Variant Earth 13 E Mail Game Archive Number 15

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : A.S.9. Bounty Hunter
Date:    Thu, 20 Jan 2000 18:39:55 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 thinks to himself, probably the best money will be in Bounty Hunter, and he could do it without getting too much attention. So he heads off to the local post office to look at the wanted poster, hoping he won't find his own face there.

Subject: Re: [v13] Lost In Space...?
Date:    Thu, 20 Jan 2000 17:58:48 -0800
From:   "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

"You...know about Morbis?"  Reaper asks...

> (snip Syde-talk)

"Uh...yeah actually.  Is Ken safe here?  'Cause if he is, I'd like to
tag along...y'know check up on my friends and all that."

<tag>

"One other thing..." Reaper begins, turning toward his bike, "What about this?  It follows me wherever, or I guess 'whenever'-" he corrects with a wry grin, "I go.  I love it, its the best bike I've ever ridden.  How is it doing it though?  - The following me part..."

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Thu, 20 Jan 2000 20:34:40 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

"Whoo hoo! Yeah! This rocks! I've got my own train! Yahoo!" Jinx cackled as she rumbled down the LA streets.

Somewhat giddy from her rare moment of insight, Jinx attempts to get
back to the moment by taking a look at the train's weapon systems.

She knew that Thrasher had been using a rocket launcher on this thing
and she desparately wanted to see something go boom!

If she was capable of finding the rocket launcher or any other heavy
weapon, she would do her best to train it on the hopefully slower moving St. Nick and knock him and his sled out of the air.

[6 + Modifier for Initiative, 25 + 15 Karma to Hit, 92 for Damage.]

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Fri, 21 Jan 2000 01:16:38 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

Magus sits down in the freshly offered seat and listens to the tale...

(snip practical joke)

Magus flinches at the unexpectedness of the practical joke not in fear but
wariness that comes to one that knows battle lurks where and when you least
expect it.

(snip githyanki response)

Magus chuckles ever so slightly as the githyanki storm off and looks over at the bartender and the bar, "Aye another would be most appreciated." Turning back to the animated bar, "Perhaps we could talk more later. You seem to be wise to many things of the infinite planes and I would like to know more about the things that exist everywhere and nowhere."

Subject: Re: [v13] Lost In Space...?
Date:    Fri, 21 Jan 2000 14:31:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Lieutenant Syde smiles at you.  "Of course we know about Morbis.  We in
Temporal Management make it a point to monitor any use of time travel,
or the creation of any device that manipulates temporal energies... that way, we know who is and isn't a troublemaker."

"It's all just a matter of accounting, really."

In response to your other question, Syde's not quite so forthcoming. 
"Well, I would love to take you with me, friend, but it's basically
against company policy to pull anybody out of their proper place in time without due justification... and I probably can't come up with it."

"I do apologize, really, but I've got to go by company rules, and all."
She continues to clack away at her electronic slate, until you mention
the bike.  "Beats me, kid... some kind of deific artifact.  Not quite
magic, but... something else.  If it's adopted you, it's yours."

"Or vice versa.  As long as it's not some weird sort of vampire
motorcycle, you should be fine.  And I've never heard of any such thing, so I'm guessing you just happened to find yourself one heck of a nifty ride, neh?  Especially if you can't leave it behind!"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Fri, 21 Jan 2000 14:44:57 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You locate the controls for the rocket brace on top of Bessie by finding the button labeled 'rOckiTz' on Thrasher's control panel, and after you press it, a little panel opens up next to the button.  It shows the scene in front of you, and provides a little joystick targeter.

You aim the projectile launcher to the best of your ability, and fire,
sending a curtain of rocket-propelled doom at poor, unsuspecting Saint
Nick - or so he looked.  He seems to bob and weave around your missiles
with ease, all save for one - which tags his rear left stabilizer.

The rest detonate on some skyscrapers in the distance... oops.

However, the damage is done, and Saint Nick's hover-sleigh starts to
emit smoke, and list to the left a lot.  With that, he turns his vehicle towards you, and pulls the knot out of the rope he'd used to secure his rocket goats to the sleigh; sort of an on-the-spot repair, that was.

But, the rocket goats rocket away again, leaving the sleigh, slowly
sinking out of the sky, and headed right for you.  The strange little
dwarf then pulls out a remote control dingus, and suddenly, you see all
kinds of lights kicking in behind him.

The madman then hefts his entire bag of presents at Bessie when he
drifts over you, leaving the train engine peppered with bombs - at least thirty!  You're not sure how well Thrasher armor plated this thing, but do you really trust the work of a man who spells rockets as 'rOckiTz'?

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Fri, 21 Jan 2000 14:55:26 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Sure thing, friend!  I love to tell a tale or two!  And I like you, so
I won't play any jokes on you or your friends... unless they're
githyanki.  They're always pestering my githzerai pals, so I do what I
can to make their lives horrid... hah hah hah!"

The barkeep then passes you a drink, not an el cheapo ale like the one
you had back in the Market Ward, but this is a quality brew.  It makes
your mouth water and your eyes tear up with happiness just by tasting
it... it's that good.

Just about then, your new, planar pals finally catch up to you, and see
you conversing with the bar and the barkeep.  "Ah, you met the Bar,
then, eh?  Hope he didn't throw any severed parts at you today, or swipe your drink..."  That was Jesus.

The others look just a little bit looser than before, as though they'd
also found a source of imbibement.  "Well, Magus-man, how's digs?  You
ready to check out more of our fine metro-opolis, or you want to stay
here for awhile, and park your eyes on these classy dames?", says Frank.

?!

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : A.S.9. Bounty Hunter
Date:    Fri, 21 Jan 2000 15:07:54 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Once you arrive at the post office, you find all manner of posts for
wanted folks of various stripes, mostly thugs who jumped bail, but a few men and women who have so far still managed to avoid the long arm of the law... and no, you don't see your picture there... not yet.

You're looking through the lists of yet-to-see-justice thugs, when
another man walks in, one who seems a bit on the balding side, and has
more than his fair share of scars on his face.  He's about six foot
three, and appears to radiate an aura of sheer menace.

He looks at the board, and finds a particular post that he doesn't seem
to like.  "Hardcore?  Hm."  He pulls it off the board and rips it into
itsy bitsy pieces.  "Ain't noboby gonna hunt down my friend like a dog.
Hm.  What else we got here today?"

The man sifts through the lists of murders, rapists, thieves, and pulls
out one marked 'extremely armed and dangerous', one with a $20,000
reward on his head.  The man then grabs the pay phone next to the wanted board, and calls the number on the post.

"Hello?  This is Mark Hazzard, calling about the bounty you've got on
this Antonio Smith fellow.  Yeah, the ten homicides, two acts of
terrorism, one moving violation.  Sign me up, 'cause I'm gonna bring
this slime in for ya.  Just tell me where to go to get the info I need."

The apparent Mark then pulls out a notepad, and starts taking down an
address, when he notices you watching him.  "Yeah?", he asks?

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Thu, 20 Jan 2000 17:34:47 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Well... Ari's going to look at the tie for a second... try and gauge just what the hell it's supposed to do.  "Oh... A metal tie.  What is this, a throwing star or something?"  If she can't find any real thing it seems to be good for, she pockets it and heads back for the front door.  No way in hell she's goin' in Batman style.  Broken ankle, woo!

Subject:  Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:     Thu, 21 Jan 2000, 13:30:66 CST
From:     "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx cackles with glee when she sees St. Nick's sled start to list, but
frowns as he begins to descend upon her and the train.

"Right! Let's see how much speed ole Bessie can pick up!" she exclaimed
as she set the train to full throttle and turned to shovel as much coal
as she could into the furnace to provide more fuel.

"I'm not ready to give up the fight yet!"

[9 + Modifier for Initiative, 53, 84, 92 for any necessary rolls]

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Hazardous living
Date:    Fri, 21 Jan 2000 18:05:35 CST
From:   "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 tore off the rest of the List of people and took it with him, leaving 
the wall bare, and then walked up to him with his blades popped out, and 
said " I think I want that bounty too!" I will watch and be ready for an 
attack and then counter attack with a few precise slashes to his skin. 
79,25,60,82

Subject: Re: [v13] Harmonious Fortitude
Date:    Fri, 21 Jan 2000 22:04:34 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Masque beams.

> (snip description of Thaddeus and Gloria)

Masque points at the badges in turn, like a teacher counting his
students.

"Tell me...are those badges some sort of Union thing? Does everyone
belong to some sort of club in these parts? And If so, do you get neat
stuff..Magic stuff?!? Sign me up if'n ya do!"

> "And don't ask how we know.  You have no overwhelming red theme to your
> clothing, and no Harmonium badges.  Besides, you have an open look to
> your faces that betrays you as not being one of these stuffy berks."
> Thaddeus grins and yells to the barkeep.

"Ha!....Stuffy?! Not us! We are so Un-stuffed, we have to wear many
belts to keep our clothing on......errr..okay not my friend here....He
seems to be tailored quite well. I remember a day when Belts wear all
the rage. Robes too. This robe here I got form my good pal Hugh
Hefner....although his views of hedonism were a bit skewed...what with
all them twins........"

Masque suddenly gets teary-eyed;

> "So, just who are the two of you, anyway?  And what brings you to this
> cranial prison?"

"Sorry.....those were the days...anyhow. I am Masque, Wizard of the Ages
and this here is Ronin, Swordsman of The Cosmos."

Gesturing towards Ronin and in low whisper;

"C'mon Man...every hero needs a catchy title."

Turning back at them and grinning from ear to ear;

"We are a bit lost and need to get Back to ..The Prime Plane? Earth is
what we call it. We were told that we could do that from Sigil and are
in dire need to get there. I mean Earth is where I keep all my stuff!"

Seemingly content with what he has said he takes a drink.....albeit
daringly.

Subject: Post for me?
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 0:13:10 -0500
From:    "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

(OCC: No prob, Reality has to come into play at some point for us all)

Reasonably glad that Pinpoint has decided to talk and now mostly relaxed, Crimebuster thinks to himself "Now I know what Picard felt like all those times. Pissed off alien to his left, pissed off and smoldering alien to his right.... Lets see if all of those episodes of Next Generation 
watching paid off..."

> (snip Pinpoint's rant)

To Pinpoint in his most understanding voice: 
"I see.  So what you are trying to tell me is that I should let you kill him because you consider his existence to be a plague....Tell me, why was he
allowed on your ship if he is such a menace?  You must be a being of great intelligence and wisdom to have evolved so far as to be pure Chi.  Is it not possible that you are over-reacting just a bit? And please, my name is Crimebuster.  I, as are you I imagine, am a being of civility.  Please do me the honor of using my name."

> (snip Space Hobo's speak)

To the Hobo:
""While I am glad to see you alive, I am not sure I believe your story entirely.  I am not calling you a liar nor is any insult intended.  I merely state that perhaps you are not aware that an action you may have taken could have inadvertently led to this......incident"

To them both:
"Why don't you tell me the story from the beginning.  How did you come to be aboard the ship, Hobo.  Why did you let him on the ship, Pinpoint?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 14:47:12 -0500
From:   "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

"My thanks to you for the assurances my friend," Magus says in casual tones.

> The barkeep then passes you a drink, not an el cheapo ale like the one
> you had back in the Market Ward, but this is a quality brew.  It makes
> your mouth water and your eyes tear up with happiness just by tasting
> it... it's that good.

"Quite a fine ale, barkeep! Are you not sure you're not descended from
dwarven brewmasters or perhaps even from dragon-kind winemakers?" Magus
takes a hearty gulp of the wonderful ale as he sits comfortably in the chair
before the bar, "Tell me friend, have you ever, and I'm quite sure you have,
run across others of my distinct lineage in your myriad of travels? I only
ask for I have been ripped from my homelands at the worst of times and seek
any way to return to my loved ones."

> Just about then, your new, planar pals finally catch up to you, and see
> you conversing with the bar and the barkeep.  "Ah, you met the Bar,
> then, eh?  Hope he didn't throw any severed parts at you today, or swipe
> your drink..."  That was Jesus.

Chuckling under his breath at the thought of the startled githyanki, "Aye
that I have. And my friend here tells me I have no worries of being
assaulted by squids or ale thieves this night."

> The others look just a little bit looser than before, as though they'd
> also found a source of imbibement.  "Well, Magus-man, how's digs?  You
> ready to check out more of our fine metro-opolis, or you want to stay
> here for awhile, and park your eyes on these classy dames?", says Frank.

"I am quite enjoying the fine company I have found here so far in this
strange land. If'n you would not mind I would like to hear what my wisened friend has to say about things for a while. Perhaps after another tale or two we can be on our way to the rest of the city you wish to show me?"

Subject: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 14:12:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Yeah," Reaper agrees, patting the seat of the bike, "definately works
for me."

He shrugs his shoulders, "If ya can't let me tag along, then what about
this place?" He asks, "Where, or maybe *when*, exactly are we?  Did
Morbis do this?  Or is it some kinda backlash from that explosion at the end?"

<tag>

Reaper looks around their room, then frowns at the rather obnoxious
noise that erupts from his stomach, "Eh...Is there somewhere to eat
here?"

He then looks at his clothing, which is starting to actually *look* like something he's been wearing for several days, "And, uh, where does a guy get some new clothes around here?"

<tag>

Subject: A beginnning... (Ari)
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 14:13:37 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

> Hey, it was on your list... =)

Which I haven't looked at since I sent it off... :D  

>  Que?

Alright then.  Ari and Och will ATTEMPT to sneak around and catch the
Bad Dude off guard.  (rolling a 32.  oops.)  Regardless, if she gets a
clear line of sight, she's taking a shot for his knees with the Lego
Machine Gun...

Random rolls... 43, 62, Eight.  Ow.

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Hazardous living
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 14:50:24 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

When you pop your claws, the man just looks at you and shakes his head.
"Calm down, Freddy Kruger.  No need to get yourself in a huff over
nothin'."  He then finishes writing whatever he was writing in his
notebook, and then slowly puts it in some hidden recess of his jacket.

Once he does that, he looks at the little bounty posting he's got, and
calmly sticks it on one of your claws.  "Here.  I've already accepted
the job anyway, so if you want this little piece of paper so badly, call it my little x-mas present for you, buddy."

"Be seein' you.  And hey, you shouldn't be pullin' knives in the middle
of the post office, pal... kinda bad for the up-and-coming hero's rep. 
See those people?"  He indicates the cowering masses of postal folks
behind the counter; they seem almost used to this sort of thing.

Though cowering, you see, they do so with more than a little calm.

While you look at the effect your claws and such are having on them,
Mark steps out.  "Have a nice day, Freddy.  And just remember:  it pays
to be nice to your peers, 'cause you never know when I'm gonna have the
option of saving your surly ass..."

That, of course, leaves you with a wall worth of bounty hunter postings, plus one that may or may not be good any longer, assuming tha Mark is, in fact, correct.  So, now that you've got bounty postings a'plenty, what next?

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 15:59:45 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

"Ahh...very well then, barkeep. Whoever you acquire this particular brew from be sure you stay on friendly terms with them," Magus says as he lifts the cup up towards the bartender in a mock toast fashion before gulping down yet another swallow of the delicious ale and mutters more to himself than anyone else, "Magnificent......simply magnificent."

