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Post by roxolid on Nov 30, 2012 12:14:26 GMT -5
SUPERMAN
With a grim visage Superman looks about the water treatment plant. He has an unsettling thought that the kinds of wounds inflicted on the victims here might be as the result of Heat Vision - cauterized, bloodless...
After his encounter with several beings that exhibited abilities far in excess of his own, Supermans thoughts are drawn to the three renegade Kryptonians he'd encountered on the other version of Earth. That was a dead planet, and with the life snuffed from it, Superman had considered himself the last recourse of justice.
The experience had scarred him, and continued to do so.
Those Kryptonians had processed solar energy in a manner far more efficient than his own body could, but had - thankfully, albeit too late to save that world - been vulnerable to a curious gold isotope of Kryptonite that couldn't affect Superman.
Without that Superman felt sure he, too, would have died at General Zods' hands.
He shivered.
Having made the discovery of the Lexcorp patented device in one of the victims bodies, he considered his next move. Criminals did not randomly target public service facilities. Where was the profit?
With that, he turned to the machines, and the water itself, to see if it had been treated or contaminated in some way...
If Detective Sawyer asked Superman what he'd found out, he would tell her of the Lexcorp device, but had little else of concrete substance to tell. If, somehow, those Kryptonians had survived, this entire world was imperilled, and there was little - if anything - even the gathered heroes of this world, or indeed the villains as well, could do to stop them!
ACTIONS:
Investigate the water treatment plant and look for a motive, some reason for the murder and some clue as to what the perpetrator/s were after, and the potential consequences.
Go through the repertoire of Senses and Intelligence once more, concentrating on the cause and effect of the crime, rather than the victims.
Body: 18 Mind: 15 Spirit: 10 Hero Points: 53
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Post by andyman on Dec 18, 2012 22:32:54 GMT -5
Superman is unable to detect any abnormalities in the machines. The water at the outtake also appears to be uncontaminated in any way.
Capt. Sawyer remained outside with the rattled plant technician in her car. Therefore, Superman will not be asked what he found out until he chooses to exit the plant and return to her side. Body: 18 Mind: 15 Spirit: 10 Hero Points: 53
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Post by roxolid on Dec 20, 2012 20:47:57 GMT -5
SUPERMAN
Unsure of himself, the man of steel uses all his super senses once again to sweep the place, trying to find anything he missed. He examined what he already knew - four of the plant workers killed by something similar to his own Heat Vision. Neat holes, cauterized.
The Fifth body he was unsure of, save that a small metallic device constructed of Lexcorp parts had been implanted into the mans brain!
If nothing else, that meant following up a lead to Lexcorp, but Superman started to doubt himself.
He was called the 'last son of Krypton' and yet he'd met beings with powers and abilities beyond those of his own, come across a crime scene with victims killed by abilities like his own - or weapons made to resemble his own. Was he going mad? Was he, somehow, under the control of an outside force?
Was Superman a killer, no matter how unwitting?
Having exhausted his range of senses, he left the building to find Maggie Sawyer and report on what he'd found, including the device with parts from Lexcorp. Without any other leads to go on, he intended to head there next - after checking that Jimmy Olsen got where he needed to be safely.
Body: 18 Mind: 15 Spirit: 10 Hero Points: 53
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Post by andyman on Dec 28, 2012 17:57:52 GMT -5
"I don't get it Superman," Maggie says mystified. "Why would some guy with a LexCorp device implanted in his brain waltz in and waste some water processors?" Sawyer puts a hand to her throbbing temples and rubs slightly. "Anyway," the captain continues, "thanks for your help. I'll let you know if anything new develops."
Captain Sawyer turns to head into the facility herself.
Play ends here and we should now SWITCH ROLES, with me assuming the role of the Batman in Part II: Clowning Around, which roxolid will GM for me from his booklet.
Superman Body: 18 Mind: 15 Spirit: 10 Hero Points: 53
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Post by roxolid on Jan 2, 2013 19:25:43 GMT -5
OOC Gotcha - will read up the next part and get the next episode posted up in the next day or two (Mums birthday tomorrow so may be tricky, but day after should be fine...)
