The Rematch - Mythic Supers Game

Zapman entered the room with Elden to find the woman he had met before, only she was wearing what looked like work-out pants and a tank top, but both were dark gray with silver lines throughout.

"You've already met Lena Sharp," Elden said. "It seems she got into a little trouble with the police just as you did."

Lena snorted. "I was arrested for saving people. I hate bullies."

Elden smiled. "And now you'll have your chance." He motioned to her. "Now, Miss Sharp is already in impressive shape, but this suit will make you even stronger, as it amplifies your physical abilities."

Lena walked over to a set of weights and lifted them easily.

"I've also added a few other ways to aid you," he continued. "Using electromagnets, you can fly and turn invisible for short periods, though the suit does need to recharge if used continuously."

When I first rolled for a description of Lena's new identity, I got "Natural" and "Strong." I figured this meant a mud woman. However, when I rolled for powers, I got "Flight" and "Illusion." The latter made sense since mud can camouflage, but flight seemed more difficulty. Finally, I decided just to go with a suit that made her stronger and allowed her to hide and fly; sort of a mix between Vyper and Mr. Flex, but without any ranged attacks, though those can appear later. I'm still working on a villain identity though.

Her current stats are:

Lena Sharp

Level 1 Villain

Body: +2, Mind: -1.

Skills: Flight, Invisibility (Escape: +3, Effect: +3).

Lena is street-smart but a high school drop-out. She got into trouble when dealing with certain people in her life. Later, she got arrested for helping people who were being oppressed. Now she's out for revenge, still on a quest to help those she feels are in need. She just doesn't let pesky things like laws get in her way.

"You wanted to see me?" Ransom entered the room, with Drab behind him.

Elden brightened. "Ah yes, my young lad, come closer. Reaching into a large drawer, he brought out a case, set it on a table, and opened it.

Ransom looked. "A sword?"

"Oh more than a sword," said Elden, proudly. "This will launch electromagnetic pulses in all direction, knocking down those that aren't close to you." When the other three looked at him, he shrugged. "What can I say? I was on an electromagnetic kick." He pointed to the handle. "It's tied to your fingerprints and your pulse. Just squeeze the handle, and the more intense you are, the deadlier the blast."

Ransom frowned. "I don't know." He held his club and stared down at it. "I feel Julia is all I need."

Elden looked up. "Julia?"

Ransom shrugged. "When I hold my club, that name feels me with warmth."

Drab stepped forward, placing her hand softly on Ransom's shoulder. "We're not making you choose, dear. Bring them both with you; Julia for when enemies are close and the sword for other times."

Sheathing his club, Ransom nodded and lifted the sword, examining it. "I don't have a name for it yet."

"Give it time," said Elden, "I'm sure you'll think of something."

"Until then," said Drab, "let's give you all a second test. Pick a street and block traffic, that should lure out the hero, I mean, the villains for you to face them."

"I'm going to have to sit this one out," said Zapman, bending his knee. "I sprained something last time."

Ransom smiled. "Fear not, my wizard friend. I shall fight for us both." He turned to Lena. "Will you join me milady?"

Lena grinned, punching the palm of her hand. "I'm eager to give this a shot. Just know I'm not some damsel in distress, okay? You're not even my type."

"If you mean romantically, worry not," Ransom replied. "He touched the handle of his club. "I remember little, but I feel my heart belongs elsewhere."

"Then let us set off." Ransom massaged his jaw. "I owe that ogre plenty."

Oh yeah, I leveled up Ransom from his previous scene, giving him +3 Heart from his sword.

"We have a problem," Mr. Flex said to the two women before him. "I just received word that the guy in armor from before is blocking traffic on Oak Street, and he's joined by some female who's helping him."

Brenda looked around. "Where's Vyper?"

"He said something about looking for journals in some cabin in the hills," Stella replied. "We're on our own for this one."

Unfortunately, I have to sit this one out was well," said Brenda. "I have a meeting at the school. Mr. Stanse is helping me explain to them what happened."

Flex nodded. "We can handle it. "Let's suit up."

This time, I left Vyper and Zapman out to allow the newcomers a chance to shine. I also changed my mind and left out Brenda so it's an even 2 on 2.

Cars and trucks beeped their horns as Ransom and Lena stood in the road.

One truck driver honked his horn. "Move it, sweety!"

"Sweety?" Lena walked over to the truck and grabbed the bumper.

(Q)  Is the Difficulty to flip the truck +3?  (Likely)  Yes.

So it's Lena's +2 vs. the truck's +3.

(Ability)  Does Lena flip the truck?  (-1 means Unlikely)  Yes.

With one hand on the bumper, Lena reached down with her other hand and grabbed the undercarriage of the truck. Standing up straight, she flipped the truck, sending it flipping over. The truck driver crawled out of the truck. As he slowly stumbled to his feet, Lena approached him.

(Q)  Does the driver have all 0's for stats?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Clash)  Does Lena win the Clash?  (+2 means Very Likely)  X-Yes.

With the X result, he falls to -3 CS.

(Incapacity)  Is he incapacitated?  (Certain)  X-Yes.

Kicking the man in the ribs, she placed his face against her shoulder and dropped to the ground. There was a cracking sound, and he rolled into a ball with blood coming down his face. (Yes it's a wrestling move, and no I don't care if it's realistic or not).

 There was a car door opening, and Mr. Flex jumped out. "Hey, why don't you pick on someone your own-" He then saw her.

"My own size?" Lena stood tall. "You volunteering, handsome?"

Ransom joined her side. "That ogre belongs to me."

Muse then leaped out, landing next to Flex. "Ready for Round 2?"

Walking around the cars, Brenda nervously stood ready, with her shaking fists up. "I don't suppose you'd run, would you?"

Ransom held up his club. "I'll not flee this battle." He pointed it at Flex. "The time of your fall begins now!"

Brenda risked a glance back. "What's with this ogre stuff?"

Flex shook his head. "I have no idea."

In this Clash, Muse and Flex will face Ransom and Lena, with Brenda's Toughness hopefully protecting her friends.

For the heroes, Flex has +3 Body, and gains +1 thanks to Muse.

For the villains, Ransom also has +3, and also gains +1 thanks to Lena.

So it's an even fight. I'll figure out what happens afterward.

(Clash)  Do the heroes win the Clash?  (50/50)  No, but close.

Muse held her arms out wide. "You think you can face all of us." A number of clones of her and Flex appeared beside them."

Lena smirked. "I only have to hit one of you." Walking right up to Muse, she punched her square in the face.

Muse fell backwards, crashing into the hood of a car.

"Muse!" Flex turned to look at her.

Seizing the opportunity, Ransom swung his club, smashing Flex over the skull. Flex tumbled to the ground, groaning. 

"I so awaited this moment, fiend!" Ransom spit at the other man.

(Clash)  Do the heroes win the Clash?  (-1 means Unlikely)  Yes.

Both Ransom and Lena suffer -1 CS.

With a roar, Flex hit Ransom with a tackle, smashing him into the flipped truck. He then followed with several punches.

Lena started forward but ran right into a brick wall. As she fell to the ground, she glanced over and saw Muse waving her fingers and smirking.

This time, Flex will try and take Ransom's Club, so it's effect instead of Damage. I'll have Muse do the same by confusing Lena.

 (Clash)  Do the heroes win the Clash?  (Back to 50/50)  X-Yes.

Since there's no damage, I'm just treating the X result as a definite victory.

Lena stood up but found herself surrounded by a metal wall. She reached out but her knuckles struck a cold, hard surface.

Flex meanwhile, ripped the club out of Ransom's hands. "Let's see how you fight without your toy."

Flex is going to try and break the club.

(Q)  Is the Difficulty +1 (Likely)  Yes.

(Ability)  Does Flex break the club?  (+3 vs. +1 = +2 or Very Likely)  Yes.

Holding the club up, Flex brought it down over his knee, breaking it in half.

"No!" Ransom lunged forward, catching the pieces as the found to the ground.

Flex stood over him. "Are we done now?"

"Julia," was all the man could utter, with his voice breaking. He then grabbed his sword and held it read, slowly reaching his feet. "You'll pay for your sins." 

Lena backed away as Flex and Muse watched him, confused.

This next Clash will be Ransom versus Flex and Muse. Ransom will be performing Damage while Flex and Muse will attempt to Escape once they realize the threat. 

Flex is currently at +2, gaining +1 from Muse for +3 total.

Ransom will be on his own, using his +3 Heart.

(Clash)  Do the heroes win the Clash?  (50/50)  No.

Flex is down to -2. Muse is down to -3.

(Incapacity)  Is Muse incapacitated?  (Certain)  Yes, Random Event.

(Event)  "Create," "Surprise."

With a roar, Ransom held up his sword. A glowing pulse launched from it, leveling any nearby cars, and sending Flex and Muse flying. As Muse lay unconscious on the ground, several police cars approached.

"We've made our point." Lena grabbed Ransom's arm. "Let's go."

"Fine then." Ransom reattached his sword to his back and picked up the pieces of his club. Glaring at Flex, who tended to Muse, he jabbed a finger. "Next time, ogre, I'll bury you until you burn!"

The two escaped as Flex got Muse into an ambulance and taken away.

Back at the labs, Ransom sat before the fireplace, watching the remains of his club burn.

Lena sat next to him as Drab, Zapman, and Elden sat nearby.

"I failed you, Julia," Ransom said, "but not again. I swear it."

"I'm sorry," Lena said. "We'll get them next time."

Ransom stared silently at the fireplace for several moments before speaking again. "Now is the time to look forward." He lifted the sword and glanced down at it. "I now know the name of my weapon." His eyes narrowed as he again looked at the fireplace. "Judgment."

First Showdown - Mythic Supers Game

 When we last left our villains, Zapman and Ransom the Knight Helm, they were blockaded by police while awaiting the Agency. Now it's time for the heroes to appear.

(Q)  Does the scene play out as expected?  Yes.

Black trucks pulled up behind the police cars, with Mr. Plex, Bubble Girl, and Muse getting out. Vyper meanwhile flew in and landed next to them.

Vyper looked to Zapman. "I see you've got a new friend."

Zapman snorted. "Four on two, huh? Doesn't seem fair."

