Interlude: Luck be a Lady- Wild Card into a Dead Man's Hand
- Location
- Pennsylvania
"Oh, let Mr. Sinatra deal with Third Most Hated Enemy Syndrome. I'm not going to tick the government off for declaring a dictatorship twice in the same year. But I'm not going to risk your lives for Syndrome either. If he wins, good for him. If not, tough cookies. We have a mission to complete, and that mission is science!"
You pause for a minute, realizing you just yelled the word 'science' aloud. Thankfully no one appears to be paying attention to you.
"Go my minions." You whisper. "Go and bring me the science!"
---
While the King of Kronos Corp is busy tangling with the mess of villains, you and your team did what you came here to do: take Syndrome for everything he was worth.
Intrigue Roll- Can you avoid being noticed?
DC 60/80/100/110 (avoid being seen by the crowd/Sinatron/the livestream/Xanatos
42+28+36+5 (Secret Keeper)=111
Agent Russ quietly disables the livestream in order to make the next few steps easier. Your entire team moves like a well oiled machine. Mirage coordinates everyone, Russ is grabbing prototypes off shelves so fast you can't even see them leave, Shego is moving with the skill and subtlety you would expect of a career criminal, the supers who haven't abandoned you are robbing the vaults blind, and you… well, you pick out what looks the shiniest.
What are you nabbing? Remember, Shego's giving you first dibs, but you have to split everything 50/50. She's probably not up for a technology exchange at the moment, so what you get is what you get. (Choose 4 as your part of the haul)
[ ] Adaptive anti-cape AI
The Omnidroid protocols are designed specifically to take down Cape criminals, and are well known for being able to adapt to fighters on the fly- when they're not being bricked by ENCOM OS, that is. Thankfully some of the 'on display' examples were not powered when the Chip distributed, so they are still a chance to grab Syndrome's own combat subroutines.
[ ] Compact rocketry
The Kronos Corporation has man-portable rocket boots that allow any individual to zip around the air like they were flying naturally, but that's not the important breakthrough here. The important part is that they've managed to condense rocketry down to something that doesn't run incredibly hot and can function off of a limited energy supply.
[ ] Zero point energy tech
There's way more to zero point energy than those zappy gloves that Syndrome likes to use to restrain people. It actually refers to the lowest possible energy state a quantum mechanical system can have, but you highly suspect the PR goons don't know or care and were only looking for something that sounded cool. Regardless of how it actually works, 'Zero-Point' energy is one of Syndrome's most closely guarded secrets. There's only one example of the tech on the floor, which means you'll be starting from the ground up, but this is still a chance to get your mitts on something that is otherwise very proprietary.
[ ] Ablative armor
Omnidroids are practically synonymous with toughness. Their armor is incredibly strong, taking a monomolecular edge or diamond-plated drilling to penetrate. You want you some of that!
[ ] Flying cars
Syndrome beat you to the flying car! Drat. There's only one thing to do; steal his flying car and then use it to build a better one! Since Syndrome has done all the hard proof of concept work, you can jump right to the practicalities of large-scale production. And also making it look less stupid.
[ ] Climate Controlled Environments
It might not be as flashy as the energy weapons, but Syndrome's got a project for self-contained environments that can become a viable site for plant growth no matter the surroundings. It looked like he was planning on using these out in the Mojave as a way of increasing his food production.
[ ] Robo-Doppelgangers (physical) already obtained
[ ] Robo-Doppelgangers (AI)- MUST TAKE anti-cape AI as well
The exhibit Sinatra was standing at is long abandoned amidst all the chaos, but you can still find some specs for the prototype AI he's running. This is far, far more advanced than anything you've been able to come up with, and also leagues better than the existing Kronos AI it was presumably based off of. Could Syndrome have finally invented something that can pass the Turing test?
[ ] Just a whole load of cash (Gain 5 income)
You're in a casino, after all.
Note that for anything you pick, you will not be obtaining the completed technology- you'll only be obtaining the plans and prototypes. You'll still have to do some research of your own to leap to the next level of tech.
