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M&M 3rd Edition: Gotham Knights, The Royal Treatment
High above the streets of Gotham the uppermost floor of Wayne Enterprises was alive with chattering talk and laughter. The executives who ran the corporation by day had exchanged their tailored suits and dresses for tuxedos and gowns. Joined by some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the city they seemed to be in good company. Smartly dressed servers carrying silver trays ferried hors d'oeuvres and drinks around the room and whisked away empty glasses. Joining Gotham's elite were King Brion, his younger sister Tara, and a small portion of the entourage they'd brought with them all the way from Markovia. Nervous looking bodyguards conversed in their native tongue waving off any server who approached while keeping an eye on their newly crowned monarch. Considering the Brion's father had never left Markovia during his reign their apprehension was understandable.
King Brion had been drawn into a lengthy conversation with Mayor Hill shortly after the celebration had commenced, apparently he was hoping to claim some of the credit for the newly signed contracts between Markovia and Wayne Enterprises. His eagerness to attach himself to the project was hardly surprising, especially since the call for increased production and the additional revenue would allow the company hire hundreds of new workers dropping Gotham's unemployment percentage lower than it had been for the last ten years. Aside from Mayor Hill several other members of the city council had won invitations for themselves. The youngest councilman was conversing animatedly with Lucius Fox and Princess Tara, but judging from the look on the Princesses' face she was far from enthralled.
Drawing nearly as much attention as the royal family was Bruce Wayne, a rare presence at events such as this one. Normally Bruce would've been out patrolling the city, but Lucius had insisted that Aside from a few brief pleasantries Bruce hadn't said much to the King or his sister, in part because his attention was focused elsewhere. The security preparations for this event had been exhaustive and costly, but they had also been necessary to ensure the safety of the King and everyone else in attendance. All of the windows on the floor had been replaced with bulletproof glass, all the guests and the staff had undergone extensive background checks, and Bruce had swept the building from top to bottom twice the previous night. King Brion's bodyguards were working in coordination with Wayne Industries' security staff and the Gotham City Police Department. Officers from the GCPD were patrolling the building and they'd cordoned off the street surrounding the building. Glancing across the room Bruce spotted Commissioner Gordon talking into an ear piece, no doubt checking in with the officers under his command. It was strange seeing him in formal attire, but he'd agreed to wear it to help keep the rest of the guests at ease.
GM of M&M "And Justice For All."
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
"I hate parties like this," Barbara said in sotto voce, her blue eyes scanning the assembly of Gotham's most elite as they danced. The man on her arm laughed. "Yeah, it's not the most fun way to spend an evening, but the sights aren't bad."
Babs pinched him. "Jerk."
"Ow."
Barbara smirked and looked up at Dick Grayson. "You deserved it."
"Come on, it's not all bad," Dick chuckled. He snatched bruschetta from a passing server's tray and stuffed it in his mouth. "For one, all the hors d'oeuvres you can eat. Delicious.
"And also," he said letting Bab's arm go to pick up two glasses of wine from another passing tray. "Plenty of free booze," he grinned and offered her a glass.
"Besides, I'm sure your dad appreciates you're here."
Barbara snickered as she took a drink from the wine glass. "I'm sure he's ecstatic about the fact that Mr. Richard Grayson is enticing his daughter to drink underage. You're a bad influence."
"I won't tell if you won't," Dick smiled and sipped his glass. "Besides, tonight we're in the safest place in Gotham. Bruce checked every floor himself, and you know how he gets about security. What's the worst that could happen?"
Batman snagged a glass of wine from a server's tray as she passed by, giving her a wink as he did. He'd far rather have been patrolling the streets or keeping watch over this gathering from some nearby rooftop than down here among the guests. But Lucius had insisted Bruce Wayne make an appearance tonight.
He sipped the fine wine and looked across the room, spotting Commissioner Gordan. The Dark Knight stepped away from the wall, moving across the room and mingling with the guests as he went. It wouldn't do to stride purposefully across the room as Batman would have, Bruce Wayne had a reputation to maintain. Bruce always had a witty anecdote or funny story to share and a bit of a flirt. A billionaire playboy, most thought him.
Dick and Barbara were dancing in the center of the conference room, he noticed. Good, dancing would give them a complete view of the other guests and the entire room.
Eventually, Batman came up on his target, "Commissioner, enjoying the party so far?" Bruce asked.
The instant the words had left his lips Dick heard the sound of metal bouncing off of tile and shattering glass. A few feet away one of the servers had dropped a tray of glasses filled with wine shattering each and every one of them. One of King Brion's bodyguards had been splashed with wine and he was staring at he dripping clothes as though he'd been dumped headfirst into a mound of fresh manure. The conversations of the party goers, the clattering of tableware, and the live music muffled the noise so only a few heads turned towards the disturbance, and they turned away once they spotted the source of the disturbance.
The server was so busy recovering her fallen tray and scooping up the shards of glass the server hadn't noticed the bodyguard staring "I'm so sorry sir, I'll clean this up..."
"You clumsy little fool! Look what you've done, are you blind?" The bodyguard brought back his hand clearly intending to slap the young woman who was still kneeling at his feet. "Maybe this will teach you to show some respect to your betters."
Batman
"I'd be enjoying it a bit more if wasn't wearing this blasted monkey suit." Gordon tugged at the bowtie around his neck loosening it irritably as he smiled indulgently at Bruce. "You must be enjoying yourself though Mr. Wayne, I imagine you're used to this sort of thing by now."
GM of M&M "And Justice For All."
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
As the bodyguard raised his hand, he felt, rather than sensed through any conventional manner, a large presence slip gracefully from the crowd with fluid speed. The man who had stepped right behind the kneeling waitress stood out clearly, even a moderately trained eye would notice that his suit was markedly less expensive than any other worn in the room, but Ben Turner filled out every inch and then some. His baritone voice was soft and low, matching the controlled, almost serene look on his face, yet there was an edge of menace to that couldn't be ignored.
The bodyguard stared Ben down for a fraction of a second before he dropped his arm. "She isn't worth the trouble."
Stalking off through the crowd he made his way towards the door draw a few curious looks from people as he passed. Carefully picking up her tray the server watched her would be assailant storm of with an almost bemused expression. "Nice guy."
Turning her attention to Ben she seemed uncertain of what to make of her rescuer. "Thanks for the help mister..."
GM of M&M "And Justice For All."
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
Ben clocked the bodyguard's retreating back with a long, slow look, before looking up at the young woman's enquiry. He smiled, sudden and bright. "Ben. Mr Turner's my Dad. And no worries, getting rid of jerks like that is no hard time. Guy's just a bully, really, I know his type." Turning, he guided the waitress away from the murmurs and glances of the crowd that were reddening her face. "What's your name, anyway?"
She seemed to be happy to get out of the limelight, anyway. He glanced at her blouse, which had been splashed with whatever had been on the tray. "Look, I don't want to keep you from getting into trouble, if you want to go get cleaned up." The woman gave him a somewhat appraising look. In this city, altruism made people a little suspicious sometimes and Ben didn't blame her for that, he hoped he was coming off as helpful rather than creepy or rude.
