[CCrusaders] Bert says, "Log on."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Is everyone here?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Deka), "Have you been caught up, OOC, on the events of the last session?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And also, should we retroactively assume that Eben briefly called Deka after hanging up with Red, to fill her in IC?)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Sure."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "That makes sense."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "Yeah. You had that hostage situation, and the Red Menace was there."

[CCrusaders] GM says, ";It looks like everyone is logged in, but a couple people are still idle. While they wake up, this is a good time to refresh fate points."

Jacob sets her current fate point total to 3.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yay, they're all awake!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I couldn't have been more than a few minutes idle!"

Wanda sets his current fate point total to 1.

GM exclaims, "Welcome back to the latest issue of the CROWNSFORD CRUSADERS!"

Eben sets their current fate point total to 2.

GM asks, "The Springside Mall has been taken over by Kurt Marshall, aka the One Man Army, and the Red Menace has barricaded himself and the rest of the civilian mall patrons inside of a furniture store for safety... but how long will that last?"

GM says, "Meanwhile, Deka has been investigating the situation at PayneTech. She's discovered that the entire lot is surrounded by a brand new chain-link fence. The gate in front is locked with chains and multiple big padlocks, and a sign on the gate says "CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS"."

GM says, "Other open plot threads you're facing include the other four supervillains loose in Crownsford, a deal with Hydrolyx to provide him with one of the Tomes or Champions he's looking for, a secret about Jacob's past that he may or may not tell the rest of the Crusaders, a recent incident at a classy east-side bakery, Supremo's poisoning and a possible antidote, a plot for revenge against PayneTech, and maybe more."

GM exclaims, "But as for right now, Deka and Singularity are pulling into the mall parking lot, Cuddlepaws is sneaking around inside, Jacob is on the roof surrounded by birds, Eben is taking aim through the skylight, and Wanda is preparing to leap. It's time to roll for initiative!"

GM clears the initiative.

Cuddlepaws sets her current fate point total to 3.

Deka sets their current fate point total to 2.

Jacob rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 -1 | Average (1)

Jacob registers Jacob at init 1.

Wanda rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 0 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "https://jamboard.google.com/d/1NMIza3hbCSd0vdI4m_23Bi-Uvny05qa1YZdRvYYajkI/viewer is the current map!"

Eben rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 -1 | Fair (2)

Wanda registers Wanda at init 5.

Cuddlepaws rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 3 = 22

Eben registers Eben at init 2.

Cuddlepaws says, "errrrrr"

Cuddlepaws rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 -1 | Average (1)

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 -1 | Terrible (-2)

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 -1 | Poor (-1)

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)

Cuddlepaws registers Cuddlepaws at init 1.

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Seriously?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha"

Deka rolls Average (1) + 4dF: 0 +1 -1 0 | Average (1)

GM registers Alfa at init Squad=-2.

GM registers Bravo at init Squad=-2.

Deka registers Deka at init 1.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Er, dang, this doesn't even handle negative init."

GM registers Alfa at init Squad=0.

GM registers Bravo at init Squad=0.

Jacob registers Jacob at init -1.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Whoops."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sure does"

Jacob removes Jacob from the initiative list.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, hrm."

Jacob displays the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1)

GM registers Alfa Squad at init -2.

GM registers Alfa Squad at init -1.

GM removes Alfa Squad from the initiative list.

GM registers Bravo Squad at init -1.

GM registers Charlie Squad at init 0.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Looks like I can easily do my intimidation Provoke Create Advantage for my entrance."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Just add the code real quick, what could go wrong"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "There!"

GM advances the initiative: WANDA(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "And we begin with Wanda!"

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "Every time I see 'Alfa' I think 'alfalfa'."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So, jumping down into the atrium, right? And my first action is a Create Advantage with Provoke to really spook these goons."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "What's the TN? Or do they roll Will?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Alfalfa Squad, Buckwheat Squad and Spanky Squad."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Excellent! And opposed with Will! Is this a general provoke against all of them nearby, or against a particular group?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(If the former, they get teamwork, but the aspect can be used against any of them.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "The former!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

Wanda rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 -1 | Fair (2)

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 -1 | Average (1)

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Nice rolling today."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You succeed by a nose!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Narrate your success!"

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Does Wanda have a nose?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "A princess needs a nose to stick up at people!"

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "'If Wanda has no nose, how does she smell?' 'Terrible!'"

(From Wanda) The squads had no inkling that anything was amiss until a giant fiery spider came soaring down from the skylight and landed in their midst.

Wanda snaps her fangs, eyes blazing with blue-hot flame.

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "The itsy bitsy spider CAME CRASHING DOWN THE SKYLIGHT IN A FIERY INFERNO"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "I read that as squids."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "lol"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Apparently they breathe through holes on their underside, and smell with hair-like things on their bodies."

Kurt Marshal says, "What in the Sam Hill!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "The GM nose a lot about spiders now"

Kurt Marshall barks into his walkie talkie, "All units are under attack! Escalate to Plan B. Civilian casualties may no longer be avoidable."

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) EBEN(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

Eben fires a blue portal in an inconspicuous spot behind the squads, attempting to Create Advantage 'Surprise!' for Jacob and/or I. (Then whether or not it's placed well, I'll go through it.)

GM exclaims, "Eben!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "What's the name of the aspect, btw?"

GM exclaims (at Eben), "OK! That sounds like Shoot, vs. their Notice!"

Eben rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Good (3)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Yes, what is the name of the aspect?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Meteor Struck?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Perfect!"

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 -1 | Poor (-1)

GM exclaims, "A success with style!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Also: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h88N6VTO6dtQ2RVzk1tqx4NdA5PNyShAjpXcoVjhU8M/edit#gid=1689105620"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Don't forget to update your locations on the map."

Eben steps through, and takes a position hidden behind a row of sandbags.

GM exclaims, "The One Man Army are now entirely focused on the giant flaming spider in front of them, and are completely unaware of the blue portal that just popped up behind them!"

Eben advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) CUDDLEPAWS/DEKA/JACOB(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "Cuddlepaws!"

Cuddlepaws stays in hiding and throws up Shielding in front of the barricade!

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Woo! That doesn't need any initial roll, right?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Also, is your shield visible?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "No, just when it's attacked and yeah? I always thought so"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "It also makes a "woosh!" sound when it appears"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Cool."

GM exclaims, "Deka!"

Deka will, as she drives towards the fence, grab a metal rod and increase its size and mass, while also decreasing the mass of her motorcycle to poll vault over the fence.

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Taking your motorcycle with you?"

GM says, "Nice! That's an Overcome using the skill you use for your mass/size effects. +2 opposition."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "yes."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "to hit people with."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yay."

Deka rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 0 | Superb (5)

GM says (to Deka), "Success! You're now right in front of the main (glass) doors at the front of the mall. A squad of identical men in military-style clothing are standing here aiming their guns at you."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Success with style, even! Do you have any special effects you want to apply?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "This says the Shielding is transparent, but I guess nothing says it can't be like white glass"

[CCrusaders] Deka asks, "will area attack work as a condition?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yeah, I think the 'transparent' ruling is just because they didn't want you to use it to keep people from seeing through it, not to make it invisible."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hmm. I think Area Attack needs to be on an attack."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Like, your next attack can be an area attack, maybe?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Unless people can offer me sufficiently compelling arguments otherwise."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So, I'm thinking of just sending the birds through the portal to attack the shit out of one of the squads, unless anyone wants me to do something else."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to Jacob), "no, go full hitchcock"

Deka Deka vaults in slow motion as everyone else takes their turn so all the clones that can see her are dazzled in slow motion.

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Hmm. It would mean taking -3 off the next attack, to handle the success with style effect... which could turn a successful attack into a miss."

