The prison has 2 sections.  The section outside the fence are the offices and 60m long by 30m wide, one story tall.  With a large parking area they temporarily designed as a display area complete with stage.

Behind it is a fenced in area 180m long by 120m long, 1 story tall.  The main building is to the left of the fence at 96m by 96m.  This is the prison.  There are 3 other buildings in the fenced in area.  There are a lot of guards.

There is a individual whose body looks like its made from diamonds leading people to their seats in the parking lot section.
News vans are everywhere.

Please describe your entrance to the area and if you are going in secret ID or not.

In reply to Ankylosaur (msg # 1):

Occasionally you will see a man with a pile driver for an arm and McGavin talking to a chair - there nay be an invisible person in the chair.  You will also see Bonnie, the girl from the homeless shelter.

There are many chairs in the parking lot with people in those chais.  A geeky man has a petition sheet asking if you'd sign to have Foxbat on the next presidental ballot.

Ava, April wants to go, do you join her?
Doll, Nightshade, Flicker, and Sharpshooter are you going?
Are you in secret ID?
How far away are you?
Swinging any closer than the parking lot is not an option since no large building are around.

Flicker arrives by suddenly appearing a few dozen feet from the outer gate and calmly walking in. He's moving casually, as an observer. If anyone engages him in conversation, he'll explain that he just wanted to see if this treatment affects the subject in any way that violates the First Amendment.

Doll does not make a noteworthy arrival at the prison parking lot.  In fact, due to her tiny size and way of not calling attention to herself, many attendees probably hadn't noticed her at all.  However, once she was spotted by someone, Doll had that familiar feeling of being watched from afar and hearing the not-so-subtle whispers behind her back.  This time, she wasn't necessarily the center of attention.  There were several other individuals here with a distinctive appearance for everyone to gawk at.

She waited patiently for the event to begin, allowing other observers who showed up today to be seated in the chairs.  It wasn't likely that she would have seen very much from that vantage point if she had.

In reply to Doll (msg # 4):

April pulls into the lot, parking in the back of the lot, at Ava's insistence, making sure there is easy access to the exit.

She then uses the lift to unload Ava and her chair, and they make their way to the crowd, staying towards the back to watch for the entrance of Viper or anyone wanting to break someone out...

Texas Ranger Richard Boone shows up with any army or police personnel. This sort of thing was important to Law Enforcement, so the Unions usually make sure they are represented.

In reply to Sharpshooter (msg # 6):

Ooc:  Flicker, The parking lot is outside the prison fence.  Are you approaching the prison fence gate?

At the gate, Flicker will ask how to enter with minimum disruption. As he puts it to the guards at the gate, "I would imagine security is difficult enough without having to put up with me."

Wearing her purple and black motorcycle riding suit and boots, the un-helmeted meta-human detective known as Nightshade, sedately stepped out of a nondescript van just outside the gates of the prison.
Slinging a matching black and purple backpack onto a shoulder, while the van quickly drove away, she walked to the gate and stood behind Flicker, apparently waiting patiently for entry.

OOC
From the moment she stepped out of the van, she's been looking and listening to everything around her, her sonar silently searching for the usual and unusual. I'll make any necessary hearing or sight perception rolls as needed.

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 9):

The prison was only partially ready with convicts.  Guards will stop anyone trying to get in the fenced area, directing them to the chairs.  Flicker, being the closest to the fence, will feel the standard power dampening device.  It may have prevented him from teleporting in.  Pile driver will says.  . The show is this way, please have a seat

(Big post coking soon)

In reply to Piledriver (msg # 10):

Darrell McGavin gets on the stage, followed by a woman's dress with no one obviously in it, and Bonnie, his daughter who was helping out at the homeless shelter.

McGavin stands up and the crowd quiets down.  . Greetings to you all.  Than you for coming.  Let me get right into this.  The problem with criminals is that, when released, they commit the same crimes again and again.  We have a procedure which calms those violent tendencies and will only be used against repeat offenders.  You may be wondering why I have skated around obstacles to do this so quickly.  The simple fact is my wife (pointing at floating dress) and I are dying.  We don't want our daughter to be brought up in a world where criminals cannot be reformed.

(reaction time)

In reply to Darrell McGavin (msg # 11):

"Holy Clockwork Orange..." Ava says to the April...

Ooc:  Look up the movie on IMDB.

The Texas Ranger asks "how did you and your wife get afflicted? There are a number of scientists who work with Law Enforcement who might be able to help."

Flicker doesn't appear concerned about McGavin's revelation. He does cast a questioning glance at the wife. "Perhaps the power dampeners don't work on stage," he mumbles.

In reply to Flicker (msg # 14):

I'll answer both questions.  I'm ashamed to say she and I used to work for Viper.  Viper found some mystical bracelets and tried chemicals to unlock their secrets.  An accident happened and the bracelets fused to my wife's wrists - this was before she was my wife - and both of us were bathed in the chemicals mixed with mystic energy.  Her natural state is to be in the ultraviolet end of the spectrum, which is why she is invisible.  The dampening field is beyond the fence and not extended to the parking lot.  Even if she were to travel past the fence she would be transparent instead of invisible.  We have tried many doctors and scientists but, her being invisible, have made it virtually impossible to even examine.  The music energy inhibits most conventional science.  Plus, we feel our hours wasting away.  I doubt we will last a year more.  Dampening devices work on many aspects, but often don't work well with mystic energy, especially one infused with chemicals.

