N/A
12) DICE POOL: D10, 2D8, D6
13) RESULT: 12, d8 effect
14) OPPS: 0

21:16, Today: Strix rolled 5,11,4 using D10,2d8,d6 ((5,4,7,4)).

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Outcast Mob, rolled 23 using 6d8 with rolls of 4,7,2,2,3,5.  Resist intimidation/suggestion to surrender.

Total: 12
Effect: D8
Opps: 0

"Fuck it, man...it's a T-1000!" hoots one Outcast member as he breaks for the hills as fast as he feet can muster.

"Rather a collar than a bullet...you'll get yours soon enough, 'Hound'." says another as he gets down on his knees with his hands behind his head.

Interesting, all Strix had to do was offer a proposition and about a fifth of the empowered, enraged, mutant supremacist mob either surrender unconditionally, or flee outright.

So why was one of the surrendering Outcasts appearing so smug...

...statistical analysis correlates there's a 96% probability chance he knows something else is going on...

...the riot is too loud, too public...too obvious - the riot is a distraction.

Mob is reduced by 1D8, Outcast Mob is now 4D8.

For the Mobs reaction, I'll spend a Doom Die to create a D6 Timer Die representing the secondary objective the Outcasts have put into motion. It progresses one step each round until it reaches D12, next turn it acts as if the Doom Pool had reached 2D12 and is used to end the scene. In this particular instance, it means the Outcasts had reached their objective, achieved their goal and/or made their escape (depending on the narrative). Attempts to reduce the Timer can be accomplished by taking action against the Timer Die. It is added along with the Doom Pool to determine the effectiveness of the action. If the Timer Die is reduced below D6, the plot is discovered, the Outcasts are caught up with. This will generate another scene where the identity of the Outcasts and their objective is revealed. If the entire Outcast Mob are eliminated, then the Timer Die regarding as being reduced below D6 as the identity of the Outcasts and their objective is revealed because they would be the only ones remaining doing something blatantly felonious, so their activities become known by default.

While the Outcasts nearest Strix give a new definition to the term 'wide berth', the others continue to make a grand mess of things. Reports of neighborhood-wide vandalism and arson start echoing all across the PPD broadband!

The Outcasts grandstand, make a mess, cause the situation to generally get worse. They spend their action increasing the Doom Pool by D8. Doom Pool is now D8, D6. Timer Die: D6.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Wed 16 Aug 2023.

In reply to Mender Phantasm (msg # 1):

Fury flew high above the mob. He had fought the Outcasts before...angry mutants kids pissed at their treatment was nothing new. However, the government going after every member of their family on the off chance they might hurt someone was crazy. The sale of high tech weapons and bigotry did not give a punishment just because you could do something bad.

Mark wondered if he could have handled GG differently. However, sensing her rage and seeing what she had done to Roulette had caused him to...well, see Red. Once again the Mole was at the center of it-and he always made a mess for people like Mark to clean up.

For now, he needed to find the Outcasts doing more than just knocking over garbage cans and making a lot of noise. The emotions of those Outcasts would be different than the ones just screaming and making a scene. So, he created a plasma orb which showed a replica of the scene.  Each person would be shown as a tiny dot, the colors changing as their emotions did. By projecting his own emotions onto the map, he could focus on the feelings of those not matched with the crowd. Those would be the ones most likely doing something very different than the mob.

OOC:
15:13, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 3,1,8,4,2 using d10,d4,d8,d10,d6 with rolls of 3,1,8,4,2.  Creating asset.

17:45, Today: Crimson Fury rolled 3 using 1d10 with rolls of 3.  Enhanced senses.

Emotional display map.

Solo-d10
Distinction-Skyscraper-d4 (+1 PP)
Senses-d10
Mind Control-d8
Menace-d10
Construct SFX-d6, +1 effect die

Total=12
Effect die=d12

Spending 1 PP to make asset last throughout scene.

