Adventures Assemble S3E3: The Great Brain Robbery!

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kenseido
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by kenseido »

Jason Maxwell
HP: 5, Condition: Fatigued

"I will go wherever you guys think is best, but I think I might do best at the cove."

Dungeon crawl sounds way better than dealing with those smarmy-sounding people.
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Gilliam
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Gilliam »

Nightbird
HP: 7 LP: 1
Condition: Normal

Ysariel wrote: Amethyst looks around for objections. There don't seem to be any.

"You're dispensing with the traditional job interview?"

"Your competence was never in doubt," Amethyst says, extending her arm towards Beatrice in a handshake. "And I trust Gelert as a judge of character. Welcome aboard."
"Yes welcome to the team Beatrice." Imogen says warmly also offering a handshake (Nightbird is not a huggy person) "I can safely say we are a lot easier to work with than our beloved Mayor and bets are now open on what shade of purple Mayor Coopers face will turn when he hears the news."

Imogen's face turned more serious as the discussion changed to the topic of GAS and its secret experiments on the poor of Phoenix Bay (yes Nightbird has jumped to a conclusion).
"Maybe it's both. Aranel, if she straight up told you all this, she probably wants us investigating G.A.S. and arresting its employees, so she can swoop in and nab the spoils on her own. Dangling some of Rex's dark secrets in front of us is an easy way to sic us on him. We're going to have to keep an eye out for any moves from the Anarchy Crackpots while we're there." Amethyst stands. "I'm going to pay Rex a visit at G.A.S. and find out what exactly's going on in his basement."

"Then, as my first task as Operations Manager, I shall take the liberty of arranging a meeting with Mr. Rex Richards," Beatrice says. "An investigation by the city's foremost superhero team should get his attention given the recent attacks on his company."
"That sounds like a good idea and after the recent attacks there is more chance if GAS are up to no good that they will panic at a visit from us."
kenseido wrote: "I will go wherever you guys think is best, but I think I might do best at the cove."
"I am happy to check out the cove as well." Imogen adds "So does anyone want to visit Commander Chaos now or shall we do it after the checking out the cove and GAS first?"

Imogen paused slightly as she realised she was starting to sound a little pushy

"Sorry I should've asked if anyone had another suggestion for what we should do?"
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stavaros_the_arcane
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by stavaros_the_arcane »

Ysariel wrote: Tue Sep 28, 2021 7:26 pm All
Justice Hall

OOC

You can interact further with Beatrice, Amy and Amethyst. When you have nothing more to do you should decide which course of action to pursue:

1) Investigate G.A.S. to determine what the Anarchy Command wants to steal from it;
2) Investigate the cove north of the city for clues to locate the Anarchy Command's base of operations;
3) Question Commander Chaos at Deep Six super-prison to find out who the Anarchy Command's leader is.

All three options involve combat. Option 2) will result in your capture and awards extra HP. Do not choose option 2) if you are not comfortable with your character being captured.

Alternately, you can choose to pursue some other course of action that you consider reasonable. It's not compulsory to go along with any of the options presented above.
Gilliam wrote: Wed Sep 29, 2021 10:18 am Nightbird
HP: 7 LP: 1
Condition: Normal

"I am happy to check out the cove as well." Imogen adds "So does anyone want to visit Commander Chaos now or shall we do it after the checking out the cove and GAS first?"

Imogen paused slightly as she realised she was starting to sound a little pushy

"Sorry I should've asked if anyone had another suggestion for what we should do?"
Gelert shakes his head. "No I think looking into these three things is probably a good way to start this investigation."

Gelert considers the options before him. "While I would be good at questioning Commander Chaos, I think it would be best if right now I went with Amethyst to investigate G.A.S. I can be pretty good at smoothing over negotiations even with people who don't like superheroes... or us specifically. Plus I can alternate between being incredibly distracting or being completely overlooked as needed. Aranel, if you don't feel you can deal with them right now, let me handle it."
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Psistrike
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Psistrike »

Moonlight
HP: 4 LP: 1
Condition: Fine

"Thank you for that, Gelert. I'm afraid I need to work on reigning in my...temper when dealing with people who make me angry, I had to fix a mistake when fighting Doctor Disorder because of it. The cove sounds like a good place for me to help check out, my powers make me amphibious so I could possibly sneak inside underwater if it goes inside far enough."
Ysariel
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Ysariel »

Moonlight, Nightbird & Jason
Outside the city -- Small cove

Beatrice provides the three of you with a commercial secure GPS device which Nightbird, who knows the coordinates, can use to direct you to the cove, which lies about an hour's drive north of the city -- a much shorter trip for you, of course.

