[Campaign] Champions of Vancouver

[TheQuestionMan]

CHAMPIONS OF VANCOUVER

Campaign Description: This is a Standard Superhero campaign. The Player Character's are superheroes in a modern day world populated by superhumans. They will fight against supervillains, villainous agencies, criminals, terrorists, etc… All the Characters should be "Good Guys" who can work as part of a superhero team.

Importance of the Player Characters: The Player Character's are Superheroes and the only Superhero Team in the Pacific Northwest. They are independents, but should be able to work with UNTIL and the local Law Enforcement Agencies (RCMP SERT).

The Campaign World is identical to our own except for the presence of superpowers. It is both a brighter and darker world than the one you know. Advanced technologies have made old power sources obsolete and the environment is recovering from decades of abuse, but super powered megalomaniacs, terrorists, and armies have made the world a more dangerous place.

The PCs are the most important heroes in the campaign. Supers are people with powers, not the other way around. Normals are just as interesting as supers. There are more heroes and villains around than just the ones with superpowers. Every PC, NPC, and Agency should stand out as a unique entity. Diverse ethnic, natural, and religious backgrounds make for memorable realistic NPCs. In any conflict between realism and fun, Fun wins. The best campaigns tell a story.

World Description: The Champions Universe is a four-color comic book world, full of larger than life characters. Technology is more advanced than the real world, and magic is real. Aliens and creatures of legend roam the earth.

The Story So Far: Ascension Inferno (Part 1), Jaws of Hell (Part 2), Shake & Snake, VIPER Ascendant (Part 1), Steel Legion (Part 2), Case Closed (Part 3) Mechanical Menace, Enter DEMON, Investigation Goes Awry, Juicer’s Uprising, Case Closed 2 & Super Terminators, Life Lessons, and How to Building A Super HQ.

Local Relations: ???



CAMPAIGN TONE

Morality: The Champions of Vancouver is mostly a four-color campaign, and for the most part the morality of the campaign will be four-color as well. However, there will be some crossover between good and evil, and thing will not always be black and white. Characters will find themselves making difficult decisions, but should always try to be good guys.

On the other hand "bad guys" will vary between being good guys working at cross goals to being extremely evil. Some times the character will be faced with scenes of extreme violence.

Realism: Strong, but the heroes will be expected to make ridiculous efforts and take huge risks to accomplish their goals Character death is a reality. If that is not enough to keep a player character alive, then they had best hope the rest of the team likes them.

Outlook: While the outlook will be mostly positive, there will be many dark moments and many challenges outside of combat.

Seriousness: While the overall tone of the campaign will be very serious, there will be time for a certain amount of light hearted banter, or comic relief. The heroes will be Canada's best defense against the direst of situations. This does not mean that there is no room for humor. Witty repartee, creative use of powers, and the way you play should provide plenty of humor in the midst of even the direst situation.

Continuity: The game will be entirely serial. Player actions in one scenario will have effects on later scenarios and continuity will be enforced. Adventures will move linearly through time. Bad guys will remember who you are and what you did to them, and the press will print your exploits for the world to see.


CHARACTER BUILDING GUIDELINES
• Starting Points: 200
• Maximum Disadvantages: 150
• Maximum Points From One Category of Disadvantage: 50
• Normal Characteristic Maxima: Not Required
• Combat Hit Location Rules: Not Required
• Knockdown Rules: Not Required
• Long-Term Endurance Rules: NO
• Limited Push: YES


CHARACTER ABILITY BUILDING GUIDELINES

Power Levels Beginning Range Maximum Minimum
Characteristics: 10 – 40 60 10
Speed: 3 – 6 8 4
Combat Values: 6 – 9 12 6
Damage Classes: 6 – 12 16 8
Active Points: 30 – 60 80 --
Skill Points: 20 – 60 80 --
Skill Roll: 11- /15- 18- 8-
DEF/rDEF: 20/10 30 6/6


HOUSE RULES: (Special Restrictions, Requirements and Exceptions)
• It is advised that the player make use of all 150 points of Disadvantages.
• All player characters should have a Psychological Limitation concerning Killing.
• House Rule: Luck Rules (see Handout)
• The character must have some special mode of transportation.
• The character must have Social Limitation: Secret Identity.

House Rules : Luck Chits

At the beginning of each session the Players draw randomly one Luck Chit from the Bag. Player Characters with the Luck Power randomly draw an additional Luck Chit for every d6 of Luck.

At the End of each session all Players return any unspent Luck Chits to the Bag. Sometimes you want Quantity, sometimes Quality. The Luck Chits go away at the end of the game, no carry over. Use 'em or lose 'em... which encourages interactive use and not hoarding.

White Luck Chits: x 30 [1W = 1W] Allows a Reroll of any one roll you control. Or allows an Abort Manuever (to Dodge, Block, Dive for Cover, etc …) without using an Action. It also allows a single Recovery, without using an Action. It also allows Players to modify the Hit Location Chart (Defensively) and move the hit location by One (up or down).

Green Luck Chits: x 30 [1G = 2W] Same as White, plus you can spend a green to take away a single die in a "to hit" or "skill" roll, to gain a success. Rolled a 15... Spend a Green, take away that 6, now you have a 9! Success! (The GM randomly draws a chit for the villains, if you spend a Green) It also allows Players to modify the Hit Location Chart (Defensively) and move the hit location by Two (up or down).

Blue Luck Chits: x 30 [1B = 3W or 1G & 1W] same as Green, without any benefit to GM. Blue is also a way to "flex" powers in a supers game. It allows a power to be used in a way that fits the SFX, but they haven't paid points for. [Ex: Flame character... wants to reduce the fire in a room to save a child... but doesn't have this power. Spends a Blue for this one action, his EB (or whatever) becomes Suppress normal fires, and he can do it.]