> (snip bar-talk)

"Aye well that makes a certain amount of sense I suppose. Considering how almost all of my kind are magically adept in some small part. Or perhaps they simply had no choice like myself."

> (snip bar-talk)

"True enough. I suppose that would be one of the better ways to start,"
Magus says before having a slightly perplexed look flash over his features, "No I am not a master mage....yet." In thoughts to himself Magus can't help but think that perhaps he should be more competent in the ways of magic than he truly is but then again his mind may simply be reeling from the variants of things he has seen.

> (snip Frank-talk)

"Aye that I will Frank. Perhaps after another tale or two I will join you in your 'investigation'," Magus says with a smirk.

> "So, you wish to hear another tale, do you, Magus?"

"Aye. Lay one upon me friend....err what is your name by the way? Or should I simply refer to you as 'bar'?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 15:02:10 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The barkeep beams at your comments, but has to politely dismiss them. 
"No, no dwarf in my blood, blood.  I'm just a bartender, I don't make
the drinks myself.  I'm good with dealin' with the customer, and makin'
them feel at home, but I'm not a brewer by any means..."

The Bar itself, in response to your query, replies in the affirmative. 
"Yes, I have come across one or two of you strange dragon-kin in my many travels, but usually they were on their way to somewhere else, like yourself.  Most were met way out in the interstellar voids."

"But if you wish to get home, you couldn't hurt yourself by trying to
get to the earthly planes.  Assuming you have a means of moving from one variant earth to another, that should be all you'll need to get on the right track... but then, I assume you're not a master mage?"

And, in response to your statement of intent, Frank and the bunch don't
seem to mind too much.  "S'aright, Magus-man.  We'll just investigate
these fine female specimens while you talk to the Bar.  Just come get us when yer ready!", says Frank.

"So, you wish to hear another tale, do you, Magus?"

Subject: [v13] Re: Post for me?
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 15:21:17 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"No."

"I will not bother explaining my actions or need to destroy this pox to
you, for you are just like him.  You humans, all you seem to want to do
is talk, talk, talk.  It's all about feelings for you, all about your
damn consciences and being right with the world.  Pfaugh."

"As such, I have come up with a much better solution for my problem.  I
will leave this accursed Space Hobo with you, you damn Crimebuster, if
that really is your name.  Consider it a gift of interstellar bad will,
for if your species produced him, you can keep him!"

Before you can even retort, Cracklin' Mad Pinpoint hovers up, up, and
away, and appears to be headed for New York City.  He leaves you, of
course, with the wreckage of his alien craft and - most of all - he
leaves you with the Space Hobo.

"Gosh... you saved my life... twice!  Nobody's ever saved my life twice, Mister, uh, Crimebuster.  'Preciate it.  Of course, in order to repay my karmic debt to you, I'll do whatever you want.  Consider me your faithful servant, forever and ever!"
 
!

Subject: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 15:24:10 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Syde looks at you and nods.  "Yes.  When the lot of you finally
destroyed that Stellar Key of Morbis' design, it bathed you all in
temporal energies, and cast you to the far reaches of the space-time
continuum.  For instance, you got blasted across space."

"And your pals Rebound and Stone Cold were sent to one possible far
future, though they're about to do everything they can to make it an
unlikely one.  The energy itself shouldn't cause a problem, especially
now that we've exorcized it from your pal Ken, there."

"But you're not displaced in time in the slightest, if that makes you
feel better; you're right where you're supposed to be - in time.  So,
all you need to do is find your way back to earth... and between you and Ken, that shouldn't be too big a hassle."

In regards to your other questions, Lieutenant Syde offers but one
answer.  "That looks like a standard-model clothes repair mechanism
there, by the door.  And there seems to be some sort of eatery down in
the station core."

"I'm guessing you have no cash to your name, so here's an electronic
cred-card.  It's got $1,000 good in most civilized worlds, so that
should at least get you going.  Have a good one, Reaper, and thanks for
helping us deal with Morbis once and for all!"

With that, Syde vanishes in a puff of light, leaving you and Ken, who
isn't green anymore, there all by yourselves in a space station full of
wacky, weirdo aliens - and a tailoring machine.  So, the question really boils down to this:  what now?

Subject: [v13] Re: A beginnning... (Ari)
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 15:41:07 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Sneak, sneak, sneak.  You and Och creep into the warehouse slowly, yet
surely, and about ten feet in, you bump into, of all things, a basket
full of empty cola cans, and cause the thing to spill to the ground in a big, terminal clankety-clank sound.

"Eh, what's this?  Somebody's lolly-gagging about in my lair?  Heavens
to Betsy!"  You hear a crackle of energy discharge suddenly let loose,
and before you can extricate yourself from the derelict building, the
place is awash with bright daylight.

Looking at the man, you see he's about six foot, has greased back black
hair, a long, pencil-thin moustache, a big blue robe, and otherwise
appears normal, save for his left hand and lower arm, which seems to
have been replaced by some sort of red... energy construct.

"Oho!  A little girl, and her midget boyfriend!  What brings the two of
you here?  Oh, of course, you want your sack back.  Well, forget it! 
The bag's mine, and I'll use it to dispose of you!"  The strange man
pulls out the bag of mess, waving it frantically over his head.

"Prepare to die!  I'll use this magical chocolate to send you to your
doom!  The man opens the bag and, just after reaching into it, discovers the error of his action.  At this point, you pull your lego gun and open fire, not quite knee-capping the man, but definitely hitting his leg.

He falls down hard, unwholesome stuff splashing out of the baggie in
unpleasant arcs across the warehouse floor.  "I'll destroy you for that, woman!"  The man then points at you with his strange, energy-arm, and fires a blast of power at the two of you!

You move deftly, but nonetheless manage to get tagged in the arm with
the nigh-unstoppable blast.  Now, you would've taken Amazing (50) Force
damage from that attack, but assuming you're wearing your mystical
sports bra, you suffer no direct harm from the bone-breaking assault.

However, the sheer force of it, in relation to your own strength, is
enough to knock you clean out of the warehouse, and into the street
outside - upon which point you get hit by a speeding Mack truck, which
bounces you into a parked station wagon nearby.

Luckily, while you were thrown around more than any human being really
should be, you suffer no harm from this pinballing, and can easily pull
yourself from the wreckage of the family truckster.  The fight is still
going on, however, for you hear more blasts of power inside.

Heading back in?

Subject: Re: [v13] Harmonious Fortitude
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 15:41:49 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The two planars from Elysium simply look at each other when you ask
about their badges, and they simultaneously say "Clueless."  Looking
back at the two of you, Thaddeus pulls his badge off, and offers it to
you.  "It marks me as a member of the Society of Sensation."

"Folks of my philosophical bent believe that the multiverse can only be
understood by experiencing it, in all its myriad forms.  That is why
those of us who seriously believe in our faction's teachings will wander the planes, looking to experience everything in our limited lifetimes."

"On the other hand, my good friend Gloria," and Thaddeus pauses while
she removes her own badge to demonstrate, "is a member of the
Transcendent Order.  They believe that all sentient beings must strive
to become one with the multiverse, their 'cadence of the planes'."

"Those who find this inner peace and oneness with the forces within and
without can act without thinking, but not do so haphazardly, as it is
the multiverse itself which moves through them.  The closer one is in
tune with the cadence, the faster they can do what is necessary."

"And to answer your other question, not everybody is a member of one of
the fifteen factions of Sigil.  The Harmonium simply hold kip here, and
in the plane of Arcadia proper, so that's why you're seeing so many of
those orderly berks hereabout."

"But in Sigil, the factioneers are thick as maggots on a dead hobo.  You can't go six steps without running into one, or one hundred without
having one of their in-city bases in sight - unless you run into one of
Sigil's dreaded pollution fogs... but that's not the point."

As you blabber on about stuffiness, the two just look at each other with sheer disbelief in their eyes, and just sort of stare helplessly as you rant on.  "Er... well, factions don't really offer magic stuff, per se, but if you truly believe in a faction's philosophy, it will show."

"You may develop one or two belief-based abilities, dependent on your
outlook.  It all depends, really."  After you ask about earth, Thaddeus
smiles.  "We figured as much... earth, you say?  Well, we were about to
head to Sigil in the morning, but we can go now, if you need."

"I've about had my fill of this dry town as it is."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginnning... (Ari)
Date:    Sat, 22 Jan 2000 16:46:57 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari charges back in, reaching into the REAL bag, and rolling...68.  Plus 32 
Karma.  100.  Hit me, man.  Whatever she gets, if it's suitably small and not 
another living being, she's going to test-fire it on the one-armed mystical 
goofball.

"HEY!  SNIDELY WHIPLASH!  *CATCH!*"

Subject: [v13] Talk talk talk
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 8:16:16 -0500
From:    "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

Out loud: "Hey look, you don't want to talk that's fine."  
Under his breath: A@#$#@hole
Out loud: "I was more than willing to help you if you don't want my help you can of course not take it."
Under his breath: Of course, I have access to enough material to help you rebuild your ship......
Out loud: "Goodbye.."

> (snip Space Hobo speak)

Crimebuster already sees where this is going and mutters to himself something about staying home next time.  With that he says to the Hobo:  "Ok, Hobo. 
1) I don't believe in karmic debt.  
2) I do believe in the value of life.  You are free to do whatever you want with yours and are under no, AND I MEAN NO, debt to me, karmic or otherwise."

At this point, Crimebuster is looking for answers. He does not like the feeling that he has been thrown into something without his consent, but will of course attempt to put things right.
 
" I would however like a couple of answers to some questions I have though." 
 
"Is Hobo what you want to be called or do you have another name? Why were you on the same ship if he hated you so much?  Why is he headed toward New York City?  Is that what your eventual destination is...errr...was?  What, exactly, caused that ship to crash? Is there anything salvageable, you think? What kind of plans do you think Pinpoint have?  He...ummm...it did not seem too pleased with being on Earth. Where were you coming from?

Awaiting response 
!

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : The Competive Type
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 08:30:45 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 goes up to someone in the post office and asks for $.35, and waits until someone gives it to him. Then he also calls the wanted poster for the same guy.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 17:35:11 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

Reaper shrugs, looking at the space formerly occupied by the woman.

He then moves to Ken and checks to see how he's doing.
"Ken?...Hey man, howya feelin'?" he asks, shaking him slightly... 

Subject: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 20:25:44 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You shovel, and you shovel, and you shovel, but poor Bessie doesn't seem
to go up higher than about fifty miles per hour... though it doesn't
seem to matter all of a sudden.  You see, all of Saint Nick's surly
little presents just decided to detonate simultaneously.

Oh, sure, Thrasher did build Bessie to last, as the one thing he's good
at tends to be the maximization of a vehicle's combat capability, but
even he couldn't make a rig out of mundane materials that could
withstand this kind of punishment.

It's interesting, really, watching the explosion from inside.  It almost
looks like the train suddenly expanded a whole lot, making you to get
smaller and smaller, before the bits finally tore apart from one another
and sprayed the buildings nearby with 3" thick steel plate shrapnel.

Then, the rest of the chassis realizes that it's in about forty pieces,
and abruptly stops holding the same shape it did moments ago.  The train
then sort of collapses onto the street in a heap of metal, burning
coals, and machine gun bits.

As you pull yourself out of the wreckage (yay, probability field), you
spy Saint Nick spiraling out of the city, seemingly out of control, and
you laugh internally knowing that, when it comes down to it, you took
him out FIRST.

However, before you can pat yourself on your preternaturally lucky back,
you hear this dull rumbling coming from behind you.  Turning around, you
spy that crazy cat, that Monsieur Frank, take a very wide turn on his
wheel-mounted I.C.B.M. - a turn leading him towards you!

"Oho!  You did not figure the combat prowess of Captain Crotch-Rocket
into your plans, now, did you, stupid little American girl!  Oh ho ho! 
Prepare to die!"  He then cranks forward a lever on his rocket, and the
thrust coming out its backside chars half a city block.

The madman is speeding towards you at mind-numbing speeds, Jinx.  What
do you do!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginnning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 20:59:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Hm.  100, you say?

You fish around in the magical sack o' yours, and feel the cool, steel
sensation of a handle.  Specifically, the handle of a gun, from what you
can tell.  Pulling the weapon out, you discover that you've acquired a
Cameron brand pulse plasma rifle, with a 40 Watt range.  Woo!

You run back into the warehouse, and find about a dozen craters in the
cement, with Mister Wizard there looking around for something.  "Here,
kitty kitty kitty..."  Apparently, he's lost Och, and barely manages to
see you in time.

You open fire with the pulse plasma rifle, though the mage seems to
erect a shield of the transparent, mystic variety at the last second,
but the effects of the bullets aren't slight.  They manage to push him
down onto one knee, and the reflected shots are downright deadly.

They tear great, big holes in the bits of warehouse they connect with.

"Argh!  You... you... you!  You're supposed to be dead!"  The mage then
stands up, and waves his fist at you, causing the energy construct that
comprises it to glow with an eeerie orange light.  "I'll destroy you for
that, my little vixen!  You and your little dog, too!"

In the background, you hear "Who're you calling a dog?!"

?!

Subject: Re: [v13] Talk talk talk
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 21:11:16 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Cracklin' Mad Pinpoint doesn't seem to even acknowledge your comments as
he exits the scene, and leaves you with the flaming wreck of his
spacecraft and, of course, the Space Hobo.  "Whatever you say, man, but
you saved my life twice."

"Even if you don't think so, I've got to do my best to repay you. 
That's just the way I was raised, see."  You've got this bad feeling
that you're going to be stuck with this fellow for a long, long time...
and leaves something on the tip of your tongue, but you can't place it.

He does do everything he can to answer your questions, though.  "Well,
I'm from here, but I've been in space for the last twenty years, ever
since some bizarre aliens kidnapped me to do... things.  I'm not sure
you want to know about that."

"But anyway, I've just sort of drifted from place to place, out in
space, since then.  Kind of enjoyed it, really, but for some reason,
things tend to go bad after I show up somewhere, and I don't know why,
really.  Maybe it's just my bad luck."

"But the last place I wanted to be was back here, in this stinking mud
hole.  Of course, Pinpoint knew that, and in order to get back at me -
and humanity in general - I guess that's why he tied me up in his cargo
hold and tried to drag me here."

"Of course, that leaves us here.  We'd better go.  I'm guessing that all
kinds of government types are going to be here within about a minute or
so, and they're most likely going to have more than a few questions and
'tests' for us if we stay here."

...?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 21:13:54 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As you talk to the man, Ken slowly returns to proper consciousness, and
answers you query.  "Much better, really.  Whatever you did there, with
your freaky powers, seems to have done the trick.  I must've been real
sick, though, 'cause I started hearing voices... almost like Morbis."

"Anyway, where are we?  And what's going on?"

?!

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 21:31:06 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Though it is supposedly inanimate, you feel the warm gaze of the bar on
your person... almost a friendly glance.  "You may simply call me... the
Bar.  That's what I am, and what I do, really, so the name fits as much
as any other, I suppose."