At the freeway near the spot, Nightbird observes the tracks of offroad vehicles in the soft earth; it seems that the militants used four-wheel-drive vehicles to transport the weapons from the cove to the freeway, where trucks waited to bring them the rest of the way to their destination. Following the tracks leads you to the cove itself, a beautiful "C" of bright white sand surrounding blue-green seawater, some 600 yards in diameter and surprisingly deep. There is just enough space for a midget sub to shelter in it and deliver equipment, but the sub is long gone now.

You notice that the rocks and shrubs that litter the area inland of the beach, casting irregular shadows across the ground, offer many hiding places. Not for a large military force, but a handful of agents could certainly be lying in wait.
Nightbird: Perception, 1 degree of success

They are very well-hidden but you spot the telltale glint of sunlight off gunment and pick out several humanoid figures hiding amongst the rocks on either side of the cove, in ideal positions to shoot anyone coming down to the beach. It is hard to tell for sure at this distance but their gear looks similar to that of the R.I.O.T. troops Gelert arrested at Justice Hall.
Jason: Perception, 2 degrees of success

In addition to the above, you spot proximity bombs scattered along the path down to the cove. From afar they look like pebbles but you can pick out where exactly they are. Since you spotted them, you are able to avoid them (or direct a teammate to avoid them) if you go to the cove.
OOC

You can enter the cove to investigate on foot. Moonlight in particular can approach by swimming instead, and explore the seabed near the cove's entrance, as she has immunity to drowning and pressure. She can dive deep enough that enemies on land cannot see her (counts as total concealment).

Alternately, you can remain outside the cove on land and observe what happens.

If you enter, make a Stealth check if you want to remain hidden. Alternately you may use Concealment in lieu of Stealth. You can also do whatever else you consider reasonable.
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Psistrike
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Psistrike »

Moonlight
HP: 4 LP: 1
Condition: Fine

Aranel approached the cove underwater, diving deep enough to avoid notice from anyone or anything not down there with her. It had been so long since she had gotten to enjoy a nice deep dive she got distracted for a few minutes simply swimming around. Exploring the seabed near the cove's entrance, she hoped to find an aquatic entrance. Though if there is one down there she wasn't about to head in on her own, she would have to surface and inform Jason and Nightbird.
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Gilliam
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Gilliam »

Nightbird
HP: 7 LP: 1
Condition: Normal

Making their way to the cove Imogen agreed with Aranel's suggestion that she approached from the ocean and watched her disappear under the waves a little way up the coast from the cove.

Tapping their commlinks Imogen updated Amethyst and Gelert that they had nearly reached the cove and would let them know if there was anything of interest there.

As they got closer to the cove Imogen put up her arm to stop Jason

"Looks like there is a welcoming party down there Jason, maybe more of the goons from the fight at Justice Hall. I can sneak down there and surprise them."

There was a slight questioning tone in Imogen's voice as she was unsure just what Jason was capable of and why there was something that nagged at her about him.
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kenseido
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by kenseido »

Jason Maxwell
HP: 5, Condition: Fatigued

Jason stops a half step before Nightbird grabs him.

"Yeah, they set out party favors as well."

Looking at Nightbird's eyes, he then turns and looks out over the area. One by one, the heroine sees the word "Bomb!" appear over each of the proximity bombs Jason spotted.

After he identifies each bomb to her, he then takes a step back from her. "I may cheat a little, but I can be sneaky as well," he says before fading away.
Going to use Figments to communicate the location of the bombs to Nightbird. Since it's a single target Illusion, only she sees it.
Nightbird technically gets a save, but Gilliam can choose to fail it automatically.

Afterward, I will use Fade to Conceal myself.
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Gilliam
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Gilliam »

Nightbird
HP: 7 LP: 1
Condition: Normal

kenseido wrote: Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:22 am
Jason stops a half step before Nightbird grabs him.

"Yeah, they set out party favors as well."

Looking at Nightbird's eyes, he then turns and looks out over the area. One by one, the heroine sees the word "Bomb!" appear over each of the proximity bombs Jason spotted.

After he identifies each bomb to her, he then takes a step back from her. "I may cheat a little, but I can be sneaky as well," he says before fading away.
"Nice spotting." Imogen says quietly as an image of the word "bomb" appears over non-descript objects that she had not noticed before then as Jason disappears

"That's a handy trick."

Tapping her comm Imogen advised Aranel that she was heading down to the cove and to watch out for bombs and any hidden guards in the water.

Recalling where the bombs were Imogen moved from shadow to shadow using all her skills at stealthy movement.
OOC wrote: Use Stealth Skill Mastery to Take 10 for a +24 result.