"My name is Kate." Now the crowd's attention was drifting away Kate seemed to be far less uncomfortable. "Would you mind standing guard while I wash some of this off? I'd really rather not run into that guy alone."
GM of M&M "And Justice For All."
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
Well that did make sense. People like the bodyguard did have a habit, in Ben's experience, of exacting petty revenge. Not that he would say that, no need to scare her or anything. "Sure thing Kate. I doubt he'll try anything but better safe than sorry, right?" Ben briefly considered that at some point he should probably find Dick and Babs, but he figured they'd entertain themselves just fine. Oh yes.
"Let's get going then. Parties like this aren't my usual style anyway." He let Kate lead the way out back, and kept an eye out for any sad sacks looking to turn the tables, so to speak. Nothing jumped out at him, though. He felt a small surge of pride, his sensei would have been pleased with how in tune Ben's actions were with his feelings, but the young student shrugged it away. Accept and then let go, so went the teaching. Sure was nice to help out a pretty girl in need, though.
The commotion didn't go unnoticed but Dick and Babs were old hands at this sort of thing; they both watched the situation carefully but outwardly seemed to pay it no mind.
"Ask and ye shall receive," Barbara said with a giggle, looking over her shoulder. Looks like Ben had it taken care of.
She didn't quite know what to make of Ben Turner. He was handsome and had a good heart, she felt, but she also knew about his "night job." Batman had vetted him personally as an ally but she still had her reservations. Then again there were several individuals in Gotham that Batman worked with under certain... circumstances. That didn't mean he trusted them implicitly. As far as Babs was concerned it was probably a good idea to keep Bronze Tiger at arm's length. Oh but he was good looking...
"What do you think about him, Dick?"
She cocked her head towards Ben and the waitress as they moved off the floor. "I think he's kind of cute."
Leaving the party behind Ben and Kate moved down the hall and were almost immediately intercepted by a trio of GCPD officers who questioned them for a few minutes before allowing them to pass. Even after she'd shown them her identification and they'd verified her information Kate still hadn't been able to convince them that they didn't need an escort. Another officer had been called upstairs and he trailed after them like a shadow as they made their way to the restroom on the next floor up. Kate left both of them waiting and the sound of running water echoed out into the hallway for several minutes.
Hurried footsteps coming from further down the hallway drew both men's attention as Ben's father and a second officer rounded the corner. Mr. Turner was wearing his best clothes and an expression Ben had become all to familiar with since his youth. A mixture of anger and fear blended his features into an unsettling mask that he wore whenever he looked at his son.
"Officers, I'd like a moment alone with my son." Mr. Turner kept his eyes on Ben as he spoke.
Looking apprehensively between both men the officer who had escorted Ben and Kate upstairs shook his head. "Sorry Mr. Turner, no one in the building is being allowed anywhere without a police escort, Commissioner Gordon's orders."
"Fine." Mr. Turner moved towards Ben seized him by the shoulder and nearly dragged him further down the hallway."Someone said they heard you threatening one of King Brion's bodyguards, Ben what were you thinking? I invited you here so we could show everyone how much you've changed. I wanted people to see that you're not some bloodthirsty madman, and the first thing you think to do is pick a fight." Mr. Turner looked at the officers who were doing their best to pretend as though they couldn't hear every word he was saying. "Mr. Wayne and Mr. Fox are both here tonight Ben, are you really going to let your temper destroy everything your mother and I have worked for our whole lives?"
GM of M&M "And Justice For All."
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
Bruce laughed, "You go to enough parties, you get used to wearing the monkey suit. Though trick is to have a first-rate tailor, Commissioner."
"I can get you the number of the man I use, if you'd like?"
The crash of broken glass drew Batman's attention and he focused on the source. A second later he relaxed a bit, just a server dropping her tray of drinks.
Dick could barely hide the disapproval on his face. It was like a knife twisted between his ribs. If he was being honest with himself, he deserved it. This must have been what Babs felt every time some girl came up and flirted with him. "The guy's a total hothead, Babs. And by the looks of it," he said, watching Ben escort the girl away, "he seems to have already set his sights on taking someone else home tonight."
It was hard to miss the expression Dick gave Ben. Barbara felt a little guilty; she didn't usually indulge in petty tit-for-tat. She still cared for him but there was still a lot of mixed feelings in that jar she needed to sort out.
Seeing Babs' guilt Dick felt disappointed in himself.
"No, you're right," Dick sighed. If he had a chance to prove himself to Babs, he was going to have to show her he had grown. Or that he was at least trying to. "I'm a massive jerk. I deserve that and you deserve better.
"It looks like he was genuinely trying to help. His head's in the right place even if he needs to learn to keep those emotions in check. I need to check in with Bruce so if you want to go talk to him..."
Smooth, Grayson. Invite your date to talk to another man... great job, he thought while managing to not cringe at himself.
Barbara exhaled as he broke away to go talk to Bruce.
"Awesome," she said ruefully. She drained the rest of her wine glass and set it down on a table to be picked up. Maybe it was time to get some air. She made her way for the door leading out into the lobby.
Detective Bullock stepped in her way and opened the door. "Babs," he said and Barbara gave him a look. "Hey, look, Commish's orders. Gotta go with an escort and I figured better me than one of the other knuckleheads."
Barb was about to snap something back but he had a point. "Yeah, sure, come on Harv." He gave that dopey smile of his and the two walked out into the main lobby towards one of the exterior balconies.
"Please tell me you're not going to just hover around me," she said as she pushed open the door and stepped outside. Harvey looked uncomfortable and rubbed at the back of his neck.
"Come on Harv, I'm the Commissioner's daughter!"
"Well, uhh..."
"Pretty please?" she asked and gave her best puppy face.
"Alright alright, don't give me that look kid, sheesh. Just don't be long, your pop will kill me."
"Thank you Officer Bullock," she said sweetly and gave him a peck on the cheek.
She left him blushing in the hallway as she stepped outside and went over to the railing. Certain she wasn't followed she moved over to the western railing and reached over, finding the pack Bruce had placed there for her two days ago.
Moments later Batgirl shot her grapple gun up to the adjacent Von Grunwald tower and settled into place on one of the old gargoyles. Clicking a button on her cowl caused her magnification lenses to click into place to give her a clear view of the ballroom. She threw her backpack into one of the adjacent alcoves and sat down to watch...
Ben took a deep breath, and focused on the infinite peace of his mind. It was... difficult. "Dad, that bodyguard was going to hit a waitress for accidentally dropping a drink on him. I wouldn't have even spoken to the guy if it wasn't for that." He raised his hands, palms out, and adopted a pacifistic expression. "I really didn't want to damage anything you've been working towards, I swear. And I wasn't trying to pick a fight either. That's not me any more." He looked a little hurt, though he didn't know it.
More than anything Dick wanted to get back out on the rooftops of Gotham. Cracking his tonfas over the head of some punks would be really satisfying after this disastrous evening. Oh awesome, Dick mused, Bruce would be chatting up Gordon. I'm sure he's going to be thrilled to see me... I only broke his little girl's heart. Dick took a deep breath and put on his most winning smile.
