Lightson

Just a reminder to everyone that we have another run scheduled for tonight at 7pm. Those of us who started the Synapse TF last week will finish it up tonight. Thanks!

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So so so so so sorry I didn't make it last night.
The nephew birthday thing was ALOT later then I thought it would be, hope the TF went well.

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No problem. I actually appreciate the level of communication from everyone regarding the times they won't be available during our regularly scheduled time.

The Synapse run is going quite well. Key word on "going". We didn't finish so we'll still be in that TF next week. Which means we won't be able to invite anyone who wasn't already there last night. Sorry about that

Just a quick reminder that we will be running again tonight (09/02) at 7pm. We will be starting the Synapse TF. Try to be in the level 17-18 range if possible. We will be running with six tonight, as Argot and Pliska will be out.

There is an off chance we will finish tonight in the alotted time if we really roll, but I'm guessing Synapse will take two sessions. Looking forward to it!!

Okay guys, here is issue six. Let's just say that this issue is dedicated to those who, although they love CoH, feel like the cannon is a bit too focused on the "surviving eight" and other NPC's at the expense of the PC's. Anyone who has felt like a member of "The Legion of Substitute Heroes" while playing CoH, this issue is for you. As always, portions of this are borrowed gratefully from Paragon Wiki (with a few alterations, as addressed in the dedication):

VI. Issue Six: The Rule of Three

Within moments, all eight members of the Avengers of Justice were present and listening intently to Positron’s briefing.

“Recently the Vahzilok . . .” Positron began.

“Oh, wonderful, them again . . .” Solar Tech interrupted.

“Err, yeah . . .” Positron continued, “so the Vahzilok are trying to poison the water of Paragon City. I’ve done a little recon in the area, and I came across a nest of Vahzilok . . .”

“Is this nest in the sewers, again?” Burnt Sacrifice asked. “I really hate the sewers.”

“Yes, unfortunately it is, sorry. Anyway, this nest was led by an Eidolon called Epidural,” Positron explained.

“Wait, a villain named himself after an anesthetic?” asked Mutant X-7. “Why would a villain name himself after something that blocks pain? Does that even make sense? Wouldn’t he rather inflict pain?”

“Huh . . . never thought about it really . . . right then, so I was planning on taking this nest out, but since you’re here, I’ll let you have the honors,” Positron answered. “If you find any evidence that they are planning to revamp their poisoning plot, let me know immediately.”

“Will do,” Lightson responded. “We won’t let you down Positron.”

This time, the team’s jaunt through the sewers went much differently than their first adventure together. The Avengers of Justice tore through reapers, cadavers and abominations with ease.

“Here comes the boom!!” Mutant X-7 exclaimed as he dispatched Epidural’s last minion with a jolt of electricity.

“You can’t win Epidural, don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” Doc Midnight forcefully proclaimed.

Epidural’s only response to Doc Midnight’s ultimatum was to fire a blast of x-ray energy. Doc Midnight shrugged the beam off, and then muttered to himself, “fine with me, maybe you’ll actually be a challenge.” Seconds later, Epidural was vanquished. After defeating Epidural, the team discovered a barrel of chemicals in the Vahzilok lair, which Solar Tech immediately began to analyze with his battle suit.

Positron’s voice then rang out from the team members’ Global Comms. “Wow, that was a great job. I watched you via one of my remote cameras . . .”

“Oh, I was wondering what that camera was doing down here.” Solar Tech noted. “You really should have just told me if you wanted to observe us. My battle suit is equipped with top of the line surveillance equipment, and I can broadcast the signal over an encrypted line. The resolution of my signal would really have been much higher than this camera. Not to mention that the camera really isn’t environmentally friendly at all, what with these short life batteries . . .”

“Okay, I see, well I’m sure my camera is just as good. But let me patch into this signal of yours just to check. Hmm, I guess this IS a very high resolution. Anyway, you all work really well as a team. Now, would you mind bringing me a sample of that chemical you found in the lair for analysis?”

Just as Positron finished his question, a computerized voiced echoed out from Solar Tech’s battle suit. “Analysis complete, . . . ” The voice then proceeded to indicate the precise chemical makeup of the sample. “Long story short, gang,” Solar Tech summarized, “this compound is highly potent poison.”

One could perceive a slight sigh before Positron concluded, “Well, I guess I don’t need to analyze the chemical for you. Good. Fine. But maybe you should bring the chemical back to me until we figure out what the Vahzilok planned to do with it . . .”

“Hold on team,” Blind Justice interrupted. Unknown to his teammates, Ian’s smart suit could more throughly explore the liar than any of them could using their own senses. “I think we may have missed a hidden passage over here . . .”

Sure enough, after Blind Justice pushed in a slimy brick on the far side of the room, a secret door popped open. Inside the disguised compartment were blueprints of the Paragon City Dam. Notations on the blueprints indicated the Vahzilok intended to poison the reservoir.

Just then The Directrix chimed in “No time to sort all this out just yet, PPD just radioed with another crisis. The Circle of Thorns are attacking the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Skyway City. They are being led by a mystic named Rollister. For now the Vazhilok plot needs to take a back seat team, our priority is to save those workers and then take Rollister out of commission.”

“Roger that, Directrix.” Lightson responded. “Positron, we’ll maintain communication with you through Solar Tech’s battle suit. Avengers of Justice out.”

Positron answered, more to himself than anyone else, “Umm, ok sure, I’ll uh, just wait here until I hear back from you. Err, Positron out. Hey Valkyrie, check out my new helmet . . .”

Once again, the Avengers of Justice ably demonstrated their increased competency, as the Circle of Thorns minions provided little resistance. After the brief skirmish, one of the FEMA workers told The Directrix “that horror dude kept going on and on about he was wantin’ the plans to the city dam in Faultline. I ain’t got no ideas why they would want that!”

“That’s quite alright, sir. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. Trust me, you are completely safe now. We appreciate the information you were able to give us.” The Directrix responded.

“Hey Lightson!,” Doc Midnight shouted “check out this altar that Rollister was guarding. Its got some kind of book on it.” The book was written in a language none of the team members could decipher.

“Odds are,” Lightson said, “if the Circle of Thorns were guarding it then its some sort of mystic tome. Lets take it to Azuria and see if she knows anything about it. Positron, are you still monitoring our status?”

“And that, trainees, is how I became a flesh and blood person again. Fascinating, no? Oh, what’s that Lightson? Oh sure, I’m still listening. I was just mentoring some of Valkyrie’s trainees. So what’s up?”

“We found some sort of mystic tome . . .” Lightson answered.

“Oh, you should take it to Azuria . . .” Positron responded.

“Wow, did you take the name Positron because Captain Obvious was taken?” Burnt Sacrifice mumbled.

“I’m sorry what was that, team? I couldn’t quite make that out.” Positron asked.

“Err, nothing.” Lightson stated. “Great idea about Azuria. We’re on our way.”

Azuria’s eyes widened when she saw the tome the team brought her. “Ah, heroes. I see you have managed to find The Book of T’Jer’imikanu. It was presumed lost in the Chicago fire of 1871. That’s quite an amazing discovery you’ve made.”

“It gets better,” Lightson noted, “we found it with a group of Circle of Thorns. They apparently were using it in conjunction with some sort of plot that also involved the Paragon City Dam.”

“I see . . .” Azuria said with a hint of curiosity. “Well, I shall have my translators examine the book.”

Just then, Solar Tech interrupted, “Uh, guys, I hate to send us chasing yet another rabbit trail, but my scanners are showing that a nearby abandoned warehouse is infested with Clockwork. ”

“Excuse us Azuria, but we should probably check that out.” Lightson responded.

When the Avengers of Justice arrived at the abandoned warehouse, the grinding of Clockwork gears was almost deafening. It seemed they had stumbled onto yet another major operation. As with the previous encounters, the team was able dispatch the Clockwork on site hastily. Moreover, amid the rubble the Avengers of Justice discovered various mechanical parts in the Clockwork nest. Curiously, the parts did not belong to any Clockwork construct. Nonetheless, the parts were defended by the robots with vigor. Obviously the parts were important to the Clockwork.

“Wait, I know what these parts are.” Blind Justice finally interjected. Although he was too modest to say so, Blind Justice was a engineering genius. Moreover, his Smart Suit enable him to triangulate the precise shape of the part down to the micrometer. “It’s a modified support structure used in large scale construction projects. The dam uses support structures exactly like these. If one of these structures was outfitted with an explosive device, the entire dam could be demolished . . .”

Blind Justice was interrupted by Azuria’s voice over the Global Comms “Avengers of Justice, I translated the book you recovered from the Circle of Thorns. It speaks of a ritual that transfers the energy of a lightning storm to those who perform it. The text implies that the larger the conflux of lightning and rain, the more powerful the ritual will be . . .”

“Interesting,” Solar Tech responded. After a brief delay, he added, “I just tapped into a few global weather satellites and it doesn’t appear that any major storms will be approaching Paragon City in the foreseeable future.”

“All the same,” Lightson said, “thanks for the info Azuria. We’ll be on the lookout.”

“Hold on.” Liberty-Flame said, “Let’s think about what we’ve got here. What if this conflux of rain and lightning was boiled down to its elements? What is rain? Water. What is lightning?”

“Electricity.” Mutant X-7 continued, “And what is the biggest conflux of water and electricity in Paragon City?”

“The dam.” Doc Midnight interjected. “ So today we’ve uncovered three plans: the Clockwork intend to destroy the dam . . .”

