========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/1 Posted Author Cat-5 Attrocities Sun Dec 05 Reporter (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Headline: Cat-5 Attrocities Mount! A recent study of Cat-5 related incidents across the nation has been released with shocking results. Cat-5 is rapidly replacing crack as the drug of choice for the underprivledged, the study shows. Since its first appearance a few short months ago Cat-5 has proven lucrative enough to move to every major market in the US, parts of Canada, Mexico, and overseas. The drug has a unique effect on those possessing no metahuman powers; it temporarily grants them the same sort of abilities that Power heroes and Power criminals possess. There is a price, however. In addition to feelings of intense euphoria, in addition to the rush of having metahuman powers, in addition to a marked decrease in the ability to tell right from wrong -- those that take the drug risk their lives with every dose. It is chemical Russian roulette using a six shooter with three loaded chambers. That's right, there is nearly a fifty percent mortality rate with each dose taken. The human body is literally burnt out like a fuse handling a load it was not designed for. The latest attrocity? Dog fighting. Several dog fighting rings in Texas, and Florida were discovered to have started injecting their animals with Cat-5 prior to matches. Unconfirmed incidents have been mentioned in several other states. According to a study by the FDA, the drug has no impact on Powers, other than mild nausea and headaches. The drug has been linked to every major drug distribution network currently extant; Italian Mafia, Chinese Tongs, Jamaican Posses, Japanese Yakuza, and so on. At present the authorities have had little success in locating the source of the drug, though the wide distribution seems to indicate that it is very well organized. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/2 Posted Author Fight on Museum Campus Sun Dec 05 Reporter (Anya) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yesterday, the campus of Crucible's Field Museum witnessed a brief yet brutal bout of brawling as the powers known as Lynx and the Ultimate attempted to subdue one Doctor Donald Thomas. A third power, name unknown, as also present at the scene, but departed with Lynx before the police arrived. The Ultimate remained behind to answer questions. Reports confirm that Thomas went berserk whilst under the influence of a dangerous magical artifact, believed to be Thulian in origin. Thomas is said to have smashed through a laboratory wall as well as torn up the campus's concrete paving, although there were no civilian casualties. Eyewitnesses claim that the fight ended when the artifact emitted a blinding flash of blue light, throwing Thomas back against a brick wall and knocking him unconscious. The Ultimate expressed his relief that Thomas was not killed in the incident. Thomas is presently in hospital, suffering from multiple injuries. (OOC: Questions to Geir.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/3 Posted Author Toy Plant Kept Open Mon Dec 06 Reporter (IC: ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City (AP) The Dawn Patrol member known as Mountain made a charitable appearance at a bizarre confluence of environmentalists attempting to raise money for a habitat for "The Magma Moose" and a scholarship fund for children killed by super villains. He is quoted as saying of the teams recent activities in Greece, "I'm...ah..i uh.. I teleported here, sort of.." Experts on Powers phenomena believe that the recent changes in his appearance might have given him new and miraculous powers. A brief attempt by the presumed host, billionare playboy Dillard "Mac" williams to scold his nephew from stealing a chocolate Moose head resulted in said moose head being stuck in his chest. Picture of a billionare with a chocolate moose head in his chest. Crowd Control was handled by Officer Cleopatra Fox, and several of the VIP's made mention of her impressive handling of an otherwise potentially akward situation. On page 7-8, fairly far back but not in the "Cheese and Wicker" section of the paper. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/7 Posted Author LPZ Festival of Lights Opens! Tue Dec 14 Reporter (The Phantasm) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City (AP) This holiday season, Lincoln Park Zoo has opened its gates to the public after dark, to reveal a wintry wonderland of lights and music the whole family is sure to enjoy. Local artists and zoo staff alike have decorated the grounds with a fantastical array of snow and ice sculptures, bright lights, and festive decorations, while carolers and magicians stroll the paths, and local talent performs seasonal selections and family-friendly popular music on the stage in the central courtyard. Come enjoy the celebration of the season! The Festival of Lights is open from dusk until 8pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday until Christmas Eve. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children over two. Children under two are free. The donation of a can of pet food is worth $1 off the admission price. All proceeds benefit the Crucible City Zoological Society and the Crucible City Humane Society. (Posted on the front page of the 'Local' section in the paper.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/8 Posted Author Christmas Chaos on Magnificent Mil Wed Dec 15 Reporter (Haley) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Christmas shopping along the Magnificent Mile was interrupted violently on Tuesday evening as Powered men and women in ancient Greek costume staged an attack on several Powered teenagers known to be members of the Teen Machine. Eyewitnesses say the assailants appeared from nowhere and quickly targeted a young woman who was later identified as Moonshadow of the Teen Machine. Also known as Akilina Paschalis, the young Power is also a student at the King Academy for Gifted Youth. Quick action on behalf of her speedster teammates Blitz and Mach achieved in getting nearly all bystanders out of the line of fire. Also assisting the young heroes were their teammates the Druid and Geir Varaksson and another, unknown power young lady that may or may not be part of the Teen Machine franchise. The assailants fled the scene of the attack when it appeared that the Teen Machine members were going to subdue them and win the fight. One man was left behind when the others fled the scene. He is now in the custody of the Crucible City Police Department. They have yet to release his identity to the press. Property damage from the fight was minimal, though one young woman was reported seriously injured in the assault, but the paper was unable to ascertain her name or her status since she was not checked into any of the local hospitals. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/9 Posted Author Legal Updates Wed Dec 15 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Jury selection began this weekend in the matter of Illinois vs Ritterman, and has immediately taken a rather metaphysical turn, the issue of spiritual possession crucial to the defense's case. The stakes are very high: Genevieve Ritterman, better known as the nature-spirit collective Vila, faces an extensive list of charges including the first degree murder of two Crucible City police officers amidst countless property damage and indirect threat to life. It is widely accepted that the death penalty will be on the table in this case if Ritterman is found guilty of charges. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/10 Posted Author Teen Machine Saves Santa! Thu Dec 16 Reporter (Blitz) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Teen Machine Saves Santa! A sudden attack by what witness described as giant, fire-breathing reindeer at the Santa Pavillion at the Clear Skies Mall was halted by members of the Teen Machine, who were taking time out of their crime-fighting duties to assist Santa in handing out gifts and candy to visiting Orphans from the Wandering Acres Orphanage, based out of crucible. While handing out presents and candy cane to the young children, the eight-year-old Alcatraz escapee known as Peekaboo struck, creating the illusion of giant reindeer attacking the pavillion after emerging from the Lourves and Naylor department store. While civilians called the authorities, Teen Machine Members Sunstorm, The Druid, Mach, and Geir faced down the illusionary monsters while longtime member Blitz got the children to safety. Peekaboo was eventually discovered not far from the scene of the attack, and apprehended with no causalties to report. Given to the proper authorities and CFS by the Teen heroes, Peekaboo is already being arragned on several counts of assault and robbery, in addition to being sent back to the famed Power prison facility. 'Santa,' when asked, had this to say. "Well, I know one bad little boy who will get coal in his stocking this year, and I want to thank those young Powers for both stopping him, and helping those less fortunate during this holiday season." (OOC: Questions go to Geir, Benjamin, Kyle, Zoe, and Killian.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/11 Posted Author Letter to the Editor Fri Dec 17 Reporter (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Editor: I find it truely appalling that we as a nation have no recourse but to send minor children to a power containment facility such as Alcatraz. While I've no doubt the facility has evolved since my time there, and clearly Peekaboo is a menace to society, I cannot escape the thought that Alcatraz is an adult facility, full of adult felons. At the very best, a child incarcerated there is unlikely to be rehabilitated. More realistically he is likely to become a victim of his prisonmates at any given moment, if he has not already. Surely a nation such as ours can afford to erect a facility for powered juviniles as well. -Dr. Amileah Tomas ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/12 Posted Author Detective for Hire! Sat Dec 18 Reporter (Cassandra) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A small ad appears in a number of local publications around Crucible: LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? Perhaps I can help. Experienced and street-wise investigator available for consultations. No case is too small or bizarre! All inquiries welcome. CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED Contact Cassandra Kane at 555-0136 ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/13 Posted Author Bank Robbery Foiled Sun Dec 19 Reporter (Torius) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Arcane Memorial Bank was assaulted last night around 6PM by two erstwhile criminals; one armored wonder calling himself D-Day, and a skilled martial artist going by the name of Stick. The intervention of The Ultimate and newcomer Energy Lass kept the situation under control, and hastily detained the criminals. Eyewitness reports claimed that there was a ghost involved, but there is no confirmation on that. Noone sustained injuries, and, miraculously, the building did not either. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/14 Posted Author 2nd Page: Drug Deal Gone Bad Thu Dec 23 Reporter (Terry) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ At approximately 11 PM on the 23rd of December, residents near the lower-income neighborhood known as 'Slag Valley' were awakened by the sounds of an explosion. Police say it was what appeared to be a bombing of an apartment made to look like the explosion of the drug lab that was contained therein, apparently to cover up the signs of a burglary. Police are investigating why such effort was made to cover up the theft of already illegal money, but so far few leads have been found. Several local Powers appeared to respond to the explosion and discovered eight paramilitary criminals attempting to flee the scene with a briefcase full of drug money exceeding $8,750. None of the Powers remained to be interviewed or to file reports with the police, but they are not suspected of any wrongdoing. One man was seriously injured while another received blunt self-inflicted injuries from slamming into a fencepost. Four of the men are claiming whiplash from a jeep accident. <> ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/15 Posted Author Santa Rampage Terrifies Children Fri Dec 24 Reporter (Rachelle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible's Chinatown was the scene for chaos last night when when a twelve-foot 'Santa Claus' decoration came to life and climbed down from a toy ship to begin attacking children nearby. Electric girl Shock was on hand to shield them from the immediate assault and she was quickly joined by other Powers; including eco-fighter Spade, a bird-like man who gave his name as Karusu Tengu, and an armoured man called Burnes. The giant Santa proved to be animated by a strange kind of highly toxic slime that burned anything it contacted and at first seemed highly resistant to the heros' attacks. The slime creature finally exploded when a bomb detonated inside it but a containing forcefield had been erected and prevented toxic waste being showered over the area. The slime was finally transferred to a truck to be disposed of by local Power Junkyard Dragon. During the fight, the Powers also attacked and brought down an apparent bystander - a young girl later revealed to be Power-villain Chinadoll. Captured by Spade in a nearby shop, Chinadoll is now in custody. Motives behind the attack are yet to be determined, but there are rumours that the toxic-slime creature was a clone of a similar creature known as 'Sludge' and that Chinadoll was attempting to escape with a blood sample from one of the Powers present. (OOC: Follow-ups to Ancel. Thanks to all present for a fun scene!) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/16 Posted Author Black Market Organ Smuggling Ring Sat Dec 25 Reporter (IC: Omega Tech Labs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Christmas Eve found police working overtime in Slag Valley when they responded to a call placed by two of Crucible City's acting Powers. Though police say their report still has several gaps and investigation is ongoing, they also attribute the call to a break in a Power-organ smuggling case. According to sources, Power-organ smuggling on the black market is a rising racket run by the mob. Wanted suspect Mr. Vito (alias Mr. V) was apprehended on the scene, along with large cases of black market organs. The case-breaking call was placed by Geir, a member of the Teen Machine, and an actual machine by the name of Burnes. Burnes was quoted as saying "My actions here were justified, right? There's sufficient evidence aganist these parties. No further comment." Witnesses also point to a third Power that matches the description of Dawn Patrolman "Mountain." The Dawn Patrol could not be reached for comment. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/17 Posted Author Retrofit Snatches Prisoner Sat Dec 25 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (In the Crucible City Enquirer, dated yesterday:) Powered criminal Fast-Forward (Valerie Kelly) was snatched abruptly from the quarters of Judge Hilary Reinhart this evening by none other than inventor-at-large Retrofit (Martin August) and the electrical Apparatus (unknown). Witnesses, including a shaken court reporter and Miss Kelly's attorney, claim that the pair simply materialized out of thin air and conducted a brief but urgent discussion with the speedster before all three disappeared in a shower of sparks. Locked in a field of silence, their exchange was not privy to recording, though security cameras picked up intermittent shots of both women speaking. Retrofit remained out of camera angle. Investigators are attempting to translate lip motions into words; in addition to the hope that this will glean some hint of purpose or destination, there is some question from the series of events as to whether Miss Kelly departed of her own volition. As Fast-Forward, Valerie Kelly was a key member of Timewriter's inner circle and was forefront of many of their assaults. Out of costume, she was a primary recruiter and public relations face for the associated sect known as the Hand. She apparently underwent a change of faith and shared some key information with local Powers that aided in the discovery of the inner circle's base. Common reports have her and Martin August as long-term close friends. Retrofit served as the circle's gadgeteer, crafting an assortment of devices for purposes from mind control to teleportation, and was also acknowledged as Timewriter's significant other. He was taken into custody in the final assault. Kelly and August both escaped from the Pound during the Prince Primeval incident, along with colleague Foresight (Rachel Guerre), presently believed to have fled the country. Kelly returned of her own free will, though she refused to discuss her activities outside of custody. Her meeting with Judge Reinhart was meant to be a final discussion before sentencing. Though bystanders swear that they were caught in that room for at least four or five minutes, long enough for a detailed conversation between the trio of Powers, outside observation - and chronological possibility - have deduced that the disturbance lasted no more than three or four seconds. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/18 Posted Author Hero Fights Hero In River West Mon Dec 27 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Patrons of the Fourth National Bank in River West are shaken but unharmed after a hostage incident apparently provoked by the Power Chessboard, a shadow-and-light controller known for his heroics in Iowa and Missouri. Reports indicate that Quintessence of the Dawn Patrol and Spade of Aequitas Viridis confronted the assailant, with his mysterious teammate Ix Balam and Teen Machine heroes Delirium, the Druid and Geir ready for the attack. Quintessence fired, the Druid shielded the hostages, Geir and Ix Balam subdued Chessboard ... and the scene erupted into chaos as Spade attacked the void controller, the Druid fired at the empty space presumed to contain the jaguar-woman, and hero turned to face hero in a bizarre sequence of events that ended as an activation of power revealed two reptilian creatures, apparently insubstantial, who dove out of sight into the earth. Delirium and Geir stopped an apparent third being from escaping with their teammate, though the creature vanished sight unseen. It is believed these entities controlled the heroes from within, including the misfortunate Chessboard. Delirium has confirmed this with a statement that the hero was possessed and not in control of his own actions. In light of this evidence and matching circumstances, the selkie-like Tide, involved in a previous incident, has also been released on his own recognizance - his twin Current is still at large. Citing jurisdiction, an unidentified government agency has pre-empted this investigation. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/19 Posted Author Template returns! Mon Dec 27 Reporter (Anne) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yesterday evening Hyde Park saw a return of the villain believed to go by the name of 'Template'. This white-suited villain appeared in the park and cast a pall of darkness over the area, then challenged all local Powers to attack him while shooting columns of flame into the air. He is known to use multiple clone-bodies of himself and at least five of these appeared this evening. Several local heroes responded, notably Alpha Girl and Captain Chicago engaging in aerial combat with a couple of these duplicates, while The Statistic, Sprite, Karasu and an unknown invisible entity engaged those on the ground. The heroes were able to stop the menace with minimal damage to property and no loss of life, though the villain seemed to be solely targeting them. Indeed, the motivation behind Template's challenge to the heroes of the city is still a mystery, despite multiple appearances within the city. There were some reports of invisible cameramen filming the scene with the powers, and some speculation that Template's abilities seem to be imitations of those possessed by other heroes he has fought previously. If these rumors are true he may be a menace to be reckoned with, increasing in ability with each ability used against him. If you have any information concering this villain's activities, please contact the police immediately. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/20 Posted Author Le Promenade Disturbance Wed Dec 29 Reporter (Mercury) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Le Promenade, the expensive and designer clothing store in Crucible City's merchant district, was met with a serious disturbance tonight. A man in a trenchcoat, known as a billiards hustler and former military man named 'Target' murdered the owner, Jonothan Winkler, in cold blood, in front of countless witnesses. Soon after, during the commotion, a man on a flying disc (and covered in discs) flew threw the window after exploding something outside. Fortunately, the scene was over almost as soon as it started. A mysterious man with a gun shot the disc out from under the compact criminal, who was then knocked out cold by Teen Machine's own mythical teenager, Geir. Just before that and immediately after Mr. Winkler's murder, a ghostly woman knocked out Target, who was distracted by Captain Chicago. Aside from the death of Mr. Winkler, no casualties were suffered. Thanks goes out to the heroes involved, known or not. Services will be held for Mr. Winkler on Wednesday the 5th at 2PM at Arcane Memorial Graveyard. He has been issued full Military honors. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/21 Posted Author Ad Thu Dec 30 Reporter (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hero Outfitters, Inc. Supplies, Technology,and Costumes for the Discerning Hero Custom Engineering, Robots Repaired,Vehicles Built, Horses Shoed Dr. Amileah A. Tomas, Prop. Located in the old Chapel of St. Jude, Millgate, Crucible City, IL ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/22 Posted Author Mafia Enforcement disrupted! Thu Dec 30 Reporter (Spade) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Not on the front page, but still rating a decent-sized article) Fixit Frank's automotive shop was the site of an apprent attempt at territorial expansion by mafia elements yesterday evening. Prominently featured in the sudden outburst of violence were known bosses Mr. Alloy and The Mob, leading a pack of their associates to allegedly attempt to extract protection money from Fixit Frank. The previously named owner of the shop refused to cooperate and property damage ensued as coercion was employed. Fortunately for Fixit Frank, several local heroes were on the scene to prevent this expansion from taking place- Jade Tiger , Geir Varaksson of Teen Machine, Dr. Atomic (owner of Hero Outfitters, Inc.), Arachne, Spade of Aequitas Viridis, and a new hero known only by the name of "Slick" were able to deter and defeat the assault, arresting all members of their cohort. Slick was able to generate oil patches matching his chosen namesake that disabled the majority of the thugs through most of the battle while Jade Tiger and Spade cleaned up several of the remainder. Arachne snared one of The Mob's duplicates while Geir knocked out Mr. Alloy after Dr. Atomic turned a BMW into a magnetic resonator which froze his ferrous body in place. A great deal of property damage was done to Fixit Frank's shop but it is quite likely that civil damages will be recouped in court. Mr. Alloy and The Mob are currently out on bail; there is no word on their associates in this incident. ((Thanks to Vinnie, Geir, Ashleigh, Amileah, and Anne for coming out late at night to whomp some villains with me! Special thanks to Vinnie for letting us use his uncle's shop!)) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/23 Posted Author Legacy Found Dead Sun Jan 02 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune) Stephanie Fairstone, daughter of the prominent pre-Event hero and local celebrity, The Spirit of Chicago, was found dead in her father's townhouse by a neighbor in the early morning today. The Spirit, otherwise known as Brendon Fairstone, was a street level vigilante reknowned through Chicago circles prior to the Event for his enormous efforts in fighting the drug boom of the early eighties. Like many, however, he disappeared in the still unexplained "Event", leaving a his wife and 26 year old daughter. Stephanie, clerical lawyer at Crucible mega-firm, Fisher and Associates, was found shot by neighnor, Beatrice Carmichael, at 8:46 AM after the neighbor noticed her car still in the driveway. While the investigation into the culprit is still underway by police officials, no suspects have been named nor any possible motive. Speculation ranges from a random killing to one of the Spirit's former enemies exacting some sort of posthumous revenge. Of particular interest to Police is the pair of gimmick handcuffs left at the crime scene. It is possible this crime is related to a similar death several months ago, of one Brody Martin, the son of Golden Age hero Millenium Man where a similar set of handcuffs were found. (Questions @request to Plot) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/24 Posted Author Tome Lifted From Exhibit Sun Jan 02 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) While many a New Year's resolution was begun in these past two days, it would seem that six local Powers did not resolve to relax their vigilance. Amidst its usual offerings, the Field Museum featured a traveling exhibit of Books Throughout The Ages, and one particular tome from the Renaissance era was the target of the Literalis Federation in what should have been a simple illusory bait and switch from Poetic License. When her actions were discovered by the Ultimate, her teammates Lady Genre and EBook came out the woodworks - as did the Unknown Soldier, the Whisper, Thaumaturge, Nox and the Statistic. After a rough initial volley that disabled multiple heroes, they rallied and brought down both EBook and Lady Genre, the latter of whom had been attempting to escape with the book. Unfortunately, Poetic License broke out of an induced paralysis, and teleported herself, her unconscious companion, and the desired manuscript away with the use of a cubic device. It is believed but not confirmed that a fourth Literalis member was elsewhere in the museum complex and in some way neutralized the exhibit alarms before vanishing as well. Thankfully, the quick actions of the heroes also prevented bystanders from getting caught in the crossfire. The captured EBook has been unmasked as Texan CEO Ted Christner of the company that bears his name, yet further proof of the rumored affluential character of this villainous association. Christner's legal team is presently on sight with the attendant ocean of paperwork. "Heaven forfend anyone ever capture all of the Literalis at once. The lawyers would bury us," a state legal aide quipped. On a more serious vein, the possibility exists that Christner may cut a deal, allowing some progress on a long unsolved problem. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/25 Posted Author Power Discovered In Lake Michigan Mon Jan 03 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) The body of selkie-like Power Current was discovered in Lake Michigan early this morning by an intrepid fisherman. Though the atopsy estimates she died less than ten hours prior to discovery, the cause of death is unknown: clearly not drowned, the body has no markings and there are no toxins in her system; the examiners claim "a massive shut-down of all functioning body systems" but are at a loss to explain the source. Current, a heroine from Wisconsin, was last seen assaulting a wedding party's reception boat with her twin Tide; it has since been determined that there were outside influences in the out of character assault. Due to a request by her partner and only known relative, her mundane identity is not being released to the public. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/26 Posted Author Mayor's Guard Killed Mon Jan 03 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (AP) -- Late in the afternoon of January 3rd, Henry Rollings, 32, personal Security to the Deputy Mayor of Crucible City, was killed while on duty outside the Deputy Mayor's private home in a small scale explosion. Forensics teams have determined that the attack came in the form of a bomb, placed outside the Mayor's gated house near the his security checkpoint. Of note, Police believe from fragment recovery that the bomb was craft into a plastique statue of a Courtroom Legal Scale, with two balancing dishes on each end in equilibrium. What, if any, the significance of crafting the plastic explosive in such a fashion is anyone's guess. Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were unavailable for comment but the Mayor's Office has released a statement saying that the Deputy Mayor and his family are in safe condition at an undisclosed location. A Memorial Service for Rollings, a former US Marine, will be held at City Hall within the next week. (followup's, @request to Plot) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/27 Posted Author Arbor Day Comes Early? Wed Jan 05 Reporter (Myrmidon) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUCIBLE SUN-TIMES - Living Section, January 5, 2005 (A picture of a maple tree in Lincoln Park, covered in ice.) On Tuesday, numerous Cruciblans noticed the arrival of a new tree in Lincoln Park, one that had been planted somewhat lopsidedly. Calls had been made to city services, but the impending ice storm diverted efforts to preparing the roads. When a truck was sent this morning to haul away what was expected to be a dead tree, workers found that the tree had been moved and replanted more carefully, with mulch added to both the new location and covering the hole where the tree had been yesterday. City workers told the Sun-Times that the previous location was dangerously close to a sewer line. The new tree is expected to live, although park workers will keep a close eye on it in spring to see if it has survived the winter. There were no witnesses to either the original planting or the replanting, owing to the inclement weather, but it is suspected that Powers were involved. (Just a little goofing around, if you're really curious, contact Myrmidon or Kiryu.) (Oh, and thanks to Lethick, Muriel, Monolith, Mercury and Herald for being involved in various phases of this not-actually-a-plot. :) ) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/28 Posted Author Three Month Mark Wed Jan 05 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer, Business Section, interior pages) After three successful months in the field of interdimensional exploration and acquisition, local company Indefinia has begun production on a number of small luxuries from materials discovered. Despite the heavy scrutiny the company underwent due to its stint under the nihilist Rebecca Paine and her plans of destruction, everything has passed inspection with flying colors. Young heiress Reggi Paine is said to be defiantly proud of the progress made, and did confirm rumors that the company is seeking Powers for certain of its teams. The company reportedly has measures in place to assure security while preserving secret identities. (Inquiries into company background should go to the Plot queue - interested in employment, @mail goes to Magik. Those from the prior attempt if still interested, please re-mail.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/29 Posted Author Bomb Squad Officer Hospitalized Thu Jan 06 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (AP) -- Officer Jennie Hutchinson, native of Chicago and officer in the Chicago Police Department's Bomb Squad, was hospitalized today after a terrorist attack on Police Headquarters. Police state that Officer Hutchinson was doing her daily procedure in preparation for a live testing exercise when she stumbled across a pair of novelty handcuffs on the shelf where the high density plastique explosive is stored. Apparently, the handcuffs emitted some sort of poisonous gas, but having been well trained Officer Hutchinson shielded her mouth and went immediately for the chemical shower. Police Headquarters was quarantined for the remainder of the day, but nobody else was hurt. No known terrorist or criminal parties have taken credit for the attack. (@request to Plot) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/30 Posted Author Small blurb in legal announcements Fri Jan 07 Reporter (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Atomic Sound incorporated. Dr. Amileah A. Tomas has filed to incorporate a business, her second, called Atomic Sound, Inc. Stated purpose of the business is the manufacture and sale of hand made, high end audiophile vacuum tube amplifiers. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/31 Posted Author Troubles Down South Fri Jan 07 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Found somewhere buried in the Crucible City Enquirer) The long-standing excavation site and research studying the South American lost tribe known as the Pelorain disbanded operations indefinitely after a break-in left three hospitalized and aroused the ire of the tribe. Stolen in the chaos were the contents of the mysterious Box of Stars, said to contain an artifact placed there by divine messengers. It was pursued by the inner circle of the Hand under rumors that it conferred divine power upon the bearer, but one of the keys required to open it was shattered by Fore-Ordained before it could be recovered. According to Allen Fairsburn, one of the archaeologists on-site, "there are only six people in the world who know the Pelorain civilization and their writings well enough to have opened the artifact without a full set of keys. I can't imagine this happening." Of the proported six, two - the doctors Aidan and Angeline McIntyre - have confirmed alibis in Crucible City ... in fact, the former is not out on bail after a rather dramatic attempted suicide that involved a super-powered device and threat of property damage. Investigators are already questioning the foremost experts in the field in an attempt to discern what happened. The three workers injured are currently in stable condition, and claim to a one, not only that they cannot remember a face, but that they saw no one at all. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/32 Posted Author Primeval Resurfaces! Mon Jan 10 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Formerly Deceased Villain Reclaims Throne, Aam, North Africa The notorius Power villain Prince Primeval resurfaced today after several months in hiding, making a triumphant procession through the streets of Aam, capital of the Prime Nation. Amidst the jubilant cheers of the citizens of Prime Nation, Prince Primeval announced his intention to reclaim the seat of Prime Minister of the Nation, a seat he originally held when he founded the Prime Nation nearly fifty years ago. It took only hours after his arrival for the previous Prime Minister, who had held the seat since Primeval's daughter Primeva disappeared after the Earth-N war, to step down from his position and the Prime Parliament to unanimously appoint Prince Primeval to the position. "My people," Prince Primeval stated, addressing his Nation later that day. "For fifteen long years have the lesser peoples of this world kept me from you. For fifteen years I thought of nothing more than the day when I could come amongst you once more and lead you as I was meant to. All through that time I watched you, my people, as you toiled tirelessly to secure my freedom. You have made me proud. The Prime Nation truly is worthy to carry my name. I have overcome great Powers to be here this day. I have overcome Death itself to lead this Nation into a new era. Let this day be the day that, centuries from now, scholars the world over will point to and say "That day is the day that the golden age of humanity began!" So now my people, I declare this day to be a day of feasting and rejoicing now and forever!" Immediately upon his resurfacing, a half-dozen nations filed extradition requests both with Prime Nation itself and the World Court. Legal representatives of Prime Nation swiftly countered with statements of their own, claiming that Prince Primeval, having been executed for his crimes according to US law, can no longer be held accountable for them. The legal wrangling is expected to continue for months to come but, with the battle-hardened Prime Army on full alert it is unlikely they will see results no matter the final judgement. The Prime Nation is a large nation in Northern Africa situated squarely in the center of the Sahara Desert. It was created when Prince Primeval claimed the land in the 1960s and his followers, dubbed Tribe Prime, flocked to the area to join him. Through unknown means the inhospitable desert was transformed into a lush paradise becoming one of the most fertile nations in the region and rapidly establishing itself as the bread-basket of northern Africa.. OOC:Questions or Comments should be @requested to Plot Staff ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/33 Posted Author Attack of the Killer Geodes! Thu Jan 13 Reporter (IC: ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I'll have you know Ms. That I got an astounding deal on this fine peice of Agarthan culture and work, and you will be amazed and astounded by your own ignorance. Come and see how 'fake' it really is. You professors think you're so smart. Well...we'll just see how smart they are." (editors comment) Dillard Williams was recently caught in public being photographed with a chocolate moose on his head. The opinions expressed in this paper are not those of those expressed in the letters submitted therein but weallowed this response in the interest of journalistic fairness.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/39 Posted Author Assault On The South Side Sun Jan 16 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) A bizarre and mismatched assault on a government agent Saturday evening in the South Side is believed to be the product of outside influence. The attackers - whimsical but generally benevolent hero Wolfwere, grim Insomnia known for his attacks in the southern part of the state, and former villainess Flicker, apparently reformed after a stint in the Pound - had no previous association, yet attempted in concert to remove analyst Matilda "Matty" Tremaine. They would have almost certainly succeeded were it not for the timely intervention of Energy Lass, the Whisper, Thaumaturge, Ix Balam, Mountain and a mysterious and largely invisible presence. All three Powers were quickly subdued and their would-be victim spirited to safety, although the suspected force behind the assault was not apprehended. Mrs. Tremaine has refused to discuss matters with the press. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/40 Posted Author Local Performer Injured on Stage Mon Jan 17 Reporter (Paige) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible Sun, Entertainment Section) Anne Swan, local ballet preformer, was injured Sunday evening when a stage light fell and struck her in the head while on the set of the newest rendition of Peter Rensky's "A Winter's Night Dream". Physicans at Crucible General diagonsed the twenty-three year old with a moderate concussion and recommended that she refrain from physical extertion for the next two weeks. Stage electricians discovered that the set's wiring had been tampered with and local authories have begun an investigation. The production has been temporarily suspended until Wednesday. Theather administration ask ticket holders for this period to call the box office at 867-5309 for refunds or exchanges. (OOC: Direct your legworks to Paige.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/41 Posted Author Six Killed In Harvey Mon Jan 17 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune) -- An altercation in the Industrial sector of Harvey has left six dead with gunshot wounds to the head. Police arrived after word of the gunshots was reported by a Security Guard on duty at RJF Chemicals, Inc, a plant situated a block away from "Fireside Chemicals", the location of the shooting. Fireside Chemicals went belly-up five years ago and since then their factory has been abandoned, awaiting resale. The six killed were unidentified as of yet by police, but believed to have ties to organized crime judging from evidence at the crimescene. A Detective on the site did say that the supposed hero, The Whisper, was believed to of been on scene. Whether he was responsible for the killings or not, police did not say. But he is a suspect and is wanted for questioning. The detective also cautioned that he could be armed and dangerous, and all citizens of the city are asked to alert CCPD if the vigilante is sighted. (Questions to Plot) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/42 Posted Author Wed Jan 19 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) This afternoon, a hit-and-run attack by four Powers - tentatively identified as Winterraven, Imprint, Shadowstorm and Liaison - targeted Indefinia CEO Reggi Paine, initially through the agency of a shaken Toby Barrens, who remembers the sudden compulsion to ram his Jeep onto the sidewalk before he was abruptly caught in a series of gold and silver lights. The young woman was scooped out of its path by Tien Lung before the celestial dragon and several others confronted the villains: Megiddo, two girls going by Tamiko O'Rourke and (allegedly) Nameless, Crusader and the Junkyard Dragon. Baffled by paper snares and antigravity and beaten into submission, three of the villains were successfully subdued, leaving only Liaison to vanish into the crowds. Despite being struck dead-on by a lightning blast, Miss Paine showed no signs of injury ten minutes later, prompting a reluctant admission of her status as a low-level Power. Her abilities are allegedly strictly physical in nature: an enhanced physique, swift healing, and high endurance. "Not exactly a businessman's profile," Paine dismisses in a wry voice. Of her assailants, all three who were detained possess abilities with a psionic basis - Liaison is believed to be of similar stock. The reasons and source of the attack has not yet been deemed conclusive: both Indefinia and the young Paine personally have too many potential enemies for certainty. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/43 Posted Author Chinatown Attacked!!! Wed Jan 19 Reporter (Shiao-Min) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Late Wednesday evening, Chinatown played host to a devastating attack orchastrated by persons unknown and enacted by rotting, hell-spawned Oni. While the details of the attack remain sketchy, what is clear is the fact that Feing's Automotive was the target of the assault. According to officers on the scene, the head of Hamatsu Jin, mascott to Shanghai Knights was delivered to the team's leaders, Tien Lung and Junkyard Dragon. Alexandra Feing-Carter, daughter of Shanghai Knight leaders, Tien Lung and Junkyard Dragon, is reported to have been kidnapped by the perpetrators of the attack. Also numbered amongst the dead, is one one Jimmy Hansen, age 23, the UPS delivery man who had the unfortunate task of delivering the severed to the Knights. According to reports on scene, the delivery vehicle and several surrounding vehicles suffered violent spontaneous combustion. While the cause is currently under investigation, explosive devices have not been ruled out. In the wake of the devastating attack, Chinatown was left with one dead, thirty-seven injured and a kidnapped child. Niether Tien Lung, nor Junkyard Dragon were available to comment. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/44 Posted Author In The Land of Cheese ... Fri Jan 21 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Misalagua, Wisconsin - Cathmor Biotech is left with extensive damage after a series of internal explosions decimated its laboratories. The assailants, a group of six Powers spear-headed by a mentalist by the moniker of Mindset and assisted by Retrofit associate Apparatus, evidently marked and teleported out several million dollars' worth of lab equipment before herding the employees into the main atrium and singling out its chief executives for a retributive strike. Besides the aforementioned pair, two by the name of Whiplash and Scintilla were on-site - the remaining number, Mercurial and Surplus, evidently vanished before the final encounter. With local Powers conveniently detained at a false "bank robbery" several miles away, the authorities were left in a stand-off until aid arrived from Crucible City - one long drive for most, but one quick hop for Tempest, Shadowstrike, Ix Balam, Blue Diamond, Ninagal and a rumored Sidhe prince. With the speedster and the teleporting Ninagal quick to sweep civilians out of the way, the others engaged the villains with sorcery and the force of arms. Though Blue Diamond was momentarily subdued by Mindset's powerful psychic assault, he paid the mentalist back in kind, and despite the slashing profusion of knives launched by Whiplash, the heroes prevailed with the help of a little cover of darkness from the shadow manipulator. Unfortunately, the spinning villain snatched his fallen comrade away at the last second with a teleportation device. Scintilla beat a similar retreat, leaving Apparatus to a failed external teleport and the hands of the victors. Apparently, all six Powers responsible for the attack on the company were former volunteers under the Cathmor auspices, but the company powers that be will not admit to anything about what might have happened behind closed doors and will not release the relevant records. This despite impending government subpoena and the potentially life-threatening consequences of whatever the villains forced down the throats of the two executives. On a related note, the principles in the diversionary robbery at the heart of town have already been dubbed the Temporists due to each of the four displaying some specialized knack in temporal manipulation, but have not been further identified. Ix Balam of the Dawn Patrol, a somewhat ghoulish sight bloodied and with costume ripped, remained behind to speak with authorities. "It was relatively local, and no one had officially responded yet. I thought it would be a minor concern ... but I'm glad the others showed up." She also added that the two victims were being examined and treated at Eos station. (As I post this, it is almost 4am. Any idiocies are a direct result of the hour. ;-)) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/45 Posted Author Zombies at Sears! Sat Jan 22 Reporter (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City (AP) - The heroes Kiryu, Vic Vector, Atalanta, and billionare Blake former sponsor of Blake's seven joined forces with a giant 7 foot tall grasshopper to fight a bunch of zombie paragliders that landed on to of the Sears tower attempting to place a mystical artifact there. Atalanta flew the artifact harmlessly away as it began to crack and it was seen burning up in the atmosphere over Crucible City. All the zombies were obliterated to a one, and despite the smoke and tear gas, all civilians got out uninjured. The zombies are BELIEVED to have been a squad from the Black Brigade, though how they became zombies or if they were indeed from the Black Brigade remains unknown since there was little left to identify on the bodies. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/46 Posted Author Earthquake By Navy Pier! Mon Jan 24 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer - though only one of many papers reporting this event:) Navy Pier lies in wreckage and confusion with the Crystal Gardens atrium shattered and many of its signature buildings damaged, along with the decimation of several specialty shops in the vicinity after a localized earthquake. The quake lasted less than half a minute and hospitals are reporting numerous injuries, but no fatalies. "Crucible City citizens have no idea how to react in an earthquake," a city safety official said. "We are lucky the situation wasn't worse - and for the heroism of those Powers who braced the Ferris Wheel before it could topple." The cause of the earthquake was a device held by a quartet of villainous Powers: Whiplash and Incandescence - both associated with the attack on Cathmor Biotech in Misalagua, Wisconsin, the latter as part of the Temporist diversion - and a pair of mercenaries not formerly established as Powers. The Unknown Soldier, Roadsign Ronin, Symbiont, a Sidhe noble, Atalanta, and the paper-manipulating Lignin divided their attentions between keeping civilians out of harm's way and bracing the villains. Though only Atalanta was able to overcome the scientific swiftness of Incandescence's evasions to score a hit, Whiplash fared worse, eventually dropped by the Sidhe, whom seemed to have particular quarrel with him. This prompted Incandescence to throw down the earthquake device and grab her compatriot, teleporting out. This left the mercenary pair behind, and the telekinetic woman was quickly subdued by Symbiont and the other caught just before he could vanish through a wall. Faced with a complex device with several controls and the threat of worse disaster with the press of a wrong button, the Unknown Soldier went the brute force route and promptly smashed it - a bit of quick thinking that severed the connections and caused the quake to subside as quickly as it had begun. The reasons for the assault, however, remain a mystery. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/47 Posted Author EL TORO RAMPAGES! Mon Jan 24 Reporter (Yuria) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible Sun-Times (Picked up by the AP) AP Today in Crucible City, the powered villainous luchador, El Toro rampaged once more. Eyewitnesses say that the incident started when Herald Meeks, owner of Meeks Hardware, was thrown from an alleyway and onto the sidewalk. Two powers came to the man's rescue: Geir, proclaiming himself loudly and clearly a member of the Teen Machine, as well as Shadowstrike who, reports say, flung darkness and shadows around, teleporting on more than one occasion. While there is relatively little damage, especially considering what El Toro is known to be able to do, some damage was caused when El Toro through the young Geir through the air, knocking the flying woman into a building. Inspectors have already been by and say it was minor superficial damage. When asked about the battle in the street, Geir had this to say, "Twas a good fight, to be sure. The villain wast quite strong. But ultimately, the conclusion wast a foregone conclusion! Maybe one day he wilt have the skill to fight with such as us, but methinks tis a poor bet, he wast dull enow before I further addled his brains!" "Why am I helping to protect Crucible? Because I can. And because this city is full of people who need protection from idiots like this guy - bullies and crooks, the whole lot of 'em," commented Shadowstrike on why she's come to Crucible City as a power. The Crucible City Police Department was able to safely take El Toro away to be held at their headquarters for booking before beign taken to the Pound awaiting his trial on assult charges the District Attorney's office said. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/48 Posted Author Stoneseer Situation Tue Jan 25 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) The Honorable Order of Stoneseers, a Crucible-based sect who have proclaimed themselves the guardians of a mystical artifact embedded in city bedrock, was attacked yesterday evening by members of the Literalis Federation. The villains seemed to have no intentions of harming the believers, disabling them with a nasty but temporary contagion, and focused rather on the artifact. Drawn by mystical emanations or perhaps by chance, Façade, a Sidhe noble, a plant-controller tentatively identified as Kudzu, Shadowstrike, Ix Balam and the Manitou happened upon the scene and found the first of the sect members unconscious on the floor. Their descent encountered Lady Genre and Necronomicon on sentry, and Enchiridion, the Literalis seer, inspecting the artifact. Not known for his presence in the field, it would seem to have been demanded by the natural obscure field the crystal emanated, making remote investigation an impossibility. Whether or not the group had planned or could have attempted a subsequent removal of the artifact is unknown as battle was joined. Though initially dealt a swift blow by Necronomicon's contagion, the heroes swiftly countered, a hail of blows delivered upon Necronomicon and Lady Genre even as the Manitou caught and grabbed Enchiridion - but only for a moment. To a one, the Literalis retreated into a sanctuary alcove meant for meditation, which abruptly vanished along with the villains, revealing it had been a false construction worn over the form of the actual stone enclave. Though never seen, the presence of a fourth Literalis - believed to be the elusive Point of View - was confirmed in the last moments when she called out the phrase to activate their disappearance. The Honorable Order of Stoneseers is livid over the assault, and extends heartfelt thanks to the Powers who drove off the defilers. Unfortunately, none of the believers seems to have been in a position to shed further light on the situation. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/49 Posted Author Ninjas From Another Dimension! Wed Jan 26 Reporter (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City (AP) A group of Ninjas from a traveling interdimensional airship tried to raid the Analx chemical plant for supplies. However, they were stopped by a group of heroes including Artemis, Jade Tiger, Captain Chicago, Outlaw and a mysterious flying woman not yet identified that police are calling, "Flying Powder Blue Coat Girl" for now. The ninjas attempted to plant small teleportation gates to suck the chemicals directly into their ship, but were stopped from doing so by spontaneously generated force fields. It is not known if this was some malfunction of the ninja's defenses. The airship attacked the heroes with a massive energy cannon, briefly and moderately injuring Captain Chicago and Outlaw, who both quickly recovered. Captain Chicago single handedly grabbed the airship and set it down over a nearly abandonded park, punching a hole in the side so that they could not get away. Jade Dragon, Artemis and Flying Powder Blue Coat Girl all helped rescue ninjas trapped in the flames, and the CC fire department put the flames out in relatively quick order. The dimensional raiders are currently in the Pound. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/50 Posted Author Mutant Poodles Attack! Wed Jan 26 Reporter (IC: Vasiliy's Mansi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City Enquirer Just another day in Crucible City and another of those events we are all so glad to have Powers around for. An event taking place this morning at Warner's Meat Packing Plant, near to the recently quake-ravaged Pier. An event involving four Giant Mutant Poodles out for meat! The leader (not to mention the mother) of these blood-thirsty creatures, affectionately nicknamed Fluff-Fluff by one of cops at the scene, appears to be a vicious poodle the size of a horse. With her however were three mutant puppies of significant size and strength, one covered in fire, another in icy coldness, and the third with electricity! Luckily, three Powers were on the scene when plant workers came running out after seeing the creatures, who had apparently come in out of hunger. The three, including our city's very own Captain Chicago, Teen Machine's mace-wielding Geir, and a woman with fire-red hair wielding a sign pole and sorcery, managed to subdue all four berserk canines, trapping them there unconscious until the Powered Crimes Unit could be called in and figure out a way to transfer them, no pun intended, to The Pound, where they're to be studied in hopes of determining what could cause such freakish mutations. All in all, a job well done for those three Powers, whom the plant workers are all extending their undying thanks towards, especially one particularly shaky one named Bob Thacker. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/51 Posted Author HQ Survivor and 3 Police Dead Thu Jan 27 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune) Crucible City Police Officer Jennie Hutchinson, survivor of the recent gas attack on the CCPD Police Headquarters was released from the hospital on Monday. Now, Wednesday morning, she is reported dead alongside her Police escort of three. Officers Tom Palmer, 31, Michael Smith, 26, and Cynthia Johnston, 29, assigned with Police protection for Hutchinson, a member of Crucible City's Bomb Squad who was recovering from the nerve gas released in the CCPD Bomb Squad Storage Room from a pair of novelty handcuffs several weeks ago, are also dead. Police are attributing the death of Hutchinson to a car bombing, her 1996 Honda Accord exploding outside her downtown apartment complex. Palmer was in the car with Hutchinson, presumably to drive, while her other two police protectors were found shot dead within her home. More alarming, Police say, is what was left behind at the crime scene -- a spray painted message on her apartment wall that read in disjointed, rotating capital and color letters, "ISn'T tHiS fUn? This is a HOMICIDE, pigs." Beneath the message, a .45 calibre handgun was left. Asked for comment, Detective Richard Henderson said, "I've never seen anything like this. But we're working on it. Clearly some sick, twisted, individual is out there and trying to mess with not only the innocent people in this city, but Crucible's finest. Trust me, we take this very personally when four cops are killed." Further, asked if there was a connection to the gas attack of some weeks ago, Henderson gave a gruff, "No comment" before closing off the crime scene. (Questions? @request to Plot) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/52 Posted Author Phantama Captured Fri Jan 28 Reporter (Yuria) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible Chronicle Last evening, (January 27, 2005) the powered criminal know as Phantama struck outside of the King Academy, a private boarding school within Crucible City. Several powers happened to be on the scene, likely saving the school and it's students from harm. Attacking the Scion of the Teen Machine, Geir, Phantama then went on to bring to life the fear of two others in the area, both students at the Academy. Both Delirium and Geir of the Teen Machine were able to assist each other in defeating the illusionist, Delirium using her own power of illusion to counter those of Phantama's. Even the two attacked King Academy students helped in a small manner by distracting the powered villain. The students, who are both minors and their identities were not released, are reported to be fine, shaken, but recovering from the ordeal. The Crucible City Powered Crimes Unit has taken Phantama into custody on assult charges, as well as under the arrest warrant for escaping from prison in 2004 when Prince Primeval reappeared and escaped from the Gibbons Powered Detention Facility. The CCPCU had no comment to make as of press time. <> ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/53 Posted Author Reuters Report Sun Jan 30 Reporter (Forge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NEW YORK CITY (Reuters) - Reports filter in through various sources that late in the evening on January 30th, 2005, the Dawn Patrol struck the Primevia Dention Center in the Prime Nation. Details remain sketchy at this time; however, Prime Minister Prince Primeval has lodged a complaint with the United States government, and diplomats are pushing for extradition. According to Prime Minister Prince Primeval, the Dawn Patrol is responsible for ten deaths within the facility. Prime Minister Primeval called upon Dr. John Martinez of the World Health Organization to verify the remains and has produced a video display of their actions within the facility. Disbelief runs rampant among world circles, including the governments of Greece and France; the United Stats government has made no statement at this time. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/54 Posted Author WWG Tue Feb 01 Reporter (Colony) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Weekly World Gazette) TURF WAR IN MINI-MALL BETWEEN CYBORG NINJAS, DEMONS, AND HYPER-INTELLIGENT MONKEYS: S-MART TRASHED! At approximately 8:30 pm on January 31st, a war broke out in the Windy Vale mini-mall on Lee Street in Crucible City. Witnesses reported seeing gun wielding apes and gorillas fighting a demon with a bone sword and a cybernetic martial artists. After the battle was over, the apes were all dead and the local S-Mart was vandalized. Through our own investigative reporting, that we learned that there was a cold war brewing between these three factions for months, each wanting the mini-mall for themselves. In the end, according to eye-witness accounts, it was a draw between the cyborg-ninjas and the demons, with the apes defeated and taken by a secret government agency (Perhaps for a new super soldier program?). When questioned, the Crucible City police department declined comment. Perhaps they have something to hide? ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/55 Posted Author Earthquake - City Hall! Tue Feb 01 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Another ominous and artificial earthquake leaves extensive damage at the heart of Crucible City this evening, most dramatically a deep-earth fissure right up to the entrance of City Hall. Once more triggered by villains associated with Retrofit (Martin August), their leader made an announcement up the steps that seemed to confirm suspicions that August had delivered a private ultimatum to the mayor threatening continued quakes until the release of Apparatus (Elaine Devereaux). The culprits, Mindset and Surplus from the assault on Cathmor Biotech, were backed up by a mercenary tentatively identified as Virgil Stevens. Even before the quake was triggered, Karasu, Freebird (formerly villainess PopStarr, supposedly turned over a new leaf), Shadowstrike, an individual going by Prince Conall, and El Santo Nuevo were on the scene to challenge them, and fought through the ravages of the earth to halt the device and free the villains. Other influences are suspected but not confirmed. No sooner had the conflict begun then heroes and villains begin to play a game of "musical device" with the earthquake generator, shifting from Stevens to an animate shadow to Mindset and then to the hands of Karasu, who smashed it and once more halted the unnatural disaster. While Freebird wearied the villains and the sidhe prince called out commands, they responded with psychic assault and crafted objects formed out of nowhere, while the formerly Powerless mercenary seemed to have acquired supernatural dexterity and a choking touch. Neither their powers nor the quake kept them from losing, El Santo Nuevo subduing Surplus without harm mere moments after she caused Mindset to vanish from the scene. While taken into custody, however, the two remaining villains never reached the Pound. A phase beam locked onto them mid-transit and activated before it could be countered. Authorities have vowed to institute counter-measures to prevent a repetition of the incident and are anxious for any further information on the escapees. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/56 Posted Author Pound Escape Tue Feb 01 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Authorities are scouring the city after the escape of the Scarlet Thorn (Shenita Clovis) from the Pound early this morning. Apparently, a glitch in the generator systems cut power to her cell, allowing her to jump an unsuspecting Pound guard by the name of Brian Heyman. Heyman received a thorn through the carotid artery and died on the scene. Clovis' present location is unknown and, according to an investigator on the scene, "the woman is an expert in disguise. She can and has been known to look like anyone. If she lays low and stays mundane, the probability is very high we will never find her." As a member of the villain team known as the Pack, the Scarlet Thorn was complicit in the Vila's attempt to subdue the city by supernatural storm. While authorities encourage anyone with information to come forward, they strongly advise against confronting the villain in any way. "The Thorn has shown no compunction in immediately resorting to lethal blows and a callous disregard for the sanctity of life. The death of Brian Heyman represents the first time she has crossed the line into cold-blooded killer, but I'm afraid not the last." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/57 Posted Author Reuters Report Tue Feb 01 Reporter (Forge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NEW YORK CITY (Reuters) - In the wake of the controversy over the alleged deaths within Prime Nation, a variety of protestations have been filed from various parties, primarily in support of the heroic team. James Markell, Assistant Secretary of State at the White House, had this to say, "The Dawn Patrol has continually been a force for good for the world in the wake of the Event; they, as well as the Shanghai Knights, were the first teams to rise to the forefront in Crucible City after that day. We hope and believe that the facts in this case will prove these horrible events to be some sort of accident." There were no further comments at this time. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/58 Posted Author Arianna's Archery, sporting goods Thu Feb 03 Reporter (Ayradyss) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arianna's archery, a sporting goods store catering primarily to high-school and college students, is now open in the Harper's Court area, just off the UCC campus. We feature an extensive collection of Ultimate Frisbee and Frisbee Golf supplies, as well as soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and other sports supplies. As our name implies, we also have an extensive selection of archery equipment, both for fun, or for hunting. Stop by the grand opening to get a free (used) starter frisbee golf kit, with your valid student ID, today! ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/59 Posted Author WWG:Hippies from Hell! Fri Feb 04 Reporter (Colony) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Weekly World Gazette HELL HIPPIES TERRORIZE CONSTRUCTION YARD! FBI DENIES EXISTANCE! At Dusk in the Mecca of Powers, Crucible City, a war broke out between government agents and hell hippies protest and vandalizing a secret FBI/CIA joint Think Tank under construction in the city. Unidentified powers were also involved in the attack, though what part they played is unknown. Witnessed claimed that the powers were dressed as indians, wrestlers and bikers. Possibly a connection between the Hell Hippies and the Ghosts of the Village People (known to haunt and terrorize heterosexuals)? The FBI was quickly on the scene (of course) and when questioned about the event, declined to comment. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/60 Posted Author ARMORED HERO SAVES FACULTY Fri Feb 04 Reporter (Forge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ARMORED HERO SAVES UNIVERSITY FACULTY Late this evening, a disturbance arose in the high-energy research facility in Elmhurst College in Crucible City. Apparently, an experiment went horribly wrong, and an explosion rocked the campus, as a highly dangerous energy reaction began to release radiation into the surrounding area. Witnesses swear that a strange creature with spines and spikes covering its body emerged from some sort of strange anomaly, perhaps a result of the energy discharge. Into the fray came a man who identified himself as the Centurion. According to Dr. Michael Blutarsky: "The strange armored man managed to disable the particle accelerator apparatus and thus counteract the energy reaction. When the creature appeared, he and it fought, giving us a chance to escape. I saw him send a blast of some energy into the creature's skull, and it fall down, and not rise. He was a trifle rude, however." (Questions? Send 'em to Plot) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/61 Posted Author Primordius Strikes South Side! Sat Feb 05 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Local Resident Dead in Brutal Slaying. February 5, 2005 Crucible City, What had been a relatively peaceful early evening in the South Side was shattered at around seven-thirty PM when children playing in an urban playground came upon the partially devoured remains of a human body. The victim, later identified as Reginald Derry, a resident of the South Side, had been dead for less than an hour. As the body was rushed to examination to determine the precise cause of death, the CCPD took to the streets in a broad canvass of the surrounding neighborhoods. Also out in force were Crucible City's resident Power heroes, hoping to prevent further such deaths. It was the Crucible Tribune's own Estelle Laredo Lee who discovered the murderer when she and officer Jack Johnson were assaulted by what witnesses describe as a 'mass of flesh and eyes'. Jack Johnson was critically injured in the attack and it seems as though the creature was about to kill and devour Miss Lee, an act that was thankfully prevented due to the timely intervention of Powered heroes. Responding immediately to the scene were The Statistic, whose rapid response with healing powers saved the life of officer Johnson, ex-stuntman Vic Vector, the strange shapeshifting Karasu, the mysterious Ninagal, and the shadowy vigilante known only as 'The Whisper'. The heroes swiftly engaged the monster who proved to be Primordius, the failed clone of notorious Power villain current prime minister of the Prime Nation, Prince Primeval. It seems the heroes were barely able to contain Primordius due to his holding Miss Lee as a hostage, though decisive coordinated action by The Whisper and Vic Vector soon freed her leaving the others free to engage the villain at will. What happened next is unclear, however reports all confirm that at some point during the battle the villainess Primeva, heir-apparent to Prince Primeval and his adopted daughter, appeared on the scene. Indications suggest that her purpose there was to retrieve Primordius for some purpose, though it is unclear precisely for what. The last time the two were seen together was in the dramatic assault upon the Dawn Patrol that left their headquarters Schaumburg in ruins. Accompanying Primeva were a squad of ten highly-trained mercenaries equipped with powerful assault weapons. Things did not seem to be going well for the heroes with the additional forces arrayed against them, however it seems that a clever ruse by Karasu tricked Primordius into disabling his own 'sister'. Shortly after this Primeva disappeared through mysterious means and Primordius himself fled into the sewers to avoid capture. The mercenaries scattered at this point, firebombing four buildings to cover their escape. The dramatic appearance of Ninagal, however, foiled this plan as the mystic produced an unending supply of conjured water, quickly dousing the flames. Of the ten mercenaries, only one still remains at large. The other nine are currently being held without bail, facing charges ranging from conspiracy to arson. OOC: As always, investigations and other questions should be +requested to Plot. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/62 Posted Author Explosion in Nebraska Sun Feb 06 Reporter (Spade) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yesterday evening the tiny town of Fall City, Nebraska was rocked by an explosion near its borders. The town had apparently been suffering mysterious Earthquakes over the past several days, followed by disappearances of a university research team that had been sent out to examine the normally geologically-stable region. The explosion itself was reputedly the remains of an Agarthan city that had been buried for millenia. Reports from the Powers who ventured in to investigate the missing team seem to indicate that one of the constructs it was meant to create was behind the disturbances, with the additional aid of some strange worm creatures. Authoritires are puzzled by the event but few lives were lost. The explosion of the facility is a regrettable archaeological loss, but Doctor Catherine Wright, who was on scene, explained it as a safety necessity to prevent the machines from being misused. Other Powers who were called into the area were Relativity, Facade and Spade of Aequitas Viridis, as well as a sidhe prince, an unknown helicopter pilot, and some manner of robot. The town of Fall City is mourning the loss today of Jared Welch, who was the only citizen of the town to enter the facility prior the Powers' arrival. The research team apparently entered the building first, but nobody can seem to find out which university they were from, and all their equipment was taken in the explosion as well. Authorities are seeking clues as to their identities but are so far finding nothing. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/63 Posted Author WWG:HUAC ANDROISS ON RAMPAGE! Sun Feb 06 Reporter (Colony) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WEEKLY WORLD GAZETTE:CRUCIBLE EDITION HUAC ROBOTS GO ON RAMPAGE. MINORITIES AND NON-SKIRT WEARING WOMEN TERRORIZED! Late in the afternoon of February 6th, 3 HUAC Seek and Destroy Infiltration Androids, long since gathering dust in a secret warehouse deep under Crucible were activated by unknown means (Possibly by Zombie Nixon) and were set loose on Crucible. Three citizens were harmed, one African American male, a Caucasian female, and an Asian male. They were put to rest by (Canadian Government-Funded) Project Decay's special ultra mecha-zombie and two other unidentified powers, the pieces secreted away to an orbital lab for later research. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/64 Posted Author Picasso Arrested Tue Feb 08 Reporter (Corporate) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible Gazette, Daily Police Blotter 4 PM: Arrived on scene for call of vagrancy, assault. Took into custody one Picasso, who was unable to give a statement or agree to his rights until an ASL proficient officer was called to the scene. Powers at the scene reported the presence of an unlicensed three-headed dinosaur to have been in the company of said Picasso, but had gone missing prior to officer's arrival. 7:30 PM: Man bites dog in the lower 'Little Weehauwken' area of the city's italian section. Dog and Man both detained for further questioning. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/65 Posted Author Third Quake In Crucible! Tue Feb 08 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) The Tribune Tower - home of the Crucible City Tribune - became the target of the third in a series of unnatural earthquakes this afternoon, this time at the hands of the villain team known as the Temporists: Parallel, Catalyst, Inhibitor and Incandescence, all with powers in some way hinging upon temporal control. Their arrival not far from the steps of the Tower was quickly challenged by the Dawn Patrol's Quintessence - only recently returned to the country after the controversy in Prime Nation - the armored Centurion, mysterious archer Artemis - revealed to be Arianna Fletcher, niece of fellow archer Mercury - Ix Balam, Prince Conall, and the robotic Energy Lass. While initial efforts to disintegrate the earthquake device from the hands of all-too-deft Parallel failed, it was eventually zapped from her grip by Energy Lass, and promptly intercepted by Quintessence for a spacewards plunge. What happened in that mighty streak skywards can be presumed, as the quake quickly slackened, leaving damage minimal. But though Catalyst stumbled under mental assault and Inhibitor was much harried by Centurion, the ladies remained unharmed. It was Artemis' arrow that finally caught Parallel a stunning blow and left her open to a vicious double-clawing by Conall, whereupon - after Catalyst countered with a debilitating assault that knocked him flat - the three villains teleported out. A secondary beam attempted to remove Inhibitor, at that point possessed by Ix Balam, but the will of the woman threw it off. Through the efforts of Quintessence and Energy Lass, the worst of the damage has been fixed, leaving minimal clean-up and far more repairs needed for the cars involved in the inevitable crashes than for structures. Inhibitor - unmasked as Germain Palmer - is presently in Pound custody; his brother and twin Marcus is believed to be Catalyst, still at large. Thanks to the quick actions of the heroes, the quake was mercifully brief, its lasting damage cosmetic and its perpetrators soundly driven off. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/66 Posted Author Assault At Tinderwood Mall Wed Feb 09 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) The latest in the series of bizarre hero and villain possessions by a force unknown: Tinderwood Mall in Oak Park became the site of a stand-off last night when three Powers swooped in and formed a barricade of fixtures and storefronts, trapping terrified patrons in the food court. Far from delivering the typical hostage threats, however, the leader of the trio - a sorcerer known as Augur - demanded the presence of heroes. Once obliged by the valiant arrival of Meeba, Shadowstrike, the Lignin, the Unknown Soldier, Thaumaturge and Mercury on the scene, he expanded upon his reasons, claiming that the recent chain of events would halt if the "strong of resolve and fierce of power" rendered themselves to the possessors. This was not, however, how the encounter played out: while the Lignin was badly injured by the Travel Agent's teleporting machinations, she perservered to put the finishing touches on the bindings of Augur after the Unknown Soldier had him wound up in a fallen fixture. Disparity, whose first move was to create a pink-clad duplicate of the valiant Soldier, was quickly downed by Meeba - and just as quickly back on her feet as the creature appeared to use a healing power and then turned on her comrades. This appears to be a case of another possessor waiting in the wings, as once freed from the stone prison of a quick-thinking Thaumaturge, she delivered the last good blow to Disparity - though not before the woman created another duplicate of Shadowstrike, swiftly dispatched by her opposite. Mercury shot two madly ricocheted arrows through the Travel Agent's apt defenses to take him down. Interestingly enough, all three Powers borrowed in this assault were transients, only briefly in Crucible City. Frenchborn Augur (Jasper Cuvier), normally a seer and artificer despite talent in battlemagic, had arrived in the city only a day before, and confesses that he was trying to summon a spirit, so was unusually open to a possessing force. The Travel Agent (Angus Dernholm), wanted in Oregon, had arrived mere hours prior to the assault via Portland and O'Hare, and will be transferred to Alcatraz custody soon. The name Disparity appears to be an unfamiliar one imposed by the possessors this time - its owner is Emily April, sister to Hand inner circle member Gretchen (Truth), who apparently was in Crucible only to make a familial visit, and once calmed down appeared to be adamant that wild horses could not drag her into another fight. The mischief is quelled for now, but its source is still out there, awaiting the vigilance of heroes. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/67 Posted Author Printer's Row Events Fri Feb 11 Reporter (Yasha) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) A dramatic traffic accident occured on Printer's Row earlier today, when a city bus and a tractor-trailer collided at low speeds, causing both to fall onto their sides. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although there were numerous injured. Quick action by local Powers in the area removed the passengers from the wreckage, as well as chasing off a large, spider-like creature that approached the fallen tractor-trailer. The noted war heroine 'Meeba' gave a statement to the police, as well as the CEO of Taylor Industries, who had been held up in traffic by the accident. When asked who was at fault in the accident, Officer Kaufmann said, "We're making inquiries. We're just glad nobody got killed." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/68 Posted Author A Day From The Enquirer Sat Feb 12 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Clips from various articles in the Crucible City Enquirer:) ... Claudette Roslin, the Frenchborn pop singer whose career peaked in the late nineties with a brief string of hits in the United States, has finished a globe-trotting tour and announced intentions of settling in Crucible City for the next six months. Her stated reasons are the recent development of supernatural abilities in her twelve year old adopted daughter, Simone; she wants the girl to grow up in an environment with Powered rolemodels ... ... Jared and Jane Roswell, otherwise known as Displace and Rosewarden, children of Columbia Roswell (Serenade), were released from juvenile prison this morning. With no near kin and a restraining order on their father, they were put in the care of a foster family. Serenade, currently serving an extended sentence, apparently recruited her own children to get revenge upon an ex-lover and hero by the name of Virtuoso (name suppressed), now facing charges of his own. Jared Roswell, now fifteen, has declared intentions of working towards emancipation ... ... Oak Park police precinct is an uproar after an assault by the Temporist known as Catalyst. Apparently seeking vital departmental data on the status of presumed brother and twin Inhibitor (Germain Palmer), he easily turned aside every attempted shot until a junior patrolman landed a lucky blow. "We believe Catalyst acted on his own; he possessed none of the usual paraphernalia or backup escape routes he and associates are famous for," a senior officer on the scene stated. The hamstrung villain might have been cornered, but he was snatched in a quite literal hit-and-run, courtesy of Fast-Forward (Valerie Kelly), who vanished in a questionable rescue or kidnapping from court chambers at the end of December. Kelly hasn't been reliably sighted since the incident. "The situation is still not entirely clear, but no one was hurt ..." ... unexpected developments in the District Attorney's office - the department mysteriously retracted a generous deal offered to Texan CEO Ted Christner, otherwise known as Literalis Federation lightning controller EBook. The department refused to comment on the change in stance ... ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/69 Posted Author Incident At Indefinia Sat Feb 12 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Three are hospitalized after an unexplained incident at Indefinia Inc. headquarters. The individuals began to show symptoms of mass hallucination, culminating in involuntary spasms. Diagnosis has not yet been pronounced, although doctors are confident that the sickness is in no way fatal. Indefinia confirms that there was no containment breach: all protocols were followed, and the inventory log from missions shows nothing was removed to explain such an incident. "No one should be leaping to any conclusions," said Erin Bolton, head of Public Relations for the company, "this is just a bump in the road." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/70 Posted Author Villains, Heroes, All Wet Sun Feb 13 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) A vast vortex of water rising without warning from a gutter in a shopping district off the Loop - much damaged in the storm last year and by and large newly renovated - heralded the unexpected arrival of a quartet of villains: the Plagiarist, Poetic License and Copyright of the Literalis Federation, and a previously unknown fourth with the apparent name of Gualichu. They seemed to be interested only a tome that somehow materialized in the midst of the water morass, as if risen from the depths of time. Gualichu directed and controlled the vortex, and appeared to be working with the Federation Powers in some fashion, though the exact chain of command remains unclear. Despite her extensive experience disabling security and defenses, this also marks the first appearance of elusive Copyright in the field. Heroic forces quickly arrived on the scene: Shadowstrike, Prince Conall, The Ultimate, Shock, and a newcomer by the name of the Balance. Also reported in the thick of things, the infamous Jack O' Lantern, apparently weighing in his noxious presence on the side of right for once. Upon the identification of the Literalis Federation, they swiftly moved to intervene, playing a chaotic game of football with the vaunted tome before the villains took the upper hand and fled through the auspices of a false building. The Plagiarist, however, was captured in the confusion. Unmasked as Dante Leonardo, the schtick-thieving mimic has a long history in criminal circles. "In all honesty, he could be very useful in ways that have nothing to do with the Literalis, if he plays his cards right," said an anonymous source. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/71 Posted Author WWG:Disabled Villains Go Beserk Sun Feb 13 Reporter (Colony) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WEEKLY WORLD GAZETTE:CRUCIBLE EDITION DISABLED VILLAIN SUPPORT MEETING TURNS NASTY:DOCK WAREHOUSES IN RUINS! Normally, support meetings are supposed to be helpful and provide a community for those in them. Unfortunately, when the Crucible City Disabled Villain Support Group met secretly in a local warehouse near the docks, things got out of hand. Witnesses say a heated argument between The Siamese Cyclone, a morbidly obese man with conjoined fetal twin syndrome and Dead Leg, a female villain with partial paralysis from the waist down over who was worse off. The argument turned into a brawl that left the warehouse in ruins and two others with severe structural damage. Reported killed or injured in the ensuing melee were Inside Out Boy, Little Brittle, Cpatani Dyslexia, and Albino Bob. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/72 Posted Author On Page C9 ... Sun Feb 13 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) A rare public appearance by the central circle of the Goddess-Givers in court this afternoon, finalizing arrangements in the purchase of four Crucible City buildings - two mansions formerly belonging to now-deceased Powered heroes the Argent Hawk and Nightwind, a private greenhouse owned by a local mystic, and whimsically enough, an old firehouse, long since decomissioned and the source of many urban legends about Powers at time of the Great Chicago Fire. The Goddess-Givers also expressed interest in the highly-enchanted manse of reclusive sorcerer-astrologer Triplicity, but the family trust refused to sell the property. When queried about the reason for these purchases, circle leader Hui Chae replied, "these places have a peculiar resonance of their own, and not properly tended, that synergy may be lost forever. In addition, it is our custom to keep wayhouses for the sisters in certain major cities, and we've long neglected Crucible." On the other hand, she had no comment as to how a modestly-funded organization such as her own could afford such a large purchase, citing providence. When approached about recent rumors concerning the Goddess-Givers and a possible voluntary human sacrifice, circle lawyer and Crucible resident Lethe Inachus refused to discuss "the complex tangle of legal, ethical and religious issues," but had the following statement to make: "Regarding the alleged flight of my sisters from the authorities, it is simply not true. We respect the rule of law - enough not to waste the time of the police with a victimless crime that was not even committed." On a far lighter note, she also expressed the hope that their time in the city would be a fruitful one, unsullied by conflicting first impressions. (Inquiries? Request to Plot.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/73 Posted Author Police Link 6 to Cop Killer Mon Feb 14 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune) -- A city rocked with a wave of crime in recent weeks finally finds itself with some good news. Police Detective Richard Henderson has released the ballistics report from January 17th murder of six at Fireside Chemicals in the Industrial sector of Harvey. Ballistics were linked to the gun found at the recent quadruple murder of 4 Police Officers, including Officer Jennie Hutchinson formerly of the CCPD Bomb Squad. Present at the scene of the six killed (all believed to have ties to organized crime in the city) was the vigilante, The Whisper, who is still a suspect and wanted for questioning by CCPD. The link in the ballistics, as Detective Henderson has said, puts a "Priority on finding The Whisper. He's our best suspect at this present time for all of these killings. We're working out with City Hall a possible reward for information related to his capture. I encourage people to not be afraid to step forward and provide us with essential information, before someone else is hurt." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/74 Posted Author CNN.com Posting Mon Feb 14 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A small clipping on CNN.com details about the recent Pound escapees -- General Paramount, an enigmatic figure who arrived on Earth in the mid-summer outside of Chicago, has apparently left just as abruptly. Seizing the opening the recent invasion caused in Pound Security, CNN.com has confirmed with NASA Satellites and HELIOS imagery that Paramount proceeded directly from prison, to orbit, and then beyond. His trajectory carried him towards the Alpha Centauri system, with Hubble Telescope last sighting him just beyond Mars. His book remains unpublished. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/75 Posted Author Valentines Day Massacre? Tue Feb 15 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Paranormal Sweets in the Loop is in dishevel and ruin today after a Powered battle between proprietors Candy Heart and The Spark (Sarah and Robert Westminster) - controlled by an outside force - and the Lignin, Spade, and two Powers who did not stick around to identify themselves, though one wielded crimson energy and the other was reported to be some kind of Lovecraftian horror. Whatever was controlling the two chocolatier heroes apparently recognized the Lignin from previous encounters and attempted to attack her. In the fracas, what appeared to be a mystical spell gone awry trashed the shop from within, and large quantities of the pavement outside were thoroughly blasted in an attempt to hit speedster the Spark. Once again, the controlling forces were driven out but not apprehended, leaving the bewildered but relidved proprietors behind. The Westminsters are currently dealing with their insurance company as to where possession falls into their coverage. "At least it didn't happen before Valentines Day," the Spark was overheard to mutter. The Lignin, who remained with Spade to speak with the authorities, warned citizens to be cautious - she claims there are aliens at hand. (Inquiries? Request to Plot.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/76 Posted Author WWG:ARE YOU FREAK ENOUGH? Tue Feb 15 Reporter (Colony) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A half-page ad in the back of a Weekly World Gazette announces the following: ARE YOU FREAK ENOUGH TO JOIN THE WEEKLY WORLD GAZETTE'S OFFICIAL TEAM? The Weekly World Warriors (Sponsored by the WWG) are looking for active members and affiliates. Do you have limbs where they shouldn't be? Do you make small children cry? Do Terminal Cancer patients look on you with pity? Do you know how to eat a peach instead of just consuming it? If so, then perhaps you too can become a member. If you are a Power interested in joining our team and you live in the Cook County area, email (freakforce@wwg.com), fax (555-5555), or mail (Random Address Here) us your application/resume today. Include a recent photograph of yourself, your capabilities, costume description, and reason why you would like to join the Weekly World Warriors. (OOC:Just @mail KC with the heading 'WWW Application') ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/77 Posted Author Closeout Sale 80% Off Wed Feb 16 Reporter (Peacekeepers Channe ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (In most papers there will be a small ad in the appropriate section.) The Dusty Garter is closing down, and we're having a closeout sale! 80 percent off of some things, fifty percent off of most things, twenty percent off of a few things! We're on the other side of the old cemetary in Deerfield, see us today! Call XXX-XXXXXX or go to XX Street, Deerfield (This isn't a call for RP, just an IC note to explain Jane's dissapearance from the grid. Store closed!) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/78 Posted Author Personal Ads Wed Feb 16 Reporter (Bethany) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eagerly seeking! Hot Heroine with Sexay talking sword! If this describes you, to the general populace, rather then your own ego... Call 555-1333 ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/79 Posted Author Reincarnatory Brit? Wed Feb 16 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ London, England - After extensive medical examination of a man who mysteriously materialized, naked, in the middle of the street early yesterday demanding a good stiff drink, doctors have confirmed him to be either Adam Aloysius Trip - once the third richest man in Scotland, otherwise known as Dust-Storm of Allergy Attack - or a precision-perfect clone with full memory implant. "Not very likely," admitted Dr. Ruth Terrence, "but we recovered mister Trip's actual corpse from the rubble - and it's still there. Some bent metaphysical law is asserting itself over the precepts of natural science, and I don't like it at all." Adam Trip was released on his recognizance early this morning. Though authorities had a variety of questions for the bewildered Power, the matter was a technicality: Trip was pardoned in a publicity stunt shortly after his death, due to relatively heroic circumstances. He made it emphatically clear he had no intentions of seeking to regain his estate, willed into the hands of nearest relative Elizabeth Trip and used to found a trust for orphaned Powers in his name. "While I think her premise is ridiculous - I didn't 'turn rogue' because of the neglect of my parents - I think the underlying idea is a vital one, and I wouldn't dream of touching it," Trip said. "I've also had people ask me if I intend to serve out the term I should have been assigned. Say what? I don't think it's actually possible for a human being to be that daft." When questioned about his contemporaries - Pollen Count (Casimir Stanislav), the Silver Manx (Elena Lydell), Anaphylaxis (Irune Armando) and Apis Swarm (Anton Hirsch) - Trip waxed decidedly nostalgic. "Oh, the water is under the bridge, but what kind of a former teammate would I be if I didn't say hello? Casimir's a rare man, Elena was like a sister to me - grant the kind of sister who beats your friends bloody for badmouthing you - and Irune ... ah, Irune mi amor ..." A pause, a scowl, and, "leave Hirsch for the Americans. I pity them. In any case, Allergy Attack was a grand romp, but what's done is done." As for Dust-Devil (Allegra Wesson), his illegitimate cousin, "... ah, I really don't think getting her thrown in prison was what I meant when I asked dear Ms. Ritterman to look after her. Must discuss disparity between English and American dictionaries with her." Authorities intend to keep a very close eye on Adam Trip, but, "with a legal clean slate, there isn't much we can do," a police representative said. "And you try watching a speedster without tracking devices - you try watching a speedster with tracking devices, for the matter of that. I'm much afraid that the erstwhile Dust-Storm is a loose cannon, and I hope he keeps to his stated intentions." (Inquiries? Request to Plot. Be advised - no, this won't turn into full-out plottage for a while yet.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/80 Posted Author WWG:Geeks Gone Wild! Flouride to B Sat Feb 19 Reporter (Colony) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WEEKLY WORLD GAZETTE:CRUCIBLE EDITION GEEKS GO WILD! CRUCIBLE CITY HOTEL IN RUINS! LEADING DOCTOR SAYS FLOURIDE TO BLAME! On the last day of Crucible Con '05, the annual event for gaming, anime, and sci-fi/fantasy enthusiasts to gather and talk shop, disaster struck. Reports have been spotty, but witnesses claim the demons, ninjas, zombies, fairies, robots, werewolves, mutant cat people, and aliens converged in the main convention hall of the Bryant Regenecy hotel and began to fight amongst themselves, until they were stopped by powers. There are many theories, including the dreaded Galactic Gladiatior Games (A syndicate of alien war mongers that capture all forms of beings and make them fight in different locales) stopping by for a Royal Rumble, or a probability drive in use somewhere in Crucible. However, our own scientific sources investigating the incident have come to the conclusion that it was a communist plot involving flouridated water. That this was the end result of a field experiment of mutagenic agents on individuals that were saturated with flouridated water. Witnesses claim that a large hispanic individual was in the area prior to the attack. Perhaps a Cuban Communist Comptroller for this cowardly crime? You be the judge. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/81 Posted Author Psychic Friends Network Tragedy Sat Feb 19 Reporter (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Headline: Psychic Friends Network Tragedy Claims the Lives of Three The Psychic Friends Network suffered a terrible loss last night when three of their most reliable psychics were found dead in the call center. Marcie Wells, the shift supervisor, got paged in after the phones registered 100% abandoned calls. To her shock all three of the on duty psychics were found dead of apparent simultaneous fatal aneurisms, in which the wall of a blood vessel bulges outwards and bursts, of the brain within moments of each other. The Coroner's Office is still investigating the bizzare triple aneurisms, but had no comment. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/82 Posted Author Church Vandalized Sun Feb 20 Reporter (Lilith) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune) – A dilapidated church on the outskirts of the city was the site of an unusual disturbance late last evening, according to police. Witnesses who live in the area reported seeing flashes of light and what sounded like shouting, and two people who approached the church grounds to investigate also claim to have seen a monstrous winged shape perched on the church wall before it disappeared within. When police responded, they found the church empty, though they reported evidence of apparent vandalism: an iron grate hidden behind the altar had been pried loose. One officer also reported a series of marks left on a partially-destroyed statue - "The markings had an unusual but distinctive pattern," the officer said later to reporters at the scene. "Almost looks like a spider's web.....if one could slam into stone hard enough to leave an impression." Police are refusing to speculate further, and some neighbourhood residents are now calling for the abandonned church to be torn down. "It's an eyesore," one local woman complained, "and now God only knows what is taking up residence in there. I don't like it." (Questions and inquiries to Lilith.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/83 Posted Author Guns, Bombs, and Trains Sun Feb 20 Reporter (Library ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This evening, at six thirty PM, the train station at fifth and Westing was the sight of tragedy as a late train delivered automated fire on the waiting crowd. The wielders of the weapons, calling themselves the Otaku, were immediately set on by local Powers. The witnesses that were willing to talk with us say that five powers were responsible for subduing the terrorists and removing a chemical weapon of some kind before it could affect too many people. Physicians on the scene say that, aside from several terrorist fatilities, the people of Crucible city have suffered only a few injuries and inhaled toxin related sickness, but that everyone should have a full recovery. One of the powers responsible was willing to comment. "Their technique was adequate, but they had not mastered the true reflexive art," says one, an elfin female that goes by the title of, 'Xuha household, daughter of Arina, Serrin'. Most of the other powers had left by the time we arrived, except for Crusader, a well known power who declined comment on the events. Witnesses claim to have seen a bright green inhuman power and a huge swarm of insects. Authorities are asking for help on the whereabouts of the Otaku and think they may cause further problems for our fair city. If you know anything, please call XXX-XXXX. (Send a request to Plot if you have questions) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/84 Posted Author Triplicity Trouble Sun Feb 20 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Residents in the Gold Coast report seeing an aurora borealis haze over the manor of the late sorcerer-astrologer Triplicity - and most returned to their beds. However, six Powers - Phase, the Balance, PCU detective Serendipity, Chance, Geir and Ninagal - approached the disturbance and discovered four individuals of the Goddess-Giver sect trying to destroy the building with the intention of releasing energies built up within. As Serendipity described the situation, "Demolition, be it by wrecking ball or magical whatsit still requires a permit in this jurisdiction. When I demanded to see their permits, they turned hostile." The four - identified as being associated with the goddesses Cerridwen, Inanna, Sedna and Maya - proved formidable foes, but were forced to flee in the end, Sedna's chosen abandoned at the last moment for their leader to make her escape. The captured sect member, an Indiana University student known as Malia Alameda, has already requested counsel in the form of colleague Lethe Inachus. Circle leader Hui Chae was not available for comment, leaving more questions than answers in the wake of this incident. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/85 Posted Author Raining Cats and Dogs Tue Feb 22 Reporter (Out ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City (AP) A large number of powers helped to 'save' several cats and dogs raining from the heavens yesterday around 5pm. However, upon closer inspection most of these figures were animated in nature, but when any of the Powers touched the animals they became real. Local shelters are filled to capacity since the Powers (especially Miracle Girl) saved literally hundreds of the creatures. A nearby local bookstore reported that a dozen copies of "Its Raining Cats and Dogs!" an illustrated children's book was suddenly missing all of the dogs and cats inside of its pages. A large number of animated gingerbread men also assaulted the Powers, though a local student by the name of Jill Tinal is suspected of causing the animation of the creatures involved. What is known is that she rammed the local power known as Artemis, killing her outright. Initial examination of the body has confirmed that it is indeed a genetic match for her, though the autopsy has shown that her powers were deactivated to allow the impact to form. Tinal is being charged with 1rst Degree Murder and 200 counts of Cruelty to Animals. She claims to have no memory of the event. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/86 Posted Author Giant Robot Rampage! Wed Feb 23 Reporter (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Northwest Campus of UCC was the scene of a bizarre assault by giant robots early Wednesday afternoon, as several large replicas of characters from the popular 'Transrobots' cartoon series of the late 1980s emerged from the Laboratory for Astrophysics and Space Research, causing massive structural damage before immediately being confronted by an array of local Powers; Signature, Centurion, a recent arrival that local officers nicknamed 'Sigil,' a black-clad man with draconic wings and a tail, and an unidentified man that witnesses could only describe as 'glowing red.' The latter two Powers did not give statements, making further identification impossible. The robots were reportedly constructed by a young man whose name is currently being withheld pending charges and notification of his family, but he is apparently a minor. The reputed robot-builder was also in possession of something that was referred to as a 'Positronic Bomb,' which was apparently disabled by Signature and disposed of by Centurion. While several of the Powers were reputedly injured, all such injuries were minor. In addition, no major injuries were reported to campus staff or students. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/87 Posted Author Bank Robbery thwarted! Wed Feb 23 Reporter (Bethany) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monday, February 21, 2005 Lasalle Bank in downtown Crucible City was the scene of a heated powered battle as local powers stepped in to prevent Gordon Knotts, AKA The Gordian, and his followers from absconding with the Nubian Star. The Nubian Star, a massive black diamond from South Africa and rumored to be cursed, was being held in LaSalle Bank while awaiting an upcoming exhibit. Rumor, currently unconfirmed, has it that the exhibit has been canceled by the South African Government and that The Nubian Star will be returning home. Gordon Knotts and his followers, were responsible for the death of one bank guard and maiming two others. Their nefarious plans were thwarted by the timely intervention of Weekly World Warrior's Kid Cthulhu, a currently unknown flying hero, Eclipse, formerly of Knights Vigilante, former villainess Popstarr, apparently going by Freebird after her release from prison, and two other unknown powers. Thanks to the powers' timely intervention, Mr. Knotts and his cronies are currently awaiting trial at the pound. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/88 Posted Author Breakouts, Chaos, Returns Fri Feb 25 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Among the many reports of escapes and close calls and recaptures in the Crucible City Enquirer:) An unguarded swath of the north shore of Lake Michigan played host to the water-walking escape of the Prowlers Aconite (Leigh Corrina) and Antipyrine (Emilia Antrim), the former's sister Catastrophe (Cassidy Corrina), and an unusual fourth: songress Serenade (Columbia Roswell), who apparently formed something of a bond with Antrim during their mutual incarceration. The four abducted former accomplice Lucky Penny (Penelope Mylonas) of Allergy Attack, through the agency of stolen neutralizer cuffs, and prepared to vanish into the night when they were confronted by the Manitou, Shock, Serendipity of the CCPCU, Crusader, Freebird (formerly villainess PopStarr) and a hero going by the venerable name of Victory. While Serenade's songweaving kept things touch and go for a short while, the villains caused no permanent damage before they were halted - Catastrophe by a ringing sword blow to the head, Serenade finally choked by the Manitou, and both Prowlers zotted by lightning after Victory's arrows much reduced the potency of their armor. Serendipity secured the hostage and landed the pinpointing blow upon an invisible Aconite, while the entire crew was harried by Freebird's return sonic salvos. Among other villains who took to the streets this evening, two in particular were identified as the Plagiarist of the Literalis Federation, and Maid Sedna of the Goddess-Givers - apparently together, the former mimicking the latter's potent abilities to escape. An overworked department offers no comment at this time ... ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/89 Posted Author More From The Front ... Fri Feb 25 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Another newsclip:) .. among the escapees from the Pound, the trio of Palaver, Watermark and Anathema - never previously known to associate - eluded authorities with previously unseen abilities, including a mental assault that manifested in a golden shimmer, rippling illusions, and healing. This combined with openly inhuman behavior leads unnamed sources to the conclusion that the mysterious possessors were drawn like moths to a flame. "It must have looked like a veritable buffet to them," said an officer who wished to remain anonymous. "In some strange way, this may actually be good news - those possessed seem far less inclined to hurt innocent civilians - but heroes should be aware that certain individuals may be openly and eagerly seeking conflict." ... ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/90 Posted Author Escapees captured Fri Feb 25 Reporter (Ancel) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Among the many escapees from the Pound were the legions of Space Romans, captured some months ago by a small group of heroes. Though some of them remain at large, the Empress and several of her lackeys were defeated and brought to authorities by a teen hero calling herself 'Green Cloud', though she indicated to police officers 'her friends call her Ellie'. Precisely how the heroine managed to defeat the group of villains remains unknown, though the leader was turned in stripped of her technological gadgets, while the majority of the legionnaires and workers were unharmed, and at the heroine's direction, helped build a temporary detainment facility for the lot. The whereabouts of the rest of the legion and the other two Space Roman leaders remain unknown at this time. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/91 Posted Author WWG: Midtown Mechanical Mayhem! Fri Feb 25 Reporter (Vic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WEEKLY WORLD GAZETTE: CRUCIBLE EDITION MECHANICAL MENACE MOLESTS MIDTOWN; POWERED PUGILISTS PREVAIL Residents of midtown Crucible City, already reeling from the rash of Powered battles that have left the mid-rent tenement district in ruins, report to the Weekly World Gazette of yet another block-shaking conflict that threatens to plunge property values even further. Most eye witnesses claim that a five-story tall mechanical war machine began to attack vehicles and buildings indiscriminately and without warning around 3 PM, piloted by none other than beloved character actor Christopher Lloyd (Buckaroo Banzai, Back to the Future, Taxi). While Mr. Lloyd's agent refused to comment on the situation, a number of strange personalities arrived on the scene to protect the innocent midtown residents. The mysterious Sea Nymph, Mistress of the Deep was spotted by eye witnesses, along with a flying man who could only be described as "generic", and a motorcycle-riding Elvis impersonator. What this varied crew was doing together in the same location is unknown; but this reporter speculates that this entire situation was a farce to cover up some more sinister scheme at work within the city. Connections to the recent supervillain mass breakout are unknown. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/92 Posted Author Statistical Anomaly Sun Feb 27 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) With so much attention focused on the hunting and tracking of the fled, a skirmish between hero and hero ensued largely unregarded this evening in one of Crucible City's historic districts and a little museum known as the Focal Point - though focal point of what is up for debate, as it has been closed more frequently than not for the past four months. The heroine known as The Statistic broke into the museum by the simple means of disintegrating the door, and was confronted by the diminutive Energy Lass. This action drew the attention of a young man controlling a field of red energy, Dr. Catherine Wright and the armored Matrix ... who were promptly assailed by Poetic License and Necronomicon of the Literalis Federation, apparently exerting some mystical control over the Statistic. The fight culminated in a blast from the heroine that caused immense damage to pavement and all participants before the effects of the control were apparently zotted off courtesy of the robot, and the heroes - all of them - took the upper hand. The villains fled through the agency of a building that faded out of space when approached. Despite the heroes' success in battle, the villains did succeed in achieving at least part of their goal: they removed an unidentified tome from the museum's impossibly disordered shelves. Authorities suspect they are trying to complete a specific collection, but an overworked department has made no particular strides towards pursuing this as of yet. Citizens are encouraged to call with any information. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/93 Posted Author Billiards Recruitment Plan Scratch Tue Mar 01 Reporter (Carter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A major recruitment drive for the Billiard Balls gang was foiled late last night, preventing the addition of an estimated forty to fifty recent prison escapees to the criminal organization; apparently the drive was being held in a bulk storage warehouse, and a trio of the city's Powers caught wind of the event and crashed their party. The destruction of the cab of the gang's 'getaway truck' forced them to utilize what appear to be giant gyro-driven pool balls in the trailer of the truck to escape, only to be foiled by the heroes - allegedly named as Shadowstrike, Meeba, and the nigh-legendary Whisper, although the presence (and existance) of the latter has not been officially confirmed, though police are said to be investigating the possibility. In the end, fourteen members of the Billiard Balls gang were taken into custody, as well as two men wanted in connecting with several incidents of looting that've occured in the past week. 