Lazydm's Story Hour, Issue 5

[Lazydm]

Well, the genesis radiation was sphere-shaped, so it's a sure bet every building within at least half a mile was affected. At least, that's the size of the visible radiation. Who knows how much was affected or how long the radiation really will last.

Fortunately it's a Saturday and there aren't nearly as many people in downtown as there would be on a weekday. Still, there's a lot of people that were irradiated. Whether they get transformed or not depends on if they encounter any physical trauma. Like a tornado.

Fun bit of trivia: the hospital Wraith dropped off the mother and child he rescued earlier was in the radiation's area of effect. Anyone undergoing surgery might end up with a few side effects.

[Jongluer]

Very cool m'man.

[Atlas]

WOW!! Wraith and Electron in their darkest hour, what will they do?! Great write up LazyDM as usual

Greets!

[Lazydm]

Because artwork is fun and cool, here is a rendering of Electron by the same artist who brought you Wraith on the previous page.

His face is fully hidden to protect his identity. The goggles protect his eyes when he's flying at top speed.

The lightning motif is designed to look more like a diagonal bolt when he's airborn with his arms raised above his head.

[Jongluer]

For some reason I always pictured the capes on the opposite person. With Wraith being more of a clinged up bodysuit type and Electron having some long cape that billowed.
Interesting stuff.

[Lazydm]

Week Six

Wraith to the Rescue

Knowing already that his task is futile, Wraith leaves the detainee he just saved and teleports ahead of the tornado. Even if he can't rescue everyone he does the best he can, plucking complete strangers from the jaws of death. A family of four caught in their stalled station wagon, a bicyclist trying to outrun the approaching cyclone, a postal worker determined to let no weather conditions interrupt his mail delivery. Each of these people and more will see at least one more day thanks to Baltimore's phantom hero. Yet for each person Wraith saves, how many more did he fail? It is a question that will haunt him in the days and weeks to come.

For five long minutes the tornado tears apart everything it touches, slowly inching its way across the city. But even the worst storm must pass and after traveling two and a half miles the funnel begins to lose its momentum. The howling wind ceases its roar, the tons of dirt and debris rain down and the massive column of air fades away.

His costume soaked with sweat, Wraith gasps for breath. He has pushed his powers and endurance to the limit and for the next few seconds it is simply a battle to remain upright. Atop a house that has just been spared from the storm's destruction, Wraith can only listen to the cacophany of car alarms and the cold breeze that whips about his shoulders.

Electron's Vigil

Seeing the tornado fade in the distance, Electron's attention is drawn to the shifting of rubble of the detention center below. The man Wraith christened as Gazerbeam lifts a pile of concrete weighing several tons onto his shoulders and hurls it away. Electron can see many survivors encased in a crimson force field. The force field fades away and while most of the former prisoners seem content to no longer make an escape, a few give in to the impulse to run. One particular detainee catches Electron's eye as he transforms into a living lightning bolt, flashing up from the ground onto a nearby rooftop.


Surprise!

Streams of lightning flow from the escaping prisoner toward Electron while he hovers in place. Before he can absorb the stolen energy, the bolts break apart and vanish as the Living Lightning fights against the power drain.

Electron has the element of surprise. He rolls an 18 and easily hits the Living Lightning. LL makes his Fortitude save vs DC 15 and is not affected by the attack.

Initiative for Electron and the Living Lightning is rolled. LL rolls a 20 and acts first, Electron rolls a 17 and will act second.


Round One

The Living Lightning takes to the air. Sizing up his opponent he hurls a bolt of electricity at Electron. The hero dodges out of the way letting the bolt ground itself against the side of a nearby building.

Redoubling his efforts Electron again tries to steal the Living Lightning's electricity. But the result is the same; the streams of lightning vanish before Electron can absorb them.

Electron rolls a 15 to successfully hit Living Lightning. He attempts to drain LL's power output again. LL rolls an 8 for his Fortitude save vs DC 15 and again is not affected.

LL attacks Electron and rolls a 4, missing him completely.


Big Trouble in Little Baltimore

Returning to the Genesis field's ground zero, Wraith catches sight of Electron battling another detainee. From the looks of the prisoner Wraith realizes his abilities would be no match for the villain and so turns his attention to other matters.

