Eddie smiles as he looks up, "For the moment. But it doesn't help them learn if they can't ask questions. We are all learning together so it can get a bit hectic." He chuckles, "They weren't meant to live like this, but this is the best way to keep them from being abused or lost in the system." He pats a box of food supplies, "Human and otherwise."

He looks warily now at the man, "If you are here to cause trouble this is a safe place so we'll need to take a walk. But if you want to talk grab a box, certainly enough of them to go around."

Eddie tries to talk in his head, If you can still hear me stay calm. Everything will be okay. V and I have had weirder things happen.

Hell's Kitchen.
Active Scene Distinctions:
- Moonlit Rooftops
- Fire Escapes

Jack O'Lantern takes a step back as Moon Knight leaps onto the scene. As Marc's symbiote adopts the form of a writhing, multi-clawed horror, the villain stares evenly at the vigilante from behind his pumpkin mask. He seems to be standing his ground instead of running-- which would have been the smarter option-- but for how long?

19:06, Today: Jack O'Lantern rolled 7,6,3,4 using 1d8,1d8,1d6,1d6.  Jack responds to MK's attempt to intimidate. (Total: 8 / Effect: d10)

Total: 13
Effect: d6
Opportunities: 0
Doom Pool: 2d8

Attempt to intimidate does not succeed.

Jack shakes his head: "After what Carnage put us through, Moon Knight ain't nothin' in comparison. And I know all about that symbiote of yours, ya freak!"

He motions for Scarecrow and his masked henchman to get into position. As they surround Moon Knight, Jack appears to be reaching for a weapon.

"Remember, just like we practiced! Fire ain't gonna hurt him, so we'll have to do this the other way!"

When Jack withdraws the hand from his belt, he's clutching a high-tech pistol with a flared barrel. He points it at Marc and fires...!

Jack targets Moon Knight with a sonic weapon.

Team d8
Ruthless Mercenary d8
Weapon d8
Combat Expert 2d6

19:23, Today: Jack O'Lantern rolled 6,3,6,5,2 using 1d8,1d8,1d8,1d6,1d6.  Jack targets Moon Knight with a sonic weapon.

Total: 17 (-1d8 doom for 3rd die)
Effect: d6
Opportunities: 0
Doom Pool: 1d8,1d6

Reaction Needed: Moon Knight

Following up with Daredevil next.

The sonic weapon would have been an excellent choice versus Venom or Carnage, but Lunacy — Moon Knight's personal symbiote — didn't have that vulnerability. Strange how they knew it wasn't vulnerable to fire, but failed to know this. They'd know soon enough, though.

Solo d10
Fist of Khonshu d8
Superhuman Reflexes d10
Superhuman Durability d10
Combat Master d10

Moon Knight rolled 6,3,8,10,10 using d10,d8,d10,d10,d10 ((6,3,8,10,10)).

Total: 20

The loud blast washed over Moon Knight like an air horn from an unruly hockey fan: loud, annoying, but hardly dangerous.

Moon Knight laughed.

TW: Suicidal ideation.

Hell's Kitchen. Rooftops.

Daredevil reaches the end of the building, expecting to take another running leap in his pursuit of Typhoid Mary. But then his senses deliver an unexpected realization, which is that his quarry is no longer running. Having come to a stop, she stands teetering on the precipice, as if contemplating trying to lose Murdock in the urban jungle far beneath them. Only the finest superhuman senses on the planet can surmise that this is not actually her intent. Only Murdock's sharp hearing picks up that small sigh that escapes her lips-- that moment where she steels herself, in preparation to jump from the edge... and meet the ground far below.

"I'm sorry, Matthew. I didn't want you to be here for this part."

But when Matt's cry reaches her ears-- "Mary! Let's just talk."-- something causes her to turn around. Perhaps she desires one final look at what might be the only man who truly loved her. Because even after all this time-- with all that has changed between them since their last dance upon these rooftops-- there is still something in the sound of Matt Murdock's voice which she cannot easily refuse.

Reaction to Daredevil's Mental persuasion attack on the "Fleeing Villain" scene complication.

"Fleeing Villain" Scene Complication d10
Typhoid Mary's "Lustful" d4

20:08, Today: Typhoid Mary rolled 1,1 using d10,d4.  Roll to see if Mary will stop and chat.

Total: 0
Effect: d4 (default)
Opportunities: 2 (Available first to DD, or MK)
Doom Pool: 2d8

Daredevil succeeds with an extraordinary success. DD's d12 effect die eliminates the Fleeing Villain complication and nets him a "Mary's Support" d6 Asset.

Each second crawls by as Typhoid's mind and body seem torn between jumping into the abyss and staying put. What started as a mission of revenge against her former "Family" is now dangerously close to ending in tragedy. Is this suicidal leap a sudden impulse-- something brought on by an explosion of guilt over what she did on the night she served Carnage? Has she truly spent the last week planning to end her life at the moment of her vengeance?

Only Daredevil's superhuman senses give him any indication of the silent war taking place inside her heart. Even with so few words spoken between them, the world seems to come to a stop as their unspoken emotions rage-- Murdock's firm entreaty coming up against the violent tempest of Typhoid's hurt and shame and anger-- the true details of which he can only imagine. But even now, Matt knows she has to remember what they were to each other. She has to know that he's here for her.

There it is.

Her heartbeat slows as the storm of her emotions finally begins to break. Her small fists slowly unclench where her bloody nails had been digging into her palms. When she finally steps back from the ledge, Murdock knows the metaphorical angel on her shoulder-- in this case, a man dressed like the devil-- has finally won out.

Typhoid sniffles as she goes to embrace Daredevil. As she rests her head against his chest, he can smell the tears on her cheeks that rain might hide from ordinary sight. Typhoid is still with him, but where a moment before, she had been as close to self-destruction as she has ever been, she is at last coming back to herself.

"Okay, Devil," she says, donning a genuine smile as she wipes her tears away. "I suppose it has been a while since we 'talked.'"

DD, you can use that Asset on any action for the duration of the scene where Mary's support can be of use.

Next: Reaction to Domino's post. (Msg #71)
(Apologies for my incredible delay!)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:07, Sat 27 May 2023.

Elsewhere in Hell's Kitchen.

Active Scene Distinctions:
- Domino's Glider
- High-Tech Goggles

Domino reaches into her own psyche, feeling around for the familiar sensation that luck is, as ever, on her side. She knows that to try and bolster it prior to entering a fight might run counter to how her power operates-- after all, her luck ability has always been oddly dependent upon her actively engaging in an ongoing dangerous situation-- but maybe fortifying her fortune *before* things kick off could prove to be a successful experiment.  After some of the strange mishaps she suffered the night of Carnage's demise, she might even feel like her power owes her this much...!

Reaction to Domino's attempt to create "Lucky Grrl" Asset. (Msg #71, Total: 18 / Effect: d10)

Doom Pool 2d8 (as of Domino's post in Msg #71)
Domino's Glider d8
"Mysterious Circumstances" d8

18:11, Today: The Watcher rolled 8,6,7,3 using d8,d8,d8,d8.  Doom Pool/Scene reaction to Domino's attempt to create "Lucky Grrl" asset.

Total: 21 (-1d8 doom for a 3rd die)
Effect: d8
Opportunities: 0
Doom Pool: 2d8 - 1d8 = 1d8

Attempt to create asset does not succeed.

Domino can faintly feel the tingling sensation-- the "mouse running down her spine" that signals her luck power affecting her nervous system-- but it's waiting for her to take action. Maybe using the experimental glider, and facing the mysterious circumstances before her, are also bringing too many unknowns into the equation for right now. She knows it was worth a try-- and at least she has some bad-ass gear and her fearsome rep backing her up in whatever comes next.

