The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
[Marvel Heroic RPG] - Breakout
ahcobras
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Breakout: Act 1
The Avengers have been disassembled, and the world is a bit lost without them at the moment. The hero known as the Sentry, believing he has murdered his wife, has voluntarily incarcerated himself at the high-tech supervillain prison known as the Raft. After a lot of raised voices and legal threats, Director Hill has agreed to let Foggy Nelson have access to The Raft to discuss The Sentry’s legal situation.
The night is like any other day in The Big Apple. As normal as city filled with metahumans usually tearing into each other. The city lights up like a Christmas tree as the sun begins to set. It may be a nice, peaceful evening for a change of pace in New York City.
But this is the Marvel universe, and peaceful evenings are a rare thing indeed…
*******
“Thanks for agreeing to come along, Kyle,” Foggy shouts, trying to be heard over the helicopter’s rotors. “Normally, I’d ask Daredevil, but he’s off fighting the Hand at the moment.”
The SHIELD helicopter lands with little fanfare. Foggy jumps out, spilling the contents of his briefcase as he lands. He shakes his head and sighs. “Great, just great. Just what I need. Go on ahead, Kyle, and check in with whoever’s in charge, while I clean up this mess."
The Avengers have been disassembled, and the world is a bit lost without them at the moment. The hero known as the Sentry, believing he has murdered his wife, has voluntarily incarcerated himself at the high-tech supervillain prison known as the Raft. After a lot of raised voices and legal threats, Director Hill has agreed to let Foggy Nelson have access to The Raft to discuss The Sentry’s legal situation.
The night is like any other day in The Big Apple. As normal as city filled with metahumans usually tearing into each other. The city lights up like a Christmas tree as the sun begins to set. It may be a nice, peaceful evening for a change of pace in New York City.
But this is the Marvel universe, and peaceful evenings are a rare thing indeed…
@B00MF1ST - Nighthawk has been asked by Matt Murdock to accompany his law partner, Foggy Nelson, to the Raft to talk to Bob Richardson AKA The Sentry. The Sentry has voluntarily incarcerated himself at the super-villain prison, as he thinks that he has murdered his wife. Foggy wants to discuss the legal situation with The Sentry, and you're acting as his bodyguard. I've framed the opening scene around your arrival, so feel free to interject into Foggy's conversation. (For example, if I post about Foggy asking you about baseball, and then aliens attack, you can phrase your post so that you're replying to the baseball chat and then reacting to aliens attack, not just one lump reaction, if that makes sense).
@Everyman and @The_Inferno: - Go ahead and set things up for your character however you like, as long as you're in New York or in/on your way to the Raft. Maybe Herc and Stephen are having frosty chocolate milkshakes together.
@Everyman and @The_Inferno: - Go ahead and set things up for your character however you like, as long as you're in New York or in/on your way to the Raft. Maybe Herc and Stephen are having frosty chocolate milkshakes together.
*******
“Thanks for agreeing to come along, Kyle,” Foggy shouts, trying to be heard over the helicopter’s rotors. “Normally, I’d ask Daredevil, but he’s off fighting the Hand at the moment.”
The SHIELD helicopter lands with little fanfare. Foggy jumps out, spilling the contents of his briefcase as he lands. He shakes his head and sighs. “Great, just great. Just what I need. Go on ahead, Kyle, and check in with whoever’s in charge, while I clean up this mess."
ahcobras on
0
Posts
Then after the briefcase event, I help him gather a few of the pages and then reluctantly head off to check in with the watch commander or whoever is the first point of contact.
You hear Foggy cursing as papers swirl around on the deck. You glance backwards to him as the sky appears to open up. Rain starts pouring down in sheets, and the lawyer starts jamming soggy documents into his briefcase as quickly as he can.
As you approach the doors, one of the guards holds up a tablet and begins tapping rapidly. "Kyle Richmond, codename Nighthawk. Escorting civilian Foggy Nelson to speak with Prisoner 16215182015, Bob Richardson, codename The Sentry. I just need your thumbprint and retinal scan for verification, sir," he adds, holding the tablet facing outward to you.
The other guard snorts and shakes his head. "Hill's lost her damn mind this time. This guy's got a rap sheet as long as some of the punks down below!"
He glares at you and readjusts his grip on his rifle. "I got my eye on you, rich kid, no matter what you said to the Director to give you clearance. First sign of trouble, and I'll drop you like a sack of potatoes."
Starting Plot Point: Unused.
In the Sanctum Sanctorum, Stephen Strange sits in quiet meditation. Suddenly, and without warning, he clutches his head and grimaces in pain.
Stephen Strange: By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth! What queer magic is this? Sentry? Why do I sense such urgent danger from him once again? He should be safely tucked away in the Raft - forgotten by all (even me) - and a threat to no one. I fear what this may mean for us all...
