Thevshi

This round the fear device gets a 27 for its fear effect, so again overcomes Artificer’s attempt to counter it. Fearmaster still cannot do anything, so just a wrapping up post for the round and then on to: Round Four 28 Veronica Danger (unharmed) 5 HP 20 Ms. Thursday (unharmed) 4 HP 17 Octoman (unharmed) 5 HP 12 Thunderbird (unharmed) 4 HP 11 Goanna (unharmed) 9 Rhinoceros (bruised) 8 Artificer (unharmed) 0 HP 6 Fearmaster II (unharmed, bound and helpless)

GM Artificer's pulse of arcane energy again washed over this area of the park, as once again the device he spotted emitted another subsonic wave. For a moment it seemed as if the Atlantean teen’s counter would stop the fear device, but again the strange technology managed to overcome the arcane energy and sweep over the nearby area, keeping the adults around the group of Claremont students in a panic. Then there was a loud THUMP from atop a nearby building, as a massive, nine foot tall figure landed at the edge. The figure was a hulking reptilian figure with brown scales and a long tail easily as long as it was tall. The creatures red eyes peered over the scene below it before locking onto Octoman. "There you are!"

GM Thunderbrid's emerald lightning struck the rhinoceros squarely, the electrical current dancing across its armored hide. The animal let out a loud sound that sounded pained, and its stride briefly faltered. But it quickly regained its footing and continued charging forward, its heavy footfalls thumping loudly on the pavement. With its attacker out of reach in the air, the rhinoceros instead charged forward, trying to put distance between itself and the green lighting. This path took it straight towards Veronica. But the teenager Danger was able to dive to one side, rolling back up to her knees as it continued to thunder past, moving closer towards Ms. Thursday as it went.

Okay, the rhino gets a 24 on its toughness save, which means it is bruised and dazed. I will give Thunderbrid a HP as it shakes off the daze. The rhino, not being able to get at Thunderbird charges ahead toward Veronica, but she dodges aside when it gets a 15. This brings up Artificer! @Dr Archeville

Okay, with that and the tiger being down, Thunderbird is up! @KnightDisciple

Well, looking at his stats, even with your reduced Grapple, you could roll a 1 and he still would not be able to overcome your grapple check, he might be able to improve to the lesser condition (as opposed to bound and helpless), but not worth the roll right now. I may not have been clear enough, but you are not inside a building, but on a service path for staff that goes behind some of the buildings. So you are already outside. So, with your leap, you can get up into the air and spot Goanna moving along the top of some buildings from an opposite direction towards where the other PCs are. So you can easy get down to the others with your second move. Go ahead and edit your post if you like.

Tsunami Giang accepted Heroditus thanks with a smile and a small nod. Then she focused on him slightly as he shifted the conversation to talking about the Bermuda Triangle, after seeming a bit disappointed that she was not in more regular contact with Thaelia or Temperance. "I certainly know of the Bermuda Triangle and recall Thaelia mentioning that there had been some lost Atlantean outposts in the region, but I do not recall about hearing of any dimensional faults or nexuses there." She responded before considering what the Atlantean teen had to say about the possible uses for the unusual phenomenon in the area. After a few moments, she responded. "That certainly sounds as if researching those faults and nexuses could be a very useful endeavor, but also possible a dangerous one, if such power fell into the wrong hands."

GM Seresk remained quiet for a moment as Eira first responded to Leroy’s questions, or at least some of them. When Eira finished her responses and Davyd asked his follow up questions, the reptilian Praetorian spoke again. "Eira has answered some of your questions Leroy." Seresk replied. "But as to some of the others, as you note, the concept of good or evil can often be one of perspective. From my perspective, at the time I served the Delaztri Empire I viewed it as a good and just society. The empire was an ordered and prosperous society, with opportunity for all citizens, not just for those of the Delaztri species. While it had a powerful military, it preferred to exist in peace with its neighbors and any expansion was by way of worlds or systems joining voluntarily. But I also knew that in the past it had expanded its territory by force and I am sure there are those that would view that as evil." "While I am not of the Delaztri species, I was a citizen of the empire, as where countless other species from hundreds of worlds that were part of the empire. As for the Praetorians, during the time of the empire we hailed from numerous worlds within the empire, and even in some cases from beyond. Our origins were varied, some of us having abilities that where common among our species, others acquiring theirs in accidents or other unusual means." "And as for Paradigm, she is on the bridge, so you will have the opportunity to meet her shortly." The Praetorian stated as he started to lead them towards one of the set of stairs leading up toward the center of the spacecraft. As he went Seresk turned his attention to Davyd. "Yes, the Delaztri Empire existed for several centuries before I was born on one of the worlds within its boarders. There is considerable evidence that there have been other civilizations that possessed spaceflight capabilities long before the Delaztri first began forming their empire."