“The Vazhilok plan to poison Paragon’s water supply through the dam,” Burnt Sacrifice explained.

“And the Circle want to use it in a ritual to create great power,” The Directrix finished. “Well its great that we’ve figured all this out. But these villains could still implement these plans at any one of a number of different substations. Even if the eight of us split up, we couldn’t guard them all.”

“I think I can help with that, Avengers of Justice,” Positron answered, “it turns out that the Circle, Clockwork and Vazhilok each know of one another’s plans for the Paragon City Dam. Even worse, now that know this it looks like they’ve each decided to move up their schedules. I just got a call from dam substation seven. They are reporting attacks by the Clockwork, the Circle of Thorns, and the Vazhilok! Not only that, but the villains are attacking each other as well! Its chaos in there. I need you to protect the substation.”

“We’re on it Positron,” Lightson responded.

As with the previous encounters, the Avengers of Justice tore through hordes of minions at a brisk clip. Ultimately, they reached a level of the substation that now appeared abandoned except for a lone Vahzilok. At his feet were two defeated villians: one Circle of Thorns mage and one Clockwork Cannon Knight.

“Welcome heroes. Don’t you agree that its quite an unfortunate coincidence that these meddlers also had plans for this substation? No worry, I suppose, as you can see they and their leaders have been dealt with. Ah, but where are my manners? I am Cortex. I would ask for your names, but that is really not necessary. You see, I will rip your names from your minds as I watch you slowly die.”

Cortex then assailed the Avengers of Justice with a series of psychic blasts intended to incapacitate them. However, before the blasts could do any harm, Lightson created a energy field which shielded the team from any ill effects.

“It doesn’t have to be like this Cortex, you could still surrender. There’s still hope that we can undo what Dr. Vazhilok has done to you,” The Directrix pleaded.

“Spare me. Do you really think this force field will stop me forever. I’ll still tear your minds to shreds. You will become my playthings, my pets–to be destroyed when I bore of torturing you . . . ”

“Alrighty then, we’ll do this your way, Cortex,” Doc Midnight declared as he charged in to take the brunt of Cortex’s onslaught. Before he could react, Cortex was assailed by a flurry of punches; punches that were empowered by the very essence of darkness.

After Doc Midnight initiated the battle and had Cortex distracted, The Directrix assessed the field of battle. “Avengers of Justice: maneuver delta, assault alpha, tactic omega on three, two . . .” Part of the reason the team had become so efficient was that they had practiced fighting as a unified force. Doc Midnight would always initiate the battle, and with a series of silent cues instruct the rest of the team how to follow up. The Directrix was a natural at communicating to the rest of the team these instructions and also adapting them on the fly. She was a instinctive leader. Not only that, but on the fringe of the battlefield a few Circle of Thorns mystics were chanting incantations that actually assisted the Avengers of Justice. Apparently, The Directrix had convinced them of the errors of their ways and they had begun their reformation immediately.

“Right behind you, Doc!” Liberty-Flare shouted. Even as Cortex was already starting to buckle under Doc Midnight’s shadowy assault, Liberty-Flame followed up with a series of blazing hot punches. “Fan the flames of Liberty!!”

Cortex, seeing that he was on the verge of defeat, began to flee. Just as he started to put some distance between himself and his assailants, Mutant X-7 blasted him with a bolt of pure concussive
force. The power of the bolt knocked Cortex back into a wall, allowing the melee combatants to easily catch up with him. “You’re not going anywhere, Cortex!”

“I’ll make absolutely sure of that,” Burnt Sacrifice added just as he surrounded Cortex in a ring of holy flames. The smoke and flames seared Cortex’s lungs making it nearly impossible for him to concentrate, much less act. For added measure, even as Cortex struggled for pure air, Blind Justice shot a poison gas arrow at Cortex’s feet. The gas weakened Cortex to the point that his attacks were feeble. Liberty-Flame and Doc Midnight, having been apprised of the battle plan by The Directrix’s orders, knew the exact moment to leap out of harm’s way as the fast acting gas ran its course.

All the while Solar Tech’s battle suit launched white hot beams of solar energy at Cortex with surgical precision. Cortex’s plan to harm Paragon’s citizens by polluting the water supply struck a very personal chord with Solar Tech. Ever the hero, however, Solar Tech still kept his energy output in the non-lethal range. “Hey, Cortex, go green, go solar, OR ELSE!!”

Inevitably, Cortex succumbed. As Cortex fell helplessly to his knees, Doc Midnight asked, “You know what just got served?”

“Justice!” The Directrix finished.

Lightson activated his Global Comm and declared, “Positron, we’ve got everything under control here at substation seven . . .”

“Wow. That’s all I can say. You sure earned your stripes today! In one epic battle, you thwarted three different plots to take over Paragon City dam. To say I am impressed would be putting it mildly. You have done a wonderful job working as a team, Avengers of Justice. If there’s ever anything I can do for you guys, let me know.”

“Actually,” Lightson answered, “after we wrap up here we’d like to ask you a few questions about Crey Industries. It’s a long story, but let’s just say it was more than coincidence that brought the Avengers of Justice together. We each have a history with Crey . . .”

“As do I,” Positron responded, “I’d be glad to compare notes if it will help bring down Crey!”

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

To be continued on Tuesday, September 2 at 7pm as we begin the Synapse TF.

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So what level should we be at on Tues?

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Hey everyone, hope you all are doing well. Since half of us were out last Tuesday, we didn't play very long. So anyone out didn't miss much. I would suggest trying to get somewhere in the 17-18 range by Tuesday.

Just as a reminder we will being the Synapse TF this Tuesday at 7pm.

Looking forward to it!

First of all, great run finishing Posi the other night. I've heard it can one of the more "painful" TF's--especially with a full team of eight--and we pretty much rolled right through it.


Now:

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Just because we're not making a SG doesn't mean we shouldn't show pride in our team...I direct you to a certain badge we could all wear.

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Wow, thanks for finding that badge! Lightson and Liberty-Flame have tracked it down and are prouldy displaying it.

Since several people have to miss next week, the Aug. 26 run will be radio/safeguard missions in Skyway City. I picked Skyway because that is where Synapse is, so we will already be there when we start that TF on Sept. 2. Does that sound good to everyone? (If anyone is curious, the 15-20 safeguard temp power is Resuscitation--a self rez: http://cityofheroes.wikia.com/wiki/Resuscitation).

Also, I would suggest that at some point in the future we schedule a non-Tuesday "special session" to run Directrix through Synapse since she will likely miss the original run.

Finally, since we are taking a semi-break this coming week, I may decide to wait a little longer before working on the next issue.

Anyhoo, see (some of you) Aug. 26 in Skyway at 7pm!

Just a reminder that we are scheduled to meet tonight at 7pm to resume the Positron TF. Looking forward to it!

First, let me echo the thoughts that this team has been a lot of fun. Its great to play when there is no pressure that "we have to get this done tonight" or any griefing when someone makes a mistake (which, honestly, there haven't been that many of anyway). Good times.

Anyhoo, here is the write-up on issue five of the Avengers of Justice. As before, portions of this are pulled from Paragon Wiki:

V. Issue Five: Safeguard

After returning the Formula 13 to its rightful owners, the individual members of the Avengers of Justice temporarily went their separate ways.

Liberty-Flame and Lightson had known each other previously through project S.O.L.A.R.. Elizabeth was initially skeptical about Bryson’s “change of heart”. However, Elizabeth eventually accepted the fact that Bryson had become a noble soul. They were naturally drawn to each other and began adventuring as a duo. Among other things they stopped the villainous rampage of Hades, a member of the Hellions who had gone on a arson spree.

For completely different reasons, Solar Tech and Blynd Justce also formed their own alliance apart from the team. Both Ian and Steward were “techies” at heart, and it was natural for them to compare theories and design schematics. By combining their incredible intellects, they were able to markedly improve both Ian’s Smart Suit and Steward’s solar technology. They also designed a wide array of “trick arrows” to add to Ian’s quiver. After that, they began to work on some technology that would be able to enhance the entire team’s performance. These inventions included “Global Comms” (which allowed team members to communicate with one another no matter where they were) and jet packs (to improve travel for the team members who could not fly, or had not yet mastered their ability to do so). Of course, in between brainstorming sessions they also made time to fight crime. The duo make a name for themselves when they rescued Dr. Stephen Fayte from the clutches of the Circle of Thorns.

The line between super-hero and secret identity was perhaps most blurred for the Directrix. As Helen Ambriel, she worked a confession out of a mid-level Outcast leader named Razor. After his initial arrest, Razor kept his lips sealed–and many in the PPD feared that they didn’t have enough evidence to make any charges stick to him. Thanks to Helen’s negotiating skills, however, Razor confessed to several unsolved crimes committed in the Hollows. Then, as the Directrix, she was able to recover the stolen Ultrascope from the Trolls. Acting as Helen or the Directrix each had its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, and she carefully chose which role to play based on the situation.

As fellow mutants, Mutant X-7 and Burnt Sacrifice also found common ground and worked together on several missions. They generally had work referred to them from Antonio Nash and G.I.F.T. (Genetic Investigation and Facilitation Team). In this capacity, they were able to break up a Superadine laboratory that was being run by the Skulls. In addition, Burnt Sacrifice routinely patrolled the area near the cathedral he once called home. Eventually a rumor started among criminals that the cathedral was haunted by an “avenging angel” who preyed on the wicked.