Knowing the detention center is but one of many buildings to have been irradiated he scans the area looking for any sign of further transformations. It doesn't take long before he spots another affected person. Towering nearly thirty feet higher than the buildings around him and wearing a perplexed look on his face, he is tiptoeing along trying not to crush anyone or anything beneath his gigantic feet.


Round Two

Living Lightning laughs maniacally. "You want my power? Here, take it!" he shouts, unleashing another bolt at Electron. It catches him full in the chest, knocking him out of the sky. Electron tumbles to the ground and does not rise. Wisps of smoke rise from his costume.

LL attacks Electron. He rolls a 10 and hits. Electron absorbs 5 ranks of the Blast and rolls a 6 on his Toughness save vs DC 20. Because he used his Absorption to affect the damage his Toughness save is reduced to +5 for Power Level purposes (it is normally +8 ). He fails by 10 (including the -1 from his Bruised status during the previous fight) and receives a second Bruised tick and is Staggered and Stunned. He rolls a 9 on his Concentration check DC 16 to stay aloft and fails. Electron plummets to the ground. He rolls a 6 on his Toughness save vs DC 20 and fails by 14 (Toughness save dropped to +2 when he is stunned, -2 from the two Bruised ticks). He receives a third Bruised tick, another Stun, and is knocked Unconscious.

Wraith versus Goliath

Wraith teleports unnoticed to the giant's shoulder. Trying to keep him from doing as much damage as possible, he phases the behemoth. It's the worst possible moment. The giant stranger braces himself against the side of a tall building to shift his weight and begins to fall through.

"Oh nooo!" the colossus says as he topples sideways.

Holding on for dear life, Wraith grabs hold of the giant's shirt collar. With seconds to spare, he further alters the giant man's molecular structure causing him to levitate harmlessly twenty feet above the ground. His legs are sticking straight through a building into the street beyond but aside from that he floats in the air like a Macy's Day parade balloon.

The giant opens his eyes and twists his head to stare down at the tiny people on the sidewalk below.

"Huh, I guess can fly too." he says in disbelief.

Wraith almost loses his grip as he sees one of the bystanders beneath them lower his camera with a goofy grin plastered on his face. It's his cousin Jay. A long drawn-out "Sweeeeet!" reaches his ears.

Wraith spends a hero point to power stunt an Affects Others Levitation effect on the falling giant. He has two hero points left.


Waking up

Consciousness returns to Electron after a few minutes. A few transformed police officers are gathered around him as he tries to sit up. Gazerbeam puts his hand on Electron's shoulder to steady him.

"Easy there Electron, you took quite a tumble. You'd better just rest for a bit. I want to thank you for helping out back there. If you and Wraith hadn't showed up we'd have lost more prisoners than we did."

Because the villain got away, Electron gets another hero point, bringing his total to 3. He makes a successful recovery check after two minutes and is no longer unconscious.

Wraith's player decided to try to save as many people as he could that were caught in the tornado's path. Rather than do a 'spend hero point - rescue - earn hero point' ad nauseum I compressed time and ruled that he did save a bunch of people and earned hero points equal to the number that he spent. It allowed me to compress time relatively quickly and keep the action with both players going.

Electron's player wanted to stick around the detention center and look for more bad guys to blast. I gave him an electrical foe, not because I felt sadistic but more because I was curious how he would fare. Electron was correct in that draining the villain would hurt him. It's too bad he made his Fortitude saves.

Speaking of how Electron fared, I did not expect him to accept the unconscious result. (Heck, I didn't expect an unconscious result in the first place!). Both players are more than aware they can spend a hero point on a reroll, but I can work with this decision too. It makes for good television.

"Oh noooo...." Because as sophisticated as I pretend to be I still get a laugh out of people falling down.

[Jongluer]

Hahaha, yea...people falling is fun.
Glad to see how this is turning into a real crisis, can't wait to see how Baltimore now resolves having a giant.

[Lazydm]

Electron spends a hero point to make an immediate recovery check. He rolls a 10 and shakes off his Staggered condition. Electron now has two hero points left.

"Thank you officers." Electron replies, rising to his feet. "Has the crisis passed?"

Another officer with massive ram's horns snorts loudly.

