Watcher Jatori's Civil War (Inactive)

Game Master Jatori


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It has been months since M-Day, the day the Scarlet Witch tried to use her mutant powers to alter reality, stripping nearly all mutants of their powers in the process. In response, the United States government formed the superhuman monitoring Office of National Emergency (O*N*E) and relocated the remaining 198 known 'powered' mutants to the Xavier Institute. Today, human-piloted Sentinels constantly monitor the Institute, which has essentially become a refugee camp.

M-Day, and similar events, such as the Hulk's rampage through Las Vegas, which left 26 dead, and Latveria's attack on Manhattan, launched in response to Nick Fury's Secret War, has resulted in an increase in public pressure for superhuman accountability. Similar to the Mutant Registration Act, the proposed Superhuman Registration Act (SHRA) would require the mandatory registration of any person based in the United States with super powers. Congress is scheduled to vote on the Act soon.

You have been offered the opportunity to speak before Congress, either for or against the SHRA. Big decisions happen within these HALLOWED HALLS. Though the rooms of Congress are often CROWDED and full of NOSY JOURNALISTS, and STUBBORN and OPPORTUNISTIC POLITICIANS, you find yourselves in a small, quiet room furnished with two simple tables, a podium, and a few chairs for an audience. Five congressmen sit behind the tables, while a sixth, Senator Dickerson, currently holds the podium.

Dickerson, a tall, thin man, with greying blonde hair, begins the proceedings, addressing the X-Men delegates: "We are honoured to have you here today, in your roles as activists, educators, and as known and publicly recognised mutants. The implementation of the Mutant Registration Act had its... challenges. This is why we have invited you here today - to discuss those challenges and how we can bring the lessons learned into the Superhuman Registration Act discussion."

The Doom Pool stands at 2d6.


"I have certain reservations, both of the tractability of the Act, as well as the capacity of non-superhumans to act as a suitable containment of superhumans, when the need arises - and history shows the difficulty to act in this context without ostracizing." Emma Frost is almost nonchalant, but her mind pays attention to the reciprocating thoughts in Dickerson, both up-front, and specifically in response to her statements.

I assume there's no trouble to me just glancing at his thoughts.

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Dickerson responds: "Of course, Ms. Frost. That is why we are here - to discuss these very reservations. As members of the Xavier Institute, you know full well the benefits of ensuring that powered individuals have access to adequate training. This is one of the primary goals of the Act."

I'd say that tapping Dickerson's surface thoughts does not require a roll from Emma. If she tries to telepathically influence him, affect multiple minds etc., I might require a roll based on the circumstances.

Emma easily reads Dickerson and realises that he is quite obviously pro-registration. He believes that winning the X-Men over would improve public and superhuman opinion of the Act. Such a victory would help the Act through Congress and the Senate.


Hank rises to address the panel. Dressed very formally and with a air of authority and respect Hank begins to speak: "If I may, I believe I can represent many super humans, given my background with the mutant registration act, when I say that trying to register and monitor people with powers based on the negative repercussions of a few disastrous events, caused by a handful of individuals will immediately paint all super people in the light of being potential threats to public safety.

Guilty until registered as it were. This association with the terror caused by a few super humans will easily become a social stigma on all people with powers and those who just want to live as normal lives as possible will suddenly be unable to do so.

Furthermore, this registration act appears to be a method for those with political power to appear to address the problems of the recent past by placing the emphasis on holding super people more accountable, instead of addressing the real issue, how to stop select individuals from using their powers to very destructive ends. This will mean that the whole super-person population will suffer each time a rogue person commits an act of atrocity, and it is easy to see that down that path lies more hatred and persecution."

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"Dr. McCoy, that is indeed the same argument put forward, though perhaps not as eloquently, by many activists. However, the proposed Act makes provision for and empowers authorities to properly handle 'rogue persons'. The Act exists to provide comfort and assurance to ordinary citizens, not to punish powered individuals.

Through the Act, we shall ensure that powered individuals use their abilities responsibly and in the best interests of the American people, achieving a balance between protecting the freedoms of the individual superhuman while offering legal recourse to citizens adversely affected by superhuman activity.

"I belive that my fellow congressman is best suited to handle this line of discussion. Let's proceed. The Chair recognises Senator Whitmore."