Finally, Doc Midnight led the most dangerous double life of any of them. When his security clearance at Crey was reduced, Chad Wyrick thought his employer was onto him; that Crey had discovered he was using his position to spy on them. Nonetheless, he continued going to work to see how it all would play out. Surprisingly, Chad never heard another peep from his supervisors after the reduction of his clearance. Satisfied they were not aware he was also Doc Midnight, Chad continued to search for evidence to use against Crey.

Thus, the members of the Avengers of Justice were individually becoming accomplished heroes in their own right. Whenever a threat required the entire team, they would use the Global Comms designed by Ian and Steward to assemble. The most recent such threat was a robbery attempt on the Kings Row bank by the Rogue Isles villain Pyra. Complicating matters, the Directrix’s sources had told her that the bank heist might simply be serving as a distraction for some larger plot. With this knowledge, the Avengers of Justice assembled again to face multiple threats in Kings Row.

“Follow my lead, team.” Doc Midnight said as they approached the bank, “I’ll take point.” Although in many ways Lightson was the team leader, there was no doubt that Doc Midnight was the field commander. His unique abilities made him the perfect candidate to initiate any battle.

Pyra was assisted by several Skulls–probably thug mercenaries-for-hire. At the sight of Doc Midnight Pyra exclaimed, “Puny Hero! You’re gonna burn!” She then gestured for her minions to attack. Alas, her gesture was ignored. The Directrix had already convinced several of the thugs to surrender–or at the very least to stand down. Several others were immobilized in Burnt Sacrifice’s holy flames. Pyra was now alone.

“Give it up Pyra,” Lightson exclaimed, “you’re outmanned and outgunned.”

Pyra hurled a fireball at Lighson–only to see it deflected harmlessly by his personal force field.

Doc Midnight and Liberty-Flame immediately engaged Pyra at close range. With those two blocking her line of sight, Pyra’s ranged attacks were nigh useless. The rest of the team blasted Pyra with arrows, fire, electricity and energy until she succumbed to unconsciousness.

“No time to relax, team!” the Directrix cried out, “I was able to get some more information from this Skull. This WAS just a distraction. While this bank robbery was going down, the Skulls also planned on bombing a nearby office building. THAT was intended to be yet another distraction from the ultimate goal: to break Martial Gloom out of jail. We don’t have much time.”

“Solar-Tech, Blynd Justice, and Doc: get to that building and diffuse those bombs!” Lightson responded immediately. “Mutant X-7, Burnt Sacrifice, Liberty-Flame get to the prison! The Directrix and I will stay here and guard Pyra.”

“We all did a great job apprehending Pyra,” the Directrix said as the team separated, “be careful out there . . .”

“I’m not good at careful,” Solar-Tech said with a grin as he and the others rumbled off on their jet packs.

At the office building, Blynd Justce lobbed a flash arrow into a group of Skulls as Doc Midnight charged into the fray. “I can’t see a blasted thing,” one of the Skulls exclaimed. This exclamation was almost immediately drowned out by the “whoosh” created when Solar-Tech adjusted a valve on his battle suit and enveloped the criminals in flame. As Skulls dropped one by one, Doc Midnight said “You two get on those bombs, I can hold these chumps off . . .” It almost goes without saying, of course, that diffusing any simple bomb rigged by a Skull was mere-child’s play for two geniuses to handle. The office building was now safe.

Meanwhile, at the prison, Martial Gloom was already free from his cell and trying to make his way out of the Kings Row police department. “Not so fast, Martial Gloom,” Liberty Flame proclaimed as she and her allies intercepted their foes. “Ah, Liberty-Flame, you should be honored to die at my hand,” Martial Gloom replied. The Skulls who were escorting Martial Gloom had already been rendered helpless by Burnt Sacrifice, choking on the soot emanated by his brimstone. Mutant X-7 then effortlessly dispatched them with powerful beams of energy. As Burnt Sacrifice and Mutant X-7 turned to assist Liberty-Flame, they saw that she had already defeated Martial Gloom. The prison was once again secure.

After the team re-grouped, they were approached by the police officer in charge of securing the various crime scenes. “That was some amazing work you guys just did . . . Hey, I don’t think I ever caught what you guys call yourselves . . .”

“We are the Avengers of Justice,” Lightson answered, “and let everyone know, officer: justice will be served . . .”

Epilogue:

Doc Midnight continued his life as a “double agent” within Crey. Using technology Ian and Steward had developed for him, he was able to bypass some of Crey’s enhanced security measures. Eventually, he stumbled across a computer file named “battle suit.” Thinking it might somehow be related to Solar-Tech’s experience with Crey, he opened the file. Unfortunately, it had nothing to do with Steward. Rather, this file discussed a Dr. Raymond Keyes and the work he had done on a anti-matter battle suit. As Chad read on, he realized that Dr. Keyes was in fact Positron, and Crey had a hand in the events that led to Positron becoming a super-hero. “Perhaps Positron will have some ideas on how we can bring Crey down,” Doc Midnight thought to himself.

Knowing Positron usually frequented Steel Canyon, Doc Midnight paid him a visit there. To Doc’s surprise, Positron addressed him first, “Doc Midnight? You’re one of the Avengers of Justice, right? I’ve been hearing a lot about your team lately. Word on the street is that you are all forces to be reckoned with. I’m actually glad you’re here, I’ve just come across some evidence that the Vahzilok are trying to poison the water of Paragon City. It’s a priority mission that Statesman wants me to put a whole team on. How long would it take you to get the Avengers of Justice on this?”

Before he responded, Doc Midnight tapped some micro-circuitry in the glove of his costume. His Global Comm’s distress signal had been activated, and soon every available Avenger of Justice would be responding. “Consider us already on it, sir. But when we are done, I’ve got a few questions for you if you don’t mind . . .”

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

To be continued, Tuesday, Aug. 19 @ 7pm, as we complete the Positron Task Force.

[ QUOTE ]
I'm at lvl 10 now, (weekend was busier then I expected) I'll try to pick up a lvl or 2 from 5-7 and get a few IOs slotted.
C ya @ 7

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Glad you will be able to make it!

Again, don't pressure yourself about leveling/slotting. It would definitely help, but I don't consider it a necessity.

Hey guys, just wanted to post a reminder that we are set to run again tonight at 7pm. We will meet in Kings Row. I have the second safeguard mission already queued up, so we can start with that. We can plan on clearing the safeguard mission to maximize our XP. As long as you are at least level 10 you will get the second temp travel power from the second safeguard mission. After we clear the bank mish, my vote would be to start the Positron TF. Let me know if you are okay with all that.

Just FYI, Lightson and Liberty-Flame are level 12 with level 15 IO's now. If you didn't get that far, no worries I still think we will be okay.

One more reminder about the Posi TF: when we officially start the TF, remember not to quit the team even when we call it a night (we will almost definitely not finish the TF during tonight's session). Just log off. Otherwise, you won't be able to join us when we resume the TF next week.

Finally, thanks for the kind words about the story. Glad you guys are liking it.

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Whether you meant to or not, you captured me perfect right there.

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I've tried to pick up a few things here and there from the origin stories you guys came up with and when we played together last week. Feel free to let me know if you guys want any other aspects of your characters come out in the story.

Please give us all a head's up if you can't make it tonight. Otherwise see you all tonight at 7pm in Kings Row

Ok gang, here is the latest story. I'm re-posting the whole thing because it contains some slight retcons to adjust for the most recent origin stories. Also a few editing changes here and there. Nothing major though. The new stuff is mostly in "Issue 4: Lessons". Also, to give credit where's its due some descriptions of in-game items or characters were pulled from either the main CoX site or COH wiki.

From here on out, I will only post the most recent "Issue" unless some major retconning is necessary. Anyway, here you go--hope you enjoy it:

Just after helping the police isolate a mysterious outbreak, several of Paragon's newest heroes decided that the events that brought them together were more than mere coincidence. With that banded together to form:

The Avengers of Justice!!! A group that faces threats beyond the abilities of any hero standing alone. ROLL CALL:

1) Liberty-Flame (Fire/WP Science Scrapper): Nuclear powered melee dynamo;

2) Lightson (FF/ENG Magic Defender): Wielder of the amazing “light-force”;

3) Solar Tech (Fire/ENG Tech Blaster): Aging genius whose technology harnesses the power of the Sun;

4) The Directrix (Mind/Sonic Natural Controller): Police negotiator extraordinaire with uncanny abilities of persuasion;

5) Blynd Justce: (TA/Arch Tech Defender): Sightless inventor whose technology makes him the world’s greatest archer;

6) Mutant X-7 (Energy/Electric Mutant Blaster): Mutant manipulator of kinetic energy and electricity;

7) Doc Midnight (Dark/Dark Mutant Tank): Nigh-invulnerable child of shadow; and

8) Burnt Sacrifice (Fire/Thermal Mutant Controller): Devilish appearance, heart of an angle–fire and brimstone obey his will!

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

I. Issue One: Some heroes are made.

Elizabeth Moore, a highly patriotic scientist working on the S.O.L.A.R. (Soldier Optimization and Longevity Amplification Research) project. The project was designed to enhance the performance of our soldiers in the field by exposing them to various energy fields. She was on the verge of a breakthrough. It just might work after all. One more late night in the office, and the power transfer might actually be ready for its first human test subject. So determined, Elizabeth was oblivious to the vibrating of her cell phone or the digital timer counting down underneath her desk . . .

