Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 9 Chapter 6 Subject: Amazo vrs The Obvious was Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (1 of 2) On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:43:38 -0700 Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011345 >On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 22:37:14 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011338 > >>On Wed, 15 Oct 2003 16:51:29 -0700 >>Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011319 >> >>The Frisbie Like Disk, >> Attaches to Zia's Armor >> At some Likely Point, and >> Sprouts a Half Dozen Throwing Knife Hilts... >> >>@Those will allow you to Intercept, >> Further Attacks of That Kind, >> I suggest Throwing them From Cover...@ > > "Oh, look, someone wants to play Source games. With ME." Suli's >voice OOZES with contempt. >>As Fuzzy Leaps Out of the Way of the Lance, >> The Pursuer hits ground and Trips into the Crater... >> >>Fuzzy then Notices the Lance is still Tracking Him, >> Coming around for another pass... > > ...and it transforms from energy into plasma flame, viciously >seeking Fuzzy in the hope of constricting him as angry fire... [Great Now I'm Being Chased by a Cruise Missile, That Mounts a Plasma Grapple, Lets See How much Damage I can get it to Do, To the Guilty Bystanders...] [And Turn the Effector Launcher Off, Till I can figure out how to Control it.] > With a hum, Seeker appears in a column of light. A moment later, >Defender and Solitaire soar out of an aperture in the roof, heading >toward the battle. /Morgan, do you think you can mess with Amazo? He >can duplicate magical powers -- Zatanna proved that -- but I might be >able to lend you enough Gate Key 'static' to block his mimic >ability./ > >Solitaire considers this for a moment. /Out of my league,/ she >replies simply. > > The Eternal swallows several replies. He simply fires a glowing >blue peanut at her. /Fuzzy. I have a new target for you, if you think >you can mess up Amazo's programming. Morgan can deal with the >Pursuer./ /Amazo, I think I can slow him up a bit, Without giving him any Presents, But I don't have the Tools, To Go One on One, And Expect to do any better than that./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (2 of 2) On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:48:06 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011346 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 01:05:53 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011339 > > Suli has built up to an epic, towering rage, power blazing around >her as it did around Eric a mere moment ago. The Hunter's anima has >faded to a still impressive glow, which only makes him impossible to >miss. Brimstone towers over both Eric and Zia, even reduced as it is. Ziactrice, towered over or not, winds her injured hand and arm around Eric to hold onto him, and draws a knife with the other. She deliberately shields her companion by putting herself between him and their opponents. > And Kanto is sliding out of the shadows, blade drawn. "I sincerely >hope," he drawls, "that one of you will give me a more honorable duel >than did your compatriot." > /Now would be a _really_ good time for backup,/ Eric sends with >surprising calm. /Yes, it would. Good thing about Amberite luck is.../ Zia says, eyeing Kanto's longer blade with less than perfect enthusiasm for a fight, given her own katana vanished with Steppenwolf. > /Morgan, Zia, try to disrupt Suli's powers, please,/ he sends, as >he grabs the field and reshapes it. It is especially pliable in his >grip, thanks to the way it's been "reprogrammed." > >Solitaire thinks for a moment, then gestures, her hand slowing down >as she does so. Suli suddenly becomes much slower relative to the >universe around her. At the same time, the New God finds her sense of >smell becoming much more...acute. > > The combined effect is extremely distracting, to say the least. > (OOC: Insert Zia being devious here 8^) OOC: Devious? M'oi? Ziactrice _carefully_ adjusts reality. Given that the Source is life-force, cutting Suli's access to it utterly would kill her dead as a doorknob. Appealing as the idea seems in light of Eric's injury, it would upset Roland - and Darkseid - far too greatly. Instead, the petite Amberite's eyes narrow to slits, and she concentrates, un-tuning all the means Suli had to focus and channel the Source, making everything different. Not a permanent disconnect, but enough of a change Suli will require several hours, if not days, of effort to relearn how to draw up her power again. Zia pushes the change with her will. She knows it will take several seconds to actually occur, but she doesn't bother to even stay to watch. She steps quietly away, vanishing with Eric abruptly in a flare of polychromatically-lit flat doorway. To Eric, he sees the street, the doorway, then they're both on the floating island fortress. Incidentally, both of them are clean, and somewhere in the motion, the bits of sharpnel in Eric's skin just went away, and his clothes are back in one piece. It's good to an Amberite (or at least, it's easy to _look_ good). "Thank you. I think. You had me worried, that time, Eric. I - why are you so intent at jumping in front of bullets aimed at me, anyway?!" "And what," Zia asks as she helps Eric to a seat, "is this Essence stuff? If you give me permission, I might be able to recharge you - if I can understand." She is still shocked that he blocked that for her, but trying to avoid grabbing him by both shoulders and shouting [What the Unicorn were you _thinking_, Eric?! Don't get yourself dead blocking shots at _me_!] /Nemo, did you perchance whip up some spares? Silly me, seem to have lost my sword somewhere.../ >The entire lens-link can hear Morgan emitting a low mental growl, the >she-wolf ready to defend her mate. > > Even at this low ebb, meanwhile, Defender finds the strength to >look up defiantly into Darkseid's eyes. "Do it, then. I can't stop >you." Zia pauses in her conversation with Eric, tensing as she readies herself for a massive reality-shift. > Darkseid considers this. He nods. "I recognize this. Can you >display another form of strength, then?" > For a moment, Defender doesn't understand what Darkseid means. >Then he realizes -- the High Lord of Apokolips must never show mercy. >Not openly. Racking his brains for a moment, he realizes that there's >only one thing he can do. A burst of telepathy reaches out across >worlds. > A moment later, a new Boom Tube opens. As if waiting for the right >moment, yet _another_ cadre flies in, led by Orion himself. Behind >the Dog of War are a handful of others, including a Green Lantern >unfamilar to most present, a cyberpunk woman with shocking white >hair, a tall lady knight, a werewolf, a Superman wannabe with an "E" >on his chest, and a normal human priest. Anyone who doesn't recognize >at least one of these figures is sent a packet explaining that >they're friendlies. Zia relaxes, and looks at Eric again. "Ah. Good to have Roland back in the saddle, I must say." >{*/Fall back to Champions Island. We'll regroup and recuperate there, >and confer _briefly_ to determine our counterattack. > {*/And everyone...thanks for coming./*} Ziactrice nods, then she uses her lens to inform the Galactic Patrol's admiral of ops above the current siterep here on the ground. Then she gingerly removes her helm with her one undamaged gauntlet's hand, turning back to Eric to see what he has to say about Essence. She ignores the damaged gauntlet (and perhaps her hand) for the moment. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (1 of 2) On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:55:01 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011347 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 11:22:47 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011341 > > /Um. Could somebody arrange a pickup? I don't speak his language >very well, but I don't think Kell can fly, and right now I'm not >doing the best myself. A consultation with an expert in telepathic >defense would help, as would a set of microtools.../ /Be right there./ Zia says cheerfully; she arrives directly after finishing speaking with Eric regarding Essence. "If you will both please walk this way?" Zia asks, escorting them around a convenient corner, when the walls suddenly shift and flow, becoming the interior of Champion's Island. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Monkey wrenches and other useful tools On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 21:35:48 -0700 Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011348 OOC: If I'm out of line, please feel free to retcon this. New York, Earth-9 Battles rage all over the city, heroic defenders grappling with invaders from a far-flung dimensions. Of course, there are still a lot of civilians at ground level, caught unawares by Darkseid's attack. A perfect playground for the perfidious Doctor Bedlam to play. Grinning evilly, the scientist tosses another Paranoia Pill into a group of civilians, revelling in the chaos created. The sensors suddenly give an alarm; Bedlam shifts tot he side, and catches Patrick as he tries to tackle the doctor. "Ah, back for more? Please, feel free to partake!" With that, he tosses more of his concoction in the young Kai's face. "A mask? how droll." he taunts, sneering at the bandage Patrick has wrapped around his face. His expression changes when Patrick responds with a hard shove and a swing of his weapon. "How..? You should be screaming in terror!" "Not when my mask is coated with some of Madin Rendalim's Elixer!" Patrick responds, delivering a hard kick, then wincing. "Metal?" Bedlam's twisted grin returns. "Fool!" he mocks. "Did you think I would bring some fragile carrier for my great intellect? This robotic form is the perfect protection from rabble such as you!" and punctuates that speech with a hard backhand. [But I sensed...] then Patrick realizes his error. A living spirit, but inhabiting a mechanical body. [And not native to it, in all likelihood...] Bedlam's next strike is blocked, and Patrick sends his Mindforce against Bedlam's intellect, trying to drive it out of the machine it inhabits! "No! NO! GET OUT OF MY MIND!" Bedlam shrieks, feeling his grip on the robotic animate slipping as the pain from the psychic attack grows. "I cannot be defeated by such a worm! I am..." Without another word, Bedlam's robotic host stops, falling lifelessly to the ground, reverting to its original form. OOC: And, while this is happening... > Desaad, busy little bee that he is, has been busy "experimenting" >on Nemo and throwing newer, better, and uglier toys at the heroes. > Then he notices anomalies in the reality overlay readouts. > "Mmm?" Desaad muses. "Well. Not unexpected." > He presses a single button. "Gurk!" Between the drain of the fight and this latest disruption to reality, Pat's senses try to degauss themselves, leaving a rather confused Kai for a few seconds. OOC2: I can come out of it whenever you want; I note that there's a cease fire in effect now. Am I welcome to link up at the Island? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (2 of 2) On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 02:04:48 -0700 Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011349 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:48:06 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011346 > >/Nemo, did you perchance whip up some spares? Silly me, seem to have >lost my sword somewhere.../ ^If your blade had a name, call it. If not, just whistle. With *intent*.^ >Then she gingerly removes her helm with her one undamaged gauntlet's >hand, turning back to Eric to see what he has to say about Essence. >She ignores the damaged gauntlet (and perhaps her hand) for the >moment. (OOC: If Zia is still wearing that present from Nemo, the hand will repair easily enough. The armor will probably repair itself once she lets it. For obvious reasons, it's not *allowed* to do repairs without permission while the wearer is concious. It might steal atoms from something *important* otherwise. Among other things. And I still think that a shield with even an "imperfect" copy of the Pattern on it would have made for some fun if the ALE hit it. Then again, that sort of "fun" might be best observed from a galaxy or so away. :-) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (2 of 2) On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 08:25:31 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011350 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 02:04:48 -0700 >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011349 > >^If your blade had a name, call it. If not, just whistle. With >*intent*.