---
While you loot the joint, Sinatra finishes replacing his ammo, looking at Syndrome with a dismissive expression.
"Get the mug outta here." Sinatra says, waving his hand.
The massive super in the blue mask and pompadour rushes forwards, fists ready to pummel.
Bulbox Martial Check: 56+40+10=106
Syndrome Contest Check: 71+42=113
The two of them clash, powers almost evenly matched. The blue guy dodges and weaves through Syndrome's Zero Point blasts, making it to within a few feet before Syndrome stops him. His pompadour is frozen in place by the beam, leaving Syndrome to snarl in his face.
Up on the balcony, the newly assembled smug club looks down with interest.
Three-way intrigue check = ???
Xanatos smiles. "This is turning out to be quite a show."
"Indeed." Khan drawls. "I wonder if-"
Voyd Martial Check: 62+28=90
Syndrome Contest Check: 12+42=54
Voyd's portals continue to be an excellent counter to Zero Point technology, allowing her to zap herself across the room faster than the living tantrum can follow. She manages to get a few hits in, forcing Syndrome back across the room.
"Ah yes. The girl shows promise." Khan finishes.
"Portals are… a useful tactic." Toffee admits.
"I do hope we don't end up in a bidding war gentlemen." Xanatos replies.
"Perish the thought. If I have my way no active duty 'super' will set foot in Cape Suzette until the cows come home." Khan agrees.
Syndrome Martial Check 65+42=107
Momakase Martial Check 36+28=64
Recovering, Syndrome fires a wrist-mounted rocket at the ninja chef, catching her unaware. Momakase tries to leap out of the way, but is too late, and she is flung to the ground by the force of the explosion.
"That can't have felt good." Xanatos winces. Toffee is about to reply, but he is interrupted by a buzzing from his pocket. He pulls out an odd looking device. It seems to be some sort of pager or something, but looks like one of those miniature beauty mirrors. He flips it open and looks inside it for a moment. Toffee's eyes widen, and he stands up abruptly with the screech of chair legs.
"Leaving so soon?" Xanatos asks.
"I have to go." Toffee replies, and leaves without another word.
"Huh. What's eating him?"
Shere Khan shrugs neutrally.
---
Momakase Martial Check: 35+28=63
Kronos Security Contest Check: 91+28=119
Struggling to her feet, Momakase finds herself surrounded by still-loyal Kronos Corp goons. You can tell from the way her eyes move that she's seriously considering cutting and running. But then…
The gigantic monstrosity of rebar, concrete and sludge barrels forwards. Its massive hands curling in anticipation. With one hand holding up Bulbox, and the other covering Momakase and the portaler, Syndrome is distracted. He leaps late, his feet just barely escaping Mass's grasp. And then...
The tides of fate turn. And Mass grasps hold of Syndrome's cape.
Mass Martial Check: 100+92(critical reroll)+38=230
Syndrome Contest Check: 01+42= CRITICAL FAILURE
Mass CRITICAL SUCCESS, Syndrome CRITICAL FAILURE
Back and forth, crack by crack, Mass slams Syndrome's mortal form against the ground. And with every impact, he recites:
"No longer did Zeus restrain his wrath, but burned his heart to flaming ash,
From Olympus forth they strode, New Gods in armor, Hepheastus bestowed,
From heaven to gaia the lightning did fall, the might of the thunder and storm consumed all
The earth it heaved, the water boiled, the cosmos by the war despoiled,
The Titans fought, the gods returned, the ichor flowed, the cosmos burned,
The sky fell, the ground did rise, gods and mortal alike dies,
The Titans fought, the Titans lost, imprisoned eternal they paid the cost,
Zeus cast down his father, the father of all, all faded to black…
As KRONOS did fall."
---
The room goes completely silent as the ramifications of what just happened sink in. Even Xanatos and Shere Khan are silent as they take in how the landscape has just tectonically shifted. Judging from the way his broken body is twitching, Syndrome is still alive, but he looks to be unconscious and a few of his limbs are bent at odd angles.