Now. In just a few minutes Mt. Bressler aka Ankylosaur, will be calmed by our device.  The procedure takes 30 minutes, but I'm sure you might have more questions.

In reply to Darrell McGavin (msg # 15):

"I have a few questions:"

"1) Is this a one time treatment, or is this a continuing process? My thought is continuing process."

"2) Is it reversible if needed?"

"3)  Once the 'treatment' is performed, will Mr. Bressler still be able to defend himself?  Many of us have seen 'A Clockwork Orange' and the potential drawbacks of such an experimental treatment."

"4)  Assuming he would not be able to defend himself, how do you justify this violating his civil rights?"

"and 5) It's known that Fire n Ice, a Primus operative, was found to be brainwashed using similarly injected chemicals, causing him to attack the Neighborhood Watch at a local homeless facility.  Of course he was subdued by the recently reformed Black Diamond.  Will samples of these chemicals be available for Primus to analyze for similarities to the chemicals used on Fire n Ice?  The chemicals used were developed by Baron Teuton, a villain who, it is suspected, also developed the chemicals used in your 'treatment'."

In reply to Majestic Ocean (msg # 16):

McGavin replies . In the order of your questions, 1.  Its a one time treatment.  2.  Why would you want a repeat offender to be violent again?  3 and 4.  He will be able to defend himself, but not have the urge to commit violence or steal.  Much as a normal non super powerful individual would be.  5. Fire and Ice was a former employee, but I have not seen him in a long time and it is my understanding that he is still missing.  As for the Baron, he is an accomplished scientist and I was not informed of him doing any criminal activity.  Does that answer your questions? 

Note:  I don't think McGavin has ever been officially seen with the Baron while the Baron was committing any nefarious acts.

"That does answer several questions, but I think you've managed to quietly suggest that having powers urges one to commit violence or steal. Are you certain you want to make such a suggestion after freely admitting that both you and your wife have had some sort of powers thrust upon you?"

In reply to Flicker (msg # 18):

Every person has the ability to choose between good or evil acts.  Ankylosaur doesn't have powers, yet he will be our first subject.  This procedure is only for repeat offenders.  Everyone has the ability to turn over a new leaf.  But some do not choose to do that.  We give criminals multiple chances at redemption. 

In reply to Darrell McGavin (msg # 19):

"It not a matter of condoning repeat violent behavior, it's a matter of safety.  As a meta with effectively a Masters in Meta human Physiology, as well as an extensive background in genetics and pharmacology, I can attest that everyone is different genetically.  There can be individual adverse reactions to various chemicals, that could only be cured by neutralizing those chemicals.  Just as someone can have a reaction to peanuts or shellfish that requires hospitalization and an epipen, similar or worse things can happen with unknown chemicals."

"Regarding Teuton, according to Sharpshooter, famed WW2 hero and with more practical experience as a good guy than you two have combined lifespans, Teuton is a known WW2 villain who worked the nazis.  The Nazis that were the precursors to the brown shirts that eventually became Viper.  When he evacuated his lab after Black Diamond helped ME escape, there was evidence left that Viper assisted with the move."

"He also is suspected to be behind the powers eruptions in Amok, Photon, and Phobia, and works with Vibron...a known associate of Viper.  How do I know?  Because while I was captive...He Told Me."

"And before you say you never saw him with Viper before...  Viper is a national, if not International Organization.  Does anyone here intimately know everyone they work with?"

The Texas Ranger adds "actually, I think the Baron is still a wanted War Criminal, due to his joint experiments with Dr Josef Mengele. Is this the type of scientist you regularly consult with?"

Flicker stands and begins to walk away, "I think your intent is admirable. But I fear your perspective is off. The same nuclear reaction that devastated Hiroshima is supplying reliable power to hospitals to save lives. The same 'violent acts' that you see as indicative of evil have been repeatedly performed in opposition to evil."
"I wish you luck in your experiment. That's what they're for, anyway, to lead us to better perspectives. I think I prefer to read about the results in the paper, so I hope you rate some ink."
Flicker will, in fact, leave.

Doll doesn't engage in the debate.  It is past the time where that would be effective.  The prison authority had given permission for the experiment to go forward and the audience was expecting a show.  Doll wasn't sure what the audience was expecting to see.  It would be difficult to prove that the experiment was successful.  What are they going to do?  Step on his toes or push him around to try to provoke him? she wondered.

Maybe they are here to see if something terrible will happen to him.  Like the people that go to auto races hoping to see somebody wreck, she thought.  That's not justice for whatever his crimes were.

The shrunken superheroine waited patiently for the experiment to begin, not intending to interfere unless it appeared that the prisoner was an unwilling participant or was showing signs of distress as a result of the process.

In reply to Doll (msg # 23):

McGavin seems angry.  . This will work!  It HAS to work!  You will all see!  I must give MT daughter a better world to live in! My wife and I are doing this for my daughter!  Enough questions!  Get Ankylosaur out here!  .

