========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/1 Posted Author POWERS SAVE BABY, BOOK Thu May 01 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Two previously unidentified powers foiled an attempt by unidentified men to steal a fifth century text from the Crucible City Public Library. The book is reputed to be written by Merlin himself. No one was seriously injured in the fracas, and three of the theives were captured. Sources in the police department suggested that the men were members of the Golden Horde, the extended criminal network of the well-known Crucible mob figure Donny Trismegistus, aka The Golden Don. The Don, whose interest in magic and the occult is well known, has been trying to purchase the book from the library for several years with no success. The two powers, Energy Boy and the Black Knight, intercepted the Horde when the thieves tried to exit the library with the manuscript. The Don's men were reinforced by a giant stone warrior, which was quickly defeated by the heroes. The day nearly turned tragic when Energy Boy was hurled backwards into a balcony, causing a baby carriage containing 1 year old Mary Lou Parker to plummet towards the ground. The Black Knight, however, used his own magical powers to levitate the carriage to safety. Five of the Horde escaped. Both heroes refused to answer questions from the police or media in the wake of the encounter, and the police chief has asked both men to come forward to make a statement. "We don't need to know your secret identity," the chief said. "But we need to know what happened here, and who to thank." CRUCIBLE CITY TRIBUNE ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/2 Posted Author RSM: POWERS SAVE YOUNG GIRL! Sat May 03 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the news today, a group of powers worked together to save a young girl kidnapped by unknown persons. The powers, two of which gave their names as 'Oceana' and 'Quintessence', tracked the young girl to the location where the kidnappers were located, and after some sort of altercation, defeated them and rescued the girl, one Jenny Tyler. Strangely, the men who helped with the crime didn't remember a thing about the occasion; lie-detector tests verify this, and the police psychologist suspects some sort of mental compulsion was involved, perhaps the work of some villainous Power. The police commissioner has gone on record as saying, "We thank Oceana and Quintessence, as well as their companions, for the help they gave in the rescue of Miss Tyler. With the disappearance of so many in the Event to the south, it is good to see those Powers returning to pick up the slack in such matters." ...forging away... Forge ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/3 Posted Author PRIMEVAL EXECUTION LOOMS Tue May 06 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The last impediment to the execution of the mass murderer and world conqueror known as Prince Primeval was cleared away yesterday by the US Supreme Court, and the infamous powervillain is expected to be put to death by molecular disruption within the month. Primeval has been held in solitary confinement for nearly five years, pursuing various legal maneuvers to postpone his death sentence. When the Governor suspended all executions in the state of Illinois pending a review of sentencing policies, a special exception was made for Primeval. The Prince followed this with an appeal to state court, but before that body could hear the case, the Supreme Court intervened. Prince Primeval is reputed to be the oldest human being on Earth, having been chief of one of first tribes of humans to evolve in the Fertile Crescent. It has been estimated that twenty two percent of the human population is in some way related to Primeval through his many descendants. Trips to the past by well-known powers have confirmed Primeval's origin, though few have been inclined to recognize his claim of sovereignty over the entire human race. "Sure, he was chief of a few dozen cavemen wearing furs and stealing eggs for food," said the Sentinel before his disappearance in the Event, "but we've come a long way since then and if Primeval wants to take over the world he can run for President like everyone else." Over his estimated 100,000 year lifespan, Primeval has become an expert in all scientific fields, and is a master of countless forms of unarmed combat. He is highly resistant to injury and is reputed to possess psionic abilities. Modern knowledge of Primeval's existence began in World War II, when he allied with the Axis powers and allowed the small island nation he was ruling at the time to be used as a Nazi airfield and supply base. This base was later destroyed through the combined efforts of Allied Powers and a bombing raid, but Primeval survived. By the 1960s he had claimed a vast swath of the Sahara Desert as his personal fief and transformed it into a fertile home for local tribes. He began a private rivalry with powers in America, but was always defeated, eluding capture or relying on his diplomatic status to avoid arrest. He was a founding member of the infamous powervillain organization The Hateful Eight, but left after the team was defeated and leadership rivalries developed. In 1984 Primeval constructed for himself a suit of armor which made him deadlier than ever. He caused the destruction of JetWest flight 101 over Los Angeles, killing 240 people. Soon after, he led an invasion of SubTerra in which as many as 3,500 indigenous inhabitants may have lost their lives. Ensconced in his new underground kingdom, Primeval was able to fend off international organizations who occasionally made half-hearted attempts to apprehend him. On October 12, 1989 Primeval succeeded in mind controlling every human being on earth in the "Pax Primeval." By the next morning, the effect had ended and humanity was once again free; no explanation for Primeval's incredible powers, or their disappearance, has ever been discovered. The would-be conqueror kept a relatively low profile for years, but emerged on the world scene again in the mid 90s. Reclaiming his nation in the Fertile Crescent and shedding the forbidding battle armor that he had been so known for, he made a series of public appearances and began publishing his philosophy . His album "MC Prime" was a best seller on rap and hip-hop charts. A large fan following with cult-like aspects arose as the millennium neared. Calling itself "Tribe Prime" the organization had only one requirement for membership: proof that one was a descendant of Prince Primeval. When Primeval made a speaking tour of Europe he was attacked by an impromptu gathering of Powers determined to make him pay for his former crimes. In the battle that followed, Primeval strangled St. George on live television. He was apprehended and immediately incarcerated in the Gibbons Power Containment Compound in Crucible City, where he remains today. Tribe Prime remains active, though membership has dropped since 2000. Primeval's music and books have funded the legal effort to secure his release. The date of his execution has not yet been set. CRUCIBLE CITY TRIBUNE ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/4 Posted Author A WHOLE LOT OF SHAKING! Wed May 07 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It seems that California isn't the only place to suffer from earthquakes. However it doesn't appear to have really been an quake that caused all the damage to the First National Bank of Crucible City, but it certainly looks like it! Men working for the Golden Don stormed in with a walking statue, guns at the ready, looking for some quick cash. Unfortunately for the Mafia Men, there seems to have been some Powers in the bank as well. Most notably, the flamboyant Quintessence used his abilities to hold the interior of the building together, making sure everyone exited the bank safely. When asked about the help, Police Spokesman Devan O'Donnel said, "We are certainly grateful to Quintessence and his friends for helping apprehend the criminals. We just hope that these Powers keep in mind that innocents come to