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Jacob), "That works for me. Though I'm probably going to be using portals myself soon, so if you want to come in easily, now's the time. But feel free to stay on the roof and direct birds through the (now-missing) skylight."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But if Deka is OK with that, I'm OK with it."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "There's rarely a good reason for me to be in the middle of where the action is."

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "No, take the success with style from *this* overcome and apply it to the next attack."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(if not, just taking a boost works)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(since she has 'area attack' as a special effect.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Right, but (based on the link I mentioned on Discord), part of the idea of using the Area Attack special effect is that you're spending your success with style on it numerically."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So it would convert, e.g., a 7 shift attack against one person into a 4 shift attack against everyone."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But this is such a good situation for area attacks, so I want to allow it somehow."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Meanwhile, since it's the same init round, Jacob can take his action while we sort this out.)"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "we can call it "slow dazzled"."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Excellent."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Maybe his style can be converted in a boost that will make an area attack more likely?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Her)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "Right."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Are you trying to get revenge for people calling CP 'he'?)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(hee)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Okay, a her attack more likely"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "No, *shee*."

Jacob sends the birds down through the portal, swooping and attacking the Charlie Squad with their beaks and wings and talons.

Jacob rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Fantastic (6)

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right--'slow dazzled' boost it is; added to the sheet."

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 0 | Average (1)

[Crows-Nest] Deka says, "(She)et"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Oh no, we're fighting Clay Davis"

GM asks (of Jacob), "The birds swoop in, going after the men in camo, who try to dodge and scatter. But the birds are acting under your leadership, and... their beaks and talons pass right through them? As if the ones they hit aren't even really there? Are *any* of them real?"

Jacob swears quietly.

GM says, "Because of your success (with style), you two boosts, even though they don't actually do damage."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Neat"

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) CHARLIE SQUAD(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

[CCrusaders] GM says, "If you do want to try to figure out who may or may not be real, that's an Investigate overcome, aimed at the squad you're trying to figure out."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Noted."

Kurt Marshal says, "Bird strike! Fall back! Take up a defensive position!"

GM says, "Half of the men in the central atrium fall back toward the main entrance, where the food court is, and begin stacking up heavy tables and chairs to form a crude fortification."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Create Advantage, vs. +2"

GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Do you want new dice?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Did I get the dice with all - signs this time?"

GM says, "But it's slow work, and it might take a while for them to complete it."

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) BRAVO SQUAD(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "Meanwhile, the remaining units in the middle of the mall turn to the barricade. They have grenade launchers, and apparently they're no longer afraid to use them!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "An attack against the barricade:"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 0 | Great (4)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Which I believe CP will be defending against?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Yes sir!"

Cuddlepaws rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 0 | Legendary (8)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Also with style!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Taking a boost, or doing a special effect?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "One sec"

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) ALFA SQUAD(-2)

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I guess Inflict Condition wouldn't really work? I was thinking the grenades bounce back and explode between them, disorienting them?"

GM exclaims, "Meanwhile, the gang at the front entrance has been prepared for a frontal assault all morning, and they level their semi-automatic weapons at Deka and fire!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'm amused that we had a long discussion about whether the bad guys should all go together or go separately, decided on the latter, and they're effectively all going together anyway."

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Good (3)

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Sure, that works. It wouldn't do stress, but it could still be an Aspect."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Yay!"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "You can narrate that while Deka rolls her defense against the attack from Alfa Squad."

Deka rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Superb (5)

Cuddlepaws (still in hiding), steels her mind as grenades fly towards her barrier! At the least second, she inclines it at an angle, and the grenades bounce back into the group of soldiers and explode! Clouds of dust and debris leave them scattered and disoriented.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Aspect: scattered and disoriented"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(with one free invoke)"

GM exclaims, "The shots all go wild, as Deka rides circles around them on Singularity!"

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

GM advances the initiative: WANDA(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "Wanda!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Did I already checked psychically whether there's an 'original' soldier?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "in the previous session?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I don't remember anything like that--I think you checked for the hostages, maybe?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I don't think so, no. If you wanted to psychically inspect one of the squads, that would work as a Create Advantage to help out with the Investigate overcomes I mentioned earlier."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Got it"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Do we need only one Investigate Overcome for the group, or do we need one for each of us? And one Overcome per group?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(In fact, any other skills that would assist with the Investigate to determine who is or isn't real would be a Create Advantage.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "One per Kurt Squad, assuming you can communicate to the rest of the team what you figured out."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I think I'll attack first, and if things seem weird then I'll do the psychic Create Advantage"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "on my next turn"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "OK! Are you attacking Bravo Squad, since they're in the same zone as you?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Yes!"

Wanda rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 -1 +1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Is this an attack with Fight?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yes"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Then they defend with Fight!"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 0 | Great (4)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you tagging anything?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I have that free invoke from my create advantage."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That would make it a success with style!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "and also Disoriented and S-cat-tered"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'll use that one too, if CP doesn't object"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That's five shifts! Are you using a special effect?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I would definitely do an Area Attack here."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Go ahead! Give 'em hell, spidermom!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Well, there's no other squad in the area, so I can't do an Area Attack?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "You have to do an area attack to attack more than one person in the squad."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "ah okay"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(I think?)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "that makes sense"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "There are six Kurts who are in the squad. So you could do a normal attack, trying to hit whichever of them is in reach, or an area attack, to make sure the whole squad is in danger."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "The latter, absolutely!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So that makes it 3 stress (because I took away the style) plus 2 stress from fire"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "applicable to all the six Kurts"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Excellent! Do you want to narrate?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I do!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Do the birds and I have to defend, too?)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "not unless they accept the compel"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "No."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Excellent ;-)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(You may have missed the Discord link. I've concluded that for area attacks, you subtract the 3 for success with style, don't hit friendlies, and get a defense roll for each target.)"

(From Wanda) Bravo Squad was already scattered and disoriented by the unexpected backfiring of their assault on the barrier. And they'd made one other mistake: turning their backs on Wanda. And suddenly she lunges at them; the air grows searing hot, and with her eight legs she is far faster, far nimbler than they can handle, attacking all six of the soldiers simultaneously. The flames burn through armour and clothes like a knife through butter on a summer's day. The takedown is silent. Wanda is no longer merely a superheroine: she is a queen in battle.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Over to you, dear GM"

GM says, "You notice that some of your flames seem to pass through some of the Kurts, and that other ones appear to develop burns even without being touched. It's hard to tell what exactly is real or not, but it's clear that you've dealt them a Mild Consequence! (Plus a 3-point stress box.)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "What would you like to call your consequence?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, ""one day, the fire nation attacked""

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) EBEN(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "hehee"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Hee."

Eben investigates the Charlie squad by opening portals around them and sending sandbags flying through the group, trying to find which one of them (if any) is real!

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "I'll let you add it to the sheet."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(the portal stuff being color for a straight Investigation roll)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "ok"

GM exclaims (at Eben), "Excellent. Shoot, vs. their Athletics as they try to avoid you!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Oh!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Never mind, then. Investigate vs. their Deceive."

Eben rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 +1 | Good (3)

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to tag anything and/or take a cost?"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I'll tag my 'Surprise!' twice!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "A straight success!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "How many are real, if any?"

GM exclaims, "A Kurt stands in midair on top of portals without falling through. Another has a sandbag fly through his head without flinching. But you see another one trip over that same sandbag for real. That's it! Exactly one member of the squad is real, and you know which one it is!"

Eben exclaims, "Hey! It's the guy that just tripped! Charlie Squad has one solid person in it!"

