Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 5 Marvel - chapter 3 Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 18:42:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: ...Before They Get Better On Fri, 16 Apr 1999 20:33:48 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00006869 Splicing in from my own previous posts: With a hard twist, Roger manages a few millimeters of air gap between Norrin Radd's feet and his board, and in the brief moment of seperation brings up the strongest teleport effect he can muster and 'ports the surfboard into the vicinity of Alpha Centauri. Radd, despite not being a teleporter, nonetheless recognizes the attempt and retaliates with a massive barrage of disruptive Cosmic Power that stretches Roger's multitasked resources to counter. The board ends up somewhere in the Kuiper Belt, and turns immediately to speed towards Earth. Halfway back, the X-gate energy construct Roger attatched to it activates and bounces the board straight back out to where is started, to begin the cycle again. And again, and again, and again..... OOC: SS could doubtless break the effect if he turned his Cosmic Awareness on the problem -- but by that point, Roger plans to have his attention firmly riveted. (:) /OOC Facing down the Silver Surfer, Roger reaches one hand into his jacket and comes out bearing: The Infinity Gauntlet. OOCAgain: For you non-Marvel phen, the IG was a glove made bearing all 6-7 of the Infinity Gems, which each controlled a facet of reality. The IG was never directly compared to a Cosmic Cube AFAICR, but I'd say that the IG is far more powerful. It's hard to compare power levels across fictons, of course, but I'd theorize that the IG could easily stand up to anything less than the Stardragon itself. Good thing it's not really here. (:) /OOC Brandishing the Gauntlet, Roger raises it to their mutual eye level and slowly, theatrically closes his fist. It's such a lovely bit of acting that for a moment, Norrin Rad fails to apply his Cosmic Awareness against the glove -- right up until one of the gems pops out with enough force to roll several yards down the beach. The former Herald's eyes very nearly bug out as they follow the path of the bouncing jewel for a full second before slitting in grim realization of the truth and snapping back to Roger -- Who isn't there. The warning of his Cosmic Awareness comes just barely too late, as an enormous emerald-energy hammer drops from above with enough force to drive him to his knees. Even as he hits the sand, a blast of power with surprisingly Cosmic flavor strikes him in the head and shoulderblades, pitching him onto his face. The attacks do not pause, but press the advantage, increasing in speed and violence. Blasts of the pseudo-Cosmic energy rip at the stability of his own internal energies as green energistic constructs attempt to crush and immobilize him. And as if to add insult to injury, mere *technological* weapons are also in the mix, striking him with rapidfire streams of energy beams and hypervelocity projectiles, rattling the man inside the silver skin. He is under telepathic assault on several fronts: perception, senses, higher thought processes, reflexes. Local spacetime seems to become gelid, resistant to the flow of his Power Cosmic, and his Awareness is full of static and ghosts. This thousand-cuts assault holds him helpless under the pummeling for several seconds, unable to mount a coherent response, before he resorts to a blind "detonation" of energy that nearly cracks the structure of the the universe for a hundred meters in every direction. In the momentary lull, Norrin Rad rolls to his feet (his missing board a nagging, distracting itch in the back of his mind) and faces his attacker. AttackerS, rather. Facing him are three Rogers: One surrounded by an aura of emerald light emanating from the ring on his right hand. The second bears a small black tatoo of a star and crescent arc on the palm of his left hand, that invisibly radiates power to match the ring. The third is encased in streamlined red-gold armor that looks like a cross between Iron Man and the Flash's uniform. OOC: Not that I'd expect SS to recognize the Flash influences. Imagine if Barry Allen asked Tony Stark to make him an armored speed costume. I figure that, this far from the DCU and not being a member of the Allen clan, Roger can probably mimic a Flash's speedforce tap for about 1/4 of Barry Allen's speed. Inside the DCU, and with a Flash nearby to "bootstrap" off of, he might reach half, or perhaps even 3/4. The black tatoo is the Star Brand, from Marvel's short-lived New Universe. An before anybody jumps me, it DID end up in the Main MU, after Quasar got knocked into the MNU and had to borrow the Star Brand to get back. I'm assuming that the SB would work on a power level roughly equivalent to a GL ring. The operating parameters based on belief and willpower seem roughly similar. /OOC TBC..... ================================= Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 22:38:22 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: ...Before They Get Better On Fri, 16 Apr 1999 23:30:10 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006872 >On Fri, 16 Apr 1999 20:33:35 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00006868 > >Roger spends about .75sec looking absolutely mortified at his faux >pas (and momentarily shapeshifts into a giant heel) before he >swallows his embarrassment and returns Tink's handshake with matching >firmness. He grins at her in lopsided apology. >"Sorry. Pretty girls with bright smiles turn my brains to mush >*you* know how it is," he says, nodding significantly in Mike's >direction. Michael smirks, "Hey, I resemble that remark." Tink just giggles. >"Components--" Roger begins. Then his brain catches up with the rest >of Mike's sentence, and proceeds to run in several diections at once. >In the distance, one of the battling Rogers stumbles momentarily and >gets blown half a mile down the beach by the Silver Surfer. >The near Roger's face flickers through the most interesting spectrum >of expression, half "Light, I'm an idiot!" and half "What the nass is >WRONG with me?!?" He sways for a moment before returning his >attention to immediate matters with a visible effort. Mike looks concerned, /Hey, hang in there, everyone's allowed an off day. You didn't do any damage./ >> Tink stops work and immediately opens the boxs with a gleeful >>grin, first taking out the NanoSillyPutty eggs, like any >>intelleigent five year old would do. Forget the food, the toy is >>what's important. > >OOC: I LOVE this kid!! >> /Muahahaha,/ Mike sends over the lenslink, /This is gonna be >>cool./ > >OOC: Mike's pretty cool, too. (:) Scary, but cool. >OOC: Note to self: Be more carefull when giving Mike or Tink >techno-toys. (:) *I* thought that the NanoSillyPutty was just a >throwaway one-liner. Shoulda known better. ================================= Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 00:35:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Damage Control (Inc.) On Sat, 17 Apr 1999 03:07:20 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006873 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006863 (SNIP) >>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00006839 >>> Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006830 > >>> Outside... >>> Thanos blinks, momentarily blinded. (OOC: He's immune to >>electricity.) >>> >>> Roland's eyes go wide. "/Aurora, NO!" For Light's sake-/ >>> "YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME?!" a voice roars from everywhere. The >>>air itself seems to be speaking. "YOU GOT IT, HORNHEAD!" The mother >>>of all tornadoes rises from the dome's apex, and a fifty-foot tall >>>Whirlwind emerges from the top. >>> >>There is a tearing sound, as the entire spherical volume of space >>occupied by Whirlwind is ripped away from its current universe and >>unceremoniously dumped in a universe that had died the heat death >>many tens of billions of years ago. Surrounding Whirlwind is an >>infinite expanse of nothing. > > None of Aurora's attack happens. > Whirlwind, wielding the Cosmic Cube, can sense her attack with >Cosmic Awareness any Herald would be jealous of. He doesn't want it >to happen. > So it doesn't. > Roland stops on his way out of the reality. /Bloody sprocking >NASS! Aurora, I said to hold back! You were supposed to go with the >stealth team!/ He starts to turn back-then out of the corner of his >eye, he sees Obsidian get one-punched by a robotic doppelganger of >that worthy, the original flying into a building. He curses a blue >streak that includes Interlac, Barsoomian, Atlantean (Earth-9 >version) and English, and leaps into the Earth-9 fray. > /I hope to grife you know what you're doing.../ /Indeed I do./ She answers >>Then Aurora appears before him in her humanoid form. Surrounding her >>right wrist is what Dhrylance (I know I spelled it wrong) would >>recognize as a vastly oversized lens. (OOC: Same height as >>Whirlwind). *Have at you,* she says. > > (OOC: Up to you if Aurora still makes this challenge, but 'Before >They Get Better' still stands-she's up against a power-boosted >Thanos, on the original island in the Marvel Universe. More to come, >but someone's gonna need a plan 'B,' 'cause the one Roland came up >with is pretty much toasty now. To quote the priest from >'Blazing Saddles:' "Son, you're on your own." I'll respond to more >when I'm more awake. 8^) (OOC: Retcon the statement *Have at you.* but she will appear before him. A match for him in size, and in the humanoid form with the lens) "*Do I want a 'Piece of you'? Of course I do. Otherwise I would not have attracted your attention. But not here! If we fight here, there will be no world left when we are done, and probably no Galaxy as well. Do you truely want to destroy everything you have ever known? I propose we fight here."* She says as she waves a hand and an X-Window opens to the universe she had been trying to take him to. "*Do you accept? Or would you rather it be voiced about that you were afraid?*" ================================= Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 09:35:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: ...Before They Get Better On Sat, 17 Apr 1999 12:09:53 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006874 James watches the milling combatants, and nods as he sees the Jean and Rachel fight. Slipping near, he taps Jean on one shoulder. Smiling urbanely as she turns, he says, "Could you be a dear and hold this for me?" He promply leans in closer and kisses her soundly on the lips, giving Rachel enough time to draw clear. When she is, he drops and rolls away low himself, as Tink's Silly Putty weaponry fires. He rolls to his feet with a cold, cruel grin perhaps familar to some movie and certain literature fans. His satisfaction is short-lived however, as the armored form with a green cape flies forth from the dome on small rockets mounted in his boots. Both his hands shoot some sort of weaponry at James' back. James, taken by surprise, is blown forward, only converting it to a roll after sliding nearly thirty feet. The tux is mostly burned away, showing some sort of skintight black uniform akin to Zia's beneath that doesn't burn. "Interloper." The strangely cultured insult comes from the riveted helm, fitted close on this new opponent's face. "Crawl on your knees before the wrath of Dr. Doom." James' instinctively tossed shuriken bounce off Dr. Doom's armor with trilling pings; one even shatters outright. Dr. Doom blasts the place James had slid to a stop in, just missing the already moving form in black as James rolls again. James draws a smaller snub-nosed pistol. He might seem unmatched, but anyone catching the expression in his eyes wouldn't know it. He seems to be having a wonderful time. His hand steadies an instant on the next dodge, and there is the sharp and usual report of gunfire in the midst of the superheroic battle lines. Dr. Doom reels back a moment, a bright smear near one eye-hole of his helm suddenly appearing, even as the crack of James' weapon fades. James is already seeking harder cover behind ex-Sentinel pieces. ================================= Date: Sun, 18 Apr 1999 20:05:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: That's