Spacefurry

Predator Predator could only give the screens inside her helm a cursory glance. A brief glimpse was enough to tell her that this was a coordinated attack on all three trucks at once. The windows minimizing as the AI detects immediate, close proximity threats. The clowns were faster then she had guessed and she tried to brace against their combined assault. Arms reached out to grab at her. She did her best to raise her arms to block them, but still felt one of their attacks slip past and land a solid blow. She gritted her teeth, thinking she obviously needed to check the padding in that spot. It shouldn’t have hurt that much. On her gauntlets, the flexible fingers pulled in and the studded plates across the back of her hands snapped down into place. There was a subtle whine from them as they glowed a bright blue. She pulled her arms back and then punched the air in front of her. Explosive force erupted from the Knuckle Dusters, sending a cone shaped shock-wave out from her. Four of the five clowns caught in wave are knocked from their feet, only to tumble away across the street as balloons and candy pieces. “What the-?” Predator was surprised, but quickly shook her head. There would be time to figure that out later. The armored figure straightened turned to the clown that had managed to scramble out of the way of her blast. “Well then, it seems I must deal with you and your cohort before I can stop those machines. So be it.” The glow of the plates fade as they snap back up. But instead of the fingers coming back out, long sharp blades slide out, ready to cut through whatever stands in her way.

Chimera A hand carefully reaches out to touch the golden mass. She wonders again if this is wise, but before she can change her mind the mass lunges for her. Almost as if it knew what the symbiote could do, and it reacted. Gold flowed up her arm, soaking into the symbiote. She could feel the alien presence of the techno-organics realling against the assault. She felt it pull away and the visions slammed into her like a gold pounding at the ship's hull. Chimera crumples to all four on the floor of the cargo hold with a scream of pain. Her eyes stare, unfocused at the floor as she labors to catch her breath. Her mind races at twice the speed of a normal person’s, but still feels like an eternity before she manages to wipe the tears from her eyes. It takes a visible effort as she attempts to pull herself up to her feet using a nearby crate for support.

Paper - 14 Paper Trail to the City of Sin - 1 Everybody Wants to be a Cat - 0 Young Guardians Return - 4 Dream Chasing - 3 Holiday Cheer! - 1 Friends in the Fens - 1 Meanwhile, at the Gaurdian's Mansion - 3 Dance Beneath the Stars - 1 Blackstaff - 14 Graveyard of the Pacific - 0 Curse of the Hag Swamp - 11 A Dream of Christmas - 3 Chimera - 8 (+4 GM= 12) Golden Dead - 8 Predator - 13 Teching the Tech - 0 Holiday Cheer! - 6 Battles Under the Bigtop - 7 Star-Crossed? - 2 GM - 2 (x2 = 4) (4 to Chimera) Let the Bodies Hit the Ground - 2

GM Detective Pascal gives Diamondlight a nod. “We have one around the park to keep out civilians, but I’m going to order all officers to round up anyone they see and fall back to it as well. Try to minimize contact with whatever’s out there still.” “If it’s still in the park.” Detective Ramsey adds somberly. “Let’s hope that it is still here, where we have active heroes on the scene.” Pascal counters and his partner nods in agreement. Despite her efforts to challenge their quarry, nothing answers Sea Devil’s calls. With the women unconscious, Nightscale can feel the ‘desire for blood’ starting to thin out ever so slightly. Even still, he has to backtrack down the path a bit so sort out the second ‘scent’. The ‘desire for flesh’ leads off away from the clearing. Strangely, Nightscale can notice the scent criss-crossing itself along older lingering trails on the same, like it was searching for something. Along the newer trail the dragon and the deep one can detect two normal scents. A man’s and a woman’s scents. Searching along the path the young dragon finds the freshest trail suddenly stops and turns sharply. It only takes a moment for any of the trio to notice they’re heading back into the tree line in the direction they had left the detectives.

