In reply to Moon Knight (msg # 365):

"Not what beat him," replies Cloak, "But who. Isn't that right, demon?"

"Ah yes, the child refers to Strange," says the Predator. "Indeed, that was a defeat. I, banished from this dimension and stripped of my power, forced to walk the earth. 'So long as he lived,' I believe were his terms. Yet it seems he lives no longer." It extends its arms, gesturing to the empty void around them. "Now I've returned home... though regrettably, without any of the tantalizing souls I found in your world."

The demon's eyes shine brightly as it goes on. "So much evil... so much sin... so many killers, villains, mercenaries and more... all begging to be a part of my collection of souls."

Tandy lets out a gasp as the creature's hooved foot kicks something aside. Tumbling across the giant boulder they stand upon, all can see it: the discarded remains of a symbiote-clad rioter.

"As for these pitiful, weak-minded pawns you brought me..." the monster grins, licking its lips. "I assumed they were just a snack."

"Tandy..." Tyrone begins, already predicting her reaction. "We had no way of knowing..." But Dagger shakes her head, burying her face in Moon Knight's side.

"We thought they'd be safe in here... but we killed them, Cloak!" she whispers. "First, we sent Shriek in here and she lost her mind... that was years ago, and we still haven't learned our lesson!"

"We've been over this, Tandy," replies Tyrone. "Shriek was already psychotic when we found her selling those drugs. It was that cop's bullet to her head that tipped her over the edge! Not what we did!"

Though Tyrone attempts to comfort Tandy, she shrugs him off. Her sobs echo in the endless void around the group as, standing across from her, the demon seems amused by the outburst.

"So then," it continues after a moment. "Unless you've a sorcerer among your ranks, I believe I shall remain quite alive. To feed upon that which sustains me, to make deals as I like, and to serve the darkness."

Satisfied the trio have no way of escape, the creature bores into each of them with its dark gaze, inviting them to offer more.

"And speaking of deals...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:31, Mon 05 Oct 2020.

The two lovebirds remained in their pilot (and co-pilot) seats, somewhat making eyes at each other.
Domino moving over to the aforementioned control panel, and began looking it over.   It wasn't so different from he tank and shipboard controls that she was familiar with, thankfully, and her Combat expertise quickly adapted her thinking to its use.

being a chopper, she could see that there were two missiles, one on each side of the helicopter ... for symmetry and balance.  And, of course, it would fire both simultaneously.
Generally, at the same target.    But not necessarily, as Domino surmised.

Placing herself so that the two idiots couldn't quite see what she was doing at the control panel, her Superhuman Reflexes danced her fingers quickly across the Targetting Systems before her.
She split the control orders, so that both fired at the same time, as usual ... but that one was directed at the truck of villains below, while the other was designed for a return trip, with heat seeking facilities activated.

The kids here hoped that she was playing Buddy-buddy with them, but this was a Solo mission for Domino.
But she could feel Lady Luck on her side.


Action:  Fire them rockets
D8   Solo
D8   Targetting Systems
D10 Supernatural Reflexes
2d8 Combat Mastery
d8   Luck Luck on my side ... Spend 1PP to borrow a Doom Pool Die

- rolled 1,8,5,6,7,3 using d8,d8,d10,d8,d8,d8.
Spend 1PP to use Effect Die against a second target
Spend 1PP to add one die to the Total     ... thats all my 3PP in one action!  Is that permissible?

Total:  21
Effect: d10 ... against both 'truck of fools'  and  'Carnage-copter'
Opportunities: 1

PP: 1
Watcher:  do I get that extra 1PP for cooperating with Carnage as requested, and shooting his family like he asked?
Also, return that Doom Patrol Die as a d6!


"Ok, kids", Domino called to the two 'crazy funsters' in the pilot seats, "Lets have a blast" ... as she punched the launch button.

And, expecting them to turn and watch the excitement out the front window ahead of them, Domino quickly (Spending 1PP) snatched up the Teleporter ... and her Guns (if I've earned that extra PP for working with Carnage) ... and prepared to punch open a nearby door and dive out of the chopper before that second missile returned.


PP:   0
Next:   a Villain, I am guessing the Cackling Cohort here, in response to my action?
This message was last edited by the player at 07:54, Mon 05 Oct 2020.

MK did his best to soothe the distraught, terrified girl who was burying her face in his side, but this was so far outside of his wheelhouse that he didn't know if he would have any positive effect on her at all. Innocent people had died because of Cloak and Dagger's error. She was understandably upset.

Defeating the Predator had required Doctor Strange the last time? Figures. Somehow he didn't think that their current Sorceress Supreme was up to his level yet. Maybe she could do it, or maybe not... but there was no way to reach Tigra to find out without the Predator actually allowing it.

As distasteful as it was, they needed to make a deal with the demon. Otherwise they were just plain screwed. But what could they offer the demon?

"Tell me," Moon Knight said in Stephen Grant's smooth, cultured tone, "what is it you truly desire?"

Meanwhile, Back At The Sanctum Sanctorum...

Spider-Woman nodded at Wong. “You two disarm the guys playing with the mystic artifacts.” She cracked her knuckles, “I’ve got the random with the sword.”

Then, propelled by the proportionate strength of her arachnid namesake, Spider-Woman leaped over the crowd toward the man wielding Dragonfang! When she landed, the Dark Angel ducked and weaved to stay ahead of any slashes or sword-strokes. “I know, I know! The shiny sword got your attention, huh?”

