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22:37, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Posted by The WatcherFor group 0
The Watcher
GM, 299 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 02:32
  • msg #1

IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

As it always seemed to on Friday afternoons, the last minute of the last class seemed to almost freeze the clock.  But the bell eventually rang and the kids were freed.  To celebrate their first week back on campus, the staff had sprung for free pizza in the Student Lounge.  Teenage metabolisms had done the rest.

Afterwards, the student realized they now had the weekend free of school at least.  What to do with all of that time..?

OOC:
1. OK, this is it!  This thread will soon be the only IC thread running and it will be linear and sequential.  Your characters are free in every sense with a weekend to fill.  What will you do?  You have no pressing homework or superhero business.  All PCs are together and, since you are 'off-duty' (so to speak), team affiliation doesn't really matter unless y'all want it to.  For a bit, you are free to mingle.  I will add some danger and spice when it is called for but y'all have a chance to just be together.

2.  You all have your UMF costumes that are set to your choice of either your super-outfit or ONE preset set of street clothes (they can switch between each).  You have your Avengers communicards on your person which act like a super-smartphone (it can be linked with a standard cellphone as well), a babelfish earpiece (which works like a Bluetooth earpiece linked with that 'phone') and your class ring.  The class ring is an image inducer that makes the more distinctive character more non-descript barring sudden moves.  The takeaway is that your characters are currently in communication with each other as they wish.  This allows the PCs to separate if they wish without too much effort needed to get them together again.

3.  Any of the older heroes with driver's licenses may have a 'hand-me-down' car.  It's not 'super' or anything, far from it.  You can assume the car is big enough to take several of your friends if you wish, perhaps an SUV or van, maybe even a station wagon (remember those).  While none of you would ever think of such a thing, your communicards can become an adult ID (driver's license or such) which is to be used only for emergencies when you might need a grownup identity.  I'm sure it would not ever cross your minds. ;-)

4.  In the very nearby infirmary, Bluebird and Copycat have been cleared for release.  If any one wants to invite them along for a night of teen scene, they will happily come along.  Otherwise, they will simply return to their own dorm and chill out in front of the TV.

Resonance
player, 68 posts
Xin1 Xie2 Zhen4: Age 13
Sheng4 Xin1: The Beacon
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 03:28
  • msg #2

IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

It had been a full day, and the younger girl was thankful for some free time ahead.

She enjoyed the pizza, and she enjoyed the pleasant wash of ambient emotions from her surrounding peers.

However, a part of her heart was still in the infirmary with Vanessa and Sally, otherwise known as Copycat and Bluebird.

As the last of the pizza was devoured, she looked around, considering.  Were the others going to stick together, or to break off into their own teams, or to break off into random groupings?

Either way, she knew that she was going to seek out Vanessa and Sally.  Would Sasha, or perhaps Jen, or any of the others on her team, or any of the others who saw Vanessa lose control, want to join her?...
Mania
player, 37 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 04:56
  • msg #3

IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Andi slid over the back of the couch into a comfortable sit beside Xie Zhen, holding a can of soda in one hand and licking a bit of sauce off of her other fingers.

"Kiddo, you up for some downtime? We're gonna go hit the mall and chill out, no evil robot people or anything. Hey, you okay? You look a million miles away."
Ricochet
player, 170 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 05:01
  • msg #4

IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Sasha had been putting more focus than usual into her training today, still worried about what had happened that morning. Once the day let out and the students were starting to talk about stretching their legs, the former starlet made her way to the infirmary so she could check up on the pair of new kids. With a pair of knocks on the door, Sasha entered the room with Copycat and Bluebird.

"Knock knock. I hope you're both okay with a visitor."
The Watcher
GM, 302 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Sat 7 Aug 2021
at 05:35
  • msg #5

IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"So I'm sorry my ether egg went off prematurely." Sally said to Vanessa.  "When you don't have powers, you rely on gadgets.  And when your gadgets don't work, you got nothin..'"  The two young women were idly playing a linked video game via their communicards.   The game was really just a distraction, something to fill the empty and awkward places in their conversation.

"Powers are overrated, believe me."  Vanessa said.  Sally noticed that she kept touching that strange pendant.  It reminded her of when her golden retriever had to wear one of those strange cones around their neck after a vet visit.  It was for the dogs own good but it was uncomfortable all the same.  "At least you are somebody." she said.  "I'm everybody sometimes, which means I am really nobody at all." Vanessa answered.

It was uncomfortable listening.  Sally decided to change the subject.  "You think they will make us inactive?" She realized that subject was just as depressing as soon as she spoke and grimaced.  "Don't know.  Adults are more mixed up than you know."  "Really?"  "Yup, I've been one.  Well, at least seemed like one."

"You can do that?!" Sally asked.  Vanessa nodded and then smiled slyly.  "I'll show you. I'll be your dad and you can be my teenage daughter." "Whoa!  Wait, why my dad and not my mom?"  "Life's easier for men." Vanessa said with assurance.  Sally wondered how she could be so sure.

"But first we need to get out of here."  At Vanessa's words, Sally toggled various buttons on her communicard.  The card looked for open 'party lines' and also offered to start a new one.  And at that, Sasha knocked at the door.

"Knock knock. I hope you're both okay with a visitor."

Both girls smiled and welcomed their new friend in.


OOC
1.  The two young Junior team members have an idea for minor mischief.  They don't really mean any harm but aren't really using any adult reflection.
2. After sharing their idea, Sally has opened a communicard chat room for any who are interested.  Or she will join any others who allow her that permission.  In any case, a chat room can be started by any team member at will.  There is no current need for particularly secure communication.  The takeaway from this is that any characters can now talk to any other character regardless of the distance between them.
3. Sasha, along with other team members, have Influence over the two and they are glad to see the Senior members.  Not that they are going to just mention their little plan outright though...

Resonance
player, 69 posts
Xin1 Xie2 Zhen4: Age 13
Sheng4 Xin1: The Beacon
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 04:51
  • msg #6

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Mania:
Andi slid over the back of the couch into a comfortable sit beside Xie Zhen, holding a can of soda in one hand and licking a bit of sauce off of her other fingers.

"Kiddo, you up for some downtime? We're gonna go hit the mall and chill out, no evil robot people or anything. Hey, you okay? You look a million miles away."

The younger girl smiled warmly, visibly touched by Andi's invitation and concern.

"I was just thinking about Vanessa and Sally.  They should be awake by now, and will probably leave the infirmary soon.  They have had a rough day, and probably need some tender loving care."

"Can we go invite them to come with us?"

Jubilee
player, 48 posts
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 05:55
  • msg #7

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Jubilee had finished off her pizza and was laying upside-down on one of the couches. She had set her ambitions for the weekend high. "So, who wants to watch TV? They've got the movie where Tom Selleck's a cowboy in Australia on, he's cool in that."
She-Hulk
player, 13 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Tue 10 Aug 2021
at 04:20
  • msg #8

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Having casually finished off a single slice of pizza, Jennifer loitered around in the lounge to see what her fellow classmates were planning for their evening in the hope of getting ideas or possibly an invitation to join, even if it might not be something that she would have chosen on her own.

"Back at my old school, the big event for Friday nights would be going to see the varsity football team play a game under the lights," she contributed to any discussions about things to do.  "Maybe we can find another high school nearby who is playing tonight and join in the experience."

It wasn't so much about watching a game of football, which she did happen to enjoy by the way.  It was about getting a chance to hang out with other teenagers and see what kind of connections can be made, particularly exploring those of the romantic variety.

"Or maybe there is a school having something like a 'Welcome Back' dance that we can crash?"

Jennifer waited a moment to see if her suggestions would be shot down before pulling out her smartphone and searching to see what kind of activities might be happening nearby.
The Watcher
GM, 307 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 03:01
  • msg #9

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Secretly giggling about their secret plan (which made it not that secret in a way that young teens didn't always get), Sally and Vanessa headed to the Study Hall to hang out with and impress the older kids.  They also wanted to thank their new friends and mentors.  This afternoon could have turned out much worse had it not been for the older heroes.

There was a quick detour, though.  Back in their dorm, the young ladies changed into whatever normal clothes they thought would be best for partying.
"Hey." Sally said.  "Someone else is here."  One of the other beds had the sheet pulled down slightly indicating that it had been slept in.  There were non-descript decorations of New York City in general, a picture of two young children (obviously related and somehow familiar) and a Van Dyne fashion catalog (one of the old paper ones, not an online version.  "Bed's warm.  <b>Just slept in."</b>  Vanessa said, perplexed.  They hadn't seen anyone but the building didn't really offer hiding spaces.