"How should we know? We've only just managed to convince this handful of punks it would be in their best interest not to escape. Which ain't easy seeing as how we've all been changed and the last thing anyone wants to do is remain calm and collected. I mean, I got horns growing out of my freakin' head. What's that supposed to mean?"

'Gazerbeam' points to the smoking pile of rubble that once was Central Booking.

"Here's the situation: We had about ten officers and somewhere between thirty to forty prisoners in that building half an hour ago. Right now we can account for all but two of our men and only twelve prisoners. Which means we've got a whole lot of super-powered criminals running around Baltimore.

It also means we don't have nearly enough detention collars to handle them all. I've radioed in a supply request from our main facility but until they get here we've got to babysit these twelve to make sure they don't run. Under these circumstances I'd say we're better able to look after them than anyone else on the force."

"Speak for yourself, Tom," says the officer with the glowing hands. "I'm with Andy on this one. We've got no idea what's happened to us. I'm seriously ready to freak out. And these things," she says, waving her hands in front of her, "I don't even know what they do. We could end up killing someone because we don't have a clue what we're doing."


Wraith

The world blurs for a moment. Downtown buildings vanish and are replaced with green grass and trees. From his vantage point atop the giant's shoulder Wraith can see winding paths and maintenance sheds scattered throughout the thinly populated park. In the distance is a baseball diamond. There's a game in progress, or at least there was until Wraith arrived with his passenger. The giant looks around in amazement. He is back on his feet again with no idea how he got there.

Wraith teleports directly in front of the giant's face and hovers until he has the man's attention.

"There you go, lad. You should be reasonably safe from accidentally squashing passersby here. I shall name thee... Big Boy! If I were you I would try to find your power's off switch. Now I must return to the crisis at hand!"

Wraith draws his cloak around himself, then pauses.

"You seem like a good bloke, but should you decide to squash passersby on purpose, I shall return!" he says before fading away.

'Big Boy' stares at the spot where Wraith once was.

"Wait, so does this mean I can't fly?” he asks."


The Cavalry Arrives...Finally!

Atop the building adjacent to the ruins of the Central Booking facility Wraith pauses, scanning the area for his partner. Things appear to have calmed down considerably here, but Wraith knows from experience that appearances have a nasty habit of deception. Finally he spots Electron speaking with several police officers. Nearby a group of prisoners in their orange jumpsuits sit sullenly on the ground.

A heaviness in the back of his mind alerts Wraith instantly that he is not alone. A familiar voice reaches his ears before he can act.

"Jeez man, when you send out a call for help you're really not kidding!"

"What is that, ten minutes since I sent my email? You're getting slow Nightslide," Wraith answers without turning around. "I hope you brought backup, because we've got a lot of ground to cover."

"Indeed he did," says a new voice. Wraith glances back. Psychward, Miracle, Influx, Mutation and Nightslide stand arrayed behind him. With five more members of the White Flame present, Blatimore's chances of surviving may have just increased.


Epilogue

Wraith turns to the other members of the Order. "OK, lets get cracking. Help Electron to seek out new powers. Slide, work with Artisan and see if you can find a place where you can transport our prisoners over there. I'll put the word out that we'll provide a place where they can come to us as well."

Wraith explains the plan to Electron who joins them and then teleports away in search of a news crew. As soon as he finds one he quickly relays the information on what is happening in Baltimore. Within minutes WBAL is airing live coverage of Wraith making the following announcement:

"Citizens of Baltimore, today our city has suffered a major catastrophe. Science was used without thought or care as to the consequences to open a dimensional rift. Electron and I managed to repair the rift, but the damage has been done.

"As a result of this catastrophe, a number of people have found themselves with strange new powers. Many of you may be confused and scared by this, and I want to let you know that I will be at Kenson Park tomorrow evening. I will be available to do everything I can to help you to acclimate and control your abilities.

"This was a stupid, needless tragedy, and I promise you that those responsible will be held accountable. However, if we pull together we can make it through this tumultuous time."

The afternoon drifts into evening and throughout the city Wraith and the other members of the Order continue to avert one disaster after another. Even so the damage done is severe, both in loss of life and to the city itself. The chaos is picked up by CNN and broadcast throughout the world.