Dickerson steps down from the podium and is replaced by a balding, overweight Senator Whitmore. Whitmore coughs, to clear his throat, before starting:

"The presence of superhumans - or super heroes, as some would call them - became most pronounced in the years following the Second World War, beginning about 1946. These individuals, operating in disguise, identities unknown, frequently engaged in terrible conflicts, which often resulted in damage to both life and property. By our best estimates, these battles have resulted in almost two hundred billion dollars in damages, that local and federal agencies have been forced to absorb, because we do not know who else to expense. Two. Hundred. Billion. Dollars." Whitmore uses the number as a blunt weapon, challenging the mutant delegates to counter his opening statement.

Emma:
Assuming you're not against reading Whitmore either (we can leave the ethical debate for later), his surface thoughts reveal that he too is pro-registration. He hopes to use large-sounding numbers to sway the attitude of the X-Men. Conversely, using large numbers in your counter argument may quiet him down.

Cable:
Forgot to put this in the first post. I'm going to shut down your BIG GUNS, since they are not appropriate for a meeting with Congress. As a result, you can choose to gain a Power Point or force me to spend a die from the Doom Pool.


Emma Frost first frowns, then with an exasperated sigh steps forward, "Don't bore me with numbers. You have read the reports and analysis. Two hundred billion dollars in damages - as well as in excess of thirty trillion dollar's in taxable revenue over the last four decades surrounding the growth of superhuman related economic development and research. This does not even account for the economic impact of a few gifted superhumans whose powers of thought vastly exceed the norms and the result of their work carries untold future yields." She makes a show of counting on her fingers, then adds, "Then add to that the effect on employment, officially twenty-thousand members in the governmental mutant investigation program alone..."

"The bottom-line is, that it isn't good to admit for your political polls - but superhumans one-way-or-another make you a rich man."

As I'm not actually familiar with the canon or background, what exactly does the act entail? What would be the pros and cons for the various factions involved?

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Whitmore, taken aback by Emma's response, pauses for a moment before collecting his thoughts and responding, in an attempt to redirect the conversation: "That's a very pretty speech, Ms. Frost, but it doesn't really address the point. We all make mistakes - even super heroes make mistakes. Don't you think that we should be held accountable for our mistakes?

"Doctors must register with the AMA. Pilots must register with the FAA. Even taxi drivers must register with the local DMV, so that they can be held accountable for their actions if they are involved in an accident. If a taxi driver has to register in case of a mashed bumper, shouldn't a super human, capable of doing tremendous damage, be expected to register too?"


Hank gestures to Emma that he'll take this reply.
"Senator, your argument is not without merit, being without accountability is not good at all, all citizens should fall under the law of the nation and also be protected by those very same laws. And I put it to you that do we not also have a right to privacy?

The examples you give or regulation are for professions. Professions where people have worked to gaining the required skills to perform those tasks. But what of Super-humans? Some of us we born with powers, others gained them by accident. Not all of us chose to have or to use these powers. Should we be regulated and controlled based solely on our DNA? Again I put it to you, are we guilty of being dangerous solely because we exist? The counter argument would be, should all people with IQs above 200 be registered, monitored and held accountable just because they are so above average?

At the very least, the registration you speak of should only be limited to those people who choose to use their powers in an official manner. As just suggested for all professions to have some levels of control, all super-humans which wish to use their powers in an official capacity should first go through some training and screening, like the Xavier school for the gifted can provide? And even after that, the right to privacy should also still be respected. Not all heroes can operate if their identities are known. They have families and friends which could get targeted by foes they've helped to stop. If anything I suggest looking at establishing better schools and organisations for these people to operate under. There already exist many super-human focused organisations under government control which operate for the greater good of the nation. S.H.I.E.L.D. being a prime example. "

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Whitmore looks rattled, his argument collapsing against Emma and Hank's combined attack.

Now would be the perfect time to try out our first dice rolling. You could aim to give Whitmore (or any number of the Congressmen) a complication or even mental or emotional stress, weakening his pro-registration stance. We'll have one primary roller, while the secondary roller(s) can try to create an asset for the primary roller. Use the player sheet to help you build your dice pool. We can base the roll on what you've already said, or you could add to your argument with another statement or two.


Just trying to remember how this works again, so correct me if/when needed
Senator Whitmore looks like his argument is failing, maybe a good dose of factual argument can weaken his resolve?
Emma, can you try to create an asset? maybe create some doubt in his mind?