Jessica somersaulted over the man’s head, trying to stay several moves ahead of him. She didn’t know if one needed to be an expert swordsman if one wielded the Valkyrie’s enchanted blade. When she stood behind the man, her fists darted rapidly in a flurry of blows. It would hurt, but he’d live. Spider-Woman’s objective was simple: take down the man playing with Dragonfang as swiftly and smoothly as possible.

Non-fatally, but “Painlessly” was optional!

OOC:

Action: Subdue the Rando with Dragonfang!

Team 1d10 + SHIELD Agent 1d8 & Superhuman Stamina 1d10 + Superhuman Reflexes 1d10 + Combat Expert 1d8


22:11, Today: Secret Roll: Spider-Woman rolled 3,7,1,3,5 using 1d10,1d8,1d10,1d10,1d8. Subdue the Rando w/Dragonfang.

12 for the Attack and 1d10 for Effect die.




This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

Venom just continues relentlessly dodging and webbing those he could doing his best to halt the incoming tide, "We share ourselves with the preachy heroes yet again. And they abandon the innocent to go protect the guilty! Go stupid Spider find our first born and Venom will find you to clean up as he must always do."


OOC
Team d6
Lethal Protecto D4 +1 pp
Superhuman Reflexes 10
Web-Slinging d6 (-1 PP multipower which steps down webslinging to d4 hence the reroll)
Acrobatic expert

Total: 9
ED: d4
2 Opps

Reaction: Crowd

14:59, Today: Venom rolled 1,1,3,5,4 using d8,d4,d4,d8,d8 ((1,1,3,5,4)).

This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Fri 09 Oct 2020.

In reply to Domino (msg # 367):

Domino regains her Guns d8 die and Teleporter d8 resource. Stepping up 1d6 in the Doom Pool from Domino's opportunity rolled in Msg #367.

Doom Pool: 10d6, 1d8

As the conversation continues, Domino silently re-programs the weapons system to deliver its payload: one missile to be launched at the truck full of villains below, and the other to circle back and strike the Carnage-Copter itself!

"This ain't so bad, is it?" says Kasady to his companions as he reclines in the pilot's seat. "Just the three of us, I mean. And to think, Shriek and I been running around town all day, springing every two-bit killer and criminal from jail just so we could pull them into this family of ours. And for what? Doppel went and got himself a new family. The Bushman died like a total loser. The Purple Man got jumped, and our kids went and quit sports on us!"

As he goes on, the madman's eyes seem oddly calm. It is as though despite all these complaints, he is experiencing the first real peace he's known in quite some time.

"Maybe... yeah! I got it!" he says excitedly. "I think I finally understand this whole 'family' thing! Maybe the key to a nice, happy family is to think small. From now on, the Carnage Family could be just the three of us!"

Shriek scoffs and folds her arms, but as Carnage makes eyes and prods at her, she lets up.

"You know, I have to admit," says the villainess, flashing Domino the faintest of smiles. "She does have guts."

"Say, you're right! Movin' in on another girl's man like that! HA! And hey, ain't she a mutant like you? Hell, the two of you even look alike! You could be sisters for all we know!"

"The mutant part is true," agrees Shriek. "Miss Clever here thought she was so sneaky, getting hold of those files on us. Bet she didn't know we had our own file on her all along. Mutant merc, knows Cable and Deadpool, blah blah..."

"Hey, don't disrespect the lady! Some of the things in that file even made Ol' Cletus Kasady blush! Domino's twice the killer that Moon Guy will ever be. Too bad I had to blow him up. He was just the right kind of crazy to fit in here!"

"Oh honey, let's not think about that nasty old Moon Knight," says Shriek soothingly. "Now's the time to celebrate! Look, the fireworks are starting!"

She points down to the field, where the first of the two missiles bears down on its target: Carrion's truck!

Continued in next post.

Carnage grins and leans forward in his seat, rubbing his hands together as he watches the missiles descend on the stadium courtesy of Domino.

"Oh, this ought to be good! Looks like we'll get to draft some new players soon! And this time, I'm going with some real heavy hitters!"

He blinks, rubbing at the corners of his eyes as he squints into the darkness. He flicks on the aircraft's spotlight, bathing the field below in its blinding white glow.

Lights Out scene distinction removed.

"Say, is that one turning around...?"

He breaks into a huge grin, right as the various screens in the helicopter's cabin begin to glow red. Suddenly, every monitor in the ship is flashing the alert, "INCOMING WARHEAD!" Alarm buzzers pierce the air all around the trio.

"Oh Neena, I couldn't be more proud of you. But if you think I'm gonna go down that easy... you're even crazier than I am!"

He grabs hold of the controls, his eyes gleaming with fiery madness as he erupts into laughter!

Carnage piloting the Carnage-Copter out of the path of Domino's missile... to re-direct it at Yankee Stadium.

3d10 (Large Scale Threat)
Hijacked Helicopter d8
Sensors d8
Vehicle Rookie d6

20:50, Today: Carnage rolled 6,2,9,3,7,5 using 1d10,d10,1d10,1d8,1d8,1d6. Carnage-Copter pilot trying to re-direct the second missile toward the stadium.

Total: 22
Effect: d10
Opportunities: 0

The Carnage-Copter wins. Spent 1d8 doom to add a 3rd die to the total (d8 that rolled 7). What happens with the missiles will play out in the next few posts.

Doom Pool: 10d6

As Domino prepares to eject, Carnage punches the gas, slamming everyone back in their seats! Suddenly, the Carnage-Copter is accelerating to its top speed, barreling toward the approaching missile!

"WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, BABY! HAHAHAHA!"