With backstory stuff your character can be any age (so 15 at the time of the accident is just fine). The rule is only that when you start playing the character, they have to be 16. (For example, my character Velocity got her powers at 14, but I did not start playing her on the site until she was 17, over ten years ago!)

Okay, again hit the Tiger, this time it only gets a 10 on its Fort save so it is unconscious. That brings up Octoman! @Grumblefloof

Hey Wyvern. So, one thing to address first, we do not allow characters that are younger than 16 years old when they first appear in game. Now, your character could have been 14 at the time of the accident and when she started mentoring with a magical hero. And she could have started at Claremont Academy (the Xavier's school analog, but for anyone with powers, not just mutants). But she would now need to be 16. As for the request for some backstory references. You can use my Freedom League character Velocity for the hero that rescued your character and then later checked in on her if you like.

GM "I appreciate the offer Eira, but I have previously had a tour of the Lighthouse." Seresk replied kindly, looking down at Eira with what appeared to be a smile. "Besides, I am sure your fellow students are looking forward to getting to CoVic Station." The hulking Praetorian greeted each of the Claremont students in turn as Eira introduced them, shaking the hands of those how moved forward to offer them. The reptoid had massive three fingered hands, but was able to be surprisingly gentle while shaking hands. Once all the greetings where completed, Velocity said her goodbyes to the students. "They are all yours now Seresk." She said with a smile. "Thank you Velocity." Seresk replied. "Please give my greetings to your son." "I will, he wanted me to say hello as well." The Freedom League speedster said as the Praetorian led the Claremont teens back into the airlock, the doors closing behind them and sealing, before the exterior doors opened once more, reveling a large open room beyond with doorways to both the right and the left and a pair of stair leading upward on the opposite end of the room. Seresk led the teenagers into the large chamber which appeared to be some sort of storeroom, although it was empty at this time. After the doors closed behind them, the Praetorian turned back to the students. "Welcome aboard the Devotion, an Aquilla class starship built for the Delaztri Navy over two thousand years ago. Designed to fulfill dual functions as both a combat and science vessel, the Devotion and several of her sister ships served as transports for teams of Praetorians when we served the Delaztri Empire."

The fear effect power check is a 26, so it still manages to overcome Artificer's attempt to counter it. Fearmaster II cannot do much but talk for the moment. Although the fear machine continues to send off its effect, Veronica's burst area immunity protects Artificer, Ms. Thursday and Thunderbird (and herself) from the effects. So this brings up: Round Three 28 Veronica Danger (unharmed) 5 HP 20 Ms. Thursday (unharmed) 4 HP 17 Octoman (unharmed) 5 HP 13 Tiger (unharmed) 12 Thunderbird (unharmed) 3 HP 9 rhinoceros (unharmed) 8 Artificer (unharmed, fatigued) 1 HP 6 Fearmaster II (unharmed) 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 try to use her TK on the tiger, just hitting with a 15, so she will make a grapple check, getting a 24. The tiger gets a 25, so manages to wiggle free. I did not say this before, so will now, Veronica has activated her forcefield now. @Cubismo Back to Ms. Thursday!

Veronica Danger Veronica winced slightly as Micah attacked the two gorillas with a rapid series of punches and kicks. "I said we needed to try to contain them as gently as we could…” She began to call out to her classmate when the speeding service vehicle and pursuing rhinoceros appeared. "Looks like we have a bigger problem now." She called out to the others. Looking back toward where Astrid was engaged with the tiger Veronica called out. "Might need your help with the rhinoceros!" As she spoke, the teenage Danger raised her right hand, which glowed with mystical energy. At the same time, a similar glow began to form around the tiger, trying to wrap it up and immobilize it. For a moment it seemed as if the tiger might be trapped by the mystical energy, but at the last moment the feline managed to dart away, escaping from Veronica's attempt to trap it.