Our Boy! On Sun, 18 Apr 1999 20:00:56 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006875 >On Tue, 13 Apr 1999 22:46:21 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00006856 > >In a message dated 99-04-12 02:39:17 EDT, you write: >> Rachel actually chuckles as she shakes her head. "Didn't want the >>'Old Folx' knowing you were chasing one of your father's old >>flames?" The Phoenix Force flickers around her as the last line >>leaves her lips. "But I'm afraid you're a little late, which is >>bizarre, considering that, in my timeline, this is the first time >>we've met." She extends one hand in the manner of proud, engaged >>women everywhere...displaying an absolutely _stunning_ gold signet >>ring with a '4' inscribed in it with pieces of diamond. If that's >>enough of a clue for Roger to turn and look, he sees Franklin >>watching, still amused-for the moment-though his arms are folded. > >[Ooh, THAT's when we are. Gotta get my bearings back...] >Roger, never one to let tension cloud the air, grabs Rachel's >proferred hand and slaps a huge 'toon jeweler's loupe onto one eye, >slipping into Mel Brooks mode. "Oy, Gevalt! Look at t'SIZE a'dose >ROCKS! Dat's more ice dan Europa and the Rings combined -- I may >plotz!" Rachel, who's been desperately holding in her amusement, finally gives up and bursts into laughter. Franklin chuckles as well. >Meanwhile, a third Roger pops up beside Roland. "'One of your >father's old flames'?" he mimics perfectly. "Dad, are there some >things you *haven't* told me about your misspent youth?" "Only that there was _nothing_ misspent about my youth. Well, except maybe for that time I spent chasing Amberites." Roland smiles at his 'son' amusedly. /Later, Roger./ >> Roland immediately shows concern. ^There really isn't much good >>in 'backup' duty, given the 'rules' we're laboring under...are you >>okay?^ > >^Umm....^ Roger looks distinctly uneasy. ^Well, that's the question, >isn't it? I *feel* fine, and all my self-diagnostics come up green. >But ever since I ran into you during that dustup with Kyle/Sinestro, >I've been making mistakes and putting my feet in my mouth--^ he >glances at Zia ^--at a rate unprecedented even for me. I was chalking >it up to simple disorientation, and the fact that my ingrained habits >for interracting with all of you are based on 350 years or so of >mutual acclimitization. But after that wierd episode I had back in >Fawcett City, I have to consider the possibility that I have >*something* wrong that I can't detect. So far, I've been okay for >straight-up combat ops, but the sneak-team is just too delicate. I >don't want to take the chance, however small.^ ^Roger, the fact that you're 350 years off-target should be your _first_ indication that something's wrong,^ Roland sends, and Roger can sense the slight anomaly of his father instinctively drawing on his 'self' from Roger's time. Nothing paradoxical, exactly, just the most basic instincts of parenthood. ^I don't know what diagnostics you're running, but there's clearly something slipping under your radar.^ ================================= Date: Sun, 18 Apr 1999 21:08:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: Abandon All Sense... 8^) On Sun, 18 Apr 1999 20:49:49 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006876 >On Mon, 12 Apr 1999 21:49:08 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006844 >>*If I relocated through the door, I'd probably set off the 'Reality >>Check' triggers on it... But a purely technical response might work. >>I think this one is going to have to be your baby, Rob.* > >"Depends on the door. It looks like the basic 'Evil Overlord >overcompensating for his deficiencies' door. I'd _expect_ a security >system, but what I expect and what I get are not always the same." There _is_ a security system, all right. The same anti-teleportation field, only about times ten, concentrated 'in' the walls of the castle. It looks like something out of 'Arabian Knights;' apparently, Cannon was inspired by his present resemblance to a djinn. Sort of a russet version of the Sultan's castle in Aladdin. The handle has some sort of recognition field around it, which isn't quite psi and isn't quite tech. Any unrecognized contact, however, activates the wholly mundane response...a panel in the wall will open, and a disintegration beam turns the unlucky victim into free-floating particles. >On Tue, 13 Apr 1999 07:34:59 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006848 >[OOC: Tag to the GM: What do Rob and I find? Assuming Aurora hasn't >made all this moot an pointless.] (OOC: Thanos is handling Aurora. ) The handle is set to recognize a 'pattern' of energies, both biological and astral. Forging such a pattern, unsurprisingly, would be no mean feat. None of the local heroes could do it, save possibly Franklin and/or Rachel (who are both cosmic-level themselves). >On Wed, 14 Apr 1999 00:29:13 -0400 (EDT) >Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006858 >Dantris paws the ground, his gaze daring Thanos to come on. > >*think* Tezrantha and Dantris combined can match Thanos and stop him >from messing with everyone else.> (OOC: Sorry, Xzerrion, but I need Thanos against Aurora. However...) Thanos notes the challenge, and smiles almost charmingly at Tezrantha. "Far be it for me to ignore the invitation of a lady." He glances at the dome. A moment later, a man armored in ebon elven half-plate on a winged, blue-black horse appears, wielding a sword of considerable magical power. "Even under my geas, my lady, I don't want to fight you. Please, withdraw." (OOC: The man is the 'Black Knight' of the Avengers, and he wields a sword given him by the Lady of the Lake. It can reflect energy and magic; Tezrantha would probably figure this out quickly.) >On Thu, 15 Apr 1999 06:44:06 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006861 > Mike then directs a thought privately to Scott Summers, ^We have >a plan to physically and psychically restrain Jean without doing her >any harm other than a slight bruise at the contact points - nothing >worse than the Danger Room would dish out in an afternoon's fun - but >Rachel will have to get out of the line of fire when the time's >right. So as not to surprize Rachel and misdirect Jean, you better >give the warning. And if you could pass the word along to the other >X-men/Avengers members standing by.^ Scott, looking worried and distracted, seems to nod absently to himself. Mike, of course, knows better. > ^#Done,#^ Tink sends, passing over the eggs. > Mike loads the eggs into the gun and sends, ^Cyclops, now!^ Scott does the one thing he's been holding back for an emergency. "JEAN!!!" Jean stops in mid-attack, turning to her husband in shock. Rachel rolls out of the way. > As soon as Rachel is clear from being hit by the eggs, Mike >fires the gun and the eggs shoot out toward Jean. Jean is a canny and clever combatant (try saying _that_ five times fast) and actually tries to dodge-but she barely spotted the attack at the last moment, out of the corner of her eye, when she was about as distracted as Jean Grey ever gets. The eggs explode on her and soon she's covered from the neck down in a silvery bodysheath. "OH!" Jean falls into Scott's arms (hey, when did _he_ learn to teleport? ) as her face shifts from combat intensity to embarassed surprise. >On Thu, 15 Apr 1999 20:43:51 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006862 >"Mrs. Richards? Can you keep Shadowcat invisible even if you can't >see her? If so, I'd like to send her through as an advance scout. I >don't remember for certain, but I think there are only three people >who can turn intangible that are native to this universe, and >Moonstone is the only one we have to worry about at the moment." The IW nods. "I can...'sense' invisible objects. But I have a limited range." >Turning back to the others, he notices that Mr. Fantastic has a small >gizmo in hand, is studying it intently, and types constantly on a >keypad built into the left arm of his costume. After a moment of studying holographic images and mathematical formulae that could keep _Zia_ busy for hours, he looks up. "I don't think that would be wise. The transportal interdiction field seems to extend to objects out of phase with normal matter." Shadowcat swallows. Hard. "However, it is theoretically posssible to confuse the field by combining a series of effects." The most brilliant man of this world stares intently at the door. "Which fields would suffice are debatable, however, and the consequences of failure would be...unpleasant." >On Fri, 16 Apr 1999 20:33:48 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00006869 >Facing down the Silver Surfer, Roger reaches one hand into his jacket >and comes out bearing: >The Infinity Gauntlet. > >OOCAgain: For you non-Marvel phen, the IG was a glove made bearing >all 6-7 of the Infinity Gems, which each controlled a facet of >reality. The IG was never directly compared to a Cosmic Cube AFAICR, >but I'd say that the IG is far more powerful. It's hard to compare >power levels across fictons, of course, but I'd theorize that the IG >could easily stand up to anything less than the Stardragon itself. >Good thing it's not really here. (:) >/OOC (OOC: IMO, though the FF handbook makes the I-Gems far less powerful than IMO they ought to be, the collected Gauntlet allowed Thanos to throw down with the collected Cosmic Entities of the Marvel Universe...and win. He kidnapped Death herself and trounced several Primals.) >In the momentary lull, Norrin Rad rolls to his feet (his missing >board a nagging, distracting itch in the back of his mind) and faces >his attacker. >AttackerS, rather. >Facing him are three Rogers: One surrounded by an aura of emerald >light emanating from the ring on his right hand. The second bears a >small black tatoo of a star and crescent arc on the palm of his left >hand, that invisibly radiates power to match the ring. The third is >encased in streamlined red-gold armor that looks like a cross between >Iron Man and the Flash's uniform. "Enough," the Surfer intones, annoyance finally marring that otherwise placid face. A moment's flicker of thought, and the red-gold armor is solid vibranium (unless it has defenses against the Power Cosmic). If that works, there's a crack like a hundred thunders as his Surfboard plows into the Starbrand-wielding Roger, the Surfer himself turning his attention to the ring-wielder. His eyes narrow, and he tries draining the ring of its power. >On Sat, 17 Apr 1999 03:07:20 EDT >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00006873 >"*Do I want a 'Piece of you'? Of course I do. Otherwise I would not >have attracted your attention. But not here! If we fight here, there >will be no world left when we are done, and probably no Galaxy as >well. Do you truely want to destroy everything you have ever known? I >propose we fight here."* She says as she waves a hand and an X-Window >opens to the universe she had been trying to take him to. "*Do you >accept? Or would you rather it be voiced about that you were >afraid?*" Whirlwind frowns at her. "Lady, I'm a lot of things. 'Sucker' ain't one of 'em," he says as he withdraws. After Thanos is boosted and floating in front of Aurora (at his normal size, incidentally) he smiles slyly. "If your invitation extends to others of cosmic importance, my dear, I would be honored to accept." (OOC: And finally...thank you, ZIA! 8^) >On Sat, 17 Apr 1999 12:09:53 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006874 > >James watches the milling combatants, and nods as he sees the Jean >and Rachel fight. Slipping near, he taps Jean on one shoulder. >Smiling urbanely as she turns, he says, "Could you be a dear and hold >this for me?" He promply leans in closer and kisses her soundly on >the lips, giving Rachel enough time to draw clear. When she is, he >drops and rolls away low himself, as Tink's Silly Putty weaponry >fires. (OOC: As if she hadn't been stunned _enough!