"Anyway, as far as tales go, another quaint adventure that I embarked
upon long ago involved me traveling to this strange, rather outr
earthly realm, where the populace primarily wielded advanced versions of
the arquebus, and drove around in horseless, steel carriages."

"I'd wandered around this world for quite some time, when I'd ran afoul
of some errant knight from some far-flung future calling himself St.
George.  This man himself was actually a sort of half-dragon like
yourself, I suppose, though he could transform from human to dragon."

"More a shape-shifter, anyway.  However, the point is that this fellow
seemed to think that I was a threat to his metropolis, and as such,
tried to hunt me down with his lightning-driven armor and blade. 
Luckily for me, I'm wise to such would-be heroes."

"So, after I accidentally forgot where I was and consumed several fine
young virgins (hard to come by in this city, I assure you), this George
fellow attacked me in broad daylight - me, mind you!  I almost thought
it a joke, to be honest, until he struck me with his odd blade."

"The joke was over, then, for he actually hurt my flank - if you look
hard, you can see the marring of the wood back there, on my left leg. 
Anyway, I breathed upon him an unholy flame, and rightly melted down his
lightning-driven toys.  That's when he transformed."

"The fool actually thought that his dragon-self was some sort of second
personality or some such, and I easily dealt with it's unpracticed,
mindless rage.  However, merciful as I am, I didn't kill the poor,
deluded fool, but did eat some more virgins out of spite, there."

"Next time a dragon shows up in his neck of the woods, I'm sure he'll be
more respectful, mark my words!"  You note as the Bar told its tale,
several more folks have showed up besides you, listening in earnest to
what the strange, wooden dragon has to say.

That's when the barkeep shows up.  "Drinks, anyone?"  As the bar patrons
begin to order in earnest, the Bar laughs haughtily, and then sort of
relaxes into the guise of an ornate bar for a bit.  "Talk to you later,
Magus.  Time for me to take a nap, methinks..."

Hm?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : The Competitive Type
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 21:17:20 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As much as the postal employees are already freaked out by you, you
manage to practically get pelted with spare change as the mailmen (and
mailwomen) try to avoid getting skewered by you.  Collecting enough for
a phone call, you dial the number.

After a few seconds, a lady picks up and announces that "You have
reached the offices of Smitty Harcourt, what can I do for you?"

I dunno, what CAN she do for you?

Subject:  Re: [v13] Planet X
Date:     Mon, 24 Jan 2000 23:00:66
From:     Scott Clay Jr

OCC: We step on to the conveyer to see what his machine would do.

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Wanted: Information, Dead or Alive
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 21:20:03 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

Well..." A.S.9. then proceeds to tell her about the Wanted ad and wants to come by for more information on the person on the picture.

OCC: Just so you know my blades are not claws, from through where the 
fingerprints  are, Razor ( like shaving razors) pop out with a straight edge 
from each finger. Nothing claw like at all. I know that's being picky, but I 
stop when I hear claws, and think Wolverine rip-off. That's my $.02

Subject: Re: [v13] Harmonious Fortitude
Date:    Mon, 24 Jan 2000 23:15:33 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Upon hearing all this Masque looks like he is gonna burst...

"NEAT!"

> (snip thaddeus' explanations)

Masque turns to Ronin.

"Shall we rock?"

<And the cup turneth over>

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 25 Jan 2000 08:28:22 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari grins, and goes to Bluff Mode.  "Alright, pal.  You just saw what this thing does to masonry.  You want your  HEAD to look the same?  Go ahead on.  It's your move."  For the last bit, Ari decides NOT to affect a gunslinger's drawl.  She
keeps the Big Bad Rifle pointed directly at our pal.  "Either start talking, or am I gonna have to pull a Squeegee out of that bag to get you off the wall with?"  She's about as menacing as a petite college girl with a huge rifle can be.  Ooh.

Very anime.

Random Possible rolls: 83, 34, 27

Subject: Re: [v13] Harmonious Fortitude
Date:    Tue, 25 Jan 2000 09:09:36 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

Ronin facepalms.  You'd think he'd be use to this by now...

> (snip conversation from Thaddeus)

The young samurai nods.  "I am anxious for us to return home and discern the 
fate of our comrades.  Yes...let us be on our way."

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Tue, 25 Jan 2000 12:11:14 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

"Well..." Reaper pauses, looking for some way to fully explain, "...we're
kinda 'lost in space' I guess...only without Heather Graham."

"Seems when we took care of Morbis, we all got thrown across space, and time for that matter." He says, "You had a bit of Morbis still kickin' around in you there - its what was makin' you sick and all.  I sorta purged him outta there for ya."

"This woman just stopped by...she's supposedly in charge of monitoring
time travel or some kinda thing - she said a couple of our guys are actually
somewhere in our *future*, and she's working on that."

Reaper shrugs, "Otherwise...we got this credit-card thingy with 1,000... bucks? ...on it, and not a clue as to how to get back home."

Reaper pauses, debating on removing his protective shades to see if Ken
has his powers back, then seems to decide on an easier way, "You, uh...got
your power-star thing back?  I'd check myself, but I'd rather not go
through the pain an' all.." 

Subject: [v13] To the Big Apple
Date:    Tue, 25 Jan 2000 18:09:25 -0500
From:    "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

Feeling like he has gotten into something that is beginning to snowball Crimebuster is sure that the day the Tong first attacked him was better than this.  He remembers another teaching of Master Lee:  "Patience in all things makes good men great."  He has no idea why that thought came to him, but  he finds it relaxing.  He thinks to himself that to be paired up with a being full of negative Chi, as Crimebuster is sure that the Hobo is, will definitely try that patience but in the end, he knows that patience will be rewarded.

"I agree, authorites will be here shortly. Do you have an alternate mode of transportation?" He says, looking toward the smoldering remains to the ship.

 << If yes then Crimebuster says:  "Then I think we should probably find out what Pinpoint is up to.  And that means heading to NYC." They then take the alternate mode of transportation heading in the same direction Pinpoint went.  If possible following a smoke trail or some such >>

<< If no then Crimebuster says:  "I believe the cab I was in is still in shape enough to be driven since it only hit some bushes and nothing really solid.  We really are only a few minutes from the city.  The cab should suffice to get us there.  Once there we ought to find out what Pinpoint is up to. "  They then go to the cab and ask the cabbie to...well....follow that smoke trail.  

During the trip, Crimebuster asks:
"What kind of material was the ship made from?  I think that, if I have him read right, he will try any means necessary to get off this planet.  While I would help him, I cannot allow him to harm innocent people to accomplish that goal, which I believe he would do without  thought.  Does he have any powers I should know about before I go charging in to try and stop him? Do you have any idea what he has against humanity?

<<Theoretical response space>>

After the conversation, Crimebuster begins to think. At this point he is trying to think of a teaching of Master Lee that dealt with the purging of negative Chi, to try and help the run of bad luck of the Hobo.  

Some rolls: 62, 97, 41, 10

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 01:31:15 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

"Very well my new friend. Bar it is," Magus says as he obviously displays a
look of earnest friendship towards the being.

> (snip tale of St. George)

Magus lets a slightly exaggerated yet sincere chuckle bellow from him at the
conclusion of Bar's tale, "Bravo Bar. Most interesting a tale you have
told. If ever our paths shall cross on this plane or any other remind me to
swap tales of adventure with you again."

> That's when the barkeep shows up.  "Drinks, anyone?"  As the bar patrons
> begin to order in earnest, the Bar laughs haughtily, and then sort of
> relaxes into the guise of an ornate bar for a bit.  "Talk to you later,
> Magus.  Time for me to take a nap, methinks..."

Rising to his feet Magus glances over to the barkeep, "No thanks friend.
Although quite a delicious selection of ales you have I should perhaps save
space in my belly for a later time." Looking back to Bar, "Very well. Sleep
well my well traveled friend." With that said and the now comatose Bar,
Magus turns to face the floor of the tavern and eyes around for his
wonderfully friendly tour guide....not to mention his ever trusty and yet
ever so silent Mimir.

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Wanted: Information, Dead or Alive
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 13:48:27 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Well, sir, we've already given somebody the contract, and he's on his
way here, but I'll see if the boss wants more than one person on the
case.  Please hold."  You are then assaulted with more than a minute of
Musak (TM), at which point the human on the line returns.

"Okay, sir.  Mr. Harcourt says that the more folks he's got working on
this case, the better.  After all, we've already lost contact with six
other hunters sent out to collect our little prize.  Just drop by this
address in about an hour, okee?"

The secretary then gives you an address which seems to be back over on
Staten Island.  "See you later.  Bu byee!"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 14:13:55 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The three of you step on the platform, and the soot-covered scientist
giggles with glee.  "Excellent... excellent...!  I haven't been able to
test out this platform before!  Now, gentlemen, this should work, but if
the machine turns you inside out, I'll try my best to repair you!"

Before any of you can protest, the man throws a big, mad-scientist
looking lever, and you're all surrounded by a big, billowy cushion of
colors.  Swirly, dancing colors that seem to superimpose over the image
of the Omega Outlook, here.

Almost like watching a VCR tape in reverse, you see the station get
smaller, smaller, and smaller, and eventually get totally disassembled
as you pass through time.  Then, you spy occasional blurs of light
passing by, as though they were various ships or some such.

Time continues to pass with little activity in ultra-fast forward, and
you start to get a bad feeling concerning all this.  After all, you seem
to be traveling back in time, but you're definitely noticing that you
aren't moving in space any...

Just then, you exit whatever little temporal limbo you were sitting in
and are deposited mercilessly in the now, if that madman's calculations
were correct, and left in a high orbit, all by yourselves, in space over
Decima!!

Way out here, in the middle of nowhere, you all instantly begin to
freeze, and feel consciousness fading fast.  Before you black out,
however, you spy a burst of white light in the distance, and feel some
sort of metal pincers grabbing you before everything slips away.

When the lot of you wake up, you discover that you're back in the hold
of that ship that brought you to Decima in the first place.  And, of all
the people you expected to see, the pilot who flew it there wasn't who
you thought you'd meet in the past.

"Hey, guys!  That goon you talked to found out after a couple of weeks
that his doo-hicky doesn't move people through space, as well as time,
and after he figured it out, sent me back to pick you guys up.  After
all, he said he'd fix you up if you got dead..."

Waking up stiffly, all of you come to realize that while you were out,
the pilot here (who you still don't know by name) managed to fly you
clear back to earth.  If the trip took as long as it did before, then,
you've been out for a good day or so!

However, you seem to be home - not just in space, but in time, too.  You
see an ordinary space shuttle in orbit below you, who hasn't quite
tumbled to the fact that you're orbiting above it.  "Cloaking system. 
Don't want to alert the pasties that we're here, you know..."

After giving you a minute to reflect on your finally being back home,
the pilot then speaks up again.  "Okay, kids, where to now?"

                                   ***

Meanwhile, back in the future, back on the Omega Outlook, a lone figure
materializes upon a newly-cristened temporal platform.  She pulls out an
electronic slate and looks around, finding that her quarry have already
made their way home.  "Hmph."

She then looks down at the device she's standing on, and immediately
starts to take notes.  Were anyone to be privy to her electronic slate,
they'd see something akin to 'great, another time traveler.  that's all
we need, especially with these mad Varakni...'

That's when she pulls out a Cameron brand pulse plasma rifle, one with a
40 watt range, and blasts the control computers to smithereens... not to
mention the platform she's standing on.  And when I say smithereens, I
mean a bunch of holes held together by temporal platform.

"That ought to buy us some time..."  Lieutenant Syde then pushes a
button or so on her slate, and vanishes back into the timestream from
whence she came, intent on getting back at a certain bouncy, gooey
fellow for her trouble at a later date...

                                   ***

Well, you two, that's it for now, really... if not for these silly
server holes, we'd have been done a week ago, and starting on yet
another adventure, I guess.  At any rate, I'll get the two of you goin'
here tomorrow, prob'ly, once you figure out where you want to go.

But, since I've been remiss in my general Karma handing-out, not having
got to that on that last adventure (the one with Morbis, natch), I'll
give the two of you your just dessert for both adventures right now...
that should help, no?

Anyway, for that whole Morbis affair, Rebound, you got yerself a frosty
550 Karma points, and you got 475, Stone Cold.  For this particular
yarn, in which you had a bit less scrappin' and a lot more role-play
type stuff, well, it's somewhat close.

I gave you both a solid 350, for both of you pretty much dealt out a
world of hurt against those police-types as a team (Stoney blocking,
Rebound distracting).  That seems to be right to me, but if either of
you dispute me figures, feel free to say so... =)

Subject: Re: [v13] the City
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 14:25:02 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Okay, then!  Let us be off!"  Thaddeus deposits a nice, shiny golden
coin on the bar, and then leads the three of you off.  He winds his way
around the town for a bit, and then, upon his arrival at a seemingly
innocuous butchery, the man pulls out a corrosion-covered key.

"The key to this portal is, oddly, a key."  You don't know exactly what
Thaddeus is talking about, but when he thrusts the key into the space
within the doorframe, it begins to glow with an otherworldly light, a
gray, hazy image of something beyond showing through.

"Follow me, friends, to Sigil!"  Thaddeus then jumps through the portal,
followed almost instantaneously by his ally, Gloria.  That leaves the
two of you there in the Egg, until you, too jump through (assuming that
you do).

Upon your arrival in the City of Doors, you find yourselves right by the
gates of a massive factory, one that is surrounded by a tall stone wall,
and belching out an impressive array of both soot and fiery heat.
"Welcome to Sigil, friends!"

As Thaddeus blathers on, you look around at the city which surrounds
you.  It seems somewhat dark - but that may be a result of the crap that
Foundry there is belching out - and oddly horizon'd.  Looking to the
distance, you see that you're at the bottom of a great bowl.

Or so it would appear.  As you look further, you see that the city
actually curves up, away from you, apparently forming a great ring; you
can't see the structures above you with any significant detail (thanks
to the smog-generator next to you), but you can tell they're there.

The whole thing almost makes you dizzy, and threatens to topple you
clean over.  However, your friends bolster the two of you for a minute,
allowing you to get your 'Sigil legs', and when you don't seem to be in
any serious risk of tipping over, they let you go.

"Well, bloods, you're in the City of Cities, now, the Place on the Way
to Everywhere.  What, now?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginnning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 14:33:47 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"You don't understand, girl.  I need that artifact much more than you,
if I am to effect my goals for this paltry world.  And besides, I need
it to deal with the damnable gunman who did this to my arm!  My Arm! 
Look at it!"

"And besides, the last gun-wielding madman I dealt with didn't seem to
care about honoring any compromise we made, so why on earth should I
trust you, you uncultured buffoon!"  You get the impression that the man
isn't in a mood to just let you go...

In fact, he waggles his fingers about some, and manifests some sort of
energetic chain-links.  "These are the Chains of Krakkan, girl.  I hear
they are remarkably painful, and quite restrictive.  Now, you will give
me that sack or I will gleefully use them on you, have no doubt!"

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] To the Big Apple
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 14:51:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The Space Hobo laughs at you.  "Alternate transportation!?  I showed up
on this stupid planet tied up in some energy ball's cargo hold!  I gots
feet, I suppose, but that's about it."  Taking in your reply, he follows
you over to the slightly damaged cab.

