Shockwasp

The final, gathered attacks of the heroes connected once more inside the chest of the damaged machine. It stumbled backwards on fumbling metal legs, tripping over a semi-trailer, and fell. Groping futilely at the air, the robot crashed into the street in a great cacophony of noise, smoke, and dust, punctuated by one more explosion. The on-lookers still able to see the fight, consisting mostly of police at that point, cheered and whooped for the successful heroes, even as they continued their work. "...awesome." Nick's attention remained bound by the spectacle for a moment, though the cheer of the crowd brought him back to reality. Turning back towards the witnesses and their cameras, Shockwasp bowed and posed, lowering himself back down to street level. "Thank you! You're really too kind." More camera flashes, as civilians emerged to see the aftermath, and the heroes. "And how about a big hand for Miss Americana and..." White clothes, sound powers, I know I've heard of this guy... Think, think, think... "Gabriel!"

Staggered, and struggling to run some kind of diagnostic or repair, the giant robot flails helplessly at the tiny heroes battering it. "Right behind you!" Careful not to hit his rival-turned-ally, Shockwasp charged and fired another blast from his gauntlets, the crackling energy flying past Miss A to impact the robot as well. "Just a bit more!"

No rolls necessary, just some posts, and then the robot will explode.

Personally, I can't help but feel like GL was a terribly derivative superhero movie. It wasn't bad, but... it was by-the-numbers. They took no chances, just... repeated what they knew worked. Though I will admit that I appreciate the relative lack of giant mechanical spiders.

GM Post Three attacks combine at one point, and the combination of heat, sound, and whatever mad science is inside the robot, causes a great explosion from within the robot's chest. It stumbles backwards, damaged, sparking innards revealed through a massive hole in its armor. It struggles to stand, one final blow away from shutting down.

Giant Robot makes a Toughness Save, DC 33! 1d20+19=22 Failed by 11! Giant Robot is Staggered, Disabled, and Stunned! In fact, I don't think it's too far into the realm of imagination to allow a coup de grace at this point. Initiative/Status 20 Miss Americana 12 Giant Robot (Injured [-1], Staggered, Disabled, Stunned) 9 Shockwasp (All-Out Attack [-2 Def]) 8 Gabriel

GM Get The Wrecking Ball Rolling Shockwasp Do Not Seek It Without Braniac Bunch +Reputation Chart Calliope Braniac Bunch (2) Gangbuster A Go +Reputation Chart +20Q

Gabriel's blow seems to affect the lumbering machine, and it swings at him ineffectually with its massive arm. "Sounds like a plan!" Shockwasp nodded, and fired at the same spot as Miss A. Sparks and lights combined at the point of impact, which began to glow hot and distort. The machine was oblivious to the growing risk to its integrity, and was wide open for the third hero to give the final push that was needed.

Giant Robot swings at Gabriel! 1d20=4 Ka-MISS! Wasp helps with the Combined Attack! 1d20+10=15 Success! DC is now 31.

Alright, so, I've left out a couple hooks in these last few posts. If either of you want to bite, I'd be happy to continue the thread.

The officer chuckled a bit at 'Clad's suggestions, and the subsequent realization and apology. "Don't worry, we've got him, and we'll be sure to alien-proof his cell this time." He joked, trying to ease the girl's tension a bit. Turning his head towards Dynamo, he nodded. "Good teamwork. The paramedics will have to check everyone over before they go, of course. Personally, I'd just let 'em all go home, but, to be honest, I'm already in a bit of trouble for ignoring protocol as it is." A single brick falling out of the hole in the building punctuates the speedster's next question. "Yeah, that definitely sounds like him. Though it's a little surprising to see him get this far up-town before losing his cool. He's normally quite the hothead."

"Thank you, Doctor, but I'm no expert, my fa-" Father. Even here, in this place of relative sanctuary, Nick hesitated to mention the man who'd made him who he was, a brilliant inventor, a dedicated parent... and a fugitive, wanted for at least a dozen murders. Not the sort of family you really bragged about to the press. The words sunk deep into Nikolas in his moment of uncertainty, and any chance of mentioning the source of the technology was dashed. Instead, he retreated, back behind the mask, both metaphorical, and physical. "But the system is still in the experimental stages." Shockwasp corrected, removing one of his metal gauntlets as he spoke, "It is, as you can see, quite functional, allowing a complete range of motion to be returned to even the most damaged nervous systems," He held up his bare arm, twisting and flexing it, showing the maze of black wires beneath his skin, "But it is still, unfortunately a prototype, both untested, and prohibitively expensive to produce. We are, however, working diligently to make the system safer and more affordable." He pulled his gauntlet back on. And kept taking. "Personally, I'm hoping to have it ready for its first human volunteer testing this spring, and in hospitals across Freedom City by autumn."

RISE, THREAD! RISE! IT'S ALIIIIIIIIVE! Er, right. Anyways, Wasp would definitely be willing to pitch in, both financially and with a PP or two, once December rolls around.