GM Thunderbird's rapid attacks all land solidly on the pair of gorillas, both of which are caught unprepared for the sudden attacks. Both animals grunted in pain before being knocked back from the teen, flying backward a short distance before landing hard on the ground, unconscious. Artificer once again tried to counter the sub-sonic vibration effects that were emanating around them, but now the effect seemed to have stabilized and was reinforcing itself, easily overcoming Atrificer’s magic as it continued to affect the bystanders around the teenage heroes. Not deterred by this, the Atlantean teen began looking around for the source of the subsonic vibrations. Glancing around him, Artificer spotted what appeared to be a small acoustic device fixed up on a branch of a nearby tree. But even as Thunderbrid dealt with two of the escaped animals, another sound caught the group's attention. From up ahead came the sound of squealing tires and what sounded rather like distant thunder. Around a corner a small go-cart like service vehicle came, a zoo employee behind the wheel and appearing to be panicked. This vehicle was followed almost immediately the massive form of a charging rhinoceros. The rhinoceros managed to move up alongside the service vehicle, swinging its head to the side and smashing its horn into the vehicle’s side. The force of the impact sent the vehicle out of control and it swerved to one side and crashed into a low wall near one of the animal enclosures. The rhinoceros briefly came to a halt, shacking its head for a moment before it turned and seemed to fix its gaze on Thunderbird, the closest of the Claremont students. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back on the service path, Octoman easily grabbed ahold of the man, wrapping him several times in coils of tentacles before pulling him off his feet. The figure barely was able to struggle before the tentacles bound him so tightly he could barely move. As Octoman turned the figure to face him and began engaging in his typical banter. Now looking at the man, Octoman could see he was in his forties. With long brown hair than came down around his face most of the way to his shoulders. The man gave a small smile as he looked at the now visible form of Octoman. "You are already too late. By now half the park, including your friends, should be cowering in fear, as agitated animals freed from their enclosures start to run amok among them." "So you have a choice young hero. Waste time dealing with me and let people start being injured or killed, or go now and try to help stop the animals."

Okay, as I mentioned in chat, the tiger is too far from the apes to get them all. So assuming you go for the apes, you hit both and they each only get a 9 on the toughness saves, so we will go with both being knocked out.

GM The mysterious figure was caught completely off guard by Octomam's sudden appearance, barely having a chance to register the tentacles coming at him before they began coiling around him. In moments Octoman had managed to coil his tentacles around the figure several times, completely immobilizing him and lifting him off the ground. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back where the main group of Claremont students were located, Ms Thursday quickly moved to try to incapacitate the escaped tiger. But although her electrical blast connected with the feline, causing it snarl in discomfort, the beast quickly leapt aside, even as its fur stood on end. Somehow the tiger managed to shake off the effect of the electrical attack, shaking itself slightly as it focused its gaze on the teenage heroine. Snarling at the teen, the tiger leapt towards her, its claws leading in front of it. However Ms Thursday was able to easily step aside from the attack, as the tiger’s leap carried it past her, where it landed on the ground, turning back around to face her once more.

Yeah, that easily grapples him and even if he rolled a natural 20 on his grapple check, no way he is going to beat that grapple check, so he is bound and helpless! The Tiger will try to attack Ms. Thursday, but misses with a 8. @KnightDisciple Thunderbird is up!

Tsunami Giang listened as Heroditus recalled his memories of the incident involving Captain Kraken and the Dakuwanga in Atlantis. She felt a bit of sympathy for the Atlantean teen, considering how frightening that incident must have been for someone so young. "Yes, that is the one." The Asian young woman replied. "A very unfortunate incident, thankfully we were able to assist in stopping it quicker than might otherwise have been the case." When Heroditus asked her about whether she kept in touch with Thaelia or Temperance, Giang gave a small shrug. "We still stay in touch, but of late we each seem rather busy with our own pursuits, so do not see as much of each other as we might like. We never really established any sort of base of operations."

That is indeed a critical hit, but the Tiger manages a 25 on its fort save! ? @Grumblefloof Octoman is up!

