Destroyed Prelude #3 - A Meeting

AEGIS Command group, North Atlantic

Altitude 25,500 feet

Location: 40.416361, -36.128146

'He's here'

For a moment, the Director and his two guests remained seated, staring blankly at one another as if to gauge an appropriate response. For three days it had been a linger uncertainty, a shared uneasy experience between a handful of men and women, tasked with the very moment the three men found themselves in.

'Show him in' The Director nodded, searching for another queue or hidden acquiescence that could serve to reinforce the decision for this moment. Two Black Knight level operatives emerged first, taking positions in the cardinal points of the room, while another four entered around their guest.

'Well?' The Director began, looking at the guest with a combination of cool trepidation and receded hostility, 'The terms were fairly clear in your parole....you were to leave Earth and never, ever return...'

'Things don't always happen the way we want' the man began. Tall and lean, the dark hair had begun to gray around the edges, more lines around the eyes which would have made the guest seem more scholarly than criminal.

'I do not have time to debate what we want' The Director began again, looking more uncharacteristically irate as he braced his fingers together, 'Why are you here?'

'I know about Hephaestus' the man began, looking carefully at the director and the other two guest, 'Everyone out there knows about it....but that's not important....what is important is what's going to happen next...'

'Next?' The Director asked, 'What exactly do you mean?'

'Oh come on!' The man exclaimed, 'You know damn well what I mean....you've probably already started to sever ties...probably already made veiled threats....this isn't something that Croc hasn't thought about....or planned for.'

'Why does this matter to you, exactly?' The Director retorted, the thinly veiled emotion twinging his words.

'Because I set up his defenses...' The man began, 'And I have a pretty good idea what Croc will do. You go in there, it's a trap....it's a bloody, awful trap and people will die...'

'Compassion has never been your strongest suit' The first guest, the older man added, breaking his silence as he leaned forward. Without facing him the convicted guest nodded, 'I'm no saint, but I'm not going to sit back and let something I built be used by a madman...'

'Not unlike all of those other times' The First Guest nodded, 'Yes, I could see you brimming with compassion for the innocent then...'

'Listen, asshole....I don't really care what you think....I'm telling you this is how it is: Croc isn't going to think of how this plays out....he knows how it will play out, and he's more than ready for it. He'll make the first move....he'll bring you in, and he'll smash you down....believe me....this is what he's been waiting for since he took power'

'And what, exactly, are you offering?' The Director chimed in.

'Plans....schematics....everything...' the man nodded, 'Anything and Everything....'

'Why now?' The First Guest asked, staring with unblinking eyes at the Convicted Guest.

'You want me to lie? I won't do that....I'm a son-of-a-bitch but I don't lie. Something happened to me....up there.....and I won't simply let that go. There is a reason I'm here, I don't know what that reason is, but I'm here. Call it whatever you want, but you know the one thing I'm not is a liar'

Silence once again filled the room as the Convicted Guest sighed deeply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. The Director looked at the two others, quietly nodding as if in deep conversation. A minute stretched to two and then five before any of them spoke.

'You will give us everything, and I mean everything. There will be no holding back....no second chances....one glimmer you're not above board, or if any of us for a moment believe you're lying, It won't be prison...it won't be exile...it will be immediate full weight of the international courts on you punishment....do you understand?'

'Yes' the Convicted Guest nodded, 'I do...'

'Then...' The First Guest started, 'Why don't you tell me why Mauler has been seen here on Earth when you are supposedly in space, Cranston'

'They stole it' Cranston answered matter-of-factually, 'and you know how I take theft....'

DESTROYED
MARSCON 2015 - January 16-18

www.marscon.net
https://www.warhorn.net/events/marscon-crusaders?src=listings

Destroyed Prelude #2

Street of Kings,
Marapulai
-13.667101, 81.915830

Despite the trappings of aristocracy that Amadeus Van Brandt was surrounded by, he was not, by any means, fooled. Van Brandt had known the King for nearly thirty years, and had always been fully aware never to take anything at face value, even at 'summoned' meetings in which direct business was to be discussed.

Van Brandt rested his hands on the smooth arms of the hover chair, a luxury item in a country whose resplendent wealth was often overshadowed by its oppressive cruelty. Although the storied history between himself and the monarch of Marapulai, they were never 'close', if one could ever get close to either of the two. For his part, Van Brandt sat and waited, a courtesy to the man who shielded Van Brandt from international law enforcement.

