Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9
Chapter 2
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (VLong!)
On Wed, 8 Oct 2003 06:42:00 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011217
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011215
>
>"Umph," quoth the Bard as the data-packet hits him. "All right.
>Marivale, you see the gentleman with the sword over there? His name's
>Kanto, he's an assassin, and I'd appreciate it if you could at least
>keep him busy for a while. Kell, head on over to yon fellow with the
>missing arm and defend him and his Lady wife while she spellcasts, if
>you would..."
Kell grins as he steps forward. [Defend a position from four
well-armed females. From the looks of them, the one in leather is a
lasher, that one's a swordswoman, the one in green uses wrist blades,
and the one in orange is...um...fat. I didn't realize how much I
missed this.]
As he arrives, the situation changes...
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011214
>
>Grabbing Roland's ankle and Morgan's elbow gently, Tink sends,
>*/Position untennable, falling back,/* and teleports herself, David,
>Roland, Morgan (and presumably CJ's character if she didn't run off
>elsewhere to battle in the interum or otherwise wishs OOCly to be
>left out of this retreat) to Callahans...
"She ran away," Granny sighed. "And I had so hoped to teach her of
the glory that is Darkseid. Very well. Female Furies, kill him," she
finishes, pointing at Kell, "and then continue attacking any
opposition."
Kell Vanderlan is the survivor of hundreds of battles, defeating
dragons and demons with a pair of daggers and a little help from his
friends. Today, he faces the Female Furies of Apokolips, who make
demons pale in comparison (if not in fear), and all he has is his
daggers.
A steel lash wraps his ankle as he fends off Bernadeth and Mad
Harriet, Stompa creates a small earthquake, and Kell falls. Twisting
desperately, he dodges a Farenknife strike, parries Mad Harriet's
power spikes, and throws himself into a shoulder block that does more
damage to the lamp-post than to Lashina.
"HARLOCK!" Kell screams. He doesn't say anything more; in a
situation like this, he shouldn't need to.
=================================
Subject: AAE 9: Getting into the fray, or, Hip deep, and no waders...
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 08:53:10 -0700
Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011218
IC:
[Okay, I can get some more ironwood and try to re-enchant the
staff...But that enchanter's gonna charge double...] Patrick stared, a
bit miserably, at the wrecked remains of the staff. [Truly, a
testament to the wisdom of blocking a monoblade without switching the
field spell on.] Cautiously, he raises the glass of red unidentifiable
liquid when...
> */MAYDAY MAYDAY Earth-9 under attack invasion of conquest multiple
>dimensions reality storm possibility theft native forces being
>overwhelmed need assistance desperately message repeats MAYDAY MAYDAY
>Earth-9 under atta--/*
It's sheer luck that the spit-take misses the rest of the patronage.
"Umm...Mr Callahan, sir? Could I borrow an X-Window, please?"
Unconsciously, he grasped the bokken that the Legendary Lensdragon
left him. "I think I have a debt to fill."
The X-Window opens, allowing Patrick through...And gives him a good
view ofa Parademon Captain's breastplate...
"Ahhh....Kraan spit..."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising v.2
On Wed, 8 Oct 2003 18:13:43 -0700
Crystal Jade Guess Said As CAoL Message # 00011219
>On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 23:37:02 -0400 (EDT)
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011214
>
>Tink grits her teeth, eyes moist momentarily. She closes her eyes,
>focuses her mind, and opens them again, her face resolved.
>
>Grabbing Roland's ankle and Morgan's elbow gently, she sends,
>*/Position untennable, falling back,/* and teleports herself, David,
>Roland, Morgan (and presumably CJ's character if she didn't run off
>elsewhere to battle in the interum or otherwise wishs OOCly to be
>left out of this retreat) to Callahans, landing in the Listening
>Lounge, currently clear of smokers.
"Thank you, whoever you are." CJ said. "With that displacement grenade
about to detenate, we are probably a lot better off here....whereever
here is. Care to tell me what's going on?"
>Tink sighs and stands up, offering a hand, "Sorry about that, I
>assumed you'd not want to be around when that bunch of psychos
>realised they didn't have a target anymore."
Very true. Especially if they turn out to be something that can't be
effected by that grenade.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (2 of 2)
On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 22:39:29 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011221
>On Mon, Oct 6th, 2K3, "Morgan" wrote...
>
> (OOC: You know, Seeker's going to be in a lot of trouble in a
>minute or so unless someone takes on Darkseid's supreme
>swordsman...hint, hint. ;^)
> Meanwhile...
I know that this takes place slightly out of sequence, but Kanto
looked to me like he was at a loss for a dance partner. If this steps
on somebody's toes, I apologize. But I figure either way it's going to
have to be slightly retconed one way or another. Even if, only at the
very least, it's only so that this happens immediately after
Dhyrclhanc and his relief troops show up.
Behind him, Kanto hears somebody behind him with an affected British
accent.
"I say there old chap, I've been hearing some rumors that you're
supposed to be some sort of a swordsman. I ask you, is there any truth
to this or is it all just a bunch of poppycock?"
When the elaborately dressed member of Darksied's Elite turns around,
(even more than the most of the others) he'l see another Dhyrclhanc.
Only this version of DC is in his "Psuedo-Lens-T'Skrang" form and
wearing his Renaissance-era, brightly colored, swordfighter's garb. In
Dhyrclhanc's "off-hand", he holds Redemption" -- the amethyst,
basket-hilt, hand-and-a-half runesword, in the other is a
silver/gold/platinum-colored alloy, swept-hilt, hand-and-a-half
sword-rapier.
"En garde, sir."
[I'll guess Now I'll find out just how good a teacher Indigo was.]
I've lost track, just where is Seeker supposed to be at this
point?
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (VLong!)
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 20:41:24 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011222
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 01:30:11 -0700
>Harlock - Said As CAoL Message # 00011215
>
>Marivale salutes Kanto perfunctorily with his rapier, then says "en
>garde, sir! Before you die, you should know that you have the honor
>of facing Marivale Saevil, the finest swordsman on Oerth."
>
>Kanto smiles sardonically and salutes Marivale rather more
>elaborately.
> "It shall indeed be an honor, Sir, to kill the finest swordsman on
>Oerth. I will note, however, that you are not on Oerth, wherever that
>may be." With that, both swordsmen spring to the attack.
(OOC: Oh, that's _nice._ Very Kanto. )
Kanto began defensively, waiting for a few exchanges to get a feel
for Marivale's style. On the fourth clash, Kanto attacked suddenly and
swiftly with a series of lightning-fast strikes that seemed to come in
all at once.
(OOC: Assuming Marivale parries them all)
Kanto's smile both broadened and became more sardonic as he parried
the riposte. "Ah. Excellent. I was hoping to face a duelist who could
keep me from getting bored without resorting to mental legerdemain."
Elsewhere. Sixty seconds ago.
Eric panted, clutching at several wounds. One on one, he would have
been a match for this...Steppenwolf. (Incongruously, he kept thinking
of the rock band. Steppenwolf the band was more Rio's style, but
still...) Not necessarily good enough to beat him, perhaps, but
definitely his equal.
But Steppenwolf was a commander par excellence. He was able to
battle and command his parademons simultaneously. Eric was beginning
to believe that this creature was _also_ running the larger war
simultaneously.
It more than bothered Eric to be so badly outclassed. It _offended_
him. Nevertheless, it was true. He was going to have to retreat, and
soon, assuming that he could get away from Steppenwolf somehow. Eric
danced around, slicing the occasional parademon's head off with the
Lightning Chain when it came too close. Steppenwolf chuckled as
electricity crackled from one spot where the Hunter had nicked the New
God's Electro-Axe cable.
"So, little mortal, shall you make good sport for my parademon
elite?"
Eric's teeth ground. "This isn't over."
"So heroic," Steppenwolf mocked. "Your stance tells me everything.
You are considering flight and weighing your options." Eric's eyes
widened behind his sunglasses. [He could TELL?!] "You clearly have a
superior grasp of the tactics of your position, though you obviously
work alone and can tell that your position is untenable." Steppenwolf
paused, musing for a moment. "Granny Goodness might take you in, if
you surrender."
Eric spat.
Steppenwolf nodded in approval. "As I thought." The New God raised
his Axe.
[This is it -- all or nothing --]
>Erindrea pulls one of her adamantine arrows from her quiver and casts
>the last of her True Strike spells for the day. Waiting for just that
>cue, Harlock casts a Silence spell on the arrow, which Erindrea lets
>fly at Steppenwolf. Between the True Strike spell and her own trained
>skill, the arrow does indeed clip the cable running to the haft of
>his axe before burying itself in his hip.
Eric and Steppenwolf both boggled at a "simple" arrow cutting
through the cable. Eric then smiled as Steppenwolf cursed in a tongue
that makes the Black Speech of Mordor sound pleasant, just before the
sound vanished from him. He pulled out the arrow with a single savage
yang.
"Well. Effective." Eric saluted and dove away as Steppenwolf
"roared" ineffectively. The parademons hovered, confused. The General
of Apokolips typed a few commands on his aero-cycle, and wheeled
around. The parademons whirled in perfect unison.
>Harlock smiles in satisfaction. At Erin's puzzled look, he explains,
>"that fellow was, according to what I was told, the general of the
>field troops for the...ah...bad guys. Provided Veren manages to harry
>the cloaked gentleman (who as I understand is the second in command)
>effectively, I believe we shall manage to invoke the ancient curse:
>order, counter-order, disorder. Now then, dear, apply your strongest
>mental shields, whate'er they may be, and continue picking away at
>the yellow flying goons."
Steppenwolf glared at Erin and Harlock's sniping spot, as if he
_knew_ where they were from how the arrow had struck him. (OOC: If
they're not hiding, please let me know. ) Something was clearly
more important, however, and he raced off, parademons trailing behind
him.
Again elsewhere.
Desaad scowled as his Father Box tended to the wounds inflicted by
the accursed dragon. [He will pay for this, oh, he surely will,] the
mad genius thought darkly. His Killing Gloves, patched into his Dark
Walker, sprayed pain and destruction through the machine's tremendous
gauntlets. His Walker was an ape-like giant, fifty feet tall, and
gleaming silvery War Dogs gathered around his legs like the devoted
hounds they were. With a chitter of spiteful glee, he sent them
charging into the ranks of the mortals.
(Desaad's chitter turned into a rictus-grin of wry amusement at
Kalibak's inability to notice how much the gunmetal primate-shaped
walker he was politing resembled the least of Darkseid's children. No
matter.)
>Veren grimaces as he contemplates his task. [Harry the cloaked man
>riding the huge construct. Fine. And how am I supposed to...to...]
>Veren grins ferally as the scent of vegetation registers on his
>senses.
> Lots of vegetation. Casting a spell as he trots down the street,
>he arrives at Central Park, then vanishes among the trees. Soon
>thereafter, flights of arrows soar out of Central Park at irregular
>intervals, heading towards Desaad's war machine. Most of them find
>their marks in parademons, some of them in dog troopers. A few of
>them miss--four, to be specific, that fly mere inches from Desaad's
>nose.
