Thevshi

GM Sullek sidestepped just as Cavalier opened fire, so the Star Knight's blast missed the cyborg criminal, blasting a chunk out of the pavement in front of the building. At that moment, the roof slip open on the smaller section of the building on the right hand side, reveling to those still high enough in the air a hanger within. A sleek space vessel a little over one hundred feet long lifted smoothly up into the air on anti-gravity thrusters. The spacecraft rose until it was about fifty feet higher than the roof of the main building, the stopped, hovering there for the moment.

If people want to make one more quick IC post they can. Otherwise need initiative checks and notice rolls (the later will be tough for everyone but Set). If I missed someone's ability to see through darkness (with powers, not equipment), let me know!

Claremont's emergency signal began to sound, alerting students that they were to make their way to the emergency underground bunkers. But the sky had darkened so quickly that by the time the signal sounded, it was already as dark as a moonless night, plunging the campus and surrounding area into deep shadows. While Huang could sense magic everywhere, only Set could see easily see through the darkness that had fallen over a section of Bayview. The godling could see hovering in the air above the school a male figure with long blond hair. The figure stretched his arms out to his side as he called out in a booming voice that echoed in the darkness, "Eight plagues hath been visited upon this world for its multitude of sins! I am the ninth, Choshech, and I come to herald the death of the children of the wicked. May God have mercy on your souls!" As he finished, Set could see shadows around the school starting to move, as they began to take humanoid form....

Sorry for the delay, will get a GM post up tonight.

GM Department for International Development "I am certain President Kenyatta would be honored to attend celebrations for the Queen-Mother." The Kenyan minister replied. "I look forward to passing on the invitation and proposal your highness." He then added as the two shook hands and went their separate ways. "All embassy staff in Freedom City and their families are secure your highness." Replied one of Tau's security detail. "Thus far the incidents in Freedom City have been rather isolated, primarily due to timely intervention of superpowered individuals. So far both Bangalla and the rest of the African continent have been spared any incidents. Although tensions are raising in many areas with each new incident." The elevator came to a stop as the doors opened and the group with Tau exited onto the mail level of the DfiD building, making their way out the main entrance and to the waiting car outside. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Hotel Thane gave a small nod as Mark explained his relationship with Nina, and his concern for Socotra and its people. Gesturing towards one of the seats in the study, Thane sat back down as he continued to focus on Mark. "I am glad my sister found someone to provide a counter to the....more volatile influences that are present in our family." "So what exactly has my sister sent you here to speak to me about?" Ministry of Powers "Well, more than half the locations thus far have been rather low in terms of regular presence of Powers." The Ministry analyst interjected. "Freedom City naturally is at the very top of the list in terms of that, DC less so, but certainly more than the other targets, particular as AEGIS headquarters was at the center of the incident." "So far, that is the target that makes the most sense." Dame Pennington stated, looking back at the monitor and the footage of the various incidents. Just then, the door to the conference room opened as another analyst appeared. "I am sorry Minister," he man stated apologetically, "but you need to see this!" Moving over to the controls for the monitor, the analyst pressed a key and the previous footage was replaced by a live broadcast from BBC News 24. The reporter was along a section of the Thames west of London, up in the sky behind him was a massive swarm of some sort of insects, trailing miles as it made its way east...

GM Traveller unleashes a barrage of fire aimed at Sullek and Zadvian, but the two supercriminals prove too quick on their feet, both managing to avoid the attack completely as they rolled away. However, one of the escaped criminals that had been focused on Cavalier was also caught in the barrage, and though he started to roll away, he was still hit squarely and knocked into unconsciousness. Although the Praetorians initial attacks had greatly reduced their numbers, the remaining criminals stood their ground, spreading out some to try to avoid being caught in area attacks, while they began to open fire on the Praetorians. Three fired on Mater Vyrdna, two managing to land shots, however, her improved armor easily turned aside both blasts. Three others fired at Traveller, who managed to avoid all three. Cavalier had two shooting at him, and while the first missed the Star Knight, the second managed to hit. Dragonid also narrowly avoided an attack from one criminal. The reptilian Praetorian turned his attention toward that individual, sending a jet of flame at the criminal which knocked the alien back and into unconsciousness. Santri tried to struggle free from Corona's grip, but the Lor officer was far too strong for the short, stocky alien. Rolling back up on his feet, Zadvian focused his gaze up on Traveller, snarling as he started forward, leaping into the air. The F'terrix easily cleared the distance to the hovering Praetorian, his sharp claws slashing out to rake across her white armor. Over toward the right side of the building, Cor continued to run forward, focusing his gaze on Mater Vyrdna, as his eyes began to blow with blue energy. Suddenly Mater Vyrdna found herself surrounded by glowing, opaque blue energy. She appeared to be in a narrow passage, which went left or right a short distance to turn back behind her.