"The prizefight ends," said Vyper, "when people get hurt."

Zapman gestured to Ransom and pointed to Flex. You get the big guy.

As Random approached Flex, Zapman tried a sneak-attack with his zap bolts.

Seeing this, however, Bubble Girl leaped between him and her new friends.

I'll start with an Ability roll for Brenda. Since Zapman's Agility is +1, that makes Brenda's roll a -1.  

(Ability) Does Brenda block the zap bolts?  (-1 means Unlikely)  No.

Brenda wasn't fast enough and the bolts fired straight at Vyper and Muse.

This next roll will be a Clash. However, I'm making the first round Damage for Zapman but Escape (avoiding injury) for Vyper and Muse. Zapman has Heart +4. Vyper has Heart +3, with +1 from Muse, for +4 total.

(Clash)  Does Zapman win the Clash?  (50/50)  No, but barely.

Vyper managed to deflect the bolts with a force field, protecting himself and Muse.

"Thanks," Muse, said. 

"I can't do that and attack him at the same time," Vyper replied.

Brenda looked around, and then pointed. "The police cars!"

"They're not allowed to interfere," Muse said. 

"No," Brenda replied, "if we stand on them, it should block the lightning. It worked on Transformers."

Muse blinked. "Which movie?"

"One of the cartoons," Brenda picked a car and climbed on it.

"Beast Wars?" Muse asked, also climbing on a car.

Brenda glared at her. "When did they have cars in Beast Wars?"

"Is this a conversation we need to have right now?" Vyper floated onto a car. "Besides, it was the original cartoon."

Now I'll admit, I don't know if this would really work. However, considering this game includes people with force fields, lightning, and portals, I'll shrug off reality just a bit. But I am sure if it'll work.

(Q)  Will the cars provide +3 protection from Zapman's bolts?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

"Stand behind me," Brenda said. "Between me and the cars, he shouldn't be able to hurt us."

Vyper then readied a bolt of his own, while Muse lifted her fingers.

I'm not counting Brenda in the Clash itself, only Toughness, along with the car's protection. So again it's Vyper/Muse against Zapman.

(Clash) Do the heroes win the Clash?  (50/50)  X-Yes.

Zapman suffers -1 RS.

Zapman fired a series of zap bolts at the heroes, but Brenda blocked them with her body. And while she covered up and screamed, they bounced harmlessly off of her. Muse then hurled an illusionary bowling ball. Zapman dodged it, but Vyper's force field bolt struck him right in the chest, knocking him off his feet.

(Q)  Does Zapman continue to fight normally? (Unlikely)  X-No.

"Live to fight another day, Knighty! Let's go!" Remembering the punk who had crawled away earlier, Zapman turned and ran back into the building. (That's called Improvisational Foreshadowing. I took something that happened previously, build off of it, and made it look like I planned it all along 😜).

I split this into 2 separate fights, since I figured Flex and Ransom would be doing their own thing in a slugfest. Assume this took place about the same time.

"You there," said Ransom as he approached.

"Who are you?" Flex asked.

Ransom pointed his club at him. "You are an honor-less cretin, and I, Ransom the Knight Helm, shall bring you honor, even if I must bludgeon you with it."

Flex eyed his weapon. "So, a club, huh?"

"We knights are forbidden from drawing blood, save for solely the most severe of times." Ransom circled him.

Flex started to circle as well. "But won't you draw blood if you bash my skull in?"

Ransom paused, his mouth open for a moment, then he raised his club. "Enough talk. I'll not allow you to break my focus with your chatter."

 Flex has Body +3. Ransom has Body +1, but Melee +2 for +3 total. So they're tied.

(Clash)  Does Flex win the Clash?  (50/50)  No.

This means Flex suffers a -1 RS.

Ransom swung his club overhand. Rushing forward, Flex caught the other man's arms to prevent him from swing. However, Ransom still managed to move, and he slammed the handle of his weapon right between Flex's eyes. Releasing his opponent, Flex shook his head to clear it.

(Clash)  Does Flex win the Clash?  (-1 means Unlikely)  Yes, Random Event.

(Event)  "Positive," "Emotions."

Now, Ransom suffers a -1 RS.

"Do you yield?" asked Ransom.

"You're good," said Flex. Then he grinned. "I love a challenge."

Ransom rushed forward again, but this time, Flex wrapped his arms completely around his opponent and tossed him through the air.. Ransom fell to the ground, rolling onto all fours.

Flex slowly, cautiously approached him. "Do You yield?"

(Q)  Does Ransom continue to fight?  (I'm not counting the -1 because of his pride so 50/50)  Yes.

Ransom narrowed his eyes and rose to his feet. "I'll not yield to an ogre with no honor?"

"Ogre?" Flex scoffed. "You're no elf either, buddy."

Ransom growled. "Enough!"

(Clash)  Does Flex win the Clash?  (50/50)  No.

Flex suffers another -1 RS.

Ransom lunged forward. Flex tried to flip him, but the club struck him across the back of his right shoulder and he fell to one knee.

(Clash)  Does Flex win this Clash?  (-1 means Unlikely)  Yes.

Ransom suffers another -1 to RS.

 Gritting his teeth, Flex swung an uppercut with his other fist, hitting Ransom right in the jaw, and making him stumble back.

Next hit could decide the winner, but first, let's see if this is where Zapman flees.

(Q)  Did Zapman flee yet?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  Does Ransom flee?  (50/50 because I really don't know)  X-No.

"Live to fight another day, Knighty!" Zapman called out to him. "Let's go!"

But Ransom shook his head and faced Flex. "You fight well, for a bugbear."

"You fight well too," replied Flex, "for one almost with honor."

"You imply I have none?" With a roar, Ransom swung his club again.

(Clash)  Does Flex win the Clash?  (50/50)  Yes.

This brings Ransom to -3.

(Incapacity)  Is Ransom incapacitated?  (+3 means Nearly Certain)  No.

(Q)  Does Ransom flee?  (Very Likely)  X-Yes.

Flex ducked the attack. Lifting Ransom onto his shoulders, he tossed him again. Ransom landed square on his back, groaning. As he looked up, he noticed his opponent's three friends had joined him.

"Had enough?" Flex asked.

"This isn't over, fiend," said Ransom. "I swear to you our paths shall cross again, and when they do I'll show less restraint."

"Restraint?" Flex blinked. "You call that restraint."

But instead of answering, Ransom slammed his club repeatedly into the nearby column. As the overhang began to cave in, he rushed into the building while the heroes jumped out of the way.

As the smoke cleared, the heroes brushed themselves off and looked around.

"Anyone hurt?" Brenda asked.

"I'm going to need some ice," Flex said, "but I'll live. That guy's nuts."

Vyper shook his head. "They both are."

Sometime later . . . 

Zapman and Ransom returned to the lab. Zapman helped the other, who used his club as a makeshift cane, into the main lab, where Drab and Elden waited.

Drab crossed her arms. "Well?"

"I apologize, milady," Ransom said. "They outnumbered us, yet we fought with all our hearts."

"Why didn't you just hit them with lightning," Drab asked, "or whatever it is you do?"

"They used the cars as cover," Zapman said. "I guess the tires saved them."

"Ah, from Transformers." Elden nodded. "I'm surprised that actually worked."

"Well no matter," said Drab. Turning, she led them to one of the offices. "The fact that you were outnumbered but still returned on your own power is a win. Elden is working on a little surprise for Ransom here. Aren't you, dear?"

"What? Oh yes!" Pushing past a smirking Drab, Elden grabbed some papers from the office desk and showed it to Zapman and Ransom. I should have this finished for you shortly."

Ransom looked over it. "I don't understand."

"Think of it," said Elden, "as a 'Hero's Gift,' to vanquish the evil out there."

"We also put your friend through the machine," Drab said to Zapman.

"What happened?" Zapman asked.

Drab lifted a hand, gesturing down the hallway. "Why don't you see for yourself."

(What are Drab and Elden referring to? It's a surprise . . . meaning I don't know 100% yet, but I will, maybe.)

A New Threat - Mythic Supers Game

 "Do we even know who he is?" Drab asked.

Elden handed her a wallet. "Here's his ID." 

Drab opened it and looked at the ID. "But he doesn't remember a thing?"

Elden shook his head. "When he first awoke, he saw what he had been wearing and assumed it was his identiy."

"I see." Drab nodded. "Let's speak with him."

They entered the room where the man lay on the bed. "For what reason am I in this place?" he asked.

Drab glanced over at the medieval armor the young man had worn before facing him again. "You were struck in the head by - "

"By the gods," Elden chimed in. "They sent you to us so that we could bestow upon you a new quest, as our kingdom needs a new protector."

Drab raised an eyebrow to Elden but allowed him to speak.

"I remember nothing," the young man said.

"It seems," continued Elden, "that the gods were slightly overzealous in their methods. Your memories shall return soon. Until then, I can tell you you're known as," he paused for a moment, "Ransom. You are Ransom, the Knight Helm." He then patted his chest. "I am Elden of Resk and this is our noble leader, Lady Mallory of Drab."

The young man slowly sat up, and then he got off the bed and knelt before the two. Drab's eyes went wide, and Elden rushed forward. 

"Here, keep this sheet around you. Your clothes are over there." He pointed to the man's armor. 

Holding the sheet around him, Ransom walked over to the clothing and armor. He lifted the metal chest piece. "I have memory of this, my time in serving the good people." He then glanced over, picking up a t-shirt and pair of pants. "These were my underclothing?"

"Correct," said Elden. "Apparently the people of your kingdom wore exotic colors and designs."

Ransom shrugged. "I have no memory of my kingdom."

"Then I propose a deal." Drab stepped forward. "You help us defend the 'good people' and we'll help you find your home."

Ransom nodded. "You have my word."

"Then we'll leave you to dress." Drab turned to usher Elden out of the room, but not before taking one last peak.

A few minutes later, Ransom emerged from the room in full armor. "I am ready for my quest."

"Good," said Drab. "I need you to take care of some punks."

"Punks?" Ransom looked between her and Elden. "I know nothing of this word."

With a sigh, Drab looked to Elden.

Elden thought quickly. "Some former mercenaries violated a deal with us, causing untold harm to our kingdom. We need you to deal with them."