"WH-?!" Desaad, ever the coward, assumed that if a creature is
firing such primitive weapons at his Dark Walker, then they must be
capable of doing him some harm. (Not only is Desaad familiar with
super-archers like Green Arrow, he rarely thinks in terms of someone
being heroically foolish, at least in the heat of battle.) Turning, he
sprayed the apparent origin point of the attack wildly with Killing
Glove bolts. Large chunks of Central Park exploded...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: This time for sure!
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 20:48:47 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011223
>On Wed, 8 Oct 2003 01:46:30 -0700
>Reality Hacker AJ47 Said As CAoL Message # 00011216
>
>New York, now:
>
>Fourteen blocks away from Obvious Stuff Happening, Avery cursed
>silently and pulled over to the curb. "Can't work and drive at the
>same time." He hopped out and sprinted down the sidewalk. "Identify
>frequency" #already have done# "and broadcast a reply!"
>
>*Reality Hacker AJ47 responding to mayday. Where do I go, who is my
>friend, and what can I do to help that won't kill my process in the
>process?*
Seeker perked up from where he was dodging mystic-Source blasts.
"Eh?" Suli, drawing a bead on him, threw a huge ball of hot white
Source fire at him. "YOW!" Seeker dove into a nearby building, only to
find Jaguar next to him on the floor, panting and on the verge of
passing out. "Mother Gaia..."
*Ah! Greetings, mate!* Seeker sent back to AJ47 as he ran triage on
Jaguar. *This is Seeker, acting leader of the Champions, an' unless I
miss my guess, fellow Traditionalist. These (Callahanians, Champions,
& such) are friendlies. These (things from Apokolips) are hostiles.
Best stick with these (dog soldiers) at first, then work your way up
to your power level.*
RH AJ47 'felt' a wink. *An' welcome to the party, bruce!*
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (VLong!)
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 21:02:07 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011224
>On Wed, 8 Oct 2003 06:42:00 -0700 (PDT)
>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011217
>
> Kell Vanderlan is the survivor of hundreds of battles, defeating
>dragons and demons with a pair of daggers and a little help from his
>friends. Today, he faces the Female Furies of Apokolips, who make
>demons pale in comparison (if not in fear), and all he has is his
>daggers.
> A steel lash wraps his ankle as he fends off Bernadeth and Mad
>Harriet, Stompa creates a small earthquake, and Kell falls. Twisting
>desperately, he dodges a Farenknife strike, parries Mad Harriet's
>power spikes, and throws himself into a shoulder block that does more
>damage to the lamp-post than to Lashina.
> "HARLOCK!" Kell screams. He doesn't say anything more; in a
>situation like this, he shouldn't need to.
Just then, another robotic "walker" crashed near the combatants.
Help has arrived.
Granny Goodness leaped back with a start (and proves surprisingly
light on her feet) as Virman Vundabar groaned back, semi-conscious,
from inside the broken cockpit. Above them, Quantum burned with cosmic
fire. "All right, girls, WHO WANTS SOME?!"
Granny pointed her Mega-Rod at Quantum and fired,
uncharacteristically silent. Quantum glared, and the blast simply died
out over a foot from her form. "F-FURIES!" Granny blurted.
Bernadeth sighed. "Harriet. Lashina. Attack." She turned back to
Kell. "Try not to scream. Harriet likes it when you scream, and I
doubt you want to encourage her." She raised her Fahren-knife for
another attack as Stompa maneuvered for another chance to flatten the
man with one well-placed boot. Meanwhile, Mad Harriet, Lashina, and
Granny unleashed their power on Quantum...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Getting into the fray, or, Hip deep, and no
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 21:05:30 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011225
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 08:53:10 -0700
>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011218
>
>> */MAYDAY MAYDAY Earth-9 under attack invasion of conquest
>>multiple dimensions reality storm possibility theft native forces
>>being overwhelmed need assistance desperately message repeats MAYDAY
>>MAYDAY Earth-9 under atta--/*
>
>It's sheer luck that the spit-take misses the rest of the patronage.
(OOC: Well, it would be, anywhere else. But this is The Place. 8^)
>The X-Window opens, allowing Patrick through...And gives him a good
>view of a Parademon Captain's breastplate...
>
>"Ahhh....Kraan spit..."
The parademon blinked on hearing this, then wheels around.
"What in Darkseid's name are _you?_" the Captain asked. "Ah, to
Anti-Life with it. HUNGER SQUAD SIX! KILL HIM!" he roared, and several
more parademons flew up, looking around for a moment, then realized
who the captain meant...
=================================
Subject: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising
On Wed, 8 Oct 2003 21:26:01 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011226
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011202
>
>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011194
>>
>> "Roland," Rob whispers. [I would have bet on Roland against
>>Darkseid any day of the week. This is -bad-...]
>
> (OOC: Rob wins the solid-gold kewpie doll for proper assessment of
>JUST HOW DEEP you folx are in it. )
(OOC: That seems to be one of Rob's secondary specialities - the
ability to recognize the depth of the manure, and achieve a proper
level of panic.)
> "Impressive," Steppenwolf says calmly, floating above the mess.
>Two dozen parademons hover in formation behind him. "Now..." the
>General of Apokolips drew an enormous axe from the flier. A cable
>snaked out from his back and attached itself to the axe, and it
>crackled with electric menace.
> "...are you ready to face one of the Ruling Elite?"
"Can I get back to you--" Rob begins, when...
> Eric smiled. It wasn't a pleasant smile. It reminded the
>parademons unpleasantly of a human with a bat-fetish. "Things like
>you are my line of _work,_ Captain Sallow."
> /Rob, go find your friends. I'll deal with crater-face's hatchet
>man here./
/Thanks, Eric,/ Rob replies, as he lifted off. He wasn't sure what
he could do in the center of this mess; most of the players were above
his weight class. But the same ability that told him that he wasn't
needed in a given dimension was screaming at him now - and the only
acceptable direction was towards Roland.
=================================
Subject: AAE 9: Darkseid Rising
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 21:59:10 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011227
Roland groaned.
[backslash run psy-diag.exe...] the Eternal thought.
[Severe Halo damage to upper right section of body. Unprecedented
raw Pattern damage to right arm. Defender armor cannot compensate.
Severe trauma to right hemisphere of brain; ingenuity and imaginative
capacity v.low at present.]
[Not acceptable. Champions and Army of Light in danger.
Compensate.]
[Cannot comply at this time. External healing efforts progressing.
Omega Effect scarring preventing more rapid healing.]
Roland considered this a moment, at least so far as he was capable
of consideration. [Reboot mental/psychic processes,]
[WARNING warning warning heroic unit Roland Phoenix at dangerously
low capacity. Strongly recommend remaining at location designate
"Callahan's Place" until right brain capacity exceeds 42%.]
[So noted. Reboot.]
^Countermand,^ Morgan inserted. ^I agree with the armor.^
^I am needed,^ Roland replied, sounding rather Vulcan-like. ^If
nothing else, I can provide data to the Callahanians defending
Earth-9.^
^You can do that from here,^ Morgan said gently but firmly.
^Not as efficiently,^ Roland noted. ^Further, in my current state,
I am unlikely to act in a reckless manner, and what power remains to
me can still be useful.^ Given his usual fiery nature, he was
disturbing cool and considering.
^You're not anywhere _near_ combat capacity.^ He could hear the worry
in Morgan's "voice," but she knew he was right. Damn Darkseid and the
Gaunt Man and anyone else who was behind this invasion, anyway.
^I am quite capable of resisting attacks by parademons,^ Roland
continued relentlessly. Though cool, his drive to make a difference
was still reassuringly present. His love for Morgan, the children, and
his larger family remained unshakeable. ^This is my duty, my
heart...and my destiny. I need your help. Please.^
Morgan sighed. ^What else do you need from me?^
^As much of a 'shot' of healing/revival as you can manage without
overextending yourself.^
^What do you think I've _been_ doing?^ Morgan replied incredulously.
Roland paused. ^Lack of precision. Hm. Excuse me. One final burst,
as much as you can all at once, then stop. Please.^
The Druidess considered her options. She hoped that David's innocent
faith in her was justified. ^All right, m'eudail, brace yourself.^
-----
Several Patrons were watching in concern, but not alarm, as Tink
and Morgan looked the badly beaten leader of the CAoL over. Caitlin
had mercifully taken the twins into a Danger Room, so they weren't
witness to their father's current state.
Then Roland sat up very suddenly. "Ah." He rolled his shoulders
(which was very odd-looking, given the armor and his being disarmed),
looked around, and smiled gently. "Tinkerbell. Thank you." Using his
TK, he righted himself in a very wuxia/anime way and looked at the
X-Window displaying the situation.
"/Hm. The situation is deteriorating. Without my intuitive and
creative capacities, my ability to lead is severely impaired. Current
CAoL coordinator, please respond./" Energy crackled ghost-like around
where his arm should have been, creating an eerie nimbus. His left arm
hummed with kinetic power.
=================================
Subject: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (V.2.5)(Long!)(Sorry!)
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 01:20:47 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011228
>On Tues, Oct 7th, 2K3, "Roland X" writes...
>
>>"Dhyrclhanc and/or Martin" wrote...
>>
>>anything and everything capable of broadcasting a signal, including
>>empty cans and bottles, and everyone's communications devices -- on
>>both sides of the battle -- suddenly switch on by themselves and
>>broadcast the Dave Mathew's Band(tm) version of "All Along The
>>Watchtower".
>
> Parademons and UNTIL agents were briefly stymied by this, as
>communications break down faster than Windows ME. Fortunately for
>them, both sides have counter-jamming equipment beyond that imagined
>by most of Earth-9, and combat soon resumes.
In the immortal words of any Grant Morrison character, "Hrrm." I
guess I'll have to start figuring out a more effective way for the Big
Guy to make his dramatic entrances. Still, I never would've thought
that UNTIL would have the technology to counter-jam a Cyber-Psi
broadcast. Apokalips, OTOH...
>>A second Boom-Tube formed at the opposite end of the conflict,
>>disembarking are, of course, Dhyrclhanc and his personal Cadre of
>>Light, or some variant thereof.
>>When the last of these troops disembarked, the Boom Tube closed
>>down.
Say hello to the "Megaversal Legion", folks! More about them
later.
> Desaad laughed sadistically (no shock there). {Gladly, great
>Darkseid!} With monstrous glee, Desaad sent a signal through the
>Maelstrom Tube, and a second wave of battle cruisers emerged from the
>hole, accompanied by gleaming metal figures and an _enormous_ burning
>humanoid figure that screeched as it plummeted to earth.
"Oh Boy." Dhyclhanc muttered to himself.
Then turning around, he motions to two of the troopers who came
through the Boom Tube with him.
"Colonel Savage, Okar, come here please."
One of the more human-looking cyborgs moved towards his, along with
one of the Ojahee (Ogre-like) troopers.
"I suggest that you keep the majority of your tanks in the rear and
begin using them as long distance bombardment against the newly
arriving troops. Then use the remainder of them along with your
armored and armored APCs in a front line attack against both the new
and old troops on the front line. Your human troops and especially
your Destoyer 'Borgs would be best served against the rank-and-file
combatants and those, so-called, dog soldiers."
