Stepping up 1d6 and adding 1d6 doom for Ghost Rider's opportunity and Spider-Man's activation of his limit in Msg #160 (Just caught it).

Doom Pool: 1d10, 2d8, 6d6

As Spidey experiences the sensation of needle-pricks all across his body, the Venom symbiote he wears lashes out in a panic. Ghost Rider's hellfire is the hottest thing the fire-phobic creature has ever been exposed to! Or is this alien creature perhaps experiencing the burning of whatever "soul" it possesses? Either way, it doesn't like it, and the tentacles dangling from Spidey's hand lash out in all directions, nearly hitting a few of his allies!

Spidey's limit changes his "Tentacles d8" into a complication on him.

A few feet away, Ghost Rider is quickly ensnared by Tigra as she unleashes the mighty Crimson Bands of Cytorrak upon him. His question to Tigra hangs in the air as he stands bound in the otherworldly manacles. Though he doesn't struggle, everyone knows he had better like Tigra's answer or that could all change at a moment's notice!

Tigra's extraordinary success places a d12 "Bound by the Bands" complication on Ghost Rider.

Next Action: Unbound Symbiotes (It sounded cooler, Domino, so I'm stealing it :P)

Where is Stephen Strange? Daredevil hears it better than anyone, and he has the same question as well.

The horned hero turns slightly from Venom, to track what is going on nearby. He stands by, to let this Tigra v. Ghost Rider incident play out, but he redoubles his grip on his billy club, just in case things go south.

In reply to Domino (msg # 164):

Stepping up 1d6 in the doom pool for Domino's opportunity in Msg #164.

Doom Pool: 1d10, 3d8, 5d6

Moving quickly and silently, Domino creeps from her hiding place to smack one of the serpent-like beasts across the head. She knows she will need every bit of her natural stealth to get the drop on one of these alien creatures, which are known for their excellent senses and reflexes. Fortunately, they only seem to be focused on Moon Knight, and in just seconds she brings her staff sailing toward the "head" of one of the blackish symbiote-snakes...

Team 3d8
Desperate for a Host d4
Superhuman Reflexes d10

09:55, Today: Unbound Symbiotes rolled 7,1,3,1,8 using 1d8,1d8,1d8,1d4,1d10 ((7,1,3,1,8)). Unbound Symbiotes reacting to Domino's staff attack.

Total: 15
Opportunities: 2 (Available first to Domino)

Domino wins with an extraordinary success. Unbound Symbiotes are removed from the turn order.

Domino clobbers one of the beasts over the head, dropping it to the ground in an instant. As the next creature hisses in surprise, she strikes that one too, knocking it back a few feet and causing it to flee back the way she and Moon Knight came. But one of the damn things slithers away before she can get to it. It launches itself at Moon Knight with a flying headbutt, knocking him into the elevator and pinning him down inside. Then, without warning, the mechanical doors shut and the freight elevator lifts off!

Domino hears footsteps behind her. Someone else is walking into the shadowy hallway... but who?

Spending 1d10 doom to split up Domino and Moon Knight. Adding 1d6 doom for the Unbound Symbiote's use of the "Desperate for a Host" distinction at d4.

Doom Pool: 3d8, 6d6

Next Action: The Watcher

In reply to Ghost Rider & Daredevil (msg # 165 & 167):

Surprised the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak worked, Tigra cautiously walked closed to Ghost Rider.
He's relaxed, but I want to make sure he will not harm anyone.

Tigra took a breath. She supposed she had some brief explaining to do, but even she could hardly believe being here in the first place.
She let out a sigh and quickly explained her story.

"Long story short, Stephen is gone. I am Sorcerer Supreme now because the Infinity War happened, Stephen is gone, I had the Iron First for a while due to Danny Rand having a bad accident, traded it back to Danny Rand when he felt better, who was Sorcerer Supreme for a bit, by the way. Oh, I was also a candidate for Sorcerer Supreme after Stephen went away, it wasn't out of the blue. Aaaand here I am. Wow, that felt good. Anyway,I know these bands are probably uncomfortable, but are you joining us, Mr. Ghost Rider?"