Unlike Elizabeth, Steward Fritz was an aging scientist on the outside looking in. No doubt, his designs for harnessing solar energy in combat situations were revolutionary. Unfortunately, they were also unappreciated. He KNEW they worked. Nonetheless, every time he pitched his ideas he was met with nothing but rejection. It seemed few understood the potential for powerful weapons that cleanly, efficiently dispatched of the enemy without creating any byproducts which harmed the environment in the process. Running out of options, Steward pitched his ideas to Crey Industries. They, unlike everyone else, were very interested. But something felt wrong. They knew things about his prototype they shouldn’t have. They were obsessed with they punch his weapons packed, but seemed to care less about their environmental benefits. They wanted all proprietary rights in the equipments exclusively transferred over to them. Ultimately, Steward declined their very generous offer. Although willing purchasers, Crey obviously misunderstood the true purpose of the technology: environmentally clean warfare. After his business meeting with Crey, Steward returned home to collect his thoughts. Donning his working prototype, he paced around his house trying to think of what his next step would be. He liked putting the suit on, it helped him work out the kinks. Despite all the disappointments, Steward was constantly refining his life’s work. Lost in his thoughts, Steward was oblivious to the assailant approaching him from behind . . .

Dr. Ian Greyson, was a man living a charmed life as the lead developer for the Smart Suit project. The device would improve the quality of life for countless people. So long as it stayed in the right hands, that is. Which is why he would never let Crey have it. Despite Crey’s facade, Ian had heard the tales from his M.I.T buddies who had gone to work for them. He knew, deep down, it was an evil place. He would never let them have the suit. Not if they offered him a fortune. Not if they ruined his life. Not even if they took his sight. Some things even a blind man can see, Crey was evil . . .

Bryson Walker was a materialistic and prideful doctor. His whole world revolved making much of himself, and making even more of his bank account. That’s why his first job out of med school was with Crey Industries–they paid the best. He started out a little more than an overpaid errand boy, but he worked his way up the ladder. On the way up, he learned some of Crey’s dirtier secrets–like their proclivity for espionage. His most recent job had him posing as a doctor examining the animal test subjects of the S.O.L.A.R. project and reporting his findings back to Crey. However, something happened when news reached him that they were going to bomb S.O.L.A.R.’s facilities to halt its progress. For the first time in his life he was concerned for someone other than himself–Elizabeth Moore. He couldn’t let her die like that. Racing for the door, he sped off in his car to warn her in time. Little did he know he had already become expendable in the eyes of Crey . . .

Crey Industries, a corporation obsessed with developing its own secret cadre of super powered security troops. So obsessed, it would spy on and then blow up a military research facility. So obsessed, it would murder a man in cold blood if he refused to sell them what it wanted. So obsessed, that it would turn a miracle of medical technology into a weapon–destroying a man’s life in the process. So obsessed, that it would eliminate anyone–even one of its own employees–if he knew too many of the corporation’s dark little secrets.
And so, five strands become one tale:

A laboratory explosion that should have brought death, instead brought forth the first–and only– fully successful project S.O.L.A.R. test subject . . . Liberty-Flame, the nuclear powered sentinel of freedom is born;

A home invasion and attempted murder becomes the first true field test of one unsung genius’s technological masterpiece. It worked better than he had ever dreamed, and the assailant was defeated effortlessly. With a little investigation, Steward discovered that his assailant had connections to Crey. What’s more, Steward unearthed bits of evidence regarding another Crey plot involving a cryptic “outbreak.” It was then Steward realized he could kill two birds with one stone: he could create demand for his inventions and do some real good in the world by using his technology to become a super-hero. And he knew exactly what his first mission would be–stopping the Crey outbreak!! Solar Tech is born;

A blind man–still adjusting to life without sight; still mourning everything that had been taken away from him so quickly–somehow manages to disappear with his life’s work before evil can get its hand on it. The Smart Suit will still help countless people. He will turn his disability into a strength. A man with sight occasionally misses. The Smart Suit never misses. Crey wanted to see the Smart Suit’s combat capabilities–he will show it to them. He will develop even more technology to take advantage of the Smart Suit’s capabilities. He will become justice. Blynd Justce is born;

An expendable doctor’s brakes fail as he races down the street to do one of the few good things he had ever done in his life. Was he unconscious? Was he dead? Bryson will never really know. He just remembers the searing question from the angelic being: “Bryson Walker you are fallen, you have been a force for darkness in this world, I can make you a force for light . . . do you accept?” Yes–I do . . . and Lightson is born . . .

All the while, the obsessed corporation continues to plot . . .

II. Issue Two: Some heroes are born.

Nature versus nurture. Heredity versus environment. What makes us who we are? A complex question for any person. Even more so for a mutant–a person born with amazing powers and abilities. A question made even more complex for mutants in Paragon City. For in Paragon City, mutants are pawns to be sacrificed in Crey’s quest for power . . .


“Stay hidden, the shadows will protect you.” Chad Wyrick–at least that is what he calls himself now–heard those words 10 years ago. They were the last words his mother ever spoke to him. Before Chad could even respond, his mother darted away in the opposite direction. You see, they were being chased. Being chased because Chad was a mutant. Which of course meant that, to Crey Industries, he was little more than a lab rat. Another pawn in their obsession for power. But they would not catch Chad that day. His mother’s last words had a deeper meaning: she was reminding her son one last time of his power. The power of midnight. Powerful. Terrifying. The darkness made him strong. Protected him. Sheltered him. No, they would not catch Chad that day, for how does one catch a shadow? Ten lonely years later and the young man had become an adult. And he was no longer using the shadows to hide, he was using them to hunt. Indeed, by day Chad Wyrick now works for an unsuspecting Crey Industries as a research assistant. By night, however, the vigilante known as Doc Midnight–at least that is what Chad Wyrick calls himself now–emerges from the shadows to combat the Crey at every turn. Those rescued by Doc Midnight always note the he told them one last thing before he disappeared in the night: “the shadows will protect you . . .”

“God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart . . .” John Mark took solace in that Bible verse. Many mutants, despite the great abilities they were born with, have normal outside appearances. Some, like John Mark, do not. He was an orphan taken in by nuns. They treated him well. But when his latent mutant powers began to manifest, his appearance also changed. A boy, raised in a cathedral, began to take on the appearance of a demon. Even though he looked evil, his surrogate family understood he was not. They tried to get him help. Crey, of course, was more than willing to “help.” The nuns had no idea the expert they turned to was in fact a Crey operative. In the blink of an eye, John Mark went from living with a loving, godly family to being an experiment. He would eventually escape, but Crey would extract its revenge. They murdered the very sister who had helped him escape. And they also had every intention of bringing him back in for further experimentation. However, John Mark’s powers to control heat and flame had grown stronger. Crey was no match for him on that occasion. “ . . .The Lord looks at the heart . . .” John Mark took great solace in that Bible verse, and he now realized he had the heart of a hero. He would use his powers to protect others from evil-doers like Crey. He would put himself on the line–sacrifice himself–for the good of others. John Mark would become a Burnt Sacrifice.

Five years. What does one do when he has five years taken away from him? Alex Kent has learned the answer to that question gradually, day by day. Not all mutants are as “fortunate” as Chad and John. For, despite all they lost, they ultimately escaped Crey’s clutches relatively quickly. Alex Kent did not. He went to them for help. To learn how to control his abilities. He remembers them taking a blood sample, and then . . . Five years. He awakened five years later. What does one do when he has five years taken away from him? He learns as much as he can about the one who took it. So he could try to learn something–anything–more about what was done to him during those five years. So he could prevent it from happening to anyone else. So he could bring them down. Alex was no detective, but he had studied Crey closely enough to hear whispers. Whispers that Crey was going to let some Rikti mutagen slip out in the area near Rivera Medical Center. They wanted to see how it would contaminate the populace. Another twisted experiment. Sure, Crey would make it look like the mutagen was stolen by common thugs, but Alex knew the truth. Crey was up to its old tricks, and Mutant X-7 would be there to stop them. But not before he made sure that the heroes in the Outbreak zone would have a little back-up from the PPD.

III. Issue three: The adventure begins.

Helen Ambriel stared at the note in her hand, even as her mind was a million miles away. Am I really going to do this? Am I a cop? Am I a super-hero? Both? Am I deluding myself about my gift. No, no I’m not. That’s fear talking. I CAN help these people. I can help the victims AND the criminals. Make them see that there is a better way, a better life for them. That violence isn’t always the answer. I’ve trained my powers of persuasion my entire life–much longer that some of these heroes have had their powers. I’m a trained police officer. Yes, I can fight if I have to. But I can also show Paragon that its heroes don’t always have to fight. They can be better than that. I can inspire them, but not as Helen Ambriel. These risks I’ve been taking lately, its all pointing me to one thing. I’m going to do this. Oh . . . but focus Helen, right now you’ve got another job to do!! Ok, what does this note say again: “Crey’s planning something big near Rivera Medical Center, get some cops down there now. And heroes if there’s any more to spare. I promise you at least one hero will be there–Mutant X7" Make that two, Helen, thought. And the Directrix was born . . .

And then an Outbreak! Eight heroes arrive on the scene to assist the police during the outbreak–some of them in costume for the first time. Soon, without even realizing it, they were working in unison to isolate the outbreak. During the melee Directrix noticed something different about this group. Other groups tended to disrupt her attempts at negotiation. They didn’t see the point in it. But not this group. Maybe it was because they were new, but they followed her lead. Negotiate first, fight second. They arrested the ones that surrendered without violence. To be sure, there was still a good dose a fighting. But they understood. They wanted justice, however they could get it. “And I can help them,” she thought to herself, “with my connections at the PPD, I’ll know where the trouble is . . .”