Next, we'll check in on Black Cat.

Washington Heights, Manhattan
St. Elizabeth's Church: Hallway.

<"I see,"> Shannon replies. <"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry. Don't worry, May's a good woman. Yes, she's stressed out... overworked... and worried sick about her nephew all the time. But she'll make sure you're taken care of. I promise.">

Though Shannon's words are kind, the steely look in her eyes betray the American Dream's concern-- more than that, anger-- about Katia's bruises. She looks as though she is about say more, when suddenly her eyes dart back to the tower of boxes in her arms. Despite her firm grip and steady pace, the highest box-- the one with the fine china inside-- is suddenly wobbling, about to fall...!

Shannon reacts to "Katia's" attempt to put a "Preoccupied" complication on her. (Msg #73, Total: 17 / Effect : d8)

Buddy d6
Outstanding Mettle d8
Enhanced Reflexes d8
Psych Expert 2d6

19:51, Today: American Dream rolled 2,6,7,1,6 using 1d6,1d8,1d8,1d6,1d6.  American Dream's reaction to Black Cat attempting to put "Preoccupied" complication on her.

Total: 13
Effect: d6
Opportunities: 1 (Available only to Black Cat)
Doom Pool: 1d8

Black Cat wins. American Dream takes a "Preoccupied" d8 complication.

As the highest box tips and falls, Shannon ducks forward and kicks a leg behind her. Without looking, she catches the box in the crook of her leg. Shifting the entire tower of heavy boxes onto one hand, she takes the one that fell-- its contents miraculously intact-- and offers it to Katia.

<"Here. This one has all the pretty, expensive stuff in it. Maybe you should hold onto it in case I get clumsy again.">

But when Shannon peers past the stack of boxes, the "confused immigrant girl" is already gone, having taken the chance to slip away.

<"Katia?"> Shannon calls from somewhere down the corridor.

Next, we'll peek in on Venom and those symbiotes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:06, Thu 22 June 2023.

Meanwhile, in the Church Lobby...

Active Scene Distinctions:
- Boxes, Boxes, Everywhere
- F.E.A.S.T. Volunteers

The stranger considers Brock for a moment. With a kindly look in his eye, he shakes his head. "Trouble? No, we don't want any of that. Not when we've made so much... progress... lately."

From a quick once-over of the stranger's unkempt appearance-- long hair, scraggly beard, and worn-out clothes-- it could be difficult to guess exactly what sort of "progress" he is referring to. But Eddie can get the sense that, whatever he is talking about, he means it in earnest.

The man glances at a pile of boxes near he and Eddie. "Um... How about this one? Yeah, that'll do." He picks up a container stacked full to the brim with gardening magazines. The cover of the top-most issue displays a wilted bouquet, with the caption detailing something about reviving a dead garden. Something about the image seems to both fascinate and sadden the stranger as he gazes at it, having seemingly forgotten about Eddie for the moment. This would be an opportune moment for Brock to reach out again to his symbiotes, with the man seeming ready to follow in whatever direction he's led, but in no particular hurry himself. It's only a short walk to the church supply room, in any case.

From across the room, May clucks her tongue. "Robbie there is one of my best volunteers. I hope you aren't giving him a hard time over there, Mister..." She pauses organizing the contents of yet another box. "I'm sorry, dear, what was your name again? I swear, this memory of mine is getting harder and harder to work with."

She peers over at Brock, waiting for his reply. Eddie of course remembers that this "volunteer" business is only a cover for he and the Cat to bust some thieves. Now, what was that alias he came up with, again?

May rolls to create Mental stress on Venom.

Team d4
F.E.A.S.T. Supervisor d8
Psych Expert 2d6

19:45, Today: May Parker rolled 1,1,5,4 using 1d4,1d8,1d6,1d6.  May asks Venom for his name/alias (Mental attack).

Total: 9
Effect: d4 (default)
Opportunities: 2 (Available only to Venom)
Doom Pool: 1d8

Reaction Needed: Venom
Action Available: Venom (last action of the round)

@Venom Note that this is a reaction roll for Eddie to remain undercover, but I also need an action roll from you. I'll suggest that your action could be rolling against the Doom Pool to re-establish the link with your symbiotes. You can also choose who takes the first action in the new round. I plan to narrate a bit more so everyone is clear on what the current threat/conflict is in their respective scenes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:44, Sat 24 June 2023.

Eddie looks at May and shakes his head, "Not your memory Miss Parker. Honestly glad I look different enough to make you not recall me." He shifts the box to hold it under one arm, "Going by Sheppard now."

Internally to himself, 'I appreciate the moment but is everything okay?'




OOC:
Vs May
Total 8
ED: d10
Opps: 0
PP: 0

d10 Solo
d8 Forged by Adversity
d8 Menace Expert
11:13, Today: Venom rolled 4,8,5 using d10,d8,d8 ((4,8,5)).

Vs Doom Pool
Total: 6
ED: d10
Opps: 0
PP: 0

d10 SOlo
d8 We are Sheppard/Venom
11:50, Today: Venom rolled 2,6 using d10,d8 ((2,6)).

Next Action: Shannon?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Fri 30 June 2023.

@Venom Looks like you had the option of a 13 total on the reaction, so we'll use the higher number. Eddie wins the reaction and takes no stress. (Take that, RNG!)

Doom Pool reaction to Venom's attempt to mentally reconnect with his symbiotes. (Total: 6 / Effect: d10)

Doom Pool 1d8

02:52, Today: The Watcher rolled 3 using 1d8.  Doom Pool reaction to Venom checking in on his symbiotes.

Total: 3
Effect: d4 (default)
Opportunities: 0

Venom wins. Symbiote link re-established.

"Sheppard," May repeats, smiling. "I can't put my finger on it, but it suits you somehow." She piles a few more items onto Eddie's load of boxes, giving him a sharp, friendly pat on the back. "Alright, Shep-- can I call you that? You and Rob head on down to the supply room with those. Shannon will show you where to put them. I've got to get this lobby cleaned up for our special guest coming by later." She turns away, darting around the place with various cleaning products in hand.

"Down that hall to the left," Robbie nods, not looking up from his magazine as he falls into place behind Eddie.

Though Eddie might appear perfectly confident as he heads in that direction, his inner thoughts are buzzing. His call-outs to the Flock go unanswered for some time, echoing deep in the vast expanse of his own mindscape before there is finally some sign of life. It is the raspy, guttural voice of Venom-- and it brings Eddie a sense of relief to hear it.

"Well, that was... strange. Do not worry, Eddie. They are safe... only sleeping. When Robbie touched us, it was like the world suddenly went all... warm and fuzzy. Like the entire Earth was at peace, with no conflict or violence. It was... disgusting."

The symbiote gives Eddie a firm nod before he snaps back to reality. "We will rouse them from their slumber. Just get us to the right place and we will be ready."

Next Action: Shannon

St. Elizabeth's
Church Hallway

As Shannon walks down the hallway, trying to figure out where "Katia" went, a group of fellow F.E.A.S.T. volunteers-- headed in the opposite direction-- suddenly rounds the corner, cutting off her path. Even as the Dream sees them coming and tries to move out of the way, an inattentive young volunteer knocks into her, toppling the tower of boxes and their contents all over the hallway. It's a bit of misfortune only the departing Black Cat's bad luck powers could have engineered.

KRASSHHH!! goes the fine china as it hits the floor.

The silvery-haired young man-- barely more than a boy, really-- quickly apologizes as he helps Shannon to her feet. "I'm so sorry," he says with radiant warmth. "Here, let me help." As he piles the loose items back into their boxes, he gives a casual introduction: "I'm Noah."

