Total War - Icon City (IC Thread 2)

[Lost Demiurge]

MID-TURN 2: WAR IS THE LOUDEST HORSEMAN

BLACK AND BLUE AND RED ALL OVER
And as the SWAT teams arrive at Barside, two police choppers hovering around the sky suddenly start to stutter and sway madly!

One of them, with a hell of a pilot, manages to touch down safely if not gently on a nearby roof.

The other one crashes in a fiery explosion, down in the surrounding perimeter of police cars! As they do so a whine of aircraft engines can be heard, as two military-grade drones sweep the street, dropping rockets as they go! Cars explode and flip as cops run for cover! Not all of them make it, and the cries of the wounded contrast with the silence of the dead.

By the time the ICPD forces onscene collect themselves, the Family are long gone, leaving only a wrecked and raided police station behind them.

In the southeast, the ICPD station in Whaler's Wharf finishes its collapse. There are no reported fatalities, though flying debris does injure a few of the closer onlookers.

To the northeast, the Lobster-robot-thing is slowly forced back into the ocean via superior fire. It did a number on the station, but nothing that can't be repaired. There were a few casualties, but several officers go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the wounded are swiftly evacuated.

FAMILY
Meanwhile, in Fishmarket... After treating your men, Doctor Caine asks for [2 cash] in payment.



YUPPIE SEASON
As the lights come on throughout Yuppieville and night starts to fall, the blackout is replaced by hissing static... Someone is now jamming communications in and out of the area!

Guard helicopters start to move in, hindered by the growing Bloodwind as it seeps in from the south, obscuring their view... All that can be told is that large numbers of people and/or vehicles are moving around under the cover of the gory mist...

Gunfire at some of the lower-hanging choppers forces them back. Unwilling to open fire in a residential area, the guard waits and watches...


Yuppieville team and Gilgamesh [pm]
You wouldn't think a one-armed medic could work as fast as he does, but Jacob knows his stuff. Pressing the Gentlemen Genius for assistance, the two of them manage to get the guard medics back up on their feet.

Using the distraction, you push out with Edison taking the front and the Knight taking the rearguard... A wise decision, as the troopers who aren't downed by the heroes up front send volleys of indiscriminate fire at the best targets, and the Knight's armor can take it.

All told, you took out perhaps 2 units of WEB Troopers while you escaped.

There are no new injuries... And the team is joined by a bloody, grinning Gilgamesh who's clutching a well used sniper rifle.

You're free of the house, before the Bloodwind's spread over the whole neighborhood. But as you go, lights start to come on, the sound of hydraulic hatches opening spreads throughout the streets, and your cell phones are working again... Well, sort of. There's some static thing going on... James Edison and the Genius confirm that you're currently being jammed.

Oh, and you can hear the sound of approaching helicopters, and sporadic gunfire. They're over in the area where the bloody mist is strongest, though, so it's hard to see'em.

JAMES EDISON
Someone's diverted broadcast power from other areas, saturating the neighborhood.


Well. From here it looks like you can safely flee, if that's your intention...



ROAD WARRIORS
And at the outskirts of the luxury lofts, a firefight erupts in the early morning pre-dawn! Several vans are wrecked by automatic weapons fire, and some sort of AT rifle...

Normally, ICPD would be all over this sort of thing, but, well... They're kind of busy at the minute.

Majesty, Garren (pm)

Garren tricks Hatman Deux of the Steampunks into monologuing, then interrupts him with a beam set to stun! The magician folds like a hand of cards, thoroughly out of the fight.

Meanwhile, Garren's mercenaries put up a counterattack, using their weapons and numbers to aggressively cut down the opposition, disable Majesty's mercenary's transports, and flank them.

(Majesty: One unit of mercs is DOWN, another unit is DEAD.)

It is not without cost, as the mercs sell their lives dear...

(Garren: One unit of commandoes is DOWN)

But as Garren's men move, they report watchers turning up on the nearby rooftops, with binoculars and comms. They seem to be radioing in the commandoes' manuvers... The Commandoes take a shot, but the distance is bad. The unit in position to fire is armed with assault rifles, not so good for sniping.

Still, they're not able to do much as the last unit, trapped and flanked, fanatically gives their lives rather than risk getting shot in the back.

(Majesty: One unit of Mercs DEAD. Garren: One unit of commandoes DOWN.)

With that settled, Garren gets in the semi, starts to check out the damage...

...And backs away, coughing, and shaking.

GARREN (pm)
Garren almost had a VERY bad day, as he realizes that a fire has started in back, and the drug fumes spreading through the cab are almost to toxic levels.

It's only through the grace of some higher power that the wind shifts the way it does JUST before he enters there, and he only gets a whiff, rather than a lungful.
(Garren is POISONED - Level 2)

After a minute of examining it, Garren can see that if the fire keeps spreading, then the fumes will probably put the entire block at risk. This is a potential hazmat situation.

He also sees that the semi isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Pretty well wrecked.



...And while all of this is going on, the Steampunks are laying into the Torchbearers. Polaris' is being slowly beaten down by Sister Baritsu, Serpentina is pounding dent after dent into Stanley Steamer, Shadowboxer and Technomancer are pretty evenly matched, and Ready Go has managed to escape Kineticog's traps, and is hammering him with run-by punches. It looks like the Torchbearers have a slight edge here... Garren attempts to help Polaris by shooting at Sister Baritsu, but the nimble stickfighter dodges all shots that come her way.

As the mercs focus inward to assist with the fight, they are interrupted by a fresh burst of gunfire! More of Majesty's mercenaries are coming in, followed by what looks like the remnants of the SCK escort. At least 4 fresh squads of mercs and 1-2 ganger units, and they seem to be more coordinated then the other guys... In about a minute, Garren's commandoes are going to be in a bad position...


CABLE GUY
And abruptly, three neighborhoods in Yuppieville (Bryson's Field, Major Malls, and Mcmansions) as well as the Factories in Westmarket are left without power... As power is restored to Yuppieville.

GC&E has put out a "Technical Difficulties" response at this time, though astute observers near the utility stations are noticing fast-response security being deployed within the neighborhood...

Leyline
Security's been beefed up since 2 months ago, according to your IC 3 database. Fortunately, you're skilled at social engineering, and you're able to sneak your way into a control center.

You encounter a bit of bad luck when realigning the arrays, but nothing you can't overcome. The shifting power is impossible to conceal, but there are current flows everywhere around here, so you've got plenty of escape routes.

You estimate about three minutes before they figure out where you are. Do you want to do anything more before some very angry security guards start sending waves against you?


VOTING!
And with the preliminaries coming in, it looks like the Hero Registration act is now law in Icon City, along with the Post office consolidation act. The wilderness preservation act failed, and the magical felony strictures are too close to call, just yet. It's still possible for some late influence to shift matters there, if anyone were to work on it...

[Murska]

Dodge City Run'n'Gun Edited[PM]

Right. That's a situation.

Well, the mercs are out of here. They grab their wounded, set assault rifles on full auto and spray the living daylights out of the approaching enemy to force them to take cover and allow us to get away.

Meanwhile, Garren grabs the nearest fire extinguisher, rigs it to keep firing and throws it into the van, in the hopes that he'll get lucky and it'll work to prevent the worst-case. Then he quickly rigs a frag grenade boobytrap into the back door of the van with a string, so that the next person opening it gets a face full of shrapnel. Then he yells to notify the Torchbearers that it's time to retreat. Sarah will attempt to assist the Torchbearers in extricating.

Garren picks up Hatman Deux and starts moving away into the nearest alleyway. If the situation looks overly threatening, he can always ditch the guy and use him as a diversion, but it'd be useful to keep him.

EDIT: Okay, just clarifying my actions here:

1: Mercs grab the downed ones and get out of here. Unload remaining magazines at the bad guys, suppressing the spotters on the roof and forcing the approaching enemies to take cover, and at the same time just leave as soon as possible.

2: Garren rigs the extinguisher into the van to prevent civilian casualties if possible.

3: Let's drop the boobytrap. Too fiddly. Yell at Torchbearers to notify a retreat.

4: Sarah assists the Torchbearers in getting away clean, as best she can.

5: Garren picks up the magician and escapes, after the mercs if that's still feasible, into an orthogonal alleyway, zigzagging inside buildings to make it out of the region if not. If pursuit gets too close for comfort, drop the magician as a distraction. Oh, and if he stirs, stun him again.

[ArcaneStomper]

Limpeza Chama to Cardinal Crowley [M]
His Eminence, Alexander Cardinal Crowley, Archbishop of Icon City

The current situation in the city has put my brothers and myself into a spiritual dilemma. Although our order is dedicated to hunting monsters and those beyond salvation the chaos in the city is increasing and being caused by criminals who while monstrous, are not actually monsters.

My brothers and I do not feel entirely right leaving the city to its fate, but we are not vigilantes and do not wish to reach beyond our righteous calling. Especially given the newly arrived nature of our mission in this city.

Normally I would turn to our Abbot for spiritual guidance in this matter. But the situation is urgent and we are too far away from our home monastery for reliable communication. So I ask you, your eminence for counsel on this matter.