Her thoughts were interrupted before she could finish the thought. At that moment she was startled by Doc Midnight emerging from the shadows. He had been there the entire battle, fighting alongside them, unseen. Doc Midnight addressed Mutant X-7 first, “Glad you were able to pick up on the clues I was leaving for you. Sorry I wasn’t more direct, but I was being watched.” He then turned to the entire team. “I know whose behind this–Crey.” The tension rose at the very mention of the insidious corporation. “And I know where they are going. They are going to use the Atlas sewers to get what’s left of the mutagen back out of the city. We can catch them if we leave now.”

Solar Tech was the first to respond. “I can confirm all of that, and add that their ultimate destination appears to be Kings Row.”

“Lead the way,” Blynd Justce responded, “I’ve got some personal business to settle with Crey . . .”

“No,” Lightson interjected, “it can never be personal. It not about vengeance.”

“Oh I don’t want to avenge myself,” Blynd Justce responded, “Crey has to answer to Justice.”

And the Avengers of Justice are born . . .

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

IV. Issue Four: Lessons

Some lessons cannot be taught in the abstract. They must be learned from experience. For fledgling super-heroes in Paragon City, learning lessons from experience can be dangerous and painful. And so it was for the Avenger of Justice . . .

The stench of the sewer network was nearly overpowering. Even inch of its slippery, slime covered surface emanated a foul odor. Even more disconcerting were the sounds. Drips echoed throughout the chamber. And splashes. But where were those splashes coming from? Were they footsteps? And that muttering, was that a human voice?

“Ok, we know that they were planning on transiting through the sewers to Kings Row.,” Solar Tech nervously stroked some grey whiskers on his chin. This place made him uncomfortable. It reminded him of exactly how much Atlas Park had been polluted by its citizens. Not to mention that one powered by the sun never feels completely at ease underground.

“But,” the Directrix added, “they also know by now that we’re onto them. They may have altered their intended escape route. We know they entered here, but we can’t assume they still plan on exiting at Kings Row. We’ll have to track them from here.” What she didn’t add were all then “boogeyman” stories she had heard about these sewers in the PPD. Even without a Crey presence, this was not a safe place. They handled the outbreak well, but were they ready for this?

“Agreed, and they’ve got a head start, so let’s get moving,” Doc Midnight said. For a child of the shadows, he felt more comfortable in the current environment than the others. Without another word, he began to lead them through the maze of tunnels. At first the search was fruitless, but then . . .

Thanks to the sensitivity of his Smart Suit, Blynd Justice was the first to notice something out of place, “Uh guys, we’ve got company up ahead, and from these readings I don’t think its Crey. There’s just something . . . odd about them.”

Then the sounds became a little more clear. The sickening snick, snick of a sharpening blade, the slick wet sounds of blood, the sizzle of toxic bile as it dripped onto the sewer floor.

The Directrix was the only member of the team that clearly understood the great danger they had stumbled into. “Vahzilok,” she gasped, more to herself than anyone else.

“Vahz-i-what?” Burnt Sacrifice blurted.

“Vahzilok. PPD is constantly responding to abduction reports thanks to these guys. Crey might be evil, but these guys are twisted and demented to boot. The things they do with human flesh is unnatural. Unwilling human flesh I might add” the Directrix explained.

“Well, whether it’s the evil we came looking for or not, they must be stopped.” Lightson declared.

With a crackle of electricity, Mutant X-7 added, “After sloshing around in this sewer I’m ready to let off a little steam anyway . . .”

In unison they let out a cry of “Justice is Served!!” As they leapt into battle, they could not help but be reminded of their overwhelming success during outbreak. Perhaps those memories lead to overconfidence.

Some lessons cannot be taught in the abstract. They must be learned from experience. Lesson the first: the outbreak thugs were amateurs. Not all villains are amateurs.

Doc Midnight, as always, was the first the charge into battle. In seconds he was covered in corrosive acid . On top of that, a mass of fists pelted him from every direction. Although he withstood the initial onslaught, he was steadily weakening. Even his great resilience was not enough, and eventually he fell.

The Directrix , Blynd Justce, Burnt Sacrifice and Mutant X-7 thought they had assumed positions of relative safety behind Doc Midnight. Too late, they noticed a zombie like construct with numerous pieces of technological equipment protruding from its dead flesh. A walking time bomb, creeping behind them. KA-BOOM.

Solar Tech undid all the safety locks on his equipment and rained fire on his opponents. Although many succumbed, it was not enough. Already drained after spending this long underground, his battle suit could not sustain that pace. Depleted of energy, he was quickly overwhelmed.

Mutant X-7 thought he would have the upper hand by using his electricity on opponents standing in water. Unfortunately, the shock did little more than anger the undead creatures he was facing. Before he could change tactics he was pin-cushioned by a spray of poison darts. Another avenger falls.

Lightson flung his light energy at friend and foe alike. His shields were ripped through like paper by the crazed villains. Energy blasts hurt them but didn’t stop them. In one last gasp, Lightson put all of his power into his personal force field, hoping that he could survive and help his allies escape. But there were too many of them, and soon his force field crumbled under their numbers.

And then there was Liberty-Flame. The mild mannered former scientist. She was the most introverted of the lot, and so far had spoken rarely. Liberty-Flame fought bravely. Water boiled, bubbled and steamed at her feet as her internal temperature rose. Although she didn’t see each defeat, she sensed that her allies were falling. Yet still she persevered. Her enemies burned at her touch. First one villain fell. Then another. For a brief moment, she thought that–against all odds–she might yet prevail. Yes, she was tiring, but their numbers were thinning. Or so she thought, until another wave surrounded her. And then another. She was the only one still standing, and now she knew that she would not be standing much longer. The Avengers of Justice had been vanquished.

Unable to stand, barely even able to hold his head up, on the very cusp of unconsciousness, Solar Tech looked on as Liberty-Flame fell. He heard the instructions of the reapers and mortificators. It was clear the victors planned to do unspeakable things to their conquered foes. If they didn’t get out of there now, the Avengers of Justice would become zombies just like the rest of these cadavers. Thankfully, his battle suit had absorbed just a touch of the energy Liberty-Flame emanated during her final stand. “Please be enough,” Solar Tech thought to himself as, with his last ounce of strength, he pushed a red button on his belt. And then everything turned black.


An undetermined amount of time later, the heroes awoke one by one in the hospital.

Blynd Justce spoke first. “What happened? Where are we?”

“We had our heads handed to us, that’s what happened!!” Burnt Sacrifice exclaimed in frustration.

“Yeah, but how are we still alive and how did we get here?” Mutant X-7 asked.

“My suit teleported us here. Part of my ‘clean battlefield’ theory included being able to teleport casualties quickly away from the fray.” Solar Tech explained.

<<OOC: I’ve always thought the idea that all heroes were always automatically teleported to the hospital when defeated was a little unheroic. So, for story purposes, that convenience doesn’t exist>>

“You might have let us know you could do that before we charged into the fight,” Doc Midnight chuckled.

“Well, honestly, I wasn’t sure it would work. Not on eight people. As it is, it almost didn’t work. If not for Liberty-Flame’s last ditch effort I wouldn’t have had enough power to pull it off. And the trick almost fried my suit. It’ll take me some time to get it operational again. Long story short, its not something we should rely on.”

After a long silence, Mutant X-7 replied, “So, basically you’re saying we almost died back there.”

“That would be an accurate assessment of the situation, yes,” Solar Tech answered matter-of-factly.

“Yep, justice just got served,” Burnt Sacrifice retorted sarcastically.

Sensing her teammates’ discouragement, the Directrix quickly noted, “Yes, we were defeated, but that will only make us come back stronger. Every minute we are learning more about our powers; more about our strengths; and more about our foes’ weaknesses. This was just a temporary set-back, nothing more.”

“Agreed,” Lightson responded, “but the sewer trail is certainly cold by now. What do we do next.”

Fate answered the question in no short order. Just as Lightson finished his query, a report screeched out over the police radio that the Directrix kept clipped to her utility belt.

“All units be on the lookout for a gang of Skulls near the Gish in Kings Row. Suspects have stolen a batch of Formula 13 from a laboratory and should be considered dangerous . . .”

Liberty Flame interjected, “Hey! I know about Formula 13! We used it for a while in project S.O.L.A.R. It was used during the Cold War in attempts to create a super-trooper serum. It never worked right but it was a precursor of Superadyne . . .”

“So,” the Directix added, “we have a lab in Kings Row that just happens to have Formula 13 on hand, AND those Crey flunkies were headed toward King’s Row too. Might just be a coincidence . . .”

“Or it might be the lead we are looking for,” Lightson finished, “Form up Avengers of Justice! Blynd Justce, Mutant X-7, help Solar Tech get his battle suit repaired and powered up. As soon as he’s functional we’re headed to Kings Row!”

In fact, it was just a coincidence. The laboratory was conducting legitimate experiments and was robbed by the Skulls. There was no Crey connection. For now, the trail was still cold. But that is not the final note of this chapter. Rather, the final note is that the Skulls were defeated and the Formula 13 recovered. In many ways, the group of Skulls was more powerful and dangerous than the Vahzilok lurking in the sewers. But the Avengers of Justice had learned. They understood their own powers better. They understood teamwork better. They no longer allowed their surroundings to distract them. They Avengers of Justice were becoming formidable.

