[M&M3] The Greater Good!: an Emerald City Nightmare

[dream]

.

"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct,
or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things."
- Niccolo Machiavelli

"THE GREATER GOOD!" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCGlIjLT8OQ)
An Emerald City Nightmare

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/eldritchword/EC_zpsgdqxqydf.jpg

Emerald City
September 29, 2015
11:43 p.m.

Can streets laugh in delight?

If this is true, then "The City of Destiny" is howling in merriment. From the electricity of downtown's party crowd, to the magic of the Yellow Brick Row's shopping-spree tourists, to Malory Bay and the Ablian where boats of various size coast the cool waters, the city's college masses kicking up dust at ice cream shoppes and theaters, citizens of all neighborhoods, despite wealth level, gathering outside for festivities, Overlook Park filled with spectators enjoying a local carnival of family activity, buses and taxis packed to bursting with eager nightgoers, aircraft from BJI cruising across the night sky, foot-traffic everywhere there's things to do, and a moderate Emerald City police presence overlooking all of it.

Emerald City glows like her namesake, with all the technological and philosophical potential of a metropolis on the edge of greatness. But, in the words of Israel Zangwill, "Everything changes, but change". Some look at the city and see a ripe harvest of transformation. They see the bosom of sociological exploration awaiting ... demanding stimulation. They see opportunity. It is they who gather from around the globe, here, on this night, drawn by an insatiable itch lightly-touched by a kindred soul ...


In the deep beneath, the Undercity near-hidden from the tourist trails and footfall of oblivious stranger and citizen, the master of Death itself watches his children wander. A teaming horde of dead-but-not - Undead - shuffled about in the darkness of Emerald City's forgotten underground labyrinths. High above from where the rich used to rule the city, Papa Legba eyes the cavalcade, semi-consciously controlling it all. If only the world knew what the dead say ... if only they could grasp the true Heart of Darkness as he had ... the last great Japanese Samurai spoke of the eternal sadness that cloaked a warrior. Legba was the both beginning and end of this: perfect sadness, drenched in despair and misery, propelled into the light - if only to extinguish it. Forever!

Legba listened inside his mind to the whispers of lost souls staggering in the depths as he eyed the card. It had simply appeared in his home far from Emerald City. How ...? Who was this that so easily penetrated his defenses and left a butterfly on his doorstep? Papa drew the card eye-level and reread words that echoed high above the chanting mumbles of his zombie congregation ...


"Cause & Effect. Circumstance has afforded you a most unique opportunity, if you have the wisdom to see it, the courage to grasp it, and the audacity to see it to it's ultimate conclusion.

~ Emerald City Transit, Royal Hills Platform & Terminus, 0000 hours."



The Bank of Emerald branch manager howled like a stuck pig. Of course. Hanging upside-down thousands of feet above Emerald City's glittering lights would make an impression on most humans. Especially this stock. They weren't what he remembered. Humanity was once a species of relentless tenacity and personal drive. They were family and community focused, to the Nth degree. An unshakable beast. Creatures of destiny. But now, mankind had become docile. Errand. Submissive. Will-less. Commanded by the tokens of other, equally weak-willed humans.

Money.

Supreme had no quantification for capital and its impact on humankind. So, he presumed to 'interview' one of them close to the matrix of domination, looking to gather the proper formula - a code he needed in order to break this psycho-social spellcraft and bring mankind back to itself. If it were possible.

"Nonononooooo!!! Pleeeaase!! I ...!! I don't want to die!! What do you want?!?! I can ... what ... pleeeeaaaase!!! What do you want?!?!?" the manager cried, the echo falling helplessly on the winds high above the streets, as Dar-Vik held Mitchell Garden, by the heel, dangling, high-winds washing him to and fro!

In his other hand, Supreme held a simple card of simpler stock. A harbinger of a sort which drew the man-god to Emerald City from his Hyborean homeland hidden in the Arctic wilderness. He turned his head to regard the message posted on the card ... something of a puzzle daring calculation. While the words were simple, the communication was wet with complexity,


"Cause & Effect. Circumstance has afforded you a most unique opportunity, if you have the wisdom to see it, the courage to grasp it, and the audacity to see it to it's ultimate conclusion.

~ Emerald City Transit, Royal Hills Platform & Terminus, 0000 hours."



The low echo of chains dragging across a pristine tile flooring whistled across the Maximillian M. Mars Scientific Institute. In a gloved hand, the Red Rose walked casually towards "Web City", a new showcase displaying the finest technological innovations related to the world-wide web. WorldOil, a petroleum mega-giant based in Texas, wanted the 'Jarden Quantifiers', a set of 1980's-era digital couplings they hoped to research allowing them to crack the 'backdoor anomaly' of the internet ... for their own corporate expansion. They thought they were the only ones to crack the mystery, BUT, Omnitech Ltd., a banking and investment holdings firm based in New England, outbid them.

The Rose was here to collect $20 million. In a bag purchased from Hermès.

The security is invincible: four perimeter guards with law-enforcement experience; eight interior guards with a combination of law-enforcement and military experience; the state-of-the-art Daviels 'HoloChrome Display' that reads site temperatures, motion, and sonic variance with 'organic' random surveillance; the standard laser-field projection ... all disabled or deactivated. The Rose tossed the chains at the foot of the electro-dynamic display case and eyed the quantifier coils. Uncharacteristically, there was a pause ... and then Red Rose reached out, producing a card on simple grain stock. It hung in the air between gloved fingers as the sound of pedestrian passage traveled inside from the street. Eyes older than perhaps the world itself caught the card's inscription - again - and a faint smile nearly escaped the Rose's face,


"Cause & Effect. Circumstance has afforded you a most unique opportunity, if you have the wisdom to see it, the courage to grasp it, and the audacity to see it to it's ultimate conclusion.

~ Emerald City Transit, Royal Hills Platform & Terminus, 0000 hours."



Towering above Emerald City - very high above - in a skyscraper named after a man too dead to enjoy his wealth, a knight once famed and feared across the land stares at ... an alien world. He feels a hand rub his incorporeal back and turns to gaze at the Fey, Morgana: part-human, part-spirit, part of a species that no longer exists on Earth. In any noticeable capacity anyway. Presently, she dwells in the form of a young woman named Jasmine Hills, but her sorcerous nature ripples an aura of what should be identified as warmth. But, to any other than him, her touch burns the soul.

"I feel your worry, M'lord. Why do you let this trouble you so? Time is all, to digest this age and its frailty. Time is all to master its ways and methods. Time, for us. I was so alone. Now that you have returned ... " A kiss on the shoulder radiates power across his being, intangible as it is. Only she could contact a spirit so impregnable and ignorant to the world. He couldn't even feel the earth around him, all the while trying to remember the sensation. Morgana Le Fey was his only link to what he was ... and mayhap, what he would become.

"You came here for THAT purpose, leave us not forget as the time draws nigh. This 'caller' of yours that has so vexed your perfect will. I do not trust it. I sought him out and found NOTHING ... does this not alarm you yet? It could be a trap of some sort, to bottle your forces back to oblivion. I ... " Her hand and warm body leaves him as she walks away, back across the cybernetic carpeting of Hills' office. "Your silence offends me, lord! Speak! Tell me what to do that I may never again lose thee ... you spoke of 'beginnings and endings' and I know the fruit of it; I know this kin of age will plant you in a cellar of fire - forever! I'll slay 10,000 men before I let them imprison you again." Her voice grows weak and low, as she does to sink her teeth in unsuspecting prey, "Tell me not to wary this. Tell me we will be together unbroken along the eternal cord THIS time. Tell me you wont even bother with this riddle ..." she tosses the card she'd been holding into the air and it sparks into a sudden flame, then to ashes ...

... the light of the flame reflects in his window pane and suddenly, the words return to him, like the curses of a Pict shaman,


"Cause & Effect. Circumstance has afforded you a most unique opportunity, if you have the wisdom to see it, the courage to grasp it, and the audacity to see it to it's ultimate conclusion.

~ Emerald City Transit, Royal Hills Platform & Terminus, 0000 hours."



Introduce your PCs to the world. When you're done, we'll move towards the meeting. Elderand, you can RP the bank manager, if you like, as it moves us along faster. Tekhad, take as long as you like with Morgana. You can just arrive at the scene, or I can add fluff, but once there, Volthawk takes charge of the scene with Carver's perimeter plan. Then, we flow to the meet with Novak/the Architect ... music in the title link.

[Elderand]

Supreme held the mewling wretch firmly, vaguely shaking a,d subtly heightening his terror and willingness to cooperate with a simple psionic manipulation from his cosmicly endowed mind.

"It may not be strictly necessery" thought the hyperborean "a simple quiet word and use of my powers would easily convince any man to tell me all I wish to know but I must confess I simply enjoy scaring these pathetic degenerates"

"Stop screaming, or I shall let you go to your doom."The Ultiman spoke softly."Now you will tell me why humanity is so engrossed with this thing you call money, and why they would crush one another for it rather than share ressources for the good of all"

And so over the course a long conversation that is relentlessly interspread with sobbing from the banker Supreme learns a little of why humans value money. The foolish spawns of the greatness that gave the world the sorcery and science of atlantis now embroiled in petty conflict with each other when so near in the past they faced anhiliation, and of the lazyness of humanity who rely on it's heroes to defend it.

After learning all he can from the feeble mind of his hostage Supreme touches down upon a rooftop and wipes out the memories from the banker's mind before setting course for the adress given on the card, using his mental illusions to clad himself into an appearance that would allow him to meddle easily.

[The_Admiral]

She allowed herself a small chuckle as the tiny card vanished into her sleeves.

Standing there for a minute she considered, looking at the coil and outside, and as the small grin grew on her face, she vanished, the only evidence of her being there was a single rose.

She arrives at the location with much time to spare, blending into the shadows of age and ruin.


Welp, take 10 on a hide check

[BelGareth]

Papa Legba frowned at the piece of paper, he was curious how someone, or something had gotten so close, and better yet, found him in this dark and dreary area.

True, he spent a lot of time looking through his pets, distracted at the double vision, he usually closed his yes when doing so, but the gang of bashers around him should have sensed anything and protected him.