Blue also allows for "dramatic editing" so that the character can simply say, "I grab the broom handle and snap it off, so I have a stake to fight the vampire!" rather than asking, "Is there anything wooded around?" In the case I highlighted in the last Secret Worlds adventure... on PC was way out of the combat, and spent the Blue to come up with a creative way to get his character there "right now!". It also allows Players to modify the

Hit Location Chart (Defensively and Offensively) and move the hit location by Three (up or down).

Yellow Luck Chit: x 1 [1Y = 2B or 3G or 6W] There is only one in the bag, but if drawn, the player can become GM for a scene. They get to create and event or subplot or something along those lines, that fits with their character concept and long term goals. I've had one person spend it so his character finally got his Thesis on Paranormal Gestation Theory published, and to wide acclaim, so he became famous in those circles as THE expert on metahuman bio-genesis.

Another spent it, so that during a mission, he accidentally stumbled across some critical information about villain financing... this changed the entire SHAPE of the campaign, as the villains funding was exposed, and they had to come out of the shadows, rather than manipulate from behind the scenes.

The Yellow Luck Chit is usually just one "scene" or "event" They don't tend to really run the game in terms of controlling NPCs... They just say, "Ok... here's this cool thing that I want to have happen, with this or that character..." They often don't force a certain outcome, they just want to have something that really shows off their character, or allows their character to have a really big impact on the plot. (I guess it could be abused, but I've got great players. They tend to enhance the story and the world... not control it.)

Luck Power: [ each d6 Luck = 1 Luck Chit ] Drawn randomly and still allows the Player Characters to use the Luck Power as written in HERO System 5th Edition .

It's a great system ... players seem to really love it ... and it gives flexibility within limits. I've been doing it for probably 6 years or more at this point. I'd never go back. .

I'd created a generic "luck roll" to help determine random events. Roll 3d6... sixes good, ones bad. So if a player asks something like, "I need a rock to throw at the wild dogs making off with the baby!" I'd say, "Roll a luck roll," to determine if there just happened to be a rock around. Good luck, there is a perfect throwing rock, right at your feet. Bad luck... no rock to be found. Neither/nor... there is a rock, but its’ 20 feet away, and will take a turn to get it.

Luck (the Talent back then, now a Power) allowed characters to roll an extra die for each luck die they had... and that die could only be good for them (ones didn't count.)

RDU Neil’s Dark Champions: Secret Worlds Thread
http://www.herogames.com/forums/show...1&page=3&pp=30

This worked pretty well, but for years there was a need to open up Champs/HERO System, to allow some flexibility with powers and give players a little more control over their characters destiny and story.

Then I played Deadlands. (Original Deadlands, when it first came out.) They had chips (poker chips) that you could spend to soak wounds, or make rolls better, or whatever. It was a great mechanic. After only one session, I realized that this was a way to make Luck in Hero very viable.

P.S.: A really well written campaign log too. Also apologies to Duke for placing his post out of order when I reorganized this thread.



More Later


QM

[Duke]

Sounds like you guys had a blast!

Thanks for sharing!

[TheQuestionMan]

CHAMPIONS OF VANCOUVER
CAMPAIGN JOURNAL

Episode I: Ascension Inferno (Homage to Towering Inferno)
An Adventure inspired by Gestalt(Scott)Bennie's Villainy Amok's Fire Section, Captain (Steve Perrin) Liberty's The VOICE of Doom Hero Games Discussion Boards Threads, and my Player's Characters.

[Location] The Shangri-la Vancouver is the tallest (195m or 60 stories & 604,500 square feet.) skyscraper in downtown located on Thurlow (Between West Georgia & Alberni St.). With a Penthouse Condominium worth 13 Million dollars and the 227 upscale live-work condominiums, most of which have already been sold for between $400,000 and $1.2 million.

[Plot] It's the premier party for the opening of the Shangri-la Vancouver Hotel and Condominium Complex. Local celebrities turned out for a huge, complete with VIP guests, and entertainment. It'll be a battle against time, panicked guests, and VOICE Agents. A Chinese Triad ruled by the Red Dragon intent on controlling the Kuok Group.

Cast of Characters:
• Orion (Dr. Charles Fantazzi) – Brick (Similar to "Tower" from VIPER 4E)
• Orion's Daughter __________ Fantazzi – (Teenage daughter)
• Cluster (Joel Boonhound) – Cyborg Brick (Low) UNITL unauthorized Experiment
• Cluster's Battle Spheres – Automaton(s) x6 Flying & Energy Manipulators
• Bengal – UNTIL Super Agent
• VOICE Agents – Disguised as servers
• CEO & Mng. Dir. of Shangri-la Hotels – Giovanni Angelini
• Patriarch of the Kuok Family & Head of the Kuok Group – James Kuok
(Malaysian-Chinese Family)
• Architect – James Cheung (Geomancer & follower Feng Shui)
• Mistress of Ceremonies - Lai-Mei (VOICE of Doom)
• Local Celebrities
• Politicians
• Entertainers
• E3 Mini-Fair

Special Rules: (Villainy Amok: Chapter 4 – FIRE!)
• Building Fire: 2d6 RKA, AER, Constant
• Smoke: 1d6 ED, NND (Self Contained Breathing), AER, Constant
• Hot Metal: Varies
• Spray of Sparks: Varies
• Collapsing Structure: DEX Rolls
• Combat & Sense Modifiers: +2 to +4
• Falling Damage: 1 to 60 Stories

Episode 1: Ascendant Inferno
Lung Hung has sent a large group of VOICE Agents to kidnap the head of the Kuok Family and coerce him into becoming servant of VOICE. The
VOICE Agents are equipped with Concealed Body Armour, Compact Carbines, and their Standard Goggles which they don once the trap is sprung.

Unfortunately three Superheroes are at the event, Bengal the UNTIL Super Agent, Dr. Charles Fantazzi the world renowned Archaeologist (aka Orion) from UBC with his young daughter, and the green Cluster who arrives from the UNTIL Base attached to the CAF Naval Base in Stanley Park.