"Hoodlums without honor, I will find them." Ransom lifted his weapon, a long and narrow smooth club.

"What's that?" Drab asked.

"My arms," Ransom said. He swung it a few times, up, down, and diagonally, and he smiled. "I remember this as well."

"But don't knights fight with swords?" asked Drab.

Ransom shook his head. "I remember a pact made by my people to never shed blood unless absolutely necessary."

"And a very good pact that is," said Elden. "Now these hoodlums hide in a type of cave, but you'll know them from the yellow sash they wear on their arms."

Ransom nodded. "I will find them."

Just then, Zapman entered the hallway. "This is the new recruit?"

"Who are you?" Ransom asked.

"This," Endlen said, "is Zapman, a wizard who uses his magic to aid those in need."

"What are you - " Zapman started to say before Drab elbowed him.

Ransom held up his hand. "Well then, Zapman, presumably of the mystical tower, I am Ransom the Knight Helm."

Zapman looked at the other two and then accepted his hand. "Right."

"Zapman here will help you locate the hoodlums," said Elden.

Ransom raised his club. "Then let us be off!"

"In a moment," said Drab. "Ransom, dear, please go outside. We'll meet you there."

After Ransom left, Drab turned to Elden. "Knight Helm?"

"I'm guessing it's the company that made his armor," Elden replied.

"Can someone explain what's going on?" Zapman asked.

Drab gestured. "This is your show, my friend."

"Right." Elden paused to collect his thoughts. "That young man was cosplaying as a medieval knight when he got struck in the head by a meteorite. He survived thanks to my work by he lost most of his memory. When he woke up, he thought he was actually a knight, and somehow he retained any previous skills."

"And we want to see if those skill will come in handy to us," Drab added. "Take him where you had the gangs fight and set him loose."

"And if the heroes appear?" Zapman asked.

Drab smirked. "Then, dear, that's where you come in."

Zapman smiled. "I think I can play a wizard for a bit.

As Zapman walked away, Drab turned to Elden. "How does he not draw blood if he hits someone in the skull?"

Elden shrugged. "Maybe it's a loophole."

So that's my build-up. Knight Helm was once a hero in another superhero game I played. In that version, he was a medieval warrior sent forward in time to our era. but I thought an amnesiac believing he's a knight would work better. Also, I also thought making him a villain, at least for now, would be a fun twist. The name, btw, came from an old airplane magazine, though I don't remember what it was.

Now we should probably give Ransom some stats. As a lvlv 1 villain, he has 3 Ability points.

Body: +1, Agility +1, Mind -1 (because of his injury).

Skills: Melee +2, Toughness +1.

Now I'm a little iffy about the damage of his club, whether it's +1 RS or +2 RS, so I'm going to make it a Fate question.

(Q)  Is the club's Damage +1?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

So +1 RS for a total of 2 for dmg with his club. Fair enough.

I'm also increasing his Toughness to +2 because of his armor.

The scene: Knight Helm and Zapman reach the alley.

Does the scene play out normally?  Yes.

(Q)  Are there more than 2 'hoodlums' in the alley?  (Likely)  X-No. Random Event.

(Event)  "Increase," "Emotions."

(Q)  Is the emotion Fear?  (Very Likely)  No.

(Q)  Is it Anger?  (Likely)  No.

(Q)  Are the rest somewhere else for a party or similar?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

Zapman pointed down the alley. "The punks are down there."

Ransom looked. "I only see one of them."

"He'll know where the rest are, I'm sure," Zapman replied.

"Then it will be done." Ransom entered the alley, brandishing his club. "You there, hoodlum."

The young man, who sat with his chair leaning back against a wall, stood up. "Who the hell are you?"

"You broke an oath, and I am here to restore your honor with your life." Ransom started forward.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Confuse me not with your poisoned words!" Ransom stood strong in a battle stance.

(Q)  Does the kid have all 0 stats?  (Nearly Certain)  Yes.

(Q)  Is he armed with a knife?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

The kid pulled out a knife. "Don't threaten me, you clown."

"Insult me not, you cretin!" Ransom held his club in a ready position.

Ransom's total attack stat is +3 versus the kid's 0.

(Clash)  Does Ransom win the Clash?  (+3 means Nearly Certain)  Yes.

The damage is +3, which is 3 higher than the kid's Toughness of 0, giving him a -2 RS.

(Q)  Does the kid surrender? (Very Likely)  Yes.

Ransom swung his club, slamming into the kid's arms. He yelped and dropped his knife. Shaking, he held up his hands.

"Please, stop!"

"Where are the rest of your group?" Ransom asked.

(Q)  Does the kid tell Ransom?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

"The abandoned hardware store on eighth and Jefferson," the boy answered.

Ransom nodded. "Now flee this realm and never return."

After the kid ran away, Zapman appeared. "What'd he say?"

"A hard store of wares on an eight and Son of Jeffers," Ransom struggled to understand.

Zapman nodded. "I know that place. Let's go."

Sometime, later, they found the building and stood outside of it.

(Q)  Is the scene normal?  Yes.

"Here we are." Zapman said. As Ransom started forward, Zapman stopped him. "Let's see what we're facing first." They approached the window.

I'm using a Mind check for if they can see everyone. They both have 0 mind, but since they're both looking, I'll give them a +1.

(Ability) Do they see everyone in the building?  (+1 means Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  Are there more than 2 hoodlums?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  More than 3?  (likely)  Yes.

(Q)  More than 4?  (50/50)  Yes.

(Q)  More than 5?  (Unlikely)  No.

(Q)  Do they all have all 0 stats?  (Near Certain)  No.

(Q)  Do they have a leader with strong combat stats?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  Does he fight melee?  (Likely)  No.

(Q)  Is his Agility +1?  (Likely)  X-No Random Event.

(Event)  "Burden," "Expectation."

(Q)  Is he using a pistol?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

I'm interpreting that as the leader having +1 Body but -1 Agility. However, he'll be pulling a sneak attack, granting him a total of +1 with his pistol.

Ransom kicked the door opened and charged into the room, where he saw the four gang members throwing a party. "You broke a sacred oath, and now you must pay."

Zapman entered beside him. "Remember me, boys?"

The four spun around. "It's the wacko that made us fight!" one of them shouted. 

Pulling out knives, they approached Zapman and Ransom.

Just as he raised his fingers, Zapman heard a click behind him.

Ransom will be again using his club, with a +3 melee. Zapman will help him by trying to zap people, granting him a +4 total. The leader has a +1 with his pistol, and with +3 from his allies, for a total of +4. Yes, I know he has 4 allies, but according to Clash rules, it maxes at +3.

(Clash)  Do Ransom and Zapman win the Clash?  (50/50)  X-Yes.

(Dmg)  Ransom's dmg is +3, but with +1 because Zapman is aiding him, totaling +4. This causes all 5 to have -1 RS initially, -1 RS from the Exceptional result, and a further -1 RS for the 3 point difference. All 5 have -3 RS which means a roll to see if they stay conscious.

(Incapacity)  Does he character get Incapacitated? (Certain for all):

Leader: Yes, Random Event; "Start," "Conclude."

Hoodlum 1: Yes.

2: Yes.

3: Yes, Random Event; "Uncertain," "Expectations."

4: Yes.

5: Yes.

Zapman spun around and caught the leader hard in the chest with a zap bolt. Dropping his gun, the leader doubled over and fell to the ground. Ransom swung his club, catching each other hoodlum in the ribs, shoulders, and legs. They all fell to the ground, groaning, though one of them, whimpering, crawled away. As he heard groaning behind him, Zapman hurled another zap bolt at the leader for good measure.

Standing tall, Zapman addressed any who might still be conscious. "Let this be a lesson. Don't cross the b-, I mean boss."

Turning, they left the building.

(Q)  Do the police arrive?  (50/50)  Yes.

(Q)  Do the police engage?  (Likely)  No, Random Event; "Delay," "Benefit."

(Q)  Does the Agency know what happened?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

Outside, they saw several patrol cars with lights flashing. A number of police officers stood behind their open doors, with guns ready.

"Hold your fire!" ordered one of the officers. "The Agency will take over. Just keep them here."

"Why do they not attack?" asked Ransom.

"They're waiting for something called the Agency," Zapman said.

"What is that?"

"I don't know," Zapman said with a grin, "but this could get fun."

I noticed Zapman has enough Notches to check for a level-up, so I'll check that now.

(Q)  Does Zapman become Level 2?  (50/50)  Yes.

So Zapman's new stats are: (underlined if new):

Body +1, Agility +1, Heart +4.

Power: Zap Bolts.

We'll see how effective his boosts are next time.

 

The Agency - Mythic Supers Game

 The truck drove through the town, approaching a block with several taller buildings.

"We're about here," said Stanse, as he looked out the window.

"I don't understand," Flex said. "The jail is in the other direction."

"Oh, we're not here to arrest you." Stanse turned to the two. "I mean, the police want to arrest you, but The Agency exists for this very reason."

Flex raised an eyebrow. "The Agency?"

Stanse nodded. "The government, noticing that supers now exist, decided it had two choices; arrest them all or put them under supervision. The latter is why I'm here. I'm in charge of the Agency that Supervises Supers."

"Agency that Supervises Supers." Vyper snorted. "So for short, you call yourselves - "

"The Agency," Stanse said quickly. As the vehicles pulled into a square-shaped, gray-stone parking lot, he pointed. "Here we are." Getting out, he led the two. Unfortunately, we have to start small, so our base is in a little hole in the wall on the bottom floor."

Vyper notice the door with a giant A on it. "So, our base is called the A-Hole?"

"It's called the Basement." Holding the door open, Stanse glared at him. "Where's your mind?"

Vyper stared back evenly. "Wishing I was literally anywhere else."

Flex gestured with his chin. "Come on, my friend, let's at least hear them out."

"Friend?" Vyper turned to him. "We just met, and I'm already regretting it."

"Let's take it inside," Stanse said, "before we attract attention."

They entered the building and found that it seemed much bigger on the inside. Despite seeming like a basement level, it had multiple rooms all connected by a grid of hallways. 

"I'll get right to the point," Stanse said as he led them through the main hallway. "Vyper, you've still got a warrant for your arrest from the last time you were in action. Mr. Flex, you now have one as well."

