=============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/1 Posted Author Beanie Baby Lady Bash! Tue Jun 01 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cue zoom in to an attractive, young lady, who smiles and hold a microphone. She's standing out in front of a Toys 'R Us type of store. "Good evening, Chicago. We bring you the latest news. Earlier today, Beanie Baby Lady was apprehended in her latest heist in an attempt to steal the rare Caw the Crow Beanie baby (Valued at almost 455 dollars!). Oh, my /gawd/. I have to do this!?" The news reporter huffs, and continues. In the background, a rather disgruntled woman in a panda suit protests, "If it weren't for that vodka scented air with the water gun, and that annoying nerd... and possibly that guy who kept tripping, I would have gotten away with it, too! Kids these days can't appreciate anything!" The news reporter blinks. Vodka. Scented. Air. The woman coughs, and looks up with a smile. However, her smile has 'I can't believe I'm /doing/ this' written all over it. "One bystander quoted it as the whackiest thing he's seen all day, and many others are in sheer disbelief. What're your thoughts, m'am?" The reporter holds a mic to a woman, who replies, "I thought it was a marketing gimmick myself! It is nice to see a woman get out once in awhile, though. I've just never met a woman in a panda suit. That is so 1999," The woman waves and walks off. The reporter blinks, "Moving on!" She continues. A boy in a toy soldier's helmet looks up, "I wanna panda! Then I could have it attack my sister's doll house!" He marches off. "...Lovely," The reporter sighs, as the sound of a snickering cameraman walks off. Noticing a woman in black, the reporter steps up and offers her the microphone. "Oh! We've got one of the heroes here!" She grins, looking like she's about to bust a vein. Interface responds (Though no one would know who it is unless they know her, <> The reporter looks tired, and unhappy with that decision. Then, she glares as the snickering continues. "That's /it/, wise guy!" The reporter growls and begins chasing the camera guy, using her microphone as a lasso. A beleaguered electrician sighs, and turns off the camera, but not before... "Good night, Crucible. Hoy hoy," The techie snorts and then turns off the camera. OOC: Thanks to my little trio of plotees for putting up with a first time GM! ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/2 Posted Author THE FAMILY is Back! Fri Jun 04 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A blond reporter, relatively attractive, stands infront of a downtown Warehouse. In the background police scramble. "This is a FOX News Special Report! We're here, LIVE, in downtown Crucible City with Lance Finnom, son of the late Doctor Phenomenon of the Phenomenal Family! The FOX News Chopper arrived on the scene after reports that Lance Finnom was engaged in terrifying combat with none other than one of his father's longtime nemesis, ELECTROUS! Tell us, Lance, what happened?" Looking a little bleery, a little weary, but for the most part jovial, Lance smiles at the camera. He's wearing the black PF uniform that was so recognizable back in the day, complete with the near-neon sigil on his right breast. "Well, basically -- Electrous had been considered dead for almost twenty years, but apparently it was all a ruse as he'd been biding his time to strike. He kidnapped someone, and then delivered a taunting message to me daring me to save her. Naturally, I got the new Family together and we took him down." The reporter questions, "The new Family, the one you said you were working to organize in your interview with People Magazine? Police said that the villain, Electrous, wasn't brought into custody however?" Smiling still, Lance answers. "One question at a time, my ears are still ringing. But basically, Electrous can turn himself into solid electricity. He escaped after we subdued him, but we got what we came for and nobody was seriously hurt. Don't you guys worry, we'll catch Big E again, and this time we'll be ready to keep him contained. And yeah, the new Family. But for now, I'm not going to reveal their identities, not until we're more prepared to do this heroing thing. One of us already got kidnapped because her identity wasn't a secret, and I don't want to see a similar situation again." That said, Lance doesn't hang around for any followup questions. "Well, there you have it. The Phenomenal Family seems to be, finally, back in business -- foiling whatever nefarious plan Electrous had. The last time the villain was seen, he had performed a similar crime, kidnapping a small girl and trying to use her to power a world destroying machine. He was foiled by Doctor Phenomenon, The Metallic Man, ...." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/3 Posted Author Soldier Acknowledges Bravery Sat Jun 05 Media (Drifter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CNN.com has exclusive footage of The Unknown Soldier on their website, available for download. A few of the local, Crucible City, news programs show the feed during the 11 O'clock news, and CNN shows clips in the hourly news updates. The Soldier stands atop some sort of building, evident by the way the wind is whipping against the flag-cloak that covers half the upper body. The voice, however, rings clear and true. "Today America, and the entire World, faced a tumultuous challenge. I know just as much as you all do, but I do know that you look towards us, the heroes who've promised to protect this planet from travesty, in times of peril. And thus I deliver this message in the hopes of quelling the fear that rises in your hearts, of stifling the dangerous premonitions and doubts that invade our thoughts. I appear today to give you another of my solemn pledges, that the catastrophic events that occurred today ARE BEING INVESTIGATED. Heroes of the world rallied together to help you as best we could, as best as our special abilities enabled us. Did it save everyone? No. But it was just a sample of the effort we give to you, the people, humanity, in doing our god damn -best- to insure your safety and peace of mind. I can speak only for myself when I say that the Unknown Soldier has no intention of resting until his feet are placed on this new 'continent', until he finds out -why- it decided to so suddenly appear and disrupt our way of life. Our planets way of life." "It is in light of this sudden global shift that I make no desires to contradict what has been written in the tabloids, nor what has graced the headlines of even our most respected publications of late. A secret identity is simply that, a secret, used not to hide from the consequences of our actions as -heroes-, but to allow us the freedom to live our own lives ontop of that. But the world needs me more than ever now, and I gladly sacrifice Connor Kingfisher to that charge, I willingly give up the solace of anonymity to better prove to all of you citizens that what I say is straight from the heart. I've no intention of resting so long as one single person cannot rest knowing in their heart that tomorrow, when they wake up, this world of ours will be a better place." "And it is my heartfelt honor to acknowledge that I am not alone in this pursuit. Members of our cities own defenders, Dawn Patrol most specifically, as always were stalwart in their rally to defend our shores, our people. And again, much like before, they placed their very -lives- on the line to make your tomorrow a safer place. Never forget that, for I know -I- won't. So while I posteur and pledge to do my best with what I have been given in this life to help -you- all, remember who else has been doing it. Remember those whose eternal vigilance dwarfs even my own. Remember Paragon, who defended this planet from Nazi bombardment with his very body. Remember Tempest whose unique abilities protected our country today. And most importantly... Remember -Kahuna-, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/4 Posted Author Killer Storms Wrack Planet! Sat Jun 05 Media (Gail) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "As the scientific community races to explore and explain the rise of the mysterious continent that has already been dubbed 'Mu' by anthropologists, emergency crews all over the world are still trying to cope with the devastating storms that have swept the globe in the wake of the continent's appearance. Meteorologists confirm that the rise of Mu has disturbed all natural weather patterns." Man wearing glasses, talking from the middle of a storm, subtitled 'Dr. Will Townsend.': "The ocean has a profound effect on our global climate -- temperature and wind patterns -- and when you remove a piece of ocean the size of Australia and replace it with land, well ... we just don't know what's going to happen. No one has ever seen anything this big before; any models we have run are just nowhere this big in scale and scope. And right now, about all anyone can do is run for cover." "The ramifications of the weather change have not all been in the form of storms. A sudden heat wave has blanketed Canada and the northern United States while tornadoes have been spotted in a wide belt across South America. Naval ships in the Pacific have reported the mass extinction of large bodies of fish around Mu and other coastlines. Migrating species have been sent off course or simply vanished. At the same time, Powers from around the globe are cooperating in an attempt to control the disaster." Gail Windsor, talking into a microphone from the middle of a storm: "If any weather controllers hear this report, move into the stratosphere and link up with the rest of us. We're trying to break this bronco, but there's a whole lotta kickin' goin' on. I don't care what side of the law you're on, if you're good, bad, or ugly. We're fighting for our planet here, and it's nothing simple like an army of Nazis." <> ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/5 Posted Author Storms: All Clear Mon Jun 07 Media (Gail) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Scientists across the country confirm that the extreme weather conditions which have wracked the planet since the rise of Mu have begun to settle. Detective Gail Windsor was located in Cairo, where she gave a brief statement." The sun is blindingly bright on Gail as she stands in the desert talking to a news crew. "It was a team effort. Tatiana Arctic, the Soviet Siren; Stormcrow from Crucible's own Stormguard; Cyclone, from the New Teen Machine; a young woman who ... well, I don't know if she wants her name thrown around; the Commodore, Lord of Skye and James Marsten, the Weathervein. It was Marsten who was the key. All of us, we formed a network with Marsten at the head and we slowly rotated through all the seasons, making little changes until we hit a new equilibrium. Most of it was all in the stratosphere, so you guys on the ground -- you hardly felt it. Everyone came through; Marsten, we don't think he made it. But he saved us all. He saved the planet." "Amateur weather-watchers have already begun to notice the calming effect. While Mu's presence has caused some minor long-term changes in global weather, those changes are largely centered on the continent itself and world climate has returned to its former state. Of course, scientists are continuing to monitor these events." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/6 Posted Author Alderman Press Conference Fri Jun 11 Media (Guarded Door ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Ami Kim reporting for WGN news. Alderman Jeffrey Combs is about to speak on the latest developments in the Attacking Animal's case." The camera turns from the Asian-American woman, to a pulpit, and light flashes from cameras as the Alderman Jeffrey Combs walks up to the microphone. "Thank you everyone. It has been determined through successful interrogations of the intelligent animals handed over to the ASPCA that these are the unfortunant victims of scientific abuse. We have reason to believe that one Doctor David Masters is the cause of this. Some of you may recall the warehouse fire in the dock district several years ago? Dr. Masters was using this as his laboratory, and set it ablaze trying to kill the animals he created. Thus, the anger of these poor beasts." "On to another topic. I will be lobbying the City Council for tighter regulations on scientific experiments within the city. While alot of good has come from all of these intelligent researches this city has been blessed with, some unknowing bad has come, as well. This plague of intelligent, vengeful animals, is one. The Nanoqueen from the papers just a month of so ago is another. All I am going to be asked, is that an oversight committee be made. Scientists will be asked to voluntarily hand over an overview of their research, the progresses they've made and what methods they are using. All we want is to make sure our city is safe. This may, or may not pass. But something must be done! Despite the good intentions that many of these scientist have, sometimes details are forgotten and things can get out of hand. We just want to be here so that the details or mistakes are pointed out, so that things do not get out of hand." "If any of you good scientists want to show your faith in our city and our system, I've instructed my office to take any reviews and store them until the oversight committee is formed. If it is not, then what is sent into us will be returned. Thank you. No questions, please" That said, the visage of Alderman Combs smiles at the camera then turns and leaves the press conference. OOC: Yes, this is still part of the ongoing Cute and Fuzzy TP. If your character would send in this information, @mail a brief overview to XX withthe Subject of: Cute and Fuzzy Science! ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/7 Posted Author Finnom's Under Siege! Wed Jun 16 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Six O'Clock News, male anchorman, stuffy shirt and self-inflated as they ever are starts the broadcast with a story about a murder investigation in the Chicago suburbs. But mid-way through explaining the police investigation, he pauses, posture straightening. "It seems we have a live report from our Eye In the Sky, WBBM CBS Chopper 2 and reporter Candy Hunt. What can you tell us, Candy?" The camera shifts to a middle-aged woman within a typical news helicopter, wind whipping about. She points the camera man to shoot below, where the Phenomenal Family's South-Side Headquarters, a staple in the area for the last few decades, can clearly be seen. However, there are lots of smaller figures in all sorts of shapes below. There's a girl, flying, sparks of energy coalescing around her and another being, who if people look closely appears to be the power known as Surf flying around too. There's a man that can best be described as having cobalt-blue extendable appendages, straddling the side of the building like he were a human squid. And there are a half-dozen other figures in the street below the HQ, all very clearly battling it out, flashes of energy zipping about. "As you can see, Tom, we're in downtown Crucible City and a power battle has erupted right outside the Phenomenal Family's headquarters between still unidentified assailants and the well known family of adventurers! We're warning all residents of southern Chicago to -remain indoors- and off the street!" But even as Candy gives her warnings, the battle pitch seems to sway, the camera man catching sight of the flying girl doing something to one of the bubbly powers below, the squid-man wrapping a bunch of the attackers up with his tentacles, and one of the smaller figures below punching some creature a good twenty feet. But the large woman that the flying girl subdued, apparently by turning her shirt into a straightjacket, manages to shoot some sort of energy into the air moments prior -- the pink blast just barely missing the news helicopter. Candy screams something not PG. But, moments later, an ice bridge that can only be Lance Finnom comes careening out of the front door, freezing half the people below to the street with giant slabs of crystal blue ice, a few more figures arching out of the doorway behind as things look to be settling. The hero who looks like Surf descends then, and seems to begin attending to the Family members below. "Wow!" bubbles Candy. "We got that, right? Tell me we got that." Then she composes herself, regaining that 'reporterly' voice. "It appears the Family has subdued their attackers in dramatic fashion! Did you see the right-hook on that kid? And the Squid-Man? We're going to drop down to see if we can get a word with one about what all we just witnessed!" Back to Tom the anchorman, who wears a surprised expression. "We'll check in with Eye in the Sky Candy Hunt again momentarily, as meanwhile in the Lincolnwood suburbs a 22 year old man's body was found..." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/8 Posted Author Finnom's Under Siege (2) Wed Jun 16 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Later in the news broadcast, Tom the Anchorman holds a hand to his earpiece, and then nods. "Seems our Eye In the Sky, Candy Hunt, has caught up with the new leader of the Phenomenal Family, Lance Finnom." A cutaway is performed, and we're presented with the youthful, white-haired, face of Lance Finnom. Dirt and other grime, however, dots his features, and his clothing -- only the upper half of a T-shirt being visible, looks quite ruined. Candy speaks, "Lance, your home and headquarters here was just attacked. What happened?" Squinting one eye at the camera, that look you make when you're searching for the right words to say, Lance finally speaks after a few seconds. "Well, basically... Heh, we're not real sure -what- that was all about, Candy. These guys, calling themselves the Exterminators, showed up at our doorstep and knocked. Yeah, knocked. Then they tried to -kill- us." Lance looks away then, and the camera shifts to show Surf looking over the damage to the front facade of the HQ. Lance starts speaking again, and the camera shifts back. "One of them got away, though. He teleported or exploded or something. Not really sure, to tell you the truth, but I am pretty happy we're all still alive. The team performed wonderfully, and all the damages to the South-Side that our very presence here seemed to just cause'll be taken care of by the Family." Candy asks, her voice peaked. "The Exterminators, Lance? Why would they want to kill you?" Lance gives a shrug and a half-grin. "Who knows? Thought we'd be easy pickings for some good PR in the criminal underworld, maybe? New team, inexperienced, easy to take out and instant street cred. But I've got a message for any more of you goons thinking the same thing -- talk to these Exterminator's about just how 'easy' it was to take us down. You can find them in Gibbons, making love to their cellmates. And for whomever -hired- these guys," Lance looks surprisingly intense when he says the following, a far cry from the usually carefree, haphazard look that's his norm. "You mess with my -family- and you pay the price. I don't know what we did to warrant you hiring a bunch've killers, but we'll find you and you'll join 'em in the Pound. Trust me on that." Back to the anchorman, Tom, with Lance's face finishing that statement shrinking into the box in the top right corner of the screen. "Well, seems we have a name and some faces to go with the new Phenomenal Family, and their recent attackers. Reports from City Hall indicate that nobody was seriously hurt in the altercation, but property damage was fairly extensive to the surrounding street. A check is already in City Hall's hands, however, to cover the damages." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/9 Posted Author News Flash: Nazi Leftovers Thu Jun 17 Media (Micah) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A rather routine story about a minor mugging, proof of a slow news night, is interrupted by a news flash with a re-appearance of the local channels' version of the wartime Earth-N invasion logo on the bottom. Behind the anchor, footage scrolls, clearly of good quality yet hastily edited, the scenes chopped together. A half-demolished warehouse can be seen in the twilight, the pictures apparently taken from the news chopper, with an aerial light show in progress. Zaps of energy move between four dueling figures, one an angel wreathed in brilliant light, two others are clearly Nazi rocket commandoes, the glow of fire following them from their backpacks. A zoomed shot is cobbled in to explain the fourth origin, which appears to be a wingless blue metallic dragon about 1-2 feet high, based on its surroundings. The announcer provides voice-over. "Just minutes ago, our eye in the sky and very own Vicky Simmons brought in footage of a battle on the outskirts of the town, in which a group of powers defeated a small collection of Nazi leftovers. The National Guard has been dispatched to the scene to collect them. The screen switches to video of Vicky Simmons on the ground, with the "angel" some might recognize as Seraphim, Stormguard badge displayed on his robe and great golden wings folded. He shakes his head slightly. "I don't know who the other two were. One was a woman that threw a lot of darkness around. She took out the tank and most of the guys on the ground. The other guy was...well, I was sorta busy to get a good look at him. There were some kinda spines in the guy he hit though." A poorly chosen sudden flip of picture shows a Wehrmacht soldier tied to a post, blindfolded, clearly dead as Seraphim's voice clips in. "Yeah, I heard the shots when they executed him. Otherwise I'd not have known they were there. They hit me once or twice, but I'm okay. I think the others are too, but I didn't get to ask. Oh yeah, I'm Seraphim. Of Stormguard. I should say that, right?" Again a rough clip. "But the dragon's name is Kiryu, he said, and he'd be..." The screen shifts to a camera shot of the dragon, with the reporter holding up her microphone as he answers an apparent missing question. "I would have to be a remarkably small man. But, I suppose Pix may have a brother, so it is not a totally unreasonable question. No, I am an artificially intelligent construct, a prototype for a mighty Nazi-smashing war machine." The camera zooms in on the small dragon, and the reporter begins to question him again. "Who's your maker? Were any production models built? How did you know there were Nazis here?" Another bad cut, and the dragons' voice. ""I was made by Doctor Hideki Toriyama. Funding was not supplied for the production model, however, as the invasion had been thwarted by that time. I am merely a 1/144 scale proof of concept." Quick clips of a Lowe tank apparently battered apart from the outside and Nazi rocket commandos lying unconscious on the ground complete the poorly organized montage as the anchor returns. "As the world continues to recover from their evil, yet another of the last holdouts of the failed invasion falls to Crucible's heroes." OOC: Thanks to Kebi and Nanako for putting up with a first time GM coupled with lag and disconnects. And to Kiryu for stepping in to help finish off the scene when Kebi had to leave. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/10 Posted Author UFO Lands In South Illinois Sun Jun 20 Media (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CNN Live Breaking Report! From the usual anchor person to an onsite reporter with the banner below reading, "Miranda Cruz, South Illinois". She speaks, her hair whipping in the late evening winds while in the background a corn-field looks highly decimiates, a massive potch-mark crater that Miranda stands at the cusp of. "We're live here fifteen miles south of Maple Park, Illinois, where a phenomenal sight was witnessed by locals. Apparently an as of yet identified flying object careened through the sky like a fireball to crash in this formerly fine, healthy, Illinois cornfield owned and operated by sixty-seven year old Michael Thompson. Police were slow to arrive, due to the rural proximity of this location, with the only access being a single lane, dirt country road. But a trio of stalwart adventurers were not so encumbered. We have here, one of the three who were said to of been here when the UFO crashed, Major Momentum, of the Knights Vigilant. Tell us, Major, what went on here?" The camera shifts to the face of Major Momentum, grim and serious. "All I'd like to say is to caution the public at large about approaching this sort of thing; if an alien ship crashes in your yard, just get the heck out of there and contact the proper authorities. Don't approach it, don't come down to look at it, just move. Leave things to the professionals." The camera turns back to Miranda, as Major Momentum seems unwilling to disclose any further details on the craft. "Queries into the authorities have been met with a firm 'no comment', but our sources believe that whatever the UFO was carrying was indeed, highly hostile. Paramedics found the body of a young male, Christopher Russel, a native of Maple Park a quarter of a mile from the crash sight. He leaves a widow, Samantha Russel, who told police that she saw the sky alive with fire, then there was a giant explosion. Moments later they saw the heroes, and she told her husband they should follow their advice and get out of town. But he insisted on trying to help, and told her to wait in the car. That was the last time she ever saw him as she hid underneath her pickup truck until police arrived. Samantha says she heard what can best be described as thundercracks in the distance, and lots of yelling, with one word echoing above all the rest -- 'My Son'. " The camera pans away from Miranda now, to give a shot of the corn field. There is no visible wreckage remaining, but the damage is pretty clear. Sirens flash in the background, even as the horizon bleeds orange with the coming of dawn. "While details are still unclear, one thing is certain. One man is dead, and something crashed into the lives of this rural Illinois town. CNN must echo the Major's warning -- this may not be an isolated incident and citizens are warned to not approach any unknown elements that may fall from the sky." (Please '@request Plot' with any followups) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/11 Posted Author Aircraft Collides with Sears Tower Tue Jun 22 Media (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A TV News jingle, the kind that usually sounds like morse code combined with muzak, played over a Channel 12 Logo. "...12 Action News. News first. As it happens..." The scene is the skydeck of the Sears Tower, which has clearly seen better days. Shattered glass can be seen everywhere, but more important is the centerpiece: The twisted, mangled remains of an aircraft, "Hello. I'm Donna Vickers here at Crucible City's Sears Tower, which has just been the scene of a potentially horrific accident." The camera gets a closeup of the shattered plane, "Millionaire playboy Donald Sterling collided his Cessna Skyhawk with the famous landmark late this evening. Bystanders had this to say." The screen flashes to a tall guy with a well trimmed moustash and a pair of big, hearty eyes. He wears a red cubs baseball cap, "I was watching this guy flyin' around when there was this big crash, and I looked up in the sky and there's this big plane sticking up outta the sky." "A known narcoleptic, Mr. Sterling was believed to have beaten his neurological disorder through use of the experimental drug 'marbapeene', yet paramedics describe him to have been found unconscious at the time of the accident. It's not yet been confirmed that he was disabled through crash-related injuries, and doctors intend to keep him overnight for further evaluation." "But how could an accident of this magnitude have not resulted in serious harm? According to eye-witness accounts and personal admission, we have four of Crucible City's superheroes to thank for that. Cyclone of Teen Machine, Mark Finnom of The Pheomenal Family, a mysterious strongwoman on crutches, and a lively man who calls himself Torius. Torius had this to say..." "Torius did indeed hear yon metal bird as it approached, but twas of great surprise when it hit thine structure! Mine smaller, strong companion did hold the creature securely as I pulled it into this mammoth tower. It doth rival Olympus itself! Thou mortals have pleased me with your wondrous science!" Donna chuckles into her microphone, "Back to you, Steve." Questions? Comments? @request to Plot ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/12 Posted Author Terror on Mu! Fri Jun 25 Media (Nick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Appearing on page three of the National Star is the following story. Similar reports appear in various newspapers, magazines and on news broadcasts though with a bit more fact and a bit less sensationalism, depending on what source is chosen.) This evening, the new continent of Mu erupted with violence as the scientific expedition funded by the University of Crucible City was attacked by a small army of lizardmen. These reptilian terrorists destroyed most of the campsite, all of the power generating facilities, and seriously injured dozens. Fortunately for the helpless academicians, several Powers were nearby to save them and prevent any deaths although at least one of the lizardmen 'officers' was reported to have escaped along with half the invading foot soldiers. Among the Powers who were mostly successful in defending the camp were Phase, Myrmidon of the team The Guardians, and one calling himself Recluse. (As usual, send questions and @requests to plot.) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/13 Posted Author Prince Primeval Retrospective Sun Jun 27 Media (Gail) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <> 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 22 percent of the human population is in some way related to Primeval through his many descendants, including Tempest and other currently active Powers. 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 pre-Event Power Johnny Rocket, "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 possesses a psionic ability that allows him to command human beings to obey him. This ability, known as the "Power Primeval", has been demonstrated by a few of his other relatives including Primeva, Primordius, and the young Dawn Patrolman known as Tempest. The Power Primeval does not, however, affect the one out of every six human beings who are related to Primeval. 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 1960's 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 powercrime 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 90's. 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 remained for ten years pending execution by mollecular dispersal. In 2003 Primeval's adopted daughter Primeva, 'the deadliest woman alive', succeeded in infiltrating the Pound thanks to the unwitting help of thousands of Tribe Prime members conducting a candlelight vigil and protest on the shores of Lake Michigan, engineering a power failure at the prison. Primeval nearly escaped but was stopped by members of the Dawn Patrol. Moebius, the Infinite Man, sacrificed himself by teleporting Primeval into the execution chamber and ordering the prison staff to flip the switch. He was believed to be dead for a year, but recent events suggest that, somehow, he is alive and at large. Primeval's music and books continue to make a handsome profit. Tribe Prime remains active and the African nation of Prime is currently ruled by a council of elected leaders. Primeva, and the defective clone of Primeval known as Primordius, remain at large and their locations are unknown. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/14 Posted Author Shootout In Lincoln Park Mon Jul 05 Media (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Virtually all channels' programming is interrupted with a "Breaking News" bulletin. Channel 18, for instance, halts its TV-adapted version of _1776_, and the anchor, Richard Richardson, solemnly greets the audience. "This just in: Thirteen costumed men terrorized the crowds gathered for a fireworks display over Lincoln Park, disrupting the festivities and leaving several wounded. Dubbed 'Antipatriots' by bystanders, their leader reportedly made several outrageous demands for dynamic social change, swearing to reclaim America. The crowd was essentially held hostage, and the gunmen opened fire with automatic assault rifles. Two Powers were on the scene to try and save the day, but suffered grievous wounds for their efforts. For more information, we'll turn to Pam Johnson for a live report. Pam?" The small news window enlarges until Pam Johnson fills the screen. Behind her, bewildered citizens talk to one another, and some of them try to get on camera as best they can. "Thank you, Richard. Earlier this evening, just as the fireworks were getting under way, thirteen men wearing black, red and blue showed up, twelve of them armed with assault rifles, one with a megaphone and musket. Their leader claimed that they were part of the 'Counterrevolutionary Army,' a group that seems to be a para-militant yet uncoordinated cell dedicated to 'taking America back' from... whatever it's currently in. Witnesses say the Counterrevolutionaries are insane sociopaths, rebels with a ludicrous cause. After the terrorists opened fire to claim attention and authority, one sword-wielding individual stepped forward, refusing to cower on the ground. Witnesses say he tried to fool the Counterrevolutionaries, or at least distracted them while some unknown and unseen Power melted the guns out of the hands of two villains. The chaos also included some terrible speeches, the singing of skewed patriotic songs, and very bloody combat. The swordsman dazzled all with his dexterity and bladework, but was shot several times. Nonetheless, he brought down four gunslingers with a single blow, and then subdued the leader. Two more of the Counterrevolutionaries are listed in stable condition, suffering from what appear to be the talon- and fang-marks of a feline such as a panther. The crowd's general consensus is that they heard the scream of a jungle cat. The swordsman, although injured, fled the scene before police could arrive. The strange feline-attacks seem to have been the vigilante doings of one Maria de la Fuente, an NYU graduate with a degree in anthropology. Ms. de la Fuente was hardly unscathed, herself, suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the left arm and shoulder; another bullet seems to have had grazed her head. Perhaps she has nine lives! A... ahem. Ms. de la Fuente was taken to a local hospital, electing not to comment, and then slipping into unconsciousness from blood loss and fatigue. Six of the Counterrevolutionaries are still at large, four of them armed and two unarmed. They did not appear to be superpowered individuals. Here is some footage of them, courteously donated by one of the witnesses, who caught them on his cam-corder. The public is advised to be alert, but not panic..." (Questions and insight are always REQUEST_OK) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/15 Posted Author Top Shelf Technovandals Thu Jul 08 Media (Anne) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm Trisha Takanawa here for Channel 13 news tonight at the Top Shelf Cafe. It was a scene of pure chaos here tonight, Diane. Apparently several green-suited figures marked with binary numbers emerged from the laptop of a local man attempting to use the wireless internet provided as a service to Top Shelf's customers and proceeded to attempt to hijack the router for some purpose currently unknown, claiming that they were "Tech Support." On the scene to combat the menace were The Statistic and newcomer Nerve who managed to apprehend all eight of the villains before police arrived. They are under questioning now but have given officials little to go on. Apparently no civillians were harmed in the fighting, though the Top Shelf's internet connectivity was destroyed along with their central router. The management predicts roughly a week before the network can be restored. Who are these mysterious villains and will they strike again? Back to you Diane. ((Questions and comments should be @requested to Plot!)) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/16 Posted Author Miraculous recovery... Thu Jul 08 Media (IC: White Bungalow - U ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the wake of the destruction at Top Shelf Books, clean up crews, scheduled to begin the arduous process of repair and recovery, were shocked to find the damage encurred by the Technovandals had been miraculous repaired over night. While we have yet to get a statement from the management of Top Shelf concerning the event, reports have filtered out of everything from books being rebound, carpets cleaned, and walls repaired to the central router being mysteriously fully functionally. Presumably the work of one Crucibal City's currently unknown powers, we can only watch and wait and hope that further information will be gleaned. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/17 Posted Author A Cup of Chaos Fri Jul 09 Media (Nick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "This is Donna Meyer reporting from the Uncommon Grounds coffee shop where more than coffee was served tonight. Eyewitnesses state that ten men calling themselves "Tech Support" climbed out of a patron's laptop computer and then proceeded to demand access to the shop's router." "How could they all fit in there?" is asked by one disheveled and bewildered looking young woman being interviewed before they cut to an employee with an obviously fresh coffee stain on his uniform. "They started shooting everywhere and some Powers showed up and fought them!" "Three Powers from all reports." Donna continues as the picture goes back to her. "One of whom was an unknown young man whom eyewitnesses say was able to burst into flame. During the fight he received several shotgun bursts and was gravely injured." *cut to an ambulance with lights flashing and sirens blaring speeding away* "He is being taken to the hospital for treatment. Another was identified as the Power, Phase while the third calls himself 'Will O' Wisp.'" *cut to a shot of Ancel sans costume*. "Though the young Power was most severely injured, several others received smaller, less critical wounds from stray buckshot and are being treated. Damage to the coffee shop was moderate including the destruction of the router. Management states that their internet access is expected to be down for a week until they find a replacement." ~For further information or inquiries, send @requests to Plot~ ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/18 Posted Author Another Miraculous recovery.... Fri Jul 09 Media (Jordan) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ While the technovandals continue to prey upon the businesses of Crucible City, some unknown power seems determined to undo the damage they incur. Not a day after Top Shelf's vandalized and mysteriously repaired, Uncommon Grounds plays host to a similiar tale. As has happened in numerous other cases, the work crews showed up on site to find the damage repaired and the interior returned to a condition it has not likely seen since opening. Everything from chipped glass, broken chairs and twisted tables to the fried router was, despite a lack of logical explaination, returned to their former glory. As with Top Shelf Books and the Field Museum, the management claims to have no knowledge of either who their mysterious benefactor might be, how they managed to gain entrance to the establishment, or how such repairs could have been effected without alerting someone to the presence of someone within. The identity of the 'helper', for the time being, remains one of Crucible City's many mysteries. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/19 Posted Author Field Museum Chaos (from 07/07) Sat Jul 10 Media (Ancel) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An attack by a group calling itself the 'Primal Elementals' was narrowly defeated by a mysterious group of powers today, leaving more questions than answers. The Elementals, three of whom were turned over to police custody following the battle claim to serve Primeval, despite the power's apparent death. The four powered villains were accompanied by a group outfitted similarly to Primeval's 'Tribe Prime' members. However, the known remnants of Tribe Prime has disavowed any knowledge of, or connection to the group. In a development almost as strange, the museum's benefactors elected to leave before the media or police arrived, just leaving the unconscious Elementals tied and ready to be taken in. Numerous witnesses were questioned, but in the chaos accompanying the assult, there were no concrete descriptions given, and none of Crucible City's known defenders has stepped forward to take credit. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/20 Posted Author Airport assault Sat Jul 10 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CC Planet The return of the model Nanako after a model show in Japan, could easily have ended in a bloodbath. This afternoon Tsujimura Nanako's airplane landed in O'Hare airport and the model met with journalists and fans as she left. However three drunk and armed men entered the scene and started opening fire and making demands. If it hadn't been for an unknown hero things might have been much worse. Witnesses describe the man as being well-trained and he did take out the three, before he left. He didn't appear to be powered, just in a good physical shape, and maybe some military training. After have done his heroic deed he hurried away from the scene without making any comments. Nanako's manager did make a statement after this incident that if the hero contacts him, he'll be willing to pay a reward and possibly offer a job. Nanako herself did not have any comments to this, although sources tell that she's shocked over this. (OOC: Comments, questions to Nanako or Gyorgy) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/21 Posted Author Super Mall Clash! Sun Jul 11 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CC Tribune This evening Jones&Jones Men's Wear in Glick Supermall was the scene of an obviously powered clash. The store suffered massive damages and the area surrounding it suffered some too. Some human-looking beasts with animal heads was witnessed on the scene. Also some person was seen, although his identity was covered either by a black force field or by him being made of obsidian. Fighthing these was Meeba of the Dawn Patrol and some lesser known powers. One of these powers was a man carrying a flag with the symbol of Russia. Another were the one that has been spotted before, the masked hero called Splice. Then there was an unknown power that was described as working with some dark snakes. And the last was a man that shifted into metallic form. The fight ended with some damages to the surroundings, but there could have been more property destroyed if the heroes weren't on the scene. The dog beasts and the dark character disappeared from the scene and nobody could be brought to the Pound. (OOC: Comments, Questions, contact Meeba, Shinra, Alucinor, Gyorgy, Ian or Nanako) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/22 Posted Author Orphanage Assault Sun Jul 11 Media (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A TV News jingle, the kind that usually sounds like morse code combined with muzak, played over a Channel 12 Logo. "...12 Action News. News first. As it happens..." The scene is a ruined building on the corner of what appears to be a run down neighborhood. The windows are smashed, there are holes in the walls, and three dozen small children sit outside. Many look nearly to tears. Police sirens scream out in the distance. A blonde anchorwoman stares out to the screen, "Hello. I'm Donna Vickers here at Promised Hope Orphanage in Wabash, which was the sight of a senseless and brutal attack this evening." The camera pans over the wreckage. The orphanage is really in terrible shape. Some spots look like they were even on fire at one point. Policemen and firemen wander everywhere, "At 7:53 PM this evening, assailants attacked the orphanage with weapons that onlookers described as ranging anywhere from baseball bats to flamethrowers." The camera faces a short elderly woman, "Oh...it was horrible, those men with their big black coats...how could they do such a thing?!" A pair of fifteen year old boys with baseball caps, "Yeah. It was just...these guys. They leveled the place." Donna Vickers: "Who would do such a thing? And why? Police aren't quite sure. And eyewitnesses claim the men came seemingly from nowhere, inflicting their senseless violence and leaving no answers. I'm Donna Vickers, Action 12 News." (Comments or Questions should be @requested to Plot Staff) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/23 Posted Author Orphanage Rebuilt! Sun Jul 11 Media (Jordan) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ And, again, over night, Crucible City plays witness to another miraculous recovery. Promised Hope Orphanage in Wabash plays host to the next in a series of strange and unexplained occurences. While it is not at all strange for the site of Powered battles to be repaired in the aftermath, usually there is some group of individuals waiting the wings to take credit for the occurence. As we have seen upon numerous, recent occurances, this has not been the case. Again, the operators of Promised Hope Orphanage, much like Top Shelf Books and Uncommon Grounds, can shed no light on their mysterious benefactor. Whoever, or whatever group is affecting these changes, however, has their thanks. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/24 Posted Author Nation Mourns Wed Aug 04 Media (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <> Nation Mourns Loss of Io Facility; Death Toll: 194 The newly refitted Pride of Tellus under Commodore J.J. Adams confirms the loss of the entire Io facility captured by the massed Terran Fleet, and a strikeforce of Powers. Preliminary reports indicate a malfunction leading to catastrophic failure of the energy collectors on the surface of Jupiter that once powered the infamous 'J-Gun'. This apparently triggered the overload and implosion of the fusion reactors below the base. Estimates indicate that it will be some weeks before the radiation levels diminish to the point that more in-depth investigation can be performed. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/25 Posted Author DEMON ATTACKS CAB! Sun Aug 29 Media (Global: SRequests) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A demon attacked a cab on a street near Hyde Park this afternoon, sending the cabdriver running and the people in the taxi fighting for their lives against the fiend. Witness reports are sketchy, however - people can't remember any details about how the demon was defeated, though it obviously was. The demon had been clawed severely as from a large predatory animal and was detained by the police who had the use of special forces to handle the unconscious demon. Noone was hurt on the scene, but several cars were damaged in the chaos. OOC: If anyone's interested in knowing more, contact Bryan or Chloe! ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/26 Posted Author The More You Know... Thu Sep 09 Media (Jessica) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Recently, the more dedicated couch potatos of the city might notice that one of the local heroes has begun to do PSAs. The Manitou seems to be picking mainly issues of environmental activism, social activism, and public health. While carefully chosen not to be slanted towards or against any specific party or candidate, they all seem to have the general focus of "Get out. Do something. You'll feel better about yourself when you do. And you might just help the world while you're at it." She's still a bit stiff about it, not coming off as especially natural about being on TV, but she seem to actually care about the subject. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/27 Posted Author Storm Warning Tue Sep 14 Media (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Television anchor Grace Holden - known for unbreakable composure and accused of never breaking a smile - is plastered across the evening news, not bent or shaken even on those televisions that flicker and fade under the opressive weather. "The massive storm that hit Crucible City this Sunday evening has not slackened, exhibiting in places winds nearly comparable to those of Ivan in the south. Damage in residential areas has been thankfully minimal, but local companies Greenbach Industries and Farrier have suffered massive damage and been forced to close their doors, the former perhaps permanently. "This evening, furious winds assailed a South Side district with force enough to topple the Appleberry Apartment Complex, a crash that would have flattened neighboring buildings as well. Luckily, Sniper, the Druid, Monolith and Manitou were on hand and able. The efforts of raw strength, invocation of the elements, and clever engineering kept the building stable while archery tricks - and length of solid utilitarian cable - provided a means of escape. "While the damage to the building has been deemed irreparable, no lives were lost in the incident." Grace allows herself a nod of gratitude. "May all other such stories end so well." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/28 Posted Author Powers halt Storm Looting and Fire Wed Sep 15 Media (Spade) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (This is actually a report from Sunday evening; apologies for backdating) This is Trisha Takanawa with Channel Five News reporting tonight from Pine Street in River West where the destruction of this freakish storm was particularly violent. In addition to the hail damage to all the buildings and vehicles on the street, one local business, Smith's Electronics, was the victim of a looting attack by a gang of armed thugs. Fortunately for the owner, Everett Smith, the triplicate Power known as Relativity was on-scene to scare off the thugs and prevent Mr. Smith himself from coming to harm. Mr. Smith suffered a heart attack as a result of the incident and was taken to the hospital by Evan Bradley, who was also on scene to to successfully battle a fire raging out of control inside the Bowers Building, an old apartment building registered as a Historic Place. The Bowers was believed to be up to current fire-prevention codes despite its historical status; an investigation is planned as to why the wiring was able to catch fire and why the fire alarms failed to go off on the upper two floors, prompting Detective Corrine Abbott of the CCPD Vice Squad to issue a telepathic warning to third-floor residents, and then succcessfully lifted them to safety via telekinesis and assisted in shielding them from the hail as they were escorted to emergency shelter facilities. No lives were lost thanks to these heroes, and while the storm may have done terrible damage, this City has certainly been through worse. Back to you Diane! (Thanks to Evan, Ellice and Corrine for participating in a bit of storm damage prevention!) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/29 Posted Author Dateline NBC Wed Sep 15 Media (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sunday's Episode of NBC's hit news magazine program, DATELINE, features a story about a new drug that is becoming an epidemic amongst young Miami teenagers. The drug is going by the name, "Cat-5", and has taken the Miami drug scene by storm -- with DEA officials in the port-city worried that Cat-5 is quickly becoming the new 'Ecstacy', only exponentially more harmful. Dateline outlines what is known about the drug, which most commonly is found in easily concealable 'patches' called 'slappers' that users wear much like a Nicotine Patch or sticker overtop the skin. The effects consist of severe euphoria, but more importantly, users experience the temporary manifestation of 'Powers'. The recent four-alarm fire near Miami Beach, which left six dead, is rumored and under investigation of being directly linked to a fight between Cat-5 users and local police. There have also been reports of teenage gang 'fight clubs' being held in empty lots and abandoned warehouses. One teen featured by Dateline, Carlos del Pino, 17, was killed in one of these altercations when another teen, Miguel Montoya, used a slapper to gain pyrokinetic powers that he was unable to control. While crack dominated the eighties, ecstacy the nineties, DEA Agent Tom Harris says, "We're facing a whole new War on Drugs with Cat-5. It's not just deadly and dangerous to the user, but to all those around them as well. And god knows what the permanent effects of the thing are." (@request to Plot) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/30 Posted Author Guerilla Eco-restoration Thu Sep 30 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (The following story appears (in one form or another) in several local papers and on a couple local news broadcasts as an item of interest.) Throughout Crucible City, a war has been waged against vacant lots as, seemingly over night, one barren eyesore after another has been transformed into a verdant orchard. What used to be repositories of broken swings and abandoned tires are now covered in thick carpets of grass with flowers, bushes and trees growing as if they had been there for years. Each lot has one or more fruit bearing trees laden with apples, pears or peaches. No one knows who or what is responsible for the transformation though there is an obvious connection to the restoration of the Ghost Woods several weeks ago. In each lot is placed a stone pillar with the inscription: 'Gaia's bounty is free to all who treat her with respect' OOC: Contact Kyle if there are any questions. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/31 Posted Author Minor News Report Sat Oct 02 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Though none of the smaller broadcast networks pick it up, a few of the larger cable news networks run a small story about a UN resolution to increase it's presence on the island of Ultima Thule. Citing a growing unrest among the "native" population, the UN voted to increase the size of it's peacekeeping forces on the island in order to insure the security of international interests there. Ultima Thule, the brief newscast reminds, is an island nation off the coast of Scottland. It was raised from the ocean floor in 1963 by the despotic Power villain Count Urizen. Urizen himself has not been seen in a very long time, it is believed he died in a massive Power battle shortly before The Event. But his former subjects living on Ultima Thule, mostly immigrants from Germany and the northern European nations, have been living under UN occupation since that time. Ultima Thule is a popular site for archaeologists seeking answers into the mysteries of the ancient Thule society. The news report does not state the nature of the unrest, though it does point out that the residents of Ultima Thule have been considered generally docile throughout it's brief history. OOC: Comments and questions should be @requested to Plot Staff as always. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/32 Posted Author SuperHero Magazine Ad Sat Oct 02 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Appearing in SuperHero Magazine (a magazine which purports to serve the hero community, but is mostly about gossip and pictures of muscular young heroes in tight and skimpy costumes) is an ad toward the back, nestled between the 'heroic' massage parlor ads and the 'how to heroicly beat your drug test' ads. "Heroes: Tired of walking to fights? Tired of your daily driver being eaten by demons? Have a registered Hero ID and a pilot's license? Hero Outfitters can help you. Call 555- or stop by our shop for more information. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/33 Posted Author Breaking Report! Fri Oct 08 Media (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CNN and Fox News slow Friday coverage of post-Vice Presidential Debate implications is interrupted by a breaking news story. The feed cuts to a high speed chase between an armored car vehicle and someodd a dozen police cars somewhere along the Los Angeles Freeway. The shot is clearly from a News Chopper trailing the scene, but the reason it is pressing news is that from the back of the armored car two people, apparently male, are firing bolts of multifaceted light at the police. Explosions are tearing through the LA freeway as the Armored Caravan careens wildly from the police; who are just trying to survive and avoid the energy blasts. The anchors mention that the chase has been ongoing for almost fifteen minutes, and just as the the Armored Car is swerving from the Freeway for an offramp exit -- two of LA's foremost protectors -- Promethium and Durango swoop down on scene. Promethium erects some sort of forcefield around the car, the two powers hanging off the backs energy blasts rippling against the barrier ineffectively, while Durango supplants the piece of the offramp entirely and carries it off towards Alcatraz. Immediate post-chase interviews with Police lead to just one source: teenagers hopped up on Cat-5 Slappers decided to use their new powers to grab hijack the Armored Car. More alarming is that the drug, recently noted by "Dateline" as spreading in epidemic through Miami streets, has reached the West Coast. While this chase is the first major example of Cat-5 in Los Angeles, smaller reports of increased Power Crime have been rampant for several weeks in the city. (@request to Plot any questions) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/34 Posted Author Newspaper Article Thu Oct 21 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (somewhere around page 27 of the newspaper) Judge Orders NRC to Restore Dr. Atomic's License U.S. District Court Judge John Phillips today orderered the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to restore Dr. Amileah Tomas's licenses to handle nuclear material. "Between her pardon and her expungement, Dr. Tomas' criminal record is not admissible as evidence. Therefore the NRC has no grounds under their own regulations to deny her licensing request." The NRC had declined Dr. Tomas' requests for licensing under section 40.32 subpart d of their regulations, which require that the "issuance of the licence will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the healt hand safety of the public;". "I reguard this as a victory for science over paranoia." Dr. Tomas said. "I held one of the first of these licenses ever issued. I am a professional." "Dr. Tomas' qualifications were never in dispute." said Robert Hicks, assistant director of public information for the NRC. "We're very concerned what she'll do with these materials, however. We will issue the license as ordered, but we'll be inspecting her lab and monitoring her use of nuclear material closely." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/35 Posted Author Mysterious Broadcast Fri Oct 29 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Several Local Stations are temporarily interrupted by the appearance of a very ugly, but 'star trek' type alien who has extremely poofy eyebrows and positively BULGES with musles. The background behind him in the broadcast has dozens of weapons and all kinds of gleaming control panels. "PEOPLE OF EARTH...I AM Tharzor Telit of the Venosh...and I have been chosen to choose among your people, according to rule and custom, to duel over that which you treasure most....the CHICKLET! I shall name you one by one, and shall meet you. Much is at stake, but so long as you use honor in your conduct, I shall not ...use...unfortunate methods. LET THE DUELS BEGIN!" Several news crews notice that a large (200 by 200 yard) spaceship has just decloaked over crucible city with a large figure slowly descending from it. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/36 Posted Author NBC Decision 2004 Tue Nov 02 Media (Drifter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NBC's Election Night coverage continues to document the 2004 election as the polls continue to near close. Between calling states, Chief Anchorman Tom Brokow turns towards an interview with Connor Kingfisher, the Unknown Soldier. "I'm joined now by Mr. Connor Kingfisher, the current-day Unknown Soldier, whose father is well-known Senator Stockwell Kingfisher and former bearer of the Unknown Soldier monicker, of Virginia. But you've made a stand this year as the campaign fever has continued to rise of a completely non-partisan stance. As the man responsible for carrying the torch of one of America's longest heroic legacies, you could find yourself in a very viable political position. So why the non-partisan position?" With a smooth smile, the blond haired and blue eyed Connor takes a long breath. "Well, Tom. As you can tell right now as these votes start to come careening in and we get closer and closer to declaring a new President of this fine country, I think it is important for me to emphasize not the parties that I haven't supported nor not supported, but rather at the issue I think is paramount to each and every American citizen. Exercise your right to vote, please. Especially those of you on the west coast, who still have time to hit the polls. Vote. That's what this country was created for, this is why we fight, this is democracy and this is freedom. We choose our leaders and abstaining from that process does nothing more than hurt our country. If you don't get out and vote, then we're down one vote in finding the best possible person to hold the seat of the most powerful office in the world." "In the end does it matter then, to you, who wins this election?" asks Brokow. "Not in the least, Tom, provided that every person capable has filed their vote. Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green Party, Independent, so long as everyone votes than the theory is that the collective whole will decide who the best person to lead this country is. And having the best person as President of the United States does more than just strengthen America, it strengthens the world, it strengthens all of humanity. So you want me to declare a party? It'd have to be a humanist. I'm pro-humanity, I'm pro what we can accomplish with this God Given world and these God Given gifts." "Thanks, Connor, the Unknown Soldier. We now turn back to Tim, with news about the polls in Ohio using paper ballots..." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/37 Posted Author Dawn Patrol HQ Destroyed Sun Nov 07 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following report breaks into most stations local to Crucible City. A quiet afternoon in the Crucible suburb of Shaumburg has been shattered by a massive explosion on the grounds of the House of Windsor. The House of Windsor and the Wind Tunnel located beneath it were once the property of the hero Stratosphere who vanished in the Event and have more recently been occupied by the heroic team known as the Dawn Patrol. Few details are known at this time, but on-scene reports suggest that this was a concerted attack on the Dawn Patrol's headquarters. Eyewitness reports place the villains Couronne, Singularity, and Vesuvia at the scene, as well as numerous other as-yet unknown Powered individuals including unsubstantiated reports that Primeva and Primordius were both present as well. The area around the House of Windsor has been cordoned off as a hazardous zone, but as this video taken from the air shows, much of the roof of the underground Wind Tunnel has been blown inwards by some unimaginable force, taking a sizable portion of the House along with it. Little can be seen of the Tunnel beneath, but the destruction must be severe. We have not yet managed to reach a member of the Dawn Patrol for comment, and rumours abound that injuries sustained by teammembers in the battle have been severe. As of yet we have no confirmation of that. We will keep you abreast of the situation as further news comes in. Once again, the Wind Tunnel, headquarters of.... (OOC: The new report repeats itself, as such things are wont to do.) OOC: I leave it to one of the DP to post something more official. My thanks to them for being such good sports about this. As always, independent investigations and questions should be @requested to Plot staff. -Oracle ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/38 Posted Author Private Investigator Wed Nov 10 Media (Global: SRequests) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Have you lost something? Perhaps that family relic is gone, stolen or lost. Or maybe it's always been talked about in your family, but was lost centuries ago - and now you're curious where it is. Smith-Jones Investigations offers discreet, professional work on finding your lost items. Other regular P.I. work is also offered. Contact Chloe Smith-Jones at phone number xxx-xxxxx or at e-mail chloe-sj@crucible.now ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/39 Posted Author AIRCRAFT COLLISION IN CRUCIBLE CIT Mon Nov 15 Media (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (News jingle consisting of faux Morse code and loud booming tones) Booming voice: "Action News 12. News as it happens." SCENE: An anchorwoman stands in front of a street corner, but it could easily be a war torn city from any corner of the Earth. The sounds of fire engines, police sirens, and ambulances would be drowning out the woman's voice if it weren't for audio filtering. The words on the bottom of the screen identify her as Linda Brink - Action 12 News, "I'm standing here on the corner of Main and 12th street in Downtown Crucible City." She raises her arm and gestures to a small building, burnt out and with a pile of wreckage. The tail end of a large aircraft can barely be seen through the charred remnants of the storefront, "Where American Airlines Flight Triple-Seven apparently collided with The Music Box nightclub and bar in an accident that authorities are calling the most baffling in years." "At 7:06 PM, O'Hare International's ATC center lost audio contact with American 777 and observed as the aircraft followed a ballistic course towards Crucible City. While authorities were called in, fearing the worst, Crucible's heroes were on hand to ensure that a horrible disaster was minimized. Phase, Shock, and two unidentified superheroines were present to mitigate the aircraft's descent." Photograph of Shock creating an electrified force field over the city while Kylie points a strange looking scientific device into the air, in front of her. "What baffles authorities the most was the fact that the aircraft was almost completely empty." The reporter moves to the left, which swings two men into view. One is clearly a cop, and the other is in a suit. The text below them identifies them as Detective Stan Murphey (CCPD) and Steven Lenning (FAA). "Detective, what can you tell us about the accident?" Detective Murphey turns to the camera and takes the microphone, "We're unable to give an accurate assessment at this time, but two children were found onboard the plane. They claim to have seen a bright flash of light, and then the rest of the passengers were gone." Mr. Lenning takes the microphone, "The FAA is investigating this anomaly, and we have the utmost confidence that a solution will be found." Linda takes the microphone, "Back to you, Rick." Scene: The news 12 newsroom. Another news anchor, Ricardo Mendez, sits behind a desk while a drawing of an aircraft hovers near his head, "This just in. We've received reports from Air Japan, Air France, and Swiss International, all of which..." The news anchor looks down at his desk for a moment, losing his professionalism for just a moment. He recovers as well as he can, but his speech has slowed, "...report similar occurrences on flights Air Japan 813, Air France 111, and Swiss International 912. All three aircraft collided with the ground. No one was hurt and the aircraft were reported as empty." Clearly, this troubles him, "Next up...Cubs fans rejoice..." (Questions? Comments? @request to Plot!) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/40 Posted Author 11 o'clock news report Wed Nov 17 Media (Spade) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (This report is carried as a regular part of the City Powers segment and doesn't receive exceptional attention, especially in the wake of other recent events) This is Trisha Takanawa from Channel 5 news. Earlier this evening the villainess Phantama was captured in the act of a burglary in the warehouse distrct, assisted by two 'stone golems'." <> The golems did considerable structural damage to a few of the warehouses in the area, though as yet we do not have word as to just whose property they were attempting to rob. Phantama, unmasked two years ago as Deidre Aiodhan before she escaped The Pound along with Prince Primeval and several other villains earlier this year. Credit to stopping her current crime this evening goes to Arachne, Ancel Avoyelle and Spade. In other news, the second Dynalad has departed the Power Company, claiming serious emotional abuse by mentor Dynamo. Dynamo and the Power Company deny these charges... ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/41 Posted Author Dawn Patrol Bested Thu Nov 18 Media (Bobby) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ House of Windsor Attacked, Dawn Patrol Bested Dawn Patrol leader Quintessence released this today in the wake of the assault on the House of Windsor some two weeks ago. "We were bested, plain and simple. The villains had the advantage of surprise, and numbers, and try as we might we were unable to stop them." Quintessence had recently undergone some fairly significant changes, going from an Elemental in form to humanoid once again. "The fact of the matter is that though the Wind Tunnel was a total write off that we were able to save, and rebuild the House of Windsor itself. This is far from over." Looking to the cameras, Bobby's starfield eyes are INTENSE. "Primeva...you and yours had best be wary, even as you seem to think you have some sort of mandate, we protect our own, we protect our charges. The Patrol will answer your act of villainy, and you will face justice." The last thing that Quintessence had to say to the reporters was this, "Lighthouse Eos, our orbital facility is ready to go online. For the good of the public we will no longer be located in a residential area. Never fear, we will continue to protect the people of Crucible City, and the World. Thank you." The assault force that attacked the Dawn Patrol's former Schaumburg headquarters consisted of a veritable who's who of villainy including Primeva, Primordius, Vesuvia, Couronne, Singularity, and a number of mutate soldiers. Apparently the result of extensive planning, the raid was daring, and highly successful and marks the first major defeat the Dawn Patrol has faced since its inception over a year ago. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/42 Posted Author Battlebots! LIVE! Fri Nov 19 Media (Coffin ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dwayne Murray, host of Public Access' own, 'Super-WAY-Natural World' is seated on the brown plaid couch of his studio, sweaty with excitement. "Dudes and dudettes, you would like, totally not believe what went down in craaaaazy Crucible City today!? Gundam, Transformers, it's all real, man! Check it out!" << Footage plays of an epic robotic battle in downtown Crucible City. The participants, the robots Teraflux and Synchron, are both approximately 50 feet tall and armed to the teeth. Cars crunch! People flee screaming! It's pandemonium! >> "But of course some Powers showed up to help! I was totally expecting, like, the Dawn Patrol or something but instead we got these guys--" << Shaky footage of a cat-like girl identified with the caption, "Super Sexy Catgirl LYNX!" followed shortly thereafter by an aftermath shot of her in a tattered costume with the caption, "MRRRRROW! >> << A flying pale dude (Argus) identified solely by a caption saying, "Flying Strong Dude!" >> << A few shots of an ordinary-dressed woman hopping up on a car and shooting at a robot with a space-gun, followed by her getting shot by a giant ray gun and smacking into a car. The caption reads, "The Lieutenant! Yeah, we don't know who she is either! Lame code name, huh?" >> << A montage of shots of the famous JUNKYARD DRAGON, complete with light show and shooting of robots and other cool-looking things. >> Dwayne enthuses, "Awesome, isn't it? The JUNKYARD DRAGON, back in Crucible City! My cousin Murray heard him tell the NBC guy that it doesn't mean the Shanghai Knights are back in business, just that he was in town. So cool. I mean, there were a bunch of injuries and stuff and the property damage was immense, but the Dragon stayed around helping pull cars out of store windows and stuff." ( The same footage also airs on various reputable networks as well. ) << Requests for info, as always, can go to Plot. >> :) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/43 Posted Author An Animated Thanksgiving Celebrati Sat Dec 04 Media (Myrmidon) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (News report on WGN) A charity Thanksgiving dinner organized by the Guardians of Crucible City today saw a bit of excitement. A number of copies of the robotic Power known as Kiryu (a still of Kiryu from the mall incident of the week before is shown) appeared at the dinner shortly after a speech by acting leader of the Guardians, Chimera. They apparently stole some food and ran away, chased by a number of local Powers (unsteady camera phone footage of Sniper, Tamin and Asenath running amidst a bunch of Kiryu copies) into a nearby apartment building. They turned out to be images brought to life by a young girl, whose identity has not been revealed. Word is that the girl's mother has been offered help in raising a young Power by the Guardians. When reached for comment, the real Kiryu said he had spent the entire time working on an emergency plumbing repair in Millgate. And in national news.... (Questions? Comments? Ask Myrmidon or Kiryu.) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/44 Posted Author Toxic Waste in the Lake Sat Dec 04 Media (Torius) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An attractive Asian woman in a comfy, winter business outfit stands in front of the South Lake Shore on Welding Way, holding a microphone and gesturing behind her. "Just tonight around 11 o'clock P.M., four large sea creatures emerged from the lake and wrecked havoc on the shore. I'm here with Torius, Master of Many Sizes, who was on the scene to aid in the battle." The camera zooms out a bit and the figure of Torius, a grecian wrestler, dwarfs the smaller asian reporter. Even through the television speakers and with audio mixing, his voice booms. "Aye! Twas here that Torius woke from an evening reverie to find his friend Geir in pitched battle with four sea beasts, and aiding two wounded heroines! Geir did dive into the lake and came out with this," Torius hefts up a big yellow barrel that has a biohazard sign on it without much effort, "we do believe that this hath caused the havoc." "And there you have it," Ms. Takanawa says, gesturing towards the barrel, "toxic waste being dumped inside our ve ry own city. Who does it come from? Where does it come from? Only time will tell. This is Trish Takanawa, reporting for channel 2 news." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/45 Posted Author Mysterious Earthquake Strikes Gree Mon Dec 06 Media (Forge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dramatic, fast-paced music plays, heralding Channel 2's primetime newscast. The anchor smiles faintly, rustling his briefing papers as his name is hilighted near the base of the screen. "Welcome to the ten o'clock news," he says. "I'm Anthony DeAngelo." His co-anchor picks up, "And I'm Judy McAllister." Judy turns slightly in her seat, to look into another camera. "We'll jump right into our top story." The usual picture-in-picture appears, with a map hilighting Greece, jarring words reading 'Earth-Shattering News... Natural Disaster?' "Earlier this evening at about 8:30 PM CST, a massive earthquake measuring *9.2* on the Richter scale struck overseas in eastern Europe, its epicenter located northwest of Athens, Greece. Shockwaves were recorded by microseismologists within a range of nearly 1,000 miles. Total damage estimates range in the millions, and, sadly there were several casualties." Anthony takes up the story, now. "But there is good news. Thanks to the quick response of several heroes, including a portion of the Dawn Patrol, the damage was minimized. We now turn to our correspondant, Christopher Kolithias, live in Athens. Christopher?" The picture-within-picture, growing until it fills the screen, shows a middle aged, mustachioed man holding a microphone, the Acropolis in the background, teams working to repair damage. LIVE is hilighted in an upper corner. "Thank you, Anthony, Judy. As you can see, insurance investors, construction crews and architects are working behind me, recovering and testing the remains of the historic Acropolis and Parthenon in the wake of the 9.2 magnitude earthquake that struck just about an hour and a half ago. Curiously, the disaster did not originate deep within the earth -- it started much farther away." Cut to recent footage of damage, including a huge crack in the earth over a quarter-mile long. Christopher's voice continues. "According to Greek radio traffic control, the Dawn Treader 1 requested permission to enter airspace and flew over the assumed epicenter of the quake. Recently reinstalled Patrolwoman Chance was approached after the quake subsided, to give us this story:" Footage, courtesy of Hellas Telecommunications (HTC), rolls, showing Chance, in dusty costume, with the Dawn Treader in the background. She is speaking in Greek, but a voiceover translates: "In response to an alert from our computer systems on Lighthouse Eos, which had been monitoring the series of earthquakes in Greece since mid-November, a group of Patrollers came to try to contain the damage of the predicted earthquake. What we found was not a purely natural disaster, but the result of a mystically-created dimensional gateway being opened in the earth itself. The issue on the other side of the gateway was resolved, and assistance offered in the clean-up effort. Thank you to the Greek government for allowing us to help..." The camera cuts to Kolithias again. "Chance would not answer any other questions," Christopher continues. "But digitally reconstructed photography proves that the Crusader piloted the Dawn Treader, and likely also played some role in restricting the quake. Smaller shockwaves indicate something -- but more likely someone -- heavy was dropped or jumped from a great height, landing near the chasm formed by the tremors. The truth of this disaster remains a mystery, but the government here has issued official thanks to the members of the Dawn Patrol. "Of course, heroes native to Hellas were not slow to respond to the crisis, reining in the amount of collateral damage from structural failure. Here beside me is local powerhouse, Atlas..." Camera pans, story continues. Questions? Comments? Investigation? Contact Plot! ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/46 Posted Author Moose Talk Mon Dec 06 Media (IC: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ And today on Animal Planet, we'll talk about the recently captured Magma Moose. Veternarians say that extracting the unusual DNA is impossible, and thus returning him to the pristine wilds of Canada from which he came are virtually impossible. The other eleven Moose he was with have been able to do so, but scientists say that as long as he is not injured he will remain a mostly normal moose. At the moment, people are talking about setting up a special Moose preserve for Magma Moose to allow him to flourish in his natural habitat... ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/47 Posted Author The N-Earth War Thu Dec 09 Media (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A special is aired that commemerates the N-Earth War in which this dimension was invaded by another Earth, one in which the Nazi's won the Second World War, and subjugated the planet. Somehow, unknown to us still, the N-Nazi's discovered Earth-C, our Earth and mobilized their massive war machine to invade through dimensional portals. The entire world was embroiled in a desperate battle with a force beyond our ken, seemingly unstoppable the casualties in the first month were apalling. Hardest hit overseas were Italy, China, and Africa. America, perceived as the biggest threat, was subjected to the largest scale assault consisting of four columns of invaders converging on Crucible as most of the country was assaulted, and concentration camps setup along their route. Initially the N-Earth invaders had complete air superiority with their cyborg jets, and their Tesla-Canon equipped flying saucers. It looked like freedom and liberty were doomed. The World faced the horror of what appeared to be a genetically altered super-Hitler leading the invaders via holographic commands. They brought over Lohengrin, genetically enhanced super-soldiers, mechanized war machines like the Maus super tank -- a mobile fortress the size of a house, elite cadres of werewolves, bioengineered velociraptors, mystics that performed dark rites to sate their vile masters, and psychics. V-38 rockets were launched through the portals around the globe, and once...a tactical nuclear weapon of immense power that localized the destruction with a force field to contain it as they destroyed Stahl Heavy Industries, a major military supplier. Sunbeams, flying saucers, sonic canons, and of course - literally hundreds of thousands of troops. Slowly the tide turned, but the cost was high. Villains were released from prison to form chain gaings; in exchange for fighting the invaders they were pardoned. The mortality rate for chain gangs was very high. Civilian casualties were atrocious, and the military was hit hard. But still the spirit of this Earth could not be broken, and eventually the course of the battles turned as the N-Nazi war machine was ground to a halt. In the end the portals were tracked back to N-Earth, and a counter invasion was staged, cooridinated with resistance fighters still opposing the Iron Reich. Some three months after the initial invasion, the war was over and the alternate Earth fuhrer apparently killed. No one knows what happened, but something created a massive chain explosion along all the Portals, and N-Earth and Earth-C were forced out of phase to the extent that it was impossible to travel between them anymore. The war was over, but we'll never forget the effect of the invasion. Vast areas of the world were ravaged by the war, a plague was introduced in China and Africa designed to curb population growth in those area; a common cold in symptoms, it rendered the women afflicted sterile after their second child. A counter agent was developed, but it is not known how many people simply never knew they were infected. This month commemerates the one year anniversary of the N-Earth War. Rumors state that the President, who was kidnapped in the war and rescued in the final strike, will be declaring a national holiday in honor of the events that transpired. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/48 Posted Author Cocaine and Arms Bust Sat Dec 11 Media (Mercury) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sitting behind a desk in a modern looking news room, reporter Doug Francelli begins to speak as a picture of a building in Crucible City transposes itself behind his shoulder. "221 Arcane Boulevard was the site of a huge drug bust tonight. Although the police have yet to issue an official statement, the estimation by our experts is that over 3 million dollars of cocaine and other assorted drugs were found on site, as well as at least a dozen criminals facilitating their trade and use. In addition to the drugs, several firearms were found on the scene with one visibly broken box of the guns. The only clue as to who disrupted the operation was rather blunt: arrows littered the scene. This is Doug Francelli, and tune in after these commercials for your nightly weather report." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/49 Posted Author Lighthouse Eos Gala Sun Dec 12 Media (Bobby) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Well folks, this is Salazar Montegro reporting for CNN aboard the Dawn Patrol's new orbital facility, the first privately funded and operated Space Station in orbit around the Earth." The camera pans to show the massive hangar bay. "Attending are many dignitaries as well as a great many Powers, mostly from the Crucible City area. Prominent among the attendees are the Xiao Li Fun, the emissary from China, and Undersectar Victor Morris and guest, from the US Department of Homeland Security. We go now to Doctor Bobby Berens, the current chair of the Dawn Patrol." "Good evening everyone, friends, honored guests, distinguished emissaries...welcome to Lighthouse Eos, the first privately funded space station in orbit around our beloved planet Earth." Bobby smiles engagingly to the room, "I would like to welcome you all on behalf of the entire team, and hopes that everyone will have a wonderful time at this historic events. First, I feel I should address the very important matter of security; the base is equipped with defensive systems, and of course quite a few Powers." A wry grin, "We'd prefer that there were no shenanigins. In the event of an emergency there are life pods built with ease of use and safety in mind. The design utilizes a 'feather' as built by Scaled Composites for their Spaceship One and they have been extensively tested. Please feel safe here." "The view up here is pretty spectacular..." and backing into the room, Bobby grins, and murmurs something into his com. "Welcome to Lighthouse Eos, and Breakers." And then, "The station is in geosynchronous orbit, twenty-two thousand and three hundred miles above Crucible City, and will remain in this spot." "The party seems almost surreal, and save for the emissaries insisting on being shown that the station has no strategic weaponry, and a brief tense moment between an unknown Asian woman, and Doctor Berens, the party seems almost normal for a high class function." He smiles wryly, "In this case 22,300 miles high. Signing off from orbit, this is Salazar Montegro...for CNN." <> ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/50 Posted Author Christmas Chaos! Sun Dec 19 Media (Lilith) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Tonight on the News at 6: Christmas Chaos Strikes the Magnificent Mile! Reporting live from the Mile, Peter Polavich." Polavich, holding a microphone, stands in front of what looks like a war-torn Christmas display: "Dozens of holiday shoppers were caught up in a chaotic and terrifying scene earlier this afternoon when a number of beloved Christmas figures, including Santa himself and a number of his elves, suddenly attacked the crowds that had gathered in this small, festive corner of the Magnificent Mile. Witnesses claim that Santa produced a gun and threatened a small child with it while several lifesized toy soldiers came to life and proceeded to fire a mysterious gas into the panicked crowd." A wide-eyed woman, clutching a shopping bag to her chest: "I....I'm not sure what happened, exactly. People were screaming and trying to run away. And then the /toys/ began to crawl out of Santa's bag! There were toy planes and helicopters in the air, dropping....firecrackers, I think. And little GI Joe figures and tanks were zapping people in the crowd. It was crazy!" An older man, winter hat askew: "There were two or three little elves in there too. Crazy little buggers had rifles of some sort and were shooting appliances and toys at people. Damned unsafe thing to do, if you ask me." Back to Polavich: "Fortunately, several Powers appeared almost immediately and began to fight back. Several eyewitnesses report seeing a pair of identical young women who apparently duplicated themselves and were then able to free the young hostage still being held on Santa's lap. Channel 5 has obtained exclusive video footage which shows someone in a /bathrobe/, and witnesses have identified this as one of the young women involved in the rescue." "A second Power disabled a number of the maniacal toys and performed several impressive acrobatic feats, and though the identity of this Power cannot be confirmed, one or two in the crowd claim to have recognized him as the Whisper." "There are also reports that the jaguar heroine Ix Balam, of the Dawn Patrol, was involved in the struggle, but was spotted only once the last of the toys had been destroyed. A fourth Power who identified herself as Nox remained to speak with authorities and the media, and gave us this brief statement, apparently speaking on behalf of the other heroes involved in this afternoon's bewildering events." A black-cloaked Nox, arms crossed and several microphones thrust in front of her cowled face: "We're all pleased that this situation was resolved with relatively little damage and few injuries, and we will be pursuing this in an effort to apprehend those behind these events. In the meantime, we want to assure the people of Crucible that they will be able to shop in peace this holiday season." A nodding, frowning Polavich: "Let's certainly hope so. Back to you in the studio." (OOC: Thanks go to Ancel for running this scene, on behalf of those involved -- Ellice, Vincent, Herald, Maria, and Lilith. Any questions or comments can go to Ancel as well.) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/51 Posted Author Identity of vigilante archer 'Snip Thu Dec 23 Media (Mercury) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The TV screen is framing a beautiful woman with strawberry blonde, red-highlighted hair that cascades down her shoulders, which are framed in an attractive business suit. She rests her arms on the desk uncasually, obviously not comfortable with their placement. A small title under her name, emblazoned first with the symbol for channel 12 News, is Stacy Weidner. "I'm reporter Stacy Weidner and I'd like to welcome our viewers to perhaps the most breaking news since the unmasking of The Unknown Soldier. This hero, as some call him, has prowled and stalked the streets of Crucible City for months now, protecting citizens from crime and the city itself from corruption. He is the Sniper, and tonight, Channel 12 is proud to be so privileged as to get an exclusive interview with the power...also known as Xander Carbine, owner of multi-billion dollar company Carbine Industries." The camera pans out to include the image of a man of as perfect a physique as they come, in a tight, black-mesh armor, similar to Kevlar. His short, dark red hair is left messily atop his head and his blue eyes seem to shine past his boyish features, exhibiting a charisma even the audience at home can feel. The man's face and neck are littered with small cuts and gashes - fresh ones. "Hello," he says, his voice soothing and polite, "my name is Xander Carbine. For several months, I've been patrolling the streets of Crucible City, seeking to protect your freedoms and interests..but not all of this fine city's citizens found my intervention to their liking. This is why I sit here before you today. A few weeks ago, where I found and ended a large drug and arms deal. This, people of Crucible City, has been my modus operandi for months now. It has become apparent, after being attacked in my very own hometonight, that my intervention in the illegal dealings of Crucible City has put both myself and those I care about at risk. It is for this reason today that I unmask myself to you all and the world, and announce that I will be taking a hiatus from crime fighting, for an indeterminate amount of time. I will also be suspending my duties at Carbine Industries, but company workers need not worry. Walter Defreid will be handling all of my normal duties while I am gone. That is all." "And there you have it!" Stacy says, with an edge of true excitement in her voice, "millionaire playboy Xander Carbine and archer vigilante Sniper are one in the same. Channel 12 will have more news on this breaking story for our 7AM show, so be sure to tune in. Remember, if it's not Channel 12, it's not as reliable as it should be. Good night, and enjoy your regular programming." As the image begins to fade out and Mr. Carbine moves away from the desk, it's apparent that Ms. Weidner is being handed papers. Immediately the fade ends and reverses and images of the Carbine Industries building in downtown Crucible City appear, the top of the skyscraper filled with holes. "This just in!," Stacy says, excitedly, "it appears that the top of the Carbine Industries Skyscraper has seen very recent signs of stress or combat. What do you have to say about this, Mr. Carbine?" She turns to the side and the camera pans out..to find noone in the seat formerly occupied by the recently exposed archer. "Uh," she says, as closeup images of the building start to appear behind her in one corner of the screen. "Well," she says, "as promised, Channel 12 will keep our viewers informed as soon as more information on this exciting story arrives." <> ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/52 Posted Author Ten Tons of Fun Tue Dec 28 Media (Titan) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Our Powers have certainly been getting quite active over the holiday season as another brawl occurred here at a Charity Event put on by two different Powers Teams in an event to benefit several organizations located both here in Crucible City as well as overseas. Japanese based hero team, The Tokyo Wardens, and our own Dawn Patrol were involved in this. Dawn Patrol member and team 'strongman' "The Mountain" and his overseas counterpart, "Mount Fuji" both agreed to this event and engaged in what should have been a very staged and controlled wrestling match.." <> The interference of two mentalist twins, known currently as The Continuum, quickly turned this event into something far more serious as both Fuji and Mountain were escalated into a far more serious brawl that did some damage to the local area. The damage was nowhere /near/ where it could have been due to the intervention of several Powers that were observing the match. (Photo's and footage of Blue Diamond and Mechaboy working to contain both Fuji and Mountain and doing a good job of it through quick thinking and creative use of their powers and also of Abaraxas unleashing attacks against a floating blond haired woman who responds in time with a telekinetic assault.) The timely arrival of Ix Balam of Dawn Patrol also put an end to the brawl. "It just goes to show that there's never such a thing as 'enough precautions' when it comes to people wanting to ruin some holiday cheer and good fun. But fortunately for us and unfortunately for them, we've got Powers on the scene more then willing to step in and maintain control." Mountain stated while standing beside his japanese counterpart. The two giants have already planned a re-match although there are plans for more distant off-site location that will allow for more spectacular displays of power without risk. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/53 Posted Author The Archer Returns! Sat Jan 01 Media (Mercury) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Again, Stacy Weidner sits in front of the same news desk for Channel 12 news, but this time the story is not interrupting normal programming. Rather, it's the first story of the six o'clock news.> "Hello channel 12 viewers. This is Stacy Weidner here with a thrilling, live interview with Xander Carbine, who, for those who remember, left the scene of powers a few months ago." "I'd initially like to thank Ms. Weidner and the Channel 12 news for granting me another interview. I deeply appreciate their graciousness. But, I feel the need to apologize to the citizens of Crucible City. It was weak of me to regress from my duties to protect the public, and for that, I feel shame. Now, though, I come back far more skilled and capable than before, and I pledge my life to the protection of that which humanity holds dear. The Guardians, many of whom aided me in the assassination attempt made against me a few months ago, have allowed me to join their ranks, and with our combined efforts, I feel that my promise will not go in vain. Finally, though, I have a personal message for the Golden Don." "Keep your dirty hands /off this city/. And don't bother sending those tag-teaming b@$@#& hitmen after me again, I'll find them /myself/. The Sniper was a mantle worn by my father. I've tried to fill his place after the Event, and failed. I was a boy with a bow - but now, I come back to Crucible City not as the Sniper, but as Mercury, the universe's greatest archer, and I swear to fight to my last breath to rid the city of filth that permeates it. Thank you, Stacy." "And, uh, Channel 12 sends out our deep gratitude to you, Mercury, for your efforts in protecting our fair city. In other news..." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/54 Posted Author Ranger and The Mob in Custody! Sun Jan 02 Media (Mercury) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "This is Stacy Weidner here, reporting for Channel 12 news. We've received reports that Mercury, in the night of his reemergence, has already captured two of the Hitmen that attacked and exposed him in the sanctity of his headquarters a few months ago. And here he comes now..." Mercury: "Evening, Stacy." Weidner: "Good evening, Mercury. What can you tell us about the incident tonight?" Mercury: "I can tell you that I got word of a hit on someone in the suburban sector, and waited outside his house for whoever was doing it to arrive. First I knocked out Ranger, and then The Mob." Weidner: "Is this at all connected to the limousine explosion that occurred a few miles away from the attempted assassination target's home?" Mercury grins, and says, "I can't confirm or deny anything about that right now." "Unfortunately, that's my que. I have to make sure these dirtbags make it to the pound. It was a pleasure, as always." "And there you have it, folks. The Mercurial Archer is out there prowling the rooftops, protecting the the common man from greater powers. This is Stacy Weidner for Channel 12 news, signing off." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/55 Posted Author Unidentified Body Found Sat Jan 08 Media (Paige) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ << Another annoying Meow Mix radio commerical ends and cuts into rapid busy news music>> "Good evening. This is the elven o'clock news brief. Our top story, local officers have located the remains of an unidentified male tonight. The body was discovered in a black trash bag along the west bank of the Chicago River near pump station five by public utility workers. The call came in at approximately nine pm and upon arrival the officers found that the remains had been previously disturbed. Details remain sketchy at this time. Those whom have spotted suspicious activity in that region are urged to call the CCPD. Brace yourselves tonight. The evening's low's should be in the..." (OOC: Direct your legworks to Paige.) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/56 Posted Author Big To Do Sat Jan 15 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Local News Station) "And in other news, Billionare Billionare Dillard "Mac" Williams has announced that he is going to be holding a gala ball to celebrate his aquistion of three new very profound books, an ancient book of "Mu" poetry, a collection of the best of Autogenerated Vogon Poetry, and the Ninth volume of "Malchius's Planar Theorum" which we are given to believe is some kind of cook book. Regardless, the Lazana Center has been rented out and it is believed to be one of the highlight social events of the season. (Side comment by News Anchor) "What a weird name for a cook book...." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/57 Posted Author Book Debaucle Tue Jan 18 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "And in other news today, Billionare Dillard "Mac" Williams got into a tiff with a a young woman who appearantly was a Power. At one point, she accused the books that he had of being fake, since appera ntly it was a compelation of 'the best of the works from the auto Vogon Poetry Generator on the BBC website'. Indeed, the School of Prospective Governors (an online university which has been investigated several times in the past for dubious academic certification) claimed that they had known this the entire time, and produced a certificate to say so. However, Dillard "Mac" Williams claimed that the book was in fact extreterrestrial in origin. A local expert on archaeological affairs at UCC, Professor Aydin Stavros, also was somewhat dubious of the texts, though the University of Prospective Governors has staunchly stood by the authenticity of the the nature of their "Mu Text" and as well as the Ninth Malchius Codex, though an unnamed source indicates that they are having experts take a second look at both. What we do know is (picture shown from new camera of book on display) is that the characters on the "Mu Poetry" book do actually resemble the charcters do resemble actual Agarthan characters that have been previously seen before. Despite Mr. Williams claims to the contrary, however, the university to which he he donated the books does NOT claim to have translated them. The most interesting part of the evening was when his 12 year old nephew, Giark, vommited on Mr. Williams after consuming an entire bottle of scotch he had managed to sneak from the mini bar , when he was dumped unceremoniously into the pool by the young girl with which he had been arguing by some kind of teleportal. Known powers that were seen to attend included some kind of giant insect, Captain Chicago, and Vic Vector, the Motorcycle Stuntman. Also attending were several of the city's elite including well known billionare Vincent Cross of Cross Industries. (OOC: Thanks to all who attended, I had fun. If I didn't mention you in the article, it was because I wasn't sure by +fingering you if you had a public reputation or not. Thanks. -Herald) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/58 Posted Author SOLDIER SPEAKS Wed Jan 19 Media (Drifter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A hasty Press Conference is called by the usual suspects, Virginia Senator Stockwell Kingfisher and his son, the Unknown Soldier. It is given, like usual, at the Kingfisher Plantation in Virginia. Media surrounds the podium, as Connor, sans costume (for the first time in a public PR event), steps up to the microphones as hard faced and even as ever. He does, however, have the famous shield strapped to his back. "It has been some time since I have had the unfortunate /need/ to address the public in this manner, and that is, in my book, a very good thing. That means that we have been doing our jobs and doing them well. We have been keeping this planet safe, and keeping all of you people safe. But like the last time I spoke to you, after a certain dictator of an unfortunate North African Country, escaped from my -- our -- custody at The Pound, this announcement is in regards to Prince Primeval." The Soldier pauses, allowing murmurs to rumble through the crowd, his blue eyes thinning. After a pair of seconds, he continues. "I am not here to reiterate the ridiculousness of his claim of having been punished for crimes that more than warranted the death penalty in the first place, nor am I here to tell you that we have him in our custody. What I /am/ here to do is let you, the people, know that recently the Dawn Patrol, with some aid, located a Nazi installation that had laid dormat since the war to the north of Crucible City. We infiltrated the facility, neutralized the threat it posed, and it is now under our control. There were no Nazi or Earth-N forces stationed in this base. I'll repeat that. There were no Nazi's in this base. There were, however, agents of Prince Primeval's alleged daughter, Primeva, the very woman who attacked and destroyed the House of Windsor. So I say this to you, Primeva, and to your holier-than-thou father." The Soldier leans closer, his fist visible clenched against the microphone console, his eyes solid as the sky looking into the cameras. "We know what you are doing, and we will stop you. Your schemes are open to us now, even as I speak we are mounting our own resources to find you, to beat you. You will be returning to jail; this is a fact I can claim infront of the entire country without an ounce of doubt in my heart. This is something I also promise to every single one of you watching who likewise cannot rest knowing that these people are at large and commiting injustices across the globe. Look into my eyes, Primeva, Primeval, Primordious, all of you scum who think this planet is your private playpen, a gift for you to claim. See that it is as plain as day, as truthful as the fact that everyone knows "Prince" Primeval does not deserve to walk a free man -- The Unknown Soldier, the Dawn Patrol, /all/ of the heroes of this Earth will not, shall not, and can not sleep until each and every one of you and your motley crew sits in a cell, staring at the green glow of a power neutralizer, for the rest of your lives. This game has gone too far." With that, Connor glares at the screen for another few seconds before striding off the stage. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/59 Posted Author Short Statement Wed Jan 19 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Following the emotionally charged press conference given by Connor Kingfisher this evening, the embassy for the Prime Nation issues a short statement to the press: "We are sorry to hear of Mr. Kingfisher's troubles, but we must take umbrage at him venting his frustration at our Prime Minister. Mr. Kingfisher's accusations are wildly slanderous and lacking in any sort of proof. We can assure Mr. Kingfisher that Prime Minister Primeval is involved in no scheme more nefarious that seeing to the efficient running of our country. We respect the history that the Unknown Soldier represents, but we would ask him to please keep his personal feelings out of the public arena in the future." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/60 Posted Author Universe's Greatest Archer beats D Sun Jan 23 Media (Mercury) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "And that was the scene today, where in a charity event yielding over $100,000 to local charities, Crucible City hero, the Mercurial Archer, bested the San Diego Champion's own bowman, Deadeye, in a game of archery Horse," Stacy Weidner says, behind the Channel 12 news desk. "Although the contest was perilously close, Mercury forced Deadeye into gaining two letters before the west coast archer ran out of arrows to fire, and conceded defeat. We're lucky to have the intrepid bowman here with us on Channel 12 tonight to tell us about the contest." The camera zooms out to include Mercury, leaning back casually in a newschair and grinning. "So, Mercury," Ms. Weidner says, looking intermittenly between him and the camera, "what do you have to say about your victory in the charity archery contest over Deadeye?" Mercury tips his hat and grins, "Oh, well, it was all for a good cause and I'm glad we had this contest. It was inevitable that I'd have won anyway - I am the Universe's Greatest Archer." Stacy smiles and asks, "what's bothering me is, how on earth did you perform that final shot? It's utterly impossible to do that, isn't it?" Mercury leans in across the desk and lifts his hat up a bit, eye level with the newscaster. "Honey," he says, "I'm the Universe's Greatest Archer. It was nothing." Just then, something on his wrist gauntlet beeps and he looks down, sliding a face plate away. "Speaking of which, I have to be going. Thanks for having me." "Uh," Stacy says, "uh, thank you, again, Mercury, for coming in to Channel 12 for an exclusive." She regains her focus and speaks into the camera confidently, "There you have it folks. Crucible City is graced by the Universe's Greatest Archer. And now, over to Bob for the weather.." <> ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/61 Posted Author Rumors and Quakes Mon Jan 24 Media (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elegant Grace Holden dominates the evening news as always, giving the impression that, if it weren't for the world's minute problems, she could be doing her nails: "This just in: after the earthquake last night at Navy Pier, Crucible City's mayor has called for increased security around over a hundred local landmarks. Though he has refused to answer repeated questions as to the reason for the increase, anonymous sources claim that a recent threat was received from villain Retrofit, warning of continued quakes at the very heart of Crucible's history unless electrical controller Apparatus is released ..." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/62 Posted Author Prime Nation News Report Mon Jan 24 Media (Forge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A broadcast is transmitted on PNN (Prime Nation News), and picked up by many stations in the United States, including CNN. The broadcast has Prime Minister Prince Primeval sitting at a desk, his expression serious. He begins to speak, his gaze unwavering as it looks at the camera. "I am sad to say that we of the Prime Nation have caught a spy. This spy was caught outside of one of Prince Mation's military bases, trying to gather information. This base was one of that many in which we continue to research methods to feed this continent. There is no room for error; he was caught trying to hide his presence, using his abilities to appear invisible to many senses." Prime Minister Prince Primeval slowly spreads his hands, looking sad as he continues. "It was only due to our nation's state-of-the-art security systems found at the base that he was captured. You may look upon the spy, people of Prine Nation." He gestures with one hand, and the camera pans to a television monitor. Upon the monitor is Robert Berens, also known as Quintessence, in a jail cell. "This man has been captured, and the Prime Nation Courts have already reached a verdict. The one known as Robert Berens, also called 'Quintessence' by some, has been found guilty of espionage. The penalty is death. Robert Berens will be executed by disruptor beam at the Prime Nation Maximum Security Facility in Primevia." There is a long silence, as Prime Minister Prince Primeval simply looks at the camera. "That is all." The image cuts off at this point. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/63 Posted Author The Dawn Patrol Responds Wed Jan 26 Media (Nick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "We're here on Lighthouse Eos, waiting for an official statement on the capture of Quintessence, one of the founding members of the Dawn Patrol. Here's Phase now, one of the newer members of the world famous team and flanked by Poltergeist and Crusader." ~The cameras cut to a podium that was set up in the hangar and Phase steps up to it.~ "Thank you for coming. While I won't be answering any questions, I do have a prepared statement to read in response to the broadcast of the convicted felon Primeval. Quintessence, also known as Robert Berens, was conducting surveillance in pursuit of known criminals believed to be being harbored by the so-called Prime Minister of Prime Nation: notably Primeva and Primordius. They, along with the other Powered criminals Vesuvia, Singularity and Couronne, assaulted the residence of Gail Windsor which was serving at the time as the base of operations of the Dawn Patrol. The house itself suffered a great deal of structural damage and more than one member of the Dawn Patrol was injured. The thieves made away with several items that the Patrol was guarding in an effort to keep them out of the hands of those who would abuse them. Though damage to the base was heavy, some security cameras remained undamaged and recorded portions of their attack. Copies of the footage, along with stills clearly identifying those involved, have been provided to the media. Thank you." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/64 Posted Author Yet Another Robot Attack Sun Jan 30 Media (Colony) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *The news cameras start on the exterior of the Stanley Field Museum, it's doors blown open by a large explosion, rubble, twisted metal and broken glass scattered across the marble steps. A trio of tow trucks are seen at the bottom of the steps, dragging what appears to be a dented and arrow-laden large robot with the Hammer & Sickle Insignia of the Soviet Union out of the building and onto a flat-bed truck. The camera pans to follow the automaton removal before finally settling on Asian Reporter, Tricia Takinawa.* "I am standing before what has become an increasingly common sight these last few years. Carnage and wholesale destruction, thankfully contained and stopped by resident Powers. At roughly 9 pm this evening, Carson Prescott, assistant director of this very museum, unveiled a piece on loan from the Chechnyan government. The XR-471 model Soviet anti-aircraft robot that shot down the U2 Spy Plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers in 1960. Moments after unveiling, a glitch in the automaton caused it to go on a rampage of destruction, stopped only by the intervention of four Powers that happened to be attending the event. The Powers were later identified as Vic Vector, El Santo Nuevo, Monolith, and Artemis. Back to you, Tom." The shot goes back to the Channel (XX) Anchorman, Tom Tucker, who seems a bit bored tonight. "Thank you for that interesting piece, Tricia. I guess those four showed that robot that it was better to be Dead than Red. At least in his case. But now, a word from our sponsors." Have you or a loved one been attacked by robots, androids, or cyborgs? Then you know the pain and suffering they can cause. That's why we here at Old Glory Insurance provide full coverage for robot attacks, including medical benefits and auto and home insurance. We know what it's like when those cold unfeeling claws latch around you or throw your car through the neighbors house. We know, and we care. Old Glory Insurance, for the when the metal ones come for you. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/65 Posted Author Battle of the Super Groups! Thu Feb 03 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The new reality show, "Battle of the Super Groups" got medium sized ratings yesterday. The basic premise of the show involves a pledge by billionare Bruce Dewayne (founder of the world famous baseball card collection company earning him the monicker 'the Bat Man') to give $20 million to the charity of choice for the Super Group that came out ahead. Various groups were selected throughout the country, with one from as far away as Costa Rica. The first of four challenges in the limited serious involved a mental puzzle under the shadow of the Pyramids at Giza. First place was a tie between the Harvard "Brainiacs" and the Crucible City Guardians. Team members Myrmidon, Mercury, and Monolith, along with affiliate member Captain Chicago all participated. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/66 Posted Author DP Press Conference Thu Feb 03 Media (Drifter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In full costume, the Soldier speaks, "It's a shame that that we need to continually waste the fine people of this planet's time with these Press Conferences, but, I can understand the need for information so far be it for the Dawn Patrol to not disclose what we know. So far as we are aware the reports coming from Prime Nation of ten innocent, law-abiding, guards at Primevia Detention Center being killed when the Patrol went in to rescue Quintessence prior to his scheduled execution are entirely true. The deaths in question occurred upon us making our retreat, and the parties responsible have sworn they were not using lethal force. But, the fact is that does not matter, because the entirity of the Patrol is as fault for these deaths, accident or not, and we as a team and together take the blame for it. But before people cast judgement, I ask that they look at the facts." A pause, then he continues. "The Dawn Patrol has been preeminent in protecting this planet from hostile, world-altering, threats since The Event. When half of the superpowered people on the planet disappeared without cause, there was a vaccuum and the Dawn Patrol has done its best to fill it. Are we perfect, however? No, not by a long shot. We're human beings just the same as you -- some of us just have unbelievable abilities and the driving desire to use them for the betterment of humankind. No member of the Patrol is a killer, nor does any join out of personal self-interest. This is known, as the United States government, French government, and Greek government's all have attested." "Prince Primeval, on the other hand, has done what? Murdered, lied, and cheated his way throughout the history of mankind. He was incarcerated for the death of Saint George, slated for execution, and then squirmed his way out of that to become the tyrant of a nation that was doing fine without him. He has a ten thousand year plus legacy of deception, self-interest, and it is the Dawn Patrol's public and supported belief that the ten guards who died in our rescue of our friend were sacrificed by Primeval in an effort to smear the name of the Dawn Patrol." "It is with a heavy heart that I do issue our public apology to the members of the families and friends of those unfortunate ten. Whatever the cause, innocent people just doing their jobs -- doing a dangerous job that I myself do when not in costume -- were lost before their time. That is a tragedy, and one that we will not soon forget. Quintessence, as a result of his actions, has removed himself from Chairmanship of the Dawn Patrol and is on suspension pending investigation. In the interim, Solstice will be occupying the Chair of the Patrol once again. And while this is a sad day, we will continue to fight for what we believe in regardless, we will continue to protect this world with our very lives even if the world does not believe us, we will continue to be the Dawn Patrol." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/67 Posted Author Instant Costume Change! Fri Feb 04 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Heroes. We know you have real lives, and many of you go to great lengths to keep your civilian life separate from your heroic id. But how many times have you had to change into your costume somewhere less than private? And how many phonebooths are really left in the city? Well, Hero Outfitters, Inc. can help. We now offer a budget version of our costume dimensional oscillator, which allows you to put your costume on, throw the switch and displace it out of 3d space, then put your street clothes on and go about your day. When you need to change quickly, just throw the switch! Your street clothes will be displaced, and your costume will be on instantly! The device can be disguised as a variety of common pocket items or as jewelery. The best part: the price. You can have this capability, once the provence of only the most successful heroes, for a mere $250. (Batteries not included) We are located, as always, in the MillGate area, in the former Chapel of St. Jude. (OOC - This is the ID change feat with the device flaw. Questions, @mail Amileah) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/68 Posted Author Ku Moon Restaurant destroyed! Sun Feb 06 Media (Anne) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is Trisha Takanawa for channel 5 news reporting on the destruction of a popular dining destination in Chinatown this evening. <> Apparently the result of a drug sting gone bad, the instigator of the explosion, a previously unknown Power known as FirePearl, now rests in police custody. <> Will o' Wisp, Ricochet, the Statistic, and Pix were responsible for the villain's capture, as well as the subdual of FirePearl's assistants and rescue of several of the building's staff caught in the rubble. <> Authorities are treating this case very seriously, both for destruction of property and the allegation that FirePearl was dealing in the dangerous mutagenic drug known as Cat5. This is Trisha Takanawa, back to you Tom! ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/69 Posted Author Aliens Invade! Mon Feb 14 Media (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CNN: "This is Lee Lewis reporting live from the shores of Lake Michigan, on the south shore." Behind him can be seen a massive plume of smoke by The Pound. "Apparently today we have faced an invasion first strike from at this time unknown aliens." The screen splits to show the wreckage of a vaguely crablike robot being hauled away by authorities. "Eyewitnesses report that a 'hole in space' opened over the lake, dropping several massive cigar shaped rockets into the water and triggering a triple Tsunami." Reading furiously from his copy, Lee continues. "Several local Powers, including The Manitou, as well as several previously unseen not only defused the waves so as to inflict minimal damage on the shorelines of the Gold Coast, The Pound, and the south shore where they were. The rocket ships disgorged a horde of 'crab-bots' that nearly killed an unknown woman, and a man with apparently solar powers in some form of battle armor. The Pound itself took fairly minor damage, and much to everyone's surprise Ubermensch, once of Reich Now and imprisoned since the N-Earth war not only didn't attempt escape, but helped contain other escapees and to defend the island against the invaders. Pound officials have made no official statement at this time, but our sources state that the two Power Criminals, Apparatus and Truth may well have made good their escape in the confusion by means unknown. Also--unconfirmed reports indicate that the Power Villain Paramount is presently unaccounted for as well." There is a long silence, and then the reporter looks to the camera, deeply moved. "It is a sad day when barely a year after invasion from another dimension that we may well be the targets of another other worldly invasion. This reporter is grateful to the Heroes and Heroines of Crucible City for their timely intevention. Had they not been on hand to intervene, the casualties would have been far greater than..." He looks at copy, "...one ship's mast, aluminum. One Mercedes Benz automobile. One industrial dumpster. Miraculously, there was no loss of life." The camera pans out to show ships of fairly advanced design combing the lake, "At this time all lake travel is suspended while the authorities search for wreckage for analysis. Reporting live for CNN, this is Lee Lewis." OOC: My thanks to the good folks that let me 'pounce': Hunter (Holly), Freebird (Bethany), Empyrean (Ivan), Sprite (Tamiko), Chase (Captain Wonder), Manitou (Jessica Firestone), Intercessor (Talitha), Jack O'Lantern (Simon), & The Balance (Joseph). Alas, too few of them are known to the media as of yet. :) +request to plot if you would like to follow up. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/70 Posted Author Episode II of "Battle of the Super Fri Feb 18 Media (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Minor blurb on an entertainment show" - And it seems the reality miniseries 'Battle of the Super Teams' went startlingly well with the 'Physical Confrontation' of the showbeing won hands down by the Guardians, with the Smashers coming in second. The Smashers actually beat the time of the Guardians but didn't find the creature hidden underneat the ice for quite some time. Ratings were medium. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/71 Posted Author Public Service Announcement Wed Feb 23 Media (Jason) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Service Announcement The camera opens up on Crusader, in costume, with a cat that looks really unhappy in one arm, while a golden retriever at his feet intently stares at the cat. With his cowl and mask pulled down, the man's features are rather easily seen. He doesn't seem all that happy and occasionally looks from the cat to the dog. Next to the swordsman is a short, gray-haired, rather heavy-set woman in her 50's. The caption beneath both figures labels the man as Crusader and the woman as Sharon Haeger- Director Crucible Area Humane Society. The camera shifts to the left, to focus on the woman, though the shoulder of Crusader can be seen. "Friends," Sharon remarks in a voice that could curdle milk, "Recently, due to powered events it literally rained cats and dogs here in Crucible city. The shelters are full and overflowing with delightful animals. We need you to step up to the plate and adopt some of these animals. It is something of an emergency, so I asked my friend, Crusader, to come and help us out." She reaches over to touch Crusader's forearm in a clumsy display of fake affection. Barely in the shot, one can see the golden hair form of the retriever bound up and take a snap at the cat; whose fur immediately stands on end. It can be heard to hiss. Crusader, looking somewhat alarmed by the scene misses his cue, and stammers, "Umm, that is right, Crucible. This week, we're, umm, focusing in on a very well-behaved female, domestic long hair cat who answers to the name of, umm, Cuddles." The dog snaps at the cat again. The cat snaps and claws back at the dog, but instead very obviously snags Crusader's hand. Crusader continues, even as the dog leaps up into the frame again, very obviously intent on the cat. "The dog you see here is Sampson. He is an energetic 18 month old retriever mix who needs a big yard and kids to play with." The dog misses the cat again, though the cat sinks its teeth into Crusader's hand. "Err, umm, they would both be lovely pets for any household." Sharon attempts to restrain the dog, and Crusader continues, "Both of them have been spayed or neutered and are full of love." The cat is struggling to escape Crusader's hands now. The camera mercifully shifts over to Sharon, though for a moment one can see she is now hopelessly entangled in Sampson's leash. Like a true professional, which is perhaps the only thing professional about this PSA, manages to smile into the camera, though her eyes are looking off camera at the now escaping cat. "We hope to see you soon at any of the Crucible City Humane society locations." OOC Note: You should have seen the other takes. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/72 Posted Author Breaking News ... Thu Feb 24 Media (Tate) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ All of the major news networks carry some version of this story. This particular newscast is from the melodious mic of Sarah Corren with NBC: "It has been a tense six hours since Powered heroine Sidle somehow managed to circumvent security here at the United Nations Headquarters, and all attempts to overcome the spatial-temporal loop she warped around the chamber have failed. Powered experts are hard at work on the issue, but anticipate it will be a few hours before a definite solution is found. In the interim, police have recently allowed the other half of the Sidewinders duo, Skip, onto the premises in the hope she can speak to her partner. As yet, there has been no ultimatum and no demands." Sarah Corren fidgets, self-consciously adjusts her earpiece, and continues with what is clearly filler, "the Sidewinders are well known for abilities of spatial and dimensional manipulation, and have gone from rising stars to experienced heroes with connections in a dozen cities and throughout the Powered world. During the Dimensional War, they concentrated their energies in Los Angeles and played a not insignificant role in the defense of that city ... wait ..." A tap of the earpiece. "I've just received reports that the loop just disintegrated under a massive energy spike - swing the camera, Mark -" A slim blond in opalescent white - certainly not out of her teens - descends the steps, looking bedraggled and weary. Her mask dangles aimless in her hand, another thing she scarcely seems to notice. For a moment, the camera goes dark as the crowd surges up for answers; then it clears to a tear-muffled voice, "Sidle vol-voluntarily collapsed the loop, and it took her with it. She never had any intentions of hurting anyone. This was just one moment of desperation in a sterling career." "Skip!" This from a greasy fellow a few networks over. "How do you know this wasn't premeditated?" The girl pauses to study the speaker, then shakes her head. "I could tell you that I've worked with Sidle for four years. I could give you the names of dozens of more influential Powers who would say the same thing. But it really comes down to this: what would you do if you thought you were alone in a world that depended on you?" Those words hang a few seconds - and then the blonde vanishes. Sarah Corren turns back to the camera, taking a deep breath. "Well, there you have it. The standoff at U.N. Headquarters in New York City is over, and heroine Sidle of the Sidewinders apparently deceased, leaving many to question the security and others to question where the blame will fall ... we'll be returning to the site as more information comes through - for NBC news, this is Sarah Corren." (Questions? Contact Tate) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/73 Posted Author Robots Escapees Attack! Thu Feb 24 Media (Vincent) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The news stations are a little busy, lately -- what with all of the breakouts -- but a few pieces of good news are beginning to filter onto television sets around the country. Among them is this one: "This is just in... we're starting to receive reports of the first few escapee catches following a series of massive prison break in Crucible City." Scattered footage of a group of large robots terrorizing the South Loop are shown; but doing battle with them are a number of heroes. The clip of video shown here includes Z.E.N.O.-1 blasting, Serrin slashing, and the Whisper grenading the brigade of robots. The Power known as Skip is also shown. "A group of giant robots known as the Transrobots were among the escapees from the Pound -- shown here coming ashore in the South Loop and wreaking havoc among police forces. According to reports, the Transrobots -- despite combining into an even larger robot killing machine -- were overcome and are now disabled and in custody, though there is no facility to contain the tremendous gestalt, known as 'Destructor', at this time." A clip is shown of Serrin tearing the guts out of the thing. "Thanks to the fast action of the three heroes -- and the Whisper -- damage was minimal and all of the Transrobots are no longer a threat. Back to more coverage of what may be the worst prison break in history now, on CNN..." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/74 Posted Author Newsbreak at 11! Fri Feb 25 Media (Mantis) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Anchorman pauses in midsentence, accepts a piece of paper slid in front of him and cuts away from the main story about the destruction of The Pound. "And we're going now live to the scene of what we're told is the aprehension of yet another escaped Fugitive. Stacy?" The scene cuts to a wobbly picture of the Power known as Mountain, clenching something or someone in his fist, towering amongst the buildings someplace in Old Town. The voice over begins. "This is Stacy Walker, reporting in the Vicinity of Old Town. Apparently, some escapees thought they could get past the vigilance of Crucible's many resident Powers." The picture fuzzes for a moment, then you see the camera beginning to move through the crowd, displaying a scene of fairly major destruction. A large hole, a crater really exists in the middle of the street, and the camera pans up to watch the remarkable Mountain shrink down to a more 'normal' size, flinging a metallic looking humanoid figure over his shoulder. The reporter comes into view, approaching the phenomenal Power. "Mr. Mountain! Mr. Mountain! Stacy Walker, Channel 2 news! Can we get a statement? What just happened here?" She points the microphone up to the mammoth man. Mountain pauses, says thoughtfully, "We're doing the best we can to contain the situation." With that he turns from the camera and heads off camera, leaving two other powers standing there, one dressed in a mettallic green suit, with a jacket bearing Tiger stripes. The camera only catches the briefest of shots of the other Power, and it's hard to get a good look at her, since it appears she was caught in a blast of gunk when the sewer main went. "Miss! Miss! Can you comment on what just happened here? And for the record, who are you?" The young lady, who some might recognize as Jade Tiger from her signature jacket responds. "Jade Tiger comments to the reporter, "One of the escapees from the Gibbons facility, who calls himself Mr. Alloy, was unfortunate enough to emerge from the sewers in plain sight of Mountain, myself, the young woman over there, and another gentleman who has already left. Mr. Alloy has been subdued, but his accomplice, who never showed himself and remains unidentified, is still at large -- Apparently he fled through the sewers when warned of our presence." "There you have it folks, and this reporter for one is extremely grateful for the quick actions of Powers around us, preventing further loss by the escaped convicts. It looks like they've got their work cut out for themselves tonight. This is Samantha Taylor for Channel 2 news." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/75 Posted Author America Attacked! Mon Feb 28 Media (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The president broadcasts an address. "My fellow Americans...no, my fellow citizens of Earth, our fair planet has been attacked once more, the intent to cripple us, no doubt as a precursor to invasion. We have to stand united and see to it that we do not once more fall prey to invaders fromr beyond our world." He leans earnestly forward. "As we speak we are preparing an expeditionary force to see what we can do to keep Terra safe for humanity. Evidence suggests a connection between the people vanished from flights around the globe, and the two recent assaults...one against Crucible City alone, and then the triple assault coordinated to take out the three largest Power containment prisons on Earth." He shakes his head. "Thanks to the brave men and women working round the clock to restore the prisons, there are now containment cells nearing normal capacity at The Gibbons Power Containment facility in Crucible City, and both Alcatraz and Ryker's Island should be online within the next three days. The assault came from Jupiter, this much we know. It was a devestating first strike that will have repercussions for months. Fortunately there are heroic Powers that have been willing, and able to quell the worst of the chaos. Is it over? The worst is, but there is much yet to be done. This administration is thankful for the actions of the heroic individuals that have by themselves, and in team efforts, helped minimize the terror of the largest Prison escapes in human history, and likely the most deadly." He leans back to sit ramrod straight, hands folded before him. "Thank you." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/76 Posted Author Omnitech Resuming Operations Sat Mar 05 Media (Micah) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Plopped into the lineup during a slow period in the ongoing escape news is a story regarding research corporation OmniTech. Reporter Sid Sidney stands before yet another rather generic towering office building, microphone in hand. "OmniTech announced today a return to full operations in their research laboratories after the company's headquarters were damaged February 20th in what a company spokesman referred to as a 'minor breakin attempt', news which sparked a boost in the company's falling stock prices." Video of a news conference shows on the screen, before it cuts back to Sid. "According to Crucible City police records, an unknown armored dwarf and a stone golem were transported to the Pound from the scene, the latter reportedly bound with girder beams from the building's structure. Neither the police nor OmniTech spokesmen had any comments regarding what the two powered criminals may have been after. Whatever their target, the pair were apprehended by the timely intervention of five powers. On the scene for the police report were Doctor Zenobia Petalas with her armored suit Z.E.N.O.-1 and former Stormguard member and former Shanghia Knight Seraphim. Also on hand, according to the powered pair, were Brimstone Cowboy of the Weekly World Warriors and another power known as Ultra-Man. A fifth power's identity remains unknown, but she is described as a martial artist dressed in an armored ninja outfit. While property damage to the labs was significant, there were no reported casualties or injuries among the employees or bystanders." "On the scene a little after the robbery, our own Annabelle Tang was able to get the following analysis from Dr. Petalas...." The camera shifts to a view of Dr. Zenobia Petalas herself, from an earlier recorded interview, answering an Oriental reporter."I'm just glad several Powers were there to respond to the call for help; we worked well together and I'm grateful to them. I don't know what these two villains were up to, but no doubt the police and Pound units will do their best to find out. I'm sorry about the structural damage done to the labs themselves; it was regrettable but unfortunately necessary. I'll help OmniTech rebuild, however I can." OOC: Thanks to Drayakir for running the plot, and Zenobia, Hunter, Duggan, and Chase for a fun teamwork. Questions to any of the above, or myself (Micah). ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/77 Posted Author Social Club Captured! Sun Mar 06 Media (Vincent) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Carried on Crucible's evening news, this report is accompanied by a series of pictures, mostly stock photographs and video of the heroes and villains as they're mentioned. "Late yesterday evening the villainous female quartet known as "The Social Club" surfaced in Crucible City's Lincoln Park riding on the shoulders of a massive robot. According to eyewitnesses, the four were on a "manhunt", attempting to kidnap men who crossed their paths, but were thwarted by the timely arrival of several of Crucible City's finest on the scene. The Junkyard Dragon was spotted on the scene combating the femme fatales, as well as the android heroine known as "Energy Lass", apparently alive, well, and still fighting the good fight after coming under attack by super-villains Contrivance and Incandescence earlier this week. Handicapped heroine Spade also took part in the battle, seen here destroying the gigantic robot that accompanied the Social Club. Ex-Sidewinder Skip also reportedly took part in battle, despite the absence of and questionable circumstances surrounding the tragic death of her former partner, Sidle, pictured here, at the United Nations late last month. Skip recently participated in efforts to stifle the massive prison breakout at the Pound earlier this week, also in Crucible City, and just might be here to stay. Police also report sightings of the Whisper -- lead suspect in a series of brutal cop killings -- on the scene, threatening both the heroes and captured villains with what witnesses describe as a 'giant bazooka'." "Police are uncertain where the Social Club, a female quartet of wealthy Powers who have been convicted several times before and sentenced to minimum-security prison due to their non-lethal modus operandi, obtained the giant robot they used in the assault, but assure us are leads are being pursued." A clip of Junkyard Dragon is inserted here: "Given the recent attacks on major prison centers from - once again - an agency beyond the boundaries of our world, and the ensuing chaos and loss of life that've occured, I find this sort of carefree 'the law does not apply to me' attitude and behavior to be more than reprehensible. I'm hoping that this time, the courts will see fit to put these multiple-offenders somewhere that doesn't have tennis and hot tubs." And back to the anchor. "Viewers with information regarding the whereabouts of the Whisper, accomplices of the Social Club, or any of the villains mentioned on tonight's programmed are encouraged, as always, to contact the CCPD Powered Crime Unit at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Finally," the anchorman begins, as the set dims a few notches, "This reporter would just like to salute the efforts of our greatest heroes, who continue to give their all, even in the face of deep personal tragedy. This city and the world owes you its most sincere thanks, wherever you are." "Coming up next at thirty-five minutes past the hour, we'll have Bill with the weather, and Sandy with traffic..." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/78 Posted Author MASSIVE FIGHT IN CHINATOWN Mon Mar 07 Media (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (The following report airs on television at 2:30 AM, Monday March 7th) /Scene: A cleared off intersection in Chinatown. Signs advertising various eateries adorn the street. Also plainly in view are twenty ambulances, a fleet of police cars, two helicopters, and a teeming *mass* of bodies. A reporter stands in front of the screen with a microphone in her hand. The text below her identifies the woman as Heather Kaltora. Sirens blare in the background./ "I'm standing here at the corner of Ironing and Waters street in Crucible City's Chinatown where gang violence has apparently reached an explosion of critical proportions." The camera pans to look at the street. Bodies are strewn everywhere. Trashcans are laying everywhere and a large noodle shop has a massive hole in it. The view sweeps to a huge alley with even more bodies which looks like it was hit by a bomb. The dumpster is barely recognizable, as it's been flat-out -melted-. Several unidentified pieces of metal have fused to a crumbling and horribly malformed brick wall. Though the fires are mostly out, a few small ones rage amidst the blackened char and intense smoke. Police lines block off the entire area and eight ambulances are there. "What exactly is happening, Heather?" asks an off-camera news anchor. "Dean, reports are still coming in, but authorities tell us a large scale gang war occurred in this very spot just moments ago. There's a lot of conflicting information, but we're hearing numbers in the hundreds, and eyewitness reports agree." Heather passes the microphone to an elderly, trembling oriental woman who speaks with a thick accent, "These men...they come circle around my shop! And then they clash on street like animals! Is crazy!" Heather resumes, "From what we've been able to tell, the fight began on Waters street and propagated over to nearby Ironing in what seems like a war between four rival street gangs. What-" Heather is cut off as a line of picketers begins wandering behind her in the background. They are Asian men and women holding up signs in Chinese, Japanese, and English. They all say things like "Repent!" and "Behold the Finals Days". Somewhere off camera a man can clearly be heard to chant in Chinese, The camera pans to the speaker, an elderly oriental man dressed in tatters and sandals. He's got a long beard and looks pitifully frail. The camera turns back to Heather, "-What's also clear is that a trio of figures descended from the sky during the fight. Clearly powers, they're at least partially to blame for the devastation laid out over here." Another pan-over is made of the street. Several men are being carried around in stretchers, "On hand to help contain the violence were no less than -ten- of Crucible City's powers, including the recently reformed Shanghai Knights." Shots are made of Yasha, Tien Lung, Ryan, an unconscious Liu Feing, and one heavily battered Junkyard Dragon. Another shot pans over to get a view of Anne, Jade Tiger, Wang, Nishiyama, and Karasu. "Heroes had this to say:" Tien Lung, "Frankly, we don't know what the hell set the bastar-" The image sharply flashes to Wang, "You should have seen it in there, it was wall-to-wall gangers!" Then back to Tien Lung, "We made an attempt to talk them down and move them on, but both groups responded with lethal force. Now, come on. You whip out lethal force 'round us and you are asking to get your ass-" She's sharply cut off once again to focus on Yasha, "We couldn't have done it without me. I-" Cut off yet again, the view goes back to Wang, "So in the midst of this big brawl, some crazy old sorcerer dude comes floating out of the sky with a bunch more gangers, colors I never saw before in Chinatown. So he starts throwing fire around... look at my clothes!" The camera pans down to get a good look at him. His garb is utterly singed, "A bunch of us really took a bad hit, but we kept on fighting." Heather continues, "Authorites state that a fight on this scale was completely unexpected, but that the worst of the violence is probably over. Dean?" ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/79 Posted Author Keebler Uprising! Tue Mar 08 Media (Stephen) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DOUGHY DOOM DESCENDS! CRUCIBLE TRIBUNE, March 8th 2005 Today the customers of La Cantina, a high-class Italian restaurant on Michigan street, were terrorized by an assault of elves made of animate cookie and incredibly swift gingerbread men controlled by one Stanley Duncan, a chef recently fired from the business. An explosion of chocolate-chip cookie dough through the windows alerted a trio of passing powers - the Ultimate, Intercessor, and Murphy - who leapt to the defense of the innocents within before Mr. Duncan was able to harm anyone seriously. Making short work of their foes while trading pithy puns with the maddened chef - not known previously to be a Power - the situation was handled with no loss of life or serious damage aside from a few smashed windows and some serious cleaning costs. "I don't know if he was a mutant or found some magic cookie dough recipe," the Ultimate told the press, "But fortunately he was too pissed off to use whatever he had properly." Murphy was quoted as saying, "...they were tasty!" ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/80 Posted Author A New Arrival Sun Mar 13 Media (Luc) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "....response, ubiquitous heiress Marseilles Milton had this to say to critics of her new film, 'Simple Minds Think Alike': 'Like....whatever, OK?'" "Wow. Strong words there. Thanks for that report, Jono. And in other news, the young Powered hero Luc Malateux has arrived in Crucible City, much to the delight of fans there and to the chagrin of his fanbase in New York, where he's lived for most of the past five years. A thoroughly conspicuous member of the Malateux Legacy, one of the world's better-known Powered families, Luc has certainly been no stranger to the public eye for some time now, working with his high-profile Powered parents as a teenager before striking out on his own several years ago. His masked moniker is no secret - as Brother Grimm, Luc takes those fairytales we all know and love, and turns them to the task of stopping crime." "The loss of his parents during the Event was widely reported at the beginning of the millennium - " " - leading some to wonder why he's chosen to settle in Crucible after avoiding any public mention of the Event since it took place more than five years ago." "While his reputation has had its share of wild moments, Luc's interview in a 2001 issue of The Advocate gave the LGBT community reason to cheer when the young hero came out publicly. Since then, he's been romantically linked to tennis pro Miles Madison and Aussie hunk Jonathan Dunlop. Now, however, Luc tells our Misty Cameron that he's single and looking forward to making a new life for himself in Crucible." "We'll keep an eye out for you, Luc. And now, let's turn to Anthony for more on the Jackson Michaels trial....." << OOC: Just a quick (!) introduction - feel free to take all of this with a hefty grain of salt. ;) Looking forward to seeing at least some of y'all on the grid! >> ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/81 Posted Author Breaking News...Postal Union Battl Sun Mar 13 Media (Micah) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The news breaks to a live shot at just before 6pm, Crucible time, with video footage of one of the local postal worker's union offices, a hole blown through the side, and a massive eagle corpse lying on the grass outside. Fire trucks, ambulances, and police units can be seen, as well as the occasional view of a bomb squad worker. Secured medical transports are also on hand, loading what the camera zooms show to be rotting bodies, dressed in tattered mail uniforms, while the regular ambulances load living postal workers in similar, but newer, uniforms. Crime scene investigators can be seen tagging body parts of dismembered zombies in one area. The camera switches to a young reporter. "We're here on the scene at the local postal union meeting hall, where a powered battle of greusome proportions took place no more than an hour ago. Details are still coming in at this time, but what we do know is that the local postal union was attacked by magical and undead forces. While few of the local workers would talk to us, initial comments suggest that this attack may have been the results of a cult of former postal workers known as the Masters of the Mail Mystique, who were thrown out of the local union and fired after their alleged magical dabblings resulted in the transferal of an entire mail room full of packages to an alternate dimension. While those we spoke to cringed at any reference to 'going postal', it appears that the group in question has now turned to violence in an attack against those who ousted them. Fire rescue crews saved local union leader Tod Spence from the roof of a nearby building, frightened but unharmed. An unknown number of postal workers were injured by explosive devices, but what might have been a much greater slaughter by explosives and zombies appears to have been halted by the intervention of several Powers. We have confirmed reports of the presence of power Geir on the scene, who as luck would have it was signing autographs on a corner not far away at the time of the attack. Robert Adams, on duty at the nearby post office at the time, has asserted that a man claiming to be the famous archer Mercury was receiving a package from him just before explosions drew the power out to join the fight. Tenative witness statements have suggested the presence of a shadowy figure some identified as being the infamous Whisper, wanted by police in connection with several slayings. Additional witnesses state that a wolf-girl was present in the fight, and wounded after a close melee with several of the zombies. In addition to the postal workers, a severely injured teenage girl was reportedly taken from the scene by ambulance, but EMT officials have declined to verify an identity at this time or to confirm whether this girl may be the wolf-girl earlier identified. None of the powered heroes appear to have remained on scene for questioning." The footage again shifts to the eagle and the zombie corpses as the reporter continues. "Tenative identification has listed the dead eagle as Mail Mystique member Second Day Air, formerly known as James Conroy, who was transformed permanently to aquiline form in the course of the cult's rituatls. Also believed to be present were powers Postdated and Express Mail, but neither is believed to have been taken into custody. The Zombies are identified collectively as the Dead Letters, though the actual number of them in existence is unknown. Several of the Letters were dismembered, according to initial ME reports, while survivors are being taken to the powered security wings of local hospitals." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/82 Posted Author TV Advertisement Tue Mar 22 Media (Miracle Girl) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (This TV ad is aired several times each day, before and after local primetime slots.) A large, blue man - obviously a power - can be seen building a house with his muscular form, with 'Crucible City Orphanage' visible on a sign in front. The camera switches to several pairs of feet, marching along menacingly. Cut to the blue man looks up. A man in a business suit, flanked by several other men, walks up, producing a piece of paper. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to stop your caring charity work. These regulations say...", the businessman says with a sneer. His words are soon drowned out as the large man *thooms* as he marches away, and then suddenly he can be seen charging back into the screen, about ready to drop a bus on the businessman, much to the smaller man's terror. Freeze frame. Then, in simple white letters on a black background along with accompanying voiceover: "The Wrong Solution". Voiceover on a montage of legal offices, courtroom, powers in everyday situations: "Sometimes fighting the real villains can be more complicated than you ever imagined. But we can help. Specializing in Power Law, Advanced Technology Law, Alien Law, and more, we can deal with what Crucible City throws at us and more. Team up with us, and make the world a better place." The scene switches to the businessman again, now walking by the finished orphanage with his head hung low. An egg hits him in the face, and drips down his suit. The camera swings around, and we see a crowd of mocking kids - presumably said orphans - along with with said blue power behind them, a big, satisfied grin on has face. Three lawyers in suits stand beside the power, giving their best 'we will fight for you!' mix of determined glare and friendly grin. The voiceover returns. "Jenkins, Wilford, and Powers. The Right Solution." (Questions, comments can go to Penny / Miracle Girl!) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/83 Posted Author Police Press Conference Wed Mar 30 Media (Corrine) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last night's evening news screened a piece about a press conference held by the Crucible City Police Department Powered Crime Unit, with a statement read out by Detective Corrine Abbott and subsequent questions being directed towards her, in relation to a series of crimes occurring throughout the country: Abbott (amidst the noise of photos being taken and press murmuring in their seats): The Crucible City Police Department are appealing to the public for information and assistance in the relation to several murders that have happened within Crucible City and neighbouring cities. We urge any citizens of the city with genuine psychic powers to contact the police department if they feel they are in danger, or have had any premonitions of danger, or have had any suspicious encounters with strangers recently. We also ask that anyone with information in relation to these incidents, specifically information regarding a Power or Powers unknown who are possibly able to conduct a mental attack from a significant distance, or several simultaneous mental and physical attacks across large distances to contact the police department. We do not wish to alarm the public but this is a serious matter that we are confident can be addressed with assistance from those who are most suited to do so. Thank you. Reporter #1: Detective Abbott, is it true that the FBI are involved in this case, if so do you believe that there is a serial killer involved? Abbott: We haven't as yet confirmed if these crimes fit the requirements to be considered a serial killer, however several similar crimes have crossed state lines so the FBI are liaising with the local police department in this matter, however we are still helming the case. Reporter #2: Is this announcement in relation to the three psychics who were found dead at the Psychic Friends Network call centre? Abbott: Yes, we believe those deaths were suspicious and that they may be connected with several other murders. Reporter #3: Detective Abbott, isn't it true that you are normally assigned to the vice squad? Why have you been put in charge of this case for the Powered Crime Unit? Are you a Power yourself and if so, what code name do you use? Abbott (looking rattled): I have some knowledge in relation to psychic phenomena that will assist in the investigation. I haven't transferred to the unit full time…... I am simply assisting them during the course of this investigation. ... I think that's enough for now, please direct any further enquiries to our press office. Thank you for your time. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/84 Posted Author Channel 26 News Segment Wed Mar 30 Media (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANCHOR: "Thanks Bob. And in local news, local businessman Maxwell Taylor held a rare press conference today, unveiling a design for a new type of ambulance. Noting that the essential design of most ambulances has not changed much in the last decade, Mr. Taylor proclaimed his new design 'a quantum leap forward,' predicting that ambulance response times could be cut by as much as a third." (cut to video of Max standing behind a podium with the Taylor Industries logo on it; camera flashes abound) MAX: "The improvements we're most proud of, of course, are the ones to the vehicle's handling; independent suspension, differential braking to improve stability in turns, et cetera. These improvements should make it easier for the ambulance crews to get to people in a hurry, and to get them to the hospital in a hurry." He points to his left arm - which ends just above the elbow - and adds, "I, of all people, know just how important response time can be." MAX (CONT.): "Now, we know that most hospitals are strapped for cash; buying new ambulances is beyond their capacity. Which is why we've entered into a limited, /non-profit/ partnership with General Motors - we design them, they build them, and we handle the sales, /at cost/. We're going to do everything we can to ensure that these ambulances are readily available to eligible groups, namely non-profit hospitals and municipal and state agencies. For-profit hospitals and private medical companies will also be able to purchase the vehicles, but non-profit organizations will be first in line, so to speak. In addition, the first ten vehicles will be donated, free of charge, to three hospitals right here in Crucible City - three each to St. Mark's and Mercy Medical, and four to The University of Crucible City Comer Children's Hospital, with best wishes and thanks from a grateful former patient." (back to the studio) ANCHOR: "Taylor Industries stock rose seven and a half points today in response to the announcement, as Wall Street analysts apparently decided that the company's increased prominence and tax benefits from today's news outweighed the potential loss of revenue engendered by this not-for-profit venture. And now, with another story about Nomar Garciaparra's rough spring, here's Roger Gutierrez with sports. Roger?" ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/85 Posted Author New Beginnings? Thu Apr 07 Media (Luc) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Carried in a recent issue of People magazine, with similar reports popping up elsewhere as well....) FAIRYTALES NO MORE? The young Powered hero Luc Malateux, recently relocated to Crucible City, seems to be trying to revamp his image. Once known widely as Brother Grimm, Malateux drew his inspiration - and his powers - from common fairytales, and as a result he was sometimes derided by those in more serious Powered circles. Perhaps most memorably, the no-nonsense Sergeant Sidewinder was quoted in 2000 as saying, "This is a serious business. We don't have room for kids, or for kids' stories. This guy needs to shape up or ship out." Malateux seems to have taken these criticisms to heart. A recent press release confirms that the young hero has decided to adopt a new Powered persona by the name of Illustration. "This is the result of a lot of soul-searching on my part," Malateux states, "and a more mature expression of my identity as a Powered individual. It's time for me to expand my range and really plumb the depths of what I'm capable of. The people of Crucible City deserve nothing less." In fact, some sharp-eyed commentators are suggesting that one person in particular may have inspired this new-found maturity. Malateux has been spotted on more than one occasion recently with the beautiful Maria de la Fuente, recent addition to the famed Dawn Patrol. The two reportedly met in a local park, and were seen several days later sharing an intimate dinner. "There were definitely sparks there," one restaurant employee claimed. "Though she seemed to be giving him a Spanish lesson for some reason." Of course, Malateux has publicly identified himself as gay in the past - but perhaps more has changed in recent weeks than a single name? Only time will tell. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/86 Posted Author Fire in Evanston! Fri Apr 08 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The camera shows a plucky female reporter in an impeccable suit standing in front of the smoldering shell of a home. All around her fire-fighters and other emergency personnel go about the business of cleaning up while people can be seen picking through the wreckage. "A massive four-alarm fire blazed through this home in the Wilmette Village neighborhood of Evanston yesterday evening. Fire officials describe the damage as a near-total loss despite their swift arrival. Eyewitnesses report that the blaze took only seconds to completely engulf the house and by the time emergency response arrived on the scene it had already nearly burned to the ground. "Were that not enough, eyewitnesses also report hearing yelling from within the premises as well as 'shafts of light' streaking from the house just before the fire started. In addition, fire officials state that the cause of the blaze was, and this is a quote, 'volcanic magma erupting from beneath the house'. Officials say that the possibility of Powered involvement is 'without a doubt'. "This home is known to belong to Bethany Starr, formerly the Power villain known as Pop Starr, but more recently reformed and acting as the heroic 'Freebird'. The whereabouts of Miss Starr are unknown at this time, however investigators have not yet recovered any bodies from the home. Police are asking that anyone with any information regarding this case please call Crime Solvers at..." OOC: Questions and Investigations should be +requested to Plot staff. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/87 Posted Author Mountain Resigns From Dawn Patrol Thu Apr 14 Media (Titan) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In other news, local Powers gossip has revealed that The Mountain has resigned his position within Dawn Patrol, citing personal reasons and a change in direction for his career as a Powered Hero. "It's nothing personal." the huge man rumbles, interviewed by a reporter standing inside one of those upraised construction cranes used to repair high wires or cut downt all tree branches. Mountain literally fills up the entire view of the camera and the reporter is positively tiny next to the huge Powers torso, "I just felt that I needed to contemplate some things about myself, take some time off and versus sit on the round table of a team like Dawn Patrol, taking up space, I'm stepping back to let other folk have a shot at making a difference.." "I got nothing but love for Dawn Patrol. They have some of the best the Powers community has to offer. I've done my part for them but versus slow them down .. or be slowed down .. I think it's time to move on. It's time for someone else to fill my spot and do a better job with it then I would be doing right now..." When asked if Mountain would be moving onto another powered team such as local heroes and Shanghai Knights or even teaching at King Academy, the behemoth simply chuckled and replied, "It's a bit to early to go into all that. I may stay solo for all I know. If I end up on another team, whatever alias I end up using, I'm sure you guys'll know." The huge man then flexes an arm massivly and as hard as he can, the bicep peak rising up high above his head and casting the reporter and camera in a tremendous shadow, "And I still plan to train to be the biggest and strongest guy on this planet!" he rumbles deeply and then points at the camera with a meaty fist, "Red Giant. I'm watching you. Be prepared, chump." he grins with an almost wild, wrestlemania look in his eyes and then he turns and steps away from the camera, leaving the shocked reporter staring after him. "Well..um.. there you have it folk. Crucible City's own local 'giant', Malcolm Krupke; The Mountain." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/88 Posted Author Power Terrorism Threat Raised. Thu Apr 14 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As seen on the scrollbars at the bottom of CNN and every other news station that uses scrollbars: "Power Terrorism Threat: ORANGE. The United States Government has raised the Power Terrorism Threat level from 'Elevated' or Code Yellow to 'High' or Code Orange. Government officials cite clear warnings from undisclosed sources that acts of Power Terrorism are 'likely' within the immediate future." Commentators on the major news channels have this to add: "In a worrying move today, the Government officially re-activated the 'Power Terrorism Threat' advisory system. Our younger viewers may not remember this, as the advisory system has not been used since the Event, but the system was devised to warn Americans of possible increases in the level of Power Terrorism. This does not refer to the sort of illegal Powered activity that occurs every day in major Power hubs such as Crucible City. Only situations that threaten the safety of every American citizen warrant an increase in the Power Terrorism Threat level. American citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed of what to do during an emergency, and establish an emergency preparedness kit as well as a communications plan for themselves and their family. We will bring you further updates as we receive them.." OOC: Investigations and the like go to Plot via +request, as always. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/89 Posted Author Jovian Assault! <1> Sat Apr 16 Media (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "This is Monica Anders reporting on what has been dubbed the Jovian War." She turns to face a different camera, and the screen splits to show an image of Jupiter that is far too high resolution to have been gotten from anything but a camera(s) 'in situ'. Shown in the image is a scene of terrible carnage, still flaming debris orbiting the near star that is Jupiter, the redspot visible. "Starfleet America in a joint mission with several Powers retaliated today for the recent Jovian attacks on the Earth. A number of space capable Powers helped the fleet engage the shockingly massive Jovian fleet in a space battle that lasted for several hours. Meanwhile, a daring mission to the very surface of Jupiter was led by a team of Volunteer Powers, one of whom paid the ultimate price. Their mission was to neutralize the Jovian's key defenses around their Jump Gate, a massive ring of supertech that allowed them to open gateways between Jupiter and Earth, and was the means they used to make their three assaults." The images show bits of the fight in space, in which the Earth's flagship 'Pride of Tellus' and two newer and smaller 'destroyers', labeled the SS Bohr and Galileo, and a swarm of fighters engaged an even more massive fleet of Jovian ships, two of which were easily the size of small cities. The fighting looks desperate. Also shown is a massive ring hanging in space, shielded by a force field. "Lost in the fight in space was the SS Galileo, as it suffered simultaneous attacks from both of the Jovian Grand Cruisers." Cut to a shot of twin energy beams of incredible power converging on the ship, and neatly cutting it into four pieces. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/90 Posted Author Jovian Assault! <2> Sat Apr 16 Media (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monica Continues, "Having launced their surprise assault by virtue of hiding Starfleet America in the tail of a comet, the battle was won, but at a terrific price. Government sources have released that the Jovians, in their defeat, have sued for peace and that negotiations are currently underway." Turning again, she faces another camera, and the image behind her shows several heroic powers. "The ground assault forces consisted of Z.E.N.O.-1, Sergeant Elizabeth Quinn, The Empyrean, Cade Vara, The Balance, and Validus...and they were able to find the source of the Jovian's protective shield guarding their jump gate. In the assault they managed to not only destroy the field generators, but rescued 892 hostages held captive under monstrous conditions. The rescued prisoners are still being sorted out, but our sources indicate that they are the surviving passengers of the three flights that so mysteriously were emptied some months ago, apparently used in alien experiments to learn about us." Her expression is very grim, "Sadly, over six hundred of the passenger abductees were lost in captivity. Families of those that lost people in the abductions are urged to contact this special hotline 888-555-1234 to help consolidate and hopefully reunite as many as possible with their families. Our heartfelt condolonces to all who lost loved ones." A moment of silence. "Lost in the fight was The Empyrean, who merged with what has been described as a 'proto-star', which served as the power core to the field generators. The President himself had this to say..." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/91 Posted Author Jovian Assault! <3> Sat Apr 16 Media (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cut to a full screen shot of the US President. He looks VERY serious indeed, "The threat of the Jovians is over, and that is thanks to ther heroism of both Starfleet America, and the brave Powers that fought beside it, and below it. In honor of their sacrifices there will be a monument erected listing the names of the lost, both soldier, and prisoners of this heinous conflict. And there is a new medal, The Empyrean Star, issued for Extreme Heroism to civilian or soldier alike. My thanks to all those involved." Monica smiles as the President fades, and she is once more center camera. "Thank you, heroic soldiers of Starfleet America, thank you all those Powers that achieved the nigh impossible." OOC: Thanks to all those involved in the many elements of this Plot. There are still a couple of loose ends, but they'll be dealt with in short order. Thanks to The Tick for the running of the Airline Abductions, thanks to all those heroes mentioned by name, and to those that have gathered information and data for others as well. +request to plot and my attention if you'd like to follow up in any regards. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/92 Posted Author Bank Robbers Escape with Millions Sun Apr 24 Media (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Crucible Bank in Oak Brook was assaulted today by what witnesses describe as anime-like motorcyclist and water-ski criminals. All of these dangerous individuals were dressed in blue jumpsuits and sky blue overalls, trademarks of the well known Otaku Clan believed to be responsible for countless attacks against the public in the past few months, including the recent snow avalanch at Asa, Sweden. Although some of the money and some of the assailants managed to escape, many of Crucible City's Powered Community were on hand to aid in their capture. The Mercurial Archer dramatically smashed through the center window of the bank lobby, much to the shock of the consideribly unnerved patrons. On his heels were Ancel, Shadowstrike, Aaron Gold of the CCPU and, as many witnesses claim, a speaking, shifting raven calling itself Karasu. Authorities say the Otaku apparently drilled into the vault from an underground sewer line and loaded a considerable amount of its contents into the vehicles down below. A prolonged battle between the two forces occurred before the conflict's end, when the police responded to the call for aid. "You know," said Mercury when pressed for comment, "It was a well planned operation, but we've got some of their footmen. So leads should come from that. I'm just glad that no one was seriously injured. Uh, yeah, and I'm sorry about the window too." The shapeshifting raven, Karasu, stayed to tell the police and press, "I'm just glad I was around to keep everyone calm. They needed a big, strong man to protect them." Another hero that aided in foiling the robbery, Ancel, had this to say: "We handed a number of the perpetrators over to police custody, others escaped. As of right now, we don't have much information, but the situation is being looked into, and I don't doubt that Crucible's finest are on top of the situation." The bank manager, Mr. David Warno, would like to express his boundless gratitude to the heroes who aided in foiling the robbery today, and extends his warmest wishes and thanks to the customers and tellers who were also involved in the affair for their courage and coolheaded nature in such a dangerous situation. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/93 Posted Author JFA:CCF, Episode 225 Mon Apr 25 Media (Corporate) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JUSTICE for ALL: The CRUCIBLE CITY FILES In this episode, The Indestructible Corporate is put to the test by the infamous Jack O' Lantern, Scourge of the South Side! Answer for yourself the question on everyone's lips; Jack O' Lantern: threat, or menace?! (Corporate and Jack O' Lantern facing off on a rooftop in the South Side) Jack O' Lantern: "Okay, that is IT. I am... NUTS! I am ... sick and tired of ... people! I TOLD YOU I want to fight ... Manitou!" Corporate: "You know I can't let you do that, Jack. And I'm prepared to use force, if I must!" (Jack O' Lantern appearing to menace a teenage girl and a young woman on a motorcycle, stopped in the street at night. Corporate approaches, looking stern.) Jack O' Lantern: "I could ... punch them in the mouth! Orphans ... make things better." Corporate: "If you'll come along quietly now, I'm sure we'd all appreciate it." Jack O' Lantern: "I have friends! Friends who will back me up! The Unknown Soldier!" See what happens when a traffic stop turns deadly! But don't fear- The Man is on the scene! (Stock footage of Corporate in a battle-ready pose, power gauntlets humming and glowing.) Also in this episode: High-Speed Chase! (Corporate pursuing Jack O' Lantern through the South Side at a high rate of speed, Jack swinging and leaping nimbly between buildings, Corporate jetting after him. Corporate's theme song breaks in as he barrel rolls between the pylons of a high-tension electrical tower.) Finally, you asked for it, and one of your favorite features has come back to Justice For All: it's Super-Domestic-Disturbance! (Corporate's visor-camera POV as he flies down and lands in the front yard of a small house with a giant parabolic dish in the backyard, raps sharply on the door.) Corporate: "Yeah, I'm pretty familiar with this one. I have to come out here about... oh, maybe once every other week, sometimes more on weekends. Some folks just don't change." (A bright-orange man with flames licking off the top of his head like hair answers the door, clearly drunk. Behind him can be heard glass breaking and objects smashing into walls, along with incoherent shouting.) Incinerax: "What? Oh, BEEP, not you BEEEEEP BEEP... oh for... goddamnit." Corporate: "Fraid so. I'd like to speak with your wife please." Incinerax: "It's all lies, man, she's just gonna BEEEP lie and make me out like some kind of BEEP BEEP BEEEEP villain BEEP!" Corporate: "Okay, Citizen, you'll get your- right, you'll get your turn. Right now- Citizen, settle down. Right now I just want to talk to your wife." Mrs. Incinerax: "How could you, Jake? How could you BEEP BEEP BEEEEEP our own BEEEEP hovercraft! You thought I wouldn't know because she's BEEEEP invisible? BEEEP BEEP What do you take me for?" Corporate: "Ma'am, step out here on the lawn for a moment. Just a moment, ma'am. Ma'am, please put down that flux condensor." That's right, it's a stormy time in the Windy City! (Stock footage of Corporate soaring through the steel canyons of Uptown.) Join us right after these messages for JUSTICE for ALL: The CRUCIBLE CITY FILES! And remember... Corporate's voice-over: "Keep watching the skies!" ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/94 Posted Author Olympus Mons Tue May 10 Media (Titan) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The news clip opens with an outside view of a sprawling fitness center that seems to combine try and combine the best of all worlds where exercise, bodybuilding, fitness and spas are concerned. A familiar blond newscaster is on sight and she begins speaking while entering the complex as the cameras follow her. "We're here today at the recently unveiled mega-workout facility known as Olympus Mons. Now while the opening of high tech and state of the art fitness centers is not something fully news worthy in a city like Crucible City, this particular facility is unique because of it's owner and founder, the Power formerly known as Mountain but now using the, perhaps more apt and appropriate alias of Titan.." The camera swivels over to focus squarely on Titan's midsection by mistake and then it pans upward quickly to get a full view of the giant as the reporter steps into view. "So what exactly is going on here, Titan?" she asks, getting right to the point. "Well Olympus Mons has been on my mind since before I parted ways with the Dawn Patrol and I had been working towards that goal for a good while. I wanted to give something to the community and to also include my own people, The Powers Community, in the package." "And what a package, it is." the news caster reports, her voice now a voice over as clips of the massive center begin ranging from an enormous swimming pool to a sprawling workout center and spa and more. "Olympus Mons combines the more rustic qualities of Titan's personality and interests with top of the line equipment and standards that would make anybody proud to be a member and to make use of these facilities. The gym combines equipment for more 'mundane' folk such as myself and the average listener while also going 'hardcore' for those out there who are really into the highest heights of pumping iron. It doesn't stop there as sponsors and allies in this endeavour have helped our 'big guy' get his hands on equipment that would give a workout for those Powers out there that think benching city busses and toying freighters is the only way they can get a work out." "Below ground we have a resource center and workshop that maintains all of the gizmos necessary to handle higher strength training and more epic stuff and we've also got a functioning Simulator. This was something I really pushed for. It uses all the best gizmos and gadgets to fuel any type of combat enviornment and scenario you can imagine." rumbles Titan's voice, "Er..I..dont' exactly know completely how it works but..er..thats why I pay folk to work here. The basic idea is that I know all about those young powers out there trying to make a difference. And how many of them don't exactly have access to headquarters or teams that can help them out and help them learn more about themselves. Well for a upper level membership here they get full access to these facilities and myself and other veteran powrs are more then willing to help them out. Not to mention get a good workout in ourselves.." The reporter is outside again, grinning into the camera, "Olympus Mons has been open for tours for a little while now and will go live tomorrow morning. There's already a list of members signing up and taking advantage of specials, discounts, and even contests. There are regular membership packages and also special packages known as 'Platinum' which gives those members access to more of the higher features of Olympus Mons. We'll keep you posted as things develop but it looks like a center truly 'fit for the gods'. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/95 Posted Author This just in... Sat May 14 Media (Forge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Hello, this is Beth Conner at PNN. Reports filter in from the continent of Mu, long quiet in recent months in spite of earthquakes and other dangers. Scientists on hand at the United Nations encampments on the beach have reported strange sights in the sky. Exclusive to PNN-- the Powers News Network is the following video, taken by one of the scientists." <> "Reports from the continent of Mu say that the lizardman sightings have dropped extensively in the past day. More as reports come in." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/96 Posted Author Seismic Disturbances Shake City Sun May 15 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OOC: Most local channels will carry this news report, though it is virtually buried between reports of the attacks in Washington DC. "Seismologists are at a loss to explain the mysterious seismic events that residents of Crucible City have been experiencing since early yesterday morning. Indeed most Crucible citizens have likely not even noticed their existence, only rarely are the tremors even forceful enough to rattle a few windows. Officials of the United States Seismographic Network, however, confirm that much of Illinois and the surrounding states are experiencing continuous low-level seismic events. These events appear to be originating from deep underground and are not consistant with tectonic activity. In other news..." OOC: As always, curiosity is the domain of Plot requests. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/97 Posted Author JFA:CCF, Episode 227 Sun May 15 Media (Corporate) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JUSTICE for ALL: The CRUCIBLE CITY FILES This week: Ninjas! (stock footage of ninjas behaving in typically ninjish fashion; flipping out and killing people, wailing on their guitars, being totally sweet) The Indestructible Corporate battles ninjas from another dimension! Cyborgs and wizards invading Crucible City! (A horde of maybe fifty ninjas rushing the camera, which pulls back to show Corporate facing them steadfastly.) Corporate: "When will you ninjas ever learn?" (Several "teaser" clips from the ensuing fight follow, including Corporate punching a ninja through a brick wall, and another impressive shot of him jetting into the air and spiraling back down to body-slam a ninja a foot into the pavement. Other heroes are occasionally visible in the montage, but as usual Corporate is always in the foreground.) Be the first to know: WHO... or WHAT... is the new menace which calls itself the FERROSHIP? (Spheroid metal objects, bristling with legs and weaponry, are seen scuttling along the exterior of a building before Corporate rakes his visor ray across them and blows up several, the rest returning a hail of fire.) Also in this episode: Ninjitsu in America's youth culture - are YOUR children SAFE? (A series of "talking head" shots follow.) Woman at her front door with baby on hip: "Sure, I'm concerned about ninjas. My little Billy plays at being a ninja all the time. But I can't seem to make him stop, even though I took away all his turtleneck sweaters!" Little Billy, wearing home-made ninja costume: "Ninjas are totally sweet! One time, my friend's brother saw this ninja in a McDonald's, and this kid dropped a fry, and the ninja totally flipped out and killed everybody in the whole town! I love ninjas with every part of my body!" Child-psychology scholar: "Ninjas tap into the collective unconscious, they represent the deep-seated desire within each of us to be one with the night... to own the night. I myself sometimes like to dress in black and leap from rooftop to rooftop. It's a normal, healthy thing." Ninja (in Japanese, with subtitles): <> Man on the street: "I believe that ninjas are the worst threat to the faith-based American family. Maybe not as much as global terror. Or gay marriage. But ninjas are definitely in the top three!" (Footage of Corporate punching out a ninja, then turning to the camera and gesturing sternly with his hand. A little blonde girl stands behind him, looking scared.) Corporate: "Remember kids, ninjitsu is no joke. The next time you're approached at school, or anywhere else, by a ninja master, just tell them what Christina here did..." Christina: "I don't need to be a ninja to be cool! I'm gonna stay in school!" Corporate, with one hand on small blonde girl's shoulder approvingly: "That's right, Christina. And remember, kids..." Corporate and Christina, in unison: "Keep Watching the Skies!" ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/98 Posted Author breaking news! Mon May 23 Media (Murdock) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There's sudden chatter on various radio channels. An object detected moving towards Earth at high speeds, from a wormhole that's collapsed. Various sensors first detected what has been identified a vehicle, it's stealth systems disrupted when it hit the atmosphere. It's broadasting a distress signal in bad english with a modulated computer voice. 'Beings, needing assistance.. @#$....velocity fast/too..help request. air transportation please redirect for safety.' and it continues to repeat. Flyers, those who can track might see the glow and firey rtail of the craft as it descends in an arc.. and yes.. it's going way to fast, despite it's own attempts to slow down.. A citizen managed to capture it on video, though its pretty blurry and grainy.... ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/99 Posted Author Zombies attack! Wed May 25 Media (Miko) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *scene unfolds with a reporter standing in front of a downtown clinic* "An attack, occured today at the MercyHeart clinic in the heart of the buisness district. Shortly after the victems and single survivor of a multiple fatal automobile accident were brought to the clinic, the corpses of the victems of the accident came to life and attacked the other patients of the clinic. There were no fatalities, but a couple patients were bitten. The heros Steel, Peacekeeper, and diminutive Kiryu, along with an unknown teenage hero who has recently made several appearances." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/100 Posted Author Mech-Carthy! Sun May 29 Media (Stephen) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," reports Grant Fandango, 10 O'Clock news; his grim visage and receding hairline a new but respected presence on the networks, "Reporting tonight from Crucible City where a spectre of the fifties has come out of hiding to strike at a hero of that era - and anything else that got in his way, not unlike his namesake." A film clip shows a rather retro-designed robot painted in reds, whites, and blues - some fifty feet tall - crashing a path of destruction through the city, crackling tesla coils set upon its riveted shoulders and egg-shaped head faced with a fat black screen lit up with shifting diode-lights. "A raid by the villainous group known as 'The Three Towers' upon an old military storage facility in Alamaba apparently roused this mechanical menace known as Mech-Carthy - an unauthorized weapon of mass destruction created by the order of former senator Joseph McCarthy," explains Grant, "Author of the so-called 'Red Scare' that drove the Light Brigade and many other heroes and heroines into retirement, not to mention hundreds of normal folks just trying to make a living." More video; the hero Titan surging upwards to catch a woman in a red dress falling from a shattered building, Catherine Wright engulfed in an electrical barrage from the robot's tesla coils. A woman with a costume very similar to the long-absent hero 'The Fury' ramming bodily into the propoganda-spouting robot and crashing a hole through it; Corporate tearing its head straight from its shoulders, and Titan hammering it into the ground with a fist straight through its torso. "Finally brought down on the very verge of Doctor Wright's lawn - whom it seems was the only hero left in its blacklisting database that it could locate - the fight didn't end there," Grant intones, shaking his head slowly, "As smaller robots emerged from the body of the behemoth to engage the heroes." A bright red robot vanishes in a flash of light as one of Catherine's beam-weapons strikes it; a blue one explodes as Corporate's fists smash through it. Horizon raises a hand, and a white-armored 'bot crashes to the ground with violet energy surrounding it, only to vanish from sight as Titan's mighty foot slams down. "The military collected the remnants of the robot, and assured the public that a full investigation into any further illicit projects of this nature would be carried out," Grant completes. "In other news, Kid Century rescured thirty-six cats from trees across the nation in a single hour, an attempt to break the super-speed record first set by..." Banal news coverage follows. (Questions to Stephen!) ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/101 Posted Author Count Urizen's Broadcast! Sun Jun 05 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OOC: The following message breaks into every broadcast, cable, and sattelite television broadcast on the planet save for those stations lucky enough to employ Powers with formidable tech-control powers. An audio version also intrudes itself onto radio broadcasts. *All is silent. The only image is that of a featureless chrome mask framed by long locks of blonde hair. Then the camera pulls back, revealing the towering form of the notorious Count Urizen standing in a rolling green field. He is clad in technomagical plate mail and under one arm carries a helmet that will be familiar to those who have dealt with Urizen in the recent past. Flanking him on either side are an array of villains including Couronne, Singularity, Vesuvia, Primeva, Primordius, The Warden, The Tin Man, Reactionary, and Shapesmith.* "People of Earth!" the commanding voice of Urizen booms from behind his mask. "The soon to be loyal subjects of Urizen. I greet you. I would offer my apologies for interrupting your viewing, but so much of your programming is insipid tripe that I am no doubt doing you a favor. Still, your addled minds are incapable of paying any sort of attention so I will be brief." He holds up the helmet for the camera. "Despite the efforts of your pathetic heroes I have taken what is rightfully mine. Now I will reclaim the land that has been taken from me. Then I will claim this world as my own. You have this one chance to surrender now and accept this inevitability. Defy me and you will perish." He turns as though to leave, and then stops, turning back to the camera once more. "Urizen rewards those who serve him loyally. My Tyrannical Ten shall be kings in the world to come, but they shall need governors." And with that cryptic statement he slides the helmet onto his head and the screen fades to static, replaced a few seconds later by your scheduled program, already in progress. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/102 Posted Author Ultima Thule Under Siege Sun Jun 05 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *We cut to a local news anchor reading from a scrap of paper. Behind him in the newsroom there is an absolute panic of activity.* "Shortly after the dramatic pronouncement by Count Urizen we began receiving reports of conflict on the island of Ultima Thule. Accounts are scattered, and even panicked, but there seems to be some sort of wide-scale offensive against the joint NATO/UN Peacekeeping forces on the island. It is impossible to confirm the nature of the assault at this time, but given that Ultima Thule was Count Urizen's base of operations for years, it stands to reason that..hold on..we have a report from Trent Boffman on-scene. Trent? Can you hear me?" *The screen flickers to show a harried-looking report standing at the edges of a battlefield. Behind him can be seen military personnel and equipment engaging an army of what appear to be robots, though the robots seem to come in every size and shape. The military is clearly outclassed by the bizarre powers of the robots* "Trevor, the situation here is desperate. It's only been three hours since the attack began and already the peacekeeping force has been pushed back to the northwestern corner of the island." "Can you tell us what happened?" "Trevor..it was like every ancient artifact on the island suddenly came to life. Everywhere you looked the ground just..split open..and these things just poured out and attacked. We have word that the British Home Fleet is attemping to stage an evacuation, but the situation here is dire.." *Behind Trent what appears to be a fifty-foot tall robotic elephant smashes through the lines, crushing a tank easily underfoot as it does. Panicked shouts of 'Fall back!' and 'Retreat!' can be heard from a hundred different voices. Trent takes one look over his shoulder, then grabs the cameraman and runs, the camera dropping to the ground and then the screen exploding into static. A second later the newsroom again appears.