Hank will use a logical, scientific argument about how both mutants and super-humans are not inherently good or evil and should not be denied the freedom to live in obscurity just because of their differences to other humans. I'm using Science Master to back this up. My dice pool will be: Team (D10), Smartest man in the room (D8), Science master (2D8), asset(if any)

1d10 ⇒ 63d8 ⇒ (2, 5, 7) = 14


I'll use the 5 and 7 as result dice, total 12, and the d10 as the effect dice. The aim is to inflict mental trauma.


Emma will pry a little deeper to see if there's some doubt that exists in Dickerson. If available, she'll pass it along as an asset for Beast.

Team 1d10 ⇒ 3
One Step Ahead of You 1d4 ⇒ 1 + 1 plot point
Psych Master 1d10 ⇒ 7
Telepathy 1d10 ⇒ 1

Sum 10, effect die 1d4 (for lack of die)

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In Marvel Heroic Roleplaying, all die rolls are opposed, either against another character or the Doom pool. Let's resolve Emma's roll first. I'll use the two opportunities to add 1d8 (the first 1 for 1d6, and the second 1 to step it up) to the DOOM pool and grant Emma another PP.

Whitmore is part of a team (1d6 ⇒ 1), and reckons that he is a constitutional authority (1d8 ⇒ 7).

Total: 8 ; Effect 1d4

Emma wins, so we'll add 1d4 ⇒ 4 for Hank, though it doesn't really change things.

Using the same dice for Whitmore, team (1d6 ⇒ 3) and constitutional authority (1d8 ⇒ 2), total 5, we see that Hank wins this argument, inflicting 1d10 mental stress to Whitmore.

Seeing Whitmore struggling, Dickerson interrupts: "Police officers, prosecutors, judges, and even elected officials and their families face similar threats, every day, Doctor McCoy. They do not, however, operate behind masks. It is this that keeps our democracy honest."

THIS IS MY DOOM POOL! 1d8, 2d6


Turning his attention to Dickerson "Senator Dickerson, I agree fully with you there, but where the police have the law and government backing them up, what do heroes have when facing foes which are too powerful for any normal method of law enforcement? Who does Thor call to when he's been injured? Had this registration been about establishing and managing an effective national super hero agency, with full accountability and national protection, as a form of super police, which can govern their own, then I and many others would be in full support of those aims."

Hank scans the faces of all the other senators which have remained silent, trying to see which are sympathetic, before going on...
"In the examples you gave, senator, all of those were professionals and they also have the right to form an union and can follow legal courses if they are wronged in their professional capacity, having powers is not a profession, it is not a choice. What of those people with powers which do not want to be either a hero or use their powers for wrong, but just want to be left in peace?"


"As Doctor McCoy points out, there is incentive for superhumans to desire legislative closure," Emma's voice has a calm authority, "in fact, most of us with aberrant abilities do not have what you'd call a super power; be it because it is uncontrollable or just plain too mundane to be a super power. But what all of us need is a safe haven. Protection from persecution and if desired the option to learn to harness the given talents effectively."

She pauses before continuing, "What is irksome are attempts to ratify legislation which are a two-pronged assault on superhuman identity: victimizing superhumans, and putting authority over the use of their powers into somebody else's hands. ...we are here to address these very issues to come to a mutually beneficial consensus. The terms and stipulations are so vague that they serve nobody but lawmakers; a year or two from now a court may find the act to empower governmental authorities to commandeer any superhuman and force them to use their powers to their own end - or brand superhumans that do not wish to comply as criminals. We are humans first, and powers second."

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"Exactly, Doctor McCoy, " Dickerson replies, "If you were Thor, or Ant-Man, or Dare Devil, wouldn't it be a comfort to you to know that the police, the army, and the government were your allies and not your enemies? If anything, I think you have just given the most compelling case for registration, wouldn't you agree?

"And Ms. Frost..."

Before Dickerson can finish his sentence, a large, black limousine crashes KER-CRASH! through the wall and lands upside down, with its wheels still spinning, between the congressmen and the X-Men. Through the new hole in the wall, a large, armoured figure can be seen looming over a well-dressed man, immediately recognisable as billionaire industrialist Tony Stark!

The armoured suit resembles the suit worn by Stark's bodyguard, Iron Man (Note: Iron Man's identity isn't yet public knowledge. Stark famously retracted his earlier claims of being Iron Man.), but is far bulkier and lacks the sleek design associated with Stark tech.