harm easily and watch how they throw their abilities about." Still, Sandy Habram, 18, said, "It was amazing! The big rock thing did all that damage to the building, but there was some armored dude and two women. Quintessence, he was always the chivalrous hero! He's the greatest!" What the Golden Horde was after will be a question that goes unanswered. All four men were found to have no recollection about the incident, their minds apparently wiped clean of any incriminating details. Crucible City Tribune by Robert Eglewiess ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/5 Posted Author OtV: ATTACK - OR BRAWL? - AT UNIVERSat May 10 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Local news reports an altercation in the University parking lot, apparently a kidnapping involving two hired thugs and a sullen hulk identified as the Scarlet Snake. The woman - a young engineer studying exceptional technology - reported that the thugs turned on their ringleader with apparently no provocation, though their bullets bounced off without effect. The infuriated Snake swatted them down like flies and then ... simply collapsed, motionless. According to the engineer, the Snake wanted her aid with a technological device; she refused, and things turned ugly. No one knows who tipped off the police to the scene; the call came without name or identification and could not be traced. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/6 Posted Author VIGILANTE TAKES CITY UNDER WING? Sun May 11 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Police spokesmen refused to comment on reports that a mysterious winged crimefighter may have taken up roost in Crucible City. Over the last three days no less than eighteen acts of vigilante violence have been credited to this unknown individual, according to sources inside the police department. Most witnesses report that they were about to become the victim of street-level crime when a black shape emerged from the night sky to thwart their attackers. Eyewitness accounts paint a confusing picture. The vigilante has been described as everything from a human being with wings to a "big black bird". Most of the suspects apprehended have had past criminal records and, after their victims have provided testimony, have been charged with assault, robbery, gang violence, or attempted rape. Hospital sources confirm that the victims of the so-called Blackbird have suffered from physical violence, resulting in broken bones and other physical trauma. Though some of the injuries are serious, none are life-threatening. The Blackbird's movements do not yet conform to any predictable pattern, and sources confirm that he has not yet revealed his identity to city authorities. CRUCIBLE SUN-TIMES ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/7 Posted Author POWERS FOIL JEWEL HEIST Mon May 26 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A group of powers foiled another who was attempting to steal the vaunted Vandermere Collection, a priceless collection of jewels from various eras in history. The collection, valued in the billions, will be shown in the Crucible City Metropolitan Museum. The villain, identified as The Wasp, attempted to steal the jewels and was stopped by Quintessence, aided by a mysterious woman and the man known as Eclipse, as well as a tentacled woman who would do well in Hentai magazines. These powers certainly have their uses. (Published in _Crucible City Spyglass_, a less-than-stellar newspaper known for its snarky reporting style.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/8 Posted Author MURDER IN ADDISON Wed May 28 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Miss Amanda Talkenson was murdered last evening in her home in the Crucible suburb of Addison. The young woman lived alone, and the police were called to the scene by a worried neighbor when they noticed the woman's house door open. Inside sources report that she was found spread-eagle on her bed, with various contusions and other trauma to her body. Police state that investigation is proceeding normal. (Posted in the Crucible Sun-Times, as a second-page article.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/9 Posted Author ANIMALS KILLED THROUGHOUT CITY Fri May 30 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In a startling and strangely disheartening series of events, animals have been disappearing from peoples' homes throughout Crucible City. Some of these animals have been found later in stomach-wrenching displays, much of their bodies cut apart and placed in geometric designs. Inside sources say that in many cases, the words 'To AW' were found, written in the blood of the animal. (Posted in the Crucible Sun-Times, as an eighth-page article.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/10 Posted Author METEOR CLAIMS THREE LIVES! Sat Jun 07 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A meteor crashed into Lake Michigan just off the south shore last evening, narrowly missing a crowded pier but striking a private yacht which was home to a wedding reception attended by over fifty individuals. Quick response by powers as well as city emergency crews kept casualties to a minimum, but three young men died heroically trying to rescue people trapped on the sinking yacht. The meteor, which city officials claim was in fact an escape pod from some sort of aircraft, streaked over the city at 5:10pm, proving quite a sight to early evening tourists. Within minutes, members of the CCPCU 'Flying Squad' had arrived on the scene, as well as the legendary power scientist Catherine Wright, long thought retired. Volunteers took to a boat in an attempt to rescue those trapped on the yacht, but unusual radiation given off by the meteor apparently mutated local marine life into predatory monsters. These creatures attacked swimmers and the heroic boatsmen as the anguished wedding attendees watched. Officer Quan of the CCPCU and Dr. Wright descended into the radioactive water, putting the creatures to flight and enabling rescue workers to see to swimmers. Within minutes, however, the wrecked aircraft threatened to explode, a disaster which could have endangered the entire city. Fortunately, the reactor was shut down and the entire "meteor" melted into a biodegradable sludge which is even now being cleaned up by City employees. A body was recovered from the wreckage, and has been taken to the Gibbons Power Containment Compound for study. CRUCIBLE CITY TRIBUNE ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/11 Posted Author CGV: POWERS CAPTURE 4 IN GANG VIOLESun Jun 08 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On the South Side today, two Powers aided the police in capturing four men who entered Chin's Royal Restaurant, and began to open fire on the crowd found within. Three people were severely wounded, and were kept alive by the attentions of the Powers after they managed to capture the gunmen. The police issued a simple statement: "We would like to thank those who captured these men." The ACLU has demanded an investigation due to the Powers' breaking of the gunmen's civil rights. The ACLU is demanding the Powers' arrest. More to come... (Posted in the Crucible Sun-Times, as an third-page article.