"Must be our new member."  Sally said.  "Guess they will miss out on going out."   The two girls left for the Study Hall.  In the seemingly vacant room, a giggle penetrated the emptiness.  A zipper on one of the new duffle bags on the cooling bed perked up and drug itself open.  Vials of makeup, black, red and white floated out of the bag.  "Amateurs."  A voice said.

A quick internet search showed that there was another high school in town, Norman High.  Norman High was a public school.  Another school, the Scion Academy, was a private school a little further away.  To Jen's knowledge, these were schools for 'normal' kids.  Normal.  What an unappreciated word.  There was a football game at Norman High tonight.  The Scion students, too small to field a football team of their own, were invited to play or otherwise participate in the experience.  A few entertainment venues for teens were open tonight, games were their bread and butter.  The social media organs were awash in videos and photos of lovely cheerleaders and handsome players, particularly the Scion students.

Sally and Vanessa entered the Study Hall, laughing and offering hugs to their new friends.  Vanessa's pendant flared with each hug, straining to surpress the power in her cells.  They began to chatter a mile a minute to Xie Zhen and Andi.  Vanessa whispered a heartfelt 'sorry' to Jen.

Sometimes, even a teen wanted to stay in and Jubilee was trying to sell the Tom Selleck movie.  The movie began.  Perhaps a few minutes would convince her buddies.  Tom strolled across the Outback, then winked at Jubilee and said, "Go out with your friends, you wallflower, it will be a bigger adventure than you know, X-Baby."

OOC:
Hopefully, the colors between Sally and Vanessa will be easier to tell apart.

Jubilee was staring at the big TV screen when Selleck suggested she go out.  If others roll well, they may have been looking there at the same time.  The movie is now progressing exactly as you would expect with the characters seeming to have no meta knowledge of the teens watching.  Did Jubilee imagine this?

Your characters may now make a Move if they wish.  They can Assess the Situation or Pierce the Mask (a slight spoiler that this mystery has an intelligence behind it).  Other Moves may apply as you see fit.  Something is up.  Slight spoiler:  It isn't a Danger Room scenario, I have done that already.

Exemplar
player, 13 posts
E'Llar, 17
The Delinquent
Fri 13 Aug 2021
at 10:05
  • msg #10

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

E'Llar stood behind the couch in human form, leaning forward to watch over Jennifer's shoulder. A small piece of the pizza was still in the Skrull’s hand, as she savoured the taste. If there was one thing those Earthlings got right, it was food. I’ll have to tell the Empress to spare Earth’s pizza chefs. If she is ever smart enough to ask me…

The TV, on the other hand, interested her not at all. Such primitive technology – and human actors pretending to be someone else was just pathetic. They may as well not try. Not that their quaint little games and dances were that much more intriguing to a daughter of Skrullos. However, while she may not say so out loud, ‘crashing’ one was obviously the superior option at their disposal. That was why she watched the screen of Jennifer’s communication device so keenly. Like an indecisive human teenager shifting from one foot to another, the Skrull effortlessly went through the shapes of different cheerleaders and players, keeping only her pizza and a frown. None of them were quite it.

She finally finished the pizza but was no closer to deciding on her ‘outfit’ when two younger humans strolled in. It took her a moment to realise what they were. Switching back to the well-worn form of a skinny white girl with black hair, E’Llar grinned and waved at Vanessa and Sally. “You must be the young ones who caused such a stir!” the Skrull said, a little teasingly. Not that the delinquent of two worlds disapproved, of course. Then again, she was a little fuzzy about the details. No matter. “Care to join us on our venture?” she asked, nodding towards Jennifer in oblique support of the latter’s plan.
Mania
player, 38 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Sat 14 Aug 2021
at 22:37
  • msg #11

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Resonance:
The younger girl smiled warmly, visibly touched by Andi's invitation and concern.

"I was just thinking about Vanessa and Sally.  They should be awake by now, and will probably leave the infirmary soon.  They have had a rough day, and probably need some tender loving care."

"Can we go invite them to come with us?"


Andi glanced in the general direction of the infirmary (or more accurately, a random direction that was meant to imply the infirmary) at Resonance's question.

"The new kids? I heard they started a fight, then exploded in front of the school. You sure they're okay to come with us?" The facts of the morning had reached her, but not before being warped by the telling.

Jubilee:
Jubilee had finished off her pizza and was laying upside-down on one of the couches. She had set her ambitions for the weekend high. "So, who wants to watch TV? They've got the movie where Tom Selleck's a cowboy in Australia on, he's cool in that."


At first judgmental of the very idea, Andi's protest was replaced by curiosity as Jubilee explained.

"Who's Tom Selleck?"

She-Hulk:
"Back at my old school, the big event for Friday nights would be going to see the varsity football team play a game under the lights," she contributed to any discussions about things to do.  "Maybe we can find another high school nearby who is playing tonight and join in the experience."

It wasn't so much about watching a game of football, which she did happen to enjoy by the way.  It was about getting a chance to hang out with other teenagers and see what kind of connections can be made, particularly exploring those of the romantic variety.

"Or maybe there is a school having something like a 'Welcome Back' dance that we can crash?"

Jennifer waited a moment to see if her suggestions would be shot down before pulling out her smartphone and searching to see what kind of activities might be happening nearby.


Andi turned to Xie Zhen again and thumbed to Jennifer with a grin.

"See, that's more what I'm talking about. Find party, crash party, maybe find some boys our parents wouldn't approve of, all that. Or girls, not here to judge. Hey Jubes, you up for a night out, or is the TV your party place?"

The Watcher:
Sally and Vanessa entered the Study Hall, laughing and offering hugs to their new friends.  Vanessa's pendant flared with each hug, straining to surpress the power in her cells.  They began to chatter a mile a minute to Xie Zhen and Andi.  Vanessa whispered a heartfelt 'sorry' to Jen.


The arrival of the new kids and Sasha got Andi's attention, though she became much quieter as they arrived. Her greeting was a single wave, and the hugs were pretty awkward. While E'Llar smoothly introduced herself to them, Andi gave Xie Zhen a little nudge and gestured.

"Hey, you wanted to invite them, too. Now's a good time, right?"
The Watcher
GM, 309 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Sun 15 Aug 2021
at 01:36
  • msg #12

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Like eager young puppies finally hunting with the pack, Sally and Vanessa happily accepted E'lar's inivitation before they even knew what the invitation was for.  "Sure!" They said almost in unison.

Outside, an unseen figure watched through the windows with some skill in reading lips.   The context of the teen's enthusiasm was not that hard to read, they had not yet learned an adult's subtlety.  "Should be studying.  Probably grounded by the morning."  A voice whispered to itself with more sympathy than the speaker intended...

OOC:  Just a little text while (I believe) other characters might show up.  I am enjoying your interplay...
Jubilee
player, 49 posts
Sun 15 Aug 2021
at 07:11
  • msg #13

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"He's an actor. Used to be Magnum PI" Jubilee responded to Mania.

Jubilee was so shocked she fell off the couch. "No way did that just happen!" She got up and dusted herself off. "Did anyone else see that?" If they hadn't, then she was going to say she hadn't either. Maybe she'd been studying too hard. No, that didn't seem like her.
Ricochet
player, 176 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Mon 16 Aug 2021
at 04:05
  • msg #14

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

When Sasha came in with Vanessa and Sally, she happily introduced them to the group to begin the mingling. Once that got started, she held back to give them some space, which also meant she could stop the buzzing feeling in the side of her that had been close to Vanessa's pendant. Instead, she headed over to Jubilee and the others on the couch.

Jubilee:
"He's an actor. Used to be Magnum PI" Jubilee responded to Mania.


"Are we talking about Tom Selleck? Did you know he was in one of my movies? Great guy. Oh! It's Quigley! Good call." Sasha's attention was taken by the movie along with Jubilee, though she did look away long enough to look to Jennifer.

"Hey, has anyone seen the guys?"

Jubilee:
Jubilee was so shocked she fell off the couch. "No way did that just happen!" She got up and dusted herself off. "Did anyone else see that?" If they hadn't, then she was going to say she hadn't either. Maybe she'd been studying too hard. No, that didn't seem like her.