"Good even, Commissioner. I hope your enjoying yourself," Dick offered his hand to Gordon.
"Some of us are on the job tonight, Grayson," Gordon replied with a hint of smolder. Commissioner Gordon did his best to remain professional and hide his disgust, shaking Dick's hand with a mean squeeze. This barely registered to Dick. Compared to some of the beating he'd taken from Gotham's criminals it was literally nothing. His hands had been broken so many times now he'd lost track. Dick decided it was best to let the Commissioner have this minor victory. Maybe it would help open a bridge to regain Gordon's respect and also keep up appearances for nighttime activities.
"Oh... I forgot how firm your handshakes were, sir," Dick feigned clearing his throat nervously and shaking out his hand. "I'm sure everyone here feels safer knowing you're in charge of security, Commissioner.
"I think I'm going to check in on Alfred. You know how he gets when we're out past our bedtimes," Dick smirked at his own joke. "You mind if I use the phone in your office, Bruce?"
Bruce smiled, "Sure Dick. You've got a key?" Dick nodded, "Then just put everything back after you finish up. And tell Alfred that I'll be back sometime before breakfast." Bruce said.
"Yep, got 'em right here," he said jangling them. "Sure thing, Bruce.
"You both have a good evening."
He excused himself and made his way to the hallway where he was, no exceptions made, also stopped and interrogated by GCPD officers. He gave them his most winning smile then reminded them who he was and that he practically lived here. He explained that he was just going to give Alfred a call back at Wayne Manor then the officers let him pass unmolested. Letting himself into Bruce's office Dick locked the door behind him then used the wall switch to close the blinds and turn out the light. Through a complicated sequence of manuevering figurines displayed proudly along the shelves of Wayne's office a hidden panel was revealed. He pressed his palm against the biometric scanner which opened a panic room. Once inside Dick the door closed behind him.
"Identify - Nightwing." Only then did the room's real purpose reveal itself - three automated, sealed display cases turned around the back-wall.
The Bat suit. His former Robin costume. And finally, Dick's newest Nightwing suit.
Suiting up Nightwing secured his mask and pulled the hood over his head. Sealing the room behind him, Nightwing then opened a single window and threw himself from the highest floor of Wayne Tower with a rowdy cheer as he fell story after story. With the first truly sincere smile of the evening Nightwing pulled the zipline gun from his belt grappled over to the an advantageous position to see the party in full with all his trademark over-the-top acrobatics.
He tapped the sub-vocal patch behind his ear he had borrowed from Bruce's store. "Little Bird reporting, Penny-One. Status - Wayne party is secure. Bigman says he'll be in before breakfast. Anything to report? Over."
"Seven point five, tops," she grinned fiercely, grabbing her backpack. She pulled the grapple gun from her belt again and shot it downwards at an angle towards where she'd seen Nightwing land.
These jumps, no matter how many times she made them, always put a few butterflies in her tummy.
She leaped and swung downwards. On the upward arc she flew and flipped gracefully, years and years of gymnastics paying off, landing expertly next to Nightwing on the outcropping. She didn't expect the crenellation to still be freshly slick from the rain, though, and she felt her boots slide a little bit when she hit.
He was always so fast, his hand shooting out to grip hers, pulling her forward.
"Well," she said, her heart crawling up her throat. "Thanks for the assist." She could feel her cheeks turning red from embarrassment--she hadn't made a rookie mistake like that in almost a year.
"I'm afraid not sir, it seems the city has decided that you all deserve a night of rest. Might I suggest you return to the party before you catch your death of cold jumping around on rooftops." Alfred Pennyworth's voice betrayed no hint of distress, but all the needling only a secret agent turned butler could muster.
From their vantage point outside Dick and Barbara both heard a high pitched whine as five blurs roared past their perches and shot straight through the reinforced windows of Wayne Enterprises. The glass gave way as though it had been hit by a wrecking ball and screams roared out from within the building.
Batman
Suddenly Lucius Fox raised his glass and tapped it with a small fork drawing the attention of everyone in earshot as he signaled for the band to stop playing. The Wayne family might have built the company but everyone knew that these days the last surviving Wayne left the day to day running of his company in the hands of the CEO. "I'd like to thank everyone for joining us tonight, especially King Brion and our own Bruce Wayne." At these words there was a round of spirited applause and Lucius had to wait for it to die down before he could continue. "The partnership between Markvoia and Wayne Enterprises is a historic first step for both of us, and I'm sure it is only the beginning of a new era."
The windows shattered showering everyone and everything within a few feet of them in a spray of powdered glass. Screams, howling winds, and the dull roar of activity on the street far beneath them echoed out into the night. Five people riding atop what looked like enormous playing cards soared into the room, people scurrying to get out of their path as they advanced. Each of them wore costumes patterned in a blend of black, white, and red with golden adornments. Leading the charge was a hulking man covered completely in white save for a black mark obscuring his face. Two more men, one armed with a sword and another much younger and slighter than the either of the others. A pair of women took up the rear, one was wearing a towering golden crown and held a furled whip in her hand, while the second woman bore a large number ten on her left breast.
Bodyguards encircled King Brion and Princess Tara forming a human shield around the royals in seconds. "Protect the King!"
Two of the King's protectors drew their weapons and opened fire on the attackers, the bullets bounced off of the enormous man leading them like rubber bands. They ricocheted across the room shattering glass and striking one of the guests who fell to the floor with a scream. Panic set it as more of the guest ran for the door or sought whatever cover they could find in the room. The thin man reached into his bag hanging at his waist and drew out a pair of red metallic diamonds which he hurled at both of armed guards. Their guns clattered to the floor as they fell to the ground clutching their bleeding hands.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is King and we're the Royal Flush Gang, I promise that if you all play your cards right no one else will be hurt."
"Eat lead you lousy card shark!" Harvey Bullock shoved his way out of the crowd and leveled his revolver at King and fired. Moving in a blur of inhuman speed the gigantic man plucked the bullet out of midair and squeezed it in his hand. When he opened his hand again a fine gray powder fell out onto the floor before being swept away in the wind.
"I see we'll need to make another example of you before we can complete our business here." King turned to the hulking mountain of white hovering next to him. "Ace dear boy, if you would be so kind..."
Hoisting Detective Bullock off of the floor as though he weighed no more than a child's toy the enormous man hurled him out of the shattered window.
Bronze Tiger
At first it didn't look like Mr. Turner believed Ben's story, but luckily Kate chose that moment to step out of the bathroom with most of the wine stains washed out of her blouse. "Well do I look presentable now?"
"You were telling the truth?" Relief, confusion, and shame vied for control as Mr. Turner squeezed his son's shoulder gently. "Ben, I don't know what to say...I'm sorry son."
Distant screams and the sound of gunfire coming from the floor below them made Mr. Turner, Kate, and both of the officers jump. The policemen drew their side arms and moved towards the stairs. "Just stay calm and wait here folks. Nothing will happen to any of you as long as you stay here."
GM of M&M "And Justice For All."
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
"Babs, you know I've always got your ba..." Nightwing was interrupted by the entrance of the Royal Flush Gang.
