Polar Boy continues to focus on the controls trying to keep the cylinders from opening and releasing more Kryptonians from the cylinders.
[b]Time! I need more time to figure this out.[/ooc]
d20+6
As you struggle with the controls, you hear a voice which begins to echo throughout the chamber.
"Greetings children of Krypton. I am Dr. Tio, hopefully you all remember me. Our home planet Krypton has been destroyed for approaximently 2,000 years, providing my projections were correct. You are the last survivors of a world that was destroyed by a geological explosion. Regretfully all you knew is now gone, your families, homes, your cities, your entire civilization.
You are here to provide Krypton with a second chance, a second opportunity to live, flourish, and join with the many other sentient beings throughout your galaxy. I have provided you with....
The image begins to repeat its last words, stuttering as the hologram starts to flicker in and out.
Please make a second Computers roll to see if you have had any success in preventing additional tubes from opening.
As you struggle with the controls, you hear a voice which begins to echo throughout the chamber.
"Greetings children of Krypton. I am Dr. Tio, hopefully you all remember me. Our home planet Krypton has been destroyed for approaximently 2,000 years, providing my projections were correct. You are the last survivors of a world that was destroyed by a geological explosion. Regretfully all you knew is now gone, your families, homes, your cities, your entire civilization.
You are here to provide Krypton with a second chance, a second opportunity to live, flourish, and join with the many other sentient beings throughout your galaxy. I have provided you with....
The image begins to repeat its last words, stuttering as the hologram starts to flicker in and out.
Please make a second Computers roll to see if you have had any success in preventing additional tubes from opening.
Polar Boy furiously types and tries to understand the systems. He'd help build some of the interface systems but there was plenty of technology that was over 2,000 years old and even with Kryptonian technology based on crystal lattice technology, that was a long time.
'Who is Dr Tio? Blast, I'll have to look that up when I get back to the Legion. I'm sure Braniac would know but then he probably knows when Dr Tio last had breakfast. Some of us aren't living computers and have to actually open a computer file once and a while to learn something.'
I have been at the computers the entire time trying to do stuff; am I successful at locating or making backups or finding why the data is changing ?
Lightning Lad
I have been at the computers the entire time trying to do stuff; am I successful at locating or making backups or finding why the data is changing ?
Using the computers, you discover that there are essentially four master programs working here. The first is the revival of some 80,000 Kryptonians which apparently left the planet some 1,000+ years before the planet died. Their purpose was to re-establish a dying race of people by evacuating the doomed planet and repopulating elsewhere.
The second program is one that is indirect conflict with the previous program. It appears that alterations were put into the system which changed the bio chemistry of the original procedures; think of it as a computer virus. Someone has come along and tampered with the original program by introducing one that "appears" to be harmful and alter the intent of the original program.
The alterations programmed in, appear to claim a high death toll of the Kryptonians as they progress within their tubes from gasses to a rejuvinated living beings. A second alteration enables the bodies to prematurely step forth using some sort of "acceleration" process which is corrupt. When the tubes open the bodies do not appear stable and thus die off instantly.
A third program exists as well. For those Kryptonians that emerage in what appears to be healthy conditon....they are rendered sterile.
Finally, the fourth program appears to be some sort of evacuation process of the bodies. It is difficult to understand and should in itself call for a separate Computers area of expertise roll against a challenge score of 25.
It is possible that you might be able to transmit the data to your ship and have Star Boy relay it back to Legion headquarters for further analysis by Brainiac 5. A more difficult task may be to somehow download the program on a portable unit and send that out as it would contain all of the data. The risk you run performing that function is corruption of Legion programs. You really have no idea if that could happen or if it would be safe.
You have sufficient equipment with you to perform the download procedures if you choose. This process would have taken but a few minutes, of which you have had sufficient time to complete and the information is yours if you wish.
Polar Boy
As you struggle with the controls, you hear a voice which begins to echo throughout the chamber.
"Greetings children of Krypton. I am Dr. Tio, hopefully you all remember me. Our home planet Krypton has been destroyed for approaximently 2,000 years, providing my projections were correct. You are the last survivors of a world that was destroyed by a geological explosion. Regretfully all you knew is now gone, your families, homes, your cities, your entire civilization.
You are here to provide Krypton with a second chance, a second opportunity to live, flourish, and join with the many other sentient beings throughout your galaxy. I have provided you with....
The image begins to repeat its last words, stuttering as the hologram starts to flicker in and out.
Please make a second Computers roll to see if you have had any success in preventing additional tubes from opening.
Polar Boy furiously types and tries to understand the systems. He'd help build some of the interface systems but there was plenty of technology that was over 2,000 years old and even with Kryptonian technology based on crystal lattice technology, that was a long time.
d20+9
'Who is Dr Tio? Blast, I'll have to look that up when I get back to the Legion. I'm sure Braniac would know but then he probably knows when Dr Tio last had breakfast. Some of us aren't living computers and have to actually open a computer file once and a while to learn something.'
As you work with the computer, your mind is operating at a higher rate of efficiency than you are use to. By spending most of your concentration upon the prevention of further tubes from opening, your brain activity also pursues listening to the "Hologram Head" and at the same time, you feel distant memories coming to fruitation, memories of whom, how, why, you were brought here.
