You have gotten a message requesting you to appear at a spot just outside the city walls of New York (Southside), on a certain day (soon) at a certain time (three hours after sundown).

You are requested to come as inconspicuously, as unnoticeable, as possible.

The message is signed by Batman.

THE Batman. Of Gotham.

But why has he sent this to you...?

Only one way to find out...

(Describe how you arrive at the appointed time and place...)

Could this possibly be some sort of joke? A trick? But if it was, the question was Why? Nobody knew that Jhonen Jhonez was anything other than a plainclothes officer in the civic guard, so who would bother playing such a joke at all? This had to come from someone who knew his secret, and it would take someone like the Batman to eke out Jhonen's secrets in the first place.

So he had to proceed with the possibility that this was a real message, from the real Batman.

Naturally, Jhonen arrived early. Hours early. He stood near the designated area, invisible to all prying eyes, and waited.

When he had received the message at home in his castle, Malkos had pondered it in private. The Batman? Such tales as he had heard of that one ran through the dungeon master's head. Hmm.

Traveling south and east to New York was not difficult, though he would normally ride some monstrous beast to get there faster. Doing, well, pretty much anything inconspicuously was hard for him to manage though. How to achieve that? It took more than a long cloak to hide his height and the sound of hooves clattering on stone. And use of Mutoc magic to disguise himself was, as of yet, still beyond him (and hardly a high priority in his studies, either).

Perhaps a potion of inversion, to let him stay in the background rather than melting into the foreground and sticking there? No. Even if such a potion would reverse that property of his unsubtle nature, he lacked or could not spare the ingredients called for.

Then it struck him. Possession. He was a demon, so it stood to reason that he might be able to use the iconic magics of his kind in folklore. Still, he balked at trying to inhabit someone against their will.


So, on the designated day, he arrived at Southside... sharing the summoned flesh of a suave, urbane satyr bard. The soul who had been reborn into that fleshly form was having a marvelous time being a prancing satyr for the day. And come nightfall, the two-in-one were close by the designated place, checking out night-blooming herbs and the moths attending them while he/they waited.

In reply to The GM (msg # 1):

Johan arrived on the back of a cart, along with others coming to New York. The carts transported the poor and the dispossessed from place to place, and New York always needed cheap labor. Thus ferries and carts where set up to keep the workers coming and going from the city.

Johan himself had been sleeping in the forest when he found the note by his head. Which was odd, because he never told anyone where he had gone off to. That had been by design...the less he was around people, the safer everyone else would be.

Yet here he was...for reasons he did not quite understand. Still, despite his current homeless status, his outfit was clean and he stayed clean shaven. After all, the Rider did not much care about its victims possessions. However, Johan needed to eat, drink and sleep.

So he had coin enough to clean up in an inn and hire the cart. So, after getting strange looks for being more or less left outside the city gates, he walked to the location as described in the letter. He smiled and attempted to blend in, and after getting eyeballed by the guards a bit he went on his way.

So after a bit of a walk...he thought he may be getting close. He pulled his leather doublet around him to ward off the cold. Breathed into his hands to warm them up, and looked about.

"What the bloody hell am I doing here?" He said to himself. He had the bad habit of speaking his thoughts out loud. Mostly because the thing in his head might be listening. Of course, it no doubt could use his ears, so speaking would not help such matters either.

"Bet the Batman is just another silly myth!" He grumbled, kicking a rock as he walked...and nearly breaking his fool foot. "Blast it to hell!" He grumbled, staggering a bit and kept walking.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Sat 13 June 2020.

“Many claim that Amazonia is but a myth,” said the statuesque warrior woman who stepped out from behind a massive oak tree. The “Woman of Wonders” stood before Johan, wearing her eagle-embossed red breastplate, blue pteryges, and red -silver boots. The hands pushing back the dark blue cloak bore silvery bracers. “I assure you that the Bat Man of Gotham is quite real,” Diana said with a smile.

“I can also assure you that he would appreciate your discretion in traveling here.” Diana’s eyes twinkled with mirth, as she added, “After he told you had done that could give you away, of course.” The Amazon chuckled at Bruce’s exacting nature, as he surely would have said that and more. “He is stern, but one of the most accomplished rogues I have ever known....and skilled at so much more.”

Diana pet the head of a shy fawn that bravely followed her into the open. “Go, little one. May Artemis guide and watch you in your days.” She watched the beast of the forest wander off. “I am grateful for companions who can speak in the Common tongue. What is your name, bold traveler?”

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 5):

Johan manages to reply but not with words. A suddenly appearing armored woman taller than him from seemingly nowhere caused him to respond in a more...natural way. By nearly leaping out of his skin, screaming, and bumping his head on a nearby tree branch.

"Bloody...hells...ow...where in the realms did you come from?" He said, rubbing his bruised head and answering his own question. He got all his answers by just looking at her. He had heard stories about Amazons...and thought them to be fairy tales as well.

"Ok...so Amazons, Human Bats, and...uh, other things are real." He of all people had no reason to disbelieve anything...other than the mercy of Gods and Men.

"My name is Johan Blaze. Calvaryman of the 7th legion." He paused. "Former Calvaryman, that is." He wished he had never joined, given the bitter betrayal his own legion was guilty of. Bonds of blood and war seemed to come to nothing these days.

"So...ah...you are a long way from your...your island? I think it was an island in the stories. May I ask your name, Lady?" He said, finally remembering his manners.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Sun 14 June 2020.

A scream close by.

The satyr looked up from the mildly fragrant white blossoms he had been examining, alert for overlooked danger. But no, a man was conversing with someone, his ears told him now that he was paying closer attention to them.

Goat-like hooves, much daintier than Malkos' own, stepped through the undergrowth in the darkness as his host moved closer to see what or who it was speaking. He was still dressed in civilized clothes, a brightly-colored doublet of thick cloth and leather half-breeches. A barbat (a kind of lute) hung at his side on a strap over the opposite shoulder.

“Hola, Johan,” Diana said in the casual Amazon greeting. She crossed her bracelets in Amazonian fashion. Then, she lowered her arms by her side. “I am Diana of Themyscira, the island that some call Amazonia’, and a blessed few call Paradise’.”

Diana nodded at the satyr. “Greetings, son of Pan! Did you also receive the summons, or are you chasing a dryad through these woods?” She asked playfully, a good-natured joke for a race known for mirth and ribaldry.

Peter stepped around the corner, having just come off a cart that had brought him down from Manhattan. While his clothes were nothing fancy, he was dressed nicely in cloth slacks of a tannish hue and a cotton tunic of a sky blue color. Tucking his coin purse on the inside of his tunic, Peter nodded in greeting to the others present, starting with the tallest woman he's seen yet in his life. "Greetings good folk, nice night for a gathering is it not? At least the weather is cooperating with us for the moment. I don't know about all of you, but I prefer not to be soaking wet if it can be avoided."

An... Amazon?!? He'd only heard stories of them, never met one that he knew of. And the outfit, the name, this was the fabled Woman of Wonders! Malkos was, for the moment, bothered that he could not smell the reek of holiness that ought to accompany such a virtuous and accomplished person. But that was part of the price he seemed to pay for possessing, he reckoned, that certain of his own attributes were overlain by those of the host body.

His host, on the other hand, barely paused upon being so addressed, answering Diana with a merry grin and bringing the barbat in front of himself with both hands. Strumming quietly, he fingered a chord, "Aye, fairest one! Greeting, fair meeting. Indeed, you could say that I 'twas summoned." His eyes twinkled in mischief and merriment, both the satyr on the outside and the demon within amused by the subtle joke that they had said.

Johan was about to say something to Diana when she pointed out the satyr. Then the kid showed up out of no where. Granted he had heard about Satyrs luring away young women into the forest with thier music, but this one seemed disoriented. It had a glassy unblinking stare. Then again they where famous drunks...but then it spoke. And sounded even more drunk then Johan thought.

"Ok...this is a little strange. I can guess why Diana is here. But why the rest of us? I mean, unless the Bat Man of Gotham wants music lessons from him, riding lessons from me, or someone to talk about the weather...no offense kid...this seems like a very odd request."

Of course, even as he said it, he realized why the Bat Man of Gotham wanted him here. Or...not Johan Blaze anyways. A chill went through his blood as he thought of it.

He thinks he can control the Rider? He must be mad. No one controls it...least of all me. Yet men had tried.

The arrogance of man would indeed believe that the hurricane could be tamed. Or a Volcano could be talked down. Or a plague could be bottled for use. Johan knew men like this even before he handed over his soul to a monster.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Sun 14 June 2020.

"It is because there is more to all of us than what seems," Jhonen said, seemingly stepping out of thin air. He wore his usual human face and plain roughspun garb, seeming indeed far less than he truly was. "Amazonian strength, for example, or my own ability to go unseen."

His stance was easy and open, posing no apparent danger to anyone. His voice was deep and smooth, with no hint of menace. He was just a man.

Peter shrugs off the remark of him being needed only to talk about the weather. But he gives a big start when the man appears from out of nowhere. He'd almost jumped out of his skin, though that's not his typical reaction to surprises. Or at least he hopes it isn't. He isn't going to be much good to anyone if he can't control himself better than that. "Don't sweat it pal. I've been accused of being useless too many times to count, mostly by my good for nothing father. But we weren't brought here to talk about him. So does anyone have any idea why we were brought here tonight?"

“The Bat Man would never summon you without good cause. If you are here, it is because you are needed.” While Diana started at the sudden appearance of the man, she swiftly regained her steeled composure. She cocked an eyebrow, intrigued by the latest newcomer’s magic. “You are accomplished at Witchcraft? Your invisibility spell hid you most ably from our sight.

What other magicks do you command?”

Katherine had to wait for the perfect time to leave Castle Deerfield. And she would have to come up with the perfect excuse for being absent, if her father discovered that she was not in her quarters. It was a busy day for the Duke. Perhaps he would not expect to see her. Katherine crossed her fingers.

Grabbing some parchment, a quill and inkwell, Lady Katherine informed the night's guard commander that she would be in the east courtyard, doing some studying. She knew of the gate behind the bushes at the wall. Few did anymore, the flora growing past the unused portal. For safety's sake, the gate was locked. But Katherine had found a key long ago. Sneaking out was easy enough.

The journey to Southland was not long. Katherine dressed herself in modest black, matching the outfits of other women in the area. They were well off, but not as much as her father. Being a Duke had its advantages. The daughter of one was a blessed position.

When Katherine nearly arrived at the spot of the meeting, she confirmed the location with the invitation. It wasn't really necessary. Others had already made it to the meeting. But where was the Batman? Katherine nervously swallowed and slowly approached the others. She gave a short wave as she scanned the others.

"Good evening," said a voice. Everyone looked up.

In the branches of a tree that only had any leaves on one side, because of how it'd been struck by lightning, was a human form.

...Wasn't it?

"I see you're all here..."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:44, Sun 14 June 2020.

"Let it suffice to say that I am unusually strong of both mind and body," Jhonen replied. He didn't like to speak of himself, least of all to brag about his abilities, of which there were several not in evidence. "Perhaps once we are better acquainted..."

And then the Batman was there. Surprisingly, Jhonen's ability to read minds did not detect his approach. His must be an exceptionally strong mind to remain hidden from Jhonen's power. He was tempted to press harder to see what lay inside such a mind, but that would have been rude and counterproductive.

"Indeed," he said instead, "we are here. To what end, sir?"

"The League and the Avengers generally allow one another to mind their own territory, but something has come up that requires... cooperation. In the Invisible College, there is a book. Someone was caught in the act of trying to steal it. When questioned, they revealed nothing. When questioned magically, they died. The book must be moved to this city, where the protections at the new campus are even stronger, and where the Avengers stand ready to deal with any difficulties right away, should those protections not be enough."

"Multiple groups will be going to the Invisible College, and leaving again, each taking a book. But those groups will not be clandestine. Yours will be, if you agree. Wonder Woman and Spider-Man will act as representatives of each of our two groups-- each of them can pass for normal humans." He glanced at Wonder Woman. "An inconveniently tall and beautiful human, in one case, but close enough."

"Diana, you and Spider-Man haven't heard about this before now not because you weren't trusted, but simply because of the aspect of secrecy. It's because you are trusted that we ask you to do this thing."

"The idea is that anyone wishing to intercept the book will target those of us making an obvious target of ourselves-- let alone that they'll have to divide their forces between the League and the Avengers."

"Are you all willing? Or at least, willing to hear more?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:26, Sun 14 June 2020.

In reply to The Batman (msg # 18):

Johan was about to answer the kid...when one stranger showed up out of nowhere-apparently invisible...and then another kid-but this one well dressed.

Finally, the Bat Man of Gotham decided to make an appearance, and Johan had pretty much run out of his ability to be surprised anymore tonight. A legion of demons could show up under his feet the drag him to the underworld and he may just shrug it off. He would still be upset of course.



Johan's eyes narrowed. He looked like he wanted to say something, but glanced at the two kids and Diana. "Yeah-I am willing to hear more. My question is...do you know who you have called here?" He left it at that. Granted he did not know any of these others very well, but he rather doubted they had his...issues.

Then again he could be wrong. They all could be monsters of some kind or another. That being said, the Bat Man of Gotham clearly did not trust anyone but Diana or whoever Spider-Man was. He rather doubted it was the invisible one or the Satyr, but that just left the kid talking about the weather.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Sun 14 June 2020.

The Batman looked Johan in the eyes. "...I know."

Then he looked back at the group. "Again: anyone want out, before I go on?" he asked.

“It’s good to see you again, Batman,,” Diana said with a quick salute of her bracelets. Although she usually paid no attention to comments about her looks, Diana couldn’t resist a tiny smile at Batman’s compliment. The mission sounded urgent, and she nodded when Batman designated her as a representative. “Of course I will aid you, Batman!

Knowledge is sacred, and as is our duty to keep it from the hands of evildoers.” Diana thought of other occasions when humanity lost important sources of knowledge. A burning library in Egypt that her sisters failed to protect. “Tell us more of this mission.”

The satyr listened, attending closely even though his hands were still bent to making soft music on the strings of the instrument he held.

