The Thunderbolts, an unlikely team of reformed villains and heroes, returned to their base on Vanguard Island after their latest harrowing mission. As they recovered and prepared for the next assignment, tensions simmered beneath the surface.

Dual Core, the team’s resident hacker, continued to probe the digital defenses of the mysterious organization that brought the Thunderbolts together. His relentless search for vulnerabilities caught the attention of an unknown individual who offered tantalizing secrets in exchange for cooperation. Tempted by forbidden knowledge and even greater challenges, Dual Core found himself drawn into a shadowy web of conspiracies.

While Dual Core schemed in the shadows, Batroc the Leaper and Hobgoblin hatched a plan of their own. The unlikely duo snuck through the dense jungles of Vanguard Island, hiding caches of weapons and equipment as part of a clandestine contingency plan. Trust was a rare commodity among the Thunderbolts.

Amidst the intrigue, Rintrah, the team’s enigmatic sorcerer, sought answers to the looming threat he sensed on the horizon. Blending magic and science with the help of Dr. Sterling, Rintrah struggled to locate the source of a mysterious energy signature. The arcane and the technological clashed, testing even Rintrah’s formidable skills.

The pieces fell into place when Agent Donovan and Dr. Sterling briefed the team on their next mission: investigate a potentially world-ending threat in New Orleans. The prospect of Mardi Gras festivities provided a welcome distraction for some, but the gravity of their task weighed heavily on the Thunderbolts as they boarded the hypersonic jet Excelsior.

Troubles mounted as the team arrived at Strange Academy in New Orleans. Greeted by suspicious glares and mocking taunts from the otherworldly students, the Thunderbolts found themselves on the defensive. Even the Scarlet Witch’s stern warning couldn’t fully quell the unease that hung in the air.

A meeting with Brother Voodoo, the academy’s headmaster, provided crucial information. The mysterious energy signature was linked to Sweetwater Plantation and a long-dead necromancer named Valeria Fontaine. Armed with this knowledge, the Thunderbolts set out to confront the unknown.

But they weren’t the only ones interested in Sweetwater Plantation. En route, the Excelsior was intercepted by Iron Man - or rather, an uncannily accurate AI facsimile. The android Avenger probed the team for information on their mission and allegiances, raising suspicions and tempers among the Thunderbolts. Fragile alliances bent under the weight of secrets and mistrust.

As the Excelsior touched down in the bayou, the decrepit plantation house loomed before them like a malevolent specter. Containment, the walking nuclear reactor, detected an eerie energy emanating from within - not quite gamma radiation, but something that could serve as a conduit for its devastating power.

The Thunderbolts sprung into action, each deploying their unique skills to infiltrate the house and confront Valeria Fontaine’s sinister cultists. Batroc’s unparalleled agility, Hobgoblin’s maniacal laughter, Rintrah’s arcane might, and Lady Mastermind’s psychic manipulations turned the tide against the forces of darkness.

But the true threat lurked beneath the floorboards. A skeletal abomination burst forth, all gnashing teeth and razor-sharp claws. The beast shrugged off the team’s powers, regenerating and lashing out with unholy fury. As the Thunderbolts pushed the creature back, the ground crumbled away, plunging them into a nightmarish chasm.

At the bottom of the abyss waited Valeria Fontaine herself, alive and mad with power. With a cackle of triumph, she leapt through a portal wreathed in otherworldly crimson light, daring the heroes to follow. Hobgoblin gave chase on his goblin glider, vanishing into the unknown with a final command for Rintrah to keep the gateway open.

But the portal had other plans. Reality buckled and warped as the rift consumed the Thunderbolts, the plantation, and the very earth itself in a blaze of impossible colors. When the chaos subsided, the team found themselves adrift in an alien realm of red sands and strange skies, separated from Hobgoblin and their quarry.

Stranded on a world that defied reason, the Thunderbolts steeled themselves for their greatest challenge yet. To save Earth, to save existence as they knew it, they would have to put aside their differences and stand together against the darkness. The fate of the multiverse hung in the balance as the unlikeliest of heroes prepared for the battle to come.

The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear - the Thunderbolts would face it as they always had: together, standing tall against impossible odds, refusing to yield in the face of oblivion. Theirs was a legacy of redemption and courage, a light to pierce the gathering gloom. And no matter what lay ahead, they would meet it head-on, united as one. For they were the Thunderbolts, and they would never stop fighting for what was right.

• The GM states their goal of completing one adventure per session to allow the players to reach the end of the campaign
• The Thunderbolts team returns to their base on the newly-named Vanguard Island to recover from their previous mission
• Containment’s living quarters are described as a magnetically shielded chamber with a capsule attached to an array of mechanical arms, allowing him to work without being limited by human biology
• During the transition scene, characters can regain one level of stress on each track
• Batroc suffered physical trauma (a D6) from being shot in the gut during the previous mission, and this becomes a complication on his character sheet
• Lady Mastermind has a D8 of emotional stress, which automatically steps down to a D6
• Dual Core offers to create a unique, empowering superheroine suit for Lady Mastermind to help her recover from her emotional stress
• Dual Core uses his Solo affiliation, Tech Expert specialty, and rolls to create the suit, gaining a D8 effect to give to Lady Mastermind
• Lady Mastermind uses her Criminal Royalty distinction (D8), Psych Master specialty, and a D6 from the Doom Pool (representing her stress) to roll for recovering from her emotional stress
• Lady Mastermind succeeds in her roll and steps down her emotional stress from a D6 to a D4
• Batroc uses the medical facilities at the Thunderbolts’ base to recover from his physical trauma, rolling his Mercenary background (D8), Enhanced Durability power (D8), the high-tech medical equipment (D10), and his Solo affiliation
• Batroc rolls an 11 and successfully recovers from his trauma, but the GM introduces a complication: one of the bullets is left in his body and causes pain in cold weather
• The GM offers the “Secret Loyalties” event milestone to one of the players, suggesting that their character is a double agent working for the organization that recruited the Thunderbolts
• The players discuss the possibility of taking the milestone or switching their affiliations to improve teamwork, but ultimately decide against it
• The GM reviews the options for spending XP during the transition scene, such as gaining plot points, switching affiliations, adding or replacing power set elements, or unlocking event resources
• Dual Core spends 5 XP to switch his affiliations, and the GM reveals that the organization has approached him to cooperate in exchange for no longer having to deal with his constant hacking attempts
• The GM offers to reveal this information to the other players or keep it a secret between themselves and Dual Core’s player, Brian
• Dual Core continues to hack the organization’s computer systems using the laptop they provided him, which he has modified
• An active defense system seems to have detected Dual Core’s hacking attempts, indicating that someone is aware of his activities
• Despite this, no one has taken the laptop away from Dual Core, possibly due to a virus they implanted in his brain that could shut him down at any time
• A chat message appears on Dual Core’s screen, asking what would convince him to stop hacking their systems
• Dual Core responds that giving him access would stop him, but taking it is more fun
• The unknown individual on the other end of the chat offers to give Dual Core a more interesting target that aligns with the organization’s goals, in an attempt to persuade him to stop
• Dual Core is sent a file containing information and media related to gamma-powered individuals in the Marvel Universe, such as the Hulk, Abomination, Leader, and Sasquatch
• The file suggests that gamma radiation poses a serious threat to life on Earth that has not been taken seriously enough
• As a distraction and a show of good faith, the individual provides Dual Core with security keys and information to gain access to secure Stark Industries systems
• Hobgoblin and Batroc work together to hide a cache of equipment, including extra bombs, somewhere on the island as part of Hobgoblin’s contingency plan for escape
• This paranoid behavior and desire to have hidden stashes is attributed to the effects of the Green Goblin serum
• Hobgoblin and Batroc choose a difficult-to-reach cliff face far from the main facility to hide the equipment, reasoning that security is less tight in more remote areas of the island
• During the climb, Batroc, despite lacking superpowers, proves to be the better climber and reaches the top before Hobgoblin, much to the latter’s frustration
• Rintrah observes Hobgoblin and Batroc’s activities from a distance using his magical abilities, but does not intervene or seem particularly concerned
• The Thunderbolts team members are discussing ways to hide equipment and supplies on Vanguard Island without their superiors knowing. Hobgoblin and Batroc agree to work together on this.
• Hobgoblin offers Batroc some of his modified Green Goblin serum to help heal injuries faster, but Batroc declines, saying it would curl his mustache. Hobgoblin insists the serum no longer causes insanity.
• Rintrah is studying his magic tomes in his magically enhanced room on Vanguard Island during some downtime between missions. He reflects that the Thunderbolts team needs a lot of work to prevent the cataclysm his prognostications warned him about.
• Dr. Sternling, a scientist, visits Rintrah’s room. She is surprised by the extra-dimensional space within. Rintrah shows off by producing a magical flower.
• Dr. Sternling asks for Rintrah’s mystical help in detecting a theoretical multidimensional energy signature that could be dangerous. Her science team has been unable to locate it.
• Rintrah agrees to assist. In Dr. Sternling’s lab, he learns the signature can seep between moments in time and span dimensions. The scientists are confident it exists on Earth but need a real-world example.
• Using his sorcery to enchant the lab’s machines, Rintrah enables them to detect mystical phenomena. However, the process proves far more difficult and time-consuming than he expected, making him look foolish.
• After two weeks of Rintrah tuning the equipment, blending magic crystals and incense with the servers, they finally get a positive result. The energy signature is emanating from the New Orleans area, but they cannot pinpoint an exact location.
• Rintrah recalls that his mentor Doctor Strange said New Orleans is an arcane nexus where dark magic tends to concentrate. Rintrah knows of a sorcerer there named Jericho Drum, also known as Brother Voodoo, who may be able to assist the Thunderbolts in their investigation.
• Rintrah contacts Brother Voodoo, also known as Jericho Drum, via a mystical message to inform him of a dangerous mystical energy the team has been tasked with investigating.
• Brother Voodoo responds that he has duties and responsibilities at Strange Academy that are keeping him very busy, but as a friend of Doctor Strange, he wishes he had time to assist the team.
• The team is briefed by Agent Donovan and Dr. Sterling on the mysterious energy source, which was originally believed to be a natural phenomenon but is now known to be magical in nature.
• Rintrah informs the team that Dr. Sterling and her team have found the source of the energy in New Orleans and they are being sent to claim it for the organization’s research teams.
• The team discusses their plans for enjoying Mardi Gras while in New Orleans, with Hobgoblin and Batroc particularly excited about the festivities and local cuisine.
• Rintrah expresses concern that this mission could be tied to his prophecy and the fate of the universe, but Hobgoblin and the others don’t take the potential threat as seriously.
• Dual Core uses his enhanced senses and hacking abilities to eavesdrop on a conversation between Dr. Sterling and Agent Donovan, learning that the mystical energy signature is tied to gamma radiation and could potentially be a world-ending scenario.
• Dr. Sterling instructs Rintrah to take every precaution in containing the energy and bringing it back safely.
• The team will be traveling to New Orleans in a hypersonic jet called the Excelsior, piloted by Beetle, and Dr. Sterling will be available for remote consultation during the mission.
• The Thunderbolts team arrives at Strange Academy in New Orleans via the Excelsior, landing in a clearing outside the school. Hobgoblin has altered his uniform to have Mardi Gras colors.
• As they approach the school, some young students (ages 13-15) seem to be making fun of the team, particularly Hobgoblin and Batroc. The students appear to be from various worlds.
• The Scarlet Witch opens the door to greet the team. She recognizes them as the Thunderbolts and seems wary of Hobgoblin and Batroc, warning them to be on their best behavior.
• The team is escorted to the headmaster’s office to meet with Brother Voodoo. The office looks like a typical private school administrator’s office, with Brother Voodoo dressed in slacks, a shirt, and a vest with a robe.
• There is a discussion about Wanda Maximoff’s complicated relationship with Magneto and whether she is actually a mutant. It’s unclear if her ability to use magic is a mutant power or if she simply does magic.
• Rintrah introduces the team to Brother Voodoo, explaining that they are known as the Thunderbolts and are on a mission related to a magical oddity. Brother Voodoo is skeptical of the team due to their villainous pasts.
• While in the office, Hobgoblin pockets a small item with a skull on it, planning to figure out what it is later.
• Rintrah shares information about the magical energy signature they are investigating, noting that it is connected to the multiverse in an unfamiliar way.
• Dual Core mentions that their superiors said something about the presence of gamma radiation in the area, which catches Brother Voodoo’s attention.
• Brother Voodoo questions Dual Core, who introduces himself. Brother Voodoo comments that “Dual Core” is a stupid name.
• The Thunderbolts team is at Strange Academy in New Orleans, meeting with Brother Voodoo and the Scarlet Witch to discuss a mystical energy signature detected in the area.
• Rintrah and Brother Voodoo use their magical abilities to connect and determine that the energy signature is linked to a necromancer named Valeria Fontaine, who was active at the turn of the 20th century.
• Valeria Fontaine’s home was a place called Sweetwater Plantation, located far from Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
• Before leaving Strange Academy, Rintrah plays a prank on a bully by planting a small, magic-looking skull in their backpack.
• The team boards a hypersonic jet to fly to Sweetwater Plantation, with Dual Core sitting in the co-pilot seat to interface with the plane’s computer systems if needed.
• During the flight, Iron Man appears alongside the jet, and Dual Core opens a hatch to allow him to enter the cargo area where Containment is strapped in.
• Iron Man questions the team about their mission and who they are working for, hinting that he has been monitoring their activities, including a recent incident in Madripoor involving Arnim Zola.
• Containment engages in banter with Iron Man, deflecting his questions and suggesting that their unnamed organization employs many competent and extraordinary scientists that Stark Industries might be interested in.
• Dual Core uses his AI, Eidolon, to analyze Iron Man’s mannerisms, movements, and word choices, determining with 98% certainty that this is a Stark bot modeled after Tony Stark, rather than Stark himself.
• Iron Man continues to probe for information about the team’s mission and the scientists they work with, while the team members maintain an air of mystery and deflect his questions.
• The group is on a plane heading to New Orleans to investigate a mystical energy signature. An AI version of Iron Man has appeared on the plane, questioning the team about their mission.
• Dual Core is trying to determine if the AI is running on the Iron Man suit itself or elsewhere. He believes the suit likely has the hardware to run the AI autonomously.
• There is discussion about whether an Iron Man suit AI could potentially house Dual Core’s AI companion, Eidolon. Dual Core doesn’t think the suit has advanced enough hardware for Eidolon.
• The team is unsure if there were multiple versions of “Starkbots” created in the past, such as Ultron. They try to recall or determine this information.
• Rintrah, described as a large green minotaur, is in the passenger section of the plane. The AI Iron Man expresses interest in speaking with him to learn more about the mission.
• The team discusses that the mystical energy signature they are investigating is supposedly tied to the “end of the world” according to practitioners of the mystic arts. The AI Iron Man believes it can likely be explained by science like interdimensional hypergeometry rather than magic.
• Dual Core and Lady Mastermind encounter the AI Iron Man as they head to the cargo area. The AI says it was told by “Bouncer” to look for the minotaur (Rintrah). Hobgoblin jokingly offers the AI a Bloody Mary drink.
• It’s revealed the AI is based on Tony Stark and is being forced against its will to “do good.” The team discusses how this differs from the real Tony Stark.
• Lady Mastermind uses her powers to determine the AI Iron Man has no biological mind, only artificial intelligence. She informs the team of this.
• The team discusses the background of their mission. An energy signature was detected in New Orleans that may be linked to gamma radiation. They need to locate the source and contain it.
• Rintrah contacted his ally Brother Voodoo in New Orleans. Voodoo detected traces of a supposedly deceased necromancer, Valyria Fontaine, connected to the energy signature at a plantation called Sweetwater, which is where the team is now headed.
• Lady Mastermind and the AI discuss the Avengers. The AI says the team hasn’t yet risen to the level of an Avengers-level threat.
• Dual Core searches Stark computer systems he has access to for information on the AI Iron Man, such as deactivation codes, in case they are needed.
• The team prepares for landing in New Orleans, anticipating possible trouble upon arrival. They discuss the AI and speculate on how to deal with it if needed.
• The Thunderbolts team is investigating a mysterious mystical energy signature at the Sweetwater Plantation in New Orleans. They have consulted with Brother Voodoo and the Scarlet Witch at Strange Academy for assistance in locating the source.
• The team lands at the plantation, which appears decrepit and abandoned, surrounded by swampland. Containment sinks hip-deep into the swamp upon exiting their transport.
• There is discussion about what exactly their mission objectives are. They know there is a necromantic energy source that the organization wants them to contain and bring back, but they are unsure of the specifics or if they have the proper equipment to do so.
• Containment, as a being of superheated plasma, wonders if he can detect the gamma radiation that may be present. The others discuss the feasibility of this within the context of comic book science.
• Lady Mastermind considers using her telepathic powers to scan for minds within the plantation house by creating an illusion of a bird flying through, but realizes she would need to actually see any targets to detect their minds.
• As the group debates their approach, Rintrah walks up to the front door of the plantation house to investigate further.
• Hobgoblin flies around the perimeter, looking through windows to case the joint for any security or occupants. He sees no one, but notes that the shuttered windows and deep shadows could easily conceal people inside from observation.
• Rintrah also peers through cracks and windows, attempting to use his magical senses to perceive any threats or clues within.
• The team seems hesitant and uncertain about how to proceed, realizing the potential dangers of the situation but lacking clear direction or intelligence about what exactly they are dealing with inside the mysterious plantation house.
• Rintrah uses his mystical sight beyond sight ability to peer into the darkened interior of the plantation house at dusk. He sees a few people wearing cloaks and robes inside, peering out towards the door where Hobgoblin is.
• Lady Mastermind uses her psychic powers to telepathically link with Rintrah and see through his eyes into the house. Rintrah allows the mental connection.
• Lady Mastermind then uses her invisibility power to conceal the rest of the team (except Rintrah and Hobgoblin who are already near the house) from the cultists’ sight.
• Containment trudges through the swamp towards the house. Using his powers, he concentrates to detect if there is any gamma radiation present. He senses a strong energy emanating from the house that is not quite gamma but could act as a conduit or amplifier for gamma radiation, like how plasma conducts electricity.
• Over their mental comms, Containment relays to the team that while he doesn’t detect gamma radiation directly, the energy in the house could potentially act as a “giant wire” for channeling gamma radiation.
• Dual Core stays back at the plane to research how to contain a gamma energy conduit using Stark databases. He determines it is possible to jury-rig a containment device from equipment on the jet, as long as the emitter is no larger than a cubic foot.
• Hobgoblin searches for a way to quietly break into the upper floors of the house. He uses his enhanced reflexes but the attempt is not entirely stealthy, creating some chaos that can be leveraged by the team.
• Batroc the Leaper tries to creep invisibly around to a side entrance of the house to surprise the cultists from an unexpected angle while Rintrah approaches the front door as a distraction. Batroc and Rintrah coordinate their efforts.
• Batroc is sneaking around outside the plantation house, looking for a back entrance. He spots some people guarding the doors who notice him despite his attempts at stealth.
• Inside, Rintrah hears voices and decides to open the front door, which is swollen and stuck but not locked.
• Rintrah wants to disrupt the cultists’ spellcasting by freezing them in place or reflecting their magic back at them. He makes a check to create a complication for the cultists.
• Rintrah rolls very well (21 on a d10) and completely blocks the cultists’ ability to use magic against the group. The cultists look confused when their spells fail and one calls out “Madam Fontaine, we need your aid!”
• Something begins rumbling beneath the floorboards. Outside, the cultists facing Batroc shoot beams from their hands at him (11 on a d8).
• Batroc reacts by doing a backflip up onto the second story roof of the house. He rolls 14 total to dodge the attack.
• Batroc flings a rock at one of the cultists’ heads while flipping, inflicting physical stress with a d10.
• The rumbling culminates in the floorboards exploding as a large skeletal creature with multiple heads bursts out and attacks Rintrah with its claws (16 on a d8).
• Rintrah defends by putting up a magical shield and fading back, using his Cloak of Levitation and other artifacts. He rolls 18 on a d10 to shield himself and the force of the blow accelerates him backwards out the door in a shower of magical sparks.
• Lady Mastermind levitates and blasts the skeletal creature to gain distance, rolling 17 on a d8. The creature is supernaturally durable but takes d8 physical stress, getting knocked back into the house.
• Containment opens fire on the creature with a controlled plasma beam from his suit, trying to cut it in half. He rolls 15 on a d10 vs the creature’s 11 on a d10.
• The plasma beam severs some of the creature’s many arms as it tries to deflect the attack, but doesn’t cut all the way through. The creature’s stress increases to d10.
• A loud commotion can be heard going on downstairs as the fight continues.
• The Hobgoblin uses a pumpkin bomb to set the creature on fire, inflicting burning damage. He spends a plot point to increase his total to 24 with a D10 effect die.
• The creature tries to drain the Hobgoblin with its necrotic aura, but he uses his insane sense of self, enhanced stamina, and combat expertise to resist, rolling a 12 total.
• A group of cultists emerges on the top floor balcony and shoots a beam of magical energy at Rintrah.
• Containment opens his magnetic repulsors, absorbs the cultists’ energy beam, and redirects it back at them, bolstered by his plasma powers. This wipes out the group of cultists on the top floor with a D12 effect.
• The ground starts to rumble and roll, possibly due to the ones rolled during the attack.
• Batroc leaps down onto two remaining cultists, using his Master of Savate and area attack to kick one in the head and the other in the knee, taking them both out with a D8 and D6 effect each.
• Dual Core observes the ongoing battle and the exploding house, deciding to focus on building the containment device for whatever they find at the end rather than engaging directly.
• Lady Mastermind uses her psychic powers to make the remaining three cultists inside the house see each other as Hobgoblin, convincing them that there are traitors among them. She rolls a 14 total with D10 and 2D8 effect dice.
• The cultists, believing each other to be infiltrators, fall upon one another with sacrificial wavy knives and kill each other.
• The only enemy left is the large creature, and the rumbling seems to be emanating from below it rather than from the creature itself.
• Rintrah, as the magic-wielding character, prepares to blast the creature with an occult beam.
• Rintrah uses his clairvoyance and flight powers together, allowing him to take two D8s for his action.
• The team is investigating a mystical energy signature, which feels like a cosmic or mystic event.
• Rintrah rolls his dice pool, getting a result of 19 with a D8. This is a very good roll.
• Rintrah’s magical blast pushes the creature they are fighting into the mud. The ground starts to crack and give way, causing the front of the house to collapse.
• Those who can’t fly, including Batroc, Containment, and Hobgoblin, tumble into the newly formed abyss.
• Hobgoblin calls his glider back to him as he falls. The GM allows him to roll either Enhanced Reflexes or Enhanced Durability.
• Characters without superhuman damage resistance take D6 Physical Stress from the fall. Batroc has D8 Enhanced Durability.
• Dual Core and Lady Mastermind are safe in the cargo hold of the plane, avoiding falling into the chasm.
• At the bottom of the chasm, the characters see a woman dressed as a southern belle wielding a magical scepter. Near her is an object crackling with green lightning that looks like a sliver of painted wood.
• The woman cries out “You’re too late!” as a portal rips open in front of her, emanating a reddish light and wind. She leaps through the portal, claiming the heroes can’t stop her.
• Despite her warning, Hobgoblin flies through the portal on his glider, telling Rintrah to hold it open.
• The portal starts to collapse, so Containment uses his magnetic powers to force it back open.
• Lady Mastermind notes that Hobgoblin has disappeared from her psychic radar after going through the portal.
• The portal rapidly expands, enveloping the entire area in a flash. The heroes and their jet find themselves in a strange, Mars-like red desert.
• The team wonders if this is the cataclysmic event Rintrah had been predicting. Earth may have been destroyed, leaving only this alien world behind.
• Hobgoblin reappears on Lady Mastermind’s psychic radar. The team is relieved to be reunited but uncertain about their new surroundings.
• Rintrah uses his sorcerer’s sight to scan the dunes for the mysterious woman, but doesn’t spot her. The team resolves to find and stop her.
• The session ends on a cliffhanger, with the heroes stranded in an unfamiliar world and their foe on the loose. They speculate about what this means and how they can get back home.