Brother Lieutenant Moreno,
Militaris Ordo Cruciferorum Purgatoria Flamma, Icon City Mission

[Zemalac]

Order of the Hand and Eye

Making Things Darker [PM]

So: the ICPD and heroes are distracted with the world ending around their ears. Iridium Investments is funded by the Young Turks, yes? In Turk's Way? I think it's time we paid a few of them a visit.

Action: send a team of 5 secret wizards to the Iridium Investments offices. Our goal here is to steal as much financial data as we can, preferably without anyone noticing. Scope out the area first, obviously.

Action: The 2 remaining secret wizards and Solomon prepare for a Mindpurge of Turk's Way to wipe out knowledge of our little heist. Or whatever other area the II offices are in.

[Ascaloth]

Sergei

Hey there, kiddos! Glad to see yer all made it outta there alive, eh? Very good work yer all did there, even with them piggies boxing ye in like that!

Arright, now. Tally up the piggies ye offed along with the station ye wrecked, and show Sergei the proof so Sergei can give ye yer paycheck, yea? Dun be counting those outside though, the Major's getting the credit for those.

Arright, well! Nice work there, good job, and all that!

Now, ye fellas wanna go fer round two, or gonna call it a day and collect yer [6 Cash] packet from Sergei?

Aw, now that be a real shame, Annie m'dear! How did them piggies pull in enough firepower to push back yer big lobster-crab thingy, eh? Sergei thought ye woulda made short work of them.

Least tell Sergei ye offed some of them, at least? Sergei not have anything to pay ye with, if you din't.

Bloodwind

Well, I guess there's no chance for Bloodwind to catch the retreating heroes, then?

If that's the case, well, Bloodwind's already at Yuppieville; might as well make sure it's not a waste. Bloodwind will head to the Yuppieville ICPD station, go one-man army on what few cops are left holding the fort, and wreck the station itself as the finale to the whole violent affair this [Turn]. Go in under [Fog of Blood], wreck the cops' morale with [Lovecraftian Horror], slaughter them to a man with [Martial Artist 2] and [Adaptive Combatant 1], then turn its attention to wrecking the station itself. Go [Blood Golem], utilise the [Pipe Bomb], use [Resourceful 1] and [Adaptive Combatant 1] to jury-rig explosive or flammable charges from the station's stores, whatever it takes to raze the station to the ground.

EDIT: While Bloodwind will not go after WEB troopers explicitly, it will nevertheless slaughter any whom are unlucky enough to be in its warpath, and/or are too slow to get out of its way. This is only so that casualties from both sides will be on record, and hopefully avoid any suspicions that Bloodwind is acting in a partisan manner of any sort. Keep WEB casualties via Bloodwind to a minimum, but not nonexistent altogether.

EDIT 2: And when all that is done, split the scene in as expedient a manner as possible, given the circumstances. Either run right out of there with [Parkour Master 1], make an escape through the Absurdly Spacious Sewer via [Resourceful 1], or blend into the crowd of terrified and fleeing civilians utilising [Urban Camouflage 1], whatever works and gives it the best chance of slipping away undetected.

[Forum Explorer]

Knight of Blades

WEB Wars (PM)
The Knight takes a glance at the encroaching blood mist, and the restored power. "Well it looks like that's that. I don't know if Bloodwind is targeting WEB or saving them, but it looks like they've got their gear up and running so there's not much to do but make sure things don't get any worse. I'm going to keep an eye on things from the sky, but I'd much rather not fight in that mist if I can avoid it." With that the Knight flies up into the sky where he presumably spots the guard helicopters. Upon seeing them he flies over to tell them the situation, and learn what they know.

[Madwand]

Majesty



For Whom the Bell Tolls - LD PM


It seems that Gomar own me 2 [mercs units]. Ok, I guess he will want to recover his [downed] commandes and run.

First, we will make sure to dodge any distraction that he wants to trow in my way. Suppressive fire, grandes, explosives materials ect. make sure my mercs are prepared for it. Then use our superior numbers and position to prevent him from taking away [downed commandoes]. Secondary objective - [down] as many of remaining commandes as possible.

Majesty will enter Steampunks vs Torchbearers & Gomar. He will use his [Power 8] to stun distracted Polaris. Then he will tell Sister Baritsu to help with Ready Go. Then he will turn to Shadowboxer, to end this match with judicious use of [Power 8]. Majesty will try to avoid Serpent Tina and Gorren Gomar. I don't know how M' power work on serpent-people and Murska' munchkin.:smallwink:

[A_Dinosaur]

Leyline

Lightbulb Moment
Well I would love to stay and poke around but I think it would be better for me to just get the hell out. First though I'll spend a tech point to try and lock the system up a bit so they can't reverse my work instantly, then Ride the Grid back home. (If railyards is still on lockdown I go downtown and arrange a pickup.

To the Family
Looks like you made it out alright, glad to hear it.

To Arachne
There, got your power back on, and it should be jammed on for long enough that you can get a more permanent solution worked out. Pleasure doing business with you. Where can I send someone by to pick up the cash?(I'll send the getaway driver to pick up the money as my last action)

[Nemesis67]

Lazarus Technologies

To Mordecai Carter (M)
[OOC: As we discussed on Skype. No Action cost to you due to a trait, just need to say you're doing it.]

Greetings again,

I have run into the issue of my systems being compromised by a virus, and it has necessitated me purging some of my data stores. Would you be willing to send me over some files for [Magic 1]? My people have quite a bit of experience with transfers, so I just need the raw data, not any mentoring.

Thank you for your time.

To Edison Electric (M)
[OOC: The boss may be out, but your followers can receive this and go through with it, I hope. As discussed per Skype. Just want this sorted before EoT.]

Hello again,

I have a favor to request. In attempting to warn City Hall of the WEB base, Arachne hit my systems with a virus that has fried my systems. In fixing it, I had to purge [Technology 1] from my Databases. If you could send me a file containing some basic information so I can restore my functionality, I would greatly appreciate it. As a payment, as well as an investment in our future partnerships in implementing Virtue's policies, I offer you [Movers and Shakers 1].

Internal (PM)
Alrighty. Let's restore my functionality. I've got 2 Follower Actions and 3 Pestilence Actions. Spend up to 3 VIP actions to purge [Level 1 Technology], then, if I need more, the Follower Actions. Since I assume the Database effect isn't lost until the action is complete, and I have no intentions of doing any Tech stuff, this should be the least painful to me. Once that happens, send [10 Cash] to Friendly Fire for the cybernetic arms, leaving me [9 Cash], if they still have it available. And send Edison [Movers and Shakers 1]. I could probably get something from Ascaloth for free, but I'd rather not rely on a villain and I don't really lose anything by helping out Psycho. May actually help me when I try to do some things with Virtue.

The Family owes me [2 Cash] for healing their street punks, which I can't pester them about with revealing myself as Caine. Once that goes through, pay off my bank loan.

Leyline owes me [Icon City 2] in exchange for [Powers 2]. Follower Actions have already been spent on that before first Midturn. I believe he has done that as well.

[Lost Demiurge]

Cardinal Crowley
to Limpeza Chama [m]
You are not alone, my son. To oppose evil in its obvious forms is one thing, but to oppose men who would do such without committing evil ourselves? It is a fine line to walk. Not always clear, and easy to overstep one's bounds.

Normally the policy has been to render unto Caesar's that which is Caesar's... To let the government, the police, and those called to the task to do so, and only lend support on matters where the church ordinances are clear.

But now? The secular authorities are literally under siege. The heroes which this city has depended upon in the past seem to be disappearing, and no one is taking their place.

I would that it was simple to counsel you on this matter, but it is one that has troubled me as well. I would posit that the hero registration act provides an opportunity... By allowing sanction by secular authorities, it would allow any who wish to do virtuous acts in this area to commit them with a clear conscience. One could in essence pick and choose... Not commit to open heroism, but be able to now and then do as god requires with the full backing of the law, and without compromise or criticism from at least the rest of humanity.

In any case, I expect the troubles of this city to grow in the months to come. It is perhaps heaven's hand that you have arrived in the city when you did, and I urge you to consider the idea that your mission may be a bit more broad than you anticipated.

Be well my son, and I hope to see many more letters from you in the months that follow.

Cardinal Christopher Crowley
Church of the Holy Redeemer
Icon City Diocese



Order of the Hand and Eye
Darker than dark [pm]
You scout out the main offices for II... A lot of technological-based security, top-notch security guards, and buildings that require passcards. Nothing insurmountable, but you can tell that having a hacker or professional infiltrator along would save you some trouble.

It's doable, but it won't be easy. Put your plans in your EOT when you're ready...



Graveyard Gang
to Sergei [e]
Yeah given how things are going I think we'll take our cash and call it a day.


Anne Droid
to Sergei [e]
WHERE THE !#%#!%#^#!@ WAS MY BACKUP?



Bloodwind [pm]
As the Bloodwind roils around the area and begins his plan to cause chaos, he sees something flying above his cloud... It's the Knight of Blades, heading up towards the National Guard helicopters.



Knight of Blades
Chopper Hopper [pm]
Rendezvousing with one of the medical helicopters, the National Guard crew are shocked to hear that the prime WEB base is below them. "Damn. That... Damn. We need to clear out, radio this back to command ASAP. Is everyone on your team clear?"