"You're covering the Multiversal Legion's paystub on this sortie,
Dhyrclhanc, so I suppose that I can accept you in an advise and
consent role. Besides, your suggestions aren't all that different than
the strategy that we've used in the past in similar situations." said
Colonel Arthur Savage, CO of the Megaversal Legion.
"I still don't understand, Dragon, why you were so reluctant to allow
my men to come at all, much less why you adamantly objected to
bringing along any of the cyborged Ojahee. We are front-line troops
and our little human cousins have always depended upon the strength
and skill of the Ojahee." commented Okar, the chief officer among the
Ojahee and the SO of the entire Megaversal Legion, as he waived the
huge vibro-axe that he held in his left hand, signaling his people to
charge into the forward ranks.
"We are not only fighting a military conflict here, Okar." answered
Dhyrclhanc. "we are fighting a psychological one as well." He
indicated Darkseid on his aero-platform, haranguing on his troops.
"That being is a psychic vampire, on part he lives off of the pain and
suffering of others; the less fear those who are the innocent
bystanders in this battle feel, the less chance he, and his troops,
have of winning the field this day."
"It was for this reason that I stressed that those in the Megaversal
Legion look the least alien as possible."
>>Elsewhere Kalibak was just finished dragging himself out of the
>>Atlantic Ocean. But even the scion of Darksied needed to gather his
>>breath after his combat with both Obsidion and Defender and so he
>>was leaning against a cement wall, holding himself up with the hand
>>that still grasped his cosmically-powered Beta-club. Without
>>warning, two of the Glaives came swooping through the air, pinning
>>both his wrist and the Beta-Club against the wall.
>
> (OOC: Er, Kalibak was still fighting Obsidian when last we left
>him. He's bigger, stronger, and more powerful. Obsidian's faster and
>smarter, but that's not going to send Kalibak into the drink. But I
>digress. 8^)
What's this then, Hmm?
]>>On Sun, Oct 5th, 2K3, Roland X wrote...
]>>
]>> Suddenly, Kalibak shoots into the sky, howling in frustrated
]>>fury. "Actually, Kalibak," Defender replies harshly, "I'm not this
]>>Earth's mightiest hero." With a thought, he flings Kalibak the
]>>Cruel towards the Atlantic. "But I don't need to be to beat _you._"
>>A whistling noise is all that warns him when the other three Glaives
>>fly through the air and pin his wrist to the side of the Troop
>>Carrier, the ultra-sharp blade of one of the Glaives pins him
>>inexorably to the vehicle right through his palm which, likewise,
>>pierced right through the remote device he was using. Those terror
>>devices capable of autonomic functioning do so. The rest drop to the
>>ground, as of cut off from both power and control.
>
> Desaad screams. He can dish it out, but he can't take it.
> Quantum immediately begins driving Vundabar back.
> Darkseid scowls. "Unacceptable." The Omega Beams lash out,
>disintegrating both Desaad and remote control, then reconstituting
>them back in Desaad's war machine. {Remain in your vehicle, Desaad.}
> {Yes, Master,} Desaad whimpered.
Dhyrclhanc senses this, seeing more proof that his initial strategy
appears to be fraying at the seems.
With Dhyrclhanc, however, everything is not always as it seems...
>>Then all of the subs sank back down beneath the waves, disappearing
>>from view of the naked eye as well as from the ship's sonar screens.
>
> OOC: Er, no.
> Just about the time Dhyrclhanc expects them to show up, he gets a
>report that Apokoliptian aquatic forces, led by the Deep Six (well,
>we know what happened to Vanguard now), are engaging them. They are
>encountering heavy resistance.
> Come on, you didn't think that Darkseid would leave his flank so
>obviously undefended, did you?
One can always hope! :^)
Am I reading this correctly? These Deep Six fellows transform their
opponents into more Deep Six beings, winning wars through attrition
and Star Trek 'Borg-style overwhelm and convert and then overwhelm and
convert some more tactics? Your Vanguard people, then, appear to be
doing the blub, blub, blub act here then, and not in the usual manner
either, eh?
BTW, how are these "Apokoliptian aquatic forces", as you call them,
stopping the jet fighters and combat helicopters from joining in on
the fracas happening ashore?
Dhyrclhanc tips his head to the side, as if listening to something
that no one else could hear, which of course, he was.
[Tahkis and Palatine.] He thought to himself, [There goes my back-up
air support, it seems], as another wing of his Droid Starfighters
added itself to those already engaging Darkseid's Parademon "Air
Force".
>%The Roland you have reached is not in service at this time,%
>Morgan deadpans, %But the more the...you know.%
Dhyrclhanc quietly sniggers to himself, in stark contrast to the
battle waging around him.
> "Suli is not some flower to be plucked from the field, mortal
>scum!" the witch of Apokolips snarled, as Seeker barely managed to
>turn a plummet to his death into a series of acrobatic moves that
>landed him on the ground roughly intact.
> *"What a woman,"* Seeker breathed, somewhere between admiring and
>disgusted.
Er, Roland? Isn't she supposed to be dead, Jim?
... And then...
>>"Eeep! Whoops! Oh well, you know what they say, the initial strategy
>>never survives fully intact after the initial contact with the
>>enemy." However, in so saying, Dhyrclhanc's computer-like mind
>>begins contemplating a new strategy for dealing with these new
>>threats.
A sentiment which is actually somewhat false as Dhyrclhanc's initial
strategy is actually surviving quite well, but he is working on
something to do to try to knock out both Maggedon and Solaris. At
least until either, or both, Nemo and/or a Starspawn decide to show
up.
> Darkseid gestured, and his aero-disc flew to him. He briefly
>considered obliterating the girl who had manhandled him, and perhaps
>the two who had dared threaten his beloved Suli, but the bride of
>Darkseid must be strong, and there was no honor in destroying
>children.
> His eyes flared with cosmic red flame. Two rods appeared in his
>hands, one like Kalibak's Beta Club, the other similar to Big Barda's
>Mega-Rod, only both larger and more ominous.
You mean that Barda's Mega-Rod and Kalibak's
Beta Club aren't actually the same style-weapon called two different
things by two different people?
> "I have been waiting for you, child of the Old Gods," Darkseid
>intoned, stepping onto the aero-disc. "Now, let us dance."
[Child of the Old Gods?! Trust Darkseid to be approximately two moves
ahead of the rest of us, I guess] thought Dhyrclhanc to himself.
> OOC 2: And one of those Heavy Hitters is _all_yours._ We call it
>the Toyota rule -- you asked for it, you got it.
Wiseacre.
This is an admittedly an, er... unusual picture. It'd be interesting
what an actual comic book artist would do with it.
Darkseid, even radiating the requisite aura of menace and charisma
befitting a New God of his Portfolio -- One who threatens Pain,
Suffering, Sadism and Tyranny of Galactic Proportions, is still only
somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 feet tall, at best, as he easily
stands head and shoulders above a certain Kryptonian expatriate we
should all be familiar with.
Dhyrclhanc, on the other hand, is a 447-year-old-and-some-change
Dragon, with more than some little measure of near-god-like power,
grace, style and charisma of his own, and stands 21' foot tall, not
counting the length of his tail and the width of his, albeit folded,
wings.
If it weren't so impressive a sight, the New God/Liege-King of
Apocalips standing in front of the, even now, brightly shining,
near-Gargantuan Sentinel-Lensdragon, with the two Kirby-tech
power-staves in his hands threatening the XO of the Callahanian Army
of Light, it'd be funny.
With both the second Dhyrclhanc and the motorcycle having disappeared,
this Dhyrclhanc knelt down in front of Darkseid, so that instead of
being 3 times the size of the Dark New God, he was only twice his
size. Still a distance of some consideration separated the two of
them, even now when Darkseid had stepped off of his previously
mentioned aero-disc.
First Dhyrclhanc passed a hand across his where his neck joined his
main body and his Eye of Agamotto of power, which sat holding the two
sides of his forest green great cloak together, was joined by a Doctor
Doom-style pair of golden metal discs that were attached to each other
by a thin metal chain of medium length.
" '.. Know that The Spades are the Swords of a Soldier and Know that
The Clubs are the Weapons of War...' " Dhyrclhanc quietly intoned to
himself and two huge, 25-foot-long, versions of Dhyrclhanc's mindsword
appeared hanging diagonally in mid-air, the points were tilted up
towards the sky, the blades looked even more wedge-like than anyone
had seen them before, and the pommels were tilted downwards, pointing
at the Lensdragon.
Dhyrclhanc reached each of his hands upwards and grasped the two
blades of pure, crystalized, emerald quantum fire in a reversed hold.
Then he quickly rotated each of the swords in a 180-degree swooping
circle which ended with the tips of the bladed buried in the ground.
Dhyrclhanc bowed his head towards Darkseid and then pushed his
great-cloak open somewhat so Darkseid could see Dhyrclhanc's Mother
Box and then addressed him.
"I bid you greetings, Darkseid nee Prince Uxas, God-King of the Planet
Apocalips and honored opponent of myself and my allies; the ones who
you would know as the New Gods of New Genesis. I am present today, as
are -- to a lesser degree -- my compatriots in the Callahanian Army of
Light, to give you official notice that this Planet, like many others,
is under my protection and I respectfully suggest that you immediately
forfeit whatever tenuous claim you have over this place or you will
surely face the consequences."
In so saying, his wings unfurl and make a mighty flap once, in order
to assure that the distance between himself and Darkseid is
effectively doubled before Darkseid has a chance to react in any way.
Why, look! I do believe that the fireworks have started!
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Cosmic Storm Rising
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 22:57:14 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011229
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011203
>>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011193
>
> (OOC: Ignore all of this if these beings are Greater Starspawn. If
>they are Lesser Starspawn, however...ick.)
> The Tyrant Sun targets the one that it calculates to be the
>leader; if no leader is obvious, it remains diametrically opposite to
>Quisp. Its vast computer mentality moving at a tremendous rate, it
>begins to assault its chosen target on several fronts simultaneously.
>Raw power disruption is what the humans see, as massive gouts of
>carefully controlled plasma rip at the form savagely. Every strike
>leaves energy "viruses," some of which attack the energy-physicality,
>others its mental capacity, and still others its pure cohesiveness.
>Some of the strikes also leave "worms," which consume the host and
>use that energy to become more efficient plasmatic predators. The
>cumulative effect is...ugly.
The (marginally) more powerful of the four Starspawn is almost
immediatly in trouble up to his eyeballs (or would be if he really had
them). Finally he finds that by encapsulating each worm, and virus
within a tiny portion of himself, and then ejecting that portion,
across the multiverse to a universe where neither can exist, he is
able to hold his own, but only just, and at that he finds he is
rapidly diminishing. *I could use some help here Oracle* He calls out.
> Maggedon's target is slowly corrupted by the great weapon's
>psychic power. If this does not turn the unfortunate Starspawn
>against its fellows, the ancient device uncoils its tentacles and
>begins "eating" the (heavily distracted) thing, swallowing it into
>the anti-sun that powers it.
The second strongest of the 4 finds herself slowly being torn apart by
Maggedon, though she is able to regenerate SOME of her being by
absorbing the psychic energies that Maggedon is directing against her.
