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Post by roxolid on Feb 13, 2012 14:47:43 GMT -5
This is a one shot game using the module 'Deadly Fusion' written for, and using the DC Heroes RPG 2nd edition rules. Disclaimer: I'm still in the process of reading the section that pertains to me, so this post is a 'placeholder' and introduction. It's been a few years since I was a regular GM on this forum so might take a little while to get back into it. (That's my excuses out of the way) Intro - for anyone reading that doesn't know about the game. DC Heroes 1st edition was published in 1985, a year or so after Marvel Superheroes from TSR. The game used 2D10 for all mechanics and allowed, in the same system, players to run superheroes with such varied power levels as Robin all the way up to Superman. In those days, the Crisis on Infinite Earths was beyond the remit of the rules (coming out after the game had been published if I recall). That meant Superman could not only throw Mount Everest, but without breaking a sweat, he could throw it up to 400 yards away. If he felt like it, he could use a little effort and toss it into orbit. Fast forward a few years (1989) and the Crisis changed everything. Everyone was depowered, and things got interesting again. DC Heroes 2nd edition was more or less the 'perfect' supers game, fixing the stuff that was busted in the first game (don't get me started on gadget rules and the cost of making a fork) and adding more besides. 2nd Edition, like first, was a box jammed full of stuff. It's incredible value for money. If you see it cheap on ebay I recommend you take a punt on it - you won't be disappointed. In 1993 DC Heroes 3rd edition came out as a single softback book. By then Mayfair games was in trouble and at some point after that, (1997 I think) Mayfair was bought out to save it from going under by ICE. That's another story. So, it's an out of print game, with an out of print (by some 22 years!) module we're running. It's unique in that it was made for two players, each of which took turns to GM/Play, with one person choosing Superman, the other Batman. Oh, and in case anyone wondered, this is what everything ever published for the DC Heroes RPG (all editions) looks like: That's not a great photo. There's loads of stuff there, and some of the piles are several inches deep. As you might have figured, I had to get all that stuff out to find Deadly Fusion which was, yep, you guessed, at the bottom. Everything for the MURPG ever published is sneaked in at the top of the picture for comparison... I keep meaning to make a list of this stuff, but there's dozens of modules, sourcebooks etc, and I can't be bothered There's piles of duplicates in the loft too. That RPG geek hoarding thing I guess ... This was Andymans' idea (running the game, not rambling on about the game) and we'll see how it goes - I think he mentioned. possibly running other games with the system seeing as it's fairly easy to roll dice on here... [dice=10][dice=10] (ok, that works...) Note for Andyman: will PM you when ready to roll (I think I go first don't I? GMing you running Batman according to the module) I'll PM you when ready to go (It will be this week, I just want to dig up some images of Batman to use/help and break up the eye bleeding walls of text) Cheers, Paul [rand=45157412923047247272906735149022264488975014354427015289890196701]
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Post by andyman on Feb 13, 2012 20:19:15 GMT -5
My Story
In 1990 my Aunt Joan took me to Toys R Us and offered to buy me anything in the store I wanted. My choice? DC Heroes (Second Edition)!
However, unlike roxolid, I never really played the game! I recall preparing to play the Justice League adventure that came with the set, but not actually playing it. All I got through was a short Batman solo adventure that came in the box!
20 years later, I picked up Deadly Fusion and considered playing it here online, but then I'd have to send half the module to someone I only know by their online moniker. (most likely one ending in "knight")
Then, just a few days ago, roxolid bragged that he had everything ever published for DC Heroes. So, I PMed him to ask if he had Deadly Fusion...and he does!
So now, in honor of my late Aunt Joan (She died of cancer. I hate cancer.), I will finally play DC Heroes!
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Post by roxolid on Feb 15, 2012 19:18:32 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]DEADLY FUSION[/glow]
Like a dark shroud, nightfall cloaks stately Wayne Manor, whose museum-like halls echo every footfall which resounds within. Flames from the grand marble fireplace play lithely across your chiselled features as you recline in the elegance of the manor's study.