Strange quickly gathers his mystical raiment, artifacts, and spellbook before casting out a telepathic call to any nearby allies.
Doctor Strange (telepathically): To any nearby Defenders or former Defenders, I fear a matter of some urgency is about to transpire at the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility known as The Raft. I am leaving a teleportation circle keyed to The Raft in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Proceed there with all haste.
Not wanting to startle the guards at The Raft by his sudden, unexpected appearance, Strange alerts S.H.I.E.L.D. of his intention to inspect the facility and check on one of its prisoners. Not wanting to leave anything up to chance, he first casts a spell of remote viewing to inspect the entryway and give fair warning to the guards there.
Doctor Strange (telepathically): Do not be alarmed, for I am Doctor Strange...
Preparing himself for what he fears might come next, Strange gathers his nerve, marshals his mystical energies, and carefully crafts an intricate mystical pattern on the floor of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he steps upon the symbols...and appears before a set of Reinforced Entry Bay Doors.
Doctor Strange: ...and I am with you.
Coincidentally, lightning strikes and thunder crashes just as Strange finishes his sentence.
Doctor Strange: Now, take me to the prisoner who goes by the name Robert Reynolds.
Gathering my winnings from the back alley arm wrestling 'contest' I just won, I happily offer to take the group of ruffians down to a local drinking establishment for a few rounds. The 'contestant' I just beat, still rubbing his wrist in a vain attempt to regain some feeling back into his arm, glances behind me.
"Uh..sir-"
"I AM HERCULES SON OF ZEUS, MORTAL! You may refer to me as such."
"...right...so Hercules, what about-"
"HERCULES SON OF ZEUS!"
"Fine! Hercules, son of Zeus, what about that rhino guy?"
I look over my shoulder where the ruffian Rhino sits, tied to a tree with some iron bars I borrowed from a construction site earlier this evening. I had almost forgot the twit was even there, but I suppose the lad is correct, duty first, then merriment.
On some days. Not today.
"Do not let the Rhino vex you, mortal. I assure you, he was laughably simple to defeat in hand to hand combat. Now the Nemean lion, THAT was a beast worthy of a fight. Why I remember while searching for the lion, I fletched some arrows. Little did I know-"
A snort from behind me interrupts my train of thought.
"Simple? Simple? You sucker punched me when I was charging. If you were any kind of-"
"Nay, fiend! And now you have put me off my drink. Sorry young warriors, I must dispose of this Augean filth. Another time perhaps."
Rhino only tried once to be free of me when I removed him from the tree, but a quick thrashing brought him back to his senses. Well, lack of senses, I suppose. I drug his unconscious body through the streets, out towards the bay. Hoisting his body over my impossibly strong and muscular shoulder, I swam out to Ryker's Island, one handed. Deciding about half way there that this task was too simple, I stop kicking with my legs. Finally, this was a task worthy of HERCULES!
I can feel the searchlights upon me as I exit the water. I wave and give a hearty greeting as I hear the mortals yelling something about "halt" or "identify" or some such nonsense. Banging on the front door, I announce to all in earshot:
"GREETINGS ONE AND ALL! THE MIGHTY HERCULES HAS BESTOWED UPON YOU THIS DAY A GIFT! LET US BREAK OPEN THE CASKS AND CELEBRATE!"
"You know my past and for that you distrust my intentions. I can understand that but I only ask that you look at all I have done to make amends for my mistakes. Know that I will never stop serving the people and living up to the name Defender."
"Now that we have all expressed our positions on how we feel about each other, can we get on with the business at hand and please escort Mr. Nelson and myself to the prisoner in question?"
Lightening flashes and Nighthawk looks over to see Doctor Strange appear out of a mystic portal.
"Hold that thought, things just got a bit more interesting and I need to say hello to an old friend."
Nighthawk moves to greet the good Doctor..
Using his Cloak of Levitation, Doctor Strange approaches Nighthawk.
Doctor Strange, smiling, greets Nighthawk: The Vishanti truly smile upon us this day. Well met, friend Nighthawk.
Doctor Strange (telepathically, to Nighthawk): I'm happy to see you heeded my call so...promptly. It's good that you're here; your expertise will be needed if we are to keep things contained. I fear something terrible may happen soon, if we aren't already too late. I know not what form the danger will take, but my mystical senses are never wrong. I sense that the Sentry has some part to play in what follows, whether good or ill, I cannot say. It is of the utmost importance that we seek him out immediately, but I do not wish to alarm the guards prematurely (we wouldn't want them overreacting and provoking an unfortunate...response from the Sentry); it would be wise if we keep these fears to ourselves, at least for now.