A voice booms, as if over a loudspeaker, from the armoured giant:"Do not move." The thick Russian accent removes all doubt regarding the assailant's identity - it is Titanium Man.

This is a good opportunity for our other heroes to jump in. Initiative is quite simple, the first to declare an action goes first and then nominates the next character to act (a fellow PC or Titanium Man). No character can have a second turn until everybody else has had a turn. Don't forget the scene distinctions.


When you say looming do you mean Tony Stark is a position where he looks in danger or is Stark simply standing next to Titanium Man

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Tony Stark is in danger.


Emma Frost tries to discern the motivation of this visit from Titanium Man.

Team 1d10 ⇒ 4
One Step Ahead of You 1d8 ⇒ 5
Psych Master 1d10 ⇒ 7
Telepathy 1d10 ⇒ 10

17, with effect dice d10 - used to inflict emotional stress if she deems his presence a threat to the event


Aaaand I nominate Titanium man

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Emma reaches out to Titanium Man's mind, but what type of tech-based super villain doesn't employ some sort of psychic protection?

Solo 1d10 ⇒ 7
Empty-Headed 1d4 ⇒ 1 +1d6 Doom Pool
Covert Expert 1d8 ⇒ 2

Total = 9, Effect 1d4; Emma wins with an Exceptional Success.

Emma quickly realises that Titanium Man is here to assassinate Stark. A successful psyhic attack is enough to distract the villain, giving Stark the opportunity to scramble to safety. It only takes a moment for Titanium Man's suit's defenses to kick in, allowing him to recover from the mental assault. He looks up towards the Emma and the other X-Men.

"Amerikanski heroes! I am here to kill Tony Stark. My employees have instructed me to avoid too much collateral damage. I suggest you stay out of this. But, if you wish to die, please try to stop me!"

Titanium Man tries to intimdate Emma:
Solo 1d10 ⇒ 2
High-Powered Merc 1d8 ⇒ 2
Menace Expert 1d8 ⇒ 1

Total = 4, Effect 1d4 (Emotional Stress), One opportunity - Emma can spend one PP to step up her next Push or Stunt (usable on her reaction to resist the intimidate or to use on her next turn) or create a Resource or trigger a power based on opportunities.

Titanium Man's emotional stress = 1d12 (1d10 + Exceptional Success)
Next: Beast

Only Doom dares to dream! All others serve! 1d8, 3d6


Reaction
Emma spends a Plot Point as an opportunity (if I understand correctly this lets me make a future roll more awesome, so I'm not spending it on the reaction)

Team 1d10 ⇒ 7
One Step Ahead of You 1d8 ⇒ 5
Psych Master 1d10 ⇒ 6
Telepathy 1d10 ⇒ 8

15, effect die 1d10


Turning to the shocked senators "Please, if you'll be so kind as to excuse me, seems our debate will need to be put on hold"

Hank stretches his arms and cracks his knuckles while saying:
"It has been said that 'Man has no right to kill his brother. It is no excuse that he does so in uniform: he only adds the infamy of servitude to the crime of murder'."

Then Hank leaps strait at Titanium man, not with brute force, but with the aim of grabbing his head or arm and swinging around on it and taking titanium Man to the ground with the momentum of the jump.
A precision move targeting physical trauma
team 1d10 ⇒ 8
smartest man in the room1d8 ⇒ 1
superhuman reflexes1d10 ⇒ 7
acrobatics master 2d8 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Total: 15, effect dice: d8
Next up: Cable

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Solo 1d10 ⇒ 5
High-Powered Mercenary1d8 ⇒ 4
Godlike Strength1d12 ⇒ 8
Combat Expert 1d8 ⇒ 5

Total = 8 + 5 + 4 = 17 (using a d6 from the Doom Pool (generated from Beast's opportunity) to add another die to the total)
Effect = 1d10

"Blue-skinned insect!" Titanium Man curses as he struggles with the Beast until finally managing to toss the blue X-Man aside.

Cable:
Don't forget to gain a PP or force me to spend a die from the Doom Pool. You can take an action, rolling against the Doom Pool to regain your big weapons.

The world itself belongs to -- Doctor Doom! 1d8, 3d6

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Cable's first reaction is to return fire, but without his weapons at hand, he settles for plan B: get the congressmen to safety and then return with more fire power than Titanium Man.

"Bodyslide by seven..." Cable commands before he and the congressmen disappear from the room.