1 Opp.

Using asset to track down Outcasts doing things other than shouting and scaring people.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

Roulette stood on the top of a nearby building/skyscraper.   From up here, the world and its rioting mutants looked like insects.
But Roulette liked having 'the higher ground, Anakin';  it gave her a sense of perspective, allowing her to better see what she told herself was the 'bigger picture'.

Below, she could see the now streamlined form of the 'bot 'Strix' doing his 'Judge Dredd' impersonation upon the rioting masses.
And not so far off,  above the street level scene, but below her high nest, Roulette could see Crimson Fury doing something ... holographic? with his powers of fury.
She wasn't sure where the rest of the team where, right now: she couldn't spot them.

But, figuring that Strix could use some help subduing the subduables, a burning sphere of white energy manifested around Roulette's right fist, which she frisbee'd off down to the streets below, sending the 'bot-man some extra luck in whatever it was he was doing.
Roulette also willed the disk to pass through Crimson Fury on its way to the android, sharing a bit of the good luck with Crimson also.


Action:   Create Asset 'Fighting the Good Fight' for Strix (Use Luck Manipulation to add success to Strix's next action)
d10   Affiliation
d8    The Lady's on my Side
d10   Luck Manipulation
d8    Combat Expert

Roll -  rolled 3,6,10,7 using d10,d8,d10,d8
    Spend 1PP to create a secondary effect:  Asset also benefits Crimson Fury on its way past ...
Total: 17
Effect: d10  benefit to Strix
     2nd Eff: benefit to Crimson ... as his current action is not yet adjudicated, I am hoping that this will benefit this current round
Opps: 0

I'll buy that opp, CF gains 1 PP, Doom Pool gains a D6, Doom Pool is now 2D6.

I'll also add a D8 from the Middle Class Menagerie as CF will have to filter through a lot of people experiencing quite the range of emotions at the current time and moment.

I'll also add Enraged from the Outcast Mob at a D4 as a hinderance because it makes them more easier to identify despite the backdrop of fear and panic. Doom Pool gains a D6, Doom Pool is now 3D6.

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Outcast Mob, rolled 9,6,4 using 3d6,d8,d4 ((4,3,2,6,4)). Reliability of CF's construct.
Total: 10
Effect: D6
Opps: 0

The construct is spot on, CF can use it to triangulate the entirety of the mobs current position.

CF now has a D12 Persistent Emotional Display Map Asset.

***

Only got the Doom Pool to resist Roulette, so...3D6.

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Strix, CF, rolled 10 using 3d6 ((1,6,3)) Fortune's fickle favor?

Total: 9
Total: Default D4
Opps: 1

Roulette's disks strike true and both Strix and CF few emboldened by there newfound sense of fortune.

Both Strix and CF gain a D10 Support Action Die for their next action.

Correction, Strix gets a D12 Support Action Die due to Roulette's exceptional success.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:58, Wed 16 Aug 2023.

Mark had a full veiw of everyone's emotions now. The plasma construct would show the emotional status of everyone in the area, and Mark could zoom in and highlight individuals. It was now just a process of elimination to find the real threats by zooming in on them...

He stopped, feeling very lucky he stumbled onto this idea in the first place. Very lucky indeed. Almost like something was guiding his action to put him on the right path...

His eyes widened. Using his senses he locked in on a familiar emotional state, and zoomed over to her. She was actually higher up than him, but he actually felt a wave a relief upon seeing her.

"Ya know, you where supposed to call me when you felt like you could leave the hospital." He said, smiling, floating in front of Roulette. "I know I should have visited more, but I got busy with this really moronic new law these nitwits just passed. Still, it's good to see you up and about."

Mark did not read people's minds, he saw the emotions they where feeling like an aura about them. Of course, this was so his bizarre form could feed on the negative emotions himself and others felt, and convert it into plasma.

Because he was feeling pretty far from angry, he landed next to her. He did not want to test the idea that of he felt too good his powers would stop working. Including his flight.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Thu 17 Aug 2023.