Not that he needed protection from a piece of paper.

He was intrigued, and his plan to sow dissent and test the city was only really coming to the surface, maybe this would be a distraction from his failures?

He had already sent some of his pets over to the location, and he was going to show in fashion, but all he had was drab and dank, as if he lived underground, surrounded by zombies and the spirits of the damned.

Ah well, ki se lavi, he thought to himself as he put on his finest dark purple formal attire, and checked in the mirror one last time, making sure he had nothing stuck in his teeth.

He traveled to the spot, having almost a grip of pets in place all around the area, not expecting to use them, but you never know.

1145, he was always early, it made for a good work ethic, and helped him manage surprises. He found a dark alley and leaned against the cold wall, hidden by the shadows and watched.

[TekHed]

The cadaverous wraith stared through ancient eyes at the luminous towers of glass and metal, and the river of steel carriages streaming through the canyons below. What could only be sorcery and yet was not. He barely registered her rippling touch. As the centuries had waned on, she had become more real, as Guinevere had faded only into the idealized phantom that fueled his rage. In truth he was tired of his long vendetta with the Order. As he had grown tired of her company, her capricious fawning. Yet he could not escape her. Not truly. Not ever. Oh Arthur would pay for his tyranny, but something stirred in his restless soul. Perhaps it was his ling sleep, or perhaps the alien landscape that sprawled before him, but Lancelot of the Lake felt something stir in him that he'd not felt since life still coursed through him...curiosity.

"I must go.", he replied, his voice hollow, low, and with a rasp like grinding metal. "The terrors of this age will not render me your housecat le Fey. Even were I a coward, the sender has proven there is nowhere to hide. Whomever they are, they are well-informed enough to find us, and powerful enough to shield themselves from even your scrying. If they meant to capture, they'd have already made an attempt."

His defiance would not make her happy, he knew, but he had learned in turn how to manipulate her. He floated over to her, translucent shadows cloaking his ghostly glowing corpse. He reached for her, his luminous skull leaning down to brush her mouth with a lipless kiss.

"Wary not, for soon I'll be returned."





*****

Silent. Unseen. He floated down through marbled layers of concrete, ductwork, and steam. Silent. Unseen. He observed.

[Volthawk]

Carver had a rather interesting situation to plan defence for - namely, that a fair number of the people coming in would be able to ignore it to some degree or other, and in any case they'd likely not be put into actual danger by his boys - as well as he's trained them and respects them, they are still men with guns against gods. Still, there were other things to keep in mind - other Undercity denizens could turn up, and you didn't want those lot with their prying eyes and ears anywhere nearby; the location was hidden well and low-key, but there was still always the risk of attack, whether by the law or enemy factions; finally there was the matter of securing escape routes - he already had one planned for himself and Novak, taking advantage of his vehicles' autopiloting systems. The rest of his Havocs had planned escape routes as well, although they were mostly on foot - the local terrain made using larger vehicles inadvisable, and while Carver had his Marauder to get him and Novak away from the meet site, he couldn't provide the same thing for all his men. He was confident that they'd be able to escape and evade capture if the worst happened, though.

Carver had opted for a mixed approach to defending the meeting site, using both the Havocs at his disposal and the sensors he was able to rig up. He had a kind of layered plan in mind - the outermost layer was just covered with sensors, an early warning system that allowed his men to detect and get an idea on what was incoming. This helped with the next ring, where anyone heading in would come across actual Havocs, albeit ones trying to stay hidden. These gave a more hands-on identification of potential threats, and could interact if need be. Anyone figured to just be random wanderers were approached, challenged (name, reason for being here, that kinda thing - the text of the card they were given was the main thing determining further passage) and, if the initial assessment of a random person held, subdued here - nonlethal methods were preferred, as there was no need to agitate the denizens of the Undercity more than necessary, they just needed to be kept for the duration of the meeting, lest anyone else get alerted. Anyone determined to be legitimately invited were brought to the point with a Havoc escort (just in case). Once you got past, you had a more standard setup, with guard patrols and sensors scattered around to give best coverage, although by this point they were more ready for an actual assault or determined infiltrator than random people, so these Havocs were willing to use lethal force (people cleared by the earlier rings were described to these guards to prevent friendly fire, although the Havoc escort usually conveyed this fine).

Finally, an invited villain or particularly successful infiltrator would find the meeting point. Here was the greatest number of Havocs, including a few dressed in heavier armour and hefting larger weapons, and Carver himself. Located off to one side of the meeting point, Carver currently next to his Marauder (a heavily customised motorbike, for reference), various portable computer and comms systems set up, as he listened and assessed the situations his men and tech were flagging up. A couple of unidentified humanoids that appeared undead upon closer inspection...that was likely the necromancer's minions, so he ordered to leave them be for now, but to keep a close eye on them. A few more apparently normal wanderers...they were all to be treated as per standard, but the men were to keep in mind that some may be invited, just in low-key guises. The proper challenges, using the card's text, was necessary to distinguish the two groups. He had no doubt that some invitees would just ignore all this (Rose in particular had a long history at laughing at much more entrenched and sophisticated security systems), but that was fine. It wasn't them he was concerned about. It was everything else that could go wrong that he had to prepare for (Novak's talents helped with planning contingencies for sure, but Carver was still concerned that they could be blind-sided by something). Another factor he was concerned about was that this really wasn't his group's specialty - more than anything, they were offensive in nature, hired to attack and destroy than guard and protect.

[The_Admiral]

Rose chuckled at the defenses as she easily slipped past them, they were rather lackluster. If impressive for how quickly they were set up. As she approached the heart of the web of defences, she finally spots Carver, at the center of a web of electronics, from where he was probably coordinating the defences.

She snuck up behind him, sneaking the invitation into his pocket as she pressed her coat against his back, "hello handsome, so you're the one who sent the invitation?" she asked at a whisper.

taking 10 sleigh of hand.

[Elderand]

Supreme could have teleported into the meeting chamber if he had desired to do so, folding the very fabric of space was a rare but not unheard talent amongst his people but he decided to come by foot, his prodigious frame and unusual clothing clad in an illusion of a smaller, less imposing and casualy dressed twenty something in jeans and t-shirt.

When confronted by the havoks he showed them his invitation. Despite their formidable equipment he doubted they would prove much of a challenge for him and so he reasonned that they were there to keep the rabble away.

Finaly he reached the main chamber and adressed the people already there.

"I hope you have a good reason for this riddle of an invitation" his tone imperious, quite at odd with his apparent looks.

DC 13 will check to see through the disguise

[Volthawk]

Carver shakes his head in response, appearing rather unexpected by her presence - after all, she was expected to turn up unexpectedly, as paradoxical as that sounds. "Ah, there you are. No, the man you want is over there." He waves a hand towards the center of the room, before tilting his head to one side, nodding to himself. "Ah, the apparent mundane that turned up was him. Obvious, really. Wouldn't be you and the rest aren't quite that subtle."

[The_Admiral]

"That's a disappointment I thought coming here might have been worth it after seeing you, and you didn't even consider me just being that good? I'm wounded," she replied with a tone that made one wonder if she was joking or did she truly mean it.


Will
[roll0]

[Drakeburn]

From the dark alleys of Emerald City, a figure emerges out of the shadows. The figure wears dark blue jeans and a dark blue hoodie, with his face hidden under his hood. He's not sure what to expect once he arrives in Royal Hill, or why the card choose it out of all the places to meet in Emerald City. But there is no way Tyler is going to turn back. If whoever this guy is, has this opportunity the card promises, than it wouldn't hurt to check it out. If it turned out to be one big hoax, then Tyler will teach the punk why nobody makes a fool out of him. The hard way.

The thought made Tyler smile as he continued walking towards his destination.

[TekHed]

Lancelot noted the sudden appearance of the Rose, she who had inadvertently freed him from his long imprisonment. Still he remained hidden, biding his time. It had been all too easy to bypass the network of sensors and sentries girding the approach. Thus far, a trap it did not seem, but it would not be prudent to put himself in unnecessary risk. Possessing one of the heavily armored minions near the central terminal was all too easy.

The heavy Havoc turned it's gaze towards Carver and the Rose.

"Why hath thee summoned me to this decaying oubliette?"

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: Zero.

Novak sat, precariously balanced on the edge of a bench on the abandoned platform, he watched as the pieces began to fall into place. He had set the events in motion, and it all hinged on his ability to convince these individuals gathered on this abandoned platform to begin to act towards a common goal. He half smiled as he lifted a lighter to the cigarette dangling from his lips, the spark providing a brief flash of his face as Carver indicated him to the others, the under glow of his cigarette shadowed his face, his cold, calculating eyes concealed by the shadows cast from his high cheek bones.

As he walked forward through pools of darkness and dim light, he didn't hesitate, didn't flinch. Even as one of his guests spoke,
"I hope you have a good reason for this riddle of an invitation" his tone imperious, quite at odd with his apparent looks.

He nodded in the man's direction, and took another deep inhale from his smoke, letting it burn in his longs before exhaling, the wisps of smoke curling around the collar of his jacket. He made an elegant bow, arms extended, "The invitation was mine Lord Dar-Vik, you humble us with your presence." He stood from his bow making eye contact with the man, and not the illusion, "My reasons will become clear, to you, and all of our assembled guests in short order my lord."

"There are certain events in play, that when they reach their culmination will result in a tragedy of state wide proportions. The specifics of this event will result in a significant percentage of the citizens becoming empowered and transformed on a genetic level by the events of that day. I believe that this affords an opportunity if you but have the temerity to seize it."

He began to pace as he spoke, his nervous energy infecting his every word, "With the appearance of Centurion and the formation of the Liberty League in the 30's, the entire concept of the hero has been balanced on the knife's edge of public perception and expectation. Their arrival in public perception began the so called age of super man, and this age has continued through to this very day, during that time iconoclasts, pedagogues, conquerors and madmen have always attacked their nemesis', in an attempt to remove them from play, what has never been tested, what nobody has had the vision to do, is to give the entire paradigm of the superhero a push, to unbalance it's precarious position, to place our worlds heroes in a position where they must balance their ethics and morality against an ever increasing cycle of violence, retribution and public expectation. With the events that are being set in motion even now, we have an opportunity, an obligation, to slay the very concept of the superman, to create a cycle of violence, and retribution so great, that the very concept of what these heroes are trying to protect becomes so twisted, so far from their own world view, that the entire mythos shatters under it's own weight."