Right, Emma and Beast move into Buddy mode. I nominate Beast to act next.


"Why does it always have to come to this? Grrrrawr!" As Beast regains his footing and jumps back at Titanium man, this time with claws and fangs!.

Beast decides that pinning or restraining Titanium mand is not going to work, so he's going to clash with strength and hopefully buy Ms. Frost some time to disable his mind. So targeting physical trauma

Buddy: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Renaissance Beast: 1d4 ⇒ 3 +1PP
Super Human Strength(claws & fangs): 1d8 ⇒ 81d6 ⇒ 4
combat expert: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Spending 1PP to add the d6 result to the total.
Total: 19
With effect dice of: 1d10 (1d8 +1 size from claws & fangs)

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"Do not say I did not warn you, Amerikan!" Titanium Man barks as he defends against Hank's attack.

Solo 1d10 ⇒ 5
High-Powered Mercenary 1d8 ⇒ 2
Godlike Strength 1d12 ⇒ 4
Combat Expert 1d8 ⇒ 4

Total 9, Effect 1d12, which reduces Hank's effect die back to 1d8, but the Exceptional Success bumps it back up to 1d10

The Beast's claws and fangs tear at Titanium Man's armour, but he barely manages to scratch, let alone penetrate, the heavily reinforced suit. I spend 1d6 from the DOOM POOL! to activate Titanium Man's heavily reinforced sfx to ignore the physical stress.

Titanium Man's emotional stress = 1d12
I gather that you want Emma to go next, correct, Beast?

Do you know why men call me DOOM? = 1d8, 2d6


"So. Mr Dickerson. I trust that you're glad that you're in the safe hands of the police and other mundane security forces right now. That punch by Dr McCoy there had the impact of a tank shell. Entirely sufficient to destroy the average wall and penetrate most heavily armored tanks. Still, the security forces have small arms and possibly even some assault weapons. Surely that will go a long way in subduing this innately non-compliant, non-US citizen who would be in no way obliged to act under any act carried by American legislation."

Emma sighs, her mind expanding as she mentally evokes memories of his childhood in Titaniumman

Buddy 1d6 ⇒ 5
One Step Ahead of You 1d4 ⇒ 2 +1PP
Psych Master 1d10 ⇒ 6
Telepathy 1d10 ⇒ 3
Reaction push die 1d8 ⇒ 4

15 = 11 + 4 spending PP to add Reaction die , effect die 1d10

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Emma:
Using a distinction as d4 indicates it serves as a detriment (increased chance of landing a 1). Emma's use of the distinction doesn't quite sound like a detriment. We'll leave it for now, though. Also, I'd say that dredging up childhood memories and using them as a weapon are more suited for longer term interrogations, rather than a fist fight, but let's roll with it for now.

Solo 1d10 ⇒ 6
Empty-Headed 1d8 ⇒ 1 (if any distinction is going to apply, I'd say this one does :P )
Menace Expert2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 (1d8 into 2d6)

What? Another opportunity? Does the dice roller not love DOOM?

Titanium Man breaks off his grapple with the Beast. Clutching at his helmet, as Emma bombards his mind, he screams: "No!"

Total 9, Effect 1d6. Emma can choose to:

Stress Titanium Man out (Emotional), deal 1d12 mental damage (Exceptional Success increases 1d10 to 1d12), or give Titanium Man a 1d12 complication.

Sad DOOM POOL = 1d8, 2d6


Just plain stressing him out will be fine.

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Titanium Man crumples to the ground, sobbing quietly.

"If I had known that Titanium Man could be stopped so easily by a little mental manipulation, I could have spent a little less on my iron body guard over the years," Tony Stark says to the X-Men as he steps out from behind cover. Other than the up-turned car, broken wall, and a few cracked paving slabs, the surroundings did not suffer much damage.

"If you hadn't been here, I'm sure that Titanium Man could have done a lot more damage, not just to me, but all of Washington. Doctor McCoy," Tony greets, with a nod, and then: "How have you been, Emma?"

Emma:
Tony and Emma have had relations, prior to her relationship with Scott Summers (Cyclops).

As Tony approaches Emma, his body guard, Iron Man, lands next to Titanium Man. "Mr Stark, apologies for my late arrival. I'll handle Titanium Man from here," he claims, before lifting the Russian and preparing to fly off again.


No. This Emma doesn't have a relationship with Cyclops. Most boring superhero ever. Hold on to your wigs, we're going off-script.