(last comment time)

In reply to Darrell McGavin (msg # 24):

"No, you're doing this out of guilt, I know from experience."  Ava shakes her head sadly.

"Now I understand why Teuton said you were easily taken advantage of..."

At the entrance, Flicker steps aside and turns to address the gate guard. "I don't envy you tonight. Having to stand with your back to some sort of experiment to watch for people on the outside. Would you like me to stay and watch for anything coming up behind you?"

In reply to Flicker (msg # 26):

They bring out Ankylosaur (in his civilian ID) handcuffed with a chair waiting for him to sit in. A large container of chemicals is wheeled out on a dolly.  The parking lot is packed with people.  . All I need is one person to prove I'm right.  Once he's no longer violent, you will see I'm right. 

Perception roll time!!!

08:01, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 6 (with 2 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 3, 1, 2.  Perception 15-.

Made it by 9.

In reply to Sharpshooter (msg # 28):

By 6.

Flicker watches the demonstration from a distance so that he can gauge the reactions of the crowd and the guards.

PER made by two, but at a distance that may impact it

In reply to Darrell McGavin (msg # 27):


Nightshade made her general PER Roll by 4, and her Hearing Roll by 7

OOC
Nightshade rolled 8.  Perception Roll 12- (Hearing 15-).

OOC:
Doll missed the roll by 2.

22:54, Today: Doll rolled 14 (with 4 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 4, 4, 6.  Perception Roll, 12-.

In reply to Doll (msg # 32):

Poor Doll is short and there are a lot of people blocking her view.  She sees nothing unusual

Everyone else see the guard bringing out Ankylosaur has a viper pistol instead of a normal gun.

Everyone but Doll and Flicker sees a total of 6 agents blended in the crowd.

In reply to Ankylosaur (msg # 33):

Ava gets April's attention.

"Take the chair to the exit.  Tell Flicker 6 Viper agents disguised as guards, prepare for mass disarmed and crowd control..."

Failing to notice anything unusual, Flicker enjoins the gate guard in small talk.
"I haven't been doing this long, but this kind of public demonstration looks like it would be a nightmare for you guys at the gate. Do they do this often? I can't recall hearing of many instances in the past."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

In reply to Flicker (msg # 35):

Nightshade steps up behind Flicker saying quietly, "I think there are about 6 people not well disguised as Viper agents. I think Ankylosaur maybe about to participate in a jailbreak. Be careful, handsome!"

She then takes two steps away from Flicker towards Ava and flashes MO a hand signal used to use to indicate the presence of Viper.

The Ranger crosses over to the guard holding Anklysaur and slugs him, taking control of the prisoner. He says "sorry McGavin, but youve got at least 9 Viper agents posing as guards, and I feel something tunnelling from below. This scene isn't  secure, so Im taking him back to Holding."


00:33, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 15 (with 5 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 3, 6, 6.  Boxing attack vs agent OCV 9 DCV 10.
00:32, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 27 (with 9 body) using 8 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 4, 1, 3, 6, 6, 2, 3, 2.  Boxing Cross damage.


The boxing punch hits a DCV of 5, doing 8 BODY and 27 STUN.

In reply to Sharpshooter (msg # 37):

Ooc.  A the the extra 3 are disguised as normal people, which is why Ava didn't notice them even by making her roll by 6

In reply to Quozaxx (msg # 38):

The fake guard is knocked out.  9 viper agents,  most see only 6.  Lets start phase 12
Viper agents are DEX 14, so think they go last.

Unable to see what was going on, it is the reaction of the audience to Sharpshooter knocking out the guard that alerts Doll that something has gone terribly wrong.  She immediately looks for threats, not just for someone acting maliciously, but for her own safety in case that the crowd suddenly panics and she gets caught in a chaotic stampede.

OOC:  Doll's actions happen on DEX 18

I guess that I'll need another Perception roll to spot the disguised Viper agents nearby or where she'll need to go to help unless they make themselves obvious.

17:11, Today: Doll rolled 11 (with 3 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 3, 3, 5.  Another Perception Roll, 12-.

Made it by 1 !!!

Flicker looks at the erupting chaos, then says to the gate guard, "at this point, I don't know which side you're on. You could say the same about me. So, let's see if you can hit your panic button before I knock you into next week."
As he finishes speaking, Flicker blurs forward and is suddenly in the gate guard's face. "WELL!?

OOC: PRE attack, mostly so the gate guard calls for backup
Flicker figures it's a fifty-fifty chance on the backup being Viper or guards in power armor, with maybe a one in five chance of getting both.
20:26, Today: Flicker rolled 14 (with 4 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 6, 5, 3.  base PRE attack.

The Texas Ranger has a hold of the prisoner. He bolts back for the protective safety of armored doors and bulletproof glass.



7" move with Armadillo. Heading back through the doors to the prisoner cells.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Mon 16 Jan 2023.

Nightshade will quickly leap and tumble over the crowd of people to reach the VIPER agent nearest to where the something is coming up from underground.

Once there, she will grab the VIPER agent and slam him to the ground.

