Variant Earth 13 E Mail Game Archive Number 13

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Sun, 12 Dec 1999 14:20:59 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

It almost looks like the two of you planned it, really.  You threw your
stickystrand thingies at the cops, Rebound, and managed to blast most of 'em clean into the air; their deflector shields don't work too well
versus an all-encompassing explosion.

Then, while most of 'em were flailing, you coated 'em in ice, Stone
Cold, causing them to suddenly (and abruptly) drop right back to the
earth.  This concussion seems to have knocked all seven of the cops so
treated out cold, leaving you with four cops.

Who suddenly flee like their some sort of all-encompassing evil were hot on their tails.  They say things like "Aieeee!" and "OhgodOhgodOhgod" and such, making quite a racket as they run for their lives.  That, of course, leaves a clear path to the Coalescence.

(see, Karma DOES help!)

As the three of you approach the capitol building itself, you see but
two minders at the door, wearing ablative armor somewhat similar to
those beat cops you encountered earlier, but a lot more ornate.  Having
witnessed the carnage you wrought moments ago, they have guns out.

"Stop or we'll shoot!"

For reference, the security force (all 2 of 'em) have initiative of 7.

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to the Great Wheel
Date:    Sun, 12 Dec 1999 14:42:26 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The man looks at the two of you, and drinks a deep drink.  "Yeah, my
swordsman friend, if there IS a way for you and your barmy mage friend
there to get back home, it'll lie in Sigil.  And as far as getting
there, all you need is the key."

"You see, you can only enter that accursed place by using one of its
myriad portals - nothing else will get you in.  In order to do so, all
one needs to do is find such a portal; they're usually pretty prevalent
out here on the Land, but sometimes they aren't."

"The thing to keep in mind is that Sigil's portals tend to ground
themselves in bounded spaces, like an arch, window frame, doorway, and
so on.  That's the only thing you'll really need to find a portal, at
least, save for the key to open it up."

"And I'm not sure where the nearest portal to Sigil actually is.  You
may do good to ask some of these fine fellows here come morning, as
they're not to chatty with strangers right now.  They're celebratin' and all that tonight."

"As for the city itself, it's quite full o' life, truth be told.  The
place has folks from all over the multiverse there, doin' their trades
and other business.  So don't be surprised to be seein' what you call
demons and such walkin' the streets."

"'Fiends are people too.'  Bah."  The man seems annoyed at that, as if
he'd heard a silly propaganda slogan for the otherworldly horrors and it angered him.  "And watch out for the factions - each of 'em have an idea how Sigil should be run - and ideas for fine folks like yourself."

"But, I've got to get back to the bartending, friend, so if you've got
any other questions, I guess corner me in the morn, okay?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Lost In Space...?
Date:    Sun, 12 Dec 1999 14:47:38 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Looking at Ken Connell, you can see the energies of the Star Brand
coursing through his body, but you also see a secondary, alien energy
pattern fighting to sublimate it.  Those other energies appear to be the same as those used by the Stellar Key.

You can also almost sense an intelligence behind their manipulations,
but it's on the tip of your perceptions, and you can't quite put your
finger on it as of yet.  Either way, though, these energies seem to pose a direct threat to Ken, there.

What's curious about this is that you can sense similar power trapped
within yourself, which may ultimately be a result of the blast that
seems to have sent you here, but it doesn't seem to be affecting you so
adversely as it is Mr. Connell, there.

You're not quite sure what to do about it, but at least you know what's
wrong with the man...

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9 on the fastlane
Date:    Sun, 12 Dec 1999 14:55:14 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Er, sure."  Hawk fishes around his pocket for the keys, and hands 'em
over.  "Merry Christmas - but don't wreck the paint job, if you can help it."  This causes something of an outburst from Hawk's fellows.  "You can't do that!  He was gonna kill you!"

This is the tall, surfer-looking guy with the blonde hair and full
blonde beard.  "And that's against regulations!"  That was the girl with the redheaded pony tail, clutching twin throwing stars as if waiting for you to make a move.

"I think I know what I'm doing, guys.  Here, have fun, buddy."  As you
walk off with the keys, you hear Hawk talking.  "So what if we lose a
Jeep?  That guy was gonna KILL me until he woke up.  Besides, I don't
think he's gonna trash the thing - we can get it back."

"But, just to make sure this all works good, give Snakes a call,
Scarlett.  Tell him to head on over to Pleasantview.  Might be our only
chance to get a quick recon of the place without mister you-know-who
getting his hooks into us..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Sun, 12 Dec 1999 15:00:29 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

All too soon, as you've been sort of staring at the surroundings in a
bleary-eyed daze, you arrive at the portal this modron spoke of.  "Sigil it is, otherplanar being."  He indicates a simple doorway leading into a small, four story structure.

"Walk into this doorway while thinking disorderly thoughts, and you will arrive in Sigil in moments.  As you can guess, this is a portal we
modrons cannot use ourselves..."  The modron then grabs its slate and a
piece of parchment, as if to document your leaving the place...

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Sun, 12 Dec 1999 16:07:28 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

"That shouldn't be too hard of a problem for one such as myself, eh," Magus asks his alien guide with a smirk. Extending my hand out of common courteous before realizing that this creature has no actual arms per se and then staring perplexed at him for a moment wondering slightly under his breath, "By Io, how is an armless creature capable of writiing....hmmm...fascinating." Speaking louder and obviously not to himself any long Magus lets his arm drop back to his side, "Thank
you...err....good sir...for your help. May Io smile upon you and yours."

And with that Magus simply opens the door and steps through.

Subject: [v13] A.S.9 on the Road again.
Date:    Sun, 12 Dec 1999 23:14:38 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

"Don't do it... love, You might not like the look I will give you!" A.S.9 said as he lowered his Sunglasses he is wearing. Then continued 
on listening to Hawk.

"I think I know what I'm doing, guys.  Here, have fun, buddy."  As you
walk off with the keys, you hear Hawk talking.  "So what if we lose a
Jeep?  That guy was gonna KILL me until he woke up.  Besides, I don't
think he's gonna trash the thing - we can get it back." A.S.9 smiles a bit and then as he walks out he turns on his Orientation Computer and said "Give me directions to Pleasantview." Then jumps in the jeep and rides off in the direction the computer sends him.

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Mon, 13 Dec 1999 08:27:31 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Foolish mortals, we are the divine forces of this planet reasserting
themselves.  You cannot harm us.  Your weapons are as toys to our might.  Surrender now and you will be permitted to leave this planet.  Stand in our way, and you will be utterly destroyed."

Rebound launches a spread from each hand to land underneath each guard, but holds off detonation until they make a hostile move.

Scenario 1: (the guards try something) "You were warned."  Rebound will
detonate the strands hoping to achieve the same result as earlier (if a bit more powerful).

Scenario 2:  (the guards surrender) "You have taken the wise choice and your lives will be spared.  Should you or your people ever return to this planet, judgment shall be passed." "(Hey Stoney, can you ice them up for a while?)"  Rebound will retract his strands.

Rolls: Init: 8, Hit: 94, Dam: 57, others: 84, 47, 24, 39, 85

(OCC: Gee, I hope they buy it...)

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Mon, 13 Dec 1999 14:30:23 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

'You've gotta be kidding they bought that.' Watching Rebound, talk as the gods above.  Easily falling into the role himself.  "Silence fools or you will face my extreme wrath."  Icing up their hands and feet.  (Rolls: 98, 21, 61, 59).

Subject: Re: [v13] Lost In Space...?
Date:    Mon, 13 Dec 1999 12:52:49 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

> You're not quite sure what to do about it, but at least you know 
> what's wrong with the man...

Reaper takes a deep breath, head rolling back to look at the ceiling,
his sunglasses sliding back into place...

"Well...You're not so 'brite' as before...and its got somethin' ta do
with that stellar thing...I got it to - only it seems dormant or something in me...but you...man its tearing you up."

Reaper tries (OOC: 72) to think of some way his ion-control could ease
Ken's pain...

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to the Great Wheel
Date:    Mon, 13 Dec 1999 17:08:21 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

(I am going to guess it is morning now. seeing as how it is in the real
world. And get the ball rolling here.)

Masque wakes up, albeit a bit stiff and by that I mean his muscles you
sicko's.  He wanders down or over to the 'cafe' and takes a seat at a table and orders some breakfast of sorts. 

"Garcon?! Do you have pancakes? I love pancakes. If not just give me
somehting good to help me travel. And anyhting warm to drink? Maybe some tea? I love tea!"

(if there are folks' around Masque does this...otherwise he will wait
for some to show up and Reaper of course)

Raising his hand and ahem-ing very loudly;

"AHEM!...My friend and I are looking for a way into Sigil. Can anyone
help us?"

and he waits....

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Mon, 13 Dec 1999 18:28:24 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx gives Clutch a look of almost utter disdain, "Look man, I don't
need to get 'all pretty lookin'' to go out and save LA; I just need to
make sure I'm well supported and not rubbed raw in uncomfortable places!

But while we're out, we might as well pick up some more combat-related
items. We could make some Molotov cocktails fairly easily, and maybe we
can pick up a few boxes of roofing nails; they'll take out anyone who's
stupid enough to have normal tires on their rides," she offered up as
she packed up her things.

"Right! Breakfast! I'm starved and there's no reason to go trying to
save LA with an empty stomach!"

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to the Great Wheel
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 02:27:36 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> (if there are folks' around Masque does this...otherwise he will wait
> for some to show up and Reaper of course)

errr... I meant Ronin.

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 00:51:08 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The modron watches on as you walk through the doorway.  Thinking
thoughts of a rather disorderly nature, you find that the opening begins to glow when you enter it, and instead of walking into the structure within, you find yourself elsewhere.

It's bright as day here, as opposed to the steely gloom of Mechanus, and instead of the sparse amount of other beings present on that odd,
clockwork plane, you find yourself suddenly in a press of beings -
humans, elves, and much, much more.

There are tall, thin folks with a yellowish tint in their skin, pointy
ears, and a severe cast to their gaunt features.  There are strange,
centaur-like beings, who have more in common with rams than horses.  And those are the more 'normal' types.

You see hulking, scaly humanoids with a somewhat gargoyle-ish look to
them, some of which seem similar to each other, and some who are
remarkably different.  You see shimmeringly beautiful men and women with soft, downy wings.

You spy several human-sized toads, all of which sport some kind of
tattoo or marking on their heads, three blue, three red, and one green.
You even spot one modron, cubical in form and wearing something akin to
a tablecloth, checkered red and white.

They're all walking about on whatever errands consume them, in this
remarkably strange city.  As you look around, you see that the city
doesn't have a normal horizon; in fact, you seem to be at the bottom of
a deep hole.

That is, until you look up.  That's when you see that you seem to be in
some kind of circular city, its endless buildings growing out of some
sort of torus and pointing towards some undiscernible point above your
head - at the torus' core.

It makes you all kinds of dizzy, and you find you need to lean against
the building right behind you in order to keep from falling.  As you do
so, you note that an old man pushing a cart has taken notice of you. 
"New to town, are we?  Be in need of a guide, luv?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9 on the Road again.
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 01:05:05 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You drive along for a couple hours, and in time, you finally make it to
the quaint corporate town of Pleasantview.  The town is relatively
small, and you can see the center of the place before you even find your way in - the Ariel-Shijitzu building.

You can see the building lit up in the evening sky, as if it were a
reminder to the people living here who truly controls their fate.  You
note several smaller companies huddled around the main corporate
facility, selling other wares like fast food, shoes, etc...

I suppose the question is this:  now that you're here - what next?

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 01:27:08 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The two of you walk into the building, leaving the iced up guards where
they stood.  You're not sure who trains these jokers, but they don't
seem to have much in the way of brains (or balls, for that matter). 
Inside, you spy nothing but suits.

They see the two of you walking in like you own the place, followed by
ol' Alabaster (who left the tank running outside), and things to
berserk.  People start screaming and running to and fro, almost like
you'd expect them to - in the general direction of away.

"We'll be wantin' to git ourselves up to the fourth floor.  That's where all the science-stuff takes place here - well, fourth and above, though it and everything above's really the same floor, when you think about it.  Let's go!"

Leading you up the stairs, as even Alabaster's not stupid enough to try
elevators right now, Alabaster gets you up to the laboratory levels. 
You can see what the man means when he says they're all the same floor.
There's a great big opening in the ceiling on this floor.

There's about thirty feet of circular floor issuing forth from the outer walls of this structure before the hole on the level above you, but the various labs open up into this central anti-spire before you, an emptiness of space that leads up to the very top of the Coalescence.

As you stand underneath the big opening, looking up into the next sixty
or so floors, you hear a voice cry out above you.  "Stone Cold!  Oh, my
God!  It's Stone Cold!  And that... that other guy!  Um... Speedball! 
Hey!!  I'm up here!!!!!!"

It's Tammy!  Somehow, she wound up in the hands of these creeps, and
seems to be in some kind of glass container ten stories up.  She looks
generally okay, but has some kind of headband on, one that has all kinds of pulsing lights and things all over it.

"Get me out of here!"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Lost In Space...?
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 01:45:54 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You think about it for a couple minutes, and you find that you're not
quite sure how to get rid of this garbage.  Sure, it's energy like
anything else of this nature, but you don't quite get how you'd be able
to use your ionic powers to dispel the stuff.

There's one way to find out, though - experimentation!

At any rate, Ken looks at you after you state there's some form of alien
energy roiling within him, and he sneers.  "Harrumph.  Figures that
stupid key-thing would strike out at us, even beyond the grave.  Hell,
if I didn't know better, I'd say that Morbis was behind this."

Ken then waggles his fingers at you, spooky-like.  "Boogety-boogety!"  

Other than that, though, he doesn't seem to have much to offer to the
conversation...

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 02:07:34 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Aww, shucks, Jinx.  You know I'm only messin' with you.  Besides," and
with that Clutch assumes his best creepy grandfather pose and voice "you look good enough to eat anyway."  After pinching your cheek like a
deranged relative, he laughs and packs up his stuff.

Once you've similarly prepared to leave, the man leads you downstairs to the opulent restaurant on the hotel's ground floor.  Once you've been seated, the grunting waiter brings you two menus, from which Clutch orders about a pound of bacon.

'Cause you can never have too much bacon.

Sipping from a beer that the waiter reluctantly brought in response to
the man's adamant request, Clutch starts to go over the plan, however
fractured it may be.  "Okay.  From what I've gathered, we'll be going up against a metric butt-load of hardened, vehicular maniacs."

"Most of 'em will be undisciplined psychopaths, but a few of 'em may be
militarily inclined, which means they'll be the dangerous ones.  Of
course, a fruit loop with a tank is dangerous, too, but at least we can
out think 'im - as long as he still thinks on this plane, that is."