The Dream offers a curt acknowledgement as she does the same: "Thanks. Shannon." He nods: "Um... Guess I better get a broom to clean up the rest. Be right back." He kindly refuses the other volunteers' offers of help as he brushes past them. "No, no, it's my fault. I didn't look where I was going."

If any of the young man's friends give a suggestive grin-- perhaps thinking Noah wants to be left alone in the hall with his pretty new friend-- he waves them off good-naturedly. The young volunteers scatter as May issues a pointed interruption from the lobby: "Hey, what's going on in there? Was that the new china?"

"Um, May, I can explain..." Noah can be heard saying before things trail off. As they converse, Shannon is left standing in the hallway, directing any other newly arrived volunteers to step carefully around the broken bits of china. Her search for Katia will have to wait, for the moment.

The sound acoustics in the church are such that both Felicia, who has made it to the supply room, and Eddie-- currently on his way-- have more or less heard the entire conversation. Brock could be forgiven if he is too preoccupied to pay it much mind. But behind him, Robbie raises an eyebrow, looking up from his magazine as he gives an amused snort:

"Hmph. 'Noah,' eh?"

Going to rule that Shannon takes no action this round due to her "Preoccupied" d8 complication.

Next: I will set the Supply Room scene for Black Cat and Venom.

Out in the hallway...

Noah returns several minutes later, broom in hand. "Sorry, had to look everywhere for this thing. It was out in the garden for some reason, all covered in dirt. Took me a while to clean it off."

Robbie looks up from his gardening magazine with a quizzical look. "Oh. Um. Sorry. Spilled some soil out there while I was planting flowers." He reaches into one of his boxes and offers a dustpan to Noah. "Uh, here."

"Flowers? Thought you were supposed to be planting fruits and vegetables? You know, for charity?"

"Uh, well..." Robbie mumbles, fumbling his sheepish reply.

Noah just gives him a teasing look as he busies himself cleaning the loose shards. Meanwhile, Shannon stands around, her demeanor polite even though she still seems to be distracted by Katia's sudden disappearance.

"Real talker, isn't he? Hauling boxes around isn't his favorite thing," Noah explains, throwing a nod toward Robbie. "People just expect him to do it all the time 'cause he's so big and strong." He empties the full dustpan into a nearby trash receptacle-- "There,"-- before he returns the broom and dustpan to his large friend.

"Go ahead and do your gardening, Robbie. I'll take these to the supply room." But as Noah receives the tower of boxes from the giant man, he nearly collapses under the sudden weight. "No-- worries-- everything's-- fine!" he assures his companions through gritted teeth.

"Are you sure?" Shannon asks, alarmed. "Hey, don't drop those!" As they bicker over the offer of help-- and a chivalrous impulse to refuse said help-- Venom takes the opportunity to sidestep past them, heading to the supply room.

"Hmm," Shannon remarks, craning her head around as he passes. "That guy looks kinda familiar..."

***

Church Supply Room

Having successfully ditched the Dream-- for the moment, at least-- Felicia has had full run of the supply room for the last few minutes. For a skilled thief, it's all the time she needs to do a quick yet thorough inspection of her surroundings. Sturdy metal shelves line the walls of the supply room, stocked with the same F.E.A.S.T.-labelled boxes that her, Eddie, and all the other volunteers have been hauling around. The contents are organized by item type, with canned goods, clothing, and medicine making up the three biggest categories.

The supply room is also equipped with a thick metal garage door, with someone having backed an unmarked white equipment van into its parking spot inside. Obviously, it could be used to deliver charity goods directly into the supply room, but Felicia's instincts might tell her it's just as likely being used by an unscrupulous "volunteer" to transport them out. Perhaps her security cameras will tell her who that person is...

But then-- footsteps. Someone's coming. Too heavy to be the Dream. Maybe her Hulk-sized friend, "Robbie"?

Wait. No. It's Venom, covering the door while she gets the job done. Whatever Felicia is planning, she has only a few moments to do it. Time to move!

Turning it over to Black Cat and Venom. @Venom, if you want to roll for an Asset to represent your support, Black Cat can use it in her roll.

@Black Cat, you can roll against the Doom Pool to set up the cameras in a way that doesn't arouse suspicion.

Actions Available: Black Cat, Venom
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:50, Sat 01 July 2023.

Eddie smiles, "Hey Rob did we have anything to keep out the sewer rats? Saw some droppings earlier." Then to Venom, 'That isn't as bad as you make it out but I hate being surprised like that. Just you guys make some rat-like noises then come back to me unseen the house cat is making a move to help.' With that said he'll start putting the contents of the box on a shelf near the door Black Cat is behind.



OOC
rolled team d6 not buddy d8
Lethal Protector d4 +1 PP
Mob 3d8
Crime Expert d8

Total: 15
ED: d8
PP: +1
Opps: 0

20:29, Today: Venom rolled 5,3,4,8,7,2 using d6,d4,d8,d8,d8,d8 ((5,3,4,8,7,2)).

Venom's symbiotes oblige him, taking the form of small rodents as they peel off to go create a distraction. Meanwhile, Robbie had been standing around awkwardly, torn between helping with the boxes and heading out to the garden as Noah suggested. Eddie's question seems to give him new purpose. "Yeah, I can hear those rats squeaking again. May should have some non-lethal traps around here somewhere. Don't want to hurt the little guys." He heads back to the lobby to go find them, leaving only a few stray volunteers in the hallway other than Shannon and Noah. They're still too preoccupied with the boxes to pay "Sheppard" much mind, though Eddie catches the young woman casting a curious look in his direction once or twice.

Doom Pool reaction to Venom's attempt to create "Eddie's Distraction" asset for Black Cat.

Split 1d8 doom into 2d6.

Doom Pool 2d6
F.E.A.S.T. Volunteers 1d8

14:21, Today: The Watcher rolled 6,1 using 1d6,1d6.  Doom Pool reaction to Venom's attempt to create asset.

14:23, Today: The Watcher rolled 3 using 1d8.  Forgot the Scene Distinction in reaction to Venom's roll.

Total: 9
Effect: d4
Opportunities: 1 (Available to Venom or Black Cat)

Venom wins with an extraordinary success. "Eddie's Distraction" d10 asset is created and passes to Black Cat.

Next: Black Cat
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:47, Mon 03 July 2023.

Felicia has just realized she's technically a donor at this place.  Not out of any sense of altruism, of course.  He'd said something about how we're not supposed to profit from stopping supervillains.  Total bullshit.  The Avengers must get a paycheck to live in that tower.  Still, the jealous looks she'd inspired at the gala had made it worth it.  She tells herself this one isn't free.  Having Venom owe her a favor is worth more than money.

Setting up the cameras is same as always.  Setting up to prevent a heist is odd, but not fundamentally different.  Eddie's right though.  These people are vermin, stealing from people that have nothing.  Good thing there's a Cat to take care of it.

15:35, Today: Black Cat rolled 7 using 1d10.  eddie's distraction. – 7
23:43, Sun 02 July: Black Cat rolled 4,5,5,8 using D8,d8,d8,d8.  Buddy, World class thief,enhanced senses,crime expert. – 4,5,5,8

15/d8

On the way out of the room, she says to Venom, "Le piège à vermine est prêt."

No sense breaking cover, if someone is watching them.  He can figure out the meaning.

"Attends."

The vermin trap is ready
Just wait

She heads back to where she last saw 'American Dream' and asks her <"have the crashing noises stopped?">
Shannon is a wrinkle in this easy job that Felicia really doesn't need.  Spending the afternoon with her is either going to be painful physically or emotionally.