The voice that spoke in answer to the Batman's question, however, was not the same voice that the satyr had spoken before. "While I might question why I would called when there are many more qualified and adept, I am in complete agreement with Diana that knowledge has great and grave value, and needs to be kept safe from those who would misuse it. I do not wish to depart, but will stay and heed your dark guidance," Malkos said through his host's lips.

"I will stay, and lend my service." Jhonen kept his own agreement short and to the point. He had a great many questions, but it was his experience that most questions get answered without actually being asked, if one was patient and listened properly. "Do please continue."

"I will hear more of this mission, Batman. As a representative of the Avengers, I'd like to help out where I can. Even if it means leaving Manhattan to other superheroes to protect for a while." Peter outed himself as Spider-Man to the rest of the group gathered there, if they had been paying attention to what had been said earlier. To add to this outing, while mentally kicking himself for not arriving in costume, Peter began changing into his costume and pulled on his mask last. "That's right gang, it's me, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."

"Oh" Katherine softly muttered when Peter revealed his alter ego. She was somewhat sad that she didn't have one. She was who she was, without a special name. Perhaps, with more experience, she could develop one? The notion gave Katherine a pleasant thrill.

She looked up at Batman. Although she couldn't tell if he was looking her way at all, she believed that she could see him. Katherine gave him an approving nod. It was time that she put her abilities to use, to protect right. Lady Katherine continued examining the others.

The satyr quirked one eyebrow, then both, a bemused look on his face as Peter changed. Neither of him knew what to make of this faux pas.

"I ought not to mention this when composing any ballads" the satyr asked of Spider-man quietly; his question a rhetorical one as the soul knew not to reveal the secrets of his betters openly.

“Perhaps you might compose a different ballad?” Diana watched the satyr with a curious eye. His voice changed back to the earlier mellifluous tone. They all had one secret or another, but she wondered if this seemingly benign satyr harbored the most. The Amazon couldn’t voice any concerns without further proof. She would keep her silence for the moment.

He knows. Johan thought to himself. He knows...and he still wants me here? Johan was not sure weather to be flattered or terrified.

He needed to talk to the man...in private. However, it was clear now who Spider-man was. A kid slightly younger than Johan had been joining the 7th calvary. Worse, the nearly silent well dressed kid in the back also seemed on board. So was Master Invisible and the voice changing Satyr. Of all of them, only Diana seemed capable of this.

Certainly not Johan and his...inner passenger. While he was fairly sure the Rider would not turn on any of them, trusting the thing to cooperate had always been a mistake. Certainly using it as a guard dog for a book sounded...well, insane. It was more likely to accidentally burn the thing while chasing down some murderer.

Of course, nobody seemed to question the famous 'Bat Man of Gotham'. He did seem to know the League of Justice and the Avengers. Certainly Johan had only heard the town criers speak of thier expoilts...which he assumed where just fables.

Johan had not always been so cynical, but none of those people had been around when he needed them. Or when his family had. No...the only offer to help was a thing from beyond promising vengence.

Yeah...where the hell was the Bat Man when we needed him!? I bet that guy had never lost anyone important to him...ever! Even as he thought it, he grabbed hold of the ring that hung on a cord around his neck, just under his shirt. His face becoming grim.

Still...he had to come along. Someone needed to watch out for the two kids now at risk. If this was a war, they all needed to know about it.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Mon 15 June 2020.

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 27):

The satyr nodded his horned head, agreeing with the Amazon. "I am certain that being around you, fairest one, I will witness any number of goodly and heroic deeds to celebrate in song and poetry." A wiggling of his tail was smothered by the breeches covering it, but the grin her way and goat-like bleat were not.

“Fight evil and injustice wherever you find it, and I will feel just as honored.” Diana walked toward Spider-Man. She stood before him, the towering woman warrior giving him an appraising once over. “I am pleased to at last meet the Spider-Man of New York.”

Suddenly, Diana beckoned the Lady keeping her silence in the back. “Sister, would you come closer, that we may know you?” Diana motioned Lady Katherine over with a radiant smile. “Who are you, Sister? Do you also live in the vibrant city of New York?”

"It's nice to meet the Woman of Wonders, myself. Though the stories one hears didn't mention you were so tall. Or so pretty. Mostly they just focused on your heroic deeds and left out the finer details." Spider-Man seemed to have trouble to get himself to stop talking now, but it seemed to be a common problem for him around pretty women.

"Yes, please no ballads about who I really am. There are those that wouldn't believe it, but too many would and that would put my family in danger. It's why I decided to wear a costume in the first place. I chose to do this work and risk my life and limbs, my family and friends didn't." Spider-Man turned to see who Wonder Woman was talking to and saw the young girl. She was younger than him even and that was saying something. Still, who was he to say who could or couldn't be a part of this? He was just a smart-assed kid from New York with a few cool powers. Take those away and what's left?

"I suppose that in the spirit of fairness, I should also reveal my more well-known self," Jhonen said, stepping forward. His image rippled and grew and changed. In a quick moment he was a foot taller, broader of chest and limb, and bright emerald green. His roughspun workman's clothes had been replaced with battle garb.

There were whispered legends of this being. Most who claimed to have seen him were thought mad. Now he stood among them, towering over all but Diana (whom he was still taller than, but not so much) and muscled like a god.

"In my other form I am Jhonen Jhonez, Peacekeeper First Class for the city of New York. As you see me now, I am called the Manhunter."

With a startled cry (not a bleat), the satyr jumped and staggered back, his music completely disrupted in the surprise of Manhunter's sudden transformation.

The thought of healing him to restore his human form did cross Malkos' mind, but freeing the prepared spell from the lute string it was tied to would only be a waste of a magical resource. And perhaps annoy the powerful being.

"The plan that has been prepared is that the rest of you will meet her--" and The Batman pointed at Lady Katherine Pryde-- "here, at this spot-- preferably tomorrow morning. Each of you will-- as you have done just now-- look and dress inconspicuously. Save for you--" This was addressed to Malkos. "I must admit, you surprised me, appearing as a satyr. The plan was that there would be a large carriage or covered wagon to hide your... natural form."

He resumed speaking: "The plan was to pretend that Lady Katherine would be travelling to the Invisible College as an applicant-- traditionally, all new students apply at the original campus. Three of you would pose as her perfectly-normal bodyguards, with Malkos in the carriage or wagon-- and with you, Diana, posing as her chaperone. You would arrive at the school, be given a few books, and then you would return here, to Southside, and go to the campus here-- if anyone asks, you can say that you were accepted, that you will start attending in a few weeks, and that you wanted to see the campus you'd actually be attending before going home. The trip to the college should take slightly less than four hours, and the trip back the same..."

"Would tomorrow morning be too soon? And Malkos, would you want a large carriage, or a covered wagon, or... not?"

In reply to The Batman (msg # 34):

The Batman did not seem to want to speak to anyone personally. In fact, it sounded like he was about to vanish again. Johan had to get his question in before that happened. The Batman of Gotham needed to know the...risks when it came to Johan.

"Look...wait, I..." He paused and looked around at all the others. They seem to be more trusting of Johan than Johan was of them. They needed to know the risks.

"I...I can have problems with keeping my nose to the ground, right? Once the horse manure hits the side of the stable, I can't predict what will happen. I don't...I can't trust it. You said you knew that. And you still want me to help them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Mon 15 June 2020.

The Batman leaps casually from the tree-- landing without a sound-- and walks over to Johan. "I do. I, for one, am not worried about you. Do I understand that it can be dangerous to be around you? Yes. I've known others who felt that way about themselves, and they had reasons for feeling that way, but they were good men. If the plan goes perfectly, there shouldn't be anything that will put you in a difficult position. But I wanted you to be a part of this because I don't expect the plan to go perfectly. If that moment-- or moments-- happen, then what I ask of you is to direct your might outward, toward those that deserve it, instead of indiscriminately. I have access to sources of information you would find very surprising, but even with what I know, I'm trusting you with this."

In reply to The Batman (msg # 36):

Johan looked at the man in the mask, and then looked away. He unconsciously grabbed the ring he wore around his neck and under his shirt. "Yeah...yeah ok. I want this to help people...for a change."

He wondered if the man knew a way to get rid of it. However, everyone Johan talked to about that very thing had told him the same answer. A very grim and final one.

Once you give up your soul, you dont ever get it back.

"I'm not so sure of the plan Batsy. No offense to the kid here, but she's just a kid. Is she really gonna have us as retainers or servants and the Woman of Wonders as a chaperone? I mean yeah, it's only long enough to fool a few guards and such, but I'm just not sure it'll work." Standing where he was at, Spider-Man looked over at the young girl, she did look like a noble from her stance and bearing anyway. But would that be enough to convince people about what they were trying to pull off? Spider-Man just didn't know and that's what was making him nervous.

In reply to Spider-Man (msg # 38):

Johan blinked a few times and looked over at Spider Man. "Aren't...you just a kid? You...you are like younger than I was before i joined the 7th legion. Like the youthful idiot I was, I would add.

At least you are an actual hero who helps people, rather than joining in on one of the Kingdoms stupid, pointless holy wars. And as an actual noble, she could sit this whole thing out and not be effected what so ever!"

Johan shook his head, sounding like a much older man than he appeared. "You both should be out there working for your futures and having fun. Not potentially dying on some cause nobody even knows about over some old book!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Tue 16 June 2020.

Johan was creating such a spectacle of himself that Jhonen had gone as unnoticed as if he had remained invisible. A rare smile crossed his lips.

"They are not so young as that," he said to Johan, while looking at Peter and Katherine. Young, yes. Too young to be heroes? No. "Calm yourself. I can help you still your mind, if you wish."

“I was younger than Peter or the Lady when I wielded my sword for the first time.” Diana glanced at Jhonen, then turned to Johan. “Man’s World also teaches that women are unfit as warriors and leaders.” Her lopsided half-smile betrayed the chronic frustration that Diana felt about the biases of the world beyond Themyscira’a  shores.

“Bat Man chose us according to the strengths, skills, and cunning that we all possess.  Neither of them would even be here if he thought them unable to fulfill this mission.”

In reply to The Batman (msg # 34):

The satyr's expression grew pensive, the strings of his barbat stilled with one palm for the moment.

"It would probably be for the best," Malkos' own voice said through the satyr's lips. "I am not a subtle being, and should I need to summon, I cannot do so while sharing Matthias' flesh. I would need to dismiss him back home to Westchester 'ere I could call another, leaving my true self revealed."

Diana's words about the world of men and the biases of mortal belief struck a chord in the demon's heart. She certainly had a potent point there.

In reply to The Manhunter (msg # 40):

"Still my mind? What does that mean?" He takes a step back from the green man. "I'm fine...well, not fine, but I dont think you breaking into my skull and fiddling around will fix anything, thanks anyways."

Diana speaks, and he raises his hands and nods. "Look, you wont hear me defending the status quo. If I had just listened to my own wi..." he cuts himself off as a fresh dose of pain entered his memories.

"Nevermind." He said darkly. "Look, all I am saying about our near silent noble lady over there is that she could sit this one out and never take any risks. But to her credit, she is, and she's here. I was just complaining...uselessly I am sure...that kids should not be in wars."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Tue 16 June 2020.

"Whoa there pal, I didn't mean to touch a nerve. Give peace a chance, hey? I realize I may have spoken out of school about our Lady over there, but I was just trying to protect her. No offense meant to anyone. Honestly." Spider-Man held his hands up to shoulder level, palms facing outward to show that he had meant no harm to anyone.

"Blaze, you don't know what this young woman is capable of. She's... untested, it's true, but I have the same faith in her as I have in you. She might be the most important part of the plan."

"So. Can anyone give me a reason why the plan needs to be changed in any way? Because I'm not going to exclude anyone because of the danger, because each of you is more dangerous than you look. That's a very large part of the point of my asking each of you to be here."

Katherine wasn't comfortable with the others speaking about her. She gave a look at Batman, raising her eyebrows. The teen took in a smooth breath.

"I'm all for your plan, sir" she stated to the caped hero. "The difficult part will be getting away without my father knowing. He's quite protective of me."

Another breath.

"But I will manage."

The satyr shook his head no. The only potential issues that either of him were thinking of pertained to the magi of the college or the possible protections of the book itself, not to the logistics outlined.

Johan seems to have issues, but says nothing. He just keeps looking from Spider Man to Lady Pryde. All while squeezing the hidden ring worn around his neck and under his shirt.

However, his thoughts are very very 'loud'...especially to those with the power to 'hear' it. The Manhunter almost has an image forced on him, as if Johan was shouting it directly into the hero's mind.

He sees Johan, being held down by several thuggish men, one of them about to stab him in the back and through his stomach. Johan is struggling, and clearly screaming not at his potential death, but at two burning bodies being thrown onto a pyre.

They clearly have been brutalized before being burned, but its unclear if they where dead or alive while tossed on the fire. All this happens even as the fire burns the nearby farm and farmhouse.

It was then the Manhunter felt another presence in Johan's mind. One that is clearly inhuman, yet firmly lodged within Johan as if it belonged here.

This is not for you. The Manhunter heard a voice that sounded like ba combination of crackling flames and an animal growl. Then he could feel soemthing attempting to push his awareness out of Johan's mind.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Wed 17 June 2020.

"H'ronmeer's ghost," the Manhunter said quietly. He was visibly shaken, though none but Johan would know why. And even then, he didn't know all. The plague that had taken Jhonen's own wife and daughters, and the flames...!

By H'ronmeer, the FLAMES!

"We should talk."

In reply to The Manhunter (msg # 49):

"I...I dont need my mind...'stilled'...whatever that is." Johan repeats himself, clearly not understanding what just happened. He felt...soemthing involving the Manhunter...but had no language or experience  to explain such an event. Hell, he might have imagined the whole thing. It seemed impossible...but the impossible was becoming a rather everyday event in Johan's mind.

"Wait...what do you mean?" He asked the green man. Now thinking he may not have imagined what just happened.

"I have the ability to enter your mind and help you find the calm center," Jhonen explained. It was basically a directed meditation technique, but he could save those details for later.

He could also force calmness on another's mind, but those details didn't need to be shared at all.

"I lost my own family to the flames," he continued. He could still hear the screams. "You and I are not so dissimilar, it seems."