She quickly turned back to her teammate. "What? What happened? Did I miss the good bit?"
The Watcher
GM, 311 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Fri 20 Aug 2021
at 02:52
  • msg #15

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Hijinks was a great tribute to mediocrity.  It was one of those odd restaurants with odder artifacts hung on the wall between ferns that were either plastic or dying.  The menu was full of average choices at average prices, forever in-between possible choices for eateries.

In as many booths as it took to hold them, the Stanley students startled slightly as if in a daydream.  The slick menus (with helpful pictures of the food where the text description seemed uninspired) held limply in their hands almost as an afterthought.

The professionally chipper young woman in her flair-bearing outfit clamped out a forced smile at the thought of student-sized appetites and student-sized tips.  "Hi, Welcome to Hijinks!  I'm Macduff and I will be your meal enabler today."

Around the brass-piping and faux-wood accents, students from both Norman High and and the Scion Academy were mingling and looking curiously at the distracted newcomers...

OOC:

OK, what just happened?!  One minute you were at the Stanley Study Hall and now you are at the chain restaurant from Hell.  Here is what you characters either know or can guess.   Hijinks does (sadly) exist as a chain and one of their establishments is in the rough center of traffic between the three schools.  This particular Hijinks knows that students, staff and family are its white-bread and butter-spread.  And game night is profitable for the house and murder on the staff.

Macduff is a young woman whose parents apparently were late to the naming your newborn daughter with a Scottish surname trend and it seems all of the Duncans and Mackenzies were taken.  Your characters could have met her before.

Being at Hijinks during Game Night would not be out of character for your characters necessarily.  You might have done it before.  The hard part is not remembering deciding to actually go to Hijinks and actually making the journey.  The best real-world experience I can think of is driving somewhere and not remembering the journey at all (a kind of real and light hypnosis).

It is usually very gauche for a GM to suddenly assume your character's choice and then abruptly jump cut to a new scene but there is a strange force working its will behind the scenes.   Your characters are as free to notice and wonder about this strange discontinuity if they will.  Two assumptions may occur to them.

1.  If this is a kind of mind control or illusion, it is not that strong to have to be so deceptive.  True mind control would simply force you to obey and/or not even question commands.
2. This can't be a danger room scenario.  The Danger Room can fool you senses but can't play with your mental states as seems to have just happened.

It is true some Moves may help you with this strange conundrum but your own brains will do better.   Puzzles shouldn't be solved with dice alone.  Experiment, question, interact.  Let's see what happens....

Exemplar
player, 14 posts
E'Llar, 17
The Delinquent
Fri 20 Aug 2021
at 03:35
  • msg #16

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

E’Llar blinked and looked around, then looked at her hands. For a fleeting moment, a keen observer might detect something at odds with the image of a bored, affluent human teenager that she still wore. Her eyes were alert, like those of an animal vaguely aware of the presence of a predator or prey without quite finding it right away. Though it was only a subtle shift in her posture, her body was ready to swing into action. By the next moment, she relaxed, as the same training that prepared her for combat also reminded her to maintain appearances.

Still surrounded by humans, still look like the same one, was I on Earth drugs? If so, looks like the others were as well… She smiled back at the servant, about as sincerely in intent but with a much more authentic execution. “Can you recommend me something with some meat?” she asked. She was going to figure this out, of course. First, though - never let anyone think you are at a loss.
She-Hulk
player, 14 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Sun 22 Aug 2021
at 01:21
  • msg #17

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"I think that I'm going to need some more time to decide," Jen politely told their server after lowering the menu and turning her head to make eye contact.  Even though she was already semi-familiar with the menu, this was not a case of indecisiveness.  The loss of appetite seemed to accompany her loss of memory.

"Did I... 'go green' before we came here?"
she whispered as best as she could over the ambient noise to the others seated around the table after Macdufff had left to take care of any of the requests that the others had made.  The missing memory was a legitimate concern for her.  The She-Hulk was like another side of her personality.  Even though the She-Hulk behaved in a different manner than Jennifer did in many cases, some part of Jennifer was always still there.  If the She-Hulk had become completely independent and was doing things that Jennifer didn't even know about, that was a terrifying idea.

Was there an incident at the football game?  Did they have to get me out of there before I caused some trouble and we ended up here afterwards? Jen wondered.
Mania
player, 39 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Mon 23 Aug 2021
at 09:48
  • msg #18

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Andi and the symbiote were visibly startled, coming to with a jump and wide eyes looking around the restaurant. The symbiote armored her clothes, opting not to let itself become visible until the threat became obvious. When Jennifer leaned in to ask about her own blackout, Andi shook her head, still looking around.

"No? I think? Do you remember leaving the couch?" She didn't answer Macduff, too busy trying to get her bearings.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 08:43, Wed 25 Aug 2021.
The Watcher
GM, 313 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Wed 25 Aug 2021
at 02:46
  • msg #19

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Macduff sighed inwardly at E'lar's question, another special-diet customer.  And, truth to tell, much of Hijinks' meat was more 'meat-evocative' rather than completely genuine.  "Uh, it certainly tastes like meat, once you get under the strong sauce and spicy peppers."

Jen's image inducer had caught on to her agitation, slightly accelerated heartrate and blood pressure, slight tightness on the class ring as her finger greened and swelled slightly.  It was programmed to be a little overprotective.  For all of Copycat's misplaced imitation of the young She-Hulk, the real thing could cause true damage if she ever lost her temper.  Calculating that its owner would grow if she changed, the inducer began to search its database for real-world 'configurations' that claimed more personal space.  Slowly and subtly, the inducer began to give Jen an old-fashioned beehive hairdo and poodle skirt.

Mania and Andi had an internal discussion, neither remembered the specifics of their sudden arrival here.  The symbiote did not like any loss of control and the armored clothing grew slight spines and claws that came and went like a nervous cat flexing its claws.  The image inducer was able to maintain composure for now.

Looking around for an explanation, the students saw another group of Scion Academy students giggling and snickering at their confusion.  It was if the other strangers were sharing an inside joke the Stanley students were outside of...

OOC:
I'm not sure if Jen is green or not so I leave the choice to her.  The image inducer has covered up any revelation up to now.  It can fail or succeed as needed.  The image inducers are meant to be fallible at times (so that the Janus and Transformed still earn their playbook) and also comic relief.  It can malfunction or not as Jen wishes.

The Scion Academy students are falling into that villain trope or springing their surprise too early.  It is obvious they know something about what is happening and are enjoying your PC's discomfort.

The Scion kids are a (currently) non-descript bunch of young cosmopolitan men and women.  However, one young woman is playing with a deck of Tarot cards and another has purplish hair and slit cat-like pupils.  Marvel mavens may already ken who these rotters are.  If you can figure it out, YOUR character paid attention during mission briefings (it was a dull course, Vision taught it).  And you will get an advantage.

Otherwise, you all can make a Move (which could be trying to divine more about these bounders or your situation).  Let's see what happens.

She-Hulk
player, 16 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Mon 30 Aug 2021
at 02:44
  • msg #20

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

quote:
"No? I think? Do you remember leaving the couch?" [Andi] didn't answer Macduff, too busy trying to get her bearings.

"No.  You don't remember coming here either?" Jen asked, her green eyes growing wider with surprise behind her glasses.

"I know that we were talking about going to the game, but what happened after that?"

Jennifer glanced away from the table upon hearing the laughter from another group of students.  It was a survival mechanism learned from being a former public school student who automatically had two strikes against her socially for being intellectual and for being the sheriff's daughter, which therefore made her more likely to be the target of some form of harassment.

OOC: I guess it's Assess The Situation
22:34, Today: She-Hulk rolled 6 using 2d6.  Assess The Situation, +Superior.

The Watcher
GM, 315 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Tue 31 Aug 2021
at 01:25
  • msg #21

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

These jokers seemed familiar.  Often thought to be just brawn, Jen had tried hard academically and remembered something from the Known Threats class.

These were likely the Hellions, the young students of the Hellfire Club.  The Hellfire Club were a group of powerful individuals, mostly mutants, who didn't want to take over the world but simply wanted to exploit it from behind the scenes.  They were the very definition of privileged hedonists.

At least Jen thought she recognized two of the Hellions.  The young woman playing with the Tarot deck was actually called Tarot.  She could call up superpowered and tangible representations of the Tarot cards.  She did not have as much control as she would have liked, luck of the draw.

The purple-haired young woman was likely Catseye.  She wasn't a young girl who turned into a pink panther, she was a pink panther who turned into a young girl.  She had spent most of her childhood as a beast and her mutation activated during the cat's adolescence turning Catseye back into human.  She had only been civilized about a year or so.