Doctor Strange (telepathically, to the nearby Hercules): I see that you are up to your old antics, mighty Hercules. It's fortunate that you were able to arrive here so quickly, for I fear that your strength will be needed in averting the approaching catastrophe. I cannot discern the exact form it will take, but I sense that the Sentry is involved and that fact concerns me greatly. Nighthawk is here with me now, at the helipad for The Raft. With any luck, together we might just be able to handle this matter before it gets started (if it hasn't already). If you would be so kind as to join us, we can get started.
Doctor Strange (to the guards): If you would indulge me a moment, I am awaiting the arrival of another important associate, but once he arrives, we will need you to escort us to the prisoner known as Robert Reynolds.
Seemingly, and for no apparent reason, the sky darkens, clouds gather, and once again lightning strikes and thunder booms as Doctor Strange finishes talking to the guards. Oddly, the rain doesn't seem to fall around Doctor Strange.
The voice in my head was unexpected I admit. And maybe it wasn't fair to Rhino to pummel him in the face when I was startled, but if/when he comes to, I'll be sure to explain the situation. I'll use small words.
Now, voice in my head, what was it saying?
"...able to arrive here so quickly, for I fear-" Ok blah, blah, blah. The Incredible Hercules cares not for extrapolation.
"...averting the approaching catastrophe-" Now that sounds interesting. Tell me more, phantom voice.
"...I sense that the Sentry is involved-" Sentry, ok. Good man, from what I remember.
"Nighthawk is here with me now-" Ah Nighthawk, another good man.
"...luck, together we might just be able to handle this matter-" Well I do not know if I will need your help, but I am sure we can share in the spoils of battle. This voice...I feel I know it from somewhere. Let me listen more closely.
"...get-" Ah, Strange! It has been too long. I wonder what his unnatural magics have gotten himself into this time.
"..." Hmmm...seemed to have missed the end. Well no matter. I, Hercules, will drop off Rhino in a nice small cell and then find Sentry, Nighthawk, and Strange to see what matter they need THE MIGHTY HERCULES to solve for them.
Also, these guards are taking far to long with this door. Lucky for me, I'm me.
And with that, I wrench open the front door of the Raft and drag Rhino in behind me. I'm sure they can fix the slight adjustment I made.
Surprise and exasperation turns into near-panic as the son of a Greek god bounds out of the water with an unconscious Rhino and straight for the Reinforced Bay Doors. The SHIELD agents take a step back as Hercules come straight toward the doors and begins to wrench them open.
The guard with tablet goes back to frantically tapping at the screen as he addresses Herc. "Mr. Hercules, sir, while SHIELD appreciates the gesture, we have numerous regulations and protocols in place for prisoner admittance!" He shoots Nighthawk and Strange a pleading glance at Nighthawk to intervene. Even the surly guard who was ready to write off Nighthawk moments ago looks on edge and unsure of what to do about the son of Zeus and his delivery.
@B00MF1ST and @Everyman: feel free to react accordingly.
Character Hercules
Campaign
Description Rolling "Godlike Strength" to 'open' the doors.
Results 1d12: 12 [1d12=12]
(Not sure if I did this right, let me know)
Test: 1d10 1 1d4 4 1d8 5
I'll take the 12 and the 4, with the d8 as my effect die.
Reaction to Herc's attempt at opening the doors: 3d6 2, 2 ,3 1d10 3
Ok, so with the door's rating of d10, at best I can do is 5 with a d10 effect. You beat me by 10, which ups your effect die 2 steps to a d12, so you succeed spectacularly.
Hercules wrenches the Reinforced Entry Bay Doors open with shocking ease. Even Rhino, who has just woken up, mutters a "holy crap" at the sight of the demigod's handiwork. The SHIELD agents, on the other hand, are more terrified than impressed. A squad of guards on the other side of the now-smashed doors level their weapons at Hercules. The leader shouts out, "Stand down, meta-human, or we will be forced to open fire!"
Sorry for the lack of specific flavor, but I'm losing sleep to get this done as it is, so it will have to do.
Doctor Strange slowly wipes his brow and face while hanging his head as though to say,
"Must I always have to clean up after children? Sorcerer Supreme? More like Super-janitor-slash-mediator-slash-therapist-slash-I-need-a-vacation."
Doctor Strange: ENOUGH!
1d10=6, 1d8=8, 1d12=4, 1d10=2, 1d10=5
Treat the result of the roll as a Complication with roll total 14 (6+8) and effect size 1d12 to either both Hercules and the guards (can you do that?) or just to the guards if that's all I can do.
Doctor Strange teleports between Hercules and the door guards with one hand outstretched to each in a gesture of forbiddance. Augmenting his voice and commanding presence with the aid of esoteric magicks (booming voice, dimming vision, eerie stillness in the air, abrupt and severe chill, sense of impending dread, etc) the Doctor attempts to put an end to the conflict between should-be allies.