This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Tue 09 June 2020.

There was something disarmingly candid about the way Tigra spoke. Living as he did on the razor's edge of Heaven and Hell, being used to dominating conversations and issuing threats backed by demonic fire, fighting for control and vengeance, Johnny Blaze was unused to plain speaking. He relaxed within the bonds that encircled him, no longer fighting them.

"I know not about the others, nor who they serve, but the Ghost Rider will follow you, Tigra, Sorceress Supreme. Tell me what needs to be done."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Tue 09 June 2020.

Spending 1PP now, to activate one of those Opportunities as a Stunt on my next Action.

PP: 2

"So this is Moon-Boy's secret lair, huh?" comes a familiar voice in Domino's ears. "Always knew that hairy little bastard had a few tricks up his sleeve. Where's he keep the big red dinosaur? Is it in that broom closet?"

Strolling out of the darkness is none other than the totally insane-- the completely unpredictable-- the merc with a mouth-- Deadpool! The fabric near the edges of his mouth lifts up in a wide grin as he waves to Domino.

"Hey there, Beatrice. Gotta say, I'm a little peeved you would ditch me to team up with someone as batshit-crazy as that guy. Or... guys? Just how many people are renting out that space in his head anyway? And what do you think he's charging? 'Cause I know my rent in this town ain't cheap."

As the mercenary walks toward Domino, he casually unsheathes one of his katanas, polishing the blade with a dirty napkin from his pocket.

"And speaking of moolah," he goes on. "Me thinks it's time you handed over that intel on Carnage so ol' Deadpool here can snap up his bounty and open the greasy spoon he's always dreamed of. Or maybe a Mexican place. Did someone mention Mexican food earlier?"

He wads up the napkin and tosses it away, holding out his hand to Domino in the universal sign for "gimme."

"Now, how about a little freebie for your ol' pal Wade? You gimme the intel, stay here and take a breather. I find Cletus Kasady, cut off the hillbilly ginger's head, and skip town with the money-- oh, I mean, come back and split it 50/50 with you! That's totally what I meant. Whatta ya say... partner?"

He doesn't seem to realize whatever intel Domino had is gone. But perhaps she does have something for Deadpool...

Deadpool is attempting to trick Domino out of her intel on Carnage and the bounty she is pursuing.

Solo d8
The Merc With a Mouth d8 (Talking Domino's ear off)
Psych Expert 2d6

04:01, Today: Deadpool rolled 6,1,6,6 using 1d8,1d8,1d6,1d6 ((6,1,6,6)). Deadpool attempting to hijack Domino's mission.

Total: 12
Effect: d8 (Mental stress)
Opportunities: 1 (Available first to Domino)

Reaction Needed: Domino
Next Action: The Watcher


This message was last edited by the player at 11:13, Wed 10 June 2020.

Offering Moon Knight 1 PP to activate his Gear limit and shut down his Weapon d8 power trait.

Moon Knight's staff springs free of the elevator doors as they slam shut, his weapon falling away into the hall where Domino remains. The symbiote that knocked Moon Knight into the elevator quickly pins him to the floor, encircling him as its "face" hovers near his own. The creature appears to be sizing him up before it attempts to bond to him, perhaps confused by the vigilante's complete lack of fear or struggle. There is only the oddly calm sound of elevator music as their ride approaches the next floor.

Then, without warning, the elevator grinds to a sudden stop between floors. The lights suddenly flicker and die. Both man and symbiote hear a crash of glass as the ceiling panel overhead shatters! Something falls into the elevator, its outline barely visible in the glow of the elevator's dim emergency lights-- a black, heavy, spherical something.

A grenade!

A familiar and maniacal voice assails Moon Knight's ears, echoing down the elevator shaft from up above.