* "Trent? Trent? ...we appear to have lost our connection with Trent," the newscaster says, his tone somber. "We will continue to update you as the situation progresses.." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/103 Posted Author The Robots March Sun Jun 05 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Same newsroom roughly fifteen minutes later Trevor is looking somewhat harried. Every minute or so someone hands him a sheet of paper, he's developing quite a stack.* "Moments ago we received word that the attack has apparently spread beyond Ultima Thule. We are hearing reports from all across the globe of ancient war machines on a destructive warpath. Our reports are scattered and unconfirmed, but it seems that the robots are attacking military installations and government facilities. There have even been reports of robots assaulting locations known to be frequented by Power heroes..." *The report continues as Trevor reads off report after report of attacks from around the world. After a few minutes someone creates a map graphic which they update with rumoured or confirmed attack locations* ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/104 Posted Author Olympus Mons - Powers HQ Mon Jun 06 Media (Titan) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I'm going on record right here and right now regarding the status of Olympus Mons during this event." Titan can be seen saying to waiting cameras and crews. "This is an open call to all Powers out in Crucible City or affiliated with the City that don't want to go running off half-assed into their battles with Urizen and the attacking armies. If you want intel, if you want to network, if you want to work together with people who know what they're doing and who have already faced these guys down and so know what we're up against.. then my gym is your place. I designed Olympus Mons for a time like this. The Combat Training room has been converted into an active and functioning War Room and it can be shut 'down' to be replaced by regular Combat Training for planning on counter strikes against this maniac and his flunkies. The gym is open to you guys. I urge you to take advantage of it and for all local Power Teams to feel free to use it as a neutral meeting ground. We'll need to work together to get this situation under control.. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/105 Posted Author Presidential Address Wed Jun 08 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Your evening programming is cut short by a Presidential address. The screen cuts to a view of a grim-looking president sitting behind his desk in the Oval Office* "My fellow Americans, in this time of crisis we must-" *There is a flash of light, the briefest glimpse of a horrifyingly large robotic praying mantis, and then both President and mantis are gone. The broadcast quickly goes to test pattern, and then your regularly scheduled program resumes..already in progress.* ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/106 Posted Author Titan City Under Siege! Wed Jun 08 Media (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Late breaking news... In the twilight hours last night, another city felt the power of Count Urizen. At about 6:30 PM EST, we're told that a massive force of Thulian magitech machines stormed into the coastal nexus of Titan City from the oceanic depths. Their arrival was heralded by the airbourne launching of an Exxon VLCC model Oil Tanker. Caught along in some titantic, tsunami wave, the Oil Tanker was propelled into the coastline of Titan City like a battering ram, obliterating almost a block and a half of Titan City real estate. Survivor numbers are unknown as the conflict immediately escalated between Titan City's superpowered protectors and the Thulian war machines. The skyline was alight with warfare, the streets were in total panic as Thulian machines stomped through them, attacking any Powers in sight. The conflict was fierce, fast, and brutal, but lasted only thirty minutes. The heroes looked to be in a dead stalemate with the Thulian forces, though casualties were high. After a half an hour of sustained fighting, it seems Urizen called for a regroup. The surviving machines fled the city, their destination a looming unidentified object a mile off the coast of the city. Military reconnaissance has been met with extreme hostility in trying to gain intelligence on what the leviathan floating out in the sea is doing. We can only assume the worst, and that it represents Count Urizen's staging ground for an entire Titan City invasion. Today, the citizens of the Platinum City live restlessly in the shadow of Urizen. But, for now, they still live thanks to their superhero protectors. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/107 Posted Author Bumbling Criminals Foiled Fri Jun 10 Media (Ian) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A standoff at Mandrake's restaurant between police and a criminal calling himself "The Daimyo" ended earlier this evening as a group of Powers intervened. The restaurant patrons were being held hostage by The Daimyo's robot minons while the man stood on the roof, threatening to blow up the establishment if his demands were not met. Witnesses say his motivation may have been to gain the attention of Count Urizen and become one of the Tyrannical Ten. Two other supercriminals also arrived on the scene, reportedly calling themselves "Greenpeace" and "The Lungfish", who also threatened to blow up Mandrake's. A dispute ensued between the Powered perpetrators as to who got to blow up the restaurant, but they were soon dispatched by other superhumans on the scene, one which reports say might have been the teleporting crimefighter known as Sidestep. There was little property damage, although a full-grown tree (the work of Greenpeace) is being removed from the street by city workers. Daimyo and Lungfish are currently in police custody, and Greenpeace will soon join them after he is treated at a greenhouse for severe burn wounds. The environmental organization Greenpeace denies any connection between them and the Powered eco-terrorist. ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/108 Posted Author Eagle Eye Live Report Sun Jun 12 Media (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (CNN has a live feed off the coast of Titan City, from one of their helicopters. An announcer gives voiceover for what the camera is showing, which is essentially a floating, cracked, cannon barrel with an about 100 yard diameter. Pulses of green energy twist and twirl along it's length as it floats amongst the Atlantic waters.) ... What you're seeing here is the remnants of Count Urizen's most recent effort to seize control of Titan City. While his motives are still unknown to both the heroes and the public, Urizen has made it clear that he will spare no expense in seeing the city be his. He is, however, finding significant resistance in the form of the superpowered heroes of the world, as most recently the former Dawn Patroller and recently renamed Titan, alongside his ex-teammate, the irrepressible Tempest and their allies Zombiegirl, the Whisper, a new face by the name of Lumina, and the unyielding Scion, were responsible for clearing the looming spectre of the giant half-mile long black mass that was sitting off the coast of the city. Revealed to be some sort of Thulian superweapon, the cannon you're seeing below resided on top of a giant leviathan that one hero said looked like a cross between a sea turtle and a giant alligator. It was specifically the immensely power Titan, who achieved international fame after helping to save the Greece from imminent destruction, who caused a massive tsunami that splintered the cannon barrel from the robotic leviathan, while also toppling the great entity into the seas. His allies then were able to take down the remaining Thulian machines, some of which hadn't been seen previously, that spilled from the sinking Leviathan. (The camera shifts to a feed closer to the coast, where the once pristine beach of Titan City is now a black pit of black. Spilled oil has saturated the beach and good bit of the inner bay.) Sadly, while the heroes have been able to thus far keep two incursions by Urizen's forces at bay, it hasn't been without a cost. Ecologists are predicting massive failure to the Titan City Bay's ecosystem as a result of Oil spill three days ago. It is too early to tell the long term effects of the oil spill, but one noted scientists believes it may be irreversibly damaged. (The feed cuts back to a live one of the still surging, broken cannon a mile or two out at sea.) While it looks like the heat is off Titan City for the moment, CNN is left to wonder for how-- (Just then, the crackling with energy cannon explodes, the huge barrel first expelling a wash of blinding green light straight into the air. That is the last image the live feed ever sees. They cut back to the studio immediately, a white-faced anchorman clearing his throat.) We're not precisely sure what we just witnessed, but we're trying to reconnect to Eagle Eye One in the Atlantic--Wait. We're getting reports in now. Dear god. Satellite imagery has registered a shockwave of destructive energy of a magnitude greater than a hydrogen bomb. Thank god that gun wasn't able to fire on the city. We don't have details if anyone else was caught in the blast, but we'll keep you updated throughout the day as more information comes to pass... ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/109 Posted Author Breaking News! Mon Jun 13 Media (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *We cut to a nationwide news program where the well-known anchor sits in front of a large graphic reading 'Crisis: Urizen'* "There has been a startling new development in the ongoing struggle against the war machines of Count Urizen. Less than an hour ago strange..holes in the air began to open up all around areas besieged by Urizen's war machines." *Video footage is shown now, depicting holes being torn in the very air itself by magical force. Through these holes pour serpentine robots of varying sizes, small pale large-eyed humanoids wielding lances that project blasts of ice, and a few ornately-dressed lizardmen.* "At first thought to be further forces under the control of Urizen, these new arrivals have instead dedicated themselves to savaging the nefarious villain's forces with a stunning ferocity. It has quickly become clear, however, that the enemy of our enemy is not necessarily our friend.." *Further footage plays now, depicting various scenes of battle between the now-familiar robots of Ultima Thule and the newly arrived forces. A massive Mastodon robot, entwined with an equally massive serpentine war machine, rolls end over end locked in combat and crushing conventional military vehicles as soldiers run for their lives. Another serpentine machine of slightly smaller size blows a hole in a building to spring an ambush on a company of Locusts. An exotically dressed lizardman uses mystical force to hurl an Auto-Urizen into the side of a building, the resulting self-destruction of the Auto-Urizen levelling the building.* "We have received word from the University of Crucible City identifying these new forces as being Agarthan in origin. All efforts to contact the Agarthans have so far failed. Their intentions beyond the defeat of Urizen is unknown. More on this as details come in.." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/110 Posted Author Public Announcement Sat Jun 18 Media (Corporate) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (The V-Home Logo appears on the screen. It looks like a small white house, the sort which would have a picket fence and a doghouse in the back. Behind it is a huge red capital letter V, in a circular border. Smaller writing on the border in white, reads: "Every American Home a V-Home. Bring Victory Home for Our Boys!") Is YOUR HOME a V-HOME? Here's the Indestructible Corporate to tell you more! The Indestructible Man appears, looking somewhat different. His usual black leather-and-rubber costume is now red and white, with a brilliant red cape. The interior of the cape is midnight-blue speckled with stars. Obviously he has been retooled to suit the times. He's standing in front of a home which looks very like the one on the V-Home Logo, surrounded by, presumably, the family living therein. Mom, Dad, Sister and Junior. And of course Rover. It's all very homey and charming, in a Leave-It-To-Beaver kind of way. Corporate addresses the camera directly, and as he speaks, the image is replaced by vignettes illustrating each scene. Corporate, in voice-over: "War. It changes the pattern of our lives. But it cannot change our WAY of LIFE unless we are beaten. The kids still play baseball in the corner lot- but they knock off early to weed the Victory Garden, cart scrap paper to the salvage center, carry home the groceries that used to be delivered. The factory whistle blows- but it calls three shifts of workers instead of one. The daily paper still has comics, but it's the front page that carries the answer to the urgent question "How are we doing?" All over America there's a new tempo, a new purpose, a NEW SPIRIT." (A worker at a factory making anti-robot lasers pauses in his labor to mop his brow and look weary. Corporate steps into the frame behind him and gives him a reassuring pat on the back, as if from Uncle Sam himself. Charlie, as the worker's coveralls-embroidery claims him to be, looks up, attentively.) Corporate, to Charlie: "Hard work isn't hard- it's a badge of courage! Your honest American sweat keeps those of us on the front safe- keep up the good work, Chuck!" (A young mother, child in tow, pauses as she walks past the entrance to a gleaming mega-mall, looking in wistfully, then considers her own patched and hemmed clothing. Corporate steps out of the mall, (where else would he come from) and flashes his trademark smile at the young woman, picking up her child and placing him on his broad shoulder.) Corporate, to young mother: "That "old clothes look" doesn't matter. It's smart to be mended. "Sorry m'am, we can't get any more of those." Good! That means materials are going where they belong- into war weapons." (The V-Home family appears, this time looking up at The Establishment with concern. Although his eyes are hidden behind his visor, he returns their looks with warm, paternal attention as they offer him their problems each in turn.) Dad: "I'm too old to fight!" Junior: "I'm too young to fight!" Mom: "I'm busy all day cooking and cleaning and mending." Sister: "How can I get into this war?" (Corporate nods thoughtfully and reaches into his star-spangled cape, drawing out four government brochures with the V-Home logo prominently displayed on the front. He hands these to the family. Patriotic music swells.) Corporate, image of the American Flag appearing waving in the sky behind him: "This book tells how each of us can become a small fighting unit on the biggest front of all- the home front. This is your war - and your part in it is clear. You have imagination to see how tasks which seem small and unimportant can help win the war. You have resourcefulness, self-discipline, determination, and love of America. No matter how close you have to stay to the stove, Mrs. Jones, or how late you get home, Mr. Jones, you can make an individual contribution to the winning of this war. It is in each of you to make your home into a V-Home- your family into a V-Family!" The Joneses, holding up their V-Home booklets: "Now we're a V-Family!" (Corporate nods proudly, holding up one arm. A great bald eagle soars down out of the sky and alights on his Power Gauntlet.) Corporate, directly to the camera: "Now it's YOUR TURN, America!" (Bald eagle lets out a proud cry as image fades to white.) To get YOUR copy of "Every Home a V-Home, just call 719-295-2675, click to www.vhome.gov, or send an SASE to 31451 United Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado, 81009. Do it today and be VICTORIOUS tomorrow! ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/111 Posted Author TSX Protected by Crucible Powers Mon Jun 20 Media (Torius) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <> "This is Allison Levinson standing before the Toronto Stock Exchange, which has just recently undergone an attack that was, many believe, aimed at crippling the Canadian economy. Fortunately, before most forms of communications, including radios, were neutralized, one stray message left the building and reached heroes, albeit not of Toronto origin. Three powers, tentatively identified as Hardfire, Lumina and Captain Crucible, made haste from their own city to aid Toronto." The shot cuts to an image of Captain Crucible, a grey statuesque hero made of granite speaking politely into a microphone. "The Guardians, and friends, are always glad to help our Canadian brethern in this time of need. Especially if, together, we can help rid the world of menaces like the Red Death." The shot cuts back to Allison Levinson, professionally speaking into the microphone while gesturing to a large hole in the floor of the main entrance room to the TSX. "Although information is still largely withheld by authorities for security reasons, it seems that after arriving on the scene, the power Hardfire unleashed a pillar of flame into the sky as a guide for the other Crucible powers scanning the city for the source of the distress call. One of Toronto's own protectors, Doctor Bob Greason, also heeded the call." Another cut, and the image on the screen is of a man in what almost looks like futuristic armor, but designed to mimic that of a hockey player's padding. "Well," he says, scratching his chin, "I'm just glad noone was hurt. I'm not sure what all this was aboot, but I send my deepest thanks to Captain Crucible, Hardfire and that glowing woman." "Shortly after entering the building, the heroes engaged over a dozen robots of what appear to be of Thulian origin before confronting the Red Death and an unnamed villain using top-end scientific equipment to assail the heroes." Ms. Levinson gestures to a pile of freeze dried, crushed, singed and charred robot pieces. "The battle caused a power shortage inside the TSX building itself and a very localized earthquake centered on the building, but virtually no casualties were suffered. The Red Death was captured and has been incarcerated by the proper authorities at Toronto sends out her thanks to the three brave powers who left their own city in these desperate times to aid in protecting ours." <<>> ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/112 Posted Author PNN Sat Jun 25 Media (Billy) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/24/2005 A battle raged in a part of Crucible city where a mysterious dome appeared in one of the many parks. Surrounded by robots and an acidic fog 8 powers, some known like the recently active Legionary, a new power that seems to be all over the globe fighting Count Urizens forces, The following video was provided by him showing the fight in an abridged version. The following file shows a slightly drawn out battle in Crucible City Legionary, Lone Star, Tamin, Havoc Lad, Tiger Kitten, Jade Tiger, Monolith and Supernova are fighting in. Five Mastodons, dozens of Locusts, and an unidentifiable number of spiders that repair the robots as they are taken down by the heroes. It shows a fog around the domed building they are guarding being made of acid, Lone Star throwing Legionary in to a Mastodon, Supernova turning Mastodon armor first in to water, and then in to a corrosive acid Monolith, ripping holes in the Mastodons while Jade Tiger appears through teleportation portals to become a blur of motion attacking the spiders dozens falling to the way side cut in half before they can repair any more Mastodons. Also shown is Havoc taking care of a good majority of the locusts while Tiger Kitten flattens the spiders with waves of gravity and Tamin fights along side bringing the wrath of a Mastodon down upon her and solely her. Finally it shows Lone Star ripping a hole in the dome at the same time Legionary using his whole body tears a mastodon in half, grabbing a tusk, and flinging that half at the Mastodon trying to crush Tamin destroying it in the process. Then the dome opens in to four pieces like a missile silo, the bright light of fire in it's depths visible and then a blinding blast of light destroying the rest of the enemy forces and sending the heroes flying in all directions as multiple carrier ships launch in to the air that weren't badly damaged, the carriers streaking off camera. There are no reported casualties from this battle, though now the question is, what new threat do these mysterious Domes represent? ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/113 Posted Author Soldier to Urizen -- Reckoning Mon Jun 27 Media (Drifter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chairman of the Dawn Patrol, son of a Senator, and all around noted Power Connor Kingfisher, the second Unknown Soldier, secures a live news conference which is carried by most of the major networks. He stands, symbolically, at the shores of Gibbons Power Containment Prison, aka, THE POUND. The huge prison looms in the background, unmistakable and clearly a purposeful selection of location for the address to the would be Dictator of the Known World. Connor stands, with the Gallant Rampart, famous white and red rimmed shield clearly visible, the Bald Eagle sigil gleaming in the early morning light. A new horizon. "I have been forced to sit silent as mad dictators and their toy armies have literally risen and tried to take this land, this planet, from out beneath the god given and honest people who that wonderful thing known as democracy has entrusted it. We have seen a convicted murderer loophole his way back into control of a sovereign nation, and now we have seen an insane megalomaniac state that he is destined to rule us all. To that, Count Urizen, I say the buck stops here. Teddy Roosevelt said that you need to speak softly and carry a big stick. Well, Urizen, my big stick is about to hit you in the face. The time has come for the Powered population of this planet to rise up and say /this is enough/. We will not /stand by/ and wait while you slowly and steadily try to /conquor/ us. We will rise up, united, a great force... The greatest force known to man. And we will strike you down, Urizen. Strike you down until you are behind me, here, in this Prison for the rest of your miserably life." "This I promise." "Thus, this is my plea to all of you who are capable and willing to fight Urizen. Divided we will fall, united we will stand. Join me and the Dawn Patrol. Help us strike Ultima Thule and drive the Tyrannical Ten back into the ground they reared their ugly heads from. It is time to take the fight to Urizen, to finish this. We are rallying and organizing a force to overtake him, finally ridding our world of this palpable fear, of this menace who egomaniacally calls himself our destined overlord. To turn back to Teddy Roosevelt, he also said that credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." "I don't know if we can beat you, Urizen. But we're sure going to try. And our knowledge of our frailty makes us that much /better than/ you, old man." ============================================================================== =============================== IC: Multimedia =============================== Message: 13/114 Posted Author JFA:CCF, Episode 230 Mon Jun 27 Media (Corporate) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JUSTICE for ALL: The CRUCIBLE CITY FILES The Ferrowship! Who are they, and what do they want? (Stock footage of Rush Street Bridge, and the Chicago River running beneath it, in happier days) Exclusive in this episode of JUSTICE for ALL, what drama REALLY unfolded on the Rush Street Bridge... and how YOU can protect yourself! (New aerial footage of the Bridge, showing a large section of it vaporized, with cars abandoned on each side of the break and a few of them tangled up in the wreckage at the edges) Ninjas, cyborgs, and cyborg ninjas attack... and The Indestructible Corporate is there! (Corporate, flying above the still-intact bridge as all sorts of robots and ninjas clamber all over it firing lasers and ninja stars every which way, sending commuters fleeing for safety.) Corporate, hovering: "Depart the scene in an orderly fashion, citizens! I'll protect you from these ne'erdowells!" Weird droids bristling with razor blades and laser cannons: "You will be purged. (Chicago) will be purged. This realm will be purged." Flying droids and strange scuttling spherical droids: "You are surrounded. Your methods of escape have been disrupted. The Ferrowship demands your immediate surrender." Corporate, while other heroes (Alexis, Skip, Gregory and Zero) battle the robots valiantly: "You made one mistake, evildoers: you should know better than to mess with Chicago's Finest!" (Hectic battle, made more difficult to follow by the spastic, MTV-style editing. Lots of things blow up and zoom around.) Hear the EYEWITNESS REPORTS of those who were ON the SCENE! Trollycar driver: "First there was these ninjas, and then, you know, screaming and lasers and explosions... I am seriously considering applying the CCPCU, it's not like I don't get attacked by extradimensional already but at least I'd get to carry a gun." Detective Alexis "Serendipity" Saunders, CCPCU: "Yeah, ninjas again. What, you thought I was kidding when I said they were like rats? Man, there're places in Chinatown where you can't trip over a dog without scaring two or three ninjas out of hiding." Ninja, subtitled from the (mostly) Japanese: "<> Whiite-Cass-lu, <> soundo-bit'e, <>" Crucible Transit Authority Spokesman, speaking from office: "We would like to remind the viewers that in spite of the occasional robot attack, Crucible City public transit is still the safest choice for your daily commute, for you... and for the environment. Come on, Crucible! Let's give it a whirl!" Corporate, in front of smoldering bridge covered in torched cars and robot hulks, with traumatized-looking child behind: "But if you do drive to work in your own vehicle, be sure to carpool so that the robot hordes have to divide their fire, giving you a better chance to live! Even more importantly, carpooling conserves our nation's precious petroleum reserves. Remember: when you RIDE ALONE, you RIDE with COUNT URIZEN! And be sure to wear your safety belt! Little Timmy here did... and he hasn't got a scratch, even though he fell through a worldsplitting pandimensional vortex!" Little Timmy: "They are lean and athirst!! My god, it's full of stars! I see... EVERYTHING!" Corporate: "Good job, Timmy! You've remembered to... Keep Watching the Skies!" ==============================================================================