"Me?" Flex looked between the two. "All I did was break up a fight."

Stanse nodded. "I realize that, but unfortunately, the city is cracking down on vigilante activity. That's where The Agency comes in." Passing an office, he received some folders and handed one to Vyper and one to Flex. "As part of our organization, you'll act under our supervision. We'll send you on missions, pay you for your troubles, and if things get out of hand, we'll handle the discipline, though I prefer things to not go that far."

Vyper glanced through the folder, which contained several papers which resembled contracts. "What about our identities?"

"You identities remain yours," Stanse answered. "To be honest, I don't want to know who you are. It's better that way."

"Good," Flex said. "I'd like to keep both of my identities separate."

(Q)  Is Flex's secret identity as transparent as I believe it it?  (Very likely)  Yes.

"Don't worry, Mr. Muggs," said Stanse, "your secret is safe with us."

Flex stopped. "How did you?"

Vyper shook his head. "You're 300 pounds of muscle and no neck. You don't exactly blend in."

"Here we are." Stanse led them to a large training area that looked like a gymnasium. Several men in military fatigues stood scattered in the middle of the gym, but all facing forward. "Now it's time to meet the rest of the team."

"They're all part of our team?" Flex asked.

"Them?" Stanse chuckled. "No, they're just here to help with training. They're the rest of your team."

Vyper and Flex turned as two women in their 20s approached. One wore white sweatpants and a t-shirt while the other wore a red sleeveless shirt and black pants.

"Vyper, Mr. Flex, meet Brenda Rose, aka Bubble Girl, and Stella Cove, aka Muse."

"Hello, I'm Brenda." The one in sweat approached and held out her hand.

"I'm Mr, oh whatever, I'm Brad." He accepted her hand. 

Stella pointed a finger at them. "One Streetcar crack and you'll be having nightmares for a month."

"So this is our training exercise," said Stanse. "The object is to get past our troops and retrieve one of the flags on the far wall." He pointed to the small flags with the word Agency on them. "Brenda, you first."

Nodding, Brenda turned and approached the men who stood ready to stop her. 

Brenda's going to try and push her way past the men. The troops have all 0 for stats, but have batons for weapons (1 damage, KO only). Brenda has -1 Body but +5 Toughness.

(Clash) Does Brenda get past the troops?  (-1 means Unlikely)  No, but barely.

1 dmg versus 5 Toughness means no damage for Brenda.

Brenda tried to push past the troops but they struck at her with their batons. However, the weapons bounced off something around her.

Now she'll try and slip past them, using her 0 Agility versus the troops and their 0 Power. However, since multiple troops are moving at once, I'm treating their stat as +3.

(Clash)  Does Brenda slip past the troops?  (-3 means Nearly Impossible)  No.

Again, no damage.

One more try.

(Clash) Does Brenda make it past the troops?  (Nearly Impossible)  No.

Brenda kept trying to find a way past the troops but they kept attacking her. Finally, she jumped out of the gauntlet and approached the group.

Wiping tears out of her eyes, she looked to Stanse. "I'm sorry, I really tried."

Stanse touched her shoulder lightly. "It's okay, you tried. That's why it's called training."

"I guess it's good that they weren't swinging to hurt her," Vyper said.

"Actually," Stanse replied, "they were."

Flex blinked. "And she didn't even get a scratch?"

Stella smirked. "Hence the name Bubble Girl. She can't throw a punch to save her life, but she no-sells bullets."

"Well," Vyper said, "It's a start."

Stanse then turned. "Stella, you're up."

Nodding, Stella approached the first trooper, who braced himself for a fight. Instead, she lifted her hand, revealing several playing cards. "Pick one, handsome."

(Clash)  Does Stella's trick work?  (+1 means Likely)  Yes.

(Clash)  What about the second trooper?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Clash) And the last one?  (Likely)  Yes.

Each trooper looked at the other in confusion and then at Stanse who simply shrugged.

"Come on," Stella said. "Who's brave enough?"

Finally each trooper pointed to a different card. 

Nodding, Stella shuffled the cards and then held up the bottom one in the pile, showing it to each of them. "Is this your card?" When they shook their heads, she shuffled again and repeated her question, but again their shook their heads. A third time, but the result was the same.

"Quit playing games," said the head trooper. "Are you going to try and get past us or not?"

"Who are you talking to?"

They all turned to see Stella approaching, with a flag in hand. The one holding the playing cards then vanished.

"This could be interesting," said Flex.

"So you're in?" Stanse asked.

"What if I say no?" asked Vyper.

"Then you go back to your normal life," Stanse answered, "but if 'Vyper' appears again, the police will arrest, or worse, on sight."

Vyper crossed his arms. "All I want is a normal life. I was sitting back enjoying my normal life until now."

"Then why did you save me?" Flex asked.

Vyper sighed. "I saw that someone for Willard's tech, which means more powered idiots out there."

"And since you have the most experience fighting them," Stanse said, "we could really use you."

Vyper looked down at the folder in his hands. "I'll give it a shot."

Flex fist pumped. "Yes!" He put an arm around Vyper. "We're officially a super group!"

"Wonderful." Vyper took a deliberate step away from him. "Now I want to know about our competition."

-----------------------------------------

Elsewhere . . .

Zapman entered the laboratory,.

"How did your initiation go?" asked Malory Drab.

"I ran into a snag," said Zapman. "I got double-teamed by some big guy, and Vyper's back."

Drab considered this and then started walking. "We'll deal with him soon enough. Fortunately, your new friend took to our experiments quite well. I'm looking forward to seeing her new powers."

"There were a bunch of guys in trucks," Zapman said. "They're probably not alone."

"You won't be either." Drab entered a room and found Elden looking over a man in a bed. His face was covered by an oxygen mask. "How is he?"

"I repaired his skull," Elden replied. "That's the good news."

"What happened?" Zapman asked. 

"He got struck in the head by a meteorite," Elden answered. "He came to for a bit but he didn't remember anything. His memory might be gone for good."

"So he's a blank slate?" asked Drab.

"Not completely," said Elden. "He thinks he's someone else though, from another time."

"What do you mean?" Drab asked.

Elden pointed. "He was wearing those when he was struck, meaning he was cosplaying. But when he came to and saw them, he believed they were his regular clothing."

Drab turned and looked, raising an eyebrow. "Another time, you said? This could be useful."

Not a lot of game play this time, but I'll make up for it in my next session. 

 

The Return - Mythic Supers Game

 Mason Dean sat at the table, munching on his sandwich while jotting down notes in his notebook while reading the text in front of him. After a few minutes, he took a drink of his soda and continued his homework. 

In the two years since the big fights, he did his best to walk away from his other persona. Mr. Ashby had left him enough money so he didn't live on the street, but it'd run out eventually. Dropping back to part time studies, he took a second job to cover expenses and pay for his classes. At least life in the past two years had returned to normal.

Unfortunately, the news report on the monitor hanging from the cafeteria ceiling had other plans.

"The mysterious criminal known only as Zapman escaped from prison earlier this morning, injuring a dozen police officers and causing over $100,00.25 in damage. This comes just a day after the shooting at a playhouse off Stanley Street, where a substitute teacher went missing. Although authorities doubt this has anything to do with the robberies at Wylltech a couple years ago, they fear something else is responsible.

We'll report back when we have more information."

Mason sighed, dropping his pencil to the table. So much for walking away. He closed his textbook and notebook, staring at the covers. Last time, the police hunted Vyper down until he disappeared. Maybe he should just let them deal with it. Still, considering the damage to the police station, that may no longer be an option. Shaking his head, Mason collected his belongings, took one last bite of his sandwich before tossing it into the trash bin, and grabbed his soda before heading for the door.

We'll come back to Mason Dean and his inner struggle as he debates returning as Vyper later. But first, here's our other new hero (well not so new if you read the previous stories):

Mr. Flex

Level 1 Hero.

Body: +3, Agility: +1, Heart: -1.

Brad Muggs loved wrestling in college and hoped to either compete in the Olympics or in pro wrestling. After suffering a severe injury, Brad volunteered for experimental treatment, not realizing his was nothing but a lab project. After recovering, and noticing his superhuman strength and reflexes, Brad realized he'd have an unfair advantage when competing. Wanting to help others, he began calling himself, Mr. Flex.

This scene takes place about the same time. Flex is walking to the gym where he works.

However, before he can proceed, I get a Scene Interrupt:  "Help," "Move."

(Q)  Is someone asking him to help them move?  (Likely)  No.

(Q)  Is someone asking him to move something?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  Is a car stuck?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

Brad walked on the sidewalk, enjoying the morning breeze, and smiling at people as he made his way to work. there was no need to drive as he only had to travel a few blocks to the gym, where he worked as a trainer. 

As he passed an alley, he heard cursing. Turning to look, he saw a man getting out of his car and kicking it.

"What's wrong?" Brad asked. 

"I didn't see the mud puddle," the other man said. "Now I'm stuck."

Brad approached. "Let me take a look."

I feel like pushing a car out of the mud wouldn't be easy for a normal person, but it wouldn't be impossible either. Rather than finding out the type of car and how badly it's entrenched, I'm just going to ask one question about the overall difficulty.

(Q)  Is the overall Difficulty +2?  (Likely)  Yes.

So the Difficulty (Also Resisted Rank; I know I jump back and forth between those terms but they mean the same thing) is +2, while Brad's Body stat is +3.

(Ability)  Does Brad manage to move the car?  (+1 means Likely)  X-Yes, but with Random Event.

(Event)  "Goals," "Delay."

Well, Brad's current goal is to get to work, so I'm guessing this makes him late.

(Q)  Is Brad in trouble for being late?  (50/50)  No.

Brad easily pushed the car free, and the other man thanked him and went to work. As he drove away, Brad glanced at his watch. Uh oh, he's going to be late if he didn't hurry.

He flew through the doors to the gym, and Sophie, the trainer sitting behind the front desk smiled. "Ten minutes late. Maybe walking isn't such a good idea after all."

"Well that's just it," said Brad. "Some guy got his car stuck and I helped him free it."

"Ah," she laughed, "that's our Brad, the big hero." She threw a thumb backward. "You got a class of women waiting for you, and I think they're starting to get impatient."