^ &Ohhhh. Nice gag.& Ziactrice comments, having enough slack now that the truce is called to remember the link-by-jewelry trick Nemo'd set up last time. The Lady Knight of Amber gives Eric a fulminatingly curious look then she whistles like a New Yorker seeking to catch a cab. >The blade won't *quite* have a "return to owner" geas as strong as >Mjolnir. It can be stopped. But it'll either destroy itself (with the >expected fireworks) trying or break through the restraints. >Obviously, GM's choice about the one that went with Steppenwolf. OOC: Then I'll let Roland have his fun writing it, however he'd like it to work out. >(OOC: If Zia is still wearing that present from Nemo, the hand will >repair easily enough. The armor will probably repair itself once she >lets it. OOC: You know, I'd forgotten that! You're right; they did all sorts of neat little tricks along that line. Not to mention a go-round with nano courtesy of Nemesis, Fuzzy and Nemo working with Zia. Who knows what all they came up with. :-) After a few moments conversation to establish if she _can_ renew Eric's Essence force (and if he will allow her to do so, a completely different issue), Ziactrice removes the damaged gauntlet in order to scratch the itch of rapidly fading and healing burn on her hand. The armor repairs itself slowly as she does so. >And I still think that a shield with even an "imperfect" copy of the >Pattern on it would have made for some fun if the ALE hit it. > >Then again, that sort of "fun" might be best observed from a galaxy >or so away. :-) You can just wait for some other Order Lord of Amber to show up to try it with. Zia herself is very keen on not confronting the Anti-Life Equation directly with the Pattern's might. Given she _is_ the Mathemagician as well as a Lord of Order, I imagine she has a hunch about why that occurence would be something she wished to avoid. At a guess, I'd say that the Pattern in her Blood could impair or perhaps even obliterate parts of the Anti-Life Equation - at the cost of her own life. Given how few lords of Amber exist, probably not a good trade off for the forces of Order and Light. Components thereof she _might_ be able to nullify, but not without harmful to seriously damaging consequences. Thus, Ziactrice actually tried to _dodge_ an enemy attack - a rare sight indeed. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (VLong!) On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 11:26:01 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011351 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 01:32:21 -0700 >Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00011340 > >>On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 20:13:42 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011332 >> >> Kanto laughs as his robotic counterpart tries to lock blades with >>Marivale. "The jets in my replica's legs should send you on your >>merry way, though I must admit, your little stunt with your friend >>threw off my timing. He is only stunned, of course -- I don't waste >>my time killing servants. By all means, impale the android on your >>blade. It will make its job all the easier! HA HA ha ha ha..." Kanto >>laughs in satisfaction as he leaps back into the more general fray, >>heading towards the Brimstone battle. Stealth, Marivale realizes. He >>must have used plain old stealth... > >Marivale scowls at Kanto's retreating form. After a few more >exchanges, he finds that the golem consistently leaves an opening in >its high attack. Not much of one, to be sure, and not a flaw that he >noticed in the real Kanto, but present. Hard on the heels of that >thought comes a feint to draw the high attack, followed by a side >kick to get some separation. Then he draws a small bead from a belt >pouch and throws it at the golem, encapsulating it in a globe of >force. After the side kick, the Kantolem lands with his/its legs coiled underneath it, ready to spring forward again. After all, while effecting the neat trap would be good, a straightforward kill is quite acceptable as well. It slams right into the globe wall. The Kantolem immediately drops its personality emulator, looks around, then becomes completely rigid. Then it explodes. The globe of force is strong enough to block the blast. Someone's going to have to take care of that roof, though. (OOC: Don't worry about property damage, BTW. If I know Aurora and Hydra, the incidental damage will be gone before we're done gathering at Champions Island. Which is a personality trait that I'm grateful for as a GM, for once. 8^) >With the golem out of the fight for the time being (5 minutes, IIRC) >Marivale takes a moment to assess Geoffery's condition, then starts >heading for the main fray. "Kan-TO! Come face me properly, you >coward!" "When you are ready to do the same!" Kanto laughs from...somewhere (concrete canyons make excellent echo chambers 8^). >> (OOC: No, I don't expect Marivale to get caught in the android >>trap, though I had to share what I _was_ going to do to you, though. >>Nice save, BTW. 8^) > >(OOC: Hey, just because he's a bigot doesn't mean he's an idiot. And >while he doesn't have nearly as much experience as Kanto, he's not >bragging when he says he's Oerth's finest swordsman.) OOC: And that's why Marivale is still alive. 8^) It also speaks well to his comparative skill against _others_ that are the finest swordsbeings of their worlds, as Kanto dispatches such champions for a living. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (1 of 2) On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 11:41:52 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011352 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 11:22:47 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011341 > >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011338 >> >>>On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 09:48:14 -0700 (PDT) >>>Rob N Said As FD.CAoL Message # 00000091 >>> >>> "Oh, Lashiiinaaaa," Rob sang. His right hand wrapped in red, he >>>took hold of the steel ribbons and pulled. "GET OVER HERE!" >>>Bernadeth saw the change immediately. [He isn't trying to knock >>>Lashina out--he's trying to kill her!] OOC: Having Mortal Kombat flashbacks... >> (OOC: Ignore this part if Rob decides not to go here.) > >(OOC: We're sorry, Rob is currently unavailable. Please leave your >messages with Mageddon, and he will pick them up later.) OOC: ROFL!!! >> Jaguar leaps down and knocks Lashina aside. He is not >>particularly gentle, but then, he may have saved her life. His claws >>glitter like silver. "You do not want to do this, warrior," he says >>in a hollow tone. >> And Amazing Grace laughs. > > Rob tightens his grip on the lashes as he studies Jaguar. "Fine," >he snarls, "she lives." Then he whirls, using Lashina as an oversized >flail in an attempt to knock Jaguar away. The Bastet dodges easily, >but Lashina demolishes a lamppost before Rob lets go. > Kell and Bernadeth both dodge the flying Fury, who bounces three >times before piling up next to a newsstand. Stacks of the Post and >Times topple, covering her. Lashina groans, but doesn't move. > As the dust settles, Rob turns to Jaguar. "Do you have any other >criticisms?" Jaguar retracts his claws. His flat expression becomes a sly grin. "Not yet." Then he attacks. How a half-cat warrior can fight Tiger-style so well with closed fists is anyone's guess, but even in his current state, some corner of Rob's mind is probably grateful. And after he flows into an impressive tiger-stance and snarls "Celestial Tiger Hide!", doing more than scratching him becomes problematic -- not to mention that he regenerates at an obscene rate... >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011339 >> >> "Well. I must prepare a field of battle worthy of such a >>gathering of warriors. _Come,_" Darkseid barks, stepping onto his >>aero-disk (which followed him like a dog). "We are leaving this >>city," he adds in the same tone, addressing his minions. He then >>floats over to Suli. >> >> All the soldiers, from the lowliest dog soldier to Solaris and >>Maggedon, cease fighting and back away warily. > > Rob freezes. [Ghidrah's heart. I almost - I...] As Mageddon's >influence fades, but the memories don't go with it. Bernadeth calls >in the Female Furies, Stompa carrying Lashina. Amazing Grace pouts petulantly. "Another time, my handsome feline," she adds throatily. Jaguar, who had seen the moment of vulnerability and managed to avoid taking it, is suddenly free. "Merciful Gaia. Are you all right..." *Defender?* *Rob Nishikawa,* the Eternal manages to send despite his many busy mental channels. "...Mr. Nishikawa?" >> /Temporary cease-fire, spread the word to anyone who's not on the >>link, but stay sharp,/ Morgan sends to the other Callahanians. >>Roland does the same with the Champions and UNTIL as an unhappy >>Jaguar lopes over, still bristling at being controlled. Earth-9's >>reality quickly reasserts itself. > > [A good time for it,] Rob decides. "Kell. No fight." Jaguar GLARES up at Grace, who blows him a kiss as the Pursuer carries her off. "My deepest apologies, fellow warrior," he then says to Rob, adding, "You fought impressively." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: A Failure To Communicate On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 11:55:58 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011353 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 19:34:53 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011343 > >>On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 19:41:43 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011330 > > OOC: I'm impressed, that's true. :) Been a long time since Zia's >lost a sword to any opponent, period. Well, save at home. That's >different. OOC: Kirby gods vs. Zelazny gods. What a choice to have to make... Good thing there's a clear good gal and bad guy here. 8^) >> Though if you think _this_ is "bad," wait until she's _sane._ ;^) > > OOC: Suli? Or Zia? (VBG) OOC: Suli. It's entirely up to you if Zia's sane, and if/when she gets there if she's not. Hey, I (a mere mortal Shadow creature) am not about to impugn the sanity of a princess of Amber! (No matter _what_ her writer may or may not have said earlier. Nope, don't remember a thing, not me... ;^) >>[Steppenwolf's] stance shifts slightly, preparing to take the >>offensive. "I would know your name, little goddess, before further >>blood is spilled." It appears that an old honor, long forgotten, has >>resurfaced briefly in the ancient warrior (he's Darkseid's _uncle,_ >>BTW). > >"Call me Ziactrice." Zia laughs softly and adjusts her stance, >seeming unworried to be facing his axe with nothing more than a long >knife. "Though little is true, nothing else you've tried is. Care to >guess again, or bleed some more?" Strangely, Steppenwolf seems unsurprised that Zia isn't bothered by the apparent disparity. Any warrior of Apokolips is well acquainted with weapons -- and warriors -- being more than they seem. And by the Source, he's _bleeding._ Then he _salutes_ Zia. His respect seems astonishingly genuine. "I wish I could hate you," Steppenwolf says calmly, "for reminding me of what I once was. The wise warrior does not hate the lioness for being regal, however." >>>getting pissed> > > OOC: OOps. *heh* I meant to have the katana and Adamantine arrow fall to the ground after he vanished. I forgot they were there, though, and then...well...things seem to have gotten away from me. I'll cover this in one of the later posts dealing with this situation. "G-great Lord?" A dog soldier asks tremulously as Steppenwolf, stunned, appears on the Apokolips flagship. "Are--" "Silence, dog," Steppenwolf snarls, reverting (mostly) to type, throwing off his Electro-Axe pack (and missing the disappearance of the katana and arrow) as he throws himself into the command chair. With devastating efficiency, he begins giving orders to the fleet, only to find that the armies of the Galactic Patrol (not to mention Dhyrclhanc's elite units) are of the same order of magnitude as he in skill. [Suli, you mad...no. It is not her fault.] Steppenwolf's fingers bend the metal at the end of his armrest as he clenches them tightly. [What in the name of the Source _are_ you, 'Ziactrice?'] ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 12:53:04 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011354 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:08:53 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011344 > >>On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 22:37:14 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011338 >> >> OOC: Don't worry, Morgan's already peanutted me for the title > > OOC: Just a note: Thank you, Morgan. OOC-M: You're welcome. :-) OOC-R: "I am beset by women!" --Magneto "And _sore_ beset, Magneto!" --Scarlet Witch >> > OOC: Roland blushes(tm). *takes a bow* >>Brimstone vents the plasma (away from all CAoLers, thanks to AJ47's >>related process), and shrinks about eight feet. The size loss >>becomes proportional after a few seconds. > >"Oops." Zia says, with a tone that says 'gee, did I do that?!' Eric manages to throw her a wry "you don't _really_ think you're fooling anyone, right?" grin. >> "Oh, look, someone wants to play Source games. With ME." Suli's >>voice OOZES with contempt. > >"Oh, please. As if I'd waste my time with children's jacks." Zia >snorts in amusement. The Pattern is of a much larger scope than the >Source, the Force, or ch'i, or whatever fancy name the mages have >clapped on General Life-force this week. OOC: Okay. Quick comment on the Source. It's a lot more than just the "General Life-Force" of the week. It's a sort of Kirbyesque look at the godhead from a semi-sentient/supersentient POV. It communicates with New Genesis at times, empowers many in more than just a "look you have powers" way, and seems to know whom to permit to join with it and whom to reject. IOW, I see it as, if not at the exact same power level of the Pattern or Logrus, certainly of a scale with them. Just how this operates will be evident later. So how is Suli using even the teeny, tiny portion of it she's got, and why is she doing "magic" with it? To find out, tune in next week -- same God time, same God channel! ;^) >> Then Eric is kneeling there, clothing and body torn and tattered, >>blood seeping from a dozen wounds, bits of his own lightning chain >>embedded in his body. /That's it, folks -- that last stunt ran me >>out of Essence./ He looks up with quiet defiance at Suli, who looks >>displeased. > >/Why - excuse me./ Zia is astounded at his defense, concerned about >Eric's well-being, and too hurried to hide either. Eric wonders at the comment -- ["Excuse me?" _I_ butted in to _her_ fight, that'd be my line, wouldn't it?] -- but hasn't time to worry about it much. Unless something happens soon, he's going to be too busy dying to bother with anything else. >A parabolic flare of intense blue power shields Eric and Zia from the >wrist down; her left gauntlet, hwoever, loses its gleam and some of >the outer layer. Eric is close enough to hear the hiss of indrawn >breath in what is clearly pain from Zia. Eric bites back a blurt of worry. /Very impressive,/ he notes instead. >/C'mon, Eric./ Ziactrice bends, sliding her right carefully under her >rescuer, trying not to open his wounds further. Despite the disparity >of size, she hoists him and tries to look for the fastest line of >retreat from Suli. Especially as she now doesn't have a hand free to >stop the next spike... /I don't suppose,/ Eric sends hurriedly, /that telling you to drop me would do any good./ Then... >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:48:06 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011346 > >>On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 01:05:53 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011339 > >Ziactrice, towered over or not, winds her injured hand and arm around >Eric to hold onto him, and draws a knife with the other. She >deliberately shields her companion by putting herself between him and >their opponents. _This_ is too much for Eric, though. /Zia! NO!/ On the other hand, he's about as ferocious as a well-fed tribble at this point, and as he couldn't break out of Zia's hold if he tried, he simply cooperates as best he can, moving with her as effectively as he's able. >> And Kanto is sliding out of the shadows, blade drawn. "I >>sincerely hope," he drawls, "that one of you will give me a more >>honorable duel than did your compatriot." >> /Now would be a _really_ good time for backup,/ Eric sends with >>surprising calm. Kanto, realizing that Zia's a bit busy at the moment, sheathes his blade again. "Oh my. Most humble apologies, my lady," Kanto replies with a bow. At no time, however, does he stop looking over his shoulder for Marivale. >>Solitaire thinks for a moment, then gestures, her hand slowing down >>as she does so. Suli suddenly becomes much slower relative to the >>universe around her. At the same time, the New God finds her sense >>of smell becoming much more...acute. >> >> The combined effect is extremely distracting, to say the least. > >Instead, the petite Amberite's eyes narrow to slits, and she >concentrates, un-tuning all the means Suli had to focus and channel >the Source, making everything different. Not a permanent disconnect, >but enough of a change Suli will require several hours, if not days, >of effort to relearn how to draw up her power again. Suli nearly _panics_ when she realizes what Zia is doing, and begins desperately fighting off the attack on her ability (such as it is) to summon Source energy. Slowed down as she is, however (not to mention the effort she's putting into blocking the _wonderful_ smell), she's not doing all that well at it. >Zia pushes the change with her will. She knows it will take several >seconds to actually occur, but she doesn't bother to even stay to >watch. She steps quietly away, vanishing with Eric abruptly in a >flare of polychromatically-lit flat doorway. To Eric, he sees the >street, the doorway, then they're both on the floating island >fortress. /My hero,/ Eric sends dryly, albeit without the slightest hint of irony. >Incidentally, both of them are clean, and somewhere in the motion, >the bits of sharpnel in Eric's skin just went away, and his clothes >are back in one piece. It's good to an Amberite (or at least, it's >easy to _look_ good). Eric finds his "kit" in good order again (save the Essence-powered chain, which is pretty much toast at this point), noting its return with relief. >"Thank you. I think. You had me worried, that time, Eric. I - why are >you so intent at jumping in front of bullets aimed at me, anyway?!" Eric shrugs. "It's what I do." Then he grins. Unicorn, the man's changed! "Besides, it'd be a crime to let a bullet mar that divine frame of yours, however briefly the wound would remain." >"And what," Zia asks as she helps Eric to a seat, "is this Essence >stuff? If you give me permission, I might be able to recharge you - >if I can understand." She is still shocked that he blocked that for >her, but trying to avoid grabbing him by both shoulders and shouting >[What the Unicorn were you _thinking_, Eric?! Don't get yourself dead >blocking shots at _me_!] Eric shrugs again. "It's just another name for ch'i. It's a more...aggressive ch'i, I suppose, more easily stored and wielded than what I could control, certainly. Still, it's just prime energy." >> Even at this low ebb, meanwhile, Defender finds the strength to >>look up defiantly into Darkseid's eyes. "Do it, then. I can't stop >>you." > >Zia pauses in her conversation with Eric, tensing as she readies >herself for a massive reality-shift. Eric only feels a (pardon the pun) shadow of what Zia is building. He knows just enough to realize that for him to feel _any_ of it, it must be...impressive. He Spocks an eyebrow. >Zia relaxes, and looks at Eric again. "Ah. Good to have Roland back >in the saddle, I must say." Eric switches eyebrows, Spocking the other one higher. "Hrm. Really? I guess I _shouldn't_ break his jaw, then..." >>{*/Fall back to Champions Island. We'll regroup and recuperate >>there, and confer _briefly_ to determine our counterattack. >> {*/And everyone...thanks for coming./*} {/*What he said,*/} Morgan adds sincerely. While the immortals and Zia may have parted on less than pleasant terms, as far as they're concerned she came to help in their darkest hour (literally!), and they consider all past differences forgotten. Eric, on the other hand, seems to consider his duel with Roland to still be on (if his last comment is any indication), and intends to win it quite decisively. 8^) Naturally, little matters like Darkseid and the other invasions come first... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Monkey wrenches and other useful tools On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 13:02:28 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011355 >On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 21:35:48 -0700 >Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011348 > >OOC: If I'm out of line, please feel free to retcon this. OOC: Looks great. 8^) >Bedlam's twisted grin returns. "Fool!" he mocks. "Did you think I >would bring some fragile carrier for my great intellect? This robotic >form is the perfect protection from rabble such as you!" and >punctuates that speech with a hard backhand. > >[But I sensed...] then Patrick realizes his error. A living spirit, >but inhabiting a mechanical body. > >[And not native to it, in all likelihood...] Bedlam's next strike is >blocked, and Patrick sends his Mindforce against Bedlam's intellect, >trying to drive it out of the machine it inhabits! If Bedlam were operating normally, with his usual maximum of six "waldos," this would be a much more difficult stunt. However, even as greatly advanced and prepared as the Bedlam robots are, there is still but a single mind inhabiting them all. Split over two dozen ways, even Doctor Bedlam reaches his limits... >"No! NO! GET OUT OF MY MIND!" Bedlam shrieks, feeling his grip on the >robotic animate slipping as the pain from the psychic attack grows. >"I cannot be defeated by such a worm! I am..." > >Without another word, Bedlam's robotic host stops, falling lifelessly >to the ground, reverting to its original form. Elsewhere, far off in the city, three other Bedlams roar in impotent fury. >> Desaad, busy little bee that he is, has been busy "experimenting" >>on Nemo and throwing newer, better, and uglier toys at the heroes. >> Then he notices anomalies in the reality overlay readouts. >> "Mmm?" Desaad muses. "Well. Not unexpected." >> He presses a single button. > > OOC: ROFL! >"Gurk!" Between the drain of the fight and this latest disruption to >reality, Pat's senses try to degauss themselves, leaving a rather >confused Kai for a few seconds. OOC: Note on the Button: while those who can sense (and be bothered by) alterations to reality can be affected by the sudden shift, the effect only bothers those who rewrite reality directly, Mages of the White Wolf variety in particular and others of similar ilk rather less. So it's up to you how badly you were affected/will be affected when you go back into Apokoliptic reality. 8^) >OOC2: I can come out of it whenever you want; I note that there's a >cease fire in effect now. Am I welcome to link up at the Island? OOC: You gotta ask? 8^) "Welcome to the party, pal!" --John McClane, "Die Hard" Also, if you want a teleport (or other transportation) to the island, it'll be really easy to manage. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (2 of 2) On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 13:22:10 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011356 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 08:25:31 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011350 > >>On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 02:04:48 -0700 >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011349 >> >>^If your blade had a name, call it. If not, just whistle. With >>*intent*.^ > >&Ohhhh. Nice gag.