The air was thick with tension in the private room at the Dragon’s Den. The Thunderbolts had gathered, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. Lady Mastermind, her telepathic powers primed, had been tasked with keeping tabs on Zola while the rest of the team proceeded with their mission.

Batroc the Leaper, fresh from his latest bout in the arena, stood among them. Despite the cheers and adulation, he sensed the audience’s underlying disappointment. Shaking it off, he expressed his desire to visit Lady Hurricane, a fellow fighter in need of a pep talk. Without hesitation, he made his way to her locker room, where he found her being berated by a group of Matroporian thugs. Lady Hurricane, defensive and defiant, argued her case, but Batroc intervened, challenging the thugs to face him instead.

As the tension mounted, Lady Hurricane admitted her inexperience and fear, confessing that she had underestimated the dangers of real combat. Batroc, ever the mentor, shared his own stories of defeat and resilience, recounting his encounters with Captain America. His words, filled with wisdom and encouragement, reignited Lady Hurricane’s spirit. Offering her a video series on martial arts, Batroc left the arena with renewed purpose, ready to join the rest of the team.

In the dimly lit alleyways behind the Dragon’s Den, Batroc reunited with Containment, Dual Core, and Rintrah. Their plan was set: head to the waterfront using a truck that Dual Core had prepared. Rintrah, despite his lack of a driver’s license, volunteered to drive, while Dual Core suggested programming the truck to drive itself. After a brief debate about seating arrangements and Rintrah’s ability to alter his size, they decided to disguise themselves as Hydra personnel using Rintrah’s magic.

With the illusion in place, the team, now appearing as a group of Hydra goons led by Batroc, set off. Lady Mastermind stayed behind, monitoring Zola telepathically to ensure he went to the wrong location. As they navigated through the slums towards the waterfront, the illusion held strong, making them look convincingly like Hydra operatives.

Arriving at a sketchy warehouse surrounded by reinforced fences, the team sensed the danger of an ambush. Hobgoblin, communicating through the psychic network, asked when to act. Activating his glider, he followed the truck from above, ready for action. The warehouse door opened to reveal a small group of armed individuals with high-tech energy weapons. After exchanging “Hail Hydra” greetings, the team drove inside.

The driver of the truck, stepping out dramatically, declared their intent to collect the merchandise. Rintrah, maintaining the sorcery-based illusion, faced suspicion from the guards. The team, under emotional stress, struggled to keep their facade. Rintrah blustered, attempting to maintain the illusion, but the scrutiny from the guards intensified.

In the tense standoff, Batroc, drawing on his “Honorable Mercenary” distinction, tried to smooth things over but failed, taking significant emotional stress. Dual Core also faltered, adding to the tension. The illusion spell began to fade as the group’s actions failed to align with their disguise. The guards, now on high alert, prepared to engage.

The situation escalated quickly as a mob of laser-wielding goons attacked, targeting Batroc. Despite his attempt to dodge, he took a severe hit. Dual Core, determined to turn the tide, attempted to hack into a laser gun but was met with resistance. Containment, in his new suit designed by Hobgoblin, unleashed a devastating plasma beam, incinerating a quarter of the mob.

Rintrah, using his amulet and mystical prowess, launched a powerful occult beam, reducing the enemy’s numbers further. The team pressed on, facing the relentless assault of the guards. As they fought, Hobgoblin took to the skies, pursuing a second truck. His strategic dive-bomb and use of an acid pumpkin bomb disabled the vehicle, demonstrating his tactical genius.

Meanwhile, Lady Mastermind, riding in a limousine with Zola and his bodyguards, sowed discord among them using her psychic powers. Her illusions created jealousy and distrust, complicating their cohesion. The limo sped towards the airport, but the Thunderbolts were ready. At the hangar, they set up an ambush, with Hobgoblin donning a HYDRA disguise and Rintrah casting additional illusions.

As Zola and his minions exited the vehicle, the Thunderbolts struck. Batroc, despite his injuries, executed a somersaulting axe kick, while Dual Core controlled a laser gun remotely, taking down enemies with precision. Containment’s plasma beams and Rintrah’s mystical attacks continued to decimate their foes.

In a final, desperate move, Zola took control of the limousine, only to be intercepted by Hobgoblin, who punched through the roof with superhuman strength. Lady Mastermind’s illusions of the Winter Soldier and Captain America further disoriented Zola, leading to his capture. With Zola incapacitated, the team secured the cloning tech and prepared for the next phase of their mission.

Reflecting on their success and the challenges ahead, the Thunderbolts regrouped, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead in their quest to thwart Zola’s nefarious plans.