OOC:  Actually, I welcome players doing the research.  Go ahead and use the internet, folks.  It makes this game more interactive.

There have been several versions of the Hellions before they eventually moved to the X-Men.  I am using the original team but if there are some of the later Hellions that intrigue you, let me know and they can be there.

Thanks to player Jen for being so aware.  You may assume that Jen can share this revelation to her friends and they can remember having had their memory jogged.  So whatever you can research on the internet is what your characters remember about this group.  The Hellions may not expect you to be this informed.

In this game, the Hellfire Club tried to take over the Stanley School not long after your Open Campus Day one game year ago.  They failed utterly and have gone underground.  Perhaps they want vengeance.

In this continuity, the White Queen has not yet left the Hellfire Club for the X-Men and the side of good.  But Professor X has hinted that she is regretting the criminal lifestyle she has chosen for herself and her students.  Emma Frost does not seem to be with the group of Hellions.  Perhaps they are playing hooky as well.

One of the Hellions, Empath, is a nasty piece of work and might have the power to 'cloud' the PC's mind as has seemed to happen.

https://comicvine.gamespot.com/hellions/4060-3199/

Mania
player, 41 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Tue 31 Aug 2021
at 05:27
  • msg #22

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Andi took only the briefest of moments to think before she and the symbiote were already on their way up over the back of the booth she shared with Jennifer and out onto the floor. Still dressed for a night out, the emo kid simply ambled right up to the Scions' table and slapped her hands down on it, greeting the group with a smirk.

"'Sup? Quite a game tonight, huh? We done playing around?"

[Provoking Someone! I want them to own up and back off, or else move a step in that direction.

22:26, Today: Mania rolled 6 using 2d6+2.  Provoke Someone, +Superior.

Anyone wanna toss a Team my way before something terrible happens? XD]

This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:01, Thu 02 Sept 2021.
Jubilee
player, 52 posts
Fri 3 Sep 2021
at 05:36
  • msg #23

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Jubilee shrugged. "Finding yourself in new places is just part of the lifestyle. When I was with the X-Men, once I ended up teleported alone to Japan at the end of a mission. It would have been okay except I got arrested by Wolverine's motorcycle hadn't gone through customs."

"Hellions" she whispered to the others. "We've crossed paths. A bunch of lame-os. We can... oh. Oh, we're doing it this way."
Ricochet
player, 183 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Tue 7 Sep 2021
at 06:11
  • msg #24

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Sasha leaned toward Jubilee to respond, keeping just as quiet while not letting the Scion kids out of sight.

"If they try to pull more mental whammy stuff, I don't have a lot of ways around it. And if we start something here, I'm liable to break some innocent people. Think you can get control of the situation if it comes to that?"
The Watcher
GM, 317 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 02:05
  • msg #25

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Jubilee was rapidly explaining previous encounters with the Hellions but Andi was even more rapidly about to do her own research.  Sometimes one has to break a few eggs.  She moved towards the unknowing future omelette of Hellions.  Her slapping the table startled the Hellions despite themselves.

"Oui!  You owe me a franc, Roulette."  Tarot said demurely, having just drawn the Major Arcana of Strength.  "They did detect us."  The bleached blonde Tarot was referring to sneered at her and replied, "They just got lucky, you spineless crepe.  I will show them what lucky is."  Two of the Hellion boys, likely Thunderbird and Jetstream high-fived each other and laughed.  Too macho for actual respect, they regarded Andi with a kind of surprised regard.  Perhaps it was a backward complement.

"Buggy girl brave and bold, maybe cat inside like us."  Catseye said, looking at Andi as if she was a pretty toy or perhaps a mouse worth the chase.  "Such passion, Chica."  The mocking voice of Empath rattled Andi, perhaps bringing a blush to her cheeks.

Sasha and Jubilee noticed the confrontation.  Andi had done well.  The Hellions were now revealed.  But this was no place for a conflict, too many ordinary and unknowing people were nearby.

Through the windows, it was possible to notice a young mime setting up her act.  But such a trivial occurrence was easily overlooked as the two rival young super teams began to deal with each other...

OOC:
As the Hellions interact, it will become obvious that very little holds them together but competitiveness and the chance to be even worse to other people.

Catseye's dialogue is charming in the comics but I'm not Chris Claremont.  I will do the best I can.

Empath is a horrid little manipulator of emotions.  Readers of the New Mutants can remember just how awful he can be with his power.  It is not something I want to force on my players.  You may choose to role-play Empath's influence on your characters if you wish.  Why would anyone willing put their character through such discomfort and vulnerability?  Because the answer is the same through all stories.  It is the only way characters can grow, from stress and overcoming despair.

I forgot to mention last post, that by correctly identifying the Hellions for who they are, you get a +1 to Moves concerning them.    I have factored that +1 into Andi's provocation in her last reply.  And with that, you have provoked them at least to the 7-9 level (I couldn't find Mania's Superior rating).  At the very least, something will happen in your team's favor.

And speaking of Team, you have a Team Pool of three currently (the base two and you have the same general purpose, stop the Hellions).  If the PLAYERS can agree on a leader PC and give them Influence, you may add another Team to the pool.  To my mind, when the chips are down, people gravitate to a natural leader regardless of what might have been decided before.

You believe that the Hellions could be a lot more destructive and Empath even more controlling than you have perceived.  This does imply the Hellions are limited in some way you don't yet know.  Certainly they aren't going to make it easy for you to find out...

Exemplar
player, 17 posts
E'Llar, 17
The Delinquent
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 07:45
  • msg #26

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

E’Llar was annoyed.  The symbiote-wielding human had beaten her to the punch. Then again, perhaps it was for the best. Bravery was good, but Skrulls fought with guile as well as courage. If... Andee? ...set them off into rash action, that would leave the group wide open to an attack.

“Come back later,” she told the servant, then turned to Jubilee and Ricochet. “I could scare everyone out easy,” she barely lowered her voice. “What was your idea?” The Skrull was, however, already thinking of her own approach. She could work theirs in easily if she happened to like it.

OOC: Going to try and Assess the Situation. Presumably the bonus applies.

12:41, Today: Exemplar rolled 11 using 2d6+3.  Assessing the Situation, +Superior(+1?).

Though it looks like I get 10+ either way. Hmm...

Who here is most vulnerable to me?

What here can I use to get the drop on the Hellions?

Mania
player, 42 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 21:10
  • msg #27

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Andi shook her head at the girls' bickering, now leaning on the table with both hands.

"Oh honey, luck had nothing to do with it. You gave yourselves away the second we spotted your faces. You've got no finesse, didn't even think to play it cool." To Catseye, "You're not gonna like what I am inside."

At which point she moved to lean in towards Empath demurely.

"If it's passion you like, you're gonna love me." The sly grin turned manic. "How about we find someplace a little more private and I can show you what I mean."

[Provoke Someone part two! Now that I've got their focus, and hopefully the others have a clear opportunity to get doing whatever they plan to do without the Hellions noticing them, I'm gonna try and convince them to get away from the bystanders.

And don't worry about my Superior trait, boss. My +2 was already calculated in the roll, so the +1 you gave me brought my 6 up to a 7. I'm gonna roll with it again, as indicated.

14:09, Today: Mania rolled 9 using 2d6+3.  Provoke Someone, +Superior +1.

Partial hit!]

Jubilee
player, 54 posts
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 05:03
  • msg #28

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"Yeah, sure" Jubilee said to Richochet with confidence. "I don't think scaring them is the best idea. Who are the others going to blame for the trouble when it's all over, the high-class hellions or the band of mutants, aliens and such?" Being a mutant meant having to worry about these things.
She-Hulk
player, 17 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 00:56
  • msg #29

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"I think that we should just get up and leave," Jen recommended.  "There's nothing to be gained in getting involved in a turf war over a Hijinks of all places, no matter how good their wings are supposed to be."

"I don't even remember us deciding to come here in the first place," she grumbled as she kept a cautious eye on Andi who was taking a more direct approach.
Ricochet
player, 187 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 01:15
  • msg #30

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Sasha took her eyes off the Hellions to be more present in the table's conversation.

"Jubilee's right, E'Llar. There's no way this plays out well for us, especially if we let ourselves get aggressive. Like Andi. Jen, can you go let your friend know we're moving on?" With that, she stood from the table and turned to find MacDuff.