Eben advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) CUDDLEPAWS/DEKA/JACOB(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "CP!"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "Meanwhile, you realize that the birds inside the mall aren't the only one who heeded your summons. There are more approaching, from all directions."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "The one real soldier gets a sandbag to the face!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yiss"

[Setting the zoned flag.]

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Oho; maybe your powers are stronger with Aquadude in town?)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "If they think you're in danger and try to defend you, then an Unwanted Menagerie could seriously impair your ability to move around. Do you think that's likely?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "Rolling your attack?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Important question! What are we calling this ship? Aquacob?"

Cuddlepaws rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 -1 | Fantastic (6)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I mean, I'm still on the roof, and the portal went away?, so I'm probably not likely to be perceived as in danger"

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Are you saying that you're rejecting the compel? (Which costs a fate point.)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I know, but..."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "It's up to you!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Trying to think of a way to be in danger"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sure, I'll take the compel"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

GM gives a fate point to Jacob.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "A little distracted by Amdi refusing to shut up."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Aw, poor baby! hey wait"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Your attack is successful, by the way. I'm waiting to hear if you have any special effects you want to use, or if you're doing the full six stress, and if you want to narrate."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I mean, he's talking to me, knowing I'm trying to focus."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "I wasn't sure if you wanted to tag anything, so I was waiting too"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Ha. I'm good. Go ahead."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Actually, I have a "well hidden" boost I'd like to use, make it a +8 :-)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I assume that doesn't knock him out?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Alright, in that case, I *will* tag Ex Uno Plures -- by working together, the Kurts are able to defend themselves better."

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 6.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "In which case, it'll be a Moderate Consequence and 2 stress boxes."

Cuddlepaws, spotting the one real one soldier, goes into-ass wiggling mode and launching one sandbag from the barrier she's hiding behind straight into the stomach of the soldier, knocking the wind out of him and making him stumble backwards.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Woo -- and what's the consequence?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I want to say "oof" but maybe "winded" is a bit more descriptive"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Sandbagged?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Given that it's Moderate, you might even make it something stronger."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Like Internal Bruising or something."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Clearly 'Oof! Winded' is stronger than either alone"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I like that "Internal Bruising!""

GM exclaims, "Meanwhile, it's Deka!"

Deka lands with a thud and power slides under the clones feet to trip them, all while making her bike bigger to get more of them.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Deka doubles down"

GM exclaims, "If that's an attack with Fight, roll it!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(If it's something else, then what is it?)"

Deka rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Legendary (8)

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 0 | Good (3)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Woo! Are you A) tagging anything, and/or B) using your Area Attack special effect now?"

Deka Will use the area attack, and tag the Slow dazzled boost.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "One For All Infinite 100%"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Woo! One-woman biker gang"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "hehe"

GM says, "+2 from the boost, -3 from the area attack, makes a net total of 4 stress."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Deka is OK with her previous narration if you want to narrate the aftermath)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(overall 3 vs. 7 with area attack)"

GM says, "Like Wanda saw inside: some of them seem to be unreal, but it's hatd to tell which. It's clear you're doing damage, though: a mild consequence and a 2-stress box."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Deka), "Do you want to name the consequence?"

GM says (to Jacob), "Birds of all kinds are approaching from every direction. Pigeons, eagles, gulls, sparrows, hawks. One of the ones inside chirps out, 'Hey, bad guys in here! Danger! Danger!' One of the approaching ones responds, 'Protect Jacob! Everybody protect Jacob!'"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "the mild consequence is called "Hit in the shins by a giant fucking motorcycle""

Jacob says, "Oh no. Not again."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "ha"

GM says, "And they all swarm around you, grabbing onto you with their talons, lifting you off the roof... and holding you in mid-air right above the broken skylight, in clear view of everyone."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yay."

GM says, "They all seem very dedicated to keeping you 'safe' up here out of the building, so it's unlikely that you could convince them to let you go or take you anyplace else."

GM exclaims, "Jacob's turn!"

Cuddlepaws whispers, "Oh no! He's bird Jesus!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Bluejay-sus"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Does Jesus exist in the Crowniverse?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Did my inside attack birds come out to protect me, too?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sure."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Nope, they're still where you left them."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Great."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So, since I can't see much anymore, but I did presumably see the real soldier trip earlier, I guess the birds should attack him (that was still in charlie, yeah?)"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Either that or investigate Bravo?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We still don't know the real one in that group."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(Is Area attack something anyone can do or does it need to be in your power's description?)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I think I'm a little.. distracted."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Fair enough ;-)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It is Charlie that you have two boosts on."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Clever GM, distracting our one Investigate person."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Had to check scrollback.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to CP), "you need to have chosen Area Attack as one of your two special effects"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Area Attack is a Special Effect."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Ah, to bad"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Looks like yours are Inflict Condition and Physical Recovery."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Anyway. I'll attack our charlie guy. I don't attack much :D"

Jacob rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "OK! I assume that you're able to psychically communicate to them which one Eben said was real?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "And I'll bump that as needed, once we see how it does."

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 -1 | Good (3)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yup."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Bump it all the way! They're already damaged."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I've got the two boosts on charlie that seem not super useful elsewhere, so.. sure."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Make that a 9"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "You could tag Internal Bruising, too."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That's six stress! You deal a severe consequence!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm now thinking of that 'stern crow' meme"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Gonna tag his moderate, to force him to take another 2 stress somehow."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "And the severe is.. I want to say something like Battered, because birds."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! Then he has to tag a 3 stress box as well!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Though that sounds not as bad as internal"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "*bruising, so what's.. what sounds severe and bird?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'henpecked'"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Murder-ed"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "When you're ready, advance the init."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Oh! 'Hitchcocked'!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "oh, fuck. Yes"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hee"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Birdemiced"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Nice."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Wanda, they're pigeons, I think :D Not crows."

Jacob advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) CHARLIE SQUAD(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Jacob), "heh, you're right"

Kurt says, "Shoot the bird guy! SHOOT THE BIRD GUY!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Do pigeon have a compound noun or whatever that's called?"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Flock?"

Jacob calls out, "Don't shoot the bird guy."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "How do you defend yourself?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "By flapping his arms"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I can't move, so I rely on the birds to pull me away to safety."

Jacob rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 +1 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Heh"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Nice! A tie, giving them a boost."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Precariously Dangling?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hmm. I'm going to tag that "flock of birdS" from before, because they're in his way and maybe throwing his aim off"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Which unties"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh, so a full success."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "No boost for you."

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Also I am hopefully no longer over the skylight?"

GM says, "Squad Charlie lets off a round of semi-automatic fire at Jacob, but his friends pull him away! It looks like he's still hit with a few bullets, but then you realize that the only one who was actually real had his aim knocked aside by one of the birds who was just attacking him, and the bullet that struck was just an illusion."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You are, alas, still over the skylight. Compels don't go away *that* easily."

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) BRAVO SQUAD(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Damn :D"

GM says, "Meanwhile, Bravo Squad is still facing down Wanda and the barricade. One of them shouts into his walkie-talkie."

Hunter disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

Marshal says, "They have air support. Calling in an aerial bombardment. Targeting the spider."

GM says (to Jacob), "You notice a sudden shadow falling on you from above. Your birds pull you aside, but not before you see the treads on the bottom of a Sherman tank."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "!"

Jacob says, "Ohhhhhhhhhhh."

Wanda!!!!

Cuddlepaws says, "That's probably not good"

GM says (to Wanda), "The tank which, after Jacob is pulled aside, is coming down directly over your head."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "This is a CDE! It's a +4 overcome to try to minimize the amount of stress it'll deal."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "That's definitely a CD."