Matt (as Daredevil) pulls away from Typhoid as he senses her last tear drop on the asphalt below their feet like striking a bass drum in his ears. He can’t read her mind but he can tell the signs of her emotions that broadcast her thoughts from feelings. Her tendency toward self-destruction -- literally playing with fire, high above the city dancing with the devil (literally) -- wasn’t so complete that she would put herself so close to the line to end it all. It had to be a ploy to bring him nearer when she knew he wasn’t far, and this is the perfect night for such an emotional trap. Through the heavy, humid air he could smell the pheromones in her sweat rising on her skin in anticipation of being near to him and a heat that raged outside on her skin as well as inside her, down deep and low. She would be ready for his body as she had been before, for them to join together here under the hot, summer moon, like they had done countless times before, possibly even on this self-same roof. But no. This is not the time for catching her as she surrendered to the unbridled compulsions of her heart and body. DD can only trust that Moon Knight was unharmed in his own situation, at an angle that blocking being able to tell from his radar sense and the clamor of the city putting him out of range of super-hearing. But the fact that Mary is here in addition to the other ne'er-do-wells on the street could only indicate that something sinister was afoot, and that either hero present could be pulled into a trap. His only hope is to get ahead of it, to go straight to the source, or at least one of its tributaries, and Typhoid could be the main initiator for whatever was happening, or at least know why there were so many of them here, together.

But suddenly his time is running out. The moment he pulled from her he could sense her body cooling. Even someone in tune with the exact temperature of a person's physiology might not be able to detect the subtlety of bodily heat dropping by a fraction of degree, but the man with the superhuman senses can pick it up, and it would only go downhill from there. If Typhoid switches to Mary -- sometimes a transformation that is as unpredictable as it is swift -- the change in personalities would lose the information held by the former. “Typhoid,” he barks in her face. “Tell me what’s going on here.” When she becomes the one pulling away he grabs her arm hard enough to cause her to shudder. “Why are you here?” Mary does not deserve the violence, but it could be what draws Typhoid back, and that is whose level he can come to, and whose consciousness from which he could snatch something, to know what wicked deed is unfolding here, and then to stop it.

Eddie blinks at Felicia's statement and just nods and closes the door behind her but in his head, "What did she say?" Eddie moves to continue moving boxes as the little ones return after having caused some light havoc, "Man I wish I had learned French in school, ladies sound so elegant speaking it. But she most likely said I needed a bath."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Fri 18 Aug 2023.

Doom Pool reaction to Black Cat's attempt to set up the surveillance system. (Msg #90, Total: 15 / Effect: d8)

Doom Pool 2d6
F.E.A.S.T. Volunteers d8

12:23, Today: The Watcher rolled 5,6,4 using 1d6,1d6,1d8.  Doom Pool reaction to Black Cat's attempt to set up the surveillance camera system.

Total: 11
Effect: d8
Opportunities: 0

Black Cat wins. "Vermin Trap" d8 asset is created.

The plan to transform the F.E.A.S.T. supply room into a vigilante duo's sting operation goes off without a hitch. With the Dream out of her hair-- now attended to by the ever-helpful "Noah" -- the disguised "Katia" finds all the time she needs to set up a surveillance system that is both reliable and inconspicuous. There are enough storage racks and junk in this high-ceiling supply room that she has her choice of hiding spots to place them in. Eddie, meanwhile, is the perfect doorman, able to redirect supply room visitors away from the crime scene without arousing any suspicion. If his gruff appearance isn't reason enough for other volunteers not to strike up conversation, the distractions created by his symbiotes are highly efficient in steering them away. At some point while Felicia is finishing her task, the Spider's aunt May can be heard commenting on the sudden strange occurrences over the last few minutes: squeaky mice, plumbing leaks, and household items going missing. Perhaps, in their eagerness to assist their "Shepherd", those symbiotes are going a bit farther than is really needed. But still, no one seems the wiser, and Felicia is able to confirm that her camera feed is online. Now, they need only wait until the thief is caught in the act-- and swoop in at the right moment.

Domino
Hell's Kitchen Rooftops

Morbius' battle cry is interrupted as a familiar voice calls from nearby: "Michael! Control yourself!" Appearing from the fire escape leading onto the roof is a thin hooded figure recognizable to Neena as Carrion. Gone are the grayish rags he had been wearing the night of Carnage's killing spree. In their place is a pristine white lab coat, as one worn by a doctor treating a patient... and rubber gloves that hide his decaying hands. Neena's high-tech goggles offer a helpful reminder of his abilities: "SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT CAUSES RAPID DISINTEGRATION OF AFFECTED TARGET'S BIO-MASS." In this case, Neena knows she was perhaps wise not to rush into what might well be an ambush.

Or is it? The strange figure quickly paces to a spot on the roof in between the living vampire and the airborne Domino, trying to fence them off from each other. Recognition dawns in the eyes of Morbius as, after a pause, his ragged breathing seems to calm. "Mal...colm..." he rasps.

"Apologies. He gets testy when he hasn't had his dinner." It's odd to see the spooky-looking man give a rare smile-- and even more strange that it doesn't appear to be a malicious one. As Carrion speaks, he gestures to a metal case he's holding. The lid bears some sort of corporate logo: HORIZON LABS.

"I know about the bounties, Miss Thurman, and why you must be here. I know we both did terrible things that night." Neena could have room to interpret whether he is referring to he and Morbius... or perhaps he and Neena. "We all lost a part of ourselves to Kasady... some of us more than others."

He sighs.

"I regret it all, I hope you know. I've lain awake at night wishing I could take it all back. The people I... hurt. I can't, of course... But I thought maybe, before I turn myself in, I could do this one small bit of good. Yes, I've been trying to help Dr. Michael Morbius find his miracle cure. We already have the treatment ready--" He gives a quick glance to the restrained and covered figure which Neena's infrared goggles previously identified as a male mutant-- "But you, Miss Thurman, just might be the miracle we need. By all calculations, my previous attempts to eradicate the patient's vampirism were held back only by... How should I say...?

"Shit... luck?" Michael grins.

"Ah, yes. That," the doctor smiles. "We are not all so blessed to be as... fortunate... as Miss Thurman. I could not blame her for turning us into the authorities and collecting our rather sizeable bounties. But I think I speak for both doctor and patient when I say we would most appreciate your help, Miss Thurman."

Domino, you can roll either to try and help Carrion cure Morbius... or to bring the former Carnage Family members to justice.

Next: Will set up the final Epilogue rolls for the remaining players.

Domino considered this a moment, as she hovered there in the night sky.
Then, she called out in reply to Carnage,  "I'm about to make you an offer, Carnage.
It goes against my nature to do this, so if you screw me over, I'll make it my personal mission to make you pay".

She let that hang in the air a moment, before continuing, "I'll lend you what support I can, for this night.
But come sunrise, you come with me and allow me to hand you in for the reward".

Domino knew she was taking a very big risk here:  and that she was putting aside [possibly] money and [definitely] safety to do something noble.
But maybe, just maybe, old dogs could learn new tricks.    And she wasn't just taking about Carnage and Morbius here.


If Carnage agreed, Domino would honour her part of the deal by returning with them to whatever lab Carnage had, and assist with what process she could.
Neena's Checkered Past had often seen her help out in the Lab, using her Luck to aid in the production of one chemical concoction or another.   This would be little different
Come morning, she'd expect the two villains to honour their part of the deal.