Majesty
Muhahahhaha!
Sounds like a solid plan. Go ahead and put it in your EOT when ready.



Leyline
Lightbulb!
You do your best to bollix things up, then escape when they're pounding on the door. A pickup is easy to arrange.


Arachne
to Leyline [e-he]
My hero! Well, metaphorically speaking, anyhoo. Money's waiting for you in a dead drop on Birley street, downtown. Head to Coffee Scoffer, and ask for a mocha malo grande, they'll know what to do.


Lazarus
Internal [pm]
After 2 VIP actions, you are reasonably sure that your databases have been purged of the virus.

The arms are delivered without a problem. And yes, you officially now have IC 2.

"Dr. Caine" has notified the family of their debt to "him"



James Edison, Lazarus
Special Delivery [pm]
Doctor Lazarus has sent your people the Movers & Shakers I database.

[Ascaloth]

Sergei

Gotcha! Sergei be arranging the pay-up right this moment.

Got themselves held up at their home ground by Heroes staking them out, Annie dear. Tune into the news, look at what be happening in Yuppieville, that where your backup be. Sergei woulda buzzed ye about it, but ye shut Sergei down pretty hard last time Sergei tried that.

Oh by the way, m'lady. At least one of Sergei's contractor be right pissed about the 'no backup' thing. Sergei will try to smooth things over, but think ye can get mister Tarantulas to help a little on that score? Bit of compensation maybe?

Free Actions

Pay [6 Cash] to Graveyard Gang for services rendered.

Bloodwind

Note to self; Bloodwind currently has no real means to deal with fliers. Have to figure out a workaround for this issue afterwards.

Well, since there's apparently a bunch of WEB guys running around in the Fog of Blood, there's got to be at least a few guys carrying MANPADs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-portable_air-defense_systems) or something similar. Bloodwind will 'acquire' one of these weapons (slaughter the troopers holding them if need be), and use it with [Adaptive Combatant 1] to shoot KoB out of the sky, and hopefully drop him into the Fog. Subsequently, it will engage the fallen KoB on the ground, mark his armor with [Metal Tracking] to telegraph his movements, and attempt to finish the job.

While Bloodwind will be serious in trying to finish off KoB, the other Heroes would most likely mount a rescue operation. Thus, if KoB can be grounded, his main purpose would be to serve as bait; Bloodwind will be alert for new incursions into the Fog, and turn to engage the squishier Heroes according to tactics previously laid out.

If the WEB troopers don't have a single MANPAD between them (and what kind of fighting force would that be, anyway?), Bloodwind might try to acquire one of those flying power armors they have, and use that to engage KoB with [Blood Golem] instead. Preferably to force KoB back down to the ground, since it's not a good idea for an assisted flier to prolong an air battle against a natural flier.

EDIT: If the above plans are not feasible or just plain don't work out, default back to hitting the Yuppieville ICPD station.

[Nemesis67]

Lazarus Technologies

To Wiretap (E)
Once this war dies down, I was hoping I could get people working together to bring the villains involved to justice. Would you be willing to help?

Arachne took me out of the fight this month so I couldn't organize a defense of the police, but I'm hoping I can put my knowledge to good use in the future.

To Semper Fire (E)
Greetings again,

While I realize you are quite occupied, I was hoping I could ask you a quick question. Fires keep cropping up every month that are surrounded by rather suspicious circumstances. Do you know anything? I do not mean to offend, I simply feel the nature of your powers makes you more capable to investigate than others, and I would imagine you would be at least somewhat interested in this. If you haven't looked into it already, then that's fine. I'm just curious.

As well, would you be interested in helping go after the villains who put together this war against the police after this is over? I'm hoping to bring them to justice.

To Freeway (E)
Greetings Freeway,

I was wondering if you would be willing to help me go after the villains behind this war after they stop their offensive. I'm trying to organize the heroes together to bring those responsible to justice, and use my information sources to provide logistical assistance. I would have tried to organize a collective defense, but WEB disabled my systems this month.

To Leyline (E)
I have an idea for a cooperative endeavor that would benefit the both of us. I would like to discuss it in person next month, or through representatives, if that is possible.

To Garren Gomar (E)
Greetings Mr. Gomar,

I was wondering what rates you charge for your services? I have an idea of a plan that may require your manner of problem solving.

To Knight of Blades (E)
Hey KoB,

I was hoping I could get your help with an operation I am planning for next month. I would appreciate a meeting in person in the first weeks so we can figure some things out.

To Dervish (E)
Any chance you would be willing to elaborate on what exactly you're doing? I may be able to provide some information or contacts that could be of use.

End of Turn (PM)
End of Turn:
1 Follower Action spent sifting through veteran applications to be the test subject of my prosthetics (and the person to lead my soldiers). Augmented spies and technicians go through all this. I'm looking for someone who was taken out of the armed forces by injury and not by choice, and who is frustrated that they can no longer help protect the world. Ideally a bit angry about it all and a loner-type as I feel that would be easier to convince them to turn mildly evil, or other traits my spies deem would make them a good fit for my organization. Require medical backgrounds, psych evaluations, combat reports... Anything that would be helpful in finding a loyal individual and I could justify as important for being a viable test subject. Use my Reputation and contacts through Databases to help. Offer whoever seems the most trustworthy (again loyalty is more important than personal talent due to the nature of my organization, but I'd like as good a operative as I can get) a job as my head of corporate security in exchange for a new, prototype prosthetic set that would fully return their capabilities, and beyond (the cybernetic arms). If they accept, then do the whole orientation of "arms-manufacturer / trouble shooter trying to keep the city and world safe through whatever means necessary" spiel, and give him the codename Fenrir (the wolf that is destined to kill Odin during Ragnorak). Since the apocalypse is my running theme for my true faction, this seems appropriate. My hope is I can use his military associations to find a sniper VIP and hopefully for new soldier recruits or equipment connections.

The way I see it, I'm offering someone not only a return to normalcy, but a chance at a new life of being superhuman. To keep the city safe after all this chaos. I have a number of applications by people who, for some reason, chose to serve in the armed services and were taken out of it by injury, so I feel that most would be eager to play the hero. I feel it shouldn't be too difficult to find candidates, and as the one giving them this new life, they should be rather loyal. I'm just hoping it's not going to take me more than one action, considering I've used my previous actions building reputation and connections to allow me this access to the veterans of the city, and I'm offering them a life-changing deal. Otherwise I somewhat waste Pestilence's action...

1 Pestilence Action is spent augmenting the newly-chosen Fenrir with the arms and my last spy group. If possible, stay on call for healing for the heroes or villains, but at this point, that's not a priority.

1 Follower Action spent transferring [Powers 2] to Virtue for [10 Cash].

After I receive Virtue's money, pay off my bank loan in full, leaving me with [8 Cash]. Waiting on [2 Cash] from the Family.

If possible, turn off my Edison generator. I have no use for it at the moment, and don't want to spend TP upkeeping it. I have the serum I need to pay TP for, depending on when the delivery happens.

Questions:
1) Is there anything [Magic 2] tells me about the following that isn't explicitly stated and that I don't already know:

Deathmask of Imhotep: Specifically past times it's been used, or what exactly it does, or why it was created? Is it a prison for the demigod, or some manner of burial artifact?
The Goblin Market: Bought Garren's info which tells me what he is. Is there anything that I can further find out from my Database?
Screamthief: Just anything about the nature of the primal entity, the binding ritual and nature of it, or any weaknesses involved with either?

9 Cash
5/11 TP (Will go to 0 from Cybernetic Arms and final Spy Augment from upkeep)
0/8 Follower Actions
0/5 Pestilence Actions
0/? (suspected 2) War Actions

State of the Faction: (Ramblings to myself on how Pestilence is doing)
I have made myself known in some manner and useful to almost every faction at this point, with possibly only WEB viewing me as an enemy. Even then, I was hired help and not particularly useful, so I feel they probably aren't too bitter. The virus is as much as they'll do unless I pursue them further, likely.

I have particularly close ties with government entities, in addition to the hero team targeting the Children of Yig and other various heroic individuals. Edison and Carter especially. Merlin is aware to some degree of my nefarious activities and is therefore a threat. Gilgamesh has traded information with me and, I think, sees me as helpful.

I also have some ties with the underworld, largely through Sergei. I've aided Majesty and the Family as much as they've requested, and bartered information with the Trifecta. Garren may come to me with some dealings depending on if he wants more information, as I've already sold him a Database.

Currently, I have Cybernetic Arms that needs to be matched to a proper user for me to start building my special operations team. Or, containment team, depending on how things go.

I also have a Mental Augmentation serum I've paid for, but has not yet been delivered. My hope is to pair that with one of my Horsemen. Pestilence is already a power so that's a bust. I feel Famine, my hacker, would be the best choice, as he will be my only combat tech. Death and War are equipment developers, so they should be fine as they are. Maybe a few level ups are in order, but I want to build my team before I start trying to improve my roster.

Family owes me [2 Cash] or a favor.

Knight of Blades owes me a investigative favor.