_ 8^) >He rolls to his feet with a cold, cruel grin perhaps familar to some >movie and certain literature fans. His satisfaction is short-lived >however, as the armored form with a green cape flies forth from the >dome on small rockets mounted in his boots. Both his hands shoot some >sort of weaponry at James' back. James, taken by surprise, is blown >forward, only converting it to a roll after sliding nearly thirty >feet. The tux is mostly burned away, showing some sort of skintight >black uniform akin to Zia's beneath that doesn't burn. {Scan indicates armor, psychic potential and single firearm} the armor informs the Lord of Latveria. {Extend scan,} Doom replies. >"Interloper." The strangely cultured insult comes from the riveted >helm, fitted close on this new opponent's face. "Crawl on your knees >before the wrath of Dr. Doom." James' instinctively tossed shuriken >bounce off Dr. Doom's armor with trilling pings; one even shatters >outright. Dr. Doom blasts the place James had slid to a stop in, just >missing the already moving form in black as James rolls again. Doom glances down at the shattered shuriken, actually allowing faint amusement to flicker across what little of his face can be seen. {Note strike points and run full analysis for anomalous substances and/or energies,} Doom commands the armor. >James draws a smaller snub-nosed pistol. He might seem unmatched, but >anyone catching the expression in his eyes wouldn't know it. He seems >to be having a wonderful time. His hand steadies an instant on the >next dodge, and there is the sharp and usual report of gunfire in the >midst of the superheroic battle lines. Dr. Doom reels back a moment, >a bright smear near one eye-hole of his helm suddenly appearing, even >as the crack of James' weapon fades. James is already seeking harder >cover behind ex-Sentinel pieces. Doom casually wipes away the smear. He looks over the battlefield. "How...vulgar. And yet it would seem that our host thinks you nearly my equal." He draws his own pistol from its holster, the legendary honor of Doom intervening on James' behalf. "I would know what manner of man has the honor of falling before the might and genius of Doom." Wildcat watched this dapper newcomer deal with Phoenix and then face Doom. A smile that implies a barely suppressed chuckle comes to her face. *Hey handsome,* she sends over the team's teep net, *Just don't try what you did with Jean on Victor. He doesn't take well to that form of distraction.* Iron Man glances over at 'Cat. "should i be jealous?" he whispers to her good naturedly, apparently typing on his left forearm. "ask me that again when we're not maintaining the secret identities," she replies with a voice that could melt iron ;-). "*ahem*" Shellhead replies, clearing his throat and concentrating studiously on other matters. *Pardon me, but if you want to even up the odds somewhat, while I can't join in myself, there doesn't seem to be anything in the 'rules' that would prevent me from loaning you my armor.* ================================= Date: Sun, 18 Apr 1999 23:35:46 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Abandon All Sense... 8^) On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 02:07:58 -0400 (EDT) Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006877 On Sun, 18 Apr 1999, L.J. Wolfe wrote: > There _is_ a security system, all right. The same >anti-teleportation field, only about times ten, concentrated 'in' the >walls of the castle. It looks like something out of 'Arabian >Knights;' apparently, Cannon was inspired by his present resemblance >to a djinn. Sort of a russet version of the Sultan's castle in >Aladdin. > The handle has some sort of recognition field around it, which >isn't quite psi and isn't quite tech. Any unrecognized contact, >however, activates the wholly mundane response...a panel in the wall >will open, and a disintegration beam turns the unlucky victim into >free-floating particles. Xzerrion glances at the door quizzically, then pulls out his CAoL sigil. Using his free hand, he extends his fingers slightly towards the handle, his eyes closed in concentration. > (OOC: Sorry, Xzerrion, but I need Thanos against Aurora. >However...) > Thanos notes the challenge, and smiles almost charmingly at >Tezrantha. "Far be it for me to ignore the invitation of a lady." He >glances at the dome. > A moment later, a man armored in ebon elven half-plate on a >winged, blue-black horse appears, wielding a sword of considerable >magical power. "Even under my geas, my lady, I don't want to fight >you. Please, withdraw." > (OOC: The man is the 'Black Knight' of the Avengers, and he wields >a sword given him by the Lady of the Lake. It can reflect energy and >magic; Tezrantha would probably figure this out quickly.) Tezrantha's eyes flicker towards him. "You have no need to fight us, my lord. No geas is so powerful, nor compulsion so great, that it cannot be broken by a pure heart and a strong will." She steps towards him, drawing no weapon but radiating a blue aura, and extends one hand. "Come in peace, and walk into the light, where trees and flowers grow." Dantris paces slowly behind her, the star on his forehead glowing faintly. ================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 00:11:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Abandon All Sense... 8^) On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 02:38:31 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006878 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006876 (snip) >>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00006873 > >>"*Do I want a 'Piece of you'? Of course I do. Otherwise I would not >>have attracted your attention. But not here! If we fight here, there >>will be no world left when we are done, and probably no Galaxy as >>well. Do you truely want to destroy everything you have ever known? >>I propose we fight here."* She says as she waves a hand and an >>X-Window opens to the universe she had been trying to take him to. >>"*Do you accept? Or would you rather it be voiced about that you >>were afraid?*" > > Whirlwind frowns at her. "Lady, I'm a lot of things. 'Sucker' >ain't one of 'em," he says as he withdraws. > After Thanos is boosted and floating in front of Aurora (at his >normal size, incidentally) he smiles slyly. "If your invitation >extends to others of cosmic importance, my dear, I would be honored >to accept." (OOC: It's been 20+ years since I read a comic that Thanos appeared in. What are his normal powers, and how have they been upgraded?) "*Very well. One less Cosmic Powered being on the battle field will improve the survival rate of all involved, and it does seem I 'broke' the rules of this little contest. After you.*" Aurora says as she changes size to match Thanos. As he moves through the X-Window, she vanishes from the battle field, and re-appears before Thanos. *Have at thee* She 'says' with a little curtsy. She will scan him for all possible types of energy, powers, and will derive (visualize) what powers and knowlege he had before being 'boosted.' All this at super-computer speed. She will also 'reach' out and tap several external power sources (OOC: one of which will be Oracle, and another will be Hydra). ================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 09:35:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Abandon All Sense... 8^) On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 10:03:34 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006879 >On Sun, 18 Apr 1999 20:49:49 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006876 > >>On Thu, 15 Apr 1999 06:44:06 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006861 >> >> As soon as Rachel is clear from being hit by the eggs, Mike >>fires the gun and the eggs shoot out toward Jean. > > Jean is a canny and clever combatant (try saying _that_ five times >fast) and actually tries to dodge-but she barely spotted the attack >at the last moment, out of the corner of her eye, when she was about >as distracted as Jean Grey ever gets. The eggs explode on her and >soon she's covered from the neck down in a silvery bodysheath. > "OH!" Jean falls into Scott's arms (hey, when did _he_ learn to >teleport? ) as her face shifts from combat intensity to embarassed >surprise. Seeing Jean's in good hands, literally, Mike calls, "Exemplary teamwork as always, X-men, now would be a good time to fall back. To check on your teammate and we don't want yet another opponent out here." [Yet.] Mike says. >>On Sat, 17 Apr 1999 12:09:53 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006874 >>He rolls to his feet with a cold, cruel grin perhaps familar to some >>movie and certain literature fans. His satisfaction is short-lived >>however, as the armored form with a green cape flies forth from the >>dome on small rockets mounted in his boots. Both his hands shoot >>some sort of weaponry at James' back. James, taken by surprise, is >>blown forward, only converting it to a roll after sliding nearly >>thirty feet. The tux is mostly burned away, showing some sort of >>skintight black uniform akin to Zia's beneath that doesn't burn. Mike sighs, [Okay, I guess we can suffer one more...at least it's a decent matchup... what am I saying?! This sucks! I've got a team inside whose whole mission was blown from step one, and I'm combatting an opponent with semiphenomenal cosmic powers who thinks prowrestling is real! What the asterick-amperend-exclamation-question am I supposed to do with this mess?] The Ex-Time Lord frowned. [For the infiltration team's sake, go with it. They may not be able to do more than gather information, but that's something we don't have currently, at least.] Michael Seven sends a quick lens communication through to the infiltration team. /The 'sneaking Aurora in' plan is already scrapped, if somehow you -hadn't- noticed, but we could still use details about the place if you all feel the security isn't too difficult to make it worth it. It's a judgement call for you all to make, though. Meanwhile, we'll continue the distraction for as long as you need./ /Aurora, unless we can get Radd out from under the thumb of his puppet master, you and whoever goes with you are on your own,/ Mike sends over the Lens before she can take off through her X-window. *Everyone else, let's get ready to rummmmmble!* Mike sends through whatever linkage to all the combined heros is available. *If pro wrestling is the method of the day, let's do it tag-team style. Roger, Rachel, you get Surfer. James, you, Tink and I will handle Doom. Uh, 'Not-Hun-Grrr' {Xander's image} - sorry, I don't think we've met - will need help with Bruticus eventually. If it takes enough damage, it will demerge and form it's component robots. Rules are just like laid out. When you're tired, you tag your partner and get out of the proverbial ring. No double-teaming. Unless you're name is Jaime Maddrox... or Roger.* Mike adds, *Meanwhile, I need help with what to do beyond the here and now. All plans are welcome.* ================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 19:05:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: ...Before They Get Better On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 21:33:18 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006880 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006831 (SNIP) > "Like nass!" Roland snarls. He fires a bolt at Thanos, who >responds casually in kind. Which was just what Roland was waiting >for; he shows Thanos just _where_ Roger learned that 'blast-turning' >trick, hammering Thanos' head from both sides with his own power. > But in the moment between Thanos' attack and Roland's response, >Thanos' power has been increased manyfold. The Titanian Eternal >laughs his Vader-on-steroids laugh and flies into the air, the Power >Cosmic flowing around his fists. Whirlwind withdraws, fortunately for >the local galactic cluster. > "And now, my dear," Thanos says, almost graciously, "let us end >this farce." His body glows with the power cosmic as he strikes at >Aurora both physically and psychically. The physical and psychic attacks slam home, but to Thanos' surprise, they meet defenses that are every bit their equal. If the attack, discomfits her, it does not show. (OOC: it does but she has more than enough control of the energy construct that most of the CAoL would think is her body, to prevent any visible display) (OOC: cut to the lightning bolt, and the challenges. Which should heal up my gaffe.) ================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 20:10:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Abandon All Sense... 