"I'm so sorry for the trouble, but we've been reminded we have other places to be right now. We'll come back another time."
The Watcher
GM, 322 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 04:15
  • msg #31

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

E'lar studied the antagonistic humans, gauging them as only a shapeshifter could.  To imitate humans, you needed to know how to act more like them than them.  And she could tell that these strangers were rivals to each other, encourage to compete against each other when they weren't competing against others.  They would fight each other if there was no others less to fight.

The strange cat girl and the shy one with the Tarot cards were the ones least interested in shows of bravado.  They could be depended on to leave or retreat if the right 'nudge' in that direction could be found.

MacDuff the server was about to protest being dismissed.  After all, there were several more specials to be discussed before she provided exceptional service (at least as far as secret shoppers were concerned).  But there was something in E'lar's voice that sent the other girl to the far side of the salad bar.

Empath was wary.  Was this scrumptious delight truly under his power or not?  He assented to Andi's suggestion of being out of this crowded place.  His team mates seemed initially hesitant.  But upon second thought, it seemed, each agreed to the idea with an eerie coordination.

Jubille, Jen and Richochet all also followed the Hellions out.  The three were quite resolute that no innocents be hurt in whatever 'hijinks' were about to happen.  MacDuff squeaked out a 'Come back again, we've got pumpkin spice.' as they left.

A patch of the parking lot was empty enough of cars and pedestrians for a discussion or a rumble as needed.   The young mime was the nearest bystander, doing a tired 'trapped in a box' cliched routine.

"OK," Thunderbird said, "now that the fragile norms are out of the way, let's see who's the cooler school."   And they attacked...

OOC:
1.  The Hellions, perhaps surprisingly, would just leave the restaurant without incident.  This denies them hostages and human shields which they have used before.  But they seem...circumspect.  It is almost as if they are trying to please someone else you can't see.

2. That said, they are now each to trying to attack you.  You don't get the idea that they are out to truly damage you.  But their motive seems unfathomable.  The Hellions aren't cowards but they are selfish enough not to fight for real gain, certainly something more than macho bragging rights.

These are the classic Hellions, the first team.  That is; Catseye, Empath, Jetstream, Roulette, Tarot and Thunderbird.  Read about them here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellions_(Marvel_Comics)#Hellions_(Massachusetts_Academy)

Your characters may act against their attack with a single Move (at +1 as you now remember your briefing on the Hellions and their weaknesses).  Anyone who makes a Defend Move will be considered to be the most effective defender they could be (GM's honor).  In short, they will defend the most vulnerable against the most powerful.  This saves a complicated combat map, your characters are well-trained and it will show.  Empath has been successfully provoked by Andi and she may choose one of these hindrances for Empath

On a 7-9, they can instead choose one. • they stumble: you take +1forward against them • they err: you gain a critical opportunity • they overreact: you gain Influence over them

3.  It will not be forgotten later that your characters put a priority on the lives on innocents.  You are first class all the way! ;-)

Ricochet
player, 192 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Sat 25 Sep 2021
at 22:30
  • msg #32

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Once they were free from bystanders, Sasha called out to Andi while sticking close to the rest of their friends.

"Come on, Andi. There are plenty of places to have fun tonight, and this isn't one of them." Naturally, the Hellions had their own things to say, which immediately preceded them going into a fight. The child star narrowed her eyes and took a quick step in front of Jubilee to keep her teammate clear of the incoming hurt. With carefully tuned reflexes and an utter understanding of her and her opponent's positioning, the next move is a gentle redirect of the attack's momentum to circle around and spiral to the ground, a classic aikido technique to harmlessly drop an enemy using their own energy.

"First one's free. Next one hurts."

[I'm using the Bull's Heart to Defend Jubilee using Danger instead of Savior! Also including the +1 from knowing the Hellions' battle strategies:

15:25, Today: Ricochet rolled 14 using 2d6+3.  Defend +Danger.

And I'll add a Team to the pool! Afterward, I'll Directly Engage whichever Hellion member made for Jubilee. Since I assume getting the team away from innocents and starting off with Defense means I'm not jumping into danger without hedging my bets, I won't be using that move.

15:26, Today: Ricochet rolled 10 using 2d6+3.  Directly Engage +Danger.

I will resist/avoid their blows and impress/surprise/frighten the opposition.]

Mania
player, 43 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Sat 25 Sep 2021
at 22:42
  • msg #33

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Andi leaned up to Empath and put her hands on his hips, a demure smile on her pierced lips. Black goo trailed from her fingertips to wrap around his waistline.

"Sorry, Rico. I found my fun right here." Then she put her mouth closer to his ear to whisper to him.

"If you ever try to get into my head again," the symbiote solidified into spikes and blades around his waist, snipping at his waistband while her skin became covered in the black costume, "you'll lose what's in the pants, comprende?"

[I'm taking Influence over him, then Provoking him again to back off.


15:41, Today: Mania rolled 5 using 2d6+3.  Provoke Someone, +Superior +1.

Wow, snake eyes. I'm gonna mark potential for that.

Exemplar
player, 19 posts
E'Llar, 17
The Delinquent
Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 12:51
  • msg #34

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

E’Llar lent her teammates a quarter of an ear. Their reservations, if they weren’t from mere fear of public disapproval, surely did them some kind of credit or other... But honestly, the rivals were much easier for her to understand. They reminded her of her former classmates, many light years away. This will be easy.

As the two groups filed out of the restaurant, E’Llar was nowhere to be seen. However, MacDuff followed the group out to... get their attention one last time? Try to convince the monochromatic street performer to try whatever a pumpkin spice was? It didn’t really matter. The real MacDuff went back inside without seeming to notice, and E’Llar only needed to look like her for long enough to get into position.

Once she got close enough to the Hellions’ flank, ‘MacDuff’ fell forward theatrically… only to explode into a big scary alien monster! It was vaguely humanoid, but freakishly musclebound, bright red, with sharp claws on its hands and a crocodile-like head. Unhinging its jaw, it licked its rows of sharp teeth with a slavering tongue before speaking in a distorted voice: “Who wants to fight?” On the inside, E’Llar was genuinely curious to know the answer. The prudent ones might flee or panic, the more bellicose ones could concentrate on her... but this form wasn’t all for show.

OOC: After some deliberation, I decided to go with an Unleash here since she is using her powers to sneak up and pull a jump scare on the Hellions, either distracting or scaring them away. I thought about using Provoke instead to scare one of the more receptive opponents, but this isn't so subtle and surgical as that, I think. She'd let the dice fall as they may rather than control their reactions at this point, though she is hoping that their differences in attitude will make it harder for them to respond rationally to the challenge.

17:50, Today: Exemplar rolled 14 using 2d6+2.  Unleash Your Powers, +Freak+1.

I will gladly change any part of it if there are any problems, though. Just didn't want to hold things up with more questions.

She-Hulk
player, 18 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 04:04
  • msg #35

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

While her friends and classmates were stepping forward to confront the Hellions in response to their threat, Jennifer Walters was noticeably hanging back.  It wasn't because she feared what they were going to do to her.  It was the fear of what 'She' might to do them once she was in control and it was taking everything that she had to try to hold it back.

"Don't do this.  Don't do this.  Don't do this," Jen quietly repeated this mantra as she was gazing down at her arms.  The image inducer may have camouflaged her changing appearance to everyone else but all that Jen could see was the greenish hue spreading across her skin.

Jennifer finally looked up towards these challengers when it became clear that the change was inevitable.  "You're going to be so sorry that you didn't let us leave," she announced just moments before the image inducer flickered and surrendered and revealed a highly-annoyed jade giantess where the teenager once stood.

OOC:  I think that Directly Engage seems appropriate to make them reconsider their decision to attack us.
00:01, Today: She-Hulk rolled 8 using 2d6+3.  Directly Engage +Danger +1.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Thu 30 Sept 2021.
Jubilee
player, 56 posts
Sun 3 Oct 2021
at 08:39
  • msg #36

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"Oh please, you'll never be as cool as me. I was- am- the youngest X-Man ever" Jubilee scoffed at the Hellions, a boast her teammates had heard a lot, and lowered her sunglasses over her eyes. Since Mania seemed to be taking on Empath, she hurled a couple of her pafs at Jetstream, hoping to knock him out of the fight, or at least flash blind him for the moment so he wouldn't go flying around. "All right, team, Empath's the most dangerous" she said, trying to take charge. She appreciated Richocet moving to protect her, and her eyes went wide with shock as Exemplar transformed, but she didn't say anything, wanting to seem the veteran she thought she was.