Okay, so general area cone attack Ref saves for the clowns Damage 10 + Knockback 10

Chimera Chimera felt useless as she watched the living gold. It ignored Nightscale’s attempts to draw it away. “Containing it would be ideal.” She agreed as she looked around as well. Gold was normally softer, but this gold seemed more substantial. The half-rusted crates were a waste of time. Her mind raced. She briefly wondered what the glob would do once in the water, then decided she didn’t want to find out. “What does it want?” He asked, not actually expecting Nightscale to have an answer. The tingle on her symbiote drew her attention, she wondered stupidly for a moment if the symbiote could ‘eat’ it. Electronics have gold in them… right. She thought about it for a moment. It hadn’t actually attacked them. Could they try to move them? Chimera took a breath and took a various step forward. Then, another. Carefully she tries to get close to the golden mass in an attempt to reach out and touch it experimentally.

Toughness: 16 sigh… -1 HP to reroll Toughness: 22 I guess that’s a bruise.

Blackstaff Blackstaff nodded when Dickens brought up the Chuggers. “Yes, they would be a solid starting point. I can make a few calls, see if I can get a meeting one of their reps. See if they’ve had any ‘big spenders’, as it were.” She looks aside at his office assistant. “Lark, could to fetch me the little red book from my desk drawer and a new-“ “And a new phone.” Lark finished his sentence. Blackstaff cleared his throat and gave her a nod. “That backlash fried this one.” She said pulling out an old flip phone. Opening it the smell of burnt electronics was noticeable. Blackstaff closed and tossed the phone to Lark, who caught it easily and left the room. Turning her attention back to the others she smiled graciously. “You’re welcome to stay for the time being. I’ll need to make a few phone calls before we can do anything. It would be pointless to run off without a destination. The library is across the hall, but be warned, Morrowind is very proud of her organizational skills and very protective of the collection.” She waves in the direction of the stairs. “The kitchen upstairs is a bit sparse, but you’re welcome to what you can find.” She looked to Golden Star and gave him a reassuring smile. “If you need call or return home, I can accommodate you. If you still wish to come with us, I think arrangements can be made to keep you from getting in trouble.” Lark returned with the book and phone Blackstaff had asked for. She promptly began to search the book as she stepped out into the hall. ++++++ Later… Blackstaff stood with the others in the lobby of his front office. On the front door, interlocking rings of script were scrawled in colored chalk. Beside the door a small dial was set on the frame with a handful of colored slices. A small golden arrowhead set at the top of the disc seems to act as an indicator, the dial was now set to the black slice. Reaching into her jacket, Blackstaff produced a small brass key. Stepping up, she whispers something under her breath and the key glows. Reaching out with it, she touches the key to door and the glow spreads to the rings of script. She let go of the key but it stayed, tip against the wood. With a single finger she pushes the key and it sinks in like slipping into a lock. A moment later the key turns itself and a click is audible. Blackstaff reaches out and turns opens the door to a street nowhere in either Freedom nor her Emerald sister. “As long as the key remains in place, this door with bring us back here without problem.” She looks back at the others. “When everyone is ready..”

Initiative: 20 really need to get him Improved Initiative

Predator Inside the truck’s hold Predator sat motionless. Multiple screens followed the trucks’ progress along their respective routes. Suddenly, cries came over the comms as both of the other trucks were attacked and fell silent. Unfortunately, she did not have the opportunity to assess this further as her fellow hero overlapped the others. Predator braced for some kind of impact that never came. But the sound from outside, the sound of something large slamming into an immovable object followed by the wrenching and grinding of metal, was not encouraging. She felt the truck swerve and fishtail before coming to a stop.the trucks rear doors swung open and the armored figure of Predator kept out into the street, landing in a crouch. The polished surface of her face plate swinging left, right, and up in search of trouble. She notes the remains of the semi and watches for a moment until she confirms movement from Shooting Star within.

Notice: 12 -1 HP to reroll Notice: 27 Initiative: 16

Predator The armored helm of the Predator armor shifted slightly at Copycat/Patriot. Giving a nod of acknowledgement. She gave the meeting room one last glance, then turned and followed her friend. In the main hall, the two approached a small gathering. Velocity had beaten them there, of course, and was already engaging with the one Copycat called Jack of Blades. Cynthia was already retrieving what information it could on the target as the man spoke. Predator watched his body language tense and relax. It was obvious he was attempting civility despite his anger. She could appreciate the evident self control. As she listened she caught details that they most likely would not want exposed and mentally noted to keep her silence on them. “If it will reassure you, the one called Doktor Archeville has been cooperating without signs of hostility. He has given the impression of being forthcoming with his intentions.”