The event is a media frenzy with local celebrities turning out in droves and the entertainers are world class super stars. The event takes place on the 45th, 46th, and 47th floors of the convention center which all open out on to the main stage facing the coastal mountains.

Dr. Charles Fantazzi loses his daughter in the crowd early and was distracted by the voice and eye of a beautiful Creole woman singing blues on the 3rd great hall. He asks one of the staff after her name, the small Chinese man laughs and tells him that's what every red blooded males in the building want it too. He also sees Bengal looking plastic as he performs his social obligations on behalf of UNTIL.

The presentation begins with the sound of Tyco Drums coming from the main stage where the Mistress of ceremonies Ms. Lai-Mei, a beautiful Chinese woman dressed in a plunging black cocktail dress. Her voice is almost hypnotic as the drums stop and she begins her speech.

She introduces the CEO & Managing Director of the Kuok Group Mr. Giovanni Angelini. He makes a brief and entertaining speech about the building, the corporations future projects in North America, and then has the honour of introducing Mr. James Kuok head of the patriarch of the Kuok Family.

The beautiful Lai-Mei smiles and claps as James takes the podium. When she takes his hand he looks surprised and when he sees the strange pistol she shoves in his face the look turns to shock.

Unnoticed in the drama on center stage VOICE Agents disguised as servers pull out hidden weapons, put on their goggles, and move into covering and block positions.

Meanwhile Cluster is watching the event on his Computer in his room in the UNTIL residential compound. There is an E3 fair on the 1st floor and game designers from the every major company in North America and the Pacific Rim are demonstrating there latest projects and products. Something captures his attention in the background. Kind of like when your about to be ambushed by terrorists is Battlefield 4. Realizing what's happening just as the beautiful Ms. Lai-Mei gets the drop on everyone.

Lai-Mei, "Ladies and Gentlemen I am afraid that James and I need to talk in private. Please remain in where you are. My men blocking all the exits please lie down and do nothing foolish... Come James we must speak in private."

At which point 4 Agents move up and surround James and her. They move towards one of the pillars which open revealing a hidden elevator.

As the screams and cries begin and some people seek to escape or hide. Dr. Charles Fantazzi finds an unoccupied curtained table and transforms in a burst of light into Orion. He bursts out from under the table and flies strait out over mob towards the center stage and Lai-Mei.

The Agents along the walls unleash a hail of bullets striking Orion, but not appearing to have any effect [actually almost stunned]. He arrives an attacks the first 2 Agents [Sweep] taking them down hard.

Voices from the hostages and a few of the Agents call out "ORION" [Presence Attack]. Some mixed in hope, some fear, and some in hate. Lai-Mei spins impossibly fast and shoots Orion at almost point blank range [Orion Stunned] and pushes James into the elevator.

Meanwhile Cluster realizing what's going on and knowing the UNTIL Defenders team is away rushes off. His Battle Spheres pick him up and carry him in the direction of downtown. He sees the lights and news helicopters from a distance and then hears the boom and orange glow of an explosions, and fire.

He hesitates and then decided to try and help fight the fire that has engulfed the 15th and 17th floors. He then heads for the ground floor and the main fire control station. The Police try to stop this Cyborg, but find their way blocked by energy fields of some kind created by one of the 6 silver spheres orbiting him.

Once in the Lobby, he moves to the Security desk. All attempt to stop him result in the persons being stopped by more energy fields [Force Walls]. He takes control of the computer [Hacking], but the system crashes and he learns the possible identity of the terrorists as the Computer screen turns to static, leaving a ghostly outline of Chinese writing behind.

Back on the 45th floor of the convention center floor. Orion grabs two Agents and slams then together [Sweeps], but is quickly gunned down by half a dozen Agents. The elevator doors close and he catches the wicked smile on Lai-Mei's beautiful face.


The Agents move in for the kill, deciding what to do. Then Bengal's commanding voice shouts something in Chinese from the 47th floor. They hesitate and Orion's vision returns. He looks out through his eye lashes to find himself surrounded by Agents. He waits trying to recover and then leaps to his feet growing to double his height and cleans house [Sweeps 5 Agents].

The place erupts in chaos as the heroes battle on.

Cluster tries to get to the main fire control center only to find his way blocked by an energy field. One of the Battle Spheres' noticed strange wire contacts in the doors frame. He issues orders and Battle Spheres set up energy barriers in front of the doors. While another opens the door.

The explosion blows through 3 energy barriers. Smoke and flame fill the hallways. Looking inside Cluster sees the ruins of the main fire control systems. The Battle Spheres' quickly move at his commands and battle the fires.

The Agents in the sky high convention center do not hesitate to try and kill Orion and Bengal, but one cannot battle superheroes without some trepidation [Presence Attacks]. The heroes are cleaning house. Orion grabbing and tossing Agents at other Agents and stopping one or two from touch buttons on their visors.

Finally, Cluster receives a communication for him to return immediately to base. He hesitates, but since he is already there he decides to check the convention center. The Battle Sphere's pick him up and carry him to the 45th floor. He arrives in time to witness an Agent fall from the 47th floor and crash directly in front of the superhero Orion. The giant Orion throws another Agent down the great hall at another Agent by the back door then charges.

A line of Agents appear on the 46th floor veranda weapons aimed at him. Cluster and the Battle Sphere fly at them and Cluster is dropped right in the middle of them. Five Battle Spheres engages the Agents the 6th covers Cluster and his opponents with a energy barrier.

With the arrival of Cluster the fight ends fast. One of the Battle Sphere's spots Claymore Mines hidden in the chandeliers.

Orion sees the Event Security Chief trying to leave out the fire stairwell, but stumbles back choking on smoke. When the he tries to run for the hidden elevator Orion tosses the last conscious Agent at him. He hits and sends them both crashing through the glass windows. Surprised he flies out to save them.