Idea is brewing to take down Arachne. Call on KoB's favor (or just get him to help), get Leyline in by convincing them eliminating the hacker-for-hire / information broker faction would be good for business (and they could get [Movers and Shakers 3]), Wiretap may help out of benevolence, Garren may be able to be hired or offered a Level 1 Database as payment... Find her, steal her data, and turn her in. Then move on to the Family, Major Majors, Aquatica, and Gravedigger(?)...

[razovor]

Lantern

Jacob [Interal]
Jacob will see the wounded medics to the nearest medical center, contact Fort Steyer, stay with the medics until assistance arrives, report back to Fort Steyer with the details of WEB's base, then take the evening off to check on his garden.

How many actions did Jacob use in the WEB operation, and how many in the rest of his medic work this turn?

[Forum Explorer]

Knight of Blades

Get to Tha Choppa! (PM)
"We've got some wounded who need evac as soon as possible. I don't know if they'd be able to survive a prolonged retreat, so we've been moving slowly. If you can get them out of here, we can clear out as well."

[oblivion6]

Stations wrecked and 2 [Units] are confirmed dead inside the Station.

Out of curiosity, what's the next step? Would you require additional muscle?

We might very well be in your debt. You have made a friend this day.

[Ascaloth]

Sergei

That be [9 Cash], then. Sergei be arranging the paycheck now.

Dun think there be a next step at the moment, unless ye kiddies think ye be up fer whacking another station now, this [Turn], while them piggies be licking their wounds. But dun ye worry, yer all did well. Sergei be thinking of ye all first next time Sergei have a big job like this one.

Anyhow, Sergei think the piggies gonna be wanting to seek reprisals fer this. Ye kids need a place to lay low fer a bit? Sergei can let ye shack up at the Fishmarket warehouse where that fascist pig of a doctor was, keep yer head down and wait fer it to blow over. No charge!

Free Action

Pay [9 Cash] to the Family for services rendered.

[Thelonius]

Golden Flock

''Bongo! What is that sound?''
''Somebody's shooting up da hood, Mr. D.''
''Okay, then gather our muscle and deal with them. I don't want people to think they can do their killing in my backyard.''
''Might just make more trouble, if we go into the fray.''
''Where's your territorial instinct my friend. Go bash their skulls!''

[Madwand]

Majesty


To Sergei (E)


Title: business offer

I know your busy just right now, but I have something to sell. I have captured a vampire. If one of more magical villains need one I would be willing to sell it for fair price of [3 cash].

M.


To Friendly Fire (M)


I would like to ask about full catalog of your weapons.

Majesty

[Mabn]

Merlin


while continuing their research and community development efforts, Merlin took some time to remember he wasn't the world's only protector.

[Ascaloth]

Sergei

Ye did what? Holy Mother of God, now that be a real coup, eh? That really be something, ha!

Arright, Sergei just might have a fella in mind be happy to buy the leech off yer hands. Sergei be getting in touch with him, and get back to ye real quick!

Hey there, mister magic man!

So listen, Sergei know ye always be looking fer magic stuff. How's a fer-real bloodsucker from the local coven strike ye?

[Lost Demiurge]

TURN 5: RED BLUES AFTERMATH

Finally, the smoke clears. After a grueling assault by both villains and forces unknown, no less than four police stations have been wrecked. Some more so than others... The ranger station in the Outskirts was rendered a literal bloodbath as the fearsome Bloodwind swept through it. The only survivors fled. The station in Yuppieville is charred rubble, removed through a massive explosion towards the end of the power blackout in the area. The Waterfront police station was wrecked by the Family, who killed at least twenty police officers and injured fifteen more during their assault on the place, and the Dockside police station collapsed without a single casualty, undermined from below. It's speculated that the Graveyard Gang was involved with that one, though they've issued no statement, nor claimed credit.

Two more stations, the Precinct in Muse Mews, and the stationhouse in Brownstones, came under siege by a group of random thugs and a bronze lobster automaton respectively, but managed to fend them off. Five precincts still stand, and lines are being redrawn, the dead are being buried, and there are quite a few meetings behind closed doors to plan the way ahead. Chief Rackham, grey-faced and looking twenty years older, issues a brief press conference promising to see that anyone and everyone involved in this cowardly and despicable attack is brought to justice.

Many of the closed-door meetings are with national guard officers, and government suits. Word is a few bureaus whose names are acronyms have been called in to help with this.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS I

The FBI is on-scene, working with the local police to track down who did this, and go after them with extreme prejudice. The police are going mostly defensive until they can rebuild and recruit.


MOVERS AND SHAKERS II+

FEMA is having a field day with this, and the MRB has lost massive amounts of face over this whole debacle. Unless the MRB can get some fast, good victories, they're going to lose massive amounts of funding and authority.


MOVERS AND SHAKERS III

This entire attack looks to have been a manuver by WEB... But WEB subcontracted out the planning and implementation. There's a criminal mastermind out there who just made bank from this.


POWERS II or TECHNOLOGY II

That bronze lobster thing was probably Anne Droid in a new body. Looks like she got one of Aquatica's old battle drones.


ICPD influence 2+, or ICON CITY I

The ICPD is gunning for the Family. It's a bad day to be a bad guy.



EXPLODE-A-YUPPIE

If there's a point of light among recent troubles, it's that WEB was located and thwarted thanks to the quick thinking of several local heroes! Assembling a small team, they found and assaulted what turned out to be WEB's main base in the city! The entire neighborhood of Yuppieville, with a few exceptions, covered a massive underground WEB lair... The heroes detonated an EMP, hindering and slowing WEB. Who knows what they could have accomplished, if the Bloodwind hadn't drifted north?

As it is, witnesses reported the Knight of Blades, James Edison, the Gentleman Genius, and Gilgamesh on the scene. The national guard attempted light support, but was repulsed when the Bloodwind rendered visibility impossible. The fact that a tiny group of only four heroes was able to hinder the full might of WEB itself has not escaped notice! The public acclaim these four are recieving grows daily, as they represent a brief point of hope in the middle of several crushing disasters.

At any rate, once the Bloodwind started to recede, a series of explosions rocked the area, destroying several of the larger structures, and collapsing many of the streets.

About half the neighborhood remains, but due to the utility and structural damage, City Hall cannot promise that the area will be salvaged.

ICON CITY 2

Reports from the first-responder medical and fire personnel on the scene indicate that the Bloodwind killed several WEB troops while it was there.


Technology stat 3+

Hm. Your more sensitive detection instruments went haywire for a few minutes, just before the explosion. Looks like WEB sent out some cloaked aircraft, probably transports, before everything blew up.



TRAILER FULL OF DRUGS CAUSES EVACUATION

Two weeks ago, a massive firefight erupted on the outskirts of the Luxury Lofts Downtown, as the Steampunks and the Torchbearers clashed, and apparently two paramilitary groups supporting their respective sides opened fire on each other causing untold amounts of property damage!

The central point of the argument seems to have been a semitruck carrying a massive shipment of drugs, which at some point during the skirmish caught on fire, and became a potential lethal hazard to the surrounding city blocks. Though there are no witnesses, the MRB forensic team assigned to this has stated that someone risked their life to jury rig a fire extinguisher and stop the fire before it killed hundreds of people.

They have also confirmed the use of dozens of military-grade weapons, including assault rifles, at least one anti-tank rifle, and high-powered sniper rifles. At least twelve corpses were found on and around the site, and the number of injured resulting from this is estimated to be at least three times that number.

Rumors of SCK presence at the scene can neither be confirmed nor denied.

The Torchbearers, Icon City's most junior group of heroes, have been called in to the MRB offices to deliver a full report to Director Carceri himself. Though no statement has been issued yet, this reporter can see no logical way that he would be happy from this turn of affairs.

Garren, Majesty, Golden Flock [pm]

And in the fire and the confusion, with bullets raining down from either side and the two groups of supers duking it out past burning and wrecked cars, Bongo arrives on the scene just as Garren Gomar's forces make a full withdrawal, and the Torchbearers retrieve their fallen and start fleeing the field.

His initial planned warning of "Stop fighting or else!" seems a little trite, as he seeks cover. Peering above the car he's hidden behind, he notices Majesty's forces shooting Garren in the back as the man tries to drag someone to safety.

He also notices more of Majesty's men turning their guns upon the Torchbearers.

And his brow furrows.

He was once a professional, dammit! There are unwritten rules to this sort of thing!

The goons advancing upon Gomar's body yell as they're bombarded by birds, and in the chaos, fail to notice the simian form sneaking up on them, until it's too late. Swiftly knocking their heads together, Bongo grabs Garren and flees the scene.


Golden Flock, Garren Gomar [pm]

Yeesh, Garren's pretty badly shot up. Turning kind of green, too. That's probably not good. Bongo drops him off at a nearby hospital, along with a note. "You owe the Golden Flock for this one."



OFFICE FIRE

Iridium Investments, a relatively new financial organization formed during the splintering of the Banker's Dozen, dealt with a major fire in their primary office yesterday. Damages are still being totalled, but it looks like they lost several major servers during the blaze. The Icon City Fire Department is still investigating the cause of the fire at this time, and has issued no statement to the press.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS 1

Smart money's on the Banker's Dozen, or their Upper Crust allies...