Action:   Create 'Help out in the Lab' asset for Carnage
d10   Affiliation: Buddy   (temporarily 'sleeping with the enemy')
d8     Distinction:  Checkered Past
d8     Power: Probability Manipulation / Luck
SFX   Let the Luck Run Free. Add a d6 and step up your effect die by +1 when using PROBABILITY MANIPULATION to create assets

- rolled 9,1,6,2 using d10,d8,d8,d6.

Total: 15
Effect: d6 upgraded to  d8
Opp: 1

+3 XP when you put aside money and safety to do something noble.

In reply to Domino (msg # 95):
Doom Pool reaction to Domino's attempt to create "Help Out in the Lab" asset for Carrion (Total: 15 / Effect: d8).

Doom Pool 2d6
Pseudo-Vampirism d8

00:56, Today: The Watcher rolled 2,3,7 using 1d6,1d6,1d8 ((2,3,7)). Doom Pool reaction to Domino's attempt to create "Help Out in the Lab" asset.

Total: 10
Effect: d6
Opportunities: 0

Domino wins with an extraordinary success. Effect die steps Asset up to d10.

NOW


A long pause ensues as Carrion mulls over the bounty hunter's words. At last, he nods and waves a hand. "Yes. That is even better than what I deserve, after all that I have done. It's no wonder you see me as no different than him." As he hangs his head in shame, he doesn't need to say the name "Carnage" for it to be clear who he is talking about. His thin, wispy voice falters a bit as he seems pained by the realization.

However, Neena's clipped tone tells him he cannot dwell on the thought for long. "Fresh air helps the patient's... urges," Carrion replies, changing the subject as he follows her gaze again toward Morbius. "But my lab is where the real treatment will take place. Come." He beckons to Neena, flinging open a door and heading down the staircase leading from the fire escape. He casts a glance back over his shoulder at the restrained, covered mutant, as well as the Carnage mask-adorned man lying upon the ground. "It is safer for our other... volunteers... if they remain here." The remark leaves Neena to ponder what kind of "treatment" has been going on here... or soon will be.


LATER

The building's inner levels are all but abandoned. Light flickers only from the one central room marked "LAB". The trio has set up there and gotten to work, with Carrion poring over a jumble of notes, scientific instruments, and complicated equations. Occasionally, Morbius nods at some question or comment from the doctor. But for the most part, his eyes remain on Neena, filled not with suspicion, but what appears to be gratitude. However good that might make the mercenary feel, she isn't about to drop her guard. She notices a security camera feed on a nearby screen, showing the building's roof. Neena knows she should be keeping an eye on those unexplained guests, no matter how late it's getting... and how sleepy all this boring lab work might be making her.

"Our heavily restrained 'volunteer' up there is the mutant called Sabretooth," Carrion tells Neena, surmising her curiosity. "I have already taken a sample of his blood, but I found it... safer... to keep him off the streets. After that night, he became even more savage. In return for my saving that troubled young man from becoming Victor's latest victim-" He nods toward the security camera feed and the gangly Carnage impostor- "He agreed to serve as lookout while Michael and I worked on the cure. Though, regrettably, I cannot approve of his using Cletus Kasady's image to carry out his petty crimes... or his frequent dozing off on the job."

Carrion sighs.

"No matter. He will soon be relieved of his duty, for we are going to complete Michael's cure tonight. I believe Sabretooth's healing factor- among other things- holds the key to counteracting Michael's pseudo-vampirism. You may take custody of Sabretooth and collect his bounty, as well, when we are done here- provided you have the means to transport him. He has been heavily sedated, but it would be imperative not to dally on your way, as his healing factor will burn off the drugs in his system by tomorrow afternoon. And I must warn you that he has spoken of a particular hatred for you, Miss Thurman."

He cocks his head slightly, as if trying to recollect. "Yes... Something about a 'black box' from that destroyed helicopter-- could someone hand me that needle?-- and something he found in the system logs. I believe the on-board camera feed indicated-- don't worry, Miss Thurman, the needle is for me-- a missile launch by someone other than Cletus Kasady." Carrion jabs the needle into his arm and presses down on the plunger. Sickly, bluish blood fills the clear tube as he winces slightly. "Mind you, all us Family members nearly died in that horrible explosion at the stadium. Victor should count himself blessed- as I did- that Spider-Man was there to save us. But then again, he always was one to hold a grudge." He shrugs, returning to his notes... and leaving Neena to ponder on the latest new enemy she has made, whom she can almost feel staring back at her from the camera feed...


EVEN LATER

"Arm, please." Neena could be forgiven if she jolts- either from pain, sudden alertness, or both- as the hypodermic needle jabs her skin. Just how late has it gotten, with Carrion still busy as ever with his endless work? "Not to worry, Miss Thurman. As with any blood donation, we simply need to ensure a type match between donor and recipient. And the success of my serum depends upon that 'lucky' blood of yours. Or didn't you know the source of your own power- that the luck literally runs in your veins? I could understand if this comes as a shock to you."

Whether Neena believes him or not may have to wait for later. Whatever lingering mistrust she might feel, she could be in too deep now to suddenly back out of this- and anyway, keeping a tough image means one doesn't shy from needles. Even when he comes back for the second jab: "My apologies. Missed the vein that first time." Drawing a bit of blood from Neena's arm, Carrion proceeds to examine it under a microscope. He fiddles with the hi-tech instrument some more as he continues: "Fortunately, you and Michael do indeed seem to share the same blood type. Perhaps that stroke of luck is an omen of our success."

As he chuckles softly, the room begins to feel cold...

A BIT LATER STILL

"Well, Michael. Miss Thurman. It appears we are ready to begin the procedure."

Shuffling through his notes, Carrion suddenly turns to Neena again. "My apologies. I haven't even properly explained the procedure, have I? Where should I begin...? He gestures to a newspaper clipping affixed to the wall behind him: "HEROES OF NEW YORK END THE CARNAGE". The article features an on-the-ground photo of Daredevil, Moon Knight, Black Cat, Venom, Spider-Woman, Mayhem- and Neena herself- as they faced off with the giant-sized Carnage. "That night, Spider-Man saved my life. You heroes saved New York. And I witnessed your power, Miss Thurman, to create your own miracles. I was at my lowest point... grieving the loss of my brother, the Demogoblin... when suddenly, I was struck with inspiration. I still had a brother- Michael- who had had joined our Family in search of a cure. What we discovered at the Life Foundation building- where Carnage gathered his army of symbiotes- was of no use to us. But as Michael and I turned against Carnage... as we fought side by side, sharing in common our curse of living undeath... I began to think that perhaps- pardon my cliché- the cure could have been inside us all along. Yes, that's right. My Carrion virus that attacks organic matter- if it could be delivered via a serum and targeted at specific cells in the body- could cure Michael's body of its mutated, pseudo-vampiric cells. The only problem is the overwhelming probability that the blood-serum interaction will cause the Carrion virus to spread uncontrollably throughout the body... a slow and fatal prognosis, as you see with our young test subject up there on the rooftop."

A closer look at the security camera feed shows Neena all she needs to see- indeed, what she might have preferred not to see. That the young man in the Carnage mask who appeared to be napping on the roof is, in fact, no longer among the living. All that remains is a Carnage mask sitting atop a pile of dust and loose clothing flapping in the breeze... as Carrion's "cure" finishes its gruesome work.

Having said so much, he gives Neena a moment to process what's been said before he continues. "Yes, in all my calculations... no matter how many test subjects I infected, or how I ran the tests... the odds were never better than two-percent. For reasons known only to science, my cure had only a one-in-fifty chance of being recognized by the body for what it is. And it's not as though I have an infinite supply of human test subjects, though the ones I've gone through will not be missed. Yes, it's only ever a matter of time before some nosy 'hero' shows up and ruins everything... as you know all too well yourself."

