angrydurf

Two nods confirmation and calls for a retreat, "Get to the rendezvous, I'll cover you." as she released several bursts from her gauntlet blaster to keep Phalanx from reaching the other Power Corps member. Phalanx ignored the blaster fire and lunged out at the last second managing to grip Sevens ankle just as she was almost out of reach. "Not so fast." He intones and his shoulders ripple with the strain as he swings her overhead and slams her against the ground with a deafening clang the flooring splintering under the force of the blow.

Two Provides covering fire for Seven Phalanx will ignore the covering fire penalty granting two a chance to fire at him Attack Roll (1d20+6=8) A miss. Phalanx attacks the fleeing Number Seven All Out Power Attack for grapple (1d20+8=11) HP Reroll: HP Reroll: All out Power Attack for grapple (1d20+8=11) +10 for a 21 will hit. Grapple check: Grapple (1d20+31=42)Phalanx Grapple Check (1d20+24=34) Number Seven, Failure Phalanx chooses Damage DC 34 Toughness Save Toughness (1d20+11=24) Staggered and Stunned.

Round Four Initiative 21 - PC 3 - Staggered Bruised and Stunned 15 - PC 2 - Bruised 10 - PC 5 - KO'd 10 - Phalanx - 1 HP - Uninjured 9 - PC 7 - Uninjured

Phalanx calls out, "I don't think so." And brutally yanks Number Three over his shoulder to slam him into the ground as the other Power corps members fire yet another ineffectual volley of blaster fire his direction. Lifting the injured Number Three over head he heaves the heavily armored villain across the room like a rag doll Shouting "Catch!" as the impromptu missile fly's at Number Five. Number two slams into Number Five and both continue on into the back room to fall in a crumpled heap on the ground. Number Seven rushes past her cohorts a heavy box clutched to her side, "Got the Stone." she announces to Two.

Grapple check (1d20+24=41) Number 3 Grapple check to maintain Pin Grapple check (1d20+31=49) Phalanx will choose to do damage DC 29 Toughness (1d20+11=16) Fail by ten Staggered and Stunned Two and Five attack Defense 12 Power attack 5 base DC 29 (1d20+6=17, 1d20+6=10) One hit DC 31 toughness Toughness (1d20+16=35) No damage Phalanx auto wins the grapple check since 3 is stunned and will throw him at 5 All out Power attack 5 Throw attack (1d20+5=24) DC 34 Toughness for both Three then Five Toughness (1d20+11=26, 1d20+11=19) Three Takes a bruise and is already stunned Five is unconcious

Round Three Initiative 21 - PC 3 - Uninjured 15 - PC 2 - Bruised 10 - PC 5 - Uninjured 10 - Phalanx - 1 HP - Uninjured 9 - PC 7 - Uninjured

Number Three calls out to Five, "Give him all you got." and unloads withering fire of his own at Phalanx. The Hero braces himself against the attack and miraculously manages to shrug off the terrible barrage without injury. His clothes in tatters and his costume marred by numerous scorch marks Phalanx redoubles his efforts against the faceless villains. "Thats enough of that." He says as he swings a mighty blow at the midsection of Number Two but the heavy armor holds up to the assault. As Phalanx tries to shift the blow into a hold the skilled mercenary is able to reverse the grapple and pin the young Hero exposing him to the fire of his cohorts.

To hit power attack 3 Base DC 27 (1d20+8=19, 1d20+8=28) First DC 28 +1 autofire Second DC 36 Crit +4 autofire Toughness save DC 28 (1d20+16=29) No Damage Burn an HP for Ultimate Toughness for the second one for a 36. No damage Burn HP for Improved Grab again Attack roll Attack w/ improved Grab (1d20+8=21) Hit DC 29 Toughness Toughness #3 Toughness (1d20+11=29) No Damage Grapple check (1d20+31=37) Phalanx Grapple Grapple check (1d20+24=40) Grapple Check Number 3 He'll choose to try and maintain a pin to give his cohorts a better shot.

Round Two Initiative 21 - PC 3 - Uninjured 15 - PC 2 - Bruised - Stunned 10 - PC 5 - Uninjured 10 - Phalanx - 3 HP - Uninjured 9 - PC 7 - Uninjured

Number Two callously taunts him in return, "Really? I think you're going to wish YOU hadn't done that." Then raised her blaster and commanded "Drop the kid." before opening fire herself. The blasts burned through his cloths exposing some of the costume he had taken to wearing beneath it but had no effect whatsoever on the superhuman youth. Phalanx struck quickly and surely as the blasts died down, slamming one hand against the leaders helmet and trying to pull her into a hold. Though dazed by the blow she managed to stumble free of his clumsy grab. Number Three shouts toward the back, "SEVEN! hurry it up. We got a Cape."