"Now, I'm gonna drive my ass off, but I'm gonna need you to peg as many
folks as you can.  I want you to aim for wheels, engines, and weapons if at all possible - no intentional kills, unless somebody is at direct
risk from these idiots.  You got that?"

(theoretical response space)

"Now, I don't know the exact range this contest'll take place in, but
it'll definitely start at that parking garage in the photo.  The quicker we can deal with these bozos, the more we can contain the damage they cause.  Groovy, baby?"

"Anyway, as soon as we get done eating, we can get down to the
shoppin'.  I'm guessin' your little nail trick won't work against most
of these folk, what with self-sealing tires, solid-core steel tires, and what not - especially not that retard in the train."

"But it's worth a shot.  We can hit a couple stores here and there, some of the outdoor sports variety, some of the Home Despot (TM) variety, you know, stores.  That works for me - besides, we only got so much ammo..."

?

Subject: [v13] Another Beginning... (Mr. Bailes)
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 03:33:46 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

A long, long time from now, in a planet not quite as far away as we'd
probably like, lay a rather curious planet.  Oh, untold billions of
other planets can also lay claim to the curious adjective, yes, but they
weren't curious like this one.

This one was made of junk.

The refuse of untold other worlds were the building blocks of this
world, this world of junk, which somehow found its way here in defiance
of our understanding of physics; nobody knows just how junk gets to the
planet of Junk, but it does.  And how.

In fact, the planet of Junk can be considered a constantly growing
world, as it acquires newer and newer junk every day.  A lot of this
junk is just that - junk.  However, there are a few items which appear
within the piles of junk which aren't quite junk.

They still work - and are very, very dangerous.

This would be fine and dandy if this world were, shall we say,
uninhabited.  However, in yet another defiance of rational probability,
life has taken root in this world of refuse, life which mirrors its
surroundings.  Life-forms made entirely of junk.

These junkions are a robotic race, who - built from various items from
across the cosmos - make the best use of their inherent abilities, the
greatest of which is their natural power to transform between at least
two distinct forms - a humanoid frame, and one other useful shape.

Of course, this second shape tends to be a motorcycle, a rather handy
form made popular when the junkions first uncovered the source of their
language, culture, and even religion - television.  Discarded broadcasts
from across the universe shaped even the junkions' forms!

Junkions really seem to enjoy the Mad Max trilogy, you see.

Now, while all this is, indeed, interesting, the existence of the planet
Junk wouldn't really matter one way or the other to the people of earth,
save for one especially potent device only now uncovered by two junkions
on a quest for new, well, junk.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?"  That was a being who, for all
intents and purposes, we will identify as Junkion Number One.  "Don't be
so proud of this technological terror you have created."  And this, as
you can guess, is who we'll identify as Junkion Number Three.

(no, we won't call him Number Two.  If you have to ask why, forget it.)

"But... what IS it?", said Number One.

Number three then opened up a control panel on the device, and started
pushing buttons.  It didn't quite know what it was doing, or even why,
but it pushed buttons anyway.  It continued to do so until the device
came to life.  "It's alive!  It's ALIVE!", said Number Three.

Looking at the device, one can see a sort of platform with twin arches
crossing over the flat surface diagonally, like a mutated McDonald's 'M'
(TM).  Inside the arches, the image of a highway appeared, with cars
buzzing past unaware of their sudden robotic voyeurs.

"Call the po-leeeeeece!", said Number One.

Number Three then sent a signal through its internal radio transceiver,
and within about fifteen minutes, a couple more junkions appeared.  This
trio contained one who had a distinct aura of leadership about him, a
natural charisma which made him feel inherently charming.

This one is known as Wreck-Gar.  "You... you built a Time Machine?"  The
other junkions started hooting and hollering.  Number One looked at his
boss and nodded in the affirmitive.  "Aye, Milord!"  The leader amongst
junkions looked around, and pointed at the robot to its left.

"Yo, she-bitch!  Let's go!"  Wreck-Gar then ran up to the platform,
followed by the junkion he indicated before, one with a slightly
feminine cast to its features.  "What is your quest?", said his
follower.  To that, Wreck-Gar screamed "We seek the Holy Grail!"

The two junkions stepped onto the platform, and then they were history.

                                 ***

You've been cooling your heels in the office for the last couple of
days, Mr. Bailes, being somewhat tired after dealing with that last,
rather grisly case of yours.  However, though you got a little banged up
in the process, you brought your man to justice.

You were about to head on home for the night, when you heard footfalls
approaching your office door.  Nobody opened it, or even knocked,
instead shoving something under the door and running off in more than a
little bit of a hurry.

Approaching the package cautiously, you find it to be a manila
envelope, one that's got your name all over it.  In fact, somebody
scribbled your name on the manila so many times that it's barely
holding itself together.

Opening it up, you ease back into your chair in order to investigate its
contents, only to find several bizarre photographs, and a strange
article clipping from what would appear to be a daily tabloid.  It's an
article about a robot biker.

Reading on, you find that a group of bikers belonging to the Warriors of
Thor cult seem to have adopted some sort of robot into their ranks. The
picture is naturally blurry, but you see some sort of blocky,
rust-covered dude leading a gaggle of bikers down some highway.

The enclosed photographs, however, aren't so fuzzy.  You get a distinct
image of a rather bulky robot, seemingly made from spare parts, and
totally rust-covered.  His bike also seems to be in a similar state of
disrepair, but has a somewhat sleek, organic design to it.

This seems to get more and more interesting by the minute...

What do you do?

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 09:10:23 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Who the hell is Speedball?"  Rebound looks around wondering who Tammy is
talking about?

"I'm betting that she's been here for a day or two and maybe she has some
clue if what we are looking for is here. You want her? I'll just scrounge
around for a while and see if I can figure any of this stuff out."

Rebound starts to wander around the structure examining the equipment
(hoping to find some poor lab tech cowering in a corner).

Rolls: 57 to notice anything, 28, 81, 37 for anything else

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 15:09:56 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

Stretching up a few floors then to the cage.  Stone Cold blast the cage with 
ice on the corners to weaken the structure then shatters it with his fist.  
Catching Tammy before she falls.  (Rolls: 83, 80, 99, 12).  "Hey gorgeous, 
where have you been all my life."  More than excited to see Tammy, yet still 
watchful.  (OCC: Paranoid)

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 15:51:27 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

>"Who the hell is Speedball?"  Rebound looks around wondering who Tammy is
>talking about?

>"I'm betting that she's been here for a day or two and maybe she has some
>clue if what we are looking for is here. You want her?

Giving Rebound an odd look like, 'What do you mean by that?'  "I'll just get 
her down."  ((Taking off -- Previous post))

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 17:39:49 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx just gives Clutch an icy look that could possibly frost even his
well-oiled hair.

"Right, food."

After ordering a fairly filling breakfast (no alcohol involved), Jinx
listens to Clutch's suggestions, "Yeah, I didn't figure the nails would
help much, but you never know, some idiots might have normal tires and
it never hurts to be prepared."

Shrugging after Clutch's warning, Jinx responds, "Right, I won't go for
any kills. Now what if I shoot through the door and blow through their
ankles? I mean, that'll keep them from driving real effectively...Now
that train thing might be 'derailed' by a few shots from my mag cannons,
but if I remember correctly, you called bounty and that one."

Subject: [v13] A.S.9 VS. A.S.
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 19:35:58 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 is going to approach the corporation and look for security measures 
that they may have. Then Try to disable them and their power sources.

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 21:44:32 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

Staring at the multitudes of beings marching about ever so casually my jaw
can not help but to slacken at the sight of beings that would normally kill
each other in my realm working and conversing together. Not to mention all
of the other less savory beings that would normally be destroyed on sight
for just being present. As my eyes gaze upwards and I become ever so slowly
aware of my location my jaw falls wide open before I quickly close it,
making a slight shopping sound as my teeth slam together.

 "Aye. A guide would be most appreciated. Have in mind where I could hire
one, good sir?" As my eyes still dart around the scene and the old man and
his cart inquisitively and interestingly committing as much of the sites and
sounds to memory as possible.

Subject: Re: [v13] Another Beginning... (Mr. Bailes)
Date:    Tue, 14 Dec 1999 19:26:26 -0800 (PST)
From:    bob malooga <bobmalo@yahoo.com>

> It's an article about a robot biker.

(I take note of the Tabloid name and continue reading
the article making small notes as to where and when
this supposedly happen)

> Reading on, you find that a group of bikers belonging to the Warriors of
> Thor cult seem to have adopted some sort of robot into their ranks. The
> picture is naturally blurry, but you see some sort of blocky,
> rust-covered dude leading a gaggle of bikers down some highway.

(make a note to myself research the "Thor Cult")

> The enclosed photographs, however, aren't so fuzzy.  You get a distinct
> image of a rather bulky robot, seemingly made from spare parts, and
> totally rust-covered.  His bike also seems to be in a similar state of
> disrepair, but has a somewhat sleek, organic design to it.

> This seems to get more and more interesting by the minute...

After taking general notes I give the Tabloid in question a call and see if I can get the editor or the reporter in question on the line to speak to them... I'll clam to be Jack Magee with the Examiner, a small paper in middle Ohio, telling them that my paper is interested in running this but haven't received
anything on the APA (Associate Press Association) wire about it.  

(waiting for response)

Subject: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 06:09:51 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Masque Begins to fall asleep at the table he is sitting at. 
"Seems I am up before everyone. You know what they say... The early mage
gets first pick at the buffet."

<You've got mail, Fat Ass!>

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to the Great Wheel
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 04:38:19 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You look at the innkeeper, that guy who was so informative last night,
but now appears to be all too grumpy - must be a hangover.  He's behind
the bar and looks at you with more than a little disdain, what with you
being all cheery-like.

But then, you're always cheery-like, Masque.

At any rate, he shrugs at you and grunts in the negative.  "Uh-uh.  All
I've got right now would be fhorge bacon.  Less'n you're tired of
quasi-pork meals, that's what I'll be fixin' you, 'kay?"  He then heads
over to the spit and hacks off some more fhorge.

Of course, it's been sitting there all night, collecting dust...

Anyhow, he starts to produce bacon from the hunk he hacked off, and
seems to be making several pounds worth; after all, there'll be more
folks preparing to head out from the Bludgeon Inn soon enough.  Like you
and Ronin - wherever he got off to.

Unless he just slept in for some reason.

Within about ten minutes, you've got lots of bacon on your plate, with a
bit of what appears to be the ancestor of hash browns.  "Found a little
bit of this laying around from yesterday's breakfast... eat it if you
like taters, i guess."

But he also got you milk.  Can't have breakfast without milk.

Anyway, in time, those three bariaur folk (those rammish, centaur-like
guys) come on in from the inn rooms and have some brandy with a light
breakfast salad - which you can guess is really remnants of the salad
they ate last night.

They're not complaining too much, though, 'cause the breakfast's free.

What say you, mage?

<duh, ya tubby bitch!>

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 04:51:45 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Okay, fine.  Reverb, Relapse, whatever, just get me outta here!" 
Obviously, Tammy don't quite remember your name, Rebound, but the point
is moot, as Stone Cold stretches up there and gets her out of her little
glass prison toot sweet.

"Charming as ever, I see."  Tammy gives you a hug and then points to the
weird helmet-headband thing on her head.  "Hey, can you get this silly
thing off?  It's messing with my powers, and I can't remove the thing
myself.  Stupid mind control thing..."

"Where'd you guys come from, anyway?  I've been stuck here the last few
days, getting poked and prodded by these retards ever since I woke up.
And have you found any of the others?  Or are we the only ones left out
of our little gaggle 'o fun??"

You can tell Tammy's glad to talk to somebody, 'cause suddenly she can't
shut up.  As she yammers on, you look about on the ground of this
anti-spire, Rebound, hoping to find something of use.  Sure enough, you
spy what appears to be a lab coat.

You're not sure, but it would seem to be worn by some sort of scientist,
who is most likely cowering behind a console in the hopes that you and
your mammoth friend, there, don't see you.  What do you do, buddy?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 04:58:19 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Hey, don't worry about that, toots.  That was just the heat of the
moment talkin'.  You get a clean shot at that mo-ron, you take it.  I
can always pulp the little twerp after we derail him with yer magma
cannons - or whatever they are."

"And don't look at me like that, I ain't the high tech genius of this
outfit."

Of course, if he's not the genius, and neither are you, then who is?

"So hey, Jinxie, go ahead and eat up, a'reddy, and we'll go shoppin'."
As soon as you do so, and after Clutch finishes his pound of bacon and
beer (just one beer, not a pound), you head on out in search of various
sundry home improvement items - the most deadly ones, that is.

After about eight hours, you can reasonably come up with just about
everything you need.  I guess the only thing I need from you, then,
would be a list of the junk you'd want to pick up and utilize in the
bout of mayhem you're about to partake in...

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9 VS. A.S.
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 05:05:05 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As you approach the corporate center, you find that it is in fact
several structures.  The Pleasantview arm of the Ariel-Shijitzu
corporation consists of the main, twenty-six story structure, as well as
three factories and twelve warehouses.

The entire outer perimeter of the place is lit up with rather potent
flood lighting, and you can see various video cameras and motion sensors
set up around each structure.  There are four external security posts,
each manned by two guards.

Furthermore, the place is being patrolled by four groups of two men,
each seemingly taking one circuit around the facility, and then weaving
in between the buildings per some pre-arranged route.  Oddly, however,
there are no fences.  It practically invites assault.

As far as actual power sources are concerned, you see a rather large
transformer on the outskirts of town, one that feeds several lines in to
the entire structure, which has its own transformers for industrial use
(the factories) and the building power itself.

You're guessing that there's a back-up generator in there somewhere, but
you don't quite know where, nor which areas it covers - would it aid
security, vital computer systems, or what?  It's impossible to say,
really... so that leaves just one question.

How do you proceed?

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 05:14:59 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The decrepit old man just looks at you and laughs.  "Har!  You won't be
wantin' to hire a simple guide, my good man, for most touts here'bouts
are just cony-catchers and knights of the post.  Less'n you get yourself
peeled to the bone, you'll be wantin' to buy a mimir!"

Opening his cart, the man exposes to full view a strange, mechanical
looking skull, and throws it into the air.  After it gets about six feet
in the air, the thing starts floating there, and begins to whir into
life, and it speaks.  "Helloooooooooooooo!", says the mimir.

The man pulls out two other skulls, of the same general look but
slightly different coloration, and they also begin to float, then bob
and weave around him like strange, otherworldly goldfish.  Particularly
aimless goldfish, at that.

"These beauties are vast storehouses of information, culled by the
master planewalkers who used to own 'em.  They're a bit expensive, but
they're not motivated by personal greed, or stickin' a chiv in yer back
fer the kick of it.  What do you say, matey?"

"I usually charge 1000 golden bezants for a mimir, but you're lookin' a
bit new to town, so you'll need all the jink you can carry.  I'll give
you one for but 800.  How's that sound?  Does my practically givin' one
away work for ye?  Hm?  Hm??"