Black smoke is slowly pouring into the convention center. Outside Orion can see the falling Agents and the blazing inferno consuming the skyscraper. He catches the twenty meters before the impact on the ground and leaves them in Police custody. He asks the Firefighters for something to ferry people out of the Towering Inferno. That gave him a capture blanket and he flies back to the convention center.

Meanwhile Bengal, Cluster, and the Battle Spheres quickly locate the hidden claymores and deactivate them. New cries can be heard coming from the outer hallways as people from other floors flee the fire and smoke only to find them trapped on the convention center all.

Orion returns and they quickly decide to air lift as many people as they can to a neighbouring skyscraper. It takes almost a half an hour and the heat, smoke, and fire have over come many, but they finally get the last people out.

The inferno has now engulfed 17 floors from the 15th to the 32nd. The Firefighters seem to have stopped it from moving down, but are unable to move to the upper floors. The fire stairwells are choked with smoke and flame. Orion and Bengal need to get out, but Cluster and his Battle Spheres appear unaffected.

Just when they are about to decide what to do next the Hidden Elevator doors open and they see Claymores facing at outwards at them. Energy Barriers appear in front of the doors and all, but one fall in the ensuing blast. Then the elevator plummets.

They decide to use the elevator shaft to pursue Lai-Mei and rescue James Huok.

Join us next week for the next episode of Champions of Vancouver (Part 2) “Jaws of Hell"

GM Notes:
This was our first time gaming together and we explained the rules to Cluster's Player. We finished building the characters and got into the game. There were a few hiccups as everyone was got reacquainted with the system.

They said they enjoyed it and I guess I have to believe them. I am my harshest critic. It's also writting practice for the GM. So watch out.


Thanks Duke


QM

[radioKAOS]

Yeah, it was good Dave, No matter if QM believes us or not.

He's a little harsh on himself, but we had a ton of fun and that's what is most important.

A couple of character tweaks and we'll be off to the races!

[TheQuestionMan]

[Cluster's Character] UNITL Vancouver Headquarters located on HMC Discovery Naval Reserve Base in Stanley Park
http://www.navres.dnd.ca/dis/Intro_e.htm

[Cluster's Character] Stanley Park
http://www.navres.dnd.ca/dis/Intro_e.htm

[Orion's Character] University of British Columbia – Anthropology Department
http://www.anso.ubc.ca/

[Orion's Character] Map of UBC Campus
http://www.sunsite.ubc.ca/UBCMap/

[Orion's Character] Smithsonian Institute
http://www.nmnh.si.edu/anthro/outreach/outrch1.html

[Location]Shangri-la Vancouver Hotel/Condominium Complex
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=176375
http://www.shangri-la.com/press/curr...2&pressid=1240
http://www.airhighways.com/vancouver.htm
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/medi...iness_beat.cfm
http://images.google.ca/images?q=Sha...=Search+Images

[Location] Map of Downtown Vancouver
http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en...er&btnG=Search

Vancouver Fire Department
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/fire/

Vancouver Police Department
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/police/

City of Vancouver
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/

Province of British Columbia
http://www.gov.bc.ca/bvprd/bc/home.do

RCMP Division E
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/bc/home/index_e.htm

Enough for now

QM

[radioKAOS]

"Ah what rippling links! Your Google-Fu is strong!"

[TheQuestionMan]

Episode 2: Jaws of Hell

Cast of Characters:
• Orion – Brick w/ Unusual Abilities
• Orion's Daughter – DNPC Missing in Action
• Cluster – Cyborg Brick (Low)
• Cluster's Battle Sphere Automatons (x6) – Flyer & Energy Manipulators (Anti Grav/Grav)
• Bengal – Energy Manipulator(Reflector) & UNTIL Super Agent
• Lai Mei – Voice Agent Commander & incredibly fast
• Dreamer – Mentalist
• Steel Raven – Flyer & Weapon Specialist
• Goshawk – Flyer & Weapon Specialist
• Blaze – Energy Manipulator (Fire)???
• Haze – Energy Manipulator (Smoke)???
• Voice Agents –

Part 2: Jaws of Hell
The Heroes hunt through the upper floors in search of Lai Mei and James Kuok. Unknown to the heroes Lai Mei has a few surprises left under her cocktail dress. VOICE's superhuman agents from the Jaws Division.

The Fires and Smoke starts to become a serious hazard in their search. VOICE Agents occasionally try to ambush them as they make their way to the roof and innocents are found hiding in the upper floors and trapped by the inferno.

When they arrive they find Dreamer standing behind James Kuok with her hands resting against his temples. Lai Mei seems preoccupied with whatever she is doing. Two Winged supervillains Steel Raven and Goshawk stand guard and see the heroes as they come into the Penthouse Condominium on the 59th floor.

The heat and smoke rushes up behind them and Burn and Smoke make their
entrance.

"MORTAL COMBAT!!!" <Cue the music>

GM NOTES:
• Rescue James Kuok
• Stop the Fire

Episode 2 (Part 2): Jaws of Hell

When we last left our Heroes, the hidden elevator doors opened and they saw several claymore mines facing them, but energy barriers from Cluster's Drones blocked the entrance and they exploded. The shock wave collapsed 3 barriers, but the forth held. As the smoke and flame died down the heard the shriek of metal on metal and the wreaked elevator crashed 48 floors to the 3rd floor underground parkade.

A fresh smoke and flame funnelled up through the elevator shaft singeing Bengal's battered tux. Orion, Bengal and Cluster formally introduced themselves then flew up the elevator shaft to the 59th floor.

Orion forced the elevator doors open and looked around. He saw a long hallway leading to a long stairwell and the feet of 2 VOICE Agents. Cluster sent 2 Drones after them and after a brief flurry of blaster fire and Bengal's own energy blast dropping the 2 Agents.

The heroes advanced up the stairs to find another hallway and a set of wood and glass doors. Inside they saw a man with an enlarged helmet. Holding James Kuok' head between his hands. James looked as if he was suffering from a nightmare.