"Oh, hi Marc!"

Moon Knight knows the voice of his hated enemy, the Bushman, anywhere. There are only seconds to act before the hero and his new pet alien are blown to smithereens!

The Bushman drops a grenade into the elevator.

Solo d8
Violent Mercenary d8
Weapon d10 (Due to SFX)
Combat Expert 2d6

SFX: Grenade. Step up or double a Weapon die against a single target. Remove the highest rolling die and add 3 dice for your total.

11:14, Today: Bushman rolled 4,2,2,4,4 using 1d8,1d8,1d10,1d6,1d6 ((4,2,2,4,4)). Bushman's grenade attack on Moon Knight.

Total: 10
Effect: d10
Opportunities: 0

Reaction Needed: Moon Knight
Next Action: The Watcher

It was a good thing the doors had shut. Without having to worry about Domino, Moon Knight was free to act as he generally did while operating solo: ruthlessly. The Fist of Khonshu pulled out his swingline and fired the grapnel up the shaft... and right at Bushman's throat. The evil mercenary thug could either serve to as the anchor that pulled Moon Knight out of the shaft, or fall in and die from his own grenade. In the event that Bushman fell, Moon Knight hoped that his Enhanced Strength might help the combat master survive the blast.

"We live together or we die together!" he shouted at Bushman. Of course 'live together' didn't necessary mean for long. Once he was out of the shaft, Moon Knight fully intended to kill Bushman... again.

Solo (d10)
Fist of Khonshu (d8)
Swingline (d6)
Enhanced Strength (d8)
Combat Master (d10)

Moon Knight rolled 10,6,6,6,6 using d10,d8,d6,d8,d10 ((10,6,6,6,6)).

Total: 16
Effect die: d10

Moon knight didn't know if the symbiote would cling to him or not, but it was the next problem to solve. If it came up the shaft with him, he'd have to deal with it later. If it stayed behind in the blast, maybe that was one less alien to deal with. It was strange that it wasn't actually attacking him, but there were just too many things going on to think about that now.

In reply to Ghost Rider (msg # 170):

Tigra stood  still for a moment, with a blank look on her face.
Is this real? THIS IS SO COOL AND TERRIFYING!

She remembered Wong saying things about showing respect to mystical beings or something like that.

“Okay, thank you Ghost Rider. I am honored,” Tigra did an awkward bow while releasing her incantation.
I have no idea what I'm doing. Wong didn't help me with this stuff. Oh man, I hate being a leader, but I’m sure it's not a good idea to let Ghost Rider run free...yet. I'll have to check in with everyone here first.

“Right, Mr. Blaze, Sir,  I think our good friends are Daredevil and Spider-Man. Daredevil we can completely trust. Spidey has a symbiote attached to him for some reason, but Spidey is one of the best ones around, let’s try to keep that burning Hellfire a little on the lower end when next to him, please?  Venom is ok for now as far as I can tell, and we also have Venom’s grandson Doppleganger on our side. Believe it or not, Doppelganger is mostly innocent, so what he does out of malice is more based on how he was brought up. Poor soul.”  Tigra whispers to Ghost Rider, “We’ll probably wanna keep an eye on that Venom though, but keep him on our good side.”

Tigra turns over to the rest of the team, “Other than that, I think we just need to decide what to do next, right, guys? Daredevil, Spidey, and I can't believe I am asking - Venom? ”

Domino was a little confused about why Deadpool was here.
Sure, he was a mercenary, just like her ... but, working for who?
Or did he follow she and Moon Knight here, just to confront Domino like this?

Either way, the whole situation had caught her off guard, and now she was on the mental blackfoot, attempting to figure it all out.

REACTION to Deadpool's Mental Attack (total: 12)
d8   Affiliation: Solo
d8   Distinction: Femme Fatale
d8   Pysche Expert

- rolled 3,2,5 using d8,d8,d8.
Total: 8
Effect: d8

"Aw, isn't that just precious?" rings out a voice over the jam-packed stadium from the press box. "The heroes have put together a little team."