So, a new threat. Will give the four teens back on the main pathway another HP for the animals that are now a threat to the civilians in the area. The fear effect is going off again and overpowered the counter, so Will saves for Astrid, Micah, Veronica and Heroditus again. Heroditus will get a +4 due to the use of the loud music to try to counter the effect. (DC 20) This time Veronica passes the save with ease, getting a 28 Round Two 28 Veronica Danger (unharmed) 5 HP 20 Ms. Thursday (unharmed) 5 HP 17 Octoman (unharmed) 5 HP 13 Tiger (unharmed) 12 Thunderbird (unharmed) 3 HP 8 Artificer (unharmed, fatigued) 2 HP 6 Fearmaster II (unharmed) 5 Apes (unharmed) (unharmed) Veronica’s Gem Variable Pool: AF: Ranged 2; AF: Melee 2; Acrobatics 8 (up to +19) Veronica will now change her magic pool to the following: 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] So, the burst area immunity will stop the fear effect, so anyone who misses their save will be fine after Veronica acts. @Cubismo Ms. Thursday is up!

Veronica Danger Veronica was not terribly surprised when Micah quickly departed to change, she knew he was rather concerned about keeping his identity secret. As both Astrid and Heroditus moved over near her and Micah, the teenage Danger watched as Heroditus quickly began casting a spell. Veronica was able watch Heroditus shape the magic with her mystical sight and felt the calming effect wash over her and remove the lingering feeling of fear. "Much better." She replied to the Atlantean teen, before just moments later the strange humming washed over her once more. Once again Veronica felt the feeling of fear grip at her as Heroditus' countering effect was pushed away. This time, the teenager was able to push aside the feeling as she saw several of the animals somehow get free from their enclosures. Realizing they needed to do something to contain escaped animals and avoid the effects of this strange humming, Veronica looked down as the numerous silver symbols on a long necklace chain that she had just taken out. Selecting about half a dozen of them, she quickly unclipped them, reattaching them to a smaller bracelet chain. As she finished attaching the last one, she could sense their magic synthesizing as she slipped the bracelet over her left wrist and then extended both hands out to her side, releasing the spell around her that would stop the fear caused by the subsonic humming. "We need to get these animals back into their cages without harming them if possible." She stated to the others around her, before a look of concern came across her face. "Anyone know where Ben is?"

GM Up ahead of the rest of the Claremont students, Danica managed to fight off the effects of the sound waves that had begun emanating through this part of the park. But as the elementary school children around her started to show signs of fear and panic, the teenager quickly went into action. Maneuvering her Segway around the group of school kids, Danica managed to keep any from running away, herding them close together as she pulled up near, promising them everything was going to be okay. Then she put up her turtle shell to protect the group, enclosing them all inside. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hot on the trail of the mysterious figure, Octoman heads back behind one of the nearby buildings, unaware of the chaos unfolding behind him. Behind the building he finds a service path used by zoo staff to access some of the nearby enclosures. He does not move too far along this path before he spots the strange figure a short distance ahead. The figure appeared to be a man, wearing a dark, slightly tattered trench coat and a wide brimmed hat. He was standing half-turned away from Octoman, holding a phone in one hand and appearing to be in a conversation with someone using a headset. "The fear effect should be creating chaos, unlock the enclosures and that should keep them busy while we move in for the one you are after." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back where most of the Claremont students where gathered together, Heroditus' spell created a clamming sensation that washed over Veronica and Micah, helping to brush aside the fear and uncertainty which had been gripping them. But even as the two teenagers were freed from the effects of the subsonic attack, things seemed to go from bad to worse. Up ahead and to the left of the group, several adults came running and screaming from an area near enclosures located there. Just moments behind them appeared two large gorillas, roaring and clearly agitated as they moved into the main path, pausing a moment to look around them. Behind the group there as another roar, and looking back they saw a tiger that had somehow gotten lose as well and had leapt out onto the main path as well. It hunched down, looking like it might be ready to pounce on some nearby bystanders who were cowering beside a table. And then the subsonic humming continued, washing over the area once more. This time, it was too strong for the countering effect Heroditus had cast, and washed over the four teens once more. The Atlantean teen found that the blaring music from Astrid’s headphones seemed to at least help somewhat against the effect.

So, normally countering would be a power check between the powers, but as you spent a HP, I will just have you counter the fear for Veronica and Micah for now. BUT, the fear effect is going off again this round, so lets do a power check contest so you can try to continue to counter. The fear effect only gets a 17!

Forgot to say I would be wiling to have Veronica involved at some point given the rotation nature of things you were planning