Outside the ornamented windows, far below in the distance, wink the omnipresent lights of Gotham City. The soft yellow glow of home and business dwellings clearly do not mix with the red and blue flashes of police lights. The city is a living, breathing entity, one which seeks to smother you in the oppressive demands of being its self-imposed guardian.
A faint knock at the study door precedes the entrance of a lifelong assistant, a man who has served you as confidante and advisor, father and friend, since even before the day your life was thrown into chaos. With slight but noticeable trepidation, Alfred crosses the room, his immaculately polished, black, leather wing-tips brushing lithely across the demure Persian rug.
"I beg your pardon, Master Bruce," Alfred says politely, "but as I was dusting about below, I noticed a warning light flashing on your monitoring system. I thought it best to inform you post-haste."
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Post by andyman on Feb 16, 2012 7:11:43 GMT -5
"Thank you Alfred." Bruce hopes it's not another umbrella store.
Mr. Wayne rises to cross over to a bust of a famous old person in a white wig. Flipping the head open at the jawline reveals a button. Pressing it, a wall opens revealing the bat-poles.
'Robin,' he thinks looking at the twin poles. 'Jason, I never could make myself remove yours. It's a constant reminder of how dangerous this work is. and how dangerous The Joker is!'
Like a fireman, Bruce Wayne goes down the bat-pole, somehow emerging at the bottom fully dressed in the cape and cowl of Batman! 'Perhaps an umbrella store might be nice after all. Or maybe a riddle. Or a priceless cat statue.'
Batman checks the warning light.
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Post by roxolid on Feb 16, 2012 17:42:08 GMT -5
Bruce activates the hidden switch that reveals the entrance to the Batcave, but is interrupted by a light cough from Alfred, who continues dusting but glances towards the window. Bruce Waynes eyes are drawn to the Bat Signal flashing in a regular arc across the night sky. "It never rains but it pours..." says Alfred, humming to himself as he polishes a vase.
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Post by andyman on Feb 17, 2012 18:31:24 GMT -5
"Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it."
Bruce decides to take a moment to check his warning light before leaving to answer the bat-signal.
"Alfred, please prep the Batmobile. I'm going to do something about this weather we're having."
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Post by roxolid on Feb 18, 2012 18:41:03 GMT -5
Alfred nods "Right away sir. Consider the car ready to go at your convenience" and moves away with seemingly little haste. Bruce knew the Batmobile would be warmed up and ready to go. He makes his way to the 'Cave.
A slight but chill breeze fills the air and circulates haphazardly throughout the immensity that is the fabled Batcave. As you enter, automatic sensors detect your presence and activate the cave's lighting system, causing hundreds of your winged namesakes to flee into the darkened crevices which riddle the stone walls.
Along one gigantic wall resides a vast expanse of computer terminals and state-of-the-art electronic hardware, the likes of which would make S.T.A.R. Labs envious. Upon one particular console, a single red light flashes incessantly.
With a frown, Bruce Wayne sits in the chair facing the big screen and presses a combination of keys on the keyboard in front of him. The screen changes to show an overlay of the Waynetech building in Gotham. It signals that a break in has occurred, but even as he looks on, the light and alarm are cancelled, apparently at the source. False alarm?
Or Foul play?
=========MECHANICS SECTION=========
[dice=10] [dice=10] Int (12) vs OV/RV of 2 - discover source of alarm
Result: Positive RAPs gained - success [rand=63530552250205366955138593393267966082279667613438510239916897615]
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Post by andyman on Feb 18, 2012 20:40:04 GMT -5
Waynetech. Bruce should call as himself to see what's happening. He's very good at telling if someone is lying to him, and while his skills work better in person, from here he has the Bat-Computer to help back him up.