Most of the assembled heroes can recognize the electronically-amplified voice of the Purple Man, known alternatively as Zebediah Killgrave. Sitting next to him with his own audio set-up is fellow psychopathic killer, Bullseye.

"The Voice of God, ladies and gentlemen," smirks Bullseye. "One command from our announcer here, and things could get ugly up in the stands. His voice sure has a way of bringing out the passion in sports fans, doesn't it?"

As if on cue, a burly pair of men from the crowded audience hurl something onto the field from their seat in the stands. It is the lifeless body of another spectator, tossed onto the field like a piece of garbage. Seeking their next victim, the men shout with rage as they drag a woman from her seat, raising a baseball bat towards her as she screams in terror! But a word from the Purple Man stops them in the nick of time.

"You there, in the Yankees jersey. Yes, with the bat. Drop it."

At his command, the man drops the bat.

"Now let her go and return to your seats."

Without protest, the men return to their seats, forgetting their attempt on the woman's life as though it never even happened. Around them, the other members of the audience seem as though they are in a trance. They cheer when told to cheer, boo when told to boo, and generally mill about in a daze, watching the events on the field with slack-jawed interest. It's clear to the heroes that this pair of psychopaths have complete control of the stadium! One command from the mind-controlling Purple Man and the hundreds of fans could start tearing each other apart!

"Now then," Bullseye grins. "How about a game, heroes?"

Nearby, a recovered Carrion snickers. This must be the horror show he wanted Spider-Man to witness. But even he may not predict what's going through the hero's mind right now, with the black symbiote suit tainting his emotions!

Next Action: Spider-Man

Anyone in this situation could be forgiven for freezing in action. The amount of threats is overwhelming, and all of it captured by the news reporters and witnessed by the world at large. However, it is not time to stop. Now, possibly more than ever, is the time to act.

Normally Daredevil would go to the root of the problem, dig it out, and beat it to within an inch of its life if he had to. He could go straight there with his keen senses, but now he has more problems, which hopefully don't include the help he could have. But if anyone could offer the benefit of the wider view of this situation, even without sight, it would be him.

First, tackle the biggest problem. "Tigra! Can you get those spectators out of there? Transport them to Hoggoth County or something?" Shouting orders was alien to his ears, but, as she said herself, they need to decide what to do next. If anyone here has the power to get those people out of here, it would be Tigra, the powerhouse of the moment. She may not realize how much all those people are ammunition for that damnable Purple Man.

Then the root. "Ghost Rider, how utterly and quickly can you obliterate that press box before someone in there says something to you?"

Satisfied that this patchwork team might now avoid tripping over each other, Daredevil pauses to wait for the next shoe, which he could almost already hear. In his own way, he shores up his defenses. "Venom," he says, turning on a heel toward the field and the press box and the threats before them. "You're with me."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:55, Fri 12 June 2020.

With the Symbiote still buzzing from Ghost Rider's hellfire and his rapid breathing starting to return to normal, Spider-Man remained quiet—for once—as the action happened around him. As a million thoughts swarmed his brain about his current predicament with the alien life-form, it was suddenly silenced by the Purple Man's display of control over the crowd and Bullseye's challenge. The Symbiote's anguish at the sight of fire turns into a burning desire to leap towards the Purple Man and knock out his teeth so he could never speak another word, and it takes Peter a moment to think of any reason why he shouldn't.

As the suit starts to return to a calmer state, Spider-Man finally begins to allow himself to relax, as well.

Okay, Peter. Breathe. Breathe. Hakuna matata. Think happy thoughts.

Peter closes his eyes and takes a few deep breaths. He's letting his emotions and his past get the better of him, and he knows it. He's lashing out, but it isn't the Symbiote doing this by itself. It's Peter Parker's own emotions in tandem with the suit.