OOC
Today: Nightshade rolled 13 using 3d6 ((5,4,4)). Acrobatics roll
Nightshade rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,4,2.  Grab and Slam on Viper agent
Nightshade rolled 29 using 8d6 with rolls of 5,4,1,5,2,5,2,5.  Damage to Viper Agent.
(29 Stun, 7 Body)

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 43):

The other 5 fake guards (not counting the knocked out one) point weapons at innocent people.  Now 3 of those guards are on stage with Flicker,which includes the one he's face to face with (3) the one he yelled at.  Sharpshooter knows there are still 3 more hidden viper agents in the audience.  Nobody move!  . Number 1 says.  The real guards put their guns on the ground since innocent people might be hurt.  . This is what is going to happen, you will let us grab what we came for and let us leave and no one gets hurt. 

One of the fake guards (2) has his weapon pointing at McGavin's daughter.

In reply to Viper agent (msg # 44):

Sharpshooter has Ankylosaur.  A viper agent has his blaster aimed at McGavin's daughter.  . Stay out of our way ranger! 

Without warning Armadillo pops out of the ground.  The viper agent holding the gun drops it.  They look surprised.  Armadillo says.  you are not turning my best friend's mind to mush.  Hand Ankylosaur over to me! 

No one on stage has a gun.  The 2 fake guards in the audience aim at Armadillo.  One if the discussed audience pulls a blaster.

New PER roll +2 to see other hidden viper agents.  Oh, and a van is approaching.

In reply to Armadillo (msg # 45):

Made the Per by 9.

Seeing the Agent having dropped his gun, Ava pops her board and rides the wave to the daughter, scooping her onto the board with her and keeps going, trying to get her to safety.

Calling to Anky:

"Take out Viper!  They're the ones secretly behind this scheme!  Minimize civilian casualties, on orders from Black Diamond..."

The Ranger says to his prisoner "c'mon mister, let's get you out of the line of fire." and continues pulling him away from the Viper agents and their guns.

OOC:  Doll had made a previous PER roll which she only made by one.
If a new PER roll is required and allowed,
22:55, Today: Doll rolled 10 (with 3 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 5, 2, 3.  The New Perception Roll, 12-.

And this one was made by 2!

In reply to Doll (msg # 48):

FFFFFFFFFF.
H
H
H
H
H
__________BBBBBBBBBB__________
I.                                                         I
I   offices.                                          I
I.                                                         I
__________BBBBBBBBBB__________
H
H
H
H
I parking lot.                   Stage

In reply to Quozaxx (msg # 49):

The F are the prison fence.
The H are 6 hexes each
The offices for the prison and stage are a lot bigger than what is shown

In reply to Quozaxx (msg # 50):

Flicker?

Groaning at the realization that the guards simply couldn't react as fast as he can, Flicker chooses to affect their leverage. Barely keeping his cool when the Viper agent threatened the child, he runs to the agent and stands in front of his weapon, then unleashes his ire against time itself. He's not Modern English, so he can't stop the world. He can slow down a chunk of it, though. Then he says to the speaking Viper agent , "did you just point that gun at a child?"
Shaking his head, he continues to address the speaking hostile. Through gritted teeth he says, "whatever your buddies think their taking, two of 'em are going to be busy with the stretcher."

OOC: half move to interpose self between Viper agent and child
whether or not he's affected by a power dampening field, Flicker will try to activate SPD suppression, 21 points less Power Defense are affected, so those with Power Defense less than eleven but greater than 1 lose one point of speed, those with more than eleven points of Power Defense aren't affected, those with no Power Defense lose two points of speed
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Sat 28 Jan 2023.

Looking and listening for any changes to the situation, Nightshade sees and hears something.


OOC
Nightshade rolled 8 (2, 3, 3).  Perception roll (w/+2).

This makes her base PER Roll by -6
This makes her Hearing & Sonar PER Roll by -9 w/no range mod for 16 hexes

SSA

HHHHHH_LLLLLLLLLLLL_HHHHHH
!
   _______U_M_HHH V
!H
!_HV_HHH_A_HHH_V_HHH_V_F
!H
HHHHHH_LLLLLLLLLLLL
!H
Parking lot
V _PPPPP V
PPPVPPPN<_PPPPPP_MO B
PPPVPPP_D_PPPPPPV
Diamond.   Piledriver

H=open hex
! And _ = open hex
L=stage boundary
V=viper
A=Armadillo
A(withSS)=Ankylosaur
B=Bonnie(kid)
U=Ultraviolet
M=McGavin
D=Doll
SS=Sharpshooter
F=Flicker
MO=Majestic Ocean
N=Nightshade
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:47, Thu 02 Feb 2023.

In reply to Quozaxx (msg # 54):

And P=person

Noe that we have a map, did anybody want to repost.
Flicker, the map shows where you were, not are presently

In reply to Quozaxx (msg # 55):

I edited my previous post.

In reply to Flicker (msg # 56):

Note F is below the V, blocking his shot at Bonnie who is on MO's board

In reply to Quozaxx (msg # 57):

A viper agent tells Armadillo Looks like Ranger is taking your friend.

Armadillo tunnels to block SS escape with Ankylosaur.  . This can't possibly be legal.  You will not turn my friends mind to mush. 

Two cars pull up, one on each side of the stage.  All the viper agents put on glasses and drop smoke bombs.  -5 to see if you don't have special vision. (like IR). It only effects vision. Not hearing.