[Elderand]

Supreme looked at the other that were present, he ildly wondered if they were similar in power to himself. He doubted they were similar in outlook however.

His mind quickly saw the potentital of the operation, if heroes and villains were to become both highly destructive, highly amoral it would certainly make taking over in the name of safety that much easier.

Still, there was the matter of how to do it.

"And how do you propose we achieve this ?"

[Drakeburn]

Tyler finally spotted the meeting place, where he saw that he wasn't the only one invited to this meeting. As he approached the meeting, he could overhear only some of the things one of them was saying, who he guessed was the one who invited them here. This guy was saying something..... about something. He wasn't really paying much attention. Then he heard somebody else ask how they can achieve it.

"So, what's in it for us then?" Tyler asked as he stepped into the meeting.

[BelGareth]

Papa sent his minions in and looked around the area, it was not hard to find the exact location of the meeting, some security force was present, and found it fit to block his minions way.

Shaking his head outside in the under street as he leaned against the wet wall, slick with whatever water that sluiced down from the up top, he stood slowly, leaving his perch and walked with his cane and a smile of delight.

*something new, something bold, something needed something old!* he thought to himself as he strode through the shadows, a flock of his walkers following around him, gathering in a murder of deaders, as he liked to call them.

He barely gave the security guards a second glance, he knew they had noticed him coming, and either they would stand aside or he and his flock would push through regardless, if he was invited, then he would need to be let in, no?

Tipping his head to the guards, he entered the meeting, others had already come, so it was a team meeting?

Ah, Papa had heard of many of these people, his eyes and ears heard and saw much, but he had not met many of them.

He watched as the man who invited them came into view, and declared his idea...without as much as a how'd you do, or a thank you for coming.

He was not one to be summoned by someone so rude. So he piped up, holding both hands on top of his black cane.

"An hoo ya be, ta sum'un uss, to be her!" he declared, his thick accent making the words hard for some to understand. "I am not, sumwon ta sumun at ya wim, Wut yu be needin from Papa Legba?"

[Volthawk]

Carver didn't pay that much attention to the speech, since he had an idea of the general concept already, it was the later parts that he'd need to be attentive about, now that interactions were happening and more precise planning may occur. His attention was on the other attendees, watching their reactions and behaviour. There was a chance that this turned nasty, and he wanted as good a handle on the situation as possible. The fact that one of his men was apparently possessed was noted but not actively reacted to - this inner group of havocs was made up of the people he knew he could trust (hence them being allowed to be present here and able to overhear the plans - the outer groups would just know that there was something going on, but not much more than that), so he'd be able to sort things out with the guy. Carver did, however, make a mental note to discuss what can and can't happen with his men in the future, since part of how he got where he is was by respecting the men working for him, so it's basically expected of him to make sure that all this change doesn't violate that prior understanding. So while the possessed havoc looked at Carver, he just looked back, mask hiding his face as he just watched them all, occasionally looking at a screen and whispering a few commands (now that everyone expected had arrived, the men no longer had to worry about figuring out who's allowed to be here, and can just focus on defence).

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: One.

As his guests began to speak, he listened as they presented their questions, their challenges. Supreme was the first, as Novak had known he would be, questioning the plan, the tactics, his need for control ensuring that he had access to the specifics. Followed shortly by Tyler, a thug, but one who was to shortly become empowered by the event that would rock the city, and subsequently, the nation. He needed to know what was in it for him, driven by greed, by the need to provide stability, and meaning to his brutal life. And finally, Papa Legba, one of the more mysterious, even to Novak, of his guests, a man who spoke to spirits, loa in his culture, and worked through them, driven by his rivalry with Samedi.

He spoke slowly, first addressing Supreme, "We would select the face of this new heroic paradigm, here, today, and those whom most fit that role would aid the public, during the upcoming catastrophe. Ensuring their role as hero and savior, they would attract to them, a culture of idolization, and worship, twist public perception as they themselves train, from the pool of empowered persons, a new age of heroes to act as our proxies. Those others," with that he nodded to the hougnan, Legba, "selected for their ability to cause fear, horror, even loathing in the populace would use those self same abilities to commit atrocities upon the populace, to drive them reeling from the dark into the arms of our heroes. Our heroes, given increasingly powerful motivators by those of use acting against them, would be able to respond in kind, and with public support. Each side of this chess game, acting through empowered proxies, keeping the conspiracy, the collaboration hidden, until our ultimate and final endgame, where we expand the envelope of this chaos nationwide, creating an atmosphere ripe with fear, paranoia and dissent, and then present ourselves as the only logical solution, to provide control, and security, at the cost of only minimal personal freedoms. And then we establish our legacy, as the conspiracy that destroyed the age of superman, the Freedom League, the heroes and the system they represent would be washed away as the public clamors to support a system that works, that punishes those that would harm them, terrorize them. We shift the entire paradigm, and then we seize control, power, and absolute authority."

[The_Admiral]

As Architect finished his sentence, Rose asks, "And? What then?" feigning a yawn.

[TekHed]

"It will not work.", the heavy havoc strode forward.

"What you propose...will only end in war. Not between supermen, but men and supermen. The nations and knights of this world will turn against us all. When it has escalated to such a sharpened point, the mortals will no longer put their trust in saviors. They will take matters into their own hands, and it will spell destruction for us all, or ash and ruin for the Earth..."

[Elderand]

Supreme turned to face the havok

"There are risk, but if the change is gradual enough humanity will not seek to fight back."

[Drakeburn]

"So what if a few saps get hurt? It is practically survival of the fittest pal." Tyler joined in on the conversation.
"If they aren't strong enough to survive, then we should leave them to die."

[TekHed]

"Nay. They will turn on all of us. I have seen the terrors which man hath created in my absence. When game is cornered and defeated, when it hath naught but despair, that is when it is most dangerous indeed. Humanity will spite itself to destroy us, if we force them to. Better to inspire devotion and fealty than fear. Fear will always lash out, and inspires no lasting loyalty." The heavy havoc countered.

"If they come to fear the super man thusly, they will ne'er submit to one's rule...and it is plain to see you covet that rulership for yourself. What have we to gain, should we help you claim this throne...?" he addressed directly to Novak.

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: One.

As the Havoc stepped forward and began to speak, Novak turned his attention to him. The manner of his speech rattled him, he took a moment to run through his mental calculations. Were Legba and his loa riding the Havoc, he would appear to be in an advanced state of decay, nor would he be so particularly eloquent, Dar-vik certainly had it within his abilities to mentally dominate lesser men, but the controlled Havoc was taking a point counter to his stance and so it was not him.

Awareness reflected in Novak's face if only for a second, "I presume I am speaking with Sir Lancelot du Lac, son of King Ban of Benwick. I am pleased to see that you received my invitation." He bowed his head graciously to the possessed Havoc.

"You seem to feel as though the populace will turn on us, that our actions shall bring an end to an age. In essence you are correct, but the age we seek to end is that of the superman, for humanity has placed it's faith in such being's, praying and hoping for a savior, rather than, in fact, seeking salvation. Were I to have witnessed the fall of Camelot, perhaps I too would hold such a world view, sadly, however I have not." He paused to stare through the Havoc's eyes, in an attempt to see the intelligence that was controlling them.

"The world has changed, and moved on since the time of virtue and valor. Today the common man places his faith in other, more tangible values, safety and security. If we shift the paradigm, if we show the people of this nation that wolves, howl at the door, wolves that are willing to drag humanity down in a shower of blood and viscera, and we present ourselves as those who can stand the wall, those who can drive back the darkness by any means necessary, then they will place their faith in us. When our actions, no matter how reprehensible the government will see them, is shown to drive back the wolves and keep the populace safe, their faith will shift, they will sadly sacrifice their freedoms on the altar of safety and security, for themselves, for their families. Our actions can, and will, prove that the heroes of the current paradigm are insufficient to keep the faith, and so we will supplant them, replace them, and throw them from their pedestals."

He smiled, thinking on the shade's last comment, "You say I seek the throne, that is not the case, there are others more infinitely qualified," he threw a respectful look towards Dar-Vik, "I seek to advise, I seek to give counsel, I seek to effect a change that shall outlast all of those gathered here today. I seek your aid to create a society that is safe, and secure, a nation that understands it's actions, and takes the steps necessary to protect itself from those dangers. We, as a race, have grown complacent, blind to the consequences of our actions, with leadership and vision, we can effect a lasting change, for the greater good."

[TekHed]

No eyes were visible through the opacity of the havoc's full helm.

It nodded, contemplating these words.

"And what will become of those of us who take on the roles of vile villainy? Once your plan hath been brought to fruit?"

A glowing specter, gaunt, nearly skeletal and wreathed in a clock of shadows separated itself from the hapless heavy, who suddenly doubled over as if with vertigo or nausea.

Before Novak had the opportunity to reply, it spoke again, in it's own voice, deep, hollow,and filled with an enervating sorrow.

"Furthermore, there is one element you have not considered in your calculations. Arthur. Merlyn has awoken from his crystal cave. He seeks the return of the Once and Future King. He will raise Camelot, and muster all of his forces against us. He will present a new shining beacon of hope that will outshine all others, even while it blinds the people to his tyranny."

[Volthawk]

Carver now finally moves from his position, walking over to the havoc that was possessed and kneeling down next to him, making sure he's okay. As he does so, he chips in on the conversation. "Your King Arthur is just another problem. There's the League, who are the main target of all this, sure, but also other groups. I see AEGIS being a larger threat. They're good at finding out secrets like this. I assume you have a plan for dealing with them, Novak."

[Drakeburn]

"Arthur? Merlin? What is this, some kind of renaissance fair?" Tyler growled, raising an eyebrow.
"Can you nerds just get to with it already?!"

[TekHed]

Lancelot ignored the chiding of the mortal.

"Do not underestimate Arthur's ability to inspire. I too once feel deeply under his sway. And he will not repeat his mistakes of yore..."