In reply to The Manhunter (msg # 51):

Johan's went pale with the horrified look on his face. "You...you saw it?" He whispered, trying to make sure the others would not hear him.

As the Manhunter explained, Johan shook his head. "No...no...that's not right. Well, they did...I...look, did you see it in there!? You have to stay away from...from my head! That's where it sleeps...until...until...someone calls it forth!"

Johan sounded frightened, but managed to keep his voice down while he engaged in panicked blabbering. He seemed more scared of 'it' then the fact the Manhunter could read his thoughts.

“My own mother banned me from The Contest to represent Paradise Island as the Champion of the Amazons.” Diana sighed wistfully. “I defied my  mother and won the Contest.” She met Katherine’s eyes with the bittersweet understanding of a daughter who defied her parent. “Even though we are taught to submit to our mothers and fathers, doing the right thing sometimes requires defying even our loved ones.”

The Amazon settled beside the Bat Man. “Circumstances may necessitate some deviation from your plan, but it stands for now. Everyone knows that a Lady of Man’s World never travels without a chaperone. I will need a special garment for this task, but it is one that I can fulfill .” Diana’s smile broadened into a wide grin. “Enough second-guessing and travails! We have our party for this mission, and will undertake it with no further handwringing or dissembling!”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Wed 17 June 2020.

Ears twitched. Someone was speaking of flame, or fire? And someone was terrified.

The satyr looked towards the sounds. He couldn't make out Johan's words very well, but the pallor, even in the dark of night, and shaking were not missed. Even in someone elses' flesh, Malkos tasted a hint of the echoes of suffering in the air.

But it was not for him to dine upon. These people were allies he needed to work with. Fey fingers moved on the neck of his birbat, the other hand ready to strum lower down.

The two-in-one mentally spoke to each other briefly in the satyr's head, and came to a decision; Matthias would be the one who would ask. "What ails you, Johan? Art thou in need of healing?"

"Now just hold your horses there Woman of Wonders. Unless my memory is already starting to fail me, Old Batsy said we'd start this up tomorrow morning. Not right here this very second. So then, we should go our separate ways and hunker down for the night, come back on the morrow to do this. At least that's the way I see it. Anyone agree or disagree?" Having said his piece, Spider-Man looked at the others, in turn, to see how they felt about his suggestion of concluding their little gathering and coming back tomorrow morning. He, himself thought it was a pretty good suggestion.

"Then if there are no other questions nor issues, I shall let you go your own separate ways."

The Batman walks back over to the trunk of the tree, and waits under it, in case anyone feels the need to speak to him further tonight.

"I'm...fine." He replied to the Satyr, sounding anything but fine. When both Spiderman and Batman agree with meeting up in the morning, Blaze nods. "Good idea. I am heading to the nearest bar. Anyone is welcome to join me." He shakes his head and prepares to head off.

"I do not consume spirits," Jhonen said plainly. There was no judgement implied against anyone who chose to imbibe. He just personally preferred not to. "But I will be happy to come for the company."

Happy. Interesting to find that he meant that word. Having met these unique beings, each as different from the perceived 'norm' as he himself, Jhonen couldn't help but feel a little bit of happiness for a change. He might actually enjoy this adventure.

[OOC: Katherine's apparently been labelled "silent." She's really not. Although her words are short, it's just that she's been straight to the point so far. And yours truly isn't on as often as most others. (*shrugs*)]

Katherine rose an eyebrow at Diana's words.

"My relationship with my father isn't quite so dramatic" she softly stated. "He's a busy man. The, you know, being a Duke thing and all.

"As for me, I'm his daughter. I read what I can and study. I explore the castle and grounds. I venture out when I can to get to know the area."

The young woman shrugs.

"Nothing elaborate. I come across the aftermath of evil now and then. That's why I'm here at Sir Batman's invitation. I don't care for evil."

She looks up at the caped hero in the tree.

"Out of curiosity, will I be travelling under my true name? Or another, one to hide my identity and protect the family?"

Katherine skid her boot along the ground. She was anxious to get home before she was missed. Tomorrow she'd have to come up with a plan that didn't involve guards following her.

“Your family name could grant us entry into the university.” Diana tilted her head slightly, pondering the best option for traveling with a young noble. “Of course, we also run a daunting risk of alerting your father to our whereabouts, should his scouts—or any soothsayers in his employ—seek to recover you.”

She quickly approached Batman at the tree. “Would your patronage extend to...credentials...for her Ladyship?”

"You have a point. An assumed name would be better.

Do you need my help in excusing yourself from your obligations for the day? I have some... powerful friends..."



"Don't worry about that. That will be arranged."



"Certainly. ...It sounds like you have something specific in mind...?"

“Names hold great power, and she assumes as great a risk as the rest of us.”Their age difference didn’t strip Lady Katherine of autonomy, or at least, shouldn’t. “Which name would you prefer, Sister?” Diana left the decision to their youngest companion.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Thu 18 June 2020.

Katherine thought for a moment. She again looked up to Batman.

"What do you think, sir? I also fear that using my own name might alert my father to my goings on. The college isn't that far from Deerfield."

More thought.

"You're asking me to re-name you? Mm..." The Batman shrugs. "...'Lady Ariel Claremont'? It doesn't really matter to me. Anything plausible should do..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Sat 20 June 2020.

Katherine cocked her head to the side for a moment, as if her thoughts weighed down that one side.

"I suppose, yes, I should go under an alias. No sense in running into anyone who knows my father. Or him getting word, a congratulations, from someone who heard that I am enrolling."

Katherine licked her lips briefly, eliminating some of the night's dryness.

"The Claremont name will be fine."

Lady Pryde looked around at the others.

"Is that it? If so, I will return on the morrow. Must get a good night's rest, right?"

"Yes m' lady, get a good nights rest for tomorrow and we will see you then." Spider-Man looks over to the Batman and nods his head in a show of mutual respect. Or so Spider-Man hopes anyway. "If there be no more need for us this night, I shall take my leave and patrol a bit before I retire for the evening. I bid you all a good night." With a small salute, Spider-Man turns and heads back the way he had come from earlier that evening.

THE NEXT MORNING, at that same spot, there was no sign of The Batman, but there was a very large, very fine, very sturdy carriage with a high ceiling and large doors (with fancy velvet curtains that could be pulled over the windows for maximum privacy), and a team of six black horses, very strong, very healthy, already hooked up and ready to pull it.

Jhonen arrived early and waited, as was his usual tactic in uncertain circumstances. He preferred to observe others as they arrived, particularly from the cover of invisibility. Today he stood in full view, though, in his typical guise as the detective of the city guard.

Due to his exemplary arrest record and conviction rate, he was given much leeway to perform his duties as he saw fit and on his own timetable. Thus his absence for several days would not be cause for much concern, or even stand out as unusual. He came and went as he pleased, generally, and most often returned with a noted criminal in tow.

He hadn't discussed his role in this mission with the others, but he supposed that he could be a bodyguard, or even the coachman if required. He could easily look whatever part was selected for him, and he was an excellent actor.

And so he waited for the others.

Despite the hangover, Johan managed to show up in fighting leathers and wearing a sword. Thus appearing as a bodyguard for whichever high ranking noble he was there to protect.

He peered at the man already there...wondering if it was someone he knew. "Jhonen?" He asked cautiously.

"That's right," Jhonen said, nodding. He held out the badge of office that went with this face. "Jhonen Jhonez, Detective First Class with the City Guard, when I'm wearing this face. The big green fellow is most often referred to as the Manhunter.

"You had quite a lot to drink last night," he continued, looking concerned. "Are you feeling well this morning?"

In reply to The Manhunter (msg # 70):

"Of course...I'm...fine." he rubbed his temples & groaned. Of course, once the Rider took over the hangover would end. He had suffered multiple deadly wounds only to reawaken in his human skin, not a scratch on him. Just another way the Rider protects its property.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:03, Tue 23 June 2020.

Peter saunters up to the two men who are already there. He is once again dressed in his civilian clothing and not his Spider costume. That clothing consists of a pair of brown leather breeches and a black short-sleeved tunic. He had on a pair of comfortable-looking boots and a rapier strapped to his left hip. He wasn't really one for swordplay, but he could hold his own if he needed to. "Morning gentlemen, are we ready for our little adventure this morning?"

Sneaking after Peter with dainty, goat-like steps came the satyr, being as quiet as he could while trailing the civilian hero who he'd spotted from afar exiting the city.

Subtlety not being a strong point, he was anything but hidden from eyesight doing so. Like a character in a pantomime.

Katherine's arrival did no seem early, considering how many others were present. Her attire was a little more formal this morning. A long flowing blue and white dress seemed appropriate for an enrollee into the college. A matching hat topped her long red hair, now pulled up in a more esteemed fashion.

She noticed the carriage. Although she was accustomed to finer things, this seemed quite luxurious. She did not know who was funding this adventure, but Katherine hoped that Batman thanked whomever it was.

"Good morning" Lady Pryde softly stated. "Are we all ready for... whatever this will give us?"

With the morning sun against her back, Diana descended from the sky. She landed softly on the grassy forest bed. “Apollo’s sun heralds a glorious journey!” The Amazon wore a white traveler’s dress with matching boots, a look befitting a governess or chaperone.. Her raven-dark hair flowed over her left shoulder in a soft fall. A hooded white cloak draped her shoulders, and she wore a purse on the hip of her gold circlet belt.

A smile nearly as radiant as the dawn greeted her companions. “I hope that Somnus guided you all safely through Morpheus’ realm. We need our skill and cunning for the task ahead.” Diana pulled a white veil from her purse and draped it tastefully over her hair. “I must look the part of the chaste and modest chaperone, eh, Lady Ariel?” She winked playfully at the girl.

Johan nodded. "Everybody should blend in just fine." He proceeds to get into the driver's seat on the carriage. After all, riding was sort of his speciality.

Opening the carriage door, Malkos (or was it Matthias?) was gentlemanly in holding it for both of the ladies, giving the noblewoman and her chaperone the first and best choices of seating.

He took his own place within last, hoping that he would not end up next to Diana by doing so.

"Good morning everyone," Jhonen said as he boarded the carriage. He took the next seat that was open.

The ride to Midvale is uneventful. Trees, grass, other people on the road now and then meaning the horses can't consistently run full tilt (which is perhaps just as well since they are presumably the same horses that will be bringing everyone back...

The weather starts slowly clouding up as the hours pass by...

The road gets slowly worse as one gets away from the big city...

But, finally, the horses and carriage arrive at Midvale... and, not too long after that, the group arrives at the front of the Invisible College, which is a very large meadow.

Until one passes through the front gates (which, themselves, can only be seen as one grows near to them, and then the rest of the college becomes visible... numerous old large brown buildings.

The guards at the gate seem to know right where to send the carriage-- to the front of the library...

A short, balding man in a black robe is waiting there...

Peter enjoyed the ride, though he spent it holding onto the back of the carriage, playing footman to Lady Ariel inside the carriage. Peter didn't mind being on the back, used to hanging onto things with his gloves and boots that he wears. Plus it made it easier to enjoy the view as it passed by them. Peter liked nature, though he wasn't one to worship it, he did respect it though. Nature held a lot of power and seemed to unleash that power whenever she seemed to get mad.

Once they arrived at the college and pulled up to the library Peter stepped down off the back of the carriage. Walking around the carriage Peter opened the door and held it open for the passengers inside the carriage to disembark.

"Hello, hello," says the little man in the black robe. "You're... her? Them?" He starts to address Katherine, but when he gets a good look at Wonder Woman, he starts addressing her instead, apparently deciding that she must be the one in charge... (I mean, look at 'er.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:02, Sat 27 June 2020.

Malkos stayed hidden, remaining quietly inside the carriage for the moment if not indicated to come out by the others. But his satyr's ears twitched animalistically, listening to whatever snatches he could hear.

Diana exchanged a quick nod with Lady Katherine, stepping before the smaller girl. She curtsied in a slight dip. “Aye, gentle sir. I am Diana of Whitechapel, governess to the Lady Ariel Claremont.” She beckoned to their charge. “I have taught her Ladyship reading, writing, and arithmetic. However, her natural gifts of intellect and appetite for such exceed my own humble limitations.” Diana said the last with an airy laugh.

“Lady Claremont’s family did hope that the esoteric studies of your good University could endow her with the knowledge necessary to navigate an ever more complicated world.” Diana deliberately offered the phony surname to further distance Katherine from her true identity. Any references to the new arrival would hopefully confuse her father’s spies.

Johan stays on the carriage, still in the driver's seat. He has one hand on the hilt of his sword, in case anyone gets any funny ideas about only having to fight an amazon. As if his effort was needed in that case. He was pretty sure most Amazons could handle most bad situations on their own...

"Well, just have the carriage wait... this won't take long..." The little man leads any who will come (but especially paying attention to Katherine and Diana) to the large front entrance of the library. He opens one of the doors, and motions to someone inside.

He acts as though enemies might jump out of nowhere and attack at any moment, though there are no signs of that happening.

In less than two minutes, two more people who look like librarians-- an wrinkled old woman and a tall, thin man with spectacles who looks a bit like a stork-- come forward... surrounded by a dozen armed guards.

The old woman sizes up Katherine and Diana, and then thrusts a bundle of four books tied together with twine into Diana's hands. "Here," she says. "For the lass." She gives Diana a meaningful look. The meaning of the meaningful look is It's there, one of those.

The tall man hands Katherine a large basket. "Refreshments, for the road back," he says. "Since we understand you surely won't have time to stay here and eat. Not that the cafeteria isn't quite nice, under-- other circumstances."

The short little man who met you is now greatly relieved. (As are the dozen armed guards. Whew, that's over with as far as we're concerned, is the vibe.) "Well, I suppose you'll want to be on your way back where you came from, now that you've got your >heh< textbooks, eh what?"

The sky is notably more overcast than this morning.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Sat 27 June 2020.

Katherine spoke with a polite voice.

"Thank you, kind sir" she stated upon reception of the basket. She gave it a quick look, but did not root through the contents. Katherine glanced at Diana, hoping that she would lead them back to the carriage. The more quickly that this encounter would end, the more quickly she would feel safe.

The large basket is filled with food, and a few waterskins/wineskins.