Wanda A heavy metal CD.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "A heavy metal CD."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Athletics?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That works, sure."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "And is it a ranged attack I can see coming? ;)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It is not an Attack. It's an Overcome that you need to make."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "OK"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Five stress on failure, only 2 on success.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "So Uncanny Dodge doesn't grant me the extra +2 to Athletics?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Not if it's about defending against range attacks, no. Sorry."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Alright, that's okay"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm tempted to use my CDE on my turn as revenge. | Unstoppable Telekinesis: You can use your mental powers to lift something up to the size of a tank and hurl it, either to destroy a wall"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws | or similarly robust obstacle, or to attack every target in your zone or an adjacent zone.

Wanda rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 -1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Did I succeed?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I'm going to tag the Fountain -- it's in your way as you try to jump aside!"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 5.

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Darn it!"

Cuddlepaws has disconnected.

Cuddlepaws has connected.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you have a response to that?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "I believe the response was "Darn it!""

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Could I spend a fate point to give Wanda a portal escape route?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "What are you tagging?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(if she wants it)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Could I use my CDE to hurl the tank away?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'you're all my kids', probably."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Well, if I spend my only fate point, then the GM will spend a fate point on Glass-Covered Tarsi"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "I think you maybe could have if you'd made the Overcome for her, but at this point, I think it's too late for htat."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "That is a danger, yeah."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But even if I do, that means you're eroding my fate point pool, at least."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hmm..."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It also erodes mine."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "What if I spent a fate point?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Also, I forgot to say 'yes, if you wish'."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "or accept a compel to my power's drawback?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "You could spend a fate point and tag an Aspect to help, yeah."

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Wanda), "So, either of us are happy to spend a fate point if you want."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm torn now :D you are all very sweet"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Or if it's dramatic to get clobbered by a tank, you can just roll with it ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "roll under it, you mean"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I mean, it's just a 3-stress box and a mild consequence (the latter goes away at the end of the scene?)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yup."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "And in RP I can then get REALLY angry"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "so, um, that's always fun"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You need treatment to get rid of the mild consequence."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(E.g., first aid.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "noted"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "8 bandaids at least"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I mean, on the other hand it seems unfair to deprive Eben or CP of an awesome moment. So"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I always like letting the GM inflict a couple consequences; it makes them feel like they're doing their job."

Wanda..Eben hehe

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hehe"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I appreciate it!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Indeed. And a tank landing on someone is a good story moment!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "LEt's do that then"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "the classic fakeout death"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "keeping the audience on the edge of their seat"

Eben tries to fire a portal for Wanda to escape through, but is too slow!

Cuddlepaws tries to telekinetically grab the tank, but it's too heavy!

GM says, "As the tank comes down, Jacob can see another Kurt Marshall sitting inside, with his upper body sticking up out of the hatch. He's got a cowboy hat whch he waves in the air with one hand while yelling 'YEEEE-HA!'"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "At least Peregrine will appreciate the movie reference."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Indeed."

GM says, "But it's all over in a second, as the tank comes crashing down on the water fountain that Wanda leapt onto. The fountain is pulverized, as is the tank."

GM asks, "Shards of twisted metal, pieces of tank tread, and chunks of the stone fountain fly everywhere. Water sprays into the air where the fountain used to be. The Kurt who was driving it is completely gone. And Wanda... where is Wanda?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Pulverized as in turns to dust or just that it's now a metal heap?"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Noooooooooo! YOU BASTARDS!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It's now many disparate chunks of varying sizes."

Jacob blinks. And blinks again.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(While Wanda narrates her response to that, I'll move on to the next squad...)"

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) ALFA SQUAD(-2)

GM says, "The squad of Kurts at the front entrance opts for a tactical retreat! The move back inside the mall, taking up a tactical position back-to-back with Charlie Squad."

GM says, "From there, they fire another round of ammunition at Deka, shattering the glass mall doors in between them."

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 +1 | Good (3)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Deka), "That's a ranged attack for you to defend against!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Do you have to use Athletics to defend against ranged attacks, or can you use fight?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Athletics."

Deka rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 -1 | Average (1)

GM says, "That's two physical stress, unless you tag anything."

Deka just tanks the bullets.

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

GM advances the initiative: WANDA(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM asks, "Wanda! If she's even still alive?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "typing"

(From Wanda) Deep beneath the rubble and broken metal, all seems still.

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Also (after you finish typing), you said it's a Mild Consequence? Do you want to name it or should I?"

(From Wanda) Then one piece of metal begins to glow red-hot, then white-hot. Spider legs begin to push their way out.

(From Wanda) Finally, slowly and painfully, Wanda emerges, badly battered but alive. And very, very angry.

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Scarred by Shrapnel?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Woo! Wanda! I wasn't worried."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

Jacob lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Deka wasn't worried either, but only because she doesn't know what's happening.

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Do you think I could try to order Bravo Squad to point at the real member?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Deka), "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Not that my Rapport is actually better than my Notice, to be fair"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That would be a mental attack, against a real NPC (not nameless). So they'd be defending with Will, and might opt to take stress."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Isn't that a win-win, though?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Good point!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I guess the order is really 'Reveal yourself!'"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "if it can only work on real NPCs"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Reveal your member! No wait, wait!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yeah, it's definitely a viable option."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "Comics Code Authority disapproves"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says (to GM), "I like it because it's very dramatic."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! Go for it!"

Wanda rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 +1 | Average (1)

GM rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 0 | Mediocre (0)

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Wanda says, "Reveal yourself!" A lone voice calls out, "No! Um. I mean.""

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha ha"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I can tag some stuff; their mild consequence was my doing, after all, so that's a +2"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Are you tagging anything to increase the stress? And are you also roleplaying the command before I respond?)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That'll bring it up to 3. Anything else?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I would also spend a fate point on Lost Princess, since this is about ordering people around."

Wanda spends a fate point, leaving him with 0.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Narrate your command!"

(From Wanda) Wanda shakes off the last pieces of shrapnel. She advances slowly towards Bravo Squad, her presence suddenly even more imperious and menacing than it had been before. She stares them down with her royal blue eyes, and then in a voice which echoes beyond mere sound into the realm of the mind, with the tone of a princess ordering an execution, she says: "REVEAL YOURSELF NOW. YOUR GAMES NO LONGER AMUSE ME."

Most of Bravo Squad seems entirely unaffected by Wanda's mental assault. But one of them grimaces in pain, then shouts out to Wanda, "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You succeed! You've identified the one real Kurt in the Squad!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Woo!"

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) EBEN(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "Eben!"

Eben, now that we know who the real Charlie and Bravo are, redirects the busted fountain water spray at Alfa squad!

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Investigate again)"

Eben rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 0 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha ha."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to accept that?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "He accidentally sprays himself through a portal or something"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Hmm, I might be interested in a 'success at a cost'?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "In a combat situation like this, it would likely mean you taking a consequence."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "A Mild? I'd take that."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Then narrate your success, including how you got hurt in the process!"

[Crows-Nest] (from Wanda) Eben says, 'I'd take that for a dollar!'

Eben sprays Alfa squad with water, which fairly obviously passes right through most of them, leaving one of them soaked. Kurt Alfa sputters and spins around, seeing Eben for the first time. "There he is! Shoot him!" he cries, and all three squads let loose a burst of machine gun fire at Eben, hitting him in the leg!

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Nooooo! You are also bastards!"

Eben advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) CUDDLEPAWS/DEKA/JACOB(1) Charlie Squad(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Woo! And the name of your consequence?"

GM exclaims, "Cuddlepaws!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'bullet to the leg'"

Cuddlepaws picks up a chunk of tank, hovers it over the "real" Charlie and drops it on his head!