[Volthawk]

Carver now walks over to Tyler, having satisfied himself that the havoc will at least be okay in the short-term. "Thing is, things like that are actual potential threats. You've got to know who or what the threats are so you can take them down, y'know? And given the world we live in, he says King Arthur's coming back from the grave to take over Britain, and will cause us trouble? Sure, okay, that's something we need to deal with. Gotta think these things through, play it smart. Gives you a better chance of winning in the fights to come."

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: One.

Novak observed the back and forth of the discussion, those that supported it, who seemed to share his vision, those who doubted, or were indifferent, and those who were opposed. Turning towards the dark reflection of the man who once was, he replied, "Those who choose to inspire a new breed of criminal, who shape and mold the villains of our piece so that they oppose our heroes with increasingly reprehensible tactics will stay in the shadows. Perhaps towards the culmination of the events, we may even be forced to have our heroes execute them in brutal fashion."

He paused, he couldn't help himself, given his nature he embedded bits of truth and misdirection in his discourse, "Given there are those amongst us with mastery over life and death, that one of us has a both corporeal and incorporeal state, it would not be difficult to create an illusion, a belief that their specific brand of evil had been eradicated once and for all. And the more the public clamors for it, the more we will want to give it to them."

"Saturday, October 3rd, at approximately 11:43 am, a vehicle will be travelling east bound along the Yellow Brick Row. That vehicle will be owned by a MarsTech subsidiary, and it will be carrying a weaponzied payload of nanites. These nanites, autonomous molecular machines, are extra-terrestrial in nature, a technology used in secret by Maxmillian Mars, discovered years ago. This explosion will create all the physical and environmental damage one would expect in a localized area approximately ten blocks in radius. Following the physical blast a wave of force shall distribute the nanites in spectacular fashion. The machines will bring change on a massive scale, infusing the bodies of those they come in contact with, making changes on a genetic level."

"This event shall provide us with an opportunity," he nodded towards Supreme and Havoc, "our heroes will respond in typical fashion. They will save lives, provide clear paths of entry into the afflicted areas for EMT's and other emergency services, they will aid local authorities, including an often overlooked and under budgeted AEGIS office in apprehending the rampaging nanite infused casualties. At the same time, Tyler will be co-ordinating operations on the ground, he must ensure that he is close enough to the area to encourage the afflicted to participate ever increasing levels of anger, in essence rioting in the streets. Legba and Knightmare will be doing the same, but avoiding direct confrontation with either Supreme, or Havoc and his forces, for now."

"After the immediate events are taken care of, Havoc and Supreme will encourage those afflicted to aid them, to mirror the formation of the League in Emerald City, and those heroes shall form the basis of our deception. Through them we will investigate the MarsTech angle, single handedly removing one of the most influential men from the city, and facilitating his downfall. Now, I will need Rose's assistance in ensuring that key incriminating evidence is in place that will ensure Mars' appears as guilty as we need him to be.From there we will manipulate the media, our coverage, press releases and public statements to ensure an ever growing support for the actions of our heroes."

[TekHed]

"And how pray schemer, dost thou know all this?", the wraith-knight inquired. "What reason have we to trust thee?"

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: One.

He turned to look towards the wraith-like Lancelot again, "Because I have the eyes to see, every choice we make, every action we take causes ripples of causality, One merely has to have the patience, the intelligence to plan for all possible outcomes. A reason to trust me?" He shrugs noncommittally, "I already know what you will do, I see your actions as a branching web from this very moment, you yourself may not know, but come 11:43 Saturday morning, your choice will become obvious, even to yourself."

[TekHed]

"Impudence? Or madness?" Lancelot replied. "We shall see..."

The specter faded into nothingness, though remained near in the wraith-realm to eavesdrop on what more might be said.

[Volthawk]

Carver makes no effort to go anywhere, since this is his impromptu setup after all. He merely returns to his previous position next to his bike, giving a quick check to make sure everything's okay with the men before giving his piece. "Main thing I'm seeing is that you're gonna have to work pretty hard with the media angle. I'm not exactly the most morally spotless character in the media's eyes. I trust you can pull it off though - hell, I see some angles that could make it work and I'm not a manipulative bastard like you. No offence."

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: One.

Novak smiled and drew a long inhale on his cigarette, "I'll take it as it was intended." He placed a hand on his closest allies shoulder, "As for your concerns, just rest assured that all your contracts have directly, or indirectly aided MarsTech's interests, and that payment, though handled through intermediaries was taken from numbered accounts that can be traced back to it's subsidiaries and indirectly it's CEO. Thankfully your distaste for domestic terrorism have caused a change of heart, and for you to act against your employer."

Novak turned and began to stroll out of the tunnel nexus, "As I say, I've been organizing this for a long time."

[Elderand]

"The beliefs and perception of mortal kind are easily manipulated." Supreme spoke as he turned to Carver. "I would not unduly worry about how they will react to you."

He looked Carver up and Down as well as the Havok recently vacated by the spectre of the knight.

"Perhaps a brighter color scheme would help."

[dream]

While the master-mercenary assess the finer aspects of the Architect's machinations, his commlink interrupts the conversation, "Sir, we've got a situation developing in the east tunnel ..." whispers one of Prime's henchmen



a priority message vibrates the mastermind's communicator ...


checking the message reveals it came from your Emerald City PD contact in Internal Affairs. She'd asked for a meeting to discuss new information regarding the presence of 'a powerful group of villains operating in the city'. Oddly, while the voicemail was sent, it's too garbled with 'static' to understand ...




As the dark wraith eavesdrops on the on-going conversation, the scenery around him suddenly changes! He finds himself standing on a massive, tall, stone castle battlement overlooking a wide, green valley semi-shrouded in rolling mists! High above, a full moon, appears and disappears behind rolling night clouds as a low breeze whispers across the valley. There, a hundred yards in front of the castle walking out of the mist, is Morgana ... wearing a see-through gown composed of glittering fey-weave! She stops and looks up at Knightmare, saying nothing ...


DC22 Insight or Will check ...


Morgana is using illusory magic to contact Knightmare, obviously wanting him to return to her. It's the Illusion effect (spell) combined with Remote-Sensing (her 'crystal ball').



As an aside, I like Eva Green's (https://www.google.com/search?q=eva+green&rlz=1C1AVSK_enUS649US649&biw=1280&bih=685&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI1pzStoWkyAIVgbaACh2uRw8I#tbm= isch&q=eva+green+morgan+le+fay&imgrc=_) version of the sorceress. Thoughts?





While big-heads were going over their 'master plan', Nathaniel remembers he had another 'invitation' this night: a local group of small-time smugglers needed 'muscle' to cover their backs for a late-night warehouse heist. While they weren't specific about the product, Tyler's been promised $100K just to be in place (the riverfront, just north of the Cannery) for less than an hour. The job begins in about an hour and payment (in cash) would be received once the job was done that night ...



An incoming message vibrates the master-thief's device: seems there was a 'problem' with the funds-transfer related to the last job ...!


RR has no Contacts, so I wasn't sure how to handle this part. Regardless, only $2 million of the agreed-upon $20 million was transferred!




The revolutionary-godling notices most his new 'associates' are distracted for one reason or another ...



With the new issues popping-up, PCs can ignore or address them either now, later tonight, or whenever (up to you) ...

[Volthawk]

Carver nods at Supreme's suggestion. "Yeah, that should be easy enough to sort out. Men have already been distributed nonlethal options, and we've got alternative uniforms in storage. Bit of a funny story behind that. I wonder..." He looks off where Novak had began to walk, before the message from his men comes through, getting his focus. "Oh? Anything more to tell me? I'm on the way anyway." With that, he also begins to leave the meeting point, heading to the Havocs who raised the alarm.

[Drakeburn]

"Listen, as much as I 'enjoy' listening to you freaks and nerds planning the end of humanity as we know it, I have a job to do elsewhere. So I am out of here."
With that said, Tyler jogs off to the place where he was supposed to meet these small-time smugglers. He may not know what they're after, but Tyler doesn't really care. He's offered a hundred thousand dollars for this job. And he needs something to do after listening to that snooze-fest.

[TekHed]

"As you can see, thy concerns for my well-being were misplaced. The knave claims his sorcery can foretell the future, perhaps in league with the Wyrd Ones who weave Fate. I am yet to be convinced, something that no doubt warms thy black heart to hear." Lancelot dryly addressed his...mistress.

"What else dost thou require of thy knight-shade this night?"

I love her. Not my personal taste in terms of beauty though I know plenty disagree with me. However she is an AMAZING actress. She is fantastic in Penny Dreadful. I can't recall what else I've seen her in, though the 300 sequel is on my backlist. I've never seen Camelot but if you want to go with her as the image we use for this game I'm super down. :smallsmile:

[Elderand]

Having no pressing concern of his own, the ultiman simply willed himself out of the tunnels with a minor expending of cosmic power to reappear a few miles above the city. Surveilling it.

[dream]

As he nears the east tunnel area, the mercenary is met by one of his guards, who is wearing nightvision goggles and has his automatic weapon at-the-ready! He places a fingertip to his lips, then whispers as the two walk towards the branching corridor, "Sir, we've got four probably-armed males, and what appears to be a single female hostage. They've been working her over pretty good ever since they dragged her into the tunnel. At least one of the men has a sidearm and seems to be the lead, with the other three bruisers beating the woman at his signal. The men seem to be enjoying their little game, laughing and joking among themselves as the woman lays in the sewer water. Oh, and the men seem to speak both English and Russian. The scene doesn't look to have a happy ending - at least not for the woman ..."

Reaching the corner, Havok Prime looks down the long tunnel to a point shrouded in darkness roughly a hundred feet away: the sounds of slaps and punches, accompanied by low chuckles echoes through the dark area! The guard asks, "... orders, sir ...?"


HP can have as many men in the area as you like and it doesn't seem the other men have noticed his guards; nightvision is required and all of HP's men have goggles, as well as whatever weapons you like (barring heavy-artillery); the woman is laying on the ground, her business-suit torn badly exposing her bruised body beneath; her face is a bloody mess and she moans very low when hit; the attackers are dressed in casual attire, no masks, and strike/kick the woman every few seconds, causing her to roll across the ground ...