 'I am sorry to keep you' the King said, emerging from a nearby room. At nearly seven feet five inches, King Crocodilion wasn't just massive - he was a monster. The cybernetic lower jaw moved effortlessly, giving Van Brandt images of a long forgotten childhood book...illustrated with Captain Hook and Peter Pan....and the Crocodile...always waiting for the good captain to lose his other hand.

 'I am, as always, at your service' Van Brandt responded in the very neutrally polite tone he had used. 'Nonsense....to keep an artist waiting is often a sin' Crocodilion began, pausing for a moment to adjust the royal sash before moving effortlessly to the window, 'If nothing more, we are artists, are we not?'

'I suppose that is one way to look at things' Van Brandt added in cool agreement. Van Brandt's intellect and abilities had already granted him a good insight as to why he was present, but allowed the King to set the stage.

 'Power' Crocodilion began, 'Is the only real thing that separates us from animals. We both know of the benefits of power...' Crocodilion said, pausing to turn with the amber eyes, 'But the cost can be high....' Van Brandt felt himself shift in his chair. Over thirty years he had been dealing with Crocodilion, but never had there been a moment where he felt a sense of desperation about the King.

'Yes...' Van Brandt added, 'Very high...'

 'Tell me Amadeus......what fruitless plan have you in place to gain your revenge?' Crocodilion asked, almost smiling. Van Brandt didn't react to the barb, simply sighing quietly while returning the gaze.

'My own...' Van Brandt said matter-of-factually, 'I do not need to share that with you...'

 'Insolence is not your strongest suite, Amadeus...'Crocodilion answered, 'Especially as you are my guest...'

 'I am not your lackey' Van Brandt coldly retorted, 'Unless you feel our agreement needs to be...ratified' Crocodilion moved forward, almost menacingly, then paused and laughed, 'Always fearless Amadeus...good....good.'

 Van Brandt felt himself relax. Had the King taken offense with such a bold maneuver, it would have been....difficult....to extricate himself.

 'I have need of your unique skills my old friend' Crocodilion began, 'I fear that we must advance our plans...significantly'

 'I had some suspicion' Van Brandt nodded, 'Hephaestus?'

 The King said nothing at first, then slowly, curtly, nodded.

 'What is it you need?' Van Brandt said, already predicting the answer.

 'I want you to have your fondest wish' Crocodilion began.

 __________________________


Some time later
Palazzo di bellezza
Marapulai
-13.667101, 81.915831

 '....and so, that is the plan' Van Brandt added, looking at the collection of individuals. The cool winds brought scent of jasmine blossoms into the large room, while the twilight cast long shadows against the walls. No one present said anything, instead waiting some long moments for the information to fully sink in. 'Are you with me?'

 'Just like that?' the lean older man asked, 'You really think it will be that easy...'

 'Yes...' Van Brandt began, 'Just like that. Once decisive moment. One simply action, and we'll have what we want...'

 'What you want...' the tall blonde man looked back with amber-colored eyes, 'Let's not lie here...this isn't want any of us signed on for...'

 'No...but we cannot refuse. If we refuse, they will come on their terms. We can however act now....force the situation to bend to our wills....' Van Brandt added analytically, 'He assures me the material will be present, and the numbers accounted for..'

 'Same fellow that put you in that chair...' The blonde man added, 'Or did you forget that?'

 'He did not 'put me in this chair', jefferson' Van Brandt added, 'That was Michael Deckard. It is beyond the time I repay him for that kindness. Now, I'll ask again...' Van Brandt said very directly, 'Are you with with me?'

 The lean man spoke up first, the smile never leaving his face, 'What do we need to do?'

 'Allow me to outline it....'