His eyes gleam madly as he goes on, gesticulating wildly. "I knew if I could just get a blood sample from one person whose body responded positively to the cure... someone lucky enough to beat those terrible odds... well, their blood could be injected into Michael and he might be saved. But every test subject I've treated so far responds as though they've been infected with a virus... and not long after that, they expire. Only Sabretooth has survived the dual process of being made a living vampire, and then infected by my cure... all thanks to that incredible healing factor of his. But even so, one couldn't call him 'cured'. His terminal prognosis has only been... indefinitely delayed." Carrion gestures to Neena. "But that, Miss Thurman, is where you come in. Your unique power to turn the odds of any situation to your favor is just what we need to ensure the success of the procedure. And now, we're finally ready."

Stroking his chin, he takes a moment to consider Neena- her cold, shivering condition.

"Can you feel it, Miss Thurman? I imagine it's the same cold that he and I feel. Yet, in a way, you feel more alive than you ever have before, don't you? Yes, living death is such a... strange sensation, isn't it?"


NOW, AGAIN

Neena can breathe a sigh of relief. That clusterf**k of a night is finally over, and she's still in one piece. Better yet, she has not one- not two- but three bounties she can collect on, if she so chooses. And despite what she just went through, those bounties ought to offer enough compensation for any sane mercenary to believe it was worth it. Even if Carrion- bastard that he was- lied to her, just as she might have known he would.

"I apologize again, Miss Thurman. Infecting you with Michael's condition was the only option we had. There was no other way for the cure to work."

No, that needle hadn't drawn "lucky blood" out of Neena's arm. It had infected her with Morbius' own pseudo-vampirism- and that second jab delivered Carrion's experimental cure straight into her bloodstream! The cure had worked of course- all thanks to Neena's incredible luck- yet it certainly wasn't an experience any sane bounty hunter would be eager to repeat.

"I hope you can appreciate that my intentions were for the greater good, Miss Thurman. If collecting the bounty on my head isn't payment enough, then allow me to share with you the knowledge I obtained from those *Project Armageddon files. My true understanding of how your luck power operates has nothing to do with your blood and everything to do with your subconscious mind. Yes, this probability-altering power of yours is triggered when you are in a stressful situation- a subconscious telekinetic effect that emanates from your body, causing events to go in your favor and shielding you from harm. It is largely participatory, requiring that you engage in an action with an outcome you can affect. But perhaps, with practice, it can become directed at will... such as what you demonstrated just a moment ago, when you directed your luck power upon your own immune system. Who knows just what the true limits of your ability could possibly be? You should experiment with them as often as you can... for science."

Carrion extends to Neena a metal case containing his mobile lab equipment. He also offers her the needle from earlier, ideal for drawing a sample of the perfected cure from Neena's bloodstream. His pale eyes are full of pride in the group's shared accomplishment. "Your luck may not actually run in your veins, Miss Thurman... but as of right now, the cure for yours and Michael's vampirism does. Whether he deserves his cure, after what we have both put you through tonight, I leave to you entirely. I told myself I was being selfless... trying to save my brother from a fate I cannot escape myself... but in the end, I suppose I am still but a mad scientist trying to play God."

There is enough ammo in Domino's gun to put an end to all the participants in this medical conspiracy right now, if she so chooses. Or enough room on her glider to get all three to the Raft so she can collect their bounties, before they rot in cells for the rest of their strange, undead lives. But perhaps, as the sun slowly rises over the horizon, the glitter of that needle catches her eye. Michael is the most innocent party in all of this, isn't he? And he only needs one small bit of her blood in order to have his cure...

Whatever her next move, Domino will face it with money in her bank account... the choicest of bounty-hunting gear... and the best luck a girl could ask for.


*Mentioned on Domino's character sheet as being behind the experiments that bestowed her luck powers upon her. How Carrion knows about it is anyone's guess!

Thanks so much for indulging my wackiness as I attempt to narrate ourselves out of the spot I got us into so many months ago. I hope that wasn't too many big changes to a PC inside of one post, and please know that nothing that happened here necessarily need be permanent. I started writing this spooky conclusion as Halloween was approaching, which is maybe why it turned out so... dark. It was inspired by Batman: TAS as well as Gail Simone's Domino 2018 run that gave us a fun li'l storyline featuring Neena and Morbius: https://static.wikia.nocookie....st?cb=20181109184101

Further Epilogue conclusions are to follow for the other PC's, and thanks so much all for waiting on me. Grad school continues to take up much of my free time, but I think weekly Friday updates are a go as far as getting this thing moving again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:19, Sat 18 Nov 2023.

Washington Heights, Manhattan
St. Elizabeth's Church: Supply Room.

Doom Pool reaction to Black Cat's roll to catch the F.E.A.S.T. burglar. (Total: 15 / Effect: d8)

Doom Pool 2d6
Boxes, Boxes, Everywhere d8

17:56, Today: The Watcher rolled 2,3,3 using 1d6,1d6,1d8 ((2,3,3)). Doom Pool reaction to Black Cat (and Venom) attempt to catch the F.E.A.S.T. burglar.

Total: 6
Effect: d6
Opportunities: 0

Black Cat wins. Extraordinary success steps effect die up to d10.

THE PLAN:

After setting up the surveillance cameras, Black Cat and Venom spend the rest of the week engaging in volunteerism by day... and vigilantism by night. "Katia" monitors the camera feed in between helping May with various projects around the makeshift F.E.A.S.T. center-- as well as deflecting the woman's attempts to pry deeper into her past. Having rebuffed the pesky American Dream's clumsy attempts at friendship, Felicia forms a working relationship with her "co-worker" that is cordial enough. Fortunately, Shannon is busy enough wrangling the aloof "Robbie" and chipper "Noah" into May's service that Felicia can skate by without much notice... or further questions. With so much work going on here, it's clear that May is grateful she can count on her.

Meanwhile, Venom's flock of symbiotes are ever-alert and eager to patrol the rest of the church for any sign of a thief. Occasionally, it is all Eddie can do to restrain an overzealous symbiote-- usually, the trigger-happy Riot-- from chasing down a hapless volunteer toward whom the alien harbors a fleeting suspicion. Only Eddie's focus and leadership keep these near-mishaps from snowballing into something worse, with Venom helping its host to keep the "newbies" in line. The restrained Agony and Scream can usually be counted on in a pinch, but impulsive Lasher and Phage are another story. And yet, despite all their differences, they each have promise. After all, Eddie has seen firsthand that the "Flock" is much greater than the sum of its parts.

Regardless of how Eddie and Felicia are each faring on a personal level, tonight is already shaping up to be another disappointing night in the "Case of the F.E.A.S.T. Burglar". Roads quiet. Alleyways empty. No signs of a disturbance. Just dark streets, cold moonlight, and the sounds of their own breathing as each one watches and waits in a place of their choosing. Tonight, Felicia and Eddie are baiting the thief with a new prize: a fresh case of vaccines for that virus that's been circulating for far too long. Whoever the thief is, they have demonstrated a particular preference for stealing medical supplies-- an egregious act during even the most "normal" of times, let alone in the midst of an ongoing public health crisis. What good could possibly come of stealing life-saving medicine that volunteers were planning to distribute to the sick and needy? Or was the thrill of the crime enough of a motive?

For reasons of her own, Felicia might not want to dwell too much on the question. But it's not like she had-- or would-- ever stoop so low. There was a world of difference between petty larceny and depriving someone of life-saving medicine. If Felicia was feeling any differently about it, it was probably just because the lack of sleep and those nightmares had left her so rattled lately.