Brad smiled. "Thanks." He hurried to the locker room to change.

 That night, Brad left the gym and began walking home. The streets were somewhat busy and the sidewalk had its fill of people darting into and out of stores. 

(Q)  Does Brad see anything suspicious?  (50/50)  Yes.

(Detail)  What does he see?  "Break," "Fight."

(Q)  Is the fight in an alley?  (Likely)  Yes.

Hearing commotion, he glanced into another alley. Did someone else's car get stuck? Instead he saw two young men punching each other.

(Q)  Is anyone else around?  (Likely)  X-Yes.

(Q)  Are a lot of people present?  (Likely because of the previous result)  No.

(Q)  Does the Exceptional result mean a supervillain is present?  (Very Likely)  X-Yes.

Ducking out of sight, Brad reached into his bad. Finding his mask, he threw it on, along with his matching finger-less gloves. Then he charged into the alley. "Hey, break it up." He looked up and down at the men. "What possible reason could you have for beating each other senseless?"

"Do you mind? We're in the middle of something."

Brad turned to see a third man, also wearing a mask, standing on a crate. "Who are you?"

"I'm Zapman, and you're interrupting an initiation. Who in the dawn's early light are you?"

Brad stood tall. "I'm Mr. Flex, and you shouldn't make them fight, they look like kids."

"Maybe you have a point." Zapman looked to the two men. "New plan; whoever takes down 'Mr. Flex' here is in."

The two men turned and faced Flex, and now he noticed they were armed with brass knuckles.

Time for a Clash. Mr. Flex has Body +3 for the brawl. 

(Q)  Do the two men have +1 Body?  (50/50)  No.

So all stats are 0. However, since they're fighting Flex at the same time, they total +1.

(Clash)  Does Flex win the Clash?  (+2 means Very Likely)  Yes.

Flex's +3 for Body is 3 higher than their 0 so they both suffer -2 RS.

(Q)  Do the two men run?  (I'm counting the +2 to make it Very Likely)  Yes, Random Event.

(Event)  "Goal," "Control."

The two men stepped forward and began throwing punches. Not wanting to harm either of them, Flex caught their fists and sent them flying into the nearby wall. 

Stumbling to his feel, the first man turned to the second. "You know what?  This ain't worth the cash."

"Not one buck," said the second. And they took off onto the sidewalk and out of sight.

Zapman watched them and then turned to Flex. "They didn't have it anyway, but you did ruin my night."

Flex shrugged. "Sorry but they looked like teenagers. They should be at the arcade or on dates or anything besides beating each other up."

Zapman raised a glowing hand. "Then you'll have to do instead."

This will be a Clash between Zapman and Flex. Zapman will try to, well, zap Flex, using his +Heart and +2 Damage for +3 total. Flex will gain attempt to charge forward into melee range, relying on hid +1 Agility. I'll roll for flex.

(Clash)  Does Flex win the Clash?  (-2 means Very Unlikely)  No.

The Damage of Zapman's attack is +3 versus Flex's +3 Toughness, so he suffers -1 RS.

Mr. Flex lunged towards his opponent, but Zapman snickered and let loose with bolts of electricity. They struck Flex right in the chest, and her veered to the side and crashed into some trash cans. 

"Had enough?" asked Zapman with a grin.

Flex got back to his feet. "You won't hurt anyone while I'm around.

This time, Flex's Agility drops to 0.

(Clash) Does Flex win the Clash?  (-3 means Nearly Impossible)  No.

Another -1 RS in Damage.

Flex took a single step, but ate another electric bolt, this time sending him backwards. His head struck the stone steps and his vision blurred.

Not a good battle for poor Flex so I'm going to improvise.

(Q)  Does Flex get some unexpected help?  (Going for Very Likely because he Really needs it!)  X-Yes

(Clash)  Does the 'help,' going with Effect, win the Clash?  (+1 from previous roll means Likely) Yes.  

"Keep getting up," sneered Zapman, as Flex rolled onto his hands and knees. "I'm so enjoying my new toy." Pointing his fingers, he let loose another bolt.

The blast of energy sailed through the air, until it struck a force field and dissipated. Zapman looked up to see another masked figure floating between him and Mr. Flex.

“Playtime’s over,” said the new opponent.

Eyes wide, Zapman quickly collected himself and grinned. "Ah, the Vyper. I heard you vanished into thin air, never seen again."

"I'd love to," said Vyper, "but you won't let me."

"Then I'll just have to help you right now. Zappidy Zappidy!" Zapman raised his hands.

This Clash will be Vyper's +3 vs. Zapman's +3, with both going for Damage.

(Clash)  Does Vyper win the Clash?  (50/50)  Yes, Random Event.

(Event)  "Failure," "Uncertain."

Zapman suffers a -1 RS. However, I'm treating the Event as him hiding his new weakness.

Before Zapman could fire, Vyper launched a bubble of force that slammed into the man. He fell back, shaking his head. Clearly the hit left him stunned, but he did his best to hide it. "We're not finished here, Vyper. Mark my words, you will cringe when you feel my zappy wrath."

"I'm cringing already," Vyper replied. As Zapman fled into a back alley, Vyper went to check on Mr. Flex. "You all right?"

Flex started to sit up. "Yeah, thanks, friend." He looked to where Zapman had fled. "You let him escape?" 

"I thought I'd see if you were alive, you know that empathy thing," Vyper replied. "I've got to work on that."

Flex stood up. "You know it wasn't a fair battle, two of us against one of him."

"First of all, I'd hardly call what happened to you a battle," Vyper said. "And second, it wasn't a prize fight."

Before Flex could respond, several vans pulled up. Vyper turned to leave, but he saw a number of people with weapons drawn, including the glint of rifles from those on the rooftop. 

One middle aged man got out of the van and approached them. "You're the ones known as Vyper and Mr. Flex. If you try to flee, and that means turning invisible and flying away, Vyper, my team's instructed to seek out and take you down."

Vyper crossed his arms. "So you're taking us in but not that maniac who tried to fry us."

The other man nodded. "I regret we lost him in the alleys, but there'll be a search for him shortly. Please come with me."

Flex looked past him to the vans. "You're not police, so you're not arresting us."

"That's correct. I'm Ted Stanse and I represent The Agency. I'll explain everything shortly." He gestured to the lead van. "Please, before the police really arrive."

Vyper glanced upward. "I've dealt with police before."

But Flex touched his shoulder. "Calm yourself, friend. Let's just see what they want."

Vyper took a step back. "Friend? This all was a knee jerk reaction. If I had to do it over again, I'd leave you on the ground and flatten that thunder punk."

Flex smiled. "I know you don't mean that." He turned to Stanse. "Do we have to unmask?"

"Yeah, fat chance," Vyper muttered.

Stanse shook his head. "No, and rest assured, Mr. Muggs, your secret is safe with us."

Flex gestured with his chin. "Come, Vyper, let's at least listen to him."

Vyper sighed. "I'm going to regret this."

A Shocking Experience, in more ways than one - Mythic Supers Game

 Time to meet some more characters in my game. But first, since the last post was the prologue, let's start with a title card:

Vyper 2: The Agency

Two years later . . . 

"What a lovely day today." Brenda sniffed the air and smiled as she gazed at the sky. The 25 yr old sighed as she felt the cool breeze on her skin.

"Come on, Miss Brenda!" The 5 yr old boy took her hand.

"Sorry, Danny," she said. "It's just been a while since I've been outside."

Danny smiled. "We can wait then."

She shook her head. "No, your class is here to see the show. Let's go."

They entered the playhouse, which had signs posted for the puppet show. The other kids from the school had already rushed inside with their teachers, but Brenda took her time, probably because her body still felt a little stiff.

The doors then opened behind her. "Stop right there, Rose."

Brenda turned around to see a man there with a pistol drawn. "Danny, run!"

She started to push him away, but seeing the man turn his gun to the child, she pulled him closer, putting herself in front of the man. "What do you want?"

"For you to be silent," the man said, "and I'm about to get it."

I already knew this part of the scene. Time to see the rest.

(Q)  Is there more than one man?  (Likely)  No.

(Q)  Does he have the same stats as a Crook? (Likely) No.

(Q)  Is he Level 0?  (Likely) Yes.

(Q)  Is his Agility +1?  (Likely)  Yes - Random Event

(Event)  "Control," "Burden." I'm giving him a +1 Mind then because it means he is better at seeing those who sneak, but I'm dropping his Heart to -2 to balance it.

Also from here on, if I don't list a stat, either it's not going to be used (like Talk for a bear) or it's a 0.

I'm going to perform this Clash from the Thug's (We'll go with that term) point of view. He's opening fire on Brenda, who will perform an effect turning away and bracing herself).

(Clash) Does the Thug win the Clash?  (+1 vs. +3 = -2 or Very Unlikely)  No.

The thug opened fire with his pistol and Brenda held the boy close. She heard the light thunking sounds of the bullets but felt nothing. Looking down, she saw neither she nor the boy had a single scratch on them. 

Glancing back, she saw the thug staring at her in surprise. With a snarl, he pointed his pistol right at her head and fired.

(Clash)  Does the Thug win the Clash?  (+1 vs. +4 = -3 or Nearly Impossible)  No.

Brenda flinched but again the bullet fell to the ground before her. 

The thug shook his head. "What kind of freak are you?"

"Freak?" She sent the boy running through the double doors. "You tried to shoot at a child!"

"I won't miss this time." Stepping forward, he put the barrel of the gun right against her forehead.

(Clash) Does the Thug win the Clash?  (-2 this time means Very Unlikely)  X-No.

He pulled the trigger, but something sent him flying back. The gun fell from his hand and the back of his head bounced off the tile floor. He groaned as his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

Heart racing, Brenda rushed outside. Running into a nearby alley, she collapsed against the brick wall, chest heaving as she fought away a panic attack.

A moment later, several vans pulled up. She then heard a man's voice. "Check inside."

A few moments later she heard the building's door open again. "One down, stunned but alive. The rest are scared but fine."

"Send Miss Cove to talk with them," said the first man. There was a pause before she heard footsteps approaching. 

Hiding behind a trash bin, she lowered herself to her knees and wait.