With the darkness and distance, make a DC20 Perception check ...


Havok Prime notices the woman is wearing a badge of some sort on her waist ...!






Arriving across the street from the designated warehouse, Nathaniel sees the block is quiet. As he was told, a large unmarked moving van is parked at the curb outside the 30' tall building and Tyler sees the red glow of a cigarette appears in the driver's side window! A hand extends from the open window, flicking the smoking cigarette into the street, and beckons Tyler over to the truck, just as the back of the trailer opens, with several men in workman's coveralls swiftly moving towards the warehouse!


Make a DC15 Perception check ...


Tyler notices someone sitting in a nearby sedan, parked across the street from the moving van, watching him closely. He also notices that all of these men are of Asian descent ...





From her stance below the castle, Morgana smiles, "Then you've no cause to tarry. Return to me, beloved ..." The illusion fades slowly and the immortal warrior finds himself back in the meeting place, with the other 'invitees' beginning to disperse ...

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: One.

He nodded towards Havoc Prime, "You know what to do, I won't be in contact until after the event. I'd wish you good luck, but it would be a hollow gesture, we both know how I feel about luck." With that Novak turned down a side tunnel and ascended to the streets above. Royal Heights, he breathed in the fresh air, smiled and turned back towards the road, he had been in Emerald City long enough that the city was known to him, every action, every movement, simple, orderly, precise.

The fact that Ms. Murphy had contacted him did not concern him, the static though, that was disconcerting. He began to search back through his memories, attempting to trace back each decision and it's potential outcomes looking to see if he had made an error, or miscalculation somewhere. The static was a sign, a trace? A tap? Disconcerted he threw the small earbud two feet, where a late afternoon jogger kicked it further towards the traffic, and an ExoTech truck crushed it, all as he had foreseen.

He turned, he knew that Murphy would be heading home via the 417 Cutoff, and prior to returning to her flat, would stop at the Bull & Finch Pub for a pint. Ahhh, the Irish, predictable as ever, he ordered two pints of Guinness and slid into a booth. As he had walked to the pub, he had changed, a shift in posture, a change of demeanor, and Novak had disappeared, and been replaced by Jeese Jackman, a three time loser, ex con, informant, and the Architect's contact with Lieutenant Murphy. As she walked in, he lifted her glass, he could see the consternation on her face. She had pushed him several times during their face to face meets, she wanted to, needed to meet the man, Novak, but she knew that he had assigned Jeese to her, as her connection to him, he insisted that it kept them both safe.

"Have a seat Murph, got you your usual."

[Volthawk]

Carver mills this over for a few more moments, before coming to a decision. "Stay back. If I need you, I'll get on the comms. Better to not give our wider operation away." That said, he considers his options. He had a feeling that getting this woman alive may be useful, so his more destructive options were off the table. That left his firearms - silenced weaponry would be a good idea to limit the disturbance he caused, and a sweeping arc of fire should mop things up pretty well - his machine pistols, then. Before he starts shooting, Carver takes a different tact. He simply walks towards the group, guns not in hand but able to be quickly drawn, and speaks. "Who are you people and why are you getting in the way of my work?"

[The_Admiral]

Rose pulled out her phone as her eyes narrowed, she bows saying, "Au revoir, It's been nice plotting one one the greatest scams in the world, but I must go, we'll keep in touch." she steps into the shadows, using the concealment to teleport away, Arriving in New England, she had a point to make, a rather pointed one, heavily considering actually stealing a building.

Taking 10 on stealth.

[roll0]

Knowledge History for any big important historic thing to steal.

[TekHed]

The dread knight nodded, and floated up once more through the layers of urban crust. Merlyn had awakened...but had thus far remained quiet. That worried him. And he still knew far too little about this strange new realm.

[dream]

Murphy looked around the room repeatedly before sitting, "This doesn't feel private enough ... are you sure you weren't followed?" Biting her full lower lip, she again glanced around the room while running a hand through her platinum-blonde hair. Drawing the glass to her lips, Murphy lowered it back to the table, "Not much for drinking tonight ... " She adjusted the collar on her tweed suit-jacket and shifted in her seat, revealing the ball-chain a gold detective's badge hung from. Placing her hands on the table, Murphy leaned in somewhat, glancing at Novak, "... the situation is getting complicated. I can help you, but I need to know more about your operation --- do you have other people in Emerald City PD? Who should I be on the watch for ...?"

Lieutenant Murphy was tense. Unlike any time before, and, it showed in her presence: the french-cut fingernails, the hair color, her lips, nervousness, the necklace, turning down a drink ...? Murphy was a natural blonde who always kept her nails manicured low, always had slim lips, always was a straw-berry blonde, always wore her badge on her belt-clip, and always played it cool. Plus, the third-generation Irish cop never passed on a drink. Ever. It was a clever attempt, but a failed one none the less:

This wasn't Lt. Murphy.


You'll need to make either a power or skill check, depending on Novak's next move, to gain insight on the 'bigger picture' here and he gets a Villain Point for the scene ...




The quartet of men turn almost in unison at the sound of Carver's voice, startled! The 'leader' extends an arm at Prime, pointing, "What? Who are you? Look, you need to clear out of this area, sir --- it's off-limits. This is a police matter." His attention returns to the downed, beaten woman, but his three associates take a few slow steps towards the mercenary, their hands going to the inside their coats ...


The three men stop a few yards from the 'leader' and the woman, facing Prime in a menacing formation. The PC should be roughly seventy feet from the woman's attackers and Havok Prime gets a Villain Point for the scene. The tunnel is fifty feet wide and about twenty feet tall, composed of solid stone and poorly-lit (Partial Concealment for ranged targets). If Carver attacks, he has the first action of the round ...




Hovering high above Emerald City, Dar-Vik sees an odd scene: atop one of the taller downtown buildings, a masked figure wearing a dark uniform is beating-up another suit-clad man! When the suited man is downed, the masked person draws a handgun, placing it against his victim's head ....!


Make a DC10 Intellect check here ...


Supreme remembers this masked person from local news reports as Cthulhu, a vigilante or criminal wanted by the authorities in relation to several crimes involving terrorism and kidnapping. News reports of his/her/its activities have been limited and largely overlooked by most locals as Emerald City isn't much concerned with costumed 'personalities'.

[Elderand]

Supreme sped down toward the building. This masked vigilante would be of use to him, whether as an ally or more likely as way to gather the good graces of the public prior to the plan being enacted.

When he gets in range of the two men he simply order "Stop!"

[Drakeburn]

Tyler jogs over to the driver's side of the moving van, but not without noticing the sedan nearby. Why they were eyeing him, he wasn't exactly sure.
"What's up?" He whispered to the driver, whoever the guy ways that beckoned him to the moving van.

[Volthawk]

There's a moment of silence as Carver takes in what was just said. And then he bursts out laughing. "You lot? Police? Hahahahaha that's great. I didn't expect you to be comedians. Whoever you are, you seem to fail to understand the situation you're in, so let me educate you." He gets serious raising a hand to indicate that his Havok should come in, before quickly moving his hands downwards and drawing his machine pistols, bringing them to bear on the goons. "My name is Carver, also known as Havok Prime, one of the best mercenaries in the world if I do say so myself. The man coming up to support me is one of my Havoks, a pretty successful fighter in his own right before I took him on and trained him up. We're both geared up with military-grade weapons and armour, and the skills to use them." He switches to Russian. "The only reason you're still alive is because I'm curious about who you and her are. So hands off the guns and start explaining, or we take you down."

[dream]

The cops seem to freeze, staring at Prime, while their 'leader' snaps his head back at Carver, his eyes blinking at the merc, "... Havok P-" he shifts his footing to face Prime, taking a slight step back and yells at his men, "Stand down! Now!!" The four men move their hands away from their coats and seem confused by the situation, looking at their 'leader' and among themselves ...! The main man, looking to be forty-something, short black hair streaked with gray, wearing a gray business suit and dress shoes, raises his hands chest-level, palms out facing Carver, "I know of you. Your reputation. And, while your presence here in Emerald City creates many questions - dangerous questions that I will not ask - it is not our purpose to interfere with your 'businesses'. Whatever that may be. My only request is that you allow my comrades and I to leave ..."

At the man's feet, the beaten woman stirs a bit and a low groan escapes her bloody lips ...


Deception (http://orokos.com/roll/332284): 1d20+7 16
Make a DC16 Insight check ...


Carver sees the man's hands shaking slightly and his eyes are too wide; he's afraid! His four associates seem very confused and stand as still as statues ...





At the truck window, Nathaniel sees a well-built Asian man wearing gray coveralls like the other men who scrambled from out of the large truck trailer. His head is shaven except for a long, black ponytail resting on his left shoulder and his neck bears dark tattoos that seem to extend up from his torso. He looks Tyler over and says, "About time. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Being on-time is the same as being late'?" He sighs and flips something out the window to Tyler: a small 'walkie-talkie' style communicator, "Look - all you have to do is stand outside this warehouse and keep watch. Anybody gets nosey or tries to go in, handle it - quietly. If the police show up, key the mic-button twice, but don't let them see you do it, and, only key the radio if they approach you. Understand? We'll be done in less than a half-hour. Then, you get your cut. You come well-recommended, so if you don't f*** this up, and maybe we can do business in the future, okay? And, stay out of this truck." He opens the door, hops out, scans the area while closing the door, then walks swiftly towards the warehouse ...


Make a DC10 Intellect check ... if Tyler doesn't have any questions or comments, the man enters the warehouse through the open doorway, then closes it ...


The man's tats look Yakuza-style, meaning he could be a Japanese mobster.





Cthulhu looks at Dar-Vik, then stands, still holding the gun on the prostrate victim! Looking the villain over, the masked person looks again at the cowering captive, who looks up at Supreme with his bloody face, begging, "Please ... help me! He's gonna kill me!! He's a killer!! Please ... I ..." Cthulhu looks once more at Dar-Vik, holsters the weapon, then grabs the terrified man by the neck, raising him up, as the terrorist steps onto the ledge of the building --- hundreds of feet above Emerald City!