"Is cause you boys don't take the time to find somebody's sweetspot. Just a little push, and everything becomes so sensitive."

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"That should disable his suit, enough for transit," Iron Man comments as he removes parts of the Titanium Man armour and disconnects important-looking circuitry. "I'll see that he gets to the proper authorities, sir." Iron Man launches off, at first a little unsteadily under the bulk of the still crying Russian, but soon rights himself. As he departs, Iron Man can just be heard mumbling: "Perhaps I should have disabled the audio module..."

With the Russian super villain now safely aprehended, Tony turns to Emma: "You were always good at... pushing, Emma. Is that why you're here in Washington?" he asks with a smile, "We're here for the same reason, aren't we - the SHRA? I know that I cannot easily hide anything from you, so I'll be upfront. I'm here to lobby against it, but after how the two of you just handled Titanium Man, perhaps you should be presenting our case." As Tony finishes the sentence, Cable reappears with the now slightly disoriented congressmen. "There they are now. Let's see if we can't convince them of the SHRA's flaws."

Poor Scott. Nobody likes him. We're going to close off this first action scene soon. Make your closing statements and throw in some dice rolling to see if you can turn some congressmen into resources for later.

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Don't forget that you can use the available scene distinctions. At least the NOSY JOURNALISTS got some footage of the encounter with Titanium Man and maybe some gossip-worthy shots of Emma and Tony.


"I found that whenever push came to... shove, that you were right behind me," Emma retorts. "I trust this won't be changing, yes?" She surveys the majesty of the place - the architecture has seen much of grandeur and the beauty of the human spirit, such a pity about all the politicians then... she chides in her thoughts.

She surveys the gathered congressmen. So much that happened before a rolling camera was carefully instantiated show - but she knew more than one of these politicians was eager and opportunistic to strike at any chance to get ahead in the game, and many shady deals were borne in the shadow of a camera. You don't need to be a mindreader to know that, just keep your eyes open. With an enigmatic smile, she addresses the hall capturing the attention of politicians and journalists alike, "I trust the proceedings today will not be unduly interrupted again. These Hallowed Halls are a place to celebrate and protect the sanctity of the human spirit; these Hallowed Halls are a place where Truth is searched for and revealed."

Emma won't use her supernatural powers in this case, instead she makes use of two scene distinctions.

Buddy 1d6 ⇒ 5
Criminal Past 1d8 ⇒ 5
Hallowed Halls 1d8 ⇒ 2
Noisy Journalist 1d8 ⇒ 2
Psych Master 1d10 ⇒ 1

10, effect d8, one doom pool die

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You can only use one distinction per roll, unless you spend some PP to add more. However, since it won't really affect the outcome of this roll, we can leave it for now.

"And what would that truth be, Ms Frost?" Dickerson replies, though still a bit groggy from his recent bodyslide. Gesturing to the upturned car, he continues: "That superhumans have the power to cause such destruction?" That a mutant can transport half a dozen individuals, against their will, across the planet? Yes, the Truth has been revealed today! The truth that superhumans are dangerous!"

Team 1d6 ⇒ 5
Constitutional Authority 1d8 ⇒ 6
Filibuster1d8 ⇒ 7

Dickerson's arguments are an effective counter, temporarily rattling Emma (total 12, effect 1d8). Since this is a reaction roll, I need to spend 1d6 from the DOOM POOL before I can create an effect against Emma. I spend the 1d6 granted by Emma's last opportunity. Emma suffers 1d8 mental stress.


Hank begins to talk in a calm but yet authoritative voice: "Senator Dickerson, you and the rest of your collogues have just been protected from an unprovoked attack by a person with powers and yet you turn right around and insult your protector by calling him a danger. Have you no SHAME?"
Hank pauses for a fraction of a second to let the rhetorical question hit home before continuing: "The Truth of these events are as clear as day, there are some people with powers who are 'dangerous' and likewise there are those with powers who only aim to protect those around them. That you senators are all unhurt and that the damage done by such a powerful being as Titanium Man is so minor is a testament to that fact. "
Hank rises to his full stature, aiming to be slightly intimidating towards the Senator while still remaining a voice of reason: "I put it to the rest of you that the most dangerous element in this room is not us with mere physical powers, but those people who would so callously generalise and label others! Have not the largest atrocities in human history happened because of perceived differences based on things as religion, race or culture? Is this man... "Points toward Dickerson "not just another voice of intolerance? "

