Hideouts & Hoodlums: Justice Society of America
Game Master
Scottenkainen
Join the Justice Society of America in May 1941 as they campaign against the mysterious Mr. X, the criminal underworld, and the supernatural!
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
"Oh goodness me, no, if you intend to get anything out of me..." Marie Sinclair said playfully. But before she could fully become engrossed in another topic, her thoughts wandered off to a night, two weeks ago, when she was first invited to a seance party hosted by one of her friends, Mrs. Ross-Cooper. Magico was a swarthy, turbaned man Dr. Fate did not recognize from the image in her mind's eye. Magico entertained by answering yes or no questions from the audience that only the deceased would know the answers to. It was, of course, a simple augury spell, but it was done so creatively that all the guests were, metaphorically, spellbound.
That was all Dr. Fate gleaned from her thoughts.
Male Human Speedster/7
"Well, somebody call an ambulance! You!" Flash orders one of the bystanders. He then zips away westwards, looking for the suspect vehicle.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Before taking off, Flash heard the color of the fleeing car from a bystander. He raced through a four-block radius and spotted three cars of the same color, but without any way of knowing which one was the offending vehicle.
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash highlights the car which seems to be driving the most safely/cautiously and chases it down. While running alongside, he knocks on the window and indicates for the driver to pull over.
Male Human Mysteryman 8
"I haven't really heard any that, Mr. Belmont. I just sorta put two and two together. A blimp lands at the sight of some sort of vigilante slugfest. Blimps point to Germany. Listen," Wesley drops his voice, expressing concern,"I know that this isn't really my place, but how much do you know about Mr. X. I mean he kidnapped Dian last week. Is still in trouble? Are you? Thank goodness for the Justice Society, but I 'd like to be able to do what I can to protect her."
male human Magic user 10
Kent Nelson makes small talk and then pleads a previous engagement.
Returning the the tower Dr. Fate dons helm and costume and retiring to the summoning room turns his scrying crystal on the McIntire estate. He is seeking the get the lay of the land to see what approaches would most suit a visit.
He then retires to the library to rest and check his files and local histories for any mention of William or of the McIntire clan.
does the name Ross-Cooper mentioned mean anything special to Nelson/Fate?
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Mr. Belmont sighed and sagged against the wall. "Are any of us in trouble? No one is safe with Mr. X out there. I worry about Dian most, of course. I want her to go on a long vacation and get away from here, sometimes, but then other times I feel like I can help protect her better if she stays here. I frankly don't know what to do anymore. I'm beside myself with worry. What, what would you recommend, Wes? I value your judgement."
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
At first, Flash thought he was on the wrong track. The driver looked too young! But then he realized that the man was just baby-faced and then the man's reaction to seeing the Flash alongside his car clinched it. But the driver didn't pull over when Flash knocked on his window -- he tried to swerve his car into the Flash! Combat intentions?
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash leaps up onto the running board of the car, and from this position of safety continues smiling and tapping on the window glass.
((OOC: From my 2 minutes of internet research, it seems most cars of this era still had running boards...)
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Comfortable once more in the garb of Dr. Fate, Kent scryed through his crystal ball until he'd conjured an image of the McIntire estate. Peeling back the walls of the mansion, he gained a thorough understanding of its floorplans ((http://www.allplans.com/plans/types/houseplans/plan/ALP-02LL)).
It was a Sunday and the Salem Public Library was closed. The library was housed in a brick mansion that had once belonged to a sea captain. Dr. Fate's need was great, so he broke in.
William McIntire was a descendent of Samuel McIntire, the prominent Salem architect who died in 1811. William's home was one of his ancestor's many constructions. William was not the closest descendent and did not control the lion's share of the family wealth, but he was a very successful property owner in the city, philanthropist, and kept a high profile in high society.
Mrs. Carol Ross-Cooper was more of an unknown. She had appeared on the Salem social scene when she moved in just a year ago and quickly became a mover and shaker thanks to her "wild" themed parties. The social columns were all vague on where her money came from, but it was hinted once that she was a widow.
Dr. Fate had two more hours until the party.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
The driver made a sharp swerve towards Flash, coming within three inches of swiping the speedster. The proximity, though, made it even easier for Flash to hop onto the running board with graceful ease as if the car had been standing still, despite their speed of 40 MPH and climbing.