BUT it's not nearly enough.
> Amazo roars with a savage joy as it/he unleashes his horrific
>arsenal of powers. This including Oan force, Kryptonian might, New
>Gods weaponry, the Omega Effect itself, and the targeted Starspawn's
>own abilities. "You shall not stand against the Lion of Darkseid!"
>Amazo cries triumphantly.
The third Starspawn seems to be the lucky one. The Oan force, he
simply absorbs and "digests". Kryptonian might is of little use
against one who doesn't have a "solid" body. The New Gods weaponry is
likewise oriented to one with a material component to their "body",
but is more effective than the Oan force, or pure brute force. Not
having a physical (material) body at all, the Omega effect passes
through harmlessly. What brings him up short, is when Amazo begins
using the Starspawn's own special powers against him. *Aurora, this is
getting serious, FAST.*
> Quisp glares for about a tenth of a second, then chitters
>gleefully.
> Solaris and Amazo look at Quisp, then each other. Amazo has a
>disturbed expression on his face.
> "00101110101 designate Qwsp is mentally unstable 1101110101
>suggest avoidance 01100," Solaris notes.
> "You have a great gift for understatement, Tyrant," Amazo
>replies...
The sky curdles slightly as the enormous favored form of Hydra
appears. He doesn't look happy. Eight hundred feet tall, from the heel
of his armored boots to the top of his helmeted heads, and in hand his
weapon of choice, a glaive fully as tall as he is. He quickly (even
for a Starspawn) scans the battle field, and chooses his target. The
glaive whips around, and points at the Tyrant Sun. From the point of
the weapon lances out a blast of power that could, and on more than
one occasion HAD, blown a large star into a cosmic cloud of atoms. At
the same time he wraps the area around the Tyrant Sun in a field of
force to contain and redirect the/any resulting explosion into a
"safe" area.
Aurora's entrance is a bit more subdued. Appearing on top of one of
the tallest buildings in the city, she takes in the carnage in a
glance. Summoning an aid to her, she gives her instructions, /"Get the
civilians out of the city"/, as she selectively begins healing the
injured and dying. When her attentions reach the supine form of the
Defender , she pauses. /*"Morgan, I can heal
his body, but you will have to fix the rest. We don't have time for
the study of his basic being that I would require to do it myself."*/
That said, Aurora bathes Roland in healing energies, that heal his
injuries restoring his arm, and repair his armor. That task completed,
she directs her attention to the belegared Starspawn in the sky. The
four Guardians had been somewhat surprized by the assault on them. Now
it's Maggedon's turn to be surprized as Aurora hits it with a mental
attack fully as powerful, if not more powerful than its own. She then
follows that up with the multidimensional equivilent of an
electromagnetic pulse tuned to Maggedon's own circutry. Any ordinary
"electromagnetic pulse" would have been harmless to the ancient
weapon, but this one hits comming from 90 degrees away from every
dimension that Maggedon can sense. Maggedon is beginning to realize it
just MIGHT be in trouble, when it's attacker is "distracted".
At that moment, a tiny spark appears in the sky. Even Greater
Starspawn can be surprized, and Aurora is. The Stardragon's entrance
onto the "field" elicits a scream of pure terror from her. This of
course is NOT good for glass in the city which universally shatters in
an ever widening sphere around her aa the sound of her scream races
out at the speed of sound. So rattled is she, that she takes a full
second to compose herself.
/*"She's still scared of It. You'd think that in 500 billion years she
would find a way to overcome her conditioning."*/ Hydra opines in a
mildly amused tone.
The Stardragon had only just entered the battle zone when it sensed
its Ancient Adversary, or at least a part of him. From spark to
favored battle form it ballons out in but a single tick of time.
Aurora's scream is lost as The Stardragon bells Its challenge to the
Anti Life Equation. Plunging towards the Anti Life Equation, The
Stardragon hardly notices the "insect" that it bats out of its way.
Hydra notes in passing, that Amazo must be fairly powerful to come in
contact with The Stardragon, and live. Fairly powerful or not,
however, Amazo ends up in the drink stunned partly by the blow, and
partly by the existance of something that could deal out such a blow.
/*"Nemo, we may want or need your assistance here."*/ Hydra sends.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Getting into the fray, or, Hip deep, and no
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 23:08:46 -0700
Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011230
> The parademon blinked on hearing this, then wheels around.
> "What in Darkseid's name are _you?_" the Captain asked. "Ah, to
>Anti-Life with it. HUNGER SQUAD SIX! KILL HIM!" he roared, and
>several more parademons flew up, looking around for a moment, then
>realized who the captain meant...
Patrick hops back, bokken already in a ready position. "Well,
technically, I'm a Kai Lord..." Following that with a quick Psi-Surge
to the nearest Dog, driving it back. "Though I tend to answer to
'Patrick' more often than 'Quiet Moon'." There's a break in the
dialogue as claw swipes are dodged and parried. "I tried 'Fist of
Anhur' once, but it never took. And you?"
OOC: Witty repartee, or dramatic intervention. Your call!
IC: "Okay, this dance *wheeze* has gone on *gulp* long *dodge*
enough!" Pat ducks one swipe, darts forward, and lands a pair of
strikes on the Parademon Captain's torso. With a shout, the strikes
are followed up with a side kick, then a third sword strike, then
finishes by grabbing the Parademon's armoured gauntlet.
"Lightning...Hand!" Electric current rips through the armor, shorting
it out (OOC: I assume) and knocking out the Captain. "Next time, I
take Kaistar with me, and Trueblade can sulk in the Vault, for all I
care!" A blaster bolt interrupts the tirade. Swivelling around,
Patrick sees the rest of the Hunger Dogs approaching. "Oh, right. You
lot. Okay, we can do this one at a time, or I can take you all at
once."
Wordlessly, the Hunger Dogs advanced. [Gone from Kraan spit to Giak
kidneys. Lovely.] "Gather now, o spirits of the wind, and transmit my
fury to my foes...Invisible Fist!"
And the battle rages...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Darkseid Rising
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 02:09:00 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011231
>On Weds, Oct 8th, 2K3, Roland X writes..
>
>Morgan sighed. ^What else do you need from me?^
>
> ^As much of a 'shot' of healing/revival as you can manage without
>overextending yourself.^
>
>^What do you think I've _been_ doing?^ Morgan replied incredulously.
At which point both Freelance Immortals, and anyone else in the Place,
will recognize the fact that Tink's 'port grabed Sikorski,
Dhyrclhanc's robotic medic who looked like the off-spring of a
dragonfly and a Huey Cobra helicopter, who had originally transported
down to help Roland when he'd first fallen from Darkseid's attack.
> Roland paused. ^Lack of precision. Hm. Excuse me. One final burst,
>as much as you can all at once, then stop. Please.^
>
>The Druidess considered her options. She hoped that David's innocent
>faith in her was justified. ^All right, m'eudail, brace yourself.^
"This one agrees with the lady but patient(sp?) is obviously
uncoperative. This one will aid as best as it can."
> "/Hm. The situation is deteriorating. Without my intuitive and
>creative capacities, my ability to lead is severely impaired. Current
>CAoL coordinator, please respond./" Energy crackled ghost-like around
>where his arm should have been, creating an eerie nimbus. His left
>arm hummed with kinetic power.
/Coordinator?!/ sends back Dhyrclhanc, with a sound of dark humor in
his "voice". /Define "Coordinate". I am currently up to my tail in
Darkseid and his Apokoliptian military forces and we've got Maggeddon,
Solaris, Qwsp and Amazo in the air taking out the four greater
starspawn that I assume that Oracle sent ahead of herself. Oh and
Darkseid looks like he would like my scaly horned head mounted on his
wall as a trophy, as soon as he's finished handing it to me. On the
bright side, Harlock is back and he looks like he's brough some new
blood with him from either Oerth and/or Aber-Torril, and they seem to
be holding their own. Also, two newcomers from the Place just arrived,
or I think that they cam from the Place, they do not seem to be doing
much of anything yet. One Hades of a way to join in on the fun, if you
ask me, which you just did. Any suggestions, fearless leader? I'm just
letting everyone do what they do best and meddling once and a while
when things look like they could use a little nudge. While you are at
it, any idea where we could get any air-born back-up quickly? Some
people I invited to the party look like they might be a little late
arriving. By the way, hope this helps, Nightwrath, come over here.../
The connection severs and, after Roland's eyes recover from the huge
flash of light, a huge khopesh drops to the floor in front of Roland's
armored feet.
There's a kelly-green label tied to it, with a note written on it in
what looks like slightly darker green ink. "This is a great khopesh of
vampiric regeneration. I took it off some Minions of Set I fought
awhile back. Best I can do on short notice -- it can regrow missing
body parts. Give my love to the wife and kids!
P.S.: 'Weapons don't work in Callahan's' -- Dhyrclhanc"
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (V.2.5)(Long!)(Sorry!)
On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 23:17:36 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011232
>On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 01:20:47 -0500
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011228
>
>>On Tues, Oct 7th, 2K3, "Roland X" writes...
>>
>> Parademons and UNTIL agents were briefly stymied by this, as
>>communications break down faster than Windows ME. Fortunately for
>>them, both sides have counter-jamming equipment beyond that imagined
>>by most of Earth-9, and combat soon resumes.
>
> In the immortal words of any Grant Morrison character, "Hrrm."
>I guess I'll have to start figuring out a more effective way for the
>Big Guy to make his dramatic entrances. Still, I never would've
>thought that UNTIL would have the technology to counter-jam a
>Cyber-Psi broadcast. Apokalips, OTOH...
OOC: Well, the IC reason is that UNTIL is what used to be the
Technocracy/Order of Reason, and they have tech for damn near any
occasion (not to mention Enlightened Scientists). The OOC reason is
that I figured you didn't want your dramatic entrance screwed up by
leaving the heroes' comm jammed while the baddies could communicate...
8^)
>> (OOC: Er, Kalibak was still fighting Obsidian when last we left
>>him. He's bigger, stronger, and more powerful. Obsidian's faster and
>>smarter, but that's not going to send Kalibak into the drink. But I
>>digress. 8^)
>
> What's this then, Hmm?
OOC: That's Roland knocking Kalibak for a loop.
>happened>
OOC: That happened; with Kalibak's super-strength, leaping back
into battle (literally) is no big trick for him. Can you say "Hulk
Smash?" Ah knew thet yew could. 8^)
>> Come on, you didn't think that Darkseid would leave his flank so
>>obviously undefended, did you?
>
> One can always hope! :^)
>Am I reading this correctly? These Deep Six fellows transform their
>opponents into more Deep Six beings, winning wars through attrition
>and Star Trek 'Borg-style overwhelm and convert and then overwhelm
>and convert some more tactics? Your Vanguard people, then, appear to
>be doing the blub, blub, blub act here then, and not in the usual
>manner either, eh?
OOC: Er, no again. They just got their butts kicked, and the Deep
Six are now leading the aquatic Apokoliptian forces against yours.
>BTW, how are these "Apokoliptian aquatic forces", as you call them,
>stopping the jet fighters and combat helicopters from joining in on
>the fracas happening ashore?
