Thevshi

Squire Kath'lana Once the decision had been made to retire to Traveller's dwelling, Kath'lana finished her drink as well and followed the Praetorian outside and kept to a low altitude when following after her grav-speeder. The F'terrix squire took the opportunity to get a bit of sleep before they were ready to head off to scout under the cover of darkness. As they began to gather outside and B'Ka mentioned the starry sky above Kath'lana took a moment to glance upward as well. "We have already had opportunity to visit more than many sentients will ever see. There is still plenty of time to see many more." She replied, seemingly unconcerned about the danger they would soon face.

Paradigm When Amara noticed that Eira was hanging back on the bridge rather than leaving to head down to the lounge, the Naram excused herself from the group, instructing Seresk to lead them down and that she would be down shortly. After the group had left, Amara waited for Eira to share what was on her mind, which was not long after the doors had shut. <"I am sure your parents have their reasons for believing it was important for you to spend some time among others of your own age cohort."> Amara responded, her own Galstandard bearing the unusual accent of someone who originally spoke a language that long ago had fallen out of use. <"But for one that has seen and experienced much outside the norm from a young age, it can be difficult to find common ground with those who have had a somewhat more standard youth. Although, from what I understand of the average student at Claremont, most have had at least some experience outside the norm of other Terran children."> As Eria apologized for her classmates, Amara gave a small smile. <"Do not feel you need to apologize for your classmates. Their behavior is not a reflection of you, nor is it of such a nature as to necessitate an apology."> The Naram then gave the robotic teenager a concerned look. <"Has it been difficult finding your place among them?">

Added Chelone to the initiative order, following Octoman (as she acted last turn)

Goanna blows his roll with a 16. Tempted to reroll, but I will let that stand, so he will drop Micah. Octoman is up! @Grumblefloof

GM Perhaps there was something about how the demigoddess carried herself, or the venom and power of her words. Or perhaps it was all of that, combined with the two calming effects being generated by Chelone and Artificer. Whatever the case, As Astrid issued her threat, Goanna seemed taken aback, tensing slightly and hesitating. Then, unexpectedly, he released his grip on Thunderbird, who dropped down to the ground at the towering villain's feet.

Veronica Danger Once again mystical energy reverberated from the tuning forks and crystals Heroditus had hastily assembled. This time there was no countering subsonics from the now destroyed device to conflict with them, so the energy washed over those gathered around the Atlantean teen. The massive rhinoceros that was still lying on its side by Chelone seemed to become even more relaxed than before, taking a deep breath and seeming now at peace. However, the hulking lizardlike supervillain who currently had one massive arm wrapped around Thunderbird seemed unaffected by the Atlantean magic, his red eyes still peering at Octoman and the other gathered teens. Veronica also felt the mystical energy wash over her, being able to see it as it spread outward, but kept herself from being lulled into a sense of easiness, given the current threat facing her and her teammates. With all the escaped animals seemingly dealt with, the teenage Danger took the moment to begin reworking the magical spell she had previously crafted, opting for something of a bit more offensive nature as she swapped out some of the small silver symbols for others. But even as she did this, she kept her focus on Goanna. "How do we know you will release our friend if Octoman does as you ask?" She called out, looking over toward the villain, and wondering who it was Octoman had captured and why the other villain wanted them free. "You do not." Goanna growled. "But it is your friend's life that is in jeopardy if you do not."

Well damaging the device means there is no fear effect in this area, so everyone will have to make a Will save vs Artificer’s Emotion Control: Calm effect (DC 18) Goanna passes with a 22. Veronica passes with a 29. Fearmaster II passes with a 25 and the Rhino misses with a 16, so combined with the effect from Chelone’s calming effect it is now completely calmed down and no longer aggressive. This brings up: Round Five 28 Veronica Danger (unharmed) 4 HP 20 Ms. Thursday (unharmed) 5 HP 17 Octoman (unharmed) 4 HP 15 Chelone (unharmed) 3 HP 12 Thunderbird (unharmed) 5 HP 11 Goanna (bruised) 9 Rhinoceros (bruised 3) 8 Artificer (unharmed, fatigued) 0 HP 6 Fearmaster II (unharmed, bound and helpless, 2d round suffocating) Veronica’s Gem Variable Pool: AF: Ranged 2; AF: Melee 2; Acrobatics 8 (up to +19) Veronica Magic Pool: 1) Immunity: Fear (Extras: range to touch (+1), Burst Area (+1); Feats: Progression: Area +4 (125’ radius burst) [7 PP] 2) Telekinesis 9 [18 PP] Veronica will use her turn to reset part of her magic pool, replacing the TK with Blast 9 [18 PP] Otherwise she will just talk. Ms. Thursday is up. @Cubismo