01:22, Today: Jubilee rolled 7 using 2d6-1.  Directly Engage.
The Watcher
GM, 329 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Mon 11 Oct 2021
at 04:11
  • msg #37

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"Curtsey to me, chica, show some respect!"  Empath murmured to Andi.  He had been intrigued by this young woman who stood up to him.  But that could not be tolerated for long.  Andi could feel the 'pull' of his words.  So could Mania.  And Mania wasn't going to share her favorite friend.  And for all that, Empath was uncertain.  This witch had shaken him to his core.  The thing she wore had done more.  What Mania had threatened to remove shrank of its own accord almost to a change in gender.  Empath remained silent and pale.  He would not challenge Andi anymore this day.

Roulette, disgusted that she wasn't the only attractive female being noticed, said, "Well, at least I can bag an Ex-X-Man who washed out to this remedial school.  Your luck's run out, Sparkles."  And perhaps Roulette's devastating bad luck power would have worked had she not begun a distracting monologue.  By this time, Sasha simply broke the young woman's concentration and possibly her nose.

Jetstream launched at the changed E'Llar.  But Jubilee's pyrotechnic chaff confused the young lad mid-stream.  And a living rocket wasn't meant to change course.  E'Llar swatted him into a bank of blandly trimmed hedges.

Thunderbird moved towards Jen.  "I'm glad you are beginning to change, Green-genes.  I hate hitting tiny girls." He punched.

Catseye seemed almost joyful at the scrap, "Spar-play, girl-spider, Yes?!"  She hurled herself at both of her favorite prey.

This left Tarot, she drew a card from the deck in her pocket and shuddered.  This was even more random than that tart Roulette's power.  A giant beating heart, floating in midair, appeared in a sudden thunderstorm, pierced by three swords.  The swords withdrew from the heart and flew towards the young heroes.  They inexplicably stopped in midair as if stopped by an invisible wall.  Tarot gasped audibly along with her teammates that had the chance to notice.

The young mime chuckled and said, "It is a poor mime that needs narration.  But I do believe that young lady is trapped in a box.  And now she is walking against the wind."  The mime gestured and Tarot began to fall back as if buffeted by unseen gales.

OOC:
OK, lots to unpack.  I'm sorry it took so long.
Actions take place simultaneously so even if Empath was able to effect Andi, Andi's sheer intimidation (along with grinning Mania) caused him to lose confidence and lose any hold, if any, he did have.

Roulette has lost her action and has received a condition thanks to Sasha and her own villianous tendency to monologue.

Jen barely defended against Thunderbird, she may choose to On a 7-9, pick one. • resist or avoid their blows • take something from them • create an opportunity for your allies • impress, surprise, or frighten the opposition.  If she chooses to resist the blow, she is undamaged.  Otherwise, she succeeds in on of the other listed actions but must roll Taking a Powerful Blow from Thunderbird, Jen gets a -1 for this roll (this is a good thing) to show how well you have briefed about Thunderbird's fighting style.

With both E'Llar and Jubliee succeeding against Jetstream, he is out of this combat and is going to be sore in the morning.

Catseye had an unfair advantage against Andi who had to spend her energies successfully defending against Empath.  Andi will have to rolling Taking a Powerful Blow with the same -1 advantage that Jen got and for the same reason.

Tarot drew the Three of Swords.  I had to ressurrect an old game on another board to get the Tarot deck to map to the roll.  Tarot is currently neutralized by the mysterious mime.  The mime is quoting the comedian Steven Wright.
My old game is here:  https://www.myth-weavers.com/f...hp?f=328&g=35693
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_of_Swords

She-Hulk
player, 19 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 14:30
  • msg #38

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

OOC:  Resisting Thunderbird's attack

The emerald amazon merely flinched as Thunderbird's punch struck her gamma-hardened body.  Confidently standing her ground, she looked him directly in the eyes.

"Something tells me you don't have problems hitting any girls, no matter how big they are," She-Hulk responded, doubting his claim of pseudo-chivalry.

"Too bad for you... This girl hits back!"
she growled.
The Watcher
GM, 332 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 01:18
  • msg #39

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Thunderbolt's punch was perfectly placed and fully expended.  His mistake.  He may as well have been punching a statue, it would have been easier on him.  He cried out in pain and grudging admiration, now with perhaps a few more knucklebones than a moment ago...

Jen, now She-Hulk, didn't have a hair move out of place.

OOC:  Obviously, She-Hulk 'won' this exchange. :-)
Jubilee
player, 58 posts
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 05:44
  • msg #40

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"Don't drink and fly" Jubilee mocked Jetstream.
Jubilee usually tried to use humor to remain emotionally detached from the action, unless Wolvie was in trouble. Roulette's insult, though, clearly got under her skin. "I didn't wash out! I just- eat plasma!" she said, tossing more pafs at Roulette. The lack of a sarcastic comeback indicating how flustered she was. "Thanks Ricochet"

22:39, Today: Jubilee rolled 5 using 2d6-1.  Directly Engage.
Mania
player, 44 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 07:18
  • msg #41

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

[00:07, Today: Mania rolled 3 using 2d6-1.  Take a Powerful Blow -1.

Marking Potential and standing strong vs Catseye!]


Mania saw Catseye coming, what with being able to see from her entire body, and turned to catch her and fall back into a harmless tumble, letting go midway before ending in a crouch.

"So what's your deal? Rich girl put on some cat ears and now think you're a supervillain?" With that, the monstrous girl flung out her arms and scattered little blops of sticky black goo across the battlefield! It was like her webbing, but it pulsed with life and would grab on to her enemies that touched it.

[00:17, Today: Mania rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Unleash Your Powers, +Freak.

Mania's basically putting sticky traps around where she and Catseye are fighting, to hinder the agile opponent. It's that "reshape your environment" use of Unleash. :D]

Ricochet
player, 197 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 07:29
  • msg #42

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

[00:22, Today: Mania rolled 10 using 2d6+3.  Directly Engage +Danger +1.

Alright, exchanging Conditions for sure, and then choosing 3:

*Resist/avoid their blows: no Condition for me.

*Create an opportunity for allies - if I can use this as a +1 to Jubilee's roll, as well as spending 1 Team to add another +1 to bring her to 7, I'd love to do that; otherwise I'd like to use Roulette to give my friends a better chance against Tarot via yeet.

*Impress/Surprise/Frighten the opposition - Exactly what it says on the tin.]


"Don't talk to my friends like that!"

Ricochet twisted Roulette's arm in such a way that she brought the girl back up to her feet and turned her towards Jubilee's paf on the path to outright throwing Roulette towards Tarot! That was when she spotted the swords coming at them, the invisible wall, and then the wind with no wind. Sasha was stunned into staring, then glanced over at the mime girl.

"Is that you?"
Exemplar
player, 22 posts
E'Llar, 17
The Delinquent
Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 19:02
  • msg #43

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

With Jetstream down for the count, the hairy red monster surveyed the field. So few worthy opponents here... if any of them would count as such. Perhaps the tarot girl? But no, now even the street performer was getting into the action.

The creature’s eyes settled on the cat-girl. “You’ve been going after the wrong target!” Even as those words left its seemingly ill-adapted throat, the monster began to swiftly change into a sight scarcely less fearsome, but more agile - and familiar to the denizens of Earth. Within mere moments, a tiger pounced on Catseye!

OOC: Directly Engaging Catseye. I still have the +1, don't I?

00:02, Today: Exemplar rolled 5 using 2d6+1.  Directly Engaging +Danger+1.

Ah, well. I'll just mark Potential, unless the move was invalid.

The Watcher
GM, 336 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Sun 31 Oct 2021
at 04:27
  • msg #44

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

OOC:  My apologies to you all but especially apologies to our new might-be player!

As you have probably guessed, this was meant to be a private reply to a private message.  I've been trying to find spare, sleep-deprived minutes to post when I can.  I guess I needed some more coffee.

As the post is already out of the bag, I am simply now put in into a spoiler tag with some slight editing...


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
New Player,

Right now, very few players are actually showing up and posting and certainly not along the teams that took so long to decide.  So don't worry too much about what team you will be on.  For all I know, you might be introduced to the game as a stranger who interacts with the students during a moment of crisis (such as currently happening).