MOVERS AND SHAKERS 2

...Except that's not their usual modus operandi. Morgenstern might have sanctioned this.

Or alternatively it could be a new player, on the scene.



HARDLINERS HARASSED? OR DANGEROUS VIGILANTES CURBED?

The Hardliners zeppelin base departed Icon City early last month, after a confrontation with the MRB, who seized several military grade weapons from the Hardliners after a tense standoff. Major Disaster has issued a statement to the press, that the MRB harassment was a clear violation of 2nd amendment rights, and that if Icon City doesn't want their help, they can always find other people to assist elsewhere. The MRB has pointed to the controversial Miller-Liefeld act of '96, and insisted that the Hardliners' use of military weapons in civilian-occupied parts of the city was a violation that could not be ignored.

Who's in the right? Call in and let us know your opinions! The best viewpoints have a chance to be invited to Icon City's best talk show, Late Night with Larry!

TOMORROW: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

And with large tracts of Icon City slowly being converted into craters and vampire-ridden piles of rubble, there is still no sign of Tomorrow Force, Icon City's premiere superhero team.

Has Doctor Quantum forsaken Icon City?


RISE OF ATLANTIS

And out in the bay, beyond the Arcosphere, a copper-and-crystalline structure has appeared literally overnight. Skybarges patrol the airways around it, and curious ships which venture too close are shoved back by waves of force, damaging or sinking them in some cases.

For whatever reason, Atlanteans have come to Icon City.The MRB has issued a warning to civilians, advising them to avoid contact whenever possible, and to keep a two-mile radius away from their structure at all times.

Not everyone has heeded this morning, as we have here footage of Mr. Aegon Morgenstern himself, catching a ride on a skybarge into the structure. He emerged roughly three hours later, and returned to his vessel, looking no worse for the wear. However, Morgenstern Inc. has withdrawn all vessels and drones involved in their offshore operation initiated last month.


ECONOMIC WOES PREDICTED

With the Truckstops still ruined, and roadway shipping to the north increasingly compromised, prices are starting to rise for basic goods in Icon City. Coupled with the recent destruction of one of its primary spots of upper middle-class housing, many economists are predicting a localized depression on the horizon. Recent charitable efforts from Virtue and the Golden Flock have staved off an immediate collapse, but the siutation is far from improved. Stock in local companies is already starting to fall...


DISORDER, CHAOS, AND TUESDAY

With the city down five police stations (The four last month, plus the Westmarket PD which was overrun by vampires in March,) crime is unsurprisingly on the rise. Drug trafficking in the area of Fort Steyer has risen to become an epidemic throughout the Outskirts, while violent crimes and weapons deals are unchecked throughout Whaler's Wharf. The Suburbs are rocked by vandalism and theft, and even with the National Guard imposing martial law on Westmarket, the area's still unsafe at night. This is in part due to the growth of a local gang, calling themselves the Strykers. Lead by a violent metahuman, and armed with guns from ambushed guard patrols, they seem to be a rising threat...

In the east, the Watchmen have taken advantage of the new registration laws to get themselves registered as legal vigilantes, and are spreading throughout the district, taking up the mantle of unofficial protectors until the police can rebuild and recuperate. The only neighborhoods they avoid are High Rollers and the Boardwalk itself... Where, it is rumored, the mafia is ensuring that the customers of those areas are free to enjoy themselves and spend their money unburdened of cares.

ICON CITY 1

The Caviliogne Mob are smuggling, trafficking in people and drugs, and generally having a field day while the police are away.



THE LAWS OF MAN AND NATURE

And so, Virtue's much-touted hero registration act has passed, and people are signing up in epic numbers for their chance at wearing spandex! Even ordinary, unpowered civilians are registering.

One such unlikely hero, A humble grade-school teacher, explained his reasoning. "Well, last year back during the Kaiju rampage, I had to pull some poor guy out of a crashed automobile before Gargantor the Mighty stepped on him. I guess I could be arrested for that now if I don't have a card that says I'm clear to do heroic stuff, so I'm just covering my bases, here."

Many of Icon City's independent heroes have signed up for the act, including Gilgamesh, the ancient immortal, and Semper Fire, a lower-profile metahuman who spends most of his costumed time aiding the various fire departments and first-responders of the city.

Those who undergo the process complain about excess paperwork, and the slowness of the ICPD in processing applications. Given the recent troubles, this reporter can't help but think such things are to be expected, at least until matters calm down.

As it stands, City Hall has stated that given the recent state of emergency, the window of opportunity for registration has been extended for the foreseeable future.


HEROES OF GOD

Cardinal Crowley, of the local Catholic diocese, has stated that the Church is willing to act as civilian sponsors for any registered hero who wishes their assistance, and guaranteed the seal of the confessional on all sensitive information divulged during the process. Looking at the law itself and the various confessional laws already on the books regarding Icon City's religious personnel, this seems to be perfectly legal.

Critics of the Cardinal are already grumbling about his dreams of a new inquisition, and separation of church and state...


RENDER UNTO CAESAR

And Director Carceri of the MRB has already issued a statement, reminding all heroic metahumans and veteran heroes that any person registered with the MRB is fulfilling federal laws more stringent then the registration act, and therefore exempt from such laws. He also took the opportunity to remind hesitant heroes that the MRB can also offer support, backup, networking, and other useful services for both new and veteran heroes.


MAGIC GETS A REPRIEVE

And after much debate, (and a minor pushback from pro-magic lobbyists who distributed fliers, wrote articles, blogged online, and argued their stance in a reasonable manner) the magical accountability act failed to pass. Critics of the law successfully argued the issue of "burden of proof", as there are no standard means of detecting magic or the results of magic, the law was seemingly unenforceable.

Pragmatists are pointing out that with the recent WEB troubles, the fickle attention span of the public has shifted away from anger towards magicians, and towards people who keep blowing up their city.


CENTRAL MAIL SERVICE HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

With the centralization of Icon City's postal department under career bureaucrat Alan Smithee, service has improved immensely! Personal letters are now guaranteed same-day delivery, and 100% electronic tracking has been initiated for parcels.


SILENT DEATH IN LAKE SILENCE

A lakehouse in the woods was discovered last sunday, with at least four corpses inside. The means of death have not been determined at this time, and the identities of the dead have not been made public. A search of the area has revealed a large underground burrow, empty save for what appear to be fecal remains from a creature weighing at least four tons...



BEGIN TURN 5

[Eldan]

Gilgamesh Public Announcements on:

Atlantis
"So. You're back, you watery tarts and freaks. I thought I had made myself clear the last time. Get out of my sight, Fishhuggers, or I will have send you down to the Abyss again myself. Tiamaat didn't scare me and I doubt you can do better this time. I think the score is still 3:0 in favour of the Scourge of Atlantis."

WEB:
"WEB is not down, of course, but their nose is bloodied. Of course, they took the coward's way out. Figures I'd mainly see their backs, they aren't men enough to face someone their size."

Crime and Chaos:
"I urge everyone to take up the example of the Watchmen. Let us show the world that Icon City's citizens are better than mobs, animals or Atlanteans. Together, we can overcome these difficulties, without descending into crime. If we all do our part, we can preservere.
Let us rise up from the ashes of the city and above our base natures. Let us, together, build a better city.
Of course, you don't just want just empty words. So, here's my offer. I will do what I can, if the people of the city help me. I will use my chariot to evacuate those who want to leave, and to bring in supplies. I will, personally, dig through the rubble and put up new buildings. And I urge everyone who wants to help with this to come to the Watchmen's headquarters, where my homies and I will do our best to get everyone organized. We need all of you. Builders, of course, and medical personel. Even if you just know some basic first aid, we would be very grateful. If you have any resources to spare, bring them. We can use cooks and messengers and labourers. In fact, we can probably find something to do for everyone.
So. Please. Help me help yourselves."

The Hardliners
"This is not just about the second ammendment, Larry. This is about saving people. Yes, there is collateral damage. But how can we bring down giant lobsterbots, ancient vampires and the Atlantean Menace otherwise?
Major Disaster and the Hardliners are heroes. And I don't just mean that in the sense of powered vigilantes. And yet, this city seems to prioritize upholding the law over protecting its citizens. How can that be? If the law does not stand between villains and the people, the law is wrong.
What we need, Larry, is more common sense in government. People who know when to keep to the letter of hte law, when to the spirit and when there are higher concerns."

[Mabn]

Merlin


There are some religious extremists with a history of major attempted acts of terror that I have been following in the city who seem likely to be travelling internationally. I think it would be wise for them to be tracked down.

[Murska]

Garren Gomar - Golden Flock [E]

"Thanks for the lift. Rigging that fire extinguisher took me a bit longer than expected. Shouldn't have breathed in those fumes.

If there's something in the future that you need from me, just send the word."

Garren Gomar - Torchbringers [P]

"I'm up, though that was slightly too close for comfort. I'll see what I can dig up about why those punks were around. If you need me to speak for myself or for you to the MRB, just call - I'll be around."

Garren Gomar - Friendly Fire [P]

"Your wares are of very good quality. My compliments to the chef.