Soon other superheroes arrive to help. Heroes such as Bloodwork, Fuse, and Renegade from New York, Florida's Fen Stalker, even Relativity from Tokyo warps space and time to come to Baltimore in her hour of need. In even greater numbers are police, fire fighters and ambulance crews as they race to stem the tide of destruction. For hours the battles rage but eventually, as all things must, they come to an end.


Later in a Darkened Boardroom

Scenes from the crisis replay over and over on a wall length projection screen. The only sound is the voice of a field operative delivering his summary report over a conference line. When he is finished, the gathered board members wait for their chairman to speak. For a long time the chairman sits, watching the action unfold on the screen in front of him. All that can be seen is an index finger tapping slowly on the arm of his wing-backed chair.

Finally he breaks the silence. "Gentlemen," he says. "Based on the success of our trial run, I believe our long wait is at an end. Project Myrmidon may commence immediately. Wake all our agents."

"Copy that," the operative at the other end of the line says. There is a soft click and the connection is gone.


Wraith's Apartment

It is well after midnight when Dan Roberts staggers into his bedroom and collapses on his mattress. The playback from his answering machine drifts into his room as he closes his eyes.

"Hey coz, it's Jay! I hope you're still alive after this afternoon. I checked with the local hospitals but none of them could tell me if they had admitted you so I'm going to just hope for the best. I'll swing by tomorrow and see if you're there.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. After today I've pretty much decided I'm moving here. This has got to be one of the coolest places on Earth. Fire, explosions, tons of mayhem. Man, once I get my photos uploaded I'm guaranteed a new title! Gotta go, my ride's here. Later!"

The only response is Dan's snores.


Electron's House

The television is still on. The local news is currently reporting on a multi-million dollar bank robbery in southern Baltimore but Charles' attention is focused on his wife as she holds him close.

"I guess that means it's okay I missed out on your award ceremony?" he asks.

"Yes," Stacy replies. "They cancelled it once all hell broke loose out there. I tried to reach you on your cell but I couldn't get through."

Charles checks his phone. There is a scorch mark on the side and part of the case has been destroyed. He can see some of the exposed chips are completely fried. There's no telling when that could have happened.

"Don't worry baby, I'm here right now."

He reaches down for the remote control and turns off the television.

"Let's go to bed. Tomorrow's going to be a big day."


Much like Issue One, this adventure accomplished exactly what I hadn't planned on doing. Originally it would be about the bank robbery and foiling a Facility experiment with the heroes having to overcome such obstacles as rescuing civilians and so forth on the way.

Instead, I now have at least 40 to 100+ new supers in one city to contend with. Scratch that, Wraith and Electron will need to contend with them, not me.

You'll notice that even though Wraith's backup arrived I kept them out of the spotlight. Same with the other heroes that showed up to help out. They deserved some mention, but if I detailed everything that they did this Issue would never end. And it had already accomplished its objective. It was time for some creative time compression, courtesy of Relativity. Domo!

For reference, here's the list of villains and heroes that had their cameos in this Issue: Detonator, Salvo, Shrapnel, Impact, Sentinel, Concussive, Gorehound, Mirrorman, Diamond Demon, Ripcord, Cyclonus, Freakout, Psychward, Influx, Mutation, Miracle, Nightslide, Coldsnap, Bloodwork, Transit, Pattern, Tremor, Pyronic, Ruin, Fuse, Mindcrime, Gloom, Phantom, Killowatt, Renegade, Fen Stalker and Relativity. Don't worry, we'll be seeing more of them in future issues. Just as soon as I figure out what they can do

Next Issue: Party in Kenson Park! BYO Body Armor!

[Jongluer]

HAHAHAHA
This looks great, I'm glad to see that things worked out well for you.
I can not wait to see more of this.

[Atlas]

Great! One of my favorites Lazydm, keep it up, can't wait to next installment.

Greets!

[Lazydm]

Thanks mightily for the kind word guys! As a token of my appreciation here's the beginning of Issue 3. Just in time for the weekend!


Issue Three: Party in Kenson Park

"We're out from commercial in three...two...one...cue music, roll intro, standby camera one...camera one, I need a wide shot not a close up of Tammy's nose."

"Sorry Dave, just refocusing"

"Should have done that during the commercial camera one. Ready mics. Camera one, that two shot please."