Despite his ill repair, the cabbie doesn't mind giving you a ride, what
with him headed back to the city in the first place... though he's
charging you out the nose anyway.  He is hurt, you know, and his cab's
all mucked up.

As you leave the scene, you spy an Army jeep pulling up to the wreck,
with three specialists - one highly ranked, from the look of it -
hopping out to inspect the carnage.  They're followed by a small legion
of police and rescue vehicles, of course.

You seem to have gotten out of there just in time, else you'd likely
have been detained ad nauseum.  As you ride back to New York City, the
Space Hobo tries to answer your questions to the best of his ability. 
"Dunno what his ship was made of, really, but it was tough stuff."

"Them Army guys are going to be able to recover most of the frame, if
not the stuff inside, like the hyperdrive, and whatnot."  In response to
your statements / questions about Cracklin' Mad Pinpoint, the Hobo nods
in the affirmative.

"Yeah, he hates people, but mostly because he hates me so much... his
life sort of took a downturn right after I fell into it, ya know.  But
you are right - he'll do everything he can to get off earth.  I suppose
once he gets away from earth's gravity, he'll be fine."

"He could just leave, mind you, but those high tech toys are quite
valuable to him, almost like a part of the goofy little turd.  And, I
think he's got an emergency ftl system in there, that augments his own
flight capability."

"But, as far as what he's capable of, he's J'r'ltz.  They're little
sentient balls of energy, usually light-based, who can fly around and
blast you with their component energy-stuff.  They're also fast - real
fast - response speed like nothing you've ever seen..."

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 15:02:03 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

In response to your statement, the Bar simply states that "Remember,
Magus:  should you find your way home, or to some variant therein, I'm
always just a portal away.  Just remember the portal you use to get
there, and you can always use it to get back!"

As you leave the bar, you find Jesus, Frank, and the others just sort of
milling about, drinks in hand and eyeballs a'wandering.  Your trusty
mimir, of course, is bobbing around aimlessly in the air a few feet away
from you, but it was rather quiet for a bit, there.

Anyway, when your friends spy you, they light up and grab hold of you.
"Magus-us!"  Seems that Frank's been hitting the cups - lots.  "You
ready to head over to his nifty Doomguard bar we know in the Lower
Ward?  Kinda rowdy place... you should love it, blood!"

...?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 17:30:41 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

"Kinky."  Ari starts fiddling with the gun, making it look mean.  In 
actuality, she's looking for something along the lines of a "stun" setting.  
"I'd really hate to have to remove your entire TORSO, and not just your other 
arm.  You leave me the hell alone, got it?  I don't *CARE* about your plans.  
I don't CARE about your goddamn arm.  Just shut the hell up and go the fuck 
away, got it?  Otherwise, I'll have to sic my Rabid Pet Dwarf on your ass.  
The choice is yours, pal.  You come NEAR me with that magic shit, and I'll 
set the bag on fire.  I kid you not."

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 17:31:52 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Oh, yeah.  Rolls!  54, 32, 87, 10.  As for actual actions, if Ari can find 
one, she's setting it on stun and zapping the retard.  No need to get overly 
messy, y'know?

Subject: Re: [v13] To the Big Apple
Date:    Wed, 26 Jan 2000 18:17:17 -0500
From:    "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

Feeling more than just a little guilty for asking the cabbie for a ride, he tells the man  "I can drive, if you do not feel like you can make it back to Manhattan."  Knowing full well that no cabbie would give up his cab if he were not in dire straits, Crimebuster will use that as a relative judge of the man's health.  during the ride, he will keep a quiet watch  on how the man is doing.

>> "Dunno what his ship was made of, really, but it was tough stuff."

Figuring that the metal that could withstand both re-entry and earthfall would be reasonably rare, Crimebuster starts trying to think of places one could locate enough metal that one could either build or repair the ship. He is interrupted by the term ftl...  "FTL eh?"  Crimebuster thinks back to the book he read on the theory of FTL travel (Roll: 65)  "I read a book on that not too long ago, the author claiming that it was impossible unless a naked singularity, which he said did not exist, was involved, looks like he was wrong...." he says with a small grin, he had thought at the time that the author was a just a touch
too self-important and is mildly glad to hear that he had been proved wrong.

"So what do you think he will do next? Try to procure more material for rebuilding his gadgets or try to recover the components from the wreckage?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 04:09:38 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

"My endless thanks friend. Sleep well," Magus says as he turns to track down
his other comrades all the while thinking on what Bar just told him.

> (snip Frank speak)

"Suppose we should then. Afterall we wouldn't want to conform too much
longer by actually behaving ourselves now would we?"

Magus smirks deviously at his tour guides.

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet X
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 10:21:36 -0500
From:   Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound scrambles to his feet ready to start a victory dance at getting back
home, but restrains himself almost immediately.  Now that he is home, he
remembers just what they came back to do.

"Take us to New York City... We've got a madman to stop."

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 15:05:15 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Okay, chiefie, you got it!"  The pilot pushes a few buttons, and shoves
a lever forward, causing his craft to lurch forward, in a direct path
for the earth.  Waiting in orbit for the correct moment, however, gives
you about a minute more to admire your world.

"Watch out, now, 'cause this is the rough part!"  You find that the man
ain't kidding, as the turbulence that re-entry causes shakes the craft
up something fierce, but it holds together quite well.  "There we go...
New York City comin' right up!"

Within about half an hour, you see the lights of the city coming up on
the horizon, and the pilot just sighs.  "You know, I've heard about this
city all my life, but actually seeing it intact, in its prime, is just
... it's just beautiful!"

He then flies over the city, proper, and looks around for an appropriate
landing site.  He almost looked like he was going to land somewhere in
Kennedy airport, but decided against it, or so it would seem, and made
for Central Park.

Touching down in an open area of park, one bereft of trees, your pilot
from the future opens the hatch and shuts down his cloaking device. 
"Gotta let that guy cool down... it's been on the fritz for a couple
months, now.  Hm... and I guess spare parts aren't an option, now..."

Stepping out, the smell that unique, fresh-yet-not-fresh New York City
air, and three of you just feel this massive rush of relief that you're
finally home, and not trapped in some nightmare future that may or may
not yet come to pass.

However, your arrival in town does not go unnoticed, for a bunch of
joggers and other park-dwellers are looking at you and the craft with
something akin to awe.  That's when you mentally start to count down. 
Three...  Two...  One...

"Hey, who the hell are you ass holes?, says some nameless face at the
front of the growing crowd.  Surprisingly, Tammy grabs him by the collar
and proclaims, for all the world to hear, "We're super heroes,
goddamnit!"

You can't tell for sure, but she seems to have changed a whole lot since
you lost track of her under the city.  Seems much more... in your face,
I guess.  A little more loud and ballsy than before.  But that might
just be because she was pushed too far... who knows?

What next?

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 15:14:40 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Slap (on the back)!  "That's more like it!  Let's go, bub!"  The crowd
of friends you picked up from the Market Ward collect you and begins to
drag you off, and they almost forget to pick up their weapons at the
door - of course, you don't... not by a long shot.

Leaving the Wheel, you teeter out into the (apparent) night and your
friends wander the streets for a minute or so before they regain their
bearings.  "Ah, yeah, right, head towards the giant smoke-stack, the
Armory should be around there..."

You amble through the streets of the Lady's Ward, and marvel at the
sheer expense that seems to have gone into every sprawling mansion,
civic building, and even every shop face.  Of course, the wide, clean
streets help to add to the impression of elegance present.

Anyway, you wander around for about an hour, and eventually cross the
Ward proper, and eventually come up to this giant structure that your
pals identify as the Armory.  "'s the Doomguard's base, them rotten
Sinkers.  But they sure as heck know how to drink right, aight?"

As you walk by, you see a large array of thuggish types practicing with
their weapons, buying weapons, selling weapons, or even dueling with
each other hand-to-hand.  Of course, with no proper supervision, you
catch an occasional spurt of blood here or there...

However, after a few more minutes, you arrive at 'Entropy in Bedrock', a
quaint little joint that looks rather nice on the outside, but once you
wander in, you see that most of the bar's innards consists of the bar
(of course) at the ground level, and tables in the earth.

You see, most of this place seems to be a crumbling hole in the ground,
and the tables are set up on terraces in a ring around the ever deeper
pit - and of course, there's something of a pit fight going on at the
bottom of the bedrock - if that's what it really is.

Lively place.  What now?

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 16:21:50 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound turns to the pilot and whispers..."You'd better find some way to lock that thing up or get it back in orbit.  Otherwise we're going to have a big problem on our hands."

Approaching the crowd, Rebound announces in a clear voice..."Agent Charles
Xavier, National Security Agency.  Ladies and Gentlemen, for your own safety, I would ask that you please step back.  This plane has taken some severe damage and the fuel tanks may explode.  PLEASE STEP BACK!!!  We do have an emergency engineer on site who is attempting to effect repairs, but jet fuel is notoriously explosive."

Rebound will wait for the crowd's reaction before taking the next step...

Subject: Re: [v13] To the Big Apple
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 15:48:57 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The cab driver just harrumphs at you... you get the impression that it
would take a crowbar and, most likely, a tactical nuclear device to pry
his hands from the wheel.  He seems fine - at least fine enough to drive
to the city, and THEN drop by a hospital.

In response to your query to the Space Hobo, the man simply replies
"Remember, fifty years ago people thought you couldn't go the speed of
sound.  That's human science for you..."  And then, in response to your
other question, he shrugs again.

"I dunno.  If he's particularly stupid, he'll try and recover his ship.
I think he's not that dim, though, because he knows the military will
have their hands on his booty by the time the night is through.  I don't
know what they'll get out of it, but Pinpoint sure won't."

"I'm guessing he's gonna try and find himself another way off of this
burg, maybe some other spacecraft in the vicinity or possibly a single
fellow who can get him into orbit.  And if anybody gives him any guff,
I'm sure he'll get all surly about it."

"After all, he IS in a mood........"

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginnning... (Ari)
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 15:56:45 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

In the background, you hear this sort of dwarf-y growling, and then Och
says "Ruff!  Ruff Ruff!"  The magic man looks around nervously, and then
glares back at you.  "You wouldn't.  And I'm not talking about the dwarf
- I'm talking about the sack."

"What do you have to gain by burning it!?"

Looking around on the gun, you do find an intensity indicator... but you
don't know if you like what you see.  You locate three intensities, and
the gun's set in the middle.  There's Maim, Kill, and Shake 'n Bake ...
you're currently on Kill.

Not waiting to respond, however, you 'Maim' fire on the boob, just as
Och makes another set of 'pet' noises, distracting the mage.  As such,
you manage to bypass his pretty little mystic shield, and pulverize him
with a spread of phase plasma rounds... whatever THEY are.

"Argh!"  Your new friend goes down like a slab of wet meat, and hit the
ground hard.  He twitches for a bit, and then descends into sullen
unconsciousness.  Och steps up behind the mage and pokes him with his
axe, drawing a bit of blood.

"He's out cold.  Any real mage would've cried out in agony at that
little cut if they were awake.  Hm... that seems like it was a bunch
easier than it should have been, but that's fine with me.  So, Ari, what
now!?  What do we do with this ingrate?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 18:14:23 EST
From:    Scott A Clay <cclayjr2@juno.com>

"Are you all right? You seem different somehow Tammy, what happened back in the future when we were not there?"  Asked Stone Cold.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 17:36:17 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

Reaper shrugs, "Hell man, I don't even have the faintest clue..." he
says, then pauses as his stomach growls, "But I'm definitely all for
getting' into some deep-space cuisine!"

He walks over to the clothing machine that was in their room, "Uh..."
he begins, "Don't know how to work this thing...but supposedly it'll
fix up our clothes, clean em' up, something like that."  He looks over
the machine for some kind of instructions.

"I'm tired of smelling like a sewer, y'know?" 

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Job Hunter
Date:    Thu, 27 Jan 2000 21:19:42 CST
From:   "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 waves at the people in the post office and then heads out with the 
list of Wanted felons in tow. He shoves the material into one of the saddle 
bags, and then searches his database for the address, and then rides off 
towards that direction. Once there he takes a leather strand from the saddle 
bags, and ties his cable hair back and adjust his leather outfit to look 
semi-presentable. The final touch, he puts his raybans on and walks in.

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Fri, 28 Jan 2000 19:36:02 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

 Magus smirks. "Aye!! Let's be off my friends!" Magus says in high spirited
tones of comraderie.

> Leaving the Wheel, you teeter out into the (apparent) night and your
> friends wander the streets for a minute or so before they regain their
> bearings.  "Ah, yeah, right, head towards the giant smoke-stack, the
> Armory should be around there..."

 Magus chuckles to himself and starts to wonder if perhaps his tour guides/
friends have imbibed too much this night already.

> You amble through the streets of the Lady's Ward, and marvel at the
> sheer expense that seems to have gone into every sprawling mansion,
> civic building, and even every shop face.  Of course, the wide, clean
> streets help to add to the impression of elegance present.

 Magus glances around the streets if only to be sure he might be able to
make it back to the tavern that housed the experienced Bar just in case he
might be stuck in Sigil longer than he thought he would be.

> Anyway, you wander around for about an hour, and eventually cross the
> Ward proper, and eventually come up to this giant structure that your
> pals identify as the Armory.  "'s the Doomguard's base, them rotten
> Sinkers.  But they sure as heck know how to drink right, aight?"

 "Well then let us show them that they are like babes at their mother's teat
when drinking with the likes of us." Magus smiles broadly at all of his new
friends.

> As you walk by, you see a large array of thuggish types practicing with
> their weapons, buying weapons, selling weapons, or even dueling with
> each other hand-to-hand.  Of course, with no proper supervision, you
> catch an occasional spurt of blood here or there...

Magus' hands rest most calmly atop the pommels of his two swords more so
out of habit than at any real thought of provoking the local Neanderthals.

> (snip)

Soaking in the ambiance of the tavern and being well aware of the types that are patronizing this establishment. Not so much aware of their races and such but aware of the mindset most who patronize such a place are usually in. "Well my friends, let us belly up to the bar as it were," Magus says as he walks towards the bar itself intent on sampling whatever ale or wine this establishment deals in.

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 05:52:39 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Mister pilot there nods at you, Rebound, and takes off in a jiffy,
before he causes any undo harm.  He throws you a sort of handheld
communicator device first, though, in the event that you find yourself
in need of a quick pick up or some such.

The crowd, watching their entertainment drift off to the southwest, then
returns to whatever they were doing here in the park at this odd hour
within a moment or two - show's over.  Meanwhile, Tammy just sort of
shrugs in response to your query, Stone Cold.

"...I'd rather not talk about it, man.  But it don't matter, because I
realized that I'm not really taking advantage of my years of training
and all the hard work I've put into my life - I'm actually going to
start enjoying myself, and not bother holding back."

"S'that a problem?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 06:00:56 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

There's not too many instructions, but then, there aren't too many
actual controls, either.  This device has a simple diagram showing what
would appear to be a shirt, had you six arm/leg things and two heads,
and an arrow pointing in.  There's no button, per se, save for power.

And it's already switched to 'on', as far as you can tell.