Veronica Danger "Well, while it is pretty deep, with clear skies we should have a decent amount of light, at least on the exterior." Veronica replied to one of Davyd’s questions. "If we make a decision to enter the wreck, we will have to bring our own light." "The plan for tomorrow is a short, shallow dive earlier in the morning to get those that will be using SCUBA gear familiar with it and to just get us all accustomed to operating underwater. Then we will make our first trip down by later in the morning." The teenage Danger continued. "After that we will have to see how many more trips we might need to make that afternoon or over the next few days." As the meal continued and the group talked about plans for exploring the wreck, the Horizon’s massive sails were unfurled, the vessel shifting completely to wind power thanks to the steady breeze that was blowing from the west.

GM (12) Reptile Brain (5) A Quirk in Time (2) Dog Days (4) Campus Calamity (1) Paradigm (MAXED) (5) Intergalactic Sightseeing (5) Synapse (MAXED) (34) New Beginnings (7) Phone a Friend (8) Future Shock (11) New to Freedom (7) I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper (1) Vignette Tsunami (MAXED) (1) Still as Water (1) Veronica Danger (21) Dead Men Tell No Tales (4) Reptile Brain (3) Ancient Enemies (6) Tropical Hideaway (7) Shadows of the Sapphire Moons (1) Squire Kath’lana (1) For a Fistful of Tepeyoite (1) (Give Veronica enough of the GM/Rollover posts to get her to 50 posts. The rest to Kath’lana. Ref point to Kath’lana)

“Yes, I am rather familiar with the bloody mechanics of how it happened.” Dee replied as she glanced down at her jeans, which Erick was correct she had been wearing. That led to another slight sigh as she realized it would not be long before she would need new clothes. Then a little smirk came to Dee’s face as Erick’s comment about disarming bombs that seemed traced with a hint of frustration. “Who hasn’t?” She stated somewhat matter-of-factly as she sat the tablet down on a dresser and took a seat on the floor near where Erick was busy at work. “But what I was meaning is that this is going to be a big change.” She stated as she looked over at Erick, taking on a more serious tone. “I mean, before we know it we might be driving around a people carrier rather than the Aston Martin or alien hoverbikes.”

Countryside near Hetfordshire, England Monday March 9, 2020 3:02 PM local time Dee Farrington walked down the hallway of the second floor of the countryside estate where she had lived with Erick Sloane for the past four years. The attractive woman was barefoot and wearing a pair of black jeans and a white T-shirt. Her shoulder length hair was black, with two green streaks along one side. In just two months Dee would be turning thirty and she still was sometimes a bit surprised where her life had taken her over the last slightly more than half a decade. For one, she would never have expected to live in countryside home such as this again. Erick had purchased the home when he have moved from Freedom City to England to be with Dee and to join Vanguard. Dee had to admit, there was much to be said for the privacy, given the pair’s involvement in the superheroing world. And the large home certainly afforded them each with plenty of space for their rather varied hobbies and interests. Coming to one of the many rooms along this hall, Dee passed through the open doorway to where Erick was busy working on assembling a new piece of furniture that has arrived that morning. She glanced down at the tablet she was carrying in one hand, scrolling through several bedding options from an online store. But then Dee paused, glancing up from the screen and looking about the recently repainted room and the new furniture that was now starting to fill the room and let out a small sigh. "How did this happen?" She said aloud. "I feel so bloody domestic."

Thanks for point that out to me Grumble, corrected. Dok, I will say the device is not the most sturdy, so you are able to damage it.