Leon notice the slight shift in Bernadette’s mood, but decided not to call attention to it. She probably didn’t want to talk about it right here or now, he thought. “Hey now, I have class in the morning. I also have it in the afternoon and the evening.” He gave a sly smirk and took a draw from his beer. “We should at least say ‘hey’ before we bounce with their ringleader. If they really wanna hang around and watch the B-tier acts, that’s on them.” He grinned as Luke threw arms around him and Bernadette. “That sounds like a plan then.” Leon grinned and raised his bottle in toast.

I’ll try a Well-Informed check at the mention of the Chuggers, just to see if Blackstaff has heard of them since they seem to have a rep for dealing with in artifacts. Gather Info: 20

Paper Paper rolls his eyes when Stormcrow declared himself, then turns his full attention to Ms Scorpion. “Well now, I think it’s time for a rematch.” He smirks. Paper strips curl out from his belt, twisting and folding into his grips. A moment later, two identical whips snaked out to wicked looking tips. He gives one a sharp snap and it cracks like thunder. Before he can do anything though he flinchs as Chump rips out of Sue’s belly. Paper glares daggers in his direction as the man runs for his boss. That would have to wait. He was about to have his hands full for a minute. “Still got a little scar from you. Maybe I can return the favor.” He threatens turning back to Ms Scorpion. A scream erupts from the cluster of friends and foes halfway across the spacious room, but Paper ignores it. But he can’t ignore the sudden shaking of, well, everything that follows. He chances a glance back, unsure what’s happening. Scorpion’s gleeful, giddiness are really starting to get on his nerves. “Oh my god! Will you just shut your trap!” He yells at her. All around them the rag clad men and women climbed to their feet again as one. Creepy much. The warehouse doors fly open and more swell their ranks. “Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter.” He growls in annoyance as his whips start to sway unconsciously in agitation. Suddenly the sound of the concrete floor cracking echoes through the room. “What now?” From unknown depths a figure rises from the ground. Slowly the shape drags itself up into the fluorescent lighting of the warehouse and Paper finds himself staring at the man-like figure. Slowly, with dread beginning to settle in the pit of his stomach, the kid from the streets realizes who this is… “F*ck me sideways…” Paper finally manages as he stares at a literal boogeyman crawling out of the ground.

I’ll go Knowledge (Streetwise) for Paper Check: 27

Blackstaff Blackstaff let Armitage vent. Perhaps she had been too accusatory, but there were outstanding circumstances. She only raised an eyebrow at the accusations of ‘secret societies’, after all he wasn’t completely wrong, was he. She said nothing, letting the professor cool off on his own. “You’re right.” He acknowledged. “Forgive my own rudeness.” “Smugglers would be easier targets, but that’s would only be a short term solution. There’s always people willing to make easy money.” She looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding to herself. “But, they could provide a link back to the supplier.” Blackstaff nodded to Golden Star. “Mr Star, your help would be appreciated and welcome.” Looking to Thomas she added. “Mr Dickens, I don’t suppose you have any possible leads to offer up?” He asked. “Otherwise I may have to try another tracking spell, and that I fear may take some time.”

Predator Predator stood silent sentry by the door, watching as others reacted to Archeville’s tale. Judging by their expressions it one of mixed emotions. Many seemed skeptical, while others stared in disbelief. Perhaps it spoke more of her that nothing within the story surprised her. She had seen a fair share of ‘strange’ things between her home world and while she was shifting through dimensions prior to her arrival here. A memory came unbidden, hazy. When she tried to recall details a pain crept in. It’s becoming a reoccurring issue when she attempted to remember details before her arrival. Not every time, but more often than she cared to consider.

Predator A quick scan and Cynthia had easily linked into the comms system. A test ping confirmed it and the armored hero gave Dr Clark a nod. “Comms established.” She glanced at Shooting Star and switch to the given channel. “Can you read me?” Once Star confirms, Predator nods and turns her helmet back to Clark. “If you could, copies of the intended routes and secondary routes could prove useful for predicting possible detours or ambush sites. I can study them as we go.” Other than that final request Predator stands ready to go.