Assuming you try it, you deposit your wrecked clothing articles into the
device, and it sort of hums at you for a few seconds, and then your
outfit is bathed in a strange orange light, one that seems to permeate
every fiber of your clothing.

As quickly as it appeared, the orange glow dissipates, leaving your
clothing intact, as far as you can tell.  Pulling it out, you see that
the various tears and such in the suit have been totally repaired, and
the sewer-muck you'd collected below New York's streets is gone.

Your outfit looks brand new, in fact.

Ken does the same, repairing his leather biker outfit, and gets
something of an inspiration.  "Hey, look away."  When you do, your
awareness tells you that he's putting his hand up to his chest, and
activating his Star Brand.

He simply burns the image of the thing into his jacket, almost branding it, if you will.  "There... that's better.  Now, I don't just look like a trendy weekend biker, I suppose.  Now I've got something of a signature look... or a uniform, I guess."

"But, that's not too important.  Lunch?"

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Job Hunter
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 06:09:16 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You walk into the office and find the place is opulently decorated, the
owner having quite a lot of taste for the finer things in life, or at
least he wants it to appear that he's excessively wealthy; at any rate,
the waiting room has a nice, plush black leather couch handy.

"Can I help you?"  That's the secretary talking, speaking at you from
the safety of her solid oak desk, while scribbling notes on a pad from a
call she's currently taking on her headset.  Meanwhile, the back door
opens, and that Hazzard fellow walks out, but he's not alone.

"Hah!  Boy, Freddy, you are headed for a world of hurt.  Now you're
trying to take the food out of the mouth of honest to goodness merc
types like myself and Mal, here."  Mark, of course, is indicating the
tall, redheaded fellow in camo fatigues next to him.

"Sure, I like to think of myself as a nice guy, but kid, you sure as
heck are askin' for it... were I one of the countless unscrupulous types
in this line o' work, I might think of doing something nasty to you for
pulling this little stunt."

"So here's a word of advice, from a stuffy old codger to a youthful
hunter like yourself:  never fuck with another man's fries."  With that,
the two self-identified mercs walk out of the office, apparently 'on the
job' already.

"Sir, Mr. Harcourt is ready to see you now!  Sir?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 06:20:54 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Allowing you to take the lead, your human and bariaur fellows from the
Free League definitely follow you to the bar, and once you get there,
you find one of those gith folk manning the place.  You don't know if
he's a githyanki or githzerai, though.

But you get the impression that making a mistaken labeling of the woman
may very well be a critically fatal error.  "Hey, you stinkin' berks! 
What'll you have?  We gots a special on Abysmal Gut-Rot and our last
case of Limbo-brewed Sludge."

"Or if you ain't got no backbone, I gots your normal ales and whatever.
Less'n your back's got some spine in it..."

!?

Subject: To the Big Apple
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 06:30:16 -0600
From:    Scott Greengold

Crimebuster was only in New York City once as a boy, but even he has
heard about the attitude of the locals.  He takes the.... response.... of
the cabbie to mean that the man will not die in transit back to Manhattan.

"I agree that we probably should try and locate Pinpoint.  If he, to
borrow a term from an old friend, does indeed have a full mad going I
will be forced to confront him." The thought does not make him very
upset, it has been a while since he has seen any decent action and he
was dreading going back home anyway.

"Actually, I was on my way back home in Connecticut for the first time
in a long time when you....crashed.  This gives me a good excuse to
delay that homecoming.  I am not very familiar with Manhattan though.  I
was only there once and that was when I was 7.  We saw the Statue of
Liberty, the Empire State Building and we had dinner right across from
Central Park.  I think the logical starting point would be Central Park
since it does cut our search area in half.  What do you think?"

CB

Subject: [v13] Re: To the Big Apple
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 06:31:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Works for me."

So, you continue on towards the Big Apple while scores of rescue crews
make their way back to the wreckage of Cracklin' Mad Pinpoint's craft,
though you notice that one or two of those fire trucks seems rather flat,
almost like you could easily carry something on one...

At any rate, you make it into the city without incident, but as is often
the case, the problems start once you get there.  For one thing, your
ride is abjectly averse to the notion of actually taking you to Central
Park before going to the hospital.

"Look, youse.  I know you gots yourself an important date or whatever
with some funny space-ball, but I gots to get these bumps and scratches
and whatnot taken care of, like ayh esh ayh pee.  So, if you don't mind,
get out a'reddy - unless you want to go to the hospital, too..."

And, under his breath, the man mutters 'And mebbe you should.  Say, to
Bellevue...'

...?

Subject: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 06:32:49 -0600
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari shrugs.  "Well... there's the obvious one, tie him up and find out
just what the hell his problem is...  Or we could just put him in a
garbage bag and toss him off a pier."  Ari grins, and fishes in her
backpack for the few sparse cosmetics she carries.  "Regardless, we need
to pretty him up a bit, don't you think?"

Ideally, Ari and Och will tie up Mr. Wizard, apply liberal amounts of
make-up to him, and then interrogate him.  One.  Who the hell is he? 
Two: Why does he want the bag?  Three: Are you going to leave us alone,
or do we have to REALLY fuck you up?

Subject: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 06:48:22 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Waking up after some time unconscious, the wizard quickly realizes the
nature of the situation, and you see the flash of resignation cross over
his face.  "Very well.  My name is Trevor Sneaux, and until very
recently, I was the apprentice of a very powerful sorcerer!"

"In addition to his teachings, however, I did a little additional study
on my own, when the master wasn't looking, and I learned how to create
zombie servants - either the standard, mindless variety or these more
potent, intelligent undead, like Boo-Getty."

"Of course, intelligence and Boo-Getty don't belong in the same
sentence.  But anyway, I decided to use my creations in order to set up
a secure power base within New York City, and started by having a horde
of zombies combat assault a bank in order to acquire great wealth."

"Furthermore, I sent Boo-Getty to acquire various artifacts of power,
the first of which was your mystical sack, of course.  However, this
task was somewhat interrupted by a band of vigilantes, who caused me
great harm by destroying my arm and telling on me to the master."

"He went and discharged me from his tutelage for doing what he called
'such dark deeds', but the people I use are already dead - I don't see
the problem.  Anyway, I had to wait a month or so while I rebuilt my arm
into the potent magical construct you see before you, here."

"Now, having recovered, I sent Boo-Getty to you directly, even as I dug
my other special zombie, the Dead Girl, out of the tomb those same
vigilantes who destroyed my appendage had buried her within.  Of course,
I was relying on your sack to help me vanquish them..."

"... and without it, I suppose I will have to find other means of
achieving my vengeance.  After all, I cannot defeat the two of you
savages, so I suppose I can live without the bag.  After all, it really
is too unpredictable in it's use to help me in direct combat."

"I suppose.  Very well, since you do have me at your mercy, I will leave
you and your little friend alone from here on out.  You have my word
that I will not directly or indirectly scheme to retrieve your mystical
artifact, there."

"But know this:  I will remember this insult, my lady.  And you, too,
you violent little troll -"  That particular remark prompts a sharp kick
in the side from Och, who seems to have taken serious umbrage to that
specific insult.  "Troll, indeed."

"Know this yourself, you shallow, pathetic mockery of a man.  Should I
ever lay eyes upon you again, I shall slay you for that affront.  I do
try to remain civilized in this strange world, but I will not suffer
such language from so dishonorable a man.  Remember this!"

Och then kicks the mage again, leaving him wheezing.  He then realizes
that you're watching him, and apologizes to you profusely.  "Er, sorry,
Madame.  It's a dwarf thing... you understand, right?"

!?

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : The Interview
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 08:12:22 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

" Yes, I will be right there." A.S.9 walks to the door to see if the Mercs 
are on their rides yet and then tries to blow out one of their tires with 
his eyebeams. (14,29,50,33) Then pulls back in and says " I'm ready now."

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 15:21:48 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

"And you better hold to it, pal.  Otherwise, I'll be back for you, *Trevor.*"

> "But know this:  I will remember this insult, my lady.  And you, too,
> you violent little troll -"  That particular remark prompts a sharp kick
> in the side from Och, who seems to have taken serious umbrage to that
> specific insult.  "Troll, indeed."
 
Ari grins as Och kicks the mage.  "Yeah, yeah.  Shut the hell up, Trevor.  
You're lucky I don't LET Och kick your ass.  He doesn't like you.  I don't 
like you either."

<skip Och's evil diatribe, nice!>  

"Alright, Och... Let's get the hell outta here...  As for Trevor... I guess 
we could call the cops.. But I don't think they could handle him.  Any ideas, 
pal?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 19:38:11 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

"Truly a tasteful sounding selection, " Magus says with a no small look of
disgust across his face.

> "Or if you ain't got no backbone, I gots your normal ales and whatever.
> Less'n your back's got some spine in it..."

At the merest insinuation that Magus and his compatriots lack the courage or
intestinal fortitude to handle the wretched sounding brews the look of mild
disgust disappears from his face only to be replace with a smoldering look
of anger, "You, good.....err...person, have made a most egregious error by
insulting my and my friend's courage. And for that I can only say to
you....a round of both your 'specials'."

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Sun, 30 Jan 2000 20:25:24 EST
From:    Scott A Clay <cclayjr2@juno.com>

"No is it supposed to be?  I was just concerned, unless thats not allowed
either."  Said Stone Cold, obviously upset about more than her change of
attitude.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: To the Big Apple
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 6:28:58 -0500
From:    "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

"Looks like the authorities are here to pick up what's left of your ride, Hobo." 

> (snip surly cabbie dialogue)

"Hey, pal I have no problem with you going to the hospital, in fact I would have suggested it myself but you seemed 
well enough to me." 

"My.....friend.....here and I will just pick up another cab at the hospital."

-CB

Subject: Re: [v13] the City
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 12:38:31 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

Once get got his legs, Ronin looked around as much as he could considering 
the smog and grime.

"The next task is to locate the doorway to our homeworld.  Have you any idea 
how we can do that?  And will your key work on that doorway or will we have 
to find another?"

Ronin frowns as he studies the city around him. Definitely not aestetically 
pleasing, at least not to him.

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : The Interview
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 15:43:36 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Mark Hazzard and his pal Mal get on their Jeep and get ready to pull
out, when you smoke their front right tire with your laser eyes.  You
manage to punch a hole right through the thing, causing it to detonate
spectacularly, leaving a nice, quarter-size hole in the rubber.

Amid a string of curses from the two men, you close the main door to Mr.
Harcourt's building, and head into his office.  "Well, then.  You must
be new in this line of work, because I don't recognize you, nor have I
worked with you before... but no matter."

"You're obviously here for the job, and if you aren't qualified, we'll
sure find out soon enough, now, won't we?"  The man pauses to go through
his files for a moment, scratching his totally bald head in an almost
subconscious, aimless manner, giving you time to respond.

If desired, of course.

"Anyhow, here's the information you'll need to bring in your prey.  Mr.
Antonio Smith has managed to elude capture by the proper authorities, as
well as several highly skilled hunters, for over two years solid, my
friend.  This is a copy of his police records."

You look over the list of Mr. Smith's dark deeds, and see that includes
about four counts of homicide, seven counts of assault (three with a
deadly weapon), and quite a few drug trafficking charges.  One murder
particularly sticks out, though - the victim was a Clarice Harcourt.

"The police have been less than willing to bring this animal to justice,
friend, so if you can manage it, I'll be more than happy to compensate
you for your trouble.  If you accept the job, I'll give you a thousand
up front, as well as plane tickets to Sioux City, Iowa."

"That's where this monster is currently hiding out."

"Are you interested?"

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 16:46:06 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"OK, guys, we have to find this Alonse character real fast and put him out
of commission.  I just everybody else didn't get zapped all over time too.
Do either of you know anyone we can call on for support, or are we in this
all alone?"

With that, Rebound starts to head for the area where he guesses the sewer
let out.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 15:48:59 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As the wizard groans in his little world of hurt, Och still looks a
little embarrassed about his outburst.  You get the impression that the
diminutive man doesn't like to lose his temper in the slightest; after
all, he does sound almost erudite at times.

In response to your question, however, Och shrugs.  "Well, the police
may not be able to properly handle him, but when they book him, he'll at
least have a record.  That ought to hamper any further efforts to get
revenge on us - or anybody else, for that matter."

"So, even if he escapes, he'll have the Man to contend with, as well as
us and these other fellows that seem to have crossed his path.  You
think, Ari?"

??

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 16:51:44 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari nods.  "Makes sense to me.  We could always call Boo-Getty and let him 
take out his pound of flesh." She chuckles.  "Seriously, though, let's call 
the cops."  Ari then proceeds to do so.  The story is that our pal the 
magician was stalking her, for unknown, but sinister purposes.  Given that 
its her and Och's word against the one-handed magical goon...

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 15:52:20 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Ay!  One round of Sludge, and one round of Rot-Gut comin' up!"  Within
about a minute or so, the surly bartender manages to scoop out a glass
full of Sludge for each of you, and pours a mug full of Rot-Gut, as
well.  Here ye go, ye foolish gits!  That'll be two golds!"

"Less'n you got no coin as well as no sense..."

?!

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: To the Big Apple
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 15:56:01 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Hey, I c'n drive, sure, but I ain't perfect right now.  And why have
health insurance if you're not gonna use it, hey?"  The cabbie wheels
you to the hospital, and then leaves the two of you to secure your own
ride to central park.

Within about ten minutes, you manage to finally get there.  The newer
cabbie drops you all off and leaves, prompting the Space Hobo to shrug.
"Now what?  We just gonna go look around the park, trying to find ol'
Cracklin', or should we start askin' people what's up?"

...?

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 16:05:01 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Hey, listen, Stoney.  Sorry 'bout yelling at you, okay?  I've just had
one hell of a rotten week, being thrown all over time and all, okay?  I
didn't mean it, big guy.  Still friends?"  Tammy then looks at you with
those big, brown eyes, waiting for your answer.

Before you can, however, Rebound recovers from the jeering crowd and
asks if you've got any backup.  "Nope, sorry.  The only support I got is
you two, 'cause everybody I know is in Atlanta - not that they have
anything that can help us against this goon."

"Hey, didn't that weirdo magic guy that was hanging out with us do
something with that goon?"

Before either of you can answer THAT, this strange ball of light,
bedecked with all manner of chromish, high tech accoutrements zips right
up to your position, shoving you all aside with more than a little
disdain.  "Damn humans, get out of the way!"

It then stops cold, and seemingly looking up, rockets into the sky. 
"Wait, you damn spacecraft!  I need a lift out of here!!  Wait!!!"  As
the three of you look at each other, Tammy just shakes her head.  "Don't
even look at me - I never even saw that jerk before!"

?!?

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 17:08:39 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

Rebound calmly turns on the communicator and calls up to the pilot.

"Hey, buddy, you have a pissed-off ball of light coming up towards you
apparently looking for a ride.  I hope that ship is armed..."

He then turns back to his companions, shrugs and states to no one in
particular, "One of these days, I'm going to learn why the world hates
me so much.  And then I'm gonna get even."

"You have any idea where that Alonse guy went after we trashed him?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 16:13:08 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The police show up in no time, your having called them from an oddly
still-functional pay phone nearby, and cuff the man as you explain your
story to them.  Och adds all kinds of little embellishments, too,
showcasing his bruise (the one gained when Boo-Getty 'clobbered' him).