 ____________________

Destroyed
Marscon 2015

Next Defenders/Crusaders Event: 'Destroyed'

Howdy all; As you might have noticed, we've got a new event planned for January 2015 at Marscon - Destroyed! Destroyed Blurb: As the world learns of a miraculous new power-source, old villains conspire to bring down the U.N.'s superhuman response team. Can an assortment of heroes from across different groups somehow stop the destruction? DESTROYED is a two-part adventure set in Mark Geary's Defenders International campaign! We're also celebrating the 29th anniversary of the DiVERSE! More shortly

Destroyed, Prelude #1

Xibola, City of Bone -

He could feel the movement of the air underneath of him as he fell towards earth. Reaching terminal velocity in seconds, he felt the freedom and exhilaration fill every part of his being, the way it always had on countless times before. It was the only part of the curse that was truly his, truly a blessing, and the one thing he missed.

He felt himself relax into the moment, realizing that it was Morpheus's visitation, a moment of pure peace before the dawn...a dream of demigods of flight, something that he missed despite the lifting of the curse. Below the land moved under the dark shadows of night, featureless amid the clouds and cool night air. For a moment, he was contented.

The sudden downdraft brought him to landfall, finding himself skipping for a moment on the eddied currents that gently deposited on the hillside. Something was different this time, something he could not quite put his fingers upon....the dream haze had him still, and yet, the lands were different, colder somehow....more ominous.

The sky erupted into light as Helios blazed above him. He instantly recognized the scene and saw the familiar faces he had come to know and call friends. All eyes were downcast, sullen, and filled with a great sadness, none speaking or making any sound. For a moment, he wondered if these dream-images were some ancient chorus, until he found himself drawn to the object of his gaze. As his eyes fell onto the sight, he felt a tightening of the muscles in his stomach...he knew instantly what the image meant, and felt the sluggishness of the waking world, pulling him backwards, back away from the moment into the cool darkness of the living world.

He felt himself fully alert and awake, rising quickly from bed, letting Eden rest nearby. The images still lingered in his mind, and he knew that such was no dream, but portent. Pulling a nearby toga on, he moved out of the bedroom and into the darkness, unable to sleep.

________________________

Eden Raines had been many things in her life - Daredevil, Adventurer, Pilot, and now Queen. It had been nearly five years since she had married the love of her life, and despite all that she and Romulus had shared, there were moments that he truly puzzled her. Her hand moved absently across the bed, surprised in its near sleep to find him gone from her side. Slowly rousing herself to full consciousness, Eden allowed her green eyes to adjust to the darkness before calling out quietly,
'Romulus?'

Taking a deep breath, Eden slowly pulled herself out of bed, covering herself in a sheer silk robe that rested across the nearby divan. Steadying herself against the bed, Eden gained her bearings and began to move through the open-aired chamber, looking outwards to the balcony and the illuminated paleness of dawn. Romulus stood impassively on the balcony, his massively muscled arms folded behind him in the way he often had when deep in contemplation. Eden moved behind him, gently brushing the tips of her fingers against his arm, before moving beside him. For a long while husband and wife said nothing, standing and looking over the ancient city as it slowly roused from another night. In the dim haze of the morning, Romulus finally spoke, his voice low and haggard.

'I need to return' he said plainly, not facing his wife. It was the stoic and patrician look that Eden had grown to accept, a sign of Romulus's stubborness.

'The dream?' Eden asked, already knowing the answer.

'Yes...' Romulus nodded, 'Again...the same dream...'

There was a prolonged silence between them as both stared outwards. For a long while, neither moved or said anything, until Eden finally spoke.

'Well....I guess I'm ready to see how much the world has changed since 1936.'

'I have to go...you don't....it will be...dangerous...' Romulus began, turning to face his wife. Although he towered above her, there was a sense of physical equality that had always been an unspoken fact.

'You are my husband, and my friend. If this is important to you....' Eden began, looking Romulus up and down, 'Then I'm going....I've said my peace and counted to three'

Romulus stared at his wife, 'These men....the men we go to face...this aren't trogs or raiders...these men are dangerous...motivated...and strong. If something happened to you....'

Eden's fingertips moved up and brushed her husband's lips, 'Then we face them together....but why now? Why is now so important...'

Romulus said nothing at first, allowing the question to linger more out of summoning the strength to answer it, 'They will burn the world if what I have seen comes to pass....I cannot abandon my teammates...my friends...to what awaits'

'Then that is enough' Eden added, 'Let's find our way home, before it's too late...'



-----

Destroyed

January 16 - 18 2015

Project: EPIC is go!