"You said wide,"

"Truck left camera two. Damnit one, just follow the script! Good, frame it up. Ready camera one in three...two...one...mics up, fade music, stop wiggling around camera one,"

"Good evening, I'm Tammy Broussard with the 11 news at 6. Tonight our top story focuses on the rebuilding of downtown Baltimore following yesterday's devastating chain of events..."

"Switching to camera two in three...two...one, you're on"

"Dave, we've got a problem,"

"What now, Jean?"

"Dr. Simmons left to go to the bathroom. And we're losing satellite, wait, never mind...it's back."

"#^$%!!! Okay, we've got a minute thirty, so get Chris to track her down and get her back in her chair. Engineering, we might have to go to commercial early if Tammy can't stretch it out. Ready tape one, roll in three...two...one...ready fade and fade, cut mics. Camera one, get to your shot, get to your shot, get to your shot, you should already be there, get to your shot. Ready mic for VO, up mic. This is going to be a long minute thirty guys."

One minute and thirty seconds later...

"In a surprise announcement yesterday, the superhero known as Wraith issued an invitation to train anyone who has been granted super-powers. The gathering, to be held in Kenson Park this evening, has generated a considerable amount of buzz. Here to discuss this turn of events is Doctor Valerie Simmons, Director of the Washington D.C.-based Center for Super-power Studies. Thank you for joining us Dr. Simmons"

"My pleasure, Tammy"

"My God, she's hot. Look at her!"

"Stow it Joe or I'm going to write you up again,"

"Sorry Dave. She's still hot though."

"Dr. Simmons, looking at the big picture, what does the presence of so many super-powered individuals in Baltmore mean?"

"Well, that's a very good question. Traditionally the ratio of super-powered humans to non-powered humans has always remained extremely low. Typically one would find no more than four to six established supers operating in the largest cities such as New York or Los Angeles. Before yesterday, Baltimore could lay claim to only three. Wraith, Electron and Bowshot. And of those three only two have bona fide super-powers.

"Now we have a situation that can best be described as a grain silo full of dust particles. One or two specks of dust are fine in a confined space, but when you fill it up with many many specks the potential for an explosion increases. As we saw yesterday, people who do not have control of their powers can cause millions of dollars worth of damage. So on the one hand, having someone step forward and offer to train these people to control their powers is really the best option to keep the grain silo from exploding.

"On the other hand, you have to look at who is doing the training. Of course it makes sense for someone with their own super-powers to do that training. But with so many gathered in one place it can cause a lot of concern. Not only for local government leaders but nationally and even internationally. We're talking about a fundamental change in the balance of power."

"Are you suggesting this is the beginning of a new kind of arms race?"

"It very well could be. At this point it's only speculation, mind you. But the whole reason the Center exists is to come up with these sort of scenarios. For example, take a look at Wraith. On the surface he is the epitome of the caped crimefighter. He works with the police department, follows most of the rules of law, and will testify in court as a witness.

"Now take a look at Electron. He has been labeled an eco-terrorist by a collection of multinationals spearheaded by Infinity, Incorporated. His stance is that Infinity, through various shell companies, has been experimenting on humans in order to create their own army of superhumans. To date he has not been able to provide any evidence to back up this claim beyond a few destroyed or damaged buildings, although I'm sure you will find many conspiracy theorists ready to believe anything that is said about these corporations.

"In addition, Electron has been observed on several occaisions to use an overwhelming about of force in battling others. So far no one has been seriously injured by this kind of behavior but it really is only a matter of time."

"What are you saying Dr. Simmons?"

"I'm saying that it is a known fact that Electron and Wraith work closely together. Perhaps they also influence each other. If Wraith were to begin training these new superhumans, could it not be possible that he would begin to organize them? And could it also be possible that Electron may exert some influence as to how they are organized and how they operate? What you have then is not a loose organization of superhumans, you have an army on United States soil."

The news control room is silent for a moment.

"Jeez, she's ^&*@#*! crazy! I saw him on Leno last week, he seems perfectly normal"

"She's still hot though,"

"That's it Joe, I'm writing you up."

"Ahem, well, that's certainly one way to look at it I suppose. Unfortunately that's all the time we have for now. I understand we're ready to go live to Kenson Park. Dominick Grey is standing by with an update on the festivites. How's it going out there, Dominick?"