And sorry been quiet for last couple of days as I was receiving a DNS error for this site from my home computer.
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kenseido
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by kenseido »

Jason Maxwell
HP: 5, Condition: Fine

Jason moves slowly after Nightbird, carefully avoiding the bombs and men.
Edit: Corrected Fatigued status per OOC post.
Last edited by kenseido on Tue Oct 05, 2021 11:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ysariel
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Ysariel »

Gelert & Amethyst
Silicon Alley -- General Arms Systems HQ
stavaros_the_arcane wrote: Thu Sep 30, 2021 9:17 pm"While I would be good at questioning Commander Chaos, I think it would be best if right now I went with Amethyst to investigate G.A.S. I can be pretty good at smoothing over negotiations even with people who don't like superheroes... or us specifically. Plus I can alternate between being incredibly distracting or being completely overlooked as needed. Aranel, if you don't feel you can deal with them right now, let me handle it."
Beatrice arranges a meeting by phone while you arrive with Amethyst at G.A.S. headquarters, a sprawling cluster of large, white, blocky buildings in immaculately landscaped terrain. The sign by the main gate screams GENERAL ARMS SYSTEMS in polished aluminium and there is a titanium sculpture of five different aircraft flying in formation out front, lead by the F-35.

A red Lamborghini drives up to the gate of the company. The gullwing doors open and out steps a man:

Image

"That's Rex Richards, owner of G.A.S. He's basically Tony Stark," Amethyst murmurs to you. "But twice the jerk and half the genius, and without any of the courage, compassion, or other redeeming qualities. Other people hold the titles of CEO and vice-president, but they're just puppets -- Rex is the real power behind the company his father founded."

He is followed by two young, buxom women, one on each arm, one white and one black, wearing high heels and boudoir lingerie. He pauses at the car and adjusts his sunglasses. Amethyst can feel his eyes on her, tracing the contours of her half-exposed body, following the contrast between angular plating and naked skin. In her skimpy, heavily sexualized costume, she's no more clothed than Rex's two girlfriends.

Yet standing here at ease while he is seized by his lusts and urges, Amethyst feels something other than meek submission to the male gaze. She feels free. She doesn't have to worry about a lecher copping a feel or being assaulted behind a locked door. She doesn't have to tiptoe around rejecting a man for fear of being harassed, stalked or worse, getting in the crosshairs of a murderous psycho. She doesn't have to fear judgey, catty women or employers thinking her less competent or feminists dictating how female heroes should look or religious nuts damning her on behalf of their God or any of society's hypocritical nonsense. She is Amethyst and she is free to revel in being a sensual, attractive young woman and rub it in their faces because they, and Rex in particular, are powerless to do any harm to her for it.

"I think the only reason he agreed to meet us," Amethyst continues, "is because it's an opportunity to make a move on me. He won't be interested in you, nor take you seriously, either as a threat or a crimefighter. That's our advantage."

Rex gestures and the women stay at the car, draping themselves suggestively over its chassis as he walks over. "Hello, Michelle," he says, striding right past you as though you don't exist. "Changed your mind on working with me? You'll fit right in with Crystal and Jewel." He gestures to the arm candy hanging around the car in pouty fashion.

Amy pipes up from one of the escorting drones. "Can I say something, or do you want to deal with this yourself?"

"I'll handle it," Amethyst says, and turns to him. "I'll have to disappoint you, Mr Richards; I'm self-employed. I thought you hated superheroes."

"That just makes it hotter. Come on, Michelle. You can even have your old company back, if you want. I'd be delighted to discuss the details with you in a more... intimate... setting."

He takes a step closer, only to walk into the invisible wall that is the forcefield of Amethyst's battlesuit. She smiles as he squishes his nose on the barrier.

"Not interested. You're too old, Rex, and you aren't my type." Her voice is cold enough to condense liquid nitrogen from the atmosphere. His face reddens. He wants her, desperately, and he can't have her. She is impervious to his wealth and status and influence and privilege. Hers is the power to deny his naked hunger, and that catches him off-guard.

"I'm not here to chat. My team suspects that the attacks around the city and on your headquarters are probing attacks by the Anarchy Command. We think they're after something you're working on, and if we're to stop them, we need to know what it is. I'd like you to discuss it with my friend here, Gelert."

Amethyst gestures to indicate you. Rex looks down -- very far down -- his nose at you. Then he laughs.

"Out of the question," Rex says flatly. "My work is critical to the national security of the United States. There are highly-classified projects here that the Chinese, Russians and North Koreans would kill to get their hands on. I can't reveal this to you or... a dog, especially a talking one. Pembroke or Cardigan?"

OOC

Making a hostile person reveal classified information is extremely difficult. Rex's prejudice against heroes in general and you as a dog in particular adds a +5 penalty, making it a DC 30 check of any interaction skill. Rex is immune to Amethyst's persuasion check on this matter so she cannot aid you. You gain 1 HP for what is effectively a Prejudice complication, even though it does not appear on your sheet.