PER roll everyone.  Make sure to note if you can see (or hear) through the wmoke

11:50, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 11 (with 3 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 4, 6, 1.  Perception 15-.

Ranger can hear, but not see, through the smoke.
The Ranger doesn't answer, not wishing to give his position away. Knowing it's useless against Anky, he holsters the gun and tries to pull his charge away from the supervillain.

Flicker can hear, but not see through the smoke. His senses would be focused on the Viper agent he had accosted, that one is his current target.

In reply to Flicker (msg # 60):

Ava can see through the smoke, but is mindful of others not being able to see.

Not wanting to draw attention to the innocent she has with her, she spray a blast in the air over the smoke filled area to dissipate the smoke.

Smoke doesn't function well in rain...

Nightshade hardly noticed the smoke as her senses were used to the depths of night.

OOC
Nightshade rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,2.  Perception Roll.
This makes her Base Perception Roll (12-) by -6.
This makes her Hearing Perception (including Sonar) by -9
(not including the +4 w/Hearing Range Modifiers)

Doll had no difficulties seeing through the smoke.  As the cars pulled up to the stage, the miniature martial artist darted around the legs of the crowd of other spectators as she rushed forward to address the impending problems happening up there.

OOC:
14:01, Today: Doll rolled 7 (with 2 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 2, 4, 1.  Perception Roll, 12-.

In reply to Doll (msg # 63):

Is Nightshade flying?

Not yet.

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 65):

Armadillo can see through the smoke and grabs Ankylosaur to take him to safety.

Flicker and Majestic can hear the vans stop and perhaps viper agents getting in the.

On the stage,the agent face to face with Flicker dodges him.

Doll (who is probably on someone's shoulder) and Nightshade see 2 agents grab the calming solution containers and jumping down the hole Armadillo left open.  They were after the solution not Ankylosaur.

Majestic's water makes some smoke dissipate.  Only -2 to see now.  so SS, Majestic, and Flicker can refill to see.  SS you can act before Armadillo does a grab by (and flees with Ankylosaur)

When Armadillo reaches out an arm to grab Anky, the Ranger grabs the armored limb and executes a perfect Judo throw. He doesnt expect it to hurt, but while Armadillo struggles to his feet, the Ranger can hustle his prisoner away.


OCV 9 DCV 9


07:47, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 7 (with 2 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 1, 2, 4.  Judo throw OCV 9.
Hits DCV 11

07:46, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 23 (with 8 body) using 6 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 6, 6, 1, 2, 6, 2.  Judo throw damage.

Flicker decides he has to explain the error of the Viper agent's ways. Stepping forward and getting a better looks at his target, he starts with a simple jab.

OOC Flicker made the PER roll by 1
His jab bits DCV 10 or less for 28 Stun and 9 BODY with no knock back
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:41, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

"Doll, Flicker, Majestic!! I'm following the Viper agents down this tunnel who are trying to steal the 'calming solution',
when you get a chance, could one of you please follow me." Nightshade calls out loud and on her communicator,
making certain that she is heard through the general chaos before she drops completely through the hole just behind the agents.

As she tumbles and slips silently into the hole, her arms convert into her wings.

OOC
Nightshade rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,4,3.  Stealth 14-.
Nightshade rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,2,1.  Acrobatics 14-.
Now she's Gliding with a speed of up to 20" in combat, 80" non-combat

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 69):

"Flicker, you will have to cover NightShade, I couldn't get down there even if I was buttered!"  Ava looks over towards April meaningfully as she drops off the kid to safety.

MO then flies well away from the kid to make herself a target as she works at crowd control to get people out.

Nightshade's comment had confirmed that Doll saw what she thought that she saw when the two Viper agents dropped into the hole along with the containers that held the calming solution intended for Ankylosaur.

The miniature martial-artist chased after them, not just to stop the theft, but to provide backup to Nightshade.  The tunnel couldn't have that much room for Nightshade to maneuver.  There was also some concern that this could turn out to be a trip with the Viper agents using the calming solution, whether intentionally or breaking them accidentally.



"Not really a problem for me!" Doll playfully reminded Ava as she reached the hole.  It felt good for it to be an advantage when her lack of size could often limit the things that she was able to do.

OOC: Not sure of the distance involved but she can reach 20m on a full move.

In reply to Doll (msg # 71):

Flicker stuns the agent trying to dodge him
5 viper agents get in vans
3 agents hop down the hole with Doll and Nightshade close behind
Sharpshooter manages to throw Armadillo and Ankylosaur since Ankylosaur was being held by Armadillo.  Ankylosaur, having no armor is knocked out.  Armadillo didn't seem to even feel the damage from the martial throw.
Armadillo tunnels down taking Ankylosaur with him.
All the viper agents are either knocked out, in the hole, or in a van.
The smoke is gone

Phase 5-7

Sharpshooter are you going full speed?  Or are you going "normal" speed?

OOC SPD 4. No Hero equipment.

Flicker says, "don't point things at children, next time I won't be this gentle." Then smashes a right cross into the VIPER thug before turning towards the hole to follow Nightshade and Doll.
Quietly enough that only someone with superhuman hearing could hear it, he mumbles, "I gotcher back, sweetie."