I wanted to thank everyone who turned out to support our events at 1d4Con and the first of several launches for Project: EPIC. Keep your eyes peeled on this site and our FB page for upcoming events. More announcements on our schedule are pending. The next event we have planned is during BALTICON (www.balticon.org) More coming!

Gearing up for the Summer Campaign Schedule

Good Morning all; Just touching base after a brief hiatus that we're beginning the Summer Schedule this weekend with the debut of a new campaign - Project: EPIC! Project: EPIC is an open-source campaign, debuting on Saturday 26 April 2014 at 1d4con in Winchester, VA. Additionally, I'll be putting the summer schedule and updates for the various campaigns on this site. Look forward to seeing you at 1d4con!

Thank You!

Lord Eclipse is defeated, the multiverse is safe, and the heroes are having a most deserved rest. Thank you all for both a wonderful campaign and a great Marscon 2014. I'll be making announcements shortly about our future, what comes next after this meta-campaign, a synopsis of 'Eclipsed', and some photos. - The CC

Eclipsed Prelude #7 - A shadow over Calan

336 hours until Penumbra

Calan, homeworld of the Trillinian Imperium

Now.

Panic had seized the capital as its defenders had fallen. The High Guard lay broken amid the ruins of the gleaming spires of the capital city. Smoke issued from dozens of craters where galleries of art and science had once been. Devastation was complete.

Above amid the zenith of battle, the enemy swarmed across the shipyards. Great ships of the Imperium's stellar navy drifted free of moorings, ruinous wrecks that told the all-too familiar story of what had happened. Paling the debris and destruction was the great sun of the Imperium's core system...a pale yellow giant that provided life-giving warmth to the worlds that made up the ruling worlds. The once welcoming sight had turned a sickly blue - A light that existed only in the vague sense of the notion. Where once the sun had been the source of life, it had been transformed into a parody of itself...and always the great shadow of *something* moved in dark silhouette across the surface.

The evacuation had long-since ended, as there were no ships that could escape the utter and complete capture of the world. The crystalline palace where the Starchild Empress ruled her Imperium sat untouched to bear witness, the towers untouched...a still-gleaming example of a mighty empire...a last example in which the enemy had yet to advance. Within the core of the tower remaining generals, admirals, and nobility sought some strategy despite the growing hopelessness that had begun to overwhelm them. The armored form of the Starchild Empress paced, directing as she could, serving for a moment as an example of resistance, but with little left to resist with, her frenetic fear had begun to grow, as did the shadow of instability.

Silently the advance began. The converted soldiers, now husks of themselves moved forward with the efficient manner in which they had been created to do. The elite personal guard of the Empress, including the children of Starion, fought valiantly to stop the waves of enemies, each falling to the swarms of former comrades until the path to the inner sanctum was cleared. The powerful feral General of the enemy appeared, the twin blades cutting threw large swaths of defenders, the pack of 'hounds' following closely. The final advancement took no less than three minutes.

When the massive doors were opened, the enemy paused waiting. The Empress and her council stood silently, preparing for the worst. Some of the council had opted to fight, their crumpled forms still smoking from the response, as the 'Generals' of the enemy entered without fanfare or the usual frivolous actions of conquerors...in fact, it was almost solemn, as if the enemy was being proceeded by a mass of some sort.

The Empress thought for a moment she could see something just outside the range of lights in the long corridor leading to the command room...a darkness that wasn't simply shadow - it was an absence of light. The darkness with wraith-like quickness down the hallway, entering the room and absorbing the light from it. The council attempted a last-ditch defense, but silently as it had entered, the shadow simply passed over the council. The council disappeared into the inky darkness, growing quiet as finally the shadow hovered just in front of the Empress. In that moment, the Starchild Empress felt real fear as wispy tendrils of darkness moved over her in an almost caressing way. The Empress struggled, pulling herself away and falling back against the rear wall. The shadow hovered, then spread out in all directions, and as the Empress watched, she could make out the figure in the center of the shadow, moving towards her. The madness which had claimed her in her youth and young adult life washed over her again, along with the pain, despair, sadness, rage, and other darker, damaging emotions.

The Imperium had fallen.The Starchild Empress was eclipsed.

GAME EFFECT:

Any character with connections to the Trillinian Imperium or related contacts in *ANY* campaign will have a result at the beginning of Eclipsed.