Johan keeps an eye on the dozen or so of armed men, fairly sure Diana could handle them. However, he does feel a slight flash of heat from inside. Mercenaries. He thought darkly.

No doubt some of them had done something terrible to someone. Causing his 'unwelcome guest' to stir in its sleep, at the presence of one of its prey. Maybe the crime happened long ago, maybe it was still too dormant, or maybe Johan managed to keep control...for once. Whatever the reason, his flesh remained as it was.

"We should get going...daylight's burning."He said quietly to the Manhunter's human form. However, they where going no where until Lady Pride and Diana gave the command.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Sun 28 June 2020.

“Thank you for your graciousness, O’ Learned One!” Diana gave another quick curtsy as she accepted the basket. “I think your regimen is exactly what Lady Ariel needs! I shall happily bear these glad tidings to her mother and father!” Diana gently nudged Lady Katherine toward the carriage. She chuckled airily, making a show of swooping the hem of her skirt as she actually intended to place herself between “Ariel” and any threat.

The carriage and crew are just starting to leave Midvale when the skies metaphorically open up and it starts pouring down rain.

Even the hard-packed earth of the road ahead is going to get muddy...

Keep going, before conditions get even worse?

Or turn around and detour through Ivy Town, Westchester, and Northside? The rain doesn't look nearly as bad to the north...?

"I recommend we take the northern route," Jhonen suggested. "I believe it is important that we keep moving at the best speed we can muster."

The satyr seemed a bit perturbed by the downpour, holding his instrument protectively even though he was inside the carriage.

That the northern route seemed better, he agreed. But Lord Worthington's lands - and his castle on that estate - were that way as well. Not having openly revealed himself to be a demon to his companions, Malkos was concerned by the possibility that the Invisible College might interpret taking the book towards his castle with hostility.

But both of him stayed mum about that, heeding his/their betters.

Diana watched the stormy skies with a frown. “Father Zeus, please consider staying your wrath until we finish our journey,” she softly prayed. However, the insistent rain indicated that Zeus either did or would not hear her plea. The carriage would soon bog down in the mud if they remained on the same route.

“How much time will we lose if we take a longer route? Should we make haste on the road, or perhaps a detour through Ivy Town?”

[Yeah, she just wasn't going to rudely root through the container. It's a gift and she wished to accept it graciously.]

Katherine batted saddening eyes when the downpour commenced. Would this delay their mission?

"I don't wish to take any longer than we have to" the teenager stated. "But if one route is safer, perhaps we should consider it. I don't wish for the carriage, as fine as it is, to get stuck in the middle of nowhere."

Katherine bit her lip as she took another look at the darkened sky.

The demon in the satyr observed Her Ladyship's mannerisms.

"I could try to heal the road dry again ahead of us. But, given the ongoing weather, even my best would not keep it that way long."

One with a grasp of local-ish geography might suggest that taking the northern roads would add a good hour, maybe somewhat more, to the journey.

On the other hand, if the carriage gets stuck in mud staying on the straight route, it'll add a lot more than that.

On the third hand, it might not get stuck in mud.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:52, Wed 01 July 2020.

"We need to decide quickly people, this storm is going to get worse. So everyone back in the carriage." Peter climbs back up to his spot on the back of the carriage waiting for everyone else to get is so that they can get going again. He wasn't really liking how long this was taking as it was just supposed to be a quick stop to pick up the books and get going again. Hopefully, they'd get the carriage moving, soon.

Johan tried to manage the horses against the poor ground and the loud weather. The animals did not much care for ether. However, he could manage the northern route, but if the carriage gets stuck it does not matter how good a driver you have.

"It sounds like Lady Pryde suggests we go north. I'm fine with that."

“I would avoid needless conflict in the north, but a mud-bogged carriage invites attention from highwaymen. I have no time to waste trouncing pretty criminals.” Diana called to the driver, “Take the Northern road! Better we add an hour riding than lose two digging ourselves from the mud!”

The carriage and horses turn back, go back through Midvale, through the campus of the Invisible College, and out the north gate, to Ivy Town, and from there it's off on the road to Westchester.

The rain on this new road can be described as "barely drizzling" at worst and "lightly sprinkling" at best.

After a while, the carriage comes to a sign:

The breathing of young Katherine eased when just a light rain hit them going to the north. She knew that she shouldn't worry so. When Diana mentioned highwaymen, she tensed. The ease on the new route helped.

"Oh" muttered Katherine when the carriage slowed upon entering Knickerbock. She had never visited the small town. Taking a small bite of her lower lip, she took a small peek past the curtain. Would the group's passage through the hamlet be safe? Katherine leaned back and looked at the woman next to her. She seemed fine. Fair enough. All would be fine.

The satyr sat and sat, staying to himself like a cat when he wasn't quietly playing soft music for the noble lady. Nonetheless, both of him remained alert (as best they could, not having slept a wink during the night) and mindful in case of danger or villagers.

The sides of the road get more and more inhabited as the horses and carriage travel through the village.

At what must surely be at or near the heart of the village, a couple of men wave the carriage to a halt.

They look like constables.

When the carriage stopped, Diana exchanged a hushed nod with her fellow passengers. She held up a finger to her lips. The forceful commands outside the carriage indicated local constables. She patiently watched the door, awaiting the inevitable, intrusive questions.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Sun 05 July 2020.

"I will speak to these men," Jhonen said, exiting the carriage. "If they are the local law enforcement, then they and I most likely 'speak the same language'."

That said, Jhonen approached the constables, moving with an air of authority. He placed his own badge where it could be clearly seen.

"Good day, gentlemen," he said. "What seems to be the trouble?"

One hand held the strings of his instrument still and quiet, Malkos attending to the wills and decisions of those who knew such matters better. Matthias' ears twitched slightly as both of him listened oh so hard in case of any trouble that might get past Jhonen.

"Those folks over there're from Metropolis," one of the men tells Jhonen. "They're questioning and searching everyone who comes through here-- especially if they're coming from Ivy Town.

Jhonen sees the people the man refers to... a tallish man wearing a hooded cloak to keep the rain off him, so it's hard to tell much about him... the other is an even bigger, musclebound guy...

"There's a couple more inside questioning some old farmer..." says the man talking to Jhonen...

(Does anyone in the carriage peek out at the two men...?)

Diana drew back the curtain just enough to peek at the constable talking with Jhonen. Her keen hearing picked up the vital piece of information about the checkpoint. “They watch for travelers from Ivy Town. If either of you can hide our goods, I suggest you do so now.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Tue 07 July 2020.

In reply to The GM (msg # 108):

Johan never really cared much for the big city of Metropolis. He had never been there of course, but his father resented the place as corrupt and elite-calling it a polished horse dropping. Unlike Gotham, which he said was more 'honest' in how awful it was.

He glanced over from his driver's seat, but did not know ether man. However, he did hear Diana's instructions, and got up to do so as subtly as possible.

Hooded cloak or no, Diana nonetheless recognizes the taller of the two men, by his pale, almost blue-white skin. His name is Victor Fries, and black magic has strongly attuned his sorcery to the sub-elemental plane of Ice. He's fought The Batman in Gotham a number of times. The heavily-muscled man is probably also some similar level of trouble.

This situation already didn't look/feel like good news, but this confirms it.

Diana recognized their peril when she recognized the man speaking. Although she possessed no overt Mind Speech of her own, her mother had taught her that those with such Gifts could still “hear” her if she “spoke” loud enough. Diana concentrated her thoughts, attempting to be heard by the mysterious Manhunter. Jhonen, the men he warned you about are dangerous! The man near the house is Victor Fries, an Ice Elemental sorcerer and foe of Good! The Amazon hoped he could “hear” her urgent warning!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Wed 08 July 2020.

«Oh, bother.» The amazon's warning was hardly a surprise at this point. Between the Batman's warnings and the furtive behavior of those at the college, an ambush of some sort was virtually inevitable. They'd probably even caused the storm, if one of them was an elemental. H'ronmeer only knew what the other one could do.

"Gentlemen," Jhonen said, stepping forward. He held up his badge so all could see it. He did not assume the visage of the Manhunter just yet, but his voice was a powerful bass. "You will stand aside and allow us to pass unmolested. You will not like what happens otherwise."


Intimidation/Charming: The Manhunter rolled 8 using 2d6-1 ((5,4)).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Fri 10 July 2020.

Johan began to feel warm. At first he was foolish enough to believe the weather had turned. Only for a second, as he remembered all the other times he had felt hot just before...it happened. Then Jhonen spoke, and his heat flush got worse. His focus was drawn elsewhere, as if the thing inside him sensed prey nearby...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Wed 08 July 2020.

Katherine's eyes opened widely, wary of any danger presented. She placed the texts from the college on the seat between her and Diana. If the books needed to be grabbed in an instant, she was ready.

"Are you sure that they are searching for us?" the innocent Katherine asked the Amazon next to her. "How could they know that we were coming this way?"

The teen gave a small gasp when she realized the answer.

"Unless... they had a plan and have evildoers on the other road as well" she spoke with almost a whisper.

"Or they have a weather wizard, to force us onto the path they wished, Milady," Malkos noted, careful to avoid mentioning or naming from whence they had come. The possibility that these people had a spy in the College to tell them when and how the artifact in question had departed had occurred to the demon's mind.

His magic could not hide the books beforehand, not without dismissing Matthias and summoning something else. Could he heal the image of the books, to keep their seeming in one place, while the physical volumes were in another? He did not know.

Stay quiet. Stay seemingly a harmless satyr, a bard, a jester in "Ariel's" service. And spring his true nature on them by surprise in her defense, trusting in Diana's legend to make the best of the ensuing confusion in their favor? It could be a plan.

He removed a small pouch from his garb and laid it on the seat next to him. The spell tokens he'd prepared in the forest overnight were within, for when he had to send Matthias and his barbat home. A thought crossed over from the satyr-servant, asking whether he ought to alert others at the castle of trouble when he arrived, and suggesting the possibility of their using the chambers of danger as a safeguard for the books, should trouble follow them  from Knickbock to Westchester. Malkos mentally concurred, agreeing that that seemed to be a wise precaution.

“The Dark Knight has eyes of his own throughout The Realm. Whispers of an Oracle well-versed in all the secrets of the world, be they the secrets of queens or criminals.” Diana noticed Katherine’s nervousness, and smiled warmly. She gently touched the young lady’s hand. “The wiles of Victor Fries and his cutthroat minions will avail him naught.

You already show considerable courage, and doubtless possess cunning of your own. Know, though, that if the men outside plot violence against us, that I am more than ready to fight. Little Sister, in Athena’s name, I vow that no harm shall befall you.

You are under the protection of an Amazon.” 
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Thu 09 July 2020.

The two constables have some sense that this is a man above their pay grade to trifle with, and they step aside.

The attention of the large man, however, is engaged, and he stands in front of the carriage. He honestly looks like he could almost stop the team of horses from trampling him, if he tried hard.

"What ees thees, then...?" he says with an accent.

(Diana still doesn't recognize his face, but) The large man looks like he's been in a number of fights in his life. (Looks like he probably won them, too.)

The pale man's movements seem less urgent than those of his large colleague, but he is also paying full attention, now, to his associate and Jhonen.

In reply to The GM (msg # 118):

Johan stared at the big man, and he started to sweat. "Oh bloody hells..." he said, wiping his brow and neck with the back of his hand. He clenched his teeth. "You might want to back away, big man. You are upsetting the horses." He says through gritted teeth.

The big man smiled at Johan. "Yoo seem seeck, leetle mahn," he said.

The pale man did something with his lips, too, but it was too flat and cold to be called a smile. "You do seem... feverish," he rasped. His voice was like-- imagine a howling wind from the heart of winter, but very quiet. "You should be careful not to overheat." The pale man turned his eyes back to Jhonen. "Now, what cargo are we carrying today, mmm?"

"We have no cargo," Johnen said, pushing the thought with all his considerable mental might. "Let us pass."


Manhunter Mind Trick; roll vs Insightful
The Manhunter rolled 9 using 2d6+2 ((3,4)).

Johan ignores the pale cold man. All his focus is on the larger fellow. He meets the man's gaze, his own eyes seem to briefly flash with fire. That could just be a trick of the light of course.

"Yeah...you are right. And you dont wanna catch what I am carrying around...big man..." He says, the implied threat heavy in his voice along with a near growl.

The horse seems upset now, but more from Johan then the two people in their way. Johan's overheating does seem to be worse, as he starts to flush a bit. Sweat starts to fall from his brow...


ooc-10:50, Today: The Rider rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Intimidation (special bonus).

The pale man blinks, and wanders back to the building he was previously loitering in front of-- this time, it appears he's about to go inside.

The large man blinks, frowns, doesn't move. Something's wrong with this situation, and he doesn't like it. He--



The large man slowly starts walking over to Johan. "...Who ahr you, leetle mahn...?"

He's out of the way of the horses, though, and his back is to the disguised Manhunter...

Katherine seemed jittery. What was going on out there? Would the men be able to handle any situation that they would encounter? The teen glanced down at the books given at the college. She practiced, in her mind, grabbing the texts and fleeing out of the carriage and away. It would simple enough to make her way through the buildings. Protecting the college's gift was important. But where would she meet up once more with the others? Should she stay and lend a physical hand?

More jitters.

"Be not worried, Milady. We will keep you safe," the satyr said softly, still listening for all he was worth to what could be made out of the conversation outside.

Diana flashed a reassuring grin at Katherine. “If that scoundrel dares open that door, he will taste Amazon leather!” Her muscles tensed, poised to strike their enemy. A hand gripped the Golden chain coiled in her purse. She watched the door with an eagerness, clearly anticipating the chance to prove her superiority in battle.

Johan gritted his teeth as he heard that horrible voice in his head. Take him! It snarled, the sound much like burning embers and a rabid animal.

He flicked the reins, and rode away from the big man. Now that he had finally moved out of the way. Johan panted, the heat making him tremble and his vision blur. He wiped his eyes, his skills with driving carriages or riding horses allowing for a steady trip.

Granted he was leaving the green one behind. Of course, Johan knew Johnen could vanish at will and look like whoever he wanted. He felt sure that the big man and the pale fellow would be no threat to the Manhunter.