The last of the clouds part in the wake of the soaring aircraft, and it flies into full view of the stadium. Carnage descends on the arena like a hawk on its next meal. He puts the vehicle into a steep dive... and the last second, he yanks on the controls and barely skims over the top of the incoming missile! It reverses course, heading after the Carnage-Copter. But this time, the pilot pulls into an ascent, doing a loop-de-loop to throw the missile clear off its course...

... And directly at the heroes in the stadium!

Carnage's action is to add his Superhuman Reflexes d10 die into the Doom Pool.

"Looks like this is your stop," laughs Shriek. She hits a button and the aircraft doors open while she aims her other hand at Domino. A sonic blast hits the mercenary, tossing her out of the aircraft and into the stadium!

Shriek's action is to add her "Carnage Groupie" d8 distinction to the Doom Pool, using her Noise Pollution SFX to step it up to d10.

Doom Pool: 10d6, 2d10

From his perch atop the webline, Spider-Man is the first to see what's coming.

At first, he's too busy dealing with the mob below him. Venom is shouting more derogatory things at the web-head, probably because he's mad he didn't think of Spidey's idea first. He can web-sling too-- there's no reason he has to stay down there taking his chances in a close-quarters brawl. But that was always Brock's style: charging in blind, never thinking ahead. That was how he had gotten jumped by Carnage's gang and thrown in the back of that truck... and the reason all the heroes were here in the first place. Yet Parker doesn't have long to be pleased with himself before more things start to go wrong. (And really, what more could possibly go wrong on a night like this?)

<THWIPP!>

Spidey looks over to see the Doppelganger suddenly beside him, balancing atop the web "tightrope" in a crude handstand.

"Circus?" he croaks, flipping onto his feet. He reaches behind his back with his six arms and produces several pumpkin bombs, juggling them in the air. Where did he even get those things?!

Pumpkin Bombs scene distinction added.

If Spider-Man lets out an exasperated sigh, it would be easy to see why. Bad enough that his new companion keeps following him around everywhere... but now he appears to have gained the web-head's sense of humor, too. The strange being is having so much fun, he doesn't seem to notice that the razor-edged webline he created has begun to cut through Spidey's own! He is about to scold the creature... but then his spider-sense goes off like a siren!

And that is when he turns to see--

--Could that really be--?!

Yes, it's a pair of gobsmacking MISSILES barreling toward the stadium, right out of the sky!!

"Fire...works?" rasps Doppel, cocking its head to the side and pointing at the incoming projectiles. One is heading right toward Carrion's truck full of supervillains... and the other, straight for the heroes and rioting civilians!

(Looks like this night is getting worse after all.)

Spending 2d10 doom to add a Timer Complication to the scene: Inbound Missiles 2d10

Suggested action: Spider-Man

Seeing the missiles quickly flying towards the stadium, Spider-Man has no time to comment on Doppelganger's attempt at humor.

Oh, no! I don't think I can stop both of those missiles! I'll have to try to save the civilians first!

With his Doppel's webline cutting into his, Spidey feels his height dip slightly as it begins to give way.

No good! This web is about to snap!

Pulling on his web with sharp and sudden strength, Spider-Man leverages himself to a wide arc jump over Doppel. The webline snaps as he does this, and the thick line of grey web falls, lost under the stomping feet of the angry mob below. Mid arc, he fires another web, this time grabbing a pumpkin bomb from a confused Doppelganger's grasp.

"Doppel! Look out!"

This is all Spider-Man has time to say, but thankfully he's able to react much faster than he can speak. As the pumpkin bomb is grabbed, the Web-Head twists in the air, quickly spinning the webbed bomb in a circle around him. After spinning several rotations, Spider-Man releases the bomb in the direction of the missile headed for the civilians.

The centrifugal force gave me a little more power to that throw. Please let it be enough!

The arc in Spider-Man's jump places him between the missile and Doppelganger, but can he protect himself if it explodes?

Attempt to attack Inbound Missiles 2d10

Starting PP: 2

Affiliation: Buddy d10
Distinction: Pumpkin Bombs d8
SPIDER-POWERS: Superhuman Strength d12 (step up d10 +1)
SFX: Second Wind. Before you make an action including a Spider-Powers power, you may move your physical stress die to the doom pool and step up the Spider-Powers power by +1 for this action.
SYMBIOTE SUIT: Web-Slinging d8
Specialties: Acrobatic Master d10

20:51, Today: Spider-Man rolled 10,5,6,7,4 using d10,d8,d12,d8,d10.

Spending 1 PP to keep additional total die and 1 PP to keep additional effect die to target the second missile

Total: 23
Effect: d12, d10
Opportunities: 0
Remaining PP: 0

Stepping up 2d6 in the Doom Pool for Venom's 2 opportunities in Msg #370. Add 1d6 doom for Spidey's use of the Second Wind SFX in Msg #374.

Doom Pool: 9d6, 2d8

Yankee Stadium:

As Ben Urich disappears over the railing with a cry of distress, Daredevil suddenly hears it: the thin whine of aircraft rotors over the stadium. It pierces through the mental fog placed on him by his enemy, sharp enough to bring him the faintest moment of clarity. Somewhere on the furthest reaches of his mind, he hears the chopper's motor rev up as it descends on the stadium, raining down destruction. This micro-second of awareness isn't much, but it's all DD's got: a now-or-never instant to help him break the Purple Man's hold and save his friend. There might even be time to shout a warning to the others-- or to Killgrave-- or to whomever he can convince himself is his true ally!