Don't worry too much about your concept stepping on someone else's concept.  There are so few players now and superheroes are so different almost by definition.  But currently posting are

Exemplar - A Shape-changing Skrull
Mania - A Spider-Girl/Symbiote combination
Ricochet - Someone who can absorb and redirect physical force as well as kinesthetic
Jubilee - The young X-Men guest-starring in this game
She-Hulk - This universe's version of Jennifer Walters who started become She-Hulk as a teen here

Some allied NPCs in this scene, even if distantly, are

Bluebird - A very minor human wanabee hero who barely qualifies as a hero and wants to prove herself
Copycat - Our version of a known Marvel character who can copy forms, powers and sometimes thoughts; this version is quite unstable
'The Mime' - A mysterious stranger who seems friendly enough and whose 'miming' appears to be real.

I look forward to see what you might riff off of these guys... :-)


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:24, Thu 04 Nov 2021.
The Watcher
GM, 339 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Sun 7 Nov 2021
at 00:22
  • msg #45

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Jubilee was still rattled by Roulette's barbs.   Her pyrotechnics were more numerous than well-aimed.  But Roulette's anger made her less concerned with defending herself.  "Nob mush wibbout your Bolverin bub."  Roulette's lame reply wasn't helped by her now broken nose.   She went down in a shower of sparks.

Webbing spun around Catseye, who suddenly reacted in a feral fury and terror at being caged, the worst fear of a wild animal.  "Cage! No Cage,"  She began to tear into the webbing almost as fast as Mania could spin it.

Richochet was about to spin Roulette towards Tarot.  The young French girl saw this and smiled slightly.  The swords beginning to turn towards the bleached blonde teammate. Tarot finally had a way to muss up her worst bully with complete deniability.   But Richochet was primarily concerned with the mysterious mime.  And the mime laughed and said, "Good call, kid."  It was strange to be addressed in such a way by someone who seemed perhaps thirteen at best.

Exemplar and Mania were team mates and friends, they knew each other well and had practiced often in the Danger Room.  There was a gap in the webbing that was closing fast.  The lady and then the tiger leapt through it before it closed.   To Exemplar's threat, Catseye did something perhaps unexpected.  She stared at Exemplar with utter wonder she had dared not to feel before.  Her fear was forgotten.  "More Me!  Wonderful cat-girl-friend!"  And she welcomed Exemplar's attack like a bear hug between sisters.

"Yep!"  The mime said and simply willed a change.  Her mime outfit flowed into a costume recognized throughout the world.  It was the uniform of the Fantastic Four.  The makeup disappeared as well revealing a youthful version of one of the most well-known faces on the planet.

"The Invisible Girl!" Tarot said in shock.

"Invisible Woman."  Young Sue Storm corrected.

~ENOUGH!~  It was a mental communication, interpreted by most as a voice.  The students had all had some experience with telepathy as a matter of training.  The aspect of the voice was cold and transparent.  Jubilee recognized the White Queen for what she was.   But what were those strange mental echoes...?

OOC:  My apologies for this post taking so long.

1. Combat will end as far as the Hellions are concerned.  They will now only act to defend themselves if attacked.  The White Queen, wherever she is, is steamed and they don't want to make her madder.  Catseye is surprisingly ecstatic about meeting another cat-person such as herself and is wonderstruck by E'Llar.

2.  In this continuity, Emma Frost (The White Queen) is still a villain in charge of the Hellions.  She will soon enough grow a conscience (sort of) and join the side of the heroes.  It just hasn't happened yet.   Within the past year, the Hellfire Club attempted to infiltrate the Avengers and SHIELD and failed utterly.   They were just able to escape.  Perhaps one day that story will be told.  For now, it is surprising the fugitives would be so open.

3.  In this continuity, Sue Storm of the Fantastic Four has not been seen in public for some time.  The FF have released a statement stating that she is on 'sabbatical'.  Most doubt this but have no better explanation.  This young girl is a dead ringer for a de-aged Invisible Woman in books appearance and power.

4.  The White Queen can telepathically converse with anyone in this scenario and can also be conversed with even if not physically nearby.  The strange echoes in her telepathic communiques are unique to anyone's experience.


She-Hulk
player, 20 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Fri 12 Nov 2021
at 03:06
  • msg #46

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

She-Hulk stood resolutely in place, making it so that the Hellions would have to back off to increase the separation rather than each side mutually going in opposite directions.  It was a display of stubbornness. Nobody was going to tell the She-Hulk what to do!  Especially a far away voice from someone who wouldn't have the nerve to say it to her face.

"You better go home.  It sounds like your mother's calling you," the jade giantess taunted them.
Jubilee
player, 60 posts
Sat 13 Nov 2021
at 17:25
  • msg #47

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

"Hah! I wouldn't mind seeing ol' Wolvie wipe the floor with your crew" Jubilee replied. "But I'm no slouch."
She stared at Catseye's reaction. "Aliens, can't understand 'em."

"Shouldn't you be off losing to the X-Men?" Jubilee tried to say to the White queen, although thanks to telepathy, she had no idea if Emma could hear her. "I wonder if they sell caller ID for my head."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Sun 14 Nov 2021.
Mania
player, 45 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Sat 13 Nov 2021
at 22:42
  • msg #48

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Mania's eyes went wide at Catseye's bizarre reaction to Exemplar's monstrous form, and flung out her hands! Her suit turned into whipping tendrils of black goo that merged with the sticky trap the catgirl had found herself stuck in, proceeded to the other side of her, and manifested into a humanoid shape with arms flung out to protect Catseye from E'Llar!

"Wait!" As quick as the suit had turned into a bizarre cat's-cradle, it snapped back onto her body. Gone were the monster features, the spikes, the blades, the massive mouth of teeth. She was just regular Mania again. She looked to Catseye. "Hey, what's with you? Don't you know your friends are trying to kill us?"

[Was thinking of rolling Defend to stop Exemplar's attack, but as it was a miss anyway, I think we can justify this as being why.

Instead, I'll Pierce the Mask!

14:51, Today: Mania rolled 6 using 2d6.  Pierce the Mask, +Mundnae.

Or not! XD Marking Potential.]

This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Sat 13 Nov 2021.
Ricochet
player, 198 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Sat 13 Nov 2021
at 22:53
  • msg #49

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Once Invisible Woman revealed herself and the White Queen announced her presence, Ricochet completely stopped for a moment, stunned and wondering what to do next. She took a glance over at Jubilee, then another at Mania and Exemplar, then to She-Hulk. Finally able to bring down her own tension, Sasha took a breath and quietly stepped over to the downed Roulette. She very gently lifted her to her feet (projecting kinetic energy upwards as evenly as she could so she wasn't just yanking on the girl) and put herself under her enemy's shoulder and started leading her towards the villainous team.

"Come on, I gotcha. You're gonna be fine." When the pair reached the opposition, Sasha passed off the blonde as peacefully as she could, and lowered her voice to say something to Tarot with a scowl. "I saw what you did." And she started away, unless stopped.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Sat 13 Nov 2021.
The Watcher
GM, 342 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Mon 15 Nov 2021
at 04:50
  • msg #50

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Thunderbird flinched at She-Hulk's barbs.  He took a step towards the green giant ready to go down fighting but then stopped, cowed by something even more intimidating than the gamma-girl.

The White Queen appeared before them slightly translucent.  This was a telepathic simaculrum, a kind of avatar.  She casually ignored Jubilee's insult.  Jubilee knew from experience that meant she had really hit home with the ice princess.

"Friends?!  Only people Catseye knows, so must be friends." Catseye said to Mania.

The shy Tarot met Sasha's gaze with unexpected defiance.  "She has drawn what she has dealt!"  It was obvious Tarot was referring to Roulette without the slightest regret.

"A truce, brave students, I wish only to talk with you." The White Queen seemed to say...

OOC:  Whatever the Hellions might want to do, they will obey the White Queen and not attack further unless attacked...
She-Hulk
player, 21 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Sun 21 Nov 2021
at 15:30
  • msg #51

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

She-Hulk waited a moment for someone else in the group to step up and take the lead in the negotiations.  It had been politely suggested to her in the past that she could often be.... less than diplomatic with her direct approach in dealing with things.

"You went out of your way to bring us here," the emerald amazon said as she stepped forward to address the ghostly image of the White Queen.  "Say whatever it is you wanted to say."

On some level, she probably knew that there was no way to ignore someone that was already communicating directly to their minds.
Ricochet
player, 199 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Mon 22 Nov 2021
at 21:28
  • msg #52

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Ricochet stopped to hear what Tarot had to say, but only replied by shaking her head and continuing back to her teammates.