& Ziactrice comments, having enough slack now that >the truce is called to remember the link-by-jewelry trick Nemo'd set >up last time. > >The Lady Knight of Amber gives Eric a fulminatingly curious look then >she whistles like a New Yorker seeking to catch a cab. Eric smiles as the katana appears as Nemo described, good as new (and free of...er, muck) at the Lady's behest. "Nice trick." Elsewhere, Erindrea's two arrows (the Adamantine arrow and the rune-covered one that _just_ missed Steppenwolf) appear at her side or in her quiver, whichever would be her preference if she'd known, unspent and undamaged. OOC: The effect must have spilled over to help an ally. What an _amazing_ coincidence. ;^) >>>Then she gingerly removes her helm with her one undamaged >>>gauntlet's hand, turning back to Eric to see what he has to say >>>about Essence. She ignores the damaged gauntlet (and perhaps her >>>hand) for the moment. Eric, of course, does _not_ ignore the damage. While he politely waits until her curiosity about Essence is satisfied, he starts going doing triage in his mind, preparing to provide what medical attention he can once she's ready. OOC-M: Meanwhile, if anyone else who arrives at Champions Island is desirous of medical attention, there's a powerful Life mage ready to provide needed assistance ;-). Assume Morgan heals anyone who asks, or if you prefer write your part and I'll respond with my side of the interchange. >After a few moments conversation to establish if she _can_ renew >Eric's Essence force (and if he will allow her to do so, a completely >different issue), Ziactrice removes the damaged gauntlet in order to >scratch the itch of rapidly fading and healing burn on her hand. The >armor repairs itself slowly as she does so. Clearly relieved, Eric drops the thought, and most of his worry with it. "You are a very handy woman to have around," he comments with perfect deadpan delivery. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: A Failure To Communicate On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 19:21:34 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011357 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 11:55:58 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011353 > > OOC: [...]Hey, I (a mere mortal Shadow creature) am not about to >impugn the sanity of a princess of Amber! (No matter _what_ her >writer may or may not have said earlier. Nope, don't remember a >thing, not me... ;^) OOC: Roland, I think this would be the appropos time to refer you back to your own statement regarding being married to the archivist. ;-) > Then he _salutes_ Zia. His respect seems astonishingly genuine. > "I wish I could hate you," Steppenwolf says calmly, "for reminding >me of what I once was. The wise warrior does not hate the lioness for >being regal, however." "_If_ that memory," Zia says in a doubtful and somewhat curious tone, "is soley memory, then I apologize for unintentionally raking it up." > [Suli, you mad...no. It is not her fault.] Steppenwolf's fingers >bend the metal at the end of his armrest as he clenches them tightly. >[What in the name of the Source _are_ you, 'Ziactrice?'] OOC: Oops. A thinking Bad Guy, who has noticed Zia. This is bad. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 20:15:16 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011358 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 12:53:04 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011354 > >>On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:08:53 -0700 (PDT) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011344 >> >>>On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 22:37:14 -0700 >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011338 >>> >>> Brimstone vents the plasma (away from all CAoLers, thanks to >>>AJ47's related process), and shrinks about eight feet. The size >>>loss becomes proportional after a few seconds. >> >>"Oops." Zia says, with a tone that says 'gee, did I do that?!' > > Eric manages to throw her a wry "you don't _really_ think you're >fooling anyone, right?" grin. Zia somehow (despite the ALE spikes, the eight-foot demon with a blazing sword, the battleground covered in er, mucky things, and a Source-wielding madwoman trying to kill her) manages to grin back at Eric's own grin _and_ then she flashes him the typical V-fingered gesture and wink so famed in anime everywhere. OOC: That was your fault, Roland. What other response to Eric could possibly have been made, after all? > OOC: Okay. Quick comment on the Source. It's a lot more than just >the "General Life-Force" of the week. It's a sort of Kirbyesque look >at the godhead from a semi-sentient/supersentient POV. It >communicates with New Genesis at times, empowers many in more than >just a "look you have powers" way, and seems to know whom to permit >to join with it and whom to reject. OOC: Oops. Well, that's what I get for believing a glossary of terms for the Kirby universe. I'll have Zia do some research via the captured Mother Box to find out that she has somewhat seriously underestimated the power of the Source. (Sorry, couldn't resist the miquote pun...) > IOW, I see it as, if not at the exact same power level of the >Pattern or Logrus, certainly of a scale with them. Just how this >operates will be evident later. OOC: Hmm, that will be most interesting to watch develop. But given that the Fount of Power created a super-Trump ability, it is certainly possible that there are Shadow-forces quite comparable (if not more powerful than) the Pattern or the Logrus, especially given some other region of effect than 'altering reality' or 'shapeshifting'. After all, Zia is pretty sure the Stardragon, NEMO, and a few other Cosmic-level entities are beyond _her_. Possible they're beyond the Pattern, as well. Who knows how high Existence goes? Not her. > So how is Suli using even the teeny, tiny portion of it she's got, >and why is she doing "magic" with it? To find out, tune in next week >-- same God time, same God channel! ;^) OOC: Man, when the GM starts sounding like _that_, you know you're in for a fun, wild ride. Okay. Let's wait and see what you've got up your sleeve and under your hat... grin. >>/Why - excuse me./ Zia is astounded at his defense, concerned about >>Eric's well-being, and too hurried to hide either. > > Eric wonders at the comment -- ["Excuse me?" _I_ butted in to >_her_ fight, that'd be my line, wouldn't it?] -- but hasn't time to >worry about it much. Unless something happens soon, he's going to be >too busy dying to bother with anything else. One should always say excuse me when reaching through another person's personal space, and Ziactrice, whatever else happens, always tries to behave properly. >>A parabolic flare of intense blue power shields Eric and Zia from >>the wrist down; her left gauntlet, hwoever, loses its gleam and some >>of the outer layer. Eric is close enough to hear the hiss of indrawn >>breath in what is clearly pain from Zia. > > Eric bites back a blurt of worry. /Very impressive,/ he notes >instead. /Very stupid./ Ziactrice says self-critically. Fuzzy just got done telling her to throw them from cover. Here she is blocking with the knife still in hand in the open. >>/C'mon, Eric./ Ziactrice bends, sliding her right carefully under >>her rescuer, trying not to open his wounds further. Despite the >>disparity of size, she hoists him and tries to look for the fastest >>line of retreat from Suli. Especially as she now doesn't have a hand >>free to stop the next spike... > > /I don't suppose,/ Eric sends hurriedly, /that telling you to drop >me would do any good./ /What would you tell me, in the reverse of the situation?/ The petite Amberite's mindvoice is pro-forma on the riposte, however; she has _other_ worries at the moment... >Then... >>On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:48:06 -0700 (PDT) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011346 >> >>>On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 01:05:53 -0700 >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011339 >> >>Ziactrice, towered over or not, winds her injured hand and arm >>around Eric to hold onto him, and draws a knife with the other. She >>deliberately shields her companion by putting herself between him >>and their opponents. > > _This_ is too much for Eric, though. /Zia! NO!/ On the other hand, >he's about as ferocious as a well-fed tribble at this point, and as >he couldn't break out of Zia's hold if he tried, he simply cooperates >as best he can, moving with her as effectively as he's able. /Gee, a man hasn't said no to me so vehemently in a rather long time./ Zia mocks Eric with a warmly friendly tone. >>> And Kanto is sliding out of the shadows, blade drawn. "I >>>sincerely hope," he drawls, "that one of you will give me a more >>>honorable duel than did your compatriot." >>> /Now would be a _really_ good time for backup,/ Eric sends with >>>surprising calm. > > Kanto, realizing that Zia's a bit busy at the moment, sheathes his >blade again. "Oh my. Most humble apologies, my lady," Kanto replies >with a bow. At no time, however, does he stop looking over his >shoulder for Marivale. "Hardly your lady." Zia ripostes with cool, but not icy formality. Then she sighs and unbends to a more civil mode, recognizing that he isn't going to puncture her while she removes a wounded comrade. "Though given your consideration, perhaps in another time and place, I can accomodate you - on terms less than mortal wounds." >>Zia pushes the change with her will. She knows it will take several >>seconds to actually occur, but she doesn't bother to even stay to >>watch. She steps quietly away, vanishing with Eric abruptly in a >>flare of polychromatically-lit flat doorway. To Eric, he sees the >>street, the doorway, then they're both on the floating island >>fortress. > > /My hero,/ Eric sends dryly, albeit without the slightest hint of >irony. /Oh, please. The knight in shining armor schtick is getting old already./ Is it _possible_ he just made _Ziactrice_ blush? Too bad she was wearing that helm; he can't tell. >>"Thank you. I think. You had me worried, that time, Eric. I - why >>are you so intent at jumping in front of bullets aimed at me, >>anyway?!" > > Eric shrugs. "It's what I do." Then he grins. Unicorn, the man's >changed! "Besides, it'd be a crime to let a bullet mar that divine >frame of yours, however briefly the wound would remain." "You - that's - mmmfh." Zia takes a deep breath; few people can actually get her goat well enough to make her splutter, but apparently Eric's one of those select few. "Fine." The Lady-Knight of Amber says stolidly. "I'll just have to do the _same_ for you. My honor doesn't allow such an unequal obligation." >>"And what," Zia asks as she helps Eric to a seat, "is this Essence >>stuff? If you give me permission, I might be able to recharge you - >>if I can understand." She is still shocked that he blocked that for >>her, but trying to avoid grabbing him by both shoulders and shouting >>[What the Unicorn were you _thinking_, Eric?! Don't get yourself >>dead blocking shots at _me_!] > > Eric shrugs again. "It's just another name for ch'i. It's a >more...aggressive ch'i, I suppose, more easily stored and wielded >than what I could control, certainly. Still, it's just prime energy." "Ah. A recharge should be possible, then, but to be safe, it sounds like I'll need you to guide the process. Maybe - Morgan's a top-notch healer; I bet she could lend a helping hand with this. Healers often work together, so she might have a good idea how to do it." ^Morgan, if I try to recharge Eric's ch'i like this (), any suggestions on how to make it safer/easier? Or if you'd like to lend a hand to the translation, perhaps?^ "You've probably fought things that drain ch'i. Do you know how to absorb ch'i and transform it to make it your own, Eric? I would send some to you, but ... it might be a lot safer for you to siphon it yourself." >>Zia relaxes, and looks at Eric again. "Ah. Good to have Roland back >>in the saddle, I must say." > > Eric switches eyebrows, Spocking the other one higher. "Hrm. >Really? I guess I _shouldn't_ break his jaw, then..." "No, I don't think you should." Zia says. "In fact, I'd very much like you to give over the notion. Will you? Please?" >>>{*/Fall back to Champions Island. We'll regroup and recuperate >>>there, and confer _briefly_ to determine our counterattack. >>> {*/And everyone...thanks for coming./*} > >{/*What he said,*/} Morgan adds sincerely. While the immortals and >Zia may have parted on less than pleasant terms, as far as they're >concerned she came to help in their darkest hour (literally!), and >they consider all past differences forgotten. Zia makes herself a note to forgive someone else as the Freelance Immortals have forgiven her. Passing on this sort of giri is the only way to fulfill this deep a debt of honor. The same predicament that made her need the Place enough to find it originally goes on. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (1 of 2) On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 22:03:31 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011359 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011352 > >>On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 11:22:47 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011341 >> >>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011338 >>> >>>>On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 09:48:14 -0700 (PDT) >>>>Rob N Said As FD.CAoL Message # 00000091 >>> >>>> "Oh, Lashiiinaaaa," Rob sang. His right hand wrapped in red, he >>>>took hold of the steel ribbons and pulled. "GET OVER HERE!" >>>>Bernadeth saw the change immediately. [He isn't trying to knock >>>>Lashina out--he's trying to kill her!] > > OOC: Having Mortal Kombat flashbacks... OOC: So was I. I always wondered why nobody did that to Scorpion in the game...it's such a neat reversal. > How a half-cat warrior can fight Tiger-style so well with closed >fists is anyone's guess, but even in his current state, some corner >of Rob's mind is probably grateful. And after he flows into an >impressive tiger-stance and snarls "Celestial Tiger Hide!", doing >more than scratching him becomes problematic -- not to mention that >he regenerates at an obscene rate... This isn't exactly a perfect fix, though. While the regeneration helps, the tough skin isn't particularly useful when one's opponent happens to have hands surrounded by flame. By the time the first pass finishes, Jaguar is scorched, Rob has a nice set of claw marks across his forehead, and both warriors have bruised knuckles. Fortunately, there isn't a second pass. >> Rob freezes. [Ghidrah's heart. I almost - I...] As Mageddon's >>influence fades, but the memories don't go with it. Bernadeth calls >>in the Female Furies, Stompa carrying Lashina. > > Amazing Grace pouts petulantly. "Another time, my handsome >feline," she adds throatily. > Jaguar, who had seen the moment of vulnerability and managed to >avoid taking it, is suddenly free. "Merciful Gaia. Are you all >right..." *Defender?* > *Rob Nishikawa,* the Eternal manages to send despite his many busy >mental channels. > "...Mr. Nishikawa?" "No. I almost killed Lashina. In my book, that's pretty far from 'all right.' As for the cuts on my head," Rob pauses to wrap his body in chi, "they'll heal quickly." And they have. > Jaguar GLARES up at Grace, who blows him a kiss as the Pursuer >carries her off. "My deepest apologies, fellow warrior," he then says >to Rob, adding, "You fought impressively." "And you, no less so. Not that I would have expected any less from a warrior that stands by the Defender." Rob offers to shake hands. ================================= Subject: AAE 9: The Possibility Wars Roster Book ;^) On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 22:22:24 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011360 After Darkseid's withdrawal from New York, the battered defenders give a hearty cheer. Immediately, the people of the city begin pulling together -- darkly punctuated by the rare looter and other crook, but the vast majority of New Yorkers forget their differences and pull together to help one another. (OOC: Don't worry, Dane, I fully expect Aurora and Hydra to "clean up" the mess. Having your reality invaded still calls for a certain amount of mutual emotional support, however, even on Earth-9. 8^) Champions Island. The dome in the center of the island is fully open, allowing the full assemblage -- Champions, CAoL, and ad hoc cavalry -- to gather. A large flat spot just outside the dome's perimeter has been set aside for Hydra and any other gigantic forms (like, say, Dhyrclhanc's full-sized bod), while several tables and a huge number of chairs are available for the humanoids. Everyone who needed a ride has been provided teleportation or a psychokinetic lift, and all are now assembled. (OOC: Feel free to roleplay this process as desired.) Two holographic screens dominate the "front" of the area, where the massive computer bank/comm system resides. One displays a global map, showing areas of invasion. The other shows the northeastern sector of the United States. Darkseid's forces have gone as far south as Washington DC and are threatening the Chicago area. Roland is sitting in a chair in front of the computer, examining the situation board solemnly. Sauron had completely overrun the British Isles and Scandinavia, and was threatening to surge into Russian territory. Mixed realities in Ireland and Finland, fortunately, are giving resistance forces areas to fight back from. A madman on a floating island very different from this one is running an attack on the northern Mediterranean, though his assault bears more resemblance to a cosmic act of piracy than a war. Centered on Italy, he seems to be reaping a world of trouble from the ease with which the Italians are adapting to the combination of swashbuckling action, themed magic, and devious Machiavellian intrigue. _That_ High Lord seems to be enjoying it, which makes him appear even more insane than Pharaoh Mobius. Dr. Mobius, an old foe of Roland's, is having his usual success in northeast Africa, "restoring" Egypt to its "former glory," albeit with his 1940s tech and pulp-era weird science. [Tesla must be spinning in his grave to match any generator,] Defender muses, noting that the not-so-good Pharaoh has been stopped in his tracks by Destroyer's forces, allied with several African armies. The two are now stalemated, neither willing to be caught in reality-trench warfare. Only Mecca to the east and the swashbuckler to the north have halted Mobius' advances in the other directions. India has been overwhelmed by the Galactic Empire, and while a rebellion is well under way, the Sith warriors, legions of stormtroopers, and super-advanced technology are making short work of the regular armed forces. Whether led by Emperor Palpatine or Darth Sidious (if there is indeed any difference), this attack is one of the more efficient, effective, and devastating ones. Most disconcerting are the reports of winged blue-gray cyberpunk aliens with great and terrible Force powers, that not even the most devoted Star Wars fan could identify. [I know what they are,] Roland thought grimly. [Thratchen with a lightsaber. Ugh.] The Far East is being invaded, both overtly and subtly, by another old "friend" of Roland's. Zoltar is leading a Spectran army that bears far too much of a resemblance to Viper for Roland's taste. Other anime realities had been worked in -- or perhaps Zoltar had conquered portions of them. [Zoltar, I can handle myself,] Roland decides. Then he runs his fingers along the smooth surface of where his right shoulder should be. [Er. When I'm at full power, that is.] What draws his eyes most often, however, is a blight in the heart of frozen Siberia. Even the storm clouds look _wrong._ Similar, much smaller realms of this abomination dot the world, including his own home in Bay City. Spectra, as part of that invasion, had created a truly bizarre mixed realm that matches anime action with creeping horror. [Great, just what we need,] Roland thinks, refusing to follow that line of thought to the risque room. OOC note: Maps for all these invasion areas can be found at http://silver-gateway.com/rc/earth9/torg.html now; go to the table and click on the links in the location column for relevant area maps. The Champion turns to face the assembled heroes. From simple, human Father Christopher Bryce and Karma to the godlike Nemo and Hydra, they are all gathered, and even though they are each preparing in his, her or its own way, they are essentially waiting -- or at least ready -- for his direction. Roland feels his beloved give him a mental "hug" through their personal link. Though originally a gift from Driscoll, their love pours through it now, creating something more. Much as they have done for each other. He smiles. [If I was ever going to be ready for something like this,] he decides, [it's now.] Defender stands. As others start to turn, he waves them back. /"No, no, please, those of you who are chatting, keep going. I don't want to stand on ceremony or formality here."/ (OOC: CAoLers do as they wish; the others just smile indulgently and give him their attention.) The former Freelance Immortal sighs. /"Okay, okay, let's start with the basics -- introductions. I take it you all know the Champions."/ With pretty much everyone nodding, he continues. (OOC: If anyone wants an intro, it'll go here; for info on each Champion, you can go to http://silver-gateway.com/rc/earth9/roster.html for details.) /"Excellent. Let's see then. I don't know how Orion and Endymion found my old Storm Knight gang, but I'm sure Mara will be happy to explain."/ The "cyberpunk" girl blushes, while the paladin and priest laugh. The werewolf, now in human form (a proper Victorian gentleman, with a deep sea of feral fury just below the surface), simply smiles. /"Anyway."/ He gestures to Orion. /"Shall I?"/ Orion nods curtly. [Ohhh-kay,] Roland thinks briefly. /"This is Orion, born to Darkseid and the wife he...was less fond of, Tigra. He was raised on New Genesis, Apokolips' opposite number, as part of a peace pact. On a par with the Superman of his universe in raw power, and far more...efficient in battle,"/ Defender finishes as politely as possible. /"With him is a Green Lantern, cosmic patrolmen with vast power. I'm afraid I don't recognize you, sir..."/ Roland adds respectfully. The GL boggles, then laughs. "Man, Defender, have I changed _that_ much?" Roland nearly facefaults -- literally. *KYLE?!* Kyle, wearing his new costume (and another link: http://members.tripod.com/~Lantern_light/153.htm for a look), rubs the back of his neck and smiles sheepishly. *"Yeah. I figured it was still me, but it was...more respectful, you know?"* [Whoa. Double helping of crow for Mr. Phoenix, table one,] Roland thinks. "Well, thanks. I'm glad you showed up." Roland coughs politely. /"Ah, the guy with the jaw that makes mine look like silly putty is Endymion, the greatest hero of another world--"/ "And Defender and his team rescued mine from the deadliest villain it has ever known," Endymion intones. "Any help I can offer is a small price to pay." Roland blushes(tm). /"Well, your timely rescue is appreciated. Don't worry, BTW -- I have it on good authority that your Earth is being well cared for. Anyway. The lady with the white hair, cybernetic arm and devastating genius is Hachi Mara-Two, and she's been fighting Thratchen even longer than I have."/ Mara bows quickly, obviously embarrassed. /"The magical lady knight -- the tall one, that is -- is Tolwyn of House Tancred, another dear friend. The priest is Father Christopher Bryce, also a good friend, and a good man to have at your back. Last, but certainly not least, is Kurst. I swear, that's his name, and he's a dire wolf -- which, in his cosm, means a shapeshifter that can transform into a hybrid being of pretty much any damn animal there is."/ (OOC: Insert the intros of CAoL regulars here. Anyone who wishes to "Busiek" in intros/explanations of old friends can do so here.) Roland scans the group. /"And it looks like we have a few _new_ friends."/ He smiles in a welcoming manner. /"Would you like to introduce yourselves? Also, I've gotten...er, less concerned about the exact parameters of my position of leadership, but I wouldn't mind a quick overview of folx' strengths and abilities."/ (OOC: Yeah, it's pretty blunt. So's Roland. There's your cue, new folx!) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 23:18:08 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011361 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 20:15:16 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011358 > >>On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 12:53:04 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011354 >> >> Eric manages to throw her a wry "you don't _really_ think you're >>fooling anyone, right?" grin. > >Zia somehow (despite the ALE spikes, the eight-foot demon with a >blazing sword, the battleground covered in er, mucky things, and a >Source-wielding madwoman trying to kill her) manages to grin back at >Eric's own grin _and_ then she flashes him the typical V-fingered >gesture and wink so famed in anime everywhere. Eric's jaw doesn't drop -- but only because he just can't spare the _time_ for it. [How does she _do_ that?] >OOC: That was your fault, Roland. What other response to Eric could >possibly have been made, after all? OOC: Guilty as charged. >OOC: Oops. Well, that's what I get for believing a glossary of terms >for the Kirby universe. I'll have Zia do some research via the >captured Mother Box to find out that she has somewhat seriously >underestimated the power of the Source. (Sorry, couldn't resist the >miquote pun...) OOC: Can't blame you. As Lucas was a fan himself (he promoted Star Wars at the Comic-Con before it was released), I wouldn't be surprised if the Force owes something to Kirby. Then again, Vader has been compared to Doom more than once (though Doom would _never_ bow to anyone). And the Mother Box will be more than happy to help. They're New Genesis "devices," so being in Suli's clutches was...unpleasant. >After all, Zia is pretty sure the Stardragon, NEMO, and a few other >Cosmic-level entities are beyond _her_. Possible they're beyond the >Pattern, as well. Who knows how high Existence goes? Not her. I try to avoid "my uber-power is bigger than your uber-power," unless it's to keep one character from making most of the rest of the field completely irrelevant. Whatever the Source is, it prefers to be subtle, save what power it grants its champions (small "c") on New Genesis. >> /I don't suppose,/ Eric sends hurriedly, /that >> telling you to drop me would do any good./ > >/What would you tell me, in the reverse of the >situation?