Some lessons cannot be taught in the abstract. They must be learned from experience. For fledgling super-heroes in Paragon City, learning lessons from experience can be dangerous and painful. And so it was for the Avenger of Justice . . . but as those lessons are learned, Crey, Vahzilok, Skulls and all others who prey on the innocent would do well to beware. Because, inevitably:

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

To be continued, Tuesday, Aug. 12 @ 7pm. See you in Kings Row.

[ QUOTE ]
One thing that last night did was confirm my sense that sleep wasn't going to be much use with so many people. I'm skipping my first AoE because its a mass sleep. We're just too good and too many.

[/ QUOTE ]

One thing Mass Hypnosis (AoE sleep) is good for is something that I believe happened to us just once last night. That is, if we accidently aggro a second group, you can put most of the second group to sleep while we deal with the first spawn.

However, this requires the entire team to realize that strategy. Which is no easy task in the heat of battle with numerous AoE's going off.

It can also set up containment on your (eventual) AoE mezz that does damage as well (Terrify).

Having said all that, I tend to agree with your assessment. Solo or in small teams, I swear by it. In a group of 8 it has diminishing returns. There are probably other powers you can get that would feel more useful in a full group of 8.

Just my two influence.

BTW, I love the binds you set up that "encouraged" us each time you gave us a buff!!

[ QUOTE ]
Last night was alot of fun, It was nice to be playing an Nrg/ Blaster again, and I love the /Elec set for blasters, so I'm really loving this toon.
Next weeks plans sound good. We may want to get ourselves to lvl 12 either before Tues. or before we start posi at least, This way we can slot lvl 15 DO's/IO's, depending on the infl, we've managed to collect. I've heard Posi can be a pain with 8 people so we should probably take it slow.
I do have my snipe, so I can pull to make things a bit easier once we've started the TF.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed, and I have modified my "suggestions" post to reflect Klyxx's thoughts about getting to level 12. The DO/IO thought is right on.

Hey guys. First of all great run last night. We definitely bounced back well after a slow start. This should be a lot of fun.

I wanted to suggest a few things for our Aug. 12 run. Posi is a TF for levels 10-15. From what I've been reading, Posi can be tough trying to tackle right at level 10. It could be a potentially frustrating experience, much like our initial attempt at the sewers with eight toons at level two.

Also, the second temp power from doing bank missions is available in the 11-15 range. It is another travel power--essentially a temp power version of super jump. Here is some more info on the safeguard missions:

http://cityofheroes.wikia.com/wiki/Safeguard_Mission

I believe that the safeguard missions will generally be the best way to fill in the levels we'll need between TF's.

Most of us logged off last night at around level 9. I would propose that, if possible, we all try to solo our toons to level 12-ish before the next session. That way, we can immediately begin work on the next temp power. We can run a few radio missions, do the safeguard mission and then start posi.

That would probably put us somewhere in the 12-13 range as we start Posi, which should be pretty doable.

I would also suggest trying not to get too far past 11 either, as the level imbalance could take some of the fun away for other teammates. Also, once we start Posi, you won't be able to level past 15 until we finish.

Anyway, just a suggestion, not a requirement. Let me know what you think. Also try to let us know in advance if for some reason you think you won't be able to make it next Tuesday.

Otherwise see you next Tuesday in Kings Row at 7pm. Oh, and I'll try to post the updated "storyline" some time soon.

Thanks guys!!

P.S.--When we start doing TF's remember that if we are still in the TF when we call it a night--DON'T QUIT THE TEAM, JUST LOG OFF. If you quit the team, the game will remove you from the TF and we won't be able to invite you back. If you just log out, you will automatically be added back to the TF when you log back in.

[ QUOTE ]
Right, Doc and his gimpy tank will be there laying the shadowy beatdown on the sewer rats

[/ QUOTE ]

With all the buffs this team is carrying I don't think it will be possible for your tank to be gimpy

Hey guys just wanted to send out a quick reminder that we are scheduled for our first run tonight at 7pm (east coast time).

We will just farm the sewers until about level 7-ish, then sell/train/whatever and head to King's Row to get some temp travel powers (bank missions). After we get the travel powers, we can start the Positron TF anytime after we all are level 10.

Since we are stopping at 9:30 we might not start Posi tonight, and even if we do we surely won't finish. Nonetheless, here is some info on the TF for the curious:

http://cityofheroes.wikia.com/wiki/Positron_task_force

Thanks again and I am really looking forward to this!!

Thanks for updating your origin by the way Datguy. It might be after our first run before I get a chance to update the running story though.

I'll also probably continue to mull over the GP site until after the first couple of runs too--get a feel for what turnout is like.

Looking forward to Tuesday guys!! Post here or PM me if something comes up and you can't make it.

Thanks!

I actually wasn't planning on this being a formal SG, just a group of toons that met on a regular basis.

But we could still use guild portal without being a formal SG.

As for quorum, now that I think about it, maybe quorum just needs to be whatever the minimum number is to start whichever TF we are going to start that week.

I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask the eight "official" members of the Avengers of Justice.

* It sounds like for the first run we will have all eight members. In the future, however, if some people have to miss what should we consider a "quorum"? In other words, how many do we need to have present to continue with that night's session? Of course, whoever is present could always run missions, but I am talking about pressing forward with a scheduled TF. My first thought is four, but I'd like to hear what you guys think.

* I have been toying around with the idea of using Guild Portal to form a web site to use to make announcements and stuff for the team as opposed to using the main CoH forum. Any thoughts on that?

[ QUOTE ]
maybe turn the second team into a red side team? every good hero needs a good villian

after all, crey's not just gonna stand back and let these heroes run rough shod over all their plans. i'm willing to bet they know a few folks who are only too happy to offer their super powers to the highest bidder....

might i mention that my scruples are for sale.... MuaHahahahaha!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

A collection of two static teams running on different days, one red side the other blue side has been an idea that was discussed even when this team was in its infancy in another thread. Ultimately it fell flat, mostly because I don't think Unknown_Badge could run weekly (I think he was trying to run an every other week static team on Friday nights).

Before I continue: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A SEMI-STATIC TEAM THAT WOULD RUN EVERY OTHER WEEK (NOT WEEKLY) CONTACT UNKNOWN_BADGE AND SEE IF HE IS STILL INTERESTED. Because, yes, as Doc Mid alludes--I totally stole this idea from him.

Having said that, I love the "blue/red on different nights idea." It lets a few more people participate, but also, because they are on different "sides" there is no fear of the two teams interfering with each other.

It also opens some interesting story/RP ideas.

Heck, depending on the night/frequency, I might roll red. I might have to RP a double agent, though. Alas, I'm just not sure I have playing a "true" villian in me.

But that's another story for another day.

Now that we officially have our 8th member signed up, without further adieu (now with 20% more retcon):

Just after assisting the police isolate a mysterious outbreak, several of Paragon's newest heroes set out to individually investigate rumors of mysterious happenings in the sewers beneath Atlas park. They each decided that the events that brought them together were more than mere coincidence. With that banded together to form:

The Avengers of Justice!!! A group that faces threats beyond the abilities of any hero standing alone. ROLL CALL:

1) Liberty-Flame (Fire/WP science scrapper): Nuclear powered melee dynamo;

2) Lightson (FF/Eng magic defender): Wielder of the amazing “light-force”;

3) Solar Tech (fire/nrg tech blaster): Genius whose technology harnesses the power of the Sun;

4) The Directrix (mind/sonic natural controller): Negotiator extraordinaire with uncanny abilities of persuasion;
5) Blind Justce: (TA/Arch tech Defender): Sightless inventor whose technology makes him the world’s greatest archer;
6) Mutant X-7 (Energy/Electric Mutant Blaster): Mutant manipulator of kinetic energy and electicity;
7) Doc Midnight (Dark/Dark Mutant Tank): Nigh-invulnerable child of shadow; and
8) Burnt Sacrifice (Fire/Thermal Mutant Controller): Devilish appearance, heart of an angle, fire and brimstone obey his will!

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

I. Chapter One: Some heroes are made.

Elizabeth Moore, a highly patriotic scientist working on the S.O.L.A.R. (Soldier Optimization and Longevity Amplification Research) project. The project was designed to harness nuclear energy in such a way that it would enhance the performance of our soldier’s in the field. She was on the verge of a breakthrough. It just might work after all. One more late night in the office, and the power transfer might actually be field ready. So determined, Elizabeth was oblivious to the vibrating of her cell phone or the digital timer underneath her desk counting down . . .

Solar Tech (hey Datguy, I need your toon’s real name too, I’ll just use “ST” for now), Unlike Elizabeth, ST was on the outside looking in. No doubt, he was just as brilliant (if not more so). The designs he had developed for harnessing solar energy in combat situations was revolutionary. He KNEW they worked. Nonetheless, every time he pitched his ideas he was met with nothing but red tape. Bureaucracy. It was almost as if someone had it out for him. Sometimes it made him feel better just to put on the suit, to handle the weapons. He did that tonight. He came home and donned the technology that everyone kept rejecting. “I know this stuff works, why doesn’t anyone else believe me?” ST thought to himself, unaware of the assailant approaching him from behind . . .

Dr. Ian Greyson, was a man living a charmed life as the lead developer for the Smart Suit project. The device would improve the quality of life for countless people. So long as it stayed in the right hands, that is. Which is why he would never let Crey have it. Despite Crey’s facade, Ian had heard the tales from his M.I.T buddies who had gone to work for them. He knew, deep down, it was an evil place. He would never let them have the suit. Not if they offered him a fortune. Not if they ruined his life. Not even if they took his sight. Some things even a blind man can see, Crey was evil . . .