Subject: Re: [v13] Another Beginning... (Mr. Bailes)
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 05:25:42 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

bob malooga wrote:

> (I take note of the Tabloid name and continue reading the article 
> making small notes as to where and when this supposedly happen)

Looking around, you find that it's a clipping from a rag calling itself
the Llanview Star.  Never quite heard of it or its home town, but it
would seem to be housed somewhere in Pennsylvania.  The story itself
apparently ran just yesterday.

The photographs are all time-stamped one week ago.

> (make a note to myself research the "Thor Cult")

A half hours' browsing of the internet brings up enough about the Cult
of Thor to give you a working knowledge of the group.  Basically,
they're a large bunch of loosely-knit bikers who celebrate the memory of
their patron god by drinking and fighting their way across America.

Or Manhattan, depending on what week you ask.  They've got three major
hubs of activity:  a used brownstone-turned-lodge in Manhattan, a
fashionable (yet rowdy) bar in Los Angeles, and a big ol' fortress on
the outskirts of Deadwood, South Dakota.

> After taking general notes I give the Tabloid in question a call and 
> see if I can get the editor or the reporter in question on the line 
> to speak to them... I'll clam to be Jack Magee with the Examiner, a
> small paper in middle Ohio, telling them that my paper is interested 
> in running this but haven't received anything on the APA (Associate 
> Press Association) wire about it.

> (waiting for response)

It takes you a couple hours, but you eventually get the publisher
himself on the phone, a surly cat by the name of Todd Manning.  He seems
rather amicable about sharing the story, having already broke it and
all, but gets upset when you bring the AP into the conversation.

"Those pricks never carry the real news - and they get all huffy about
us real papers who do... goddamn jerks.  No, you won't ever see this
story on the wire, but I can get you in touch with the guy I've got
covering the story.  He's in Ass Hole, New Mexico, right now."

"Yeah, Ass Hole.  Don't ask."

The man then gives you the address and number of the hotel, where his
reporter ought to be holed up at for the next few days.  Anything else
you need from the man?

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 08:43:12 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Giving the lab coat (and the person it is attached to) a gentle tug, Rebound
pulls the cowering scientist from behind the console.

"You seem to be a smart fellow...give us what we're looking for and you get
to walk out of here unharmed.  Refuse, and...let's just not go there.  It
wouldn't be pretty."

Rolls: 56 (intimidation?), 71, 08, 28

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 14:21:51 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

>"Charming as ever, I see."

"I try to be."  Said Stone Cold, blushing if brown granite stone can do that.

>> (snippity)

>> You can tell Tammy's glad to talk to somebody, 'cause suddenly she can't 
>> shut up.  As she yammers on, you look about on the ground of this 
>> anti-spire.

Stone Cold kisses her deeply, partly because he wanted too, partly to shut 
her up.  "I know you were worried and needed somebody to talk to but calm 
down.  I can only answer one question at a time.  We are the only 3 left 
that we know of, we are trying to find some way home right now to no avail.  
Have you seen or have they shown you anything useful.

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Ready for action.
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 09:00:27 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

1st: Is it nighttime? If so he is going to try to sneak inside the main 26 
story structure. He figures that is where he is going to find info about his 
past, and use it to make some sense of his new "Life".
He will try to get in quietly using his whip to quickly take out any soldier 
( Wrapping his head to keep him from screaming and then punching him in the 
head to knock him out.)

2nd. If it is still day, then he is going to walk up to the main building 
like he owns it, and go looking for the head honcho. He will take out any 
security that get in his way with his whip and his eye beams. Trying not to 
kill but will take out kneecaps and stuff like that.

Here's a few rolls: 74,94,13,66,64,54,2,47

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 14:40:43 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

OOC: Ok, okay...I get the hint. Blame me for reading my msg first then 
forgetting to respond.

>Masque Begins to fall asleep at the tabel he is sitting at.
>"Seems I am up before everyone. You know what they say..The early mage gets 
>first pick at the buffet."

Ronin shakes Masque's shoulder roughly.

"Get up already, Wizard."

He's already all packed and ready to go.  His sword is strapped to
his back and he carries a pack (wonder were he got that from?)

"I suggest we gather whatever passes as supplies here and be off.
The sooner we reach Sigil, the sooner we reach home."

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to the Great Wheel
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 14:42:53 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Taking a big swig of milk, which is entertaining in itself becasue noone
in any sort of history has taken a 'swig' of milk and masque seems to
have it perfected, and walking on over to their table:

"Hello there...folks? I am Masque, Mage extrordinaire. Do-er of good
deeds and eater of pancakes."

He then wipes off the milk moustache, a tad embarrased about that.

"My friend and I..."
He looks around to see if Ronin has made it down yet.
"Need to get to Sigil. We are not from this dimenson and we hear that in
this Sigil there is a possibility of us finding our way home?"

And takes another swig of milk.

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Thu, 16 Dec 1999 18:37:39 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx pondered the whole "brains of the duo" concept for a moment before
she started to feel the heat of little-used synapses overloading in her
more hands-on-oriented brain.

"Right. We've gotta get some quick and easy stuff - no time for anything
else!" she explained as they made their way out to the V.A.M.P.

After jotting a few things down on a napkin she snagged during
breakfast, she handed it off to Clutch for his perusal:

4 boxes of roofing nails
1 box of canning jars
1 bag of socks
2 zippo lighters
2 cans of gasoline
4 buckets of yellow paint
2 paintball pistols
1 tub of paintballs
1 bottle of bleach (Clorox)
1 supersoaker watergun
1 box of latex gloves
4 tubs astroglide
2 halogen flashlights
4 car batteries
1 box of tinfoil
1 fire extinguisher

"Well, the nails are obvious. But the jars, socks, gasoline, and
lighters combine to make maltov cocktails while the yellow paint is for
tagging cars and covering windshields. The paintball guns can do the
same thing for helmeted enemies or apply nonlethal force to people
stupid enough to have their windows down. The bleach is the same thing,
but will distract even more without the need to have a direct hit. The
latex gloves and astroglide will allow for bombs of slickness to throw
in the way of persuing vehicles while the flashlights can be used to
blind them as well. The batteries and the tinfoil might be worked out to
make some nasty battery acid bomb, but you'd know more about that than I
would, Mr. Car & Driver. The fire extinguisher is self-explanatory - we
don't want to catch on fire!" she rattled off, explaining her choices.

"Any other suggestions?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 02:03:40 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Useful?"  Tammy seems somewhat confused by the nature of your
question.  "Not a thing.  These jokers have been poking and prodding me
for the last few days, saying something about me being 'charged with
temporal energy' or some crap."

"Otherwise, they've just been nattering on in their own language."

"Jerks."

Tammy does back-flips in mid-air, flexing her powers as though she'd
been cooped up all too long over the last couple of days.  "Aah, that
feels SO much better.  Thanks a lot, Stoney!"  She twirls around in the
air a bit longer, and then drifts down to you, Rebound.

She sees that you've picked up a new friend.

He seems almost defiant at first, but then when he spies Tammy floating
down at him with more than a little disdain in her looks, he instantly
turns to jelly - at least, his backbone does.  "Okay, okay, okay!  I'll
talk - even if I must use your barbaric tongue!"

"What do you want?"  Tammy looks at the two of you, and the somewhat
confused-looking Alabaster, and shrugs.  "Yeah, just what are we looking
for?  A space ship to get home?  I mean, we're on some alien planet,
right?"

"These geniuses wouldn't tell me jack."  Tammy kicks the man for good
measure, and then waves her fist at him.  "Talk, a'reddy!"  From what
you've seen of the woman and her behavior, you can tell that these
Varakni jokers have pushed her all to far.

She was never quite... this volatile...

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Ready for action.
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 02:14:44 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

It is nighttime... just after sunset, to be exact.

So, as you walk on in, towards the main, twenty six story building, you
find that nobody hinders your progress - at least, not until you get
into the doorway itself.  Once you enter the Ariel-Shijitzu building
proper, you find that there are two guards waiting for you.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?"  That's Rent-A-Cop Number One. 
"Looks like we got us a punk rocker."   That's Rent-A-Cop Number Two.
"Remember them other punk rockers...?"  That's Rent-A-Cop Number One.
"Yeah.  Let's smash up Mr. Fugly-Boy!"  That's Rent-A-Cop Number Two.

Before they can make a move, however, you've managed to disable
Rent-A-Cop Number One with the pre-described maneuver, though the second
fellow deftly avoids your whiplash move.  "Hah!  C'mon, freako, I owe
you dirty bikers for last time!" *

Rent-A-Cop Number Two whips out a taser, and takes a swing at you with
the thing, apparently hoping to zap you into unconsciousness in order to
better beat you silly.  Of course, you manage to easily step aside from
the fat man's lunge, delivering an elbow smash in return.

This drops Rent-A-Cop Number Two like the dead weight he really is,
leaving the lobby empty of conscious folks - save for yourself, of
course.  You guess that there's more to the security here than these two
retards, but you don't see anybody around.

What next?

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 02:22:51 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Two of them thar bariaur simply chew upon their salads contentedly,
while the third, apparently the ring-leader in this bunch, drops his
fork and looks at the two of you intently.  "Ah, right... the clueless
sods from last night."

He stops to wipe his mouth with a napkin, for no discernible reason. 
"Well, we would be happy to guide you to the City, but the simple truth
of the matter is that we're not going there.  However, we are bound for
the gentle plains of Arcadia."

"I'm sure on the trip you and your more sensible friend may find
yourselves a portal to Sigil, if you care to travel with us.  After all,
we'll have to go through Arcadia's gate-town first, and there's
assuredly many portals to Sigil there."

"The choice is yours."

The bariaur resumes his munching, whilst waiting for you to make up your
minds (and eat, should you feel the need to).

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 03:14:43 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Nope, that'll do it.  Looks like somebody's been doing their homework,
sweet cheeks.  So let's get to it!"  About eight hours later, the two of
you have completed your shopping, having successfully acquired the
entirety of your laundry list of carnage-inducing housewares.

Once you've collected everything, Clutch makes his way to that burnt out
parking garage indicated in the dossier he'd been carrying around. As he
pulls in, Clutch drives rather slowly, making sure you can scope
everything out as he does so.

He doesn't have you manning the twin .50 cal cannons just yet, simply
having you cover the two of you with your little mag cannons - after
all, it's best to save your big guns for last.  Pulling in, Clutch then
wheels down the spiraling garage ramps, into the earth under L.A.

Once you've descended about five floors, you come to a group of people
and vehicles in the undercity, all assembled around a throne of dead car
parts, upon which sits the man of the hour, Calypso.  Of course, he's
not as interesting as the folks here to meet him.

You spy about a dozen utter vehicular combat freaks, in or around their
similarly freaky vehicles.  The first, and most obvious, is that old
pig-iron train engine with the massive cow-catcher, machine guns, and
rocket laucher on top.

You see its driver, a Mad Max reject with black hair (complemented with
a green stripe, for effect), beating on the roof with his mace, a sort
of polo stick with a spiky ball thrust into the center.  "Oy, yer
bastard!  Fit, already!  Aaaaaaarh!"

He starts jumping up and down on the roof of the train engine, doing so
until he finally moves the ceiling to his satisfaction.  "Oy!  What're
you lot lookin' at!  Less'n you gots a present for me, you'd best stop
givin' Thrasher the hairy eye ball!"

He reminds you of those three Dreadnoks you worked with so long ago.

Next, you spot this strange, red and white hoverchair, chained up to
what can only be described as a pair of rocket goats - each of 'em has a
massive thruster cybernetically grafted onto its back.  And each of 'em
looks rather unhappy about it.

"Arrh, matey, nice guns!"  That voice issues forth from nowhere, until
you see the massive bag of what can only be presents move around inside
the hover-chair.  Inside, a face finally appears to match that voice - a
man somewhat resembling the missing Och.

He's about four foot tall, and is wearing a rather tight-fitting Santa
Claus outfit - though too tight, it seems to be in the correct shape of
a Santa Claus, which makes you shudder more than a little bit.  "I got
your present right here, you tin-plated bozo!"

Saint Nick waves his fist angrily at Thrasher, over there.

Then, after wheeling past Saint Nick, you see a man on a motorcycle, who
appears rather nondescript until you get right beside him, and he lifts
his motorcycle visor up.  Then, you see that there's no flesh under that
helmet, only bone.

He smiles at you as the two of you look on in dismay, which is of course
a sort of misnomer, as somebody that thin is ALWAYS smiling at whoever
he's looking at.  "Ah, yesssss... your soul will taste more than
satisfying.  Can't wait to get the fight rolling."

The skeletal biker appeared on the verge of saying something else, but
he was interrupted when an ominous looking ice cream truck backed into
his bike, knocking it - and him - to the ground.  "You ridiculous
clown!  You've scratched up my paint!"

"Sorry, Mr. Grimm!  Hoo hoo hoo HAA haa!"

That was the driver of the ice cream truck, who gets out and laughs it
up.  He's not your ordinary clown, though, in that his orange afro's
actually a corona of flame covering his head, and his teeth look way to
sharp for their own good - or anybody else's.

The so-called Mr. Grimm appears on the verge of throwing something at
the cackling clown, when Calypso's voice carries out over the din,
silencing everybody and grabbing their total attention.  "Now, now,
boys, don't ruin it for everybody just yet."

"Save it for the battle field.  We've only got a few minutes to go
before Twisted Metal strikes again!"  This causes everybody else to yell
out in glee, and after looking at you and shrugging, so does Clutch. 
"Hey, gotta be in character and all."

After the screaming dies down a little bit, Calypso continues.  "Ah,
yes, I'm glad you're all so ready and willing to wreak havoc.  So, in
order to get things going, I suppose some introductions are in order. 
Now, I know you all know who I am, so I'll just start with you."

"Over here in the L.A.P.D. car," and this brings out more than a few
boos and hisses, "lies the Outlaw, a rather honest, trustworthy man who
wants nothing other than to end our little contest."  Calypso makes
little shaky motions with his lower lip.  "Boo hoo."

"And this," says Calypso, pointing over to a rather expensive looking
Porche, "is my good friend Jazz, who's come here from far, far away to
study us simple American folk and our curious, competitive ways."  In
the car, this Jazz looks like nothing other than a simple mannequin.

He waves at you all, his wrist moving as though it were on a slinky.

"Now, the man here in the wedge car is none other than Stiletto, a wacky
inventor who's come to us in order to test out his new inventions - he's
looking for a spiffy Department of Defense contract.  Go Army!" The man
in the strange, triangular car blows kisses to you all.

"Over here on this crotch rocket lies Monsieur Frank, foreign daredevil
and all around nice guy.  Let's give him a hand, everybody!"  Calypso
is, of course, indicating a guy who's got himself strapped onto what
appears to be an ICBM, though it's on hastily rigged up wheels.