"Spoke too soon. Penny-One, Royal Flush Gang is attacking the Wayne party. Moving to inter..."
Dick immediately leapt before finishing his thought as Harvey was hurled from the shattered window. He was falling now, tucking his arms and cape in to increase his velocity like a bullet, gripping his zipline in from his utility belt. His body slammed into Harley and he hooked his arms under Detective Bullock's shoulders.
"I gotcha, Detective!" Nightwing shouted.
"You got me?! Who the hell's got you you, Birdbrain?!?" Harvey panicked as they plummeted after floor after floor.
"I told you," Dick launched the line, swinging them both and slowing their momentum.
Oh... that is inauspicious. I'll spend the starting Hero Point to bump that to a 25.
The two of them swing down, speeding towards the pavement. Nightwing wrapped his cape around the Detective to protect him. Bystanders scream and rush out of the way as they careened into the sidewalk, Nightwing turning his body to take the brunt of the impact himself. Bystanders screamed and rushed out of the way as the two tumbled across the pavement before slowing to a stop.
"No rest for the wicked," she said, firing her grapple gun into the now-exposed ballroom. She hit the chandelier and swung forward.
Her boots collided with the back of the girl with the 10. She was caught completely unaware and the kick sent her bouncing across the floor into the drink table. Releasing the hook it retracted and she landed in a rolling crouch right in the middle of the gang.
"I don't think you guys are on the guest list. Are you the Variety Act?"
Barbara pulled a couple marble sized orbs from one of her pouches and bounced them along the floor. They suddenly began pinwheeling smoke in all directions as people began to shout and scream.
She quickly recovered into a fighting stance, her infrared lenses pinpointing her next target, the other woman with the whip.
talk about lucky, just barely hit her. Looks like a second degree hit since she missed by 9
using move by attack and extra effort to throw down another smoke bomb and hide, grants concealment 5 which is total for everyone in the cloud. good thing Babs has infra vision lenses! everyone else suffers a -5 penalty to hit Batgirl
Ben quickly and firmly pushed his father and Kate into the women's washroom, despite any protestations of either. "You guys stay here, I'm going to make sure anyone who can get out downstairs does." At Mr Turner's stuttering reply, he cut him off with a hand on the shoulder. "Dad. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." He turned to Kate. "Stay safe. I'll be back for you soon enough." With that, he closed the door, and sprinted off down the corridor.
Unfortunately, he didn't have his proper gear with him, but Ben did always keep his mask around just in case. It had been given to him by his Sensei and it's true origins were unknown, though he had been told it was worn by ancient masters. Shrugging off his jacket, opening his top shirt button and tossing the tuxedo, he smoothly pulled on the Tiger mask just as he slammed through the doors to the main room, eyes glancing about to see what was going on. There was smoke billowing in the centre of the room with hazy figures moving within, and surrounding that disturbance a panicked crowd. He could hear the sound of the wind coming through a shattered window. Ben decided to close with the action, keeping a wary eye out for now.
Ben is moving towards the disturbance through the crowd, watching what is going on around him. He's going into Full Defence until he finds a target, if someone with a weapon attacks him in full defence then he will use his weapon break skill to smash it should they miss!
Batman, taking advantage of the chaos and the smokescreen provided by Batgirl, dove through the crowd towards the ballroom doors. He reached the doors and pushed one open just enough to duck through. Faking a coughing fit as wisps of smoke curled around the closing door, he shouted to the police officers at the other end of the corridor, "Some maniacs crashed through the windows. Calling themselves the Royal Flush Gang." Bruce pushed past the detectives and ran for his office.
Setting the office knickknacks to the right configuration to open the handprint scanner, Batman slammed his hand down on the panel. "Identify - Batman." sounded as the panic room door opened though Bruce had started moving as the door was still in motion. He quickly donned the Batsuit and snapped his utility belt on. With the cowl up and the cap settling around his shoulders, the man any sane criminal in Gotham feared strode across the panic room back into Bruce Wayne's office. He jumped through the open window out into the chill of the Gotham night, one arm snapping out and firing his grapnel gun at the skyscraper across the street. Batman rode the line upwards until he crouched on a convenient gargoyle statue, surveying the situation inside the ballroom and selecting his target.
Dick had designed his suit to protect him against small arms fire and knives, but falling from ten stories up hadn't been part of his plan. The pavement tore the protective fabric apart like cheesecloth and cut into the skin of his back underneath it. Detective Bullock landed on top of Nightwing like a sofa crushing his ribs and knocking the wind out of him as they crashed.
Aside from a few scrapes and bruises Bullock didn't seem to be any worse for wear. He pushed himself off of Nightwing and fell backwards onto his haunches. Swallowing back the mound of hors d'oeuvres he'd been wolfing down for the last hour he glowered down at Dick. "Next time you wanna rescue me bring a parachute ya jerk."
By my calculations Nightwing failed his Toughness check by 3 degrees, meaning he is staggered and has a -1 penalty to all further checks against damage. .If he's staggered again then he'll be incapacitated
Batgirl, Bronze Tiger, and Batman
Lifting herself off of the floor Ten rolled onto her back struggling to breathe. "Going...to...kill...her."
Circling in midair King swept his sword through the smoke in front of him. "Never mind her Ten, grab the King and get out of here, if Batgirl is here Batman won't be far behind her. Ace keep her busy!"
Unimpaired by the cloud smoke whirling around them Ace charged directly for Batgirl swinging his massive fist with the force of a sledgehammer.
Ace Smash! 1d20+10= 21 vs. Parry. Hit. Toughness DC 26.
GM of M&M "And Justice For All."
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
She hadn't expected that. Raising her arms to block the blow she pushed most of it to the side, but it left her arms aching with the impact, even through the protective plates of her armored costume.
"Oof, someone's been eating their Wheaties," she said, rolling to the side. The smoke wasn't going to be a deterrent for the big guy so she needed to think fast. If Ten got on her feet and got ahold of King Brion...
dunno what our initiative is here so I'll hold off on acting; posted the toughness result in the OOC
...not that she'd let it get that far, of course. "Sorry, big guy, I just don't think we're right for each other," she said, pulling a device from her belt as she dodged another cinderblock sized fist. With a series of backflips she put some distance between her and the giant white android and aimed. Hurling the blue Batarang with expert precision it stuck into Ace's forehead and a corona of electricity erupted around his head; smoke billowed from his ears, nostrils, mouth and eyes as the acrid stink of melted plastic and circuitry filled the ballroom. After a few seconds Ace stumbled forward and fell to the floor in an unnaturally contorted heap, twitching and popping as the electricity continued to pump into his robotic brain.
"Sorry for the messy breakup," she said, running after Ten.
Spending that other Hero Point to get a new alternate effect as part of Extra Effort; the AE is going to have 20 points worth (based on the Flashbang) and is basically an electrified batarang that puts an affliction on mechanical targets resisted by Will:
Electrified Batarang: Ranged Affliction (+1 point per rank), Resisted by Dodge, Overcome by Will (+1 point per rank), Extra Condition (+1 point per rank) DC 15. Conditions: Hindered and Dazed, Stunned and Defenseless, Incapacitated and Paralyzed.