Here is the new map!

Okay, the remaining mooks are spreading out and making attacks. Three attack Mater Vyrdna: 8, 23, 23, so two hits which Mater's current Impervious stop. Another three attack Traveller, all missing, Two attack Cavalier, 18, 25, so one hit, DC 20 toughness save for Cav. The last shoots at Dragonid, just missing with a 19. Magnetar is still off dealing with police drones. Santri is going to try to escape Corona's grapple, getting a 28. Dragonid will attack the mook that shot at him, taking 10 to hit and that criminal is out! Round Eleven 35 Zadvian (unharmed) 22 Cor (unharmed) 22 Cavalier (bruised, 2 HP) 21 X'Madi (unharmed) 21 Mater Vyrdna (Unharmed, 1HP) 21 Moon-Moth (Unharmed, 0 HP) 21 Seresk (unharmed) 20 Rux (unharmed) 19 Sullek (bruised) 14 Corona (Unharmed, 1 HP) 13 Paradigm (bruised, 1 HP) 12 Pheydyn (unharmed) 8 Traveller (bruised, 2 HP) 8 Escaped criminals (multiple, all minions) 7 Magnetar (Unharmed) 7 Santri (unharmed) 4 Dragonid (Unharmed) Zadvian leaps into the air at Traveller, hitting with a 27, so DC 25 toughness save for Traveller. Cor moves forward, and tries to trap Mater inside a force construct: DC 22 Reflex save for Mater to avoid. And Cavalier is up! (after his toughness save) Roll recaps: Cavalier: DC 20 toughness save Corona: Grapple check (needs to beat a 28 to maintain) Traveller: DC 25 toughness save Mater Vyrdna: DC 22 Reflex save to avoid being trapped in a force construct.

Okay, Sullek gets a 33 on his reflex save, and with Evasion completely avoids the effect. Zadvian just makes his reflex save with a 17, and with Evasion as well completely avoids the effect. You also catch one of the regular criminals in the attack, also getting a 17 on the Reflex save, but, even then he only gets a 14 on his toughness save so is out.

Aquaria's response did not surprise Paradigm as much as it had Moon-Moth. While it was upsetting to hear Aquaria's statements about how her people were treated, it helped confirm something the Praetorian Imperatrix and others had begun to suspect about how the Spectrum Knights identified new recruits. Of course it did serve to add new tension into an already tense meeting. "We are not here to pass judgement or level blame on anyone." Paradigm replied after Moon-Moth's statements. "I am sorry to hear of your people’s plight Aquaria. But I believe you may yet be more of hero for your people than you realize." "I am afraid to say that it is not at all uncommon for worlds with multiple sentient species to have long histories of violence and prejudice between those species. More often than not, on those worlds where the species have learned to live together with peace and equality, it is usually because individuals on each side came forward to present a new path. You have clearly developed a strong friendship with Jessie," Paradigm continued, glancing over toward the quiet Terran, "someone traditionally one of your people's enemies. I cannot say it will be easy, or even come to be in your lifetimes, but your example could serve to create a bridge between both your species by changing existing attitudes." "Although it may be painful to recall, I would like to hear more about the promises they made to you about justice." The Praetorian then asked. "As Myothizar has suggested, I believe this is a key element of their identifying potential recruits and indoctrinating them."

GM "That is not…" Star Knight began to reply in response to Aquaria's comments about the Deep Ones, her tone defensive, but she was stopped by Daedalus’ outstretched hand. "The relationships between humans, Serpent People, Atlanteans and Deep Ones is complicated, and goes back thousands of years." The immortal inventor then stated. "Each side has a rather different view of how hostilities began, and who is the aggressor. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, and there is blame that can be placed on all sides."