Roll to hit Phalanx (1d20+11=17, 1d20+11=21, 1d20+11=18) DC 24 Toughness Those all hit, his impervious is higher than the damage rank. Next time they know to power attack. HP for heroic feat Improved Grab Set Paragon Array to 9 Super Strength Roll to hit #2 (1d20+8=24) DC29 Toughness Toughness save (1d20+11=20) #2 Bruised and Stunned Grapple Check (1d20+31=32) Phalanx's Grapple (CUUURSSSE YOU IIIIIICCCCCCC !!!!!!!) Grapple check (1d20+24=35) # 2's Grapple She chooses to escape the grapple

Time was up the officers came easily to a knee and pulled their firearms from their concealed holsters smoothly firing on the armored assailants, but to no avail. The Power corps soldiers returned fire immediately and both officers collapsed in a pile. Number five came to the door at the sound of gunfire and leveled his own weapon at the crowd. The showroom was lit up by the blasts of energy and the air was filled with the screams of the frightened civilians. Mike came to his feet in a flash and crossed the room quickly to interpose himself between the mercenaries and the wounded officers. Thankfully the officers were still moving though weakly, "I really wish you hadn't done that." He scolded the facing down number Two.

This was clearly a smash and grab job and in all likelihood so long as nothing went wrong the thieve wouldn't hurt anyone. But if things did start to go wrong there were a lot of potential hostages here. Mike let his vision slide over and pierce the walls as Five and Seven passed through the door into the back. He could see one begin to work on the massive vault door with some kind of device as the other took up a guard position next to him. These guys were cool and professional every step of the way, his best bet might be to engage as they fled, but he didn't know what kind of speed they could manage. The decision however looked like it was about to be made for him he saw two of the other customers eying one another, more importantly he saw the guns they had hidden under their coats and the STAR squad insignia on their hidden body armor. But they were too far away for him to help.

Initiative (1d20=10) Initiative 2, 3, 7, 5 (1d20+5=15, 1d20+5=21, 1d20+5=9, 1d20+5=10) Phalanx gets an HP for so many civilians being near by. Round One Initiative 21 - PC 3 - Uninjured 15 - PC 2 - Uninjured 10 - PC 5 - Uninjured 10 - Phalanx - 4 HP - Uninjured 9 - PC 7 - Uninjured For whenever combat starts up.

As the plate glass exploded inwards Mike turned and instinctively stepped between the blast and Jennifer and the rest of the nearby civilians. As the smoke cleared four heavily armored individuals swooped into the showroom, landing next to unconscious guards and brandishing gauntlet mounted weapons at the frightened civilians. The apparent leader, her chest emblazoned with the number two, commanded, "Get on the floor, and no one will get hurt." Mike repressed his urge to engage immediately, the voice of Mr. Archer ringing in his ears, 'too many potential hostages.' Mike sunk to his knees tucking the ring box into a pocket and shuffled back against the wall near a cluster of other customers and staff. At the least he could keep them covered if things went south. He gazed around the room trying to pick a safe spot to engage as the two of the other armored mercenaries, numbers Five and Seven, headed towards the back area. He knew the thieves would be gone before anyone could respond but just in case he thumbed the alert button on his Young Freedom communicator. Hopefully the signal wasn't blocked but he couldn't count on back up.

Skill mastery stealth with hide in plain sight for 27 stealth check

"It seems the league has been compromised in some fashion." Ace replied quickly, "Details are sketchy but hopefully we'll be able to know more after we engage. For the time being assume any league member suspect and at full power." He glanced over as Dark Star approached the League members, "Get your men in place if this turns ugly we'll need your firepower." Ace requested before vanishing from sight to to approach the robbers more surreptitiously.

Need the Reflex and toughness saves form wander and She's now up. Baby allowing of course ;)

Mike offered her a thankful smile and nodded agreement as she skillfully arrayed his top choices along his budget gradient for him to peruse. Mike took a moment to look consideringly at the selection before indicating his selection. Jennifer paused for a moment before carefully inquiring, "Are you certain Mr. Harris? That isn't exactly traditional." Mike Nodded his assent with a smile explaining, "I am, I know its not traditional but it is definitely Alex." She quickly guided him through the payment process and other than a brief if nerve wracking wait for the payment to post it was painless in the end. She deftly tucked the selected ring into its box and slid it across the table atop the assorted information on the purchase and Mike was about to pick it up when the street facing windows suddenly shattered inward from some sort of concussive blast.