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Post by roxolid on Jan 7, 2013 18:02:36 GMT -5
The long road from Gotham City to Arkham Asylum twists and turns recklessly, as crooked as the inmates to which the road leads. A light rain begins to fall - yet another subtle reminder of the rampant filth that infests this city, as each acid-filled drop scorches into the Earth with a grip of strangulation.
The Batmobile's tungsten headlights cut into the fabric of night, its reflected beams forming grotesque monstrosities of the surrounding forestry as you whisk past. Yet, with but a casual glance to the side, you realize they are only trees, as trapped in their increasingly poisonous environment as you are in yours. Eventually, your drive is halted as the massive gates of Arkham Asylum come into view, the vast monolithic structure itself looming beyond.
As you near the gates, something darts alongside the Batmobile, rushing up to your window with urgency. With your vision obscured by the rain and deep darkness of the night, all you can make out is a distinct human figure, before a faint tapping comes to your window, and you recognize Sgt. Deckard, the head of Gotham's S.W.A.T. team. "Batman. I sure am glad you're here. We've set up a perimeter around Arkham per Commissioner Gordon's orders, but we haven't been able to contact any of the facility's personnel since the reported explosion and escape. So far we've discovered that the gate requires some special security code and this stone wall is protected by some sort of laser system." Batman knows Arkham well - the 15' high walls are protected by heat sensitive, computer controlled lasers, proof that the building within them housed some of the most dangerous criminal minds known to man. Another option is the main gate, though that would require the computer controlled security code to be hacked. Clearly the place was built not only to keep people in, but also to keep people out too.
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Post by andyman on Jan 21, 2013 18:20:45 GMT -5
Starting Hero Points: 150
"Thank you Sergeant. Excuse me. I'm going in."
Batman decides to try overriding the security system first. He steps out of the Batmobile and coolly walks over to the gate, letting the rain bounce off his cowl. He removes a Laser Torch from his utility belt and sets to work.
OOC: Since the Character Handbook says that complex systems have OV/RVs of 15/15 or higher, I'm going to spend 6 Hero Points each on my AV and EV.
Rolling a Thief check with 16/16.
[dice=10][dice=10]
If that was successful, Batman replaces the Laser Torch to it's spot at his waist and steps through the open gate.
Ending Hero Points: 138
[rand=2839336162433028474979767110198740821625899989157925037987367250025]
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Post by roxolid on Jan 24, 2013 21:09:22 GMT -5
BATMAN
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 138
With the self confident air of someone who studied from, and in many cases was trained by, the worlds best at what they do, Batman turned his considerable talents and intellect to the gate.
Seeking to slice and splice his way into the security system, Batman is aware of his error almost... almost... before he makes it.
It was built to keep the worlds best thieves in, and out. Batman was many things, but a Thief he was not...
Zeeeeeaccccckkkkkk!!!!!
A sudden flash of light, a smell of ozone burning, and most of all, pain! The gate has a defensive system built in to keep even masters of their craft out!
OOC Lightning attack of 12APs (the Thief attempt failed, and the gate has a built in attack that will flatten a Rhino, nevermind a man in grey spandex...) [dice=10] [dice=10] 12RAPs damage. Feel free to retrospectively spend Hero points to increase OV/RV but knowing the result beforehand, and how many points to spend to avoid the attack, what say we apply a penalty to the cost - HP expenditure is doubled? That would apply to each game (this and the Superman section). Just a suggestion. Last ditch defence would be of normal cost, of course.[rand=6897452059815972101289492709302544991094853064582708559676139957362]
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Post by andyman on Feb 2, 2013 22:07:58 GMT -5
BATMAN
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 138
OOC: Rather than an HP penalty, I prefer to justify logic for HP expenditures. Batman spent 12 HPs in his attempt to override the system and he still failed. Now knowing he's up against something tougher, he'd want to spend more than 6 HPs each on OV and RV (if possible). Batman will spend 9 on OV and 5 on RV because spending 14 HP is the only option he has spending more than 12 HP without wasting any HPs. Now that I checked the Action table, I see this effectively gave Batman a 5 HP penalty because the 9 spent in OV allowed him to avoid the 12 AP attack that rolled a 16. Just barely. I also now don't feel like a cheater or that a an extra play by post penalty was applied.