Nonetheless, the image of a red-and-blue striped shield sitting in a glass display case might pass into her mind. She might recall the Kingpin's look of pride as he paid her the sum and hefted the priceless artifact in his big hands. And she might think about the Dream's words as she had helped her with some task May had asked the two of them to complete together: May's done a lot for me, but she's not my family. That shield was the closest thing to family that I had. Losing it... is like losing a piece of myself.


THE BREAK-IN:

Unfamiliar face detected.

The sudden alert on Felicia's phone jerks her from whatever thought or activity presently occupies her. Soon, she has passed the info to Brock and the two make their way to where they need to be. The half-converted church lobby-- currently serving the dual purpose of F.E.A.S.T.'s volunteer headquarters-- is dead silent at this hour. As with breaking into just about any building, Felicia has already gotten used to coming and going from the place at her leisure, with any security systems quickly neutralized for the moment. Together, she and Brock make their way toward the supply room. Two vigilantes. Two exits to cover. One thief to catch.

It's dark inside the supply room, except for the light from a mini-fridge in the far corner of the room. The sounds of rummaging and ransacking are growing louder, but the activity isn't quite as brazen or careless as either vigilante might have expected. Whoever is helping themselves to the vaccine cold storage box is actually showing a certain care in handling the vials. The burglar only does a cursory check of each one's label and contents before giving a quick nod to no one in particular and placing it inside a dark-colored backpack. Far stranger, the backpack almost seems to meld with the figure's body as the burglar puts it back on.

That will have to wait. For now, Eddie and Felicia are each in position. Both exits are blocked, and the thief has nowhere to run. What's more than that is all three people in the room seem to know it. As the vigilantes quickly close in on the burglar-- whether having announced their presence or not-- their target reacts with blinding speed. Executing an acrobatic flip, the spry thief lands atop a nearby shelf. For an instant, the intruder seems to consider the threat. But rather than fight, the burglar turns and bolts straight for an exit... only to be caught in the multicolored strands of a great web, spun courtesy of Eddie's Flock.

Bingo. The plan went off without a hitch. Except... Just who is this burglar?

Eddie is the first to realize that the thief is wearing a symbiote: Venom's identical "twin" that he encountered the night Kasady died. If he recalled correctly, it had something to do with the Life Foundation and some kind of cloning process. While Eddie still bore the original Venom, Spider-Man's new black suit had seemed to be a perfect copy in every way. Eddie recalls that the Ghost Rider's judgement had purged the symbiote from Parker's body-- caused it to flee its host entirely. Or so it had seemed.

Felicia, too, is having a hard time processing the moment-- but for different reasons entirely. All she knows is that this "burglar" is the same person from her nightmares. The ones she has been having ever since Kasady ran amok. Imprisoned within Brock's web, the black-suited Spider stares back at Felicia with wild eyes. Extending from his outstretched fist is a symbiotic blade-- the same as the one he plunged into Cletus Kasady's screaming face. In her mind, Felicia knows that only happened inside a bad dream. But somehow that doesn't fix the cold sweat on her brow, or the sound of her own heart racing. Not that anyone in the room can tell.

A moment passes as nobody speaks. Felicia blinks, and now sees that the "symbiote blade" is just a vaccine the Spider is holding. As he struggles to be free, Peter clumsily drops it. "Uh... I know this looks bad, guys. But really... I can explain."


THE AFTERMATH:

"-- and that's the whole story. I know it's-- I'm-- so, so stupid. But, look, I know you can both understand. Aunt May... these volunteers... you guys all do so much good work at F.E.A.S.T.. Taking care of people. Giving them a hot meal, some clothes to wear, a nice warm bed. You guys are saving lives out here. And I would be busting my butt too, volunteering here right alongside you... if my aunt didn't believe that, right this moment, I'm out of town on some vacation she planned for me. The one she insisted on, after the night Cletus Kasady-- after-- " He rubs the back of his neck apologetically, seeming even more worried that Eddie and Felicia are going to tattle on him. "Let's just say that ever since she found out I'm Spider-Man, her 'self-care' lectures have gotten a lot more... intense. And that, as great as a vacation sounded on paper, my nightmares about Carnage really put the kibosh on it. Had to find a way I could stay busy."

He looks sheepishly between Eddie and Felicia, perhaps wondering whether either of them can relate. "As for breaking in here... stealing the supplies... I know. Stupid. But there are certain things people need as soon as they can possibly get it. Things that, for whatever reason, are just beyond their reach. Things that could actually be the difference between life and death. Like these vaccines. I know it sounds... arrogant. But with my powers and this black suit... well, I can distribute these things faster than May and her volunteers can. A friendly neighborhood Spider-Man can get them into the hands of the people who need them without having to wait for F.E.A.S.T. to organize in their part of town, or spend what little money they have on a bus ride to come all the way here. Sometimes... I guess... being responsible means bending the rules a little. I promise you that I was going to tell May... and that I'm going to replace all the stuff I took."

Yes, it would seem that even becoming a burglar was only ever a way for Spider-Man to help people in need. Wearing that shapeshifting symbiote costume was only a way for Peter to blend in with the other volunteers-- to trick passerby into thinking he was just another face in the crowd. With its ability to craft any disguise, he could even fool his Aunt May, who would otherwise recognize her nephew's appearance in a heartbeat. "And I promise that after this-- after tonight-- there'll be no more after-hours "volunteering" for this Spider. Me and this weird symbiote are going right back to our vacation. I'd ask you to pet-sit, Eddie, but it looks like you've already got your hands full with six or seven alien slime-monsters of your own."

He bids them both a quick farewell. "I'll see you both around. Keep an eye on things for me while I'm gone, will you? New York may not have Avengers, but at least it still has heroes." And with that, Spider-Man gives Eddie and Felicia a quick salute... and web-slings off into the night. It will be up to the two vigilantes to sort through their feelings after this encounter. Have they truly earned the Spider's trust? After tonight's events, does he still deserve theirs? And just what more could that hero's faith in the Cat and the Shepherd end up asking of them? Only time will tell...!


I've had this ending in mind for a good while now, and hope it managed to be surprising while still at least somewhat logical. Thanks Black Cat and Venom for your incredible patience in getting this epilogue over the finish line. We're going to wrap up Daredevil and Moon Knight's next, and then we're all but ready to start the next adventure at long last. More coming soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:43, Mon 04 Dec 2023.

Domino considered hard a moment.   It had certainly been a strange night;  and just as she'd kept her word, it seemed that Carrian was going to do the same.

Looking at Michael Morbius, Domino handed the kit back to Carrian, "Give him the dose he needs.
You are, all, coming with me, as agreed", she explained, "But he ought to have the treatment he needs before you all spend some well-earned time away from society".

When the Living Vampire had been injected, she took the dosage assigned for herself back.

Then, followed through on their earlier agreement, plus one.    All three were delivered to the authorities, and handed over for the bounty they represented.

“I came here…” Typhoid whispers. “I came here to…” Her facial muscles strain as she tries to resist- not in giving an answer to the Man Without Fear, but in fighting off her “alter’s” violent struggle for control. “No!” Mary suddenly pleads, as the composite personalities battle for dominance. “She’ll find out you told! She’ll punish us!” Yet, steeling herself as she grips Daredevil’s arm, Typhoid gradually- painstakingly- mightily- reasserts control. With a supreme effort of will, Daredevil’s ally forces “Mary” out, casting her other self down into the dark reaches of her own mind where she falls ever silent.