"Of course, we can't forget our pal Warthog, here in this good ol'
Sherman Tank, now, can we?  This good ol' boy fought in both of those
wacky World Wars, so we know that he's one tough nut to crack -
'specially with all that armor plating!  Hah!"

You don't know where from, but a laugh track suddenly plays.

"Now, lurking within the bowels of this little beauty," says Calypso
while pointing at a cherry red Lamborghini, "we've got none other than
our international spy buddy, the Crimson Fury, waiting and ready to
blast you all to atoms with his laser cannon!  Woo!"

"In this urban chariot to my left we've got everybody's pal Thumper,
urban warlord and all around nasty customer.  Don't tick him off, for if
he gets cool to you he won't feel bad about cookin' you to a well done
crisp with that flamethrower of his!  Smokin'!"

Another disconcerting laugh track issues forth from nowhere.

The introductions continue on, until Calypso has covered those folks
you've already 'met', including that nutball clown, Sweet Tooth.  "Well,
folks, that's everybody, save for a surprise or two I've arranged out on
the streets above.  So start your engines!"

With that, an ungodly cacophony of mechanical roars emanates from all
around you, a sound which hurts your ears but seems to bring an ear to
ear grin from your ersatz partner here.  You can tell that he really
does fit in with this bunch of misfits.

"Have fun, every one.  Toodleoooooooooooooooo!"   Having said his peace,
Calypso and his throne inexplicably vanish, leaving you and Clutch in an
underground chamber with about a dozen inherently hostile, definitely
unbalanced, and heavily armed combat veterans.

"I am SO out of here!  Jinx, cover us!"  Clutch then peels out, backing
over Mr. Grimm's motorcycle as he turns around on the proverbial dime,
and makes for the ramps that lead up, up, and away.  "Anybody thinks
about following, plug 'em a lot!!"

?

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 08:56:42 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com

Rebound give Tammy a "back off" look and begins to explain his needs to the
scientist.

"OK, My violent friend here is charged with temporal energy.  I suspect that
I and my other friend are as well.  Do you have equipment that can utilize
this temporal energy and send the group of us back to our rightful time?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 14:48:23 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Tammy calm down, he won't be able to tell us a thing if his inerts pop."  
Hoping that will calm her down.  "No buddy you either talk or I turn my back 
and let her lose on you.  Your choice?"

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Going Up.
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 09:53:51 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 smiles as his defeated foes, and said to himself " That was fun... I think that i the word for that...emotion?" Shaking his head again trying to get used to these new "reactions" he is having towards the humans. A.S.9 looks for a directory and looks for a floor for Mr. Shijitzu office, and once finding something similar (any office floor I guess will do) he looks for stairs and as he opens the doors he is going to take out any cameras with his eyebeams. If he runs into any guards, use this on them: Whip attack & kick in the head. 

87,1,32,66

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 13:29:44 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

>"The choice is yours."

Ronin looks over to his erstwhile companion and then to the helpful bariaur.

"Yes...that would be acceptable.  We'll go with you to the portal and from 
thence into Sigil.  Will we need any thing to pass through the portal into 
Sigil?"

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 14:35:02 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> "The choice is yours."

Masque turns to Ronin;

"It seems we have some guides, Of a sort."

and then back to the bariaur;

"So will the 'key' to the portal to Sigil just be hanging right next to
the gate? Because we sure don't have one."

Subject: Re: [v13] Lost In Space...?
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 17:06:10 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

As I'm currently interacting with an NPC this *shouldn't* impact much
of anything - but at any rate - my company is closing in about an hour
for the next two weeks and I'm heading outta town shortly thereafter.

I'm gonna 'digest' myself on onelist.  My in-law has a PC online, and
I do check eMail from it from time to time - only I have no idea *when*
or *how often* those times will be!

So if something comes up and I'm not around - please do with Reaper what
ye will Firebomb, and I'll catch up later.

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Fri, 17 Dec 1999 18:46:28 -0800
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

> Less'n you get yourself peeled to the bone, you'll be wantin' to buy a mimir!"

"Mimir..," the word rolls around in my mouth as I listen to the man's sales
pitch.

>Opening his cart, the man exposes to full view a strange, mechanical
>looking skull, and throws it into the air.  After it gets about six feet
>in the air, the thing starts floating there, and begins to whir into
>life, and it speaks.  "Helloooooooooooooo!", says the mimir.

"Hello..," says with more than a slight look of fascination bouncing around
in my eyes.

> Does my practically givin' one away work for ye?  Hm?  Hm??"

"Hmmm....I would be most interested in purchasing them from you. But I'm not
familiar with this 'bezants' form of currency. If you would take normal gold
coinage I believe we can come to an agreement."

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:09:57 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The shriveled up old man looks at you and gives you quite a toothy grin
- he shows you all two of 'em.  "Regular coins'll be fine, my fine young
friend.  Just go ahead and grab one of the mimirs, and we'll go ahead an
settle up, eh?"

Once you do so, the old man gladly takes your coin, and tastes one for
good measure; you get the impression that he would bite a coin to be
sure, but his two teeth don't exactly intersect on his bite.  "Too
right, too right, kind sir!  Enjoy your guide..."

"I'm sure you'll find it most useful!"

Unless, of course, you have any other questions for the ancient
salesman, he wheels off around the corner at a speed you wouldn't think
possible for either his rickety legs or his rickety cart.  This, of
course, leaves you standing in the middle of the street.

With your very own mimir.

What next?

Subject: Re: [v13] Lost In Space...?
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:11:20 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Hey, don' worry about it, man... just make sure you come back after yer
vacation...!  =)

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:18:16 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The bariaur look at each other in amazement as you ask questions about
the portal key, and then their leader speaks.  "Yes.  Most often, the
portals of Sigil require a key of some sort; some are somewhat easy to
come by, some aren't."

"As far as the portal you require, we have no idea exactly where it will
be, or even what its key might be.  We simply know that, somewhere
within the gate-town to Arcadia, you'll find what you're looking for -
all the gate-towns have portals to Sigil."

"We'll try and help you once we're there, but we do have pressing
business in Arcadia itself."  With that, the trio of bariaur finish
eating their salads and, assuming that you're done, they set out from
the Bludgeon Inn.

They stop and stretch once they've made their way outside, basking in
the light; there's no sun, per se, but the general illumination outdoors
seems to be equivalent to that which you would find on a standard,
bright 'n sunny morning.

"Are you in need of special supplies?  I see you have no traveling gear,
only your weaponry and the clothing on your back.  We can wait for you
while you browse within the outfitting store here next to the Inn, in
case you need any, well, stuff."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:22:57 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As the trio of you imply bad, bad things are about to happen to him
without his imminent cooperation, the man cracks, opening up with what
would appear to be everything he knows.  "Okay, okay!  Let me think,
already.  Just don't let her near me!!!!!"

He composes himself after Tammy backs off, and thinks for a second. 
"Hm... temporal energy.  The only facility we have to actually
manipulate such things is way out on Decima, though as far as I know,
none of our ships're heading that way for months."

"It's kind of a useless outpost, where we do all the really dangerous
types of research.  If you can come up with a space-ship, any good pilot
can get you there - and don't even look at me, I can barely even drive
my flight car, much less a starship!"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Going Up.
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:32:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Looking at the big, plate-glass directory that states that you are, in
fact, here, you find that when Roy Shijitzu is in, he generally occupies
the top floor of his building, where he has a rather large residence,
and an immense, personal robotics laboratory.

Heading into the stair-well, you begin your climb upward, and by the
time you reach the top floor's doors, you've elimiated over twenty five
different security cameras - one for each floor, with two here at the
top of the stairwell for good measure.

But, you're finally here.

Opening the door, you find two security goons, who we'll identify as
Rent-A-Cops Number Three and Four, waiting for you - armed.  They're not
just armed with your standard Colt .45, either - these goons have some
kind of advanced, state of the art guns... guns with power packs!

"Freeze, freak!"  Before they can react to your presence any further,
you've cracked one upside the head with your whip, but it hardly seems
to faze the man.  "That the best you've got, you scumbag?"  Rent-A-Cop
Number Three seems to have a particularly bad attitude.

And then he and his buddy shoot at you.

You twist, turn, and dive around their shots - or where you guess their
laser beams will be from where they're aiming - but one of the things
actually manages to tag you in the side, inflicting Good (10) Armor
Piercing Energy damage to your person.

Having no armor, of course, the armor piercing effect doesn't matter,
however.  "Ooo, yer a fast one, eh?  Get ready to eat laser!" 
Rent-A-Cop Number Three has no wit, in addition to having no couth.  His
pal's somewhat quieter, but seems intent on shooting you anyway.

What'cha do?

Subject: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 15:41:29 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The van rocketed down the highway, the sounds of Korn issuing forth from
it with ear-splitting intensity, even from a relatively safe distance. 
The driver was somewhat annoyed with this, in that this sort of thing
isn't his particular bag, per se.

"...", he said.  Actually, he said "Could you please turn that down?",
but the stereo was so loud that you couldn't hear a word he was saying.
This request received no reply from his three compatriots, so the man
tried again.  "...!", he said.

When nobody acknowledged his second request, the driver simply kicked in
the dash, smashing up the van's stereo.  "'Ey Zartan, why'd you go and
do that?  We were havin' a good ol' time back here.  And isn't that
Hardcore fellah gonna be mad that you smashed up his house?"

"Probably.  But then he shouldn't have left the keys to his van in the
ignition, then."  The three Dreadnoks nodded in approval at that, though
they were still rather unhappy that they were now without Korn - but
they DID still have their grape soda, however.

"Honestly, you three, if you'd just listen to me once in a while, we'd -
argh!"  Whatever backhanded comment Zartan was about to make to his
three minions was rendered moot when, out of nowhere, a rather pale
looking fellow with no shirt on shambled in front of the speeding van.

Zartan hit the guy at a good eighty miles per hour, causing quite a
spectacular 'crash' sound, and sending both the van and its victim
tumbling down the road, out of control.  It was even more impressive
that the guy Zartan hit got up right away, and kept going...

"Boo-getty boo-getty boo-getty..."

                                  ***

Finally.  After a long string of boring classes, you've finally made it
to your Christmas break, Ari.  You were just walking out of your school,
in fact, in order to start your long-awaited vacation from the hallowed
halls of academia, when you heard the crash.

Looking out at the nearby highway, you see that a van has apparently
smashed into somebody at an illegally high clip of speed, and the
collision has sent both the van and the pedestrian rolling down the
road.  The van stops when it rolls into a parked station wagon.

The man, however, simply skids to a halt on the asphalt, and after about
two seconds, gets up.  He dusts himself off, and then starts walking
away from the calamity - though he's walking in your direction - right
towards you, in fact!

"Boo-getty boo-getty boo-getty..."  The man raises his hands in the
classic 'mummy' fashion, and starts ambling towards you.  He's about six
foot three, rather wiry, and exceptionally pale.  His face looks quite
drawn, with big, shadowy bags under his darkened eyes.

And he's got wild hair, kind of like that fellow from Seinfeld.  He
looks right at you, and locks gazes with you.  "Boo-Getty!", he says. 
The man seems to be getting closer, but he's not in any big hurry to get
to your position.  What do you do?

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 16:40:06 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari takes a half step back, and smirks.  "Eep-opp-ork-ah-ah, motha-fugga."  
Barring any response other than "Boogety!", Ari will start moving in the 
direction of the van, ostensibly to check on its passengers.

(there are squirrels running on my roof, and it sounds *funky.*)

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : heats things up!
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 20:14:40 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

Opening the door, you find two security goons, who we'll identify as
Rent-A-Cops Number Three and Four, waiting for you - armed.  They're not 
just armed with your standard Colt .45, either - these goons have some
kind of advanced, state of the art guns... guns with power packs!

"Freeze, freak!"  Before they can react to your presence any further,
you've cracked one upside the head with your whip, but it hardly seems
to faze the man.  "That the best you've got, you scumbag?"  Rent-A-Cop
Number Three seems to have a particularly bad attitude.

And then he and his buddy shoot at you.

You twist, turn, and dive around their shots - or where you guess their
laser beams will be from where they're aiming - but one of the things
actually manages to tag you in the side, inflicting Good (10) Armor
Piercing Energy damage to your person.

Having no armor, of course, the armor piercing effect doesn't matter,
however.  "Ooo, yer a fast one, eh?  Get ready to eat laser!"
Rent-A-Cop Number Three has no wit, in addition to having no couth.  His 
pal's somewhat quieter, but seems intent on shooting you anyway.

A.S.9 smiles sadistically, and said " Ok. Boys. Wanna heat it up?" He opens 
his mouth and flames them all (R: In) and if any are standing he still takes 
them out with his plasma beams from his eyes. ( targeting hands and feet)  
99,39,97,32

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 22:49:44 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Unh?"  The rather pale man looks stupefied at your reply, and just
stops when you pass him on your way to the van.  You hear him grunt as
you pass him, in the fashion of "Unh!", but he doesn't make any moves
just yet.

When you show up at the overturned van, you find four folks laying all
disheveled within, like you'd get if you ran them through a really,
really big drier; i.e., tumbled.  They're all breathing, though, and
that sweet, sticky smell you smell isn't blood, as you first thought.

It's spilt grape soda.

"Uuuuugh... what happened?"  The source of that particular voice was one
of the rather thuggishly dressed brutes in back, one with coke bottle
glasses and a blonde pony tail.  Before you can answer, though, you hear
a voice behind you yelling.

"Boo-Getty!  I said Boo-Getty, goddamnit!"  Turning, you see that that
rather pale fellow behind you is now, actually, rather close behind you,
still walking your way in a sort of ambling, mummy-ish fashion.  And he
betrays a rather southern accent in his frustration.

And then shuffles ever-closer.  What next?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : heats things up!
Date:    Sun, 19 Dec 1999 22:58:27 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

They both shoot at you again, this time missing in such a fashion that
leaves a nice, laser-scarred 'x' on the stair-well walls behind you. 
Before the dynamic duo here can shoot again, though, you breathe on them
profusely, lighting both their pants on fire.

Cries of "Aagh!" and "My biscuits are burnin'!" issue forth from the
guards, who duly stop, drop, and roll, only to find that in the process,
they've dropped their guns.  As they put themselves out, Rent-A-Cop
Number Four passes out, but Number Three does not.

"Heh heh heh... no hard feelings, right?  We're even, right?"  It's
almost with some sadness that you laze his feet with your twin plasma
beams, causing the man to pass out from the sheer pain of it all. 
Neither of 'em are dead, of course, but they'll remember this.

If we're lucky, they'll consider it a learning experience.

Anyhoo, you've disposed of all the opposition you can see, and after
annihilating a few more cameras, which were apparently trained directly
on your person, you make your way forward.  This hallway ends after
about twenty feet, with two doors leading away from it.