OOC: Well, that depends. If they can launch from under water (or
you have any surface carriers), they can indeed join the fray. OTOH,
the Deep Six are trying to sink the subs, and are certainly working to
prevent them from surfacing and/or landing.
>> "Suli is not some flower to be plucked from the field, mortal
>>scum!" the witch of Apokolips snarled, as Seeker barely managed to
>>turn a plummet to his death into a series of acrobatic moves that
>>landed him on the ground roughly intact.
>> *"What a woman,"* Seeker breathed, somewhere between admiring and
>>disgusted.
>
> Er, Roland? Isn't she supposed to be dead, Jim?
OOC: Well, I read somewhere that the Anti-Life Equation gives its
master power over life and death. Obviously, for plot balance
purposes, that power is not absolute, or this would have been a real
short fight. Still, on Apokolips, in the heart of his power, Darkseid
can indeed bring life and death at will.
And what would he do first, other than resurrect the only being he
has ever truly loved?
I guess there's hope for ol' cement-puss after all...
>> His eyes flared with cosmic red flame. Two rods appeared in his
>>hands, one like Kalibak's Beta Club, the other similar to Big
>>Barda's Mega-Rod, only both larger and more ominous.
>
> You mean that Barda's Mega-Rod and Kalibak's
>Beta Club aren't actually the same style-weapon called two different
>things by two different people?
OOC: Actually, there is an apparent functional difference.
The Beta Club, for all its seething cosmic power, is more of a
melee weapon -- its saw-like (yet blunt) teeth and far more massive
size make it an insanely powerful melee weapon. The Mega-Rod, while
suitable for bashing, is more of a blaster.
Oh, and since Darkseid's got 'em, you can bet that neither is what
it seems.
>This is an admittedly an, er... unusual picture. It'd be interesting
>what an actual comic book artist would do with it.
OOC: Ah, for the King to be alive (and at our disposal) for this...
OOC-M: I'd settle for Perez. :-)
>Darkseid, even radiating the requisite aura of menace and charisma
>befitting a New God of his Portfolio -- One who threatens Pain,
>Suffering, Sadism and Tyranny of Galactic Proportions, is still only
>somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 feet tall, at best, as he easily
>stands head and shoulders above a certain Kryptonian expatriate we
>should all be familiar with.
>
>Dhyrclhanc, on the other hand, is a 447-year-old-and-some-change
>Dragon, with more than some little measure of near-god-like power,
>grace, style and charisma of his own, and stands 21' foot tall, not
>counting the length of his tail and the width of his, albeit folded,
>wings.
Darkseid seemed not at all bothered by the discrepancy in size.
Indeed, if it weren't for his vast intellect, one could almost believe
he hadn't even noticed it.
>consideration separated the two of them, even now when Darkseid had
>stepped off of his previously mentioned aero-disc.
OOC: Important note -- Darkseid is _still_on_ the aero-disc. He's
not about to give up _that_ tactical advantage to a being who can fly.
>Dhyrclhanc bowed his head towards Darkseid and then pushed his
>great-cloak open somewhat so Darkseid could see Dhyrclhanc's Mother
>Box and then addressed him.
Darkseid raised a single eyebrow at the sight of the Mother Box,
but said nothing at first.
>"I bid you greetings, Darkseid nee Prince Uxas, God-King of the
>Planet Apocalips and honored opponent of myself and my allies; the
>ones who you would know as the New Gods of New Genesis. I am present
>today, as are -- to a lesser degree -- my compatriots in the
>Callahanian Army of Light, to give you official notice that this
>Planet, like many others, is under my protection and I respectfully
>suggest that you immediately forfeit whatever tenuous claim you have
>over this place or you will surely face the consequences."
>
>In so saying, his wings unfurl and make a mighty flap once, in order
>to assure that the distance between himself and Darkseid is
>effectively doubled before Darkseid has a chance to react in any way.
Darkseid...smiled. It made Granny's smile look sincerely loving and
gentle.
He nodded (not _quite_ a bow) back. "Greetings, Dhyrclhanc who was
Nyxator," the High Lord replied, pronouncing both names perfectly. "I
claim this world by right of _power._ The war machine of Apokolips is
already well on its way to dispensing with the only real opposition
native to this world. If you wish to challenge my claim, then you had
best prove your own power up to the task." His eyes burn brightly
enough to obscure half his face, and he raises both club and rod in a
battle-ready stance.
(OOC: If Dhyrclhanc doesn't attack within a few seconds or so...)
After judging his opponent for a moment, Darkseid races in on his
aero-disc, Omega Beams and both weapons firing full force. The
secondary beams track with the Omega Beams, making all three extremely
difficult to dodge. Worse, however, are the _sigils_ on the weapons --
the moment he fires them, both light up with impressive magical power!
Neither is the equal of the Big Guy's epic magical items (like the Eye
of Agamotto or the Starheart), but Darkseid has clearly taken that
front into account...
> Why, look! I do believe that the fireworks have started!
>
OOC: Perceptive as always, sib. ;^) Let the games begin!
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Darkseid Rising
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 02:46:33 -0400 (EDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011233
Tink muttered a brief toast ("to inexperience") and tossed her empty
and cracked glass into the fire then returned to see how Roland was
doing from her vigil before the X-windows.
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 21:59:10 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011227
>
> Then Roland sat up very suddenly. "Ah." He rolled his shoulders
>(which was very odd-looking, given the armor and his being disarmed),
>looked around, and smiled gently. "Tinkerbell. Thank you." Using his
>TK, he righted himself in a very wuxia/anime way and looked at the
>X-Window displaying the situation.
> "/Hm. The situation is deteriorating. Without my intuitive and
>creative capacities, my ability to lead is severely impaired. Current
>CAoL coordinator, please respond./" Energy crackled ghost-like around
>where his arm should have been, creating an eerie nimbus. His left
>arm hummed with kinetic power.
Tink and David looked at Roland, the former appraisingly, the latter
only curiously.
"/Uncle Dhyrclhanc,/" Tink sent and said, "/Is that still me or is
someone else going to pick up the stick? I'll take silence as assent
for now, but don't get used to me doing this, that's for sure, I know
how this bunch works./" That last does come with a mild grin, but
while Tink is willing to fill the void in the heat of the moment, she
will also vacate it as soon as the current situation passes and her
tone does imply that.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Darkseid Rising
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 03:19:29 -0400 (EDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011234
>On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 02:09:00 -0500
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011231
>
>>On Weds, Oct 8th, 2K3, Roland X writes..
>
>At which point both Freelance Immortals, and anyone else in the
>Place, will recognize the fact that Tink's 'port grabed Sikorski,
>Dhyrclhanc's robotic medic who looked like the off-spring of a
>dragonfly and a Huey Cobra helicopter, who had originally transported
>down to help Roland when he'd first fallen from Darkseid's attack.
Well, Tink and David noticed earlier at least, as she's not that
sloppy as to teleport people unintentionally. ;)
>> Roland paused. ^Lack of precision. Hm. Excuse me. One final
>>burst, as much as you can all at once, then stop. Please.^
>
>>The Druidess considered her options. She hopedthat David's innocent
>>faith in her was justified. ^All right, m'eudail, brace yourself.^
>
>"This one agrees with the lady but patient(sp?) is obviously
>uncoperative. This one will aid as best as it can."
OOC: *cough*privateteep*cough* ;) (Happens to all of us now and again.
:))
>/Coordinator?!/ sends back Dhyrclhanc, with a sound of dark humor in
>his "voice". /Define "Coordinate". I am currently up to
"/Oh good, just the voice I'd been hoping to hear,/" Tink sends and
says with a small chuckle, "/Now I can stop trying to fill those
size-fifty shoes of yours./"
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising v.2
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 03:37:41 -0400 (EDT)
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011235
>On Wed, 8 Oct 2003 18:13:43 -0700
>Crystal Jade Guess Said As CAoL Message # 00011219
>
>Sorry this took so long.
No problem, I've been actually replying rather quickly compared to my
usual geologic rate.
>>On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 23:37:02 -0400 (EDT)
>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011214
>>
>>Tink grits her teeth, eyes moist momentarily. She closes her eyes,
>>focuses her mind, and opens them again, her face resolved.
>>
>>Grabbing Roland's ankle and Morgan's elbow gently, she sends,
>>*/Position untennable, falling back,/* and teleports herself, David,
>>Roland, Morgan (and presumably CJ's character if she didn't run off
>>elsewhere to battle in the interum or otherwise wishs OOCly to be
>>left out of this retreat) to Callahans, landing in the Listening
>>Lounge, currently clear of smokers.
>
>"Thank you, whoever you are." CJ said."With that displacement grenade
>about to detenate, we are probably a lot better off here....whereever
>here is. Care to tell me what's going on?"
"Tink, and this is David looking over my shoulder."
>>Tink sighs and stands up, offering a hand, "Sorry about that, I
>>assumed you'd not want to be around when that bunch of psychos
>>realised they didn't have a target anymore."
>
>Very true. Especially if they turn out to be something that can't be
>effected by that grenade.
"Anyway, short version is Callahan's Place now, the former was a place
called Earth-9, my Aunt and Uncle's home reality, currently being
invaded by what amounts to a Superman-grade villian and so-called god
by the name of Darkseid and his army. If you'll allow me, I can give
you the same telepathic briefing I gave earlier if you didn't catch
it. If you think you can help us win back their world, there are some
X-windows out there looking out on the battle that can take you back
there. We can surely use all the help we can get. If not, well,
welcome to Callahans, we're always glad to have a new and friendly
face join the usual merriment, which thankfully goes on even when
saving various universes."
She gave the X-windows another glance.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (VLong!)
On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 00:52:41 -0700
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011236
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 20:41:24 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011222
>
>>Marivale salutes Kanto perfunctorily with his rapier, then says "en
>>garde, sir! Before you die, you should know that you have the honor
>>of facing Marivale Saevil, the finest swordsman on Oerth."
>>
>>Kanto smiles sardonically and salutes Marivale rather more
>>elaborately.
>> "It shall indeed be an honor, Sir, to kill the finest swordsman on
>>Oerth. I will note, however, that you are not on Oerth, wherever
>>that may be." With that, both swordsmen spring to the attack.
>
> (OOC: Oh, that's _nice._ Very Kanto. )
(OOC: What can I say? Sometimes I get lucky. Still, I do thank you.)
> Kanto began defensively, waiting for a few exchanges to get a feel
>for Marivale's style.
Marivale, for his part, also begins defensively. [Hmm. Methinks he's
testing me as well.]
>On the fourth clash, Kanto attacked suddenly and swiftly with a
>series of lightning-fast strikes that seemed to come in all at once.
The simple banality of the standard parry is not suitable for a Saevil
of House Saevil. Anybody watching the duel at this point would almost
swear that the duelists are dancing with each other--the blades mere
decoration, for all that they ring and skreel against each other.
Neither duelist comes away _completely_ unscathed, but neither the cut
on Kanto's off-hand nor the cut on Marivale's forearm bleed to any
noticable extent.
> Kanto's smile both broadened and became more sardonic as he
>parried the riposte. "Ah. Excellent. I was hoping to face a duelist
>who could keep me from getting bored without resorting to mental
>legerdemain."