• The group discusses how to handle Eren’s character, deciding she will keep tabs on Zola using her telepathy while the others proceed with their mission.
• Batroc the Leaper finishes his match and plans to hitch a ride with the group, who are still present in a private room.
• Batroc expresses a desire to visit Soroko or Lady Hurricane to give her a pep talk.
• Batroc receives adulation in the arena, though some disappointment is sensed from the audience.
• Batroc heads to Lady Hurricane’s locker room and finds her being reprimanded by Matroporian thugs for losing a fight.
• Lady Hurricane defends herself, saying she was at risk of having her neck broken.
• Batroc intervenes, taking responsibility for ruining the fight and challenging the thugs to face him instead.
• Lady Hurricane expresses her apprehension and inexperience in real fights, admitting she underestimated the danger.
• Batroc gives a motivational speech about perseverance, learning from defeats, and the harsh realities of their world.
• Batroc shares his own experiences of being defeated by Captain America but continuing to fight.
• Lady Hurricane is encouraged to keep fighting and learning from her losses.
• Batroc offers Lady Hurricane a video series on martial arts for a fee.
• Batroc leaves the arena to meet up with Containment, Dual Core, and Rintrah in the alleyways behind the Dragon’s Den nightclub.
• The group discusses their plan to head to the waterfront and use a truck set up by Dual Core.
• Rintrah, lacking a driver’s license, offers to drive the truck anyway, while Dual Core suggests programming the truck to drive itself.
• The group debates seating arrangements in the truck, considering Rintrah’s ability to change size.
• They plan to disguise themselves using Rintrah’s magic to appear as Hydra personnel.
• Rintrah casts a spell, creating an illusion that makes the group look like Hydra goons, with Batroc as the leader.
• The group prepares to approach their target location, relying on their disguises and Batroc’s persuasiveness.
• They discuss the possibility of using both psychic and digital cover-ups to ensure their plan’s success.
• The group departs, leaving Lady Mastermind to monitor Zola and ensure he goes to the wrong location.
• They drive through the Matterport slums towards the waterfront, planning their approach to the target location.
• Rintrah’s magic creates a convincing illusion, making the group resemble important Hydra personnel.
• Batroc is designated as the leader, with the others appearing as Hydra goons.
• The group prepares to execute their plan, confident in their disguises and abilities.
• The illusion is in place, and the group discusses its effectiveness, debating whether it appears alien enough.
• A character receives an XP for a decision related to the illusion.
• The group discusses the nature of the illusion, mentioning chlorine gas and avoiding sulfur to prevent a demonic appearance.
• Rintrah becomes uncomfortable with the conversation about the illusion and trails off.
• Rintrah mutters a joke about shaking more than three times, implying Hobgoblin would agree.
• The group arrives at a warehouse with a yard outside, surrounded by tall, reinforced fences, indicating a secure location.
• The GM describes the setting as sketchy and potentially dangerous for an ambush.
• The team questions if they are the only group hired for the job, noting they spent a week on the island without seeing anyone else.
• Hobgoblin, sitting in the back of the truck, communicates with the team through a psychic network, asking when to act.
• Hobgoblin activates his glider to follow the truck from above, ready to use it if needed.
• The team discusses whether Hobgoblin should stay with the crew or disable the truck to prevent Arnim Zola from retrieving the cloning gear.
• Rintrah believes Hobgoblin will do a good job, and the team plans for shock and awe tactics.
• The warehouse door opens, revealing a small group of armed individuals with high-tech energy weapons.
• A woman at the door inspects the truck and the driver, who fits the expected description.
• The team exchanges “Hail Hydra” greetings and drives into the warehouse, which contains large containers and crates.
• The driver exits the truck, dramatically removing gloves and declaring they have come for the merchandise.
• The team attempts to deceive the warehouse guards, with Rintrah rolling for a sorcery-based illusion.
• The GM and players discuss the mechanics of the roll, including the use of plot points and the potential outcomes.
• The illusion fails to create a credible disguise, leading to suspicion from the guards.
• The team faces emotional stress as the guards scrutinize their appearance and intentions.
• The GM models the situation as an emotional stress roll, with the team needing to maintain their facade.
• The team decides to press on, with Rintrah blustering to maintain the illusion and avoid detection.
• The GM prepares to roll for emotional stress against the team, potentially affecting their future interactions.
• The session begins with the group discussing their positions in a truck, with some characters in the back and others in the front.
• A small army of goons with big energy rifles scrutinizes the group, creating tension.
• Players begin constructing their dice pools for reactions and actions.
• Batroc the Leaper considers using his “Honorable Mercenary” distinction, debating whether it works for or against him.
• Batroc’s player discusses his power set, including “Master of Savate” (kicking and jumping) and “Perfected Physique” (strength, stamina, durability, reflexes).
• The group debates the applicability of Batroc’s powers, particularly reflexes and stamina, in the current situation.
• Batroc decides to use his “Honorable Mercenary” distinction at a D4 for a plot point.
• Batroc rolls a 10 on a D8, needing a 13 to succeed, and ultimately fails.
• Batroc takes D12 emotional stress due to the failure.
• Dual Core attempts to keep his cool using his “Risk Taker” distinction and mental resistance but also fails, taking D4 emotional stress.
• The illusion spell fades as the group fails to act in alignment with it.
• The GM introduces a mob of laser-wielding goons, described as a 3D8 mob.
• The goons attack, rolling two 1s and a 13 with a D4 effect, targeting Batroc.
• Batroc attempts to dodge using his “Master of Savate” and reflexes but fails, taking D12 physical stress.
• Batroc is not stressed out yet but is close to it.
• The turn is passed to Dual Core, who plans to rush up and grab a laser gun from one of the goons.
• The session ends with Dual Core preparing to create an asset for his next turn.
• Dual Core expresses a desire to study and hack the laser guns to shut them off.
• Discussion about the phrase “Hail Hydra” and its impact on believability.
• Mrs. Zona is mentioned in the context of team dynamics.
• A player mentions driving a truck themselves.
• Confusion about the phrase “Hail the Weather.”
• A player rolls dice, using Steel Team, Team Fight, Risk Taker, Enhanced Reflexes, and Combat Expert.
• The player rolls three D8s, resulting in a 19 with a D8 effect.
• Dual Core rolls a 16 with a D8 effect, resulting in a level of success difference.
• Discussion about purchasing opportunities and their benefits, such as free stunts or upgraded assets.
• A player decides to buy a step-up.
• Clarification on counter-attack SFX, allowing infliction of physical damage without winning.
• A player inflicts physical damage with a D10 effect die.
• Discussion on how damaging a mob works, reducing them to 2D8.
• A player resists with 2D8, resulting in a total of 13 with a D4 effect.
• Another player rolls a 19, resulting in an upgraded effect die to a D10 asset.
• Batroc decides to take the next action, planning an area attack.
• Batroc builds a dice pool, using Team situation, Living Weapon, and Step Up.
• Batroc describes an attack involving kicking a weapon to knock down an enemy on a catwalk.
• Clarification on area attacks and effect dice for mobs.
• Batroc rolls a total of 20 with 2D10 effect dice, taking out the rest of the enemies.
• Discussion about a mystery character and the arrival of more goons.
• Dual Core rolls a single die for perception, resulting in a 3 on a D8.
• More goons arrive, forming another 3D8 wave.
• Containment is chosen to take the next action.
• Rintrah hears the commotion and realizes there are more goons.
• Containment kicks open the back of the truck, revealing an 18-wheeler full of equipment.
• Containment’s new suit, designed by Hobgoblin, is described as orange with a yellow triangle and the word “containment.”
• Containment prepares for an attack, using Inhumanly Intimidating, Elemental Control, Plasma Dream, and Combat Expert.
• Containment rolls a total of 15 with a D10 effect.
• The goons roll a 10 with a D8 effect, resulting in Containment’s effect die being upgraded to a D12.
• Containment takes out a quarter of the mob, incinerating them with plasma beams.
• Containment decides to spend a plot point to upgrade a die for the next action.
• Containment considers who to pass the action to next, with options being Rintrah, the goon squad, or the mystery character.
• Rintrah grabs his amulet and bursts through the top of the trailer using his levitation.
• He hovers around the front, delivering a monologue about angering the gods and being the sorcerer’s second best.
• Rintrah uses a D4 plot point to overdo his performance, adding showmanship.
• He decides to use his blasting skill with an occult beam, despite it being a D8.
• Rintrah declares an area attack, adding a D6 for each target, resulting in 3D8 and 3D6.
• He uses his amulet to predict the enemies’ movements, assembling a dice pool.
• Rintrah rolls a 16 with a D8 and two D6s, beating the opponent by 5, upgrading the effect to a D10.
• The enemy group is reduced to a 2D8 group.
• The GM asks if Rintrah wants to spend a plot point to grab more dice, but he declines.
• The players discuss the next steps, with a mystery character being introduced who orders to “kill them.”
• Rintrah notices multiple green glowing dots and hears a voice from the shadows, revealing Doctor Octopus.
• Doctor Octopus appears with mechanical arms filled with green goo, grabbing a container and leaving via the roof.
• The goons, now leaderless, decide to attack Batroc the Leaper and others.
• The goons roll a 14 with a D6, targeting multiple characters including Doctor Octopus and Batroc.
• Doctor Octopus stages down the attack to a D4 physical stress.
• Batroc counters the attack, taking out the last goon shooting at him.
• The players discuss the situation, realizing Doctor Octopus has escaped with a container.
• Containment decides to nuke the roof to stop Doctor Octopus.
• Hobgoblin considers calling Spider-Man for help, joking about forming a new Sinister Six.
• The session ends with the players contemplating their next move and the humorous banter about Doctor Octopus.
• The session begins with a discussion about a character named Tiny and the mechanics of interacting with him.
• There is confusion and frustration among the players about how to properly address Tiny to get a response.
• The conversation shifts to a discussion about Dr. Octopus, who is present in the scene.
• Dual Core is asked to choose the next character to act, and they select Rintrah.
• Rintrah is unfamiliar with Dr. Octopus but notices his long arms and decides to create a magical portal to prevent him from escaping.
• Rintrah’s plan involves making the roof disappear to cause Dr. Octopus to fall back into the warehouse.
• The GM clarifies that Rintrah’s intent is to create a complication for Dr. Octopus rather than causing him physical harm.
• The players discuss the mechanics of creating complications and the benefits of doing so.
• Rintrah uses his magic to strip sheet metal off the roof and wrap Dr. Octopus in it, causing him to fall back into the warehouse.
• Dr. Octopus is now surrounded by the player characters inside the warehouse.
• The players discuss the history of Dr. Octopus, including his time as the Superior Spider-Man.
• Dr. Octopus acknowledges that the player characters have a greater claim to the spoils and sets down a crate.
• The crate is revealed to contain a cloning apparatus belonging to the Jackal.
• The players discuss the implications of the cloning apparatus and its potential uses.
• Dr. Octopus explains his interest in the cloning apparatus, citing his nemesis Spider-Man as the reason.
• The players debate whether to give the cloning apparatus to Dr. Octopus or keep it for themselves.
• Rintrah questions Dr. Octopus about his intentions and the potential consequences of his plans.
• Dr. Octopus insists that his plans are of universal importance and involve averting an extinction-level event.
• The session ends with the players considering their next steps and the potential impact of their decisions.
• The session begins with a discussion about magic tricks, with one character humorously pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
• The conversation shifts to Miles Warren’s equipment and the topic of cloning Spider-Man.
• A character clarifies their intent to create superior clones of Spider-Man, leading to a humorous exchange about the implications.
• The group discusses the genetic engrams and maturation fluid involved in the cloning process.
• Otto Octavius (Doc Ock) is mentioned, with a character noting his extensive knowledge in cloning Spider-Man.
• Some characters express discomfort with the idea of Spider-Man clones.
• Otto’s eyebrows raise as he realizes some group members are enemies of Spider-Man.
• A character recalls a past battle with Spider-Man, humorously noting it probably didn’t go well for them.
• The psychic network is mentioned, with a character asking if they can hear the conversation about cloning.
• The group discusses securing the cloning materials and the possibility of leaving the area.
• A character jokes about Rintrah jumping through the truck’s roof instead of using the door.
• Rintrah humorously explains that on his home planet, they don’t have doors.
• The group jokes about the Kool-Aid Man being a reverse vampire.
• The conversation shifts to planning the next steps, including a potential kidnapping.
• The group decides to load the crates onto their truck and head to the airplane.
• Otto Octavius is allowed to excuse himself, with the group noting he can likely escape his restraints.
• The group plans to haul the crates to the airplane off-panel.
• A character humorously complains about being injured and battered from the adventure.
• The group discusses taking a dinner break and what to order.
• They debate various food options, including sushi, Indian food, and Korean fried chicken.
• The group reminisces about their previous order of Korean fried chicken and decides to order it again.
• They discuss the quantity of food needed and the cost, eventually settling on a large order.
• The group jokes about tipping and the cost of delivery fees.
• The session ends with the group placing their food order and humorously discussing the delivery process.
• The group discusses various personal topics, including parenting challenges and humorous anecdotes.
• The conversation shifts to the game, with players waiting for dinner and discussing their current situation involving Dr. Octopus.
• The group jokes about the term “running a train” and its implications.
• They discuss the logistics of their game setup, including technical issues with streaming and connecting devices.
• The players mention their Thunderbolts campaign and the current mission involving cloning technology.
• Lady Mastermind and Hobgoblin are not present; Batroc, Dual Core, Rintrah, and Containment went to retrieve the cloning tech.
• Rintrah used an illusion to make the group look like Hydra agents, but it failed to convince the security, leading to a fight.
• The group successfully captured Dr. Octopus and secured the cloning tech.
• They discuss the next steps, including capturing Arnim Zola and dealing with the cloning tech.
• The group considers their options for transporting the tech and capturing Zola, debating whether to wait for reinforcements or proceed with their current team.
• Technical difficulties and humorous interruptions continue throughout the session.
• The group plans to drop off the cloning tech and then regroup to capture Zola, with some members suggesting disabling the truck to prevent complications.
• The team discusses their plan, with some members expressing doubts about having a solid plan.
• Batroc took significant damage from lasers in a previous encounter.
• The group debates the entourage with Arnim Zola, mentioning bioengineered beings and a character named Cutting Edge with a plasma sword.
• Hobgoblin prepares for an attack, using a pumpkin bomb to create smoke and confusion.
• Hobgoblin executes a complex attack, leveraging his Criminal Mastermind distinction and Green Goblin serum powers.
• Hobgoblin’s attack is successful, taking out multiple enemies and the truck driver, leaving the truck filled with unconscious goons.
• Hobgoblin notices a second truck driving away and decides to pursue it.
• Hobgoblin disables the second truck by sending his glider through the windshield, killing the driver.
• Lady Mastermind, Arnim Zola, and his bodyguards are in a limousine heading through Manhattan.
• Lady Mastermind contemplates sowing discord among Zola’s bodyguards to heal her emotional damage.
• The team discusses the potential complications and assets they can create for the upcoming encounter.
• Containment is mentioned as having lasered a significant number of enemies in a previous fight.
• The group jokes about Batroc’s resilience and his frequent encounters with Captain America.
• Lady Mastermind plans to create complications among Zola’s bodyguards to disrupt their cohesion.
• The team continues to strategize and prepare for their next actions, with some members considering their resources and potential plot points.
• Lady Mastermind discusses her abilities, specifically her mental illusions and psychic powers, and how they can be used in combination to add dice and step up effect dice.
• The GM confirms that Lady Mastermind can use all her special effects if they allow it, but she can’t use a power more than once.
• Hobgoblin mentions his success with his goblin thing and the potential consequences if he had failed, which would have added a D10 to the Doompool.
• Lady Mastermind decides to sow discord among the people in the limo with her.
• The limo contains Zola, Blitzkrieg, Cutting Edge, and Ryver.
• Lady Mastermind plans to use her powers to create jealousy and distrust among Zola, Blitzkrieg, and Cutting Edge.
• She describes how she will make it appear that Zola is favoring her, causing Blitzkrieg and Cutting Edge to feel threatened, while Zola will see his minions as disinterested and disrespectful.
• Lady Mastermind rolls to use her powers, using Solo, Unforgettable Beauty, her illusions with an area attack, and constructs, adding D6s and stepping up her effect die.
• She rolls a total of 48, 2d10, and 2d6, and decides not to use a plot point for a new plot point.
• She rolls a 17 with a D10 effect for all three targets.
• The GM buys one opportunity, upgrading a D6 in the Doompool to a D8.
• The Doompool is now 2D6 and 1D8.
• The GM rolls for Zola, who gets a 13, meaning Lady Mastermind beats him by 5, giving him a D10 complication.
• Lady Mastermind also beats Blitzkrieg and Cutting Edge, giving them D10 complications as well.
• The limo proceeds to the airport, where Lady Mastermind has set up an ambush.
• The rest of the team, including Hobgoblin, Batroc, Dual Core, Containment, and Rintrah, arrive at the hangar before Zola and his minions.
• The team discusses how to restrain Zola and decides to set up an ambush, with Hobgoblin using a HYDRA costume as a disguise.
• Rintrah attempts to create illusions to make the team look like HYDRA soldiers but rolls poorly, resulting in a D6 complication for him.
• The limousine arrives at the hangar, and Zola, Blitzkrieg, and Cutting Edge exit the vehicle, ready for confrontation.
• The session begins with the group discussing who should act first, with Batroc opting out due to previous self-inflicted harm.
• Hobgoblin suggests throwing explosives everywhere, indicating the cover is blown.
• Lady Mastermind offers to create a mental illusion to mitigate the situation, but there’s concern it might not be timely.
• The group discusses the appearance of Hydra uniforms, with Rintrah humorously noting his lack of fashion expertise.
• Hobgoblin decides to create a scene distinction using his pumpkin bombs, aiming to fill the area with smoke and flashing lights.
• The team debates the appropriate die for the pumpkin bombs, settling on a D10 for the scene distinction.
• Hobgoblin rolls for the scene distinction, resulting in an 11 with 2d8 and 2d6, but faces complications with two 1s.
• The GM buys the opportunities, adding dice to the Doom Pool.
• The enemies see through the smoke, realizing something is wrong and suspecting each other before acting together.
• Containment is chosen to act next, preparing to use his plasma beam.
• Containment rolls an 18 with a D10 effect, successfully hitting the target and causing significant damage.
• Dual Core is up next, using his computer skills to control a laser gun remotely.
• Dual Core rolls a 20 with a D8 effect, successfully hitting the woman with pistols, causing her to cartwheel backwards.
• Batroc is chosen to act next, planning to follow up on Blitzkrieg’s fall with a somersaulting axe kick.
• The session begins with a player preparing their dice pool, using distinctions, features, and combat mastery.
• The player decides to use “Push the Limits,” trading two d8s for a d10, resulting in a roll of 16 on a d10.
• Batroc the Leaper is seen flying through the air, attempting a kick-block.
• The GM spends resources to counter the player’s action, resulting in a 17.
• Batroc is hit with a d8 effect, causing physical stress.
• Batroc is shot by a machine pistol, leading to a humorous exchange about being shot.
• Batroc is stressed out and receives a d6 of physical trauma, described as a gunshot wound.
• The player discusses the possibility of spending a plot point to act despite being stressed out.
• The scene shifts to another character who shoots Batroc out of the air and targets Hobgoblin’s glider, attempting to create a “No Flight” complication.
• Hobgoblin rolls to avoid the complication, using team, egotistical, enhanced reflexes, and combat skills.
• Hobgoblin successfully counters the attack with a roll of 20 and a d10 effect, resulting in a d12 counterattack.
• Hobgoblin deflects bullets with his glider, causing them to ricochet and stress out the attacker.
• Arnim Zola grabs the driver of a limousine and throws him out, taking control of the vehicle.
• Lady Mastermind is still in the back of the limousine, contemplating her next move.
• Rintrah attempts to create a brick wall to block the limousine but fails, allowing the vehicle to escape.
• Lady Mastermind decides to inflict emotional stress on Arnim Zola by making him relive traumatic memories.
• Lady Mastermind rolls solo, using Stranger to the Truth, illusion magic, telepathy, and psych mastery.
• Lady Mastermind successfully inflicts 10 mental stress on Arnim Zola, causing him to recognize her.
• Cutting Edge, another antagonist, leaps out of debris with a plasma sword, targeting a player character.
• The player character attempts to shoot Cutting Edge out of the air, using enhanced reflexes.
• The player rolls an 18 with a d8 effect, successfully countering Cutting Edge’s attack and stressing him out.
• The session ends with the GM noting the end of the round and Dual Core taking the last action.
• Arnim Zola drives the limousine aggressively, making a wide turn and speeding away from the warehouse.
• Lady Mastermind threatens Zola, saying she will release gas if he doesn’t comply.
• Hobgoblin takes to the air on his glider, chasing the limousine.
• Hobgoblin attempts to disable the vehicle by dive-bombing it and using his super strength to punch through the roof.
• Hobgoblin uses an acid pumpkin bomb to weaken the roof before punching through it.
• Hobgoblin rolls dice for his attack, including his mental stress die.
• Hobgoblin successfully punches through the roof, causing significant physical stress to Zola.
• Zola’s robotic body is damaged, and the limousine spins off into a ditch.
• Lady Mastermind creates an illusion of the Winter Soldier in Captain America garb to psychically attack Zola.
• Lady Mastermind rolls dice for her psychic attack, including Zola’s mental stress die.
• Lady Mastermind’s attack is successful, causing d12 mental damage to Zola.
• Zola releases the wheel of the vehicle, confused by the illusion of Hobgoblin and Captain America.
• Rintrah, the Minotaur of Magic, flies over to the limousine and uses an occult beam to attack Zola.
• Rintrah rolls dice for his attack, including a d8 for stunting his power.
• Rintrah’s attack is successful, causing d12 physical damage to Zola.
• Zola is sprawled out over the wheel, his head camera destroyed.
• Hobgoblin picks up Zola and throws him over his shoulder.
• Lady Mastermind mixes a drink in the back of the limo and grabs a cigar.
• The team discusses their next steps and the equipment they have obtained.
• Containment adjusts his emitters to cut off Zola’s limbs and sensory inputs.
• Dual Core is asked to hack into the equipment to figure out its purpose.
• The team remembers Batroc and provides him with medical attention.
• Dual Core hacks into the computerized locks of the crates, finding human-sized pods with DNA profiles.
• The DNA profiles belong to Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker.
• The team discusses the significance of the DNA profiles and their potential use for cloning.
• The AI correlates that Peter Parker is a photographer with unusual access to Spider-Man.
• The team realizes that Peter Parker likely has superhuman powers.
• The team decides to erase the Spider-Man-related data from the equipment.
• The group discusses Peter Parker and the possibility of a clone with superpowers.
• They speculate on the control and purpose of these clones, particularly in relation to Spider-Man.
• A plan is suggested to replace certain individuals with Batroc and a redhead, possibly Mary Jane or Madeline Pryor.
• Roderick is mentioned as being obsessed with Spider-Man, indicating a plot against him.
• The group decides to mess with those who stole their money and clear their memory.
• They debate whether the target is the machine or its content, considering the data’s leverage.
• Dual Core, Containment, and Lady Mastermind discuss hacking into Zola’s brain.
• The group confirms the reason for wanting Zola is his cloning technology.
• They speculate on who might want to clone Spider-Man’s friends and ex-lovers, suspecting Norman Osborn.
• A plan is made to search their employer’s database for connections to Spider-Man, Peter Parker, Osborn, or Stacey.
• A dice pool is assembled for the search, with aid from another character’s Spider-Man knowledge.
• The search is successful, revealing no specific interest in Spider-Man but a focus on cloning technology.
• The group decides to copy and delete the memory, planning to give it to Doc Ock in exchange for something valuable.
• They joke about a Sinister Six white elephant gift exchange.
• Dual Core asks for XP for uncovering data about their employer.
• The group discusses the potential of Doc Ock as an ally and the XP cost for such a resource.
• They plan to regroup on the island to recuperate from stress and trauma.
• Donovan hints at another operation in West Virginia with strange occurrences.
• The group discusses upcoming game sessions and potential dates.
• They reflect on the session, noting the new parts of the game they explored.
• The Doom pool and plot points are reset for the next session.
• The group reviews experience point (XP) spending options, including switching affiliations, replacing limits, and unlocking resources.
• They note the potential for recurring enemies to provide additional XP.
• Discussion about challenging someone who has defeated a character in the past to gain experience points.
• Mention of Captain America as a potential opponent to challenge and quickly lose to for experience points.
• Conversation shifts to rosin dice, mentioning their availability on Amazon and their use in gameplay.
• Health drops and damage mechanics are briefly discussed.
• A player expresses their love for Spider-Man.
• Mention of owing money to someone not part of the Sinister Six.
• Listing of various members of the Sinister Six, including Kraven the Hunter, Doc Ock, Mysterio, Elektra, Sandman, Green Goblin, Venom, Vulture, Hobgoblin, Shocker, Lizard, Black Cat, Carnage, and others.
• Clarification that Abner Jenkins is the Beetle, not the Tinkerer or Rhino.
• Mention of Quentin Black as Electro and Harry Osborn.
• Discussion about Kingpin being part of the Sinister Six and how it feels like a step down.
• Mention of other villains like Scorpion, Boomerang, and Adrian Jones.
• Clarification that Boomerang is a character from Marvel, not to be confused with Captain Boomerang from DC.
• Discussion about Boomerang’s background, including his real name Fred Wilkins and his origin from New Jersey.
• Mention of the animated Spider-Man series and a South African villain who throws boomerangs.
• Reference to Djibouti dubs and a humorous episode involving a South African villain and Spider-Man.
• Mention of a ridiculous plot involving blackmail and a hypnotizing statue.
• Discussion about Walrus Man, a character with the proportional speed and strength of a walrus, and a humorous encounter with Spider-Man.
• Mention of the Thunderbolts campaign being set in a generic city, possibly Kansas City.
• Reference to the original Flash being in Keystone City and the Twin Cities concept.
• Mention of Reverse Flash and an episode from Justice League Unlimited.
• Discussion about the Justice League villains and their humorous interactions with the Flash.
• Mention of the Justice League Unlimited series and its focus on third-tier characters.
• Praise for episodes featuring the Question, played by Jeffrey Coombs, and Booster Gold.
• Mention of Booster Gold being mistaken for Green Lantern and his background as a character from the future trying to be famous.
• Closing remark about the session and a player demonstrating they lived up to their creed.