Batman dials Waynetech onsite security after setting the Bat-Computer to record the conversation for voice analysis, matching and lie detection.
"Hello Waynetech Security? This is Mr. Bruce Wayne. I'm calling for a full report on tonight's alarm."
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Post by roxolid on Feb 18, 2012 21:22:45 GMT -5
"Waynetech Enterp... Mr Wayne? " said the voice on the other end of the phone. "Ah yes, the alarm. Nothing to be ah, alarmed about, pardon the pun. There's been a slight malfunction in the security monitoring system, but the repairmen have assured me they will remedy the problem as soon as possible."
"We'll keep you appraised of the situation." said the voice on the end of the phone.
Bruce noticed movement out of the corner of his eye, and saw Alfred stood a few feet away. "The car is ready sir." he said quietly, and in doing so reminded Bruce of the Bat Signal shining high over Gotham.
The voice on the other end of the phone added "If that's all I can help you with I'll get back to work. Everything is in order here."
Bruce couldn't tell if anything was out of the ordinary whilst on the phone. Face to face was always best. Perhaps a visit was in order, but the issue of the Bat Signal would need resolving sooner rather than later. Commissioner Gordon knew never to use it lightly...
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Post by andyman on Feb 18, 2012 23:55:24 GMT -5
"Thank you, but I don't believe I got your name..."Bruce uses his Artist (Actor): 8 Subskill to resist being fooled by someone pretending to be Waynetech Security but isn't. [dice=10][dice=10] Mr. Wayne also makes sure the whole conversation is saved on Batman's micro-cassette recorder. Once the name is given, Bruce Wayne ends the call and the Batman takes the driver's seat! Next stop... ...unless the security guy turns out to be the Joker using a funny voice. [rand=14253350859507918734947817400097888151829340495173421581760048866]
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Post by roxolid on Feb 19, 2012 15:53:10 GMT -5
"I didn't give my name. My personal ID number is B26354, but I can't tell you my personal details over the telephone." Wayne had to admit he had a point - industrial espionage was rife, and a sure fire way of getting to know what you needed was to exert 'leverage' over employees or their families. Though he was an expert actor, and skilled at spotting when someone else was hiding something, Bruce Wayne couldn't much tell whether something was amiss - the fellow on the other end of the phone was on the level it seemed. The ID number he gave checked out as being approved for use by Waynetech scientists. As the phone clicks off on the other end, Bruce Wayne stares at the handset he replaces for a moment, keen mind running through a number of scenarios. Paranoia, or simply the greatest deductive mind of this or any other time running through every possible scenario possible? A light flashing on the console was the reminder the Bat-Signal awaited. Bruce Wayne shed his mask of inaction to become a legendary figure feared, and rightly so, by the scum of Gothams criminal underbelly. ========= With well practised ease, Bruce Wayne completes the transformation from Wealthy socialite to scourge of the underworld...As Alfred promised, the Batmobile is warmed up and ready to go. The Dark Knight slides into the seat and flicks several switches, responding with a vocal and retinal scan when the cars security systems engage. State of the art, the Batmobile had undergone steady improvements since the first model, some of which had been a result of technological advances, others due to catastrophic damage and a complete rebuild. All part of the job. The sleek, aerodynamic lines of the famed Batmobile cut gracefully into the velvet darkness which surrounds Gotham City. The great monolithic skyscrapers make a vast, man-made canyon of the city: a canyon filled with both the best of human genius and the most vile of criminal kind.
From high atop the Gothic structure of Gotham's City Hall, the brilliant, golden light casts an all-too-well-known image upon the low cloud cover, a beacon which cuts its way across the night sky: the Bat-Signal.