With a Computer areas of expertise roll of 18 you discover that you can activate an emergency locking system upon the tubes. Doing so should prevent them from opening but runs a risk of further corrupting the process that is occuring. You may save several thousands of Kryptonian lives or activation of the emergency lock will interrupt the intended procedures and throw things off their delicate balance for the worse. The choice is yours to make. Activating the emergency locking system would only take a few seconds, the outcome....uncertain.
And then of coarse the hologram you have placed some but less attention to appears to be fading in mid sentance or some sort of interferance may be possible as well.
<OK; responses within document.>
Lightning Lad
I have been at the computers the entire time trying to do stuff; am I successful at locating or making backups or finding why the data is changing ?Using the computers, you discover that there are essentially four master programs working here. The first is the revival of some 80,000 Kryptonians which apparently left the planet some 1,000+ years before the planet died. Their purpose was to re-establish a dying race of people by evacuating the doomed planet and repopulating elsewhere.
The second program is one that is indirect conflict with the previous program. It appears that alterations were put into the system which changed the bio chemistry of the original procedures; think of it as a computer virus. Someone has come along and tampered with the original program by introducing one that "appears" to be harmful and alter the intent of the original program.
---- ok; can set up a ghost of the first copy in a shell program with redirected output to a test dummy and redirect this second program to run in a shell with output to the first copy ghost and restore the original program boot rolling back the time stamp to redirect the first programs source to take a reevaluation and restart the procedure or whatever the 25th century equivelant of such a task would be? ------
The alterations programmed in, appear to claim a high death toll of the Kryptonians as they progress within their tubes from gasses to a rejuvinated living beings. A second alteration enables the bodies to prematurely step forth using some sort of "acceleration" process which is corrupt. When the tubes open the bodies do not appear stable and thus die off instantly.
"Star Boy; prepare a protected computer enviroment that cannot access our systems; but only gain this input I am about to send you; someone here has 80,000 Kryptonians and is killing them by some aggressive bioengineered system that uses this program; I want this program as evidence; but it is very sophisticated; so we cannot git it access to any datalinks; WE will need a second environment within the one you set up for yet another program that appears to make Kryptonians appear healthy but are in sterile condition, this is devious work of a magnitude of desolation of genocide I have only read about it history books; some thing or someone is hideously twisted and needs to be brought to Justice. If you can; send all this data in a encrypted shell to Brainiac 5, but warn him very strongly of its viral nature as it will likely corrupt any program it can access; possibly even sophisticated minds if it has a data link; beware in most strong measures. Thre is yet another program I have not yet determined its use; also prepare for it as I may be interupted by yet another attack by the abominations responsible for this hideousness."
A third program exists as well. For those Kryptonians that emerage in what appears to be healthy conditon....they are rendered sterile.
Finally, the fourth program appears to be some sort of evacuation process of the bodies. It is difficult to understand and should in itself call for a separate Computers area of expertise roll against a challenge score of 25.
<Computer roll against challenge 25. here goes; dice dont fail me now>
computers"It is to much for me in this environment; just forward it to Brainiac 5; we will pursue here and salvage what we can; Star Boy; please chart a course for the nearest yellow star; we might need it fast, and we will attempt to find some way to transport whom we can, also; notify HQ to get a transport and armed excort underway ASAP in case we cannot find a way to transport this people; and what is left of the other, out of here" <said in barely controlled anger with timbre in voice>
It is possible that you might be able to transmit the data to your ship and have Star Boy relay it back to Legion headquarters for further analysis by Brainiac 5. A more difficult task may be to somehow download the program on a portable unit and send that out as it would contain all of the data. The risk you run performing that function is corruption of Legion...
Polar Boy doesn't bother to consider 'ramifications'. He acts knowing he is a Legionaire and he will make the right choice.
He triggers the emergency locking device routine.
He then works to see what he needs to do to re-balance the cryo-stasis tubes.
'I'm the Legion's Master of Cold. If the machines can't do this then I can do this.
Lightning Lad & Star Boy
Ok; can set up a ghost of the first copy in a shell program with redirected output to a test dummy and redirect this second program to run in a shell with output to the first copy ghost and restore the original program boot rolling back the time stamp to redirect the first programs source to take a reevaluation and restart the procedure or whatever the 25th century equivelant of such a task would be?
After downloading the information you are capable of sending it to Star Boy on a protected frequncy. This will enable him to send it to Brainiac 5 at Legion Headquarters and should be secure without affecting any Legion systems, be it on your spacecraft or back home at HQ.
Making an attempt to restart or reverse the damage done may be difficult. The computer may provide you with the "how to do this" procedure but given translation time it will be an enormous effort. A better computer will be able to translate the information much faster or you might be able to alter the ancient Kryptonese dialect into Interlac which would be the fastest method, providing security measures in the computer allow it.
"Star Boy; prepare a protected computer enviroment that cannot access our systems; but only gain this input I am about to send you; someone here has 80,000 Kryptonians and is killing them by some aggressive bioengineered system that uses this program;
Star Boy
Understood Lightning Lad, I can produce a secure environment for these programs and then send it out to Brainy.
Lightning Lad, Wildfire, Shadow Lass, Invisible Kid, Obelisk and Gorlog: You all hear shrieks and cries of pain coming from the neighboring chamber.
Polar Boy doesn't bother to consider 'ramifications'. He acts knowing he is a Legionaire and he will make the right choice.
He triggers the emergency locking device routine.