"Yeah, because parachutes are totally effective at ten stories. Right, Harv?" Nightwing groaned and stood up, gripping his limp left shoulder. "Maybe next time you lay off the doughnuts so you don't land like a ton of bricks."
Harvey grumbled angrily.
Shoulder's dislocated... this is gonna smart.
Nightwing leaned the leftside of his body against a streetlamp post. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and then pressed his shoulder into the post. People gathered round the spectacle, a few helping the detective up to his feet.
"What are you doing, Birdbrain?" the Detective howlered. "Get up there and take those guys out!"
"I told you..." Nightwing growled before slamming his shoulder into the post with a painful, pro-longed grotesque groan. A horrible pop echoed just slightly. Gasps were heard among the crowd and one person threw up. Stumbling back then righting his footing, he rolled his shoulder and arm to make sure everything was working again. Nightwing pulled the hold back over his head. "... it's not Robin. It's Nightwing now."
Before Harvey could speak, he was frankly still stunned after witnessing a man pop his own shoulder back into place, Nightwing took the zipline from his belt and propelled himself back up to the party. Flipping into the room from the shattered window, Nightwing landed perfectly and pulled the tonfas from his back.
"Alright," the former Boy Wonder snarled, "which of you threw the fat man out a window?"
"The one on the ground," Batgirl called back while ducking a backkick from Ten.
"Oh... Well, alright then."
Take a recover action to get over being Staggered.
Two kings? Ben really did feel underdressed for this party! He shouted over the din, "batgirl, I'll get the king out of here, you seem to be taking care if business just fine."
.Turning, he sprinted off towards the royal party, dodging startled partiers and bounding tables, hoping to cut off any villain obeying their sovreigns order. He felt his blood surge, part of him hoping that his skill and control was to be tested!
Barbara dodged the back kick from Ten as Jack swung his sword at Nightwing and the two found themselves back-to-back. "You look like you got hit by a train," she said, grinning wolfishly as she blocked a backhanded strike.
"I don't know if you noticed," Nightwing snarked back while expertly parrying Jack's swing, "but I may have had a fat detective land on me from ten stories up."
Without even blinking the two rotated, Batgirl facing Jack and Nightwing facing Ten. She sidestepped an overhand sword swing and threw a counter jab, slugging the card-themed gangster in the face, enough to bloody his nose. "You didn't have to let him land on you, Harvey's got a few extra pounds. He would have bounced."
Posts
"I hate parties like this," Barbara said in sotto voce, her blue eyes scanning the assembly of Gotham's most elite as they danced. The man on her arm laughed. "Yeah, it's not the most fun way to spend an evening, but the sights aren't bad."
Babs pinched him. "Jerk."
"Ow."
Barbara smirked and looked up at Dick Grayson. "You deserved it."
"Come on, it's not all bad," Dick chuckled. He snatched bruschetta from a passing server's tray and stuffed it in his mouth. "For one, all the hors d'oeuvres you can eat. Delicious.
"And also," he said letting Bab's arm go to pick up two glasses of wine from another passing tray. "Plenty of free booze," he grinned and offered her a glass.
"Besides, I'm sure your dad appreciates you're here."
Barbara snickered as she took a drink from the wine glass. "I'm sure he's ecstatic about the fact that Mr. Richard Grayson is enticing his daughter to drink underage. You're a bad influence."
"I won't tell if you won't," Dick smiled and sipped his glass. "Besides, tonight we're in the safest place in Gotham. Bruce checked every floor himself, and you know how he gets about security. What's the worst that could happen?"
He sipped the fine wine and looked across the room, spotting Commissioner Gordan. The Dark Knight stepped away from the wall, moving across the room and mingling with the guests as he went. It wouldn't do to stride purposefully across the room as Batman would have, Bruce Wayne had a reputation to maintain. Bruce always had a witty anecdote or funny story to share and a bit of a flirt. A billionaire playboy, most thought him.
Dick and Barbara were dancing in the center of the conference room, he noticed. Good, dancing would give them a complete view of the other guests and the entire room.
Eventually, Batman came up on his target, "Commissioner, enjoying the party so far?" Bruce asked.
The instant the words had left his lips Dick heard the sound of metal bouncing off of tile and shattering glass. A few feet away one of the servers had dropped a tray of glasses filled with wine shattering each and every one of them. One of King Brion's bodyguards had been splashed with wine and he was staring at he dripping clothes as though he'd been dumped headfirst into a mound of fresh manure. The conversations of the party goers, the clattering of tableware, and the live music muffled the noise so only a few heads turned towards the disturbance, and they turned away once they spotted the source of the disturbance.
The server was so busy recovering her fallen tray and scooping up the shards of glass the server hadn't noticed the bodyguard staring "I'm so sorry sir, I'll clean this up..."
"You clumsy little fool! Look what you've done, are you blind?" The bodyguard brought back his hand clearly intending to slap the young woman who was still kneeling at his feet. "Maybe this will teach you to show some respect to your betters."
Batman
"I'd be enjoying it a bit more if wasn't wearing this blasted monkey suit." Gordon tugged at the bowtie around his neck loosening it irritably as he smiled indulgently at Bruce. "You must be enjoying yourself though Mr. Wayne, I imagine you're used to this sort of thing by now."
Dresden Files RPG- Dumb Luck
Playing Phillip Hess in Motor City Blues
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
"That's a mistake you don't want to make."
The bodyguard stared Ben down for a fraction of a second before he dropped his arm. "She isn't worth the trouble."
Stalking off through the crowd he made his way towards the door draw a few curious looks from people as he passed. Carefully picking up her tray the server watched her would be assailant storm of with an almost bemused expression. "Nice guy."
Turning her attention to Ben she seemed uncertain of what to make of her rescuer. "Thanks for the help mister..."
Dresden Files RPG- Dumb Luck
Playing Phillip Hess in Motor City Blues
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
She seemed to be happy to get out of the limelight, anyway. He glanced at her blouse, which had been splashed with whatever had been on the tray. "Look, I don't want to keep you from getting into trouble, if you want to go get cleaned up." The woman gave him a somewhat appraising look. In this city, altruism made people a little suspicious sometimes and Ben didn't blame her for that, he hoped he was coming off as helpful rather than creepy or rude.
"My name is Kate." Now the crowd's attention was drifting away Kate seemed to be far less uncomfortable. "Would you mind standing guard while I wash some of this off? I'd really rather not run into that guy alone."
Dresden Files RPG- Dumb Luck
Playing Phillip Hess in Motor City Blues
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
"Let's get going then. Parties like this aren't my usual style anyway." He let Kate lead the way out back, and kept an eye out for any sad sacks looking to turn the tables, so to speak. Nothing jumped out at him, though. He felt a small surge of pride, his sensei would have been pleased with how in tune Ben's actions were with his feelings, but the young student shrugged it away. Accept and then let go, so went the teaching. Sure was nice to help out a pretty girl in need, though.
The commotion didn't go unnoticed but Dick and Babs were old hands at this sort of thing; they both watched the situation carefully but outwardly seemed to pay it no mind.