This is a counter attack toward Dickerson to try and discredit him in front of the press and the remaining congressmen, hoping their own ambition will be enough to try to rival the Senator as he's played his hand too far, so not sure how it would work, but going to roll for it anyway

Buddy 1d8 ⇒ 8
Genetic activist 1d8 ⇒ 7
Opportunistic politicians 1d8 ⇒ 1
Science master 1d10 ⇒ 10

Total: 18, with a effect dice of 1d8. I'm not sure how this effect will work as my aim is to persuade the others with a character attack on the Senator

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"Doctor McCoy is right!" another voice calls out before Dickerson can respond. The speaker, a wiry, grey-haired congressman, Senator Leiber, continues: "Today, I saw selfless heroism - something to be applauded, not mired in red tape. I agree that some sort of legislation should exist, but not to the detriment of these heroes. The bill, as it stands in its draft form, is just a repeat of those same atrocities our country has fought against time and again!"

Beast, we can use your effect die to create an asset to be used in later scenes. You can consider Senator Leiber as a Friend in Congress and can apply an extra d8 to rolls that leverage this connection.

"Arguing in the open like this will get us nowhere," Dickerson interrupts. "This attack has obviously put us all under a lot of stress and I suggest we halt the proceedings for now. Doctor McCoy, Ms Frost, I thank you for your attendance. We will contact you with a rescheduled meeting request to continue this... discussion."

Now's your last opportunity to say a few more words before we close this first action scene.


"I suggest we move along with the proceedings right now, if we allow things to get derailed by an interruption, then we just give those who vehemently oppose the bill a small victory."

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"Ms Frost, unlike you, some of us lack the... life experiences that would help us process this recent attack swiftly enough to continue our discussion. Not all of us have superhuman powers," Dickerson replies, "No, this meeting is adjourned for now."

Leiber shrugs his shoulders in response and continues: "My colleague is probably correct. Few of us would be in the correct state of mind to continue with clear heads. It's best that we postpone our conversation until later. Rest assured that I won't allow this discussion to get derailed."

Unless you post something that continues this scene, my next post will move us back to the Xavier Institute.

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This is a transition scene. At the start of a transition scene, everybody's stress steps back by 1. In this case, Emma's mental stress drops from 1d8 to 1d6.

During a transition scene, you also have time to use recovery actions (like surgery, counseling, or mechanical repairs) and recruitment actions. To recruit a resource, simply spend 1 PP to create a resource that matches one of your specialities. A resource persists until the start of the next transition scene. Experts can create 1d6 resource and Masters can create a 1d8 resource.

Later, back at the Xavier Institute...

The view from Scott's office windows once provided a picturesque view of the grounds, but now looks on the rows of tents that form the 198 REFUGEE CAMP and the ever-present human-piloted SENTINELS stationed to 'protect' the remaining powered mutants. The STRAINED RELATIONSHIP between the human guards and mutant refugees has recently worsened after a recent argument between a few hot heads.

Scott has called together several of the X-Men to discuss the SHRA. Scott has argued, at length, about remaining neutral as far the act is concerned. "We have to be careful here. One false step and mutants could end up taking the blame for everything--that would make things far worse for those under our protection," Scott continues, gesturing to the window and the refugees beyond. "I'm not arguing to support or defend the act--we all know how it feels, to deal with prejudice every day. But openly challenging the act is likely to generate even more hate."

"And what did your old boyfriend have to say about it?" Wolverine interrupts, directing his question at Emma.


How does Emma go about reducing her emotional stress even more?

"There's only so much grief I will take from that Dick. Dickerson I mean." She sighs, then adds, "Let me make a call, it's always worth being a step ahead in the game - and some things just require a bit of digging to unearth."

She dials up a number on her cellphone, "...Harry? Yea, you got it... I'm calling in a favor... don't I always? ...(laughs) yes, I will. Okay, this probably doesn't come as a surprise for you, but I want dirt. Dickerson. I want some concrete video evidence or something on him... yea, you do what you do best. Thanks Harry."

And spend a PP to gain Dirty Dick

She turns to Wolverine, "He? Ach you know men, don't want to commit and get angry when their toys are taken away."