He explains that he's here on business from New York, and saw this guy
slinking up behind you, and got nailed when trying to stop him... at
which point you beat him senseless with your 'purse'.  The cops buy it
easily enough, especially after Trevor starts screaming at you.

"I'll get you!  I'll get you!  If it's the last thing I do, I'll skin
you alive and feed your still-living flesh to the dogs!  Both of you! 
I'll kill you all, even!  Arrgh!"  You get the feeling that, if the cops
can hold his sorry self, he's going away for a long, long time.

Of course, the cops are somewhat wary of his energy-arm, but seem to
think it's just some kind of neon paint or some such.  One tries to
scrape a bit off, but gets sparked at for his trouble.  "Nice paint,
jerk."  The police then drag him off, and shove him into a patrol car.

"Well, that was easy enough.  Now, what's in store for you?  Myself, I
should get back to New York soon... my friends may be in serious need of
my aid, should the villain we opposed have defeated them, or otherwise
be prepared to menace them anew..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 17:18:24 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari shrugs.  "I'm through with classes for a while... and I might have 
something in the bag that can get you to NYC quick, if you want company.  
I've got nothing better to do, and besides, you're a good guy."  She smiles 
sweetly.  "Yay.  I just defeated my first super-villain.  Where's my spandex?"

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Sioux City, hear I come
Date:    Mon, 31 Jan 2000 20:15:36 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

" Sure, I would love it, When do we leave?" A.S.9 then listened and then 
shaking his hand he left. Checking to see if the goons are still there, and 
if so, He waves bye-bye and gets on his hog and drives off, If not, he just 
drives off to either a hotel and spends the night, or heads right to the 
airport. While on the way to the airport, he stops off to pick up some ammo 
and stuff.

Subject: Re: [v13] the City
Date:    Tue, 01 Feb 2000 02:01:51 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Masque sways for a moment...then stares...Up?... Or is it down? And then his eyes gleam. They Gleam with the brightness of a child atop the Empire State Building. He then sways a bit more when He looks back at Ronin and his newfound guides. Grinning and sidling a bit further away from you folk he looks back up and spits up... down...? 

> "The next task is to locate the doorway to our homeworld.  Have you any idea
> how we can do that?  And will your key work on that doorway or will we have
> to find another?"

Masque, still smiling, says;

"Yes..could you help us out in that matt......Ackkkkkkkk!"

As Masque was speaking he is smacked right in on his bald gleaming
head... (Didn't know he was bald did ya?).

"Guess that disproves that theory!" He says to himself all the while
wiping his head clean.

Looking all indignant-like, he says again;

"Maybe we could get something to eat huh?...And discuss where we need to
go to get home."

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: To the Big Apple
Date:    Tue, 1 Feb 2000 6:10:00 -0500
From:    "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

"Feel better, friend. Thank you for your efforts today"  Crimebuster says after the injured cabbie drops both he and the
Hobo off.  

Assuming it is daytime (OCC: we all know what happens when you assume, if it is not please tell me :) they enter the Park.

>> "Now what?  We just gonna go look around the park, trying to find ol'
>> Cracklin', or should we start askin' people what's up?"

"Well, this is New York right?  Probably a thousand people around, I think if we start looking for really big crowds.....or groups of people running around
in panic stricken terror....we will probably find him....er.....it.  With that CB tells the Hobo to start asking the people over there, pointing toward that statue of someone he probably should remember but can't. 

"I will start by asking that group over here"  He says, pointing to the closest people on his left.

Subject: Re: [v13] the City
Date:    Tue, 01 Feb 2000 13:28:29 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Well, after your two ersatz guides stop laughing at your little spitwad
accident, Masque, they try and pull themselves together and, after about
a minute, manage to do so.  "Well, your best bet would be to look up the
portal index in the City Court.", says Thaddeus.

"It's a vast log of Sigil's portals that is maintained by the Fraternity
of Order, one of the city's many factions.  Another option is to head
over to Clueless' Square, though that's something of a 'bad' part of
town, when you get down to it; it's in the Hive."

"And no, Ronin, that key will only work this particular portal, or any
other one who needs a similar object.  You see, every portal has a key,
be it something as simple as a sword or as complex as thinking happy
thoughts about marmalade.  I'm not sure why, but that's how they work."

"But if it's food you want, that's a bit easier to manage.  There are
hundreds of eateries in Sigil, though the trick will be to find one that
is to your liking.  I do believe there's a nice place right around
here... despite the darkling look of this Ward."

Assuming the both of you agree (though it's a certainty with Masque),
Gloria leads the rest of you on, and you make your way to a nice little
place called the Dirk + Firrin.  On the outside, it's windows are all
stained glass, so it's hard to see everything within.

However, once you get inside, you find the place to be a veritable
greenhouse, stocked full of various plants, and with a large skylight
that shows off the smoggy visage of the City of Doors above you.  You
grab a table, and after brushing off fern fronds, a waiter appears.

He's a bariaur, like those fellows you met back in Bludgeon, and has a
little note pad with which to write down your preferences.  He also has
a menu for the lot of you, just in case you're not sure what you want. A
look at it tells you that the dishes here are somewhat simple.

No rack of lamb, for instance, but anything that can be prepared
relatively easy is up for grabs.  However, the drink selection is quite
large, so if you were to imbibe or some such, the option is definitely
there.  "So, after we eat, where to, my clueless friends?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Sioux City, hear I come
Date:    Tue, 01 Feb 2000 13:30:07 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

When you exit the office, you find that those two mercs are gone, having
left nothing but their deceased tire to mark their passing.  You get on
your hog and take off, and only seem to get about a block before your
bike sputters to a dead stop.

You seem to have run out of gas.  Pushing the thing to a nearby gas
station (it only takes you about five minutes), you open the gas cap
only to find a piece of paper wedged in there.  Unfolding the thing, you
see a little note, and you can guess who it's from easily enough.

"Gas may be expensive, kid, but so're tires."

Once you resolve that issue by simply buying more gas (luckily, you've
got a grand handy), you take a look at your tickets and find that
they're good for tomorrow morning at 9 A.M., so you've got time to
burn.  As such, you wheel over to a hotel toot sweet.

And tonight, there's no need for you to stay in an abandoned place, as
you've got money to cover yourself this time - kind of nice, really. 
You get to kick back and watch television to room service, even - not
that you really need to eat all that much, of course.

The point simply is that you CAN.

Come morning, you wake up easily enough and prepare to head towards the
airport.  (Now, you'd mentioned something about ammunition, but I don't
recall you having any ammo-requirements, really; but, if you needs any
other stuff, now's the time to pick it up).

Que?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 01 Feb 2000 13:33:12 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"I was going to ask about that, actually."  When he sees the look you
give him, Och quickly redirects.  "No, no, no... not about spandex
specifically, but the strange treatment I see your civilization give
it's gifted members, those with some sort of powers or another."

"It would seem that, since my arrival, I've been overwhelmed with wave
after wave of such people, and yet I never hear anything about them on
your news programs or in your nightly papers.  It's almost as though the
vast majority of people are in denial about their existence."

"Why is that?"

(theoretical response space)

Assuming you say anything, Och then gets down to business.  "Well, if
you were to accompany me, my good lady, I would be honored.  And, should
you not be able to produce some contrivance to get us to the City with
your magical bag, I've got my American Express card."

"Don't leave home without it, eh?"

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: To the Big Apple
Date:    Tue, 01 Feb 2000 13:38:40 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

 (we'll call it night time - not REAL late or anything, but twilight)

You start asking folks right about the same time that the Space Hobo
does, and you get a few creative answers.  "Yeah, I seen him.  That
thing went on tour with the Village People back in '76, man!  It was,
like, SO cool!"

"Big glowey space-ball, huh?  Got me... I just work here.  Friggin'
nutball."  "Yeah, it's up yer ass!"  "Glowing balls, huh?  Man, you
should see a doctor!"  "Don't talk to me!"  Of course, somebody even
threatened you with a can of pepper spray.

But one comment that sticks out amidst the freakery of the New York
citizenry is that some rather ratty fellow claims that this ball of
light with stuff on it buzzed past him and knocked his cart full of
empty aluminum cans all over the place on it's way into the park.

Meeting up with the Space Hobo, you find that he hasn't gotten anything
else of consequence from the surly natives, so the only thing you've
really got so far is that dirty fellow's testimony.  So the question is,
do you head into the park?  It is night, and all...

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Tue, 1 Feb 2000 17:06:47 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

Magus flips two coins onto the bar and glares at the barkeep muttering to
himself as he lifts up one of the mugs of Sludge, "...one of these days I'm
going to be very angry when I find out exactly what this "git" thing is..."
Turning back to Jesus and the gang with his mischievous smirk back in place,
"Well friends let us acquire a seat and see what the night brings."

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Tue, 1 Feb 2000 17:35:45 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

"Well, Och... to put it simply... Humans fear what they don't understand.  
And sometimes, they consider it better to sweep what they don't feel 
comfortable with under the rug.  Dig?"
  
>  Assuming you say anything, Och then gets down to business.  "Well, if
>  you were to accompany me, my good lady, I would be honored.  And, should
>  you not be able to produce some contrivance to get us to the City with
>  your magical bag, I've got my American Express card."

Ari nods.  "Well, if you've got that, County Airport's out thataway..."  She 
grins, and then digs in the bag.  <rolling a 47>  "Lesseeeee..."

...

Subject: [v13] Heading toward the light
Date:    Tue, 1 Feb 2000 17:53:52 -0500
From:    "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

"Well, Hobo, it seems that a namesake of yours..." he says pointing toward the disheveled man "....thinks he may have seen Pinpoint.  He says it went..."
Realizing that the bum did not say which way Pinpoint went he yells "Hey, which way did you say it went?"

<< Bum response space>>

CB looks at the Hobo.  He has only known the man a short while and is unsure of his fighting ability....and having heard the stories about the Park at night he figures now is as good a time as any to ask:
"Are you capable in a fight if it comes to that?  Not about fighting  Pinpoint more about throwing down with the natives"  He is not worried about himself, confident that his own 6'3" muscled frame and fighting prowess should be able to handle whatever comes their way.

Assuming the Hobo says yes they then head off in the direction the bum indicated.  CB is a lttle cautious, keeping aware of all sides and moving at a good pace....toward the light....(hopefully). They continue in that direction until they either:

a) Run across Pinpoint
b) Run across someone else shouting "ITS OVER THERE" or something of the like
or
c) They run out of room.

Considering the fact that it is twilight, nearing dark and they are chasing a sentient ball of LIGHT Crimebuster feels reasonably assured they will catch up to him.  He just hopes no innocents have gotten in Pinpoint's path.....

...

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Tue, 01 Feb 2000 17:46:36 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx almost thinks to pray as the train collapses around her, and is
quite relieved to find herself relatively unharmed amidst the
wrought-iron wreckage.

Coal shovel still in hand, she prys her way out from under all of the
blackened metal to survey her surroundings. Laughing quietly to herself
as she watches St. Nick flounder through the air, Jinx realizes that the
game isn't finished yet.

Turning to see the rocket bear down on her, Jinx does the first thing
that comes to mind, hoping that her naturally chaotic combat style would
pull her through this dangerous maneuver.

Stepping quickly to the side, she lifts the coal shovel to block the path of the rocketing attacker, hopefully clothes-lining him with the flat of the shovel. Her hands were prepared to release once the pressure exerted upon them by the impact became to violent for even her probability field to handle.

[10 + Modifier for Initiative, 87 to Hit, 37 for Damage, 94, 83, 55 for
additional rolls.]

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Up,Up,Up and away
Date:    Tue, 01 Feb 2000 23:07:04 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

OCC: I carry 2 9mm and a bowie knife, sorry I thought that was on my stat sheet, oh well, forget the ammo I really don't see me needing it, either. IC: With a now full tank of gas he drives off to the Airport. Hoping that the corp installed buffers for the Metal detectors into his body, he turns and gives the tickets. If he doesn't make it, maybe he will go with the "metal plate in head story" and see if that gets him on. Once he gets to Sioux City, he is going to find appropriate lodgings and rental Hog, and head off to find his query.

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 11:44:29 EST
From:    Scott A Clay <cclayjr2@juno.com>

"Oh come on Tammy you know I could never be mad with you.  Not for too
long anyway."  He says with a smile looking up at the spacecraft. 
"Rebound, must you always have women all over the galaxy chasin' after 
ya."  Says Stone Cold, resuming Stone form.

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 13:33:52 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"You got it, buddy.  Dunno why you've got one of them buggers on your
planet at this time, but I'm SO out of here!"  With that, the pilot (who
you STILL cannot identify by name) hits the throttle, and you hear the
report of his engines way up there, even if you cannot see 'em.

Seconds later, you hear a cry of 'argh!', in the same voice that that
ball of light utilized when it so rudely shoved through you.  You're not
sure why, but you have the oddest impression that it got caught in the
rocket exhaust when your pilot took off.

As matters in the sky become less interesting, Tammy tries to answer
your question, Rebound.  "Well, I'm not sure.  If I remember right, that
Masque fellow seemed to have sent him somewhere.  He might've shipped
him off to the moon or to some other planet."

"But he's not all that powerful, from what I could tell.  With that
costume and that hairdo, I just don't see it.  I'd say the guy probably
just wished him away to another town, or maybe just a police station
here in the City.  What do you think?"

"And hey, glad you're not mad, Stoney..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 13:43:39 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"... I see.  What strange people - no offense, of course, milady..."

Och then sees you fishing around in the bag, and watches with some
anticipation to see just what you extract from the mystical artifact. 
You feel around for a few seconds and, pull out a box of 'Deux ex
Machina brand disposable teleportation pads'.

It's a box of six, but coincidentally, four of them have already been
used by... somebody else.  Pulling one out, you see that the pad seems
to resemble a stop sign in shape and color, but instead of saying
'stop', the pad says 'stand here'.

On the back of the box lies the handy dandy instruction sheet.  It
simply says that all you need to do is step on the 'stand here' thing
and think of where you want to go - instant teleportation, anywhere in
the galaxy!  Pretty nifty, should they actually work...

?!

Subject: Re: [v13] Heading toward the light
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 13:52:11 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The bum looks at you in disdain, having already resigned himself to not
talking to anybody else this year, and yells back at you.  "I said he
went into the park!  That way!  Argh!"  The bum points in a specific
direction, though, and that's when you see it.

There's a big, circular burn mark in that tree on the park's edge.  It
would appear that following Cracklin' Mad Pinpoint would be a bit easier
than you would imagine, as when you look through the hole, you see a
whole bunch of other holes in other trees, leading forward.

In response to your other query, the Space Hobo looks all
indignant-like.  "What, you don't think I can fight, do you?  Well, let
me tell you this, bub!  I been flying around fighting hairy tentacled
space monsters for years before you were even born!"

"Capable in a fight.  Harrumph!"  You'll take that as a yes, you guess.

Heading into the park, you find a couple people after about thirty feet,
yelling and screaming for help.  When you get to them, you see that
they've been enmeshed in some sort of steely webbing, almost like a
capture net or some such.