Doctor Strange: Stop this madness at once! We are allies, or should be, and this is no time to test our strength - he raises an eyebrow at Hercules - nor allow unfortunate misunderstandings and overzealous enthusiasm - he shrugs at the guards in knowing exasperation - to cloud our judgement about who the real enemies are here.
"What, does the door vex you this much? Look, it is as good as new!" With this, I place the door more or less back in the door frame. Truly, I could have also been an architect. Is there anything I cannot do? Nay, there is not.
On to pressing matters.
"Now, my friends, lower your weapons and show me where to place the ruffian, Rhino! Strange, maybe you can lead the way?"
Doctor Strange (to Hercules): I am afraid I, too, am a guest in this facility, so we'll just have to wait for these fine gentlemen to recover from witnessing your truly magnificent feat of strength and engineering, gather their wits, and allow them to escort us within the facility.
Doctor Strange (to the guards): If it will help put your minds at ease, I could assist you by magically improving upon Hercules's design. telepathically for their "ears" only: in other words, I can return it to how it was before his damage was done.
your move, @ahcobras ; if you like, I can make the "effect magical repairs" roll, or we can just dialogue it out
Whispering to the guards out of the side of his mouth after the pleasant exchange with Hercules, "Don't worry, I am 86% sure Strange can fix your doors but if not I may have a few favors left with Mr. Stark."
"Now that we are all here (looking around for Foggy) and if we can retrieve Mr. Nelson, then we can continue on to see Sentry" ((looking to the guards)) "That is of course if that still meets with S.H.I.E.L.D. protocol."
The guards are visibly relieved by the intervention by Strange and Nighthawk. The ones behind the wrecked doors lower their weapons, but they are still obviously on edge.
Foggy gives a half-hustle up to the group, cramming drenched papers into his briefcase along the way. "Ok, Nighthawk, I think I got them all." Looking up, he finally notices the other heroes and says, "Oh, Doctor Strange, and...Hercules, right? I didn't know you would be here, too. Is there going to be trouble inside that I don't know about?"
Tablet-guy goes back to punching at the screen and holds it out to the group. "Wonderful. If I could just get that thumbprint..."
Suddenly, you feel and hear the hum of electricity, and the lights all go out simultaneously, as well as the whirring sounds of the various machinery near the Formerly Reinforced Bay Doors. The guards swivel around, guns drawn and trying to figure out what happened.
The tough guy SHIELD agent rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "Calm down, you pansies! The emergency lights will be on in a few seconds." As he says that, the backup generators kick on, and flashing emergency lights bathe the area in a crimson glow.
"See? Told ya so. You were all freakin' out for..."
The emergency lights die as quickly as they came on.
"...nothing. Crap."
The SHIELD agent's eloquent reaction is punctuated by two explosions, one you assume is at the rear of the Raft and another that blows the wrecked doors outward towards you! SHIELD agents get hurled past you by the tremendous force, and chucks of the once-impregnable super prison are sprayed everywhere. You are able to duck and dodge out of the way of the debris, and Foggy squawks as Tablet-guy tackles him to the ground to get him out of harm's way.
In the haze of smoke and rain, you see several figures advancing towards you, both walking and flying. As the smoke dissipates, you see a figure not unlike Dr Strange in appearance: bearded and wearing a cape hovering over the scene as well as an entirely grey man flying beside him. On the ground, you see a humanoid that appears to be made out of energy, and a...bipedal armadillo?
The bearded man looks down upon the prone SHIELD agents and the three heroes. Smirking, he says, "My, my. Escaping from prison and trouncing heroes? Our day is looking up, gentlemen."
Irritated by yet another interruption, he prepares to deal with this new threat quickly so that he can once again resume his original task.
Doctor Strange: Judging by your misplaced enthusiasm, I'm afraid you've chosen the wrong heroes to annoy this day. If you know what's good for you, you'll turn right around and go back to your cells. Consider this your final warning.
The sky darkens, lightning crashes, thunder booms, and Doctor Strange's eyes glow with the threat of violence.
...
@ahcobras: What's the starting Doom Pool and who will be going first (Strange has a D12 in Mystic Senses, so I'm assuming the heroes/us will be going first, but I wanted to check to be sure)?
"I give you credit for your entrance, fiends, but sadly, this shall be a short visit. FOR NONE CAN WITHSTAND HERCULES, SON OF ZEUS!"
With that, I steady myself for glorious battle!
Once you take your turn, choose who goes next, either your fellow heroes or one of the bad guys. Be aware (this goes for @The_Inferno and @Everyman too): the person in control of the last character to act in any round chooses who goes first at the top of the next round.