Cuddlepaws rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 0 | Great (4)

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Fair (2)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "You hit! Are you tagging anything?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'll tag hitchcocked (if that's okay)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Four stress total?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Is that enough? Otherwise I'll spend a fate point"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Enough to take him out, you mean?"

GM exclaims, "The heavy metal strikes him on the head, and he falls to the ground. Instantly, the other five members of Squad Charlie vanish!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Woo!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yay"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Excellent."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Hit their heads! It's their weak point!"

GM says, "And then the one that Cuddlepaws struck begins to collapse in on himself, dissolving into a cloud of greasy black smoke, and leaving no other trace."

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "'Bullets! My only weakness!'"

GM exclaims, "Charlie Squad is gone!"

GM exclaims, "Deka!"

Deka increases her density and barrels through the squad and crashes through the window into the mall.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "CP:1 CS:0"

GM says, "Woo! That'll be your move, and you get to take an actiona s well."

Deka rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 +1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(fight)"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I assume against Alfa Squad!"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 -1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Yup!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It's a tie -- that'll be a boost, if you don't tag anything."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(or rather, the soaked member of Alfa squad)"

Deka will tag hit in the shins by a giant fucking motorcycle

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That brings it up to 2 stress -- anything else?"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "no"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "No, just 2."

GM exclaims, "Kurt and Deka dodge and punch, with an exchange of blows, but One Man Army is the one who comes out the worse for wear. He checks off his 3 stress box!"

GM exclaims, "Jacob!"

Jacob shrugs, as much as he's able to anyway, and sends the birds to swarm and attack the guy who yelled out in the Bravo Squad ("the one standing blah blah blah, there").

Jacob rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 -1 | Fantastic (6)

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Boo"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "One second"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "People who aren't the GM, how much stress have we sent upon Bravo? I see a mild consequence, and.. ?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Wondering how many fate points I should bother spending here"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I mean, the GM can answer too, but might be less willing :)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm willing. He's also checked off a 3-stress box, but hasn't taken any other consequences."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Yeah, I think that's it. I think I'd hold off on fate points at the moment?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "If you spend a fate point, he just ticks the 1-stress box, which seems a little anticlimatic."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sure, but I could have spent multiple. But point taken."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I guess if you spend two, that rolls up to a consequence?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Unless he has a 4."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You haven't seen any of the Kurts use any 4-stress boxes."

Jacob watches as the birds just kind of get confused about which kurt is the real kurt.

Jacob advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) CHARLIE SQUAD(0) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

Jacob advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Charlie Squad(0) BRAVO SQUAD(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

Eben removes Charlie Squad from the initiative list.

Jacob says, "I told you! He's RIGHT THERE, oh..."

GM exclaims, "Bravo Squad is still fixated on Wanda. They turn their grenade launcher from the barricade and aim it at her instead!"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 +1 | Good (3)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "This is a ranged attack!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "Woo! So I get +4 instead of +2 to my Athletics!"

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Woo!"

Wanda rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: 0 +1 -1 0 | Epic (7)

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "Style!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You have a success with style!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You evade easily, get a boost, and can narrate while I handle Alfa Squad."

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Bravo Squad(-1) ALFA SQUAD(-2)

GM exclaims, "Alfa Squad still has their guns pointed at Eben, and they haven't stopped firing since he sprayed them with water!"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 0 | Great (4)

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "That's an attack with Shoot for you to defend against with Athletics."

Eben portal dodges!

Eben rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(which is 'use shoot to dodge')"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And I end up where the fountain is spraying water on me ;-)"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I'm tagging Eben's Bullet to the Leg!, since it reduces his mobility (free tag). And the Sandbags, Barbed Wire, Etc., which are all getting in his way as he tries to dodge. And Kurt's own aspect Gun Nut, because shooting is one of the things he's really good at!"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 4.

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 3.

Wanda sees the shot coming and easily dodges it with a graceful leap into the air. She lands back on her eight legs, and the explosion of the grenade some distance away is only a backdrop to her fiery majesty.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That would bring it up to five stress."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Did you ever get first aid for your shark bite, by the way?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "what a question"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Looks like no."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I will spend a fate point, I think. Also tagging the fountain, claiming that the spray of water makes me a harder target to see."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Didn't I?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Did you? I couldn't spot it in the transcript."

Eben stumbles through the portal, managing to avoid the worst of the attack, but still getting nicked a few times.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I'm happy to be wrong.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(3-stress box)"

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

GM advances the initiative: WANDA(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "Wanda!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Time to finish off Bravo."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "With FIGHT"

Wanda rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Great (4)

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "If you can find where it started recovery in the transcript, then let me know when it was. Because it may have fully recovered and gone away by now."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Or, if it didn't get a recovery action, it's still bleeding and means that your bullets to the leg were a moderate consequence, not mild."

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 0 | Great (4)

Hunter arrives at home.

GM exclaims, "Hand-to-hand combat is apparently another thing he's skilled at -- he seems to be holding his own against you!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Do you accept the tie and a boost?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "I have a boost, however, which I can spend!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "from defending with style earlier"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So that would be 2 stress, + 2 extra"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo! And he'll take a moderate consequence!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hand to hand combat is not recommended if you're not fireproof"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I mean, *usually* it's just fine. It's just that he missed the 'giant flaming spider' day during training."

Wanda has the edge over him, however, because he's rattled and she's able to pack actual firepower behind her punches.

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "You can narrate/name it if you want, and init next whenever you're done."

Wanda bites him, and deals a third degree burn to his arm!

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Barbecued Biceps"

GM advances the initiative: Wanda(5) EBEN(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "Eben!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "I can't find it either, but I do remember putting it on my sheet originally, and then taking it off later. We had a whole session when nobody got hurt at all and we mostly stood around talking; I can't imagine *not* wrapping up the bite during that time. One assumes that even if we were distracted, the police wouldn't have wanted to get blood all over his car ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "At any rate!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee. OK."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "Well, at the normal rate."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Sorry-was looking at transcripts. Still two squads left?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(It goes away a full session after the recovery, and it has been at least a full session since you arrived at the mall.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yup! Alfa near Deka and Bravo near you."

Eben shoots an orange portal on the ceiling above Bravo Squad, and then fires various blue portals underneath sandbags and tank parts, etc., creating a Falling Tower Of Detritus

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Create Advantage)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "This doesn't seem like something he would be directly defending against, so it'll just be a +2 passive opposition."

Eben rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 +1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Style!"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "w00t!"

Eben advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) CUDDLEPAWS/DEKA/JACOB(1) Bravo Squad(-1) Alfa Squad(-2)

GM exclaims, "CP!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "We know who the real dude in Bravo is, yeah?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(feel free to tag that, anyone.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yup."

Cuddlepaws picks up falling debris and TK's it so it piles on the Bravo main guy.

Cuddlepaws rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[D&D] GDorn says, "the Monster Man podcast did an episode on Liches recently, and James mentioned the antisemitic angle, so I shared my publication history blog post and he gave it a shout out"

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 0 | Good (3)

[D&D] GDorn | https://monsterman.libsyn.com/episode-356-phygorax-and-possession

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I'm tagging the tower ofc!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Once or twice?"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I say twice!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Twice it is!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you tagging anything else?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "No. :-)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That's 7 stress, then?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You deal a severe consequence!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And tick a 1-stress box.)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I call it "Concussion!""

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Name it and/or narrate if you like, and then it's Deka's turn!"

(From Cuddlepaws) Tank parts, sandbags and debris rain down. Cuddlepaws focuses, and the falling debris form something of a tornado and rains down on the real Kurt, burying him underneath.

GM exclaims, "Deka!"

Deka will grab Kurt and pile drive him through the portal on the ground.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo. I assume the one right next to you? Attack with Fight!"