Bryson Walker was a materialistic and prideful doctor. His whole world revolved making much of himself, and making even more of his bank account. That’s why his first job out of med school was with Crey Industries–they paid the best. He started out a little more than an overpaid errand boy, but he worked his way up the ladder. On the way up, he learned some of Crey’s dirtier secrets–like their proclivity for espionage. His most recent job had him posing as a doctor examining the test subjects of the S.O.L.A.R. project and reporting his findings back to Crey. However, something happened when news reached him that they were going to bomb S.O.L.A.R.’s facilities to halt its progress. For the first time in his life he was concerned for someone other than himself–Elizabeth Moore. He couldn’t let her die like that. Racing for the door, he sped off in his car to warn her in time. Little did he know he had already become expendable in the eyes of Crey . . .

Crey Industries, a corporation obsessed with developing its own secret cadre of super powered security troops. So obsessed, it would rob and then bomb a military research facility. So obsessed, it bury a brilliant man’s ideas in red tape before he could market them and then murder him in cold blood in his own home. So obsessed, that it would turn a miracle of medical technology into a weapon–destroying a man’s life in the process. So obsessed, the it would eliminate anyone–even its own employees–if they knew too many of the corporation’s dark little secrets.
And so, five strands become one tale:

A laboratory explosion that should have brought death, instead brought forth the first–and only– fully successful project S.O.L.A.R. test subject . . . Liberty-Flame, the nuclear powered sentinel of freedom is born;

A home invasion and attempted murder becomes the first true field test of one unsung genius’s technological masterpiece. It worked better than he had ever dreamed, and the assailant was defeated effortlessly. Realizing he doesn’t need a sponsor to be a hero–Solar Tech is born;

A blind man–still adjusting to life without sight; still mourning everything that had been taken away from him so quickly–somehow manages to disappear with his life’s work before evil can get its hand on it. The Smart Suit will still help countless people. He will turn his disability into a strength. A man with sight occasionally misses. The Smart Suit never misses. Crey wanted to see the Smart Suit’s combat capabilities–he will show it to them. He will develop even more technology to take advantage of the Smart Suit’s capabilities. He will become justice. Blynd Justce is born;

An expendable doctor’s brakes fail as he races down the street to do one of the few good things he had ever done in his life. Was he unconscious? Was he dead? Bryson will never really know. He just remembers the searing question from the angelic being: “Bryson Walker you are fallen, you have been a force for darkness in this world, I can make you a force for light . . . do you accept?” Yes–I do . . . and Lightson is born . . .

All the while, the obsessed corporation continues to plot . . .

II. Chapter Two: Some heroes are born.

Nature versus nurture. Heredity versus environment. What makes us who we are? A complex question for any person. Even more so for a mutant–a person born with amazing powers and abilities. A question made even more complex for mutants in Paragon City. For in Paragon City, mutants are pawns to be sacrificed in Crey’s quest for power . . .


“Stay hidden, the shadows will protect you.” Chad Wyrick–at least that is what he calls himself now–heard those words 10 years ago. They were the last words his mother ever spoke to him. Before Chad could even respond, his mother darted away in the opposite direction. You see, they were being chased. Being chased because Chad was a mutant. Which of course meant that, to Crey Industries, he was little more than a lab rat. Another pawn in their obsession for power. But they would not catch Chad that day. His mother’s last words had a deeper meaning: she reminding her son one last time of his power. The power of midnight. Powerful. Terrifying. The darkness made him strong. Protected him. Sheltered him. No, they would not catch Chad that day, for how does one catch a shadow? Ten lonely years later and the young man had become an adult. And he was no longer using the shadows to hide, he was using them to hunt. Indeed, by day Chad Wyrick now works for an unsuspecting Crey Industries as a research assistant. By night, however, the vigilante known as Doc Midnight–at least that is what Chad Wyrick calls himself now–emerges from the shadows to combat the Crey at every turn. Those rescued by Doc Midnight always note the he told them one last thing before he disappeared in the night: “the shadows will protect you . . .”

“God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart . . .” John Mark took solace in that Bible verse. Many mutants, despite the great abilities they were born with, have normal outside appearances. Some, like John Mark, do not. He was an orphan taken in by nuns. They treated him well. But when his latent mutant powers began to manifest, his appearance also changed. A boy, raised in a cathedral, began to take on the appearance of a demon. Even though he looked evil, his surrogate family understood he was not. They tried to get him help. Crey, of course, was more than willing to “help.” They had no idea the expert they turned to was in fact a Crey operative. In the blink of an eye, John Mark went from living with a loving, godly family to being an experiment. He would eventually escape, but Crey would extract its revenge. They murdered the very sister who had helped him escape. And they also had every intention of bringing him back in for experimentation. However, John Mark’s powers to control heat and flame had grown stronger. Crey was no match for him on that occasion. “ . . .The Lord looks at the heart . . .” John Mark now realized he had the heart of a hero. He would use his powers to help others from evil like Crey. He would put himself on the line–sacrifice himself–for the good of others. John Mark would become Burnt Sacrifice. Burnt Sacrifice took great solace in that Bible verse.

Five years. What does one do when he has five years taken away from him? Alex Kent has learned the answer to that question gradually, day by day. Not all mutants are as “fortunate” as Chad and John. For, despite all they lost, they ultimately escaped Crey’s clutches relatively quickly. Alex Kent did not. He went to them for help. To learn how to control his abilities. He remembers them taking a blood sample, and then . . . Five years. He work up five years later. What does one do when he has five years taken away from him? He learns as much as he can about the one who took it. So he could try to learn something–anything–more about what was done to him during those five years. So he could prevent it from happening to anyone else. So he could bring them down. Alex was no detective, but he had studied Crey closely enough to hear whispers. Whispers that Crey was going to let some Rikti mutagen slip out in the area near Rivera Medical Center. They wanted to see how it would contaminate the populace. Another twisted experiment. Sure, Crey would make it look like the mutagen was stolen by common thugs, but Alex knew the truth. Crey was up to its old tricks, and Mutant X-7 would be there to stop them. But not before he made sure that the heroes in the Outbreak zone would have a little back-up from the PPD.

III. Chapter three: The adventure begins.

Helen Ambriel stared at the note in her hand, even as her mind was a million miles away. Am I really going to do this? Am I a cop? Am I a super-hero? Both? Am I deluding myself about my gift. No, no I’m not. That’s fear talking. I CAN help these people. I can help the victims AND the criminals. Make them see that there is a better way, a better life for them. That violence isn’t always the answer. I’ve trained my powers of persuasion my entire life–much longer that some of these heroes have had their powers. I’m a trained police officer. Yes, I can fight if I have too. But I can also show Paragon that its heroes don’t always have to fight. They can be better than that. I can inspire them, but not as Helen Ambriel. These risks I’ve been taking lately, its all pointing me to one thing. I’m going to do this. Oh . . . but focus Helen, right now you’ve got another job to do!! Ok, what does this note say again: “Crey’s planning something big near Rivera Medical Center, get some cops down there now. And heroes if there’s any more to spare. I promise you at least hero will be there–Mutant X7" Make that two, Helen, thought. And the Directrix was born . . .

And then an Outbreak! Three heroes forewarned. Five others simply responding to the news. All of them in costume for the first time. Soon, without even realizing it, they were working in unison to isolate the outbreak. During the melee Directrix noticed something different about this group. Other groups tended to disrupt her attempts at negotiation. They didn’t see the point in it. But not this group. Maybe it was because they were new, but they followed her lead. Negotiate first, fight second. They arrested the ones that surrendered without violence. To be sure, there was still a good dose a fighting. But they understood. They wanted justice, however they could get it. “And I can help them,” she thought to herself, “with my connections at the PPD, I’ll know where the trouble is . . .”

Her thoughts were interrupted before she could finish the thought. At that moment she was startled by Doc Midnight emerging from the shadows. He had been there the entire battle, fighting alongside them, unseen. Doc Midnight addressed Mutant X-7 first, “Glad you were able to pick up on the clues I left you. Sorry I wasn’t more direct, but I was being watched.” He then turned to the entire team. “I know whose behind this–Crey.” Then tension rose at the very mention of the insidious corporation. “And I know where they are going. They are going to use the Atlas sewers to get what’s left of the mutagen back out of the city. We can catch them if we leave now.”

Blynd Justce was the first to respond. “Lead the way, I’ve got some personal business to settle with Crey . . .”

“No,” Lightson interjected, “it can never be personal. It not about vengeance.”

“Oh I don’t want to avenge myself,” Blynd Justce responded, “Crey has to answer to Justice.”

And the Avengers of Justice are born . . .

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

(To be continued at the Atlas Park Sewers, Tuesday, August 5, at 7:00-9:30 p.m. east coast time)!!

[ QUOTE ]
Doc makes a great point, as well as Kilroy from the other similar thread. What's so bad about having two groups running concurrently, doing the same missions... perhaps forming a "coalition" of sorts. The chances that something happens that sideswipes us from meeting at the "same bat time, same bat channel..." every week are pretty high. To have the ability to form two groups of four or more if needed, might not be a bad solution, rather than limiting our potential by ousting someone.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have no objections to a second team forming. However, because of real life stuff I probably wouldn't be able to commit to a second team meeting once a week. The original idea for this team was to help people (like me) with relatively limited time in a given week to play to get through content they might not otherwise be able to get through in that limited time. That, and little story/RP fun thrown in.