Shego looks like she's having the time of her life right now. Her lip twitches in a futile attempt to conceal a malicious smirk, and when she finally brings a hand up to her face you can tell she's holding back laughter. You wince a little. Third Most Hated Enemy or not, that's gotta hurt.
The other capes in the room feel no compulsion to hide their amusement, as a rousing cheer breaks out once the giant raises his hands over Syndrome's prone form!
"Well, ring a ding ding!" Sinatron smiles. "I'll admit folks, I didn't expect things to go this well. But I won't say no to a bargaining chip like this!" Sinatron strides over the fallen titan. "Make sure to get every last doodad offa him. Put him in his skivvies if you have to, just make sure his poker hand's empty."
You blink twice, looking at the way the tables have turned… and then come to a conclusion.
You've got the loot. You've got the Chip.
"Time to go, everyone." You say, spinning on your heel and heading towards the exit. "Before anything else happens."
"Lemme tell you, I've got big plans for this money." Shego informs you as you start to leave.
"Now, Drakktech makes enough in a day to make this haul look like chump change, but it's what I'm gonna do that matters. A donation into a pro-Super charity… all in Syndrome's name, of course."
Wow. That is evil! You're surprised that she managed to come up with something like that.
Wait a second.
Stewardship Check: Do you know who the money should be given to for maximum efficacy?
DC 80 needed: 23+24+23+20(Talked with Winston)=90
Success!
"Do you really wanna make Syndrome mad? Because I know exactly who you should give it to."
"Yeah? Who?" Shego asks, obviously skeptical.
"Remember that depressed shrimp-eating guy? He used to be the head of one of the biggest pro-Super companies in the nation, all until it got bought out from under him. I bet he'd know exactly where to send the money just to make Syndrome really feel the burn."
Shego grins.
Behind you, Sinatron continues speaking.
"Now then my dear compatriots, with this, we have a real revolution on our hands."
"Feels more like a hostage situation." the portal girl adds.
"What's that now?" The robotic entertainer asks, spinning on his heel.
"Hi, uh, sorry, haven't been properly introduced. I'm… Voyd, I do portals."
"Nice ta meet ya sweetheart, now what's your feedback exactly?"
"I… look. I'm all for the idea of freeing Vegas. And seeing Syndrome thrown around is… really cathartic, actually. But we're like… six people?"
'Old Man McGucket' cackles madly as his flying monstrosity crashes through a nearby window and flies off into the night. You can see him disappearing into the middle distance.
"...Five. Five people." She amends. "The point is, we don't have any way of holding Vegas. We don't have a police force, or an army. We certainly don't have Omnidroids." She adds, kicking one of the disabled robots.
"I hate to say it but the girl is right." Momakase agrees, sheathing her katana. "I'll stick around as long as you pay me, but I don't fancy our long term prospects in nation building."
Sinatron blinks. Then, slowly, he reaches down to the Omnidroid at his feet, and pulls out a small puck of metal and plastic.
"Is that the Chip Syndrome was going on about?" Momakase asks, always interested in valuable technology.
"No." Sinatron says, holding the trap chip up to a red robotic eye.
"Then what is it?"
"I don't know." He grins again. "But I know who does."
Learning Check: How $@#%ed are you?
DC 85 needed: 11+38+15+7=71
Failure!
You're no professional, but you're gonna say… very. Sinatron wants the Chip, and he knows… something.
---
What do you do?
[ ] Get to Gwen
Gwen is the only person not on your team that knows that you and Shego are behind all this. Last you saw she was blending into the crowd fleeing The Sands. There's no evidence to pin it all on you legally, but more importantly she also knows you have the Palladium Chip. Plus Shego might appreciate it a bit if you take the time to help her ally. Send someone to secure her, pronto.
Who do you send?
[ ] Write-In
[ ] Just Leave!