Toughness Save, DC 27. 1d20+20=24 Giant Robot is Injured! Initiative/Status 20 Miss Americana 12 Giant Robot (Injured [-1]) 10 Crowd (Fleeing) 9 Shockwasp (All-Out Attack [-2 Def]) 8 Gabriel

Uninjured by the attack, the great machine ran, and swung its fist at the airborne heroine, and missed her by a wide margin, impacting into the building beside. Down on the ground, Shockwasp was just responding as well. His mask was on in a moment, and he turned, watching the present police officers escort civilians away to safe areas. Wow. Each and every one of them did their job at a moment's notice, with no thoughts for glory, or their own safety. Wasp was both impressed, and humbled. Turning his attention back up, he was soon in the sky as well, though far enough away from the other heroes that it wouldn't be able to take them all out with one blow. "There are too many people here!" He shouted. "We have to take this thing out, now!" Energy crackling from his gauntlets, the hero fired a pair of high-energy bolts at the machine... to approximately the same effect as breathing on it would have had.

Toughness Save 1d20+20=38 Yes, +20. Don't look at me, it's in the book! Giant Robot Move Action: Giant Robot approaches within melee distance of Ms. A. Standard Action: Giant Robot attacks Ms. A 1d20+0=5 And misses horribly. Shockwasp Move: Fly up into the air. Standard: Inherent Power Attack and All-Out Attack (-2/+2) Blast 10! 1d20+10=23 Toughness save, DC 27. 1d20+20=38 Castleeee! :argh:

Dynamo had indeed managed to clear out all the civilians in the area, though Ironclad does notice someone watching the goings-on from one of the other nearby buildings. After a moment, he turns, and walks away from the window, and presumably back to his own business. The police took almost no time at all to arrive, and within minutes, Wrecking-Ball was restrained (quite heavily, in fact) and dragged into the back of a police car... which sagged heavily on that side as the weighty man was dragged in. Approaching the heroes, one of the officers nodded, smiling a bit. "Thank you both for your help, and for getting the civilians out of the way. This guy could've done a lot of damage if you two hadn't shown up." Turning, he looked at the taped-off damage. "Yeah, might be a bit of work, but that should be fixed up in no time. To be honest, we expected at least one building downed by Wrecking-Ball's little rampage. This is a pleasant surprise."

Initative/Status 20 Miss Americana 12 Giant Robot 10 Crowd 9 Shockwasp 8 Gabriel

Suddenly, GIANT ROBOT. Initiative, everyone! Shockwasp Initiative 1d20+5=9 Giant Robot Initiative 1d20+12

Nick winced as he prepared for his public image to be ground even further into the dirt. It was, admittedly, a bit of a surprise to see her switching sides. Why would she...? "Oh, of course, Miss Americana. And thank you for helping me publicize this event. I'm sure that we'll be able to ra-" A sound of heavy thudding and shattering concrete drew Wasp's attention away from his PR recovery. The source of the sound was soon apparent, as a hulking man of metal, at least seventy feet in height, tore its way to the surface from inside the sewers, and immediately began bashing the nearby buildings. "...lovely."

If Nick could curse without half the city hearing him do so, he would have. Loudly. Instead, he smiled, nodded, and tried not to think about how badly the paparazzi were going to tear into him for this as he replied to Gabriel's comment. "Ah, yes! I have to agree. Consider that suggestion official. A one-thousand dollar minimum donation, with anything extra welcome, but anonymous!" He was being eaten alive, and oh, what he wouldn't give for some kind of distraction.

Nikolas was digging himself deeper with every word he spoke. And this woman, this... Americana, was catching his every slip. It was infuriating, but it was also a chance to think on his feet, something he'd been needing work on for quite some time. Of course, that also meant that he was currently woefully unprepared for this. "I- I am sure they will. Unfortunately..." The spark of an idea lit up behind his eyes. "Unfortunately, I- we at Wasp Electric do not feel that forcing the families of those we've lost into the spotlight to be the best way to honor their memories. It is for this reason that the ball is to be a strictly private affair." He had his footing again, at least for a moment. Turning to the cameras, Nick gave another smile. "Any individuals or organizations who have not yet been invited, and who wish to attend, please make arrangements with Bill Issac at Wasp Electric. A minimum donation of $1,000,000 will be required per guest, however, and attendance will be strictly limited, though FCPD officers and their families are, of course, all welcome."

Clever girl. Nick struggled for a moment, scrambling for a way to keep up, though he of course clapped along with the crowd. "Of course, you are correct! The brave men and women of the Freedom City Police Department, who risk their lives every day for the safety of the people, with no powers but their remarkable courage!" Kicking off the ground, he got a few feet of air again, and made a mental note to give his agent and secretary raises for all the work he was about to throw on them. "In fact, it is for precisely this reason that Wasp Electric is currently organizing a charity ball this weekend, to raise funds for the families of the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for Freedom!" Another cheer from the crowd.

Wasp was, admittedly, wowed. The people-centric hero remained silent for a moment, until he was brought back to reality by a flash from someone's camera. "Ah! Miss Americana! I've heard good things about you." He was losing a handle on the situation. Every camera on her was one not on him. "I see! Marvelous work." Reaching behind his head, the hero pulled his mask over his head, and off, revealing his own features. Short brown hair, and bright hazel-green eyes accompanied a face that, while not quite as stunning as the heroine's, were far from unpleasant. Giving the crowd a smile, Nick tried to regain his hold on the crowd. "Always good to see a citizen do their part to keep Freedom's streets clean."

Do Not Seek It Without is a social thread open to anyone willing to put up with Wasp's showboating. :mrgreen: I could do something more than just social with the thread, should there be enough interest, and few enough people for it to be manageable!