Do you have a price quote for a package of one rocket launcher, two HE rockets for it, one more set of assault rifles, one satchel charge, and an unit of smoke grenades and flashbangs? I'm not sure I'll be able to fund everything at once, but I can prioritize."

[Ascaloth]

Sergei

Well, yeah... just like Sergei figured. Piggies not be happy with ye kiddies now. They be right gunning for ye.

Sergei's offer stands; yer all wanna hide fer a bit til the heat dies down, Sergei got a place or two fer ye. Free of charge, what's more. Though, Sergei be thinking; if ye want to stick around and enjoy Sergei's hospitality fer a while, well, mebbe ye can be Sergei's favourite muscle, eh? First peeps Sergei ask to do job in the future, and all.

Gotcha, m'lady! The bloody freak's accounted fer [2 Squads], and Family took down another [2 Squads]. The Major bombed a bunch to get Family outta the Barside station, but Sergei figure ye already done accounting fer that one. Too bad our favorite robot lady be a disappointment though, and Gravies not even bothered.

So that be [4 Squads] total, ey? Sergei be expecting the rest. So just wondering, what now?

Speak of which, how grateful be that mister Tarantulas fer the bloody bastard saving his hide anyhow? Enough to throw a couple favors Sergei's way?

Well, those Steampunks and mercs that interfered with Torchies, that be Sergei doing that. So where be Sergei's [6 Cash], eh?

Arright, well done, ye Punks! Sergei be sending over the [4 Cash] now!

Charlie

Hey there, Penny! Last month sure was a doozy, huh? You be okay though, right?

If you're good to go, I just thought of something else I figure would be worth teaching you. You up for it? Give me a date and time, if you are!

Faction Actions

1. [College Slackers 1] will tend to the weed crop for the month.

Charlie

1. Arrange combat training session with Penny.

Sergei

Sergei will take [Criminal Mastermind] as his second level!

1. [Go-to Guy 1] + [Criminal Mastermind 1]: Make the necessary arrangements to cover his tracks and go to ground for some time, until the heat dies down. Sergei will call in his contacts in the underworld, particularly those with expertise in identity forgery, and craft for himself the alternate identity of ‘George Johnson’, with all supporting documentation. The idea here is that I can make future posts as ‘George Johnson’, who will really be Sergei himself. (how would I work on that 3rd level in the Secrecy HS?)


Free Actions

Pay [4 Cash] to Steampunks for services rendered

Property prices all around Icon City must have crashed, in light of the recent unrest. Sergei will look at the real estate listings, trying to suss out great deals for properties being dumped by panicking residents. He will focus on the areas where ICPD was attacked, since that’s probably where the property price crashes would be; look at log cabins in the Outskirts where the ranger station was, houses in Yuppieville, clubs and miscellaneous entertainment venues at Barside, and coffee shops in Cafe Run.

[Forum Explorer]

Knight of Blades

To Lazerus Technologies (p)
How much would medical treatment cost? That fight against WEB wasn't bloodless on either side, and if I want to be fully effective I'm going to require medical treatment.


To ICPD (p)
First off I would be honored if a police officer would act as my handler in regards to the new law.

Secondly, I suspect that WEB was the ones behind the widespread attack against the ICPD. They were mobilizing just as we began our attack, and high tech drones dropped bombs on a police station. Finally their threat was something along the lines of 'we can't protect our protectors'. Unfortunately none of it is hard evidence.

Thirdly, consider me at your disposal in the coming month, and particularly in tracking and bringing down the Family. What they did was unforgivable and we'll make them pay.

[Nemesis67]

Lazarus Technologies

To the Knight of Blades (E)
I generally charge [4 Cash] for healing. If you can't afford that, we can discuss alternatives.

I also have plans to try and bring to justice those who declared war upon the police. Are you available to assist or help organize such a coalition?

To Majesty (E)
It sounds like you suffered quite a set back in your clash with the Torchbearers. Do you have any need of medical services? I offer fair rates.

[Cognimancer]

Mordecai Carter

Vanessa Pyre [M]
Ms. Pyre? I've finished studying the wards I recovered from the manor, and I'm ready to apply a new set. I can do it whenever you're ready for them. I'm sure you know, but these wards are top notch - and not cheap to replace, I'm afraid. We're looking at the neighborhood of [25 Cash] after purchasing components, research costs, and our exclusivity agreement.

Grocery Shopping [PM]
Mordecai takes a walk to the 10-11 convenience store in the Minimarts. Here I am, he thinks. Standing in the lion's den, and I'm browsing their selection of potato chips. He keeps an eye out for telltale signs of the AR under cover identities, and walks up to one stocking shelves.

"Can you help me find something? I couldn't help but notice those nice wards outside. And I'm looking around in here, but I can't seem to find the magical reagents aisle." He looks the worker in the eye. "Or maybe I should talk to a manager."

Outsider [M]
If this note finds you, know that you have friends in the city. Look for Mordecai Carter on the Waterfront. Wards in place. Keep safe.

Gilgamesh, Knight of Blades [E]
I hear you guys did a number on WEB's toys! Great job, by the way. In case you picked up any scrap metal during clean-up, I happen to be in the market. [1 Cash] per [Scrap] you bring to the Emporium, open offer. Keep up the good work!

[Nyrt]

Virtue

Press statement
"I would like to thank all those who made the CLEAR act possible- Mayor Tristan and those in his office, Commissioner Rackham, and all our supporters in City Hall and out. We look forward to continuing to make this city a safer place."

"There are a few things I want to turn my attention to. In the interest of full disclosure and transparency, I'd like to speak on our direction from here. First, the police in this city have been hit hard, and to help them get back on their feet, we will be holding a fundraiser for the police force to help rebuild their stations. We'll release details once the date and venue are settled."

"Second, I want to talk insurance. An interesting idea occurred to me and I want to talk to an expert about it. Darlene said I shouldn't bring this up in the press statement, but I'm going to anyway. I want to discuss hero insurance policies."

"Also, I want to mention the failure of the recent magic responsibility act. The spirit of the law I agree with completely- it is illegal to assault someone, using magic on someone without permission should be no different. Frankly, I'm surprised "assault with magic" is not already a crime. However, enforcement is a serious issue. Once more, I am willing to work with and fund members of the magical community to develop a system for determining objectively whether magic has or has not been used on a person. This would help us protect against magical threats, as well as provide a venue of recompense for victims of magical crimes."

"And finally, the need for an organized system for facing city-wide threats has never been more clear, and with the disappearance of the Tomorrow Force and Ideal and the MRB's inability to handle recent threats, the city needs an organized response force. Over the next month or so, our team will attempt to communicate with influential figures in the metahuman community to construct the PROTECT act, Providing Real Organization To Engage Critical Threats."

"One final thank-you, for the people of Icon City, who have welcomed me with open arms. You've shown me that even the city with one of the highest metahuman crime rates in the world has one of the greatest peoples in the world. You've been kind, honest, and patient, and I'm proud to call this city my new home."

[A_Dinosaur]

Leyline

To Family
Dunno if you've heard already but it looks like the ICPDs gunning for you this turn, just fair warning.

To The Bankers Dozen
Greetings, we are not actually acquainted as of yet but I have some important business matters to discuss, given the recent light of Morgenstern's maneuverings and this newcomer Iridium Industries. I am offering you a leg up on your competition. For a price of course, I am a businessman too. I can offer information, espionage, and sabotage. Are you interested?

-One Who Observes

To Iridium Industries
Greetings, we are not actually acquainted as of yet but I have some important business matters to discuss, given the recent light of Morgenstern's maneuverings and the rumor that the Bankers Dozen set fire to your headquarters. I am offering you a leg up on your competition. For a price of course, I am a businessman too. I can offer information, espionage, and sabotage. Are you interested?

-One Who Observes

To Gilgamesh
I appreciate your efforts to restore the city, thank you for supporting the down-trodden after these recent trails in Icon City.

To Friendly Fire
Hello again, might I see a your catalogue for this month?

[Forum Explorer]

Knight of Blades

To Mordecai Carter (e)
Sadly we didn't have time to pick up any of their gear, and presumably they destroyed it along with their base. Feel free to look for salvage though. Maybe you'll get lucky.

To Lazerus Technologies (p)
Sure, I've got two wounded that I'll need treatment for.

Regarding the Magic Law
To my understanding a big problem with detection is not that it's hard to detect, but the opposite. One magician even told me that mere physical contact or even being around him too long would cause them to appear to have had magic cast on them to a detection spell. Or the act of casting a detection spell would cause the same effect. Something along those lines anyways.

Anyways there is also the point some notable magicians brought up of why do they need special laws? Someone assaults you with magic, well we have laws covering what punishments are appropriate for assault already. The magic might be a special method, but the results are mostly covered under the current laws already.

[oblivion6]

Family - SergeiHmm. While we have our own place to stay, a fall back position might be prudent, I think.

Family - LeylineWe are more than aware of that fact. Thanks for the warning, though.

Family - Friendly FireMight I see your catalog yet again?

[Ascaloth]

Sergei

Arright. Well, ye already know about the warehouse in Fishmarkets, so feel free to use that if ye ever need to split. Buzz Sergei before ye come, so Sergei can come down with the key to the place, ey?