"Ask and ye shall receive," Barbara said with a giggle, looking over her shoulder. Looks like Ben had it taken care of.
She didn't quite know what to make of Ben Turner. He was handsome and had a good heart, she felt, but she also knew about his "night job." Batman had vetted him personally as an ally but she still had her reservations. Then again there were several individuals in Gotham that Batman worked with under certain... circumstances. That didn't mean he trusted them implicitly. As far as Babs was concerned it was probably a good idea to keep Bronze Tiger at arm's length. Oh but he was good looking...
"What do you think about him, Dick?"
She cocked her head towards Ben and the waitress as they moved off the floor. "I think he's kind of cute."
Leaving the party behind Ben and Kate moved down the hall and were almost immediately intercepted by a trio of GCPD officers who questioned them for a few minutes before allowing them to pass. Even after she'd shown them her identification and they'd verified her information Kate still hadn't been able to convince them that they didn't need an escort. Another officer had been called upstairs and he trailed after them like a shadow as they made their way to the restroom on the next floor up. Kate left both of them waiting and the sound of running water echoed out into the hallway for several minutes.
Hurried footsteps coming from further down the hallway drew both men's attention as Ben's father and a second officer rounded the corner. Mr. Turner was wearing his best clothes and an expression Ben had become all to familiar with since his youth. A mixture of anger and fear blended his features into an unsettling mask that he wore whenever he looked at his son.
"Officers, I'd like a moment alone with my son." Mr. Turner kept his eyes on Ben as he spoke.
Looking apprehensively between both men the officer who had escorted Ben and Kate upstairs shook his head. "Sorry Mr. Turner, no one in the building is being allowed anywhere without a police escort, Commissioner Gordon's orders."
"Fine." Mr. Turner moved towards Ben seized him by the shoulder and nearly dragged him further down the hallway."Someone said they heard you threatening one of King Brion's bodyguards, Ben what were you thinking? I invited you here so we could show everyone how much you've changed. I wanted people to see that you're not some bloodthirsty madman, and the first thing you think to do is pick a fight." Mr. Turner looked at the officers who were doing their best to pretend as though they couldn't hear every word he was saying. "Mr. Wayne and Mr. Fox are both here tonight Ben, are you really going to let your temper destroy everything your mother and I have worked for our whole lives?"
Dresden Files RPG- Dumb Luck
Playing Phillip Hess in Motor City Blues
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
"I can get you the number of the man I use, if you'd like?"
The crash of broken glass drew Batman's attention and he focused on the source. A second later he relaxed a bit, just a server dropping her tray of drinks.
Dick could barely hide the disapproval on his face. It was like a knife twisted between his ribs. If he was being honest with himself, he deserved it. This must have been what Babs felt every time some girl came up and flirted with him. "The guy's a total hothead, Babs. And by the looks of it," he said, watching Ben escort the girl away, "he seems to have already set his sights on taking someone else home tonight."
It was hard to miss the expression Dick gave Ben. Barbara felt a little guilty; she didn't usually indulge in petty tit-for-tat. She still cared for him but there was still a lot of mixed feelings in that jar she needed to sort out.
"Sorry," she said finally.
Seeing Babs' guilt Dick felt disappointed in himself.
"No, you're right," Dick sighed. If he had a chance to prove himself to Babs, he was going to have to show her he had grown. Or that he was at least trying to. "I'm a massive jerk. I deserve that and you deserve better.
"It looks like he was genuinely trying to help. His head's in the right place even if he needs to learn to keep those emotions in check. I need to check in with Bruce so if you want to go talk to him..."
Smooth, Grayson. Invite your date to talk to another man... great job, he thought while managing to not cringe at himself.
Barbara exhaled as he broke away to go talk to Bruce.
"Awesome," she said ruefully. She drained the rest of her wine glass and set it down on a table to be picked up. Maybe it was time to get some air. She made her way for the door leading out into the lobby.
Detective Bullock stepped in her way and opened the door. "Babs," he said and Barbara gave him a look. "Hey, look, Commish's orders. Gotta go with an escort and I figured better me than one of the other knuckleheads."
Barb was about to snap something back but he had a point. "Yeah, sure, come on Harv." He gave that dopey smile of his and the two walked out into the main lobby towards one of the exterior balconies.
"Please tell me you're not going to just hover around me," she said as she pushed open the door and stepped outside. Harvey looked uncomfortable and rubbed at the back of his neck.
"Come on Harv, I'm the Commissioner's daughter!"
"Well, uhh..."
"Pretty please?" she asked and gave her best puppy face.
"Alright alright, don't give me that look kid, sheesh. Just don't be long, your pop will kill me."
"Thank you Officer Bullock," she said sweetly and gave him a peck on the cheek.
She left him blushing in the hallway as she stepped outside and went over to the railing. Certain she wasn't followed she moved over to the western railing and reached over, finding the pack Bruce had placed there for her two days ago.
Moments later Batgirl shot her grapple gun up to the adjacent Von Grunwald tower and settled into place on one of the old gargoyles. Clicking a button on her cowl caused her magnification lenses to click into place to give her a clear view of the ballroom. She threw her backpack into one of the adjacent alcoves and sat down to watch...
More than anything Dick wanted to get back out on the rooftops of Gotham. Cracking his tonfas over the head of some punks would be really satisfying after this disastrous evening. Oh awesome, Dick mused, Bruce would be chatting up Gordon. I'm sure he's going to be thrilled to see me... I only broke his little girl's heart. Dick took a deep breath and put on his most winning smile.
"Good even, Commissioner. I hope your enjoying yourself," Dick offered his hand to Gordon.
"Some of us are on the job tonight, Grayson," Gordon replied with a hint of smolder. Commissioner Gordon did his best to remain professional and hide his disgust, shaking Dick's hand with a mean squeeze. This barely registered to Dick. Compared to some of the beating he'd taken from Gotham's criminals it was literally nothing. His hands had been broken so many times now he'd lost track. Dick decided it was best to let the Commissioner have this minor victory. Maybe it would help open a bridge to regain Gordon's respect and also keep up appearances for nighttime activities.
"Oh... I forgot how firm your handshakes were, sir," Dick feigned clearing his throat nervously and shaking out his hand. "I'm sure everyone here feels safer knowing you're in charge of security, Commissioner.
"I think I'm going to check in on Alfred. You know how he gets when we're out past our bedtimes," Dick smirked at his own joke. "You mind if I use the phone in your office, Bruce?"
Bruce immediately recognized the code.
Bruce smiled, "Sure Dick. You've got a key?" Dick nodded, "Then just put everything back after you finish up. And tell Alfred that I'll be back sometime before breakfast." Bruce said.
Dick pulled the keys from his pocket.
"Yep, got 'em right here," he said jangling them. "Sure thing, Bruce.
"You both have a good evening."