On the field, Spider-Man has clutched a hand to his temple, staring at something up in the sky. It could be his spider-sense going off, but knowing Parker, maybe he's just spacing out on the job. Either way, Venom is too busy with the mob of angry Carnage look-alikes right now to worry about that. He knows others might think him a fool, choosing to stay down here and fight when he could just as easily flee upon a web-line. But from where Brock is standing, both Parker and the Doppelganger seem to be little more than cowards! Time to show them the proper way to deal with the city's madness... not by fleeing, but by force!

Mob reacts to Venom's attempt to web them up.

Team 5d6
Psychically Manipulated d4 (No strategy, just trying to out-berserk Venom)
Swarm d8

18:24, Today: Mob of Rioters rolled 4,3,5,6,6,2,6 using 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d4,1d8 ((4,3,5,6,6,2,6)). Mob reacting to Venom's attempt to web them up.

Total: 12
Effect: d6
Opportunities: 0

Mob wins. Stepping up 1d6 in the Doom Pool for the Mob's use of the "Psychically Manipulated" distinction at d4.

Doom Pool: 8d6, 3d8

Venom does his best to web up the mob of attackers, but there are just too many of them. They jeer and taunt at him as they shove and smother him, bloodshot eyes popping at him from behind their Carnage masks. The fact his opponents all look like Brock's most hated enemy, Cletus Kasady, makes it all the more difficult to hold back against them. If only he could find Shriek, the one brainwashing them into this frenzy, he could take the problem out at the source! And that's when Venom shields his eyes, as the whole stadium is bathed in a blinding light from some sort of Carnage-themed aircraft...?

The last thing Brock sees before the explosions hit is Spider-Man leaping into the sky toward a pair of missiles, hurling a bomb at the descending warheads in a last-minute save...!

The Darkforce Dimension:

As Dagger slowly pulls herself together, the demon in front of the group appears to take interest in something she had said. For a moment, the ancient being ignores Moon Knight's query, lost in its own thoughts.

"Hmm, yes... The child speaks of Frances Barrison. I seem to recall that woman indeed lost her sanity by my hand, not so many years past."

The Predator extends a hand, palm up. Motes of emerald light coalesce around it, forming into a luminescent globe. Smoke swirls within the sphere, forming into the loose outline of a human figure. Slowly, details become visible as it shapes itself into a familiar countenance: the villainess of whom the monster speaks. Gazing into it, one gets the sense they are observing real events, as Shriek speaks to some unseen companion beside her... in what looks to be the stolen Mooncopter!

"Ah, what bloody task occupies her now? Hard to tell with so dark a mind as hers. All the more remarkable, as she kills not for money, or for glory, but for love. Yes, souls like hers are rare indeed."

As the demon grins at Cloak and Dagger, it is plain to see the comment is refering to the two of them as well.

"No!" Tyrone says. "That was an accident! We don't kill... not for each other, not for love, not for any reason!"

"No soul is wholly untainted, my child," replies their horned host. "Take your companion here, for instance. I've not seen a soul as twisted, or as maddened, since my most desired soul escaped my grasp."

The creature's eyes take on a far-off look as it gazes at Moon Knight, wistfully recalling some past events too dark for any mortal being to dare inquire.

"Yes, Marc Spector, perhaps a deal is in order. I have peered into many dark hearts, and collected the souls of countless killers."

The light-globe shifts, changing into different beings. Unlike Shriek, these ones appear to be trapped within the Predator's "collection." They flail and struggle to be free, to no avail.

"Attila the Hun... Vlad the Impaler... Jack the Ripper, and more. But none ever seemed to complete my collection quite so much as that of Frances Barrison's lover..."

Still clutching Moon Knight's hand, Tandy tenses up as the monster speaks the dreaded name she and her companions know all too well is about to be said.

"Yes, I speak of the one called Cletus Kasady."

@Spider-Woman, Tigra Next post will be a follow-up for both of you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:49, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

"As far as I'm concerned, you can have him," Moon Knight said without hesitation. He was planning to kill Kasaday or die trying. Feeding him to a Demon Lord seemed especially fitting. "I can't guarantee what condition he'll be in, though. Lots of broken bones, probably."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

As Ben falls, Daredevil staggers backwards, holding his head. The journalist is dead! Mission accomplished! Finally! One less -- "Arrrgggh!" Daredevil cries. Just ride it out, he thinks. What the Purple Man wanted -- Done. So get it out of your system. Just -- The hero -- or once-hero -- writhes on his feet, nearly falling, catching himself, twisting his body like it will help get the influence out of his head, willing his limbs to come under his control again, forcing his arms, his legs, his head to do what he wants them to, focusing on the clamor of the nearby news-crews for the noise to crowd out the noise in his head, reaching out his wobbling radar sense in a desperate attempt to get any kind of equilibrium, as if balance will help. He's dead. DEAD. "AARRRGGGHHH!" he wails. "Get -- out -- !" he moans, his muscles growing weak with the intense, concentrated effort. He stumbles again, barely righting himself, only for a spasm to force him to face upward again. DEAD.

Attack on Mind Control Complication:
Solo    d10
News Crews    d8
Hypersenses/Radar Sense/Superhuman Senses    d12* (with potential reroll)
(-1 PP)
Psych Expert    d8
Keen Awareness of Surroundings Asset/Opportunity/Power Stunt    d10
Protective Charm Complication (Purple Man)    d6

Daredevil rolls 2,2,12,2,9,2 using d10,d8,d12,d8,d10,d6 ((2,2,12,2,9,2)).

Total: 21; Effect: d10

PPs: 2 (starting; from msg #344) -1 (Radar Sense SFX) = 1

Symba was getting ready to pounce on that guy holding the Wand of Watoomb, but then Tigra grabbed a nearby book, Using Ancient Trinkets. She flipped through pages until the Orb of Agamotto came up.