If Supreme intends to stop Cthulhu, roll initiative!





http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/eldritchword/Penthouse_zpsqtlykaun.jpg

Returning to Le Fey's luxury penthouse apartment, Sir Lancelot finds her in the living room, seated on a plush-leather couch, smiling like the Cheshire cat ... on the adjacent crystalline table is a bottle of wine older than most humans, and two wine glasses, one of which astrally hovers just above the table's face ... in the background, Ennio Morricone's The Mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oag1Dfa1e_E) whispers across the penthouse. Gracefully taking the glasses in hand, Morgana rises, nearly drifting towards Knightmare, "Welcome home, my love. Were you successful in your quest for information of Arthur? Tell me what you've found ... then, I will share with you what I have uncovered ..." Her seductive smile grows even wider and her eyes sparkle with manic sensuality as she offers Lancelot the incorporeal wineglass ...

[Volthawk]

Carver sighs, holstering his machine pistols and walking closer to the leader, putting a hand on his shoulder. He wasn't too concerned about the threat they may present - he has his Havoc at his back and between his unarmed fighting skills and his quick drawing, it really didn't matter much that his guns weren't in his hands. "You don't quite get it, do you? I'm not here because I just want you gone - if that was the case I'd have done it already. I want to know what's going on here. Who she is, who you guys really are - you don't act like any cops I've seen, well asides from the ones so dirty that they're basically criminals. I want the information you have, okay? Once that happens, well...then we can start to think about what happens to you."


I have +15 so I autosucceed, but hey for the hell of it here you go: [roll0]

[Elderand]

It didn't take long for Dar-Vik to make his choice, he was supposed to pretend to be a hero after all and heroes stopped that sort of things, even if it was akin to helping a bug get over a rock.

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: Two. Luck Points: 4 of 5

He eyed her warily, he ran the calculations in his head, but she was an unknown, so he had to rely on information that he was processing as he spoke. He needed to pay attention, watch her for any details, any tells, observe, manipulate and exploit. He smiled, almost, shrugged his shoulders, "Murph, we all know complicated was part of the deal when we first accepted his help. He has his guys contact you, you get them what they want, or bad things happen, that's the way it works, the way it always works."

He looked apologetic, "Look, you know that we don't get to contact ... him. He sends people like me, to talk to people like you. I've never even met the man, and I sure as hell don't know who else works in his network. I just know he scares me, what he knows, what he can find out. So how's about you just tell me about these complications and we can see if we can get some help from up the chain, 'k Murph?"

Deception Check, [roll0], to convince her I am just another rung in the ladder and legit trying to help her. A follow up Insight Check, [roll1] with Assessment to determine her combat capabilities, and a final Perception Check [roll2], to utilize my Danger Sense (visual) to see if there is a hit team or extraction team waiting to take me out. Also, my Array is set to Predictable Offense & Tactics giving Novak a Dodge/Parry of 15, As well as Improved Defense & Defensive Roll 2.

Due to a sucky dice roll, I spent a Luck Point for a result of 37 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19932745&postcount=165) on the initial Deception check.

[TekHed]

Lancelot took the glass, and swirled it it around contemplatively. He no longer had the faculty of taste, however what did that matter when sorcery was involved? The sensations might be illusory, but then so were dreams.

"Arthur? Of mine enemy I cannot say. This "Architect" however...claims prescience. He hath foretold an event that will rocks this city, and henceforth the world. He plans to turn these events to his favor, and would make for an ally most powerful against the rising of Camelot. Or perhaps he is merely a deluded fool. Time will tell. If his prophecies come to pass, I would be inclined to hear more of what he hath to say..."

He took a sip...ephemeral flavors playing across his spectral consciousness.

"Now tell me, my long-suffering Morganna...what hast thou found of our ancient foe?"

[dream]

The man gives Prime a confused look, "This woman, she is a mole. She infiltrated Emerald City Internal Affairs in order to counter our investigations of the criminal syndicate she belongs to. We arrested her and brought her here for 'interrogation'. Surely you understand how important it is to defend your organization from spies, yes? I am Lieutenant Yuri Nemerov, and these are my men. We are a Special-Crimes Unit specifically created to counter the efforts of local criminals attempting to run their games on us. Emerald City is one of the most corruption-free cities in the United States because we take crime very serious. Now, we must get our suspect back to the precinct for booking. Of course, we will not speak a word of this meeting to the captain or commissioner ... as far as I'm concerned, we have never met."

He nods and winks at Prime, then moves back to the woman, picking her near-limp body up, as the group begins to leave ...



Dar-Vik underestimates the quickness of Cthulhu and, before he can react, the terrorist leaps from the ledge with his captive, who screams like a schoolgirl! They fall nearly fifty feet, then a cable-line whips from Cthulhu's free hand to a building across the street, and he swings over the city with his victim! From the east, a helicopter closes from about a mile away ...


Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/332311): 1d20+14 29
Supreme has the next action: Cthulhu is roughly 50' away using a swing-line to fly away. The horrified victim is held in held on the terrorist's left side. The pair is roughly 500 feet above the streets below, where pedestrians look up after hearing the victim's scream. Consider the streets crowded with night traffic. Any questions, just ask ...




'Murphy' cuts her eyes at Novak, "Right. Well, 'Mister Mystery' would want to know about this. These people are lo-" she pauses and looks around the pub again at the seated people having drinks and conversations, then she looks back at Novak, "- look, let's get out of here. I know somewhere more discreet ..." 'Murphy' rises and turns for the door ...


Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/333078): 1d20+3 18
Deception (http://orokos.com/roll/333080): 1d20+4 11
Make a DC18 Perception check & a DC11 Insight check. Novak can 'Take 10' on these ...


Novak notices four uniformed police officers standing outside the door of the pub. 'Bull & Finch' is something of a 'cop bar', so seeing them here isn't unusual, but they normally aren't in uniform. Plus, these four occasionally glance through the windows, as if looking for something/someone ...





The sorceress moves close enough to touch the Untouchable, her eyes wild with delight, "The Sangreal! The alchemical formulae that can break the curse binding your soul and make you whole again! It is here, in Emerald City! I first thought it a jest, but a local collector assures me it is the true artifact!" Morgana stared deeply into Lancelot's eyes for a response ...



Hanging around outside the warehouse for minutes, Nathaniel sees the occasional vehicle pass down the lonely block, but at this time of night there's no real traffic through this area. Until ... a loud group of men dressed in shirts and jeans appear from a block down and cross the street, walking towards Tyler. They are boisterous, their laughs and conversation about 'women in nightclubs' echoes over the area as they get closer to the warehouse. Once they get within fifty feet of Tyler, one of them stumbles toward an alleyway saying he needs to 'relieve himself', while the others laugh and taunt him. While he 'does his business', the others look around the area while continuing their loud conversations ...


Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/333084): 1d20 17
If Tyler is hiding (behind the truck or in the warehouse doorway), make a DC18 Stealth check to avoid detection. Otherwise, the group notices him and stare curiously. It isn't hard to see at least most of these five men are drunk. Make a DC10 Insight check ...


The men all have crew-cut hair-styles, suggesting they could be police or military personnel ...

[Elderand]

Supreme flies after Cthulhu, rather lazily, his speed in flight easily able to keep up with the swinging of the vigilante. He briefly consdier trapping Cthulhu and his intended victim in a force field of cosmic power but his curiosity gets the best of him.
Supreme's mind focuses on Cthulhu and with his considerable psionic might starts probing through the mind of the fleeing vigilante.

Opposed Mind reading check [roll0]

[TekHed]

His skeletal features no longer had an eyebrow to raise, nor much else in the way of expression.

"Need I remind thee that mine undead state was thyne own workings? Why now this sudden sympathy?"

[Volthawk]

Carver considers his options for a few seconds. If he lets them go, if they're legit than despite the leader's promise he can't be sure that this won't leak out. Additionally, if the woman is a link to the local criminals, she'd be useful to him and the overall cause. If they're lying, then he can't just let them play him, and still rescuing the woman could be useful - if she's not a criminal and instead someone on the side of the law, then that's some goodwill already before things begin. Yes, when he thought about it logically there was only one option, really. He draws his machine pistols and gets to work.


If I don't get surprise and they go first, odds are I'll do this anyway so it's not really an issue.
Initiative: [roll0]

Gonna use Multiattack's multiple target function to shoot all these guys. Since there's four of them, that's a -4 penalty. Also power attacking for 5. Got Precise Attack 2 for ranged, so cover and concealment don't matter.
Leader: [roll1]
Goon 1: [roll2]
Goon 2: [roll3]
Goon 3: [roll4]
Goon 4: [roll5]

Damage DC 23 for each one.

[dream]

Following Cthulhu, Dar-Vik realizes his telepathic power is resisted by his target's intense willpower! While considering his next move, Supreme watches the terrorist glide towards a dark alleyway on the streets below as the helicopter sails closer ...


DC20 Will check (http://orokos.com/roll/333509): 1d20+6 26




Morgan turns away from Knightmare, "You are not the same proud warrior as before. My magick has harmed you - changed you. Regrettably, I cannot undue the spell, but the Sangreal can. It can make you the man I once knew before. Do you mean to say that you prefer your current existence?" She looks at Lancelot, puzzled ...



One of the men, looks back to see Prime drawing weapons, "Get down!" The others dive for the ground as Prime unleashes an onslaught of gunfire! While he misses most of the men, Prime manages to 'eliminate' one of them! The 'leader', drawing his weapon, shouts in Russian, "Kill him!!" The men open fire on Havok prime!


DC23 Toughness check (http://orokos.com/roll/333516): 1d20+2 4
There were five of them, so the penalty was -5 to your rolls. Also, these are Minions, so you can make attacks by 'Taking 10' and they can't crit you. Not sure exactly how close Prime is to the cops - maybe fifty feet? Regardless, they are counter-attacking:
DC22 attack check (gunfire) vs. Havok Prime (http://orokos.com/roll/333517): 1d20+7 27
DC22 attack check vs. Prime (http://orokos.com/roll/333519): 1d20+7 17
DC22 attack check vs. Prime (http://orokos.com/roll/333520): 1d20+7 22
Prime has taken two hits, but his armor absorbs the damage. It's his turn ...