Predator Predator’s reflective helmet never wavered as Patriot/Copycat called for reinforcements. She took the opportunity to watch the man and analyze him. His mannerisms didn’t seem threatening in any manner she could tell. His nervousness seemed genuine. But she did not like dealing in maybes. Until his motives were revealed she would remain cautious as everyone else exhibited. As others joined them and ultimately escorted Dok to a separate room, Predator followed silently. She would not be ashamed to admit she was out of her depth here. The others were obviously possessed of ‘bad blood’ with Archeville, information probably tucked away within the redacted files. Maybe after this she could petition for more access to files. Predator disliked being ill informed when placed in a dangerous situation. Inside the room, Predator mirrored her friend, taking up a sentry position on the other side of the door. Her armored tail unconsciously swaying in agitation as she attempted to follow the conversation. Cynthia was already recording it, the suit’s A.I. programmed to being doing so as soon as she calls on it. She would probably rewatch it several times to analyze it before she was satisfied she had learned everything she could from it. Despite everything that was happening, she was able to take a moment to appreciate the A.I. as it played host to the proceedings. She would love to get chance to examine its coding.

Paper Leon had had his hands full with another diaper change when Liz and Chris had stopped in. He wasn’t able to do much more than offer a smile and a nod. Finishing up, he was disposing with the trash when he caught Neko’s signal. He never would have thought they would actually use it, but the three distinct claps had him moving. She would have the kids in hand while they secured the room. With practiced casual ease he moved from one door to the next, his paper wolf following him. As he walked the paper wolf split, forming a new wolf that curled up in front of each door. Paper slid silently from Leon’s arm to cover and seal door cracks and vents. Only once he and Davyd had made the rounds and verified the room’s security did Leon move to stand by Neko’s side. “Room’s secured.” He said to her in a low voice as he waited for her next cue. This was her gig, and he would follow her lead.

Blackstaff Christopher chuckled as Adrianna described the robotic dinosaur incident. He had heard of the academy but had never had reason to look into it, not unlike that private school over in Bayview. Suddenly, the sinister magic that had been following them swelled and a sharp rack cut through the night. Before them stood a figure draped in a human guise. Instinctively, Blackstaff stepped in front of Dreamer. One hand out toward the mysterious figure. He could feel it, this was the source of the magic he had been feeling. “Stand down.” The wizard declared as his own magic shimmered around him. “Return whence you came.”

Blackstaff “Curses indeed.” Blackstaff agrees with a nod. “Powerful ones at that.” She levels a look at the professor. “You seem to know more than you’ve let on professor. A matter this important should have been brought to the attention of someone like the Master Mage Phantom. After all, this is a little bigger than a missing person, an annoying little hex, or a stray demon causing a commotion around town.” She sighed. “I suppose though, since I am involved now, I can at least look into it for now.” Lark leans against the door frame, an imposing presence despite her appearance. “Should I cancel your meetings for the next few days?” Blackstaff nods. “I’m afraid so. Mrs Hammershine will have to deal with the cats stealing from her forge a little longer.” “It’s quite alright Mister Star.” She gave the young man a friendly smile. “I’m sorry you’ve been drawn into this. And I assure you, we can make sure you’re returned home as soon as you need to be.” “Now, Prof. Armitage, if you would please. I think we deserve the full story.”

Chimera Chimera watched in horror as the fragile bodies crumbled into dust, yet the gold continued to shift and move on its own. She backed away from it quickly. She watched at the golden masses slowly flowed and merged, like something kind of old black and white horror movie monster. When Nightscale began to retreat back up the stairs, she realized he was trying to lure it after him. ‘Then what?’ She wondered. “I hope you have a plan.” She called after him as she kept her distance. “I don’t think we want this thing getting any bigger.”

Christopher gave Dreamer a friendly smile as he waited for her to finish handing out gifts. The itch of strange magic in the air still lingers, following the duo like some kind of trailing cloud. As they move along the city sidewalks Christopher tells Adrianna about opening an office front here in Freedom City to be closer to family. “It’s easier than one would think, having the office connected to both cities really cuts down on the commute.” He chuckles. “What about you? What brought you to Freedom?” He tries to project calm and casual, but he can still ‘feel’ the unknown magic growing.