Wong looked preoccupied, “What are you doing? You are not advanced enough.”

“Excuse me? Have a little faith. I’m no Stephen, but I’m learning. We can just call upon Agamotto’s power with his Orb thingy. Look at the state of this place, and he probably wouldn't want this Orb of his in such a run down place." Tigra showed Wong a picture of people looking hypnotized, "Look, says we can make people hear or see things with the Orb. Maybe the Orb of Agamotto can help these guys hear common sense and put things away gently."

Symba brought up the Orb in the goopy cage to Tigra’s eye level.

Tigra held her hands around the cage. “Ahem, Mr. Agamotto, Sir, I call upon you and your power to the Orb to protect its sacred holding place.”

Tigra-Symbiote’s hands began glowing,an unsettled Symba growlwed, "Your strange witch powers are working."
Tigra focused on the mob, specifically on the guy holding the Wand of Watoomb, telepathically reaching out to them.

Rolling for a stunt, Tigra is using the Orb of Agamotto to make the brainwashed peeps taking items hear auditory hallucinations of their parents, “Well, look at you kiddo, looks like you’ve got your late night fun with your new birthday presents. Lets have you gently put away all your new toys for tomorrow, and head off to bed.”

Paying 1 PP to make d8 Bedtime stunt by calling upon Agamotto’s power through the Orb of Agamotto to make the crowd think they are children going to sleep.

Team d10
Mystical Legend d4 (feeling overconfident)
Telepathy d8
Mystic Master 2d8
Bedtime d8 stunt

Summoner Supreme Milestone
3 XP when you use Mystic Master or Supreme Sorcery to call on an entity from another plane of existence as a resource or stunt.

12:48, Today: Tigra rolled 10,4,1,6,2,3 using d10,d4,d8,d8,d8,d8.  Bedtime stunt for mob holding the Wand of Watoomb.

Total: 10+6=16
Effect: d8
Plot points total: 3-1 for Stunt = 2+1 from d4 =4
Opportunities: 1
XP: 3 from milestone

In reply to Spider-Man (msg # 374):

How long is an instant?

The answer depends just as heavily on the identity of the listener as anything else. For a speedster, or teleporter, or time-controller, there are a variety of responses. An instant could be plenty of time for such a hero to work with. It could be enough time to get the innocent out of harm's way, remove an approaching threat, and plan a solid counterattack against the enemy behind it.

But for Spider-Man, it is far less than that. The instant of awareness granted to him by his spider-sense gives him just enough time to turn his head to the sky. It is enough time, also, to see the descending warheads and realize just how many lives are at stake if they are allowed to hit the stadium. It is enough time to realize that Domino has just been dropped from the screeching aircraft to share his own fate, and that Daredevil is off somewhere fighting his own battle. Realizing this, Parker's inventive mind kicks into overdrive.

With Venom and the other remaining heroes pinned down by the mob, Peter looks over to see the Doppelganger juggling his pumpkin bombs and decides that his best shot at saving the day lies there: fighting fire with fire. The hero flips, fires the web-line true, and hurls the bombs skyward... with a last-second prayer that tonight can end in anything less than maximum carnage!

07:53, Tue 13 Oct: The Watcher rolled 1,5,5,4,2,1,4,3,3,5,1,7,8 using 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d8,1d8,1d8,1d10,1d10.  Does Spidey succeed in taking out the missiles?

Total: 20
Effect: d8
Opportunities: 3 (Available first to Spider-Man)

Spider-Man succeeds in eliminating both of the missiles. Inbound Missiles 2d10 Timer Complication is removed from the scene. Mob 5d6 is also removed, for narrative reasons.

Though Spider-Man doesn't see it, the other heroes and villains alike have noticed his desperate move. They watch in shock as the explosives collide in mid-air, unable to help or get away themselves. Caught near the blast, Spider-Man prepares himself for the end, knowing there's no way he'll survive... until a web-line snags his ankle and pulls him away in the nick of time!

THOOM!! THOOM!!

Impact. A huge ball of fire erupts over the stadium, bathing everyone in its blinding glow and heat. The arena quakes from the shock-wave, and the bones of everyone in it rattle from the sheer physical forces unleashed. A deep rumble moves through the area as the ground heaves and buckles, with deep cracks appearing in the earth. Flaming debris falls onto the player's field, igniting the grass in numerous places. In the blink of an eye, the entire baseball park has transformed into something more resembling a war-zone.

Yet when the explosions cease and the dust settles... Yankee Stadium still stands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:26, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 379):

Doppelganger's razor-edged web-line pulls Spider-Man safely, if a bit painfully, to the ground. The hunched being gathers Spidey in his arms for a moment, making sure he isn't too badly scorched from the explosions, before setting him back on his feet. Doppel points to a small, ring-shaped cut on Parker's ankle, uttering a small noise of distress at the sight of it.

"Hurt... Spider," he croaks. "Doppel... is... sorry."

But with having just survived those massive explosions, the web-head might hardly notice. The impact from the blast appears to have shaken the rioting citizens out of whatever spell Shriek had them under, too. One man pulls off his Carnage mask and hurls it to the ground, pointing to Spider-Man as he rallies the other citizens. "Did you guys just see that?! Spider-Man saved our lives from those missiles!" A cheer moves through the crowd, and they let go of Venom, allowing him to stagger away to safety.

Mob of Rioters 5d6 removed from the scene.