Gwen's an adult who can take care of herself. She probably won't squeal and if she does, you'll be halfway to state lines by then. You've got everything you came for, and if you stick around too much longer you're liable to get caught up in a fight. Have Shego send her a warning message, go get Technor, and get out of here!
[ ]Write In
There will be a one hour moratorium on voting.
You pause for a minute, realizing you just yelled the word 'science' aloud. Thankfully no one appears to be paying attention to you.
"Go my minions." You whisper. "Go and bring me the science!"
---
While the King of Kronos Corp is busy tangling with the mess of villains, you and your team did what you came here to do: take Syndrome for everything he was worth.
Intrigue Roll- Can you avoid being noticed?
DC 60/80/100/110 (avoid being seen by the crowd/Sinatron/the livestream/Xanatos
42+28+36+5 (Secret Keeper)=111
Agent Russ quietly disables the livestream in order to make the next few steps easier. Your entire team moves like a well oiled machine. Mirage coordinates everyone, Russ is grabbing prototypes off shelves so fast you can't even see them leave, Shego is moving with the skill and subtlety you would expect of a career criminal, the supers who haven't abandoned you are robbing the vaults blind, and you… well, you pick out what looks the shiniest.
What are you nabbing? Remember, Shego's giving you first dibs, but you have to split everything 50/50. She's probably not up for a technology exchange at the moment, so what you get is what you get. (Choose 4 as your part of the haul)
[ ] Adaptive anti-cape AI
The Omnidroid protocols are designed specifically to take down Cape criminals, and are well known for being able to adapt to fighters on the fly- when they're not being bricked by ENCOM OS, that is. Thankfully some of the 'on display' examples were not powered when the Chip distributed, so they are still a chance to grab Syndrome's own combat subroutines.
[ ] Compact rocketry
The Kronos Corporation has man-portable rocket boots that allow any individual to zip around the air like they were flying naturally, but that's not the important breakthrough here. The important part is that they've managed to condense rocketry down to something that doesn't run incredibly hot and can function off of a limited energy supply.
[ ] Zero point energy tech
There's way more to zero point energy than those zappy gloves that Syndrome likes to use to restrain people. It actually refers to the lowest possible energy state a quantum mechanical system can have, but you highly suspect the PR goons don't know or care and were only looking for something that sounded cool. Regardless of how it actually works, 'Zero-Point' energy is one of Syndrome's most closely guarded secrets. There's only one example of the tech on the floor, which means you'll be starting from the ground up, but this is still a chance to get your mitts on something that is otherwise very proprietary.
[ ] Ablative armor
Omnidroids are practically synonymous with toughness. Their armor is incredibly strong, taking a monomolecular edge or diamond-plated drilling to penetrate. You want you some of that!
[ ] Flying cars
Syndrome beat you to the flying car! Drat. There's only one thing to do; steal his flying car and then use it to build a better one! Since Syndrome has done all the hard proof of concept work, you can jump right to the practicalities of large-scale production. And also making it look less stupid.
[ ] Climate Controlled Environments
It might not be as flashy as the energy weapons, but Syndrome's got a project for self-contained environments that can become a viable site for plant growth no matter the surroundings. It looked like he was planning on using these out in the Mojave as a way of increasing his food production.
[ ]
[ ] Robo-Doppelgangers (AI)- MUST TAKE anti-cape AI as well
The exhibit Sinatra was standing at is long abandoned amidst all the chaos, but you can still find some specs for the prototype AI he's running. This is far, far more advanced than anything you've been able to come up with, and also leagues better than the existing Kronos AI it was presumably based off of. Could Syndrome have finally invented something that can pass the Turing test?
[ ] Just a whole load of cash (Gain 5 income)
You're in a casino, after all.
Note that for anything you pick, you will not be obtaining the completed technology- you'll only be obtaining the plans and prototypes. You'll still have to do some research of your own to leap to the next level of tech.
---
While you loot the joint, Sinatra finishes replacing his ammo, looking at Syndrome with a dismissive expression.
"Get the mug outta here." Sinatra says, waving his hand.