Deka rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 +1 | Good (3)

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Great (4)

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Before: world of Kurts. After: world of hurt."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "He's doing a good job at defense -- do you tag anything?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yay."

Deka spends a fate point, leaving them with 1.

Deka rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "tagging bad attitude"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Excellent! That's two stress. Anymore?"

[D&D] Gunther says, "I think we could solve this by just renaming "phylactery" to "kissinger horcrux""

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "can i retroactively say that I got bigger for a plus 1 fight"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you have an Aspect for that?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I think you have two free Aspect slots you haven't filled yet. Do you want to retroactively declare that one of them relates to this?)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, wait, I think I misunderstood."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You meant the Growth ability for Hyper-Mode."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Let me check the rules for it.)"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "just growth, because hyper mode takes an action."

[D&D] GDorn says, "yeah. it's really overdue."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It looks like Growth is part of Super-Form: https://fate-srd.com/venture-city/super-form"

[D&D] GDorn says, "at least for 4e and above."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And the standard version of that says:"

[CCrusaders] GM | Basic Super-Form: Your power isn���t always active; instead, you need to take a moment before battle to change form.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So unfortunately, it looks like that does require an action to set up. Sorry."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(On the other hand, if you want to add an Aspect to your sheet relating to this, you could tag that aspect for a +2.)"

[D&D] Cuddlepaws asks, "So there's some validity to the anitsemitism angle?"

[D&D] Cuddlepaws says, "(Uh, this is Tale. Hi!)"

[D&D] GDorn says, "enh, kinda"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Just the 2 stress, then!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And, uh, checking the damage you've done so far... it looks like he's forced to take a moderate consequence to deal with it anyway!"

Eben ha.

[D&D] GDorn says, "I mean, it's a reach to ascribe antisemitic intent. it's more an accident of history. but 5e's one phylactery is kinda icky."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "So go ahead and describe how you beat him up and what the consequence is, and then it'll be Jacob's turn!"

[D&D] Cuddlepaws says, "Hm, okay."

[D&D] GDorn says, "and Zeb Cook was no Gygax, that's for sure"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "lets call it cracked skull"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(typing intensifies)"

[D&D] GDorn says, "(he edited 2e, the first time the lich's phylactery had any game mechanics, and he pretty clearly didn't know what the word meant)"

[D&D] Cuddlepaws says, "Hm, you could just call it soul jar or something"

Deka grabs him and throws him into the portal in a never ending loop, until she dives at him and buries his face in the ground.

[D&D] GDorn says, "yeah, that's what it really was, when it was first created in Dragon magazine"

Jacob calls the birds back into the fray of Bravos, hopefully with a better understanding this time of whom to target, what with him getting attacked with debris a moment ago.

[D&D] GDorn says, "it didn't exactly have a formal name, but it was derived from the Magic Jar spell"

Jacob rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Legendary (8)

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at deka), "yay!"

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 -1 | Good (3)

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "I imagine he's got.. a 2 stress box and a moderate consequence left?"

[D&D] Gunther says, ""prince philip" would also work"

[D&D] GDorn says, "haha"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "If that somehow doesn't end up taking him out due to bad memory and/or math, I can tag the severe consequence."

GM says, "I'm going to tag Ex Uno Plures, because even if you know which is real, it's still pretty distracting to keep track of. And the Flock of Birds, since that's what he's defending against."

[D&D] Wanda asks (of Gunther), "Did Meghan Markle find and destroy Prince Philip's soul jar?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Didn't Wanda just give him a moderate? Barbecued Biceps?"

[D&D] Gunther says, "we can only hope"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yep"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 2.

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 1.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Heh, well ok. Then I'm tagging severe and, wait really? It's not on the list"

[D&D] Gunther says, "I chortled a while at the idea of a soul tornado over Buckingham"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I missed it ;-)"

[D&D] Gunther says, "as all the souls are set free"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "The invoke hasn't been used yet?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "It happens to the best of us! And you, apparently."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Jacob), "On Barbequed Biceps? Not yet"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Then I'll also tag Barbecued Biceps myself! Because the pain just makes him feel all the more alive!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That brings his defense to 9."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "(Sorry Eben)"

Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 3.

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 0.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Tagging my own damn birds, because they are MINE."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "That brigns you up to 12?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Gosh, can PCs also tag their consequences in order to gain an anime style powerup?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "14! I used two free invokes"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "You can tag your own consequences?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Then you take him out!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sure, they're Aspects."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "You don't get to use the *free* tag, of course. But you can spend fate points on them like anything else."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Nifty"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Wait, the 12 takes him out?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Or the 14?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Well, you raised it to 14 before it was decided whether he was taken out or not."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The 14, if I 'm following correctly."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Damnit"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So the question of whether or not 12 would have done it will always remain a mystery."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "He goes out much like Charlie did -- go ahead and narrate."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Our GM is technically right. (the best kind of right) | While its on your sheet, the consequence is treated like any other aspect, except because the slant on it is so negative, its far more likely to be used to your characters detriment."

Jacob watches impassively as the birds peck and claw at Kurt.

[CCrusaders] Jacob won't get gory on y'all :)

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Heh."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Comic panel: close-up of Jacob's face with 'eeaagh'! 'not in the face!' and '>Squelch<' sound effects coming from off-panel."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at eben), "Yay!"

Eben removes Bravo Squad from the initiative list.

Eben advances the initiative: Wanda(5) Eben(2) Cuddlepaws/Deka/Jacob(1) ALFA SQUAD(-2)

Alfa says, "Squad is all standing back to back, in a tight huddle. They look around the mall and suddenly realize that they're all alone. One of them -- the real one -- bends down and sets his weapon on the floor. The rest of the squad vanishes."

Kurt Marshall says, "I surrender as a prisoner of war. My name is Colonel Kurt Marshall of the One Man Army Independent Militia. I formally request medical treatment under the terms of the Geneva Convention."

Jacob nods to the birds. "Bring me down, please? Carefully."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "A concession, under the terms that he gets appropriate medical tratment for his injuries."

Cuddlepaws asks, "Geneva Convention? Is that a cosplay thing?"

GM says (to Jacob), "Team Feathers gently lowers you to the ground, setting you down a distance from the spraying fountain, so you don't get soaked."

Eben sighs, sits down, and Bandages His Leg, helps the others attend their own wounds, and then finally patches up Kurt.

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Recovering an injury is a Lore Overcome. Are you doing your own or having someone else do it?"

Cuddlepaws rubs against Eben's good leg. "Glad you're okay, old guy."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "If you're doing it to someone else, it's +2 for a Mild consequence, +4 for Moderate or +6 for Severe."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "On yourself, it's +2 higher."

[CCrusaders] Jacob might be willing to do it :D

Eben calls the guy's phone number on the other side of the barricade. "Hey, we got him! You're OK. Stay in there for a bit, but the police should be here soon. Actually, I probably should have called them first. So I'll do that now! Anyway, you're good! Good job, getting in there; that was perfect.

GM exclaims, "The tables and chairs in the food court are upended, there are bullet holes in all the walls, the fountain has been completely obliterated and is spraying everyhwere with puddles on the floor surrounding it. Twisted chunks of metal from the tank are scattered all around, with some even embedded in the walls. The skylight above you is shattered. There's bird poop on the floor. But the barricade is still completely intact!"

Eben realizes that it's a bit awkward, and asks for Jacob's help.

GM exclaims (at Eben), "The guy thanks you!"

Jacob says, "Hm? Oh. Oh, right. Your leg. Sure thing."

Cuddlepaws drops her shielding and glowers at Kurt.

Jacob rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I assume 'the guy' is the nameless NPC you called the first time.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "If that was for the mild consequence, that's a success with style! It's now recovering and will be fully recovered after a full scene has passed."