Paradigm Amara gave Leroy a slightly puzzled look at his questions. "I am afraid I do not quite understand what you are asking." She replied calmly. "This is my own body." The Praetorian then turned slightly towards the large view screen at the front of the bridge. "And here we are, the wormhole which will take us to CoVic Station." She stated. On the display screen the Claremont students saw a large vortex of slowly spinning cosmic flotsam, light ending in unnatural angles around the outer edges of the massive, semi-circular singularity. "This is one of more than a dozen such wormholes spread throughout the quadrant, created by the Communion to form a massive quantum network." Paradigm stated as the Devotion continued to approach the wormhole. "This one is somewhat unique, being the only one that was not formed out of the destruction of a planet." It was only a few more moments before the Devotion close the distance with the wormhole, flying directly towards the center of the dark mass admist the outer event horizon. The ancient Delzatri vessel shook slightly as it made its initial entry into the wormhole, but then was still once more. The view screen at the front of the bridge was now filled with what seemed a tunnel of bright light of various colors mixed with darkness. "While the trip is considerably faster than it would be with only faster-than-light drives, it is not instantaneous." Paradigm stated after a few moments. "It would be much more comfortable to wait down in the main lounge below for the remainder of the trip." The Praetorian leader and Seresk then led the Claremont students back down one level and to the main lounge. There was plenty of seating in the large room, and the students were able to ask the two Praetorians a few more questions as they made their way towards their final destination.

GM Thunderbird’s barrage of lightning struck true, hitting the massive reptilian figure full force, the electricity crackling as it arched over the villain’s entire body. In a few moments the electricity finished its work, the hulking figure bent over slightly, smoke rising from its arms, legs, back and tail. But then, it raised back up, turning its red eyes up at Thunderbrid. “You will have to do better than that.” Then in explosive flash of movement, Goanna leapt from the rooftop straight toward Thunderbird. The young hero barely had time to think about trying to evade before the massive figure collided with him, massive arms wrapping around him and squeezing tightly in an steel like grip. Goanna’s leap arched back down to the ground, landing some distance past Octoman and the other Claremont teens. The massive villain turned back toward the group, focusing on Octoman. “An exchange.” Goanna hissed. “Release your captive, or I will rip your friend’s throat out!” The hulking villain raised up one hand to display long, vicious looking claws.

Goanna makes a terrible roll, getting a 20 so I will give Thunderbird a HP for a reroll, he then gets a 32, so he is fine. Goanna is then going to leap up at Thunderbird, easily closing the distance. He tries to grab Thunderbird, getting a 23 on the attack roll so grabbing him. He poor rolls continue as he gets a 36 on his grapple check. But as bad as that is, Thunderbird cannot beat it, so is grappled. NM the part about damage, Thunderbird is just grappled for this round.... The Rhino is recovering from its daze, so it is Artificer’s turn. @Dr Archeville