If you do not pass the check, Rex still takes you on a tour of the facility because a complete refusal to cooperate reflects badly on his company, showing you unimportant things, not what the Anarchy Command is truly after. However, during this time, there will be additional opportunities for you to get to the bottom of the truth.
Ysariel
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Ysariel »

Moonlight
Undersea
Psistrike wrote: Sun Oct 03, 2021 7:07 am Aranel approached the cove underwater, diving deep enough to avoid notice from anyone or anything not down there with her. It had been so long since she had gotten to enjoy a nice deep dive she got distracted for a few minutes simply swimming around. Exploring the seabed near the cove's entrance, she hoped to find an aquatic entrance. Though if there is one down there she wasn't about to head in on her own, she would have to surface and inform Jason and Nightbird.
As you dive undersea you see whiteish sand on the seabed, clusters of aquatic plants and schools of small saltwater fish. And, in the distance -- you estimate half a mile away -- the very obviously artificial shape of a submarine. The angular hull suggests stealth characteristics, and in the afternoon sunlight filtering through the water you see a symbol painted on the side of its hull:

Image

The submarine does not seem to be moving. It is hanging motionless in the water, some 20 yards under the surface, close enough to surface swiftly without being visible from land.


OOC

I know you said you would surface, however if you like, entering the cove is nevertheless an option. The sub is monitoring the area with sonar. To enter the cove without being detected you must pass a DC 20 Stealth check.

Alternately, you can attack the submarine: roll for initiative and your attack check.

You can also withdraw back to land without being detected (no check required).
Ysariel
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Ysariel »

Jason & Nightbird
Outside the city -- Small cove
Gilliam wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 5:31 pmRecalling where the bombs were Imogen moved from shadow to shadow using all her skills at stealthy movement.
kenseido wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 7:59 pmJason moves slowly after Nightbird, carefully avoiding the bombs and men.
Nightbird and Jason successfully enter the cove without the Anarchy Command troops being any wiser for it. There's not even a loose rock send tumbling to warn them you are there.

Now that you are inside the cove, you can see more clearly that there are about two dozen soldiers, armed with various exotic-looking technological heavy weapons. From the way they maintain comms discipline and cover, Nightbird judges that they are clearly troops with military experience. However, if the R.I.O.T. troops Nightbird and Jason faced at Justice Hall are any clue then they probably do not have combat-relevant superpowers. There are, after all, many metahumans whose abilities are either very minor or impractical -- but who might nevertheless be attracted by the Anarchy Command's ideology. Their presence here and the well-laid ambush suggest either the Anarchy Command has assumed that you would pick up their trail after interrogating the agent who was with Knightfire's militants, or that agent was deliberately placed to lure you here into a trap.

You notice that one of the R.I.O.T. troops has what looks like a military radio. This could be used to call for reinforcements or communicate with their mobile headquarters.


OOC

You can attack the Anarchy Command troops openly. Because you passed your stealth check, you get a surprise round if you attack. The entire force of R.I.O.T. troops fight as a single squadron that is a minion.

You can attempt to abduct one of the R.I.O.T. agents for questioning by using Grab. You automatically hit by taking 10 but must make a new Stealth check to remain undetected because a Grab is an attack and this provokes attention. If the R.I.O.T. agent fails to pass the resistance check and you are not detected you will be able to move the agent out of the cove without being detected.

You can use Sleight of Hand to pickpocket the military radio without alerting anyone. This is a DC 15 Sleight of Hand check.

You can also withdraw back outside the cover (no check required), or do anything else you consider reasonable.
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Psistrike »

Moonlight
HP: 4 LP: 1
Condition: Fine

Upon seeing the sub Aranel came to a halt, trying to think of the best option for dealing with it. Disabling the engines so they can't surface and ambush her friends and allies, she didn't wish to face a straight fight. Time to get sneaky. Using her environment to blend in, she maneuvers away from any possible spotlights or portholes where she could be noticed swimming towards the rear of the sub. Manipulating as much water as possible from her surroundings, she directs it to crush the engine with intense pressure.

OOC: Stealth check: Stealth check: 1d20+8 23 Attack roll for Nature Strikes [water descriptor}:Attack roll: 1d20+12 28 DC 27, Precise so she is only targeting the engine.
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Gilliam
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Re: Adventures Assemble S3E1: Enemies of the State!

Post by Gilliam »

Nightbird
HP: 7 LP: 1
Condition: Normal

Looking at the welcome party Imogen strongly suspected that the RIOT agent was planted to steer them into a trap and from the looks of them the RIOT forces would be a greater challenge than the militants.

Suspecting that Jason would ne nearby, Imogen mimed pointing at the radio and then grabbing it with one hand. Waiting a moment Imogen then used all her skill to move close to the RIOT trooper with the radio and then helped herself to the radio.
OOC wrote: NIghtbird will move and use slight of hand to steal the radio and then move back to where she was.

Nightbird Slight Hand SC15: 1d20+8 19
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