Doppelganger watches in awe as the residents of NYC surround his counterpart, patting him on the back and cheering his name. The news crews, up until now taking part in the mad riots, snap out of their daze and return to practicing their profession. They make their way over to the hero, shoving an array of microphones and cameras towards him as they clamor for his attention. No one seems to take notice of the strange, six-armed figure nearby, or the small role he played in helping against the threat. Doppel hangs back awkwardly, letting the hero enjoy his moment in the spotlight, and perhaps wishing he could feel what the web-head is feeling right now.

Not far away, Domino has made it safely to the ground via the use of her teleporter. Thankfully, the helicopter had been close to the ground when she got pushed out. As Deadpool had once explained, you couldn't always rely on 'porting tech to survive a high fall. If you weren't careful with the settings, you might appear in your new location with the exact same inertia you had when you left! And he should know, spending time around well-known 'porters like Cable, Nightcrawler, and the like. Thankfully, the mercenary knows her gear well, and she stands ready to take on the coming threat!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

In reply to Daredevil (msg # 377):

Up in the darkness of the stands, away from the news crews and their lights and cameras, Daredevil fights his private battle against the corruption taking over his mind. Utter bedlam has just arrived above the stadium in the form of a pair of exploding missiles, giving off a deafening shockwave that rattles the blind vigilante to his core. Through the noise, he barely makes out a shout from closeby as the ensuing impact knocks the Purple Man clear off his perch. He had been standing atop the rooftop of the press box, with a clear view of Daredevil as he flung Ben Urich to his doom-- just as was ordered. But now the villain is in free-fall, plunging to certain death. Maybe Daredevil or the Black Cat will save him from the fall... and maybe they won't. In either case, the villain is stopped for the moment from strengthening his domination of Murdock's mind. Now, the rest is up to the hero.

Doom Pool's reaction to Daredevil attempting to break free of the Purple Man's influence.

Doom Pool: 8d6, 3d8
Mind Control d10 complication

07:47, Today: The Watcher rolled 3,3,4,4,3,6,1,4,4,5,8,2 using 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d8,1d8,1d8,1d10((3,3,4,4,3,6,1,4,4,5,8,2)). Doom Pool reaction to Daredevil attempting to break the Purple Man's mind control.

Total: 14
Effect: d10
Opportunities: 1 (Available first to Daredevil)

Daredevil wins with an extraordinary success. Mind Control d10 complication removed. DD, you may spend 1 PP to add an extra effect die inflicting Mental Stress on the Purple Man if you want.

With a shout of determination, Daredevil breaks free of the remaining psycho-active compounds placed on him by Killgrave. It's as though a fog has suddenly lifted from his mind, and he's back in the driver's seat of his own body. His radar sense, so dulled from the tunnel vision given him by Purple Man's overpowering command, roars suddenly back to life. The smoke from the explosions, the smell of the symbiotic pilot in the helicopter above the stadium, and the nearby Black Cat's perfume all collide in his brain in a jumble of scents and and images. But what he really focuses on are the two most pressing matters: is Killgrave worth saving, and is there still any hope that Ben lives?!

In reply to Tigra (msg # 378):

Stepping up 2d6 in the Doom Pool from Spider-Woman's opportunity in Msg #369 and Tigra's opportunity in Msg #378.

Doom Pool: 5d6,5d8

The man with the sword eyes Spider-Woman with contempt as she flips above him, avoiding his wide, reckless slashes.

"Grr... Stay still so I can hit ya!!"

The man beside him ducks as the sword nearly cleaves his head off. "Hey, watch it with that thing!" he shouts, raising the Wand of Watoomb. "Ya almost took my head off!"

The two men round on each other, each raising his own artifact in a prepared strike. This doesn't look good. Who knows what will happen if these magical weapons collide? Spider-Woman decides she had better move in fast to prevent any worse injury. The results will be painful indeed, but it's better to subdue them fast than risk some kind of big magical explosion. (That was almost always how this type of thing went.)

The Mob reacts to Spider-Woman's attack first (Total: 12, Effect: d10).

Mob 3d6
Loose Artifacts 1d4 (Fighting over them)
Swarm d8

08:10, Today: Mob of Rioters rolled 2,6,3,4,1 using 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d4,1d8.  Mob reacting to Spider-Woman's flurry of punches.

Total: 10
Effect: d6
Opportunities: 1 (Available first to Spider-Woman)

Spider-Woman wins and takes out 1d6 from the Mob, reducing it to Mob 2d6. Adding 1d6 to the Doom Pool for the Mob's use of the "Loose Artifacts" scene distinction at d4.

Doom Pool: 6d6,5d8

Jessica darts in, pummeling the man holding Dragonfang with a series of quick jabs and strikes. He drops the blade and it clatters to the pavement, where she kicks it away out of his reach. Wong moves quickly to recover the artifact, magically levitating it out of the reach of the other rioters. He's so intent on getting it to safety, he doesn't realize the man holding the Wand now has a clear shot at Ms. Drew until it's already too late.

Thankfully, Tigra is on it. Seeing the approaching mob is packing some serious magical heat, the Sorceress Supreme cleverly decides to make use of her own mystic weaponry. The Orb of Agamotto shimmers and glows, casting a wave of psychic energy upon the rioters. The sorceress pours her focus into the act, trying to cast an illusion upon the remaining citizens that will make them forget their urge to plunder and destroy. Instead, they will relive some fond memories that may just lull them right to sleep!

Mob reacts to Tigra's attempt to pacify them with the Orb of Agamotto. (Total: 16, Effect: d8)

Mob 2d6
Psychically Manipulated d4 (Adding more confusion beyond Shriek's control)
Swarm d8

08:26, Today: Mob of Rioters rolled 5,4,2,3 using 1d6,1d6,1d4,1d8 ((5,4,2,3)). Mob reacting to Tigra's attempt to pacify them with the Orb.