Regardless he forced the Rider back down into the darkness inside him. The mission and everyone within the carriage would be at risk if he had given into the temptation of feeding the big man to the demonic thing.

(10:54, Today: The GM rolled 6 using 2d6 ((2,4)).)

The big guy grabs for the carriage-- but he's just a little late, and his big hand misses grabbing the back of it by about three inches.

(10:55, Today: The GM rolled 7 using 2d6-1 ((6,2)).)

The sound of all those hooves seems to break the pale man out of his daze. He doesn't have the concentration yet to do magic, but he becomes aware enough to start shouting. "Ivy! Vulture! Get out here! Someone's getting away!"

Blast it all, this was going to be a brawl. There were two more opponents on their way now. This could be a disaster soon, unless Jhonen started whittling down their numbers. He didn't know what Johan could do yet, but whatever it was, he wasn't doing it... and nobody else had gotten out of the carriage yet. Maybe they were going to try to flee now, but Jhonen had opted for battle and there was very little chance of backing out of that anymore.

He had two targets, both of which were terribly unsporting. The pale man was still partly under Jhonen's mental domination. The big man had his back to Jhonen, instead trying to grab the carriage. Either way, Jhonen's conscience was going to feel pretty bad over this.

Still, they started it.

Pivoting, he turned to punch the big man.


The Manhunter rolled 8 using 2d6+3 ((1,4)).
--It’s Clobberin’ Time:
When you action up your foes, roll + Forceful.  On a 10+ choose 2, on a 7-9 choose 1
----You hit hard (+1d4 or +1 Stress)
----You avoid most of their retaliation (-1d4 or -1 Stress)
----There isn’t much collateral damage and no bystanders are left in danger

Damage dice: The Manhunter rolled 5,3 using 3d3,d4 ((1,1,3,3)).


This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Wed 15 July 2020.

The large man is knocked back hard, sliding on his back the last few feet.

But he's not out. "Good... is good...!" He pushes a greenish shape on the back of one of his right gloves... and he changes. He spasms-- his veins stand out greenish against his skin... and his muscles swell... and swell... He's built like an ogre, suddenly... he's actually a little taller...

He pulls some sort of mask over his head and face, of a vaguely gladiatorial design... He's ready to continue the fight...

Katherine's eyes widened as the carriage bolted forward. She pulled the curtain by her over a tad. She could see nothing except buildings beginning to pass and a few curious onlookers. She reached next to her and put her hands on the short book pile.

"What should we do?" the 16-year-old pondered with confusion in her voice. "Is... Jo-han is it?... All alone?"

Katherine swallowed.

"Jhonen may be all alone out there. Johan is in front of us, guiding the horses. I do not hear Peter at all. It sounds like someone called for more reinforcements... possibly a druid and a necromancer, if I heard aright?" the satyr reported quietly.

He started to play his instrument, pale light playing strangely over the strings when he said a peculiar word, "Healoc... and with a second word the energies condensed around a single string and played over the small pouch next to him. "Locador!"

His magic was trying to heal Jhonen's location, bringing him back to his seat within the now-moving carriage. The place he had been 'ere exiting to speak with the village folk.


19:22, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((6,1)).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Sat 18 July 2020.

Inside the carriage, Diana heard the escalation between Lady Katherine’s escorts and the Ice Sorcerer’s highwaymen. When Malkos uttered the unmistakable language of Magick, Diana nodded. “We shall not leave ere our swords drink deeply of Victor’s band of cutthroats.” The Amazon nodded in grim resignation, but the faintest edge of a smile showed readiness for battle. “Jhonen tried reason, and their ears were deaf.

Perhaps they will hear me.”

Diana gripped the door handle. She locked eyes with Malkoth. “By spell, hoof, or blade, protect the girl.” With a full-throated laugh, she added, “If the Fates should prove so fickle as to let them pass The Daughter of Hippolyta!” Then, she swung out the door and flipped up onto the roof!

“Ride onward, Johan! Peter, stir yourself and prepare to FIGHT!” Diana crouched on the roof and kept a firm grip on her sword’s hilt, watching for their antagonist’s next move...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Sat 18 July 2020.

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 133):

Johan seemed surprised as Diana leaped up to suddenly be behind him from the passenger section. He looked over his shoulder and shook his head. "The pale one...he had more help. They are sending more after us. I dont know if mere horses will be enough to escape. What do you want to do?" he called back.

Again he shook his head. Would the Manhunter be ok? He told himself that. He figured the green one could just va ish and the bandits would be none the wiser.

Unless he chose to fight of course.

"What about Jhonen!?" He called back to Diana.

"If a change of appearance is in order, then so be it," Jhonen said conversationally, as he assumed the visage of the emerald warrior, "then so be it. You face the Manhunter. Come at me if you dare."

He assumed a battle stance and awaited his opponent's inevitable charge.

“Jhonen bought us time that we needed! The Book is what matters now.” Diana trusted in the Manhunter’s slyness and wizardry to evade their foes. “If he fails, we must present the next—and impervious—line of defense!”

The Manhunter disappeared.

He reappeared.

In his place, stood Malkos (well, Malkos' current form).

---

The large man moved toward the Manhunter with... well, it wasn't grace, exactly, considering his size and his swollen bulk... but it was more nimble than one would have expected.

(10:22, Today: The GM rolled 5 using 2d6 ((1,4)).)

But when the Manhunter's jade-hued form disappeared, replaced by another, the large man hesitated, feeling cautious of this new unknown quantity, small though he seemed. He glanced to his left to see what his comrades were doing.

Victor Fries was shaking off the last remnants of the mind-trick... he'd be ready to cause trouble very soon.

An auburn-haired woman wearing green (not a lot of green, but still) and a vulture-looking aarakocra emerged from the building and took in what was going on. "A satyr? Damn it, Fries..." She turned. "Try to stop that carriage," she ordered.

"Right," said the aarakocra, and he flew toward the carriage...

"Who are you, satyr," asked the woman in green, "and who's in the carriage?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:28, Sat 18 July 2020.

"BaaaAaaaa?" Matthias bleated as the two of them looked around in confusion.

"Find your own virgin. The one riding in yon carriage is MINE!" Malkos snarled malevolently at the woman in green through the satyr's lips.

“Stay your course, Johan!” Diana’s keen eyes spotted the aarakocra lift off the ground with a beat of his massive wings. The Amazons of Themyscira once defended their island from an attempted raid by more ambitious members of his race. She recognized the group’s peril. “They send a flyer after us. I swear by the goddesses, he shall not take this wagon!”

Impossibly, Diana kept her feet atop the racing wagon. She raised both her arms and spun rightward in a swift, yet graceful pirouette. In a burst of light and noise, her traveling dress was replaced by the colorful armor of The Woman of Wonders! She leapt off the wagon and flew above it!

Next, Wonder Woman hurtled through the air like a righteous arrow. “O’ Artemis, help me smite my prey from the air!” Wonder Woman flew swiftly toward the Man-Vultire, waiting until they closed on one another. Her voice rose with a strident force equal to that of her limbs. “Heed my warning, Aarokocra! If you would live, STAY DOWN!”

Then, when the Amazing Amazon was upon the “Vulture”, she lashed out her leg with trained precision and enough force to fell an oak tree!

OOC:

17:18, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,6.  Forceful Attack: Savate kick Vuiture out of the sky!

I hope you don’t mind a little artistic license with a medieval “Wonder Whirl”!

"How did I get here?" the Manhunter wondered aloud, though the answer wasn't that important to him at the moment. He reached for the carriage door to exit again, but paused. Leaning out, he looked to the sky. He wasn't sure if he was needed or not, to cover the carriage's escape.

He looked back to see if they were being pursued on the ground as well. If so, he would exit and fight.

"I... what...?" said "Ivy," confused...

(GM rolls dice)

Ivy gestured, and vines from the nearby treeline started crawling toward the satyr. But they were slow, and he had plenty of time to run, or to try to do something else about them... "Mm. Maybe should have just tried to make some sprout from the street itself," Ivy muttered.

---

(I'll post more when I see Diana's damage against The Vulture...)

"Ok, but he's flying! How are you..." Blaze started, and then a burst of light happened over his shoulder. He turned, thinking someone may have just killed Diana with some form of magic. Instead he saw her in her battle armor. His mouth was slightly open, and opened a little wider as she flew up to engage the bird-man.

"They...they can fly!? Amazons can fly. Apparently." He shook his head in confusion. "None of the stories say that..." he kept the horses going. Suddenly thinking maybe Diana could just fly the book to safety.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Sun 19 July 2020.

In reply to Ivy (msg # 141):

"BaaAaaaAAaaaA" Malkos said, a bleat in a derogatory tone of voice.
Realizing that his pouch had been left behind when the healing spell misfired, the satyr turned, farted in Ivy's direction, and took off as fast as his goat legs could carry him after the carriage.

Diana knocks The Vulture to the ground, hurting him greatly.

He gets to his taloned feet... "Damn, aren't you Justice League? I bet you're what we're after... But I'm gonna need reinforcements to fight you..."

The Vulture heads back to Knickerbock and his allies, fleeing Diana...

---

(Hmm... Agile roll (for your current form), please, Malkos...)

In reply to Vulture (msg # 144):

OOC:
08:53, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 10 using 2d6+1 ((6,3)).
I'm glad you said current form. That would have been an 8 as myself.

Malkos the satyr runs down the road like a top-notch NYC courier at rush hour, outrunning the vines pursuing him and even sidestepping the huge gladiator-fellow like, well, like a hyperactive goat.

The Vulture flies right over him, but The Vulture has other things on his mind than a fleeing satyr. "Hey Ivy, you know that woman in th' Justice League? The Metropolis Amazon? She's..."

But even though The Vulture is using his Outdoor Voice, Malkos is too-soon out of earshot to continue to hear what the aarakockra says...

(Malkos might not yet be out of range of Mr. Freeze's magic, but The Vulture's new information may make all the villains lose interest in the satyr... Let's see what happens next...)

Their winged assailant lost his nerve, but Wonder Woman knew that would change when he rallied pursuit back in the village. As the vulture-man flew back, Diana also saw Malkos running as fast as his hoofed legs could carry him. Like a gleaming bird of prey, the Amazing Amazon swooped low and scooped up the fleeing satyr! “How came you to be out here, rather than inside the carriage where I left you?”



OOC:

13:10, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,6.  Swoop down & pick up Malkos.

 

A flinch, and a look of pained consternation crossed the satyr's face. He was not the one initiating the contact, but Diana's touch still unpleasantly burned Malkos with holiness even through the buffer of Matthias' flesh.

"We erred somehow, I fear, in the spell to bring constable Jhonen back to his seat," Matthias answered when he'd caught enough breath to.

Even with her passenger, Diana is able to catch up to it without Johan slowing down much (he saw her when he looked back).

So farm there seems to be no pursuit...

(So, on to Westchester...?)

Diana landed atop the carriage, setting “Mattias” down beside Johan in the driver’s seat. “Speed the horses toward Westchester, Goodman Blaze! I vanquished the Aarokocra only a moment. Even now, he rallies his sorry fellows to pursue us.”

Her deep blue eyes peered back toward the village they’d fled. “I only hope that Jhonen’s witchery enables his escape. May Hera watch and keep him safe!”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Mon 20 July 2020.

Hearing this (albeit barely), Jhonen rapped his knuckles on the roof of the carriage.

"I'm in here," he called, though he still knew not how.

“Jhonen...? Praise the Goddesses, you escaped their trap!”

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 150):

The satyr clung to the carriage with one hand, and to his instrument with the other despite that its' strap was still over his shoulder. He heard Jhonen from within, but did not immediately speak (or bleat) up.

It was all so confusing for the young Katherine. She knew that she had to keep the books next to her. Thankfully, facing those who had stopped the carriage seemed to be in hand. The 16-year-old looked down at the texts with wide eyes. Her imagination ran wild, wondering what the one book contained that made it so important. And worth receiving harm. The Duke would be furious if he knew that his daughter was in danger.

When the carriage began to speed up once more, Katherine let out her breath. If that meant the group's foes were being left behind, her group would be that much closer to success.

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 150):

Blaze nodded, and made some room for the goat man while he spurred on the horses.

"Is Jhonen alright?" He asked, even as Diana beat him to it. He almost missed the Manhunter knocking on the roof of the carriage, but then nodded when he heard the man's voice.

"Sorry about leaving you behind. But I figured our cargo comes first. Plus I was fairly sure you cant be spotted if you dont want to be..." He calls out totally unnecessarily for someone who can read minds.

"It would seem that my spell worked aright in getting Jhonen back. But went wrong by flinging me into the village. I shall have to figure out the why of it later, after this task of safety is fulfilled."

Several possibilities had already come to mind. They ranged from the theological (divine annoyance from one of the pair of deities called upon) to the practical (moving too much mass or volume relative to his current body).

Diana remained up top so she could keep an eye out for anyone in pursuit. “I am thankful we didn’t lose Jhonen to Fries.” She realized that more evildoers of The Realm knew about the book than she’d previously thought, and would seek to claim it for their own nefarious ends. “Mattias. Have you any knowledge of casting glamours on items?”
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Tue 21 July 2020.

"Not very much, I fear, Diana. My arts are focused on tending to the needs of my castle and my Lord Worthington's subjects. Though I had considered the possibility of rendering something unseen by healing its' image to stay in place even when the object physically moves elsewhere. I do not know if my small skills are enough to manage this away from the castle grounds, alas," the satyr answered after a bit of thought.

“Could you not then bewitch an item to resemble the book we carry?”

"That would be the art of Mutoc, calling upon Gnarn to bring about unnatural change, whereas I am a disciple of Mircannis, studied in her gentle art of Healoc. Tis possible to use one to achieve tasks of the other, but such a spell is much more difficult."

"Were I to separate from Matthias and send him home ahead of us, I could call another to disguise their self as the book, but I would need stay hidden within the carriage as our patron originally planned."

“Goodman Blaze, steer the carriage north toward the territory of Westchester..” Diana pointed in a northwest bound direction. “If we find Graymalkin Manor, there lives a might sorceress who will aid us. The Windrider protects that land, and she will grant us sanctuary in the wizard’s castle.”