They saw two figures; one wreathed in Flames the other in Smoke. Bengal called them Blaze & Haze, a pair of mutant twin mercenaries. The figure standing behind James and his torturer was Lung Hung wore a brilliant red Kung-Fu uniform with gold embroidered Chinese calligraphy, oriental dragon and a matching mask.

The heroes charged through the doors and attacked. The man in the helmet ran away as fast as he could. The Heroes squared off against the remaining supervillains Bengal vs. Hung Lung, Orion vs. Blaze, and Cluster vs. Haze. The battle was a mismatch and things looked (when they could see) bad. Then Orion discovered an effective attack vs. Blaze and she burned her way outside through the roof. Haze fled shortly afterwards.

Orion found James Kuok in the smoke and fire and flew out through the hole is the roof Blaze had behind. Cluster and his Drones stumbled out of penthouse onto the helicopter pad. Both watched as Hung Lung cut off Bengal hand and then ran him through.

Bengal fell back off the roof's edge, disappearing from site. Then a pair ominous winged superhuman dove towards them. Orion dove like a hawk to save Bengal, hotly pursued by Steel Raven. Cluster turned to confront Blaze, Haze and the others.

Hung Lung gazed back at him and smiles a knowing smile. "You time has not come…yet" He then leapt off the roof and Goshawk arrowed down catching him and they flew off into the landscape of urban canyons.

Orion avoided Steel Raven and caught Bengal. Finally she veered away and disappeared as well. When they got to the ground James Kuok was still unconscious and struggling with a nightmare. Bengal was dead, but Orion used his godlike powers and barely brought him back to life. Still unconscious they were both transferred to the local hospitals.

Orion and Cluster then turned their efforts towards fighting the fire. The flames flickered and died revealing half of the inferno to be illusions, smoke and mirrors. They stayed for the entire clean up earning the respect of the VFD, VPD, and emergency services. The media shouted questions at them. Wondering at Bengal's miraculous recovery and demanding to know about the Cyborg with the Drones (Cluster). A few asked if he was Orion's Sidekick (insert evil GM chuckle).

Finally Orion and Cluster flew off, but exchanged blind email addresses before going their own way. Cluster returned to the UNITL Base to face the wrath of his father. Orion changed and finally found his almost hysterical daughter waiting at his car parked in a parkade across the street.

The next morning the Media plastered the news with the events of the incident. Cluster was put out by the media calling him Orion's Sidekick, but at least they got his name right. Sergeant Anne Drennan of the RCMP was asking for Orion and Cluster to come in and make a statement to assist with their investigation.

Orion sent and email to Cluster and they agreed to get together and give their statements to the RCMP. Their arrival caused a bit of disruption. Finally Sergeant Drennan escorted them to her office and sent her staff and Officers scrambling back to work.

She thanked them for heir assistance and then asked their versions of what happened. She seemed taken aback and asked Corporal Hanse Chin of Asian Crimes to give them the low down on VOICE, Lung Hung, and the Jaws. They also learned that VIPER had taken the opportunity to rob a bank and emptied the safety deposit boxes. Also someone had burned through the hull of a cargo container ship and emptied 5 cargo containers.

She thanks them for their assistance and gave them her card. When they left the building they found the media waiting for them. Much to Orion's amusement and Cluster's frustration they called him Orion's Sidekick. They answered a few questions and then flew away. They didn't separate however.

They talked and agreed to investigate the Cargo/Container ship. The damage to the hull sounds like something Blaze would be capable of. The Security Guard at the crime scene was a fan and let them through to investigate. They didn't find much on the crime scene, but did learn from the ship's 1st Mate that the ship had traveled from Malaysia, to Hong Kong, to Taiwan, and then to Vancouver.

The Security Guard's supervisor was chewing him out for letting them onto the crime scene, but Orion smoothed things over leaving the Supervisor stunned into silence. They decided to cooperate on the investigation and then headed home.

The news was still beating it to death, but there was some good news. James Kuok had been released from the hospital and made a public announcement that he wanted to reward his rescuers and they could meet him at his offices downtown. Meanwhile Bengal was transferred to an UNTIL Medical Facility in New York.

They received an email from Sergeant Drennan giving them a contact number for James Kuok who had passed the request through her Commissioner.

The Heroes agreed to meet with Mr. Kuok and sent an email that they would arrive later that day. Orion thought it might help their investigation. It turned out that James did want to help them out. He offered them the use of one of his estates on an Island in Burrard Inlet. They would have total privacy and a base of operations from which to coordinate from. The island had a caretaker named Vanirsson.

James smiled; "He's much like you and is on retainer as a master of Feng Shui".

They agree and ask a few questions about the incident. James tells them that VOICE wanted control of the Kuok Groups Resources. "We've had trouble with VOICE in Malaysia and the Pacific Rim. If they are expanding into North America it's a good idea to have some powerful friends" He smiles again.

Orion and Cluster fly to the Island and attempt to land. As they briefly seed a double image of the island several meters. They both fall into the water. Orion saves himself from getting immersed, but Cluster sinks like a stone before his Drone pull hum out. They see a rather chagrined looking young man running out to meet them as they float over to dry land.

"I'm so sorry; I didn't think you would get here so fast". He grins foolishly Fortunately the Nearids told me you had arrived. I'm afraid they like to play with newcomers" He holds out a pair of medallions with Yin/Yang symbols. "Here these should protect you from then next time"

"Well I guess I better give you the grand tour" The building was a huge log home with a thatch roof. The place is large and we equipped. It has all the comforts of home including a Computer Techies wet dream PC and multiple large screens. There was even a small medical room. Fancy, but not a high tech superhero base.

Vanirrson, tells them that if he disappears for a couple of weeks not to worry. "The Mystical realms sometimes mess with ones sense of ones own time. Well I'll leave you to talk and get acquainted with the place. Cluster immediately checked out the computer system while Orion looked around.