One goes right, one goes left.

Well...?

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 00:14:52 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Upon making certain that the van's inhabitants are OK, presumably by yelling 
into the van "Hey!  Anyone hurt in there?!"  Aria will turn to the pasty guy. 

"WHAT?!"

BTW, fans: http://members.aol.com/emarzero/aria.jpg

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 02:13:11 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Screaming into the van, you receive naught but a series of grunts in the
affirmative, and then.  "Oy, me head's killing me.", "I got grape soda in
me pants.", "Arh, my doughnuts are all ruined.", and "Just shoot me." 
That last one came from an almost tinny sounding voice.

But from the sound of it, all four of the weirdoes in the van are going
to live - even if they're not too happy about it right now.  Right
afterwards, you turn on the 'pasty feller' and find that he's right
behind you - or now, since you've turned, right in FRONT of you.

"Hey, lady, you don't haveta yell."  The pale man stops, fishing out a
pack of cigarettes from his pants, and attempts to light one.  However,
to his dismay (and thus, to yours), he finds that he can't - because
he's not breathing!

"What the hell?"  The man drops his cigarettes in disgust.  While he's
not breathing (or, at least can't inhale) he seems able to talk good
enough.  "Now, where was I?  Oh, yeah.  Boo-Getty!  Gimme yer bag and,
um."  The man stops, and looks almost embarrassed.

Out of his back pocket, he produces a sheet of paper.  He reads it over,
and then over again, and yet again, his finger tracing a line across the
text until he's happy with his internal results.  "Oh, yeah. Gimme yer
bag, and, and I won't have to hurt you!  Yeah, that's it!"

You have the oddest feeling that somewhere, maybe close by or possibly a
continent away, a master villain is slapping himself in the forehead.  Hard.  
Repeatedly, even.  "Yeah, that's what I'm supposed to say.  So fork it over or 
somethin'!"

?!

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : He's got the right stuff, Baby!
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 06:37:20 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" as_nine@hotmail.com

A.S.9 looks at both doors and decides that the Right way is the best way. As 
he starts to walk through, he pops out his razors, and said " Helloooo 
anyone home?" 38,24,34,50 in case he runs into any trouble.

Subject: Re: [v13] Another Beginning... (Mr. Bailes)
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 05:58:45 -0800 (PST)
From:    bob malooga <bobmalo@yahoo.com>

> The story itself apparently ran just yesterday.

I'll make a note of that....

> The photographs are all time-stamped one week ago.

There should e an imprint or small developers label on the back check and see if there is one and if so contact them to find out who paid to have the photo's
developed (Assuming of course that these aren't polaroids)

> Basically, they're a large bunch of loosely-knit bikers who celebrate the 
> memory of their patron god by drinking and fighting their way across America.
 
> Or Manhattan, depending on what week you ask.  They've got three major hubs of 
> activity:  a used brownstone-turned-lodge in Manhattan, a fashionable (yet 
> rowdy) bar in Los Angeles, and a big ol' fortress on the outskirts of 
> Deadwood, South Dakota.

I call around or dig into the Housing/Land commission of those areas and find out who owns those properties taking notes for simalarities of names, purchase dates and the what not...

> It takes you a couple hours, but you eventually get the publisher himself on 
> the phone, a surly cat by the name of Todd Manning.  He seems rather amicable 
> about sharing the story, having already broke it and all, but gets upset when 
> you bring the AP into the conversation.

> "Those pricks never carry the real news - and they get all huffy about us real 
> papers who do... goddamn jerks.  No, you won't ever see this story on the 
> wire, but I can get you in touch with the guy I've got covering the story.  
> He's in Ass Hole, New Mexico, right now."

"I understand what you mean sir, I chased a giant hulking creature for years and all I ever got was shit from my peers, the regular press wouldn't have anything
to do with me and my wife left me over my relentless pursuit of this creature!"

> The man then gives you the address and number of the hotel, where his
> reporter ought to be holed up at for the next few days.  Anything else
> you need from the man?

Nope...Make a note of all that and reply.  "Thank you for your time sir." before hanging up and checking into the other facts I found, do some research on
Asshole New Mexico an then book a flight there through a cousin of mine. (get a nice rental car to)  Then call the wifey and let her know I have a job and will
be leaving tomorrow morning for New Mexico, but that I'll be home tonight after I do my research.  

Assuming nothing goes wrong with research then I'll head home to spend some time with my wife.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)(The Peanut Gallery)
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 08:29:49 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> And then shuffles ever-closer.  What next?

Shoot Him! Shoot him! he wants yer stuff!

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 10:15:32 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Aria just *boggles...*  "Why?"  If Mr. Pasty makes any false moves, like 
going for the bag, she's drawing back her left foot (which of course, are 
clad in paratrooper boots) and kicking yon foul beastie square in the jimmie.

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 15:39:31 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Tammy kill'em."  OCC: Hopefully, he will cry and plead.  Then Stone Cold 
will say, "Surely you can do better than that?  There must be something in 
here that can take us there.  Unless your ready to meet your maker!  But, 
don't worry when she is finished, I'll kick you and put you of you misery."  

Replies Stone Cold.

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 10:44:12 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound will back out of the way long enough for the ploy to take effect,
just adding a simple phrase...

"Surely you wouldn't mind showing us the way to the nearest starship, unless
you're not all that attached to breathing..."

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Mon, 20 Dec 1999 18:48:15 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx just watches the display, an amused smirk on her face. She had seen
quite a few similar setups during her years as a mercenary, although
none quite so garrish.

As the introductions continue, Jinx just watches the other drivers and
their vehicles for hints of possible weaknesses and/or armament.

Once the engines begin to rev, Jinx moves to the back of the vehicle,
just barely strapping herself into the stabilizing harness behind the
.50 caliber cannon before Clutch gunned the V.A.M.P. at top speed.

"Woah! Ack! Right!" she hollered as she pulled in her probability field
to give herself some cover from any quick shots.

Quickly gathering her thoughts, she trained on the nearest stationary
object - the prone motorcycle of Mr. Grimm - and released a three second
burst at the bike's fuselage, attempting to puncture the gas tank.

[Initiative: 9 + (any modifiers). To hit: 86, Damage: 22.]

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : He's got the right stuff, Baby!
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 05:07:15 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Nobody's home.

Looking in the door on your right, you find yourself at the entrance way
to what would appear to be some sort of robotic tinkerer's laboratory. 
You see bits of robot here and there, some fully built and some barely
skeletonized.

It's kind of eerie how they're just hanging there, almost like slabs of
meat.  Anyway, there are one or two fully constructed robots, and they
all seem to have a sort of 'terminator' look to them, in that they've
got the fleshless, robo-skeleton look going for 'em.

But, alas, no people seem to be inside.  Left, I take it?

Subject: Re: [v13] Another Beginning... (Mr. Bailes)
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 05:24:33 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Looking into the photograph information, you find that the images were
developed from a 70mm camera (!), via one Rod Ingersol, on the behalf of
the aforementioned Sun.  They were processed, however, by a small
photomat in a small town called Rock, Nebraska.

As far as the Warriors of Thor lead is concerned, you find that their
Manhattan edifice is owned and operated by one Eugene 'Tex' Goldberg, a
would-be cowboy who renovated a large brownstone into a makeshift, three
story bar / lodge / ever-rebuilt home for the Warriors.

The man has owned the place for over five years, much to the chagrin of
the local police department, as Warriors leaving the place have a
tendency to be quite inebriated and quite irate at not being able to
inebriate more.  Understandable, that.

After disconnecting with Mr. Manning, you find that Ass Hole, New Mexico
is a nigh-ghost town, consisting of a hotel, a gas station, and several
other, abandoned buildings.  Once a thriving town, Ass Hole is now a
veritable joke, thanks to its curious name.

Originally having something to do with a donkey being stuck in a local
cave, the name has taken on a whole new connotation these last few
years, something the remaining six residents of the town are tired of.
After all, they hear it every day.

You find, however, that the town itself is primarily still in existence
thanks to the regular patronage of several gangs of bikers, who are
coincidentally Warriors of Thor.  Coincidentally?  You think not.  You
have your tickets in hand within the hour.

You take care of your... personal matters... and head off in the morning
without much of a hitch.  By late afternoon, your plane has dropped you
off in sunny Albuquerque, and at about 5 pm, C.S.T., you have arrived in
the quaint town of Ass Hole.

You can see why the place is the butt of practically everybody's jokes.

Wheeling up to the hotel, you find three cars and twenty seven bikes
parked in the lot, and two of the cars would appear to be the property
of the owner / operator of the joint; they've apparently rusted
themselves to the spot.  The last car is outside room 17.

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 05:28:34 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Why?  Why, she asks?  So's I can get the nagging, mewling voice outta
my head, girlie girl, and can make myself scarce!  So FORK it OVER!" 
The pale man lunges at you (though it's really a lurch, all things
considered), and gets himself kicked in his three piece set.

Crumpling to the ground with a hoarse grunt, he stops, shakes his head,
and then stands up.  "Uh.  Hell!  That must've been a RE-flex, 'cause
that t'ain't hurt none!  Hah!  You can't hurt my jiblets, baby, I'm the
walkin' DEAD, heah!"

You get the impression he's gonna lunge (or perhaps lurch) at you again.

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 05:33:07 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Wauugh!  I told you everything I know!"  He bawls and cries as
anticipated, all the more realistically so as Tammy lunges at the man
repeatedly.  After a few minutes, and realizing you just want a ship, he
says "Oh."

"Why didn't you say so?"  He pulls himself together, and shuffles over
to a nearby console, pulling up a map of the city.  "You can find a
starpad over on the edge of town, here", he says, indicating a circle on
the map near where you arrived, "but again, I'm no pilot."

"Maybe you can blow up some stuff there and torment some other soul into
flying you..."  The man seems to realize that he's being smarmy all of a
sudden, and that he didn't really want to be, considering.  "Just
joking, of course."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 05:44:22 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You blast the motorcycle with all you've got, peppering the thing with
.50 cal rounds.  It doesn't blow, but it sure as snot makes the bike's
owner angry as sin.  He (?) hisses at you, and then throws something in
your specific direction.

Luckily, Clutch dodged at the last second, seeing the pitch in his rear
view mirror, and the projectile passes right past your head.  The thing
looks like it was some sort of ghostly, otherworldly soul - and from the
look on its face, it didn't look happy about its general state.

The soul (for lack of a better word) nails the concrete walls next to
the V.A.M.P., and causes concrete to explode off it in big, sharp-type
chunks.  A bunch of 'em land on you, but your probability field shrugs
'em off like they were nothing.

Though it did manage to scare the snot out of you.

"Alright, Jinxie, I'm getting out of this building A.S.A.P.  I figure I
can at least take shots at people as they leave, and try'n contain 'em
to as small an area as possible.  But trying to fight inside that death
trap isn't my idea of a good idea, if you know what I mean..."

Spinning up the ramps with reckless speed, and only actually nailing the
wall once in his ascent, Clutch makes it out in no time, though the
quick turning has left you more than a little dizzy.  Flying out into
the road outside the garage, you almost hit a cop car at 90 m.p.h.

Clutch swerves at the last second, driving you two into an alleyway
beyond, though you find that you're being closely pursued by Saint
Nick.  The surly little dwarf (if there's really any other kind) just
drives right through the patrol car.

His rocket goats just climb right over.

They tear through the vehicle with sharpened steel shoes, and then the
actual hover sled hits the car, mashing it up but good.  As he pulls
away, Saint Nick pulls a present out of his bag, and tosses it into the
air.  "Merry Christmas, Jackass!"

The present sails up into the air, and then descends towards the cop
car.  Looking closely, Jinx, you see that it's got a couple of flashing
lights protruding out from under the wrapping.  Saint Nick is giving
those cops a bomb!  What do you do?!

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : He has left the right way.
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 08:36:59 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 even more mad now, he torches the hanging bodies so that they may not 
be used to create more beings like himself. He then turns he focus on the 
other doo and starts toward it. This time he is sending his whip ahead of 
time to smack the door open. Then he is going to look for any sign of life.  
38,24,34,50 in case he runs into any trouble.

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 09:49:09 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound tries in vain to hold his temper back at the insult.

"You come to MY planet without permission.  You knock it out of alignment.
You build this offensive structure.  AND you have the unmitigated gall to
insult me?!!!? On my own soil!!!  This time you have gone too far!"

Ignoring any cries of protest, or any attempts to stop him, Rebound will
wrap the scientist up with a healthy dose of strands and mount him on the
wall.

"If you so much as sneeze, you will be destroyed.  Utterly.  Remember who
the masters of this planet are.  Tell your feeble race that their time here
has run out.  Tell them all to get off while they still can.  Your race is
doomed."

Rebound storms out of the building towards the starpad.  Once he gets
outside, bursts out laughing incredibly amused at his own "tantrum".

Rolls(if needed): 72, 39, 54, 67, 18, 96

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 12:45:24 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

>  You get the impresion he's gonna lunge (or perhaps lurch) at you again.

Ari whips out a *very* menacing handgun, a H&K MP5.  (The lego one, natch!)  
"Alright, pal.  Let's do this the civilzed way.  You leave me alone, or I 
shoot your ass and call the cops and claim attempted rape.  Now BACK THE HELL 
UP!"

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 12:47:07 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Oh, and Ari is backing around the van / station wagon combo, pointing the gun.  
Very "COPS"-esque. Ideally, she'll move to where she has a clear shot at 
escape.  Other than that, she's going to bluff for this round.

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 17:53:56 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"You know what just for that your coming along, not so much as a hostage but 
as cannon fodder."  Stone Cold realizing that he is scaring the man to death. 

  *It'll keep him honest, plus he knows this much more out of him shouldn't 
be a prob.*  "Any trouble out of you and I'll let the lady improve her 
fighting skills some more on you!  Dig?  I knew that you could."

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : He has left the right way.
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 13:59:36 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You lash out with your whip, splintering the double doors by their
handles, and causing them both to ominously swing open.  Walking in,
though hanging back at the doorframe just in case something fugly is
waiting for you, you see a man writing on his office desk.

Not on the desk itself, but on papers laying there.  "Couldn't you have
just knocked?  Those doors are solid oak."  The odd thing is that the
man doesn't even look up.  Though sitting, you get a decent look at
him.  He's a strong oriental man, about five ten from the look of him.

Most of his hair has been shaved clean off, save for two locks curiously
dangling in his face from where a widow's peak would be (assuming his
other hair was present).  He's also wearing nothing but a pajama top and
(presumably, since you don't see) pants.

"Now, I assume you have a bone to pick with me.  Most of you super types
seem to for some reason or another."  He then finishes writing, and then
looks up.  "Ah, yes.  YOU.  I knew this particular experiment would
fail.  All you human-looking robots get too damned emotional."