February 2020 posts Angrydurf Ace Danger Ref Point = 1 PP Empyrean 7 + 3 + 2 = 12 posts = 2 PP Kanunu 2 posts = 1 PP Red Lynx 1 post = 1 PP Sagardo Corazon 5 + 5 = 10 posts = 2 PP The Unbreakable Kronk 4 posts = 1 PP Ari Sun Dragon 2 + 6 + 3 + 7 + 5 = 23 posts + 2 GM = 25 posts = 3 PP Squire B’ka 2 posts = 1 PP Mag-Might 1 post = 1 PP GM 2 posts x 2 = 4 posts Avenger Assembled Angelic 2 + 9 + 2 + 12 + 9 + 8 + 2 + 9 + 4 = 57 posts = 4 PP + 1 PP Ref Point = 5 PP Watchdog 9 + 5 + 6 = 20 posts + 5 GM = 25 posts = 3 PP Woodsman 6 + 5 + 3 + 2 = 16 posts + 9 GM = 25 posts = 3 PP Sea-Devil 2 posts = 1 PP GM 6 + 1 = 7 posts x 2 = 14 posts Cubismo Ms. Thursday 5 + 8 + 4 = 17 posts = 2 PP Darksider42 Specter 2 + 4 + 3 = 9 posts = 1 PP Dr Archeville Artificer 3 + 5 + 4 + 5 = 17 posts + 8 rollover = 25 posts = 3 PP Horrorshow 8 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 2 = 20 posts + 5 rollover = 25 posts = 3 PP + 1 Ref Point = 4 PP Doktor Archeville [MAXED] 14 posts Electra Chelone 1 post = 1 PP + 1 Guide Point = 2 PP EternalPhoenix Dragoneer 1 post = 1 PP Teriffica 4 posts = 1 PP + Ref Point = 2 PP Exaccus Facsimile 1 post = 1 PP Fox Wraith (MAXED) 4 posts Masque 10 + 3 + 1 = 14 posts = 2 PP + 1 Ref Point = 3 PP Eclipse 1 rollover = 1 PP Grim 1 rollover = 1 PP Gremlin 1 rollover = 1 PP Gizmo Reagent (MAXED) 3 posts Lou Lubrano 3 rollover posts = 1 PP + 1 Ref Point = 2 PP Grumblefloof GM 5 posts = 10 posts Dirge 13 + 2 + 3 = 18 posts = 2 PP Mister Strix 4 posts = 1 PP Octoman 7 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 5 = 19 posts = 2 PP Persephone 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 15 posts + 10 GM = 25 posts = 3 PP +1 Guide = 4 PP Heritage Crystal-Gazer 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 3 = 13 posts = 2 PP KnightDisciple Thunderbird 9 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 21 posts = 3 PP Raven III Guide point = 1 PP Nick Arcana 1 + 1 = 2 posts = 1 PP + 1 Ref point = 2 PP Rocket Lord Archer II 2 + 5 + 2 = 9 posts + 1 GM = 10 posts = 2 PP Cheval 4 + 3 + 1 = 8 posts + 2 GM = 10 posts = 2 PP Forever Boy 2 + 8 + 2 + 6 + 7 = 25 posts + 25 GM = 50 posts = 4 PP + Guide Point = 5 PP Justice 2 + 3 + 3 = 8 posts + 17 GM = 25 posts = 3 PP Rebellion 10 GM = 2 PP Spaceman 25 GM = 3 PP GM 3 + 2 + 2 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 11 + 2 = 43 posts = 86 posts Secondling Talon 1 post = 1 PP Legatus 6 + 1 = 7 posts = 1 PP Shofet Starlock 14 + 4 = 18 posts + 10 GM = 28 posts = 3 PP Solution 8 + 2 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 6 = 25 posts = 3 PP The Meta-Naut 1 post = 1 PP GM 3 + 2 = 5 posts x 2 = 10 posts Tarrakhash Chromium 2 posts = 1 PP Delta 1 post = 1 PP TheAbsurdist Rebound 2 + 3 + 2 = 7 posts = 1 PP + 1 Ref Point = 2 PP Bliss 1 post = 1 PP Thevshi Veronica Danger: 6+1+1 = 8 posts + 17 (from GMing) = 25 posts = 3pp Squire Kath'lana: 1 post + (3+4+4 = ) 11 posts (from Titanium chars) + 3 posts (from GMing) = 15 posts = 2pp, +1 Ref point = 3pp Paradigm [Titanium]: 3 posts, to Kath Tsunami [Titanium]: 4 posts, to Kath Velocity [Titanium]: 1+1+2 = 4 posts, to Kath GM Posts: 3+7 = 10 x2 = +20 posts; 17 to Veronica, 3 to Kath'lana Thunder King Crimson Tiger 6 posts = 1 PP Specimen 2 + 7 + 5 = 14 posts = 2 PP Tiffany Korta Emerald Spider 2 + 4 = 6 posts + 4 rollover = 10 posts = 2 PP Merge Trois 1 post + 9 rollover = 10 posts = 2 PP Ms Bright 3 posts + 7 rollover = 10 posts = 2 PP The Immutable Betsy Brooks 5 + 5 = 10 posts = 2 PP The Traveller 1 + 3 + 3 = 7 posts + 3 rollover = 10 posts = 2 PP Valkyrja 6 + 1 = 7 posts + rollover = 10 posts = 2 PP White Lioness 3 + 6 + 2 = 11 posts = 2 PP Ms. Grue [MAXED] 2 + 3 = 5 posts Revenant [MAXED] 7 posts Triakosia [MAXED] 4 posts GM 1 + 1 + 3 = 5 posts x 2 = 10 posts Wyverntamer Knight of Earth 3 posts x 2 (new player bonus) = 6 posts = 1 PP + 2 PP HellQ = 3 PP AWARDS KnightDesciple has now earned the Orichalcum Award!