He then works to see what he needs to do to re-balance the cryo-stasis tubes.
'I'm the Legion's Master of Cold. If the machines can't do this then I can do this.
You activate the doors with a master-override system and to your understanding, it affects all tubes not just those in your immedient vicinity. An extremely loud beeping occurs throughout the complex as soon as you set things in motion.
A new hologram image begins to take the place of the aging Krytonian Dr. Tio.
Lightning Lad, Wildfire, Shadow Lass, Invisible Kid, Obelisk and Gorlog: You now hear an incredibly loud beeping sound throughout your room. Perhaps you have activated an alarm of some kind. It drowns out the cries of pain coming from the neighboring chamber.
"I dont think that was me....I hope, lets investigate the next room, keep your eyes peeled for a way to kill that klaxon as well as danger; sheesh, this just keeps getting better and better" <sarcasm>
move to the doorway and into the next room slipping right and scanning the room with my eyes then computer for what is going on.
Lightning Lad, Wildfire, Shadow Lass, Invisible Kid, Obelisk and Gorlog:
"I dont think that was me....I hope, lets investigate the next room, keep your eyes peeled for a way to kill that klaxon as well as danger; sheesh, this just keeps getting better and better" <sarcasm>
move to the doorway and into the next room slipping right and scanning the room with my eyes then computer for what is going on.
As you peer into the neighboring room the extremely loud beeping continues. For as far as your eyes can see, there are some sort of glass-like cylinder tubes containing live people (you can see them moving their hands and shifting about inside.) Other individuals are entering these glass containments (1 per person). You also see several with a swirly gaseous material floating about inside some of these glass containers. You also see some sort of semi-liquid gel on the floor, in most cases it is right in front of an open containment cylinder, though a few large globs are further away from them.
Over the confusion you can hear someone shouting loudly trying to be heard over the commotion. A Perceive Target AOE roll will define what is being said (challenge score 16).
The last thing of interest you see is what appears to be a hologram emerging upon a platform resting upon the floor. Only the head of the individual appears. He is perhaps in his late 30's or early 40's, his skin has a ghastly white complexion. He wears a large black cloak with a very high collar. You see skeletal fingers emerging from the bottom of the hologram, poking up just enough to see the tips of them.
"Foolish intruders....you seek to foil my plans? You think you are powerful enough to prevent me from achieving my goal? It is not their bodies that are of value to me, they are but worthlesss husks drying in the wind. I seek nothing but their most valuable asset, the very presence that keeps them alive, their inner strength and purpose of being....You have no claim over me, for I am the Soul Harvestor, and these are now my souls. But fear not, for I hold them with nothing less than the highest of regard. They are mine to claim, they are my blood I feed on, they are souless beings that I now claim victory over.
Lightning Lad, if you wish to use your portable mapping device you may. Is there anything in particular that interests you?
You activate the doors with a master-override system and to your understanding, it affects all tubes not just those in your immedient vicinity. An extremely loud beeping occurs throughout the complex as soon as you set things in motion.A new hologram image begins to take the place of the aging Krytonian Dr. Tio.
Polar Boy tries to decide if there is anything more that he can do to put the computers into a pre-awakening routine like they were for the last two millennium maintaining vital conditions.
You activate the doors with a master-override system and to your understanding, it affects all tubes not just those in your immedient vicinity. An extremely loud beeping occurs throughout the complex as soon as you set things in motion.A new hologram image begins to take the place of the aging Krytonian Dr. Tio.
Polar Boy tries to decide if there is anything more that he can do to put the computers into a pre-awakening routine like they were for the last two millennium maintaining vital conditions.
d20+9
Given the time frame your working with, you have attempted to return their condition to stable and many individuals have returned to their tubular homes. There is still a lot of confusion because the area is simply "just that big", but as far as you can see, it appears as if most are returning and some never left. The loud beeping sound stops.
Perhaps watching their fellow Kryptonians (mixed with a few other beings) turn to gelitan goo is enough persuasion for them to return. If you find that the system appears to be stabilizing, if may be time for the "experts" to come in and review the science behind all of this.
Just by taking the few actions you did, you appear to have saved thousands of lives. Any further efforts by you would most likely take days, perhaps even weeks of research. You have done well!
Polar Boy knew that he had done well. Thousands had been saved.
Still, it galled him that in the days ahead it would likely be Braniac that would be called into to review the programing and the science. When the press heard the tale it would be all how Braniac had again saved thousands of Kryptonian lives. Polar Boy would likely not get mentioned at all or just as the person who witnessed the first people to leave the cells and dissolve to goo.
Braniac would only file a memo for him to sign telling him on how Braniac would have done this and that if he had been present in this situation.
It was hard to be a Legionaire and be less then Braniac.
Still, for today, Polar Boy knew he had done well.
Now, what was with this annoying talking head and this 'Harvester of Souls'?
Polar Boy moved closer to the Hologram to inspect the equipment more closely. Maybe it was possible to trace the source of the communication to the 'Harvester of Souls'.
Polar Boy
Polar Boy moved closer to the Hologram to inspect the equipment more closely. Maybe it was possible to trace the source of the communication to the 'Harvester of Souls'.