With guidance from those who know the way, the horses and carriage soon come to a large estate with a long gravel driveway up to the front doors.

GRAYMALKIN MANOR, the wrought-iron above the entrance gate spells out...

In reply to The GM (msg # 162):

Blaze directs the carriage up to the gates, feeling slight unease. Granted there was a time he sought out sorcerers and spell slingers of all kinds. They had given him pretty much the same answer...there is no cure for what he had. The ones that did not hide or throw him out that is.

"Are you sure about this, Diana?" He asked, clearly not thrilled to be here. Aside from the various spell users who told him to go away, there where some who did look for him. Mostly to try and enslave the monster within him...or destroy it by killing him. That always ended badly...for them and him.

In reply to The Rider (msg # 163):

"Fear not, Blaze. There are those who can read a man's heart more clearly than his face, and they wish no ill to the innocent nor to the repentant." The voice was Matthias, not Malkos, this time.

“The Windrider is powerful, but also just and kind-hearted. I saw her honor in battle a few years ago, and we became as sisters ever since. She will offer refuge with no ulterior motive.”

"Hope you are both right...because I might have to...ah...wait out here with the carriage." He said as he looked at the gates. It would not be the first place of sanctuary and peace that had turned him away.

Still, he looked for a bell he could ring to let those inside know visitors where here.

Katherine took a peek outside when the carriage stopped before the manner. She placed a gentle hand on the books beside her. Would this be a place of safety? Or is the group about to enter danger? The young woman' lack of experience made her timid. But, with a breath, she gathered strength, just in case.

Another peek outside.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Sat 25 July 2020.

Diana stepped up boldly before the gate. Her voice boomed confidently, yet managed to still be pleasing despite the strident volume. “Hail to the castle! I am Princess Diana of Themyscira, Daughter of Hippolyta. We seek an audience with Ororo The Windrider!”

Glancing back at the carriage, she smiled at her companions, “Do not fear. Tho’ these extraordinary women—and men—may possess strange powers or look different, their hearts burn as brightly as the sun, and they face a world full of evil with the courage of lions.”

The satyr looked downward at the gravel beneath his hoofs, a blush coming to his cheeks at Diana's words. "That, they most certainly do," Malkos agreed with her statement in a quiet, humble tone.

Fat, blue-black sparks started to rise from the satyr's hoofs, quickly limning him in coruscating darkness that grew upwards and moved to the side as Malkos split from Matthias, ending the consensual possession for the time being as he materialized in his own demonic self beside the satyr Matthias. He was not coming to bring a test or challenge, and had no desire to hide his presence from those who dwelt here lest it make their mission appear to be one of his tricks by doing so.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Fri 24 July 2020.

"So this is your true form?" Jhonen asked the...whatever he was. Jhonen had also resumed his own customary form of the constable which was, of course, not his true form. He'd begun to wonder, though, if he might actually be accepted regardless of his true form, by this odd company he'd become a part of.

This was probably not the proper time to experiment with such, however.

"Forgive the crass nature of my next question," he added, "but what are you?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:20, Thu 23 July 2020.

In reply to The Manhunter (msg # 170):

A smile played across Malkos' face as he tilted his head to regard Jhonen. It might have been pleasantly intended, but given his features it looked fairly nasty by conventional standards.

He nodded. "Aye. This is the real me."

"What am I? Why, I am a demon, constable Jhonen."

Blaze grit his teeth, and clenched his fists so tight he thought he would draw blood. The word demon caused his breath to catch, and he waited for the explosion of burning flesh to occur...

...any time now...

...yep, about to happen...

...so...now? Now? How about now?

He opened one eye, and notices of few of his allies where giving weird looks. "Uh...yeah. He's a demon! So what! The Batman of Gotham obviously knew about it and it's fine with him! Right!?"

Blaze sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than the others. The real question is...why? Why did nothing happen? That big man nearly triggered the Rider, but a eight foot tall demon just hopped out of thier goat man and not so much as a spark!

The mental math in Blaze's head just clicked into place. "You...you dont hurt innocent people...do you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:10, Thu 23 July 2020.

Wonder Woman drew her most powerful weapon from her hip: a golden coil that gleamed brightly in her hand. “In my hand, I hold the Lariat of Truth, which burns with the Fires of Hestia.” Diana held out the Lariat. “If Demon you be, know that I will NOT let you harm any innocent, be they in the carriage or the castle.”

"Hold, Woman of Wonders. Hold and be at peace." Jhonen held an outstretched hand, palm out, interposing himself between the Amazon and the demon. Apparently this was not the time to be revealing true selves. "Master Blaze has the right of the matter: the Batman knew, and was not concerned. If we trust the bat, then we trust the bat... and thus must trust the demon as well."

Malkos took several steps back when faced with a seemingly-wroth Diana. It was not the Lariat he feared, but the Woman of Wonders herself. He could not raise so much as a finger to strike back in self-defense should she attack him, much less use hostile magics, against one with such holiness as she.

"Those who dwell here know me," was his reply to Diana, staying wary of her hands from behind Jhonen.

Each member of the party hears a calm, adult, male voice, speaking as if it were by someone standing right in front of them (but it is not spoken by anyone nearby). "You may enter, Princess Diana, if you wish. But Ororo is not here. I am alone."

There is a pause. "Yes, each of you may enter."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:08, Fri 24 July 2020.

In reply to The GM (msg # 176):

Blaze raised an eyebrow when he heard he could enter. "Maybe they are just not very good mages then..." he mutters to himself. Any place that would allow him to walk inside had some serious issues...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Fri 24 July 2020.

The wise one was alone? That surprised Malkos, though his wary attention remained primarily on Diana for the moment even as he deferentially asked (to no one visible), "Do you wish for me to attend upon you, Master?"

He waited for either of the ladies to enter the gates first, as befitted their royal/noble status, holding it open for them should that inexplicably be necessary.

Diana returned the Lariat to her side with a single nod. “I would rather break bread than bones.” She added with a cautious side eye, “Still, I am watching you, demon.”

When the Master of the Manor “spoke”, Diana couldn’t keep the disappointment off her face when she heard Ororo was away. Still, she maintained a graciousness for their host. “We thank you, Sir Xavier.” She beckoned her companions with a hearty wave. “Come! Let us meet our host and ally, and rest after our troubled journey.”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Sat 25 July 2020.

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 179):

Blaze was sort of used to unseen voices now, given the Manhunter in thier midst. So he did as Diana asked, but his eyes strayed to the Golden rope at her hip. He seemed leery of it, after what she said in regards to the artifact. In fact he seemed to be giving her extra space to move...just in case he accidentally touches it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Sat 25 July 2020.

"I think it best that you stay will your comrades, Malkos. Let us keep all communication public."

Everyone hears these words, even though they are directed to Malkos, evidently because of the disembodied voice's current policy of transparency.

The horses and carriage are pulled up to the front of the large mansion.

Inside the entry hall is a man in a sort of chair on wheels, such as the rich and infirm can afford. Apparently the man in the house cannot walk, or finds it difficult.

"Welcome," he says with his mouth, just like anyone else would. "I am Charles Xavier, and this is my home. I already know of your mission. Most of my colleagues are out acting as decoys for you even now."

"Thank you for welcoming us into your home," Jhonen said, exiting the carriage in the guise of the constable. He had never met another mindwalker before, and was fascinated by the possibility to compare experiences and knowledge. Still, there was a time for such things, and this was definitely not that time. "I hope we're not putting you to too much trouble."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sun 26 July 2020.

"You are not. Since you have judged that your journey is too perilous to continue tonight, I agree that this is the best place for you to stay."

[Oops, I thought that I had posted a couple nights ago. Sorry for the tardiness.]

Katherine, knowing of the gentleman of the manor, gave a polite curtsey.

"Dear sir," she began, "It is an honor to be invited into your wonderful home. It saddens me that such nastiness has forced this inconvenience upon you."

The teen keeps her books tucked tightly under her arm.

"I hope that you can venture to my home some time so that I can repay the kindness. My father would be most pleased to see you."

“You honor Hestia herself with your hospitality, Sir Xavier. I shall not forget your generosity.” Diana crossed her bracers in the traditional Amazon salute. “May the Goddesses speed Ororo and the rest of your people home swiftly and safely.”

"Can you uh...direct me to the stables? Gotta put the horses up..." Blaze asks the man in the wheeled chair. While mages gave him the creeps, the bald man in the chair gave him a very different sort of feeling. Granted the Manhunter also gave him a similar sort of feeling...but he had no idea about any of the particulars.

He proceeded to lead the horses and the carriage into any stables available, and proceeds to brush them down and help them relax and clean up. The fun part of riding was relatively a short amount of time compared to the care and cleaning of the animals.

Taking to servants' roles, Malkos and Matthias (still physically separate) stood by and behind the ladies, intending to attend on these royal/noble women as needful.

"Certainly," says the man, and a glowing white arrow appears about a foot above Blaze's head, and about two feet in front of it. The arrow points back toward the front door.

Once Blaze is outside, the arrow turns, and he follows the direction it points to a large unlocked stable in the back of the mansion. Once he's inside the stable, the arrow disappears.

Jhonen didn't want to enter the house without being specifically invited to do so, and so he queued up with the others.

In reply to The GM (msg # 188):

He blinks and stares at the floating arrow...and then he shrugs and leads the carriage to the proper place. Then he proceeds to brush down the horses, makes sure they are fed and watered, and removes the unmentionables.

(I thought we would all walk inside, based on how I described that y'all met the man "in the entry hall."

Seriously, go on in as you wish... or else say something to make sure Xavier is fine with you being there...?)

Katherine spotted the arrow near Johan and blinked. How interesting.

[I can't think of anything to say until the host does again. :)]

"There are enough guest rooms for each of you... There's not a great deal of food prepared, but the larder is fully stocked and you're free to use the kitchen... Please let me know if there's anything else you might need..."

In reply to The GM (msg # 193):

"Don't suppose you have a bath or anything? I just cleaned up the horses and shoveled...well, everything. Not to mention we all could use some cleansing from the road. I can wait my turn if need be..." Blaze called from outside. He did not want to enter smelling of horse unmentionables.

Most places did not have more than one such bath, unless it was a palace or something. Most of the common folk would clean themselves in the river. However, given they had ladies with them Blaze was sure they would want privacy.

"There are two rooms with baths. The arrows will point the way to them for those who need them."

(Malkos, do you have an opinion about servants in the mansion? If you don't, then I'd say all the human servants have gone home for the night (meaning that everyone will have to heat water and carry it for themselves, or else use teamwork...))

"I thank you for your hospitality," Jhonen said to the man in the chair. It would be interesting to compare notes with another mindwalker, but since the man had decreed that only vocal speech should be used now, it felt rude to press him on the matter. Maybe later, though. "I look forward to becoming more acquainted later. For the moment, though, I would see what I may find in your kitchen for my comrades and I."

"Please feel free. You are my guests."

(Arrows will appear to guide people toward whatever they're looking for-- bathing room, kitchen, guest room)

“Katherine, do you need anything?” Diana removed her cape and set it atop her gear, stretching her arms afterward. Then, she surveyed the room, appreciating the masterful stonework and decor. Although the Wizard who owned the property had a reputation for dourness, he certainly displayed a respectable level of taste. She felt a sense of ease knowing that a valued friend like Ororo was well cared for by Xavier.

Because no one else seemed interested in cleaning up, Blaze took advantage as soon as he could. When he got to the baths, he noticed that someone could heat up the water quite nicely if they wished to. Of course, the annoying thing that lived in his mind never did anything to make Blaze's life more comfortable...other than keeping him alive. If this could be called living.

"Selfish bastard." He muttered, but no response was coming even as he got into the tub of luke-warm water. He did not expect one, as the creature just made demands, and  had no other wish for communication.

The Manhunter stood the first watch that night, but the hours went by undisturbed.

(Blaze, roll Insightful.)

In reply to The GM (msg # 200):

ooc-12:33, Today: The Rider rolled 5 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,4.  Insightful.

(The Rider gets 1 xp.

Blaze, it's the middle of your shift keeping watch.

Where are you, exactly?

Sitting? Standing? Walking?)

In reply to The GM (msg # 202):

Blaze warms his hands by the fire, once again complaining to himself. Mostly of a certain fire based entity cannot get off its boney butt and provide a spark or two.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

There's a sort of hisss from behind Blaze.

He whirls around.

Two people (sort-of people?) are there... a barely-dressed cat-woman with spots all over her pelt, and a lizardman... well not exactly a lizardman. Most lizardmen stand up like men who have a lot in common with lizards. This... person? ...looks more like a lizard who has a few things in common with men, like clothes and hate in his eyes.

The cat-woman turns to the lizard. "Don't you get that the point is not to make noise? So much for the element of surprise. Now that he's seen us, just hurry and kill 'im."

"Don't threaten me with a pleassssant time," he tellsss tells her, and he attacks, leaping at Blaze...

(Neither of them quite trigger Blaze's change just by being there... For now, Blaze, your options are:

--try to dodge (although you are allowed to shout and make noise while you do so

or

--try to concentrate and trigger your change yourself (if you're successful, the issue of dodging will get a lot less important).

The first is Agile, the second is Confident.)

In reply to The GM (msg # 204):

"You know, none of this is really needed...GAH!" Blaze says as he leaps back from the lizard-man who is more of a man-lizard. "HELLO! WE HAVE UNINVITED GUESTS! WAKEY WAKEY!" He yells out, hoping someone is a light sleeper.

OOC:
12:47, Today: The Rider rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 4,3.  DODGE!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

The lizard-guy's claws tear through Blaze's leg.

(Blaze takes one damage.

However, TWO of you hear Blaze shouting. The first two of you to respond wake up, and realize something is wrong.

(If only one of you responds in a hurry, the other person to wake may be Xavier.))

Jhonen's race preferred to sleep during the day. And while most people generally slept at night, he worked nights in order to keep a more accustomed schedule. This adventure would most likely require him to stay wakeful during daylight hours, though, and so he'd done his best to sleep once his shift on guard was done. And although the bed provided by Xavier was more than merely comfortable, his sleep was shallow.

Thus he was awake and clear-headed in the blink of an eye, and racing to respond to the outcry.