So, to reiterate the issues I raised in chat yesterday, the economics and scale of this are just WAAAAY to outlandish. First, the entire business of this criminal organization is centered around traffic of illicit goods to and from Earth. As I mentioned, there is no way this would be generating enough revenue to support such a large organization. Earth would have been stripped bare and/or flooded with stuff from Space under such an economic model. Only dealing in “high value” items is not going to be enough, nor would it require such a vast network of operatives. Second, the scale of the organization, even without the above issue is way, way too large. As I was discussing yesterday, the largest Triad in the world numbers approximately 55,000 members. Out of a world population of 7 billion people, this is less than .00001% (or one hundred thousandth of a percent) of the entire world’s population. Even if we applied a similar percentage to a civilized galaxy population of, say, 100 Trillion beings, that is ONLY 1 million members of the organization. Tens of billions just makes NO logical sense. And as for the operation becoming easier now that there is a wormhole in the system, the Freedom League is monitoring it, so how is it any easier? You saying the Freedom League is just completely incompetent?

GM Ms. Thursday's attack on the rhinoceros had not only seemed to daze the large creature, but the thunderclap that followed seemed to effect it as well. But she barely had time to consider her next move when Octoman had grabbed the large animal with some of his tentacles and flung it at the newly arrived opponent. The rhinoceros flew through the air, hitting Goanna squarely with tremendous force. Both seemed to feel the impact, the rhinoceros dropping down to the ground next to the building below where Goanna was standing and half landing on its feet before falling on its side. The hulking reptilian villain remained exactly where he had been, snarling in slight pain but otherwise very much still in the fight.

The Rhino gets a 15 so is partially calmed but not completely under the effect. Goanna rolls poorly, but still gets a 18, so is fine. Given the radius and people’s positions before the rhino was thrown, that would catch both Octoman, Ms. Thursday and Thunderbird in the area, so they need to make saves as well! @Grumblefloof @Cubismo @KnightDisciple Then it is Thunderbird’s turn

GM Seresk continued leading the group of teens deeper into the Devotion. trying his best to respond to the various questions being put to him. But at the same time he seemed to miss the tension that was building between several members of the group. "Again the answer to your question varies based on time." The Praetorian responded to Leroy’s question about worlds leaving the Delaztri Empire if they wished to. "When I served the Empire, worlds were allowed to leave freely, although few did. In earlier centuries, I believe it was much harder, if not impossible to do so." From the stairs, the small group entered into a room that was only slightly smaller than the cargo bay they had just been in. But while the cargo bay had been square, the outer most wall of this room, on which the door they had used to enter was located was curved, while the other three walls formed a rectangular shape. The group was walking along a path that cut straight through the middle of the room to a door on the opposite side. To either side was a slightly raised area upon which a variety of advance equipment and devices were located. Seresk identified the room as a biology lab. On the raised are to the right were what appeared to be various hydroponics containers, although all were currently empty. To the left were a variety of workstations and various devices. Leading the group out the door on the opposite end, Seresk took them into a large circular chamber in that seemed to be at the center of the disk section of the vessel. In addition to the short hallway they had just come from, similar short hallways extended out in either other direction. Just a short distance in front of the hallway to the right, just off from the center of the room was a cylindrical column that rose up into the ceiling above. "This is the core of the Devotion." Seresk stated as he indicated the different hallways, indicating the one to the left led toward crew cabins, the one straight ahead went to the infirmary, and beyond a similar cargo bay in the opposite arm similar to the one they had entered through. To the right was the ship’s reactor and science lab. "The level above us contains additional living quarters, recreational and exercise facilities, as well as the dinning area and a shuttle bay. But we will be making our way first up to the bridge." The Praetorian stated as he led the group over to the cylindrical column which turned out to be some sort of elevator, as nearly seamless doors facing the center of the room slide open at his approach. There was more than enough room in the circular platform inside the chamber for the entire group to fix and the doors closed as Seresk spoke something in a langue none of students recognized and the platform began smoothly rising up to the highest level. When the doors opened Seresk led the group into a room that was somewhat smaller than some of the ones they had passed through and was generally square, as opposed to the larger circular chamber on the lower floor. There were doorways on either side that looked rather like airlocks, but Seresk led the group straight towards the doorway directly across from the elevator. Through the door the teens found themselves on what was clearly the bridge of the starship. Various holographic displays and control panels were spread out along the walls of the room half oval shaped room. There were four chairs spaced about the room, one just to the left of the door facing the back wall among several displays and consoles, another slightly forward on the right side of the room. Another two were toward the front of the room in a slightly sunken section of the floor around a long curved control panel. One of these was occupied by what appeared to be the pilot, a humanoid alien who currently was focused on the controls. The last chair was in the center of the room, situated behind the two forward chairs. It was also occupied and currently turned forward. But shortly after the group walked onto the bridge, the chair turned around and its occupant stood up as she greeted the group. "Greetings my young friends. I am Amara Val-Ren, also known as Paradigm." The figure said in greeting with a warm smile as she looked over toward Eria, who she gave a small nod. "So very good to see you again Eira." Paradigm stood about five foot eight and was dressed in a full length white bodysuit with black diamond shapes with golden trim on the shoulders and upper chest. Her black gloves and boots had similar trim and she wore a long black cape. She had a generally human like appearance, with dark orange skin and long hair that was a mix of black and dark purple. Her eyes were a dark yellow. While she had a lithe build, there was certainly something about her that seemed to suggest power, confidence and authority. "You are just in time, we should be approaching the wormhole at the edge of your system shortly."