Marivale smiles tightly. "You refer, I assume, to such tactics as
using one's off hand to fight? 'Tis passing strange, Sirrah, but I was
thinking much the same thing." With that, he pulls a parrying dagger
from his belt with his left hand and brings it into position. "Shall
we continue?"
(OOC: One of Marivale's favorite tricks is disarming his opponent and
having Geoffery levitate it/mage hand it/'port it. The parrying dagger
is there to give him an edge in the disarm attempt, which is where
this is heading unless the GM says otherwise.)
> Eric and Steppenwolf both boggled at a "simple" arrow cutting
>through the cable. Eric then smiled as Steppenwolf cursed in a tongue
>that makes the Black Speech of Mordor sound pleasant, just before the
>sound vanished from him. He pulled out the arrow with a single savage
>yang.
(OOC: I believe a slight rearrangement is in order...)
>>Harlock smiles in satisfaction. At Erin's puzzled look, he explains,
>>"that fellow was, according to what I was told, the general of the
>>field troops for the...ah...bad guys. Provided Veren manages to
>>harry the cloaked gentleman (who as I understand is the second in
>>command) effectively, I believe we shall manage to invoke the
>>ancient curse: order, counter-order, disorder. Now then, dear, apply
>>your strongest mental shields, whate'er they may be, and continue
>>picking away at the yellow flying goons."
>
> "Well. Effective." Eric saluted and dove away as Steppenwolf
>"roared" ineffectively. The parademons hovered, confused. The General
>of Apokolips typed a few commands on his aero-cycle, and wheeled
>around. The parademons whirled in perfect unison.
Harlock mutters "or not..." as he hunkers down, waiting for DCs
permission to pirate his broadcast. Erindrea, meanwhile, has taken a
moment to change rings and is back to sniping at parademons, although
she doesn't seem to be aiming for the half-mile shots that she was
making before.
> Steppenwolf glared at Erin and Harlock's sniping spot, as if he
>_knew_ where they were from how the arrow had struck him. (OOC: If
>they're not hiding, please let me know. )
(OOC: Well, Harlock is, but Erin isn't. And she's still wearing a ball
gown, to boot.)
>>Veren grimaces as he contemplates his task. [Harry the cloaked man
>>riding the huge construct. Fine. And how am I supposed to...to...]
>>Veren grins ferally as the scent of vegetation registers on his
>>senses.
>> Lots of vegetation. Casting a spell as he trots down the street,
>>he arrives at Central Park, then vanishes among the trees. Soon
>>thereafter, flights of arrows soar out of Central Park at irregular
>>intervals, heading towards Desaad's war machine. Most of them find
>>their marks in parademons, some of them in dog troopers. A few of
>>them miss--four, to be specific, that fly mere inches from Desaad's
>>nose.
[Damn. Missed. Time to go...] Veren quickly casts a spell and steps
into the trunk of a nearby oak tree.
> "WH-?!" Desaad, ever the coward, assumed that if a creature is
>firing such primitive weapons at his Dark Walker, then they must be
>capable of doing him some harm. (Not only is Desaad familiar with
>super-archers like Green Arrow, he rarely thinks in terms of someone
>being heroically foolish, at least in the heat of battle.)
(OOC: Who said anything about foolishness? )
>Turning, he sprayed the apparent origin point of the attack wildly
>with Killing Glove bolts. Large chunks of Central Park exploded...
... as Veren steps out of an oak tree over a half-mile from the one he
entered and surveys the destruction. He growls like a wolf-bitch with
threatened cubs. [There was a wilderness in the middle of this crazy
place and that bastard just destroyed a good chunk of it. He's *DEAD*
But let's not be too hasty about this...]
After the assault on Central Park dies down, Veren does the trick with
the trees again, arriving some 180' behind the Dark Walker, then
ghosting in to a better vantage point while fingering something in one
of his belt pouches. When he finds a spot he likes (next to yet
another oak tree) he casts the Tree Stride spell yet again, then fires
a single arrow at Desaad and bolts into the tree.
(OOC: the arrow, BTW, is a shocking burst, icy burst, anarchic,
thundering adamantine arrow. Veren's been saving that one for a
*special* target.)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Cosmic Storm Rising
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 03:42:03 -0700
Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011237
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 22:57:14 -0700
>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011229
A Vortex Similar to a Slide Gate forms in the Air about 200 Fett above
ground.
Five Objects Come through,
Some kind of a Rocket Car,
Followed by 4 Very Small Aircraft (4' Wing-span),
As the Rocket car Begins to fall,
It Extends Wings from the Running board Area..
>The Stardragon had only just entered the battle zone when it sensed
>its Ancient Adversary, or at least a part of him. From spark to
>favored battle form it ballons out in but a single tick of time.
/#Ohhh Drek,
Sky Lord Eject Me, and
See what You can do to Help the Others,
I am going to have to deal with this Potential Disaster Right
Now.#/
SkyLord Replies
/# As You Wish Lord Fuzzy.#/
/Folks,
Let me Introduce Sky Lord a Scout of the TechnoVar Alliance,
Here {} is a Secure CyberPsi Protocol Link.,
I have to deal with the StarDragon Now/
Teleporting into The StarDragon's Path
/@StarDragon HOLD,
If you begin this battle now The Adversary will be Loose,
Come aside with me and Be Ready if you are needed LAter,
Let Us try to Deal with this Avatar,
Without invoking The Adversary Itself...@/
[Given the The StarDragon in Proximity to An Avatar,
Can Invoke The Adversary,
And that there are at least Three More Avatars on the Planet...
Shudder...]
>Aurora's scream is lost as The Stardragon bells Its challenge to the
>Anti Life Equation. Plunging towards the Anti Life Equation, The
>Stardragon hardly notices the "insect" that it bats out of its way.
>Hydra notes in passing, that Amazo must be fairly powerful to come in
>contact with The Stardragon, and live. Fairly powerful or not,
>however, Amazo ends up in the drink stunned partly by the blow, and
>partly by the existance of something that could deal out such a blow.
Assuming The StarDragon can not be Turned from Its Attack
Fuzzy Uses an Effect that Once Resided in a Wrist-Band,
A Wormhole opens Sucking the StarDragon into A Universe,
That is Currently in Monoblock Form,
Then the Wormhole Closes...
If Fuzzy can Turn The StarDragon,
Both will shift out on the Universe,
Fuzzy will get the StarDragon Settled a Few Universes over,
And ask it to wait to be called,
Before Returning...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (VLong!)
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 06:15:41 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011238
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011224
>
> Granny pointed her Mega-Rod at Quantum and fired,
>uncharacteristically silent. Quantum glared, and the blast simply
>died out over a foot from her form. "F-FURIES!" Granny blurted.
> Bernadeth sighed. "Harriet. Lashina. Attack." She turned back to
>Kell. "Try not to scream. Harriet likes it when you scream, and I
>doubt you want to encourage her." She raised her Fahren-knife for
>another attack as Stompa maneuvered for another chance to flatten the
>man with one well-placed boot. Meanwhile, Mad Harriet, Lashina, and
>Granny unleashed their power on Quantum...
A moment later, Rob hit the ground, sword in hand. As Kell engaged
Bernadeth, the street fighter tripped Mad Harriet, sending her power
spikes to destroy a mailbox. Then he rushed Stompa, parrying an attack
from the Fahren-knife as he went, and lunged, missing the heaviest
Female Fury and striking the unconscious Jaguar instead.
"Hmph," Stompa grunted. "Clumsy." Then she felt her ankle shift in
an unpleasantly wrong way, bone grating on bone, as the Bastet took
her foot in an iron grip and -twisted-.
"I don't know," Rob replied before kicking Stompa's jaw, "when the
sword's name is Woundhealer, things work differently." Sheathing his
copy of the Sword of Mercy, he glanced at Jaguar. "Four-on-five seems
much better than one-on-four, don't you agree?"
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Cosmic Storm Rising
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 06:34:46 -0700 (PDT)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011239
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 22:57:14 -0700
>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011229
>
>/*"Nemo, we may want or need your assistance here."*/ Hydra sends.
"That would be our cue, Nemo?" Ziactrice says calmy from the command
deck of the Galactic Patrol's battlecruiser Britannica. The necklace
and ring he'd given her were worn outwardly visible for the first
time.
The armor that Nemo had just fashioned gleamed in the same black and
silver as the uniforms around her. The Dame of Order had no idea why
Nemo thought she needed armor and a sword of his making (or of him,
she wasn't quite sure), but when Nemo said jump, she'd hop.
He was too busy to reply at the moment, but the lack of a response
told her what she needed to know. If it had been the wrong time, he'd
have warned her off - except if it was one of those situation where he
could not. It had to be frustrating to work within those limitations
of his.
Getting about the hopping, the lady knight of Amber concentrated,
using her Blood-born abilities and the Pattern of her family's
heritage. Her will alone opened the way, shadowshifting to Earth-9
slowly.
Considering she was bringing a rather formidable force composed of the
greater part of the Galactic Patrol's Earth screen of ships, she
didn't want to lose any one of them in the process.
In the stratosphere above New York City, well short of the Boom Tube,
gleaming teardrops suddenly filled a rather large part of the sky,
coming through in a perfectly arranged wall of battle, a V-shape
pointed at the current battle. Incredible beams and planes of force
began to strike cutting down defenses and dragging unlucky enemy ships
into the main range of the Galactic Patrol's wall of battle.
The Lady-Knight of Amber concentrates, seizing whatever loose
Possibilities not already in some other Reality-Twister's control.
Things abruptly begin to exhibit enhanced Murphy's Law properties
everywhere and anywhere around the enemy. Everything from
misfotunately localed bananna peels to loose screws, from a sneeze at
the worst possible moment to old feuds suddenly breaking out anew.
Machinery became instantly back-biting, electronics were savaged by
suddenly bad weather, and salt water began to leak into places it
Really Shouldn't Be.
The lady in black and silver armor takes a step forward, disappearing
in a polychromatic flat panel of light. She reappears outside
Callahan's Place, then quite calmly opens the door to walk inside.
The smooth metallic sound of full plate draws eyes, the sheer physical
perfection of an Amberite keeps them, so Ziactrice strikes a pose. She
is a Regular here herself, so she knows exactly what to say.
"She was a dark and stormy knight in shining armor, and of all the gin
joints in the world, she hadda walk into mine." Zia deadpans. Howls of
anguish joing the laughs from the Regulars. She bows (as much as one
can in full armor), and moves on.
Finding Tink, Morgan, and the wounded Roland, she pauses a moment.
Fortunately, Roger isn't here - he knows her well enough to translate
the half-frown Zia gives the harm that has been done Roland.
"Sorry to be fashionably late but I was preventing the interruption of
a play. Nemo and I collected a few friends to invite to the party,
which delayed us." Zia quips; the humor fails to warm those ice-blue
eyes.
"From Nemo's arms and armoring of me, I'm assuming I should join the
fray directly. I think that Suli woman would be entertaining. Just
make sure that whomever needs evac is brought to my attention, if you
will?" This last is addressed to Morgan. "I'll fetch here, unless you
want elsewhere?"