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/12 Posted Author PUZZLING THEFTS AT ART INSTITUTE Fri Jun 13 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Art Institute of Crucible City, internationally known for the near-flawless security surrounding some near priceless pieces of artwork on display there, was infiltrated last night by an unknown intruder. Several artifacts have been reported missing, among these the Tredegar Cup cast by the 18th-century silversmith Paul de Lamerie, and a Rosewater Ewer and Basin created by Nuremberg goldsmith Franz Dotte in 1596. Investigations point to a single perpetrator, state the authorities, given the small size and quantities of the stolen property. Video surveillance shows no suspicious activity or the presence of anyone other than night security personnel, who are being thoroughly questioned by detectives. Perhaps the most puzzling aspect of the robbery are the low intrisic value of other items. In a sworn statement Milton Lloyd, Art Institute watchman, maintains that the criminal made off with a corned beef sandwich sitting on a counter when his back was turned. Furthermore, a cabinet on view in Blake Court of the Kraft Education Center was unlocked and a miniature chaise lounge made in the Fantastic Furniture program by Theresa Franklin, age 9, was taken. The Commissioner's office has made no comment on the case aside from assurances that the Art Institute and other museums in the area are cracking down on their security in case this 'cryptic cat-burglar' strikes again. -CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/13 Posted Author THEFTS CONTINUE AT MCA Fri Jun 20 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Only a week after a bizarre robbery at the Art Institute of Crucible City, the Museum of Contemporary Art has reported an odd assortment of missing items as well. Once again, despite advanced security measures, there is little hint as to the identity or even presence of the thief. The only selection stolen from the art on display was a 1968 piece by Robert Heinecken titled 'V.N. Pin Up (#1 of 2), a black-and-white film transparency on a magazine page. Funds from the 'petty cash' available in the admissions booth totalling $324 disappeared from a locked safe as well, along with every candy gumball from a children's dispenser in the lobby. Camera footage showed the machine opening up and emptying itself into nothingness, as if some hidden extra-dimensional being had gotten a sugar craving. Contacts within the police department alude that Captain Stephan Graves of the CCPCU may have been pulled aside regarding this latest evidence, but no real statement has come from the Commissioner's office since last Friday. -CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE (If this begins to interest any PCs, please @mail Doc with actions taken) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/14 Posted Author SMART MUSEUM NEXT ON THEFT SPREE Tue Jul 01 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Just as purveyors of art across the metroplex had begun to breathe more easily, believing their security measures capable of deterring the thief that's been plaguing museums over the last few weeks, the University of Crucible City's own Smart Museum of Art reported a break-in late last night. Security Supervisor Paul Bryan had this to say in a public statement. "I don't understand how this could have happened. We'd doubled the guard and installed infrared motion sensors after what happened at the MCA. There's no way anyone could have made it through our net without using something unnatural." He refused to speculate on exactly what that might be or if his job was in jeopardy now, only listing the items missing from the museum's inventory. With the characteristic playfulness that is becoming expected of this criminal, the assortment of stolen goods was unusual. Foremost in value were a matching ring and necklace of Indian design, covered with rose-cut diamonds, pearls and champleve enamel of unknown manufacture and gifted to the establishment by one Mildred Othmer Peterson. However, the fractured mosaic of cloisonne enamel and gold titled Face of a Saint that vanished as well was thought to be a 19th century Russian forgery, worth little save as a curiosity. Nor was every roll of toilet paper removed from the public restrooms near the main entrance considered of great impact to the museum either financially or artistically. Police liasons have now made clear assurances that a task force led by Captain Stephan Graves is approaching the situation cautiously, but with great confidence in their ability to catch the thief in the act. "We have members of the CCPCU working side by side with the regular force, given the clear empowered nature of these crimes." commented Graves in a brief interview. "Make no mistake, though. It'll be a combination of forethought and teamwork that'll nail this burglar. The sooner we can force him or her to make a mistake, the sooner the Pound will have another resident." -CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE (Again, any interest in these happenings should be directed by @mail to Doc) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/15 Posted Author SbF: FIRES WORRY LOCALS Tue Jul 01 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An unfortunate side effect of the current warm and sunny weather has reared its ugly head to residents living around Hyde Park. What began as a series of trashcans and dumpsters set aflame has gradually spread to (quickly vanquished) grass fires, public toilets gone up in smoke, bushes torched and now most recently a spree of pets napped from their owners' sides only to next be found as blackened husks. Inquiries to the police have been met with assurances that the case is in the process of being solved, but with the note that its not even certain to be one and the same individual who's responsible for it all. When this reporter asked about the possibility of it being something super- or unnatural that is responsible, the reply was that its fairly safe to say it's the work of two or more young individuals without any particular powers to speak of. Psychologically speaking, fire starting is a symptom of a wide range of mental illnesses, the most notable of which would be schizophrenia. Until the person or people behind this range of pyromaniacal violence have been caught, visitors to the Hyde Park region are recommended to keep their pets within sight and to immediately report any sign of fire to the police. -UNIVERSITY DAILY (OOC: If interested in this TP (which will take a long, long, long time to unfold, y'all), please contact She-Hulk.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/16 Posted Author D6: DEEP SIX SIGHTED Thu Jul 10 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible Sun-Times Dozens of witnesses in the Chinatown district today described an appearance by the undead Power criminal known as Roadkill, a member of the murderous Deep Six. The Six were last seen in Crucible City when they were defeated in battle by the city's Powercrime Unit (also known as the Flying Squad) and were buried 600 feet under Lincoln Park. If this was indeed Roadkill, it would suggest that the Deep Six have somehow escaped their confinement and have returned to terrorize the inhabitants of this city. The Deep Six were originally five death row inmates who were executed using an experimental nerve gas. They, and the priest attending the execution, were transformed into zombies with superhuman powers. Since then the gang have been responsible for hundreds of crimes from coast to coast. They are led by Horatio R. Hades, formerly the serial killer Alfred Magnus. Roadkill began life as Hank Kelly and was convicted for murder and drug-trafficking as leader of a biker gang in Los Angeles. Other members of the Six include Femme Fatale, Yorick, Hellmouth, and the Dominican. Witnesses with reliable information on the whereabouts of these individuals are urged to contact the CCPCU, which has set up a hotline for this case. Captain Stephen Graves refused to comment. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/17 Posted Author SbF: DOG IMMOLATED IN GARDENS Thu Jul 10 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Entered as a hasty clip in most newspapers.) Tuesday afternoon in the Crystal Gardens there was a small disturbance presumed to be caused by the same teenage boys responsible for setting so many fires in the Hyde Park area. A number of small fires (reports range from just one to about twenty) were set in everything from a wastebasket to a rosebush, but the biggest crime was the complete immolation of a chihuahua which is thought to have still been alive while it occured. Several onlookers were deeply shocked by this incident and one employee of the gardens had to be taken to the hospital due to being 'badly shaken', but there were no human victims reported. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/18 Posted Author City Desk Sat Jul 12 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the 'City Desk' section of the sprawling, chaotic, Crucible City Tribune offices, a man hangs up a phone. "It was her all right, fighting Roadkill. Doctor Catherine Wright. Says she's not retired, conducting ..." He checks his notes. "'Scientific endeavors and historical research'." "With a laser gun," said his cohort, reclining in a chair nearby. The first man shrugged. "She gave us a name for stick-boy. Moebius. Wasn't that on the list?" The other man looked at a clipboard. "Yep. Moebius or Morbius or Morpheus ... one a'those. So he's, what, infinite or something? What about the girl?" The reporter shook his head. "Nothin. Says she doesn't want to reveal their identities." "No codename?" When the first man shook his head, the other continued. "Well, maybe she was the sidekick of this Moebius guy." Nearby, another man passing by chuckled and said, "You could call her The Strip." "Didn't she throw a chopstick or something?" "Sushi Girl." "Noodle Lass." "Chop Suey." "Ninja Sue. I always wanted to name a girl Ninja Sue." "Allright, allright, enough of that. At least think up names that don't suck. What about Wright? What do we do with her?" "Lara Croft doesn't have a codename," said one man, sipping his coffee. "Yeah, but her name is short." "Indiana Jones is long." "Yeah, but that's got local color." "Call her Kate." "Doctor Kate?" "Doctor Pulp." "Doc Smart." "Doc Strange." "Wait, Doc -STRANGER-!" This resulted in a hail of beer nuts, until finally a beefy man in a white shirt and rumpled tie pointed at the guy still sitting by the phone. " What'd she say about the cops?" "Said she's 'in communication with the authorities.'" The editor waved a hand. "Check that with the Squad and see if they say the same thing. Listen, this Doctor Wright, she married? Is there a Mister Wright?" At this, the other men chuckled, and one shook his head. "She fought this Asian guy in the '30s named Mister Wong, but no. No Mister Wright." "Then she must be Miss Wright. Go with that. It's not even a moniker, it's just her name. Get Moebius out there, and mention the girl, but she's just 'an unidentified woman.' Remember, all'a you mooks. When people read it in the Tribune, they know it has to be true. Now get movin, I'm not payin' ya to drink coffee." "You got it, chief." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/19 Posted Author CAMPUS MUSEUM EASY MARK FOR THIEF Sat Jul 12 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The latest target in what appears to be a neverending series of bizarre burglaries, the Oriental Institute Museum was broken into last night despite claims by the Crucible City Police Department of closing in on the thief. The Dean of USCC was unable to be reached by the Tribune for comment, though sources within the university indicate more than a hint of displeasure. The museum is a showcase of the history, art and archaeology of the ancient Near East, an integral part of the University of Crucible City, it exhibits major collections of antiquities from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria, Palestine, and Anatolia. Taken from these were a copper Disc-headed Pin from Iran, circa 750 BC, and a 3300 year-old gaming board of ivory and gold, of Palestinian origin. Both were priceless due to vast age and historical worth. Museum security reported digital monitors, upgraded a mere two weeks ago, were circumvented for nearly four minutes. During that interval the standard view of the collections was replaced with the 1958 Warner Brothers classic 'Robin Hood Daffy' for the duration. It is thought that the main thefts occured prior to this, with the subsequent disappearance of one set of handcuffs and an open box of Twinkies from the security station as guards personally investigated the locations rendered impossible to see thanks to the disturbance. The CCPCU continues to insist that progress has been made. "I can't indicate more without compromising our investigation or our preparations, but we're practically on top of the thief." commented Capt. Stephan Graves, "This signature of stealing the frivolous along with the fabulous... we're talking thrill-seeker. There's no way that any of the valuable items could be fenced without incredible difficulties and the rest is worthless. It's all a game to this person and since we're serious, we'll win." -CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE (As with the previous robberies of this nature, contact Doc if interested) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/20 Posted Author SbF: ANOTHER PET BURNING Mon Jul 14 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On July 13th, yet another hapless victim of the 'pet burner' was found. This time it was a pregnant cat which had been cut up and immolated within a small grove of trees in Hyde Park. According to the police several clues could be found on this scene, though sources within the police department say there were no prints whatsoever to help with the identification. Witnesses claim to have spotted a man and a woman approach the grove shortly before the fire was reported. In other news, a local shop owner won 50 000 dollars... - 'Local Happenings' in the Crucible City Tribune. (OOC: Interested in this TP? Contact She-Hulk!) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/21 Posted Author URGENT: U. F. O !!! Tue Jul 15 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ UFO VISITS CRUCIBLE CITY! In a baffling series of events, Crucible City was yesterday the object of a visit from OUTER SPACE! The ship, estimated to be roughly one fifth of the entire city, came for but a short but highly dramatic visit on the eve of July 15th. The national guard was put on alert, but it is believed that the craft has since departed for its home somewhere near one of the stars in the stargroup we call Orion's Belt. First thought to be a comet, the alien visitor initially appeared as an unusually bright star just shortly after the sun had set. As it grew and reports started flying in of a suspected meteor, some citizens began to panic. As the identification of the object as a UFO became known, some events of mass-panic and looting occured but most were nipped in the bud by highly efficient police and firemen cooperation. At this moment of writing, all appears to have gone back to normal. The reasons for the spacecraft's visit are not yet known, but most agree that there was some form of struggle between it and a group of preternaturals flying up from a warehouse in the Greek Town district. Among other things the UFO caused some form of sonic reverbance that made that and several other near by buildings shake, a few attaining serious structural damage. The alien vessel then took off into hyperspace, having apparently successfully transported aboard some unknown object, and possibly also a human being. We will strive to keep you up to date as more information surfaces. (OOC: This and similar reports would be in each and every newspaper, radio and tv station throughout the region, more than likely. Contact She-Hulk if you want your char to get involved, although at the moment this was more of a one-time event than an actual TP.