Mike boggled slightly at the prices listed for some of the larger cuts but grew more comfortable as his eyes drifted down the list. It felt odd placing a price limit on something of this nature but it was also simple fact that he did not have unlimited resources. He had considered trying the trick from that old Centurion movie of crushing coal into diamond but in the end discarded it as both unlikely and even if ti did work would probably lead to questions he didn't really want to answer. Jennifer lightly cleared her throat snapping him form his brief reverie, "Oh, uhm, sorry." He said somewhat chagrined and pointed to his budget range on the sheet. Jennifer smiled and replied, "Nothing to apologize for sir, its a big decision not something to make an impulsive decision over."

Mike was definitely glad for Haas Brothers famed service and particularly thankful for the kind way in which Jennifer handled what he at least felt was gross under-preparation if not down right incompetency. He carefully perused the selection expressing a preference for the more traditional yellow gold over the assorted white golds or platinum bands. Jennifer nodded agreement and showed him a wider selection of settings and band designs from elegantly simple cuts to more complex faceting and arrangements. While elegant simplicity was not a term Mike would usually apply to Alex's style it seemed that it might be the best fit in this case. A short while later he managed to further narrow the field inquiring as to which were the best for more 'active' lifestyles. Soon he had narrowed his selection to a sparse selection on one small velvet pillow. Throughout the process Mike hadn't even thought to ask about price of course and as it occured to him they were reaching the end of the selection process he nervously once more began to inquire, "So, uhh, how much are ..." Jennifer smoothly pulled up a small reference sheet to explain the pricing scheme, with assorted price points for various carat values listed. "I'm sure we can meet your budget needs, we offer a variety of stone sizes as well as payment plans and layaway." She explained gently, "So what is your budget?"

Mikes face fell when she clarified, he was completely lost here. He shook his head confirming he had no idea what Alex's ring size was but was comforted that it was a common enough event that they were prepared for such an event. He listened intently as she quickly explained some of the various methods they used to surreptitiously uncover a ladies ring size. The old standby of a 'borrowed' ring clearly wasn't going to work, Mike didn't recall Alex ever wearing one. In the end they settled upon a series of estimations, mostly on the knowledgeable Jennifer's part, to determine a size that would at the least fit and not be grossly over-sized. Mike nodded along as she explained the average ring size and modified it given Alex's petite frame and a few well aimed questions to Mike about the kinds of activities she preferred. Sizing concerns taken care of she smiled and pulled out a small selection of solitaires for him to peruse.

Mike was confused by the question for a moment not certain what size she was asking for, he finally settled for nervously indicating her rough height with one hand eying the saleswoman's reaction carefully. Jennifer let had an amused twinkle in her eye. Even in her short time at Haas Brothers she had seen worse, not much worse, but worse none the less. She quietly corrected the tall boy, "Ring size sweetie." She gently patted his hand and added with a kind smile, "and I'll take that as a no." She pulled a basic sizing chart out and set it atop the counter with a wink, "We have a few trade secrets for just such a situation."

Mike cleared his throat and nodded his assent glancing at the floor, 'face down rampaging super villains no problem, tell the saleswoman what he was looking for and he couldn't seem to make his mouth work right. Typical.' He managed to croak out, "Yea, uhm, engagement." in reply. 'What is wrong with me?' he wondered to himself. Taking a deep breath he looked up once more, "A ring." then sighed to himself, 'Yea cus that wasn't obvious. Idiot.' Jennifer smiled and began guiding him over to an expansive case containing a wide assortment of traditional solitaires. "Don't worry your in good hands." She said gently. And stepping behind the counter top display inquired, "Do you know her size?"

Mike's cheeks colored slightly as he nodded, "Uhm yes, for my Girlfriend, Alex." he replied the butterflies in his stomach had returned in force and looking at the choices arrayed before him Mike's head was swimming. His eyes darted to the various displays trying to figure out which was likely to hold the right ring. Unaccustomed to service such as this it didn't really occur to him to explain exactly what he needed to the helpful young woman at his side. The skillful saleswoman at his side slowed her pace slightly and asked with a smile, "Oh lucky girl, any thing in particular you are thinking of?". as she caught the color on his cheeks she added lightly, "For any special occasion?"