Slowly, Typhoid reopens her eyes. “Sometimes, doing the right thing means being afraid. You taught us that, a long time ago. I only wish Mary could understand.” Cupping a hand to her temple, the weary Typhoid casts a glance toward the street, where Moon Knight faces off with Jack, the Scarecrow, and their henchman. “Devil, you were right. It’s a trap. You’ve got to get back to him, quickly. She’s coming for him. For all of you. And this time-” She looks past him, paralyzed to speak.

Having long suspected this conclusion, Daredevil could hardly be shocked at the information Typhoid offers. But to see the hardened woman so unnerved could be cause enough for apprehension. Still yet, there is scarcely time to consider a response- whether to return to Moon Knight’s side, or press Typhoid further- before Daredevil’s senses buzz rapidly with new information.

A rush of ozone- from where? The nearest beach isn’t for miles, so where did this cold ocean breeze suddenly come from? While the Man Without Fear’s superhuman senses puzzle out the equation, Typhoid pulls closer to him, as though bracing for a coming fight. Whatever lust for battle she has displayed in the past, her heartbeat plays an unfamiliar symphony of terror to Daredevil’s ears. It is some time before Matt’s senses can piece together a most illogical conclusion: that the source of the rushing air is only some yards away, with the gusting current spilling forth from… nowhere at all. The nearest time he experienced anything like this sensation would have been one week ago, with that feline sorceress and her ability to conjure those mystical portals. But gifted with superhuman senses, Daredevil might well suspect that the one responsible is someone else entirely. There is no familiar, warm crackle of embers from this dimensional aperture- only icy cold darkness flooding ever forth.

“Ah,” a woman’s voice speaks. “There you are, daughter.” An even stronger whoosh of air spills forth as the portal yawns wider still, and the figure steps out onto the rooftop. There is an air of weariness and wisdom about her, a far cry from the devil-may-care attitude she displayed on that night. Shriek’s eyes dart from Daredevil, to Typhoid, to the cluster of figures fighting in the streets odd yards down and away. The few surviving members of the “Carnage Family” appear to welcome her arrival, re-focusing their hostility on Moon Knight with renewed vigor. This time, Scarecrow spearheads a two-pronged attack.

Scarecrow attacks Moon Knight with a psychic blast, assisted by his flock of pecking crows.

Team d6
Homicidal Maniac d8
Psychic Blast d8
Pack 3d6
d6 from SFX

SFX: Peck Your Eyes Out. Add d6 to your dice pool for an attack action and step back the highest die in your pool by –1. Step up physical stress inflicted by +1.

14:22, Today: Scarecrow rolled 3,4,14 using 1d6,2d8,4d6 ((3,3,1,4,3,2,5)). Scarecrow attacks Moon Knight with psychic blast/crows.

Total: 8
Effect: d8
Opportunities: 1
Doom Pool: 2d6

Reactions Needed: Moon Knight

Action Available: Moon Knight

“I take it you’re having second thoughts,” Shriek addresses Typhoid. “That’s a pity. Of all the Family, I had such high hopes for you. A natural killer, just like her 'father'. Before he was… taken from us.”

Her eyes hang on Typhoid as the portal behind her abruptly blinks out of existence. All at once, the rush of air suddenly ceases. “They say grief is a process. That everyone handles it differently. And I have had far longer than most to dwell on the fact of his death.” She touches a hand to her face, older somehow than it was before. Where only a week has passed, one would get the impression Shriek has not set foot in New York for ages- that her journey to here and now lasted many years. Even her choice in attire has changed, with the chaotic get-up she wore on that night traded for dark rags and a cloak. The hooded garment enshrouds her body from head to toe, wreathing her pale form not only in embroidered fabric, but a strange black smoke seeping from its folds. It rises off of her continuously as she gazes at her enemies from where she stands.

“My poor Cletus. One moment, he was like a god. The next…” Her voice falters as she struggles to get the words out. “Gone. Desecrated. Burned like worthless trash. All at the hands of you self-righteous ‘heroes’.”

However pointed are her words, her demeanor is ever cold and passionless. Once a mad dog at the side of one even madder than herself, it is as though she has achieved a self-mastery that was once far beyond her reach. Or so it feels now, as she begins to gather her great and terrible energies. Pressure, as well as what must be light in Daredevil’s estimation, emanates from the woman’s left eye as a tempest begins swirling around her, whipping those upon the rooftop with violent force.

“I’m going to take back what’s mine,” she seethes, casting a glance toward the faraway Moon Knight. "He has no right to mock me, wearing it like that. But first, a hug- for the daughter I’ve so missed.”

The shadowy cloak ripples and extends, as clawed tendrils of darkforce streak toward Typhoid!

Shriek attacks Typhoid (and Daredevil, by extension) with darkforce constructs.

Team d10
Darker and Colder d8
Sonic Storm d10
Darkforce Control d10
Combat Expert d8
Area Attack d6

SFX: Area Attack. Against multiple targets, for every additional target add a d6 and keep an additional effect die.

14:27, Today: Shriek rolled 9,6,7,9,1,6 using 1d10,1d8,1d10,1d10,1d8,1d6 ((9,6,7,9,1,6)). Shriek attacks Daredevil/Typhoid with sonics/darkforce.

Total: 25 (-1d6 doom for 3rd die)
Effect: d8
Opportunities: 1
Doom Pool: 1d6

Reactions Needed: Daredevil

Action Available: Daredevil
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:50, Fri 09 Feb.

“Nooooo!” Daredevil cries as he hurls himself into the path of the monster’s attack on his ally/enemy/lover/complication. Though he is ultra-sensitive to sonic strikes due to his hyper-hearing, he would not hesitate to risk his own protection for that of another. At the same time, he pinpoints where Shriek is near them with his radar sense then twists his body to make his next movement that of a counter-strike, assuming his brains aren’t scrambled when his eardrums burst from the unrelenting attack!

Reaction to Shriek’s attack on Typhoid, Total: 25, Effect: d8:
Buddy    d8
Man Without Fear    d8
Hypersenses/Radar Sense/Superhuman Senses    d12 (with potential reroll)
(-1 PP)
Acrobatic Master    d10

Daredevil rolled 2,5,8,5 using d8,d8,d12,d10 (reroll).

-1 PP to add third die to Total
Total: 18; Effect: d8

PPs: 4 (starting; from msg #703) -1 (Radar Sense SFX) -1 (to add die to Total) -1 (second Effect die) = 1
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Sun 18 Feb.

A psychic attack... and birds? Moon Knight grunted with mild amusement at the kinds of crazy crap some villains thought could be effective. Scarecrow would never make it off the B-list this way. Moon Knight's reputation for being crazy ought to preclude the psychic attacks, at the very least, even if nobody knew the full extent of his psychosis. It was hard to mentally hurt someone who was three people at once. He let his Dissociative Identity Disorder act as his psychic defense while he physically defended against the birds. He began swatting them out of the air.

Solo d10
Who is Marc Spector? d8
Superhuman Reflexes d10
Superhuman Durability d10
Combat Master d10

Moon Knight rolled 8,8,2,7,8 using d10,d8,d10,d10,d10 ((8,8,2,7,8)).

Total: 16
Effect: d10


Soon a pile of broken birds littered the ground around his feet. Some heroes might feel sorry for the unfortunate animals. Moon Knight wasn't some heroes. He didn't do 'sorry'.

He didn't even approach Scarecrow. Instead he used his new stretching ability to deliver a haymaker punch to the villain's face from twenty feet away.

Solo 10
Fist of Khonshu d8
Superhuman Strength d10
Stretching d8
Combat Master d10

Moon Knight rolled 1,7,10,4,9 using d10,d8,d10,d8,d10 ((1,7,10,4,9)).

Total: 19
Effect: d8