OOC: phase 6
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

The Ranger heads for the nearest van, pulling out his gun. "Stop right there! Guns out the windows and Hands where I can see them."

In reply to Viper agent (msg # 72):

Phase 6.

MO shoots water to flood the underside of the van.  Then uses that water (25 STR + any pushing) to tip the van onto its side so it can't go anywhere...

"Yeah..." MO calls out wearily after the effort.  "Respect your elders and listen to him.  Don't make him get the belt..."

The Ranger remarks "thanks,Miss. The other one is mine." He takes careful aim and blows out 4 tires with 4 successive shots.

Phase 6

Doll continued her pursuit of the Viper agents that had fled through Armadillo's original tunnel.  Her eyesight immediately adjusted to the limited illumination.

OOC:  Next action is dependent on whether the Viper agents are in sight, if she can get to them, and what type of actions they are taking.
If they are running away, she'll continue the chase.
If they have stopped to discourage Nightshade and Doll from following them by firing at them, Doll may have to take a defensive action.

Hopefully, there is only one tunnel to make it easy to figure out which direction they are going.

Between her Sonar and Nightvision, and Gliding speed, Nightshade was quickly able to track and catch up to the fleeing VIPER agents descending into the tunnel.

Closing in on them, she reached for the agents burdened with the 'calming agent' with her feet, preparing to subdue them as she closed to HTH range.

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 79):

Armadillo gets away with Ankylosaur.  Filling the tunnel behind them.  No one knows what direction they went

Ocean tips over van 1 and SS shoots out the tires of van 2 - through a bunch of innocent people - without getting close to hitting a single person.

SS make a soliloquy and a PRE roll +1d6. If its a really good soliloquy, you might get more dice to make them give up

The viper tunnel is snug.  Single file only with Nightshade in front. To short to fly.  You see all 3 agents ahead.  Back to phase 12.  Take recovery.  Heroes go first, but you might hit Nightshade.  Doll, you might be able to leap into HTH combat, but you will need a DEX roll if you do.

In reply to Viper agent (msg # 80):

OOC
Is it a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal tunnel?

How are the VIPER agents moving? Walking? Running? Crawling?

How wide is the tunnel?

The lawman says "Gentleman, let me point out two things to you. First, you are outnumbered. Secondly, unlike these Heroes, I have a license to bring you down, not just in. I was an Army Sniper, and that armor doesn't protect everywhere. Now, drop your weapons, carefully. Or I drop You."


18:55, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 20 (with 6 body) using 6 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 6, 4, 2, 4, 3, 1.  PRE attack +1d6.

07:36, Today: Sharpshooter rolled 9 (with 3 body) using 2 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 6, 3.  Added PRE attack.
Total = 29.

This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Sat 11 Mar 2023.

In reply to Sharpshooter (msg # 82):

@Nightshade.  The tunnel is flat and horizontal, like an alleyway.  They are running as fast as they can to get away.

SS add 2 more d6

Flicker runs after the Viper agents in the tunnel. It becomes quickly obvious that the agents will be overtaken, just as it becomes obvious they will only be accosted from the rear. With a grunt, Flicker pushes away the clinging time stream. It's easy to get past the diminutive Doll, while time is stilled for Flicker he can't affect those still in the stream. His boots don't leave footprints, or carry any mud to deposit on those he squeezes by or climbs over.
Not bothering to stop, he moves a short distance down the tunnel and faces the Viper agents before allowing the persistent stream to take hold of him again.
To the Viper agents, and anyone else that could see, Flicker just appears blocking the tunnel in front of them. Though his costume covers his face, the tone of his voice makes his sneer audible as he says "did you idiots think you would outrun me?"

OOC
hoping to teleport (noncombat 32") past the Viper agents
to be clear, this would mean Flicker would appear past the Viper agents in segment 1, after all of segment 12's activity

In reply to Flicker (msg # 84):

@flicker.  Your teleportation says only through intervening space.  The tunnel is too tight for 2 humans to be side by side (full sized humans and mentioned the skinny tunnel before). So how does he get past Nightshade and the 3 goons.

Please note a limitation that doesn't limit isn't a limitation

So if you do come up with a plausible reason, I will need to know how it limits you.

Doll continued to follow Nightshade and the Viper agents down the tunnel.  With Nightshade in the lead, Doll waited to see what she was going to do to better coordinate their actions in this narrow environment.

OOC: Let's try that Teamwork skill.
22:17, Today: Doll rolled 9 (with 2 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 3, 1, 5.  Teamwork, 13-.

In reply to Quozaxx (msg # 85):

He climbs over them in the space between their shoulders and the top of the tunnel, wriggling when necessary. If the tunnel is so tight this can't be accomplished the best he could do is catch up to Nightshade and Doll.
Among other things, must pass through intervening space prevents teleportation into a space seen through a window unless there's a path to the room through an open door, and doesn't allow teleportation to escape entangles. Plus it allows the GM to say, "your body won't fit through the space left in the tunnel so you can't bypass anyone in the tunnel." That is how Flicker's teleportation is INTENDED to work, so don't hesitate in telling me I can't do what I said I did.

I think I hurt my language center.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:28, Wed 15 Mar 2023.