But the driver was not done yet. He sweved back and forth, trying to throw Flash from the car. And he was getting dangerously close to oncoming vehicles, as if willing to scrape Flash off.
Male Human Speedster/7
Now deciding to exert some effort, Flash attempts to open the door and get inside. If he finds it locked, he'll smash the window with his elbow.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
The driver stayed on the short streets, zigzagging up and down avenues and using centrifugal force to keep Flash too off-balance to smash the window. But it was a stalemate of sorts as well, because the driver couldn't get to where he needed to go and -- at 50 MPH and climbing -- it was only a matter of time until he crashed into somebody. Purposely swerving towards other cars, the driver came within 2 inches of swiping Flash against another vehicle.
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash continues his efforts to get inside and stop the car!
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Sadly, Flash leaned out from the side of the car in order to get more momentum on his next try at breaking the glass window just as the car swerved too close to a passing van. Flash was swept off the side of the car and rolled across the pavement behind the fleeing vehicle.
Flash can easily catch up to it again, but is now at 17 out of 37 hp
Male Human Mysteryman 8
"Have you heard of any more threats to you or Dian? Maybe Mr. X has moved on to other schemes. Or maybe, with all the trouble with the Justice Society and the Germans, he'll lay low for a while." Wesley pauses. "Yeah, I suppose that's pretty unlikely."
"I doubt that Dian is really going to go on vacation with all the trouble recently. Maybe if you went with her, but I fear that the city needs you here."
"I don't know if you can take comfort that Mr. X has got the attention of the Justice Society, but I do. Even if the Sandman is a bit of the loose cannon. The whole team seems to be okay. I imagine they'll be looking out for you and for Dian. I almost hate to suggest this, since I recognize that it is a bit irregular, but have you ever considered trying to compare notes with them? Maybe if the DA's office and the Society exchanged notes, you all would be able to figure something out about Mr. X." Wesley pauses. "But maybe that would get you in trouble. That's probably illegal. But maybe if someone could act as an inbetween. Someone that could take the fall if it turns out to be trouble."
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash rolls, then lies for a moment on the ground to give the car a chance to get a bit farther ahead.
The pain in his shoulder is severe, but time enough to worry about that later. Still lying down, he looks around to see where the car is going.
Once the car gets just about out of sight, Flash regains his feet and is up and after the car again! However, now he'll attempt to trail it secretly ((invisibly)), using side-streets and cover, to let the driver relax a little and see where he goes.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
"I'm afraid the Justice Society is a bit above me..." Belton said with surprising sheepishness. "They work closely with the FBI I understand, not district attorney's offices. Still, of the lot of them, I trust Flash the most. I haven't met him, but I understand he does a remarkable job of gathering enough evidence to make sure the crooks he turns in can be put away for a long time. Now, I still can't condone vigilantism...but if I did, that would be the kind I might..."
Belton looked wistful for a moment, but then added, "Oh, but it's a fool's dream. Even if I wanted to pursue it, how would I ever find a go-between for me and the Justice Society?"
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Luck was not with the Flash, as the driver must have caught a glimpse of him when he slowed down once and went back to speeding away. The chase was back on, with Flash easily keeping up as they went around and around the north end of town for 10 minutes. Finally, the driver gave up, screeched to a halt, and tried to make a run for it from his car to...
The front door of Muscle's Gym. The same place as the advertisement in the injured man's hand. It was an ugly, two-story brick building, painted green, with purple doors.
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash slows his pace a bit, to just barely let the man get inside the Gym ahead of him, but not to let him lock the door again behind himself. Flash wants to see where the guy goes and who he reports to.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Flash slowed down to let the man get inside, grabbed the double doors as they were swinging shut, and threw them open.
"Boss! Boss!" the baby-faced driver was shouting.
"Not now, ya mook!" came the sharp rebuke.
In the center of the gym was a bald man with thick black eyebrows, wearing a blue suit with a yellow shirt and tie. He had been addressing three big bruisers; one bald, one with a crewcut, and the third -- a handsome gent with slicked hair, a nice mustache, and cleft chin. All three thugs wore collarless shirts and slacks. The good-looking one was casually smoking a cigarette.
"But boss!" the driver tried again.
"I'm busy tellin' the boys here how we've gotta' eliminate--" the bald, suited man said. Then he froze, looked at the entrance, and shouted, "The Flash!"