He excused himself and made his way to the hallway where he was, no exceptions made, also stopped and interrogated by GCPD officers. He gave them his most winning smile then reminded them who he was and that he practically lived here. He explained that he was just going to give Alfred a call back at Wayne Manor then the officers let him pass unmolested. Letting himself into Bruce's office Dick locked the door behind him then used the wall switch to close the blinds and turn out the light. Through a complicated sequence of manuevering figurines displayed proudly along the shelves of Wayne's office a hidden panel was revealed. He pressed his palm against the biometric scanner which opened a panic room. Once inside Dick the door closed behind him.
"Identify - Nightwing." Only then did the room's real purpose reveal itself - three automated, sealed display cases turned around the back-wall.
The Bat suit. His former Robin costume. And finally, Dick's newest Nightwing suit.
Suiting up Nightwing secured his mask and pulled the hood over his head. Sealing the room behind him, Nightwing then opened a single window and threw himself from the highest floor of Wayne Tower with a rowdy cheer as he fell story after story. With the first truly sincere smile of the evening Nightwing pulled the zipline gun from his belt grappled over to the an advantageous position to see the party in full with all his trademark over-the-top acrobatics.
He tapped the sub-vocal patch behind his ear he had borrowed from Bruce's store. "Little Bird reporting, Penny-One. Status - Wayne party is secure. Bigman says he'll be in before breakfast. Anything to report? Over."
Little Bird... I need a new codename.
Batgirl's voice crackled over the comm channel. It sounded like a snrrk.
"Squire here. Glad you're online Little Bird. I'll give ya a seven point three for that swan dive," she said.
"That was just having some fun," Nightwing smirked. "If I knew I had an audience, Squire, I would have put some real effort into it."
"Seven point five, tops," she grinned fiercely, grabbing her backpack. She pulled the grapple gun from her belt again and shot it downwards at an angle towards where she'd seen Nightwing land.
These jumps, no matter how many times she made them, always put a few butterflies in her tummy.
She leaped and swung downwards. On the upward arc she flew and flipped gracefully, years and years of gymnastics paying off, landing expertly next to Nightwing on the outcropping. She didn't expect the crenellation to still be freshly slick from the rain, though, and she felt her boots slide a little bit when she hit.
He was always so fast, his hand shooting out to grip hers, pulling her forward.
"Well," she said, her heart crawling up her throat. "Thanks for the assist." She could feel her cheeks turning red from embarrassment--she hadn't made a rookie mistake like that in almost a year.
"I'm afraid not sir, it seems the city has decided that you all deserve a night of rest. Might I suggest you return to the party before you catch your death of cold jumping around on rooftops." Alfred Pennyworth's voice betrayed no hint of distress, but all the needling only a secret agent turned butler could muster.
From their vantage point outside Dick and Barbara both heard a high pitched whine as five blurs roared past their perches and shot straight through the reinforced windows of Wayne Enterprises. The glass gave way as though it had been hit by a wrecking ball and screams roared out from within the building.
Batman
Suddenly Lucius Fox raised his glass and tapped it with a small fork drawing the attention of everyone in earshot as he signaled for the band to stop playing. The Wayne family might have built the company but everyone knew that these days the last surviving Wayne left the day to day running of his company in the hands of the CEO. "I'd like to thank everyone for joining us tonight, especially King Brion and our own Bruce Wayne." At these words there was a round of spirited applause and Lucius had to wait for it to die down before he could continue. "The partnership between Markvoia and Wayne Enterprises is a historic first step for both of us, and I'm sure it is only the beginning of a new era."
The windows shattered showering everyone and everything within a few feet of them in a spray of powdered glass. Screams, howling winds, and the dull roar of activity on the street far beneath them echoed out into the night. Five people riding atop what looked like enormous playing cards soared into the room, people scurrying to get out of their path as they advanced. Each of them wore costumes patterned in a blend of black, white, and red with golden adornments. Leading the charge was a hulking man covered completely in white save for a black mark obscuring his face. Two more men, one armed with a sword and another much younger and slighter than the either of the others. A pair of women took up the rear, one was wearing a towering golden crown and held a furled whip in her hand, while the second woman bore a large number ten on her left breast.
Bodyguards encircled King Brion and Princess Tara forming a human shield around the royals in seconds. "Protect the King!"
Two of the King's protectors drew their weapons and opened fire on the attackers, the bullets bounced off of the enormous man leading them like rubber bands. They ricocheted across the room shattering glass and striking one of the guests who fell to the floor with a scream. Panic set it as more of the guest ran for the door or sought whatever cover they could find in the room. The thin man reached into his bag hanging at his waist and drew out a pair of red metallic diamonds which he hurled at both of armed guards. Their guns clattered to the floor as they fell to the ground clutching their bleeding hands.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is King and we're the Royal Flush Gang, I promise that if you all play your cards right no one else will be hurt."
"Eat lead you lousy card shark!" Harvey Bullock shoved his way out of the crowd and leveled his revolver at King and fired. Moving in a blur of inhuman speed the gigantic man plucked the bullet out of midair and squeezed it in his hand. When he opened his hand again a fine gray powder fell out onto the floor before being swept away in the wind.
"I see we'll need to make another example of you before we can complete our business here." King turned to the hulking mountain of white hovering next to him. "Ace dear boy, if you would be so kind..."
Hoisting Detective Bullock off of the floor as though he weighed no more than a child's toy the enormous man hurled him out of the shattered window.
Bronze Tiger
At first it didn't look like Mr. Turner believed Ben's story, but luckily Kate chose that moment to step out of the bathroom with most of the wine stains washed out of her blouse. "Well do I look presentable now?"
"You were telling the truth?" Relief, confusion, and shame vied for control as Mr. Turner squeezed his son's shoulder gently. "Ben, I don't know what to say...I'm sorry son."
Distant screams and the sound of gunfire coming from the floor below them made Mr. Turner, Kate, and both of the officers jump. The policemen drew their side arms and moved towards the stairs. "Just stay calm and wait here folks. Nothing will happen to any of you as long as you stay here."
Dresden Files RPG- Dumb Luck
Playing Phillip Hess in Motor City Blues
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
"Babs, you know I've always got your ba..." Nightwing was interrupted by the entrance of the Royal Flush Gang.
"Spoke too soon. Penny-One, Royal Flush Gang is attacking the Wayne party. Moving to inter..."
Dick immediately leapt before finishing his thought as Harvey was hurled from the shattered window. He was falling now, tucking his arms and cape in to increase his velocity like a bullet, gripping his zipline in from his utility belt. His body slammed into Harley and he hooked his arms under Detective Bullock's shoulders.
"I gotcha, Detective!" Nightwing shouted.
"You got me?! Who the hell's got you you, Birdbrain?!?" Harvey panicked as they plummeted after floor after floor.
"I told you," Dick launched the line, swinging them both and slowing their momentum.
Oh... that is inauspicious. I'll spend the starting Hero Point to bump that to a 25.
The two of them swing down, speeding towards the pavement. Nightwing wrapped his cape around the Detective to protect him. Bystanders scream and rush out of the way as they careened into the sidewalk, Nightwing turning his body to take the brunt of the impact himself. Bystanders screamed and rushed out of the way as the two tumbled across the pavement before slowing to a stop.
"No rest for the wicked," she said, firing her grapple gun into the now-exposed ballroom. She hit the chandelier and swung forward.