8^) On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:00:48 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006881 In a message dated 4/19/99 9:42:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time, mjknight writes: > Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006879 > > /Aurora, unless we can get Radd out from under the thumb of his >puppet master, you and whoever goes with you are on your own,/ Mike >sends over the Lens before she can take off through her X-window. /If I defeat my opponent, Whirlwind will have two choices: Summon Galactus, which is likely to get Whirlwind dead, or face me himself. I suggest that one of you who have Sigils use it to tap power. This will tell us if tapping other beings for power is a violation of the 'rules'. If it is, Whirlwind will have that choice before my battle with Thanos is concluded, since I intend to tap the powers of both Oracle and Hydra to defeat Thanos./ Aurora answers. ================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 21:36:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 20:57:05 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006882 >On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 02:07:58 -0400 (EDT) >Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006877 > >On Sun, 18 Apr 1999, L.J. Wolfe wrote: >> The handle has some sort of recognition field around it, which >>isn't quite psi and isn't quite tech. Any unrecognized contact, >>however, activates the wholly mundane response...a panel in the wall >>will open, and a disintegration beam turns the unlucky victim into >>free-floating particles. > >Xzerrion glances at the door quizzically, then pulls out his CAoL >sigil. Using his free hand, he extends his fingers slightly towards >the handle, his eyes closed in concentration. > >of contact the handle will recognize, ie fingerprint, brain waves, >retina scan, whatever.> He gets the information I mentioned earlier; the 'biofield' detection effect. It doesn't seem to be set up to handle magic... >> A moment later, a man armored in ebon elven half-plate on a >>winged, blue-black horse appears, wielding a sword of considerable >>magical power. "Even under my geas, my lady, I don't want to fight >>you. Please, withdraw." >> (OOC: The man is the 'Black Knight' of the Avengers, and he >>wields a sword given him by the Lady of the Lake. It can reflect >>energy and magic; Tezrantha would probably figure this out quickly.) > >Tezrantha's eyes flicker towards him. "You have no need to fight us, >my lord. No geas is so powerful, nor compulsion so great, that it >cannot be broken by a pure heart and a strong will." She steps >towards him, drawing no weapon but radiating a blue aura, and extends >one hand. "Come in peace, and walk into the light, where trees and >flowers grow." > >Dantris paces slowly behind her, the star on his forehead glowing >faintly. > >Whirlwind is using to make these people fight? {eg} > (OOC: Well, since we have precedence...) The dark-clad warrior quivers in place, his sword-hand clenching desperately. He raises the blade...there is a blinding flash of light, and a blood-curdling cry... ...and when the flash has cleared, the pegasus-like horse is nuzzling the knight, whose helm has rolled off to one side, revealing an apparently normal, somewhat ragged human man. "Thanks." He looks around dazedly. "Have you seen the Avengers?" He smiles faintly. "If you don't know who I'm talking about, you probably haven't-oh, there they are." >On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 02:38:31 EDT >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00006878 > >> Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006876 >> Whirlwind frowns at her. "Lady, I'm a lot of things. 'Sucker' >>ain't one of 'em," he says as he withdraws. >> After Thanos is boosted and floating in front of Aurora (at his >>normal size, incidentally) he smiles slyly. "If your invitation >>extends to others of cosmic importance, my dear, I would be honored >>to accept." >> >(OOC: It's been 20+ years since I read a comic that Thanos appeared >in. What are his normal powers, and how have they been upgraded?) Thanos wields the Power Cosmic, is as strong as Thor and immortal besides, immune to most mundane forms of energy, wields a powerful psychic blast, teleports, and possesses genius beyond human understanding. He's not up there with Starspawn, normally...but now, he's gained a portion of the Cube's powers as well, powers he's familiar with. >"*Very well. One less Cosmic Powered being on the battle field will >improve the survival rate of all involved, and it does seem I 'broke' >the rules of this little contest. After you.*" Aurora says as she >changes size to match Thanos. Thanos bows to her. "Hardly. It is simply that before you arrived, there were none to truly challenge the whelp's power." >As he moves through the X-Window, she vanishes from the battle field, >and re-appears before Thanos. *Have at thee* She 'says' with a little >curtsy. She will scan him for all possible types of energy, powers, >and will derive (visualize) what powers and knowlege he had before >being 'boosted.' All this at super-computer speed. She will also >'reach' out and tap several external power sources (OOC: one of which >will be Oracle, and another will be Hydra). Thanos begins with a basic attack with the Power Cosmic, responding to the scan in kind. >On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 10:03:34 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006879 > Michael Seven sends a quick lens communication through to the >infiltration team. /The 'sneaking Aurora in' plan is already >scrapped, if somehow you -hadn't- noticed, but we could still use >details about the place if you all feel the security isn't too >difficult to make it worth it. It's a judgement call for you all to >make, though. Meanwhile, we'll continue the distraction for as long >as you need./ Earth-9. "I'm getting _really_ sick of Evil Twins," Defender snarls, facing a version of himself decked out in red, gold and black, with a serrated fin on the helm. The other Champions are similarly bedeviled, though at least they are all conscious again. "Who are you supposed to be, Ginsu-Defender?" "Yeah? Well I'm sick of _goody_goody_ Twins!" the doppelganger replies. "And for the record-" a sword appears in his hand- "-the name is Red Fury!" Defender leaps up and back, over and away from the slash. [Damn... too many things to worry about. Have to narrow it down.] /Mike! The plan was to neutralize Whirlwind by surprising him-the infiltration team might still be able to do that! If he hasn't internalized the Cube, then they can just snatch it from him. It's about the size of an aggie-ghk-/ his transmission is interrupted by a spiralling girder to the face. From the torch of Lady Liberty, Mechanon laughs... =================================s Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 22:35:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 22:39:59 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006883 >On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 20:57:05 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006882 > > Defender leaps up and back, over and away from the slash. [Damn... >too many things to worry about. Have to narrow it down.] /Mike! The >plan was to neutralize Whirlwind by surprising him-the infiltration >team might still be able to do that! If he hasn't internalized the >Cube, then they can just snatch it from him. It's about the size of >an aggie-ghk-/ his transmission is interrupted by a spiralling girder >to the face. > From the torch of Lady Liberty, Mechanon laughs... /Watch ou-!/ Mike starts to send before the transmission is cut off, /Nevermind...Okay, excellent. Infiltration team, you all got that? We may be able to pull this out of the fire yet. See if you can find where he's got that Cosmic Cube. If I'd known it was only the size of a rock... ah well. Like I said, meanwhile we'll keep 'em busy./ ================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 22:35:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Abandon All Sense... 8^) On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 22:40:04 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006884 >On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:00:48 EDT >Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006881 > >/If I defeat my opponent, Whirlwind will have two choices: Summon >Galactus, which is likely to get Whirlwind dead, or face me himself. >I suggest that one of you who have Sigils use it to tap power. This >will tell us if tapping other beings for power is a violation of the >'rules'. If it is, Whirlwind will have that choice before my battle >with Thanos is concluded, since I intend to tap the powers of both >Oracle and Hydra to defeat Thanos./ Aurora answers. Mike just nods. /Alright, good luck./ ================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:34:57 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:29:34 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006885 > On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 20:57:05 -0700 > Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006882 > >>On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 02:07:58 -0400 (EDT) >>Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006877 >> >>Xzerrion glances at the door quizzically, then pulls out his CAoL >>sigil. Using his free hand, he extends his fingers slightly towards >>the handle, his eyes closed in concentration. >> >>>of contact the handle will recognize, ie fingerprint, brain waves, >>retina scan, whatever.> > > He gets the information I mentioned earlier; the 'biofield' >detection effect. It doesn't seem to be set up to handle magic... "Xzerrion, can you manage that? My magical skills aren't quite up to handling that much weight. If it'll help, I can feed you energy." "And secondly, once we open it, be ready to give up on stealth. There's no way we can provide a convincing illusion of something we haven't seen, so if anybody on the inside sees this open, we're in trouble." >>/Mike! The plan was to neutralize Whirlwind by surprising him-the >>infiltration team might still be able to do that! If he hasn't >>internalized the Cube, then they can just snatch it from him. It's >>about the size of an aggie-ghk-/ his transmission is interrupted by >>a spiralling girder to the face. > >/Watch ou-!/ Mike starts to send before the transmission is cut off, >/Nevermind...Okay, excellent. Infiltration team, you all got that?/ [insert somebody relaying the info here] "Good. I couldn't remember whether a Cube can be taken away or not." Clasping his hands, Rob collapses his spacesuit back into the sprocket, and puts it in his pocket. ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 05:05:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 07:50:59 -0400 Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006886 >On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:29:34 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006885 > >> On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 20:57:05 -0700 >> Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006882 >> >> He gets the information I mentioned earlier; the 'biofield' >>detection effect. It doesn't seem to be set up to handle magic... > >"Xzerrion, can you manage that? My magical skills aren't quite up to >handling that much weight. If it'll help, I can feed you energy." > >"And secondly, once we open it, be ready to give up on stealth. >There's no way we can provide a convincing illusion of something we >haven't seen, so if anybody on the inside sees this open, we're in >trouble." "Actually, Zia might be able to manage that... an SEP field isn't specific... and as soon as we are in, I'll throw up an illusion... Stealth isn't dead yet." Legion doesn't seem any different... except those that know her well can tell she is under strain. >[insert somebody relaying the info here] Legion replies, /Got it.../ Then relays this info to the rest of the team. >"Good. I couldn't remember whether a Cube can be taken away or not." > >Clasping his hands, Rob collapses his spacesuit back into the >sprocket, and puts it in his pocket. "I think we have our plan B... Sneak in, and one of us grabs the cosmic cube..." Legion then gets a grim little smile. "Then I grab Whirlwind..." ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 08:41:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 07:58:02 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006887 >On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 07:50:59 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006886 > >>On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:29:34 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006885 >> >"Actually, Zia might be able to manage that... an SEP field isn't >specific... and as soon as we are in, I'll throw up an illusion... >Stealth isn't dead yet." Legion doesn't seem any different... except >those that know her well can tell she is under strain. "Good point. Zia?" >>"Good. I couldn't remember whether a Cube can be taken away or not." >> >>Clasping his hands, Rob collapses his spacesuit back into the >>sprocket, and puts it in his pocket. > >"I think we have our plan B... Sneak in, and one of us grabs the >cosmic cube..." Legion then gets a grim little smile. "Then I grab >Whirlwind..." "...and take him for a little spin," Rob finishes. "Any other refinements to the plan? If not, then let's go for it." ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 18:35:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 21:33:24 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006888 >On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 07:58:02 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006887 >>On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 07:50:59 -0400 >>Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006886 >> >>"Actually, Zia might be able to manage that... an SEP field isn't >>specific... and as soon as we are in, I'll throw up an illusion... >>Stealth isn't dead yet." Legion doesn't seem any different... except >>those that know her well can tell she is under strain. > >"Good point. Zia?" The petite brunette shakes her head, but agrees verbally. "I can try; it'll be difficult. The excitement is hard enough to cover, but Legion doesn't *feel* like she belongs here. I'll cast a Calming, then a Reflection, that should at least cover the rest of us fairly well. For the door... why not try the hinges, first? Did anyone bring a cold-chisel?" She doesn't wait for an answer, but takes a couple of steps back. "By the way, Legion. If you ever force your will on me like that again, without asking permission, you will not care for the consequences. I do not appreciate being yanked about by rash people with no respect for anyone elses' molecules. Besides, it makes me incredibly carsick." She admits, much more softly. >>Legion replies, /Got it.../ Then relays this info to the rest of the >>team. Zia finishes bringing up her faint blue Sign of the Pattern, and begins to cast a feeling of serenity over folks who agree, one by one. Once this is done, she reaches into her Sign, and seems to fold it up like a handkerchief. Then she sticks it into a pocket at her hip, and the SEP field around her slowly expands to cover the group. It falters and goes patchy over Legion. She shakes her head, "I cannot mask her; this place is not given to my persuading it to help me." ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 19:35:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 22:05:31 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006889 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006882 (SNIP) >>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00006878 >> >>As he moves through the X-Window, she vanishes from the battle >>field, and re-appears before Thanos. *Have at thee* She 'says' with >>a little curtsy. She will scan him for all possible types of energy, >>powers, and will derive (visualize) what powers and knowlege he had >>before being 'boosted.' All this at super-computer speed. She will >>also 'reach' out and tap several external power sources (OOC: one of >>which will be Oracle, and another will be Hydra). > > Thanos begins with a basic attack with the Power Cosmic, >responding to the scan in kind. Just before the blast hits, space warps, the blast seems to vanish less than a micron from her 'skin.' It reappears in Thanos' face the same distance from his skin, going the other direction (OOC: he should get hit by his own blast). Aurora follows that up with a wave of her hand, that nearly freezes time in the volume of space that Thanos occupies (OOC: One second inside equalls a billion years outside). (OOC: now we find out if tapping the energies and powers of others is a violation of the rules. From Oracle she is tapping his ability to see all the potential paths of the future, at least for the next few minutes (which is how she 'knew' when to create the warp). From Hydra she is drawing energy, and the ability to focus concentration on more than one thing at a time, without needing to 'time share'.) ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 20:06:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Abandon All Sense... 8^) On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 22:49:45 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006890 >On Sun, 18 Apr 1999 20:49:49 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006876 > >>On Thu, 15 Apr 1999 06:44:06 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006861 > > After a moment of studying holographic images and mathematical >formulae that could keep _Zia_ busy for hours, he looks up. [OOC: Hey, that ain't that bad, considering whom this is. Besides, math is only her hobby. Her art is obviously her main avocation. Giggle. But it IS funny to see you say that. She'd probably be busy for hours, and the whole CAoL could learn more than a few cuss words in Thari.] >"I don't think that would be wise. The transportal interdiction field >seems to extend to objects out of phase with normal matter." > Shadowcat swallows. Hard. > "However, it is theoretically posssible to confuse the field by >combining a series of effects." The most brilliant man of this world >stares intently at the door. "Which fields would suffice are >debatable, however, and the consequences of failure would be... >unpleasant." [OOC: Picture Zia doing a 'Jewish mother' sort of accent. 'For THIS it takes a scientist?!?'] >(OOC: And finally...thank you, ZIA! 8^) [OOC: To quote, 'Tink nuthin of it.' ] >>On Sat, 17 Apr 1999 12:09:53 -0400 >>James Said As CAoL Message # 00006874 >> >>"Interloper." The strangely cultured insult comes from the riveted >>helm, fitted close on this new opponent's face. "Crawl on your knees >>before the wrath of Dr. Doom." James' instinctively tossed shuriken >>bounce off Dr. Doom's armor with trilling pings; one even shatters >>outright. Dr. Doom blasts the place James had slid to a stop in, >>just missing the already moving form in black as James rolls again. > > Doom glances down at the shattered shuriken, actually allowing >faint amusement to flicker across what little of his face can be >seen. > {Note strike points and run full analysis for anomalous substances >and/or energies,} Doom commands the armor. {Primitive nano-replication virus detected in non-viable mode. It appears to be fashioned for use against Kryptonians, not robotics. Scan now indicates true ninja-to sword at left hip. - Scan now losing sword in what seems to be disintegration or teleportative effect. Aberration noted in psychic aura. It is expanding and becoming denser.} >>James draws a smaller snub-nosed pistol. He might seem unmatched, >>but anyone catching the expression in his eyes wouldn't know it. He >>seems to be having a wonderful time. His hand steadies an instant on >>the next dodge, and there is the sharp and usual report of gunfire >>in the midst of the superheroic battle lines. Dr. Doom reels back a >>moment, a bright smear near one eye-hole of his helm suddenly >>appearing, even as the crack of James' weapon fades. James is >>already seeking harder cover behind ex-Sentinel pieces. > > Doom casually wipes away the smear. He looks over the battlefield. >"How...vulgar. And yet it would seem that our host thinks you nearly >my equal." He draws his own pistol from its holster, the legendary >honor of Doom intervening on James' behalf. "I would know what manner >of man has the honor of falling before the might and genius of Doom." {Alert: Failure noted in field generated protection on left eyepiece. Tertiary backups failed; power shunted from right eyepiece field. Now back online, but no failure cause found in any of the failing field generation units.} >Wildcat watched this dapper newcomer deal with Phoenix and then face >Doom. A smile that implies a barely suppressed chuckle comes to her >face. *Hey handsome,* she sends over the team's teep net, *Just don't >try what you did with Jean on Victor. He doesn't take well to that >form of distraction.* *Oh, I don't know.* Comes the drollness only the British give dry humor. *Just how do you know that, for a fact, miss? Under all that armor, Victor Doom could easily be Victoria Doom. Who would be the wiser?* He does SEEM to be joking, however. He also is completely unruffled at facing Dr. Doom with no more than a pistol in his hand. He even stands up and leaves cover, as Dr. Doom addresses him. James does leave his pistol at near a port-arms position, and his eyes on Doom, however. > "*ahem*" Shellhead replies, clearing his throat and concentrating >studiously on other matters. *Pardon me, but if you want to even up >the odds somewhat, while I can't join in myself, there doesn't seem >to be anything in the 'rules' that would prevent me from loaning you >my armor.* *Terribly decent of you, old son. I know how much that outfit means to you. I'd take you up on it, but it is a good five inches too short to fit my frame. Don't worry, it is all in the wrist, you see...* James sends back politely; the offer actually did make him pleased. Even as he speaks to Stark, however, he is striding slowly to meet Dr. Doom, "Introductions weren't quite where we began, of course. However, I am honored to meet," James' cruel grin returns at the ironic double entendre, "you, Your Majesty of Latveria, Dr. Victor Doom. My name is James. James Bond." The grin becomes James' villain-infruiating full smile. "Since you think I'm not sport enough to interest you, Your Majesty, I shall make it more so." The silvery Helm of Order suddenly whips out of nowhere to cover James' head and face. Almost quicker than even supersped eyes can discern, his full outfit as the black and silver version of Dr. Fate returns, replete with the Jewel Kryptonite's fiery glow in the amulet on his chest. With a studied nonchalance, he re-holsters the pistol (as it disappears from Dr. Doom's scan again) under one arm although no holster exists to 'place' it into. "I hope this fits your sense of decorum, Doctor." James says, gently jibing. Then he gathers every bit of pyschic persuasion he can toss, flings it out at Doom through the Jewel to amplify, "Although, instead of fighting me merely because we're both here, you could return to your beloved Latveria now." James Bond Keenan, Doctor of the (Fate) alist Order Duke of Amber, is in the house. ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 21:05:58 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 00:02:50 -0400 (EDT) Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006891 On Mon, 19 Apr 1999, Peter Eng wrote: >"Xzerrion, can you manage that? My magical skills aren't quite up to >handling that much weight. If it'll help, I can feed you energy." Xzerrion thinks for a minute. "I can conterfeit whatever the detectors are looking for, so the door will open for us. Power isn't a problem for that; illusion is my specialty." >"And secondly, once we open it, be ready to give up on stealth. >There's no way we can provide a convincing illusion of something we >haven't seen, so if anybody on the inside sees this open, we're in >trouble." "I've got a possible solution to that. How are you at divination? If you can scry the other side and show me what you saw, I can reproduce it." >"Good. I couldn't remember whether a Cube can be taken away or not." > >Clasping his hands, Rob collapses his spacesuit back into the >sprocket, and puts it in his pocket. Xzerrion checks a couple pouches, and after a bit of rummaging, comes up with ... "My wand of negation! I knew that'd be useful. It can temporarily cancel a magical effect, which could help us snatch that Cube artifact." ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 21:36:57 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 00:08:11 -0400 (EDT) Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006892 On Tue, 20 Apr 1999, Caprice wrote: >"I think we have our plan B... Sneak in, and one of us grabs the >cosmic cube..." Legion then gets a grim little smile. "Then I grab >Whirlwind..." Xzerrion's eyebrows shoot up. "I don't mean to doubt your ability, but it's been a while. Are you that good, or are you nucking futz?" ================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 21:37:01 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 21:32:56 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006893 > On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 00:02:50 -0400 (EDT) > Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006891 > > On Mon, 19 Apr 1999, Peter Eng wrote: >>"And secondly, once we open it, be ready to give up on stealth. >>There's no way we can provide a convincing illusion of something we >>haven't seen, so if anybody on the inside sees this open, we're in >>trouble." > >"I've got a possible solution to that. How are you at divination? If >you can scry the other side and show me what you saw, I can reproduce >it." Rob studies his fingernails. "I don't know if I can do that, but I'll see." Pulling a pen from one pocket, and an envelope from another, he considers the problem, then writes, "What does the other side of the door look like?" on the outside of the envelope. "It's a spell which taps into the Schroedinger's Cat thought- experiment," he explains, putting away the pen. "A quantum-level enchanted ink poured on a piece of paper, sealed in an envelope, and..." Opening the envelope, he pulls out a nicely rendered picture of the door from the inside. "Whoa. It worked." ================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 05:35:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:01:48 -0400 Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006894 >On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 00:08:11 -0400 (EDT) >Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006892 > >On Tue, 20 Apr 1999, Caprice wrote: > >>"I think we have our plan B... Sneak in, and one of us grabs the >>cosmic cube..." Legion then gets a grim little smile. "Then I grab >>Whirlwind..." > >Xzerrion's eyebrows shoot up. "I don't mean to doubt your ability, >but it's been a while. Are you that good, or are you nucking futz?" Legion still has that grim little smile, "Oh, it will hurt like hell... and then some. But I've got an idea of what to do with him..." ================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 05:36:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:10:16 -0400 Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006895 >On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 21:33:24 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006888 > >The petite brunette shakes her head, but agrees verbally. "I can try; >it'll be difficult. The excitement is hard enough to cover, but >Legion doesn't *feel* like she belongs here. I'll cast a Calming, >then a Reflection, that should at least cover the rest of us fairly >well. For the door... why not try the hinges, first? Did anyone bring >a cold-chisel?" [OOC: Hold on. Legion's nature is to BLEND IN with whatever reality she is in. She feels more like she belongs here than any member of the team. Specifically, she feels like a native of this dimension, as if she has the same powers as that native, with nothing extra what so ever.] >She doesn't wait for an answer, but takes a couple of steps back. "By >the way, Legion. If you ever force your will on me like that again, >without asking permission, you will not care for the consequences. I >do not appreciate being yanked about by rash people with no respect >for anyone elses' molecules. Besides, it makes me incredibly >carsick." She admits, much more softly. Legion says coldly, "Fine." And Zia gets the feeling that Legion will not EVER do ANYTHING for Zia again, unless Zia SPECIFICALLY requests it first. Zia also gets the feeling that in this reality, Legion is... not a particularly nice person. Legion adds in that same cold voice, "As far as the nausea goes..." She hands Zia a piece of paper.... A military memorandum entitling her to the use of a spiritual advisor... yes, it's a slip to see the chaplin. >Zia finishes bringing up her faint blue Sign of the Pattern, and >begins to cast a feeling of serenity over folks who agree, one by >one. Once this is done, she reaches into her Sign, and seems to fold >it up like a handkerchief. Then she sticks it into a pocket at her >hip, and the SEP field around her slowly expands to cover the group. >It falters and goes patchy over Legion. She shakes her head, "I >cannot mask her; this place is not given to my persuading it to help >me." [OOC: As I said, Legion is naturally blending in more than anyone. It's her nature. But if you don't want to retcon...] Legion just gives Zia this -look- and the field smoothes out and over. "Or maybe you are letting your emotions get in the way of doing the job." With that she turns to watch Xzerrion and Rob work. ================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 14:36:33 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 17:33:14 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006896 >On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:10:16 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00006895 > >>>On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 07:58:02 -0700 (PDT) >>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006887 >>> >>>>>On Mon, 19 Apr 1999 23:29:34 -0700 (PDT) >>>>>Rob N Said >>>>>"Once we open the door, be ready to give up on stealth. There's >>>>>no way we can provide a convincing illusion of something we >>>>>haven't seen, so if anybody on the inside sees this open, we're >>>>>in trouble." "Actually, Zia might be able to manage that... an SEP field isn't specific... and as soon as we are in, I'll throw up an illusion... Stealth isn't dead yet." Legion doesn't seem any different... except those that know her well can tell she is under strain. >>>"Good point. Zia?" The petite brunette shakes her head, but agrees verbally. "I can try; it'll be difficult. The excitement is hard enough to cover, but Legion doesn't *feel* like she belongs here. I'll cast a Calming, then a Reflection, that should at least cover the rest of us fairly well. For the door... why not try the hinges, first? Did anyone bring a cold-chisel?" >[OOC: Hold on. Legion's nature is to BLEND IN with whatever reality >she is in. She feels more like she belongs here than any member of >the team. Specifically, she feels like a native of this dimension, as >if she has the same powers as that native, with nothing extra what so >ever.] [OOC: Hold on your holding on. Consider my point of view on things. Legion has trouble with 'chaotic' effects on reality, she has 'personalities everywhere we go, and she can grab all of us and teleport without so much as turning a hair, grab Whirlwind for a dance up close and personal, but she _blends in_?!? Sorry, but I'm having a bit of trouble comprehending how you can get there from here. Besides which, first you carte blanche with my (and everyone elses) characters, then you tell me not only what to do, but also how to do it. When I play along , you want to rip up on me for demurring a bit on the details? Details of my OWN characters perceptions, which are, to be blunt, none of your say-so. I don't tell you what your character can sense or not sense.] >Legion says coldly, "Fine." And Zia gets the feeling that Legion will >not EVER do ANYTHING for Zia again, unless Zia SPECIFICALLY requests >it first. Zia also gets the feeling that in this reality, Legion >is... not a particularly nice person. > >Legion adds in that same cold voice, "As far as the nausea goes..." >She hands Zia a piece of paper.... A military memorandum entitling >her to the use of a spiritual advisor... yes, it's a slip to see the >chaplin. "So kind of you," Ziactrice says about Legion's retort, gaily. Legion 'gets the feeling' that effect WAS the effect she wanted. Legion might also get the impression Zia thinks Legion's behavior amusing, in a spoiled brat of a child sort of manner. "I have always wanted to give someone an exorcism, and I cannot think of a person better suited to receive on than yourself." She says, folding the note calmly. Zia carefully places it into her breast pocket, as if needing to save it for later. >[OOC: As I said, Legion is naturally blending in more than anyone. >It's her nature. But if you don't want to retcon...] [OOC: What, not enough opportunity to be snobbishly unpleasant this time, you want _more_? You created the original problem, and now you're attempting to goad it worse. Nothing of which makes me inclined to pay Danegeld to the Dane.]] >Legion just gives Zia this -look- and the field smoothes out and >over. "Or maybe you are letting your emotions get in the way of doing >the job." > >With that she turns to watch Xzerrion and Rob work. Zia smirks, at the look. Then her face gets a look of nostalgia, "You sound _just_ like Aunt Fiona. Or my daughter. She also projects when she is throwing a tantrum. As to emotions getting in the way of teamwork, lass, look to yourself. That chip on your shoulder could be mistaken for King Giza's pyramid. If you want to pick a fight with me, I suggest you contain the urge until our comrades are not dependent upon our working together as a team. Fighting during insertion is the rankest amateurity, and fairly stupid. If I admit you might be right, after all, belief does effect my powers, and you don't take liberties that make me violently ill without so much as warning me first, can we just bury this ax?" She gives Legion a side glance, and offers her hand for a handshake, with more than a little trepidation, as the two wait with the rest while the others continue to work on the door. ================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 18:24:06 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 20:55:26 -0400 (EDT) Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006898 On Wed, 21 Apr 1999, Ziactrice Keenan wrote: >>Legion just gives Zia this -look- and the field smoothes out and >>over. "Or maybe you are letting your emotions get in the way of >>doing the job." >> >>With that she turns to watch Xzerrion and Rob work. > >Zia smirks, at the look. Then her face gets a look of nostalgia, "You >sound _just_ like Aunt Fiona. Or my daughter. She also projects when >she is throwing a tantrum. As to emotions getting in the way of >teamwork, lass, look to yourself. That chip on your shoulder could be >mistaken for King Giza's pyramid. If you want to pick a fight with >me, I suggest you contain the urge until our comrades are not >dependent upon our working together as a team. Fighting during >insertion is the rankest amateurity, and fairly stupid. If I admit >you might be right, after all, belief does effect my powers, and you >don't take liberties that make me violently ill without so much as >warning me first, can we just bury this ax?" Xzerrion fixes both Zia and Legion with an unblinking, unmistakably elven gaze. "We do need to work together here. It is not necessary to like your comrades, but until our task is completed, we need to be able to work as a team. Disagreements can be settled when we aren't in immediate danger of being killed." Both characters detect an aura of half-forgotten nobility about Xzerrion as he speaks. Xzerrion returns his attention to Rob's drawing, considering what aspects of illusion would be needed to make it appear that nothing changes when the group decides to go through the door. ================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 22:28:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 22:36:12 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006899 >On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 20:55:26 -0400 (EDT) >Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006898 > >Xzerrion fixes both Zia and