[Volthawk]

Carver laughs as the bullets just thud into his vest, barely affecting him, as he continues his hailstorm of bullets. He then shouts a quick order to his comrade above the gunfire. "Cover any who I miss!"


Okay, thanks for reminding me on the minion thing. That means my Takedown 2 triggers, so I get a free attack against another one of them. Gonna take 10 and power attack for 3, making my final attack roll 20 and damage DC 21. If that drops a guy, it repeats, and so on if that succeeds.

Doing the multiattack thing again (now at -4, lower if Takedown drops anyone). Gonna again take 10 and PA for 3, making attack 20 (+1 for every guy dropped by Takedown) and DC 21.

Also, just to clarify, currently using stun ammo in my guns. Also, I do have that one Havoc with me, although I believe you control him.

[TekHed]

"Nay...thy necromancy was no curse. Thou hast granted me immortality, and power enough to defeat Merlyn and hated Artur. The noble warrior you once knew died long before this body, when I betrayed mine King and mine ideals, and for what? ...to consummate the carnal love of a woman who denied me, unto her last breath...!"

His hollow voice had steadily gained intensity as his anger built. As he reached the climax, he grasped the hilt of the spectral sword at his waist, and as his bony fingers grasped it, he solidified into a terrifying armored knight. Drawing it in a single motion, he lashed out splitting the dining room table asunder with his rage.

Then he got very quiet, very still, and sheathed the blade, becoming once more a specter.

His voice now low, unable to meet her gaze out of shame for his outburst, he spoke over his shoulder.

"Even should you find the sangreal, it would no more recognize me as worthy than it didst when first I quested for it. Thou are not mistaken. I am not the man I once was...I needs must be alone right now. Contact me if news of our foes should resurface..."

[Elderand]

Most vexing, thought the ultiman when his psionic might failed to penetrate the defenses of the vigilante.
Instead of trying again or dwell on the failure Supreme diverted a portion of his power cosmic to create a thin transparent wall over the mouth of the alley to keep Cthulhu out of it.

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: Two. Luck Points: 4 of 5

As Murphy slid out of the booth and headed towards the door, Novak quickly tapped out a text on his cell to a burner unit he had supplied Havoc with. 'Internal Affairs Informant compromised. Unknown operatives posing as Informant and EPCD. Take necessary measures.' As soon as he hit send he cracked the back of the phone and removed the SIM card, folded it in half and dropped it in a pint of Guinness.

He followed Murphy, and as he got close to her he whispered over her shoulder, "Not sure what your play is here Murph, but going somewhere secure with the boys outside is a real bad move. He finds out we got escorted out of here with the force, and we're both dead. You know that." He moved around in front of Murphy' and held out a finger, "You're a smart woman, you did your research, you remember the South African, Adibisi, he tried to cut our employer out. You know what he did, can you even comprehend?" He leaned in close, making the statement personal, it would add impact, drama.

"He had a team of merc's, came in on choppers out of the setting sun, hit his compound and Adibisi's village where he was born at the same time. Had all his guards, all his family, his entire tribe rounded up, but the bastard didn't kill them, no, something much, much worse. He had all the men picked out, had them all castrated right there in front of their families, wives, daughters. Every. Last. One. Then he took Adibisi taken, put him into a prison, given a number, they say he's still alive. No name, no family, no past, no future."

He took a drag off of his cigarette, "That's who you're trying to f$@k with this move Murph, that's the heat that is going to come down on you for something this blatant. But you want to take me in, then take me in. The s4!t that comes down as a result. That's on you." With that he held out both his hands waiting for her decision.

[Drakeburn]

Tyler wasn't even bothering trying to hide. He was sitting down with his back against the wall, with his hood over his face. He was going for looking like a homeless person. But this wasn't exactly his style. He'd would've preferred to beat everybody to a pulp, but a hundred thousand dollars were on the line here.

Maybe these guys will be too drunk to be a problem. But then again, who knows what they'll do. He keeps watch over the place while keeping an eye on the drunks.

Deception: [roll0]

Perception: [roll1]

[dream]

As Nemerov gets off a round, Prime's second salvo of gunfire explodes across the dark tunnel like hellfire, dropping all of the gunmen in a song of screams and fury! Their fallen bodies go limp, firearms 'clacking' to the ground next to them ...


DC21 Toughness check (http://orokos.com/roll/334943): 1d20+2 10
DC21 Toughness check (http://orokos.com/roll/334944): 1d20+2 6
DC21 Toughness check (http://orokos.com/roll/334945): 1d20+2 10
DC21 Toughness check (http://orokos.com/roll/334946): 1d20+2 3
You control your Minions. I run them for 'outside occurrences' to pass info mostly. While his men engaged Prime, Nemerov 'finished' their hostage with a shot to the head. So the woman is dead ...




As Cthulhu sails downward towards the alleyway, he crashes into Dar-Vik's invisible barrier with a 'thump', dropping his victim who howls as he falls downward from fifty feet up! The terrorist manages to keep his hold on the swing-line, spinning down towards the street ...! A bright light suddenly targets Supreme, projected from the hovering helicopter, enveloping the villain in bright light!


DC20 Toughness check (http://orokos.com/roll/334947): 1d20+6 15 Dazed
Supreme can rescue the falling victim, challenge Cthulhu, or whatever you decide ...
Make a DC15 Perception check ...


The helicopter is a KECN (Emerald City News) helo ...





'Murphy' looks at Novak, then gazes around the room, "Okay. So ... let's step out back then. I - I'll tell you what I know there ..." She walks past Novak towards the restrooms, where a door to the dumpster area was, giving a quick glance at the front door. The cops outside push open the front entrance glass doors, entering and looking around ...

... shoving the door open, 'Murphy' and Novak are outside in a small alleyway with dual dumpsters on either side just outside the door. The alley extends forward roughly 100' with regular foot-traffic passing on the sidewalk beyond. The stench of trash and urine fill the air as she turns to Novak, "Those cops aren't with me. Know that - were you followed? This isn't a game, dammit! My life is on the line here! If you put me or my kid in jeopardy I'll kill you myself! Now what do you want to know?"

DC27 Insight check (http://orokos.com/roll/334952): 1d20+5 23
Gave HG a 'Take 10' on Deception, his best social skill. Give me rolls for his interaction in the future, please.




Once the group resumes walking, they move towards Nathaniel ... one of them burps loudly and the others laugh as they near Tyler. As they pass, one of them stares at the look-out and slows his pace, "You got a problem, buddy?" The smell of alcohol kicks across the air between Tyler and the man, who stops to gaze at Nathaniel ...


Make a DC12 Perception check ...


A police cruiser turns onto the block from the opposite corner ...

[Volthawk]

Carver walks over to the fallen woman, crouching down and confirming her death. Well then, that leaves that avenue of investigation over. The question now was just what to do with these apparent police. They should be down for at least a little longer, and at the least he should be able to drop them again before they become a threat, so he got to work having a look through their things to get an idea of who they actually were and to gather any other information. That'd help figure out his next move.


Looking at the descriptions, I guess Investigate covers this, right? If it's actually Perception, all the better - just add 5.

[roll0]

[TekHed]

Lancelot knew Morganna wouldn't be pleased with him leaving. She was a jealous lover, mad in her own way, as her ongoing obsession with him continued. She was his most stalwart ally, and yet simultaneously stifling.

The dead dread knight decided he would take in the city, really for the first time in earnest since his arrival. Floating invisibly through the streets and alleyways, through private homes, watching this new soft incarnation of men, always absorbed in their mystical screens and other technologies.

He could not explain why exactly, perhaps it was his undead state itself that made him loathe the living, but he hated them. For their weakness. For their lack of chivalry. But perhaps most telling of all, for their happiness.

[Elderand]

Paying little mind to the helicopter Dar-Vik let his cosmic screen falter, diverting it's power instead toward halting the fall of the hostage through telekinesis and making rise toward him. Even if the mind of the terrorist was closed to him, no doubt the mind of a terrified mortal would far easier to probe. Still, the Ultiman kept an eye on Cthulhu in case the vigilante decided to do anything but lick his wound and escape.

[dream]

Searching the fallen cops, Prime discovers their handguns, badges, sets of keys (car remotes included), cigarettes, lighters, a few knives, but strangely - no wallets or identification. Another oddity are the tattoos each of these men have: under their gold necklaces is a chain-like tat that circles their lower neck ...


HP doesn't have Well-Informed, so it will require time & an Investigation check (DC10) to identify the tats, if he bothers with it. Also, even though they're Minion-types, the cops will begin Recovering after one minute ...




While rescuing the falling captive, Supreme attempts to keep an eye on Cthulhu, who was also descending to the streets below. All the while, the news helicopter hovers over the scene, its brilliant search-light scanning between Dar-Vik and the target of his telekinetic hold ...


Make a DC25 Perception check ...


Cthulhu is gone!

[Elderand]

The constant shining of the spotlight in his face doesn't help Supreme and he looses track of the vigilante.
He wills up the hostage into his hand as he slowly descend to the ground.

"Are you alright ? Can you tell me why that man wanted to kill you ?"

Supreme doesn't actually listen or care over much for the safety of the man, instead focusing his psionic might to probing his mind.

Opposed mind reading check [roll0]

[Volthawk]

Carver considers the situation. It's seeming more and more that his initial assessment was correct, and they were just trying to cover themselves. In any case, there seemed to be two possible courses of action here - the first was just to put a bullet through each of their brains and be done with it, and the second was to take them prisoner until he figured out more about this, and seen whether the situation could be used to his advantage, whether privately or as a part of the plan. There was a few more options of course, one of which included dropping them off at the nearest station, but that was too...chaotic for such a delicate time. No, the option that was most useful was clear.

He got up from his crouched position, turning to the havoc with him. "Get a few more men, confiscate their weapons and take them into our custody - find a place to put them while we pull out. I'm heading back to the center to check some things first, radio me once they're sorted." Hopefully the man would listen to his orders and actually radio rather than coming to find him - while now it's not so relevant, during the preparations and the meeting itself, there was a reason for the staggered system beyond just security against outsiders - it was security against those within too. This way, all the outer layers knew was the card and a few other bits and pieces - particularly because very few of those called actually came in through the system, and only one as themselves. Only the men in the middle - his most trusted people - knew the whos and whats in any real detail, and Carver had made it very clear that this was one of those missions you didn't talk about.