Windwalker moves down the street passing the mutants  The riot does not bother him.  Any mutant that turn to attack Windwalker gets a hard stair that makes them turn away.  Windwalker looks at each mutant as he walks along. Looking for the right person.  One that is likely to know what is truly going on.  A mutant that he could make talk.  Someone that had information he or she should not have.  Not the main plotters but someone that likes to know what is happening.  Then he spots the boy.  Windwalker walks up to him.

He whispers in the boys ears so nobody else can know what is going down.

Simon the Spider Spy.  How are you doing.  Still raking in a nice amount of money from all your hacking.
Still ploughing it back into that high tech computer of yours.  Now I need to know what is really going on.  Time is important. I don't have time to mess around so I will get to the point.  Unless you want to start building your computer again from scratch like last time you better tell me what you know.  I have changed sides and I have some friend that can help me.
The monk points to CF and the others of the team.  They will help me find your computer.  All of it location points and I will fry each one it real bad.  So the truth on what is really going down?

Windwalker looks calmly at the boy.

OOC:
Find out what truly going on from a intelligent mutant hacker that Windwalker knows from his criminal past.  A mutant he done over for the people he was controlled by before.  I am roiling against the timer dice.




22:30, Today: Windwalker rolled 25 using 4d10 with rolls of 6,7,9,3.  Get knowledge out of the intelligent mutant hacker.
22:35, Today: Windwalker rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Dice error.  2nd 1d10 was 1d8.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Thu 17 Aug 2023.

Alright, since you're only talking to Simon, that'll be a D8 (not 4D8), but Simon's kinda sorta bent out of shape (Enraged) so that's another D8. Can't think of much else to that'd play a factor (probably should've gave them some specialties, but...meh).

Added the D8 I forgot (Timer Die)

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Simon, rolled 10 using 2d8 ((4,6)).Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Simon, rolled 5 using 1d8 ((5))

Total: 10
Effect: D8
Opps: 0

Tenzing scores an exceptional success, his D10 effect die is stepped up to D12. The Timer Die is only D6, so the impending plot is revealed.

Simon practically caves as he stammers, "Not my Japanime collection, man...that's harsh! Look, things are about to get hard and real down at Crey Towers. Frostfire's looking for anything - a prototype inhibitor collar, schematics, tolerance level test results, anything that'll give us Outcasts some kind of leverage in order to render those damn collars inert! We're just here to cause a distraction!"

Oh, and I buy that Opp, Tenzing gets a PP, I step up a Doom Die, Doom Pool is now 2D8.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:37, Fri 18 Aug 2023.

Windwalker pulls back and nods at the boy.  Then says in his ear again.
Good little Spider Spy.  I will remember your help.  Now may I suggest you go home and maybe look into something.  They say someone with computer skills is sorting out a shell program.  A verse that with the right information if it was to fall into that persons hands would render the collars useless.  I am not a Mutant but they put a chip in my back and you know what I became. 

OOC:
What me roll to make an accent?

OOC:
+1 exp When you resolve situation without using physical violence.

No roll will be necessary, consider Simon a D8 one-shot Resource whenever you encounter a situation where Tenzing attempts to disable an inhibitor collar. I say 'one-shot' because once any inhibitor collar gets rendered inert outside of established existing protocols, Crey Techs will scramble to determine the cause and patch the exploit once it becomes evident.

With less than anticipated resistance, the Outcast Mob kicks it up a notch. Near an intersection, a Brick kicks a parked car into oncoming traffic. A Chiller covers swaths of roadway with black ice...many cars lose control. A Shocker starts blowing out power mains, causing rolling brown outs while a Torch, finding the dumpster boring...sets fire to the business instead.

The Outcasts grandstand once more, adding a D8 to the Doom Pool, Doom Pool is 3D8. I spend that D8 to change an existing Scene Distinction: Ground Floor Businesses to Downtown Holocaust Sector, Doom Pool is now 2D8. The Outcasts that remain really start going to town, and if they keep this up, someone's most assuredly going to get hurt...if someone hasn't been hurt already!