Octoman does have to spend that HP for a reroll. The rhino comes close, but does not quite beat Octoman’s grapple check with a 38. The Rhino gets a 25 on its toughness save, so picks up another bruise. Goanna gets a 29, so picks up a bruise. Thunderbird is up! @KnightDisciple

Okay, the Rhino gets a 15 on its toughness save, so I will give Ms. Thursday a HP for it to reroll, getting a 24, which is another bruise and a daze. It only gets a 14 for its Reflex save so is dazzled as well. That brings up Octoman! @Grumblefloof

Tsunami Giang gave a small smile when Heroditus mentioned Thaelia not being the most studious of individuals. "That is certainly one way to describe her." She replied. She gave a moment’s thought to his reasons for believing she still might have had knowledge of the possible dimensional faults in the Bermuda Triangle before she responded again, still with a small smile on her face. "It is possible she does know of them, though it might have been something she did not feel was particularly relevant to bring up at other times." "It is also possible that she did not want to mention something that I might have wanted to go investigate. After some of the attempts by agents of my father and Dr. Sin to capture me during our first year here, Thaelia became somewhat protective in nature."

Veronica Danger Back up on her feet, Veronica had glanced over to where Heroditus had pointed, spotting the device up on one of the tree branches. She had just been about to acknowledge spotting the unusual object when the massive form of Goanna landed on top of a nearby building. "Looks like we have another big problem." The teenage Danger shouted out to her squadmates. Glancing over her shoulder to check where the rhinoceros was, she then focused back on the device up in the tree. "I have the device!" She then added as she raised one hand and focused her mystical energy on the strange objection. The yellowish energy began enveloping the branch, trying to center on the strange device. Veronica put all her focus on the object she was trying to grab, momentarily blocking out everything else around her. The glowing energy consolidated on the strange device, grabbing it firmly and allowing Veronica to pull it free from the branch and start moving it over to her.

Veronica's Gem Variable Pool: AF: Ranged 2; AF: Melee 2; Acrobatics 8 (up to +19) Veronica's Magic Pool: 1) Immunity: Fear (Extras: range to touch (+1), Burst Area (+1); Feats: Progression: Area +4 (125’ radius burst) [7 PP] 2) Telekinesis 9 [18 PP] Veronica will try to spot the object Artificer is trying to point out, with a +4 circumstance bonus due to the assistance. She gets a 23 and spots the object. Veronica will try to use her mystical TK to pull the device Heroditus spotted out of the tree. She gets a 14 for the initial attack roll so will use one of the HP she has gained to reroll. This time she gets a 20, which is enough to grab the device and pull it free from the tree. This brings up Ms. Thursday! @Cubismo