"Miss Rose?" The first man's voice spoke.

The footsteps continued until she looked up. The man, middle-aged, wearing a button down shirt and business pants and shoes stood before her. He wore a baseball cap with the word 'Agency' on it.

"Brenda Rose?"

"I didn't mean to hurt him," Brenda said. "He was going to shoot me and the boy."

The man smiled. "I know. My name is Ted Stanse, and I'm here to help you." He held out a hand.

She noticed his hat. "What's the Agency?"

He lifted her to her feet. "Come with me, Bubble Girl, and I'll show you."

So who is Brenda Rose and what's with her high stats? Well Brenda Rose had suffered from one illness after another growing up. Her parents kept her inside so much, the other kids called her Bubble Girl. As an adult, she got a job as a substitute teacher but collapsed her first day and was hospitalized. The hospital gave her an experimental treatment, which healed her but caused her to go into a coma for several weeks.

Upon emerging, Brenda learned she could shrug off not only illnesses but injuries as well. It's as if she's surrounded by an invisible bubble that wards off danger.

Here are her stats:

Brenda Rose (Bubble Girl)

Level 1 Hero.

Body: -1.

+5 Toughness, +4 Shield against Powers.

This is why the bullets did nothing to her. The first time, she took a -1 penalty to also shield little Danny. The second time, she took the full +4 resistance to the gunshot. And the third time, she took a penalty (unconsciously) and along with the Exceptional result, sent the impact of the bullet back at the thug. Unfortunately, this leaves her with little to no offense. She has no powers to attack, she hates guns, and she can't throw a punch to save her life. For now, 'Bubble Girl' is strictly a defensive character. For now.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now for Scene 2:

Do you remember, way back, when Zapman lost his first fight to a police officer? Well here's what happened next.

Inside the police station, the officer dropped the paperwork on his partner's desk. "Here's what I could find on this Zapman guy, Reg."

Reg, a man in his 50s, glanced at it. "What's the deal, Carl? This thing's pretty much blank."

Carl shrugged. "Exactly. He gave us no alias. His fingerprints are burned off. Even his clothes look like he got them from a thrift store."

"Fine." Reg picked up his phone. "I'll check the nearby departments."

"I already tried that," Carl replied. "Nobody's heard of him. My guess is he's some crook that got a new toy."

Putting the phone back, Reg picked up the metal device, long and slender, with straps for hand and wrist. "So what do you think? Laser?"

"Considering how he used it against me," Carl answered, "I'd say electroshock, like a wireless taser."

Getting up. Reg walked over to the cell, where the man in his thirties, wearing dark gray pants and a black t-shirt." "Not so tough without your toy now, are you?" He grinned.

The other man looked up with him and narrowed his eyes but then resumed studying the bars to the cell.

With a chuckle, Reg returned to his work.

(Q)  Can Zapman use his powers without his device?  (Unlikely)  Yes.

I'll admit I wasn't expecting that, but if his powers were inside him all along ( Awww!), I can work with that. 

Zapman stared through the bars at the device again sitting on the cop's desk. His eyes then fell to his fingers, but when he snapped them, he saw a spark. Did it really work? The device was supposed to give him powers, but he didn't think it'd actually 'give' him the powers. He then looked at the cell's lock and pointed his fingers.

He's going to try and use his powers to open the lock. Not sure how this would work so I'm making it a Fate question.

(Q)  Is the Difficulty of picking the lock with Zapman's powers a +2?  (Likely)  Yes.

Okay so it is a +2. Now here are Zapman's stats:

Zapman: Level 1 Villain.

Body: +1, Heart: +1.

Powers: Electroshock.

Skills: (Shock): +2 Damage, +1 Effect.

(Ability)  Does Zapman pick the lock with his powers?  (50/50)  X-No, Random Event.

(Event)  "Benefit," "Burden."

(Q)  Does he accidentally hit the device?  (50/50)  Yes.

(Q)  Does anyone see him hit it?  (Likely)  No.

I interpreted the word 'burden' to be his device since it's big and somewhat bulky. The benefit I'm going to say is it works in his favor, despite his horrible failure.

Pointing his fingers at the lock, Zapman fired a bolt at it. However he missed the lock completely. The bolt instead flew across the room and struck his device. and amazing coincidence, but maybe it was attracted to it. The device began glowing and humming.

The officers in the room noticed and ran over to the device. 

(Q)  Do any of the officers touch the device?  (Very Unlikely, I mean who'd be that stupid?)  No.

"Don't touch it," Carl ordered. 

Reg turned to Zapman. "What's it doing?"

Zapman merely shrugged. "I'm in here. What'd you do to it?"

(Q)  Will the device explode if Zapman shoots it again?  (50/50 because I don't know.)  Yes.

(Q)  Will the damage be lethal?  (Likely, I mean, I did write explosion.')  No.

(Q)  Will it knock anyone out?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  Are there more than 3 officers standing close by?  (50/50)  No.

Carl, Reg, and a third officer stared at the device as it continued to hum and glow. No one paid attention to Zapman. Taking aim, he tried to fire another shot at the device.  

I'm making the Difficulty +1 because last time, it seemed to attract the bolt. This is versus Zapman's +2 (+1 Heart and + for Effect).

(Ability)  Does Zapman hit the device?  (+1 means Likely)  Yes.

Zapman fired a bolt into the device.

Carl noticed and turned. "What the?"

Before anyone could react, the device exploded, sending electricity in all directions.

(Q)  Is the blast's Damage +2 (Very Likely)  No (so +1.)

The cop's have +1 Agility to avoid the explosion but -1 Heart to withstand the blast, so I'm balancing it all to 0 and making it a Clash. If the cops succeed. they avoid getting knocked out. I'm also rolling once for each cop. Normally, I'd do a combined roll, but I'm looking at it as characters avoiding a trap.

(Clash)  Did the explosion knock out the cops?  (+1 means Likely)  Yes, Yes, Yes.

All three men fell back, crashing against desks or the wall. On the ground, they crumpled, groaning or making little sound at all.

(Q)  Is there anyone else in the room?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  More than 2?  (Likely)  Yes, Random Event.

(Event)  "Danger," "Change."

(Q)  Are they all cops?  (50/50)  No.

(Q)  Are any of them crooks?  (50/50)  Yes.

Two police officers had been escorting a crook into the room when the explosion occurred. running over to their friends, they left the crook in the doorway and ignored the man in the cell.

With them distracted, Zapman decided to try the lock again.

(Ability)  Does Zapman pick the lock?  (50/50)  Yes.

He fired tiny needles of static into the lock, and it clicked. Standing, he opened the door and stepped out. 

The officers noticed and looked up as Zapman pointed his fingers. "You'll all know the pain of the zappy zappy! Ha ha!"

Zapman's attack stat is +3 versus the two cops. The cops both have +1 Agility, so I'll bump it for a total of +2.

(Clash)  Does Zapman win the Clash?  (+1 means Likely)  Yes.

Since the +3 is greater than the cops' Toughness (0) by 3, they suffer -2 RS.

Zapman fired electric bolts which struck both cops in the chest. The stumbled with their eyes wide.

This time it's Zapman's +3 versus 0 for the cops, since they suffer a -2.

 

(Clash)  Does Zapman win the Clash?  (+3 means Nearly Certain)  Yes, Random Event.

(Event)  "NPC," "Start."

That sounds like a new NPC so I'll run with it.

A clerk ran into the room to investigate. Seeing the five injured officers, she screamed and ran.

The officers are now at -4 RS, which means checking to see if they're unconscious.

(Incapacity)  Are the officers Incapacitated?  (+7 means Certain)  Yes, Yes.

Walking past the unconscious police officers, Zapman approached the crook who stood in place.

(Q)  Is the crook male?  (50/50)  X-No.

(Q)  Does Zapman know her?  (50/50)  No.

(Q)  Is she friendly?  (Likely)  Yes.

"How'd you do that?" the woman asked.

"Let's just say I made some new friends recently," he answered.

Her face lit up. "Can you introduce me?"

Grabbing a notepad and pen, he scribbled an address. Gesturing to the bodies on the ground, he lowered his voice. "In case they're not quite out."

"Why don't you just finish them off?" she asked.

He handed her the notepad. "Because killing cops means shoot to kill."

(Q)  Does the room have an emergency exit?  (Very Likely)  No, Random Event.

(Event)  "Leave," "Distant."

Zapman glanced around. "Why don't these rooms have emergency exits?"

She blinked. "You didn't notice we're on the second floor?"

Let's get some stats for the woman.

(Q)  Is her Body +1? (50/50)  Yes.

(Q)  Is her Agility +1?  (50/50)  Yes.

Picking up an officer's pistol she fired it at one of the windows, shattering it. "Come on!" She climbed out the window, beckoning Zapman to follow.

I'm making the Difficulty +1 because they're only one floor up.

(Ability)  Does Zapman make the jump?  (Unlikely)  Yes.

(Ability)  Does the woman make the jump?  (50/50)  Yes.

The woman slid down the overhang and dropped to the ground. Zapman leaped out. Aiming for the bushes, he landed with a crash. 

Seeing an alley, he pointed. "Go!"

She took off down the alley and Zapman reached his feet and looked around.

(Q)  Did anyone notice them?  (Very Likely)  No, Random Event.

(Event)  "Distant," "Mundane."

Ooh, I know this one!

VIDEO

            GAME

                        REFERENCE!

The woman had already disappeared down the alley and around one of the corners. Surprisingly, no one noticed the two of them shooting their way out and leaping from the second floor of a police station and running off. Maybe the sounds of traffic distracted them. Either way, Zapman started down the alley to make his own escape.

"I lost my balloon!"

The voice cut straight through the noises and right into Zapman's skull. turning back, he saw a small boy staring up at his bright red balloon as it floated up away from him.

Definitely not my problem, Zapman thought as he turned away.

"My balloon!"

Zapman kept walking away but the voice stayed with him as the child continued crying out.

"Some get my balloon! My balloon's flying away!  My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! My balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back! Come back, balloon!"

Rolling his eyes, Zapman turned back and glanced up at the balloon. Lifting his hand, he pointed his fingers at it.

I'll make the Difficulty +2 since it's a small object flying away.