"Come on, Mania. Fight's over." And she took a position mostly by Jubilee, but slightly further forward than She-Hulk, though the Jade Giantess took over the talking. Her natural inclination was still to be a wall between her friends and everything else.
Mania
player, 46 posts
Andi Benton, Age 16
The Protege
Mon 22 Nov 2021
at 21:36
  • msg #53

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

For her part, Mania took Catseye's answer with a blank look that she cast to E'Llar after a moment. She didn't turn to face Ricochet after the other girl's call, but answered with a raised voice all the same.

"Busy!"


Then a pair of wide spikes appeared atop her head and curved themselves into a pair of catlike ears.

"Hi, I'm Mania. The bossy one is Ricochet. The yellow one is Jubilee. This one here is Exemplar. The green lady is She-Hulk. We're friends now. These ones with you are bad kids. Wanna be not bad?"

[I'm gonna Provoke Someone! :D I want Catseye to ditch her team and come with us. School's out, after all, so it isn't like she's skipping class or anything.

13:36, Today: Mania rolled 10 using 2d6+3.  Provoke Someone, +Superior +1.

10! Super hit! I was worried I'd have to ask Exemplar to spot me a Team Point.]

Exemplar
player, 24 posts
E'Llar, 17
The Delinquent
Tue 23 Nov 2021
at 21:39
  • msg #54

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

E’Llar shifted back into her well-worn Human Female Teenager form, neatly escaping Catseye’s grasp in the process and brushing herself off with a superior and untroubled expression. On the inside, she was seething... albeit in a controlled way. She did not as much as look at Mania. Her schoolmate’s interference and Catseye’s bizarre reaction had thrown her off balance for a moment, but it was not as if she was unused to sabotage and dirty tricks. She had been on the giving and the receiving side of it a lot on her home planet. Recover first. Get even later.

Having swiftly composed herself, the Skrull did a quick scan of the battlefield. Such as it was. The other kids were of no immediate concern... unless Catseye was going to try and catch her like that again. She would be ready if that happened, though. The presence of Invisible Girl or someone very much like her was slightly concerning. While surely highly overrated, the Fantastic Four were nonetheless some of the Skrulls’ more notable opponents from this planet. Then there was the psychic apparition. The White Queen, right... or was she?

The Skrull looked up at the simulacrum. “A truce?” she smirked mockingly. “That was barely a conflict. I can believe you only wish to talk, White Queen. You do not seem up to much else.”

OOC: Sorry for the awkward pause. Also, I’m assuming I can slip out like this for free, but if need be I’ll take this back and roll for it of course. That aside, I’d like to Pierce the Mask on the White Queen. If there is any problem, feel free to disregard the following:

02:29, Today: Exemplar rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Pierce the Mask, +Mundane.

What does she intend to do?

Hmm… might do something with Team, if possible...

The Watcher
GM, 347 posts
Knows All, Sees All
Thu 25 Nov 2021
at 02:39
  • msg #55

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Emma Frost's telepathic communication was best interpreted as speech by the young minds receiving her.  And the conversation went something like this.

Richochet stepped between Tarot and anyone else.  While the young Frenchwoman seemed a stranger to true gratitude, she did sigh slightly in relief at that.  "Vous n’avez vraiment aucune idée", she said so quietly and bitterly, it might be that she was talking to herself.  Richochet's tiny earpiece gave a slight chime which she knew from training was likely the tiny and efficient working on a translation.

Catseye looked at Mania's 'neko' ears with surprised wonder.   "Your ears like mine!"  Grammatically, that didn't make sense like most of the catgirl's babbling.  But Catseye's expression was so innocently entranced it struck Mania.   Perhaps this was the only time the singular felinoid have ever met anyone remotely like herself.  She certainly didn't seem very socialized.

"A Skrull."  The Invisible Girl said, her tone between wariness and wisful nostalgia.  She nodded in respect.  "Miss Queen, one of us should really get polite.  Skrulls are one of the few lifeforms that earn my hubby's concern."  There was pride in the inexplicably young Sue Storm's voice.  But it was strange to hear a barely teenaged girl talk about her beloved spouse.  E'Llar could feel a telepathic catch of 'breath', the White Queen couldn't hide her fear of the Stanley Students and her paradoxical need to communicate with them.

"I'm not surprised you beat my pupils, good students of Stanley."  The Hellions groaned and grimaced.  But even Thunderbird backed away from She-Hulk.  The green giantess seemed to be the most intimidating to the downed Hellions.  "But it really isn't their fault.  You see, in your school you can spend the hours simply training.  But for every hour the Hellions spend training, they must then spend several hours tediously avoiding the authorities in various ways.  No wonder they are undertrained compared to you."

"So we have learned that is better to recruit from the Stanley School and others rather than train for ourselves.  So I ask you to join us and live beyond the rules of others."

<b>"Wait a minute."</b> Bluebird said, "How can you dare to do this?  The Stanley Staff, and probably every hero, will pound you into diamond paste in just a little bit."

"Then why aren't they here, child?  They know we are out there and what our intentions are.  So where are your saviors?"

The Invisible Girl was about to speak in reply but caught herself and buried her words in an involuntary stage cough.

OOC:  Sorry this took so long to arrive, team.

Truth is, I kinda of forgot how many Team points were spent.  And, in any other game, I would simply have given you the following anyway for good roleplaying and good judgement (your characters showed admirable restraint).  So I will just tell you what you have won.

Empath is currently influenced by Mania, intimidated would be a better word.   He will fight this but won't win in the short term.

If it didn't come across in my deathless prose, Catseye gives the impression of a young woman literally 'born yesterday'.  A lack of socialization hints at a lack of family or even society.   She is intrigued enough to give the Stanley students the benefit of the doubt and even friendship as long as it doesn't yet openly defy her fellow Hellions.  She is not ready to challenge them yet.  But given time...

Telepathy can be a two-way street, some of the White Queen's desparation is leaking through.  She is not prone to panic and is quite resourceful.   You get the idea that she realizes that she is at a disadvantage in this encounter.  But she is like a skilled poker player, even a bad hand can be managed by whoever can play the other guys better than they can play her.

Again, we are out of combat (unless the PCs start something).   You might get more out of roleplaying and interaction than straight rolls.  I do like the Move mechanics.  They help the less perceptive PC groups.  But that's not y'all.  You are bright enough to give any GM fits (and make them proud ;-) )...

Ricochet
player, 203 posts
Sasha Struck, age 16
The Bull
Sat 27 Nov 2021
at 06:10
  • msg #56

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Ricochet carefully "listened" to what the White Queen had to say, though she didn't really have the option to ignore thoughts directly planted into her mind. After the brief back-and-forth, she looked to the Hellions themselves to respond. She'd have really liked a chance to talk to Invisible Girl, but she knew this scene and knew her role in it. Sasha gathered up the courage to speak her lines.

"The rules we live under suit us just fine. They don't stop us from doing anything we wanted to do anyway, and so a small price to pay is even smaller for what we get. Safety, friendship, the same skills normal high schoolers get, plus the skills to be a team. We don't just get to practice using our powers, but we get to practice working together, so we don't end up just a bunch of individuals sharing a battlefield, but are a single fighting unit. We can cover each other's weaknesses and build on each other's strengths. We can handle basically anything and know we're in it together. And we don't have to hide from the police to do any of it. We're leaving. If any of you want to come with us, we can put in a good word with our teachers. If you stay with this sad and desperate lady, then next time I can't promise my team will keep playing nice." She looked to her friends and tilted her head in the direction of stage left. Exit.

"Come on, we're done here."
Jubilee
player, 62 posts
Sun 28 Nov 2021
at 07:44
  • msg #57

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

Jubilee crossed her arms. "Maybe the old folks know we can handle ourselves" she said, although she didn't really feel it. Where are they? "No way am I going to wear one of those lame-o Hellion uniforms."
She-Hulk
player, 22 posts
Jennifer Walters, Age 16
The Nova
Wed 1 Dec 2021
at 03:26
  • msg #58

Re: IC Scene #4: Idle Hands...

With Ricochet having gone into great detail with her explanation as to why she believed that nobody from our school would be interested in the offer from the White Queen, the She-Hulk has nothing else to add.

The jade giantess visually surveyed her classmates with an intimidating glance, quietly warning anybody who showed interest in joining the other school that she was going to have a problem with that decision and that there may be consequences.

After Ricochet suggested that it was time to leave, She-Hulk waited a moment to see that everyone else got the message to follow after her or else she was going to have to wrangle up the stragglers.
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