Strix realized the situation was getting worse. There were many criminals to put down and not a lot of time. They could understand that they had back up. The being code named Roulette had used some sort of efficiency booster. They could tell the tactical programs were running at 125% efficiency.

Strix looked at the chaos and grimaced involuntarily. They needed to put this under control fast. Quickly benefiting from the presence of Roulette nearby, Strix diverted power from the burrowing projectors to increase their combat effectiveness. Strix darted between the rioters, shifting and stretching to combat the multiple powers they were facing.

1) INTENT: Thin the Herd
2) AFFILIATION: Buddy D10
3) DISTINCTION: Downtown Holocaust Sector D4 + 1PP
4) TRAITS:
             Stretching D10
             Shapeshifting 2D8
5) SPECIALTIES: Combat Master D10
6) ASSETS:
7) PUSH/STUNT or RESOURCE: Fighting the Good Fight D12
8) TARGET STRESS:
9) TARGET COMPLICATION:
10) SFX: Versatile (Shapeshifting )
11) LIM: Exhausted (Burrowing)
12) DICE POOL: 2 PP used (extra trait and extra effect) D12, 3D10, 2D8, D4
13) RESULT: 17 total, d12 and d10 effects
14) OPPS: 1

22:14, Today: Strix rolled 2,20,4,3 using D12,3D10,2D8,D4 ((2,9,8,3,3,1,3)).

+1 XP for using Shapeshifting to cause stress.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Sat 19 Aug 2023.

I'll buy that Opp, Strix gains 1 PP and I step up a Doom Die, Doom Pool is now D10, D8. There's still 4D8 of the mob remaining: 4D8. I'm going to add their empowered distinction because they're not supposed to be slouches, they don't take down easily. I'll also add elemental resistance since most of them have mutant traits which render harm or impairment difficult. So, 5D8...does the mob survive Strix's onslaught (I'm presuming Strix is using 'less than lethal' rounds and spikes?)

Mender Phantasm, for the NPC Outcast Mob, rolled 21 using 5d8 with rolls of 7,1,5,1,7.  Survive Strix!

Not with that roll...
Total: 14
Effect: D8
Opps: 2

Well, it wasn't an exceptional success...but since it's a mob, they suffer blow through. The first D8 mob gets hit with D12, D10 would take it out so another D8 mob die has D6 Stress. Another mob die is taken out by the subsequent D10 effect die. The Outcast Mob is now 2d8 with D6 Physical Stress.

Outcasts start getting dropped left and right, in what feels like a mere instance, half of the remaining Outcast Mob gets floored while half of the Outcast Mob left standing suffer from moderately impairing injuries. Strix practically covers the entirety of the Downtown Holocaust Sector leaving only the fortunate or the ones on the very fringe unscathed.

...and the ones most able - run like hell!

I'm going to take out another Outcast Mob die because they were only supposed to cause a distraction...PPD, sure...some amorphous thing from space that just took down half their number in the span of a few brief moments? NOPE! Only a single Mob Die remains, and it's the one that has D6 Stress...be certain they're trying to run for the hills - it's kinda hard when you're hurt.

Strix deposited an unconscious body near a PPD cruiser. Taking in the brief lull, Strix rerouted power back to their normal levels. The crowd had seemed formidable at first but like most being when they encountered Strix for the first time, they crumbled in short order. Strix was not naive enough to think that this was going to be the norm but it was a fine motivation and would help in promotional efforts for their future services.

Strix located the officer in charge of the scene. Though somewhat robotic in nature, Strix had start to communicate with humans using generic PPD accent they had heard over the radio scanner. “We have subdued enough to allow your forces to begin police proceedings in this area. Most of the significant targets are unconscious. We attempted less lethal methods due to the fragile nature of the targets. Expect contusions, concussions, and broken extremities as common injuries. We wish to reiterate that we are here to work within the bounds of terrestrial authority. We shall remain on scene for any further assistance in emergency operations,” they finished.