The voice, the image, seem powerfully familiar.  This is Roy Shijitzu,
you know for certain, but the exact relation he has to your origins are
slightly fuzzy, still.  He's waiting for you to say (or do) something,
however.  What next?

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 14:12:39 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"But, we developed here first!  Typical hu-ackg!"  You've mounted the
scientist up on the wall and left before he can complete his thought,
having ranted your rant and left him quivering in terror.  He almost
looks comical, all wide-eyed like that.

As you storm out of the building, Alabaster tries to tell you something,
but you simply move too fast, tearing out of there with breakneck
speed.  "Ah, crap!"  Alabaster then runs after you, Rebound, though you
don't quite see it yet.

As you pull the mortified scientist off of the wall, Stone Cold, he
simply nods as you explain his current role, hoping beyond hope that he
don't wind up a smear on his own police's weapon butts.  "Okay,
okay..."  He looks about to break.

"So what was your friend tryin' to say, anyway?  You know, that Almond
guy who ran out in a huff after Return, or whatever his name is?  He
didn't look all that happy..."  You're not quite sure, but you have a
bad feeling you're about to find out.

Anyway, you find yourself laughing at your temper, Rebound, only to be
suddenly interrupted by a loudspeaker.  "You in the building!  Put your
hands up!  You are SO under arrest!  Looking up, you see that there's
about fifty cops outside, and a military vehicle!

Alabaster runs into you from behind, having been trying to catch up to
you, and then takes a second or so to pull himself off, having gotten
stuck.  "Ack!  Yer fool, I tried to stop you... Percy told me that he
was bein' surrounded.  They've caught him, but don't know what he is."

"We may get out of this yet - if we can get to him in time..."

Of course, that's easy to say for HIM.  You've only got one rail gun and
your own, curious power set.  There's fifty armed guys lookin' at you,
and they've got their guns pointed in your specific direction.  And
Stone Cold's still in the building, as far as you can tell...

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 14:19:37 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Ah TOLE you, girlie girl, ah be the walkin' DEAD!  You can't shoot me
none!  T'wont hurt me!  Arooooooo!"  He then begins to shamble your way
anew, trying to catch up to you - a slim prospect, considering his one
mile per hour shamble.

"Yore dealin' with Boo-Getty, now!  Boo-getty boo-getty boo-getty!"

As you digest that, one of those biker-looking fellows, the one with the
brown hair and deep mutton chops, staggers out of the smashed up van. 
"Oy, wot's up here?"  Just then, he sees the (apparent) Boo-Getty bump
right into him, yelling "Gimme yer SACK!"

"But... but it's attached..."  Boo-Getty just picks him up and throws
him, landing him in a big snow drift.  "Oof!"  The odd part is that the
self-proclaimed walking dead man did so without breaking a sweat, or
even looking strained in the slightest.

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 15:17:01 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Aria shrugs, and breaks into a run, screaming along the way "HELP!  POLICE!!  
HELLLLP!"  Given that this is outside her college, she should know the area 
fairly well, and will make a break for the nearest PD, presumably Campus 
Police.  (What time is it, for the record?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 20:26:25 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Hey Re-eeeeee holy spit!?!"  Looking out of the doorway to the guards 
outside.  "Ok, Rebound most high what shall we do now."  Just talking out 
loud.  "Ok, REBOUND.  Can you here me!?!"  Yelling through the doors.  "I'm 
going to try to create an ice tunnel for you and Alabaster.  When if forms 
around you run for your life and come pick us up."  "Tammy hold this, this 
is auto, this is semi.  Very simple.  When the door blows give me some 
cover."  "Rebound on 3,  ONE.  TWO.   THREEEE."  (Ice blast both hands 
forming a tunnel to Percy.  (40pts Karma Rolls: 78, 64, 48, 84, 12, 92).

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 17:54:43 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound will charge down the tunnel making sure that Alabaster is behind him
and shielded.  Once he reaches Percy, he will jump/blast his way into the
crowd aiming at the military vehicle first (maybe I can take a tread/ fan/
propulsion thingie out). His main hope is to keep them distracted long
enough for Alabaster to get on board Percy and for Percy to get over to the
others and pick them up.

Here goes nothing...Rolls: (OK...I'll actually dodge once Alabaster is safe)

Init:10, Dodge(s): 76+20 Karma=96, Others: 95, 42, 62, 74, 82, 59,66

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 17:57:13 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx curses as the soul flies past her, shaking herself a bit as the
concrete bits pelt her probability field.

Holding on for deal life, Jinx does her best to keep her head during the
ascent to the streets of LA. As they pull into the alley she begins to
draw a bead on the intake of one of the goats' turbines. Once she
realizes that the cops are about to get a bit more roughed up than
they're ready for she curses again, torn between a shot at their pursuer
and the "gift" descending toward the police car.

She mutters, "Oh, I'm probably going to regret this," as she moves her
sights over the blinking package and does her best to blow it out of the
air, causing any explosion to dissipate a bit before striking the
unwitting police.

[83 to hit, 30 for damage.]

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : He meets his maker
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 18:56:45 CST
From:   "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 Approaches the man, still unsure of why he even wants to know anything from this man. Pulling in his whip back into his hand, he said "What am I and Why was I made? I need to know, and I will know or else."  A.S.9 said as he caused his eyes to glow under his shades, ready to strike at any funny moves.

9,33,66,100

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Tue, 21 Dec 1999 19:01:59 -0800
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

> "I'm sure you'll find it most useful!"

Muttering under my breath, "I damn well hope so..." Holding the skull in my
taloned hand and gazing curiously at it much like the famous scene from
Hamlet, "Alas this mimir...hmmmwhat shall I call thee I wonder."

> Unless, of course, you have any other questions for the ancient
> salesman, he wheels off around the corner at a speed you wouldn't think
> possible for either his rickety legs or his rickety cart.  This, of
> course, leaves you standing in the middle of the street.

"My thanks to you good sir. You have been most appreciative," With that siad
I toss the skull up in the air much like the merchant himself had done and
await it's awakening display. Looking at it curiously, "Do you have a name
or designation of some sort?"

> With your very own mimir.

Yay for me....

> we try.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 05:27:05 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

(s'about three pee emm, for reference)

You run, shrieking away from the crude and enigmatic Boo-Getty,
attacting all kinds of attention as you do so.  People look at you and
shrug, in that frustrating way people do when they'd rather watch what's
about to happen instead of actually helping a body in need.

At any rate, you make it to the campus security enclave, only to find
that all but two of the local college cops are on guard, the rest having
apparently gone out for doughnuts; the box on the counter here seems
sadly empty.

Meanwhile, you hear screams mounting behind you as people get in the way
of Boo-Getty's sluggish progress in your general direction.  "Get outta
my way, yuh re-tards!  Boo-Getty's on the case!  Boo-getty boo-getty
boo-getty!  Y'hear?"

?!

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 05:40:06 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Okay.

You make your tunnel of ice with some difficulty, Stone Cold, but you
manage it nonetheless - creating a hollow shaft of ice that BIG takes
more than a little effort, after all.  Once it's done, Rebound and
Alabaster slide down the tunnel's innards towards Percy.

Once they get to it, Alabaster hops into the control booth, and you
note, even from this distance, that he's being wrapped up in some sort
of armor as he does so, armor that gives a distinct hint of being, well,
something else altogether.

Anyway.  As he does this, you make your way into the crowd of cops (and
their backup - that military hover-carrier).  Slamming into two or three
of the local p.d., you throw 'em to the ground only to find yourself at
the mercy of a crossfire.

Oh, sure, the cops manage to take down ten of their own number, but they
pelt you with their blasters enough to make you feel it - you suffer,
before all of your various protections, Monstrous (75) Force damage. 
Luckily, some of that gets deflected by your ablative goo.

Needless to say, however, the concussion knocks you clean out of the
Coalescence square, flinging you towards the nearest building with what
even you would consider reckless speed - as you approach, you get this
horrid feeling that bugs flying towards headlights feel like this.

You bounce with impressive force, shattering the hurricane-proof windows
as you fly back towards the crowd o' cops, and find that you are, in
fact, headed for that personnel hover-carrier.  You can't help but grin
at that - if you hit, you're gonna hit GOOD.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Alabaster has started Percy up, and is
driving back towards the Coalescence building through your ice tunnel,
Stone Cold!  He's caving it in right behind him, but the ice tunnel is
making for a whole lot of cover against police blaster fire.

Alabaster and Percy pull up right in front of you, and the hatch to the
Mark 27 H.I.S.S. opens up.  "Oy!  Needin' a lift, laddie?  And
how'sabout you, my foine lady?  Hop on in, already, and we'll be makin'
tracks, no?  Har har!"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 05:47:16 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Well, you hit the package, but you don't do all that much damage - but
then, quantity isn't the idear, here.  You knock the bomb clean out of
the cops' way, causing it to bounce back in to the parking garage - and
right onto a pink Cadillac that was pulling out.

In retaliation, it fires its front-mounted machine guns in your general
direction, though the police cruiser WAS in the way.  It gets shredded
up by the gunfire, its occupants fleeing from their smoldering wreck
before it explodes - and it does so spectacularly!

However, the Caddy drives right through the wreckage, looking like none
other than some sort of automotive demon in doing so, and charges down
the alleyway after you!  The driver, that Thumper guy, guns his engines
in hot pursuit of you and the greaser-boy up front.

Clutch floors it, barreling through the alley at highly irrational
speeds, hoping to get out of the narrow tunnel before the man's machine
guns tear the two of you up.  Of course, Thumper fires on you just then,
putting more than his fair share of bullet holes in the V.A.M.P.

Need I really ask what you do next? =)

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : He meets his maker
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 05:58:37 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Oh, dear, is this the part where I'm supposed to get scared?  Quake in
my little booties, as it were?  Well, if it makes you feel better, I am
duly chastised and frightened, my rather agitated friend.  Here, maybe
this will answer some of your questions."

Roy presses a button on his remote, causing a wall panel to unfold
behind him, and exposing a rather large, flat-panel television screen.
That MUST be expensive.  With the click of another button, a video
starts to play - one that almost sounds like an infomercial.

Luckily, it has no testimonials or question or answer sessions with some
marketing dip and some totally clueless, third rate 'celebrity' for
added punch, but it basically tells you what Ariel-Shijitzu is.  It is a
company that makes robots.

"Now, if that's not clear enough, let me show you this."  Roy then pulls
a robotic head out of his desk.  "This is a robot brain."  He opens up
the chromed skull, and removes a strange, pink plastic chip.  "I make
intelligent robots."

He shows you the chip, something labeled a 'neuropathic processor'.  "I
designed that, using both my knowledge of cybernetics and my ... special
insight towards the inner workings of the human mind.  It's at the heart
of every intelligent 'bot I make, including YOU."

"Now, I don't make robots to usher in a utopian world, like people seem
to believe - I make robots that will ultimately help me achieve certain
goals I have in mind for this pathetic, backwater world.  Soldiers,
spies.  Assassins..."

"Of course, one of my brighter researchers thought that, by wrapping our
robots in a humanoid form, and human-like parts, we would make them more
effective.  Unfortunately, all of our experiments to date seem to
indicate that they become TOO human."

"Subject to unnecessary emotional baggage, psychosis, etc...  I won't
even go into the little riot A.S.3, one of your predecessors,
perpetrated.  That would be a rather long-winded story that neither you
or I have time for."

"Anything Else?"

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 06:02:02 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"A name of some sort?  I have been called many things, such as 'You
Damned Stupid Mimir', or 'I Curse Thee, O Ruinous Keeper Of Lore', but I
have no name, per se.  I suppose you can call me whatever you wish to,
for I am now yours, o mighty master."

"And careful with those talons.  My finish, and all..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 14:42:27 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

Feeling dazed from exertion.  "I believe I will take that ride."  Almost 
collapsing after getting himself and Tammy into the van.  "Thank you for 
being cool down here mister vehicle.  Cool so, veery cool."

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 10:09:29 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound grins broadly as he turns in the air hoping to hit the hover-carrier
with as much surface area of his back as he can manage, knowing that this is
not going to be a pretty sight...and loving every minute of it.  He shouts
above the din of battle with much more bravado than he is currently feeling
(OHMYGODTHEYHURTME!!!)...

"So, you have incurred the wra..." (Yep, that's about when he'll hit)

Any needed rolls: 93, 64, 82, 38

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 11:03:11 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com
 
Ari rolls her eyes.  "Fine.  FINE.  I'll just have to take matters into my 
own hands."  Reaching into the bag, Ari pulls out.... (Roll a 86.)  Whatever 
it is, she's gonna give it a quick once-over, figure out what's up, and then 
start threatening.

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 11:49:21 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

> We simply know that, somewhere within the gate-town to Arcadia, you'll find 
> what you're looking for - all the gate-towns have portals to Sigil."

Ronin nods taking all this in.

>"Are you in need of special supplies?  I see you have no traveling gear, 
>only your weaponry and the clothing on your back.  We can wait for you 
>while you browse within the outfitting store here next to the Inn, in case 
>you need any, well, stuff."

"As you know, we are new to this place and are not familiar with what a 
traveler would be in need of.  Aside from rations and weapons, I am not 
sure what else would be of use."  Ronin looks towards the store. "But we 
will browse as you suggest."

With mage (hopefully) in tow, the Swordsman heads over to the outfitting 
store.

Once there, he will nod to the proprietor and begin to look around.

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : He meets the World
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 11:14:01 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 still overcome by the flow of info, he said " What are you plans for me now, that I'm not your puppet anymore, are you just gonna let me live or try to replace me? If so, I might just want to replace your head for your ass for trying to do it. So are you gonna let me go freely or am I gonna get to do a product demo for ya?" A.S.9 said as he causes his whip to pop out slightly, and his eyes to glow and his blades pop out from the underside of his fingers. He smiles briefly waiting for a response.

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 14:27:37 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As you strike the hover-carrier, Rebound, you hit it with enough force
to plow yourself into the earth directly below - you hit hard enough to
sink in about a foot, then bounce up and down a couple of times - and
though you've stopped, the damage is done.

The carrier careens out of control, its' rear left turbofan unit smashed
up but good in the impact you delivered upon it.  The thing starts
spinning, faster and faster, until it resolves itself in a strange
rotational course that sends it towards a corporate building.

Its personnel leap out in order to stave off destruction, but being
forty feet in the air, they all seem to incur rather nasty injuries upon
impact with the ground; their own armor doesn't seem all that effective
versus overwhelming, spread-out impact.

You can even SEE broken legs and stuff.

Meanwhile, Percy starts up and, plowing over the crushed ice in the
tunnel behind him, he roars out over the Coalescence's courtyard,
scattering police who fire upon him to no effect.  "Har har!  Ye bloody
gits, this tank, he is blaster proof!  Har!"