The base where the hologram appeared is approximently 5' wide and circular in shape. Most holograms appear when they are triggered when a particular "key/event" occurs, or set to appear at a specific time. The devices utilize a system where the creator speaks into a hologram image device or another computer and then downloads their presentation to the hologram device. When a hologram is made, it could be from a source orginating from millions of miles away, have been created in a different dimension or even time stream.
Some holograms can be "faked" as in presenting a "false image" of a being. For example, if someone created a hologram of Polar Boy, they would make a holographic image of you using a computer and then trying to pass if off as the real Polar Boy. Faked holograms may be detected as false if properly studied (the image will seem less real because it isn't of the actual person being represented). Of coarse the more talented someone is in creating false holograms the harder it is to detect. An extremely good false hologram is very hard to detect. Some are advanced enough to actually interact with individuals once they appear. These types of holograms have an actual link with the creator so that they can actively participate in the conversation, sort of a 30th century telephone that uses images.
This appears to be a "fixed" hologram which appears at a particular location when a given event occurs. It is very unlikely that it has the capability of appearing anywhere else. More advanced holograms can literally appear in many different locations (or more than one place at a time) these are called "mobile holograms". Because the image appeared on the platform, you suspect it is fixed, a mobile hologram wouldn't require a base of any kind.
If the hologram platform is properly studied, it might be possible to trace the location of where it was sent from. You would have to gain access to the master computer control which would usually be beneath the platform or originate in a nearby area and simply project the image on the base. Once found a successful Computer Hacking AOE roll could reveal it source of origin. The difficulty of the Computer Hacking check varies by how advanced the system is as well as the ability of the creator.
Wildfire
"You'll be harvesting something buddy! I'm not sure what you think you're doing, but we're the LEGION...and you have really done it this time pal!!".
(I'll spend 2 actions and charge myself up)
Stage whispering to the others - "I think he's snapped something in his brain."
Sounds good, you'll have 2 actions of energy prepared for a pre-emptive strike. If the duration for the charging expires all assime your simply recharge it again, I would think that a charge should last 1 minute per category you have in the ability in mind of coarse that after you release the energy you will have 2 less actions remaining that Action Sequence.
Everyone
None of you have heard of an individual being addressed as Soul Harvestor. Thus you have no information available to you on this one.
The base where the hologram appeared is approximently 5' wide and circular in shape....
Polar Boy looks at the base of the hologram while speaking, Whew! I'm glad your name is...what was it again, Ghost Farmer? Ah, never mind, it's no one that is important. It's not like it was the name of a real villain of the Legion.
I guess you're just the weekly crazy that pops up and thinks that he is be all and end all of stuff and really just the weekly crazy that needs to be locked up.
Polar Boy
Not overly far from where you are, you hear a voice coming from somewhere.
"You should come quietly! You are in a great deal of trouble, don't make things worse by doing something stupid!"
Make a Perceive Target AOE roll (challenge score 12) to see if you recognize the voice.
Sorry Polar Boy, it looks like its going to take someone with a little more experience in computers to figure out where the hologram originates from.
Your attempts to iritate the hologram appears to work.
"So you choose to taunt me do you, foolish youngster of Tharr. Perhaps a taste of my power will humble you......."
And the hologram comes to an end....and the lights go out, darkness envelops the entire room. The only thing you see are the glowing of a few controls on the cylinders the people were able to return to.
You suddenly realize that since the hologram responded to you rather than simply repeating dialogue, that it is interactive and that someone, perhaps the Soul Harvestor is litterally watching you at this very moment. The question is....where is he?
Wildfire
"I don't want to take the lead and blast someone without cause) I'm waiting with the charge going and see what he/it (?) is doing. If this donut is going to mess with us I'll have to fry him. I would indeed try to recharge myself back up if the current charge runs out before something negative happens."
Shouting towards the figure - "You should come quietly! You are in a great deal of trouble, don't make things worse by doing something stupid!"
You hear a muffled voice coming from within the large room. Make a Perceive Target AOE roll against a challenge score of 16 to hear what is being said. If you receive a 20+, then all the better.
I use the portable to take a video of all of this and record the message.
I dont have computer hacking either; but I will try to assist Polar Boy at trying to find the source of the hologram message.
Lightning Lad
I use the portable to take a video of all of this and record the message.
I dont have computer hacking either; but I will try to assist Polar Boy at trying to find the source of the hologram message.
There is a possibility that your Legion craft might have picked up the signal and be able to tell where it originated from. Pretty much depends on whether Star Boy was paying attention to the ship controls. Another possibility is to literally tear into the hologram imager and locate the chip which receives signals. Once removed, it could be examined (with the right equipment) and the location determined, this providing added secuity measures were not put in place.
In regards to Polar Boy, several weeks ago, he was on a mission and for whatever reason did not return to Earth. Mon-el arranged searches for the missing Legionnaire but everything came up empty handed. He has been missing in action for about 6 weeks, and now you find him here.
Your flight ring is capable of recording the events around you, a feature that Brainiac 5 put in place. You nearly need to concentrate for but a moment, as it pretty much operates by the will of the Legionnaire it was intended for. The ring is then downloaded into a device upon your spacecraft and creates a holo-vid of the events. The holo-vid tape is usually put together on your down time (such as when returning home). The holo-vid is pretty much in the shape of a small thin box, similiar to a cassete tape of the 20th century, though it is doesn't actually have a ribbon inside, but rather highly complicated electrical components. This will save you the time of using the portable unit for recording the events, though you may still do so if you wish.