"Get back!" Batman orders as he leaps away from the electrified door and uses his insulated cape to shield Sgt. Deckard from any stray sparks.
Bruce let his own ego get the best of him. He was just lucky no one was harmed. Now, it's time to take a different approach.
Batman contacts an individual at the upper echelons of the Arkham Asylum organization to request information on how he can get inside. [Advantage: Connections: Arkham Asylum (High)]
BATMAN
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 124
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Post by roxolid on Feb 6, 2013 18:26:22 GMT -5
OOC I'm fine with the work round. Batman isn't infallible, nor is play by post so happy to find something that would better represent the character. That said, I do think the challenges facing both Batman and Superman in this module (so far) are mind bogglingly hard, and designed to quickly drain the HP reserves of each.
The module has a 'computer hacking' section which involves a roll then guesswork as to a 13 digit code, with the number of digits remaining to guess being 13 less the RAPs gained. It's kinda like the old game mastermind (I think, it's been a while) whereby you have to guess numbers in sequence. I don't think it's viable at our posting rate but if you want to have Batman take a crack at guessing the passcode I'll drop a hint and say 'give it your absolute very best shot' with Int/Will as AV/EV.
BATMAN
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 124
Having (barely) jumped back to avoid a massive electric shock, Batman swallowed his pride and turned to the intercom system. he knew the Warden of Arkham was a man named Underwood, who'd recently transferred from Chicago.
Unfortunately...
"Due to Emergency Protocol 13 Arkham Asylum is currently in maximum security lockdown. Please direct all enquiries to the Gotham City Police Department. You are advised to leave the area immediately and check our website for the Asylums current status. Thankyou." crackled an automated message.
A cop helpfully called out "We tried the intercom Batman. All we got was an automated message. Gordon told us ta wait till you got here."
Batman glanced back at the security panel. Of course it would be protected and rightly so. No casual criminal could gain entrance to the Asylum. There was another adjoining panel though, a digital touchpad with a QWERTY keyboard for access by staff members. in times of lockdown that would be disabled of course, but these systems always had a 'back door', an overriding security key that unlocked the gates in case of extreme emergency.
He glanced up, looking at the distant house. This was such a time.
OOC As mentioned, this will not be easy...
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Post by andyman on Feb 24, 2013 21:18:47 GMT -5
OOC: Batman has more Hero Points than BODY so I'll try to crack this code, hoping for a super-good roll and 13 RAPs right at the start. It could happen. Besides, I only have 2 other ideas, and I fear they will be difficult too.
Spending 10 Hero Points on INT AV and 10 more Hero Points on WILL EV to roll on the 22-24 rows.
[dice=10][dice=10]
Oh Crap! At least I got an 11 which makes one column shift possible on the result table. (If I understand the rules correctly.)
So, what's my result?
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 104[rand=17774711013771594410594785353168854856249964796006708509459136985242]
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Post by roxolid on Feb 28, 2013 17:59:09 GMT -5
BATMAN
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 104
OOC Result? 13RAPs. Exactly what you needed, on the dot...
Batman furrows his brow beneath the mask. He ignores that he has a dozen pair of cop eyes staring at his back, and some of them were willing him to fail so as to have a story to tell after work.
Instead he poked inside the guts of the computer system on the gate, discovering that there was a 13 digit code that effectively changed every 6 hours and served as the master 'key' for the security on the gate. One false move with the wiring in here and... no, don't think about that.
Pulling a small lcd screened gadget from his belt he touched a pair of tiny wires to certain key points on the circuit board and pressed keys on the input pad. Getting some clue as to which were the wrong keys Batman quickly (OOC in, ah, 4 seconds... I'm wearing my suspension of belief hat, pulled on tightly...) ascertained the correct sequence required to deactivate the gate security and stood back.