Treading your way, Percy stops to pick you up, Rebound, and then tears
off in the direction that your scientist pal indicated.  After about ten
minutes, mostly spent running over cars who wouldn't get out of the way,
you make it to the starpad.

You smash through the outer fence, and pull up to a rather neat looking
cruiser; it's made out of some strange metal, one glazed to give a look
like unto an oil slick; it bends light striking it in odd, almost
rainbow-like patterns (though not all that brilliant a rainbow hue).

Once there, Alabaster instructs you to disembark.

"Yer guys go get yerselves a pilot.  I'll make sure that nobody follows
yer from down here.  Me'n Percy'll cover yer, see!"  Percy lights up its
front panels in the affirmative.  "Yes.  You three go on to Decima, and
see if you can go about changing the past."

"You must stop A-Lonse from kicking the earth out of its proper orbit!" 

(pilot, anyone?)

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 14:33:05 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You reach into the magic bag, and you withdraw a... dwarf.  Not a cute,
fuzzy dwarf like you would see in a Disney (TM) cartoon, but a live,
hairy bugger of a dwarf.  He's about three foot six, and save for the
height and his impressive beard, he looks just like Indiana Jones.

Complete with the hat.  "Er, hello?"

After brandishing your dwarf at Boo-Getty, the man (?) laughs.  "Har! 
Are yew tellin' me that yew's gonna git me with a MIDget?  Ha haaaah!"
At that, the dwarf 'ahems' and introduces himself.  "No, my pale friend,
I am not a 'MID-get'.  I am a dwarf.  You may call me Och."

Well, you're not sure what you can do with this dwarf, but he's here,
much to the amazement of the College Cops.  Now what?

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 14:39:19 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The two of you make your way into the shop, and you find it to be a
combination weapon store, grocery store, and general camping outfitter -
your all in one survivalist shopping center!  Of course, all the
equipment is that which one would make in a less advanced civilization.

Technologically speaking, that is.

For instance, there's no hunting rifles, flashlights, kerosene, or any
such conveniences.  A bunch of axes (for trees or, apparently, people),
a plethora of knives, a few swords, a few hammers, and so on.  And of
course, in the event you find yourself without food, rations.

Not handy c-rations or m.r.e.'s like the military produces, but simple
'food product' packed up for the 'on the go' sort of traveler.  It's a
lot, but since you've got nothing but the clothes and weapons on your
back, something here might come in handy.

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : He meets the World
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 14:44:37 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"You shouldn't have threatened me.  No, really."  As Roy says that,
another panel slides away from the wall, revealing two rather tall,
chromed looking robots, each appearing to be something akin to a human
skeleton, were such a thing blessed with a shoulder-mounted weapon.

"You see, my faithful children here, them being Mutilators 002 and 003,
they're fanatical in their devotion to me and mine - and they take no
guff from anybody.  Especially in regards to my personal safety. 
Children, defenestrate A.S.9."

The two robots advance upon your person, looking to inflict real, bodily
harm upon you.  Roy just sits in his desk laughing as the twin steel
monstrosities come your way.  So, the question is, do you deal with them
or Roy first?

Of course, Roy has no shoulder-mounted weapons...

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 20:20:17 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"I can work a motorcycle real well but pilot a starship is waaaaaaaaay out 
of my league.  So Re' any ideas for a pilot?  What about you Tammy?"  Stone 
Cold, recovering but clueless.

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 15:47:45 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Well, it looks like we'll have to find a pilot.  Maybe we can find one
walking around here somewhere."  Rebound takes a tour of the place looking
for a pilot to "ask" for help.

(OCC: I am going to be out of circulation for the next week or so.  Not sure
if I'll be able to access my email - I'll just follow Stone Cold's lead for
the mean time and if something/someone needs to blown up, feel free to
assume I try.)

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 14:55:15 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You find one, all right.  He was just leaving what looked like a lounge
of sorts, and sees the three of you lumbering up towards him and says
"Wha...?"  Meanwhile, you hear a battle cry in the distance, and putting
two and two together, you get a bad felling in your heads.

Sounds like a bunch of cops are rallying for a charge.

Now what?

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 20:58:42 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

(OCC: Cool.  Merry Christmas, home slice.  Best o' da New Year to ya too.  
And that's the bottom line......You know the rest.  ;) )

Stone Cold inquires about a pilot to take them where they need to go.  
(Fast).

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 16:01:24 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound will grab the "pilot" screaming..."OH MY GOD!!!  The planet's
breaking up!!!  We have to get out of here!!!"

He will then help (push) the "pilot" to the ship and follow him in. Yelling,
"You gotta get us out of here before the whole thing comes apart...Didn't
you feel the tremors?"

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 21:08:25 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"What are you waiting for MAN, get this tub up-out.  The vibrations are 
getting closer."  Using what strength he has left, Stone Cold begins to rock 
the ship a little.

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 15:16:36 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

(making a quick Reason FEAT roll for the pilot)

"Tremors?  Breaking up?!  Crikey!  C'mon, I've got the ship all fueled
up and ready to go!  We'd better get out of here before we get mobbed,
and all go up!  C'mon!!"  The pilot runs to his craft, trying to beat
the crowd he hears approaching the starpad.

(need i really say that I rolled a 9?)

As you run onto the craft, Alabaster waves at you.  "Good luck, yer
lucky bastards!  We'll deal with these jokers!"  With that, Alabaster's
H.I.S.S. tank begins to change shape, its form twisting and bending in a
mash of hydraulic sounds that leaves it altered.

It has transformed into what appears to be a humanoid body - though one
without a head.  That job falls to Alabaster, whose armor transforms
itself into such a module, and then flies up to land on top of Percy's
shoulders - you know, where a head SHOULD go.

In a combined voice, the two of them say "Get on with it already!  I've
got yer covered!!"  And you can see that he does, for that massive rail
gun that was mounted on back of the H.I.S.S. tank is now sitting in
Percy's robotic hand.  "Have a good trip, boys!  And girl!"

As you shake the ship, Stoney, the pilot does all his pre-flight stuff,
and then lifts off as you see the police mob approaching the runway. 
"Okay, fellas", says the pilot, "now what?  We're off the earth, but
where to?  Should we head to the galactic core?"

"I know this great Mhungus bar..."

?

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 16:26:02 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound stands next to the pilot hoping to get some clue how to fly this
thing is everything goes wrong.

"Get us to Decima...they may be able to save what's left of the planet from
there."

Subject: RE: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 21:40:30 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Move it man, move it the ground could throw up debris at anytime and wreck 
the ship."  'Glad you remembered, where we were going.'  Whispers Stoney, to 
Rebound.

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 16:29:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Well, I don't know what you three (?) think those mad scientists and
crackpots can come up with, but I'm setting in a course now."  The pilot
then does so, and you're off!  Of course, one question remains... did
you leave your hostage on the earth, or bring him with?

(just curious...)

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 17:27:23 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx grins maniacally as she sees the package smack into Thumper's car,
but frowns when it doesn't result in a beautiful display of
pyrokinetics, "Damn."

Again, she holds on for dear life as they rocket down the alleyway,
doing her best to remain calm and line up the jeep's machine guns on the
front end of the Cadillac, hoping to puncture some vital inner workings
of the pink automobile.

[93 to hit, 65 for Damage]

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : He meets the Twins
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 18:02:37 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 makes a leap behind Roy and wrap him with his whip, try to use him as 
a body shield and escape the room then toss him towards the robots. If that 
doesn't work he will do some backflips and try to escape that way, using his 
eye beams to blast the robots and hit their shoulder weapons. here's a bunch 
of rolls. 4,55,49,71,90

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Wed, 22 Dec 1999 21:06:08 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

"Woo!...I haven't gotten to go shopping in a long time. Last time I went
shopping I tripped over some blue dinosaur thing and it started singing
and it scared me... lots... and I called MAx and I stayed above the aisles
near the ceiling until they took that foul demon away. Oh... you think the
demon was that tiny purple creature... Noooo... it was another purple
creature. In my attempt to banish the tiny demon I accidentally called
forth an excrimental...A purple one....the most angry type...oh boy was
he mad...they had to call a plumber!"
 
> Once there, he will nod to the proprietor and begin to look around.

Masque waves vigorously to the shopkeeper.

"Oooo... Beef jerky!"

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Thu, 23 Dec 1999 01:27:21 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari smiles sweetly.  "Och... be a dear and kick this guy's ass, would you?"  
Ari moves to support Och, if he agrees, possibly via reaching into the bag 
again.

Subject: Re: [v13] Welcome to Antarctic City!
Date:    Thu, 23 Dec 1999 13:32:00 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

OCC: too mouthy to leave behind.  Might radio ahead.

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Thu, 23 Dec 1999 16:36:51 -0800
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

Magus makes an audible hrmm'ing sound of displeasure at the thought of it's
previous owners cursing it to all sorts of Hells the universe over. "Well
perhaps we will wait on naming you for right now. Maybe once you're skills
have been so aptly demonstrated...," Magus states loud and clearly before
muttering more to himself, "...and once divine inspiration bites me on my
hind quarters."

> "And careful with those talons.  My finish, and all..."

"Worry not yourself on me harming you at the moment. But for now I'd like
to know how I may return to my home. Do you pray tell have any idea how I
can get there?"

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Fri, 24 Dec 1999 14:15:53 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Standing in the streets of Sigil, this City of Doors, you converse with
your new guide whilst teeming hordes of beings from everywhere pass you
by.  "Well, sir, that is both one question and many.  I suppose we
should start with the simple one.  Where do you come from?"

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Fri, 24 Dec 1999 14:27:56 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The dwarf looks at you, and then looks at Boo-Getty.  And then at you,
and then at Boo-Getty again.  Seeing the creepy pale guy shamble on
towards you, waggling his fingers, licking his lips, and generally being
a deviant degenerate, he nods.

"Yes'm."

Och walks up to the man, and gets himself picked up and thrown through
the door to the Campus Security office.  "Ah TOLE yah to stay outta mai
way!"  Boo-Getty shambles about a step more towards you, when you see a
bit of door nail the man in the groin.  From behind.

"That was quite rude of you, my good man, throwing me through that door
like that.  Almost surly, I might say."  Och waits for the man to react,
and seems almost unhappy when he doesn't fall down in a ball of pain,
but instead just pivots on the balls of his feet.

"And ah told you to stay outta mai way!  Piss OFF!"  Boo-Getty then
gives Och a backhanded punch that sends him sprawling, and then rolling
into a nearby desk.  Boo-Getty then turns towards you, licks his lips,
and continues on in your direction.

"Gimme yer SACK, ah say!"  Suddenly, you hear the 'ching' sound you get
when somebody pulls out a particularly beautiful weapon, one of
exceptional craft and/or power.  You find out that the sound just came
from Och.  He pulled out his axe.

It looks to be made out of solid gold, though that edge is much sharper
than any you could ever get with mere gold weaponry.  This is a thing of
magic - and potent magic, at that.  "Sir, I am afraid I'm going to have
to ask you to step outside.  Now."

Boo-Getty looks at the dwarf, and hisses.  "Urh!  Kill you!"  He
shambles right towards Och and tries to give him a flattening punch, but
the blow never connects, for Och uses his axe to chop the offending arm
clean off.  "I said outside, buffoon!"

Boo-Getty then picks up his arm with his spare and flees.

"Ah git you!  Ah git you!!  Ah git you!!!", he rants as he runs away,
though runs is something of a misnomer, really, in that he only moves at
about 1.5 miles per hour.  He sure as heck looks like he's trying to get
out of here fast, though.

?!

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : He meets the Twins
Date:    Fri, 24 Dec 1999 14:41:37 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Well, you're certainly impressed.  When you attempted to grapple Roy
with your whip, the man moved with a speed and grace that you find
astonishing, frankly.  He was right in place until you cracked your
whip, at which point he was simply... elsewhere.

As you look around, trying to follow his blur of graceful movements, you
discover where he is about a microsecond too late - he was right behind
you.  He gives you a parting kick in the rump which sends you flying
right towards his robotic minions.

Luckily, you're no slouch yourself, and you do your own flipping and
other assorted avoidance moves, leaping over the twin robots who seem to
be dead-set on grappling you.  As you run out the door, you take a
parting shot at one of the robots - and connect.

You don't quite connect with the shoulder weapon, but you do manage to
disable it by proxy, essentialy by lasing it (and the connecting
shoulder) clean off of the robot.  It makes a miserable squawking sound
as it falls down, looking on in disdain as you flee the scene.

"Oh, bother.  Mutilator 003, stop trying to defenestrate mister 9 there,
and simply obliterate him."  The lights in the robot's eyes light up
with that, and it opens fire with its shoulder weapon.  The massive
gatling cannon tears up the doorframe where you just were.

The robot starts walking after you, A.S.9.  Now what?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Fri, 24 Dec 1999 14:54:03 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Well, that package didn't blow up when it hit Thumper's caddy, but it
does blow a few seconds later, detonating with enough force to blow the
current occupant of the garage's exit tunnel clean out.  It was that
Grimm guy, on his motorcycle.

You have this feeling that he's going to get you.

At any rate, you swivel the V.A.M.P.'s twin .50 cal linked cannons, and
take shots - a LOT of shots.  You open up full auto on the cadillac, and
it simply can't withstand the onslaught of such fierce, unyielding
firepower.  The thing sputters to a stop, smashing into a brick wall.

You're starting to see why Clutch goes everywhere in this thing - these
guns, while not particularly advanced, are about twice as tough as your
own!  Gives you that warm, tingly feeling inside.  "Nice shootin', Tex!
Now, all we've gotta do is nail the other eleven bozos!"

Clutch then exits the alley at last, taking a hard left that makes your
brain slosh around inside your head, and throws you a remote control
keypad.  "Hey.  If it starts gettin' heavy, climb in here with me, and
you can control the .50's with this."

"So's at least you've got SOME cover, natch?"

Clutch then takes another left, incredibly hard, one that makes your
cheeks pull sideways against your new, extremely centrifugal motion. 
Within about ten seconds, Clutch is in sight of the parking garage
again, and you can see more folks coming out.

That strange wedge car, driven by that Stiletto fellow, and the red
lamborghini, driven by the Crimson Fury, come flying out of the garage,
the latter running down Mister Grimm as he tries to right his bike
again.  You could swear you could see glaring red eyes under his visor.

He throws another soul, but doesn't connect - Fury's car is too damn
fast.  Clutch looks at you and winks, Jinx, and tells you to press the
bottom right button on that keypad.  Looking, you see that it's the one
that has 'don't press under any circumstances' etched on it.

"Trust me..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Fri, 24 Dec 1999 15:12:18 -0800
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

"The Blood Isles of Io is my land of origin. Perhaps that helps you some
what?" Magus asks as he begins to stroll down the street observing
everything odd about Sigil as he waits to listen to the mimir's answer or
further questions.