Legion with an unblinking, unmistakably >elven gaze. "We do need to work together here. It is not necessary to >like your comrades, but until our task is completed, we need to be >able to work as a team. Disagreements can be settled when we aren't >in immediate danger of being killed." Both characters detect an aura >of half-forgotten nobility about Xzerrion as he speaks. Zia looks at him thoughtfully, then nods in agreement. "Quite right." She gives Legion a long look, gauging her reaction. Abruptly, she decides it is best that she leave - after all, she has no chance of winning a hand to hand against Whirlwind with the backing of the Cosmic Cube. "Here." She turns to one of the assorted (NPC) heroes around the party, and hands them a glowing blue Trump card. "Keep that, and run the flat of your hand over it when you want the SEP field to go away." She turns, and walks away, back out of the dome. [OOC: Please, everyone let Zia go along... she can like go distract baddies somewhere else a while.] ================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 22:28:13 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: The Tide Turneth On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 21:19:54 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00006900 >On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 20:55:26 -0400 (EDT) >Xzerrion Said As CAoL Message # 00006898 > >Xzerrion fixes both Zia and Legion with an unblinking, unmistakably >elven gaze. "We do need to work together here. It is not necessary to >like your comrades, but until our task is completed, we need to be >able to work as a team. Disagreements can be settled when we aren't >in immediate danger of being killed." Both characters detect an aura >of half-forgotten nobility about Xzerrion as he speaks. Raver says nothing, but she does give Xzerrion a small nod of acknowledgement and agreement. >Xzerrion returns his attention to Rob's drawing, considering what >aspects of illusion would be needed to make it appear that nothing >changes when the group decides to go through the door. The demon simply closed her eyes, and set the plan that she had set up with Mandy into motion. Not without some arguments, though, and several judicious bribes. The aura that marked her as a demon even while damped as far as possible, faded completely, replaced by a mercilessly normal human aura. Telepathic probes no longer saw the impentrable mental shield that Roland had encountered in AAE IV -- instead, they saw shields that wouldn't have seemed out of place on a barely telepathic human. Finally, superficial biological changes shifted Raver's form into one that would have passed muster as a completely corporeal form, albeit that of a merely physically mutated human. "That should make it easier to conceal such as I." Raver [OOC: If this sounds awkward, it's because I'm still a bit sleepdepped] ================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 23:50:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: The Short Version On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 23:32:10 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006899 >On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 21:32:56 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006893 > >Opening the envelope, he pulls out a nicely rendered picture of the >door from the inside. > >"Whoa. It worked." The inside is as beautiful as the outside, with gold-embossed white marble columns holding up vaulted ceilings and fountains shooting spirals of water around beautiful sculptures of women as the 'artist' faces the meticulously crafted sandalwood interior of the door... ...if the picture's in color, a detailed study of the picture reveals that, unless those 'sculptures' are each painted by a master, they're actual women. Some are famous models, for those familiar with 20th Century culture; others are unfortunate superheroines, and a few are just attractive acquaintances of Whirlwind's. Either way, the small, disc-like robotic hovercraft that are ubiquitous throughout the picture are the obvious first line of defense. (If you've been lucky enough to see T2: 3D, think those suckers. If not, think silver lame' frisbees with fanblades in the middle, small arms on the 'back' edge, and weapon ports on the 'front' edge beside the 'eyes.' (OOC: You folx now have enough information to open the door safely; go ahead in and come up with something clever to fool the robots. I'll post in more detail in the near future.) ================================= Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 03:32:42 -0700 (PDT) On 04-23-1999 at 03:31:27 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00006899 Tuned to exactly the shape of Tinks Mind, and whispered softly enough that it is barely perceivable, Assuming that Tink retains at least the level of sensitivity that, Nemisis has previously noted her as having, It will ratchet up slowly if Tink's sensitivity has gone down. Each segment after the first will step through a Cipher Sequence, Based on the Dimensional Coordinate system, that Fuzzy gave Mike a copy of... ^#Hear Me Granddaughter... Step D-Cipher#^ ^#I suspect this uncomfortable sensation {} of being an intuition that my being perceptible active in that situation would be hazardous to The CAoL#^ ^#If my senses are correct your opponent's control for the Region is based on an effect similar to The Great Rite linkage of a King to his domain. Which may make it impossible to limit the area of effect within the Region.#^ ^#I have a Spell structure that should be effective, but Its possible effect on anything within the targeted Region, Could be "Unpleasant"#^ ^#This was one of the Tricks Lord Fuzzy came up with but never got around to using...#^ ^# Here is its pattern {}, and an Image of its effect {1}, I Have sufficient power to Fill that Sphere with this Effect, As a backup plan, It has its problems...#^ ^#Raver may be effectively immune, and May be able to Shield Mandy, I do not know if She could shield any others... The Effect on any of the other I cannot predict, Power level should not be significant to defense, Though Spirit-Tech Shields (Not Personally Generated), May be Effective... I have Recharged Lord Fuzzy's last surviving Chaos Gate Talisman, If requested I will use it to open a gate at a specified point, a request number of seconds before I use the this Effect#^ ^#Please Advise.#^ ================================= Date: Sun, 25 Apr 1999 11:05:25 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: A Hidden Resource On Sun, 25 Apr 1999 10:31:56 -0500 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006906 >On 04-23-1999 at 03:31:27 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00006899 > >Tuned to exactly the shape of Tinks Mind, > and whispered softly enough that it is barely perceivable, > Assuming that Tink retains at least the level of sensitivity that, > Nemisis has previously noted her as having, > It will ratchet up slowly if Tink's sensitivity has gone down. > Each segment after the first will step through a Cipher Sequence, > Based on the Dimensional Coordinate system, > that Fuzzy gave Mike a copy of... >^#Hear Me Granddaughter... > Step D-Cipher#^ Tinkerbell Seven pauses in her work, startled, but it quickly fades with recognition. ^#I hear you, Grandmother.#^ >^#I suspect this uncomfortable sensation {} of being an intuition >that my being perceptible active in that situation would be hazardous >to The CAoL#^ ^#Trepidation?#^ Tink offers, ^#Dread? I don't know quite how to say that feeling.#^ >^#Raver may be effectively immune, and May be able to Shield Mandy, > I do not know if She could shield any others... > The Effect on any of the other I cannot predict, > Power level should not be significant to defense, > Though Spirit-Tech Shields (Not Personally Generated), > May be Effective... > I have Recharged Lord Fuzzy's last surviving Chaos Gate Talisman, > If requested I will use it to open a gate at a specified point, > a request number of seconds before I use the this Effect#^ > >^#Please Advise.#^ ^#I don't know what advice to give, but I'll forward it to Grumpa, with your concerns,#^ Tink pauses, then sends, ^#It might be useful as a pursuit deterrant, once Raver and the others leave the dome with the cube or as a method of extraction if things inside go bad. But for now, staying out of sight seems to be a good idea, keeping as many tricks up our sleeve as we can looks to be the best method of dealing with Whirlwind.#^ ================================= Date: Sun, 25 Apr 1999 13:30:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: A Hidden Resource On 04-25-1999 at 13:29:40 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00006908 >On Sun, 25 Apr 1999 10:31:56 -0500 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00006906 > >>On 04-23-1999 at 03:31:27 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00006899 >> >>Tuned to exactly the shape of Tinks Mind, >> and whispered softly enough that it is barely perceivable, >> Assuming that Tink retains at least the level of sensitivity that, >> Nemisis has previously noted her as having, > >normal human brain with a few Borg components, including a subspace >neural transmitter, encoded now to prevent other Borg from hacking >into it. Ditto for Mike.> >> I have Recharged Lord Fuzzy's last surviving Chaos Gate Talisman, >> If requested I will use it to open a gate at a specified point, >> a request number of seconds before I use the this Effect#^ > ^#I don't know what advice to give, but I'll forward it to >Grumpa, with your concerns,#^ Tink pauses, then sends, ^#It might be >useful as a pursuit deterrant, once Raver and the others leave the >dome with the cube or as a method of extraction if things inside go >bad. But for now, staying out of sight seems to be a good idea, >keeping as many tricks up our sleeve as we can looks to be the best >method of dealing with Whirlwind.#^ ^#Very Well, Whirlwind's control of the Cosmic Cube, Should lapse if anyone else touches it while He is Not in Contact, At which point the Dome should be Discontinued.#^ ================================= Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 21:04:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: Infinity Duels On Mon, 26 Apr 1999 20:45:57 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006909 >On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 22:05:31 EDT >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00006889 > >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006882 >>>As he moves through the X-Window, she vanishes from the battle >>>field, and re-appears before Thanos. *Have at thee* She 'says' with >>>a little curtsy. She will scan him for all possible types of >>>energy, powers, and will derive (visualize) what powers and >>>knowlege he had before being 'boosted.' All this at super-computer >>>speed. She will also 'reach' out and tap several external power >>>sources (OOC: one of which will be Oracle, and another will be >>>Hydra). >> >> Thanos begins with a basic attack with the Power Cosmic, >>responding to the scan in kind. > >Just before the blast hits, space warps, the blast seems to vanish >less than a micron from her 'skin.' It reappears in Thanos' face the >same distance from his skin, going the other direction (OOC: he >should get hit by his own blast). Thanos flies back, making a slight 'whuff' sound. His eyes narrow, and reality warps around him. >Aurora follows that up with a wave of her hand, that nearly freezes >time in the volume of space that Thanos occupies (OOC: One second >inside equalls a billion years outside). There is a flicker of time/not time, and Thanos resists the effect. Barely. "Im...impressive, woman. But Chronos tried to drown me in Time itself when I wielded the Infinity Gauntlet." >(OOC: now we find out if tapping the energies and powers of others is >a violation of the rules. From Oracle she is tapping his ability to >see all the potential paths of the future, at least for the next few >minutes (which is how she 'knew' when to create the warp). From Hydra >she is drawing energy, and the ability to focus concentration on more >than one thing at a time, without needing to 'time share'.) Nope. It's not a violation of the rules. But every time Aurora draws on an external source for power, the Cube matches it. 8^) Same goes for everyone else. BTW, this is assuming that Aurora has not yet drawn on the Stardragon. Thanos is considering the following as his next attack: 1) rip Aurora's power away from her, 2) Psiblast her, 3) use the Cube's power to render her powerless, 4) keep a 'lock' on his Power Cosmic to punch through her 'turnabout' defense, in that order of likelihood. ================================= Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 22:05:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: Doomsday On Mon, 26 Apr 1999 21:39:39 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006910 >On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 22:49:45 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00006890 > >> On Sun, 18 Apr 1999 20:49:49 -0700 >> Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006876 >> >>"I don't think that would be wise. The transportal interdiction >>field seems to extend to objects out of phase with normal matter." >> Shadowcat swallows. Hard. >> "However, it is theoretically posssible to confuse the field by >>combining a series of effects." The most brilliant man of this world >>stares intently at the door. "Which fields would suffice are >>debatable,however, and the consequences of failure would be... >>unpleasant." > >[OOC: Picture Zia doing a 'Jewish mother' sort of accent. 