(Ability)  Does Zapman shoot the balloon?  (+1 mean likely)  Yes, Random Event.

(Event)  "Benefit," "Decrease."

Sparks leaped from Zapman's fingers. Climbing into the air, they struck right through the balloon. The child began sobbing as what's left of his companion fell to the side walk. Zapman chuckled, but then he saw the child's parents rushing to his side. Then they noticed him. Not wanting to start a brawl right in front of a police station, Zapman spun on his heels and took off down the alley.

Zapman gains 2 Villain Tokens for his adventure.

Whiskers and The Job - Mythic Supers Game

 So now, Kim Whiskers has his job, to break back into Wylltech and retrieve a box. I skipped the conversation where he received the info so I could just get into the game. But long story short, he has to find a long white box with black straps around it and red lettering.

To find it, I'll be using Mythic's One Page Location Crafter (Mythic Magazine #31). This allows you to explore a location without much planning or paperwork. For it's size, I'll got with Medium because it is a building but not a town.

I'll also be using the Lists mentioned in Magazine #17. Lists are used usually for when you meet various characters, but they have other uses as well. For the Location Crafter, whenever I roll sn Encounter Descriptor (I'll explain this later), I'll roll instead on my List. 

Here's my List (Yes, I know my handwriting leaves something to be desired):

I knew the building had security cameras, so first I rolled for them:

(Q)  Do the security cameras have an Awareness of +1 (Likely)  Exceptional Yes + Random Event.

This means the difficulty (also called Resisted Rank, though I tend to remember Diff better) is +2.

(Event)  "Danger," "Harm."

Ooh, that doesn't sound too promising. I'm guessing that means the cameras fire a taser if they catch someone. To keep things simply, I use the +2 also for the cameras shooting and the Damage if they unfortunately hit. Later I rolled for Toughness and got -1. That means the cameras can dish it out but they're rather fragile.

(Q)  Are there Laser Beams as well?  (Likely)  Yes.

Laser beams actually seemed like a better explanation than the cameras, but now I have a little bit of variety. The beams, which stay in place, have a lower difficulty but the base of them is still fragile.

(Q)  Do the Security Guards have the same stats as police officers?  (Unlikely)  No.

(Q)  Do they have Awareness of +1?  (50/50 because I'm not sure)  X-Yes (so +2).

So the guards have excellent vision and hearing but terrible combat ability. I guess worse case scenario, they just sound the alarm.

The final Encounter is a Puzzle, which I recently read about in Magazine #23. With the Mythic rules, you can easily generate puzzles to solve. I'll treat these as bypassing security and similar things. 

Now you may have noticed Slots 5-10 are blank. If I roll those I'll instead roll on the Descriptors table that is included in the Location Crafter and just make it up from there.

I am doing one thing differently with the Location Crafter. When you enter each Area, you're supposed to roll 3 times on the Area Elements table. Instead, I'm only rolling once because when I tried this before, I kept forgetting how many times I had rolled before. It seems to work fine that way.

A recap of Kim's stats:

Kimmy Whiskers

Level 1 Villain (midway between hero and villain)

Body: 0, Agility: +1, Mind: +2, Talk: 0, Heart: -1.

Skills: Bluff: +2, Sneak +1.

Now onto the game . . . 

Kimmy Whiskers drove his truck back through the gate. Surprisingly, the guard took one look at the truck and let him pass without another look. Maybe they were told they were done once the building was cleared out so the sooner the better. He pulled out a camping backpack from the truck and threw it over his shoulders.

Works for me, Kim thought, as he pulled up to the building. Reaching the back door, he entered the building.

I'm curious.

(Q)  Is this the same room where Vyper fought Willard?  (50/50)  No.

After using the code Drab had given him, Kim entered the building.

First Area. Progress Points = 0.

Element:  Encounter Descriptor (We're not wasting any time!):  Laser Beams.

Kim found himself in a hallway. Lining the walls were beams of light. Probably not the best idea to touch them. Inching to the wall, he searched for the panel to disable them.

I'll use the Awareness, +1, for this to keep the game going quickly. Kim has Mind +2 versus the +1 diff.

(Ability)  Does Kim disable to lasers?  (+1 mean Likely)  Yes.

Opening the panel, he pulled on some wires, and the lasers vanished. Well, that was easy, he thought with a sigh. Reaching the end of the hallway, he opened the door.

We now gain 1 Progress Point, which goes to Kim accomplishing his goal (finding the box for Drab).

Area 2. PP = 1:

Element: Object ("Suspicious," "Guidance.")

(Q)  Is it a map?  (Likely)  No.

(Q)  Is it a computer terminal with a layout of the building?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

Entering an almost empty room, Kim noticed a table against the wall with a computer on it. Hanging from the wall was a monitor. As he peered closer, he noticed it had a map of the building (I guess Willard didn't believe in screen savers). After staring at the screen for a minute or two, Kim decided on which route to take. Still, he decided to be a little extra cautious, considering whoever left the computer on could be nearby.

+1 PP.

Area 3. PP = 2:

Element: Object ("Bizarre," "Mundane.") 

(Q) Is it another computer? (50/50)  X-Yes.

After walking a ways down a hallway. and entering a similar room, Kim found a second computer. This one was huge and took up the entire wall. This looked like an office, but one that may have been occupied recently.

(Q)  Are there pictures on the wall? (Likely)  No.

(Q)  Are there books or notebooks in the room?  (Very Likely)  X-No.

(Q)  Are there disks of any kind in the room?  (Very Likely)  No.

(Q)  Are there boxes in the room?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Description)  What's in the boxes?  ("Heavy," "Lacking")

He also noticed several boxes stacked against the bare walls. They were taped pretty tight, and when he tried to nudge one of them, he noticed it was rather heavy. Kim decided to see what was on the computer.

(Q)  Is the computer on?  (50/50)  Yes.

(Desc)  What's on it?  ("Mysterious," "Light")

The computer seemed to set up the various lighting in the different rooms of the building. some were blinking while others were completely off. Kim couldn't understand the language on the computer so he left it.

Area #4. PP = 3:

Element: Expected, Return.

The hallway looped around and Kim found himself back to the first room. Searching around, he located another door and gave it a try.

Area #5. PP = 4:

Element: Expected. (Screw it, I'm rolling 2 more times).

Element: Location ("Lonely," "Fragrant.")

Element: Location ("Artistic," "Loud,.")

Kim found himself inside what appeared to be a break room. He saw two doors leading to bathrooms to his left. The walls were covered with bright colored drawings and designs. Reaching the opposite door, he went through.

Area #6. PP = 5:

Element: Location ("Valuable," "Threatening.")

Element: Expected.

Element: Encounter.

Finally, an encounter!

I roll first on my list: Descriptor. (Okay, fair enough).

Desc: ("Impressive," "Mechanical.")

The lab had an assortment of robotic parts. Some of which looked like dangerously sharp objects. At least they did to Kim. Lying on a table was a humanoid robot.

(Q)  Is it human-size? (50/50)  No (so half size)

(Q)  Is is complete?  (Unlikely)  No.

(Q)  Is it operational at all? (Very unlikely)  No.

The robot was missing a leg and its head and chest were missing a number of parts. No lights could be seen on the robot, and it wasn't hooked up to any power sources. Most likely, it was abandoned before being finished. While the robotic parts did seem like could be worth selling, the real reward was the box he was sent for, so Kim continued on.

Area #7. PP = 6:

Element: Encounter ("Fragile," "Equipment.")

Element: Expected.

Element: Object ("Atmosphere," "Familiar.")

Entering another equipment room, Kim saw walls filled with a bunch of spare parts. Bumping into one, he caught it before it hit the ground, but the piece fell apart in his hands. Must be either old or worthless, he thought.

Get ready for some rapid-fire questions:

(Q)  Is there anything valuable in here that easy to take?  (50/50)  Yes.

Since I rolled a solid yes, I'm going to make a Difficulty of +1 to search. He has Mind +2, so I'll use that to search.

(Ability) Does Kim find the valuable item?  (+1 means Likely)  Yes.

(Desc)  What is it?  ("Character," "Move.")

(Q)  Is it a teleporter?  (Likely by the desription)  Yes.

(Q)  Is it portable?  (Unlikely)  Yes - Random Event.

(Event)  ("Start," "Delay.")

(Q)  Does it work?  (50/50)  Yes.

(Q)  Is the Difficulty of it +2?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Ability)  Does Kim figure out the teleporter?  (0 means 50/50)  Yes.

Sitting in a metal box, Kim found what looked like an old handheld computer attached to a hexagonal dish. Also in the box he found instructors for a matter-transfer device. Kim's eyes lit up. An actual teleporter? Awesome! He didn't have time to figure it out as he still had his main goal to seek.

Area #8. PP = 7:

Element: Expected.

Element: Object ("Bizarre," "Large.")

Element: Encounter: Camera.

Moving through the door to the next room, Kim froze in his tracks and saw the camera hanging from the ceiling. It shone a red light onto the floor, and Kim also noticed scorch marks along the floor and opposite wall. This camera didn't just spot intruders; it also shot them! Holding his breath, Kim prepared to navigate past the lights.

The Difficulty is +2 versus Kim's +2 Mind and +1 Sneak for +3 total.

(Ability)  Does Kim sneak past the camera?  (+1 means Likely)  X-Yes.

Flattening against the wall, Kim easily slipped under the camera. As he did so, he noticed it moved in a predictable pattern. Maybe the next one did the same.

(I'm counting the Exceptional result as a +1 on his next roll).

Area #9. PP = 8:

Element: Object ("Rare," "Useful.")

Element: Object ("Artistic," "Natural.")

Element: Location ("Creepy," "Business.")

Finding an office adjacent to the labs, Kim looked around and saw pictures of various women. Nothing new there, people have interest. That is until he noticed they were photographs, not of models, but of ordinary women in the world. Someone had taken subtle pictures of these women and displayed them in his office. At least it might be a he.

(Q)  Is it a he?  (Likely)  Yes.

The name plate read 'Ronald Dalton.' Okay, a wee bit unsettling. Kim also found some flash cards in a small container on the desk. Not wanting to get noticed though, he left them right where they were.

Area #10. PP = 9.

Element: Expected.