<OOC: I take it the mimir moves under it's own power. So if I start
meandering about the city it will tag along with me. Correct?>

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : He makes his exit
Date:    Fri, 24 Dec 1999 14:59:02 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 get his Ass out! But before he escapes he says " I'll be back!!!" shooting a quick laser at the robots feet, hopefully taking out the floor or his feet.  Then he is going to look for the closest exit, and start leaping down, watching for guards and other robots which he is going to simply dodge. Once in town he 
is going to see what he can do to find some help taking down the guy, maybe the people he almost took out. he's a few rolls for dodges.  88,22,99,76,69,45,51,75 Hope that is enough to get out

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Fri, 24 Dec 1999 22:32:34 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari just *looks* at Och.  "Wow."     

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Mon, 27 Dec 1999 20:40:38 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx laughs out loud as she feels the power of the .50 caliber cannons
rumble with hot lead death. This is what she trudges through the mundane
boredom of life for! This is really living - not that lazy TV Dinner
eating monotony she so often had to endure.

She let the g-forces tug at her body, straining her muscles and pulling
the blood about in her veins as if pumped by gigantic heart somewhere
beyond her body.

Jinx easily caught the remote control, but paid it very little mind.
Hiding was not the way to live life! But when he made mention of the
rather ill-omened button, she could not resist the temptation to see
what the little box could do.

Pushing the button, she grit her teeth and waited for the hopefully
explosive results.

[Relenting to the Action Addict quirk. 10 + Bonus for Initiative. 56 &
62 for any necessary rolls.]

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : He makes his exit
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 03:58:41 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You blast with your laser, putting a hole in the foot of the Mutilator
robot that was, until moments ago, beginning to give chase to you
outside of Roy's office.  It falls down, making something of an
embarrassed, squauking sound.  "Squarrk..."

In response to your boast of a quick return, Roy answers you, but
doesn't use his voice.  You hear a sinister voice inside your head, a
voice filled with self-assured laughter.  "Of course you will, my boy.
Of course you will.  But in a trash can!  Ha ha haaa!"

As you leap down flight of stairs after flight of stairs, you hear a
voice over the intercom - Roy again.  "Attention, everybody!  One of our
experiments is running amok in the halls, stay where you are until we
are sure it has fled the area."

"Oh, and Doctor... release the final prototype."

You're not sure what that's supposed to mean, but you've got a bad, bad,
bad idea that it's something like ... another you.  Not that you have
time to deal with that right now, of course, because you're too busy
running for your life.

Once you exit the A-S compound, you find yourself in the cool winter
night, and hear sirens in the distance, issuing forth from several
police cars headed towards the structure you just left at such high
speeds, and naturally about to find out you were there.

Looking around, you find absolutely no sign of night life by any means,
and have no clue where you can actually find any help.  Now what?

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 04:03:24 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

(ooc:  to answer your question - yes, it sort of bobs around after you)

As you stroll down the streets of Sigil, you see an ever-increasing
array of strange folk, each of which seems a mere inch away from tearing
into the other beings around you.  Angelic devas looking at the fiend
behind you with rage, frog-things looking at that modron angrily.

And so on.  Nobody makes a move, however, which gives you pause.  What
could possibly hold all of these powerful beings in check, beings that
should be able to tear each other - and even you - to shreds with nary a
thought.  What, you ask?

Anyway, in response to your query, the mimir speaks up.  "Helps some?
Hardly.  I have never heard of such a place, which is somewhat
irrelevant.  You see, in order to start, we need to determine just which
world you come from.  What plane, to be precise."

"Only then, once we know where you come from, shall we find where you
need to go..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 04:05:34 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Er, thank you, I think."  The dwarf brushes himself off, and then wipes
his axe off on his trousers.  Oh sure, there's no blood or other sundry
ichor on it, but the short man seems unhappy about the residue on the
axe nonetheless.  The residue of violence.

"I really don't like doing that sort of thing, you know.  I prefer not
to fight unless I must.  But that fellow there was downright
recalcitrant, you know... otherwise... you wouldn't have pulled me out
of that... that... bag?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 04:12:35 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You hear a sort of 'thunk' sound underneath your chair as you push the
shiny, candy-like button, and suddenly, everything goes tunnel-vision.
You feel your cheeks pull against your face as though they were trying
to run off the side of your head.

The V.A.M.P. lurches forward - a lot!

>From the whine issuing forth from the V.A.M.P.'s engines, you figure out
in a second or so that Clutch had you hit the nitrous button, triggering
a secret stash he'd rigged up into the fuel line.  You start going real
fast - right towards Mr. Grimm!

You nail his bike at about one hundred and fifty miles per hour,
spraying the nearby area with motorcycle parts - an area that just now
began to include yet another vehicle that was pulling out of the
abandoned parking garage... though you don't know which one.

You're just going too damn fast!

You barrel around a corner (a small curve, actually, but it FEELS like a
corner) at 175 and you hear Clutch yelling something at you... something
akin to, at this velocity, 'Etgo!  Etgoah!'  He doesn't look back at
you, though, because he's too busy dodging bystander traffic.

And that red lamborghini that just did a bootlegger reverse way up in
front of you, and now seems to be barrelling your way, front-mounted
laser blazing a trail in front of it!!  What do YOU do, Jinx?

Subject: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 04:22:36 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The spacecraft descends into a high orbit around Decima, the tenth
planet in the solar system.  This dark brown orb, a gas giant about
three times the size of Jupiter, is itself about ten times farther out
than Pluto, the farthest planet within your solar knowledge.

You can see why modern-day science never spotted this thing, really, in
that it's barely visible against space, even when this close - it's that
dark out here... almost interstellar space.  But you're here, now, no
thanks to that goon you brought with you.

He tried to rat out your plan to the pilot, in order to get you all
captured or something, but you found out that your pilot wasn't a
Varakni at all, but human as well - just sunburned enough to have the
Varaknis pink shade at the time...

And he has no great love for the folk in charge of his planet.  He had a
good laugh at your little scheme to get him in the air, and then told
you he'd be happy to bring you to Decima... if only to make your hostage
cringe - especially since he vowed to LEAVE the man there!

Anyway, the three of you manage to rest up well during the trip,
recovering from any damage you may've suffered in your little assault on
Antarctic City (even you, Rebound).  You feel a bit bored, as it was a
long trip, but you're finally here.

As you orbit the planet, you eventually spot the station in orbit around
the gas giant that is Decima.  It looks almost tiny against the backdrop
of Decima, but it is definitely much brighter; it's landing lights make
it look most welcome compared to the background out here.

"Wake up, you little hijackers - we're here!!  Say hello to Omega
Outlook, home of all the Varakni's crackpots, mad scientists, and
exceptionally advanced research and development!!  Oh, and more
interstellar scumbags than even I can shake a stick at!!!"

"You want me to keep the car warm?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 15:05:07 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"That would be best!  Cause when it time a go, we gotta be ready to bounce.  
Come on geekazoid!  Any more antics out of you, and I'll teleport you into 
space no, spacesuit.  POP!  Got it, good.  Let's go."  Says Stone Cold.

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 3 Jan 2000 10:59:55 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Thank God!  Something to do!!"

Rebound practically runs out of the airlock (if such a thing is necessary)
to get out of the ship and DO something.  Having very little clue where he
is, let alone where he needs to go, Rebound looks around for a directory.

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 16:06:51 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Slow down, all we have to do is find the alien freak, smoke his butt and 
get back home.  What could be so difficult?  You do remember his name don't 
you?"  Says Stone Cold, keeping a tight reign on the lab tech.

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 11:08:50 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

Ronin heads right for the swords and begins checking them out.  None 
probably come up to the level of the Thunder Cutter, but he could appreciate 
a finely crafted blade no less.

>Not handy c-rations or m.r.e.'s like the military produces, but simple 
>'food product' packed up for the 'on the go' sort of traveler.  It's a lot, 
>but since you've got nothing but the clothes and weapons on your back, 
>something here might come in handy.

The Swordsman calls over to the Wizard.  "Sorcerer...look about getting us 
some food for the trip and some clothing.  I will look about armaments."

Ronin continues to peruse the goods.

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 09:25:41 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> The Swordsman calls over to the Wizard.  "Sorcerer...look about getting us
> some food for the trip and some clothing.  I will look about armaments."

Like a kid in a candy store, Masque is beaming.

"Done and Done! Two steps ahead of ya swordsman"
As you turn, you see his hands are already full of "MRE's".

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 3 Jan 2000 11:15:05 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Um...Don't we have to get home and 'smoke his butt' there?  I don't think
it'll do much good to smoke his butt here..."

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 3 Jan 2000 11:20:09 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari nods.  "Yeah... that was weird... You're pretty much the first.. person 
I've ever pulled out of the bag.  Rabbits, yeah, birds, all the time... but 
PEOPLE?  Never.  So, Och... .What're ya gonna do now?"

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 16:36:15 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"What?  Smoke him here, smoke him there, smoke him everywhere.... Ole 
Mac....  Wrong song hunh?  Ok.  Let's just get home, and lay the smackdown 
on him and set things right again."

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 3 Jan 2000 11:45:00 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Now, THAT sounds like a plan...Hey weasel,  you gonna show us around this
place, or are we going to have to make this messy."

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Mon, 3 Jan 2000 11:50:32 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

> (ooc:  to answer your question - yes, it sort of bobs around after you)

<OOC: Thanks that's what I figured. =^)>

Staying alert to the plethora of creatures surrounding me throughout this
strange city I keep my hands resting at the ready on the handles of my
swords.

> (snippity snip snip)

> "Only then, once we know where you come from, shall we find where you
> need to go..."

"Wonderful...hmmm...is there any way we can determine the world and plane I
came from? In terms that can be useful that is. Perhaps a library of some
sort?"

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 16:59:04 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Make messy, make messy.  Hey you be quiet, he doesn't have to make this 
messy."  Instantly forming wolverine claws from his hands.  And Batman 
spikes down his arms.  (out of Ice.)  Then makeing them evaporate.  In front 
of his eyes.  "Please make it messy.  I have cut loose in awhile.  And 
that's the bottomline."  Says Stone Cold.

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : On the road again.
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 11:09:24 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

I travel back to the jeep and get out of town fast either that I steal a vehicle from one of the locals, whicj i will pull out with whip and sit them on the ground safely.

rolls 45,45,43, 3 ( p.s. Glad you are feeling better.)

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 13:24:50 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

"Errr...."  <insert favorite anime look of surprise here; mine would be the 
large saucer eyes> "...yes. Good.  Now do not forget clothing and other 
supplies."

Ronin shivers slightly at the thought of Masque getting the supplies that 
may well determine if they survive this trip.  He turns back to the weapons, 
in order to distract himself.  He'll try hefting a few of them, testing them 
for weight, balance, etc.

Looking over to the shopkeep, he makes a few inquiries.  "Are any of these 
arms magical?" he asks bluntly.

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 21:03:01 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Fine, fine, whatever.  Not that I've ever actually BEEN here or
anything, but sure, I'll show you brutes around.  Whatever."  The surly
Varakni scientist accompanies the three of you (Rebound, Stone Cold, and
of course, Tammy) as you disembark the waiting spacecraft.

"This would appear to be a docking bay, possibly one of many.  To your
left and right we see assorted spacecraft, some like ours, some not, but
all here to stop for a drink or refuel at Decima station, as far as I
can tell.  Whoa."

"So, this is the Omega Outlook docking bay, bay 3, from that sign
there.  And this other sign says that the dealer's ring is just outside
this door, on the innards of the Outlook.  Woo, am I bein' a good enough
guide yet, or what?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] That Great Wheel Deal..
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 21:09:33 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As Masque greedily scoops up what you can't help but imagine to be
rather unappetizing field rations, the shop-keep sort of cackles at you,
Ronin, in a fashion more fitting to be a wheeze than an actual laugh. 
"Magical?  Har!"

"If I were totin' magical camping axes, I'd be much richer than what you
see before ye."  After a string of coughs (laughs?), the man continues. 
"No, not magical, but still useful nonetheless.  If'n you need to cut
somethin', and don't want to dull your nice blade there."

"I suppose that hatchet yer holdin' might make itself useful some, yes.
Yes, indeed."  He just waits there for the two of you to come up with
what you intend to buy, unless you have any other questions.  He's
definitely ready to take your money, however.

Which brings up one more point...

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 21:13:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Well, I don't know.  Last I knew, I was in the middle of some sort of
battle under the streets of your New York City, when we were struck by a
tidal wave of some unwholesome fluid.  My friend, Silhouette, made an
attempt to teleport us all to safety, but I don't see her here."

"Or any of my other allies.  I suppose I must return there, to see if
the foe they fought has been vanquished or not - either to avenge my
friends or to simply clean up the mess the battle with him has assuredly
made."

"I wouldn't want a significant portion of your city there to collapse
due to my friends' activities.  Or my foes'.  I suppose that means I
must procure some sort of transportation, once I determine exactly where
I am.  Where am I, exactly?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A Beginning... (Magus)
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 21:18:14 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Well, master, we have two choices in your current predicament.  One, we
can consult the Great Library, a small distance away from here in what
is called the Lady's ward, or we can simply meet up with some sort of
sage or graybeard, and hope he or she can determine your origin."

"Or point of origin, rather."  The mimir stops, apparently to just bob
about for a few seconds, and continues.  "Either one should be a good
source of information, though there is the matter of time involved.  A
sage is faster, but charges more.  Hm...?"

Before you can answer the mimir, you feel a heavy hand come down on your
shoulder.  Wheeling about reflexively, you see several heavily armed and
armored men, distinctive in that their armor is a brilliant shade of
red, glistening in the gloom around you.

"Hey there, you clueless berk.  You expecting trouble?"  Following the
gaze of the man talking, you can see that he's staring at your hand -
the hand you have readily positioned on your sword.  "We hope you ain't
here to start trouble... not very harmonious, if'n you ask me."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : On the road again.
Date:    Mon, 03 Jan 2000 21:24:13 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

(thankyew, thankyew... appreciate it)

You make your way back to the G.I.Joe jeep you... confiscated... and
find that it has stood unmolested since you left it there.  Hopping in,
you start the thing up and take off as you hear sirens from the local
police department starting to kick in in force.

Driving out of town, you slowly come to the realization that your first
guess about the state of your Jeep was incorrect; it was in fact
molested, in that you've got a passenger!  Looking into the back seat,
you see a man in an all black, almost skin-tight jumpsuit.

He has you covered with an Uzi, but he doesn't fire.  In fact, once he
sees that you're making no sudden moves, he puts the thing down, and
simply puts his finger up to where his lips should be under that black
mask, as though trying to shush you.

He holds his finger there for about ten miles or so, until you're well
out of town, and then puts his hand down, also... leaving you to ask
whatever questions you like.  So, unless you acted to harm this fellow
during that time, what now?