/ The petite Amberite's mindvoice is >pro-forma on the riposte, however; she has _other_ >worries at the moment... Eric grits his teeth and says nothing. They both know _exactly_ what he would say were their positions reversed, and he likely wouldn't have been _nearly_ as polite in his response as she was. He's as likely to break her grip at this point as convince her, and right now he doubts he could fight off his sister. >> _This_ is too much for Eric, though. /Zia! NO!/ On the other >>hand, he's about as ferocious as a well-fed tribble at this point, >>and as he couldn't break out of Zia's hold if he tried, he simply >>cooperates as best he can, moving with her as effectively as he's >>able. > >/Gee, a man hasn't said no to me so vehemently in a rather long >time./ Zia mocks Eric with a warmly friendly tone. /Have you tried committing suicide for one of them recently?/ Eric drawls in a more familiar tone. >> Kanto, realizing that Zia's a bit busy at the moment, sheathes >>his blade again. "Oh my. Most humble apologies, my lady," Kanto >>replies with a bow. At no time, however, does he stop looking over >>his shoulder for Marivale. > >"Hardly your lady." Zia ripostes with cool, but not icy formality. >Then she sighs and unbends to a more civil mode, recognizing that he >isn't going to puncture her while she removes a wounded comrade. Kanto nods in acknowledgement of her statement. "Fellow blademaster, then." >"Though given your consideration, perhaps in another time and place, >I can accomodate you - on terms less than mortal wounds." Kanto bows formally and gracefully. "I would be honored, Dame Knight." >> /My hero,/ Eric sends dryly, albeit without the slightest hint of >>irony. > >/Oh, please. The knight in shining armor schtick is getting old >already./ Is it _possible_ he just made _Ziactrice_ blush? Too bad >she was wearing that helm; he can't tell. Eric smiles gently. Or at least as gently as he's able. /I am _not_ wearing a white dress. Or a bronze bikini. Brrr./ >> Eric shrugs. "It's what I do." Then he grins. Unicorn, the man's >>changed! "Besides, it'd be a crime to let a bullet mar that divine >>frame of yours, however briefly the wound would remain." > >"You - that's - mmmfh." Zia takes a deep breath; few people can >actually get her goat well enough to make her splutter, but >apparently Eric's one of those select few. Eric carefully and gently allows the lady to recover her wits. Zia normally has plenty to spare, so for her to be at her wits' end, she must be run down indeed. >"Fine." The Lady-Knight of Amber says stolidly. "I'll just have to do >the _same_ for you. My honor doesn't allow such an unequal >obligation." "I'm chivalrous, not sexist," he says without any rancor at all. (Good thing, too -- taking on a rancor would probably be tough right now. ) "Though my skin isn't nearly as attractive as yours, particularly at this moment. My _scars_ have scars right now." >> Eric shrugs again. "It's just another name for ch'i. It's a >>more...aggressive ch'i, I suppose, more easily stored and wielded >>than what I could control, certainly. Still, it's just prime >>energy." > >"Ah. A recharge should be possible, then, but to be safe, it sounds >like I'll need you to guide the process. Maybe - Morgan's a top-notch >healer; I bet she could lend a helping hand with this. Healers often >work together, so she might have a good idea how to do it." Eric scowls. "Stupid me. One more point -- you have blanket permission to 'recharge' me, so long as it will not endanger your own reserves of energy." >^Morgan, if I try to recharge Eric's ch'i like this (), any >suggestions on how to make it safer/easier? Or if you'd like to lend >a hand to the translation, perhaps?^ ^That should work,^ Morgan responds. Adding (only) Eric to the sending, she adds, *Eric, perhaps you should offer a prayer to the Unconquered Sun. I can add my blessings, give you a 'signal boost,' as it were.* Eric chuckles mentally. /Signal boost,/ he sends (only to Zia and Morgan). /I like that. Yes, I'd appreciate it, thanks. Though it sounds like you've been hanging out with the boy scout too long./ Morgan looks over at Roland and smiles. /No such thing,/ she responds, adding Roland specifically to that part. While Roland is looking baffled but appreciative, Eric concedes 'defeat' with a mental grin. /Hrm. I've seen you with a sword. To each hir own, though./ >"You've probably fought things that drain ch'i. Eric smiles _very_ wryly. >Do you know how to absorb ch'i and transform it to make it your own, >Eric? I would send some to you, but ... it might be a lot safer for >you to siphon it yourself." "Part of Exaltation is the ability to replenish ch'i in many different ways. When I'm out, though, it's a lot harder. All the techniques I know need a little Essence to 'prime the pump,' so to speak." Eric may be more human now, but he slips smoothly into 'all business' mode, and he's still most comfortable in it. >> Eric switches eyebrows, Spocking the other one higher. "Hrm. >>Really? I guess I _shouldn't_ break his jaw, then..." > >"No, I don't think you should." Zia says. "In fact, I'd very much >like you to give over the notion. Will you? Please?" Eric looks _stunned._ While five years is a lot longer to him than it (probably) is to someone who measures her life in centuries, he isn't one to forget a friend, or a slight to one. On the other hand, a non-hostile getting that level of request from Zia...well, it's like hitting a gnat with a tacnuke. "Well...I didn't give my word on the matter. Consider it dropped." [Wouldn't mind dropping the boy scout on his head instead, but...] OOC: And ignore the part about Eric considering the duel to still be on. Zia's nipped that very efficiently in the bud. 8^) ================================= Subject: AAE 9: My Kung-Fu... On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 23:35:50 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011362 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 22:03:31 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011359 > >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011352 >> >> OOC: Having Mortal Kombat flashbacks... > >OOC: So was I. I always wondered why nobody did that to Scorpion in >the game...it's such a neat reversal. OOC: OTOH, the original MK was pretty clunky, game-play-wise, by modern standards. I imagine working that complex a counter into it would've been problematic. >> How a half-cat warrior can fight Tiger-style so well with closed >>fists is anyone's guess, but even in his current state, some corner >>of Rob's mind is probably grateful. And after he flows into an >>impressive tiger-stance and snarls "Celestial Tiger Hide!", doing >>more than scratching him becomes problematic -- not to mention that >>he regenerates at an obscene rate... > > This isn't exactly a perfect fix, though. While the regeneration >helps, the tough skin isn't particularly useful when one's opponent >happens to have hands surrounded by flame. By the time the first pass >finishes, Jaguar is scorched, Rob has a nice set of claw marks across >his forehead, and both warriors have bruised knuckles. OOC note: He retracted the claws and fought with closed hands. No slashes. Even Amazing Grace couldn't make him use lethal force against an ally. OOC note 2: Actually, the toughness helps more than the regen. Ch'i flame is tough to heal naturally, but the protection is ch'i-powered as well. Jaguar grunts, the combination of fire and ch'i resisting regeneration. This only makes him all the more "Your kung-fu is strong," he quips with a hungry smile. > Fortunately, there isn't a second pass. You ain't just whistlin' Dixie. 8^) >> Jaguar, who had seen the moment of vulnerability and managed to >>avoid taking it, is suddenly free. "Merciful Gaia. Are you all >>right..." *Defender?* >> *Rob Nishikawa,* the Eternal manages to send despite his many >>busy mental channels. >> "...Mr. Nishikawa?" > > "No. I almost killed Lashina. In my book, that's pretty far from >'all right.' As for the cuts on my head," Rob pauses to wrap his body >in chi, "they'll heal quickly." And they have. "You were battling for your life, and our world. You need not be so hard on yourself." Jaguar notes the rapid and easy healing with satisfaction. >> Jaguar GLARES up at Grace, who blows him a kiss as the Pursuer >>carries her off. "My deepest apologies, fellow warrior," he then >>says to Rob, adding, "You fought impressively." > > "And you, no less so. Not that I would have expected any less from >a warrior that stands by the Defender." Rob offers to shake hands. Jaguar takes it without hesitation. "I look forward," he notes, carefully not wincing, "to fighting alongside you." He shifts into human form (a combination of ancient Mesoamerican garb and modern casual clothes appearing mystically around him) once the handshake is complete. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Dark Storm Rising (VLong!) On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 00:45:41 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011363 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 11:26:01 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011351 > >>On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 01:32:21 -0700 >>Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00011340 > > The Kantolem immediately drops its personality emulator, looks >around, then becomes completely rigid. Then it explodes. > The globe of force is strong enough to block the blast. Someone's >going to have to take care of that roof, though. (OOC: Why? It's a _globe_ of force, not a cylinder.) This time, Marivale does have time to boggle. [Thank the gods that thing was contained.] >>Marivale takes a moment to assess Geoffery's condition, then starts >>heading for the main fray. "Kan-TO! Come face me properly, you >>coward!" > > "When you are ready to do the same!" Kanto laughs from...somewhere >(concrete canyons make excellent echo chambers 8^). Marivale's scowl blackens as he warily makes his way to the heart of the (soon to be dispersing) fray. When he gets close enough to Brimstone to smell what happened there, he starts looking for a way to skirt the area, despite the conversation he sees between Zia and Kanto. [So the blaggard has _some_ sense of honor, after all.] He is just about to call upon Kanto to resume their duel when the cease-fire is called. >>(OOC: Hey, just because he's a bigot doesn't mean he's an idiot. And >>while he doesn't have nearly as much experience as Kanto, he's not >>bragging when he says he's Oerth's finest swordsman.) > > OOC: And that's why Marivale is still alive. 8^) It also speaks >well to his comparative skill against _others_ that are the finest >swordsbeings of their worlds, as Kanto dispatches such champions for >a living. OOC: In all honesty, he is _far_ better at defense than attack. I was just running the numbers in my head, and even if he somehow managed to cast a True Strike spell (+20 to hit with the next attack) he'd only have about a 50% chance of hitting himself. Still, I figure Kanto's probably spent more time studying attack than defense, so it would pretty much even them out. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: The Possibility Wars Roster Book ;^) On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 01:03:03 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00011364 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011360 > > Roland scans the group. /"And it looks like we have a few _new_ >friends."