Male Human Speedster/7
"Don't let me interrupt! You were saying..." Flash responds with a smile.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
"The Atom must be onto us and called in the Flash for back-up!" the bald, suited man said. "Get 'em!"
Flash is 25' from where the men are all standing, except for the driver, who is halfway between them. The room has lots of open space, but also lots of gym equipment lying everywhere too. Combat intentions?
male human Magic user 10
Scottenkainen wrote: Comfortable once more in the garb of Dr. Fate, Kent scryed through his crystal ball until he'd conjured an image of the McIntire estate. Peeling back the walls of the mansion, he gained a thorough understanding of its floorplans ((http://www.allplans.com/plans/types/houseplans/plan/ALP-02LL)).
...
Dr. Fate had two more hours until the party.
Hand-waving how he arrives in good golden age manner (I am beginning to see why all the mystery men seemed to have a driver or taximan as one of their minions. The Fate of the comics didn't need one because he did not use vanican magic.) Dr. Fate, once again cloaked in invisibility nears the grounds.
Walls? Guards? Gate? Dogs? If none of the above Dr. Fate will cast detect magic and head for the house. Both his augemented senses and the amulet probing ahead of him. The window to the library would be my prefered access point but Fate will trust to fate and get in where he can.
Hey that's 2 charges of B&E! When do I become a MU10/Villan1?
Male Human Speedster/7
'The Atom!', Flash thinks, Finally a clue!
Flash zips about the room, stopping at opportune moments, dodging in and around the gym equipment, then slipping away at the last moment, attempting to get the goons to injure themselves by charging at him, just as he slips away and they end up cracking their heads on something solid or similar.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Flash boldly zipped around the room, slipping away and making the goons injure themselves. And it worked well, once. The goon with the crew cut fell back to nurse his nearly-broken hand after punching a barbell instead of the Flash.
But Flash had failed to reckon with his own injuries slowing him down and the thugs connected with him three times as they flailed about with their fists. Flash remained on his feet, but was moderately injured now from the beatings he was taking.
7 hp left!
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
The McIntire estate had an 8' tall brick wall around it, really no more than an inconvenience to a determined burglar in good shape. Dr. Fate had spied a dog at the front of the mansion from the front gate, so he came around towards the back of the mansion. From back here, the dog failed to pick up Fate's scent.
This foiled his initial plan of going in through the library, but there had been a light on in the library anyway. There were lights on in the library and dining room on the ground floor and the game room on the upper floor, all of which faced front. The back of the mansion was dark; the veranda exceedingly so. Testing the back doors, Fate found that luck was with him -- they had been left unlocked. His way into the family room was clear.
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash feigns that his most recent injury was worse than it was, and collapses motionless to the ground.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
"Haw haw haw!" the bald thug in the blue and yellow suit laughed. "So that was the Flash, huh? He wasn't so tough! An' to think you boys were scared of the Atom! Ya' see? Mr. X was smart to make me one of his lieutenants!"
"But what do we do with him, boss?" one of the thugs asked.
"Oh!" shouted another. "I've got a gun in my gym bag. Let me shoot him!"
"Naw, ya' want to kill our racket too?" the mob lieutenant asked. "If people hear a gunshot comin' from the gym, we'll never get another sucker in here again!"
"Gee, you sure are smart boss!" said another.
"I know," the lieutenant continued. "Tie him up in a big sack and load it down with a dumbbell. Then drive the sack out to the river and dump it. Ya' get me?"
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash will allow the men to carry out their plan, so as to better overhear any further plans or chatter, with one exception: He'll carefully weaken a section in the side of the sack, so that he will be able to effect an escape at an opportune moment. Ideally, after the sack is dumped so that he will be presumed 'dead'.
Male Human Mysteryman 8
Wesley gives a sheepish smile. "Well . . . I've had some dealings with the Sandman. I know you don't trust him. Can't really blame you, but . . . well, my friend had that trouble with the Gentleman Gorilla a little while back and I sort of got in touch when Dian was in trouble. I was desperate. But I think he could put us in touch with the Society if it is needed."
Who in the FBI do we deal with?
male human Magic user 10
Dr. Fate walks calmly up to the back doors. His own senses, the amulet, and detect magic at full alert. Pausing a moment before the doors to let the amulet sweep the room the mystic marvel slips unseen into the family room.