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Cosmic Storm Rising
On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 11:30:35 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011241
>On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 03:42:03 -0700
>Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011237
>
>>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 22:57:14 -0700
>>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011229
>
> I Think we Desperately Need,
> The StarDragon Elswhere for now.>
OOC: Heh. You saw that one coming, didn't you? ;^)
>>The Stardragon had only just entered the battle zone when it sensed
>>its Ancient Adversary, or at least a part of him. From spark to
>>favored battle form it ballons out in but a single tick of time.
The Anti-Life Equation, a man-shaped absence vaguely reminiscent of
the Spectre, slides up and out of the atmosphere, crooning bizarrely
as it retreats slowly from both the Earth (its only potential hostage)
and the incoming Stardragon. Though it flows and bends, seemingly
preparing to defend itself, it is neither attacking nor truly fleeing.
>/Folks,
> Let me Introduce Sky Lord a Scout of the TechnoVar Alliance,
/Honored,/ Roland sends in the uncharacteristically calm and
mechanical manner his injury has caused him to affect.
> Here {} is a Secure CyberPsi Protocol Link.,
> I have to deal with the StarDragon Now/
/Hm. There does seem to be some stratagem to the Anti-Life
Equation's reaction. However, there does not seem to be any logic to
it. If it is a deception or trap, I cannot determine its purpose,/
Roland adds.
>[Given the The StarDragon in Proximity to An Avatar,
> Can Invoke The Adversary,
> And that there are at least Three More Avatars on the Planet...
> Shudder...]
Six others.
Don't worry, they're the Darkness Devices, and they're
_really_obvious_ to cosmic beings that are looking for them.
>Assuming The StarDragon can not be Turned from Its Attack
>
>Fuzzy Uses an Effect that Once Resided in a Wrist-Band,
> A Wormhole opens Sucking the StarDragon into A Universe,
> That is Currently in Monoblock Form,
> Then the Wormhole Closes...
The Anti-Life Equation stops its motion, quivering in place. Its
reaction is difficult to read, but it seems...frustrated? Interested?
Not mere relief, that much is certain.
>If Fuzzy can Turn The StarDragon,
> Both will shift out on the Universe,
> Fuzzy will get the StarDragon Settled a Few Universes over,
> And ask it to wait to be called,
> Before Returning...
The ALE "follows" Fuzzy's movement through the multiverse with
considerable interest. It is definitely preparing to do _something_...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising v.2
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 13:01:09 -0700
Crystal Jade Guess Said As CAoL Message # 00011243
>On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 03:37:41 -0400 (EDT)
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011235
>
>>Crystal Jade Guess Said As CAoL Message # 00011219
>>
>>>On Tue, 7 Oct 2003 23:37:02 -0400 (EDT)
>>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00011214
>>
>>"Thank you, whoever you are." CJ said. "With that displacement
>>grenade about to detenate, we are probably a lot better off
>>here....whereever here is. Care to tell me what's going on?"
>
>"Tink, and this is David looking over my shoulder."
"How do you do."
Only among Callahians could this woman not even cause a more than a
second look.
When Tink actually has the headspace to *really* look at CJ she will
be seeing at a most unusual looking woman.
CJ Guess is 5'10", broad shouldered and very square built. Slinging
what appears to be a lute onto her back, she shoves her hands into her
pockets. Her prairie boots, pants and vest are charcoal grey, her
western style shirt a soft dove grey with question marks on the collar
tips, her black silk western style scarf also have question marks on
their ends. Short curly dark hair frames a face marked with yet
another question mark, this one rather obviously done with makeup and
glitter dust.
OOC: Since, as Fuzzy can tell you, I can (and do) get excessively
verbose don't hesitate to tell me if I'm doing it again. thx
>"Anyway, short version is Callahan's Place now, the former was a
>place called Earth-9, my Aunt and Uncle's home reality, currently
>being invaded by what amounts to a Superman-grade villian and
>so-called god by the name of Darkseid and his army. If you'll allow
>me, I can give you the same telepathic briefing I gave earlier if you
>didn't catch it. If you think you can help us win back their world,
>there are some X-windows out there looking out on the battle that can
>take you back there. We can surely use all the help we can get. If
>not, well, welcome to Callahans, we're always glad to have a new and
>friendly face join the usual merriment, which thankfully goes on even
>when saving various universes."
"I see." her left hand moves to her waist, obviously checking for
something. She sighs with relief, Box is back where he belongs.
[Good.]
Bringing the lute back into position in front of her, CJ says
"L.U.T.E., what are the chances I can do anything to actually help?"
#!Probability 37.0000000001 percent, Crys.!#
"Hmmmmmm. Chances of my survival?"
#!Probability 11.000098, Crys. But you are going to get involved
anyway.!#
With a wry grin, she responds, "Yes, I suppose I am. "
>>>She walks out, David's head still peering out over her shoulder
>>>from within the futuristic parka-baby-carrier, grabs a glass of
>>>water, drains it and stands, staring at the X-windows.
>>>
>>>[Damn!] she thinks, the glass cracking in her light grasp, though
>>>not shattering.
Look out the X-windows CJ thinks with a big toothy grin, [Now, where
is the best place to start interfering with the "bad-guys"]
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Cosmic Storm Rising
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 13:00:08 -0700
Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011244
>On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 11:30:35 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011241
>
>>On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 03:42:03 -0700
>>Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011237
>
> I Think we Desperately Need,
>> The StarDragon Elswhere for now.>
>
> OOC: Heh. You saw that one coming, didn't you? ;^)
That is The Dragon Guard's Job. :)
OOC//>
>>/Folks,
>> Let me Introduce Sky Lord a Scout of the TechnoVar Alliance,
>
> /Honored,/ Roland sends in the uncharacteristically calm and
>mechanical manner his injury has caused him to affect.
Sky Lord Looks like 00 "The Mean Machine" from The Wacky Races,
http://www.hotink.com/wacky/ Near the Bottom of the Page,
Except the 00 has become the Infinity Symbol, and
"W" Logo is some Strange Sigil.
He may be treated as an Autobot.
Effectively He and the Four "MiniCons" are,
Techno-Elemental Beings,
He Represents "Life" and "Void",
The MiniCons Each Represent,
One of the "Classical" Elements,
And are Colored to Match...
>>[Given the The StarDragon in Proximity to An Avatar,
>> Can Invoke The Adversary,
>> And that there are at least Three More Avatars on the Planet...
>> Shudder...]
/If it comes into direct contact with The StarDragon,
It will no longer Need a High Lord casting the "TORG" Spell,
To Allow The Adversary Entrance to Reality,
I Must Prevent that Happening On an Inhabited World,
If at all Possible.../
> Six others.
> Don't worry, they're the Darkness Devices, and they're
>_really_obvious_ to cosmic beings that are looking for them.
>>Assuming The StarDragon can not be Turned from Its Attack
>>
>>Fuzzy Uses an Effect that Once Resided in a Wrist-Band,
>> A Wormhole opens Sucking the StarDragon into A Universe,
>> That is Currently in Monoblock Form,
>> Then the Wormhole Closes...
>
> The Anti-Life Equation stops its motion, quivering in place. Its
>reaction is difficult to read, but it seems...frustrated? Interested?
>Not mere relief, that much is certain.
That's Ok,
Fuzzy will Play with it in a Moment.
>>If Fuzzy can Turn The StarDragon,
>> Both will shift out on the Universe,
>> Fuzzy will get the StarDragon Settled a Few Universes over,
>> And ask it to wait to be called,
>> Before Returning...
>
> The ALE "follows" Fuzzy's movement through the multiverse with
>considerable interest. It is definitely preparing to do
>_something_...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Darkseid Rising (oops!)
On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 20:23:59 -0700
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00011245
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 21:59:10 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011227
>
>^You're not anywhere _near_ combat capacity.^ He could hear the worry
>in Morgan's "voice," but she knew he was right. Damn Darkseid and the
>Gaunt Man
Oops! Retcon! Morgan _didn't_ mention the Gaunt Man. A little slippage
of OOC knowledge that neither of us caught at the time, but which
_none_ of you heard IC because she didn't say it.
Carry on. ;-)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Cosmic Storm Rising
On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 21:01:25 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011246
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 22:57:14 -0700
>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00011229
>
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011203
>>
>> "00101110101 designate Qwsp is mentally unstable 1101110101
>>suggest avoidance 01100," Solaris notes.
>> "You have a great gift for understatement, Tyrant," Amazo
>>replies...
>
>The sky curdles slightly as the enormous favored form of Hydra
>appears. He doesn't look happy. Eight hundred feet tall, from the
>heel of his armored boots to the top of his helmeted heads, and in
>hand his weapon of choice, a glaive fully as tall as he is. He
>quickly (even for a Starspawn) scans the battle field, and chooses
>his target. The glaive whips around, and points at the Tyrant Sun.
>From the point of the weapon lances out a blast of power that could,
>and on more than one occasion HAD, blown a large star into a cosmic
>cloud of atoms. At the same time he wraps the area around the Tyrant
>Sun in a field of force to contain and redirect the/any resulting
>explosion into a "safe" area.
An ordinary star would have been obliterated. Solaris, of course,
is no ordinary star. This, however, was not the plan.
#10110111! Mageddon 11001 reroute!#
> /*"Morgan, I can heal his body, but you will have to fix the rest.
>We don't have time for the study of his basic being that I would
>require to do it myself."*/ That said, Aurora bathes Roland in
>healing energies, that heal his injuries restoring his arm, and
>repair his armor.
The armor's damage is easily repaired, save for the right arm. The
arm, however, is worse than not there. A combination of the
reality-obliterating power of the Omega Beams and the corrupting
influence of the Anti-Life Equation creates a void-force that disrupts
the very existence of an appendage in that part of Roland's body. His
Halo is shorn off in the spot.
The brain damage will now heal, but some sort of reset seems to
need to take place first. For now, his skull remains caved in, though
once Aurora's life-mending and Morgan's healing powers take effect,
the results should be fairly instantaneous.
As a side effect, Morgan catches some of Aurora's healing flow. She
isn't in need of healing, but the energies refresh her after the
effort she'd put into healing Roland (_after_ going spell-to-spell
with Suli for a while), bringing her back up to 100%.
>That task completed, she directs her attention to the belegared
>Starspawn in the sky. The four Guardians had been somewhat surprized
>by the assault on them. Now it's Maggedon's turn to be surprized as
>Aurora hits it with a mental attack fully as powerful, if not more
>powerful than its own.
And Aurora learns something.
Maggedon is not alive. It is a machine.
The Ultimate Weapon of the Old Gods may be a hideously complex
machine, with vast responsive capabilities and powers to rival
Hydra's. It is not, however, sentient (as Solaris is). It was designed
this way so that it would not turn on its masters.
The irony, of course, is beyond reckoning. Once activated, it
turned the Old Gods on one another, destroying them all except those
who became one with the Source (and formed the Great Wall that those
who would join it must pass).
Curiously, the mental attack does seem to disrupt it. Maggedon,
however, does not know pain or fear. It simply...reacts.