Nightshade puts away her wings, since she (apparently) cannot fly or glide through this tunnel. However, she will get as close to the fleeing VIPER agents as she can then leap straight ahead at the nearest one carrying some of the chemical.

OOC
Her leap is 10", will that enable her to reach, bowl through, or pass the VIPER Agents?

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 88):

The tunnel was made by Armadillo.  Not much taller or wider than a single file.  Which is why poor ocean would not be able to fit.  (too many cakes - you know). So Flicker catches up with Nightshade.

Nightshade is having trouble jumping high enough for a decent jump.  (and I believe you have to jump high as well.  So let me know if I am wrong.). The agents are running at 16 hexes (non combat 8 base x 2). They have a +2 run.

You don't catch up.  There is a fork in the path.  An agent per path.  You don't know who has the calming formula. But now you can each take down an agent.

In reply to Viper agent (msg # 89):

"Flicker, take the right and I'll go left! Call out when you've got your agent!"
she said as she continued running after the fleeing VIPER Agent.

Once her target was isolated in a singular tunnel by himself, she curled in her ears and
screamed into the VIPER agent's back.

OOC
Nightshade rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,1.  Activation roll 14-.
15:38, Today: Nightshade rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,5.  Sonic Scream EB.
15:39, Today: Nightshade rolled 36 (with 9 body) using 10 with the Hero (Champions) system. Damage for Sonic Scream.

Using her close range Sonic Scream she attacked the VIPER agent.
It successfully activated, she hit a DCV of 6, and she did 36 STUN and 9 BODY.

(I'd also expect that she caught the agent by surprise (and possibly in non-combat) and the limited space may have also affected his DCV.)

Flicker doesn't acknowledge Nightshade in any way except calmly doing as she suggested. Moments later, he catches up with the Viper agent. Accosting the agent, Flicker prepares to react to the agent's response.

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 90):

I forgot to mention the agents above ground toss their guns and surrender.

Before I post the results of the scream.  Flicker and Doll can attack if they want.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Thu 16 Mar 2023.

Assuming the best way to stop a runaway would be to slow it down, Flicker reaches out and drains the temporal energy from the Viper agent.

OOC: touch the agent and drain SPD
16:12, Today: Flicker rolled 11 (with 3 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 4, 2, 5.  to attack with drain (OCV 6, DCV 6).
16:12, Today: Flicker rolled 25 (with 7 body) using 6 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 6, 5, 2, 2, 5, 5.  drain, -1 SPD for each ten points.

hits DCV 6 or less, drains off up to two points SPD depending on defense

The Ranger secures prisoners, asking the guards for extra sets of cuffs. Then he gathers the weapons.

In reply to Sharpshooter (msg # 94):

When things start getting in hand, Ocean will check on the kid to make sure she's not traumatized...

With the pair of Viper agents splitting off with each headed in separate directions, Doll took the direction opposite that of which Nightshade was headed to better divide their efforts.

"Where do you think you're going?!" the miniature martial-artist shouted to the Viper agent as the distance between them narrowed.  "Get back here!"

Not expecting the agent to comply, the tiny woman launched herself into the fleeing criminal.

OOC:  Oops. Realizing that I haven't updated the character sheet.  Sticking with the character as written.
Basic Strike (+0 OCV/+0 DCV) 6d6 Damage

09:27, Today: Doll rolled 9 (with 3 body) using 3 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 4, 3, 2.  To Hit, OCV 6.

09:27, Today: Doll rolled 27 (with 7 body) using 6 with the Hero (Champions) system with rolls of 5, 5, 5, 6, 2, 4.  Strike, 6d6.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Sun 19 Mar 2023.

In reply to Doll (msg # 96):

Doll and Nightshade knock out their foes

Flicker slows his down.  He has a grenade in his hand and is slowly opening it.  Very, very slowly opening it.  The pin had already been pulled.  So the question remains - should he get coffee first and come back or just finish him off

Ocean sees that the little girl isn't phased at all, being McGavin daughter
SS gathers all the agents.

Flicker's eyes widen at the sight of the grenade, and he gives the timestream a shove. The Viper agent slows even further. Everything else nearby, slows down as well.
Flicker prepares to grab the agent and run full speed back out of the tunnel as soon as the agent releases the grenade.

OOC: switch multipower to Suppress SPD and reduce SPD by one to anyone within 8" that has less than ten points of power defense

In reply to Flicker (msg # 98):

Flicker grabs the agent to safety.  The grenade falls in the empty tunnel and explodes.  Nightshade and Doll hear the explosion but are safe.

In reply to Viper agent (msg # 99):

3 XP

SS will probably get his meal with baron Teuton

The formula is safe.  The press got it all on camera.  The question of the rights of the villain are raised as is the ethical questions it raises.

Anyone want to say anything?

What do you want to do now. we are Going into downtime.

"Time to play the old 'shell game'." Doll announced, though her audience of one probably wasn't able to appreciate her attempt to be witty after being knocked out.

"Who's hiding the formula?" she asked playfully as she walked around the body.  "Is it you, sweetie?"

The tiny woman checked both of the agent's hands and explored all exposed pockets as necessary to conduct a thorough search for the container(s) that held the formula that Viper considered precious enough to stage such an elaborate heist.