You know who waits to greet you on that rooftop dozens of stories above the street; he's a man you've known for years. The ever-present gentlemanly pipe and casual demeanor before you could only belong to Commissioner Gordon."Batman," Commissioner Gordon mutters, "thank you for responding. I'm afraid Gotham City may once again be in for more than it can handle .... "We just received a distraught message from the acting warden of Arkham Asylum, Dr. Bruce Underwood. The doctor had only enough time to reveal that an attempted escape was in progress before communications were severed at the source. Witnesses say they heard a large explosion in the detention centre, which we believe must have cut off the call. "My men are establishing a defensive perimeter around Arkham, and I have ordered that no one is to enter the grounds until you arrive."
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Post by andyman on Feb 19, 2012 17:20:36 GMT -5
"I'm on my way, Commissioner. But please do me a favor and have a squad car check out the Waynetech building in Gotham, but don't reveal who tipped you off. Let me know if they find anything suspicious. Thank you, Jim."
Rolling Charisma (Persuassion):
[dice=10][dice=10]
Okay, off to Arkham.
"Oh yes, Commissioner. I apologize in advance for speeding."
[rand=571058872854337180015560076572398556192405521877368594107683748]
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Post by roxolid on Feb 19, 2012 19:58:50 GMT -5
Gordon shrugs "I can have a car go by, but it might not be for a while. We have our hands full with this one. Everything else is going to be shuffled aside until the current crisis is over. Hmmm." he says, pondering. "If you take fourth and main, then the underpass and turn at Shelby Avenue, you might be able to detour on your way to Arkham and check out the Waynetech building yourself. If you're only going to be a couple of minutes, my men can hold the fort till you get there. Besides, what's going on at Waynetech? Anything I should know about?"
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Post by andyman on Feb 19, 2012 20:52:36 GMT -5
Thief (Stealth): 10 check
[dice=10][dice=10]
When Gordon turns around, Batman's gone! He hates when he does that.
Batman takes Gordon's advice and stops by Waynetech on the way to Arkham Asylum. After parking he sneaks up to the front door hoping not to be spotted.
Another Thief (Stealth): 10 check
[dice=10][dice=10]
And he looks around.
Perception check using INT 12 and a -1 CS modifier on the OV for his Sharp Eye advantage.
[dice=10][dice=10]
Was this a false alarm after all, or was Batman right to check his gut instincts and stop at Waynetech first? [rand=94836164452135564625660059973597572306325123645376275299438275397]
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Post by roxolid on Feb 20, 2012 19:30:51 GMT -5
Gordon moves to the edge of the roof to catch a glimpse of where the Batman had gone. He knew what he would find - nothing. With a chuckle, he shakes his head, relights the pipe and tosses a match off the roof. He walks to the signal and considers leaving it on - the scum of Gothams criminal fraternity are a cowardly, suspicious lot. Knowing the Batman was out and about usually frightened most into staying inside. He flicked it off anyway. It cost a fortune to run and got hot really fast. Wouldn't do for it not to work when he needed it!
=========
The ominous black vehicle thunders through the night, horsepower and torque battling with the tyres for dominance...
The grounds of Waynetech's research headquarters just outside the Gotham City limits are silent on this cool, summer evening. Except for a few company cars, the parking lot is as deserted as the remainder of the area. The intense silence, while a bit unnerving, suggests nothing out of the ordinary. Twenty yards ahead, along a marbleized sidewalk flanked on each side by an immaculately manicured lawn, two large, glass doors bearing the Waynetech logo shine brightly with interior lighting.
Batman noted the security cameras, the few deadspots, and the monitoring cycle as they whirred about, taking in the full view around the place. To get past without being seen required a matchless skill in staying hidden, blending into the darkness, and flawless timing.
No problem.
Peering into the building, Batman sees a semi circular desk surrounded by several security monitors. The only movement inside comes from a slight man in a white lab coat, who is checking the monitors. Even from this distance Batman can see he has a name tag. It reads 'Dr Flagg'.
Other than that, Batman can't see anything outwardly suspicious from here. The security was tight on his buildings. This man or any other night shift workers might have set the alarm off by accident.
Wild goose chase, or worth asking the fellow what's going on?
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