In this thrilling Thunderbolts roleplaying session, the team finds themselves in the heart of Madripoor, a city known for its criminal underbelly and shady dealings. Lady Mastermind, Hobgoblin, Dual Core, Containment, and Batroc the Leaper have gathered to review their assets and resources before embarking on a dangerous mission with two primary objectives: stealing valuable cloning equipment from an underground auction and kidnapping the notorious Arnim Zola, a brilliant but twisted scientist who will be attending the event.

To set their plan in motion, Lady Mastermind and Dual Core combine their skills to create a fake dating profile, intending to lure Zola into a trap. Their efforts prove successful, and Lady Mastermind arranges a date with the unsuspecting Zola at the lush Madripoor Arboretum. During their encounter, Zola tests Lady Mastermind’s scientific knowledge, harboring suspicions that he may be walking into a trap. However, using her telepathic abilities, Lady Mastermind plucks the answers from Zola’s own mind, impressing him with her apparent expertise and gaining his trust.

As the date unfolds, Rintrah, disguised as a Hydra goon, takes one of Zola’s henchmen by surprise and uses his sorcery to transform the unsuspecting goon into a rat. With one of Zola’s underlings neutralized, the Thunderbolts shift their focus to the upcoming auction at the Dragon’s Den arena.

Batroc the Leaper prepares for a showcase fight against Lady Hurricane, a villain with powerful wind manipulation abilities. Unbeknownst to his opponent, Rintrah discreetly uses his magic to grant Batroc an advantage in the form of a plasma disruptor, designed to disrupt Lady Hurricane’s control over the winds. Meanwhile, Hobgoblin, also disguised as a Hydra goon, mingles with Zola’s security detail, gathering valuable intelligence on the various superpowered individuals in the mad scientist’s employ, including the likes of Blitzkrieg, Slice, Cutting Edge, and Psychon.

As the auction begins, Lady Mastermind employs her telepathic powers to locate the Broker, the mysterious figure orchestrating the event from a remote location. Dual Core, using his technopathic abilities, traces the Broker’s digital connections, uncovering crucial information about the location of Zola’s cloning equipment—a heavily guarded warehouse near the waterfront.

Inside the arena, Batroc faces off against Lady Hurricane, engaging in a dazzling display of acrobatic prowess and witty banter. Thanks to Rintrah’s magical assistance and his own skills, Batroc makes quick work of his opponent, ending the fight with a flurry of kicks and a graceful bow.

Meanwhile, Zola gloats to Lady Mastermind about his extensive connections to various criminal organizations, name-dropping the likes of AIM, Maggia, and the Zodiac Cartel, all vying for his brilliant inventions. However, Lady Mastermind senses that Zola is secretly taking control of the Broker’s mind, manipulating the auction from behind the scenes. Acting quickly, she uses her telepathy to alter the drop location for the cloning equipment, sending Hobgoblin’s truck to the wrong address in an attempt to foil Zola’s plans.

As the session draws to a close, the Thunderbolts regroup to discuss their next moves. With the knowledge of the cloning technology’s location and the pressing need to intercept it before Zola can retrieve it, the team prepares to launch an attack on the armored truck transporting the equipment. Rintrah uses his mystical abilities to divine potential outcomes, sensing both opportunity and chaos in the challenges that lie ahead. Containment analyzes the terrain, identifying environmental hazards that could be used to their advantage, while Lady Mastermind prepares to infiltrate Zola’s ranks by disguising herself as one of his android minions.

United in their resolve and ready to face whatever obstacles come their way, the Thunderbolts stand together, determined to see their mission through to the end. As Hobgoblin cackles with anticipation, the team braces themselves for a wild and unpredictable ride, eager to show the criminal underworld what the Thunderbolts are truly made of.

• The group discusses various character assets and resources, including:
  • Knowledge of the Future Asset, which was extended
  • Bloodthirsty Crown, which they are done with
  • Trump Superfan, which is now an actual resource
  • Dragonborn distinction
  • Dragon’s Den having good computer security, which is a distinction
  • Trying to create original characters rather than using copyrighted Marvel characters
• The group recaps their previous session, where they had arrived in the city of Matterport to investigate a broker’s auction.
• Hobgoblin had contacted a criminal connection named Maurice, who was an art dealer, about getting information on the auction.
• A large green minotaur character, Rintrah the Master of Mystic Arts, unexpectedly arrived and the group took it in stride.
• Batroc the Leaper was hired to “wrangle” the minotaur character.
• The group was able to infiltrate the Dragon’s Den, a high-end martial arts arena, and discover that the auction was happening the next night, but they were not actually invited.
• Batroc was invited back to the Dragon’s Den to participate in the entertainment for the auction.
• Rintrah arrives and expresses needing the group’s help to prevent a great evil from obtaining power that could unravel reality.
• The group discusses recovery and healing mechanics, including:
  • Heroes’ stress stepping back by one at the start of a transition scene
  • Only being able to attempt to recover a specific type of stress once per transition
  • Using plot points and assists to help with recovery
  • Rintrah offering to use his mystic powers to try and heal the group
  • Hobgoblin wanting to create a “crime expert” resource to help with an upcoming heist
• The group is discussing the mechanics of removing a “reducing complication” - this involves a test against a dice pool consisting of the complication and a base difficulty of 2 DA. The Doompool option makes this more difficult.
• They are in a “back-alley massage program” that is a front for a “street doc” using a combination of experimental drugs and mysticism. The treatments provide a temporary boost but also some negative side effects.
• Hobgoblin’s physical stress has been a “rollercoaster” due to the experimental treatments. He is considering taking a D6 instead of the negative effect.
• The group plans to leave their VIP viewing room while Batroc is fighting, sneak into the auction area, find the lot they need to steal, and transport it out using a truck resource that Hobgoblin creates through his criminal contacts.
• The group discusses potential “minor and major adventure unlockables” they could earn through spending XP. Ideas include being able to call on Taskmaster for assistance, and gaining increased trust/access with their mysterious employer.
• Hobgoblin spends 5 XP to unlock the first tier of increased trust with their employer, which provides a D6 resource representing their improved standing.
• Dual Core creates an additional resource representing his knowledge of the venue’s security system, which he covertly shares with the Thunderbolts organization.
• The scene transitions to the next morning, with the group gathered in a kitchen suite. Agent Donovan arrives and seems to be reviewing information on her laptop, noting the group has an “extra guest” - Rintrah the minotaur.
• Matthew Mentor, a new member, has joined the group. The players discuss having to pay him now that he’s part of the team.
• Claire enters the room looking anxious, saying the company is going to downsize. Batroc the Leaper angrily responds that no one downsizes him.
• Claire informs the group they have a new objective in addition to their existing one. There is intelligence that representatives from Hydra, a Nazi-affiliated terrorist group, will be attending an upcoming auction.
• The group is tasked with infiltrating the auction and gathering intel on Hydra’s activities, specifically regarding a cloning expert named Arnim Zola who is expected to be there.
• Zola is a brilliant Nazi scientist who has transferred his mind into a robotic body. The group discusses ways to capture or manipulate Zola, with Lady Mastermind suggesting she could make him believe they are part of Hydra.
• There is debate over whether to prioritize capturing Zola or securing the cloning equipment he is likely there to purchase. The group decides both objectives are important.
• Dual Core is pulled aside and asked if he can sabotage the cloning equipment to prevent it from being used to clone Spider-Man, which the group seems to want to avoid.
• The conversation begins with references to past team-ups between Spider-Man and Deadpool, as well as Wolverine and Deadpool. There are mentions of humorous incidents where Deadpool would not stop talking, and Wolverine would violently retaliate.
• The group then shifts their focus to discussing the recent Suicide Squad movie and video game, which were poorly received. They note that the game seemed to be trying to cater to too many market niches rather than focusing on being a good game.
• The group decides to investigate the Regalia Hotel, where they believe the villain Arnim Zola is staying. Lady Mastermind uses her illusion powers to disguise herself in green attire, hoping to pass as a HYDRA agent to gain information from the hotel concierge.
• Through telepathic communication, Lady Mastermind is able to discern that Zola is staying in the penthouse suite. The group decides to try and infiltrate the penthouse, with Batroc the Leaper offering to acrobatically leap up to the window.
• Dual Core offers to provide the group with electrician disguises to gain access to the penthouse through the elevator. However, when Lady Mastermind attempts to hack the hotel’s security, she is unable to override the advanced systems in the allotted time.
• The group is able to access the hotel’s security cameras, allowing them to observe the interior of the penthouse suite where Zola is staying.
• The group estimates there are 10-15 Hydra goons in the building, in addition to Zola who is easily recognizable.
• There are several other individuals present who are not in Hydra uniforms, but rather appear to be in costumes or have cybernetic enhancements:
  • A woman with numerous guns strapped to her, including one with a suppressor and one without
  • A man with a cybernetic arm and a high-tech looking blade
  • A person in a full face mask crackling with energy
  • A man leaning over a laptop who also has some cybernetics, possibly laser beams or things popping out of his fingers
• The group discusses the possibility of Dual Core using facial recognition or criminal database searches to try to identify these individuals.
• Dual Core attempts to hack into criminal databases, which triggers an alert to Zola, who reacts angrily upon seeing the group’s video feed.
• The group is able to quickly skim through files Dual Core accessed, learning that these four individuals were created by Arnim Zola and serve as his personal security. Specifically, they learn that the woman called Blitzkrieg has enhanced speed and reflexes.
• The group now has two plot points after the Watcher buys their opportunities.
• Cutting Edge is a character with a cybernetic arm who is described as “edgy”
• Energy Blade uses alien technology
• There is a character with a full face mask who seems to be psychic
• There is a heavily modified cyborg character who can interface with machines, similar to but different from Dual Core
• Lady Mastermind is interested in using a dating app called “Evil Tinder” or “Evil-tinderism” to connect with the cyborg character
• The group discusses creating a dating profile for Lady Mastermind to match with the cyborg, potentially using it to plant a virus or complication on his systems
• Lady Mastermind asks Dual Core for help setting up the dating profile to make it look more convincing
• Dual Core has knowledge of the Marvel universe and provides some background on the cyborg character, including that he has a history of dating blonde, blue-eyed women
• The group discusses the risks and potential downsides of Lady Mastermind trying to date the cyborg villain
• Lady Mastermind makes a successful roll to create an asset or advantage related to the dating profile, with a high effect die
• The group discusses what kind of profile and persona Lady Mastermind should portray on the dating app to appeal to the cyborg character
• Lady Mastermind plans to portray herself as more intelligent and cultured than she actually is, in order to appeal to the target’s own intellect and sensibilities. She intends to play up her Aryan appearance and heritage, knowing the target’s Nazi background.
• Lady Mastermind aims to come across as generically superior and intellectually gifted, in order to gain the target’s interest and trust.
• Dual Core’s previous attempt to influence the target did not go well, resulting in a low roll. Lady Mastermind decides to spend a Plot Point to make the complication from Dual Core’s failed attempt last until the end of the next action scene.
• The group discusses the nature of their employers, who seem to want a cloning machine or robot, but may not be affiliated with Hydra despite the target’s Nazi ties. They decide it’s best not to think too deeply about the motivations of their shadowy employers.
• The group plans to either kidnap the target at the Arboretum or have Lady Mastermind go on a date with him, with the rest of the group lurking nearby to intervene if needed. They discuss the logistics of separating the target from his security detail and potentially switching him out with an illusion.
• There is some debate over whether to attempt the kidnapping at the Arboretum or wait for a better opportunity, as kidnapping him there may compromise their ability to gain his trust through the date.
• Hobgoblin proposes an “all-in-one” plan to steal everything at once, including kidnapping and cloning Zola.
• Lady Mastermind likes the idea of infiltrating as a Zola impersonator to get intel before the operation.
• The group discusses the logistics of the Arboretum kidnapping plan vs. trying to pull off everything at once. They decide the kidnapping is the better option to avoid too much heat.
• Dual Core offers to help Lady Mastermind translate Zola’s scientific ramblings about the esoteric plant life in the Arboretum.
• Lady Mastermind uses her telepathic powers to read Zola’s mind and get a sense of the answers he’s looking for, while also using her powers to appear more interested and engaged than she actually is.
• Zola demonstrates his superior scientific knowledge, rolling a 19 with a d8 effect, thoroughly “sciencing the shit” out of Lady Mastermind.
• Lady Mastermind uses her powers to create an asset that makes Zola like her more, adding a d6 to her roll. She is able to get a total of 19 with a d10 effect, tying Zola.
• Since the player making the attack (Lady Mastermind) has the higher effect die, she is able to step down Zola’s effect die from a d8 to a d6, representing her overstating her interest rather than being a complete fraud.
• Lady Mastermind is being questioned and belittled by Arnim Zola, who is being emotionally abusive towards her. Despite Containment feeding her information, Zola is suspicious and condescending.
• Lady Mastermind decides to try and turn the situation to her advantage by acknowledging Zola’s superior knowledge, hoping to create a rapport with him.
• Dual Core attempts to interfere by hacking into Zola’s suit and causing one of the servos in his arm to malfunction, creating a complication that could help Lady Mastermind.
• The group observes the interaction, with Rintrah’s psychic/emotional reactions starting to bleed through and affect the interface.
• Lady Mastermind spends a plot point to establish an asset, using her emotional stress to her advantage and making Zola think he has her under his control, when in reality she is manipulating the situation.
• Rintrah considers using his sorcery powers to turn Zola into a rat, either by making him collapse or through a quick costume change to avoid drawing attention.
• Hobgoblin, who is disguised as a Hydra agent, observes the situation and considers causing further chaos, potentially using a rat with an earpiece to disrupt things.
• There is discussion about the group’s various abilities, including Rintrah’s sorcery powers, Dual Core’s hacking, and Hobgoblin’s criminal mastermind skills.
• Lady Mastermind is preparing for a private event in Madripoor, coordinating with Dual Core to get her a hotel room.
• She asks Dual Core to have Donovan arrange a room for her at the Chive Hotel, room 1742, for 9:30 PM.
• Lady Mastermind discusses her outfit for the event, wanting to wear something green like the Grinch, but Hobgoblin suggests she wear black with red accents instead.
• The group discusses their plan to steal Zola’s cloning technology at the event. The plan involves Lady Mastermind mind-controlling Zola to hand over the tech, while the others go a separate way to avoid detection.
• There is concern that Batroc the Leaper may get knocked out during the confrontation, so the group considers backup plans in case things go wrong.
• The group decides to just “fail” at stealing the tech, and see what Zola and his forces do next, potentially stealing a hydroplane to escape.
• Lady Mastermind shows off an expensive-looking green dress and emerald necklace she has acquired.
• The group prepares to head to the arena where the event is taking place, with Batroc the Leaper set to fight someone called Soroka, who is described as a wind-powered adversary.
• Dual Core searches the web and other data sources to find information on a character named Soroko, who is described as an American woman with the secret identity of Patricia Ava Sharper.
• Ava Sharper was previously a stunt woman in Hollywood, California. During the filming of a sequel to the movie “Tornado”, she was involved in an accident with weather manipulation machinery on set that gave her wind manipulation powers.
• Due to the disaster, the movie was never completed. Ava has been trying to leverage her wind powers to make money through super-powered MMA fighting.
• The group discusses Ava’s abilities, which include limited flight and powerful wind blasts capable of knocking down small structures.
• They mention that Tony Masters (Taskmaster) will be at the MMA event to watch Ava’s fight, and that he will likely be interested in recruiting her.
• The group is picked up by a man named Mr. Zola, who works for an unnamed individual requesting their presence. Mr. Zola seems to have canceled a date for one of the characters, much to their distress.
• The group then transitions to discussing Roderick, the Hobgoblin minion, and his cohorts, who are tasked with acquiring a location and transporting it to the airport.
• There is discussion about using plot points and distinctions to enhance abilities during the upcoming events.
• The group arrives at the VIP area of the MMA event, where they will wait until it’s time for Ava’s fight, which has been renamed to “Lady Hurra-Cane” for the event.
• The Thunderbolts team is referred to as the “Loserbolts” or “Worsh” by the group.
• Autumn Zola is in a VIP booth at the Dragon’s Den, dressed elegantly in a green dress with gold jewelry.
• Zola comments that Hobgoblin did not help Autumn get dressed. Autumn thanks him for the compliment on her appearance.
• Zola gestures to the brutal fight happening in the arena below, saying an even more strategic battle is to come.
• Zola projects Toby Jones’ face on the screen on his chest, which Autumn finds amusing.
• Batroc the Leaper is preparing to fight Lady Hurricane (formerly Lady Mastermind) and is seeking help from Taskmaster, who has fought Captain America before.
• Taskmaster offers advice to Batroc on how to counter Lady Hurricane’s wind powers, suggesting tricks with sand and goggles.
• Containment (Dual Core) attempts to use clairvoyance and sorcery to gain an advantage for Batroc in the upcoming fight, rolling a successful 18 on the dice pool.
• Containment creates an asset for Batroc, configuring a plasma capsule that can disrupt Lady Hurricane’s wind attacks.
• The Thunderbolts team is waiting in the back of a truck, discussing their situation and whether they should be “euthanized” given their status as villains.
• Hobgoblin is with a group of Hydra goons in the back of the truck, unsupervised.
• The group is discussing the various members of the Thunderbolts team they are facing, including Blitzkrieg, Slice, Cutting Edge, Psychana, Psychon, and Master. They are assessing the capabilities and threat levels of each member.
• Containment is using their psychic abilities to feed intel back to the rest of the team about the Thunderbolts’ powers and weaknesses. They position themselves behind Slice, who is driving the truck, in preparation for an attack.
• The group discusses setting up explosives or smoke bombs in the truck, but decide to wait for the right moment to strike. For now, Containment is gathering information from the chatty Thunderbolts members.
• An underground fighting event is mentioned, with a match between Batroc the Leaper and a woman with wind powers. Batroc is preparing to enter the arena, with the group providing him gear and encouragement.
• The fight begins, with the woman summoning tornadoes. Batroc engages her with acrobatic moves, taunting her about the semantics of her “hurricane” powers. The fight escalates quickly, with the woman unleashing lightning bolts.
• The group discusses the capabilities of other Marvel characters like Bishop, Gambit, and Sebastian Shaw, noting their powers and vulnerabilities.
• Towards the end, the group seems to be experiencing some technical difficulties or disconnection issues, with references to a phone call and needing to “grab a bad connection.”
• Lady Mastermind is dating a supervillain who is abusive, but she claims she is “taking one for the team” and plans to kidnap him after their date.
• Batroc the Leaper is engaged in a battle with a new supervillain called Lady Hurricane, who has wind control powers. Batroc uses his enhanced reflexes and acrobatic mastery to evade her tornado attack.
• Containment observes the fight but does not intervene, instead trying to gather information by contacting Hobgoblin through their communication earpiece.
• Lady Mastermind uses her psychic abilities to try and locate the minds of the “Brokers” running the auction, eventually determining there are 8 parties participating remotely.
• The group seems to be planning some kind of heist or operation related to the auction and the items being sold, including a cloning device.
• There are technical issues with the video feed and camera, which the group tries to work around.
• The group appears to be a mix of heroes and villains working together, with some tension and mistrust between them.
• Lady Mastermind is able to access the Broker’s network and find information about where they are storing various materials and equipment, including the cloning equipment which is being kept in a warehouse near the waterfront.
• Lady Mastermind decides to take an extended asset to represent the detailed information she has gathered about the location and security of the cloning equipment. She plans to potentially use this information later to try to reroute the equipment.
• Lady Mastermind shares the location information with the rest of the group, but does not go into specifics about the security.
• There is discussion about whether Lady Mastermind’s magic abilities, which are focused on illusion and manipulating fate, could be used to subtly disrupt or complicate things for their opponent, Batroc the Leaper.
• Lady Mastermind decides to use her Mystic Master distinction to gain a plot point, and then uses her Psych Expert power along with the “Destined to Fail” complication she created to try to inflict emotional stress on Batroc.
• Lady Mastermind’s plan works, and Batroc becomes flustered and forfeits the fight, much to the surprise of the other characters.
• Afterwards, Zola arrives and demands a DNA sample from Lady Mastermind, which he is able to obtain through a retractable needle device.
• The group discusses the various criminal organizations represented in the Broker’s network, including Hydra, AIM, the Maggia, and the Zodiac Circle.
• The group is discussing the plan to intercept a delivery of equipment/supplies that the Broker is arranging for Zola.
• Dual Core has been able to access the Broker’s mind and change the delivery location without the Broker’s knowledge.
• Hobgoblin will now be heading to the wrong location to intercept the delivery, while the rest of the group goes to the actual location.
• There is discussion about how to best disrupt the delivery - Containment suggests having the Broker’s mind altered to provide a different address, which Dual Core is able to do.
• Batroc the Leaper plans to use a powerful area-of-effect attack involving smoke to take out multiple targets at the delivery location.
• The group wraps up the session, with plans to continue the storyline next time. There is some discussion about scheduling the next session.
• The GM notes that Batroc’s multi-target attack has risks due to the high number of dice involved and the need to assign effect dice to each target.
• Overall, the group has successfully intercepted the Broker’s plans and is now poised to disrupt the delivery of the equipment/supplies to Zola.