Course, that nasty fascist creep of a quack know about that place, too. Sergei trust that Nazi prick about as much as Sergei can throw the bastard. So, Sergei will tell ye first thing once he got other hidey holes set up, kay?

Ho there! Sergei hope ye had a nice chat with m'lady Arachne, eh?

So, what it be that ye did last [Turn]? Sergei can guess, but Sergei do prefer to hear from ye firsthand.

[Nemesis67]

Lazarus Technologies

To Edison and Virtue (E)
Greetings both of you,

I'd like to propose a cooperative endeavor between us to build a secure communication network for the heroes of the city to coordinate. Edison has a mail server fortified against intrusion and I have my Ouroboros that monitors life signs and serves as a communications device. I would of course ensure that my component could not be utilized by those who are not on the official registry, with some manner of lock. In order to ensure someone like Arachne doesn't bring down the network, like she did with the SuperPAC's Heroes Forum, it will only allow access from Ouroboros devices keyed to the system. The server itself will be mounted on a satellite, which Gilgamesh can deliver to orbit on his chariot. Which Edison should probably design, as I am a doctor and not an engineer, as the initial development of my product proved...

This would be a great step in your PROTECT movement, Virtue, and give myself the ability to properly advise the heroes as I have hoped but been unable to do.

Tentatively, I call this the Legion Project, though that of course is just semantics. I do not have the infrastructure [TP] to produce such a system, but I can lock down my portion of it with a fingerprint scanner, by the end of the month.

[OOC: Reiterating what I've told both of you over Skype.]

To the Knight of Blades (E)
Bring them over to my clinic then. I'll patch them up, and we can talk about what I'm looking to do this month.

[OOC: I'll spend the action as soon as you confirm you want to do it now. Just Injured? Or Dying?]

To Gilgamesh (E)
Son of Uruk,

I was wondering your availability this month. I'm hoping to aid the ICPD against the villains who declared war upon them. As well, is there any chance you managed to recover any WEB tech last month? I was hoping my engineer could get a look in on that.

[OOC: Just reiterating what I asked you in Skype.]

To Leyline (E)
Hey, I've got a plan for something you may want to be a partner on. However, before I divulge any details, I'd like to ask your opinion on WEB. This job may anger them quite badly.

As well, I'd like a bit more details on the Expo job. You plotted with the Steampunks to rob it, but then Morganstern hijacked your scheme and stole the prototypes, correct? Can you give me any more information on it?

To HR Inc (E)
Hey, I just wanted to check on the status of my order of the Mental Augment. In addition, is there any chance you have [Technology 3] or [Powers 3]?

To the MRB (E)
Director Carceri, I would like to make a proposal. To put it simply, I'm hoping to use my Databases to organize and advise a counter-offensive of the heroes against the villains guilty of this war on the police. I would like to be hired on as a consultant to your agency, both so I may have access to your resources as well as your authority while building this coalition. A liaison between yourself, and those heroes who tend to not discuss matters with you. Namely Gilgamesh, Carter, Merlin, and the Hardliners... As evidenced by the information I gave you last month, there are plenty who do not wish to involve themselves with your deputy program, but still attempt to protect the city. With FEMA hounding you over what truly amounts to foolish vigilantes operating on their own initiative and not informing you of their operations, I feel having someone whose role is keeping tabs on such individuals is prudent. This month can serve as a trial period for this contract. If I prove helpful, then we can keep it ongoing through the months. Otherwise, you can just let it end, none for the worse of wear.

What do you think?

To Friendly Fire (E)
Greetings again. Could I get your specials list for the month?

To Professor Vector (E)
Hello Professor,

I just wanted to check on whether you had completed your vampire dissection. I am still awaiting the research data as payment for my assistance.

Internal (PM)
Actions:
Get medical history on Jan Tovek. I’ll give him the arms, name him Jormungandr (the world serpent that is destined to die killing Thor, as he feels more of the assassin-y lone wolf type), and then I’ll try to hire Williams as the leader of my troops. He strikes me as the better choice for being in charge. I see no reason not to try to recruit both. I’ll heal the latter of his degeneration and offer him a job as my Chief of Security.

Questions:
1) How would I go about hiring the soldiers? Is there any action cost, or is Tovek willing if I give him the arms? And Williams with healing his degenerative disease?

2) Is there a hard limit on how much healing I can do with one action with Lazarus? I've got the two people from KoB, maybe Majesty's troops, Fenrir and Jormungandr, and maybe any other villains from last turn. Or people from this one...

Plans:
I believe I actually have an overarching scheme for this turn, for the first time. A big campaign against WEB where I try to pick them apart and steal their stuff. Specifically, me, Leyline, and Garren working together to track down Arachne and take her out. Seize all her servers and systems, which me and Leyline crack for [Movers and Shakers 3] as well as data on WEB. I then use that data to begin buyouts of their front companies. If possible, I hope to leverage my knowledge that Morganstern is truly behind Expo to get him on the phone, then (mildly) extort him either for capital or his people's assistance in the buyouts. I don't particularly trust him, so capital is probably a better decision. It sounds like Virtue may invest in Lazarus, which can give me more money to dump into this. I'm going to contact the Banker's Dozen, the Upper Crust, the Young Turks, and Iridium Investments (redundant, but eh. No reason not to) for loans to get more. That should get me a Wealth or two, as well as maybe some Reputation for being a larger player in the business world. More importantly, it gives me covert infrastructure which I can retrofit for my own uses. If all goes well, I'll have taken out the hacker / information broker of WEB, as well as significantly hurt their ability to resupply. Combined with last turn's assault, they'll have great trouble rebuilding. I am debating whether I want to talk to Tarantulas at the end of the turn and offer a partnership... I continue having their former fronts ship parts to them, in exchange for the services of their army. I could step in to replace Arachne, in a perfect world. Eventually kill the bastard and take full control. But that's almost certainly not going to happen. Would be a nice jumpstart to my organization. Which I've realized is just a more covertly oriented WEB that prefers to operate behind the scenes, really... But I'm fine with that. The Horsemen will protect the world. In whatever way is necessary and whether they are wanted or not.

War continues reverse engineering the jumpspider armor, looking at the WEB scrap from Gilgamesh and the one I'll buy from Garren to get a better idea of the kinds of components and style of design they have. She'll share this knowledge with my other people to help know which companies are supplying parts. Corroborated with Arachne's databases, I should be able to identify a significant portion of them. Those that I can't buy out, I get Virtue to begin legal proceedings against.

Meanwhile, I try to get the MRB to hire me on as a consultant, and use my connections and Databases to organize a coalition to help the cops. In descending order of targets, Bloodwind (not counted for being Bloodwind), the Family, Major Majors, Anne Droid, Gravedigger, and Sergei are going down. I already know practically every hero in town, so I just need to put everyone in touch and target them against their best match up. If I get Carceri's backing, that should go a long way towards getting respectability. My Reputation and Trait are also geared towards that, so all together, I shouldn't have too much problem. Gil and KoB being up are also really helpful, as they're now the only leaders among the hero community with the Hardliners gone.

And heal up whoever wants my help. Upgrade Jormungandr, fix Fenrir... Try to recruit a hacker, before the raid on Arachne if I can. I have the Mental Augment for them which should help put Famine on par with Arachne and Leyline.

[Madwand]

Majesty

To Lazarus (E)



Thank you for offer, but I have no need for medical help.



To Friendly Fire (E)


Would you mind to send me your full catalog. I am especially interested in sniper rifles..

M.


Internal:The care and feeding of vampires


I am waiting for result of Majesty training on second vampire.

In this time I would like to get shifter scarf to my loyal vampire fledgling and see if he can create more vampire spawns. City is in disarray and there is not enough cops to patrol. Vampire who can change his looks will have no trouble picking some recruitments ( 1 faction action).

My first database trait: investigators skills (bonus to find out new information, tracking, general craft of my Investigators.)

[Eldan]

Gilgamesh to Edison

"Good morning, Mr. Edison. My Watchmen have managed to grab some of WEB's tech in the aftermath of our recent clash. IT seems quite thorougly ruined to my eyes, but perhaps you would like to have a look at it anyway?"

Gilgamesh to Lazarus

"I'm certainly up for helping. Now, as regards the scrap, I have already asked Mr. Edison to have a look at it, but feel free to send your own engineers as well."

[Nyrt]

Virtue

Lazarus and Edison
This is an excellent idea, which we'll endorse completely. Security is, of course, paramount in this, so you can expect significant investment in this endeavor.

[Imperial Psycho]

James Edison

To Lazarus Tech and Virtue
Sure thing, I'll be happy to help with the server protection.

On my other work, I've made some progress with the Power Suppression. I should be able to maintenance free Suppression Collars finished up by the end of the month, but my work on a more general one only makes me realise just how much work there is to do. This is definitely a long term project. We're gonna need resources if we're gonna pull that off.

OOC: Basically, I've been given notice by Lost: I might be able to achieve power suppression tech, but I'm gonna need better Technology rating, better Powers Databases, better Technology Databases.

To Gilgamesh
Sure thing. Thanks for the help back there anyway. I might not agree with you on everything, but we're on the same side, and it's important we always remember that.