Total: 9
Effect: d8
Opportunities: 0

Tigra wins with an extraordinary success. Mob 2d6 is removed from the scene. Adding 1d6 to the Doom Pool for the Mob's use of the "Psychically Manipulated" distinction at d4.

Doom Pool: 7d6,5d8

"Say, mama... bedtime sounds like a great idea," says the man with the Wand, falling into the arms of his only remaining companion. "I'm so sleepy."

"Can we have some milk and cookies before bed?" asks the man floored by Spider-Woman from his place sprawled out on the pavement.

"Come," beckons Wong to the heroines, levitating the pacified rioters into the air behind him as he turns to enter the Sanctum. "We have a few spare beds in the infirmary for these poor souls."

Spider-Woman and Tigra turn to follow, with the Orb hovering behind the sorceress as they go.

"There is much to discuss," says Tigra's mentor as they tread down the halls, past all manner of smashed statues and items of value. "And not much time. I fear for this city, and for our friends."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

Back in the Darkforce Dimension...

"I believe I do have a contract that should serve nicely," says the Predator in response to Moon Knight's affirmative. He raises a beast-like hand and there is an audible *poof* as a scroll of parchment appears in his free hand. He pores over it intently, unraveling the long spool of paper slowly. Occasionally, his smile twitches, or he gives a satisfied nod at some passage he reads.

"Yes, excellent. Shall we go with that arrangement, then? I allow you to pass through my realm unharmed, and in return, you shall bring me back the soul I desire?"

In his free hand, the soul-prison globe vanishes, replaced by an ink-tipped feather. He idly scrawls upon the parchment, smiling warmly as he gives it his signature.

"Examine it as long as you like. The terms are... negotiable," the monster grins. For all his fear-inspiring appearance, he is currently giving off the vibe of a used car-salesman more than anything. "Though once they are agreed upon, they may never be broken. On penalty of death... or worse. You know how we demons take this kind of thing quite seriously."

Cloak and Dagger stare in amazement as, having signed the document, the demon turns it over to Moon Knight.

"You... aren't really going to do this, are you?" blinks Tandy.

"Oh, but he had better, my child," growls the demon. "If he and the two of you have any hope of leaving here alive."

The Predator's action is to add his Menace Master d10 into the Doom Pool.

Doom Pool: 7d6,5d8,1d10
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

"Do you have a better idea?" Moon Knight asked Tandy. She was a sweet kid, but naive. The world was a dark and dirty place, and her light didn't really amount to much in comparison. "Because I don't foresee the three of us fighting our way out of this. And I've been known to roll the dice on some seriously narrow odds."

He felt for Tandy, really. Making a deal with a demon wasn't really tops on Moon Knight's bucket list, either. He was crazy, not stupid. But Cloak had dragged him into a no-win situation, and this was the only way he could think of to at least break even.

He began to carefully read the terms of the contract. He wasn't going to get caught up in some obscure clause or fine print. Again: crazy, not stupid.

As the explosions rock the stadium, Daredevil performs an immediate scan of his surroundings. His thoughts race as if things are happening in slow-motion...

"D-don't just stand there!" cries the Purple Man as he teeters over the rooftop railing of the press box. Not long ago, it was Ben Urich forced over by the mind-controlled Daredevil. "SAVE ME!"

It is the villain's last, feeble attempt to assert control over the hero. But what he doesn't know is that Murdock is done taking orders. What he does next is up to him... and him alone.

"Just let him go!" shouts the Black Cat from somewhere nearby. It's as though she can already sense what Matt is thinking. "He deserves it for what he's done!"

Yes, with Killgrave's focus disrupted by the shockwave-- his loose pheromones vaporized and scattered to the winds-- he has no hope of re-asserting his control in time. There is no telling what happens now. Is it putting too much faith in the Black Cat that she could be convinced to swing to the villain's rescue? Is there still any hope of saving Ben from the same deadly fall?

Multiple lives hang in the balance of Daredevil's next decision. Even if he could make it in time, has the horned hero enough mercy in his heart that he might opt to save Killgrave's life himself? As he plummets to what will be his certain death, the villain might well be counting on it! This night has seen more than its share of horrors, all too many of them unleashed by this mind-manipulator... and it will be a sorely unpleasant feeling indeed to grant him the mercy he so gladly denied others!

Purple Man's action is to send his Psych Master d10 into the Doom Pool.

Doom Pool: 7d6,5d8,2d10

Action Available: Daredevil (Start of a new round)

When Daredevil stops convulsing, his ears are ringing and he's dizzy. But the ringing is minor, more like the remnant of a loud sound than mental anguish, and to be able to stop his upright seizures means that at long last he has control over his limbs again. He shakes off the dizziness because he knows there's work to do and he puts the ringing out of his mind. Throwing Ben over the side of the stadium feels like he was sensing someone else do it, but the sensations of the weight of his friend's body and the effort from his muscles then the physical relief of having done it is fresh and familiar. He starts toward where he threw his friend but on the periphery of his radar sense he picks up the shape of the Purple Man -- a fellow human being -- also going over the edge on the opposite side!

Next Action: Venom

As the dust settles on the stadium, the entire arena has been transformed. A large semi-crater occupies the field, and much of the surrounding ground is misshapen from the quaking and buckling of the foundation. Small fires dot the area as loose debris shaken free of the upper levels continues to burn. A smell of charred plastic and metal hangs in the air. Yankee Stadium now looks like a sports arena from hell... and that's just how Carnage wanted it!