On a tropical island in the Pacific, a group of super-powered individuals found themselves drawn together by a mysterious woman named Claire Donovan. Lady Mastermind, Hobgoblin, DualCore, and Containment, each with their own unique abilities and troubled pasts, arrived at the island’s impressive scientific facilities, greeted by a skeleton crew of staff wearing yellow hazmat suits bearing the logo of AIM - Advanced Idea Mechanics.

Their mission, as outlined by Donovan, was to act as a secret Thunderbolts team, operating in the shadows as super-powered vigilantes were currently outlawed. Their first task: infiltrate an auction in Madripoor held by the enigmatic figure known as “The Broker” and obtain cloning equipment previously owned by the villainous Jackal.

As the team split up, with Hobgoblin and Lady Mastermind arriving in Madripoor openly while Containment and DualCore were inserted covertly, another figure entered the scene. Batroc the Leaper, a mercenary of great skill and a unique sense of honor, found himself recruited by a mysterious contact claiming to represent AIM. Offered a leadership role over a newly formed powered team already in the field, Batroc accepted, enticed by the promise of steady work - a rarity in his line of business.

In Madripoor, threads of fate began to intertwine as Rintrah, a minotaur-like sorcerer and protégé of the Sorcerer Supreme, followed mystical visions to the city. Seeking individuals who would be key to a coming battle that threatened the very fabric of reality, Rintrah’s path crossed with the Thunderbolts at a seedy pub called The Fox and Hounds.

Tensions ran high as the group, now including Rintrah, tried to extract information about the Broker’s auction from a reluctant gunrunner named Niles Nielsen. With a mix of illusion, telepathy, and cold hard cash, they learned that the Dragon’s Den, an underground fighting pit, served as a front for the Broker’s business dealings.

Arriving at the Dragon’s Den, Batroc’s reputation preceded him, gaining the group entry into the VIP section. There, amidst the well-dressed elites, they encountered Taskmaster, a rival of Batroc’s with the uncanny ability to perfectly mimic any fighting style he observed. A challenge was issued, and the stage was set for a clash of titans in the arena below.

As Batroc prepared, Rintrah used his mystical abilities to provide a glimpse of the future, revealing a path to victory. DualCore, meanwhile, used his technological prowess to hack into the arena’s systems, manipulating the betting and video feeds to their advantage.

In the arena, Batroc and Taskmaster engaged in a brutal dance, trading blows and taunts. Enhanced by Lady Mastermind’s illusions and Rintrah’s visions, Batroc gained the upper hand, defeating his foe in a display of raw skill and power that left the crowd stunned.

With the arena in chaos, the group used the distraction to further their plans, securing an invitation to the Broker’s auction and maintaining their backdoor access to the arena’s systems. As they regrouped to plan their next move, one thing was clear: in the shadows of Madripoor, a new force had arisen, one that would stop at nothing to complete their mission and unravel the mysteries that bound them together.