Eben pats Cuddlepaws. "Thanks; I'm glad you're OK, too. Good job on that barrier!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also, this is a good time for a five minute break, I think. Resuming at 5:15."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Do we need to roll for Kurt?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sounds good."

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at deka), "Awesome work with the bike, too!"

Wanda has been quiet and aloof since the fight ended.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Damn. I need to pee, but I actually can't get up right now, heh."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "There is an annoyed baby in my lap."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Awww"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "She doesn't know that you don't have a nappy of your own"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "You can, or you could just arrange for him to be taken care of by a competent NPC off-screen, if you want."

Eben says (to Wanda), "You OK? You did great on the fire thing--and that was a clever way to get the Bravo guy to reveal himself, too."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Was Eben the only PC who took any consequences?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, break over! Back to work, everybody!)"

Wanda says (to Eben), "I'm just kind of tired. And I think I'm hurt."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Oh yeah, the tank!"

Wanda says, "Usually I can dodge these things..."

Eben calls in the police, and plants a tracking device on Kurt as he does some very basic first aid.

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at wanda), "I wasn't worried!"

Cuddlepaws rubs against Wanda's leg and whispers, "I was super-worried!"

Wanda says, "Aww. Thanks, Cuddles. I didn't mean to scare you."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, I'm assuming that you guys accept 'get him medical treatment' as a terms of the concession?)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Sure"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Indeed!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sure"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Jacob), "Can you help Wanda's consequence?"

Jacob rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 0 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Apparently, yes"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Woo! It is now in recovery and will fully go away after a full session."

Eben asks (of Kurt), "So, why were you here? What were your orders?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Also, I'm happy to roll a Deceive if you want to see how sneaky I was planting the device on him)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I would ask what you're using for supplies, but you're in the middle of a mall, so I'm sure there's a pharmacy somewhere."

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "Not to mention the ambulance that's coming."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I don't see an ambulance being "you read this in a book? sure we'll give you supplies""

Kurt says, "The orders that I gave myself as a member of the One Man Army Indepndent Milia were to apprehend a known anti-American criminal agent operating in this city."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "But I do expect there's a pharmacy in a mall"

Kurt says, "And you are interfering in that operation."

Cuddlepaws asks, "What gang?"

Kurt says, "Gang?"

Eben says, "Red? He's not an agent! He's long retired."

Jacob rolls his eyes a little. "Anyway. I don't suppose Thea gave you something to hold on to for her?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Oops, I read agent as gang somehow"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Let's not gang up on CP, it was a misreading"

Kurt says (to Eben), "Ngo Bian is a war criminal! For unfathomable reasons, he was let free by some oversight of the civilian government. I'm here to rectify that."

Kurt says, "Jacob:Oh, this? Go ahead; take it."

Kurt tosses Jacob a key, much like the one that Hydrolyx had.

Jacob says, "Neat, thanks!"

Jacob adds it to his new collection of keys.

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Wanda), "To answer your earlier question on Discord: no, apparently, lesson not entirely learned."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "awww"

Eben asks, "I mean... you know the Vietnam War ended a long time ago, right?"

GM says, "Meanwhile, now that Eben has (I assume?) notified them, the police are entering the area. Some of them are assessing the damage. Others are inspecting the barricade, trying to figure out what they can do about it. Others are standing nearby, keeping a close eye on the One Man Army while you interrogate him."

Kurt says, "Yes! I was too young then -- I mean, I wasn't born yet at the time. But I'm here now and ready to do my part to serve my country."

Eben exclaims, "I helped capture him; I was there for his incarceration, and we've become friends. We play bridge together. He's not a threat to anyone. But you (gestures around) are clearly a distinct threat to the safety and well-being of this city, and of this country!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'm OK being done talking to him, unless anyone else has any questions."

Kurt says, "I am a patriotic American! He's just a... a communist dictator! Do you know how many good American soldiers were killed in that war, all because of him?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Oh: does he also still have his ankle thing?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "He does!"

Eben exclaims, "I do! Many of them were my friends!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(It's under his pants, but he doesn't stop you from lifting the cuff to check.)"

Kurt says, "You were there?"

Eben exclaims, "Yes!"

Kurt grimaces with pain, then reluctantly mumbles, "...thank you for your service..."

Kurt says, "But that doesn't change anything! I have a *duty* to stand up against anti-American elements, and so do you!"

Kurt says, "Flag burners! Neo-nazis! Communists! Confederate sympathizers! How can you let them just walk the streets and ignore everything they've done?"

Eben says, "From where I stand, the current anti-American element here is you. I hope you get better and can see that."

Kurt just scowls.

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "You said Civilian casualties accepted! Those would've been Americans! American kids!"

Eben says, "You... you've never actually served in the military, have you? You just wanted to."

Kurt says (to Cuddlepaws), "That's right! And do you know whose fault that is? Yours! If you hadn't interfered in this operation, they'd have been perfectly safe!"

Kurt says (to Eben), "Only because of some pointless technicality."

Eben asks, "And what technicality would that be?"

Kurt says, "Some bull puckey about 'felonies'."

Cuddlepaws says (to kurt), "The technicality is that you're mad as a hatter ... maybe I'll let Eben do the talking."

Kurt says, "But if punching a Nazi in the face is enough to keep someone out of the army, I don't know what this country is coming to."

Eben sighs.

GM says, "Meanwhile, with the help of Red, the police manage to disassemble part of the barricade, and the people behind it begin filing out."

Eben gives up on Kurt, and lets him be taken off in an ambulance.

Eben exclaims, "Red! You're OK!"

Red says, "Eben! You're... your leg? Are *you* OK?"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Uncle Red!"

Cuddlepaws jumps into his arms.

Red says, "And Wanda, what *happened* to you?"

Red scritches Cuddlepaws behind the ears.

Wanda says (to Red), "Someone dropped a tank on me."

Red says, "Did you get him back for it?"

Deka says, "And she turned into a spider."

Wanda says (to Red), "Absolutely."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Deka), "I've been a spider the whole time"

Cuddlepaws asks (of red), "Are the folks in there okay?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "no skin suit"

Red says, "That was some morning. Afternoon, I guess, by now. And I still don't know exactly what it was all about."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "since the end of the last arc"

Red says (to Cuddlepaws), "They are! A few folks were scared -- it got pretty loud out there. But no one was hurt, thanks to you guys."

Eben says, "The army guy was trying to attack you for being anti-American, sadly."

Deka says, "Well it was news to me, so it might be news to him as well."

Cuddlepaws says (to deka), "Um, I think the cops are towing your bike"

Wanda says (to Deka), "Fair enough. I guess I haven't told *everyone* yet that I'm ditching the skin suit."

Red sighs. "Well. I admit, sometimes I do feel like I deserve that. But I'm doing my best, these days."

Eben asks (of Red), "Oh, um, question. Did you ever read a weird book in some language you didn't understand, back before you had superpowers?"

Deka runs to her bike waiving her arms and shouting.

Eben says (to Red), "You don't deserve that at all! It's just ridiculous. You've been a model citizen, and a great friend."

Cuddlepaws says (to red), "Yeah, for a human you're kind of okay."

Red says, "Not that I can think of, no... it sounds like there's a story behind that, though."

Red says, "Hey, I'm pretty hungry, and I've got bo kho going in the slow cooker at home. Are you guys busy, or do you want to come back to my place for lunch?"

Eben says, "Yeah, one of the other guys here got his powers that way, it seems, and is looking for others."

Cuddlepaws says, "I could do with some lunch."

Eben says (to Red), "There's like six other crises going on right now--there was a prison break at the supervillain store, and we got the six-for-one special."