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/22 Posted Author D6: HELLMOUTH CAPTURED - DEEP 6 NOWWed Jul 16 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In an early morning press release the Gibbons Power Containment Compound (known as "the Pound'") reported that the criminal Hellmouth, part of the notorious Deep Six, had been transported to the facility late last night for processing. When pressed for details on how the once human Jeb Nash had been captured, Deputy Warden Andrew Clive produced a prepared statement from the CCPCU and read it aloud, "On the night of July 15th while on the trail of Mr. Nash's associate Hank Kelly (codename: Roadkill), police detective Gail Windsor and private citizen Dr. Catherine Wright did come upon and apprehend Mr. Nash at Marvelo's Junkyard on Wabash Avenue. Transport helicopters were called in at that point to transfer Mr. Nash into police custody. Aside from tire tracks no sign of Mr. Kelly was found, although the long-dead corpses of five other individuals were discovered in various states of disrepair." Since last night the owner of the junkyard could not be found to comment. Growing rumors that another of the Deep Six, Edward Price (codename: Yorick), was involved in the conflict have neither been confirmed or denied by authorities. Attempts to contact Detective Windsor and Dr. Wright, popularily known as Gale Force and 'The Doctor', have proved fruitless. -CRUCIBLE SUN-TIMES ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/23 Posted Author SbF: MAN ATTACKS CAR IN GRASSE Thu Jul 17 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ... and as usual the weather's been just crazy, man. Personally I blame Gail Force and her likes: do those types really -think- of what they might be doing when they change the weather patterns? Speaking of insanity, among other local news someone apparently went off the deep end just outside Uncommon Grounds, that coffee shop - restaurant place in Grasse Street. Witnesses say the man, dressed in a black robe with a hood up like some crazy monk, was just walking down the street when he suddenly flipped out and started kicking the shit out of a Beetle. Noone knows if he just had issue with Volkswagens in general or if it was something personal. Really makes me kind of gratefull that they took my license away last year, though I do miss the AC in the car... (OOC: Just a small notice amongst many others in one of the newspapers' 'Local Events' column. If you're interested, talk to She-Hulk: this is part of the Suicide by Fire TP.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/24 Posted Author SbF: EXPLOSION ROCKS HYDE PARK Thu Jul 17 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the afternoon of July 16th, a loud explosion rocked downtown Hyde Park as a car was completely demolished by some unknown type of explosive. Police have yet to give out any information on the attack, though it is clear that miraculously no bystanders were seriously injured or hurt. The surrounding buildings suffered some heavy amounts of structural damage, however, and the vehicle itself was completely totalled. As the car belongs to Dr Catherine Wright popularly known as 'The Doctor', rumors are already flying that this was the results of some kind of experiment on her part, or possibly simple bad luck combined with her transporting chemicals within the trunk of the car. However, sources within the police department state that this was the work of a carbomb of some type placed in the car by some unknown assailant. The case is being treated as attempted murder, since it occured in such a densely populated area. -UNIVERSITY DAILY (OOC: Yet another part of the Suicide by Fire TP. As usual, contact She-Hulk if you want in on the action/desire to investigate the events behind this article further.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/25 Posted Author SbF: LOCAL CELEBRITY HORRIBLY MURDEFri Jul 18 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On July 16th, Crucible City unknowingly suffered a horrible loss. The loss of one of its most favourite daughters. Jennifer 'J-Star' Lakeford was just past twenty when she died, brutally murdered by some unknown assailant in the grittier part of Hyde Park. The details of this crime have yet to be publicized in account of the police fearing it would lead to a spree of copycat killings and general loss of important clues. All we in this newspaper know is that our city's musical scene has had its brightest rising star removed before she could even reach the peak of her capabilities. You see, J-Star was preternaturally gifted. Her singing capabilities as a (according to the opera classification) coloratura soprano were beyond the human range, and she was able to perfectly mimic other voices right across the spectrum to the male basso profundo. She had the ability to literally create her own lightshows, shooting beams of glittering light into the nightsky as she sang like her heart was about to break. Her incredible physical beauty and undeniable charisma, enrapturing though they were, came easily second to that voice of hers. Her appeal was only made all the stronger by a background thought by most to be romantically tragic. Left as a newborn at the stairs of St Mary's hospital, she was raised by nuns at a roman-catholic orphanage. Her divine gift was discovered early on, and the rest is history. Two years back, she became one of Crucible City's most famed duets when she became romantically involved with the swarthily handsome (see picture to left) Damien St. James. An ex-super villain, Damien had become a professional daredevil in an attempt to keep to the excitement he was so fond of. They were madly in love, and after nine months 'ran away' to be married in Las Vegas. Half a year later, it was announced that J-Star was pregnant with their first child. Three months after that, Damien vanished without a trace while out kayaking in Canada and has been thought dead since. Their child was to be delivered within two weeks from now.. - UNIVERSITY DAILY (OOC: Yup, this is a sorts-of obituary over the NPC that got killed in 'the little shop of horrors' IC. It's part of the Suicide by Fire TP. Contact She-Hulk if your PC would get into it!) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/26 Posted Author D6: DOWNTOWN RAMPAGE! Wed Jul 23 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE The murderous psychopathic Power known as Roadkill was apprehended last night in a sunset battle with two city Powers. There were no serious injuries or fatalies, though 17 people were treated for minor wounds. Roadkill was taken to the Pound by a Power Containment Team, accompanied by a recent arrival in the city, the woman known as Siberia. The first Power to try and apprehend the motorcycle-riding Roadkill was John Nocture, aka Eclipse, whose talents have surfaced since the Event and whose recent activity in the city has made him something of a local celebrity. Eclipse engaged in a furious battle with Roadkill, but proved unable to stop the zombie's rampage. When Roadkill threw a sport/utility vehicle at Nocturne, the brave hero was put down for the count. By this time police had constructed a cordon around the area and members of the CCPCU were en route. Galina Yavne Rostovtsev, who arrived in Crucible only a few days ago and has adopted the codename Siberia, came to Eclipse's rescue by growing to the height of 28 feet and engaging Roadkill in hand to hand combat. Witnesses report that Galina took numerous blows from the motorcyclist, who began playing to the crowd and boasting of his ability to defeat one Power after another. However, just as he was about to deliver the final blow to the staggered Siberia, the youthful Power managed to stun Roadkill by creating a powerful shockwave in the air using her bare hands. This caused extensive property damage but slowed Roadkill enough that another blow incapacitated him. Roadkill is the second member of the Deep Six to be apprehended and brought to the Pound. He joins Jeb Nash, aka Hellmouth, in incarceration. John Nocturne swiftly recuperated from his injuries and also accompanied the captured Powercriminal to his containment cell. Four members of the Deep Six are believed to remain at large: Horatio R. Hades, Femme Fatale, Yorick, and the Dominican. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/27 Posted Author City Desk, the continuing saga Wed Jul 23 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the 'City Desk' section of the sprawling, chaotic, Crucible City Tribune offices, there's a bit of consternation. That's what they call it when the editor gets all red and puffy in the face. Just not to his face. "WHAT'S THE MEANIN' OF THIS?" "A man with his feet on his desk toys briefly with a pen, craning his neck to peer at the headline on the paper crushed in the bossman's fists. "It's modern English. Came from the Anglo-Saxons, thus the name. Translated - MUSEUMS BREATHE EASY, THIEF APPREHENDED." He's afforded a glare that would curdle 80 proof whiskey. "I know what it says, brainiac. WHY IS IT ON TOMORROW'S PAPER?" Another man wearing a bowler pipes up, "Um," he tries nervously, "because you'd sack us like a first-grader's lunch if we didn't have a headline for you, chief?" Definitely the newest of the bunch. A patient long suffering sigh from the editor as he stuffs a damp cigar between his teeth. "What is this, a room full of wiseacres?" He ignores Bowler's quiet 'not me, chief' and shakes the newspaper to punctuate his words. "This. Happened. Two. Nights. Ago." "You know the CCPCU, chief. They never call." "Why in blue blazes weren't you calling /them/ each day?" "They started getting nasty on the phone." "Nasty?" "Yah, they said they were going to send Gail over to do a little 'spring cleaning'. When I told them it was summer, they just laughed and hung up. I think they were ticked off they hadn't caught the Raccoon yet." This nets another withering look from the editor. "Pansy ass. Grow some backbone or I'll assign you to Lost-And-Found." "It's pretty straightforward, 'cept for one thing." quips a third man by the water cooler. "Gale Force was on the job because this guy could turn invisible or something. What the heck is a 'Xian-Xing', though?" "It's her partner, nimrod. Officer Quan Xian-Xing." "Moves stuff with her mind." "Caught the thief in some sort of dome." "Then Gail froze his nuts off." "Like he was in a giant snowglobe." "Alright, alright, ALRIGHT!" The chatter stops as all three look at the chief. "What I want to know is why some civvie was let into the Field Museum with them? What sort of pull does this big bolshevik bimbo got to rate horning in on police business? Talk about a bull in a china shop." Foot Lounger shrugs. "Siberia? She's a real hero, bossman. Prolly just helping out from civic duty. Cultural exchange and all." "Yeah, yeah, and I'm a friggin' superpoodle. She just hopped the train from Dimension Zot, fer crissakes." The editor lights up his stogie and blows smoke around at his peons. "Okay, add in that we needed the full details, like this schmoe's handle. The Raccoon? What sort of name is that?" "It does explain the trash he stole, chief." "Ah, shaddup..." "Are you supposed to send raccoons to the Pound?" Bowler wonders. "When they try to steal the Chalmers Topaz, you do." "Mebbe we can call him Doghouse or something..." This brings groans and hurled beernuts... ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/28 Posted Author FIREFIGHT AT POUND Thu Jul 24 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE Pound Warden James Kowalski confirmed reports today that there was a firefight in the Compound's Medical Center last evening involving two guards, three members of the hospital staff, and an inmate. A nurse, Stephen Williams, was killed when he was attacked by Frank Wolowski, aka 'Leatherneck', during a routine medical exam. Guards opened fire but Wolowski, a decorated Marine and combat veteran, managed to turn their weapons on the men, wounding one seriously. Chief Surgeon Eliza Sefton and Doctor Autumn Auburn, who joined the staff of the prize-winning facility the same day as the incident, escaped unharmed. Leatherneck was incapacitated by security forces and placed under observation. Frank Wolowski was on a US Marine combat mission in Egypt when his brigade was attacked by Rama-Tut the Proto-Pharoah. It took him three days to reach civilization, crossing a radioactive desert in the process. His ultra-dense skin and limited super-strength is believed to have been the result of eating an irradiated armadillo. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/29 Posted Author Police Blotter Wed Jul 30 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Two Powers -- identified by sources as Chance and The Rook -- intervened yesterday after a flatbed truck carrying construction equipment collided with a pick-up on Wabash Avenue. The driver and passenger of the smaller vehicle were unconscious and in danger of being crushed by the larger truck's cargo load when the Powers freed the two individuals and sustained them until emergency workers arrived. There were no other serious injuries. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/30 Posted Author D6: POWERS BATTLE FOR JUMPER'S LIFEWed Jul 30 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE Two Powers battled late yesterday afternoon for the life of a man who was nearly convinced into jumping from the 1,000 foot height of the John Hancock Center Skyway. The victim, whose name is not being released by the police, is believed to be an employee at one of the many offices in the Hancock Center. He became prey to the Dominican, a former priest who was slain by an experimental nerve toxin before rising from the grave as a member of the violent Deep Six. While the Dominican remains one of the most mysterious members of that criminal gang, he is believed to have psychic abilities of some sort, which he uses to persuade innocents to perform immoral acts. Hundreds of spectators had gathered at the scene when Officer Xian-Xing Quan, the youngest member of the Flying Squad, arrived and discovered the Dominican's involvement. The two Powers battled, and the victim was rescued. The Dominican, however, escaped. No charges have been pressed against the would-be jumper. Officer Quan was careful to note that the victim "was pushed by a Power into considering this drastic course of action. He has been brought down safely and shall be treated for his injuries with great care and respect." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/31 Posted Author City Desk Thu Jul 31 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the 'City Desk' section of the sprawling, chaotic, Crucible City Tribune offices, a familiar game was in progress. "So, is it Officer Xian, or Officer Xing, or Officer Quan, or what?" "Quan's her family name. It's definitely Quan." The editor chewed on his cigar distractedly. "Well, that might cut it for the rank and file, but she's on the Flying Squad. We gotta come up with somethin. I mean, she fought the Dominican, for chrissakes, and captured that Raccoon fella." Looking up from his desk, the man in the bowler said, "She's got two Xs in her name. Like that action movie guy." Another man help up a glossy photo of the slender, smiling, Xian-Xing. "English, look at this girl. If there's one thing she's -not-, it's Double X." There was a laugh by the water cooler, and as another reporter approached, he said, "Yeah, but the X is cool. Very trendy. You can do anything with an X. She could be Agent X." "Weapon X." "X-Factor." "The Exile. "She did leave her country. Exodus?" "Extant." "The Extremist!" "X-Force." The editor snarled. "There's only one problem with all those," he said. "They stink." "Forces are good, though" said the man with the photo. "You can't go wrong naming someone a Force. It's like IBM." "Howard, didn't you think up that Gale Force crap?" The man scowled. "Hey, that's good. That works." But nobody bought it. "How about Excalibur?" "Agent X." "Excellent Girl." "She's twenty." "Excellent Lass, then." "Her birthday is in September." "Okay, so Excellent Woman." "The Executioner." "Well she can't be Excel, she sounds like a goddamn spreadsheet." Howard checked out the photo again, shook his head. "Nope. No spreadsheet." "X Cathedra." Everyone stared at the man in the bowler. "What the hell does -that- mean?" "It means 'with authority'." The man they called Johnny English gave a wry smile. "Don't you people speak Latin? She creates force fields out of thin air, maybe she's X Nihilo. From nothing." "Goddamn Latin," said the Editor. "The only person that could say her name would be the Cardinal!" For long moments, everyone was silent. There were pencils rapping on the edges of desks. Coffee slowly sipped from paper cups. Fingers strummed on the arms of chairs. "Hey," someone said finally, daring to break the silence. "She's kicked out of her country? How about the Expatriot." There were groans, but the floodgate was open again. "The Exemplar. Have you seen her record?" "Nah, she's too modest for that one." "So that's why -we- give it to her." "... I don't know ." All this while. Howard had been turning the glossy this way and that. Now he held it up to the light. "Hey, she's kinda cute for a foreign girl. How about Exotica?" There was a predictable shower of beer nuts. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/32 Posted Author D6: THREE LITTLE ZOMBIES! Tue Aug 05 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE The third member of the Power criminal gang known as the Deep Six was apprehended today by FBI Agent Kaori Meishin, alias "Tiferet." The Dominican, former Catholic priest who was accidentally transformed into a psychopath by a government nerve gas, was found in an abandoned homeless shelter which he had been using as a base of operations. Three other individuals also apprehended are believed to be victims of Deep Six leader Horatio R. Hades, transformed into zombies. They have been placed under medical observation until their condition can be cured. Agent Meishin has but recently arrived in the city, pursuing an unrelated case. The specific nature of her superhuman powers are classified, but she traditionally works computer crime cases. Her codename, 'Tiferet', is one possible spelling of the Hebrew word for "Beauty." Agent Meishin deduced the Dominican's location when she connected him to a series of assaults, domestic violence cases, murders, and suicides over the last few weeks, centering on the South Side. Because all these crimes had identifiable suspects, they had been treated as ordinary crimes. But in fact each of the accused individuals had been prompted to his or her crime by the manipulative Domnican, who possesses telepathic powers. Three members of the Deep Six remain at large: Horatio R. Hades, Femme Fatale, and Yorick. Their whereabouts are unknown. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/33 Posted Author HELP WANTED Tue Aug 05 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An ad runs in the Classified section of a low-brow local rag: HELP WANTED! One able-bodied assistant for lab-work in the field of temporal and paranormal physics. Must have own weapons, current shots, and be willing to travel. Must not have homicidal urges towards own grandfather or have phobias of spirits, the unknown, darkness, and most especially blood. Evening shift with generous overtime, including vacation options in the scenic Stone Age. Full dental plan, but soul insurance is not included. (Meant as a filler article, but if curious, @mail Magik and something might come of it. Adapted from a real want ad: how I *wish* I were joking. ;-)) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/34 Posted Author SbF: UNIVERSITY CULT MURDER Wed Aug 06 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the afternoon of August 6th, police made an arrest in the grounds at the UCC. The name of the arrested party has yet to be released, but sources indicate he or she used to be one of the leaders in a small 'cult-ish' club whose members are or were all students at the university. Other sources also hint that the arrest can be linked to the murder of Jennifer 'J-Star' Lakeford that occured July 16th, though no official statement have yet to be made affirming this or other rumors. What -is- certain is that the arrest has caused much upheaval within the University, and this reporter was told that there is to be a meeting of some sort to be held 'somewhere on the grounds' today or tomorrow to let the cult and its members 'come clean'. - UNIVERSITY DAILY (OOC: Linked to the Suicide by Fire TP.. Contact She-Hulk as usual if wanting more info etc.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/35 Posted Author TW: THEFT FOILED AT EXHIBIT Sat Aug 09 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the Crucible City Enquirer: Three thugs broke into a glass case and attempted to steal several immensely valuable necklaces from the exhibit of the late Dr. Aloysius Alphonso McIntyre's collection. They were confronted by the valiant efforts of the Mighty Quintessence and an unknown armored figure, who would have subdued the villains instantly but for the intercession of a mysterious, masked figure who, according to one observer, "made time stand still in its tracks." Her escape was derailed by the two heroes, who vanished before they could be questioned properly in the matter. The woman identified herself to the authorities only as Timewriter. With no previous criminal record or matching files, and a steadfast refusal to speak anything but steady predictions that the police are "messing with the affairs of destiny," it seems unlikely that information will surface soon, but she remains in custody. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/36 Posted Author OtV: SUPER-SCIENCE TARGETED? Mon Aug 11 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUCIBLE CITY ENQUIRER Late last evening, student Timothy Brakes was accosted by three men-for-hire at a lakeshore picnic area, and rescued by patrolling power Quintessence. This marks the fourth such attack with similar pattern, starting with a young engineer in early May. All four victims - heavily into exceptional technology - reported an attempt to hire them for an unidentified corporation; all four met with threats and then violence upon their decision to refuse. The perpetrators of the latest attack were captured wearing featureless medallions, and were heard to invoke the hand of the Void. (With the chaos of the cult dominating center stage, this report appears near the back of the paper. Further investigations of any sort, drop a line to Magik.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/37 Posted Author New Face At The City Desk Wed Aug 13 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There are places where mortal woman fears to go, where even secretaries tread lightly: the 'City Desk' portion of the Crucible City Tribune is one of them. It's a place where the confident sound of expertly-laid high-heels is somewhat of a rarity, and it definitely attracts attention ... as perhaps it ought, as a woman half Barbie and half southern belle strides in and makes a direct line to the editor's desk. He rises to his feet to offer his hand. "Ms. Lee, welcome to Crucible." "Miss Lee." The smile is too bright to make the correction an offense, a prim palm offered in return. "I'm happy to be here ..." "Who's that?" the predictable commentary starts behind her. "She's that reporter from down Texas way," comes the reply from by the water-cooler. "Specializes in following up on Powers. One of the Lightning Laredos." "Oh, for God's sake, we have to come up with a name for her, too?" "What's she do? How about the Blonde -" "No, no," another cuts off the speculation. "She's just an ordinary woman." It's Howard who glances up now. "Well, not precisely ordinary -" Discussion finished, and all easy smile, Miss Lee turns to face the menfolk. "I'm Estelle Lee," she introduces herself, "and I'm looking forward to working with ..." There's a crunch. A pause, and a look of pointed affrontery. "Why are there nuts all over the floor?" OOC: Always happy to pester or ask the wrong - or right - questions. It's her job, after all. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/38 Posted Author D6: CITY HEROES UNITE; VILLAINS FLESat Aug 16 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible Tribune) Six of the city's heroes gathered together overnight in response to an attack by the three members of the Deep Six who were still at large. Detective Gail Windsor, of the famous Flying Squad, was abducted in her home by Horatio R. Hades, Femme Fatale, and Yorick. Her partner on the force, Xian-Xing Quan, discovered her absence and other heroes soon assembled. By midnight, they had tracked the Six to the Windsor family home, which has been abandoned since the Event. In the furious melee that followed, Femme Fatale was captured and Gail Windsor was rescued, while Hades and Yorick fled. They were later seen flying over the city using a stolen Super-Chute originally worn by the World War II hero Airborne. Pound helicopters gave chase, but were unable to keep pace. It is thought the two Power villains were heading north, towards Canada. Forty citizens of Crucible who had been abducted by Horatio Hades and made into his mind-controlled slaves, were also freed and have returned to their families. The six individuals who gathered to defeat the six included the Doctor, Chance, the young speedster known as Tempest, a mysterious vigilante known only as Mirage, and an unknown woman called Hecate, a reference to a Greek goddess. They were led by John Nocturne, aka Eclipse. Detective Windsor has been placed on administrative leave after her abduction. She had no comment. Substantial damage is believed to have been inflicted to the Wind Tunnel, Stratosphere's subterranean headquarters. The city has debated renovating the House of Windsor and the Tunnel as a museum dedicated to Crucible City Powers, but opposition has blocked the move. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/39 Posted Author TW: To The Sound Of Donuts Droppin Mon Aug 18 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Held for an attempted theft of apparently pure monetary motives, Power "Timewriter" escaped from police custody this morning at approximately half past either four or six am, depending on the reports of those ers Dismiss Mars Sighting Wed Aug 27 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible Tribune) Astronomers are dismissing unconfirmed reports of a 'peculiar green flame' spotted on the surface of Mars in the early hours of this morning as the red planet reached its closest approach to Earth in 50,000 years. Mars has been under constant observation for the last month as it closed to within 35 million miles, and three space probes are either already orbitting the planet or on their way. NASA scientists laughed today at a scheduled press conference when they were asked about the half-dozen sightings made by amateur astronomers in the Great Lakes area. "These are the same people who insist there is a face on Mars," said lead scientist Lloyd Stanberg. "The next thing you know, they'll be getting out their shotguns and heading for New Jersey." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/40 Posted Author Explosion at CCU Claims 12 Lives! Sat Aug 23 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <> Tragedy struck today as Crucible City University was the site of a mysterious explosion that destroyed the new Clark Hall, part of the science department, and newly constructed just three months ago. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, and thanks to the intervention of several Powers, the death toll was kept to a minumum. Doctor Catherine Wright, noted Power, had this to say when asked for her theory on what happened. "Unknown at this time, however the authorities and I will be analyzing the scene for further leads and information." Another Power, Paragon was witnessed to perform many acts of great strength, including freeing several trapped under rubble. He also confirmed the information given by Doctor Wright. Sightings of a 'brass monkey man' were confirmed by several witnesses, the mysterious simian having helped in freeing the injured, and generally doing his best to help out. The city is in shock over the tragedy, memorial services to be held next week with the mayor in attendance. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/41 Posted Author Astronomers Dismiss Mars Sighting Wed Aug 27 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible Tribune) Astronomers are dismissing unconfirmed reports of a 'peculiar green flame' spotted on the surface of Mars in the early hours of this morning as the red planet reached its closest approach to Earth in 50,000 years. Mars has been under constant observation for the last month as it closed to within 35 million miles, and three space probes are either already orbitting the planet or on their way. NASA scientists laughed today at a scheduled press conference when they were asked about the half-dozen sightings made by amateur astronomers in the Great Lakes area. "These are the same people who insist there is a face on Mars," said lead scientist Lloyd Stanberg. "The next thing you know, they'll be getting out their shotguns and heading for New Jersey." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/42 Posted Author Mars Invades Museum! Wed Aug 27 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible Tribune) A twelve foot man claiming to be Mars, the Roman God of War, crashed through the roof of the Field Museum today and was swiftly embroiled in a battle with three of the city's Powers: Moebius, Tempest, and the Brass Monkey. There was substantial damage to the Museum and its many historical artifacts before the conflict was defused by negotiation. No Museum-goers were seriously injured. Witnesses reported seeing a column of green flame rise from the Museum's roof when the intruder crashed into the building at noon local time. A similar green flame was observed on the surface of Mars by astronomers in the Great Lakes area at 3am when the two planets reached their closest point in 50,000 years. CCU Professor Sigmund Niederlander suggested that the two incidents may be related. "If this individual -- this Mars -- somehow rocketed himself from the -planet- Mars to Earth when they were close ... well. To go 35 million miles in eight and a half hours he would have had to travel at about 4 million miles an hour. That's one-half of one percent the speed of light. The individual known as Mars left the Museum unmolested and was last seen hailing a taxi outside the Museum building. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/43 Posted Author Grown to Jail Thu Aug 28 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune) Chinatown seems to be growing hot these days, with the danger litterally growing! It seems Urban Renewal, the infamous eco-terroist, decided to recreate Chinatown in his own image. He didn't count on two powers there to take him down. Tempest, the young speedress, and another unnamed power, reportedly with blue spines, trimmed the plants and Urban Renewal down to size with relatively little damage done to the street. There was extensive damage to a plant shop, which Urban Renewal used to start his rampage, but the owners are already cleaning up and will be open for business on Monday. As for Urban Renewal, he is healing in the infirmary at The Pound. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 10/44 Posted Author Big Trouble in Little Chinatown! Sun Aug 31 Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This will make the low pages of every newspaper in town, and page one on the more disreputable rags Chinatown erupted into violence again last night, a young thief, still at large at this time and unnamed as of yet, having stolen an artifact from the back of a transport truck owned by Morelli Imports & Exports. Events became far more interesting when Darius Thomas, a professional security guard working for Morelli I&I used a high-tech 'stunner' to attempt to apprehend the young thief. Chaos erupted when the vase that was taken, shattered, and apparently freed two Powers. Eye witnesses report that the first of the two was human, or appeared so, though he was dressed in outlandish garb. The other, however, was not. An enormous bovine demonic creature, which we've heard refered to as an 'oni' by local sources, appeared as well. A pitched battle ensued with local Powers Tempest, and Celestial Dragon...as well as known Power Eclipse. Unconfirmed sightings of a 'living puddle' have also been mentioned, as well as a 'manaquin' that might be one and the same person. The human was apparently called Crimson Dragon, and the oni, merely addressed as Oni. Victorious, the Powers drove the villainous duo off, though property damage was severe, only one injury was reported, septugenarian Victor Woo, owner of Woo's Curios. This reporter would like to thank the Powers involved for their heroics, and is grateful that there are Powers willing to repair whatever harm results from their pitched battles. ==============================================================================