Kenson Park

"Well Tammy, the excitement here is palpable. Shortly after dawn the first few vendors arrived on the outskirts of the park. By noon a temporary stage had been erected...

"Did he just say...?"

*snicker*

"Joe!"

"...and as the day progressed more pavilions arrived to set up what is being called the first ever Baltimore Superhero Fest. Right now police estimate the crowd gathering here at several thousand. Most of the onlookers might be non-powered, but there's absolutely no telling who's got them and who doesn't. As far as what the Wraith has in store for us, that remains to be seen. What is generally agreed upon, however, is that today might be just the thing to lift the city's spirits after yesterday's disaster."


Atop a nearby roof

Wraith looks in amazement at the crowd swarming around the southern edge of the park. News vans, police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks line the streets. Hot dog vendors, cotton candy vendors, Wraith bobble-head sellers and more hawk their wares. With the smoke from downtown still lazily curling in the air the extravaganza below seems almost surreal. Celebration in the midst of tragedy.

There's a baseball diamond close by. Someone has set up a stage area at home plate complete with podium and microphone. In fact, most of the crowd has unofficially designated this as where Wraith will make his appearance. The entire diamond is unpopulated, the crowd keeping well back just in case anything unexpected should happen.

Shaking his head in disbelief once more time, Wraith takes a few deep breaths to calm his nerves.

FYI, I used to work in a news control room looooong loooong ago. They really talk like that. Actually, the running commentary behind the scenes is much racier.

[Jongluer]

Hahahaha, well that looks like a situation rife with destruction. I can't wait to see how you spin this LazyDM.

[Lazydm]

Wraith teleports into the air high above the stage and slowly floats down into view.

"Citizens! Welcome! I am overwhelmed to see so many of you here with us today! Yesterday fate chose to deal us a terrible blow, one whose echoes will ring throughout the world for a long time to come.

"Yet it is how we choose to deal with the situation before us that will define who we are as people. Many of you have found yourselves gifted with strange and frightening new powers literally overnight. Some would panic. Some would despair. But the fact that so many of you are here today tells me that you are all brave heroes willing to stand up and deal with the situation before you in a rational manner.

"And I speak not only to the powered, but also the non-powered. I understand that it must be frightening indeed to face the thought of so many new powers among you in the city. Just as it is frightening to the powers not to know how people might react to them or whether they might mutate further in the future. I am here today to educate and answer many of these questions. But also, I want to remind the city that we are all still brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons. We are all still people. Now is the time not for fear and mistrust, but for comfort and support. Now is the time for mourning our losses and looking ahead to the future. Instead of fearing what that future might bring for us now, we must bond together and shape that future together!"

Wraith waits for the applause to die down.

"Now is the time for education and learning. Those of you who have found yourselves with new powers, we have a signup sheet with the guard at the roped-off grassy area in the center of the park. We require contact information, which can be anonymous. And we do encourage you to wear masks for your protection. For the media and the public, we will be holding a short Q&A session.

"Once again, I am greatly heartened to see so many of you here and I thank you all for coming!"

Wraith disappears in a flash of smoke and reappears next to Electron away from the crowds.

"Well, that’s taken care of. Now for the hard part."

The Press Conference

On the lookout for super-villains, Electron takes 20 on his Notice check but does not see anything unusual. As with many conventions and gatherings there are many people dressed in costumes but it's impossible to tell who has super powers and who doesn't. It's probably safer that way for the new powers…

After a few minutes someone from the crowd pushes through and heads over to the roped off area. His features are hidden by a cheap plastic mask, probably bought from one of the vendors. He scribbles down something on the clipboard and then walks back to the crowd. Realizing that a new power is approaching them they draw back, although it's unclear whether it's a gesture of fear or respect.

As the crowd closes around him another pair approaches the signup sheet. Mother and daughter, their heads are covered with shawls and veils. The mother writes down some information and then walks quickly away, holding her daughter's hand tightly.

Three more people sign up after ten minutes pass. The crowd begins to murmur restlessly.

Wraith reappears at the stage with Electron in tow. Their bodies are slightly hazy as they stand uncomfortably close together, maintaining constant physical contact. A few reporters in the crowd eagerly jot this fact down.