And speaking of that place, there is no sign of the Ghost Rider anywhere in the aftermath of the missiles' explosion over the stadium. Near a huge pile of rubble, a small cluster of civilians are pointing and staring at the last known spot he was standing next to his idling Hellcycle (forbidden from use in the baseball game). News reporters seem to be getting these folks' eyewitness reports, coaxing them to speak through their shock and stupor:

"The flaming-head guy... He shoved us out of the way... and the falling rubble crushed him...!"

Others were hurt by the ensuing shockwave too. Carrion's truck full of villains had nearly made it clear of the stadium, but it now lies flat on its side. Half of the cab is badly smashed, as though it were struck by more of the falling rubble. It appears the villains are trapped inside for now. Anyone listening can hear Sabertooth snarling from within: "Sloppy driving, Carrion!"

But they can be dealt with in time. Right now, a celebratory cheer rings out as the people of Manhattan hail the hero who saved them from certain death:

"Spi-dey! Spi-dey! Spi-dey!"

The Doppelganger continues trying to tend to the wound on Parker's ankle-- given him by the creature's barbed webline-- when he is accidentally shouldered aside by Peter's friends.

"You know, you really should leave heroics like that to the professionals," smirks Iron Fist, giving Spider-Man a pat on the back.

"Lord knows the Heroes for Hire could use this kind of press," agrees Luke Cage, gesturing to the many news-folk clamoring for Spider-Man's attention.

"Aw, let the web-head have his moment," says Misty Knight. "He just saved all our butts... and theirs."

Yes, with the missile crisis averted, one could be forgiven for thinking the danger had passed. But what none of these civilians and reporters know, having just awoken from the psychic spell placed upon them by Shriek, is that those missiles were just the beginning! For what has since become of the Carnage-Copter after it made its pass over the stadium...?

Next post will set the stage for Daredevil, Domino, Spider-Man, and Venom's actions.

Spending 1d10 doom to add the Carnage-Copter to the scene as a Large Scale Threat.

Doom Pool: 7d6, 5d8, 1d10

The faint, faraway whine of the chopper's engine rises to a louder pitch as the aircraft doubles back over the ruined stadium!

"Now that's what I call a remodeling!" cackles a voice from the aircraft's loudspeaker. "Don't worry, taxpayers, it only cost a few lives! HAHA! Now, Shriek, let's see who's come out to play!"

The Carnage-Copter begins to hover in place a safe distance above the figures below. Its spotlight flicks on again, shining its bright beam over the field as it narrows in on the assembly...

New Scene Distinctions:
Roving Spotlight
Mounds of Rubble
Innocent Bystanders

"Tell me, Domino... you didn't really turn the Carnage Family down so you could join up with these goody two-shoes, did you?" says Kasady, the disgust in his voice cutting through the static.

"Is that Spider-Man and Venom down there, rocking the same onesie? And that little traitor Doppel? All teaming up to stop my fun?!"

There is a mechanical clanking as the side-mounted cannons on the 'copter rotate, taking aim at the cluster of heroes and vigilantes on the field below.

"Well, Spider-Man, I'll say hello to your little friends... if you say hello to mine! HAHAHAHA!"

Without further grandstanding, he opens fire with the chopper's twin chain-guns, spraying the field with a hail of gunfire!

The Carnage-Copter fires bullets at Domino, Spider-Man, and Venom.

3d10 (Large Scale Threat)
Hijacked Helicopter d8
Weapon Systems d8
Combat Expert d8

SFX: Area Attack. Target multiple opponents.  For every additional target, add d6 and keep +1 effect die.

08:56, Today: Carnage rolled 7,6,9,3,6,1,1,3 using 1d10,1d10,1d10,1d8,1d8,1d8,1d6,1d6 ((7,6,9,3,6,1,1,3)).

Total: 16
Effect: d10 to Domino, d8 to Spider-Man and Venom
Opportunities: 2 (Available first to Domino, Spider-Man, and/or Venom)

Reactions Needed: Domino, Spider-Man, and Venom

Actions Available: Daredevil (from Msg #385), Domino, Spider-Man, Venom

Domino rolled as she hit the ground, having been ejected from the Carnage-Copter.   Instinctively, her Guns were in her hands.

As Carnage turned the chain-guns on her, and the others nearby, Domino moved with Superhuman Reflexes to get inn among the Mounds of Rubble for cover.
Her Combat skills giving her an edge, here; as she was used to this kind of situation ... and even as she dove for cover, she was instinctively shooting back at the threat.


REACTION to Carnage (Total: 16) Attack
d6   Team
d8   Mounds of Rubble
d10 Superhuman Reflexes
d10 Combat Mastery

- rolled 1,2,8,10 using d6,d8,d10,d10.  Reaction to Carnage attack.
Total: 18
Effect: d8

SFX: Domino Effect. On a successful reaction against a physical stress attack action, inflict physical stress with your effect die.

PP: 1

Next:  Spidey and Venom

Venom stubbornly doesn't try to protect himself but the fleeing crowd as he attempts to use his strength, reflexes, and webbing to pull the nearby debris to shield them from Carnage's insanity. His injuries at their hands making him sloppy.



Team d6
Lethal Protector or Debris d4 +1 PP
Superhuman Reflexes d10
Superhuman strength d10 (-1 PP Multipower -1 effect into d8)
Web-Slinging d6 ( Multipower -1 effect into d4)

Total: 9
Ed: D8
2 Opps
+1 & -1 PP = 0 PP


18:36, Today: Venom rolled 5,4,1,4,1 using d6,d4,d10,d8,d4 ((5,4,1,4,1)).