Aboard the pirate capital ship With the damage to the capital ship, the artificial gravity system had failed, causing the pirates to flung about as the ship listed and rolled. Creating further chaos to an already desperate crew. Up in the bridge, Mater Vyrdna saw two large Broans that were just managing to reorient themselves in the now zero gravity as the Praetorian appeared. The larger of the two snarled at Mater, bearing fangs at her. "You have courage to show your face here Praetorian! We will deliver your head to Sovereign Dovox!" Over where Cavalier had entered the pirate vessel, he found the pirates he encountered much more willing to listen to reason. Those that were armed did their best to "toss" their weapons away in the zero gravity, an indication of their surrender. "I can keep an eye on these Sri Steward." Seresk stated from behind Cavalier as he stood in the airlock door. Surface of Galor III, Yollon City Several of the pirates opened fire on the silver barrier Moon-Moth had created. Several energy blasts struck the barrier, some causing further damage, others glancing harmlessly off. But still the barrier remained in place. The mercenaries who had climbed to the top of the rock barrier began opening fire, their shots passing through the mystical barrier and towards their targets beyond. Several of the pirates fell under the barrage, as others began to run for cover from the onslaught. Shell meanwhile leveled her battlesuit's weapons arm at the large pirate she had been fighting and sent a plasma blast at the hulking figure. The blast also passed harmlessly through the barrier, striking the large pirate dead center and knocking it off its feet to fly dozens of feet backward into the dusty ground. "That is a good trick Moon-Moth." Shell stated appreciatively.

Several pirates fire at the barrier, which makes some and misses some toughness saves, so it is now at -6 toughness. Other mercenaries fire and take down some of the regular pirates, while Shell fires on the tough pirate she has been fighting, hitting with a 27. The pirate gets a 11 on his toughness save, so we will call that knocked out. Round Eleven 28 Shell (bruised 2) 20 Moon-Moth (unharmed, 3 HP) 8 Tough pirates (3 on planet; 2 in space) 7 Mater Vyrdna (unharmed, 0 HP) 5 Cavalier (bruised 2, 2 HP) 5 Pirates (many on planet) Moon-Moth is up Ex! As an action, you can repair your barrier if you like.

Olopi, we will save that HP, as I was not really going to require a roll to get some info from this guy. Cape, sure, that sounds exciting to me. Right now the van is close enough that Dr. Warp could put Eternal Dragon onto the roof. We can call it an acrobatics check for Eternal Dragon to remain on the van after he is dropped off.

The Plague of Darkness has come to Claremont Academy: http://www.freedomplaybypost.com/topic/8961-tov-darkness-three-days-long-ic/?do=findComment&comment=238999

OOC for this thread.

Bayview, Freedom City, New Jersey Friday, April 29, 2016 3:24 PM local time Even if the news had not been full of stories covering the several incidents around the world that appeared inspired by the Plagues of Egypt, the rumor mill at Claremont Academy was currently talking about little else. Several Claremont students had already been involved in dealing with some of the incidents. Frostbyte and Ardent had been there for the very first of the "plagues," over at Ocean Heights Amusement Park. Reagemt had then been at the incident with several Deep Ones in Providence, Rhodes Island. El Huracan and Sparkler had even been present at another during their ride along with the veteran hero Asad in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. And that did not even count the incidents at which Claremont alumni had been present. Thus far one of the biblical plagues had struck somewhere in the world each day for the past week. There were at least two plagues left (if one went by the order they were supposed to fall), and if the timing held true, one should be occurring on this Friday. But even with the anxiety that was hanging over much of Freedom City and other major cities, life had gone on at Claremont Academy, with the students attending their classes and training as normal. It was a beautiful Spring afternoon in Freedom City when classes ended for the week at the school. The weather was warm and the sun was out. But even as several students made their way outside onto the grounds to take in the warm weather and sun, the sky began to dim. It started faintly, almost as if a large cloud had passed over the sun. But there were no clouds big enough in the sky. But it did not stop there, the day began to dark even more, as an unexplainable darkness began to spread through the sky over Bayview.

The octopi reached up with its tentacle, touching the side of Starshot’s temple. There was a slight tingling sensation, almost as if a slight shock. Then Starshot heard a voice in his mind. Greetings stranger. I am Athru the Red of the Ul-Mor, children of the One Who is Many. Where do you come from and what brings you to the sea of sands? The voice then asked, as the octopi’s violet eyes looked up at Starshot. Nearby, the other Ul-Mor remained where they were, their weapons still lowered as they waited for Athru to communicate with the strangers.

"Yeah, afraid I cannot help there." Soreen replied to Starshot's comment as Laark sat awake, Soreen holding down his hand that started to reach for his weapons. The octopi watched Starshot moved forward, dropping Trigger to the ground and moving away from the weapon. There were a few moments where nothing happened, then the creature dropped its weapons and climbed down from its mount. Moving across the hot sand on four of its tentacles, the creature came within a few feet of Starshot. With its tentacles, the creature stood about a foot shorter than Starshot. It lifted up one of its tentacles, bringing it toward the top of its head, then extended it out toward Starshot, gesturing towards his head.