"It's a start" he mutters.

Thanks for turning in Hero Fans, Join us next week for Episode 3: Shake & Snake.

GM Notes:
The Good
The Heroes survived some really tough opposition, stuck around to help battle the flames, assisted in the investigation, and began their own.

The Bad
I kind of shoe horned the James Kuok as Patron on the Heroes. Weather it takes or not I do not know. Also I think the opposition was too tough, but they survived, rescued the hostage, and saved Bengal's life.

The Ugly
I definitely need read the players updated characters. Orion has the power Healing with Resurrection (I didn't know that). Cluster's Drones were difficult to keep track of and I asked if he would be willing to reduce their number, but increase their power. I think he agreed.

[TheQuestionMan]

Sorry no update this week folks. Due to a misunderstanding on my part we missed gaming together this week. I forgot to award 1xp for the players showing up when the GM did not. *Sigh* Sorry guys. sometime this week I hope.

BTW Thanks to GestaltBennie for his comments on the next episode of the adventure. Episode 3 invloves... *uhm* Right next week.

Oh Boy Cliffhangers, gotta love'm

QM

[radioKAOS]

Another good session QM.

I'm thinking that may be our regular time, seems to work out rather nicely.

[TheQuestionMan]

Champions of Vancouver
Episode 2: Jaws of Hell

Cast of Characters:
• Orion – Brick w/ Unusual Abilities
• Orion’s Daughter – DNPC Missing in Action
• Cluster – Cyborg Brick (Low)
• Cluster’s Battle Sphere Automatons (x6) – Flyer & Energy Manipulators (Anti Grav/Grav)
• Bengal – Energy Manipulator(Reflector) & UNTIL Super Agent
• Lai Mei – Voice Agent Commander & incredibly fast
• Dreamer – Mentalist
• Steel Raven – Flyer & Weapon Specialist
• Goshawk – Flyer & Weapon Specialist
• Blaze – Energy Manipulator (Fire)???
• Haze – Energy Manipulator (Smoke)???
• Voice Agents –

Part 2: Jaws of Hell
The Heroes hunt through the upper floors in search of Lai Mei and James Kuok. Unknown to the heroes Lai Mei has a few surprises left under her cocktail dress. VOICE’s superhuman agents from the Jaws Division.

The Fires and Smoke starts to become a serious hazard in their search. VOICE Agents occasionally try to ambush them as they make their way to the roof and innocents are found hiding in the upper floors and trapped by the inferno.

When they arrive they find Dreamer standing behind James Kuok with her hands resting against his temples. Lai Mei seems preoccupied with whatever she is doing. Two Winged supervillains Steel Raven and Goshawk stand guard and see the heroes as they come into the Penthouse Condominium on the 59th floor.

The heat and smoke rushes up behind them and Burn and Smoke make their entrance.

“MORTAL COMBAT!!!” <Cue the music>

GM NOTES:
• Rescue James Kuok
• Stop the Fire

Episode 2: VOICE of Hell

When we last left our Heroes, the hidden elevator doors opened and they saw several claymore mines facing them, but energy barriers from Cluster's Drones blocked the entrance and they exploded. The shock wave collapsed 3 barriers, but the forth held. As the smoke and flame died down the heard the shriek of metal on metal and the wreaked elevator crashed 48 floors to the 3rd floor underground parkade.

A fresh smoke and flame funnelled up through the elevator shaft singeing Bengal's battered tux. Orion, Bengal and Cluster formally introduced themselves then flew up the elevator shaft to the 59th floor.

Orion forced the elevator doors open and looked around. He saw a long hallway leading to a long stairwell and the feet of 2 VOICE Agents. Cluster sent 2 Drones after them and after a brief flurry of blaster fire and Bengal’s own energy blast dropping the 2 Agents.

The heroes advanced up the stairs to find another hallway and a set of wood and glass doors. Inside they saw a man with an enlarged helmet. Holding James Kuok’ head between his hands. James looked as if he was suffering from a nightmare.

They saw two figures; one wreathed in Flames the other in Smoke. Bengal called them Blaze & Haze, a pair of mutant twin mercenaries. The figure standing behind James and his torturer was Lung Hung wore a brilliant red Kung-Fu uniform with gold embroidered Chinese calligraphy, oriental dragon and a matching mask.

The heroes charged through the doors and attacked. The man in the helmet ran away as fast as he could. The Heroes squared off against the remaining supervillains Bengal vs. Hung Lung, Orion vs. Blaze, and Cluster vs. Haze. The battle was a mismatch and things looked (when they could see) bad. Then Orion discovered an effective attack vs. Blaze and she burned her way outside through the roof. Haze fled shortly afterwards.

Orion found James Kuok in the smoke and fire and flew out through the hole is the roof Blaze had behind. Cluster and his Drones stumbled out of penthouse onto the helicopter pad. Both watched as Hung Lung cut off Bengal hand and then ran him through.

Bengal fell back off the roof’s edge, disappearing from site. Then a pair ominous winged superhuman dove towards them. Orion dove like a hawk to save Bengal, hotly pursued by Steel Raven. Cluster turned to confront Blaze, Haze and the others.

Hung Lung gazed back at him and smiles a knowing smile. “You time has not come…yet” He then leapt off the roof and Goshawk arrowed down catching him and they flew off into the landscape of urban canyons.

Orion avoided Steel Raven and caught Bengal. Finally she veered away and disappeared as well. When they got to the ground James Kuok was still unconscious and struggling with a nightmare. Bengal was dead, but Orion used his godlike powers and barely brought him back to life. Still unconscious they were both transferred to the local hospitals.

Orion and Cluster then turned their efforts towards fighting the fire. The flames flickered and died revealing half of the inferno to be illusions, smoke and mirrors. They stayed for the entire clean up earning the respect of the VFD, VPD, and emergency services. The media shouted questions at them. Wondering at Bengal’s miraculous recovery and demanding to know about the Cyborg with the Drones (Cluster). A few asked if he was Orion’s Sidekick (insert evil GM chuckle).