The massive super in the blue mask and pompadour rushes forwards, fists ready to pummel.
Bulbox Martial Check: 56+40+10=106
Syndrome Contest Check: 71+42=113
The two of them clash, powers almost evenly matched. The blue guy dodges and weaves through Syndrome's Zero Point blasts, making it to within a few feet before Syndrome stops him. His pompadour is frozen in place by the beam, leaving Syndrome to snarl in his face.
Up on the balcony, the newly assembled smug club looks down with interest.
Three-way intrigue check = ???
Xanatos smiles. "This is turning out to be quite a show."
"Indeed." Khan drawls. "I wonder if-"
Voyd Martial Check: 62+28=90
Syndrome Contest Check: 12+42=54
Voyd's portals continue to be an excellent counter to Zero Point technology, allowing her to zap herself across the room faster than the living tantrum can follow. She manages to get a few hits in, forcing Syndrome back across the room.
"Ah yes. The girl shows promise." Khan finishes.
"Portals are… a useful tactic." Toffee admits.
"I do hope we don't end up in a bidding war gentlemen." Xanatos replies.
"Perish the thought. If I have my way no active duty 'super' will set foot in Cape Suzette until the cows come home." Khan agrees.
Syndrome Martial Check 65+42=107
Momakase Martial Check 36+28=64
Recovering, Syndrome fires a wrist-mounted rocket at the ninja chef, catching her unaware. Momakase tries to leap out of the way, but is too late, and she is flung to the ground by the force of the explosion.
"That can't have felt good." Xanatos winces. Toffee is about to reply, but he is interrupted by a buzzing from his pocket. He pulls out an odd looking device. It seems to be some sort of pager or something, but looks like one of those miniature beauty mirrors. He flips it open and looks inside it for a moment. Toffee's eyes widen, and he stands up abruptly with the screech of chair legs.
"Leaving so soon?" Xanatos asks.
"I have to go." Toffee replies, and leaves without another word.
"Huh. What's eating him?"
Shere Khan shrugs neutrally.
---
Momakase Martial Check: 35+28=63
Kronos Security Contest Check: 91+28=119
Struggling to her feet, Momakase finds herself surrounded by still-loyal Kronos Corp goons. You can tell from the way her eyes move that she's seriously considering cutting and running. But then…
The gigantic monstrosity of rebar, concrete and sludge barrels forwards. Its massive hands curling in anticipation. With one hand holding up Bulbox, and the other covering Momakase and the portaler, Syndrome is distracted. He leaps late, his feet just barely escaping Mass's grasp. And then...
The tides of fate turn. And Mass grasps hold of Syndrome's cape.
Mass Martial Check: 100+92(critical reroll)+38=230
Syndrome Contest Check: 01+42= CRITICAL FAILURE
Mass CRITICAL SUCCESS, Syndrome CRITICAL FAILURE
Back and forth, crack by crack, Mass slams Syndrome's mortal form against the ground. And with every impact, he recites:
"No longer did Zeus restrain his wrath, but burned his heart to flaming ash,
From Olympus forth they strode, New Gods in armor, Hepheastus bestowed,
From heaven to gaia the lightning did fall, the might of the thunder and storm consumed all
The earth it heaved, the water boiled, the cosmos by the war despoiled,
The Titans fought, the gods returned, the ichor flowed, the cosmos burned,
The sky fell, the ground did rise, gods and mortal alike dies,
The Titans fought, the Titans lost, imprisoned eternal they paid the cost,
Zeus cast down his father, the father of all, all faded to black…
As KRONOS did fall."
---
The room goes completely silent as the ramifications of what just happened sink in. Even Xanatos and Shere Khan are silent as they take in how the landscape has just tectonically shifted. Judging from the way his broken body is twitching, Syndrome is still alive, but he looks to be unconscious and a few of his limbs are bent at odd angles.
Shego looks like she's having the time of her life right now. Her lip twitches in a futile attempt to conceal a malicious smirk, and when she finally brings a hand up to her face you can tell she's holding back laughter. You wince a little. Third Most Hated Enemy or not, that's gotta hurt.