The shout penetrated Malkos' meditative trance. The strong sense of duty that the demon had drove him to abandon this form of rest and head out into the hall, seeking the trouble. The clopping of his hoofs on the floor echoed as he ran.

Matthias, on the other hand, remained sound asleep in the bed of the room they shared for the night.

The Manhunter, in the hall, runs into the big guy from earlier. On seeing the Manhunter, he does that thing with his glove again, and bulks up to ogre-size again.

He charges...

---

The druidess in green is the first to encounter Malkos. "Damn, a demon!" she mutters, and she casts a spell.

(GM rolls dice)

The wood of the floorboards reach up and grab Malkos' hooves.

But it's not the tightest fit in the world... not only was she startled, she's probably never cast this against someone with hooves before.

Malkos can try to break free (Forceful), or do something else...

"You again." The Manhunter was capable of great subtlety with his mental powers, but the more direct route of his physical strength seemed better suited to this conflict. He met his foe's charge with a fist, with his full might behind it.


The Manhunter rolled 11 using 2d6+3 ((4,4)).
----You hit hard (+1d4 or +1 Stress)
----You avoid most of their retaliation (-1d4 or -1 Stress)

"And what are YOU doing in the home of my master's master?" the demon half-snarled, not putting as much apparent malevolence into the act as he might with something that he'd rehearsed and prepared for a challenge in his castle.

Trying to wrench a hoof free to stomp loudly proved to be tricky. The wood might not have a tight fit, but his hooves were not the dainty goat feet that Matthias the satyr had. And despite his imposing appearance, Malkos was not all that physically powerful.


OOC: Not a great Defy Danger roll, I'm afraid.
12:42, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 4 using 2d6 ((2,2)).

The Manhunter defenestrates the large man, sending him through the window at the far end of the hall.

Well, almost. The window is broken, but the man's large hands grab the sides of the windo-- well, of the wall near where the windowframe used to be, and he barely manages to pull himself back inside.

(Roll for exact dam done, please, Manhunter...)

(Wonder Woman, you are now definitely awake... and one more of you may awaken, too.)

---

(Malkos gets 1 xp... but is still stuck, and he takes 1 stress.)

"I'm looking for a book," says the woman in green. "Know where it is? I promise to leave without making anymore trouble if I get it..."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Manhunter rolled 6 using 3d3,d4 ((1,2,2,1)).

(Dig it. You may proceed...)

The big man does not look like he's in really great shape. Feels like he healed up from his encounter earlier in the day... but not all the way-- and now he's in worse shape than he was when the coach got away...

In reply to Ivy (msg # 212):

Malkos tilted his head with a toothy grin. She'd merely said 'a book' not which one she wanted. And he did know where a few volumes were in this house... even without summoning anyone. There was a book of poetry that one of Xavier's students wrote their artistic inspirations in. Hmm.

"A book, you say? And you give your soul's word of honor to depart without further hostility if I answer true?"

The woman frowns, disturbed. "...I wasn't born yesterday, to make such a promise to a demon. I will only state my intention to leave immediately, acting only to defend myself if necessary... if I get the specific book I'm looking for..."

Malkos continued to grin, but did nod that he acknowledged her point."And which book scribed by Specific might that be, woodshaper?"

She frowns again, thinking. "...Grammyre Of Ye Naming And Summonyng Of Varyous Ankient Beings From Afar," she finally says.

The ogre-man was hanging half out of the window, but still half-conscious. The Manhunter surged forward to make these things all and nothing, respectively.


The Manhunter rolled 9 using 2d6+3 ((3,3)).
--You hit hard

He frowned, as confused as he looked. "I admit that I have never even heard of that particular work, much less have it in my library."

Although Somnus and his brother Morpheus graced Diana with sleep, the loud crashes disrupted her dream. “Whaaa...?!” Listening, Diana heard the heated words and the fighting. Although a Princess born, she was still an Amazon Princess! Sleeping in a sumptuous bed never meant that Phillipus or even her own mother wouldn’t awaken her at a moment's notice for battle readiness.

Diana had slept in her battle armor on a blanket and pillow on the floor. “Katherine, wake up!” She gently, but firmly, nudged the girl awake. “Hide yourself and the Book, Sister! I must help our companions!”

With that command, Wonder Woman raced toward the closest battle with the Speed of Hermès!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Blaze collapses as the razor sharp claws gouge his leg. Blood flowing freely, Blaze nearly busts his head open as he falls near the fireplace. The crackling flames hiss and burn near his ears, and he feels the heat near his hair and head. Then he realizes...the burning is not coming from the fireplace.

"I tried to warn you, you idiot! Look what you..." Blaze manages to gasp out before his head catches fire, and a waves of heat comes off of him. In seconds, the Man-Lizard and the Cat-Woman see his skin burn off and turn to ash. His clothes seem melt away and merge into a black hooded robe. Then...something stands and faces them...something with no face-only a skull.

"Those who play in the embers should not be surprised to burn." Came the voice from the skull, sounding like a mix of a bonfire and a wounded animal. It gestures with one skeletal claw, and a burning blacken chain comes from seeming no where as it stares at the two invaders without eyes.

(OOC:
18:04, Today: The Rider rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,6.  Calling on the Rider.)

Wonder Woman raced down the hall in a flurry of red, gold, and blue, past the Manhunter dominating his own foe. She heard someone getting bashed against stone downstairs, and noted more than two hostile voices. The Wisdom of Athena told her that whoever fought downstairs needed her help more. The Amazing Amazon leaped over the banister and down on the first floor with a forceful smack of her boots against the floor!

“Barbara!” Diana recognized a mortal enemy threatening an unfamiliar figure in Black. Although the hooded figure looked fearsome, even demonic, she knew the threat of the Cheetah more intimately. “In Hera’s name, I will not allow you to kill anyone in this house!” Wonder Woman hurtled toward Cheetah with a backhanded shield bash powerful enough to rend stone!

OOC:

21:42, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 2,6.  Forceful vs, Cheetah!

The woman was all frowns today. "But... You... But..." Then, a smirk. "I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that a demon might lie. Or perhaps your masters simply haven't told you about the book. No matter. I shall go and find someone a little less... infernal to interrogate..."


She turns to leave...

---

The lizard's forked tongue flickers. "Not human!" He is alarmed. Then his eyes narrow. "...Can it die...? Let'ssss find out--"

(GM rolls dice...)

The lizard claws at The Rider... but talons are not much good against what The Rider is made of.

(The Rider takes 2 damage... of course, he'll get one back at the end of his next move...)

The lizard is dismayed. "No tisssssue! Just bonessss and fire! Thissss is not the right prey for me..."

He turns to try to escape, to seek some opponent better suited to his skill set...

---

(Roll for damage done, WW...)

"Less infernal? Well, there is a paladin among our current guests. And I do believe that I heard her shout just now... you didn't bring anyone deserving of being smote by the gods with you, I hope?"

Even as he spoke, Malkos reached into the pouch on his belt, feeling around for the right object. Pulling out a dry seedpod, he gestured over it, "Healoc Herbador." Light shimmered over the seedpod as he released the bound spell, flowing off the object and down to the floor to try and return the wood of the floorboards to how it had been before the druidess' spell. And, not so incidentally, releasing his hooves.


08:24, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((1,6)).
--The spell is somehow less effective than it was supposed to be, or has some other unexpected side effect (the GM will tell you exactly what).

(Roll for damage done, MH)

---

The woman sighs. "That description fits everyone I know..." she says, but she doesn't turn around, just keeps walking.




The wood of the floor releases Malkos... But in those two spots, it also grows up like it used to be, straight and tall and thick...

There are now two thick tree trunks in Malkos' way. He can see between them, and around them, but he can't squeeze between them...

The Manhunter rolled 8 using 3d3,d4 ((1,2,1,4))

(Ah crap. I didn't want to kill the guy.)

OOC:

12:27, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 5 using 3d3 with rolls of 1,3,1.  Damage .

(He had exactly 8 left, but don't worry, you're heroes, not murderers. As long as you're careful, I don't see why damage needs to be lethal if you don't want it to be. There may be exceptions to that someday, but this isn't one of them.)

The man doesn't let go of the wall... so he takes much of it with him as he goes.

He lands on the ground with a heavy thud, and shrinks back to his default human size with a moan. Yeah, he's done with fighting for the night... and for tomorrow, too, and very likely the day after that.

---

WHAM

Cheetah twists and turns in the air to try to control her passage through it, but she still hits the wall with a force that shakes various books from the nearby shelves. She glances at the books on the floor. "Actually kind of smart, coming to a fancy mansion to hide a book. Oh well, we'll worry about it after you're dead." She growls and leaps.

(GM rolls dice...

...Wonder Woman takes 1 damage (her Toughness already subtracted.)

Looking out what was once a window, the Manhunter sees his foe has been soundly defeated. Satisfied that the ogre-man will be making no more trouble, the Manhunter turns and heads further into the house. There had been at least four foes during the first encounter on the road, and he can't imagine why there would be fewer now. Thus there were probably at least three more to dispatch.

In reply to Ivy (msg # 224):

The claws rip away the black robe, but even the chest under the non-burning cloth shows bone and fire. Even as the man-lizard turns to flee, the black chain coated in flames lashes out. Seeking to wrap around the reptile and drag him back, even while burning him...

Ooc: I think I did the damage right, but I am not 100% sure. As I got a 10+ on my roll, I chose to do +1d4 more damage and take -1d4 less.

Today: The Rider rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,1.  Its clobbering time.

12:50, Today: The Rider rolled 4,7,4 using 1d4,3d3,1d6+2 with rolls of 4,1,3,3,2.  Damage.
12:49,

This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

In reply to The GM (msg # 226):

Malkos glared at the tree trunks. His fine control over healing magic still needed plenty of practice, it seemed.

Reaching into the pouch again he withdrew a leaf, and murmured "Healoc Locador" as he crumbled it between taloned fingers. The leaf glowed and the light splintered as he returned himself to a spot in the house where he had walked earlier this evening. Placing him in front of the departing druidess with a nasty but thoughtful expression on his face.

"If everyone you know is so depraved and despicable as that, what does that say about you yourself, lady of the woods?"


10:01, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 13 using 2d6+1 ((6,6)).

Cheetah’s claws drew thin lines of blood. However, Wonder Woman laughed it off. “Merely a scratch!” Her fist lashed out with an equally swift jab toward Cheetah’s nose. “You will not steal the Book, Cheetah!”

OOC:

13:11, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 9 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,1.  Forceful vs. Cheetah.

(He can stop and roll to scan if he wants, but it's easier and faster to just follow the noise.

Let me know which you do.)

---

(You do 8 damage. You shouldn't have rolled the 3d3... that's for other characters (who have super-strength)

The lizard is outclassed and he knows it. (Okay, he suspected it before, but now he's really sure of it.) He makes for the nearest escape, the window...

(GM rolls dice)

Crash! The leapin' lizard is out, and out of sight. Whether he keeps going, or if he's just gonna lurk around out there to wait and see if the tide starts turning, is as yet unknown.

---

"What in--!" The druidess pulls out a plant pod of her own, and casts a spell, or whatever it is that druids do...

(13:40, Today: Ivy rolled 10 using 2d6+1 ((5,4)).)

Her plant pod explodes-- right toward Malkos.

The air around him is filled with a mist of pollen that burns his lungs and makes him want to cough and sneeze...

The druidess runs away, looking for targets who are less unknown quantities...

(Malkos, you're at a -2 to do anything, as long as you stand there... moving away from that spot might be a good start, though (and you don't need a roll to do so)...)

---

(--It’s Clobberin’ Time:
When you action up your foes, roll + Forceful.  On a 10+ choose 2, on a 7-9 choose 1
----You hit hard (+1d4 or +1 Stress)
----You avoid most of their retaliation (-1d4 or -1 Stress)
----There isn’t much collateral damage and no bystanders are left in danger)

Xavier's voice speaks in the Manhunter's head.

"Manhunter," he says, "There are six individuals on the estate who are here for a certain book... One is unconscious thanks to you, but two of the most dangerous are just entering the mansion... One is not only not quite human, but mad. Be very wary..."

The Manhunter stops near the top of the stairs-- there's a huge demon there!

...On the other hand, he's hacking and wheezing in a cloud of pollen.

(There's also apparently two huge tree trunks blocking the hallway up ahead.

What in the world...?)

The sounds of fighting can be heard from downstairs...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:15, Thu 13 Aug 2020.

Manhunter had already seen the demon separate from the satyr Matthias, but the sight of him was still jarring. He eased his way past the best he could, staying close to the walls so to be careful not to enter the cloud himself. There were sounds of fighting downstairs, and more enemies entering the house. Manhunter went downstairs to lend his might to the ongoing battle.

In reply to The GM (msg # 235):

Coughing and miserable in the pollen, Malkos staggered out of the cloud his eyes blurred with tears like no smoke would ever bring forth. He shook his head violently once out of it, trying to clear off the worst of the stuff.

He gestured arcanely with one hand, and snarled the phrase to dismiss Matthias back home to the castle wherein they both normally dwelt. He disliked disrupting the satyr servant's slumber so, but if things escalated he would need more potent magics than just healing his way through matters.

He looked left and right once his vision cleared, wary of where that druidess might be. Or of being caught up in the other battles he was hearing.

OOC:

19:51, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 5,2 using 3d3,1d4 with rolls of 1,3,1,2.  Damage .

 

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 238):

The man-lizard was gone, but he had never really been the Rider's prey. Only the source of his current summoning. Nor did his evil call to the fiery being.

It turned and saw the Amazon dueling with the catwoman. He walked forward, its chian forming a flaming arc as it spun in a circle.

"Your allies fail you, your foes overwhelm you. Yet your evil does not call for you to burn..."

The creature then stares into the Catwoman's eyes, and in the impossible darkness of those fiery eye sockets, she could see suffering-other peoples suffering. She thought she could even hear the screams.

"...yet. The path you walk will lead you to my fire!" It snarled and both women can feel the heat surge from the creature.

ooc-22:05, Today: The Rider rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Intimidation vs Cheetah .
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Thu 13 Aug 2020.

(Malkos, your condition improves somewhat-- you now have a -1 penalty to your rolls until further notice.)