'For THIS >it takes a scientist?!?'] Sue smiles sheepishly, doing her best 'that's just the way he is' shrug. >> Doom glances down at the shattered shuriken, actually allowing >>faint amusement to flicker across what little of his face can be >>seen. >> {Note strike points and run full analysis for anomalous >>substances and/or energies,} Doom commands the armor. > > {Primitive nano-replication virus detected in non-viable mode. >It appears to be fashioned for use against Kryptonians, not robotics. >Scan now indicates true ninja-to sword at left hip. - Scan now losing >sword in what seems to be disintegration or teleportative effect. >Aberration noted in psychic aura. It is expanding and becoming >denser.} Doom does not allow his expression to change. [Clever, for all that I expected somesuch tactic. But why Kryptonian technology?] {Contain within forcefields for further analysis and reverse engineering.} {Confirmed,} the armor replies. >> Doom casually wipes away the smear. He looks over the >>battlefield. "How...vulgar. And yet it would seem that our host >>thinks you nearly my equal." He draws his own pistol from its >>holster, the legendary honor of Doom intervening on James' behalf. >>"I would know what manner of man has the honor of falling before the >>might and genius of Doom." > > {Alert: Failure noted in field generated protection on left >eyepiece. Tertiary backups failed; power shunted from right eyepiece >field. Now back online, but no failure cause found in any of the >failing field generation units.} {Intolerable. Examine weapon, ammunition and target. Prepare for download of magical analysis.} Doom circles his prey, every motion one of confidence in ultimate victory. >>Wildcat watched this dapper newcomer deal with Phoenix and then face >>Doom. A smile that implies a barely suppressed chuckle comes to her >>face. *Hey handsome,* she sends over the team's teep net, *Just >>don't try what you did with Jean on Victor. He doesn't take well to >>that form of distraction.* > > *Oh, I don't know.* Comes the drollness only the British give >dry humor. *Just how do you know that, for a fact, miss? Under all >that armor, Victor Doom could easily be Victoria Doom. Who would be >the wiser?* He does SEEM to be joking, however. He also is completely >unruffled at facing Dr. Doom with no more than a pistol in his hand. >He even stands up and leaves cover, as Dr. Doom addresses him. James >does leave his pistol at near a port-arms position, and his eyes on >Doom, however. Wildcat blushes slightly (no, not TM Roland ;-). *Um, well,* she seems to be choosing her words carefully, and although Ironman's expression can't be read through his mask his amusement can be felt by anyone with any sense on the teep link, *At the time he was borrowing someone elses body, someone with the Power Cosmic,* (she shudders slightly at that thought), *So he wasn't wearing the mask, and the Fantastic Four were all his captives and the Avengers were almost all still imprisoned by the Reaper, and, well, it was pretty much me against him when I'd only had my powers for a couple of months, and I needed to distract him so the FF could escape, so....* Her blush deepens. *It was a _very_ effective distraction, from what I heard,* Iron Man adds amusedly. *So effective, in fact, that it stunned _everyone_ for a moment. Fortunately, her friend-who was in Doom's body at the time-recovered first.* >> "*ahem*" Shellhead replies, clearing his throat and concentrating >>studiously on other matters. *Pardon me, but if you want to even up >>the odds somewhat, while I can't join in myself, there doesn't seem >>to be anything in the 'rules' that would prevent me from loaning you >>my armor.* > >*Terribly decent of you, old son. I know how much that outfit means >to you. I'd take you up on it, but it is a good five inches too short >to fit my frame. Don't worry, it is all in the wrist, you see...* >James sends back politely; the offer actually did make him pleased. Shellhead looks him over. *Nothing the suit's new morphing systems couldn't handle, but if you've got this one, he's all yours.* >Even as he speaks to Stark, however, he is striding slowly to meet >Dr. Doom, "Introductions weren't quite where we began, of course. >However, I am honored to meet," James' cruel grin returns at the >ironic double entendre, "you, Your Majesty of Latveria, Dr. Victor >Doom. My name is James. James Bond." The grin becomes James' >villain-infruiating full smile. "Since you think I'm not sport enough >to interest you, Your Majesty, I shall make it more so." Doom listens, almost amusedly, and begins to reply, when- >"I hope this fits your sense of decorum, Doctor." James says, gently >jibing. Then he gathers every bit of pyschic persuasion he can toss, >flings it out at Doom through the Jewel to amplify, "Although, >instead of fighting me merely because we're both here, you could >return to your beloved Latveria now." Doom pauses. "Fascinating. No doubt, a lesser man would give no credence to doing battle with a 'fictional' opponent, making all manner of erroneous assumptions." {Merge magical forcefield with armor systems. Prepare Doombot transference protocols. Begin uploading specifications for altered Cosmic Battery unit.} "Doom is not a lesser man. As for fighting you 'merely because we are both here,' I have plans within plans, and this world will tremble when I unleash my forces upon the world. But you represent a fascinating power...a power which must be DOOM'S!" With that, Doom casts a spell to hold James fast, fires a bolt from his armor, and activates some sort of transponder, all effectively at once. When James deals with the attacks (which I'm assuming he can, unless stated otherwise) he sees that Doom's cape now bulges from behind. "And now, 'Mr. Bond,' though you have no doubt faced many formidable opponents, you have at last met your match...FEEL THE POWER OF DOOOM!" ================================= Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 22:34:37 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE V: Infinity Duels On Tue, 27 Apr 1999 00:58:09 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00006911 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006909 > >>On Tue, 20 Apr 1999 22:05:31 EDT >>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00006889 (snip) >>(OOC: now we find out if tapping the energies and powers of others >>is a violation of the rules. From Oracle she is tapping his ability >>to see all the potential paths of the future, at least for the next >>few minutes (which is how she 'knew' when to create the warp). From >>Hydra she is drawing energy, and the ability to focus concentration >>on more than one thing at a time, without needing to 'time share'.) > > Nope. It's not a violation of the rules. But every time Aurora >draws on an external source for power, the Cube matches it. 8^) Same >goes for everyone else. BTW, this is assuming that Aurora has not yet >drawn on the Stardragon. (OOC: She hasn't. It doesn't show, but she is terrified of it. The last thing she wants to do is attract ITS attention. Of course if she is about to die anyway, and she has nothing left to lose, she would call it in). > Thanos is considering the following as his next attack: 1) rip >Aurora's power away from her, 2) Psiblast her, 3) use the Cube's >power to render her powerless, 4) keep a 'lock' on his Power Cosmic >to punch through her 'turnabout' defense, in that order of >likelihood. As he finishes speaking, working at super computer speeds, and using Hydra's ability to multitask, during the pico seconds that he considers, she attacks with a double pronged attack. She extends both hands (at a FTL speed) and he is hit by a magical "Rip Van Winkle" effect raised to a cosmic strength level. At the same time she hits him with a Spirit blast (twin to the one that knocked Starbreaker on his can). ================================= Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 23:04:28 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: Opportunity Knocks On Mon, 26 Apr 1999 22:58:38 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006912 >On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 23:32:10 -0700 >Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00006899 > > The inside is as beautiful as the outside, with gold-embossed >white marble columns holding up vaulted ceilings and fountains >shooting spirals of water around beautiful sculptures of women as the >'artist' faces the meticulously crafted sandalwood interior of the >door... > ...if the picture's in color, a detailed study of the picture >reveals that, unless those 'sculptures' are each painted by a master, >they're actual women. Some are famous models, for those familiar with >20th Century culture; others are unfortunate superheroines, and a few >are just attractive acquaintances of Whirlwind's. > Either way, the small, disc-like robotic hovercraft that are >ubiquitous throughout the picture are the obvious first line of >defense. (If you've been lucky enough to see T2: 3D, think those >suckers. If not, think silver lame' frisbees with fanblades in the >middle, small arms on the 'back' edge, and weapon ports on the >'front' edge beside the 'eyes.' "This is humiliating," the blonde, orange-and-gold clad figure sighed as she flew through the room. Literally; she passed through several columns and a few of the women. "I'm looking for an 'anomaly' while that brainwashed X-Man bends Whirlwind's ear. Nothing here but a lot of 'statuesque' women..." Moonstone smiles at her own clever commentary as she slows, finally hovering in place... ================================= Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 23:04:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE V: I Hear Ya Knockin... On Wed, 28 Apr 1999 22:52:39 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00006913 > The inside is as beautiful as the outside, with marble columns >holding up vaulted ceilings and fountains shooting spirals of water >around beautiful sculptures of women as the 'artist' faces the >meticulously crafted sandalwood interior of the door... [Pretty. I'll have to look at this when I get inside. And now that I know I can get pictures, I may have to try enchanting CMYK inks some time.] > Either way, the small, disc-like robotic hovercraft that are >ubiquitous throughout the picture are the obvious first line of >defense. (If you've been lucky enough to see T2: 3D, think those >suckers. If not, think silver lame' frisbees with fanblades in the >middle, small arms on the 'back' edge, and weapon ports on the >'front' edge beside the 'eyes.' "Hopefully, those things don't scan on anything other than normal sight." "All right. Everybody ready? I'm making this the last chance for comments on the plan of: Xzerrion holds an illusion and opens the door magically, we stay covered by invisibility and an SEP field." =================================