/ He smiles in a welcoming manner. /"Would you like to >introduce yourselves? Also, I've gotten...er, less concerned about >the exact parameters of my position of leadership, but I wouldn't >mind a quick overview of folx' strengths and abilities."/ Rob steps to within his telepathy range, and "knocks" on Roland's shields. *You've seen most of my new tricks, but this() is something that I - um, it's a gift. One use, but I'm not sure what to use it for. I was told that it's meant to keep Darkseid from winning, but now that he's left, I don't know what to do with it.* ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: The Possibility Wars Roster Book ;^) On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 01:29:11 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00011365 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 22:22:24 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011360 > > (OOC: Insert the intros of CAoL regulars here. Anyone who wishes >to "Busiek" in intros/explanations of old friends can do so here.) Harlock bows from his seat. "I am Harlock, a Bard of some repute on my homeworld of Toril, lately...ahh...promoted to Demigod of Performance, although I still tend to think I was shanghaied into the job." The Bard is wearing hose and a tunic very similar to what Kanto wore. He is of average height, slender, with blue eyes and golden brown ringlets that tumble artfully to his shoulders, but don't quite hide the slight point to his ears. He gestures at the man who was keeping Kanto busy for most of the fight. This man is blonde, also blue eyed, also slender, also foppishly dressed; but taller, fully human, and usually sneering. "The blonde fellow to my left is Marivale Saevil of House Saevil, the finest swordsman on Oerth." Harlock smiles and nods at a young (late-20's, _maybe_ early-30's) lady in an elegant gown, who smiles back. She is blonde, green eyed, and _quite_ attractive. She's also rather flirtatious, which elicits an occasional wince from the Bard. "I believe my daughter, Erindrea, has appeared in the Place before, albeit briefly. She is a skilled archer and a fine sorceress, even if I have no idea where she got that accent." Erin grins. Harlock goes on to point at a short human male who is (to steal a phrase from Robert Aspirin) built like the bottom two thirds of an oak door if the door were made of granite. "This is my half-brother, Kell. You may have noticed in the past that I have a tendency to fight with a bastard sword. Our mother had a peculiar sense of humor. Kell fights with daggers better than most men fight with swords." The Bard then looks confused for a second or three. "And where did Veren wander off to?" A well-built male humanoid with greenish skin, black hair, and eyes so dark they appear black fades out of the shadows. About three inches from Harlock. "I can introduce myself, thank you." The Bard jumps slightly, earning a feral grin from Veren, showing off canines that are slightly larger than the human norm. "I'm Veren, I'm a Mentor at Stalwart Pines, and I'm a better archer than Erindrea is." As he speaks, his cloak falls open slightly, revealing a very ornate breastplate inlaid with green enamel. "What abaht that contest we had, Veren?" "If I'd thought to ban magic, I would have won!" Erindrea just looks smug. ================================= Subject: AAE 9: Interludes Among Shadows I On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 01:41:08 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011366 There are few in any universe as feared as Darkseid. Filled with vast power, master of the Omega Effect, ruler of the greatest war machine of all time, mighty Darkseid is a conqueror without peer. Indeed, he has few peers of any sort. And yet, there is light in even the darkest heart. The brightest point in Darkseid's universe is his beloved Suli San, restored to him through sheer will and determination, and -- dare he think it? -- love. And his beloved is troubled. Like any man in such a situation, he treads lightly around his lady. Not out of fear of either wrath or abandonment, such is the confidence in their love, but due to his determination not to distress her further. He knocks lightly at her door. "Suli San." "My lord?" She is deeply distressed indeed for her to gasp in surprise at his coming. There is rapid shuffling, a moment of quiet, and then the door opens. Darkseid breathes in sharply. Even wild as she is, with her once-azure skin a slate grey and her smooth flowing hair as askew as Mad Harriet's, she is beautiful. Robed in a simple, elegant wrap, she smiles welcomingly. "Come, my lord." Darkseid enters. "You cannot hide your troubles from me, my Suli. What disturbs your peace?" "Would you destroy it, then?" Suli asks sharply. "Obliterate whatever does not fit in your design? Such is the path of Darkseid, is it not?" She stares into space, astonished at her own words, then throws her arms around mighty Darkseid. "Forgive me, Uxas. I -- I know not what rules me since my rebirth." Slowly, the High Lord takes her by the shoulders and, with astonishing gentleness for one who can crack planets, holds her out enough to look her in the eyes. "I do. And you know what I am. That you love me still is more than I deserve." His eyes burn with the Omega Fire. "Yes, I would destroy aught that might bring you grief, if to do so would not bring you more." Suli looked at him limply. "I am mad, aren't I?" "NO," Darkseid growled. More softly, he added, "You are only injured. You will heal." His eyes narrow. "I have seen to it. My plan is proceeding exactly as I intended from the beginning. In the end, I suspect that even these 'Callahanians' will be grateful for my schemes in this matter." "I hope so, love. Such as they are not to be trifled with, even by all-powerful Darkseid." Suli straightens, regaining her composure -- and some of the wild lunacy gripping her in fits. "And how are our sons dealing with their rivalry?" Darkseid smiles a far more Darkseid smile. "Come, Suli San. Let me show you." He offers his hand, and when she takes it, he leads her to an arena. Within, Kalibak and Amazo are battling furiously. Suli San smiles wickedly as the Scourge of Apokolips sends the one-man Justice League flying with a single blow from his Beta Club. "Impressive." Amazo, furious, shapeshifts himself upright with a literally flowing kippup. He _grows_ a Mega Rod out of his left arm and fires. Kalibak parries the blast with his Club, then leaps in. Amazo zips out of the way with super-speed. "Still impulsive," Suli notes, "but his cleverness grows with each training sequence. Darkseid is wise as well as mighty." Darkseid nods a bow (or bows a nod?) in acceptance of the accolade. "He will be an acceptable heir yet. And if not, Amazo is proving quite acceptable himself. Your reprogramming has made him devious indeed." "It was a simple matter of removing heuristic blocks," Suli says modestly. "Personally, I am as proud of his physical redesign. He looks much better with hair, don't you think?" At Darkseid's indulgent chuckle, she adds, "Do you think he needs a new name?" The upgraded, semi-organic android turns one huge fist into an even larger mallet, backs it up with ring construct energy, and literally hammers Kalibak through an arena wall. The hunger dog audience cheers wildly. "I think not. 'Amazo' suits him, I believe," Darkseid says with a grim smile. * * * Steppenwolf strides purposefully through the corridors of the new capitol, this realm's Tower of Rage. Two of Darkseid's 'stelae' are here, holding together six sections of the invasion -- most of it, at this juncture -- and it is also quite central to the current zone of control. 'Superheroes' are, of course, popping up here and there, gifted by the Source as it chooses protectors for the locals, but there was no escaping the High Lord. Nevertheless, the general's mind is concerned with neither strategy nor enhanced rebels. [That...woman,] he thinks furiously. [A child of New Genesis, or some cognate of it, I'm certain.] Dog soldiers, parademons, even Female Furies part in fear at his approach, letting him pass. Steppenwolf is hardly aware of them. [She cut me. She was _beating_ me. Me! Steppenwolf! I am older than Darkseid! Entire _galaxies_ have fallen before me! And that...that smug, certain attitude!] He shook his head. A smile formed before he could force it back. [Two millennia ago, I would have courted her. Fifteen centuries ago.] The expression becomes a deep frown. [No. I serve Darkseid now. I cannot afford the luxury of remembering what I may have been once.] He does not realize he has stopped until he looks to his right, through the frame of an open door. [Desaad and Granny, the sick, twisted...] There are still some things that are beneath Steppenwolf. Such foul practices are among them. "What are you two babbling about?" he roars. Desaad and Granny, who were grinning evilly a moment ago, jump and turn. Granny begins to scowl, ready to berate their tormentor, when she realizes who they face. She turns it into an obsequious smile and bows. Desaad retreats into his cowl, nodding in 'respect.' "Steppenwolf," Granny cackles. "You honor us." "I would rather drink poisoned X-Element than do either of you honor," Steppenwolf snaps. "What are you at in here?" "A most fascinating subject," Desaad says silkily. "We think they are brothers." (OOC: If the Nemos are identical, then Desaad and Granny theorize they are twins.) "They have a most...interesting reaction to pain." Steppenwolf's face turns deep red. "Spare me your cruel sport, Desaad," the warrior spits. "Have you learned anything from them?" "Nothing yet," Granny replies smoothly, "but their senses are so acute that our Memory Machines will certainly extract all they know soon." "Good," the old soldier says, turning on his heel and walking out. [Accursed, foul, degenerate...] Steppenwolf practically smites the air before him. [Why Darkseid keeps those _things_ is beyond me.] He looks up. The corridor splits before him. Another doorway is open at the end of the corridor he's in, through which Kanto can be seen practicing. The man is _whistling._ "Kanto?" Steppenwolf asks. Kanto, at least, has what honor a warrior of Apokolips can afford. "What on Apokolips..." "A duelist!" Kanto fires back with dark joy, spinning with inhuman grace from uneven bars, through slashing daggers in mid-air, onto a tiny platform floating on deadly acid. "She is magnificent!" "'She?'" Steppenwolf blinks. [I do not _believe_ it!] "I will make her my ultimate masterpiece. The clashing of our blades shall be more exquisite than the most elegant dance, and poets will gnash their teeth at their inability to...describe..." Kanto leaps onto safe ground, eyeing the ancient god warily. "Steppenwolf?" Steppenwolf GROWLS. Kanto shudders and backs away. The general turns and leaves. [That WOMAN!] * * * Another training room. "Ahhrrr!" Lashina howls, whips flashing like lightning. A dozen training robots -- some of Desaad's finest and most formidable -- are reduced to scrap. Bernadeth watches impassively. "Feeling motivated, Lashina?" "I...am going...to KILL that manling! HrrrAAH!" Another robot, much larger than the others, flies into a wall after one savage kick, its chest cavity caved in. "Stompa also wants a second chance at those mortals," Stompa says. "The cat-man is an annoyance. Still, Stompa thinks Lashina should calm down." "YOU calm down! I was humiliated by a _man!_ A MORTAL man! GRAAA!" The lashes become a blur again, and the rest of the training equipment is shorn into shrapnel. {BZZT system inactive system inactive trainee must wait while repairs are effected.