Polar Boy
Not overly far from where you are, you hear a voice coming from somewhere."You should come quietly! You are in a great deal of trouble, don't make things worse by doing something stupid!"
Make a Perceive Target AOE roll (challenge score 12) to see if you recognize the voice.
...
You suddenly realize that since the hologram responded to you rather than simply repeating dialogue, that it is interactive and that someone, perhaps the Soul Harvestor is litterally watching you at this very moment. The question is....where is he?
Polar Boy recognizes the familiar voices of the Legionaries.
Staring around at the room plunged into darkness but the glowing cells.
'Looks like someone blew a fuse.'
Polar Boy having had experience with the Megalomania of Villains can easily interpret the behaviour prior to an attack. Knowing that his fellow Legionaries are nearby gives him the confidence to start to prepare for the coming conflict.
Polar Boy starts by building an ice fort to give the group a position to fall back or attack from.
Lightning Lad
[QUOTE=]
I dont have computer hacking either; but I will try to assist Polar Boy at trying to find the source of the hologram message.
With the lights out you may want to consider rectify the situation. I can think of a couple of ways it possible relating to your power. You could try and recharge the lighting system by merely touching a light and sending the appropriate electical charge through it. Alternatively, you could light up the area with a constant lightning crackle type of bolt which extends from one hand to the other. This would limit your ability to do other things since both hands are busy but it could serve as temporarily makeshift light. You would still be able to verbally assist Polar Boy.
Just thoughts on my part.
Polar Boy
"Polar Boy recognizes the familiar voices of the Legionaries."
Indeed you do recognize the voice of Wildfire. A chamber not overly far from your location still has light and some of that emits into your room, enough to see and recognize Lightning Lad, Wildfire, Shadow Lass, Invisible Kid, as well as two strangers.
"Polar Boy starts by building an ice fort to give the group a position to fall back or attack from."
Using Shape and Animate Snow or Ice, it takes you 1 Action Sequence to create a fort (which is about 1 comic panel or 5 seconds). Your power roll equals 26 which is good enough to create a fairly complex design. You are able to form a fort with basic features such as a door and windows if you want them. Let me know what specifics you want on the fort other than a tongue sticking out such as size, height, decoration, openings, etc. This detail may prove useful should combat erupt. Your fort can be up to your category x 10 in feet for size, this gives you up to maximum of 70 feet in height as well as width. An area of this size would encompass many of the glass tubes standing on the floor of your room. There is about 3' of space between each glass tube. Your roll is high enough to form the fort around the tubes in order to prevent breaking any.
The book states that Shape & Animate Snow or Ice has a Duration of 1 Action Sequence per category (which in your case is about 35 seconds). I'm changing this to 1 hour per category, so an object you create would last for 7 hours. A glitch I caught when reading the power effect. Please change your copy if you can.
"Polar Boy having had experience with the Megalomania of Villains can easily interpret the behaviour prior to an attack. Knowing that his fellow Legionaries are nearby gives him the confidence to start to prepare for the coming conflict."
Let hope your right about that.
Using the ring is fine; no sense in putting all eggs in one basket; as for Polar Boy; am giving him a chance to come forward and explain his and others absence as there are more pressing matters at this moment unless there is nothing else here; we still havent found the missing scientists and police; so I at least will continue searching for them.
"I suggest we take this imager back with us and take it apart in better conditions to determine the recieving chip. We still have missing scientists and police; I will see if the computer has any mention of them; otherwise we have more searching to do"
find a computer terminal and start searching for anything like prisoners; new subjects; holding cells; or anything by date that is close to the times in question as for the lights; will make a arclight between my finger and tumb (arclights are very, very bright) and hold it over my head and search for a breaker or light switch first otherwise will consider something else.
Lightning Lad
I use the portable to take a video of all of this and record the message.
I dont have computer hacking either; but I will try to assist Polar Boy at trying to find the source of the hologram message.
There is a possibility that your Legion craft might have picked up the signal and be able to tell where it originated from. Pretty much depends on whether Star Boy was paying attention to the ship controls. Another possibility is to literally tear into the hologram imager and locate the chip which receives signals. Once removed, it could be examined (with the right equipment) and the location determined, this providing added secuity measures were not put in place.
In regards to Polar Boy, several weeks ago, he was on a mission and for whatever reason did not return to Earth. Mon-el arranged searches for the missing Legionnaire but everything came up empty handed. He has been missing in action for about 6 weeks, and now you find him here.
Your flight ring is capable of recording the events around you, a feature that Brainiac 5 put in place. You nearly need to concentrate for but a moment, as it pretty much operates by the will of the Legionnaire it was intended for. The ring is then downloaded into a device upon your spacecraft and creates a holo-vid of the events. The holo-vid tape is usually put together on your down time (such as when returning home). The holo-vid is pretty much in the shape of a small thin box, similiar to a cassete tape of the 20th century, though it is doesn't actually have a ribbon inside, but rather highly complicated electrical components. This will save you the time of using the portable unit for recording the events, though you may still do so if you wish.
Lightning Lad
"As for the lights; will make a arclight between my finger and tumb (arclights are very, very bright) and hold it over my head.