"Hey, man, help!  Some glowey thingie wrapped us all up!  This thing's
getting tighter!!"  To punctuate his words, you see that the steel mesh
is starting to tear into the three joggers' skin somewhat, as blood is
starting to leak out of their fragile skin.

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Up,Up,Up and away
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 13:56:45 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

(ooc:  just a quick note before we continue...  I didn't see the guns'n
stuff on your sheet, but they're coo'.  However, the tricky issue here
is that, even if you are proofed against metal detectors, your stuff
most likely isn't.  Unless you've got weird skin pockets or something.)

(Not to be a nag, just making sure, dude... 'cause if they're not
shielded, that could be one hell of a hassle come the airport security
force...  =)

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 14:01:37 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You seize a table on the top ring of the Pit, as your bariaur friends
don't like the idea of climbing down there - especially since they're
tipsy already, and the whole place is really crumbling deeper into the
depths or Sigil, when you get down to it.

Once there, your pals start to sip that Rot-Gut, and most of them recoil
in shock at the raw... strength of the liquor.  "Egads!", and other such
exclamations seem somewhat common.  Then, Frank gets a bit adventurous,
and tries to sample the Sludge.

He pulls the spoon out of the mug, and since the Sludge doesn't pour
very well (well, it does so with a consistency of He-Man (TM) slime), he
samples a spoonful of the inky gloop.  "Hey, this is pretty darn good!
Tastes like strawberries!"

!?

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 2 Feb 2000 15:09:46 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"But he's not all that powerful, from what I could tell.  With that
costume and that hairdo, I just don't see it.  I'd say the guy probably
just wished him away to another town, or maybe just a police station
here in the City.  What do you think?"

"And hey, glad you're not mad, Stoney..."


"The guy's a criminal.  Why not try a police station.  I think I can 
remember how to get to the sewer where we first ran into that loser, 
but I'd rather try to keep above ground.  It stinks in there, ya know."

Rebound takes a look around the area trying to decide where the closest
exit to the park is from where they are standing.

"Now if I was the way out of the park I would be..."

Rebound tries to figure out where the most noise is coming from (other
than from above) thinking that is the closest way out of the city.

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 14:16:14 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You shoot, you score!  Or, so you thought, as you seemed to tag the
foolish rocket-rider right in the throat with that shovel.  However,
before you can even let go of the thing, it shatters in your hands,
causing a painful reverberation to pass through your arms.

As that happens, you see a blue sort of warbling in the air in front of
Monsieur Frank:  Captain Crotch-Rocket, almost like the look of a water
drop strikin a pond, but without a pond to generate it.  It would seem
that you're not the only one with a force field.

"Aha, stupid American!  Did you really think that moi, Monsieur Frank,
would ride around on a rockette all crazy-like, with no protection?  Oh
ho!  You are as stupid as you look, you smelly, uncultured, hamburger
eating buffoon!"

Of course, the man says this as he rockets past you at ungodly high
speeds, and he has absolutely no chance of turning that monstrosity
around - he simply lacks the room.  As such, he just kicks his beast
into overdrive, and flies away at ridiculous speeds.

He just misses that madcap ice cream truck, too, as it peeks around the
corner - oddly, in reverse.  You see it back out of an alley about eight
blocks ahead of you, firing what appear to be homing ice cream cones
at... somebody.

"Ow!  Hey, man, stop it!  Cut it out!"  The voice you hear booming out
from the alleyway seems to be issuing forth from some sort of digitized
radio D.J., and he seems to be getting angrier.  "Hey!  I SAID cut it
out, fool!  This ain't funny, any more!"

At that point, you hear this bizarre, grinding metal sound, and the
heavy duty movement of hydraulic machinery.  Then, you hear the
uncomfortably familiar sound of metal feet walking, though they seem to
be supporting a weight much heavier than robots you've experienced.

Suddenly, a sixteen foot tall robot that seems to be made out of Porsche
parts and pieces lunges forward out of that alleyway, and picks up Sweet
Tooth's ride, shaking it violently in an up and down motion.  "Get out,
you little clown - it's MY turn to play!"

?!?!

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 20:37:01 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Most of the time, I try to keep a cool head.  Besides, its hard to find a 
woman as cute as you still willing to put up with me after all of this."  He 
says with a smirk.  "So any ideas on how to find a crazy madman?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 14:53:48 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

As Tammy blushes, she seems to agree with Rebound's logic.  "Yeah, we
probably ought to try some cop shops around here, see if they remember
anybody fitting that A-lonse's description suddenly appearing, and
covered in sewage and blood.  That ought to be memorable..."

With that, you look around and listen, and seem to determine that 'that
way' is the fastest way out of the park, pointing towards the nearest
buildings.  Once you say so, Tammy uses her telekinesis to lift the lot
of you up and over the trees.

"Damn, you weigh a lot!"  You don't move too fast, mind, but Tammy does
save you the trouble of trudging through untold acres of park.  Once you
hit the edges of the trees, she sets the three of you down, and holds
her head.  "Woo... wasn't sure I could do that."

Once she recovers, she looks around, and eventually finds what she's
looking for.  "Ah, a pay phone.  We should look up a local cop shop,
methinks.  After all, I've never been here before I met you two bozos,
so I have no idea where the police stations are... do you?"

Que?

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 21:08:38 GMT
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Bozos, I am homey da clown thank you very much.  Maybe this will help?"  
Changing to normal.  "There is a Police station on 32nd and Cleveland.  My 
cousin brought me here once to watch the Knicks play and do a fashion show.  
I got to play bodyguard to alot of gorgeous models.  Go figure."  Says Stone 
Cold.  Pointing about 3 blocks away.  "You Rebound, you have that official 
look.  Any spare badges lying around in the coat of yours?"

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 2 Feb 2000 16:14:47 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Bozos, I am homey da clown thank you very much.  Maybe this will help?"  
Changing to normal.  "There is a Police station on 32nd and Cleveland.  My 
cousin brought me here once to watch the Knicks play and do a fashion show.

I got to play bodyguard to a lot of gorgeous models.  Go figure."  Says Stone
Cold.  Pointing about 3 blocks away.  "You Rebound, you have that official 
look.  Any spare badges lying around in the coat of yours?"


"Official look?  What're you stoned?  You think they'd give me the time of 
the day with this get-up?  Sure I can bluff my way past a bunch of freaky
space aliens, but this is the NYPD.  They won't buy it for a second.  You at
least LOOK normal."

"By the way, did either of you see where that ball of light came from?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 15:27:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"I think he's got you there, Stoney.  Tell you what, let's head over
there and you can play Mr. Reporter or something.  I'm sure that'll work
out better'n Rebound spooking the snot out of 'em with his mask and
cloak and stuff, eh?"

After you ask about the ball of light, Tammy just shakes her head. 
"Hey, this is New York, right?  Weird stuff happens all the time, I
guess.  Unless we just missed something important, or something.  But
what're the odds of that?"

?

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Wed, 2 Feb 2000 16:30:08 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"With what we've been through in the past week, I'd say the odds are
pretty damned good.  Methinks we'd better go back and see if we can
figure out where it came from.  It might just be related to this
A-Lonse guy and if we can track it back to where it came from, maybe
we can find him that much faster."

Rebound adds quietly..."and then I don't have to deal with those tough
police questions like who are you..."

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Wed, 2 Feb 2000 18:19:41 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

 Magus smirks at his friends exclamations and shrugs as he takes a nice
swallow from his mug of Rot-Gut (tm I'm sure) all the while thinking to
himself, "Can't too strong when you grow up drinking dwarven stout and elven
wine...not to mention the things the elders would brew up."

> He pulls the spoon out of the mug, and since the Sludge doesn't pour
> very well (well, it does so with a consistency of He-Man (TM) slime), he
> samples a spoonful of the inky gloop.  "Hey, this is pretty darn good!
> Tastes like strawberries!"

 Magus continues to sip on his Rot-Gut as he's sure all of his bariaur
friends will dive into their mugs of Sludge.

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 17:32:09 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

"Ow-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w!" Jinx echoes as she vibrates from the shock wave
riding up the haft of the shattered shovel.

Once she's come to her senses she grumbles and shakes her fist at the
rocketing enemy, her obscenities trailing off as she sees the ice cream
truck hoisted up by the strange robot.

Jinx had seen a lot of robots in her time, but nothing quite like this.
Especially one with such an advanced vocabulary.

"Hmmm...maybe it's powered battle armor with a driver or a remote
control or something," she pondered.

"Right, I've got to find Clutch and make sure he isn't a grease smear!"
she resolved as she began to make her way back in the direction she had
last scene the slick mechanic.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Wed, 2 Feb 2000 18:45:25 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari takes one look at the "pads," and grins.  "Looks like we're in luck.  One 
for each of us.  Don't want any freaky-deaky mind-limb-swapping going on."  
She lays the two pads on the floor, and sets the box in a rubbish bin.  
"Anywhere in particular, or just Central Park?  I know a nice spot there, 
TMBG shot a video down by the lake, and I can visualize it pretty well... "  
Ari fusses about with the pads... the bag has been especially kind as of 
late... no baby dragons or human skulls or evil glowing tomes of Dark Mystick 
Lore THIS week...

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Up,Up,Up and away
Date:    Wed, 02 Feb 2000 22:56:21 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

Nope let's drop the guns and knife off and go on about the story. I will 
just go with leather and me, myself and I. And I am assuming I have buffers 
to protect against metal detectors in my body, or else we be in some deep 
Sheep dip.

Subject: Re: [v13] Heading toward the light
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 6:24:50 -0500
From:   "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

"Well, lets hope it does not come to that......Oh who am I trying to kid.....I have not had action in so long I am ready to turn on the Discovery channel to watch the "Survival of the Fittest" wars on the plains of the Serengeti.  "

> (snip eyewitness account of Pinpoint)

Turning to the Hobo, Crimebuster says "I would imagine we are on the right path....".  He unsheathes Achira and lets his Chi flow down the blade (Roll: 82).  The area in the surrounding 30 feet becomes bathed in a deep green light.  With a look of satisfaction, Crimebuster approaches the webbed joggers and uses Achira to cut through the metal skien.  (Roll: 69)

Remembering one of the later kata's taught to him by Master Lee, his movements begin to flow into a dance where the katana Achira Ryushutsu becomes a natural extension of his arm as he strikes the tree-holds of the constricting web (OCC: Using Exhibition talent for this).

After he cuts them out, he asks: "The ball of light, which way did it go?  Did it say anything to you?"

Other rolls just in case: (41, 80,72,37)

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 10:37:38 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

And they do.

You see the others leap right into it.  You see Jesus recoil in horror,
his spoon-ful resisting being scooped away from the mug, while Ernesto
seems to think the stuff is right tasty, like a bowl of oranges.  The
others have similarly different experiences with the Sludge.

In fact, the experiences seem to vary from spoon-ful to spoon-ful. 
Frank's strawberry Sludge seems to have changed to Grog flavor, while
Ernesto's has stopped fighting, now smelling of elderberries, and Jesus'
just jumped down his throat, tasting of ice cubes.

And so on.

You just watch the lot of them struggling with the stuff, laughing
internally as they seem quite... unprepared to deal with Sludge.  It's
nice to know that you're not the only clueless person in the bar,
relatively speaking.  

"Hey, berk!  Why aren't you tryin' the Sludge?  Scared?"  That, of
course, would be Jesus, who seems to have been forced to consume his
Sludge by, of course, his Sludge.  At this point, even he seems to be
swimming in his cups; the Sludge must be quite strong...

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 10:48:02 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You watch the spectacle of that robot for a few more seconds, observing
as it finally pries Sweet Tooth away from his ice cream truck and, as
the clown watches in horror, he sort of presses the thing into a useless
ball of metal between his big, powerful arms.

"That'll teach you, human... if you can't play nice, don't play at all -
especially with high explosives!  Ha!"  The hydraulic whine and
crunching, twisting metal sounds continue until the ice cream truck is
unrecognizable, and the robot then drop-kicks it down the street.

"There you go, little organic.  Merry Christmas!"  The clown waves his
fists at the robot, spewing foam out his mad little mouth.  "I'll get
you, Jazz!"  He then flees down the street, chasing his balled up
vehicle.  As he does so, the apparent Jazz starts looking around.

Just then, you duck back into the alley from which you entered this
particular street, and back right into Clutch!  "Hey, babe, there you
are!  Been looking for you since you ran off on me like that.  What is
it, my breath?  I've got Altoids (TM)!"

The trick is, Clutch seems to be sitting on a fully functional V.A.M.P.,
not the wrecked up one that you last saw him driving.  When he sees the
look on your face, he nods.  "Yeah, that's what I thought. But
apparently, there's some ... things laying around in the city."

"These bizarre balls of light, balls that actually fix up your car.  I
guess that Calypso character left 'em in waiting for us.  The only
problem I have with that, though, is what if one of these other goons
find one before we finish this thing?  We might have a problem..."

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 10:56:26 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Och looks at you and squints.  "Yes... I believe I can visualize the
place you are speaking of.  Shall we?"  Assuming you nod in the
affirmative, the dwarf concentrates on the locale, and with a barely
audible 'pop', he's gone - and so's the teleporting pad!

You do the same, and the empty warehouse vanishes, leaving a bunch of
night-time park around you, with a lake to your left.  You see Och about
a hundred feet or so away, looking around and generally taking the
sights in.  "Hello!", he yells.

Running back over to your position, you can see he's all smile -
apparently glad to be home.  "Those devices of yours seem to have worked
- and no mixed up body parts, as far as I can tell..."  After a few more
moments spent admiring the cityscape, Och recovers.

"Well, then.  I suppose I should pick up where I left off.  You see,
we'd battled this evil, technological-minded wizard under the city
streets, at least I assume so.  I was removed from the battle by my
friend, Silhouette, while my allies dealt with one of his minions."

"I suppose we should find the spot we entered the tunnels under this
city, and pick up the trail from there... though I do believe the odor
is quite... unpleasant..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Heading toward the light
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 13:24:09 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You manage to free the poor, innocent (?) park-goers with a spectacular
display of swordsmanship, but they were too intent on being all cut up
to tiny little chunks of human-meat to really notice your technique; the
only person clapping, of course, is the Space Hobo.

"Bravo!  Bra-vo, I say!"

As the joggers recover, and rub the small (luckily) cuts on their
persons, one of them answers you, Crimebuster.  "Yeah, he called us a
bunch of 'damn, dirty humans', netted us up, and said 'that'll teach
you... get in my damn way, will you?'."

"And it went that way, if you couldn't tell, dude."  The jogger points
to the chain of trees with a circular hole burnt right through them, as
though Cracklin' Mad Pinpoint couldn't be bothered to simply duck and
weave around them...

"I'm startin' to not like this, Mister Buster... he's lookin' REAL
ticked off, here..."

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 11:25:48 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

"yeah..." Reaper says distractedly, "Think I oughta start thinkin' about
some kind of signature look or somethin'?" he asks, "Screw it, not now
- there's food to be had s *somewhere* on this...er base?...spacestation
or whatever..."

He looks to his motorcycle, "Wouldn't do to be motoring around the hallways
I guess.  Hang tight okay?" he says to the motorcycle.

"Lets do this" He says, opening the door and heading out... 