C'mon, Parker. You're smarter than this. And right now, we have to put that wrinkly brain to good use and find a way to stop a stadium of New Yorkers from tearing each other apart. At least, not under the Purple Man's control.

With one last exhale, Spider-Man opens his eyes again, looking around at the team gathered here and listening to Daredevil's words.

"I won't let myself lose control like that again. If I'm stuck with this suit for now, then it's going to work for me."

He looks at Doppelganger, who has been looking at him curiously.

"I don't know what game they intend to play, but we could use all the help we can get. Will you join us?"

Spider-man extends his hand out to Doppelganger.

"Please."

Attempt to step up "Friendly Neighborhood Doppelganger" Asset

Team d6
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility d8
Psych Expert 2d6
Push d6 (spending 1 PP)

04:19, Today: Spider-Man rolled 2,2,5,3,6 using d6,d8,d6,d6,d6.

Spending 1 PP to add an extra die to my total

Total: 14
Effect: d8

0 PP remaining
Next Action: Moon Knight

Moon Knight's grappling hook zooms through the air, latching onto an anchor point up above as the Bushman steps clear of the open elevator shaft. The villain grabs hold of the zipline and yanks hard on it, hurling Moon Knight clear over his head and into the room!

His back to the elevator, now standing across the room from Moon Knight, the towering mercenary reaches down and grabs onto a huge, metallic object at his feet. Hefting the gatling gun, there is a metallic whirring noise as the weapon comes to life!

"I've already seen to your pal Frenchie," the Bushman sneers. "But don't worry, I'll make sure you and your little sidekick wind up in the same grave!"

But the spray of bullets hasn't come just yet. Moon Knight realizes this is his opening-- a small window of a mere fraction of a second that he can use to end this fight before it begins!

Next Action: Moon Knight

"Come on now, Hornhead," grins Bullseye, "Why won't you let these fine people have the entertainment they deserve? They came here to see a ball game!"

From his spot up in the press box, he gestures around to the massive crowds filling the stadium seats.

"Sure would be a shame if it turned out they had to entertain themselves instead."

As the heroes take in the scene around them, they realize that dozens upon dozens of the citizens have been armed with knives, bats, broken bottles, and all manner of deadly weapons! With the simplest of commands from the Purple Man, it would take only the merest instant for them to inflict all kinds of deadly wounds upon each other! And that's assuming he hasn't employed one of his infamous timed commands already...

"I want you to think about this one real carefully," Bullseye goes on. "Sure, your friend from the Hell's Angels down there has the power to bring this whole place down if he wanted to. But I bet he would just hate to see all that blood spilled."

"Innocent blood," he adds. Daredevil can hear the smirk as Bullseye labors on the word. "Which you might be able to save, if you just hear me out... And help me give these folks a show."

Just what is this madman's play? As much as they might despise him, the heroes may not have much choice but to keep listening!

In reply to Bushman (msg # 180):


There was no time for thought, only action. With a snarl of rage, Moon Knight launched himself at Bushman, taking the chance that his own reflexes would be better. At this close range he could leap over the weapon's field of fire, but only if he moved faster than Bushman's trigger finger!


Solo [d10]
Fist of Khonshu [d8]
Enhanced Durability [d8]
Enhanced Reflexes [d8]
Combat Master [d10]

Moon Knight rolled 3,4,7,2,6 using d10,d8,d8,d8,d10 ((3,4,7,2,6)).

Total: 13
Effect: d10

Domino takes d8 of Mental Stress from Deadpool's yapping.

"Silent treatment, huh?" Deadpool remarks to Domino, wagging a finger. "Two can play at that game, missy."

His stern expression suddenly changes to a more jovial one.

"But I don't wanna. Got more beans to spill here than an exploding Jelly Belly factory. So, if you hadn't heard about the one million dollar bounty the mayor just put on Kasady's head... consider yourself officially 'in the know.'"