>She then follows that up with the multidimensional equivilent of an
>electromagnetic pulse tuned to Maggedon's own circutry. Any ordinary
>"electromagnetic pulse" would have been harmless to the ancient
>weapon, but this one hits comming from 90 degrees away from every
>dimension that Maggedon can sense. Maggedon is beginning to realize
>it just MIGHT be in trouble, when it's attacker is "distracted".
THIS is particularly effective. Maggedon was beginning to
counter-strike with a devastating empathic dissonance that could turn
Arisians on one another (this is how it destroyed the Old Gods).
Maggedon has resistance to this sort of attack, of course, but the
dimensional aspect is one that others have used successfully against
Maggedon cognates.
Of course, Aurora is then distracted...
>At that moment, a tiny spark appears in the sky. Even Greater
>Starspawn can be surprized, and Aurora is. The Stardragon's entrance
>onto the "field" elicits a scream of pure terror from her. This of
>course is NOT good for glass in the city which universally shatters
>in an ever widening sphere around her aa the sound of her scream
>races out at the speed of sound. So rattled is she, that she takes a
>full second to compose herself.
This is bad.
#Maggedon 1001110 spacial 'castle shift' activate 010# Solaris
sends in a hyperfast burst of command.
And Solaris and Maggedon switch places.
>/*"She's still scared of It. You'd think that in 500 billion years
>she would find a way to overcome her conditioning."*/ Hydra opines
>in a mildly amused tone.
/That wasn't nice,/ Roland scolds gently. /You should know -- oh
dear./
Roland stops distracting Hydra. The Starspawn has enough problems.
Maggedon immediately EATS the various effects that Solaris had been
contending with. Curiously, this does not seem to make a statistically
significant difference in Maggedon's power level.
Meanwhile, Solaris simultaneously launches hundreds of "smart
weapon" plasma-force assaults through a dozen different dimensions,
all of which target Aurora in subtly different ways. Most of them
attack her energy form, in ways ranging from "tears" that gouge out
energy to "viruses" that act like disease to her energy form to
various processing reductions (like telling a portion of her brain to
calculate pi to the last digit, only infinitely more devious than that
old saw).
#You will fall to Solaris 1000101 and then the Kryptonian 01101
will never have existed in any plane 101011!#
>/*"Nemo, we may want or need your assistance here."*/ Hydra sends.
/You have a gift for understatement,/ Roland replies dryly. Well,
at least his sense of humor doesn't need to be rebooted...
...just replaced. ;^)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Getting into the fray, or, Hip deep, and no
On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 21:11:30 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011247
>On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 23:08:46 -0700
>Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011230
>
>> The parademon blinked on hearing this, then wheels around.
>> "What in Darkseid's name are _you?_" the Captain asked. "Ah, to
>>Anti-Life with it. HUNGER SQUAD SIX! KILL HIM!" he roared, and
>>several more parademons flew up, looking around for a moment, then
>>realized who the captain meant...
>
>Patrick hops back, bokken already in a ready position. "Well,
>technically, I'm a Kai Lord..." Following that with a quick Psi-Surge
>to the nearest Dog, driving it back. "Though I tend to answer to
>'Patrick' more often than 'Quiet Moon'." There's a break in the
>dialogue as claw swipes are dodged and parried. "I tried 'Fist of
>Anhur' once, but it never took. And you?"
>
>OOC: Witty repartee, or dramatic intervention. Your call!
OOC: Witty repartee. Well, except you _are_ dealing with a
parademon here... ;^)
"Uh, Fistbreaker, why?" the captain asks as the battle rages. Then
he stops, realizes what he just did, facepalms violently, roars, and
attacks.
>IC: "Okay, this dance *wheeze* has gone on *gulp* long *dodge*
>enough!" Pat ducks one swipe, darts forward, and lands a pair of
>strikes on the Parademon Captain's torso. With a shout, the strikes
>are followed up with a side kick, then a third sword strike, then
>finishes by grabbing the Parademon's armoured gauntlet.
Except, of course, he's a well-trained gorilla in armor. So much
for _that_ idea.
>Wordlessly, the Hunger Dogs advanced. [Gone from Kraan spit to Giak
>kidneys. Lovely.] "Gather now, o spirits of the wind, and transmit my
>fury to my foes...Invisible Fist!"
At this, a synthetic humanoid creature of some sort leaps up as
Hunger Dogs and parademons go flying. "What's this?" It/he asks as
blasts and chi-stunts fly fast and furious. "Ah! _Bedlam!_ Then I'm
right at home!" With a laugh, he throws a large capsule at the
swordsman, which bursts into sickly yellow smoke...
(OOC: It's really thick smoke, but the really nasty effect is that
it invokes acute paranoia in its victims. That's why they're called
Paranoia Pills. Naturally, I don't expect CAoLers to be affected
much by these, for various reasons, but I can always have fun with
them in other ways... ;^)
(OOC 2: Short version, it affects you -- or doesn't -- exactly as
much as you want. I've got plenty of NPCs to hit with this, so don't
worry...er, well, yes, worry, but not about _that._ Mua-ha-ha-ha!)
=================================
Subject: AAE 9: Cosmic Slight of Mind...
On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 21:17:18 -0700
Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011248
>On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 13:00:08 -0700
>Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011244
>
>>On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 11:30:35 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011241
>
>Sky Lord Looks like 00 "The Mean Machine" from The Wacky Races,
> http://www.hotink.com/wacky/ Near the Bottom of the Page,
> Except the 00 has become the Infinity Symbol, and
> "W" Logo is some Strange Sigil.
> He may be treated as an Autobot.
>
>Effectively He and the Four "MiniCons" are,
> Techno-Elemental Beings,
> He Represents "Life" and "Void",
> The MiniCons Each Represent,
> One of the "Classical" Elements,
> And are Colored to Match...
>> The Anti-Life Equation stops its motion, quivering in place. Its
>>reaction is difficult to read, but it seems...frustrated?
>>Interested? Not mere relief, that much is certain.
>
>That's Ok,
> Fuzzy will Play with it in a Moment.
[That is not going to Hold It Long.]
Secure CyberPsi Comms Block
^#
First Realm, Castle Engineering Systems,
What Can We Do For You Lord Fuzzy?
I Need a Smallish Pocket Realm Generated,
Here {} are the Parameters.
Take the 1500 Lightyear Diameter As a Minimum.
Make Sure you Get the Energy Density/Spectrum Right.
Confirming Parameters are {},
Estimated Time of Compleation,
1.5 Hours.
Good When that is Done,
I want a Paradox Gem Prepaired From it,
I will be Sending a StarSpawn to Pick it up.
Confirmed,
The Gem will be ready in Less that 2 Hours.
Thank You.
#^
^Oracle,
I Am arrainging a Distraction for The StarDragon,
If you could have a StarSpawn Pick up {},
At My Castle and Drop it Between Universes,
Nearby but Away from The Storm Bridge Paths.
It Will Hatch a Small Universe Full of Varied Energy Fluxes.^
^When The StarDragon Wakes Up,
We can Direct Its Attention to Its New Paint Box,
Hint that It may want to Hide It's Art,
Until it is Ready to Show Off...
That should Hide it From These Avatars,
And If I have to Fight The Great Adversary Again,
It has a Few Features That Will Give Me an Edge...^
Fuzzy Generates a 1.5 foot Diameter Round Shield on his Right Arm,
Looks Like Boiling Silver-Grey Clouds,
With a Crackling BlueWhite Corona.
Looking Around
"Ok,
Who's First?"
Roland Let me Know,
If I can See any Wepon which is Clearly AntiLife Based...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE 9: Darkseid Rising
On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 21:28:11 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011249
>On Thu, 9 Oct 2003 02:09:00 -0500
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00011231
>
>>On Weds, Oct 8th, 2K3, Roland X writes..
>>
>> "/Hm. The situation is deteriorating. Without my intuitive and
>>creative capacities, my ability to lead is severely impaired.
>>Current CAoL coordinator, please respond./" Energy crackled
>>ghost-like around where his arm should have been, creating an eerie
>>nimbus. His left arm hummed with kinetic power.
>
>/Coordinator?!/ sends back Dhyrclhanc, with a sound of dark humor in
>his "voice". /Define "Coordinate". I am currently up to my tail in
>Darkseid and his Apokoliptian military forces and we've got
>Maggeddon, Solaris, Qwsp and Amazo in the air taking out the four
>greater starspawn that I assume that Oracle sent ahead of herself.
/Oh dear,/ Roland replies with an earnestness that's disturbing
even for his square-jawed self.
>Oh and Darkseid looks like he would like my scaly horned head mounted
>on his wall as a trophy, as soon as he's finished handing it to me.
/Be careful,/ Defender advises.
/My husband, Captain Obvious,/ Morgan deadpans, though she _does_
sound a trifle worried.
Roland considers this for a moment. /Well, I _am_ suffering from
brain damage,/ he points out helpfully.
/Then what's your excuse the rest of the time?/ Morgan replies fondly.
Roland considers _that_ for a moment. Even in his current state, he
can tell this exchange is only going to get worse for him if he
continues, and drops it. /Specifically, this Darkseid is from Earth-1,
or a cognate which does not differ substantially. His power level is
sufficient that he can fight the mightiest Superman-cognate as at
least an equal. You are aware, I presume, of what he did to me in our
encounter./
>On the bright side, Harlock is back and he looks like he's brough
>some new blood with him from either Oerth and/or Aber-Torril, and
>they seem to be holding their own. Also, two newcomers from the Place
>just arrived, or I think that they cam from the Place, they do not
>seem to be doing much of anything yet.
/No doubt they mean to help,/ Roland sends, nodding politely to the
newcomer still in the Place.
>One Hades of a way to join in on the fun, if you ask me, which you
>just did.
/I did?/ Roland thinks for a moment. [I suppose I _must_ have. I am
far more likely to be mistaken than he at this time.] The theoretical
possibility that Dhyrclhanc might be deceiving him doesn't even manage
to spark a neuron, the idea is so beyond his conception of reality
(even when he's _not_ brain-damaged, thank you ;^). /Hm. Anything
else?/
>Any suggestions, fearless leader? I'm just letting everyone do what
>they do best and meddling once and a while when things look like they
>could use a little nudge.
/I believe that I do much the same thing, most of the time,/ Roland
replies simply. /I will resume command once I am competent to do so./
>While you are at it, any idea where we could get any air-born back-up
>quickly? Some people I invited to the party look like they might be a
>little late arriving. By the way, hope this helps, Nightwrath, come
>over here.../
>
>The connection severs and, after Roland's eyes recover from the huge
>flash of light, a huge khopesh drops to the floor in front of
>Roland's armored feet.
Roland blinks at it.
>There's a kelly-green label tied to it, with a note written on it in
>what looks like slightly darker green ink. "This is a great khopesh
>of vampiric regeneration. I took it off some Minions of Set I fought
>awhile back. Best I can do on short notice -- it can regrow missing
>body parts. Give my love to the wife and kids!
Roland "pockets" the khopesh in katana space, figuring that if the
combined powers of Aurora and Morgan haven't hastened his healing any
more than they have, this potion isn't likely to do much more.
On the other hand, it might be useful later...
=================================