As he headed back to use his computers, he considered the plan and the timescale at play. According to Novac, this event...this..what, storm of nanites? Whatever you call it, it'll happen on the third of October. That gives five days. He'd let Novac deal with setting the stage in Emerald, his priority right now was making things right with his boys. Another mission would be wise, to help ease any correlation between this meeting and the event (although he doubted it'd work, it might help). Something foreign (like most his missions), something with a clear enemy that the media won't have a problem with, should they dig it up. That shouldn't be hard, given the state of things. Another consideration was whether or not to keep his men around where they may be exposed. Probably unwise, even if the idea of supers under his direct command intriguing. The same idea could be easily manipulated and make the PR job harder, and might raise questions about the intervention. It'd be better to keep out and quickly come in afterwards, he thinks - after all, it was conceivable that he was based here, and after a short delay bringing in his people to help deal with the situation was more believable, particularly if such an event would bring about a change of heart in the man. Yes, that'd work better. He'd have to keep the delay brief enough that the fact that he knows the timing is less credible, but still enough to beat the authority's scramble. Should be achievable.

Now he has that sorted out a little more, and was back with his bike, he got to work using its computers, digging up information on that symbol.


Investigation: [roll0]

Auto-succeed, but rolling anyway just in case it's the kind of roll where more DoS give more info.

[Drakeburn]

"You wouldn't by chance have any spare change on ya, do ya?" Tyler said to the drunk man.
"I've fallen under hard times."
He could see a patrol car coming around the block. All this was starting to make him nervous.

Deception check: [roll0]

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: Two. Luck Points: 4 of 5


"Those cops aren't with me. Know that - were you followed? This isn't a game, dammit! My life is on the line here! If you put me or my kid in jeopardy I'll kill you myself! Now what do you want to know?"

Novak took a step back and brought up his hands palm out, "Whoa, whoa whoa. Was I followed? Have you forgotten the precautions I take Murphy? Remember that dead drop I slipped into your purse when you and your fiance were out on the town. Di Gusto's I think it was right? You didn't even see me, hell I could have taken that little back up piece you carry in your purse. Those are the kinds of precautions I take."

He pulled himself up, and tried to stare her in the eyes, remembering that he was just an informant at this time, just a cog in the machine, "And what do I want? You called this god damn meeting, you wanted me here, you report to me, the Network gave me the reigns Murphy, you know that. You don't call the shots, you do as your told, you found something that scared you, I am here to get that info, if it's worth the Network's time, they'll make sure you're protected. I came here on good faith, that your self interest would keep you in line, but you want me to roll over on an organization that will force feed me my testicles if I give them up? And then you have the nerve to accuse me of being made by those boys out front. Drop the bull****, give me the information or I walk and you sort this **** out on your own."

Another Deception check [roll0]. To try to force her to feed me the information, most likely false, that she has, or push her to make an irrational move like having her back up pick me up. The dead drop would have occurred when Novak first recruited her, perhaps three years ago, but it was not at DiGusto's because her fiance hates Italian. Another test to see how far back, and how much information she has on the real Murphy.

[dream]

The flustered man runs his hands over his head trying to adjust his hair, "Oh God! Thank you! Thank you, I --- he was --- I'm just a b-business analyst - a courier. He jumped me as I -" he rambles on about being kidnapped by Cthulhu, for reasons he doesn't know, but his thoughts betray him: his name is Ronald Gater, a former day-trader for the local stock exchange who, when approached by local crime figures, turned his intellectual skill to providing 'insider' data to the mob. Now, Gater spends his days trafficking information, from business elites to criminals, allowing the latter to 'launder' their illegal profits into legal business ventures. The profits are immense: hundreds of millions per month, and while Gater is one of many 'middle-men' working for the mob, he is possibly the best-connected of the city, with many local millionaires considering him 'a friend'.

Gater knows Cthulhu was after the trader's list of criminal connections: Cthulhu's been stalking the local mob now for a few months, and the vigilante-terrorist is probably to blame for a long list of 'disappearances' - most of the missing being people operating directly or indirectly with organized crime. 'Ronnie' is married with two kids - a son and a daughter - along with having several girlfriends on the side, so he likes having the money the mob throws at him for his 'multidimensional' lifestyle. But, now that he's a hunted man, Gater's not so sure he wants any part of the mob anymore. While he's sincerely grateful to Supreme, Gater will lie as much as possible to avoid blowing his cover - which is completely blown as far as Dar-Vik is concerned.

... small crowds of people begin to huddle and stare at Supreme, while the news-helo hovers around the area, still shining its spotlight at him! The rush of wind and chopping-sound of its spinning blades wash over the block ...



Digging into his digital resources, Prime strikes platinum with his searching: the style of tattoo is exclusive to a special unit of Specnaz, Soviet Special Forces, called Volk, or 'Wolf' in English. They were a counter-terrorist group tasked with countering the most-dangerous terrorist organizations of the world and neutralizing those threats when they appeared in or near Russia. There are disputed reports that 'Wolf' was responsible for the assassinations of political figures, to include foreign and Soviet diplomats who had possible links to Terrorism. Several years ago, a senior KGB official, Vitaly Nemerov, was killed when his home exploded and when fingers started pointing at 'Wolf', the group was sent, en masse and almost immediately, to Afghanistan, where they battled terrorist forces until the unit was wiped out in an ill-fated counter-offensive just two years ago.

There are also reports suggesting 'Wolf' wasn't destroyed by terrorists, but rather, they wiped-out the terrorist leadership and assumed control of their international network. There are rumors that 'Wolf' was indeed largely wiped-out, but a few soldiers survived and returned to civilian life in Russia. Other reports suggest the elite commandos were never sent to Afghanistan, but instead, they were arrested and locked away in a secret Siberian prison-complex. There's even an article suggesting the unit was sent into the desert, where they made contact with CIA operatives and were subsequently 'liberated' to the U.S. A final, humorous report displays a timeline of events linking all the rumors and reports as being part of one grand conspiracy, with 'Wolf' being one of the many organizations across the globe infiltrated by extraterrestrials!

Regardless, 'Wolf' was one of the finest military units in the world, but despite that, the Russian government no longer recognizes the unit, listing it as 'reformed' under the aegis of Specnaz 'Alpha' units. While in operation, 'Wolf' was the recipient of many combat honors and had an indisputable reputation for honor, bravery, and integrity. They were/are masters of counter-terrorism, guerrilla warfare, espionage, and small-unit tactics. Most Russians knew little of the unit due to its covert nature and small size - 'Wolf' was never more than a 23-man unit, normally operating in three, seven-man teams, with a commander and lieutenant directing all operations. Of all the information Prime finds on 'Wolf', the 'CIA' reports seem to be the best documented, with just the right names and dates to suggest 'Langely' was probably behind the unit's disappearance ...


Prime can follow-up on any of the individual reports, if you like. The roll was good enough to cover any additional questions you might have about the unit, the tattoo, or anything loosely related to them ...




"This guy's a bum! Down on your luck, buddy? 'Should join the Air Force! Travel the world, get paid and laid, and broaden your horizons!" The drunken men laugh and taunt Tyler until one of them tells the others they should move on - just as the police cruiser pulls up ... the car's police-lights begin flashing blue light around the block as a voice comes across the vehicle PA system, "Everyone keep your hands where we can see them and don't move ..." the car doors open and two uniformed officers exit the vehicle, weapons drawn immediately, "... you fellas got some I.D.? Let's see it ... now ..."



Murphy seems to shrink a bit as she looks down and around the alley, "... yeah ... these people, they're really powerful - I mean like SUPER-powerful. No one can touch them and they've got people snooping on my cases - on me! I think they know about you and your boss. You say he can protect me? I need it, I think. I came to you - I mean, him - because I don't have anywh-" she's interrupted by the sound of the door opening, and two uniformed cops - the ones from earlier - walk out, drawing their firearms and aiming at Novak! "Get on your face, now!! You're under arrest!! Down!! Down!!" 'Murphy' puts her hands up and starts to get on her knees, "Don't shoot! I'm a cop!"


Novak has the first action here ...

[Elderand]

While he couldn't have guessed the exact details, Dar-vik is not surprised that the man was targeted over criminal connections. His distasteful lifestyle and association born of gree were completely in line with what the rogue Ultiman expected from these degenerates maggots.

Still, now was the time to make an impression.

Supreme adressed both the crowds of onlookers and the man he had just rescued.

"Do not worry, you should contact the proper authorities, I am sure they will do their utmost to protect you and find the criminal. For my part I will keep my vigil over this fair city. You can all expect me to help whenever I can."

He didn't try to convince or charm them, such superficialities would make him appear vapid and a gloryhouand, no, he merely stated a fact, and a truth, even if his help will not take the form they would expect.

He gave a friendly wave to the news helicopter and slowly took off, giving a chance to the onlookers and chopper to get a good look and shot of him taking off, spectacle was sometime needed. After rising a few dozen feet he accelerated.

Once in the air he covered the city in a gridlike fashion, broadcasting a mental message intended to touch only the mind of either Havok or the Architect. Perhaps knowledge of Cthulhu and the mob connection would prove useful to their plans.

[Drakeburn]

Forget this, Tyler thought to himself.
I'm getting out of here!

So Tyler gets up as quickly as he can and starts running for it. He hopes he can weave through the alleys to lose the cops.

Athletics check: [roll0]

[Honor Guard]

The Architect, Novak Stanislav (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19826462&postcount=83)
Condition: Normal.
Villain Points: Two. Luck Points: 4 of 5

Novak threw a scowl at Murphy, consistent with his role as an informant, a scowl that said this was a bad move, a that was going to come back and haunt her. He turned to the two officers and proceeded to get to his knees and then lean forward, "Yeah, yeah, ok officers, I am complying with the arrest, no need to get over zealous here is there?" He leaned forward and put his hands on the slick pavement of the fetid alley.

"You at least going to let me know what you want me for?"