He gives Domino a sideways look, as if a thought has just occurred to him.

"Wait, wait, wait," he says. "Don't tell me you were seriously out here hunting that red-suited redneck for free? Hahaha! Good one!"

He waves the thought away as if it's totally ridiculous. And perhaps it is?

"The Domino I know wouldn't get involved in something like this unless there was a whole lotta cash in it for her. So what say you let me take the lead on this op and we'll split the funds?"

He extends a hand toward his fellow mercenary.

"Whatta ya say? Put her there... partner."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Sat 13 June 2020.

Doppelganger looks up at Spider-Man with curiosity in its strange, bulbous eyes. The creature's alien expression is difficult to read. Just what is going on in that odd, familiar-looking head?

17:22, Today: The Watcher rolled 5,1,6 using 1d8,1d8,1d8 ((5,1,6)). Doom pool reaction for Spidey attempting to step up Doppelganger asset.

Total: 11
Effect: d4
Opportunities: 1 (Available first to Spider-Man)

Spidey wins with his 14 total. "Friendly Neighborhood Doppelganger" asset steps up to d8.

Doppelganger gives a quick, sharp nod of its head. It's a small gesture, but a clear one. Whatever hostility it once held toward the web-head seems to have vanished, and it appears ready to lend the heroes a hand-- or six!

"Spider... Is Doppel's... Friend..." it rasps. "Doppel... Will help... Spider."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Mon 15 June 2020.

A few feet away from Spider-Man and Doppelganger, Ghost Rider stands observing. Despite Tigra's attempts to undo her spell, the Crimson Bands of Cytorrak do not seem to be releasing their grip on the Rider. Evidently, the mystical deity the sorceress has invoked has not taken lightly to being so casually dismissed! Perhaps a little "encouragement" from the Spirit of Vengeance would convince it to release him...

Next Action: Ghost Rider
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:51, Mon 15 June 2020.

In reply to Moon Knight (msg # 182):

Bushman sees Moon Knight leaping through the air and quickly takes aim with the gatling gun, angling the weapon backward to try and get the vigilante in his sights. It's a heavy, unwieldy piece of equipment, and in hindsight, perhaps a smaller weapon would have done the trick just as well!

Solo d8
Obsessive Hatred d4 (Going overkill with the gatling gun)
Enhanced Reflexes d8
Combat Expert 2d6

18:00, Today: Bushman rolled 2,1,4,2,4 using 1d8,1d4,1d8,1d6,1d6 ((2,1,4,2,4)). Bushman reacting to Moon Knight's attempt to leap over the gunfire and at him.

Total: 8
Effect: d8
Opportunities: 1 (Available first to Moon Knight)

Moon Knight wins. His 13 total is an extraordinary success, which steps up his effect die. Bushman takes d12 of Physical Stress. Stepping up 1d8 in the doom pool for Bushman's use of the "Obsessive Hatred" distinction at d4.

Doom Pool: 1d10, 2d8, 6d6

The image of Moon Knight soaring through the air, cape spread wide as he prepares to deliver a mighty kick with both feet, seems to paralyze the Bushman with a sudden fear. He only gets off a few worthless shots with the gatling gun before Moon Knight collides with him, knocking the villain backward into the elevator shaft. The evil mercenary grabs onto the length of steel elevator cable, stopping his fall, but only for a moment. He lets out a gasp and his eyes suddenly seem to plead with Moon Knight for some sign of mercy!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Mon 15 June 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 16:50, Mon 15 June 2020.

Regardless of the pleasant words from Tigra, the Ghost Rider can feel the mystic bonds that encircle him tightening rather than dispersing. This pleases the Spirit of Vengeance not at all.

"I have heard your words, Sorceress, and can discern friend from foe. I can hear too the words of our enemies, and know that I must be free to act! And if it takes pitting my infernal energies against yours then so be it, for free...shall...I...BE!"