I'll develop a Arc Lightning power effect to add to the game. It is a very simple thing to do and you will have the ability already. I'll send you that specifics of how it works, but for now we'll assume that a smaller arc is automatic and it will provide you with enough light to equal an area up to 5 feet per category. Give yourself a category of Powerful/11. This will illuminate an area of 55 feet across with you standing in the center, so about 27.5 feet in all directions. You can hold this charge without repeating it, but it will use up 1 of your actions each Action Sequence, so you'll have 5 actions to use rather than 6.
"And search for a breaker or light switch first otherwise will consider something else."
There is a touch panel on the outside of the room where you were just at. Typically, its set off by motion or touch and should illuminate the corresponding room. Alternatively, you could try a computer from the room you were just in, this assuming it will give you access to basic building functions, such as light, heat, etc.
When the lights went out, Polar Boy immediently starts creating an ice fort.
"I suggest we take this imager back with us and take it apart in better conditions to determine the recieving chip. We still have missing scientists and police; I will see if the computer has any mention of them; otherwise we have more searching to do"
The basic functions of how the hologram works are locacted within an inner control panel of its base. You would expect the desired inner components would be small, perhaps a little larger than your hand. It might be possible to remove the outer casing (if you an find a way) and locate the chip and remove it. If you want to do this, you'll need to find a way to break or cut through the metal casing. You can see where the inner control panel is located, it just sealed up and you don't have the standard tools to open it. Alternatively, you may want to consider finding a way to rip open the base and remove the inner guts which contains the chip.
"Find a computer terminal and start searching for anything like prisoners; new subjects; holding cells; or anything by date that is close to the times in question."
You might be able to access that information from the room you have been in as well. You'd have to do some work with the computer and see what comes up, using Compuer Programming AOE. These are a lot of actions, so please help break it down for me, what your doing first, second, third and so on. Feel free to delgate some of these actions to the others (Invisible Kid, Shadow Lass, Obelisk and Gorlog).
Polar Boy realizing who is here calls out, 'Hey, Guys and Gals, long time no see. I'd love to talk but I think we're going to have our regular Legion get together complete with quickly forgotten 'bad guy'. I'm putting together a nice ice home for us. Do you think I should put in a wet bar or just go with a dry bar? How about a nice barcalounger? By the way, what is a barcalounger? Is it a chair or a couch?'
Polar Boy will make sure to avoid the electronic equipment. He'll have the fort reach the ceiling in height or 70'. He'll skip the doorways as Legionnaires all have flight rings. He'll just have windows at 20' above the ground and a rampart around the edge of the snow fort. Two of the windows will be large enough to allow the Legionnaires that he recognizes to get inside the fort while the others will be more firing slits that allow the Legionnaires to project their powers through while still taking cover if they wish.
Polar Boy will activate his flight ring to allow him to look out the vision slits.
Polar Boy
Polar Boy realizing who is here calls out, 'Hey, Guys and Gals, long time no see. I'd love to talk but I think we're going to have our regular Legion get together complete with quickly forgotten 'bad guy'. I'm putting together a nice ice home for us. Do you think I should put in a wet bar or just go with a dry bar? How about a nice barcalounger? By the way, what is a barcalounger? Is it a chair or a couch?'
Polar Boy will make sure to avoid the electronic equipment. He'll have the fort reach the ceiling in height or 70'. He'll skip the doorways as Legionnaires all have flight rings. He'll just have windows at 20' above the ground and a rampart around the edge of the snow fort. Two of the windows will be large enough to allow the Legionnaires that he recognizes to get inside the fort while the others will be more firing slits that allow the Legionnaires to project their powers through while still taking cover if they wish.
Polar Boy will activate his flight ring to allow him to look out the vision slits.
By rampart do you mean a fixed wall that surrounds the fort? If so how high? How far from the actual fort? Do you build your fort around the hologram machine so it is protected within your fort? If the rampart isnt actually connected to the fort itself, a second Shape Snow & Ice roll must be made. If I misunderstood your rampart idea, please correct me.
By rampart do you mean a fixed wall that surrounds the fort? If so how high? How far from the actual fort? Do you build your fort around the hologram machine so it is protected within your fort? If the rampart isnt actually connected to the fort itself, a second Shape Snow & Ice roll must be made. If I misunderstood your rampart idea, please correct me.
Polar Boy
By rampart do you mean a fixed wall that surrounds the fort? If so how high? How far from the actual fort? Do you build your fort around the hologram machine so it is protected within your fort? If the rampart isnt actually connected to the fort itself, a second Shape Snow & Ice roll must be made. If I misunderstood your rampart idea, please correct me.
Sounds great, since it is part of the fort itself and not a separate structure you've completed your task. Did you know that you can make it out of ice as well. Your challenge score roll was high enough for both snow or ice, the choice is yours. Ice is sturdier and can take more damage.
Sounds great, since it is part of the fort itself and not a separate structure you've completed your task. Did you know that you can make it out of ice as well. Your challenge score roll was high enough for both snow or ice, the choice is yours. Ice is sturdier and can take more damage.
just saying; arc lights are very powerful; it is how spotlights work before they had high intesity lights; not much good for city lighting as their too bright and such though all light bulbs work on this theory; and arc light differs from a light bulb in that a light bulb has candesant material that glows with eletricty; an arc light is just that; an electrical arc between two probes and is much like that of an arc welder. Light is dependant upon how much electricty can jump the gap; the gap length and size of the probes. an arc welder, for example, has a very small arc from a probe between 1/8th and 1/4 inch. A spotlight has one the size of your thumb. Am suggesting that the problem here is light that is far to bright for practical use for lighting a room; hehe it would be better to have a stick of bamboo and run a current through it; was the first light bulb; lit a room for 15 minutes; longer in a vacuum; really for a light some good incandesant would be needed; best to hold a light bulb hehe; but wanted to use the arc light to find one or the light switch.