} Power surges from projectors in the walls, rearranging the material to restore it. Harriet laughs. And laughs, and laughs. "We'll kill him together, sister Fury. I with my Power Spikes and you with your lashes. Oh, what fun we'll have puncturing his flesh, searing his sinew, cracking his bones. Would you like some marrow?" the mad Fury asks suddenly, holding up an imaginary glass. Lashina glares at Harriet, though her gaze has less heat for her fellow Nishikawa-hater. "He sliced through my lashes. _Through_ them! Metal from Apokolips!" Bernadeth looks terribly bored. "Desaad rebuilt them for you himself. My brother's work is the finest in the universe. They will not break a second time." Lashina considers this for a long moment. "System! Create X-Element blade!" An unimaginably thin and sharp beam of devastating force bursts into existence. With a flick of her wrist, the Female Fury sends her new lash directly through the field. It comes back unharmed. "Nothing less than the Omega Effect will damage it," Bernadeth sighs, turning to leave. "I trust that will suffice." Lashina smiles terribly as Bernadeth leaves. Harriet sees Lashina's smile, and laughs and capers at the sight. "Oh yes," Lashina says throatily, pulling the metal whip taut in her hands with a snap. "Yes, this will do nicely. Very nicely indeed..." -- (/) Roland X aka Evil GM-San (I _like_ that! ;^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: The Possibility Wars Roster Book ;^) On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 03:57:49 -0700 Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00011367 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 22:22:24 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011360 Fuzzy, Having managed to Hold Amazo, In A Chromatic Sphere Like Construct of "Ruberized" Elemental Forces, Just long enough for A Halt to be Called... "I Leave you with One Comment, In The End Anti-Life Serves But One Master... 'The Final Night' Make of It What you May." Fuzzy Ports in > Champions Island. > The dome in the center of the island is fully open, allowing the >full assemblage -- Champions, CAoL, and ad hoc cavalry -- to gather. >A large flat spot just outside the dome's perimeter has been set >aside for Hydra and any other gigantic forms (like, say, Dhyrclhanc's >full-sized bod), while several tables and a huge number of chairs are >available for the humanoids. Everyone who needed a ride has been >provided teleportation or a psychokinetic lift, and all are now >assembled. (OOC: Feel free to roleplay this process as desired.) At the Edge of the Area Set aside for the Large Attendies, Five Rectagular Doors Open, The TechnoVar SkyLord Exits from the One that Opens to the Astral, MiniCon Fire Exits One in a Blast of Flame MiniCon Air Exits Another in a Blast like a Wind Tunnel MiniCon Water Exits The Fourth in a With a Small Flood MiniCon Earth Exits from The Last which Looks Like a Sheet of Granite The Doors Close Promptly Behind Them. > As others start to turn, he waves them back. /"No, no, please, >those of you who are chatting, keep going. I don't want to stand on >ceremony or formality here."/ (OOC: CAoLers do as they wish; the >others just smile indulgently and give him their attention.) The >former Freelance Immortal sighs. /Next time you want to hand me Something Like That, Try to give me a little more Warning Would You... ;)/ > (OOC: Insert the intros of CAoL regulars here. Anyone who wishes >to "Busiek" in intros/explanations of old friends can do so here.) "/I am Lord Fuzzy, Friend Roland Over There, Seems to Rate me Highly... Uncomfortably Highly.../" "/I will Let Skylord Introduce Himself, And His Associates./" "#I am SkyLord a Scout of the TechnoVar Alliance, My Team will answer to Their Elemental Affiliations, However they can only Express themselves in CyberPsi or DataLink#" '#My Powers are those of The Spirit and The Edge, The Others have powers Related to Their Elements, When We Link Up our Total Amplitude, As Well As Our Range of Effect Are Increased.#" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: The Possibility Wars Roster Book ;^) On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 10:15:14 -0700 Patrick O'Shea Said As CAoL Message # 00011368 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 22:22:24 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011360 > > Roland scans the group. /"And it looks like we have a few _new_ >friends."/ He smiles in a welcoming manner. /"Would you like to >introduce yourselves? Also, I've gotten...er, less concerned about >the exact parameters of my position of leadership, but I wouldn't >mind a quick overview of folx' strengths and abilities."/ At the first break, Patrick looks up. "Patrick O'Shea, New Order Kai Grand Defender. I was trained on the world of Magnamund in physical and mental combat. I apologize for my initial poor showing; the world I spent the last 20 years of my life on wasn't quite as...chaotic as this one. "Specifically? I can attack and defend myself telepathically, as well as sense danger and detect lingering psychic traces on objects. Postcognition, I think it's called here. I picked up a little battle-oriented magic as well, but it's fairly small, compared to some of the magic I've seen here. Oh, I can also heal small wounds, if needed." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Interludes Among Shadows I On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 10:31:07 -0700 Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00011369 >On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 01:41:08 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011366 > > "I would rather drink poisoned X-Element than do either of you >honor," Steppenwolf snaps. "What are you at in here?" > "A most fascinating subject," Desaad says silkily. "We think they >are brothers." (OOC: If the Nemos are identical, then Desaad and >Granny theorize they are twins.) Let's go with twins. It's simpler. > Steppenwolf's face turns deep red. "Spare me your cruel sport, >Desaad," the warrior spits. "Have you learned anything from them?" > "Nothing yet," Granny replies smoothly, "but their senses are so >acute that our Memory Machines will certainly extract all they know >soon." Nemo's "job" often involves witnessing unimaginable amounts of pain and suffering and letting it happen if it will prevent worse in the future. He doesn't like watching it, but if he must, he must. His *own* pain can be a rather different matter. :-) But in this case, he's in a situation analogous to a secret agent who must be the perfect lover of someone he despises. The acts may be something that he'd "enjoy" under other circumstances. But in the context.... And Nemo's game is far more subtle. He has to play to Granny & Desaad's urges, and through the link that often forms between even normal humans and those they abuse, work on them to redeem them. A sort of reverse Stockholm syndrome. It may not work. Even if it does, it may take too long. But it has to be tried. So he "plays along" with their amusements. (We will spare the reader details... ) And they get appropriate info in doses just large enough to match what they think he is, and small enough to be effectively worthless. The two of him even supply appropriate inconsistencies. Inwardly, he smiles. They are enjoying their work on him so much that they are ignoring other captives. It'll be worth it just for that. He thinks to himself that it's a pity they are creative, without any artistry. He sighs to himselves and goes back to slowly building fragments of emotion and feeling that will some day unite to allow the pair true empathy and the ability to pity others. To Granny and Desaad, all they notice are random flashes of feeling, easily ignored. But thoseflashes are channeling, *patterning*, if you will, their minds and hearts. Some day, the paths laid down by them will be triggered buy something and like adding a seed crustal to a supersatured solution, they'll change form into something quite different than they are currently. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid (2 of 2) On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 12:53:50 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011370 >On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 13:22:10 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011356 > > Clearly relieved, Eric drops the thought, and most of his worry >with it. "You are a very handy woman to have around," he comments >with perfect deadpan delivery. Ziactrice conceals a mental wince. Eric is evidently not aware of Defender's injury; she didn't arrive in good time to prevent that, and then to make matters worse (though the Freelance Immortal would never have done so deliberately) Roland then went on about how her timing was _good_. Eric himself was fighting to back her up. He darn near got his clock cleaned, despite all she could do. She expects better of herself, not that she'd let on to anyone about it. Her reply is, however, a bit tardy. "I'm sure the tunnel rats would express a quite different opinion, given the horrid mess I made of that particular battle zone." Zia disagrees with such solemnity it is -hilarious-. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 9: Power of the Darkseid On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 13:29:10 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00011371 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00011361 > >>/Gee, a man hasn't said no to me so vehemently in a rather long >>time./ Zia mocks Eric with a warmly friendly tone. > > /Have you tried committing suicide for one of them recently?/ Eric >drawls in a more familiar tone. ^No. Not recently.^ Zia retorts to Eric alone - too quietly. He knows that he has, completely by accident, struck the petite Amberite a sore blow in a tender place. With an effort, she _doesn't_ get distracted, but only because they're both under mortal threat at the moment. > Kanto bows formally and gracefully. "I would be honored, Dame >Knight." "At our mutual convenience, later, then, Master of the Blade." Zia returns, bowing her head - which is the best she can manage while supporting Eric as well. > Eric smiles gently. Or at least as gently as he's able. /I am >_not_ wearing a white dress. Or a bronze bikini. Brrr./ /Good. White is the color of death, to me, and I think you'd look much better in Roman gladiator if you did bronze, actually./ Zia returns, apparently with utter seriousness. > Eric carefully and gently allows the lady to recover her wits. Zia >normally has plenty to spare, so for her to be at her wits' end, she >must be run down indeed. She doesn't actually _look_ tired, but she does seem to be slowing down slightly on the repartee. >>"Fine." The Lady-Knight of Amber says stolidly. "I'll just have to >>do the _same_ for you. My honor doesn't allow such an unequal >>obligation." > > "I'm chivalrous, not sexist," he says without any rancor at all. >(Good thing, too -- taking on a rancor would probably be tough right >now. ) OOC: Peanuts with little light-sabers heading your way, Evil GM-san. >"Though my skin isn't nearly as attractive as yours, particularly at >this moment. My _scars_ have scars right now." "Um. What scars, Eric?" Zia rolls her shoulders slightly - a nervous gesture he's never noticed before. The Lady-Knight of Amber cocks her head slightly. She sounds uncharacteristerically unsure as she adds. "I didn't think you were proud of them, so I took care of them. After all, too much scarring can impede motion. Unless you're one of those who _like_ having them?" She says, worried that he may be offended. > Eric scowls. "Stupid me. One more point -- you have blanket >permission to 'recharge' me, so long as it will not endanger your own >reserves of energy." "Gad! You try to set that condition on me - while you're still at nil from _helping_ me?! Sauce for the gander also cooks the goose, Eric." >>"No, I don't think you should." Zia says. "In fact, I'd very much >>like you to give over the notion. Will you? Please?" > > Eric looks _stunned._ While five years is a lot longer to him than >it (probably) is to someone who measures her life in centuries, he >isn't one to forget a friend, or a slight to one. > On the other hand, a non-hostile getting that level of request >from Zia...well, it's like hitting a gnat with a tacnuke. >"Well...I didn't give my word on the matter. Consider it dropped." > [Wouldn't mind dropping the boy scout on his head instead, but...] Zia laughs, with evident relief. "Thank you; I'll see if I can make up passing on the pleasure to you in some other fashion that you can find as agreeable." She says with real warmth that has melted many far colder hearts than Eric's own - well, masculine ones at least. "You're gonna get your eyebrows _stuck_ that way, you keep jacking it higher - it'll mesh with your hairline." She teases him. "I haven't tried to jumpstart someone's Essence before - shall we find a place where you can employ Morgan's advice and teach me how?" Ziactrice actually smiles, plainly looking forward both learning something new to her (like any long-lifer) and spending some time with him. "I don't plan to introduce myself, beyond as emergency evac specialist for everyone at need of such. The more mysterious I remain on this gig, the better." She says, with a odd, almost Roger-like, fey grin. =================================