Her boots collided with the back of the girl with the 10. She was caught completely unaware and the kick sent her bouncing across the floor into the drink table. Releasing the hook it retracted and she landed in a rolling crouch right in the middle of the gang.
"I don't think you guys are on the guest list. Are you the Variety Act?"
Barbara pulled a couple marble sized orbs from one of her pouches and bounced them along the floor. They suddenly began pinwheeling smoke in all directions as people began to shout and scream.
She quickly recovered into a fighting stance, her infrared lenses pinpointing her next target, the other woman with the whip.
Hurry up, Bruce!
talk about lucky, just barely hit her. Looks like a second degree hit since she missed by 9
using move by attack and extra effort to throw down another smoke bomb and hide, grants concealment 5 which is total for everyone in the cloud. good thing Babs has infra vision lenses! everyone else suffers a -5 penalty to hit Batgirl
Unfortunately, he didn't have his proper gear with him, but Ben did always keep his mask around just in case. It had been given to him by his Sensei and it's true origins were unknown, though he had been told it was worn by ancient masters. Shrugging off his jacket, opening his top shirt button and tossing the tuxedo, he smoothly pulled on the Tiger mask just as he slammed through the doors to the main room, eyes glancing about to see what was going on. There was smoke billowing in the centre of the room with hazy figures moving within, and surrounding that disturbance a panicked crowd. He could hear the sound of the wind coming through a shattered window. Ben decided to close with the action, keeping a wary eye out for now.
Setting the office knickknacks to the right configuration to open the handprint scanner, Batman slammed his hand down on the panel. "Identify - Batman." sounded as the panic room door opened though Bruce had started moving as the door was still in motion. He quickly donned the Batsuit and snapped his utility belt on. With the cowl up and the cap settling around his shoulders, the man any sane criminal in Gotham feared strode across the panic room back into Bruce Wayne's office. He jumped through the open window out into the chill of the Gotham night, one arm snapping out and firing his grapnel gun at the skyscraper across the street. Batman rode the line upwards until he crouched on a convenient gargoyle statue, surveying the situation inside the ballroom and selecting his target.
Dick had designed his suit to protect him against small arms fire and knives, but falling from ten stories up hadn't been part of his plan. The pavement tore the protective fabric apart like cheesecloth and cut into the skin of his back underneath it. Detective Bullock landed on top of Nightwing like a sofa crushing his ribs and knocking the wind out of him as they crashed.
Aside from a few scrapes and bruises Bullock didn't seem to be any worse for wear. He pushed himself off of Nightwing and fell backwards onto his haunches. Swallowing back the mound of hors d'oeuvres he'd been wolfing down for the last hour he glowered down at Dick. "Next time you wanna rescue me bring a parachute ya jerk."
Batgirl, Bronze Tiger, and Batman
Lifting herself off of the floor Ten rolled onto her back struggling to breathe. "Going...to...kill...her."
Circling in midair King swept his sword through the smoke in front of him. "Never mind her Ten, grab the King and get out of here, if Batgirl is here Batman won't be far behind her. Ace keep her busy!"
Unimpaired by the cloud smoke whirling around them Ace charged directly for Batgirl swinging his massive fist with the force of a sledgehammer.
Dresden Files RPG- Dumb Luck
Playing Phillip Hess in Motor City Blues
GM of Dresden Files Low Life
GM of Star Wars Sagas Into the Unknown
GM of Star Wars Sagas Lost Hope- Concluded
GM of Star Wars Sagas the Dark Times- Concluded.
GM of Star Wars Sagas Jabba's Palace- Concluded due to injury.
Bart Allen/ The Flash in M&M Metropolis- Concluded.
Koyi Disturbances in the Force- Concluded.
Jessup Owlbeard Forge of the Dawn Titan- Withdrawn due to injury.
Sal Mander In the Shadow of Zeus- Concluded.
Zevoto in Out in the Black- Withdrawn due to injury.
GM of Wyvern Watch
Berru Secune in Rise of the Jedi
She hadn't expected that. Raising her arms to block the blow she pushed most of it to the side, but it left her arms aching with the impact, even through the protective plates of her armored costume.
"Oof, someone's been eating their Wheaties," she said, rolling to the side. The smoke wasn't going to be a deterrent for the big guy so she needed to think fast. If Ten got on her feet and got ahold of King Brion...
"Sorry for the messy breakup," she said, running after Ten.
Electrified Batarang: Ranged Affliction (+1 point per rank), Resisted by Dodge, Overcome by Will (+1 point per rank), Extra Condition (+1 point per rank) DC 15. Conditions: Hindered and Dazed, Stunned and Defenseless, Incapacitated and Paralyzed.
here goes nothing please don't roll a 1: throw the Electrobatarang!: 1d20+12 27 1d20+0 5
awesome. looks like Ace rolled the third degree failure so he's pretty much out of this fight. come on Ben! save the king!
"Yeah, because parachutes are totally effective at ten stories. Right, Harv?" Nightwing groaned and stood up, gripping his limp left shoulder. "Maybe next time you lay off the doughnuts so you don't land like a ton of bricks."
Harvey grumbled angrily.
Shoulder's dislocated... this is gonna smart.
Nightwing leaned the leftside of his body against a streetlamp post. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and then pressed his shoulder into the post. People gathered round the spectacle, a few helping the detective up to his feet.
"What are you doing, Birdbrain?" the Detective howlered. "Get up there and take those guys out!"
"I told you..." Nightwing growled before slamming his shoulder into the post with a painful, pro-longed grotesque groan. A horrible pop echoed just slightly. Gasps were heard among the crowd and one person threw up. Stumbling back then righting his footing, he rolled his shoulder and arm to make sure everything was working again. Nightwing pulled the hold back over his head. "... it's not Robin. It's Nightwing now."
Before Harvey could speak, he was frankly still stunned after witnessing a man pop his own shoulder back into place, Nightwing took the zipline from his belt and propelled himself back up to the party. Flipping into the room from the shattered window, Nightwing landed perfectly and pulled the tonfas from his back.
"Alright," the former Boy Wonder snarled, "which of you threw the fat man out a window?"
"The one on the ground," Batgirl called back while ducking a backkick from Ten.
"Oh... Well, alright then."
.Turning, he sprinted off towards the royal party, dodging startled partiers and bounding tables, hoping to cut off any villain obeying their sovreigns order. He felt his blood surge, part of him hoping that his skill and control was to be tested!
Barbara dodged the back kick from Ten as Jack swung his sword at Nightwing and the two found themselves back-to-back. "You look like you got hit by a train," she said, grinning wolfishly as she blocked a backhanded strike.
"I don't know if you noticed," Nightwing snarked back while expertly parrying Jack's swing, "but I may have had a fat detective land on me from ten stories up."
"Double dutch?" she asked.
Without even blinking the two rotated, Batgirl facing Jack and Nightwing facing Ten. She sidestepped an overhand sword swing and threw a counter jab, slugging the card-themed gangster in the face, enough to bloody his nose. "You didn't have to let him land on you, Harvey's got a few extra pounds. He would have bounced."