The gates rolled to the sides as they opened to admit the Batman. A road ran up to the house or there was the option of staying off the road and going over the grounds. Batman narrowed his eyes. Well, it was an option but his knowledge of the place told him there were a lot of land mines scattered about to dissuade unwelcome guests entering, or unwelcome residents leaving.
Whilst the idea of landmines were abhorrent, the scale of the disaster that would befall Gotham should this place ever find itself fully breached... and unleashing the monsters within on an unsuspecting city... caused even the Batman to suppress a shudder.
One of the cops who'd been about to call out something derogatory to the caped crusader had to eat his words, and another yelled out "What was that McCallum? Speak up?" as the others laughed. A glance from Batman silenced the laughter.
This was Arkham Asylum. No laughing matter.
OOC The way to Arkham is open. The Road or the grounds, your call.
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Post by andyman on Mar 17, 2013 20:25:51 GMT -5
Batman decides to travel through the grounds AND avoid the landmines.
Throwing his Batarang w/ Rope at a well-placed tree that looks capable of holding his weight, Batman glides 40 feet (2 APs) closer to the front door of the Asylum, stopping only at a lamp post, tree trunk or some other safe haven above the potentially mine-filled grounds.
Batman also travels with as much stealth as possible. (Thief: 10 in effect vs. Perception Checks plus I'll spend 1 Hero Point each on the OV and RV to make them 11 each.) The trees outside Arkham look creepy and half dead, so I'm going to roll a Climbing Action check to ensure that Batman can use these to hold onto and stay above ground. Acrobatics is 10, so again I'll spend 2 Hero Points for a round 11, this time to AV and EV. If successful, I'm hoping to be some APs above ground at the start of Batman's next turn so he can use Gliding to go further than 2 APs.
Acrobatics Roll 11 AV/ 11 EV vs. You Tell Me.:
[dice=10][dice=10] = 9
Batman
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 100[rand=612197488779202122218153066933155148942430038005110391527321189642]
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Post by roxolid on Mar 24, 2013 19:25:38 GMT -5
BATMAN
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 100
OOC Apologies for the delay. Had a rough few days and every time I sat down to reply had one of the kids using me as a climbing frame.
Batman successfully scaled the tree (OOC AV11 vs OV6 for a tricky tree, I'd say) and with his batarang and rope moved from tree to tree to avoid the mined grounds.
OOC Batman doesn't have gliding - the Batarang does, which extends its range. Or at least, that's how I've always read it. The Gliding cloak would be a logical addition to his equipment (as seen in The Dark Knight movie) but I can't see it listed in his equipment on page 5 of the module, nor do any Omni gadgets show up there... No matter - by taking the high ground he avoids the possibility of being blown to smithereens as trees usually don't have mines bleeping away in them.
Landing on the steps leading up to the doors at Arkham, Batman comes up against more of the formidable security of the place - it's a wonder that anyone can get in, never mind that there are escapes with all too alarming regularity.
Looming in front of you are two large, reinforced steel doors, obviously the only means of entering this fortress.
There is another security panel that requires a code to gain access into the place. Once more it looked like the Dark knight would have to use the sharpest weapon in his repertoire - his mind.
OOC Another computer hacking job. Like the last one it's tricky and should not be underestimated.
[rand=24625307065434754258799036499112845317961096297957228425210341811]
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Post by andyman on Mar 26, 2013 20:50:45 GMT -5
There's got to be another way in, but every moment delay could mean the life of an orderly. Bruce may be able to blow the door open, but then what would prevent the lunatics from fleeing the nuthouse. Batman has to crack this code.
Spending another 10 Hero Points on INT AV and 10 more Hero Points on WILL EV to roll on the 22-24 rows again. (It worked last time with an 11.)
[dice=10][dice=10]
8? Uh.... Is this door easier maybe? Please?
On the bright side, I may get to play the little guessing game now. I actually did play Mastermind growing up and even liked it.
Body: 6 Mind: 12 Spirit: 10
Hero Points: 80
[rand=508774205110967243744583032093943079236852936446749176536430604756]
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