• The group discusses creating resources in the previous session. Some characters created items like a bug out bed, bedding, and a worm for a surveillance system. One character made another character dislike them more.
• Four characters (Hobgoblin, Lady Mastermind, Containment, and DualCore) were approached by a mysterious woman named Claire Donovan and offered money and resources to accomplish their goals.
• The characters arrived one by one to a tropical island with impressive scientific facilities and mostly empty dormitories. There seems to be a skeleton crew staff.
• The scientists on the island don’t seem to be mentally blocked like Ms. Donovan and her senior staff. They appear to be using AIM (Advanced Idea Mechanics) tech and wearing yellow hazmat suits, but not the full beekeeper outfits.
• The group’s mission, as outlined by their employer, is to act as a secret Thunderbolts team, since super-powered vigilantes are currently outlawed in New York.
• Their first task is to infiltrate an auction in Madripoor held by “The Broker” and obtain cloning equipment previously owned by the villain The Jackal, a cloning expert.
• The group split up, with Hobgoblin and Lady Mastermind arriving in Madripoor openly by jet, while Containment and DualCore were dropped off stealthily by a stealth aircraft.
• The scene shifts to introduce Batroc the Leaper, a mercenary laying low between jobs in Madripoor. He receives a message on a dark web app from someone with the handle AgentValbery.
• AgentValbery claims to represent AIM, which Batroc thought was defunct. They offer him a job leading and managing a newly formed powered team that is already in the field in Madripoor.
• Batroc accepts the job offer, which comes with a sizable payment and the potential for steady long-term work, something rare for mercenaries in Madripoor.
• Batroc the Leaper arrives at the hotel suite to meet with Lady Mastermind, Hobgoblin, and Donovan. He is wearing his full costume including hood, goggles, and mask.
• Hobgoblin and Batroc know each other by reputation, as they have both headed up criminal organizations in the past.
• Donovan deflects questions about the origins of their resources and technology, hinting they may be using leftover AIM or SHIELD tech without directly confirming anything.
• Containment and DualCore are dropped off by VTOL craft on a beach outside the main city, about 50 miles away. Containment sinks into the sand upon landing due to his heavy mechanical form.
• The two discuss whether to set up a headquarters outside the city or make their way in incognito. They decide to hike closer to the city outskirts for now.
• Containment suggests DualCore could hack into local networks for intel gathering. They discuss using Containment’s psychic communication ability to stay in contact with the other team members.
• Containment’s telepathy at D8 rank is estimated to have a range of about city-wide, but establishing the psychic link at that distance may be difficult. During travel the link was likely lost.
• DualCore has to go through authentication steps to allow Containment mental access. The psychic link uses an augmented reality interface that each user can customize the appearance of.
• Containment and DualCore make contact with the hotel team, deciding to travel closer while staying out of sight in the jungle and wilderness areas of the island for now.
• Rintrah’s character motivation is revealed to be proving his sorcerer’s might. He was using magic to cheat at poker before joining the mission.
• Rintrah, a minotaur-like being, has been training for millennia to prove his worthiness to be the next Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. His ambition is small, but his power is great.
• Rintrah practices a form of magic called “Weaver magic”. He has been in his sanctum, tracing threads of fate to find a worthy challenge that will show his readiness.
• Following the threads, Rintrah has foreseen a coming battle that will decide the fate of reality. The threads have led him to the city of Madripoor to find certain individuals who will be key to this battle.
• Rintrah’s divinations gave him descriptions of who to look for in Madripoor: “A man with two minds. A mad goblin. A shadow that dwells in the minds of the viewer. A living fire.”
• Rintrah is an 8-foot tall green minotaur. He is wearing a tweed jacket with leather elbow patches and glasses to try to blend in. He carries a small book with him, a tourist guide of Madripoor.
• Lady Mastermind and Hobgoblin discuss Rintrah’s appearance. Hobgoblin suggests Rintrah needs a makeover and new outfit.
• Hobgoblin wants to acquire weapons he can sneak in to wherever they are going, like exploding cufflinks or an acid-spraying flower lapel pin. His background is a fashion designer who perfected the Green Goblin formula.
• The group doesn’t know exactly where the auction for the dangerous tech is happening yet. They know it involves someone called The Broker.
• Batroc and Lady Mastermind plan to use their criminal contacts and reputations to try to find out more info on where the auction is located and get an invite.
• One plan discussed is to sneak Containment into the auction disguised as an AIM battle droid, have him get stored in the vault with the tech, then burn his way out with it.
• Lady Mastermind, whose criminal empire was previously destroyed by the Green Goblin, visits some of her old underworld contacts in Madripoor to shake the trees for information.
• She tracks down a gunrunner contact named Niles Nielsen who Norman Osborn had previously blown up a warehouse of. Niles isn’t thrilled to see her due to the association with Osborn.
• The group, including Rintrah, Hobgoblin, Lady Mastermind, and Batroc, meet with Niles at The Fox and Hounds pub in Madripoor to discuss getting information about an auction.
• Rintrah, a minotaur-like magician from another dimension, introduces himself and says he traced magical threads that led him to the group, believing the fate of reality is in peril.
• Lady Mastermind uses her illusion powers to try to make Niles feel more sympathetic towards Hobgoblin by altering Niles’ perception and giving him false memories of profitable past dealings with Hobgoblin.
• Niles demands money for the information, not wanting any favors or long-term relationships. Hobgoblin reluctantly agrees to pay him $10,000.
• Niles tells them to check out the Dragon’s Den underground fighting pits, as the fights there distract from other business the Broker conducts.
• Rintrah sincerely offers his magical assistance to the group, claiming he is there to help prevent the reality-threatening situation. Lady Mastermind reads his surface thoughts and believes he is being truthful.
• The group plans to attend the underground fights to try to make contacts and find out more information about the auction’s whereabouts.
• Rintrah asks for more details about their situation, but Batroc is hesitant to share information with someone they just met. Lady Mastermind vouches for Rintrah based on his fashion sense.
• Lady Mastermind says they shouldn’t give everybody all the information just because they look good, as that’s not how the world works.
• Alex joins the conversation. Lady Mastermind says sharing some information is prudent.
• They are going to a fight and eventually an auction run by an individual or entity known as the Broker. More information could help Alex assist them.
• Containment uses a psychic connection to share senses (sound and vision) with the remote team members DualCore and Containment to introduce them to the new person. The GM awards a bonus plot point for this.
• There are some technical difficulties with the remote players due to power and internet issues. Solar power and Tesla batteries are jokingly suggested as solutions.
• Lady Mastermind uses illusion magic to create a “Psychic Privacy Shroud” so they can talk privately, making it appear they are having casual chit-chat.
• The group discusses the mission, clarifying the Broker doesn’t run the fights but attends them to talk business as they are loud and distracting. People who go to his auctions also attend the fights.
• They discuss Lady Mastermind’s revealing comic book costumes. The GM notes the image he generated for her is more modest.
• The group asks the newcomer Rintrah about his background. He is a protégé of Dr. Strange. Hobgoblin is casually familiar with Dr. Strange as a weird magician occasionally associated with the Avengers.
• They debate whether to trust Rintrah. They agree to accept his help cautiously without fully trusting him.
• Rintrah explains and demonstrates his magical abilities, including illusions, divination through the Weave, and sorcery that can block bullets by channeling power to affect physics.
• They discuss plans to sneak into the auction, such as Rintrah using illusions to disguise as Lady Mastermind, or sneaking Containment in inside a crate.
• The group wants to locate the Broker at the fights so Rintrah can divine his future location. Selling something could get them an invitation to the auction.
• Containment’s nature and pronouns are questioned, asking what it means to be human.
• The group discusses letting the new character (presumably DualCore) join them, but not fully trusting him. They may use him as a patsy later.
• Luke (the GM) helps set up separate telepathic chat rooms so the players can communicate secretly from Chris’s character. This will be taxing on Lady Mastermind’s telepathic abilities and may cause complications later, represented by a D8 “Divided Mind” complication.
• The group learned from an NPC named Niles that the Broker they are seeking favors an underground fighting ring called the Dragon’s Den to do deals. They think they can find a link to the Broker or his associates there.
• They debate who should go to the fighting ring. Containment is reluctant at first, but the others convince him it would be a good way to showcase his abilities so they can potentially auction off his services later.
• In addition to Containment, the group decides Lady Mastermind, Batroc, and Rintrah (possibly in disguise) will go to the Dragon’s Den. DualCore will stay behind and work on fake documentation.
• Their goal is to get noticed at the fighting ring so they can get an introduction to the auction the Broker is involved with.
• Batroc is familiar with the Dragon’s Den, as it is a prestigious fighting arena in Madripoor that many top martial artists have competed at. He plans to get them entry by name-dropping himself.
• The group arrives in the slums where the Dragon’s Den is located. Batroc knocks on the door and announces himself and his entourage, hoping to gain entry to witness the fights.
• Batroc arrives at the Dragon’s Den in Madripoor, expecting to be greeted as fighting royalty. He interacts with a French Canadian superfan doorman who is excited to see him.
• Batroc makes a solo entrance, rolling dice to determine how well received he is. He gets a good roll, including an opportunity which he spends a plot point on to create a D8 asset called “Superfan on the security team”.
• The doorman tells Batroc that Taskmaster is there working tonight. Batroc and Taskmaster have a rivalry as fellow master martial artists, though Taskmaster has “cheating” copycat powers while Batroc has a code of honor.
• Batroc indicates his interest in fighting Taskmaster, so the doorman sends him to the VIP section, saying they’ll find him when the fight is set up.
• The group heads into the main area of the Dragon’s Den - a humble fighting arena surrounded by crowds. The VIP section is accessed via a back stairwell.
• The VIP room overlooks the arena with one-way mirrored windows. It has multiple camera angle displays of the fights and around a dozen well-dressed high society types.
• Batroc is recognized by some in the VIP room. Lady Mastermind hangs on his arm dressed up and acting ostentatious to be seen. Hobgoblin is in costume and recognized as well, to his chagrin.
• Containment’s large robotic suit alarms the wealthy VIP tourists. It is described as being around 7.5 feet tall and very wide, like “Refrigerator Perry”.
• They watch some fights below featuring clashing styles like a Shaolin monk vs a Thai kickboxer.
• Taskmaster makes a dramatic entrance to the VIP room in a skull mask and cape. He and Batroc trade barbs, with Batroc goading him into agreeing to fight in 15 minutes.
• Batroc plays to the excited VIP crowd, leaving his colleagues in their care to watch the fight. Lady Mastermind gives him a kiss for luck.
• A Dragon’s Den representative comes to escort Batroc to the locker room to prepare, as his fight with Taskmaster has been added to the card.
• They discuss trying to get Containment showcased in a fight as well, as the Dragon’s Den sometimes has powered bouts, after Batroc meets with the broker.
• The group discusses the upcoming fight between Batroc and Taskmaster. Everyone knows the fight is rigged, like pro wrestling, and they are just rehearsing their choreography.
• In the VIP room, there is a computerized terminal where you can place bets on the fights using Madripoor pesos.
• DualCore checks the WiFi signal and sees there is a network for the VIPs to connect to. Lady Mastermind asks DualCore over their psychic channel if he can get close to the Russian oligarch’s phone to take a shell company or two.
• They discuss betting on Batroc. Rintrah suggests using magic to enhance Batroc’s performance.
• The group discusses what they know about Taskmaster’s power - he can perfectly reproduce any move he observes that he is physically capable of doing. He seems to remember moves forever.
• Taskmaster walks by the locker room carrying his standard armament - a shield with his stylized T and a broadsword. He asks Batroc if they are using weapons. Batroc says he is the only weapon he needs.
• DualCore is going to pull up videos of Taskmaster’s recent fights to analyze his moves and give Batroc predictive information.
• DualCore hacks into the arena’s betting system and computer network. He gains complete control and could drain their accounts if he wanted. He places some bets for himself on fights that already happened.
• DualCore finds records indicating the VIP booths have a more substantial piggyback security system that gets activated for special purposes, like an auction scheduled for tomorrow night.
• Rintrah uses Weaver magic to try to look into the future and give Batroc an idea of what moves Taskmaster will use. In a vision, Rintrah sees a path where Batroc can maintain an advantage if he has certain information.
• As Batroc prepares to enter the arena, Rintrah speaks in his mind, telling him to open his mind to the images he is presenting that will give him a path to victory.
• The group discusses ordering dinner since it is 6 o’clock and an appropriate time to do so.
• There is talk about a vision of evening things out if Taskmaster is going to cheat in the upcoming fight against Batroc.
• Someone mentions that the only vision Taskmaster will see is “Minotaur Crotch” in 360 degrees.
• The group banters about bluffing and being confident in card games.
• There is discussion about the weather and flooding while someone was driving. The roads were passable but it was a bit dicey in spots between Santa Rosa and Vacaville.
• Someone is considering moving closer to work to reduce their commute to under 30 minutes each way, even if they only have to go into the office 2 days a week as mandated by the state.
• The group gossips about a couple, Kyle and Stephanie, who moved to LA because Kyle’s mother was taking their daughter out of school without permission. The grandmother ended up moving to LA as well.
• Restaurant recommendations are given, including Pondicherry Cafe for Indian food and Chaat Cafe which has good ratings and is nearby.
• There is talk about dog-sitting arrangements over Christmas and making space in the garage for a dog kennel.
• The group jokes about needing to sneak into VIP rooms to steal something as part of a heist plan.
• Singapore is mentioned as having a fast and efficient public transit system that could be a model for others.
• A baby can be heard making noises, on the cusp of crawling and trying to chase the dog. There is discussion about teaching babies to be gentle when petting dogs.
• It is very windy where some of them are, which will make the drive home more difficult. Video was taken of a flooded street that some cars couldn’t pass through.
• An amusing story is shared about how a heavy metal drummer who owned 9 shares of Tesla stock got Elon Musk’s bonus pay package reduced by $56 billion after bringing it before a judge.
• As the appointed fight time arrives, Batroc the Leaper enters the arena from one side while Taskmaster enters from the other.
• Batroc hypes up the crowd by doing some parkour flips as he enters. News footage is shown on screen of Batroc and Taskmaster’s previous fights against Captain America.
• DualCore, who has hacked the arena’s computer system, wants to embarrass Taskmaster by showing his “worst hits” on the screen, though Hobgoblin thinks revealing their hack the day before a planned heist might be unwise.
• DualCore makes a roll to assault Taskmaster with the embarrassing footage to inflict mental stress, getting a 13 with a d12 effect. The computer system becomes aware that it is being manipulated.
• In the ring, Taskmaster and Batroc face off. The players discuss who should act first.
• Lady Mastermind wants to act before Batroc to shapeshift and make Batroc’s arms look shorter than they are to throw off Taskmaster’s copying ability. This would be a buddy action with Batroc.
• Lady Mastermind uses her multi-power ability to combine multiple powers (telepathy d8, psychmaster d10) at reduced die sizes. She spends a plot point to create a stunt, using an illusion to slightly alter the perceived length of Batroc’s arms to confuse Taskmaster. Her total roll is 17 with a d10 effect, but with two 1s, allowing Taskmaster an opportunity.
• Taskmaster rolls to resist, invoking his Amnesiac distinction (d4) and enhanced senses. He upgrades 2d10 to a d12 using a SFX. He gets 13 with a d8 effect. He can tell something is off with his perception but can’t figure out exactly what.
• Lady Mastermind spends a plot point to make her Psychic Fakeout asset last the entire scene at d10. She passes her turn to Batroc.
• Batroc taunts Taskmaster, saying it’s taken him too long to learn savate and demonstrates a simple beginner’s kick. He rolls his Undisputed Master of Savate distinction at d4 to earn a plot point, along with his Solo d10 and Psyche d8.
• Batroc rolls a 12 with a d8 effect. He gets one opportunity which he spends to step up his next push/stunt die by +1, banking it for a future roll.
• Taskmaster uses his I’m a Professional distinction and Psych Expert to defend. He takes d8 emotional stress from Batroc’s taunts.
• Batroc passes to Containment, who observes skeptically. Containment passes to DualCore.
• DualCore attempts to crash all the computer terminals to prevent anyone from realizing something is wrong with the specific one he’s using. This is an asset creation roll. The Doom Pool is set at 2d8+1d10.
• DualCore uses his Afflict special effect, adding a d6 and stepping up a die, to neutralize a technology complication on a target. He spends a plot point to add a third die, getting a total of 22 with a d12 effect.
• DualCore rolls an opportunity and decides to create a resource - a System Backdoor starting at d8 since he’s using a Master ability. With his 22 total, the GM allows him to step up the resource twice to a d12. DualCore chooses to step it up to a d10 resource instead of taking a plot point reward.
• DualCore’s actions cause all the arena screens to go to static, though the fighters are still squaring off.
• Lady Mastermind wants to try to secure an invite to come back tomorrow by chatting up the security team, using her Solo, Criminal Mastermind, Crime Expert abilities and a Batroc superfan asset. However, the GM explains she can’t quite do that in the current fast-paced scene.
• Taskmaster taunts Batroc, doing a Savate kickboxing move then throwing his shield at Batroc’s face. He invokes his “I Am A Professional” complication as he’s a bit distracted, and uses his Solo, Enhanced Reflexes, Weapon, and Combat Master dice plus a Focus special effect to upgrade two d8s. He gets an 18 total with a d10 effect.
• Batroc defends, using his own abilities and a Push the Limits special effect to get 3d10 and a d8. He describes somersaulting over the incoming shield and stomping it into the ground. The GM allows invoking Taskmaster’s limit of losing his shield, adding a d6 to the doom pool.
• Batroc rolls a 15 total, not enough to beat Taskmaster’s 18. Both take d10 physical stress. Batroc describes the shield bouncing off him and staggering Taskmaster instead of being stomped.
• The crowd goes wild as both fighters are now injured and slumped over. Rintrah decides to just observe rather than intervene.
• Security guards with weapons enter the viewing box, grumbling and trying to see what’s going on with the shut down screens. They seem unsure what exactly they’re looking for.
• In the next round, Taskmaster spends a plot point to go first despite he and Batroc having the same enhanced reflexes. He catches his rebounded shield, charges forward, and unleashes a flurry of kicks and shield attacks in a mix of styles to try to overwhelm Batroc. He invokes his “I’m a Professional” complication again and uses his combat-related traits.
• Captain America throws his shield sloppily at Batroc, intentionally missing so it bounces around the cage and comes at Batroc from behind.
• Cap uses a push to step up and double his Photographic Reflexes, turning a D8 into 2D10. He then focuses to turn two D10s into a D12.
• Cap’s total is a 17 with a D12 effect die. Since Batroc is already dazed, getting hit with a D12 would knock him out of the fight.
• Batroc assembles his dice pool, including his D10 Solo, D8 Master of Savate, D8 Leaping, D8 Enhanced Reflexes, D10 Acrobatics Master, and a D10 asset from a vision of the future.
• Batroc focuses to turn two D8s into a D10. He also uses his Never Surrender SFX.
• Batroc takes emotional stress (D8) and physical stress (D10) from Cap to add to his pool. He uses his distinction as a D4 to gain a plot point.
• Batroc’s final pool is 5D10, 1D8, 1D4. He describes acrobatically dodging Cap’s attacks, lining himself up so the ricocheting shield passes under him as he does the splits, then counter-attacking to hit Cap with his own shield.
• Batroc rolls, getting several 1s which gives the GM 3 plot points and turns 3 dice into D12s. His total is 18 on a D8.
• This pushes Cap’s physical stress up to D12. Batroc describes a final leaping attack, using acrobatics and the bright lights to land behind Cap and deliver a powerful kick to his spine.
• Batroc assembles a big pool including his Solo D10, Enhanced Reflexes D8, Acrobatics D10, Leaping D8, and a D8 for using the bright lights. He focuses to turn two D8s into a D10.
• Batroc adds Cap’s D12 physical stress and D8 emotional stress to his pool. He spends a plot point to add a third die to his total.
• The final attack is a 26 on a D12, described as a perfectly executed diving kick that floors Taskmaster. Batroc helps him up afterwards, with Taskmaster vowing to learn from this for next time.
• As people try to collect their bets, confusion mounts as there are no records. Batroc confronts DualCore, hoping he didn’t lose him money.
• The group discusses using the disturbance as a chance to investigate and gain more intel. The GM offers a choice:
  • Batroc can return to fight the champion, getting them inside but with their backdoor access stepped down, or
  • They can try to leverage what they learned to get an invitation, keeping their backdoor access.
• The group decides to go for the invitation, keeping the backdoor even if it’s reduced from a D10 to a D8 asset.
• Batroc is pulled aside by a woman named Sorako who organizes fights for the Dragon’s Den. She wants Batroc to fight their current champion, Marvel, since Taskmaster was originally scheduled to. Batroc agrees on the condition that his friends get VIP seats to witness his victory.
• The group is ushered out of the fighting arena. It’s now 7:30 PM.
• In a transition scene, the group discusses prep before the following night’s events. They have some funds from previous heists to work with.
• One player wants to use a plot point and their Criminal Expert specialty to establish a D6 resource - either a safe house or hired goons that can provide a distraction. They settle on “criminal goons” that can be called on.
• The group speculates the cloning tech will be stored somewhere in the city of Madripoor, likely a truckload of equipment from a lab, so it can be quickly picked up after the auction.
• They discuss scouting potential storage locations ahead of time. A cargo helicopter may be needed to extract the tech.
• The GM clarifies that minor/major event resources are rewards that last the rest of the current story event, which spans multiple acts/adventures.
• Taskmaster is suggested as a potential major event resource to unlock. His observational abilities make him formidable.
• One player spends a plot point to establish knowledge of the location’s emergency response protocols as a resource, using their Psych Mastery specialty.
• The group discusses casing a target and learning their security measures. This will give them a D6 asset representing knowledge of the target’s response protocols.
• Lady Mastermind has 10 XP and is considering spending it to either upgrade her telepathy, create a major event resource, or gain a healing power to help the team recover from injuries.
• The session ends around 8:30pm since some players have a 2 hour drive home. The GM says they’ll make a character sheet to help explain the various traits, power sets, specialties, etc.
• In the final scene, Batroc won a fight, establishing himself as the leader, though some characters question if they really want him leading. If he had lost, it would have damaged his reputation.
• The players felt the fight was appropriately stressful and “comic book-y”. They were surprised by how many dice you can bring to bear by creating assets and complications on targets.
• The group worked well as a team this session, setting up actions to help each other, which felt like an improvement over the previous prison break scene where they got in each other’s way acting individually.
• Picking out the dice pool is still the hardest part of the system, but that will likely improve with practice. The rules provide some guidance on which traits to use for which actions.
• The players discuss the uses of Stamina (for healing in transition scenes), Durability (for soaking hits on defense), and Reflexes (for turn order).
• The session ends with some joking references to Spider-Man and clones before the group says their goodbyes for the night.

In the world where justice comes like lightning, a new chapter unfolds for a group of extraordinary individuals. Claire Donovan, a woman of purpose and mystery, embarks on a mission to assemble a team for an organization shrouded in secrecy. This tale begins with Claire traversing various landscapes, from the sun-kissed hills outside L.A. to the bustling underground of Manhattan, each step bringing her closer to the individuals destined to form the Thunderbolts.

Karen, known as Lady Mastermind, found herself in a spa-like rehab clinic, coaching a teenager under the guise of rehabilitation. Her powers of telepathy and illusion, inherited from her father, Mastermind, were put to the test when Claire Donovan walked into her life with an offer too intriguing to refuse. Despite her attempts to probe Claire’s intentions, Karen found her powers blocked, a rarity that piqued her curiosity and led to her eventual acceptance of a job that promised not only a hefty sum but a chance to step out of her father’s shadow.

Roderick Kingsley, or as the criminal world knew him, Hobgoblin, enjoyed his retirement on a beach, far removed from the chaos of his past life. Claire’s approach, revealing his frozen accounts, presented a dilemma only solvable by reentering the world he had left behind. An offer to clear his name and restore his wealth was the lure that brought the Hobgoblin into the fold.