Just some thoughts to consider.
Lightning Lad
"As for the lights; will make a arclight between my finger and tumb (arclights are very, very bright) and hold it over my head.I'll develop a Arc Lightning power effect to add to the game. It is a very simple thing to do and you will have the ability already. I'll send you that specifics of how it works, but for now we'll assume that a smaller arc is automatic and it will provide you with enough light to equal an area up to 5 feet per category. Give yourself a category of Powerful/11. This will illuminate an area of 55 feet across with you standing in the center, so about 27.5 feet in all directions. You can hold this charge without repeating it, but it will use up 1 of your actions each Action Sequence, so you'll have 5 actions to use rather than 6.
"And search for a breaker or light switch first otherwise will consider something else."
There is a touch panel on the outside of the room where you were just at. Typically, its set off by motion or touch and should illuminate the corresponding room. Alternatively, you could try a computer from the room you were just in, this assuming it will give you access to basic building functions, such as light, heat, etc.
When the lights went out, Polar Boy immediently starts creating an ice fort.
"I suggest we take this imager back with us and take it apart in better conditions to determine the recieving chip. We still have missing scientists and police; I will see if the computer has any mention of them; otherwise we have more searching to do"
The basic functions of how the hologram works are locacted within an inner control panel of its base. You would expect the desired inner components would be small, perhaps a little larger than your hand. It might be possible to remove the outer casing (if you an find a way) and locate the chip and remove it. If you want to do this, you'll need to find a way to break or cut through the metal casing. You can see where the inner control panel is located, it just sealed...
"Ok Legionaires; we need to find the power panel; spread out and take a look; does anyone have any tools to take apart this hologram? Once we get the power on; Polar Boy and I will work on the computers and this hologram to get what we can; I need volunteers to search and find the missing police and scientists. Stay in contact by our rings and check in ever few moments with updates; we will try to find a map of the complex and if we find any data; will guide you through areas and rush to support if you need it.
any input or questions?"
Lightning Lad
I'm a little confused, are you suggesting that the arc lightning idea would be far to bright and intense to work in this situation or that having arc from one finger to the next would illuminate a much larger area?
Gorlog: "Lightning Lad, Obelisk, Shadow Lass and I are willing to continue the search for the missing Science Police Officers. I believe there were other caverns we chose not to follow."
Invisible Kid: "Garth, you and Polar Boy figure out how to get the holgram chip, I'll use one of the computers in the other room and try and get the lights back up in this chamber. The illuminated stones on the walls and ceiling are still functioning correctly in the other room. Oh, by the way Polar Boy...its good to see you again. When we got time I'd like to hear about what you been doing the past six months since you never returned from your mission." (Said with a broad smile across his face.)
"Oh and Lightning Lad, any chance you could use a low powered charge and cut through the metal base just enough to get at the inner components, without frying the controls?"
Polar Boy
You have a nicely sculptured ice fort.
'Oh, you know, the usual. Saving a couple thousand Kryptonian lives. Being tricked and locked in a meat locker. Escaping and working again to save a few thousand lives. Angering someone who's name I can't even remember at the moment. Farmer Fish or Fish Farmer something. Might as well call him Empty Head. It is easier to remember and that's really all I know of him since I talked to his hologram briefly.'
'I really don't know how much help I'll be pulling a chip from the hologram. I usually find stuff isn't working and drop it off in Braniac's Lab to get repaired. I tend to work on vehicles. I suppose if you need to do some chopping that I could create an ice axe. No guarantee on clean the cuts might be but it would work.'
While Polar Boy talks he waves a hand and a light snow starts to fall in the room.
It would light a larger area and would be so bright of white light that it would hurt our eyes, even a quick glance would leave spots in your vison unles you have some protection; we couldnt look at it; but as long as everyone has there back to it; should have no problem searching walls but looking toward me would be bad which is why I put my arm over my head as it would blind me too unless I have some protection I dont know about. Of course, you can do it any way you like; this is just how one works.
Lightning Lad
I'm a little confused, are you suggesting that the arc lightning idea would be far to bright and intense to work in this situation or that having arc from one finger to the next would illuminate a much larger area?Gorlog: "Lightning Lad, Obelisk, Shadow Lass and I are willing to continue the search for the missing Science Police Officers. I believe there were other caverns we chose not to follow."
Invisible Kid: "Garth, you and Polar Boy figure out how to get the holgram chip, I'll use one of the computers in the other room and try and get the lights back up in this chamber. The illuminated stones on the walls and ceiling are still functioning correctly in the other room. Oh, by the way Polar Boy...its good to see you again. When we got time I'd like to hear about what you been doing the past six months since you never returned from your mission." (Said with a broad smile across his face.)
"Oh and Lightning Lad, any chance you could use a low powered charge and cut through the metal base just enough to get at the inner components, without frying the controls?"
"should be feasable, lets check how it is grounded; I should be able to make a cutting arc, I havent really done any precision work or sustained stuff, so should be and interesting excersize; perhaps I should try on a table or something first and see how much current bleeds over; looks like some of these tables are metal. In any case, I bet Gorlock could tear this metal like paper.