'Eight Ball', a lieutenant in the organization, is said to have been present and engaged the heroes, though he managed to elude their grasp. A reward is offered for any news leading to the apprehension of the gang's leaders, consisting of Eight Ball, Cue Ball, and the alleged kingpin of the gang, a man known only as the Pool Shark. << Thanks to Lilith, Vincent, and Meeba for a fun scene! Any questions or such, mail or page Carter. >> ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/94 Posted Author Chinatown Crimerate on the Rise Tue Mar 01 Reporter (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City, IL-- Both police and civilians alike are noting the sharp rise of gang-related violence in Crucible City's Chinatown district. While the city's police units and many powers have kept crimes at universal low, this recent rash of gang violence has taken many by surprise. Shop owner Feng Yee reports that his small Hastings St. store has been broken into three times in the past week, "It's a disgrace. They care nothing for honor or family or community. All they do is take and take!" Police say changes in the landscape of street politics may be responsible for much of the recent troubles, and that while the influx of activity will be dealt with by authorities, a strong chance exists that troubles may subside on their own. "What we're seeing here," commented Sgt. Lao of the CCPD, "Is an upheaval of sorts. Some of the larger street tongs have been driven out of the city, and now we're seeing the ones that remain attempt to grow." When asked if the rash of gang violence could be related to the recent attack on The Pound, Sgt. Lao expressed doubt. "We don't think this has anything to do with the recent prison breaks, but of course that has merit. Rest assured, however. We're on the job and things will return to normal." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/95 Posted Author Prison Break! ... UK Wed Mar 02 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Refugees of the American prison attacks that flee to the United Kingdom may well find an unexpected boon: a massive internal riot shook Britain's primary power containment facility early this morning, cause and instigator unknown. The guards unsuccessfully attempted to quell the mass of prisoners and were swiftly overwhelmed, resulting in the death of five. The violence, however, was not solely directed towards the authorities. Three prisoners also died: the quintessentially English The Butler (Christopher Roves), Lady Disgrace (Angelica Bellefonte), and Allergy Attack's Silver Manx (Elena Lydell). While the riot was eventually contained through an influx of support from other facilities and heroic Powers, prison security remains in an unstable condition and approximately a half dozen villains are currently at large, including bruisers Rough and Tumble (Simon and Shylock Meriweather), and the Manx's teammates, Pollen Count (Casimir Stanislav) and Dust-Devil (Allegra Wesson). Authorities are still looking for the root cause of this sudden uprising, which seems to have had no plan or foresight. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/96 Posted Author Wrecks and Robbery on '88! Thu Mar 03 Reporter (Mercury) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Around rush hour last evening, an astonishing nine car wrecks happened in rapid succession along Crucible City's Interstate 88. A large number of civilians could not see their fellow drivers, while many others could. The confusing debacle escalated into first a crash that began a dispute between a State Trooper and Local Policeman, but soon erupted into much more. Heroes arrived on the scene to find the perplexing situation, but after their arrival, eight more car wrecks happened all nearby one another on the north-bound road. After the Norse Godling Geir skillfully halted a rolling truck from hurting nearby civilians, he was attacked by a martial artist who, as observers claim, appeared out of nowhere. Authorities have identified his attacker as Stick, a rotating inmate of The Pound and conventional jails. His partner, the armored villain D-Day, soon dissolved into view, firing a blast at heroine The Green Cloud. Another hero on the scene, the feral White Claw, aided Geir in a counter attack that put the skilled martial artist down for the count. Once the Green Cloud regained her footing, D-Day again dissolved from sight. Observers say that the shapechanging power discerned the location of what happened to be the source of invisibility, and attacked. After White Claw tackled the invisibility-slinger, the goal of their attack became clear - a smashed money transport truck of Carbine Industries' banking. Although efforts by Geir attempted to stop the two other villains from escaping, it appears as if D-Day flew the coop with his ally. "The damages done will be covered by Powers Insurance," said Crucible City spokesman Hudson O'Neil, "as long as citizens file the appropriate forms. The city also extends it's gratitude to the heroes responsible for thwarting this attempt and bringing in the most influential perpetrator of this catastrophe." Xander Carbine, also known as the Mercurial Archer, declined commen t. <> ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/97 Posted Author Hero Attacked On South Side! Fri Mar 04 Reporter (Pete) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Reuters) - Crucible City, Illinois: At approximately 11:03pm on March 4, 2005, yet more chaos erupted within Crucible City's South Side, the result of a pair of Powered villains known as 'Contrivance' and 'Incandescence', known to be linked to the villain Retrofit. Sources within the police confirm that the pair were attacking a hero known as 'Energy Lass', though the reasons for this attack remain sketchy at best. Other heroes joined the fray, including the Statistic, Lifefire, and a woman who seemed to call herself Murphy. The villains managed to escape capture due to a teleportation device after the heroes nearly disabled them. Anyone who has information on these villains are encouraged to contact the Crucible City Police Department's Powered Crime Unit at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. (Questions? +request them to Plot.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/98 Posted Author The Crucible Herald would like to Sun Mar 06 Reporter (Ayradyss) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ One of the recently hired reporters at this august establishment recently took it upon herself to create her own news stories. She engineered the robbery of a bank and the ambushing of one of the more well known of Crucible City's heros, Mercury. Our sincerest appologies to Mercury for this travesty, and thank you to Mercury and the other heros who helped thwart the bank robbery. Their actions were so effective that nothing was stolen from the bank, though the bank's computer was damaged in the fighting. (Anyone wanting to do some digging about this, feel free to @mail Ayradyss) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/99 Posted Author Two In The Hand ... Mon Mar 07 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Three Powers from the recent massive prison break at the Pound surfaced this evening in an attempt to remove a powerful mystical artifact on loan to UCC's History Department for a week for study and analysis. Two are well-known to Crucible City: Rebirth (Hannah May) and Fore-Ordained (Nathan February) of Timewriter's inner circle - the phoenix responsible for the death of the Argent Hawk and the holy man and priest much responsible for the religious underpinnings of the Hand sect. The pair were accompanied by a woman calling herself Harbinger: twenty-two year old Briallan Wilkes-Sedgwick, initially imprisoned for the murder of her husband, the original Harbinger - a minor but quite genuine seer - and put into Powered confinement only due to her apparent absorption of his talents. A bewildered Wilkes found religion - but found Father February's kind. When the three were confronted by Crucible City heroes, the plan was to abscond with the artifact and vanish for a scheme of sweeping proportions elsewhere in the United States. "It seems to be his modus operandi," an official commented, "to groom someone as a prophet and play games with the power-base. Of course, he and March were on even and often contentious footing - Wilkes is a completely different kettle of fish. It does also lead one to wonder if Timewriter was his first protege, and who else might be out there ..." Perhaps not the first, but certainly the last: Fore-Ordained and Rebirth were both apprehended shortly after Harbinger panicked and teleported out. The unrepentant priest admitted to designs on a following with Harbinger as its centerpiece, but refused to elaborate on specifics. Both were badly scathed from their encounter with a rather unusual assortment of heroes - an unknown Japanese man who wielded some sorcery and reportedly transformed into a menacing dragon, the sidhe Prince Conall, the dualistic the Balance, and the dynamic duo of Miracle Girl and Hound. Also on the scene was the notorious Jack O' Lantern, presumably on the side of righteousness due to the sheer number of snide remarks tossed at the elder villain. These five Powers evacuated the history professor on duty - a Samuel Saunders - subdued the two more experienced villains, and prevented both the theft and later the destruction of the artifact. The psychologist on the Wilkes case believes that unless somehow influenced by another villainous force or assaulted without provocation, Harbinger will probably voluntarily surrender herself within the next few weeks. "Whether she absorbs powers or not, regardless of the crime she has committed, Brya just doesn't have the mindset to live the life of a supervillain," he claims. Anyone with any information with regards to the whereabouts of the remaining Power are encouraged to contact the Crucible City Police Department's Powered Crime Unit at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/100 Posted Author Literal Mayhem Wed Mar 09 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) A bizarre incident at the Leewood Shopping Center leaves authorities with more questions than answers and one member of the Literalis Federation in custody. The situation at first seemed relatively straightforward: Literalis Powers The Sequel (Natasha Brody), Poetic License and recently escaped The Plagiarist (Dante Leonardo) came onto the scene from a restaurant no one remembered as being there yesterday and tried to abduct the adopted daughter of Frenchborn singer Claudette Roslin, twelve year old Simone. Athwart their intentions were archer Mercury, Quintessence, Freebird of the newly reformed Blake's Seven, Shadowstrike, Lifefire, and a youth with a field of crimson force. No sooner had the fight begun in earnest than two more members of the Federation appeared, but their arrival did not herald the evening of the odds. Rather, Necronomicon and Copyright seemed bent on preventing the abduction of Simone - though they did not precisely play to the strengths of the heroes. The schism, however, made it more than possible for the six heroic Powers to drive their adversaries off, each side retreating in haste. The fight would have ended there, but Freebird confronted the fluttering Claudette Roslin ... and taunted her into revealing herself as Literalis veteran Lady Genre. The brief but fierce conflict ended with the subduing of the villainness and no sign of her compatriots to the rescue. What little other information is known is not illuminating. Simone Roslin is apparently the birth daughter of Natasha Brody - under what circumstances the girl came to be adopted by Claudette Roslin are not yet understood. Neither is the reason for either the assault or the adoption itself clear; authorities believe this to be yet another example of the internal machinations the Literalis Federation is known for. Even more puzzling is the fact that Brody - presently out on bail from a previous arrest - was seen in public by easily a hundred people at a function two states away. Given the uncertainty of this information, authorities have not revoked bail. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/101 Posted Author Ritual Halted, Empress Eliminated Fri Mar 11 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) With the imminent threat from Jupiter looming, few have been aware of a fight for the security of earth on a completely different front. The extradimensional realm of Iynon is built on principles of occult force in ways that not only define their reality but allow their powers to be carried forth; and when they ousted High Empress Deishra, she came to earth under the guise of asylum with intentions of trying her hand here. Had she been able to assemble all eight of her former lieutenants - individual vibrations of a cosmic pattern known as the Music of the Spheres - they would have been able to exert complete control over all things flesh and spirit. Over the past year, a number of Powers have acted both in concert and at happenstance sites of conflict and thwarted their plans, arresting many of the Iynon vibrations for return to their homeworld. With her coterie much reduced in number - only the Dorian, the Locrian, the Lydian and a subordinate vibration free of confinement - the Empress started a ritual that - while highly chancy for all involved - would summon the captured members by way of switching their physical bodies with innocent individuals. This involved the abduction of six Crucible City denizens, including one Maria de la Fuente, a local anthropologist. Several Powers arrived on the scene of the ritual just at its height: the Dawn Patrol's Quintessence, Poltergeist and Phase, the latter of whom has been closely involved from the start, Blue Diamond, and the Ultimate, whose connections to the Empress also goes back to initial and rather violent attempts by the Iynon people to reclaim her. With the components of the ritual shattered by the heroes, Eclipse blazed in mere moments later - welcome relief, with the Master of the Void out for the count. It was not the only support they received: the five witnesses claim that Miss de la Fuente leapt to her feet, sprouted claws, and with a growl thrust lightning-borne sorcery upon the Empress. The bloody actions of the Power, who promptly vanished from view though her vicious strikes were all too visible, seem to confirm her as the jaguar Ix Balam. As one of the hostages babbled, "... she was the last one captured, you know. She said she'd try to help, or call someone who could help ... but I never thought she'd call the Dawn Patrol! How could she have done that, if she wasn't one of them?" Maria de la Fuente declined printable comment after the incident. The fight was chaotic and intense, but though the heroes were much debilitated in the struggle, they prevailed, subduing all five Iynon vibrations and thwarting the attempts of the group to flee. The hostages are shaken but unharmed, and grateful to return to their homes and families. "It all happened so fast," one young woman said, "to think that in another ten seconds it would have been too late - I can't begin to thank our rescuers." Phase expressed his own view of the situation, "Hopefully, this will end the threat of Empress Deishra and those who support her. Not only we but those of Iynon as well have clearly shown that we will not sit quietly while a tyrant tries to force her rule on us." The five are to be remanded to the custody of Iynon's present government, the usual red tape in such extraditions truncated in light of the state of the Pound. The grateful authorities intend to execute their erstwhile Empress within a week, and are forthright about the high probability that the others will share her fate - with the exception of the Ionian, who in this incarnation defected and never took part in their schemes, and the two subordinate vibrations, who were only marginally involved. "It is not a necessary cruelty or a draconian measure - it is simply necessary," said their spokesperson. (Yes, it really has been over a year since the first scene. I want to thank those folks who showed up last night for a scene that turned out to be almost as OOCly hectic as it was ICly, as well as everyone who played in whatever guise throughout the plot.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/102 Posted Author Freeway Finagle Mon Mar 14 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) An armored car delivering a chemical shipment to Greenbach Industries swerved out of packed traffic and rammed through two lanes of cars on the highway this evening, causing a massive pileup and immense property damage - though serious injuries were thankfully minimal. The car's chaotic drive was manipulated by Apparatus (Elaine Devereaux), who had at her side the Temporist Catalyst and a third initially misidentified as Hand firestarter Armageddon (Lucas Armstrong), after two scorching blasts that seared over the better part of a two hundred feet of pavement. Quick to respond were Tien Lung and the Junkyard Dragon of the Shanghai Knights, Chance and Mountain of the Dawn Patrol, and Spade of the newly minted Knights Philosopher. While the Junkyard Dragon halted the roll of the massive armored car and Mountain doused the guttering flames in a single exhale, no one is quite sure who controlled the firestarter into surrender - though witnesses swear there was a cat involved. Apparatus escaped under her own power, teleporting effortlessly away at the end of the encounter, but Catalyst, thoroughly rent by Tien Lung, was swept away by a neat hit-and-run from the elusive Fast-Forward (Valerie Kelly). This is her second appearance since her disappearance in December, both in conjunction with the rapidfire Temporist. Bystanders on the scene report harsh words directed at Apparatus in the five-second span she was on the scene. With the capture of the firestarter to show for their efforts, the heroes kept him subdued until authorities arrived. The arrested individual is not Armageddon despite flawless likeness of physicality and powers; investigations have begun, but the police department is not as of yet releasing definite conclusions. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/103 Posted Author Carnival Chaos! Wed Mar 16 Reporter (Luc) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Crucible City's first annual Festival of Spirit was disrupted earlier today by a swarm of giant ants that burrowed out of the ground and proceeded to attack the carnival. Possibly attracted by the presence of the World's Largest Ball of Cotton Candy, which the ants quickly gathered up and carted belowground, the massive insectoid monsters were spurred on by a villainous individual with six arms dubbed "The Antagonist" by witnesses. Fortunately, several Powered heroes were attending the carnival at the time and moved swiftly to intervene. A woman riding some manner of robotic serpent - later identified only as Sergeant Quinn - dealt several severe blows to the rampaging ants despite being wounded herself, and also rescued the Mayor who, having arrived to open the Festival, was almost dragged underground by one of the monsters. Witnesses also report the presence of a tall swordswoman who, in the words of one man, "sliced and diced those critters somethin' fierce." Later identifying herself as Serrin Arina Xuha, the swordswoman had this to say to reporters: "Insects are dangerous. I urge caution." Wise words indeed. A third Power who identified himself as the White Ninja reportedly slew several ants in a flurry of teleporting attacks, and later told reporters at the scene, "Yeah, I'm really bugged by the whole thing," before leaving to change his shoes. The Antagonist, apparently masterminding this attack on our city, was confronted by the well-known Luc Malateux, whose fairytale illusions - including a towering giant and what appeared to be Cinderella - eventually left the villain unconscious. He was grabbed by one of his monstrous minions, however, before he could be captured, and remains at large. The Mayor later commended all four heroes for their efforts, despite reports that a Shawn Delaney of Oaklawn was pronounced missing following the rampage, and is believed to have been taken by the remaining ants. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/104 Posted Author Chemical Attack Injures Four Fri Mar 18 Reporter (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AP, Crucible City -- A small quantity of toxic chemicals were released near the Hyde Park el station yesterday evening in a senseless attack which left four hospitalized and in stable condition. Eyewitnesses observed a man in a blue jumpsuit having a heated argument with a woman who later identified herself as The Statistic, a local Crucible City heroine. The gentleman apparently hurled a vial of chemical gas during the altercation, then attempted to evade justice. Motorists reported a struggle between the pair on top of an eighteen wheeler as it drove down 51st street, followed by a determined escape by the terrorist who apparently leaped from the moving truck to another motor vehicle, but not before The Statistic could wrestle control of the remaining chemical vial, now in the custody of the CCPD. The man is presently unidentified, at large, and considered highly dangerous. Details on the poison gas have not yet been released, but the fumes were observed to be red, odorless, and vomit inducing. The cloud was perhaps fifteen feet in diameter and quickly faded from view, but not before afflicting several pedestrians. Police have refused to comment or speculate on a possible link between the attack and the Otaku Clan which masterminded last month's attack on CCTA train 65. The CCPD urges anyone with information possibly leading to the capture and arrest of the unknown bomber to come forward. ( +request inquiries to the Plot queue. ) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/105 Posted Author Coffee Shop Blues Fri Mar 18 Reporter (Taylor) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Uncommon Grounds received a major blow Thursday night as a young boy whose identity is kept secret by the police due to underage laws. The details are fuzzy as to what exactly happened or why, but a young teenager of about thirteen or fourteen began growing and vandalizing the coffee shop. It is suspected that a second student played a role in the incident but as of yet there is no word on the matter. Miracle Girl arrived on the scene however, and quickly carted the boy off after he suddenly went unconscious, reasoning behind that is also an enigma. Although nothing has been heard from Miracle Girl or the student in question, but the boy turned himself in from the hospital later that night. The police took him into custody for questioning until surprisingly, the Headmaster of King Academy, Doctor Merlin Dempsey picked him up and took the boy back to the school. It is rumored the boy lost control of his powers...but that remains to be proven. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/106 Posted Author Ritterman Verdict Sun Mar 20 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) After thirty-six hours of deliberation, the jury delivered their verdict on the matter of Ritterman versus Illinois. Genevieve Ritterman, founding member of ecology group Fragile Planet, but more popularly known as the nature-spirit collective Vila from the devestating storm of September, faced a wide variety of charges from the murder of two police officers to innumerable counts of property damage and reckless endangerment, and with a potential death sentence on the table, pled Not Guilty by reason of possession. This afternoon, the jury ruled that there was not sufficient evidence to prove that Ritterman acted of her own free will, and the former host to one of Crucible City's more destructive forces was released on her recognizance. "I'm glad it's finally over," she said to reporters on the scene, "I spent ten months in the thrall of the collective and too many more fighting this case - while that was a pale reflection of what I went through before. I've left too many things undone, and I hope to return to my organization." "The result of this case is a load of - how do I put it to avoid censorship? - horse manure," said Edwina Eckhart, co-founder of Fragile Planet and one of the prosecution's primary character witnesses. "Hard evidence was reduced to psychological double-talk. And Genevieve Ritterman has absolutely no place in Fragile Planet, not if I have anything to say about it." With the other founding members either deceased, retired or out of the country, Eckhart has been effectively in charge of the organization since Ritterman's arrest. Any controversy over the decision notwithstanding, Ritterman will be remaining in Crucible City to resolve legal issues regarding her late husband, Nathaniel Hildebrant (Ruin). Officials have recommended the socialite hire bodyguards for the interim. "It's an unfortunate thing," one anonymous source said, "but some people feel a mere verdict shouldn't rob them of someone paying for the storm." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/107 Posted Author Ninjas at Night? Sun Mar 20 Reporter (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AP, Crucible City -- Half a dozen black clad martial artists were responsible for a theft at Cultured Dynamics, a biotechnology firm specializing in genetics and located on the 6th floor of Wacker Drive's Basserman Building. Eyewitnesses reported a crash as six windows on the Basserman building shattered for no discernable reason. Heroes Abraxes, two beings in flying suits, and Detective Serendipity appeared initially to overreact to the damage, but their actions were quickly explained as half a dozen ninjas who made their way into the building itself over tiny lines almost too thin to be seen by the naked eye. Fighting inside of the computational chemistry lab was fierce, costing the firm several hundred thousand dollars in damaged computers. Officials from Cultured Dynamics are still assessing the damage, but report stolen hard drives from the Galaxy Supercomputer that powers their computer network. Officials had this to say. "We here at Cultured Dynamics realize that vigilance is the price of freedom and we both applaud and thank Abraxes, Serendipity, and the two others who aided our company in its time of need. We've been set back by the attack, but our work will go on." Asked if we've seen the last of these mysterious attacks, Detective Serendipity commented, "Ninjas are like rats. Or cockroaches. For every one you see there's probably ten more hiding in the walls. And in a city like Crucible there's probably more Ninjas than people, you know?" ( +request questions to Plot. ) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/108 Posted Author Weather Controller wanted! Mon Mar 21 Reporter (Miko) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tamiko O'Rourke, the young landy in charge of the upcomming Easter Bash, is seeking the services of a Weather controller. The job will last one day, and will pay ten thousand dollars. Alternately, the money could be donated to the charity of your choice. Contact Tamiko O'Rourke at 555-NOT-1337, or email her at Sprite@CCnet. (@mail sprite) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/109 Posted Author CC Tribune: Alien Investigation Mon Mar 21 Reporter (Nishiyama) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City (AP) - Gillian Fontaine, a graduate student at USC, announced a discovery today that could change the way that Powers and alien invasions are looked at. "I have done extensive research since the destruction of the Pound. Taking samples from Lake Michigan and the near shore, I've studied the soil and water. I have also observed the ecosystem at its location, and I've noted some findings." As many know, there has been a recent attack by an alien first strike force, and it was thwarted by Crucible City's own Superhero population. But what isn't as well known is the fact that the alien technology, after their ships were destroyed, had an adverse effect upon the biosphere of Lake Michigan. Miss Fontaine put it this way, "The worst of the changes come from the crystals of the robot ships that came from the hole in the sky. These crystals scattered from the ship explosions or robot destruction, and scattered around the area and into the lake. They shot out with force enough to be embedded in the soil and lake bed, rather than just landing on the surface. These crystals are a source of radiation, and that radiation is causing the mutation of local life, plant or animal." According to the research done by Miss Fontaine, these radio active crystals had caused certain odd mutations in the animal life of the lake. In one extreme instance, an aquatic plant had started mutating into a fish. It was uncertain whether or not the creature had started as a plant and was turning into a fish or if a fish and plant had been fused by the radiation. Fortunately, the mutations will not be carried to the next generation, as the mutated creatures have lost their ability to reproduce, and overall, the damage to Lake Michigan is very minor, as the radioactive fallout was limited to the island area only. Miss Fontaine expressed her gratitude for the quick and thorough clean-up of the lake by the government agencies responsible. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/110 Posted Author Missing children found! Sat Mar 26 Reporter (Shey) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Three missing children were returned to their homes last night by the Power known as Shadowstrike. The children, two girls and a boy aged between 12 and 14, were said to be stressed and frightened, but otherwise unharmed. Each of the children had gone missing in the last few days whilst playing alone near their homes, disappearing apparently without trace. Apparently they were held in a cage in the basement of a house to the west of Crucible City where, according to them, they were visited by a "ghost" and then rescued by a "shadow lady" from a "sorceror" with a "demon." Police are attempting to trace the owner of the house in question who appears to have disappeared without trace. The house has been sealed for forensic examination. (OOC: Queries can be addressed to Shey, thanks to Toshi, Lilith and Nicolai for a fun scene.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/111 Posted Author Top Shelf Attacked. Again. Sat Mar 26 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible Cafe Plagued By Powered Conflict. March 26, 2005 Crucible City In what is becoming a disturbingly regular occurance, the patrons of Top Shelf Books and Cafe were disturbed in their shopping by a battle between two Powers. Reports are conflicting at this time, but the combatants appear to have been Bethany Starr, formerly the villainous 'Pop Starr' but more recently acting as the heroic 'Freebird'. Ms. Starr was reportedly assaulted at the premises by the Power villain known as Shapesmith. Shapesmith, real name unknown, is a known member of the paramilitary band led by Paul Stephenson, better known as the mercenary Reactionary. The cause of the fight was unknown, but it seems that Shapesmith eventually got the better of Ms. Starr. She and her companion, David Blake, CEO of Blake Enterprises, were transformed into cats via Shapesmith's power and, with Mr. Blake held hostage, Ms. Starr was forced to relent. All ended without further conflict, however, as it seems Shapesmith was merely delivering a warning. The details of this warning are not known. The offices of Mr. Blake were not returning our calls as of press time. Damage to the premises was minimal, save for the security cameras which police officials say had become ice cream, most likely through the powers of Shapesmith. Shapesmith remains at large at this time. OOC: Questions and investigations should be +requested to Plot. ============================================================================== +bbread 11/112-121 ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/112 Posted Author Boat Bash Mon Mar 28 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer - Friday) Last night, a freighter crossing Lake Michigan with supplies en route to the Pound was hijacked by Powers first seen together at Cathmor Biotech in Misalagua, Wisconsin - Whiplash, Scintilla and Mercurial, with the mentalist Mindset as their nominal leader. Their attempt to make off with two cases of the high-level cargo was interrupted by Tempest, Miracle Girl and Hound, Conall, Shadowstrike, Indigo and the Statistic. They thwarted the villains, though not without a great deal of splash and considerable damage to the deck. Scintilla and Mercurial escaped through the aegis of a teleportation cube; Mindset was removed at the last possible second by an outside force, leaving an unconscious Whiplash (Leonard "Lew" Marinos) behind. The authorities have refused to release details as to the exact nature of the goods the four villains attempted to steal. (Apologies for the delay in this post! Four words: Tax season. Small business.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/113 Posted Author Dawn Patrol Press Release Wed Mar 30 Reporter (Drifter) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Crucible City Tribune prints a small article about a recent Press Release issued by the Dawn Patrol that details some of the events of a recent team meeting. Specifically of note is the election of The Unknown Soldier to the position of Chairman, and the appointing of a new position with the team of Deputy Chairman to the hero Poltergeist. Public acknowledgement of Quintessence's shift to inactive status with the Patrol is also included, citing family issues. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/114 Posted Author Tin Man To Be Released Thu Mar 31 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metal Menace Free To Go March 31, 2005 Crucible City, Crucible City Police and Gibbons Containment Facility officials issued a joint statement today announcing the imminent release of the robotic creature known only as The Tin Man. In the statement officials indicate that The Tin Man had received a full pardon for all crimes following his participation in the highly-controversial "Chain Gang" program. During his service, The Tin Man suffered catastrophic damage and, believed no longer functional, was placed in storage at the Gibbons Containment Facility. "My client was issued a full pardon for services rendered," said Lawrence Lansing, legal counsel for The Tin Man. "That his participation in the 'Chain Gang' program led to him becoming inoperable for a time does not negate this pardon. Further, none can fault my client for his behavior following the attack on the Gibbons Power Containment Facility. Having been jarred into functionality by the explosions, my client found himself confused, disoriented, and under attack by 'heroic' Powers. That he acted in self-defense is obvious." The judge hearing the case agreed with Mr. Lansing's assessment and ordered that The Tin Man be released upon his own recognizance as soon as he was fit. The Tin Man has been in the care of the Gibbons Power Containment Facility since his apprehension earlier this month while he undergoes further repairs. He is expected to be released later this afternoon. The 'Chain Gang' program was a highly controversial program enacted by the Federal government during the height of the Dimensional Nazi War early last winter. With Nazi forces from Earth-N pushing allied armed forces and Powers back on all fronts, the government offered full pardons for any villainous Powers willing to fight against the Nazis. The Tin Man accepted the offer and was deployed by himself to upstate New York to intercept a Nazi armored column bound for New York City. The Tin Man stopped the attack, but soon thereafter fell under orbital bombardment and was severely damaged. His inert form has been contained at Gibbons since that day. "The Tin Man saved New York City," said Colonel James Makepeace, Federal Power Liaison during the Dimensional Nazi War. "He's earned his freedom. I can only hope that he uses it wisely." OOC: Questions/Comments/Investigations should be +requested to Plot staff, Attn-Oracle. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/115 Posted Author Whisper Strikes Again! Fri Apr 01 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notorious Vigilante Implicated in Break-In April 2, 2005 Crucible City, The notorious vigilante known only as 'The Whisper' is being sought by police after a late-night break-in at the Crucible City offices of the german Thule Society. Security guards responding to a tripped alarm reportedly witnessed the Whisper swinging away through the city, making his escape after allegedly stealing a computer from the office. "It is beyond me why this vigilante would be breaking into our offices," stated Eckhard Beckenbaur, head of Thule Society activity in the United States. "Perhaps this is somehow related to the incident in October when similar criminals attempted to steal priceless artifacts from our exhibit." The Thule Society's Crucible City offices were created in September to oversee the 'Thule: Land of Legend' exhibit's tour of the United States. Thule officials close to Beckenbaur report that security on the exhibit, which is currently displaying in Atlanta, has been increased in concerns that the data contained on the computer stolen by the Whisper may be used to launch another attempted artifact theft. The Whisper, darkly-clad vigilante native to Crucible City, is also sought for questioning in conjunction with several murders of Crucible City Police officers. The Whisper is to be considered armed and very dangerous. Citizens are advised to report any sightings to police, but are warned not to approach him for any reason. OOC: Comments, Questions, and Investigations should be +requested to Plot, as always. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/116 Posted Author Across The Seas Mon Apr 04 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Bizarre reports from southern Spain indicate that local mystics have found their powers balked and their rituals halted, and long-standing enchantments have collapsed or weakened without warning. An expert channeler claims that one of the leylines in the region was simply depleted, a statement refuted by investigators who deem it unlikely, but, "we don't have enough information to draw any firm conclusion at this time. Sorcerers are advised to get on by their own natural resources as the entire rest of the population does." A similar incident is rumored to have occurred in northern China mere days earlier; to date, there has been no cross-pollination of resources or information. (Questions? Request to Plot.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/117 Posted Author A Day From The Enquirer Wed Apr 06 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Scattered throughout various articles: ) ... Indefinia Inc has remanded two attempted intruders into custody: the assassin known as Liaison, and a cohort by the name of Delusion. Authorities have been unable to trace a paper trail on their mundane identities. "We are ninety-five percent confident that neither individual has so much as a valid birth certificate, driver's license, or credit card. It's as if they've lived in complete isolation all their lives." ... ... French authorities have released notice that, mere hours before they caught up to precognitive teleporter and Hand inner circle member Foresight (Rachel Guerre), the woman apparently got wind of their plans and vanished, still with the Farrelas Rapier - stolen from Crucible City months before. They managed to track the false passport to JFK Airport, where the trail went cold ... ... (Obituaries) Aidan McIntyre, 35, beloved husband of Angeline ... respected archaeologist known for a broad array of work ... cause of death: strangulation, killer unknown ... ... local actress and model Leona Nicholson was found dead in her apartment through causes the coroner describes as a "bizarre reversal of her body's natural defenses on themselves" - investigators have furthermore pinpointed signs of a massive two-way Powered struggle ... ... sentencing was handed down today in the matter of Wallace June (Junior) versus the state of Illinois, better known as shapeshifter Remake. In light of proceedural mis-steps and recent information volunteered by June in regards to former compatriot Retrofit (Martin August), the young man will serve a year in the Pound in addition to time served - a remarkably short sentence more than a few have muttered is more due to seven-figure rhetoric than duly delivered justice ... ... also released today on bail, on condition of house arrest, is Frenchborn pop singer Claudette Roslin, allegedly Literalis Federation veteran Lady Genre. Despite the clamoring of Roslin and her lawyer, the authorities are not returning her adopted daughter Simone to her custody ... ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/118 Posted Author Dr. Alder to Stand Trial Thu Apr 07 Reporter (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Doctor William Alder, famous for his disappearance in the wake of the Event, and linked to a canceled government Project known as Exogenesis was captured some time ago by combined elements of the Shanghai Knights and Dawn Patrol working in tandem, and after a two month legal battle will stand trial for his many and serious alleged crimes. Included in the list of crimes are Treason, Murder, Illegal Genetic Experimentation, Accessory to Murder, Narcotics Violations including Drug Trafficking, and Manufacture, Fraud, Armed Theft, and Espionage. Also captured with him was a Power Criminal known by the name 'Masquerade', also to stand trial, but no date or list of charges have been released for him. Doctor Alder's trial will be held in closed session in two weeks time, jury selection is presently underway. Doctor Alder was not available for comment, his lawyer however stated that. "We're very confident that justice will prevail, and that my client will not be found guilty of the many and heinous crimes he stands accused of." The attorney is one Blain Webber, a junior partner of the New York based and very prestigious lawfirm of Lye, Cheetham and Steele, LLC. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/119 Posted Author Mind Eating Monsters! Thu Apr 07 Reporter (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aliens from Outer Space Ate My Son's Brain! Luis Alvarez, only son of Martin and Monica Alvarez was found dead of what appears to have been a massive aneuryism late last night. Mrs. Alvarez had this to say, "My son, he was a good boy, gifted. The police--they said he was maybe on drugs! But not /my/ boy, I /saw/ the monster that ate his brain, it was like...luz blanco, a white light, and it...it had a beam in his head. It was horrible! He jerked and shuddered, and then it vanish like a switch was thrown, and he fall. And he died." Mister Alvarez reported that his son was exceptionally lucky, especially at games of pure chance, and sometimes he had visions. "Once...he saw Jesus in a cookie! And then there was the Elvis Carrot..." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/120 Posted Author Obituary Entry: Gustav March Thu Apr 07 Reporter (Miracleman) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Authorities at the Gibbons Power Containment Facility announced today that Gustav March, once known as Ubermensch passed away last night due to complications from injuries sustained defending The Pound, as it is popularly known, when the three US based Power Prisons were struck by simultaneous attacks as an unprovoked attack from what is now known to have originated from Jupiter. Apparently reacting to a very exotic wavelength of radiation emitted from the EMP that disabled the fortress, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer of his bone marrow. Every means possible was used to attempt the halt of the cancer, but the race was run, and lost at 12:02AM this morning. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/121 Posted Author Swedish Snow Avalanch Kills Seven Mon Apr 11 Reporter (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune) Åre, Sweden -- Thousands of villagers and people on holiday at Åre Ski Resort owe their lives to Kapten Viking and Midnattsol, who saved many from certain destruction at the hands of an avalanch that geologists are certain was not a naturally occuring event. The scene erupted Sunday evening with a muffled blast whose sound was described by one bystander as 'like two rocks colliding in a sack.'. Moments later, a large fissure developed on one side of the world famous snow mountain and the east side collapsed. "It was as if the mountain itself were melting!" exclaimed one bystander, "But they saved us all!" Moving quickly, Kapten Viking was on hand to airlift skiers from the deadly peak before the developing snow avalanch could reach them. But the ski-town of Åre was impossible to evacuate. Midnattsol rose to the challenge, creating a wall of heat to defended the village from being crushed at the cost of setting fire to the outskirts of town. When all was said and done, property damage exceeded thirty million dollars. Seven were killed, fifteen were injured. "We heard the commotion and knew something bad was about to happen. We're only doing the job we were put here to do. Save your thanks for the emergency crews who were the real heroes." said Midnattsol to reporters. Half a dozen terrorist organizations claimed responsibility within hours of the attack, but none have provided proof to substantiate their claims. ( +request inquiries to Plot ) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/122 Posted Author KKK Foiled By Dawn Patrol! Mon Apr 11 Reporter (Vincent) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ After a daring attempt to hijack a prototype rocket booster and turn it into a high-powered bomb, radical, superpowered elements of the KKK were defeated in a head to head battle with the Dawn Patrol. The rocket booster, developed by Illinois-based Skyrail Industries, was to be shipped to Cape Canaveral for the final phases of testing. Due to the security risk posed by the highly volatile booster, Skyrail Industries requested the aid of the National Guard -- but the Guardsmen who arrived were not the same ones who had been deployed. Investigators believe that the unit of National Guardsmen were somehow replaced in transit by agents of a radical sect of the Ku Klux Klan headed by Maxwell Jones, the super-powered terrorist better known as Ku Klux King. Jones, formerly a millionaire mogul of the meat packing industry, reportedly paid for the illegal biological experimentation that granted him the super-strength he wields today. After an unscheduled change of course, the convoy transporting the rocket booster caught the attention of the Dawn Patrol, who deployed several members via teleportation and Dawn Treader to the scene. Also present, according to witnesses, was Luc Malateux, also known as the Illustrator, who reportedly participated in the battle to neutralize the KKK. After diverting the convoy, whose deception was swiftly unearthed by the Unknown Soldier, a brief battle ensued. Witnesses report that, despite being wounded in the battle, the Dawn Patrol -- which consisted of current chairman, the Unknown Soldier, Ix Balam, and the newly-recruited Spade, as well as the Illustrator -- successfully overcame the false National Guardsmen, including two equipped with powered armor, as well as Ku Klux King himself, assisted by his right-hand man, Reb Wilson, better known as the White Knight. After apprehending the Klansmen, the real National Guard quickly arrived and took control of the situation, and the convoy was repossessed and sent back on the proper path. A statement was issued by Skyrail Industries following the booster's successful arrival in Cape Canaveral thanking the Dawn Patrol and Illustrator for their swift and able response, as well as gratitude towards the National Guard for transporting the convoy the rest of the way. The original unit of Guardsmen, however, are still missing. Investigators believe they are being held but unharmed, and intend to do everything in their power to bring them home safetly. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/123 Posted Author Tabloids Proclaim Free-For-All Thu Apr 14 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sunday's issue of a couple of Crucible City's most salacious tabloids run a story about three escaped villains - Watermark, Morning Glory, and Winterraven - the heroic Powers Phase, Spade, Strife and Ix Balam, and the wanted Whisper. The exact sequence of events is somewhere between human sacrifice, three way brawl, and mass hallucination, when the wanted man, the sorceress and indigo-haired Strife spent a profitable five minutes interrogating thin air. Authoritative sources swear that something in the water system killed the escaped Watermark and caused temporary insanity and delusions in the others. "It was probably space aliens!" said a man who wished to be anonymous. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/124 Posted Author Teen Machine Attacked! Fri Apr 15 Reporter (Yuria) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last evening in Grant Park, memebers of the Teen Powered team the Teen Machine were attacked by what authorities are calling a rival gang. While the Teen Machine itself is not a gang in the normal use of the word, the group of teens who attacked them was. "They were wearing their own gang colors, and some of these kids we know live on the street," says Joe Marsten of the Gang Related Crimes Unit of the Crucible City Police Department. Three teens were taken into custody, their names not being released due to their age. However, the Teen Machine, already strong with a heroic recent past in Crucible City seems to have had it's numbers swelled with the addition of a young man called 'Lazarus' by his team-mates, another young woman with the power over dust, and a shy mystic calling herself Sigil. Geir of the Teen Machine had this to say, "Victory this day belongst to the Teen Machine. Aye, there is some new faces 'mongst that noble assemblage. ... But the Son of Sigrid ist proud to say to all of Crucible, fear the not, the Teen Machine walks amongst thee as defenders once more!" ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/125 Posted Author Assault At Field Museum Fri Apr 15 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Last night, Literalis Federation members Necronomicon and Poetic License grabbed and threatened local archaeologist Benjamin Setter, principle mind behind the Field Museum's most recent exhibit in Egyptian history. When challenged by heroes Serendipity, Epiphany, the Lignin, the Statistic and Lifefire, the villains displayed some disinterest for their apparent purpose, but called for backup in the form of bloodstained sorceress Gualichu, whose connection with the Federation is so far unknown. Bystanders reports are largely muddled and confused as Poetic License's reality editing put most of them in a pastoral trance for the duration of the conflict, but a few things are clear: impressive damage was done on either side, Necronomicon took a shot to the eye and before the villains vanished was already beginning to repair the diminished orb, and the fight boasted invisible Powered spectators whose sole purpose was apparently to feed off the power somehow generated by the fight. Despite this declaration, however, the heroes pressed the fight in an attempt to end it quickly; and after a gory finale, Gualichu laid down a shattering blast and vanished with her compatriots. Rumors are unconfirmed that the villains departed with an unidentified fourth as captive. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/126 Posted Author Sat Apr 16 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Early yesterday evening, the Head of the Department of Water Management was assaulted in an apparent abduction attempt by the Temporists - Parallel, Catalyst and Incandescence. Rumored is the presence of Dawn Patroller Chance on the side of the villains, but as the woman apparently disintegrated into sludge when overpowered, authorities suspect a construct or clone. While the Temporists managed somehow to disable the central alarm before it could patch into the police network, the commotion was overheard by a handful of Powers: Dawn Patrollers Phase and Ix Balam, the mysterious Surrealist, illusion-manipulating Illustration, and Fury, successor to a distinguished hero of the same name. The conflict was touch and go for a while - Parallel managed to knock Phase flat before suffering the same fate at Fury's hands - but in the end, the villains were forced to flee without their prize, through the familiar auspices of a teleportation cube. Authorities believe that this assault, combined with other evidence, supports a possible plan to control the city through the water supply. The Department of Water Management has announced intentions of increasing its security precautions, and states that there is presently no need for concern. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/127 Posted Author King Academy Attacked! Sun Apr 17 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ School For Young Powers Scene of Extraordinary Violence April 17 Crucible City The King Academy For Gifted Youth was rocked by multiple explosions in the evening hours of Saturday night, the precursor to a full-scale invasion of the campus by a frightening number of criminal Powers. The fighting between the invading Powers, the Powered faculty, and the Powered students was pitched and often brutal, however miraculously there were no fatalities reported. As quickly as they arrived, the attackers vanished in a massive surge of mystical energy, claiming to have obtained what they set out for. Injuries amongst the faculty and students were many of sometimes severe, but the assorted healing abilities of the Powers present assured that everyone was once again at full health no more than an hour after the attack. Those attackers who have been identified seem to show a disturbing trend in organized Power crime. Identified on-scene battling the faculty were Singularity, Courrone, Primordius, Vesuvia, and a virtual army of the leathery-winged humanoid soldiers that are apparently known as Mutant Marines. Confirmed battling the students in their dormitory were Reactionary, Shapesmith, Slick, the creature known only as 'Mud', a number of seemingly powerless paramilitaries, and Gestalt, the duplicating powerhouse who was last seen in FBI custody. The FBI has not returned our inquiries as to the nature of Gestalt's evident escape. The faculty, led by headmaster Merlin Dempsey, were unable to stop the flood of Powers and Mutant Marines, so sudden and ferocious was the attack that they had barely begun their counterattack when the criminals teleported away. Seeing more success, apparently, were the students. While we are unable to reveal the names of the students for confidentiality, reports say that a number of the Powered students drove off Reactionary's squad, even managing to teleport Slick, AKA Stacey Neil, into the Pound. Ms. Neil is currently being held in the Pound pending charges. Said Headmaster Dempsey, "I am very proud of all of my students. Their success tonight brings a great deal of pride to myself and my faculty to know that it was our tutelage in part which led to their victory." When asked about his thoughts as to the intended purpose of the attack, Headmaster Dempsey grew more grave in his response. "I will not be able to say for certain until a full investigation is performed, however a preliminary examination of the areas they assaulted revealed a possibility I am almost afraid to give voice to. I have noticed certain datafiles missing. Those datafiles entrusted to me by John King, containing the whole of his life's work. I pray that I am mistaken, but it seems to me that this was their goal." John King, leader of the highly public Power team 'The Saturn V' has been reguarded by many experts as the most brilliant scientific mind who ever lived. So advanced were his theories that, in the wake of his disappearance along with the rest of the Saturn V in The Event, few are able to comprehend them at all. When asked his thoughts on the criminal's intentions, Headmaster Dempsey, who is also the brother of vanished Saturn V member Duane Dempsey, gave this irritated response. "When was the last time you saw these Powers working together? Can you not recognize the Tyrranical Ten when you see them? Has it really been that long that people have forgotten? I hope the Power population of this world sits up and takes notice. The Saturn V aren't here to protect us anymore. Our old protectors are lost, and now I fear the new generation is about to be tested by the old." OOC: Investigations and questions should be directed to Plot staff via +request. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/128 Posted Author Canoe Race Crashed Thu Apr 21 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Yesterday afternoon, a corporate-sponsored event known as the Great American Canoe Race ran afoul of a pack of what more savvy bystanders swear were water elementals, overturning boats and in one extreme case, throwing a canoe across the way and over a motorboat deck. Atlantean Rankir and one Dr. Zenobia Petalas - suited up in the Z.E.N.O.-1 - went to the rescue of the beleagured civilians, while Geir went to challenge the assailants. Soon the battle was joined on all sides, though landbound accounts are necessarily confused - some spectators claim the presence of an icy merwoman of some sort, whereas Dr. Petalas asserts that the woman - who has been identified as the Goddess-Giver identified with Sedna (Malia Alameda), a recent Pound escapee - had a reinforcement. The duo may have disappeared with another individual in tow, and Dr. Petalas urges the attention of anyone who can help in the search. Neither the mysterious Atlantean nor the waterbound warrior were available for comment. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/129 Posted Author Palaver Returned Thu Apr 21 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Early Tuesday morning, the villain known as Palaver turned himself into the authorities with apparently no struggle - he is described as being listless, disoriented and extremely subdued. He was physically able to remain standing for no more than ten minutes before he simply collapsed, but in that time described feeling a, "complete and total sensation of transcendal rapture - and then it was gone. It was forever out of reach ..." He claims that he does not remember anything before that short of trying to sneak out of the Pound. One of the officers commented, "knowing the scoundrel, he could have made a very convincing case for not having tried to escape of his own volition at all, but he seems to have lost all interest in his own defense." Palaver has not awakened since his arrival. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/130 Posted Author Whisper Cleared Thu Apr 21 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crubible City Tribune) The often misunderstood vigilante known as THE WHISPER was publicly cleared by Detective Robert Thomas of the CCPD in the case of a mass murders that occurred several months ago at an abandoned chemical factory in Harvey. The ballistics of the six murdered, all known underworld criminals, has been linked to the same ballistics that were used in the weapon found at the site of CCPD Bomb Squad OFficer Jennie Hutchinson's apartment. Thomas was quick to point out that while the Whisper is officially cleared as a likely suspect at this time, he still pressed for the vigilante to submit to Police questioning as a possible witness to the scene. (OOC: Just clearing up a loose end that has left a player from a semi-frozen plot in an unreasonable bind. Please no followups until I'm done with my hiatus. --Hyp) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/131 Posted Author Fire On South Side Fri Apr 22 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) A supernatural fire broke out in a South Side apartment complex early this evening, the flames spreading to the adjacent buildings. Though Powers Serendipity and Lifefire and a crimson-wielding young man swept in to the rescue, they found fire that burnt only wood and fabric, not the bodies of the living - and Literalis Federation members Necronomicon and the often elusive Enchiridion, who it is guessed planned the fire to deliberately attract attention. They were joined by an unidentified woman with water-hued skin and an ivory blade, who vanished in the form of an owl, and a bloody and chaotic battle ensued. Official reports indicate that the trio escaped with what they sought - though only by the skin of their teeth - but the nature of their goal has not been publically released. Structural damage to the building between fire and fight has been deemed irreparable and it has been shut down pending investigation and then demolition. ============================================================================== +bbread 11/132-141 ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/132 Posted Author The One Strike Back Sat Apr 30 Reporter (Yuria) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In an apparent attack of revenge, the Powered Teen Gang known as The One sent some of their members after some young King Academy students. Burnham Harbor was the scene of the altercation. Several of The One members were identified as ruffians seen previously on the streets. However, thanks to the three King Teens and a large black panther, The One members were beaten to a stand still and the two groups parted ways. Reports say that the altercation began when a group of people started marching en masse towards the group of King Students and escelated from there, resulting in one of The One and one of the King Students running down the length of Burnham Harbor before the One member was able to outpace the other. Several trash cans were then flung, as well as the Black Panther that seemed to be affected by some sort of mind control. Despite the troubling nature of such an attack, injuries were minor and no one was admitted to the local hospitals. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/133 Posted Author Fracas in Grant Park! Thu May 05 Reporter (#-1 NOT FOUND) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (From the CC Gazette) Apparent Powered activity again struck Grant Park last night, with witnesses reporting a 'dome of darkness' dropping over a large portion of the Park and lasting for mere moments. Scattered reports described a short melee between four Powers, at least one of whom was identified as Geir Varaksson of the Teen Machine; two of the combatants, apparently faring poorly, escaped via teleportation. A sizable section of the park was littered with a strange hot-pink substance; preliminary reports from the police indicate that it was the remnant of one of the escaped Power's equipment, described as a 'fast-setting polymer.' Thus far no public statements have been given regarding the nature of the brawl, or the reasons behind it; the Gazette will continue our investigation. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/134 Posted Author Downtown Warzone Fri May 06 Reporter (The Tick) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AP, Crucible City -- A North Michigan Avenue traffic jam turned into a scene that bystanders described as a virtual warzone late last evening. An eighteen wheeler stalled out at an intersection and gridlocked the street. Police units were attempting to mitigate traffic and remove the large obstruction from the road. But in a move nobody was expecting, the driver, one of the police officers, and four bystanders turned towards Anne Lin (aka The Statistic) and attacked. Powers Corporate, Chicago, Isobel, and an unidentified boy came quickly to her aid, but the five quickly found themselves standing in the middle of what appeared to be an interdimensional war. Three men in red robes quickly entered the scene, joined by the infamous Otaku Clan. Onlookers unanimously describe the blasts emitted from the trio as 'fireballs'. Aimed at the heroes, these fireballs laid ruin upon the street and quickly converted the emptied automobiles into twisted scrap. // Photograph: A charred automobile lying on its side in front of a four foot wide crater. The car is still on fire. CCPD, CCFD, and other emergency workers are in the shot, apparently talking to one another. The caption reads: CCPD arrived to observe the aftermath. // After the initial blasts, a hole opened up from the sky and new challengers descended to the ruined city street. Described by most as 'robotic ninjas', eight kung fu androids and at least twenty smaller quadrupedal machines entered the fray, armed with unidentified energy weapons. The three groups clashed in a terrifying engagement that Alex Pasteur of Elmhurst described a scene out of a science fiction movie. "There was these flashes of light, and robots and ninjas and they just kept on coming! I hid behind my truck until I saw my opportunity, and then I ran straight into the alley. The smoke was so thick that it seemed like night time, and all you saw were these lasers going back and forth. I don't know what was going on, I'm just glad the powers were there to make it stop sooner than later. I almost didn't get out." Heroes did their best to end the fight between the Otaku Clan and the machines, which identified themselves as The Ferroship. Meanwhile, the citizens fled. "I ran as fast as I could!" said Alice Winston, a 34 year old accountant fresh from the scene, "We all did. Part of living in the city is knowing when it's time to evacuate." Police have confirmed seven dead, three missing, one in critical condition, and report ninteen taken in for serious but not life threatening injuries. Though property damage was originally quite extraordinary, the powered hero named Chicago labored throughout the evening to repair that which was done to the noble street. City engineers are still assessing the work, but are expected to declare the buildings safe for use. The CCTA has resumed regular operations. "The heroes can save us, but they can't do everything at once. I can't believe that Chicago fixed my sedan. It never ran so well. My insurance company will be overjoyed." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/135 Posted Author South Side Slugout Mon May 09 Reporter (Yatima) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Today in the news, coverage of yesterday night's brawl in South Side between two powers. What started as a duel between long-standing teammates Thunder Child and the Jewler evolved into havock as a horde of powers descended on the community to bring order. It was revealed that a mind controller was involved, and had allegedly directed some of the heroes into fighting each other! The villain was promptly subdued and escorted to a detainment facility... but he seems to have been lost in transit! Upon arrival none of his escorts could find him, or even pinpoint exactly when he had disappeared. His identity and whereabouts are currently unknown. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/136 Posted Author HERO PREGNANT WITH VILLAIN CHILD Mon May 09 Reporter (Forge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DAWN PATROL LOVER PREGNANT WITH VILLAIN'S CHILD In an interview led by house journalist Sandy Sandalson, we at the National Enquirer have interviewed a close, personal friend of the hero Lantana, allegedly the close lover of the Dawn Patrol member Spade. According to this friend, Lantana is pregnant with the child of recently-escaped villain Pollen Count. Calls to the heroine have yielded confirmation that she is indeed growing the Pollen Count's 'bud' and that she expects its blossoming soon. Powered insiders suggest that this may be the killing blow for the longterm romantic relationship between Lantana and Spade. More information as we get get them. - Staff Editor, National Enquirer ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/137 Posted Author Letter to the Editor Wed May 11 Reporter (Chicago) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (From the Letters To The Editor section of the recent newspaper) DOWN WITH CHICAGO Look, it's all fine and well that these rats in capes fly around blowing each other up - but when they start taking our jobs, too, that's where I draw the line. No, I'm not a cop, I'm a construction worker! And this 'Chicago' bloke is going around making our jobs pretty pointless, y'know? Something blows up, he puts it back together. What's to stop him from working on water lines or telephone cables next? We won't even have to put up construction signs anymore, 'cuz we won't need crews, just this one guy! Seriously, what's with that? Bob Stalwell, Local 5012 ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/138 Posted Author Elvis sighting at Laundromat Wed May 11 Reporter (Sarah) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Carried by the most disreputable tabloids Headline: Elvis Sighting at Duds n'Suds! Security cameras at all night Laundromat 'Duds n'Suds' captured 'The King' in the act of washing his laundry. Apparently he chose a time when the laundromat was empty to wash several jumpsuits, and undies. Virginia Watts, the third shift cashier for the laundromat arrived late last night just in time to see Elvis leave with his laundry. Answering the question - Yes, Virginia, there /is/ an Elvis. Or is there? (OOC: Yes, this is a joke. ^.^, questions to Sarah.) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/139 Posted Author US Senate Devastated! Sun May 15 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No Evidence That Urizen Has Returned, Government Says. May 14th, 2005 Washington, DC Capitol Hill was stunned yesterday by a sudden and brutal act of Power terrorism within the Senate Chamber itself. In a terrifying display of raw power a Power appearing to be the infamous Count Urizen appeared directly upon the rostrum and assaulted Senator Stockwell Kingfisher of Virginia. Though the Power was later determined to have been an 'Auto-Urizen', robotic duplicates of Count Urizen who often act in his stead, the implications of this attack have shaken the government to the foundations. "Were it not for the quick and decisive actions taken by civilian Powers, I believe there would have been considerable loss of life today," said Colonel Stan Dierman, chief of security on Capitol Hill. On hand to face the threat were Dawn Patrollers Phase and Unknown Soldier, the latter being the son of Senator Kingfisher, as well as the powerhouses Scion and Manitou and a young woman who has apparently taken up the mantle of the missing Power hero 'Fury'. The battle was pitched with Phase removing Senator Stockwell from the field of combat almost immediately while the remaning heroes kept the robotic villain's attention away from the military personnel who conducted a flawless evacuation of the Senate chambers and the whole of Capitol Hill itself. The Auto-Urizen made great display of its powers, laying waste to the Senate Chambers and threatening to overwhelm the heroes. Fast action and solid leadership from the Unknown Soldier prevailed, however, and after a savage beating from Scion and Fury, the Auto-Urizen was wrapped up in the great arms of the Manitou. Realizing it was about to self-destruct, Phase created a dimensional portal through which Manitou threw the robot seconds before it exploded. Fury, Scion, and Manitou then blocked the portal with their very bodies, deflecting much of the explosive force away. A selfless act that left Fury and Scion with severe injuries, the latter of which healed immediately while Fury was given Powered treatment as rapidly as was feasible. Throughout the battle the military and local Powers worked to cordon off the Capitol Hill area and create a perimeter in case the heroes in the Senate were unable to contain the threat. All available police and rescue services were called to the area to assist in the evacuation and to close down key streets. Traffic in the DC-Metro area was snarled until well into the night. Damage to the Senate Chamber was extensive, early estimates suggesting that it will cost several hundred thousand dollars to repair structural damage and replace equipment. In the meantime the Senate will convene in a temporary location to be announced on Monday. "There is no need for a panic at this point," said Daniel Long, head of the CIA's Power Terrorism division. "At this time there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Count Urizen has actually returned. We have been encountering Auto-Urizens on a regular basis since his death seven years ago. In all cases they have been acting autonomously. Many of them even believe that they actually are him. That this Auto-Urizen was somewhat more bold merely suggests that it was malfunctioning in some manner." Other officials, who asked to remain anonymous, were not so optimistic. Citing a break-in at the Smithsonian Museum of Powered History... OOC: Comments and questions are directed to Plot staff, as always. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/140 Posted Author Artifact Stolen From Smithsonian Sun May 15 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Daring Raid Nearly Unnoticed in Capitol Evacuation May 14, 2005 Washington, DC. Just as the first reports of the destructive attack on Capitol Hill were making their way across the emergency response systems, a Powered strike team under the command of the mercenary leader Reactionary launched a lightning-fast raid on the nearby Smithsonian Institution. The specific target was the Museum of Powered History where artifacts and exhibits of the world's Powered past are storyed and displayed. With all eyes on the drama unfolding in the Senate, the attack went nearly unnoticed and law enforcement officials did not arrive on the scene until several hours later. "My men put up a helluva fight," said museum curator Frederick Liendhoven. "But we just couldn't hold them off. Our security teams are trained and equipped to deal with Powered threats..but not of this magnitude. They hit us hard and fast and with their numbers? They just rolled over us." A number of Powered heroes, undistracted by what some now believe was a diversionary attack on the Senate, responded swiftly to the crisis. Confirmed on-scene at this time were Centurian, The Indestructable Corporate, Shooting Star, Spade, and Z.E.N.O.-1, though some reports also place a disabled woman with powers of cold control on the scene as well. The heroes found themselves up against a veritable army of Powered terrorists associated with Reactionary, including Shapesmith, Bufoboreas, Gestalt, Mud, Loudmouth, a squad of the bizarre creatures known as 'Mutant Marines', and an unidentified woman possessing supertech devices of unknown origin. The battle was brutal with Loudmouth literally deafening most of the Powers in the first moments of the engagement and though outnumbered the heroes managed to drive the villains away. Unfortunately the mysterious Mutant Marines were able to teleport away every villain who fell and in the end extracted the unknown woman and apparently the attack's objective as well. A hasty inventory of the museum discovered only a single artifact missing. A small staff, about three feet in length and lined with runes. "It's obviously of Thulian origin," said Liendhoven when asked to comment on the theft. "The runes across the surface leave no doubt. Unfortunately we've never been able to successfully translate the Thulian language, so we are unsure of it's purpose. Whatever it was for, it was broken long ago. Broken right in half and one side of it nearly melted flat. I can't imagine why anyone would even want it but..with what happened on Capitol Hill..I have a bad feeling about this.." Structural damage to the museum was significant and repairs are estimated to... OOC: As always, questions and investigations go to Plot. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/141 Posted Author Gunshots in the vicinity of Sun May 22 Reporter (Gadget Boy) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Crucible City CCPD Blotter Gunshots were heard in the vicinity of Seven Eleven store # 12586 at 1145pm Saturday May 21, 2005, As reports of the powers Brass Monkey, Sidestep and an unknown power came across the Powers Stick, DDay and Fighter in the midst of soliciting illicit drugs. Marijuana, syringes of an unknown substance, and acid were found on scene, charges are pending. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/142 Posted Author Alien Starship landed! Mon May 23 Reporter (Murdock) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Many amazing things happen in Crucible City, but sometimes something happens to attention more than usual. It first started when sensors from the Lighthouse detected an object entering Earth's atmosphere, a spacecraft who's stealth systems were disrupted when it hit the atmosphere and created the trail of fire during entry. At amazing speeds, the craft dove towards our fair city, brodcasting a distress signal that a few of our heroes responded to. Eyewitnesses claim the ones mostly involved were Corporate, Manitou, Odyssey, Xiong Lei , Jackson Storm and Rankir. With their combined efforts, they helpred slow the craft down, Corporate firt tackling the nose of the craft, guiding it to the surface of the lake. The youthful Xiong Lei assisted soon after, with Odyssey helping to clear swimmers and boates alike from possible injury from the landing. Jackson Storm was there to provide footage of the spacecraft as Manitou and Rankir were there to provide the final muscle to stop the craft, leaving a trench in it's wake. The pilot of the craft was uninjured, save for a few bruises. Name and identity is still unknown, and waits patiently for the proper authorities. Once the emergency services began to arrive, those heroes left, off to their own devices before the incident. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/143 Posted Author New Step Forward in Crimefighting? Sun May 29 Reporter (Ego) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Today, the FBI released a statement about their muchly banded 'Ego Project' a supposed major development in law enforcement technology. A fully operational AI, the Android is to serve in the same function as any agent, in an effort to eliminate casualties in the war on crime. The android was quoted as saying, when asked for personal motivation for its efforts,"Breaking the law is bad. People who break the law should go to jail. Don't break the law." While there is some doubt as to whether or not this avenue of research will attain its stated goal, it is clearly a step in the right direction. Post, Law Consultant ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/144 Posted Author Bank robbery thwarted! Fri Jun 03 Reporter (Jeremy) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An attempted robbery by local Powered criminals turned sour for them on Thursday, when the bank they attempted to rob turned out to have a noted Power hero on hand as well as the new prototype FBI android. Andy 'Slugger' MacKenzie, and his cousin, Jon 'Basher' Lewis entered the bank at around two o'clock PM, expecting an easy haul. Unfortunately, they were confronted by the FBI android called 'Ego' as well as the well-known and frightening Powered hero Outlaw. After a short exchange, Outlaw's experience proved to be the sticking point, as he knocked out Slugger, then disabled Basher while the latter attempted to strangle Ego. No serious injuries were caused to the personnel or patrons at the bank, but the lobby floor of the bank sustained severe impact damage. Branch director Harold Jarvis went on record to thank both Ego and Outlaw for their efforts, and that the bank would remain open while the floor was repaired. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/145 Posted Author Olympus Mons Suffers Attack Fri Jun 03 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Crucible City Tribune reports a lower front page story that was bound to happen eventually. Supervillains have attacked and damaged the new superpower tailored gymnasium owned by Malcolm Krupke, better known as Titan (formerly calling himself the Mountain). Details are not clear on who is responsible for the attack, although the article reports that eyewitnesses saw at least three unfamiliar powered individuals engaged in an extended melee with multiple powers, Titan included. The battle spilled from the top floor and rooftop of Olympus Mons out into the street, as the gigantic former Dawn Patroller grew to his maximum height until a blinding flash of blue electricity toppled him. Krupke's collapse into the street has caused considerable damage, and the roadway is closed for repair, while Olympus Mons remains open with only its top floor gymnasium closed while roofing repairs are performed. Also sighted on scene were the superheroes Scion, new hero the Silence, an unidentified energy-wielding Power who was instrumental in post-conflict recovery, and the ghastly, half-dead Sorceress called Zombiegirl. Titan was unavailable for comment by the article deadline. (Inquiries? +request to Plot, attention Hyperion!) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/146 Posted Author Enquirer Clips Sat Jun 04 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ... Six months after the extended archaeological survey of the lost South American tribe known as the Pelorain abruptly disbanded due to a serious Powered incident involving the theft of a priceless artifact and three critical injuries, the researchers have empowered a small team to return to the site. At their head is Pelorain expert Angeline August-McIntyre, reputedly desperate to get out of the city after the death of her husband and ongoing complications with brother Martin August (Retrofit). When questioned about possible resistance, Mrs. McIntyre emphasized a low-key background in sorcery ... ... Local branches of June Technologies Incorporated have drastically increased security measures, predominantly in research and development sectors. Considering the former JTI employee now identified as Powered villain Contrivance presumably took with him the bulk of his work upon turning rogue, this may be closing the barn door after the horses are loose, but the company spokesman claims it has reason for the precautions ... ... The Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh, PA, has just formed an interdisciplinary task-force to study the feasibility of animal/plant hybrids. The team includes two distinguished professors from UCC, Jennifer Sinclaire and Arthur Preacher, UCLA's Harris Westerson, Greek-born Cornelia Avernus, and Russian Dimitri Baklanov ... ... (Society Pages) Present at more than a few charity galas in the Crucible City area of late is the usually reclusive Graham Treddian, CEO of Dark Forest Publishers. While he claims his presence is business-related, attempting to strengthen a midwest base, he is far more often seen gadding about with a marine biologist by the name of Oriel Lyle. The bettors claim it won't last ... (Still on leave, folks - just a quick update) ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/147 Posted Author Thule Evacuation Complete Wed Jun 08 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Power Assistance Speeds Rescue June 6, 2005 AP Wire Less than a day after the robotic forces of Count Urizen began their brutal assault, the forces that had been deployed upon Ultima Thule have been successfully recovered. Numerous Powers from the United States played a pivotal role in the operation, buying time for the forces to embark upon the waiting British ships. "Without those heroes, I fear the result would not have been nearly so good," said General Shipman, overall commander of the UN/NATO Peacekeeping force. "They beat back a heavy assault, giving us just enough time to get everyone off the beaches before the next attack struck. Without their help, that second attack would have hit us while we were still fighting the first." Further speeding the rescue were the efforts of a pair of Powers who devoted themselves solely to helping the embarcation. Jade Tiger assisted in coordinating the evacuation while her young sidekick, whom the men have taken to calling 'Tiger Kitten', used her powers of teleportation to whisk the most severely wounded directly into a secure staging area. Key in the battle itself were the Unknown Soldier, whose dramatic arrival single-handedly destroying an Auto-Urizen was a major boost to morale; Freebird and the Ultimate, the pair of Powers often seen operating together who joined their abilities to turn the robotic infantry against the other units of Thule; the Brass Monkey whose aerial acrobatics occupied the enemy air support; The Duke whose powers were used to great effect against enemy Mastodon mechs; and Fury II whose frontal assault against the Mastodons left her seriously injured but slowed their advance long enough for the other heroes to take advantage of it. It is too early to say how much of the Peacekeeping force was rescued at this time, however initial estimates indicate that overall casualties during the day-long retreat were nearly fifty percent of operational forces. A casualty list has not yet been released pending a regrouping of the forces in northern Scotland. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/148 Posted Author World Governments Under Siege Wed Jun 08 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dozens of Nations Imperiled by Onslaught. June 8, 2005 AP Wire Since the dramatic rescue of UN/NATO Peacekeeping forces from Ultima Thule two days ago the robotic forces of Count Urizen have spread across the globe like a plague. Few nations have the sort of military equipment necessary to halt their advance and only those nations that sport a sizeable population of Powers have been able to weather the storm with any degree of success. Particularly hard-hit by this crisis is the so-called third world. While no nation has willingly sworn to Count Urizen, nearly a dozen seats of government in South America and Africa have fallen to his robotic minions. For the large part many of the officials of these governments have been whisked to safety before their capitals fell, but in their absence puppet governments loyal to Ultima Thule are being installed. Conditions across the globe are similar and as yet no nation has dared leave itself open to attack by sending its forces to aid another. The dramatic kidnapping of the President of the United States is just a further example of strikes against national governments that are occurring with disturbing regularity. The Kremlin in Moscow is burning out of control at this time, Russian military forces being unable to break through the robotic blockade surrounding the seat of government. It is unknown at this time whether the Russian President still lives. The scene is repeated across the globe, an attack on Parliament in London being only just barely beaten back by the superteam 'European Union'. Their presence in Britain, however, left Paris wide open. The President of France was whisked away just barely in time, the attack leaving the Presidential Mansion in utter ruins. Particularly hard-hit in this conflict is the nation of Israel. Count Urizen has long had a grudge against the Jewish state and now his robots strike freely throughout their borders. Their own Powers have thus far been able to prevent widespread destruction, but faced by foes without end the people wonder how long they can hold out. What is worse, rumour has it that the focused attacks against Israel have many of the surrounding Arab nations considering an alliance with Urizen's forces. The Arab nations have vehemently denied these allegations, and indeed Egyptian forces have fallen upon a column of Thule robots marching across Sinai towards Israel. "The enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend," said Egyptian President Mubarak in a dramatic statement following the assault that left Egyptian forces in tatters but succeeded in diverting the Thulian robots from their goal. "Count Urizen seeks to dominate all nations, not just Israel. We cannot lose sight of this fact." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/149 Posted Author Blackout Thwarted By Heroes! Thu Jun 09 Reporter (Vincent) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUCIBLE CITY, June 8 - Several blocks of the city were plunged into darkness last-night after all power was reportedly tapped by agents of Count Urizen in a bid to eradicate many of the local Powered heroes, authorities say, only to be foiled by the swift efforts of a number of the very same heroes he sought to destroy. The area of the spreading blackout -- which reportedly affected not only the power grid but /all/ sources of power in the area -- was centered around the Sears Tower, where, reportedly, Tyrannical Ten members Shapesmith and Primeva, the daughter of Prince Primeval set up in secret what was only described as a 'Triplicate Destabilizer,' a mechanism designed to to unravel the triple-helix DNA shared by a large percentage of mutated powers, tapping the city's power through the Thulian technology that Count Urizen is known for. According to several analysts, the Sears Tower's position as the tallest point in Crucible City may have had something to do with its unusual selection. Urizen's bid for power, however, was thwarted by the timely arrival of his arch-rival, The Ultimate, and Freebird. The Legionary, who only recently surfaced among the Powered community, as also reportedly instrumental in the defeat. Authorities also placed Det. Amber Saunders, of the CCPCU, as well as the essential aid of the FBI's Project 319, whose performance has silenced several critics who opposed the Project as a waste of tax dollars. Several reports also place an unknown hero with fire-based powers on the scene, and some credit the nameless soldier with disabling the Destabilizer and, as a result, saving the city. Both Shapesmith and Primeva eluded capture, and are still at large and considered extremely dangerous. Experts say that, had the Triplicate Destabilizer been allowed to fire, that as many as 2/3rds of the city's Powers may have been reduced to what one scientist described as, "several dozen pounds of ooze." <> ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/150 Posted Author While The Cat's Away ... Thu Jun 09 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The raging war, which has been bane to so many, has proved to be boon for a few select opportunists: while English forces bravely battled war machines on the outskirts of London, the villainous Literalis Federation broke into the British Museum and commenced a both thorough and selective theft of some of the museum's signature items. "They avoided any exhibits with strictly monetary value, and went right past the copies we often put on display to protect the originals," a shaken museum official reported, "for what I suppose you'd call genuine historical cachet ..." Directly involved in the assault were four members of the Federation: their leader the Narrator, Copyright, the elusive Point of View in possession of a local hero, and the Plagiarist (Dante Leonardo), imitating the cold-based powers of alleged Goddess-Giver Maid Sedna (Malia Alameda). From some understanding of the Plagiarist's limitations, authorities have indicated his last contact with the escaped Power must have been very recent. Among the sizable number of objects stolen were a collection of early Shakespeare manuscripts, the original Magna Carta and the Rosetta Stone. While the sole involvement of the Literalis Federation has not been confirmed at this time, four replicas of the Magna Carta in the most prominent sites in England also disappeared nearly simultaneously. What the Federation would want with the copies has yet to be determined. It has been suggested that the Literalis Federation has in fact thrown its lot in with Urizen and that this attack, specifically the targeting of the ancient document of rights, was intended to decrease English morale. London authorities have scoffed at the notion. "While the Federation predominantly operates in America, they've always had a consistent presence in England - we believe one of their seniormost members is a native of some stripe - and this theft exactly fits their personal modus operandi," one officer explained. "Signing up with a dictator outside their own ranks simply doesn't." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/151 Posted Author Littlest Rescue Worker Returns Fri Jun 10 Reporter (Amber) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last seen during the the demonic attacks on Crucible City last year, Crucible City rescue workers are getting help from an unusual source. A small brown mouse has been sighted at collapsed buildings and other wreckage possibly holding trapped individuals. Scurrying through the debris, the mouse marks the location of trapped victims with lengths of bright green plastic ribbon. Firefighters have so far refused to comment on the mouse, though they have been seen working with it on more than one occasion. No word either on whether a tiny hardhat will be issued for it. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/152 Posted Author Sabotage Robots! Sat Jun 11 Reporter (Ancel) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In three days, two occurances of sabotage have been discovered by the city's heroes, acting under the cover of the Urizen invasion. Crucible City's main power plant was found heavily booby trapped with high tech traps. The heroes who investigated the scene discovered a number of spider-styled robots inside the plant, planting bombs and rewiring systems. Their intentions remain unknown, as the heroes prevented a detonation. Reporters briefly spoke with the heroine the Statistic, but had little chance to gather anything more than sketchy details. More recently, the heroine Sidestep showed up with another of these Spider-bots, reporting that a local electronics shop had been invaded by more of the small robots, and that they were building a much larger spider-bot. This remains unconfirmed, as apparently, the robot was teleported out, still inactive. Found at the scene were two bodies, identified as shopowner Jay Kwan and his wife Ana. The cause of death is still unknown. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/153 Posted Author President Safe And Sound Sun Jun 12 Reporter (Oracle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Late-Night Raid Recovers Chief Executive June 12, 2005 Washington, DC. The President was returned to the White House late last night following a daring rescue operation carried out by heroic Powers operating out of Crucible City. While details of the operation have no yet been officially released, this paper has learned that the strike team led by Dr. Catherine Wright included numerous Powers including Poltergeist and Illustration of the Dawn Patrol, The Secret, Umbra, and private investigator Ulysses Jones. Acting on intelligence gathered by Dr. Wright and the feline Felis Umbra, the team descended upon a heretofore unknown base hidden within the sands of Assateague, an island off the eastern coast of Virginia. There they encountered 'The Warden', AKA Albert Bellevue, a renegade genius who was instrumental in designing the nation's Power-restraint systems that are still in use to this day. The Warden, now a member of the Tyrannical Ten, was apparently using the President as simple bait for a trap. Details of the battle that followed are still scarce, but it is believed that after numerous injuries the Powers finally succeeded in driving off The Warden and the Thulian war machines under his command. The President is under watch tonight after undergoing a thorough medical examination. His doctors declare that he is in good health and that there is no sign that he has been 'tampered' with in any way. To be on the safe side the Vice President will continue to act in his stead for the next two weeks until more exhaustive analasys of the President's condition are completed. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/154 Posted Author Smithsonian Theft Sun Jun 12 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) Morning light over Washington D.C. revealed two things: the triumphant and safe return of its missing President, and as later hours proved, complete chaos in the Smithsonian Museums along the National Mall. While a jubilant nation and city celebrated, Literalis Federation members Poetic License and Necronomicon, along with the elusive Gualichu, broke into the museum complex for a repeat of Thursday's incident in London. Once again, the Federation and its ally avoided copies and replicas and made a clean sweep of a dizzying number of historical artifacts, including some of great age. A few overzealous curators on duty apparently risked their lives in an attempt to avoid the inadvertent destruction of fragile material, but such documents were handled on the scene by Gualichu with the reported care of a field expert. "They're perfectly preserved," an elderly tourguide growled. "Gone, but perfectly preserved." It would seem such precautions took the strike-force longer than intended; they broke off abruptly and abandoned the scene. Museum officials are clueless as to what they were forced to leave behind, and far more concerned about what was removed, including the Hope Diamond and a corpus of documents representing the majority of the United States' Dead Sea Scroll originals. The collection in the Smithsonian was not currently complete; a small portion of relevant documents had recently been loaned to the National Archives for a series of lectures there. With museum security in disarray, officials have reportedly imposed upon sister institutions to safeguard certain remaining documents. One curator added the furious caveat, "and may the diamond's curse come back to bite them in the -" ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/155 Posted Author Attack on King Academy! Mon Jun 13 Reporter (Kazuya) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A bling'd out MTV VeeJay appears on the screen, in front of throngs of screaming fans. "Yo, yo, yo! This is KC coming at you from Crucible City on Total Request Live!" *mad groupie cheering in the background* "And now, we've got a news flash on today's attack by that badass Urizen mutha on local gifted school King Academy. Give up the info, Patty!" The image changes to a rabid groupie named Patty, who is reporting from just outisde the academy. It appears to have withstood the attack, though all the windows are shattered, there's smoke and fire rising from smoldering wrecks of technomagical robots' remains strewn everywhere. Patty takes a deep breath, and begins. "Woohoo! TRL totally rocks woohoo! KC you rule you're such a hottie woohoo! Oh my god, it was total mass hysteria here at King Academy! So many cool rockin' heroes showed up to fight these nasty robot monsters that were badder than Judd Nelson's hair woohoo! There was a werewolf and a panther who turned into a tiger and an angel and this god dude who was like, totally Usher! Except Usher's hotter, sorry dude woohoo! And lots of mice showed up and tore up the robots too!" Footage is shown of the battle, as Keane, Geir, Felis Umbra, Ruth, Lumina, Micah, Amber, Corvine, Outlaw and Robert decimate a robot army led by another Urizenbot. Clips of Keane taking control of one of the Mastadons, Felis Umbra dodging Basilik beams, Geir smashing through 16 robots in one single attack, Wolfsong slashing at robots and howling an eerie battlecry, Amber's rodent army engulfing a mantis...its all there for the world to see. Cut back to the live camera as Patty suddenly sees Geir leaving the scene. "Oh my god you're so hot woohoo! Back to you KC woohoo!" She runs after him, as the screen cuts to KC, looking a little stunned by the report. "Oh...kay! Back to Total Request Live with...Pat Boone?" ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/156 Posted Author A Tipping Guide for Crucible City Mon Jun 13 Reporter (Amber) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tipping is often a source of confusion for travelers, but Crucible City can offer its own complications. To clear things up, we offer this brief guide. Bartenders and Cocktail waitresses should be tipped $1 per round for small parties, more for larger parties. An extra dollar or more a round should be tipped if they keep serving through a fight, especially one involving Powers. Waiters should be tipped 15 to 20 percent, with an extra 5 percent in the event of a Powered fight or ongoing invasion. Coming to work past hordes of demons or invading robots deserves extra consideration. Pizza and other food deliveries should be tipped at 15 percent, but if you find some place that will deliver during an invasion, tipping at 25 percent or more is appreciated. If you are asking someone to risk their life to get you Chinese food, they deserve the extra money. Standard tip for Taxi drivers is 15 percent, but an extra 5 percent is expected for getting you safely past a powered battle. Attempts to get Taxi drivers hazard pay has so far been defeated, so please tip 25 to 30 percent or more if you can find a Taxi driver who is working during an invasion. Housekeeping is often over looked by travelers, but a tip of $1 a day is traditional, usually left at the end of your stay. During an invasion, however, please consider tipping on a daily basis, and up to $5 a day. The maid on the last day of your stay may not be the same as on the first, and daring robots, demons, or aliens to make sure you have fresh towels is deserving of the extra money. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/157 Posted Author Dawn Patrol and Eos Attacked! Sun Jun 19 Reporter (Spade) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EOS, EARTH ORBIT Yesterday evening witnessed a startling attack upon the headquarters of the Dawn Patrol in low Earth orbit. The Team has been hard at work repelling the Thulian menace since their first appearance, with members sighted in diverse locations around Crucible City and the world. The forces that are reported to have struck Eos were Agarthan, however, and details are still emerging. Apparently, a modified form of the Serpentine AT-X with space-capability struck the station repeatedly at high speeds, attempting to breach the doors on the Hangar. It was partially successful and the station's orbit was briefly pushed towards a dangerous decay. Several assailants were able to enter the building during the onslaught. They were unable to make it past the Hangar area, however, as Dawn Patrollers Tempest, Paragon, Poltergeist, Obsidian and the Unknown Soldier were present or able to reach the base in time to quell the threat. The invaders appeared to be two Agarthan Mana-Beings and three construct-soldiers of unknown type. Two of the constructs were destroyed in the fighting, but the third, the apparent leader of the strike force proved more resilient. It has been unwilling to answer any questions, but telepathic probing has revealed it to call itself 'War-Maker' The Agarthan pilots of the Serpentine were taken and remanded into custody of the Ultimate, given their unique atmospheric needs. They were apparently persuaded by the War-Maker to believe that it was their legitimate commander and that Space Station Eos was a Thulian holding. Full communication details are not available, but this seems to be an aberration of norms within the Agarthan forces. No other direct attacks on human installations have been reported. Eos will be undergoing repairs but remains habitable through its backup environmental forcefield. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/158 Posted Author Editorial: The Home Front Tue Jun 21 Reporter (Estelle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Crucible City Tribune* A few days ago, I drove approximately five hours, much of it through recently contested territory, to watch an academic publishing company complete its run of the first textbook to include a section on the Dimensional War. I held in my hands a version of history that later generations would find as remote as a discussion of the Industrial Revolution and World War I, and I found myself thinking of everything the succint historian had left out. Five pages is a very short time to sum up the horrors, the bravery and the sacrifices, and I was struck most by the silence of what there was no room to say. I remember many things about our last great war - the terrible repetition of tactics we thought had faded into our distant past, heroes who stood almost singlehandedly against entire squads, sometimes virulent hatred raised against a media that shot with cameras rather than guns - but the images I recall most clearly are not from the battlefront, but from the home front. A bustling field hospital in Harvey, staffed by mundanes and Powers alike - one man in particular I remember seemed to specialize in the health of alien beings. Desperate hunts for refugees stranded in the worst parts of the city, aided by those who could pass through walls and rubble or sense the heat of a living body. In the north, an unusual crew of librarians kept open a radio station where they read the fiction of our victories, past and imaginary. That we cannot give ground and we cannot surrender has never been in question; but we must also take care that we do not lose what we are fighting for. Victory would be hollow if we looked around ourselves when the dust settled and realized that everything we cared for - our families, our homes, the artistry that inspires us, the routines that sustain us, our very way of life - had fallen into the night. In that sense, we are all of us on the front lines, and our mission is an ordinary but vital one. We must go on living and affirming our lives: driving to work, stopping by at the mall for chocolate or a crockpot, gathering around the table at home and teasing each other as if nothing could end our days. We cannot change our course for fire or fear. Some of you may claim I have a self-serving motive for this declaration: that by making myself and others like me important, I neatly avoid any guilt for not serving on the front. For those not aware, let me offer my credentials. I am the only mundane daughter of the Laredo legacy, and my entire surviving family old enough for line combat is out there somewhere. As the only one consistently available via phone, I've become an informal switchboard for them. And my sister Alexandra Winthrop - better known to some of you as the Mistral - said it best. "I'm fighting for my country," she told me. "But I'm living for my sons." Our heroes and our soldiers may be inspired by love of country, by honor, by rank stubbornness, but what provides that vital spark of determination when all seems darkest is a face, a name, a person: a friend, a lover, or perhaps just a face in the street that embodies and makes real all the airy concepts we say we are fighting for. In some way, all of us face the enemy; some of us simply serve as memories to bolster the courage of others. It is said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. How can we learn from the past without the historian or the history books? Each of us is a soldier in our own way: we fight against the continued erosion that wants us to forget - our past, our way of life, and what we are fighting for. -Estelle Laredo Lee ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/159 Posted Author Exile's Rest--Open For Business Tue Jun 21 Reporter (Septimus) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (A small notice in several of the papers, and plastered prominently around the ENS buildings) Are you from out of town? Out of galaxy? Out of dimension? Out of timeline? When you've seen the sights, and are sick of the local color, stop by the Exile's Rest, north of the Six-Way Corner in Bucktown. Our expert bartenders will do their best to recreate the drinks of home--or anywhere else!* Taste the salty snack-foods of a hundred worlds, and listen to the finest in imported live music four nights a week. Play Pthyxxian temporal checkers with yourself from last week, and enjoy the stories of the far-flung and not-yet-to-be. Or tell /your/ story. At the Exile's Rest, you're always at home. It's the local pub--for the whole multiverse. Now hiring waitstaff, security, and entertainment. Proprietor Septimus Prince--serving the Out of Community since 2005. * Subject to availability, legality, and bio-genetic compatibility. OOC: Db#1864 - We're in the +yp -- page me for bartendering and so on if I'm idle ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/160 Posted Author String of gunshot wounds Fri Jun 24 Reporter (Billy) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Located on the front page in a small corner. A strange string of self inflicted gunshot wounds seems to be plaguing suburbia as people ranging from 8 years of age to 25 have been over come with a sense of being bullet proof. Story continues on 3A Over the past five days, Crucible Municipal Hospital, St Mary's and various other hospitals have had an uprising in emergency room visits as people of all ages have tried to find out if they were bullet proof or not. Reports are unclear as to weather the war is the cause of what one psychologist calls a case of mass hysteria or something more sinister is happening. ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/161 Posted Author Archives Theft - Constitution Sat Jun 25 Reporter (Magik) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Enquirer) An early evening raid on the National Archives in Washington D.C. last night by the Literalis Federation - in an attempt to remove documents including the remaining portion of the American Dead Sea Scrolls corpus - was challenged by the unexpected presence of four Crucible City heroes playing a hunch: the Statistic, Flashbang, Dr. Catherine Wright and CCPCU's Serendipity. Federation members Necronomicon and Lady Genre were aided by the Goddess-Giver associated with Cerridwen, previously observed back in Crucible attempting a magical demolition of the Triplicity manor. Unfortunately, despite valiant efforts and much abuse absorbed on both sides, the heroes earned only a dubious trade: while Necronomicon was captured after the Statistic disintegrated their escape route through the theatre screen - and most of the front of the theatre - Cerridwen and Lady Genre vanished after the former swallowed for safekeeping nothing less than the glass display case containing the four pages of the original Constitution. It was only through the efforts of Flashbang that their other targets - the Scroll case and the Bill of Rights - were snatched away from the villains. Serendipity rallied and directed the heroes, even after Necronomicon's debilitating lessened even the force in her arm, while Dr. Wright's persistence pursued the necromantic villain. Necronomicon has been unmasked as Washington state surgeon Ridley Drake, a man described by neighbors as a workaholic without any hint of friends or emotional ties. Long hours, it would seem, provided the Power with an excuse to vanish from sight without comment. Though the security cameras were circumvented for the obvious benefit of Lady Genre (Claudette Roslin), currently out on bail from Crucible City and decisively violating those terms, a picture snapped and camera hidden by the heroes placed her without question on the scene. Through this proof, the Crucible City police department issued an arrest warrant, but found the Roslin residence deserted and in fact stripped of any valuable items. In light of this, Drake has been deemed a high flight risk and the probability of bail is extremely low. The disappearance also puts another twist into the legal custody battle between Roslin and alleged teammate Natasha Brody (The Sequel) over twelve year old Simone, Roslin's adopted and Brody's biological daughter. Brody has already filed numerous claims and made every attempt to expedite them; she seems to be determined to have it finished before the dust of the war settles, not entirely unreasonable given the uncertainty of the final outcome. The raid also seems to confirm previous hints of a direct connection between the Goddess-Givers' central circle and the Literalis Federation, an alliance whose ramifications are not yet known. Yet of central importance here remains the vital missing piece of American history. Mobilization on the federal level may be sluggish; those who would normally oversee such investigations have overriding concerns. Still, Washington authorities have vowed the document will be returned: "Those who think the cover of war is sufficient to protect such a travesty will find themselves sadly mistaken." ============================================================================== ========================== IC: Crucible Periodicals ========================== Message: 11/162 Posted Author Tin Man Captured! Wed Jun 29 Reporter (Hyperion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Crucible City Tribune -- FRONT PAGE -- a picture of a beaten Tin Man with thick steel cables tied around his arms, which are fastened to his back. He's on a large flat-bed boat being driven towards the island-bound Pound, the Warden and a fleet of guards standing on the cliff-faced banks of the island to wave the boat in. On the boat, notably, is the hero Scion holding the makeshift handcuffs, and a new figure the Tribune was unable to identify to his side.) At long last the great heroes of our city have succeeded in striking a pivotal blow against Count Urizen and his substantial forces. In the early afternoon yesterday, led by the heroic Scion, a taskforce of powers transversed Lake Michigan in a wild hunt to recover the Tin Man before hostile criminals could. Their haste was a necessity after the most wanted man in the world, Count Urizen, again seized television broadcasts to offer any who recovered the Tin Man and returned him to Ultima Thule reward beyond their wildest imaginations. Sighted on scene at the Lake were notable members of the Hollywood All-Stars, White Dwarf, Red Giant, team leader Nova, and Binary. Pulsar, also of the All-Stars, remains imprisoned after the All-Star's were arrested following a botched assassination attempt on the Los Angeles Reporter who initially broke the story of their superpowered scam over a decade ago. According to sources, the believed retired superpowered team The Wrecking Crew was also involved in the violent hunt to retrieve the Tin Man and Urizen's dubious prize. Many will remember that the Wrecking Crew members Demolisher, Crowbar, Wrecking Ball, and Dozer were given Presidental pardon from their terms in Alcatraz Prison after they participated in the controversial Chain Gang program during the Nazi Earth invasion. Fifth member of the Wrecking Crew, Lifter, was not granted the same parole due to his murder of the hero Mister Punch several years ago. Reports indicate that two of the members of the Wrecking Crew, Wrecking Ball and Dozer, were swallowed by a black hole vortex the White Dwarf generated. Police have declared them dead. Other villains were also seen patrolling the lake, but were not involved in the altercation between the Scion-led heroes and Urizen following villains. Of note were Woolf and Voltaire of 'The Exalted', Murry Wolowski (AKA Moe Momentum), and noted criminal Niagara who was last linked to aiding Prince Primeval escape from The Pound a little less than a year ago. Only the Tin Man was brought into police custody. (Questions to Plot, attention Hyperion) ==============================================================================