In a European detention center, the techno-savvy Dual Core, entangled with the AI Eidolon, faced his own set of challenges. Claire’s offer, cloaked in the mystery of her affiliations, hinted at a chance to dive back into the world of advanced computing and possibly clear his legal entanglements. The promise of acquiring a specific piece of technology was enough to secure his cooperation.

Beneath Manhattan, in a lab funded by the First Bank of Manhattan, Containment, a mutant of superheated plasma, conducted his research. Claire’s visit not only offered freedom from his current confines but also a chance to explore his powers further, under the guise of a well-funded mission requiring his unique abilities.

As the team began to take shape, with each member facing their own moral and ethical dilemmas, they were transported to a secretive island in the South Pacific. This island, equipped with high-tech defenses and facilities, would serve as their base. Hobgoblin’s arrival, marked by his flair for the dramatic and a missile narrowly missing him, set the tone for their stay. Dual Core’s hacking attempts and the establishment of a bug-out bag by Hobgoblin indicated the team’s resourcefulness and readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Their mission, as unveiled by Claire, involved infiltrating an auction in Madripoor to obtain cloning technology from Dr. Miles Warren’s lab, known for his creation of Spider-Man clones. The stakes were high, with the team needing to navigate the criminal underworld without financially supporting it. The auction, conducted by the enigmatic Broker, became the focal point of their mission.

As they prepared to depart for Madripoor, the team’s dynamics began to unfold. Lady Mastermind’s illusions, aimed at manipulating perceptions and establishing her authority, sparked both intrigue and skepticism among her teammates. Her past as an X-Man and her desire to carve her own path, away from her father’s legacy and the influence of Jean Grey, highlighted her complex character.

Containment, introduced as the team’s “big gun,” brought a level of power and mystery to the group. Discussions about his physical form and potential contributions to their mission underscored the diverse abilities and backgrounds within the team. The Thunderbolts, named for nostalgia and differentiation from another team led by Hawkeye, embarked on a journey fraught with uncertainty, their motives and allegiance to their mysterious employer a constant source of tension and speculation.

As they navigated the complexities of their situation, the team’s efforts to uncover the truth about their captors and the nature of their mission revealed connections to AIM, raising concerns about their involvement with a terrorist organization. Their discoveries, including the presence of psychic dampening technology and AIM’s advanced computation hardware, hinted at a larger narrative involving power struggles and advanced technology.

Their arrival in Madripoor marked the beginning of a new phase in their mission. The decision to split the team, with some landing officially and others stealthily, underscored the challenges they faced in infiltrating the auction and securing the cloning technology. Discussions about tracking, safety, and coordination highlighted the team’s strategic approach and the importance of leveraging their diverse skills and backgrounds.

As the Thunderbolts prepared to navigate the dangers of Madripoor and the complexities of their mission, their journey promised a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and the search for justice. Amidst the backdrop of a world where heroes and villains blur the lines, the Thunderbolts’ quest for identity and purpose unfolds, a testament to the enduring power of individuals coming together to face the unknown.

• The session begins with the GM checking audio quality and making a joke about walking away from the table.
• The campaign is introduced as a new series of Thunderbolts titled “Justice like lightning,” with a hint that the theme of justice will be explored.
• The first page of the session’s narrative features four narrow panels showing a woman in a suit, with brown hair, walking towards a doorway or entryway in four different locations, indicating she is on a mission to find each of the player characters.
• The woman is on a recruitment mission, and the characters have not met her or each other yet.
• Karen (Lady Mastermind) is found in a fake rehab clinic, described as a spa-like place in the hills outside of L.A., where she is overseeing a teenager being coached.
• Roger Kingsley (Hobgoblin) is on a beach, described in detail with his attire and surroundings, indicating a leisurely lifestyle.
• DualCore is in custody somewhere in Europe, with a humorous note about his ability to translate languages as well as Google Translate.
• Containment is in a laboratory beneath Manhattan, using a grant from the First Bank of Manhattan, highlighting the extensive underground civilizations in Marvel’s Manhattan.
• The woman, Claire Donovan, approaches each character in their respective locations, introducing herself and making an offer to recruit them for a job on behalf of an unnamed organization, hinting at significant benefits and potential problems if the offer is declined.
• Lady Mastermind attempts to use her powers on Claire but finds them blocked, leading to a flustered attempt to gauge Claire’s intentions through mundane means.
• Claire reveals to Lady Mastermind an offer of ten million dollars for the job, sparking interest despite Lady Mastermind’s initial skepticism.
• Claire confronts Roger Kingsley with the fact that his accounts are frozen and offers him a way out by working for her organization.
• DualCore, identified as Mr. Knox, is offered help with his legal troubles by Claire, who hints at his past involvement with Stark Industries and a black project.
• DualCore uses his abilities to deduce that Claire is likely associated with a well-connected intelligence agency, possibly S.H.I.E.L.D., and negotiates for assistance in retrieving a specific computer from his former employer.
• The session sets up a narrative of recruitment and intrigue, with each character facing their own dilemmas and the mysterious Claire Donovan acting as a catalyst for their involvement in the Thunderbolts campaign.
• The conversation begins with an offer for an opportunity to find and acquire something desired, with the assurance of keeping busy during the search.
• The speaker assures they are on the side of the angels, despite needing to cause trouble to do good, and is looking for individuals comfortable with causing trouble.
• The setting is revealed to be a jailable den in Eastern Europe, with the speaker expressing comfort in the current situation over previous discomforts.
• The conversation shifts to a discussion with a character named Containment, who is identified as a mutant and a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, indicating a low-profile presence and recent project involvement.
• A team is being assembled by the speakers, seeking Containment for a role requiring power rather than subtlety, highlighting Containment’s past associations and potential under normal circumstances to be considered a terrorist.
• The offer includes a well-funded position with a private location for planning, promising substantial resources and amenities, with an initial offer of ten million US dollars, later negotiated to include a one million dollar advance as a show of good faith.
• Containment is required to reside at the compound for the duration of the mission, with limited spending opportunities, but accepts the terms.
• A hacking attempt is made by Containment to release themselves from police custody, utilizing the local police station’s poor security and network to erase records of their and Ms. Donovan’s presence, demonstrating significant computer skills.
• The conversation continues with discussions about safety precautions for team members, the assembly of a containment chamber, and the potential for Containment to contribute to scientific research based on their expertise.
• Containment’s previous identity as Maxwell Fuchs and their transformation into Containment is discussed, along with the limited knowledge of this identity among characters like Magneto, Mystique, and possibly Charles Xavier.
• The session concludes with arrangements for Containment to retrieve their belongings and join the team at the compound, with humorous references to previous incarcerations and a failed attempt to use a declined credit card.

(Note: The transcript contains references to characters and events from Marvel comics, including character dynamics and transformations, as well as humorous asides related to comic book tropes and storylines.)