Also, because this team will probably have to "park" mid-TF from time to time between weeks, I would prefer that if anyone on this team joins a second static team that a new toon would be rolled. Likewise, since any given week we may be picking up "mid-TF" being able to reliably promise reserves a slot might be problematic. Remember, the team was originally going to be five (one for each AT). It expanded to eight to account for potential absences each week. Having said that, I have no objections to "reserves" keeping tabs on us to see if a spot is open any given week.

Also, to avoid confusion, if a second team does form I would prefer it if the logistics of that be worked out in another thread. Just so people don't get confused over which team is doing what and meeting when. Particularly when people start having to announce absences or when we vote on what we want to tackle on a given week, it might get a little confusing if we are juggling two teams on one thread.

Just my thoughts.

[ QUOTE ]
No need to restart, unless you want to and get badge. Think plan is to meet on Tuesday at sewer entrance in AP.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep. Sewers, Tuesday at 7pm.

As for badge, don't forget you can now use flashback system to get it.

I'll prolly wait to update the origin story until our 8th has also posted his origin.

Thanks!

Ok now a little business.

First the RP stuff--if the above story contains anything about your character you don't like, no worries it'll be taken out. Just having a little fun.

Note that the story has a touch a retcon, especially for Lightson.

Doc Mid--I'll retcon a bit more when you have your origin

Now, one last bit of business about our final lineup--Everyone seems really gung ho except the person who we are saving the 8th spot for who we haven't technically heard from yet. I even tried to PM him (and different variations of his name) and it said there was no such player. I want to give him every chance to play with us. But I also want to be fair to others as well. So unless there's an objection, I plan to hold out until around noon on Saturday. If we still haven't gotten any verification from him then I plan to offer the 8th spot to Perdix. The fact that he comes recommended means a lot. And letting him know on Saturday should give Perdix enough time to get ready. Sound like a plan? Just give me a yay or nay . . .

Finally, since people still seem interested even after we are full, I'll use this as another chance to plug Unknown_Badge's Friday group. Check out UB's thread:

http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat....=0#Post11411187

Thanks everyone!

Here's a little just for fun stuff for you guys . . .

Tying the threads together: the story so far . . .

Elizabeth Moore, a highly patriotic scientist working on the S.O.L.A.R. (Soldier Optimization and Longevity Amplification Research) project. The project was designed to harness nuclear energy in such a way that it would enhance the performance of our soldier’s in the field. She was on the verge of a breakthrough. It just might work after all. One more late night in the office, and the power transfer might actually be field ready. So determined, Elizabeth was oblivious to the vibrating of her cell phone or the digital timer underneath her desk counting down . . .

Solar Tech (hey Datguy, I need your toon’s real name too, I’ll just use “ST” for now), Unlike Elizabeth, ST was on the outside looking in. No doubt, he was just as brilliant (if not more so). The designs he had developed for harnessing solar energy in combat situations was revolutionary. He KNEW they worked. Nonetheless, every time he pitched his ideas he was met with nothing but red tape. Bureaucracy. It was almost as if someone had it out for him. Sometimes it made him feel better just to put on the suit, to handle the weapons. He did that tonight. He came home and donned the technology that everyone kept rejecting. “I know this stuff works, why doesn’t anyone else believe me?” ST thought to himself, unaware of the assailant approaching him from behind . . .

Dr. Ian Greyson, was a man living a charmed life as the lead developer for the Smart Suit project. The device would improve the quality of life for countless people. So long as it stayed in the right hands, that is. Which is why he would never let Crey have it. Despite Crey’s facade, Ian had heard the tales from his M.I.T buddies who had gone to work for them. He knew, deep down, it was an evil place. He would never let them have the suit. Not if they offered him a fortune. Not if they ruined his life. Not even if they took his sight. Some things even a blind man can see, Crey was evil . . .

Bryson Walker was a materialistic and prideful doctor. His whole world revolved making much of himself, and making even more of his bank account. That’s why his first job out of med school was with Crey Industries–they paid the best. He started out a little more than an overpaid errand boy, but he worked his way up the ladder. On the way up, he learned some of Crey’s dirtier secrets–like their proclivity for espionage. His most recent job had him posing as a doctor examining the test subjects of the S.O.L.A.R. project and reporting his findings back to Crey. However, something happened when news reached him that they were going to bomb S.O.L.A.R.’s facilities to halt its progress. For the first time in his life he was concerned for someone other than himself–Elizabeth Moore. He couldn’t let her die like that. Racing for the door, he sped off in his car to warn her in time. Little did he know he had already become expendable in the eyes of Crey . . .

Crey Industries, a corporation obsessed with developing its own secret cadre of super powered security troops. So obsessed, it would rob and then bomb a military research facility. So obsessed, it bury a brilliant man’s ideas in red tape before he could market them and then murder him in cold blood in his own home. So obsessed, that it would turn a miracle of medical technology into a weapon–destroying a man’s life in the process. So obsessed, the it would eliminate anyone–even its own employees–if they knew too many of the corporation’s dark little secrets.

And so, five strands become one tale:

A laboratory explosion that should have brought death, instead brought forth the first–and only– fully successful project S.O.L.A.R. test subject . . . Liberty-Flame, the nuclear powered sentinel of freedom is born;

A home invasion and attempted murder becomes the first true field test of one unsung genius’s technological masterpiece. It worked better than he had ever dreamed, and the assailant was defeated effortlessly. Realizing he doesn’t need a sponsor to be a hero–Solar Tech is born;

A blind man–still adjusting to life without sight; still mourning everything that had been taken away from him so quickly–somehow manages to disappear with his life’s work before evil can get its hand on it. The Smart Suit will still help countless people. He will turn his disability into a strength. A man with sight occasionally misses. The Smart Suit never misses. Crey wanted to see the Smart Suit’s combat capabilities–he will show it to them. He will develop even more technology to take advantage of the Smart Suit’s capabilities. He will become justice. Blynd Justce is born . . .

An expendable doctor’s brakes fail as he races down the street to do one of the few good things he had ever done in his life. Was he unconscious? Was he dead? Bryson will never really know. He just remembers the searing question from the angelic being: “Bryson Walker you are fallen, you have been a force for darkness in this world, I can make you a force for light . . . do you accept?” Yes–I do . . . and Lightson is born . . .

All the while, the obsessed corporation continues to plot, until several months later more strands become part of the tale . . .

Five years, what does one do when he has five years taken away from him? He learns as much as he can about the one who took it. So he could try to learn something–anything–more about what was done to him during those five years. So he could prevent it from happening to anyone else. So he could bring them down. Alex Kent was no detective, but he had studied Crey closely enough to hear whispers. Whispers that Crey was going to let some Rikti mutagen slip out in the area near Rivera Medical Center. They wanted to see how it would contaminate the populace. Another twisted experiment. Sure, Crey would make it look like the mutagen was stolen by common thugs, but Alex knew the truth. Crey was up to its old tricks, and Mutant X-7 would be there to stop them. But not before he made sure that the heroes in the Outbreak zone would have a little back-up from the PPD.

Helen Ambriel stared at the note in her hand, even as her mind was a million miles away. Am I really going to do this? Am I a cop? Am I a super-hero? Both? Am I deluding myself about my gift. No, no I’m not. That’s fear talking. I CAN help these people. I can help the victims AND the criminals. Make them see that there is a better way, a better life for them. That violence isn’t always the answer. I’ve trained my powers of persuasion my entire life–much longer that some of these heroes have had their powers. I’m a trained police officer. Yes, I can fight if I have too. But I can also show Paragon that its heroes don’t always have to fight. They can be better than that. I can inspire them, but not as Helen Ambriel. These risks I’ve been taking lately, its all pointing me to one thing. I’m going to do this. Oh . . . but focus Helen, right now you’ve got another job to do!! Ok, what does this note say again: “Crey’s planning something big near Rivera Medical Center, get some cops down there now. And heroes if there’s any more to spare. I promise you at least hero will be there–Mutant X7" Make that two, Helen, thought. And the Directrix was born . . .

And then an Outbreak! Two heroes forewarned. Four others simply responding to the news. All of them in costume for the first time. Soon, without even realizing it, they were working in unison to isolate the outbreak. During the melee Directrix noticed something different about this group. Other groups tended to disrupt her attempts at negotiation. They didn’t see the point in it. But not this group. Maybe it was because they were new, but they followed her lead. Negotiate first, fight second. They arrested the ones that surrendered without violence. To be sure, there was still a good dose a fighting. But they understood. They wanted justice, however they could get it. “And I can help them,” she thought to herself, “with my connections at the PPD, I’ll know where the trouble is . . .”

Her thoughts were interrupted before she could finish the thought. The outbreak was isolated–for now. Mutant X-7 was the first to speak. “I know whose behind this–Crey.” Then tension rose at the very mention of the group. “And I know where they are going. They are going to use the Atlas sewers to get what’s left of the mutagen back out of the city. We can catch them if we leave now.”

Blynd Justce was the first to respond. “Lead the way, I’ve got some personal business to settle with Crey . . .”

“No,” Lightson interjected, “it can never be personal. It not about vengeance.”

“Oh I don’t want to avenge myself,” Blynd Justce responded, “Crey has to answer to Justice.”

And the Avengers of Justice are born . . .

JUSTICE IS SERVED!!

(To be continued, Tuesday, August 5)