Finally Orion and Cluster flew off, but exchanged blind email addresses before going their own way. Cluster returned to the UNITL Base to face the wrath of his father. Orion changed and finally found his almost hysterical daughter waiting at his car parked in a parkade across the street.

The next morning the Media plastered the news with the events of the incident. Cluster was put out by the media calling him Orion’s Sidekick, but at least they got his name right. Sergeant Anne Drennan of the RCMP was asking for Orion and Cluster to come in and make a statement to assist with their investigation.

Orion sent and email to Cluster and they agreed to get together and give their statements to the RCMP. Their arrival caused a bit of disruption. Finally Sergeant Drennan escorted them to her office and sent her staff and Officers scrambling back to work.

She thanked them for heir assistance and then asked their versions of what happened. She seemed taken aback and asked Corporal Hanse Chin of Asian Crimes to give them the low down on VOICE, Lung Hung, and the Jaws. They also learned that VIPER had taken the opportunity to rob a bank and emptied the safety deposit boxes. Also someone had burned through the hull of a cargo container ship and emptied 5 cargo containers.

She thanks them for their assistance and gave them her card. When they left the building they found the media waiting for them. Much to Orion’s amusement and Cluster’s frustration they called him Orion’s Sidekick. They answered a few questions and then flew away. They didn’t separate however.

They talked and agreed to investigate the Cargo/Container ship. The damage to the hull sounds like something Blaze would be capable of. The Security Guard at the crime scene was a fan and let them through to investigate. They didn’t find much on the crime scene, but did learn from the ship’s 1st Mate that the ship had traveled from Malaysia, to Hong Kong, to Taiwan, and then to Vancouver.

The Security Guard’s supervisor was chewing him out for letting them onto the crime scene, but Orion smoothed things over leaving the Supervisor stunned into silence. They decided to cooperate on the investigation and then headed home.

The news was still beating it to death, but there was some good news. James Kuok had been released from the hospital and made a public announcement that he wanted to reward his rescuers and they could meet him at his offices downtown. Meanwhile Bengal was transferred to an UNTIL Medical Facility in New York.

They received an email from Sergeant Drennan giving them a contact number for James Kuok who had passed the request through her Commissioner.

The Heroes agreed to meet with Mr. Kuok and sent an email that they would arrive later that day. Orion thought it might help their investigation. It turned out that James did want to help them out. He offered them the use of one of his estates on an Island in Burrard Inlet. They would have total privacy and a base of operations from which to coordinate from. The island had a caretaker named Vanirsson. James smiled; “He’s much like you and is on retainer as a master of Feng Shui”.

They agree and ask a few questions about the incident. James tells them that VOICE wanted control of the Kuok Groups Resources. “We’ve had trouble with VOICE in Malaysia and the Pacific Rim. If they are expanding into North America it’s a good idea to have some powerful friends” He smiles again.

Orion and Cluster fly to the Island and attempt to land. As they briefly seed a double image of the island several meters. They both fall into the water. Orion saves himself from getting immersed, but Cluster sinks like a stone before his Drone pull hum out. They see a rather chagrined looking young man running out to meet them as they float over to dry land.

“I’m so sorry; I didn’t think you would get here so fast”. He grins foolishly “Fortunately the Nearids told me you had arrived. I’m afraid they like to play with newcomers” He holds out a pair of medallions with Yin/Yang symbols. “Here these should protect you from then next time”

“Well I guess I better give you the grand tour” The building was a huge log home with a thatch roof. The place is large and we equipped. It has all the comforts of home including a Computer Techies wet dream PC and multiple large screens. There was even a small medical room. Fancy, but not a high tech superhero base.

Vanirrson, tells them that if he disappears for a couple of weeks not to worry. “The Mystical realms sometimes mess with ones sense of ones own time. Well I’ll leave you to talk and get acquainted with the place. Cluster immediately checked out the computer system while Orion looked around.

“It’s a start” he mutters.

Thanks for turning in Hero Fans, Join us next week for Episode 3: Echoes of the Past.

GM Notes
The Good
The Heroes survived some really tough opposition, stuck around to help battle the flames, assisted in the investigation, and began their own.

The Bad
I kind of shoe horned the James Kuok as Patron on the Heroes. Weather it takes or not I do not know. Also I think the opposition was too tough, but they survived, rescued the hostage, and saved Bengal's life.

The Ugly
I definitely need read the players updated characters. Orion has the power Healing with Resurrection (I didn't know that). Cluster's Drone were difficult to keep track of and I asked if he would be willing to reduce their number, but increase their power. I think he agreed.

Cheers

QM

[TheQuestionMan]

GM Resources

RCMP Division (British Columbia)
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/bc/about_e...achments_e.htm

Ports Vancouver Web Cam
http://www.portvancouver.com/the_port/web_cams.html

BC Newspapers
http://www.nides.bc.ca/BCnews.htm

BCTV News on Global
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/globaltv/index.html

CTV News
http://www.ctv9.ca/index.jsp

CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/

Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/celebrity100/

Cargo Container Ship
http://www.mpa.state.md.us/Intermoda...container4.jpg

Canadian Celebrities
http://www.canadiancelebs.com/

Burrard Inlet - Boulder Island Base
http://www.findfamilyfun.com/burnabymtn2a.jpg

Boulder Island Base
http://brocksec.sd73.bc.ca/draft/T3.jpg

Cheers

QM

[TheQuestionMan]

No Game Report this week. Both the players and the GM had other thing s to do. I wish I had called in sick. I went to the BC Highland Games on Saturday and attended 2 Wiskey tastings, then hungout at the Guiness Garden, and enjoyed many a fine stout. To top it off I enjoyed the 4 time World Champion SFU Pipe Band.