Send the scrap over, I'll see what I can make of it.

[Nemesis67]

Lazarus Technologies

To Virtue and Edison (E)
I can offer Databases. In terms of actual research capabilities, I could work with you to improve both of ours. I haven't had the funds to invest in my infrastructure as of yet, but I'm hoping to expand this turn.

To Garren (E)
[OOC: Pay 1 Cash to Garren for 1 unit of WEB scrap.]

[Forum Explorer]

Knight of Blades

To Lazerus Technologies (e)
Sure I'll be over soon. And you can talk about that coalition then as well.

(Both injured, neither dying.)

To Gilgamesh (p)
You know these Atlantians? So they are another problem to be dealt with huh? Well Lazerus Tech, has approached me with the idea of a coalition. I'm wondering if they've invited you yet.

[Murska]

Garren - Lazarus [M]

[1 scrap to Lazarus for 1 Cash]

[Nemesis67]

Lazarus Technologies

To the Knight of Blades (E)
I'll prep my clinic.

[OOC: Spending the action now to heal. That way we can talk business within the action.]

To Majesty (M)
I'm glad to hear it. Just keep me in mind if I can ever be of service.

Internal (PM)
Actions:
1 Pestilence Actions spent. Set up shop in my clinic, and start healing people. KoB is bringing in 2, and I need to heal my prospective soldiers.

(Free) Research Jan Tovek's medical history in preparation for surgery.

1 Follower Action spent. Recruit Jan Tovek as Jormungandr. He will be upgraded with the Cybernetic Arms and serve as my assassin or shock trooper, depending on the context. If possible, also recruit Alfred Williams as Fenrir, my Chief of Security and the leader of my armed forces. One of my spy units go about doing this. For ease, I'm going to say I'm not going to fix these guys until KoB's people are in and out, but I'd like to get both actions processed now. I hope that's fine? Same kinda time dilation thing as the MRB conversation from last turn? Both are being given a second chance at the action and service they got from their respective military tours. And I have to imagine I have better healthcare...

[Eldan]

GM:
Using some watchmen, and probably a car, to send the WEB scrap to Edison.

Knight of Blades

"I was approached, yes.

As for the Atlanteans, I have a long-standing feud with their entire nation."

[Forum Explorer]

Knight of Blades


To Gilgamesh (p)
I'll see you there then. But before I go, how did you manage to get a feud with an entire nation?

[Eldan]

Gilgamesh to Knight of Blades [P]

"I was King of my own nation. We were at war. They killed friends of mine, by treachery. I didn't take it well. Killed their queen, razed a city, stole their secret of immortality."

[Madwand]

Majesty to Sergei (E)


Hello. I hope that Torch-bearers situation is resolved. Now, I would like to ask you to keep me informed about heroes actions and maybe next W.E.B "situation". I think I will be in better position to help.

Majesty


Internal


Ok, we can make next move. I think I will use my new database trait to investigate Strykers gang. I am especially interested in how they recruit new gang members. (4 investigators/1 faction action).

[A_Dinosaur]

Notorious News

The Chaos of WEB

It's been a rough month for the people on the Streets of Icon City but the big story is certainly the attacks on the ICPD and the WEB activities in Yuppieville. Four of the five Police stations in Icon City are down and who knows how many are dead. Fighting between police forces and a myriad of villainous elements has left the police force shaken, and were it not for the actions of brave heroes in Yuppieville, it seems that the might of WEB would also have been supporting these audacious attacks. So NN thanks you, brave heroes, but your actions do point a certain finger at the ICPD. Without the assistance of the Yuppieville heroes, the ICPD would have been crushed to a far greater extent. The question is: is the funding in the ICPD worth our tax dollars? What if city hall instead put that money towards better equipping heroes like the Knight of Blades, Gentleman Genius, Freeway, Edison, and the ever charming Gilgamesh? The Hero Registration act from our DEAR friends at Virtue may have paved the way for a new and better way to police the city. (Though we might want to take it out of their hands, Pierce is apparently really gullible if he believed the Police Chief about his hero hating child) What do you think Icon City? Our public forum is once again open.

Atlantis and Our Month to Month Woes

Just when we finally managed to struggle our way through a massive attack on the ICPD here shows up another threat to Icon City, though as of yet we don't see any outwardly aggressive signs we did have a giant crab-bot attack a station last month. Was this my personal favorite mad techno-psycho Ann Droid or are the Atlanteans here for blood? Regardless, they seem to be chatting with Morgenstern. And that probably means he is going to make even more money. Great, just what he needed.

Its Time for the People to Help Out

Apparently Gilgamesh is available for hire. So what are we going to do? Hire him. The remaining Drahgur and vamp spawn in Westmarket is a terrible menace, and while they still lurk there in their unliving state it will be nearly impossible for the district to get back to a livable state. So we here at Notorious News are going to Crowd Fund hiring Gilgamesh to kick out the vampires once and for all! Stretch goals and benifits will come soon, visit our website to donate.

Leyline

To Lazarus
Alright, you have my attention. What exactly did you have in mind?

Sergei
Arachne asked me to turn the power back on in Yuppieville, so I did. I have some pretty significant skill with tech, if you have any jobs regarding hacking in the near future keep me posted, I'd be happy for a bit of extra cash.

To Gilgamesh
Hello ancient king of Babylon, I hope I have that title right. I am the Chief editor at Notorious News and yes, we are serious about the job, how much would you charge for your assistance in clearing out all of the remaining Drauger and vampire spawn in Westmarket?

To Steampunks
Might have a job for you lads, are you available this month?

A Safe Place to Talk (Internal)
I put up a handful of simple posters around the University Campus when I am next there.
Think you might have Powers?
Scared? Lost? Unsure?
You aren't the only one, but it is still hard to talk about it.
Here is somewhere you can try.

Attached below is a bunch of tearaway website adresses leading to a forum where everyone is just 'anonymous' and can discuss their powers and how they manifest; and how they feel about it. I figure this will be a longterm plan, but for now Leyline checks in every couple of days and tries to be supportive of anyone who checks in and posts.

Internal
Okay so I have a few questions:
First are morgenstern and his personal army still floating around the bay with the Atlanteans?
Second What is the State of the factories district in Westmarket, and especially Morgensten Inc?
Third is Westmarket still on military lockdown or has it just regressed to quarantine?

And lastly I have a bunch of databases that I have integrated, I still need the guts for them.

[Eldan]

Gilgamesh to Notorious News

"Well, it's an interesting project. How about we see how much money you can raise, I take a small part of it and we donate the rest to the rebuilding effort?"

[A_Dinosaur]

Leyline

To Gilgamesh
Very Charitable of you. Lets see how this goes.

[Ascaloth]

Sergei

Ye got it, boss. Sergei be waiting on SCK, see what them fellas say about the Torchies. If Sergei be hearing stuff about heroes or WEB, Sergei be telling ye.

Oh, so that be ye, eh? Ha, very good, very good! Sergei sure be keeping ye in mind fer such jobs next time.

[Nemesis67]

Lazarus Technologies

To Leyline (E)
I believe I have a lead on a group that has some very useful information for the both of us. However, they are secretive and possibly dangerous. I'd like my people to cooperate with yours to locate them and help crack their data stores once we obtain them. Each of us get full copies of all the files we uncover, likely including at least one Level 3 Database, as well as possibly some research data pertaining to their... Unique interests.

Would you be willing to send a representative to talk in person? I do not feel comfortable talking details over unsecured communications.

By the way, I applaud your support of the city's heroes. They have served remarkably, despite everything. I do hope your crowdfunding takes off. Rebuilding Westmarket would help this recession we are finding ourselves in, which is rather bad for my business...

And I do have an unrelated question. Do you have any idea what went on with Yuppieville's power being restored? Things being brought back online so quickly is rather impressive, after such a widespread outage. As were the GC&E security teams being deployed...

Internal (PM)
So, as you know, I'm talking about Arachne and WEB for [Movers and Shakers 3] to Leyline. On top of any other information she holds about her organization which I hope will be useful. On the off chance her worm is still in my system, I'm trying to bluff that I'm talking about HR Inc. Based on Leyline appearing to be a somewhat anti-government but pro-hero hacker, I'm hoping he'll go along with my plan. We take out a fellow information broker, he eliminates a hacker competitor, and we both get [Movers and Shakers 3]. Only downside is retribution from WEB, if we get caught, though hiring Garren should help divert some of that. If Arachne figures things out as we're finding her... Then that may be bad. But both of us are Secrecy 3 factions, so I hope we can stay under the radar. She has a lot of irons in the fire, after all. And I'll be distracting her with the war on WEB's contractors, so that should be nice.

[A_Dinosaur]

Leyline

To Lazarus
A meeting could certainly be arranged. Meet me at the DownlowD club downtown.

At the Club
The man you meet is heavy set but his face is mostly concealed by a mask, some video game pre-order bonus from a few years ago. And his voice is scrambled to a deep timbre that does not fit his frame.
So who are we after here? I only know a few people in the city who have level 3 databases. You mentioned this might piss off WEB and I'm telling you now, if we are going after Arachne this had better be one hell of a business venture.