<I dont know if this is in any of the comics or this is a new stunt>
Lightning Lad
"Should be feasable, lets check how it is grounded; I should be able to make a cutting arc, I havent really done any precision work or sustained stuff, so should be and interesting excersize; perhaps I should try on a table or something first and see how much current bleeds over; looks like some of these tables are metal. In any case, I bet Gorlock could tear this metal like paper.
<I dont know if this is in any of the comics or this is a new stunt>
Can't say that I've seen Lightning Lad do any precision cutting, but that doesn't mean he couldn't. Lightning/electricity can burn I would think so the idea of cutting open the panel area seems plausable to me. Basically we make use of the Power Control rules on pages 8-10, Chapter 5; The Rise of Power. This section provides several options on how you can manipulate your power outside of the standard rules and the section encourages players to think of new ways (like this situation.) For Lightning Lad, this type of precision cutting would fall under Power Control.
Essentially, you determine exactly how you want to use your power, I set a challenge score based on how difficult I think it should be, and you spend Action Points to make the attempt. Attempting the feat would cost 1 point. The point is lost whether you succeed or fail the attempt.
The number of Action Points you have available should be on your front page, under Databases. At the beginning of the PBP game each character starts with 5 points in the Action Database and 0 points in the Brande Account.
I believe I gave out rewards once before and some or all of those points should have gone into the Action Database as well. Action Points are intended for doing things like this; trying a new trick outside of the power limitations.
I don't recall you spending any in the past either. Anyway, attemting the feat will cost 1 point and requires a challenge score of 25 or greater.
If you elect to make the challenge roll, use your Electrical Generation power by making a Power roll and adding your category to it. In addition, the effort requires a great deal of concentration so you add your category in that as well.
And Yes Gorlog could probably tear the innards of the hologram right out, though there is no promise that the chip wouln't be damaged. The chip will be very small (thumb nail size or less) so the odds of him breaking it are very small. If you want Gorlog to try it, you'll have to ask quickly because he and the others are walking away to go search for the Science Police Officers.
The arc lightning could be done at a category of Feeb/1 or so, thus the effect wouldn't be near as brilliant nor would it give off as much light. You can always downsize your power effects if you like.
Let me know what you decide.
No, I havent spent anything; but acting like an arc welder without eye protection would leave me blind so will opt first for another solution.
I use my hand held to scan it; mostly looking for boobytraps or explosives.
"Gorlog; do you think you could pop this bolts on this panel off to give us access inside; I dont want to fry it unless we have no other option."
Everyone
"Gorlog; do you think you could pop this bolts on this panel off to give us access inside; I dont want to fry it unless we have no other option."
With precision timing, Invisible Kid masters the computer and the chamber suddenly floods with light. Gorlog reaches down and easily pries back the outer casing....he then turns to everyone and says:
"You want me to just grab and pull out what I can?"
'If it were me, I'd recommend that someone other than Gorlog did the reaching in with the fingers. I'm not sure what you're looking for but the last time I had Gorlog working in the kitchen with me...well, let's say there was a reason we served scrambled eggs and there were a few shells in the eggs.'
'So, I know what I'm doing here. What are you doing here?'
Gorlog
'If it were me, I'd recommend that someone other than Gorlog did the reaching in with the fingers. I'm not sure what you're looking for but the last time I had Gorlog working in the kitchen with me...well, let's say there was a reason we served scrambled eggs and there were a few shells in the eggs.'
'So, I know what I'm doing here. What are you doing here?'
"I think Mr. Legionnaire, that you've mistaken me for someone else. Why don't you do the yanking for us? After all, I am not a member of your organization and merely want to return to my Science Police Station with a full report. I've no intention on keeping a souviner such as this computer chip."
Gorlog gets back up on his feet and towers over all of you.
"I think this unit is too critical to chance on what may or may not work; we need a solution with no failure. So, we either take this whole unit with us and take it apart where we have the facilities to do it; or go get the tools to do this correctly; or wait for someone else to do it and follow up on the leads; so these are options A, B, C. Option A requires some individual strong enough to carry this unit to our ship <eyes Gorlog>, or someone fast enough to get what we need and return; the thirds makes this a lower priority and we help those here we can while we wait, perhaps this is a distraction from helping these people or something equally important; what do you guys think; please add your input"
Polar Boy looks at Gorlog. 'You're only with the Science Police? I though for sure you were one of the new recruits. I know we had try outs recently. So who was it that I was making breakfast with and couldn't handle eggs? I bet Brainiac would know. Then again, is there anything a person forgets if you are a living computer? Oh wait, that would to remind everyone that you're a living computer.'
'Personally, I'd vote for taking the whole unit if we can lug it. Though, if you need to search the data base, I should be able to do it right here. I helped work with some of these systems as I worked on a new interface protocol to help resuscitate the people in cryo-stassis. I still don't understand what went wrong.'
Gorlog
"All right then, step back and I will remove the device."
Gorlog reaches around and grasps both sides of the unit (about 5' across) and starts to pull. You hear a tearing sound as he begins to pry it from the floor.
Everyone make a Perceive Target roll against a challenge score of 18, Gorlog increases his challenge score to 23 because he is preoccupied with the removal of the device.