My head is still ringing with the sounds of Bag Pipes and reeling from the finest Whiskey and Guiness in the world.

Ahhhhhh ouchie *whinces*

Cheers

QM

P.S.: Also got moderately sunburned along with about 5,000 other Scots.

[TheQuestionMan]

Episode 3: Shake & Snake

[Plot] Introduce new character Blitz to Orion, expand on the VIPER sub
plot, and introduce a new Plot Hook.

Cast of Characters:
Orion – Brick w/ Unusual Abilities
Blitz – Speedster w/ Speedster Martial Art Style
Ogre – Brick (Ultimate Brick Version)
Utility – Gadgeteer/Inventor, Martial Artist, & Weapons Specialist
VIPER Agents – Actors in low powered VIPER Armour & Weapons
VIPER Dragon Assault Ship –
UNTIL Base –

Episode 3: Shake & Snake
Blitz was sitting in his Broker's office bored out of his mind as he explained his current financial situation. His investments were doing well and blah blah blahblahblah. "God I wish something would happen" he thought. Looking out the window he saw an amazing thing. An armoured man in urban camouflage sailed through the air and crashed into the office. Without thinking he grabbed his Broker and guided him to safety.

Outside there was another large explosion and the ground heaved like an earthquake. He looked around for somewhere to change and decided to use his Broker's private bathroom.

Meanwhile Orion is his Secret ID was enjoying the Rodin exhibit at the Vancouver Museum of the Arts when the small earth quake shook the building followed by the sounds of an explosion. There was a flash of light and Orion flew out of the gallery and straight to sounds of battle.

Blitz arrived in time to see a large man so muscular that his skin seemed to be stretched to breaking. Ogre slammed the street with his massive fists and sent VIPER Agents flying everywhere.

"Puny Snake men can not hold Ogre" The surrounding buildings looked like they had been in a war zone. Blitz shrugged and attacked. Ogre seemed to take his best shots and kept coming. Using his now signature "Earthquake Slam" he knocked Blitz to the ground. Blitz returned the favour by taking his feet out from under him (with a Martial Sweep)

Then Orion arrived, the battle seemed to slowly going their way and they had Ogre on the ropes. When they heard a magnified voice. "Two on One gentlemen that hardly seems fair now does it" It was Utility. He shot Orion unconscious and then engaged Blitz.

Blitz's attacks on Ogre developed into Blitz using concrete chunks and Speed Punches and avoiding Utility. Then Orion shook himself awake and rejoined the battle. Working together they stunned Utility and then knocked him unconscious but good.

Blitz used Utility's Omni Pistol and combined with Orion's giant punch subdued Ogre. As things start to settle down and the emergency services arrive. Their investigation discovered that the VIPER Agents where actually actors in low powered VIPER Armour and Weapons.

In the remains of a Van they discovered a Power Drain Harness for Ogre and a Remote control device. Just when they start to ask themselves questions there was another larger explosion. It came from the UNTIL Base at the HMCS Vancouver Reserve Naval Base in Stanley Park.

Blitz smiled, blurred, and was gone. Orion flew after him towards the action. When they arrived they saw the VIPER Dragon Jet blasting away at them and anything moving the base was in ruins.

Blitz avoided a guided missile and then they both took off in pursuit of the Dragon Jet. Blitz, running on water quickly lost sight of it as it flew. Orion managed to stay with it, but it out manoeuvre, and they lost it in the coastal mountains.

When they returned they discovered the base was in ruins. The UNTIL and Naval Reserves were mostly dead or wounded. Cluster the resident superhero sidekick and some of the UNTIL Scientists are missing. They believe Cluster went looking for his father who is among the missing scientists. The only sign of Cluster was the remains of one of his Spheroid Robots.

Sergeant Anne Drennan arrived with the RCMP SERT and VPD ERT. She doesn't know what's going on, but she was glad to have the help. She asked jokingly "So who's your new Sidekick Orion? Blitz responded "I'm glad to be associated with Orion, but I am no ones Sidekick."

Before the Media arrived they took off, but not before exchanging email addresses.

[Plot Threads]
1. Why did Utility disguise actors as VIPER Agents and unleash Ogre?
2. Why did VIPER Attack the UNTIL Base and kidnap the Scientists?
3. Where did Cluster disappear too?
4. What does James Kuok want?
5. What does VOICE want in Vancouver?
6. When will Scorpio. Orion's Arch Nemesis show up?

Summary - Late Episode VIPER attacked the Vancouver UNTIL Base. Killed and wounded over 30 UNITL Agents and 18 CAF Naval Reservists. Kidnapped Cluster's father and another 3 UNITL Scientists. Cluster is missing and one of his Spheroid Robots was destroyed and Cluster vanished.

Blitz and Orion are stumped.

See you Saturday, July, 16th, 2005 for Episode 4 - VIPER Ascendant!

[TheQuestionMan]

Episode 4: VIPER Ascendant

[Rewind to the Media's arrival.]

Orion assisted the emergency services and CAF Naval Reserve personnel keep the HMCS Discovery afloat, until they could jury rig repairs. Meanwhile Blitz continue assisting with the wounded.

Flicker in his Secret Identity as Max Escher, P.I. arrives on scene to seee if he can assist, but finds things well in hand. He watched the media and listens to what they are saying about the VIPER attack. He learns that there was a diversionary attack in downtown while the real VIPER Agents assaulted the UNITL Facility and Naval Reserve. One VIPER Agent was captured alive, but wasn't approachable.

Blitz and Orion finally get together with Sgt. Drennan and they discuss the investigation. She make available all data on VIPER operations on the west coast. Inclueding rumours of a VIPER Nest located somewhere in Abbotsford.

Blitz overhears an Alpha 1 Code on the Police Radio Band requesting that someone arrange a meeting on the roof of the Hotel Vancouver around 1730hrs. [Placed secretly by Flicker]

More Later

QM

[zornwil]

More coming?