Moving to the west wall (assuming the Veranda is north for this purpose) Dr. Fate examines the books on both sides of the fire place befort moving quietly into the main hall and heading towards the library. If the amulet can punch through the interior wall to the library Dr. Fate will pause to evesdrop on anyone with in. If not then he will move quietly to the guest suite and see if the amulet or the detect magic find anything.
If he comes up empty Dr. Fate will move to the foyer and see if he can sense the thoughts of those in the game room above.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
"Wesley, I'm surprised at you," Mr. Belmont said in an unusually harsh, from him, rebuke. "The Sandman is dangerous; I thought you were...oh, maybe I shouldn't chastise you. I'll admit that, when Dian's in danger, I'm half-tempted to contact the Sandman myself! Just don't ever let the press hear that..." he added with a half-smile. "Tell you what, Wes. If you try to set up a meeting between me and this Sandman, I promise not to try and arrest him for the duration of our meeting."
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Flash stayed limp while he was lifted into a big burlap sack and then carried out of the gym and tossed into the backseat of a car. A minute later he heard the crash of heavy barbells dropped onto the floor of the backseat. The car started up.
"Can you beat that?" one of the thugs from the gym was saying in the front seat. "Imagine us, beatin' the Flash!"
"Yeah, but who are we gonna' tell about it?" another of the thugs said from riding shotgun. "The boss won't want us getting' reps as hero-killers. We'd have to give up the gym scam. I'm still supposed to go out this afternoon recruitin' marks."
"Aw, this is too penny-ante for us now!" said the other.
"Don't let the boss hear you say 'dat!" the other said sharply. "Now that the boss works for Mr. X, ya' gotta' do whatever he says. Len said he saw da' boss takin' a call from Mr. X personally one day!"
They reached the "river", one of the three rivers that flowed through New Haven and emptied into Long Island Sound. Flash felt himself being lifted out of the car, swung back and forth, and then -- a moment later, felt all wet.
He worked at the sack, quickly freeing himself since he had the entire car ride here to pick at the seams from the inside.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Yes, we can assume that the veranda is north.
The invisible Dr. Fate moved through the family room, perusing the bookshelves. There was a wide assortment of subjects covered, with perhaps a greater emphasis on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and bird watching than anything else. Many of the books were dusty, except for Doyle's works on spiritualism or the supernatural.
Dr. Fate detected a magical invisible barrier along the south end of the room, running under the staircase and blocking both exits. Upon closer inspection, the spell seemed to be more of a magical tripwire than a barrier and Dr. Fate suspected it would activate a Magic Mouth spell if the threshold was crossed.
Male Human Mysteryman 8
Wesley tries to look suitably rebuked by Belmont's chastisement of his foolishness. "Yeah, I know the Sandman is dangerous. I was hoping that, through him, I could reach the rest of the Justice Society. But it certainly looks like Mr. X has got all of their attention by now."
"I'll see what I can do. Perhaps you should work late at your office tonight? Or is there some other place that would be best. I'd hate to have Gasface show up at your home."
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash quickly travels a safe distance from the drop off point, then emerges from the water where the goons won't be able to see him. He tries to find a secluded location.
So, Atom is mixed up with Mr X! I hope he's alright. This will require further investigation!, he thinks. But first, dry clothes. Something less conspicuous...
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
"No, not at my home..." Belmont said, as if disturbed by the idea, "but he might be put off by meeting at my office too. Ah, but maybe on the roof of the building! Sandman likes scaling buildings, as I understand it. You tell him that, if you can contact him. The office of the district attorney's office building, tonight at 11 o'clock."
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Flash wasn't carrying much cash on his uniform, but later that afternoon he found a men's clothing store in town having a sale on slacks that allowed him to purchase a fresh suit of nice-looking clothes for exactly how much money he had left on him.
male human Magic user 10
Scottenkainen wrote:
Dr. Fate detected a magical invisible barrier along the south end of the room, running under the staircase and blocking both exits. Upon closer inspection, the spell seemed to be more of a magical tripwire than a barrier and Dr. Fate suspected it would activate a Magic Mouth spell if the threshold was crossed.
Hmmmm. Someone has been practicing.