Wanda says, "Yeah"

Red says, "Oh, wow. I guess you guys *are* pretty busy."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, ""supervillain store" :D"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "proof that the prison system does not work"

Red says, "I'd love to hear about it all, but if you don't have the time now, you can always tell me about it later."

Eben says, "Tomorrow, though! Definitely."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "How late in the day is it?"

Red says, "Great! Now I just have to go explain to Chinh why I don't have a new couch."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(If any of you wanted to ask Red for a ride, this is the time.)"

Eben laughs.

Cuddlepaws says (to red), "I hope you some day find out who scratched up the old one."

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to CP), "Ha ha ha."

Eben says, "Actually, you want to give us a lift to our next place? My car got smashed, so we're bumming rides from people."

Eben asks (of group), "And uh, where *are* we going next?"

Red says, "Oh, sure! I'm here in the pickup, though, so some of you might have to ride in the back, if that's OK."

Wanda asks, "Deka, what was the deal with PayneTech?"

Eben asks, "Should we assume that we need the rest of the keys, so go for PayneTech last?"

Cuddlepaws says, "I think that's a good assumption"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "To recap from the intro: 'Meanwhile, Deka has been investigating the situation at PayneTech. She's discovered that the entire lot is surrounded by a brand new chain-link fence. The gate in front is locked with chains and multiple big padlocks, and a sign on the gate says "CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS".'"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "That basically means "wait for the DLC", right?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha ha ha"

Deka I found out that there was a chain link fence with a "closed for renovations" sign. Renovation of villainy, no doubt.

Wanda exclaims, "The work of the locksmith villain!"

Wanda says, "Gatemaster."

Cuddlepaws says, "So, um are we gonna talk about the elephant-sized bird in the room, or ...="

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I don't remember anything else other than the bakery. Was there something besides that and PayneTech?"

Cuddlepaws asks, "So, um are we gonna talk about the elephant-sized bird in the room, or ...?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I think the bakery was the only other thing, and it had already been robbed"

Eben looks confused. "Uh, sure? What's up?"

Jacob hisses at CP and ays "Not in front of Red" in cat.

Cuddlepaws folds back her ears. "Um, nevermind"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also from the intro: 'Other open plot threads you're facing include the other four supervillains loose in Crownsford, a deal with Hydrolyx to provide him with one of the Tomes or Champions he's looking for, a secret about Jacob's past that he may or may not tell the rest of the Crusaders, a recent incident at a classy east-side bakery, Supremo's poisoning and a possible antidote, a plot for revenge against PayneTech, and maybe more.'"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So that's Half-Baker's work. We have Any Body unaccounted for, unsurprisingly, and Thea must be at PayneTech with the Gatemaster."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Where did we stand on the antidote?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The antidote was another payneTech thing."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "In that their pharmacy recently ordered the last of it from the guy's supplier."

Eben asks the police if there are any other incidents around town, and warns them about the PayneTech situation.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Their chemistry lab, for R&D purposes.)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Are we wrapping up after figuring out where to go next?"

GM says (to Eben), "The officer you asked steps away to radio back to the station to find out what else has been happening, then comes back to you."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yeah."

Officer says, "Well, aside from the flooding and this situation here, most of the calls today have been pretty normal. The only two other odd things are an unusual bakery robbery where they didn't take any money, and a silent alarm up at the casino, but that one turned out to be a false alarm."

Jacob hm.

Wanda asks, "Could Any Body be at the casino...?"

Wanda says, "Sorry, thinking out loud."

Eben asks (of Officer), "How did you discover it was a false alarm?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Okay, I want to scan the officer's mind because I'm having Terminator 2 flashbacks"

Officer says, "We sent some officers out there to check it out, but when we talked to the owner, he said he'd pushed the button by accident. A bit weird, but it happens sometimes."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "This is the casino we went to in a previous adventure, right?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yep"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It is."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Wasn't the owner some sort of mob guy?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "The owner is the mayor now, right?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "He was a mob philanthropist?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "So, we've got AnyBody definitely at the Casino. And the Half Baked Baker is off somewhere with an army of stolen baked goods, but presumably no longer anything useful at the bakery?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Is that an OOC statement, or an IC plan?"

Eben asks, "You mean the mayor?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(About scanning her mind.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "I was tempted..."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Unless we can find clues there"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "but if she isn't one of the one who went to the casino, is it that good a hunch?"

Officer says, "Well, soon, probably! It's not that long now until the election, is it?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh, I thought the election was past."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "on the bright side, we now have an even better motivation for identity theft"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Is there a temporary appointed mayor for now?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It's early autumn now, and I'm assuming the election is a traditional November one."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'll vote van Brundschneider, but unfortunately I can't vote."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "There's an acting mayor, but they're a relatively nameless official who got roped into this in addition to their ordinary duties."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK! So, to my mind, neither bakery nor casino seem particularly more urgent than the other."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Ah, Hennimore."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to Eben), "I agree."

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Why doesn't the Casino seem urgent?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "The two main candidates left on the ballot are Sarducci and Tyrone Rex. Rex is on the ballot every time, but he never gets many votes. Of course, with Mayor Fine out of the picture, who knows what could happen?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Haha, T-Rex"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Jacob), "Just because nothing is literally blowing up nor are there people with guns making demands."

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "But Sarducci might be in trouble?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok, I need to walk away now. I'm happy with whatever y'all decide."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Any Body could conveiably still be there for some nefarious reason. The trail at the bakery ... probably has gone cold."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I agree with CP."

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Jacob), "I'm OK with doing that first if you like! The half-baker seemed a bit unstable, like there could be some sort of bread-based attack in the works soon."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "Well, if it happens, that's just the way the cookie crumbles."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Also, Any Body is a slippery customer, so we should take advantage of the intel before they do something else"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Once they leave the casino, they can become anyone"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Casino is OK by me, then."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Deka?"

Deka says, "The casino sounds more fun."

Cuddlepaws asks (of deka), "Are you even 21?"

Eben exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "You're not!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Oh, you're asking that *now*, after we completely ignored Wanda's age the last time you went there..."

Cuddlepaws says, "But I'm cute and cuddly and can get in anywhere."

Wanda says, "Yes, you are"

Eben exclaims, "OK!"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "To the casino!"

GM says, "So the group of you piles into Red's pickup truck. Deka, presumably, is on Singularity. Between the rest of you, you'll have to decide who gets to sit in the front seat and who has to ride in the pickup bed."

Cuddlepaws says, "Shotgun!" *jumps into truck*"

Eben exclaims (at Red), "We're a little worried about the casino, given the supervillains we know about. Let's go!"

GM exclaims, "And once you figure that out, you all set out for Sarducci's Casino!"

GM says, "</SESSION>"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "clap"

Cuddlepaws says, "(a minute later, on Eben's lap) Yes, okay, I guess we are BOTH shotgun now"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to CP), "Yay."

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "Hee"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "Well, yay again! Thanks."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at gm), "Thanks so much! This was a lot of fun!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Thanks for playing, everyone!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Twas thrilling!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And you're welcome!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I hope to throw many tanks at all of you in the future!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "By the way, what did everyone think about this whiteboard software, compared to the other one? Any opinions?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "That was a pretty great moment"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Hopefully a fish tank next time!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "it works okay."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "same"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "a little less annoying than Miro"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Er, okay in the sense - it works, great."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I thought it worked fine, and given that access is simpler than our old one, I say we keep it."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It's better for our purposes than Miro because it doesn't have tons of extra functionalities"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "it's more streamlined and simple"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I like it"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Also, it was right, we were in a jam."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hehe"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "So, anyway. The fight scenes have been really

cool lately; kudos!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "And also it is past midnight here so... goofnight :?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "whoops, failed smiley"