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 13:27:27 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Well, hokay, if you don't wanna talk to the cops, I'll just take us
back there, to the park... if you guys want..."  With that, Tammy
levitates the trio of you back to the park, from whence you parted
company with that goofy ball of light.

"A'ight, now what, smart guy?"

...?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 13:42:12 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The two of you walk out of your room and, retracing your steps somewhat,
make your way back to the area indicated by Gray Stump that housed the
station commons, where one could get food, drink, supplies, equipment,
and so on.  Basically, where all the commerce occurs.

Once you get there, you find yourself amongst a motley crew of what can
only be described as... things.  All manner of beings, like strange,
levitating plants, a few more of those mushroom-things like Gray Stump,
bizarre amorphous beings, robotic entities, and more.

There's a nice, handy kiosk present at each entrance to the commons
area, and it seems to have a little picture on it next to a microphone,
indicating that you should speak into it or something - but the being in
the picture resembles a giant bug, so it's hard to tell for sure.

Assuming you say something, the kiosk comes to life, and begins talking
to you.  "Ah!  I have experienced this language before!  What can I be
doing for your august personages today, O english-speaking ones?  Will
you be requiring food, transportation, negotiable affection, or other?"

?!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 11:47:06 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

"..." Reaper's mouth opens but nothing comes out, "...right...uhmmm food..yeah
lets just stick to that for now.  Where can we get somethin' to eat around
here?" he asks.

"- fit for humans!" he adds hastily..

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 14:07:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

The kiosk grinds its digital gears for a few moments, and then seems to
retort.  "Humans?  Unknown nomenclature... please allow this humble
station to scan your biological matrix in order to determine what may be
suitable consumables for your continued subsistence..."

A small door then opens up on each side of the kiosk, and the thing then
scans you both, bathing the two of you in a soft white light, somewhat
like the one Gray Stump and company used on you, but not quite so...
invasive.

"Ah... yes, yes, yes.  What you will want to do is head down to Ergx the
Tsort's Instant Homegrown Diner, about eight doors down.  The man is a
specialist in providing dining needs to those who are far from home, and
can clone a meal from just about anything."

"He's purportedly got about five quadrillion species from across the
local galaxy group DNA scanned and ready to insta-clone.  Then, he can
serve the meal up to your preference, from what the information in my
databanks state.  Will that be sufficient?"

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Heading toward the light
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 15:11:30 -0500
From:   "Scott J. Greengold" <Scott.Greengold@ey.com>

"Watch it buddy...." Crimebuster says "Poking fun at a man's true path is like stealing his french fries, it's just not right"

Crimebuster keeps his chi focused down the blade of Achira Ryushutsu to keep the area well illuminated.  Turning to the joggers, he says "My name is Crimebuster, and I am glad I could be of help.  I would suggest leaving.  The Park is a bad place to be at night."

To the Hobo he says "I think we are going to have to fight him.  If his reaction after you crashed was any indication he will not be very happy to see you.  If I were you, I would make sure I was ready to duck!!"  

<< Hobo response space >>

They start to move on following the path of energy razed forest.  Crimebuster is yelling, for the 2nd time today, "Does anyone need help?" and the like, hoping that these are the last of the casualties.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 12:28:08 -0800
From:    "Michael Joiner Jr" <ultimental@onebox.com>

"Yeah...sure why not?" Reaper replies, somewhat baffled but covering.
"8 doors eh?  Well, you ready?" He asks Ken, then begins to head toward
the place.

Subject: RE: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 15:39:07 -0500
From:    Douglas Lohse <LohseD@mscdirect.com>

"Um...we look around and see if this thing left any clues as to where
it came from.  It's a glowing ball of light for chrissakes!  Somebody
somewhere HAS to have seen it."

With that, Rebound begins to look for clues as to where this thing came
from or if anyone in the area saw it.

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : Up,Up,Up and away
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 15:12:32 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

  (assuming I've finally sent this post to the correct address...  =)

Aye.

So, dropping off the stolen bike and your personal weaponry in one of
those U-Store-It facilities, you make for the airport and, after several
delays of the ordinary sort, and some confusion at the metal detector
(they thought it should detect your cable hair), you're good.

The flight itself is rather uneventful, boring you to death with yet
another fun replay of Titanic, and by the time you've almost been
reduced to tears (and not because of the 'good' story, mind), you
finally arrive in down-trodden, stench-filled Sioux City.

Well, you're here - now what?

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 17:15:29 -0500
From:    "Nathan Gecko" <nathangecko@yahoo.com>

 "Well ya ignorant git," Magus smirks to himself at just how well he's
accustoming himself to this world's ways, "I'm not the one that should be
scared of their Sludge. Looks like your's might try to steal a weapon and
finish you off. What with how it appears to be consuming you more than you
it."

 Magus pushes the spoon to the side of his mug of Sludge and looks at Jesus,
"Scared? If'n we weren't friends I'd show you some real fear." Magus flashes
a jovial smirk at his comrade as he pulls the spoon from the muck that would
be Sludge and crams a heaping spoonful into his waiting mouth.

 Right as the what is assuredly an unexpected taste erupts in his mouth he
has a plethora of intimidating thoughts flash through his cranium,
"..knowing my luck I get the cup that tastes like rotten flesh....or my
Sludge just wants to feast on my insides....wait....if this Sludge is acting
this way then it's either alive or magical......or something entirely
different.........."

<gulp>

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 17:23:52 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx almost jumps out of her skin when she bumps into Clutch.

"ACK! Jeez, man, you about gave me a heart attack!" she exclaimed as she
turned to discuss the current situation with him.

"Right. Magic mechanic shit. Got it. Well, we don't want to screw around
with that robot down the street. Not yet, at least. He's a bit higher
quality than the others." she explained as she tried to keep her eyes
and ears out for trouble that might be sneaking up on them.

"I think that we'll need to see who we can find to destroy and do so
quickly. Maybe if we mess them up badly enough and enough times the
glowing balls won't fix them anymore."

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : On the Case
Date:    Thu, 03 Feb 2000 21:29:25 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 finally arrive in down-trodden, stench-filled Sioux City. He takes a 
cab to the nearest Hotel and gets a room. Then grabs a cab to the nearest 
Harley Davidson to take a Harley for a test drive. Then he heads toward the 
last known location of the felon in question. Once arriving he is going to 
be on alert, and have his sunglasses off, just in case he needs his eye 
beams. rolls are: 42, 33, 38,33.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Thu, 3 Feb 2000 22:57:58 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari nods.  "Right.  I guess so.  Where'd ya find this yahoo, and who the hell 
is he, if I may ask?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 16:09:52 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

Och just shrugs.  "Long story.  You see, a strange wizard calling
himself Ahom collected the lot of us just after we'd done battle with
this robotic menace that was, well, menacing this surly, empowered girl
calling herself Jinx."

"Me and several friends of mine wound up getting involved with this mess
by coincidence, and after that, the mage implored us to help him do
battle with a newly ressurected evil, one calling himself Morbis, and
who was an ancient foe of his, who he couldn't battle directly."

"Seeing no harm in this, we all investigated, save for one fellow who
goes by the name of Hardcore, who vanished on us just before we sought
this Morbis out.  En route, though the sewers under New York City, we
defeated Morbis' minion, some odd duck calling himself A-lonse."

"During this mess, we were flooded with tons upon tons of water, at
which point my good friend Silhouette tried to teleport the two of us to
safety, but I remember nothing between the time she did that and when
you rescued me via your magical hand-bag, there."

"So, I'm not sure if they won or not, and if not, I must avenge their
deaths at the hands of this so-called techno-mage, Morbis.  Otherwise,
if they did win, I may be able to find some hint as to where everybody
got to after they defeated that villain.  I hope."

"I do believe that the entrance to the sewers we fought in was this way,
Ari.  Shall we?  Of course, you may prefer to locate a gas mask or
something within your sack before we enter the tunnels, proper.  After
all, the stench is quite... foul..."

?

Subject: Re: [v13] A.S.9. : On the Case
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 16:16:00 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

After getting your hotel room and doing your test drive, a cab does
indeed take you to the location noted by your employer as being
Antonio's last, the spot where three other bounty hunter-types got
themselves waxed trying to bring this armed and dangerous thug in.

It's at the door to a small, apparently abandoned factory, right next to
what you might call a... an 'adult entertainment bar'.  The factory
seems abandoned, in that there's nobody here, as of 4 PM, when you'd
think such a facility would be teeming with factory-like activity.

You'd think.

Pulling your sunglasses off, you look around, and don't see any overt
signs of trouble... but then, trouble's not always readily apparent. 
What next, o artificial one?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 16:26:10 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You saddle up in the V.A.M.P., and after Clutch peels out, on a quest to
find some people to bust up, he hands you some clips.  "Found these,
too... figured you'd want 'em."  They're sort of generic looking clips,
and don't look like they'd fit into your gun... at first.

However, once you put 'em near the thing, they seem to change shape,
flowing into a form that would fit your gun perfectly.  So, you've also
apparently got some magic mag-cannon clips.  Woo.  That is, of course,
assuming that you use the things...

Stalking through the streets of Los Angeles, you find that it's not
quite so easy to find any of these bozos, suddenly.  "Y'know, if I
didn't know better, Jinx, I'd say that we wore out most of these goons
already, hey?  Unless we just - whoa!!"

Clutch swerves to the left instantly, moving out of the way of that
giant hole that just appeared in front of the V.A.M.P.  When the bits of
concrete and other assorted dust settles, you see that weird wedge-car
thing was what made the hole.

It dove right through the road, barely missing the two of you as it fell
from on high, and sort of 'swam' through the earth underneath, coming
back up a few seconds later, to your left.  You do see, though, that the
thing's windshield is still cracked open, and yeller.

How now, brown cow?

Subject: Re: [v13] Touring the City of Doors
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 16:31:40 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You taste the taste of well, taste.  You can't quite put your finger on
it, but you seem to be tasting quintessential flavor, in that you taste
everything you've ever tasted before, in a long, rapidly changing stream
of flavorful sensations.

It's quite bizarre.  Thinking that neat, you try another taste of the
Sludge, only to find that you're tasting sweet tangerines, and another
taste betrays frog legs, whilst a fourth gives you a mouthful of what,
in another world, you'd call nacho cheese.

You think you like this odd, chaotic drink.  But then, you haven't had
any of the more bizarre experiences of your compatriots.  Not yet,
anyway...  "Hey, Jesus, I think he likes it!"  You see Frank laughing at
you as he drinks his Rot-Gut.  "Is good?"

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: Lost In Space...?
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 16:36:34 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

You walk down to Ergx' Diner, and when you go in, you see several
more... beings eating away.  Several robots seem to be downing what
looks like crackling motor oil, while those mushroom-types appear to be
sitting on week-old carcasses.

At the counter, you spy these liquidy, amorphous tentacles reaching up
from behind, some cooking up dishes, some running the cash register, and
one operating the controls of what seems to be the Insta-Clone machine.

It's got a picture of some thing that looks like a starfish, with an
arrow pointing to yet another starfish-like being, and all sorts of odd
instructions in alien pictograms waiting to be deciphered.  While you
stare on, a fluid pseudopod reaches towards you, and evolves a mouth.

"Hey, what can I do for you twose today?"

?!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Heading toward the light
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 16:44:17 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

"Hey, who said I was poking fun?  That was genuine praise, man.  If I
were mocking you, I'd be saying something like, 'ooh, nice moves, mister
ninja!  they teach you those at the monastery, showoff?'.  But I didn't;
I thought it was neat-o.  Hmph."

"But what was that about french fries?"  As the joggers take off, you
look around the forest, and see that the column of fire that Cracklin'
Mad Pinpoint burnt through the forest hereabouts terminates in a small
field ahead, wherein you see three people landing.

Yes, landing.

They appear to have been flying, up until a second ago, possibly
supported by the brunette girl, there, who's holding her temples as
though she has a whopper of a headache.  The other two seem to have
their stuff together a little bit better.

There's one who's wearing a full facial mask, and a black cloak that
seems to be obscuring his features entirely.  The other fellow's got on
some strange, blue and black costume that seems to almost scream
'martial artist' for some reason.

As you look on, you hear behind you "Crap.  I'd rather fight them than
Cracklin' Mad... eesh.  At least these guys can be reasoned with -
they're ORGANIC, after all..."

!?

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 16:49:44 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@home.com>

                      (you out there, Stoney?)

You look around the park in your immediate vicinity, and what you see is
a sort of trail of smoldering holes in the trees leading away from the
direction that Tammy flew you a scant minute ago, and incidentally, in
the direction that that ball of energy came from.

Just about then, though, way across the field, you spy twin flashes of
light, about a second or so apart, by a nearby pond.  There seems to be
a couple of people down there, milling about.  Tammy sees 'em, too, and
appears to be ready to shout something, when she falls over.

"Gack!"  When she hits the ground, you can easily see why - her shoe just fell apart.  It almost looks as though the tennis shoe on her right foot added twenty years worth of wear in a second, and all the stitching, as well as the sole, just popped loose!

?

Subject: Re: [v13] Twisted Happenings
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 17:44:06 -0600
From:    "William H. Lockwood" <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx is a bit hesitant when she sees the clips change shape, but figures
that she has nothing to lose as the guns are useless without ammo, anyway.

"Right. Ammo is good. Even weird, creepy magic ammo," she off-handedly
comments as she reloads both of her magcannons.

"Yeah, you could be right, but I don't think many of them are down for
the count yet, man," she counters as the V.A.M.P. swerves to miss the
hole created by the wedge-car.

"This guy has been a tough nut to crack! We need to do something about
him, and quickly!" she exclaimed as she tried to track the vehicle in
the night, thankful for the swath of yellow paint coating its
windshield.

"Right, come to mama!" she taunted as she leveled one of her magcannons
at the general vicinity of where she thought the engine might be.

~Let's see what these "magic" bullets can do!~ she thought as she
prepared to take her shot.

[7 + Modifier for Initiative, 66 to Hit, 23 for Damage, 16, 11, 94 for
extra rolls.]

Subject: [v13] A.S.9. : Factoring in a solution
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 18:26:22 CST
From:    "Randy Alexander" <as_nine@hotmail.com>

A.S.9 forces his whip to pop out and slap open the doors, and then he uses 
it to swing inside and pops out his blades ready for action. He also has his 
eyes searching for any movement. 60,56,45,87

Subject: Re: [v13] Planet III
Date:    Fri, 04 Feb 2000 21:44:23 EST
From:    Scott A Clay <cclayjr2@juno.com>

OCC: I am always here a little dazed most of the time but, here.

"Ah Tammy sweets it looks like you could use some new shoes.  That light
over there  looks more like cops than anything, but I say lets check it
out anyway.  I would carry you but, you might think that more forward of
me than I am already."  Stone Cold.

Subject: Re: [v13] Re: A beginning... (Ari)
Date:    Fri, 4 Feb 2000 23:57:17 EST
From:    EmarZero@aol.com

Ari nods.  "Yeah... that's one hell of a story, Och."  She grins.  Lemme 
see... I think I have a scarf or something... I don't wanna push my luck with 
the bag..."  Ari roots in her backpack for something of use, as when the bag 
stops being nice... it's DAMN mean.