Dr. Fate reverses his path back onto the veranda. Turning west he checks the doors to the guest suite and the sitting room. If botjh of these are locked or if the dog makes a reappearence Dr. Fate will return to the family room and pass east into the kitchen/den area unless the magic maoth covers this exit from the family room as well.
Can Fate counterspell this of would a Dispell magic spell be needed?
Male Human Speedster/7
Flash tries to find a location where he can casually stake out the Gym without arousing suspicion. Without any cash on hand, a diner is out of the question.
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Flash had stashed his costume in an empty box in the alley behind him while he staked out the gym from a lamppost down the street he could lean on.
It was late afternoon and Flash was starting to worry about his supper when one of the thugs from the gym walked past him. The man did not seem to recognize Flash out of his costume, but came over to him anyway.
"Say, pal, you should watch 'yerself standin' out here like this," the thug said, trying to sound friendly. "A big tough fella' like me might accidentally bump into a stringbean like you and bowl ya' over. What you need is to toughen up. Ever thought about joinin' a gym?"
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
You have to be present when the spell is being cast to counterspell.
Dr. Fate's concerns about the doors to the guest suite and sitting room were correct; both locked. At least the remarkably ineffectual watch dog was still not a concern.
Dr. Fate returned to the family room and found the way through the kitchen was not blocked by the same or a similar spell. He entered and was looking around the kitchen when a door opened at the south end of the kitchen and a man came in.
It was a man who looked like he came from India, wearing a dark blue suit and a red turban. He moved towards the fridge, oblivious to the invisible Dr. Fate, but then suddenly stopped and began looking around suspiciously.
male human Magic user 10
Dr. Fate freezes in place. Barely daring to breathe
Detect thoughts and detect magic should still be active. Getting anything?
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
As Dr. Fate hesitated, he was able to pick up the man's surface thoughts. The man was a warlock named Trug and he had an active Detect Magic spell of his own. He sensed Dr. Fate's presence, but would not be able to pinpoint Dr. Fate's location.
Trug tried to look more casual. He continued towards the fridge, then pretended he had forgotten something and turned around to head out of the kitchen towards the front of the mansion. His thoughts betrayed that he planned to warn a man called Magico.
male human Magic user 10
Perfect.
Dr. Fate follows Trug. Staying close and matching footsteps.
Tailing Trug should get me through any serious wards. Let's see who Magico is.
Has he id'd me as Fate or is he just reporting something odd?
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
Trug took the south door into the hallway and Dr. Fate followed. He read in Trug's mind that he was concerned about how much magic he detected and, when Trug glanced backward, it was because he thought he heard a floorboard squeak behind him. He had; that had been Dr. Fate's doing.
Trug opened the door to the dining room and light and voices filled the hallway. A small dinner party of an older men and two older women in fancy dress had gathered around Magico.
Magico was a swarthy Indian with a curled mustache, goatee, yellow turban, and purple suit. He sat at the table peering into a crystal ball in front of him and waving his hands over it. "The spirits tell me they are ready," Magico was saying. "It would be wise to summon your other guests from the library and game room so we can begin the seance. But first, one moment," he said as he noticed Trug and leaned in to hear Trug whisper to him.
"I think Dr. Fate is here," Trug whispered.
Male Human Speedster/7
Scottenkainen wrote: Flash had stashed his costume in an empty box in the alley behind him while he staked out the gym from a lamppost down the street he could lean on.
It was late afternoon and Flash was starting to worry about his supper when one of the thugs from the gym walked past him. The man did not seem to recognize Flash out of his costume, but came over to him anyway.
"Say, pal, you should watch 'yerself standin' out here like this," the thug said, trying to sound friendly. "A big tough fella' like me might accidentally bump into a stringbean like you and bowl ya' over. What you need is to toughen up. Ever thought about joinin' a gym?"
((OOC: Sorry, been super busy the past couple of days!))
"Gee? You really think so? Could I get really big like you? That'd be swell!"
Male English/Swedish Publisher/1, Writer/4
"Sure, sure, mister!" the thug answered, pleased with himself. "I'll make a man outta you yet! Just come back with me to the gym. I'll show you around and then the boss -- I mean, my manager -- will have some papers for you to sign..."
The thug put his arm on Flash's back and tried to lead him in the direction of the gym.
Male Human Speedster/7
"You're a champion, thanks! The only thing is, I'm a bit short on cash at the moment... what was your boss' name again? Is he looking for any more help?"
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