Solo: d10 (as he's opposing Tigra)
Pawn of Heaven and Hell: d8
Hellfire: d8
Mystic Expert: d8
Spending 1 PP to add Superhuman Strength: D10

13:38, Today: Ghost Rider rolled 1,4,6,3,10 using d10,d8,d8,d8,d10 ((1,4,6,3,10)).

Spending 1 PP to add an extra die to my total!

Total: 20
Effect Die: d8

Roll of 1 creates Opportunity for Watcher

In reply to Ghost Rider (msg # 188):

Stepping up 1d6 in the doom pool for Ghost Rider's opportunity in Msg #188.

Doom Pool: 1d10, 3d8, 5d6

As Ghost Rider struggles against his restraints, the other-worldly bands holding him begin to bow under his might! The only question is, will they merely bend... or break?

d12 "Bound by the Bands" complication
1d10, 1d8, and 1d6 from the Doom Pool

19:33, Today: The Watcher rolled 2,8,4,1 using d12,d10,d8,d6 ((2,8,4,1)). Doom pool reaction to Ghost Rider attempting to step back "Bound By the Bands" complication.

Total: 12
Effect: d12
Opportunities: 1 (Available first to Ghost Rider)

Ghost Rider wins. His 20 total is an extraordinary success, stepping up his effect die to d10. "Bound By the Bands" complication steps back to d10 and is renamed "Need to Recharge." 

The heroes nearest Ghost Rider duck for cover as the Crimson Bands of Cytorrak peel further and further off of the captive's body, until eventually they come loose entirely and disappear in a flash of red light! Ghost Rider releases a massive surge of hellfire, bursting out of the bands' grip in an infernal eruption that lights up the entire stadium!

For a moment, even the brainwashed members of the audience seem to show some glimmer of awareness, staring in awe at the supernatural sight. Even for a being of the Ghost Rider's near-limitless might, the act was not without some effort. The Spirit of Vengeance may need a moment to replenish his vast power, but he has gotten free of the nigh-unbreakable bands and stands ready to fight!

Next Action: The Watcher

"Hello... Hello? Is this thing on?!"

As the sinister voice rings out across the stadium, the Jumbotron suddenly crackles to life, and a giant-sized face appears to loom over the crowd. It is a monstrous, red, familiar face: Carnage himself! But he's nowhere to be found near the news crews down on the field. Just where is he broadcasting from?

"Sorry I'm late to the game, folks! Ah, I see the little heroes have arrived too! On behalf of the Carnage Family, welcome to Yankee Stadium, losers! Hope you like what we've done with the place. Now, let's give it up for Bullseye and Killgrave, ladies and gentlemen! We owe tonight's show to them... And to yours truly, of course!"

He makes a sign to all the "fans," who, on the Purple Man's orders, let out a resounding cheer. The folks packed inside the stadium are displaying all kinds of Carnage-themed memorabilia against their will-- red-and-black jerseys, foam fingers, and hand-made signs bearing the symbiotic serial killer's likeness. The sight of so much forced enthusiasm is sickening, so of course Carnage laps it right up!

"Oh, New York, you're too kind! We owe some gratitude to the fine officers of the NYPD too. Good game, gentlemen! Now my players are all warmed up!"

As the heroes take in his words, a group of three police officers pass by them, limping away toward the stadium exit. Their faces are ashen and they do not say so much as a word to the heroes. A blanket has been draped over several bodies lying nearby. Whatever twisted game of "baseball" was being played here, it seems two-thirds of their team did not survive!

"Now where is Team Carnage? Still doing their pre-game interviews? Coach Kasady wants to give them a pep talk! You 'heroes' better get your own team together quick. And if any of you nerds are worried because you don't know baseball... Well, lighten up! My dear old dad never even taught me to catch, and I turned out just fine! HAHAHAHA!"

In the nearby crowd, a pair of figures help tend to the injured police officers' wounds. As soon as they finish, both of them stand up and begin to jog toward the heroes.