Dee Farrington watched the footage from the various incidents in the previous days on large screens in the Haven's main laboratory. The Englishwoman was half watching the computer screen in front of her, which was showing the progress of some tests she and VERA had been running, the briefing from the Ministry of Powers taking away some of her concentration. "I think there will only be three more plagues minister." She stated, her hologram in the Ministry of Powers transmitting her words. "There were ten plagues in Exodus, but, these events have generally followed the order they were supposed to have occurred in, only Fleas should have fallen between Frogs and Flies. All the rest have been in their proper order. So that means Locusts, Darkness, and then Death of Firstborn remain."

The Plague of Locusts has come to London: http://www.freedomplaybypost.com/topic/8959-tov-harden-pharaohs-heart-ic/?do=findComment&comment=238950

OOC for this thread!

London, England Thursday April 28, 2016 1:42 PM local time The Ministry of Powers Foreshadow and Ms. Britannia sat in the conference room with Dame Pennington, the current head of the Ministry and one of her analysts. A hologram of Synapse filled one of the conference room chairs, as Synapse was teleconferencing in from the Haven, where she had been in the middle of some projects with VERA. A large screen on one wall of the conference room showed video images from six different incidents over the previous six days, mostly from different parts of the world. "As you can see, there have been multiple incidents in the past six days, all related to the biblical plagues that God is supposed to have visited on Egypt when Moses was freeing the Israelites. Twice in Freedom City, one in Rhodes Island, Washington DC, northern Mexico, and Palermo, Sicily." Dame Pennington stated as the security camera or news footage showed the scenes of the various plagues and the assorted superheroes that appeared to deal with them. "While each of the attacks are clearly connected given their themes, no one has yet been able to determine how the particular locations were chosen as targets. If whomever is behind this continues to follow the theme set out in Exodus, then there could be four more plagues to come. The only question is where they will strike." Department for International Development, 22 Whitehall London Prince Tau Abioye-Imari made his way out of one of the large conferences rooms in the Department for International Development in downtown London, chatting with ministers from Kenya and Tanzania. The meeting had been to discuss some of the DfiD's current projects in some of the poorer countries along the African Horn, projects that involved support by several of the more stable nations in the region. "Will you be returning home to Bangallan soon Prince Tau?" Asked the Kenyan minister as the three made their way down the hallway toward the elevators. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Hotel, Westminster A butler led Mark Lucas through the lavish entryway of the Cinema Suite of the expensive London hotel. Inspired by the era of the 40's and 50's, the suite was a blend of elements inspired by both Hollywood and Indian cinema. Just off the entry was a large study, filled with priceless antique furniture and other collectibles. Seated on one of the sofas, was Thane al-Darsah, one of Nina's exiled older brothers. Trafalgar Square Jennifer Owens emerged from the Charing Cross Underground Station right to the edge of Trafalgar Square. The young woman had spent the morning at a business meeting at 30 St. Mary Axe or the Gherkin, in the City of London. With that done, she had the afternoon to spend some time taking in some of the city's many sights.

Soreen nodded as Starshot told her to keep her blaster down, which she was already doing. She then knelt down next to Laark as she shook the large alien awake. If the octopi-like creatures had understood Trigger's outburst, they did not react with any hostile actions. Instead they remained where they were, their various weapons in hand, but not raised. Taking some time to scan the gathered creatures, Starshot counted twenty of them in total, each atop one of the two legged dinosaur like creatures. They sat in leather saddles, with several other leather packs attached on the mounts. There were a couple extra of the dinosaur creatures, loaded with more bags as pack animals. As Starshot moved away from the makeshift shelter and into the hot afternoon sun, the tallest of the octopi creatures moved its mount forward, its weapons still lowered to meet Starshot.

As Eternal Dragon finished off the lightning wielding thug, the one with the ice gauntlets began to clear his head from Bonfire's last attack. Glancing around him, he noted that both his gauntlet wielding companions were down, and that the three other thugs that had been trying to escape with the loot from the bank were down as well. Looking back at the nearby heroes, he raise d his gauntleted hands up above his head. "Okay, I give up!" He replied. At that moment, a van that had been parked down the street began pulling away at high speed....