Strix remained true to their word and helped in damage control as best they could.

OOC: Taking the opportunity that MP rolled to reactivate the shutdown power. Also getting 1 XP - When you give your word to a teammate that you won't betray them.- and 3 XP - When you inflict emotional stress of D10 or higher after using your Shapshifting, Stretching, or Psych Specialty-

Essex had kept himself out of view. Not too far away but close enough that he could have gotten to the group if they needed him. He kept watch via his telepathic ability. Scanning through the area just to make sure his friends or innocent people were not in danger.

He spent the time also thinking about the situation. He stood on both sides of this issue. As one who had taken on the responsibility to use his powers for good and as one who was a mutant who spent much of his youth being hated for no good reason. He understood the desire to lash out. After all a riot such as this was the people using their voices to shout their disdain for the governments intolerance. Property damage is the best way to get the attention of those incharge. Nothing hurts a politician worse than having some Corp lawyer yelling about the cost of losses.

He knew in his youth he would have been right there with them. He and his friends carefully selecting targets that would cause the most harm to the rich people. Moving through the areas away from the riot zones looking for the bigots who were running around in groups looking for lone mutants to beat on. He thought for a moment thst he should probably be doing that right now. With the way things are there is bound to be some group out there who have been waiting for a chance like this to strike out against mutants. Those cowards would go after those who either only had physical appearance mutants or those who had no combat powers.

He had decided to be here though, right now at least. He was worried that some mutant or group might rise up and try to lead a rebellion of some sort. That would escalate things to an out of control level. Nearing the brink of a civil war. But as everything seemed to be wrapping down, perhaps he might go make sure no wandering group of bigots find am easy target. With that thought in mind he knew a few neighborhoods to go to but first he wanted to pass by the Forman of the clean up zone and scan through his brain for the name and address of the mutant hater who ran his mouth. Then go pay him a visit...

As Strix continued to assist in damage control and emergency operations, they found themselves seamlessly integrating with the Paragon Police Department. Their advanced capabilities and knowledge proved invaluable in managing the aftermath of the confrontation. With their enhanced sensors, Strix was able to quickly identify hidden dangers, such as potential structural weaknesses or gas leaks, allowing the officers to address them promptly.

Their expertise in shapeshifting and stretching came into play as well. Strix utilized their unique abilities to clear debris, lift heavy objects, and provide additional support where needed. Their flexibility and adaptability allowed them to navigate through tight spaces and reach inaccessible areas, ensuring that no potential threats were overlooked.

Strix's presence also had an unnerving effect on the civilians caught in the chaos. With reassuring words and gentle demeanor glean from infiltration training, they helped ease their fears and provided comfort to those in need. They offered assistance to injured individuals, using their knowledge of first aid to stabilize them until medical professionals arrived.

Their efforts were not unnoticed but PLD officers and emergency personnel kept a wide berth where they could. Strix didn’t mind the treatment. They were comfortable with little contact but deep within the aloof nature was the need for belonging. An artifact in the code. A ghost in the machine. Ingrained into them was a need to be around other beings.

Strix was unsure why but they found themselves approaching a simple patrolwoman. Strix registered the surprise and raised a hand to placate the officer. “Be at ease, Officer…”, started Strix with a pause as their systems searched for the badge number in the PPD database, “Lewis. We have noticed your efforts and wish to commend you. Should you have need of us, please use this to contact us,” they finished as they handed a simple communicator made of the same techno-symbiote as themselves.

The exchange was awkward and likely unnerving for Officer Lewis but Strix felt it was the right move. They needed to have a contact in the PPD. The logical, tactical programming insisted that was the only reason. Strix felt that there was something deeper tugging towards more human interaction.

OOC- 5 XP gain PPD contact.