Element: Expected, Exit.

Element: Expected.

Opening the door to the lab, Kim looked around. Most of the lab was empty, having already been cleared out recently. The room was pretty desolate. However he did see an emergency exit door. Good to know in the near future. Time to check out the next lab.

Area #11. PP = 10.

Element: Location ("Business," "Resource.")

Element: Encounter: Security Camera.

Element: Expected, PP-6.

Instead of a lab, Kim found himself in an office. Another security camera hung from the wall.

(Ability)  Does Kim bypass the camera? (+2 means Very Likely)  Yes.

Kim slipped past the camera and reached the next door. Looking back, though, he saw more than one door behind him and couldn't remember which way to go for the exit. Uh oh.

Area #12. PP = 4.

Element: Location ("Enclosed," "Bleak.")

Element: Encounter: Laser Beams.

Element: Positive ("Weapon," "Bright.")

Finding an incredibly dark hallway, Kim noticed more lasers separating him from the next door. Reaching the familiar wall panel, he set out to investigate it.

(Ability)  Does Kim bypass the lasers?  (+1 means Likely)  No - Random.

(Event)  "Communicate," "Move."

Unfortunately, Kim's finger slipped and he saw a spark. Jumping back, he avoided getting shocked, but then the lasers disappeared. Well that's promising, he thought, until red slights began flashing and alarms began to blare. Spinning to the door before him, Kim raced forward and through it.

I counted the weapon part of the previous roll as Kim avoiding getting hurt. However, from here on, all Object rolls will be treated as Encounter rolls, and I'll roll twice on my list if I get 5 or higher, since now security may be a little curious.

Area 13. PP = 5.

Element: Expected, Return.

Element: Encounter: Security Guard.

Element: Encounter: Security Guard.

Kim found himself in a previous room, with multiple doors. He couldn't remember which room this was, but then two guards entered the room. Luckily, they hadn't noticed him yet.

Kim's going to try to sneak into the closest door before the guards see him. The guards have +2 Awareness, so collectively it'll be +3 total, versus Kim's +3 sneaking. I'll treat this as an Ability check and a Clash if he fails.

(Ability)  Does Kim succeed in sneaking past the guards?  (50/50)  Yes.

Making barely a sound, Kim stayed low, silently opened a close-by door, and slipped in.

Area #14. PP = 6.

Element: Location ("Full," "Unpleasant.")

Element: Expected.

Element: Expected.

Kim again found himself in a room with lots of gurneys. Each one had a sheet covering a familiar shape. Feeling a chill down his spine, Kim rushed through the room and to the next door.

Area #15. PP = 7.

Element: Encounter: Puzzle.

Element: Expected, Complete.

Element: Expected.

Puzzle Descriptor: "Timed," "Barrier."

Puzzle Reward: "Help," "Joy."

Puzzle Consequence: "Enemies," "Physical."

(Q)  Is the puzzle Difficulty +2 (Likely)  Yes.

Kim found another lab, with boxes on several tables. On one table, he saw the white box he was looking for. Unfortunately, it was locked in a clear safe. As he pressed the main button, the phrase, "Passcode needed," appeared on the screen. Above it, however, a timer began to descend.

I'm combining all of the above to mean Kim must figure out the code or (on an X-No) it'll alert a lot of guards. Kim's Mind is +2, giving him a 50/50 chance to bypass it. For the timer, I'll raise the Difficulty each time and count Doubles as the keypad going into lockdown.

(Ability)  Does Kim bypass the puzzle?  (50/50)  No, but he can try again,

(Ability)  Does Kim bypass the puzzle?  (Unlikely)  No.

(Ability)  Same.  (Very Unlikely)  Yes.

The first two times, Kim got an 'Incorrect Code,' result. Finally, however, he figured it out. Opening the safe, he pulled out the box and stuffed it into his backpack. Then he raced to the door to find a way out of the place.

Area #15. PP = 8.

(Now I'm just looking for the exit.)

Element: Expected.

Element: Encounter: Guard.

Element: Encounter: Guard.

Kim opened the next door but saw several guards running in. Shutting the door, he looked around. Guards would probably be entering the previous room as well. He was trapped. Unless . . . Opening his backpack, he looked over the teleporter. He had no idea how it worked, but the best things sometimes came about from desperation.

Before, Kim made a check to notice the object was a teleporter. Now he's going to try and use it. I'm making the difficulty +2 again.

(Ability)  Does Kim figure out the Teleporter?  (50/50)  Yes.

Tapping a few keys, Kim noticed a map of the room appeared on the screen. With his fingers, he moved the map until he saw the outside door and his truck. Then he pressed 'Send.' A glowing light appeared before him. Just as both doors to the room burst open, Kim leaped into the light. He then found himself next to his truck. Jumping in, he headed for the exit.

(Q)  Is the guard at the gate suspicious?  (Likely)  Yes.

As he reached the gate, the guard stopped him. "What's going on with the alarms?" he asked.

Kim pretended to shrug. "I don't know. I was loading up when they went off. Honestly, if there's trouble, I'd rather be out of here, especially if someone's trying to steal this stuff."

This is a Bluff attempt. Kim has Bluff +2. The guard has Awareness +2.

(Clash)  Does Kim succeed in bluffing the guard?  (50/50)  Yes.

The guard waved him through. "Go ahead."

Kim pretend to be relieved. "Thanks." He drove away as the alarms continued in the background.

So Kim succeeded with his mission, acquired the device for Drab, but also got a new toy for himself. 

Kim earned 2 Hero Tokens. That also means he can roll to improve his Level. Since he's going to Level 2, the Difficulty is -2. I'm going to have him spend both his Hero Tokens to give him an even chance.

(Level Up)  Does Kim improve to Level 2?  (50/50)  Yes.

Kim is now Level 2, with 3 more Ability Points. 

His new stats are:

Body: 0. Agility: +3, Mind: +3, Talk: 0, Heart: -1

Skills: Bluff: +2, Sneak: +1.

Power: Teleport (Since it’s a device, I’ll use Mind instead of Heart)

Next time, we'll be seeing another character making an introduction.

Sequel Prologue - Mythic Supers Game

 This is continuing where the last game left off. At the time, I didn't know who stole the device. But now I'll continue that scene. Think of this as the pre-credits scene of the sequel, showing a flashback to that event.

Let's begin.

The truck drove through the security gate, with the guard waving the driver through. Leaving the property, the driver continued.

"Wow," he said to himself, "I didn't think it'd be that easy. I need to check that place out more often."

(Q)  Is the location he's driving to in the same town?  (Unlikely)  Yes, but barely.

(Q)  Is it an abandoned building?  (Likely)  Yes.

After driving for a few minutes, he reached what looked like an old factory right at the edge of the town. Pulling up to a large sliding door, he honked his horn, and a moment later, the door opened, revealing a large area with two people standing on a platform and awaiting him.

Turning off the truck, he got out and walked to the back of the truck. As the two people, a middle-aged male and female, approached, he opened the trucks twin doors.

"Here you go," he said.

"Any problems?" the woman asked.

The person, a kid in his mid to late teens, shook his head. Pointing to the front of the truck, he answered, "Nope, I put on glasses and a cap and between that and the truck, they thought I was a scavenger from the government. Makes me feel real safe with those geniuses in charge."

The middle-aged man rushed forward, throwing his arms around the device. "My baby!"

"Should I leave you two alone, Elden?" The woman smirked.

The man, backed away and straightened up. "I'm just excited, that's all. I thought she was gone forever."

"She?" The woman shook her head and turned back to the young man. "You must excuse Mr. Resk here. He gets quite attached to his toys, and didn't respond well when they tried to take them away."

Elden looked back at her. "But you'll let me continue, right Ms. Drab?"

Mallory Drab nodded. "Of course, dear Elden, your work is fully funded. I promise you'll fit right in with Eticorp, just like you did with my dear friend Charles."

"What about me?" the boy asked. "What about my pay?"

Drab turned to him. "Of course, your pay, unless you'd like to do more business for double pay."

He shook his head. "I think I'm gonna lie low for the moment. I'll just take my pay for this." He gestured to the truck.

Pulling out her phone, Drab typed a few keys. "Done, Mr . . . "

"Whiskers," the boy answered, "Kimmy Whiskers."

She raised an eyebrow. "Whiskers, is it?"

"That's all you need to know," he replied.

"Very well," she said. "Charles Willard had an impressive vision, one he spent many an hour telling when his stubborn wife and idiotic son didn't get in the way. He will be missed." She then turned to the older man. "But you and I, Elden, we'll create great things together."

"But they won't as easily fall for it like they did for Charles," Elden replied.

"Oh don't worry," she said. "As long as the public believes Eticorp deals with real medicine, people will line up for hours for our 'miracle cures,' and your experiments."

"Yeah okay," Kim turned to leave. "I'll just take the bus back." You too have fun.

(Q)  Does Drab allow Kim to leave?  (50/50)  No, but again barely

"Of course," she replied, "but I insist we keep in touch. I may require your services later. Are you sure you're in that much of a hurry?" She typed into her phone again.

Kim's eyes went wide. "You'll pay me that much? I might be open to talking more."

A little less game play than usual, but I'll make up for that later. For now, we have 3 new characters:

Kimmy Whiskers

Level 1 Villain (midway between hero and villain)

Body: 0, Agility: +1, Mind: +2, Talk: 0, Heart: -1.

Skills: Bluff: +2, Sneak +1.

Born Kim Miller, the boy doesn't know of where he came from. At an early age, he escaped from the orphanage and set out for himself. Quickly, he learned how to break into places and steal things. While not an overall evil person, he does what he needs to for survival.

Mallory Drab

Level 1 Villain

Body: -1, Agility: 0, Mind: +1, Talk: +2, Heart: 0

The owner of Eticorp, a company that claims to specialize in experimental medical care, Drab was once very close to Charles Willard. Now she's trying to claim many of his technology, using them for her own discoveries.

Elden Resk

Level 1 Villain

Body: -1, Agility: 0, Mind: +4, Talk: 0, Heart: 0.

A scientist previously employed by Wyltec, Resk now works for Mallory Drab, whom he's grown close to. However, he prefers the company of his projects, and always looks to testing them, regardless of the consequences.