Whether or not she was fortunate to secure the formula, she makes sure to restrain the Viper agent that she had defeated and drags him or her the length of the tunnel back to the prison parking lot, stopping momentarily at the forks where the tunnels had spilt to call out and make sure that her teammates were equally successful (not that she had any doubt).

Back above ground, Doll coordinates with her new teammates to make sure that everything is under control at the prison and waits around for the prison officials to confirm that nothing else.  It wouldn't be the first time somebody staged an event as a distraction to cover up some other activity.

The shrunken superheroine did not address the press and did not share any opinions about the day's events.

Sharp is in his Texas Ranger guise. He'll call in Federal agents and Primus to handle the bookings and the high-end tech, respectively. His comments run around "no comment" to "get that camera out of my face".

Flicker gets the Viper agent out of the tunnel, grabs the agent's shoulders and shakes the agent as he begins shouting into the Viper agent's face, "What're you, goofy? If I hadn't dragged you back here to get some bracelets you'd be wearin' a wooden kimono!"
Shoving the agent along towards the uniforms (guards or whatever), Flicker continues to mumble about grenades causing tunnel collapses and the short amount of time anyone in the tunnel would have before they were out of air.

In reply to Flicker (msg # 103):

Doll brings the formula back up.

Everyone is near or on the stage and you all see reporter Tom Longstreet push a microphone at you.  Tell the viewers what happened here today.

(come on, you know you want something to say)

Flicker approaches the reporter and nods to him. "It was just the same old song and dance, Mr. Longstreet. A sort of coordinated attack on the prison to release inmates and sabotage the justice system. You'll have to ask others for specifics, I was mainly rounding up thugs."
Then before Tom Longstreet can ask anything else, Flicker is suddenly elsewhere. He can be seen near the tunnel opening, where Flicker asks Nightshade, "hey, kid, are you ok?"

Nightshade smiles weakly and nods before hugging Flicker in a tight embrace. "I'll be fine, man o mine. Okay more seriously, yes I'm alright. But I hate having to scream like that. It hurts everything when I do it. I'm just glad we got that formula before the snakes (VIPER) made off with it." She pauses to nuzzle his cheek. "Um, I think I might have a few words for the press, wanna meet up later for dinner and dancing? Or do you think I should take some time and then make a formal press release?"

"Tell you the truth, I don't know how to handle the press. Used to be I'd just tell 'em it was classified. Now they've gone and learned to ask what classification and who do they contact. Usually I just play dumb."
"You just say when you're ready, and I'll show up. I haven't been dancing in decades, so it might take a bit to get started, but it always works out with the right partner."

In reply to Flicker (msg # 107):

(If Nightshade wants an interview, let me know)

OOC
Oh yeah, she's willing to give an interview this time.

In reply to Nightshade (msg # 109):

Wait!  I think Nightshade also wants to make a statement.  Go ahead Nightshade

Before she begins her statement, she hands her helmet to Flicker. (Her helmet is set to record the interview, sending a clean copy to her cell phone.)

“Mr. Longstreet. Let me begin by saying that despite any words to the contrary, I have always tried to act within the spirit of the law, for the betterment of sentient life on this world, and to protect the innocent. Yes, I am a meta-human. Yes, I have additional abilities that most people don't have. But they don't have my problems either. But this is not all about me.

The Neighborhood Watch was formed to protect regular people. The Watch was created because we recognize that exceptional ability brings on exceptional responsibility. We in the Watch don't believe that might always makes right, we believe that trying to do what's right for everyone makes everyone better. We in the Watch don't believe that we are the final determiners of justice, we usually seek to work with legal representatives of justice towards the best results possible.

Speaking for myself, I know that Divine Benevolence comes in many forms. Some are not the ones I was raised with, yet I see value in many spiritual truths. I seek to walk in the footsteps of the all the heroes of this world who have come before me.

I believe that sentient beings need to be able to make open and free choices about their behavior, and then be subject to the consequences of those choices. A starving man who steals food to eat because he has no other choice may legally be a criminal, but I believe that he needs help, not punishment because his choices were based on his fundamental needs, and he had no other recourse.

Also, I believe that sentient beings that live in a society should have complete access to all the rules, customs, and general knowledge available to that society, so they can make informed decisions.

Anything that removes free will is wrong. The so called 'calming formula' does just that. It removes choice and responsibility from free thinking sentients, therefore it removes from them their fundamental rights as thinking and feeling beings. Therefore, it is wrong and evil.

At this point, Nightshade will look right at Tom Longstreet and say, "You know Tom, I have been portrayed as a violent person. And honestly, sometimes I am more violent than the average person. But most of the time, I'm not. I don't really want to hurt anyone. I mostly want to watch children play, fly the night skies past lovers watching a beautiful moonrise, play in a pickup game of basketball, sit in a crowd of happily screaming fans, cuddle with puppies or kittens or a really good friend. I was adopted and raised by an unusual family who loved me with all their hearts.

The Neighborhood Watch is here to stand for what is right. We are civic guardians here to help the people whenever and where ever we can. To quote from an old favorite song:

Alright check it
Let me tell you this in closin'
I know we might seem imposin'
But trust me, if we ever show in your section
Believe me, it's for your own protection

'Cause we see things that you need not see
And we be places that you need not be. "