RPG Superstar 2011 Top 4

Recovering stress involves a roll (using appropriate team affiliations, distinctions, specialities etc.) againt the DOOM POOL. The stress you're trying to recover is added to the DOOM POOL. If your roll succeeds, and the effect die is equal to or bigger than the stress die, the stress is eliminated. If the effect die is smaller, the stress steps back by 1 degree (1d6 to 1d4). You can spend PP to get more effect dice to step back multiple stresses or step back one several times. You can only use recovery actions during an action scene when you have a power of SFX that allows it. A failed roll in an action scene increases stress. A failed roll in a transition scene does not increase stress, but generally does not allow another reroll.

Characters can use recovery actions on each other.


Stress relieve via ...
Solo 1d8 ⇒ 4
Psych master 1d10 ⇒ 8
One step ahead of you 1d8 ⇒ 3
Telling myself I got dirt on the bastard, Dirty Dick 1d8 ⇒ 6

Total 14 effect die d8

RPG Superstar 2011 Top 4

That's a roll against the DOOM!:

2d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (2, 5) + (6) = 13

Total 11, Effect 1d6. It looks like Emma's self-confidence is unflappable.


During the transition Hank will also try to help Emma reduce her stress with the aid of his medical expert, maybe he's a psychologist too?

Buddy 1d8 ⇒ 8
Genetic activist 1d8 ⇒ 1
Medical expert 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

Total: 13, effect dice 1d6 and rolled a 1 :(

Back at the Institute....
"Scott, I agree that this is a delicate situation and caution should be the order of the day, but it has been said that evil triumphs when good men do nothing. Taking the neutral stance and being actively involved is different from not taking any action at all. We owe it to those outside " Pointing to the camp " to at least try and get a positive outcome out of this. one which will grant those like us more freedom. "

Hank then goes on to explain the details of the discussion with the Senator and the attack by Titanium man. "I believe the attack on Mr. Stark proves that there is a lot more going on with the SHRA than meets the eye. Mr. Stark is against the act, and an attack on him by a super-person is the best way to discredit him and push the SHRA act through. I believe it was one of those supporting the act which hired Titanium man to attack Stark. Titanium man's words of "My employees have instructed me to avoid too much collateral damage" is my evidence to motivate this view. If I'm right, then this is a messy bussiness and we'll likely be getting our claws dirty by the end of this if we like it or not "

RPG Superstar 2011 Top 4

I forgot to add Emma's stress to the DOOM roll. Let's see if she did recover by herself:

1d8 ⇒ 2

Yes, she still manages to get over it by herself. Beast, Emma recovers on her own, so no real need for your roll (you wouldn't gain the XP, since Emma has no stress to recover), however perhaps Emma still appreciated the effort. We can ignore the +1 DOOM and +1 PP.

"The Fuzzball's right, Summers, and we'll be getting our claws dirtied soon enough," Wolverine responds, "Got a tip from an old friend about another old friend, Crusader. The holy man has been busy since he busted out of the Raft. Seems he got himself a new gang of Sunday school rejects and plans to fund his next inquisition by 'jacking a Federal Treasury plane. I came here looking for Storm - thought I might need some air support on this one - but she ain't been here for days, right?" Wolverine pauses to sniff the air, "Off planning her wedding with the King of Wakanda?"

Crusader:
Crusader (Arthur Charles Blackwood) is a holy warrior, with extreme beliefs. His faith grants him incredible strength and the armaments of a crusading knight. His beliefs drive him on a constant crusade against infidels and heretics ('false gods' like Thor, 'witches' like Doctor Strange). He believes that [other] superhumans are a blight upon the earth.

Storm:
Storm and the Black Panther are planning to get married in the near future. All of the X-Men have already received invitations to the upcoming celebrations.


"hmmm... do you suppose Crusader is for or against the mutant act? I can see arguments going either way. Or has your old friend told you anything about whether Crusader has got a wholly different agenda?" Emma considers a moment. "We can take it up with the plane, if you'll take my help. I don't fly so well, but I can make sure others don't fly so well too."


Male

Not sure about Crusaders alliegence so let me know and I will edit if I get this wrong.

"Who knows where he stands on it, but one thing I do know is if we let him jack a Federal Treasury plane its going to make things a whole lot more difficult around here for us." Logan taps his knuckles that house his adamantine claws, "I for one don't care for giving the government any control over me seeing as they were responsible for more then enough trouble in my life. Stopping Crusader will prevent them using the theft as leverage over us.


"Then let's not waste time. I'm still jonesing for a fight after suppressing all that anger against that dick."

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