"I'm afraid I wasn't as clear as I wanted to be earlier," Wraith says. "Those of you with powers should actually be inside the roped-off area now. You can make your way back while we answer a few questions here. We'll join you shortly.

"Now then, who wants to ask the first question?"

Wraith nods to the nearest reporter as she raises her hand.


"Linda Staverns, Baltimore Herald. What you've organized today appears at first glance an effort to help people control their super powers. Is there something more to it than that? Are you planning to form something along the lines of a society or a league of powers? If not, why did you ask for contact information?"

“A good question and I am glad that you asked,” answers Wraith. “We have no plans at the moment to form any sort of league of super heroes. However, there do from time to time arise situations which simply require the aid of additional people. Electron, Bowshot, and myself are not always enough to protect the citizens of Baltimore. It is possible that we may put out the call to volunteers to help us protect the city during crises in the future. Should we decide to form a league of super heroes at some point in the future, rest assured that it will be done openly and only with the full support of the local, state, and national governments.

However, let me stress that our purpose here today is simply to help educate people on how to control their powers to prevent any unfortunate accidents from occuring.”


"Do you expect taxes to increase because of the damage caused yesterday? And a follow-up question: Do you pay taxes?"

“Electron and I are both tax-paying citizens of Baltimore with day jobs like I imagine most of us here are. I shop at the mall and the local supermarket and I own a home. Well, if you can call it a home. It’s pretty small.

“I have no idea whether yesterdays events will have tax ramifications. That is a question for the politicians I suppose. I hope that charities will be set up to give aid to those families hit hardest by the devastation. I know that I, for one, will donate what I can.”


"What sort of arrangement do you have with the city's law enforcement? Has your team been deputized, or do you make citizen's arrests? Do you have to read Miranda rights and follow authorized arrest procedures?"

“Neither Electron nor myself are deputized. Most of the time we will hold criminals until the police arrive to perform the actual arrest. We do have a close relationship with law enforcement. We often compare notes on cases. And Electron and I both testify in court cases, as I am sure you are aware. All of our arrests, you will find, were crimes already in progress.”


“What is the extent of your powers?”

Wraith’s answer: “I don't think it is possible to quantify the extent of our powers, as I don't think we have ever pushed them to their limits. But that’s not a very fun answer for the kids at home. So, I will say this: There is no matter that I have encountered which I cannot pass through, no matter how dense. And as for my teleportation, while my maximum range is unknown, I once traveled from here to Los Angeles over several short hops within about 2 hours. Unfortunately, there was no in-flight meal.”

Electron’s answer: “There have been no tests done on me to determine the amount of the electricity I can generate. If such a test is done in the future those findings will be kept secret as to not grant my enemies knowledge that can use against me.”


“How did you gain your powers?”

Electron’s answer: “Mine were the result of a diabolical scientific experiment conduced by Infinity Incorporated. Soon the true nature of their "business" will be revealed to the world. I have no more comments on this.”

Wraith’s answer: “I gained my powers as the result of a trauma, so I have much in common with the new powers who are here with us today.”


“What's your opinion on heroes using guns?”

Electron’s answer: “I am against the use of lethal force. I can control the level of electricity I emit. Can one control their bullets?”

Wraith’s answer: “I am also against the use of excessive force. That said, I think non-lethal rounds are acceptable in skilled hands. But any powers taking their cues from Marvel's Punisher will be treated as criminals and arrested.”


“Based on what is theorized that powers are able to do, it is rumored that countries such as China and Israel are offering tax free living status in exchange for military development of your abilities. Would you consider this? And how do you feel it would change the balance of power among the Super-Powers?”

Wraith’s answer: “Super-powered militaries are a grave concern, and it is a concern that we share as well. We are human beings, not weapons. I believe that as soon as you start to see supers as weapons, you de-humanize them and open the door to all sorts of inhumane azi-esqe experiments in the name of further developing the weapon's potential.

Besides, a weapon isn't going to question orders. A weapon isn't going to defect. A weapon isn't going to get sick. What lengths are these governments going to go to in order to try to ensure that their weapon is "reliable"?”


“Do you plan to participate in any military conflicts?”