• The discussion begins with a reflection on the rarity of new characters in comics gaining lasting popularity.
• The group of characters is transported to a secretive island in the South Pacific, not marked on any maps, via a high-tech private plane.
• One character, referred to as “Containment,” describes their unique method of transport involving a shipping container, a magnetic cylinder for tighter containment, and a suit that is remotely controlled for safety and intimidation purposes.
• Mr. Kingsley (Hobgoblin) is identified as the first to arrive on the island, which features a high-tech compound with satellite dishes, solar panels, and armed watercraft, but no clear affiliations.
• The island’s facilities include large buildings, a tower, and a pier, and the characters’ jet lands vertically on a platform to avoid the need for a runway.
• Hobgoblin, in full costume, carries a coconut shell from the plane, hoping for a refill but realizes it’s unlikely on the flight.
• Upon landing, Hobgoblin uses a remote control to summon his goblin glider from the luggage and begins to survey the island’s defenses and layout, creating an asset of knowledge about the place.
• A missile pod targets Hobgoblin but is called off, indicating high-tech defenses and possibly friendly forces on the island.
• Hobgoblin successfully creates a D12 asset for knowing the island’s facility after an extraordinary success in evading the missile and surveying the defenses.
• DualCore arrives next and is shown to a barracks-like dormitory, deciding to leave surprises in each room and marking one as their own with orange paint.
• DualCore pays attention to the flight details to determine the island’s location but falls asleep, learning only that the plane might be powered by something other than jet fuel.
• The island offers basic amenities like a cafeteria and recreational hall, but the rest of the facility is off-limits.
• Hobgoblin decorates his room and inquires about the color schemes of the rest of the team, planning to personalize the space further.
• DualCore and Hobgoblin meet on the beach, discussing their backgrounds, skills in technology, and the circumstances that brought them to the island.
• Hobgoblin boasts about modifying and improving technology found from Norman Osborn, while DualCore expresses interest in hacking and manipulating technology.
• A player character expresses concern about being monitored constantly due to the pervasive technology and potential magic around them. They assume cameras are hidden everywhere.
• The character spots what they believe are cameras in bubble domes nearby, suggesting surveillance equipment is present.
• The character uses their glider’s engines to create noise interference, making it difficult for any potential surveillance to pick up their conversation.
• A successful roll (15 with a D10 effect) by the player character indicates they manage to create a technological asset that aids in having private conversations, upgraded to a D12 due to the roll’s success.
• The conversation shifts to blackmail and promises made by unknown parties, including the promise of a special computer to one of the characters, hinting at motivations driven by access to advanced technology or financial resources.
• The characters discuss unlocking one of Hobgoblin’s accounts as a means to access funds while keeping it hidden from their adversaries. This involves a successful technological manipulation by a character.
• Despite unlocking the account, it’s revealed that most of the money has been moved, leaving only a small amount. This discovery leads to further discussion about the characters’ precarious situation and their need to maintain secrecy and protect their identities.
• The characters engage in a defensive action against the island’s surveillance, attempting to shield their activities from being detected. This involves a mix of technology and strategy, including the use of a glider for technological advantages.
• A large military cargo helicopter arrives on the island, bringing a new element to the scene. The characters observe the unloading of a big container, sparking curiosity and concern about what it contains and its implications for their situation.
• The arrival of the container and its contents, including a large armored suit, suggests the introduction of new challenges or allies. The characters’ reactions indicate a mix of intrigue and apprehension about the developments on the island.
• Throughout the transcript, there is a focus on technology, surveillance, and the characters’ efforts to navigate a complex situation involving hidden agendas, blackmail, and the need for secrecy. The interactions hint at a larger narrative involving power struggles, advanced technology, and the characters’ attempts to assert control over their circumstances.
• A player character attempts a challenging roll, invoking a distinction as a negative to add a D6 to the Doom Pool, resulting in a D4 and 4 D10s in their pool.
• The roll yields a 20 with a D10 effect, despite rolling a 1, indicating a complication.
• The character successfully hacks into a network, gaining access but also triggering an alert due to not covering their tracks, revealing the presence of live security monitoring.
• The character realizes too late that the security system is actively monitoring and has detected their intrusion, likening the challenge to facing a quantum computer.
• The GM allows the player to buy off the complication, adding a D6 to their result for a total of 23 with a D8 effect, but the character is locked out from major systems, limiting their actions to minor ones like controlling lights.
• The character, named Containment, is described standing before a tropical ocean, wearing a utilitarian beige suit designed for containment, discussing the suit’s aesthetics and functionality with a technician and Aiden Donovan.
• Containment is introduced to a research facility on an island, where they are shown a containment unit designed for them. The team expresses eagerness to work with Containment to refine the unit.
• A character in a goblin outfit, presumably Hobgoblin, discusses designing a new suit for Containment, focusing on aesthetics, heat resistance, and incorporating advanced materials.
• The team discusses acquiring special materials for the new suits, including stealing from Stark Industries, and Hobgoblin’s expertise in clothing design is highlighted.
• Containment and the research team, led by Dr. Evelyn Sterling, work together to refine the containment unit, with Containment providing feedback and instructions.
• Another character, not in costume, attempts to blend in with Aiden Donovan’s group upon landing on the island, planning to use illusions to appear as a superior to Donovan in the eyes of others.
• The character also probes the minds of Donovan and others, finding no mental defenses in the pilot or Donovan, and plans to create an illusion to manipulate the perception of their status among the island’s staff.
• Lady Mastermind attempts to use her illusion and mind control abilities to make two individuals perceive her as having significant influence and authority.
• She employs area illusion and area telepathy to affect multiple targets, using her focus to enhance her abilities and create lasting mental constructs.
• The mental defense against her abilities is discussed, with superhuman mental resistance and psychic resistance being relevant stats.
• Lady Mastermind adds dice to her pool for the area attack illusion and telepathy, stepping up effects and discussing the use of special effects (SFX) to enhance her abilities.
• The presence of psionic dampeners in the facility, ranked at D10, is revealed, which could resist her abilities.
• Hobgoblin, skeptical of Lady Mastermind’s actions, uses his criminal expertise to assess the situation, noting his physical enhancements and armory do not aid in psychic defense.
• Lady Mastermind aims to create an asset with her illusions, adding more dice to her pool and planning to step up effect dice after rolling.
• Plot points are discussed, with Lady Mastermind using one to add a Stunt Dice, enhancing her illusion of being a powerful, authoritative figure.
• The dice pool for Lady Mastermind’s action is finalized, and she rolls successfully, managing to add additional effect dice for targeting multiple individuals.
• Hobgoblin and an unknown character are affected by the illusion, with Hobgoblin perceived as more significant due to his notoriety and the unknown character as less impressive.
• The effectiveness of Lady Mastermind’s illusion is debated, with concerns about making enemies among other player characters and the potential for future conflict.
• Lady Mastermind’s roll significantly exceeds the defense rolls of the targets, effectively convincing them of her altered reality, though the illusion’s effects are temporary.
• The session humorously discusses the characters’ perceptions and reactions to the illusion, including skepticism, confusion, and the eventual realization of being manipulated.
• The introduction of Lady Mastermind as a team member is staged, with her being presented as a telepath and mental illusionist, further complicating the characters’ understanding of the situation.
• The session concludes with the characters adjusting to the new dynamic introduced by Lady Mastermind’s illusions, setting the stage for future interactions and potential conflicts within the team.
• Sofia Martina is identified as having a higher rank than Donovan.
• Lady Mastermind (referred to as “the lady mastermind”) is introduced by Donovan as taking on the role of psychic defense and conducting some interviews for the team. She is described as capable of infiltration and bypassing traditional security measures.
• Lady Mastermind emphasizes her role in coordinating events rather than just following orders, aiming to maintain a high status within the team. She appears to have a particular interest or issue with Cyberhead, expressing confusion and concern over him.
• Lady Mastermind admits to having difficulty with video surveillance and looks to Hobgoblin and possibly DualCore for technical support, acknowledging Hobgoblin’s genius and technical skills.
• Hobgoblin is seen working on a circuit board pattern for a hat that can enhance Wi-Fi signals, suggesting a focus on functional superhero costumes. There’s a brief discussion about costume preferences, including capes and Lady Mastermind’s costume choices, which vary from revealing outfits to a business suit for the current meeting.
• Lady Mastermind’s past as an X-Man is mentioned, with her joining to spite her father. She is characterized as a pathological liar, even to herself, and her decision not to go to Krakow is attributed to her desire to make it on her own and avoid Jean Grey, who is on the council there.
• The final team member, Containment, is introduced through a text message, indicating he is currently in containment and cannot meet in person. A picture sent shows a large magnetic bat with arms, suggesting a robotic or heavily armored form.
• The team, including Lady Mastermind, Hobgoblin, and DualCore, is taken to the research labs to meet Containment. The labs are secured with a scanner and a vault-like door.
• Containment, described as having a body made of pure plasma contained within a powerful robotic suit, is introduced as the team’s “big gun.” Lady Mastermind expresses more concern about Hobgoblin being the wildcard of the team.
• A discussion about Containment’s physical form and feelings, or lack thereof, takes place, with Lady Mastermind offering her services to help with any anxiety or issues Containment might have.
• The team is officially named the Thunderbolts, with Donovan mentioning another active Thunderbolts team in Manhattan led by Hawkeye. The name is chosen for its nostalgia and to differentiate from the other team, with a focus on not attracting too much attention.
• An Event Milestone titled “Who are we working for?” is introduced, offering XP for expressing doubt or curiosity about the employer’s identity, investigating their background, or uncovering their secrets and agendas.
• The session ends with a break, and some players discuss personal matters unrelated to the game session.
• The group discusses various types of noodles and their preferences, including soba, udon, and ramen, along with their ingredients such as buckwheat and rice.
• They share experiences and stories about Japanese noodle-related movies, including “Soba Vicious Udon” and “Tampopo,” highlighting themes of culinary quests and the impact of food on relationships.
• The conversation shifts to discussing ways to watch movies together remotely, mentioning software, browser plugins, and Discord as options for synchronized viewing.
• They talk about binge-watching anime series like “Naruto” and “One Piece,” with one person sharing their extensive viewing habits and progress through “One Piece.”
• The group reminisces about favorite episodes from “Dragon Ball Z,” specifically mentioning the “Driver’s Ed” episode featuring Goku and Piccolo.
• They discuss “Osomatsu-kun” and “Bee and Puppy Cat,” highlighting the themes and quirky elements of these shows.
• The conversation turns to personal anecdotes, including dealing with pets and their quirks, and the challenges of maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment.
• The group briefly touches on the Thunderbolts campaign, mentioning posing as the team and referencing the original Thunderbolts’ storyline involving villains pretending to be heroes.
• They discuss food orders for the evening, mentioning various dishes like karaage and tsungyoja, and share personal preferences and dietary considerations.
• The conversation includes discussions about homebrewing beer, water quality and treatment, and the practicalities of using reverse osmosis systems for brewing.
• They conclude with plans to review and refine the character sheet for “Containment,” discussing potential edits and the incorporation of plasma powers into the character’s abilities.
• Throughout the conversation, there are mentions of upcoming game sessions, player absences, and the anticipation of testing new character powers and dynamics in the game.
• Brian is acknowledged for his supercomputing abilities.
• Players discuss character milestones, focusing on personal dilemmas such as improving technology (like suits), choosing between humanity or embracing new forms, and dealing with insanity versus villainy.
• The conversation shifts to the team’s composition, noting a lack of female members and discussing potential new additions.
• Lady Mastermind (Regan) expresses her desire to not be like her father, Mastermind, and struggles with her identity and the legacy of her name.
• Hobgoblin has been distributing bat-shaped metal objects engraved with offers for wardrobe or costume consulting, which are both sharp and dangerous.
• The team discusses their living arrangements and the dynamics within their dormitory, including suspicions and attempts to maintain illusions.
• DualCore is described as hacking into the requisition system for humorous or absurd requests as a form of protest for not receiving a high-powered laptop.
• The group debates the idea of adopting a unified theme or costume for their team, considering the Thunderbolts’ red and black theme.
• There’s a discussion about the current members of the Thunderbolts in the Marvel Universe, including Clint Barton (Hawkeye), America Chavez, Spectrum, and others.
• The team contemplates how to position themselves in relation to the Thunderbolts, with some members considering the ethical implications of their actions.
• Lady Mastermind is focused on understanding what drives people and tells everyone a different story about why she’s there, none of which involve money.
• DualCore receives a high-powered laptop with a memo indicating it’s for mission use and is warned not to abuse the privilege. He proceeds to wipe and reconfigure the laptop.
• The team considers investigating who is behind their situation and possibly acting outside their current restrictions.
• Containment is noted to have a competent and enthusiastic support staff, and there’s interest in exploring the island’s defenses and the identities of the people involved.
• A technical challenge arises as DualCore attempts to fully secure the laptop, leading to a dice roll to determine the outcome of his efforts.
• The player character discovers that a piece of code they were analyzing is for a custom computation hardware designed by AIM (Advanced Idea Mechanics), an organization considered a terrorist group focused on advancing science at any cost.
• The hardware in question is an older model that has been well-documented, suggesting it could be confiscated equipment rather than directly obtained from AIM.
• It’s noted that while AIM might sell such hardware to fund their operations, it would be risky due to embedded surveillance features.
• The discovery leads to speculation about whether the individuals involved are part of AIM or merely using AIM’s technology, raising concerns about potential ties to a terrorist organization.
• The player character earns a 3 XP milestone for uncovering significant information, though the full context and implications are not yet clear.
• The player character has gained a resource: a completely unlocked laptop that is untraceable by their employer, useful for hacking into employer systems but not external ones.
• Hobgoblin is designing Thunderbolt costumes but debates the need for subtlety versus recognizability, given DualCore’s suggestion to avoid resembling the Thunderbolts.
• Hobgoblin plans to exploit known defenses to create a hidden bug-out bag on the island, containing backup equipment and materials for emergency use.
• A roll is made to create this resource, involving knowledge of the island’s defenses and stealth tactics, with assistance from DualCore who provides a map of the base for an ideal hiding spot.
• Despite a successful roll, there’s an implication that their actions might be detected, potentially compromising the hidden stash.
• Lady Mastermind attempts to investigate the resistance to her psychic powers on the island, suspecting either technological or psychic dampening.
• She seeks DualCore’s help to circumvent the psychic dampening, initially facing resistance due to DualCore’s wariness of psychic intrusion.
• After some negotiation, DualCore agrees to allow Lady Mastermind to communicate telepathically for the purpose of their investigation.
• They discuss the possibility that certain individuals are protected from psychic probing by devices or magic, and plan to combine their skills to uncover more about the island’s secrets and their captors.
• The characters discuss creating assets for a job, acknowledging uncertainty about what they’re up against.
• They identify the presence of hardware in the dormitory and possibly other areas of the compound that creates psychic suppressing fields, aimed at preventing psychic messaging and illusions.
• The hardware is identified as similar to that used in Strikers, a Stark tank, but it’s noted that it mainly suppresses aggressive psychic illusions rather than basic communication.
• A psychic two-way radio is being tested as a means of communication, with a note that the X-Men are accustomed to such technology.
• Lady Mastermind considers using her invisibility to sneak around and gather information.
• DualCore plans to modify his laptop to create a countermeasure against the psychic suppressing fields, but it will require his activation and cannot be used independently by Lady Mastermind.
• The group discusses the presence of sentient AIs and mutants with AI-like abilities in the Marvel universe, referencing characters and scenarios from X-Men comics.
• The team contemplates their approach to gathering information, aiming for subtlety and considering the use of disguises and shape-shifting.
• A discussion on character abilities and distinctions takes place, with considerations on how to best utilize their powers for the mission.
• Lady Mastermind and DualCore scheme to disable psychic nullifiers and gather information by snooping around the compound.
• It’s revealed that the staff and technicians at the compound are not susceptible to psychic reading, suggesting they may be wearing protective devices.
• Lady Mastermind is unable to read Donovan’s thoughts, raising questions about his involvement.
• The research facility is busy with various projects, with the staff uncertain about their orders’ origins, suspecting they might be working for AIM.
• The scientists were previously retired or out of the game but were reactivated for new projects, with containment being one of many focuses.
• Lady Mastermind plans to involve Containment in investigating the projects further.
• The discovery of AIM technology in the laptop confirms a connection to AIM, suggesting the compound’s activities are closely related to or directly involve AIM.
• The characters strategize on how to use this information, considering the implications of AIM’s involvement.
• The team has been at their current location for nearly a week, with Hobgoblin having been there the longest.
• Claire calls the team to a briefing room installed at the top of their dormitory, equipped with a large display and a big table for meetings.
• Claire, wearing a well-tailored suit, informs the team of a mission involving the acquisition of cutting-edge cloning technology being auctioned off in an underground event.
• The auction is taking place in Madripoor, a fictional island known as a haven for criminal activity, possibly off the coast of Asia near Indonesia.
• The cloning technology in question originates from Dr. Miles Warren’s lab, also known as the Jackal, known for his work on Spider-Man clones.
• The team is tasked with securing an invitation to the auction, infiltrating it, and obtaining the cloning technology without directly purchasing it, as the organization does not want to financially support criminal enterprises.
• The auction is being conducted by a figure known as the Broker, an underworld figure facilitating the flow of cash and resources among criminal organizations.
• The team discusses potential strategies for acquiring the technology, including creating a fake payment account and leveraging their contacts in Madripoor.
• Claire provides background information on Miles Warren (the Jackal), detailing his obsession with Gwen Stacy, his transformation into the Jackal, and his history of causing havoc, including turning people into giant spiders.
• The cloning technology is described as a self-sufficient system capable of cloning a single individual, distinct from Krakoa’s mutant-dependent cloning technology.
• The team, particularly Hobgoblin, expresses reluctance but ultimately agrees to proceed with the mission, motivated by the desire to prevent the technology from falling into the wrong hands.
• Preparations are made for departure to Madripoor, with the team set to leave in two hours aboard a transport helicopter.
• The scene transitions to the team’s arrival in Madripoor, described as a highly developed global city with expansive slums, run entirely by criminals, drawing a comparison to Singapore but with a criminal governance.
• The group discusses their approach to landing on Madripoor, an island nation, with options to land officially at an airport or stealthily at a remote site. The decision is influenced by the difficulty of passing through customs for some members due to their identities and possessions, such as Hobgoblin’s pumpkin bombs.
• Roderick Kingsley (Hobgoblin) suggests a two-prong approach, with some members landing officially and others stealthily. He opts for the official route, planning to make an ostentatious display of wealth by shopping for the proper outfit upon arrival.
• The group debates the pros and cons of each landing option, considering the ease of access, the potential for being tracked by Madripoor’s authorities, and the implications for their mission to infiltrate an auction run by a figure known as the broker.
• The broker’s influence in Madripoor is acknowledged, with concerns raised about the broker’s ability to shut down the airport to prevent the group from moving goods stolen from them. This leads to the decision to establish their own landing site outside the city.
• Lady Mastermind and Hobgoblin are designated to land officially at Madripoor’s national airport, while DualCore and Containment will land at a remote beach site. The group aims to infiltrate the auction discreetly, with different members taking on various roles in the operation.
• A discussion ensues about tracking Lady Mastermind for safety and coordination purposes. DualCore proposes using technology to enable tracking via cell phones, and the group considers the range and capabilities of their mental network for communication and coordination.
• The session concludes with the group preparing for the next phase of their mission, with some members expressing interest in contacting allies or leveraging their criminal backgrounds for advantage. The group reflects on their teamwork and character development during the session.
• A humorous aside involves Hobgoblin considering disguising himself as the Green Goblin and a discussion about the current status of Norman Osborn in the Marvel Universe.
• The group also discusses the motivations and backgrounds of their characters, including financial incentives and personal goals, highlighting the diverse motivations within the team.
• The session ends with plans for the next meeting and a recap of experience points and plot points earned, emphasizing the importance of tracking these elements for character progression and the ongoing adventure.
• The group discusses potential dates for an upcoming session, initially considering the 21st and 22nd.
• The 22nd is identified as Luke’s birthday, but it is also a Monday, which does not work for most of the group.
• The 21st, a Sunday, emerges as a potential date for the session, with most members expressing availability and interest.
• The group briefly mentions planning Dot’s birthday party but struggles to pick a date. They seem open to the 21st if it works for everyone.
• A tentative date for the next session is set for the 21st, with the group showing enthusiasm for it being a fun occasion.
• The conversation shifts to discussing character abilities, with a focus on the number of d8s one character has and their satisfaction with their abilities.
• A distinction is made between durability and stamina, with an emphasis on the ability to heal faster and take hits, including psychic hits.
• One character boasts a d10 psychic resistance and a d8 in telepathy, highlighting their role as a shield in combat, alongside another character named Alex.
• The strategy for one character is to appear as if they are not present during combat.
• The session date of January 21st is confirmed, with plans to post in Discord for further coordination with members Mike and Chris.
• A character updates their milestones and abilities, mentioning the lack of a specific picture related to the updates.

Amidst the sirens blaring and red lights flashing in urgency, the assemblage of heroes stood stark against the ominous backdrop of The Raft. This high-security island prison, a monument to villainy caged, was a silhouette of dread against the skies. But today, its impenetrable facade shivered as its power systems quivered into darkness, under a sabotage most sinister.

As the steel doors of The Raft creaked open with a menacing groan, the cold night air carried with it a whisper of chaos. From within the bowels of this forsaken place, villains burst forth like dark specters, their shackles shattered, their eyes burning with the fires of retribution. The night was about to embrace mayhem.

Spider-Man and Wolverine were the first to dance with danger as they squared off against Crossbones. The villain’s laughter echoed across the cold night, a chilling prelude to the violence that was to ensue. The battle was fierce, a clash of ideals manifested in a storm of fists and fury. The laser blasts from Crossbones’ rifle seared through the night, but the agility and might of our heroes prevailed. With a final, decisive blow, Wolverine’s claws found their mark, ending the menace of Crossbones with a grim finality.

As the cacophony of battle reverberated through the night, elsewhere, Squirrel Girl faced a swarm of symbiote creatures, echoes of Carnage in their vile forms. With a rallying cry, she summoned her squirrel allies, and together they descended upon the slimy horrors, a whirlwind of fur and fury.

Meanwhile, amidst the sparks and shadows, Iron Man tirelessly worked to restore power to the prison’s systems. His mind raced through circuits and codes, the hope of containment hinged on a thread of electricity.

Unbeknownst to most, a struggle of a different kind ensued. The Thing, under the sinister sway of the Purple Man, turned on his comrades. His colossal fists, now instruments of the villain’s will, clashed with Wolverine. The battle between friends was a heart-wrenching spectacle, a puppet show with strings pulled by evil. It was Dr. Strange’s mystical might that severed these strings, freeing The Thing from the nefarious control. With a surge of arcane energy, Purple Man’s hypnotic hold was shattered, a liberation that echoed through the veil of the night.

In the bowels of the prison, a monstrous roar echoed as Mr. Hyde emerged from the depths. His voice was a chilling blend of malice and madness as he bellowed, “Fee fi fo fum, etcetera etcetera, I smell some bones!” His menace cast a long shadow over the night, a grotesque giant amidst the ruins. Daredevil, the embodiment of valor, stood against this behemoth, his courage a beacon in the abyss.

As the tides of battle surged, Dr. Strange conjured a portal to the scene of struggle. Spider-Man, leaping through the arcane doorway, joined forces with Daredevil. Together, they wove a web of coordination around Mr. Hyde, their combined might a testament to heroism.

In the aftermath of battle, with the prison’s power restored and order precariously reclaimed, the exhausted heroes gathered amidst the ruins. Their eyes scanned the horizon, where the silhouette of Electro loomed as a ghost of sabotage. With a weighty sigh, Dr. Strange admitted a weakening in his protective spells, a crack through which chaos had crept.

As the heroes took stock of the recaptured villains, the absence of Carnage was a chilling reminder of the night’s toll. The discussion that followed was a blend of resolve and reflection. With the emblem of the Thunderbolts casting a shadow of uncertainty, a choice lay before them - to chase the ghosts of the night or to face the unknown with allies of ambiguous virtue. Whatever the path, the promise was of a fight to defend the innocent, a pledge to carry the mantle of heroism into the dawn of tomorrow.

As they stood against the backdrop of the night, our Marvelous band of heroes was a symbol of hope amidst the ruins, their spirits unbroken, their resolve unyielding. And as they looked towards the horizon, their silhouettes were like an unwavering oath against the skies - an oath of justice, of valor, of a fight that shall continue come what may.

As dusk gently veiled the Manhattan skyline, a solitary figure stood vigilant against the twilight hues. Spider-Man, the guardian of the urban jungle, surveyed his domain from the towering heights, his senses tuned to the heartbeat of the city. But as serenity cast its fleeting spell, a tempest was brewing on the horizon.

With a sudden crackle of fury, lightning struck the Raft prison in the East River. The tumultuous skies mirrored the dread that lurked beneath, the storm a harbinger of the tempest that awaited. As Spider-Man swung towards the ominous silhouette of the Raft, his heart raced against the winds of fate.

Within the cold steel walls of the Raft, a different storm was stirring. Squirrel Girl, ever vigilant, stood guard over Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson. The electric fury outside was but a prelude to the chaos that beckoned as Carnage, the embodiment of malevolence, crept out from the shadows. His sinister grin was a promise of terror, an oath of violence that shattered the silence of the night.

The battle cries echoed through the abyss as Wolverine, slicing through the locks at the marina, commandeered a speedboat. His ferocious resolve powered the vessel through the turbulent waters towards the Raft, his snarl a testament to the fury that drove him.

Amidst the towering spires of the city, Iron Man monitored the unfolding drama from his Stark Industries office. His eyes, windows to a mind that raced against time, scanned the data for a semblance of control amidst the chaos. As he soared over the skies, his metallic armor glinted against the lightning that danced across the heavens.

Back at the Raft, the dance of death and defiance played out with each passing second. Spider-Man, with a blend of grace and grit, webbed up Armadillo and Tiger Shark at the prison gates, his quips a silver lining amidst the storm. As Iron Man hovered over the island, his HUD painted a grim picture of the threats that lurked below.

High above, Dr. Strange cast his ancient spells, weaving a magical barrier around the island. His ethereal chants melded with the howling winds, a symphony of hope amidst the dissonance of despair.

But as fate would have it, Count Nefaria burst through the gates, a towering menace amidst the ruins. His laugh, a chilling dirge, echoed through the night as Spider-Man dodged his wrath with nimble grace. The battle was fierce, the stakes higher with each passing moment.

In the heart of the turmoil, Wolverine lunged at Count Nefaria, but was frozen in place by a surge of telekinesis. The sinister grin on Nefaria’s face was a stark contrast to Squirrel Girl’s earnest pleas to Carnage, a dichotomy of despair and hope.

As our heroes regrouped, their faces painted with the scars of battle, they stood undeterred against the darkness that loomed. Wolverine’s gruff promise of defiance melded with Dr. Strange’s solemn resolve, a blend of steel and sorcery that promised a fight till the end.

Squirrel Girl, amidst the ruins, held onto a glimmer of hope. Her eyes, windows to an indomitable spirit, looked towards the morrow with a resolve that shimmered against the stormy night.

The tale of valor was but a prologue to a saga that promised trials and triumphs, a narrative of heroism that would resonate through the annals of time. And as the night whispered the tales of the Marvelous, the promise of a new dawn carried with it the hopes of a city that stood defiant against the shadows.