---

Wonder Woman punches Cheetah right in the face very effectively. She doesn't go down, but she backs off, thinking. Most of the fight has been knocked out of her, for the moment...

And then The Rider gave her a look.

The Cheetah shudders, badly shaken. She mewls pitiably...

It is to this scene that the Manhunter arrives...

...Almost.

He hears people talking in the living room just off the entry hall, but something is odd about the front doors of the mansion...

(Insightful roll, please, Manhunter...

Rider, Wonder Woman, don't post again yet for a minute...)

Insightful:
The Manhunter rolled 8 using 2d6+2 ((2,4)).


What was it about the front doors that seemed off...?

They're... frozen over. Encased in ice...

The Manhunter has an odd feeling...

The frozen door could mean one of two things. One, the enemy was trying to trap the party inside the building. Two, and far more likely, they were going to attempt to shatter it.

Manhunter pressed himself against the wall next to the door, to avoid the (assumed) impending blast. To better prepare for whatever else was coming, he focused his mental might and scanned outside.

The Manhunter rolled 6 using 2d6+2 ((2,2)).

Oh, that was bad.

Wonder Woman saw the Rider cow the Cheetah with but a glare. Seeing her notably ferocious archenemy so shaken left Diana herself visibly taken aback! She glanced warily at the Rider. “Great Hera! What force do you command that you strike such fear into the Cheetah with but a look?”

Further commotion at the door required both their attention. Wonder Woman called out to the Manhunter. “Jhonen, what is happening at the door?”

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 244):

"She sees the pain she caused others, and lives that pain herself. Blow for blow, betrayal by betrayal...such is the way of vengeance, and the Rider who carries it across the land." Came the hissing, crackling response. It was like the fireplace now had a voice.

When the amazon calls out to the Manhunter, the skull looks into the direction she indicates. It seems to...sniff...the air, despite lack of a nose.

Still somewhat afflicted by the hay fever that the pollen had engendered, Malkos wished to make things problematic for that druidess. Only to hear Diana's voice calling out.

Aid the paladin and his companions first, seek suffering of the wicked later, he decided.

He headed towards Diana's voice at as much of a run as he could without tripping on something.

The impression the Manhunter gets back from what's on the other side of the door is madness. The Manhunter's thoughts echo around in his head loudly.

(The Manhunter gets 1 xp and has a -2 to his next roll, then a -1 to the roll after that.)

Then the doors burst inward in an explosion of icicles, like a million windows breaking all at the same place and time.

Fortunately, the Manhunter's foresight meant he wasn't hurt... by the shards of ice and wood. The sound, however, was maddening. Well, a little more maddening. (The Manhunter loses 2 points of sp.)

Malkos, however, just then hurrying toward the sound of Diana's voice, is less fortunate.

(09:52, Today: The GM rolled 5 using 2d4 ((3,2)).

Malkos takes 5 damage.)

"What transpires, fools?" The gender-inclusive greeting is shouted by a wizard with a silver right hand. "Klaw, magical master of sound, is in the house-ouse-ouse-ouse...!"

Victor Fries walks in with him, holding an icicle like it's a wand, because it's probably both. "Oh, and Mr. Freeze is with me, too-oo-oo-oo-oo," adds Klaw as an afterthought.

(WW, The Rider, and Cheetah were protected by being in the next room, although the exploding iced-up doors were probably startling as heck to them.)

The Manhunter's forethought wasn't just so he might dodge the impending blast. It also put him in an excellent position to counter-attack when the enemies entered the building... as they had just now done. Cocking a fist, he aimed a mighty blow at the wizard with the silver hand. He was a bit off-balance, but he was reasonably certain he could still throw a punch.


Forceful, at a -2 penalty:
The Manhunter rolled 12 using 2d6+1 ((5,6)).
--hit hard
--avoid retaliation

If damage is appropriate:
The Manhunter rolled 10 using 3d3,d4 ((3,2,1,4)).

Klaw went flying into the next room-- not the one where Diana's voice had come from, but the darkened room on the other side.

Fries pointed his icicle-wand at the Manhunter. "Effective," he monotoned.

(GM rolls dice)

It looked like Fries had wanted to blast the Manhunter with cold, but he was also startled and off-kilter, so he changed his mind in mid-casting and made a wall of ice between them instead. Then he backed into a corner and started chanting, preparing for his next assault...

The wall of ice is hastily-made, and looks like it will be easy to break, or just to push over (although pushing it over won't automatically make it fall on Fries--it's just not that high).

"You've attacked the home of the wrong archmage..." Malkos growled through clenched fangs, pained by the ice and wood that had struck him. He stuck two fingers into his pouch, and snarled a spell, letting the magic take the proper token from within it without any theatrics on his part.

"Healoc Locador!" he cast, aiming the restoration of past location at Fries. He didn't know how far back he could fling the intruder, but an hour or so travel would give them time to deal with the rest more effectively.

11:54, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 4 using 2d6+1 ((2,1)).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

The Manhunter sees Malkos and Fries each disappear. Great, who knows where either of them is now.

---

The Cheetah also disappears.

---

Malkos appears back in his guest room.

(Malkos gets 1 xp.)

Suddenly Manhunter understood how he'd gotten from the first field of battle back into the carriage. This magic didn't seem like the most useful brand he'd ever encountered, but it probably had its better uses.

"We must search the house!" he said to Wonder Woman. The enemies could be anywhere. "I will try to scan for them."


Insightful, -1 penalty
The Manhunter rolled 10 using 2d6+1 ((5,4)).

It feels like Klaw, Fries, Cheetah, and the Lizard are all back outside... but each is still on the grounds of the estate somewhere.

(The large man is still outside, where the Manhunter left him, unaware of the world around him, his mind having flickering half-dreams of... growing up in a prison...?)

The druidess is still... somewhere in the mansion... upstairs somewhere...

"One is upstairs; female," Manhunter said to Wonder Woman. Was it wrong to want her to fight the woman? Manhunter didn't feel especially good about punching women. Still, she was proven dangerous, so he'd do it if he had to. "The remaining five are all back outside, with one incapacitated."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

Hearing the Manhunter shout directions of the foe, the Rider strides outside where the lizard had fled. Cheetah was not truly his quarry, but the others might be. No doubt thier evil would call to him...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

(GM rolls dice)

BTZZDsssssss...

From the darkness comes a bolt of energy from the plane of ice... it misses The Rider and strikes right next to him...

From... over to the left, somewhere...

In reply to Victor Fries (msg # 256):

The Rider turns, flame orbs formed in its eye sockets as if the fire could glare at  Freeze. It started running where the ice bolt had come from, and it drew back one skeletal hand and tossed a ball of fire at the ground in front of it.

As the burning sphere hit, the ground heaved and buckled. Lava like rock and burning plumes shot forth from the earth. Then, something struggled free from the burning pit. A horse, its flesh just somewhat covering its skeletal bones tore itself loose. It had flames for eyes, mane, and hooves. Its breath from its skeletal muzzle came forth its small bursts of fire.

The Rider wasted no time, and lept upon its burning mount. Then they shot forth like a land bound comet. Flaming hoofprints left in thier wake. The Rider spun it's chain over its head, the arc coursing with unnatural hellfire. The darkness Freeze used to hide his postion would soon be bathed in firelight.

(OOC-13:48, Today: The Rider rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,2.  Dodge on horseback.)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Sun 16 Aug 2020.

Manhunter had been about to go outside when the being with its head on fire wandered out and exited ahead of him. He froze for a moment, then backed away. His head. Was on. FIRE.

"Who — or what — was that?" he asked Wonder Woman and/or Malkos. "And is it on our side?"

BZORCHZz...

A blast of ice zips just to the left of The Rider (and his steed).

There's Fries... standing out in the open and looking-- for him-- quite anxious about what the next several seconds might hold for him...

A few seconds of disorientation passed before Malkos figured out where he was now. Back in the guest room where he and Matthias had begun their night's rest.

Was he still as awkward as an apprentice with Healoc? It seemed so, for the moment. Stepping out into the corridor once, he considered his situation. For once, he wasn't running the scenario. This was real danger, and he was in a situation such as he helped train Xavier's students to handle. So, should he return downstairs past the two trees? Or stay upstairs and guard Lady Katherine and their true charge?

The latter seemed wiser, since Diana was competent beyond belief in the combative arts and she was already downstairs.

He made for the ladies' guest room at a run.

Malkos found Ivy just about to try the door to the room in question. "Ah ha! Not supposed to be in here, then, am I? Well let's see... I hate to use this, because I don't have many of these, but..." She tosses down a large acorn, and gestures... Some sort of plant-being, with two arms and two legs like a man, but otherwise like a tree, grew from the acorn. "...Get 'im," said the druidess. The tree-man lumbered toward Malkos...

"Leave my virgin alone, druid. I did not stay and fight when I found myself faced with you at Knickerbock. Do not fight me here," the demon growled, referencing events from when he was inhabiting Matthias.

He gestured, and spoke seven foreign words that felt like they were crushing their way into the hearer's soul with their weight. A circle of blood started to seep from the floorboards, spitting blue-black sparks that burst into flames which cast shadows brighter than their surroundings.

A depth of evil seemed to form at the heart of the burning magic circle, something rising from afar.

What manifested in the circle was horrible. A threat to sanity.
It was a slice of toasted bread, bread that opened seven raisin eyes to regard Malkos, then to look at Ivy and her tree. A wave of incredible thirst and abject lust began to roil around the toast.

Can it attack immediately, or do we have "summoning sickness" applying here?


13:22, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 11 using 2d6+1 ((4,6)).

With a roll of 11 I get to pick three traits... hmm.
+1d8 damage
x2 Useful adaptation - resistant to damage other than biting, butter, or jam.

(1. ...You're weird. However, I do not think this will sufficiently get in the way of game play.
2. I'll say it can attack immediately but with a -1 penalty to doing so right away.
3. "Useful adaptation," even chosen twice, will not give it "resistant to all damage except." It CAN (chosen twice) give it "resistance to TWO types of damage...")

Understood. Hmm. Split the two Useful Adaptations into, hmm. Does this work?
UA#1 - Resistant to bludgeoning damage.
UA#2 - Resistant to intimidation.


Toast is taking the Defend action, in readiness to protect Malkos.

14:04, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 8 using 2d6 ((5,3)).
Hold 1, if I read the moves aright?

This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Sun 16 Aug 2020.

(Yep, you seem to be doin' okay.)

"Uhhhhh..." says Ivy, "Uhh... get that thing."

(GM rolls dice)

The tree-man pulls back a big fist and pounds the infernally-toasted demon, but violet arcane energy protects the hell-bread.

"New plan... Stop anyone from coming in here...!" says Ivy, and she enters the ladies' guest room.

Diana knew that the greatest threat lurked upstairs after young Katherine and the Tome. She didn’t know if Malkos’ fickle magic would be enough. “Very well, Jhonen. You & Goodman Blaze protect the door against all intruders!”

Although she felt reluctant to abandon one fight, the Warrior Woman remembered that the book carried the greatest priority. Wonder Woman ascended off the floor and flew back upstairs! The Amazing Amazon raced for the guest room where she’d left Katherine. When Diana saw the plant elemental guarding Ivy’s rear,  she drew her labrys and attempted to cleave the Druidess’ minion in two!

“Like the oak that bars my way in the forest, I will cut you down, Hamadryad!”


OOC:
 Suffering Sappho, it’s  my year for typos!
It’s Clobbering Time for Ivy’s plant-man!

17:17, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 4,2 using 3d3,1d4 with rolls of 1,1,2,2.  Damage .
17:14, Today: Wonder Woman rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,4.  It’s Clobbering Time.

I used bonus damage, and I’m avoiding most of their retaliation l

The thing with its head on fire was Johan? Johan Blaze... of course.

That might not make him any less of a danger to the Manhunter, but perhaps only an inadvertent one. A little distance between the two of them would be in order.

Once outside, Manhunter moved in the opposite direction from Johan, prepared to battle whomever he encountered in that direction.

In reply to Wonder Woman (msg # 266):

Grateful for the aid from the Amazon paladin, Malkos scooped up the immobile Toast, carrying the ensouled hell-bread in one hand as he directed it to afflict the tree-monster as if in the greatest drought it could muster.

The roiling thirst surrounding the hell-bread launched towards the tree that Wonder Woman had attacked. And still managed to miss. The demon was not impressed by this.

14:45, Today: Malkos the Black rolled 6 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,2. Volley

Sure enough, Freeze was right to worry. The burning chain smashes the being of cold, which is not a good mix for him. If that was not bad enough, he gets trampled by flaming hooves...

ooc: Rider alternating his damage with his body of flame power to do heat/fire to Freeze rather than blunt. Total=9

01:24, Today: The Rider rolled 5,4 using 1d6+2,1d4 with rolls of 3,4.  Damage .

01:24, Today: The Rider rolled 13 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,5.  Its clobbering time. Does +1d4 and takes -1d4 less damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

The tree-man was tough, but Diana nonetheless damaged it.

(GM rolls dice...

Ouch.)

The tree's fists are much more effective against Diana than against the damn'd bread.

(Diana takes 6 damage (yes, even with all factors appropriately factored in and out.)

The tree then takes up a defensive stance in front of the door...

(Malkos, on the other hand, gains 1 new xp.)

The tree-man kicks the bread, not going for damage, but sliding it down to the far end of the hall.

Malkos will have to get past the tree-man to get down there...

---

Meanwhile, outside, The Rider's chain and steed damaged Fries badly (and here comes the Manhunter, too, yikes).

(GM rolls dice...

Ouch.)

A blast of thunder (no lightning, just thunder) emerges from behind-- no, ALMOST behind a tree. It's Klaw, wounded and angry.

The thunder-boom hits The Rider, and it hurts.

(The Rider takes 7 damage (although he heals up 1 damage at the end of every round he posts in, so... uh, do the math for me, what would he be at before this? Full again? I think? Well, whatever the answer is,) he now loses 7. He's still on his horse, though.)

The thunder is not comfortable to the Manhunter's ears, but he wasn't in the line of fire, so he isn't hurt...

(Not yet, anyway. Manhunter, do a new Insightful check, please...)