The other capes in the room feel no compulsion to hide their amusement, as a rousing cheer breaks out once the giant raises his hands over Syndrome's prone form!
"Well, ring a ding ding!" Sinatron smiles. "I'll admit folks, I didn't expect things to go this well. But I won't say no to a bargaining chip like this!" Sinatron strides over the fallen titan. "Make sure to get every last doodad offa him. Put him in his skivvies if you have to, just make sure his poker hand's empty."
You blink twice, looking at the way the tables have turned… and then come to a conclusion.
You've got the loot. You've got the Chip.
"Time to go, everyone." You say, spinning on your heel and heading towards the exit. "Before anything else happens."
"Lemme tell you, I've got big plans for this money." Shego informs you as you start to leave.
"Now, Drakktech makes enough in a day to make this haul look like chump change, but it's what I'm gonna do that matters. A donation into a pro-Super charity… all in Syndrome's name, of course."
Wow. That is evil! You're surprised that she managed to come up with something like that.
Wait a second.
Stewardship Check: Do you know who the money should be given to for maximum efficacy?
DC 80 needed: 23+24+23+20(Talked with Winston)=90
Success!
"Do you really wanna make Syndrome mad? Because I know exactly who you should give it to."
"Yeah? Who?" Shego asks, obviously skeptical.
"Remember that depressed shrimp-eating guy? He used to be the head of one of the biggest pro-Super companies in the nation, all until it got bought out from under him. I bet he'd know exactly where to send the money just to make Syndrome really feel the burn."
Shego grins.
Behind you, Sinatron continues speaking.
"Now then my dear compatriots, with this, we have a real revolution on our hands."
"Feels more like a hostage situation." the portal girl adds.
"What's that now?" The robotic entertainer asks, spinning on his heel.
"Hi, uh, sorry, haven't been properly introduced. I'm… Voyd, I do portals."
"Nice ta meet ya sweetheart, now what's your feedback exactly?"
"I… look. I'm all for the idea of freeing Vegas. And seeing Syndrome thrown around is… really cathartic, actually. But we're like… six people?"
'Old Man McGucket' cackles madly as his flying monstrosity crashes through a nearby window and flies off into the night. You can see him disappearing into the middle distance.
"...Five. Five people." She amends. "The point is, we don't have any way of holding Vegas. We don't have a police force, or an army. We certainly don't have Omnidroids." She adds, kicking one of the disabled robots.
"I hate to say it but the girl is right." Momakase agrees, sheathing her katana. "I'll stick around as long as you pay me, but I don't fancy our long term prospects in nation building."
Sinatron blinks. Then, slowly, he reaches down to the Omnidroid at his feet, and pulls out a small puck of metal and plastic.
"Is that the Chip Syndrome was going on about?" Momakase asks, always interested in valuable technology.
"No." Sinatron says, holding the trap chip up to a red robotic eye.
"Then what is it?"
"I don't know." He grins again. "But I know who does."
Learning Check: How $@#%ed are you?
DC 85 needed: 11+38+15+7=71
Failure!
You're no professional, but you're gonna say… very. Sinatron wants the Chip, and he knows… something.
---
What do you do?
[ ] Get to Gwen
Gwen is the only person not on your team that knows that you and Shego are behind all this. Last you saw she was blending into the crowd fleeing The Sands. There's no evidence to pin it all on you legally, but more importantly she also knows you have the Palladium Chip. Plus Shego might appreciate it a bit if you take the time to help her ally. Send someone to secure her, pronto.
Who do you send?
[ ] Write-In
[ ] Just Leave!
Gwen's an adult who can take care of herself. She probably won't squeal and if she does, you'll be halfway to state lines by then. You've got everything you came for, and if you stick around too much longer you're liable to get caught up in a fight. Have Shego send her a warning message, go get Technor, and get out of here!
[ ]Write In
There will be a one hour moratorium on voting.
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