Wraith’s answer: “I have vowed to do my best to protect the citizens of this city, and if necessary, I will stand to protect this nation. But it will not be in a military capacity. “

Electron’s answer: “I have no current plans to do so. I am needed here to police these streets.”


“Electron, do you have to file a flight plan? Do you and the FAA have some sort of arrangement where they tell you what 'zones' to avoid, to prevent any sort of disastrous interaction between you and local air traffic?”

“No, I'm just cautious.”


“What are you doing to minimize property destruction?”

Electron’s answer: “Wraith and I always do our best to minimize destruction of personal and public property. There are no general rules we go by to govern this. All situations are taken on a case-by-case basis. Always, the protection of life takes priority over the protection of property.”


“Is corporate sponsorship on your radar?”

Electron’s answer: “Not currently.”

Wraith’s answer: “I believe corporate sponsorship would not be in your best interest. We provide a public service. If we were to accept corporate sponsorship, you could no longer trust us to put your best interests ahead of our sponsors'. Besides, we don't do this for money. We do it because we feel that it is our duty to use our gifts for the common good.”


“Do you read comic books?”

Electron’s answer: “Since I was a boy of 10 years old. I would say that helped inspire my super hero career.”


“Are you currently available, and if so who is your ideal partner?”

“Actually, I am currently single,” says Wraith as he flexes dramatically.


“What do you have to say about the Ascendancy Institute, which is claiming that super-powered humans are the new gods?”

Electron’s answer: “I would say that are misguided.”

Wraith’s answer: “I had not heard of this before. That is pretty funny. While I think it is a ludicrous claim that we are anything other than human, I think it does point to the possibility that the Greek gods of mythology were neither gods nor mythological but super-powered people. I think that would be a fascinating area of research.”

Wrapping up

After fielding questions for a few more minutes Wraith notices the number of people waiting in the grassy area has grown. Estimating around ten or eleven individuals he is surprised to recognize a few familiar faces. Specifically, the three police officers that had spoken with Electron yesterday afternoon.

Wraith calls an end to the question and answer session and, after excusing themselves, teleports himself and Electron over to the roped off section of the park. Greeting each person individually, Wraith attempts to put them at ease. Of course with the crowd watching in the distance, it’s difficult not to feel placed on display.

"You are all very brave for coming forward,” says Electron. “Wraith and I have been in your shoes and we know how confusing the transformation can be. I'll open it up to you. We are here to help you. What questions do you have for us?" He feels a twinge in his shoulder but ignores it.

“Hey man, I’m just here to learn how to beat up the bad guys,” says a teenager indifferently. “Know what I’m sayin? Pow! Ka-pow!” He bobs and weaves, throwing quick rabbit punches at the air.

“I still need to figure out what these things are for,” says one of the police officers pointing to the horns growing from his head.

“I killed my cat last night,” the officer with the glowing hands says sadly. “I tried to pet her and the next thing I knew there was a cloud of fur all over my apartment.”

“Can you help us return to normal?” asks the veiled woman as she gestures to herself and her daughter.

“You’re going to die soon. But not because of the bullet,” says woman’s daughter, pointing to the red spot hovering on Electron’s chest.

*BZZZT!!!*

Electron is surprise attacked. The sniper catches him flat-footed and hits. Electron absorbs 5 ranks of electrical damage (yes, electrical damage). He rolls a 7 for his Toughness save and fails by more than 10. He is Stunned, Staggered, and Injured.

Electron spins around, his arms jerking spasmodically. Wraith reaches out to him helplessly as time seems to slow down. The ground rushes up to greet the masked hero like an old friend and as consciousness slips away, Electron’s last sight is the little girl tilting her head sideways to watch him fall.

Electron is awarded a hero point for this unexpected complication!

Major thanks to the Atomic Think Tank for the press conference questions! I'd also like to thank the Search function, without which I'd be lost.

[Jongluer]

I was wondering when you would post again.
I like the range of questions asked, very cool. Can't wait to see how this sniper-situation goes.

[Lazydm]

I was out of town for most of the week so the weekly update got pushed back by a week. Wow, I just used the word week three times in that last sentence. In any case, I'm still committed to churning out the updates on a close to weekly basis. It does depend on how actively the players post, of course.